"Black Queen?"
Above the Spirit Candle Mind Realm, the Dark Phoenix's psychic manifestation loomed beneath a sky of leaden clouds. Clusters of black-red flames blazed in layers, coming together to form the Phoenix's feathers.
The searing psychic power made the entire mindscape warp and distort.
Professor Charles glanced at Emma and quietly mulled over the strange title the Dark Phoenix had used.
"So that's what it is."
Emma spoke slowly, her expression calm. Charles stayed silent beside her, as if he didn't exist, even making sure not to look at the White Queen's face.
"Mm~ That makes sense. If I were in her shoes, I'd feel the same way. She'd be suppressing her feelings and fretting over them. It's the age when a young girl's feelings first begin to bloom. Professor!"
"Ah? Ahem. Yes, ma'am?"
Charles and Emma were from the same generation, and he was even a few years older. But because of Mr. Howlett, he had always shown the White Queen greater respect.
At that moment, Professor Charles deeply regretted getting mixed up in this. The two most terrifying women in the world had become entangled in some kind of romantic drama. Just learning about Jean Grey's repressed obsession made Charles feel like he'd been struck by the worst luck imaginable.
"Have you noticed? So far, all we've faced is Jean's power. We haven't sensed any psychic energy from the supposedly unknown will that descended from outer space."
Charles pondered as he raised a hand and stabilized the mindscape once more. Then he spread his arms, and the earth and stone beneath them rumbled upward, forming a huge curved barrier to block the deep-red flames pouring from the sky.
"Yes, ma'am. That's why I suspect Jean's own will has been resisting that power deep within her. That must