The next morning Wolverine put several suitcases in the back of his jeep, then went back into the mansion to see if Star was ready. He entered the med lab but Star's bed was empty.

"Ah, Logan. Jean and Jubilee are helping Star get ready for your trip. She's still a bit groggy from the sedatives." Beast took his glasses off. "Incidentally, you were correct about her reaction to medications. Any given sedative only works once, twice at the most, and the second usage has much less effect."

"How'd she do last night?"

"Not very well, I'm afraid. It was necessary to sedate her."

"How 'bout this mornin'?"

"She is very withdrawn. She does what she is told, but doesn't initiate anything."

"We let 'er down, Hank. Its gonna be a while before she trusts us again." Beast didn't reply. Wolverine spotted the smaller psi-dampener on the work bench.

"Ya need that thing?"

"Hmm? Oh. No, I can't say that I do. It doesn't seem to have any other applications. Doesn't work on any other mutant powers that I have tested it against. I must say Rogue was very disappointed."

"Yeah, I bet she was. Mind if I take it with me?"

"Not at all." Beast paused, "Do you think it will be necessary? Your cabin is very isolated."

"Wasn't plannin' on usin' it. I'm gonna have the kid smash it."

"Ah. Should be therapeutic. There's an empty box that should just hold it. I'll get it for you." They packed the dampener.


Jean brought Star into the front room, the girl's face was expressionless.

"Ya ready, darlin'?" Wolverine asked. Star just looked at him. He glanced at Jean, who shrugged slightly.

"Maybe after the sedatives wear off, she'll ..."

"Yeah." Professor Xavier came into the room to see them off. He took Star's hand.

"Take care, child. Come back to us soon."

"Hey, wait a minute!" Jubilee's shout echoed through the mansion. She dashed up a moment later. "Ya almost forgot your bracelet, Star! Ya never go anywhere without it." Star watched impassively as Jubilee fastened the string of silver bells around her wrist. She looked from the bracelet to Jubilee's hopeful face and smiled tremulously.

"Thank you, Jubilee."

"No problemo, Star. See ya 'round."

"Good-bye." Jubilee dashed off. She felt it was beneath her dignity to let anyone see that she was worried for both her friends.

"C'mon, kid. We got a long drive ahead of us." Star joined Wolverine at the door, her movements graceful and silent as always. She turned and looked back at the X-Men standing in the front room, then, without a word, went through the door. Wolverine helped her into the jeep. Beast turned to Gambit,

"Remy?"

"I see it, mon amie. De bracelet, it don' ring when she move. 'Les she want it to." He shook his head, "De petite, she make a good t'ief, non?"

Wolverine started the jeep. Jubilee watched from an upstairs window as they drove away.

"Good luck," she whispered.


They arrived at the cabin late that afternoon. They hadn't exchanged more than a handful of words the entire trip. Wolverine left Star alone. He figured when she was ready, she'd start talking again.

"Your room's through there, darlin'," he told her. "If ya wanna get settled in, we'll go inta town fer supper later. The place's been empty fer a while, now. We'll get supplies tomorrow." She carried the bags Jubilee had packed for her into the room Wolverine had indicated and quietly closed the door behind her. He put his kit in his room, then began to turn on the utilities to the cabin. He was adjusting the temperature on the water heater when he heard Star call him.

"Wolverine?"

"Yeah, kid?"

"What is that?" she pointed out the window. He looked where she indicated.

"It's a raccoon."

"I read about raccoons, but there weren't any pictures." She looked up at him, "Could I go look at it?"

"You don't have ta ask permission, darlin', but I don't think it'll stick around. Critters up here ain't used ta people." She looked longingly out the window. He shook his head. "Go on, kid. Just move slow an' quiet, an' don't startle it. 'Coon's've got nasty teeth an' claws." She smiled up at him then quickly moved out of the room. He heard the front door of the cabin open, then close. He glanced around the room, and saw her suitcases, open and empty, on top of the dresser. He went to his room to unpack his own gear.


He put his now empty bag on the top shelf of the closet, and glanced out the window. Star was sitting in the leaves, playing with the raccoon. The animal was being as gentle with her as if she had been one of its kits.

When the raccoon waddled off into the woods surrounding the cabin Star looked up and saw Wolverine watching her. She smiled at him and moved toward the back door. She entered the cabin quietly.

"Get washed up, darlin', an' we'll head inta town."

"All right." A few minutes later they were in the jeep, driving toward the small town of Andrewsville.


"Logan! Where've you been keepin' yerself?" the waitress asked as they entered the small diner on the edge of town.

"Hey, Maudie. Don't get up here as often as I like, business, ya know." He turned to Star. "Maudie, I'd like ya meet a friend o' mine. Star, this is Maudie. She an' Harry own this place."

"Pleased ta meet ya, Star," Maudie said, smiling. "That's an unusual name, but I must say it fits you. 'Twinkle, twinkle, little star'. Bet yer folks were hippies, weren't they?" Maudie rushed on, never noticing the carefully schooled expression Star wore to cover her confusion. "What can I get for you folks?"

"Harry still makin' the best chili this side o' the Mississippi?"

"You bet! Let me get you a couple of bowls. You'll want a brew, of course."

"'Course."

"What about you, honey? What can I get for ya?"

"Some water, please," Star answered hesitantly.

"Sure thing. Have a seat an' I'll be back with ya in a second." It was still early, but there were a few customers in the diner. Several greeted Wolverine as he and Star took a booth toward the back. Star watched everyone carefully. She hadn't been around anyone other than X-Men since her disastrous court appearance.

"It's okay, darlin'," Wolverine smiled at Star. "These are good folks." Maudie brought their meal.

"How long ya staying this time?"

"'Til its time ta go."

"Well, I hope you an' yer lady will stop in again before ya take off." "Count on it, Maudie." Business at the diner was picking up as the evening progressed and Maudie left the two of them alone. They finished their meal and, after Wolverine paid the tab, returned to the cabin.

"Get some sleep, kid."

"Wolverine?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

"Don' mention it, darlin'. Now hit the sack." Star went to her room and quietly closed the door behind her. Wolverine completed the chores that needed to be done, and turned in himself.


He was awakened by the smell of coffee brewing. He got up and went into the kitchen. It was empty. The doors to Star's room and the bathroom were both open. Star was gone. He'd told her she could come and go as she pleased and she had taken him at his word. He decided to take a shower. When he was finished, she had returned.

They shared the coffee, speaking very little. He didn't ask where she had been, and she didn't volunteer the information. After rinsing their cups, they went into town for breakfast and supplies.

They spent some time purchasing canned goods, as well as perishables, with which to restock the cabin. Wolverine also purchased boots and a heavy coat for Star. It was growing late in the year, and they could expect cold weather soon. He showed her around the town, pointing out the library as well as a small local museum. She grew more comfortable with the friendly population as the day progressed. After a while, they returned to the cabin.

Their supplies safely put away, they went for a walk. The woods were filled with the sounds of nature, birds singing, insects buzzing, and, once, the call of a bull moose. Star absorbed the new sights and sounds as Wolverine answered her endless questions. It was nearly dark when they returned to the cabin once more. They prepared dinner in a companionable silence.


The days passed uneventfully. Star explored the land around the cabin both with Wolverine and on her own. They went into town every few days, more to keep Star accustomed to unfamiliar minds than for any need for supplies. Occasionally, they received a chatty letter from Jubilee. Star always answered the letters at once, writing to her friend at a booth in the diner. Maudie always found time to talk to Star for a few minutes and she gradually began to respond to the older woman's genuine friendliness. Wolverine began leaving Star at the diner for an hour or so each time they went to town. Both women seemed to enjoy their time together.


One afternoon, after leaving Star at the diner, Wolverine was enjoying the quiet of the small town. He noticed the dress shop at the far end of the main street and, recalling Star's almost wistful expression as she had gazed at the dresses in the window, he went in.

"Hello Logan," the proprietress said happily, looking up from her sewing machine.

"Hi, Mary. How's business?"

"Booming. The New Year's Ball is only a couple of weeks away and all the local ladies need new dresses." She smiled at him. "What can I do for you, today?"

"I was hopin'," he began uncomfortably, "that you'd have time..."

"To make a dress for your lady?" She laughed. "As soon as I realized that the two of you were in town for a while, I knew you'd be by. You never could resist giving a lady something pretty. Hang on a second." Wolverine grinned as Mary went into the back room. She returned a moment later with a sketch book.

"I'd almost given up on you, you know," she said, opening the book. "Here, what do you think of this one?" She showed him a sketch of a black and silver gown, off one shoulder, while long sleeved on the other side. The bodice was fitted, the skirt full and ruffled, sloping from one hip to the floor on the other side, opposite the long sleeve.

"I started this sketch several weeks ago. What took you so long?" Wolverine shrugged.

"I just didn't think about 'til now. I don't even know what size she wears."

"That's all right. I've been watching her. I know what size to make the dress."

"How long?"

"I'll have it ready before Christmas. I'll get her some shoes to go with it."

"Thanks, Mary. I knew I could count on you."

"Any time. And, Logan?" he turned back. "Go see Dave about a tux. You can't take a girl wearing one of MY dresses to a dance wearing jeans, you know." He smiled and nodded.

He shook his head as he left the dress shop. Mary knew him very well indeed. He crossed the street and was about to enter the men's clothing store when he heard Star call him.

"Logan." Her voice was quiet, and entirely inside his head. She hadn't used her telepathic abilities since they had left Xavier's mansion. Something was wrong.

"Three men just came into the diner. They have guns."

"I'm on my way, darlin'"

"Don't come in. They'll hurt someone. I'll...send them out to you."

He ran toward the diner, cursing himself for having left her there.

Star sat quietly in the booth at the back of the diner, watching the three men as they ordered Maudie to empty the cash register. If they took the money and left it wouldn't be necessary to do anything until they were outside, where it was less likely that innocents would be hurt. A child in the first booth began to cry and his father quickly stood, placing himself between the gunman and the frightened child.

"Shut that kid up if you know what's good for you." The youngster slid under the table and into the arms of his mother. She held him tightly, shushing him. The gunman continued to point his weapon at the father while the other two urged Maudie to hurry. The child continued to cry. The man stepped forward angrily, pushing the barrel of his weapon into the father's chest. Star carefully, and noisily, dropped her pen onto the table. All three of the men swung toward her, noticing her for the first time. The father slid into the booth next to his wife, protecting her and the child with his body.

"You tryin' ta get yerself shot, girl?" one of the men by the register asked. "Get over here." She eased out of the booth and stood, looking at the trio. "Get over here, now!" The man who had threatened the boy's father stepped forward and grabbed her arm, dragging her closer to the register.

"Why aren't you scared?" he demanded. "I could blow your brains out right here and there isn't anything anybody can do about it." She just looked at him, her face expressionless. He slapped her, knocking her to the floor. She looked up at him, anger sparking in her silver eyes, blood running down her chin from her cut lip. He lifted his weapon, aiming it at her. Harry stepped out of the kitchen and shot the gunman with his shotgun. Maudie screamed as the two remaining thugs turned toward Harry with their weapons already firing.

"No!" Star cried, her eyes blazing as she deflected the storm of metal fragments away from everyone in the diner. She stood, breathing rapidly as Maudie, Harry, and the young family cowered away from the bullets. The two gunmen turned their weapons on her as she stepped over the body of their fallen partner. She gestured and one of the men flew backwards, shattering the glass door and tumbling to the feet of Wolverine. The third man stared from Star to his useless weapon and back again. Wolverine stepped inside, tore the gun from the man's nerveless fingers and struck him with the butt of the weapon. The gunman dropped.

The father, eyeing Wolverine uncertainly, pulled his wife to her feet and edged toward the door.

"Star," Wolverine said quietly. "It's over, darlin'. Come down, girl, its over." Slowly, she unclenched her fists, and the fierce blaze faded from her eyes. She looked at Wolverine for a moment, then her eyes rolled back and she collapsed. He caught her with one arm, the other hand still holding the automatic weapon he had taken from the gunman.

Maudie peered cautiously over the counter as Harry got to his feet behind her.

"Oh!" she cried when she saw Star, limp in Wolverine's grasp. She rushed around the end of the counter, Harry close on her heels. Outside could be heard the sound of sirens as the police approached. Harry took the gun from Wolverine and placed it carefully on the counter. Wolverine picked Star up.

"She's all right, Maudie," he quickly reassured her. "She's fainted, that's all."

"Are you sure? She hasn't been shot?"

"I'm sure."

"I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to her because of us."

"She'll be fine, Maudie." Star sighed and stirred in his arms. She opened her eyes and looked up at him.

"I'm sorry, Logan."

"Hush, girl."

"Harry, get a chair for Star," Maudie said. Harry quickly righted a chair. Wolverine gently lowered her into it and looked at her split lip while Maudie got a wet rag for him. Harry spoke with the policemen who entered the diner cautiously, stepping over the body of the gunman outside.

"I killed him, Logan," Star said quietly. "I felt his chest cave in when I pushed him."

"Sometimes there's no other way, kid."

"I thought they would leave once they had the money, but the baby started to cry and that one," she glanced at the body of the thug Harry had shot, "was getting a real kick out of scaring everyone. I couldn't let him hurt anyone. I just couldn't."

"That's why we're the good guys," he answered her, gently cleaning the blood from her face.

"Excuse me," one of the policemen said. "I need to get a statement from the young lady." Star stared up at the policeman, more frightened by him than she had been by the gunmen. Wolverine stood, glaring up at the officer.

"She didn't see nothin'." The policeman nervously moved back a step.

"I'll have to hear that from her."

"I... don't know what happened after that one hit me." Star told him quietly. "Can I go home now? Please?" The policeman closed his notebook and watched as the ambulance personnel loaded the injured gunman onto a gurney. The other two gunmen had blankets draped over their still forms.

"All right, ma'am." He turned back to Harry and Maudie.

"C'mon, darlin'. Let's get out of here." Wolverine helped her to her feet and, when she swayed, he simply picked her up and carried her to the jeep.

"I knew that poor little girl was fragile," they heard Maudie say as they left the diner. "When she first came here, she was afraid of her own shadow."


They drove back to the cabin in silence until Wolverine glanced over to find Star grinning up at him tiredly.

"Fragile?" she said. "Oh, Maudie. If you only knew." He laughed and she joined him.


When they arrived at the cabin, Star was able to walk inside on her own, but she sank gratefully to the couch as soon as she could. Wolverine built a fire in the fireplace and they watched the flames together, his arm around her shoulders, her head resting on his chest. Her skin was cold. After a while, she dozed. He stroked her hair, watching her sleep. He was aware of his growing feelings for this diminutive woman and knew she would be easy to love. He would have to be very careful.

He watched her sleep for about an hour, then gently woke her.

"Ya need ta eat somethin', girl, then get to bed." She sighed then reluctantly moved away from him. He heated some soup and brought it to her, urging her to eat. Finally, she finished and he took the empty bowl from her. She was practically asleep already. He helped her to her room and into her bed. He pulled the quilt up to her shoulder then surprised himself by leaning down and kissing her cheek.

"G'night, Logan," she whispered, her eyes closing.

"Good night, darlin'," he answered, quietly leaving her room and pulling the door almost closed behind him. He returned to the living room and stared into the fire until late in the night.

« « BACK
» » NEXT
[ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 ]

- Wolverine's Realm - Facts About Wolverine - Origins of Wolverine - Wolverine's Allies -
- Wolverine's Enemies - Picture Gallery of Wolverine - Fan Art Gallery of Wolverine -
- Wolverine Fan Fiction - Wolverine Rumor Section - Current Wolverine Issue -
- Wolverine Issue Database - Sound Gallery - Wolverine Price Chart - Wolverine Chatroom -
- Wolverine Books for Sale - Wolverine Poll - Other X-Men related links - Other Comic links -
- Webring Membership - Wolverine Search - Mail Me!! - Guestbook - Feedback -
©Copyright by Alan Quan. This printed article is ©copyrighted by its respective author and has been reprinted with permission.