DISCLAIMER: We're not shy. We're contagious.

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(The gate at Bag End opens by itself. So does the front door.)

(Inside Bag End, Storm takes her ring off and laughs)

STORM: GWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

(Then she tucks it back into her pocket. She picks up a walking stick and goes into the livingroom.)

XAVIER: I suppose you think that was terribly clever.

BACKSTAGE PYRO: How'd he get up there so fast?

BACKSTAGE PIETRO: Let's just say that the wheelchair's a lot heavier than it looks like.

STORM: Come on, Charles. Did you see their faces?

XAVIER: There are many magical rings in this world, and none of them should be used lightly.

(Storm starts packing down stuff, and then turns around.)

STORM: It was just a bit of fun. Oh, you're probably right as usual.

(She walks over the fire.)

STORM: You WILL keep an eye on Evan, won't you?

XAVIER: Two eyes. As often as I can spare them.

(Storm walks over to a bookshelf and pulls out a journal.)

STORM: I'm leaving everything to him.

XAVIER: What about this ring of yours? Is that staying too?

STORM: Yes, yes. (Packs the last things) It's in an envelope on the mantelpiece.

(Xavier tries to check the mantelpiece, but he can't reach it.)

STORM: No, wait. It's ..(Checks her pocket)...here in my pocket.

XAVIER : Why didn't you just SAY that?

(Storm takes up the ring and looks at it.)

STORM: Isn't that..... Isn't that odd, now? Yet after all, why not? Why shouldn't I KEEP it?

XAVIER: I think you should leave the ring behind. Is that so hard?

STORM: Well, no. And yes. And perhaps a little bit maybe.

Now it comes to it, I don't feel like parting with it. It's mine! I found it! IT CAME TO ME!

XAVIER: May I suggest Anger Management Counseling?

STORM: I don't need it! If I'm angry it's your fault!

STORM (Wierd Voice): My oown. (Her eyes start to glow) My Precious.

XAVIER: Precious? I thought I was...I mean... It's been called that before, but not by you.

STORM: By who? And what business is it of yours what I do with my own things!?! (Growls)

XAVIER: I think you've had that ring quite long enough.

STORM: (Holding up her fists, ready to fight) You want it for yourself!

XAVIER: ORORO MUNROE!

(Storm backs terrified away.)

XAVIER: Do not take me for some cheap memory re-writer!

BACKSTAGE MASTERMIND: What's wrong with memory re-writing? And could somebody tell me where Gambit went?

XAVIER: No, Jason, nobody knows. And Storm, I am not trying to rob you. I'm trying to help you.

(Storm still looks scared, but she hugs Xavier anyway.)

XAVIER: All your long years we've been friends. Trust me as you once did. Let it go.

STORM: You're right! The ring must go to Evan!

(Storm picks up her backpack.)

STORM: It's late. The road is long. Yes it is time.

(She opens the door, and is about to go out.)

XAVIER: Storm! The ring is still in your pocket.

(Storm takes out the ring while Xavier is closing up. Sloooowly she turns her hand, so the ring falls down on the floor. Then she skips out the door. On one foot.)

STORM: I've thought up an ending for my book: And then she became a world famous rock star, who sold billions of records, and lived happily ever after to the end of her days on the money.

XAVIER: And I'm sure you'll try, my dear friend.

STORM: Good bye, Charles.

(They shake hands.)

XAVIER: Goodbye, dear Storm.

(Storm starts skipping down the road.)

STORM: (Singing) Puff the magic draaagon lived by the sea....

XAVIER: Until our next meeting.

STORM: Did you say anything, Charles?

XAVIER: No! Not really.

STORM: Oh. (Continues singing) He brought him strings and sealing vaw and other fancy stuuff!