X-Men: The Gifted Ones

48. XAVIERS' BEDROOM, XAVIER MANSION, WEST CHESTER, NY

Charles and Jane were sound asleep. It was the dead of night. Charles found that he slept better since Jason had left the school. No more bad dreams. No more anxiety ruminating over the day before, or the day to come. He had Jane snuggled next to him in his arms. It was quiet, peaceful, and despite Erik's threats, life was where Charles wanted it. He and Jane had their "family" of children that turned the mansion into a home. They had even felt comfortable enough to add to their family since Jason had left. He could hardly believe they now had twenty students in their home. Twenty young mutants in need of a place to be accepted, loved. Twenty young mutants with a safe place that would help them find their way in the world. As he slept with his wife in his arms, he thought life was perfect.

"CHARLES!"

Charles thought he heard his name being called. He stirred and noticed Jane was still sleeping soundly. At first he had a sinking feeling of dread, as if perhaps Jason was casting one last illusion.

"CHARLES XAVIER!"

No, he realized, this voice was different. He had never heard it before. It sounded like young a woman's voice.

"CHARLES! CAN YOU HEAR ME!? CHARLES, HELP! MAGNETO! VIETNAM!"

Charles bolted up and looked around for the source of the sound. It kept echoing in his head. He kept hearing "Magneto" and "Vietnam". He clutched his head and wondered if it was the fog of a dream. It kept echoing, even when he was awake. It didn't seem to come from inside the mansion. He realized it was a psychic message and not a dream. He gasped for air. Who had such powerful telepathy?

Jane woke up and propped herself up, looking at him, concerned. "Charles, what is it?"

Charles tried to catch his breath and fumbled for his wheelchair, pulling himself into it. "Get Hank. Tell him to get me to Cerebro right away! I'll get started on my way, and he'll push me the rest. Meet us there! We can't waste any time!"

"Is everything alright?"

"I hope so, my love. I hope so," he panted as he touched her face. He pushed himself as fast as he could and he knew Hank's speed could do the rest, get him to Cerebro faster than Jane ever could. He cursed that the motor wasn't faster than his arms. He knew Impetus, Hank, and Cannonball were working on a newer, faster wheelchair and Charles found himself cursing the fact that it was not yet ready.

Jane got out of bed, put on a robe, and ran from their room to get Hank. Jane didn't even have time to be shocked at Polaris being in the room with Hank. She found she didn't even care. They were adults, after all. "Hank," she gasped, finding his clothes on the floor and throwing them at him, "Charles needs you take him to Cerebro now!"

Hank sat up, groggy. "What's going on?"

"He didn't say, he only said there was no time to waste. Something happened that woke him up. Now get dressed!"

Hank nodded and pulled on his clothes under the blankets. Polaris kept herself covered up and could barely look at Jane. Hank leapt from the bed and ran out of the room.

"Jane, I-," Polaris fumbled. "Is everything OK?"

"I don't know," Jane answered honestly. "I just know it sounded urgent and I had to have Hank rush Charles down to Cerebro. I suggest we get ourselves ready for whatever is about to happen."

Her eyes grew wide. Jane had no time to explain further. She ran down the hall.

Hank had ran down the hall and found Charles pushing himself as fast as his arms could move him. Charles was relieved when he heard footsteps quickly coming toward him. Hank took the grips and sped toward Cerebro.