Standing in front of the gate Jono buried his hands deeply within his pockets. Although he didn't feel the cold wind, he shivered. His body was no longer perceptible to the cold, but it still permeated his mind. Maybe the cab driver had partly caused his current discomfort. The man had given him creepy looks during the ride to Westchester. Jono had felt relieved when they'd finally reached their destination and had told the cabbie to drop him off at the gate, wanting to rid himself of the offending presence.

Only a few days ago, Emma Frost had sat him down, telling him that it was time for him to move on. She'd said that he needed a new teacher, who was better equipped to deal with his problems and Charles Xavier was just the man for that job. Jono would continue his studies and training at Westchester.

I didn't even protest when she told me I 'ad ter leave. Bloody 'ell fire, she wanted ter get rid of me, right, that's why she sent me 'ere! He felt betrayed and lonely, and the feeling of being dumped was overwhelming. Yes, Emma had tried to help him deal with his powers, but he still couldn't control them and doubted he ever would. He was beyond hope.

I miss Ange. Why couldn't I stay, eh? At the Academy they knew me, knew 'ow ter act 'round me. Now I've got ter start over again. I lost me mates... and I don't know the bloody X-Men that well. Yes, they had visited the Academy to teach some special courses, but he'd always stayed in the back, trying to make himself invisible.

Involuntarily, his right hand checked the bandages, making sure they were still in place. He didn't want to frighten any of the X-Men during their first meeting. Alfough I doubt they scare that easily! He hated the mutation the manifestation of his power had left behind. He was maimed from the waist up to his nose, hideous to the sight of others and his own. The violent explosion had left him incomplete and he was still trying to deal with it... so far unscuccesfully.

He swung his duffel bag over his left shoulder and slowly started towards the mansion. The X-Man who was on monitor duty must have noticed him because the gate opened, allowing him entry. Or maybe one of the bloomin' telepaths felt me... This is the bloody last place where I want ter be. Paige, Sean, Ange, Emma, they knew me... 'ere I'm a stranger. How would they react to his presence? They'd seen him before, but had never talked to him or acknowledged him and now he was here to become part of the team, a team he didn't know, didn't belong with. Wish me power 'ad taken me life instead of only part of me body... why couldn't it kill me, then, eh, luv?

Small branches cracked beneath his Doc Martens as he approached the mansion. It was bigger than the Academy and Jono sighed deeply, as the front door opened. He recognized the man that stepped outside at once. Scott Summers, right, Cyclops, leader of the X-Men! Better get it over with now. He hated walking up there and introducing himself, knowing he would either find pity or disgust on Summers' face. Wotever yer do, don't probe 'is mind. Yer don't want 'is foughts tellin' yer wot a freak yer are! Oi!

Scott closely watched his newest team-member, trying to get a feel for the young man. He'd studied Chamber's file and had read about Jono's problems. Emma's reports had been very detailed and while reading them he'd realized that Chamber's history was fairly traumatic. His family refused to have anything to do with him, which must hurt Jono tremendously. The X-Men would have to act as a surrogate family. A lot of members felt like the X-Men were their only family and only a few had kin to fall back on in times of need.

Dressed all in black Jono made somewhat of a sinister impression and Scott realized the kid was probably trying to keep everyone at a distance, using his dark appearance to scare them off. That wouldn't work here though. Most X-Men had learned the hard way to look through the others' facade.

Extending his right hand, Scott walked up to Jono, trying to gauge the young man's mood. His eyes look tired... Dark circles had formed beneath Jono's eyes and Scott wondered why. According to Emma's file Jono had lost the ability to sleep when his powers had manifested. And he lost a lot more... Jono couldn't eat any longer, take a piss or have a drink. Scott cringed inwardly, trying to imagine how hard life had to be on Jono.

"Welcome to Westchester, Jono. I'm Scott, but you probably already know that." He recalled seeing Jono in some of the classes he'd taught, but the boy had always stayed at the back.

Jono looked at the offered limb, realizing he should extend his hand to grasp Scott's and shake it. He shook himself from his depressed state and reacted. It's good ter be 'ere. I 'ope I'll live up ter yer expectations... I still got a lot ter learn, no matter wot Emma says...

"I'm sure you'll do just fine," Scott said reassuringly and took Jono's arm, leading him inside. "Some of the team-members are on a mission, so you'll meet them later, once they get back." Seeing Jono's puzzled look he added, "Jean, Joseph, Rogue, the professor and Warren and Archangel aren't here. They are at Muir Island... there were some problems," and that was all he was going to say about this particular mission. Jono didn't need the information and should concentrate on feeling comfortable at the mansion, which was his new home now.

So who's 'ere? Ill at ease, Jono's eyes searched his surroundings. He wanted to know whom he could run in to, prepare himself for the disgust in their eyes. Steeling himself, he followed Scott upstairs, wondering where Cyclops was taking him.

"Logan, Bobby and Hank are staying at the mansion right now. Ororo's in Africa, visiting some people." She hadn't told him whom she wanted to talk to and he hadn't pried. He caught Jono's relieved sigh and smiled. It couldn't be easy for the young man to walk in here, knowing he had to stay and become part of the team.

Where are we going, mate? Although he felt uneasy, his nervousness outweighed his concern.

"I thought you'd want to freshen up after your journey, so I'm taking you to your room." Scott had reached the correct door and slowly opened it. "Bobby's room is to your right," Scott wavered briefly. "The room to your left is currently empty... It was... is... was Gambit's. Hank and Logan's rooms are further down the corridor." Scott wished he knew what words would reassure Jono, but then he realized that only time would convince the young man he was welcome here.

A painful memory slid in to Scott's mind, completely unbidden; Gambit, trying to find out how to fit in, doing his best and never succeeding. Remy LeBeau had always been the outsider; no matter how hard all parties involved had tried to reach out. It wasn't because Remy had been a thief, that hadn't created the chasm. We couldn't let him in because he couldn't let us in. He didn't trust us and so we distrusted him. We never tried to push through. When Remy and Rogue had gotten together, he'd hoped it would make things easier on the Cajun, but that relationship had been made in hell, leaving both of them hurting.

Somethin' wrong, mate? Jono tried very hard to lock out Scott's thoughts, which were slipping into his mind. He'd lowered his shields, tired of keeping them up, figuring that Scott knew how to shield his thoughts. After all, Scott's wife was a telepath so Cyclops should be used to having telepaths around and knowing they could read your mind when you weren't careful.

"No, nothing's wrong. I was just thinking... remembering..." Scott pushed the door completely open and stepped inside. "I hope you like the room."

Room's fine, mate... Jono hesitated briefly, but his need to reach out and offer help won. Want ter talk about it? Yer seemed lost there, mate. He wasn't sure his concern was welcome and didn't press further for more information.

"Did you ever meet Gambit?" Scott decided to get it over with. Sooner or later Jono would grow curious and would want to know why the Cajun was no longer part of the team.

No, never met 'im. Jono sensed Scott's discomfort; an unwelcome side-effect of his telepathy. Scott's shields weren't completely raised and he wondered why. It almost felt like Cyclops wanted him to pry. But I did 'ear that Gambit's no longer with the bloomin' team... He felt hesitant to ask why. He hadn't entered his new room yet and Jono's eyes drifted off to Gambit's room, wondering if he would find the answers there, but he immediately chided himself. It wasn't like him to sneak steal inside someone's room and search through personal belongings.

After finding his composure again, Jono forced himself to take in the room. Looks great, man. It's even bigger than me ole room. But it looked bare, bereft of any personal objects. He hadn't brought along much stuff. Most things he'd left behind when he'd left the UK and he'd never owned much to begin with. The duffel bag contained everything he owned; some clothes, some CD's and a few photographs. That was about it. Scott's voice startled him.

"Gambit left the team a year ago. He disappeared at Antarctica."

I'm bloody well sorry ter hear that, mate. Must 'ave been 'ard on the team, copin' with the bleedin' loss. Hasn't 'e been with the X-Men for some years, then? Jono recalled hearing that Rogue and Gambit had been an item, but wasn't sure just how accurate his information was. How's Rogue doin', isit? He hoped he hadn't committed a capital blunder. What if it had only been rumors that Gambit and Rogue were together? Privately, Jono thought, When will yer learn ter keep yer big mouth shut? The last thing he wanted was to alienate Scott and Jono already felt out of place.

"There was an... incident," Scott said, wondering how to carefully avoid the heart of the matter. They hadn't told anyone that Gambit had worked for Sinister and they didn't plan on making it public. They'd had a lot of time to think things over since Antarctica and they'd agreed they'd made mistakes as well. Their biggest mistake had been not going back to check on Remy. Rogue had told them about Gambit's death wish and as far as Scott could tell, everyone eagerly believed Rogue's explanation because then they wouldn't have to confront their own mistakes.

An incident? Jono inwardly debated whether or not to follow up on Scott's statement. The other man's discomfort was mounting and he didn't want to start off on the wrong foot so he chose a different tactic. Yer were right, mate. I'd love ter take a shower, freshen up a bit. Thanks for havin' me. I hope I won't disappoint yer and the other X-Men, I want ter make this work.

Scott struggled with the Cockney accent, hoping it would grow less the longer Jono lived in the US. "I'll have to invest in a dictionary," he muttered beneath his breath and smiled reassuringly at Jono. I won't make the same mistake twice, Scott promised solemnly. He won't be the outsider while he's here. I allowed that to happen to Remy. I'll have to do better with Jono, make sure he feels at home here. We have to give him the feeling that he can trust us, turn to us when he needs us.

"Make yourself at home," Scott said and walked in to the corridor. "Dinner's served at seven, try to be punctual or..." Suddenly he startled, realizing Jono couldn't eat! Way to go, Summers! The boy can't eat or drink and you're telling him to show up in time for dinner! "Sorry about that," he apologized.

It's okay, mate. Yer not the chuffin' first one ter make that mistake, innit? I'll be there. I want ter meet the uvver lads. He'd never grow used to being unable to eat or drink and he had a hard time watching others do just that, but he was learning to cope with his loss. And yes, while being honest he had to admit to being curious about meeting the others in person. At the academy he'd only seen them from a distance.

"That's great," Scott said pleased. "And feel free to do some exploring. Logan and Bobby are working out in the Danger Room and Hank's doing his research in his lab."

Thanks, mate. I'll spot yer at dinner. Scott closed the door behind him and Jono felt relieved now that he was finally alone in his room, his new room. Here, he would spend many years of his life, maybe his entire life. Where else could he go? Yer better make this work, Starsmore, or yer'll find yerself kicked out again. He still felt Emma had dumped him because she couldn't effectively help him deal with his destructive power. This might be yer last chance ter fit in somewhere, ter find a family that's willin' ter take yer in. Yer better not fuck up.

Jono dropped his duffel bag on to the floor and headed for the bathroom. Maybe a shower would improve his mood. Cor, right, a bath tub! Oi! At the academy he hadn't had a private bath tub and his eyes wrinkled, betraying his pleasure. It's time for a long soak in the tub! 'onest guv!

///

"How is our newest addition to the team doing?" Hank inquired, sitting down at the dinner table. It was Bobby's turn to prepare dinner and Hank decided to act cautiously, letting Scott taste the food first before trying it himself. Although Bobby cooked well, the younger man sometimes got distracted and let the food burn. Not a sensation his taste buds were eager to experience... again.

"Jono seems uncomfortable," Scott commented, leaning back in his chair. "Personally, I think it's a good thing that not everyone's here right now. It might make things easier on him to grow used to a few people at a time."

Bobby carried the food over to the table and set the tray down. "So where is he now?"

"I asked him to join us for dinner and he accepted," Scott mused. "Maybe he got lost exploring the mansion or he can't find the dining room?"

"All he has to do is to follow his nose," Bobby quipped and inhaled the spicy fragrance of lasagne in the small room. "I really outdid myself this time and no, I didn't overdo it with the garlic!"

"Maybe I should go get him," Scott sighed, fatigued. This last year had been hard on him as he was trying to deal with his personal failure. He should have done something after Gambit had been left behind at Antarctica. But he'd assumed that the Cajun would find a way out of there and join them at the mansion again. After all, Remy LeBeau was a survivor at heart. Maybe he'd put too much confidence in the Cajun's abilities. Maybe Remy had needed help to get out of there, but now it was too late. A year had passed by without so much as a whisper from the Cajun, so Scott figured that Remy had either died at Antarctica, or had made it out alive, preferring not to contact them.

Bobby squeezed Scott's shoulder with his right hand, knowing what pressure his old friend had been under lately. Not many people realized there was also a sensitive, almost vulnerable side to their team leader, but Bobby had long seen through the mask Scott was so used to wearing. Gambit's disappearance had taken its toll on Scott Summers, who took his leadership very seriously. "Why don't you and Blue get started on the lasagne and I'll fetch our newbie?"

"Thanks, Bobby," Scott said gratefully. He could really do with a brief break from life. Jean wasn't here and he didn't expect her or the professor back for several weeks. He missed her support, her ability to energize him and to encourage him to try a different approach when he felt stuck.

Bobby smiled, turned and left the dining room. Truth be told, he was kind of curious to find out more about Jonathan Starsmore. For years, Bobby had been the youngest, the Benjamin, and finally someone had moved in who was younger than him. He also hoped that Jono would be up to pulling some pranks on Hank and Scott. They needed a break and a good laugh! Bobby climbed the stairs and headed for Jono's room.

///

After taking a shower, changing in to clean clothes and untangling his hair, Jono stared at the door knob, wondering if he should follow Scott's advice and explore the mansion. Why not? The mansion wasn't crowded right now and he'd met the Beast, Wolverine and the Iceman during a guest lecture. He could handle running in to them unexpectedly.

Slowly, almost reconsidering, he made his way over to the door, opened it and stepped in to the corridor. Looking about, he wondered where to head first. He'd heard about the Blackbird and had always wanted to see the plane from up front, but he had no idea where the hangar was located.

Then, something tugged at his mind. It was only the barest of mental touches, but his telepathy picked up on it.

Emma had failed to determine the strength of his telepathy. He still didn't know its limitations, but he was glad that it allowed him to communicate. He would have hated running around with pen and paper for the rest of his life. In a certain way the telepathy compensated for his lost speech and he felt immensely grateful to posses that particular gift. The first thing Emma had taught him was to build mental defenses against intruders, then they had concentrated on focusing his thoughts, but he was a long way from controling it completely.

And now he felt that little tug, very compeling, almost impossible to withstand and his feet moved of their own accord, leading him to Remy's room. Raising his right hand, it hovered over the door knob for a brief moment, hesitating.

Then the tug returned, stronger this time, almost forcing his hand down to open the door. Wot the bloody 'ell? Wot's going on? Confused and intrigued at the same time, Jono opened the door and stared in to the room, which was very different from his. The big four poster bed was the first thing that attracted his attention and then his eyes scanned the paintings that adorned all four walls. Right, Gambit was a thief once. At the academy Emma and Sean had told them about the X-Men, their abilities and also mentioning some little background details. They're probably the real fin' and no reproductions.

Walking in to the room, Jono realized that the pull remained. It was drawing him inside, closer to the nightstand that held several framed pictures. He sat down on the bed, moaning approvingly at the softness of the mattress and then studied the pictures. For some reason he couldn't look away, they kept him prisoner. I wonder wot Emma would say about this. Yes, Emma, yer 'eard right. I can't look away, can't seem ter leave this room. Care ter explain this ter me?

But Emma wasn't here, nor any other telepath, which meant he had to figure this one out alone. His fingers touched the framed picture on the right, depicting Gambit and an older man, who had wrapped his arm affectionately around the X-Man's shoulder. His hand moved of its own accord and it felt like it was attached to a string and he was acting to the whims of a puppeteer. He hated losing control like this, but it didn't feel malevolent; it felt like someone was begging him to look at the pictures and to acknowledge their existence. Wot the 'ell is going on, eh? Why am I actin' like this?

An absurd idea surfaced. Am I pickin' up some residue Gambit's mind left behind from when 'e lived 'ere, innit? I never felt this before. It's almost like Gambit's 'ere as well. He'd never met the other man, but he sensed a presence in the room, a presence that was crying out for company, for help.

As his fingers caressed the framed picture an invisible force seemed to leap in to his fingertips and traveled up his arm. As if burned, he pulled back and jumped to his feet again. Loneliness, pain, 'urt... such terrible ache. The sensations had taken him by surprise, never expecting them. Wot is this? Why am I pickin' up on this? On feelings? I'm bloody well no empath! I'm a bloody telepath! I can't feel some bloke's feelings! And yet that was exactly what was happening. He was feeling alien emotions, feelings that didn't belong to him but to someone else, to Remy LeBeau.

I don't understand this! Why is this 'appening now and with Gambit's stuff? At a loss, Jono returned to the bed and closed his fingers over another framed picture, which displayed Gambit and Rogue, laughing and waving at the photographer. A terrible sense of loss, pain and grief washed through him. He dropped the picture and it made contact with the floor with a loud thud. The glass shattered and the frame split in two. Fuck!

"What are you doing in here? This is Remy's room." Bobby stood leaning against the doorway. He'd closely observed Jono these last few minutes and had forced himself to remain quiet; that was until Jono dropped the picture. "You shouldn't be in here." Bobby walked in to the room and sat on his heels, gathering the shattered picture frame, throwing the glass shards away and rescuing the photograph beneath.

I'm bloody well sorry, mate. I didn't drop it on purpose. Jono felt guilty for being caught nosing around in someone else's room. I know I've got no business in 'ere, but...

"Don't worry about it," Bobby said with audible pain in his tone. "It's not like Remy will come storming in here to complain."

Although Jono had tightened his shields upon Bobby's arrival, he distinctly sensed felt the melancholy and regret in the other man's mind. Yer miss 'im.

"Remy's been part of the team for years. Of course I miss him," Bobby admitted, rising from the floor. He placed the picture back on to the nightstand and made eye-contact with Jono. "We don't even know if he's dead or alive." His eyes traveled across Jono's face, privately cringing at the sight of the bandages. Living like that, mutilated and maimed, had to be hard on Jonathan Starsmore. How old was Jono anyway? Oh, yeah, Scott had told him that Jono had turned 18 and Emma had deemed it time for Chamber to join the X-Men. Well, he'd been 16 when he'd joined the team and he recalled his own fears about not fitting in, about not finding a home and the family he'd craved so badly.

Jono shuffled his feet and finally gathered his courage. Scott mentioned some sort of incident and I recall Emma tellin' us that Gambit was no longer on the team, that 'e'd disappeared.

Bobby sighed. It really wasn't his place to tell Jono what had happened at Antarctica, but now that Chamber was a member of the team he should know what was going on. "We were lured in to a trap and we discovered that Gambit had worked for Sinister in the past. You know Sinister?" Bobby didn't know what Emma and Sean had told the younger students.

Yeah, I know about Sinister. Gambit worked for 'im? It was difficult to understand why someone would willingly work for the maniac.

"We didn't react well to finding out." Feeling nervous, Bobby licked his lips. "Everyone had to flee the place in a hurry and Rogue offered to look after Remy when the fortress collapsed."

Weren't they luvrs, then, eh? I 'eard rumors about them bein' togefer.

"Yes, they were, but things didn't really work out between them. They'd split up and Rogue was seeing Joseph, but when she offered to take care of Remy the others left, trying to get to safety. Apparently, she flew him out of the fortress and then left him on the ice to fend for himself. She never doubted that he would find a way back, but we never heard from him again. Now we don't know whether he died or survived." Bobby cringed at the look Jono threw him.

Come again? Are yer tellin' me that yer lads did a runner and never went back ter check on 'im? He thought about Paige, Ange, Monet and the others. No matter how pissed off they were, they would go back to make sure he was okay. He didn't completely understand the anger that was beginning to boil inside him, but something felt very wrong about this. I can't believe no one went back ter check on 'im! Didn't yer say that this 'appened at Antarctica? 'ow can anyone survive there?

Bobby shrugged his shoulders. "I don't have the answers to those questions. I guess they were in a state of shock after finding out about Remy's part in the Morlocks' Massacre."

Jono's eyes grew big; he'd heard about the Massacre. Gambit was involved in that?

"He led the Marauders through the tunnels." Bobby turned away and started for the doorway. "I shouldn't be telling you this." Scott might be mad with him for telling Jono.

No, mate. I'm glad yer did. Can I ask yer one more fin'? Jono couldn't remember being this daring before, but sensing those alien emotions had made him bold and hungry for more information.

"Shoot."

Is Gambit a telepath?

Surprised, Bobby shook his head. "Not that I know of, or it was just another secret he was hiding. As far as I know his mutant power was to charge lifeless objects with kinetic energy. It was his only ability... I think." Suddenly, he felt uncertain. "Why are you asking?"

Jono wavered. Should he tell Bobby that he was picking up on Gambit's emotions, which seemed tied to the pictures? He'd never experienced something like this before. What if it was just his imagination? He couldn't take the risk of embarrassing himself upon his arrival. No special reason. I was just wonderin'. I don't know Gambit at all and I sensed... somethin'. He privately cursed himself; he shouldn't have added that last admission.

"What did you sense?" Fascinated, Bobby walked over to Jono. Telepaths had always mystified him and he wondered how strong Jono was. No way as strong as the professor, he reasoned. Also, it was unusual for a mutant to possess multiple abilities. Chamber was quite unique.

Jono wished he could take back his words, but now he had to explain his former admission. When I touched the pictures I felt somethin'; emotions, which don't belong ter me. I can't explain it, right, as it 'as never 'appened ter me before. That's why I wondered if Gambit possessed telepathic abilities. Jono broke eye-contact and swiftly moved back in to the corridors, suddenly overcome by a desperate urge to flee Gambit's room.

Bobby closed the door behind him and fell in to step beside Jono as he led the younger man to the dining room. "Maybe you should ask the professor or Jean when they get back. If Remy was a telepath they'd know, but they never told us, so I'm dismissing the idea for now. Maybe it's your telepathy that's picking up on 'something'? Maybe you're getting stronger?

Jono's unease increased. He didn't feel any different, any stronger. No, something had pulled him in to Gambit's room and had urged him to touch those pictures, to... build a connection. Is that it? Is somethin' tryin' ter get in ter contact with me? But who and why? They don't know if Gambit's dead or alive and I've never felt a ghost before, so does that mean 'e's still alive and somehow reachin' out ter me, isit? But why me? I don't know 'im and 'e doesn't know me! Confused, Jono followed Bobby in to the dining room, barely noticing Hank and Scott's presence. He was trying too hard to figure this one out.

Are fese emotions tied in ter the bloody objects I touched or are they floatin' 'round the room as some sort of mental residue? Wot if it's none of them buggers and Gambit's broadcastin' fese emotions from a distance? Wot sort of distance and 'ow can 'e reach me? Jono bumped in to a chair and awkwardly managed to keep it from crashing on to the floor.

Hank gave their newest member a thoughtful glance. Jono appeared lost in thought and the deep frown that had settled on the younger man's brow told Hank something was troubling Jono.

"Jono?" Scott said, trying to reach the younger man. "Are you all right?" Maybe the journey had tired Jono, but no, the file said that Jono had lost the ability to tire and sleep, and Scott shuddered, trying to imagine what his life would be like if he could never escape real life in his dreams. Briefly, he pitied Jono, but pity wouldn't get him anywhere and he recalled that Jono was a powerful telepath so he shielded his thoughts, hoping Jono hadn't picked up on them. "Are you okay?" he repeated his earlier question.

Yeah, just thinkin'... I should better come tidy now... Jono met Bobby's eyes and then shifted his glance to Scott.

"I found him in Gambit's room," Bobby said thoughtfully. "He said he was sensing something in there, alien emotions, Remy's."

"My, that's remarkable," Hank whispered, not giving Scott a chance to reply first. "Do you have any idea how strong your telepathy is? I'd like to run some test, try to establish..." But Jono interrupted him.

No tests, mate!

Hank reeled slightly under the powerful thoughts and gave in. "Of course I'd only conduct those tests with your consent, my friend."

Not completely reassured yet, Jono sat down on the chair he'd nearly knocked over and stared at the food. Great, right, now I can sit 'ere for the next few 'ours and watch fem eat... He would have traded his soul for being whole again. Fitting in would be hard and he wasn't sure he could pull it off. Crossing his arms in front of his chest, he watched them eat, loathing the silence, but fearing their questions even more. The only thing that slightly reassured him was that their eyes didn't carry any disgust when they looked at him. I want ter go back, want Ange back... and he wished Emma had never sent him away.

///

"Hey, I hope you'll sleep okay tonight," Bobby said warmly, walking Jono back to his room. "Whenever I have to spend a night away it's always a fairly restless one!" He'd decided he liked Jono, even if the younger man sometimes tried to distance himself. Bobby chalked it up to unpleasant experiences Jono had had since the manifestation of his power. Looking at Jono's face, partly bandaged, Bobby didn't shy away and hoped they'd become good friends. "You know, it's fun that I'm no longer the Benjamin of the group!" he teased good-heartedly.

Jono wished he still had some lips to curl to show his smile, but then realized that he still had other options left to show his amusement.

Bobby's smile brightened at hearing Jono's chuckle in his mind. "Don't worry, man, you'll fit right in. You might not have met Logan yet, but he's easy going too, once you get past the growling." Bobby patted Jono's shoulder before opening the door to his room. "You know where to find me in case you need something."

Thanks for showin' me around' the 'ouse, mate. I really appreciate it. Bobby had given him the grand tour, showing him the hangar, where he'd admired the Blackbird, then the Danger room, where Logan had been working out and finally the gym. Jono knew he would spend many hours there, training with the rest to stay in shape. Maybe he'd go there tonight when he was counting the hours until sunrise. He hated nights now that he could no longer sleep. Again, he was facing endless hours filled with emptiness. He'd probably spend part of the night pacing his room.

I'll see yer in the mornin' then. Jono waved once at Bobby and then quickly vanished in to his room. Closing the door behind him, he leaned against it, throwing his head back, trying to hold on to his outward calm. He heard Bobby's door close and felt immensely relieved now that he was alone again. Jono slightly lowered his defences.

Jono flung himself on to the bed. No fancy four poster bed for me. Closing his eyes, he cursed his mutant power, which had taken away his ability to sleep. He could still day dream, but could never again lose himself in the world of deep sleep or dreams. Ter lose meself in dreams just one more time... I'd sell me soul in order ter dream again. But he knew it would never happen.

Tossing and turning, he ended up staring at the ceiling. Turning his head, he stared at the alarm clock. Fuck, only 30 minutes have past. How am I going ter survive the night? Each night he fought his lonely battle against depression and sense of abandonment. Bobby's probably sound asleep by now. How many more years would he have to face those endless nights? How could he survive the never ending torment?

Glaring at the alarm clock, he wanted to blow it up so it would stop reminding him of how slowly time crept by. Unfortunately, the explosion might wake the others.

Suddenly, the hairs at the back of his neck stood rigid. What the fuck? Jono sat upright, focusing his mind.

Please...

There it was again, the gentle tug that pulled him from his bed and towards the corridor. It was coming from Gambit's room and Jono jumped to his feet, suddenly alert. He hadn't heard the telepathic voice before. Who are yer, mate?

Please...

Feeling ill at ease, Jono looked back at his bed, which looked awfully inviting all of a sudden. I ain't going ter chase a ghost... or whatever this is. Fighting the pull, Jono remained motionless.

Please... help me...

Fuck! 'ow can I stand 'ere and do nothin'? The pull was growing stronger and his feet started moving. Jono raised an eyebrow, finding himself in the corridor, not even remembering leaving his room. This is spooky... Mentally preparing himself for whatever he might find inside Gambit's room, Jono slowly opened the door. So far none of the X-Men seemed to have noticed him sneaking in to Gambit's room again and Jono hoped they would remain unaware of his trespassing.

Jono closed the door behind him and looked about. Now that Gambit's room was cloaked in darkness it looked eerie. Who are yer? Wot do yer want from me? Jono was torn between hoping for an answer or complete silence. If the current silence remained it meant that all this was just a figment of his imagination. But what if the voice answered again?

Please... help me.

Show yerself! Stop playin' games, mate, or I'm outta 'ere! Jono's eyes searched every inch of the room, wondering if this was one of Bobby's practical jokes Hank had warned him about. Bobby, if it's yer, show yerself. This ain't funny! But a quick telepathic sweep of the room told him that Bobby wasn't the one whispering in to his mind. Extending his powers a little further, he found Bobby asleep in his bed, dreaming blissfully of... Twinkies?

Jono ruled out any practical jokes and recalled that no other telepath except him was staying at the mansion right now and yet, someone was begging for help. I can't 'elp yer if I don't know who yer are!

Please...

Jono listened closely, realizing that the presence was growing weaker, losing intensity. Tell me who yer are, mate! But the silence remained and Jono felt the presence retreat until it was completely gone.

Confused, he walked over to the bed and sat down. Again, his glance was drawn to the pictures on the nightstand. His hand trembled when he lowered raised it to touch the framed photograph, but no strange sensation followed. Is me imagination playin' tricks on me?

He didn't know why he lay down on the bed, admiring the star speckled canopy. It just felt right to rest here instead of in his own room. Something was keeping him here, clinging to his presence and Jono couldn't turn his back on it. I wish yer would tell who yer are...

Jono closed his eyes, hoping the dreams would come and take him far away from his miserable life. Fighting back tears, he concentrated on feeling the others close to him. Bobby was nearest and Jono listened to the other man's sleep filled murmurs. God, let me fall asleep as well. Just for once... It's been so long since I slept, since I dreamed... just once.

Jono never realized that he was dozing off. Although he'd lost the ability to sleep, he was falling asleep rapidly, reaching deep REM sleep within seconds, overcoming another impossibility. And in this state, his mind traveled...

///

"Don't you dare look me in the eyes, you worm!"

The unknown voice startled Jono and his eyes flashed open. Fuck, what was going on? The last thing he remembered was lying down on Remy's bed and begging God to grant him a dream, some hours of sleep. Had his wish been granted? Impossible!

"You're nothing, you hear me? Nothing!"

Okay, that voice was beginning to really piss him off. Jono raised his eyes to find out the other man's identity, almost expecting to see his father loom over him. His relationship (if one could call it a relationship) with his parents had been bad and his father had regularly emotionally abused him, making him feel like shit. Wot the fuck? Wot dream is this? A nightmare? He shuddered, finally making eye-contact with the man towering above him. And wot's Sinister doin' in me bloody dreams? Sinister loomed above him, impressing and intimidating, glaring down at him with pure evil and hatred in his alien eyes.

I never met the chuffin' man before so why am I dreamin' about 'im, eh? 'e's towerin' above me, which means... Jono realized that he was huddled on the floor, curled up in a fetal position. Looking at his body, he was startled again. The bandages that contained his energy had vanished, leaving him whole. I can't fuckin' believe this! Oi! Me chest... it's whole!

"Where's your insolence now?"

Fuck yer, Sinister, keep yer mouth shut! Yer straight up pissin' me off 'ere! Jono wanted to savour this perfect moment. I'm bloody well whole again! Struth! A sharp pain flashed through his neck, traveling down his spine and whipping his body in to convulsions. His temples throbbed and his hands were shaking and... I'm wearin' bloody 'andcuffs! Oi! Some bloke shackled me! Shocked at that realization he raised his hands to explore the source of his pain, which was concentrated around his neck. Limited in his movements, he managed to lift his arms and curl his around the offensive item that hung heavily around his neck.

Fuck, it can only be an inhibiter collar! Sean showed us wot they can do. Why the bloody 'ell fire am I wearin' one now? 'ow did it get there?

"I finally wiped that smug grin off your face, broke you at last!" Sinister snarled, obviously pleased with this achievement.

"Just shut the fuck up, Sinister!" Jono's eyes grew big, realizing he'd spoken the words aloud and he quickly covered his mouth with his hands. My mouth! In disbelief he traced the outlines of his lips, wiggled his tongue and moistened his lips. A mirror! Oi! I need a mirror! I can't be whole again! It's impossible!

He'd dreamed, prayed to be whole for so long that he couldn't believe it was happening now. If only Sinister would shut up instead of putting him down!

But that wasn't me voice I 'eard! Me voice sounded different. When he'd spoken up, he'd used a stranger's voice.

"How do you dare to talk back to me, cretin! I thought I'd broken you of that habit. You'll pay for defying me!"

"Sinister, I'm goin' to rip yer fuckin' head off if yer don't back off now!" Jono's rage exploded. He'd taken this kind of emotional abuse from his parents, but he wasn't going to take it from Sinister! Here he was, having this wonderful experience of being whole again and Sinister was ruining it! Glaring up at Sinister, Jono saw the barely contained rage in his alien eyes.

A strand of hair, tainted with dried blood, tumbled in to his eyes and Jono realized it wasn't his. This ain't me body! Blimey! I'm bloody well in some bloke's body! But whose body and where is that bloody mirror when I need one?

When Jono tried to struggle to his feet, a terrible wave of pain washed through his body, rendering him paralyzed. Even breathing hurt and motionless, he remained squashed against the cold metal floor. Fighting his growing panic, Jono realized he had to get out of here, wherever here was. This ain't me body so I can't use me powers, but I'm collared, which means I do possess some mutant powers. Whose bloody body am I in?

"You'll stay on your knees, where you belong," Sinister sneered. His anger was mounting! It had taken him almost a year to break his prisoner and now the mutant was defying him again! He couldn't allow it! Leaning in closer, he placed his lips at his prisoner's left ear, making sure his words were heard.

Jono shivered viciously as Sinister's cold lips touched his ear.

"You're nothing, you hear me? I'll punish you for talking back to me!" Sinister hissed.

Jono's panic increased and a mute, telepathic scream left his mind. Suddenly, the contact with his host body was broken and he floated away from it, only now realizing that his mind had joined with the body, creating the impression that he was back in his own body. Hovering above Sinister, Jono got his first good look at the mad scientist's prisoner.

The man had auburn hair that reached just below his shoulder blades. With the body curled up on the floor, Jono was unable to get a good look at the prisoner's face, but he caught the other man's shivers, as the prisoner was only dressed in grey trousers. His arms and back were adorned with scars, which were still healing and blood clung to the auburn hair.

Jono wanted to help, wanted to get the helpless man in to safety, but being only here in spirit rendered him helpless. He watched Sinister sit on his heels and hauling the prisoner's head closer by yanking at the hair.

"You're nothing, LeBeau and I will break you!" Sinister laughed triumphantly.

LeBeau? Gambit? Jono got one good look at the Cajun's face, which was covered with bruises and scratches. The red on black eyes were swimming with pain and yet Remy's lips remained curled in disgust.

LeBeau? Remy! Jono called out to the helpless Cajun, trying to cling to him, but he was catapulted away and pulled back in to his own body, which was lying on the Cajun's four poster bed. His eyes fluttered open and looking down, he realized that the bandages were back and Sinister gone. He was back at the mansion, in Remy's room, safely tucked away in bed. Fuck...

Abruptly, Jono sat upright. His head was reeling with the scene he'd witnessed and he scanned the room, expecting to find Sinister hiding in the shadows. It was only a dream... I fell asleep in Remy's room and me imagination got the better of me! 'old on! Blimey! I can't dream! So why? 'ow, mate? Confused, Jono tried to calm down, but the questions unnerved him. I can't dream!

"Jono?"

Bobby's voice exploded in the darkness of the room and made Jono flinch. Startled, he looked over at the doorway and calmed down seeing Bobby approach the bed. Not Sinister... can't believe I had a fuckin' nightmare about Remy LeBeau and Sinister!

"Jono?" Bobby repeated the other man's name softly, seeing the terror in Jono's eyes. "Are you okay? What are you doing in Remy's room?" This was the second time he found Jono here. "Bad dream?" The horror in Jono's draped eyes took him aback. "Must have been one hell of a nightmare."

It was... Feeling uncomfortably, Jono tried to get to his feet to leave this room and return to his own, but Bobby's hand, placed against his chest stopped him.

"Why are you here again, man? This was Remy's room." Bobby sat on the side of the bed and gently held Jono in place. "This is the perfect place for nightmares."

Why would yer say that?

"I don't like being in here. Gives me the willies." Apologetically, Bobby shrugged his shoulders. "It feels haunted, you know? You know what I'm trying to say as you're sensing things in here. Is that why you came back?"

Jono studied Bobby's concerned eyes. I 'eard a voice, mate. A soft voice, beggin' me ter 'elp. Normally, he wouldn't confide in a stranger, but Bobby seemed trustworthy and he had to tell someone. It pulled me back in 'ere and when I laid down... I fell asleep. Jono saw Bobby's questioning glance and explained, I lost the bleedin' ability ter sleep when my powers kicked in.

Bobby began to understand why Jono was so shaken. "You fell asleep?"

Even worse, mate. I dreamed... Jono briefly closed his eyes to center himself. I was in this room with a cold metal floor, right, curled up protectively. Then I 'eard this voice.

"What voice?" Bobby moved a little closer, catching the tiny tremors that rocked Jono's body. He must have had the mother of all nightmares!

Jono heard that thought and it comforted him, knowing that Bobby was concerned instead of angry at finding him trespassing again. Sinister's voice.

"You dreamed of Sinister?" Bobby's tone mirrored the disbelief found in his eyes. "Have you ever met Sinny?"

Sinny? Amused, Jono chuckled telepathically.

"Makes his name less intimidating," Bobby explained. "Why don't you tell me about your dream?"

Jono did and watched Bobby closely. The bleedin' last fin' I 'eard was Sinister callin' out LeBeau's name.

Bobby had been quiet when Jono had told his tale. "You think the prisoner you saw in your dream was Remy?"

Yeah, Sinister called 'im LeBeau and I recognized 'is face. Jono leaned his back against the head board of the bed and exchanged a glance with Bobby. I can't explain it, mate. I can't dream! Oi! I lost that ability wen me powers kicked in. The first time I stepped inside Remy's room I received these feelings while touchin' them pictures and now I 'ad this dream, innit? I'm bloody well at a loss, mate.

Bobby gave him a sympathetic look. "Do you think you made contact with Remy's mind?"

That idea crossed me mind, Jono admitted thoughtfully. But 'ow? Yer told me that Remy ain't a telepath so 'ow could I possibly make contact? Bobby, mate, do yer think Remy's still alive? So far no one had been able to answer that question.

"I honestly don't know, man. We only know that Rogue left him there to fend for himself. He might have died," Bobby paused to gather his thoughts, "but personally I hope he survived. Remy's not a quitter, he's a fighter."

Let's assume 'e survived... Is it possible that Sinister got 'is 'ands on 'im?

Bobby rubbed his temples. "You're really taking this serious, aren't you? Just because you sensed these things and had this nightmare you think..."

I think that Remy's alive and needs our 'elp. Jono stared deeply in to Bobby's eyes. Listen, mate. I never 'ad this kind of dreams before. I never felt some other bloke's feelings. It started when I walked in ter this room. I never 'eard a voice inside me mind which I didn't allow in first. So yes, I'm takin' this serious!

"I think yer right, kid."

Bobby and Jono looked at the doorway, finding Logan standing there.

The Canadian approached the bed, taking in the room first and then the two men on the bed. "I think yer right," Logan repeated. "Gumbo needs our help."

"And how did you reach that conclusion?" Bobby asked curiously.

Logan came to a stop in front of the bed and sniffed the air. He easily picked up on the familiar scents that were attached to Remy's personal belongings. "There's somethin' else in here, which wasn't here the last time I was in this room."

And wot's that, mate? Jono had never expected the support, but if Logan believed him he was going to use it to his advantage.

"I smell his fear... Gambit's fear," he clarified. "It's like he was in here only moments ago. I still smell his scent."

Triumphantly, Jono leaped to his feet and addressed Bobby. I knew I was right, mate. Remy's tryin' ter tell us somethin'. We need ter talk ter Scott Summers!

Logan pulled himself away from the fresh scent and locked eyes with their newest member. "Whadda ya wanna do about this, kid?"

Remy needs us... He vividly remembered the hatred in Sinister's eyes and the mad man's promise to make Remy pay for talking back to him. But it was me who talked back ter 'im, not Remy! he thought privately.

"I'll take you back to your room," Bobby offered and rested his hand on Jono's arm. "Maybe you're a little stressed out and..."

Jono shook Bobby's arm off. I ain't 'stressed out'! Fuck! I know yer don't believe me, but I'm bloody well tellin' yer the truf! Remy's alive and needs 'elp!

Logan walked up to Jono and caught the younger man's eyes with his. "We'll talk to Cyke in the mornin'," he said slowly. "And that's a promise. If Gumbo's still alive we'll find him."

Thanks. Jono nodded his head. I'll hold yer ter that! Jono allowed Bobby to steer him away from the bed and in to the corridor. Remy needs our 'elp.

Logan growled, "And he'll get it!" They reached Jono's room and Logan whispered, "Drake, lemme do this and get some sleep."

Bobby hesitated, but gave in eventually. "Jono, we'll try to help." After making eye-contact with Jono one more time, Bobby turned around and vanished in to his room.

"Let's get this over with," Logan whispered and guided Jono back in to his room. He sat the younger man down on the bed and then began pacing. "Are yer sure the Cajun's still alive?" He desperately wanted to believe that LeBeau had survived, for that meant there was still a chance to make things up to Remy.

Jono's unease was growing. He didn't know Logan, had just met the man and Wolverine's hard ass reputation slightly intimidated Jono. It's the bloody only explanation, mate.

Logan walked over to the bed and sat on his heels in front of Jono. "Are yer sure?" he asked one last time.

Yeah, I'm sure! Frustrated, Jono tried to rise from the bed, wanting to put more distance between them.

"No, don't. I'm on yer side, kid," Logan said reassuringly. He got to his feet and walked towards the doorway, having smelled the growing fear on the younger man. He needed to back off so Jono could recompose himself. "I'll be back tomorrow mornin' and then we'll talk to Cyke."

Jono nodded his head. Thanks for believin' me.

Logan growled and closed the door behind him. Tomorrow, he would approach Scott with his request to start looking for Remy LeBeau and he wasn't going to take no for an answer. "If yer still alive, we'll find yer, Cajun!"

Jono collapsed on to the bed and pulled up his knees, involuntarily mimicking Remy's position. The loneliness was back and with it came the soft telepathic voice...

Please help me!

///

Scott sat quietly behind the professor's desk, trying to pay attention to Jono's incoherent rambling in his mind. The young man was still upset. "So you think you 'saw' Gambit in your dream and made contact with him? Did I get that right?" Scott tried to keep an open mind, knowing stranger things had happened, but did Jono realize how insane he sounded?

Communicating with the dead? Scott thought privately. He'd long ago reached the conclusion that Remy had died at Antarctica. Had the Cajun survived, Gambit would have returned to the mansion to make them justify their actions, especially Rogue. Does Jono think he's a medium? Scott shielded his thoughts carefully, not wanting to offend his newest team-member.

Logan and Bobby looked at Scott, already reading the team-leader's decision on his face. Scott wouldn't allow them to go in search of the Cajun.

Scott didn't look away. This was one of the rare occasions on which he was glad the visor hid his expression. Did they really expect him to believe Jono's tale? Scott's tone was gentle when he said, "Jono, it's been a stressful time for you. You moved here and you still need to grow used to your new surroundings... What I'm trying to say is that the stress probably got to you, which is very understandable, and it's seeking a way out, using your dreams to..."

Jono couldn't keep quiet any longer! Come again! Yer think I lost me bloody mind? Yer think I'm makin' this up? I can't bloody believe this! Angry and frustrated, Jono jumped up from his chair and began pacing the professor's study. I can't fuckin' believe yer! I ain't makin' this up! I felt Remy's mind, as strong as I'm feeling yers right now! Remy's out there, somewhere, and needs our 'elp! I can't believe yer would turn yer back on ' im! Remy's one of yers!

"Jono," Scott said, fatigued. Although Logan and Bobby were closely observing him, they weren't getting in to the argument yet, for which he felt grateful. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it true that you can't dream any longer? So how can you dream about Gambit?"

Do yer know the extent of yer mutant powers, Scott Summers? Jono was pissed off, angry as hell and it amazed himself that he wasn't backing down. After all he was talking to the leader of the X-Men and he was just a newbie. Because I don't know the extent of mine! Emma never managed to determine 'ow strong I am, telepathy wise, and I know, I know that I touched 'is mind! Feeling mentally exhausted, Jono sighed telepathically. He was fighting a lost battle; Scott's mind seemed made up.

Disappointed, Jono collapsed on to his chair, staring defiantly at the floor. He wasn't going to look at Scott's visor, which hid the expression of Scott's eyes. Summers had also tightened his shields and it was almost impossible to probe Scott's thoughts. Jono knew he could push through those defenses if he tried hard, but wasn't inclined to invade Cyclops' mind. I know what I felt!

Logan and Bobby exchanged a concerned glance and Logan raised his right hand slightly, indicating Bobby to stay quiet because he was going to speak. Bobby could have his turn after Logan had finished. "Cyke, if there's even a remote chance that the Cajun's still alive, we've got to act on it. I believe Jono. Don't ask me why..." Logan grinned. "The kid's too convinced to be fakin' it. Whadda ya got to lose?"

Scott's glance shifted from Jono to Logan and their eyes met. "Logan, you know what's at stake. There's only a few of us left at the mansion. Attacking Sinister means we need every available member."

"Blue, Bobby, Jono, me and yer... we can kick Sinister's ass!" Logan said enthusiastically. "The Cajun's one of us. We've got to try."

Jono shot the Canadian a thankful look, grateful that someone was backing him up. Yes, what do yer 'ave got to lose? Jono asked Scott.

"My team-members' lives." Scott abruptly got up from behind the desk and walked over to the window. Looking out over the gardens and lake, he realized he had to explain his reluctance to go after Sinister. "Have you ever fought Sinister, Jono?"

Yer know I 'aven't. Jono sensed the change in Scott's thoughts, which had become less hard, more yielding. Was Scott considering giving in? Jono definitely hoped so. But I'd go to 'ell and back when one of my team-members need me, would kick the devil's butt with pleasure!

Logan chuckled softly. "That's the attitude we need 'round here."

Scott's hands tightened in to fists. They would never understand the responsibility that came with leadership. It was up to him to make sure they got out of each mission alive. He'd failed Gambit in the past and wasn't going to make another mistake by sending his team in to a hopeless situation. "I can't okay this mission. Sinister would take some of us out and the rest would come home injured. The risks are too great."

A moan of disbelief fled Jono's mind at hearing those words. Why are yer so bloody determined to desert Remy when 'e needs us most? What did 'e do to deserve this? Is it because of the Massacre? Can't yer forgive 'im? Jono was resolved to find out what was really going on.

"No, it's not because of the Massacre," Scott said thoughtfully, still staring outside. "I forgave him for being tricked by that manipulative bastard. Sinister tricked me a few times as well."

"Then what is it, Slim?" Bobby asked, unable to keep silent any longer.

Scott didn't answer, but suddenly Jono knew what the hell was going on with Scott Summers. He shielded his thoughts, only sending them to Scott, not wanting the others to hear. Findin' Remy at Sinister's lab means yer failed as a team leader. Yer didn't go back for 'im, never tried to find out wot 'appened to 'im. It crossed yer mind a long time ago that Sinister might 'ave moved in and took advantage of Remy's situation. A nervous twitch appeared around Scott's mouth and Jono knew he'd been right. Yer scared to find out wot Sinister did to 'im and that's why yer rather run than face Sinister... and Remy.

Scott flinched at hearing those words. Jono had only arrived yesterday and had already pegged his problems. He refused to turn around and face the younger man and continued to stare out of the window, trying to gather his thoughts so he could send a coherent answer. He'd have to be completely honest with Jono and he'd never trusted a person enough to totally admit his weaknesses, not even Jean or the professor had managed to do that, but now he didn't have a choice.

Jono, this may sound like an old cliché, but the truth is that... I'm only human. I can't remember for how many years I've been leading the X-Men. I grew attached to my team-mates and every time one of them died, a part of me died with them. I've lost so many friends... Sometimes it's hard to go on. Now that you're saying that Remy's still alive I'm afraid to hope.

Finally, Scott turned around and looked at Jono, the newest addition to the team. When the others got back from Antarctica I was tempted to go back and search for Remy, but Rogue assured me that he'd find a way out. Remy's a survivor... When he didn't return to the mansion I really assumed he'd died. The mansion's the only home he has, he's banished from New Orleans and I was so sure he'd be back. Jono, I want Remy to come back, to be part of the team again, I really do, but...

But wot, mate?

Scott's revelation was sudden. There's no but... Yes, he would have to face his failure as a team leader should they find Remy alive, but no, he couldn't deny them this rescue attempt. If there was even the slightest chance that Remy was still alive he owed Gambit to try to get him away from Sinister. I'll face him... face the demons I lived with since Antarctica. It's time to stop running and to stand up against Sinister and my personal demons.

Jono nodded his head, pleased with Scott's decision. I know we'll find 'im, mate! Not once did he question his own reasons for going after the Cajun, a man he'd never met. It was something he had to do, and he could question his commitment to a stranger later. Let's do it, mate.

Bobby and Logan hadn't interfered, realizing that a telepathic discussion had been going on between Scott and Jono, which they weren't privy to. But now that Scott and Jono seemed to have reached some sort of understanding, (judging by the look on their faces,) Logan spoke up. "So what's it gonna be?" If Scott still refused to lead a rescue mission he would go after Sinister himself. Jono and Bobby would back him up.

Scott wondered how they could still look to him for leadership after all the times he'd screwed up and yet, Logan was still waiting for him to reach a decision. "All right, I believe you, Jono."

Relief was palpable in the room at hearing Scott's words and Logan grinned maliciously, looking forward to getting another shot at doing away with Sinister's clones. "When are we going in?"

"We need a location first," Scott reminded them and looked at Jono. "Do you know where we can find Remy?" If they didn't have a location, this mission was bound to fail.

Jono's eyes darkened, suddenly filled with shock, realizing that he didn't have an exact location to give Scott. It felt like bein' in some sort of laboratory, the white walls and stuff. Does Sinister 'ave a main base of operations? Maybe we should start there? Hopefully his answer satisfied Scott and would keep him from blowing off the mission.

"Yes, near St. Louis," Scott replied in a raw tone. He'd hoped to never set foot in Sinister's domain again, but that had been wishful thinking. "Logan, inform Hank that we'll leave in 1 hour exactly. I'll get the Blackbird ready in the meantime."

"Consider it done, Cyke," Logan said pleased and he signaled Bobby to follow him to the lab where Henry McCoy was conducting his research. "For a moment I thought he'd refuse the kid," he said, confiding in Bobby.

"I thought the same thing. Wonder what Jono said that made Slim reconsider." Bobby nodded his head. "Yeah, that must have been some conversation. Too bad we don't know what Jono said to convince Scott."

"It worked," Logan growled softly. "Let's get Blue. I wanna kick Sinister's butt."

Bobby grinned and patted Logan's shoulder. "I'm with you all the way, Wolfie."

Logan's growl deepened at hearing that little nickname. He'd tried to break Bobby from the habit of calling him Wolfie, but nothing worked. One day he would succeed in shutting Drake up. He just had to find something that would throw the kid completely and he was already looking forward to finding out what that was.

///

Jono was about to leave the professor's study when Scott called him back. Jono turned around, facing the man again. Wot's up, mate? He just wanted to leave the room and have a little privacy. He wanted to put some distance between him and the others and to lock out their thoughts.

"Thanks, I needed the kick in the butt." Scott licked his lips. "It's been a while since the X-Men acted like a family. We got used to fighting our battles alone. It wasn't always like that. In the beginning, we were a family, but then the problems began to build and we allowed them to tear everything apart."

Must be 'ard on yer, mate, bein' the one in command. I'm glad I ain't stuck in yer shoes." Jono still marveled at the fact that he'd protested and had managed to change Scott's mind. It's different 'ere, he offered apologetically. I ain't sayin' that Generation X is a better team than yer X-Men, but I do know that we would never turn our backs on someone in need. Jono hesitated briefly. It takes effort to make things work.

"Maybe I've been taking everything for granted," Scott sighed. "You're right. We need to make this work, to rebuild the team. But it won't be easy and maybe I'll even have to ask some members to leave the team until I sorted everything out."

Wot members? Jono frowned.

"Rogue for example." Scott rubbed his brow, wishing the headache that was pounding behind his temples would finally go away so he could get some rest. "I always had doubts about her being on the team, but we needed her, needed her strength."

Was it worth it? Jono buried his hands in his pockets. Bobby told me she left Remy at Antarctica. Didn't Rogue start off as a villain? Why did yer take 'er in? Just because of 'er mutant powers?

"No, also because she needed our help," Scott corrected and then swallowed the hard lump that had built in his throat. "The X-Men used to be about helping the ones in need."

Yer could try to get it back, Jono suggested, suddenly feeling a lot more understanding of Scott's problems. He'd never led a team, let alone a team like the X-Men and he could barely imagine the pressure Scott was living under. Yer did yer job bloomin' well for some years, maybe it's time to start again? Do yer still remember what it was that made this team work? Maybe yer need to find it again?

Scott chuckled. "When Sean told me that you were joining the team I wondered what I was getting myself in to," Scott admitted. "I never thought I would say this, but I'm glad you're here. It's been a while since I had someone to fall back on, to kick my ass or support me, whatever I needed most. Jean's usually the one who manages to get me right back on track, but... thanks, Jono..." Scott extended his hand. "And welcome to the family."

Thanks, mate. Yer 'ave got no idea 'ow much this means to me. Jono accepted the offered limb and shook it. And we'll find Remy... we will.

///

"Are we ready to go?" Scott looked at his skeleton crew. What they lacked in numbers they made up for in determination. He could only hope the element of surprise would give them the advantage they needed. "Remember, we go in, find Remy and we're out again. No one's going to stay back to extract revenge." Scott looked toward Logan. "Should Sabretooth be there remember that Remy depends on us to get him out. Understood?"

Logan grunted softly. "Understood, Cyke, now let's get this show on the road."

They boarded the Blackbird and each man was busy trying to sort out his own thoughts. Hank spoke first. "I was there," he said, cocking his head, remembering.

Curiously, Jono locked eyes with McCoy. Where?

"At the so called trial, my young friend," Hank sighed the words. "We had no reason to assume Rogue would leave our Cajun friend behind. She might have ended their relationship to be with Joseph, but I thought I still saw the love she bore Remy in her eyes."

While pondering Hank's admission, Jono asked, Where's Joseph now?

Hank shrugged his shoulders. "When Rogue, Jean, Warren and the professor left for Muir Island he decided to join them."

Aha, Scott mentioned somethin' about a mission, Jono thought privately and decided not to press for more detailed answers. Wot kind of state was Remy in when yer left Antarctica?

"Confused and more than just a little shaken by the fact that his secret had come out in to the open," Hank said and realized that Bobby, Logan and even Scott were listening closely. "The trial was a parody, a cruel parody of our justice system. Remy didn't deserve to be put through it."

Logan growled his approval. "But we'll have to deal with what happened after we got Gumbo back."

"We'll have to deal with our failure," Hank said slowly and caught Scott flinch at those words. He'd long suspected that Scott felt he'd personally failed Remy LeBeau. But you weren't there, Scott. There was nothing you could have done. If only I hadn't been injured...

Jono unintentionally picked up on Hank's thoughts and shivered; his body still remembered going through that particular reflex when something unpleasant occurred and mimicked it now. Wot is it with this team? I thought I was doin' the guilt trip pretty well, but they're even worse!

Bobby caught Jono shivering and mistook it for nervousness. "Have you ever been in a fight before? I don't know that much about Generation X." He guessed the youngsters must have faced villains before, but had they ever encountered the likes of Sinister, who was nearly indestructible? "Maybe you should stay in the plane and leave it to us to take Remy back."

Jono glared at Bobby, angered that they thought of him as a coward. I can pull me own weight, mate. Did they even know how destructive his blasts were? Yer better stay out of my way, Bobby. I don't control me powers completely yet.

Scott heard the telepathic exchange and grew worried. Why was he dragging someone this young in to their battles? Bobby had made a valid point. Jono had no business being in the front line. "Jono, Bobby might be on to something. You haven't even participated in a training session yet. We don't know your powers and instincts and you have no clue how we react in such a situation. This might get ugly."

Jono sensed Scott's concern and his eyes softened. I ain't a kid, Scott. I can do this!

Scott saw Logan's pleased expression and realized that the Canadian trusted Jono to take care of himself. Throughout the years, Scott had found that Logan was a good judge of character and maybe he should put some trust in his team-mate's abilities. It had been a while since he'd trusted someone to guide his decisions. The only ones whom he'd allowed to do that were Jean and the professor and they weren't here right now. It's like Logan and Jono said, what have I got to lose?

Jono felt startled, hearing that particular thought and his eyes clawed deeper in to Scott's, trying to find out what was driving Cyclops. Don't yer dare leavin' me behind! I'll go after Remy on me own!

"You'd betta let him tag along," Logan opinionated. "I don't want him followin' us on his own and gettin' us in to trouble."

Scott reached a decision and said, "Okay, Jono, you can come in with us, but you'll stay close to me the entire time, do you understand?"

Bobby grinned and leaned back in to his seat. It was good to see Scott back in control again, assuming command. For far too long Scott had sat back and let others call the shots. Like Rogue... Scott should have done something about Remy and Rogue. It was obvious that they were heading for disaster. He recalled the ugly scenes he'd witnessed in Seattle when Remy had tried to make things up to Rogue one last time. Well, I've got to be fair and admit that Scott's hands were tied. It'd become a personal thing by then. Scott or the professor should have done something about their relationship when things started to get messy, even before Antarctica happened. "You'd better get used to being ordered around by the boss," Bobby teased and winked, trying to reassure Jono that this was typical behavior for Scott.

I'll try ter stay close... Jono sent to the others, but privately he added, Yer better stay close ter me! He was determined to get Remy away from Sinister and no one was going to stop him, not even Scott Summers!

"Jono," Hank started and he leaned in closer to the young man. "What condition was Remy in when you saw him in your dream?"

Remy looked like 'ell, mate. Jono paused and tried to remember in detail what he'd seen and heard. Too thin, shiverin', black circles beneath his eyes and 'e was wearin' a bloody collar.

"That's just his physical state," Hank remarked. "What about his mental state?"

I was inside 'is body, Jono reminded McCoy. All I can say is that Sinister didn't expect Remy to talk back to 'im.

"Which ya did?" Logan ventured.

Yeah, me big mouth got me in to trouble again, but this time it was Remy who... I think Sinister made sure Remy paid the price for me insolence. Bottom line is that Remy looked fucked up.

"Hank, you'll need to check on Remy the moment we find him," Scott said, but he already knew that Hank didn't need any encouragement to look after his patient.

"I'm fully prepared to treat whatever injuries he has, here onboard of the Blackbird," Hank reassured them.

Bobby had been listening closely, not interrupting anyone and it suddenly struck him as odd that everyone assumed they were going to find the Cajun in the next few hours. They were on their way to St. Louis, Sinister's main base of operations. Scott had chosen to start looking for Remy there, reasoning that Sinister wouldn't want to discontinue his experiments.

The change in attitude was amazing and Bobby felt proud to be part of the team. They were going in to get one of their own out and if they didn't find Remy at this base, they would try others, until they had their team-member back. Yeah, he definitely loved being an X-Man!

Jono picked up on the echo of Bobby's thoughts and nodded his head, wishing he could still flash a grin. Mates, I promise yer that we'll find Remy LeBeau!

///

His life only consisted of pain and misery. Strapped to the exam table, he closed his sensitive eyes against the invasive light. He felt completely helpless. His ankles and wrists were restrained with leather thongs and electrodes had been attached to his head and chest. In a few minutes they would explode against his skin, sending an immense, almost unbearable pain throughout his body.

Please end it. Please let it end. He'd hurled the first time the electricity had swept through his body and he'd almost suffocated in his own vomit, but then his nemesis had loosened his restraints, cleaned up the mess he'd made and then restrained him again.

The pain was making it hard for him to think straight. He still couldn't believe that he'd talked back hours ago. Why did I do that? Why couldn't I stay quiet? Now he was going to pay for his insolence!

"I'm growing tired of this."

The voice cut through the room and his eyes flashed open. He wished he'd kept them shut for the light immediately stabbed at his eyes, making them water and finally tears flowed down his face. Please no more, just end it!

"Let's end this for once and for all. I've got better things to do then wasting my time on you."

Oui, he sighed. Soon it would be over. All his nemesis had to do was to throw the switch one more time. The pain came suddenly and he bit his lower lip, trying to remain quiet, but in the end his agony needed a way out and he screamed.

The pain!

The p-p-ai-n-n!

Briefly, he struggled against the restraints in a last, futile, attempt to break free, but lacking strength they continued to keep him prisoner. Seizures shook his body and he bit his tongue hard. The last thing he tasted before losing consciousness was the sharp tang of blood.

///

Jono flinched violently as a telepathic scream cut through his mind. Unable to contain the pain that Remy was catapulting in to his mind, some of the agony slipped past his shields and in to the minds of the other X-Men.

"Fuck!" Logan cursed loudly as a slashing pain unexpectedly crashed in to his mind. "Can't ya yer lock it out?"Looking at the others, Logan realized that only Scott seemed unaffected. Bobby and Hank's faces were also contracted with pain. Were Scott's shields that much stronger? Well, Scott had had plenty of opportunities to strengthen his shields with a telepath for a wife.

"Jono?" Bobby sighed, relieved, as the pain lessened and then vanished. "What was that?"

The deep frown that had formed on Jono's brow remained and he rubbed his temples, trying to banish the echo of that scream from his mind. That, mate, was Remy.

Bobby remained quiet, trying to deal with hearing that pain filled scream. "I guess this makes it official; Remy's still alive and needs our help. Did you hear that scream as well, Slim?"

"Yes, I heard it," Scott hissed between clenched teeth. It had taken him every ounce of his discipline not to show he'd reeled under the impact as well. As team leader he couldn't show any weaknesses. "I'm sorry I ever doubted you, Jono."

Don't worry about it, mate. We're on our way ter 'elp Remy, hold on to that! Jono looked away after seeing the flash of guilt in Scott's eyes. Focusing inward, Jono tried to contact Remy again. There had to be some sort of connection between them, allowing Remy to reach out to him. Are yer still with me, Remy? Jono shielded his thoughts from the others, only wanting Remy to hear them. If yer can 'ear me, lemme know!

Jono's hands clenched in to fists, not receiving an answer. It felt like the connection had been severed. 'ow much longer until we reach Sinister's base?

Scott heard Jono's question and checked their position. "I'm about to put her down. You'd better get ready back there," he told his team. "I doubt Sinister knows we're coming in because of our cloaking, but we shouldn't take any chances. We need the element of surprise." Scott started the landing procedures and continued, "Logan, Bobby, I want you to keep Sinister busy. Should you run in to some Marauders as well, get the hell of out there and back to the Blackbird. Hank, Jono and I are going after Remy."

"Sounds like a plan." Logan's claws popped out of his knuckles. "Are ya up to kickin' some butt, Drake?"

"Sure," Bobby whispered and grinned, icing up. "We'll keep them busy," he promised Scott, who was now opening the hatchet. "Come on, Wolfie, let's get going!" Ignoring Logan's growl, Bobby used an ice slide to leave the plane and Logan followed suit.

"Are you ready?" Scott tried to gauge Jono's mental state. "Are you sure you don't want to stay here?"

I'm sure, let's do this, mate! Jono removed the bandages, getting ready for the fight.

Involuntarily, Scott and Hank backed away from Jono. Scott stared at the energy leaking from Jono's body and realized just how deadly Jono's power was. I'm glad I'm not the enemy! Briefly, Scott wondered which power was more devastating, his or Jono's.

///

"Jono, where should we check first?" Scott cautiously led Hank and Jono inside, hoping Logan and Bobby would keep Sinister and his goons busy. "Anything?"

Jono looked down the corridor, trying to pinpoint the source of the lingering pain in his mind. It had returned only minutes ago, restoring the connection. No matter how weak the link was now, it should be strong enough to take him to Remy. 'e's in a lot of pain, mates. I can feel 'im, but 'e's barely conscious. I'm dead sure we need ter follow this corridor and then turn left.

"What are we waiting for, gentlemen?" Hank led the way, walking down the corridor.

Jono and Scott followed closely. Scott looked at Jono, wondering how strong a telepath the young man was. "Can you link us telepathically? I'd rather not talk aloud while we're in here."

Don't know, mate. I never tried that before. Jono wavered to take this step. What if he fried their brains?

Why don't you try, Jono? If things don't work out we can resort back to speech again. Scott didn't want to pressure Jono, but the young man had picked one hell of a time to join the team. This could be considered a real baptism of fire, sneaking in to Sinister's lair to free someone Jono had never met before. I still wonder why only he can pick up on Remy's pain. Jean and the professor never made contact. Geez, I'm sounding like Jono already, convinced that we'll find Remy and take him home, he thought privately.

I'll give it a shot. Jono concentrated, trying to get a better hold on Scott and Hank's mind. Can yer both 'ear me now?

Works for me, my young friend. Hank looked at Scott, waiting for a sign that the other man had also heard his thoughts.

Scott nodded his head. Jono, you're doing just fine. Now take us to Remy.

Sure as 'ell, mate! Determined, Jono moved past Hank, changing the direction they were going in. After turning left, the corridor seemed to take them deeper in to the base, and underground.

Scott cocked his head; explosions echoed through the base. Sounds like Logan and Bobby found a way to distract Sinister and the Marauders. Jono, can you feel Logan and Bobby as well?

Yes, I can. Want me ter contact them?

No, that's okay, Scott reassured Jono. Just try to keep an eye on them.

Let's go get Remy. The connection is weakenin'. Jono began running, feeling Remy slip away from him. Feels like 'e's dyin', mates!

Neither Scott nor Hank needed any encouragement and ran after Jono, eager to retrieve their missing team-member.

///

"Drake! Behind yer!"

Arclight moved up behind Bobby and Logan could only watch as the first shockwave reached Bobby, throwing the young man off of his ice slide. Bobby tumbled right in to Harpoon's hands and Logan knew he had to do something to get his team-mate in to safety. Harpoon was much too close to Bobby and the Marauder was powering up one of his harpoons, getting ready to bury it inside the X-Man's body. "Stay in yer ice form, Drake!"

Bobby managed to shake off his shock at finding himself trapped in Harpoon's arms. "Shit, now what?" From the corner of his eye he watched Logan jump at them, claws menacingly extended, reaching for Harpoon.

Logan buried his claws in Harpoon's side and quickly moved out of the way as the Marauder dropped Bobby on to the floor.

Bobby reacted at once and got to his feet, moving away from Harpoon, who was sliding down against the wall, mortally injured. Suddenly Vertigo appeared to Logan's right and it was obvious that the Canadian was too busy taking care of Arclight to pay much attention to his surroundings. While shouting a warning, Bobby fired a stream of ice at her, making her lose her concentration and balance and Logan reacted accordingly, turning around and using those deadly claws to slash Vertigo's chest open.

Vertigo never had the time to realize that Logan's claws had ended her life. Her body convulsed as it collapsed and her heart stopped beating.

"Two goons down, one more to go!" Logan pounced closer, determined to take out Arclight as well. They had to buy Scott more time!

///

Jono! Wait! Let's be careful! Scott halted Jono in his tracks. They'd reached an armored door and Jono seemed very certain that they would find Remy behind it. For the last few minutes the young man's agitation had been mounting and Jono was becoming increasingly impatient. We need to make sure Remy's alone. Try to reach out telepathically. Do you feel another presence beside Remy's?

Impatiently, Jono fought the urge to blast the armored door and just storm inside. Scott was right, of course, he should make sure the coast was clear. Give me a sec, mate. Releasing his telepathic powers he reached out. Startled, his eyes grew big. Oi! I can't feel Remy any longer! The connection... it's gone! It's like... like 'e's no longer there... but I know 'e's there, I felt 'is mind just a moment ago! Panic set in and only Hank's hand, which came to rest gently on his shoulder, held Jono back from blasting the door. No one's behind the door.

"Let's do it then," Scott said determined, refusing to think about why Remy's mind was no longer visible to Jono. The only reason he could think of caused shivers to run down his spine. What if we're too late and Remy's dead?

I was wrong! Jono nodded his head. I can still feel 'im, but 'e's weak, so very weak. I can barely pick up on 'im. We've got ter move now!

Stand aside. The armored door crumbled beneath his optic blast and Scott was the first to enter Sinister's laboratory. Oh, my God! Scott quickly covered the distance to the exam table, reaching for the leather restraints to free Remy. A terrible stench invaded his nostrils and he realized he smelled burned flesh. After making sure that the current was off, Scott beckoned Hank to help him.

Hank hurried to join Scott and his eyes scanned the unconscious Cajun. "Sinister electrocuted him!" Although he could hardly believe his own conclusion he knew he'd reached the only plausible explanation. "We need to get him to the Blackbird... now!" Carefully, Hank loosened the restraints and with Scott's help he slipped hands and feet away from the offending items.

Jono stood back and watched them work. He'd never seen Remy before in person, had only heard his voice in his mind and now the Cajun was close enough to touch. What scared Jono was the weak echo of Remy's mind, which had been a lot stronger during their first contact. 'ow's 'e doin'? Horrified, he watched Hank remove the electrodes from Remy's chest and brow. Red skin came easily off the body, revealing angry burns. Oi...

Remy's in shock. Hank saw the concern in Jono's brown eyes and sighed deeply. Grab that blanket over there, will you? Hank checked on Remy's breathing and pulse, finding both nearly non-existent. He wished he had some cold water to rinse the burned areas and cool off Remy's skin.

Jono handed Hank the blanket. Can I 'elp? He felt bad for not offering to help sooner, but seeing Remy alive and from this up close upset him. The Cajun was emaciated. Ribs poked through the pale skin and black circles had formed beneath Remy's eyes. 'e looks knackered, mate... is 'e goin' to be all right?

I don't know yet, Jono. Hank wrapped the blanket around Remy's shivering body, staying clear of the burns. Scott? Hank had noticed the shocked expression on his friend's face. Scott hadn't moved or said a word since they'd discovered Remy. Although Hank was shocked as well at finding Remy in this state, he didn't allow himself to freeze like Scott had. He was a physician and Remy needed his expertise.

I can't believe it... I can't fucking believe it! Scott's fist buried itself in to the wall. Remy's still alive and because of me, my cowardice, Sinister got to him!

Hank had seldom heard Scott use the f-word and realized just how shaken and torn up by guilt Scott was. Gently, Hank lifted Remy in his strong arms and cradled him against his chest. Scott, we've got to start moving! Remy needs medical attention!

Scott started moving towards the doorway and signaled Jono to follow him. They would make sure no one got to their injured team-mate.

Jono stole looks at Remy, wondering what state of mind the Cajun was in. Ever since walking in to Sinister's lab, an insane urge to touch Remy, to slide his fingertips over the man's pale skin possessed him. It was like he had to establish some sort of physical contact, but he felt hesitant to do just that. It was obvious that Remy needed Hank most and not some stranger trying to get close enough to touch him. Why can I only think about 'ow badly I want ter hold 'im?

Suddenly, the lab seemed to move beneath his feet and a blast impacted only a few inches away from him, knocking over some monitoring devices. Jono looked towards Scott for answers, wondering why the man was suddenly targeting him!

Get moving!

Scott's warning cut through his mind and then Jono felt the presence of a vile mind, completely bereft of emotion. Looking over his shoulder, Jono realized that it wasn't Scott who'd targeted him. It's Sinister! I recognize 'im from the files Sean showed us and... Blimey, 'e looks like 'e did in me dream!

Scott found that Jono had frozen in place and pushed the younger man toward the doorway. "Hank, get them in to safety!" He no longer bothered to keep their presence hidden now that they'd been discovered.

Hank knew it was up to him to get Remy out and he needed Jono to clear their path. While carrying Remy, Hank's hands were tied. "Jono, move!"

Instinctively, Jono started and ran up to Hank. Are we goin' back ter the Blackbird? Shouldn't we wait for Scott?

"Scott can take care of himself." Hank slipped behind Jono and urged the young man to take the lead. "You'll have to take out any attackers." Remy moaned softly and as his lips moved drops of blood appeared on his bottom lip. Hank didn't know what was causing it and hoped Remy wasn't bleeding internally. Damn! He needed to examine Remy and treat his injuries. "Look out!"

Jono never expected the attack and reacted instinctively as sharp nails traveled over his back, ripping his clothes. Sabretooth! He quickly identified his attacker and released his energy, blasting away at the mutant. Hank! Get Remy out of 'ere! I'll keep 'im busy!

Hank was reluctant to let Jono deal with Sabretooth, but didn't have a choice. If he wanted to tend to Remy's injuries he had to take the Cajun onboard the Blackbird. But could someone as young and as inexperienced as Jono handle Sabretooth? Hank doubted it... until he felt the force of Jono's blast, which knocked Sabretooth off of his feet and sent him crashing in to the wall. Try to reach Scott! Hank hoped Jono had heard his advice and began running, determined to take Remy to safety!

///

Scott's facial expression revealed the loathing he felt for Sinister and if it hadn't been for Remy's injuries, Scott would have taken his time to make Sinister pay for the hurt he'd inflicted on the Cajun. But time was of the essence and he had to join the others onboard the Blackbird. "Another time, Sinister..." he vowed.

Sinister was surprised to find that the X-Men had launched a rescue attempt at this belated moment. "You can have him," he hissed. "What's left of him."

Angry, Scott used his optic blast to knock Sinister off of his feet. He then ran out of the laboratory, never taking his eyes off of his nemesis. For some elusive reason Sinister wasn't coming after him and he doubled his speed, almost crushing in to Jono when the young man came running around the corner.

Scott still had to grow used to seeing the energy field leaking from Jono's body. He now understood why Jono wanted the bandages in place. It was truly a frightening sight. But then again, my eyes aren't normal either. Once I take the visor off I frighten people as well. Carefully shielding those thoughts, he grabbed Jono's right arm and pulled him along. "Why are you still here? You should have reached the Blackbird by now!" Unexpectedly, a fist connected with his back and sent him in to the opposite wall.

We've got an unexpected visitor, mate! We're in Queer street!

What? Queer street? Scott managed to get back to his feet with Jono's help. "Where's that dictionary when I need it?"

We're in trouble! Jono supported Scott who was still a bit wobbly on his feet and hit Sabretooth with another blast. Weneed ter do a runner, mate!

All right, I guess that means we need to get the hell out of here! Scott freed himself of Jono's arm and together they moved down the corridor, toward the Blackbird. Can you still feel Logan and Bobby?

Yes. Jono concentrated and realized that the two other men were on their way back to the Blackbird. He informed Scott and looked over his shoulder. Sabretooth had taken up pursuit. Innit too easy, mate? They're lettin' us get away!

Scott recalled Sinister's words. "I don't think Sinister wants Remy that badly. He told me we could have him, what's left of him." Surprised, he noticed Jono flinch. "Sinister tires quickly of his... pets," Scott said angrily, recalling how Sinister had played him for years when he'd only been a boy, living in the orphanage. "We'll figure out later what's going on. First we need to get to the Blackbird and put some distance between us and Sinister."

Jono was about to release another blast, aimed at Sabretooth, but Scott beat him to it. Yes! Take the scumbag down!

Scott allowed a grin to break through and nudged Jono closer to the Blackbird. "Are the others onboard?"

They all made it back. Relieved that his first mission with the team had gone smoothly, Jono joined the others.

Scott followed quickly, ran in to the cockpit and climbed in to the pilot's seat. "Jono, you might want to give Hank a hand." Bobby and Logan settled down on to the co-pilot's seats. "We're going home."

///

His Doc Martens made no sound at all as Jono sneaked in to the secluded area, which Hank had equipped with medical devices so he could treat urgent injuries while still on the Blackbird. Jono cringed, seeing the condition Remy was in. One year, Hank. Sinister 'ad 'im for one fuckin' year!

Hank continued to rinse the burns Remy had suffered to his chest and temples and didn't look up to make eye-contact; Jono was clearly angry, almost furious. "We've got him back, Jono. We need to hold on to that."

'ow bad is 'e? Is Remy goin' ter be all right? Hesitantly, Jono approached the exam bed. The urge to touch Remy was still there and he fought hard not to place his fingertips on Remy's skin, not wanting to add to the other man's discomfort. Hank had elevated Remy's legs to counter shock.

After tending to Remy's burns Hank covered the Cajun's body with a warm blanket. "He's in shock," Hank told Jono. "His breathing and pulse are fine, but I expect him to stay unconscious. Judging by the severity of his burns I'd say that Sinister electrocuted him at least twice. It's a miracle that our Acadian friend's still alive."

Wot about the collar? Are yer goin' ter remove it? Jono hated seeing the offending item around Remy's neck.

"Of course." Hank walked over to the intercom and asked Bobby to join them. A minute later, Bobby approached the bed.

"What's up, Blue?" Bobby tried hard not to stare at Remy's battered body. Like Scott, Bobby was beginning to feel guilty as well. They should have made sure that Sinister hadn't gotten his hands on the Cajun; instead they had conveniently looked the other way.

"I want you to freeze the collar around his neck," Hank explained. He didn't have the necessary tools to remove the collar and feared Remy would startle awake should he ask Scott or Jono to blast the lock.

Bobby placed his right hand on the collar and then curled his fingers around it. Slowly, he lowered the temperature inside the collar until it scattered in to tiny pieces. "Done."

"Thank you, Robert." Hank smiled and nodded approvingly, indicating that Bobby's work here was done and that he could leave.

Bobby marched back to the cockpit and dropped on to his seat, catching Scott and Logan's inquisitive stares. They wanted to know how Remy was doing and he was more than willing to share.

///

Hank glanced up at Jono, not surprised to find the young man staring at Remy. "Do you want to tell me about this connection between Remy and you?"

Wot connection? Jono wasn't sure he wanted Hank to know about this insane urge that continued to pull him toward Remy.

Hank made sure that Remy was comfortable and then looked Jono in the eyes. "There must be a strong connection between the two of you. After all, you sensed Remy while you were at the mansion. Do you have any idea why the connection manifested like that?" Hank wondered how strong a telepath Jono was. Remy had been collared, so he ruled out the possibility that the Cajun had called out to Jono.

I don't know why this is 'appenin'. Jono shrugged his shoulders. I never went in ter 'is room with the intention ter contact 'im. I didn't even know that 'e was alive! Jono felt defensive all of a sudden, wondering how he could explain something when he himself didn't understand what was going on.

"Do you still feel Remy in your mind?" Hank watched Jono's reaction closely and the young man didn't disappoint him.

Yes, I still feel 'im. Don't know why, I just do. Jono had taken a few steps closer to Remy and his hands itched to make contact with Remy's skin or the long auburn hair. Clods of dried blood showed between the long strands and Jono wondered what price Remy had paid for his insolence. Should 'ave kept me big mouth shut! Why the 'ell did I talk back ter Sinister? Why couldn't I be quiet? Fuck, had he shielded those thoughts from Hank or had the other man heard him?

Hank decided not to pry. The thoughts he'd heard worried him, but this was obviously something between Remy and Jono and didn't involve him. Jono's hands moved restlessly against his clothes, urging Hank on. "Do you want to touch him? You can, you know."

I want ter, Jono admitted, cursing privately when he realized that he'd answered Hank telepathically, forgetting to shield his thoughts. But I ain't sure I should. I don't really know Remy... I still don't know why I feel this connection...

"It frightens you." Hank saw the truth in those brown eyes. "This connection scares you."

A little bit, Jono admitted. I mean, Remy's a perfect stranger and yet I feel... 'im. Feel 'is fears,

'is 'opes. But why do I feel them? I never made contact like this before and yet 'e's still in me mind and all I can think about is ter touch 'im, ter... complete the circle. Jono was rambling and very much aware of the fact that he didn't make much sense. Should I touch 'im?

"The best way to deal with your fears is to face them." Hank took a step away from the exam bed and signaled Jono to go ahead and touch the Cajun. "Just stay clear of the burns."

Jono still wavered. His mind was as at war with his heart and he was waiting for one of them to be victorious. I ain't sure I should do that, Hank. Who knows wot 'appens when I do!

"There's only one way to find out." Resolved to help Jono confront whatever irrational fears the young man was having, Hank took hold of Jono's right hand and guided it to the Cajun's bare shoulder. Gently, he placed Jono's fingertips against Remy's skin.

The air sizzled and Hank jumped back. His knitted brow betrayed his confusion as he stared at Jono's startled expression. Remy groaned softly and Hank returned his attention to his patient. What had happened just now? "Jono?"

Jono felt Remy's bruised skin beneath his fingertips and upon contact some sort of energy began to crawl up his, almost melting his skin with Remy's, at least it felt that way. His telepathy had kicked in, creating a much stronger connection than which had existed moments ago. Jono cringed, actually feeling Remy's presence slip in to his mind. Fuck!

"Jono!" Hank called out louder this time. "What's happening?"

'ow the 'ell am I supposed ter know! Fuck, I can feel 'im... 'e's gainin' strength! Unexpectedly, Remy's pain crashed in to his mind, ripping apart some of his mental defenses, forcing itself a way inside. The pain... Jono looked up, eyes big and startled, and looked in to Hank's eyes. I can feel 'is pain... it's... crushin' me.

"Use your shields!" Hank moved closer to Jono, but continued to monitor Remy, who was still unconscious, but occasionally a soft whisper fled his lips.

I can't... can't keep Remy out... 'e's inside me mind... Suddenly, Jono realized what had happened. I let 'im in! Invited 'im in!

Hank frowned. "Jono..."

I opened me mind when I went in to 'is room and I kept me shields lowered ever since. Remy slipped inside without me noticin' it. Fuck, 'e must be a telepath too!

"Remy's no telepath," Hank said thoughtfully. "I ran countless of tests on him during his physicals; I would have noticed any latent telepathy."

I ain't strong enough ter maintain this connection, this... link! Remy must be feedin' it too!

"My dear boy, Remy's unconscious," Hank pointed out to him.

But Jono shook his head. Remy's maintainin' this connection and it grew stronger after I touched 'im! I knew I shouldn't 'ave done that!

"But you did and now we have to deal with this rationally, logically." Hank's glance shifted from Jono to Remy. "What are you sensing now? How's Remy doing?"

I feel 'is pain, 'is loneliness. Jono pushed back a stray lock of hair which had slipped from behind his ear. And then there's the emptiness. Remy feels... transparent. Like 'e's not really 'ere. I guess that's why I wanted ter touch 'im so badly.

"We'll have to wait for Remy to wake up to explore this fascinating phenomenon." Hank tucked the blanket around Remy's form, carefully studying the Cajun's vital signs. He'd hooked Remy up to a monitor and it would alert him the moment Remy's vital signs dropped dangerously.

Jono stood beside the bed, unable to leave Remy's side. Remy's presence mind huddled in the outskirts of the Brit's mind. Don't try ter 'ide. It's okay. Yer can stay. I just need some time gettin' used ter feelin' yer inside me 'ead. Slowly, he reached out to reassure the scared Cajun. It's goin' ter be okay, just trust me.

Jono didn't expect an answer, merely sending the reassurance to sooth the scared presence in his mind. He wasn't sure he wanted Remy to wake up, uncertain what horrors were lurking in the depths of that traumatized mind, but he would be strong. His parents hadn't been there for him when his power had ruined his life and he refused to repeat their mistake. He would be there for Remy and see the Cajun through this.

///

Hank sighed relieved after installing Remy in his lab at the mansion. Finally, he could properly attend to the burns. After rinsing them again, he left a wet towel resting on the damaged area to reduce any discomfort Remy might be feeling. Even unconscious, Remy continued to emit tiny groans of pain. Then Hank covered the burns with sterile bandages.

"It's fortunate that only small patches of skin were burned." Only the places where the electrodes had made contact with Remy's skin showed burns. "It will take some time, but they will heal. As long as they don't become infected I don't foresee any complications."

Scott nodded his head. "Thanks. I know he's in the best hands." His eyes traveled to Jono, who had pulled up a chair next to Remy's bed and was now straddling it. Jono was a riddle he seemed unable to solve. Since finding Remy, the young man had never left the Cajun's side. Hank had mumbled something about the connection between Remy and Jono having deepened, but Scott didn't know what to make of that piece of information. "How are you doing, Jono?"

Jono raised tired eyes and met Scott's. I'm doin' fine, don't worry about me, mate. Remy's the one who got 'urt. Had gotten hurt because of his big mouth! Jono didn't know if the punishment Sinister had thought up had been extremely brutal, but Remy already looked like a shell, barely able to contain his fragile self. Had Sinister pushed Remy over the edge, breaking his spirit completely? Look at 'im, Jono whispered in to Hank and Scott's mind. 'e looks dead fragile. Wot did Sinister do ter 'im? The scumbag 'ad 'im for 'ow long?

"A year," Scott whispered, feeling guilty as hell for not taking action sooner. He shivered, wondering what damage Sinister had done to Remy in the course of that year. "Hank, is he still unconscious?"

"I'm afraid so. It's his body's way of saying that it needs time to recuperate." Hank's fingers gently stroked the now clean hair. It had taken him some effort, but with Jono's help he'd managed to wash Remy's hair, removing the dried blood in the process. Remy's locks now reached beneath his shoulder blades, but it had lost its usual shine.

"You're staying with him?" Scott already knew the answer to his question, but wanted to hear Jono say it.

Yes, I think I will, mate. Hank had hinted that he wanted to give Remy a sponge bath to fight the climbing fever and Jono had offered to help. The link made sure he stayed close, never strolling farther away from Remy than a few feet. It pulled him back once the distance between them increased. Although that realization had freaked him out at first, Jono had come to accept the existence of the link. Remy needed him!

One of the monitors beeped, alerting them. Concerned, Hank moved towards the screen and studied Remy's vital signs. "My, he seems to be waking up."

Jono felt strangely excited at hearing that. Remy was waking up! In a moment those eyes would open and he would establish conscious contact for the very first time. Then they could determine what damage Sinister had done!

Another pain filled groan escaped Remy's lips and his eyelids began to flutter. That's it, mate. Come back ter us, talk ter me! Yer safe. Yer back at the mansion. No one can 'urt yer 'ere!

Suddenly, Remy's red on black eyes flashed open and a mute scream left his lips. Jono felt helpless. Although he sensed Remy's shock and fear, he didn't know how to calm the Cajun down. Acting on instinct, he slipped his hand beneath the blanket, searching and finding Remy's. Soothingly, he rubbed the clammy skin.

///

Mon Dieu! Who were these people? One of them was holding his hand, stroking his skin. Another man's eyes were hidden behind some sort of visor and he startled when looking up at the furry man standing beside his bed. Who were they? What were they doing here? Sinister hadn't allowed visitors near him and his nemesis' face was all he'd seen for the last year.

Come on, mush, don't let me down. We got yer outta there in one piece, now yer 'ave got ter fight!

The telepathic voice in his head made Remy growl anxiously. He didn't want to hear those alien thoughts when he was already having trouble thinking rationally. Pleadingly, he looked up at the man who was holding his hand and Remy swallowed hard seeing the black bandages. Was the man one of Sinister's prisoners? Had Sinister hurt this man as well? Remy tried to speak, but failed. His tongue felt swollen and ached; then he recalled biting down on it... hard.

Remy, it's goin' ter be all right. Yer 'ave got ter trust us ter take care of yer. Frustrated because he felt helpless, Jono concentrated on rubbing Remy's fingers between his. Remy's mind was a bottomless pit and Jono tried to hold his own, to not give in to the Cajun's confusion and depression. Don't be scared, Remy. I'm a friend. Oi, yer know Hank and Scott. At a loss, Jono locked eyes with Hank. Wat's goin' on? Why is 'e reactin' like this?

Hank seemed puzzled as well and carefully considered the question. "We don't know what was done to him. Maybe Sinister tampered with his mind and his memory. Perhaps he's suffering from temporary memory loss."

"In the meantime," Scott started, "try to reassure him, Jono. He might not know you, but he's clutching your hand."

Looking down at their twined fingers Jono found that Remy was desperately holding on to him. Yer trust me, mush? I'm glad yer do. I won't 'urt yer, promise.

Big eyed, Remy stared at the man with the bandaged face, relieved that the brown eyes radiated trust and calm. Clutching the stranger's hand, Remy's brow grew furrowed. What did they want from him? Hadn't Sinister hurt him enough? Was this another one of Sinister's tricks?

Jono read those questions in Remy's mind and slowly shook his head. I ain't playin' mind games, Remy. Yer 'ome, yer safe.

Remy was holding his breath, unable to believe the reassuring voice. Sinister would never let him go... would only release him to death.

We went in and got yer out, Remy. Sinister won't 'urt yer any more. Yer back at Westchester, remember the place? But Remy obviously didn't remember a thing and Jono realized the amnesia would make things even harder on the Cajun. We're yer friends, Remy. This is Hank, 'e's a doctor and 'e'll make sure yer get better and this is Scott. They're yer friends, Remy.

Remy fought to regain some semblance of calm, but lowered his eyes, making sure he wasn't making eye-contact with any of them. Sinister had always been furious when he'd locked eyes with his nemesis. He didn't know any of these people and didn't want to offend them in whatever way possible.

And I'm Jono in case yer wonderin', mate. I'm new ter the team, so yer don't know me. Oi, come on, mate. Look at me. It's okay. I want ter see yer eyes. He wanted Remy to know that it was okay to meet his gaze, but the Cajun remained motionless.

"Jono? How's Remy doing?" Scott had been watching the two men, but hadn't heard the telepathic exchange. His concern increased, reading Remy's body language. The Cajun seemed terrified of them.

Remy thinks we'll 'urt 'im, that we're Sinister's accomplices. 'e's scared. Jono had lowered his shields so Hank and Scott could receive his thoughts. We'll 'ave ter prove ter 'im that we're 'is friends and that will take time. But Remy was still holding on to his hand and Jono grew hopeful that they would be able to reclaim the Cajun. It'll take a lot of time!

"We can do it," Scott said firmly. "Hank, I assume you want Remy to stay for more tests?"

Hank shook his head. "I do want to run some additional tests on our friend, but I don't think it's a good idea to keep him here longer than is absolutely necessary." Jono and Scott's expression told Hank that the answer surprised them. "Think about it, Sinister kept him prisoner in his lab therefore Remy will associate my lab with Sinister. Moving him back to his room as quickly as possible would be preferable, as long as someone stays close and keeps an eye on him."

I think yer bloody right, mate. I'll look after 'im. He was already into this way too deep to turn away now. Not that the link would allow him to retreat; it'd pull him right back.

Remy didn't understand what was going on. He realized that these strangers were talking about him and they hadn't tried to hurt him yet, so maybe he was safe for the moment. Closing his eyes, he sighed deeply. His body ached and his temples burned. Several sore spots on his chest were burning as well, and he recalled that Sinister had delighted in electrocuting him. He probably had suffered burns as a result.

Too tired to fight to stay awake, Remy allowed himself to dose off again. Shortly, Sinister would return to torment him now that the electricity had failed to kill him. Why he was still trying to gather his strength to fight his nemesis was beyond him. He should have given in ages ago in stead of acting submissive. Sinister had seen through his charade right from the start, making him pay, trying to break him. Had Sinister succeeded? Remy didn't know...

Jono watched Remy fall asleep. Helplessly, he allowed Remy to seek refuge in oblivious sleep. Even with the advantage of the link he seemed unable to reach Remy. But then again, maybe he was expecting too much in too short a time? It had only been a few hours since they'd rescued Remy from Sinister's clutches.

"Give him time," Hank said, receiving Jono's doubts. The young telepath hadn't raised his defenses again and his thoughts were clearly visible in Scott and Hank's mind. "He suffered massive trauma and needs time to recover from Sinister's sadistic games."

I know that, Jono sighed. But I feel 'is fear in me mind and it's hard... not bein' able ter help.

Scott took a step closer to Jono and rested his right hand on the young man's shoulder. "After what Remy's been through it's hard for him to trust and yet, he seems to trust you. He's still holding your hand. That should tell you something. Right now, this link is the only thing that can pull him back from the brink and you've got to use it to your advantage."

But I've never done somethin' like this before! It's the first time that a link formed between me and someone else. Emma never said it could 'appen!

"I don't think Emma knows the extent of your powers and neither do you. You'll have to trust your instincts." Scott gently squeezed Jono's shoulder, offering silent support. "I'll be honest with you. You seem to be the only one who can reach Remy, not only telepathically, but also emotionally. He reacted to your presence, your words. It can be frightening to know that someone depends that much on you, but you look like you care about what happens to Remy." Scott smiled weakly. "No one ever said that being an X-Man was easy."

Jono chuckled and Scott took that as a good sign. "Jono, I hope you know that you don't have to do this on your own. We'll all be there for Remy and for you, should you need our help. We've been given a second chance and I refuse to screw up again."

Thanks, mate. It's good ter 'ear that I've got someone ter fall back on. Hell, he had just turned 18 and now faced the hardest task ever, but blimey, he was determined to succeed.

///

Two hours later, Jono still sat at Remy's bed, monitoring the Cajun. Remy appeared to have calmed down during his sleep and Jono was using his telepathy to keep all nightmares away. Remy's breathing had deepened and slowed down a little, what Hank deemed as a good sign. Looking up at McCoy, Jono wondered what their next step would be. 'ow are those tests comin' along?

Hank looked up from the latest readings and pinched the bridge of his nose. Jono had asked him to check Remy for telepathic abilities, but the Cajun didn't have any. "Remy isn't a telepath, I can say that much for sure."

There 'as ter show somethin' abnormal on those readings... Puzzled, Jono wondered how Remy had been able to reach him in his room. Me telepathy must 'ave 'elped Remy, but I can still feel 'im 'oldin' on. Hank, let's rule out telepathy. Wot else could enable Remy ter reach out ter me over such a distance?

"I don't know," Hank admitted. His logical mind was already trying to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. "The only other thing I can think of is..."

Wot? Curiously Jono looked in to Hank's eyes, trying not to pry.

"Empathy." Hank thoughtfully returned to study the readings. "I would need to run a different test to establish if Remy's an empath. It wouldn't show on these results."

Jono's eyes softened. An empath? Why didn't I think of it meself? It'd make sense.

"Didn't you say that you mostly experience his fears? An empath could transfer his fears on to another person." Hank nodded his head. "I'll run that test."

Thanks... Do I 'ave ter wake 'im for that test?

"No, he doesn't have to be conscious." Hank walked toward the exam bed. "Don't you want to take a break, Jono?" It worried Hank that Jono couldn't seem to leave Remy's side.

No, that's okay, mate. I'm doin' fine and 'e needs me 'ere. Jono's soft laugh revealed some of his frustration. It ain't like I can leave 'im, even if I wanted ter. This link is still growin' stronger, keepin' me 'ere.

"Does that worry you?"

Jono considered that question carefully. In the beginnin' it did... but now? I guess not. I don't know why Remy chose me ter connect ter, but I ain't runnin' away from the responsibility that comes with it. Jono paused briefly, wondering if he should tell Hank about his parents who'd abandoned him when he'd needed them most.

"Jono?" Hank saw the thoughtful look in Jono's eyes and waited patiently.

Me parents dumped me when me power ripped me chest apart. God knows I could 'ave used their support, but I should 'ave known better. I never really got along with them.

"And now that Remy needs you, you want to make sure he doesn't have to go through the same experience, is that it?" Hank began to understand why Remy'd connected with Jono that easily. "Remy always felt the outsider, like he didn't belong here. Maybe that's why he managed to reach you over such a distance. Maybe you were looking for someone who needed you?"

Jono didn't dare look Hank in the eyes. While he'd lived at the Academy he'd hoped someone would want him, need him, truly accept him for who he was and that the person in question would want to deepen that relationship with him, become his lover. Yes, he'd found a best friend in Angelo, but the other man couldn't take the place of a lost lover. Jono quickly closed his eyes, determined not to think of the girlfriend he'd lost when his power had kicked in. Not now, not here... Now he needed to concentrate on Remy! Remy needs me... Is that wot yer tryin' ter say?

"You didn't have your shields raised completely when you walked in to his room," Hank deducted. "And you were drawn there because...?"

I felt a pull while I was still in me own room. When I entered 'is, it grew stronger and I... I couldn't turn me back on 'is pain.

"Maybe that was what Remy had been waiting for... for a compassionate soul to come along that would listen to him. A compassionate soul that was also a telepath," Hank added.

But why didn't 'e reach out ter Xavier or Jean Grey? They're telepaths as well!

"Jono, the keyword here is 'compassionate'. I don't think Jean or Charles ever considered going in to Remy's room to connect with him. We assumed he'd died." Hank walked over to his computer when the results on the empathy test came back. He'd monitored Remy's brain activity and yes, there it was... "Remy's an empath."

That explains part of it, Jono sighed. Must 'ave been his empathy that reached out ter me.

"And your telepathy strengthened the connection he was trying to build. The two of you are feeding of each other, maintaining it on an almost subconscious level."

Wot do I do when 'e wakes up? Since that part of the puzzle was solved, Jono wanted to move on, to work on Remy's recovery. He'd committed himself completely to the Cajun and was eager to get started. Now that the link was growing stronger, more unpleasant images were traveling down the link, showing him some of the sadistic things Sinister had done to make him obey. Jono wanted those dark, brutal images gone so they could no longer torment Remy.

"Are you sure you want to take this on 24/7? He'll need constant supervision, and a lot of attention and care."

I'm sure, just show me wot ter do.

///

"You think this will work?" Scott wondered if it wasn't too early for Remy to move back to his room, but Hank insisted it would be for the best.

"I can tend to his burns up here as well as downstairs, Scott. I don't need Remy in the lab. Seriously, I think he'll feel much more comfortable here. Imagine how you'd feel after being locked up in a lab for a year and then waking up in another one."

"You made a valid point," Scott admitted and his glance shifted from Hank to Jono, who was easing Remy down on to the four poster bed. "Do you think Jono's up to this? He doesn't know Remy, just arrived and..."

"I have the utmost confidence in Jono," Hank replied firmly. "Because of the link, he knows best what Remy's going through and we should probably give them some privacy."

"Hank, why was Remy able to reach Jono? You told me Remy's an empath, but that doesn't explain why he was only able to reach Jono. Why didn't Charles or Jean pick up on his presence?"

"Because they weren't looking for it, weren't open to the possibility that Remy might try to contact them in such a way. Jono went in to Remy's room with shields down and mind wide open."

"An empath," Scott mumbled. "Who would have guessed? Why didn't we know?"

"I doubt Remy knows himself." Hank took Scott's arm and led him out of the room, giving Jono a chance to get on with the sponge bath they'd agreed on earlier. Remy's fever was dropping and Hank hoped the sponge bath would do the trick to get it back to normal. "I think that his empathy kicked in after Sinister captured him. If he'd been an empath before Antarctica it would have showed on the tests, but they came back negative each time." Every X-Man was closely monitored so they could anticipate the changes the mutant could be going through. "I never saw it coming." Hank looked over his shoulder to make sure that Jono was comfortable with being left alone with Remy. Reassured, Hank closed the door behind him. All it took was one telepathic message from Jono and Hank would be back to check on his patient.

Feeling nervous in spite of Hank's reassurance, Scott wished Remy had stayed longer in the lab. The Cajun was in a bad shape and it seemed illogical to release him this soon.

"Scott, I'll check with them every 30 minutes and Remy's hooked up to an IV, which is feeding him fluids and nutrients. He was dehydrated and starving when we found him. His body needs time to recuperate and keeping him in the lab will only slow down that process. Now that he's in his room, maybe he'll start to remember who he is, who we are."

Scott finally gave in, but a nagging sensation remained, reminding him not to neglect his responsibilities as a team leader again. "Keep me posted."

"I sure will." Hank descended the stairs and headed for his lab, leaving Scott behind on the landing.

Scott successfully fought the urge to return to Remy's room and then made his way to his own room. Maybe he would sleep better now that Remy had returned to the mansion.

///

Remy struggled back to consciousness through a myriad of broken memories. Most of them starred Sinister and reminded him of the horror he'd suffered at his nemesis' hands. The worst thing had been being alone, isolated. For one year he'd been bereft of human contact. Sinister had been the only one to 'visit' him, sometimes to bring water and food, sometimes to punish him for the hideous crime he'd committed. Sinister had delighted in telling him over and over again how he'd gotten the Morlocks' killed. Only he was responsible for their deaths and he deserved to be punished for the atrocity he'd committed. He'd betrayed his own kind, had given the Marauders the order to kill the Morlocks; he'd been in charge and he'd loved hearing their screams...

At least, that was what Sinister had told him. I don' remember what happened... I must have blocked it, de memories being too painful... He'd reached the conclusion that he was repressing his crime, very successfully at that, and that Sinister had every right to keep him locked up in order to make sure that he never again committed such an atrocity. I'm a terrible person... wonder where Sinister is and why... why I feel dis mind, dis kind mind dis close.

I know yer awake, Remy. Yer don't 'ave ter pretend with me. Jono increased the distance between them and released the hand he'd gently been stroking. He didn't want to pressure Remy in whatever way and waited for the Cajun to take the first step. Open yer eyes, Remy... It's okay ter be awake.

Remy wanted to trust the voice. A kind voice, which flowed gently through his head and it didn't startle him when hearing it. He'd heard it before and it had reassured him that he wasn't in any danger. He desperately wanted to believe the voice, but couldn't. Sinister had to be lurking somewhere nearby.

Oi, Remy, yer don't trust me? Why's that? Jono decided he could play dirty if it was necessary to get through to the Cajun. I'm sorry for talkin' back ter Sinister last night. I should 'ave kept me big mouth shut. Did the scumbag 'urt yer? Way ter go, Starsmore, of course the bastard 'urt yer. I'm dead sorry, mate. He hoped this little admission would feed Remy's curiosity and yes, it seemed to work.

Peeking through half closed eyelids, Remy tried to take in Jono's appearance, but his vision was slightly blurred. Beginning to panic, he tried to sit upright, to increase the distance between him and this stranger... Jono, he said his name was Jono!

Yes, that's me name, Remy. Jono gently placed a hand on Remy's chest, staying clear of the burns. Yer can't get up yet, yer need ter stay horizontal and get some rest. Yer also 'ooked up ter an IV so don't mess with the needle!

Remy didn't know why he obeyed, but he lay down again, transfixed on Jono's eyes. He barely noticed the bandages anymore now that those brown eyes had captivated him. Jono...

Jono nodded his head, sending a tiny chuckle in to Remy's mind to illustrate that he was laughing. Yes, Jono, yer want ter repeat it a couple of times ter make sure that yer won't forget it? Remy stared back at him, suddenly breathing hard and his alarms kicked in. Whoa, calm down, Remy. Everythin's fine. Repeating the words again, he finally claimed Remy's hand and returned to stroking the still clammy skin. Can yer tell me wot yer afraid of?

Frantically, Remy tried to look behind Jono as a large shadow appeared behind the young man. Danger... Sinister!

The warning exploded in his mind and Jono quickly turned to identify the newcomer. Remy, it's Hank, remember 'im? 'e treated yer wounds.

"The two of you are broadcasting, do you realize that? I can receive most of your thoughts." Hank remained at a distance, not wanting to scare Remy any further. "Can you check his pulse? And Jono, you should put up some shields to keep your thoughts private."

I'll work on it, Jono promised and measured Remy's pulse. A little too fast.

"As would be expected. I'll leave the two of you alone again. Call me telepathically should you need assistance." Hank left, making a mental note to check again on Remy in 30 minutes.

Remy visibly relaxed once Hank was gone and Jono gently squeezed the Cajun's hand. Yer see? Nothin' ter be afraid of. Sinister ain't 'ere. Hearing that name caused Remy to panic again and Jono cringed mentally; mentioning Sinister had probably been the wrong thing to do. 'e can no longer 'urt yer.

Tremors shook Remy's body and he tried to hide his face behind his hair, slipping deeper away beneath the blanket. A stabbing pain moved through his body, forcing Remy to grow still again. He felt incredibly weak and even lying on the soft mattress caused his bones to ache. Can' believe you, won' believe you... you're playin' games, like he does...

The condemning words angered Jono, but he managed to stay in control. Remy's feelings were creating havoc in his mind and it was hard to separate Remy's feelings from his. Oi, yer don't mean that. Yer 'urtin', that's why yer sayin' this stuff.

Remy turned his face away from Jono, staring at the wall, a wall that looked vaguely familiar. Had he been here before?

Yes, that's it. Remember, yer used ter live 'ere. Jono had sensed the spark of recognition in Remy's mind, but as quickly as it had appeared it vanished again. This is yer room.

My room... my room is painted white and has a cold metal floor. My room is smaller and I'm always 'lone in dere. Dis ain' my room.

Jono felt pleased that Remy was talking to him. At first the Cajun had tried to hide in his mind, but now he was reacting, replying. Yer can do this, yer can beat 'im. Don't let that scumbag ruin yer life. Yer strong, yer will remember again, yer only need time. Careful not to startle Remy, Jono left his chair and sat down on the side of the bed. And yer don't 'ave ter do it alone, mate. We'll do it together.

I wish I could believe you... Remy closed his eyes and let himself fall in to the abyss of forgotten memories.

Don't! Don't do this ter me! Don't go! Oi, Remy! But Jono failed in pulling the Cajun back and all he could do was sit at Remy's side and wait for the other man to finally find the courage to wake up again.

///

Jono placed the bowl with water on the nightstand next to Remy's bed and immersed the sponge in the lukewarm water. Hank had mentioned that giving Remy a sponge bath might lower his fever, and although they had washed the Cajun's hair, tiny clods of blood, dirt and saliva still clung to Remy's skin. Let's get yer cleaned up, mate. Yer can't be comfortable like that.

Carefully, Jono removed Remy's trousers, which were was the only thing he was wearing. Come on, Jono, Remy doesn't 'ave anythin' yer 'aven't seen before. Cuts and bruises ran across the Cajun's chest, marring the soft skin. Inside Jono rage built again. Sinister had had Remy for one year and it looked like the damage the mad man had done was more of an emotional nature than a physical one. The cuts, bruises and even the burns would heal in time, but would Remy's mind heal as well?

His eyes involuntarily drifted lower. Ribs poked from under pale skin. Remy obviously needed to gain some weight and Jono was determined to make sure Remy began eating as quickly as possible. His gaze traveled further down and he glimpsed at the other man's groin, wondering why he felt attracted to Remy. Yeah, he'd been with some guys while he'd still lived in Great Britain, but he'd seldom felt the desire to check out a man's assets. And Remy's ill! I shouldn't be lookin' like that!

But he couldn't pull his eyes away from Remy's groin. A limp cock was nestled safely in the auburn pubic hair and Jono had a vision in which those long legs were wrapped around him. Jono caught himself wondering what kind of lover Remy was. Don't go there, mate! Yer a bleedin' monster, no way in 'ell 'e will want yer! Stop deludin' yerself and get the sponge bath over wiv!

Gently, he placed the sponge on Remy's chest and removed all blood and saliva, leaving clean skin behind. Losing himself in the motion, he continued to clean the rest of Remy's body, moving on to the long legs. Remy tensed beneath his hands and Jono suddenly looked in to red and black eyes. 'ey, mate, 'ow yer doin? Figured yer might want me ter clean yer up. Jono hoped his nervousness didn't show in his mind voice.

The first thing Remy noticed were the bandages that covered the lower half of the stranger's face and he wondered what terrible injury they were hiding. Had the other man been in a horrific accident? Feeling too intimidated to ask questions, he stared at the younger man, desperately trying to remember who his benefactor was and where he was. His memory consisted of several black holes and it felt like he was losing himself more with every passing minute.

I'm Jono, remember me? Yer back at the mansion at Westchester. Yer safe. Jono caught the echo of Remy's thoughts and felt the need to reassure the Cajun. Yer runnin' a slight fever so Hank suggested a sponge bath... 'ope yer don't mind, mate. His hand had frozen above Remy's body and he now pulled back, dropping the sponge in to the water.

Remaining motionless, Remy continued to stare in to Jono's brown eyes. It took him several minutes to gather his courage to ask Jono a simple question. Why do I feel your t'oughts?

Pleased with the fact that Remy had taken the initiative, Jono moved a little closer. I'm a telepath, Remy. As yer can plainly see I can't talk the normal way. That's why I use telepathy ter communicate. Jono briefly wondered if he should bring up Remy's empathy, but decided against it. Remy seemed fragile and the questions could wait a little longer. Are yer okay wiv me givin' yer a sponge bath, Remy?

Why am I naked?

It's easier for me ter clean yer up without yer wearin' clothes. Are yer feelin' uncomfortable? I can look for a shirt and some boxers... if yer can tell me where yer keep them. This is yer room, remember that?

Remy felt trapped; he didn't remember living here, didn't remember this life he was supposed to have had. Growing silent, he closed his eyes and told himself not to talk back. He shouldn't give this man a reason to be mad with him. Sinister had 'disciplined' him when he'd been forward.

Why don't I finish the sponge bath, find yer some clothes and then fetch us some nosh from the kitchen?

Remy was trying very hard not to grow interested in Jono, but the accent piqued his curiosity. He had an accent himself, but Jono's was far more pronounced. Nosh? What's dat? Merde! He shouldn't be asking questions! Biting his lower lip, he turned away from Jono, trying to roll on to his left side so he would no longer face the other man, but his aching body stopped him right in his tracks. It didn't like him moving about.

The soft chuckle that drifted in to his mind made Remy gasp. It was an honest chuckle and he found himself holding on to the pleasant ripples it created in his mind. Remy's eyes widened, realizing that Jono could read his emotions as well as his thoughts. Was Jono an empath? How else could Jono broadcast his feelings?

Jono felt the change, subtle and sudden, as Remy's shields stirred, trying to move back in to place to keep him out. He waited for a few minutes, letting Remy decide if the Cajun wanted him in his mind or not. Then the shields collapsed, leaving Remy's mind wide open. A pain filled groan left Remy's lips and Jono knew he had to tread carefully. Without sending another message, he finished the sponge bath and then went in search of the promised clothes. He found a shirt and some sweat pants, but had no luck locating any underwear. This will 'ave ter do, Remy.

Remy remained limb while he slipped the shirt over the Cajun's head. Jono helped Remy in to the sweat pants and then covered him with soft blankets. Feelin' better? He hoped Remy wasn't locking him out. Although the Cajun's mental defenses were down, Remy could still ignore him, effectively shutting him out that way.

Jono sat down on the side of the bed, studying Remy's face. Big tears rolled down the Cajun's face. Oi, yer cryin'? Wot's goin' on, mush?

Remy didn't want to react, to respond, but he'd been alone for a year and now that he was feeling the presence of another soul, a benign soul, he blurted out, Why? Why get me out? Why am I here? What do you want from me? Who am I?

Jono managed to remain calm and tried to answer Remy's questions. Why get yer out? Because Sinister was torturin' yer and yer don't deserve that, Remy. Yer an X-Man and this is where yer belong. Why yer 'ere? Because this is yer 'ome. What I want from yer? I want yer ter recover and feel better. Maybe even be yer friend, I'd like that, I don't 'ave that many friends. Who yer are? Yer Remy LeBeau, an X-Man and the others missed yer. We went in search for yer because we wanted yer back.

Jono hoped he'd given the right answers and felt relieved when Remy's swimming eyes sought out his. Acting on instinct, Jono gently wiped away the tears that dripped from the Cajun's chin. A multitude of feelings washed over him, Remy's feelings. It's okay, Remy. Yer 'ave been to 'ell and back and yer allowed ter feel this way. In return, he offered his own feelings.

The flood gates opened and Remy couldn't hold back his tears any longer. It had been an eternity since someone had cared about him, a mass murderer, and... Merde, of course, dat's it! Jono doesn' know dat I led de attack, doesn' know I got de Morlocks killed!

Jono caught Remy's thoughts and couldn't believe what he was hearing in his mind. Nah, that ain't true! I asked Scott about the Massacre while yer were restin' and yer didn't lead the attack! Sinister and Sabertooth are responsible for the Massacre, yer ain't!

I am! Remy closed his eyes, but the tears continued to roll down his cheeks. I wanted dem killed, led de attack, slaughtered dem myself and loved every minute of it! Sinister had told him over and over again how he'd delighted in killing the defenseless Morlocks. I'm a monster! I don' deserve your kindness... you shouldn' help me like dis! I'm a cold-blooded killer.

Jono got to his feet and took a step away from Remy. Self hate had Remy tight in its clutches and Jono felt it was time to call in Hank's help. Hank, I need yer. Remy's actin'... weird.

I'm on my way, came Hank's reply. Stay with him and try to calm him down.

I'll try. Jono composed himself again and looked at Remy, who was crying softly in to the blankets. He was hiding beneath the fabric, trying to make himself invisible. Oi, Remy. Don't believe what that scumbag told yer. Sinister played games with yer. Yer no cold-blooded killer.

Non! Sinister told me I delighted in killin' dem! Dat's why he kept me locked up, to make sure I'd never commit such a crime 'gain! Mais now I'm here and what's goin' to happen now? What if... He was shaking violently and tried to pull up his knees to curl himself in to a tight ball, but his body refused to co-operate and he was still facing Jono.

Nah, Remy. Sinister played yer. Yer 'ave got ter believe me. But his words didn't reach Remy. The Cajun heard him, but wasn't listening. Luckily, Hank arrived and Jono quickly updated McCoy on Remy's condition. 'e won't listen ter me!

"I expected some sort of emotional turmoil, but nothing like this," Hank admitted as he approached the bed. He pulled up a chair and sat down, studying Remy's wet face. "Remy? Would you please look at me?"

Remy had grown used to obeying whatever command he was given and opened his eyes, but didn't lock them with Hank's. He stared at the wall behind the furry X-Man. His nervousness increased and he wished he knew what these men wanted from him. Had Sinister designed this to lure him in to a sense of safety? He wouldn't relax, wouldn't trust them, never again!

"Jono here tells me that you blame yourself for the Morlocks' Massacre? Please tell me what you remember." Hank operated with caution, realizing how fragile Remy's mental stability was.

"I..." Remy had to abandon the effort to speak aloud; his tongue and jaw hurt. Hadn't Sinister backhanded him only yesterday? At the time he'd feared his nemesis had broken his jaw, but it was only bruised.

I'll link yer with Hank, Jono offered.

Remy didn't want to talk at all, but realized that they were in control and it was in his best interest to co-operate. He'd do almost everything to avoid another beating or even worse, being electrocuted. Why hadn't Sinister killed him? Sinister had seemed determined to end his life.

"Remy? What do you remember about the Massacre?" Hank waited patiently for the Cajun to answer him. It surprised Hank that Remy remembered the Massacre, but not the rest of his past.

I wanted de Morlocks dead, so did de Marauders. Dey helped me eradicate de Morlocks. I led dem in to de tunnels, led de Marauders to de Morlocks and made de first kill. I started de killin' and de Marauders followed my lead. I was covered in deir blood when we exited de tunnels. Sinister was appalled by what I'd done and he captured me to make sure I would never commit such an atrocity 'gain... I deserved de punishment Sinister handed out. He was doin' our kind a favor by takin' me out.

Stunned, Hank listened to Remy's raving. A dark anger began to burn in the pit of his stomach, as he realized what Sinister had done to his friend. Hank exchanged a glance with Jono and saw a similar rage in those brown eyes. Turning his attention back to Remy, Hank tenderly gathered a cold hand in his. "Remy, please listen to me."

But Remy was lost in guilt and implanted memories. I still hear dem scream for mercy. Dere was dis little girl, bones stickin' out of her body, and I killed her too. Loved slicing her t'roat!

"That's not true!" Hank gently cupped Remy's chin in the palm of his other hand, forcing the Cajun to meet his gaze. "You didn't kill her. In fact, you saved her life. Marrow is alive and doing well. You didn't kill her!"

Puzzled, Remy looked at Hank. Why was the man lying? To make him feel better? That wasn't necessary; he knew his true nature.

"As far as I can tell," Hank started again, "Sinister tricked you in to leading the Marauders in to the tunnels and once you realized what was going to happen, you tried to stop them. But you were only one man against many and you grabbed that girl, Marrow, and took her in to safety. Sinister brainwashed you, Remy. Those memories aren't real. You didn't slaughter any Morlocks. You tried to save their lives!"

Oi, Remy, listen ter the man. Hank knows the truth. Sinister, the bastard, did somethin' ter yer memories. Jono had been quiet, but now he moved back to the bed, looking the Cajun in the eyes. Yer no killer, Remy. If yer were I would feel it. Remy obviously believed everything Sinister had told him and it would be difficult to repair the damage.

Can' believe you, Remy sighed, feeling miserable. I was dere, I know what happened. The memories still lurked at the edge of his mind, but he pushed them away, not wanting to live through the ordeal again.

Hank didn't give up yet. He'd failed Remy at Antarctica and refused to fail him again. "Sinister is an expert in implanting false memories and in distorting one's mind. The things you remember never happened. He took away your real memories and gave you false ones in return."

Remy swallowed hard. He desperately wanted to believe Hank, but couldn't. It's bien, I know what I am. You don' have to make t'ings easier on me. I'll pay for my crimes.

Bloody 'ell! What do we 'ave ter do for yer ter believe us? Jono was getting discouraged; he had hoped that Hank could convince Remy that he wasn't a killer.

"Give it time," Hank said, addressing Jono. Maybe the young telepath could go in to Remy's mind and restore the Cajun's memory, but it was still too early to take such a drastic step. First, he wanted to give Remy time to remember on his own. Hopefully the implanted memories would fade once Remy remembered who he really was.

Jono's eyes burned when he sat down again. He claimed Remy's other hand, but stayed clear of the IV needle. Yer not a killer, Remy LeBeau. Yer an X-Man and we care for yer because yer deserve ter be cared for. Try not ter think about Sinister and the Massacre. In time yer will uncover the truth.

Remy didn't have any fight left in him and gave in. Can I go back to sleep now? I'm so tired...

Sure, if that's wot yer want, mush... Jono gently stroked Remy's fingers and palm, and watched the Cajun doze off again. Remy's question unexpectedly appeared in his mind.

Why do you call me mush? Another gentle chuckle moved through the Cajun’s mind. Remy hesitantly opened one eye and met Jono's gaze. For some reason he wanted to trust Jono.

It's just another word for mate, ducks, John... yer know, friend, Jono added, seeing Remy's confusion. I see yer as me friend, mush, 'ope yer want ter be me friend too. For the very first time since he'd found Remy, Jono saw a shadow of a smile on the Cajun's lips. He curled his fingers around Remy's and squeezed gently. I promise ter try ter be a good friend. Ultimately it was Remy's decision to accept his offer or not. Wot do yer say, mush?

The smile remained a few more seconds on Remy's face, but then faded. He'd almost forgotten what a bastard he was, playing Jono like this. He didn't deserve a shot at friendship, not after what he had done to the Morlocks.

Just think about it, Remy... Jono felt the confusion and self hate in Remy's mind and realized he had to be patient, but he didn't do patience very well. Try ter forget wot Sinister told yer. Try ter forget the implanted memories. Give us a chance ter make yer remember the truth.

Remy wondered why the furry man was still holding his hand and freed it from Hank's grasp. Quickly, he wiped away the tears that had settled on his face, but he never took his eyes off Jono. Mon Dieu, he trusted the man! I'd like dat... He'd sell his soul to rid himself of the horrific memories; of slaughtering the Morlocks, loving the taste of warm blood and now Jono and Hank were telling him that it hadn't happened the way he remembered it. Want to believe you, mais can I?

Yes, yer can, Remy. Jono twined their fingers and watched Remy's tired eyes close. That's it. Go back ter sleep. Yer need the rest and when yer wake up again I've got some nosh ready.

Nosh... food... Remy smiled weakly.

Jono suddenly felt something wet slide down his cheek. Stunned, he realized that he was crying. I didn't know I could still cry...

Hank heard Jono's admission and fought back a tear of his own. "Remy will sleep for some time. This little talk took a lot out of him. Do you want me to sit with him for a while?"

Thanks, mate, but that ain't necessary. I don't need ter sleep or eat. I'll stay with 'im. Read some of 'is books. Luckily Remy had an excellent book collection.

Hank saw the determination in Jono's eyes and got to his feet. He wasn't needed here; Jono had everything under control. "I'll return to check on him within the hour. Maybe he can eat some chicken broth. Remy needs to start eating again."

If necessary, I'll feed 'im, Jono promised, feeling content. Remy seemed to trust him and together they would deal with the false memories.

Hank almost tiptoed out of the room, not wanting to wake Remy and left the two men alone.

Jono gently rubbed Remy's fingers and made himself comfortable in the chair Hank had vacated. While watching Remy sleep peace descended on him. He picked up his book and began reading.

///

Jono's concentration had slipped, lured in to a sense of contentment by watching Remy sleep and reading Lovecraft. The unexpected groan almost made him jump out of his chair, but he moved slowly instead, trying not to startle Remy, who was slowly waking up. Wild and big eyes found his and Jono read the confusion in them. Apparently, Remy's short term memory wasn't working that well yet. It's me, Jono, he reminded the Cajun.

Jono... Oui, sounds familiar... I remember... Remy yawned carefully, wincing as his sore jaw loudly protested. Remy elbowed himself in to a sitting position and Jono moved to fluff the pillows, so he could comfortably lean in to them. Jono, why are you takin' care of me? He didn't understand why the younger man was still here. Again he wondered about the bandages, but he didn't feel courageous enough to bring up the subject.

Because I want ter look after yer, Jono replied truthfully and wondered if he should bring up hearing Remy's pleading voice in his mind when the Cajun had still been Sinister's prisoner. Take things slow... he thought privately.

Remy's growling stomach kicked in and embarrassed, the Cajun looked away. Jono had promised him something to eat the next time he'd wake up, but Sinister had made similar promises, seldom keeping them. So this time, he didn't expect to see any food either.

Hank just brought some chicken broth... 'e thinks yer should be able ter keep it down. Want ter try? Jono carried the still warm bowl over to the bed and extended his hand with the intention of handing it to Remy. But the Cajun only looked at the broth, remaining motionless. Wot's wrong? Don' yer like chicken broth? I can fetch yer somethin' else...

Non! Merci, dis will do... But Remy still didn't trust Jono not to pull the bowl away once he reached for it. Sinister had played that game the entire time.

Jono saw the distrust Remy was so desperately trying to hide and lifted the Cajun's hand, curling Remy's trembling fingers around the soup bowl. Try ter empty it.

The warmth of the soup radiated through the porcelain and Remy watched Jono closely as he placed the bowl against his lips. Any moment now Jono would pry the soup from his fingers, taking it away, like Sinister had done countless times.

Trying to reassure Remy, Jono took a step away from the bed and pretended to be busy selecting a CD from the Cajun's collection. Maybe some soft music would calm Remy down and trigger some memories.

Remy sipped carefully, staring at Jono's back in disbelief. The bowl was still in his hands and the warm liquid traveled down his sore throat. His eyes never left Jono's form and he emptied the bowl in mere seconds.

'ow does it taste, mate? Jono collected the empty bowl and placed it on the nightstand. Would yer like some more later?

Remy's fingers clawed at the blankets. Could he trust Jono? The other man hadn't taken away his food and was now offering more soup. I'd love some...

Hank will check on yer in thirty. I'll ask 'im ter get yer some more. Jono walked over to the CD player and inserted the selected CD. I don't really know wot kind of music dis Kitaro makes... we'll give it a try. Soft music, synthesisers and the sound of more traditional Japanese instruments, swept through the room. It appeared he'd made the right choice.

I like dat.

Jono nodded his head. Booklet's wasted, mate, must be one of yer favorite CD's. Jono sat down in his seat and studied the red and black eyes. 'ow are yer doin'? Yer look better. Remy's mind felt less messy, less confused and he hoped the real memories would start to surface soon.

Can' believe I ain' in dat room any longer... Can' believe Sinister's not 'round... he must be lurkin'...

Sinister's gone, Remy. Jono carefully chose his next words. Tell me wot the scumbag did ter yer? Remy startled and Jono wondered if he'd just made a big mistake. It's okay if yer don't want ter tell me.

I can' tell you... Remy tried to roll on to his side to hide from Jono's eyes and this time he was desperate enough to succeed. His body screamed at the abuse, but he ignored it.

Sinister used nosh... food ter punish yer? When I just 'anded yer the soup yer looked like yer expected me ter take it away again. Jono decided that they had to address some issues. Treating Remy like he was precious china wasn't going to help in the long run. The Cajun had to start dealing with what had happened to him. I'll never take away yer food, mush, I promise.

Remy suddenly felt terribly ashamed of the way he'd been acting. Jono hadn't given him any reason at all to doubt his sincerity and maybe he should give the other man a chance. Maybe this wasn't one of Sinister's tricks. When he looked in to those hazel brown eyes he was hit by a wave of compassion and concern. I never really trusted people and de ones I did trust let me down... or tried to kill me.

Jono realized there was something going on no one had told him about and he welcomed this opportunity to uncover some secrets that were obviously hurting Remy. Why don't yer tell me what yer remember? What's the last thing yer remember before Sinister captured yer?

Remy needed a moment to truly understand the question. You want to know what happened 'fore Sinister locked me up? His mind was terrifyingly blank before meeting Sinister. I slaughtered de Morlocks?

Is that all yer remember, mate? The Massacre and Sinister gettin' ter yer? Yer 'ave got no idea wot 'appened in between those two?

Remy felt confused. Can' remember my yout', my family... what I did 'fore de Massacre... Why's dat? Needing those answers, he looked up at Jono, who was settling down on the side of the bed.

That's wot we've been tryin' ter explain, Remy. Sinister manipulated yer mind. Yer only remember those two events because the scumbag wants yer ter remember those things. I'm sorry, mate, but the only real memories yer 'ave are about the time yer spent as 'is prisoner. Yer memories about the Massacre are twisted at best. Remy's lost expression almost broke his heart. I'm sorry, mush.

Remy stared at his hands, pretending to study the IV needle on the back of his right hand. I don' know what to t'ink, he admitted. De memories 'bout de Massacre are so... vivid... mais I don' have any memories except for de Massacre and my time wit' Sinister... somet'in' must be wrong... are you tellin' me de trut'? He no longer knew what to believe and what to dismiss.

It's the bleedin' truth, mate. Yer didn't lead the attack, yer tried ter stop it. Yer 'ave got ter believe me, Remy. Remy claimed his left hand unexpectedly and Jono let him, caressing the Cajun's fingers in return. Encouraged, Jono pushed back a stray lock that had fallen in to Remy's eyes. The Cajun allowed it and Jono sent a soft chuckle in to Remy's mind, desperately wishing he could smile as well.

Don't worry too much, Remy. Hank, Scott, Bobby and Logan are on yer side and I'm goin' ter be there all the way. I'll be there when yer need me.

Why? Why stay wit' me? Hadn't he asked Jono that question before? If he had, why couldn't he remember the other man's answer? A headache began pounding away at his temples and he still felt awfully weak and sleepy. But before he could fall asleep again he had to visit the bathroom...

Wot is it, mate?

Remy blushed; he couldn't help it. Bat'room?

Yer need ter take a leak? Sure, mate, no problem. Can yer get up by yerself, or do yer need 'elp? Jono sensed Remy's surprise and wondered what was going on. Moving on to his knees, he kneeled next to the bed. 'ey, look at me, Remy. Wot's makin' yer uncomfortable? He still saw tears swimming in those red and black eyes.

Dere really is a bat'room and I can use it? Remy knew surprise showed in his voice and he was unable to suppress his relief.

Tell me, mush, please. Jono watched Remy closely as the Cajun pushed back the blankets and then struggled to his feet. Unsteadily, Remy tried to get to his feet and he swayed dangerously once he took his first step. Jono acted immediately and slung one steadying arm around the Cajun's waist. He felt relieved when Remy didn't flinch or pull away from his touch. Tell me, why are yer so bloody relieved that yer can use the bathroom?

Remy took a leap of faith as he answered Jono. Sinister didn' always lemme use de bat'room. Most of de time I had to use one of de corners of my room... Feeling Jono tense next to him, Remy realized that he didn't have to spell it out. De stench was... merde... Unable to continue he held on to Jono for support. He felt light headed and the headache was still hammering away. Balance's off...

Yer 'ave been through a lot, Remy. Cut yerself some slack. Yer still 'urtin' and that's okay. Walking slowly, Jono guided Remy to the bathroom. Suddenly, he didn't feel that confident any more, realizing Remy might need more help. Yer think yer can take that leak alone or do yer need me ter...

Hold it? Remy couldn't help teasing Jono a little. Surprised at his boldness, he quickly lowered his eyes, avoiding eye contact. I'm sorry... dat was uncalled for, didn' mean it like dat... At first he'd quipped smart remarks when Sinister had taunted him. Punishment had always been unnecessarily harsh. He tried pulling away from Jono, but the other man didn't let him.

Ducks, it's okay ter tease, don't stop doin' that. Jono sensed the tension building up in Remy's body and tried to reassure him that everything was okay. I've got a fucked up sense of humor meself. Please, Remy, don't lock me out again.

The link between them buzzed and Remy realized that Jono was sincere. He even felt some mild amusement and most certainly approval in the younger man's mind. You're not mad wit' me?

Why should I be mad? Yer teased me... that's fuckin' great... Jono managed to capture Remy's gaze and gave him a wink. Who knows, maybe I'm interested in 'oldin' it? He made sure his mind voice carried a teasing tone. His teasing was rewarded with another weak smile. Yer didn't answer me question.

I t'ink I can manage. Remy gathered his strength and went inside after Jono had opened the door for him. His hands moved over the tiled wall to support himself and he halted dead in his tracks when he reached the mirror above the sink. Who's dat? Dat ain' me...

The face that stared back at him was that of a stranger. His chin and cheekbones were clearly visible beneath the taunt skin and black circles had formed beneath his eyes, which looked draped and unfocused. His long hair had apparently been washed; he recalled that dried blood had tangled his locks and after some time he'd stopped using his fingers to comb it.

His bladder reminded him why he'd gone to the bathroom in the first place. His hands trembled, but he managed to push down the sweat pants. Strange, he didn't remember wearing these clothes before. They were baggy, much too large for him, but he loved feeling the fabric against his skin. Sinister had only allowed him to wear some faded trousers.

After relieving himself, he returned to the sink and with a sinking sensation in his stomach he raised his eyes to stare at his mirror image. Remy LeBeau, I'm Remy LeBeau. But the name didn't mean a thing. The only memories associated with that name were tainted with blood, murder and imprisonment. He didn't remember where he'd been born or who he was. Had Jono made a valid point after all? Shouldn't he remember his entire past? And now that he had holes in his mind did that mean that Sinister had manipulated his memories?

Are yer all right in there? Jono sensed Remy's distress and wished the Cajun would exit the bathroom so he could take care of Remy again.

Je suis bien... Feeling tired and dizzy, Remy made his way back to the doorway and stumbled in to his bedroom when Jono unexpectedly opened the door. Instead of hitting the floor he fell in to Jono's arms. Merci, mon ami...

Let's get yer back in bed, mush. Yer shouldn't be up on yer feet just yet. Jono helped Remy to get settled back in to the bed and tucked the blankets around the quivering form. Yer upset...

Saw my face in de mirror and I barely recognized it. Remy surrendered to Jono's warm caresses. The young man's fingers stroked his auburn locks and Remy sighed contently. Never t'ought I'd ever feel dis safe 'gain.

Get some sleep, Remy. I'll be 'ere when yer wake up again.

You should get some sleep too. Remy's eyes closed and he pressed deeper in to the comfort of the soft mattress. The music Jono had selected was still playing softly and suddenly he felt like he'd come home.

That's it, relax. I'll keep the nightmares away. Jono pulled his chair closer to the bed and ran his fingers over Remy's face, always staying clear of the burns. Bloody 'ell, he thought privately, shielding his thoughts. I'm fallin' in love with 'im!

///

Hank softly closed the door behind him and promptly bumped in to Scott, who had been standing in the corridor, apparently awaiting his return. "Scott? Is there something you wanted to know?" The look on Scott's face struck Hank as odd and he wished the ruby quartz glasses weren’t hiding Scott's eyes; it made him so hard to read at times!

"How's Remy doing?" Scott had mentally debated coming here or staying away a little longer. Eventually his feelings of guilt had urged him to make this move.

"Stable." Hank watched his friend closely and for some reason he didn't like what he saw.

"Can I talk to him?" Scott shuffled his feet, impatiently waiting for Hank's answer.

"I'm not sure he's ready for that." Hank noticed Scott's nervousness. "Do you really need to talk to him?" He'd just brought Remy more chicken broth and this time the Cajun had eagerly accepted the food. Jono had stood back, watching the little scene unfold with contentment.

"Yes, I really need to talk to him," Scott confirmed. He didn't plan on telling Hank why it was so important he spoke with Remy; this was a personal matter.

"Well, Remy is awake..." Hank considered the request. "Fifteen minutes and not a second longer. Remy's still suffering from the after match of being electrocuted and he doesn't remember us. Jono told me that Remy thinks we're not 'real', that Sinister created an illusion to lure him in to a sense of safety. Remy's scared to trust us. I don't know what Sinister did to him, but he's hurting."

"Fifteen minutes is fine." Scott walked past Hank and placed his hand on the doorknob.

"Remy can't talk yet. His jaw is severely bruised and his tongue still healing. Ask Jono to set up a temporary telepathic link."

"Thanks, Hank." Scott waited for Hank to leave the corridor and then knocked on the door. He expected Jono's mental touch and didn't flinch away. Jono, can I come inside? I really need to talk to Remy.

Remy ain't doin' great, Jono sent in return. Can't it wait?

I don't think it can. Scott decided that he would only enter Remy's room with Jono's permission. Remy had built some sort of connection with Jono and he didn't want to upset them by storming in there and taking away their feeling of being in control.

Jono was once again holding Remy's hand. The physical contact seemed to reassure the Cajun and Jono was more than happy to lend Remy his hand indefinitely. Remy? Yer got a visitor, are yer up for that? Catching Remy's rising panic, he moved closer and placed his other hand against the Cajun's cheek, gently caressing the skin between two burns. I'll stay close...

Bien. Remy pushed himself upright and leaned his back against the pillows. He didn't feel up to talking to anyone, except for Jono, but realized he couldn't hide in his room for the rest of his life. Who's de visitor?

Scott, do yer remember 'im? 'e's the leader of the X-Men.

Non, I don'. Growing nervous, Remy fumbled with a corner of the blanket. You'll stay, oui?

I'll stay.

Bien, I'll talk to him. Remy tensed, but was resolved not to back away from this. Surprised, he realized that Jono had managed to gain his trust, maybe not completely, but he was willing to give the young man a chance to prove his commitment.

Scott, yer can come inside.

Thanks. Scott didn't waste any time and opened the door. When he got a first look at Remy, a wave of relief swept through him. Although the Cajun looked haggard, he no longer resembled the near corpse they had found on Sinister's exam table. "Hello, Remy, could you spare a moment? There are some things I want to say." He'd made the decision not to pressure Remy with questions just yet. He would make the first step toward forgiveness and hopefully friendship.

Remy pushed deeper in to the pillows when Scott approached the bed. Worried, Scott noticed that reaction and halted in front of the bed. "You don't remember me, do you?"

I'm sorry, I don' know you... should I? Remy glanced at Jono for help. What do I do?

Just talk ter 'im. 'e's a friend. Jono stayed at Remy's side as promised, sitting on the side of the bed and he gestured Scott to take the chair. I'll link the three of us.

Scott sat down and nodded his head. "Thanks." Looking at Remy, Scott realized how bad things had become and he was responsible for letting things get out of control. "Remy, I just wanted to say how glad I am that you're back. We should have searched for you a lot sooner, but we didn't know that Sinister had gotten hold of you."

An apology? Remy arched an eye brow. Why are you apologizin', homme? He didn't even know the man!

Scott looked sharply at Jono, receiving an echo of Remy's thoughts. "Shit, I'm sorry, Remy, I forgot. My name's Scott Summers and I'm the leader of the X-Men."

Forcing himself to pay attention to what this stranger, this Scott, was saying Remy nodded his head. Why are you here?

"I want you to know that you're still part of the team, one of us. You never stopped being an X-Man and something Logan once said popped back in to my thoughts today; X-Men take care of each other."

Why are you here? Remy felt that Scott was holding back. Jono's telepathy was probably supplying him with that information.

"I want to assure you that you belong here. You're going through a rough time but you won't be alone. We'll help you through it, all of us. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that I'm sorry I didn't go back for you and I hope you can forgive me for failing you."

Goin' back for me? At a loss, Remy stared at Scott, wondering why the man was wearing such odd glasses.

"You've got to remember the trial!" Shocked, Scott stared at Remy. "Did you forget that as well?"

Trial? Completely lost now, Remy began to panic.

Scott saw the mounting panic and smiled reassuringly. "You were left on your own at Antarctica... accidentally." He didn't think Remy was ready yet to learn the whole truth and softened the mental impact of his words. "We assumed you'd make it on your own and didn't return for you. Looking back, I realize that was our worst mistake. Sinister took advantage of the fact that you were alone out there and got hold of you."

Why was I put on trial? Remy was shaking like a leaf now. Because of de Massacre?

Jono didn't like where this conversation was heading and was ready to stop Scott from upsetting Remy even more. If necessary he would tell the man to leave Remy alone for now.

"Magneto instigated it. It was a distraction so he could seize power in Genosha. It was a charade." Scott saw the surprise in Jono's eyes. Of course, their newest team member didn't know these details yet. "He used your past to distract us."

Was I convicted for my crimes? The tears were threatening to make a return, but Remy didn't want to cry in front of this stranger.

"Crimes?" A little lost, Scott looked toward Jono for answers.

Sinister convinced Remy that 'e led the attack on the Morlocks. Sinister told Remy that 'e enjoyed killin' the Morlocks, told 'im that 'e killed someone called Marrow.

"What?" Dazed, Scott leaned forward, trying to decipher the expression in Remy's eyes. "The bastard did what?"

He told me dat bein' locked up was my punishment for killin' de Morlocks. He was doin' everyone a favor by takin' me out of de game. He was right, non? I didn' kill anyone durin' my captivity. Mebbe you shouldn' have taken me away from his lab, who knows what atrocity I'm goin' to commit next. Remy's eyes were swimming with unshed tears. You betta keep a close eye on me. Don' want to get someone else killed.

"Fuck, fuck!" Scott jumped up from his chair and abruptly left the room. Once he stepped in to the corridor he slammed his fist hard in to the wall. "Fuck you, Sinister, why ruin his life too? What did Remy ever do to you? It was bad enough you messed with Alex and me, but Remy? Damn you!"

Scott? Cautiously, Jono joined Scott in the corridor. He left the door ajar; making sure Remy could still see him. Wot 'appened just now?

"Sinister... no matter how hard I try he keeps hurting the people I care about! I just want him dead!"

I feel the same way, mate, but yer can't lose it like that in front of Remy. 'e's scared shitless.

Composing himself again, Scott nodded his head. "You're right, of course, but hearing that... He practically brainwashed Remy! Does he really believe..."

Yes, mate, Remy really believes 'e loved killin' those Morlocks. Yer and I know it didn't 'appen that way and we need ter convince Remy that 'e ain't a killer.

"I need to go back inside and talk to him. I promise I won't lose it again. It just hit me like a ton of bricks. I never expected Sinister to stoop that low, but I should have known better." Scott waited for Jono to step aside so he could enter Remy's room again. "I know what I'm doing."

Okay, mate, just keep yer cool, okay?

Scott walked back to Remy's bed and saw the scared expression in the Cajun's eyes. "Remy?" Scott sat down again and made sure he had Remy's complete attention before continuing.

Oui?

Scott had to strain to hear the weak answer and the big eyes revealed Remy's fears. "Sinister lied."

Remy took a deep breath; this conversation was wearing him down. Why were they so determined to convince him that Sinister had been lying?

"At the trial you told bits and pieces of what happened during the Massacre and I want you to know that I'm going to tell you the truth, no lies." Scott exchanged a quick glance with Jono, relieved that the young man had slipped back on to the bed, holding Remy's hand.

What's de trut' den? Remy was too afraid to hope, but they were so damn convincing!

"Sinister told you that he wanted some samples from the Morlocks for his research and the Marauders would help you get them." Scott hadn’t been there, so he was dredging up memories about what he'd heard secondhand and filled the gaps Remy hadn't told them about. He was pretty sure he'd figured everything out. "What he didn't tell you was that he wanted them dead. When you realized that the Marauders intended to slaughter the Morlocks you tried to stop them. You rescued a girl called Marrow..."

Dat's what Hank said! Confused, but growing hopeful as well, Remy stared at Scott's lips, willing the man to continue.

"You tried to get away as well, but a mutant called Sabertooth stopped you, slashed you open." Scott raised a hand and pointed at Remy's chest. "You still carry the scars from that encounter. You barely made it out alive. Sinister's a lying bastard, who wants to break you."

Remy's breath was coming in spurts now and a nervous twitch had appeared near his right eye. Scars?

I noticed them when I gave yer that sponge bath. I wondered 'ow yer 'ad gotten them.

Remy's right hand slipped beneath his shirt and yes, his fingertips easily found the scars. Mais is it de trut'? I could have gotten dese scars while de Morlocks were tryin' to fight me off.

"Why would we lie to you? What would we gain by lying?" Scott had hoped his words had convinced Remy, but now he realized that the Cajun didn't really believe him. Remy was too scared to believe him. "Remy, if you're indeed a killer, why are you holding Jono's hand? You would have slashed his throat by now. Look at your feelings, your reactions. Listen to your heart, listen to us. You're not a killer."

Jono rubbed Remy's fingers between his. Yer can't deny that the man's got a point 'ere. Do yer really think yer a killer? He caught Remy's eyes with his and sensed that the Cajun was desperately trying not to cry in front of them. Yes, they were finally getting through. Sinister played games with yer, mush.

Mon Dieu, I'm really startin' to believe... non, shouldn' believe... Inwardly torn, Remy closed his eyes, trying to keep the tears from sliding down his face. Mais dey are right! I don' feel like a killer!

Scott allowed for a smile to break through on his face. "You've got a long way ahead of you, Remy, but you're one of us, an X-Man and we take care of each other. Don't let Sinister destroy you."

Jono looked at Scott, grateful for what the man had accomplished, but needing a moment in private with Remy. Could yer give us a moment?

"Sure, let me know when you feel up to talking to the others," Scott said, addressing Remy. He then left the room, leaving Jono to deal with the emotional storm that was going to hit pretty soon.

'ey, mush, there's no reason ter lock me out. Jono slipped a little closer toward Remy and opened his arms. When I was little I wanted me mum ter 'old me when I felt down. But she never did... Yer look like yer need a 'ug right now, what do yer say, mate?

Oh yes, Remy craved the close contact, but didn't know how to react to that invitation. Scott's words had left him utterly confused and stunned. I ain' a killer?

Of course yer ain't! Feeling the need for acceptance in Remy's mind, Jono slipped one arm beneath the Cajun's back and slowly pulled him closer until Remy was buried in a hug. Yer do need a 'ug, Remy.

Oui, Remy admitted, almost losing the fragile grip he had on his mind. He wanted to believe that he hadn't delighted in killing someone, wanted to believe that he wasn't that evil, and he clung to Jono, returning the hug with the little power he had left.

Jono held Remy until the Cajun's tension slipped from his body and his breathing indicated that he was falling asleep again. Gently, he lowered Remy back in to the soft pillows and covered him with the blankets. He understood Scott so very well! He also felt the need to vent his anger and maybe staying with Remy right now was a bad idea. He needed to get the rage out of his system if he wanted to be there for Remy when the Cajun needed him most.

So he called out to Hank, who joined him minutes later. They quickly agreed that Hank would sit with Remy for the next hour, giving Jono a chance to deal with his anger.

"Maybe working out in the Danger room will help? Get Scott or one of the others to help you program it. You haven't trained there yet, so be careful and make sure you're not alone," Hank advised.

Jono decided to follow up on that advice and marched out of Remy's room, his rage simmering dangerously.

///

Logan growled uneasily. Jono had talked him in to supervising his 'work-out'. The kid's on a seek and destroy mission. I might have to stop him before he wrecks the remainin' trainin' 'bots. Fuck, there goes another one! If he wanted to work out later he had to stop Jono now. But he didn't look forward to going inside or stopping the program. It was obvious that Jono needed to blow off a lot of steam and Logan didn't feel like facing Jono right now. He knew rage when he saw it.

Logan eventually stopped the program and exited the control room. Walking through the corridor he already heard some pretty strong cussing. Logan shook his head; Jono's language hurt his ears. Luckily Jono was using a lot of Cockney slang and most of the time Logan had no idea what Jono was calling out.

"Calm down, kid!" Logan stepped in to the Danger room and checked the look in Jono's eyes. The young man was still angry, but also spent. "Those training 'bots didn't do anythin' wrong, aright?" Jono had pulled down his bandages and Logan couldn't suppress some tiny shudders. Although he hadn't seen Jono in action against Sabertooth, Logan had no doubt that the kid could hold his own in a fight. "Those blasts of yers are almost as powerful as Cyke's." He wondered if the kid's blasts were stronger than Scott's. Together with the telepathy, Jono made a formidable opponent.

I still want ter kill the scumbag. Jono carefully pulled the bandages over the lower half of his face and was only content when they hid his mutilation.

"Ya wanna kill... whom?"

Sinister of course! Jono kicked a ruined training 'bot and then shuffled his feet. I can't remember bein' this angry before. There were times when me parents pissed me off, but it doesn't compare ter this.

"Is that because Sinister got his dirty hands on Gambit?" Logan felt angry as well, but nothing like Jono. He knew the risks every X-Man took while on the team and he had been in similar situations. Okay, maybe he hadn't been Sinister's prisoner for one year, but the government holding him prisoner came pretty close.

There's more. Sinister convinced Remy that 'e was the leader of the Marauders and that 'e enjoyed slaughterin' the Morlocks. Remy's convinced 'e's a killer... Mate, yer should 'ave seen the look in 'is eyes, should 'ave felt the pain in 'is mind when 'e told us. Sinister brainwashed 'im!

Logan began to understand why Jono was this angry and couldn't blame the other man for feeling enraged. "Did ya get it outta yer system?"

I don't think so. Jono looked at the mess he'd made. Fuck, didn't know I'd taken out that many.

"I destroyed my share of training 'bots as well," Logan assured him. "Yer wanna talk?"

Not really. Jono headed for the doorway, leaving Logan standing in the center of the dismembered 'bots. I think I'll 'ead back ter Remy's room. The link's drivin' me ballistic. He'd hoped the link would grow less in intensity by putting some distance between them, but it still pulled him forward, urging him to join Remy again.

"Link?" Logan's eyes softened a bit. "Yer linked to him?"

Started before we went after Sinister. The first time I entered 'is room I 'eard this voice and it's been inside me mind ever since.

Puzzled, Logan watched Jono leave the Danger room. Why did he feel like Jono hadn't told him the whole truth?

///

Remy moved on to his other side and soft groans left his lips as his abused body objected to the movement. Hank, who had been typing away on his laptop, looked at his patient. Putting the laptop away, he quickly ran a check on the Cajun. Still asleep, but he's probably suffering from nightmares. I can't blame him after all he's been through.

It surprises me how well Remy's doing. I would have expected him to be unresponsive and terrified. And then there's also his amnesia. I wonder what other things Sinister did to him. Remy doesn't deserve any of this. He's a good man. Why didn't we go back for him? That question would always torment him.

Remy stirred again and unintelligible words left his lips. His jaw still caused him a lot of discomfort and speaking was painful. Hank sat on the side of the bed, closely observing Remy's growing unease. Yes, definitely a nightmare! The only words I can make out are Sinister and stop.

"Remy, you're at home, back at the mansion. Everything is fine, no need to get upset." Hank tried to comfort the restless Cajun, but Remy didn't seem to hear him. His nightmare grew worse and his face convulsed. Hank was about to grab Remy's shoulders to shake him gently when the door suddenly opened and Jono stormed inside.

A bloody nightmare! He'd felt the nightmare creep up on Remy when he'd climbed the stairs and he'd hurried back to Remy's side. Ignoring Hank, Jono sat down on the other side of the bed and placed the palm of his right hand against Remy's clammy face. 'ey, mush, it's me. Come on, don't do this ter yerself. Yer can beat the dream and I'll 'elp yer!

Telepathically, he dove in to Remy's mind, searching for the origin of the unsettling dream. He almost backed away when he suddenly stood face to face with Sinister, who was looming menacingly over a crouched form. Jono quickly wrapped his arms around Remy, who remained motionless. On the Cajun's upper arms a myriad of scratches marred the skin. Looking up at Sinister, Jono saw the dry blood clinging to the fingernails. Bastard!

Remy, look at me, please. Jono continued to plead with Remy and manipulated the Cajun's mind to rid themselves of Sinister's image. Sinister's gone, mush, look up. 'e's gone! When Remy finally raised his eyes pain washed over Jono. He desperately wanted to rock Remy in his arms and couldn't think of a reason why he shouldn't. Slowly, he began a rocking motion and Remy seemed to calm down. That's it, mush, it's okay.

Sinister...

I know it 'urts, Remy, I know. But I'm 'ere ter take yer 'ome again. Yer don't need these nightmares. Come on, mush, let's wake up. If necessary he could make Remy wake up, using his telepathy, but he preferred Remy waking up voluntarily. I'll even get yer some soup.

Remy finally felt confident enough to look at Jono and he swallowed the lump that had built in his throat, seeing the concern in those brown eyes. Jono... It surprised him that he still remembered Jono's name. His short term memory had failed him frequently during these last few days.

I want to wake up. Acting instinctively, Remy threw himself at Jono, trying to hide in the other man's arms. Jono's presence had pushed Sinister away and he wanted to get as close as possible.

Jono however, didn't know how to react to Remy's sudden closeness. Although Ange and he were best friends they had seldom hugged and never with this intensity. Another problem surfaced; he was growing hard. Fuck, can't believe this! Shielding his thoughts from Remy he cursed his arousal, wishing it to go away. Can't do this now, not like this! The poor bloke is 'urting and I'm gagging for it? I can't be thinkin' about sex!

Jono? Remy raised his eyes and locked them with Jono's. He had no idea what was going on, but he felt Jono tense against him.

Just wake up, mush, okay?

Bien... Remy wondered what he'd done to cause Jono's sudden discomfort, but obeyed nonetheless. It would take him a long time before he could say 'no' again.

///

Hank sighed relieved when Remy's clouded eyes opened. "You startled me, young man."

Sorry. Remy rolled on to his back. His body ached and he stretched slowly. I'm sorry...

"Don't worry about it," Hank asssured Remy. "You've got plenty of reasons to have nightmares. I can give you something that will take them away, make you sleep more soundly."

I'll keep 'is nightmares away. Jono searched Remy's eyes, hoping the Cajun hadn't noticed his brief arousal, which was luckily fading. I'll stay with 'im. Maybe yer can get 'im more soup? Remy's stomach growled loudly as to stress his request.

"Sure, I'll be back in ten." Hank left the room to get some soup and bread, which Remy could immerge in the soup and then eat. He also had to check the IV once he got back.

Now that they were alone Jono felt strangely shy. Bloody hell, he'd been with men before, but had never felt an attraction like this, had never wanted anyone as badly as he wanted Remy. Was it just a temporary effect created by the link?

I don' want to fall 'sleep 'gain. Remy curled his fingers around Jono's. I don' want to see his face 'gain.

Sinister... Jono had felt Remy's terror and knew how important it was he reassured Remy he was safe. The scumbag will never 'urt yer again, I promise.

You can' make dat promise, Jono, mais hearin' it means a lot to me. Remy grew quiet after that and both men were trying to regain control over their emotions. Can we go for a short walk later? He had to know he could walk on his own, had to know he could run in case Sinister came for him.

Sure, we can go for a short walk, maybe I can show yer me room? He doubted Remy could walk a long distance and his room was situated in the same corridor. Remy, I meant it, yer know. I'll make sure 'e never 'urts yer again. Then Jono played his trump. I came for yer this time, didn't I? And I got yer out.

Remy closed his eyes at hearing those words. Jono had no idea what he was getting himself in to. Sinister would always be there, watching him, playing hide and seek. Merci, cher... merci for carin' 'bout me.

Yer more than welcome, mush. Jono gently rubbed Remy's fingers and felt confident that he could restore the damage Sinister had done. But he didn't delude himself in to thinking Remy could love him back. No one found him physically attractive any more and for all he knew the Cajun was straight as hell, considering Rogue and Remy had been lovers. As if bitten by a snake, he pulled back his hand and crossed his arms tightly in front of his chest. He had to stop touching Remy, caressing his skin, tangling his fingers in the auburn hair. It was better to distance himself now and do some damage control.

///

Bobby knocked on Remy's door and waited for Jono to answer him. An hour ago, he'd asked Hank if it was okay to visit Remy after hearing that Scott had also been allowed in. He'd been remarkably patient these last 24 hours, but enough was enough and he wanted to see for himself that Remy was getting better.

Bobby, mate, I was expectin' yer. Hank told me yer wanted ter see Remy. Come on in.

Feeling relieved, Bobby opened the door and remained standing at the threshold. He smiled at Jono, who placed his book aside, and then Bobby's eyes found Remy, sound asleep. "How's he doing, Jono?" Bobby soundlessly moved closer to the bed, not wanting to wake Remy.

We've 'ad the worst, at least I really 'ope so. 'e doesn't remember us and 'is instincts are tellin' 'im that we're Sinister's puppets. 'e's goin' through a rough time right now. Jono gestured Bobby to take the chair on the other side of the bed. Keepin' 'is nightmares away is a fulltime job. Sinister really screwed with 'is mind.

Bobby sat down and studied Remy's face. "He looks bad, but he's back. Remember that time when I found you here? You'd just dropped that picture frame... I still don't know why I believed you'd made contact with Remy, but I did."

Thanks for believin' me, mate. Without yer support I might not 'ave sought Scott out ter ask 'im ter go after Remy. Yer believed in me. Yer 'ave got no idea 'ow special that is.

Bobby felt the regret in Jono's voice, but decided not to explore this subject. Jono would tell him once he felt more comfortable. "So now you're at his side the entire time?"

Jono chuckled mentally. I briefly left ter throw a tantrum, like Ange would say it, and I destroyed some trainin' 'bots, but when I got back Remy was 'avin' a nightmare so now I'm stickin' close, yes.

Bobby nodded his head. "I'm glad you're there for Remy. He needs someone close."

Why ain't that yer? Yer 'ave known 'im much longer than I. It surprised Jono a little that no one had objected to him being constantly at Remy's side. They were really eager to let him tend to the Cajun, why?

Bobby moistened his lips; the question made him uncomfortable. "We would be doing our job if you weren't already doing it, but there's a huge barrier between Remy and us and it's called guilt."

Guilt? Jono didn't completely understand and wanted to ask Bobby to explain when Remy stirred. He reached out and captured Remy's trembling hand in his. It's only Bobby, mush. Yer don't 'ave ter wake up. Yer can stay asleep.

Bobby heard Jono's reassurance and said, "We failed Remy at Antarctica and that will always stand between us."

But 'e doesn't even remember Antarctica! Jono felt Remy wake up, realizing that his assurance hadn't been enough to convince the Cajun to stay asleep. 'e's wakin' up, he told Bobby.

"He doesn't remember any of us?" Hank had told him what Sinister had done to Remy, how the mad scientist had brainwashed the Cajun, but it still puzzled Bobby that Remy had forgotten about everyone he'd cared about.

I'm afraid not, mate. Hank says Remy needs time. Jono rubbed the skin of Remy's fingers affectionately.

Bobby watched the silent communication; Jono was using every means possible to reassure Remy that he was safe. Suddenly Bobby wished that the Cajun had remained asleep a little longer; the realization that Jono had fallen for Remy came at an unfortunate moment. You're in love with him. Bobby recalled the way Jono had talked about Remy when they had thought the Cajun dead and even back then he'd wondered about the softness to Jono's thoughts.

Startled, Jono glared at Bobby. I ain't in love with 'im! He pulled back his hand abruptly, increasing the distance between Remy and he. He couldn't let Bobby reach this conclusion, even when it was correct; he had to protect himself. There was no way in hell that Remy would ever feel the same way and he didn't want anyone to know about the attraction; it would only add to his humiliation.

A sad smile crossed Bobby's face. Denial or self pity? I've been there.

I don't know what yer talkin' about, mate. Jono wanted to add some things but Remy opened his eyes and the scared expression in those red and black orbs made him forget about Bobby's words. 'ey, welcome back, mush.

Remy blinked and startled when he didn't remember Jono at first, but after giving himself a few seconds, he recalled the other man's name. Jono, why are you still here? Remy suddenly grew aware of the fact that someone else was in the room, an alien presence which he hadn't felt before. Big eyed, he cocked his head and stared in to Bobby's eyes.

Seeing the starting panic, Bobby smiled reassuringly. "Hey, I'm a friend. Name's Bobby."

Bobby? The name sounded familiar, but why, Remy didn't know.

"Yeah, maybe this will bring back some memories." Bobby had collected a few pictures from his albums to show Remy and he'd carefully selected the ones that only showed the members of the team that were at the mansion right now. "This one was taken at the barbecue we had after you joined the team." Bobby showed Remy the picture and wasn't surprised when a shaky hand tried to grab it. He released it willingly.

Smart move ter bring along the pictures, Jono thought privately. They might trigger Remy's original memories. His gaze traveled to the framed pictures that had attracted his attention the first time he'd entered Remy's room. Those were of a more personal nature and could also help restore Remy's memory.

That's me... Remy stared at the picture, feeling entranced. Scott, Hank, Bobby and he were talking while keeping one eye on the barbecue. That really is me... mais how?

"You lived here for some years, Remy. We're friends." They'd never been best friends, but Bobby considered them friends nonetheless. "I missed you."

Bobby's words triggered something, but a defense mechanism slammed in to place, successfully blocking the returning memories.

Jono felt the mechanism kick in and raised an eyebrow. Remy, wot 'appened just now? Yer started ter remember and then...? This was a minor breakthrough and Jono was determined to find out what was keeping Remy's memories in check.

I don' know what happened... I felt like rememberin' somet'in'... a smell, some words... sunlight... I'm sorry... Remy peeked at Jono's eyes, feeling bad for disappointing the other man, who desperately wanted his memory to return. He'd almost forgotten about Bobby, but his voice unexpectedly echoed through the room.

"Jono's a telepath," Bobby said, musing aloud. "Maybe he can help you remember?"

NO!

Remy's telepathic scream took Jono and Bobby aback. Jono reacted first, reclaiming the Cajun's hand to establish a stronger contact. Why are yer so scared ter remember?

Remy turned away from Jono, but when he'd rolled over on to his other side he found himself facing Bobby. There was no escape and he bit his lip, jerking his hand out of Jono's. Please leave me 'lone, please!

Wot are yer afraid of, mush? Jono exchanged a glance with Bobby, but the other man only shrugged his shoulders.

Remy trembled and closed his eyes, trying to shut Jono out, but failing. The young man's determined mind refused to leave his and the link grew stronger. Don' want to remember de people I killed! He couldn't deal with the pain those re-found memories would add to his present burden. I killed de Morlocks, who knows what ot'er crimes I committed!

Fuck! Jono had assumed Scott had convinced Remy that he wasn't a murderer; that those memories were false, but apparently Remy still believed he was a killer. Speechless, he didn't know what to say; what would convince the Cajun that he wasn't an evil man?

Bobby received most thoughts and realized Remy's dilemma. "Remy?" He waited until the Cajun finally looked at him and only then continued. "I recall some pleasant things that happened while you lived here. I can guide Jono to find those memories and you wouldn't have to be scared to find more unpleasant ones. What do you say? Do you trust us?"

Approvingly, Jono nodded his head, feeling glad that Bobby was thinking along. That's a great idea, mush.

Feeling trapped, Remy's eyes closed. Why couldn't they leave him alone? Sinister had ignored him most of the time.

"You've got to trust someone, Remy. Why not us? You must know that Jono cares about you, why else would he stay close the entire time?" Bobby caught Jono's distressed expression, but didn't let it stop him. Jono tried to hide his attraction toward Remy for some reason, but Bobby knew the Cajun well enough to realize that Remy would pick up on it eventually. Maybe in a few days' time, maybe after a few weeks. Right now the pain Remy was in was too intense and the Cajun couldn't focus on anything else. Privately, Bobby chuckled. Jono could run, but never hide; the empath would find out.

I don' want to remember, Remy repeated, but this time the statement lacked conviction, staring at the picture in his hand.

'ow about rememberin' the barbecue? Jono knew they couldn't give in now. It would prove ter yer that yer 'ave friends 'ere.

Remy knew he was fighting a lost battle and sighed defeated. Oui.

Jono squeezed Remy's hand reassuringly and then looked at Bobby. Yer will 'ave ter let me in. He would try to isolate Bobby's memories of the barbecue and then take them inside Remy's mind, searching for the memories Sinister had locked away.

"No problem," Bobby commented and leaned back in his chair. "Gimme a moment..." His mind traveled back to that Sunday evening and he cautiously locked away any memories that featured Rogue. Remy wasn't ready to deal with her yet. "Go ahead, I'm ready."

Jono entered Bobby's mind carefully and allowed the other man to guide him to the memories he needed. Got them! Turning toward Remy, he said, Don't fight me on this. I know it's 'ard for yer ter let me in, but I promise I won't 'urt yer.

The trembling increased, but Remy refused to stop now. For some elusive reason he wanted to believe that he wasn't a murderer and if doing this proved it, he would be strong and allow it to happen. I know you won' hurt me...

Remy's words hit Jono unprepared. Fuck, the Cajun trusted him, counted on him to keep his word. Falling in love with Remy was something he hadn't planned and he didn't expect the Cajun to ever love him back, not the monster he'd become, but hearing Remy say he trusted him acted as a soothing balm to his scarred soul.

Remy relaxed and didn't pull back when Jono moved through his mind, searching for the lost memories. Dere's rien, Remy told them, feeling Bobby's presence as well. Dere are no ot'er memories.

Let me try, mush... I need ter concentrate. Jono wasn't giving up. Moving through Remy's mind felt like struggling through a swamp that threatened to pull him down. Apparently Sinister had manipulated Remy's mind in more ways than one. I ain't givin' up. I don't know wot Sinister did ter lock away yer memories, but I'll find them!

Bobby watched Jono closely, seeing the love Jono was trying to hide. It stared right back at him from the depths of those brown eyes. "You can do this, Jono."

Pushing harder, pushing deeper, something snapped inside Remy's mind and Jono barely heard the Cajun's startled scream. He was in too deep to stop now. Something still blocked his path and it felt slimy, much like glue and it attached itself to his thoughts, trying to wrap itself around his mind, almost rendering him unconscious. I don't think so...

Bobby nearly jumped to his feet when a keening wail left Remy's lips. The Cajun's eyes closed and all tension left his body. "Jono, Remy fainted!" Maybe this had been a bad idea after all!

I'm almost there, mate... I can feel them on the other side... If only he could push through the web like substance that contained Remy's thoughts. Maybe he could puncture the substance... Fuck! A terrible pain moved through him when he punctured the web, but then he was inside, surrounded by Remy's memories. Awed, he held on to Bobby's memories of the barbecue and started looking for Remy's. When he found them, he held on to them tightly and pulled them with him as he retreated from the web. Got them!

Bobby left his chair and sat down on the side of Remy's bed. The Cajun was panting hard and sweat formed on his brow. Jono's attempt had weakened Remy's condition. "Hank! Get in here!" Bobby used the intercom to get his message through to Hank and felt relieved when his friend assured him that he was on his way.

Wot? Wot 'appened? Wot did I do? Shocked, Jono stared at Remy's pale face. Fuck, I 'urt 'im!

"You did what you had to do, Jono," Bobby said, trying to reassure Jono that everything was fine. "We had to take this step. This isn't your fault."

Hank stormed inside and immediately headed for his patient. Bobby moved aside and Hank took his place. After running some tests on his patient he looked at the monitor next to the bed to view the results. "What were you doing when his condition worsened?" Remy's heartbeat was way too fast and his brain waves were spiking.

"We were trying to recover some of his memories," Bobby replied, seeing that Jono was too shocked to answer. "The effort must have triggered something. Maybe Sinister embedded some sort of defense mechanism in Remy's mind to make sure he wouldn't remember even if aided by a telepath?"

"Certainly looks that way," Hank remarked. "It's very likely that Sinister build in some mechanisms to keep Remy from remembering. You did the right thing, trying to recover those memories, but I suggest you give me an advanced warning when you're going to try again." Hank looked at Jono and saw the pain and guilt in the young man's eyes. "Don't feel guilty. Sinister did this to him. You were only trying to help."

But I 'urt 'im while tryin' ter 'elp! Fuck, I can't do anythin' right! Doesn't matter wot I do, I end up 'urtin' someone else because of it. First it was Gayle and now it's Remy. Why did I ever come 'ere? I need ter get out of 'ere before I 'urt Remy again!

Bobby saw the mounting panic in Jono's eyes and left Hank's side to join Jono. "Hey, it's not your fault that Sinister booby trapped Remy's mind. You know, you'll have to go in there again to remove those traps or else Remy will never be truly free again."

Bobby's words made Jono flinch. No way, mate. I ain't goin' in ter 'is mind again. I would only 'urt 'im. Yer should wait until the professor or another, more experienced telepath gets 'ome. Resolved, Jono pushed back his chair and got to his feet. I can't stay!

"Jono, don't overreact," Hank said in a concerned tone. "You don't know the exact things that Sinister did to Remy and you had no way of knowing he would pass out. Remy's exhausted and the after effects of being electrocuted weaken his condition. He might have passed out without you probing his mind."

Yer don't understand! I did it again!

"Did what?" Bobby took a step away from Jono, trying not to make him feel cornered. Jono had to know he could leave if he wanted to.

I 'urt someone again... Jono used the back of his hand to rub his eyes. While doing that, he wiped away any tears before they had a chance to surface. I need ter get out of 'ere... Jono abruptly turned and headed for the door. How could he ever look Remy in the eyes again after hurting him? Wished it 'ad been me instead of Gayle... why couldn't me powers kill me? I don't want ter live like this! I can't...

Jono...

Jono spun around and found Remy's tired eyes staring back at him. Quickly, he averted his eyes, not wanting to see the sense of betrayal in those red and black orbs. He'd promised not to hurt Remy and then... Fuck it!

Jono, don' go...

Jono had taken another step toward the door, but froze in his tracks at hearing Remy's soft plea. Yer can't want me around, Remy. I 'urt yer. I should leave. I'm a danger ter yer.

Non, Jono, stay... come here... Determinedly, Remy raised a shaky hand and repeated his request. Please come here, mon ami.

That's a bad idea, mush... But he was unable to deny Remy and returned to the Cajun's side. Seeing the extended hand shake like a leaf, he reached out and grabbed it tightly. I broke me promise.

Non, you didn'. A shy smile appeared on Remy's face. I remember de barbecue. I remember havin' fun wit'... Bobby here... Merci for givin' dat back to me, Jono.

Jono didn't know how to react. The last thing he'd expected was for Remy to thank him. It was obvious that he had to be the sensible one and protect Remy from himself, making sure he was nowhere near the Cajun. Hank and Bobby will take care of yer, mush. The lost expression in Remy's eyes got to him and Jono knew he had to leave now before he would change his mind. Remember what 'appened ter Gayle! Yer can't stay close ter 'im! Jono thought privately.

Remy desperately held on to Jono's hand, refusing to let go. He felt too insecure to beg Jono to stay, not knowing if Jono would grow mad with him. When he'd ticked Sinister off, his nemesis had made sure he paid for his insolence and he couldn't take the risk of pissing off Jono. If the younger man wanted to leave he had no right to stop him. Feeling defeated, Remy released Jono's hand and his arm dropped heavily on to the blanket. Using his last bit of strength he managed to turn on to his other side, turning away from Jono.

Hank hadn't interfered during the telepathic exchange but felt the time had come to take control of the situation. "Robert, stay with Remy. Jono and I need to talk."

A grin surfaced on Bobby's face, knowing from personal experience what Hank meant by 'we need to talk'. Jono was about to be lectured big time! "Sure, I'll stay." Bobby pulled his chair closer to the bed and cocked his head to lock eyes with Remy. "So, you remember the barbeque? Remember Logan setting a new record for drinking beer?"

This time the smile stayed on Remy's face, recalling the fun he'd had at the barbecue. He still felt like something, no someone, was missing from his memory, but he gladly embraced his regained memories. "Tell me 'bout it?"

Bobby smiled; yeah, talking about the barbecue would keep Remy from worrying. "Let's start with the Twinkies, disguised as burgers, which melted on the grill."