X-Men : The Next Generation

Prologue

A nineteen year old Scott Summers sat amongst the debri and ash, all that was left of what was once the Xavier School for the Gifted.

"I thought I'd find you here, Scott."

Scott turned his head to see a figure becomming clear in the distance.

"Of course, I didn't need my mutant abilities to figure it out."

A shadow turned into a troubled Charles Xavier, making his way towards what was now only a memory of his beloved school.

"Hard to believe this happend only a few days ago," Professor Xavier put his hand on Scott's shoulder. "How are you holding up?"

"I still can't believe she's gone," he answered, standing slowly.

"Neither can I."

Scott couldn't controll the tears that were streaming down his cheeks, so he turned away so the professor would not see.

"Listen to me Scott, I know you're still upset—"

Scott angrily walked away from him. He stopped at a large tree that somehow managed to survived in what used to be a courtyard. He broke down and slammed his fists against the trunk, making the entire tree shake.

"Now I know you think other wise, but this was not your falt."

"You're wrong," he yelled back at him. "It was my falt, I couldn't protect her. I couldn't save her."

"None of us could have saved Jean, Scott. Now you have to let this go."

"No. I'll never let this go. I made her a promise. I said I'd always be there for her, and the one time she needed me I-I let her down."

Professor Xavier wheeled himself over to the young man. It was very hard for him to see his student, and fellow X-Men in so much pain.

"And what of the child?"

"I don't want to talk about this anymore," Scott once again turned away from Professor Xavier.

"Please Scott, don't shut me out. I want to help you anyway that I can."

Scott was about to argue, but something in the old man's eyes made him stop and remember who this was. His teacher and good friend, who had taken him in and cared for him deeply. A man who soley devouted his life for the welfare of others.

"You are the only one who knows about this, right?" he said quietly after a long pause.

"Of course. As requested by Jean, I kept my discretion."

"This is no environment for a child."

"Scott, your emotions might be clouding up your judgement. This child will most certainly aqquire mutant abilities. Possibly very strong ones..."

"No."

"Scott."

"No. This is my decision not yours. I'm sorry but you will not have another person willing to give their life for you."

Professor Xavier did not respond. But the look on his face proved that Scott's comment cut like a knife.

"Professor, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. It's just—It's all that I have left of her."

"No need to appologize. I suppose you're right. You have shown me in these past few months that you are no longer a child. "

"What will become of us?"

"Us?"

"I'm not abandoning you Professor. I don't walk away from my responsibilities."