This disclaimer will only appear on this chapter, but it applies to all of them: I do not in any way shape or form own, affiliated nor took part in the creation distribution and production of X-Men (or any Marvel) games, films, media, comics and merchandise. This story is purely fan made and is not to be used, distributed or sold and in general be used in a profitable way. All characters belong to their respective owners and in general Marvel/Disney.

Enduring Zeal

The Albatross

To her he was simply misunderstood. Many thought his antics were crude, harsh, inappropriate- the list went on. Everyone only thought of his self-indulgent nature when they looked at him. None could tolerate his unfiltered remarks. Yet she could see him for who he truly was. He was not always 'The Wolverine' a senseless beast who lived to sink his claws into the heart of someone he hated. She saw him for Logan. The father figure to the young students of the the school. Storm could see it when he ruffled Jubilee's hair, the way he listened to a tear stricken Kitty, the way he gently tossed X-23 away in the midst of training, the pat on the back he gave Rogue when most frustrated with her powers.

Ororo turned the corner they never did any patrols on the school, but recently discovered remnant sentinels were found, and unsuspecting mutants had lost their lives. It was still a mystery as to what had powered them to kill, who was the puppeteer behind the strings, but there had been no answer thus far. Logan, who was Headmaster since they had lost their father figure Professor X to age, had given her and Scott the privilege to pick the pairings. The distribution of powers and balancing the teams wasn't the hard part, but keeping those with less than favourable opinions of the other unpaired proved tiring. Everyone was fine working with one another, but because of Logan's relationship with Jean Scott was against himself or the red head ever teaming up with Logan. Storm knew that Logan and Scott's relationship was much better than when it first started, but bad blood and bitterness still ran between the two- and it was no secret Logan still had feelings for the fiery red-head.

Her eyes fell on Logan his arms crossed as he leaned on the wall opposite the door leading to the student dorm rooms. No one would have notice the subtle action of his paternal instincts. None would say he had any, but Storm knew and those girls who looked up to him like a father knew who he really was.

"We can head back to our rooms Logan. Rogue and Gambit will be taking over soon."

He knew she was there before she even spoke, but it took him a moment longer to finally look up and answer her.

"Yea I still ain't movin till they get here."

Storm smiled warmly and made her way to his side placing a delicate hand on his shoulder. She felt his muscle twitch and relax at her foreign touch.

"They will be fine. They can hold their own Logan; you are to thank."

She moved from his shoulder and spun at the sound of hushed laughter. Gambit's arm was lazily thrown on Rogues shoulders his fingers brushing against Rogues bare arm. Ever since their return from Australia the Professor had been able to tear Rogue's mental barriers and allow her to take control of her powers. It was small things like these that brought warmth to Ororo's heart. Rogue had always been the one whom Storm wanted to help the most even though there was a time where she hated the idea of the girl joining their team.

"Hey suga, y'all been waiting on us?"

Rogue pulled away from Gambit and wrapped her arms around Storm pulling the woman in for a hug. Now that Storm thought about it, it had been some time since she saw the southern beauty. No matter how she felt about Rogue back in the past Storm's affection for the girl was limitless. She hugged her back and pulled away to look her in the eye.

"I am very happy for the relationship you both have, but try to keep yourself aware of whats going on."

The corner of Storms lip turned up as Gambit turned a light shade of pink Storm walked past him and playfully poked him on the side. Perhaps it was because they both shared a past with thievery; Storm couldn't help but feel a platonic love for Remy.

"Take care of her bub. Or give me a reason to stick my claws through your skull."

While Gambit raised his hands defensively the threat was met with a soft laugh from Rogue.

"C'mon now Remy, before papa decides to pull out 'is shotgun. Ah like my Cajun breathin an with a head."

She pulled Gambit by his wrist winking at Logan as they walked by and finally disappearing as they turned a corner. Her gentle laugh was all that was left after they disappeared.

Storm turned muttering a quick goodnight, but his voice stopped her from stepping away.

"I don' get you woman."

Storm turned a questioning look on her face. It was an odd statement coming from him. He was already lighting up a cigar watching her through the smoke rising from the tip.

"You don't understand woman or you don't understand me?"

He smirked at her response taking the cigar out and carefully eyeing her.

"I don' get how you keep smilin' at me."

"I do not understand why you feel like I should not smile at you. You are my teammate after all."

"Fuck Storm how many times have I not been your teammate?"

It was a fair question. She knew he was referring to the times he fought against them the many times he would leave them to pursue his own desires, but he always came back.

"And how many times have you pulled through when we needed you the most?"

There was a moment of silence between them and she slowly walked toward him both hands on either biceps.

"Logan you have left us before, but you have never forsaken our team."

She would never admit to him that she could see his gentle side. Sometimes it was best to know something without needing to express it. She took a step back and smiled once more letting him see that no matter what she trusted him to do what was right; even if it wasn't always popular.

Storm had respect for someone who could tame their inner beast. Respect for someone who did what they felt was right despite it going against his team and no matter how many times she found herself without him on her team she still respected his wish to not be with them.

"I like being out in the open, but having a nice soft bed to fall on ain't too bad either."

He would never outright and say he loved the mansion, and she knew he would never admit that he was doing it to protect the girls he saw as his daughters.

"Hey Storm."

"Yes Logan?"

"Diplomacy really suits you."

She wasn't sure what to make of it, but Storm translated it as his way of thanking her. She watched as he turned to leave. She stood there with her thoughts wondering if anyone could understood the pain Logan had been through. Ever since dealing with the Mongrels he was never the same again. It saddened her to think about how a man had highhandedly killed a whole team only to learn afterwards that they were his own children. It made sense why he was more protective of the girls since his returns a few months ago.

She made her way to her tower. Ever since Logan paid for the rebuilding of the school and becoming Headmistress she shared a tower with Logan occupying the whole top floor while he the bottom. Still, she could go days without seeing him and it had nothing to do with separate entrances. Logan even as Headmaster would make it impossible losing the door and shedding he clothes discarding them into a laundry bin. Slipping on a night dress she leaned out the window the cool air gliding over her body. Most would be uncomfortable and cold had they been dressed like she was, but no matter how hot or how cold the weather was it was a comforting blanket that cradled her in it's arms.

Her thoughts kept returning to Logan and as she stared out the window she watched him cross into her view making his way past the basketball court. She knew that he was the only other She knew he would disappear in the forest, but before he fully did he turned back to look at the school. It almost felt like he was looking at her, but from this distance it was impossible to tell. Logan had turned back and disappeared into the forest.

In that moment did she realized how exhausted she felt. Storm laid on her side her arms and legs lazily sprawled out on her bed. It was odd being back after her return from Wakanda, but she knew it was much wiser to not think about her annulled marriage. Perhaps it was for the better, both she and T'Challa had accepted that her place was not as queen of a country and that she was meant to be a part of the school with the only family that had always been by her side.

She drifted off her eyes on the sole photograph she had of her birth mother and father. The echo of a smile still on the features of the sleeping African beauty.

Storm woke to the sound of someone knocking on her door. Peeling herself from her bed she opened the door eyes falling on the face of her oldest friend. Storm stepped aside to let Jean come in it was clear the telepath was troubled as she sat on the edge of Storms bed refusing to look into the bright blue eyes of Ororo.

"Ro, I'm scared,"

She said finally after a large pause. Storm knew instantly that Jean spoke of Phoenix. It was the one thing that no matter how many times they dealt with it caused them pain and disaster. It was not too long ago did it leave Jean Gray after being so closed to manifesting as Dark Phoenix. They all feared the day it would return... they all feared the day they may have to kill their friend.

"It is a matter of time before you find a way to balance its power my friend. Perhaps it has left our world to build another one elsewhere. A world where it can live peacefully and without a cage."

Jean still hadn't looked up and Storm gently took her friends chin and lifted it so their eyes could meet.

"I'm afraid it will return and we can never lead a normal life. Ro I'm afraid I'll hurt Scott again."

"But you won't last time you almost fully controlled the Phoenix Force."

"It's not just it's power I'm afraid of, but how much it lusts after Logan. How can I be a wife if another part of me wants another man."

The way Jean's voice rose made Storm wonder if Logan's sensitive hearing picked it up. Yet she became more concerned when tears streamed down her friends eyes. But then there was a chance he hadn't returned since last night. Logan had always said how he liked the company of wild animals. A part of his charm she supposed,

"When you truly love someone, you will always do what is best to ensure their happiness. You let them go when they feel caged, you comfort them when they are hurt, but you also stand by their side when your relationship is threatened."

A smile and a hug from Jean was enough to let Storm know her words were enough.

"Now we have classes to teach and students to cater to. Sitting here crying over the potential future wont move us forward."

The day had gone by like any other, but that evening the students would gather outside near the forest Logan disappeared into and remember the life they had lost exactly a year ago that day. When the only father she had memories of left them in this world to go to a better place. Each faculty member and student stared at the large tombstone with the professors face carved on the front. Each one allowed floods of memories to sweep over them some unique only to them. It was touching to see how much he meant to all of them, and she wished he was there to see how much they had all grown. How many lives he had saved and how many people had truly loved him. She felt someone squeeze her hand and turned to see Betsy giving her a sad smile. Yes, they all lost someone dear to them and Storm was no exception.

Clouds formed and the darkness had further engulfed the, spittle of rain began to fall. By then everyone was going back inside and it was when the crowd dispersed did she see Logan standing there sullen, but once again he was looking at her... confused.

Logan needed to get away from the school. He was always more in his element in the wild. It was surprising how he was able to connect to animals better than humans. Explained how he lived with wolves all those years ago. It was something about his mutation most didn't know about. Logan was attuned to animals he could feel them sense how they were feeling and he could communicate with them non-verbally. Too bad he couldn't do the same with other humans or else they'd understand him better.

Still it was no his current predicament. His problem was how confused he was. As of late he was questioning everything, his love for Jean, his position as Headmaster and why Storm was still warm and inviting to him. He initially thought it was just a part of her kindness and since the annulment of her marriage perhaps she needed it to keep her emotions in check. Or perhaps she was grateful for the rebuilding of the school. Usually it would never bother him, but as of late he felt different around Ro. More protective. It was most probably because he knew he could rely on her to back him up. Or how they both felt about the students at their school. He would attribute the confusing feeling to their friendship it was the only explanation he could come to.

While he was watching her he didn't expect her to look back at him. Her blue eyes connected with his grey ones and there was an unspoken understanding, but the way she looked back at him made him feel like she was seeing more than just his eyes she felt something and he couldn't help but cross the field in her direction.

"Have a lot on your mind Logan?"

"Somethin like that Ro. Needed to go to my other home for a bit."

"I'm glad you remembered to come to the memorial."

"Woudn' miss it."

They had turned to leave towards the school knowing that everyone was heading over to get dinner, but he sensed something was off. The weather pattern changed drastically and judging by the look on Storms face it was not because of her.

She turned to look at him bewildered. As far as they all knew no one had powers like she did. Logan's claws slid out. Some of the faculty members were coming out. Storm looked at Jean and Psylocke giving them permission with her eyes to read her mind.

"It is not me. Tell the other faculty member to get ready to defend our students."

The two woman nodded wordlessly and turned to the other faculty members. Storm wished Hank was around, but having been called away on some business she felt like the one person who would have an explanation wasn't there.

The storm brewing grew stronger bolts of lightning filled the sky as the sound of thunder engulfed their school. Storms eye's turned white as she tried to return the weather to the way it was. It helped the Storm began to slow down and return to it's previous gentle rain, but as soon as she stopped trying to suppress it, it started again.

"I can not do anything about it. Whoever it is can not fight me off, but they will return the weather to how it was."

"Well then let's find this son of a bitch."

He began sniffing the air, but there was no foreign scent. Nothing amongst the students and nothing outside. All the scents were familiar, but what happened next they did not see coming.

A lightning bolt shot from the sky striking the ground before them. Smoke rose and they could see nothing. Logan sniffed and this time he could smell something. It was odd. It smelts familiar, but so foreign.

Storm used her winds to blow the smoke away the ground was scorched leaving a tiny pit in the ground, but that was not what made her gasp.

They could hear her cough, they could see this young person slowly stand up. Her clothes were in tatters and dirt clung to her bright white hair. White eyes made contact with Storm's only to be immediately replaced with steel grey ones.

They could tell she was young, just a teenager. The young girl pushed herself up crawling out of the hole she made in the grounds. She was badly battered up, but as she looked at Storm and Logan with relief and pushed herself up on her feet running at the two of them.

Logan wasn't sure what to do. Was this girl attacking them? He exchanged a glance with Storm who placed her hand on his pushing his claws down and stepping in front of him. Storm braced herself for an attack, but instead was met with the girl wrapping her arms around Storms waist.

"Mom! Dad!"

And like that the girl's body grew limp. Storm tried to hold the girl up, but it was Logan's strong arms that wrapped themselves around the girl holding her up.

A/N: First X-Men story every. I've been meaning to write one for a while, but never got inspiration. For those confused yes I am more leaning towards the comic book (If you're unaware of what recently happened in the comic and don't want it to be spoiled then don't read the next paragraph and skip to the last one however note that Avengers vs. X-men never happened, there was no M-Day)

Jean only died the first time and the professors death was of natural causes. In case you were curious Beast is in fact meeting with the Illuminati since he took the Professors place. I was considering the M-Day part, but hell I miss Jubilee's original powers. Better than her current vampire state. (There's probably something else, but I dont remember right now ha)

If you know who this person is calling Storm and Wolverine her parents try not to spoil it in the reviews. Still reviews are more than welcomed along with criticism and praise (I may not believe you I'm very critical with my work). I apologize for the grammar and spelling errors I've tried editing it, but with no Beta it's hard to spot your own mistakes. Any questions don't hesitate to shoot me a message.