Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or X-Men, titles or characters. Evie is my
character.
Note: I am so pleased to hear that this story is appealing to so many of you. Yes, it's time to move on and get down to finding Adam. To clarify, my interpretation of a new mutant is one who has been genetically altered and powers result. A natural mutant is one who was given the gift from God, not science. The original Mutant X team members are new mutants. The X Men are natural mutants. Evie has the natural power of telepathy and the genetically endowed power to heal. She's my character. I can do that.
Chapter 8 - Sympathy and Pain
In the morning, after having the first good night's sleep in a while, Jesse awoke refreshed. Immediately he realized that he was not alone. Turning slightly, he saw a beautiful young woman curled up on the far side of his bed. As he watched her sleep soundly, he began to think of all she had done for him over the last few days. The love and support she had shown him spoke volumes and pulled at his heart. Seeing her on top of the blanket, he gently covered her with the side that was over him and she shifted under the new warmth around her. Smiling, he slowly got out of bed and left her so he could shower and dress. When he returned, he found her still snuggled under his blanket. He leaned down and gently kissed her forehead then turned to leave. Before he reached the door he heard her whisper his name. Turning back he saw her sitting up in bed with fear in her eyes.
"Good morning," he said as he returned and sat by her.
"Are you---ok, Jess?" Concern was still evident in her eyes.
"Yeah," he smiled at her. "I was just going down to get to work on the computers. I didn't want to wake you."
Relieved and suddenly self-conscious she looked away, "I'm---uh---sorry about this. I guess I fell asleep before I thought about going back to my room." She sat nervously wringing her hands.
He gently took her hands in his as she shyly looked back up. "I'm glad you were comfortable enough to stay with me. Uh---Kitty---listen. I have to apologize for yesterday. I know you were worried when I took off. And then when I got back---well---I didn't pay much attention to you. I just needed some time---ya know---to get ready to say goodbye."
"I know. I just wanted to help," she whispered.
"Believe me when I say; you did help. I wouldn't have gotten through it if it weren't for you." He reached out and took her into his arms. "I don't know what I'd be like right now if you hadn't come." Feeling her relax in his arms let him know she understood. But then, he hesitated and didn't release her. She laid her head on his shoulder. It felt good to have her in his arms right now. She was warm and soft and---suddenly feeling guilty for his random thoughts he pulled away and tried to smile to cover his nervousness. "Um---I put out some clean towels for you. Why don't you get yourself up and dressed and meet me downstairs for breakfast? If no one else is up, maybe we'll cook for them." He heard her agree as he quickly made his way out of the room and closed the door behind him.
In the infirmary of the R&D facility, Adam began to wake up.
"Uuhh---What happened?" He tried to focus as he opened his eyes to the bright lights above him.
"Adam, thank God. You really had me worried this time."
"Mason? What are you talking about?"
Laughing he continued, "Come on, don't you remember anything?"
Adam tried to think back. "I was working in the lab and an experiment went bad. It reminded me of another one I worked on last year. I wanted to check it out so I went to the file room to retrieve some old notes. I remember climbing to the top shelf---"
"Without a ladder," Mason shook his head. "Then you must have slipped and hit your head. Nancy was at her desk when she heard you crash. That was yesterday and you've been here ever since. Really, Adam, when will you stop being so reckless?"
Smiling as he got up he simply replied, "The shelves were easy enough to climb." Turning to the tech standing behind him he said, "Hey, Dave, are we still on for the poker game tonight?"
"Yeah, sure thing. Meet me in the lobby of the club at 7."
"Great. I'll be there."
"With genius comes insanity." Mason rolled his eyes. "I'm going back to work. Go home and change. I'll see you when you get back." Mason left the med bay. Once back in his office, he paused and took a deep breath as he realized his plan was working perfectly.
Back at Sanctuary the mood was very different this morning than last. Everyone began moving around and they were drawn to the kitchen by the smell of bacon and home fries. Kitty was the first to arrive. "I'm glad you're first. Do you want to help me?" Jesse smiled at her.
"I'm so glad to see you smiling again." Kitty poured herself a cup of coffee. "I knew you liked to eat but I thought I remembered Shalimar saying you were a terrible cook."
"I can't make fancy lunches or dinners but breakfast is my specialty."
Marie and Remy were next to arrive, followed soon by Logan and Ororo. Kitty and Jesse filled their orders for their eggs and had everything ready when the others entered. Everyone expressed relief for Jesse's recovery. Evie and the professor informed those who didn't know about her new found ability and the certainty that Adam was indeed alive and in need of their help.
"After breakfast, Logan, will you and Marie contact Jubilee and see if she was able to narrow in on a place of origin for that chopper?" He continued when he saw them nod in agreement. "Jesse and Remy can try and get information from the NAXCON download. Your combined hacking and snooping 'skills' will come in handy." They looked at each other then both feigned insult as everyone laughed. "Ororo and Brennan should run checks on both the Helix and the Blackbird. Make sure they are ready to go when we have a destination. Meanwhile Evie and I will try to make some connections of our own. Shalimar, I think it would be prudent for you to stay with Evie in the lab."
"I would like to have Kitty in the Blackbird with me," Ororo requested. "This will give you a chance to learn more about the Blackbird," she turned to the wondering eyes of her young friend, "should you ever need to co- pilot for Jubilee."
Kitty looked a little disappointed.
"Ya better take the opportunity to learn all ya can, suga'. Ah've seen Jubilee in her simulations. That child will need a co-pilot or we may never see her or the Blackbird again." Marie smiled as Kitty chuckled and Logan and Remy groaned.
Everyone finished and set about their duties. Ororo set Kitty to work on the diagnostics, running complete systems checks as she manually checked the computer connections. "Kitty, I wanted to have a chance to talk to you, alone," Ororo began."
"Somehow, I knew that there was more to this than just saving Jubilee's hide." Kitty smirked as she sat back in her chair.
"I have watched you since we've been here. I want you to know that I think you've done a wonderful job helping Jesse through this difficult time."
"Thank you. I wanted to be here---for him." Kitty absently watched the diagnostic in front of her.
"I know that. I also know that you care deeply for him." Ororo stopped her work to continue. "I just want you to be careful."
"Careful?" Suddenly confused, she turned her head with a jerk.
"Yes, Kitty. This is a very dangerous time for the two of you. If I could, I would send you back home."
"What? No---I can't leave---I," Confusion and desperation were clear in Kitty's voice.
Ororo moved to sit across from her and took her hands. "Kitty, listen to me. He is very vulnerable right now. He loved Emma very much. He will go through a time of painfully missing her. He also cares very much for you but you are no longer the child who played games with your powers to impress him." Kitty sat numbly listening. "It would be very easy, with his emotions running so high, for him to turn to you---as a replacement for Emma."
Kitty was shocked out of her silence. "He would never do that. You said yourself he cares for me. He wouldn't treat me like that."
"He would not mean to hurt you. He would not be intentionally looking to replace her. Grief is a powerful emotion to work through. I do believe he cares for you. I do not believe he is in love with you. Think about it, how can he be? You are young but you must be aware of this, now, before anything may happen."
"I can't believe you are saying this. I thought he was your friend."
"He is my friend. And so are you, more than friend. That's why I don't want to see either of you hurt. You mustn't let your feelings for him lead you into anything at this time. If there is to be something between you, it must grow on it's own. It can not be pushed along by grief and sympathy. That will only lead to guilt and regret." She saw understanding glimmer in Kitty's eyes as they began to fill with tears.
She gently continued. "Mutant X is a continuation of our family. We are all very close. You will have the chance to build a relationship if that is what you both truly want. For now, he doesn't know what he wants. If he should---romantically---turn to you, you must lovingly stop him. He will understand. Give him the time he needs to heal and then you both will have a chance to love without any regrets or ghosts between you."
Adam returned to work after a quick trip to his apartment to shower and change. He had a number of things to do today but wanted to make sure he was done in time for the poker game tonight.
"Well, has it worked? Does he have any idea what happened to him?" The blonde behind the desk asked.
"It worked perfectly. With the memory blocks and the completed behavior modifications, there should be no problems."
"There had better not be, Mason. This project is already too risky. If he begins to remember or Mutant X shows up, your head will roll before mine." Dr. Chrystal Beaty, civilian commander in charge of the Johnston Medical Research and Development Base in Louisiana, was not willing to let anything happen to disrupt her most recent project.
"I spoke to him myself, this morning. Everything will be fine. As for Mutant X, their psionic is dead. There is no way they can track us. I'm sure they found his ring and assume his body was washed out to sea. All military personnel were put on alert for them if in the extreme circumstance they should appear. There will be no problems, I assure you.
"There had better not be. Make sure he is under constant surveillance,--- especially when he goes into town."
Shalimar scanned Evie as the professor had asked. "All her scans match the ones Adam took last month. She is showing a little more tension and all of her systems are showing slight increases but under the circumstances I think that's understandable." Shalimar was no doctor but Adam had her trained well enough to be of help in the lab.
"Thank you." The professor smiled then turned to Evie. "You and I are going to try to contact Adam."
"But, Charles, this has only happened in my sleep. I don't consciously know what to do."
"All you have to do is think about Adam. Think about physically reaching him. Your powers will manifest. I'll augment them and perhaps together we can reach him. Shalimar, I will need you to monitor Evie's brain function, closely. If her activity levels reach critical range, tell me. I will be able to hear you and bring her away from the connection."
~~In a matter of moments, Evie was reaching for Adam with her mind. Using the power that Charles was channeling through her, she soon found him. She was once again in the fog. Charles walked beside her. "Charles, I can feel him but I can't seem to focus in on him." Soon the fog cleared to reveal that they were in a large, empty room with no doors or windows. "Something's wrong. This isn't how it was before."
"This is his mind. I can sense him," Charles confirmed. "We seem to be trapped in this room. I will try to contact him from here, myself." Charles closed his eyes and sought out his friend.
Suddenly Evie collapsed, holding her head in pain. "Charles, what's happening. The pain---it's so bad." Evie gritted.
At the same time, Charles could sense the same coming from Adam. Immediately he broke his connection with Adam and bent to help Evie stand. "I'm sorry, my dear. Come, it's time for us to leave."~~ Quickly he broke the connection he had with Evie and saw Shalimar by her side.
As she opened her eyes, she sat up and rubbed the residual pain from the back of her neck. "What happened?"
"I believe Adam's memories have been blocked. The room we were in represented the caging of his connections to you and his life here. When I tried to reach beyond the walls, I caused him pain. That pain was reflected back through your connection to him. I'm sorry, Evie."
"That's not how it was before." Evie tried to make sense of it.
"It is possible that he was unconscious before; possibly undergoing the process to block out his memories. I sensed he was awake and moving around this time. We should refrain from further contact to avoid causing him pain. Let us see what the others have found." They exited the lab and everyone gathered in the computer area.
TBC
Hum, Louisiana, now who do we know from there?
Note: I am so pleased to hear that this story is appealing to so many of you. Yes, it's time to move on and get down to finding Adam. To clarify, my interpretation of a new mutant is one who has been genetically altered and powers result. A natural mutant is one who was given the gift from God, not science. The original Mutant X team members are new mutants. The X Men are natural mutants. Evie has the natural power of telepathy and the genetically endowed power to heal. She's my character. I can do that.
Chapter 8 - Sympathy and Pain
In the morning, after having the first good night's sleep in a while, Jesse awoke refreshed. Immediately he realized that he was not alone. Turning slightly, he saw a beautiful young woman curled up on the far side of his bed. As he watched her sleep soundly, he began to think of all she had done for him over the last few days. The love and support she had shown him spoke volumes and pulled at his heart. Seeing her on top of the blanket, he gently covered her with the side that was over him and she shifted under the new warmth around her. Smiling, he slowly got out of bed and left her so he could shower and dress. When he returned, he found her still snuggled under his blanket. He leaned down and gently kissed her forehead then turned to leave. Before he reached the door he heard her whisper his name. Turning back he saw her sitting up in bed with fear in her eyes.
"Good morning," he said as he returned and sat by her.
"Are you---ok, Jess?" Concern was still evident in her eyes.
"Yeah," he smiled at her. "I was just going down to get to work on the computers. I didn't want to wake you."
Relieved and suddenly self-conscious she looked away, "I'm---uh---sorry about this. I guess I fell asleep before I thought about going back to my room." She sat nervously wringing her hands.
He gently took her hands in his as she shyly looked back up. "I'm glad you were comfortable enough to stay with me. Uh---Kitty---listen. I have to apologize for yesterday. I know you were worried when I took off. And then when I got back---well---I didn't pay much attention to you. I just needed some time---ya know---to get ready to say goodbye."
"I know. I just wanted to help," she whispered.
"Believe me when I say; you did help. I wouldn't have gotten through it if it weren't for you." He reached out and took her into his arms. "I don't know what I'd be like right now if you hadn't come." Feeling her relax in his arms let him know she understood. But then, he hesitated and didn't release her. She laid her head on his shoulder. It felt good to have her in his arms right now. She was warm and soft and---suddenly feeling guilty for his random thoughts he pulled away and tried to smile to cover his nervousness. "Um---I put out some clean towels for you. Why don't you get yourself up and dressed and meet me downstairs for breakfast? If no one else is up, maybe we'll cook for them." He heard her agree as he quickly made his way out of the room and closed the door behind him.
In the infirmary of the R&D facility, Adam began to wake up.
"Uuhh---What happened?" He tried to focus as he opened his eyes to the bright lights above him.
"Adam, thank God. You really had me worried this time."
"Mason? What are you talking about?"
Laughing he continued, "Come on, don't you remember anything?"
Adam tried to think back. "I was working in the lab and an experiment went bad. It reminded me of another one I worked on last year. I wanted to check it out so I went to the file room to retrieve some old notes. I remember climbing to the top shelf---"
"Without a ladder," Mason shook his head. "Then you must have slipped and hit your head. Nancy was at her desk when she heard you crash. That was yesterday and you've been here ever since. Really, Adam, when will you stop being so reckless?"
Smiling as he got up he simply replied, "The shelves were easy enough to climb." Turning to the tech standing behind him he said, "Hey, Dave, are we still on for the poker game tonight?"
"Yeah, sure thing. Meet me in the lobby of the club at 7."
"Great. I'll be there."
"With genius comes insanity." Mason rolled his eyes. "I'm going back to work. Go home and change. I'll see you when you get back." Mason left the med bay. Once back in his office, he paused and took a deep breath as he realized his plan was working perfectly.
Back at Sanctuary the mood was very different this morning than last. Everyone began moving around and they were drawn to the kitchen by the smell of bacon and home fries. Kitty was the first to arrive. "I'm glad you're first. Do you want to help me?" Jesse smiled at her.
"I'm so glad to see you smiling again." Kitty poured herself a cup of coffee. "I knew you liked to eat but I thought I remembered Shalimar saying you were a terrible cook."
"I can't make fancy lunches or dinners but breakfast is my specialty."
Marie and Remy were next to arrive, followed soon by Logan and Ororo. Kitty and Jesse filled their orders for their eggs and had everything ready when the others entered. Everyone expressed relief for Jesse's recovery. Evie and the professor informed those who didn't know about her new found ability and the certainty that Adam was indeed alive and in need of their help.
"After breakfast, Logan, will you and Marie contact Jubilee and see if she was able to narrow in on a place of origin for that chopper?" He continued when he saw them nod in agreement. "Jesse and Remy can try and get information from the NAXCON download. Your combined hacking and snooping 'skills' will come in handy." They looked at each other then both feigned insult as everyone laughed. "Ororo and Brennan should run checks on both the Helix and the Blackbird. Make sure they are ready to go when we have a destination. Meanwhile Evie and I will try to make some connections of our own. Shalimar, I think it would be prudent for you to stay with Evie in the lab."
"I would like to have Kitty in the Blackbird with me," Ororo requested. "This will give you a chance to learn more about the Blackbird," she turned to the wondering eyes of her young friend, "should you ever need to co- pilot for Jubilee."
Kitty looked a little disappointed.
"Ya better take the opportunity to learn all ya can, suga'. Ah've seen Jubilee in her simulations. That child will need a co-pilot or we may never see her or the Blackbird again." Marie smiled as Kitty chuckled and Logan and Remy groaned.
Everyone finished and set about their duties. Ororo set Kitty to work on the diagnostics, running complete systems checks as she manually checked the computer connections. "Kitty, I wanted to have a chance to talk to you, alone," Ororo began."
"Somehow, I knew that there was more to this than just saving Jubilee's hide." Kitty smirked as she sat back in her chair.
"I have watched you since we've been here. I want you to know that I think you've done a wonderful job helping Jesse through this difficult time."
"Thank you. I wanted to be here---for him." Kitty absently watched the diagnostic in front of her.
"I know that. I also know that you care deeply for him." Ororo stopped her work to continue. "I just want you to be careful."
"Careful?" Suddenly confused, she turned her head with a jerk.
"Yes, Kitty. This is a very dangerous time for the two of you. If I could, I would send you back home."
"What? No---I can't leave---I," Confusion and desperation were clear in Kitty's voice.
Ororo moved to sit across from her and took her hands. "Kitty, listen to me. He is very vulnerable right now. He loved Emma very much. He will go through a time of painfully missing her. He also cares very much for you but you are no longer the child who played games with your powers to impress him." Kitty sat numbly listening. "It would be very easy, with his emotions running so high, for him to turn to you---as a replacement for Emma."
Kitty was shocked out of her silence. "He would never do that. You said yourself he cares for me. He wouldn't treat me like that."
"He would not mean to hurt you. He would not be intentionally looking to replace her. Grief is a powerful emotion to work through. I do believe he cares for you. I do not believe he is in love with you. Think about it, how can he be? You are young but you must be aware of this, now, before anything may happen."
"I can't believe you are saying this. I thought he was your friend."
"He is my friend. And so are you, more than friend. That's why I don't want to see either of you hurt. You mustn't let your feelings for him lead you into anything at this time. If there is to be something between you, it must grow on it's own. It can not be pushed along by grief and sympathy. That will only lead to guilt and regret." She saw understanding glimmer in Kitty's eyes as they began to fill with tears.
She gently continued. "Mutant X is a continuation of our family. We are all very close. You will have the chance to build a relationship if that is what you both truly want. For now, he doesn't know what he wants. If he should---romantically---turn to you, you must lovingly stop him. He will understand. Give him the time he needs to heal and then you both will have a chance to love without any regrets or ghosts between you."
Adam returned to work after a quick trip to his apartment to shower and change. He had a number of things to do today but wanted to make sure he was done in time for the poker game tonight.
"Well, has it worked? Does he have any idea what happened to him?" The blonde behind the desk asked.
"It worked perfectly. With the memory blocks and the completed behavior modifications, there should be no problems."
"There had better not be, Mason. This project is already too risky. If he begins to remember or Mutant X shows up, your head will roll before mine." Dr. Chrystal Beaty, civilian commander in charge of the Johnston Medical Research and Development Base in Louisiana, was not willing to let anything happen to disrupt her most recent project.
"I spoke to him myself, this morning. Everything will be fine. As for Mutant X, their psionic is dead. There is no way they can track us. I'm sure they found his ring and assume his body was washed out to sea. All military personnel were put on alert for them if in the extreme circumstance they should appear. There will be no problems, I assure you.
"There had better not be. Make sure he is under constant surveillance,--- especially when he goes into town."
Shalimar scanned Evie as the professor had asked. "All her scans match the ones Adam took last month. She is showing a little more tension and all of her systems are showing slight increases but under the circumstances I think that's understandable." Shalimar was no doctor but Adam had her trained well enough to be of help in the lab.
"Thank you." The professor smiled then turned to Evie. "You and I are going to try to contact Adam."
"But, Charles, this has only happened in my sleep. I don't consciously know what to do."
"All you have to do is think about Adam. Think about physically reaching him. Your powers will manifest. I'll augment them and perhaps together we can reach him. Shalimar, I will need you to monitor Evie's brain function, closely. If her activity levels reach critical range, tell me. I will be able to hear you and bring her away from the connection."
~~In a matter of moments, Evie was reaching for Adam with her mind. Using the power that Charles was channeling through her, she soon found him. She was once again in the fog. Charles walked beside her. "Charles, I can feel him but I can't seem to focus in on him." Soon the fog cleared to reveal that they were in a large, empty room with no doors or windows. "Something's wrong. This isn't how it was before."
"This is his mind. I can sense him," Charles confirmed. "We seem to be trapped in this room. I will try to contact him from here, myself." Charles closed his eyes and sought out his friend.
Suddenly Evie collapsed, holding her head in pain. "Charles, what's happening. The pain---it's so bad." Evie gritted.
At the same time, Charles could sense the same coming from Adam. Immediately he broke his connection with Adam and bent to help Evie stand. "I'm sorry, my dear. Come, it's time for us to leave."~~ Quickly he broke the connection he had with Evie and saw Shalimar by her side.
As she opened her eyes, she sat up and rubbed the residual pain from the back of her neck. "What happened?"
"I believe Adam's memories have been blocked. The room we were in represented the caging of his connections to you and his life here. When I tried to reach beyond the walls, I caused him pain. That pain was reflected back through your connection to him. I'm sorry, Evie."
"That's not how it was before." Evie tried to make sense of it.
"It is possible that he was unconscious before; possibly undergoing the process to block out his memories. I sensed he was awake and moving around this time. We should refrain from further contact to avoid causing him pain. Let us see what the others have found." They exited the lab and everyone gathered in the computer area.
TBC
Hum, Louisiana, now who do we know from there?
