Storm had returned with Kurt, the professor slung around their shoulders. Jean began to worry about Logan, he wasn't with the group at all. They moved quickly through the dimly lit hallways, the blaring alarms still piercing through the chaos. Rory clung to Scott, her face pale and strained, but she managed to stay conscious.
As they reached the exit, Scott's heart sank. The spillway had been shut, taking their only way out.
Just then, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows. Logan, his expression grim, stepped forward. "You're not getting through there, trust me. Follow me. I know another way."
Scott looked at him, a mix of relief and frustration in his eyes. Logan nodded, his face set in determination. "This way."
He led them down a side corridor, his movements swift and sure. Scott shifted Rory to a more comfortable position, his concern for her growing with each step. They navigated the winding path, Logan's knowledge of the facility guiding them through the labyrinth of corridors and hidden passages.
Eventually, they reached a hidden door marked with a small, inconspicuous sign. Logan pulled it open, revealing a narrow tunnel. "This will take you out of the facility and to a secure location."
Scott didn't hesitate. He glanced at Rory, her face pale but resolute, and then back at Logan. "Thanks, Logan."
"Just get out of here, all of you," Logan said, a hint of urgency in his voice. "
Scott nodded, guiding Rory through the dimly lit tunnel with a determined stride. The faint blaring alarms of the facility grew softer with every step, offering a small measure of reassurance. As they emerged into the clearing, the chill of the frosty air hit them hard, stinging their exposed skin.
"The helicopter was right here!" Logan's voice cut through the cold, his frustration evident.
Suddenly, a thunderous roar echoed through the icy landscape. The team turned to see the jet crash-land onto the frozen ground, its metal frame skidding and crunching through the snow. Relief washed over them as they dashed toward the aircraft.
The ramp of the jet lowered with a groan, revealing the dimly lit interior. The team scrambled up the ramp, eager to escape the freezing temperatures and the looming threat.
Scott carefully lowered Rory to the floor of the jet. Her face was pale but determined as she managed a weak grin. "Go, I'll be okay."
"Are you sure?" Scott's concern was palpable, his gaze locked on her.
"Yes," Rory said with quiet resolve.
Scott gave her a reassuring nod before turning swiftly to join Storm at the controls.
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The jet's engines roared defiantly against the rising water. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with tension as the team worked frantically to get the craft airborne.
"Scott, we've got to get to Washington. I fear this has gone beyond Alkali Lake," the Professor said, his voice carrying a note of urgent concern.
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"What's wrong?" Logan demanded as he ran up the ramp.
"The vertical thrusters are offline," Scott replied, his frustration evident as he fiddled with the controls.
"So fix them!" Logan barked, his anxiety palpable.
"I'm trying!" Scott shot back, his voice edged with desperation.
"Oh no, we've lost the power," Storm said, her face illuminated only by the emergency lights that flickered erratically.
"We're running out of time," Scott shouted over the din, his voice tight with frustration. "We need to get this jet airborne now!"
Jean stepped forward, her eyes glowing with the intensity of her telekinetic powers whispering to Rory, "I can hold it up, but it'll only be enough to buy us a few moments."
"I'll help you," Jean nodded, sneakily lowering the ramp while the others were distracted.
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"Jean, Rory?" The Professor's voice cut through the din of the engines.
"Wait, where are Rory and Jean?" Logan bellowed, his voice filled with concern.
"They're outside," the Professor said, his tone heavy with worry.
Scott sprinted toward the ramp, only to see it close just as he approached.
Jean began to lift the jet, slowly unbinding the ice holding the jet in place.
Rory stepped beside Jean, her own powers flaring as she began to manipulate the water around them, creating a protective barrier to prevent the flooding from reaching the jet's engines. "I'll help keep the water at bay," she said, focusing her energy on maintaining a protective force field.
Jean closed her eyes, concentrating deeply. Her telekinetic field enveloped the jet, lifting it with immense effort. The water was relentless, pounding against her mental barriers. Rory felt the strain as well, her illusions distorting as she fought to keep the torrent of water at a distance.
"No! We're not leaving! Lower the ramp!" Scott yelled, his voice echoing with urgency.
Rory, her own energy faltering under the strain, looked at Jean with desperation. "Jean, are you sure you can hold it?"
Jean, her face pale and drenched with sweat, shook her head. "I have to. You need to get out of here."
Storm, her eyes fixed on the rapidly escalating crisis, shouted, "Jean's controlling the jet!"
"Damn it!" Scott slammed his hand on the control panel, frustration, and helplessness mingling in his expression.
As Jean concentrated, her telekinetic powers lifted the jet with immense effort, the craft shuddering as the water's relentless pressure fought against her mental barriers. The ramp, still open, was dangerously exposed.
"Storm! Lower it!" Scott yelled again, his voice cutting through the chaos.
The jet's engines roared louder, fighting against the pressure. With a final, powerful burst of telekinesis, Jean willed the jet to rise. The strain was visible on her face as she pushed herself to her limits, sweat glistening on her brow.
"Go now!" Jean's voice was barely a whisper as she turned her head, her powers waning.
"Jean, come with us!" Rory shouted.
"Go now!" Jean's voice was barely audible, but her resolve was clear. Her powers flickered one last time before she collapsed, the jet finally breaking free of the collapsing facility.
With a final surge, Jean used her telekinesis to push the jet higher, but the pressure was too much. As the jet lifted off, the water surged violently, and the facility began to collapse. Rory felt the water break through her barrier, and she could barely maintain her illusions as the dam's structure was overwhelmed.
Rory was able to use the last of her strength to project her consciousness back into the jet by slightly bending reality. As she teleported, her head banged against the ground and her vision became blurry.
As the jet shot through the ceiling and into the sky, Rory glanced back at the waterlogged ruins below, her heart heavy with the knowledge of Jean's sacrifice. The team inside the jet, relieved yet somber, watched as the facility crumbled behind them.
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