The Demon's Angel

Chapter 47

Mystique (1 hour later)
   I was seething. Wolverine had turned down my offer... So it would be more difficult than that to get him on our side... Thankfully, it would be worth it all. He was a powerful mutant and greatly admired by many of the X-men. His support would help our cause immensely.

    I paused, noticing that I wasn't walking towards the tent that Erik and I shared, but towards the tent that HE shared with the ice boy. Despite my head's protest, my body listened to my heart for once, propelling me all the way there. I transformed, becoming Jean Grey. "Bobby? Is Kurt in there with you?" I asked through the closed flap. The boy poked his head out sleepily. "No. He said that he preferred it outside, where it wasn't so cold." I forced my face into a smile. "That's fine. Thank you." I turned and walked away.

    I was pleased to find him under a tree not far away, sound asleep. I allowed Jean's form to melt away. He looked so peaceful and happy, despite the hardships life had thrown at him. I understood why he wished to hide. The world had not been kind to him. He still had traces of sweet innocence on his face, in his eyes as he looked for the best in everyone, at least more than you'd expect. I was surprised that it had been kept intact throughout the years. I sat down and whispered, "Hello. Look how big you've grown, my little boy."

    Suddenly, his face twisted in his sleep, and a deep growl rumbled in his throat. However, it soon died to a terrified whimper. He threw his arms up at some invisible person. "Nein! Verlassen Sie mich nicht!" Against my better judgement, I began to stroke his hair. "Shh, sweetie. It's ok, I'm not going anywhere." His whole body relaxed, and his tail wrapped around my wrist.

   For the first time in years, I felt myself begin to cry. 'I shouldn't have come here. All I've done is cause him grief and pain.' He smiled, and my heart broke. His eyes began to flutter open, and panicking, I quickly changed. His smile widened when he looked at me. "Mutti?" Margali Szardos smiled down at him. "Shh, go back to sleep,  Kurt. I'll be here to watch over you." He grabbed my hand. "Ich liebe dich," he murmured, eyes drooping shut once more. "I love you too," I whispered. 'His nature is too kind for someone with a life as hard as his has been,' I thought, caressing his cheek. "I think that you were better off without me as a mother." With those words, I separated our hands and walked back to my tent, back to reality, where I couldn't claim that child as my son.