Chapter 9


    Arc 1 - Ch 9: Consequences


    Date: Friday, June 4, 2010.


    Location: Xavier Institute, Scarsdale, New York


    The net gently swayed in the breeze as Tyson''s feet met the familiar asphalt of the basketball court. He watched Illyana step into one of her portals on the far side of the court. Thinking he was hallucinating, he looked over to see she was still standing at his side.


    For a moment, it was as if they were caught in some cosmic time loop, fragments of the past blurring into the present.


    Or perhaps it was his first glimpse of how time flowed differently in Limbo.


    Before he could consider further, a vision appeared that sent chills racing down his spine. Floating above the court was Jean Grey, though not as he remembered her. Gone was the gentle warmth in her eyes, replaced by a blazing crimson that seemed lit from within by fire. Her long red hair, usually so soft and free, now whipped around her head like wild fiery tendrils. She was wreathed in an aura of sheer power, almost visible like shimmering heat waves rising from the sun-scorched pavement.


    Both captivating and deeply unsettling, she was dangerous beauty personified.


    Tyson stared, transfixed. How much had he missed since his time in Limbo? Illyana took a cautious step back, her body language revealing her unease. But Tyson barely noticed, unable to tear his gaze away from the raw power Jean radiated. The air was dense with a palpable tension that pressed down on Illyana, making her tremble.


    "Jean?" Tyson called out cautiously.


    For a long moment, nothing changed. But as his voice echoed across the court, recognition seemed to stir deep within her fiery eyes. Gradually the intense glow faded, and the blazing crimson of her eyes softened. The winds whipping her hair into a frenzy slowed to a gentle breeze. And the eerie fiery silhouette dancing around her dispersed with the intangible wind.


    It was as if reality exhaled in relief, the fabric of the world relaxing as the tension receded. Jean drifted downwards, her feet settling onto the court. The final traces of power vanished and her posture softened as the hardness left her face. She seemed almost fragile now, disoriented like a sleepwalker guided back to wakefulness by Tyson''s voice.


    Before he could fully process this transformation, Jean''s eyes regained clarity. She closed the distance between them and pulled him into a tight embrace. "You''re okay!" she exclaimed in relief. The warmth of her hug contrasted sharply with the cold, distant being she had been mere moments before.


    Illyana watched the reunion warily with her fingers wrapped around the hilt of her Soulsword. Tyson returned Jean''s hug, careful not to touch her skin. Despite the growing number of questions in his mind, he tried to comfort her.


    — Rogue Replacement —


    Tyson, Jean, and Illyana sat opposite Professor Xavier''s desk. Their body language conveyed a mix of emotions. Tyson sat relaxed, though his shoulders were slumped, Jean''s hands fidgeted nervously in her lap, while Illyana wore a defiant scowl, though her darting eyes betrayed her apprehension.


    Professor Xavier gazed at each of them in turn. Steepling his fingers contemplatively, he began in his calm, authoritative tone, "It is only natural for teenagers to quarrel and butt heads. Youthful passion and the quest for identity has frequently led to heated disputes, even outright brawls." He paused, ensuring he had their full attention before continuing. "However, when those involved possess uncanny abilities, such confrontations become far more dangerous. They have the potential to escalate into full-blown catastrophes."


    Jean visibly winced under the weight of his words.


    "I founded this school to provide young mutants a safe haven. A place to be educated, grow into their powers, and hopefully learn to wield those abilities for the greater good of all humanity."


    Illyana bristled, her temper flaring. "But Professor…"


    Xavier raised a hand, cutting her off. "I''m not assigning blame to any one of you exclusively. However, you must all grasp the gravity of your powers, and the devastation they can sow if misused."


    "We never meant for things to spiral like they did. It just... got out of control." said Tyson.


    "Indeed," Xavier nodded sagely. "But that is precisely why you are here. To learn discipline, to understand your abilities, and to ensure they are applied wisely."


    "We''re so sorry, Professor," Jean said softly, eyes downcast.


    Xavier surveyed them somberly. "I know. I believe in each of you and your potential to do good in this world." The room fell silent as the professor''s words sank in. After a weighty pause, he continued, "All I ask is that you learn from this experience and strive to do and be better. I don''t ask this to shame you, but so that you learn from this experience. Each of you played a role in the unfortunate incident on the basketball court."


    His eyes settled on Tyson. "Had you been more open with your peers about the instability of your abilities, the entire conflict may have been avoided."


    Tyson protested, "I was trying..." but he stopped speaking. The professor''s words struck a chord of truth within him. Suddenly he felt an overwhelming sadness and guilt over what his power had caused. He knew his power was a danger to all. "You''re right," he said heavily. "I should have warned them. If I can''t control it, I need to be more aware of the risk." Regret weighed down his broad shoulders. But even as he slumped, he turned his head and narrowed his eyes.


    Where did that come from?


    Why was he suddenly overwhelmed with regret. That wasn''t like Sabertooth…


    Turning next to Illyana, Xavier''s expression grew sterner. "And you, Illyana. Since arriving here, few have challenged you directly. Yet at the first sign of confrontation, you saw fit to banish a classmate to Limbo."


    Illyana met his gaze unflinchingly, her accent lending a sharp edge to her words. "No one hurts me without consequences, Professor. But Tyson and I have settled our differences. It won''t happen again." Her jaw was set stubbornly despite the promise.


    Xavier sighed, shaking his head almost imperceptibly before his eyes softened on Jean. "And Jean," he said gently. "We''ve been taking small steps towards control for years now, and though we''ve made great strides, those barriers I erected are weakening. In the coming weeks, we''ll need to reinforce them."


    "I''m trying, Professor," Jean whispered, "Every day I try. But sometimes, it feels like there''s too much power to control."


    Xavier nodded sagely, his expression gentle. "The power is yours, a part of you. With time and training, you will learn to master it."


    Jean bit her lip, wishing she shared his faith. For now, all she could do was keep trying, pushing back against the frightening torrent within.


    Believing his students sufficiently chastised, Xavier changed topics. "Now, let''s discuss your encounter in Limbo. I understand you had a run-in with Azazel."


    At the mention of the name, Illyana''s back straightened. "You know of him?" she questioned, her voice carrying an undertone of urgency.


    The professor leaned back in his motorized wheelchair, steepling his fingers pensively. "I''m familiar with him from past events," he began, his expression darkening at the memory. "During the early days, a rogue group of mutants intended to start World War III, believing it would lead to mutant ascendancy. Azazel was one of them."


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Professor X''s eyes refocused on Illyana as he continued. "I’m going to reach out to a contact of mine who is more familiar with the sort of mystical threat Azazel poses, especially considering that Limbo is involved."


    Illyana’s eyes darted between Professor X and Tyson, anxiety evident in the way she bit her bottom lip between her teeth. She pushed a strand of golden hair behind her ear, unconsciously. "So, what do we do in the meantime? Limbo is filled with demons, and if Azazel returns, I can''t fight him off alone."


    "Sometimes, discretion is the better part of valor," Professor Xavier replied gently, “If you find yourself face-to-face with Azazel again, retreat may be the wisest course of action. You''re safe here in the institute. Even if Azazel possesses the capability to reach us, he would be ill-advised to attempt it. There are many powerful mutants within these walls, myself included."


    "But the demons. Limbo..." she protested weakly.


    "We''ll find a way," Tyson said reassuringly.


    A hint of a smile tugged at Illyana’s lips as she questioned in a lighter tone, "We?"


    — Rogue Replacement —


    Tyson awoke feeling strangely refreshed despite it being the second day in a row he was up before dawn. As he showered, he sifted through memories inherited from Sabertooth, realizing that he required little rest to sustain his body.


    When Tyson entered the dining hall, the first signs of activity stirred. He filled a plate and settled at one of the long tables. Moments later, Jean joined him. They ate in companionable silence, the only sound the gentle clink of cutlery on dishes.


    Jean seemed to bask in the calm stillness of the early hour. "I enjoy the quiet," she explained softly. "When most of the institute is asleep, the mental noise is much less."


    Their tranquility was interrupted by Jubilee''s vibrant arrival, sparks dancing at her fingertips as she bounded into the hall. "Good morning!" she sang out cheerily plopping down across from them. Their breakfast became livelier with Jubilee''s chatter filling the space.


    As the dining hall began to fill, Professor Ororo approached their table, the scent of nature preceding her. Tyson detected an almost synthetic edge like it lacked the earthy richness it had previously when they first met in the Canadian wilderness.


    "Professor, did you change your perfume?" he asked.


    "I did, how sweet of you to notice," Ororo replied. Her expression grew more serious as she continued, "I heard about what happened in PE yesterday."


    Tyson tensed, hoping the incident would be forgotten. To his surprise, Ororo''s next question was, "Outside of that mishap, do you like basketball?"


    "Uh, sure," Tyson answered cautiously, unsure of her intent.


    "Would you like to see a game?" she proposed. "After yesterday''s events, maybe it''s best you get a night away from the institute." Her eyes shifted between Tyson and Jean as she spoke.


    Tyson furrowed his brow in confusion. "Like an actual basketball game?"


    In response, Ororo produced three tickets with a secretive smile. Tyson took in the embossed writing.


    Lakers vs. Knicks.


    He glanced at the date. Tonight. But it was June. Basketball should be late into the post-season. A quick inspection of the tickets confirmed these thoughts, "Finals tickets?" he asked incredulously, "How?"


    Jean''s eyes narrowed with suspicion as she studied the tickets. "Is this a good idea, Professor?" she questioned carefully. "Tyson hasn''t been here very long. He''s still adjusting. After losing control yesterday, I''ll need to spend time with Professor Xavier to repair my mental barriers. A basketball game will have thousands of people in range of my telepathy."


    Ororo met their uncertainty steadily. "What better way to adjust than bonding with friends outside these walls?" she countered. "Being together, away from this place, might help take your minds off yesterday''s troubles, even if only for a night."


    Jean''s eyes narrowed, her emerald irises darkening with unease as suspicion continued to gnaw at her. Though Professor Monroe''s words held logic, Jean''s instincts screamed in warning. Before she could raise her doubts, Jubilee''s enthusiastic voice pierced the tense silence.


    "We''d love to go!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement at the prospect of a night out.


    Tyson glanced at Jean, noting her furrowed brows and the tightness in her jaw. But the temptation of experiencing something normal, something thrilling yet mundane, was too alluring to resist. With a genuine, lopsided smile, Tyson turned to Ororo. "Thank you, Professor," he said, gratitude and disbelief blending in his deep voice.


    Jean and Jubilee echoed the sentiment, their voices ringing with surprise and anticipation. Ororo inclined her head in acknowledgment. "I have some papers to grade and errands to run. I''ll catch up with you on the train."


    Tyson watched the professor depart, his rugged features pensive. Turning back to his friends, he asked in bewilderment, "You guys normally go to games like this?"


    "Nope!" Jubilee replied, popping the ''p'' with an exuberant grin. "But this is awesome! I''m so gonna get Kobe and LeBron''s autographs." Her enthusiasm was infectious, causing the corners of Tyson''s lips to quirk upwards despite himself.


    Tyson stared at her incredulously. "Lebron?" he asked in confusion.


    Jubilee''s mouth dropped open in dramatic outrage. "How do you remember videogames but not know who LeBron James is?" she exclaimed. "Did you seriously forget about NBA 2K?"


    "Lebron is, like, the king of New York!" She shook her head in exaggerated disappointment before adding thoughtfully, "Or maybe that title belongs to Diddy..."


    Jean remained silent, her emerald eyes distant and hands clasped around her ceramic mug as if drawing warmth from its heat. Tyson leaned across the table. "Hey, Jean? You okay over there?"


    Her lips twitched into a slight frown, the motion barely visible. "Professor Munroe has always been difficult for me to read telepathically, but just now it was far more difficult," she admitted after a moment.


    Jubilee waved a hand, brushing aside Jean''s trepidation. "Oh c''mon, I''m sure it''s nothing to worry about!" she exclaimed, bouncing a little in her seat. "The Professor''s probably been practicing." Her brown eyes danced with anticipation as she leaned forward eagerly. "So are we doing this or what? I''m not missing the chance to get Kobe and LeBron''s autographs!"


    Tyson attempted to lighten the mood. "Well, you heard her. Jubilee''s heart is set, so no backing out now." He shrugged his broad shoulders. "I''m game if you both are."


    Jean hesitated, uncertainty flickering across her face. "Professor X said we shouldn''t leave the school without a teacher. But with Professor Ororo going with us..." But she nodded after a moment, resolve settling on her delicate features. "Yes, let''s do this." Her earlier concerns set aside for the time being.


    It was late afternoon as the trio of young mutants reached the front gates, anticipation building for the night ahead.


    "Man, I can''t believe we''re going to see the Lakers tonight!" Jubilee gushed, turning to Tyson with an enormous grin. "Courtside seats, baby!" Jubilee whooped loudly, launching a spray of colorful fireworks from her palms. She grabbed Jean''s arm eagerly. "C''mon, let''s hustle before we miss the train!"


    Jean cast one last uncertain look back at the Institute but Jubilee''s enthusiasm proved infectious. Tyson gave an encouraging nod. Together, the three young mutants set off.


    — Rogue Replacement —


    As the Metro-North zipped down the tracks, the view outside transitioned from suburbs to tightly packed buildings and graffitied walls. Jubilee bounced excitedly in her seat, chattering away about the Big Apple.


    "Alright, so we''re taking the Metro-North," Jubilee began, her finger tracing the route on the map, outlining their route. “The Metro-North will zip us straight into Grand Central station," she announced, tracing a path with her finger. "From there, we''ve got options. The subway is fast but crowded. Cabs get stuck in traffic. Or we hoof it. Madison Square Garden is just over a mile down 7th Ave." She looked at them expectantly. "So what''ll it be?"


    Tyson jokingly flexed his massive bicep. "I could just scoop you both up and run there in a few minutes."


    "Tempting," Jean laughed. "But I think we''ll survive the walk. Plus we might find a hot dog stand or two on the way. You''ll need your hands free for that."


    Tyson groaned, amused by the friendly teasing about his enhanced appetite.


    Jubilee narrated as they passed each station. "Crestwood, Tuckahoe, Bronxville, Fordham. We''re in the Bronx now. Welcome to New York City!"


    Their conversation meandered on as the train groaned ever closer to its destination, each stop ratcheting up the buzz of excitement shared between the three friends. Despite yesterday''s confrontation with Illyana and Azazel, for now, they were just teenagers on an unexpected urban adventure.


    Looking out the window, they saw a man shuffling down a crowded street, heaving a casket behind him. He attracted glances from passersby, but Tyson''s mouth fell open in astonishment. "Is that... a casket?" he exclaimed, pointing out the window. "Who just drags a casket around in broad daylight?"


    Jubilee dissolved into giggles at his reaction. "Welcome to the city," she said, giving his arm a playful punch. "It''s not all towers and Broadway shows. We''ve got our fair share of weirdos too. Folks accept it and go about their business."


    Jean smiled, shaking her head. "I''m not sure this is exactly the cultural and learning experience Professor Xavier wanted his students to have."


    Tyson was about to point out another eye-catching sight when the train''s sliding doors opened, and someone entered their increasingly crowded compartment. As he turned, he saw a familiar face.


    "Professor Ororo," Tyson greeted.


    Ororo offered a smile in response. In a flash, her hand shot out from the folds of her long coat, a hypodermic needle glinting in her grip. With viper-like speed, she plunged the needle towards Jean''s exposed neck.


    Tyson''s eyes went wide with alarm, but his reflexes weren''t fast enough to stop the needle. He could only watch helplessly as it pierced Jean''s pale skin, eliciting a shocked gasp from the redhead''s lips.


    Just as quickly as it struck, Ororo withdrew the needle, leaving Tyson and Jubilee frozen in stunned silence. Jean blinked rapidly, her emerald eyes clouding in confusion. A soft gasp escaped her parted lips and she swayed unsteadily for a moment before collapsing sideways into Tyson''s broad shoulder, unconscious.