X-Men: The Mutant Problem

Chapter 10

Jean smiled as a gentle breeze lifted her red hair and caused it to dance behind her head. The summer sun was a bit on the warm side today bit the cool wind helped to create a perfect balance. She watched silently as students walked and socialized on the grass below. Stray thoughts wandered into her mind, but they did not bother her too much.

Jean saw some her own students, including Rogue, sitting under a tree and enjoying an early lunch. She was sitting with Bobby and John, both Storm's students. Watching rogue, she wondered how much of Alex's abilities she still held, and if she absorbed any of his memories. Those, however, were questions for another day.

A new, but familiar mental presence appeared behind her. "It's not time for our session yet Professor," she called out without turning around.

Xavier moved his chair beside Jean and allowed his eyes focus on the activity below. "I shouldn't need a reason to see one of my oldest students."

"You don't need much of a reason for anything, Professor," Jean joked in response. She quietly glanced over at Xavier, then resumed watching the students below. "I'm worried about what the twins said last week."

"Don't trouble yourself over the things they said," Xavier warned. "I allow you to listen to them because I believed you would not worry over it. You know they're not always right."

"I know Professor," Jean sighed. "But I can't help but feel like something terrible is about to happen."

Xavier gently patted Jean on the shoulder, but said nothing more on the matter. Instead, he changed the subject to Alex. "Did you see anything while you were in his mind?"

Jean gave a slight look of confusion at the question, which only grew as she attempted to recall the event. "I'm not exactly too sure of what I saw. His mind seem jumbled and confused. While unconscious, there seemed to be no coherent thought."

"Indeed that seems to be the case," Xavier replied. "Yet when I was walking in the hall with him, I could clearly hear his thoughts." He paused for a moment. "I have a theory, but I'll need to confront him about it later."

"Talking about our new guest are we?" Storm appeared from the building and walked up to Jean and Xavier.

"In fact we are," Jean answered, a sort of proud tone in her voice. "How did your tests go this morning?"

Storm provided Xavier with a small stack of papers. "It was more or less what we expected. Definitely a class four mutant. All the details are there in the report. Though I get the feeling that he's still holding back."

"Maybe he's not fully aware of his own gifts," Xavier suggested while skimming through the report. "I'm going to go look through this. I'll see you at out normal time, Jean." Xavier turned his chair around and was soon inside the mansion.

Jean watched Xavier disappear into the mansion, then turned to Storm. "Nice weather today. Did you have anything to do with it?"

Storm chuckled. "No child, this is all mother nature's doing."

Stray thoughts began to creep into Jean's mind again. This time, it took more concentration before she could subdue her telepathic abilities. Storm must have noticed, for she raised a hand and placed it on her shoulder. "You alright?"

Jean shook her head slightly. "Yeah. I'll be fine. Just some stray thoughts from the students." Storm watched her carefully, her face showing her concern. Jean sighed, then asked, "Do you ever have problems controlling your powers?"

Storm nodded slowly. "If I'm not careful, my weather can mimic my emotions. When I cry, so do the clouds. I've been training for years with Xavier in order to keep my emotions under control."

Jean looked down toward the lower field. "I've been having problems keeping out of people's heads. Yet I have trouble lifting larger objects with my mind."

Storm wrapped her arms around Jean. The embrace reminded her of a mother hugging her child. "You will master your powers, Jean."

"I sure hope so," Jean replied calmly, though inside, she felt like screaming.