Hello again, I hope the wait wasn't too long, so have an extra long chapter while you wait
The next morning, Wolverine and Beast stood in the living room of the X-Mansion, their attention fixed on the large television screen broadcasting the morning news. Reports of multiple mutant sightings were playing on a loop, accompanied by footage of protests and rising anti-mutant sentiment across the globe. The tone of the news anchors was somber, reflecting the growing tension between mutants and humans.
Wolverine's jaw tightened as he watched. "It's getting worse, Hank," he muttered, his voice laced with frustration. "People are scared, and fear makes them do stupid things."
Beast nodded, his expression equally grim. "Indeed, Logan. The increasing hostility is alarming, and it's only a matter of time before it escalates further. We must be vigilant."
Meanwhile, in the Danger Room, Colossus was engaged in a solo training session, his massive metal form gleaming under the bright lights as he effortlessly destroyed several combat drones. The clang of metal on metal echoed through the chamber as he crushed one drone after another, his movements precise and powerful.
As the last drone was reduced to scrap, the doors to the Danger Room slid open, and Shadow walked in. He paused for a moment, taking in the sight of Colossus's metallic appearance with mild surprise. The sheer size and strength of the Russian mutant were impressive, to say the least.
Colossus noticed Shadow's entrance and turned to face him, his expression brightening with a friendly smile. "Ah, you must be new member I've hear about!" he said in his deep, accented voice. "I am Piotr, but you call me Colossus. It is good to meet you."
Shadow nodded slightly, his eyes briefly scanning the room before meeting Colossus's gaze. "Jason," he replied, keeping his introduction brief as usual.
Before the conversation could continue, Wolverine strolled into the Danger Room, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Hey Colossus, the new guy here just started his membership here, " he said, his tone casual but with a hint of challenge. "How about we see what you're made of, 'Jason'?"
Colossus looked at Wolverine, then back at Shadow, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Are you okay with a spar, my friend?" he asked, not wanting to push the new member too hard.
Shadow shrugged nonchalantly, his stance relaxing as he prepared himself. "I'm fine with it."
With that, the two mutants squared off in the center of the Danger Room. Colossus hesitated for a moment, not wanting to hurt Shadow, but he eventually took up a defensive stance, ready for whatever might come. Shadow, in contrast, did the same
The spar began with a few testing moves, Colossus throwing light punches that Shadow easily dodged. Despite his size, Shadow was fast, much faster than Colossus had anticipated. He weaved around the larger mutant's strikes, his movements fluid and calculated.
Colossus tried to catch Shadow off guard with a powerful swing, but Shadow ducked under it, moving in close to land a sharp kick to Colossus's side. The metal giant grunted, impressed by Shadow's strength and speed. It was clear that Shadow was no ordinary fighter.
However, as the sparring session continued, Shadow's focus on speed and agility left him momentarily vulnerable. Colossus seized the opportunity and, in a stroke of luck, managed to pin Shadow against the wall with his massive arm, using his size and weight to his advantage.
"Gotcha!" Colossus said, though his voice carried a tone of apology. "I hope I did not hurt you, comrade."
Shadow, caught off guard by the sudden pin, scowled slightly but remained composed. "I'm fine," he replied stubbornly, as he dusted himself off
Wolverine, who had been watching the match with amusement, decided it was time for a little mischief. He casually strolled over to the control panel and activated the magnet trap, causing Colossus to suddenly be pulled up against the wall with a loud metallic clang, his body stuck fast to the surface.
"What—!?" Colossus exclaimed, his voice muffled as he struggled against the magnetic force.
Wolverine chuckled, clearly enjoying the situation. "Sorry, Piotr, couldn't resist," he said with a mischievous grin. "Just wanted to see if the new guy would crack a smile."
Shadow watched the scene unfold, and despite himself, he felt the corners of his mouth twitch upwards into a slight smile. It was a rare moment of levity, one that he hadn't expected to find in this place.
After a moment, Wolverine released the magnet trap, and Colossus dropped to the floor with a heavy thud. The Russian mutant shook his head, a good-natured grin on his face as he straightened up.
"Very funny, Logan," Colossus said, his tone light despite the situation. He then looked over at Shadow. "You fight well, Jason. I look forward to our next session."
Shadow simply nodded in response, his expression returning to its usual stoicism. But inside, he couldn't shake the feeling that maybe—just maybe—there was something more to this place and these people than he had initially thought.
Later that day, in a bustling mall on the outskirts of town, a young girl with a playful smile and an air of mischief walked through the food court. Her eyes darted around, scanning for any prying eyes as she approached a hot dog stand. Without a second thought, she quickly swiped a hotdog from the counter when the vendor wasn't looking, slipping it into her jacket with a well-practiced motion. She turned on her heel, moving swiftly toward the exit.
As she walked, distracted by her quick snack, she didn't notice the person in front of her until it was too late. She bumped into him with enough force to make her stumble back a step. The man she had collided with looked down at her, his expression unreadable, eyes sharp as if he was sizing her up.
"Watch where you're going," he said flatly, his voice carrying an edge that made her pause. He didn't linger, though, and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.
The girl, slightly shaken but mostly annoyed by the encounter, continued on her way, nibbling on the stolen hotdog. However, her casual escape was abruptly cut short when she heard a sharp whistle behind her. She glanced over her shoulder to see a mall security guard staring directly at her, suspicion in his eyes.
"Hey! You there!" the guard shouted, beginning to move toward her.
Panic surged through her veins, and without thinking, she accidentally triggered a spark of her mutant power. A small burst of colorful light exploded in front of the guard, startling him enough to make him stumble back, fear overtaking his stern expression.
The flash of light caught the attention of the surrounding shoppers, and a murmur of concern rippled through the crowd. One of the onlookers, who recognized the spark for what it was, shouted, "She's a mutant!"
At those words, the atmosphere in the mall shifted dramatically. Fear and anger spread like wildfire, and someone in the crowd quickly dialed a number on their phone, reporting the incident to the mutant registration authorities.
The girl's heart raced as she saw people backing away from her, their faces a mix of fear and hostility. Knowing she was in serious trouble, she turned and bolted, sprinting through the mall as fast as she could.
Elsewhere in the mall, Gwen, Rogue, Scott Summers, and Jean Grey were casually strolling through the aisles, taking a rare moment to enjoy a peaceful afternoon away from their duties at the X-Mansion. They were deep in conversation when Gwen suddenly noticed a girl running toward them, her face pale with fear.
"Hey, why's she running like that?" Gwen asked, her brow furrowing with concern.
Before anyone could answer, the sound of heavy machinery echoed through the mall, followed by the unmistakable sight of several Sentinels flying in through the mall's large glass windows. The giant robotic enforcers scanned the area, clearly hunting for the mutant they had been alerted to.
Scott's face hardened as he quickly recognized the situation. "Sentinels," he muttered, his voice tinged with frustration. "They're after that girl."
Jean's eyes flashed with worry as she glanced at the others. "We can't let them get her."
"Agreed," Rogue said, her voice firm. "We've gotta help her."
Without another word, the four of them moved into action, slipping through the crowd and following the fleeing girl as the Sentinels began their pursuit. The peaceful afternoon was over, and now they had a young mutant to protect from a force that showed no mercy.
The mall grew more chaotic as the Sentinels closed in on Jubilee. One of the towering robots fired a cable from its arm, ensnaring her with a thick rope. The young girl struggled desperately, but the more she resisted, the tighter the cable seemed to get.
"Help! Someone, please!" Jubilee cried out, her voice tinged with fear as the Sentinel began to reel her in.
Just when she thought all hope was lost, a sudden burst of energy shot through the air, slicing through the rope with precision. The next thing she knew, she was falling, but instead of hitting the ground, strong arms caught her mid-air.
She looked up in shock to see the same man she had bumped into earlier. He held her effortlessly, his expression still stern but now with a hint of determination in his eyes. She couldn't help but notice how striking his features were—his sharp gaze and the confident way he carried himself.
"Trouble seems to find you easily," Shadow remarked, his voice low and smooth, causing Jubilee to feel a rush of warmth in her cheeks. Before she could respond, he gently set her down on her feet.
She barely had time to steady herself before Shadow vanished in a blur of speed. He zoomed toward the Sentinel that had captured her, delivering a powerful punch to its metallic chest. The force of the blow knocked the towering robot off balance, and before it could recover, Shadow leaped onto its head, delivering a series of rapid, precise strikes. Each blow sent sparks flying until, with a final powerful hit, the Sentinel's head shattered into pieces, and the giant robot collapsed to the ground, defeated.
Jubilee watched in awe, her heart pounding in her chest. "Whoa... he's not just cool, he's amazing," she muttered to herself, still reeling from what she had just witnessed.
As the battle raged on around them, the other members of the X-Men sprang into action. Ghost Spider swung through the air, using her agility and webbing to disorient another Sentinel, while Rogue flew in with her superhuman strength, tearing a Sentinel's arm clean off. Cyclops fired a powerful optic blast, scorching through a Sentinel's armor, and Jean Grey used her telekinesis to hurl debris at another, slowing it down.
Despite the chaos, Shadow remained focused, taking down two more Sentinels with a combination of speed and sheer force. He darted between them, using his Chaos Spears to pierce through their armor and then delivering crushing blows that sent the Sentinels crashing to the ground.
Jubilee couldn't take her eyes off him. There was something about the way he moved, the way he fought, that left her breathless. As he took down the last of the Sentinels, she couldn't help but think, *He's not just strong—he's different from anyone I've ever met.*
The mall was now a wreck, but the immediate threat was over. As the dust settled, Shadow stood tall among the debris, his crimson eyes scanning the area for any remaining threats. Jubilee slowly approached him, still in awe.
"Thanks... for saving me," she said softly, a slight blush on her cheeks.
Shadow glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Stay out of trouble," he replied curtly, though there was a hint of concern in his voice
Before Jubilee could say anything more, the rest of the X-Men regrouped as Cyclops noticed the young girl Shadow had saved still standing nearby, looking both relieved and bewildered. He approached her with a calm, reassuring demeanor, hoping to ease her obvious confusion.
"Hey," Cyclops called out, his voice steady and kind. "Are you alright?"
Jubilee looked up at him, still a bit shaken from the encounter with the Sentinels. "Yeah... I think so," she replied, her voice a little unsteady. "Thanks to... him." She glanced over at Shadow, who was standing a short distance away, seemingly lost in thought as he inspected the wrecked sentinel
Cyclops gave a nod, acknowledging her words. "He's good in a fight," he agreed. "What's your name?"
"Jubilee," she answered, still trying to process everything that had happened. "And... what's going on here? Who are you guys?"
"We're the X-Men," Cyclops explained, his tone calm but serious. "A team of mutants who work together to protect others—mutants and humans alike. We deal with situations like this one, where innocent people, especially mutants, are in danger."
Jubilee took a moment to let that sink in. The name "X-Men" sounded vaguely familiar, like something she'd heard about but never really understood. "So... you're like heroes or something?"
Cyclops gave a small smile. "Something like that," he said. "We try to help where we can. That includes helping other mutants who might be in trouble. Like you."
Jubilee hesitated, the events of the day replaying in her mind. She had been on the run for so long, constantly hiding, constantly afraid. The thought of having a place where she could be safe was almost too good to be true. And then there was the mysterious guy who had saved her—she still didn't know his name, but she couldn't deny that she wanted to see more of him.
"So... what happens now?" Jubilee asked, her voice cautious but hopeful.
"If you want, we can take you back to our home—the Xavier Institute," Cyclops offered. "You can meet Professor Xavier. He runs the place and helps mutants like us find a purpose, a place to belong. You don't have to keep running."
The idea of having a safe place to stay, away from the anti-mutant sentiment and the ever-present threat of Sentinels, was incredibly tempting. And the thought of getting to know more about the X-Men, especially the guy who saved her, made the decision even easier.
"Okay," Jubilee said, nodding slowly. "I'll come with you."
"Good choice," Cyclops replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "We'll make sure you're safe."
As the X-Men prepared to leave the mall, Cyclops turned to the others, giving them a nod. "Let's head back to the mansion."
Jubilee followed, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement. She glanced over at Shadow one more time, still intrigued by the mysterious mutant who had saved her. She was eager to learn more about him, even if she didn't know his name yet.
As they made their way out of the mall and towards the jet, Jubilee felt a small spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of something new—something better.
Back at the mansion, Shadow was led to a room where an X-Men suit had been prepared for him. The suit was sleek, primarily black with dark red accents, matching the color palette of his usual attire. It was designed to fit his unique abilities, with reinforced areas for protection and flexibility.
Shadow eyed the suit with a mix of skepticism and reluctance. He wasn't used to wearing anything that wasn't his signature black and red outfit, and the idea of donning a uniform, especially one that symbolized being part of a team, didn't sit entirely well with him.
"Is this really necessary?" Shadow asked, his tone revealing his hesitation.
Cyclops stood nearby, arms crossed, a patient expression on his face. "Every member of the X-Men wears one," he explained. "It's not just about looking the part. It's about being part of the team, showing that you stand with us. It also provides protection and identifies you as an X-Man, which can be important in the field."
Shadow remained silent, still staring at the suit as if it were some foreign object. Meanwhile, Jubilee, Rogue, and Ghost Spider, who had been watching from the doorway, were visibly excited.
"You should totally try it on!" Jubilee chimed in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I bet you'd look awesome in it."
"Yeah, don't be shy, sugar," Rogue added with a playful grin. "It's not every day we get to see you in somethin' different."
Ghost Spider smirked, her arms crossed as she leaned against the doorframe. "Come on, Shadow. It's not like it'll bite. Plus, you'll look like a total badass."
Shadow shot them a glance, their eagerness only making him more reluctant. He wasn't used to this kind of attention or being part of a group dynamic where others had expectations of him. But Cyclops was right; if he was going to stick around and be part of this team, he would have to play along, at least to some extent.
"Fine," Shadow muttered, finally giving in. "But only because I have to."
The girls exchanged excited looks as Shadow took the suit and walked into a nearby changing area. A few moments later, he emerged, wearing the X-Men suit. It fit him perfectly, accentuating his athletic build while still allowing him the freedom to move as he needed.
Jubilee's eyes widened in admiration. "Wow... You look... really cool," she said, almost blushing as she spoke.
"See? Told ya," Rogue teased, giving him an approving look. "You pull it off like a natural."
Ghost Spider nodded, a small smile on her face. "Yeah, it suits you. You definitely look like one of us now."
Shadow looked down at the suit, still feeling slightly uncomfortable in it, but he couldn't deny that it was well-made. It felt like a second skin, allowing him to move with the same ease and speed as he was used to.
Cyclops approached, giving Shadow a firm nod of approval. "Looks good on you," he said. "Welcome to the team, Shadow."
Shadow simply nodded in return, still adjusting to the idea of being part of the X-Men. As he stood there, he couldn't help but notice the satisfied expressions on the faces of Jubilee, Rogue, and Ghost Spider. It was strange, but seeing them so pleased made the discomfort of wearing the suit a little more bearable.
Still, deep down, Shadow remained cautious. Being part of this team was a new experience for him, and while he was willing to see where it would lead, he wasn't ready to let his guard down completely. Not yet.
Later that evening, Shadow found himself wandering the halls of the X-Mansion once more. Despite his earlier reluctance to don the X-Men suit, he now wore it with a bit more ease, though it still felt foreign on him. As he walked, lost in thought, he encountered Nightcrawler again, who was in the middle of a conversation with one of the younger students. The student scampered off after their chat, leaving the hallway quiet.
Nightcrawler noticed Shadow approaching and smiled warmly. "Ah, Shadow, good to see you. How are you finding the mansion so far?"
Shadow shrugged, his expression neutral. "It's... different," he replied. "Not what I'm used to."
Nightcrawler nodded, understanding. "I imagine it must be quite an adjustment. This place, for all its chaos, can be a refuge if you let it."
There was a brief silence before Shadow spoke again, a question lingering on his mind. "You mentioned before that the X-Men found you when you were at your lowest. What... what else has happened to you since joining them?"
Nightcrawler's expression softened, and he leaned against the wall, his tail swaying slightly as he thought about how to respond. "Joining the X-Men was one of the best things that happened to me, truly," he began. "Before this, I lived in a world that feared me because of my appearance. I was hunted, misunderstood. But here, I found people who accepted me, who saw past what I look like and cared about who I am."
Shadow listened intently, his red eyes focused on Nightcrawler as he spoke.
"We've been through a lot together," Nightcrawler continued. "Fighting villains, saving lives, protecting people who sometimes don't even realize they need it. But beyond the battles, it's the friendships and the bonds we form that really matter. They keep us going, give us something to fight for. It's what makes this place feel like home."
Shadow absorbed Nightcrawler's words, thinking about how different this concept of 'home' was from anything he had ever experienced. The idea of finding a place where he truly belonged felt distant, but he couldn't deny the small part of him that was intrigued by it.
As Nightcrawler observed Shadow's thoughtful expression, he added with a mischievous grin, "You know, you remind me of someone else here."
Shadow raised an eyebrow, slightly wary of where this was going. "Who?"
Nightcrawler chuckled softly, his yellow eyes twinkling with amusement. "Logan—Wolverine. You both have that lone wolf vibe, always keeping your distance, but deep down, you care more than you let on."
Shadow's expression darkened slightly. "Tch, I'm nothing like him," he said, a bit too quickly.
Nightcrawler held up his hands in a gesture of peace. "I didn't mean to offend you, my friend. It's just that I see similarities. Logan, like you, had a difficult time trusting others when he first joined. But in time, he found his place among us, just as you might."
Shadow remained silent, his mind turning over Nightcrawler's words. He didn't like being compared to anyone, especially someone as gruff and unpredictable as Wolverine. But the idea that there might be someone who understood the way he felt... it made him pause.
Nightcrawler, sensing the shift in Shadow's mood, decided to lighten the atmosphere. "But, of course, you're your own person, Shadow. And I have no doubt you'll find your own way, just as the rest of us have."
Shadow gave a slight nod, appreciating Nightcrawler's attempt to ease the tension. "Maybe," he conceded. "But I'm still not convinced this is where I belong."
Nightcrawler smiled kindly. "That's something only time will tell. But remember, you don't have to figure it all out alone. We're here for you."
Shadow pondered Nightcrawler's words, the idea of accepting help or even considering these people as allies still feeling foreign. Yet, despite his caution, he couldn't completely ignore the sense of camaraderie that was slowly beginning to form around him.
"Thanks," Shadow finally said, his tone low but sincere. "I'll... think about it."
Nightcrawler nodded, his expression warm. "That's all I ask. And if you ever want to talk, I'm here."
With that, Nightcrawler gave Shadow a friendly pat on the shoulder before teleporting away in a puff of smoke, leaving Shadow alone in the hallway once more.
As Shadow continued his walk, he couldn't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, this place—and these people—might have more to offer him than he initially thought. But as always, caution lingered in the back of his mind, reminding him of the warning from Mr. Sinister. For now, all he could do was keep his guard up and take things one step at a time.
As he walked through the quiet hallway, he suddenly felt a strange sensation—a flicker in his mind, as if a memory was trying to resurface. He paused, his eyes narrowing as he looked ahead. For a brief moment, he saw a figure standing across from him, bathed in soft, ethereal light.
It was a girl, her blonde hair framing a gentle face filled with warmth and kindness. She looked at him with eyes full of emotion, but there was something hauntingly familiar about her. Shadow's heart skipped a beat as he tried to focus, to remember who she was, but her name eluded him.
"Who...?" he began to murmur, reaching out slightly as if to grasp onto the fleeting memory.
But as quickly as the image appeared, it vanished, leaving Shadow standing alone in the dimly lit hallway. He blinked, disoriented, and looked around, but there was no one there. It felt so real, yet it was like trying to grasp smoke with his hands.
Before he could fully process what had just happened, Shadow was suddenly caught off guard by the sound of approaching footsteps. He barely had time to react before he felt a pair of arms wrap around him from behind in a playful, affectionate embrace.
"Well, look who I found!" Rogue's voice was filled with joy as she hugged him, her cheek pressing against his back. "Where have you been hiding from me, sugar?"
Shadow felt a rare smile tug at the corners of his lips. Rogue's infectious energy was hard to resist, and her sudden appearance helped ease the tension from the strange vision he had just experienced. "I haven't been hiding," he replied, his tone slightly amused. "Just... around."
Rogue released him from the hug but quickly looped her arm through his, pulling him along with an excited bounce in her step. "Well, it's about time I found you! C'mon, everyone's in the lunchroom, and you just have to try what's there today. I promise you'll love it."
Despite himself, Shadow allowed her to lead him down the hall. Rogue's enthusiasm was difficult to deny, and though he was still unsettled by the brief vision of the mysterious girl, Rogue's presence was grounding him in the moment.
As they walked together, Rogue chattered on about the different foods they had in the lunchroom, describing everything in such mouth-watering detail that even Shadow began to feel a flicker of curiosity. He couldn't remember the last time he'd paid attention to something as simple as food, but Rogue's excitement was contagious.
When they finally arrived at the lunchroom, it was filled with the usual hustle and bustle of students and X-Men members grabbing their meals and chatting away. Rogue pulled Shadow over to one of the food counters, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Alright, sugar, what do you wanna try first? We've got burgers, fries, salads, pizza—you name it!" Rogue grinned up at him, clearly eager to see his reaction.
Shadow scanned the options, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the variety. He wasn't used to making such casual choices, and the sheer normalcy of the situation felt oddly foreign to him.
But as Rogue looked up at him with such hopeful anticipation, he decided to indulge her. "I'll try... whatever you recommend," he said, his voice calm but with a hint of amusement.
Rogue's grin widened, and she quickly began piling a plate with a bit of everything, clearly determined to give Shadow the best possible experience. As she handed him the plate, she watched him closely, waiting for his reaction.
Shadow took the plate and examined the food, then looked back at Rogue, who was practically bouncing with excitement. He gave her a small nod of appreciation before taking a bite of the burger. The flavors were rich and satisfying, and to his surprise, he found himself enjoying it more than he expected.
Rogue clapped her hands together, delighted. "I knew you'd like it! See, stick with me, and you'll never go hungry."
Shadow smirked slightly, the tension from earlier fully dissipating as he continued to eat. "I'll keep that in mind."
As they sat down to eat, surrounded by the lively chatter of the other X-Men, Shadow couldn't help but feel a strange sense of belonging—something he hadn't experienced in a long time. Even with the lingering mystery of the girl in his vision, and the ever-present caution in the back of his mind
As they sat down at a table, Rogue watched Shadow with keen interest as he ate. After a few moments of silence, she leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand with a curious smile. "So, Shadow," she began, her voice playful, "what do you like to do for fun?"
Shadow paused mid-bite, looking at her with a slight tilt of his head. Fun? The concept felt strangely foreign to him, like something he hadn't thought about in a long time. His life had been a series of missions, battles, and survival… hardly anything he'd considered real fun. Or maybe he's just not remembering the right things
"I'm not sure," Shadow finally replied, his tone reflecting his uncertainty. He wasn't used to the idea of downtime or activities that didn't have a clear purpose. "I don't really think about things like that."
Rogue blinked in surprise, her smile faltering slightly as she realized he was serious. But rather than feel awkward, she saw it as a challenge. "Well, then, we'll just have to find something you enjoy," she declared with a determined grin.
Shadow raised an eyebrow, curious about what she had in mind. Before he could ask, Rogue's eyes lit up with an idea. "How about we do some training or sparring?" she suggested, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "I mean, I saw you in action yesterday, and I gotta admit, I'm dying to see what else you can do. Plus, it could be fun, right?"
Shadow considered her proposal. Training was something he was familiar with, something that felt natural to him. But the idea of it being "fun" was still a bit of a stretch in his mind. However, he could see that Rogue was genuinely excited about the idea, and a part of him was curious about her own abilities.
"All right," he agreed, nodding slightly. "We can spar."
Rogue's grin widened, and she quickly finished off her food, eager to get started. "Awesome! Let's head to the Danger Room. I'll even let you pick the simulation if you want.
Shadow stood up, following Rogue as she led the way out of the lunchroom and toward the Danger Room. As they walked, he could feel the energy radiating off her—it was infectious, and he found himself warming to the idea of sparring with her.
When they arrived at the Danger Room, Rogue activated the control panel, bringing up a selection of training simulations. She turned to Shadow with a teasing smile. "So, what's it gonna be? A jungle setting? An urban environment? Maybe a combat arena?"
Shadow looked over the options, his eyes narrowing slightly as he thought about which one would provide the best challenge. "Urban environment," he decided. The idea of navigating through a cityscape while sparring appealed to him, reminding him of his speed and agility.
"Good choice," Rogue said, selecting the urban simulation. The Danger Room shifted, the walls and floor transforming into a detailed city environment complete with skyscrapers, narrow alleys, and obstacles scattered throughout.
Rogue took a few steps forward, stretching her arms and cracking her knuckles. "All right, Shadow. Show me what you've got." Her tone was playful, but there was a glint of seriousness in her eyes. She was clearly eager to see just how powerful he was.
Shadow didn't need any further invitation. He quickly dropped into a ready stance, his eyes focused and determined. Without another word, he dashed forward with blinding speed, aiming to close the distance between them in an instant.
Rogue's reflexes were sharp, and she quickly sidestepped his approach, but Shadow was relentless. He pivoted and sent a swift kick toward her, which she blocked with her forearm. The force of the impact made her skid back slightly, but she recovered quickly, a grin spreading across her face.
"Not bad," Rogue remarked, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She countered with a punch, which Shadow dodged effortlessly. The two continued to trade blows, each one testing the other's speed and strength. Shadow was impressed by Rogue's agility and power, while Rogue was thrilled by the challenge of keeping up with someone as fast and skilled as him.
As they sparred, Rogue noticed that Shadow wasn't just powerful—he was incredibly precise. Every move he made was calculated, each strike aimed with purpose. It was clear that he was a seasoned fighter, and she was beginning to understand why he had been so quiet when asked about fun; this was more than just a fight for him, it was instinct.
After a particularly intense exchange, Rogue leaped back, hovering in the air for a moment as she caught her breath. "You're really something, Shadow," she said with genuine admiration. "I don't think I've ever fought anyone like you before."
Shadow didn't respond with words, but there was a faint hint of a smile on his face. He was enjoying this—more than he had expected. The sparring match was pushing him, challenging him, and he found himself appreciating Rogue's skill and tenacity.
Rogue floated down to the ground, landing softly before getting back into her stance. "Ready for another round?" she asked, clearly eager to continue.
Shadow nodded, his eyes locked on hers. "Whenever you are."
And with that, they continued their sparring match, each one learning more about the other through their movements, their tactics, and their unspoken respect.
As the intense sparring session between Shadow and Rogue continued, they moved fluidly through the simulated urban environment, their movements almost like a dance. Unbeknownst to them, Ghost Spider had been watching from a vantage point above, perched on a ledge created by the Danger Room's ever-shifting landscape. Her eyes were fixed on Shadow, admiration and a hint of jealousy stirring within her.
She couldn't help but imagine herself in Rogue's place, wondering how it would feel to face off against Shadow in a match of skill and speed.
"If only I had asked him earlier," she thought to herself. "Maybe it would be me sparring with him right now, instead of her."
Just as Ghost Spider was lost in her thoughts, the door to the Danger Room slid open, and Beast entered, glancing up at the monitors and then down at the training area. "Excuse me, Rogue, Shadow," he called out, his voice calm but with a hint of urgency. "I need to run some diagnostics on the system and the machinery. Mind wrapping up your session?"
Rogue, who had just dodged one of Shadow's swift kicks, glanced over at Beast with a nod. "Got it, Doc," she replied, lowering her stance and signaling to Shadow that their match was over. She was slightly winded but clearly exhilarated by the workout.
Shadow, his breathing steady and controlled, stepped back, lowering his guard. He gave Rogue a small nod of acknowledgment, silently agreeing that it was time to stop. As he turned to leave the Danger Room, he noticed Ghost Spider approaching him from the side.
"Hey, Shadow," she began, trying to sound casual but unable to fully hide the eagerness in her voice. "That was some impressive sparring you just did. If you're up for it, maybe we could train together later? I'd love to see how I'd fare against you."
Shadow paused for a moment, considering her offer. He could sense the determination in her tone, similar to what he had seen in Rogue. "Sure," he replied, his voice even. "We can train later."
Ghost Spider's eyes lit up with excitement, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Great! I'll be looking forward to it."
As Shadow and Ghost Spider exchanged words, Rogue subtly glanced at them, her expression faltering ever so slightly. She quickly composed herself, but not before a flicker of something akin to annoyance or disappointment crossed her face. It was clear that she had enjoyed her time sparring with Shadow and didn't particularly like the idea of someone else getting that opportunity so soon.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the mansion, Jubilee was chatting with Nightcrawler in one of the common areas. She had been curious about the mysterious newcomer she had met during the Sentinel attack—the one who had saved her.
"So, who is this guy?" Jubilee asked, leaning forward with interest. "The one with the black and red outfit. He was so fast, and he took down those Sentinels like they were nothing!"
Nightcrawler smiled kindly, his tail flicking slightly as he considered how to answer. "Ah, you must mean Shadow. His name is Jason, though he doesn't use it much. He's been with us for a little while now, but not much longer than you. He's... a bit of a mystery, even to us."
Jubilee's eyes widened with curiosity. "Jason, huh? He's pretty intense. Do you think I could get to know him better? He seems like he's always got something on his mind."
Nightcrawler chuckled softly. "Shadow is... how shall I put this? He's a bit of a lone wolf, much like Wolverine. But that doesn't mean he isn't approachable. With time, I'm sure you'll get to know him better. Just be patient—he's still figuring out his place here, just like the rest of us."
Jubilee nodded, her mind already buzzing with thoughts of Shadow. She hoped that as time went on, she might be able to break through the tough exterior he seemed to wear and get to know the person beneath it.
Back in the hallway, as Shadow and Ghost Spider left the Danger Room, Rogue watched them walk away together, her slight grimace quickly replaced by her usual confident smile. "Guess I'll just have to spar with him again another time," she thought, already planning her next move.
Shadow, meanwhile, was left to ponder his interactions with the others. Despite being surrounded by new allies, he still felt the weight of caution, especially when he recalled Mr. Sinister's cryptic words. But for now, he was content to focus on the challenges ahead, and perhaps, on getting to know his new teammates a little better.
The dimly lit bar was filled with the usual mix of patrons—locals nursing their drinks, the occasional traveler passing through, and a few regulars quietly engaged in their conversations. The atmosphere was relaxed, a typical night in a place where not much ever seemed to happen.
That all changed when the door creaked open and a massive figure ducked under the doorway, stepping into the bar. The floor seemed to tremble slightly with each step as he made his way to the counter, and a heavy silence fell over the room. The man was enormous, towering over everyone in the bar. His muscles bulged beneath his sleeveless shirt, and a menacing red helmet covered most of his face, leaving only his eyes visible. The raw power he exuded was enough to make anyone think twice about crossing him.
As he approached the bar, the bartender—a wiry man who had seen his fair share of rough customers—found himself swallowing nervously. He had never encountered someone quite like this. The giant's presence seemed to suck the air out of the room, and the other patrons, sensing the danger, either kept their heads down or edged quietly toward the exit.
"What'll it be?" the bartender finally asked, his voice wavering slightly as he forced himself to meet the man's eyes.
The hulking figure stared at the bartender for a moment before speaking in a deep, rumbling voice that seemed to shake the glasses on the shelves. "Gimme the biggest bottle of beer you got," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
The bartender quickly nodded and reached under the counter, pulling out an oversized bottle that he usually kept for special occasions or when a group wanted to share. He set it down in front of the man, who didn't even bother to sit down. With a single massive hand, the giant uncorked the bottle and brought it to his lips, draining it in a few long gulps.
As the last drop disappeared, the man set the bottle down on the counter with a heavy thud. He didn't say a word, but the look in his eyes sent a clear message: he was done here.
Without acknowledging the bartender or the other patrons, the giant turned and headed for the door. His heavy footsteps echoed through the now silent bar as he exited, the door swinging shut behind him with a final, ominous creak.
Outside, the night air was cool and still, but there was a storm brewing in the mind of the massive figure. The Juggernaut cracked his knuckles, the sound like distant thunder, as he set his sights on his next destination
"Better get ready, Charles," Juggernaut muttered to himself as he began to walk, his stride purposeful and unstoppable. "I'm comin' for ya."
The Juggernaut's powerful footsteps echoed through the city streets as he marched forward with an unstoppable force, his eyes locked on his destination: Xavier's Mansion. Nothing could deter him—cars were flipped over and crushed underfoot, light poles bent and snapped like twigs, and anyone unfortunate enough to be in his path was either knocked aside or smart enough to flee in terror. His presence alone sent waves of panic throughout the city, and the destruction he left in his wake was nothing short of catastrophic.
It didn't take long for the chaos to reach the authorities. The Mutant Response Division (MRD) quickly mobilized, dispatching their forces to contain the threat. Their armored vehicles roared through the streets, and squads of heavily armed soldiers took up positions to intercept the massive mutant. As the MRD forces converged on Juggernaut, they opened fire with high-caliber weapons and energy-based weaponry designed specifically for dealing with dangerous mutants.
But Juggernaut was unfazed. The bullets and energy blasts bounced off him like raindrops against a boulder. With a casual sweep of his arm, he sent vehicles flying and MRD soldiers sprawling. He plowed through their barricades as if they were made of paper, his momentum never slowing. The MRD's attempts to halt him were not only ineffective, they were laughable. The Juggernaut was a living, breathing wrecking ball, and nothing they threw at him made the slightest difference.
Back at the Xavier Institute, the alarms blared as the mansion's systems detected the approaching threat. The X-Men quickly assembled in the war room, where a holographic display showed the Juggernaut's path of destruction. Professor Xavier watched with concern as the unstoppable force drew closer to their home.
"This is bad," Cyclops muttered, adjusting his visor as he took in the situation. "Juggernaut's not going to stop until he reaches us."
"We'll have to meet him head-on," Wolverine growled, his claws extending with a sharp *snikt*. "Can't let him get too close to the mansion. There's too many civilians around."
As the team discussed their strategy, Shadow stood silently, his red eyes narrowing at the display. The sight of the destruction and the sheer audacity of Juggernaut's rampage stirred something within him. This was his chance to prove himself, to show that he was more than just a new recruit.
"He's nothing I can't handle," Shadow said confidently, stepping forward. "I'll take him down before he gets anywhere near here."
"Shadow, wait," Professor Xavier called out, sensing Shadow's determination. "Juggernaut is far more dangerous than you realize. His power is not something to underestimate, and he has a personal vendetta against us. You need to approach this with caution."
But Shadow was already on the move, his confidence bordering on defiance. "I'm not afraid of him," he replied, his tone firm. "I'll stop him before he can hurt anyone else."
Before anyone could stop him, Shadow zoomed out of the war room, his speed carrying him out of the mansion in an instant. Xavier sighed, rubbing his temples as he felt a deep unease. Shadow was powerful, yes, but the Juggernaut's strength was beyond anything he had faced so far.
"Prepare the team," Xavier said to the others, his voice calm but urgent. "We need to back him up"
Meanwhile, Shadow raced through the city streets, his mind focused on the impending confrontation. As he drew closer to Juggernaut's location, he could see the trail of devastation left in the giant's wake—overturned cars, shattered buildings, and streets littered with debris. The sight only fueled his resolve.
Finally, Shadow spotted his target. Juggernaut was in the middle of the street, effortlessly swatting away the remaining MRD forces as if they were flies. The sight of the hulking figure brought a smirk to Shadow's face. This was it—the test of his strength he had been waiting for.
He came to a stop in front of Juggernaut, his shoes skidding slightly on the cracked pavement. Juggernaut paused, tilting his head slightly as he regarded the smaller figure standing defiantly in his path.
"And who're you supposed to be?" Juggernaut rumbled, his voice dripping with disdain. "Another one of Xavier's little students?"
"The name's Shadow," he replied, his tone cool and composed. "And you're not going any further."
Juggernaut laughed, a deep, menacing sound that echoed off the buildings. "You think you can stop me, kid? I'm the Juggernaut! Ain't nobody can stop me when I get going!"
"Then let's see if you can live up to that name," Shadow challenged, his fists clenching as he readied himself for the fight.
Without another word, Shadow charged forward, his speed blurring as he aimed a powerful punch at Juggernaut's midsection. But the impact barely made Juggernaut flinch. With a grin, Juggernaut swung his massive arm, aiming to swat Shadow aside like an insect. But Shadow was too fast, dodging the attack with ease and countering with a series of rapid strikes that aimed at Juggernaut's joints.
Despite the flurry of blows, Juggernaut remained unmoved. His invulnerability was as daunting as ever, and each hit from Shadow seemed to bounce off him with no effect. Shadow's eyes narrowed as he realized that raw strength alone wouldn't be enough. He needed to find a way to outmaneuver Juggernaut, to exploit a weakness—if there was one.
But Juggernaut was relentless. With a bellow of rage, he charged at Shadow, the ground shaking beneath his feet as he barreled forward like a runaway train. Shadow leaped out of the way, narrowly avoiding being crushed, but the sheer force of Juggernaut's charge sent shockwaves through the street, toppling nearby lampposts and shattering windows.
Shadow gritted his teeth, focusing all his strength into his next punch. He aimed directly at Juggernaut's midsection, pouring every ounce of power he had into the strike. The impact was solid, and for a moment, Juggernaut felt the force of it. But instead of staggering, the hulking figure merely grunted, barely moving an inch. Shadow's eyes widened in shock as pain shot through his own fists instead.
Juggernaut grinned, towering over Shadow. "That all you got, little man?"
Realizing brute force wasn't going to cut it, Shadow quickly shifted tactics. He summoned his Chaos energy, hurling a series of red Chaos Spears at Juggernaut, hoping to weaken him or at least slow him down. But to his dismay, the spears bounced harmlessly off Juggernaut's armor, dispersing into the air with no effect.
"You really should've minded your own business," Juggernaut taunted, his voice filled with malicious glee. Before Shadow could react, Juggernaut's massive fist collided with his chest, sending him flying across the street. Shadow crashed into an MRD van with a deafening thud, the force crumpling the vehicle like paper around him
Dazed, Shadow tried to push himself up, his body aching from the impact. But as he looked up, he saw Juggernaut looming over him, lifting a smashed car overhead, ready to bring it down on him with devastating force. Shadow braced himself, knowing he couldn't dodge in time.
Just as Juggernaut was about to swing the car down, a flash of white and blue shot across the scene. Ghost Spider swung in on her web, launching herself at Juggernaut with precision timing. She used her momentum to kick another car into Juggernaut's side, hoping to knock him off balance. The car slammed into Juggernaut, but it didn't do much more than make him take a step back.
"Hey, big guy!" Ghost Spider shouted, landing nimbly on her feet. "Pick on someone your own size!"
Juggernaut turned his attention to her, but before he could retaliate, the rest of the X-Men began arriving on the scene. Cyclops fired a powerful optic blast that momentarily blinded Juggernaut, while Jean Grey used her telekinesis to pull debris away from the streets, creating more space for the fight. Wolverine and Rogue charged in next, ready to engage Juggernaut up close.
Meanwhile, Ghost Spider hurried over to Shadow, who was still recovering from the earlier blow. She offered him a hand, helping him to his feet. "You okay?" she asked, her tone laced with concern.
Shadow shook off the lingering pain, trying to keep his pride intact. "I had it covered," he replied, though his voice betrayed a hint of frustration.
Ghost Spider smirked, her confidence unwavering. She reached out and gave him a playful boop on the nose, catching him off guard. "You'd do better with me around," she teased, her tone carrying a subtle flirtatiousness.
Shadow blinked, momentarily thrown by the gesture. He wasn't used to this kind of interaction, especially in the middle of a battle. But before he could respond, Rogue came charging at Juggernaut with a determined look in her eyes.
"Back off, sugar," Rogue called out, her voice filled with playful jealousy as she glanced at Ghost Spider. "Handling my man is my job."
Rogue leaped at Juggernaut, using her enhanced strength to land a powerful punch to his chest. The impact, while still not enough to take Juggernaut down, was strong enough to make him stagger slightly. Wolverine joined in, slashing at Juggernaut's legs, trying to find a weak point.
Shadow watched as the X-Men worked together to take on Juggernaut, each member playing their part in the fight. He clenched his fists, feeling a but of frustration that he couldn't do it himself, He knew he had been reckless, charging in without a plan. But now, with the team backing him up
Juggernaut roared, his massive fists swinging wildly as he fended off the X-Men's attacks. Despite their combined efforts, the sheer strength and resilience of the behemoth made it clear that this battle would not be easily won. Cyclops, surveying the scene, quickly realized that their usual tactics weren't working.
"Jean, we need to get that helmet off him!" Cyclops shouted over the din of battle. "It's the only way we'll have a chance!"
Jean nodded, understanding immediately. Juggernaut's helmet was the key to protecting him from psychic attacks, and without it, he would be vulnerable to Jean's telepathy. The problem was, Juggernaut wasn't going to give it up easily.
Nightcrawler, teleporting in and out of the fight, appeared next to Shadow. "We need to work together on this one, mein freund," he said, his tone serious yet calm. "If we can get that helmet off, Jean can do the rest."
Shadow, still nursing the ache from his earlier encounter with Juggernaut, nodded. "Got it," he replied, his voice filled with determination.
Nightcrawler smiled, appreciating the resolve in Shadow's eyes. In a blur of movement, Nightcrawler teleported onto Juggernaut's back, grabbing onto his helmet and trying to dislodge it. Juggernaut snarled, swinging wildly as he attempted to shake Nightcrawler off. But Nightcrawler was too quick, teleporting away just before Juggernaut could reach him, and then reappearing to continue the assault.
While Juggernaut was distracted by Nightcrawler's relentless harassment, Shadow saw his opening. He focused his energy, launching himself at Juggernaut with incredible speed. With a powerful leap, he slammed into the side of Juggernaut's helmet, causing it to rattle loose.
Juggernaut's eyes widened in anger as he reached up to try and secure his helmet, but it was too late. Working in tandem, Nightcrawler teleported onto Juggernaut's shoulders, using his legs to lock onto the helmet and yank it off. Shadow, seeing the helmet start to come free, delivered a final, forceful punch that sent it flying off Juggernaut's head.
"Jean, now!" Cyclops yerattlel
Jean Grey, having been waiting for this moment, focused her telepathic powers on Juggernaut. Without the protection of his helmet, Juggernaut clutched his head, grimacing as Jean's psychic assault overwhelmed his mind.
Colossus, seeing Juggernaut momentarily stagger, charged forward. With a powerful roar, he unleashed a flurry of punches, each one driving Juggernaut back further. The combination of Jean's telepathic attack and Colossus's raw strength finally brought Juggernaut to his knees. With one final blow, Colossus sent Juggernaut crashing to the ground, unconscious.
The X-Men gathered around, catching their breath after the intense battle. Cyclops approached Shadow, his expression serious but not unkind. "Jason," Cyclops said, "Remember, you're part of a team now. We work together. We've already got enough trouble with Wolverine going solo." The last part was said with a hint of dry humor, but the message was clear—Shadow needed to trust and rely on his teammates.
Nightcrawler appeared beside Shadow, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it too much," Nightcrawler said with a friendly smile. "We all have to learn these things. But maybe next time, be a little more cautious, ja?"
Shadow nodded, absorbing their words. He knew they were right—he had been reckless, and it had almost cost him. But working with Nightcrawler to remove Juggernaut's helmet had shown him the power of teamwork. He glanced at the fallen Juggernaut, feeling a mix of relief and determination.
"Yeah," Shadow finally replied, "I'll keep that in mind."
As the team began to regroup, preparing to transport Juggernaut back to the mansion for containment, Shadow looked around at his teammates. Despite the pain in his fists and the bruises forming from the fight, he felt a small sense of belonging. He was learning, slowly but surely, what it meant to be part of the X-Men.
In a secret government facility, the air was thick with the hum of machinery and the buzz of hushed conversations. Deep within its labyrinthine corridors, two figures stood in a dimly lit room filled with monitors and blueprints of advanced machinery. The first, a stern-looking government agent with a cold, calculating demeanor, spoke with authority
"Our recent... issues with the MRD have convinced the higher-ups that we need to be more aggressive," he began, his voice low but firm. He glanced over at the second figure in the room, a man with a brilliant but dangerous mind—Bolivar Trask, the creator of the Sentinels. "The government has approved additional funding. Effective immediately, you have the green light to move forward with the Scorpion Sentinel models."
Trask's eyes gleamed with a mix of ambition and anticipation. The Scorpion models were a new line of Sentinels, more agile, deadly, and equipped with advanced tracking systems specifically designed to hunt and neutralize mutants. With the recent setbacks the MRD had faced, this was exactly the kind of breakthrough they needed.
"This will change everything," Trask said, more to himself than to the agent
Gyrich gave a curt nod. "Just make sure there are no more mistakes, Trask. The government expects results."
Trask didn't need any further encouragement. With a final glance at the blueprints and the models on the screens, he turned and left the room, already thinking ahead to the production line and the future of mutant containment.
Meanwhile, back at Xavier's Mansion, the atmosphere was far less ominous but no less intense. Cyclops had decided that team exercises were in order, particularly after the Juggernaut incident. The Danger Room was abuzz with activity as various X-Men engaged in simulated combat and teamwork drills. In the center of it all, Cyclops was doing his best to keep a certain two members in line.
"Come on, Shadow, Wolverine, focus!" Cyclops barked, his patience wearing thin. The team exercises were supposed to build trust and coordination, but it seemed that Shadow and Wolverine had other ideas. Both of are a little annoyed at being forced into what felt like a remedial task.
Wolverine grumbled under his breath, claws at the ready as he dodged another obstacle in the simulation. "This is a waste of time, Cyke. I don't need to practice playing nice."
Shadow, standing a few feet away, was equally unimpressed. He folded his arms, his expression a mix of boredom and irritation. "I work better alone. This isn't my style."
Cyclops narrowed his eyes, clearly not in the mood for their rebellious attitudes. "You're both part of a team now, whether you like it or not. If you can't work together, you're putting everyone at risk. So, stop complaining and get with the program!"
Meanwhile, Jubilee stood on the sidelines, watching the exchange with a smirk on her face. The way Shadow and Wolverine were being put through their paces was amusing to her, though she couldn't help but wish she was the one teaming up with Shadow instead. Seeing him in action had sparked a growing interest in the mysterious, brooding figure, and she found herself daydreaming about doing anything with him instead of just watching
Still, she couldn't deny that watching the two most stubborn X-Men being forced to cooperate was entertaining in its own right. "Come on, Shadow," she muttered to herself with a grin. "Just play nice, and maybe next time, you'll get to team up with someone who appreciates you more."
As the simulation continued, Shadow and Wolverine exchanged glances, both clearly annoyed but begrudgingly following Cyclops' orders. The team exercises might not have been their favorite activity, but they were learning—slowly—that sometimes, even the most independent fighters needed to rely on others. For Shadow, this was yet another lesson in his ongoing integration into the X-Men, and though he wasn't thrilled about it, he knew it was necessary.
The Danger Room buzzed with energy as the exercises continued, each X-Man honing their skills and learning to work together, even if it meant dealing with a few bruised egos along the way.
From a distant hill overlooking Xavier's Mansion, a figure stood shrouded in the evening shadows. His eyes, one glowing with a red light and the other piercing blue, were fixed intently on the sprawling grounds below. He watched the X-Men with a focused intensity, as if studying their every move. The breeze rustled his long, tattered cloak, but it didn't distract him from his silent observation. Before eventually disappearing into the darkness
Inside the mansion, the atmosphere was less ominous but still charged with tension. The team exercises had finally come to an end, much to the relief of both Shadow and Wolverine. As the Danger Room powered down, the two of them emerged, both looking visibly annoyed. Wolverine was always gruff, but today there was an extra edge to his attitude. Cyclops' relentless insistence on teamwork had worn him thin, and it was clear from the tension in his jaw that he was holding back a string of choice words.
Shadow, on the other hand, was stewing in a more quiet kind of frustration. His usual calm demeanor was beginning to crack under the pressure of Cyclops' leadership style. Shadow had always been used to working alone, handling things his way. Being forced into these team exercises, especially under someone as rigid and by-the-book as Cyclops, was grating on his nerves. He shot a glance at Wolverine, seeing a reflection of his own growing annoyance. Though they hadn't always seen eye to eye, Shadow found himself understanding why Wolverine had a reputation for butting heads with Cyclops. Shadow's dislike for Cyclops wasn't as intense as Wolverine's, but it was definitely simmering beneath the surface.
As Shadow walked away from the Danger Room, his thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Hey, Jason!" Jubilee called out, catching up to him with a bright smile. She'd been waiting for a chance to talk to him, and now that he was done with the exercises, she wasn't going to let the opportunity slip by.
Shadow turned to face her, his expression softening slightly. Jubilee's upbeat energy was a welcome contrast to the tension he'd just endured. "Jubilee," he acknowledged, his voice calm but still carrying a hint of the irritation from earlier.
"You looked like you were having a blast in there," Jubilee teased, her tone light. "Cyclops really knows how to push your buttons, huh?"
Shadow let out a small, humorless chuckle. "You could say that."
"Well, at least it's over now," she said, trying to steer the conversation toward something more positive. "So, what do you do to unwind after all that?"
Shadow paused, considering the question. "I usually just... find a quiet place and think," he finally said.
Jubilee smiled, sensing an opening. "Maybe we can find something a little more fun than just thinking. I could show you some cool spots around the mansion, or we could even head into town. I know this great arcade where you can blow off some steam."
Shadow raised an eyebrow, slightly intrigued. "An arcade?"
"Yeah! You know, video games, pinball, that kind of stuff. It's fun, I promise," Jubilee said, her enthusiasm infectious.
Shadow considered her offer. He wasn't sure if he would enjoy an arcade, but the idea of trying something new—and spending time away from the mansion's pressures—was appealing. Plus, Jubilee's eagerness to bond with him was something he found oddly comforting. "Alright," he agreed. "Lead the way."
Jubilee's face lit up with excitement. "Awesome! You're gonna love it, I swear."
As they walked together, Shadow felt a small part of the weight on his shoulders lift. He still had a lot on his mind, especially regarding his place in the X-Men and his growing tension with Cyclops. But for now, he was content to let Jubilee guide him into something new
Ghost Spider and Rogue wandered through the mansion, their minds preoccupied with a single question: where had Shadow gone? Their paths eventually crossed in one of the mansion's quieter hallways, both looking a little more agitated than usual. Spotting Nightcrawler nearby, they made a beeline for him.
"Hey, Kurt," Ghost Spider called out, her voice tinged with urgency. "Have you seen Shadow anywhere?"
Nightcrawler looked up from the book he was reading and smiled, sensing the impatience in their voices. "Ja, I saw him earlier. He left with Jubilee."
At the mention of Jubilee, both Rogue and Ghost Spider exchanged a quick look of displeasure, their faces momentarily souring with jealousy. The idea of Shadow spending time with Jubilee instead of them didn't sit well. Rogue folded her arms, trying to keep her irritation in check. "Great," she muttered under her breath, her Southern drawl more pronounced than usual.
Nightcrawler noticed their reactions and chuckled softly. "Don't worry, meine Damen. You can see him when he gets back. I'm sure he won't be gone for long."
Rogue huffed, slightly less annoyed but still bothered by the situation. Ghost Spider, on the other hand, tried to mask her jealousy with a light-hearted grin. "Yeah, we'll catch him later," she said, though her mind was already working on how she'd make sure to be around Shadow when he returned.
Meanwhile, at the arcade in town, Shadow and Jubilee were immersed in a heated battle on a classic shooter game. The flashing lights and fast-paced action filled the room, but despite his usual focus, Shadow found himself struggling to keep up with Jubilee. She was a natural at this, moving through the game with speed and precision. When the final score appeared on the screen, Jubilee cheered, having scored significantly higher than Shadow.
"Yes! I beat you!" Jubilee exclaimed, turning to Shadow with a triumphant smile. "How was that for fun?"
Shadow glanced at the screen, his competitive nature quietly brewing. "It's… alright," he admitted, though the challenge had piqued his interest more than he let on.
Jubilee laughed, sensing that he might actually be enjoying himself. "Alright, huh? Let's see how you do on the next one!"
As they moved to another game, the atmosphere remained light and playful, with Jubilee teasing Shadow every time she edged out a higher score. But just as they were about to start the next game, Shadow's demeanor suddenly shifted. His eyes narrowed, and in a swift motion, he grabbed a passerby by the shirt, pulling him close.
"Hey!" Jubilee exclaimed in surprise. "What's going on?"
Shadow kept his gaze locked on the young man, who now looked terrified. "Return her wallet," Shadow demanded, his voice low and firm.
The would-be thief's eyes widened in shock, realizing he'd been caught. Trembling, he reached into his jacket and pulled out Jubilee's wallet, handing it back without hesitation. "I-I'm sorry," the thief stammered, his voice shaky. "I won't do it again, I swear!"
Shadow stared at him for a moment longer, making sure the thief understood the seriousness of his words. "Good," he said, releasing his grip. "Now go."
The thief nodded frantically before scurrying away, grateful that Shadow had let him off with just a warning.
Jubilee watched the scene unfold with wide eyes, still processing what had just happened. "Wow," she breathed, turning to Shadow. "I didn't even notice it was gone… Thanks, Jason."
Shadow nodded slightly, his expression returning to its usual calm. "You're welcome."
"That was… kinda amazing," Jubilee admitted, a mix of admiration and gratitude in her voice. "But let's get back to the games, yeah? I'm not letting you off easy!"
They headed over to a different shooting game, and as they started playing, the earlier tension faded, replaced once again by the fun and excitement of the arcade. Despite the interruption, Jubilee found herself even more impressed with Shadow, her initial interest in him deepening as she got to know him better.
For Shadow, the arcade was proving to be an unexpected experience—one that was slowly pulling him out of his usual solitude and into something closer to normalcy, even if just for a little while.
Thank you all who have made it this far, so you guys excited for Sonic Movie 3? I know I am, our boy Shads deserves all the justice he has been denied for a decade. And I'm excited as hell for his Spinoff Campaign and 3 OVAs. It truly is the year of Shadow. Fingers crossed we get another some time soon. But aside that, see you all soon - Kaiser