[Okay, I lied a little. The answers aren't in this particular chapter. But I'm uploading the chapters which have the answers together with this one, so it's almost right, yeah?…

[And what did I just say in my last author notes, Anonymous? You should be grateful that C-Chan and Krazy Xanadu were polite enough to offset your comment. And the explanations will be in this chapter, as well as the answer to Brawn's question. Don't worry, XM6 – you will understand why as the story continues.

[Yes, I know that the formatting was wrong again in chapter 17. At least it wasn't as severe this time. On with the fic!]

The professor tried to catch onto Kurt's fading conscious, in a desperate attempt to keep him alive until help could reach him. But someone else's mind was already there…

Jean? Do you sense that? asked the Professor, unsure whether he believed his senses.

What is it, Professor? It feels like someone has a mental connection to Kurt, came the reassuring question. The Professor smiled, and allowed himself to relax.

Someone else is helping Kurt. I think that if we could speak to whoever is in his mind, he or she would be able to answer a lot of our questions.

I'll go find them, Jean said instantly. Professor X smiled.

Logan, Scott, Ororo, he called. Don't disturb Kurt's body for now. Just monitor his vital signs.

Jean hurried downstairs and out of the Institute, following the elusive thread that connected Kurt to – someone else. After a few minute's walking, she found herself in the nearby park, looking around for the person she was trying to find.

After a few minutes, her eye was drawn to a teenage girl sat on one of the benches. There were other people sat down, but unlike them, this girl didn't seem to be resting or admiring the scenery.

Jean went over to her. "Hello," she said in her most friendly voice. The girl looked at her quickly, but then returned her attention to staring straight ahead. Jean turned her head to spot what the girl was looking at – and realised that she was staring in the direction of the Institute.

That assured Jean that she had found the person she was looking for. "Will you come with me?" she asked. "I think that we could use your help." But underneath her relief at finding the person, a kernel of doubt appeared. What help would a teenager be to them?