Jubilee and I left the movie theater and walked into the cool Boston night. Smiling, she took my arm and walked closer to me for warmth. "So, what did you think?" she asked as we slowly walked down the street toward the bus stop.

"It was pretty good," I replied. "The special effects were awesome. Especially the space ship and the cloning tanks."

"Yeah, they were cool, but that's nothing compared to the UST! Or should I say RST. That kiss was over six years in coming! I tell ya, Ev, by the next movie, those two'll be doing the wild thing!"

I laughed. "Geez, who would've believed that Jubilation Lee was a romantic?"

"Hey, I've been a diehard 'shipper ever since the third season, when Jean and Rogue got me hooked on the show. I *knew* they were gonna get together. It was inevitable."

"Why do you say that? Nothing indicated that they thought of each other as anything more than partners. Just friends."

"Did that lip-lock say just friends' to you, Ev? They've been through hell and back together, with only each other to trust. They've always been there for one another, putting their lives on the line for each other, protecting each other. If that isn't love, I don't know what is."

"I'm not saying they don't care about each other. I just think it's possible for a man and a woman to work together and be close friends without being attracted to one another. A platonic relationship is perfectly--"

"Shh," she said suddenly, letting go of my arm.

"Hey, you had your say, it's my tur--"

She shushed me again, clamping her hand over my mouth. "Did you hear that?"

I cocked my head, listening intently. I could hear a soft whimpering. "Sounds like somebody crying. A kid maybe."

"I think it's coming from the alley over there," she said, pointing to the unlit area between two buildings. "Let's check it out."

"Hold it," I said, grabbing her arm. "We don't know who or what's in there."

"Ev, it's probably some poor kid-- lost, maybe hurt. We've gotta find out and help."

"Jubes, it's not safe. It's probably some stoned junkie, or a mugger."

"It's not as if we can't defend ourselves. C'mon, Thomas, the truth is out there, and I intend to find it, with or without your help." She turned from me and headed toward the alleyway.

Sighing, I shook my head. Stubborn, as usual. Well, I wasn't about to let her go in alone without somebody to watch her back. "Hey, Lee, wait up," I said, hurrying after her.

"I knew I could count on you," she said, holding up her index finger and creating colorful energy plasmoids to serve as a makeshift flashlight. I synched my aura to her powers, and created my own fireworks to add even more light.

We cautiously made out way to the source of the sobs.

"Sounds like it's coming from there," I whispered, pointing to some trash cans that were lined against a wall.

Together, we slowly approached the spot. There, we found a woman huddled behind the cans. We knelt down in front of her.

"Are you okay, miss? Are you hurt?" Jubilee asked, peering closer to get a better look.

Trembling, the woman shook her head. "Go away!" she muttered brusquely. "Leave me alone!"

"Can we help you?" I asked, moving my hand with its light source closer to get a better look at the woman.

"No!" she hissed, and scurried further behind the garbage cans, as though trying to hide her face in the darkness. From what little I could make out of her face, I figured she couldn't be much older than me. Something did not feel right, though. For some reason, I suddenly had the urge to grab Jubilee, get the hell out of there, and never look back.

"It's okay, miss," Jubilee said softly. "We're not going to hurt you. We want to help you. Please, let us help you." She reached out her hand to her.

At first, the young woman hesitated.

"Don't be scared. I won't bite. I promise."

The woman sat up then, and placed her hand in Jubilee's. As her face was revealed from the shadows, we caught sight of the malicious grin on her face. In the pit of my stomach, I suddenly realized that we had made a grievous mistake.

Before either of us had time to react, out minds were filled with a searing pain. I felt as though a white hot knife were piercing my skull right between the eyes. We screamed, and collapsed to the pavement.

Barely conscious, I saw the woman get to her feet. Several black-clad men emerged from the shadows. I was too woozy to resist as they placed something cold and smooth around my and Jubilee's necks.

*Inhibitor collars,* I realized. As I watched them restrain Jubilee's hands behind her back, panic filled my mind. I knew it was now or never. I tried to focus my thoughts, and sat up quickly, taking a swing at one of the goons. I was still too groggy for my punch to be effective, though, and my fist barely connected with the man's jaw. Before I could hit him again, I felt something strike the back of my head. Darkness consumed me.

When I awoke, my head felt like someone had been using it for a punching bag. I opened my eyes and blinked repeatedly as I tried to get them to focus. I was strung up, my limbs spread wide, arms bound by chains that connected to the ceiling, while the restraints on my legs led to the floor. I tested them, but I could barely move an inch. Looking around the enormous room, I saw piles of wooden crates and a forklift over on the far side. Must be some sort of warehouse, I realized.

Then I caught sight of Jubilee several yards across from me. She was strung up, like me, and her face hung down, her chin near her chest. She did not appear to be hurt.

"Jubilee," I called, my voice hoarse. "Can you hear me? Jubes!"

She moaned, and slowly lifted her head. "Did ya . . . get the license . . . for the truck . . . that hit us?" she asked.

"You okay?" I asked, hearing the concern in my voice. "Did they hurt you?"

She looked up at me and smiled. At the sight of her smile, I felt relief wash over me. "Aside from the Excedrin headache, I'm fine. But who brought us here?"

"That would be me," came a man's voice. The icy smoothness of his tone made my flesh crawl. A tall man strode toward us, his jet black hair slicked back, pencil-line scars crisscrossing all over his face. He was followed by the raven-haired woman we had tried to help, dressed in skin-tight black leather.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"My name, boy, is Sebastian Shaw. And I believe you two have already met Tessa."

A derisive sound came from Jubilee's throat.

Tessa's eyes narrowed, and she took a step toward Jubilee. Shaw caught her arm. "Not yet, my dear. All in due time."

Though she tried not to show it, I could see Jubilee's relief when Shaw held Tessa in check. Can't blame her. She knew as well as I did that a psi attack was not going to be fun.

"What do you want from us, scarface?" Jubilee asked, trying to muster her courage.

"Why'd you bring us here?" I added.

"Now, now, children, I don't think *you* are in a position to be making requests. *I* will be asking the questions. And, if you have any intention of leaving here in one piece, you will answer them. Or else Tessa might have to pay your minds another visit. Isn't that right, my dear?"

"It would be my pleasure, Sebastian," Tessa replied, her face erupting into that same devilish grin she had had in the alleyway.

"Now, as I was saying," Shaw began, hands clasped behind his back as he started to pace between us. "I require some information regarding Frost Enterprises."

"The White Queen's company?" Jubilee asked.

"Yes. It seems your headmistress-- my former colleague-- has a most intriguing undertaking called Project Acquisition." He issued the last two words with disgust, as though they left an unpleasant taste in his mouth. "What do you know about it?" he asked, stopping to look me in the eyes.

I shook my head. "I've no clue what you're talking about."

"Don't lie to me, boy!"

"I'm no--oof!" Before I could even register what was happening, I felt the force of Shaw's weight thrust at my gut through his fist. The air rushed out of my lungs, and I was left gasping for breath.

"I'll ask you again, Thomas," Shaw said from between clenched teeth. "What are the goals of Project Acquisition, and where is the file located?"

"I . . . told you, Shaw," I replied softly, keeping my eyes on Shaw as he turned his back to me and took a step away, "I've . . . never heard . . . of it."

"It's a shame you're making this difficult," Shaw said, turning on his heel and thrusting his fist right into my left eye. A sharp pain engulfed me. I could barely make out what Jubilee was saying.

"Ev!" she shrieked. "Stop it! Don't hurt him! He told you he doesn't know anything!"

I knew then that Shaw must be looking at her with that intense gaze of his. There was silence save for the heavy sound of my labored breathing. Then the room echoed with laughter-- a dark, foreboding sound that made me suddenly feel very cold inside.

I looked up, and through my hazy vision, I could see Shaw take Jubilee's face in his hand. She was trembling despite herself.

"Don't worry, my dear Jubilation," Shaw was saying, "you'll get your turn."

"Leave her alone, you bastard!" I shouted. "If you so much as touch her, I'll kill you with my bare hands!"

The only reaction from Shaw was a raised eyebrow. "Is that so?" He walked toward me again. "Forgive me if I don't find that threat very worrisome," he remarked snidely, running a finger along the smooth metal of the inhibitor collar I wore. "But, I assure you, Mr. Thomas, there is no need to worry. *I* would not dream of harming a hair on young Miss Lee's head." He smiled and made a signal to Tessa.

With a curt nod, Tessa approached Jubilee. "Tell me about Project Acquisition," she stated simply.

"Don't know nothing 'bout it," Jubilee replied.

"I'm giving you one last chance to tell me what you know about the file." Though her words said she was giving Jubilee the opportunity to save herself, Tessa's tone indicated that she hoped-- she wanted-- Jubilee to resist.

I knew that we did not have the answers they wanted. What would it take to convince them that we really knew nothing?

"For the last time, mind-witch, I haven't got the foggiest idea what that stupid file contains. Why don't you go ask Frost?"

"I was afraid you'd say that," Tessa said, eyes gleaming balefully.

I could see Jubilee try to physically and mentally brace herself as Tessa lashed out at her with her mind, stunning her with a psi-bolt. Jubilee screamed.

I closed my eyes, unable to watch the pained expression on his her face as Tessa attacked her. Despite Tessa's repeated questions regarding the file, Jubilee told her nothing-- but that was what I expected, because there was nothing for us to tell. After a few minutes, Tessa stepped back, leaving Jubilee panting for breath.

"Well, boy, have you changed your mind? Are you ready to tell me all you know about Acquisition?"

"Shaw, I swear to you, I know nothing about it."

"I see," Shaw said, crossing his arms and slowly nodding his head as he began to renew his pacing.

For a moment, I allowed myself the hope that Shaw would finally give up on this pointless interrogation and set us free. My foolhearty wish was short-lived.

"That's really too bad that you're protecting Emma this way. I never would have thought she would have garnered such intense loyalty from her students. I guess she's changed since our days in the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle. I'm sorry she's not here to see it herself." Shaw halted in his pacing. "Now, Thomas, I really suggest you tell me everything there is to know about this file. Or else, I'll be forced to give Tessa the order to take apart Jubilee's mind, piece by piece. A most unpleasant sensation, and quite painful-- or, so I've been told."

This was no bluff; Shaw was serious. He had every intention of destroying Jubilee's mind. But what could I do? God, if only I were not wearing this damned inhibitor collar, I could fight fire with fire. But I couldn't fight Shaw physically. And, in my position, obstinate words would mean nothing to him. There was no way I could offer Shaw any threat. What could I do?

I saw Shaw signaling to Tessa again.

"No," Jubilee moaned, eyes quickly filling with tears. "No more. Please. . . ."

Panic overwhelmed me. I had to say something-- anything-- to prevent Tessa from hurting Jubilee. I went through all the possible options in his mind. There was only one thing I could do.

"Shaw, don't hurt her," I pleaded. "I don't care what you do to me. Just don't harm her. Do anything you want to me, just please leave her alone."

"How noble of you to try to take this all upon yourself. Noble, or very foolish. But, while I admire your loyalty to your teammate, I'm afraid that was not the answer I was looking for." Shaw smirked, and punched me in the stomach for good measure. Then he turned to Tessa and nodded.

I shuddered as the sound of Jubilee's screams filled the room. From her shrieks of protest, and the way Jubilee started thrashing about, I figured Tessa must have made her relive some horrible memories. I fought against his restraints, trying to get at Shaw, to stop Tessa, but to no avail. I shouted at them to stop, but they ignored me. Though the chains wouldn't give, I kept on struggling against them, wanting desperately to help Jubilee, until I collapsed from exhaustion.

I simply hung there, forced to listen to the wailing of my friend. A chill ran up my spine as I shivered uncontrollably. I had never heard such a horrible sound, and I did not think I would be able to forget them. I had never felt so helpless in my entire life. My best friend was hurting, and there was not a damned thing I could do to stop it. I clamped my eyes shut tightly, unable to watch any longer, as though that would somehow drown out the tortured sounds of Jubilee screaming. Lord, it sounded as though her soul were being torn apart. As I felt the salty wetness stinging the cut on my cheek, I prayed that it would end soon.

When her screams finally subsided, I hesitated before opening my eyes. But I forced myself to look. Eyes closed, Jubilee's pale, tear-streaked face was hung low against her chest. Watching her a moment, I could make out the shallow rise and fall of her chest, and I sighed. She had passed out. I only hoped she had found some peace.

"Come, Tessa," Shaw said, heading for the door. He looked back at me, and I glared at his face hatefully. Shaw smiled, evidently not feeling threatened in the least. "This isn't over, boy."

Taking another look at Jubilee to ensure myself that she was still breathing, I closed my eyes and gave in to my exhaustion.

Hearing a soft voice whisper my name, I slowly opened my eyes. Jubilee was looking at me, concern on her weary face. "You okay, Ev?"

"Fine," I replied. "But what about you? Tessa--"

"I don't wanna talk about it," she replied, her eyes avoiding my gaze. "So, any ideas on how we're gonna get out of here?"

"You're the brains of this outfit. I'm just here because of my rugged good looks."

She laughed. But just as quickly as the smile appeared, it was replaced by a somber expression. "Ev, I- I'm scared."

"Me, too. But it's gonna be okay, Jubilee. We'll get out of this. Miss Frost and Mr. Cassidy'll find us, and we'll all give Shaw and Tessa what for."

"But they have no clue where we are. Heck, they probably don't even know we're missing."

"Paige and Monet knew we were going to the movies in Boston. When we don't get back to the school, they'll know something's up, and they'll all come looking for us. They'll find us, Jubes. I'm sure of it. We're gonna get out of here. Together."

I wished I could be as sure as I sounded. What worried me, though, was the fact that Jubilee was giving up hope. That was not like her at all. Usually, *she* was the one copping the major 'tude, the one who convinced the rest of Generation X that no matter how terrible the situation seemed, it was not as bad as it seemed. No matter how hopeless their predicament, she had survived a more horrible one, none the worse for wear. If I had a dollar for every time I heard her tell a story that began "When I was with the X-Men. . ." I would be loaded.

"So, does this bring back any memories about your time in the major leagues?" I asked her.

I saw her face brighten as she smirked. "Actually, there was this one time when I was with--"

"Ahh, so good to see you're both awake."

As the sound of Shaw's voice, we both stiffened. He walked over to us, Tessa beside him, and two henchmen on their heels. At the sight of Tessa, Jubilee tried to draw back as much as her restraints would allow. This movement did not go entirely unnoticed, and Tessa beamed in pleasure at the way her mere presence made Jubilee squirm in fear.

I steeled myself against what I was sure would come next. My eyes met Jubilee's, and I nodded at her. Taking a deep breath, she nodded in reply, and I saw her neck straighten as she increased her resolve. We would endure this. Together.

"So, Mr. Thomas, have you changed your mind? Are you ready to tell me all you know about the file?"

I set my jaw determinately. "Shaw, you listen to me, and you listen good, because this is the last time I'm gonna tell you." I paused, taking a breath to steady my nerves, but hoped it merely appeared to be for dramatic effect. I said each word slowly to punctuate my statement. "We-- don't-- know-- anything-- about-- that-- damned-- file!"

Slowly, Shaw shook his head. "That really is too bad. And I had so hoped that a little time alone to rest would refresh your memory. It appears I overestimated your abilities." He gestured toward the two men.

The henchmen, well over six feet tall and all muscle, stepped toward me. They took turns punching and kicking me-- in the face, the stomach, the chest. Through I was quickly engulfed by a red wave of pain, I could still hear Jubilee's voice, high pitched and agitated.

"Oh, God, please, stop! Stop it! You'll kill him!" I could hear the rattling as she pulled against her restraints, trying to get Shaw's attention. "Shaw, please, make them stop. I'll tell you what you want. Look at me, damn you!"

Slowly, Shaw turned his face toward her, and I could picture the pompous expression on his face, one dark eyebrow raised quizzically at Jubilee.

"You heard me, Shaw. Call off your goons, and I'll tell you what you want to know."

Shaw dismissed his men, and they left the room. Then he walked over to Jubilee, and stood several feet in front of her.

I looked up, barely able to see through the blood dripping down my face and into my eyes.

"Come closer," Jubilee said softly.

His patience beginning to tire, Shaw nonetheless did as she asked, stepping closer to her, his face just over a foot from hers. "Well?"

She looked up at him, eyes cold and hard as ice, as she met him in an unblinking gaze. She spat in his face. "Go to hell!"

Shaw immediately lost his composure. Enraged, he grabbed her by the hair and yanked her head up and back as much as her restraints would allow before slapping her across the face with the back of his hand. "You're going to pay for your impertinence, you little bitch," he vowed, releasing her head roughly. "Tessa," he called, stepping back and removing a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his face.

"No," I protested in little more than a whisper. But my words, if heard at all, fell on deaf ears. Tessa entered Jubilee's mind, and the torture began anew. Mercifully, this time it was only a few minutes before Jubilee stopped screaming and her head dropped forward. I prayed that she were merely unconscious.

As Shaw and Tessa left us, and the blackness once again claimed me, I found myself wondering how much more of this torture Jubilee and I would be able to withstand.

Everett paused, resting his head in his hand, and shuddered.

He felt Sean's touch on his knee. "It's all right, Everett me boyo. We all know there was nothin' ye could do. There's no reasonin' with a man as warped as Shaw. Nothin' ye said could have prevented what he was plannin' to do."

Everett looked up, and his one unswollen eye glistened with tears. "The sick thing is, I think he knew all along that he wasn't going to get any information from us. It was as though he were doing it for the sheer enjoyment-- like he got off on it, or something. He left us alone for a little while. Jubilee just hung there in her restraints, head bowed, barely breathing. I started talking to her. I tried to be positive, to tell her that everything was going to be okay. I'm not even sure if she heard me. But I was so scared that Shaw was going to come back any minute and finish the job." He paused a moment, awkwardly looking away toward the window.

Jean sensed a sudden anxiety in Everett-- different from the apprehension she knew was the result of Logan's presence, and also not due to the teenager's feelings of failure. She was not quite sure what was the cause of his distress. She pushed away the thoughts as Everett concluded his story.

"I guess Shaw finally realized we weren't going to be able to take any more. For some reason, he decided to let us live-- just barely. They removed me from the restraints and punched me around a bit before tossing me down some stairs and into a pile of crates. I passed out. When I came to, Monet was standing above me. I guess they beat Jubilee some more as well, before tossing her body somewhere in the warehouse. That's all I know. I've no idea where they went after that. I couldn't even tell you where the warehouse was located."

"That's okay, Everett. Ye've told us plenty," Sean assured him. "And I'm sorry ye had to relive that horrible ordeal again. Ye never should'a been through it inna first place, son. I'm sorry."

"Jubilee was just trying to help someone in need-- like you've taught us."

"Lot of good it did her," Logan growled. "She's payin' for that act of kindness-- in spades."

"Would you expect any less?" Jean asked him. "You would have done the same, Logan, and you know it."

"Yeah, only difference is, I could'a hurt 'em back. Like I sill can. Cassidy, where was that warehouse you found 'em in located?"

Sean told him the address. "Why, Logan? Ye can't be meanin' to--?"

"I can, and I am. I don't like hospitals, and I'm not one for sittin' around, twiddlin' my thumbs, when there's somethin' else I can do. I'll be back, soon as I take care of some unfinished business." He headed out the door.

"Logan, wait!" Jean called, hurrying after him and following him into the hallway. "You can't be serious!"

"Jeanie, Shaw is out to get Emma, and he used her students to try to get to her. I've got to stop him, before he hurts any of the others. I'll be back soon. I promise. Just tell Jubilee that I'm gonna get the bastards that did this to her, and they're gonna pay."

"Why don't you call the mansion and get some backup?"

"'Cause, by then, the trail will be cold. I'm wastin' precious time as it is. I've gotta go."

Jean realized there would be no changing his mind. "Just be careful, okay? Jubilee's going to need you to help her get well. Hurry back."

"I will, Red. I will." With a reassuring smile, he walked away, leaving Jean standing alone in the hallway.

Sighing, she wrapped her arms around herself and closed her eyes. God, how she wished Scott were here. She could use his strength and his love right now. Wherever he was, she wished he were safe and well.

Times like these, she wondered why it was they did what they did-- why they were X-Men, devoting their lives to the fight for peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants-- when it seemed as though no one else cared whether they all lived or died. But then she thought about Jubilee and Everett and Paige and Monet-- the children. They did it so that these kids, and others like them, would have the chance to live in a world where they would not be feared and hated for being mutants, but accepted and loved for who they were. With Everett's story fresh in her mind, she could not help but wonder if the price was worth it.

Hearing her name called, she quickly turned around. "A nurse just came in an' told us Jubilee made it through the surgery," Sean said, approaching her. "The doctor will be out to speak to us in a few minutes."

Nodding, Jean walked with Sean back to the lounge. They sat down on the couch and waited. About ten minutes later, a middle-aged balding man wearing scrubs came to greet them. "I'm Dr. Knight," he told them, shaking their hands.

"Sean Cassidy, headmaster at Jubilee's school. This is Jean Summers, an associate and friend to Jubilee and meself."

Dr. Knight sat down in a chair across from them. "Have Jubilee's parents been notified?"

"She's an orphan," Jean told him.

"Who is her legal guardian then?"

"That'd be me," Sean said.

"I see."

"Please, Doctor, how is she?" Jean asked.

"Well, she made it through the surgery, which is a good sign. But we'll have to see how things go from here. Her head injuries were rather extensive, I must tell you. Our main concern at this point is to ensure that there isn't any swelling in her cranium."

"Will there be any permanent damage?" Jean questioned.

"It's hard to say at this point. There is the possibility of some impairment of motor functions, or some memory loss. We'll have to wait and see when she regains consciousness."

"What about her other injuries?" Sean asked.

"Her fractured wrist was attended to, as were her broken ribs. We were able to stop the internal bleeding. She needed a transfusion, and she'll be on antibiotics for a while. As I've said, the injuries were severe. Right now, she's hooked up to a respirator." He paused a moment before continuing.

"Dr. Knight?" Sean asked, prompting him. "There's somethin' else, isn't there?"

Slowly, he nodded. "She also sustained some minor damage to a lower vertebra in her back. There is a chance that this will result in loss of gross motor function or possibly even partial paralysis."

"Oh, God," Jean muttered, drawing a shaking hand to her mouth.

Silently, Sean placed a comforting hand on her back.

"We'll have to take this one day-- one hour-- at a time. We're going to monitor her very closely. But she's young. She's strong. I believe she has a good chance of coming out of this on top. I've had patients with similar injuries who've recovered completely."

"Can we see her?" Jean asked.

"Of course. Come with me."

End of Chapter 2
Jennifer Sorowitz '98