Chapter 3
Her bag was packed and lying on her bed. She held a picture of herself and Scott in her hand. A tear slipped down her cheek. A knock sounded outside her door. She stood and answered, "Come in."
Logan stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable. "Leavin' Red." It wasn't a question, but a statement.
"I need space Logan. Something's come up..."
He nodded, " Whole mansion knows about it Red. They're pissed, but they can't do anything since Scotty's in charge."
Her heart dropped, "Then it's better this way."
"If ya need me, just give me a mental ring."
She tried to smile, "I will."
He pulled her into a tight hug. "Be careful Jeannie."
She burrowed into him, "Goodbye Logan." She pulled away and headed downstairs, Logan's soft, "Bye." filling the empty space. The front door was blocked by... "Emma." Jean hissed.
"Jean." the woman's face held an icy smile. Jean remained silent. "Have I offended you dear?" "What do you want Emma?" Jean strained to keep her voice in under control while keeping the fluttering heat of Phoenix at bay.
"You to sign these." Emma held out some papers labeled DIVORCE. "Scott has had them for a month now. We had decided he'd give to you on Valentines, much more dramatic, but-"As she continued talking Jean felt the binds on Phoenix snap. The papers combusted into flames. Emma dropped them in surprise, "What the bloody-" she broke off as Jean's change registered.
"Hello Emma." The woman was blasted out of the house, taking the front door with her. Jean strode outside, her emerald Phoenix suit glinting as flames licked her body. She knelt by the White Queen. "You shouldn't have pushed." She lifted her into the air, her right hand clutching the woman's throat, cutting off Emma's oxygen. "Now you've struck a nerve."
Jean felt the Phoenix Raptor appear, smoldering around her. She grinned, "Let's play." Emma was thrown backward into one off the trees spread around the lawn. With a crack she fell to the ground.
Emma struggled to her feet. "My turn Jean." Emma sent a weak blast of psionic energy at Jean.
Jean laughed, "Pathetic." she felt the other mutants drawing nearer.
"Jean!" Scott's voice carried to her. She turned to face him, eyes blazing.
"What do you want, I'm a bit busy at the moment." Scott raised one hand to his visor. "Release her."
Jean raised an eyebrow, "I don't listen to adulterants." she turned her attention back to Emma. "Now, how to get rid of you? Dismemberment, no to simple." Jean laughed, "Of course, I'll burn you to a crisp." She lifted one flame laced finger.
"Jean STOP!" Logan's voice cut through her like a knife, stopping her cold.
What was she doing? She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts now drunk with power. "Keep going." Phoenix murmured.
No..." Jean whispered, "This is wrong."
"Jean." Logan stood before her now. "Let her go." She felt control return and released Emma. Scott rushed to the dazed woman's aid.
Jean whispered, "Forgive me." Giving Logan a distraught glance, she flew into the air, leaving her home behind. Six months later, she died.