17 - Video

[burnmythoughts]

[Some might not recognise the woman on the network. Her face is obscured by a flaring gold mask. She's wearing a green skirt, complete with a gold belt and matching gloves. Her composure, too, is different; she holds herself with a quiet confidence.

Her voice, though, is as warm as it's always been.]

Hey, Barge.

[Jean pulls the mask from her face, revealing an older, wearier gaze.]

How long was I gone? What did I miss?

[Private to X-People]

[Her smile falters, a little, as she leans forward.]

Please tell me you're all okay.

[Filter to Bruce Wayne]

[A cheerful wave.] Hey! How are you? I've learned a ton, we should spar in the CES. [And catch up, but that's what 'spar' means.]

[Private to Morgana]

[Jean suddenly looks younger; bashful and uncertain.]

I got you those books. And - um, I didn't know your size, exactly, but...

Comments

[Private]

[burnmythoughts]

[At least she didn't say he was a major reason!] I can deal with that.

[Jean bites her lip.] Oh, you know...fighting super-powered criminals bent on violence and destruction. [Bright grin!] We stopped a nuclear war. [JUST LIKE DADS]

[Private]

[wecanavenge]

[Thanks Jean. :c]

Another one? [Oh my god things never calm down do they. BUT HE'S PROUD, KIDDO. :C]

[Private]

[burnmythoughts]

I know, right? [NO THEY DO NOT.] A bunch of our old enemies got together under this new guy to wipe out humanity. Except it turns out New Guy was an alien who wanted to rule over mutants, too. [...Yep.]

[Private]

[wecanavenge]

[...]

I hope this isn't what we have to look forward to.

[Private]

[burnmythoughts]

[Considering he was presumed dead at the time and Xavier was planning the same, her voice is a bit more intent than it really ought to be.]

Me too.

[Private]

[wecanavenge]

[Weeeeeell that's getting a lingering look there. Jean wtf is up. He debates for a moment, then decides to hell with it.]

You're sure everything's all right? [He's not quite buying it.]

[Private]

[burnmythoughts]

[She considers, for a moment, and then - ]

Don't tell Charles.

[He feels bad enough about his potential future.]

[Private]

[wecanavenge]

[Well that bodes poorly.]

I won't.

[Private]

[burnmythoughts]

[Jean nods, a silent thank you. Then she just dives in.]

There's an invasion coming. Enemies worse than we've ever faced before. The Professor, my Xavier - he needed time alone to prepare, so...he faked his death. [It's funny how she can sound so calm, so distant, when she's been aching inside for weeks. Her face does crumple, a little, when she finishes.] I'm...I'm the only one who knows.

[Private]

[wecanavenge]

[The fact that she's upset keeps him from laughing at the absurdity; but he's silent for a long moment, then shakes his head. It's so ridiculous.]

And that was his only option?

[Private]

[burnmythoughts]

Apparently. [Her voice is wry, and a little bitter.] And I think - I think he's testing us again.

[Private]

[wecanavenge]

To what end? [The fuck is wrong with her universe.]