Sleepwalker
World: Marvel/New X-Men – Academy X
Time: After the Reload, before the Decimation
Characters: Paragons team of young mutants from Academy X, other students and teachers
This is a first chapter of renewed version of the story about Paragons, a groups of young mutants, that were part of the New X-Men Academy X storyline. When the stories about these characters were published, I was about their age so I connected with them and they become important to me. However, Marvel did not let me grow older with them. They became less and less significant and finally they were killed or left in limbo. Krakoa Nation brought promise to see them again, but it was never fulfilled.
There will be only English version of new version of the story, the Polish one only on a special request.
Chapter 1: Artificial Sky
A new day was dawning over the expansive complex of dormitories belonging to the Xavier Institute — a school like no other. Here, young mutants from all corners of the world could safely live, learn, and master their extraordinary abilities. The morning sun's rays gently filtered through the haphazardly drawn blinds in one of the girls' dorm rooms, casting a warm glow on the face of a sleeping young woman. Her pink hair was spread carelessly across a soft pillow, shining like flames in the morning light. Only her small, pale feet peeked out from under the large white comforter. Megan, the sleeping girl, felt the faint touch of the morning on her face. She briefly opened her eyes, lazily attempting to grasp reality, but quickly closed them again, unwilling to part with the warmth of sleep. She pulled the pillow over her head, trying to escape the coming day. In the silence of the room, only her peaceful breathing could be heard, soon interrupted by the quiet creak of the door.
A young guy entered, his footsteps so light it seemed he didn't want to disturb her slumber. His short black hair contrasted with the green and red uniform he wore, which bore the distinctive "X" on his belt — a symbol of his status as a student at the Xavier School, though not yet a member of the elite X-Men. In one hand, he held a music player, and in the other, a pair of headphones attached to it. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he saw Megan still sound asleep. Without a moment's hesitation, he quickly pulled the comforter off her head, revealing her tousled hair. Before she could react, he slipped the headphones over her ears and turned the music on — loudly, deafeningly loud. The effect was immediate: Megan's eyes shot open as if jolted by electricity, and in the next instant, she was sitting up in bed, tearing the unwanted gift off her head. She stretched, and from her back unfurled a pair of colorful wings, resembling those of a butterfly — a clear manifestation of her unique abilities. Resigned, she attempted to tame her unruly hair with her hands, feeling each strand resist order. Her wings fluttered slightly, their delicate movement adding a touch of magic to the morning that not even the man with the music player could disrupt.
"What were you thinking?! How could you do that? I could've gone deaf because of you!" Megan shouted, clearly furious, glaring at the boy.
"I had to wake you up. Otherwise, you would've slept through our session in the Danger Room again. You know it's our turn today," Mark replied calmly, trying to soothe her. His tone was firm but tinged with amusement.
Megan took a deep breath, calming down a little. She folded her wings, then stretched them out again as if performing a morning exercise. Despite this, her cold stare made it clear she hadn't forgiven him for the prank.
"And what are you even doing here, Mark? This is the girls' dorm! Not everyone is okay with a guy barging in here, especially this early in the morning!" she added with a scolding tone, raising an eyebrow at him suspiciously. She got out of bed, preparing to shove him out of the room. But Mark only laughed, clearly entertained by her reaction. Megan frowned, confused about what had amused him this time. Then, it hit her — she was still in just her shorts and a pink bra. Her face immediately turned crimson.
"Get out! Now!" she yelled, pointing to the door.
Mark, whose codename was DJ due to his sound-manipulating abilities, finally decided to leave his friend's room, chuckling under his breath.
"Could you two be a little quieter? You're not the only ones here, some of us are trying to sleep!" came a groggy voice from across the room. Both Megan and Mark turned their attention to the other bed. Sitting up on it was Andrea, known as Rubbermaid — Megan's roommate. The young mutant with short blonde hair and blue eyes looked thoroughly annoyed.
"Aren't you heading to training?" DJ asked, seemingly ignoring her irritation.
"Ever since Mr. Baubier... passed away... we only have one supervisor," she replied, her voice trembling slightly at the mention of the loss.
"Exactly, which is why we can't have joint sessions, you idiot! Two teams are too much for one training room!" Andrea shot back, her tone laced with impatience. Mark shrugged and finally left the room, leaving the girls alone.
Megan quickly adjusted her hair, carefully arranging her pink locks, and then stepped out into the hallway. The dormitory, which was the heart of daily life for young mutants, was already buzzing with morning activity. The corridors were alive with energy — girls from different squads were everywhere, chatting, laughing, and rushing off to their morning routines. Many familiar faces could be seen, like Noriko, whose electrically blue hair always caught the eye, and Sooraya, moving quietly in her traditional black hijab. The sounds of conversations, running water from the bathrooms, and laughter echoed through the narrow hallways of the dorm. Megan, known to her friends as Pixie, quickly decided to head for the bathroom, knowing she needed to hurry if she was going to make it to the morning session in the Danger Room. In the doorway, she passed a friend with purple skin, dressed only in panties and a T-shirt that read "I am not Katma Tui." The girl, whose striking appearance instantly drew attention, smiled at Megan and headed off in the opposite direction. When Pixie reached the changing area in front of the showers, she found that her teammates from the Paragons squad were already there. Hope, a slim and graceful girl with straight brown hair and green eyes, was just finishing changing into her training gear. She was slightly taller than Megan and always gave off an impression of being well-organized and full of energy.
"Hey, Hope… you're up early today," Megan greeted her, trying to hide her embarrassment from the earlier prank.
"More like you overslept again. Everyone's already up and moving. I see DJ already paid you a visit," Hope replied with a teasing smile. There was a twinkle in her eye that hinted she might have had a hand in the morning's events. She winked playfully at Megan. Pixie's face darkened as she spread her wings in irritation. "You knew about it! This was your idea!"
Hope shook her head, feigning innocence. "No, no, no… I just happened to run into him sneaking around the hallway on my way to the bathroom. It was pretty obvious where he was headed."
"Really?" Pixie eyed her friend suspiciously, clearly not convinced.
Before she could press further, a soft, calm voice interrupted their conversation. "Hey, girls…"
Both Megan and Hope turned their heads towards the shower entrance, where a girl with pale skin and jet-black hair stood. She was dressed in an even darker black robe, had earrings glinting in her ears. Her pretty brown eyes observed them with a serene expression.
"Hello, Jessie!" Megan greeted her with a smile, though she couldn't entirely hide the unease in her voice. Jessica, also known as Preview, walked over to the bench where her Danger Room outfit and underwear were neatly folded. She glanced at Megan with a knowing look. "You're going to be late today," she said quietly, her voice almost a whisper, yet carrying an eerie certainty. Megan's heart skipped a beat at Jessie's words. Without another moment's hesitation, she dashed off to the showers, her wings fluttering nervously as she went.
As Megan stood under the warm spray of the shower, the water cascaded down her hair, over her body, and across her wings, which shimmered under the droplets. The steam filled the shower stall, but she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling Jessie's prediction had left with her.
"She sometimes scares me. She's my friend, but I'm afraid of her. Those glimpses of the future she gets… I'm too scared to ask her about anything. She often knows what I'll be doing hours before I even think about it myself," Megan thought to herself.
Jessica quickly dressed in the uniform assigned to the Paragons and left the bathroom with Hope at her side. The uniforms were practical yet sleek, designed to endure the rigors of the Danger Room while representing the team's identity. As they walked down the hallway, the morning light filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the polished floors.
"Shouldn't we wait for her?" Hope asked, glancing back toward the bathroom where they had left Megan.
"She's overslept again… do you remember the time we all got chewed out by Emma Frost because we were thirty minutes late to her class? All because Megan couldn't get out of bed on time?" Jessica replied with a slight smile, her tone both fond and teasing.
A small smile played on Jessica's lips as she recalled the incident. "I remember it well. I actually predicted every word Frost was going to say," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice as the memory surfaced.
"Yeah… it probably would've been better to listen to you and skip the Institute that day altogether," Hope laughed, the memory of the stern lecture they had received now amusing in hindsight.
"But you know what would've happened? She would've dragged us back with one of her telepathic projections. Ugh, I can't stand when she yells in my head. And those astral projections of hers… they're the worst," Jessica continued, her tone becoming more animated as she spoke. The thought of Emma Frost's formidable psychic powers always made her shudder slightly. Jessica caught the look Hope gave her, and her smile faded slightly. "No offense," she added, realizing her friend might be sensitive about her own abilities.
"None taken," Hope replied with a shrug.
Engrossed in their conversation, the girls didn't even notice when they exited their dormitory and walked out into the fresh morning air. The sprawling grounds of the Xavier Institute were bathed in golden sunlight, the early morning mist lifting to reveal the perfectly manicured lawns and gardens. In the distance, they could see some of the students, like Anole and Rockslide, sparring near the basketball court, their laughter echoing across the campus. The mansion itself loomed ahead. The building was a mix of old-world charm and modern technology, with advanced security systems hidden beneath the classic architecture. The girls passed by the main entrance, nodding to a few familiar faces — Elixir was heading towards the medical bay, and Mercury, with her metal skin shimmering in the sunlight, was talking with Surge near the fountain. The morning air was crisp and invigorating, and the clear blue sky above seemed to promise a beautiful day ahead. The pleasant weather had put everyone in good spirits, and there was a noticeable energy in the air as students and teachers alike prepared for the day's lessons and training sessions.
Before they knew it, Jessica and Hope found themselves in the main building, where the Danger Room was located. The hallway leading to the training area was lined with portraits and memorabilia from the X-Men's many missions over the years — a constant reminder of the legacy they were all part of. The girls entered the waiting area outside the armored doors of the Danger Room, where they were greeted by the sight of their male teammates already assembled and ready for the session.
Mark, the young mutant who had pranked Megan earlier, was leaning casually against the wall, a mischievous grin on his face. His uniform was slightly rumpled, and the "X" on his belt gleamed in the dim light. Beside him stood Nicholas, better known as Wolf Cub, a boy whose entire body was covered in thick fur. His heightened senses and sharp fangs were always on display, giving him a feral appearance. Next to him was Ben, who went by the codename Match — his face constantly flickered with living flames, a clear indication of his fiery abilities. When Mark spotted the approaching girls, his grin widened. He nudged Nicholas and Ben, gesturing towards Hope, who had already broken into a jog to reach them.
"Hey, you're finally here!" Mark called out, his voice full of mock impatience.
Hope rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips as she reached the group. "Yeah, yeah, don't get too excited. We're not late this time," she quipped, playfully punching Mark in the arm. Jessica followed at a more leisurely pace, her dark eyes scanning the group. She was still thinking about Megan and hoped she would make it in time. As she approached the others, she couldn't shake the feeling that today's session in the Danger Room might be more challenging than usual — an unsettling hunch that had been lingering in the back of her mind since she woke up. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the group gathered, ready to face whatever trials the Danger Room had in store for them. They had all come a long way since their first days at the Institute, but the journey was far from over. Each session, each challenge, brought them closer together as a team and pushed them further in mastering their abilities. As the armored doors to the Danger Room began to slide open with a heavy, metallic sound, the young mutants exchanged glances, a mix of excitement and determination in their eyes. They were ready for whatever came next.
"Your plan didn't work. She's going to be late again; she's probably still in the shower," Hope announced to the group gathered in the waiting area. Her tone carried a hint of exasperation. Mark sighed and shrugged, trying to brush off the blame. "Next time, I'll get to her before dawn," he replied with a smirk, defending his earlier attempt.
"You'd have to be a teleporter to do that," Hope shot back, giving him a sharp look.
"Do you really think a locked door would be a problem for me?" Mark mused, already plotting his next move. "And, if I were a teleporter..."
Ben, who had been standing a bit off to the side, grinned broadly and exchanged a knowing glance with Mark. "We all know exactly how you'd use that power," he chimed in, causing Nicholas to nod in agreement with a chuckle.
"Oh, give it a rest," Hope huffed, rolling her eyes, though her tone suggested she wasn't truly angry. Jessie, meanwhile, smiled faintly, a touch of amusement in her expression. Just then, Shan Coy Mahn, the Paragons' mentor, entered the room. The young Vietnamese woman was dressed simply but elegantly. Shan had overheard the last bit of their conversation and decided to interject with her own thoughts.
"I'm not sure you'd stand much of a chance," she remarked, stepping fully into the room. "We're all pretty good at defending ourselves and dealing with any peeping Toms," she added, her gaze shifting to Mark with a mix of seriousness and humor.
Jessie wasn't surprised by Shan's entrance – she had seen it coming, but knew there was no need to warn the group. She was confident that their innocent banter wouldn't get them into any real trouble.
"I see you're ready for training," Shan observed, her eyes scanning the group. There was approval in her tone, but also a hint of expectation. She paused, glancing around as if something was missing.
"Where's Pixie?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Megan should be here any second," Jessie responded quietly, a touch of impatience in her voice, but also certainty. Sure enough, just half a minute later, the pink-haired mutant rushed into the room, clearly out of breath.
"Sorry, it won't happen again," she panted, trying to catch her breath.
Shan gave her a stern look, though there was a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. She wasn't about to drag out the situation longer than necessary. Using the control panel, she opened the doors leading to the Danger Room, signaling that it was time for training.
"Alright, let's go," she said firmly, leading the group inside. The air in the waiting area seemed to hum with anticipation as everyone prepared for what awaited them in the training room. As the doors closed behind them with a soft hiss, they felt the weight of the challenges ahead.
The six young mutants waited with anticipation for the tasks their mentor would assign them. The room they stood in was vast, but almost completely empty. The only elements present, besides the metallic floor, walls, and ceiling, were the massive doors and a small control panel positioned next to them. Shan approached the panel with a confident stride, her fingers flying over the buttons as she entered a series of commands. Finally, she spoke an access code, her voice steady and precise. In an instant, the room began to transform. The cold, metallic walls faded away, replaced by a holographic projection of a vast, starry sky, dominated by a massive, glowing Moon. The ceiling dissolved into an endless expanse of night, giving the impression of standing beneath the open heavens. The walls morphed into the distant silhouettes of towering mountains, their slopes covered in dense forests. The hard, sterile floor was now soft with virtual grass, gently swaying as if touched by a light breeze. The previously empty space filled with the image of ancient, stone ruins nestled deep within a shadowy, mysterious forest. The eerie metallic silence was replaced by the sounds of nocturnal animals lurking in the darkness. The cool, sterile air of the room was overtaken by the thick, humid atmosphere of a sultry summer night, heavy with the scent of damp earth and lush vegetation. The group stood in awe, taking in the stunning and immersive environment that now surrounded them.
"Not only is it night, but it's also so humid and stifling," Hope grumbled, wiping the sweat from her brow as she glanced around with obvious displeasure.
"The forest, ruins, so many hiding spots, so many smells... Finally, something for me!" Nicholas exclaimed, his eyes gleaming in the dim light as he took in the various scents of the night.
Mark moved closer to Megan, who was nervously scanning the surroundings, her wings twitching slightly as if she wanted to wrap them around herself for protection. "You don't like the dark, do you?" he asked softly, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"No, it fills me with unease," she admitted, drawing her wings closer to her body.
Ben stepped forward, looking around at the darkened forest. "Don't worry about the darkness, I'll take care of it," he said with a reassuring smile before giving a quick wink to the others. In the next moment, the flames on his head dimmed slightly, and his entire face began to glow with a soft, warm light. The immediate area around the group brightened, making the forest seem less intimidating, especially for Megan.
"Thank you, Ben," the pink-haired girl said, her face showing immense relief. She stretched her wings, moving away from Mark and drawing closer to Jessie and Hope.
"Listen carefully," Shan's voice broke the group's moment of admiration, bringing their focus back to the task at hand. "You need to work together to reach the stone structure on the hill. Once there, your mission is to find a certain object."
"What object?" Megan asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of anxiety.
"You'll find out once you're inside," Karma replied with a cryptic smile. "You'd better get moving," she added, signaling that it was time to start.
WolfCub smiled with satisfaction. With a few agile leaps, he reached the top of a large, moss-covered boulder. He raised his hand towards the large, shining disk of the Moon, his silhouette outlined against the starry sky.
"Piece of cake. I'll bring that stone back myself!" he shouted enthusiastically, then swiftly jumped onto a thick branch of a nearby tree, and from there to another stone. This time, it was an obelisk adorned with mysterious carvings, clearly the work of human hands. It looked like something ritualistic, as if from another world.
"You idiot! We're supposed to work as a team!" Match yelled at him angrily, frowning and clenching his fists. Jessica sighed quietly, barely noticeable to the others. Without saying a word, she sat down on a rotting tree stump that seemed to have been rooted in the ground for centuries.
"What's wrong, Jessie? Did you have another flash of the future? What did you see?" Hope approached her, trying to find out what was troubling her friend. Concern was evident in her voice.
"We're going to completely screw up this exercise," Jessica replied with resignation, staring at the ground in front of her. Her voice was filled with bitterness and frustration.
Nicholas, standing on the obelisk, looked down at Ben with a provocative smile. "And why the hell should we work as a team? The forest is my paradise!" he sneered, as if forgetting that the situation could quickly spiral out of control. Suddenly, a strange buzzing sound began to emanate from the darkness. From behind the nearby trees, figures emerged, dressed in animal skins. At first, they resembled wild humans, but upon closer inspection, it was clear they were robots, disguised to look like primitive tribesmen. One of them approached WolfCub silently and struck him brutally in the back with a club. The boy fell from the stone, landing heavily at Ben's feet. The enemies immediately followed, ready for further attacks. DJ, taken by surprise, adopted a defensive stance, ready for battle, but he had no time to plan. Pixie, alarmed, grabbed his hand as if seeking support, her wings wrapping around her body like a shield. Trance placed a hand on Preview's shoulder, trying to pull her out of her apathy.
"Jessie, we need to do something! The guys are in danger!" she called out desperately, looking for support.
"I told you, we're going to screw this up..." Jessica responded coldly, her voice tinged with anger. She was mad at herself, the situation, everything around her.
Ben, seeing the approaching danger, quickly gathered flames in his hands, ready to attack. "Jessie! Get over here! You need to anticipate their attacks! Together we'll win!" he called out, trying to reach her.
"We won't win! I already told you..." she stubbornly replied, not getting up from her spot.
"If you're too lazy to move your ass, fine! We'll manage without you!" Match shouted, his voice filled with irritation. In the same moment, he launched two pillars of fire from his fists, which engulfed the attacking robots, turning them to ashes. Mark, without hesitation, turned on his music player, letting the hard music fill the air. Using his power, he transformed the sound waves into destructive energy, which scattered another group of enemies. Megan crouched down, trying to avoid the fight, her wings trembling with anxiety. Hope stood at a crossroads, watching her friends battle the mechanical opponents. Her ability to leave her body in astral form seemed useless in this brutal fight. She looked at Jessie, sadness evident in her eyes. Her friend seemed absent, uninterested in what was happening around her. She sat down next to Jessie, feeling the situation slipping out of control. "It'll be over soon," Preview whispered softly, as if resigned to what was about to happen. After a moment, the robots stopped, as if on command, and began to slowly retreat into the depths of the illusory forest, leaving the group in uncomfortable silence.
"Stop the exercise. You've completely failed, and I'm both angry and deeply disappointed in you!" Shan's voice echoed through the hidden speakers in the virtual forest, her tone sharp with frustration.
"Does that mean the exercise is over?" Megan asked timidly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"No," Shan replied curtly. "You all need to stay in the room, with the scenery unchanged. Except for Match. You are to report to me immediately."
The door to the control room slid open, cutting through the holographic landscape in a surreal display. The door appeared in the middle of the forest wall, as if a portal had been ripped open in the illusion. Without hesitation, Ben began walking toward it. WolfCub, still brushing dust and dirt from his clothes, suddenly turned on Jessie. His eyes narrowed, and he jabbed a clawed finger in her direction.
"This is your fault! If you'd warned me in time, that fight never would have happened, and we'd be done with this exercise by now!" he accused, his voice trembling with anger.
Jessie pushed his hand away and stood up from the decaying stump. "My fault?! Was I the one jumping around on those rocks like a nutjob?!"
"You knew what would happen when I got on that stone, but you didn't say a word!" Nicholas shouted at her.
"It doesn't matter! You didn't listen to Ben, so why should I believe you would've listened to me?!" Jessie answered raising her voice.
"That doesn't change the fact that you're always standing on the sidelines! Why are you even in our team?! You're completely useless to us!" Nicholas spat, his words hitting Jessie like a physical blow. The black-haired girl's face fell, her usual composure cracking under the weight of his harsh words. Before she could respond, Hope stepped in, her voice firm.
"Leave her alone! You know this is your fault. You were the first to stop listening to Ben! And who's really unfit for the team now?!"
"You're defending her?!" Nicholas's frustration boiled over, his body tense with anger.
"WolfCub, enough. Leave them alone," Mark interjected, trying to defuse the situation. But Nicholas shot him a furious glare, his eyes flashing with barely contained rage.
"Fine! Do whatever you want!" Nicholas snarled, then darted past DJ and Megan, disappearing into the depths of the virtual forest with inhuman speed.
"Nicholas..." Megan called out softly, her voice heavy with sadness. "Why can't we just be friends? Is it really so difficult?"
The melancholy in Pixie's words hung in the air, thickening the tension that had already settled over the group. Hope gently took Jessie's hand, offering a sincere, comforting smile.
"Come on, Jessie. Let's go for a walk," she suggested quietly. The two girls slowly walked away, slipping behind an ancient, crumbling obelisk, where they disappeared from view. Megan started to move after them, the need to talk to Jessie pulling at her. But Mark gently grabbed her arm, holding her back.
"Why...?" she asked, looking at him with wide, questioning eyes.
"Hope knows her best," Mark said softly. "She'll know how to reach her and help."
Ben sat on the couch in a small room, the only light coming from the glow of his body and the flame that flickered around his head. Across from him stood Shan, her gaze stern and unwavering, locking onto his eyes. In the background, an irritating clock ticked relentlessly on the wall, each sound amplifying the tension in the room.
"Today, as a leader, you failed on all fronts, Ben," Shan said calmly, her voice betraying no emotion.
"I failed?" Ben retorted, cutting her off before she could continue. "I did everything I could, but with a team like that... they failed me first."
Shan sighed and sat down beside him, her expression softening slightly. "You were chosen to lead this team because of your ability to connect with people, to guide them. Rahne spent enough time with you all to see that you were well-suited for this role. She told me many times that she never regretted her decision. But after what I witnessed today, it's hard for me to believe her! There was no communication, no cohesion between you and the team."
"Communication? With them?" Ben scoffed, his frustration boiling over. "Shan, were you even watching the whole fight? WolfCub acted like a complete idiot, and don't get me started on the girls. Megan was paralyzed by fear, and Jessica didn't give a damn about us or the exercise from the start. How am I supposed to lead people who are completely incapable of working together?"
Shan's patience began to wear thin, her frustration clear as she stood up, her eyes narrowing.
"Is that what you truly believe? That they're not fit to be part of a team? Then Rahne made a grave mistake in choosing you as a leader."
She pointed directly at him, her voice taking on a sharper edge. "If that's what you think, then it means you aren't fit to lead this team."
Ben fell silent, her words hitting him harder than a physical blow. Shan continued, her tone now more measured, yet still firm.
"When the original New Mutants joined Xavier's school, we were a chaotic mix of wildly different personalities. At first, we were constantly at odds, unable to trust each other. But after years of living together, we became the closest of friends. And don't think it was easy. It couldn't be, especially when one of your teammates was a witch raised by demons and another was a being made of living circuits from another galaxy. But we made it work. Because Dani and Sam knew how to bring us together, and we helped them by wanting to become a family. Don't use the excuse that your team doesn't listen to your orders. Talk to them. Spend as much time with them as you can, learn about them until you know exactly how to reach each one. If you understand how they'll react in any situation, leading them won't be a challenge for you."
Ben remained quiet for a long moment, absorbing her words. Finally, he stood up from the couch and walked toward the door that led back to the virtual ruins, bathed in starlight and jungle shadows.
"I'll try to talk to them and run the exercise again. I'll try to break through, both to them and myself."
He turned to leave, but Shan stopped him with a gentle request. "Give Jessie a chance, please. She's been through more than any of you, but she's a good person."
Shan smiled warmly at him, but Ben didn't respond. He simply nodded and disappeared through the door.
Hope leaned against an obelisk covered in damp moss, while Jessica crouched beside her, wrapping her arms around her legs and resting her head on her knees. The girls sat in silence, surrounded by the hoots and screeches of unidentifiable creatures. Hope tore off a piece of moss from the obelisk and squeezed it tightly in her fist. She opened her hand, showing it to her friend.
"It's amazing, isn't it? How incredibly real the illusion created by Danger Room technology feels. How it deceives our senses so perfectly. We're here several times a week, and I still can't tell these virtual projections from reality." She crouched beside the dark-haired girl, her gaze distant.
"The vastness of the space overwhelms me, the mingling scents that fill my nose. I hear the sounds of animals and even the rush of a waterfall somewhere. I feel the humidity in the air, the heat, and the stifling atmosphere of the jungle. I experience it all as if I were somewhere near the equator, not inside a metal, air-conditioned room. It amazes me and terrifies me at the same time. Where does the truth begin, and the illusion end?"
Hope turned her face toward her friend, watching her with a hint of concern, knowing Jessica was in a foul mood after the argument with WolfCub. The dark-haired girl stood up, stretched, and then walked a few meters away from the boulder.
"The stars..." she said, gazing up at the illusory sky. Trance quickly joined her, lifting her gaze as well.
"The stars and the Moon..." Jessie continued. "The night sky allows you to find the boundary between reality and illusion. Even though here it seems to stretch on forever, to last for ages, it really doesn't. Have you ever been on a highway at night, somewhere out west, far from the city lights?"
Hope shook her head.
"In a place like that, you can see the real night sky, real stars, and the one true Moon. Standing in the middle of the wilderness under the night sky, you feel at one with the entire universe. Here, it's not the same. It feels artificial, flat. Just like under the sky in a big city."
"One day we'll go on a trip to the wilderness, right, Jessie?" Hope asked with a smile, but then bit her lip, realizing her question might bring up Jessica's difficult experiences with her visions of the future. She quickly changed the subject, trying to lighten the mood.
"Well, maybe the sky here isn't real, and everything is artificial, but that doesn't stop it from fooling our bodies. I'm drenched in sweat from all this heat."
The girls laughed, and Hope, seeing that Jessica's mood was improving, continued the conversation.
"Listen, Jessie, you're really powerful. Your help would be invaluable during our team exercises. If you told us what's coming each time, we could win every scenario..."
Jessica lowered her head, her hair falling over her eyes. "The conversation had to go this way, didn't it?" she asked, and Hope felt a sudden tension. Jessica looked at her with those penetrating brown eyes, the kind of gaze that sent a chill down your spine and made you anxious about what might happen next. It was the look Preview gave others when she was displeased.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. But I really think you're isolating yourself for no reason. You could shape the future based on the fragments you see. By distancing yourself, some people have grown biased against you, and yet..."
Jessica cut her off mid-sentence. "My power doesn't work like that! I can't influence the future; I only see glimpses of it..."
She adjusted her hair, and for a moment, in the artificial moonlight, Hope thought Jessica's face looked beautiful, almost ethereal.
"How can you know if you haven't tried..." Trance replied sadly.
"And how can you know that I haven't?" Jessica's words left Trance speechless, her throat dry. She couldn't find anything to say.
"But I don't want to talk about this anymore. Let's go; Match will be here any minute." The dark-haired girl ended the conversation and walked toward the section of the jungle where the rest of their team was. Hope stood for a while, deep in thought, but quickly followed after her friend.
Megan sat on a large, flat stone that jutted slightly above the tall grass. The surrounding darkness and the ruins towering over the trees made her feel very uneasy. She didn't like the dark or strange, abandoned places where danger might be lurking. Even knowing that the entire setting was an illusion didn't bring her any comfort. Mark stood nearby, listening to music through his music player's headphones. He noticed that his friend wasn't feeling well. Sitting down beside her, he gently placed one of the earbuds in her ear. He played a calm, instrumental track and then focused, using his ability to transform music into other forms of energy. A golden aura appeared around his hand and enveloped Megan's body, illuminating the immediate area and calming her in the process.
"I'm sorry about what happened this morning," Mark said. Hearing his words, Megan took the earbud out.
"Oh, don't worry about it. I'm not mad. Thanks to you, I woke up on time, right? I should be thanking you. But you really shouldn't be sneaking around the girls' dorm at night. Not all of them are as understanding as I am… You'll get yourself into trouble…"
"Hmm…" Mark murmured, listening to the music again with both earbuds in. Megan got annoyed and snatched the player from him, turning it off.
"Listen to me when I'm talking to you!"
"I like this bolder side of you!" he responded with a grin, running his hand through her hair.
"Soft…"
"Don't do that. You're making me anxious. I might accidentally produce some hallucinogenic dust…"
Mark didn't seem concerned by her warning. "I'm willing to take that risk."
Megan scooted a short distance away from him. "We should find WolfCub, or Jessie and Hope…" she suggested.
DJ gently touched her cheek. "If they came here, it'd just be unnecessary crowding. And it's so beautiful here, isn't it?"
Megan was incredibly tense, clenching her fists. She looked up at the starry sky, the moonlight reflecting in her large eyes. Mark moved even closer, brushing her delicate arm. Slowly, he leaned in, his face nearing hers. Megan closed her eyes. She knew he wanted to kiss her, but she couldn't — or perhaps didn't want to — stop him. Suddenly, the area echoed with the sound of a door slamming open. Pixie and DJ instinctively pulled away from each other as Match appeared in the holographic jungle.
"Mark, Megan… Where's the rest of the team? We need to discuss our strategy for this exercise right away," Match said, his voice urgent.
"Jessica and Nick had a fight and then wandered off somewhere," DJ informed him.
"We're here!" a firm voice called from behind, causing everyone to turn. "Always ready!" Hope added, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder and giving Ben a playful wink.
"Everyone's accounted for... except WolfCub. Where is he?" Match asked, looking around.
"When I try to think about him, I sense nothing. Just temporal noise, as Dr. McCoy would put it," Jessie said, her expression serious.
"What does that mean?" Match asked, a frown creasing his brow.
"It probably means that if we don't do something, WolfCub won't be showing up anytime soon."
Ben's concern deepened. "That's not good. We need to bring him here."
"I can look for him from above. I should be able to spot him," Megan offered eagerly.
"No. The risk of a physical attack is too high. Something may shoot you down.'" Ben turned to Hope. "Your astral projection is the solution. Can you search for him?"
"I'll do my best!" Hope replied, excited by the task.
She closed her eyes and focused. Within moments, her body was surrounded by a soft white glow, and a translucent, feminine figure materialized beside her. It was her astral projection, a spirit embodying her consciousness, free from the constraints of her physical form. The specter rose high above the trees, and through it, Trance could see the surroundings as if she were there herself. Being immaterial, she could explore the area at the speed of thought. She carefully surveyed the nearby forest and the standing obelisks, avoiding two traps she noted to warn the team about later. Finally, she spotted the furry figure of Nicholas. He was crouched atop a massive stone head, his teeth bared in the darkness of the forest clearing. Hope's astral form appeared before him, allowing her to communicate telepathically.
"Hey! Enough hiding. It's time to get back to work."
WolfCub was momentarily confused by the voice in his head, but he quickly realized who was speaking. "Done playing with the witch already?"
"I don't care if you make up with Jessica or not, but Match is calling the whole team together, so you need to be there too. Unless you want to be the reason we fail the exercise again?"
After a brief pause, Nicholas replied. "Fine. But don't even think about trying to put me near that gloomy witch."
Slightly annoyed by the conversation, Hope returned to her body. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes, taking a moment to recover from the trance, and informed Match of her encounter with WolfCub. "He should be here any minute."
Soon enough, Nicholas joined the rest of the team, deliberately turning his head away from Preview, who was standing nearby. Ben motioned for everyone to gather around.
"Listen up, we've got one more chance. We can start over. Do you remember what we were supposed to do last time?"
"Yes," Mark nodded.
"Ben, while I was searching for WolfCub, I noticed some suspicious-looking spots. I'm almost certain they're traps," Hope interjected. "They seem to be connected to the statues."
"Great job, Trance. Now we know to stay clear of those grinning heads." Match began issuing orders. "DJ, play some intense tracks. It looks like we'll need heavy artillery in case trouble arises. Hope, you're coming with us. Show us what those traps look like. Preview, stick close to us. If you have any visions, remember to tell us."
"But I —" the dark-haired girl began, her tone irritated.
"Jessica, just do what I ask, please…" Ben gave her a reassuring smile.
She returned his look with one that said she'd follow his instructions this time and would do her best.
"WolfCub and Pixie, keep an eye on the surroundings and watch our backs."
"Of course!" Megan responded enthusiastically, though Nicholas didn't share her enthusiasm.
The trio of mutants leading the group disappeared into the underbrush, where thick shrubs and tangled branches formed a nearly impenetrable barrier. The rest followed closely behind, with Preview vanishing next into the dense greenery, and finally Megan and WolfCub bringing up the rear. Soon, they all found themselves on a wide but narrow path winding through the forest. The trees on either side pressed in close, their branches interlocking overhead to create a natural tunnel that plunged the path into deep, oppressive darkness. Megan's unease returned, stronger this time. The sounds of nocturnal creatures echoed through the trees, each rustle and distant cry amplified in the stillness, feeding her growing anxiety. She glanced over at DJ, who gave her a reassuring smile. The sight of his calm expression helped her steady herself. "It's just an illusion; there's nothing to be afraid of," she told herself, trying to shake off the feeling of dread.
On either side of the path stood eerie statues — stone heads of various shapes and sizes, their features twisted into grotesque and unsettling expressions. Some appeared as exaggerated caricatures, while others were more monstrous, almost demonic. Overgrown with moss, fungi, and vines, these statues seemed to have been forgotten by time, yet their presence was anything but benign. They loomed over the path, silent witnesses to the group's progress, their hollow eyes following every movement. Hope, leading the way, suddenly stopped and raised a hand, signaling for the others to halt. She focused intently on one of the statues, her sharp eyes picking up details the others had missed.
"Those gems embedded in some of the heads — they don't belong, do they?" she asked, pointing to the small stones set into the foreheads of certain statues. In the near-total darkness, these were nearly invisible, but to Hope, they seemed to glow with an ominous light.
Ben looked at her, puzzled. "Gems? I can barely see anything."
Hope sighed, explaining, "When I'm in my astral form, I perceive things differently. I see objects as symbols, as representations of what they really are. And since all of this is just an elaborate set in the training room, those gems on the statues appeared to me as..."
"Traps..." Mark interjected, his expression growing tense.
"Exactly! If we cross an invisible beam connecting those gems on opposite sides of the path, something nasty will likely happen."
Ben's face hardened with resolve. "Then we need to destroy them before they destroy us."
Without hesitation, Match and DJ sprang into action. Match, careful to avoid hitting any nearby trees, sent precise streams of fire from his hands, melting the gems in their stone settings. DJ, with a rhythm pulsing through his veins, unleashed bursts of destructive energy that shattered the stones with a loud crack, each explosion reverberating through the dark forest. Pleased with their work and confident they had neutralized the threat, they approached the last statue. This one was more imposing than the others, standing directly in the middle of the path. It depicted a bearded man, with two gemstones — one green, the other red — set deep in its eyes. DJ raised his hand towards the statue, and Match mirrored his action. They exchanged a glance, a silent countdown passing between them.
"One…"
"Two…" they shouted together.
At that very moment, Jessica was hit with a sudden vision. A stream of fire and a wave of energy struck the stone guardian simultaneously. Its eyes flared to life, glowing ominously in the darkness, and from its mouth erupted a barrage of fireballs and a devastating sonic blast. The resulting explosion sent Ben, Mark, and Hope flying into the mud. Jessica, caught in the shockwave, was thrown backward into Megan and Nicholas.
The vision left Jessica reeling. She felt a wave of dizziness wash over her, darkness creeping into the edges of her vision. Her throat went dry, and she found herself unable to swallow. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to regain her composure as the weight of the impending disaster bore down on her.
"Ben! Mark! Don't do it!" Jessica shouted, her voice trembling with urgency.
The two mutants immediately dispersed the energy they had been gathering, turning to look at her in confusion. The rest of the group followed suit, their eyes all on the black-haired girl, who was now visibly shaken. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her breath came in ragged gasps as she braced herself for the sonic blast she had seen in her vision.
"What the...?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Hope glanced from Jessica to the statue, quickly piecing together what had terrified her friend. Without hesitation, she grabbed a large stick from the ground and, with a swift, forceful strike, knocked the gemstones from the statue's eyes. As the jewels tumbled to the ground, they revealed the familiar devices known to the young mutants as "mirrors" — mechanisms designed to reflect any form of energy attack.
"You saw a future where they activated, didn't you?" Hope said, a reassuring smile spreading across her face as she gestured towards the now-empty eye sockets of the statue. She quickly stepped forward, closing the distance between her and Jessica.
"Because you acted on your vision, it didn't come true! I'm proud of you — you finally believed in yourself," Hope added, her voice warm with encouragement.
Jessica managed a smile, though she was still disoriented by the intensity of what had just transpired. Hope wrapped her arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace.
"Well done…" she whispered softly into Jessica's ear.
But as Hope held her, Jessica's thoughts drifted, and her expression grew somber. A shadow of doubt flickered across her face, though the darkness surrounding them kept her feelings hidden from the rest of the group. No one noticed the sadness that had settled over her — not Hope, nor the others. Ben, growing impatient with the sudden halt in their progress, spoke up. "Enough of this. We've got a mission to complete."
The companions pushed their way through the dense undergrowth, finally emerging on the other side of the forest. Before them stretched a vast clearing, its surface covered in tall, wild grass that swayed gently in the breeze. The air here was different — heavy, humid, and saturated with the pungent smell of decay, which immediately invaded their nostrils, sending a shiver of unease through them. In the distance, the croaking of frogs echoed across the clearing, and the darkness surrounding the area seemed almost palpable, as if it were trying to pull them back into the forest's embrace. At the center of this strange place stood a monumental pyramid, constructed from yellow stone, towering over the clearing like a silent sentinel. Massive steps, forming a significant part of the structure, led up to the summit, where a stone temple loomed ominously. Although the dense forest had obscured the sky, upon stepping onto the clearing, the mutants could see the enormous Moon reigning above them, surrounded by thousands of stars, as if it were watching their every move. Ben felt a strange knot in his stomach, perhaps a premonition that something was amiss. He scanned the area, trying to sense any immediate danger, but saw nothing beyond the darkness and the foreboding pyramid. Slowly, he took a step forward, as if to make the decision for the rest of the group.
"We're moving," he announced, his tone brooking no argument.
WolfCub, who had been in a foul mood all day, quickly stepped up beside him. His anger had been simmering ever since Jessica had saved them all from a few bruises, and now he wanted to prove that he could be just as useful. This was his chance. He raised a hairy arm and took a deep breath, closing his eyes as if tuning into the unfamiliar sounds around them. He gave Ben a determined look.
"Ben, don't take another step, or this could be the end of the game for us," he said firmly.
"What are you talking about?" Ben and Mark asked, disbelief evident in their voices.
"You don't get it? You feel the humidity? Hear the frogs? You think there's a lake around here? You're wrong. This whole clearing is one big swamp. Its smell tells me everything. It's too thick to swim through, but also too dangerous to try and cross. One wrong move and it's game over."
Ben pondered this, staring at WolfCub. At the same time, Mark patted him on the shoulder, confirming his suspicions.
"I completely trust Nicholas's senses on this," he said, his voice filled with certainty.
Ben sighed deeply, then glanced at the girls standing a few steps away.
"We need to get inside that pyramid, and that means we're going to have to do it by air," he declared, then turned to Hope. "Trance, sorry, but we'll need to rely on your help again."
Hope shrugged, ready to accept her task. Before she could respond, Megan interrupted, her stern gaze fixed on Ben, filled with determination.
"There's someone else in this group who can fly!" she said through clenched teeth.
Ben shook his head. "I've already said that the risk of physical attack is too high. I'm not agreeing to that."
Megan lowered her head, feeling overlooked, but before she could say anything, Mark placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"I think our fearless leader might be forgetting something. Our mission is to retrieve something from inside that pyramid, right? Hope's astral projection won't be able to carry anything. We can't complete this exercise without Megan — she's the only one who can finish it."
Pixie stared at the shadowy pyramid, fear evident in her wide eyes. The realization that she would have to enter the structure alone while her companions stayed behind, separated by the swamp, filled her with regret. She wished she hadn't volunteered to help. DJ approached her, unfastening his music player from his belt, and placed the headphones on her head, securing the device to her uniform.
"Remember, when you start to feel uncertain, play the music we listened to together. It'll help," he said, gently patting her on the head. Hope also stepped forward, offering her support.
"I'll accompany you as a 'ghost.' You won't be alone."
Megan spread her colorful wings and took to the air, heading towards the ominous stone structure. Trance's spectral form floated beside her, guiding her throughout the journey. Her ghostly eyes detected numerous traps hidden within the steps of the pyramid. Had the team somehow crossed the swamp, their chances of winning over the pyramid's perils would have been slim.
"Land on that stone! Watch out for the wall on your left," Hope warned her. Megan descended gently, like a feather carried by a soft breeze, landing on the pyramid's roof. Her gaze shifted to the temple's entrance. The doorway yawned open, revealing a void of impenetrable darkness — her greatest fear. Megan nervously swallowed, her heart pounding in her chest. With a hesitant breath, she stepped forward, entering the temple. As she crossed the threshold, an invisible barrier blocked Hope's spectral form from following. The sudden force propelled Hope back into her physical body, her eyes snapping open as she gasped for air.
"What happened?" Mark asked, concerned.
"It looks like Megan is on her own now," Hope replied, turning to Jessie, who seemed lost in thought.
"What do you see? Will we succeed?" Hope asked, trying to pull Jessica from her reverie. After a moment of silence, Jessica smiled softly.
"There's nothing that will break our hearts," she reassured.
Inside the pyramid, Megan quickly realized Hope's astral projection had vanished.
"Hope? Hope?! Are you here?" she called out, her voice trembling. But only silence responded. Her heart raced faster, her breathing grew uneven. She looked ahead. The stairs leading deeper into the temple were shrouded in a sinister darkness, and dirty water dripped from the ceiling. She wrapped her wings around herself, paralyzed by fear.
"I can't do this... I can't step into that darkness. I just can't," she whispered, frozen in place.
Minutes passed as she stood motionless, battling her fear. Finally, she forced herself to move, her hand brushing against the cold, damp wall as she cautiously descended the stairs. The dark corridor was filled with distorted sounds from outside — animal cries and the moaning of the wind, warped by the temple's walls, creating an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere. Megan paused, her fear escalating as she glanced back at the entrance, where the Moon's light faintly illuminated the doorway.
"I'm going back. Who cares if we fail this mission? I can't stay in this horrible place any longer," she thought, a surge of panic gripping her. At that moment, she remembered DJ's deep eyes and his words of reassurance. She turned on the music player, letting a soothing melody fill her ears. A sense of calm washed over her. Closing her eyes, she imagined herself in a brighter, more comforting place. With renewed determination, she continued her journey deeper into the stone temple.
"Thank you, Mark," she thought, a smile returning to her face. Soon, the player switched to a more energetic tune, and Pixie's steps grew quicker and more confident. After a few minutes, her foot sank into something soft. She halted, her fear returning. Crouching down, she touched her shoe and recoiled in disgust. A slimy, black worm, its mouth oozing sticky fluid, clung to her boot. Megan jumped back, horrified to see the floor swirling with these grotesque creatures. A faint light emanated from a chamber nearby, revealing that these worms were the only obstacle between her and completing the mission. The sight of them filled her with revulsion, and she feared she might vomit. But she knew she couldn't stop. Closing her eyes, she quickly ran into the illuminated room, carefully avoiding the writhing mass beneath her feet. Inside the small chamber at the heart of the pyramid, she stopped, her mouth dropping open in awe.
"Beautiful..." she whispered, gazing at the jewel resting on a stone pedestal. It was shaped like an eight-pointed star, glowing with a soft, pink light. Megan carefully picked it up, marveling at its perfectly polished surface. She felt a surge of confidence, a certainty that nothing could stop her from completing the mission. Clutching the jewel to her chest, she began her journey back to the entrance. The worms that had covered the corridor seemed to dissolve in the jewel's light, disappearing as if they had never existed. The passage was no longer dark and foreboding; Megan felt as if she had known it all her life. She burst out onto the roof of the pyramid, spread her wings, and soared across the swamp, landing beside her teammates.
"I did it! I made it! Look!" she exclaimed, holding up the crystal star. The rest of the Paragons quickly gathered around her, marveling at the jewel she had brought back.
"Isn't it?" Hope added, peering over her shoulder, equally captivated by the gem's glow.
Megan turned towards DJ. Without a word, she took his hand and gently placed the shimmering jewel in his palm.
"Thank you, Mark. I couldn't have done it without you."
At that moment, Shan's voice interrupted their conversation. "End of exercise!"
The holographic jungle projection began to slowly dissolve into nothingness, revealing the stark, metallic walls of the Training Room. The doors leading outside hissed open.
"You're free to refresh yourselves. The rest of the day is yours. We'll discuss your performance tomorrow," Shan informed them, her eyes scanning the group.
"Trance, I need to see you for a moment. Come to my office."
Hope looked at her, surprised, not understanding why she had been singled out from the rest of the group.
Hope entered Shan's office with hesitant steps. The room was modestly furnished, dominated by metallic accents that reminded her of the school's functional design. A sturdy desk sat in the center, behind which Shan greeted her with a warm smile and gestured for her to sit in the chair opposite.
"You did well during the exercise," Shan began as Hope settled into the chair. "You're the only one I have no critiques for."
Hope looked at her questioningly, sensing that this wasn't the main reason she'd been called in.
"But I didn't ask you here to talk about you," Shan continued, her expression growing more serious. "It's about Jessica..."
Hope immediately interrupted. "Jessie did great too! She finally overcame her passivity, and thanks to that, she saved us from getting a few bruises."
Shan nodded but her face remained tense. "That's exactly the problem, Hope. Jessie isn't in the best mental state, and today's events might trigger feelings of guilt from what she experienced in the past."
Hope fell silent, realizing that the situation was more serious than she had anticipated.
"You're her closest friend here at the school," Shan continued. "I need you to keep a close eye on her, to be there for her as much as you can..."
"I'm always there for her, she can always count on me," Hope replied, confused. She didn't understand what exactly her mentor was getting at. Just then, she heard a telepathic voice in her mind.
"Jessica Vale… shortly before she came to this school..."
Hope turned her head in the direction of the voice. In the corner of the room stood a woman in a white cape, with long blonde hair and striking makeup.
"Ms. Frost?" Hope was surprised to see Emma.
"Jessica Vale tried to commit suicide before she came to our school," Emma continued telepathically. Hope's eyes widened in shock and fear.
Hope returned to her room, weighed down by what she had just learned. She struggled to process the chaotic swirl of thoughts, Shan and Emma's words echoed relentlessly in her mind. The room was dimly lit, as someone had tightly closed the blinds, allowing only thin slivers of light to filter in. She sat down at the desk and looked over at the bed where Jessica was lying. Her friend had changed into black jeans and a simple black T-shirt, lying on her back, staring at the ceiling, deep in thought.
"Jessica… do you want to go out for a walk with me?" Hope asked, trying to reach out.
"No," came the quiet, almost lifeless reply from the dark-haired girl.
"Are you sure? Maybe a walk…" Hope pressed gently, hoping to break through the sad mood.
"No. Leave me alone, Hope. Please. My head hurts, and I just want to rest," Jessica turned to face the wall, clearly shutting down the conversation.
Hope felt a wave of helplessness wash over her. She knew she couldn't reach her right now.
"Alright… If you need some peace, I'll leave you be. I'll see you later tonight, okay?" she said, trying to keep the worry out of her voice, then left the room.
Jessica didn't respond. Silent tears welled up in her eyes and began to roll down her cheeks.