Hi, guys! This is it! The final chapter of Rising Tides! It's a little short, but I hope you guys still enjoy! I'm so, so thankful for all of you guys' support and encouragement! It's meant a lot to me. :D Thanks to Sphered–Rhyme for following and favoriting! Quick note: I didn't add the reader–insert key to this chapter because it wasn't needed. :)

Reviews:

Sphered–Rhyme: Just found this story this evening and I'm loving it! :) :) Ahhh! I'm so glad! :D

Sphered–Rhyme: This was absolutely my favorite chapter so far! I love that you incorporated the healing aspect of water-bending into it like I was hoping! It would be neat if there was some point where she either lost her temper or was being controlled by a telepath and blood-bended! LOVE IT! Great idea! I'll keep that in mind. :) It makes me so happy to know you love my story!

sarah0406: The best part of that chapter: Charles embarrassing the hell out of them! That was hilarious! Question: where was Sean? We don't see much of Sean. In fact in the fanfictions with Alex/OC that I've read (meaning, nearly all of them), I recall only one (a good one) where Sean is more present (sorry if I forgot your story in this lot...). The story is Of Fragile Souls if you are interested (I like it, it's a bit different I think, but I don't know if the author is planning on updating again). Regarding Alex's behavior with a girlfriend, I personally don't know, but I think he is with Lorna Dane (Polaris) in cannon (though I don't know which cannon) and maybe if you look into it you'll find some info... I'll be waiting for a sequel. Don't hesitate if you want to talk about movies, stories or characters... I like doing that, as I'm sure you've understood by now. I'm glad you enjoyed it! I didn't really know how to incorporate Sean in the last chapter. He will be in this one, and definitely in the next story. I have a cute scene between Ocea and him already planned out! As for Polaris, her and Alex had an off and on relationship, but in the end, Alex married Wasp. Who knew?

Sheherzade: I'm quite sure that's exactly how Alex would react to having a girlfriend. tough guys are the biggest marshmallows. Loved the ending. especially Professor's bits. I'm glad you loved it! I was worried it would come across as OOC. There isn't a lot of information out there about how Alex acts around a girlfriend (without reading all the old comics. Yeah.. I'm too broke for that).

Marine: Finally ! YES ! I loved this chapter Whoo hoo! I'm so happy you enjoyed it! Means a lot to me! :D

Disclaimer: All this time writing, and I still don't own. If I did, a lot of the stuff Alex went through in the comics wouldn't have happened. Just saying...

It's three months later, and the new "Xavier's School For Gifted Youngsters" is bustling with rowdy mutant children. Unfortunately, since the day Alex and I became a couple, the Professor had to wipe Moira McTaggert's memory. It was the only way to keep her safe from harsh interrogation. Professor X had no doubt that she would be able to withstand anything they had without revealing information; but for her sake, he didn't want her to endure it.

We currently had about ten mutant students, the oldest being fourteen years old. Even though Alex, Hank, Sean, and I had our own studies, we also helped teach the younger ones. While it could be extremely exhausting, it was worth it to see the young ones find confidence and acceptance at Xavier's School.

Hank started working on another Cerebro. He still had the schematics from the first one, and was planning on building it under the mansion. He said he also had a few other surprises planned. Knowing Hank, whatever he's working on is going to be huge.

Since Alex and I had never been in a serious relationship before, we decided to keep it a secret. We would tell the others when we were ready. Despite the secrecy, Alex and I had never been happier. Every moment we weren't studying or teaching, we spent together. It didn't matter what we did, or if we did anything. Just being together was enough. As long as I could be in his arms and look into his blue eyes, I was happy and content. I felt safe.

And Sean was... Well, Sean. Most of the time he was cooking up trouble with the younger ones. Anytime the kids did something disastrous, their only response was: "Banshee said it was okay!" Needless to say, the Professor was not amused.

So, life carried on at Xavier's school. We continued to recruit and teach young, lost mutants. Everything was perfect.

However, perfection can only last so long...

"Charles' group of mutants continues to grow." Magneto muses. "His forces already outnumber ours. However, his 'school' encourages rules and regulations. The children aren't allowed to spread their wings to their fullest potential. He no doubt teaches 'peace' and 'unity' in his classes. But the truth of the matter is: there will never be peace. Humans will never accept us. They have already waged war against us. We must fight back!"

"What do you want us to do?" Angel speaks up.

"Start recruiting mutants." Magneto replies cooly.

"What if Charles and his team try to stop us?" Mystique asks.

"As I said before: fight back!" Magneto orders. "There are too many weaknesses on their side.. Charles' compassion for humans.. Alex's obvious affection for 'Ocea,' as he dubbed her... It's time Charles learned that weaknesses in war get you killed. Dismissed."

Angel, Riptide, Azazel, Mystique, and (the new addition) Emma Frost, all nodded. They set out to begin their search for more mutants. After all, what's a war without soldiers?

So, like I said earlier, I hope you guys enjoyed! I'm really excited for the sequel! I have to warn you guys, it will be darker than this one. It'll deal with some heavier stuff, but nothing too explicit (in my opinion anyway). Keep your eyes open! It will be called Breaking Waves. I may also post some oneshots as well. Let me know what you guys thought of this chapter and the overall story! :D

~Kate