𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 - 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬

𝟐𝟓. 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒆

────୨ৎ────

As the group of mutants stepped out of the car, a heavy sense of unease hung in the air. Each of them was on edge, but none more so than Rory. The tension between her and Scott before she left the mansion still weighed heavily on her mind. Scott had clung to her like he was afraid it might be the last time they would see each other. And deep down, Rory couldn't shake the feeling that he might be right.

Rory's thoughts were a jumbled mess of fear and determination. She had already faced Jean once, and the experience had left her shaken. Her powers had faltered, and she was unsure if she could stand up to the Phoenix again. But she knew she had to try—for Jean, for Scott, for everyone. Scott was her priority, the man she cared for more than anything. The thought of losing him pushed her forward, even though the fear gnawed at her.

As they approached the house, Professor Xavier's voice broke the silence. "Wait for me here," he instructed, his tone firm.

"What?" Logan's voice was sharp with disbelief. "You're going in alone?"

"I need to see Jean alone," Xavier repeated, his gaze steady but filled with an underlying tension.

The group's unease deepened as they caught sight of a familiar figure standing in front of the house. Magneto, with his usual calm menace, was waiting for them.

"You were right, Charles," Magneto said, his voice carrying a note of cold admiration. "This one is special."

Logan's fists clenched at his sides, his voice a growl. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Magneto met Logan's glare with a calm smile. "The same as the professor—visiting an old friend."

"I don't want any trouble here, Eric," Xavier warned, his tone more pleading than commanding.

"Nor do I, Charles," Magneto replied, though there was an edge to his words. "So, shall we go inside?"

Xavier's eyes narrowed. "I came to bring Jean home. Don't interfere, Eric."

Magneto chuckled, the sound bitter. "Just like old times, huh? But Jean doesn't need saving, Charles. She needs to be free."

"She needs help," Xavier insisted, his voice pained. "Jean is not well."

"Funny," Magneto said, his expression hardening. "You sound just like her parents."

Magneto turned to one of his mutant followers, a silent command passing between them. "Nobody gets inside," he ordered.

The tension escalated as the mutants squared off, each side poised for what could be a catastrophic confrontation. Rory's heart pounded in her chest as she prepared for what lay ahead. She wasn't sure if she could face Jean again, but she knew she had to try. For Scott. For everyone.

────୨ৎ────

As the two men entered the house, their senses were on high alert, searching for any signs of the growing instability. The air was thick with tension, and as they moved deeper into the house, the eeriness of the scene began to take hold. The kitchen was a mess of clattering sounds, with dishes and utensils trembling as if an invisible hand was shaking them.

Charles wheeled himself into the living room, his eyes immediately locking onto Jean Grey. She sat in the center of the room, surrounded by furniture hovering in mid-air, suspended by her telekinetic power. The moment her gaze met Charles', the floating objects crashed to the ground, the sound echoing through the house like a warning.

Jean's voice broke the silence, strained with emotion. "I knew you'd come."

"Of course," Charles responded gently. "I've come to bring you home."