DISCLAIMER! Christmas does not belong to me. I don't make any money off the holiday, and I'm not Santa Claus. I also don't mean to be blasphemous, and I hope you don't see this fic that way. (I really don't see how you could though!) Okay, that's it. Oh, and the X-Men don't blah blah blah . . . .

Many thanks to Lynx for beta-reading! All the good stuff is due to L. All the bad stuff is mine.

The Boss looked down at Val, frowning. "We need you to work over-time this year. We've had some whispers of something big going down in the mutant community, and I want to make sure the kids have a good Christmas. I know it's not your field, but I need some good agents in there and while you're not always good, I think you can at least do this. You'll be guarding them," a picture opened up, showing a group of young people tearing down the sidewalk.

"Oh, no. Please, not them. Anyone but them!"

"Valentine! Stop whining! Now, they're your targets, go to work!"

XXX

My name is Val. This is my story. Hey, that sounds cool! What? Oh, yeah my story. Anyway, it's Christmas time. Not that that matters, but sometimes it's nice to know the setting. Speaking of which, we're in Massachusetts. Snow Valley. Ugh. I hate the snow. It's cold and wet and cold . . . I already said that, didn't I? Well, you get the idea. I'm here to help a group. Generation X. I'm supposed to keep them out of trouble. Now mind you, this is the same group that considers X-Men--THE X-Men--to be their friends. This is the group who's members, separately or together, have been to space, seen aliens, fought Externals, worked with people who could blow up things, and fought large robots that could kick my butt half the time. And I'm supposed to protect them? Get real! But, The Boss said I have to, so I'll do my best. He also said He'd keep any Bad Guys away while I was trying to work. Cross my fingers and hope some dork like Galactus doesn't distract The Big Guy. As long as I can get through the holiday season without this group getting killed . . . or worse yet, losing faith! Sheesh!

I stepped up to the gates and rang the bell. They were expecting me. I thought it would be best to be human, that way I could influence things directly, instead of manipulating events.

"Xavier's School F'r Gifted Youngsters, how may I help ye?"

That's Banshee--the headmaster. Nice guy.

"Hi, I'm Val. My flight was early, so I caught a cab here. Could you let me in?"

Cassidy's voice was full of holiday cheer as he welcomed me and opened the gates.

Once inside someone took my stuff and put it in a room, then I was invited to the family room where they were--supposedly--decorating the tree. Looked more like they were fighting to me. Skin was on the couch watching TV while Paige strung popcorn. One of the littleuns--Leech I think--was pulling it off and eating it just as fast as he could. Jubilee and Everett were putting ornaments on the huge evergreen, and Monet was trying to make the angel stay on the top. M and Jubilee bickered long distance, and Emma Frost--once the White Queen--snapped at them both while pulling pine needles out of her hair. Jono was sulking in a corner, probably thinking about his face. That's all he ever thought about. Talk about holding a grudge! The room was bright though, and there was a feeling of general happiness. I could tell this was a good place to be. I like places like this.

"Ever'one, this here is Val. I tol' ye he was comin', remember?" Cassidy said in his thick Irish accent. I love Irish accents.

There were half hearted "hi"'s and Sean sighed before wishing me luck and leaving the room.

"Ey, amigo. Tell me 'Val' ain't short for 'Valerie.'"

I smiled, even though the kid pissed me off. I had to stay nice. "No, Valentine. Geez, it's cold here! You people ever turn up the heater?" I was practically shaking! I'm sure my feet were turning blue.

Monet laughed, the sound sarcastic. "Some of us--" she looked at the White Queen "--Like the cold."

Emma put her nose further into the air and glared at the girl. "It's easier for you to put more clothes on then it is for me to take them off." Personally, I wouldn't mind if she took more off.

Jubilee started to laugh. "Yeah, if she takes any more clothes off she'll be arrested for indecent exposure!"

I cracked a smile. "I dunno. I kinda like her outfit." Stupid hormonal teenage boy body. I more then liked it and I was stuck like this. Maybe I could come back next year as someone older. Hey! Big Guy! Any chance of that? No answer. Figures.

"Well don't just stand there, help us decorate!" Jubilee threw a Santa hat at me and I put it on dutifully, then dug into the cardboard box filled with baubles and trinkets.

"Leech! Stop eating the popcorn!" I heard Paige shout. Jubilee started to laugh almost evilly.

"When are the others getting here?" Jube asked Emma, who was inspecting a glass ornament.

"Should be here any minute."

I eyed them both. Others? "What others?"

"Xaviers School for Higher Learning. They're coming down for Christmas. And later some of X-Force might show up, but it's unlikely."

I just nodded dumbly. We were going to have *all* those mutants in this house?! The place was going to go nuts! How was I supposed to protect Gen X if the place is filled with bad luck causing X-Types??!! Oh, Lord. Help me.

Across the room, I saw Angel appear. She was sitting on the back of the couch, her ankles crossed, wings behind her back.

"I cheered up Iceman, so Boss said I should come help you. You asked." She smiled apologetically and tucked a long lock of brown hair behind her ear. "He didn't know they were all coming until just a few minutes ago. Our spies have been sleeping after all that Shi'ar stuff. They were pooped."

I nodded and sighed, my red hair falling in my face. "Great. Well, thanks, Angel."

The others looked at me oddly, and I suddenly remembered that they couldn't see her. She was laughing. Great, now I had to think up an excuse! "Uh . . . I thought . . . never mind." I felt my face turning red, so I hurried to the bathroom. How embarrassing! What a start to my first day here!

XXX

The X-Men stepped off the plane, Rogue flying above to avoid the crowd. Smart girl. Jean and Storm quickly followed, Sam behind them. Smart group.

"Ooooh, he's cute! There's my charge!" Angel chirped from where she hovered just above my shoulder.

"You're weird. He's not cute, and I know Iceman is your charge!" Some how I don't like it that she's looking at guys. That's just not right. Then I felt someone staring at me and turned slightly. Great. Jono heard the whole conversation. My part, at least.

Talkin' ter yerself, mate?

"Uh . . . heh . . ." I gulped and turned back around. Stupid Angel. She fell out of the sky, laughing too hard to stay up. Rassum frassum . . . she's doing this on purpose!

"Wolveroonie!" Jubilee shouted, making as much noise as she could as she launched herself at the feral man. I snickered. I couldn't help it. It's this stupid body!! I swear!

"You must be Val," someone said. I turned to look and saw starch breath himself, Cyclops. Of course, right now he's out of his costume, which means he's plain ol' Scott Summers. I guess he's okay, but he sure can be stiff sometimes!

"Yeah, hi." Geez, my voice is young.

He held out his hand so I took it, shaking hard.

"I'm Scott, it's good to have you here."

I just nodded. I was leaving as soon as I could!

"Well, then lads and lasses! Shall we all head inside?" Banshee called out.

The troops stormed in, mauling the layer of snow. As I got inside and took off my coat, I turned to see Storm creating more of the cold stuff, repairing the damage until it looked beautiful and pristine again. She turned and saw me watching her, so I smiled and walked away.

"Pretty cool," Angel commented as she flew by my side.

I glared at her. She was just trying to get me to talk to her in front of all these people again so she could have a good laugh when they commit me. I hate the little twit. Really, I do.

"Val, come on! We're going to eat dinner!"

XXX

Dinner consisted of food in some sort of unrecognizable form and adults trying to keep food fights from starting. I couldn't help it--it's these hormones! I grabbed some mashed potatoes and casually tossed them in Scott's lap. He was a better sport then I thought, and I found him shoving my face into my plate.

"Food fight!" Iceman shouted as Scott raised his glasses, turning Bobby's plate of food into mush that flew up into his face. There was instant pandemonium.

"Scott!" Jean shouted, laughing, green eyes sparkling as she dodged a flying . . . something.

"Nae, not now! A jist got this all cleaned up!" Sean yelled as the Beast grabbed Angelo and tried to put him in the jello salad.

"SCREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!"

Everything went flying, people, food, chairs, tables. That Banshee had one set of giant lungs!

"Nae lissen ta me! Iffin ye want ta food fight ye'll have ta dae it at yer own home! Nae here!"

Scott started laughing, then nodded. "All right, Sean. We'll clean it up!" With that he grabbed the chocolate cake sitting on the floor beside him and hurled it at the Irishman. Sean wasn't quite fast enough, and it hit him right in the face. "Lighten up! I have direct orders from Jean that I'm not supposed to be . . . how did you put it?" he asked, looking fondly at his wife.

"Stuff shirted."

"Right. 'Stuff shirted' this Christmas. I'm supposed to have fun, because we all need a break. Weren't those your exact words, darling?"

Jean grinned as she lay on the floor, her chair behind her. Taking a handful of gravy she smeared it on her husbands face. "That's right. My exact words."

He grinned. "Thanks. I must have been clean there."

They both started to laugh, and the food fight started over again. Okay, so maybe Scott isn't as starchy as I thought.

Then I had ice cubes down my shorts--courtesy of the Iceman--and had to retaliate. I love food fights--they're so much fun! I launched myself through the air, landing on Bobby's back. He fell face first into the turkey, then iced my legs. I think I'm going to have to spend a few hours in a hot bath . . . .

XXX

"Hey, Jono," Bobby said as he walked up to him. I listen to everyone here, if I can. It's always good to know who you're protecting. "What's up?"

Jonothan Starsmore, Englishman. Stands around all day and wishes he had his beautiful face back.

Just thinkin' 'bout home, mate.

Whoops. Okay, so everyone's wrong sometimes.

"Yeah, me too. I'm heading back tomorrow morning in one of the jets, so that I can at least spend Christmas morning with my parents. My dad may be a jerk sometimes, but I still love 'em."

Jono just nodded. He stepped back from the window pane and ran his fingers through his hair. I used to do that. Broke the habit when Angel put Tabasco sauce on them and I got it in my hair, and from there into my eyes.

"Say, you wanna go with me?" Bobby asked, cocking his head to one side.

I held my breath, praying he'd say no. That's just what I needed, the team I'm supposed to protect all split up!

Nah, I know these people at least. Think I'll stay 'ere.

Bobby nodded, gave Jono a pat on the back, and left.

As my head hit the pillow that night, all I can think about is that tomorrow's Christmas, and five days after that is New Years. Then my mission will be done. Oh please, God, don't let anything happen between now and then!

XXX

"The X-Men stayed up all night last night wrapping presents and putting them under the tree!" Angel said excitedly. She was perched on the sink in the boys bathroom, her halo bobbing up and down. The others--most of them--were still asleep. Either that, or banned from going downstairs yet.

"It was so sweet of them to do that! They're really putting forth an effort for these kids!"

I nodded and grabbed a towel. Still can't believe I was roped into doing a guardian angel thing. Valentines day is my job! Not baby-sitting!

"Hey! I heard that! We're not baby-sitting! It's an important job!"

"Sure Angel," I sighed. Whatever. I grabbed my toothbrush and started brushing, doing my best to ignore Angel's chipper voice. I think Angel's forgotten that humans need a while to wake up in the mornings. She's been a Guardian for so long now, she hasn't been in a body for ages! Literally!

"Isn't Bobby so sweet? He's my permanent charge. Talk about a funk though! He was in the worst attitude for a while there! All the X-Men are. Their G.A.'s are having the hardest time. Wolvie's just had another nervous breakdown. And Marrow's--she's new. I just met her. She's been with Marrow her whole life, but her and Bobby never really came in contact, so I never met her. Anyway, Marrow's G.A. is run so ragged! The poor thing!"

"Shouldn't you be leaving?" I asked around a mouthful of toothpaste.

"What?"

"Bobby's going home. You're his G.A. Shouldn't you be going with him?" Somehow, I didn't like the thought of her leaving me. But it's not because I like her. In fact, I hate her.

"Well, yeah, but since resources are so thin this year, what with all the G.A.'s having to go make sure the new souls don't spazz out and all, his parent's G.A.'s said they'd look out for him for me, that way I can stay here and help you."

There was this curious sense of relief that spread through my gut. Then I noticed that Angel sure is pretty. Oh God. This human form is getting to me.

I leaned on the sink and stared at her after spitting out my toothpaste. Finally she looked up at me.

"What?"

"I need to take a shower."

"So? Ohhhhh." Her face turned red and she shuffled out of the bathroom. "Sorry."

XXX

Jubilee was practically vibrating in place as she viewed all the presents below us.

"Ready? Set? Are you sure?" Beast teased as he blocked the way to the stairs. "Do you really think you're ready for all those presents?" He turned around, looked at Scott standing at the bottom of the stairs. "I'm not really sure they'd like those presents we have down there. What do you think?"

Scott stroked his chin, as if really thinking about it. Angel was below, sitting on the TV and laughing, her halo bobbing and shiny brown hair flipping about.

"SCOTT! PLEASE!" Jubilee shouted. She looked like she was about to explode. Heck, she probably was.

"Well . . . might as well let them see, I guess," Cyclops finally said, unable to hold back a laugh when we almost trampled Beast in our eagerness to reach the garishly covered gifts. Everett tripped over Angelo, who pushed him off. Synch started to topple down the stairs, almost crushing Artie. Biting my lip, hoping I could move fast enough to keep the two out of the infirmary, I grabbed a hold of Everett's shirt. I heard it start to rip as I started to lose my balance, then Angel was there, holding him up and pushing him back, even though he didn't know it. I smiled at her gratefully. She's a life saver.

Ev looked back at me, smiling. "Thanks. That wouldn't have been a fun tumble!"

I just grinned and nodded. Catastrophe averted.

It only took 45 minutes to rip apart all the gifts there, then we went into the kitchen for an informal breakfast. Three more catastrophes were averted in the meantime, once when Angel flew up and caught the tree which was about to fall, once when I pulled Leech away from a toppling chair and the last time when Angel saw someone about to step in broken glass from one of the ornaments on the tree, and I was able to pull him away in time. What kind of doofus puts glass ornaments on a tree in a houseful of kids, anyway??

Needless to say, by the time we had breakfast, I was starved. Angel collapsed in the chair beside me, then squealed and moved when someone almost sat on her. I just grinned and kept eating.

XXX

Bobby checked the instruments again. Scowling, he slapped the control board. It didn't help, but it sure made him feel better. Whatta way to end Christmas! After a great day with his parents the plane stuff goes out. And, of course, he didn't know how to fix it. At least not in mid-air. And what was the likely hood that he'd find someone who could?

#Continue to fly straight. Any deviance on your part will result in your plane exploding. Do not try to escape,# a voice said over the radio.

There was a plane to either side of him, and one in front. More flew above and below, and he was sure there were some behind him. Bobby released the controls and watched as they kept going on their own. These people had control of his jet! He grabbed the eject lever and pulled--and nothing happened.

"$#!+!" He shouted, unbuckling his seatbelt. Once he got out of the plane he could ice up and get to the ground. From there hopefully he could call in some X-Men.

#Do not try to get out,# another voice said. Bobby ignored them, and a minute later the plane was hit. The whole thing rocked, throwing Iceman across the console. #Re-buckle your seat belt, please,# came the voice again. Bobby stood up, icing quickly in an effort to get the latch up. The plane was hit again, and again he was throw onto the console. He felt something wet slide down his face, and realized he was bleeding. He had to get out.

"Okay," he called, "I give." Reaching up he re-buckled his seat belt and sat there for a few minutes, prepping. He didn't even feel it when he started to ice and they shot again. The jet bucked, the seatbelt the only thing holding Bobby in as the air masks fell from the roof. Alarms went off inside the cockpit, then were quickly silenced. Bobby slumped down in his chair, unconscious.

XXXX

Not In The Plan! Ch 2/4

Scott looked at his watch for--I swear--the thirtieth time. Then he looked back up and around the room.

"Iceman should be back by now."

Duh. "Y'know," Angel said, perched on Bishop's shoulder, watching with interest as he cleaned one of his guns, "I really envy that man his power for stating the obvious.

"I swear, I leave my charge for one minute . . . Well, he's not dead, if he were dead I'd've been called back. So he might be being tortured, or held for ransom, or on the verge of dying--"

"You are so enjoyable to be around," I said before I could think twice.

"Pardon?" Scott asked. I swallowed hard. "Uh, I said, I mean . . . " Everyone was looking at me, expecting an answer. I glared at Angel, who was giggling. She's no help. Oh, bother and Brimstone! "I enjoy being around here. Everyone is so caring about everyone else. Not like that at my place. I'm glad I'm here for the holidays."

Jean smiled and put her arm around my neck. "Thank you, Val. That's sweet."

Angel laughed so hard she fell off Bishop's shoulder, and I cracked a grin. That's what you get when you make people say stupid things.

"Have y'all tried trackin' down his communicator?" Rogue offered, talking about Bobby again.

"Yeah, he left it at his parents. We called them, he left their house hours ago. We didn't want to worry them though, so we told them he'd probably be here soon."

Gambit lit a cigarette and got a nasty look from Beast. He just smiled and started puffing. Angel started coughing, and I looked at the pretty little thing worriedly. I don't know why, it's not like she's going to get lung disease. But I still worry about her. I should be hoping she gets killed by Lucifer, and then I wouldn't have to deal with her anymore. Don't know why I don't.

"I'm going to go help Elizabeth and Emma locate him on cerebro. This is getting ridiculous," Phoenix said, walking off. Angel hopped up to go follow, tugging my red hair as she floated past.

"What's the smile for?" Jubilee asked curiously. I was smiling?

"Uh, just thinking about a girl I know. I mean--knew. Yeah. She's dead now. That's right."

Angel giggled.

"Well, lad, shall we see whit ye can do with that power o' yuirs?" Sean asked, walking up behind me.

"Oh, sure. Lead away."

***

The Grotto--as it's affectionately dubbed--is bigger then I thought. And using my power is a lot more tiring then normal. Probably because I'm also running and sparring with Banshee himself as I do it, and these aren't my normal arrows. It's hard making arrows that hurt! I'm so used to doing ones that make love--my name is Valentine--that this seems far harder then it should. I looked up at one point and saw Angel watching. That's when Banshee clobbered me. It's really irritating, and I find myself working harder to beat him since she's there. This stupid, horny body. It's all it's fault! While I was busy feeling sorry for myself, Banshee got me again. Grrr.

***

By the time we got through showering and everything, the X-Men had found Bobby and were heading out to go get him. Something about Government assassins? I dunno. Keeping up with the mutant crowd always makes my head hurt.

Christmas night was really quiet, Jubilee sitting by the window, looking out at the stars, holding Wolverine's hat. Everett called his parents, he was still on the phone. Paige had the other phone line, talking with another brother. I swear, half of Kentucky is her family! Artie and Leech were playing with the trains and trucks they got, while Angelo kept throwing old Barbie dolls across the tracks. I don't think he hates kids nearly as much as he says he does. Jono was fooling around with the CD player, and M was watching the "Yogi Bear Christmas Special." Angel went with the X-Men. I don't miss her at all. Not a bit. Not the way her hair bobs when she laughs, or her blue eyes sparkle. Nope.

"Egg nog, ever'one!" Sean called, carrying a big tray from the kitchen. We flocked to where he was, fighting over who got the big glass. Sean created moans and groans when he said it was his. Emma laughed from the hallway, where she was standing with the light all around her. She sure is pretty. Stupid teenage body! It thinks all the girls in here are pretty! How do boys grow up with this??

"Any word from the X-Men?" Emma asked, accepting a cup of the thick drink from the headmaster.

"Nary a one." He sighed. "A hope they're okay. A dinnae see why they wouldn't be, but 'tis a shame that they had tae go fightin' on Christmas. Nary a break f'r th' X-Men A suppose."

Emma nodded slowly, licking the liquid off her upper lip. Yum.

"Geez, this place is gloomier then Jono!" Jubilee quipped, looking around. "We need some cheer, is all! Help me here, Ange!"

Paige, having just gotten off the phone, walked in and smiled. "Mah fam--Ah mean, my family's doing great. Ma said they had the biggest turkey ever this year!"

Jubilee was just dying to say something mean, but since it's Christmas she kept her mouth closed. Miracles really do happen.

Angelo dug around in the cupboard with all the tapes and records and CD's, then finally pulled out a cassette. "This what you're lookin' for, amiga?"

Jubilee grinned and snatched it out of his hands. "Yup! Guaranteed to cheer people up! Batteries not included." She stuffed it in the tape player and hit the button to make it go, then ran into the kitchen, sliding on the tile. The strains of something fast came out of the speakers, but I couldn't identify it. Jubilee came out of the kitchen with Everett and a broom in tow, the tall boy laughing. "Jubes, what are you doing?"

"Here! Take this!" She threw it to Sean and Jono, then motioned for them to hold it up. Paige grinned knowingly while Jubilee shoved Everett under the pole, making him knock the front of his face.

"By dose!" he said, holding the thing. Jubilee just laughed and went under the pole herself.

Everett quit the act and pushed Leech under. Artie followed, and soon everyone was trying (notice that word) to limbo. They even got me to do it. Limbo-ing was followed by dancing fast to slow music, then a game called "Mission: Impossible" was played in the grotto. (It was deemed too cold to play it outside.)

M and Jono were "it" and the rest of us started at one point, some going in singles, some in small groups. Angelo took me, and we crawled on our bellies past M, the first sentry. We were almost at base when Jono heard a twig snap and shone his beam of light at us, making us give him the tape we wore on our shoulders and heading back to start. Jubilee made it the first time, and let everyone know. While she was making all that noise, I made it to base. I was very proud of myself, even though my knee was bruised and I was bleeding from a small cut on my arm. Banshee called us in though, and we had to go to bed. It wasn't until then that I realized how late it was.

I heard Jubilee praying for the X-Men and Wolverine, and smiled. I figure they'll be okay, after all, Angel is with them, and as long as Gen X don't have to fight I'm happy.

XXX

So much for prayers being answered. The next morning there was a note Sean was going over, and a picture of the X-Men bound and gagged. There was a ransom wanted. They wanted Generation X. This really sucks. ACK! What did I just say? Sucks? What a vulgar term! Where did this body come up with that?!

Anyway, Sean told me that he and Emma were going out to find the X-Men and I shouldn't tell Gen X about the note, it would just worry them. I only have four days left and so far, so good. Banshee and the White Queen would take care of everything, and I would stay here with Generation X, out of trouble. They'll get the X-Men and bring them back, and voila! Happy New Years without any fights for my team! That's the plan.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

This is not in the plan. Banshee and the White Queen have been gone for a day now. And a night. Gen X is getting nervous and talking about going to find them. I think we oughta leave well enough alone--I like my skin intact! On the other hand, Angel is out there. Not that I'm worried about her. She's just a pest that I'm always fighting with. Like the time I goaded her into throwing a cloud-ball at St. Peter. She was so mad. Her eyes always sparkle prettily when she gets mad. And her face flushes, bringing some life into her cheeks. Her tiny body trembles if you make her mad enough. But that's not why I was goading her. Really. I don't care about how pretty she looks. And I'm not worried about her right now. Certainly not! That little brown haired, brown eyed, mousy, delightful, mischievous Angel! I couldn't care less about her!

I hope she's all right.

"I still think we should go after them," Jubilee insisted.

"No. Definitely a bad idea. They said to stay here!" I responded quickly. We DO NOT need to fight!!

"That was yesterday morning! Aren't you worried at all??"

Jubilee was getting more pissed by the minute.

"Of course I'm worried! I just think--"

"Then that settles it. Ange, what did you find out when you checked the computer flight log?" I can only gape. Jubilee has already done all this? GREAT! Now what am I supposed to do?! I guess I'm going to have to go with them. Oh, God. I'm dead.

The team keeps talking about what to do and their plan of action, while I wonder what I'm going to do. The only thing I can think of is go along and try to keep them out of as much trouble as I can. Stupid mutants!

"Okay, then, let's go!" Jubilee turned to me, giving me the Evil Eye. "Are you with us, or are you staying here?"

I swallowed hard, trying not to let my voice crack too badly. "I guess I'm in."

She slapped my back. "Good! Let's jam!"

Jam? As in jelly? Weird.

XXX

Angelo was able to hack into the controls for the plane and program it to take us wherever Sean and Emma had gone. Within an hour we were nearing a small, man made island. This already looks bad. Only a few more days, I only have to keep them alive for a few more days! New Year's is almost here, and then I can turn them over to their regular Guardians! I pity the souls.

"Cloaking device on," Angelo said, pushing some buttons. The hatch opened and Jubilee jumped out, counting on Synch's ability to take any mutant's signature power. I thought for sure she was dead, until Ev opened his mouth and a shrill scream came out, much like the Banshee's. Apparently they others are close enough, and Ev knew that. Jube did too. Paige steps to the door and quickly sheds her skin--I have to look away. That's just stomach turning. She jumped, in rock form, and plummeted to the ground. Angelo grabbed Jono with one hand, Ev with the other. He looked at me, eyebrows raised in question. I grinned and shook my head, pulling my bow from it's place on my back in the Otherworld. It slid into this world and my hands easily, feeling good. It's been a while. I jumped too, glancing over my shoulder to see the plane suddenly disappear as soon as I leave it's cloak. Weird. Taking an arrow from the Otherworld, I shoot straight up and watch as it balloons out, using invisible strings to keep me from falling too fast.

Paige is the first to land by far, and she's already dispatched two guards by the time we get there.

"What now?" Jubilee asked.

"How do we know how Banshee and Whitey got in? Or how they knew where to go?" I find myself wondering out loud. These are things that have been bothering me. I just don't get it.

"Did anyone get a look at the note?" The group shook it's collective head.

"Si. It's here," Ange said, pulling it out. "That's part of how I figured out where they were."

Yeah, I can see that. Since it tells them where to go to get the X-Men, I would guess that's where they'd gone.

"Here's the plan," Jubilee whispered, leaning forward. The others did the same, listening eagerly.

XXX

"Where are the other mutants?" he shouted again, blasting Cyclops.

Scott looked at him evenly. In the time he'd been here he'd at last figured out what this man wanted. Namely, the eradication of any and all mutants he could find. So far he'd caught the X-Men flat footed, and Banshee and the White Queen had walked right into a trap. Thank goodness they hadn't brought the kids.

"Sir!" a flunky said, saluting.

The old General turned and glared. "What do you want?"

"Two of the child mutants have been captured. They're outside now, being held awaiting your orders."

The General turned on his heel and walked quickly outside, where a young woman with short black hair and a young man with red hair and lots of freckles stood. The Asian girl insulted the man holding her, and he responded by shaking her hard.

Jubilee's teeth clacked, and even I flinched. If she'd keep her mouth closed I wouldn't have to worry so much about her neck snapping! Ohh, if this plan doesn't work then my rump is roast!

A large man in a General's outfit came up, glared down at us.

"You mutants should all be killed! And you especially! Always tearing down cities, scaring the good people of America!" He looked up at the men holding us. "Take them inside and chain them up." Now *that* sounds like something I don't want to have done! It's not in the plan! We were hoping they'd just put us in cells! Ohh, I hate improvising! That's why I'm not a G.A!

They hauled us inside, where we could see the X-Men and our headmasters chained to a wall.

"Jubilee! Val!" Banshee cried in his thick Irish accent.

"Are you two all right?" called the White Queen. Whatdaya know? It sounds like she really cares! I never thought she did!

The room is cavernous, a big computer thing in the middle. I can never tell what all these computers are for.

Jubes? Val? Are you guys all right? Ev called in our heads. That's so unnerving! It looks like he's getting the idea of Jean's powers though. Good. At least the plan is working in that aspect.

Yeah. We can give you an idea of how to get in, what the forces are. But there's no way we're going to be able to get out, Jubilee sent back. They're putting us in chains.

Speaking of which, think you could make 'em any tighter, bub? Sheesh.

"Ye shouldnae have come, Jubie."

Jubilee just smiled at Banshee. "C'mon, you didn't really think I'd leave my favorite people?"

"QUIET!" the General shouted.

Jubilee stuck her tongue out at his back. "Say, Jocko, aren't you a little old to be in the forces?"

The man stiffened. "I'll have you know I'm barely 40."

I can feel my eyebrows rise. He looks at least sixty. At least. Shrugging, I look around the room. In the corner stands Angel, biting her lip. Her eyes are red and puffy, and it looks like she's been crying. No wonder. Bobby looks half dead, and he's her charge. Which means whatever affects him affects her too. Poor sweetheart.

"C'mon, 40? I'd say more like . . . oh, sixty or seventy." I cringe, thinking that now for sure Jubilee's going to get killed.

But none of the X-Men are stopping her, and I realize suddenly that there's a reason she's loudmouthed. While he's distracted by his anger, yelling at her, the others are able to sneak in. She's risking her neck to help escape. And I can see her pulse racing in her throat. Wow. I guess I was wrong--again. She's not just a loudmouthed little brat. Okay, so sometimes she is.

"I bet you have a coupla great-great-great-grandkids. At least. Probably a few more. Greats, that is."

He got right up in her face, and for a moment I was afraid for her safety. Wolverine started growling, and everyone else tensed. "A mutant did this to me! Did you hear? A MUTANT! It's freaks like you who caused me to age before my time! I wouldn't have been discharged if it weren't for you things!"

One of the men jumped, and I saw Synch standing behind him as he fell.

"Aww, you were probably discharged 'cause ya got stinky breath."

The General pulled back his hand, as if to strike. I saw Angel fly above, then jump on a rafter that was almost rotted through anyway. The whole thing crunched, falling down behind the man and knocking him forward, onto Jubilee. It gave Paige the time she needed to unlatch the collar around Jean's neck. Jean froze the man in place, then unlatched some of the chains and collars around her teammates. The X-Men sprang into action even as the alarms went off, calling men from all over the island. They came in droves, guns in hand. Jean they knocked out first, the General screaming to get Cyc. Only Wolvie was left, and he did the smart thing and ran to get someone else's--Storm, I think--collar off. Even before he got there he was shot down, and Gen X were starting to lose. A blast hit my chains and I fell, clawing the collar from my neck. A second later Paige in a rock form was there, ripping it off.

But we were still being beaten back.

I looked around, wondering what in the world I could do to help. I made people love each other, not--waitaminute! That's it! A bullet whizzed by my head and I ducked, then cocked an arrow in my bow and, taking aim, shot. It landed hard in the General's arm, blasting him with bright pink wires that only Angel and I could see. They wrapped around him, sinking into his skin as he convulsed. I bit my lip, hoping my plan would work. Suddenly there was a tearing pain in my shoulder, and my world went black.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Dark. Black. Quiet.

Val? You have to wake up. That's Jean's voice, I think. I start to drift toward the light she's drawing me to, then I notice that my shoulder's hurting really bad. Oh manohman. Waking up's going to hurt. I don't want to.

Val! Come on, now, it will hurt, but you'll live.

Man! I don't wanna! Then there's light intruding on my world, and the next thing I know I'm in great pain. Then a prick and the pain's not so bad anymore. "Better?" He's looking over me, blocking out the harsh lamplight.

"Yeah." My voice is no more then a croak, and I cringe.

"Easy, son. Ye've suffered a shot in yuir shoulder, but ye'll be fine."

That's Irish. No, wait, his name's Sean. And the guy blocking out the light is Beast. Hank. That person floating above me, on wings of white, looking so prettily worried, is Angel. She's a doll. "Were you worried about me?" I hear myself asking her.

The others answer, but I'm not paying attention.

Angel bit her lip, blushing. "Maybe a little."

I grin. She likes me. "What happened to the General?" Again, the others start to answer, but Angel knows I'm talking to her.

"After you shot him he fell in love with the world. That was a good idea. Get the General, and he called off the troops. And you stayed true to your name, and didn't hurt anyone."

I smiled again. "When do I get to go home?"

Angel started to laugh. "Tomorrow. You've been asleep for a long time. They were worried."

I looked over at the others, all of them crowding the room, hovering fretfully. "I don't care. I was just worried about you. You and Iceman are okay?"

Angel nodded as everyone else slowly got the idea that I wasn't talking to them. They looked at the air where I was giving my comments, then at each other.

"I don't think he's talking to us," Scott said quietly.

"He might be slightly delusional," Beast said quietly.

"Good. I was worried about you."

Angel blushed. I like it when she does that. "You were?"

"Yeah. You wanna . . . uh . . . well . . . gotoadrive-in?"

Angel broke into a huge grin. "Yeah. I'd like that."

"I think we'd better let him rest for a little while," Beast whispered, pushing everyone gently out of the room.

I started to laugh. "We're going to have to ditch them."

XXX

New Year's day dawned bright and clear, and I packed up the last of my stuff. Mission accomplished.

"You have any tips for the new Guardian Angel?" David asked. I grinned.

"Yeah. Stay loose. They're not what they seem."

There was a knock on the door, and David watched as Sean entered. Of course, he couldn't see the G.A. "Are ye sure ye'll nae reconsider?" he asked.

I shook my head. "The fighting gig's just not for me. I learned enough about my powers to suit me. I'm going home."

"Will ye at least let me drive ye tae th' airport?"

I just shook my head.

He smiled sadly and ruffled my red hair. "Well, then, A wish ye th' best o' luck."

I grinned and walked out, then out of the house as Gen X stood at the door, watching. "Where to now, Angel?"

"The drive-in, of course!"

I laughed, bring odd looks from those watching me leave. I turned and waved one last time, then winked at the plethora of Guardian Angels hovering about the house. Gen X will be protected greatly.

"I want to see if they're playing "Romeo and Juliet."

I glare up at her as I round the corner, out of sight of the mansion. Wings sprout from my back as my human clothes disappear, replaced by the normal stuff. "I'm not going to 'Romeo and Juliet.' How about 'Judge Dredd'?"

Angel made a face. "No way! I just got done fighting because The Big Guy had to deal with Galactus and couldn't keep all the baddies away, I don't want to watch more people fight!"

"Well I'm not going to a sap movie!"

"Oooh! It's not a sap movie!"

"HA!"

XXX

Wolvie scratched his chin and eyed where he'd last seen the boy rounding the corner. There sure had been something odd about him. . .

--finis--

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