Unchained Instinct ( Complete)

What a week we've had in Southwest Indiana. Ya know, it's heart breaking to see the devestation of Tsunamis and Hurricanes and Earthquakes, but there's still a certain distance to all that when you're not in the middle of it. Well, I guess we here in Vanderburgh and Warrick counties in Indiana and Henderson county in Kentucky were feeling a little too safe for our own good. The deadliest tornado in half a century struck around two in the morning, destroying all in it's path in my little corner of the world. I was lucky not to be in that path, but people I know were damned lucky to have only minor damage to their property. And people lost everything...including lives for some and loved ones for others. Our community has responded with tremendous energy, funds and caring for those hurt.

Please don't ever believe it can't happen in your corner of the world. Mother nature is random in her wrath and greatness.

Forgive my meanderings. I'm feeling melancholy today. Hope you all are enjoying the story. Thanks for reviewing so often, Jaden. I really appreciate the feed back.

Chapter 57

Charles watched the altercation below with a sense of foreboding, concern for all of his people vying for his attention. Logan’s rage was dangerous to all of them, dangerous in ways he hadn’t yet calculated.

He watched Scott storm off, saw the care and empathy in Jean’s eyes and knew he had to speak to them and help them understand the depth of this problem.

And yes, Charles was concerned for Kurt’s safety...not just physical, but emotional as well. The lad had been through so much in such a short time and was only beginning to truly heal.

Now they were back in the midst of another crisis, emotional turmoil heading them down a path of potential destruction.

No. Kurt was a strong young man, had proven just how resilient he was. Charles needed Kurt to handle Logan for it seemed only Kurt could.

The couple stood holding onto each other as if they feared they’d be forever separated. Charles gave a sigh and headed out the door to find Scott and Jean.

He found them in the community room, Jean quietly talking to Scott, holding his hands. Scott’s mouth was tight with anger, still not calmed by Jean’s sage words.

“May I interrupt?” he asked.

Jean turned and Scott glanced up. “Of course, Professor,” Jean said. “I was just trying to help Scott understand Logan’s turmoil.”

“That is just what I’d like to speak to both of you about...but let’s go to my office. We need some privacy.”

Charles turned and rolled back down the hallway to his office with Jean and Scott following. He waved them into seats and made certain the door was locked.

Folding his hands in his lap, Charles drew in a deep breath and let it out, finally looking up to meet first Jean’s gaze then Scott’s.

“I understand your anger, Scott. Logan isn’t the easiest person to get along with on his good days, but right now, he is not fair company for anyone. I can’t elaborate on Logan’s ordeal, but suffice it to say that Mystique hurt him, not just physically, but emotionally...and mentally. He needs us to be understanding even when he is confrontational.”

Scott leaned back and huffed a sigh. “I know, Professor, but when he got harsh with Jean, I just reacted. He doesn’t want our help and...well, I can’t help but feel insulted by that. We’re a team and we work together, we help each other, but when Jean offered help, Logan just lashed out at her.”

Charles nodded. “You’re protective of Jean, that’s understandable. But Logan’s not used to being helped and he’s not used to accepting help. Not on this personal of a level.”

“Is there nothing you can tell us about what Mystique did to him?” Jean asked. “We saw the physical injuries she inflicted. My god, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen so much blood from one person before, but what of these emotional injuries?”

Charles glanced down, images from Logan’s mind lashing out at him. With a slow shake of the head, Charles looked up and the expression on Jean’s face, of care and concern...of empathy for another’s pain, touched his heart, sending an ache into his soul.

“She did what she does best. I really can’t say any more.”

A look crossed Scott’s face, of disgust and perhaps the first dawning of understanding the possibilities conjured by such ability. “Dear god,” Scott whispered. “I hadn’t even thought that far.”

“I don’t want to,” Jean added.

“But that doesn’t change the fact that Logan is out of control,” Scott said. This time his voice held sympathy, all anger now gone. “And I don’t think Kurt is capable of controlling him.”

“I believe you’re wrong on that count, Scott,” Charles replied. “Kurt is the one person who can keep Logan under some sort of control. At least, I pray he can. For if Kurt can’t, no one can.”

“You could, Professor,” Scott said.

“Not without force and I’ll not use force on a friend unless it is absolutely necessary.”

“But what if the team is needed?” Scott asked. “What if something happens and we’re called into action? Can we trust Logan to act as a team member or will his rage get the best of him? How can the rest of us trust him, when obviously you don’t?”

“There are no absolute answers, Scott,” Charles said. “Logan needs time to deal with his emotions, to deal with what has been done to him. Kurt is capable enough to help him and of course, I’ll ask Cassie if she would speak to Logan. She’s helped Kurt and Logan through so much. Hopefully, he’ll feel he can open up to her as he’s done so far.”

“Cassie’s dealing with her own trauma, you know?” Scott replied.

“Yes, I’m aware of that,” Charles said. “But she’s healing and she’s someone Logan has opened up to before. I can only hope he will do so again.”

“He’s not ready, Professor,” Jean injected, her gaze distant as if she was listening in on a conversation across the room.

“Jean?”

She gave a start and her attention snapped back to Charles and Scott. “Forgive me. Logan’s thoughts are very much on the surface right now. It’s as if some demon is trying to possess him.”

“Not a demon, Jean,” Charles said. “But a part of him, a primal part of Logan’s psyche has been loosed. It’s a battle he’s waging with himself.”

She nodded and looked away.

“Should we cancel our plans, Professor?” Scott asked. “Should we stay close in case something happens?”

“No. You both need a vacation. I’ll be here as will Hank, Rogue and Kurt. We can handle it. And Ororo won’t be that far away if I need additional help. Go and enjoy your family visits. You both deserve to.”

Jean opened her mouth as if to protest.

‘This is not your battle, Jean. This is Kurt’s burden, not yours and Scott’s. Logan was strong for him...now let him be strong for Logan.’

“All right,” she said, acknowledging his silent words. “We should go, Scott. Alex is anxious to spend time with his big brother and my mom and dad can hardly wait to have me home for a whole month.”

Scott’s mouth twisted then smooth and finally a nod came. “Okay, we’ll go, but if you need us, Professor, don’t hesitate to call.”

“I promise, if the need arises, you’ll be the first to know.”