Unchained Instinct ( Complete)

Chapter 37


“Doesn’t appear to be any other broken bones,” Hank stated, gazing on an x-ray of Cassie’s skull. “She’s lucky that all she has is a fractured arm. The ankle is a nasty sprain though and the scrapes, cuts and bruises are going to take time healing as well.”

“Indeed,” Charles sighed. “She survived on nothing but will power.”

Hank turned, expecting Kurt to reply with some self deprecating remark, but the boy just sat beside Cassie’s bed, holding her hand and watching for his counselor to wake. Kurt’s face reflected grief and guilt and no matter how many times Charles told Kurt he was not at fault, Kurt insisted on bearing responsibility for Mystique’s actions, had taken them to heart and his mother’s behavior was eating a hole in Kurt.

“Kurt,” Hank said, walking closer and putting a hand on Kurt’s shoulder. “Cassie’s going to sleep for a while. I’ll be staying with her. You should get some rest.”

Kurt dragged his gaze away and up to Hank’s. “You’re sure she’s going to be okay? She’s feverish and she looks so pale.”

Pale yes, except for the bruises, ones Hank was certain Mystique had put there.

“She has some infection in her cuts and scrapes,” Hank replied. “She’s receiving antibiotics as well as some nutrients in her IV. Cassie’s tougher than she looks, Kurt. I’m sure she’s going to be fine.”

Kurt looked skeptical. “I’ll just sit with her a little longer.”

“Kurt,” Charles injected. “You need rest. We’re all exhausted from the long night and Cassandra’s rescue.”

“How can I rest, Professor? Mystique still has Logan. She’s hurting him and we’re not doing anything.”

“One thing at a time, Kurt.”

A light knock came at the door and it opened. Kitty stood there peering in with concern.

“Kitty, thank you for coming back,” Charles said, waving the girl in.

“I had to come, Professor,” Kitty said. “Logan’s always been there for us. How could I not come.” She closed the door and came over to Kurt, putting her arms around him from behind. “We have to take care of each other. Right, Kurt?”

Kurt nodded and ran a hand over Kitty’s arm.

“Oh my god, what happened to you?” she asked, coming around to face Kurt and touching his bandaged arm with a tentative touch.

Anguish washed over Kurt’s features.

“Mystique,” Hank said, filling the void.

“That lady is so messed up,” Kitty replied, her pretty face hard with anger. “What are we going to do about her?”

“Right now,” Charles said, rolling closer. “We need some time to consider options and Kurt needs to rest. Kitty, would you please see that Kurt lies down for a while?”

“Sure, Professor. He looks like he hasn’t slept in days.”

“Not quite that long, but the last few days or so has been a trial for him.” Charles turned his gaze to Kurt. “Kurt, go with Kitty. Get some rest so you can be of help to Logan...all right?”

That anguish washed Kurt’s features again, but the boy nodded and after a squeeze of Cassie’s hand, Kurt rose. Kitty wrapped an arm around Kurt and guided him from the room.

Hank stared at the closed door then turned his attention to Charles. “The boy is on the verge of breaking, Charles. He can’t take much more turmoil in his life. Mystique has no idea the damage she’s doing to him.”

Charles let out a sigh. “Or she believes the damage is worth her desire for revenge against Logan...perhaps revenge against all of us.” Wheeling towards the door, Charles said, “I need to consult with Ororo right now. Let me know if anything changes.”

Hank gave a nod and closed the door behind Charles, the weight of the last several hours pressing down on him. They were well into the evening now, another day lost to Mystique’s depravity and warped sense of her own self righteousness. Another day for Logan to suffer at the woman’s cruel hands.

A weak moan slipped from Cassie’s lips and Hank turned to her bedside and settled his bulk into the chair. His massive hand covered Cassie’s slender fingers, cuts and scrapes marring their prettiness.

She settled back into a drugged sleep and Hank ran a finger over Cassie’s bruised cheek, delicately brushing away stray strands of hair.

“My dear Cassandra. I’m so sorry you had to suffer such a terrible, frightening ordeal,” he murmured. “And do you have any idea how fond I’ve become of you? How dear to me you are?”

Cassie slept on, unable to hear Hank’s words and perhaps that was for the best. She deserved better than a beast for a suitor. Their’s was a hopeless pairing, Cassie too small and delicate compared to his hulking frame.

What sort of life would they have together? The populace’s hatred and fear of mutants would make a normal life impossible.

Yet, mentally, they were perfectly aligned, Cassie a lover of the arts, an educated, intelligent woman with refined tastes, open to new and wondrous experiences.

Hank let out a sigh. He didn’t even know if Cassandra felt anything for him though he had thought perhaps she did.

Her eyes sparkled and a lovely smile lighted up her face when they spoke of Shakespeare and Gauguin, the works of Euripides and the brush strokes of Van Gogh.

A slight stirring drew Hank’s thoughts back to the infirmary. Fingers curled around his hand and he looked down to see Cassie’s glazed eyes gazing up at him.

“Hank,” she whispered, her voice lost in drugs.

“Hush, my dear,” he replied. “Save your strength.”

Cassie shook her head weakly. “Logan...he’s...in danger.”

“Yes, sweet Cassie, he is.”

Her eyes closed and tears escaped, sliding down over a bruised cheek. “She...has him...doesn’t she? I’m...too late.”

“I’m afraid so. But you are safe and right now that is a triumph for us.”

Again she shook her head. “Kurt....” she sobbed.

“Kurt’s fine.”

Cassie’s eyes opened and cleared, compelling him to tell her the truth.

“All right. Kurt’s not fine. He’s guilt ridden.”

Anger stole over Cassie’s face. “The damage...she’s...done. All...our work. Everything...destroyed.”

“No. Not everything,” Hank tried to reassure her. “We’ll find Logan. He’s a strong man.”

Blue eyes softened. “He’s not..as strong...as you...think.”

Hank bent his head and nodded for he knew Cassie was right.