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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2014 2:42:26 GMT -5
Time:9:30 am
Location:Cooperstown, Alaska
Takes place after "Her Secret Revealed"
It had been two weeks now since Hope had left the Avengers back in New York after the fiasco of losing control of her Phoenix Force powers. Her intentions had been to try and gradually control those powers and meditating had seemed to be helping, but the fact she lost control and destroyed most of the top floors to the tower was something she hadn't intended to happen. It was the first time that had happened since usually Hope had to be upset, angry, or stressed for the powers to emerge yet this time they had become on a destructive level. It's for this fact that Hope feared returning to the Avengers after this and worried of being not only in trouble but put into SHIELD custody and ended up using the last bit of energy to teleport back home.
Though her mother and grandmother were worried Hope never told them what happened, it likely would be on national news by now. But did that mean others would now come after her like at her birth? Certainly any telepath, like Xavier, Emma Frost, or even Jean Grey would have sensed that and possibly Magneto if it affected anything in the atmosphere or he had mutants who could sense such abnormal anomalies. After all the Phoenix was a vast energy entity, an influx of energy like that would cause anyone who could sense such things likely reeling with surprise and wonder or organizations who could catch that same energy wave could take advantage of getting a powerful source on their hands. This was the very reason Hope returned to her home town and finding it as the only sanctuary she had left. No one likely would know she was there since Hope had left her identicard back in the tower within the confines of her room, so it likely was there or destroyed.
That day Hope had gone out to the mountains that partly surrounded the town, while a road or two came in and out of it and the ocean on the opposite side for fishing boats. From where she sat was a common look out over the city, a place people often went to relax or get away and had a slightly worn down trail leading up to it. Some of the mountain rises were often gentle slopes first the based before it started going up to the steeper sides or further back towards the mountains themselves. And this slope was rather grassy with some pine trees further back behind her but the young red head was there to try and clear her mind. Yet, nothing seemed to be working as the incident was still fresh and raw in her mind, making her shudder and sigh at the thought.
Unlike the Phoenix's past host, Jean Grey, Hope hadn't fallen to the dark nature of the Phoenix, something she seemed to control. But she was afraid she'd lose control again and likely hurt her family or destroy the town that was a second home to her, thus why Hope stayed often at that look out point on the slope. Her arms were wrapped around her knees, hugging them to her chest as she wore a dark green to light green tyedye t-shirt, dark blue jeans, some black leather designer like boots, and her hair back in a pony tail that day. Really she wouldn't have been hard to miss if someone really looked but Hope was holding onto the fact she wouldn't be noticed. After all she was literally putting herself in exile for a reason.
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Post by Marvel Woman on Jan 22, 2014 20:59:54 GMT -5
After learning what had happened to the Avenger's tower, Jean had been restless. The period of grace where she could give a normal life a try was over, just like she had thought it would. Even without being its host, it seemed she had no way of getting rid of the Phoenix curse, but she just wouldn't leave something so... personal be dealt with by others while she just sat behind her desk and taught English.
She had guided the pilot of the black bird (Logan or Nate, probably) to that location in Alaska. Attuned to the Phoenix force as she still was, it was rather easy for Jean to trace it back to where it now laid dormant inside Hope. Also, after being brought up to speed on Hope's situation (*), the redhead had managed to convince the team that she should probably try to approach the girl alone at first. Knowing that the Phoenix force was triggered by strong emotions such as anger, stress or fear, Jean wasn't sure that a large group of mutants approaching her all of the sudden wouldn't make the new host lose control again.
After all, it had taken Jean a lot of time to learn how to control the Phoenix and she had been both older and more experienced by the time she had been possessed. This girl appeared to be doing better than she, but there was no way of telling the Phoenix wasn't just waiting for the right timing to take over again. She knew it better than anyone else so, after taking a few long breaths to calm herself and pulling most of her psychic powers inside her, Jean began the slow walk towards the lonely figure that was Hope Summers.
She walked slowly, hoping to be perceived before she was heard or even seen. That way, the girl would have the upper hand and she wouldn't appear as a threat as the Phoenix... Jean hoped. The redhead stopped at the edge of the very slope Hope was sitting on, quite a few yards to her right. She was sure a telepath would have perceived her by now, but still she waited a long moment before sending out a telepatic thought towards the girl.
"I don't think we've been properly introduced..." The mental voice was as friendly and calm as Jean found possible, which was a lot considering she was a kind, warm-hearted person. She also tried to convey her feelings of understanding and empathy for the girl's situation. "My name is Jean Grey and I think we have a friend in common," she continued, a tiny bit of sarcasm at the word 'friend'.
She knew just how lonely being the Phoenix's host could be and her heart broke a little for the so very young girl who had to endure such an enormous responsibility. Even from afar, she could get a psychic impression of her self-image and they looked oh-so-alike, Jean felt a pang inside at the fact that she had never been able to had any kids despite all the love she had to give.
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Post by James "Logan" Howlett on Jan 22, 2014 21:53:55 GMT -5
Logan had offered to drive the Blackbird, he was familiar with the jet by now and let Jean show them the way to where she had detected the Phoenix Force. He had also made arrangements with Tony in order to show up at the Avengers Tower at some point in order to see what was going on. He knew this would probably take more than a day or two in order to figure out was going on. If it took more than a couple of days he’d have to radio in on the Avengers and also the X-Men in order to tell them what was going on so the two teams wouldn’t have to be so worried about the missing members. He usually left someone with information on where they went, and it’d probably be Xavier this time. He trusted Xavier a lot and was one of the few people that he allowed into his mind to read his thoughts. Jean was an exception unless it was absolutely necessary that she looked into see what was going on.
It wasn’t long before they arrived into Alaska, passing the Canadian border in the processes where they flew over his home land. Alaska was like Canada, but the United States had claimed this massive territory when he had just been a boy. It was so vast and wonderful out here; he wouldn’t have minded coming here on his own to have some stress relief or to fulfill his side of wanting to be a loner again. It’d be nice that was for sure, but he doubted it’d happen anytime soon. And they weren’t exactly in for site seeing, there were other important matters at hand “Looks like we’re here.” He muttered as Jean seemed to be the first one out. It looked like she was getting down to business as fast as she could.
The wolf mutant shut off the jet as he managed to get out after the others two but watched from a distance giving the two Phoenix Force users their space. If they wanted him to come forward and speak he would. He wondered what Nate would be doing at this point in order to mind his time or to do what he wanted to do. Logan knew that going far from this area was going to be a bad idea. It’d lead to trouble or trouble would find you. Either way it was not going to end well. “Nate, you probably know this already but I suggest you don’t go far. The two might need us for something.” Logan said as he looked back at the young boy with a serious voice. It was clear Wolverine was not kidding around and meant his words. He hoped that he could trust Nate that he’d at least stay within proximity of the area.
Some of the other students would have had other ideas, but he didn’t think Nate was one of those who liked to cause trouble or create issues for the mission at hand. That would have been trouble right there. He knew Iceman had always been one of those kinds of people, and still was on occasions but he pretty much grew out of it at this point. He hoped that it had gone by now, but he couldn’t keep his promise. Nate obviously wasn’t like that; his personality was a lot different compared to the ice mutant that he had come to know so well.
Logan looked back as he saw where the figure of Hope was. He could understand on how she wanted to be left alone. He had always been a loner himself at one point, and didn’t want any contact for one of the same reasons. Sabertooth. He had been a menance in his life and for one that he did not understand for some time on why since his memory had been whipped and he had forgotten a lot of his past. Bit by bit he managed to restore it and things were coming back to him. He thought being by himself would avoid the problems of having Sabertooth kill the ones that he loved closely. That had happened once…with Itsu. But she had only been a distant memory now.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2014 23:57:59 GMT -5
Hope
Somehow the approaching presence Hope began to feel didn't exactly surprise her. For a long time she had always expected she'd come face to face with the former holder of the Phoenix mantle, especially since Cable had informed her a lot about the X-men and told her the truth before they were separated in the streams of time and space. The memory was still quite raw for the young woman and a memory she'd never forget even is she came across her father in this time. For now, she was always looking forward to the day she'd be reunited with the man and actually have her true family back.
In the meantime Hope began to draw upon the powers she sensed of the mutants, the telepathy coming in handy as she felt the presence of Jean Grey approaching her a short time after the Blackbird had been landed not far off to which she heard without needing Logan's enhanced hearing. And for a time Hope didn't acknowledge Jean was even there, even when she had spoken to her kindly and introduced herself, showing she was understanding of what she was going through but Hope somehow felt that wasn't entirely true. 'I've heard much about you Jean, in fact I have heard many great things of the X-men thanks to my father. Adoptive father really, but he always felt like a true father to me.'Hope finally responded before she finally stood and faced the older red head, seeing why everyone who knew Jean immediately saw the resemblance as they looked frighteningly alike.
But as Hope's green eyes met directly with Jean's a stirring inside her cause Hope to tense, knowing the Phoenix likely recalled it's former and most common host. Luckily though this didn't trigger it's appearance, making the teen relax once more and sigh with relief. She really didn't want another fiasco like back at the tower, her mind briefly racing through the calls of her teammates and some calls for help, making her shudder as a person in particular popped up in her mind. Yet, this was a quick thought that was quickly blocked by Hope to where Jean and Nate likely wouldn't have even seen the face of the person. But there was a deep emotion within that thought, one of a deep caring, loving emotion that was growing but even that emotion was a fleeting one. "Somehow though, I don't think you truly understand. Unlike when you were Phoenix it's never fallen to the same dark human nature as you did." Hope spoke these words out loud, being quite blunt and a little cold towards Jean as a growing fear her presence there might actually bring out the Phoenix and risk harming the town this time.
"I don't mean to be rude but you, Wolverine, and the other guy are wasting your time here. There's nothing you can do to help and I don't need your being here to make things worse Jean Grey!" Hope actually wanted them to try and leave, hoping faking her anger might be enough to make them nervous enough to not attempt something. But her worry actually contradicted this as it showed in her eyes and expression, not wanting to harm them or any others than she already had.
Nate
For the most part on the flight to Alaska Nate had been relatively quiet, occasionally glancing towards his genetic mother and seeing a vast contrast of her compared to what she was like in his home reality. And it was even more stranger to see Logan near her in the pilot seat and Jean in the co-pilot, recalling the relationship of them was also drastically different from where he was. Nevertheless, he kept these thoughts to himself the whole time and merely smiled to himself at likely finally getting to know his mother where he couldn't before. Though it's not like his last name didn't give some relation away even if Jean wasn't aware of this. He hoped in time he likely could have her know the truth of who he was and maybe build a true relationship with her instead of hiding it. The others already knew it seemed only fair she did as well.
Eventually though as they came to a landing it wasn't long before Jean was heading out shortly after the ramp had been lowered and Nate having just unbuckled his seat belt. Stretching slightly the young man followed Wolverine out of the jet, giving the place a quick glance around and finding it quite beautiful in it's own way, recalling one time of coming across the place in his travels which made him smile faintly. But his attention was soon drawn to Logan when he spoke up of not going far, "Don't worry Logan I have no plans of wandering off like many of the students or even Iceman has been known to do. We're here to help someone after all not entirely admire the scenery." He assured him, giving the feral mutant a quick smile to show he was going no where and for now glanced over to the exchange between Jean and Hope which seemed to be going alright at first until Hope spoke out from her thoughts to which Nate could hear the conversation with his own thoughts, making him frown slightly.
But her expression mostly spoke of worry rather than true anger, contradicting her own words and likely using it as a tactic to get them to leave. "A fake out of emotion won't be sending us packing anywhere." He remarked, making the young red head shift uncomfortably before he jumped when this time Hope's eyes narrowed and three rather familiar claws came from her hands. "Wolverine those are your bone claws!" Nate with surprise as Hope spoke up once more, "Then if I have to I'll make you!"She warned one last time.
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Post by Marvel Woman on Jan 23, 2014 12:19:59 GMT -5
Jean had slipped a quick "Thanks for doing this" to Logan, Nate and the rest of the team before asking them to give her some space and disappearing in Hope's direction.
The news didn't shock her. Jean's power while possessed by the Phoenix force had turned many heads within the mutant community and anyone who had access to a psychic had been worried about her back then. It was only natural that someone who was so involved with the X-Men as Cable was, would talk about her to a new Phoenix host. If there was a chance of keeping the Phoenix as contained as possible, that girl would need all the information, help and allies she could sum up.
The X-Men and the Avengers were respectful enough to leave her be if she chose the exile after that talk, but there probably would be other less considerate parties interested in either manipulating her for power or wiping her out of the face of the Earth... just in case she couldn't control her new powers. Not everyone was fair and tried to give others a chance to live if they were proven to be harmful and those were things a teenager probably wouldn't have considered.
The way she talked to her next was only a confirmation of that, along with the other suspicion Jean had about Hope: she was scared or, at least worried. There was no other explanation for isolating herself if she truly thought herself harmless. Well, that was a sign of good common sense. She should be. The Phoenix force might be under control and behaving for now, but who knew for how long? Or if she'd be able to control something that had so easily overpowered an older, more experienced mutant like
Jean had been when first possessed. She was scared too, for the girl and for the innocent ones she might harm if things went south, but she wasn't even trying to shield it. At least, Jean didn't fear for herself anymore. That had stopped the moment she understood it was a girl who had to carry the heavy burden that had once been hers. She didn't want the Phoenix's power back, she hated it with all her being, but would have gladly changed places to spare an innocent young kid the terrible responsibility she now had to live with.
"Maybe, but I have a theory," she replied still calm, showing no resentment towards the girl for being blunt and rude. Jean still could remember what it was like to be its host, to have it make you say and do thinks that weren't like you to hurt innocent people or those you cared about. "It was cooperating and very friendly with me too while it helped me save the M'Kraan crystal," Jean explained without waiting to know if Hope wanted to hear her theory. "While we were doing that, it got to experience many different and very intense emotions for the first time, in a short period of time compared to the infinite eternity it had known before and it got addicted. For a being that powerful no emotion was strong enough... I don't think you've fed it any emotion as strong as what it has tasted in the past... yet, so it's not... acting out." She decided to go with the softer version for now. Jean had consumed all her time trying to figure out why the Phoenix was being tamer now and that was the only theory that made sense to her so far.
"You wouldn't have forced yourself to an exile if you didn't realize the danger being one with the Phoenix means." Jean said now seriously, all past calm and empathy now shut down. "It's a wise choice and the X-Men will respect your decision if you want us to leave. You pose no threat to anyone in here and we can return and contain the Phoenix if it gets out of your hands as it has been done before," at this time, she was doing more persuasive guesswork than going by hard facts, but she had all her psychic defenses up and wasn't trying to sound intimidating or threatening, just convey the seriousness of Hope's situation. "...but I'd like you to bear in mind that there are other psychics out there, working for less understanding, very powerful mutants and they might try to come to get you and force or trick you to use this new power to their convenience." She explained.
" Have you killed someone before? What if the fear and guilt and horror are all that's needed for the Phoenix to fall to the dark side?" This time, Jean's telepathic voice was pleading. "You're about to turn your back on the only people who are on your side and might be willing to defend you if someone tries to come for you," she didn't dare anything other than 'might' because even her had been sacrificed for the greater good before. "I don't think this is the time to be rude to someone who's trying to help you and knows just how very lonely it feels to be you right now," Jean sent in a warmer tone that had a lining of farewell and waited in silence, looking at the city in front of them waiting for an answer, if there was going to be one.
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Post by James "Logan" Howlett on Jan 23, 2014 23:16:40 GMT -5
"Good then I shouldn't have to worry much about you, Nate." Logan said as he saw the younger student starting to step down. He knew there were students that ranged from all kinds of personalities. There were no doubt the ones that liked to cause trouble, and the ones that were the good students. He knew Nate fell under that category by far. "Looks like you were right on that one. Absolute mimicry of powers isn't exactly something that I'd call fair." Logan said though he knew there was a name of the type of Powers she was showing he just couldn't think of the name of it right off the bat. He also didn't know too many who had the same bone claw like appearance of a mutate that he had.
Logan let out a sharp growl at the rude comment that Hope had made, had she really just told them to leave? And now making a mockery of him and his bone claws. "If you want a fight you'll have to get through me first before we leave." Logan said already starting to show some annoyance as he brought out his own adamantium claws. That at least she could not mimic in this part of his mutant ability. He had never been born with the adamantium so he had at least an advantage over that. While he got ready to fight he could tell there was some sort of struggle going on between the two Jean had been contacting Hope desperately. So he decided to stop for now until things got worse-and he had no hope but to fight.
"Hope just think of what you're doing. The Avengers. The X-Men. Ironman. Francis. All the others that you're leaving behind. You're leaving all of it behind. Do you really want to go down that road? I've felt what it's like to be left alone. Everyone pretty much knows that I'm a loner." Logan said as he tried to talk to Hope this way as well. He had a feeling that he might not have gotten through to her. But he still didn't want her to give up so soon. She was after all apart of the X-Men as well, in some weird way but she was still. Also they were team mates in another way, from being an Avenger. All of those left the two intertwined with the same team.
Everything you once knew was gone. He knew Sabertooth had caused him so much misery in the past. And now she was forcing herself into exile. Logan had heard more than once about the archer Francis speak up about Hope. He thought the two would be close friends at least-either that or Francis was following like his father. He always seemed to be hanging around those rather dangerous women. He knew that Clint had been around the Black Widow more than once and it wasn't exactly a good thing. He had gotten into trouble more than once. And it seemed like the younger Archer was falling down his path as well. Then he'd start to worry about Hope sooner or later, but he wasn't aware of the current injuries that the young archer had.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2014 0:17:25 GMT -5
Hope
Hope grudgingly listened to Jean’s theory, at the moment willing to listen but at the same time it wasn’t like she had a choice. The young teen faintly recalled similar stories she had heard from Cable but had heard only partial accounts of those times and even know it was very little information from Jean herself. She was giving her a much different version than the nitty gritty stuff just like her father had done, and she likely understood why. There were probably things left unsaid even well after the years those times had passed and possibly even still disturbed the powerful mutant in front of her.
This, however, did little to change Hope’s mind as Jean continued to try and convince her for the help that she didn’t want at the moment. “I have killed someone Jean, the life I lived with Cable was one of almost endless war and traveling, we’ve had many times to fight for our lives. I was still very young when I killed an alien bug to save him.” Hope replied, her voice inside her mind actually being someone softer and almost grief stricken, especially since she missed her father dearly and it always saddened her to talk about him. There had been no traces of the man who was in a sense Jean’s step son but she wasn’t entirely sure if it was from this reality or not. “Someone wanting me off the face of the earth…you have no idea, again. There was one man known as Bishop who’s been out to kill me since the day I was born. A lot of people converged onto here just to find the massive psychic wave I released. So your about seventeen years too late to warn me.”
It was true in that aspect. A few memories of being at gun point by a former ally of the X-men and not to mention being protected by a man somewhat resembling Nate but with some vast differences also showing in a few of those memories soon showed towards Jean. This time the young woman had actually opened up her mind for that but not entirely lowering her own defenses. “And I’ve already told you I don’t want your help. Why would I want it from the very woman who couldn’t control it herself?” Hope countered towards Jean, taking on her slightly cold tone until she heard Wolverine and glared towards him. “You really think I’ve scared of you Wolverine? I’m not just another pretty face.” She warned towards him though also overhearing the next part, “And the power I hold is Empathic Power Mimicry, I can copy the powers of other mutants which is why I can copy your claws, Jean’s telepathy, and others.” She informed them until the others were mentioned.
It seemed to make Hope frown a bit before she actually retracted the claws and turned away slightly. “No I don’t, Logan. But I don’t have a choice. The last time I lost control I could have killed someone, I know I hurt some people I have no doubts about that and I don’t need that happening to others.” She said to them as she clenched her fists before began to notice smoke in the distance and hearing the sound of the sirens from the firehouse in the small city.
She somehow had no doubt her mother was on that truck, going to rescue those who were in the fire. It likely might be quick for them to handle but the brief flicker of flames made Hope shudder as she recalled the burst of flames that had come from her and destroyed the living quarters of the Avengers. This also lead her to think of Cable and how he had always encouraged her to be strong and even gave her the advice to seek out the X-men should she ever need to, and here they were coming to her. A soft sigh escaped her then as her shoulders dropped slightly knowing this was the moment she had to gain that help. “Fine…come with me.”She finally spoke.
Nate
Things now seemed to be getting more and more tense and Nate stepped forward, ready to help subdue Hope should she have tried to cause anything. Well one thing was for sure the young woman was vastly different from Jean in terms of personality, especially being very stubborn and combative. She might as well be doing well to train with the likes of Wolverine as his personality wasn’t exactly different either. Of course, he meant that well and with all respect towards the feral mutant.
As the exchange continued even Nate was feeling the different emotions that came and went, making him wonder what was running through their minds. His mother had seemed calm for the most part before there was a loss of her usual kind, empathic demeanor to a much more serious one. Hope’s had briefly lost the coldness and anger to genuine sadness and grief, but that quickly changed as well. “Something tells me this isn’t going to be quite that easy.” He murmured, not liking the fact even Logan was willing to jump into a full blown fight between them and likely it’d cause a scene. He really wanted to tell Logan it wouldn’t be a bright idea but he decided against it as he knew the wolf mutant would ignore him. Or just tell him to be quiet in a not so friendly way. So he kept this to himself now.
Though upon hearing the sirens Nate turned his gaze towards the city, seeing a fire beginning in the distance and wondering why this seemed to suddenly snap Hope from her previous mood. Maybe it was reminding her of something? He wish he could tell but with her mind defenses it wasn’t exactly happening at the moment and he was even more surprised at her sudden words to follow her.
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Post by Marvel Woman on Jan 24, 2014 11:42:09 GMT -5
The part of her mind that was almost subconsciously monitoring Logan and Nate gave her one more reason to worry when Logan began getting annoyed at Hope's mockery of his claws. "We're here to talk, Logan," she tried to calm him down telepathically, with a small nod reminding him the conversation they had had on the mansion gardens a few days earlier, but without bringing it forward in his mind openly. Jean knew that if things got out of hand and the Phoenix became a real danger they'd have to act sooner or later but, for now, she just needed to talk to the girl and gather information. After all, they were there and nobody had been attacked just yet.
For a moment, there was a flicker of shock in Jean's eyes as she hear about the kind of life Nate had dragged Hope into, even if it was for her own survival. Then her expression changed to one similar to Hope's, one of grief and extreme regret, which she was projecting along with her mental thoughts to her. "You don't understand..." Jean's mental voice sounded as if she were about to cry, but it wasn't the case. She was trying to focus on the task at hand, not the past, even if they were discussing the worst of it. "I have destroyed an entire solar system... billions of lives..." Her telepatic projection shook her head. "I can still hear them screaming as they died burned in the Phoenix's fire." Jean tried to explain what she meant when talking about the power of destruction and extreme emotions. Even as they spoke, extreme guilt and anguish pooled inside her despite her attempts to ignore it.
Her telepathic head shook again. "No. This is a whole different kind of witch hunt. Now the Phoenix within you is starting to truly awaken. I felt it's energy from halfway across the continent a few weeks ago." She sounded serious. Jean could feel the fuzzy memory projections from Hope, but it didn't help her see things the way Hope did, so she let it go, preferring to focus on what wasn't a cause for argument, if there was some common ground they could talk of.
Hope's words cut like a knife straight to the already sensitive spot of guilt and grief that was pooling inside of her. Yes, she hadn't been able to control the Phoenix and, yes, an entire world had died because of it, as did many other humans on Earth, but still, Jean wasn't sure the Phoenix inside Hope was trying to manipulate her with all its potential as it had been her case. She felt the accusations were unfair and, still, they hurt because a part of Jean still blamed herself for what the Phoenix had done. A part of her was suffering intensely and demanded her sole attention, but she buried it under concrete walls, not because she didn't want Hope to see it, but because it was something to be dealt with later, in private. She couldn't let a teenager let her lose her cool.
After locking all that pain away, there was only a dull ache of extreme guilt inside her, but it was manageable. "Because..." Jean started projecting again after a long pause. "...there will be a time when you'll feel alone and want to talk to someone about all this and I'm the only one who knows what it feels like." Jean reminded her. "You think you've got it under control now, despite the accident at the Avengers' tower, but what if that changes, say... ten, fifteen years from now and you become what I had been?" Her telepathic voice sounded tired, as if she felt a thousand years old. She actually did. It was so typical of a teenager to think they had everything figured out and under control. That was what caused the most troubles. As a teacher, she was well aware of that. "I could have stayed home warm and comfortable, letting you carry this heavy burden without even thinking about you, busy with my new life, and still I'm here to show my support and so are the others."
"Look, I'm not offering to come live with you and fight your battles. All I'm saying is you can't do this alone and I'm here to talk about it if you want because... even if I am the woman who couldn't control the Phoenix." Her physical face winced. "There had been times when I could, even for brief periods of time, and what had given me the strength to do that had been my friends and allies... knowing that I had them supporting me, that I was loved and needed." Once again, Jean's telepathic voice sounded strangled, as if she were about to cry, but her physical eyes remained dry.
Jean had been looking at the city, so she saw the smoke, but her mind was too focused on the girl and the Phoenix to pay much attention to that. She thought that Hope could use a lot more 'empathy' and less 'mimicry' in her personal life, but hid that personal opinion along with the part of her that was devastated and crying, drowning in guilt and grief.
The girl's last words gave her some hope and Jean did as told, ready to follow her.
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Post by James "Logan" Howlett on Jan 29, 2014 22:19:32 GMT -5
Talking. Logan heard Jean’s voice as he gave a soft grunt of annoyance as he looked back at the girls as they were speaking through their telepathic minds. He knew coming here was probably a good reason for him and Nate. They could be there to call the X-Men in case something bad would happen as the two were talking or some sort of event took place. What if Jean came here alone and something happened to her and they didn’t know about it? That’d be asking for trouble and the others would be in sheer worry about Jean and her whereabouts. Logan could track her down but that wasn’t going to be enough. He shook the thought away as he looked back at the two with his blue eyes, ‘Alright.’ He muttered back to Jean taking one last look before returning his watch to the area around them. He stood like a guard at first to make sure that no one would try to come in and stab them in the back. It felt like his over protectiveness was coming in again towards the people he cared about. “Kid, the Phoenix force it’s never an easy task.” Logan said as he seemed to be agreeing with what Nate had to say about that.
It seemed like they were on the move as he heard the footsteps of the X-Men member sand as well as Hope. She was apparently telling them to move. Logan wasn’t exactly fond of leaving the Blackbird behind since it was so obvious that someone might be tempted to try and take it. He doubted that someone knew how to actually fly it unless they were a licensed pilot. He began to move in response as he heard them on their own walk and could see the smoke rising from the city. Even though they had not stepped into the city he still smelled the fire that had consumed the parts of the city that had once been prosperous and full of life. The life that the X-Men were supposed to protect, and save no matter what the cost was.
As the silence continued with their walk he looked back up at the two as he put his adamantium claws back into his knuckles. The familiar snikt noise could be heard as he brought them in to his flesh again. There was no reason to use those, and he realized he had made a mistake. ‘Jean if it helps her in anyway. I will tell her at one point that I’ll go visit the Avengers like I told you I would earlier. That might help shed some light for her that everyone there still forgives her. Of course I'd rather not bring up another confrontation again.' Logan said to her in his thoughts as he didn’t want to break the silence between the four of them. 'If that chance doesn't come, I was thinking you could tell her.' He was wondering if it was a good idea to even bring this up towards Hope. He had already almost caused a fight and now there was a chance it might happen again if his rage comes in again. At most he’d just tell Jean to tell it to her. It’d avoid a confrontation that was for sure.
Anyways, bad idea or not this was going to go on a path that some of them might have not expected. They had to be ready. And anything could happen with the fire. He knew he could survive the fire with the healing factor but he had to worry about the others. Were lives perishing in this fire? Or was it something that had just happened and everyone had gotten out alive? There were so many questions that were going on that it was going to be hopeful that they’d be answered at some point.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2014 9:32:03 GMT -5
Hope
'What may be intense to you may not be the same for me Jean, everyone has something different that they view as intense in their lives. To me traveling from time to time fighting for my life alongside my father, avoiding a crazy ally of your's just to save his time, and nearly killing my friends all count as intense in my eyes.' Hope counted lightly as she actually looked back to meet Jean's gaze, though her gaze was no long as cold but more or less imploring Jean to say she was wrong. 'I'm sure you can agree at least that history is not repeating itself.' She added lightly as they walked, knowing the house she now lived in again wasn't far since the city was pretty small and was more of a small town place than anything.
Though she did pause briefly to look towards the fire, seeing it was gradually going down. Still, a worry did pop up deep inside her as the young red head channeled Jean's and Nate's telepathy and expanded to check the building, exploring every mind she could and frowned with concentration but was relieved to sense no one else inside and actually sensing her mother was just getting out safely. "She's safe at least."Hope said to herself before letting the power go for now and returned to walking some more blocks down until they came to a decent size two story house. It was a white wooden house with some a deck to the front and seemed partly built by the mountain side for better space within the town. "Well welcome to my home. Little less luxurious than the Avengers Tower or X-mansion but it's nice."Hope said, for now showing a bit of kindness as she walked up the stairs of the deck and heading to the door, opening it to step in and allowing them to come inside.
Still, a long silence had been left between Hope and Jean for a bit after Jean spoke. Finally though she responded, 'I have been waiting for the one person I do trust Jean, but for the past year and almost a half a year now I've not seen him. And I've been trying to adapt back into this society since I have began to gradually realize this is truly where I was meant to land. I didn't know when the Phoenix would awake inside me and it's only in recent months I've been able to use it consciously without losing control. What happened at the tower was a freak accident, because the Phoenix was trying to give it's power faster then I was ready for...a small flame quickly became an overpowering inferno I couldn't stop.' Hope answered before she shut the door behind them and moved towards the kitchen before looking back. "Coffee anyone?"She asked.
Though she also realized that they were alone for now. She figured her grandmother might be out shopping or talking with her old friends since she grew up here. And the one thing the three X-men might notice in the house was something of a plain style to the house and many pictures being of her mother and grandmother and perhaps a few of Hope, though there seemed to be no other, except her grandfather who was long deceased but nothing of a possible biological father.
Nate
"Would this be a bad time to tell you I've been told my powers almost equal that of Dark Phoenix then? Been told by my...creator." Nate said with a shrug, following after them and rubbing the back of his neck. This whole thing almost seemed to just split the bubble of hostility just moments ago and he was almost ready to intervene if he had to. But so far it seemed Logan held his cool and Jean was able to say something or Hope came to her senses to follow. That's what he did for now, following them in silence as his mind wandered to scan the different minds of the town, even in the fire but finding people were safe and everyone from the fire department were successfully out as well making him smile inwardly in relief. Even if they were there to investigate the Phoenix's rise again he was still glad for lives not being lost.
Though when sensing Logan's worry he smile, "Don't worry Logan, everyone is safe. Seems the department got there just in time." He assured the feral mutant as they paused but were soon on their way again. But still Jean and Hope were quiet, making him wonder if they were exchanging thoughts between them and though it made him tempted to look into their conversation he knew better than that and kept to himself. With his powerful telepathy, inherited from jean herself, he'd be able to but knew his mother would disapprove of such intrusion though it wasn't long before they arrived at what Hope called home. It was a nice little place and he was finding it even more ironic Hope was from Alaska like his father and really her adoptive grandfather. "Seems like a home to me."He remarked softly, making Hope shrug a bit as she opened the door and Nate followed them inside.
Once inside the young man began looking around a bit curiously, turning to Hope for a moment to nod, "I'd like some please, with a little cream if you have any." He responded as his eyes scanned the pictures and room or other areas in his eyes sight of the home. But he did notice there seemed really no signs of anyone else except Hope, her mother, and her grandmother. 'Either of you noticed there doesn't seem a biological father in the picture?'He projected towards Jean and Logan, making him wonder now about this young girl's family. 'Just saying this might be something to inquire about just in case it might play a part in affecting her next to her mother and grandmother.' Would this affect her somehow in controlling that raging fiery raptor bird?
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Post by Marvel Woman on Feb 4, 2014 22:50:45 GMT -5
"Her power is overwhelming, Logan. Even at rest as it is now. I'm sure she must have picked that up." Jean said taking a moment to look at Hope's face, trying to figure out if she had heard Logan's thoughts after all. "But I will let her know if I have a chance." She promised. This kid was a tough nut to crack. She was absolutely sure of that and felt grateful that her own sort of daughter Rachel had been a lot easier, even at her worst. ((OOC: you don't have a Rachel right? It would be so much fun to play across))
"I agree." Jean said calmly, her mind actually racing beneath the quiet surface she was projecting. "But I didn't mean either of us." She clarified. The parameters of what was or wasn't intense weren't determined by them but by the Phoenix. "It has experienced so much through me, anything you throw at it now seems like peace and quiet, even if you found it highly disturbing." And why wouldn't she? The poor kid had had to do and witness things no child her age should have and still, it was nothing compared to the things the Phoenix was capable of, the things it craved.
"Maybe that's why she has it under control" Jean mentally told Logan. "The Phoenix has experienced such extreme emotions through me, anything a kid can feed it feels like baby food, no matter how traumatic the experience must have been for this poor girl." She wanted to know his opinion, not trusting her own anymore. In this subject, Jean believed herself biased, even if she always tried to be as impartial as humanly possible.
Jean followed the girl in silence, taking in the surroundings. She was silent most of the way to the house except when Hope talked to her. "Thanks for letting us in." She said earnestly.
"You can trust us, Hope." She said in her warmest, almost pleading voice. "And the Avengers too. You're like family to them and they're worried about you. Not because you might become a threat, but because they care. No one can go through life trusting only a single person..." She had to repress a sigh. "It would be sad for a girl your age, with so much to live, enjoy and experience to become distrustful and isolated. It will only bring out your darkest thoughts and memories and, even if that doesn't trigger the Dark Phoenix, it will still be a lonely painful road to walk." It was the last she had to offer for now, and her pleading tone gave away the fact that she felt like giving up. The X-Men tried to persuade people, but they never forced anyone to do anything against their will.
Nate's words about his gift made Jean shiver and she hugged herself for comfort and kept looking at the place. "Yes, please." Was her reply to the coffee offer, made in a small voice. Asking for specifics like Nate had done seemed like too much for her. She had already overstepped many boundaries by talking to Hope the way she had... or at least that's what Jean perceived from the way the girl had reacted. A part of her was frustrated, but she knew it was just a young scared teenager with an enormous burden over her shoulders. She could barely be blamed for the way she was acting.
"If you want to give it a shot, be my guest. The conversation hasn't gone well so far and I don't think she'll take it well if we started asking personal questions. She's in that phase where teens think they know better and reaching to them in that stage is really difficult." She replied to Nate, allowing Logan to hear what she was saying too, but trying to shield it from Hope.
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Post by James "Logan" Howlett on Feb 5, 2014 12:53:08 GMT -5
‘I’m sure at this rate Cerebra could pick up Hope with her power. There’s also the fear that someone like Magneto might try to do something with it. Good thing we got here first.’ Logan said showing his concern as it was clear he had managed to calm down with their walk. And a fight hadn’t pursued either. It was going to probably be a bloody battle if anything between him and the Phoenix Force. He knew Jean wouldn’t want that to happen either to when it came to fighting. That was one thing that the X-Men were here to avoid.
Logan continued to keep the mind link open between himself and Jean. The two had talked back and forth, but he knew he could trust Jean since they had been friends for so long. An enemy in his mind was not welcomed, they’d probably come across many barriers that were up along the years by others. Many to the likes of what Xavier had done to make sure that some memories stay hidden, or were best to be forgotten. Whatever the case maybe, Logan seemed to agree with Jean as she spoke up about the trauma that Hope had felt. Each one of those lives that she had hurt and nearly killed, all because of the Phoenix force had come in and taken control when they least expected it. Each one had a story behind it and had felt guilty for each one of it. But the Avengers could recover; they had done it in the past with other villains that nearly tore apart their home. It might take some time, but it was going to be worth it. ‘It’d make sense. It’s like the calm after the storm as of now. The Phoenix is quiet, but we don’t know how long that is going to last before it decides to show itself again. Though maybe this time, we can at least try to be ready for it.’ Logan said though he knew the word try was going to be a hard one. It was going to be a real hard one to try to be ready for the Phoenix Force.
“Good one less thing to worry about.” Logan said as he seemed more relieved now as he looked up seeing the smoke. The fire department had arrived and that meant he didn’t have to worry about having to dive into the mess and try to drag people out. Sometimes there were those moments where the X-Men shouldn’t interfere, just like now. They’d leave the humans to their own worries and problems.
Hope lead them to a small home that had been on the outskirts of the city, Logan continued to stay alert and didn’t seem too interested on a drink at the moment. The smells in the small home were unfamiliar to him, but he knew snooping off in someone’s home was not allowed. They were a guest, and not going to cause trouble-he already made that mistake once. Looking around would probably cause things to get worse. He shook his head at Hope’s offer, “No thanks. I’m not exactly thirsty, at the moment.” He said as he leaned against one of the walls in the home as he watched the others. But he did take off the mask part of his suit seeing that he didn’t need it now. He wasn’t hiding from anyone at the moment. ‘I did notice that there was something different with Hope. She cares for Cable and that is the man who acted like a father for her. For all we know he could be lost and forgotten in another time zone. So with any chance we probably can’t even go back and find her. As easy as we wished it’d be. It’s very hard.’ Logan said as he responded to Nate’s question about noticing that there wasn’t a father in the picture.
However Logan did notice that Jean hadn’t been so easy with the talk about some of the subjects. He placed a hand on her shoulder like he had done on the night of where they talked for some time. The hours passed by so long at that day it didn’t seem to matter where or what they had to do. For once at that point, Logan didn’t have to worry about Scott looking over his shoulder and he and Jean could just be friends there. He was there to comfort her, a sign of being a friend, and nothing else. He knew he’d never be able to approach Jean for being a girlfriend. It would be too much for the red-headed woman at once. ‘Jean, are you alright?’ He asked her through their link.
Logan heard Jean’s thoughts once more about offering to step in, he realized that the thoughts of what he had said earlier to Jean about visiting the Avengers might spark some good news for Hope to hear. He was going to check in on them to see how they were doing. And maybe get their feelings for hope. Knowing Tony, he showed concern for Hope. He had seen some sort of power and potential in the young Avenger, and probably wanted her back as soon as he got the chance. ‘I’ll try Jean. I don’t know how well it’s going to help.’ Logan said knowing that he wasn’t the best to some areas of convincing. Yes he could do it with force, but this issue didn’t need force. No claws or fists here. Logan recalled the last time that he had seen Tony as he mentioned the progress that was going on. Then again, he was more on the idea to talking with Steve to see what had gone on instead of hurting Tony’s pride. He’d try Tony if it was a last resort to see if he could get any information from what happened from him last. “Hope I was going to visit the Avengers in a few days from now to see how they’re doing. I’ll gather any information I can about what happened and as well as their thoughts and feelings. Knowing them they probably want you back. Once you’re a member there, you’re always a member.” Logan said knowing that even he couldn’t avoid them that easily
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2014 23:26:47 GMT -5
Hope
For the moment Hope didn't quite know how to respond to Jean, knowing there was likely truth behind what she said but unfortunately Hope only understand part of the brevity of what had happened with Jean when she was Phoenix. For now she could only glance back at the older woman, showing she partly understood but there was also uncertainty of her own of what could likely trigger the Phoenix or not. Turning away Hope stepped into the kitchen and went to making the coffee, glass cups clinging together as she went about the kitchen and soon movement became quiet except for Hope working on the coffee machine and leaning against the counter when the machine began working to make it.
Though when Jean's thoughts entered her mind again with a pleading tone the teen could recall there had been a time she didn't completely trust the Avengers and she had her reasons. Although, now that she thought about it there was one person on the Avengers she had come to trust on a deeper level than she had ever expected so she hadn't been completely truthful with Jean about that. 'Jean, you need to understand after what I've been through it's been difficult to trust others since I've gotten here. The Avengers I do trust because I've been with them for so long now and the X-men...I don't know, it'll take time just as it was with them. I just ask if I do decide to come with you, Logan, and Nate that you give me time to to adjust to there as well.' Hope finally sighed, beginning to give into the fact that she couldn't completely deny that Jean was right. She couldn't isolate herself, there was just no chance of that happening and there were others that knew more about this secret she had kept than others did. James Templar of the Avengers knew some things the Avengers hadn't known until tow weeks before and some even now had been kept between them.
Hope had to admit though she wished he was there and perhaps things might be easier. Her attention though was drawn form her thoughts to Logan when he spoke, the red head looking to the feral mutant for a long moment to which she shrugged. "Guess I could go with you Logan, but I can't guarantee I'd be comfortable of going. Even if the Avengers forgive me what's stopping those who did witness what occurred from doing something." She said a bit flatly, not exactly trusting her luck with crowds or news media and dealing with tarnishing the Avengers and the reputation they had gained.
Looking back over as the coffee was finally done Hope took the container containing the coffee within it and poured it into the three cups before adding cream to them and set her cup aside for the moment. Picking up the other two she brought one to Jean and the other to Nate, briefly meeting his gaze and seeing an uncanny resemblance to Cable which made her shake her head before quickly returning to her spot and picking up her cup.
Nate
Noticing Jean's shiver made Nate feel a bit bad for mentioning the comparison of his abilities to his mother's former darkness she had suffered, "Sorry Jean, I didn't mean for you to be uncomfortable. Just have been compared to that...side of the Phoenix." Nate murmured apologetically, hoping she could forgive him since he had not meant to make things worse for her. He could feel something was stirring deep down in the red head and he was feeling bad for the x-man member who was obviously having issues with the young teen who seemed to be growing tired herself or losing some sort of faith in her resolve. Perhaps if they kept this up eventually she'd understand just how bad these things were. At the same time he wanted to try and at least help keep Jean's mind off how bad things were getting.
"Jean, if it's any help my gifts were something I inherited to a very strong woman."Nate told her, taking the chance with Wolverine talking with Hope to speak with Jean. "I myself am not from this world but it's a world I see as being a vast improvement from where I was from. And well...my genetic mother was you in my time Jean, my true name is Nathanial Grey and my genetic father is none other than Scott Summers." He finally admitted to her, wondering what her reaction would be but took the coffee Hope brought, "Thank you."He spoke to her which she nodded but he saw a brief exploring look in the young girl's eyes before she quickly turned away making him wonder a bit but decided to not inquire about it though his previous wonder was still nagging at Nate. Sure it might not be a good idea but this might be a chance to get a little more insight on Hope and her family, maybe understand the situation a bit more and he was willing to take that chance.
Taking a moment to drink his coffee a bit and clearing his throat he finally inquired, "Hope this Cable person, I know he's your father but what about a biological father?"He asked tentatively to which Hope looked at him and shrugged. "I don't have one Nate, Cable is the only father I have known. My mother has...always been a free spirit." Hope stated, not seeming to mind the question as she sipped her coffee making Nate actually unsure what to say to that.
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Post by Marvel Woman on May 18, 2014 23:26:32 GMT -5
"We did thanks to you." Jean reminded Logan. Had he not confirmed her suspicions and filled in the details for her, they might not have gotten there at all. There was a wave of gratitude in her telepathic voice when she said that. "As long as we do our best, we have no other choice than hope things will turn out all right this time." It wasn't the most comforting of thoughts but it was the truth put in the softest words possible. At least, Jean would be happy to know she gave it her all, even if things didn't turn out well.
"I do understand that you've been through a lot more than anyone your age should have to deal with." Jean sent with confidence, but in a kind tone that didn't have pity in it, as she knew being pitied usually irked people. "And of course you are not forced to come with us if you don't want to. We're just offering you another option to consider. Think of it as an open door. It never hurts to have a back up plan, right?" Jean made a pause there to let that information sink in. They weren't there to fore her back to Manhattan. "But if you do choose to come with us or go back to the Avengers, you will have as long as you need to adjust. We have never forced anyone to stay against their will or to blend into the mansion's routine if they didn't feel like they'd fit. God knows Logan here wouldn't have lasted a week if he had been asked that and here you have him." There was a small note of pride in Jean's mental voice at that point. She still remembered the grumpy Canadian that had unwillingly stayed at the mansion... and now he was the P.E. teacher! "Material things can be replaced, Hope. Nobody will hold you responsible for the damage. Our school has been wrecked several times over the years and we always rebuilt. I'm sure Tony Stark is just as able to clean up messes." She said kindly.
Jean had planned to use the time it took Hope to prepare her drink to calm down a bit after the worrying and very stressful conversation they've had back outside, but her wish wouldn't come true. She was somehow calming down when Logan put his hand on her shoulder. The redhead smiled a sad, tired smile and felt thankful that he was there by her side. "Yes. It's just stress. Don't worry, Logan. We're doing good." Jean sent back partially because she needed to hear that they weren't a total failure. There were too many things to worry about at that point in her life to be thinking about who or if she wanted a boyfriend after her failed first marriage. Maybe if things with Hope got under control to the point where she was able to sleep at night without worry giving her insomnia and figure out what to do next with her "career" if that was the right word in the circle they both moved, she would take the time to think clearly and eventually realize that they were both bound to outlive most of the people they knew with his healing factor and her inability to stay dead. Maybe that thought would give Jean the courage to explore the path she had always been terrified to follow if she let her feelings lose around Logan. Right now, there was too much work to be done and more important things to worry about. If the poor woman knew she was about to have a lot more to worry about in just a few seconds! Or, that Nate was just trying to start a very difficult conversation and just happened to choose very upsetting words, she might have been kinder faster. Instead, it took her a couple of seconds to recover from the mention of him having that kind of powers before she could reply. "Don't be, Nate. It can come very handy and you don't seem like a threat to anyone. It just took me by surprise, that's all." Jean said as politely and kindly as always, though she was still a little shaken on the inside. Still, she was well known for keeping her cool under pressure, so she acted quite composed.
She got a lot more shaken when she heard what Nate said next, of course. Her emerald eyes widened and she had to make a conscious effort to shut her mouth that was agape from the surprise. She had another son... that she hadn't been able to carry in her womb or sing lullabies or give goodnight kisses to. Why was life this cruel to her? The fact that Scott was Nate's father just made it all more painful. She tried to numb the dull pain in her chest so she could keep the conversation flowing and, more importantly, continue her serious talk with Hope when she came back. However, a slight wince escaped through her composed face. She swallowed hard, trying to find the right words for the occasion. "All this time..." Was the first thing she managed to mutter, still in shock. They had known each other for a while now and he had known that she was his genetic mother and had never said a word. Maybe it was too painful for him? Maybe she had some tragic story in the reality Nate came from. He must have had his reasons to keep that a secret but the timing could have been better. That was so like Scott, not being good with serious sentimental talks. "I should have known." Jean reproached herself aloud. His powers were so like her and he did look a bit like Scott... "I hope I was a good mother to you where you come from." She said still overcome with emotion. There were so many things she wanted to ask him... but those would have to wait until the flight back home as Hope entered with the coffee. "We have so much to talk about!" Jean sent to Nate telepathically, with a contained sigh in her mental voice. She, too accepted her cup with an exhausted but friendly smile and a "Thank you. I really needed this." Jean usually took her coffee with sugar but was still so surprised by the news that she just drank it black and this time managed to avoid wincing when it wasn't appropriate. "It's very kind of you to invite us to your house, Hope." She tried to focus her attention on the matter at hand. Nate was tomorrow's problem, or, rather later's.
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