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Post by Phoenix on Dec 4, 2005 0:03:33 GMT -5
[OOC: Erm. It's long.]
Before they came bursting through the door Jean could feel the girls’ emotions heighten at her words. They charged through, their Sentinal programming kicking in as they cried, “How can you believe him! It is all lies! How can you do this to US!” A wave of anger, hurt, and confusion slammed into her senses, and out of the corner of her eye she saw Scott step back, unable to shield himself well from their outpouring of emotions. He was the only one in the room who wasn’t a telepath, and she worried about the empowering load of senses he was feeling.
Before they could address the girls, Esme, whom Jean knew this would hit hard if not hardest, turned and ran. The rest of the girls looked surprised as she fled. Jean tracked Esme for a few moments, feeling her rush up the stairs, most likely towards the room she shared with her sisters. Jean’s face fell. They should have told the girls about Nathan. But it was such a deep wound, they didn’t want to open it up again. And then the years went on, and one day, they would have told the girls.. it just didn’t come up, and it was best to let sleeping dogs lie in certain situations. Obviously, this one had backfired.
“Can you call her back in here? I doubt she wants to hear from me.” Nathan had stood and glanced at the four remaining girls, inviting them to sit. His demeanor was so—controlled. Not that that was necessarily a bad thing. Though she had been shown how he’d ‘grown up,’ Jean couldn’t help but wonder if this was how he always was. Though she had caught his frown, and for that she was glad. He was capable of showing emotion. Nathan reminded her more of Scott as the seconds ticked by.
< Jean, I'm going after Esme, > Jean’s brows shot up slightly, glancing over at her husband. < See if you can calm down the other girls. > She had nearly called out to Esme when she ran off, and figured she would be the one to go after her since Scott wasn’t too fond of emotional episodes. If anything, Esme was the most temperamental of the girls, but Scott cared for them as deeply as Jean did, and knew where he would be better needed. Jean nodded, < Thank you, Sweetheart. > And turned towards Nathan and the remaining girls.
"I'll get her," Scott said verbally as he began towards the door before pausing. He had that stance. There was another presence talking with him telepathically. Opening her mind to what was going on in his head, picking up most of it, < -- is here in full Red Guard costume. Sean is securing the sub-basement. Right now she's talking to Remy, Ash, Warren and Katherine Pryde. I'm about to go greet her. Shall we meet in your study? > Betsy, relaying the fact that someone from the Red Guard was here. Jean’s silent groan almost matched her husband’s as she sent out her feelers to find out just who had the audacity to arrive unexpec—’I should’ve known. Anna-Marie.’ The thought of one of her oldest friends brought a hint of a smile to her face, despite the goings-on. They’d had some good times together. But as much as she adored Rogue, there was the fact that she was now a member of the Red Guard, and precautions were still very much necessary.
< Jean, send Nathan down to the sub-basements and have Sean find him a place to bunk until Anna-Marie is finished with inspection. The girls need to be calmed down. I'll try to talk to Esme. > Releasing a slow breath Jean only nodded. Why did Anna choose today of all days to come and visit? It had to be something in the air, or some cosmic force trying to see how much pressure they could withstand before they cracked.
Searching the lower floors for Sean, Jean frowned slightly, not finding him. Opening her scan to the whole school, she found him in the kitchen with a few other presences. For some reason he was a shiny beacon of happiness, but Jean didn’t prod. But she made a note to remember it later, since it Sean seemed extremely happy. More so than usual.
“Yes, girls, please come in. We have a lot to talk about,” There was no time to waste, either. With Scott off dealing with Esme and Rogue visiting, she would want to talk with one of the headmasters. Being as sympathetic as she could, Jean waited for the girls to enter before she shut the door with her TK, keeping her senses out for anyone who might approach the office. After the girls entered, Jean began the cliff notes version of what happened over a decade ago.
Choosing a neutral area from both sides Jean took a seat on one of the armchairs in her office, facing her six children. Taking a deep breath she began, “When we were younger, Scott asked me to marry him before the mutant/human battles broke out heavily, and of course, I said yes,” A small smile played on her features, remembering, before she went on. Although the girls knew a little of this story and of Scott’s proposal, they didn’t know the whole story. “Shortly after, the Professor was killed in the battle, and amongst the injuries Scott lost his eye and Mr. Cassidy took a bullet to the leg,” Jean would have elaborated more, but they were pressed for time.
”A few months later, I discovered I was pregnant and Nathan was born about a year after the war started,” Jean focused on Nathan but made sure to hold each of the girls’ gazes so she knew they understood. “Betsy, Sean, and Scott kept the mansion open to anyone seeking shelter as the battle went on. When I was able to rejoin them, a long time friend of the Professor’s named Askani would watch Nathan for us as we went out on missions.” The next part was the hardest, because Jean had relived it over and over in her mind so many times, it nearly drove her literally insane with grief and a whole plethora of emotions she didn’t want to relive anymore. The down side to being a telepath was remembering every minute detail of nearly every singe experience.
Pausing to focus, she continued, “During one particular mission, there was an explosion at what we thought was a safe house where Askani was looking after Nathan—so much pain, and hurt..” Jean couldn’t go on. Before the tears overflowed she stopped, and just carefully projected what had occurred in her children’s minds. It was new to all of the young teenagers, because none of them had known what Jean and Scott went through. Jean tried to keep a harness on all the anguish and horror she and Scott had gone through as they discovered the destroyed building, but couldn’t keep it out. The girls and Nathan had to know what they suffered that day so they could better understand why this was kept a secret. They were shown it all—the hysteria, Askani’s burned body, and the devastating aftereffects as their parents clung to one another, their world turned upside down as they grieved with the friends they knew as family.
Blinking back the tears, Jean relied on her telepathy to speak to them all, < We couldn’t go through that again. We just couldn’t bring it up. And perhaps we should have sooner, and for that I am sorry, girls. > The girls had grown over the last near decade or so, and Jean knew they could override their Sentinal programming. They had to understand.
Regaining her composure, Jean focused on them all, “There are things this young man knows that only Nathan would know. All the discrepancies your father and I discovered have been accounted for, including his age.” Jean knew the girls would be wondering how this young man could be their son if he was that old. “I know it’s hard to believe, but girls, this is Nathan. His mental signature is the same, and he’s proved to Scott and me that he is who he claims to be.” Jean’s eyes were empathetic with her daughters, knowing how hard this was for them. Looking at each one in turn, she introduced them to their ‘brother.’
”Girls, this is Nathan. And Nathan, from left to right are Celeste, Sophie, Phoebe, and Mindee Stepford. Esme left a few moments ago. They are our adoptive daughters and arrived a few months after—well, after we thought you passed away,” Jean purposefully left out any family-incorporated terms, due to how sensitive the situation was. Giving the teens a few moments to process this, Jean then focused on Nathan.
”I absolutely hate to cut this conversation short, but there is a visitor from the Red Guard outside to do an unannounced inspection of the school.” The girls had probably already sensed her. “I’m sorry to ask this of you, but would you go see Sean in the kitchen? He’ll be able to show you a place to settle until she’s through with her inspection. I’ll let Sean know you’re coming.” She sent him a mental map of where to find the kitchen. As much as Jean hated to ask him to leave, there was a 99 to 100% chance Rogue would be inspecting every inch of the school. She was attentive to detail like that. And if she ran into him and started asking questions, like she was prone to doing.. No, they couldn’t leave it to chance. Besides, with the lab where Nathan was being held captive being blown up the Red Guard had undoubtedly heard about it by now. They could not let anyone find out that Nathan was tied to that. Jean would do whatever she had to to keep that from happening.
< Sean, I’m sending Nathan to you now. Would you do me a favor and take him to the sub-levels and get him temporarily set up there? As I’m sure you know, Anna-Marie is here to do a surprise inspection and well, if she found out about him, the consequences wouldn’t benefit us at all. > While they had not seen Anna in a long time and she was still a good friend, she was dedicated to her mother and the Red Guard. Sometimes duty bests friendship. Jean wasn’t aware of what Sean and Betsy had discovered about Sharon in the War Room, but Sean didn’t seem to be in a rush at the moment, and she could really use his help.
”Once the inspection is over, we’ll have more to talk about,” Jean offered her son a slight smile of reassurance, that everything would be fine. Her look was surer of that than she felt, with the girls shocked looks at their sister and Scott dealing with Esme.
Speaking of which, Jean felt a different presence in Scott’s mind via their rapport. Esme. While she trusted Scott’s judgment, she hoped Esme wouldn’t try to take advantage of the situation. She had faith in the young girl though, and believed she would do the right thing.
”I’d like you girls to stay for a bit though, if you would.” Jean looked at the remaining four girls, mentally preparing herself for the barrage of questions they might throw at her. Jean only hoped Scott was having a somewhat easier time with Esme, though that might not be the case.
Once Esme left his mind, Jean asked worriedly, < How are things going? > She hadn’t felt any negative spikes of emotion yet besides the roller coaster of emotions from before, so she hoped that was a good sign.
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Post by Cyclops on Dec 4, 2005 17:16:30 GMT -5
[[Cross posted from the Cuckoos' Nest]]
< Just great. > Scott's voice was bitter and frsutrated in Jean mind. < Now instead of being jealous and confused, she thinks us taking in her and her sisters was a rebound thing. Christ, Jean, what I am supposed to tell her? > He let out a long sigh. < Tell me things are going better down there? >
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Post by Banshee on Dec 5, 2005 21:48:39 GMT -5
((Cross posted from Kitchen))
Sean thought back to Jean,
'Why don't I drop by yuir office and meet up with Nathan there? Tha' way might be easier. I kin grab some bedding for him on the way.'
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Cuckoos
New Member
Five Minds One Purpose
Posts: 39
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Post by Cuckoos on Dec 5, 2005 23:11:48 GMT -5
“Can you call her back in here? I doubt she wants to hear from me.” the young man that was their parents’ son spoke as soon as Esme had left. He was right she would not want to hear from him. But what the hell had she done to them...they should be equally powerful, how was Esme able to take them over using their shared link?
Mr. Summers got up and started heading toward the door with a firm, "I'll get her," He then stopped just by the door , several moments passed by. It does not take a genius to figure out that he was being spoken with telepathically. When he was done he continued on his journey.
The girls turned to their mother and said, “You better shield him strongly. We did not even know how Esme did that to us.”
Their mother invited them. They walked into the office as Mrs. Grey shut the door with her telekinesis. The girls stood and their mother sat watching both them and their new ‘brother’. “When we were younger, Scott asked me to marry him before the mutant/human battles broke out heavily, and of course, I said yes. Shortly after, the Professor was killed in the battle, and amongst the injuries Scott lost his eye and Mr. Cassidy took a bullet to the leg,” Jean would have elaborated more, but they were pressed for time.
”A few months later, I discovered I was pregnant and Nathan was born about a year after the war started,” she looked at the young man but still made sure to continue eye control with them “Betsy, Sean, and Scott kept the mansion open to anyone seeking shelter as the battle went on. When I was able to rejoin them, a long time friend of the Professor’s named Askani would watch Nathan for us as we went out on missions.”
She stopped to focus it seemed, the girls could feel her pain, “During one particular mission, there was an explosion at what we thought was a safe house where Askani was looking after Nathan—so much pain, and hurt..” Mrs. Grey said but could not go on.
Then next thing they knew the girls were watching her own memories of this part of her life unfold in their mind. The horror was overwhelming. They could feel the panic as they looked for their child. And found the body of his caretaker. How Mrs. Grey cried out in anguish over the fact she could not feel her child anymore. It felt like the world had been ripped from their feet.
Jean relied on her telepathy to speak to them all, < We couldn’t go through that again. We just couldn’t bring it up. And perhaps we should have sooner, and for that I am sorry, girls. > Her telepathic voice held out hope. Hope that the girls would understand the reasoning behind the matter.
Regaining her composure, Jean focused on them all, “There are things this young man knows that only Nathan would know. All the discrepancies your father and I discovered have been accounted for, including his age.” That had been their main concern, there was not way the child could have aged so quickly in fact he should be younger than them. “I know it’s hard to believe, but girls, this is Nathan. His mental signature is the same, and he’s proved to Scott and me that he is who he claims to be.”
The girls all stood very quietly, looking over from their mother to the stranger that was now their family.
”Girls, this is Nathan. And Nathan, from left to right are Celeste, Sophie, Phoebe, and Mindee Stepford. Esme left a few moments ago. They are our adoptive daughters and arrived a few months after—well, after we thought you passed away,” Jean purposefully left out any family-incorporated terms, due to how sensitive the situation was. The girls had in turn nodded when their names had been mentioned. Adopted daughters...second best...
”I absolutely hate to cut this conversation short, but there is a visitor from the Red Guard outside to do an unannounced inspection of the school.” Mrs. Grey said to them. Yes the girls had sensed a new mental signature. But many strange people arrived at the institute, like their ‘brother’ so they had ignored it.“I’m sorry to ask this of you, but would you go see Sean in the kitchen? He’ll be able to show you a place to settle until she’s through with her inspection. I’ll let Sean know you’re coming.”
”I’d like you girls to stay for a bit though, if you would.” she said to the girls.
They all spoke in unison and said, “We will do as you ask. Would you like us to help shielding Nathan telepathically. In case she has any technology on her?”
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Post by Psylocke on Dec 6, 2005 13:25:03 GMT -5
((Crossposted from Back Yard))
In the meantime, she sent messages to both Cyclops and Phoenix, <Better finish up what you are doing because she's anxious to get started. We're doing the outside sweep now but that will be all I can stall her for.>
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Cable
New Member
The furture for the House of M
Posts: 38
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Post by Cable on Dec 6, 2005 23:09:25 GMT -5
I'll get her, Nathan's father said as he went for the the door, stopping momentarily in the doorway before finally leaving. Nathan figured he was speaking telepathically with someone. From the groan, he also decided that whatever happened wasn't pleasant. Apparently Nathan chose a very busy day to reunite with his parents.
Once Scott left, Jean closed the door with her telekinesis.She then sat in between the girls and Nathan. They all seemed disorientedsince the one girl ran away. His mother began the story about him. It was odd, hearing her side of the story for the first time at his age. He began to realize just how little he knew of his parents as he listened to her speaking about him. These girls knew more about their lives than he did. He knew he had to confront them but was it really fair to stay? After all, he was for all intents and purposes, grown up. After living with Essex for so long, he could easily take care of himself anywhere.
As Nathan pondered his place at this school, his mother's words became almost paniced. He could feel the pain it was cauing her to relive this. She finally gave up on saying it and just showed them what happened. He watched as they ran from the car looking for survivers. He felt the panic and pain as she tried to sense him but it was too late. It was at this point he realised that he couldn't leave, not again. He wouldn't do that to his mother, no matter what obsticles were in their way.
”Girls, this is Nathan. And Nathan, from left to right are Celeste, Sophie, Phoebe, and Mindee Stepford. Esme left a few moments ago. They are our adoptive daughters and arrived a few months after—well, after we thought you passed away,” he was finally introduced to his new siblings. Smiling, he bowed his head to the girls instead of trying to shake all their hands and said "It's a pleasure to meet all of you." It may have been an odd thing to say, but what do you say when meeting your teenage sisters for the first time.
Their introductions were cut short though. ”I absolutely hate to cut this conversation short, but there is a visitor from the Red Guard outside to do an unannounced inspection of the school.” The Red Gaurd, that wasn't good. They no doubt knew about Essex lab by now. It was very close to a SHIELD base. If he was found out, he'd have a lot to answer for. And his intimate knowledge of the Red Guard and Royal family would probably be brought into question. “I’m sorry to ask this of you, but would you go see Sean in the kitchen? He’ll be able to show you a place to settle until she’s through with her inspection. I’ll let Sean know you’re coming.” His mother said while sending him a mental image of where to go. Nathan knodded to her and moved toward the door. As he walked out, he tapped her telepathically. < This goes without saying but if they start talking about a destoyed plantaion in Nebraska, please don't say anything. >
Cable exits and goes to the kitchen
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Post by Phoenix on Dec 9, 2005 16:51:09 GMT -5
< Just great. > Scott was clearly aggravated at the situation. Jean had to keep her emotional blocks in check to keep his frustration from affecting her too much. < Now instead of being jealous and confused, she thinks us taking in her and her sisters was a rebound thing. Christ, Jean, what I am supposed to tell her? > The question seemed half-rhetorical, half-honestly asking. If no one else were in the room, Jean would have sank into the chair she was sitting in with a heavy sigh.
But keeping her composure for the girls and Nathan she sent back, < That we love her and her sisters, and will continue to no matter who comes into our lives. > There were no heavy negative peaks of emotion from Esme anymore, so Jean took that as a good sign. < You’re doing great, Slim. This will take getting used to.. for all of us. >
Hearing the sigh in his mental voice he asked, < Tell me things are going better down there? >
A moment later Sean’s thoughts registered in Jean’s mind. ’Why don't I drop by yuir office and meet up with Nathan there? Tha' way might be easier. I kin grab some bedding for him on the way.' It was a good thought. Unfortunately there wouldn’t be enough time. Before Jean could reply, the four remaining girls spoke up.
“We will do as you ask. Would you like us to help shielding Nathan telepathically. In case she has any technology on her?” That was a good sign, at least. The girls were willing to help out, despite whatever personal feelings they were having. It was a true testament to how much they were capable of learning, and how strong they were against their Sentinal programming.
”Thank you, girls. I’d appreciate that. Just focus on his mental signature, keeping it blocked from any outside sources.” Jean had no doubt in her mind that the girls were more than capable when it came to their telepathy. They were very skilled and proved it time and again in their sessions together. After Nathan greeted the girls he stood, he called to Jean via telepathy, < This goes without saying but if they start talking about a destoyed plantaion in Nebraska, please don't say anything. >
Staring after her son for a moment Jean replied, < Of course not, Nathan. No one will know that we know anything about it and it will stay that way. > Her tone was certain, determined to keep her son from being linked to anything dealing with that lab. No one would find out about his involvement, and she would make sure of that.
Betsy’s voice entered her mind a second later, <Better finish up what you are doing because she's anxious to get started. We're doing the outside sweep now but that will be all I can stall her for.>
< Remind me to commend Anna on her good timing. > Jean replied wryly, but continued with a bit of relief in her mental voice. < Sean has taken Nathan down to the sub-level, and he’s there… now. > Jean knew Betsy would pick up on the fact that she’d called him by their son’s name, showing she believed it was him. Jean had been tracking him and Sean, feeling another questionable presence with them, but she didn’t have time to focus on it now. She made a note to ask about it later. < Either Scott or I will meet with you both soon, once we’re done talking with the Cuckoos. > With a slight sigh she went back to the girls, concentrating on them for now. It had been like a circus in her mind, with everyone popping in and out. She was finally able to get back to Scott’s last question.
< Things are going. The girls offered to help shield Nathan from any devices Anna might have to locate signatures, so that’s a good sign. Nathan is now in the sub-levels, and I relayed that to Betsy, so Anna is free to come inside for the mansion inspection. > Pausing Jean took a moment, < Would you like me to go meet her and Betsy or are things with Esme going better? > Either way, one of them would have to meet with their old-time friend.
Her features serious, Jean focused on the four girls now that they were alone in the room. “I know this is a trying time, and we should’ve told you sooner about Nathan. But we love you girls, and that won’t change, whether Nathan is here or not.” Jean hoped the girls could understand that. They had trouble comprehending aspects of emotion, so this could be difficult, but she was willing to do whatever needed to help them understand.
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Post by Cyclops on Dec 11, 2005 4:09:42 GMT -5
[OOC:Through his link with Phoenix and cross posted from 'Cuckoos Nest'.]
Scott lowered his head and sighed aloud. < I know, > he replied heavily. < But that doesn't make it any easier. I'd rather walk up to Magneto and tell him I'm amassing an army to overthrow him, Red. It'd be less painful. >
< I'm on my way, honey, > he told her. < And I'm glad the girls are being reasonable. Thanks for taking care of Nathan. > He paused in his steps, smiling briefly. < You were always better at that anyway. > Then he remembered Esme's comment. Could Jean handle that on top of everything else right now? Cyclops decided no for now. < And we need to talk about Esme later. But for now, I think she'll be all right. >
And he headed down the stairs, Scott sighed. < Remind me again why I turned you down this morning, Red? > he asked in a wry tone, thinking he needed the stress relief badly. < Next time, just throw me on the bed. For my own good. >
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Cuckoos
New Member
Five Minds One Purpose
Posts: 39
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Post by Cuckoos on Dec 11, 2005 23:31:13 GMT -5
Their mother seemed really pleased with their offer, ”Thank you, girls. I’d appreciate that. Just focus on his mental signature, keeping it blocked from any outside sources.”
Their eyes glowing the girls focused their powers on their now brother’s mental and psychical signature. The fact that they had super-sentinel technology in them allowed them to be able to influence machinery. One of the reasons they were able to stay hidden from Magneto’s forces for so long. Now they just hid in plain sight. Of course they thought all super sentinels were destroyed.
“I know this is a trying time, and we should’ve told you sooner about Nathan. But we love you girls, and that won’t change, whether Nathan is here or not.” Mrs. Grey voice was filled with hope.
The four girls spoke in unison, “Yes you should have. We will not lie and say we are not hurt, but we understand your reasons.” they stopped then continued, “Esme, doesn’t. She was really mean to Mr. Summers. There is a lot of anger in her. Despite, her actions, she is someone that has learned about emotions rather well. Yet we sometimes are disturbed by her actions.”
They had been incredibly distraught over her taking over their bodies. She had managed to do something that they did not know she could do. And that could be a problem. Especially with her new feelings toward their parents. She loved and hated them all at the same time. They felt bad for their sister, so misguided.
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Post by Psylocke on Dec 12, 2005 8:55:26 GMT -5
((OOC: Crossposted from Back Yard))
<I am stalling her, Scott,> Betsy snapped back, not appreciative of his tone with her. <We all warned you there would be days like this when you and Jean adopted the quints and it's not our fault that everyone decided to descend on us at the same time.>
<Jean, that husband of yours is going to make me regret accepting Sean's proposal, I know he is,> Betsy vented to her best friend for a moment. Then she changed her own tone and added, <You believe he really is Nathan, don't you? Forgive me, dear, but I will have to see for myself although I completely trust you. Take care of your daughters, I'll deal with Anna. Besides, I have a feeling if I should fail to entertain her, Remy will be more then happy to take over,> Betsy added wryly.
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Post by Phoenix on Dec 13, 2005 20:25:27 GMT -5
The whole situation with Nathan’s return was so complicated. < …I'd rather walk up to Magneto and tell him I'm amassing an army to overthrow him, Red. It'd be less painful. > Scott replied wearily, and Jean couldn’t help but agree. The wrath of Magneto was practically nothing compared to five teenage girls, much less Super Sentinals. < I'm on my way, honey. And I'm glad the girls are being reasonable. Thanks for taking care of Nathan. > Glad she could multitask while talking with the girls, Jean answered back.
< Of course, Sweetheart. > Scott would have taken care of things with Nathan if he could have. Their daughters needed tending too as well, so they’d ended up splitting the parenting. Jean could almost feel his smile as he paused. < You were always better at that anyway. >
< Not all the time, > Jean replied modestly, her tone teasing slightly. < I’m just good at being the pestering, worrisome, mothering type. > But she appreciated his sentiment. There was something about teaching and being the mother figure for the Cuckoos (and now getting another chance with Nathan) that she’d always been drawn to and enjoyed.
< And we need to talk about Esme later. But for now, I think she'll be all right. >Detecting a slight change in her husband’s voice she frowned slightly. Maybe things didn’t go as well as she’d hoped with their most headstrong daughter. But she made a mental note to ask Scott about it later.
The four Cuckoos in front of her spoke, brining her attention to them. “Yes you should have. We will not lie and say we are not hurt, but we understand your reasons.” Sighing silently, Jean could only reiterate her apology. They should have told the girls sooner, but at least they understood why they didn’t.
“Thank you, girls.” Jean appreciated they were giving it a try. Well, at least the four of them.
< Remind me again why I turned you down this morning, Red? > Scott’s wry mental voice sounded in her mind again, causing Jean to chuckle mentally. < Because you didn’t want to be late for class and people would talk if you were? > A somewhat sound excuse at the time, seeing as how Scott was a stickler for the rules. But every now and then, rules had to be bent. Scott sometimes had issues with that.
< Next time, just throw me on the bed. For my own good. > Jean had to outright laugh via their rapport that time, trying hard to keep a straight face for the girls. It was good to hear him tease like that, especially in such a tense situation. With a light tone of her own, Jean smirked slightly, < Oh, I plan on it now. Definitely. >
The four Cuckoos continued then, discussing their sister, “Esme, doesn’t. She was really mean to Mr. Summers. There is a lot of anger in her. Despite, her actions, she is someone that has learned about emotions rather well. Yet we sometimes are disturbed by her actions.” Esme was mean to Scott? Why didn’t he mention any of it? Brows furrowed, Jean frowned. Even as the girls spoke Jean could feel how tense they’d become, unsure about what to do about their sister.
“Girls, is there something going on with Esme that I’m not aware of?” Jean’s eyes locked with each of the girls in turn. “She hasn’t mentioned anything to any one of you, has she?” In their one-on-one sessions, Esme seemed as okay as a teenage girl could, but she was no normal teenage girl. Beneath her supposed thick skin lay a very emotional young woman. Jean wasn't one to pry. She'd rather have the girls tell her themselves of anything bothering them. If the girls knew of anything that was troubling their sister, she hoped they would tell her.
A heavy wave of annoyance flushed through her mind as Betsy’s voice sounded, <Jean, that husband of yours is going to make me regret accepting Sean's proposal, I know he is.> Jean had to pause in her conversation with the girls for a moment. Proposal? Sean proposed?! Scott could get under people's skin every now and again (Jean's too, at times) so Jean didn't bring up the irritation in Betsy's voice for a much bigger topic that needed to be addressed.
< Betsy! Sean proposed?! When?! And why didn’t you tell me when it happened? > Jean’s voice was mock-hurt before musing, < No wonder he felt as happy as a clam when I contacted him earlier. > But Jean was pleasantly surprised. It was only a matter of time before Sean wore Betsy down. Jean could see them married a few years ago if Betsy weren’t so set in her ways. < Guess I won’t be the only girl in the Wives’ Club anymore. > Jean teased her best friend, temporarily putting aside her stress for a moment about Nathan and the girls.
Betsy’s tone changed, a careful edge to it, <You believe he really is Nathan, don't you? Forgive me, dear, but I will have to see for myself although I completely trust you. Take care of your daughters, I'll deal with Anna. Besides, I have a feeling if I should fail to entertain her, Remy will be more then happy to take over.> Jean frowned slightly. She knew her son. It bothered her that Betsy felt she couldn’t trust her.
< The DNA test will show us if he is or isn’t scientifically, but Betsy, I know it’s him. Call it mother’s intuition if you want. If it’s not him—well, then we’ll deal with it if it happens. > But it wouldn’t. Unless someone had cloned their son, and it was entirely possible, then the boy in the lower levels was indeed him. Jean didn’t want to get into a heavy debate about it though. If Betsy needed scientific proof, then so be it.
< Watch out for Remy. He’ll have her wined and dined within the hour if no one’s there to keep an eye on him. > Jean replied a bit wryly before going on, < Scott and I will be in our office with the girls. Feel free to bring Anna on over whenever you’re ready. > Finishing her thought Jean placed her attention back to the girls, still wondering about Esme and if she’d revealed anything bothering her to her sisters.
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Post by Psylocke on Dec 15, 2005 10:54:48 GMT -5
((Crossposted from Back Yard))
Giving a mock sigh mentally, she replied, <Just a little while ago in the kitchen, of all the romantic places.> The last was said sarcastically. Then Betsy added, <Don't count on a wedding any time soon, Jean. I'm in no hurry to actually go through with it. Especially after I tell you the other news we have but that can wait for now. It's more of a 'you'll have to see it to believe it' sort of thing.>
Betsy could feel Jean's hurt at her caution regarding Nathan but Jean said, <The DNA test will show us if he is or isn’t scientifically, but Betsy, I know it’s him. Call it mother's intuition if you want. If it’s not him—well, then we’ll deal with it if it happens.>
She wished she were physically next to her friend right now so she could gather her in a hug. <I believe you, luv. I really do and remember, he felt like Nathan to me as well but call me pessimistic. I have yet to see the child face to face and look into his eyes, so to speak. I just worry for you and Scott and don't want anything more to hurt you,> Betsy tried to reassure her. She wanted desperately to believe Jean.
Jean changed the subject to Remy and said, <Watch out for Remy. He’ll have her wined and dined within the hour if no one’s there to keep an eye on him. Scott and I will be in our office with the girls. Feel free to bring Anna on over whenever you’re ready.>
<I think it could actually work out to our advantage if Remy did wine and dine Anna. She'd be too busy to pay too close attention to the school,> Betsy said wryly. <As soon as Anna is done out here, we'll be inside. She's grown up, Jean, but she is still the same Anna. Once the formalities are out of the way, this could actually be fun.>
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Cuckoos
New Member
Five Minds One Purpose
Posts: 39
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Post by Cuckoos on Dec 15, 2005 21:27:01 GMT -5
Their mother seemed glad that the four girls seemed to understand her actions. Even though it did cause them pain. Still, there was one girl left, Esme did not seem to share their sentiment. They could tell from the stray emotions and thoughts they had caught from Mr. Summers’ and Esme’s conversation.
The girls could not really blame her. They knew that even though they were all alike they were still different. Esme could be an incredibly strange animal indeed.
"Girls, is there something going on with Esme that I’m not aware of?” Jean’s eyes locked with each of the girls in turn. "She hasn’t mentioned anything to any one of you, has she?”
“No, she has not.” said Phoebe.
“We are just a bit worried; Esme can be rather difficult at times.” Mindee responded next.
“If something was said we would tell you of course.” Sophie spoke just behind her sister.
“It’s not like she wants to blow up the school or something.” last was Celeste.
Speaking in unison they said, “It is just, she has a wicked temper. It is almost as if looking as a tornado hits the ground, shattering everything. She has proven that when she took over us.”
This was their sister of course. The girls did not wish anything bad for her. In fact, they just hoped they were overreacting. But unlike many people knew Esme had been happy with her life. She would take this to heart. It was just at time her thoughts were so...dark.
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Post by Cyclops on Dec 21, 2005 2:50:41 GMT -5
OOC: Cyclops enters from the Cuckoos' Nest.
Jean, of course, empathized with his frustration and brushed off Scott's compliment about her far superior parenting skills. She was just so much better at this kind of thing than he was. It wasn't just her telepathy. She just didn't freeze up at the thought of dealing with or expression strong emotions. Something he did subconsciously.
She laughed softly in his mind at his request. < Oh, I plan on it now. Definitely, > she assured him.
< That a promise, Red?> Scott shot back, unable to resist. Even the teasing was some relief from the tension building in his neck and back.
He could feel Jean's good humor fade, feel her worry and a twinge of hurt. Now what was wrong? First their dead son shows up, older than he should be, who had been kidnapped and experimented on by a mad scientist, then the Cuckoos had freaked out, Esme was hurt and angry, and then Anna-Marie had showed up for the long overdue yearly inspection.
Anymore surprises and the vein in his forehead was going explode messily everywhere.
Scott didn't bother to knock as he opened Jean's office door. She knew he was coming. He overheard the Cuckoos speaking in unison. “It is just, she has a wicked temper. It is almost as if looking as a tornado hits the ground, shattering everything. She has proven that when she took over us.”
Esme. They were talking about Esme. He looked between the girls and his wife, his mood plummeting. Esme words rushed into his mind before he could stop them. Perhaps, I have become a bit wary of mutants again.
He looked over at Jean, catching her eyes. Scott knew she'd need an explanation. < She said that to me, when I told her everything, > he told her grimly. < Dammit Jean, I though we raised them better than that. >
He felt like he'd failed somehow. He and the other X-Men were the last torchbearers of Xavier's dream. They tried to teach their students tolerance and acceptance. Peaceful co-existence. That a child, no matter what her 'programming' was, no matter how she'd started out in this world. A child he and his wife had raised for ten years, could throw that sort of ignorant, intolerant thing in his face, stung almost as badly as knowing he'd failed to protect Nathan.
Scott turned his attention to the other four Cuckoos, his face not betraying his inner turmoil. "I'm sorry, girls," he apologized quietly. "We didn't intend to lie to you or hurt you in any way. Thank you for being reasonable and understanding. And for shielding Nathan. I've very proud of you for setting aside your personal feelings to do that. That took a great deal of maturity and courage. And I appreciate it."
Maybe he'd not completely failed them. The other four Cuckoos didn't seem to be ready to write them off as 'untrustworthy mutants'. There was hope.
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Post by Phoenix on Dec 27, 2005 20:55:50 GMT -5
Hearing the slight exasperation from Betsy, Jean smiled, <Just a little while ago in the kitchen, of all the romantic places. Don't count on a wedding any time soon, Jean. I'm in no hurry to actually go through with it. Especially after I tell you the other news we have but that can wait for now. It's more of a 'you'll have to see it to believe it' sort of thing.> Jean could only speculate on what that last part meant. There was more? What could Betsy reveal that could add more shock to an already shoc—no.. Betsy wasn’t—Jean shook her head. No, Betsy wasn’t pregnant. Jean would’ve felt a difference in her mental signature, and two presences instead of one. Besides, she had a feeling Betsy would be a little more, um, ‘ecstatic,’ if that were the case.
<I believe you, luv. I really do and remember, he felt like Nathan to me as well but call me pessimistic. I have yet to see the child face to face and look into his eyes, so to speak. I just worry for you and Scott and don't want anything more to hurt you,> Betsy’s voice was sympathetic and Jean understood. She only wanted the best for Sean and Bets as well. It was difficult with all the potential hurt they could run into with Nathan being back. Jean replied, her heartfelt tone matching her best friends, < Thank you, Betsy. > It had hit them all hard when he ‘died,’ and they’d only had one another and the other staff to lean on.
Betsy’s tone changed and Jean could almost see her smirking, <I think it could actually work out to our advantage if Remy did wine and dine Anna. She'd be too busy to pay too close attention to the school. As soon as Anna is done out here, we'll be inside. She's grown up, Jean, but she is still the same Anna. Once the formalities are out of the way, this could actually be fun.> There was no doubt in her mind that Remy would try to wine and dine Anna. Every new of-age female that entered the premises was sized up and given the once over. Jean didn’t even need to look to know he was doing it. It was just Remy’s thing. And whoever had his attention at that particular moment never seemed to mind, not that Jean would expect them to.
< Are there plans for a night on the town tonight then? > Jean teased lightly, wondering if Betsy and Anna were going to try to convince her to come along. When they had all been single and things weren’t as involved as they were now with Scott, the three girls had a lot of fun nights scouring the city. Then Anna left, things with Scott progressed, and the battle worsened—Jean shook her head free of the thoughts. It was nice to have a night off once in a while, but with everything going on, they might not be able to go on one for a while.
The four remaining Cuckoos had begun answering Jean’s questions about Esme, and Jean focused on them at the same time as she was talking with Betsy.
"No, she has not." Phoebe spoke up first about Esme.
"We are just a bit worried; Esme can be rather difficult at times." Mindee added after her.
"If something was said we would tell you of course." Sophie, the one most comfortable with calling Scott and Jean by ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad,’ contributed.
"It’s not like she wants to blow up the school or something." Again they all spoke up as Celeste finished for them. At least Esme didn't want to do any major damage. Jean didn't think she did anyway, but it was nice to hear it from her sisters regardless.
< That a promise, Red?> Scott’s teasing tone entered her mind and she had to suppress a smile. < When you least expect it, Slim. > Jean sealed the guarantee with a mental flash of what the promise could entail, welcomingly distracted for a second before returning to the girls as they began to speak together.
"It is just, she has a wicked temper. It is almost as if looking as a tornado hits the ground, shattering everything. She has proven that when she took over us." Esme’s growing power was unsettling, only because of how she’d used it on her sisters. Jean frowned, sensing Scott enter the room but her mind was preoccupied with the girls.
Perhaps, I have become a bit wary of mutants again. Where did—Jean’s eyes locked with her husband’s. It was Emse’s voice, but it was from Scott’s mind. Esme had said that? Jean could scarcely believe it. She didn’t want to. < She said that to me, when I told her everything. Dammit Jean, I though we raised them better than that. > Scott explained, his tone exhausted, almost defeated.
< We have raised them better than that. Esme knows better, deep down. > Or at least Jean hoped she did. Esme had shown tremendous progress when it came to dealing with her emotions and understanding it when it caused actions from others. < She realizes people make mistakes and act on emotions, or she wouldn’t have come to me this morning to talk. > Jean quickly relayed the episode in the kitchen to Scott, and how Esme had called Celeste a derogatory name without thinking, but felt bad about it afterwards. But maybe this—maybe this had been too much for her to take. It had taken the girls a while to learn to trust them, but once they did, they’d proved loyal time and time again. Jean only hoped this wasn’t so hurtful that Esme would never trust them (and mutants as a whole) again.
< We’ll figure something out. > Jean replied quietly as he addressed the four remaining girls. "I'm sorry, girls. We didn't intend to lie to you or hurt you in any way." Jean stood near, her arms crossed as she nodded, agreeing. "Thank you for being reasonable and understanding. And for shielding Nathan. I've very proud of you for setting aside your personal feelings to do that. That took a great deal of maturity and courage. And I appreciate it." Jean smiled slightly at the girls.
"We both do. We’re very proud." Scott spoke for both of them when he’d said that. Jean knew the girls were still stunned over Esme’s outburst and taking over their hivemind, but they’d managed to think about the bigger picture and everything else that was at stake, what with a Red Guard agent arriving at almost the same time their supposedly dead son shows up. If only Esme would understand. Jean released a breath silently, keeping a mental tab on Betsy and Anna as they made their way closer to the mansion.
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