A/N: As I said before, I only know stuff from the movies. While I do know a little bit about the whole Pheonix thing, I don't know enough to convincingly write about it. As such, my story will not deal with it. For purposes of this story, just assume that Jean just survived it as I describe later.
Chapter 3
Ororo stood at the front of her classroom, watching the young students filing out. She could tell they didn't enjoy her teaching approach as much as Scott. A pang of longing to see her friend filled her heart, and once again she found herself wondering how he was doing. Sighing, she gathered her materials together and followed the students out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Ororo! Come to my office as soon as possible! The Professor's voice practically shouting in her head shocked her, and she almost dropped all of her papers. Leaning against the wall with a hand pressed against her chest, she breathed deeply for a few seconds before hurrying to the Professor's office. She was very interested in why he sounded so happy.
She knocked once on the door and opened it, only to be met by the Professor, Logan and Kurt. Even more confused, she shut the door softly behind her. She and the others looked at the Professor expectantly, not sure of what to make of the large grin on his face.
"As some of you already know, I was in Cerebro this morning, looking for new children in need of our help. Instead I found an old child of mine." The Professor had to stop, too overcome with emotion to continue speaking aloud, afraid his voice would betray how very affected he was by the turn of events. While my mind was open and searching, I heard a very faint call for me. I focused all of my attention on that call, and I will be eternally grateful that I did so. I need the three of you to get the Blackbird ready and go out to Alkali Lake. The Professor paused and took the time to meet all of their eyes.
"The call came from Jean." Startled gasps filled the room, and Ororo had to sit down suddenly. Logan, who had been sitting, surged to his feet, ready for action. Kurt immediately started praying, giving thanks for this miracle. The Professor smiled at their reaction, gave them a few seconds to deal with the revelation, then cleared his throat and raised his eyebrow. This gentle reminder had them all turning to the door. Letting the men go ahead of her, Ororo turned back around, went to the Professor and wrapped him in a hug. They both had tears in their eyes when she pulled away.
"Does Scott know?" The Professor shook his head.
"Not yet. I'm going back to Cerebro right now to locate him and tell him the good news. Hopefully, he'll be able to make it back home in good time. I know they'll want to be together."
"I'm sure." Ororo smiled fondly at her mentor and ran to catch up with the other two.
* * *
There was still so much water everywhere, but some of it had drained away, leaving dry patches here and there. Ororo landed the 'Bird on one of these patches as close as she could to where the call to the Professor came from. As soon as they were safely on the ground, all three raced for the exit, eager to find Jean and bring her home. Once outside, Ororo started heading for the coordinates the Professor gave them.
The trek was not easy. Stumbling through the mud, Ororo tried to hurry, but only got herself horribly dirty in the process. Climbing over one particularly high patch, she saw Jean lying on the ground just a few yards away. She looked like a drowned rat, but she was alive! Letting out a shout of joy, Ororo floundered through the last couple of steps, falling to her knees at her friend's side. Ororo let the tears fall freely while she felt for Jean's vitals and started to administer first aid.
The other two fell to the ground next to her and started to assist. Once they were assured that she was safe for travel, Kurt wrapped his arms around her and poofed back to the 'Bird. Two more trips brought Logan and Ororo back as well, and they were soon in the air and heading to Westchester. Ororo, scared for her friend, thought the trip lasted intolerably longer than it should have, but finally they saw the mansion in the distance. Bringing the plane to rest in its home under the basketball court, they were met by the Professor and Hank McCoy, who immediately started caring for Jean. The Professor and the others stood to the side of the room, unwilling to let her out of their sight now that they had her home safe again.
"When will Scott be home, Professor?"
A troubled expression fell over Xavier's face. I do not know. I couldn't find him. I don't have an explanation for that. I will try again after dinner. Ororo also found it odd that Cerebro couldn't locate Scott. Her worry couldn't last long, though, in the face of the joy of Jean's rescue. She absent-mindedly dismissed her concern, knowing the Professor would find Scott later tonight.
* * *
Jean woke up about two hours after they had brought her home. Too weak to talk, she allowed the Professor to read her mind and share her story with their friends.
I knew I couldn't hold the water back for much longer, and I desperately tried to think of some other way to save myself. I had been prepared to die to save all of you, but I certainly wasn't about to give up without a fight.
At the last moment, as I lost control and the water hit me, I pulled together enough strength to keep a small bubble around myself. I swam to the surface and managed to find the dry patch where I've been the last couple of days. Exhausted, I lost consciousness and have been in a delirious state. Just earlier today was the first time I had been strong and clear-minded enough to try and reach the Professor. I'm glad he was in Cerebro at the time, and open to even the weakest of thoughts.
When Jean finished her story, it was clear that she was exhausted again. On top of that, the IV Hank had inserted was giving her the nutrients she had been sorely missing. All of this meant that Jean was quickly falling asleep, but not before she could have one last thought.
Scott?
The Professor smiled at her and reached out to grab her hand. He was devastated after that day. He needed some time away, which I readily granted him. Do not worry, I will contact him, and he will be home to help you recover as soon as he is able.
Jean smiled, drifting off into sleep.
* * *
The Professor spent over two hours in Cerebro and still could not locate Scott. Even more concerned, he tried the more mundane method and called Scott's cell phone. No answer. The Professor was becoming more and more worried, sure that something was wrong with his son, but he didn't even know where to begin looking for him. The X-men couldn't be sent out to help their leader.
All they could do was wait and hope.