I would like to once again thank Song of Grey Lemons for being my beta reader and helping me become a better writer. Without her, the rest of the chapters would never have been written.
Song of Grey Lemons: Thank you very much for being my beta reader. It will be difficult to answer all of your questions in the chapter so that's why I answered them in the PM. I've been trying to improve my taglines and I am very grateful that you noticed my improvement!
Disclaimer: Just like before, I don't own it.
XXX
Jean walked through the silent halls of the mansion, not sure where to go. After meeting with Logan, her entire perspective on her relationship with Logan had changed. She admitted that she had never really wanted Logan, but after hearing what he told her she realized that she wanted him.
Deciding to meet with the Professor, Jean began to walk towards his office. As she approached his office Jean could see the Professor looking out of the arched window. The windows had been repaired since Magneto's attack.
Magneto, she thought. He's not one to strike and then retreat. He must be planning something.
Jean knocked on the open door.
"Professor?"
Charles turned his wheelchair and smiled when he saw Jean. He motioned for her to take a seat and she complied.
"So," he said. "Is there a reason behind you coming here?"
Jean made a face of faux disappointment. "Does there have to be a reason behind me meeting you? Can't I come and see how my favourite mentor is doing?"
Charles chuckled. "Of course you can. But it has been a while since we've last spoken."
"I've been a little dead for the past few years, so please excuse me." They both smiled and Jean felt her worry begin to dissipate.
"Have you discovered anything new about Magneto?" Jean asked. Charles propped his arms up on his desk and rested his chins in his head.
"Unfortunately, no. I am not surprised that I am unable to locate Eric. However, I was quite astonished that I was unable to locate Raven or Victor. Even with the help of Cerebra, I was unsuccessful."
"Could it be that Magneto is somehow protecting them from telepathic detection?"
Charles shook his head. "The only reason that Eric is able to withstand any form of telepathy is due to his knowledge of the original Cerebro. His helmet has the effects of Cerebro in reverse. It allows him to become invulnerable to telepathy."
"Maybe he built some helmets for both of them?"
Charles gave Jean a small smile. "Jean, I would expect you to know that Eric is not the kind to donate to any charity."
Jean smiled as well. "I guess it'll remain a mystery for some time. How about that new mutant? He must be with Magneto?"
Charles pursed his lips. "I had the same thought. But I cannot even locate him either."
Jean cocked her head. "Professor, what if it's something else?"
"Like?"
"What if it's some sort of technological interference? I mean, with Eric's knowledge and skills, he would be able to manipulate a satellite or something similar and disrupt your telepathic probing. It would be especially effective against Cerebra."
Charles gave Jean a large smile. "And that is why you were always my favourite student." Both telepaths laughed heartily.
"Jean," Charles began, "did you pick up on any telepathic activity in the morning?"
Jean shook her head and gave him a confused look. "No, not at all. My telepathy and telekinesis haven't entirely returned."
"Ah, that is correct. Maybe it was nothing. It just seemed unusual. It was foreign yet I remember feeling it before. Anyways, I feel that we ought to try and see if we can bring back your powers."
Jean grabbed the armrests of the chair and squeezed until her knuckles turned white. "I-I don't know if that would be a good idea. I mean, wouldn't it be much easier if we were to wait for them to return naturally?"
Charles looked at Jean. "Jean? Is everything all right?"
The redhead quickly nodded and stood up. "Everything's perfect. I have to go and meet… Ororo. Sorry, Professor." Jean quickly turned and left.
"Wait, Jean!" Charles called.
"Don't worry, Professor. We'll try another time." Jean dismissed him with a wave of her hand and exited his office, trying as hard as she could to hide her worry.
XXX
Piotr paced back and forth in his bedroom. What had Betsy meant by her comment?
"There's a reason it's called morning sickness."
Morning sickness doesn't necessarily mean…
Piotr stopped pacing and ran a hand over his face. Taking a deep breath, he decided to ask Kitty. She wouldn't lie to him. After all, it was their three year anniversary.
Opening the door, Piotr walked into the empty hallways. Looking for Kitty, Piotr swore under his breath when he couldn't find her. He was about to leave the foyer when he bumped into Betsy.
"Oh, sorry!" Betsy smiled and patted Piotr on his chest. "You really should look where you're going. You don't want to squash someone."
"Have you seen Kitty? I can't find her anywhere."
Betsy shrugged. "I haven't seen her since breakfast."
Piotr decided to ask Betsy instead of Kitty. "Wh-what did you mean by 'there's a reason it's called morning sickness?'"
"Oh, nothing," Betsy mused. "Just… forget it."
Piotr shuffled his feet. "I-I just wanted to know if… y'know?"
"Oh. I'm not sure. But I'm sure that's not the case. After all, you have to have sex first." Betsy smiled as Piotr blushed. "How long?"
"I don't know. It's been some time, though."
"Maybe it's nothing. Or maybe you have to take some action."
Piotr felt awkward having this conversation with Betsy. He opened his mouth but then closed it. What could he say? Okay? That would sound... awkward.
Betsy put a hand over her mouth to stifle her laugh. "I'm sure you'll have no problem. After all, you're not unattractive." Betsy leaned closer to Piotr and ran a hand down his bare arm. His t-shirt defined his muscles and Betsy couldn't help but shiver with ecstasy.
"I, uh, have to, um, go," Piotr mumbled. He swiftly left the foyer in search for Kitty. Betsy only smiled. It was time for the bitch to get hers.
XXX
Emma and Rogue walked towards the alley, their footsteps being the only sound they could hear. Emma had brought Rogue to an area she was unfamiliar with. It hadn't taken long for Emma to convince Rogue to help her in her task. Rogue had absorbed a part of Emma's mind. Emma was thankful that Rogue had also absorbed Emma's hatred for Jean. It wasn't strong, but Emma knew that she would be able to strengthen it. She was an expert manipulator; after all, she was the White Queen.
"Are we there yet?" Rogue asked.
"I never really did like that movie. But, yes. We are."
Rogue looked at her surroundings. They were deep inside the alley, surrounded only by the shadows of dumpsters and run-down apartments.
"I would've thought you had higher standards."
Emma put a hand on Rogue's shoulder. "Trust me. I do. But there are times when I have to forget my standards. That's why I'm here with you."
Rogue rolled her eyes and replied with a sarcastic 'thanks.' Emma only waved her hand.
"Are they here yet?"
Emma suddenly smiled. "They're here."
Rogue rolled her eyes again. "Really? Movie references?"
"No. Really. They're here."
Rogue looked forwards and saw a figure step out of the shadows. He was a young man, maybe in his late teens or early 20's. He was lanky and tall, with slightly tanned skin. He wore dark blue jeans and an orange sweater vest with horizontal, black strips. Rogue could not help but wonder what made him choose his hairstyle, which was a purple mohawk.
"Rogue, meet Quentin Quire."
