Amid the Darkness, Some Light Appears

"This is Trish Trilby reporting live from the Bayville Courthouse," The reporter could be seen with several protestors in the background. "There is tension in the air tonight as reporters and protestors are here to witness the arraignment of Evan 'Spyke' Daniels. It is official he has been charged with first degree murder. After weeks of fear the public can now feel at ease with not only Daniels behind bars but also another mutant wanted for multiple separate murder charges, including yesterday's murder of Dr. Anthony Grippin also a player in the Power 8 scandal. The mutant known as Maria Callastinos a.k.a. Feral has been wanted in another state for the murders of her mother and her mother's fiancée. There is also evidence that Callastinos has been involved in several other murders as well."

Trish continued. "The interesting thing about this is that Callastinos is the sister of the X-Man known as Thornn, also known as Lucia Callastinos. This is just another instance in a long list of mutants in trouble with the law having an affiliation with the X-Men. This leads this reporter to wonder, are the X-Men as law abiding as they claim to be? Are they truly here to help humanity or are they a front helping mutant criminals?"

"Oh man the media's having a field day with this," Tabitha turned off the television in disgust. "Not only did they catch Evan but they got the feline family serial killer! I can just hear Creed the Creep now!"

"I can't believe one of the cops leaked out about Thornn's past!" Jubilee said. "No wonder she never wanted to talk to us."

"Well at least Spirit convinced the cops not to charge Thornn with anything," Jesse said.

"Only because she helped them get Spyke and turn in her sister," Ray grumbled. "Not that she had much of a choice."

"Man if the Morlocks were mad at Evan they must be really ticked off at Thornn!" Roberto said.

"I'm not so sure," Ray said. "Trust me on this. Some of them may be actually celebrating the fact Feral's behind bars."

"Well Feral's ball of yarn may be short a few inches but Evan's different!" Tabitha said. "I wish they let us come to the hearing! They got to let Evan out on bail! They just have to!"

Xavier and Ororo entered the room with somber looks on their faces. Everyone knew what had happened. "They're not letting him out on bail are they?" Jean asked.

"Too much of a flight risk," Ororo choked. "The DA is also trying to get the death penalty for him."

"Oh god no…" Kitty moaned. "This can't be happening! We can't let them kill Spyke! We just can't!"

"It hasn't come to that," Xavier said. "We mustn't lose hope. Right now we have to work on clearing Evan's name. We're just lucky the DA is only charging Evan with Spears' death and not Grippin's."

"That Grippin guy knew something all right," Scott said. "Spirit told us Spears had some kind of files. Maybe whoever killed Spears…?"

"Whoever? Please we all know who did it!" Rogue snapped. "It was Creed, plain and simple!"

"We don't know that," Scott told her. "For sure anyway."

"Well if it wasn't him personally he probably sent one of his flunkies to do the job!" Rogue stood up. "I mean think about it, Spears wouldn't give him the formula so Creed has him killed. Then he frames Evan and uses the publicity to get himself elected to president and push his anti-mutant agenda! What could be simpler?"

"I hate to say it but that's not such a far fetched idea," Xavier sighed.

"Professor you can go into Creed's mind no?" Remy asked. "Maybe 'persuade' him to tell the truth?"

"You know I do not do that Remy," Xavier looked at him.

"Well somebody better do something or else Evan's gonna fry!" Tabitha shouted. At this Ororo choked and left the room. "Oh Storm…I didn't mean it like that!"

"You were just saying what she was thinking," Remy sighed.

"How's Thornn holding up?" Xavier asked.

"Not good," Rogue got up and showed him to the library. "She's been real down ever since…you know?"

Thornn sat on the couch, knees pressed to her chest, tail curled around her feet. Her eyes looked sad and vacant. Rogue sat down next to her. "Don't blame yourself," She said softly. "You didn't have a choice."

"Yes I did," Thornn choked. "Either I go to jail or my sister does. I chose me over her."

"Hey, you didn't kill anybody!" Rogue told her. "Feral did."

"I used to think that she only did it to protect me," Thornn sighed. "Because she cared about me. Now I'm not so sure. Our mother wasn't exactly the most loving person in the world. She cared more about her boyfriend than what he tried to do to me. Said she was going to kill us both and that's when Maria..."

She choked. "The next thing I knew she was dead and we were on the run. The Morocks took us in and the rest you know. How could I have been so stupid?"

"Lucia," Xavier wheeled over to her. "You are not responsible for your sister's actions."

"But I am responsible for sending her and Spyke to prison," Thornn told him. "They're gonna kill her aren't they?"

"No," Xavier shook his head. "It didn't take a judge long to determine that Feral is legally insane. Under state law she can't be executed."

"Just locked up for the rest of her life," Thornn sighed. "Maybe it's for the best. Look at all the people she killed: My mother, my older brother and baby sister...practically our entire family."

"Not quite," Xavier told her. "Once we learned your real name I checked Cerebro's files. It turns out your younger sister Carolina, although she was badly injured, survived Feral's attack."

"What?" Thornn couldn't believe it. "You mean my sister's…"

"Alive," Xavier smiled. "Apparently after her injury the authorities removed her from custody. But your mother moved before they could take you or your sister."

"They probably thought she did it," Thornn sighed. "Wait does that mean she's…?"

"A mutant, yes," Xavier told her. "She developed the same feline traits as you and Feral. However due to her injuries she has been confined to a wheelchair for most of her life."

"Oh god…Where is she?" Thornn asked. "Is she all right?"

"Yes, believe it or not, she's on Muir Island," Xavier.

"You mean all this time Thornn's sister was there and nobody figured it out?" Rogue gasped.

"Well Carolina's last name was changed when she was adopted," Xavier explained. "Her adopted parents sent her to Muir Island when her mutation appeared. They knew she would get better care there."

"This is unbelievable…" Thornn gasped. "I need to call her right away!"

"I thought you might," Xavier nodded. "Come on, we'll use the phone in my office."

Meanwhile Storm was trying to piece together her thoughts in her greenhouse. Alison walked in timidly. "Storm?"

"Alison, what can I do for you?" She asked.

"Actually I was gonna ask you that question," Alison told her.

"I've just…" Ororo sighed. "It's been a hard few weeks."

"I hate to say this but…It's gonna get harder, I know," Alison said. "Personal experience. I…know what it's like to have the media tear your life apart especially when things aren't so great. That's kind of what drove me to the Theater in the first place. If you need anything. Just let me know, okay?"

"You know I never realized how much you went through," Ororo sighed. "I couldn't understand at first what drove you to a place like that. Now all I want to do is hide myself. I feel so…"

"Useless?" Alison asked. "Ashamed? Even though you did nothing wrong you still feel like dirt? It feels like you're the world's biggest target and it's open season. People will be cruel and hurtful just so they can grab a few seconds of airtime. Anything and everything about your personal life is up for grabs and will be exploited."

"It's awful," Ororo said. "What good are my powers if I can't even help my own nephew?"

"Look, you got at least one thing I didn't have," Alison put her arm around her. "Actually several things. You have friends who will support you. Real friends. I wish I had that."

"You have it now," Ororo told her. "Thank you Alison."

"It's the least I can do for all you've done for me," Alison said. "You and everyone here. Well I'm done running. I let them drive me out of my career and Hollywood. I'm not letting them run me out of my home just when I've found it! Don't you let them run you and the others out too! We can beat them if we stand together."

"We will," Ororo said with new determination. "We are going to beat them. We're going to find out who really killed Spears and bring Evan home if it is the last thing I ever do!"

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"Are you sure you want to do this?" Xavier asked Thornn some time later. Jean, John and Logan were with her.

"I can't stay here," Thornn sighed. "Especially after what's happened. I don't think I can look Storm in the face knowing that I helped send her nephew…"

"Don't say that!" John told her. "You don't know that."

"What's going on?" Jubilee asked as she walked in.

"I'm moving to Muir Island to be with my sister," Thornn said.

"For how long?" Jubilee asked.

"I don't know," Thornn told her. "With all that's happened and everything…I just need to get away for a while. Maybe make another fresh start. Dr. MacTaggart said it was okay."

"Oh man," Jubilee blinked. "When?"

"Tomorrow," Thornn said. "I asked the Misfits to teleport me there."

"That doesn't leave you much time," Jubilee said. "I don't want to see you go, but I guess I can understand why."

"Thornn you are welcome back at any time you wish," Xavier took her hand. "And keep your inducer."

"Thanks Professor," Thornn sighed. "For everything."

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"All aboard the Misfit Express!" Shipwreck had teleported with Angelica. "Now leaving for Muir Island!"

"Angelica you're coming too?" Thornn asked.

"I wanted to say hello to Rahne and Theresa again," Angelica said. "I think it will be nice to see them without the Triplets, or Spyder…or a rampaging demon in tow."

"What?" Xavier asked.

"It's a long story…" Angelica groaned.

"I'm going too," Jubilee said. "Just to meet your sister and to help you get settled in. I'm coming back. Besides I want to see your new place."

"Well time for us to be shoving off," Shipwreck looked around and saw Ororo standing outside. "Hang on a second." He walked over to her. "Hey. Are you okay?"

"Not really no," Ororo sighed.

"Ororo about what happened with Evan…" Shipwreck began. Ororo stopped him.

"Shipwreck I'm not blaming you or the Misfits for what you did," Ororo sighed. "You were only doing your job. You didn't have a choice. At least because of you Evan's alive. Anyone else would have killed him on the spot."

"Well that's good to know," Shipwreck sighed. "What about Thornn?"

"I hate to say this Shipwreck but…" Ororo sighed. "I'm angry at her. Angry at all the things she told me about Evan. Angry for her hiding secrets from us. Angry with her for running behind our backs and…" Ororo shook her head. "Yes it's irrational. Yes it doesn't make sense but that's how I feel."

"Maybe you're really mad at Evan but you're taking it out on her," Shipwreck frowned.

"I just can't make peace with her. Not yet," Ororo sighed. "That sounds very petty of me doesn't it?"

"Actually it sounds very human of you," Shipwreck looked at her.

"Maybe mutants aren't as evolved as we think we are," Ororo said.

"That's a good sign," Shipwreck grinned a little. "Ororo…"

"Not now Shipwreck…" She turned away. "I just want her gone." She walked out the door.

Shipwreck shook his head and walked back in. "Let me guess," Thornn said bitterly. "She hates me."

"No I think she hates herself more right now," Shipwreck sighed. "She feels like she's failed Evan as a parent and right now she needs a scapegoat. Sorry kid. But she'll come around."

"I hate to admit it Shipwreck but you've hit the proverbial nail on the head," Xavier sighed.

"See and I didn't even need telepathic powers to figure it out," Shipwreck grinned.

"Well we'll miss you Thornn," Tabitha hugged her.

"Please come back soon," Jamie said. "Storm can't stay mad at you forever for stuff Evan did."

"Short Stuff has a point here," Logan nodded. "Look once this situation with Evan is all settled and she's kicked his butt for making her worry…Things will be all right. Okay?"

"I hope so," Thornn sighed. "Thank you all for everything. I'll e-mail you all every chance I get."

Soon everyone had said their good-byes and they teleported to Muir Isle. Waiting for them was Sean, Moira, Rahne, Theresa and a young cat girl with red fur and hair in crutches. "LUCIA!" She cried.

"Cari!" Thornn cried using her sister's nickname. They embraced. "I can't believe it's really you!"

"I know! It's like a dream or something!" Cari cried out. "Come on! I'll show you around!" She indicated her crutches. "I can get around pretty well on these."

"Cari I..." Thornn started to say.

"I don't blame you for what happened to me," Cari told her. "Look at it this way, if it wasn't for Maria I'd have never ended up with great adopted parents. Even when I changed they still loved me and that's what matters. So no feeling guilty or sorry for me? We have way too much catching up to do. Okay?"

"Okay," Thornn grinned.

"Angelica! Jubilee!" Rahnee called out. "It's good to see you again!"

"Good to see you too," Angelica smiled. "And no evil kids or demons!"

"Yeah and no running around Europe terrorizing people," Theresa smirked.

"Or having the adults get drunk," Rahne smirked.

"What?" Xavier asked.

"Don't ask…" Moira groaned.

"Professor Xavier," Sean shook his hand. "Good to see you. I've wanted to speak to ye for a while. I have a proposition for you."

"Oh really?" Xavier asked.

"You know our work here at Muir Island is mostly research and taking care of those seriously ill mutants right?" Moira asked. "Well unfortunately anti-mutant sentiment is sweeping the world, not just America. Most mutants are hiding in fear or joining terrorist groups. It's not a pretty sight."

"I've been doing some thinking," Sean told Xavier. "I want to set up a small team similar to your X-Men here at Muir Island. Mostly a rescue and recovery team to be used to help other mutants that can't help themselves in Europe. My daughter is one and I'd like Thornn to be another recruit."

"I'd like that a lot," Thornn said. "At least over here I'd be with my sister and feel like I'm doing something."

"What about me?" Rahne asked Moira.

"I think you might benefit more if you go back with Professor Xavier and train with the X-Men some more," Moira said. "That is if it's all right with you Charles."

"Of course it is," Xavier nodded.

"You're letting me go back?" Rahne asked.

"Yes I think your friends need you now," Moira told her. "Besides she could take some of that training in the X-Men and help us here later if need be."

"Having another mutant group in Europe isn't a bad idea," Shipwreck nodded.

"Yes perhaps I might be able to help with some design specifications for an upgrade of your facilities, including a Danger Room of your own," Xavier said. "I may even know of a few mutants you might want to recruit for your team."

"Hey!" Shipwreck said. "How come you never give us any new members?"

"One because the members you have now are more than anyone can handle," Xavier told him. "Besides you still hang around the X-Men to steal any potential candidates from us!"

"Don't tell me you're still sore about Firestar and Dragonfly?" Shipwreck huffed as he folded his arms.

"No, I'm sore about how many times you destroy my mansion!" Xavier snapped at him.

"Oh it's going to be good to go back," Rahne grinned. "But I am going to miss you Theresa."

"Well maybe it's just as well," Theresa winced as Xavier and Shipwreck kept bickering. "Do they always fight like that?"

"This is nothing, " Angelica said. "You should see our two teams having a real fight!"

"Yeah all of the sudden staying here is looking like one of the smartest decisions I've ever made," Thornn remarked.