Unchained Instinct ( Complete)

Chapter 42


Charles watched as one by one the teams came straggling in, dejection in their postures and failure in their eyes.

“I’m starving,” Bobby stated, shoving in the door. “We didn’t even stop for lunch. How’s a guy suppose to concentrate when his stomach is trying to eat itself?”

“You just think you’re starving,” Scott shot back. “Go dig up something from the kitchen if your that bad off.”

“That’s just what I was going to do.” Bobby heading across the foyer. “Hi Professor. We didn’t find anything. Nobody. No nothing. What a waste of time.”

“It was not a waste of time,” Charles replied to Bobby’s retreating back. The boy turned to face Charles with a skeptical expression, on the verge of rebellious. Given time, Bobby just might become a problem student, wearing insolence like a shield. Or, the lad might turn out to be a team player. Only time would tell. “We know where Mystique and Logan are not. That continues to narrow down the possibilities.”

Fatigue worked it’s way across Bobby’s face. “Right. Whatever, Professor.” He turned and continued towards the kitchen.

“Hey!” Scott said, starting after the boy. “You don’t talk to the Professor that way.”

“Let him go, Scott,” Charles said. “He’s tired and disappointed.”

Scott let out a breath. “Have you heard anything from the other teams?”

“Kitty and Ororo have returned with nothing positive to report. Jean contacted me and said they were on their way back. I haven’t yet heard from Rogue and Gambit.”

Scott shifted his weight and crossed his arms against his chest. “How long is this going to go on, Professor? Letting Gambit come and go from here like he’s one of us? Are you sure he’s not playing us some how?”

Charles suppressed a frown. Scott wasn’t taking well to Gambit’s sudden involvement in the X-Men’s personal problems. “I wouldn’t allow him here if I thought he was a detriment to finding Logan.”

“I know and Jean said you’d both scanned his mind. But maybe he’s like Mystique and can block your probes...or worse, conceal what he doesn’t want you to know and only shows you what he wants you to see.”
Charles raised his eyebrows. “That’s certainly a possibility. I nor Jean are infallible. And Gambit’s past has it’s dubious moments.”

“He worked for Magneto,” Scott stated. “He was the enemy.”

“But now he wishes to change. Should we not give him that opportunity? Should a man be condemned forever for making a mistake?”

“He’s made more than one mistake in my estimation. He kidnapped Rogue. Remember?”

“For the purpose of saving his stepfather’s life, Scott.” Charles rolled closer. “I understand your doubts. But I sense good in Gambit, in spite of his devious methods of getting what he wants. He wasn’t raised well. He has a past to contend with, yes. But I am willing to give Gambit the chance that every man and woman deserves. The chance to prove he can rise above his upbringing and do what is right. I need you to be willing to do the same. Are you, Scott?”

Scott said nothing for a long moment, weight shifting under Charles’ scrutiny. “I don’t know, Professor. For the moment, I guess things can stay as they are. Maybe if he doesn’t screw up and show that devious side. Maybe I’ll know if he really helps us find Logan. That’s the best I can give right now.”

Charles let out a sigh. “Then I suppose that will have to suffice.”

He watched Scott follow Bobby’s lead to the kitchen, unhappy that they’d refused to even stop for food through the day. Yet, pride filled up inside of Charles at his students’ dedication and loyalty towards another team member.

Outside, the sound of car doors banging shut announced the next set of X-Men, Jean dragging in, bits of debris still in her hair and her uniform looking worse for wear. Kurt looked no better, exhaustion exuding from the boy’s mind and his posture as dejected as the rest.

Jean’s gaze caught Charles’ and her eyes strayed towards Kurt with concern.

Kurt said nothing, heading towards the stairs without looking up or acknowledging Charles. It wasn’t insolence that had Kurt ignoring his mentor. It was distraction and fatigue, the lad’s mind only on Logan and their failure at not finding him.

“Kurt,” Charles called after him.

Kurt stopped on the steps. With slow deliberation he turned and met Charles’ gaze. “I’m sorry, Professor. I...I...my mind is elsewhere.”

“I know,” Charles replied, keeping his voice gentle. “You’re disappointed. But do not despair, lad. We will find Logan.”

Kurt nodded and visibly swallowed hard. “But will it be too late?”

Charles lowered his eyes, unable to give Kurt an honest answer. He heard the boy turn and continue up the stairs.

Jean’s hand came to rest on his shoulder. “I’m so worried about him, Professor. Twice I thought he had disappeared on me. He didn’t want to stop looking, but we couldn’t go on, not out in the woods and we were heading into hilly country. Tomorrow we’ll be into that cave system.”

Charles put a hand over Jean’s and squeezed. “You’ve done well today, covered a great deal of area.”

“But we haven’t found Logan.”

“This is as difficult for you as it is for Kurt. I know how much all of you care for Logan.”

“Yes. I can’t imagine the X-Men without him...or without Kurt. If something happens to Logan...if...if...” Jean sniffed back tears.

“Now, now,” Charles said, patting Jean’s hand. “We must be strong...for Kurt’s sake. For Logan’s sake.”

Jean drew in a harsh breath and let it out, sniffing again and wiping at her face. “I’ve suppressed them all day. Finally, broke down in the SUV while ago. Kurt pretended not to hear...or maybe he was so into his own mind he didn’t notice me sniffing constantly.”

“Jean, I know you’re tired, but would you please try to get Kurt to eat something. Perhaps you could gain assistance from Kitty. She has a way with Kurt.”

“Of course. Just let me get a shower and changed.”

“Thank you, Jean. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

A sad smile touched Jean’s lips. “Don’t worry, Professor, you won’t have to do without me.”

Charles watched her go, knowing an ominous future lay ahead for Jean Grey. He bent his head and allowed himself a moment to grieve for what had yet to come.