Disclaimer, etc. in first part…
6.
"The metal is an alloy known as adamantium. Apparently it's indestructible."
"And it's been surgically grafted to his skeleton?" Ororo's asked, voice disbelieving.
Professor Xavier was grim. "Experimentation on mutants. Unfortunately, it is not as uncommon as you might think. However, I've never seen anything quite like this before."
Ororo moved closer to the projection on the wall, frowning. "But how could he have possibly survived such a procedure?"
Jean briefly looked over the printout from the computer. "His mutation. According to the blood and DNA samples, he has uncharted regenerative powers. Because of this, it is nearly impossible to determine his age." She cast a glance at Xavier. "He could very well be older than you, Professor."
Scott's brows shot into the stratosphere. "So you're saying we've got our very own Methuselah?"
Jean rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips. "Yes, Scott. Something like that."
"Can you imagine the pain he was put through? The agony?" Ororo stepped back from the large display screen, a fine shudder passing through her. "Who could have done such a thing? Why?"
"I don't know, Ororo." The Professor's frown deepened and he turned his chair to wheel towards the man lying on the examination table. "It seems we now have more questions than answers. And our Wolverine is the only one who can provide them."
The other moved closer as Professor Xavier reached out and placed his hands on either side of the Wolverine's head. He closed his eyes for a moment.
They flew open almost immediately. "Good Lord…"
Jean rushed forward, not used to seeing the Professor so shaken. "Professor, what's wrong? What did you see?"
Xavier shook his head distractedly, mentally examining what he'd felt, if not seen. "It was like looking at a shattered mirror." He frowned as the impression came back to him. "A shattered mirror hidden behind an impenetrable wall of ice and barbwire."
Jean glanced at the unconscious man then back at Xavier. "What does that mean, Professor?"
Professor Xavier sighed. "It means, this man has been so mentally broken that he's hiding. From everything. Even from himself."
"But can't you do something?" Scott asked.
"I can, but it will take time."
"How much time?"
The professor sent the younger man a sharp look. "I don't know, Scott. It could take weeks, months, possibly years before this man returns to being even a shadow of his former self. In the mean time," he said as he wheeled towards the door. "We have some questions which need answering."
Ororo went to follow the professor out, but Scott lingered.
"Jean? Are you alright?"
Jean blinked, snapping to attention. She'd been thinking about Professor Xavier's words. They had not been very reassuring. "What? Oh, I'm fine, Scott. Just wondering how all this is going to end."
Scott's lips curved into a little half-smile. "Things will be okay. You'll see." He reached out to stroke Jeans' cheek and his smile deepened when she turned her face into his hand, pressing he lips into his palm. "You my girl?"
Jean returned his smile and murmured, "Always."
A quick kiss, and he was gone.