Title: A Friend in Need 00/18
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Archive: Sure, just please ask first
Rating: PG-13 for language, violence, and disturbing imagery
Summary: Synch and Jubilee are captured by Tessa and Shaw. A thoughtful look at how
the resulting scars have lasting effects on the whole GenX team.
Disclaimer: The X-Men and Generation X are property of Marvel Entertainment.
Characters are used without permission, no profit is being made, and no infringement
on copyright is intended.
Re-post notes: Since the revisions to the sequel are just about complete, I thought
I'd re-post this story-slightly tweaked from the original version. It was originally
posted around four years ago. To give you an idea of continuity, it takes place
sometime after the Onslaught storyline, but before events of Operation: Zero
Tolerance. Without further ado. . . .
Original Author's Notes: Hi! This is a sequel to "Blading," a short tale I wrote a
while back that dealt with Jubilee's feelings after Wolverine left the team. In it,
I touched on the growing bond between Jubilee and Jean. I wanted to explore their
relationship further, and what you see below is the result.
Special thanks to Mirage for taking the time to read the beta copy and offering
many great suggestions. She really helped me to smooth some rough edges, to
fine-tune a number of scenes, and to get a better handle on the characters of
Monet and Emma Frost. (Though if these two Ice Queens still don't read right,
the blame is entirely mine.) Thanks, Mirage!
All comments and criticisms are welcomed. Let me know what you think. Thanks for
reading!
*****
A Friend In Need
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
"Friendship is the comfort of knowing there is always a shoulder to lean on, a
hand to reach out for, and a heart to welcome me home." --Unknown
Prologue
"This is one mission which I'm definitely glad is over," sighed Phoenix as the
Blackbird came to a stop in the hanger bay. She was beyond exhaustion, more
tired than she could ever remember feeling in her entire life. And yet, she did
not mind, for her energy had been well spent. The team had done the task to
which they had devoted their existence--they had saved lives. There had not been
a single casualty. So, while she was proud of their performance, she was
relieved that the mission was over and that they were home.
"Can't unnerstand why, chere," Gambit said, eyes shining, as he unbuckled his
seatbelt. "Jus' cos you single-handedly contained de explosion after de bomb
went off in dat building. . . ."
"Not t'mention keepin' the entire thing from collapsin' while we helped evacuate
all'a those people," Rogue added as she got to her feet. "Sugah, you deserve a
vacation."
"Didn't think you had that in you, Red," Wolverine said, lighting a cigarette.
"We all do what we have to," Jean replied simply, unfastening her own seatbelt.
"We're all proud of ya," Logan said, smiling.
"Yes, you did a remarkable job today, my friend," Storm agreed, turning around
from her place in the pilot's seat. "I believe you pushed your powers to the
limit and beyond. And you have a great deal to show for it."
"You mean my migraine?" Jean asked with a hint of a smile. "What I need is a
nice, long hot soak in a tub, and then I think I'll sleep two or three days
straight."
"That ain't such a bad idea," said Rogue. "Ah could use a li'l shut-eye
mahself."
"If we be takin' a bath, too, Gambit'll bring de bubbles, neh?" Remy teased,
sporting his usual devilish grin.
They all laughed. Stifling a yawn, Jean got up and took a few steps forward. She
cried out as her leg accidentally touched against the side of one of the chairs
on her way toward the ramp.
"Looks like your first stop is the medi-lab," Logan said, placing a steadying
arm around her waist. "That's a nasty cut on your leg. Let's go get McCoy to
stitch you up."
Too tired to protest, Jean allowed Logan and Ororo to walk with her to the medi-
lab, where they found Dr. Henry McCoy awaiting their arrival, his white lab coat
a stark contrast to his blue fur.
"Home are the heroes," he said with a grin that revealed especially long
canines. "Not too worse for wear, I see."
"The usual assortment of bruises and scratches," Ororo said.
"'Cept for Jeanie's leg here," Logan said, helping her up onto the exam table.
"It's not as bad as it looks, Hank," she assured him. "I didn't even notice it
until I got up just now."
"Let me be the judge of that," he replied, gently extending her left leg
straight out in front of her and looking at the inch-long gash on her calf. "You
are correct; it is not too serious. Nonetheless, it will require a couple of
stitches." Picking up a pair of scissors, he carefully cut away the bloodstained
fabric of her uniform around the injured area.
"Any word on Scott's team?" she asked as Hank began to clean her wound. Though
she and her husband shared a psychic rapport, when they went on separate
missions, she usually decreased the strength of the link to minimize the risk of
distraction. She felt the warm comfort of his presence in the back of her mind,
but she still wondered about the specifics of the mission.
"Nothing yet. We're on alert, in case they need reinforcements."
Jean nodded. "Feels like I haven't seen him in ages."
"I'm sure he misses you just as much," Hank replied with a smile as he began to
stitch the wound. "So, what is this I hear about you single-handedly containing
an explosion?"
Jean sighed. "It was nothing, Hank."
"She is too modest," Ororo said, walking closer. She proceeded to tell Hank the
tale of their mission and the important part Jean played in it.
"What's that?" Jean asked, seeing Hank preparing a syringe.
"An antibiotic, to prevent infection," Hank replied. "If you would kindly roll
up your sleeve?"
"I hate shots," Jean mumbled, but did as he asked. She turned her head away and
winced at the tiny pinprick in her arm.
"Would you like a lollipop?" Hank asked with a teasing smile.
"No, actually, what I need is a soft bed." *Even if Scott's not here to share
it,* she finished silently.
Hank walked to a table and counted some tablets into a small vial. "Now, I want
you to continue with the antibiotic orally. Take two a day for the next week,"
he told her, handing her the vial. "But since the shot was long-acting, you
don't have to start them until tonight."
"Yes, Dr. McCoy, sir," Jean said with mock sternness. "Thanks, Hank," she added
with a warm smile.
Placing his hands on her waist with a gentleness that seemed to defy his large,
clawed hands, Hank helped her down from the table. Leaving Hank to tidy up the
medi-lab, Jean and Ororo walked into the corridor, where they found Logan
greeting Bobby. One did not have to be a telepath to sense that something was
wrong.
When Bobby did not welcome them in his typical carefree manner with jokes and
sarcastic remarks, they immediately knew something terrible had happened. His
forehead was creased with worry, his face unusually pale. He seemed unable to
find a place for his hands--first he tried crossing them across his chest, then
he let his arms fall and laced his fingers together, and finally he settled on
shoving them into his pockets. He was intently studying the floor, as though
refusing to meet their gaze.
"Robert, what is wrong?" asked Ororo. "Did something happen with the other
team?"
"No, Scott and the others haven't touched base yet." He still did not look them
in the eyes.
"Then what is it?" Logan asked.
Bobby swallowed hard. "Sean just called a little over ten minutes ago. A couple
of the kids had a run in with Sebastian Shaw and Tessa. . . ."
Though she did not do a full psi-scan, Jean could sense the dread that filled
Bobby. Paling, she suddenly felt as though her heart were in her throat.
Swallowing hard, she pushed down the panic that was gripping her. From the
corner of her eye, she could see Logan tense.
"Which of the children were involved?" Storm asked, voicing the question Jean
found herself unable to ask.
Bobby had a pained expression on his face. "Synch and Jubilee."
"Oh, God," Jean muttered softly. She looked at Bobby. "How . . . how badly. . .
?"
"Everett wasn't hurt much--some cuts and bruises, and an injured shoulder."
"And Jubilation?" Logan asked, pressing him.
Bobby hesitated. "She got the brunt of it. Broken bones, a severe concussion,
internal injuries. Sean thinks there might have been some psychic damage as
well."
Jean felt Ororo place a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"There's more. Out with it, Drake. Don't hold anything back from us," Logan
growled. His initial frown had since been replaced with an irritated scowl.
Bobby hated being the bearer of such terrible news. "They're operating now. The
doctors . . . they. . . ." He paused, his throat suddenly very dry. When he
spoke again, the words were little more than a whisper. "They're hoping that
she'll survive the surgery."
"No!" Jean cried, her hand flying to her mouth. Not Jubilee. Not sweet,
innocent, young Jubilee. She felt the tears welling in her eyes, but she fought
them back. It would not do any good to lose control. Her head was reeling. She
fought past the exhaustion, the cloudiness in her mind, trying to think
straight. Was it just a over a year ago that she had managed to get through to
Jubilee--to break through the hardened exterior the girl had erected around
herself in order to spare herself the pain of losing another person she loved?
They had grown quite close. Their relationship had stirred many feelings and
emotions in Jean, including maternal ones. Now, learning that the girl was so
seriously injured, she wanted nothing more than to go to her, to be with her, to
help her fight through this so that Jubilee would come back to all of them.
Jean looked at Logan. The anger that had hardened his expression was betrayed
only by the worry in his eyes. Their eyes locked, and he knew immediately what
she was thinking, for he, too, had the same desire to go to her. He was the
first of them to know Jubilee, when she saved him from the Reavers. Logan took
the girl under his wing, and the two had been nearly inseparable for the longest
time afterward. She was like a daughter to him. She had been through too much
already in her young life--far more than any person should have to endure. He
was not going to see it end--not now, not like this. She still had her whole
life ahead of her. He refused to let that be taken from her.
"How long will it take to refuel the Blackbird?" Logan asked Storm.
"Fifteen minutes," Ororo replied.
"Rogue and Gambit are already doing it," Bobby replied. "I ran into them on the
way here. It should be ready in under ten--"
"Cyke's team just called in," Hank announced as he bounded into the room on all
fours. "They need reinforcements."
Jean looked at him, her feelings suddenly divided. She wanted to go to Jubilee,
but she feared her husband and teammates might need her help.
Ororo regarded her friend, and could see the conflict on her face. "We shall
help the others. You and Logan should go be with Jubilee."
"But--"
"No time for buts, Red," Logan told her. "Let's get moving."
Hesitating, Jean looked at Ororo. Then, slowly, she nodded. "Thank you," she
said, taking her hand and giving it a brief squeeze.
"Be sure to tell Jubilee that our love and prayers are with her," Ororo said.
"I will," Jean told her, even as she levitated herself toward the door.
A moment later, Storm, Beast, and Iceman followed suit, hurrying toward the
hanger bay.
End Prologue
*****
Title: A Friend in Need 01/18
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Archive: Sure, just please ask first
Rating: PG-13 for language, violence, and disturbing imagery
Summary: Synch and Jubilee are captured by Tessa and Shaw. A thoughtful look at how
the resulting scars have lasting effects on the whole GenX team.
Disclaimer: The X-Men and Generation X are property of Marvel Entertainment.
Characters are used without permission, no profit is being made, and no infringement
on copyright is intended.
*****
A Friend In Need
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
Chapter 1
Jean and Logan walked briskly down the hospital corridor toward the Intensive
Care Unit. They had both been uncharacteristically quiet for the entire plane
trip to Massachusetts. Neither knew what to say. All they could do was think
about the girl lying on an operating table, wondering why something like this
would happen to her.
As they turned a corner, they spotted a small lounge area at a T-junction in the
hallway. When they got closer, they saw two young women sitting on a couch. One,
Paige Guthrie, sat sobbing, hugging her knees to her chest, as she stared
blankly across the room. The blonde was shaking, apparently in shock. The other,
Monet Saint Croix, sat beside her, hands folded in her lap. Despite the ordeal
they had evidently been through, the young Algerian was, as usual, the picture
of calm.
At the sound of their approach, Monet looked up at them. "Mr. Logan, Mrs.
Summers, it is good to see you. I only wish it could be under more pleasant
circumstances."
"Where's Sean, Monet?" Logan asked, his brusque tone making it perfectly evident
he was in no mood for pleasantries.
"Mr. Cassidy is talking to the nurses over there," she indicated, pointing at
the other end of the hallway.
"You go speak to him," Jean told Logan. "I'll stay here with the girls."
Nodding, Logan went to find Sean.
"How long has she been like this?" Jean asked, sitting down on the other side of
Paige.
"Ever since we rescued them," Monet replied. "Mr. Cassidy and I found Everett,
and Paige discovered Jubilee. She had been buried beneath some crates in a
warehouse. Everett was on a different floor. We heard Paige screaming for help.
When I located them, Paige was kneeling beside Jubilee's body, holding her head
in her lap. There was blood everywhere. Paige had obviously never seen anything
like that in her entire life, because she was just short of hysterical. We
rushed Jubilee and Everett to the hospital, and while we were waiting for word,
Paige disappeared. I found her huddled in a corner, crying, arms around her
knees, rocking herself. I managed to get her to come over to the couch, but she
will not speak to me. She has not managed to pull herself together and cannot
seem to stop crying."
"Has a doctor taken a look at her?" Jean asked, placing a gentle hand on the
girl's shoulder. Paige jumped. "It's all right, Paige. It's Jean. I won't hurt
you."
"A nurse tried to coax her into an exam room, but Paige became agitated as soon
as she came near. I thought it best to just sit with her. I'm sure Mr. Cassidy
will do something as soon as he can. He's been busy trying to see them. They
won't even let him go speak to Everett."
Nodding, Jean turned her attention to the other young woman. "Paige, sweetie,
it's all right," Jean whispered, gently stroking her hair. "Everything's going
to be okay."
At that moment, Logan returned along with Sean. To say that Sean Cassidy looked
worried was an understatement. The Irishman took his duties as headmaster of the
Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters very seriously. Educating these students in
the use of their mutant powers was important, yes, but so was their health and
livelihood. This was more than a job to him, though. He cared about these
children; they were his family. Part of the reason he felt so strongly about
them was likely due to the fact that he did not learn of the existence of his
own daughter, Teresa, until she was nearly an adult. At least he now had the
opportunity to play an important role in these children's upbringing. Today,
however, he felt as though he had failed them. While his mind knew that there
was no way he could have known, that there was nothing he could have done to
prevent the kidnapping of Jubilation Lee and Everett Thomas, his heart told him
that he should have been there to protect them. And now one of his young charges
was lying at death's door, paying for his mistake.
"Hello there, Jean," he said quietly.
Jean quickly got to her feet. Without a moment's hesitation, she walked over to
Sean and wrapped her arms around his waist in a reassuring hug. In that instant,
he knew what she was trying to tell him: *It's not your fault.*
"Thank ye, lass," Sean said, taking her hands in his and giving them a squeeze.
"How are they?" Jean asked.
"Everett's doin' all right. His shoulder was dislocated, he had some broken
ribs, an' he needed some stitches. They want to keep him a couple days for
observation. They finally told me what room he's in. As for Jubilation . . . I'm
afraid the news is not good. She's still in surgery," Sean replied, raking his
fingers through his strawberry-blonde hair. "She's got broken bones, massive
head trauma, not to mention some internal bleeding." Sean looked down at his
feet, taking a deep breath. When he looked back up, there were tears in his
eyes. "Goin' in, they . . . they only gave her a fifty-fifty chance of survivin'
the operation," he said, his voice breaking. "I- I'm sorry. Excuse me a moment,"
he whispered, quickly turning away from them and bringing a shaking hand to his
temple.
Everyone was silent, giving Sean the time he needed to collect himself. At
first, Jean and Logan did not even notice as Paige slowly got to her feet. They
looked on in surprise as she walked over to where Sean stood and softly placed a
hand on his arm. Startled, Sean turned back around and looked at Paige, so pale
and frightened. Paige managed a weak smile, and Sean could not help but to
return the gesture. Then they embraced, teacher and student, and, together,
quietly weeping, they shared their grief and pain for their friend.
Jean turned to look at Logan. "Do you know Everett's room number? I'd like to go
see how he's doing."
"Yeah. I'll go with you. I'd like to hear how this all happened. Hey, Irish, you
comin'?" he called to Sean.
Letting go of Paige, Sean took her by the shoulders. "We've all got t' be strong
for Jubilee. Okay?"
Setting her jaw determinately, Paige nodded.
"Good lass. Now, why don't you and Monet go down t' the cafeteria and get some
cocoa while we go speak t' Everett, okay?"
"Will we be able to see him, too?"
"A little later, Monet. Go on, now."
"Can we bring anyone back something?" she asked. "Something to drink, perhaps?"
"Perhaps some coffee," Sean suggested, reaching into his pocket to get his
wallet.
"That's all right, Mr. Cassidy," Monet said. "I've got it taken care of. Ready,
Paige?"
Nodding, Paige walked up to her teammate. The two had never been very close.
They both now realized that in a time like this all they had was each other.
Silently, Monet looked at Paige, regarding her for a moment. Her lips then
curled in a slight smile. Paige seemed very surprised at first, but quickly
returned the smile. Though not an incredibly affectionate overture, it said a
great deal for Monet, who was usually so detached from her fellow students.
Without a word being spoken, together they walked down the hallway.
Sean grinned, taking a little comfort in the knowledge that at least something
positive was coming out of this horrible ordeal. Then he turned his attention to
Jean and Logan and walked with them silently to Everett's room. Entering, they
found him sitting up in bed. The young African-American was usually a pillar of
strength for his friends and teammates, encouraging all with his inner strength
and determination; today, however, he did not appear quite as strong as usual.
He looked like he had been through hell and back. His left arm was in a sling,
and there were several stitches on his temple. One eye was swollen shut, and
there was a cut on his lip. Even with all of his injuries, Sean could see how
worried he was. He knew that Everett was the one Jubilee was closest to at
school; the two considered themselves best friends. This had to be tough on him.
"How are you feeling?" Jean asked.
"If you mean my arm, ma'am, it's nothing; they've got me pretty doped up," he
replied. "I'm just worried about Jubilee."
"We all are, kid," Logan told him.
"Is there any word yet?"
"She's still in surgery," Sean replied.
"While we wait for the doctor, what say you tell us what went down?" Logan said,
leaning against a wall, arms crossed, a scowl on his face.
Jean and Sean, meanwhile, sat in the pair of chairs at Everett's bedside.
"All-all right," Everett said. He seemed a little nervous at Wolverine's
presence. Part of it was sheer fear. Not only did he know that Wolverine could
be a fierce sparring partner, capable of killing or maiming, but he also knew
how much the X-Man cared for Jubilee. She talked about him and their adventures
more than any of the members of Generation X cared to hear. Everett knew Logan
would want vengeance for her injuries, to pay back whoever did this to her. And
the fact that he had been involved--and unable to protect her from harm--made
him fear for his own safety a tiny bit. Sure, Wolverine was one of the good
guys, but he was also subject to berserker rages, during which the bestial side
of his nature took over. Lord help anyone--friend or foe--who got in his way
when the bloodlust was upon him. Everett could think of nothing worse that would
cause just such a rage than hurting someone Logan held near and dear to his
heart.
"I don't even know where to begin," Everett said feebly.
"Why don't ye start with how ye met up with Shaw and Tessa?" Sean suggested.
Everett sighed, and they all watched as his mind wandered back to the previous
night.
End Chapter 1
*****
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Archive: Sure, just please ask first
Rating: PG-13 for language, violence, and disturbing imagery
Summary: Synch and Jubilee are captured by Tessa and Shaw. A thoughtful look at how
the resulting scars have lasting effects on the whole GenX team.
Disclaimer: The X-Men and Generation X are property of Marvel Entertainment.
Characters are used without permission, no profit is being made, and no infringement
on copyright is intended.
Re-post notes: Since the revisions to the sequel are just about complete, I thought
I'd re-post this story-slightly tweaked from the original version. It was originally
posted around four years ago. To give you an idea of continuity, it takes place
sometime after the Onslaught storyline, but before events of Operation: Zero
Tolerance. Without further ado. . . .
Original Author's Notes: Hi! This is a sequel to "Blading," a short tale I wrote a
while back that dealt with Jubilee's feelings after Wolverine left the team. In it,
I touched on the growing bond between Jubilee and Jean. I wanted to explore their
relationship further, and what you see below is the result.
Special thanks to Mirage for taking the time to read the beta copy and offering
many great suggestions. She really helped me to smooth some rough edges, to
fine-tune a number of scenes, and to get a better handle on the characters of
Monet and Emma Frost. (Though if these two Ice Queens still don't read right,
the blame is entirely mine.) Thanks, Mirage!
All comments and criticisms are welcomed. Let me know what you think. Thanks for
reading!
*****
A Friend In Need
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
"Friendship is the comfort of knowing there is always a shoulder to lean on, a
hand to reach out for, and a heart to welcome me home." --Unknown
Prologue
"This is one mission which I'm definitely glad is over," sighed Phoenix as the
Blackbird came to a stop in the hanger bay. She was beyond exhaustion, more
tired than she could ever remember feeling in her entire life. And yet, she did
not mind, for her energy had been well spent. The team had done the task to
which they had devoted their existence--they had saved lives. There had not been
a single casualty. So, while she was proud of their performance, she was
relieved that the mission was over and that they were home.
"Can't unnerstand why, chere," Gambit said, eyes shining, as he unbuckled his
seatbelt. "Jus' cos you single-handedly contained de explosion after de bomb
went off in dat building. . . ."
"Not t'mention keepin' the entire thing from collapsin' while we helped evacuate
all'a those people," Rogue added as she got to her feet. "Sugah, you deserve a
vacation."
"Didn't think you had that in you, Red," Wolverine said, lighting a cigarette.
"We all do what we have to," Jean replied simply, unfastening her own seatbelt.
"We're all proud of ya," Logan said, smiling.
"Yes, you did a remarkable job today, my friend," Storm agreed, turning around
from her place in the pilot's seat. "I believe you pushed your powers to the
limit and beyond. And you have a great deal to show for it."
"You mean my migraine?" Jean asked with a hint of a smile. "What I need is a
nice, long hot soak in a tub, and then I think I'll sleep two or three days
straight."
"That ain't such a bad idea," said Rogue. "Ah could use a li'l shut-eye
mahself."
"If we be takin' a bath, too, Gambit'll bring de bubbles, neh?" Remy teased,
sporting his usual devilish grin.
They all laughed. Stifling a yawn, Jean got up and took a few steps forward. She
cried out as her leg accidentally touched against the side of one of the chairs
on her way toward the ramp.
"Looks like your first stop is the medi-lab," Logan said, placing a steadying
arm around her waist. "That's a nasty cut on your leg. Let's go get McCoy to
stitch you up."
Too tired to protest, Jean allowed Logan and Ororo to walk with her to the medi-
lab, where they found Dr. Henry McCoy awaiting their arrival, his white lab coat
a stark contrast to his blue fur.
"Home are the heroes," he said with a grin that revealed especially long
canines. "Not too worse for wear, I see."
"The usual assortment of bruises and scratches," Ororo said.
"'Cept for Jeanie's leg here," Logan said, helping her up onto the exam table.
"It's not as bad as it looks, Hank," she assured him. "I didn't even notice it
until I got up just now."
"Let me be the judge of that," he replied, gently extending her left leg
straight out in front of her and looking at the inch-long gash on her calf. "You
are correct; it is not too serious. Nonetheless, it will require a couple of
stitches." Picking up a pair of scissors, he carefully cut away the bloodstained
fabric of her uniform around the injured area.
"Any word on Scott's team?" she asked as Hank began to clean her wound. Though
she and her husband shared a psychic rapport, when they went on separate
missions, she usually decreased the strength of the link to minimize the risk of
distraction. She felt the warm comfort of his presence in the back of her mind,
but she still wondered about the specifics of the mission.
"Nothing yet. We're on alert, in case they need reinforcements."
Jean nodded. "Feels like I haven't seen him in ages."
"I'm sure he misses you just as much," Hank replied with a smile as he began to
stitch the wound. "So, what is this I hear about you single-handedly containing
an explosion?"
Jean sighed. "It was nothing, Hank."
"She is too modest," Ororo said, walking closer. She proceeded to tell Hank the
tale of their mission and the important part Jean played in it.
"What's that?" Jean asked, seeing Hank preparing a syringe.
"An antibiotic, to prevent infection," Hank replied. "If you would kindly roll
up your sleeve?"
"I hate shots," Jean mumbled, but did as he asked. She turned her head away and
winced at the tiny pinprick in her arm.
"Would you like a lollipop?" Hank asked with a teasing smile.
"No, actually, what I need is a soft bed." *Even if Scott's not here to share
it,* she finished silently.
Hank walked to a table and counted some tablets into a small vial. "Now, I want
you to continue with the antibiotic orally. Take two a day for the next week,"
he told her, handing her the vial. "But since the shot was long-acting, you
don't have to start them until tonight."
"Yes, Dr. McCoy, sir," Jean said with mock sternness. "Thanks, Hank," she added
with a warm smile.
Placing his hands on her waist with a gentleness that seemed to defy his large,
clawed hands, Hank helped her down from the table. Leaving Hank to tidy up the
medi-lab, Jean and Ororo walked into the corridor, where they found Logan
greeting Bobby. One did not have to be a telepath to sense that something was
wrong.
When Bobby did not welcome them in his typical carefree manner with jokes and
sarcastic remarks, they immediately knew something terrible had happened. His
forehead was creased with worry, his face unusually pale. He seemed unable to
find a place for his hands--first he tried crossing them across his chest, then
he let his arms fall and laced his fingers together, and finally he settled on
shoving them into his pockets. He was intently studying the floor, as though
refusing to meet their gaze.
"Robert, what is wrong?" asked Ororo. "Did something happen with the other
team?"
"No, Scott and the others haven't touched base yet." He still did not look them
in the eyes.
"Then what is it?" Logan asked.
Bobby swallowed hard. "Sean just called a little over ten minutes ago. A couple
of the kids had a run in with Sebastian Shaw and Tessa. . . ."
Though she did not do a full psi-scan, Jean could sense the dread that filled
Bobby. Paling, she suddenly felt as though her heart were in her throat.
Swallowing hard, she pushed down the panic that was gripping her. From the
corner of her eye, she could see Logan tense.
"Which of the children were involved?" Storm asked, voicing the question Jean
found herself unable to ask.
Bobby had a pained expression on his face. "Synch and Jubilee."
"Oh, God," Jean muttered softly. She looked at Bobby. "How . . . how badly. . .
?"
"Everett wasn't hurt much--some cuts and bruises, and an injured shoulder."
"And Jubilation?" Logan asked, pressing him.
Bobby hesitated. "She got the brunt of it. Broken bones, a severe concussion,
internal injuries. Sean thinks there might have been some psychic damage as
well."
Jean felt Ororo place a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"There's more. Out with it, Drake. Don't hold anything back from us," Logan
growled. His initial frown had since been replaced with an irritated scowl.
Bobby hated being the bearer of such terrible news. "They're operating now. The
doctors . . . they. . . ." He paused, his throat suddenly very dry. When he
spoke again, the words were little more than a whisper. "They're hoping that
she'll survive the surgery."
"No!" Jean cried, her hand flying to her mouth. Not Jubilee. Not sweet,
innocent, young Jubilee. She felt the tears welling in her eyes, but she fought
them back. It would not do any good to lose control. Her head was reeling. She
fought past the exhaustion, the cloudiness in her mind, trying to think
straight. Was it just a over a year ago that she had managed to get through to
Jubilee--to break through the hardened exterior the girl had erected around
herself in order to spare herself the pain of losing another person she loved?
They had grown quite close. Their relationship had stirred many feelings and
emotions in Jean, including maternal ones. Now, learning that the girl was so
seriously injured, she wanted nothing more than to go to her, to be with her, to
help her fight through this so that Jubilee would come back to all of them.
Jean looked at Logan. The anger that had hardened his expression was betrayed
only by the worry in his eyes. Their eyes locked, and he knew immediately what
she was thinking, for he, too, had the same desire to go to her. He was the
first of them to know Jubilee, when she saved him from the Reavers. Logan took
the girl under his wing, and the two had been nearly inseparable for the longest
time afterward. She was like a daughter to him. She had been through too much
already in her young life--far more than any person should have to endure. He
was not going to see it end--not now, not like this. She still had her whole
life ahead of her. He refused to let that be taken from her.
"How long will it take to refuel the Blackbird?" Logan asked Storm.
"Fifteen minutes," Ororo replied.
"Rogue and Gambit are already doing it," Bobby replied. "I ran into them on the
way here. It should be ready in under ten--"
"Cyke's team just called in," Hank announced as he bounded into the room on all
fours. "They need reinforcements."
Jean looked at him, her feelings suddenly divided. She wanted to go to Jubilee,
but she feared her husband and teammates might need her help.
Ororo regarded her friend, and could see the conflict on her face. "We shall
help the others. You and Logan should go be with Jubilee."
"But--"
"No time for buts, Red," Logan told her. "Let's get moving."
Hesitating, Jean looked at Ororo. Then, slowly, she nodded. "Thank you," she
said, taking her hand and giving it a brief squeeze.
"Be sure to tell Jubilee that our love and prayers are with her," Ororo said.
"I will," Jean told her, even as she levitated herself toward the door.
A moment later, Storm, Beast, and Iceman followed suit, hurrying toward the
hanger bay.
End Prologue
*****
Title: A Friend in Need 01/18
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Archive: Sure, just please ask first
Rating: PG-13 for language, violence, and disturbing imagery
Summary: Synch and Jubilee are captured by Tessa and Shaw. A thoughtful look at how
the resulting scars have lasting effects on the whole GenX team.
Disclaimer: The X-Men and Generation X are property of Marvel Entertainment.
Characters are used without permission, no profit is being made, and no infringement
on copyright is intended.
*****
A Friend In Need
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
Chapter 1
Jean and Logan walked briskly down the hospital corridor toward the Intensive
Care Unit. They had both been uncharacteristically quiet for the entire plane
trip to Massachusetts. Neither knew what to say. All they could do was think
about the girl lying on an operating table, wondering why something like this
would happen to her.
As they turned a corner, they spotted a small lounge area at a T-junction in the
hallway. When they got closer, they saw two young women sitting on a couch. One,
Paige Guthrie, sat sobbing, hugging her knees to her chest, as she stared
blankly across the room. The blonde was shaking, apparently in shock. The other,
Monet Saint Croix, sat beside her, hands folded in her lap. Despite the ordeal
they had evidently been through, the young Algerian was, as usual, the picture
of calm.
At the sound of their approach, Monet looked up at them. "Mr. Logan, Mrs.
Summers, it is good to see you. I only wish it could be under more pleasant
circumstances."
"Where's Sean, Monet?" Logan asked, his brusque tone making it perfectly evident
he was in no mood for pleasantries.
"Mr. Cassidy is talking to the nurses over there," she indicated, pointing at
the other end of the hallway.
"You go speak to him," Jean told Logan. "I'll stay here with the girls."
Nodding, Logan went to find Sean.
"How long has she been like this?" Jean asked, sitting down on the other side of
Paige.
"Ever since we rescued them," Monet replied. "Mr. Cassidy and I found Everett,
and Paige discovered Jubilee. She had been buried beneath some crates in a
warehouse. Everett was on a different floor. We heard Paige screaming for help.
When I located them, Paige was kneeling beside Jubilee's body, holding her head
in her lap. There was blood everywhere. Paige had obviously never seen anything
like that in her entire life, because she was just short of hysterical. We
rushed Jubilee and Everett to the hospital, and while we were waiting for word,
Paige disappeared. I found her huddled in a corner, crying, arms around her
knees, rocking herself. I managed to get her to come over to the couch, but she
will not speak to me. She has not managed to pull herself together and cannot
seem to stop crying."
"Has a doctor taken a look at her?" Jean asked, placing a gentle hand on the
girl's shoulder. Paige jumped. "It's all right, Paige. It's Jean. I won't hurt
you."
"A nurse tried to coax her into an exam room, but Paige became agitated as soon
as she came near. I thought it best to just sit with her. I'm sure Mr. Cassidy
will do something as soon as he can. He's been busy trying to see them. They
won't even let him go speak to Everett."
Nodding, Jean turned her attention to the other young woman. "Paige, sweetie,
it's all right," Jean whispered, gently stroking her hair. "Everything's going
to be okay."
At that moment, Logan returned along with Sean. To say that Sean Cassidy looked
worried was an understatement. The Irishman took his duties as headmaster of the
Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters very seriously. Educating these students in
the use of their mutant powers was important, yes, but so was their health and
livelihood. This was more than a job to him, though. He cared about these
children; they were his family. Part of the reason he felt so strongly about
them was likely due to the fact that he did not learn of the existence of his
own daughter, Teresa, until she was nearly an adult. At least he now had the
opportunity to play an important role in these children's upbringing. Today,
however, he felt as though he had failed them. While his mind knew that there
was no way he could have known, that there was nothing he could have done to
prevent the kidnapping of Jubilation Lee and Everett Thomas, his heart told him
that he should have been there to protect them. And now one of his young charges
was lying at death's door, paying for his mistake.
"Hello there, Jean," he said quietly.
Jean quickly got to her feet. Without a moment's hesitation, she walked over to
Sean and wrapped her arms around his waist in a reassuring hug. In that instant,
he knew what she was trying to tell him: *It's not your fault.*
"Thank ye, lass," Sean said, taking her hands in his and giving them a squeeze.
"How are they?" Jean asked.
"Everett's doin' all right. His shoulder was dislocated, he had some broken
ribs, an' he needed some stitches. They want to keep him a couple days for
observation. They finally told me what room he's in. As for Jubilation . . . I'm
afraid the news is not good. She's still in surgery," Sean replied, raking his
fingers through his strawberry-blonde hair. "She's got broken bones, massive
head trauma, not to mention some internal bleeding." Sean looked down at his
feet, taking a deep breath. When he looked back up, there were tears in his
eyes. "Goin' in, they . . . they only gave her a fifty-fifty chance of survivin'
the operation," he said, his voice breaking. "I- I'm sorry. Excuse me a moment,"
he whispered, quickly turning away from them and bringing a shaking hand to his
temple.
Everyone was silent, giving Sean the time he needed to collect himself. At
first, Jean and Logan did not even notice as Paige slowly got to her feet. They
looked on in surprise as she walked over to where Sean stood and softly placed a
hand on his arm. Startled, Sean turned back around and looked at Paige, so pale
and frightened. Paige managed a weak smile, and Sean could not help but to
return the gesture. Then they embraced, teacher and student, and, together,
quietly weeping, they shared their grief and pain for their friend.
Jean turned to look at Logan. "Do you know Everett's room number? I'd like to go
see how he's doing."
"Yeah. I'll go with you. I'd like to hear how this all happened. Hey, Irish, you
comin'?" he called to Sean.
Letting go of Paige, Sean took her by the shoulders. "We've all got t' be strong
for Jubilee. Okay?"
Setting her jaw determinately, Paige nodded.
"Good lass. Now, why don't you and Monet go down t' the cafeteria and get some
cocoa while we go speak t' Everett, okay?"
"Will we be able to see him, too?"
"A little later, Monet. Go on, now."
"Can we bring anyone back something?" she asked. "Something to drink, perhaps?"
"Perhaps some coffee," Sean suggested, reaching into his pocket to get his
wallet.
"That's all right, Mr. Cassidy," Monet said. "I've got it taken care of. Ready,
Paige?"
Nodding, Paige walked up to her teammate. The two had never been very close.
They both now realized that in a time like this all they had was each other.
Silently, Monet looked at Paige, regarding her for a moment. Her lips then
curled in a slight smile. Paige seemed very surprised at first, but quickly
returned the smile. Though not an incredibly affectionate overture, it said a
great deal for Monet, who was usually so detached from her fellow students.
Without a word being spoken, together they walked down the hallway.
Sean grinned, taking a little comfort in the knowledge that at least something
positive was coming out of this horrible ordeal. Then he turned his attention to
Jean and Logan and walked with them silently to Everett's room. Entering, they
found him sitting up in bed. The young African-American was usually a pillar of
strength for his friends and teammates, encouraging all with his inner strength
and determination; today, however, he did not appear quite as strong as usual.
He looked like he had been through hell and back. His left arm was in a sling,
and there were several stitches on his temple. One eye was swollen shut, and
there was a cut on his lip. Even with all of his injuries, Sean could see how
worried he was. He knew that Everett was the one Jubilee was closest to at
school; the two considered themselves best friends. This had to be tough on him.
"How are you feeling?" Jean asked.
"If you mean my arm, ma'am, it's nothing; they've got me pretty doped up," he
replied. "I'm just worried about Jubilee."
"We all are, kid," Logan told him.
"Is there any word yet?"
"She's still in surgery," Sean replied.
"While we wait for the doctor, what say you tell us what went down?" Logan said,
leaning against a wall, arms crossed, a scowl on his face.
Jean and Sean, meanwhile, sat in the pair of chairs at Everett's bedside.
"All-all right," Everett said. He seemed a little nervous at Wolverine's
presence. Part of it was sheer fear. Not only did he know that Wolverine could
be a fierce sparring partner, capable of killing or maiming, but he also knew
how much the X-Man cared for Jubilee. She talked about him and their adventures
more than any of the members of Generation X cared to hear. Everett knew Logan
would want vengeance for her injuries, to pay back whoever did this to her. And
the fact that he had been involved--and unable to protect her from harm--made
him fear for his own safety a tiny bit. Sure, Wolverine was one of the good
guys, but he was also subject to berserker rages, during which the bestial side
of his nature took over. Lord help anyone--friend or foe--who got in his way
when the bloodlust was upon him. Everett could think of nothing worse that would
cause just such a rage than hurting someone Logan held near and dear to his
heart.
"I don't even know where to begin," Everett said feebly.
"Why don't ye start with how ye met up with Shaw and Tessa?" Sean suggested.
Everett sighed, and they all watched as his mind wandered back to the previous
night.
End Chapter 1
*****