Overwhelmed

Author: Wen

Situation:  This is an AU version of "Power Surge" that begins when Kurt teleports Rogue near Jean.

Dr. McCoy and the new recruits are already at the institute and the fact that they are mutants has been discovered. Ah, and one last thing: Scott still thinks his brother is dead.

Summary: What if Rogue hadn't had time to touch Jean to drain off some of her powers?

Category: General

Disclamer: I don't own the X-men bla bla bla

Author's notes : This is my second X-Men Fanfic. I don't really like it, but the two friends who read it pushed me to post it. Again, contrary to how I normally write, I spent only half a day coming up with the idea for this story, and one or two hours writing it.

A big thanks to Jen1703, who I've been enjoying corresponding with for the past few months, although the six hours time difference between our two countries doesn't make things easy. lol And a peek-a-boo to Nicholette.

So, happy reading and please review!

*******

Rogue had just caught one concrete stalactites which had stayed in place, despite the telekinetic explosions which had already destroyed the sick-bay.

- "Now Rogue, you must do it NOW!" ordered the professor.

In spite of Jean's powers' pressure, the mutant turned up to approach her a little more and to move her hand forward her face; but, before she had arrived to just skim her with her fingers, an other power explosion went, snatching a pain wail from the telepath, and created an other destructive wave. Under the blast, surprised and destabilized, Rogue gave up and was briefly swept along the column of debris spinning around Jean before falling toward the ground, caught just in time by Scott.

      A momentary silence hung over the group. It was shattered by the crashing of the biggest objects which Jean's powers had swept up, and then by the falling of Jean herself, who dropped down heavily on the metal table before anyone had the chance to move.

- "Jean!" Scott cried, running over to her.

         As soon as he had reached her he tried to bring her back to consciousness by calling her name, but it was useless. The others team members had come closer too, and the professor struggled to clear a way through the debris to the young woman.

- "Wait, stand aside! Hank has just arrived, someone go and fetch him!" he added after having briefly detected Dr. McCoy's presence.

         Kurt teleported himself instantaneously in a cloud of smoke. Charles made his way to Jean's side, and gently placed one hand on her feverish face, the other against his own temple. He closed his eyes in concentration, while an almost reverent silence filled the ruined infirmary.

         In order to not distract the professor from his task, Scott moved back reluctantly and stayed still, keeping his eyes on Jean's seemingly lifeless form.

         A familiar sound disturbed the scene, as Kurt teleported back into the room with Hank. A shock expression marked the older mutant's face as he took in the extent of damage to the room. He didn't let himself ponder that for long though, and he quickly weaved his way through the rubble to Jean, waiting anxiously for Professor Xavier's prognosis.

         Charles broke the link with Jean. He kept his eyes on his unconscious young student, as if he wanted to avoid the worried looks of the others X-Men. Finally, with a troubled voice, he said:

- "I wasn't able to establish contact with her. Her mind is like a real battlefield ; I didn't receive the slightest reaction. It's almost like…like she's no longer here…"

Hank had just leaned in to check her vital signs. Murmurs filled the room, but above them all came Scott's strained voice:

- "What do you mean, Professor? Is she…?"

- "Scott," Hank interrupted him, taking control of the situation. "Take Jean up to her bedroom, the med lab is, quite obviously, out of order. Logan, I need the spare monitoring equipment which is in the Danger Room's first aid room. Kurt, find some ice, we must lower her fever."

But Scott was no longer listening; he delicately lifted Jean into his arms and slalomed between the debris to the exit. The others X-Men and the younger recruits who had just arrived, strayed out of the way, looking nervously at the young woman in Scott's arms.

***

         Once in her room, Scott gently laid Jean down on her bed. He lightly brushed away the red locks that had fallen across her face. He opened his mouth to speak to her, but kept silent as Charles, Hank and Logan joined them. Ororo, who had arrived after the excitement, had since been informed of the events, and was following close behind with the same anxious expression haunting her face.

- "Scott," the professor said in a kind voice, trying to be comforting, "we must to examine her now. It would probably be better if you waited outside."

- "But…"

- "Scott," Charles said again, more insistently.

He didn't know if the Professor has had sent a telepathic order to Storm, but it was she who placed her hands on Scott's shoulders and steered him toward the exit. Reluctantly, he gave in, keeping his gaze on Jean as long as possible, until the door had been closed between them.

To be following, well, if you want to…