「 The Professor & I 」VOLUME II

(305) Fickle

Lynn's POV

"But we still have enemies," I educated in a somber tone.

"All his life, he's been trying—aspiring to fix the disparity," I asserted, staring at Storm with an agonized expression.

"Every now and then, haters come along to nullify his work. They sweat their guts out to disprove his beliefs, insisting that our presence only creates risks," I revealed cheerlessly.

"Even when we're idle, they refuse to lay down their weapons and we've had to stomach too many losses we never should have suffered if not for our-" I rambled on unknowingly, pausing only as instincts crucially restrained me.

"He just wants to protect his students. You know that," I persuaded kindly but the optimism I strenuously mustered was evidently insufficient to appease her.

"Yes, but we can't be students forever," Storm argued indignantly and yet I managed a laugh, recalling a similar memory recorded faraway.

"You know, we were once told, a long time ago, that if we never taught our students to fight, we might as well keep them here for the rest of their lives," I disclosed, twitching with a smile of appreciation.

"So we brought back the X-Men; but the program's really just a shield that's never meant for offense," I emphasized gravely.

"I know you think we deserve more. But compromise is inescapable if we truly hope to harmoniously share this world," I reiterated, tenderly caressing her face.

"Just because there's not a war doesn't mean there's peace," I quoted, striving to mask my excruciating expression as I sympathetically observed hers.

"Yes, things are better," I affirmed in a soft tone.

"But you, of all people, should know how that's fickle like the weather," I claimed humorously, smirking up at the vast charcoal blanket hovering over us.

"I'm sorry, Lynn. I'll deal with that," Storm hastily apologized.

Swiftly, Storm scrambled to her stance and the ominous clouds spontaneously rushed off into a distant void. Despite the skies reverting to the purest shade of blue, the thumping twinge irritating my faulty joint was sadly not relieved and I foolishly attempted to flex it, only to drastically aggravate the discomfort.

"It won't happen again, I promise," Storm sincerely vowed, wearing a guilty face and delicately cradled my hand.

"It's not you, it's me," I admitted, wrestling to contain my grimace.

"You are not old, Lynn," Storm reassured cheekily and I simply laughed at her beloved faith.

"But today is supposed to be windy. Can I help you inside?" Storm suggested with a keen expression.

"Alright," I agreed, smiling weakly.

Slowly floating myself into my chair, I tediously untangled my dead legs as Storm graciously wheeled me back towards the mansion. Without having to probe her mind, however, it was obvious she was still perturbed, remaining awkwardly silent throughout the sandy paths and winding passages.

"Storm, I really hoped what I said just now would help you see him in better light. He only wants the best for us and our support is all he asks," I candidly rehashed, reaching back for her hand on the push bar, as we journeyed along the perimeter bordering the compound's largest pond, now sporting its melted form instead of its fascinating version frozen over during the wintry seasons.