The Animal

by makoto x chelia

Jason, a young man living within the Xavier Institute holds many secrets inside, secrets he cannot share. His life, is a mystery to most, and to most, he seems uncaring, unfeeling, though behind that beats the heart of an animal, just waiting to come out.

10. Chapter 10

Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!

Primevere; Thanks! No worries, life, and all~ Okay, cool!

hellspam; Yeah, little by little, we're getting more, and this chapter reveals, quite a bit. No, he's really not, he can tolerate them, most of the time, that's why he's aloof with most people, he doesn't want to be hurt like that again, even Jason said it best when he closed off his own heart to others. Hehe, you never know with Jason, it could've been~ Well, she is, but is she gonna get there in time? We'll find out soon enough~ Well, I can't say if she ever will unlock one, but let's say that this isn't the last time we're gonna see Jess at Xavier's mansion. Scott being attracted to her would be funny, just imagine what could happen. I could see her doing that, nerves and all, and he'd be like "Geez Kitty..." or something like that.

Sparky548; I know, he couldn't though, or his little sis would've been hurt, or worse. But don't worry, their, relationship I guess progresses quite a bit in this chapter.

Mike0the0mic; Thanks very much! Well, you never know, I guess it could. I've never stated it couldn't, so maybe in the future he could display that power. Would be cool, wouldn't it?

TryonPlays; Indeed, but there's always a good bit for drama somewhere, helps the characters reveal things and such. And yeah, we did, and more here~

DocSlendy; I know, he has to! Hmmm, yeah it was bound to be one of them huh.

Cloud4012; Yup, it was, and here's the conclusion for that!

tyson113; Yeah, defo add him to a kill list, just wait until it is revealed what he really had done to Jason in the past...well, it isn't happy anyway~ I'd love to fit Ghost Rider in here somewhere, but I wouldn't know where to put him honestly, any idea is appreciated of course, it fuels my own mind. And thanks! Don't worry, the merk with a mouth shall be popping up rather soon.

Anime PJ; It's one ride huh. Sad, happy, funny, depressing, and then lovey stuff, then back to depressing. This chapter, has quite a bit of those elements. Yeah, he does indeed, and not very good ones either. Hmmm, that's an intriguing question, you never know, he could want him to be like that. Aah thanks very much, I thought it would be something Jason would struggle saying, but would say if he truly thought he couldn't again. And yeah, he's the end/beginning of a new one.

pyrojack25; Aah, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! Hmmm, he's...well, we'll find out what he's like~

Guest 1; Yeah that sounds pretty cool!

Guest 2; Yeah, that does sound great. I'll probably be doing a RWBY fic in the future, dunno when though, and that does seem like a cool idea to me, thanks for the suggestion!

Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!

---

Difficult choices!

Sitting in a cold, steel made container, was Jess. The young girl hugged her knees to her chest, and looked around at the darkness. She was, understandably frightened. She was a little girl that had been kidnapped.

She had a right to be frightened, but tried her best not to be frightened.

She wanted to go and be with Jason.

But she knew that right now, it was impossible.

She couldn't do anything, she couldn't even see much in front of her.

It was so dark that she couldn't even tell what was before her.

However, she wasn't going to lose hope.

She knew that Jason would come for her somehow. someway, she could depend on him to save her. From, whatever this hell was. She knew that Jason was going to save her, so she held onto that hope that she was going to be safe.

The sound of a metal door surrounded her, and towards the right, Mesmero walked into the room. She attempted to move, but then recalled that she was chained to the ground, her feet that were, or rather, her ankles held the chains that tied her down.

"Here, eat this."

Mesmero threw an apple on the ground, and it rolled over towards her.

Though apple wasn't what she liked, she took it anyway, and held it tenderly as Mesmero walked closer.

"You're lucky Jess. Your big brother is going to do a good job for me, and get me something that I want. Isn't that kind of him? He's doing it all for you, you know that Jess?"

The mocking sound in his voice really irritated the young girl, and she hated that she was being used like this, so her elder brother would have to go through something harsh. If anything, she was going to make it up to him somehow for causing this amount of pain.

"Why are you doing this…?"

She demanded weakly, trying to understand what was going on.

Mesmero smirked devilishly, and then chuckled deeply.

"Because, your brother has skills that I need. I can't mind control him now, Charles Xavier made sure of that. So, I did the next best thing, and bribed, him with your life on the balance. Sorry that it had to come up with this, but this is what has to happen for him to come back."

"…Who's him?"

She didn't know what he was going on about.

He wasn't happy at all with the question, and felt like doing something.

"Him, is someone that you can't even comprehend, little girl. He's far above you, and he's going to come at the end of days. He's going to do something amazing, and you're not going to do something like that at all. You're nothing but a mere Pawn in this game."

Jess looked down at her tattered uniform, wishing that she could be of more help than she was being right now.

"D-Don't say such things, my big bro wouldn't let you do anything to me."

"You really believe in big bro, don't you? It's really adorable that you can do something like that. But, you know, you're right. You are right for a change. You can believe in him. He wouldn't want his precious sister being in a dangerous situation like this. Just a few more hours I'd say, then I'll take you to him, I promise that I will take you. I won't lie and say I'm not either."

Jess wished that she could believe him, that she could trust him. But, she didn't know if he was speaking the truth. She really didn't know what to think about this person now. But, she wasn't going to back down either.

"My big bro is the best, and he'll do whatever you want, and when he does, you best not be lying about me and him being together. Even if it is this way, my big bro is the best in the world, and he loves me, like I love him, and I won't have you being horrible to me either. So, don't even try something like that with me!"

She spoke strongly, as she could anyway.

She was failing to be menacing like Jason could.

And that just made the older man chuckle deeply.

"You truly are funny sometimes, you know that? Must be that sense of humour your family is known for. Jason is quite the same. When he doesn't have any power over the situation, he really does try his best."

That didn't make the young girl feel any better.

But she still stared defiantly towards the man, and wasn't going to back down either, she couldn't do that. If Jason was going to be strong, then she was going to do the same thing, no matter what, she was going to do the same thing.

"You can say such things to me, and I don't care either. You can laugh at me, you can mock me, but know this. My elder brother is going to beat you up for doing this to me. He'll make you suffer, do you know that?"

Mesmero wasn't frightened, and just continued laughing.

Jess herself just glared out, hatefully.

But because she was a very kind girl, the glare appeared more cute than menacing.

It was the type of glare that wouldn't be let down either. She was being her best though, in the scary department, even if she truly wasn't scary at all. It still looked adorable to most, and even Mesmero found it adorable as well.

"Well, if that's how you feel. I have to go and meet your brother now, he should be there soon. And then we can get this on the way. You know Jessica, I have to thank you for this. Because of you, I get to play with my favourite pet again."

"Don't call big bro a pet! He's not a pet! You're horrible in saying that!"

Mesmero didn't care, and just continued laughing.

He turned around, and walked out of the place they were in, and shut the door heavily.

Jess looked down at the ground and then she took the appeal, eating it strongly.

She had to keep her strength up after all, she'd have to do something like this.

But, as she ate, she could feel her tears falling down her face.

She could feel them rolling and eventually, hitting the ground, and her top too.

It sounded like rain as the tears fell from her eyes.

But she didn't want to cry.

She wanted to be strong, so steeled herself the best that she could. She, just waited for her elder brother to come for her again. She believed that he would, and apologized to him for being such a burden on him.

---

"Alright my boy, are you ready?"

Jason looked towards Mesmero who was before him, and he disliked this person immensely. But he had to do it for Jess. No matter what else happened, he was going to do it for her, even if it meant that he was going to have to break the law, he was going to do it for the person that he loved more than anything else.

The place they were at was a field. Jason held his back on his shoulder, and smiled to himself. If Mesmero tries anything, then he would take him out…then he remembered Jess, and he stopped himself from having those thoughts.

He'd have to do something drastic for Jason to make a move. If nothing else, then he'd be alright.

"You best not hurt her in anyway. You better not tamper with her memories either. If one hair is out of place, I'm gonna break the jewel, and come for your throat, understand me? You don't want to piss me off. I'm not that chained up little boy you loved to use your powers on and control anymore."

Mesmero's tattooed face scrunched up, and showed a dirty gleam in his eyes.

"Now, I know that you're upset about those days, but I did it all to help you. You know that Jason, I wouldn't ever turn my back on you like that again. I realize what I did was wrong back then, but I've grown, evolved, changed."

Jason exactly wasn't sure what he meant by that. But the man before him did feel a little different. He didn't know how much by though, it didn't make sense to the young boy at all. But, he didn't need to know that right now, he just needed to go and steal something so he could get Jess back. That's all he needed to know right.

"Yeah, you've become uglier than before, and you're not as much as a coward, but still, very cowardly. I mean, with your powers, why don't you just go and steal the shit yourself? Or just mind control someone to do it for you?"

"Because, that pesky Xavier would pick up my powers. Fortunately, I can use telepathy without being caught. But other than that, nothing. That's why I need you Jason, you're my shining star in this abyss."

Jason hated being called that, it always made him feel sick to his stomach.

Even though it shouldn't anymore, he hated Mesmero for his treatment of the boy.

Though he was going to bottle that anger for the man, and just keep going on strongly.

"Whatever you say Mesmero. Just give me time, and I'll get this fucking jewel for you. Don't worry about anything else though, because I'm very good at what I do. Because, you and Mystique trained me for shit like this, remember Mesmero?"

"Do you remember?"

He countered, Jason looking pissed off with those words alone, it stung more than he thought that it would.

It took him everything that he had to not break Mesmero's neck. This person, was probably the most hated person that Jason had ever come across. More than Mystique, more than anyone else, this was the person he hated.

"It's none of your business what I remember and don't. Because, you didn't finish the job back then, so I remember much from what you did. After you pushed me to the point of insanity, you remember that though, don't you? Ruining my life, and all. Did you feel good about that you arrogant prick?"

Mesmero wasn't even affected by the words, he just continued smiling his disgusting smile.

"Well, I do actually feel good."

"You bastard!"

Aggravatingly, Jason took Mesmero by his cloak, and held him up.

But the tattooed man didn't look worried, and just stared right at Jason calmly.

"Now, Jason. You don't want to hurt me. Remember Jess, you wouldn't want anything back to happen to her, would you?"

Jason hated to admit that he was right.

Even though he wished that he could bend him into a toothpick, and break him.

He couldn't.

He had to think about Jess, and make sure that she is protected, even if it meant that he couldn't take out his anger on the person that was before him. It was a tempting offer though to just end the mans life here and now.

With reservation, he let go of the man, dropping him down to the ground, and sighed deeply, hatefully. He pulled away, so he didn't fight the person that was before him, and folded his arms, making sure that he didn't attack Mesmero.

Mesmero dusted off his cloak, and then turned towards Jason again.

"Good puppet. You do learn well even without your strings, you're still being used by me huh."

"Just hurry up already so I can go. I've got things to do, people to see, and a sister to take care of. So, if you don't mind?"

Mesmero saw the uneasiness inside of Jason, and loved it all the same.

He did even back then as well.

"Alright then, you may proceed with the mission. I'll meet you back here, with your sister. She'll be waiting for you. But, one false move, and you know what's going to happen to her. Xavier might've pulled tricks with you. But, I doubt that she'll be safe from my powers, you understand me Jason?"

Jason gritted his teeth, then nodded his head.

"I understand. Now, I'm going to be going."

Jason turned around, and was about to walk away, when Mesmero called.

"Do the X-Men know about you being here?"

Jason really didn't like being asked these questions. He already felt bad about this, just thinking about them was harder than most normal things. But, at least this way, he knew that he would have his sister saved.

"Nothing." He didn't look as he replied. "However, they might show up, since I'm gone at a late hour without explanation. It's fortunate that Wolverine and Storm are out of town. Other than them, none of the others will be a problem if they show up."

"You seem confident."

Mesmero noted, Jason shrugging uncaringly.

"That's because I have no reason to fear them. When training with them, you find out their weaknesses. They just don't know mine. They don't even bother with learning such things. I know each of their weaknesses, and know what to do against them. That's the difference between the two of us. Oh, I hope Scott shows up, let's see how he fights me. I'd be surprised if he didn't try and kill me."

Jason at the end, didn't mind admitting that he'd want to fight Scott.

Since day one, he always disliked Scott for his attitude. He didn't want to dislike Scott for his attitude, but he did and Scott just was horrible towards him. Jason just had now the chance to do something about it if he came along.

"Hmmm, sounds like you're excited about it then. How refreshing."

Jason didn't say anymore about it than that, then he walked away from the area, leaving Mesmero alone so he could do, whatever he was going to do. Jason however, had a mission that he was supposed to do, and that wasn't something good either, but it had to be done.

---

Meanwhile, as that was going down, Kitty was laying in Jason's bed, unconscious.

Time had passed, and she was still there, unconscious.

However, that changed when Kurt walked into the room.

"Kitty?"

He called, but there was no reply.

He walked over to the bed, and shook her body. She stirred around, not wanting to be bothered by anyone else.

"Ngh…go away…"

She demanded, as she tossed on the bed. She didn't care, she was very groggy right now. Because of what Jason did, she didn't feel herself right now. Of course she didn't, she was knocked out. She didn't want to feel herself right now, she just felt drained, defeated, and out of everything normal.

"Kitty! W-Why are you in Jason's bed? And where is he exactly?"

Kitty didn't want to wake up again, and just groaned…

But then she remembered something.

She remembered what happened with Jason, and her eyes shot open.

"Jason!?"

Of course the boy couldn't answer as he wasn't there.

She looked around and could only see Kurt standing there looking down at her in worry.

"K-Kurt, where's Jason exactly!? D-Do you know!? Is he like here!?"

Kurt looked around the room, then shook his head.

"I don't think so, he isn't here. I thought he'd be with you, but you're here. What's going on Kitty?"

Kitty jumped out of the bed, and made her way to the door.

"I don't know, but I feel like he's in a bad situation now!"

"S-Situation!?" Kurt followed after her. "W-What do you mean by that!? What's going on Kitty!? I don't understand at all, what's happening!? Please tell me!"

"I don't know! I just have to see Professor!"

Kitty rushed away and Kurt followed.

She ran all over the house, until she found him sitting in Cerebro's room. The elder man was on the device itself, and she rushed over while crying "Professor!" again and again, startling Charles as he was deep in thought.

"Kitty? What's wrong?"

He spoke calmly, despite her being worked up.

"Professor, it's Jason! H-He's acting weird, and he was being weird, and I don't know how to say it! B-But, I feel like he's in a bad situation! He was saying that he wouldn't be able to come back here, and said that he was doing something that he didn't want to do! Professor, I'm worried!"

"Alright Kitty, we'll find him, don't worry. As soon as he uses his powers, we'll find him. In the meantime, I'll gather the X-Men, go to places where he would usually go. Just in case that he would show up, and I'll scan for the areas that he could be in."

"O-Okay Professor!"

The girl turned away and ran as fast as she could.

Charles looked worried as Kurt followed her.

He wondered what Jason was doing, and what, if there was anyway that he'd be able to get back out of this.

He knew Jason wouldn't do anything bad…unless he was forced to do it. He knew the boy too much. And if he didn't go to Charles, then it must be serious, or he couldn't go to Charles at all. Either way, this situation wasn't a situation that they could stay silent about.

---

Jason looked towards the museum that he was supposed to be breaking into. He knew that he'd have to be stealthy, so, that's where his chameleon powers came in handy. Thanks to them, he could blend in with any background.

He looked on to see guards, and other things roaming the hallways. Since it was such a thing, he would have to be quick. He pulled over a ski mask that he had over his face, just in case someone saw his face. Unlike Mystique, he couldn't change his appearance.

"Well, life of crime here I come…Jess, be safe. Don't worry, I'll be right there, to save you from that bastard. Just wait for me sweetheart."

Taking an inhale of air, he walked forward.

The fence was the first thing he would have to deal with, so he used his powers to fly and that's what he did. Going quickly, like a jet, he flew up to the roof, without being detected, and landed there, seeing that there were no cameras.

"Okay, next I should go down the vents, and get to the control room for the cameras, and shut them off. Too bad they aren't on the roof, like the last time I did this. That was so much easier. Have they really gone this far off?"

Jason made a plan, and saw the vents.

Strolling over as he used camouflage due to his power, he was able to get there even if he was seen above. No, he wouldn't be able to be seen. To others, he'd look just like the rooftop, no disturbances at all.

Quickly switching the power to an elephant, he ripped off the vents grate, and tossed it to the side, all the while wearing gloves so his prints weren't left behind, and climbed into the vents. Since it was a steep go down, he slid down as quietly as he could.

Halting in the vents, Jason got a map out of his bag, and used his eyes to see in the darkness, tapping into one of the animals powers to do so. Thankfully, he could do this, or a light source might give away his location.

Nodding to himself, he crawls through the vents, as fast as he could. Turning corners when necessary, and went towards the place that he needed to be, which was the control room. He looked over the map again, the blueprints, and nodded to himself, and looked down.

He saw that there was a guard sitting there with a bored expression on his face.

Jason, quietly uses his strength to lift the vents cover off, and places it beside him.

Then, he switches to the animals flying power, and uses it to float down towards the man…but his bag slips off his shoulder, landing on the ground, and made a heavy noise, Jason wincing as the man shot up.

"W-Who are you!?"

The guard went to get his walkie talkie out, but Jason couldn't allow that, and slammed his foot across the mans face, his head hitting the wall harshly, and knocked him out. Jason then returned to the ground, and sighed deeply.

"Your worst nightmare."

He murmured, pushing the man away from the control panel.

Using it, he saw that there were different cameras all around the place, and could see his main target. He even saw that there were motion detection lasers around the jewel that he was seeking, Jason sighing in annoyance, he didn't expect this.

"Okay, I should be able to switch off the lasers from here."

Jason gets to work on the controls of the room.

He wasn't the smartest by any means, but he did know a thing or two about systems, having already programmed the one at the mansion before. So this one wasn't going to be all that difficult, and he was proven right when he managed to switch off the cameras.

However, he hit a snag.

"Damn passwords!" He felt like smashing the controls, but knew it wouldn't do any good. "I don't have time to…wait." He got up the monitor for the room again, and saw how far apart the beams were. "Okay, I should be able to bend through that with the flexible body of a snake. Fortunately, I'm quite thin too. Yeah, I should be able to get it no problem. So, let's see if there's any other nasty surprises."

He switched off the monitor, and checked on the guards routes.

Since it was a system, he had a hard time getting all of it due to the time he had, he was sure that his powers would've been detected by Charles now, so he didn't have all that long before the X-Men might make an appearance.

It took some effort, but he managed to get the details on what he needed, and also, what he was going to do as well. Nodding to himself, Jason walked towards the man that was knocked out, and got out some rope.

"Sorry mate, gotta make sure you don't blow this for me."

He tied up the guard, and left him in a closet nearby, also tapped his mouth. He knew it would come in handy from the bag that he needed to bring along. Though he wished that he didn't have to do this, but that's how the world worked now.

He walked out of the room, and instantly, he came face to face with another guard.

Jason smiled weakly, then slammed his palm against the mans face, he recoiled. Jason quickly moved forward, tugging the mans head backwards, slamming it against the wall, knocking him, then repeated the process of tying him up, and putting him into the closet.

He sighed, and continued onwards, he hated hard work.

On the way to the place the jewel was placed, Jason knocked out several guards, and tied them up, hiding them as well. The very fact that he had to do this sickened him, but he couldn't deny that it was, oddly amusing at the same time.

He of course didn't want to do criminal activities, but it felt good for a change to just, let loose. It certainly helped him that he could release some animals that usually don't get let out, allowing him to relax his mind.

He was thankful that the resistance wasn't hard. He remembered it being harder than this. But no, he was able to do it now. Perhaps it was due to training, and it being several years ago the last time that he did anything like this.

When he got to the place the jewel was kept, he saw two guards standing there.

Jason went into his bag, and got out a smoke bomb, and released it towards the guards.

The guards saw the rolling device, confused.

"What in the hell…?"

Smoke erupted from it, the guards gasped as Jason charged like a rhino, knocking one of the guards out. Then, he did a backflip towards the other guard, using his strength and weight to slam his foot into the top of his head, knocking him out.

Jason looked at the two guards, then shrugged his shoulders, and walked towards the lasers that looked like an introcate web. Jason slapped himself in the face, and dropped his bag onto the ground, readying himself.

"It's like riding a bloody bicycle! Okay Jason, you can do this. Just a little, slip and slide. You've done this before. Get to it."

Jason switched to the power of a snake, slender, and able to bend in different ways.

He took in a breath, and went into the place.

First he rolled into the area, his stomach and knees close together. he stops, and pulls his body upwards, only to see a laser right before his chest. He takes a breath, then twists his body in an unnatural shape, then goes low, sliding across the ground, two laser beams right above his body, avoiding them expertly.

He shoots up, only to see a laser right before his eyes. He twists his head around to see a laser behind his back, and some more right below it, near his kneecaps, there being no normal way a human could bend to get through that, but he wasn't a normal human.

So, he bends his body all the way into an upside down U shape, like he didn't have a spine, or a very flexible spine, then he turned his body like a slinky, so he could twist around some more lasers.

He saw the place he needed to go. So, he got onto his back, and did a backwards handstand, keeping his legs low however, so they didn't touch the lasers above, his feet touching the ground, then returned to his feet.

He pauses, and looks behind him, seeing one final laser right before him. He bends down, and goes under it easily enough. It wasn't even an issue, and now, he was through with that portion, for the moment anyway.

"Phew, done. Good thing I'm like a snake, or a normal human wouldn't be able to do that. That's for damn sure."

Before him, there is a glass case, and the jewel that Mesmero wants right inside of the case. Jason knew it was a pressure sensor, so he grabbed a mini statue of liberty out of his pocket, a toy that would be around the same weight as the jewel.

Tapping into the lions power, he gained sharp claws, which he used to cut the glass very finely, once removing his glove. He cut a circle just big enough for both of his hands to go in, knowing he'd need perfect timing for this.

Once he was done cutting it, he carefully pushed it enough so it would come away from the glass without shattering either the circle, or the glass around it. Jason took it out of the container, and placed it on top of the container.

He then took the small statue that he had, and carefully, he went towards the jewel, switching to the cheetahs speedy hands to aid him in this. Jason knew that it was going to have to be split second timing, and now he wished he was Quicksilver instead of him, he'd be able to do it fast, but Jason he wasn't so sure about.

Sweat drenched his brow, but he wiped it away, and concentrated.

Hesitantly, his hands went towards it, one for the jewel, and the other holding the toy in his hand.

Inhaling a deep breath, he took the plunge, and removed them so fast that the pressure didn't realize the jewel had gone, the toy being in its place, Jason grimacing and waiting for the alarm…but no such alarm went off.

"Phew…done. Time to get out of here."

Jason placed the jewel in his hip pocket, and repeated the process that he did before, getting through the lasers again. It was a little more difficult going than coming into the lasers. But Jason used the snakes power quite well. He wished he could fly over, but they extended high, and a birds power wouldn't of been able to do it either.

Getting through, Jason picked up the bag he left behind, and made a mad dash out of there before anyone else shows up.

He managed to get outside the way he came in, using the vents, and took off with the birds flying powers.

He could feel himself panting already. Using different powers, took up stamina, and he had used a fair few that night, so he was slowly beginning to feel the effects. However, he knew that he would have to do it eventually anyway.

---

"Aah!"

Jason paused just as a red flash went towards him, he bent backwards to avoid the blast.

He looked down and saw that on a street, with no one around, stood the X-Men, the teens. He couldn't see Ororo, or Logan, and counted his blessings. But he could see the rest of them, he even saw Kitty standing there, looking sad towards him.

He felt shit inside, he didn't like this.

But he flew down anyway to go and meet them. His eyes looked mischievous, he couldn't reveal his real plans, he knew that Mesmero would find out somehow, and hurt his sister, he couldn't have that, so he had to play the villain this time.

"Hey guys, what's going on exactly? It's a nice night, isn't it? Did you come to party? But look at your outfits, you're dressed for a fight? Could you want to fight against me or something? That's not good, and I didn't even bring a cake or anything to give to you. A fight between us X-Men, scandalous."

Scott tilted his visor upwards, and looked angry.

"Don't play that game with us! Did you just steal from the museum!?"

Jason didn't answer, and just stood there with a smirk on his face.

Kitty looked on at Jason and Jason looked towards her.

"Kitty, why did you gather the team?"

"Because I'm worried about you…a-and to see y-you coming out of there…what did you do…?"

"I did, what I had to do, is all."

He wasn't lying exactly, but he couldn't speak the full truth either.

"C-Come on man, you didn't really do anything like stealing, right?"

Kurt tried to look for a logical explanation to all of this, but Jason just stared at him.

He didn't say anything, he didn't even blink.

"You did…didn't you? You stole from the museum…why?"

Jean looked sorrowful, as she tried to read his mind…

But Jason had a trick for that, and all she heard was growling. A growling from a wild animal that was going to attack. Jason knew Jean would do that, so he already had it set on alert, and concentrated on that the best he could, even fooling Jean's mind reading capabilities.

"Aah!"

She pulled away, frightened of what she heard.

"Jean? What's wrong?"

Scott was concerned, as Jean stood there, looking at Jason with worry, and even fear.

"I-I tried to read his mind, but all I heard was…this growling, this anger, and it felt like it was going to devour me."

Jason smirked at Jean and inched closer. Rogue, and Evan got themselves ready. She removed her glove, and he produced spikes across his arms like armour. Jason saw that, and tilted his head downwards.

"Now Evan, Rogue. You're really going to attack me?"

"If we have too man."

Evan said it without even considering anything.

Rogue on the other hand looked appalled.

"You saved me once, you protected me, and said the X-Men were good people. But now, you're stealing from museums, knocking out Kitty, and for what? Just for some money? Is that what you wanted?"

Rogue could feel her anger growing by the second, Jason just showed an uncaring face.

"I have my own reasons for doing what I did Rogue, and knocking out Kitty was the last thing I wanted to do. But, I had to do it, and I can't tell you why either. Not like you'd believe me anyway because none of you ever believe anything I say."

"Yes we do."

Jean argued, but Jason shook his head.

"No you really don't listen to me. I've tried helping you people, but you don't listen. Actually, to be honest, I can already feel all of the negativity coming off you for me. You don't know anything about what I do, and why I do it, you don't even think there might be some other reason?"

"You're just a common criminal, that's all you are."

Scott spat out, Kitty looking disgusted with Scott. She wanted to believe that Jason had a reason, she just had to. After what he told her, she knew this wasn't ordinary for him, he didn't want to do this, but she couldn't work out why.

"I'm a common criminal, am I? I think I'm a bit more than common."

"Tch, you're really not. You're just a criminal, I knew it since the beginning when I saw you! Always keeping to yourself, always disobeying my orders!"

"Wow, you've got a stick so far up your ass you can't even see that other people have an opinion other than you. And tell me, where does it say that when you become an X-Man, everyone has to follow Scott's orders exactly?"

"We could've helped you!" Jean cried. "W-We would've-"

"Get lost Jean, you wouldn't help me. You and Scott have been against me since day one so get lost."

"We haven't-"

"He's a freak." He cut off Scott, and stared at him. "Jean, why doesn't that freak not talk to us?" He looked towards Jean. "I don't know, but he really looks crazy, best stay away from him Scott." Kitty looked between Scott, and Jean, and saw that what he was saying, was probably what they had said about him before by the way their eyes looked on sorrowfully. He then looked towards Scott. "Hmph, you're right Jean, he doesn't even talk, he's just a freaky loner."

Scott, and Jean looked at one another, and then looked towards the ground.

Jason wasn't finished though.

"You both, from day one I entered the mansion, made my life a misery. You called me a freak, crazy, insane, monster, and you didn't even have the guts to say it to my face Jean. Scott at least said it to my face. But you, did it right behind my back, at least you tried to. So you can shove your bullshit about friends down the drain, because you never made an effort to become my friend, all you did was take one look at me, and called me names behind my back, and then expected me to help you when you needed it, and I only did it because the Professor would want me too, nothing to do with either of you. I'd hear you late at night, laughing about me, making horrible jokes about me when you don't know the first thing about me, so you both can get out of my life. None of you even know my last name, when I know lots about all of you, because, surprise, I took time in my own way to know you. But you guys? Didn't even think about trying to get to know me?"

Jean felt sorrowful now.

She did do that as a kid, and even though she had matured since then, it didn't excuse her actions as a younger person than she was now.

Scott even felt bad about it, about what he had said.

"After…you even know what happened to me? You don't know anything about me, and assumed things because, I didn't look the best? Because I rocked in place to calm myself down from a new environment? I hardly talked? Did you never think of a reason, why I never talked? Did you even think about what I was going through? I didn't start picking on you, you both started picking on me in your own ways, so I defended myself. You both, especially Scott, made me feel so small, worthless, even among fellow mutants, you made me feel so bad about myself, I was contemplating leaving but Professor X convinced me to stay, and he, along with Logan, and Storm are the only ones that showed me any kindness, that didn't judge me for my past, and even made me feel better in their own ways. You even asked Professor X to get me out of the school at one point Scott, so don't stand there all high and mighty with me."

"How did you…"

"Rarely does anything get past me."

He spat out for the pair of them, disgraced that it had to come out like this.

He then looked over Kitty, Kurt, and Rogue.

"Kitty, Rogue, Kurt. Those three are the only ones that took the time to actually get to know me, and didn't bad mouth me constantly. Evan, I know you've been calling me a monster behind my back to Scott, and laughing about it. But those three took the time to get to know me. So, I'm giving them the choice to leave, because one way or another, I am getting pass you people, and depending on your answers, I might just have to go through you."

Rogue and Kurt didn't move. While they liked Jason, they couldn't allow him to steal something. Kitty was the only one to not stand up and look like she was going to fight, she couldn't fight Jason, she didn't want too.

When seeing that, Jason sighed and walked forward.

"Fine, have it your way. I didn't want to do this, but you leave me no choice."

Jason activated the power of a rhino and rushed forward towards Scott. Even the ground tore up because of the heavy footsteps he was using. Scott's eyes widened in surprise, shock, and even anger that he was going through with it.

"D-Damn!"

Scott put his power to use, and shot it forward towards him. Jason tanked the blast, though it did hurt, and he continued going forward, until he made it to the young boy, slamming his elbow right into the boys stomach, blowing him off his feet, and to his butt.

"No man! Not cool!"

Evan, with his spikes, charged in as Rogue came from the other side. Jason pulled back as the two almost touched him. Rogue came at him first, with her hand extended, but Jason grabbed her by her clothed wrist.

"This is what I mean about not listening to me when fighting."

"L-Let go!"

Rogue tried to break free, but Jason kept a tight hold of her.

"Sorry Rogue, but I can't let you go. You wanted to fight me, but I can't have you absorbing my powers now."

She couldn't get her other glove off to absorb his power, and was helpless right now, as he just stared right towards her eyes, his own eyes slowly slipping into a realm that he didn't want it to slip into.

"Dude, please forgive me!"

Using his teleportation powers, Kurt attempted to get right on Jason, but Jason anticipated this, side stepping out of the way as he reappeared. He gasped, and fell towards the ground, but not before Jason kicked him in the side, launching him away.

"I've got you!"

Jean used her powers for saving Kurt from getting himself hurt. Kurt wore an appreciate smile, and allowed Jean to place him on the ground.

Evan made a large spike and swung it towards Jason.

"You're not only dealing with Rogue!"

The boy was about to react, when Jean launched a bench towards him.

Quickly thinking, he turned his powers into that of a snake, and used his leg like a whip, kicking Evan from behind his defences, and used his body as a shield, Jean only realizing too late as the bench slammed against Evan, propelling him forward.

"No, I'm only dealing with you."

He thrusted Rogue's hand towards Evan, and by force, she absorbed Evan's powers, lifeforce, and other things. They both let out screams, as Rogue gained spikes across her body, and Evan lost consciousness.

"Let her go!"

Scott demanded, firing a warning shot. Jason looked at the ground that he shot, and Jason just rolled his eyes.

"Okay!"

He threw Rogue away from him, as Scott fired some blasts of his energy towards him. But Jason used a good speed to dance around each of the attacks. He felt tired, but he'd have to win, for his sister, and himself.

"Jean! Keep him up!"

Jean nodded, and put her hands to her forehead. Using her power of telekinesis, she lifted Jason's body upwards, suspending him in the air. Seeing this chance, Scott fired off a strong beam of energy, slamming his body into a metal pole.

"Jason!"

Kitty cried, not wanting to see the blonde boy hurt.

But Jason took in a breath, and stood right back him.

"Did you think I'd go down like that?"

Jason just looked normal, like he wasn't in a fight. Despite the fact he could hear the animals screaming in his head for blood. They wanted blood, the blood of the people right in front of him, and he was slowly tempted into giving them what they desired.

"I-I'm sorry!"

Because she absorbed Evan's powers, Rogue fired off spikes like they were going out of fashion. Jason knew that one animals power wouldn't be enough, so he used elephants strength, and cheetahs speed at the same time, catching the spikes, and launched them towards Jean without missing a beat.

The girl raised a telekinetic bubble around her, blocking the spikes, only to be shocked when Jason appeared behind her, using speed, and a flying animals power, using three types of powers now, Jason's mental state slowly slipping away.

"Aaah!"

Jean watched as Jason drew out a chemical from his bag, and crushed it over Jean's face. Jean tried to resist, but she couldn't resist in the end, and she felt her consciousness slipping away, and then she fell unconscious.

He caught Jean, and threw her at Scott, the boy catching her.

Jason felt his head stinging with pain, his body losing itself to the will of the animals. He was afraid this would happen if he used more than one. But now using three, it was out of the question. He could feel them all banging, wanting dominance, but he didn't want to give them said dominance.

"Sorry dude, but I have too!"

Kurt teleported behind Jason and went to take the jewel from his pocket, but before he could, Jason gripped him by the head, and slammed his own forehead against him. Because he was now as durable as a rhino, using four powers now, Kurt's head was sent into a loop, the boy dropping to the ground.

"Sorry Kurt, but I had to as well."

Jason felt bad about taking out a person he considered a friend, but he had to do this for his sister. Kurt had to take a backseat for his sister now.

He then looked towards Rogue, and saw that she had armed herself again. But his mind was being taken over, by the powers deep inside. His mind slipping, his reality crumbling, Jason was a slave to the powers inside, and didn't know if he was going to make it out of this.

"Aaaaaaaaaaah!"

Letting out an unholy roar, Jason flew at Rogue. Rogue armed her arms with spikes, and slashed at him. Jason reacted with a great speed, and at the same time, withdrew an item from his bag, throwing it at Rogue.

"W-What the heck!?"

She cut it apart, but gas leaned out, and spread around her. Rogue gasped, and went to pull away…but she was caught in the end. The gas was knockout gas, and he used that to knock out Rogue, leaving only one contender left, that wasn't Kitty as she didn't get involved, and that person was Scott.

"Take that!"

Scott fired off a blast of energy towards Jason, nailing him in the stomach. But he only was flung back a few paces, then stopped in the air…but a chance was within Jason's eyes, it was like he wasn't really there, and he was, something else. Not someone else, but something else entirely.

A devilish grin spread across his face, and he charged for Scott.

"D-Don't come near me!"

Scott fired off several blasts of energy, but Jason used the air to fly around the blasts, and tank the ones that hit him. when he appeared right before Scott, Jason's claws extended, now using five powers, clawing Scott's chest.

"Come on Summers! You wanted to fight me! Fight me!"

Jason twirled around, and then slammed his foot into Scott's chest, forcing his body off the ground and through the air.

"Gwaaaaah!"

Scott spat up bile at the impact, and thought that it would be over.

But Jason zoomed right in, and slammed an open palm right into Scott's chest, forcing his body to the ground, making it dent around him. Scott once again spat out bile, as Jason hovered about him, smirking down at him.

"Now, Summers. Let's see what's inside you, shall we?"

Jason sharpened his claws, using six powers now. His mind was pretty much non-existent now. He didn't feel himself, and all he knew was he wanted Scott dead. He felt like he had to do it, so he bent over, landing on the ground, and scratched Scott's uniform, cutting into the boy.

"Aaaaaaaagh! D-Don't do it!"

Scott tried to fire blasts at him to stop him, but Jason avoided them easily, and stopped Scott by hitting him across the face.

"Who's superior now Scott?"

Scott looked up as Jason slapped him around, toying with him, yet at the same time, wanting to cause damage.

"Jason! Jason! Please don't kill Scott!"

Kitty rushed over, but he made a fierce growl at her, not himself.

Kitty backed away as he kicked Scott in the side, causing bile to be released again.

"You all, really get on my nerves." The boys voice sounded demonic at this point. "All of the time, plotting behind my back, making fun of me, calling me names, making me feel like shit on your shoe. All of you are to pay for hurting me!"

Jason tightened his hand and made it look like a sword. The claws he had looked like they could pierce human flesh. And his target was Scott. Scott looked helpless to do anything at all, and could only futilely attempt to blast the man with his optic blasts, but they were futile as well.

Kitty looked on, and she could see that it wasn't Jason who was doing this.

It was like he was possessed…

But then she remembered.

She remembered something from sometime ago.

"Did you think I listened to dark depressing music or something? I might dress like I'm a child of darkness, but I do enjoy pop music, and even gentle songs like this. Besides, my Mom used to sing it to me too, so I quite like the song. It brings back good memories."

She remembered what Jason said that time.

Bringing back good memories.

It brought back Jason to a time where he was loved, and he loved his Mother and how he wanted to be with her again.

Bringing back…

"Perhaps…if I…maybe he won't…" Kitty cleared her throat, as Jason shot his hand downwards like a missile, ready to end Scott's existence all together. "Now, I've heard there was a secret chord~ That David played, and it pleased the Lord~ But you don't really care for music, do you~?"

Jason stopped, inches from Scott's face, and looked at Kitty.

The wild beast stopped, and stared at the singing girl, confused.

Like, he remembered it before.

He pulled away from Scott, and limped over towards Kitty, as she continued singing.

"It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth~ The minor fall, the major lift~ The baffled king composing hallelujah~ Hallelujah~ Hallelujah~"

Jason made it to Kitty and peered into her eyes, confused. The beast himself didn't understand, but the boy inside remembered Kitty, remembered what she was like, and remembered the song, and remembered how it always made him feel calm.

"You know…I had this plan when, or if I came across you, I was going to be so douche like towards you. I was going to be so mean that you'd end up hating me, I thought that would be so much easier than this. But now…Kitty, I can't hurt you. I can't hurt the kind Kitty that only ever is nice to me…I just can't do it. If you were anyone else…if you were Scott, Jean or whoever, I would be able to do it…but because it's you, I can't do it."

Kitty recalled something else that Jason had said, and remembered it strongly, putting a hand on the boys face.

"Remember Jason…you can't hurt me. You said, you could hurt everyone else, but not me. You'd never hurt me, right?"

Jason's clawed hand went up with a growl and went for her face.

But a flash of Kitty went past his eyes, and his fingers stopped, inches from her face.

"…Kitty…"

"Y-Yes, it's me! Remember me, Jason! W-We hang out all of the time, we play together, we have fun together…"

"Kitty…aaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!"

An animalistic scream rang out throughout the area, and he went to attack her again, the animals taking over. He looked ready to murder Kitty, like he could do at any moment, and he was going to snap, and take her out.

But she didn't flinch, she didn't move.

"You told me…that I made you happy. You said, that I made your life better." Jason pulled away, as tears came to his eyes, Kitty's own eyes leaking tears. "You told me you smiled more with me. You became happier with me around, and you even think my 'like' thing is adorable…so, do you really want to hurt me? Do you…when you said, that you didn't?"

Jason pulled away from Kitty, his powers moving away from him, and going back inside.

She reached the tiny piece of him left, that couldn't hurt her.

The others…yeah.

But her, no.

He couldn't hurt her, and he ended up having tears running out of his eyes. Kitty walked over to him, and attempted to hug him, but he pulled away from her, ashamed of what he tried to do to her, and what he did to the others.

"Kitty…I have to go now. Please, don't stand in my way. I, have to go and deliver something now…"

"Jason…tell me, it's for a good cause. You're doing this because like, it's for a good cause. If you tell me that, then I'll believe you."

He took her by the shoulder, and stared into her eyes.

"Kitty, if I don't do this, then someone I care about is going to get hurt, very hurt."

The sincerity in his voice told her that he wasn't lying. If anything, she knew that he wasn't lying right now, and just stepped aside. She didn't know what she was going to tell the others, but she knew that she couldn't stop Jason this time.

Jason fondly stared at Kitty, then walked away from the scene. Kitty, just hoped that she did the right thing. All she could do was watch as he flew away from the area, Kitty feeling torn on what she was going to do next.

---

Jason arrived at the place he and Mesmero planned to meet one another, and he noticed that Jess was with him. A small smile appeared on his face, seeing how she had grown, and she also smiled to see him too.

"Jess, has he hurt you? Has he done anything to you?"

Jess shook her head to his relief.

He continued to stare at her for answers, wondering what was going on with her. If anything at all. He couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. He knew with his own time with Mesmero, that there would be tells if something had happened.

Seemingly, it was as if he kept to his word, which was a very thankful thing in the boys mind. If he had, then Mesmero would be dead by now. He didn't mind unleashing his inner animal on Mesmero for all of the evils he had done.

"Big bro…"

She called distantly, and walked towards him, but Mesmero pulled her back.

"Don't you hurt her!"

Jason went to attack, but he stopped himself when Mesmero held a staff to the girls neck. Gritting his teeth he pulled away from her and him, and stood on the grassy field, waiting for the time that he could be with his sister again.

"Did you get what I asked for?"

Jason sighed heavily, then pulled out the jewel. Mesmero's eyes lit up once seeing that, and grinned to himself.

"This is it, now give me my sister back, or I'll crush it."

"Fine, fine. At the same time."

So like that, Jason and Mesmero walked forward with what the other wanted. Jason held out his hand for Jess, and the jewel for him. The boy and the man both wanted the others thing, and they wouldn't give it up either.

When they got to one another, Jason grabbed Jess, pulling her, as Mesmero grabbed the jewel.

"Big bro! I'm so sorry!"

"You're safe, that's all that matters."

She hugged him tightly as Jason glared at Mesmero.

"Now get out of here! And dare harm a hair on this girls head again, and I'll come for you myself! In fact, maybe I should just end you right now you son of a bitch! Now die for the crimes that you've done to me!"

Jason charged for him, only for the man to wave his cloak in the boys face, blocking him from view.

Using the claws of a lion, Jason sliced through the cloth, and saw…

Nothing.

He couldn't see anything, it was like he had disappeared all together.

Jason clicked his tongue and turned towards Jess. He walked over towards her, and hugged her tightly into his chest. He didn't show his eyes, but tears danced between the lids, the young girl openly crying happy tears.

"Big bro, I thought I'd never see you again. I thought that…b-but, I got to see my big bro. Y-You're very tall, taller than I remember big bro…y-you're…I don't know what to say big bro…I wanna stay with you big bro."

Jason used what he could to make the tears in his eyes disappear, and then he leaned down towards her. Jason smiled gently at the girl, and brushed her hair, and then hugged her tightly, never wanting to let her go.

"You've really grown so much. You've changed a lot, into a young woman now." He looked over the girls scar, and ran a finger across it. "So cute." Jess looked at him with a sadness like no other. "Hey now, what's wrong?"

Like a true big brother, he comforted her, sitting down onto the ground and she continued to hug him.

"You're going to take me back to grandma and grandpa, aren't you?"

She already knew the answer, but she didn't want to admit to the answer.

"I have to Jess, because they are your legal guardians. I, don't want to lose you ever again, but I won't be able to keep you here forever. They'll be worried about you, and they'll be calling police, and other things like that."

"I guess…but, I wish I could stay with you. I love you big brother, please don't make me go back."

It was a futile effort at best. But he knew that he had to take her back, no matter what she said, no matter what she asked. Even if it broke his heart, he knew that he'd have to take her back home, and then he'd…he didn't know what he was going to do next.

"I'm sorry Jess, but you have too. You're not a mutant. If you were, we'd stay together, but you haven't shown any powers, have you?"

Jason knew there was a possibility, and he didn't know if he did want her to be one or not. Due to the fact that she was someone important to him, he didn't want to lose her, yet as a mutant, she was going to get persecuted, and he didn't want that.

"N-No but…"

"Then, I can't. I'm sorry sweetheart. But one day, we'll be together again, okay? We'll be together, one day. I assure you. I don't know when, and I don't know how. But one day, we'll be together again, I know that we will."

Though she didn't like it, and she felt tears dancing between her eyes, she had to be brave, and she nodded her head, even though she didn't want too, she wanted to be with her brother always, and that meant, never leaving.

"Okay big bro…so, what now?"

"I'm going to have to go and see the Professor, and then take you back on the blackbird, or something. Hey, you'll see me driving a plane, wouldn't that be interesting? And then, I'll take you back to where you live."

Jess tried her best.

She really did try her best, but she couldn't stop the tears from flowing down out of her eyes.

She felt it stinging her eyes, she felt like she was going to sob her poor heart out.

But she put on a brave face for the elder boy, and smiled the best that she could.

---

Back at the mansion, the team were walking in from their defeat, sullen with their losses against Jason, they couldn't stop him in the end.

They all felt regret that they couldn't stop him. And now knew that the training he did, really was paid off. They needed to take it more seriously, as he really did, and Jason wiped the floor with them all.

"I can't believe we lost man."

Evan complained as he sat on the stairs, Kurt bopping right next to him.

"I know man. Damn, he knows how to fight."

"He was more prepared than we were." Rogue estimated. "He used us against one another. He knew how to fight us, and was prepared with other devices. We also underestimated him in a fight. Because he was more ready for us than we were for him."

"It's because we thought quantity would beat his quality, and clearly, not."

Jean sighed out, tending to Scott's wounds. He wasn't seriously hurt, but he did get banged up the most. Kitty on the other hand just watched on and didn't say anything, she couldn't, she didn't know what to say.

That was until Jason came strolling through the doors with an uncaring look on his face, Jess by his side.

Scott immediately flew into a rage, and grappled onto his shirt.

"What the hell are you doing here!?"

Jess looked up at her brother, who just held a smirk on his face.

"Remove your hands, before I break them off."

Scott gritted his teeth, but Jean pulled the boy away from Jason, the boy himself looking around.

Jess looked around too, and now each of the members noticed her, and looked at her strangely. Because of the scar on her face, she thought that they were all staring at that, and she became upset, looking towards Jason.

Noticing them looking at her, he growled.

"You got something to say to her?" They didn't answer and backed away, so Jason bent down towards Jess, and adopted a kind smile. "Don't worry Jess, they're just jealous of your cute face. And besides, they're still sour that I kicked their asses during a fight."

"You beat them all!?"

She was truly like a little sister admiring her elder brother, the boy sniggering as he nodded.

"That's right, I beat them. And now they hate me. Ah well, I wasn't here to win any popularity contests anyway. Come along Jess, let's go and see Professor X so we can get you home, alright? Remember, you'll see me driving a huge plane, it will be so fun."

"Okay, I'm ready then."

"Good girl, let's get going then."

Jason walked forward towards the left hallway, Jess looking towards the others. Kitty looked towards her, and heard the name Jess before, and how much she looked like Jason, she put two and two together, knowing that this was his little sister.

"Hehe…erm, bye everyone! Please don't bully Jason!"

She bowed her head respectfully, and rushed after her elder brother.

Kitty looked on and then followed after them, leaving the rest to contemplate what was going on with the young girl, and Jason himself.

---

A little while later, Jason, with Jess on his lap, and Charles sat in their private room. Kitty was eavesdropping on the conversation, and Jason didn't even care, if it was just her, then he didn't mind either way.

"So yeah, that's it Professor. Mesmero came back, kidnapped Jess here, and made me steal that jewel. I, couldn't risk telling you guys, or he would've hurt this girl here. I'm, sorry if I let you down with my actions, but she's my sister, I couldn't have her go through what I did."

Charles rasped his fingers together, and understood now what was going on.

"I suspected that something had you do this, though I did not expect Mesmero to come back into your life."

"Well, neither did I. But, he did, and here we are. I saved Jess, and that's all that matters to me. Maybe it sounds selfish in saying that, but I don't regret beating the others before. I saved my sister, and that's all that matters to me."

Charles put on a troubled expression. But, he did understand why Jason did what he did to them, and why he had to steal. He just wished to understand Mesmero's objective, and why steal that jewel of all the ones out there.

"I understand. Yes, I can see…well, it seems like you covered your tracks well. While I don't like how it happened, I can understand why you did what you did. If it was me, I think that I might've done the same thing in your shoes."

"Thanks…and, I'm gonna be taking this one back to her grandparents soon. Can I, borrow the blackbird please?"

Charles nodded without even having to think about it.

"Of course."

"And…when I get back, I'm leaving the X-Men."

Charles, Jess, and Kitty from outside all gasped, not expecting that.

"Why…?"

"Yeah, big bro, why? D-Don't you love it here?"

Jason just smiled to himself, and knew that he had to do this now. He knew what he had to do in his life now.

"I do love it here. Despite all of the negative comments I get from the others. I love Professor X, he's like my Dad, the coolest one ever. Storm is like my Mom, and Logan is like my big brother that smells like wet dog, but don't tell him that, and he's still cool anyway, and Kitty is…well, I really like Kitty. But the others, they don't want me around Professor, it's been bubbling now for a while, and we both can see that."

"Even then, Jason. I don't wish for you to leave because of this. If we explained-"

"They wouldn't believe me anyway." Jason interrupted. "And I don't want them to know either. Scott hates me, Jean hates me, Evan's on the path to it because of them, and Rogue and Kurt…well, I'm not going to be on their favourites list after I beat them in a fight. I just, need a break for a while. I think they do as well. It's better than having a negative house, a team that can't work together. This way, everyone will have a break, and clear heads."

"Well, you're always welcome here Jason. No matter what else happens, no matter what goes on with the others, this is your home."

Jason smiled towards his Father figure.

"Thank you, Professor, it makes me happy…I never really thanked you, before did I?"

"Thanked me for what?"

"You know what. You brought me back from insanity. You helped me when everyone else hurt me. When Mesmero caused my mind to go into overload because of my powers, releasing the limiters, and made me go insane, you brought me back to me. You allowed me to have a good life here. I'm just so sorry that I let you down…"

Charles overlapped a hand with Jason's own.

"You never let me down. You've come so far from that boy I met those years ago. One that didn't have a hope in the world, one that was abused, abandoned, and locked away. You came so far from then, becoming a brilliant young man who I see before me."

"Thanks…Professor."

Charles looked down, like he was losing a son. He wasn't the type of man to cry, but he felt like he could right now.

Jess turned around and looked on with teary eyes.

"Big bro…it's because of me, isn't it?"

"Hey now." He cupped her face, seeing that she was upset. "Don't blame yourself. This isn't your fault. This is my decision. It's, something that I have to do. It's, best this way, sweetheart. For a little while, a break would be for the best. And I'll come back someday, but for now…it's better that I leave."

Jess put her head down, and started crying, so Jason hugged her tightly.

Charles looked on, and wished that they could be together like this. It just looked so natural, between brother and sister. They looked together, complete together, and now what he was going to have to do.

"Shhh now Jess, don't worry. I've got you now, haven't I? I don't need anyone else, all I need is you."

She openly sobbed into his chest, as he comforted her. This would be the last time in a while where they would be able to do this.

---

After he had taken Jess home, Jason was gathering the last of his things in a box, glad that Charles had made sure that more, measures were taken to protect Jess, just in case Mesmero came back for her, Jason was glad that he didn't have to worry, though he was always going to make sure that she was safe again, no matter what.

He had taken the other stuff down to his car, and looked around the room, his empty side. So many memories came into his mind, but also a new beginning as well.

He saw on the top of the box was a plushie of a purple long Dragon. Jason smiled fondly, remembering where he got it, and then looked around the room one last time. Nodding to himself, he walked towards the door and went out of it.

Walking towards the exit of the house, he saw that the X-Men had gathered, even Logan and Ororo had come as well. He saw Charles there, and then the others, ending off with Scott, and Kitty at the end.

He walked forward, and passed each of them.

"Remember Jason, you always have a home here."

"Thanks Professor, it means a lot to me."

Jason smiled towards the old man, and walked forward.

"Gonna miss you around here Brit, you're the only one who could fight me for fun."

Jason smiled towards Logan as he continued on.

"Don't worry Badger, we'll fight again. Just sad that you missed the other night when I beat them."

Logan smirked, and looked at the disgruntled X-Men kids.

"I would've paid to see that. That's why training is important."

He couldn't disagree with Logan. He passed by Jean, who faced away with a frown, Evan doing the same thing. Rogue looked like she wanted to say something, but didn't in the end. It was the same for Kurt, they didn't know what to say.

He then walked past Ororo.

"Wait a second Jason."

Jason stopped, and saw Ororo holding a paper bag.

"Yes Ororo?"

"Here." She put the bag on top of the open box. "I know how much you love my cookies."

"Ooh cookies, I love them very much! Thanks Ororo! I never really said it, but thanks for everything you've done for me. You, were very kind to me when no one else really was. You, didn't treat me like a monster, like others did."

Jean and Scott especially felt the sting of that, Ororo hugging Jason like it was her son.

"You never were a monster, you were a model pupil, and someone I am proud to call an X-Man."

"Thanks, Ororo. It means a lot to me."

Ororo broke the hug, and Jason continued onwards.

He walked past Scott, without saying anything. He didn't want to engage with the young man, but Scott couldn't resist.

"There goes the criminal."

Charles, Ororo, and Logan all frowned at Scott's petty behaviour. Even now, he was trying to get one up on Jason. Kitty herself looked like she wanted to go and slap Scott, but Jason snickered at Scott's words, and turned back to him.

"I might be a criminal, but I'm stronger than you are. You'll have to live with that, oh wise leader. Oh, enjoy the present too."

"Present…?"

Jason didn't say anything, and just walked towards the door. He didn't really have anything planned, but it planted the seed of doubt in Scott's mind, and that's always fun, that's what he thought was fun anyway.

Kitty looked confused when he didn't stop for her, and just continued onwards.

"H-Hey, wait!"

Kitty chased after him once he walked outside.

Catching up to him at his car, she ragged her chest with shallow breaths.

"A-Aren't you going to say anything to me at all!?"

"I knew you'd chase me out, so I didn't say anything. Besides, I'd rather talk with you privately."

Kitty bit her bottom lip, as he put the box into the car of his.

He then turned towards her, to see that she had a depressed look on her face, and tears between the lids of her eyes, threatening to escape at any moment.

"Hey, why do you look so sad?"

"Why do you think!?" She barked back, storming over. "Y-You don't have to leave because of Scott, and Jean! I-I mean, even if they do, I still…I still want you around, can't you like stay for that reason? Stay for me?"

Jason detected the vulnerable look in the young girls eyes, so he placed a hand on her face, gently stroking it. His fingers felt cold, yet soothing. His touch soft, tender, yet displayed more emotion than anything else she had experienced.

"I'd do anything for you Kitty. But right now, I'm not wanted here. You and I both know that. Jean, Scott, Evan, Kurt, and Rogue, they all believe what they want to believe. It's better if I just go for a little while."

"…It's because of your sister, isn't it?"

Jason turned his eyebrows downwards, then nodded.

"That's right, I know you heard so I don't have to lie now. My sister, is all I really have in this world. She's, very important to me. My Mom, and Dad aren't here anymore, and I didn't want her to be hurt. I had to do something that I hated, because if I didn't, then she would have suffered like I did back then. The person I stole for, was someone who nearly destroyed my mind, destroyed my life. He, forced me to use my powers as a child, beat me when I didn't follow his orders, and my powers became out of control, and he tried to break my mind so I'd become the perfect weapon for him, obedient and didn't have a thought about me, just followed orders. These animal powers, like you saw the other day, didn't always run out of control like that, yet I wasn't so powerful either, I could barely use one power without it making me feel sick and disgusted, until he changed me, forced the power out. He forced more of my power to come out, and their, personalities, also came out too, and took over my mind…I was forced to spend my time in an insane asylum because, I wasn't me anymore, and even me now, is a shell of my former self. I used to be quite, a bubbly person, I used to be quite like you actually, I think that's why I was drawn to you, because you reminded me of myself."

"Jason…I'm so sorry that happened to you…you used to be like me huh…"

The thought of Jason being like her, conflicted her. She preferred this Jason than anything else.

Jason chuckled to himself, nodding his head.

"Yup, I did, but you are more cheerful than I was. Either way Kitty, you know more about me, than anyone else in there, our own age I mean, the adults obviously know but the others don't know anything about me, and I don't want them to know either."

Kitty actually liked that she knew more than the others, but it did make her wonder about many different things.

"Jason, what happened after you went…to that place?"

"I stayed there for a year or so, I believe, I don't remember much about it. But, then the Professor came, and helped me, he put the monsters back in the box, and stopped them from bursting out, but it also made me quite, depressed, and lonely, as I remembered things that happened in my past, and I didn't want to relive such things. However, the Professor offered me his hand, and told me that I'd go to a place where I would be accepted, and cared about. I, took the chance and went with him, where he gave me daily sessions and helped me control my powers, and my mental state. Scott, and Jean, met me, made a quick judgement because I was the 'quiet and weird kid' and then talked about me behind my back or to my face sometimes. I, didn't really want to play with them or anything, I just wanted to be left alone, and Scott being Scott took it the wrong way, and started saying hurtful comments, so I started back, and that's pretty much how it went down."

"I see…God, you've really had it rough, huh."

Jason chuckled to himself, then allowed his eyebrows to dip.

"You know Kitty, before you came here, I was considering leaving. But, you came, and made it, I don't know, just better I guess. And, I'm glad to have met you, because you know, I quite like you, more than normal."

Kitty felt her heart beat quickening, like she was going to have a heart attack. But, this was a different feeling. The tender passion in his eyes resonated with her, and then she smiled gently, and pulled herself closer.

"Jason…you know, I've never met anyone quite like you. You say you're a shell of your former self, but I'm kinda glad you are, because it would've been weird to like someone like me. I mean, more than normal anyway. Like I mean."

Jason drew himself closer to Kitty, cupping her face. Kitty pulled her head back, so her face and his face were close, the heat between them forced Kitty to experience new emotions, even Jason felt it also.

"Remember the play and how you said you wanted a romantic moment to happen?"

"Yeah…?"

Jason snickered, and pulled himself even closer.

"I don't think it can get more romantic for me than this. Haven't we just kinda confessed to liking one another more than normal?"

Kitty understood what he was saying now, and wrapped her arms around his neck, her hands linking behind his head, drawing herself ever closer.

"Yeah, I get it. Then I'll just…"

Jason was the one who took the plunge, and pressed his lips against her own lips, both of them melting at the touch of the others lips.

Jason and Kitty stared into one another's eyes, finally experiencing the affection between the two of them. Jason didn't expect it to be so tense, so filled with passion. Kitty also felt the sparks between them, enjoying one another's lips for themselves.

When they pulled away, Kitty panted as Jason smiled, his cheeks red, but not as much as Kitty's ruby red cheeks.

Kitty didn't know what to say, and neither did Jason. But the unspoken happiness they had told them more than anything.

"Where are you going to go?"

Jason smirked at the question, having a perfect…well, suitable place in mind.

"Don't worry about that. I survived on my own long ago, I can do the same thing now."

"Can't I…come with you…? I don't want to be away from you…"

Jason smiled at how she was willing to go with him. But, he wasn't going to let her go, not wanting to ruin her life for something like this.

"Sorry Kitty, but you have to stay here. Keep an eye on these X-Men, clearly they need to take training more seriously, and think tactically. Besides, the place I'm going isn't for a girl, especially one as sweet as you. Though, maybe I could come by everyday, and we could go to school together, and hang out after school, and such. Not much has to change."

Kitty wiped away the tears forming.

"I'd like that."

Jason went to get into his car, but saw the stuff toy on the top of his box, and then formed an idea. He took it out of the box, and presented it towards Kitty, who looked confused.

"My Mom gave me this about two weeks before she died, it was my birthday you see. She told me that if I felt alone, or sad, then I could just hug this Dragon, and he'd use his strength to make me feel better. I thought that maybe you could have it Kitty?"

"I-I couldn't…it was from your Mom…"

Jason thrusted it into her chest, and forced her to hold it.

"His name is Lockheed. Take good care of him. I'd like him back when I re-join the X-Men."

Kitty looked down at the pet Dragon, smiled at the gesture, and cuddled the toy tightly.

"Sure, I could like totally do that."

"Thanks, then I best be off, got things to set up and all. Call me, if you ever need help. I might not be an X-Man right now, but you're always going to be my shared number one priority, right up there with Jess."

He didn't really know how much that meant to her.

"Ooh Jason."

The pair shared another kiss, more natural this time, then Jason got into the car.

"I'll call you later."

"I'll answer."

He smiled towards Kitty, started the car, and drove off. Kitty watched him leave, she couldn't take her eyes off the car until he was gone.

Though it tore her up inside, she understood why he was going, and knew that she'd always be with him.

"Come on Lockheed, time to introduce you to my stuffed teddies too."

She looked down at the Dragon, smiled, and then went towards the mansion again, hoping she'd be able to talk with him again soon.

---

At the Brotherhood's home, day to day activates went on as normal. Pietro was running around as usual, making food for himself. Fred was eating, Toad was being disgusting as always and used his slime to spit on the wall, and Lance was trying to watch television.

The house itself looked quite rundown. The walls outside were pealing with paint, they had large cracks in them. The windows were grubby, dirty, and the roof looked like it was falling apart. The inside wasn't much better either. It looked like it needed a good cleaning.

But the Brotherhood didn't seem to care, and enjoyed the fact that they lived in filth.

However, that changed when the door opened, and who should step in but Jason.

"X-Man in the house! X-Man!"

Toad went insane and tried to attack Jason, but one swift kick sent Toad flying up the stairs, and into the wall, leaving a Toad shaped space right there.

"X-Man!? What do you want!?"

Pietro rushed towards him, but stopped when Jason scowled. Something about that scowl, always frightened him, even more so right now. Lance and Fred also went towards the door to confront Jason, but a dark glare from Jason stopped them too.

"Well, seems like we're gonna be roommates for a little while. Mystique upstairs?"

Jason went to go upstairs, but Fred stepped in his way.

"I don't think so slim!"

Fred went to touch him, but the way Jason's eyes stared into his, caused him to back off. It just looked very terrifying right now. He didn't want to mess with Jason right now, or ever. Something about him reminded him of someone else that he knew, and was terrified of.

"Now Fred, don't be a bad man, and collect my things from the car, and if anything gets damaged, I'll have your head. Clear?"

Fred nodded so fast, and walked out of the house.

Jason then turned to Pietro.

"Pietro, be a good boy, and run to the shops, and buy me a soda would ya?"

"Why would I do anything for you?"

Pietro demanded, only for Jason to smirk dangerously.

"Do you want to fight me or are you going to get me the damn soda?"

Pietro didn't want to mess with Jason, and run out of the house so fast that even he was surprised at the speeds. Lance looked on with confused as Jason walked up the stairs, running a finger along the banister, seeing the thick dust that had gathered there.

"Why are you really here X-Man?"

Lance demanded strongly, only for Jason so snicker.

"I said it before, I'm here to sleep, eat, and be merry I guess, I think that means good things...if not, then I'm here to sleep and eat. Heard it from somewhere once. Either way, Lance, you and I are housemates, so I expect cleanliness and tidiness as well. That's why we're having a cleaning day soon, understand me Lance?"

Lance didn't know what to make of this, Jason walking up the stairs continues.

He makes it to the top, and turns a corner, but not before looking at Toad.

"Don't, touch me."

"O-Okay sir."

Toad gave in, not wanting to be nailed to another wall. He then came out of the wall, and together with Lance, the now box carrying Fred, and the soda holding Pietro, watched what the blonde haired boy was going to do next.

Jason saw a door at the end of the corridor, and walked over.

"Hmm, locked." Jason surmised as he pulled the handle. "Seems like I have to make my own way."

Jason tapped into a gorillas strength, and forced the door open.

Compared to downstairs, the room was beautifully decorated. It had a large bed in the middle of the room, like a bed fit for a Queen or a King. Pictures hung from the wall, someone might call it art though Jason didn't care much. He also saw Mystique laying on the bed, reading a book, and held an angry look on her face, not seeing who was at the door.

"What did I say about coming into my…" Mystique stopped when she saw Jason stood there, walking towards the bed. "Jason? W-Why are you here?"

Of course she was taken back by everything that was happening now, Jason lazily summing up what happened.

"Short version is, Mesmero came back, forced me to steal something for him, to save Jess, and then I beat the X-Men up to get Jess safe, and then I left the X-Men. There, that about sums up what's happened. And I also need a place to crash, nice room."

Mystique tried to take in all of the information as Jason walked to the bed, and laid down on it.

She could only stare at him as a smile crept onto his face.

"Ooh, I love water beds."

"Yes, well…you've left the X-Men, and you…want to join the Brotherhood?"

That's what she thought, not seeing why else he'd be there.

"I wouldn't go that far Mystique, but I need a place to crash. It isn't like you're going to kick out your favourite Nephew, right?"

Mystique raised a bemused eyebrow.

"Oh, so now you acknowledge our family ties."

"Well, of course. You're still my Aunt and all, I thought you'd want to live with me. Besides, while I might not be apart of your gang, if Scott tries to fight any of your members, I'd happily defend them. Besides, just the other day, I wiped the floor with each of the X-Men, not counting Storm or Wolverine mind you, or Kitty but the others, yeah. And I don't recall you guys ever beating the X-Men."

Mystique couldn't deny that as she leaned on the bed.

"Really now, that's quite informative. Want to share anything else about the X-Men?"

Jason smirked, sitting up on the bed, noticing the Brotherhood at the door.

"Maybe, but I won't betray them either. But, as I said, anytime Scott tries it, I'll defeat him for you, one less X-Man to worry about. Heck, if Jean tries it, I don't mind fighting her either, though I don't like hitting women. Either way, I think this might be a good thing for both of us."

Mystique actually could see the positive aspects to this, and allowed it.

"Fine, you can stay."

"I thought you'd see it my way."

"Erm…boss? Where should I put your stuff?"

Fred interrupted, Mystique looking baffled at how he called Jason 'boss' but Jason directed to the left hand side.

"Just put it there Fred."

Fred walked into the room, put down the boxes, and then walked back out to get the others.

"Here boss, your soda."

Pietro rushed into the room at amazing speeds, delivered the soda, and rushed out.

"Good Pietro, well done."

Pietro smiled weakly, as Toad thumbed up Jason.

Jason rolled his eyes with a creeped out expression, then looked towards them all.

"So, breakfast is, at seven I presume?" They looked baffled, so Jason looked at Mystique. "Don't you force them to make your breakfast, and meals? I just presumed you ruled through fear."

Mystique slaps herself in the face.

"Ugh, I didn't even think." Mystique looked towards the Brotherhood. "Tomorrow, I expect two full English breakfasts for the pair of us, got it!? More orders shall be given later on!"

The Brotherhood looked towards Jason as if they wanted him to tell them instead.

Mystique looked baffled and confused at the same time, Jason nodding.

"I'd consider it a personal favour if you made breakfast for us. And, don't worry about the X-Men, I'm here now. Together, I'm sure we'd accomplish, many things. First of all though, downstairs, needs a serious makeover."

"I've been telling them for ages, but they don't listen to me."

Mystique murmured, Jason putting on an understanding face.

"I get it, it can be difficult. But that changes tomorrow. We'll all be cleaning this place up together. We might be without rules, but that doesn't have to mean sloppy." They all groaned, so Jason gave them a hard glare. "Are you really going to not clean up this place and defy my humble request?"

Even Mystique looked on with a glare, and the pair of them…they could even frighten a ghost into submission.

[GOT IT! WE'LL CLEAN!]

They used machine like voices and ran away, leaving Mystique and Jason in the room together.

"This is going to be interesting."

Mystique puts on a smirk, watching her nephew smiling.

"It certainly is."

The pair snicker to one another, and for now, it seemed like an alliance had been formed. Though Jason hadn't truly forgiven Mystique for what happened in the past. At best, he was going to try and put the past behind him.

---

End chapter!

So, Jason has left the X-Men…for now anyway! He'll be back with them eventually. But, he also showed how he can be a master thief. He also defeated the X-Men, though if they hadn't taken him for granted, being one person, and he was way more prepared than they were to fight him, then it could've gone either way. But now, Jason and Kitty have shared a kiss, confessing to one another, and could be considered dating, sort of anyway. We also found out major things about Jason, and his past as well, which is always good, though not everything has been revealed yet.

And now he lives with Mystique, who has been revealed to be his Aunt! Yup, that's their connection, and that makes him Kurt's cousin, and Rogue's adopted cousin I guess! People guessed if they were related, though not in this kind of way, so kudo's to those who guessed they were related in someway. I don't know if Mystique has any siblings in the comics, but in here she does, who's dead (or are they?) so that's how Jason and Mystique are connected, and what she did to him to make him resent her...well, that shall be explored in the future, there's still some mysteries yet!

Well, next time we'll resume with the episodes, so the episode would be episode nine of the cartoon series, until next time!