Something Witchy this way Comes

Something Witchy this way Comes
By Wren aylapolgara@hotmail.com

DISCLAIMER: All x-men characters are property of X-men, all others are mine. Simple. I make no money off of this story, nor do I encourage others to. Archiving is allowed, I would appreciate to know where.

SUMMARY: A new ward comes to stay with the x-men, but what is Xavier thinking letting a non-mutant through the gates?

RATING: PG-13

DISTRIBUTION: Just lemme know. No one has yet.

FEEDBACK: Is welcome. Flaming is enjoyed.

-----

Xavier turned to look into the hearth after hanging up the phone.

Sighing he reached out with his mind...

*Jean?*

*Yes, Professor?*

*I'm giving the others a free day tomorrow.. and encouraging them to go into town. However, I'll need you here to take care of a new.. guest.*

*Uh.. okay, is this a new mutant?*

*I honestly don't know. But be sure to have a room ready for her.*

*Yes, Professor.*

Looking from the alarm clock reading 5:15AM to the sleeping man next to her, Jean sighed. A new guest in the mansion but she might not be a mutant. The professor probably knew what he was doing but Jean didn't. Slipping out from beneath the sheets she grabbed her robe heading for the door. Might as well be sure the spare bedroom was ready.

-----

Scott looked from the waiting car to Jean.

"Are you sure won'won't join us?" he asked reaching out to grasp her hand.

"No, Scott, I need to stay here." she replied giving his hand a squeeze.

Nodding his head, Scott turned towards the car. He still didn't know why the Professor wanted the rest of the team gone for the day while Jean greeted this new girl. Wouldn't it be better to have the whole team there and ready in case something went wrong? Even if everything was okay, why not let the girl meet the whole team at once?

Jean watched the car drive out of sight wondering the same things.

*Jean, I have my reasons*

Gasping slightly Jean felt the blood rush to her cheeks. She hadn't realized that the Professor could hear her thoughts so clearly.

*Professor, I..*

*The team shares your thoughts and doubts. I wish I could tell you more but you'll find out soon enough. The girl is on her way and will arrive within the hour.*

*Okay, Professor, I trust you.*

-----

Half an hour later.

Looking out the window Jean saw a police cruiser pull up. Uh-oh, today would not be a good day for one or the boys to get into any kind of trouble, Jean thought, heading for the door.

*Prof..*

*Its okay, Jean, it appears our ward has arrived.*

Opening the door, Jean saw the police officer helping a young woman out of the back of the cruiser.

Well, helping may not have been the correct word, it was more like the officer was trying to make sure she wouldn't do him any kind of harm as she removed herself from the cruiser's cramped back seat.

Standing there with a look of defiant hatred was a 5'7" plump young woman. Jean figured her to be about 19 or 20 sporting long brown hair with a black streak in the front. She glared over her wire-framed glasses as the officer went to removed her bags from the trunk. Her arms were behind her back as she had obviously been handcuffed. As her eyes went to rest upon Jean he lips curved into a bit of a smile.

"So, Willy, this the new place you pigs sendin' me to?" she called to the officer, her eyes never leaving Jean's face as if she was waiting for a reaction.

Shaking his head 'Willy' closed the trunk, "Listen up kid, you know this is for your own good. That last place was nice but you had to fuck that up. This is the last place they're sendin' ya."

Tearing her eyes away from Jean's face the girl looked directly at 'Willy' with a bit of hope in her eyes, "You mean after this they are finally gonna let me be?"

"You know better then that, kid, this place is gonna be it. Your parents," the girl grimaced, "are gone and the state won't have anything to do with you. You'll like it here."

"Aww, that's what you said last time. You know I do these things just so I can see your pretty face, dont'cha?" The girl replied.

"Now that's enough of that." turning to the mansion he noticed Jean in the doorway, "You must be Jean Grey, this is Jen Camp and I'm officer William Rodgers."

As he lugged the bags up the steps, Jean noticed Jen shifting her arms uncomfortably behind her back. Suddenly her face broke into a wide smile as she brought her arms out in front of her dangling the handcuffs for her left hand.

"Hey, Willy, you want these things back or can I keep 'em?"

Turning to stare at the girl Willy held his hand out, "You know the rules they aren't really mine to give." as she put the cuffs into his outstretched hand he muttered, "And they thought these would hold you."

So, Jean thought, this girl wasn't exactly an angel, clearing her throat Jean said, "Well you certainly won't need those here, why don't you pick up you bags and come with me so I can show you to your room and give you the tour. I'm sure the Officer.. Officer Rodgers, right? Has things to do."

Shifting her gaze to the red head Jen quirked an eyebrow, "This is the best they could do? Willy, I'll see you again soon."

Glancing at Jean as he headed back for the car, "I hope not, kid, you try a little bit more this time, kay?" addressing Jean, "If you have any problems, Professor Xavier has my number." And with that he got in the car and drove off.

Realizing that she had come to her final destination, again, Jen picked up her bags and pushed past Jean into the mansion.

"So, where is the room I've heard about? Might as well put my bags somewhere, don't want anyone breakin anything in them."

Jean followed the girl quickly and showed her to her room offering you show her the rest of the mansion to which she go a definite no

"I wont be here long enough to care."

-----

*So, what of our new ward?*

Cringing, Jean pushed her book away, she had been dreading this discussion.

*Professor, this new girl.. woman.. what is she doing her?*

*All in good time, first, I would like to know your impressions of her.*

*She is independent and believes that she doesn't need anyone.. But she is hurt, beyond measure. Something to do with her parents. She does have a home and doesn't think this will be a home either. I don't even get any mutant readings from her.*

*...*

*Professor?*

*..I was hoping this wouldn't be the case.*

*What is it?*

*Jen Camp is an extraordinary girl. She is bright and always makes good grades. Her schoolwork never falters though her emotions do. Her police record goes back to when she was 13 and started running away. She was diagnosed with major depression and her parents have sent her to multiple clinics, shelters, and hospitals since. Nothing has helped. Recently her parents both died, the police believe it was a homicide but have no leads whatsoever. When they searched the house they found a multitude of.. occult items in Jen's room. S the then she became a suspect, however they cannot find any real evidence. The girl has denied any involvement but during questioning she was able to tell them many things that related to the murders. Things not even she could know.*

*So what is she doing here?* Jean felt a bit betrayed by the Professor. It wasn't as if they didn't have enough problems with the FOH without having a suspected murderer in their midst.

*The lead investigator is an old friend of mine. He called me and told me the story. He also told me that he did not believe she was guilty. In fact her thought that she was their lead to finding the killer. However since the murder she has put up major walls and none of their experts have been able to get through. I was hoping you could her help.*

*Oh..*

*Jean?*

*Yes?*

*One more thing, she may not be a mutant. But her occult items.. she has power. Even though she doesn't know exactly how to use it, it is there.*

*Understood.*

*Good, now relax a bit, let her get used to this new place, but keep an eye on her, we don't need her disappearing on us.*

*Yes, Professor.*

-----

Looking around the room Jen made a quick mental note NEVER to paint any room yellow.

What had she gotten herself into now, she wondered. This certainly wasn't a shelter and it was way too normal to be a clinic or a hospital. She'd half been hoping Willy would take her to jail. At least there she was sure she'd get some peace and quiet.

Grabbing her bag she pulled out her CD's and CD player, quiet was definitely now something she needed right now however. Her parents were gone, and no matter what kind of fights they had gotten into, they did not deserve to die and she didnt deserve to be here. Tears appeared in her eyes but she pushed them stubbornly away. Popping on her headphones she turned the music up as she shifted through her bag.

Now where is that.. Ah ha! She smiled proudly as she removed her mirror from her bag along with a felt drawstring pouch. The police had been pawing through her things, she knew that, she also knew they would never think to rid a girl of her mirror and 'makeup'.

Laughing silently to herself she took the 'lipsticks' out of their containers and arranged them in a semi-circle around her, lighting their wicks as she chanted softly to herself. Pulling out her 'compact' she lightly dusted the mirror and, after ingesting some of the dust herself, gazed deeply into it. Within no time she fell deeply into the trance brought on by the music, candles, and dust.

-----

It was almost 9 o'clock, the others would be back soon from their day in town.

Jen may not want to meet them, but I should warn her about them before she stumbles upon our unnerving little group by herself, Jean thought smiling to herself, no doubt she could take care of herself.

Knocking on the door Jean called out with her mind only to find a hazy mist. What the..

Opening the door Jean saw Jen sitting on the floor a semi-circle of candles laid out around her. Her eyes were fixed, staring into a mirror.

*Prof..*

*Its alright Jean, she's just in a trance, I shall break it for you.*

At that Jen's shoulders slumped as her head rolled back.

"What the.." she mumbled as her eyes focused on Jean. "So, I suppose this is why everyone thought that I would be 'controlled' here. Hold on a minute."

She looked at the mirror thoughtfully for a minute before beginning a chant as she blew out each candle. Once her rite was complete she replaced all of the candles as well as the mirror and turned to face a confused Jean.

"So, what do you want?"

"Umm..," Opting not to show the girl her obvious lack of knowledge Jean decided to stick with her main purpose for being here. "I thought you should know a little bit about the mansion and the other people living here.."

"Ash here's the catch, this is a house of freaks or something isn't it? I was wondering what possessed them to send me here rather then jail."

Frowning Jean continued, "..They will be back shortly and you may find some of them.. odd. However we don't allow name-calling and are certainly not 'freaks'."

"Wooh, chill chica. Listen, I'll be a perfect angel, how's that?"

Jean studied the girl's grinning face. It was clear that she had plans to be anything but an angel.

"Breakfast will be around.."

"No need, I can make my own meals. You guys do keep enough fruits stufstuff around, right? Oh, and I know where the kitchen and bathroom and all that are. Sheesh, you act like I'll be here a while or something. Look, I'm going to go watch some TV. You may want to warn the others about ME."

And with that she was gone leaving a stunned Jean in her wake.

*Professor..* She'She's very self-reliant isn't she? Don't worry, she's not hostile. Her emotions are more of a mixed jumble.*

*Would you like to meet her?*

*Oh, I have a definite feeling she already knows I'm here.*

Shaking her head at the Professor's amused manner she made her way towards the front of the mansion. Jen was right about one thing, she should warn the others.

-----

Pounding feet in the hall 10 minutes later told Jeand that the others were home. Seeking to only talk to them she reached out with her mind.

*X-men, if I may have you attention in the kitchen for a moment.*

Within seconds the room was filled with curious faces. y any and Rogue sat at the table with Jubliee. Hank propped himself against the sink. Storm and Scott stood at the counter next to Jean while Logan leaned in the doorway. Bishop and Bobby were out on personal leave.

"Well you know we have a new visitor," Jean sighed inwardly wondering what to say and how much to say, " Her name is Jen Camp. She will be staying here for some time. While she is not a mutant, the Professor has taken her in.."

"What is this a shelter?" Logan growled from the doorway.

"No, Logan, but since we do have a.. variety of unique skills, it was thought that we would help her best and the Professor concurred."

"Hey, it might be cool to have another kid around here," pipped in Jubilee.

Jean smiled at Jubilee, thankful of the support. "I'm sure you can make her feel at home here."

Nodding to themselves the X-men took this as their leave from the room. As the members filed out Scott caughter her eyes knowingly.

Waitng until everyone else had left the room he said to Jean, "What else is there?"

"Jen.. she's.. Different. Professoer told me of her scattered childhood and now the loss of her parents. And I went into her room today.. Scott, she does have powers, they may not be mutant but she was in a trance. I'm worried that with her emotions as they are she may try to tap more into them."

Smiling Scott put his arm around her, "Well, then it's a good thing she's here with you to help her."

-----

Settling down in a comfy leather chair Jen set the remote control down beside, not even bothering to turn on the television. Instead she turned her thoughts inward..

Who would have thought that she'd end up here? A mansion full of.. mutants. Laughing to herself she recalled the shoked look on Jean's face when she had discovered the girl scrying. She thought I was normal, or at least as normal as a mortal person can get. No matter, her trance had helped her sort out her new life a bit. Not every new girl has the option to explore her surroundings on the astral plane, much less meet the head of a mutant complex without him knowing for sure that she had ever really been there.

But then, she wouldn't be here for long. The detectives had made it clear that they placed her high on the list of her parents killers. She knew it was only a matter of time until they came by expecting answers. Answers she knew she couldn't tell them. Like so many other people today they didnt seem to accept the fact that despite her body being in one place, she was in another. Wasn't it enough that every night she screamed at herself? Blamed herself for not sensing a presence nearby, for not coming back to her body in time? Yes, she had been lucky, because of her lack of movement the murder had thought that the house was empty except for twr two parents. But that wasn't the sort of luck she would sich on anyone.

Sighing to herself to she surveyed the warm room. It was too bad she couldn't stay.. have a stable life.. she couldn't even get that with her parents.. but no, soon enough the other people Jean had mentioned would be here and they'd all know.. a 'murderer' was never welcome, court of law or not she had been pre-labeled.

Closing her eyes and resting her head on the back of the chair she wished all her problems away, knowing that when she opened her eyes they would still be there, blaring at her.

Suddenly she heard fronfront door. It seems the others were back, to meet them now or go for a walk, that is the question?.. Well, it was her favorite time fo the day, it'd not like Jean couldn't find her if she wanted to.. all the woman had to do was search for her brainwaves.

Grinning slightly she stood up and headed for the back. Meetings can wait, nature calls.

-----

"Uh, Jean? Are you sure this girl isn't a mutant able to vanish? Cause she ain't here." Jubiblee raised her eyebrow as Jean came into the room with Scott.

Logan sniff the air tentatively. "Nah, kid, she's been here. Looks like she went out back."

"Gambit, t'ink de cheire mebbe run?"

"No, I can still sense her on the grounds. She seems to be.. walking."

*Jean, she is alright, why don't you waint until morning to bombard her with the team?*

"The professor thinks that the best idea would be to wait until morning to meet her. This is a new place and we wouldn't want to overwhelm her."

"Well, not to look a gift horse in the mouth, as it may be, I believe I shall retire to my lab. I have been working on a uniquely intrigueing project as of late and wish to see it to completion," Beast said walking towards the medlab.

"C'mon, sugah, ah got somethin for ya upstairs," Rogue said dragging a willing Cajun off without a backwards glance.

Smiling after the pair Scott arched his eyebrow at Jean. Clearing her throat she barely had time for an audible goodbye before Scott had wisked her off towards their bedroom.

"Well that certainly didn't take long, well, Wolvie, looks like its just you and me tonight how about.." Jubilee hadn't even finished when she looked up to see that Logan had vanished. "'Well kid, how about we see wants on?' 'Don't call me kid! And sure, Wolvie, let's flip through the channels a bit.'"

Sighing, Jubilee sat down in the chair and began lazily flipping through the channels wondering when exactly she had acquired such an active lifestyle.

-----

Logan however wasn't about to let a new girl wander around the grounds unsupervised. Especially one that he'd never met and who wasn't even a mutant. There was no telling who she could work for or what she could be up to.

-----

Jen sat under the tree gazing at the sky. So much had happened, her parents had been murdered, she was the prime suspect, and despite lack of evidence the police had opted to force her into a "safe house." Yea, "safe house," she thought, just another word for detention center or foster home. Odds were the people here hadn't been told everything, in order to keep them "safe," but because of that they also probably thought her a murderer. Hell, she was beginning to have her own doubts about her innocence.

She had been in a trance, like she was most of the time at home. She had never gotten along with her parents and after graduating high school with honors she had applied and been accepted to a college 300 miles away. But it was summer, and if she expected her parents to continue paying for her college she had to come home and spend "time with the family." In other words, her parents wanted everyone to think they were a normal family. Its not like the neighbors didn't notice all those cop cars that routinely showed up outside their door to return her alcoholic mother or come in response to her father's desperate calls for help as she attempted to leave home.

Though, to give them credit, they were helping her to get her education, she had thought that the least she could do was come home for the summer.. That was until she got there. Within the first week her mother had shown her wonderful coping skills by getting thoroughly drunk. Her father, ever the hypocrite had decided to mask his drinking by going down to the local sports bar.

Now she was here at this stupid mansion stuck with that redhead Jean and whatever other friends she might have. The head of the center seemed harmless enough, but he was a mutant, that much she was sure of. His aura had had a glow to it that she learned to associate with these new mutations of humans. There was no telling what these people had in store for her now. One way or another she had to get out of here. She knew she could find a safe place to stay, as long ar par parent's murderer didn't show up she felt confident she could survive on her own.

Looking down at her lap she noticed she had been crying silently to herself. Her salty wet tears had spotted her torn jeans and blue tee shirt. Running her hands over her shirt she wonderer yet again how she had managed to lose the weight she did. Even now she was still overweight by a good 20-30 pounds but she had easily lost that much over the past few months. Considering the meals she had been given it hadn't been too hard, she chuckled to herself. Juvie was still number one on her list of weight loss spas. A tiny cell, a thin mattress and pillow, a single sheet, and 3 meals a day of soggy bread, green oranges, mystery meat, and milk. The milk had been the only thing she could stomach.

Stretching her legs out in front of her she kicked off her sandals and pulled her legs up towards herself. Pulling herself up she stood barefooted underneath the tree. She could feel the earth's energies beneath her feet. Their humming vibrations curling around her toes. Quietly she closed her eyes began chanting, rocking back and forth. Releasing her hurt, fears, and expectations. Feeling the negative energies flow out of her as her bare feet provided a gateway to the yet untapped energies of the earth.

She reached down and pulled at the earth, willing its support, life, and love to enter her. Thanking the spirits for their continuous energy she slowed her rocking. Slumping back against the tree her chanting stopped as she opened her eyes and looked around timidly. Despite the knowledge that Jean was probably still in the house, she still felt eyes upon her.

Shaking the feeling off as nothing more then the 'spooks' she picked up her sandals and began walking back to the mansion. The energy still humming around her, making her feel light and giddy while the exhaustion of the past months still laying heavily on her shoulders.

-----

Wolverine watched her walk back towards the mansion, unconsciously letting out a breath he had been holding. That girl might not be a mutant, she may be far from in shape, but she still had power.

When he had first found the girl she had been just sitting there. Staring. Her tears had begun to collect on her clothing. But after what seemed like an eternity she had stood up, revealing her less then perfect shape.

He knew as well as the next man that anyone like that on the team would be a hindrance. He couldn't fathom why the professor had let this girl come to them. There had never been anyone at the mansion like her before, for good reason. There was no way he wanted to be responsible for someone as innocent and inept as she appeared to be.

He was about to go down there and drag her back to the mansion when he sensed a subtle change in her. Watching her closely his ears twitched as she began to chant. Despite his acute hearing he couldn't make out the words, it was as if they were a different language, one that he had never heard before.

Before his eyes she seemed to change, a faint glow seemed to surround her and she continued her chant, swaying back and forth as though the earth itself were moving with her, or her with it. He could almost feel the energy spill forth from her.

Narrowing his eyes he watched as her face relaxed and looked almost unearthly. His animal instinct could almost feel the earth's energies entering her.

In amazement he watched as she slowly stopped rocking and suck back against the tree. She stayed that way for a few minutes before straightening herself and heading back to the house.

As his mind replayed the events again and again he was still unsure of what he had seen. All he knew was that that girl had a lot of power, and though he didn't quite understand it, he sure as hell wasn't going to let her out of his sight.

-----

Jen was up bright and early as usual. After working magic of any kind that tuned her into nature she found she woke with the sunrise. It was nice, waking up and hearing the birds chirping, seeing the sun just rising over the horizon. If only every day continued as beautiful as it started out.

Sighing she pulled on some shorts and a tee shirt and headed downstairs towards the kitchen.

-----

Storm was up early making herself a steaming cup of tea. She, unlike the lovebirds two doors down from her room, had been unable to sleep due to her anticipation of their new ward.

She knew the Professor had a good reason for allowing this girl to stay with them. But since she hadn't met the girl she couldn't fathom what that reason could be. The weather goddess was stumped and it was too early for her brain to function under the new circumstances.

Hearing someone coming into the kitchen she looked up expecting to see Logan or Hank, instead a young woman dressed in loose shorts and an oversized tee shirt glided into the room.

It took all of Storm's self-control to not just let her jaw drop. This girl was anything but X-men material. From first glance the girl looked like nothing more then that, an overweight girl with no color-coordination.

The girl looked at Storm a minute then moved past her to the fridge where she commenced to rummage through the food. Finally popping her head out Storm saw enough fruit in her arms to make an elaborate hat.

Her eyes followed the girl as she placed the fruit on the counter top and began cutting it up. "You must be Jen.."

"Must be." The girl barely looked up as she gathered the fruit in one pile and the cores of the fruit in another.

"My name is Storm." The girl nodded.

"So.. um, how was your first night?" The girl obviously wasn't going to volunteer any information.

"It was dark." The girl collected her fruit into a bowl and placed the cores into a bag she had found. "Excuse me if I don't stay and chat, but I really prefer the outdoors." And with that she was out of the kitchen heading for the back patio.

Well, that went well, Storm thought; I see why Jean was hesitant to give us too many details. The girl definitely isn't a charmer.

-----

Once outside Jen placed her bowl of fruit down on the patio table. Gathering the bag of cores she walked about seven feet away from the concretd sad sat cross-legged on the grass. She opened the bag and began laying the cores and peels from the fruit in a semi-circle around her.

Placing the empty bag in her lap she began to softly sing.

"We all come from the Goddess
And to her we shall return
Like a drop of rain
Flowing to the ocean."

As she sang this repeatedlyds bds began to cautiously land around her and peck at the food. Squirrels began to scuttle across the grass towards her, stopping every three steps to sniff the air for any signs of danger.

Soon she had gathered a small flock of birds and a group of squirrels; rabbits were beginning to come towards her as well. All of them seemed to be enticed by the sound of her voice and the promise of food.

-----

Gambit had, once again been kicked out of bed by Rogue. What he had done this time, he had no idea, but by his estimation, all would be forgiven after breakfast. To ensure this he planned to cook her a meal fit for a queen.

Taking a long drag from his cigarette as he perched on the rooftop he noticed the sun was just hitting the tops of the trees closest to the mansion. De cheire will be waking up hungry soon enough, he thought to himself. Getting ready to snuff out his cigarette and go down the to kitchen he spotted some movement down on the patio.

Could de cheire be awake and lookin for her lov'r boy, he thought gleefully to himself, maybe he would not have to wait until after breakfast for his makeup kiss.

Edging closer to the gutters he peered down at the patio and found a girl he had never seen before. Slipping his hand into his pocket he fingered on of his cards, he was just untrustworthy by nature. And this girl he didn't know or trust.

Crouching low he observed as she placed the bowl she had been carrying down on the table before walking off into the grass with a bag. What does de pet'te think she is doin, he though to himself as his eyes followed her movement. Within minutes she had spread the contents of the bag out around her and begun singing in a low lulling voice.

Gambit felt a strange calling as he watched her, though he couldn't hear the words of the song he felt as if the song were meant only for him. It held promises and expectations of a happy life. As he crouched there transfixed by the sound of her voice, he barely noticed the wildlife being drawn to her as well. He blinked suddenly and noticed her surrounded by an assortment of small animals. Drawing in an audible breath he watched as she sat there, completely at peace with the animals and the world.

Shaking his head slightly as if to ward off the effects of the spell she had knit he slowly backed up, not wishing to disturb the scene below. One thing was for sure, this girl was not ordinary. What had Jean said the night before? Something about her not being a mutant.. maybe not a mutant but she definitely had some kind of voodoo powers.

Gambit stole back across the rooftop and slid into one of the hallway winds on the far side of the building, determined to find out who this girl was and exactly what she was doing there.

-----

Jean shook her head groggily as she padded into the kitchen. Scott hadn't let her get much sleep but.. then thinking about it made her smile like a schoolgirl so it wasn't that bad of a trade off. She rubbed her eyes as she walked toward the refrigerator in search of some eggs and bacon.

"Jean?" She turned quickly, startled by the noise and blushed as she saw the weather goddess watching her thoughtfully.

"Oh.. hello, Ororo, nice morning isn't it?" Damn, she couldn't keep the glow out of her voice. And why should she? She and Scott were a happily married couple, and married couples have sex.. though maybe not as good of sex as she and Scott had. gigggiggled self-consciously to herself and found herself looking anywhere but Storm's eyes.

"Jean.. I need to talk to you.."

Jean gasped blushing ferociously. "We didn't keep you, um, up did we?"

"No, no, Jean, that's not what I wanted to talk to you about." Jean let out a sigh. "It's about that girl, Jen.."

"Oh, is she up already?" Jen looked surprised.

"Yes, she's out on the patio eating. Jean.. It's just.. She isn't one of us."

Jean sighed. "I know, Ororo, but the Professor knows what he's doing. We just have to trust him."

Storm quirked an eyebrow at her. "Well, then why don't we join the girl out back, I have some tea here.." Jean grimaced, tea was not her favorite upper in the morning. "And I made you some coffee. I'm sure breakfast can wait. Maybe with both of us there she will feel a little more talkative, yes?"

Jean looked unsure of this idea but grabbed herself a cup of coffee and followed Storm outside anyway. She was normally a fairly good morning person but the idea of confronting the depressed teen was not on her list of good morning activities.

-----

Jen was totally at peace with the world.. The animals came as she sang, they enjoyed her song and the offering she was giving her. Smiling to herself she remembered her grandmother always telling her 'One man's trash is another man's treasure' and truly she was right. The animals were enjoying the feast she had given them and she was enjoying their company. She learned so much from the smallest of animals..

As her thoughts drifted she barely noticed as the fruit disappeared and the animals began to disappear with it. Soon she sat there alone, with her song. Noticing that the animals had bid their farewells she finished her song and stood up, brushing grass off of her shorts.

Turning around she noticed Jean and Storm standing on the patio staring at her. Casting her eyes downward she walked up to the table and sat down next to her bowl of fruit. Without a word she started eating her fruit. It wouldn't be good to prove to be a freak amongst freaks right now, though they had probably seen quite a bit of her little show. She was determined not to give in an inch, these people where not her friends and NOT her parents.

She blinked a tear away quickly. Her parents may not have been the best, but they had been hers. She didn't choose them but, despite what she may have said to them many times in the heat of anger, she would never have given them up or traded them for the world.

-----

*Storm, was she doing what I think..*

*Umm, I think so Jean.* They were both in shock, the girl had literally called the animals to her as if they were pets. But, no, it was more natural then a girl and her pets, they seemed to generally enjoy her singing and she seemed totally at ease with them. *I have never seen anything like that before, it was so utterly peaceful and serene.*

Jean forced herself to regain her composure and put on a bright smile. "So, Jen, did you sleep well?"

Jen lifted her head as if surprised by the question, but the look quickly passed and her sullen face returned. "I suppose, how about you?" She quirked an eyebrow at Jean.

Struggling not to blush Jean replied, "Quite. I hear you've met Storm?"

Jen glanced briefly at the weather goddess. "Yes, I have. If you don't mind me asking how many others are currently livin here?" She needed to calculate the odds of getting caught when she chose to escape.

Jean seemed relieved at the change of topic. "Well there is myself and Storm. Scott, he always wears sunglasses, Jubilee, she is about your age, Gambit, a Cajun, Rogue, you can tell her by the stripe of white in her hair, Logan, he's a bit of a rough guy, Professor Xavier, he owns the mansion itself, and Hank.. well you'll just have to meet him."

At this Jen quirked an eyebrow. "A lot of people, are any of you related?" Find out their alliances, they can be turned against each other easily.

"No, child, we are all merely friends and.. team members." Strom put in.

"Okay, number one rule, DO NOT call me a child of any kind." Jen's eyes harden as she stared threateningly aorm.orm. "Age comes second only to experience and that's something I have far too much of."

Jen grabbed a slice of apple, pushed the bowl towards the two women, stood up and stalked off towards her room.

Jean exchanged a glance with Storm. "Jubilee may have better luck it seems."

Storm nodded. "Yes, I believe it would be wise to wait for her to wake up before confronting the girl again."

Both women watched the sullen teen vanish inside the house as they subconsciously dipped their hands into the bowl seeking out the fruit.

-----

Damnit, why did they have to demean me? Why can't anyone accept anything more then what is straight in front of their face? Tears welled up in her eyes as Jen stormed up the stairs toward her room. She hadn't survived the childhood from hell for people to trap her in the classification of a 'child' simply because of her age. Jean and Storm had probably had a perfect childhood, mommy and daddy loved them and they each probably got their own pony.

Slamming the door to her room she collapsed on the bed. In her mind all of her beatings and lonely nights as a child came back. She had nursed her alcoholic mother, cleaned up after her parent's fights and survived under the glare of her father. She hadn't ignored her suicidal thoughts for so long to be told because of some number she was any less a woman.

She was still sobbing softly when she heard a soft knocking come from the door.

"Hello...? Are you okay?" A woman's voice came from the other side of the door.

Quickly wiping the tears of her cheeks she reached out with her mind and flung the door open. Let this person see how okay she was, she thought haughtily.

Standing there, staring timidly into the room was a girl. She wore South Park pajamas and her shoulder length black hair was inflicted with a serious case of bed-head. She hesitantly took a step into the room.

"Hey.. I uh.. I didn't mean to intrude or anything.. I mean.. like I heard you come up the stares and you seemed upset." The girl walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge.

Jen just stared at her. This must be Jubilee, for the first time in a while she was genuinely surprised. She had expected another preppy perfection girl like Jean and Storm but Jubilee seemed to be anything but that. Looking into the girl's eyes she gasped subconsciously, the girl's eyes told so much more. Of pain and letdowns.

-----

Jubilee watched as the girl broke down again, when she had come in she noticed the tear streaks down her cheeks and now it seemed the crying continued. She looked up sharply as she heard the door slam. We-ell, seems like the new ward has some powers after all, she thought looking at the girl. And also a lot of pain.

Jubilee reached over and laid a hand gently on the other girl's back. The girl looked up at her sharply through watery eyes. For a minute Jubilee almost regretted reaching out to the girl, then the girl collapsed against Jubilee. Sobbing she rested her head on her lap. Jubilee looked down at the girl almost in shock, but she quickly shook that feeling off. This girl needed to let out her tears, and Jubilee certainly wasn't going anywhere.

Soothingly Jubilee stroked the girl's head, pulling her hair away from her face. She murmured comforting words as she gently rocked the girl. Well, Jubilee pondered, one minute she was sleeping, the next she was comforting a stranger, just a regular morning at the X-Men's Mansion.

-----

Remy made his way down to the kitchen. His mind was swamped with conflicting thoughts and ideas. This new girl cer certainly putting the Cajun through the gauntlets. Shaking his head he started rummaging through the cupboards, the girl could wait, Rogue's breakfast would not.

Grabbing various items he began preparing a delicious Cajun breakfast as Scott stumbled into the room.

"Woah, you lookin a l'ttle worn der, Cyke." Remy watched as Scott slumped down into a chair at the table.

"Uh, yea.. I guess.. Mornin'." Cyke mumbled wearily as he laid his had down on his hands.

Whistling a little, Remy began to grill his sausage. "So, you an' Jean had a rough night?" He snickered as he continued without a pause, knowing Scott would be to tired for an argument, though he may pay for his comment later in the Danger Room. " 'ave you met da new pet'te?"

"Wha..? Nah, haven't seen her yet." Scot barely raised his head.

"Ahh.." Remy smiled briefly to himself before going back to cooking his meal.

"What?" Scott's head shot up as he noticed Gambit obviously wasn't telling him everything. "Why? Have you?" He fixed the thief with a glare.

"Oui, da girl was out early dis mornin'. Gambit saw her tamin' wild animals out back."

"Really, what was she.. Taming animals?!"

"Oui, da pet'te must fancy herself a na'tur lov'r, she fed an' sang to da birds and squirrels." Gambit grinned inwardly to himself. The easiest way to wake up the team leader was to give him information about something her didn't know but should.

Scott let this sink in as she sat there. His face contorted into his 'I'm-the-team-leader-and-I-am-pondering' look. "Jean did say the girl had some powers, but she's not a mutant, hmm.."

"I dunno bout you but dis t'eif t'inks t'at da girl should be watched closely."

Scot nodded his head slowly. "I think you're right. We don't even really know why she's here.." But something told him Jean did.

-----

Meanwhile.. In the Medlab.

*Hank, I'd like to ask you to stay out of sight for a while, I fear out new ward is in a more.. weakened state then I had thought.*

*That is understandable, Professor.*

*But watch the security cameras, there is some photage on there that I think your scientific mind will appreciate. And let me know if you come up with anything*

*Of course.* Hank settled down in front of his computer and began pulling up the secrutiy camera's tapes.

"Well, I'll be." His draw visually dropped as he watched the girl call the animals to her. "The Professor seems to have found himself a reall-life mystic, one can only wonder where she learned such talents and what others she has under her sleeve."

Hank settled on the chair and prepared himself for some very interesting viewing.

-----

Logan woke up to a rumble coming from his stomach. Rubbing his eyes roughly he sat up and tried to get his bearings. Standing up he pulled on some sweats as his stomach let out another growl of complaint.

Leaving his room he turned to wake up Jubilee only to find her door ajar and her bed empty. Well, maybe that kid finally figured out that there were better things to do all day then sleep, Logan thought to himself as he started towards the stairs.

Suddenly he caught a whiff of Jubilee.. and that new girl in the guest room. Cocking his head slightly to the side he listened intently. On the other side of the door he hear the sound of crying, and it wasn't Jubilee. Growling slightly he made for the door prepared to fling it open and demand an explanation, then he heard Jubilee.. she was comforting the girl.

He stopped dead in his tracks, sure that he had somehow heard wrong but as he listened carefully he heard Jubilee again, murmuring soothing words to the girl. Shaking his head in disbelief he turned from the door. Who would have thought that Jubilee would reach out to the girl, or vice-versa?

He continued down the stairs towards the kitchen. Sniffing the air tentatively he grinned. The day was looking up, the Cajun was cooking and that thief wouldn't dare hold back food from him!

-----

I can't believe I broke down like that, thought Jen as she sat up and starting rubbing at her eyes angrily, I don't need any friends. But even as she thought that she remembered watching all the clicks of friends in high school. How she had loathed them, despised them, and secretly wanted more then anything for friends of her own. But she had always been the weird girl, the freak. No one wanted to come close to her. She had always dreaded assignments requiring a partner because no one wanted to be hers.

Looking up at the girl - Jubilee she guessed - sitting next to her looking at her expectantly she wondered why this she had come in here.. and hoped against hope that she wouldn't reject her.

"I'm sor.. I didn't mean for you to see me like this.. for anyone to see me like this." Jen said hesitantly wiping her hands over her shorts.

"Hey, it's cool, we all need ta cry sometimes, right? I'm Jubilee." She smiled warmly at Jen. "Sorry we didn't meet last night, the team and I were at the mall."

"I'm Jen." She smiled somewhat weakly. "I guess I was sort of pushed on you guys anyways and I shouldn't expect much."

"Hey, no biggie, we get a lot of surprised around this place. Have you met Wolvie and the others? They're all pretty cool."

Jen blushed slightly. "I, uh, met Jean yesterday and saw Storm this mornin'. I don't think I was the nicest person in the world to them." Her gaze darkened remembering why she was here. "Not that it really matters anyways." She turned her gaze directly to Jubilee. "Did you come in to find out more about the 'freak' for them?"

"Wha..? No! Of course not, I don't even really know why you're here. Jean just basically told us you were here, weren't a mutant, and we should give you some slack."

Jen relaxed visibly for a second before tightening her jaw again. "Some SLACK?! Please! I can take care of myself, I am NOT a child."

Jubilee burst out laughing despite herself. Jen turned to her with a surprised look on her face. "I'm sorry, but GAWD you sound so much like me! They are forever calling me a kid and treating me like I can't take care of myself." She winked at Jen. "Maybe we should stick together and like gang up on them."

Jen smiled, really smiled, for the first time. "Yeah.. maybe." She stood up and grabbed her brush realizing how ratty her hair probably looked. "So, you're a mutant, huh? I mean no offense, I just kinda.. well I've never met anyone who advertised it, ya know? What do you do anyhows?"

Jubilee crossed her legs underneath herself, took a deep breath, and gave Jen the run down of her life from the death of her parents to her now life with the X-Men. This included stories of her time with Wolvie on the road as well as some rather amusing tales of pranks and jokes on the other team members.

By the time Jubilee had finished Jen was beginning to wonder what world she had come upon. Back at home her fixation with pagan traditions and magick was considered freakish, but these people were genetically proven freaks!

"Wow, you guys certainly ain't the Beavers, are ya?" Jen said wondering at the same time if she should tell her newfound 'friend' her own past.

"Bah, show me one family that's perfect and I'll show you eight mutants from different families that aren't! So what's your story?" Jubilee leaned back slightly looking at the other girl with trusting eyes.

Staring into those eyes Jen briefly considered lying, giving her a more normal take on her life, but something told her not to. Something told her to trust someone, trust in trust, trust that the truth could be accepted.

Taking a deep breath Jen looked back, straight into those trusting eyes, and began her tale. She didn't skimp on the details and tried not to overdo the bad spots. She prayed Jubilee would understand, she hoped honesty wouldn't ruin what seemed to have developed over the last hour.

Jubilee became shaken in spots but managed to keep her mouth shut and her ears and mind open for the entire time. Which, for her, was quite a feat. She knew that Jen needed to talk, and she knew that anything she had to say could wait until the end.

-----

"Remy, ah think we should talk sugah..." Rogue walked into the kitchen to find a satisfied Wolverine crouched in the corner finishing off the last of a handful of what looked like sausage while Rimy was unsuccessfully trying to mop what looked like eggs of the front of his shirt. "What in tarnations is goin on here?"

"Chere, I am afraid dat de breakfast in bed must wait until Gambit can find himself some chickens and pigs." Gambit glared over at a seemingly unaware Wolverine as he picked some egg out of his hair.

Looking at first Gambit, his hair a mess and eggs all over him, and then Wolverine, smugly licking his fingers, Rogue's eyes started watering as sheed ted to contain her laughter.

Just then Jean and Storm enter the kitchen carrying an empty bowl. Eyeing the three warily they simply sat the bowl on the counter and went off to the living room in search of Scott.

-----

"So what yer saying is yer a witch, right?" Jubilee was still trying to comprehend what Jen had told her. Psychic abilities, blue elves, shapeshifters she had seen and could deal with, but a witch with spells, chants and magick? That's another thing altogether.

Jen sighed inwardly, the same skeptics everyone had, but this was someone she WANTED to believe her, someone she wanted to trust her. There was probably only one way to prove it.

Closing her eyes Jen held her palm open in front of her and began to chant softly in another language. Jubilee watched this with skepticism, she had seen loonies before, she hadn't thought Jen one but.. then again.

Slowly a purple light began to appear above Jen's palm that seemed to be drawing energy from Jen herself, Jubilee's eye grew wide with fascination as she watched the light take on a form. Slowly miniature legs and arms formed from the light, then wings and a body. With a small popping sound a female head perched atop the form smiling innocently at Jubilee.

Jen drew in a deep breath as she stopped chanting and opened her eyes. Smiling at the creature in front of her she whispered to it, instructing it to give Jubilee a kiss on the cheekt git giggled lightly and flew over to Jubilee. To Jubilee's amazement she felt a light caress on her cheek as the being kissed her then flutter around her head excitedly.

"She can't stay long." Jen informed her drawing Jubilee back to reality. "I don't have to power to sustain her here too long, even if I did I never would, imagine if the world knew that faeries weren't just stories."

"She's beautiful." Jubilee watched the purple form as it went over to the bed and began tnnelnnel through the covers. She was at a complete loss of words and was uncharacteristically shy around the small being.

"She lives on another plane, an astral level. There are many more there as well as other creatures. It's a lovely place, but they enjoy coming to our world to create mischief and explore." Jen giggled as a foot popped out of the covers. Calling softly to the creature she laid her hand out in front of the bed. Reluctantly the faerie went to stand on her hand. As Jen started to chant again the being turned to Jubilee and blew her a kiss before popping out of existence.

Jubilee rubbed her eyes dumbfounded. "She was here right? The little purple faerie?"

Jen giggled softly. "Well for you and I she was but no one else will ever know or believe it."

Jubilee nodded regaining her composure. "So I guess you're as much a freak as the rest of us mutants."

Jen grinned back at her. "I guess you mutants are as freaky as I am."

-----

The girls stayed in Jen's room most of the rest of the day. Every once in a while one of the adults would pass by the door and hear giggling. Everyone had to suppress the urge to go in and find out what exactly the pair was doing. They thought, despite their own curiosity, it would be best to let Jen and the one person in the mansion she had found a friend in, Jubilee, would do better without interruption.

Unbeknownst to the other members Scott had convinced Jean to tell him what she knew of Jen's past. At first Scott had been outraged to have not been informed of such vital information, they could very well have a killer in the house. Jean, with help from the Professor, eventually managed to calm him down a bit and convince him that if she were a killer the police would have kept her under lock and key.

The day went pretty smoothly, therefore everyone was somewhat surprised when unusual sounds and smells came from the kitchen. Logan was the first to investigate this phenomenon.

-----

"So, okay, you want me to drop these thingies into the oil and wait until their edged turn sorta golden before taking them out?" Jubilee looked skeptical as she stared at the cooking implements in front of her as if they were some kind of foreign objects. She wasn't a cook and couldn't believe that Jen had talked her into helping her cook dinner for the team.

"Yeps, and be sure to drain off all the oil otherwise they get soggy." Jen was confidently chopping up various veggies and adding them to a wok as she kept an eye on a frying pan that held some meats.

"Man, I'm not cook, I hope I don't poison anyone." Jubilee looked over at Jen who looked about as at home in the kitchen as a bird in a nest. "So where'd you learn to cook?"

Jen's face went blank for a minute before she plastered a generic smile on her face. "My parents loved to cook, and they had tons of cookbooks. By the time I was 7 years old mom had becoo wro wrapped around her beer that I had to fend for myself. I decided to try out the stuff in the cookbooks, guess I was sorta self-taught. Mom and dad used to have a fixation for oriental food, they had TONS of books on it and I developed a taste for it."

"Oh." Jubilee was about to ask more when Logan popped his head in. "WOLVIE!" She ran into his arms totally ignoring the food she had been watching.

"Hey, kid, don't ya think ya should be watchin those things." He nodded to the steaming wok.

"Opps!" Jubilee giggled and ran back to the wok surveying what damage may have been done by her neglect. "Nothing's black yet!"

Jen looked at the new comer thoughtfully. "Uh, Logan, right? Mind grabbing me that soy sauce?" She kept her tone non-hostile in an attempt to not alienate another member of the team. Jubilee rewarded her with a smile.

"Sure, darling, what's that you're cookin?" He handed her the bottle as he perched on top of a stool on the other side of the counter.

"Just some stuff. Jubes has the pot stickers, they're a special blend of mine." She motioned to the veggies. "This is a stir fry I put together with the items I found in the kitchen. And the meat is for another dish. After I've got the stir fry done and the meat dish started I'll start on some Egg Foo Young."

Logan looked at the girl. He was sincerely impressed. She handled herself well in the kitchen and seemed to have taken on a completely different personality then the one he had seen last night. But looking at her eyes he saw an underlying sadness and wondered where that came from. Maybe he should stick around just in case. "Hey, you girls mind if an old man helps out?"

"Sure.." Jubilee started to speak but Jen cut her off with a glance.

"Logan, I would actually really appreciate it if you could set the table and maybe find some napkins? I still need to make some tea, do the others like tea or would it be best to grab some wine?" She looked around the kitchen spotting a whine rack on the far side. It was dusty and looked unused minus a collection of fine wines the team never used.

Raising his eyebrow Logan followed her eyes. "I'm sure tea would be good. If the others want anything else they can get it himself." He gave her a toothy grin and went into the dining room to set the table.

Jubilee was staring at Jen. "What's up, why didn't you want him to help out?"

Jen turned her head to look at Jubilee strangely. "His energies were strange, he was suspicious of me. I got the feeling he wanted to help out only to make sure I wasn't poisoning them or anything. I dunno, I just wanted to have this chance to prove I'm not a bad person. Do something nice, ya know?"

Jubilee nodded slowly. She didn't think Logan seemed that suspicious but she supposed Jen was right, he would probably loom over her shoulder the whole time to make sure nothing went wrong with the food. She just hoped that Jen could learn to trust the X-men like she did, she knew the girl could find a place here, and the family she longed for.

-----

An hour later the dinner was laid out. It was a spectacular feast and the smell of the food had everyone drooling. Taking their seats the X-men watched as Jen sat up straight and began shoveling the food from one of the bowl onto her plate. Sensing this as the start of the meals the others followed her example exchanging glances.

Jubilee looked at the team members around her and wondered why they were all being so quiet shrugging she turned to Logan. "So how is it?" She grinned comically and winked at him. "Did I poison ya?"

Logan grunted as he shoved a fork full of noodles into his mouth. "Umpfh! Its great kid."

The others nodded smiling their thanks.

"Yes, Jubilee this is quite a meal. Jen, I would never have thought you to be a chef." Storm smiled warming at the girl trying to put all thoughts of this mornings encounter out of her mind. Obviously the girl was still adjusting.

Jen nodded her head almost shyly, unused to this praise. "Thank you."

Jubilee wat the the praise be given to Jen and smiled inwardly, Jen needed this support. She looked quizedly at Scott who sat with an almost blank expression on his face though she could tell he was tense. He ate his meal in silence, watching Jen out of the corner of his eye. Jean, in turn, watched him with a concerned expression on her face as if she was waiting for him to explode like a bomb.

"De pet'te is certainly a woman of many talents." Gambit said with a warm smile on his face. "It's been a while since dis t'ief has had a woman slave over da oven for hours to prepare a meal for him."

Rogue elbowed him lightly in the ribs causing him to gag a little on the food in his mouth. "Sugah, if ya wanted a meal ya shoulda told mah, ah got a great recipe for grits."

This caused everyone at the table to laugh and grimace a little bit at the thought of Rogue's Southern belle cooking. Jen giggled slightly keeping her head mostly in her plate. She hadn't sat at a table with a group like this in a while and, while she was sharp-witted and independent when facing a small group or single individual, she was a bit intimidated by so many faces. She wondered how many of the knew about her past. She had willingly told Jubilee but the way Scott kept watching her told her Scott knew and didn't approve. Jean seemed to be worried about what might happen and was keeping an eye on him. Sighing she lifted a pot sticker into her mouth savoring the flavor, it truly was a delicious meal.

-----

The next day Jubilee and Logan were training in the Danger Room when the program suddenly ended. They heard Scott's voice come over the speakers. "Jubilee I need to talk to you, I will be right there."

Logan arched his eyebrow at Jubilee. "What'd you do now, kid?"

Jubilee shook her head innocently. "Wolvie, honest, this time it wasn't me."

Just the doors opened and Scott stepped inside. "Logan, I need to speak to Jubilee alone." His voice was stone cold.

Logan looked from Scott to Jubilee wondering what could make the fearless leader this angry, Jubes still swore she was innocent. Shaking his head he exited the Danger room pulling the doors closed behind him. But, stealthily he left them open just a crack and stood to the side, waiting to here what was said.

-----

"Jubilee, I'll get right to the point, what did Jen tell you?" Scott's voice was hard and unyielding her crossed his arms across his chest and look directly at her.

Jubilee shrank visibly from the sound of Scott's voice. "Wha.. What is this Scott? What do you mean what did she tell me? We talked, we're friends." She was confused, what did Scott mean by asking that. She knew Jen had a spotted past but she wasn't the enemy as far as Jubes was concerned, she was just caught up in a tough spot. Jubes herself had been there, many times.

"Don't give me that shit, Jubilation. I want to know what you know about her parent's death. How could you befriend her? She's a murderer for Christ's sake!" Scott was losing his cool his arms fell to his sides as he clenched and unclenched his fists.


Jubes took a few steps back, very rarely did she see Scott this angry. So angry he called her by her full name and cussed. "Scott, stop it, you're frightening me!! She's not a murderer! She told me all about her parent's murder!! She was meditating while the killer broke into the house and killed her parents! She was lucky the killer didn't find her too! The police didn't find any proof it was her and sent her here. She is my friend, she's a good person at heart and she's not the only one here with a spotted past you know!!" She was losing her cool as well, how dare Scott presume to be all high and mighty in his glass tower!

Scott's face went from deadly angry to calm and back to angry. Jubilee may have been a kid when she came here but she was older now and needed to grow up. He was tired of her being so naive. "Listen here, she is dangerous and you would do well to stay far away from her. This crap about meditating is all bull, she has no powers, she's just a normal human, a normal human murder." He had stepped up close to her and was looking her square in the eyes.

"Scott, you don't know what you're talking about. Why don't you try talking to her before you label her? Huh? Until then, leave me alone." She pushed past him and out the door, barely noticing a growling Wolverine standing in the shadows.

-----

Wolverine watched Jubilee run out and his face distroted from r tor to outright rage. Who the hell did Scott think he was? Jubes was just trying to befriend the girl and make her feel comfortable! And what was all this about the girl being a killer? His stance shifted slightly as Scott came out the door and headed for the Professor's office. He had to fight the impulse to jump out and pin One-Eyed on the ground, forcing the truth out of him before beating him to a pulp for frightening Jubilee.

His eyes narrowed. Jean would know what was going on and damnit he was gonna find out! He stalked off in the direction of her room.

-----