────୨ৎ────

"So, what now? What do we do?" Bobby asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Professor Xavier started this school," Hank began, his tone somber. "Perhaps it's best that it ends with him. We'll have to tell the students they're going home."

"But most of us don't have anywhere to go," Bobby replied, shaking his head. "I can't believe we're not going to fight for this school."

Before anyone could respond, a blonde man entered the room, luggage in hand. "I'm sorry. I know this is a bad time. I was told this was a safe place for mutants."

"It was, son," Hank said gently.

"It still can be," Rory interjected, her gaze fixed on the floor. "We've lost Charles, but we have to protect each other. If we send these kids out into the world without a place to go, it could be a disaster waiting to happen. Come on, I'll get you a room." She offered a soft smile, which the boy returned.

"Hank, let the students know this school stays open," Scott said firmly. "I promised the professor I would protect every mutant here, and I intend to keep that promise."

────୨ৎ────

Rory walked into Logan's room, hearing faint rustling sounds.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"Where do you think?" Logan shot back.

"She's gone, Logan. She's not coming back."

"You don't know that."

"Oh, the hell I don't!" Rory argued, her frustration evident. "She tried to kill Scott and managed to kill the professor. I had to watch her do both. Don't tell me I don't know that."

"It wasn't Jean. The Jean I know is still in there."

"You're right. It's the Phoenix—the Phoenix the professor warned you about, but you were so caught up in your feelings that you didn't—"

"Give me a break, Rory. Go suck off your boyfriend or something. Just stay the fuck away from me."

Rory stood firm in the doorway. "Out of my way."

"Why can't you see the truth, huh?"

"Why can't you just let her go?"

Logan grabbed Rory by the shoulders, pushing her against the doorframe. "Because—"

"Because you love her."

Logan turned away, breathing heavily.

"She made her choice. Now it's time we make ours. So if you're with us, then be with us."

Logan listened to Rory's vanishing footsteps before grabbing the keys to one of Scott's bikes and heading for the garage.

────୨ৎ────

Rory found Scott sitting in the common room, lost in thought. She approached him, her expression somber.

"Scott, I need to tell you something," Rory said softly.

Scott looked up, his eyes filled with concern. "What's wrong?"

"Logan's left. He took one of your bikes and headed out."

Scott's face fell. "What do you mean, he left?"

"He's gone, Scott. I think he's trying to find a way to deal with everything, or maybe he's just trying to escape."

Scott sighed deeply, looking away. "He didn't have to leave."

"I know," Rory said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "But we have to focus on what's next for us now."

Scott nodded, his eyes dark with worry. "Yeah. We do.

────୨ৎ────

3 DAYS LATER

Logan burst into the mansion, his face etched with worry.

"Rory?" he shouted again, his voice echoing through the halls.

Rory and Scott came rushing down the staircase, concern written all over their faces.

"What are you doing back here?" Rory asked, breathless.

"I need help," Logan replied urgently.

"You found her?" Rory's eyes widened.

"Yeah. She's with Magneto."

"Where are they?" Scott demanded, stepping forward.

"They're on the move. I know where they're going," Logan said, his urgency palpable.

"You're saying you saw Magneto?" Hank asked, joining the group.

"Yeah, they're heading for Alcatraz."

"There are troops stationed on that island," Hank informed them.

"Not enough to stop him," Logan said grimly.

"Then let's suit up," Storm said decisively.

────୨ৎ────

"If Magneto gets his hands on that cure, there will be no stopping him," Logan said, his voice heavy with concern.

"Can you estimate how many he has?" Scott asked, his gaze intense.

"An army. And Jean. Magneto's powers have limits, but hers do not," Logan replied.

"There are only eight of us," Bobby pointed out, his voice tinged with doubt.

"Yeah, we're outnumbered," Logan admitted. "I'm not gonna lie to you. But we've already lost Jean. We've lost the professor. If we don't fight now, everything they stood for will die with them. I'm not gonna let that happen. Are you?"

Scott stepped forward, determination blazing in his eyes. "We've faced impossible odds before. We've fought for what we believe in, and we've fought for each other. If we back down now, we dishonor their memory and everything we've fought for."

Rory nodded, her voice steady despite the fear. "We've lost so much, but if we don't stand up now, their sacrifices mean nothing. We have to protect what's left of this world and what we've built here. We have to fight for the future."

Bobby shook his head, resolve hardening. "Then we stand together... X-Men, all of us."

"We're in," Bobby confirmed, his voice filled with conviction.

"Let's go," Logan said, rallying them with a determined nod.

"They're ready." Logan said, nodding to Rory and Scott.

"Yeah, I know." Scott nodded back.

"But are you ready to do what you need to do when the time comes?" Rory asked Logan, her tone firm and unwavering.

Logan stood still for a moment, contemplating her words, watching the two walk off without him before leaving his trace and following them to the jet.

────୨ৎ────

Scott and Rory stood apart from the others, the weight of the upcoming battle pressing heavily on them. Scott's hands shook slightly as he adjusted his Visor, trying to steady his nerves. Rory noticed the tremor and stepped closer, her eyes softening with concern.

"Rory," Scott said, his voice almost a whisper but filled with urgency. "I need to tell you something. I love you. I'm scared we might not make it out of this. I don't want to leave anything unsaid."

Rory's heart ached at his words. She reached up, her fingers gently adjusting his Visor, her touch reassuring. "Scott, I love you too. And no matter what happens, I want you to remember that."

With a tender smile, Rory leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to Scott's lips. The kiss was filled with all the unspoken promises and feelings they had shared.

As they pulled away, Scott's eyes met hers, both of them finding solace and strength in each other.

"Let's do this," Scott said, his voice steadied by her touch.

"Together," Rory replied, taking his hand firmly in hers

────୨ৎ────

A/N

Hey everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to address something about the story. As many of you know, I'm doing my best to incorporate Scott Summers into the narrative, but it's been a bit challenging. The character's original storyline had him wrongfully killed off, which has made it tricky to give him the presence and development we'd hoped for.

Nevertheless, I'm working hard to ensure Scott's role remains significant and true to his character. Your patience and understanding as we navigate these challenges mean a lot. Thank you for sticking with the story, and I hope you continue to enjoy the journey I'm crafting for these characters.

Best,
Victoria