Mutatis Mutandis

Summary: Things change.

Time passes. It must – her whole body progressively feels more and more like lead. Lead that's been doused in gasoline, and set on fire. Repeatedly. Under and around the cold, she burns.

The trees all look the same, though – spectral outlines in the dark – and the stars aren't visible through the branches. Could've been hours, or maybe they've only just started walking. She can't tell.

It's hard to believe that these are the same woods she's often explored over the years. Even when she went on camping trips with the other students, the trees still felt familiar and comforting. The difference that a few flashlights can make. Oh, and not being chased by a bunch of gun-wielding commandos. She's heard that can help.

The fate of the kids who escaped from the mansion during the attack in X2 gets glossed over in the movie, which is understandable given everything else that's going on. This story fills in the gaps nicely, as Kitty, Piotr and Warren run from their home and try to keep the younger children - and each other - safe.

Flight