Chapter 8: Changing of the Times Pt2
Charles smiled slightly as he looked out the cockpit window seeing the rest of the team gathered in the safe room waiting for the Blackbird to settle into the hanger. After the jet had landed, Charles opened the ramp from the cockpit, staring as his students filed out. Alex led them to the greeting point, waiting for them to disembark. Charles nodded at Logan and Jean to lead the new members out of the jet.
Charles noticed as he rolled down the ramp that Scott was standing off to the side of Warren, as far away from Alex as he could possibly get. He sighed inwardly, knowing this was another hurdle for Scott to overcome. Scott never liked to embrace changes that he had no control over. Charles feared Scott was going to make some very bad decisions before he learned to cope with changes. It was not something Charles wanted to see, but Scott was giving him little choice to do otherwise. Charles turned his attention to his new team leader. Alex, on the other side of the spectrum, had a welcoming smile on his face. Charles stopped between the two groups to make introductions.
"My X-Men, Alex Summers or Havok, our team leader, Lorna Dane, Polaris, Robert "Bobby" Drake, the Iceman, Warren Worthington III, the Angel, and Scott Summers, Cyclops," Charles motioned to the team before turning to the three newcomers. "These are your new teammates: Kurt Wagner, the Nightcrawler, Piotr Rasputin, Colossus, and Ororo Munroe, Storm. Please, make them welcome."
"Of course, sir," Alex nodded as he stepped forward to shake hands with them.
"I already have rooms set up for everyone," Lorna smiled as gave Logan and Jean a quick hug.
"Put 'Ro in a room close to ours, would ya, green?" Logan asked. Lorna looked at him quizzically. "Ya picked up another sister."
"Oh," Lorna smiled. "Well, in that case, come on, Ororo. We sisters need to get to know each other." Ororo smiled a little unsure, but a nod from Logan encouraged her to go with Lorna as Alex, Bobby, and Warren led Piotr and Kurt to the elevator.
Charles watched as Scott merely nodded at Ororo and only briefly shook hands with Kurt and Piotr before he left. Frowning as Scott opened the stairwell door as the rest waited for the elevator, Charles could only shake his head. Turning back to the others, Charles was glad they were more accepting of the changes. As he listened in, Jean was just finishing the story for the others about the lions outside of Ororo's village.
"You made a male lion purr like a kitten?" Lorna looked at Logan with wide eyes. Astonishment was evident on all of the others' faces.
"Yeah, well…" Logan shrugged, looking a little embarrassed. "Alpha male thing."
"And scared me half to death," Jean swatted his arm playfully, but by the smirk on her face, everyone knew she was joking.
"I said, I was sorry, Jeannie," he rolled his eyes, but smirked back at her. "At least that female turned away or it woulda got awkward."
"Oh, she knew who the alpha female was," Jean countered looking mock sternly at Logan. "It would have been a catfight if she tried, and you know it!"
"And you said it was a safe mission," Lorna frowned as she swatted Logan's other arm. Logan sighed as he shook his head.
"That's what ya get for walking on the wild side," Alex smiled.
"No comments from the peanut gallery," Logan grinned as he pointed to Warren and Bobby as they snickered. "Not my fault, I have a trouble magnet implanted in my ass."
"Is he always like this?" Ororo smiled as she whispered to Lorna.
"For the most part, yeah," Lorna answered with a wide grin as the elevator arrived. Logan rolled his eyes as the others laughed as they started forward.
Ororo suddenly froze as she looked into the small car as the others stepped into it. She began to tremble visibility as she hugged her chest. Tears and heavy pants escaped her eyes and mouth as she felt rooted to the spot. Logan sensed the change in her demeanor, frowned as he looked back with realization. He glanced at Jean before stopping the car, and tilting his head to Ororo.
"Ro, calm down," Logan soothed, placing his hands on her upper arms, trying to get her out of her shocked and terrified state.
"What's wrong?" Bobby asked concerned.
"She's claustrophobic," Jean answered without facing him. She wrapped her arms around Ororo from the side. Not intending to, but picking up on Ororo's strong thoughts, Jean saw the reason for the crippling fear. "Ororo, look at me."
Ororo turned ever so slowly to Jean, her eyes wide with fear. "You're in New York, not Cairo. You and I will take the stairs. You don't have to go in there." Ororo nodded slowly as Jean lead her over to the stairwell.
"Wonder what caused that?" Bobby asked as they reentered the elevator.
"Earthquake when she was six," Logan grunted. Bobby looked at him for more of an explanation, but Logan shook his head. "Not my place ta say more."
Logan waited with Lorna by the door to the stairs after reaching the second floor. He let Alex show Piotr and Kurt to their rooms, as he had a quick conversation with Xavier about alternate options for rooms if Ororo had a similar reaction to a regular room. Jean and Ororo arrived, Ororo looking a bit better than downstairs. After placing a quick kiss on Jean's cheek, he motioned Ororo to follow Lorna down the corridor.
"If'n this don' work fer ya, Ro, Chuck is makin' other options available," Logan told Ororo as Lorna opened the door across the hall from his and Jean's room. Ororo looked cautiously into the room. She shuddered slightly as she saw only one window and a small balcony.
"I…" Ororo gulped, turning a pleading look to Logan and Jean.
"Hey, it's okay," Jean reassured her, as she hugged Ororo again.
"Shoot," Lorna blurted as she looked at her watch. "Can you guys handle this? I have to meet Alex in the kitchen."
"You bet, Lorna," Jean smiled.
"C'mon then," Logan nodded as he led the way back to the stairs.
After climbing three more flights of stairs, they arrived in the attic as Warren and Bobby were setting up a partition from the storage area. They waved as they heard the others enter. Logan motioned to a double wooden panel door to the left. "Open it up."
Ororo opened the door slowly. A large room with many windows, two large skylights, and a large balcony with glass panel doors greeted her eyes. A few simple furnishings were placed in the open room, not diminishing the spaciousness of the attic. Ororo walked over to the balcony, opening the doors. She stepped out two steppes, extending her arms out to her sides. She breathed deeply as a breeze blew across her face.
"More like it?" Logan asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Very much so," Ororo sighed. "Thank you for understanding."
"Don' mention it," Logan waved it off. "Got my own fears ta deal wit', know how they can be."
"We may decorate as we wish?" Ororo asked.
"Yes," Jean nodded. "Our rooms are our personal space."
"I think some flowers and plants would make this feel more like a home," Ororo nodded as she opened her basket that sat on her bed. She pulled out her parents' wedding picture, smiling fondly at it before placing it on the nightstand. "That's a start."
XMXMXM
An hour later, everyone began gathering in the kitchen for dinner once the new members were more or less settled into their rooms. Logan and Jean led Ororo into the room as Lorna and Alex placed the food onto the table. Most of the others were already sitting at the table, as Scott, who was last of the team to arrive, took a seat as far from Logan and Jean as possible.
"We take turns cooking meals, usually in groups of two," Jean informed Ororo as they sat down. "Alex and Lorna make the schedules. Just check the board by the door so you can think of your menu items and make a grocery list."
"Some of the things I know how to make may be a little hard to buy here in the States," Ororo smiled, a little embarrassed. "I doubt they sell guzzle at the supermarket."
"No, I don't think they do," Jean chuckled. "Tell you what, I'll make sure either me or Lorna is your partner when its your turn and we'll figure something out."
"That would be helpful," agreed Ororo with a smile.
"Just plan on getting other things next week," Jean whispered loudly. Ororo looked at her confused. "Bobby and Warren can't cook."
"Hey!" Bobby protested. "I heard that!" Warren huffed with a frown as Jean and Ororo giggled.
"Good evening, everyone," Xavier nodded as he rolled into his place at the head of the table. "I apologize for being a little late. I was on the telephone with Dr. MacTaggart."
After greeting him, most of the team turned back to their own conversations. As they finished, Xavier called for attention. "I hope you are settling in as well as possible until we can obtain some more personal items for each of you. I will let you coordinate with Alex and Jean on that front. As far as uniforms for missions and training, I have taken the liberty of having some different styles and materials made available for you to choose from. Please see Warren about this. He has set them up in the locker rooms downstairs.
"Over the next few days," Xavier continued, "we will start your training and evaluating your powers and abilities in the Danger Room, both as individuals and as a group. But first, Alex, please give Kurt, Piotr, and Ororo a tour of the mansion and grounds after breakfast tomorrow morning."
"Yes, Professor," Alex nodded.
"I shall be in my office until about nine tonight, should you wish to ask anything or need my assistance," Xavier informed them. "If not, I shall see you in the morning."
XMXMXM
Jean and Logan entered Charles' office three days later. Charles was staring out the window as they came in. He turned with a smile as they sat on the small sofa to the right of his desk. After Charles wheeled around to it, he placed three folders on the table in front of them. Logan raised an eyebrow as he looked at them still on the table.
"My files on the three potential recruits," Charles answered. "Two, however, will require a bit more persuading than the other one."
"I take it you want us to accompany you again?" Jean asked as she leaned forward picking the folders up off the table. She raised an eyebrow at the second one.
"Correct, Jean," Charles nodded.
"Apache?" Jean asked out loud in a puzzled voice.
"That is one that may require more convincing," answered Charles with a small sigh.
"I spent time wit' th' Blackfeet in Canada," Logan commented. "Might be o' help there."
"I agree. The last one might be of some interest to you as well, Logan," Charles indicated.
Jean handed it to Logan as she continued to read the second file. He glanced at the name. "Japanese."
"I believe you said you have been there before?" Charles asked.
"Not in a long time," Logan answered in a sad tone. Jean took his hand with a comforting squeeze. "Would ya mind if we made a small detour? I need ta pay my respects ta someone."
"Itsu?" Jean asked quietly. Logan nodded.
"Of course," Charles agreed. "It may help in swaying Shiro into joining us. But our first stop is here in New York."
XMXMXM
"Please, wait here," Charles requested of Logan and Jean.
"Chuck, this ain't a part o' town ta…" Logan began.
"I am very well aware of that fact, thank you, Logan," Charles nodded. "However, our recruit may respond better to a one on one meeting with me for the moment."
"I'll monitor you from her, sir," Jean sighed. Logan huffed as he pulled out a cigar.
"Since we're waitin'…" Logan shrug. Jean giggled as she kissed his cheek.
Charles rolled down the hallway of the very modest low-cost tenement building in the Bronx. It was a strange place to find the person he was looking for, but Charles knew the man was down on his luck. The slightly gritty, grungy corridor was evident of that. He wondered what had prompted the proud man to live in a place like this as he stopped in front of the apartment door he was looking for. He reached out, knocking.
"Aye?" came the heavy Irish accent as the door opened.
"Hello again, Sean," Charles smiled.
"Xavier," Sean looked down in surprise. "Ye 'bout th' las' person I was expectin' ta see."
"May I come in and have a word?" Charles asked.
"Aye," he sighed. "'Scue the mess. I been packin'."
"Oh," Charles raised an eyebrow as he moved into the room. "That's quite fortunate."
"How's losin' me job, bein' broke and havin' to move out, fortunate?" Sean asked with a deep frown.
"I came to offer you a job and a place on my X-Men," Charles smiled as he turned to face the Irishman. "By having everything packed puts you ahead of schedule."
"Whatda mean, job offer?" Sean asked confused as he sat on the edge of his couch.
"I am offering you a place on the team and, with your experience, a trainer position at the school," Charles answered. "Paid, of course. Plus, room and board."
"Me? Teach your students?" laughed Sean as he shook his head in bewilderment. "Them kids o' yers beat me butt six ways ta Sunday last time we met."
"Train," Charles corrected. "And we have some new additions to the team since we met. You would work closely with my other trainer. He has much more experience in combat; however, you have a physical power that allows you to teach the concentration aspects of most abilities, where he cannot."
"T'would save me from looking fer a new place," Sean thought out loud. "Could ask a favor, p'rhaps?"
"Of course," Xavier nodded.
"I 'ave a little daughter that lives wit' me ex," Sean began, looking sadly at the floor. "She may be like us. If'n she is, would ye take her inta th' school?"
"Absolutely," Charles nodded. "We can approach her and her mother together when the time comes. I shall even put in your contract."
"Then, I'mma sold, Xavier," Sean smiled, extending his hand. "Ye 'ave yerself an X-Man."
"Splendid," Charles smiled taking his hand. "I shall pay for your moving costs and for your things to be left here for a few days."
"Why's that?" Sean asked.
"We have two others to visit on this recruiting mission," Charles answered. "But I'll have some of your new teammates come and pick up your things for you. All you need now is a few changes of clothes and your uniform, of course, just in case."
"Aye, I c'n do that," Sean nodded as he stood to gather a travel bag.
After making the arrangements with the building manager, Charles led Sean outside to the waiting car. Sean looked a little confused seeing a powerfully built shorter man smoking a cigar, leaning on the Roll Royce. He recognized, vaguely, the redhead standing beside him, but wondered why they were holding hands. The last time Sean had encountered the X-Men, the redhead was holding hands with the team leader, the one with the red eye beams. All of this bewildered Sean, but he didn't want to ask just yet for fear of upsetting the man with the cigar. His internal sense told him; this was not a man to make angry.
"I shall make introductions after we are in the car," Charles nodded as Jean stepped forward to help him into the backseat of the Rolls Royce. Sean climbed in the back on the driver's side as the man slide behind the wheel and the redhead in front with him. "Sean Cassidy, the Banshee, this is Logan Howlett, Wolverine and you remember Jean Grey or Marvel Girl."
"Aye, that I do," Sean nodded as Jean turned with a slight smile.
"Professor?" Jean asked with a slightly pained look. "I've been thinking. I want to change my codename. I mean, I'm hardly a girl anymore. I've done a lot of growing up of late, especially since Logan came to the team."
"I understand," Charles nodded a slight smile. "I anticipated you might want a change at some point. I shall let you pick your own codename. Let me know what you decide on." Jean nodded with a small smile.
"Thank you," Jean added.
"Jean…uh…pardon me fer askin' this, lass…but…uh…?" stammered Sean, still looking confused.
"Cyclops and I are no longer together," Jean stated with a small frown, knowing what his question was going to be. "It's a long story, Sean."
"I see…" Sean nodded.
"Logan is the other trainer I mentioned," Charles indicated as a way to change the subject, knowing the emotional reaction both Jean and Logan would have to the mentioning of Scott.
"How much exper'ence do ye 'ave?" Sean asked looking at Logan's reflection in the rear-view mirror. "Ye look too young ta 'ave more'n me. I mean…"
"We can talk more 'bout that on th' plane, Irish. It's a long flight ta Arizona an' Japan," Logan nodded as he changed lanes. Sean nodded, still a little confused but sensing it was better to not ask the reasons for the split.
XMXMXM
The hot Arizona sun beat down on the harsh, dusty landscape as it traveled across the sky. A lone cabin sat in the middle of the desert with nothing else around it for miles except the mesas in the distance. A few shrub bushes and large cactus trees dotted the land, but otherwise, it was barren. Small dust clouds followed the three walking and one rolling member of the group as they approached the house. An old man sat on the porch in a rocking chair watching them intently as they drew nearer. His grizzled face stoic and looking unconcerned, however, Charles could sense the turmoil of his thoughts the closer they came. The old man stood slowly as they entered the gate of the fence around the cabin.
"Hello, sir," Charles nodded to him as he stopped a few feet from the porch. "I am Charles Xavier. We are looking for John Proudstar."
"What's your business with my grandson?" the old man asked with a hint of hostility.
"We only wish to make him an offer to utilize his gifts," Charles answered calmly.
"Well, he ain't here at the moment," the old man grumped as he sat back down. "He's out huntin' with his younger brother. Should be back soon."
"Elder," Logan spoke up. "We mean no harm or disrespect. We only want ta talk ta him."
"At least you have manners," the old man nodded looking at Logan, "fer a white man."
"Spent some time with the Blackfoot people, Elder," Logan nodded as he sat at the bottom of the steps. Jean and Sean took the cue and sat with him. "Learned their ways while I was with 'em."
"We Apache have our own ways, but the respect is appreciated," he replied in a kinder tone to Logan. He turned cold eyes to Charles, his voice returning to the icy tone. "You look like a learned man; you'd do well to learn more from this one."
"I do quite frequently, Elder," Charles nodded. "And it seems I still have much to learn."
"State your business with my grandson," the old man gave Charles a hard look.
"We wish to recruit him, and later his brother, for a team of mutants to help the world coexist in peace with humanity," Charles answered. "To help teach the next generation to further that goal."
"And why would I want to do that?" a cold voice from behind them asked. They turned to see a powerfully built man glaring at them and a young boy walking in the gate carrying a deer on a pole between them. "Served my time in the Army. Fought for a country that forgot about all its soldiers when they came home. Lost my parents while I was gone. All I got is my brother and my grandfather besides my cousins in the tribe. So, tell me, why would I want to leave?"
"Chuck, let me handle this," Logan looked at Charles with a serious face. "Proudstar, name's Logan." The man nodded. "I was in that war, too. Know that feeling. But what we want ta do more than coexist is prevent shit like this," Logan paused as he extended his claws on his left hand, "from happenin' ta others. They coated my bones in this metal, an' I'd be dead now if'n I didn' have my healin' factor."
"An honorable mission," the old man commented as he stared at Logan's mark. John glanced at his grandfather, following his eyes. He squinted to look at the mark closer.
"They also took my memory," Logan added bitterly. "If it weren't for Chuck and his team, I'd still be a lab rat."
"Your mark," John stepped closer, "may I?"
Logan looked down at his left arm briefly before nodding. With a look at Jean, she stood, walking over to the old man for him to have a closer look at her mark. The old man stiffened as he stared at the mark on Jean's arm. He looked up at her with wide eyes.
"Child, may I?" he asked raising his hand. Jean nodded. The old man touched her mark, closing his eyes. Jean could feel a rush of sensation as the old man held her arm like he was reading the very substance of the mark. After a few seconds, his eyes flew open with a shocked look. "Star child of fire," he breathed.
"Star child?" the boy asked confused, as he came over to his brother's side looking at Logan's mark. His eyes widened as he looked between Logan and Jean.
"They share the Mark of the Firebird," the old man answered. Sean looked back and forth confused. Charles motioned for him to remain silent.
"Grandfather?" John asked, hesitantly.
"The Legend of the Calling is clear," the old man stated.
"But…" John trailed off after a stern look from his grandfather.
"It is your choice, my grandson," the old man sighed. "The mark is a sign of great strength. It is also the path of the warrior."
John remained silently thoughtful for a few minutes, looking at his feet. "But, Grandfather, you are not as young or as well as you once were."
"I have James to care for me," the old man argued.
"Should something happen," Charles began, "you may leave us at any time. We believe strongly in family ties."
"What is your offer exactly?" John asked with a raised eyebrow.
"First, my name is Professor Charles Xavier," he introduced himself. "My offer is to learn more about your abilities and help make my dream of coexistence a reality. The offer is for you now, and your brother after his powers manifest."
"And no strings saying if I don't like it, I can quit and come home?" John asked.
"Precisely," Charles nodded. "We are a team and a school, not the military. You may come and go as you please, even if it is for a short or extended time. No obligations to hold you there, other than your own conscience."
"Alright, Xavier," John nodded. "I'll give it a try."
"That's all I ask," smiled Charles.
"Look after Grandfather, James," John nodded. "Call me if something happens."
"I will, brother," James nodded.
XMXMXM
Charles sat with his wheelchair close to the low table in the conference room of the Yoshida Corporation building in Tokyo looking out at the terrace garden. He waited with Logan and Jean for Shiro Yoshida and his mother to arrive. Logan had instructed them on the traditions of the Japanese Tea Ceremony that would take place before any talking was done. They sat in silent reflection, per custom. The door finally opened as three servants brought in the tea, followed by Shiro and his mother a minute later. Thanks to Logan, the tea service was carried out flawlessly.
"Unlike my late husband or his father, I have little use for Westerners," Shiro's mother looked up sternly. "What is it, exactly, you wish from my son?"
"Lady Yoshida, if I may?" Logan bowed as he spoke quietly. She looked at Logan with an odd look but nodded. "Lady, I must ask first; Was your husband's father Akioto Yoshida?"
"Yes, he was," she answered with a guarded tone. Logan leaned back slightly, pulling something out of his pocket, placing it on the table. She looked at the wax seal with wide eyes as Logan pulled his hand away. "How do you get that?"
"I saved Akioto's life at the end o' th' war," Logan answered evenly. "He took me ta a village in th' mountains ta learn th' ways o' th' samurai ta focus my anger."
"Jasmine Falls," Shiro breathed. "But…how?"
"My mutant gift is a healin' ability. It slows my agin'," Logan answered. "I'm a lot older'n I look."
"You are Logan-san?" Shiro asked. His mother shooting him a sharp look that he ignored. "Grandfather told me of you."
"Part of our visit is so I may pay respects ta my late wife there," Logan looked down. "I have forgotten the way. Will you guide us there?"
"I am honor-bound to do so," Shiro bowed.
"Our other business is more personal," Logan continued. "We can discuss that on the way."
"Very well," Shiro bowed. "Mother, this is not company business as you thought. This is a matter of family honor. Your voice in the matter is not required."
"Very true," she spat with an acidic tone. "I am not honor-bound by this. Do as you will."
She stood with a cold look at Charles as she left. Shiro sighed as he shook his head. "I must apologize for my mother. She is too set in the old ways of purity."
"No offense is taken," Logan bowed. "I do have ta beg yer pardon, though. I have misled you slightly. I do remember the way. I was only avoiding a confrontation with your mother."
"Understandable," Shiro accepted with a slight bow. He stood, motioning to the door. "Shall we?"
XMXMXM
The temperature was noticeably lower at the higher elevation as they made their way on the old path. Charles was glad they had stopped to buy some heavier clothing before ascending the mountains. It was a rough climb for Charles in his wheelchair. Many parts of the path they had to negotiate Jean had to use her powers to lift him and his chair. As they approached the crest of a ridge two hours after they had arrived at the base of the mountains, four riders came into view with swords drawn. The riders all wore full traditional samurai armor, complete with covered faces. Shiro and Logan lowered their hoods, raising their hands. With a quick look from Logan, Charles and Jean lowered theirs as well.
"Logan-san?" one the riders asked in a confused voice.
"Yoshi-san?" Logan asked recognizing both the man's scent and voice.
"It is good to see after all these years, my friend," the lead rider sheathed his sword before dismounting. He removed his helmet, showing a head of grey hair. "I am jealous. You look much better than I, after almost twenty years. Your gifts are truly remarkable."
"I thank ya, my friend," Logan bowed. "I have come to visit Itsu."
"I see," Yoshi nodded. "Come."
The other riders dismounted, helping their guests onto the horses, before leading them up the narrow path. Twenty minutes later, they came to a walled village nestled by the foot of the summit. Logan looked over at Jean who was shivering slightly. After climbing off the horses, and placing Charles back into his wheelchair, Logan wrapped his arms around Jean to share his warmth. Jean smiled at him, leaning her head on his shoulder as they waited for the leader of the village to greet them and grant them entrance.
"Hello again, my old friend," smiled an older man with long white hair.
"Myouta-san?" Logan asked as he looked up. "It has been too long."
"Aye, it has," Myouta exchanged a deep bow with Logan. "Why have you not returned to us until now?"
"I was taken captive and experimented on," Logan frowned as he extended his claws. "They took my memory. I've only recently got most o' it back."
"I understand," Myouta nodded. "And your companions?"
"This is Shiro Yoshida. My new employer, Professor Charles Xavier," Logan motioned to each.
"Hello, cousin," Myouta bowed. He gave a smaller bow to Charles.
"Honored cousin," Shiro bowed back.
"And…my…well, it's…hard to describe my relationship with her, but this is Jean Grey."
"How so?" Myouta looked at Logan with a tilted head after bowing slightly to Jean.
"Do you remember what you once tol' me 'bout this?" Logan asked as he and Jean pulled up their left sleeves.
"I see," he answered with wide eyes. "As I told you then, even we have legends of the firebirds. Come, we will warm you before we visit Itsu."
Myouta led them to his home as honored guests. Several people stopped what they were doing to stare in shock at Logan. Many bowed deeply to him as they continued down the main lane of the village. Myouta led them into his house, and into the dining room where his wife greeted them with food and wine. Charles was about to translate when a look from Logan stopped him. Logan spoke to his old friend in Japanese first, before nodding at Charles.
"Sorry, Chuck, I shoulda warned ya first," Logan commented. "It woulda been rude to just do it without permission."
"My apologies," Charles nodded to Myouta.
"No offense taken," Myouta acknowledged. "Your abilities are second nature to you and it makes this much easier. My grasp on English is limited and rusty, and my wife knows only very little. Forgive an old man for not wishing to use hand gestures or rely on my cousin to speak with all my guests."
"Must understandable," Charles agreed.
"Jean-kun, I am most intrigued to get to know you," Myouta addressed her. Jean looked at him a little startled. Myouta smiled at her. "You must understand that the last time I saw Logan-san, he was distraught and heartbroken over Itsu and their child. However, here in Jasmine Falls, we have an old legend that states: Two Firebirds will come to the Falls. One will be long known to us, the other his true mate. The first will find peace for a time at the Falls, but his happiness shall be cut short. His teacher of the matters of the heart will speak to them when they visit. They will find peace with the memory of before, but also more unanswered questions."
Logan and Jean exchanged a look. The family legend from Rose echoed in Jean's mind. Logan raised an eyebrow at her. 'Think they have somethin' ta do wit' each other?' Logan asked her mentally.
'I'm almost sure of it!' Jean answered. "Myouta-san, my family has a legend as well. Soon will come a child of immense power and strength with the power of will to handle the Force. She will be the first daughter in three generations. Her mate will share our family mark. Their connection will be too strong for any others to ever break. Her happiness will only be found in her mate. She will help restore what was taken from him, and he will be forever loyal to her.
"Are you…" Myouta started.
"I am that daughter," replied Jean with a smile as she took Logan's hand.
"I see," Myouta nodded. "Then, I offer you both my sincerest congratulations." He bowed very deeply to both of them. Logan glanced at Jean before they bowed in return. Shiro looked on confused, looking at Charles for an explanation, but Charles only shook his head.
"We thank you," Jean replied.
"Jean-kun, come," Myouta's wife smiled. "I wish to give you a…gift."
Jean caught her hesitation but sensed no ill intentions or control over her. Logan nodded slightly at Jean to follow her with a small grin on his face. 'She's jus' bein' careful about what she says, darlin'. She doesn't know Chuck or Shiro well enough ta be open.'
'Then why the…?'
'Read her surface thoughts, Red,' Logan smirked a little. 'She wasn't sure whether ta say engagement or weddin'. That's what mate means ta them here." Jean looked back at him with wide eyes before slipping out the door.
'So, which is it to you?' Jean asked with a spark of mischief in her thoughts.
'Yer my mate either way,' Logan answered. He tried to hide his grin from the others in the room with him. 'But it's yer choice which ya see it as. I'm happy wit' either, b'cause I get ta cuddle ya at night!'
Jean blushed as she followed the older woman into one of the other rooms. She gestured for Jean to wait just inside the door as she continued into what looked like a small walk-in closet. She returned pushing a tall and wide cart with something covered under a sheet.
"First, my name is Yuko."
"I am Jean," she smiled as they exchanged bows.
"Secondly, I am the village high priestess, because I am like you and Logan-san. I am also aware that Shiro-san is as well. And, of course, your sensei."
"You're a mutant?" Jean asked.
"In your terms, yes," Yuko answered. "However, here, we are referred to as gifted. My gift is foresight, usually while I stare into the fire. I saw of your coming a year and a half ago. It was two days later when I saw our conversation in the dining room, I knew then I needed to present you with an honored gift.
"I commissioned our finest tailors and weavers for this to be made for you," Yuko motioned to the sheet. "It is a show of the greatest respect and honor for me to give the…mate of such a good friend."
"I thank you," Jean bowed. "No need to wonder on how to refer to me as. Mate is accurate enough."
"Now, this is for your ears only," Yuko began. "In my visions since the foretelling of your coming, more things have been revealed to me and with each piece of the puzzle, this took shape. First, came the prayer and blessing I had sown under the embroidery. Guidance, wisdom, love, and protection for you, your mate, and your future children.
"The embroidery is made of the finest golden silk," she explained. "The rest is made with the finest dyed silks. I honor you and Logan-san for what he has done for my family in the past."
"May I ask, what that was?" Jean looked at Yuko.
"Aye. He saved my daughter's life, not once, but three times."
"That's my Logan," Jean smiled.
"Aye, it is," Yuko agreed with a giggle. "My daughter lives today because of your mate, and I know no other way to honor you, but with this." She reached over pulling the sheet off. Jean gasped with wide eyes.
"It's beautiful," Jean breathed. "I thank you."
XMXMXM
Logan was starting to get concerned with how long Jean was taking. He tried to stretch out with their link, but Jean was blocking him for some reason. After another ten minutes, Logan was ready to go searching for the women. Myouta's wife entered just before he could make an excuse to leave. She smiled lightly at Logan before she turned back to the door.
Jean walked in slowly, with her head down and her hair up in a Japanese bun. Logan's eyes grew wide, his breath catching his throat. Jean stood still wearing an emerald green kimono with a light blue collar. On her shoulders were golden feathers that come to a point where the collar lapped over. The obi belt was a thick band of black with a gold-colored rope synch. On the end of the rope was a medium purple macramé charm with a delicate jade feather hung at the bottom. On the sleeves and around the bottom were gold and red feathers that looked like they were on fire spread out over the green background. Jean smiled up at Logan as she turned, showing the even more impressive back. A large golden, elegant Phoenix was embroidered from neckline to bottom. Its wings were spread wide, mouth open uttering a silent cry. The tip of its wings went over the shoulders, the rest filling the sleeves.
"Wow, darlin'," Logan finally uttered. "That is gorgeous." He stood taking her hands in his, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. "It looks great on you."
"Thank you," Jean smiled. "But it's Yuko we must thank."
"I thank you, Yuko-kun," Logan bowed to her.
"No, I thank you, Logan-san," Yuko bowed to him. "It is my honor to do this because of your past deeds for my family."
"Then our honor debt is repaid," Logan nodded.
"No payment is enough for the life of my daughter three times over," Yuko reminded him.
"Logan, don't argue," Jean told him quietly. "You wouldn't win." Logan sighed but nodded at Yuko before leading Jean back to her seat.
XMXMXM
Myouta led Logan and Jean out to the gravesite that had been picked for Itsu. Jean's telepathy was buzzing in her mind as they reached the grave beside the lake and falls. Something was triggering the static, she just wasn't sure what it was yet. Jean looked around, seeing the cherry blossom trees and calming waters of the lake. To their right on the far side of the lake were three waterfalls that fed the lake. To the left rose the summit of the mountain, at least one hundred feet in the air. All along the back were the light red and white blossom trees. Jean could see why Logan sought peace here.
Jean turned her attention back to Logan as he knelt in front of the single headstone on the lakeshore. She knelt a few feet behind him as he filled the lantern cups with kerosene and lit them. Logan sat motionless for a few minutes before motioning her forward. She returned to her knees beside him, feeling the buzz in her head grow stronger.
"There's a psychic imprint here," Jean whispered to him.
"Can ya link to it and project it?" Logan asked.
"I'll try," Jean acquiesced.
Jean reached out with her telepathy, finding the source of the buzz in her head. She focused on that buzz, letting it spring forth. Suddenly the surroundings disappeared, only the lake and the closest cherry blossom trees. The wind started swirling gently, making the fallen blossoms spiral in the air. A figure shrouded in shadows walked slowing toward them.
"Hello, Logan-san," the female voice drifted off the winds.
"Itsu-kun?" Logan asked in a very weak voice.
"Yes, my once husband," Itsu came out of the shadows. "I see you have found your mate finally."
"Y…yes," Logan looked pale as she walked closer. "Itsu, this is Jean Grey."
"I know of her, my once husband," Itsu nodded at Jean. "Hello, star child. Soon, you will know why you are called that. Soon, fire and life will come to you. Soon, to be whole with the fire and life, you must be one with your mate or all will be lost. The Darkness will rise unless you are one with your mate. Heed my words, star child."
"I will," Jean promised.
"Itsu, I'm so sorry. I failed you," Logan looked up at her with tears in his eyes.
"None of what happened to me was your fault," Itsu argued. "Someone planned it all. Someone used the distraction during the Worthiness Ceremony to dishonor you. Someone killed me to take our child."
"The…baby…lived?" Logan asked through heavy pants. Jean gasped.
"Yes, our son lives," Itsu confirmed. "He has your gifts. All of them. I did not see who they were, but there were two. One with a weapon, one with knives for fingers. Both were men, but their faces were in darkness."
"I promise, I will find him. I will find our son," Logan cried.
"And I will help him," Jean promised. "And I will care for him as if he were my own. I will never let him forget you."
"I thank you," Itsu bowed to both of them. "But be warned, it will not be easy to overcome the things the ones who took him have done to him. It will take more than just you to break their hold on him. Help will come from an unknown source with knowledge of what could be if things here take place in certain ways. I must go for now. My spirit will remain until the day our son is fully cleansed of his masters. I ask you, Jean Grey, on that day, to bring him here that I might speak my son."
"I will. We will," Jean promised.
"Until that day, be at peace with my memory, my once husband," Itsu smiled at him. "Remember the lessons I gave you of loving someone. Love your mate. Together you will change the world."
The wind howled suddenly, swirling the petals, obscuring Itsu from view. When the winds stopped Logan and Jean looked around again. Itsu was gone and they were back kneeling beside her grave. Logan broke down in tears, Jean immediately pulling him to her in a tight hug. Jean had tears in her eyes as well, know the mental and emotional strain Logan was in at the moment.
XMXMXM
As the Blackbird landed in the hanger once again, the X-Men were gathered to greet their new teammates. Alex led the group of mutants out of the safe chamber as the ramp lowered. Charles lead the way down as the three new members followed. Logan and Jean were the last to disembark the jet.
Charles introduced the new members to the current team before indicating each with a gesture. "Some of you may remember Sean Cassidy, the Banshee and Shiro Yoshiro, Sunfire. And this is John Proudstar, Thunderbird. Please, make them welcome."
After greeting the newcomers, Alex led them to the elevator, assuring Sean his things had been picked up and placed in his room already. He waved as Jean, Logan, Ororo, and Lorna took the stairs. Alex explained quietly to the others about Ororo's phobia. He told them that on his team, everyone had each other's backs, no matter what.
"What is that?" Ororo asked pointing to the large bundle in Jean's arms as they climbed the stairs.
"Oh, this," Jean grinned slyly. "This is a gift from a friend of Logan's. I'll show it to you after we get upstairs." After reaching their room, Jean disappeared into their walk-in closet for a few minutes. She came back pushing a clothing rack on wheels.
"Goddess," Ororo breathed. "That is beautiful!"
"You got this as a gift?" Lorna asked with wide eyes as they looked at the kimono hung on the rack, displayed with the arms stretched out. "Is that real silk?"
"Yup," Logan answered from the bathroom doorway. "O'ly th' best fer a debt o' honor."
"What did you do?" Lorna asked still mesmerized by the kimono.
"Saved my friend's daughter," Logan shrugged.
"Three times," Jean added.
"Yeah, well, kid was a troublemaker, what can I say?" Logan shrugged. "Thought she was a ninja at twelve, jumped off the temple roof to do flips. Twice. Third time, she picked a fight with six guys from th' neighborin' village."
Logan shared a look with Jean before he disappeared into the bathroom. "Um…Listen, guys, Logan and I are pretty tired…"
"Oh, don't worry about it," Lorna waved it off. "We'll let you guys rest."
"Thanks," Jean told them as Lorna and Ororo left.
Jean knocked on the bathroom door but received no answer. She slowly opened the door, finding Logan sitting on the floor of the shower crying once again. Jean sat down beside him, taking him into her arms. She could feel the pain and anguish through their psi-link and knew how much it had broken Logan's heart to know how many years he had lost with his son because someone wanted his son for who knew what kind of experimentation.
A/N: It's been a bit crazy with my writings lately. Have two more X-Men stories started. One from the comics' perspective, one in the early stages for the movies (But need to watch the movies again for research). I seriously need to get back to my HP works, but as a writer, you have to go with the flow. I WILL GET BACK TO THE HP WORKS SOON, I PROMISE! But in the meantime, enjoy this and the other new one about to be posted: Passion of the Phoenix. As Always, thanks for the R/Rs.