Mutant Chronicles: The Xavier Institute Diaries

by Caliente

[ABANDONED] 'Well, Rogue isn't too trusting, you know. And Remy isn't really trustworthy. Hence their issues.' 'Okay,' he agreed uncertainly. Sometimes it was just better to agree with Kitty. –– set post-series; 1. Shadowcat, 2. Rogue, 3. Gambit, 4. Psylocke, 5. Bishop, 6. Dr. Cecilia Reyes, 7. Interlude, 8. Cyclops, 9. Nightcrawler, 10. Storm, 11. Sage, 12. Angel, 13. Colossus

5. Entry 5: Bishop

F.Y.I. – Author's note and review responses are at the end. This entry is 4 days later.

Disclaimer: We, the collective mind that is Caliente, own nothing. But we will assimilate you. Too much Star Trek!! Hehe. Don't own X-Men or the Trek-ness.

"talking" - 'thinking' - *telepathy* - foreign languages/written words

Mutant Chronicles: The Xavier Institute Diaries

by, Caliente

                                                                                                                                                11.02.03

Bishop's Time Log, Year 2003

            The longer I am here, the harder it is to continue my mission. It shouldn't be so hard to kill one man, nay, mutant. But still… He is crafty, as I remember. And he is still smart as a whip, too. It amazes me how the X-Men don't see it. He can steal almost anything, he has a flawless poker face, he can keep the X-Men from truly learning about him while collecting information on them. In short, he's brilliant. And they have no clue. I'm unsure how to proceed with that matter.

            It's really amazing being here, with the people I hero-worshipped as a child. I mean there's Cyclops, hailed as the first X-Man; Gambit, basically unknown, probably the future Witness; Colossus, curer of the Legacy Virus and brother of Limbo's greatest protector; Angel, the legend notes him as the healer; Nightcrawler, a legend born from the demons Azazel and Mystique; Wolverine, called greatest warrior of all time; Storm, a true Goddess and the first to fall; Psylocke, as beautiful as she is deadly, just as legend said; Jean Grey, embodied by the powerful Phoenix force; Professor Xavier, founder of the X-Men; Rogue, the most powerful mutant of all time, though she does not know it; and Shadowcat, known as the last X-Man. Well, maybe I didn't worship Gambit. It's hard to look at him, everything he does reminds me of Witness. The man I called a father for a number of years. The man who protected me, but only to use me. I don't think it wise to continue writing about this.

            Luckily, or unluckily depending on how you look at it, I have bigger problem in my life right now. It all happened just like the legend of the Phoenix. Witness used to tell it to me all the time as a bedtime story, but I always thought it was just that, a fairy tale told to children. He would say, "De Phoenix, she was de keeper of de universe. She saved de X-Men once, but den she was taken." I would always ask him, "Taken where?" He would just smirk at me with that infuriating smirk and say, "Patience cher, I'm getting dere. She was taken by de fire of le Diable, more specifically, deir Queen of Diamonds. De fire, dey turned her evil. But dere was a homme dat loved her. Even while she was a villainess, he loved her. Dat kinda love dat don't die. An' it tore him up inside t'have to fight her. But she was determined, she wanted t'destroy de universe. Once it's keeper, now it's greatest enemy. She was gonna do it too. But her homme, he wasn' gonna let her go wit'out a proper adieu. He approached her an' called out t'her. She turned t'him an' looked into his covered eyes wit' her blank ones. Tears actually rolled down his face as he finally told her de trut'. He said, 'I love you. I've always loved you. I never had de nerve t'tell you before.' Dat's when it happened. De Phoenix, she fought de fire of le Diable de only way she could. She gave her homme a sweet kiss, and told him, 'I love you too. An' I always will.' Den she killed herself. She saved de world, de universe. Her homme just watched, tears still falling." I never understood what the fire of le Diable was, but that was Witness's way. To tell me about the past without actually saying anything. Fire of le Diable or Devil's fire was his way of saying Hellfire. I should have known. But, the Witness was right when he said that I never had the patience to understand the intricacies of what he was saying. Unfortunately, it all happened just like the Witness told me.

            Yesterday, Professor Xavier found where Emma Frost was keeping Phoenix. He also discovered Mastermind there, which lead confirmed Psylocke's fear that the two were conditioning Jean's mind to be evil. Scott and Rogue combined the two X-Men teams and co-lead them, along with Professor Xavier and a woman named Tessa, to the location. Apparently Tessa was once an associate of Xavier's, with Ororo, Hank, and Logan. When Magneto and Xavier were still working together. She's been the Professor's spy in the Hellfire network ever since she left. I guess she was discovered or something because she's moved back to our side. Her powers are make her something of a human computer. She's also a low level telepath. Very useful. I don't remember her being an X-Man, but there were many "unnamed" mutants, so perhaps she was one of them. Or maybe she was supposed to stay with Hellfire… who knows? Time travel is very confusing sometimes. Because I made the jump, everything has changed. If I go back now, things will not be as they were. By coming, I sentenced myself to stay in the past. A past where all X-Men end up dead. And, I am an X-Man.

Back to the battle, Scott had a hard look on his face, like he had no emotions. We arrived to fight off the White Queen, Mastermind, and the Dark Phoenix. Jean Grey had been converted to an evil entity but the combined psi-forces of Emma Frost and Jason Wyngarde. In the end, Emma Frost was beaten by a combined force of Rogue and Psylocke.

"Recognize me?" Psylocke shouted at the White Queen. Shadowcat, Colossus, and Nightcrawler had already been taken out by the awesome mental forces of the Dark Phoenix.

"Can't say that I do," the woman in White responded nonchalantly. "And, you'd think I'd remember such an ugly dye job." She gestured to Psylocke's hair for emphasis.

"Bitch," Psylocke gritted out. "It's all your fault!" she screamed, manifesting her psi-blades. "You're influence made me this!"

"Ah, Elisabeth Braddock. I knew I recognized that accent from somewhere," was her casual reply. *I'm still stronger than you* she told the ninja telepathically. *Mentally and physically. You can never beat me. I will always be stronger.*

Her taunts only served to fuel Betsy's anger. The ninja went berserk, attacking the White Queen with all of her might. But the moment she touched her, the pale blonde became hard a rock. Correction, diamond. "Fuckin' bloody hell!" Psylocke cried in pain and anger.

"Can't touch me," Emma quipped with a sinister grin.

"Maybe not," Psylocke responded with a smirk. "But she can."

Just then, Rogue popped up, using Nightcrawler's borrowed abilities. She quickly touched the diamond skinned telepath and the woman was down for the count. (A/N: I'm not sure if Rogue can absorb Emma's abilities when she has her diamond skin in the comics, but in the cartoon she can absorb Colossus in armored form, when she couldn't in the comics. So I'm saying it's the same deal here.) "Ugh," Rogue remarked after getting a taste of her thoughts. "That woman is sick an' twisted. An' she has this whole 'Ah'm a queen, worship me complex'."

"That's the White Queen," Betsy agreed. Rogue nodded to Betsy before teleporting out again. Psylocke walked over to her collapsed figure and said, "Can't use your telepathy in diamond form. Seems I've outsmarted you. It would be so easy to kill you right now," she caught sight of the X-Men fighting, "but it seems I've found something more satisfying than destroying you." She formed a psi-blade and stabbed Emma in the head. "But that doesn't mean I want you waking up any time soon."

Wolverine, Gambit, and Angel fought Mastermind.

Angel was confused. He had been doing… something, he couldn't quite remember. Now he was sitting in his office at Worthington Industries. His desk was covered and Warren sighed. 'Guess I'll be at this all day,' he thought sadly. 'So much for having a social life. Manhattan's most eligible bachelor. Ha. More like one of Manhattan's worst workaholics. Oh well, better get started.' Warren worked diligently on planning his speech for the Board of Trusties. 'Hmm… should I start with a joke or just get things moving? Well, they are a bunch of old fuddy-duddies. They probably wouldn't appreciate a joke. Guess it'll just be number crunching fun.' He pressed the intercom on his desk, eliciting a faint buzzing noise from it.

"Yes Mr. Worthington," came his secretary's voice.

'What was her name?' Warren struggled to recall it. 'Kerry? No. Karen? Nope. Candy? Nuh-uh. Candice. That's it.' "Candice could you please get me the numbers from–" Suddenly Wolverine ripped through his office. Actually, his office began to fade, replaced by the battlefield and adjacent forest. Poor Angel was feeling a quite disoriented. "Wolverine, wha–"

"It ain't real," Wolverine announced. He sniffed the air. "Mastermind," he growled angrily. "Damn illusionist."

"But, how did you know?" a flabbergasted Angel managed to get out. "I completely believed it."

"Easy bub," Logan replied. He tapped his nose. "Illusions ain't got no smell." He smirked at the tall playboy as he continued to follow Mastermind's scent. "There's somebody else nearby," he told Angel, just as a charged playing card hit him in the chest. "Gambit, what the–"

"I knew we couldn't trust you!" Warren shouted at the Cajun. "Between Bishop's accusations and your alliance with Magneto… and now you've proved what we all knew!"

"Don't be so sure," Wolverine grunted as he healed himself. "Mastermind's nearby, and with only one left to control, he can fully concentrate on Gambit."

"Great," Angel muttered.

Gambit was practically in heaven. His chere had finally come around. "Ah'm yours," she told him in her sultry Southern accent. "An' Ah might even be able ta control my powers." She winked at him. "All ya have ta do is attack those annoying thin's." She let out a little giggle as she pointed to Angel and Wolverine. "Fo' me?"

"Anyt'ing f'r you, Roguey," he purred in response.

Logan's sensitive ears picked up on Gambit's words and he grimaced. "He's seein' Rogue," he informed the disgruntled Angel. "We have to snap him out of it."

"How?" Angel asked, confused by everything that was happening. "If Mastermind is concentrating on Gambit, he's probably tricked him into wanting to attack us."

"Agreed," Wolverine grunted. "But since we can't snap him out of it, then we have to take Mastermind down." The pair dodged a barrage of charged cards that Gambit volleyed at them. "Fast."

"Fine," Angel conceited. "I'll distract the Cajun; you find Mastermind." Wolverine nodded and took off. Angel flew into the air and circled around Gambit. "Okay Gambit, you want me? Come and get me. I'm wide open," he announced to the demon eyed man.

Gambit smirked. It was never good when Gambit smirked. "I'm glad it's you, mon ami," he told the winged mutant. "It'll make it dat much sweeter when I defeat you."

That confused Warren. "Why?" he inquired, still circling at a good speed.

The smirk grew. "'Cause Roguey decided she wants me, an' not you," Remy explained. Warren still looked confused so Gambit clarified. "Don't t'ink I haven't noticed you sniffing 'round her homme. With my empat'y, I feel what y'feel. Y't'ink you're in love with her. But it don't matter 'cause she loves me."

Warren became rigid as Gambit gloated, that was a mistake. As soon as his little speech was done, Remy let the cards fly. Angel was struck and began to fall… only to be caught by Rogue. She smiled at him and teleported back to the ground. Warren was slightly dazed when they landed. "Teleportation, the preferred form o' travel fo' mutants who don't wish ta go SPLAT," the team leader quipped.

Smiling at the younger girl, Warren responded, "Thank you. But isn't the man supposed to save the woman, not the other way around?"

Rogue made a face. "Yeah, if ya live in the 19th century," was her answer. "But this is the 21st an' women got as much right ta do the savin' as men.  Just ask Slim over there 'bout a field trip we went on. Ah had ta save his sorry butt from Mystique."

Warren raised an eyebrow but was cut off by Gambit. "Roguey?" he inquired, eyes clouded over. "But y'were… y'wanted… I t'ought…" He seemed disoriented and confused. Then he passed out.

Rogue looked at Warren. "Well that was unexpected," she commented nonchalantly, trying to convince herself that the fallen Cajun didn't concern her.

Warren put a comforting hand on her shoulder and she looked up at him. 'Big green eyes, luscious lips, I just want to kiss her so badly,' he thought to himself. 'Why must she be untouchable? Why doesn't she see how much I want her?'

"Down boy," Wolverine interrupted his thoughts. The Canadian was smirking. 'Damn super senses,' Warren cursed inwardly. "I took care of Mastermind, guy always was a lightweight. He was concentrating so damn hard on Gumbo, he didn't even notice me until my fist connected with his head. He's down fer the count."

"Havin' adamantium bonded ta yer bones doesn't hurt either," Rogue commented. Wolverine's smirk just grew. "But what happened ta Gambit?"

"I think it was a psychic backlash of sorts," Logan replied. He shrugged. "I'm sure he's fine. That Cajun's a survivor. Plus, the professor said something 'bout him having extra strong shields. I think that's why Mastermind had to concentrate so hard."

"Okay," Rogue seemed unconvinced. She quickly surveyed the battle, then turned to Warren and Logan. "All right boys," she said. "Ah'm gonna go check on the fallen an' take Remy ta the Blackbird. Logan, ya go backup Scott an' the others 'gainst Phoenix. Warren, go fly some recon ta see if there are any other threats we're missin'."

The boys nodded and took off. Rogue grabbed Gambit and teleported away once more.

Storm, Cyclops, Professor Xavier, Tessa and myself all concentrated on Dark Phoenix.

Cyclops grabbed Storm and Bishop to regroup after Colossus, Kitty, and Kurt were all knocked unconscious. Professor Xavier was in astral form, attempting to get through to the redhead, while Tessa boosted his powers. "Okay," the leader began, formulating a plan in his mind. "Storm, take to the skies. Strike her down any way you can. Bishop, you and I will stay on the ground, attacking from here. When the others are done, they'll help us. All we can do is attempt to stop her." 'Her, the woman I love,' Cyclops cringed inwardly. 'The woman I have to stop.' "Let's go."

Bishop and Cyclops positioned themselves on either side of Jean, firing their powers with all their might. Storm flew into the air, calling on lightning to strike the floating girl. Jean merely deflected all of their attacks back at the attackers. Scott was forced to dodge, but Storm and Bishop just absorbed theirs back. The three continued their assault and were soon joined by Psylocke. "Psylocke, help Professor X and Tessa fight Phoenix mentally," Scott commanded. "I refuse to believe that she has succumbed to the Phoenix force."

Psylocke nodded. She concentrated her mental energy but the Phoenix force didn't even seem to notice. "It's not working!" the three telepaths yelled to Scott simultaneously. "She's too strong."

Scott ground his teeth and shouted, "Keep trying!" 'What other choice to we have?' he added silently.

Storm continued her violent assault on the glowing girl. Her eyes turned completely white, and she let her awesome powers loose. Whirlwinds, tornadoes, and lightning were forced at the red head. The Phoenix was struggling to ward off the attacks. Suddenly she faced Storm. "That's enough," she stated in a monotone. She waved her hand at Ororo, and sent her flying into the forest.

"'Ro!" Scott cried in surprise. "Bishop, go after her," he instructed. "Make sure she's all right."

Bishop nodded and took off into the forest. Scott turned back to his fight, blasting with all his might. Dark Phoenix just laughed at his attempts. "What was it that the Juggernaut said?" she inquired with an evil smirk. "You think that fancy visor's going to stop me? Nothing stops me." She laughed at him and smirked. "I'm raw power."

Wolverine joined Scott and gave him the rundown. "Gumbo's down for the count. Wings in flying recon. Stripes used Elf's powers to take him back to the Blackbird. She's gonna absorb Tin Man and then come help us. Where are 'Ro and Future boy?"

"Storm's been hit, she's down. I sent Bishop to help her," Cyclopes answered. "Phoenix's toying with us." 'She knows I still love Jean,' he thought regretfully. 'She knows her words kill me inside.'

There was a BAMF noise, announcing the arrival of Rogue. She was carrying Bishop with her. Bishop and Scott immediately resumed their assault. Rogue approached the struggling Tessa and Psylocke, and used the White Queens borrowed psychic powers to help. Wolverine saw Angel land and approached him. "What'd you find?" Wolverine inquired.

"Mastermind and White Queen are locked up where we left them," Angel replied. "Nothing else."

Logan nodded. "Okay Wings, you and me are gonna team up. You carry me, I'll try to get her out of the sky."

"Are you sure that's–" Angel tried to object.

"Questioning me bub?" Wolverine growled. Angel shook his head. "Didn't think so. Lets go."

Angel nodded and wrapped his arm under Wolverine's armpits. He took flight and muttered, "Gee, you sure weigh a lot for a little guy."

Logan rolled his eyes. "Adamantium bonded bones, remember?"

Blushing, Angel responded bashfully, "Oh, yeah."

Dark Phoenix turned her attention to the four telepaths, well three telepaths and one borrowed telepath, and laughed at them. "Think your puny minds can stop me," she thundered at them. Her laugh was filled with malice. "Think again." Phoenix sent out a telepathic surge and the four mutants cried out as they were rendered unconscious. "Enough games, I tire of you," she announced. She placed her hands to her head and concentrated her powers. She pulled Angel and Wolverine from the air and threw them into Cyclops and Bishop, respectively. They were down but not out. However, Dark Phoenix had other plans. "I am the Phoenix!" she cried. "And, I am going to destroy the universe."

"No!" Scott cried in vain. "You can't!"

The Dark Phoenix landed on the ground, surrounding herself with a force field. "I can and I will," she told him with a dark smile. Wolverine lunged at her, but she used her powers to throw him throw him into the forest, through numerous trees until he stopped struggling. Bishop attempted to fire his plasma gun, but found that he could not and he too was thrown, this time into Angel and into a nearby rock.

Rogue managed to regain consciousness, thanks to Wolverine's healing factor. She powered up with Storms powers that she had borrowed when teleporting her to where the fallen were, covered herself with Colossus's armor, and charged some borrowed cards and powers she got from Gambit. Rogue attacked with everything she had, throwing cards and lightning at Dark Phoenix. She realized her error when Phoenix sent the lightning back at her while she was covered with metal. Electrocution. Storm has a natural protection against lightning, but this was too much, even for her. Rogue found herself wishing that she could access Berzerker's powers. He'd be powered up by lightning. Too bad it had been months since she absorbed him. For a moment, she felt as if his powers were right at her fingertips. Then she passed out again from a mixture of electrocution and exhaustion.

Scott managed to stand again and face the Dark Phoenix. "Jean!" he called out. "Jean please." He could feel the tears racing down his face as he spoke to her. "I just… if we're going to die, I have to tell you. Tell you that…" He looked deep into her emotionless green eyes. "I love you. I've always loved you. I never had the nerve to tell you before."

Something clicked in the Phoenix. Something brought her back. Suddenly she knew, she didn't want to do this. She approached Scott and looked closely at him. She pulled him into a sweet kiss before replying, "I love you too. And I always will." Then she flew high into the sky and was consumed by fire. Scott watched on, tears still streaming down his face.

Wolverine regained consciousness and walked to where Cyclops stood. He placed an arm on the taller man's shoulders. "It's gonna be all right bub," he assured him. "She did what she had to and saved the universe."
"I know," Scott replied. "But why did the cost have to be so high?"

Storm and I regained consciousness soon after. The four of us carried Rogue, Tessa, Psylocke, Professor Xavier, and Angel to Dr. Reyes in the Blackbird. Rogue and Shadowcat woke up soon after. The rest had to be taken to the med lab. That's all for now. Good-bye.

Lucas Bishop, X.S.E. Officer from 2083

Author's Note: And the Phoenix Saga is concluded. My first action chapter ever… so tell me what you think. I changed a few things in Bishop's chappy. Like the fact that he referred to Kitty, not Jubilee, as the "last X-Man". I thought that it would be better that way 'cause Jubes is with the New Mutants. I made Angel the healer because of his secondary mutation, the healing blood. And Colossus being the curer of the Legacy Virus is also cannon. I threw in the thing about Azazel 'cause I figured it wouldn't hurt to throw in some current stuff. I thought it would be cool if Rogue had the potential to be the most powerful mutant in the universe, the Phoenix being the most powerful entity in the universe. I called Emma the "Queen of Diamonds" in Witness's story 'cause her secondary mutation is to turn her skin to into diamond and the whole card thing is SO Gambit, er, I mean Witness. The aftermath of the battle is up next. Look out for some ROMY, along with KIOTR, Warren/Betsy, Cecelia/Beast, and Tessa/Bishop hinting. Adios for now.

Review Responses – I'm gonna keep it short. I love you all. Thank you so much!! That's all I have to say about that. - Aro: Firstly, honored that you wrote your longest review ever for me. *blushes* That's UBER sweet!! Hehe, firstly is a word. YAY!! I'm glad I made your morning. *blushes more* And thank you for writing another review because I LOVE reading them and I was broken hearted when it got cut off. *blushes until entire face is red* Okay, onto the new review… tho I'm wondering what that delay thingy you mentioned was… I'm proud to be spiffy – there's a first time for everything. And YAY!! that you like the format, my biggest concern when writing this story. Glad the ROMY and Warren/Betsy (WARRETSY?? ANGETSY?? I don't know…). But Warren still likes Rogue, as you saw this chappy. That'll start to change more next chappy. Fun ROMY and ANGETSY (I like it better). There'll be a li'l KIOTR next chappy too, in the aftermath of the battle. Some in chapter 9 too. Not much tho. I agree with you about the Dark Horizons thingy. He was "concerned"… so cute. Yep, chapter 8 and 9 are lacking in the ROMY department… but 10 will be _something_… *wink wink* You should do something about that twitch, hehe. You're review makes me feel so good, thank you!! As you can see, Bishop's chapter was an "action" chappy. My first ever actually, so be kind. Sorry about the lack of amusement, but next chappy has some awesome, if I do say so myself, Rogue/Bishop banter. About the name thing, I feel guilty so I'm gonna confess. Alexandria isn't really my name. It's my pen name. I use it for all my writing, fan fiction, poetry, etc. My real name is Beth. Sorry. *author feels guilty* Happy to supply your 'yank the crank' quota tho. About my "Anything Goes" and "So We Meet Again" series thingy… major writer's block!! I'm trying tho. I'm thinking prequel before I finish it. But still… the block continues. Proud to be your first X-Men comics fic tho!! YAY!! I know about the 5th season thingy… it's really sad. Stupid WB canceling popular programs. DAMN THEM!! Argh. A spin off thingy would be awesome tho!! *goofy smile* Thanks again for writing me!! - Misa1124: YAY!! If you're happy, I'm happy. *author grins for a while until distracted by shiny objects* You're too sweet. I like the word "woven", it makes it sound complex. Nifty. -_- Thanks for your compliments. - The Rogue Cajun: Hehe. Your words are funny. I'm shocked you're a ROMY fan… couldn't tell by the user name. But I digress, thanks for the review!! I hope Remy's li'l Rogue fantasy thingy can hold you over until next time. Where something BIG happens in their relationship. - Katrina5: I'm glad you like Tessa. She's a permanent cast member as of this chappy. She'll be mentioned next chappy and actually speak in chapter 7. Funfun, yes?? I don't know what "LMAO" is… help a chica out?? Thanks. - RahneMan: I'm glad you liked Hellfire's appearance… my guess is you liked this chappy even more. :P About the Avengers -- just those six and it's a cameo. Really. I just don't know enough about them to do more at this point. I might do some research but it takes time, ya know?? And thanks for the offer of help, but I need some basic knowledge (how it started, where their HQ are, who they help, are they famous, etc.) badly. Anything you offer is appreciated. :) You're a doll. w00t back atcha!! - Samantha: I'm glad I was humorous enough to almost make you wet yourself. There's an achievement. :-D Psylocke and Rogue will make amends and everything around chapter 10 or 11, but we'll see some of Betsy's insecurities and jealousy in chapter 7. They'll be cool eventually. No worries. :P I'm glad you reviewed again!! - SickmindedSucker: Definitely know how to multitask – I can eat dinner, write a chapter, and read cliff notes all at the same time. Skills, no?? High school is a b*tch!! I'm glad you like my sick mind as well. :P We're odd, eh?? Oh well. I did hella research on Psylocke because she was in the British comics for years before she made the leap to the X-Men series. I didn't want to offend a bunch of comic fans and stuff. It wasn't hard or anything, just went to UncannyXmen.net and looked up her 'Character Spotlight', but thanks for the props just the same. - Shockgoddess: Thanks. I'm sorry about the Rippers thing but I decided to just go with Evo on that. I know it's the Assassin's Guild – please I have all Gambit LS's and his series – but I thought since it was an X-Men: Evolution story I should be true to what they said. *author shrugs* Sorry if that made you sad *looks at dented furniture* or mad. About Jean, I avoided the whole kidnapping thing and just had Psylocke write about it in her diary entry. It happened some time between Gambit's letter and Betsy's diary entry. I've left if vague so that I have something to write about in Jean's entry… which won't be for a LO-OO-OO-OO-NG time. If you want more info, ask and thou shalt receive. -_- I'm glad you're safe!! Hehe. I always knew schools had computers for a reason. - Remy's Ange: Well then. I'm not sure where to start. Glad you like Bets and the chappy. About the Betsy/Warren thing. That's where I'm going with this, sorry. But I have to defend Warren's dumping because Betsy was obviously attracted to Thunderbird (and vice versa) and didn't bother hiding it from Warren. So he set her free from their relationship, which was going nowhere. And Neil will not be showing up, I don't know enough about him AND the first two Thunderbirds are currently allied with the Hellions. That's part of the New Mutants thingy. But I do agree about the Paige thing. Ew, gag me with a spoon. Emma's an evil bitch, even when she's one of the "good guys". I figure that if I have her show up again (after this chappy I mean) it will be like when she became Gen X's headmistress. Then I'll send her to the New Mutants. I'm not sure if that'll happen tho. Tessa on the other hand, is here to stay. In this story I had her choose to go into Hellfire as a spy, actually ask for it, because I didn't want her resenting Xavier the way she does in X-Treme. I'm not a Phoenix fan either, it was all Jean and Scott centric. Not my favorite. BUT, I think I did a good job of including just about everybody in this chappy. Next time we see the aftermath and the chappy after that is when Tessa finally speaks. She's kinda cold tho. I'm thinking her chapter will be around chapter 12, not positive yet. I'm writing chapter 9 now. I agree with you about NXM – WTF?? Why did they bring Phoenix back?? Goddamnit, why won't she die?!! And why are Scott and Emma together, ew!! Scott's chapter is 8, but it has nifty New Mutant cameos and some Hellions references. I'm REALLY happy you like me, validates me as a person. And my story "Anything Goes" – the sex one at grad night. I wrote a sequel if you care. It's called "So We Meet Again". I have writers block on that series. Not this one tho. Promise. Thanks for reviewing again. You're too sweet!! - Klinoa: Aw, you're too sweet. I'm UBER happy you don't think I'm a loser. Even cool. Now there's a first. :P And I'm glad you like the story too. Thnx!! - T.: Yay for Bets!! Hope you liked Bish, and the Phoenix battle. Thanks for the review. You rock!! - Evanescence kicks ass: Sorry for the confusion. It's hard to meld the Evo world and the Comic world sometimes. If you need anymore clarification, let me know. :P I also didn't want Tessa to resent Xavier the way she does in the Comics. Thanks for everything. - Ishandahalf: You are special. The queen of ROMY reviewing if you will. And thanks for not insulting me. I didn't obsess about Phoenix, but I did address it. And kill her. Naturally. Not that she'll stay dead forever. But probably for 10 chapters or so. *reader cheers* Glad to see you're so broken up about it. YAY!! My Betsy is loved!! I just wanted to keep her a secret for a little while, so that the suspense would build, ya know?? Sad for her traumatic life, but at least she can drown those sorrows. :P I just thought it was something a young person (like me) would think. Warren did notice her, unfortunately this chappy he didn't. But maybe (actually for sure) he will start to show more of an interest in her next chappy. No long ROMY arguments this chappy either. None for a while actually. But next chappy their relationship will change, for the better. And then some more ROMY chapter 7. A li'l break for chapters 8 and 9, but in 10 Rogue does some stuff… I'm staying with vagueness. I think that Remy is a masochist and that's why he enjoys dating Rogue. Think about it. I talk like Kit-Kat too. Sad teenager-speak. Stupid California… but I do actually live in a "valley" (Silicon Valley) so I guess it's okay to be a sort of "valley girl". Sorry about the taunting. I just don't want them to hook up right away. Where's the suspense?? Plus, Evo-Rogue is NOT that trusting. But, hey, at least I captured your attention. Score one for Caliente!! Haha. You used the word "UBER". My favorite word. *reader looks unconvinced* REALLY!! I swear!! Don't get too twitchy… I already have one reviewer (Aro) who twitches… don't need another. Thanks for all your support!! - Green Eyed Lily's Daughter: Wow, a new reviewer. YAY!! I've read your fic "From Past to Future" so I could tell that you like Kitty a lot. It's very good by the way. I'm really happy you like the diary format – I was nervous about it 'cause of the very reasons you listed. There's more ROMY to come, in case ya couldn't tell… their relationship is gonna shift next chappy. Bishop was next and did a log, you read my mind. Creepy. :P Kurt's is chapter 9, so a bit of a wait. Sorry. But it will have a cute Amanda cameo. About the Phoenix thing… it happened some time between Gambit's letter and Betsy's diary entry (5 day difference) and the Hellfire Club were the kidnappers. I've left if vague so that I have something to write about in Jean's entry, which won't be for a LO-OO-OO-OO-NG time. If you want more info, ask and thou shalt receive. -_- I hope it alleviated some of your confusion, but now that Phoenix is gone, you don't really have to worry about it. Thanks again for reviewing. - Nie Starwhistler: Thanks mate. You've been a great reviewer!! :) Keep it up!! - Rogue77: Hola chica. Anyway, about "Coming Together" the sequel to "Making a Connection"… I removed it from the site and it's not coming back. Sorry. I just couldn't continue it because I began to hate Chris, my OC. I'm writing a (hopefully better) fic based in the X-Treme X-Men universe where Chris is reincarnated as a new OC that I like better. Maybe someday I'll post it, but everybody seems to hate OC stories, so I may not. We'll see. About Paige, her codename is Husk and she can make her skin into "stuff" like a different material and then "husk" it off and use it as a weapon or something. I'm not really sure. Though, in the new Uncanny X-Men issue, Warren basically told Paige it's over, so YAY!! I'm glad that the Betsy tweaking went over well, and that you like Tessa. She's gonna be a constant in the story… showing up next chappy and the one after as well. She actually speaks in chapter 7. I definitely tweaked the Phoenix saga, since it was written before I was born (in the comic books anyway), and I know what you mean about craving the old X-Men: TAS series… I feel you on that. I'm happy that you like this story. *blushes* I'm slightly confuzzled, who kissed whom?? It's hard not to speak fluent Spanish when your father is from Costa Rica. When I was a baby, he would only speak to me in Spanish and my mother in English. Cool, huh?? I took chem last year, so I feel your pain. Good luck. :) - Lightspeed Suzuka: YAY!! Another new reviewer. First of all, I've read most of your Evo stuff, just so you know. I like how you wrote "Pete Wisdom is NOT an OC!!" hehe. I try to do regular updates, but this one was a tad late. Stupid job!! As far as the Bishop/Sage thingy goes – you read my mind. There's some hinting in chapter 6, but they won't even talk until at least chapter 10 or 11. I would NEVER kill Psylocke!! I PROMISE!! That's just wrong. *author shakes fist at Claremont angrily* I'm glad you like it. :P Thanks for reviewing!! - FlamingCammi: OMG!! Another new reviewer. *author's jaw drops until drool starts to fall* "Just wow"… quoting Kitty are we?? :P Thanks for your compliments. Look for Rogue's feelings about Remy next chappy… things are changing… in a good way. :) By the way, I've read your fics "LeBeau's Eleven", "World's on Fire", and "Every Time". They totally ROCK!! Stadium ROCK!! Just thought you'd want to know. - Rogue14: Thanks. I will. :P I actually have written up to about chapter 10, but I'm just posting at a constant rate in case I get writer's block or busy or something. Glad you like it so far tho. - The Rogue Witch: I'm glad you like the tweaking… I just don't want her to be as resentful towards Xavier as she seems in the comics. Mags will make a cameo in Chapter 8, along with the New Mutants. So, YAY!! I think we all love the screwballs. They're the interesting ones after all. :P I was majorly pissed at Claremont killed Betsy. That a-hole!! And I felt like Warren and Betsy never truly resolved their relationship. Whatever, they will be together, mark my words!! Check out Warren's cameo next chappy. More hints!! - msqre: I'm UBER happy that you like the format. *wipes sweat off forehead comically* Phew. And their personalities to boot. Cool. *grins like a fool* Psylocke is serious (and insecure as we will see in chapter 7) but she knows how to have fun too. As a teenager, I know the importance of alcohol… so I figured Betsy would too. :) Warren does notice her, watch for his cameo next chappy too. Definite hintings!! This chappy was the end of Hellfire for a li'l while. They'll be back in chapter 10 or 11 tho… more Emma and introducing some other members too. Oh, and the Hellions are mentioned in chapter 8. I think the club is cool too!! Definitely the dirty high society. Next chappy, the ROMY takes an interesting turn and chapter 7 too. I think that fans will be pleased. They argue?? I hadn't noticed. Must have slipped that in accidentally. *reader deadpans* Hehe. I'm really happy you appreciate my subtlety. I didn't even know I had that. Cool. :P Thanks for all the sweet compliments. - Girl number 1: Hey, you reviewed!! YAY!! And, you are TOO sweet!! Good for my ego tho. I feel so loved. *blushes slightly* I'm really happy you like it. You have to update your stories too!! Thanks for everything!! :) - The Sphinx Minx: Thanks for all your nice compliments. *author blushes profusely* I'm REALLY happy it's not boring!! Even humorous. Wow. Glad you liked the letter thingy… I didn't think Remy would keep a diary or journal. Kinda OOC, ya know?? Dude, love your fic. It's awesome!! You must update quickly!! - Lady Sir Henry Morgan: Wow, I'm creative?? Awesome!! I didn't know that. *reader rolls eyes* Okay, okay. I'm glad you like my other stories, I was just joking about the "poor you" thingy. I'm a masochist like that, what can I say?? :P And, aw, you're too sweet. I'm UBER happy you like it!! - Carla-p: Wow. Thanks for all your sweet reviews. Glad you like the new Rogue. I just figured that if she was a team leader it would give her some confidence. Confidence is very attractive… and Warren sees it. Remy?? Cheeky?? Never!! Blasphemy!! *reader deadpans* Okay, maybe a li'l. :) This will be a ROMY, just not right away. More on it next chappy tho. I'm happy you like Betsy's slightly altered past. Neither Rogue or Scott know anything of Tessa or the meeting, even though they are team leaders. Only the adults know about her status as a spy for Hellfire. Secretiveness. Thanks again. :P - Beaubier: You're alive!! No worries about being late. I didn't miss you. Okay, I'm lying. I feel kinda guilty 'cause you review all my chappies, and I only review the latest ones of yours. *sigh* Oh well. Remy's impressions, he's a good people reader, ain't he?? There's a li'l Kiotr hinting next chappy. Unfortunately, it won't be too strong 'cause he's so shy. But they are sweet, too true!! I love Pete too, like an English Remy who wears suits. :P What can I say 'bout Rogue, except that she can glare like no other. Glad that you like the ROMY!! YAY!! Another satisfied customer. Most people didn't mind the Betsy tweaking, so YAY!! Damn right she's complicated. I had to do hella research just to make sure all her fans wouldn't murder me. Hehe. Gambit the attention whore. *rolls on the ground in laughter* It's GREAT!! As you can tell from this chappy, there will be a lack of Jean for the next few chappies. She probly won't return for another ten or so chapters. Maybe more. Oops, did I say return?? Oh well. More Sage this chappy. Next one is another cameo… and maybe a li'l Tessa/Bishop hinting. *wink wink* The one after she will actually speak. Shocking I know!! I tried to make Tessa's past so that she wouldn't be all bitter at the Professor like she is in the Marvel-verse. So happy that you reviewed!! Thanx. :)