Author's Note: So, this popped into my mind the other day, and I had to get it out so that I could concentrate on other things. Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

His bloody, bandaged hands were trembling as he opened the letter Professor Xaiver had handed him. His name was written in Jean's elegant, slanting cursive on the outside of the envelope. The letter was neatly folded into thirds, like any other letter that he would receive. Except that this wasn't just any letter. It was written on the stationary that she reserved just for him. Holding it to his nose, he breathed in the smell of his lover, taking extra care not to get any blood on the note.

Scott,

As I write this, I'm hoping that you'll never have to read it. But even now, in the back of my mind, I have a sick feeling that you'll be reading it one day, and I'm immensely sorry for that. If you're reading this right now, it means that I've lost control of this thing that's inside me. I've been fighting with this creature for so long now that I don't really remember what its like to be without her. There are days when I just know that if I keep fighting I'll push her back into my mind and be rid of her forever. Then, there are other days when I think that if I don't give in, it's going to kill me. But I also know that if I give in, I'll bring destruction and death to those I love, and that's unacceptable. That's why I'm writing you this letter.

I can't let the Phoenix destroy everything and everyone that I love, but I can't destroy the Phoenix now. I wasn't strong enough. But you are. Scott, you're the strongest person that I know, and the best. You're steady and reliable in a way that I only wish I could be. I know that there are times when I've ignored your problems because I was trying to keep the Phoenix under control, and again, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I'm about to ask you to do something that no one should ever have to do. But there is no one else to ask.

I've lost my battle with the Phoenix. If you're reading this, I'm not here anymore, and the Phoenix is walking around in my body. Please, if you remember nothing else, remember these two things: For one, the Phoenix isn't me. It seems silly to remind you of this when you're the one who used to tell me that all the time. But this thing is going to do horrible things while walking around in my body…just remember that it's the Phoenix, and that if I am still in here somewhere…Sometimes sacrifices have to be made for the greater good.

Secondly, always remember that I love you. I know that it is terrible of me to tell you this now, when I'm asking you to do something so horrible, but I have to know that you know I love you. I don't say it enough, but you know anyway, because you're you, and you just know. Like after that terrible incident with the leather prototype uniforms when it got caught around my ankles and I almost hurt us both. You laughed with me, not at me, and still made me feel like the most cherished woman in the world. Or those moments when you would just hold me until I fell asleep. Or that time you trusted me enough to try that trick with your glasses…

I'm not telling you this to make you sad or break you down. I'm telling you this because I need you to do what no one else can. I also know exactly what you're doing as you read this. You're shaking your head and saying "No, Jean, there has to be some other way. How am I supposed to kill the woman I love?"

Scott caught himself shaking his head, tears flowing freely down his cheeks, thinking exactly that. There must be some other way to control this creature. He needed Jean. He had to have her back. Wasn't that his job? Wasn't the fearless leader supposed to rescue the girl? Of course, right now, he wasn't fearless, and Jean would definitely object to being considered a damsel in distress.

I'm telling you now, Scott, that there isn't another way. I gave the Professor strict instructions not to give you this until you had exhausted all other possible alternatives. It isn't that I don't want to come back to you, because I do. If there is a way to come back, I will, but I don't think it's very likely. I'm telling you this because right now you're thinking of it as murder. You're thinking about killing me. Don't think of it that way. Think of it as a labor of love, a mercy killing. You can do it because you love me, and because I'm asking you to. I'm sorry that I have to ask you to do this, but you're the only one strong enough to do what has to be done.

So, please, have mercy on me, love me, and do as I ask.

With love (always with love),

Jean

Closing his eyes, he pulled off his glasses and wiped them on his shirt. It was damn hard to see when they were fogged up. He also wiped his eyes, and tried to stop the tears that were flowing freely now. He knew that Jean was right, and he hated it. He had always thought that they would find a way to control the Phoenix…well, Dark Phoenix, anyway. But they hadn't, and now it was running amok.

He should have put a stop to it long ago, but he kept hoping that Jean was tucked away in there somewhere, and that he could bring her back. But it seemed that wasn't going to happen. And he owed it to her to do as she wished. A mercy killing, she called it. Well, they had always disagreed on that front. He had always thought that wherever there was life, there was hope. But Jean had made it pretty clear what she wanted, and damnit, he loved her, and couldn't deny her this. Not her last and most important wish.

Clenching his jay, he went to see the Professor so that he could destroy the woman he loved.

Author's Note: So, there it is. It has always seemed fitting to me that this is the way it would be, just because Scott is Mr. Reliable (which is fine with me), and Jean would know exactly how to phrase things to make him understand. I have a second part in my head, and if I get enough feedback, I may post it. Anyway, please review and let me know what you think. Any type of feedback is welcome. =)