The room Jean shared with Kitty and Rogue was a mix of organized chaos—clothes half-folded, books stacked haphazardly, and trinkets scattered across the desk. The faint smell of lavender from the small potpourri pouch Jean kept by the window was the only thing that still felt peaceful. But for Jean, everything in the room felt suffocating now, and she was moving quickly, packing her things with a sense of urgency that made her almost seem like a different person.
Kitty was perched on the edge of the bed, folding Jean's clothes with an almost military precision, her brows furrowed in concern. "Are you sure about this, Jean? I mean, Kamar-Taj? That's a whole different world." She bit her lip, folding another sweater before looking up at her friend. "I don't know… it's a lot. You're sure you don't wanna stay? Or at least talk to us more about it?"
Jean glanced at Kitty, her gaze intense, like she was processing something deeper than the words being spoken. "I need to do this, Kit. I've tried to fit in here—tried to make peace with what I am, but I can't ignore it anymore. The Phoenix, everything—Xavier's blocks, his secrets... it's too much to carry." She sighed, her voice cracking just slightly as she picked up a framed photo of the X-Men team, her fingers brushing over it. "I need to go where I can actually find the answers. Not live in the shadows of everyone else's decisions."
Rogue, who had been leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed, finally spoke up, her Southern drawl thick with emotion. "Sugar, I get it. I really do. But that doesn't make it any easier, y'know? We've been through a lot together, and now you're just... leaving." Her eyes softened, despite her tough exterior, and she stepped forward. "I can't pretend like I'm not gonna miss ya. Hell, we all will."
Jean stopped packing for a moment, staring at Rogue. Her expression was firm, but there was a trace of something else—something more vulnerable, something she didn't often let people see. "I know, Rogue. Believe me, it hurts to leave. But I don't know what else to do. It's not just about the Phoenix anymore. It's about finding my own path, without all the secrets and manipulation." She didn't meet Rogue's eyes, instead focusing on her bags. "If I stay, I'll keep pretending it's all okay. I won't be able to stop feeling like I'm being used, like I don't have control over my own life."
Kitty bit her lip and hesitated for a moment before she stood up, walking over and pulling Jean into a tight hug. "You don't have to do this alone, though, Jean. You've always got us. You know that, right?"
Jean returned the hug, though her arms were stiff. "I know. But I need to figure this out by myself. I need time to understand who I really am, without being someone's experiment or their secret weapon." She pulled back, her eyes meeting Kitty's with determination. "I need to learn what's inside me, Kitty. All of it. Without anyone else's interference."
Rogue gave a soft laugh, one that held both sadness and acceptance. "Hell, ya better come back and tell us all about it, Jean. Ain't no way I'm lettin' you disappear without a word."
Jean gave her a weak smile. "I won't disappear. I'll come back, I promise. But I can't stay here. Not yet."
The sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway. A knock on the door quickly followed, and before anyone could respond, Scott Summers' voice rang through the room, frantic but controlled. "Jean, we need to talk. Please."
Kitty exchanged a glance with Rogue, who raised an eyebrow, then both girls quickly stood up. Kitty gave Jean one last hug. "We'll be right outside if you need us, okay? Just... take care of yourself."
Jean nodded, swallowing hard, her throat tight. She managed a weak smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Thanks, guys."
As they stepped out, Jean could hear the door softly click behind them, and she stood still for a moment, gathering her thoughts before facing Scott. She could already feel the tension building.
The door creaked open, and there he stood—Scott Summers, his jaw clenched, the ruby-tinted glasses perched on his nose. His tall frame filled the doorway, his posture stiff, and there was a mix of concern and frustration in his eyes. "Jean," he said, his voice a little too rough, "please just listen to me for a second. We can fix this. You don't have to leave."
Jean turned to face him, crossing her arms tightly. Her gaze was unwavering, a challenge in her eyes. "Scott, we've been through this. You don't get it. I can't stay here. Not with what's happening inside me. Not with all the things Xavier's been hiding from me. The blocks, the manipulation—it's all too much."
Scott's hands clenched at his sides. "Jean, the Professor's only tried to help you. He—"
Jean cut him off with a sharp gesture. "You don't get it. He's been holding me back, Scott. He's been lying to me. Keeping things from me like I'm some kind of experiment. I can't keep pretending everything's fine. I need answers, and I'm not going to find them here."
Scott's voice broke, though he tried to hide it behind his usual intensity. "Jean, you can't just run away from this. You're not alone! We can work through it, together." He took a step toward her, but she didn't move, standing her ground with the same intensity.
"I'm not running away from you," Jean said, her voice almost gentle now, but still resolute. "I'm running toward something that might help me understand myself. I don't trust the Professor anymore. I don't trust this place." She looked down for a moment, her expression softening ever so slightly. "I'm not abandoning you, Scott. I just need time. I need to figure out what this Phoenix Force really is and how to control it."
Scott stepped back, as if her words had physically pushed him away. "So this is it? You're just leaving? Without even giving us a chance to fix things?" His voice was tight, and there was something more vulnerable beneath the anger.
Jean's voice softened, but her decision was clear. "I'm sorry, Scott. But this is something I have to do on my own." She looked away, her eyes focused on the open suitcase in front of her. "I'll always care about you. But I can't stay. Not now."
Scott stood there for a long moment, his face unreadable, before he finally spoke, his voice low. "If this is really what you want... then I won't stop you. But don't think you can just walk away from this. Don't think I'll forget what you're doing."
Jean didn't look back as she zipped up the last of her bags. "You won't have to forget, Scott. I'll carry this with me, too."
The door clicked shut behind him, and Jean let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She stood still for a moment, her fingers gripping the strap of her bag as she prepared to take her first step on the journey she knew she had to take alone.
Outside, Kitty, Rogue, and Kurt waited in silence, their faces etched with concern, but also a quiet understanding.
Kurt broke the silence first, his German accent thick with emotion. "Do you think she'll be okay?" His voice cracked slightly.
Rogue sighed, rubbing a hand over her face. "She's gonna be fine, Kurt. Jean's tougher than she lets on. She's always been."
Kitty squeezed Kurt's shoulder, her voice calm but filled with sadness. "Yeah. She just needs time. We all go through stuff like this."
Rogue nodded, but her gaze lingered on the door. "She'll come back when she's ready. And when she does, we'll be here. Always."
And with that, they waited—silent, patient, and ready to be there for Jean when she returned.
—
The sun's early light streamed through the large windows of Jean's room, casting long shadows across the bare floor. The last remnants of her things had been packed away, leaving the space feeling emptier than it ever had before. Jean stood in the middle of the room, her gaze fixed on the suitcase at her feet, her fingers absentmindedly brushing over a photo of the X-Men she had left behind. Each passing second felt like an eternity, the decision weighing heavily on her chest.
The sound of footsteps broke her reverie, soft but deliberate. She turned, expecting the familiar faces of her friends, the ones she was leaving behind. Her heart twisted at the thought.
First, it was Rogue, standing in the doorway with her arms crossed. The sharpness of her Southern drawl cut through the silence. "Well, sugar, looks like this is it." Rogue's voice was thick with emotion, but she kept it steady, trying to match Jean's own resolve. "I reckon I'm gonna miss ya, darlin'." She stepped forward, her usual sass taking a backseat as she pulled Jean into a tight embrace. "Just promise me, ya won't forget us. You may be goin' off on your own, but we're always gonna be here for ya, okay?"
Jean's throat tightened as she held onto Rogue, the scent of her perfume—sweet and faintly floral—filling her senses. "I promise, Rogue. I won't forget. I'll be back when I figure things out."
Rogue gave her a final squeeze, pulling away with a weak smile. "Y'know where to find us. Don't be a stranger, ya hear?"
Jean nodded, grateful for the gesture. Next was Kitty, her eyes already glassy as she stood a few feet away, her arms hugging herself tightly. "Hey, you," Jean said softly, forcing a light tone. "You're not gonna give me a lecture, are you?"
Kitty shot her a small, half-hearted grin, but the sadness behind it was palpable. "Nah, Jean," she replied, her voice catching a little. "No lectures. Just... just be careful, okay? Whatever you find, just know we've got your back, no matter where you go. You know we're always gonna be your friends." Her words held a quiet power, the sincerity in her voice making Jean's heart ache even more.
Jean took a deep breath, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. "I know, Kitty. You're always gonna be a part of me. I'll carry you with me."
Kitty quickly closed the distance between them, wrapping Jean in a fierce hug. No words were needed as they held each other for a moment longer, the bond between them stronger than anything that could be put into words.
Kurt was next, his blue fur and tail twitching nervously as he shuffled in, glancing at the floor before meeting her gaze. "Jean, I... I'm not good with this kind of thing." His thick German accent made every word sound weighted, though his gentle eyes betrayed his true feelings. "You're one of my closest friends. And even if we don't see each other for a while, I hope... I hope this journey helps you find what you need."
Jean's eyes softened, the sorrow mixing with understanding. "I know, Kurt. You've been there for me, always. Thank you. I'll never forget it."
He looked up at her, swallowing hard, before quickly pulling her into an awkward, but heartfelt hug. "Just don't be a stranger, okay?" he murmured as he pulled away, his tail flicking behind him.
Jean chuckled lightly, wiping away a stray tear, before turning to leave. But there was still one more goodbye to make. Scott.
Scott was standing near the end of the hall, his shoulders tight, his posture rigid. His usual aura of control seemed fragile today, his body language betraying just how much this was affecting him. When Jean approached, he didn't turn to face her at first. Not yet.
"Scott," Jean said softly, her voice trembling slightly, "I need to do this. Please understand."
Scott's response was slow, deliberate, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. When he finally turned to face her, his voice was thick with emotion. "I don't understand, Jean. I don't understand how you can just... leave. Like this." His words were heavy, like he had been carrying them for too long. "You're making a mistake. A huge one."
Jean's heart broke at the sight of him. His eyes, usually so full of confidence and determination, were now filled with doubt and hurt. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before replying. "Scott, I'm not leaving because of you. I'm leaving because I have to understand myself. I need to find answers, and I can't do that here. Not with the Phoenix. Not while I'm still caught in the chaos of it all."
Scott's face flushed with frustration, his brow furrowing as he stepped toward her, his voice rising. "You don't have to be alone, Jean! The team, me—" His words faltered, and the pain in his eyes was so raw it made her chest ache. "Don't you trust us anymore?"
Jean swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "I trust you, Scott. But I need to do this on my own. I need to confront this, for myself. Please understand."
There was a long pause as Scott seemed to wrestle with his emotions. His shoulders slumped, and finally, he nodded, albeit with a sharp edge to his words. "If this is what you want, Jean... I can't stop you. But... just don't forget what we had."
"I won't," she replied softly, the pain evident in her own voice. "Goodbye, Scott."
Turning away, Jean felt the weight of that final goodbye in every step she took, even as she exited the hall. In the foyer, Logan was waiting, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. He took a long drag from his cigarette, his eyes narrowing as he regarded her.
"Jean," he rumbled, his gruff voice steady but filled with unspoken concern. "You sure about this?"
Jean met his gaze, nodding firmly. "I am, Logan. I need to find my own way. I can't let the Phoenix keep controlling me. It's time to take control of my own fate."
Logan exhaled, flicking the cigarette butt to the floor. "Hell, I don't get all that mystical mumbo jumbo, but you've got the strength to figure it out." His tone softened, just a little, as he stepped toward her. "Just don't get lost in all of it. And don't be a stranger, kid."
Jean managed a small smile, stepping into his embrace. "Thanks, Logan. I won't forget any of you."
As she stepped out into the cool morning air, Jean couldn't help but notice Charles Xavier watching her from the balcony above. His gaze was steady, his expression neutral, but she could feel the weight of his thoughts pressing down on her. He didn't try to stop her. He didn't chase her down. He simply watched.
Outside in the courtyard, Harry stood waiting for her, his red and gold armor gleaming brightly in the sunlight. The Cloak of Levitation swirled around him like it was alive, giving him an almost ethereal presence. His green eyes met hers as she approached, and a small, reassuring smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Ready?" Harry asked, his voice steady, calm, and filled with that subtle confidence she had come to rely on.
Jean nodded, taking a deep breath, feeling the weight of her decision but also the spark of something new, something she could shape. "Yeah. I think it's time."
Harry extended his hand to her, and without hesitation, Jean took it. Together, they walked toward the horizon, her future still uncertain, but in her own hands now. As the mansion loomed behind them, Jean knew she was ready to face whatever lay ahead in Kamar-Taj—and beyond.
—
The swirling vortex of the portal closed with a soft, otherworldly hum, leaving Jean Grey and Harry Potter standing in the study of Kamar-Taj. The air felt alive with ancient magic, and the room itself seemed to pulse with an energy far beyond anything Jean had ever encountered. Bookshelves stacked with faded scrolls, mystical texts, and strange, gleaming relics filled the walls, while the air shimmered with an almost imperceptible hum of power.
Jean's breath caught as her gaze moved across the study, her emerald eyes wide with awe. It was nothing like the Institute, or even the bustling streets of New York she knew so well. This place felt... ancient, beyond time, as though the weight of the world's knowledge was contained within its walls. She felt small but not insignificant.
"Wow," she whispered, a smile tugging at her lips as she turned to Harry. "This place is incredible. It's like... stepping into a living history book."
Harry grinned, adjusting his red and gold cloak. "You get used to it, but yeah. Kamar-Taj has a way of making everything seem a little... more, doesn't it?"
Jean chuckled, but there was a nervous edge to it. The magnitude of her arrival—of what was happening—was sinking in. Harry's presence was the only thing that steadied her as she walked further into the room.
At the far end of the study stood the Ancient One, a figure so ageless she might have been carved from the very stone of Kamar-Taj itself. She radiated an aura of calm and power, her silver hair flowing like liquid mercury, her golden robes sweeping across the floor in graceful folds. She turned to greet them with a gaze that was both sharp and knowing, as though she could see every thought Jean had ever had.
"Welcome, Jean Grey," the Ancient One said, her voice like the softest chime, yet carrying the weight of centuries. "I trust your journey here was... enlightening?"
Jean swallowed the lump in her throat, her nerves rising again despite herself. She had met the Ancient One only the day before, but every encounter with this woman seemed to stir something deep within her—a sense of awe, but also a quiet fear. After all, Jean wasn't just any mutant; she was the Avatar of the Phoenix Force. She had no idea what that truly meant.
"It was... a lot," Jean said, her voice a little shaky as she took in the study. "Fascinating, though. I never imagined a place like this existed."
The Ancient One smiled, a soft curve of her lips that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Few can, Jean. Few understand the vastness of the multiverse. But you are here now, and there is much to discuss."
"Tea?" the Ancient One offered, gesturing toward the low table between them, where a delicate teapot steamed quietly. The soft, aromatic scent filled the room, rich and unfamiliar. The porcelain cups gleamed in the ambient light.
Jean hesitated for only a moment before nodding, her fingers curling around the cup as the Ancient One poured the tea with measured grace. The warmth of the liquid felt soothing against her skin, but the weight of what was to come still pressed heavily on her chest.
"I know this must feel overwhelming," the Ancient One said, taking a seat across from Jean. Her posture was serene, her presence unwavering. "But you have asked for answers, Jean. And the answers you seek begin with understanding the Phoenix Force itself."
Jean's grip tightened on the cup as the memories flooded back—the overwhelming surge of power, the near destruction of her own mind, the feeling of being both herself and something else entirely. She had always known there was something deep inside her, but now she understood it wasn't just power—it was the Phoenix.
"I've felt it," Jean said quietly, looking up at the Ancient One, her voice laced with a mix of awe and fear. "I've felt it before... when it overwhelmed me. It's not just power. It's like—like it's me and yet not at the same time. I can't control it."
The Ancient One studied her for a long moment, her eyes unwavering. "That is the nature of the Phoenix Force. It is both a part of you, and something much greater. It is primal, infinite, and it resides beyond the physical plane of existence. It is a cosmic entity—one of creation, destruction, and rebirth."
Jean shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "So what does that mean for me? I... I can't even control my own powers as it is. How am I supposed to control something like that?"
The Ancient One's gaze softened, though her voice remained firm. "The Phoenix does not answer to the will alone. It is a force of nature. And when it bonds with an individual, that individual becomes its avatar—not its master. The true question, Jean, is not how you will control the Phoenix, but how you will balance it within yourself."
Jean frowned, trying to make sense of the words. "Balance?"
The Ancient One nodded slowly, sipping her tea with an elegance that seemed almost too deliberate. "The Phoenix Force is not inherently destructive. It is your perception of it that brings either creation or destruction. You must learn to balance the light and darkness within yourself. Only then will you understand the Phoenix."
Jean blinked, her thoughts swirling. Balance. It was always the balance she struggled with, ever since the first time she telekinetically broke down the walls of her own mind. Could it be as simple as that?
"But... how do I even begin to find that balance?" Jean's voice cracked slightly, her vulnerability seeping through the otherwise composed exterior. "I've never been good at controlling my emotions, or my powers. How can I trust myself with something this... dangerous?"
Harry placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch grounding her. "Hey, we're all a little chaotic inside. But you've always managed to keep yourself together when it counts, Jean. You can do this. You just need to believe in yourself."
The Ancient One watched them for a moment, her expression inscrutable. "Harry is right. This is not about controlling the Phoenix; it is about learning to coexist with it. The teachings here at Kamar-Taj are not just about learning spells and incantations. They are about finding harmony within yourself. The Phoenix will not overwhelm you if you understand its purpose."
Jean inhaled deeply, feeling the warmth of the tea in her hands but also the weight of her destiny. It was clear that this journey wouldn't be easy—if anything, it was just beginning. "So... Kamar-Taj will teach me to... coexist with it? To understand it?"
"Yes," the Ancient One said, her voice like a calm river flowing through Jean's mind. "But it is not only the Phoenix Force you must learn to understand. You must first understand yourself—your fears, your desires, and your limitations. Only then will you be able to wield the Phoenix as it was meant to be wielded."
Jean's gaze shifted to the Ancient One, searching for reassurance, but she saw no easy answers. Still, something about the woman's presence made her feel like perhaps, for the first time in a long while, she wasn't entirely alone in this fight.
"I've always been afraid of what I could become," Jean admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But maybe it's time to face that fear."
The Ancient One nodded, her expression softening with approval. "The path ahead will be difficult, but you are ready. The first step is always the hardest. After that, the ground beneath you will begin to feel firmer with every step."
Jean closed her eyes for a moment, letting the weight of the moment wash over her. She didn't have all the answers, and she might never fully understand what it meant to be the Avatar of the Phoenix Force, but here, now, with the guidance of the Ancient One and the support of Harry, she finally felt like she could take the next step.
"Okay," Jean said, her voice steadying. "I'm ready."
And in that moment, as the echoes of ancient magic hummed around them, Jean felt something inside her stir—something powerful, yet calming. Maybe she wasn't running anymore. Maybe, just maybe, she was ready to embrace the Phoenix.
—
Harry leaned back in his seat, the weight of the conversation pressing against him. He could feel Jean's curiosity growing as she processed everything the Ancient One had just said. The look on her face was one of both awe and confusion, a blend that reminded him of the time he first began to understand his own connection to forces far beyond his control.
"Before we dive into the Phoenix thing," Harry said, his voice breaking the silence with an easy, casual tone that belied the gravity of the situation. He gave Jean a pointed look, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "There's something else I should mention."
Jean turned her head towards him, her blonde curls catching the light, her face drawn with confusion but intrigued. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice quiet yet strong, as if she was bracing for whatever might come next.
Harry adjusted himself in his seat, his red-and-gold cloak shifting slightly as he straightened. "I… have a connection to the Phoenix Force too," he said, leaning forward slightly, his golden-red eyes twinkling. "But not as deep as yours. At least, not yet."
Jean blinked, her bright green eyes widening in surprise. Her lips parted as she tried to process his words, but the usual skepticism that came with such extraordinary claims melted into a mixture of confusion and curiosity. "You?" she repeated, clearly trying to make sense of it. "How? I thought the Phoenix Force was… well, it's cosmic, right? Aren't you—" Her voice trailed off, uncertain how to finish the thought.
Harry's grin spread, more mischievous than self-assured. "Yeah, I get that a lot. But trust me, it's not what you think. See, it's all about timing and—" He paused, glancing at the Ancient One. "Magic."
"Magic?" Jean's eyes narrowed slightly, clearly skeptical. "Like… real magic? Sorcery?"
"Exactly," Harry said, his tone relaxing a bit. "But not the kind you'd see in the sanctum here. My kind of magic is different. The wizarding world I come from—well, we don't exactly do things the same way as your typical sorcerer. We've got our own rules, our own rituals, and let's be honest, they're a little more… unique."
The Ancient One's lips quirked upward, a slight smile forming as she regarded Harry. Her posture remained calm, the weight of her years and wisdom evident in her serene expression. She said nothing, simply acknowledging his words with a quiet nod.
Harry turned back to Jean, his expression growing a little more serious. "Anyway, in my world, there's this ritual called the Animagus Ritual. It's an ancient spell—an incredibly difficult one—that allows a wizard to transform into an animal. But it's not just about changing shape. It's about becoming the animal. You're in its body, but you still have your human mind. It's not an easy thing to pull off."
Jean's brow furrowed in thought. "Animagus? I've never heard of it," she said slowly. "What's the catch?"
"Well," Harry said, leaning back again, "the catch is that it's a hell of a process. Most wizards fail or take decades to master it. It takes a lot of dedication, and even more, a certain… depth of magical understanding."
Jean's eyes brightened slightly, the wheels turning behind them. "So, you're telling me… you can transform into an animal at will? Like, at any time?"
Harry smirked. "In theory, yes. But the process can be incredibly dangerous. My first time trying it? Yeah, I almost burned myself to a crisp." His tone lightened with humor, but then he grew more thoughtful. "But I wasn't alone in that. That's where the Phoenix Force came in."
Jean's face remained a mask of curiosity, but her posture stiffened. "Wait… the Phoenix helped you?"
Harry met her gaze, his smile fading into something more serious. "Not directly. I was conducting an experiment—a magical one—trying to update the Animagus Ritual. Make it more… well, sorcerer-friendly, I guess. Anyway, I was struggling. I was about to hit my limit, and that's when I felt it. A spark of power, something ancient and beyond anything I could comprehend. That's when the Phoenix Force connected with me."
Jean blinked, her lips parting as she digested what he was saying. "So… this cosmic entity just—connected with you?"
"Yeah," Harry said, his voice soft but earnest. "It wasn't like I suddenly saw the universe in a flash of light. It was more subtle, more personal. It was like an ember—just enough to light the fire. The Phoenix… she gave me a piece of herself, just an ember of her essence, to help me complete the transformation. And with that, I succeeded. It was still on me to make it work, but that ember made all the difference."
Jean's gaze softened with wonder, her green eyes reflecting a mix of awe and confusion. "And you think the Phoenix Force helped you just because you were trying to cast a spell?"
Harry shook his head. "Not just that. The Phoenix spoke to me. She told me I had a role to play, a responsibility. She said that I had to help you, Jean."
At the mention of her name, Jean tensed, her shoulders rigid as her gaze shot up to meet his. "Me?" Her voice was a mix of disbelief and something darker, something almost fearful. "How? What do you mean?"
Harry leaned in, his voice dropping to a softer tone. "You're the one she's chosen, Jean. The Phoenix Force is with you, but there's more to it. Professor Xavier, he placed psychic barriers on you—chains, really. Chains that were never meant to hold you back. Those barriers are gone now, and you're free. But the path to fully embracing the Phoenix, to becoming its Avatar… that's yours to walk, and you don't have to do it alone."
Jean's eyes flared briefly with something intense, some internal struggle playing across her face. "But I've always struggled to control it. I—" She faltered, her voice laced with doubt. "I'm afraid of what the Phoenix can do to me."
Harry's voice softened as he placed a hand gently on her shoulder, a grounding presence in the face of her turmoil. "I get it, Jean. I really do. I was afraid too, at first. But you've already started to accept it—you're not alone in this. You've got me. I've been there. And we'll figure it out together, okay?"
Jean's face softened, the conflict still there, but something in Harry's sincerity seemed to reassure her. She nodded slowly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Thanks, Harry. For believing in me."
Harry gave her a half-grin, his eyes softening. "Always," he said, his voice low but full of certainty. "Now, let's get started. This Avatar business won't figure itself out on its own."
The Ancient One, who had been silently observing them, spoke then, her voice quiet yet filled with authority. "It is true, Jean Grey. You have much to learn. But you are ready. And Harry, his path has only just begun. You are both bound by forces far older than you realize."
Jean turned to the Ancient One, her green eyes shining with newfound resolve. "I don't know if I'm ready. But I'll try. I have to."
The Ancient One nodded, a small, approving smile crossing her face. "Then we begin."
And in that moment, it felt like the world shifted just slightly—the first step on a long journey that neither of them could have predicted. But together, they would face whatever came next.
---
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