「 The Professor & I 」VOLUME II

(213) Class Five

Lynn's POV

A hesitant Jean could be seen standing frozen before the exquisite console of the impressive computer as Logan and I briskly approached the opened doors of Cerebro. Clenching her fists tightly, she stared with an intent gaze at the array of knobs and buttons but readily spun around from her apparent daze as the heavy thumping of Logan's boots echoed within the round arena.

Her features creased with troubles seemingly relaxed as I gave her an encouraging smile and gladly took the needy hand she had extended towards me.

"So, it's fixed?" Logan probed tentatively.

"Yeah. Scott and I found this in the neuro-filter," Jean informed, displaying between her thumb and index finger a cylindrical object she retrieved from the pocket of her pants.

"What's that?" Logan investigated curiously.

"A deflector," Jean answered knowledgeably but Logan frowned at her relatively vague response.

"The neuro-filter regulates the information coming through the consciousness of millions by muffling their brainwaves. A deflector basically undos this, deflecting the full intensity of that infinite flow directly back into Cerebro and, hence, Charles," I elucidated and Logan nodded with his confusion gradually fading from his face as he genuinely followed the detailed explanation.

"The psychic feedback can be fatal, but given the strength of his mind, I would imagine he could tolerate it, if he hadn't sacrificed himself to protect me," I elaborated grievously, slowly drowning in guilt.

"How did he do that?" Jean examined in a concerned tone.

"My mind is too weak to even support the normal operation of Cerebro so he actively creates a telepathic shield around me to ensure I'm not overwhelmed whenever he uses it, but the brainwaves don't just disappear. They bounce back into his mind like they're reflected," I revealed, lowering my gaze shamefully.

"He practically absorbs everything I can't and usually he does fine, but this time, it's just too much," I remarked in a somber tone.

"How did you know where to look?" Logan prodded in mild amazement and I peered up at him as a tinge of bitterness bled through my veins.

"Ra- Raven was the one who tampered with it and... And the neuro-filter is the only component, out of the entire system, that she actually understands," I affirmed in disappointment.

"Who's Raven?" Logan snooped ignorantly but his innocent tone still came much to my dismay.

"She's My- She's my sister..." I replied softly, fixing my eyes to the ground, and Jean promptly noticed the my rapidly escalating intolerance for the distress etching into my heart.

"Logan, would you excuse us, please?" Jean requested politely as she delicately stroked my back.

Logan loitered for a couple more moments, probably scrutinizing us suspiciously as I adamantly avoided eye contact, but eventually obliged without another word.

"Thank you, Jean," I sputtered in relief as the dome sealed itself.

"And I'm sorry I yelled at you. I know you mean well. I know you care. And yet I've not shown you due appreciation for that. I'm truly sorry, my darling," I apologized, gazing up at her remorsefully.

"It's alright, Lynn. I perfectly understand," Jean consoled in a sincere tone, crouching before me.

"That you always have more than just a slight temper whenever he's in trouble," she teased, breaking up in laughter that instantly warmed up the inanimate chamber.