The Forest's Heart
by
Ascian


This story contains violence and strong language. Apologies ahead of time to those who will think it's too sappy. That's the kind of gal I am. Also, I know very little about the X-Men universe and the events that have taken place there. . . this story is just for fun and does not belong to a particular timeline. Constructive comments more than welcome.

Disclaimer: The X-Men, Generation X, and all related characters are the property of Marvel Comics. No copyright infringement is intended. Anne, Ben, Alec Trebner, and all the bad guys are characters of my own invention.

---

"Gambit don't change tires, mon ami."

"Shut yer trap an' hand me the spare, Cajun."

Gambit stared at Logan, the brawny man crouched by the front right tire. He held a flashlight and was closely examining the sharp rock piercing the rubber treading.

Deciding a fight was not worth the effort, the lanky Cajun pocketed the cards he had been shuffling and headed for the back of the jeep to look for the spare. The black woods surrounding the narrow highway loomed above the vehicle, and Gambit shivered as he fumbled in the dark for the latch to open the back of the jeep.

"Gambit city born and city bred. Dese woods ain't to my likin', Logan." He called up front.

"Quit yer yappin', Cajun. I sure as hell didn't drag ya' out into these parts."

Too true, Gambit agreed mournfully. When he had heard that Logan was going up to his cabin for the weekend, Gambit had asked to go along. He wanted to get away for a little bit--Rogue, Bobby and Storm were gone on a mission, and he was tired of Bishop constantly watching him no matter where he went. Gambit would not put it past the man to stick a surveillance camera in his toilet!

Still, he had not anticipated the lonely tracks of mountain and forest, the isolation. . . or nights that were truly pitch black.

A swift breeze passed over his face, carrying the heady scent of pine sap and rich earth. He inhaled deeply, savoring the essence of the woods. On the other hand, this was something he could never find in the city.

"Smell dat, mon ami?" Gambit called to Logan. "Dat is grand, non?"

Silence.

Gambit frowned, and walked around the jeep. Logan stood silently, body rigid. His face was tense and lost in concentration. His nose flared as he sniffed the air deeply, and he clenched the flashlight in his right hand, the light pooling onto the tire at his feet.

Gambit swiftly seized a card from his pocket, but did not charge it.

"Logan," he whispered tersely.

Another sniff. "There's someone in the woods. . . "

Logan's eyes narrowed, and abruptly he shut the flashlight off, leaving Gambit in total darkness. He began to protest but thought better of it, clamping his jaw tightly in irritation. His eyes quickly adjusted to the lack of light, though he could only make out the barest shadows. As he expected, Logan had already disappeared.

May you live in interesting times. . . the words passed through his mind. That old Chinese curse was working over time in his life--in the lives of all the X-men for that matter. Interesting times. Why couldn't they even have a flat tire without there being some sort of catastrophe?

A deep throated cry of pain cut through the night, the sound echoing around Gambit. That was followed by other noises--Logan swearing in frustration, branches breaking. . . chains rattling?

Gambit strained his eyes, searching the woods for any sign of his friend, and within a few moments, he caught a glimpse of shadowed movements beneath the trees.

"Open up the back door, Gumbo. And grab a blanket from the trunk." Logan's gravelly voice resounded. Gambit stared a moment longer before following the order. When he returned to the side of the jeep with the blanket, Logan was already there, leaning over the back seat with the flashlight on. Gambit stared down into the car.

"Mon Dieu." He gasped.

A young woman lay stretched out on the seat, face white and locked in a grimace of pain. Her T-shirt was torn in several places and the remains of her jeans barely covered the mangled flesh of her left leg. A huge trap bit into her ankle, the rusty iron clamping down angrily on the white flesh. The remains of a chain dangled out of the car, banging on the jeep's metal frame.

Gambit's eyes rose again to her face. Short brown hair lay plastered to her head, and her pale cheeks were sunken in. Eye lids clenched together tightly, her lips compressed into a thin line. She did not make so much as a whimper, though Gambit could not imagine how much she was suffering.

"Hold her leg, Gumbo."

Gambit hurriedly reached out and grasped the woman's leg just below her knee. The position was awkward, and Gambit could feel blood soaking into his palms. He shoved the flashlight into his other hand, the beam directed towards the trap.

Gambit caught a quick glance of Logan's face, blue eyes seething with barely suppressed fury. Gambit quickly looked away. He never was more glad that Logan was his friend and not his enemy.

"Ok, darlin'. Just hold tight, an' we'll get this thing off o' your leg." Logan spoke reassuringly. A far cry from the expression on his face.

With a confirming glance at Gambit, Logan took hold of the steel trap and with a powerful wrench, pulled the jaws apart. The woman jerked once, her body trembling with fatigue and pain. Yet she remained silent, lips so white Gambit could barely discern them from the rest of her pale face. Both men grimaced as the teeth of the trap left her leg, tearing more flesh in the process of removal.

Logan threw the trap into the back of his jeep, grunting in disgust while Gambit tore a few strips from the blanket to tie around the woman's bleeding leg. He could see dirt mixed into her wound, and long, red scratches marred what little uncovered flesh she had.

"This girl needs a hospital, mon ami."

Logan ran a hand through his hair. "There ain't any near here. The most we can hope for is some town doctor, and the nearest town is still an hour away."

"Then we get started, eh?"

* * *

They reached the town of Eversted in thirty minutes. Gambit was sure that no two men had ever changed a tire so quickly, while Logan drove his jeep on the curving highway with a single minded intensity that Gambit thought he only reserved for when he killed people.

The woman spoke once during the drive, asking for their names. Her voice was high and sweet, her words a gentle though pain filled murmur that floated from the dark confines of the back seat.

"Don't worry darlin'. You're in good hands." Logan spoke gruffly.

"He be right, chere." Gambit echoed, twisting around in his seat to look at her face. "Remy and Logan keep you safe."

He stared into her eyes--dark pools that seemed to take up her entire face. She blinked several times before closing them, and Gambit thought he saw her nod slightly.

* * *

The doctor did not appreciate being roused from his sleep by the hammering at his door. And when faced by two men, faces chiseled and hard, he was even more reluctant to listen to them. Until he saw the woman cradled in the shorter man's arms.

"Is that--oh my. Come in, come in." He opened his door wider, and ushered them into his home. "Just follow this hall down to the door on your right. It leads into an examining room." The doctor left them alone to rush up his stairs.

Gambit and Logan stared at his retreating back, and then at each other. Hardly the professional place to bring the woman, but they did not have many options at the moment. They found the examining room just as the doctor said they would. There was another door that led from the room, and Gambit opened it to reveal a hallway and what looked to be the main body of a clinic.

He shut the door just as the doctor returned, Logan gently laying the woman down on the examining table. Her dark eyes were open, flickering from Gambit to Logan to the doctor with an indefinable expression. He could not imagine how she was coping with the pain, and he felt a surge of admiration for her.

The doctor hovered over her leg, unwrapping the strips of blanket that Gambit had used as a bandage. The woman stiffened more than once, and Logan reached out a steadying hand which Gambit noted she clutched gratefully.

"Do you know what caused this?" the doctor asked after a long moment of staring at the torn and bloody flesh.

"Hunter's trap." Logan replied curtly.

"I see, I see. This is quite a mess."

Logan growled, and Gambit felt his own irritation. Before they could speak, the woman's weak voice brought the doctor's head up.

"Can you fix my leg, Doctor Pierce? And please. . . don't lecture me." her voice was filled with pain, but there was no mistaking the dry humor that touched her words.

The three men stared at her dumbly for a moment, and she stared back, the faint light of a challenge mustering itself in her eyes. Logan snorted, whether from amusement, admiration or both, Gambit could not tell.

"You heard the woman, bub. Get your ass in gear."

Spots of color appeared on the doctor's cheeks and his eyes hardened. Gambit reached into his pocket to finger his deck of cards.

"Now, now, Anne." Doctor Pierce looked down at the woman. "I was just getting to that."

"You two know each o'der?" Gambit asked. Anne remained silent, her eyes closed in pain as the doctor began to clean her wound. None too gently, it seemed. Didn't the man have pain killers?

"Oh yes, every one knows Anne." The doctor responded absently, though the tone of his voice seemed faintly disapproving.

Logan and Gambit looked at each other, eyes troubled.

"Why is that?" Logan asked.

"Hmmm? Oh, Anne goes up into the woods for weeks at a time. Been arrested twice for harassing hunters, disturbing traps. Comes back looking like a wild thing, only half human."

Gambit began to truly dislike the man before him. There was a cold absentmindedness to the way he spoke of Anne, and the patronizing tone of his voice hinted at a wayward child, rather than the brave young woman he and Logan had rescued.

"I shouldn't have to explain myself to any of you." Anne gasped suddenly.

"So you've said." The doctor brushed her off, and Anne shut her jaw with an audible snap.

Gambit scowled, and glanced at Logan, whose blue eyes hardened noticeably.

The rest of the examination was conducted in tense silence. Anne had a broken ankle, which the doctor set before stitching up her leg. Logan insisted that Anne be given pain killers, and soon she was in a light slumber. After injecting a heavy dose of penicillin into her arm, the doctor declared her fit to go.

Logan gave him the address of the Mansion as a place where he could send the bill. With extra penicillin in a little white bag, and other instructions for Anne once she woke, the three were hurriedly ushered from the doctor's home.

Once they were in the jeep, Anne sleeping in the back seat, Gambit spoke up.

"I don' know 'bout you, mon ami, but Gambit don' like dis place much."

"Same here, Gumbo. Somethin' don't smell right."

"So, what now?" Gambit spread his hands. "We didn't ask where her place is, an' Gambit not goin back up to de doctor. Gambit don' trust him."

"I saw a motel down the street a ways. Let's get some shut-eye an' we can talk tomorrow when Annie wakes up. I want ta' ask her a few questions."

"Yeah, like how her pretty ankle got caught in a trap, and why she was in de woods sixty miles from de nearest town."

"Somethin' like that."

* * *

They rented only one room for the night, a double. Anne got one of the beds, Logan gently laying the sleeping woman on the mattress while Gambit pulled back the covers. Gambit took the other bed at Logan's insistence.

"I'll be thinkin' too much ta' sleep. 'Sides, you get in a lousy mood when ya' don't get enough shut-eye."

"Well, you ain't so sweet yourself, Logan."

"Yeah, but I've got an image ta' uphold."

Gambit chuckled, and fell back against the pillows.

* * *

When Gambit awoke the next morning, he was the only one in the room. Sunlight was creeping in through the bottom of the curtain, and the sound of the shower filled the murky air of the room. Gambit glanced over at Anne's bed and found her missing. He leapt to his feet just as the door to the room opened. Logan stepped in, and Gambit heard the sound of the water being turned off.

His friend carried several bundles under his arms, and he stepped past the confused Cajun without barely a glance, just as the bathroom door opened. Anne peered out, face and hair damp, a towel wrapped around her slim body. Her large eyes studied the men intently, features thin and pointed. Gambit was not sure if she was beautiful, though the word 'striking' came to mind.

A wry smile pulled at her lips, and she gestured towards the packages that Logan held.

"Those for me?"

Logan grinned, and Gambit watched as he pulled out jeans, a red flannel shirt, and some underwear and socks.

"Not the height o' fashion, Annie, but it'll get ya' through the day."

She laughed, the effect on her features startling. Beautiful indeed, Gambit's mind declared.

Anne came forward to take the clothes, and Gambit noticed with a start that she had removed her air cast. Black and purple bruises marred her flesh and there were still scars, but she walked without a limp. Only a healing factor could explain why she was up and moving, and that posed new questions for Gambit to ponder.

Anne stood before them, and though she was wrapped only in a towel, quiet dignity emanated from her. Gambit was surprised that she could be in the presence of two strange men and not exude the slightest trace of nervousness.

"I want to thank you two. You took an awful burden on yourselves last night, and I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come along. No one would have come looking for me." The last was spoken quietly, without self pity. For Anne, it was merely a statement of fact. Gifting them once again with her steady gaze and wry smile, she disappeared back into the bathroom with the clothing.

"Dat's some woman." Gambit commented, still not quite sure what to make of her or the events of the previous night. Logan merely grunted his assent, but Gambit had seen the sure and gentle way he had cared for her, and the look on his face when he called her Annie. The Cajun smiled smugly to himself.

Logan sat down on one of the beds, and leaned back on his elbows. "Well, she's definitely a mutant, but no one in this town seems ta' know it. They just think she's strange--a little crazy. Apparently, Annie owns a cabin up on the mountain--inherited it from her folks when they died. No one knows much about her."

"No one cares, dat's de problem."

Logan shrugged, but Gambit could see the wheels turning behind his friend's eyes.

The door to the bathroom reopened, and Anne stepped out. The clothes were a little large on her petite frame, and her hair was still damp, but she carried herself with an undeniable presence that filled the room. For a moment, Gambit felt shy, and that feeling shocked him. He hadn't felt shy around a woman since he was fourteen years old. Logan cleared his throat gruffly, and Gambit wondered if she was having the same effect on him.

Anne smiled at the two men, as though she could sense their discomfort. She pulled on the bloodstained boots she had been wearing the night before, and straightened.

"Um, do you mind if we get out of here? I could use some fresh air."

"Lead the way, chere." Gambit bowed, sweeping an arm towards the door with a grand flourish. Logan glared at him.

Anne smiled, a true smile and not her wry grin, and she curtseyed. Without another word, she passed the two men and exited the small motel room.

"Hungry?" Logan asked, once they were outside.

She snorted.

"When you found me, I'd already been in the trap for almost two days. I had some trail mix in my pack, but that didn't last too long." For the first time, Gambit realized that the gaunt lines of her body were due to starvation.

"And you still standing? Chere, you shoulda told us!"

"Trust me, I'm stronger than I look. Besides, I really didn't feel like eating last night."

Logan shook his head.

"Come on, darlin'. Let's get some food into ya'. If I were in your shoes, I'd claw my way through a steel wall ta' get some grub. And I bet ya' have an accelerated metabolism ta' top it off, don't ya', what with your fast healin' an' all." It was a statement and not a question. Anne's face paled, and her eyes flickered to her leg and then back to their faces.

"Ya' don't have to worry around us, Annie." Logan reassured her gruffly. "We're mutants, too."

Anne froze, her eyes slowly taking in both men. Gambit felt startled by the intensity of her gaze, and he wondered if Anne had a mutant gift beyond her healing factor. She emanated power, despite her easy going manner and slight frame. Logan did not seem at all unnerved by her scrutiny and finally, Anne began to relax.

"I wasn't sure if you were trying to trick me into revealing myself. Though I was careless enough to let it happen anyway." She looked at them ruefully. "No one in this town knows I'm a mutant, and I'd like to keep it that way."

Logan opened his mouth to speak, but stopped as Anne forcefully shook her head.

"We can talk about this later. Maybe it's because of last night, but for some reason I trust you two. You've been nothing but goodness to me, and my warning bells haven't so much as clinked. Besides," she motioned with her head towards the jeep parked beside them, "I'm starving and I don't really feel like walking to the closest restaurant."

Logan grunted and stared at Anne intently for a brief moment. She stared back defiantly, one dark eyebrow arched expectantly.

"Well, come on then." He said finally, as though nothing had happened.

The three of them piled into Logan's jeep, Anne sitting up front. She shook her head at the first restaurant, a clean, newer looking establishment called Pete's Diner. They did not argue, and followed her directions until they reached a small brick building. A battered, weather beaten sign had the letters, 'Faye's' written on it. The parking lot was packed.

"Best steaks in town." Anne grinned, and lithely jumped out of her seat, landing on her uninjured leg.

"Darlin', you just made my day." Logan said, following her into restaurant, Gambit close on his heels.

Most of the diners were in their sixties and seventies, though Gambit spotted one or two younger couples in the crowd. The walls were painted white, and decorated with paintings and wood carvings that had been done by local artists. Price tags hung from them. An old fashioned ice cream counter with red leather topped stools sat in the back, and the intervening space was filled with tables of varying shapes and sizes, mismatched chairs at every one.

Gambit was acutely aware of eyes focusing on their small group, but Anne did not seem to mind and Logan merely tucked his hands into the back pockets of his jeans. A tall, burly man approached the three. His shaggy graying hair was tied back from a deeply creased face, and his nose looked as though it had been broken several times in the past.

"Anne," he greeted her cautiously, eyeing the men behind her.

"It's all right, Ben." Anne reassured him. "These men are my friends."

Ben did not appear to relax, but he nodded curtly. "It's been a while since you stopped by," he said, gathering up three menus and leading them to a small private table at the back of the restaurant.

"I know," she replied. "But I don't like the town as much as I used to."

Ben looked at her sharply. He glanced at Logan and Gambit and frowned.

"You need anything, just call." Ben told Anne in a strong voice. Gambit could tell that he was not referring to their meal. Next to him, Logan's fingers twitched in irritation.

Anne smiled thinly.

Ben noted her silence and scowled. He did not push the issue though, and left them to head back to the front doors of the restaurant where an elderly couple had just entered.

Anne sighed, and quirked her lips apologetically at Gambit and Logan.

"Sorry about that. Ben was a friend of my father, and ever since dad and mom died, he thinks he has a responsibility towards me. More of one than I'm sometimes comfortable with," she ended with a weak chuckle.

A waitress came by at that moment, and they ordered. Anne asked for a plate of steak and eggs, hash browns, bacon, and a side of pancakes. Of course, she wanted her steak rare. Logan grinned when he heard that, and ordered the same without looking at the menu. Gambit was not about to bust a gut trying to follow them, and quickly settled for an omelet.

After their order had been taken, there was a long moment of silence at the table. Gambit idly looked around the restaurant. A fair number of glances were being thrown their way, some curious while others were disapproving. He glanced at Anne, who followed his gaze around the room with resigned acceptance clouding her features.

"What do dese people have 'gainst you, chere?"

She smiled tightly.

"Think of this town as a high school, and I'm the bad girl that everyone talks about. You know how it goes. Parents die tragically, quits school, withdraws and becomes a troublemaker. Great for gossip, though I get tired of them looking at me like I'm a time bomb waiting to go off."

"Why do ya' stay then, darlin'? There must be other places ya' can go." Logan replied, eyes intent on her face.

Anne smiled sadly. "I want to leave. I keep telling myself to just pick up and go, but I have ties to this area. My parents--they loved this mountain. It was a sanctuary to them and for me. And then there's the forest--the trees are practically my second family." Her face reddened as though she had said too much.

Logan sat back and crossed his arms.

"Ya' mean it, don't ya'."

"Excuse me?"

"'Bout the trees bein' like family. Ya' really mean it."

Anne opened her mouth and hesitated, indecision warring on her face.

"It's all right, darlin." Logan whispered. "Ya' can trust us."

The ghost of a smile traced Anne's lips.

"I know." she whispered.

The reaffirmation of her trust sent a sent a mixture of surprise and warmth through Gambit, and he glanced at Logan. There was a strange glint in his eyes that Gambit had never seen before, and he wondered again at the strange quality of this young woman, that she could draw them in so easily though they hardly knew her.

Anne took a deep breath. When she finally spoke, her voice was pitched so low that Gambit and even Logan, had to lean forward in order to hear her.

"Healing more quickly than others isn't my only mutant ability," she began. "You see. . . I can communicate with trees. . . and they talk back."

Gambit looked at her in disbelief. Anne noted his expression and scowled irritably.

"It's true," she insisted.

"That's all right, darlin'," Logan interjected. "We believe ya'. Right, Gumbo?"

Gambit shrugged noncommittally, and Logan snorted in disgust.

The scowl left Anne's face, and she smiled wearily at Gambit.

"It doesn't matter, Remy. If I hadn't grown up hearing trees, I probably wouldn't believe it myself."

He shifted uncomfortably. "Gambit sorry, chere. Gambit seen enough strange things dat dis shouldn't be hard to believe. Just unexpected. . . dat's all."

Anne looked as though she wanted to say more, but their meals arrived.

They ate in silence, more for Anne's sake, who devoted herself to consuming her food with an odd mixture of gusto and restraint. Gambit was sure that after two days of not eating she would have stuffed herself in the first five minutes, and then gotten ill. Instead, she took careful, small bites, relishing each morsel that entered her mouth.

It took her more than an hour to finish, and in the meantime, Gambit and Logan carefully observed the restaurant and the other diners. One man in particular stared at Anne. His hair had gone white, and his face was soft. His eyes peered out like rough black stones from within the folds of his flesh, and his fingers idly tapped the wood table top.

When Anne finally finished eating, Gambit was more than ready to leave. He could tell by the tense hunch to Logan's shoulders, that his friend was too. Their waitress came over to the table to clear their plates, and Logan paid the bill. As they were leaving, Ben caught up with them. Gesturing outside, they all piled out of the restaurant. Ben pointedly ignored Logan and Gambit, turning to face Anne.

"Anne, a trap went missing this morning, and Alec Trebner is blaming you."

Her eyes narrowed. "Where did he set the trap?"

Ben frowned. "An hour north. Maybe a few hundred yards off the Ridgeway Express. There's a grotto up there that the animals love."

"Yes, I know." She hissed.

Ben took a step back. "Anne, you didn't take the trap did you?"

Logan growled, his eyes darkening ominously. Gambit placed a restraining hand on his shoulder, feeling the muscles quivering below his palm. Not a good sign, he thought.

"Mon ami, we found de trap last night. Attached to Anne's leg."

Ben's eyes filled with doubt.

"But she's walking . . . the traps Trebner uses are enough to hold a good sized bear."

Gambit could see Anne shaking her head in frustration and defeat.

"Nice going, Gumbo." Logan muttered.

The restaurant door opened, and the fat man with cold eyes that Gambit had seen watching Anne stepped out.

Ben turned around, and almost gratefully approached the newcomer.

"Maybe we can sort this out now. Alec, why don't you talk to Anne about your trap."

"This here is Trebner?" Logan rasped.

The man nodded silently, eyes glittering. Without another word, Logan stalked to the back of his jeep and pulled out the trap they had removed from Anne's leg. Seeing the ugly device in the daylight, Gambit wondered how Anne had managed to keep her foot. The teeth, stained with rust and her blood, dully glinted in the sunlight. Anne's face paled.

Logan held it up by the chain. "This yours?"

Trebner gritted his teeth angrily.

That was all the answer that Logan needed. Without a moment's hesitation, Logan pounced on the man, pummeling him into the ground. His belly and face resounded with the sounds of fists hitting soft, thick flesh, and Alec's expression of rage changed to a look of fear and pain. Ben ran into the restaurant and reappeared moments later with a rifle, which he pointed at Logan.

Gambit took a flying leap and tackled him, the gun skittering across the pavement. A regular little brawl erupted, with Gambit and Logan in the middle of it. A few diners, the younger and rougher ones, rushed out and tried to attack the two X-Men but they were easily thrown off. At one point in the scuffle, Gambit caught Logan's eyes and the two grinned fiercely.

The roar of a gunshot ended the fight.

All actions stopped immediately, and nearly a dozen pairs of eyes lifted to find Anne with the butt of Ben's rifle hugging her hip.

"Thank you." She declared. "We'll be leaving now. Won't we, boys?"

Gambit and Logan extricated themselves from the tangle of bodies, Logan getting in one last kick to Trebner's stomach. No one tried to stop him. Anne held the rifle with steady hands, her eyes hard.

Ben clutched at his stomach with one hand, using his other in an attempt to stem the blood flowing from his broken nose.

"Anne!" he seethed. "What in the hell do you think you're doin'?

"What does it look like, Ben?" Anne snapped.

His eyes narrowed.

"Perry woulda hated what you've become, girl."

Anne stiffened, bone deep sorrow flickering in her eyes. She studied the injured man and the other members of the town as though she was seeing them for the first time.

"Nah, Ben." She spoke quietly, determination slowly replacing the sadness in her face. "Daddy would be proud of me, and he'd be prouder still for the things I'm going to do."

She shook her head regretfully. "Good-bye, Ben."

Keeping an eye on the restaurant patrons, Logan, Gambit and Anne climbed into the jeep. Anne did not lower the rifle until they were well away.

"You all right, darlin?"

Anne smiled sadly. "Ben always did give low blows, but I knew my dad like the back of my hand and he would never, ever have hated me. No matter what. That was always the one constant of my life."

Logan glanced at her in the rear view mirror, his eyes penetrating. "What are ya' gonna do now? Ya' can't stay here anymore."

She snorted derisively. "I practically signed the warrant for my arrest, didn't I."

Logan nodded seriously, and turned in his seat to look at her.

"Ya' could leave here with me an' Gambit."

Gambit stared at him in astonishment, an astonishment that was mirrored in Anne's eyes. He quickly schooled his features into a blank mask. He himself had thought about asking Anne to come with them, but hearing it from Logan amazed him.

"Leave with you?" she asked incredulously.

"Ya' trust us, right?"

"Yes, but. . . but just pick up and leave? Then what?"

Logan shrugged. "One step at a time, darlin'. Way I see it, ya' gotta leave this place, an' it might as well be with friends."

She was silent for such a long time, both men turned to look at her with concern.

"Chere?"

Her eyes swallowed them both. Something in the way she searched their faces, pained Gambit. She reminded him of a person who could not remember what it was like to have other people care for them.

"It's been a long time since I've had a real friend, let alone two." She admitted finally.

"Well darlin', you're stuck with us whether ya' like it or not."

Gambit found his own head nodding in agreement.

"Dat's right, chere. We a trio now, eh Logan?"

Anne blushed, and Gambit saw the mark of uncertainty in her eyes. He rushed to reassure her.

"Trust us, chere. Remy and Logan won't ever hurt you." He caught her eyes.

After a long moment that kept the men's ears straining towards the back seat, she spoke softly.

"Has anyone ever told you two that you're both wonderful?"

Gambit grinned charmingly.

"Yeah, we are pretty nice, eh?"

"Speak fer yerself, Cajun."

"Yeah, yeah, Logan. Your image."

"Damn right."

Anne laughed out loud.

"So? Ya' comin' or what?" Logan asked gruffly.

She looked at the two men appraisingly, finally breaking into a sparkling grin.

"Trio. I like the sound of that."

* * *

Anne gave Logan directions to her home, a cabin perched on the mountain that over shadowed Eversted. They left the main road outside of town, driving on a gravel track that wound up through tall evergreens, pines, elm and oak. Sunlight poured down through the canopy, bathing their faces in intermittent patches of golden light. The jeep's engine could not drown out the sound of bird song, and the scent of sap and fresh earth overcame the smell of car exhaust. Anne leaned back in her seat, her eyes half closed and her face slack.

Logan and Gambit looked at each other and shrugged. The higher they went into the mountains, the more silent she had become until now Anne seemed to be in some sort of trance. Gambit looked out at the trees they were passing and shivered. Intelligent? Aware? Trees grew everywhere. How could he expect to do anything out of doors anymore and not feel like he was being watched?

The forest thinned and Anne's home came into view. The cabin was a large, sprawling affair with thick ivy and rose vines creeping up the walls. Wild flowers bloomed profusely and the faint sound of moving water tickled Gambit's ears.

Logan nodded approvingly.

"Nice place."

"Glad you like it," Anne's voice drifted from the back seat. "Mom always enjoyed having a more "wild" look to the place, although most of our visitors didn't approve."

Logan grunted, climbing out of the jeep.

"Some people think dandelions are the devil incarnate."

Anne chuckled.

The cabin was just as pleasant on the inside, the faint scent of cinnamon and jasmine filling the air. To the left of the door was an airy sitting room, bright rugs and well used chairs scattered across the bright pine floor. Directly ahead a rail-less planked staircase rose to the second floor. A large, tidy kitchen sat on their right.

"Mi casa es su casa!" Anne called, disappearing immediately up the stairs. "My home is your home!"

Even as she spoke, Logan was sauntering into the sitting room. Gambit followed him, his sharp eyes honing in on the photographs perched on the mantle above the fireplace. He found one that showed Anne as a tiny girl, hugging the massive trunk of a tree. She was dressed in a white on green polka dot dress, and her dark hair hung past her ears in pig-tails. Her eyes shone with happiness.

Logan was scrutinizing another photograph, and Gambit looked at it from over his shoulder. Anne stood in the center of the picture, perhaps five years younger. There was a very attractive woman of middle years with her arms around Anne's waist. Definitely her mother, Gambit thought. A man stood behind them, his brown hair shot with gray. He had a ready smile, though Gambit did not think he was one most women would call handsome. His features all seemed to be the wrong size for his face, but that grin. . . Anne took after her father, all right.

Logan stirred restlessly.

"Nice lookin' family."

"Yeah, Logan. Dey look real thick wit each o'der."

The faint sound of foot fall alerted them to Anne's presence.

"That was taken just a month before they were killed. Car accident." Anne told them, observing the photo they had been staring at. "My dad's name was Perry. Perry O'Hanrahan. My mother's name was Annabelle."

Anne looked wistfully at the photograph.

"I was named after her. . . but no one ever called her Anne. Wouldn't have sounded right. She was too elegant and sophisticated for anything less than Annabelle."

"It's hard losin' the people ya' love, darlin'." Logan commented softly, his eyes distant.

"You understand," she whispered, her cheeks reddening as she caught herself staring. Anne tore her eyes from Logan to look at the picture one more time.

With a deep shuddering breath, she removed it from the mantle piece. She took down the other photos as well, and it was only then that Gambit noticed the duffel bag at her feet. Anne had also changed out of the clothes that Logan had bought for her. Faded jeans hugged her slim legs, and she had put on a brown leather jacket over a tight white T-shirt. The heels of her boots tapped against the floor as she moved.

Anne straightened from tucking the photos inside of her duffel, and swung the bag over her shoulder.

"You pack fast." Logan looked at her pointedly, taking the duffel from her. She smiled her thanks and shrugged.

"I've always known that there might be a time when I would be forced to leave this place. I've been ready for a long while now."

Anne took one last look through the cabin, a myriad of emotions dancing across her face. When she shut the door behind her, her fingers lingered heavily on the brass knob.

As the men approached the jeep, she muttered something and ran off along a trail into the woods. Logan and Gambit looked at each other questioningly, but did not follow. Logan pulled out a cigar and leaned against the hood of his jeep, eyeing the area where she had disappeared into the forest.

Anne reemerged ten minutes later, her eyes red as though from crying.

"I had to say good bye to a few friends." she explained.

That was all Anne would say about the matter, and they did not press her for information. Logan took one last look around the cabin, and frowned.

"Ya' got a car ya' want ta' bring?"

Anne shook her head ruefully.

"It's in the back, but it's a junker. I would just as soon never see it again."

Logan nodded, and motioned for her to climb in.

As they drove away, Anne twisted around for one last look. Then, with firm determination in her eyes, she turned away and kept her eyes planted on the road ahead.

* * *

"So, where are we going?"

They had driven out of Eversted less than an hour earlier and were moving south along the interstate. Anne had been somewhat prepared for someone to stop them, but they didn't meet with any resistance. She wondered if the town was hoping she would leave.

"Well?" she asked again, looking expectantly at the two men. Logan had just lit up another cigar, and he stoically puffed at it. Gambit stared at him for a moment, and then twisted in his seat to look at her.

"Gambit and Logan takin' you back to our home, chere."

"Well gee. . . that answers everything. And why do you call yourself Gambit? I thought your name was Remy."

"'Gambit' is his code name, darlin'."

Anne's lips twitched and she crossed her arms across her chest. "I'm almost afraid to ask, but why does he need a code name?"

The two men looked at each other. Gambit sighed.

"You see, chere, Gambit and Logan not like normal guys. . . "

"No, you certainly aren't."

He looked at her suspiciously. A secretive smile played along her lips and her eyes seemed a little too bright. Frowning, he continued.

"You know dat Gambit and Logan are mutants, an'. . . an'. . . "

Logan growled around his cigar.

"Just spit it out, Cajun!"

Gambit threw his arms up in the air. "Fine! Anne, de two of us--"

"--are both members of the X-Men." She sat back, waiting for their response with a smug smile on her face.

Logan and Gambit turned in their seats to stare at her. The jeep began to swerve off the road, and Logan recovered from his surprise to steer the car back into its lane.

"We have it written on our foreheads or somethin', darlin'? Or did ya' read our minds?"

"Read your minds? That would be far too rude." She smiled mockingly.

"I may have spent the past few years in the sticks, but that doesn't mean I didn't keep up with what was going on in the world. I thought you two looked familiar, and when you told me you were mutants, I began to put two and two together. You boys have been caught on camera one too many times destroying the peace for your faces to be easily forgotten." She winked mischievously.

"Nice thinkin', darlin." Logan nodded approvingly, puffing at his cigar. "Ya know where we're goin' then, dontcha?"

She furrowed her brows. "I've got a fairly good idea, but exactly why you're taking me there is beyond me."

"Thought we already discussed this, Annie."

"No, Logan. When I asked what would happen after we left the town, you said to take things one step at a time. Well, we've left, so I think now would be a good time to ask the question again."

Logan shrugged, glancing at Gambit who was watching him just as expectantly as Anne.

"The X-Men take in all mutants that need help."

Her eyes narrowed, and she slowly folded her arms across her chest. "And I qualify as needy, huh?"

Gambit's alarm bells shot off.

Play it cool, Logan, he prayed silently. Gambit t'ink dis one woman we don' want pissed at us.

Logan eyed Anne appraisingly from his rear view mirror, cigar hanging loosely from between his teeth.

Oh Lord. Dat man is gonna blow it.

"Chere," he spoke up quickly, almost wincing as the full force of her withering gaze fell on him. "What Logan tryin' to say is dat de Mansion is open to any mutant, 'specially friends. And you chere, are definitely dat."

Her eyes softened only a fraction, and her gaze flickered once more to the back of Logan's head.

"I appreciate what you fellows are doing for me, but you should know that I can take care of myself. I am not a charity case, nor will I let myself become one." Her words were edged with steely determination.

Logan nodded approvingly.

"That's what I was waitin' ta hear, darlin.".

"Glad I passed the test," she drawled sarcastically.

This time, Gambit did wince.

"Pull the car over, Logan." she commanded.

They were driving in the middle of the wilderness, and there was not much of a shoulder. Logan obeyed silently, pulling the jeep off the road as far as he was able to. A few cars passed, the passengers giving them curious looks.

The two X-Men twisted in their seats to stare at Anne. Logan looked as impassive as ever, but Gambit felt like he was staring down the barrel of a loaded shotgun.

She gritted her teeth. "Now that I have your complete attention, I'd like to set a few things straight. First of all, you asked me to come with you, not the other way around. True, I had to leave, but it didn't have to be with the two of you. . . I could just as easily have gone on my own.

"My intuition that you two were X-Men also had no bearing whatsoever on my decision. In fact, from what I've heard, hanging around with the X-Men should be listed on the top ten most hazardous things to do." Her voice was scathing.

"The truth is though, that I like the both of you a lot. God only knows why, because it's been years since I felt that way about anyone." She sighed. "I want--no, I need friends. . . I've been alone too long."

"We are your friends, darlin." Logan spoke quietly, his eyes troubled.

Anne studied him, her gaze piercing.

"I want to believe that, Logan." she said, her voice unexpectedly soft. "But you've got to understand that I take friendship seriously. I'd do anything for someone I called a friend. Anything. But that means you have to care as much as I do, and if you trust me so little that you have to use word games to be sure of my motives, then you might as well let me off at the next town."

Gambit held his breath. This was something only Logan could fix.

Logan watched her somberly.

"I'm truly sorry, darlin'. This ol'canucklehead sometimes forgets what it's like ta' be on the receiving end o' my mouth." He shook his head. "I take friendship as seriously as you do, Annie. I've just been burned so many times that its become part o' my nature ta question everyone. Even the people I care most about."

Anne's eyes softened.

"I'm sorry too, Logan. We've known each other such a short time that you have every right to want to test me. It's just that here I am, miles from home with two men I met only yesterday. If I'm ultra-sensitive it's because I want to make sure I made the right decision to leave with the two of you. That you genuinely are my friends and this isn't some game for you."

"Chere," Gambit ventured quietly. "Gambit and Logan don' make friends easily. Dere's too much 'bout us dat keeps people away. But dere's something different 'bout you dat's not like de o'ders. Gambit speak from de heart when he says dat he wants to be your friend. Gambit hopes you feel de same."

"I do." She answered softly, a rueful smile pulling at her lips.

"Darlin, I swear that if this old canucklehead ever hurts ya' again, ya' have my permission ta beat the crap outta me."

The tension broke when she chuckled.

"Who are you kidding? You're built like a tank. I'd probably break my wrist if I tried to knock a few teeth loose."

Logan snorted.

"It's the thought that counts, darlin'."

"You guys are terrible." Anne laughed affectionately, shaking her head.

"You still mad at us, chere?"

"Nah. I almost feel embarrassed for making such a big deal out of it."

"Don't be, darlin'. Ya' had every right ta' bawl me out. I was testin' ya'."

"So," she began after a long moment. "Is anyone going to object to you bringing me to your home?"

"Prob'ly, chere." Gambit answered truthfully. "Fact is, Gambit don't give a damn. Like Gambit said, we three a trio, and no one's goin' to break dat up."

"Amen to that, Cajun."

Anne smiled at them, a trace of wonderment in her eyes.

"Well, what are you waiting for boys? Let's get this show on the road."

"Yes, sir." Logan chuckled, revving the engine of the jeep and pulling back onto the interstate.

They drove for another two hours before they were forced to stop for gas. Logan found a truck stop perched on the edge of a thick tree line, the green of the forest contrasting with the dirty cement and old neon lights of the station.

"You two hungry?" Anne asked, her eyes roving over the small, dilapidated restaurant attached to the station.

"Chere, Gambit wouldn't eat in a place like dat if you paid him. 'Sides, there must be betta' places down da road, huh Logan?"

"Sorry, Cajun. The next food stop is gonna be two hours from here."

"Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving. If you don't want to stop, I can run in and get us some food for the road."

"Sounds good ta me, darlin'. Just get me somethin' with a lot o' meat in it."

Gambit delivered a long suffering sigh. Anne grinned and patted him on the shoulder. "Why don't I surprise you, Remy."

"Yeah chere. . . but be kind to dis poor body, 'kay?"

"Whatever." She quipped mischievously, and climbed out of the jeep.

Gambit watched her enter the restaurant, and he shook his head.

"Dat's some woman."

Logan followed his gaze, and nodded silently.

* * *

A smoky haze filled the interior of the gas station's small restaurant, and Anne's ears were assaulted by the sounds of pots banging and loud, rough voices. She narrowed her eyes reflexively as she glanced over the diners. There were ten of them, all men, seated at various booths that hugged dark paneled walls. Most of them looked up as she entered, and Anne ignored their appraising gazes as she headed for the counter next to the door.

No waitress came to greet her, so Anne plucked a menu from a shelf by the cash register and began to flip through it. There wasn't much to choose from, and she sighed as her stomach rumbled furiously.

Sorry, Remy. she thought weakly, picking something for him.

"Can Ah help ya, miss?"

Anne looked up to find a skinny middle aged woman looking at her. Her face was hard, her eyes like grainy pebbles. Blond hair had been pulled back into a tight pony tail that stretched the skin of her eyes.

"I'd like to order something to go."

The waitress jotted down the order and told her in a clipped and unfriendly voice that it would be around ten minutes. Anne leaned back against the counter, her warning bells beginning to jingle. She contemplated probing the diners, but rejected the idea. She had not intruded on anyone's mind for eleven years, and the habit was hard to break. Especially when she had inadvertently nullified a man's personality, the last time she had entered someone's mind. Better to interact with trees instead of people, she had decided then and there. At least they could not be hurt by her carelessness.

Anne glanced out the tinted windows of the diner. The hood of the jeep was up and Logan and Gambit were hovering over the engine, their faces hidden from her sight. She felt the ghost of a smile on her lips as she watched the two of them. Cary Grants they were not, but those two had a charm all their own that she found irresistible.

She couldn't remember when she had last felt so comfortable around anyone. It surprised her, considering how short a time she had known them.

Getting me out of that trap definitely made a good impression, she thought wryly. But there was more to it than that. She just couldn't put her finger on it yet.

She was abruptly pulled from her thoughts as the overwhelming scent of cigarettes and grease filled her nose. One of the men she had noticed earlier was leaning on the counter beside her, his eye boring into her face. Anne met his gaze squarely, taking measure of his considerable height and girth. His face was tanned and rough, thinning brown hair combed down over his ears. Greasy lips pulled back into what Anne thought he considered a charming smile.

"Yes?" she asked expectantly, her eyes narrowing as his smile grew. There was something in his eyes that made Anne distinctly uneasy--a hunger that she recognized and was repulsed by.

"Me and my friends were wondering if you'd like to join us for lunch." he gestured with his head towards the table behind him. The three men seated at the booth grinned at her, but Anne did not return the smile.

"I'm afraid not," she replied, her voice empty of emotion. His eyes hardened.

"You sure? I think you might enjoy yourself." He placed a firm hand around her left arm, squeezing just enough to show her how strong he was.

"Remove your hand," she ordered softly.

He chuckled, turning his head to look at his friends who were watching the spectacle with undisguised enjoyment.

The man's fingers tightened around Anne's slender arm as he swung back to look at her.

He's not going to let go without a fight, is he. Well, I can give him that much.

Her arm a blur of motion, she slammed the heel of her right palm into his nose, driving her shoulder behind the blow. Blood spurted from the collapsed structure of cartilage and bone, and Anne danced away as he released her from his grip. The man clutched at the remains of his nose, his eyes filled with rage and pain.

"Damb funkin bith!"

Anne clucked her tongue at him mockingly. His eyes widened with fury, and suddenly she found herself facing not only him, but his friends and several other diners. She probed gently beyond her shields and found that there were two men behind her, blocking the door. The faces staring at her were hard and unforgiving. Their hands clenched into fists.

One of her father's lessons came to mind. "Sweetie, you're a slip of a girl, and you'll only be a shade bigger when you're a woman. People will underestimate you 'cause your tiny. Won't be expecting an attack. So give 'em hell like a wildcat and I promise sweetie, by the time they figured out what happened, you'll have their heads as a drum set."

Of course, daddy never thought I'd be taking on nearly ten men at a time.

She quickly realized that the area was too small and there were too many angry people for her to come out unscathed. Her best chance was to get out into the open where she could move more freely. . . not to mention where she could get some back up.

Anne whirled, launching herself at the closest man to the door. His blue eyes widened with surprise, and he doubled over with a sharp cry as she struck a fist into his groin. Anne dodged a cuff to her face from his companion, driving her knuckles into his kidney and then into his stomach, knocking the wind out of him.

Anne leapt for the door, only to have heavily muscled arms wrap around her waist from behind.

"Gotcha now." The scent of cigarettes filled her nose.

Anne found his hands and wrapped her tiny fingers around his pinky. She yanked it away from her waist with a sharp grunt, feeling and hearing the crunch of bone as she twisted his finger from its socket.

"Agrghhhh!" he screamed, dropping her immediately. Anne landed lightly on her feet, making a wild dash for the door. Just as she reached the exit, the door slammed open and she was nearly clobbered as Logan and Gambit careened into the restaurant.

Logan barely paused to change directions before barreling into the crowd of men that were surging forward after Anne. Gambit glanced at her quickly to assure himself that she was all right before following his friend into the fight.

"What the hell." Anne muttered darkly, following them back into the fray. One man, T-shirt punched with holes, was attempting to sneak up behind Gambit while the Cajun was busy fending off two assailants. She shot her foot out towards the back of his knee, forcing his leg to collapse. As sharp cry of surprise escaped from his throat, and Anne clubbed him at the back of his head with her fists. He fell into a heap.

Anne looked up to find Gambit staring at her in pleased shock, but her eyes moved past his face as she caught sight of someone lifting a chair to swing at Logan. She watched in amazement as claws shot out of his arms. With a few wild swipes, the chair fell into pieces. She had seen Logan in action on news broadcasts, but it could not compare to real life.

Under less than a minute, most of her attackers lay on the ground, groaning in pain or unconscious. Anne, Logan and Gambit stood side by side, staring out over the remains of the restaurant. Tables were torn over, upholstery ripped open. Shattered glass littered the floors as did food. There was even a fair amount of blood staining the linoleum. Anne looked around for the waitress, but didn't see her.

"You know, you guys aren't bad in a fight." Her voice echoed in the relative silence of the restaurant.

Logan and Gambit looked at her in surprise. Gambit snorted.

"You ain't so bad either, chere. Heard some yells from de rest'raunt and thought you were in trouble."

"But it looks like ya' did some cleanin' up 'fore we even came in, darlin."

"My daddy was a Marine. After my mutant powers began to emerge, he started training me to defend myself. It's become second nature."

Anne frowned, eyes scanning the restaurant.

"Um, maybe we should talk about this after we get out of here. There was a waitress around, but I don't see her and she might have called the police."

Logan grunted. "There's no sense in hangin' around ta' find out."

The three of them filed out of the restaurant and into the jeep. The car's tires squealed as Logan revved the vehicle from the gas station and back onto the interstate.

"Dammit." Anne muttered after they had driven for about ten minutes.

"What?" the two men asked in concern.

"I'm still hungry."

* * *

They were less than five miles away from the Mansion when Anne finally began to express her doubts about the wisdom of bringing her unannounced to the home and headquarters of the X-Men.

"So, are you sure that this Professor Xavier won't mind that you invited a complete stranger to the Mansion?"

"You ain't a stranger, Annie."

"You know what I mean, Logan."

"An' I'm tellin' ya' that I don't care!" He looked at her through his rear-view mirror, his face lost in evening shadows. They had driven for the entire day, and the sun had set less than an hour earlier.

"Darlin, why are ya' so nervous all o' the sudden?"

"I'm not nervous!" she protested vehemently.

"You are, darlin." He tapped his nose. "I can smell ya'."

Anne grimaced and gave him a dirty look. He ignored her and continued.

"What I can't understand is why. Ya' got stuck in a bear trap for a couple o' days, left your home with two strange men, got involved in a brawl, and in all that time ya' never even broke into a sweat. But somethin' little like this has ya' tied up in knots."

He stared at her expectantly. Finally, Anne sighed and shook her head in resignation.

"All right, all right. I'll tell you what's bothering me. The only reason I can even conceive of living with the X-Men is because of the two of you. But it eats me up on the inside that I don't have anything to offer in return for my stay. My mutant powers aren't terribly practical, and Professor Xavier is filthy rich so offering to pay 'rent' is laughable at best. I keep trying to think of jobs that the X-Men would need done, but I can't think of anything that you people wouldn't already have covered."

"Ya' don't want charity, right darlin'?"

"Exactly. But that's how it looks to me from every angle. I can find a job in any town I go to. I have qualifications up to my eyeballs. But as far as being useful to the X-Men. . . that's an entirely different story."

"Qualifications, chere?"

Anne shrugged.

"I got my degree at MIT. That school may have had about as much personality as a cement block, but when I wave the name around, it gets me into places that would have slammed the door in my face without it."

She saw the look on his face, and smiled wryly. "Surprised, Remy?"

"Nah," he answered easily. "Gambit knows you're smart."

She snorted.

"Trust me, graduating from MIT had very little to do with being smart. I'm just good at memorizing. But that's beside the point. We were talking about my usefulness, or lack of, to the X-Men. Let's face it, talking to trees is not going to help mankind learn to tolerate mutants."

"It's not just about having a lot of power, darlin'. It's what ya' do with it that counts." Logan grimaced at his own words. "Can't believe I'm givin' pep talks." He muttered.

"Ooo, how the mighty have fallen." Anne mocked, a grin pulling at her lips.

Gambit snorted at the brief mixture of surprise and humor that flitted across Logan's face. There weren't many people who could talk to him like that and walk away without missing a limb.

"Chere, when you talk to de trees, does it matter where you are?"

Anne acted surprised by Gambit's question and she frowned thoughtfully.

"No, not really. I remember when I was twelve, my family took a trip through Death Valley. No trees there, but I was still able to. . . make contact. . . despite the distance between me and the nearest forest. Sometimes, I think I can even hear the trees in places as far off as Japan, but since I've never seen or touched a Japanese tree, I'm not sure if I'm really hearing them. But that's what my gut tells me."

"Chere, you mean to tell Gambit dat trees talk different?"

"Sure. I mean, every culture has their own language. Why not different species of trees? There's a common thread of thought for all trees, depending on their location, but really, every one is unique." Anne's face was all seriousness.

"Darlin', are ya' sure it's trees you're hearing? Could ya' be picking up human thoughts?"

"Definitely not." Anne stated firmly. "The two are completely different."

"So ya' can hear both?" Logan pressed.

Anne hesitated before answering, her silence not lost on the two men.

"Yes, but I don't use my telepathy on human minds any more. I haven't for eleven years, at least."

"What happened, darlin?"

"An accident." She replied shortly. "I--I was fifteen. I had a habit of randomly probing people I thought looked interesting. My parents didn't know, of course. They would have thought it was awful of me, observing other people's thoughts. Looking back on it now, I know that it was a horrible thing to do, but when I was fifteen I didn't think anything of it.

"One day I was in the store with my mom, and I saw this incredibly handsome man. Blond, blue eyes. . . he was perfect. I just had to know what he was thinking. . . I think--I think I also wanted to see if he had noticed me, because I was standing near him."

Anne shuddered, carefully taking a deep breath. "His was the most heinous, perverted, twisted mind I had ever touched," she spat out. "And I was so--so shocked, so frightened by the images I had seen, that I lashed out. I completely wiped away his personality with just a thought." Her voice was haunted. "I remember--I remember that he collapsed on the ground, just twitching, eyes rolled up in his head. Everyone thought he was having a seizure, but I knew better."

"Darlin'?" Logan pulled the jeep over to the side of the road and cut the engine. Both men twisted in their seats to look at Anne, whose head was bowed.

Logan reached out and placed his callused fingertips beneath her chin. He gently lifted her head until she was staring in his eyes.

"Ya' don't have ta' feel guilty fer what ya' did." he spoke gently. "If he was as terrible as ya' say, then the world is a better place without him."

"I've told myself that, Logan. But it doesn't make what I did right. I shouldn't have been in his mind in the first place."

"So, you gave it all up, chere?"

"Yeah. Seemed the safest thing to do."

"Ya' know, Professor Xavier and Jeannie are telepaths. If ya' want, I know they'd be happy ta' help ya' control your powers."

Anne smiled sadly. "Having control over my telepathy isn't an issue anymore. It's the fear of what I can do with it that keeps me on a leash."

"Takes time, chere. Don' worry though. Gambit and Logan help you any way poss'ble."

"You know darlin, the Professor was just talkin' the other day about how he wished the X-Men had more telepaths. If you're as strong as I think ya' might be, ya wouldn't need ta worry 'bout earnin' your keep. Not that ya' ever needed ta'."

Anne nodded slowly, her eyes lost in shadow.

"It'll take some time to get used to the idea of employing my powers like that again. Compared to everything that I've gone through in just the past two days, you would think that it would be a snap. But I've never been more scared in my life."

"Sometimes darlin', the smallest jobs in life are the hardest ta' do."

She nodded, lifting her eyes to study their faces.

"I'm lucky to have friends like you."

Logan cleared his throat gruffly, while Gambit grinned.

"Gambit and Logan feel de same 'bout you, chere. Feel de exact same."

* * *

Logan parked the jeep in front of the Mansion, and the three piled out of the vehicle, Anne lugging her duffel over her shoulder. Gambit wordlessly took it from her, Anne smiling with appreciation.

The two men could not help but notice how Anne's shroud of quiet dignity once again masked her face and body. Despite the nervousness they both knew she felt, she hid it like a master, carrying herself confidently up the front steps.

Jubilee met the small group at the door, the heavy oak entrance whipping open to reveal her ecstatic face. She immediately launched herself at Logan without a glance to anyone else.

"Wolvie!" she cried, amidst a tangle of limbs and clothing.

He hugged her back, and then gently set her on the ground, trying unsuccessfully to peel her limbs from his body.

"Why aren't you in school?" He asked gruffly.

She shrugged, an effortless gesture that made her seem that much younger.

"Frostie and Mr. Cassidy thought it would be a good experience for Gen-X ta' work with the X-men for a week. I think they're hoping you guys will be good role models an' rub off on us." Jubilee smirked, which gave her opinion about the likelihood of that happening. She turned to Anne, who stood just between and behind Logan and Gambit.

"Who's this?" she asked, smacking some gum around her mouth.

Before the two could answer, Anne gave her a sparkling grin and held out her hand.

"I'm Anne. These two galoots lugged me out of the mountains to see if I can make something of myself." Her grin widened, and she rolled her eyes.

Jubliee giggled, taking an instant liking to her. She took her hand, and dragged her into the house. "Come on, Anne. I need to introduce ya' to the others!" Anne threw a startled glance back at Gambit and Logan before Jubilee yanked her into the bowels of the Mansion.

"I don't know about you, mon ami, but Gambit not saving her dis time."

"You're cruel, Gumbo."

"Oui."

They left Anne's things in the main hall, and split up. Gambit went to see the Professor, while Logan took it upon himself to hunt down Anne. He caught her scent, the fresh mingling of rain and earth, and followed it. Smelling her was like being in the forest again, and he felt his heart tug as he heard her voice.

He found her in the kitchen, surrounded by Jean, Jubilee, and Rogue. Anne still wore her shroud of quiet dignity, and Logan could tell that it was having its effect on the other women. It might be awhile before they would see the more expressive side of Anne, though Jubilee had been privy to a glimpse of it. He noticed Jean staring at Anne with a look of confusion on her face, the red head's eyes slightly unfocused.

Anne seemed to sense his presence, and she glanced behind her. She smiled wryly, her eyes twinkling mischievously. Logan almost breathed a sigh of relief. That was the real Anne, not the stiff, dignified woman who she was emanating.

He was about to say something, when Emma Frost walked into the kitchen. She breezed by his body, not touching, but close enough for her perfume to linger in his sensitive nose. He hated that.

Anne had already turned her head back towards the others, and did not see Emma arrive. Yet she abruptly rose to her feet and turned around to stare at the blonde woman, who had stopped behind her chair. Emma's eyes narrowed, and Anne raised one dark brow, her expression clearly saying "Don't mess with me".

Jean worriedly watched the two women, Jubilee's eyes darting between her head mistress and Anne. At one point, Jean blanched as though she had heard something very distasteful. Emma's eyes widened in outrage, and Anne sweetly smiled, though her face was pale. Logan remembered her fears concerning the use of her telepathy, but it did not seem to be stopping her from taking up for herself.

Good girl, Logan thought smugly. Give her hell.

Anne frowned, her eyes flashing with a mixture of fear and outrage.

"Emma, no!" Jean gasped. Logan immediately began to move towards the White Queen, when the blonde flung a hand up to her head. Her knees buckled and if Anne had not reached out to catch her, she would have collapsed to the floor. Anne hurriedly gave Emma her seat, and stepped back as the woman held her head and groaned miserably.

"Sugah, what did you do to her?" Rogue asked, eyes big. None of them had ever seen Emma on the receiving end of a punch. And have it connect. Jubilee's looked at Anne with an expression of grudging respect.

"I--I gave her a taste of her own medicine." Anne stated simply, her face white. "She was going to try to--" she fumbled for the words. "--stab my mind?" she looked to Jean for confirmation and the red head nodded weakly.

Anne took a deep breath, and Logan could see the tumult of emotions in her eyes. "She wouldn't have been able to hurt me. . . but I can only take so much bullying in one day."

"Serves her right, if you ask me," Logan growled, laying a reassuring hand on Anne's shoulder. Anne looked at him gratefully. He could feel weak tremors running through her body, and the faint scent of anxiety drifted to his nose.

"Perhaps, though I do not usually condone fighting amongst my students and colleagues." The stern voice caused everyone to jump, including Emma, though the woman stayed seated, one hand pressed to her temple. The Professor, seated in his hover craft, floated in the doorway of the kitchen with his usual regal and imperious pose. Gambit leaned against the door frame beside him, idly shuffling his cards while his eyes flickered over the people before him. On his other side stood Scott, mouth set in a stern line.

Anne straightened, and Logan removed his hand. Any signs of weakness that he had been able to detect, disappeared as her face hardened. She carefully looked Xavier straight in the eye.

"If you don't condone fighting, then request better manners of your students and colleagues. This woman forcibly attempted to break past my shields, and she attacked me without any real provocation. If I had wanted to be bullied by people who thought they were better than me, I would have remained in my home and not come here."

"How dare you speak to the Professor in that way!" Scott burst out. "If you're going to stay--"

She interrupted him with a sharp wave of her hand. Amazingly enough, Scott shut his mouth.

"I am here because Gambit and Logan asked me to come. But I don't need you, and I certainly will not allow myself to be pushed around."

The silence in the room was deafening as eyes widened in shock and mouths dropped open in amazement. A grin twitched at the corner of Gambit's mouth, while Logan felt his face split.

"Score one for Anne." Jubilee muttered, finally breaking the silence. She ducked her head as several people, including the Professor, glared at her.

Emma's moan broke the remaining tension. She still clutched at her head, eyes squeezed shut.

"Oh, stop that." Anne muttered in irritation. "I didn't hit you half as hard as you were planning to hit me." Without hesitation, she lay her fingertips lightly on Emma's temples. Immediately, the blonde woman relaxed, and her whimpers ceased.

Two spots of color danced on Emma's cheeks as she struggled to recover the remaining shreds of her dignity.

"Your shields. . . they are quite impressive."

"Really? I wouldn't know, though they seemed to work against you."

Emma stiffened, and everyone held their breath. The White Queen turned in her chair to look at Xavier, her eyes frigid.

"You should probe her yourself, Charles. Her defenses are. . . unique."

He focused his gaze on Anne. "May I?" His voice was cold, a tone that would have had most of the X-Men worried. Instead, a wry grin tugged at Anne's lips, and she inclined her head. Logan and Gambit glanced at each other. This was not how they had planned on introducing her to the X-Men, but she was holding her own with the best of them.

The Professor's eyes unfocused for a long moment, and his face flushed.

"Incredible!" he gasped. "The layering you've managed. . . it would cause most telepaths to exhaust themselves within a few moments, but you maintain it seemingly without effort!"

"Momma always said I was special." Anne murmured humorously, just loud enough for Logan to hear.

Jean gasped as well. "I can see it now!" she exclaimed. "How do you do it?"

Anne frowned, staring at her. "I'm anchored well, that's all. I can't explain it. I just shield myself the way trees do."

That caused jaws to drop once again, but before any one else could launch more questions, Gambit interrupted. "Gambit t'ink Anne been questioned enough. She needs sleep."

"And some grub." Logan growled.

"Agreed," the Professor nodded, raising his hand to silence Scott, whose mouth had begun to open in protest. "We still have the matter of this altercation to discuss, but we can continue it in the morning. Good night, Anne." His tone was still cold, but everyone could hear the respect in his voice.

"Good night."

Scott and Xavier left the kitchen, Jean and Emma following them. Emma refused to look at Anne, her back as rigid as a board as she left.

Rogue whistled. "Sugah, do you know what you just did?"

A tired smile tugged at Anne's lips. "Just took up for myself, that's all."

"You all right, chere?" Gambit asked, eyes concerned. Logan studied her carefully. For eleven years she had been afraid to use her telepathy on other humans, and then in one night she was forced to converse, protect and fight, using only her mind.

Despite everything that's happened to her over the past two days, she hasn't complained once. She's as tough as nails. Logan observed silently, feeling admiration well up in his chest.

"I'm fine, Remy. Just wasn't expecting to face all my fears tonight."

Rogue and Jubilee looked at her in confusion. Jubilee opened her mouth to speak, but stopped when Logan threw her a warning glance.

Logan cleared his throat gruffly. "How 'bout we get some grub."

Over reheated lasagna and salad, the group sat at the table and chattered away. Slowly, Anne began to lose her protective shroud, though it was apparent to both Gambit and Logan that she was not entirely relaxed in her settings. Her first encounter with the X-Men had unsettled her.

"Wow, so you like, commune with Nature and stuff like that, right?" Jubilee's voice pierced through the idle talk, and all eyes focused on Anne.

Anne scratched her head. "I suppose you could say that."

Jubilee stared out the window, a dreamy look on her face. "I wish I could do that."

"I'm sure you could. You just have to listen properly."

"Will you teach me?"

Anne looked embarrassed and uncertain, but she nodded. "I can try."

"Cool! Wait until I tell the others!" With that last outburst, Jubilee sprang up from the table and scurried out of the kitchen.

"Did I just commit myself to something terrible and frustrating?" Anne asked in a weak voice, as the last echo of the teen's voice faded from the air.

Logan shrugged, gulping down some beer. "You dig your own grave, darlin'."

"Thanks a lot. . . wolf-meister, was it?" Anne looked at him innocently enough, but her lips twitched suspiciously.

"Darlin', if you know what's good for ya', ya' won't call me that."

"Oh, but it's sooo cute." Anne cooed.

Gambit choked on his beer.

Rogue's peal of laughter rebounded against the walls and she reached over the table to take Anne's hand in a firm grasp. "Anne, Ah never met a woman as gusty as you. Ah think we're gonna be great friends."

"I'd like that, Rogue." Anne grinned.

"Well, Ah bet you're near tuckered out. Why don't Ah show you your room, an' we'll unpack your things."

"Unpack?" Anne asked incredulously. "After what happened tonight? I'll probably be booted out first thing tomorrow morning."

"Not if I have anythin' ta say about it." Logan growled fiercely.

"Chere, you're not goin' anywhere."

Anne looked at them helplessly, finally throwing her hands up in the air.

"Fine! I put myself into your capable hands." She turned to Rogue, who was watching the interplay between the trio with a twinkle in her eye. "Well, let's go see that room. Maybe you can tell me some stories about these guys while I unpack. Preferably ones that are embarrassing."

"That'll take all night, sugah." She winked as the two women stood. "But Ah sure can try."

"See ya' later, boys." Anne said cheerfully, risking life and limb to ruffle Logan's hair. She lithely danced away from him as he growled, and the laughter of the two women carried back to the kitchen for a long time after they left.

Gambit groaned, and hid his head in his arms. "Gambit t'ink we created a monster."

"I'd have to agree with you, Gumbo." Still, Logan was glad that she was beginning to relax.

"Hey Cajun. Think we should go talk ta' the Professor?"

Gambit shrugged. "Gambit told him how you found Anne, but no'ting much else." The faint shadow of worry entered his eyes. "You t'ink de Professor might ask Anne t'leave?"

"If he does, Annie won't be leavin' alone." Logan growled.

"You'd leave de X-Men for her?" Gambit's eyes narrowed curiously.

Logan fingered the neck of his beer bottle, lost in thought.

"Yeah," he answered after a long moment of silence. "The X-Men have given me a lot. . . helped me control the beast, given me purpose ta' my life 'sides the killin. But I don't really belong here--never have. When I'm with Annie though, I feel different. Like I don't need ta' hide who I am, like. . . like. . . damn." He muttered darkly.

"I can't explain it, Cajun." He took a long swallow of his beer, and studied Gambit.

"What about ya', Cajun? Would ya' leave the X-Men for Annie?"

"Don't know, mon ami. Never had a woman like Anne for a best friend be'foe. She acts like one o' de guys, like she's known Gambit for years. . . Gambit don't need to put on a show t'impress her and dat's a nice feelin'.

"Yeah, Gambit feel de same as you, Logan. Near rip Gambit's heart out t'leave, but for Anne, Gambit just might."

"Don't let Rogue hear ya' say that, Gumbo." Logan chuckled over his beer.

Gambit sighed. "Gambit don't love Anne like Gambit loves Rogue. Anne more like a sister."

"But you'd still leave for her."

"Don' forget de old sayin', mon ami. Blood is thicker den water. Anne like de sister Gambit never had, and dat means somethin' important to dis Cajun."

Logan nodded, and pushed his chair back from the table.

"Don' know 'bout you, Gumbo, but I'm goin' ta' grab some shut-eye."

"Gambit and Logan not goin' to talk to de Professor?"

"Nah. Now that we've got our priorities straight concernin' Annie, I don' see much reason ta' talk ta' him. 'Sides, ya' think he'd get rid of the one person ta' ever square off with Emma Frost, and beat her in under two seconds flat without even tryin'?"

Gambit chuckled, and reached into his pocket for a cigarette.

"Gambit t'ink Anne here to stay."

* * *

Professor Xavier opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling of his bedroom. Moonlight spilled through his open window, a faint breeze stirring his drapes.

Carefully, he reconstructed the conversation he had overhead between Logan and Gambit. Recalling their exact words and the depth of emotion behind them, he could not help but be filled with surprise. The black sheep of the X-Men, he had never been able to truly draw them into the team, to make them trust anyone but themselves. How, in under two days, had this woman--Anne--earned the respect and devotion of Logan and Gambit?

He recalled his unexpected encounter with Anne. How he had entered the kitchen to find her standing over Emma, the White Queen holding her head in obvious pain. His first reaction had been shock, which was quickly overcome by a need to gain control of the situation. He just had not anticipated Anne's forceful response. Nor had he predicted the uniqueness of her shields.

Experimentally, Xavier probed the Mansion for Anne's presence. Nothing. There was no indication that she was anywhere within a ten mile radius. He sighed, perplexed. He had been drawn to the kitchen by the mental turbulence he felt emanating from that part of the house. But he had only sensed five people, and was shocked to see he had been wrong.

If she can hide her existence from a telepath of my strength, and turn Emma Frost's attack back on herself, what else is she capable of? And her shields--I had to pull the words from her mouth, but even Emma admitted that she had never seen anything like them in her life.

Foolish Emma. Attacking a stranger for no real good reason.

He agreed with Logan--the woman deserved it. She was still however, one of the most powerful telepaths in the world, and a good head mistress. Besides, he was quite certain that the White Queen had learned her lesson. At least for the time being.

You needn't worry, my X-Men. I will not ask Anne to leave. Her mutant powers and her friendship with the two of you is a puzzle that I cannot afford to ignore.

* * *

It turned out that Anne's fears about training Jubilee in the art of 'forest talk' were unfounded. Emma left with her students early the next morning, the teenagers protesting at the top of their lungs. Especially Jubilee.

Anne entered the kitchen while the morning was still dark. Logan and Storm were seated at the table, while Jean bustled around the stove.

"Did I hear shrieking not long ago?"

Jean nodded, dividing her attention between Anne and a pan of heating oil. "Emma took her students home this morning, and there were some. . . protests."

"Jubilee didn't want to go." Logan added. His hair was rumpled and his flannel shirt looked like he had slept in it. Anne turned her attention to the black woman across from him. Her perfect, dusky features were composed regally beneath an artfully wild mane of white hair.

"You must be Storm." Anne greeted her.

She smiled back. "And you are Anne? I heard you created quite a stir last night."

Anne laughed, though Logan could hear the strain in her voice. "I'm here for only one night, and I already have a reputation. That must be a record."

"Hardly." Jean snorted. "Yours was probably one of the more civilized introductions to the X-Men. Usually there are more explosions and screaming. Besides, what happened last night was not entirely your fault. Emma, to put it bluntly--"

"Is an egomaniacal bitch." Logan growled, and then buried his face in his coffee.

"Thank you, Logan." Jean stared at him sternly, before turning back to the oven.

"Do you need any help cooking?" Anne walked over to Jean.

She shook her head. "I think I've got it under control, but if you want to make something for yourself, feel free."

"You don't mind?" Anne asked, a gleam entering her eyes.

"Not at all."

Jean showed her where they kept all of their pans, and before long Anne was making herself at home, much to Logan's secret satisfaction.

She diced up several bunches of green onions, adding them to a mixing bowl of flour, water and eggs. She grabbed a gigantic frying pan from the cupboard and filled it until the bottom was completely covered in cooking oil.

Anne proceeded to dip the batter, the hot oil sizzling and popping as she spread the mixture out into thin pancakes. A heavenly aroma arose from where she was working, and several bodies were drawn into the kitchen from the rest of the house.

"I love the smell of grease in the morning." Bobby quipped, jauntily walking into the kitchen.

"Indeed," Beast agreed, following in his footsteps. "The scent does stimulate one's hunger."

"Thank Anne." Jean laughed. "I'm about to forget the omelet I'd planned, and copy whatever she's making."

Beast and Bobby turned to scrutinize the petite stranger.

Anne smiled wryly beneath their gazes but did not introduce herself. She removed one of the pancakes and filled the pan with ever more oil. "Chinese pancakes are an old recipe of my dad's. I can make enough for everyone."

Logan grunted. "You just found the way to their hearts, darlin'."

Anne threw him a quick grin, and then turned to Beast.

"Dr. Henry McCoy, I presume?"

Beast looked at her quizzically.

"Why, yes."

Anne smiled and stuck out her hand, which Beast took cordially enough, though he still looked puzzled.

"Anne O'Hanrahan. It's an honor to finally meet you in person. I attended a lecture you gave at Harvard, around five years ago."

His eyes lit up. "Ah, I remember! My hypothesis that certain biochemical stimuli are capable of advancing mutations, even those that have been stable for years. I am delighted to meet someone who attended the lecture."

"It was fascinating. I was enrolled in the Medical School at the time, and you had my professors in an uproar, especially with your implication that it would one day be possible for mutants and non-mutants to essentially engineer themselves into whatever form they desired. Secretly, I think they were excited by the prospect, but you know Harvard. . . everyone condemns any idea not their own as a matter of habit."

Beast chuckled, his eyes sparkling.

"Indeed. I remember only too well. Tell me, is that where you earned your undergraduate degree?"

"Oh, no. I graduated from MIT with a BS in Geoscience."

"But you are a doctor?"

Anne shook her head, smiling ruefully. "I left after a year."

"Still, your credentials are impressive. Perhaps we could discuss my research at some later time." He sighed mournfully. "There is no one but myself with the necessary scientific background to fully understand the technicalities of my work. I often wish I could unburden myself on another."

Anne laughed with delight, but quickly sobered.

"I would love to, Dr. McCoy, but I don't know how long I'll be staying."

"Please, call me Hank. Now, why would you not stay with us? You are a mutant, I presume?"

"Yes, but I'm afraid I didn't make the best of impressions last night when I met the Professor."

"Wouldn't worry 'bout that, darlin'." Logan called from the kitchen table. His eyes glinted smugly.

Anne narrowed her eyes, noticing the expression on his face.

"How can you be so sure, Logan?"

He shrugged. "Chuck's a lot o' things, but he ain't vindictive. "Sides, there ain't many mutants out there who can surprise him, an' I think ya' did that twice last night. First, when ya' gave Frostie a taste o' her own medicine, and second, when he got a look at yer shields."

Beast stared down at Anne. "You attacked the White Queen, and succeeded?"

"It was purely defensive, I can assure you. Nor is it something I want to repeat. I'm curious though, why everyone acts like defending myself against this Emma Frost, or whatever you call her, is such a big deal."

"She's just one of the most powerful telepaths in the world." Bobby called, snatching up several of her pancakes.

"Hey!" Anne growled. Bobby paused guiltily, but relaxed when he saw the twinkle in her eyes.

"So, how did you wind up here, Anne?" Bobby changed subjects as he leaned back against a countertop, hungrily stuffing his face.

Anne looked at Logan. "Maybe you should tell the story."

Everyone glanced at each other, and then turned to stare at Logan.

He sighed.

* * *

Several hours later, The Professor called Anne to his study. He tried probing for her, but it was not until she entered the room that he could be assured she was coming to the meeting. Gambit and Logan came with her, hovering behind her back.

Xavier noted the comfortable way the three stood together, as though they had been friends for life. It served to reinforce the discussion he had overhead the previous night. He wondered if Anne realized the depth of their feelings for her.

"Anne, please sit down." The woman nodded, taking the proffered seat. The two men quickly found chairs by her and lounged comfortably, Gambit shuffling some cards.

"First of all," the Professor began, "I would like to apologize for what occurred last night. I spoke with Emma at great length, and she expressed her. . . regret that the incident took place." Xavier ignored the derisive snort from Logan, and continued. "Furthermore, I thought long and hard about the. . . conversation we both had.. You had every right to say what you did. You have incredible potential for one untrained, and I would be most pleased if you remained with the X-Men."

Anne narrowed her eyes. "What exactly will I do here if I decide to stay, Professor?"

Xavier blinked. Most mutants snatched up the chance to live with the X-Men, no questions asked. He studied the determined set of her jaw, the quick intelligence behind her dark eyes. No, he decided. Anne was not a woman to run blindly into any situation.

"You will be expected to train with the X-Men, and if you so choose, eventually join them."

"I see." She glanced at Logan and Gambit, who watched her quietly, expectantly.

"It's your choice, darlin'. Just remember that we'll stick with ya' no matter what ya' decide" Logan responded, Gambit nodding his agreement.

Anne swallowed heavily, and stared at the floor. After a long moment, she lifted her eyes and met Xavier's gaze.

"I'll stay," she spoke firmly.

"Excellent." Xavier clasped his hands together. "Now, if you don't mind, I have a few questions for you. First of all, who trained you to construct your shields? I must confess, they have been a puzzlement to me from the start."

Anne smiled wryly. "Don't you remember what I said about the trees?"

Xavier frowned, scanning his memories. "Yes." He responded slowly. "But I did not really think that you were serious."

"I'm very serious. Everything I learned about defending my mind, I learned from observing trees. That's why my shields look so foreign to you, and that's why Emma would not have been able to penetrate them. Let me ask you a question, Professor. Do you ever probe trees?"

"Of course not. There is nothing to probe."

"But there is. Do you sense me, Professor? If you closed your eyes and probed the room, would you know that I was sitting in front of you? Would you even be able to pick up the essence of my mind?"

"No," he said quietly. "It is as though you do not exist."

"Trees don't think like us, but they are alive, and part of that life consists of a natural urge to shield. Their ability is a product of Nature, and she is very good at defending herself, physically and. . . mentally."

"But what you do requires a huge amount of energy, both of the mind and body."

Anne shrugged. "Like I said, I'm anchored well. A tree draws strength from the earth, doesn't it? I do the same. Of course, I also have to eat a lot, but I usually don't have any trouble maintaining myself." Anne pursed her lips, and leaned forward in her chair.

"Professor, I've been hearing voices since I was five years old. Luckily, my parents were good people, and accepted the fact that I was a mutant. They let me run in the woods, because that was where I could find the most peace. But I heard voices there too, except these were coming from the earth and the trees themselves. I touched them with my mind, and they responded to me. I don't know why, but they did. I learned how to shield myself at all times of the day, no matter what I am doing. Following their example, I suppose. Though I have to admit that I didn't learn much else."

The professor sat back, hands clasped. His eyes were lost in thought for a long moment. "Fascinating," he whispered finally. "A whole new world as of yet undiscovered. Can anyone communicate with this. . . presence?"

Anne frowned, and the three men could sense her discomfort.

"I suppose. Everyone is connected to the planet, and can 'talk' with it, can 'commune'. But not everyone gets the same response." She frowned in consternation.

"That is quite all right, my dear. That is something we can discuss at a later time. Right now though, I would like to assess the strength of your mutant abilities. With your permission?"

"Please," she responded.

"Gambit and Logan, will you two please escort Anne to the Danger Room?"

"Danger Room?" Anne whispered as they left.

* * *

Anne absently tugged at the one piece suit of lycra that clung to her body. Logan noticed and casually looked her over. Gentle curves mixed pleasantly with long, lean lines, all accented by the tight work out uniform. The long treks in the forest had obviously done her good.

"Don't worry, Anne. We'll go easy on you since this is your first time." Bobby called, and disappeared into the Danger Room. Gambit, Rogue, Scott, and Jean were already waiting inside. Each held a position within the room and were waiting for Anne to enter to begin the program.

Logan snorted. Bobby had never seen Anne in a brawl.

He wondered briefly if the Professor had alerted the rest of the team to the strength of Anne's telepathic ability. He and Gambit had been present an hour earlier as Beast and the Professor used instruments to test their friend inside the workout room. Logan didn't bother himself with the details; all he knew was that the Professor had turned pale and Beast had begun to whisper, "Oh my stars and garters. . . ".

Anne had merely looked at them, frowning.

"I take it I surprised you?"

She never did get a response to her question.

"Anne," the Professor's voice crackled over the intercom. "The purpose of this exercise is to force you to use your powers creatively. All of the X-Men are well aware that you do not have previous fighting experience, so they will be careful not to use extreme force on you."

Logan could not help but notice the small smile that touched Anne's lips at the Professor's last comment.

"Try not ta' hurt them too badly, darlin." Logan chuckled.

"You've all been doing this a lot longer than me," she snorted.

"Just do your best, Annie." Logan replied, and entered the Danger Room.

"Are you ready, Anne?" The Professor's voice came on over the intercom.

"Go for it."

"Please enter."

Anne took a deep breath, and swung open the heavy steel door.

* * *

Anne found herself on an empty side walk at night, ramshackle buildings on every side. Shadows clung to walls and alleys, casting a dirty edge to the darkness around her. Dazzled by the illusion, Anne had to forcibly command herself to begin moving. She was supposed to have a two minute head start before anyone came looking for her, and she could not afford to waste a moment. If she could ambush someone, that would be one less X-Man to worry about.

Not for the first time, she wondered at the strange turn her life had taken. Who would have thought her world could change so quickly in just three days. The funny thing was, she did not regret any of it. Even this strange exercise that had her chasing some of the most notorious mutants in the world.

Anne caught a glimpse of white. There was the faint rustle of a foot scraping pavement, and then Bobby darted out in front of her, arms raised.

Anne fell to the ground and rolled as a flash of ice rushed over her head. Without stopping her forward motion, her mind fumbled for a weapon. The memory of her grandfather's bull whip came to mind, and suddenly she felt her right hand crackling with energy. Instinctively, Anne lashed out towards Bobby's feet. A blue-green whip of energy wrapped snugly around his legs and with a sharp jerk, Bobby fell flat on his back. Anne released her hold of the whip, but left it intact around the young man's legs.

"Hey!" he shouted, wriggling his body and flailing his arms. Bobby tried to shoot a bolt of ice at Anne, but she easily dodged him and disappeared down a side street, leaving him behind. One down.

Less than a minute passed before Anne felt a mental probe slide uselessly across her shields. Jean was trying to find her by scanning wildly, but she was not going to have any luck if she depended on just her mind.

Anne crouched in the shadows cast by a dumpster, marveling at the illusion even as she gently traced the probe back to Jean. Anne remembered Emma's attack of the night before, but she discarded it as too painful.

She could not bring herself to enter Jean's mind, but she could not think of an alternative that would disable the woman's telekinitic abilities.

I can do this. I just need to be careful. Come on, Anne. . . think.

Realizing she had to move fast before someone found her, Anne gave up on subtlety and instinctively wove a shield that she hoped would dampen Jean's powers. Not far away, she heard an outraged cry.

Bingo.

A red beam of light abruptly cut into the stone just above her head, forcing Anne to jump away from her hiding place. Scott stood at the mouth of the alley, his visor glowing. Without a second thought, Anne launched herself at him.

Her fists slammed into his jaw and kidney, her feet kicking at his knees. Scott's fist clipped her ear, but Anne was able to dodge the main force of the blow. Once again, she summoned the image of the whip, the coil of blue flame appearing in her hands. Before Scott could react, Anne disposed of him in the same way she had Bobby. He grunted in frustration as she quickly ran away from the scene.

Her heart pounded furiously and she forced herself to slow and take deep breaths. She hugged the shadows, her eyes scanning the seemingly deserted street around her. She tentatively reached beyond her shields, scanning for any approach.

She had the barest hint of a warning before Rogue, Gambit and Logan materialized out of nowhere, launching themselves at her. Anne managed to dodge Rogue's reaching grasp, nearly falling into Gambit's arms. Without missing a beat, she twisted away from the lanky Cajun, lashing out at his knee with her foot.

"Sorry," she muttered as it connected. She dimly heard the answering grunt of pain as she turned to find Logan facing her, his adamantiam claws emerging from the backs of his hands. His eyes were calculating, but not cold.

Anne sent out a brief probe and she ducked just in time to keep from being tackled by Rogue. Anne reached out blindly, pressed by her need to disable her. Her need impressed itself on the flying woman's mind, and abruptly Rogue fell from the sky. Her scream of shock and fear ended as Gambit caught her.

"M'ah powers! They're gone!"

Quickly, Anne inhibited Gambit and Logan in the same way, but that offered no respite as the two men, especially Logan, were not entirely dependent on their mutant abilities to aid them in battle. As Logan launched himself at her, Anne's psi-whip materialized in her hand.

She flicked her wrist, the coil of blue flame lashing out at him. He dodged the strike to his feet, and Anne threw herself to her right as his body hurtled towards her. Much to her amazement, he managed to twist himself in mid-air to follow.

Anne, who had fallen on the ground when she avoided his first strike, kicked out with her foot as he came down on top of her. Her heel caught him square in the chest, and he grunted with surprise and pain. For an instant, their eyes met, and in that moment of distraction Logan pushed her leg aside and pinned her securely to the ground.

Straddling her stomach, he placed his claws on either side of her head.

"First lesson, darlin'." He said harshly. "Don't ever make eye contact with an opponent in the middle of a fight." He leaned closer, his breath warm on her face.

"Second thing is, I know ya' didn't use all your weapons. Ya' could have won this fight."

"I refuse to do that to you, Logan." Anne gritted her teeth angrily.

For just a second, his eyes softened.

"Not askin' ya' to, darlin. But there are other ways for telepaths ta' disable the enemy."

"But you aren't the enemy. You're my best friend, Logan. I'll fight you physically, but I refuse to strike out at your mind. I will not." she growled.

"I've been hurt by a lot worse." He whispered heavily.

"I know," she surprised him. "But I wouldn't be able to forgive myself."

Without warning, the program ended, and the illusion of the city melted away. Not far from where she stood, Bobby and Scott still lay on the ground and Jean was clutching her head. Logan's eyes revealed nothing of his feelings as he rose and helped Anne to her feet.

"You may release them now, Anne." The Professor's voice echoed over the intercom.

The mutant inhibitors and restraints on Bobby and Scott disappeared immediately. Anne felt the weight of everyone's gaze settle on her, and she forced herself to straighten.

Bobby, a wry grin on his face, stumbled up to Anne and stuck out his hand. A quizzical expression on her face, she took the proffered hand and shook.

"Congratulations, Anne. For a new recruit, you sure know how to take care of yourself in a fight."

The door to the Danger Room slid open, and Professor Xavier entered, followed closely by Beast.

"That should be enough for today. You are all free to go. Anne, please stay for a moment."

Scott left immediately, Jean following close behind. Rogue gave Anne a friendly smile as she passed her to leave, but Anne could see the hint of shadows in her eyes as their gazes met. Bobby held on to her hand a moment longer than necessary until suddenly he looked past her shoulder.

His eyes widened and his face paled. With a weak smile he released Anne's hand and quickly left the Danger Room. Anne turned to find Gambit and Logan standing directly behind her. Logan was picking his teeth with one of his claws and Gambit was idly shuffling some cards.

Anne's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Before she could speak, the Professor and Beast approached.

"I did say that everyone but Anne was free to go, did I not?"

Gambit shrugged, and Logan sheathed his claw. "Yeah, Chuck. But ya' never said we couldn't stay."

Beast's eyes twinkled as the Professor sighed. With a look of resignation on his face, he turned to face Anne. She watched him expectantly, her dark eyes intense.

"I believe, Anne, that you exceeded our expectations in this exercise. Not only were you capable of using your powers creatively under intense situations, you did not require them in order to defend yourself. Most extraordinary, considering that your case file indicated no previous fighting experience."

Anne folded her arms across her chest. "My case file? Exactly what sort of information do you have on me, Professor?" She asked, not addressing his implied questions.

"Medical histories, arrest reports, high school and University records. . . I find it fascinating that you were accepted into Harvard Medical School when you were only 20, but dropped out after a year. Did that have anything to you with your parent's death?"

Anne's eyes hardened. "I would rather not discuss that."

"Forgive me." The professor apologized softly.

Gambit stirred.

"Chere, how'd you take away Gambit's powers?"

All eyes turned on Anne and she frowned as she met their gazes.

"To be honest, I'm not sure how I did it. I wanted to disable Rogue, and I reached out and. . . " she fumbled for the words. ". . . dampened her powers. I suppose I did the same to Jean, but it felt different. . . more like I was encasing Rogue, Gambit and Logan in a bubble, while with Jean I just put a net around her mind." Anne looked at each of the four men helplessly. "I'm sorry, but I can't explain it any better."

"Just so long as you can repeat yourself, my dear." Beast rumbled. "And I must compliment you on the creativeness of your weaponry. The physical manifestation of your powers in the form of a whip. I almost felt as though I was watching an updated version of Indiana Jones."

"Yee Haw." Anne said dryly.

* * *

The Professor allowed them to leave not long after, Beast extracting a promise from Anne that she would come down to the Med-lab for testing later in the evening.

Bobby and Rogue were waiting for them outside of the Danger Room.

"Anyone up for lunch?" The young man grinned charmingly at Anne.

Logan scowled at him, and Rogue gave a long suffering sigh.

"How about we go out?" the beautiful southerner suggested, looking around at the four of them.

"Sounds good to me." Anne shrugged.

* * *

"I have not seen a mall in at least five years," declared Anne as they pulled into the great expanse of the parking lot. "It looks more like an amusement park now."

"Amusing's the word, darlin'." Logan said, sighing with resignation. Rogue had declared over lunch that it was their duty to show Anne around the area, and that of course included a stop at the gargantuan shopping complex that dominated the center of town.

"You don't get out much, do you?" Bobby commented.

Anne laughed wryly. "You have no idea."

Everyone stayed clear of Rogue as she effectively commandeered the group through the multitude of shops in the mall. Bobby hugged Anne's side, chattering about whatever subject came to mind. Every time Anne smiled or laughed at something he said, Logan had to fight down the urge to skewer Bobby on his claws.

Finally, much to his relief, Bobby excused himself to go to the men's room. At the same time, a clothing store caught Rogue's eyes and she dragged Anne in after her. The petite woman threw a pleading glance towards Gambit and Logan. With a resigned sigh, the two men followed.

By the time they ambled in, Rogue already had two dresses in her arms and was whispering animatedly to Anne. Anne laughed, and turned to look at the approaching men with mischief in her eyes. Gambit and Logan watched them suspiciously as they disappeared into a dressing room.

A few minutes later, Rogue pranced out in a skin tight, emerald green dress that draped lovingly around her legs. A high slit exposed a long length of tanned skin. Gambit whistled, and Logan smiled appreciatively. Envious looks from other women in the store were thrown Rogue's way. She grinned wickedly.

"Well, if you two think this dress looks good, wait till y'all see what Anne's wearin."

"So, what do you boys think?" Anne asked, stepping from the woman's dressing room a moment later.

Logan felt his mouth go dry. Dark blue silk hugged the lean lines of her body, the color complementing her fair skin perfectly. The long sleeved dress was short, though not immodestly so, and the low V cut of the neck showed off her ample curves. Her eyes sparkled as she posed for them.

"Well?"

"Darlin'," Logan said, ashamed that his voice sounded so hoarse. "Any man who doesn't think you look beautiful in that dress is either blind or has bad taste in women."

Anne laughed with delight. "With a compliment like that, how could I not buy this dress?"

When they went back in to change, Gambit elbowed Logan.

"Anne cleans up good, non?"

"She looks good no matter what she wears, but yeah. . . that dress was made for her."

Something in Logan's voice caused Gambit to look closer at his friend, and the suspicion he had on the mountain grew.

"Gambit t'ink you beginning to like Anne a little more than a friend, eh?"

Logan turned to glare at him, but before he could comment, the two women exited the dressing room. They paid for their purchases and the foursome left. Bobby was looking for them a few stores down and made a bee line towards Anne. This time however, she walked between Logan and Gambit. The young man was forced off to the sidelines, much to Logan's satisfaction.

When they finally began to trek back to the car, Anne groaned.

"Back home I could walk up to thirty miles in a day, and I never felt as tired or foot sore as I do now." She declared heavily. They all piled in, Rogue at the wheel and Anne in the back seat between Bobby and Logan.

Half way to the mansion, Bobby began to talk about his exploits as a member of the X-Men.

"I mean, I know it's a horrible thing to do to another guy, but he was coming at me with a sledge hammer! How was I supposed to know that I would really freeze his balls off?"

"Gambit always hate dis story." He muttered over the snickers of the two women. Anne elbowed a stony faced Logan in the ribs, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

Abruptly, the twinkle died and Anne's face drained of all color. Logan felt her body stiffen convulsively, her breath rattling in her throat.

"Anne!" Logan shouted. "Rogue, dammit, stop the car!"

Rogue swerved to the side of the road, horn blasts accompanying her move as other cars braked to avoid hitting her. As soon as the car stopped, Anne clambered out of the vehicle, practically over Logan who could not get out fast enough. She fell to the ground on her hands and knees, heaving. It had been several hours since lunch, so her body forced up dry gags that caused her narrow frame to shudder painfully.

When Anne finally stopped, she continued to kneel on the ground, forehead pressed into the dirt. Sobs racked her body.

Logan crouched by her and he could hear Rogue on the cell phone, calling the mansion.

"Darlin', darlin'," he soothed, gently rubbing the small of her back in tiny circles. "It's all right."

Gambit appeared on her other side and smoothed back her short hair.

"Chere, don' cry. Tell Gambit and Logan what's wrong."

"How's she doin'?" Rogue asked, her voice filled with concern.

Gambit looked up at her, his eyes pained.

"What did Hank say?" Bobby asked quietly, obviously ill at ease with the turn of events.

"Just to get her back as quickly as possible."

"Bobby," Logan snapped. "Get in the front seat."

The young man did not argue, scrambling at the order.

"Ok Gumbo, let's get her in the car."

Anne was completely unresponsive as they uncurled her body. Gambit took her shoulders as gently as he could, and pulled her into the car after him. Logan followed closely with her legs until they were all seated in the back, Anne stretched out across their laps. She was still crying, her body shaking with silent sobs.

They pulled in front of the mansion less than ten minutes later, Logan and Gambit missing Rogue's maniacal driving as they concentrated on soothing and comforting their friend. It felt so natural to think of her that way, Logan thought suddenly. As his best friend--something that only a few people could claim the privilege or burden of.

Anne, he thought. What have you done to me?

Beast stood on the front steps of the Mansion with Jean at his side. They held a stretcher between them, and greeted the car with hurried waves. Logan slid out of the car first and took Anne from Gambit. Her racking sobs had ceased, but tears still trickled down her face. He gently lay her on the stretcher and soon they had her in the infirmary. Beast hovered over her still form, his instruments whirring and clicking.

"There is nothing physically wrong with her." he announced finally.

Jean frowned. "Her shields are as strong as ever, and there is absolutely no sign that she was attacked."

Logan snarled, shaking off Gambit's restraining hand. "So what are ya' saying? That we can't do anything for her? What if something worse happens?"

Beast grimaced, but did not back away. "My friend, there is every likelihood of her 'snapping' out of it. I cannot guess as to what caused her current condition, but she has stopped crying, and her heart rate has slowed to normal. These are good signs, but you have to give her time."

"We can sit with chere, oui?"

"Yes Gambit. I would recommend that, in fact."

"'kay. Come on, Logan. Anne needs us." His simple statement brought Logan out of his seething fury, and the stocky man entered the infirmary without another word. Gambit stopped just before the door and looked back at Rogue, who had followed Anne's progress as eagerly as the rest of them.

"I see you later, Rogue?" Gambit's earnest plea brought a smile to her lips.

"Yeah, Remy. You can find me when Anne wakes up."

"Thank's chere." he brought her gloved fingertips to his lips and lay a gentle kiss on the soft cloth.

* * *

At dinner, Logan and Gambit were conspicuously absent.

"They are still sitting with Anne?" The Professor asked.

"The last time I checked, they were." Beast said over his meatloaf. "And I was just there less than ten minutes ago."

"Ah think it's sweet," Rogue declared. "Anne brings out the best in them."

Bishop glared at her from the other end of the table.

"I still think we should put her under surveillance. Despite the fact that you didn't consult me before allowing her to stay in the mansion, I managed to do a back ground check on this. . . Anne." He spoke her name with distaste.

"She has been arrested several times in the past few years--destruction of property, being a public nuisance--you yourself say that you cannot sense her intentions, that her shields are unnaturally strong. And her reasons? Trees? Communion with the earth?" His look of derision spoke of his belief in her explanation. "She is a potential threat to--"

"Enough!" Xavier did not shout, though he might have with the effect that it had on Bishop. The man quieted instantly, though his eyes burned with irritation. "Gambit and Logan vouch for Anne, and I for one have never known any two people with better instincts for character. As for her explanations of the source of her training and strength, I cannot verify them, but I am willing to believe her. Anne has shown incredible power, and I do not think we can afford to lose her."

He did not bother to say that if they drove her away, they would lose Logan and Gambit as well. He refused to loose not one, but three of his X-Men. And he did think of Anne as an X-Man, despite their rough beginnings and her short time at the mansion.

What the others did not know, what he had shared with only Beast and Jean, was that Anne possessed a raw psychic ability that surpassed his own. She simply did not use her powers enough to be aware of her true strength.

Get well, Anne. The Professor urged silently over the chatter of his X-Men.

* * *

Anne woke to a dull throbbing in her chest. Her mouth felt as though it had been stuffed with cotton, and she imagined that if she looked into a mirror her face would appear to be as puffed and swollen as a cabbage patch doll.

Images still flashed through her mind--the eruption, the feeling of lava pouring out of the ground as though the earth's blood was rushing from an open wound. The inability to stop the flow as it began, the feelings of helplessness as lives--human, animal and plant--were snuffed out, buried beneath the molten rock that swept across the land.

Yet the worst part was that the eruption had not been natural. This was no response to building magma pressures that required release. The Argentinean volcano had been dormant for hundreds of millennia, had slept as the earth's blood flowed sluggishly beneath rock and mountain.

Something--someone--had pulled apart the mountain and called up the fires. It was as much a violation of the earth as rape to a human, and Anne had felt it all. She could never shield herself from the earth. It was not possible for her, since she drew energy from it. And she had felt the back lash of the earth's pain.

Anne shifted beneath her covers, and immediately heard two chairs scrape across the floor.

"Chere?"

"Darlin'?"

She managed a weak smile, though her eyes remained shut tight.

"Why am I getting a feeling of deja vu?" she croaked, and was pleased to hear the deep, relieved chuckles of her friends. "You two must be my Guardian Angels."

"Need water, darlin'?"

She nodded, and felt strong hands helping her to sit up, propping soft pillows beneath her back.

"Anythin' wrong wit your eyes, chere?"

Anne forced herself to unclench her eye lids, and she blearily looked around the room. Obviously, the infirmary. "No, my eye sight's fine. I was just too lazy to open them."

She heard Gambit's sigh of relief and she reached out to pat his arm.

"How long have I been out?"

"It's morning. . . since yesterday, darlin'." Logan appeared on her right, his chiseled features creased with worry. He pressed a tall, chilled glass of water into her hands. She gratefully took it and gulped down the cool liquid, not caring that some of it trickled down the sides of her mouth and into her lap.

"Mmm, that's better." She looked up at the two men who still hovered anxiously.

"You boys look as though you've been through the wringer and back. Was I really in that bad of shape?"

Gambit and Logan shared a significant glance that was not lost on her.

"I guess I was then." Anne murmured, clutching at the empty glass.

"What happened, chere?" Gambit pressed her gently.

Anne shook her head, swallowing heavily. How to describe the images, the heaving emotions and turmoil of an entire planet?

"A volcano," she began weakly. "One erupted when it was not supposed to. Someone forced the eruption, and there was a back lash from the earth." When she looked up at her friends, her eyes were bright with tears, though she looked no where near the mindless state of grief that had possessed her earlier.

"There was pain," she whispered, almost hissing. "And loss. Frustration that the event was occurring, and that there was nothing that could be done to stop it. Violation," she said softly, eyes dropping to her lap. Anne's knuckles were white around the glass she held.

"You felt all this from the earth, darlin'?"

She nodded silently

"And you said that someone. . . forced the volcano to erupt before its time? People were killed?" Logan asked her quietly.

"Many." She said fiercely. "And trees and animals. I experienced all of their deaths. This has never happened to me before. I never realized how closely everything was connected."

"Darlin', I promise you that we'll find the bastard and he won't ever do this again." His voice was deathly quiet, and despite the killer that she could feel lurking within his anger, Anne smiled with appreciation and thanks.

Gambit nodded in silent agreement, taking her hand. Logan pressed his own hand over her other one, engulfing her fingers in a tight, reassuring squeeze.

"Together?" she asked.

"Together." The men responded simultaneously.

* * *

Logan snarled, and paced angrily across the floor of the Professor's study. Gambit was leaning forward in his chair, red eyes burning with intensity as he stared at Xavier.

"I am sorry, but I cannot allow you three to go."

"Pro'fessor, you heard the news reports, same as Gambit. A thousand people died."

"And Annie felt them all. She felt every damn life as it was snuffed out--didn't matter if it was a plant, human or animal." Logan rasped angrily, exposing his claws and retracting them.

"I agree that the ordeal must have been terrible, but I simply cannot condone--"

"What are ya' gonna say, Chuck? That ya' don't want us runnin' after the mutant that killed a thousand people and who put Annie into a state of shock?"

"You cannot be sure it is a mutant's fault--" he began weakly, but was interrupted once more, this time by Gambit.

"Yeah, but what if it is? Gambit say, 'let's not take de chance". Besides, we know dis eruption unnatural. Chere says so, even if de scientists don' know."

Catching his train of thought, Logan continued. "I see it several ways, Professor. One," he released a claw. "We've got a sadistic new mutant on our hands who likes blowin' volcanoes up and God knows what else. Two," *snikt* "We have a new mutant, whose powers backfired. If that's the case, he'll need trainin'. Three," *snikt* "There's a crazy group o' scientists out there who like playin' with Nature and don't care much about the results."

Gambit spread out his hands in supplication. "Gambit think that dis be a job for de X-Men."

Xavier remained silent, studying the men before him for a long moment.

"You have known Anne for less than a week, and yet I can see--have seen--that both of you would do anything for her. Why? Of all my X-Men, you two have been the hardest to reach, and yet she has managed to step inside of your hearts as though she had lived there for your entire lives."

Gambit managed to look uncomfortable as he fingered his playing cards.

"Gambit don't know how to explain it," he said finally. "But it's like Anne is family. Seems natural to think of her like dat."

"I'm with the Cajun." Logan muttered. "Can't explain it, and I don't wanna." He put his fists on Xavier's desk and leaned forward. "I don't have many friends, Chuck. But Annie's one o' 'em, and if I can help her, I will."

Xavier sat back his chair, eyes closed. "Why must you make life so difficult for me?"

Gambit wasn't sure if he was asking a deity or talking to them. Logan seemed to think it was the latter.

"'Cause Chuck--that's what we do best."

* * *

Anne left the mansion as soon as Beast declared her fit to walk. She hurriedly changed into blue jeans and a white tank top, throwing on the soft red flannel shirt that Logan had bought her in Eversted.

She was out the front door and into the forest surrounding the Mansion before anyone could stop her. Gambit and Logan were in a meeting with Professor Xavier, trying to convince him to let the three of them go find the one who had caused the unnatural eruption of the volcano.

She did not eavesdrop like she knew she could. In fact, she did not need to. Barely stretching her mind beyond the confines of her shields, she could feel the frustration and anger of her two friends. Not good, she decided, though she did not want to join the meeting to add her voice.

Anne knew that she should be there with them, stating her case and argument for the mission. It was for her that they were arguing. But she could not bring herself to go. Not yet. Despite the fact (and it still amazed her) that she counted Gambit and Logan as her best friends, and though every courtesy had been extended to her, she did not feel like she was part of the X-Men. She could not imagine that she was in any position to make demands of Professor Xavier.

Anne shook her head and moved deeper into the forest, letting her fingers trace bark and leaf, allowing the trees to know that she heard their whispered stories and dreams.

Of course, the trees here had already heard of her. Which of the earth's eyes and ears had not felt the essence of the one human who spoke their tongues? She had seen bits of the old memories and knew that there had been others like her in the past--many of them. But now, there was only her.

She greeted the trees on the estate, letting her shield mingle with their own, letting information cross through the brief psi-links. Yes, they had felt the back lash of the eruption, and thank you, she was fine.

So fragile, they whispered.

. . . Be safe, little sister. . .

. . . To lose you would be painful. . .

. . . We have dreamt. . .

. . . of walking amongst men. . .

. . . you make that dream come true. . .

Anne closed her eyes, and sank to the ground at the base of a huge, gnarled oak. It welcomed her presence, enfolding her within its own shield. The oak let her bask in the essence of the collective consciousness of the trees, and she felt the gentle whispers caress the darkest corners of her mind. This connection had saved her when her parents died five years ago, victims of a car crash.

She let her memories of that night wash over her--waking up in the darkness of her apartment to the sound of the phone ringing. A strange woman on the other end of the line telling her that her parents were dead. . . Anne bowed her head. She had left immediately, but the truth had not changed when she returned home. Perry and Annabelle O'Hanrahan were dead.

For days after the burial she sat at the base of the old evergreen behind her home--sat there without eating or sleeping, lost in the soothing dreamscape of the earth and the trees. She had not wanted to leave the forest after that. Anne withdrew from Medical School, living on the ample funds her parents had left her. She ran wild in the woods and had thought she would never leave. Until the town began to grow hostile. Until she met Gambit and Logan.

The trees were tasting her memories, just as she savored their own. She felt them linger over the images of the two men, and the emotions those images produced.

This is new. . .

. . . Your heart welcomes them. . .

. . . they are a part of you. . .

. . . just as you are a part of them. . .

They lingered some more, trees from all over the state and across North America fading in and out to caress her mind. Anne felt amusement as they kept touching on her emotions concerning Gambit and Logan, turning them over and over.

. . . you feel free with them. . .

. . . safe. . . as though you are with us. . .

. . . one is closer to you than the other. . .

Logan. His name flashed through her head, and the trees latched on to it.

. . . your spirit is growing into his. . .

. . . and his into yours. . .

. . . like us. . . but slowly. . .

Anne felt herself start with surprise, but as she mulled over what they showed her, she could not deny the truth. Both men were her best friends, but Logan. . . Logan. . . he touched her heart in ways that Gambit did not.

Logan was like the oak that held her. . . gnarled and tough on the outside, but within. . . within, the spirit held great plains of tenderness and love. That man had more love in his heart than anyone she had ever met. . . though she knew most people would laugh themselves sick if they heard her say that. Yet he would die for his friends without hesitation-- would risk everything for those he cared about. Anne did not know how she knew that about him, only that she was fiercely sure it was the truth.

Whatever happened between them though, Anne knew it would be a long time coming. The friendship with both men was still too new, still raw though they felt as though they had known each other forever. How had it happened?

She shook her head. Why try to understand the relationship? They were her friends, and they would protect each other. . . be a team.

She felt a brief sense of wonderment at the strength of her conviction. Anne knew that it was unlike her to base her life on people. She had always been the independent one, not caring what others thought. And she still didn't. . . but deep in her heart, she wanted to stay with the two men--she had been alone for so long and being with them was like finally having a family again.

Do they feel the same about me? she wondered. She knew she could probe their minds for the truth, but she found the idea distasteful. Besides, she realized suddenly, the trees had already given her the answer.

. . . they are a part of you. . . just as you are a part of them. . .

The trees could not lie to her. Feeling an unbidden smile part her lips, Anne leaned back against the oak and felt her heart dance.

* * *

Anne returned to the mansion well after dark. No one seemed worried about her, which she thought was strange, until she saw Logan lounging on one of the couches in the living room. There were pine needles in his hair, and she knew then that he had tracked her out to the oak. He must have come back and told everyone she was all right.

Anne walked over, and sat down beside him on the couch. She picked one of the pine needles out of his hair, and held it up to him.

"Thanks for not interrupting me earlier." Anne said softly.

Logan took the needle from her and tucked it into his front shirt pocket, an eccentric move, but one that Anne appreciated for some odd reason.

"No problem," he replied in a rough voice. "Seemed as though ya' were meditatin'--" he looked more closely at her tousled hair and clothes. "--or talkin'. Either way, I thought ya'd wanna be left alone."

Anne smiled, and kissed him gently on the cheek before rising to go to the kitchen. Logan watched her leave, unconsciously placing his fingertips on the place where her lips had touched his skin.

* * *

Rogue was sitting at the small breakfast table when Anne walked into the kitchen. Her hair was pulled back into a loose bun, the white streak gleaming beneath the lights of the room.

"Anne!" Rogue called her name as she walked in. "You had the boys worried there for a while. How're you feeling'?"

Anne smiled, grabbing sandwich materials from the refrigerator.

"Better than I have any right to be, considering the mess I was in yesterday." She shook her head. "I can shield myself from the strongest telepaths in the world, but I just can't block the planet. They told you what happened, right?"

Rogue nodded over her coffee, eyes sympathetic. "Gambit and Logan argued with the Professor for hours today after you woke up. He agreed that y'all could go look for the person that caused the eruption, though I think he's only doing it 'cause he doesn't want to hear them complain for the next three years."

Anne sat down across from Rogue, a thick ham and lettuce sandwich in hand. She took a bite of it before speaking. "I can't see why he would be reluctant to let us go. I found time to read descriptions of other missions, and he's sent teams out to scout on even less."

Rogue frowned. "You're right, sugah. I don't like to say it, but maybe it's the people askin' who have him reluctant to give the go ahead." Anne's face filled with confusion and Rogue rushed to explain.

"You see, Gambit and Logan are like the misfits of the X-Men. They don't always play with the team, 'specially Logan. The idea of them goin' off on some mission by themselves with the newest member we've got, might have him worried."

"I can take care of myself," Anne groused, "And Logan and Gambit are some of the best people I know. Just because they don't always play the same game as everyone else, doesn't mean they aren't responsible."

"Aw, I know that sugah, but the man is probably worried that they'll rub off on you." That made Rogue laugh. "Though it seems to be going the other way around." They both chuckled, and Rogue reached forward to lightly touch Anne on the hand with one of her gloved fingers.

"You've got to understand something, Anne. You may be one of the most powerful mutants in the mansion, maybe in the world. It's like Bobby said, you almost took down an entire team, and trust me, that isn't something that's easy to do."

"So, the Professor is going to treat me with kid gloves?"

"Nah, but he wants to make sure that he doesn't lose you. And that might happen if you go off on some mission with Gambit and Logan."

"I could be struck by lightening tomorrow, or choke on the last bite of this sandwich." A wry grin tugged at Anne's lips. "I might as well be out doing something useful if I leave this life, instead of twiddling my thumbs."

Rogue grinned. "Ah knew there was a reason Ah liked you." A shadow flickered across her face, gone so quickly that Anne thought it could have been her imagination.

"Rogue, is there something wrong?"

The woman frowned and shook her head, though her eyes remained troubled. Finally, she sighed.

"In the Danger Room, you made my powers drain away. How did you do that?"

Anne stirred uncomfortably in her seat. "I don't know. I suppose that I wrapped you in a 'sense deprivation' chamber of sorts--at least for your mutant abilities. I know I'll be able to duplicate what I did--I just can't tell you how it works. Why?"

Rogue looked discomfited. "I can't touch people, sugah. I drain their memories, their powers and their lives away. Remy and me. . . are close, but this," she held up a gloved hand and wriggled her fingers. "Is a sure nuff barrier if I ever knew one."

"But if you love each other. . . " Anne began.

"I want something more, Anne. . . I want a family. . . I want to be held and kissed and touched." Rogue's green eyes shone brightly with unshed tears. "Even though Ah'm surrounded by my friends, there are times when Ah feel so alone. . . and the horrible part is that Ah know it won't end until the day Ah die."

Anne grasped her hand, and held it firmly. "I think I can fix something up. Maybe I can extend a shield around your room that will inhibit your powers. I can make it permanent--I'll just anchor it into the ground so it'll stay up without me having to think about it."

Rogue swallowed heavily, wild hope burning in her gaze. "You can do that? And you don't mind?"

Anne smiled and rose from her seat, dragging Rogue with her. "Let's go fix it now."

* * *

Even the mansion's alarm resounding throughout the house was not enough to put a damper on Rogue's excitement as she left her newly shielded room, followed closely by Anne. It had only taken a few seconds for the woman to create the shield, and with some firm weaving, she made it a permanent structure of the house. She could not explain how she did it, only that it worked. Rogue felt her powers drain away and Anne let her perform the final test, the southern belle removing a glove and gingerly touching Anne's hand. Nothing happened.

Anne followed Rogue down the long corridors of the mansion, not thinking about whether she should be following until the other woman pushed open a wide steel door. All talk ceased as they entered, and a dozen pair of eyes fell on her.

The entire team, plus a few mutants that Anne had never seen before, were seated at a large round table, flickering computer screens and lighted buttons embedded in the walls around them. A few curious glances were thrown Rogue's way, the woman struggling to control her smile. She took a seat next to Gambit, the Cajun glancing at her with a quizzical expression on his face.

Anne had the unpleasant feeling that she was not supposed to be there, but she could not bring herself to leave. That would be an open omission that she was in the wrong, a sign of weakness. Stubborn pride carried her into the silent room. Anne's eyes found Logan, and the man did not hesitate to pat the empty chair beside him. She quickly took the seat, feeling a small sense of relief as the Professor nodded at her politely.

"Professor, what has happened?" Storm asked in a strong voice.

"I have just received word that three of Emma's students have been kidnapped."

The response was a collective out rushing of gasps and shouts of anger.

"Which ones?" Logan rasped.

Xavier sighed, and for a moment Anne could see the tired shadows lurking in his eyes, the pain of responsibility etched into his body so that it was a part of his soul. This was a man, she realized, who had known little peace in his life.

"Angelo, Everett. . . and Jubilee." He was looking at Logan when he said the girl's name. Anne felt her stomach drop and her eyes sought out Logan. She remembered the affection they had shown each other, much like a father and a daughter.

Logan's face looked like death's mask itself, and he clenched the arms of his chair, simmering while the Professor continued to speak.

"It was a quick strike--the three were in Boston for a concert. Monet was also with the group, but she had gone to the bathroom and when she returned they were gone. There was blood on the ground, and when she could not find them she contacted Emma. What's more, their minds have been shielded so that I cannot find their location."

Any of the X-Men's questions were stopped by the voice that broke into the brief moment of silence.

"They're about a hundred miles south of here," Anne spoke quietly. "They were brought to a large concrete building," she furrowed her brows and cocked her head as though listening to someone. "Metal fences, many people. . . patrolling." She swallowed heavily. "I'm sorry, I can't see any more from this room."

Anne had cast her thoughts out to the trees as soon as Xavier said the children were missing. The trees quickly latched on to her memories of Jubilee, goaded by her need and worry. Yes, they had seen the girl, and they showed her where. But the images were faint, and she would need to directly meld with a tree before she could know exactly what they had seen.

Anne realized everyone was staring and she narrowed her eyes, prepared to defend herself. The Professor surprised her.

"Hank, are there any facilities that would match Anne's description?"

The scientist nodded after a long moment. "There are a number of private research compounds where they could have been taken." He turned to Anne. "Do you think you could pin point the exact building, if you saw it?"

"Yes." Anne responded immediately, relieved that they were going to let her help.

Or so she thought.

"Professor! How can you possible expect us to stage a rescue mission on that information? She's given us next to nothing, and there is no guarantee that anything she's told us is accurate." Scott burst out.

Anne's face darkened at the implied accusation in the team leader's voice. Her eyes flickered to Bishop as he stared at her suspiciously. "We know next to nothing about Anne." He gritted his teeth. "I don't trust her. She's not one of the X-Men and should not even be here for this meeting."

Anne clenched her jaw, and placed a hand on Logan's shoulder, the man standing to defend her. She also threw a sharp glance at Gambit, who had begun to speak, presumably in her defense. She stared back at Bishop, matching his hard gaze with one of her own. Her dark eyes flickered dangerously.

"I don't give a damn whether you believe me or not." Anne spoke slowly, her voice terribly soft and controlled. "If my help is not needed in this matter, say so. I will leave finding those children in your 'capable' hands. In fact," and here she paused to look at the Professor, and then Gambit and Logan, "I will leave permanently if that is what you wish."

"Chere, non." Gambit protested softly.

"We don't have time for this crap," Logan hissed angrily, glaring at Scott, Bishop, and all of the other gathered X-Men. "Anne is staying with us. Period. I for one trust her information, and I'm leaving right now ta' get Jubilee, with or without the rest o' you ninnies."

Logan rose from his chair, Anne close behind him. Gambit stood, and after a brief moment, Rogue followed suit.

"Please, wait." Xavier held up his hand. "There is no need for any of this. You are right, Logan. Now is not the time to argue this out. Anne has done what we could not, and I refuse to ignore her information. Scott, I want you to take Gambit, Rogue, Logan, Jean, and Beast in the Blackbird." He hesitated. "Anne, you have only had one training session with us, and despite your skills, you have no real combat experience. I don't want to ask--"

Anne interrupted him with a curt wave of her hand. "You need me, and I can certainly take care of myself."

Xavier nodded, his face set in resignation. "Fine."

Dismissed, the team quickly left the War Room. Anne found herself sandwiched between Logan and Gambit as the three of them hurried down a long corridor. Sliding doors opened before them and the entire team stepped into a shuttle. Logan, Gambit and Anne found seats away from the others.

The three of them remained silent during the short ride to the hanger. Logan shuddered with rage while Gambit slouched in his chair. His arms were crossed across his chest while his eyes stared intently at the floor. Anne glanced at the two of them and kept her mouth shut. She had been prepared for them to try to talk her out of coming, but that apparently was not going to happen.

She almost smiled. They trusted her. Their silence was testament to that.

Yet, even if they had confidence in her abilities, Anne was dead sure she had gotten herself in over her head. Still, she regretted nothing. Ever since her parents had died, she had not used her powers for anyone but herself. Not that she had ever thought there was much to them in the first place.

But, I'm needed here. If I can help, I have to. I can't hide anymore.

Anne felt her body sway as the shuttle slowed. Logan and Gambit stirred, their eyes falling on her for a brief, measuring moment. She calmly met the gazes of her friends.

The doors to the shuttle opened, and the three left the shuttle at a run. Anne tried to suppress the dismay she felt when she saw the air craft. She wondered if even the government had technology that surpassed what she saw before her eyes. Scott reached the plane first, waiting for them at the top of the gang plank. A faintly disapproving look was on his face as he stared at the threesome. Anne ignored him as she brushed past, following Gambit and Logan into the interior of the plane. Jean met her, surprising Anne by pressing a bundle of blue cloth into her hands.

"What's this?"

Jean's smile was enigmatic. "After the session in the Danger Room, I took the liberty of having an uniform made for you. It may not be official yet, but you're part of the team, Anne."

Anne blinked, speechless. She looked down at the cloth in her hands for a long moment. When her face rose, she was grinning fiercely. Jean smiled back, and directed her towards a compartment at the back of the jet.

The material was thicker than her work out uniform, but just as supple with a metallic sheen that cast a blue-green tint to the cloth under direct light. There were also boots and gloves to match, protective gear that clamped snugly around her limbs. A yellow X had been emblazoned in the material above her heart.

When she looked at herself in the full length mirror of the tiny room, she could almost imagine that she looked like a super hero. Almost, but not quite. Anne smiled wryly at herself as she exited the compartment.

No matter how I look, I'm still Anne O'Hanrahan--nothing more and nothing less.

Anne took a flight seat between Gambit and Logan, the two men examining her approvingly.

The atmosphere in the cabin was tense as the plane took off. Rogue and Jean spoke quietly to one another, while Scott was occupied at a computer terminal.

"Can't ya fly this plane any faster, Hank?" Logan rasped, after they had been in the air for ten minutes.

Beast threw him a long suffering glance from his seat at the controls. "Seeing as how we do not yet know exactly where the children are being held, flying at an increased velocity would not be conducive to our situation."

Logan looked as though he wanted to argue, but he clamped his lips tightly together.

"Anne, could you join me for a moment?" Beast shifted his attention from the irate man.

Wordlessly, Anne rose and moved to the front of the plane.

"I'm going to show you some pictures of the facilities that are in the area you suggested. Please tell me if any of them look familiar." His fingers danced across the controls and he brought up several photographs of research compounds. None of them matched what she had been shown.

Anne shook her head. "The kids aren't in any of those places."

"What's wrong?" Scott asked, approaching the two. Anne grimaced. This was not what she needed right now.

"None of the facilities Beast showed me are what I saw." She explained tersely.

By now, the rest of the team was gathered around them.

"Anne, I thought you told the Professor that you knew where the kids were being held."

"I said that it was around a hundred miles to the south and that I knew what it looked like. Don't blame me if your computer isn't updated with the latest top secret bases."

"Let's face it Anne, you didn't really know where those kids were, and we've just wasted time that could have been spent back at base, using real telepaths to find them." Scott grated.

Anne drew back like she had been slapped.

"Mon ami, Gambit suddenly hate y'r guts."

Logan moved forward with a growl, but Anne placed a hand on his chest. Silence filled the cabin of the plane, broken finally by a loud beeping sound.

"The sensors have just located a previously undocumented facility only twenty miles to the west. We did not pick it up earlier because a mountain was blocking the sweep." Beast's quiet voice announced. Not taking her eyes from Cyclop's face, Anne spoke, her voice firm.

"When will we be able to see it?"

"Any moment now."

Beast's fingers fidgeted with the key board. An image of a cement building appeared. One wall was constructed at a slant, with dark paned windows placed in neat rows along the side of the facility.

"That's it." Anne spoke, her voice quiet.

"Are you sure?" Scott asked, his voice challenging.

Anne chose not to answer, continuing to stare at the screen as though she did not hear him.

Scott did not press her for an answer. Instead, he ordered Beast to land the plane.

"All right, Jean, Rogue and I will create a diversion on the east side of the compound. Gambit, Logan and Anne will enter the building to find Jubilee and the others. Everyone clear? All right, let's go."

The group quickly left the plane and entered the forest surrounding the compound. They soon split up, and Logan, Gambit and Anne were on their own.

Anne walked easily through the forest despite the fact that very little light from the moon could pierce the canopy. Logan moved just as effortlessly, though Gambit stumbled a few times, branches breaking beneath his feet.

"Just tell them we're coming, Gumbo." Logan hissed. His claws were extended, his muscles quivering.

Gambit shrugged, though he managed to move more stealthily after that.

They reached the glinting steel of the chain linked fence, the building clearly in view.

"Well boys, here we are." Anne whispered, crouching amongst some ferns.

"Will you be all right darlin''?"

Anne's fierce glance startled Logan. "Don't you dare doubt me too, Logan." She hissed.

He gently touched her cheek and felt her muscles slowly relax beneath his fingers.

"I don't doubt ya', Annie. I'm only afraid for myself and Gambit here. What would we do without ya'?"

Anne smiled. Yet her eyes still looked pained, and Logan swore that he would force an apology from Scott's lips, even if it killed him. However, he could tell that her good humor was back. She looked at Gambit and Logan.

"Don't worry boys. I'm not going anywhere, any time soon. Besides, I still need to keep you two to your promise of helping me find the creep who set off that volcano."

Gambit smiled, and after a long moment held out a hand towards her. She took it soundlessly. Logan grunted, reaching out and placing his callused palm on top of their clasped hands.

"Together?" Anne reaffirmed in a whisper.

"Together."

Scott's voice abruptly crackled over their receivers.

"Ready. . . .now!"

There were a series of explosions on the other side of the compound. Guards that had been walking within their view took off running in that direction.

Logan immediately slashed through the chain link fence and darted through, Anne hot on his heels. Gambit took up the rear, and the three made a wild dash across the grounds.

The sound of explosions continued from the far side of the grounds, but there were very few shouts or cries. They reached the building and began looking for a way in.

"Seems too quiet." Logan observed.

They could not find a door quickly enough, so Gambit and Anne stepped back as Logan smashed a window with his claws. They clambered into what appeared to be a typical office. A file cabinet, a desk and a computer were the main fixtures of the tiny room.

"They've got a psi-buffer over this entire building," she gasped, as the constant influx of energy she received from the earth was suddenly cut off. Her shields, dependent on that outside source of strength, crumbled apart. Thoughts and voices flooded her mind and she reeled from the sudden onslaught of other consciousness'.

She was barely aware of strong hands supporting her body as she fought to stay conscious. Slowly, in painstaking steps, she built another shield around her mind. It was no where near as strong as what she was used to, but it would do.

"No wonder the Professor couldn't find the kids." Anne whispered unsteadily, standing on her own. Panic fought to gain purchase in her mind and she fought down the irrational sense of fear and helplessness that filled her. She had lived in constant contact with the earth for too long, and being suddenly cut off from it was a shock to her system.

Ignoring the concerned looks of Gambit and Logan, she forced back her fears. Logan peered out the door of the office, staring at an empty corridor. He could hear the sounds of running feet in the distance.

"We gotta go!" he hissed urgently.

Anne nodded, clenching her jaw.

"Let's find those kids and get the hell out of here."

They left the office, following Logan's nose. The sounds of pursuit faded as they moved deeper into the building. He strained to pick up any lingering scent of Jubilee, Everett or Angelo. Anne and Gambit followed closely, the tall Cajun taking up the rear.

Anne let herself be swept along by the two men, feeling strangely detached as she sent her mind out to look for the kidnapped teens. She found herself grateful that her telepathy was not entirely dependent on being in contact with the energies of nature.

She thought that the psi-buffer might inhibit her from scanning the people in the building, but she quickly realized that it was only good for preventing scans and transmissions of psychic energy. Anne overcame her distaste of looking in other's minds as she jumped from one consciousness to another.

I have to find those kids.

She could not stand to remain in one place for long, finding herself continuously shocked and repulsed. The minds of those in the facility were profoundly devoid of anything meaningful. Mindless, uncomprehending darkness took the place of thought, with a handful of commands taking the forefront of their scant thought processes.

Kill. Capture. Stun.

Brainwashed. Completely purged of their identities. Anne could taste the rising bile in her throat as she forced herself to continue scanning everyone in the building.

Several minds were shielded from her, which furthered her uneasiness. No one else she had scanned knew anything about Jubilee, Everett or Angelo.

Finally, she latched on to a mind filled with images of Logan.

:Jubilee?: Anne sent.

:Wh--Anne? Is Wolvie there?:

:Yeah, and he's taking the building apart for you. How's Everett and Angelo?:

:Fine:

: All right. Hold on tight, we're coming.:

"Logan, Remy! I found Jubilee. We've got to go this way." Anne pointed down an adjoining corridor they were approaching.

"How is she?" Logan rasped as Anne took the lead from him.

"Wishing that she were with you." Anne replied absently, scanning ahead for anyone approaching.

There was a group advancing from an adjoining hall, and Anne signaled to the two men. There was no other way around them. She created a psi-whip, the same that she had used on Bobby and Scott, the thin coil of blue green flame looped around her right hand. Anne could feel Gambit and Logan on either side of her, and for the first time since she met them, she touched their minds. . . and linked them together.

She could not stop herself. The link came naturally-- practically falling into place as she reached out to the two men. Anne could sense their surprise, knew that they felt her own shock. But there was no time for any other reactions as they came face to face with the enemy.

:Mon Dieu:

:Where are their mouths?:

The five men and women before them all wore stark white uniforms, and in their hands they held metallic poles the length of Anne's forearm. Their eyes were blank, their skin pallid, and they had no mouths. Smooth skin covered the entire portion of their lower faces.

They launched themselves at the trio, faces completely devoid of expression.

Anne crouched, loosening her psi-whip as Gambit charged a playing card and threw it at the nearest attacker. The man barely paused, even though he emerged from the blast missing an arm. As Gambit threw another card, Ann lashed out with her psi-whip, catching an approaching man at the side of his head. Mid-strike, she altered the weapon slightly. His eyes bulged as the blue flame cut into his body and mind. What little was left of his consciousness disintegrated at the contact. He collapsed, soundlessly writhing on the floor like an eel. Logan launched himself at the three remaining attackers, adamantium claws flashing in the light.

Gambit and Anne could feel each blow he made, sense the bloodlust creeping upon his mind like a dark wave. One of the women managed to raise her metallic rod above his head, half of her face missing. Logan felt the warning from his friends and disemboweled the woman before she could strike the blow. He pushed her away at the same time, the woman slamming up against a wall. Her weapon clattered to the floor.

Logan snarled, his face and body smeared with blood not his own. Anne struggled to keep his rage from overtaking her.

:Logan!:

Anne sent him what she had taken from Jubilee's mind, the images that she held so dear. The effect was startling. The bloodlust left his mind completely, and waves of worry washed over Gambit and Anne. Stepping over the bodies, the trio continued to lope down the hall. This time, when Anne cast out her thoughts the other two shared the experience with her. Their separate sensations mingled in Anne, emotions intertwining into a deep-rooted bond that she could feel she was the focus of.

The two men could not sense each other as well as they could her, and the three of them carefully avoided entering too deeply into each others minds. Logan especially guarded his privacy, though he did not protest the link like Anne thought he would. There was something exhilarating in the fact that the three consciousness' melded together, as though they were one person. Their single minded purpose strengthened under the three fold weight of their determination, and their stubborn, fearless need to win lent power to their bodies.

Less than a minute after their first skirmish, they were approached by more of the disfigured men and women. Bodies crowded in the hall as they rushed towards Gambit, Logan and Anne. Anne lashed out with her psi-whip at the first wave of oncoming bodies, but as she darted forward her foot slipped, and she collapsed on one knee. Gambit and Logan felt her begin to fall, and they watched in horror as a rod descended upon her shoulder. They could not move fast enough to save her.

:Annie!: Logan's shout reverberated in her mind even as she was struck.

Instead of bouncing off the flesh and bone of her shoulder, Anne felt the rod sink into her body and begin to vibrate. Pain blinded her as she felt her body being torn apart from the inside out.

She felt the immediate screams of the other two men as though they were her own. They were drowning in her agony.

Must keep them safe. she thought, as she began to lose consciousness.

Desperately flailing in her mind, she snapped the connection that held the three of them together. Her pain did not lesson, but she knew her friends were no longer sharing in her suffering.

Anne could feel her muscles begin to liquefy, the veins beneath her skin bursting. She arched her back in a soundless scream as blood began to drip from her eyes, nose and ears.

Then, darkness.

* * *

"Anne?"

"Chica, I think she's de--"

"Shut up, Ange! It's only been fifteen minutes. Ev, hand me some of that water they left us."

"Sure thing, Jubes."

*riiippp*

"You gonna clean up her face, chica? She needs a doctor, not a bath."

"Shut up, Angelo."

"Sure thing, Ev. Geez, why don't I just. . . sit here in a corner and play with my skin or somethin'."

"Good idea."

"Lemme clean ya' up Anne. I know I wouldn't want to wake up with a lot of blood on my face. There we go. . . come on, Anne. Come on. . . "

* * *

Anne slowly emerged from unconsciousness into a world of pain and yet more darkness. Someone was speaking to her, and she was dimly aware of a cool, wet cloth gently moving across her face.

She groaned, the sound tearing itself from the deepest confines of her throat.

"Anne?" someone asked urgently, sounding as though they were speaking through a tube. It took several long moments for Anne to sift through her memories, blindly groping for the name to attach to the voice that seemed so familiar.

"Jub-lee?" she croaked.

"Shhh. . . "

Anne swallowed, the contraction of her throat muscles bringing a new wave of pain.

"Where. . . Lo-gan. . . Rem-y?

"Don't know, Anne. The ones who brought you here weren't exactly the talking type, if you know what I mean." She was trying to make a joke, but Anne could tell that it was to cover her worry.

"Help. . . me. . . sit. . . up." Her voice was coming easier now.

"Are you sure?"

No, she wasn't. In fact, she was fairly certain that she might pass out again if she tried, but she had an obligation to get Jubilee, Angelo and Everett away from here, and there was no guarantee that Logan, Gambit or the others would be coming for them.

Don't think that! She shrieked in her mind. They're alive. . . you would know if they weren't.

"Please." She whispered to Jubilee. Anne could not see her face, but she felt fingers wrap around her hand, and squeeze.

"Ev, Angelo? Help us, will ya?"

Anne heard the shuffling of feet, and then two pairs of hands slid under her shoulders and head.

"One. . . two. . . .three."

Anne clamped her lips tightly together, but she could not help but whimper as fire danced along her muscles. Her joints felt as though they were only loosely set in their sockets, and though they lifted her as gently as they could, Anne felt her shoulder dislocate and then just as easily slide back into place.

They set her up against a cold, hard wall. She remained very still, limbs limp as she waited for the pain to subside.

"I can't. . . open my eyes."

Anne felt warm breath on her cheek for a moment, and then the person withdrew.

"Your eye lids are caked with blood. Ange, hand me that water and the rag I was using."

"Sure thing, chica."

A moment later, Anne felt something cool and wet press over her eye lids and gently rub.

"Some rescue. . . huh?" Anne murmured to the teens.

"We've been in worse. 'Sides, they haven't treated us too bad."

"Angelo!" Another male voice hissed. Presumably, Everett.

"That's all right," Anne whispered. "No one your age should have to go through anything like this."

There was a heavy silence, and Anne tried to open her eyes beneath the cloth. It took some painful straining, but finally they parted. Anne was surprised to find the room they were in was well lit and painted white. Jubilee swam into dim focus, as did a tall black youth standing over her shoulder. To her left squatted another teen, his skin gray and his eyes worried.

Beyond them was a stainless steel door, without a door knob. There was no furniture, and a few plates of food and cups of water were lined against the wall to her right.

Anne tried to stretch out her mind beyond the confines of the room, and found that she could not. Her powers were gone.

"Mutant inhibitors, I assume?"

Three nodding heads were her answer.

"Has anyone come in here?"

"Only when they brought you." Everett answered solemnly.

"Those were some really creepy dudes." Jubilee added, twisting her face into a grimace.

Anne silently agreed.

Without warning, a clicking noise came from the direction of the door. The teens stiffened, rising quickly to their feet. Anne steadied herself against the wall, summoning up as much of her strength as possible. Which was not very much.

The door swung open and two disfigured guards entered, metal rods held in an easy manner by their sides. Anne tried to suppress a shiver when she saw the weapons. The agony was still fresh in her mind.

On their heels came another man, this one with his face intact. He was slim and tanned, his dark hair shot with gray. He studied each of the mutants, his steel blue eyes lingering on Anne for a long moment. The door closed behind him with a soft click.

"We were not expecting a rescue mission. I must commend you on your efforts." He spoke quietly to Anne.

Anne narrowed her eyes, her lips white with pain.

"Why did you kidnap these children?"

He remained silent, his eyes intense as they roved searchingly across her face.

"Why?" she demanded.

He blinked, as if hearing her for the first time.

"Experimentation," he answered absently. He immediately dismissed her question, asking one of his own.

"Tell me, are you familiar with the term, HAP. H-A-P?"

"No."

"Then you know nothing about the Human Advancement Project?"

Anne watched him guardedly. She could tell by the way he was staring at her that he thought she was lying. She clenched her teeth as a wave of nausea passed over her.

"Why are you asking me?"

He studied her, his lips pressed into a perplexed frown. Anne locked eyes with him, dimly aware of the three teens stirring uneasily under the expressionless gazes of their guards.

He took a step forward and crouched just in front of Anne.

"I cannot believe I am mistaken," he whispered tersely, his fingertips brushing his lips in concentration. "But your presence here would be beyond belief. "

"What are you talking about?" Anne asked in frustration. She could not stand the idea that she was too weak to defend herself.

"Your face." he surprised her. "You look so much like a woman I once knew. Her name was Annabelle Romiro."

Anne froze. Annabelle Romiro. Romiro. Her mother's name before she married her father.

The man digested her stunned expression, and sucked in his breath with a loud hiss. His eyes widened with indefinable emotion.

"It is you."

"H-How do you know my mother?" Anne struggled to control her shock, her mind reeling as she tried to comprehend what had just happened.

The man was staring at her with an equal amount of agitation, as though he could not believe what his eyes were showing him.

"She was one of my test subjects." He said quietly. "Studies indicated that her offspring would have mutant potential. My team was experimenting with her genetic code, modifying eggs from her ovary in the hopes of maximizing that potential. She was quite unique. I have never been able to successfully duplicate the procedure with anyone else."

Anne's mind careened away from his words, her heart thudding roughly in her chest. Even the pain of her injuries faded in light of this new knowledge.

It can't be true. It just can't. But how does he know my mother's name. . . how did he recognize her in my face? Memories of her mother flooded her mind. How she spoke so little, but could say so much with her expressive face. The adoration that was in her eyes when she looked at her husband and daughter. Was that truly a woman who had been experimented on? Who had been kept in a lab like a rat? The imagery sent a spark of anger through Anne, and her eyes grew flinty as she looked up at the man before her.

"You say you ran experiments on my mother." She stated flatly. "Tell me, was she here of her own free will?"

"Are you?" he asked, not missing a beat. "She was homeless, living on the streets of New York City. No one would have missed her, and no one did." He paused, coldly staring at Anne.

"But she escaped. We had already completed the genetic modifications to her eggs, and were going to impregnate her with altered sperm. The night before the procedure, the Marine guarding Annabelle helped her to escape."

Anne closed her eyes as a bedtime conversation with her mother invaded her memories. She was only ten years old at the time, but the words had remained with her because of the love in her mother's eyes as she spoke of her husband.

"Your father was like an angel from heaven. Or the prince from those fairy tales you like. He rescued me, and kept me safe. . . "

Anne did not need to ask to know who had helped her mother escape.

She opened her eyes to find the man not a foot from her face, staring at her appraisingly. Anger flared red hot in her gut.

"What do you want from us?" she snapped. She experimentally shifted her weight, pain flaring up along the length of her back and stomach. Not a good sign, she grimaced inwardly.

"I had these children taken because I needed new test subjects. The others. . . wore out."

Anne stared at him in disgust.

"But you are an unexpected bonus, worth the injuries that this facility has taken. I never expected to find Annabelle again, even less did I expect her offspring to walk right into my arms." His eyes grew calculating. "Combined with the right sperm, your mother's eggs were designed to produce a human being of incalculable mutant potential. It will be fascinating to discover just how much of that potential manifested itself in you."

He stood and gestured sharply to the guards. Immediately, they lifted their metallic rods and took a step towards the three teens.

"Hey!" Anne shouted, ignoring the pain that ripped through her chest as she jerked away from the wall. Ribs popped.

"You let them be!" She snarled breathlessly.

"Hands off!" Jubilee protested loudly, darting away from an outstretched hand. She landed a punch along his ribs, but the guard did not even flinch.

"There is no escape from this room," the scientist announced firmly. "And your powers have been inhibited. You've seen what was done to Anne. Don't fight back."

"Like hell!" Angelo called, though his eyes were worried. The three were slowly being backed into a corner. Jubilee tried to dart through an opening, and fell to the ground, clutching her shoulder with a low moan.

"Damn you." Anne's voice dropped several notches, and she braced herself against the wall. So busy watching the round-up of the three teenagers, the scientist never saw Anne's feet lash out towards his knees. The sickening sound of crushed bone filled the room, and he fell to the ground with a scream of agony.

She cried out at the same time, feeling as though her chest was going to split in half. Fighting for consciousness, Anne struggled to stand. Her thoughts went to the two guards, but Jubilee, Everett and Angelo were taking care of them. The distraction she had provided was enough to give them the advantage they needed.

Jubilee effectively dodged the swings of the man before her, darting in with her small size to land punches along his ribs and stomach. She was not causing any real damage, but keeping him busy while her friends took care of the other man.

Everett and Angelo were straddling the second guard, banging his head into the floor. Anne stumbled up behind Jubilee's attacker and clubbed him with her fists at the base of his skull. She felt her shoulder dislocate again, but the man stumbled. The three teens pounced on him immediately, forcing him to the ground. The other guard was unconscious, his weapon laying a few feet away.

Anne gritted her teeth. She could feel her ribs poking into her flesh, every breath an agony.

She forced herself to pick up the metallic rod. It hummed beneath her fingers, the metal warm. She turned around to find the three teens watching her. Jubilee held the other guard's weapon, a look of distaste on her face. They were all breathing heavily and as the adrenaline wore off, worry replaced the exhilaration on their faces.

"Um, we still don't know how we're going to get out of here." Everett said, glancing pointedly at the steel door.

Anne coughed, clutching her side. She felt something warm drip from her mouth and she wiped her chin. Her fingertips came away bloody.

What a time for my healing factor to be suppressed.

"Anne?" Jubilee appeared at her side.

Anne took a deep, steadying breath, feeling the air in her lungs bubble.

Come on, Anne. You're in bad shape, but you can do this. You have to.

"I'm fine," she lied.

She stumbled over to the scientist. His mouth was opening and closing silently, his eyes clenched with pain.

"Tell me how to open the door." She commanded harshly.

He ignored her, clutching at the ground.

"I won't ask again! Tell me."

Silence.

Anne felt her face contort with frustration. She hefted the metallic rod in her hands and looked at the three teens. In their eyes, she could see they knew what she was about to do. Anne looked away.

I can't do this. I can't hurt another human being so deliberately. He can't defend himself.

But think about what he did to your mother! What he was going to do to you and those kids! Use the rod. He'll tell you everything you need to know.

Anne snarled in disgust, and took a step back.

"I can't do this," she muttered angrily. She ignored the worried stares of Jubilee, Everett and Angelo. Her eyes fell on the door.

She stumbled over to the closed entrance, and took a long look at it. She held up the metallic rod, remembering how it had sunk into her body. As far as she knew, there was no entrance wound in her shoulder, but it had done it's job nonetheless. Would it work on a steel door?

She stood at arm's length, and slowly pushed the tip of the rod into the hinges of the door. The humming beneath her hand intensified, and Anne watched in amazement as steel melted into steel. The door began to shake, and then Jubilee was there, shoving her own rod into the door. The rods absorbed the vibrations, and the four of them watched and listened in amazement as it slowly began to break away from its frame.

"Someone has got to be hearing this." Angelo muttered worriedly.

"One thing at a time." Anne gritted her teeth, pain weaving a network through her body. Her eyesight began to dim.

With a sudden groan, the door slipped from its hinges. Anne and Jubilee barely jumped back in time to keep the heavy steel from falling on them. The teen darted through the open entrance before Anne could stop her. There was a flash of colored lights, and then several heavy thuds. The rest of the group rushed into the hall to find Jubilee standing proudly over three huge guards, their chests smoking. She held her fingers up to her lips and blew dramatically.

"Nice going, chica."

Anne weakly nodded her approval, already scanning the building with her mind. There were more guards heading towards them, and--

:Logan!: :Remy!:

:Darlin'?:

:Chere?:

Anne almost cried with relief. Losing them had been her greatest fear.

:I have the kids. We need your help.:

She showed them where they were.

:We're on our way, darlin'.:

"Anne!"

Anne whipped around at the sound of Everett's voice. The sudden movement made her head spin, but she saw and felt the guards facing them. She did not need to hear the scuffling behind her for her to know that a second group had appeared at the other end of the hall. Trapped by more than thirty men and women.

"Get back in the room." she ordered, struggling to keep upright.

"No way." Jubilee protested. "You can't--"

Anything she was about to say was cut off as the guards suddenly broke into a silent charge. Jubilee shouted a wordless challenge, her hands glowing. Angelo's skin pooled away from his body.

Everett clutched at his head, gasping. He stared at Anne in shock.

Blind with need and pain, Anne reached out with her mind and closed her eyes.

The combined sound of falling bodies filled Anne's ears, followed by metallic clangs. Then, a profound silence. Anne staggered, and fell to the floor. Barely conscious, she forced herself to her knees and raised her head.

Every single approaching person lay crumpled on the floor of the corridor. She had struck them all with psi-bolts, a stronger variation of what Emma Frost has tried to use on her. Jubilee, Everett and Angelo stared at their fallen assailants with undisguised amazement.

Anne reached out and found the familiar presence of Logan and Gambit approaching. They rounded the corner of the corridor at a flat run. The two X-Men were not expecting the slew of bodies, but they kept their footing and were at Anne's side in a heartbeat.

"Annie." Logan whispered, cupping her face with tender hands. His eyes were pained as he looked at her.

She could not find the strength to open her mouth to speak.

:Take care of the kids. They've been through a lot today.:

"And you haven't, chere?"

Anne began to weakly protest as Gambit scooped her up into his arms.

"Hush now, chere. You in no shape t'run out of here."

Anne tried to give him an exasperated look. Gambit smiled charmingly despite the worry in his eyes. Logan nodded approvingly and turned to the three teenagers.

He gave Jubilee a short, fierce hug which she returned gratefully. A moment later, the small group was racing through the facility, Logan in the lead and Gambit bringing up the rear, Anne secure in his arms.

She scanned ahead for attacks, but found that for the most part, everyone was dead or unconscious. Their path out was clear.

:You boys have been busy.: Anne sent weakly to Gambit and Logan.

"They sent almost all their forces after us, darlin'. Didn't matter how hard we tried, we couldn't get close ta' ya' or find the kids."

"Gambit never seen anythin' like it."

"Nearly killed us not knowin' if ya' were alive or dead."

:Believe me. . . I felt the same way about you two.:

* * *

Rogue met them near the charred remains of the facility's entrance. The sound of laser blasts from without leaked into the building.

"'Bout time ya'll showed up."

Rogue peered at Anne, her eyes widening with shock.

"Time fer questions later." Logan barked, following Rogue's gaze. She nodded curtly with a sympathetic smile towards Anne.

With her as an escort, they scrambled from the complex and out into the night. As soon as her body left the building and the psi-buffer, Anne felt her old shields reweave around her body. Energy poured into her muscles and mind, soothing away the worst of the pain, though not the injury.

Anne looked over Gambit's shoulder to stare at the building.

She recalled the cold way the scientist had talked of her mother, as though she had been nothing but an animal. Her mother, and countless others had been brought to this place to be experimented on. Anne did not want to imagine what would have been done to Jubilee, Everett and Angelo. She remembered the mutilated men and women who had fought them, minds so broken and twisted they were hardly human. She remembered the pain she had been forced to endure, and how they had tried to kill her friends.

A deep rage settled into her bones.

"Remy, put me down."

He hesitated, staring at her uncomprehendingly.

"Chere--"

"Do it. . . please."

She could see in his eyes that he did not want to comply, but he slowly set her down on her feet.

The others had already disappeared into the forest, the sounds of fighting diminishing. Anne ignored them. She knelt on the soft grass, burying her fingers into the soil.

Please, she whispered to the earth, sharing her memories and her pain. This place is unnatural, the people who do this as terrible as the one who emptied your blood onto the land. Please. I have Need.

The ground shuddered.

"Chere!" Gambit shouted. It was not difficult for the Cajun to guess who was causing the tremors. He slipped to his knees as the ground bucked and rolled. Anne did not seem to notice the violent shaking--in fact, she hardly seemed to move at all, though Gambit could feel his stomach lurching and his limbs jolting in their sockets.

"Anne!" he shouted again.

"Look!" she declared, pointing towards the complex.

Gambit followed her gaze, and swore in disbelief.

Trees were growing. Hundreds, maybe thousands of saplings crowded together. They pushed and wriggled their way up from the shaking earth, intertwining supple trunks that darkened and thickened before his eyes. Gambit caught sight of men running from the facility, only to be surrounded and cut off by the trees. Within minutes, the entire cement building was covered by hardwood, trunks still surging outward, the sound of creaks and groans filling the air in a deafening roar.

After what seemed an eternity, the shaking began to subside and Gambit gratefully stopped clutching at the ground. His breath was coming in thick gasps, sweat soaking his clothes and hair. The Cajun could feel his muscles trembling with fatigue, and when he tried to stand, his legs would not hold him. He finally stopped trying, and let himself soak in the miracle of what had taken place before his eyes.

A solid wall of trees, of every species indigenous to the area, hid the complex from sight. He would not even be able to slip his little finger in between trunks, they had grown so close together. What had been a large open field, with the facility in the center, was now an unnaturally dense forest. Gambit had the very strong feeling that he and his friends would be the last people to ever find this place again.

"Chere, what have you done?" he whispered, awestruck.

When she didn't answer, he looked down and found her unconscious. Her chest rose and fell with steady breaths.

He tenderly soothed her hair away from her bloody, bruised face.

"Rest, chere. Not ev'ry day someone grows a forest from de hills."

Gambit could hear the sounds of someone running towards them. He turned just in time to see Logan careen from the shadows of the forest.

He stopped in his tracks as he saw Anne laying on the ground.

"Annie." He rasped in an agonized whisper.

"It's all right, mon ami. Gambit t'ink Anne is sleeping."

Logan crouched by the young woman, furtively examining her. Gambit was right. Her breathing was slow and even, her face serene. She reeked of blood, but her body was as relaxed as if she had spent the entire night quietly enjoying herself instead of fighting for her life.

"What happened?" he asked Gambit, his voice thick with emotion.

The Cajun shrugged. "Don' know. But chere did dis." He held out an arm and gestured towards the new forest. "Gambit not sorry to see dat place go."

Logan thought about Jubilee who was nursing a bruised shoulder, and the strange disfigured people they had fought. He remembered the screams of his friends combining with his own as Anne's pain overwhelmed his senses. Even the blood rage that had overcome him at the sound and feel of her agony was not enough to save her. The sheer numbers of the mindless attackers had given the enemy enough time to spirit her away. Guilt still ached in chest.

"Same here, Gumbo." He said fiercely. Taking one long last look at the wall of trees, he stood, scooping Anne up in his arms and cradling her gently against his chest. Her head rested beneath his chin.

"We better get back ta' the plane. Cyke's prob'ly frothin' at the mouth by now."

Gambit groaned, and pushed himself to his feet, wobbling a little before straightening.

"Dat man still needs a less'n, mon ami."

Logan grinned fiercely. "I'm sure we can think o' somethin'."

Rogue met them at the entrance to the Blackbird. "You fellows sure took your time." She saw Anne, and her green eyes once again filled with concern.

"Oh my stars and garters. . . " Beast whispered, appearing behind her shoulder.

Logan brushed past them and moved to the small infirmary at the back of the jet. He gently lay Anne on a stretcher, his heart in his throat as Beast rushed up and began to examine her.

The smell of her blood filled his nose; her ears, eyes and the lower half of her face was caked in it. Beneath the mask of blood, ugly abrasions marred her cheeks and through several tears in her uniform he could see the dark discoloration of her skin.

"I'm sorry, Logan; I have to finish the rest of the examination privately." Beast apologized softly, his eyes soft with worry and sympathy.

Logan nodded curtly, and stepped away. Beast pulled a curtain around Anne and she was cut off from him.

The plane had already taken off, but Logan did not pay attention. He focused inward, guilt pursuing him doggedly. He was dimly aware of Gambit trying to explain to Scott why the facility no longer showed up on sensor readings.

"She did what?" The team leader exclaimed.

"Gambit see it wit his own eyes."

"But all those people. . . she basically left them to die!"

Logan leapt up furiously and slammed his fist against the wall, leaving a large indentation in the steel frame.

"Leave her alone, Cyke." He grated, stalking towards him. The berserker within hovered at the edge of release, and everyone could see it in his eyes. "You've got no right ta' judge. She found the kids when no one else could, an' she willingly went into that hell hole o' a building an' nearly died tryin' ta' save Jubilee, Everett an' Angelo. She may have even saved our lives."

Logan threw a meaningful glance at Gambit, who nodded quickly in agreement. They both remembered how she had severed the link to keep them from being incapacitated by her pain. A suffering so terrible that Logan still did not know how she had thought clearly enough to free them from each others minds. He could still her voice in his thoughts, her whisper of determination to keep them safe, no matter what.

Logan glared at Scott with unconcealed disgust in his eyes. "And despite what she's done, all ya' can do is complain."

Scott pressed his lips together and remained silent. From the frown on her face, Jean looked as though she was talking to him.

Logan turned away. He found a seat near the curtained off portion of the infirmary, listening to the sounds of Beast work over Anne. Jubilee snuggled up beside him and cushioned her head against his shoulder.

"You really like her, don't you?" she whispered, softly enough so that no one could overhear.

Logan swallowed heavily, memories dancing across his mind.

"Yeah, kiddo. I like her a lot." He looked down at Jubilee. "That bother you?"

She shook her head vehemently, and threw her arms around his neck. She winced slightly, her shoulder still sore where one of the guards had struck her with his fist.

"I think Anne is great," Jubilee whispered in his ear.

"Thanks, darlin'. That means a lot ta' me."

Gambit and Rogue settled down in opposing seats, Everett and Angelo taking up positions nearby. All of their eyes were worried as they glanced at the conspicuous curtain.

"We'll reach the mansion in less than fifteen minutes." Jean spoke softly. She lay a gentle hand on Logan's shoulder, just as Beast reappeared. His lab coat was red with blood, and his eyes were worried.

"Well?" Logan rasped.

Beast swallowed heavily. "I've managed to stabilize her. She is fortunate that she has a healing factor, but it seems that it took far longer to assert itself than one would have thought, if the extent of her injuries are any indication."

"We were in a room that suppressed our mutant abilities." Everett answered softly.

Beast nodded thoughtfully. "That would explain it. To be frankly honest, I am surprised that she is still alive. Whatever did this to her literally ripped her apart from the inside out. She shows signs of having bled freely from every orifice, and her ligaments are just now showing signs of regenerating themselves. Heavy internal bleeding, muscles torn, arteries damaged to the point of collapse. . . the pain alone should have incapacitated her."

"I knew she was hurt, but not like that. She--she never said anything." Jubilee looked at the others, her eyes wide.

"Anne not one to complain, petite." Gambit spoke quietly, looking at Logan. They both remembered their first meeting. A bear trap around her ankle, and not a whisper of complaint.

Everett stirred uncomfortably.

"I synched with Anne, when I thought we were going to be attacked. I--I felt her suffering. I don't usually share in anything more than a mutant's powers, but this time was different. I had to break the link. I couldn't take the agony she was in."

Sober silence filled the plane, broken only by the sound of beeps coming from the controls.

"How were you kidnapped, darlin?" Logan finally asked, his voice heavy.

Jubilee tugged his arm around her before speaking.

"We were standing around waiting for Monet to finish up, and wham! Suddenly we were surrounded. They, like, injected us with something before we knew we were in trouble. I couldn't even squeeze out a spark after that!"

"Monet found blood."

Angelo's eyes grew flinty. "I had a switchblade in my boot. I cut one of them, but after that, things got kind of woozy."

"Dey say what dey want wit you three?"

They frowned hesitantly, the three of them searching each other's faces.

"What is it, darlin?" Logan prodded. She hesitated.

"We were supposed to be test subjects."

Logan growled.

"That isn't everything though," Jubilee said. "The dude who talked to us. . . he recognized Anne."

"Or rather, he recognized her resemblance to her mother." Everett added. "Seems like her mom was part of an experiment a while back, but she escaped. The scientist seemed pretty surprised to see Anne, but happy too."

"Yeah, happy like a shark that smells blood." Angelo muttered. "He was just thrilled to be getting his experiment back."

"Was Anne aware of any of this?" Jean asked, her eyes filled with concern.

"Nope." Jubilee responded.

"What happened to de scientist, chere?"

"Anne broke his kneecaps." Jubilee answered nonchalantly.

"I've never seen a woman so pissed in all my life. Made Frostie look nice in comparison." Angelo added admiringly.

"Would've liked ta' have seen that." Logan rumbled.

"I am quite speechless." Beast added. "The extent of her injuries indicate that she should have been unconscious."

"She's making up for it now," Everett observed quietly, gazing at the curtained off portion of the plane.

* * *

A week passed, and then two. Anne remained unconscious.

According to Beast, she was not in a coma--her breathing was too deep and regular, her heartbeat strong.

"What ever it is, I cannot say that she is in danger. In fact, quite the opposite. She has recovered much faster than should be expected, even with a healing factor. Despite her slumber, she is the picture of perfect health." Beast declared over dinner.

Logan and Gambit were not present to hear the news, though Beast had told them earlier.

The two men were in the woods surrounding the Mansion. They had come outside for a smoke and some fresh air, and had begun to walk. Rogue was sitting with Anne. She had made them promise that they would eat, but neither man felt hungry.

Logan unconsciously chose a route that took them to the tree he had found her communing beneath, the one day he had come looking for her in the woods.

They stood next to the old oak.

"What do you t'ink dese trees say to chere, Logan?" Gambit asked after a long silence.

"Don't know, Gumbo. But I reckon it's somethin' good. She's too nice a person for them ta' say anythin' bad."

They were silent for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. Gambit stirred restlessly.

"You know, chere made it so Rogue don' have her powers no more when she's in her room."

"Yeah?"

"Gambit never seen Rogue so happy." he sighed, twirling his cigarette between his thumb and forefinger.

"So what's the problem? I thought you two were hot for each other."

"Dat was before Gambit met Anne." The Cajun noticed Logan stiffen, and he shook his head.

"Don' worry mon ami. Gambit don' want Anne like dat. But chere, she's Gambit's best friend, and Gambit never had a woman as a best friend, b'foe. Gambit likes de feelin'. Wouldn't feel right anymore to make love to a woman dat wasn't Gambit's best friend."

Logan nodded approvingly. "So what'd Rogue say?"

"She disappointed. . . but relieved at de same time. Rogue appreciated dat Gambit din' take advantage."

Logan snorted.

"Never thought I'd see the day when Remy LeBeau would turn down a beautiful woman."

Gambit shrugged and shuffled his feet in the grass.

"You know, we never talked 'bout what happened during the mission."

"You mean, the link." Logan said. He thought for a long moment before speaking.

"I've always hated people in my mind. There's too much someone could mess up. But with Annie, it felt natural. She didn't do anythin' ta' me. . . she just was there. I didn't feel ya' so much in my mind," Logan confessed. "But still, it was like three people rolled into one, with Anne as our anchor. Ya' know what I'm tryin' ta' say, Cajun?"

"Yeah, Gambit knows. Gambit even misses de feelin'."

Logan nodded silently, deep in thought. "Hey Cajun, have you ever thought about why the three of us get along so well? Especially with Anne. We only knew her for less than a day before I felt I'd do anythin' for her. And she packed herself up and left her home with us. Us, Cajun! A thief and a killer! She didn't even hesitate."

"Gambit have trouble b'lieving, too."

Logan shook his head.

"If I didn't know better, I'd say that somethin' else was at work. But for the life o' me I can't figure out what or why."

Gambit spread out his hands. "Some things better left alone, mon ami. De three of us got a friendship most people would be jealous of. Let's just enjoy it while it lasts, oui?

Logan frowned, but he had to agree with Gambit. Better to just let things unfold in their own time. But he thought of Anne, so quiet and still. His heart ached whenever he saw her. He missed the twinkle in her eye, her dignity and courage and spunk.

Face it, you ol' canucklehead. Ya' love everything about her. Life ain't worth livin' without Annie.

Logan stepped close to the old oak, and placed his hand on the rough bark. He fingered the creases and textures of the trunk, trying to get a feel for the tree.

"I know ya' can hear me," he finally said, his voice gruff. "Don't keep Annie away. Let her come back ta' us."

Gambit reached out and touched his fingertips to the tree.

"Gambit and Logan need Anne. Life just too lonely wid'out her."

They let their hands and fingers fall away from the tree. The forest was very silent and still, as though holding its breath. The two men looked at each other, and slowly made their way back to the Mansion. When they checked in on Anne, she was still unconscious.

* * *

Several nights later, Logan was sitting on the front steps of the mansion, smoking a cigar. The wind was blowing heavily in his face, and the air smelled like rain. The door opened behind him, the footsteps light. Probably Jubilee or Jean coming to check up on him, he thought. Because of the wind, he could not catch their scent.

He jumped when he felt a hand ruffle his hair.

"Annie!" he gasped, leaping to his feet.

The dark-haired woman stood before him, her eyes twinkling and her lips pulled back in a happy grin. She was pale and her narrow frame was even more thin, but she stood on two feet and was smiling like she would never stop. Logan threw his arms around her, drawing Anne into a tight embrace that she eagerly accepted.

"Thank you for calling me back." Anne whispered into his ear.

"Ya' heard me?" Logan pulled away and looked into her shining eyes.

She nodded happily. "You and Gambit both."

Anne brushed his lips with her own, and caressed his cheek with the back of her hand.

"I'll never leave you, Logan. . . I'll always come back to you."



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