A/N: Again source was GS X-Men #1. For my HP readers, these will part of the new rotation. For my X-Men readers, the stories will be back to back, then a pause as I write the chapters for my HPs. As a reference, Passion will be next, then the long-awaited return of Ever Love, followed by Birth Bond, Essence, and Heart. As always. thanks for the R/Rs.
Chapter 9: The Living Island
"Jean!"
Jean froze with her coffee cup halfway to her mouth at the slightly irritated tone of Logan's voice coming from the corridor. Ororo looked at Jean with a raised eyebrow from across the table in the kitchen. Her expression was somewhere between amusement and concern. Jean gulped as she glanced down at her clothes. She knew she was caught.
"What did you do?" Ororo whispered to her.
Jean smiled weakly at her best friend as she set her cup down. Over the six months, Ororo had been with the school, she and Jean had become almost as inseparable as Jean and Logan. Ororo could tell by the guilty look on Jean's face that the redhead had done something to her boyfriend that was sure to lead to something hilarious or something she didn't want to be in the middle of. Jean and Logan rarely fought, but their bickering banter was always heated, and no one wanted to get between them when they were angry at the other.
"Wha' happened ta my favorite shirt an' flannel?" Logan asked crossing his arms, leaning on the doorframe. He looked at Jean with a more annoyed than angry look.
"Uh…I don't know," Jean lied, weakly. She scooted her chair back slightly, trying to look innocent, and failing miserably. Ororo had to grin. This was one of their ongoing laughable battles. Jean was constantly taking and wearing Logan's shirts whenever she could get away with it. Ororo thought the shirt looked familiar when Jean had entered the kitchen.
"Really?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. "Then, how come yer wearin' my shirt?"
"Uh…Is that…the Professor calling me?" Jean asked as she slowly stood, bolting out of the kitchen as fast as she could. Logan saw a flash of flannel tied around her waist as Jean ran out. Logan huffed with a grin as he gave chase. Ororo started laughing as soon as he was on the move.
Jean smiled to herself as she sensed Logan chasing her down the hallway. Jean ducked into the first open door she came to, only to realize she had cornered herself. She could see Alex and Lorna on the deck outside, knowing they would slow her down if she ran out there. Jean had one option. She ran to the far side of the room, putting the furniture between them. Logan entered the rec-room as Jean tried to circle the billiards table.
"Jean," Logan warned with a grin. "I was gonna wear those after my shower."
"And?" Jean grinned as she faced him, trying to keep on the far side of the table.
"Ya know those're my favorites," Logan faked going left, only to go right, catching Jean around the waist with his arms as she tried to dart for the door. Jean laughingly squealed as Logan held her tight and began tickling her sides. "Now, ya gonna pay fer makin' me chase ya down," Logan laughed.
Their loud laughter and antics had drawn an audience. Alex and Lorna had entered from the patio, having seen the commotion through the windows. Piotr, Kurt, and Sean had followed Ororo from the kitchen at the sounds of Jean's laughing squeals. They were all laughing as Logan had Jean pinned to the armchair, tickling her mercilessly.
"Logan," Jean laughed. "Stop! Please, stop!"
"You gonna surrender the flannel?" Logan smiled at her with a raised eyebrow.
Jean nodded, trying to catch her breath. "But what are you gonna give me for it?" she asked flirtatiously as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Hmm," Logan considered. "This," he answered as he leaned in kissing her. They were too caught up with each other to hear the wolf whistles from Alex and Lorna.
"Oh, alright," Jean sighed with a grin. She untied the flannel from her waist handing it over to him. "Just don't ask for the shirt."
"Not right now," Logan grinned smugly. "Maybe later, after yer scent's nice and sunk into it."
"Oh, really?" Jean asked as she stole another kiss from him. Again, they ignored the cat-calls from the others.
"Yeah," Logan answered before kissing her again, long and passionately.
"Oh, I think I'm going to be sick," Scott groused as he sat down on the sofa to watch the television with Bobby and Warren. "Can't you two do that elsewhere?"
"Can it, Scooter," Logan glared as he spun to face him.
"No one asked you to watch us, Scott," Jean shot him a scathing look.
"And there goes the good mood," Bobby grumbled with a sigh, shaking his head. "Scott, just leave it for once."
"Yeah, Scotty," Warren agreed. "They're just having fun."
"Whatever," Scott grumped, crossing his arms. "Ow!" Scott yelped as he felt a minor shock on the back of his head. He turned to see Ororo standing behind him with sparks glowing on her fingertips.
"You will leave them alone, Scott, and stop being such a mood-killer," Ororo warned him sternly with narrowed white eyes.
"What's One-Eye done now?" asked John, rolling his eyes, as he and Shiro entered carrying bags from their trip into town. They had followed the sounds of voices as they had arrived, seeing most of the team glaring or frowning at Scott.
"Oh, zhe usual," Kurt waved it off. "Jean and Logan hoving fun and Scott being a stick in the mud."
"You might want to think about your actions more," John commented looking at Scott. "Respect goes both ways, One-Eye. You ain't earned it from any of us lately."
"Fuck off, John," Scott glared at him.
John shook his head as he and Shiro sighed before heading for the kitchen, followed by everyone else except Scott, who sat sulking on the sofa.
"Lunch is served," Shiro announced as he set the bags on the counter. "Fourteen lunch specials from Harry's Hideaway."
"Put the Professor's in the fridge," Alex nodded as he came in almost last. "He said he was busy all day in Cerebro."
"I got it," Scott picked up one of the boxes as he entered behind Alex and Lorna.
"Nice of you to join us," Lorna commented sarcastically. Scott frowned at the scathing look he received from her as he placed the box in the refrigerator.
"Yeah, well, I'm hungry," shrugged Scott.
"Be nice and we may let you eat at the big boy table," Warren smirked.
"Funny," Scott frowned, taking his usual seat at the far end of the table well away from Jean and Logan.
"Hey, Logan, ya mind?" Bobby asked holding up a large link of summer sausage he had pulled from one of the bags.
"What? Never heard o' a knife?" Logan frowned.
"But it's sooo much cleaner and faster when you do it," whined Bobby. "Please."
Logan sighed. "Yer lucky I like ya, cub." He motioned for Jean to hold it up with her powers. As the sausage floated in the air, Logan extended his claws. With four quick motions, the sausage was cut into small rounds. Jean motioned with her hand, making the rounds lay themselves on a plate in a neat circle.
"Ya can fergit about askin' me ta do the cheese," Logan warned, pointing a finger at Bobby. "Last time I did that, my claws were grubby fer the whole day. Made 'em itch inside my arms."
"I got it," Lorna smiled, waving Logan off. She placed a block of cheese on the cutting board, using her magnetic powers to slice the cheese with eight knives at once.
"Show offs," Warren rolled his eyes.
"Coming from the guy who can fly," John raised an eyebrow.
"Says the man who can lift a small car and outrun a buffalo," Warren bantered back. "Hey, Bobby? How about some cold drinks?"
"Encouraging it now, hm?" Shiro commented with a smirk at Warren.
"Hey," Warren shrugged, "Bobby has to be useful for something. All of us know he isn't any good with plans and strategies." Most of the table laughed at the dig to the youngest member of the team.
"Sure, bird-boy," frowned Bobby. He handed Warren a can that was frosted on the sides.
"Hey!" Warren complained as he tried to open it. "I said cold, not frozen!"
"That's what you get, Warren," Jean chuckled. "Bobby's been learning the ropes from Logan. 'Don't get mad, get even'." The table erupted in laughter as Shiro thawed the can quickly, only to have Warren spray himself with foam from the can.
"I think you should throw in the towel," Lorna laughed, tossing one at Warren, hitting him in the face. The table roared with laughter, even Scott.
'X-Men! Report to the briefing room immediately!' the Professor's voice called telepathically to all of them.
"So much for our day off and fun," complained Bobby over the noise of the chairs.
"And our lunch," Ororo frowned, as Jean levitated a marker to everyone.
"Bring the finger foods," Alex told her as they all staked their boxes in the refrigerator after labeling them quickly.
"I got them," Jean gestured with her hands, lifting the plates with her powers.
The team entered the briefing room a few minutes later. Jean set the plates of food down as they took their seats. The Professor still had his back to them, facing the computer console to the Blackbird's onboard navigation system. Alex motioned for everyone to be silent, physically and mentally, so the Professor could finish. Xavier finally turned a minute later with a grave and concerned face.
"I have detected a new mutant," he began. Curious and confused faces looked back at him. Xavier raised a hand to stop any questions the team may have until he could explain further. "However, the readings do not make much sense. I have even tried to speak to this mutant telepathically, but I was rebuffed at every turn. It is quite perplexing. The location makes little sense, either."
"Where is it, Professor?" Alex asked. He glanced at Jean for a read on the Professor's emotions. Jean glanced back with a troubled look.
"A remote, uncharted island in the South Pacific," Xavier answered. "As far as I can ascertain, it is an uninhabited island, which is even more troubling. I cannot tell if this mutant was sent there because of his or her powers, or if he or she is there voluntarily to protect others from their mutation."
"Somethin' don' smell right, Chuck," Logan grunted. "Even if that's the case, ya shoulda been able ta talk ta 'em. I don' like it."
"I agree, Wolverine," Xavier nodded. "Havok, I would like you to take the Alpha team to investigate. Please, be extra cautious when you arrive. Thunderbird, would you accompany them, please? They will need a tracker, and Wolverine doesn't work well with Cyclops."
"Yes, sir," John nodded with a smirk to Logan.
"Jean, I would like you to stay here with Bravo team in case something goes wrong," Xavier turned to her. Jean nodded. "I shall monitor you from here."
"Wheels up in fifteen, Alpha," Alex announced as he stood. "Get changed and meet in the hanger."
"Bravo, stay within easy access to the mansion in case we're needed," Jean ordered as the remaining X-Men headed back to the ground floor. Logan placed a hand on Jean's arm as they were about to leave. He turned back to Xavier.
"I got a bad feelin' 'bout this, Chuck," Logan warned.
"I understand your concerns, Logan," Xavier assured him. "But all we can do is be patient for now."
XMXMXM
Jean sat up quickly from her reclined position on Logan as they watched a movie with Ororo and Kurt. Logan looked at her with the same concerned look Jean had on her face.
"Something's wrong," Jean stated. "I can't feel Lorna or Alex."
"What do you mean?" Ororo asked alarmed.
"The psi-link I made between us before they left just went dead," Jean told her as she stood, hurrying for the door, Logan right behind her. Jean knocked quickly on the Professor's door but didn't wait for a response before entering.
"I know, Jean," Xavier looked up with fear etched across his face. "Scott is on his way back, but he is unconscious at the moment."
"What happened?" Logan growled.
"I don't know," Xavier admitted sadly. "But I can still sense they are alive, but weakened."
"Something cut off the psi-link I established with Lorna and Alex before they left," Jean told Xavier.
"That is concerning," Xavier sighed. "Gather the rest of the team in the hanger in one hour. The Blackbird will arrive shortly after that. I will attempt to revive Scott to find out what has happened."
"Yes, Professor," Jean nodded as she turned for the door. She stopped as she saw Logan hadn't moved to follow her.
"Chuck, if somethin's happened ta them…" Logan started with a threatening growl. He clenched his fists, his claws extending from their sheathes.
"We are not going to abandon them, Logan," Xavier assured him, calmly. "We will learn what happened from Scott and make a rescue plan."
"Jus' so we're clear," Logan grunted.
XMXMXM
The Blackbird landed in the hanger under the mansion as the remain X-Men watched from the safe room. Jean glanced at Logan as he started sniffing the air. When the door opened to the hanger, Logan suddenly sounded as if he had a head cold. Xavier led them out as the ramp started to lower. Ororo gave Jean an odd look as Logan's face contorted in a strange way.
Scott stumbled down the ramp, his uniform in tatters. Everyone looked at Logan as he gasped sharply, then started sneezing loudly.
"Bless ya, laddie," Sean commented.
"Logan?" Jean asked worriedly. She knew very little could make Logan sneeze. "What's wrong?"
"Scooter's covered in somethin'," Logan replied rubbing his nose. "Smells like pollen. Healin' factor don' like it." He suddenly sneezed again, the sound echoing around the hanger. Jean looked at him thoughtfully for a split-second. Her eyes widened as she realized that if Logan's healing factor was reacting to the pollen, it could be harmful to all of them.
Jean quickly surrounded Scott in a telekinetic shield. "Hey!" Scott protested as he froze in mid-step.
"Not now, Scott," Jean waved him to be quiet. She closed her eyes as she felt something on the edge of her awareness inside her shield. Her eyes flew open, turning to Xavier. "There's some kind of semi-sentience around him."
Xavier concentrated on the area within Jean's shield. "I feel it as well, Jean." Xavier thought quickly. "Take him to the evaluation room. Scott, once you are there shower and change."
"Yes, sir."
"You said the pollen is at least partially aware?" Ororo asked. Jean nodded. "Professor, what if we could gather enough of it and use Cerebro to communicate with it?"
"That is an outstanding idea, Storm," Xavier agreed. "Can you create a small wind inside Jean's shield to blow most of the pollen off of Scott so we can collect it?"
"I can try," Ororo nodded.
"Jus' keep yer shield up, Jeannie," Logan insisted.
Ororo concentrated on the area inside of Jean's shield. The air whipped around Scott blowing him into the sides of the shield. Jean felt more than seen the pollen blow off of Scott. She made a separate bubble for the pollen to be collected in. After they had a good amount of the strange pollen, Ororo ceased her winds and Jean closed off the bubble. She floated it over to Xavier.
"Scott, met the others outside of Cerebro after you have showered," Xavier ordered. "Jean, if you would?" He motioned to the door leading the team out of the hanger.
Twenty minutes later, the team was still waiting for Xavier to exit Cerebro when Scott joined them. Logan glared at him as he sniffed the air. Scott returned the glare as he leaned against the wall next to Kurt.
"All clear?" Scott asked with a sneer.
"I ain't sneezin', am I?" Logan shot back. Kurt looked between Logan and Scott, deciding to move away from the man before something happened as Logan growled menacingly. "Where're the others?"
"I don't know," Scott answered, looking down. He was startled as Logan pinned him to the wall, growling a few inches from his face.
"Logan!" Jean took his arm, trying to pull him off of Scott.
"They better be alive, bub, or you gonna have a nice talk wit' my claws," growled Logan as he slammed Scott hard against the wall again before letting go.
"Anytime, midget!" Scott threatened, reaching for his visor.
"I think not," Piotr glared at Scott as he wrapped a metal hand around Scott's wrist and stepping between the two men. "Logan has every right to be upset with you, Scott."
"Colossus, please," Xavier quietly warned from the open door of Cerebro. Piotr let go of Scott with a small shove but still stood in front of him glaring. Xavier started rolling down the corridor with a troubled look on his face. "Join me in the briefing room."
As they entered, Xavier stopped at the head of the table looking very worried. As the X-Men sat around the table Xavier took a deep breath. Jean sensed his concern as she took Logan's hand.
"What I discovered from the pollen was very troubling," Xavier began. "The mutant isn't an individual, it's the island itself." There was a collective gasp from around the table. "That's not all. It feeds off mutant energy, and it wants more. That's why it sent Scott back to us."
"It was using me as bait," Scott paled.
"Yes," Xavier answered. "The pollen is connected to the island telepathically. It awoke recently and is very hungry."
"Ve need a plan," Kurt commented. "Ve cannot give it vhat it vants."
"I agree, Nightcrawler," Xavier nodded. "But we cannot abandon our teammates either."
"I got a plan," Logan spoke up. Jean turned to him with narrowed eyes as she sensed it through their link.
"No!" she glared at him. "You are not going in there alone!"
"Jeannie, it's the only way," Logan sighed. "You can cloak me from the Blackbird. Ya drop me off 'bout a mile away, I swim in, find the others. You and Chuck cloak us as best ya can. We make our way ta th' beach. We evac out on the Blackbird."
"I don't like it!" Jean half-shouted. "Damn it, Logan, why are you insisting on this?"
"'Cause it's the best way, an' ya know it, Red," Logan gruffed back at her.
None of the others were going to take verbal sides in this disagreement. Agree with Logan, and Jean would be angry. Agree with Jean, and face the wraith of Logan. No one spoke as they stopped shouting at each other and start speaking mentally. Xavier waited patiently as they worked out a plan together. He glanced at the uncomfortable looks of the others as he waited. Finally, Jean sighed.
"Fine," she huffed. "I still don't like it, but I see your point."
"I'll make it up ta, Red," Logan promised.
"Oh, I know you will!" Jean stated. "And in any way that I chose!"
Xavier cleared his throat. "May I assume we have reached a consensus?"
"Yes, Professor," Jean frowned. "Logan will go in as he stated, find the others, and we get them out. We will be standing for backup if anything goes wrong or he needs help feeing them."
"Very well," Xavier nodded. "Get changed. We will leave after everyone is in the hanger."
XMXMXM
"Approaching drop point," Xavier announced from the co-pilot's position.
"Be careful," Jean hugged Logan.
"Ya know I will," Logan grinned at her. "I got somethin' worth comin' back in one piece fer."
"Love you," Jean smiled. "Bring them home to us."
"Love ya, too," Logan kissed her lightly. "I will."
"Good luck, mien Freund," Kurt nodded.
"Blessed Bright Lady protect you," Ororo added placing a hand on Logan's shoulder. Piotr and Sean both nodded. Logan gave each a smile and nod in thanks.
"Logan," Scott spoke up.
Logan turned with a raised eyebrow as he pulled his mask over his face. Scott looked down uncomfortably. He took a deep breath before looking back up at Logan. "Good luck. I…just…help my brother."
"That's the plan, Scooter," Logan nodded.
Logan turned back to Jean one last time. He pulled her into a passionate kiss, feeling the burning in their marks. He smirked at her as he backed up to the door before he dove out of the Blackbird. Jean had to be steadied by Ororo, her knees were so weak from that last kiss. Ororo gave her a knowing look as Jean sat down to wait for Logan's signal to start shielding him.
XMXMXM
Hitting the water in a power dive, Logan arched his body to change directions. This was the first time he had been swimming since Weapon X had put the adamantium into his body. He found it difficult to swim as the heavy metal of his bones and claws weighed him down. Managing to finally break the surface, Logan was surprised at how far he had already gotten.
A movement to his right caught his attention as a fin glided out of the water. Logan narrowed his eyes as the shark neared. He fought his instincts to extend his claws. The last thing Logan needed to deal with was a feeding frenzy at the moment. Taking a deep breath, Logan submerged to see the oncoming fish better. He waited a few seconds before throwing a right cross into the shark's nose. It was enough to turn the shark and make it think twice about coming after him again as it swam away quickly. Logan smirked as he resurfaced. He began making the swim to the shore of the island.
Finally making it to shore, Logan panted as he tried to catch his breath. He felt Jean touch his mind as he rested for a few minutes. Logan felt her telepathy wrap around him like a warm blanket, cloaking him. As Logan got to his feet, he started sniffing the air as he looked around. In the distance, he could see some kind of temple. He latched onto Lorna's scent, cautiously moving forward.
Logan stalked through the underbrush being mindful not to touch the plants too much. He noticed some vines waving around like they had a mind of their own. Not something he wanted to try to fight if he didn't have to. Logan stopped, sniffing the air again. He ducked behind a few trees as five large crabs, the size of Great Danes, scuttled by him. He looked up, seeing a flock of gold-colored birds of prey soar over him. Waiting like the hunter he was, Logan made sure they were well away from him before continuing. He felt Jean sigh in relief as she monitored his progress.
Logan walked for another ten minutes before coming to the temple. He squatted down behind some bushes watching the entrance for any kind of guards. The animals he had seen so far all looked like they were being controlled by the island's conciseness. Logan was trying to remain undetected as long as possible.
After five minutes, no guards appeared. Logan dashed over to the temple following his sense of smell. Looking around quickly, he found a door with some kind of light coming from it the corridor on the other side. Logan cautiously moved forward, slowly extending his claws. He turned the corner in a battle crouch, scanning with his eyes the hallway ahead of him. Warily, he started down the hall.
Logan came to another door that stretched the width of the tunnel. He approached it as carefully as he could. Logan dove into a roll, coming up ready to lunge or slash any threat in his path. He wasn't expecting to see a redwood sized trunk of vines with the other X-Men strung up like decorations. Logan moved over to where Lorna hung, sniffing her and listening to her heartbeat. He breathed a sigh of relief finding her and the others alive. He felt Jean's relief mingle with his own as he started cutting Lorna free. After laying her on the floor, he turned to start cutting the others down.
"Logan?" Lorna asked weakly as he set Warren by Alex.
"Hey, green," Logan smiled. "Rest a minute while I get th' others."
"You do know this was a trap, right?" Warren asked groggily.
"Yeah," Logan answered as he helped John down. "That's why it's me here. Not meanin' ta step on yer toes, 'Lex, but ya ain't well enough ta lead at the moment. Lorna, cover us in a mag field."
"No argument from me," Alex answered rubbing his head.
"Cub, you a'right?" Logan asked as Bobby as he turned on his hands and knees.
"Right as mud," he answered with a groan as he stood.
"T-bird?" Logan patted his face.
"Huh?" John startled awake. He looked around quickly as he became more aware. "Logan! It's…"
"A trap, I know. Take it easy," Logan nodded as he helped John to sit up. "One-man rescue insertion."
"Your plan?" Alex asked. Logan nodded.
"And Jean let you?" Lorna chuckled. "I would've loved to see that yelling match."
"Ask Ro when we get ta th' Blackbird," smirked Logan.
"Look out!" Warren warned as the vines started slamming against Lorna's bubble.
"So much fer stealth," Logan groaned. "E'erbody ready? Head fer that door!"
Lorna dropped her shield as Alex and Bobby fired at the vines as they ran. Halfway to the door, the temple started to collapse. John ripped vines and smashed falling stone. Logan led the group, slashing and hacking everything in front of him. Lorna kept the falling debris and vines pushed back from her and Warren. Finally, they made it out of the temple, only to be attacked by the crabs, birds, and vines outside.
They were being pushed into a circle as the ground began to shake. Suddenly, an intense burst of fire flashed in front of them. Shiro hovered over them with a little salute. Logan wasted no time in ordering the team to follow Shiro's path. A bolt of lightning struck behind them. Lorna looked up to see Ororo and Shiro covering their backs as they ran for the beach. The Blackbird came into view with Jean telekinetically keeping the vines and attacking animals at bay.
Logan noticed sand being pushed up as a vine tried to burrow under Jean's shield. He jumped, sinking his claws into the sand. He pulled up. A vine was impaled on his claws as he stood. Piotr ran to his side, ripping the vine in half. Logan nodded at the young Russian as he freed his claws from the dead vine. A red blast flew past Logan. He looked up to see what was left of a crab behind him. Logan gave a short nod to Scott before slashing into another crab trying to sneak up on Lorna.
Lorna made it to Jean's shield first. She turned, sending a magnetic pulse just behind John who was farthest away. Sean's sonic scream sounded above them just before lightning and fire struck behind Lorna's pulse shield. The X-Men took the opportunity to run for the Blackbird, except Jean, Lorna, and Ororo. Logan watched helplessly as the three women he cared most about used their combined powers to lift the island out of the ocean. As the Blackbird hovered over the water, Scott and Alex opened the top hatch. They added their power to push the island into the upper atmosphere and into space.
Kurt and Piotr helped weak and sweaty Scott and Alex back into the jet before securing the hatch. Sean, Shiro, and Warren flew out to retrieve the exhausted Lorna, Jean, and Ororo. Sean landed on the ramp, helping Jean into the Blackbird. Logan wrapped his arms around her tightly to hold her up. Jean smiled weakly at Logan.
"Hey, darlin'," Logan grinned at her.
"Hey yourself," Jean replied. She didn't think twice at that moment, Jean just captured Logan's lips in a passionate kiss. Their marks glowed a fiery golden orange bright enough for the rest of the team to see. Any of them who had not been looking at the couple turned as the glow brightly lit the crew cabin of the Blackbird.
"Goddess," Ororo breathed as she felt the warmth from the glow four feet from them.
"Now, that is a heated kiss," Bobby remarked.
Scott turned away quickly. He focused his sullen attention on the controls as he turned the Blackbird for home. This did not go unnoticed by Charles Xavier. He felt changes coming. Changes that would impact the entire team and school for many years to come. Charles just hoped his X-Men were ready for those changes.