[CONTINUATIONS]

[mind_over_metal]

[what it says on the tin]

Comments

[finalities]

[It's ethereal. It doesn't feel like anything human at all. It's everything and nothing... and more importantly, it's powerful]

For myself.

[mind_over_metal]

And who are you to Jean?

[finalities]

A host. I am she. And she is me. My powers are hers and hers mine.

[mind_over_metal]

She fears you.

[finalities]

[intense pressure, pushing back against him]

Because 'you' locked me away.

[mind_over_metal]

*slowly pulling back, acknowledging the push but not ready to leave yet*

I'm quite sure that there were reasons for doing so.

[finalities]

[A killing intent is slowly mixed in with the pressure, creeping in on his presence]

'You' fear me.

[mind_over_metal]

*continuing his slow retreat, remaining somewhat impressively steady*

Do you have any aim beyond revenge?

[finalities]

Revenge is petty. [and now. Flames.] I(We) intend to cleanse the world.

[mind_over_metal]

*stops his retreat to demand an answer to this question*

Cleanse it of what?

[finalities]

Everything.

[The flames swarm in, pushing him out]

[mind_over_metal]

*is forced out and physically flung back into his chair, a hand reflexively flying to his head at the pain, his eyes screwed shut, his breathing fast and heavy*

[finalities]

Professor!

[immediately getting up to check on him, brushing his hair aside to feel his forehead]

[mind_over_metal]

*his skin is oddly hot to the touch -- though it seems to be normalizing very quickly, so maybe it was just an result of the effort. he opens his eyes with a slight wince, but quickly starts to steady*

I'm fine, don't worry.

[finalities]

[still worried]

I couldn't follow where you went. What happened?

[mind_over_metal]

I met what is inside of your head. And all of us will have to have many more meetings, I think.

But at a later time. It's an enormous project to tackle, and unpredictable. First, have your wedding. Then, we'll all work on this together. If you notice any changes or anything out of the ordinary, though, you are to let me know immediately. Understood?

[finalities]

[And now there's worry and fear]

Yes, professor.

[mind_over_metal]

*smiles reassuringly -- not trivializing it but showing confidence*

It's a changing situation, is all. The mind isn't a set thing. It's vital that we stay aware.

[finalities]

... what did it say?

[mind_over_metal]

She was a part of you that's been locked away. A very powerful part that has been neglected for too long, I fear. So we'll have to proceed with caution while remembering both that she is you but also that she hasn't grown to know the world as you have.

[finalities]

She can't be me. The things I felt before I died. [before she chose to die] She's nothing like me at all.

[mind_over_metal]

I didn't say that she was you, Jean. She's part of you. And a part will always present a skewed picture of the whole.

[finalities]

[bites her lip, not sure how to feel about this.]

[mind_over_metal]

You're still Jean Grey to me. Can you still be Jean Grey to yourself?

[finalities]

[looks at her hands] I have to be.