A/N: Hello to all! Yours truly is here again - sorry for the delay, but my laptop's in maintenance check, so I had to use my dad's (meaning - sneaking around at the wee hours when he's not using it :-) Still, I'd like to give my deepest thanks to Claremonty for reviewing last Chap, and to all who continue reading this piece of my mind - hope you like this one too! For those who are a bit confused, this Chapter takes place between the next-to-last and the last scene of the previous one. Feel free to comment - it still makes my day :-D!
Chapter 20: Phoenix Rising – Part III: Towards The Edge Of The Divide
He didn't care…not about what it took out of him – the inhuman efforts and perseverance and the immense streams of power these demanded from him, nor did he concern himself with the pitiless deduction turning rapidly into a reality that he may well need eternity to get out. No…these were nothing other than mere trivialities, which his whole self would always bypass fervently, its full focus - long since ensnared by the sole purpose of his exertions. Not even the mounting pain born out of what Apocalypse had revealed on their final confrontation had caused him to waiver even for a second from his task, as instead he had forced it vehemently into the very depth of his being. As much as it tormented him, as strongly as he wished to contemplate everything and sort out whether there was any truth within the baiting, he couldn't dwell on it now – couldn't let himself be distracted, when on his success depended way too much… And that was precisely what their most powerful enemy had never foreseen – that the trapped, in both his ache and his unexpected incarceration, Master of magnetism in fact wouldn't surrender at all to the outwardly predestined despair, quite the contrary.
He had already managed to figure out that his black prison in reality obeyed the rules of the Astral Plane, since he suffered no exhaustion regardless of how much and long he employed his powers, not to mention the very fact that he was able to do that. Thus, given his latent psychic abilities, his certainty that his mind hadn't left his body and his inability to utilise his astral projection; there was a sole other place he could possibly be at…his own psyche's inmost core. It would be extremely hard to escape with solely his dormant telepathic power – yet, not impossible. For, once having eliminated the barrier, he simply needed to leave himself to the guidance of the unparalleled oneness that joined him and his eternal star…
And now, to the unquenchable desire to protect his loved ones was added something of equal importance, since the immortal had left unaware of or anticipating the effect, which his captivity and state of mind would have on the metal-manipulator. That the latter's escalating distress, coupled with him being imprisoned in the very heart of his own mind, had shaken out of their own confinement a string of memories buried there at the same time as their holder. As, during their, albeit short, collaboration, with the exception of several deviations, their life-forces had merged to the point of being nearly indistinguishable, their perceptions, feelings, thoughts – almost fusing into a whole. So, when the Egyptian had virtually ripped away his own being, right after the confirmed success of their joint endeavour, the previous closeness had caused Magneto to sense something jolt into awakening within his chance helper. Something only budding still, but – given its owner's immense power, it would very probably quickly develop to its full extent. Which latter he already knew from his emerald-eyed lover, as solely to him had she disclosed what the Twilight Master had truly been capable of.
Jean hadn't dared mention it when she had told the others of the antimatter – because that one was only the beginning, and beneath it slumbered this even deadlier force, which wove the very essence of both Apocalypse and his former self. Human knowledge still dismissed it as a mere theoretical explanation of certain processes, yet to Magneto, his scarlet-haired goddess and the ancient immortal, dark matter and negative energy were more than real. And himself being aware of the horrific nature of certain of its aspects, the metal-master couldn't blame Phoenix for not wanting to kill their team-mates' fragile hope by divulging their existence.
Yet, knowing their adversary, he wouldn't hesitate employing what could very well prove to be the best tool in his arsenal, if it helped his plans – and the mere thought of seeing it being used on his children, on his team, made even the normally unmoved Erik shiver inwardly. It had actually been by sheer luck that it had been unavailable at the time of his trapping – or the silver-haired male would have been the first for aeons, on whom Apocalypse would have tested it. But they had not the faintest idea of what awaited them… So, given that he couldn't communicate with them in any way, Magneto absolutely had to find his way out, no matter what it cost him – for, they had no other hope…
Still, everything he had tried so far had only turned out to be futile – and his retention of his abilities' full use wasn't of much help. In fact, Apocalypse may have erected the barrier from the bare scraps of his original self's command over dark matter, yet the entire power the magnetism-user had at his own disposal proved incapable of even the smallest breakthrough. Creating a wormhole to the other side was confirmed as equally an unworkable option – in reality, even if invisible, he could still feel the blasted contraption pushing back his mind violently at every attempt to pierce it through, all of his attacks - reflected back at him. And though he hadn't given up, his mind – engaged in continual, fervent mulling over any viable possibilities, all these always ended up leaving him at an impasse.
Even so, he fought and tried, and contemplated strategies and alternatives galore, stopping only for brief spells of rest, before resuming his seemingly endless struggle against this embodiment of his bitterest nemesis' hatred. He didn't know how long he had been at it, praying only that he wouldn't be too late, that he'd be able to warn them…though it appeared he might never make it. But, when at another failed try he paused to draw a rather laboured breath, yet firmly intent on continuing full-force, a cool, dark chuckle, which rang somewhat familiar, pierced through his environs.
He stiffened immediately, senses – springing on highest alert, powers – on the verge of complete release; however, to his relief, the accompanying mental vibes belonged neither to Apocalypse, nor to any of his psychic cohorts. And since it had come from within the barrier – which could be traversed only by the Egyptian himself, it couldn't possibly originate from whoever of the Shi'ar had been messing with Xavier either. Nonetheless, the metal-controller remained wired-up for action at the slightest sign of trouble, though all that his mysterious visitor – whose very presence was still baffling to his host, actually did was point out rather amusedly "You are going about this the wrong way…"
That only made Magneto, who already had enough on his plate as it was, snarl in fury, his whole being twitching with desire to bring down this sudden – and more than unwelcome intruder "And who might you be?" What he got instead was another, just as enigmatic retort "Someone, you should always trust." and before the silver-haired mutant could let out a fairly biting remark on that topic, the invisible, unwanted guest elaborated in a distinctly serious tone "Because you cannot say that your innermost self has ever failed you." to which observation, a still extremely suspicious Erik couldn't help but reluctantly agree in silence.
However, his mystery companion didn't give him any time to respond verbally, apparently deciding to get straight to the point "Merging with Apocalypse before was the right step in the correct direction, and you gained from this more than He ever imagined. You let Him in, thus He has no power over you. Yet, to defeat Him, you mustn't fight, but accept Him; do not attack the barrier head-on - rather destroy it from within. For, like before, the power to do this is yours alone, since you and Him are closer in your essences than you think, which is why you two could blend so infallibly well. Remember, the answer is in you…" the strange voice trailed off as if out of exhaustion, and the shock of what it had now revealed couldn't even compare to the one Erik experienced when he realised it had all this time been his own, his fingers touching incredulously his lips that had just stopped moving.
His innermost self…this occurrence was just a corollary of his current location – he had heard of psychics having similar incidents, and he was almost one. Yet, his inner voice's, his words were still swirling wildly in his mind, their chaos gradually settling and logic lashing out, as some things began falling into place… Close in their essences…the right step…to remember…destroy it from within…the power is his alone… Through allowing them to merge this deeply, the Dark One had unwittingly let him access his thoughts and memories…then imprisoning the knowledge of those, together with him in his psyche's core. And the sensation of Apocalypse's dormant powers stirring into awakening hadn't been the sole returning to the metal-commander, as result of his emotional distress.
He had truly gained a lot through becoming one with the ancient Egyptian – not only his lover's and their child's lives, but also insight, as somewhere in the folds of what Magneto had seen in His mind, their adversary had inadvertently given him the solution. Closer in their essences than they thought, indeed…not to mention that, with all else not giving any results, this was his last option - and he had nothing to lose from trying. So, focusing on the veritable whirlpool of memories he had unconsciously retained from the Egyptian now lying beneath his own mind's layers of lucidity, calling on its contents, the silver-haired man browsed it relentlessly in pursuit of what he needed.
Like before, he put in his everything, the devastating hope to soon hold his fiery beloved in his arms and taste the liquid flame of her kisses and her touch, and the power of their mutual, infinite addiction both giving him impossible speed in his undertaking. There was nothing that could escape his keen mind's eye, not even the tiniest detail, and shortly (or at least to him it seemed so) his efforts paid off, revealing progressively before him every single fragment of the structure of the dark matter comprising the barrier. He could see now…because he was looking through the gaze of the one who had erected his prison, and whose being's very foundation was so elaborately woven into its makeup…
The magnetism-master didn't know how long it had taken him, but his close study of the composition's patterns was causing him to slowly yet surely decipher the logic that built these – and the way to unravel their preternatural fabric. Destroy it from within…now he knew how…and it was truly all in his command - electromagnetism's spectre was the closest earthen equivalent to what formed his trap's quintessence. And so he tapped into his deepest self, releasing the whole of his powers, the characteristic shroud of silver-blue light enveloping him protectively, his own prime ability's akin to living rays this time gently reaching out to the barrier's solidity, prodding softly.
Surprisingly – or maybe not so anymore, the fibres of the shield's structure appeared as if reaching out to those of the similar energy, their composition now appearing strangely incomplete to his enhanced vision. Yet, the moment the two sets of twines came into contact, as if drawn by the forces of magnetism (which perhaps was presently the case), they latched onto each other, twisting and gradually fusing into a whole where one fluidly flowed into the other. He had accepted the barrier's power, showing it his respect as an equal…and in turn, it had done the same to him, letting him in – thus giving him access to its inner core…and to its own destruction. The inseparability of the final result did startle him beyond the possible…still, he paid no heed to that, concentrating instead on the continuing blending of essences, ensuring that it was going at a steady, yet as fast as possible pace.
Even if it felt like a lifetime later, the process was eventually completed, causing its initiator to finally allow himself a small content smile – his power was now one with that fuelling the trap's might, bestowing him with the same command Apocalypse would have had over it. Losing no time, the magnetism-master moved onto the final stage of freeing himself, using his control of his prison's structure to begin dissolving it, lowering it layer by layer, chillingly privy that it would be slow since he wasn't the original erector. And he desperately prayed that the time it took wouldn't be as much as he dreaded – as, beneath all else in the immortal's memories, the metal-controller had glimpsed something that had sent his mind in a frenzy.
Only the circumstances of Jean's evolution could vary freely – the exact moment of her completion had always been a constant, which the Dark One had known from the start…the event He had waited for so far, what they had been guessing about. And its effects were many and far-reaching, while the final outcome could easily shift from what they hoped for into their worst nightmare – but now…with what he knew, they had the chance to make a difference. Yet, Destiny had warned him to beware of their worst enemy – Time…and the blue-eyed man could do nothing but hope that they hadn't lost already…because, for all of them, Time was rapidly running out, as the end and everything beyond it drew nearer…
"Et voila, les garçons!" gestured a certain female redhead, while she used her teke to fling her bags rather haphazardly on the king-sized canopy bed, in the master-bedroom of the luxurious hotel suite she, and the pair of teens accompanying her, had just entered "Our temp residence in the illustrious Louisiana – and before you say anything, after your excellent performance in those wilderness-set training sessions I'm entitled to spoil you." The boys following on her heels couldn't stop their, now close to overwhelmed gazes from wandering around, taking in the somewhat old-fashioned southern splendour of the place, before the young MacTaggert chimed in animatedly "I called the previous one posh…I take my words back! All the playing in the stock market definitely paid off well, sis." which made the equally impressed Jono eye said female psychic quizzically, highly interested in what the other boy meant.
Jean, however, only shrugged nonchalantly at the curiosity of the pair now flanking her on the considerably roomy black-leather sofa, remarking with a sly grin "It would have been a waste to not benefit from my share of what we stripped from Hellfire - and I didn't even need to use my powers. In the end, it turned out to be a pretty enjoyable hobby. Erik and I, actually, often amuse ourselves by swapping investment tips – you'll never believe what great ideas come to mind while sparring." Yet, to her unusually observant companions, the ostensible mirth of her manner couldn't hide fully the pain gripping her icily at the mere mention of her half-dead lover. Though, she was careful to push it down instantly, before adding on the same note from before "And since you're doing this great, as a special treat tomorrow I'll teach you how to hotwire a car – on one of those our host will most likely have lying around."
The excitement sparkling in her adopted son's gaze at that was exactly what she needed to feel her spirits truly lift a bit, even if he remained still pretty reserved with anyone who wasn't her. On the other hand, Kevin was noticeably more vocal, exclaiming breathlessly "You're officially the best, sis! Wait till the guys back home hear about that one – first lock-opening and disabling of cameras, now hotwiring!" his ear-to-ear smirk suddenly became sheepish "Though, mum will have my head, if she ever learned I can do something of the sort…"
The female telepath found her lips quirking upwards, despite her words' seriousness "Such skills are handy, which is I guess why the Professor turned a blind eye to Remy passing them on to whoever of us wished." She returned a guilty smile of her own "But you're right about Moira – she'd actually have my head first, if she ever discovered it was me who taught you rascals." Her mute son winked at the other two conspiratorially, his mental tone - that of a loyal accomplice 'Then, it'll be our little secret – and add to it also today's 'driving' lesson.'
Which, surprisingly, caused the red-haired boy on the other side of Jean to mirror the gesture - the very same sentiment peeking from behind his words "You're learning fast, Starsmore." before he scrunched his brow in slight annoyance "But going at 150mph, while trying not to crash sis' jeep and us with it, and diverting the minds of all traffic policemen who'd even so much as think of stopping us for speeding over the limit, is one heck of a killer combo to do at the same time." The only adult amongst them giggled in her hand, whilst rummaging through one of her bags, then addressing the young MacTaggert "It's called multitasking, Kev – an extremely useful talent, I might add." she flashed him a devious look, prior to vanishing into her bedroom's ensuite, dead-set on having a good soak in the tub.
However, the moment Phoenix was out of sight, a solemn Proteus projected to his equally as sombre peer, referring to their own, mutually conceived plan to distract their scarlet-haired guardian from her ache by any means necessary 'We're in this together, Starsmore - make no mistake. After all, I'd do anything for her – even consort with the likes of you.' a severe distaste at the very thought of it – evident in every word 'But be glad that you never really saw just why exactly I have such a codename…' The only reaction he got though was rather bitter, psychic laughter 'I knew already about your perception-warping powers, and how they can drive their victim to madness - and I felt back then that you were on the verge of releasing them on me. I understand, however…what being unable to control something so potent can cause, and how deep it can scar you, MacTaggert.'
Kevin, though, sent him a somewhat malicious sneer 'Like you can ever understand! You're not even close in power to what I can do, so you can shove your hypocrisy right where the sun doesn't shine!' The other teen's reply was anything but pleasant as well - his mental voice dripping with rising anger 'You'd be amazed at just how well I do comprehend, you arrogant git! Yet as wary as you may be of using your abilities, you were at least learning how - someone cared enough for you to bother teaching you, which is much more than I had until very recently! And when it comes to the bull you've been sprouting now, you can take your own advice from moments ago!'
Silence - both verbal and telepathic, ensued from the red-haired youth, and his opponent bristled inwardly ready for a more serious approach to their unresolved issues. What the mute boy didn't expect, however, was the stillness' end to come with Kevin projecting to him a shockingly genuine psychic grin, accompanied by 'I've always had an affinity for those who can hold their own, whether physically or with words. And you're good in both, Chamber - so I might actually be able to tolerate you.'
Had he not been stripped of his lower face, this outcome would have left Jono gaping. In fact, the flabbergasted boy could hardly string a coherent thought for what even to him felt like forever. Until after several moments he managed to return on an equally peppy note, sealing their unspoken truce 'You're a strange one, Proteus... But I just might accept that - simply remember I give as good as I get.' The Scottish youth chuckled slyly 'I wouldn't have it any other way…partner.' though the crime in which they were such was far from reprehensible.
The rather suspicious silence from the rest of the apartment caused Jean, on finally emerging from the bathroom couple of hours later, to jump to highest alert, ready to pacify tempers and divert falling objects if need be, as they didn't say that still waters ran deep for nothing. Yet, words couldn't describe her relief when she noticed that, by the looks of it, no mutiny had been sparked between the tempestuous boys in her absence - and it grew even more with the vibes of mutual understanding she caught from their minds. And the moment the three clandestine X-Men finally found themselves delightfully sprawled over her bed, her charges' thoughts were light-years away from any possible conflict between them.
In fact, they eyed her with gazes burning in hardly restrained anticipation; waiting for the continuation of what she had began the night before. She had, in truth, never expected the pair currently ready to drink in every word that would fall off her lips, to ask her to share this particular tale, even less that they'd find it so captivating. Perhaps, to them it was akin to a fairytale – despite its undeniable reality; as, presently solely she and the two men she was bonded with could ever fully grasp its significance or substance. But in effect, she didn't mind even if it were so, since to her reliving her past, remembering the Twilight that was no more, helped lessen the pain at least to a point…so that she could keep alive her, at times seemingly insane, hope that what had been wasn't forever lost.
And even if their initial request had been a part of their scheme, the two young men were already beginning to realise that this was an element of what they would more than fervently accept – of what met them every time their ardent eyes locked with hers… They were the carriers of her legacy, and pretty soon they would have to step into their role, taking on the task of caring for all she would leave behind when she rejoined her stars. Thus, they had to be prepared; they needed to know...every last one of the mysteries of the Universe… And while her memories from the very Beginning - till then withheld in the most obscure corners of her mind or buried beneath the constraints on her evolution, now steadily flowed to the surface; a grinning Kevin blurted out in recollection of what had caused him to collapse in a quite lengthy fit of air-stealing laughter the previous night "I still can't believe you guys named the main continuity 616, only 'cause that one was the first time you got it right!"
His mute peer too couldn't hold back his mirth at that, though his was much more restrained – and not at all unabashed. Phoenix, for her part, looked at the two with mild reproach, which, however, was only skin-deep - like the defensive tone she commented in "Let me see you try constructing a time-space-reality continuum that actually works, when you've never done this before – and mind you, building a whole omniverse from scratch doesn't come with instructions manual! Even something as simple as creating our own bodies took literally eons – as, despite having been born as only a combination of our essences and life-forces, we did know our forms' outer looks, but we had to be extremely careful while weaving them.
"Our physical selves had to be able to contain our beings without a problem – which, with our inherent power, was tough as heck." and she was grateful beyond words that this had been a one-off necessity, something more than evident in her, albeit good-natured, grumble "Then, where does it leave something that affects all other Life? There was virtually only the trial and error approach, and to tell you truth, I'm still more than glad that attempt 616 actually worked!" The two boys, who shared the exact same sentiment – yet with regards to their current topic's real purpose of making Jean relax significantly and forget even if for just a while her unspoken burden, were now also left slightly baffled, causing Jono to wonder aloud 'Are the three elements so hard to combine?'
To their joint surprise, the female redhead's air grew noticeably distant - like she had lost herself somewhere in the recesses of her near-infinite memories, intent on never returning to lucidity; before she snapped back to the present, explaining "Each of Existence's three aspects is formed of a distinct substance, all obeying different laws - they were by no means easy to get to cooperate together. Still, not long before that final successful try, I had realised that this time it was going to work, but never really as it should, as something was missing. I lacked a vital part of me, and thus so did the three facets of Life - having all been spun out of my own essence; and by the sheer force of that realisation, the missing piece was born…"
Chamber found himself nodding in comprehension 'The Twilight Master…without your soul-mate, your Creation would never truly Be…' And while Proteus absorbed this latest revelation stunned out of words, Jean smiled to her son "Indeed…with Him everything fell into place. Negative energy entwined with psionic, completing Time's line; dark matter fused with cosmic force into Space's fabric; and Twilight's soul joined the Fire's, finishing Reality. His gifts bestowed what had been spun by mine with stability; just as he was meant to be and became my effective anchor to sanity, through helping me shoulder the burden of our power."
A clear note of an odd sort of bliss permeated her voice "And his essence becoming one with my own on every level, gave the three components building Creation – the Triad of Existence, the needed capability to grow and evolve forever. Without Him, they would have eventually stretched to breaking, crumbling from the pressure of advancing – as, where I am creation and growth itself; He is its infinite potential." Kevin - by now fully enthralled by all that the woman he considered his sister was saying, couldn't help concluding quietly "That's why you two can move freely through the different sub-braches of the time-space-reality continuum - all three facets are a part of the both of you, and you're practically everywhere, so to speak."
Phoenix chuckled mirthfully at his observation "Spot on – though, since Reality's the joining of our very life-forces, it's impossible for anyone who isn't us to travel through it. And in the event of us being unable to fulfil out duties, thus needing a mortal host, that latter – being bound to the central continuity, would be unable to travel to a parallel reality they might have to fix. So, until the time of our incarnation and return, the nexus of this branch of the Triad would be a tangible object. We shaped it as a rather curious crystal, which, as the product of life-energies follows the central law that commands these, the chief rule for Reality – free choice, and all of its possible whims."
Golden-crimson flames conquered her narrowed gaze, her unearthly aura flaring up; before she went on, much to the closely listening pair's delight "It's a union of the polar opposites, which complete each other…Existence and Chaos. So, as regards those who attempt to use it, within the Crystal's essence I am the Power and Ten-Nar is the Punishment – exactly like for Creation itself, together we are the End…and the Beginning." the near-nonexistent gleam of steely finality flickered through the fiery depths of her eyes, unnoticed by her companions.
For, as a result of her, now almost fully emerged, memories, and Destiny's warning, she finally had a quite clear picture as to what her dark lover strove for, both for himself, her and the universe. He wished to heal what had been twisted and deformed, what was even now falling apart...to prove in his own way that he was indeed worthy of her… But he didn't know that he couldn't possibly do it alone – and definitely not the way he envisaged, for that latter would in the end give them only a Pyrrhic victory. Yet there was still time, all she had to do was proceed as planned – and wait for the precise moment, when the last missing parts of her past would return, meanwhile preparing the pair currently with her for what was to come.
Said two boys, having a pretty good idea as to the meaning - in their current topic's context, of Phoenix's earlier reference to what she and Apocalypse's original self embodied, had decided, in the light of the somewhat nightmarish vision it conjured in their restless minds, to steer towards a different route of thought. Still, Chamber couldn't help a rather startling – to him at least, conclusion 'So, the Twilight Master has no power over life-energies except for those bonded to his, but he took part in creating what in a way commands those of everyone else.' His adoptive mother retorted with a calming smile "Life-forces, or souls as humans like to call them, make us who we are, allow us to grow and be shaped by life and experiences.
"Reality, however, is one of the three planes of Existence, and as such, albeit created on the basis of life-energies and obeying their laws, it goes way beyond them to comprise all living beings, many of whom don't possess one. Because life itself doesn't necessitate the existence of a soul in order to be present - those lacking one are in fact living energy, manifesting itself in a solid physical form, and the most powerful amongst them can take on a human-like appearance at will. All demon races belong to that category, actually." She tucked away a lock of vibrant scarlet, leaning further into the feathery pillows "They're still fully sentient creatures, with minds as complex as those of soul-possessors. Yet, they don't have the latter's intricacy in terms of the finer tuning – when it comes to feelings and relations, for one.
"Though, a life-force's presence makes its owner more vulnerable, since it's so closely entwined with their essence – the source of their life, that they're practically one. And the lifelines which connect a soul to its body are rather easy to destroy. Plus, because of their complexity and peculiarities, I - and, as you saw before, also those bonded to me, are the sole who know how to and are able to heal them." Proteus' face resembled that of a child who had just received something much better than they had asked for "Whoa…does that mean the demon-guys are impossible to kill? Perhaps, virtually immortal?"
The red-haired woman nodded, pleased they were catching on so well "Oh, they're a pain to destroy, but if they do die, unlike life-force beings, they don't have the ability to move on to the rebirth cycle. They can be resurrected, yet always into the life they had before, which is also why they are unable to reproduce the normal way between themselves. They have to instead create their offspring from their own energy – and even then, not all of them can do that." Both boys' eyes threatened to pop out in astonishment, as Kevin enquired, baffled to no end "How come we've never stumbled on them – are they locked away somewhere?" and his dark-blond peer couldn't stiffen a mental snigger at what to him sounded like a rather daft speculation. Yet, it burgeoned into full-fledged mental laughter, when he noticed their adult interlocutor was trying not to do the same herself, but she managed to hold it in for long enough to rein once more in her humour, in favour of an elaboration "You could say that – it's very rare for anyone from the Dark Planes, as the dimensions inhabited by all the demonic races are called, to visit our world and vice-versa, since they prefer to keep to themselves."
A distant remembrance-filled smile slowly softened her eyes "Figures though, considering who's their creator." and before the budding question in her listeners' gazes could be put to words by either, she finished "They were His…" oddly enough, she found out that the mere reminiscence wasn't so torturous to withstand anymore - on the contrary it brought her something she more than desperately needed...inner peace "And therefore, they draw on his power, the same which weaves their worlds and which they call 'Dark Force'. They still worship Ten-Nar as their deity, though none, even the ancients like Kurios, Dormammu, Mephisto and Azazel, have ever seen him or have the slightest idea what he's really like."
But it wasn't long before the icy shadow of the inescapable crept over her radiant eyes, making her finally let out what had preoccupied her already restless mind for hours on end - the worst secret of her divided soul-mate "Yet, Apocalypse retains the Twilight's almost entire core and memories, and I sensed the former wake fully within him when he helped save me five days ago, so this evolution of sorts may very well restore his connection to them. And then if he wishes, the Dark One could raise their armies with a single gesture – a summons they'll heed to the last…or he could simply call onto his dark matter and negative energy, and whichever of their aspects he receives back."
The boys suddenly shuddered, and not at all from any cold. "Goodness…" came a dismayed Kevin's murmur, his mind – now besieged by the array of gruesome possibilities "And here I thought that his power to turn planets against themselves and their inhabitants, was the real horror…" while his dark-blond counterpart would have bitten his lip in dejection, if he still had them, the aghast look in his eyes saying the very same, that had already conquered the equally dread-laden psyche of his fiery new mother. Still, her whole air intuitively tensed, the crushing force of her resolve becoming as if an arctic blizzard in her veins, a veritable hellfire erupting in her harshly narrowed eyes when she retorted heatedly "Apocalypse may regain Ten-Nar's power, but he's not and never will be the Twilight Master…"
The tangible waves of misery emanating from the fire-mistress because of all that stayed hidden between the lines, everything she didn't dare say out loud in fear of being unable to escape it in the event of such a recognition, however, made her two companions share knowing looks. She was hurting, more than they had actually managed to discern as perceptive as they were, much more than she'd ever let on…eternally torn in the face of the most impossible of choices, yet employing her inhuman best to suppress her own torment for everyone's sake. So, they couldn't stop themselves, enveloping her from both sides in fierce embraces which had gathered in their boundless warmth and stability all the strength, hope and compassion their authors yearned to pass on, as well as an oath - that of forever.
And the young woman in-between found herself finally able to defeat her merciless tears, her fingers caressing the scarlet and dark-blond strands of the two heads laying on each of her shoulders in expression of her own endless gratitude - for them simply being there. But deep within, the worst pain of all remained indestructible, and neither Phoenix, nor anyone else could change this, not with the way things currently were. And, following a law older than Existence itself, the Universe's heart reflected everything in that of its Mother. So, while on Earth the scarlet-haired incarnation of Life battled the endless torrents of her ache, all over the vastness of space millions of stars exploded in a final flourish of flames, the tears of black agony left in their dying blaze mirroring perfectly those in the Fire's soul…
When, five years ago, the vibrant New Orleans had seen both a promising new governor take the reins, and one of the largest global businesses open its chief office for the southern states, its citizens hadn't had the slightest idea how things would soon turn. For, not two years later, both of these, thus far successful, new hopes for the prosperity of the city and the region had unexpectedly, or maybe not so, fallen into a rather bumpy ride. As it turned out, the new Governor's pretty innovative, yet largely effective policies had stepped on the toes and interests of several prominent figures in the local underground, which had earned him numerous death-threats, and a couple of attempts on his life. Not to mention, that the company, whose office's mushrooming business ensured countless jobs and the smooth running of the majority of the state's economy, had been heavily hit by the worldwide crisis, and it was all quickly going down the chain.
Hope was rapidly escaping from the corners of the previously pulsating capital, many experts had written both the politician and the company branch off …and that was when they had appeared, proving to be exactly what each nearly-sinking ship was in dire need of. Everyone in the Governor's security had laughed at the idea of a woman in charge of protecting him - but soon enough, the lady with unusually coloured hair and a very mean right hook that felt like she possessed super-strength, turned out to be the answer to their prayers. And after a string of flawlessly deflected attacks on said politician, even the staunchest opponents had to concede she was the one for the job - despite the odd occurrences they had noticed about her ways. Still, they shrugged those off - after all, when her tactics worked she could freely keep her professional secrets. She didn't complain either, what with the excellent pay and benefits.
Though, with the Governor's rather unconcealed interest in his admittedly gorgeous bodyguard, the former was set on having quite the problems with her husband, who certainly didn't approve. Yet, little did the unsuspecting citizens of the biggest Cajun metropolis know, that the aforesaid spouse was meanwhile having just as great a career-blast himself - and the board of directors of the struggling corporate backbone of the local economy had been more than glad to let him. In the end, it wasn't every day that a, as the case was, real financial whiz walked through your door with an offer one simply couldn't refuse – especially, if one wished to survive in the throes of looming recession, and he had proffered much more than just that.
Thankfully, not only had they been shrewd enough to give him free reign, allowing him to practically be his own boss, but also he had proven to be as good as his word - and then some. So, they had no problem with forgiving him what they took as simply the little quirks of his personality; after all, geniuses were entitled to these small luxuries. However, if any of the managers who sang endless praises to said business mastermind were aware that he was also the heir to one of New Orleans' most prominent gangs, and known as 'the Prince of Thieves', they would have been shocked short of any words to begin with. One Jean-Luc LeBeau still got regular seizures ever since he learned that his adopted son, the best in their Guild, in fact worked an honest job – and still made a fortune.
He was even more peeved by the fact that both Remy and his daughter-in-law of two years were virtually exposing themselves to the public, leaving left and right clues which, if put together by someone not blinded by their sweeping success, would scream their mutant status to all. The Thieves' Guild leader was thus on daily pins and needles, not missing any chances to remind his errant adopted offspring that there were children to consider as well. As, despite his ruthless nature, the older LeBeau had quite the soft stop for his (almost) two grandkids, which of course he'd never admit. Thank goodness though, five-months pregnant Rogue was now on maternity leave - at least that boss of hers, albeit a politician (whose whole breed Jean-Luc hated with a passion) had some sense.
The father-to-be was the understandably the most thrilled by the prospect of having his beloved southern belle all to himself – and, to his even greater satisfaction, away from the wandering hands of her employer. Not that she had ever given the latter any encouragement - in fact, several times she had been dangerously close to knocking him out herself, as the man never got a hint - namely that she was taken and completely happy about it, full stop. However, having to deal with an exceptionally energetic toddler, his equally as unruly father and the ragtag group that comprised his immediate family, beside pregnancy, were understandably taking their toll on Anna Raven-Lebeau, better known as Rogue. She was actually starting to miss her job - at least, there the worst that could happen was getting killed relatively quickly - what occurred at home, on the other hand, was a very different story.
And now, lounging on the chaise-long spread on the still sunlit porch of their bayou house, she couldn't be more grateful that aunt Mattie, who was just as enthusiastic about having grandchildren as her brother, had taken little Lukas to town for the day, intent on spoiling him rotten. Which latter probably hadn't been that good of an idea, considering where half of his genes came from, but the young woman had been sorely tempted by the promise of half a day of much needed calm. Though, truth be told, she missed her son already - not two hours after his great-aunt had visited to check on the expecting mother and collect her favourite little boy. Normally, neither she nor Remy separated themselves from their two-year-old for long, having designed their work schedules in such manner so as to leave plenty of time to spend both together and with their child. Their own neglect-filled infancy had more than justifiably caused them to silently vow that their own offspring would have loving, caring parents, who paid them enough attention, from day one.
Besides, rumours were already flying about herself and her husband; and the still simmering anti-mutant hysteria, to which Lukas with his green-on-black eyes and pure-white lock marring his auburn hair could become an easy target, was an inevitable factor to consider. Yet beyond her worry, she was aware that the kind elderly woman who had grown to be almost her second mother was hardly alone, since a whole group of the Guild's men headed by one of Remy's cousins always followed, unseen, every family-member's movements as protection. Goodness only knew how much time and endless explanations - including a practical demonstration, it had taken her to convince the overzealous clan-members she didn't need any, curse old-fashioned men and their just as outdated concepts of women...
Her train of thought, however, was swiftly broken by the instinct-like sensation retained from her X-Men days of someone watching her, her eyes under her sunglasses remained closed, but instantly her body tensed with readiness to attack, waiting for the intruder to come closer. Instead, her whole air melted in a smile of endless content, when she sensed familiar gentle hands remove her shades, only for a pair of hungry lips she'd know anywhere to claim hers in the untamed, treasured expression of their feelings for one another. At the very beginning, neither had believed that these had been even worth mentioning, let alone keeping and developing. Yet, both had been amazed beyond the possible at the sheer power of what had been born within them, and which had bonded them deeper than they ever thought achievable. It had initially scared the living daylights out of the two, even if, with all they had been through, they were far from easily frightened. But now, years later, they couldn't put to words just how infinitely grateful they were to have listened to good reason, and in the end embraced this, and not continued with their stubborn and admittedly completely pointless denial.
Inexorably falling under the spell of the mere touch of their lips and every one infinite emotion it contained, the married couple soon found themselves sinking uncontrollably into the undeniable vortex that was their kiss, deepening the fervent contact, heated caresses flaming between them… Until the rest of the world – till then long forgotten, decided to remind so untimely about itself in the form of a humorous, and rather loud remark "Hey guys, by all means feel free to go on with swapping saliva, but what do you say about sparing my virgin eyes the rest of the show?" and not only did the kissing pair have to – to their utter dismay, break their more than enjoyable occupation, but also a certain Rogue couldn't stop her eyes from going saucer-like at hearing this precise voice.
Her shock, however, was only amplified – though in both cases pleasantly so, when another, equally as familiar tone, whose owner had just come into view, observed jokily "I would have had something to say about displays of affection in front of minors – if I wasn't guilty of the very same offence lately that is, so you won't get a reproach from me. And besides, the boys may find it pretty educational, not to mention they might appreciate the break from seeing the same old on a daily basis." at which the teens looked like they couldn't wait for the ground to open and swallow them, while the amiable smile infusing the adult newcomer's entire countenance was easily returned by their female host.
Then however, the latter didn't miss to cast an expectant glance at her husband, only to find his expression suspiciously innocent "Well, chère, look who Remy bump'd intah in town t'day." Though, Rogue, despite her more than evident elation at seeing these particular visitors, eyed him with a raised brow, yet retorting with unconcealed mirth "Don't gimme that, swamp rat! There ain't such things as accidents with yah – nor does one jus' stumble on friends lahke ours!" and the Cajun had to concede with a grin "Et bien, chère, Remy been called by Jeannie 'ere some hours 'go, an'he thought he'd surprise you."
His wife meanwhile exchanged knowing looks with Phoenix, both trying hard to decide whether to scold him for or to laugh at his antics, in the end settling on a meaningful sigh, before the southern belle rose with some difficulty, greeting the other woman with a friendly hug "Ah can't word how much of a sahght for sore eyes yah ahre, Jean!" The scarlet-haired psychic didn't hesitate to return the gesture, adding in the same air "Same here really!" The auburn-haired southerner then smiled at Chamber and Proteus, addressing the latter "Yah've grown up, Kevin." Said youth winked at her unabashedly, his look - distinctly smug, while he commented "Wouldn't do to stay one size so long, now would it?" before Jean who, like Rogue, was trying to suppress her mirth at what had just been said, put a loving arm around the shoulders of the mute teen who had been waiting politely to be introduced, gently prompting him to step forward "And this is Jono Starsmore – my adopted son." unhidden pride conquering her being, only to flow into her voice.
The explanation of this startling development, as well as the trio's visit though, came a bit later when they and the married couple took the talk inside, profiting from the comfy plush couches, much to the two women's delight – and for the very same reason. Kevin, who had visited before, had meanwhile taken upon himself to present the other teen with a tour of the bayou, in his excitement nearly dragging the mute boy towards the secret pier where Gambit's boats rested, intent on getting a head-start on the whole hotwiring thing - even if not on a car. The adults had seen them off with hearty chuckles and the customary, if rarely heeded, warning to be careful - mainly for the poor crocodiles' and trees' sake. But the grown-up trio's good humour soon found itself erased, as the tale of everything that had happened lately – Genosha, Kelly, Bastion, Apocalypse and what was likely to hit them in the alarmingly-near future, unravelled, expectedly leaving the two southerners flabbergasted…yet, not for long.
"And Ah was hopin' this was a social call…" murmured a rather forlorn Rogue, the inescapable fear for their family now gnawing at both hers and her husband's insides like an illness, while said man put in, the pensive line cutting through his brow growing deeper "At least w'know now who was respons'ble for de blackout…" Jean bit her lip with a sigh, hating that she had to once more be the bringer of bad news – which, to her dejection, she seemed to be doing an awful lot lately; yet there was no other way, though she hoped it would in any case help them prepare "I'm sorry for serving it all like this – I know it's a lot to swallow, and it's far from pleasant, but you guys have to be informed, since you could very well become a target…especially in your situation." Gambit, who had his arms protectively around his belle's middle, his body enveloping her own lithe form in a subconscious attempt to shield her and their unborn, if only from the horror of what had been exposed, shook his head as if in disbelief, traces of bitterness piercing his deep voice "So, de ol' team were for real back den when dey'd said dey wanna patch things with us – not dat dey can expect we'd just jump for it aft'r our so-call'd 'friends' kick'd Remy out for 'aving been stuck 'tween a rock and a hard place, an' makin' his chère go through all dat shit while pregnant…"
Indeed, when, by an unfortunate accident, the Cajun's ill-fated participation in the Morlock massacre had come into the light, the Mansion had been rocked by a scandal like nothing they'd ever been subject to before. The team had been beyond shocked to have harboured one of the chief perpetrators of their hesitant underground-dwelling allies' attempted obliteration. And they couldn't continue doing so if they wished to gain said group's trust, as the Institute's mutants strove to become an intermediary between the sewer-inhabitants and the world, to prevent any incidents. The former thief had been forced to leave as result, whilst his lover had been given an ultimatum – continue supporting him, or remain with the X-Men. To her there had never been a question as to what she'd pick, and that same fact's full force now blazed in her forest-green orbs, hands lightly caressing his, sincerity drenching her whisper "Ah'd have been dah biggest damn moron in dah universe if Ah hadn't stuck by yah…" their joined gazes saying everything words could never even hope to be able to convey.
Soon enough, however, their looks turned to Jean's own, which was as firm as adamantium itself, while she elaborated "I'm sure their intentions and remorse were genuine, but I'm here on my own initiative." She paused, her flaming eyes piercing them through like a pair of fire-blades, before she continued on the same note, addressing Gambit "You know I've never blamed you – you didn't exactly have a choice in this. Without the intervention, at the time you could have died or decimated the entire planet. It was your only viable option…" the nod she gave him - silently telling him she comprehended all too well. After all, her own parents had disowned her when they had learned that she had had to kill in order to protect innocents – something she'd had as little choice in as Remy had in his own plight, though he hadn't actually taken anyone's life himself in the massacre.
In fact, had she or Moira been there while the decision to cast out both him and Rogue had been taken, Xavier would have been forced to eat his own words. But instead, the male telepath had waited for Jean to leave on the recuperation trip she had desperately needed after Hellfire and Blackheart, while their doctor had had to attend a conference on genetics in London. However, when the pair of redheads had been informed on what had transpired in their absence, Phoenix's fury had left the Mansion in repairs for six weeks, and Moira hadn't talked to her lover for two months straight, avoiding him like the plague for another after that.
Thankfully, Remy's father had been trying to get him to come back to New Orleans for ages - in a quite unprecedented bout of remorse for the past, receiving him and Rogue warmly enough – and the two had managed to relatively quickly build a good life for both themselves and their children. The southern couple had still kept regular contact with Jean and Moira, as well as the Brotherhood, all of whom had not only been sympathetic to their cause from the start, but had helped them with everything they could. Proteus had been the sole in the Senior Class to find out the truth of their abrupt departure – by overhearing his mother and sister once, and had been unable to not add his own support to the two women's.
Even to Chamber, who had been told by his mother prior to the visit, the surge of compassion and comprehension for the man who had been desperate enough to grab any chance to gain control over his abilities, so as not to let them become destructive, had come naturally. Like Phoenix, he had actually been shocked that such understanding – from his own experience, people like the X-Men could prove so rigid and unforgiving in light of the circumstances, chiefly given these weren't strangers but their friends. True that the team had eventually come around, yet the damage had been done. They had taken way too long to see reason, and the two kicked-out mutants had been dealt a devastating blow by both the decision itself and the over a year long delay, during which they had as if not existed for their former comrades.
The first very tentative steps towards mending things, which the Mansion's mutants had taken at Kitty's wedding, were only the start of a long and hard healing. Still, their genuine remorse and the move towards reconciliation they had initiated had greatly helped their noticeably strained, as result of the whole mess, relations with Mystique and her charges. And the ice that had encrusted these until nearly eight months ago had gradually melted to nothingness, to both camps' delight, since - albeit justified, neither group had particularly enjoyed it. So Jean's lingering hope for them all remained, and the sole she could do now was wait – and pray that what the future held wouldn't prove to be too agonising a lesson.
"Besides," she finished her earlier line of reflection, still addressing the Thieves' Guild heir "given the source of the so-called 'help' you were forced to accept, it was no wonder the price was this high…" the disgust in her tone – all aimed at the very man who might have arguably saved Remy, yet at the cost of stripping him of a part of his brain (and mind's power) and poisoning him with guilt he'd never be rid of, was more than cutting. The Cajun could have kept his full potential as well as learned control, could have become Omega-level like his DNA's gifts had meant him to, had the operation been done properly…but its performer's purpose, like with all else he did, had never been even remotely close to aiding his victim.
For, Phoenix herself was already privy just how much of a bastard was the twisted, although brilliant in his own way, scientific mind known as Mr Sinister. Apocalypse had been the first to - verbally, introduce him to her quite some time ago. The Dark One had readily shared with her the tale of the British mutant whose latent X-factor he had awakened nearly two centuries past, meaning for his new - rather powerful as a result, puppet to square off against Exodus, the victor taking the position of his Fifth Horseman. Instead of a loyal follower, however, the scientist had revealed himself as a pretty artful backstabber, attempting to gain the ancient immortal's genetic material and learn his secrets. This blatant betrayal had reasonably caused quite the retaliation from the Egyptian's side, with Essex thus failing to achieve his goals concerning his Master. And the latter had also managed to block permanently out of his errant follower's access the bigger part of the power the geneticist had received from his mutant DNA, leaving him only with mere crumbs of what he would have had...
And speaking of the devil, as if having read the psychic's thoughts, Gambit – who too had lapsed in contemplation, soon added, his voice trembling slightly "Remy don' know if it be just 'is brains and guilt playin' tricks on 'im, Jeannie, mais lately he'd thought he'd seen 'is worst cauchemar in de flesh…" His unusually-coloured eyes's pupils had indeed dilated, like he was reliving said horrific vision while awake, as Rogue finished – her fingers massaging soothingly her lover's hands, managing to relieve most of his tension "Dah swamp rat saw that piece of scum several tahmes here in New Orleans, and each - in places he frequents when in town… But every instahnt Remy tried tah get a bettah look, dah creep was already gawn."
However, this was sufficient information for the fire-mistress, who immediately began calling up enough of her telepathy, before she swiftly injected its multitude of probes into the Cajun' awaiting mind. Her powers left nothing – not even the darkest corners and his innermost core's entire depth, not scanned thoroughly, mere minutes later confirming her already forming guess as to the result. "I checked all – especially Sinister's handiwork, but there're no traces of any sort of outside meddling which could account for seeing what isn't really there. A hologram or a psychic projection, however powerful, can't induce as solid a perception as your memories' images. So, the only explanation left" anger erupted wildly in her whole air "is that one Dr Nathaniel Essex has very probably decided to pay you a visit…" The rampant horror growing within the married couple's entire beings now went through the roof, the merciless conclusion swirling in the planes of the adult trio's frantic eyes.
All three were well-aware of the scientist's favourite pastime for the last two centuries - given his fascination with the most powerful mutants' genetic makeup, not to mention what he'd done to unravel that latter, so this was bad news if they ever saw any. Jean, in fact still felt cold tremors ensnare her whole self when she recalled the time when, soon after his arrival at the Institute, Erik had opened up to her about the most painful bits of his life, including his incarceration in Auschwitz. And it hadn't been hard for her to recognise from his pretty accurate description the real identity of the strange scientist who had worked for the Nazi.
The surviving children from whom he had taken regular blood-samples had dubbed him 'Nosferatu'...and with his looks and occupation, the redhead had to admit he did fit the bill extremely well. And the premature manifestation of her lover's primary mutation, due to the constant stress and fear for their lives, could have spelled the silver-haired man's doom where Sinister was concerned, had it not happened shortly before Logan and Captain America's rescue raid. Being almost perpetually on the move for decades after that had thankfully kept the magnetism-manipulator off the British mutant's radar so to speak, in the meantime the latter having turned his sights on Mystique - who had managed to barely escape his intentions and had had to hide for years to avoid becoming his sick fascination's object again. Seemingly though, Remy, who had also been one of Essex's main interests, wasn't that lucky; and that monster's reappearance could only mean the master-thief still was – or it could well be not the progenitor, but the offspring that were now in that sick man's plans.
Worse still, like Exodus, Essex had enough knowledge on Apocalypse to make him, combined with his own genius and vast expertise, a potentially lethal and very unpredictable element in the whole mess… Yet the instant she had considered this, her eyes went wide – the Eye of Ages only amplified the Dark One's power to jumpstart latent mutation on a worldwide and very possibly cosmic scale. But Sinister was one of the few, whose DNA had been personally awakened by the Egyptian mutant, and as such, despite the punishment for his betrayal, he still carried traces of Him… Her lips quirked deviously – if that nutcase wanted to mess with their hosts he had another thing coming. If he tried anything with them, the catalyst of his power would turn into his downfall.
Because, she was going to give the two cast-out X-Men and their child a strand of her Fire, a piece of her own deepest essence. When fused with their own, it would create an invisible shield which, being woven of the Dark One's very opposite, was the only effective defence against Apocalypse himself or anyone who had ever been touched by his own essence. And when she laid before them her plan, her friends finally managed to exhale the breath they hadn't even realised they had been holding, recalling quite well the sometimes awfully extraordinary – even for a mutant power, aspects of this one of her abilities.
"It won't interfere with your normal life, nor with using your powers." Phoenix added as a finale, pacifying successfully any lingering uncertainties, before her emerald gaze caught Rogue's forest-green one. And the redhead's mind spoke out only for the other woman to hear, her eyes reflecting the sentiment they unknowingly shared - the untameable, scorching desire to protect their loved ones, even in their condition, yet never at the expense of their baby 'I have a second shield for you, which will take care of your unborn. And it will rid you of the little inconveniences of expecting, leaving you in top shape.' No more words were necessary between them, the light in their looks expressing all that their insides held – the simple fact that, despite the more than rocky beginning so long ago and everything else since, they remained a team, in all that life would dish them.
"And where have you guys stashed your progeny?" Jean went on, on a much lighter note, her liveliness – despite the withheld dejection behind it, still doing wonders to the atmosphere of the living room, as Rogue bit her lip humorously, relief coursing freely through her every gesture "Oh, he'll be back in a couple of hours - aunt Mattie took him for a wahlk in town to kill off at least a bit of dat endless energy of his. Ah cahn't keep up with him anymore, evah since Ah hit fifth month, and the swamp rat ain't helping - he's actually worse dahn Lukas!" She glanced at him pointedly, and Gambit's previously thinned with worry lips now stretched into a veritable Cheshire-like grin at the mock-accusation "Ah, here comes de femme-talk – Remy knows his cue!" he threw his lover a saucy wink, which resulted in a head-shake from her and a snigger from their red-haired friend, before he added "Dem les gars be prolly back already – and dis Cajun gotta go make sure he doesn' find his garage in shambles. And we'll be waitin' for Jeannie 'ere to join us lat'r - for anoth'r lesson in des less-than-savoury crafts!"
Once he had disappeared, however, the Mississippi-native all but ran from where she'd been sitting, dropping enthusiastically down next to the fire-mistress, and eyeing her meaningfully, yet amiably "Now dah mahn's outta dah way, you gotta spill it woman!" In fact, once they had put their rather immature grudges to rest, the two had, throughout the years and trials, built a decidedly solid friendship – which, to the horror of certain men in their vicinity, included the sharing of feminine secrets. And given that women proved times more perceptive than the average male, it came as no surprise to Jean that her auburn-haired companion had more than probably deciphered that something was amiss with her guest – and rather acutely so to boot.
A pronouncedly bitter curve twisted out of the telepath's lips, as she surprised even herself in managing to keep a fully composed façade, but the sentiments creeping in her voice couldn't help giving away her real inner state "Remember when we discovered that you've gained control over your absorption power, which then awakened your secondary mutation, by finding something to focus on that would in turn stabilise it, bending it to your will alone…?" Rogue could only nod at that, confusion stealing in her own tone "Yeah…Ah found my anchor, as you called it – what Ah feel fer Remy…and dah way it connects us is, for lack of a bettah word, unique…" Phoenix sighed in even greater misery at that sharply accurate way of putting it, aware all too well of the devastating force of the pitiless truth contained within its every letter "You hit the nail right on the head, you know – as I also found mine…"
The delight at this news burgeoning in the other woman's gaze, however died on the spot crushed under the heavy sadness lingering in Jean's air, when she went on "But as fate would have it, it came in two pieces, born by two completely different worlds." She had to bite her lip to withhold a treacherous tear "When you refused to tell Gambit, you messed with the balance of life-forces and that caused your soul to turn against you, which then made your power escalate to critical levels... Well, I'm in the very same state now. Only it's because I can't compel myself to choose, and Creation itself is suffering as a result, the two opposite forces weaving it are battling each other, ending in their mutual destruction. All I have put my own soul in, everything I live to protect is progressively unravelling, just like my will to continue; especially now that each was, in their own way, taken from me…" a hollow mirthless chuckle escaped her lips "And that's only the tip of the iceberg."
The southern belle, who had been watching the redhead more than intently while she'd spoken, with each word comprehension gradually settling in her mind, had also noted certain signs which she recognised from herself, exclaiming excitedly "Yah're pregnant!" Her guest gave her a somewhat cheerless smile, yet the earnestness in her voice was unquestionable "That's actually the only good part of this whole chaos." almost immediately adding, a torrent of elation erupting in her gaze "I'm nearly two months along – and with him being completely sentient already, I talk with him every minute of rest… He's the one who practically keeps me tied to life or I would have given up..."
A mere breath later, however, definite vibes of mirth sneaked in her tone "But with the personality he's developing, I'm kinda starting to get worried." which caused Rogue to remark jokily "With yahself for a mom, what do yah expect!" Not to mention, who's the father...Jean thought, unable to stiffen the instant bolt of ache. Yet, she used this latest distraction to employ a light psychic suggestion to divert her friend from the budding questions regarding both the two men she had hinted at and her son's paternity, as she currently had no strength to discuss these without breaking down into a complete wreck.
"You should see Jono and Kevin – they're totally obsessed with mentally conversing with my unborn son, after they found out that I do it." the young telepath went on, with a, this time definitely gleeful, laughter "Though, he actually had to force those two out several times, since they simply couldn't cease." The auburn-haired female gave her a smile of her own "Children…they get us all round their little finger and on our lahst nerve, but even so, Ah can't imagine not hahvin' Lukas and now this one." she patted gently her growing belly "Ah just hope she'll tahke aftah meh, for a change." Just a moment later however her air flowed into seriousness, as she sighed, aware that her companion was trying to keep up the mood for her sake, as well as privy – at least partly, of what her fiery guest's predicament was. "And Ah thought mahne was bahd…" whispered almost imperceptibly the Mississippi-born mutant, before, to Jean's slight startle, she took the latter's hands in hers giving them an encouraging squeeze, adding aloud - her voice swimming with a heartfelt smile "Ah know yah're on dah edge of somethin' horrible, and thaht it'll lead yah where none of us cahn follow – but when yah rahse against yahr fate, remembah yah're not ahlone..."
It was Phoenix's turn to let her own overwhelming gratitude overtake her entire being, radiating from within the very flames ravaging her eyes, as she retorted on the same note "I'm glad you and me eventually found a common language, you know…" to which Rogue's reply was a smirk carrying the very same sentiment "True thaht! Oh, dah wondahrs of growin' up…", the mutual laughter that last educed rang pure and free, finally making Jean forget the unforgiving, inescapable fact that today had been another step towards the divide she'd give anything to avoid…closer to the torturous End - and the equally as shattering Beginning…
A/N2: I know it's a bit filler-ish, but it's a necessary evil, trust me - next one doesn't have a title yet, but check profile later for more info on it! xxxxxxx