"Logan, we have to bring Jean back," Logan said, his voice tight with urgency as he looked toward Levis.
"Relax, we'll handle it. But first—how bad is Scott?" Levis asked, his tone shifting as he focused on something far more immediate.
That question weighed heavily on the group, and the atmosphere shifted instantly. Storm's expression darkened as she answered, her voice steady but grim, "Scott was badly injured. He still hasn't regained consciousness."
Levis nodded slowly, processing the information. "Got it. Don't worry about Jean just yet. I'll check on Scott first."
He wasn't about to rush off blindly. If Cyclops died from his injuries, the consequences would spiral out of control, and Jean might completely lose herself in grief and rage. That kind of outcome wasn't something anyone here could afford.
No one argued with his decision, and the group quickly made their way to the infirmary. Inside, Cyclops lay motionless on the bed, his condition far worse than it appeared at first glance.
Levis examined him carefully, his gaze sharp and focused. Externally, there were no visible injuries, but beneath the surface, it was a different story entirely. A massive number of cells throughout Cyclops' body had already died.
It was damage caused by exposure to the Phoenix's power, something far beyond normal injury. Without intervention, Scott might never wake up again.
Fortunately, this was well within Levis' capabilities.
Without wasting another second, he activated his molecular manipulation and began repairing the damaged cells at a fundamental level. The process was precise and controlled, reconstructing what had been destroyed and restoring balance within Scott's body.
Time passed in tense silence.
Storm stepped forward, unable to hold back any longer. "Wes… how is he?"
Levis exhaled lightly before turning to them with a faint smile. "He's fine. Scott will wake up any second."
The tension in the room broke immediately. Relief spread across their faces, and almost as if responding to his words, Cyclops' fingers twitched.
Moments later, his eyes snapped open.
"Jean… where's Jean?" he asked immediately, his voice hoarse as his gaze darted around the room.
"Scott, calm down," Storm said, placing a hand on his shoulder to steady him. "Jean left the academy, but she's not in immediate danger."
That was all Cyclops needed to hear. He pushed himself up, ignoring the lingering weakness in his body. "Then we go get her back."
Storm frowned, trying to stop him. "Your body just recovered. You shouldn't—"
"I'm fine," Cyclops cut in, his tone firm and unyielding.
Levis sighed slightly, then glanced at Storm. "Let him go, Ororo."
She hesitated for a moment but ultimately stepped aside. There was no stopping him anyway.
Levis turned to the group. "Everyone, get ready. We move now."
They had to find Jean as quickly as possible. If she lost control completely, the consequences would be catastrophic, and if civilians got caught in the crossfire, even S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't be able to contain the fallout.
No one objected.
Within minutes, they were fully geared and heading toward the underground hangar where the X-Men jet was stored. Just as they were about to proceed, Levis raised a hand.
"Hold up. We're not taking the jet. It's too slow. I'll take us there."
Cyclops blinked in surprise before letting out a small sigh. "Guess we won't be using the jet much anymore."
Levis didn't respond. Instead, he focused.
At that moment, Professor X approached them as well. "I'm coming with you. This happened because of me."
Levis frowned slightly. He didn't like that idea. If Jean learned the full truth about what Professor X had done—how he had altered her memories—it could push her even further into instability.
But Charles had already made up his mind.
After a brief pause, Levis nodded. "Fine. You're coming."
He reached out and placed a hand on Professor X's shoulder. One by one, the others stepped in, placing their hands on him as well.
Then, in the next instant, space itself twisted.
They vanished.
When the world settled again, they stood beneath a fading sunset in a quiet suburban town. The air was calm, almost too calm.
Cyclops scanned the surroundings. "Are you sure she's here?"
Professor X spoke calmly, his gaze fixed ahead. "This is where her parents live."
Levis nodded. "She's inside. Just… don't rush in."
Before anyone could say anything else, the front door of the house opened.
Jean Grey stepped outside.
Her expression was cold, distant, and filled with something far darker than anything they had seen before. She looked at them with clear displeasure.
"You shouldn't have come here."
"Jean," Professor X said, his voice gentle but firm, "we're here to bring you home."
That only made things worse.
"I don't have a home," she snapped, her voice trembling with anger. "And it's all because of you!"
Her accusation hit hard, but Professor X didn't retreat. "Jean, your father couldn't take care of you back then, so we—"
"You told me he was dead!" Jean shouted, cutting him off. "You lied to me. You used me!"
"No, Jean, that's not true…" Charles struggled to explain, but the truth weighed heavily on his words. He had deceived her, even if his intentions had been to protect her.
Seeing that he couldn't reach her, he stepped back slightly, giving Cyclops a chance.
Scott didn't hesitate.
"Jean," he said, stepping forward, his voice filled with emotion. "Come back with us. We can fix this."
She shook her head, her eyes filled with distrust. "He lied to me, Scott. Everything was a lie."
"Then we'll figure it out together," he insisted, moving closer. "You said you'd always come back to me. Remember that?"
Behind him, Logan shifted uncomfortably, clearly not liking what he was hearing.
Jean's expression softened just a little. For a moment, it looked like she might actually listen.
Levis narrowed his eyes, watching carefully. If they could calm her down now, this might still be salvageable.
"Jean," Cyclops said gently, extending his hand as he stepped closer, "come back to me."
But the moment he got too close—
Everything changed.
A surge of overwhelming energy exploded outward from Jean's body.
Cyclops was sent flying instantly.
"I… am… Phoenix!!!"
Her voice was no longer the same. It echoed with something ancient, something terrifying.
Levis caught Cyclops mid-air, his expression darkening. "Damn… the Dark Phoenix is waking up."
This was the worst-case scenario.
Logan stepped forward anyway, unwilling to back down. "Jean, you don't want to do this. Come back with us."
Jean didn't even hesitate.
With a simple motion of her hand, Logan was blasted away just like Scott.
"Everyone, stay sharp," Levis said, his voice turning cold. "The Jean we knew might not be in control anymore."
The presence in front of them was no longer just Jean Grey.
It was something far more dangerous.
The Dark Phoenix raised her hand again, and a terrifying wave of energy spread outward.
In an instant, the ground cracked open, and the earth itself was torn apart as layers of land were ripped upward.
....
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