At Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, the esteemed Lalia Azali serves as a dedicated teacher and is also this universe's Scarlet Witch. Endowed with formidable powers and a destiny she must face, Lalia confronts her fate amidst the school's hall...
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A Week Later. — Lalia
The school grounds were somber, the once lively hallways now filled with a heavy silence. The day was overcast, as if the sky itself mourned the loss of Jean. Students and faculty gathered outside, by her gravestone. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, carrying whispers of memories shared with her.
The Professor, seated in his wheelchair, moved to the front. His face was etched with sorrow, but his presence remained a pillar of strength for everyone gathered. He took a deep breath before beginning to speak, his voice resonating with a mix of grief and wisdom.
"Today, we gather to honor the life of Jean Grey, who was not only a daughter, but also a cherished team member, a devoted girlfriend, and a beloved sister. Jean was remarkable individual who touched each of our lives in profound ways. Jean was more than a gifted student; she was a beacon of hope, a symbol of strength, and a testament to the power of the human spirit. Her abilities were extraordinary, but it was her heart and her compassion that truly defined her."
He paused, looking out at the faces of those who loved Jean, his eyes reflecting their shared pain. "In times of loss, it is easy to feel as though the light has gone out of our lives. But Jean's light continues to shine within each of us. Her legacy is not just in her powers, but in the kindness she showed, the friendships she nurtured, and the courage she displayed in the face of overwhelming odds."
The Professor's voice grew softer, yet each word carried weight. "Jean once told me that she believed in the goodness of people, in the potential for change and growth within each of us. She saw the best in everyone, even when they couldn't see it in themselves. Let us honor her memory by striving to live up to that belief, by being the best versions of ourselves, and by carrying forward the values she held dear."
The Professor's eyes met mine, and he gave a small nod. "Lalia, if you would like to say a few words."
I looked at Logan, my eyes searching for reassurance. He met my gaze and gave me an encouraging nod. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, my heart heavy with grief but filled with the desire to honor her.
"Jean was a sister to me," I began, my voice trembling slightly. "She saw me for who I truly was and helped me see that person too. Her strength and compassion was boundless, and she always had this incredible ability to make you feel like you mattered, no matter what. Jean saved my life, and she saved many others. She was a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength in our darkest times."
I paused, my eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Before we went on the mission, she helped me realize that I was not controlled by a prophecy, a destiny, and I was not defined by my powers, but by who I was."
My voice grew sharper, filled with a mix of pain and admiration. "Jean loved us fiercely and sacrificed everything for us. Her legacy is not just in her powers, but in the love and strength she left behind in each of us."
My voice broke as I finished, and I stood there, holding back tears, feeling the weight of Jean's absence but also the profound impact she had on all our lives. As I spoke, I felt the collective grief of everyone around me, but also a sense of unity.
Jean had brought us together in life, and even in death, she continued to do so. "Thank you, Jean, for everything. We will carry your light with us always."
As I stepped back into the crowd, I heard the light claps that followed my speech, a gentle acknowledgment of the words I had just shared.
The students began to disembark, everyone making their way back into the mansion. Faculty members returned to their classes, and the murmur of conversations gradually filled the air. Being back here gave me a fleeting sense of normalcy, but without Jean, it felt like there was a gaping hole in my heart that nothing could fill.
The Professor approached me, his expression gentle yet concerned. "Lalia, may we have a word?" he asked softly.
I nodded, following him into his office. Once inside, I closed the door behind me. The Professor turned to me, his eyes full of empathy. "How are you holding up?" he asked.
"Like everyone else around here," I replied, my voice heavy with emotion. "Dealing with the hard part."
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of my words. "Jean was the one who gave me the loophole to the prophecy," I began, my voice trembling. "We figured it out together on the jet on the way to Stryker's facility."
Tears welled up in my eyes and began to fall. "She saved everyone, and she doesn't even know it."
His face softened. "I've known Jean for quite some time, and so have you. So please believe me when I say that she would be so astonished of you right now. She knew you were going to be okay."
I swallowed hard, feeling the lump in my throat grow. "I'm just... so tired," I admitted, my voice cracking. My hands trembled as I wiped the tears from my cheeks. "So tired of feeling this way." I let out a sad, bitter laugh, shaking my head. "I'm so sick of crying, of feeling this constant ache."
The Professor nodded, his gaze never leaving mine. "It's understandable to feel this way. You've been through so much."
I sighed deeply, struggling to find the right words. "I've been pushing the reality of her death out of my mind. I don't want to accept it. But when I saw her name on that grave, next to my brother's, I just couldn't..."
I looked up at him now, the words catching in my throat. "Why does everyone have to die on me?" I whispered, my voice breaking.
The Professor moved closer, his expression filled with compassion. "It's not fair, and it's not easy. But you are not alone in this. We are all here for you, and we will get through this together."
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "I remember when I first got here," I began, my voice trembling with the weight of memories. "Jean was my first friend. She saw something in me that no one else did. She believed in me when I couldn't believe in myself."
The Professor nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "Jean had a gift for seeing the best in people," he said softly. "She brought out the best in you, Lia."
"I feel so stupid for not realizing what the prophecy meant in time," I admitted, my voice cracking with regret. "The fact that her life was tied to my curse... I should have seen it. I should have known."
Tears welled up in my eyes, spilling over onto my cheeks. "She died because I couldn't figure it out. She gave up everything to save us, and I couldn't even save her."
