𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 - 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬

𝟐𝟕. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑿-𝑴𝒆𝒏

────୨ৎ────

"So, what now? What do we do?" Bobby asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Professor Xavier started this school," Hank began, his tone somber. "Perhaps it's best that it ends with him. We'll have to tell the students they're going home."

"But most of us don't have anywhere to go," Bobby replied, shaking his head. "I can't believe we're not going to fight for this school."

Before anyone could respond, a blonde man entered the room, luggage in hand. "I'm sorry. I know this is a bad time. I was told this was a safe place for mutants."

"It was, son," Hank said gently.

"It still can be," Rory interjected, her gaze fixed on the floor. "We've lost Charles, but we have to protect each other. If we send these kids out into the world without a place to go, it could be a disaster waiting to happen. Come on, I'll get you a room." She offered a soft smile, which the boy returned.

"Hank, let the students know this school stays open," Scott said firmly. "I promised the professor I would protect every mutant here, and I intend to keep that promise."

────୨ৎ────

Rory walked into Logan's room, hearing faint rustling sounds.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"Where do you think?" Logan shot back.

"She's gone, Logan. She's not coming back."

"You don't know that."

"Oh, the hell I don't!" Rory argued, her frustration evident. "She tried to kill Scott and managed to kill the professor. I had to watch her do both. Don't tell me I don't know that."

"It wasn't Jean. The Jean I know is still in there."

"You're right. It's the Phoenix—the Phoenix the professor warned you about, but you were so caught up in your feelings that you didn't—"

"Give me a break, Rory. Go suck off your boyfriend or something. Just stay the fuck away from me."

Rory stood firm in the doorway. "Out of my way."

"Why can't you see the truth, huh?"

"Why can't you just let her go?"

Logan grabbed Rory by the shoulders, pushing her against the doorframe. "Because—"

"Because you love her."

Logan turned away, breathing heavily.

"She made her choice. Now it's time we make ours. So if you're with us, then be with us."

Logan listened to Rory's vanishing footsteps before grabbing the keys to one of Scott's bikes and heading for the garage.

────୨ৎ────

Rory found Scott sitting in the common room, lost in thought. She approached him, her expression somber.

"Scott, I need to tell you something," Rory said softly.

Scott looked up, his eyes filled with concern. "What's wrong?"

"Logan's left. He took one of your bikes and headed out."

Scott's face fell. "What do you mean, he left?"

"He's gone, Scott. I think he's trying to find a way to deal with everything, or maybe he's just trying to escape."