Hello everyone. I've missed you
And special thanks to my dear friend theallaroundnerd for being the guy I babble to a lot. And who totally didn't run me over just to say high at a North Korea Kpop convention
THERES STILL TIRE TRACKS ON MY LEGS NERD!
Mlat – I appreciate your kind words, it means a lot to entertain. And yeah its sometimes annoying when an author does minimal to no changes to the story. I have some new ideas I think would be fun to use here. I hope they will be worth it when they come
And indeed. Xion deserves plenty of love for what she went through
Play: May Roosavelt – Memoir #2
The next morning, Roxas found himself lost in the middle of a swirling, confusing dream. Voices echoed around him, overlapping and distorting as they called out a name that felt both familiar and foreign at the same time
"Ventus… Ventus… Ven!"
The name echoed in his mind, each syllable ringing louder than the last, until it felt like it was drilling into his skull. He couldn't see where the voices were coming from—only that they were everywhere, surrounding him, suffocating him. Faces flashed before his eyes, each one a blur of emotions—anger, fear, sadness, and desperation
The disorienting whirl of images and voices made it impossible for Roxas to catch his breath. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of memories that weren't his own
"Who… who are you?" he tried to ask, but his voice was lost in the cacophony of noise. The faces grew closer, the voices louder, until all he could hear was that name, echoing again and again:
"Ventus… Ventus…"
Roxas jolted awake, his heart racing as he gasped for breath. His eyes shot open, and for a moment, he didn't know where he was. The darkness of the dream was still clinging to him, making it hard to distinguish reality from the nightmare. But as his breathing gradually slowed, he began to take in his surroundings. He was in the apartment, the faint morning light filtering through the curtains. The worn-out couch beneath him was a far cry from the chaotic landscape of his dream
He sat up slowly, running a hand through his sweat-dampened hair as he tried to shake off the lingering terror. His heart was still pounding in his chest, and the name from the dream echoed faintly in his mind, like a whisper he couldn't quite grasp. 'Ventus…' It was a name that felt important, but he couldn't place why. He didn't know anyone by that name, yet it stirred something deep within him, a feeling he couldn't fully understand
As Roxas swung his legs over the side of the couch
Roxas sighed quietly, feeling a pang of discomfort as he looked at his two unexpected roomates Lance and Todd
He pushed himself off the couch, careful not to make too much noise as he padded over to the small bathroom. The cool tile under his feet helped ground him, pulling him further away from the remnants of the nightmare. After splashing cold water on his face, Roxas stared at his reflection in the mirror. The person looking back at him was familiar, yet the eyes that stared back felt like they held secrets he couldn't uncover
"Ventus…" he whispered to himself, testing the name on his tongue. It felt strange, like saying a word in a language he didn't know. He shook his head, trying to banish the thought. Whatever that dream was, it didn't matter now
Later
As the jeep rolled to a stop in the school parking lot, Roxas, Lance, and Todd climbed out, each preparing for another day at Bayville High. The morning was brisk, a cool breeze cutting through the air, but Todd was too busy attempting to catch bugs with his tongue to care. Roxas cringed every time Todd's tongue darted out, catching another insect with an audible slurp, while Lance, looking like he hadn't slept in days, swatted Todd's head
"Would you stop already?" Lance muttered, his voice thick with exhaustion. "You're disgusting, man."
"Hey man I'm starving," Todd grinned, his sharp, frog-like teeth showing as he rubbed the spot Lance had just slapped. "Besides, it's organic."
Roxas shook his head, focusing on the building ahead of them. Despite the bizarre nature of his company, his thoughts were on something else—Ms. Stockholm had mentioned earlier that she'd found a fifth member for their group, but hadn't given any real details.
As the three of them made their way through the parking lot, Roxas caught sight of someone who definitely stood out in the crowd. A massive, seven-foot-tall boy with a blonde mohawk strode across the lot like he owned the place. His sheer size and broad shoulders made it impossible to miss him, and both Roxas and Lance stopped in their tracks, staring
"…Could that be him?" Roxas asked, more to himself than anyone else
"Probably," Lance grumbled, trying to stifle a yawn. "If giant cheeseburgers isn't his talent, then maybe strength is."
Todd's eyes widened at the sight of the enormous boy. "…She found a giant. The crazy woman actually found a giant. You think he's related to Andre?"
Roxas looked confused. "Who's Andre?"
Todd, eager to educate him, opened his mouth to explain. "Ya ever seen The Princess Bri—"
"Shut up, Todd," Lance cut him off, rolling his eyes. "We can't be sure unless boss lady says something."
As they continued toward the entrance, a familiar figure caught Roxas's eye. Rogue entered the hallway from the other side, her striking white-streaked hair making her easy to spot. Her eyes brightened as they landed on him, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She made her way over to the group, her gaze lingering on Roxas.
Todd stepped forward, ever the charmer. "Hey gorgeous, how's it going?" he said with a wink, though his grin was more sleazy than endearing.
Rogue grimaced at the approach, immediately regretting being within range of Todd's attention. "What, is it the smell?" Todd asked, sniffing at his armpit before Lance yanked him aside with a firm grip on his collar.
"Will you quit it?" Lance growled, dragging Todd along. "You're embarrassing yourself. And us."
Rogue, now free from Todd's awkward advances, turned her attention back to Roxas. "Hey, Roxas. How's your morning been?" she asked, her voice softening as she walked closer to him.
"Oh, hey," Roxas greeted her with a small smile. "It's been… alright, I guess. Did you see the new guy? Stockholm brought in someone huge."
Rogue blinked, confused. "I... don't think ah did?" She glanced around, but hadn't noticed the towering boy Roxas mentioned. "What's he like?"
"He looks like he could bench press the school," Lance said with a chuckle as they entered the cafeteria together, the scent of breakfast lingering in the air. Rogue moved a little closer, positioning herself next to him as they approached the tables. As she subtly maneuvered herself to sit next to him as they slid into their seats
The cafeteria wasn't too crowded yet, but a few students were milling about, grabbing trays of food. Roxas and Rogue grabbed their own plates, finding an empty table in the corner. The clatter of silverware and the low murmur of conversations filled the air around them
Meanwhile
Play: Jack Stauber – Today Today
As Jean's car pulled up in the school parking lot, Xion couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation. She hadn't had a chance to really talk to Roxas yesterday, and the thought of catching up with him made her heart race. Even if he had seemed preoccupied, maybe today would be different. A small smile tugged at her lips as she followed Jean toward the entrance
"Excited for another day, Xion?" Jean asked, her voice bright as they walked together
"Yeah, I guess you could say that. There's a lot I'm looking forward to." Said Xion nodding happily
Jean smiled knowingly but didn't press further. They made their way into the building, passing by students who were chatting or hurrying to their lockers. The usual morning buzz filled the air, but something caught their attention as they rounded a corner
Standing just outside Ms. Stockholm's office was a boy—no, a giant. Easily towering over seven feet tall, he scratched his head in frustration as he stared down at a crumpled piece of paper, clearly his schedule. His massive frame looked out of place, and even from a distance, Xion could see the uncertainty in his eyes
"Man... I've kicked out of every other school I've been in," the boy muttered to himself, his deep voice grumbling in frustration. "This is complicated." In his growing frustration, he absentmindedly grabbed the locker next to him, and with a sudden rip, tore it straight off the wall
"Ah, damn it," he cursed, realizing what he'd done. His massive hands shakily tried to reattach the locker, but it was no use. The locker clanged against the wall, only barely staying in place
A passing student froze, staring in shock at the display of strength. His eyes darted between the locker and the enormous boy, clearly unsure of what to do
"Hey, uh... you know where I'm supposed to go?" the giant asked, holding the crumpled schedule up to the student's face like it would help
The poor student paled. "I-I don't know, man," he stammered, barely able to look the boy in the eyes. "P-Please put me down."
The boy blinked, realizing that in his frustration, he'd picked the student up off the ground by his shirt without even noticing. "Oh, come on, it can't be that hard," he grumbled, still holding the student awkwardly off the ground
That was when Xion and Jean walked up, both of them taken aback by the sheer size of the boy. His massive shoulders seemed to block the light, and even from a few feet away, he loomed over them like a mountain
"Um… Hi," Jean called out, trying to sound as non-threatening as possible
The giant of a boy turned toward them, clearly startled. His grip on the student loosened, and the kid immediately dropped to the floor, scrambling away as fast as he could
Jean gave a small, amused smile as she and Xion approached
"Do you need help?" asked Jean, noticing the frustration in his eyes
The boy stared at them for a moment, clearly flustered now that he was facing two cute girls. "Uh, yeah... please," he mumbled, holding out his schedule
Jean took the paper and scanned it, quickly piecing together the locations of his classes. "Let's see… Looks like your classes today are in rooms 203, 167, and 89. They're all that way," she said, pointing down the hallway
"Thanks," the boy said, looking a little relieved. He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, clearly not used to this kind of interaction
"So, what do your friends call you?" Jean asked, flashing him a friendly smile.
"Don't know. Never had any." Said The boy as his face tightened slightly, and shrugged
Xion's eyes widened slightly
"You mean… you've never had friends?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity and a bit of sympathy
"So far, yeah. Never really stuck around anywhere long enough to have any." Said The boy shrugging again, not seeming to make a big deal of it
"I'm sorry to hear that," Jean said gently. "What's your name?"
"I'm Fred. Fred Dukes," he replied, holding out a large hand for both of them to shake.
Jean took his hand first, noticing the surprising strength in his grip. Xion followed, feeling the same firmness when she shook his hand. There was something gentle about him despite his size, but his strength was undeniable
"…Where are you from, Fred?" Xion asked, her curiosity piqued
"Lubbock, Texas," Fred answered with a shrug
"…I've never been there before. Is it a good place?" said Xion as her eyes brightened with interest as Fred chuckled darkly, shaking his head
"Tch, maybe for some people. But I managed." Said Fred
Jean could tell that Fred wasn't used to talking much about himself, so she offered him a reassuring smile. "Well, you don't have to worry here, Fred. The first day is always the hardest. It'll get better from here."
Fred looked at her, his face softening a bit at her kindness, though he didn't quite smile
"Thanks... I hope so." Said Fred
"Come on, Xion, we don't want to be late for class." Said Jean glancing at the clock on the wall
"Oh—right. It was really nice meeting you, Fred," Xion said, giving him an innocent smile as she and Jean turned to leave
Fred watched them go, his eyes lingering on Jean for a moment longer than Xion. He stood there in the hallway, staring at the spot where they disappeared, his massive frame feeling just a little bit lighter after their conversation
"They're so cute... especially that redhead..." Fred muttered under his breath, a strange, almost ominous glint in his eyes as he thought about Jean
But he quickly shook his head, crumpling the paper schedule in his hands as he made his way down the hall in the direction Jean had pointed. Today was the first step in a new place, and despite his usual frustrations, there was something about this school—about those girls—that made him feel just a little less out of place
Meanwhile
Aqua stood by the window in the X-Mansion, her eyes focused on the horizon. Her thoughts drifted as she gazed at the distant trees, knowing that soon enough, she would be attending school with Xion and the others.
But something held her back. Her heart ached with the hope of reuniting with Ventus... She couldn't shake the feeling that they were destined to cross paths again
As she stood lost in her thoughts, she didn't hear the soft footsteps behind her until a familiar voice gently broke the silence
"Aqua," came Ororo's smooth, calm voice. "You seem deep in thought."
Aqua blinked, turning away from the window to see Ororo standing a few feet away, her presence as graceful and commanding as ever. The soft rustle of Ororo's cloak filled the quiet room as she approached, her expression kind but curious.
"Hello, Ororo," Aqua greeted with a small smile. "I didn't hear you come in."
"I've been known to move quietly when I want to. But I couldn't help but notice you staring out the window. Is something on your mind?" said Ororo chuckling
Aqua sighed softly, glancing back at the view
"It's just... I'm waiting. I know I'll be joining Xion at the school soon, but I can't help but feel a little... restless, I guess." Said Aqua as Ororo nodded in understanding, stepping up beside her
"The professor is working on the paperwork for your enrollment. He wants to make sure everything is in order before you start. It shouldn't be long now." Said Ororo
"I hope so," Aqua replied, a slight tension in her voice. "I want to be there with Xion. To be there for her. But more than that..."
She trailed off, her mind drifting again, and Storm tilted her head, sensing there was more beneath the surface
"More than that?" Ororo asked gently
Aqua hesitated for a moment, then turned to face her fully
"Have you ever felt like... you were searching for someone special? Someone important to you?" said Aqua
Ororo's brows lifted slightly in surprise, but she quickly composed herself
"Why do you ask?" said Ororo
Aqua's gaze softened, and she clasped her hands together in front of her
"There's someone I've been looking for. Someone I hope to reunite with soon. I'm... not sure where he is, but I feel like he's close. Closer than before." Said Aqua with her voice was quiet, but there was a deep longing in her words—a longing she could only describe as her connection to Roxas
Ororo studied Aqua for a moment, the silence between them filled with unspoken emotions. She seemed to understand the depth of Aqua's feelings without Aqua needing to say much. After a thoughtful pause, Ororo began to speak
"I've spent most of my life with the professor," Ororo said, her voice soft but steady. "After I left Africa as a child, he became my guide and mentor. Together, we built this mansion into a home for many. Some mutants came and went... but others, the ones who mattered most, always seemed to return in some way."
Aqua listened closely, sensing there was something personal in her tone
"There was one... who I thought I'd lost for good," Ororo continued, her gaze distant as if recalling old memories. "A man who'd been with us for years, fighting for the same cause. He was... important to me, though we never said it outright. But one day, he disappeared. For a long time, I didn't know if he was coming back."
Aqua's heart tightened, knowing Ororo was speaking from experience, yet she didn't interrupt. The weight of Storm's emotions felt familiar, almost like her own
"Recently, though," Ororo said, a faint smile gracing her lips, "he returned. It's not the same as it was before, but having him back... it's something I didn't expect. And it reminds me that those we care for often find their way back to us, even when we think we've lost them."
Thinking about a certain grumpy man with claws
Aqua's eyes softened in Ororo's words. "You believe that?"
She turned to Aqua, her expression filled with certainty. "I do. If the person you're searching for is near, you'll find him. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but your paths will cross again. The universe has a way of bringing people back together when the time is right."
Aqua let the words sink in, her heart both reassured and heavy at the same time. The thought of reuniting with Roxas felt closer, more possible, but the uncertainty still gnawed at her. Yet, Ororo's calm conviction made her believe that there was hope.
"Thank you, Ororo," Aqua said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. "I think... I needed to hear that."
Ororo placed a gentle hand on Aqua's shoulder, her touch reassuring
"Trust in your instincts, Aqua. You've come this far, and I don't believe you're far from what you seek." Said Ororo
Aqua smiled, a little more at ease. "I hope so."
Ororo gave a small nod, her eyes twinkling with the wisdom she carried. "You will. When the time is right."
With that, Ororo turned to leave. As Aqua watched her go, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. Though her heart still longed for the reunion she sought, there was a new sense of patience. Perhaps Ororo was right. The person she was searching for—Ventus—was out there. And when the time came, their paths would cross again.
Meanwhile
Roxas walked into Bayville High's English class with Rogue by his side. The classroom was already buzzing with students settling into their seats. Rogue nervously came in trailing behind Roxas as they both took their seat
As they entered, Scott Summers stood near the front, his ever-present red shades concealing his eyes. But Roxas could feel Scott's gaze on him, a feeling that made him slightly uncomfortable. The longer Scott stared, the more the tension in the air grew.
"Uh... is something wrong?" said Roxas curiously breaking the tension
Scott's brow furrowed slightly
"Do I know you from somewhere?" Scott asked, his voice being cautious but direct.
Roxas blinked, his mind racing. He remembered sneaking into the X-Mansion on Mystique's orders not long ago with Todd. Scott had likely had been there, and Roxas hadn't expected anyone to recognize him here, especially at school. His heart skipped a beat, but he quickly played it cool
"Uh... I don't think so," Roxas replied casually, doing his best to stay calm. "You're probably just mistaking me for someone else."
Scott scrutinized him for a moment longer before his posture relaxed
"Yeah, maybe. Sorry about that." Said Scott before he resumed what he was doing
Roxas exhaled quietly in relief. Rogue, who had been watching the exchange with curiously
"What was that about?" asked Rogue
"Its nothing probaby," Roxas muttered back, still feeling a little uneasy
Just then, the teacher entered the room and clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention
"Alright, class, settle down. Today we'll be working in pairs to recite sections of Romeo and Juliet. I've picked out specific passages that focus on dialogue between the characters, so I expect you all to show some emotion." He said
The class collectively groaned, clearly not thrilled by the assignment. Roxas, however, was curious. He hadn't been exposed to much literature in this world yet and found himself intrigued by the idea of reading something from this "Shakespeare" guy
The teacher began pairing up students, and when she reached Roxas and Rogue, she paused for a moment
"Anna, you and Roxas will take the balcony scene. You'll be reading the parts of Juliet and Romeo."
Rogue's eyes lit up, clearly pleased by the pairing. She turned to Roxas with a playful grin. "Well, look like a fun sessions" she said
Roxas chuckled nervously, feeling a little flustered by her enthusiasm. "I guess so." He muttered as the teacher began to hand out plenty of passages to the students and their partners
When he looked at the passage he received. The language seemed strange, the words almost foreign, but there was a certain beauty to it that caught his attention
MEANWHILE
Xion sat at her desk, her eyes distant as she stared at the board in front of her, barely registering the teacher's voice as class began. Her thoughts were elsewhere—specifically on Roxas. Even though she'd spent the last few days adjusting to this new world, Roxas had been on her mind constantly. She hadn't seen him since their brief encounter, and her heart ached to catch up with him. Was he alright?
Sitting next to her was Kitty, who noticed Xion's distracted expression. She leaned over slightly, her voice low so the teacher wouldn't hear.
"Hey, Xion, you okay? You seem a little out of it." Asked Kitty with some concern
Xion blinked, shaking herself from her thoughts.
"Oh, yeah... I'm fine. Just... thinking about someone." Muttered Xion
Kitty smiled knowingly. "Roxas, right?"
Xion's face flushed slightly, and she nodded
"Yeah... I just—I don't know. I thought I'd see him more by now, but he's always busy, or I can't find him. I just keep wondering if... maybe he's avoiding me or something."
Kitty tilted her head, giving Xion a sympathetic look.
"I wouldn't worry too much about it. I mean, guys can be pretty oblivious sometimes, but it doesn't mean he's avoiding you. Roxas seems like a good guy. He'll come around." Said Kitty
Xion sighed, her fingers tapping lightly on the edge of her desk
"I hope so... I just feel like there's so much I want to say to him, but every time I get the chance, something gets in the way." Said Xion making Kitty chuckle softly
"Trust me, you're not alone in that feeling. Sometimes life has a way of keeping people apart for a bit, but it usually works out. Just give it time. Besides, worrying about it right now isn't gonna help with your grades." Said Kitty
Xion couldn't help but smile a little. Kitty's optimism was infectious. "You're probably right. It's just... hard."
Kitty nodded, understanding. "Yeah, I get it. But for now, let's focus on the class work. You'll see Roxas soon enough, I'm sure. And hey, if he's as good a guy as you think he is, he's probably thinking about you too."
Before Xion could respond, the teacher's voice cut through their conversation. "Ms. Pryde, Ms. Kiera. Eyes on the board, please. Unless you'd like to share your thoughts with the class?"
Both Xion and Kitty straightened up quickly, their faces slightly flushed as they muttered apologies. The teacher continued with the lesson, and Xion tried to focus, though the weight of her thoughts about Roxas still lingered in the back of her mind
Kitty gave her a small reassuring smile before they both returned their attention to the class. Despite her worries, Xion felt a little more at ease with her friend Kitty
Later
At lunch, Xion glanced across the cafeteria, her gaze landing on Roxas, who was sitting with Rogue, Lance, and Todd. She had been planning to approach him, hoping to finally catch up, but when she noticed the subtle jealous grimace on Rogue's face as Xion made her way over, she hesitated. The discomfort Rogue was clearly feeling made her second-guess her decision
Not to mention, Lance and Todd gave off a shady vibe. Lance looked half-asleep, leaning back in his chair like he owned the place, while Todd was snickering about something gross, his long tongue flicking out every so often. Xion wasn't sure she wanted to deal with them either
Sighing softly, she turned around and decided to sit with Jean, Kurt, Scott, and Kitty instead. As she approached, they waved her over, making room at the table
"Hey, Xion!" Kitty greeted her cheerfully. "Come sit with us!"
Xion smiled, taking a seat next to Jean. "Thanks. I was going to talk to Roxas, but... I don't think now's a good time," she admitted, glancing back at Rogue and the others
Kitty noticed and gave her a sympathetic look. "Don't worry, you'll get your chance."
Kurt leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "So, how are your classes going so far, Xion?"
"They're going fine," Xion replied, though her mind was still partially distracted. She tried to shake the thoughts of Roxas from her head and focus on the conversation. "I'm getting used to the school routine here."
"Ah, das gut!" Kurt said with a nod. "For me, going to school and speaking English all the time is still something I'm getting used to. I mean, back in Germany, it was different."
Xion smiled at his enthusiasm. "I can imagine. Do you miss home?"
Kurt shrugged with a playful grin. "Sometimes. But here is not so bad. And as long as my hologram doesn't glitch out, I am vunderbar." He tapped the small device that allowed him to maintain his human appearance, and they all chuckled
As the group began eating, Xion's thoughts wandered back to Roxas. She glanced over at his table again, but before she could linger too long, Kitty nudged her gently, bringing her attention back
Fred Dukes entered the lunchroom, drawing curious glances from students. His sheer size was hard to miss, and as he lumbered in, Kitty raised an eyebrow.
"Hey, isn't that the guy you and Logan went to see in Texas?" Kitty asked Jean
Jean looked over and nodded. "Yeah, that's Fred. He was causing some trouble out there, but someone else got to him first." Her voice carried a slight hint of concern, though she tried to keep things light. "I heard he broke a locker earlier, though. Seems like he's adjusting well." She smirked, and the group chuckled at the joke
Xion joined in the laughter but kept her gaze shifting between Roxas and Fred. There was something off about both situations, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it
Meanwhile,
at Roxas's table, Diane, a girl he had met earlier confidently strode over. She flashed a bright smile at him, completely ignoring the others at the table
"Hey, Roxas. Didn't see you at breakfast this morning. Hope to catch you there tomorrow." Said Diane Her voice was playful, with a subtle flirtatious edge that was impossible to miss
Roxas blinked, slightly caught off guard by her forwardness compared to the previous day
"Oh, uh... yeah, maybe," Roxas replied, a little awkwardly
As Diane walked off to join her friends, Rogue's expression darkened. She scowled slightly, clearly not happy about Diane's interest in Roxas
Back at the other table, Xion couldn't help but glance at Rogue's reaction. She didn't know why, but seeing the tension between Rogue and Roxas left her feeling even more uncertain
Over to Roxas, he noticed Fred was growing increasingly uncomfortable, his eyes darting around as students whispered and glanced his way. The weight of the attention seemed to sink heavily on Fred, making him shift awkwardly in his seat. Roxas leaned over toward Lance, lowering his voice.
"Hey, do you think he's going to start something?" said Roxas expecting something to
Lance shrugged with a smirk, clearly unconcerned.
"If he does, it'll be fun to watch." Said Lance
Roxas wasn't so sure. Fred didn't seem like the type to let things slide, and the stares he was getting only seemed to agitate him more. As Roxas observed, Fred shifted in his seat once again, his large hands gripping his tray a little too tightly
And then, it happened
Fred stood up abruptly, losing his balance, and his food tray slipped from his hands, sending its contents splattering all over the cafeteria floor. The sound echoed, catching the attention of nearly everyone in the room. For a moment, there was silence, and then, as if on cue, some students began to snicker and laugh
Fred's face turned beet red, and his fists clenched in frustration
"Stop laughing!" Fred demanded, his voice booming over the cafeteria. But the laughter only grew louder, with more students joining in
Clearly at the end of his rope, Fred's frustration bubbled over. He grabbed a handful of mashed potatoes from his tray and hurled it across the cafeteria, aiming at a group of students who had been laughing the loudest. The mashed potatoes hit one of them square in the face
"Oh, this is gonna be fun," Lance said, a grin spreading across his face as the first volleys of food flew across the room
"FOOD FIGHT!" yelled one student as many other in the cafeteria started to grab their food and send them flying
More students joined in, throwing whatever they could get their hands on—sandwiches, pizza slices, drinks. Some students quickly scrambled for the exits, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire, while others stayed, eager to join the impromptu food fight
Roxas ducked as a glob of pudding flew past his head
"Lance do food fights always happen in school?'" said Roxas , glancing at Lance, who was clearly enjoying the spectacle
"Not to this degree,. Besides the fun is just getting started!" Lance said, grabbing his own tray and launching a piece of pizza across the room
Roxas hesitated, unsure whether to get involved or avoid the chaos entirely. All around him, students were either dodging or throwing food. Fred was at the center of it all, still fuming, but also looking like he might be regretting his actions now that the cafeteria had descended into utter madness
Roxas glanced toward the door, where some of the students who had run out were peeking back inside, laughing at the chaos they narrowly avoided. Meanwhile, the staff had yet to intervene, either unaware of the mess or just too shocked to react. It was clear this food fight was going to escalate fast
As cafeteria had descended into absolute chaos. Fred, now more agitated than ever, grabbed an entire table laden with food and swung it in a wide arc, launching its contents toward the general direction where he thought most of the laughter had come from
"Incoming!" a student shouted as if warning about a bomb in a war zone. Immediately, students ducked and covered, bracing themselves behind tables or scrambling beneath benches. Those who didn't react fast enough were splattered with food, their protests drowned out by the sheer pandemonium of the cafeteria
Todd, in his element amidst the mayhem, took the opportunity to snatch some of his favorite foods while no one was paying attention. Rogue, however, was clearly done with the situation. Frustrated, she was about to leave the cafeteria entirely but hesitated, glancing over at Roxas
"Hey!" Rogue called out, getting ready to ask him to leave with her, but before she could get his attention, things took a dangerous turn.
On the other side of the cafeteria, Xion was ducking alongside Kurt, Kitty, Jean, and Scott. Kurt, always quick to act, immediately teleported out of the line of fire, disappearing with a familiar "bamf." Kitty wasn't so lucky—she was struck by a flying burger right in the shoulder
"Ugh, seriously?" Said Kirty in frustration "Like, I'm outta here" as she then phased through the wall, choosing to avoid the chaos entirely. Meanwhile, Jean used her telekinetic powers to form a protective barrier around herself, Scott, and Xion, blocking any food that flew their way
"I think we should just wait this out," Scott suggested, his tone clipped. He clearly wasn't enjoying this chaos
But Xion looked toward Fred, now even more distressed and wildly swinging the table around like a weapon. She could tell he was just frustrated, and something inside her pushed her to try and calm him down. Ignoring Jean and Scott's cautious looks, Xion began to walk toward Fred
"Xion, wait!" Jean called after her, concern in her voice. Scott reached out, trying to get her to stop
But it was too late. In his agitated state, Fred lost his grip on the table. The massive object went hurtling through the air, straight in Xion's direction. Her eyes widened in shock, frozen as the table flew towards her
"XION!" yelled both Jean and Scott as they weren't quick enough to catch her
"!" said Xion as she braced herself to get hit
Roxas who saw felt his heart skip a beat. Instinct kicked in, and without a second thought, he bolted into action. With incredible speed, he closed the distance between him and Xion, lunging forward to catch the table just before it could crash into her
The impact was heavy, and the force of it sent Roxas skidding backward, his boots screeching against the tiled floor. But he held firm, his grip strong enough to stop the table from slamming into Xion
Jean and Scott were shocked at the sight, but they were relieved Xion is safe
"Are you okay?" Roxas asked, setting the table down and turning to check on her, his face full of concern
Xion blinked, still processing what had just happened. "Are you okay? Your hands—" she started, noticing his reddened palms from catching the table
"I'm fine. What about you?" Said Roxas as he shook his head, brushing off her worry
"I'm alright, thanks to you," Xion replied, her voice soft with relief and a smile as Roxas regained a smile at her
From afar, Rogue watched the exchange, her frown deepening. She ducked down behind a table with Lance and Todd, still avoiding the food flying across the room, but her gaze lingered on Roxas and Xion. She could feel the pang of jealousy bubbling inside her as she muttered under her breath
But in that brief moment, all Xion could think about was how Roxas had saved her—yet again
But back to Scott and Jean, they couldn't help but notice Roxas's incredible feat of strength. He had caught the massive table with an ease that no ordinary person could have managed. Scott narrowed his eyes in suspicion
It a normal person caught the table. They would've needed a long trip to the hospital. Especially if thrown by someone like Fred
"Did you see that?" Scott muttered to Jean, glancing toward Roxas. "That strength… he's gotta be a mutant, right?"
Jean nodded subtly, her gaze still on Roxas as he stood with Xion. She couldn't deny it—the way he had acted so fast and displayed such physical prowess was more than a little telling. "Yeah," Jean agreed softly. "But now's not the time to figure it out."
Fred was still at the center of the chaos, now more frustrated than ever. His face was red with embarrassment as more students snickered and whispered after his slip-up. Jean knew she needed to step in before things escalated again
"I'm going to calm Fred down," Jean said, stepping forward.
Scott grabbed her wrist lightly, his expression concerned. "Jean, be careful. If he gets any more upset—"
"I'll be fine," she reassured him, gently pulling her hand away. "But if I don't do something, this is going to get worse."
With a deep breath, Jean focused her telepathic abilities, extending her reach to the remaining students in the cafeteria. She used her powers to soothe their heightened emotions, subtly calming everyone down, including Fred.
Gradually, the food fights began to die down, the laughter and chaos fading away as students lost the desire to throw food and began to exit the room. The flying food that had once filled the air stopped mid-flight, falling harmlessly to the ground as the rowdy atmosphere shifted to one of quiet unease as they all started to leave
Fred holding another table suddenly paused, blinking in confusion. His grip loosened as he set the table down, looking around, unsure of what had come over him
Roxas glanced towards Jean, sensing that everything was calming down, he then looks over to Rogue, Lance, and Todd, feeling the need to make a quick exit, as Lance gestures they need to leave
"I'll see you later Xion" said Roxas as Xion takes his hands
"But are you sure you'll be ok?" said Xion with concern as their faces get a little close
"Yes Xion, I promise.." said Roxas reassuring her before going to catch up with the others, as Xion secretly yearned for him to stay, while the look on Rogue's face shows a bit of jealousy
"Man, just when it was starting to get fun." Said Lance, still crouching behind a table, huffing in disappointment
Todd, however, seemed more focused on stuffing his pockets with the food he had swiped during the chaos. "We're out, right?" he muttered, not too concerned with anything beyond his snacks
Rogue glanced at Roxas, her expression a mix of frustration and something unreadable. "Yeah, let's just go," she said flatly, though it was clear she was still brooding over the situation with Xion
As the group slipped out of the cafeteria, leaving the now-quiet chaos behind, Xion remained. She had watched Roxas leave, but her focus quickly shifted to Fred, who was still visibly upset, even if he wasn't lashing out anymore. Seeing that Jean had already done much of the work to calm the room, Xion hurried over to catch up with her
"Jean," Xion called out as she approached. "Let me help. I think we can still calm Fred down before this gets worse again."
Jean glanced over at her, giving a small nod of approval. "Thanks, Xion," she said. "Fred just needs someone to talk to him now."
Together, Jean and Xion approached Fred, whose shoulders were slumped in defeat. Jean reached out to him telepathically again, soothing his racing thoughts, while Xion spoke up softly
"Fred, it's okay," Xion said gently. "Everyone has bad days. Just… try not to worry about what they think. We're not here to hurt you."
Fred glanced at Xion, still unsure, but her calm and gentle tone seemed to reach him. He gave a slow nod, though the embarrassment lingered in his eyes. Jean, still focusing her powers, managed to ease his emotions even further until Fred's tension seemed to melt away
The chaos had finally subsided, but in the back of Jean's mind, she knew there were still more questions to be answered—especially about Roxas
Jean glanced at Fred, who was still calming down but visibly uneasy. She knew he needed guidance more than anything else.
"Fred," she began, "you need to learn to control yourself. When things get out of hand like that… it can be dangerous."
Fred furrowed his brows, confused. "Control myself? What are you talking about?"
Jean exchanged a look with Xion before responding. "I learned to control my own gifts at the Xavier Institute. Xion is doing the same." She gestured to Xion, who gave a reassuring smile.
Fred's eyes widened, shocked by the implication
"Wait, you mean... you both got powers too?" said Fred
Jean nodded, then calmly demonstrated by using her telekinetic powers. Chairs, tables, and trays that had been scattered around the cafeteria began to float and arrange themselves neatly back in place, guided by her mind
Xion decided to follow Jean's lead, summoning her Keyblade. With a gentle flash, the ethereal weapon appeared in her hand, radiating light. Fred's mouth dropped open as he watched, his wide eyes locked on the blade. After a brief moment, Xion made it vanish once more
Fred grinned childishly, looking between them with excitement
"Wow… with powers like those, you could really beat up anyone you don't like!" Fred exclaimed, clearly thinking of how such strength could change things for him
Jean, however, quickly shook her head
"That's not what we're taught," Jean said firmly but kindly. "We don't use our powers to hurt people or settle scores. The Professor at the Xavier Institute—he's been helping people like us for a long time. He could help you too, Fred."
"It really is a good idea. It's a place where you can learn to use your powers the right way. You don't have to worry about people laughing or making fun of you anymore." saod Xion stepping forward
Fred listened, a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty flashing in his eyes
"I'll… I'll think about it," Fred muttered, though the offer clearly intrigued him.
Jean gave him an encouraging nod
"That's all we're asking, Fred. Just think about it. We'll see you around, okay?" said Jean as Xion gives a reassuring smile
As Jean and Xion turned to leave, Fred watched them go, his mind racing. They were offering him something different, something more than just the constant embarrassment and frustration he faced every day. And he felt drawn to Jean, the way she spoke to him, the way she treated him like he wasn't just a big, clumsy guy everyone made fun of
He made a decision in that moment
"Jean…" he thought to himself. "I'll go for Jean"
Just as he was about to leave the cafeteria, something caught his eye. A photograph, partially hidden under a fallen chair. He bent down and picked it up, examining it. It was a picture of Jean and Scott, both smiling. His expression darkened as he focused on Scott. Jean deserved someone better, someone who really cared about her, someone… like himself…
According to his own mind
With an angry grunt, Fred tore the photo in half. He stuffed the part with Jean into his pocket, carefully folding it, while glaring at the torn half of Scott. Without hesitation, he stomped on the picture of Scott, grinding it under his boot with a scowl on his face
Satisfied, Fred turned and left the cafeteria, the crumpled image of Jean tucked safely in his pocket, his intentions now ominously clear
Meanwhile
After Rogue watched Jean and Xion talk Fred down with a calm, understanding approach, she couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt. She had chosen the Brotherhood, but moments like this made her wonder if maybe the X-Men had something better to offer—a sense of control, belonging, and real guidance. Did she make the right choice?
Shaking off the thought for now, Rogue quickened her pace and caught up to Roxas. "You sure your hands are alright?" she asked, glancing down at his palms. She could still see faint marks from catching the table earlier
Roxas looked at his hands briefly, then gave her a small smile. "I'm fine, really," he said, though the memory of Xion nearly being hurt weighed on him more than the bruises on his hands
Rogue studied his face for a moment longer, sensing something else was on his mind. "You sure I can't help you with somethin'?" she asked, her voice softening just a bit.
Roxas shook his head
"I'm good, besides... we've got Shakespeare passages to go over after school, right?" he added with a light shrug
Rogue nodded, though she wished she could stick by him a little longer
"Yeah... guess we do." Said Rogue as She lingered for a moment, watching him as they headed to their next classes, but the desire to stay close to him gnawed at her
Meanwhile
Xion walked with Jean and Scott. Scott, still processing what happened in the cafeteria, turned to her
"Who was that guy who saved you back there?" said Scott curiously
"His name is Roxas." Said Xion glancing at him
Jean exchanged a glance with Scott before asking
"Do you know if he's a mutant?" said Jean wondering what exactly Xion knows about him
Xion hesitated briefly before answering
"He has powers... similar to mine." Said Xion, That confirmation made Scott and Jean exchange another look— now that's another person they may need to speak to
"Why didn't you tell us about him before?" said Scott furrowing his brow
Xion quickly shook her head
"I didn't even know he was in the school until yesterday. I wasn't sure if he was still around, or if he'd even want to talk." Said Xion
Jean looked at Xion more thoughtfully
"Is he the boy you've been thinking about?" said Jean making Xion's cheeks turned a bit red, but she nodded
"Yeah, he is." Said Xion
"Have you talked to him about joining the Institute?" Said Scott curiously if Xion already spoke with him about joining the Institute
Xion sighed, glancing down at the floor as they continued walking
"I haven't had the chance yet." Said Xion as she hoped she would get the chance to do so
Jean placed a reassuring hand on Xion's shoulder
"Maybe you should. He could really use the help—and maybe it'd be good for both of you." Said Jean
Xion nodded, though she wasn't sure how or when she'd be able to bring it up with Roxas. The three of them soon parted ways to head to their next classes, each with their own thoughts lingering on what had happened
LATER
After school, Fred had worked up the nerve to approach Jean. He wasn't great with words, but he'd seen how nice she was to him earlier and thought maybe she'd be willing to hang out. As Jean was packing up her things to leave, Fred stepped in front of her, awkwardly fidgeting. "Hey, Jean... wanna go out and get a soda with me? Just for a while or something?"
Jean looked at him, surprised. She tried to be gentle, knowing Fred could be sensitive. "Fred, I can't. I'm really busy tonight, and—"
But Fred wasn't having it. He furrowed his brow and took a step closer. "Why not? I know you're not busy. You're always with those other guys."
Jean felt a bit of unease settle in as Fred's frustration grew. "Fred, please. It's not like that, I just—"
Before she could finish, Fred grabbed her wrist
"No. You're comin' with me," he said firmly, dragging her along
"Fred you're hurting me!" said Jean but Fred wouldn't listen. She panicked, trying to use her telekinesis to break free. In a desperate attempt, she caused some nearby construction debris from a scaffold to come loose, hoping it would distract him long enough for her to get away
The falling debris knocked Fred back, but one piece struck Jean hard, sending her crumpling to the ground, unconscious
Fred blinked in shock, looking down at her. "Jean?" He knelt down, realizing he'd hurt her. Guilt flooded his face, but something darker flickered behind his eyes. "I didn't mean to... but... maybe she just needs me now."
With that twisted logic in his mind, Fred picked Jean up, carrying her off, not realizing how wrong this situation had just turned
Unaware that Todd had seem it from the corner
Meanwhile
Scott and Xion were waiting for Jean outside, but when she didn't show, they started to get worried
"Where's Jean?" Xion asked, scanning the area
Scott frowned, his instincts telling him something wasn't right. "I don't know, but we better find her."
As they began searching the school grounds Todd, who had seen Fred walking off with Jean, sprinted towards Lance, Roxas, and Rogue
"-But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun."
Rogue found herself getting drawn in, her heart fluttering a little despite herself. She read her lines as Juliet, unconsciously leaning closer to Roxas as the dialogue between them grew more personal, more heartfelt.
"Take all myself," she recited softly, her voice almost a whisper
Their eyes met as Roxas delivered his next line, his gaze deepening as they inched closer, almost unconsciously
"I take thee at thy word. Call me but love, and I'll be new baptized…"
The tension in the air grew thicker, neither of them noticing how close they had gotten. Their faces were only inches apart now, eyes locked, Rogue's heartbeat quickened, she knew what would happned if she actually made skin contact with him. But the thought of having a kiss with felt so alluring
but then the moment was shattered when Todd barged in clearly out of breath
Rogue's expression turned from startled to furious in an instant
"Todd!" she snapped, She clenched her fists, clearly ready to deck Todd, who was trying to catch his breath. "Ah swear-"
but he finally managed to blurt out,
"-gotta come see this! The fat kid just grabbed the red head, and he's takin' her somewhere!" said Todd
"What?!" said Rogue as much of her anger at Todd moved towards Fred. Her eyes darkened with anger. "That idiot," she muttered, clenching her fists. "They treated him decently for once, and this is what he does?!"
"C'mon, Roxas. We gotta fix this." Said Rogue as She and Roxas get up
Roxas wouldn't mind giving Fred a whack for almost hurting Xion
Turning back to Todd, Rogue asked "Where'd they go?"
Todd pointed off toward the back of the school grounds. "Last I saw, he was headin' that way, carryin' her."
Rogue's jaw tightened, and she stormed off in that direction, with Roxas following behind
Meanwhile
Jean slowly came to, blinking her eyes open as her head throbbed. She found herself in a dimly lit room, surrounded by the soft flickering glow of countless candles. Confusion set in as she glanced around, trying to get her bearings. The faint scent of wax hung in the air, and the warmth from the flames was almost suffocating
As she realized she's tied up
She shifted slightly and saw Fred sitting at a small table in the middle of the room, a wide, almost innocent grin on his face as he looked at her.
"You're awake!" Fred said, sounding genuinely pleased. "I was gettin' worried."
Jean's heart pounded. "Fred, where am I? What's going on?"
Fred stood up, shuffling toward her with a kind of awkward excitement
"Don't worry. Dinner's almost ready. I figured we could eat here, alone, away from everyone else. It's nicer this way."
Jean's stomach churned. She didn't want to hurt Fred's feelings, but the situation was far worse than she thought. This wasn't just a misunderstanding anymore; Fred had taken her. And from the looks of it, he thought they were on some kind of romantic date.
"Fred," Jean began cautiously, trying to keep her voice calm, "I'm really not interested in you like that. I thought we talked about this."
Fred's face fell instantly, his cheerful demeanor replaced by frustration. He clenched his fists, his temper flaring as he stomped toward her. "Why not? I'm not good enough for you? Is that it?!"
Jean flinched, trying to stay composed despite his growing agitation.
"It's not about that, Fred. You can't just force someone to feel something they don't. You have to respect people's choices." Said Jean
Fred threw his arms up, pacing around the room in frustration
"I don't get it! I've been good to you, haven't I? Why won't you just give me a chance?" saod Fred
Jean knew there was no reasoning with him in this state. She had to get out of here. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and concentrated, sending a mental distress call to Xavier
"Professor, I need help. Fred's taken me. I'm in trouble."
Meanwhile
"!" said Professor X hearing Jean's mental message loud and clear. His eyes widened with concern as it catches Logan off guard
"Chuck what's wrong!?" said Logan
"Jean is in danger. Get the others and find her!' said Professor X as he then sends a Telepathic message to the others
Logan nods and began to suit up as he then dashed to his motorcycle and rode off
Back to Xion
Scott, who had been anxiously searching with Xion, felt the message from Xavier resonate in his mind. His heart sank
"Jean's in trouble," Scott muttered, his voice tense. "We need to move now." As Xion nods As they head over to his car
To Logan
The roar of Wolverine's motorcycle echoed through the dimly lit streets as he weaved through the evening traffic, his eyes narrowed in concentration. A cold breeze cut through the air, but the sharp scent he was following—Jean's scent—was all he focused on. He could smell her fear, mixed with the faint metallic scent of an industrial area. That, and something else—something that made his jaw tighten in anger
Skidding to a halt by an old, abandoned warehouse, Wolverine cut the engine. The hulking, rusted building loomed ahead, its windows dark and the air thick with silence, save for the distant hum of the city. His senses sharpened as he dismounted, claws itching to come out, but he held back for now.
Logan sniffed the air again—Jean was definitely here, the scent stronger now. He could hear the low hum of voices inside, one of them unmistakably Fred's deep rumble. Quietly, Wolverine moved around the perimeter of the warehouse, his boots making barely a sound
Wolverine crouched low, his sharp senses guiding him as he approached the building where Jean was being held. The scent of candles and Fred's sweat filled the air, but there was something else too—a presence he didn't expect. Roxas. He tensed immediately, his eyes narrowing as he sniffed the air again, confirming what his gut already told him. Roxas was nearby.
Quiet footsteps signaled Rogue's and Roxas's approach. Roxas, now cloaked and silent, stepped out of the shadows with Rogue by his side. Wolverine's muscles tensed, remembering the last time they had met. Wolverine cautiously tensed as he stared directly at Roxas
"You again" growled Wolverine making Rogue flinch "You made the mistake of seeing me again"
Roxas simply raised a hand, silently gesturing for Wolverine to go inside. His gesture, calm but purposeful, signaled one thing: this was a temporary truce. Whatever had happened between them before didn't matter right now. Fred was the bigger problem.
Wolverine let out a low growl, but he gave a sharp nod. "Alright, kid. No tricks." As he then pulls out his claws
*Snikt*
Fred was ordinary a vinyl player hoping that giving it to Jean would change her mind as he then heard claws tearing through the door
"!" said Fred as he sees Wolverine burst in with Roxas and Rogue
Fred's expression twisted into one of pure anger. "I knew you'd try to take her away from me!" he shouted, slamming his fist into a nearby wall, causing a tremor to ripple through the room
Wolverine and Roxas got in their fight stances, Wolverine charged first, claws out as he slashed at Fred's legs, trying to take him down from below. But Fred's size and durability made him a tough opponent. He barely flinched as Wolverine's claws scraped his thick skin
Fred grabbed a nearby table and swung it, sending Wolverine crashing into a wall. Roxas darted , his Keyblades flashing as they slice through the table Fred threw and Roxas lunges to strike Fred's arm, but the larger mutant only roared in frustration and swatted at him like a fly. The force of Fred's swing sent Roxas skidding back, but he held his ground
Fred's anger only seemed to fuel his strength. He charged at Roxas, swinging wildly, but Roxas was quick, dodging each blow with acrobatic precision. But eventually. Fred managed to get his hand on Roxas's leg
"ROXAS!" yelled Rogue as She watched Fred slam him into Wolverine with brutal force. Roxas and Wolverine struggled under Fred's relentless assault
But then an optic beam blazed, striking Fred and forcing him to halt his attack. The impact sent Fred reeling back. It was from Scott who arrived with Xion as he runs in
Fred was then caught off guard by another attack from Wolverine, as Xion saw Roxas to help him up
"Roxas are you alright?" said Xion
"It's fine Xion" said Roxas regaining his footing
but then Fred managed managed grab both Wolverine and Scott and violently threw them both crashing threw the walls of the warehouse, knocking Scott out and leaving Xion stunned and heartbroken by Fred's actions
As Fred then grabs a large piece of machinery and menacingly walked over to her
"No, Fred, please!" Xion pleaded as Fred prepared to smash her with a piece of broken machinery. Just as Fred brought the machine down, Roxas recovered enough to strike at him, creating a brief distraction
Rogue then had an idea. She raced over to Scott's unconscious form, as she takes off her glove and touched his face absorbing his powers. With a new surge of energy, she directed a powerful laser beam at Fred, further disorienting him.
Xion helped Roxas to his feet, asking urgently, "Where's Jean?"
Roxas pointed to where Jean was still restrained. "She's over there. But you should focus on getting her to safety," he urged. As he summoned both his keyblades
Rogue, now with Scott's powers, aimed another laser at Fred while Roxas shot a fireball from his Keyblade. The combination of their attacks knocked Fred off balance, giving Rogue the opportunity to act.
"You wanted a date so bad, you only showed that you are trash who can't behave," Rogue said disdainfully as she absorbed Fred's powers. With newfound strength, she lifted Fred surprising him
"!" said Fred as Rogue tossed him high into the air. She followed up with a powerful laser blast and another fireball from Roxas, sending Fred soaring through the roof of the warehouse "WHOOOOAAAH-"
Meanwhile
Over to Todd and Lance. They saw Fred burst through the ceiling
"Hey look. A meteor" said Lance smugly making Todd as he nearly busted out laughing
"AAAAAAAAAAA-*CRASH*"
"….Make that a small planet" said Lance upon seeing Fred crash into a nearby junkyard
"PFFFFHAHAHAHAHAA!" busted out Todd as Lance swatted him "OW-"
"You're spitting everywhere. Now let's go grab Rocky and Rogue" said Lance
Back to Xion
"Ugh… my head… Jean!" groaned Scott as he regained his senses, rushing into the warehouse alongside Wolverine. The flickering lights barely illuminated the space, but it was enough for Scott to see Roxas and Xion carefully pulling away the bent metal that had restrained Jean. Relief washed over him as Jean sat up
Scott hurried to Jean's side, wrapping his arms around her in a protective embrace. "Are you alright?" His voice was tight with worry, his eyes scanning her for any injuries
Jean gave him a soft smile, her hand resting on his chest
"Yes, Scott. I am now," said Jean As Scott and Jean embraced, Roxas silently stepped away from the scene.
Wolverine's sharp gaze followed Roxas. There was something about the boy that Logan didn't trust. Despite the truce they had made for the sake of saving Jean, Wolverine couldn't shake the feeling that Roxas wasn't too trustworthy. As they locked eyes for a moment, an unspoken tension passed between them. Roxas didn't flinch, didn't pause, but the weight of Wolverine's scrutiny hung in the air
"Roxas, wait—!" Xion called out, worry thick in her voice as she made to follow him. She had sensed the distance growing between them ever since the battle, and this was no different. But before she could move, Wolverine placed a firm hand on her shoulder
"He's not ready, Xion," Wolverine said quietly, his gruff voice softening, though there was still a note of authority in it. "Give him time." His hand stayed on her shoulder just a moment longer, offering a grounding presence that made her reluctantly back down
Xion's lips pressed into a thin line as she watched Roxas disappear into the shadows
"He's not like this," Xion murmured, barely audible. "Not really."
Wolverine grunted in response. "People change when they don't know who they are, kid. He'll come around if he's meant to."
As Xion stood there, her worry for Roxas clear, Rogue approached, having seen the tension between the two. She had caught glimpses of Xion's pain, feeling betrayed by what Fred did
"…Sorry for what happened with your friend," Rogue said quietly, her voice a touch softer than usual. She wasn't sure how to help Xion, but the least she could do was acknowledge the hurt.
Xion glanced at Rogue, her blue eyes narrowing slightly, not in anger but in guarded hesitation. There was something about Rogue—maybe it was the southern accent or the way she carried herself—that made Xion feel a strange kind of rivalry brewing.
"I'm fine," Xion muttered, though the words lacked conviction. She gave a small nod to her as Rogue then began to leave to follow Roxas
Rogue started to think about the Xmen on how they interacted. They weren't just a team—they were a family. and despite their differences, they always looked out for each other. It was something she valued deeply, even if she didn't always show it
Xion then turned back toward Jean, joining her, Scott, and Wolverine as they prepared to leave the warehouse.
To Roxas
As Roxas and Rogue made their way out of the scene, the tension still lingering between them, Lance and Todd caught up quickly.
"Yo, we gotta go get Fred," Todd said, his tone uneasy, clearly aware of the chaos Fred had caused. Roxas, still fuming at how Fred had tried to hurt Xion, hesitated. His gut reaction was to let Fred rot, but knowing how Mystique worked, he figured there'd be consequences if they didn't. With a heavy sigh, Roxas reluctantly agreed, though his heart wasn't in it.
Rogue, however, had no patience for it. "I'm not dealin' with Fred's mess. Y'all can handle that," she snapped, walking off without looking back
Roxas, Lance, and Todd then headed to the junkyard where Fred had landed after being launched out of the warehouse. As they approached, they could hear Fred's voice, filled with frustration
"Shut up! Stop laughin'!" Fred shouted, tossing debris at a group of seagulls circling above. Bits of junk flew through the air before everything went quiet
The trio crept closer, finally spotting Fred sulking among the piles of scrap. His broad shoulders hunched as he sat in a makeshift throne of junk, glaring at the sky
Roxas instinctively summoned his Keyblades ready for a confrontation. But Lance raised a hand in front of him
"I've got this," Lance said calmly, stepping forward. Roxas and Todd hung back, watching with cautious eyes
Lance approached Fred with a mixture of understanding and sternness. "Hey big guy, what you did back there? That was fucked up. You can't just take people like that," he said, his voice steady but firm
Fred didn't respond immediately, keeping his head down
Lance continued, "Listen, if you're going to be here. you need to stay in line. The 'boss lady' recruited you for a reason. But if you pull another stunt like that, she's gonna send you back where you came from. And trust me, you don't want that."
Fred grunted, his large frame shifting slightly. Lance's words seemed to hit a nerve.
"Get up," Lance ordered, his tone still level. "We're leaving. You can either come with us, or you can stay here with the seagulls."
Fred grumbled under his breath, but eventually stood up, brushing the dust off his clothes. He looked defeated, not just by the fight, but by the situation as a whole. Reluctantly, he nodded and followed Lance, Todd, and Roxas out of the junkyard
As they walked, Roxas, under his hood, kept a sharp eye on Fred. The anger still burned in his chest, remembering how close Xion had come to being seriously hurt. His glare didn't go unnoticed by Fred, though neither of them said anything.
Todd, trying to ease the tension, chimed in with a bit of humor, "Ya know, Fred, maybe it's time to focus on somethin' else. The red head's not worth all that trouble. Besides, there's plenty of fish in the sea, right?"
Fred just grunted in response as they climbed into Lance's jeep, the mood somber and heavy. The ride back was silent, each of them lost in their own thoughts as they drove back to the Brotherhood's base, leaving the wreckage of Fred's impulsive actions behind them.
To Xion
Play: Undertale OST - Home
Back at the X-Mansion, the atmosphere was a mix of relief and exhaustion after the intense day. Jean was safe, but everyone knew the toll it had taken on the team. As the others tended to Jean, Aqua noticed something was off with Xion. Her usually bright demeanor was dimmed, and she seemed lost in her thoughts
Curious and concerned, Aqua approached her. "Xion, can we talk for a moment?" she asked gently
Xion nodded, and the two of them stepped outside for a walk in the garden. As they strolled, the soft evening breeze rustling the leaves, Aqua looked at her with a quiet encouragement
"What happened back there?" Aqua asked, her voice full of warmth and concern
Xion hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "It was…a bad moments with Fed. He kidnapped Jean so we had to stop him, But Roxas helped"
"He was there? Why didn't he come back with you?" Aqua asked, clearly taken aback. And abstaining from calling him Ventus
Xion looked down, her feet scuffing the path beneath them
"He left before I could ask him to stay," she admitted, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Aqua's heart sank a little, sensing Xion's sadness. It wasn't just about Roxas leaving; there was more to it
"And Fred?" Aqua gently probed, knowing Xion must be feeling conflicted after the betrayal
Xion sighed again, her shoulders slumping. "I thought I found a friend in him," she said, almost whispering. "But after what he did… I just feel so betrayed."
Aqua gave her a sympathetic look, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I'm sorry, Xion," she said softly. "But not everyone is going to be your friend. And not everyone has good intentions."
Xion looked up at her, searching for understanding. Aqua's words rang true, but they were hard to accept. Aqua paused for a moment, thinking back to her own past.
"It reminds me of something that happened with a friend of mine," she continued, making a subtle reference to Terra, though Xion wouldn't know the full story. "He…made some choices that weren't right, and it hurt. But you have to stay strong, even when people disappoint you."
Xion's expression softened, the weight of Aqua's words sinking in. There was wisdom in her mentor's experience, and it made her feel a little better
Trying to brighten the mood, Aqua smiled and added, "But hey, to cheer you up, I've decided I'm joining you at school tomorrow."
Xion's face lit up instantly, her sadness melting away for a moment. "Really?!" she exclaimed, excitement returning to her voice
Aqua chuckled and nodded. "Really."
Just then, Kitty came bounding over, catching them both off guard. "Hey! What are you guys talking about?" Kitty asked, curiosity written all over her face. She noticed the sudden shift in their conversation and immediately felt bad. "Oh, sorry if I interrupted," she added quickly, sensing she might have intruded on something personal
Xion and Aqua both smiled, reassured by Kitty's friendly energy. "No, it's okay," Xion said, still brightened by Aqua's promise
Kitty then turned her attention to Aqua, grinning. "Actually, I haven't had the chance to properly meet you yet. I've heard a lot about you from Xion, and I'd love to be friends—if you're cool with that."
Aqua's heart warmed at the invitation. "I'd love that," she replied, pleased to have made another friend so quickly
The three of them laughed together, the earlier tension dissolving as the sun set on the horizon, leaving them with a sense of hope for the days to come
To Roxas
Back to Roxas, the drive back to the school was tense. They had dropped Fred off for Mystique to handle, but the weight of the earlier events still hung heavily in the air. As Lance glanced over at Roxas, he could see the frustration still burning in his eyes.
"Look, you don't have to like him," Lance said, breaking the silence. "Just deal with him until further notice. Fred's not gonna change overnight, but we've all got to make it work."
Roxas grunted in response, his arms crossed as he stared out the window. He wasn't in the mood to discuss Fred's actions or the way he almost hurt Xion and Jean. It left a bad taste in his mouth
Sensing the tension, Todd piped up with an idea, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, how about we grab a pizza? That'll make us all feel better, right?"
Lance shot him a look. "You got the money for it?"
Todd grinned, pulling out a crumpled wad of cash from his pocket. "Sure do! I've got fifty, maybe sixty bucks. Let's do it!"
Lance chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, fine. Just one large for now, though. Don't go crazy."
As they finally pulled up to the apartment and walked inside, Todd wasted no time grabbing the phone and dialing the pizza joint. Lance slouched in one of the chairs, looking over at Roxas, who had collapsed onto the couch and turned on the TV
"Pizza might make you feel better, huh?" Lance asked, glancing at Roxas
Roxas shrugged, still simmering inside. "Maybe."
Lance sighed but let it go, knowing there wasn't much else he could say. Todd rambled on the phone, ordering their food, and soon the apartment filled with the ambient noise of the TV and the occasional beeping of the microwave
As Roxas stared at the flickering screen, his mind drifted. Should he have stayed back to speak with Xion? He left so quickly, not even giving her a chance to say anything.
Not to mention the thought of Aqua and Xion together at the X-Mansion crossed his mind more than once. Xion had mentioned Aqua was here, which meant she was likely part of the X-Men now
That worried him. Roxas remembered Magneto's warnings about staying away from the X-Men, about how they would interfere, and that trust wasn't an option. Still, it felt strange to distance himself either way
His thoughts were interrupted by the foorbell ringing. Todd rushed to the door, and soon the smell of hot pizza filled the room. They sat around the small kitchen table as Todd opened the box, steam rising from the fresh, cheesy goodness
"Dig in, guys," Todd said with a grin, grabbing a slice for himself
Lance picked up a piece and took a bite, nodding approvingly. "Better than school food, that's for sure."
Roxas, feeling his stomach growl, took a slice as well. The pizza was good—better than he expected. Somehow, the simplicity of it helped to calm his thoughts, at least for the moment.
For now, it was enough.
To Xion
Play: K OST – Suoh Mikoto
Kitty couldn't help but eye Aqua's usual outfit, a bit out of place amidst the casual clothes of the X-Mansion. Aqua had been wearing her typical armored, blue and black attire, which definitely made her stick out more than she realized.
"Aqua, you definitely need a new outfit," Kitty said, hands on her hips. "I mean, it looks cool and all, but you're gonna want something that blends in a little better here. Especially if you're gonna hang with us!"
Jean, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "Kitty's right. You might feel more comfortable in something casual. For now, you can borrow something from my closet until we go shopping."
Aqua looked down at her current attire, a little unsure, but nodded. "I suppose you're right. I'm still getting used to this place…" She smiled gratefully at Jean as she was led inside to borrow a set of clothes
Jean helped her pick out a simple pair of jeans and a light sweater. Aqua slipped them on and felt immediately different, like she was blending into her surroundings more. She turned to Jean, who gave her an approving look
"You look great," Jean said with a smile. "Now, we just need to get you some clothes of your own."
Kitty, with a burst of excitement, turned to Scott. "Scott, pleeease take us to the mall! Aqua and Xion both need new outfits, and this is the perfect chance for some fun"
Scott crossed his arms, immediately looking like he wanted to object. "The mall? I don't know, Kitty…"
Before he could finish, Jean placed a hand on his arm, giving him a look. "Come on, Scott. It'll be good for them, and you can take a small break from… everything. Plus, you know we could use your help."
Scott sighed in defeat, unable to resist Jean's request. "Alright, fine. I'll take you all"
Kitty cheered, bouncing on her heels. "Yes! You're the best, Scott!"
As they headed toward the garage, they passed Professor Xavier and Storm in the hallway. Both of them exchanged amused smiles, clearly pleased to see the group heading out for a fun afternoon.
"Looks like they're all in for a day of fun," Storm remarked with a smile.
Xavier nodded, a knowing glint in his eye. "It's good for them to have these moments of normalcy. Enjoy yourselves," he called after them.
They all piled into Scott's car, Kitty in the passenger seat, while Jean, Aqua, and Xion sat in the back. Aqua glanced out the window, a mix of curiosity and excitement in her eyes as she took in more of this unfamiliar world. Xion seemed equally intrigued, though there was a subtle nervousness in her expression.
As Scott started the car and pulled out of the mansion's driveway, he couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure you'll be alright on your own at the mall?"
Jean leaned forward, resting her arms on the back of Scott's seat. "Don't worry, we'll be fine. We've got this covered, and besides, it's just a shopping trip. What could possibly go wrong?"
Scott shook his head, smirking a little. "I've learned to never underestimate the potential for chaos with any of us really"
Kitty laughed. "Relax, Scott. We'll just shop, maybe grab some food, and come back with some killer new outfits for Aqua and Xion."
As they drove toward the city, the air was filled with excitement and anticipation for a fun, carefree day
Later When they reached the mall, Aqua and Xion exchanged glances, curiosity written all over their faces. Xion leaned forward slightly from the backseat, looking between Kitty and Jean
"Can I ask… what exactly is a mall?" Xion asked, her voice filled with genuine confusion.
Aqua nodded in agreement, her brow furrowed. "Yeah, I've heard you mention it a few times, but I'm not really sure what it is."
Kitty and Jean both turned around in their seats, completely stunned. Kitty's jaw dropped, while Jean raised an eyebrow, trying to process the fact that neither of them knew what a mall was
"You've never been to a mall?!" Kitty exclaimed, her excitement bubbling up. "Oh my gosh, you're in for such a treat!"
Jean chuckled softly. "Yeah, the mall is basically this huge place with a ton of different stores, food spots, and everything you could ever want to shop for. Clothes, shoes, gadgets—it's all there."
Kitty grinned as she added, "It's like a one-stop place for fun and fashion. Trust me, you're gonna love it!"
Both Aqua and Xion seemed intrigued, and a spark of excitement began to grow as they tried to imagine what this "mall" would look like. It certainly sounded like a market. But bigger
"a mall…" whispered Xion to herself adding it the word to her head
When Scott finally pulled into the parking lot and let them out at the entrance, Aqua and Xion were already fascinated by the sheer size of the mall from the outside. Towering glass windows displayed glimpses of the shops inside, while people moved in and out of the building in a steady stream
"Alright," Scott said, glancing back at the group. "You all be careful and stay together, alright? I'll pick you up in a few hours."
"Thanks, Scott," Jean said with a smile as she waved him off.
The moment Scott drove away, Kitty practically bounced on her heels. "Okay, okay, let's go! We've got so much to show you two!"
Aqua and Xion followed Kitty and Jean into the mall, and as soon as they stepped inside, both of them were awestruck. The bright lights, the endless rows of shops, and the sheer number of people bustling around left them wide-eyed
"This place is… massive," Aqua said, turning her head to take in all the sights
"Wow," Xion whispered, equally amazed. "There's so much here… I don't even know where to start."
Kitty grinned, practically vibrating with excitement. "First stop: clothes shopping!" She and Jean eagerly led the two newcomers to one of the trendiest clothing stores.
As they entered the store, Aqua and Xion both looked around, their eyes scanning racks and shelves full of clothes in all different styles. There were mannequins dressed in colorful outfits, rows of shoes neatly displayed, and more options than they knew what to do with
Clothes unlike anything they have ever seen
Jean grabbed a few items off the racks and handed them to Aqua and Xion. "Here, try these on! You'll look great in them."
Both girls hesitated for a moment, looking down at the clothes they were handed. While they were excited about the idea of fitting in more with this world, there was another thought that crossed both of their minds
Would Roxas/Ventus like it?
Though neither of them said it aloud, Aqua and Xion both hoped that whatever they wore, Roxas would notice and approve. There was a subtle sense of wanting to impress, even if they weren't entirely sure why
Kitty noticed their hesitation and gave them a playful nudge. "Come on, you two! Trust me, you're gonna look amazing. Let's go try these on!"
With that, Aqua and Xion smiled, allowing themselves to get swept up in the excitement of their first mall experience. They followed Kitty and Jean toward the dressing rooms, ready to embrace whatever came next, all while secretly hoping that their choices would catch Roxas's eye
As Xion sifted through the racks of clothes, her fingers grazed over various fabrics, her eyes lingering on a few cute tops and dresses. Although she preferred her usual outfit, the black and white ensemble that felt like a second skin, there was something fun about trying on something new. She ended up picking out a few outfits that she found cute—brightly colored tops and skirts that felt completely different from her normal attire
Standing in the dressing room with one of the outfits on, Xion twirled slightly in front of the mirror, admiring how the soft fabric flowed. Her mind began to wander, imagining herself showing off the outfit to Roxas
"What do you think, Roxas?" she thought, picturing herself asking him with a shy smile. In her daydream, Roxas's face lit up as he grinned and told her how much he loved it. The thought of him liking her new look brought a soft blush to her cheeks. In her fantasy, their faces drew closer, and just as their eyes locked—
Xion snapped out of her daydream, shaking her head quickly, her face flushing even more. What am I thinking? she scolded herself internally, but there was still a small smile tugging at her lips. She quickly changed back into her regular clothes, holding onto the outfits she had chosen with a small sense of satisfaction
Meanwhile, Aqua was browsing through the store with her usual sense of calm focus. She found herself gravitating toward outfits in shades of blue, the color she always felt most connected to
After trying on a few things, she settled on a dark blue shirt that revealed a bit of her midriff and paired it with jeans that hugged her figure just right. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she smiled softly at the outfit's practicality but also its subtle elegance
However, much like Xion, Aqua's mind drifted as she stood there. In her imagination, she could see Roxas noticing her in the outfit. In her vision, his expression softened, and he walked over, sweeping her off her feet in one graceful movement. For a moment, she allowed herself to savor the feeling of his arms around her, before she blinked and shook her head, quickly dispelling the thought
"Focus, Aqua," she reminded herself with a small chuckle, feeling a bit silly
When she finally stepped out to show the others, Kitty and Jean's faces lit up in approval. "You look amazing, Aqua!" Kitty exclaimed, while Jean nodded in agreement. Xion emerged as well, her arms full of the outfits she had chosen, and both girls received enthusiastic approval from their friends
After the clothes were paid for and neatly packed into bags, the group made their way toward the food court. The scent of freshly made burgers filled the air, and it wasn't long before they were walking out of the mall with burgers and fries to take back home.
As they walked through the parking lot Xion couldn't help but glance back at the mall with a small smile. For someone who had been hesitant about the experience, she realized she had genuinely enjoyed it. She made a mental note to come back another time—perhaps with Aqua, maybe even with Roxas. The thought made her smile softly as they piled into Scott's car to head back to the mansion, her bag of clothes resting comfortably in her lap.
Aqua on the other hand enjoyed this a lot. Thought in her own mind. Being there with Roxas would've made it better
To be continued…
Trivia
1: even after rewatching the series at least twice. In the earlier seasons I'm kinda surprised how not even once did anyone within the Xmen ever brought up again how Blob straight up kidnapped Jean
And sure he is definitely a creep. But I think it would've been nice to see any resolutions like maybe an apology from him to Jean
2: While I honestly find it a shame that Evolution ended. I think it wouldve been nice for it to continue a little longer
Even if Wolverine and the Xmen reworked and reused some of the plot lines that was intended for later seasons (at least a few)
The best we can do is imagine or the slim chance of a revival like Xmen 97
3: Shadow Generations is so close yet so far. Along with the 3 OVAS. I feel so excited for it
4: Lately I have been watching the original XMen animated series. And it ages surprisingly well. Especially the animation. Like bruh. They really paid top dollar for a TV show at the time
A shame they couldn't do the same for the animation of Spider-Man
5: I've been listening to much of Type O Negative and RED while writing this. Those two never fail me
6: My personal favorite episode of Xmen Evolution is "Grim Reminder" I wouldn't doubt that if the show went on, Wovlerine would've done more stuff involving it
7: this is the longest chapter I've written for this story thus far, at 14k words. It probably would've been shorter but I couldn't resists the idea of Aqua gaining a new outfit before she joins the school with the others
And one last thing before closing. If any of you want to suggest ideas on what Roxas, Aqua, and Xion or anyone else in the story can be doing. I'd love to hear
and next chapter I can definitely promise, more Aqua
so like it? Hate it? Have anything to say? Plz leave a review as it always gives me inspiration
So until then everyone
