A/N: Thanks for the kind reviews. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.

On or two more chapters to go, and this story will meet its end. As always, please review.


Chapter 31 - Healings

Rocky Mountains, Colorado

One call from Wolverine was all that was needed. After about an hour, Dr. Michael Twoyoungmen was sitting cross-legged on the bed at Cyclops' feet, his face serious and his eyes closed. He had spread some leaves and stones around the X-Man's body and was now enchanting an old Sarcee canticle that no one could understand a word of. A small audience formed by Alex, Forge and Hank was silently watching Shaman's healing ceremony. Logan had felt outright uncomfortable inside the bedroom and chose to go for a smoke on the front porch; an angry Angel followed him outside.

"That was your idea, Logan? You really think that some kind of mystic Indian spell is going to help Cyclops out of a coma?" Warren asked in disbelief.

Wolverine shrugged. "If that don't help, your friend's as good as dead," he stated and took a drag of his cigar.

"Un-fucking-believable! You said you're going to call a doctor!"

"Shaman is a doctor, Worthington. One of the best surgeons I know. He also happens to be a damn powerful sorcerer and a mutant," Wolverine retorted annoyed. "But hey, what do I know? Ya're the guy with the connections. If ya gotta a better way to save Jeannie's precious boyfriend, be my guest."

"Hah! So that's what this is about. She's moved on, and now you're suddenly jealous," Angel concluded, receiving a grunt from Logan in response. "Do I need to remind you that you were the one who asked me to show Jean those pictures of you and that blonde girl kissing?" Angel was fuming. "Do you even know what it did to her? She was devastated after that!"

"I bet she was," Wolverine blew the smoke out. "So, how long after ya showed her those pictures it took her to bed the boy scout, huh? Or she was fuckin' him even before the pictures?"

"Fuck you, Logan!" Warren bawled indignantly. "You know what, she's better off with Scott. Much better," he added and went back into the house, slamming the door behind him.

"Hey! Watch it! I've just managed to make Nathan and Rachel sleep," Jean hissed angrily, but the blonde ignored her. The woman checked the stroller to certified that her daughter hadn't woken up.

Magneto was studying her from his spot on the armchair. "As much as I appreciate witnessing your motherly gifts, Ms. Grey, it's time for us to leave. Dr. McCoy's antidote won't launch itself in the air," he stated.

"Erik is right. If we start spreading the antidote within the next two hours, I believe you'll be back before Rachel's three o'clock nursing time," Xavier spoke.

"What? You want me on a mission… with the X-Men?" The telepath asked, stuttering the next words. "B-But professor… I-I thought the conduits were going to be ran by Polaris, Storm, Magneto and Ms. Vought."

"Yes, that was the initial plan. However, I've discussed our tactics with Erik and Logan earlier today... After having realized the magnitude of your telekinetic gifts, Jean - what you've accomplished in this house today - I think your powers would be a great addition to our mission. And your presence would spare Magnus the exertion of having to operate two conduits in a row..."

"Lord Magneto is more than capable of such a task, Xavier. He knows I would gladly aid him with my power-enhancing abilities," Cortez intruded.

"I'm quite aware of your loyalty and readiness to assist Erik, Fabian. But with Jean's help, your powers wouldn't be as necessary. Plus, we would achieve our goal quicker," Charles explained. "Regarding, of course, that Ms. Grey's willing to join us."

"Me? On a field mission? I… I don't think it's a good idea, professor," the redhead considered.

Having listened to her hesitant response, Wolverine decided it was time to intervene. He put his cigar out and reentered the house, addressing the telepath. "What the hell are ya afraid of, Jean? To use your damn powers?"

"Well… yes. I don't have much control and I'm not a…"

"Cut the crap, Red. Ya're a mutant, and in case ya haven't noticed, the government's declared war on us. War on ya," his tone was angry. "Why d'ya think ya didn't get your Med School diploma, huh? 'Cause they didn't want a filthy mutant takin' care of their children, that's why! And now they're gonna put an end to the rest of your kind by releasin' that fuckin' cure all over the country - your country - and ya're gonna sit there and watch?" He scoffed humorlessly, shaking his head in disappointment. "I expected more of ya."

Jean remained silent, completely dumbstruck by his harsh words. Logan continued to approach her, his face unreadable. "Ya know, I never took ya for a coward before today."

"That's it! I've had enough of you," Angel shouted and stomped towards Logan, his fists balled. Remy and Bobby rushed to hold him back before someone got hurt -probably Warren.

"Anytime, flyboy," Wolverine challenged, never turning his eyes away from Jean's. "Ya always said ya wanted to help people. Well, the X-Men helped ya when ya needed. Now it's your chance to pay back and finally do the world some good," he turned around and gave her an ultimatum before leaving. "Jump in, or jump out."

xxxxx

On his way to the East Coast, the Blackbird made two stops; first in Iowa City, where Polaris, Beast and one conduit were left; then down to Athens, Georgia, where Rogue landed with Vought and a second device. The jet's outward journey finished in New York City, where Storm and Forge were supposed to operate the third conduit. According to McCoy's and Forge's calculations, when turned on, each machine could amplify the number of antidote samples inserted in them by one hundred thousand-fold. And since the conduits were designed to spread the molecules within a range of nine hundred miles, if placed on the right spots, they could encompass every American city or village from one coast to the other. Alaska and Hawaii would have to be dealt with later.

Magneto didn't require any plane rides - with Cortez's help, he used his control of the magnetic field to transport the two of them plus the conduit all the way to Salt Lake City. Considering that chromium had been added to the particles, he and Polaris held absolute control over the devices and the molecules. Hence, they were given the task of covering the two biggest US regions.

Another pair of mutants had chosen to give up the Bird. Before departing, Angel had asked Cortez to use his powers on him to enhance his flying abilities. Thus, it took Warren only about two hours to fly Jean southward to Las Cruces, New Mexico, while the redhead used her telekinesis to carry the conduit.

"There's nothing like a night flight in good company. I have to admit, my wings were itching to leave the cabin," Angel said as they landed on the desert grounds. He examined the conduit. "Now… how do we power this thing up? It's not like it comes with a start button."

"We could phone Hank and ask for instructions," Jean suggested.

"Can't you just reach him telepathically?" The blonde questioned.

"No, I need to save my powers for a moment. I'm too worn out after carrying this monstrosity all the way from Colorado. Thank God Forge will be coming to get us with the jet after this mission is done," Jean told him, and added. "I'm surprised you aren't tired."

"I'm not. Actually, I'm feeling very energetic. Cortez's powers are really something. No wonder Magneto's so addicted to them."

"Is he? I couldn't tell," the telepath confessed.

"I know. You've been too busy worrying over Scott and making Wolverine jealous to pay attention to anything else."

"I wasn't…"

"Not intentionally, I know," Angel interrupted her. "But Logan was beyond mad with jealousy this evening. Still, that was no way to treat you. Who does that midget think he is, to talk to you like that?" He asked. "Honestly, Jean, I don't know what you've seen in that guy. He's an animal."

The redhead didn't reply, not for a long time. After Warren had called Hank and received the necessary instructions, she telekinetically lifted the conduit in the air and gave its mechanism a first push. The upper part of the device started spinning faster and faster. After it had reached a decent velocity, its small cassettes opened automatically. Jean then concentrated further, using her powers to control the wind direction and heighten the spread of the particles into the air, just as Beast had instructed.

"How much longer?" She asked Warren after fifteen minutes on the task.

"Five more minutes," he replied as he watched her working, fascinated. "Wow. Your powers have grown astonishingly, Jeannie. Imagine all the crazy stuff we could have done together back in the day with that telekinesis of yours, huh?" He smirked.

"Oh you pig," she scolded, blushing even under the dark sky. "You know, I'm inclined to believe you and Logan might be long lost siblings. You're starting to sound just like him."

"God forbid," she heard Angel replying as he used a tissue to wipe some sweat off her forehead.

"He was right though, you know?"

"Who?"

"Logan. I probably wouldn't be doing this right now if he hadn't accused me of being a coward," Jean admitted.

"That was absurd! You're not a coward. Never was, never will be," Warren said, his voice indignant. "He was just messing with your pride."

"I know. But it worked," she took a deep breath and continued. "I kept thinking of Jubilee. She's just a teen... And yet, she took a bullet trying to rescue Alex and Lorna from the Hellfire Club. I mean, if a child isn't afraid of fighting for what she believes in, why should I be?" Jean reasoned.

"So… You believe in the X-Men now?" Angel's right brow went up.

"I've always believed. I just… never considered… joining the team before," the redhead was starting to pant in exhaustion.

"And now that Wolverine's tampered with your mind, you're having second thoughts about it?" The winged mutant inquired.

"No! That's not… the only reason," she uttered.

"Time's over, Red. Turn that damn thing down before you say something you'll regret. All this effort's making you delusional," Warren teased.

Jean carefully placed the conduit back on the sandy ground, watching how it gradually stopped spinning. After a couple of minutes, Angel checked the device and dialed Beast again. "Hank, we're done here."

"Good. Were you able to release all the samples?" The furry mutant inquired.

"Yes. All the cassettes are empty."

"Outstanding! Polaris and I have just completed our part here in Iowa as well. We're currently freezing our bottoms in the snow while we patiently await our supersonic ride. Stay put, and we will soon be collecting the two of you," Beast told him before he turned off the phone.

"What now?" Jean asked.

"Now we sit down and watch at the stars," Angel pulled her to the ground with him, and then smiled. "Good job, Red."

"Thanks. I didn't think I could do it," she replied, sitting beside him and resting her head on his right shoulder. "That reminds me… I owe you a new roof."

Warren laughed. "I'll add that to the list of things you owe me and mail you the bill," he joked and placed a chaste kiss on the top of her head. "I'm just glad you and Rachel came out of the blast unharmed."

"Me too," Jean sighed. "Do you think… Do you think Scott will be all right?"

Warren put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer. "He better be."

xxxxx

It was two thirty in the morning when the X-Men returned to the cabin. Gambit, Colossus and Iceman had done a decent job of cleaning up the wreckage caused by Jean's outburst. Obviously, the main suite's ceiling was still missing, and it would remain that way until Warren found a decent renovation firm willing to work under the violent blizzard currently going on. For now, the three mutants had covered the hole with an old thick canvas and just closed the room's door to keep the cold air from reaching the rest of the house.

In the meantime, Candy was sleeping with the babies in one of the remaining two bedrooms, while Charles and Alex were watching over Cyclops in the other. After finishing the Sarcee healing ritual, Shaman had explained that everything had gone smoothly, and that Scott would probably sleep for a couple more hours. Havoc thanked the Canadian doctor and promised to be at his disposal whenever he needed.

Jean went to check on Cyclops as soon as she had come in through the door. Tears of joy escaped her green eyes when Xavier told her what Shaman had said. They only had to wait for him to wake up now.

"Where's Logan?" She asked next.

"He left with Dr. Twoyoungmen about an hour ago," Bobby informed her, slumping into the couch. "But hey, he asked me to tell you he gave Rachel your bottled milk before leaving."

"Did he say where he was going?"

"Of course not," Iceman replied. "It's Wolverine we're talking about."

Jean exchanged a knowing glance with Warren. "Okay. Thanks, Bobby."

Angel then spoke. "So, guys, we've got two single beds, three couches and six sleeping bags in the Blackbird for seventeen people. I know everyone's beyond tired, but I propose we take shifts sleeping."

"Don't bother with us, Mr. Worthington. My acolytes and I will be returning to Asteroid M tonight," Magneto declared.

At that exact time, Xavier wheeled into the living room. "Erik, I think it would be best if you remained here for now. The effort you've just made…"

"Is not going to stop me from returning to my home, Charles," Magnus replied. "I appreciate your concern, but the mutants we've rescued trusted that I would return as soon as this mission was over, and I intend to keep my vows. Though my acolytes are free to stay, if they wish," he looked at Colossus as he spoke.

Piotr gave a step forward. "Then I would like to join your team, Professor Xavier, if you'll have me. But first, I need to return to Asteroid M and discuss it with my sister. If she agrees to come to Earth with me, then I will become an X-Man."

"It will be our pleasure to have you and your sister among us, Colossus," Charles smiled. "We promise to keep her safe."

"And I would like to stay with you for while… father," Polaris spoke, causing the others to gasp or wide their eyes in surprise. "After Cyclops is out of danger, and if you agree that Alex goes with me."

"Nothing would make me happier, Lorna, my daughter. I'll come back for you in two days," Magneto promised. He beckoned his acolytes to accompany him outside; the X-Men followed. With Cortez's help, he disassembled two conduits and used the metal to build a small shuttle, big enough for four people. He stepped inside, followed by Cortez, Voght and Colossus. "Farewell, X-Men."

"It was good to see you again, Charles," Voght said.

"Likewise. Let's try to keep in touch this time, Amelia," Xavier replied.

"Well, you do know where I live," she grinned shyly.

The bald man nodded, addressing Rasputin next. "We'll be waiting for you, Piotr."

"Spaceeba, professor."

The X-Men waved goodbye as the metal wall closed around the four mutants and the shuttle ascended towards the stars. "It's refreshing to know that the X-Men and Magneto can work together in order to accomplish a common goal, for once," Beast commented.

"It is indeed," Charles agreed.

"Hey, why didn't you guys tell me you had brought pizza from New York? I'm starving, and I love cold pizza!" Bobby's head popped out of the Blackbird as he chewed a slice.

"We were trying to find out if your mutation includes a heightened smelling sense, Drake. Apparently, it does," Ororo yelled back. She had commanded the winds and the snow to cease so that they could be outside for a few minutes.

"C'mon! It's New York pizza! Of course I would've smelled it from a mile way," Iceman replied with his mouth full.

Hank and Jean laughed while Warren rolled his eyes. "Now that Bobby has a full belly, can we please return to the problem at hand. We've still got thirteen people to accommodate."

"You forgot the two babies," Jean reminded him.

"Right. Thirteen adults and two babies. I suggest the professor takes the second bed in the room Candy's resting. Jeannie can sleep with Scott, and the rest of us will take turns using the sleeping bags and sofas.

Suddenly they heard Alex yelping and turned around to witness a beam of red light emerging from the cabin and destroying another part of the roof. The X-Men dashed inside.

The second bedroom had also turned into a total wreckage. In the middle of it was Cyclops, still lying on the bed but wide wake now. His eyelids were squeezed shut and his right hand was covering both his eyes.

Wooden rubbles and a considerable amount of snow were scattered on the bed and floor. Jean used telekinesis to push them away from over Scott and Alex.

"Oh shit," Havoc exclaimed and started laughing once he realized no one was injured.

"Alex? Alex? Is that you?" Cyclops asked, panicked.

"Yeah, Scottie."

"Are you okay? Where are we? What… what happened?"

"Your powers happened. They came back at full force, and you just blew up Warren's ceiling."

"Yes. Thank you for that, oh convalescent leader," Angel sighed.

"W-What?" Cyclops asked in confusion. "Is everyone okay? Did I hurt anyone? Where's Nathan?"

"We're fine, Scott, and your son is peacefully sleeping in the next room," he heard the professor's deep voice. Then he felt the mattress under him moving as someone sat beside him and squeezed his hand.

"Jean?"

"Yes, it's me," she took another glance around and couldn't help but start giggling as well. Bobby, Hank and Warren followed suit.

"Why are you laughing at? I could've hurt you."

"We're just glad you're all right, Scott…" the redhead replied.

"And wandering where to fit thirteen people in a house with two blown up bedrooms," Angel shook his head and looked at the couple on the bed. "You know, you two are just perfect for each other."

xxxxx

As promised, two days later Magneto's shuttle had returned to bring the Rasputin siblings back to Earth and take Polaris and Havoc to spend a period of time in Asteroid M. Lorna explained that she and Magneto had discovered about their blood relation while conversing about their pasts, and that now she wanted to get to know the true man under the helmet. Since Scott was feeling better, Alex had agreed to accompany her; he would also use the opportunity to keep an eye on Cortez, as the professor had kindly requested him to.

Despite having been almost entirely fixed in the last two days - thanks to a great load of money and mutant superpowers - Angel's cabin couldn't accommodate so many people and didn't have the necessary space nor equipment for practice. Besides, Xavier knew that, sooner or later, the government would track the X-Men's activities down and back to Warren's address. The School's estate was out of question - it was probably already taken by the U.S. government with the excuse of being the base for 'terrorist affairs.' They needed to find a new and definitive headquarter, soon.

Storm recalled how Colossus had told her that Australia didn't have laws against mutants. That prompted Forge to dig into the depths of internet and find a high-tech hidden facility in the middle of the Outback desert. Apparently, a group of local criminals known as 'the reavers' had used the place for a while and had later abandoned it for some unknown reason.

"What do you think, professor?" Forge asked.

"I think it's worth the try," Xavier responded.

"I say we go there and see what kind of dumpstah those reavahs left for us. If it's not too nasty, we move in for good," Rogue proposed.

"It's a better option dan Madripoor, non?" Gambit opined.

"It's settled then. Forge, Storm, Rogue, Gambit, Beast and Iceman, I want you ready to leave in one hour. We'll stop by in Manhattan to pick Jubilee and Nightcrawler and then head directly to Australia. I'm telepathically informing Wolverine of our future whereabouts," Professor X told them. "Angel, you'll stay here with Scott and Jean until Cyclops is fully recovered. After that, the three of you may join us."

"Charles, may I have a word with you in private?" McCoy asked.

"Of course, Hank. What's bothering you?"

"I'm not comfortable with leaving Cyclops here without proper medical attention," Beast confessed.

"Jean will be staying," Xavier said.

"Despite being a more than competent doctor, Ms. Grey lacks experience in the care of critically ill patients. Furthermore, I fear she may be too emotionally involved to take certain decisions regarding Scott, in case his health condition deteriorates," the furry mutant explained.

"I see. You wish to remain in here for now… just in case."

"Just in case," McCoy nodded. "And, if I may add… I don't believe it would be wise to transfer Iceman to a desert."

"Oh my. I hadn't thought about it," the professor admitted. "You're absolutely right, Hank, as usual. Robert's gifts would have almost no use to the team in the Australian Outback, and his body physiology would certainly be impaired under the hot weather."

"Precisely," Beast said. "He would become ill, and miserable. Bobby should remain in Colorado until the X-Men can determine that the reavers' complex has adequate conditions to his more than unique body functions."

"All right, my friend. And while the five of you are stuck here, I would appreciate if you could use your knowledge of Psychology to talk to Jean and Robert about their recent encounters with Jason Wyngarde and Sebastian Shaw," Xavier requested, and added. "A murder, even in self-defense, is never lightly assimilated by the pure of heart."

"Well thought, Charles. Don't worry, I'll make sure their heads are in the right place," McCoy guaranteed.

"I know you will, Hank."