I Am the King of Electromagnetism, Not the King of Iron

Jean looked up at the woman who had spoken.

Her red hair blazed like fire against her fair skin. She wore a simple beige trench coat and a gentle, girl-next-door smile.

Her eyes were brown and bright, like two unusual stones washed clean. She carried no weapon and had no companions behind her. She stood there alone, as if she had been waiting specifically for Jean.

Jean frowned slightly. Her instincts told her there was more to this woman than met the eye.

After all, everyone else saw her as the Red-Haired Witch and couldn't get away fast enough. Why would anyone approach her to say hello?

"Were you waiting for me?" Jean asked calmly.

Walker walked toward her at an unhurried pace, looking completely at ease.

She stopped in front of Jean and tilted her head, admiration in her brown eyes.

"Yes. We aren't from Earth. We came here following the Phoenix Force." Walker's voice was soft, like someone soothing a child to sleep.

"We sought you out because we are guardians of the Phoenix Force. From the moment it was born in the universe, our mission has been to protect it and its hosts, and to help those hosts master its power.

"You must be confused right now, or perhaps afraid of the immense power inside you. Does it feel like that power is consuming you? We can help."

Jean looked at her and fell silent for a moment. She remembered the Phoenix Force Fragment beyond the universe, how it had swept past her and merged into Russell's body.

If these people had followed the Phoenix Force here, they should be looking for Russell, not her.

"You've got the wrong person," Jean said coldly. "I'm not the Phoenix Force's only host. There's another, and he's stronger than I