Shout outs:

X00001: Glad you enjoyed the last two chapters so far. Here's the final one.

DemonRogue13: Thanks, glad you liked it.

Disclaimer: I don't own X-men Evolution.

Final Chapter

Serenity

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Sparks of flame danced around in wild fashions, moving through Jean's mind. The silhouette of a Phoenix loomed in the distance, but Jean was busy watching the flames whirl about in a mesmerizing manner. Finally, a distressed voice snatched her out of her dream, awakening her abruptly.

"Jean!!!"

Jean Grey snapped awake with a gasp, immediately finding a worried Scott peering down at her. "What's wrong Scott?"

Sighing in relief, Scott moved back and whispered, "I thought something was wrong when you started to smile in your sleep."

Jean smirked at the strange answer, but continued to stare at Scott with silent delight.

"Is it still there?"

Jean gave a confused look, and then realized what her boyfriend meant by the vague question. "Yes, and it always will be Scott, it's a part of me. Just like you."

Smirking at the last part and understanding the rest, Scott kissed Jean lightly on the forehead. Then he left the room to give Jean so more time to rest, although he did it hesitantly. Jean's smile convinced him, and he left her to her own thoughts.

Everything felt a little foreign to her, having not actually been in her body for quite some time. There was a void, too, where the Phoenix had been. Not that it had left her, but it wasn't in control anymore. Whenever the voiced would pick up again in her head, Jean would be ready to resist it. She wasn't about to let the evil inside her harm anyone, even herself.

Sighing, Jean tried to remember what exactly had happened the previous day, only to draw a blank. All she knew was that Phoenix had fallen in the final battle, and she'd been restored back to herself. Scott had told her some, but he seemed a little hesitant to tell her everything that had occurred. But what mattered to Jean was that everyone was back together, in good condition, and all awaiting her quick recovery.

All except Rogue.

Jean had yet to figure why the younger was the way she was, now weaker than Jean herself, but seemingly unharmed. Some sort of telepathic strain had been put on her, or maybe something affected her because of her power. Jean had yet to figure it out, but she knew Rogue was in a frail state, and she was sure it was because something she'd done.

Quietly slipping out of her infirmary bed, Jean moved over to Rogue's bed down the room. She looked so distraught, lingering on a precipice of telepathic danger. Something was happening in her head, and Jean was determined to save her from whatever it was. Still a little weak on the telepathic side, Jean pushed any worries aside, and brought her hands as close to Rogue's head as she could without physical touch. It took a while, but finally she pried into the world inside Rogue's mind.

A fog covered most of the area, rendering the visibility for Jean to a few feet around her. Fiery birds danced in gray skies above, looming ever closely to Jean. Keeping her focus on her task, she waded through the fog while screaming Rogue's name.

After a short amount of searching, Jean simply separated the fog with her telekinesis, trying to clear up the area. Finally, a shaking form near called out. "Help me, please."

Not even having to hear the voice, Jean was sure it was Rogue. She rushed over to the younger girl, finding her cuddled up and wearing a fearful expression.

"They want me, the flaming birds. They want to take over me for bad." Rogue whispers quietly, shaking as she did. Jean simply gave her a warm, comforting smile, and looked toward the skies. All the birds had stopped, now all glancing at her.

"Don't worry Rogue, I'll stop them."

The birds rushed her, descending at her with great speed and blazing flames. Jean stood tall, spreading her arms up and wide, bracing for impact. Each bird hit her, and she absorbed them, not feeling ant pain or discomfort. The sensation was tantalizing, as she swept the birds out of Rogue's mind by taking them in. Once they were all gone, Jean found herself back in the infirmary, staring down at a wide-eyed Rogue.

"Thank you Jean, Ah really mean it."

A tear welled up in Rogue's eyes, hugging Jean as she started to cry. Rogue never cried around someone, especially around her teammates. Nevertheless, her barriers had broken briefly, and she cried into Jean for all the times she'd held back the sadness. Jean was comforting, cooing Rogue calmly with a soft voice, and simply giving her a shoulder to cry on for a moment. They stared their, two unlikely friends in the opinions of many of the X-men. Jean wasn't really Rogue's friend, but that didn't stop her from being there for her. After all, Jean wanted to be there for all her teammates.

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The rest of the day passed by quickly for Jean, events rushing by her quickly. Everyone had expressed how glad they were that Jean was all right, and had even made a nice and colorful banner for her in the foyer. The Brotherhood stayed through the afternoon, while Magneto and his Acolytes had left after discussing with Professor X. Sinister had never been spotted since the whole climax, but his younger apprentices had managed to express their gratitude toward the X-men and others while even apologizing to Jean. X23 had even followed them out, seemingly escorting one of the guys out, yet she had denied any feelings. Nobody pushed for answers, all knowing good and well what the young mutant was capable of doing. As the night started, stars appearing in the dark sky, Jean found Scott sitting on the poolside in deep thought. He wasn't planning on swimming, Jean judged, since he wore a tight black muscle shirt and baggy pants in place of swim trunks.

Jean smiled as she took a seat next to Scott. "What are you thinking about, Scott?"

He turned his head toward her, responding with a grunt and no answer. Jean giggled and pointed at his outfit. "I see you're wearing my favorite outfit of yours."

"Yeah, thought I might surprise you," he replied lightly, still in deep thought while now staring at the pool.

"Scott, tell me what's wrong."

Looking at her again, he sighed tiredly. "I'm worried about you Jean. Are you sure you're okay?"

Nodding sternly, Jean moved closer to Scott while she gazed into his ruby shades.

"Scott, please hear me out. I really am fine, okay? I know you're worried, but I really am okay. The Phoenix is always going to be inside of me, but right now, it's just a shadow of itself. I really want you to loosen up, for me Scott."

With a defeated look, Scott nodded softly and wrapped his arms round Jean, as she took a seat in his lap. Her fingers traced his muscles along his bare arms, laying her head back against Scott's shoulders. She did not sense any more worry from Scott, only a peaceful bliss.

Jean turned a little in Scott's lap, and pulled his muscle shirt off his torso, casually dropping it on the poolside. She laid her head against his broad, muscular chest. Scott eyed her warily until whispered quietly to him.

"Let's take a swim."

With newfound excitement, the two teens plunged into the pool, despite that they were only wearing their regular outfits. The night seemed to slip away, as they talked for hours and discussed different topics. They hardly swam, mostly just keeping close and continuing their conversations. Nobody bothered them or even came near them, since the others were enjoying time with each other. Finally a little tired, Jean sat along the pool steps, lying back against Scott's chest. His strong arms wrapped around her, and they sat in silence, enjoying the moment.

"This is nice," Scott whispered in her ear, hugging Jean closer to his body. Jean started to rub his arms softly, relaxing in his hold.

"Yeah, it's too bad we can't do this more often."

The silence then continued, as they stayed close together and simply trekked through their own thoughts. After a while, they started to notice that it was probably nearing midnight.

"Ready to go, Jean?"

The redhead nodded calmly, and started to get up off the steps. Scott surprised her, sweeping her off her feet and into his arms. She did not squeal or objects, simply laying her head against his broad shoulder, and softly touching his wet cheek.

Then the two walked off out of the pool, and back inside the mansion. As they did, Jean couldn't help but feel relaxed, calm, and very grateful.

Despite the dangerous force within her, everything seemed all together and organized. And for the first time in a long while, she was just glad to be who she was. Times had been rough, but her friends had persevered, saving her. Jean Grey finally felt a new sense of serenity, as she and Scott continued through the mansion.

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A/N: Well, there you go. The story's finally finished. BIG thanks to all those who read and reviewed, or just read, this story. Thanks!!!