A/N: hmmph. Only one person told me what they thought about the 10th Kingdom crossover. Not good, people. Grrrr. Oh, well. Thank you for all of you lovely reviews. Make Miranda happy!
Disclaimer:
"What is it with you people? What kind of twisted upbringing did you have? Why can't you just say; 'Oh, that'll be 100 gold coins.' No! It's gotta be, 'Not unless you lay a magic egg, or count the hairs on the giant's ass!"
~Tony, The 10th Kingdom (Best movie EVER!)
Leslie slept fitfully, tossing as she did so. Kurt watched, worried, knowing her nightmares were plaguing her.
"Anything?" he asked.
Hank sighed, checking the readings on one of the multitude of machines she was hooked up to. "Neural dampeners aren't working, which, though exasperating, makes senses as she's not a telepath. Drugs are keeping her unconscious, but obviously she's still emotionally aware. I could try a Genoshan collar, but it would have to come off sooner or later, and we'd be right back where we are." He growled softly in frustration, the readouts showing no change. "And neither Jean, the Professor, nor Emma have been able to help her, with her natural blocks." He turned then, looking Kurt in the eyes. "But how are you, my fellow blue buddy?"
Kurt scratched the bandage on his leg absentmindedly. "Fine, mein freund, just itchy."
"I meant emotionally. You said you're sensing her emotions."
"Ja. The Professor believes that she formed an empathic bond vith me vhen I found her on the 'bird." He shrugged. "vorried, more than anything. I can tell vhich feelings are mine and vhich are hers, so it doesn't bother me that much. But she needs help, Hank. She's overvhelmed."
"I know," Hank wearily replied. "I thought of calling Meggan, but her form of empathy is totally different from Leslie's, and I doubt she could be of help. Unless she's magically better when she awakes, my recommendation will be to take her to a secluded location with few people. It should be easier for her to adapt to her powers that way."
Kurt looked at her. "Who vould go vith her? And vhere?"
"I haven't thought of where. As for the whos, I haven't a clue, though I believe a telepath will be necessary…who were you thinking of, Kurt?"
He stared at her. "Me."
Hank blinked. "What about your position as team leader?"
"Warren can act in my absence. After vhat ve've been through lately, though, I think ve all need a break. Let one of the back-up teams take over."
"Hmmm…well, with your unique connection with her, I can't say I think it's a poor idea. Who else?"
Kurt mulled over it. "Bobby, probably, if he's willing. He and she get along well. Jean would be the best telepath—Leslie hates Emma."
Hank chuckled. "I think the whole school is now aware of that fact."
Kurt grinned back at him. "Vell, she vas projecting strongly, nein?" He quickly grew sober. "Perhaps her friend Julia could accompany her?"
"Well, I suppose the Professor would have to clear it with Julia's parents, but it sounds like an excellent idea to me. She needs consistency now more than anything."
Kurt stared at her, nodding absentmindedly. "Ja. And hope. She needs a lot of hope…"
Damn this blackness! I want the sweet blackness that comes when you're totally unaware, not this! I wish Hank would do something about it…
I can hear you, you know. Laughing, I mean. Are you planning on speaking to me, or do you just enjoy torturing me?
…
I guess it's the second one.
Fine, then, get your kicks while you can, bastard. As soon as I figure out how to break the bond with Kurt, I'll be gone from here.
And you'll never find me again…
Leslie breathed in the warm, dry, New Mexican air. Warren had offered one of his multitude of houses to her for her recovery, for which she would be eternally grateful. It had been built on this particular spot for the purpose of seclusion, meaning that the only emotions she sensed were those of the X-Men and Julia. Which she could handle, for now.
She smiled slightly, sensing that Jean and Scott—who had decided that a man and his wife should see each other for more than a day at a time—were actually talking. Not about the issues they should be (like Scott's mental affair) but talking none the less. They were emotionally in-tune for once, easing some of her worry.
She slowly walked back toward the house, wondering if Bobby realized you can't jump out and startle someone who senses your presence.
She was suddenly pelted with snowballs.
Apparently not… "Do it again, Bobby, and the angst Warren went through after having his wings removed will feel like DisneyWorld after I'm done with you."
He nervously smiled. "You know me, Lizard, I'd never do anything that dumb."
"I don't know, you just called me 'Lizard.' That doesn't say much for your sanity." She grinned at him, enjoying his discomfort. If they wanted to think this made everything all better, well, who was she to disillusion them? They'd find out that they were wrong soon enough…
"Torturing Bobby again, Leslie? Without me?" came Julia's indignant voice.
"Oh, Jules, some things just can't wait."
"What is this, pick on Iceman day?"
"Yes," Julia and Leslie chorused, strait-faced.
"Hardy-har," Bobby mumbled, heading in.
Julia laughed. "You do realize he'll just get us back. Don't you?"
"Of course. I need something interesting around here, besides Jean trying to teach me blocking methods that don't work."
Julia smiled, but her eyes were serious. "I was worried about you being alone. Everything okay?"
Leslie rolled her eyes, though no one could tell anymore when she did so—the lack of a visible pupil required people to look closely to tell what she was doing with them. "I'm fine, Julia! God, I already told Kurt I wouldn't try and kill myself! Stop worrying!"
"I can't, okay?" she snapped back. "You were gonna jump, Leslie! I was on the ground and saw you! And I'm not going to let you kill yourself over something as stupid as your power manifesting!"
Leslie froze, then glared at her, and this time it was easy to read her eyes and see the fury contained within. "Don't think you know me, Julia," she said coldly, her voice low. "You don't. You only got a taste of what I was feeling at the Institute. If I were to let you feel it all, you'd break down, hysterical. So don't go there. Okay?" With that, she headed out into the desert, ignoring Julia's calls and slipping into the growing dark.