Chapter 1

Rating: The main reason why this story is rated teen is because it revolves around a characters death, there is no violence, adult themes, or language in it. I just wanted to be on the safe side.

Disclamer: I do not own X-men. I do not make any profit from X-men. If I did well... let's just say Emma would die a slow and painful death.

Author's note: This story is slightly Au. This was originally going to be a character development story for me to go along with another one that I have abandoned, however, I think it works as a stand alone story. As always review. Constructive criticism is welcomed, I'd love to make my work better. Unfortunately, at this point you can't have any input on the story writing process since the story is already finished. The rest of it will be posted in a few days. Enjoy!

Chapter 1

Hank slowly opened the infirmary door. "I'm sorry Scott, but there is nothing we can do now but make Jean comfortable. The virus that she was infected with on the Shi'ar planet is deadly, and hundreds, maybe thousands of years ahead of our technology, so it is impossible for us to make an antidote."

It took a moment for this to penetrate Scott's skull and sink in. "H-how much longer does she have?" He said trying to keep his voice steady. It felt like his heart was just ripped out, thrown in a blender, and put back in.

"About 6 hours, maybe 8 hours tops," answered Hank.

Scott walked into the infirmary. Jean looked normal, a little tired, but normal, nonetheless. How could this be happening, again?

"Hey, how you doin'?" He asked forcing a smile.

"You can save the act, Scott, Hank's already told me."

"Oh, but you didn't answer my question, are you alright?"

"As well as I could be I guess." She answered not meeting his eyes. "How are Nate and Rachael?"

"They're fine Ororo and Logan are watching them. I could go get them if you want."

"Yeah, ok, thanks," she said, it all kind of came out at once.

Scott hurriedly walked down the hall, not wanting to spend one second more than he had too away from Jean. He was on his way to the living room where Ororo and Rachael were dressing up dolls and Logan, reluctantly, was playing toy soldiers with Nathan.

One group which Nate called 'The bad guys' consisted of most of the brotherhood, several sentinels, several Shi'ar guards (which Scott was happy to report that the soldier named 'Daddy' shot down several minutes into the war), along with Apocalypse and Mr. Sinister.

The other group consisted of 7 people, 'Daddy', 'Mommy', 'Uncle Logan', 'Auntie 'Ro' , 'Uncle Remy', 'Auntie Marie ', and 'Uncle Alex'.

Scott got sidetracked while watch the mini war going on the surface of the coffee table. Logan, who was adding all of the sound effects, made his 'guy' take out Magneto, Mr. Sinister, Gladiator (one of the Shi'ar guards), and 2 sentinels in one blow.

"Yes, very realistic battle sequence Logan, I've must of seen you take out more than one enemy in a single move, thousands of times," commented Cyclops sarcastically walking into the room.

"And how many times have you taken out a sentinel, let alone 5, like 'mini-you' just made you?" Scott was about to answer when he interrupted. "I swear if you and Jean aren't careful we all will have a 'mini-you' running around this institute, which is exactly what this school needs now, a 7 year old barking up orders, and running the place," commented Logan sarcastically.

"Scott what's going on?" asked Ororo doing up the snaps on one of the dolls dresses that she just put on it. Scott beckoned them away from the kids. "Scott…?"

"Last we heard you three were being rushed back here, what happened?" Logan asked.

"We were ambushed by Shi'ar rebels on the way to the treaty signing, and since it was only Jean, Alex and I, and not the full team we couldn't fight back. One of the rebels had a weaponized virus, and shot Jean."

Ororo eyes widened. "Is she alright?" asked Logan. By the look on Scott's face you could tell that she wasn't. "Isn't there an antidote or something that we could get from them or their government?"

"The Rebels ship was blown up by the Imperial Force on the way back to their planet. Hank contacted Lilandra, and she wasn't aware of the threat of the virus to begin with, since to her planet it isn't deadly, and they don't have any idea what the rebels were using so the can't get a hold of it up there, and we can't get any samples or anything from Jean because we don't know what the virus effects, and according to Hank it is undetectable besides the side effects it leaves. It would probably take too long anyway."

"Daddy, when's Mommy coming home?" asked Rachael brushing her dolls hair.

"She's already home, sweetie." Scott answered clearing his throat trying to put on a fake smile.

"So what's going to happen?" asked Ororo. Scott tried to answer her, but couldn't find the words. Logan, who had put together the words 'deadly' and 'no antidote' put his arm around her shoulder.

"Can we go and see her?" asked Rachael.

"In a minute sweetheart," said Scott, who had been whispering, raising his voice.

"Is there anything we can do?" asked Ororo.

"I'm taking the kids down to the infirmary now, rather than later. Do you mind watching them afterwards?"

"Yeah, of course. It's the least we can do."

"Come on Rach, Nathan you can finish the war with Uncle Logan latter."

"But the X-men are winning. Uncle Alex was about to wipe out half of the brotherhood," complained Nate.

"I'm sure Logan will make them 'cease fire' until we get back."

"I don't think they'll listen to Uncle Logan."

"I'll make them listen kiddo," Logan told him.

With that, Nathan stopped his war, and Rachael's beauty pageant went to a commercial break.