Chapter 2: Diagnosis?
After what seemed like ages, they had Jean hooked up to every machine in the Med Lab. Ororo had given her a series of antibiotics to counteract any possible reactions.
"I did the best I could. Jean's the best doctor at the institute, she usually handles cases like this, so I hope what I did is right!" Storm had commented to Scott.
It was clear that it was an allergic reaction, a bad one. Still, they had done all they could to bring Jean's soaring temperature down and relax the constricting muscles in her throat. All that remained was to find out why she was still unconscious. Storm had suggested that Jean's severe intolerance may have caused a coma, but Scott denied the possibility, in desperation.
Professor Xavier was sitting next to her bed, watching Jean intently. Scott approached him and pulled up a chair.
"So what now, Professor?" he asked after a few moment's silence.
"I don't know Scott. Allergies go far deeper in mutants that in humans. They link right to the body's chemical balance and even to your powers. You say you can still sense Jean in your mind?" Scott nodded.
"I wonder why she has not said anything to you. You have communicated subconsciously before. When you were trapped in Rogue, she opened the link while she was asleep." The Professor looked puzzled.
"What I find weird is that I can usually sense, to some degree, what she is feeling. But now, its like she's there, but not doing anything. She's numb." Scott said.
"Perhaps Ororo was right. Perhaps it is a coma." Xavier said softly.
"It can't be! It was just an allergy!" said Scott loudly, rising from his seat. "This can't happen to her!" his voice was choked.
"Calm yourself, Scott. Jean wouldn't want you to be so upset. We must remain positive- this is probably just a repercussion of Jean's body's attempt to re-stabilize itself. The only risk is if it has affected Jean's telepathic abilities. The mind can be a confusing place- easy to get lost in." He was silent for a few moments as he let the severity of his words sink in.
"Still, I have an idea."
Scott went silent for a moment, reaching out to brush a stray strand of Jean's strawberry hair away from her face. He composed himself and sat down again.
"What's your idea Professor?"
"I need to get into Jean's mind. To find out what condition she's in. If I can find her, in her mind, then there's a good chance she'll recover fully."
"But why do you have to do that Professor?"
"Truth be told, I 'm worried Scott. I know Jean's mental strength; she should have woken up by now, or at least made some contact to you. I feel the same numbness you feel and it makes me think something is wrong? I hate to say it, but I think something more serious has happed to Jean."
"What though?"
"I don't know, but if I can find her, on some level of consciousness, it will certainly help ease your pain. And mine.."
"So what do you have to do?" asked Scott quietly.
"This."
The professor put his hands on either side of Jean's head and closed his eyes. For a while, he was silent. He frowned.
Scott got up. "What is it Professor?"
Xavier opened his eyes and sighed. "Her mind's completely closed to me. I can't get in."
"So what now?" Scott began to worry.
"Give her a few days to recover physically, then try again."
A/N Short, I know, but I kinda think of it as an interlude.