*A/N: I am SO SO sorry! I haven't been updating because my computer crashed and I needed to get my HTML program back up. It wasn't installed until recently and when it was, I was in San Diego visiting my father for the first time in 7 years. I hope that you can forgive me! I was a little sad that no one asked me if I was still here, dead, or whatnot. Except for Firestarter. Thanks for that! Anyway, here is the next chapter and I PROMISE that I will never wait that long to update again! Enjoy!

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So this is what it all boiled down to.

This was the gruesome end that he must now face. Surely it would be a tragic ending, for John would never join Dark Phoenix in anything; he would never betray the people that loved him and believed in him. He had done it once and he now cursed himself and hung his head for the folly that he had so blindly dove into. But now that was over, and he must think of how he was to deal with the situation at hand.

The force known as the Phoenix wanted to possess him, not mentally, but physically. It had no definable sex, but most often took the formation of a female. Why this was so, John wasn't sure, but neither did he care. So he was desired as her slave for eternity, as it were. The only reason that she had banded with the Brotherhood for his kidnapping and converting, was so that she could have him to herself. He did not know what she wanted with him, but he knew that if he were to join her, the X-Men and mutants all over the world would be in danger.

Such a large weight to put on a minor's shoulders. Such a terrible burden to place upon one so young and fragile. No matter how corrupted one said he was, John was far from completely corrupted. He had his own ideals and convictions; he did not bow down to just anyone. Even Xavier had a time earning the independent mutant's respect.

John lost himself and was immersed into immeasurable thought. He did not know what to expect from the Phoenix, nor did he want to even face the powerful entity, but deep down inside of him he felt the obligation to save everyone- to save all of mutantkind- of mankind. The teenager felt as if he owed some great debt to his friends and he would not pass this chance to repay them.

"Mystique," he breathed, "I need to know now if you're willing to help us."

The shape shifter's yellow eyes lowered for a moment; she half closed them as if she were in great pain. John knew that this would be difficult for her. She would be switching sides in one deciding moment. He wasn't sure if he would be able to do it either, but her unique voice finally found its way to his awaiting ears.

"I will help you," she stated clearly. Apparently, Mystique didn't want anyone to get the impression that she was turning soft. Hell, he could settle for that. He didn't want her to feel uncomfortable at all with her decision. All he hoped for was that she didn't regret it.

A brief smile fluttered on Pyro's lips before he spoke, "Okay, now I need to know exactly what she's capable of, Mystique. I need to know everything."

All apprehension was gone from her voice. It seemed as if she was completely and utterly dedicated to her new decision and would do anything, provide anything, that he would need to defeat the powerful entity. John was glad that he had someone around like Mystique.

"Phoenix has the most incredible assortment of powers ever imaginable. She is deadly in every way possible and her gifts present that quite evidently. She holds the power of telekinesis, telepathy, and pyrokinesis. Not only that, but she has exhibited the abilities of altering molecular structures, not breathing... Pyro, she's fucking almighty! There's no way in hell we're defeating her. No way in hell..."

John fiercely grabbed Mystique's chin and yanked it toward his face. His voice was condescending in his compliments; his tone was sharp.

"No way in hell? You want to tell me that there's no way that we can defeat this pain in the ass? You, the one person that's been able to invade my every waking thought and every unconscious dream, are saying this? You, the single mutant who could manipulate God if he decided to appear on this wretched earth? I didn't believe that someone like you could lose faith in such a trivial matter as this."

He finished and never let go of her chin; his eyes burned into her pupils and all she could see was Pyro... Pyro...

"You're right," she said suddenly. "You're right and I'm wrong in every matter except for the part about faith."

"You have no faith?" He inquired.

She stared him right back in the eyes and her face became hardened and violently serious.

"No amount of faith could pull us out of the hell-hole that we have dug ourselves into."

John sat for a moment and absorbed her words. Suddenly, he smiled and shook his head.

"But that's the thing! We didn't place this upon ourselves. Mystique, don't you see? Magneto summoned the Phoenix. Magneto started everything! Nothing here is our fault..."

"But we still have to finish it!" She screamed. "We have to pick up the shit that's been raining down upon us even though we didn't make the clouds. It's not fair!"

He was speechless. There were other things that were troubling her; he could tell. He wanted to ask her but something held him back. John wasn't sure if he was ready to invade her privacy or destroy her pride more than he had already. A sigh escaped his lips.

"Mystique, if we can do this then there will be nothing for you to worry about anymore. I'll make sure of it. I promise you that I will do anything and everything for you if you only believe that we can get through this... together."

The shape shifter started to protest, but her words faltered and fell in heavy heaps upon her tongue. She tried to push them back out, but she couldn't. She didn't want to go through with this, but a sense of dedication to him drew her nearer and she unconsciously made her way into his arms.

Dawn, or some time after.

Pyro raised his head and moaned softly. Slowly, he breathed in the fresh air and opened his eyes.

He noticed that he had never made it back inside the mansion and to his bed. He also noticed that there was a particular mutant lying beside him that he had clutched tightly in his arms.

It was quite comfortable to have her there. It seemed like his arms were made especially for her; but why he was wondering this, he wasn't sure. It seemed so out of place. An X-Man falling in love with a Brotherhood member? The irony was thick and suffocating. Pyro let his thoughts dwell on the reactions of the others inside the manor. What would they think? He thought no further for the body beside him began to stir.

"We're going inside," he said softly, one hand stroking her cheek.

"They'll kill me if I go in there. You know that, Pyro."

He gently turned her toward him and looked into her golden eyes. His confidence never wavered.

"They will like you because I like you. Don't worry; everything will be fine."

Both mutants stood up and pushed their way through the foliage. They walked toward the mansion and John suddenly felt Mystique's hand, which was in his, flicker slightly. When he looked up to her face, he noticed that she had changed form.

"It's so they don't attack me as soon as I get in there. Everyone will be more at ease this way."

John mumbled "Good idea" and pushed the solid oak door open. With a deep breath, he squeezed Mystique's hand and headed toward Xavier's office.

Luck was not with the two mutants.

John had hoped that Professor X would be alone in his office so that the three of them could talk, but more people were there as well. In fact, it appeared to be a meeting of some sort. John immediately felt his heart jump; his stomach knotted and suddenly... he was nervous.

"Mr. Allerdyce, may I help you?" Xavier's melodic voice asked.

The fire manipulator cleared his throat as he gazed past the many professors and answered Xavier's question:

"Professor, I was wondering if I might speak to you... alone?"

Xavier nodded as the real answer was transmitted into his own mind. He smiled and spoke again, "John, there is no reason to hide what you came to speak of. Everyone in this room will find out eventually and has the right to know. Please, sit down." The older man gestured toward an open seat next to Scott Summers.

"Logan, please retrieve another chair for our new guest."

The Wolverine grumbled slightly to himself as he exited the room. In no more than a few moments, he was back with a wooden chair slung across his shoulder. He swung it back over and placed it on the ground; he heard the girl mutter a faint 'thank you', but he didn't care. Something else was out of place and his gut told him that this new girl was it.

"Thank you, Logan. Now, John, please tell us what the issue is."

If it had been anyone else, Pyro would have proceeded quickly and arrogantly. But Professor Xavier was really the only person that commanded another side of John- a more serious and respectful side. Before he started, his eyes roamed briefly over the rest of the assembly: Jean, Cyclops, Logan, and Storm. The adults of the manor were present, but John felt no real respect for anyone in there, save Xavier.

"Professors," he began and then awkwardly added, "And Logan..."

He heard Wolverine snort and he continued:

"I know that this has been a hard time for all of us, but even more shi... uh... trouble is about to befall us. As you know, the Brotherhood's attacks three months ago were in the sole purpose for obtaining me. Well now there's more to it; everything has gotten far more complicated and I desperately need your help and understanding. Mostly your understanding... We know from those attacks that Magneto has a most powerful entity on his side- Dark Phoenix."

He paused and let the first part of the story sink in. He heard Jean Grey become a bit uneasy after he had mentioned the spirit's name, but Scott placed a reassuring hand on her leg and John proceeded:

"Well the only reason she teamed up with them was to get me. Her gift of pyrokinesis makes her unique and she wants me to join her in her so-called "glory". But I refuse. I won't. I know that she won't take this lightly and my sources say that she will put up one hell of a fight." Realizing his word choice, John apologized:

"Sorry professors... and Logan."

Everyone nodded and John jumped to the conclusion:

"So if she wants to fight, then so be it. But I cannot let her destroy the only family that I have left. I want to fight back but... I need help."

There. He'd said it. The self-absorbed, conceited, arrogant, haughty Pyro had said it. He needed help.

John watched as the adults exchanged glances all around and then his gaze finally settled on Xavier. The older man smiled at his student with joy and he watched as Storm came up to him and wrapped her arms about his shoulders. He settled into the friendly hug but then furrowed his eyebrows in question. Xavier's smile never disappeared as he spoke:

"John, we would be more than happy to assist you in your time of need. After all, what is family for?"