Welcome back my darlings. It's been a while hasn't it?
Or not. Idk
So what's happened since? Let's see
Venom 3 it was fun to watch, but kinda disappointed in the wasted potential. Shadow's Tokyo DLC was amazing! But the only problem I had was there wasn't enough content
Sonic movie 3. My god. That movie's quality has taken a massive leap in the best direction
Way better than the first 2 movies
So since it was the end of the year. I've been slowly cracking down in this chapter, ended up writing a couple more things and I got carried away. Ah well. Late is better than never
Especially going into the new year
Oh Year of Shadow. Please happen again
And maybe Square should do the same with Roxas. A year of Roxas would be awesome. And I will totally bring this up until the day I die
And I would say the biggest reason why this took so long. As at first it was pretty difficult to think of writing without putting too much focus on Evan in this chapter
And also. I was actively trying to put Roxas in a smaller role for this chapter. But him being my favorite KH character. I didn't do so anyway
Primarily because I feel a lot of the previous chapters would've been a bit repetive but then again
This is the chapter where the last of the major xmen cast of season 1 gets introduced, that being Evan so I won't have to worry about another introduction focus until I reach season 2
(Introducing Evan was primarily the biggest roadblock faced when writing this)
And welcome to the current longest chapter of this story so far. Nearly 20k words
Mlat – why thank you :) your reviews always mean a lot to see
3bodyjaa – I'm glad to have you aboard :D
NOW UNTO THINE STOWY
Play: Shadow Generations OST – Collection Room
The next morning, Xion was carefully watering the plants in Ororo's greenhouse, taking in the vibrant greens and colorful flowers that surrounded her. She admired how each one seemed to have its own personality, its own way of reaching for the sunlight filtering through the glass. Ororo, standing beside her, raised her hand and let a gentle mist form, hovering over a row of delicate flowers. The droplets settled over the plants, their leaves glistening as though touched by morning dew. Xion watched in awe
"How did you get so good at this?" Xion asked, her voice filled with admiration. She couldn't help but be enchanted by Ororo's gentle control over nature, the way she coaxed each plant to grow, to thrive
Ororo gave a soft smile as she adjusted a leaf here and there. "It's a hobby, something that brings me peace," she replied. "Gardening teaches patience and care. It lets you see life blossom from the simplest things. It reminds me that even in a world that can feel chaotic, there's beauty in nurturing something."
Xion's gaze drifted over the plants, her eyes falling on a particular one with delicate, white flowers and dark green leaves. It seemed to stand out, almost glowing with a quiet elegance that resonated with her. She pointed to it, curiosity shining in her eyes. "What about that one? I think it's my favorite."
Ororo's eyes followed her gesture, and her smile softened. "Ah, the peace lily. That one was actually the first plant I ever grew here at the mansion. I planted it shortly after I first arrived. It's special to me, a symbol of the new beginnings and peace I hoped to bring here."
Xion reached out gently, brushing her fingers over one of the lily's soft leaves. "It's beautiful," she murmured, feeling a connection to the plant that mirrored her own journey—a search for belonging and purpose, just like Ororo's. "I think I understand why it's so special to you."
As Xion continued tending to the plants, her mind drifted to thoughts of Roxas. She imagined showing him around the greenhouse, leading him to the peaceful sanctuary that Ororo had cultivated. She pictured him looking over the flowers, and she'd ask if he liked them, hoping he'd see the beauty she found in each bloom.
In her mind's eye, Roxas turned to her, his expression soft. He'd reach out, placing a gentle hand on her cheek, and say with that warm, familiar smile, "I like you more."
The thought made her heart skip, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she got lost in the sweet fantasy. Just then, Ororo's gentle voice broke through her daydream
"Xion? Is something on your mind?"
Snapping back to reality, Xion's blush deepened as she fumbled for an answer. "Oh—uh, no, nothing to worry about," she stammered, hoping her flustered expression didn't give her away
Just as she tried to steady herself, a nearby phone rang. Ororo reached over to answer it, her expression shifting from calm to delighted as she spoke to the person on the other end. Xion watched, curiosity bubbling up as Ororo's eyes brightened
When Ororo hung up, Xion tilted her head, curiosity getting the better of her. "Who was that? You look really excited."
"That was my sister," Ororo replied, a warm smile on her face. "My nephew is going to be playing in a basketball game soon."
Xion's expression lit up with interest, although she was a bit puzzled. "Basketball? What's that?"
Ororo's smile widened. "It's a sport. Two teams compete to score by getting a ball through a hoop. It's fast-paced, and a lot of people get very passionate about it. I love watching my nephew play—he has such energy and skill. It's always inspiring."
Xion's face brightened at Ororo's explanation, her intrigue growing. Seeing this, Ororo's eyes sparkled with an idea. "Would you like to come watch with me, Xion? I think you'd enjoy it, and it's a perfect way to see what it's all about."
Xion's eyes lit up. "I'd love that! It sounds really exciting."
Ororo looked to Xion with a warm smile, "You should be ready in about two hours. We'll head out shortly after that."
With a quick nod, Xion finished helping Ororo with the plants. As she wandered through the mansion, her curiosity drew her toward the Danger Room. Peeking inside, she spotted Aqua sparring with Jean. Aqua was swift and precise, her Keyblade flowing through complex movements, but Jean's telekinesis ultimately won out, keeping Aqua at a distance and pinning her in place
Jean relaxed her stance, a friendly smile on her face. "You're incredible with that sword," she complimented. "I've never seen anything quite like it."
Aqua returned the smile, breathing a little heavily but clearly appreciative. "Thanks. Your powers are much of a challenge ."
As they wrapped up their session and exited the Danger Room, they noticed Xion waiting nearby. Aqua raised an eyebrow. "Hey, Xion! What's up?"
Xion hesitated before smiling hopefully. "I was wondering…what are you doing later? Ororo's invited me to her nephew's basketball game, and I thought it'd be fun if you came along."
Aqua's face softened with a hint of regret. "I'd love to, but I'm swamped with homework from school." She saw Xion's face fall a little and quickly added, "I promise I'll make it up to you soon, though. Maybe we can do something together after I finish?"
Xion nodded, understanding but a little disappointed. She turned to Jean, a question forming. "Hey, Jean, where's Scott? I usually see you two together."
Jean chuckled softly. "He's probably with Kurt. Those two are practically inseparable when they're up to something."
As Xion walked alongside Aqua, her mind drifted to how she almost always saw Jean and Scott. Watching the way they supported each other, she couldn't help but think of Roxas. Memories of all the missions they'd taken together, of fighting side by side and never really being apart, filled her with a quiet ache. She wondered if that was what she was missing so deeply—a sense of closeness, that familiarity of having someone who'd always been there.
"Do I just…miss Roxas that much?" The thought lingered, and her steps slowed for a moment
Aqua, looked visibly worn out from her sparring session with Jean. She stifled a yawn, and by the time they reached the common room, Aqua barely made it to the couch before collapsing onto it with a soft, tired sigh
A small, fond smile tugged at Xion's lips as she watched her friend relax, deep in sleep almost instantly. Quietly, she moved closer, carefully adjusting Aqua's position to make her more comfortable
She made sure Aqua's head rested against a pillow, tucking a blanket over her shoulders before sitting nearby with a slight smile to herself
Though another thing that entered her mind. As Xion then noticed some of the books on a shelf as she grabs one that piqued her interest as she sat back down intending to wait for Aqua to wake up
Later
Aqua stretched on the couch as she slowly awoke from her short nap, her eyes adjusting to the gentle light filtering through the window. She noticed Xion nearby, quietly immersed in a book. The scene was peaceful, but when Xion glanced over and saw Aqua stirring, she closed the book with a soft smile
"Did you rest well?" Xion asked, her voice gentle but curious
Aqua nodded, sitting up and brushing a stray lock of hair out of her face. "I did, thank you. I guess I needed it more than I thought."
Xion hesitated for a moment before speaking again, her tone more cautious this time. "Aqua... I hope you don't mind me asking, but could you tell me more about… Ventus?" She fidgeted slightly, her fingers tracing the edge of her book. "You keep calling him that, and I still don't really understand why."
Aqua's expression softened as memories of Ventus surfaced. "Ventus is..." She paused, searching for the right words. "He's one of my closest friends. No, more than that—he's like a part of me. We've been through so much together, and I can't imagine a world without him. He's kind, selfless, and always so hopeful. Ventus has a light that's so rare, you know? I've spent a long time searching for him..." Her voice trailed off, her gaze distant, lost in the past
Xion felt a pang in her chest. Aqua's words struck a chord, but they also stirred an unspoken jealousy. She couldn't explain why, but hearing Aqua describe Ventus—Roxas—so fondly made her feel a quiet unease
Trying to mask her emotions, Xion spoke up. "He sounds... amazing." She hesitated, then added, "You feel that way about Ventus, but... what about Roxas?... Do you understand why I call him that?"
Aqua tilted her head, curiosity glimmering in her eyes. "No…. But I'd like to. How do you know him?.."
Xion bit her lip, her mind racing. She couldn't reveal the truth—not about Organization XIII or her origins. It wasn't just a matter of secrecy; it was a matter of trust and fear. Finally, she decided on a partial truth. "Roxas and I... we went on a lot of adventures together. He always had my back, no matter what. He made me feel like I wasn't alone." Her voice grew softer, almost wistful. "I guess... I can't imagine life without him, either."
Aqua's eyes flickered with a subtle hint of something—maybe jealousy, maybe understanding. She smiled gently but didn't respond immediately, instead studying Xion for a moment. The air between them carried an unspoken tension, both of them holding onto pieces of a truth the other couldn't fully grasp
"He... must be really lucky to have you," Aqua finally said, her voice steady but quiet
"I.. can say the same for you too… I can only imagine what you've been through with him.." said Xion in a tone just as steady
"Hey, you two! What's up?"
Startled, both Aqua and Xion turned to see Kitty Pryde walking into the doorway. The unexpected interruption caught them off guard, and the moment's heavy atmosphere dissipated instantly
"Kitty!" Aqua exclaimed, straightening up slightly, her cheeks still faintly flushed from the earlier conversation
"Sorry, did I interrupt something?" Kitty asked curiously
Xion quickly shook her head. "No, not at all. We were just talking."
Kitty grinned. "Cool. Anyway, I was wondering if you guys wanted to hang out for a bit. You know, take a break from all the serious stuff. I was thinking we could watch a movie or grab a snack—or both. What do you say?"
Aqua exchanged a quick glance with Xion, who gave a small shrug and nodded
"Sure, why not?" Aqua said with a smile. "It might be nice to unwind for a bit."
Xion chimed in, her tone lighter than before. "Yeah, that sounds fun."
"Awesome!" Kitty said, clapping her hands together. "Come on, let's go before Logan takes over the TV with one of his boring documentaries about Canadian wildlife again."
Xion and Aqua chuckled, the earlier tension now fully replaced by Kitty's infectious energy. As they were settled comfortably on the couch as the Kitty began to sift through some of the movies that she has on VHS
"So what is that?" said Xion as she and Aqua curiously stare at the VHS tape that Kitty pulls out
"this is Toy Story, it came out over half a decade ago. But it's one of my favorite movies ever" said Kitty as she put the VHS in and began to work the TV which fascinated both Xion and Aqua
The Toy Story began to show the story of the toy Woody and his life as a toy and jealousy toward fellow toy Buzz
Xion's gaze was glued to the screen, utterly captivated by the animated characters. "Wait, the toys are alive? That's… incredible!" she exclaimed
Aqua, equally engrossed, tilted her head. "It's so imaginative. I've never seen anything like this before."
Kitty chuckled at their reactions. "Yeah, it's a classic. I figured you two would like it."
The movie continued, and Xion and Aqua watched with wide eyes, their fascination only growing. The whimsical story and heartfelt moments had them hooked
Eventually, Ororo appeared in the doorway, her calm and collected presence a contrast to the playful energy in the room. "Xion, are you ready to head out?"
Xion blinked, momentarily forgetting about the trip. "Oh, right!" She quickly stood up and glanced back at Aqua and Kitty. "I'll be back later. Don't spoil the rest of the movie for me, okay?"
Kitty grinned and raised her hand in mock solemnity. "I solemnly swear, no spoilers."
With a smile, Xion followed Ororo out of the room. As they prepared to leave, Ororo led her to one of the sleek cars in the garage.
As Ororo started the car, Xion looked over at her curiously. "…Can you tell me about your nephew," she asked, genuinely interested.
Ororo's lips curved into a fond smile. "Evan is a strong-willed young man. A good kid, though he's had his struggles like anyone else. It's been a couple of years since I've seen him, so I'm excited to see how he's grown."
Xion nodded thoughtfully, her curiosity only deepening. As the car glided through the streets, she gazed out the window, her mind wandering
"Basketball must be really important to him if you're so excited to watch him play," Xion said softly
"It is," Ororo replied, her tone warm. "Evan has always been passionate about it. It's not just a game for him—it's a way to push himself, to be better. You'll see."
Hearing the pride in Ororo's voice, Xion felt her own excitement grow. Though she had no idea what to expect from this "basketball game," she couldn't help but look forward to seeing what made it so special to Ororo and her nephew
The car hummed along the busy streets of New York as Xion stared out the window, her excitement bubbling just under the surface. Every mention of "basketball" had painted it as something thrilling, and she couldn't help but feel curious about what all the fuss was about. She glanced at Ororo, who seemed calm yet subtly energized, clearly looking forward to what lay ahead
Later
Play: Wario Land 4 OST – Title song
After a while, the car slowed, and Ororo pulled into a parking spot near the stadium. "Alright, let's find Vivian and Marcel," she said, unbuckling her seatbelt
Xion fidgeted slightly as they walked. "Are you sure they'll be okay with me tagging along? I don't want to intrude."
Ororo smiled warmly, resting a reassuring hand on Xion's shoulder. "Vivian and Marcel are good people, Xion. There's nothing to be afraid of. They'll love meeting you."
As they neared the stadium entrance, a cheerful voice rang out. "Ororo!"
Vivian, a woman with a radiant smile, waved enthusiastically. Beside her stood her husband Marcel, a broad-shouldered man who carried himself with quiet confidence. Ororo and Vivian embraced warmly, very happy to see each other
After catching up briefly, Vivian's eyes fell on Xion, who had subtly positioned herself just behind Ororo. "And who's this?" she asked kindly
Ororo stepped aside, giving Xion a little nudge. "This is Xion. She's here to see what all the excitement"
Xion hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. "H-Hi. It's nice to meet you. I'm, uh, looking forward to the game."
Vivian's smile widened. "Oh, it's wonderful that Ororo brought company! You'll have a great time." Marcel nodded in agreement, his expression welcoming
Tickets in hand, they made their way into the stadium. The smell of popcorn and the buzz of excited chatter filled the air. Xion's eyes darted around, taking in the unfamiliar sights and sounds
As they settled into their seats, Xion leaned over to Vivian. "Which one is your son?"
Vivian pointed to the court, where the players were warming up. "That's Evan over there," she said, gesturing toward a lean, athletic young man
Xion followed her gaze and spotted Evan, but her attention was quickly drawn to someone else on the team—a boy with striking white hair. Something about him made her feel uneasy, though she couldn't quite put her finger on why
"Who's that?" she asked, her voice quieter now
Vivian glanced over. "Oh him? I believe that's one of Evan's friends"
Xion nodded, her gaze lingering on the boy for a moment longer. There was something about him that felt… off. But for now, she chose to push the feeling aside and focus on the excitement that was about to unfold
The roar of the crowd filled the stadium as the basketball game kicked off with an intense pace. Xion leaned forward in her seat, captivated by the energy of the players and the enthusiasm of the fans around her. She didn't fully understand all the rules, but the way the ball moved back and forth, how every play felt like a high-stakes gamble, made it easy to see why people were so excited
"Maybe one day I could see Roxas play this…" she thought with a small smile, imagining him darting across the court with the same precision he used during their missions. He'd probably be good at it, she decided, picturing him sinking shots with ease
On the court, Evan was in the middle of an intense play, dribbling the ball with remarkable speed and skill. His focus was razor-sharp as he wove through the opposing team, determined to take the shot
"Go, Evan!" Vivian shouted, her voice nearly lost in the sea of cheering fans
Xion watched with growing anticipation as Evan made a bold move, pulling back for a long-range shot. Just as he launched the ball, he stumbled, falling to the ground. In that split second, something shocking happened—spikes suddenly shot out from his arm, leaving scratch marks on the court as he caught himself
Xion's eyes widened, and she instinctively glanced at Ororo, who was just as taken aback. However, the crowd's attention was entirely on the ball, watching in rapt silence to see if it would make it into the hoop
The ball soared gracefully through the air, spinning in a perfect arc, and then—swish! It sank cleanly into the basket. The stadium erupted in deafening cheers, people leaping to their feet in celebration
Evan's teammates rushed over to congratulate him, patting him on the back and shouting their excitement. Evan, meanwhile, stared at his arm, his spikes already retracted. His expression was a mix of confusion and unease, but he quickly shook it off, forcing a grin as he joined in the celebration
Xion turned to Ororo, sensing the tension in her posture. "What was that?" she asked quietly
Ororo hesitated for a moment, then leaned closer to Xion. "What we just saw… that was Evan's mutant powers manifesting. I never expected him to be a mutant," she admitted, her tone a mixture of surprise and concern
Xion looked back at Evan, who was now laughing with his teammates, though his earlier shock hadn't completely left his face. "Does he know?" she asked
"I don't think so," Ororo replied, her expression thoughtful. "Not yet. And this might be just as much of a surprise to him as it is to us."
Xion nodded slowly, her gaze returning to the court. She could see the way Evan tried to mask his lingering confusion, throwing himself into the celebration with his team
As the victorious basketball team gathered on the court to accept their trophy, the crowd erupted in applause. Among the celebrations, the white-haired boy, Pietro, approached Evan with a slow clap
"Nice game, big guy," Pietro said, his tone laced with mock cheer. "Guess even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then, huh?"
Evan raised an eyebrow but shrugged it off, focusing instead on the trophy being handed to the team. "Thanks… I guess?" he replied, his confusion masked by a polite smile.
Pietro smirked and gave a small, almost dismissive wave before walking off, blending into the crowd as the celebration continued.
Little Later
As the festivities wound down, Marcel turned to Ororo and Xion with a broad grin. "Well, this calls for a celebration. How about we all head back to our place for a victory barbecue?"
"That sounds wonderful," Ororo said warmly, though her mind was still occupied with what she had seen during the game.
Xion nodded in agreement. "I'd like that."
Though outwardly cheerful, Ororo's thoughts lingered on Evan's sudden display of power. She decided she needed to speak with him privately, but for now, she smiled and followed Marcel and Vivian out of the stands.
"Xion, stay with Vivian and Marcel while I head to the locker rooms," Ororo instructed gently. "I'll catch up soon."
As Ororo headed off, Xion walked alongside Vivian and Marcel through the stadium. Vivian glanced at her curiously. "So, Xion, where are you from?"
"Bayville," Xion replied, keeping her answer simple but sincere
Vivian's face lit up. "Then you must meet Evan properly soon. Any friend of Ororo's is a friend of ours."
Xion nodded, feeling a small sense of comfort from Vivian's warm demeanor
And not too long after, Ororo emerged from the locker rooms with Evan in tow. His expression was neutral, but his gaze darted occasionally to Ororo, a silent understanding passing between them.
"Xion, this is Evan," Ororo introduced.
Evan offered a polite smile, extending a hand. "Hey, nice to meet you. Auntie O tells me you're here to check out basketball. Hope you liked the game."
"I did," Xion said, shaking his hand. "And congratulations."
"Thanks. You're gonna love my dad's steaks," Evan added with a grin as the group made their way to the car.
Unbeknownst to them, Pietro stood near the stadium exit, his icy blue eyes fixed on Evan as they left. His lips curled into a faint sneer, his glare simmering with unspoken tension.
"This isn't over," Pietro muttered under his breath before disappearing into the dispersing crowd "In fact.. its only just the beginning. Heh."
Meanwhile to Roxas
Play: Nintendo Eshop OST – June 2015
Roxas and Todd sat slouched on the couch, the flickering light of the TV casting their unimpressed faces in shadow
*plop*
"-Oh Joey I'm sorry"
The woman looked at the spaghetti that fell on the floor
"Don't worry. Your at joey's" said the man reassuring you
"But it's gonna stain" said the woman
"It's fine. Your at Joey's, see watch"
The man then flings some of his spaghetti on the ground
*sitcom laughter*
Roxas tilted his head slightly. "That was supposed to be funny?"
Todd groaned and threw his head back. "How much garbage is airing on TV these days? This is unbearable!"
Without missing a beat, Roxas deadpanned, "Your fault for not wanting to watch The Simpsons."
Todd scowled, punching Roxas on the shoulder in frustration. Roxas didn't even flinch, maintaining his usual stoic demeanor
"You're impossible," Todd muttered
Before they could exchange more words, Lance walked into the room, arms crossed. "You two just gonna sit here all day, rotting your brains with this junk?"
"Got a better idea?" Todd shot back
Lance smirked. "Actually, I do. Get your lazy butts up. We're going out."
Curious but reluctant, Roxas and Todd followed Lance out of the apartment. They piled into Lance's jeep with Roxas riding in the passenger while Todd slides in the back
As they drove off, Todd leaned forward. "Okay, so where are we going?"
"The mall," Lance said with a mischievous glint in his eye
Roxas raised an eyebrow. "What's at the mall?"
Lance chuckled, his grin widening. "Let's just say I've got a little… idea for some fun. Trust me, you're gonna love it."
Roxas glanced out the window, his skepticism evident. "I doubt that."
Todd turned to Lance with a grin of his own. "If it's trouble, I'm in."
"Of course you are," Lance replied, stepping harder on the gas as they sped toward the mall
Little bit later
Roxas, Todd, and Lance strolled through the bustling mall, with Roxas absorbing every detail like a sponge. The bright lights, the assortment of shops, and the chatter of shoppers all fascinated him. It was so different from anything he'd experienced before
As they passed a group of girls, one of them flashed Roxas a flirtatious smile. He blinked in confusion, unsure how to react. Todd, however, grinned and gave the same look to the girls, only for them to scoff and hurry away
Lance snorted, patting Todd on the back. "Real smooth, Casanova. Lady killer, through and through."
"Yeah, yeah," Todd muttered before glancing at Roxas. "How do you do it, huh? What's the secret?"
Roxas shrugged nonchalantly. "I didn't do anything."
Lance swatted the back of Todd's head. "Quit whining, Toad. Let's keep moving. We've got better things to do."
As they walked, Roxas couldn't help but ask, "What's the plan, anyway?"
Lance smirked. "You'll see. Let's just say we're gonna find ourselves a hobby that gets us rolling." He nodded subtly toward a nearby skate shop, where an array of boards was displayed in the window.
"Wait, skateboards?" Roxas asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Exactly," Lance said. "But first… Todd, how much cash you got?"
Todd dug into his pockets, pulling out a crumpled wad of bills. "Less than thirty bucks."
Lance shook his head. "Not even close. Guess we'll need to get creative."
While Lance began brainstorming, Roxas's attention was drawn to a karaoke machine set up near an electronics store. A crowd had gathered as someone belted out an off-key rendition of a popular song
"I WANNA SEE YOU OUT THAT DOOR BABY BYE BYE BYEEE~"
Roxas watched, intrigued by the idea of singing into the strange device. If he hadn't known any better. He would've said it looked fun. Though he would like it better with less people watching
His curiosity was interrupted when Lance suddenly nudged him. "Hey, look at this."
He pointed to a sign advertising a raffle for a free skateboard near the skate shop. Without hesitation, Lance grabbed two entry forms and handed them to Roxas and Todd
"Write your names down," Lance said confidently
Todd frowned as he filled out the form. "This was your big plan?"
Lance smirked. "Not even close. This is just a backup. I've got something else in mind."
Roxas handed in his form and gave Lance a skeptical look. "And what's the real plan?"
Lance's grin widened. "Patience, Rocky. You'll see."
At the mall, Lance pointed to a water fountain shimmering with coins at the center of the plaza. "Alright, here's what we're gonna do," he said, his grin almost devious
Roxas tilted his head, studying the fountain. "Why are there coins in there?"
Lance gave him an incredulous look. "You've never heard of a wishing fountain? People throw coins in, make a wish, blah blah blah. It's basically a free piggy bank."
Todd frowned. "Wait, are you saying what I think you're saying?"
Lance turned to him with a mischievous smirk. "Yep. Todd, get in there."
Todd's jaw dropped. "Are you serious?"
Before he could protest further, Lance shoved him into the fountain, splashing water everywhere. "Start collecting, Toad."
Todd sat up, drenched and glaring at Lance. "Why me?"
"Because you contribute the least," Lance said with a shrug. "Now get to work."
Muttering under his breath, Todd begrudgingly began scooping up coins. Lance and Roxas both chuckled at the sight, though Roxas's laugh was softer and tinged with curiosity
As they waited for Todd to finish, Roxas's attention was drawn to a jewelry shop nearby. One particular necklace in the display window caught his eye—a silver chain with a pendant resembling a small, radiant starburst
The sight of it triggered a sudden, vivid flash in his mind:
he and Aqua lying together on a grassy field under a blue sky. She smiled warmly, placing a pendant just like the one in the shop into his hand
The memory was fleeting, and as it faded, Roxas stood frozen, staring at the necklace
"Hey! Earth to Roxas!" Lance snapped his fingers in front of Roxas's face, breaking him out of his daze
Roxas blinked, shaking his head. "Sorry… I just… thought I remembered something."
Lance raised an eyebrow but didn't press. "Well, snap out of it. Let's keep an eye out before mall security shows up to drag Todd out of the fountain."
Meanwhile
Aqua stood in the backyard of the xmansion, practicing her keyblade techniques under the warm afternoon sun
Jean and Scott approached, watching her for a moment before Jean spoke. "Hey, Aqua. Have you seen Xion? We were looking for her."
Aqua lowered her keyblade, catching her breath. "She's out with Ororo. They went to see her nephew's basketball game."
Jean nodded, but Aqua's expression seemed distant. Even as she spoke, her thoughts were elsewhere, swirling around Ventus
"Something on your mind?" Scott asked
Aqua hesitated, gripping her keyblade a little tighter. "No… it's nothing," she replied softly
She resumed her training, though the image of Ventus lingered in her heart like a faint, bittersweet echo
As Jean and Scott made their way back into the mansion, Aqua paused her training, taking a deep breath before she noticed Logan approaching from the side
"Logan," Aqua greeted with a polite nod. "Do you need something?"
Logan crossed his arms, his usual gruff demeanor softened slightly by curiosity. "Word is you're pretty good in a fight," he said casually. "I wanna see for myself."
Aqua raised an eyebrow but couldn't help the small smirk that tugged at her lips. "You want to spar?"
"Call it a test of skill," Logan replied with a shrug. "If you're up for it."
Aqua nodded. "Alright. Let's see then" as she gains a smile
Logan motioned for her to follow him to the Danger Room, the mansion's high-tech training simulator. Kurt, noticing the two heading inside, teleported nearby in a puff of blue smoke
"Hey! You're sparring with Logan?" Kurt asked, grinning with intrigue
Aqua glanced back at him, amused. "It seems that way."
"Zis I have to see," Kurt said, tail flicking with excitement as he followed them inside
Once in the Danger Room, Logan adjusted the settings, causing the sterile space to shift and morph into a vivid "warzone" backdrop. The ground became uneven with rubble, craters, and scattered debris. Smoke rose from broken vehicles, and distant explosions rumbled in the air
Aqua glanced around, impressed by the immersive environment. She turned to Logan. "When do we start?"
Silence.
Aqua frowned, scanning the area, and quickly realized Logan was nowhere to be seen. Her frown shifted into a subtle smile as she tightened her grip on her keyblade
"Alright," she murmured to herself, her voice calm yet focused. She dropped into a defensive stance, her blue eyes darting around the simulated battlefield
Logan wasn't one to fight fair, and Aqua knew better than to underestimate him. She took a slow step forward, her senses sharp and her guard up, fully expecting a sneak attack from any direction
From the shadows of the simulated ruins, Logan smirked to himself, crouched low and silently observing her movements. "Let's see what you're made of," he muttered under his breath
The spar began with a fierce clash, Aqua's graceful and precise keyblade strikes meeting Logan's raw and relentless ferocity. The warzone setting of the Danger Room amplified the tension, as rubble crumbled beneath their feet and simulated explosions echoed in the distance. Aqua's fluid movements allowed her to evade Logan's slashing claws at first, her magical strikes keeping him on his toes
But Logan's experience and stamina gradually gave him the edge. He anticipated her attacks, countering with calculated swipes that forced Aqua to retreat more than advance. A particularly well-timed feint caught her off guard, his claws grazing close enough to singe her coat without harming her
Breathing hard, Aqua lunged again, but Logan sidestepped her attack and swept her legs from under her. She hit the ground with a thud, her keyblade clattering to the side
Logan stood over her, retracting his claws as the Danger Room's warzone simulation faded back to its neutral metallic gray. He studied her, his sharp eyes catching something beyond her exhaustion
"Someone on your mind?" Logan asked, his voice gruff yet oddly gentle
Aqua froze for a split second, her eyes widening ever so slightly. She quickly masked her reaction with a faint smile and a soft laugh. "I don't know what you mean," she replied, brushing off the question as she stood
Logan wasn't fooled. Her attempt at denial only confirmed it. "Hmm," he muttered, stepping back and giving her space
"Thank you for being my sparring partner," Aqua said, her tone polite as she turned to leave
Logan stopped her with a low grunt. "Hold on a sec."
She paused, glancing back at him
He scratched the back of his neck before speaking. "Let me give you some advice. Folks who feel close but seem far away… don't let that gap stay there too long. If they matter, you'll regret it if you don't close it while you still can."
Her thoughts immediately drifting to Ventus. She lowered her gaze for a moment, absorbing the weight of his advice
Logan didn't wait for a response, walking past her toward the exit. "You did good, kid. Keep at it."
Left alone in the now-quiet Danger Room, Aqua stood still, Logan's words echoing in her mind
"Wow, zat was amazing!" Kurt's voice suddenly broke the silence, startling her. As she also noticed the danger room reverted back to normal
She spun around to see him leaning casually against a wall, grinning widely. "I mean, Logan doesn't go easy on anyone, but you really gave him a run for his money! Ze way you moved—vunderbar!"
Aqua exhaled a small laugh, her serious expression easing slightly. "Thank you, Kurt."
Kurt's grin widened. "Next time, you should spar with me! I promise I'll keep it interesting."
Aqua chuckled softly, the heaviness of the moment lifting just a little. "I'll think about it."
Meanwhile
Play: Nintendo Eshop OST – June 2011
At Vivian and Marcel's cozy backyard, Xion sat on a wooden chair near the grill, watching Marcel with wide, curious eyes. The warm glow of the fire illuminated his animated expression as he enthusiastically recounted Evan's past games
"Let me tell you, kid," Marcel began, flipping a steak with practiced ease, "Evan's been on fire this whole season. But this game?" He gestured dramatically toward the house, as if the stadium was still in sight. "This game is the kind they'll be talking about for years! Did you see that long shot? Whew!"
Xion smiled politely, listening as Marcel continued his enthusiastic commentary. "He's got the kind of talent you just can't teach. It's like he was born to dominate on the court!"
She watched, intrigued, as he sprinkled spices onto the steaks, the aroma wafting through the air and making her stomach growl softly. "These are going to be the best steaks you've ever had," Marcel added confidently, noticing her fascination. "Mark my words, you'll be asking for seconds, maybe even thirds!"
From her seat on the patio, Vivian chimed in. "Marcel could talk about Evan's games for hours. He's the proudest dad on the block, I swear."
"Of course I am!" Marcel shot back with a hearty laugh. "Can you blame me? Our boy's a star!"
Xion's smile grew slightly, the warmth of their familial pride touching her
"So, Xion," Vivian turned to her, curiosity in her gaze, "what do you think of my sister?."
Xion straightened a little at the question, her tone becoming thoughtful. "Ororo is… amazing," she began earnestly. "She's so kind and confident. I've never met anyone like her. She makes you feel safe, like you can do anything as long as she's there."
Vivian's face softened with a fond smile. "That's Ororo, all right. She's always had a way of inspiring people, hasn't she, Marcel?"
"She sure has," Marcel agreed, flipping another steak. "That woman could inspire a boulder to roll uphill if she wanted to!"
The three shared a laugh, and Xion felt a growing sense of comfort with them. They were warm, open, and inviting—qualities that reminded her of her friends in the Xmansion
As the conversation continued, the sound of footsteps on the patio caught their attention. Ororo and Evan approached, both looking more relaxed now. Ororo carried a small plate of vegetables, and Evan had a towel draped over his shoulder
"Hope we're not too late to the party," Ororo said, her smile warm as she handed the plate to Marcel
"Not at all," Marcel replied, grabbing the plate and gesturing to the grill. "I was just telling Xion about how Evan's game will go down in history!"
Evan chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Dad, you're embarrassing me in front of company."
"You'll get over it," Marcel teased, his laughter booming
Ororo took a seat beside Vivian, while Evan sat next to Xion
"Hey Xion," Evan said, offering a friendly grin. "You're in for a real treat tonight. My dad's steaks are legendary."
Xion returned the smile, nodding. "I'm looking forward to it!"
As the lively barbecue continued, Xion was handed a plate of cut-up steak by Marcel, who grinned proudly. "Try this, kid. I guarantee it's the best steak you'll ever have."
Xion took a cautious bite and was instantly surprised by how tender and flavorful it was. "It's… really good!" she said, her face lighting up, which earned a triumphant laugh from Marcel
"See? Told you!" Marcel proclaimed, flipping another steak on the grill with a flourish
As Xion ate, she noticed Evan leaving Ororo's side to talk with Marcel, likely about the game. Taking the opportunity, Xion leaned closer to Ororo and spoke quietly
"Ororo, do Vivian and Marcel know about Evan's mutant powers?" she asked, her voice just above a whisper.
Ororo's expression softened, and she shook her head subtly. "Not yet. I plan to talk to them tomorrow," she replied, equally quiet. "They're good people, but it's not an easy conversation to have."
Xion nodded in understanding, taking another bite of steak as she mulled over the situation. "Do you think Evan is going to join the institute?"
Ororo looked thoughtful for a moment. "Jean and Scott are coming over tomorrow to help me speak with him. Ultimately, the decision will be his to make, but I want him to know he has support."
Before Xion could reply, Ororo leaned in slightly, her tone becoming curious. "By the way, did you notice anyone strange at the basketball game?"
Xion paused, recalling the silver-haired boy who had stood out among the crowd. "I think so," she said hesitantly. "There was this boy with white hair. He seemed… different, but I didn't see anything that made me think he was a mutant."
Ororo frowned slightly, clearly deep in thought. "Hmm. I'll keep that in mind. For now, don't worry about it. Just enjoy the barbecue."
Xion nodded, trying to relax as she continued eating. She had to admit, Marcel's cooking lived up to the hype
After a while, Vivian approached with a warm smile. "Xion, why don't you stay the night? We've got an extra room, and it'll save Ororo from driving back so late."
Xion hesitated, glancing at Ororo, who gave her a reassuring nod. "You should stay. It'll be good for you to spend more time with them," Ororo said encouragingly
With their encouragement, Xion smiled and accepted. "Thank you. That sounds nice."
Vivian beamed, clapping her hands together. "Perfect! I'll get the room ready after dinner. You're going to feel right at home here, I promise."
As the night carried on, the warm atmosphere of the barbecue and the laughter shared among everyone helped Xion momentarily forget the lingering questions about Evan's powers—or the strange boy at the game
Meanwhile
At the mall, Todd had scooped up a sizable collection of coins from the fountain, his pockets jangling with every move. Just as he was about to grab a few more, Lance shouted from a safe distance, "Hey, Toad! Security's coming!"
Todd froze for a moment, his eyes wide in panic, before bolting out of the fountain, coins spilling from his pockets as he made a mad dash. The sight had Lance doubled over in laughter, while Roxas looked on with curiosity
"What's Todd supposed to do with all those coins?" Roxas asked, tilting his head
Lance waved a hand dismissively. "There's an ATM around here somewhere. We'll figure it out."
Roxas considered this for a moment before asking, "Should we go after him?"
Lance paused, realizing it wasn't a bad idea. "Yeah, probably. Let's see where he's headed."
The two started after Todd, who was now darting through the mall, the security guard hot on his heels. Todd's frantic yelps echoed through the corridors as he weaved between shoppers
Meanwhile, Rogue sat at a nearby table, quietly eating a sandwich. She was mid-bite when the sight of Todd, soaking wet and jingling with coins, being chased by a security guard caught her off guard. She blinked in surprise, watching the bizarre scene unfold.
"Huh!?" said Rogue dumbfounded by the sight
Moments later, Lance and Roxas ran past her, but Roxas abruptly stopped in his tracks when their eyes met. Rogue's cheeks turned faintly pink, and she shyly said, "Hey."
"Hey," Roxas replied with a slight smile, his usual calm demeanor intact
Rogue set her sandwich down, clearly pleased to see him. "What're ya doin' here?"
Roxas pointed over his shoulder, where Todd could still be seen running for his life in the distance. "Oh, Todd's being chased by security."
As if on cue, Todd zipped past in the background, the security guard still in hot pursuit, making Rogue stifle a laugh. "Ah swear, that boy's a mess. Why's he bein' chased?"
Roxas shrugged casually, his expression as neutral as ever. "Something about coins from the fountain. It was Lance's idea."
Rogue leaned back in her chair, unsurprised. "Figures…"
Roxas gave Rogue a small, polite wave as he took a step back. "I should catch up with Lance and Todd. I'll see you later?"
Rogue gave him a soft smile, though there was a hint of reluctance in her voice. "Yeah, see ya around."
As Roxas jogged off, Rogue watched him go, her gaze lingering longer than she'd meant to. She sighed quietly to herself before turning her attention back to her sandwich, taking a small bite as her thoughts wandered
Meanwhile,
Roxas caught up with Lance, who was leaning casually against a pillar, scanning the mall. The older boy signaled him to come closer and pointed subtly toward a group of security guards who were now walking around, clearly on higher alert
"Great," Lance muttered under his breath. "They're everywhere now."
Roxas glanced toward the guards, tilting his head slightly. "What's the plan?"
Lance ran a hand through his hair, looking mildly annoyed. "Might be better to cut our losses for now and come back later when things cool off. No point getting' ourselves banned over Todd's fountain raid."
Roxas nodded in agreement. "Makes sense. Where's Todd, anyway?"
"Probably still hidin' in some potted plant or somethin'," Lance replied with a smirk. "He'll figure out we're outta here soon enough. Let's just head out before they start askin' questions."
With that, the two turned to leave the mall, keeping a low profile as they made their way toward the nearest exit, the sound of security radios buzzing faintly in the background
Little later
Outside the mall, the trio found themselves huddled around an ATM in a somewhat secluded spot. Todd dumped handful after handful of damp coins into the machine's deposit slot while Lance kept an eye out for any wandering security guards
"Man," Todd grinned as the machine finally spat out a receipt. "We got a few hundred bucks from this haul! Why didn't we think of this before?"
"Because you're a bonehead, that's why," Lance said earning a brief frown from Todd "What're you even gonna spend it on?"
Todd's eyes lit up as without a second thought he said "A Dreamcast console, obviously! Been wantin' one of those forever."
Lance slapped the back of Todd's head lightly. "And what, genius, you gonna play imaginary games on it? That thing doesn't come with a collection of free titles, y'know."
Todd rubbed the back of his head with a scowl. "I'll save up for the games later! It's an investment!"
Roxas, meanwhile, had wandered a short distance to where the vending machine Lance had used his tremor powers on earlier stood. He tilted his head, looking at the empty rows of chips and snacks
"Looks like they still haven't restocked this thing," he called back to the others. Both Lance and Todd sighed in unison as they joined him
"Figures," Lance muttered. "We cleared it out last time. Guess they're not in any rush to refill it if it keeps getting raided."
"And we're almost out of the chips we took," Todd grumbled. "Man, I'm starving."
The trio stood in silence for a moment, contemplating their next move.
"Well, we've got cash now," Lance finally said. "Could hit a store for snacks… or, I dunno, save it for something bigger. What do you think, Roxas?"
Roxas shrugged, still staring at the vending machine. "I'm good with whatever," he said, though there was a hint of curiosity in his tone. "What do you guys want?"
"….actually… I'm starving so. Food." Said Lance
To the Xmansion
In the X-Mansion's cozy dining room, Aqua sat at the table with Kurt, quietly eating her meal while he animatedly talked about his latest struggles with math homework
"I swear, Aqua, I've got this algebra assignment, and it's like they're speaking some other language!" Kurt exclaimed, waving a fork in the air for emphasis. "I figured, hey, you're super smart, you can help me out, right?"
Aqua paused mid-bite, unsure how to respond. "I… uh…"
Kurt grinned. "Come on, Algebra's probably a breeze for you, ja?"
She offered a sheepish smile, stirring the vegetables on her plate. "Well… actually…"
Kurt tilted his head, confused. "Wait, don't tell me—are you saying math isn't your thing either?"
Aqua sighed and gave a small laugh. "If I'm honest, math has never been my strength. Numbers and equations just… don't click with me the way other things do."
Kurt blinked, his fork dropping onto his plate with a soft clatter. "You're serious?! You look so smart and accomplished. Like Jean"
She couldn't help but laugh a little herself, though she felt slightly embarrassed. "Well. Thanks for your confidence. But sorry that I'm no good," she admitted.
"Well, that makes me feel a little better," Kurt said, his grin widening. "If someone as awesome as you struggles with it, then maybe I'm not hopeless after all."
Aqua smiled warmly. "You're not hopeless, Kurt. You'll get it eventually. I'm honestly confused with some of the other homework the school gave me. It can be done even if it may be a process "
As Aqua and Kurt finished up their plates, Jean and Scott entered the dining room, grabbing trays to load up on dinner. Aqua, intrigued, leaned forward slightly
"What are you two up to later?" she asked, her tone curious
Jean glanced at Scott before answering. "We're heading out scouting again. The Professor sensed a new mutant"
Scott nodded as he piled mashed potatoes onto his plate. "We're leaving tomorrow morning to meet him and see what he's about."
"Really?" Aqua asked, her interest piqued. "Do you know anything about him yet? What kind of person or powers he might have?"
Jean shook her head. "Not much yet, but we'll find out soon enough. The Professor seemed hopeful about them."
Kurt's tail flicked with excitement. "Another new friend, maybe? That's awesome! I hope he is nice!"
Jean smiled at Kurt's enthusiasm. "We'll let you know how it goes. But for now, we need to eat and get everything ready for the trip."
With their plates loaded, Jean and Scott gave a quick wave before leaving to eat elsewhere, leaving Aqua and Kurt alone again
Moments later, Logan sauntered into the dining room, his usual gruff demeanor intact. Without a word, he grabbed a tray and began piling it with food: generous servings of ham, roasted corn, and cooked potatoes
Kurt whispered to Aqua, "He's taking enough food for three people!"
Aqua stifled a laugh, watching as Logan muttered under his breath
"Would it kill Charles to stock beer in this place?" he grumbled before turning toward the table. Noticing Aqua's wide-eyed look at his overflowing plate, Logan smirked
"Don't worry, kid," he said gruffly. "I'll be fine. Been through worse than overeating."
Aqua blinked, then laughed softly. "I wasn't going to say anything."
"Good," Logan replied, sitting down and digging into his food with gusto. "You'll learn quick around here—don't let anyone give you grief for how you handle your business."
Kurt leaned closer to Aqua, whispering again. "And that is Logan wisdom for you."
Aqua couldn't help but laugh quietly as they finished their meal
As Aqua watched Logan devour his dinner, curiosity got the better of her. She leaned forward slightly. "Logan, what got you to join the Institute in the first place?"
Kurt's ears perked up, and his tail swayed. "Ja, I've always wondered that too. You don't seem like the 'team player' type."
Logan paused mid-bite, his expression unreadable. "Long story, kid. Let's just say I was a mess before Charles found me. I didn't think I'd ever get my head on straight, but… things got better here."
Kurt and Aqua exchanged glances. Logan's answer was vague, but there was weight behind his words
"I hope I'll learn more in the future," Aqua said softly, her tone more hopeful than pressing
Logan glanced at her, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Maybe. We'll see, kid."
And with that, he went back to his meal, clearly signaling the conversation was over for now. Aqua and Kurt exchanged a smile before shifting back to their own plates, leaving Logan to his mountain of food
Meanwhile to Xion
As Xion lay on the soft guest bed in Evan's house, she couldn't help but reflect on how kind Ororo's family had been to her. The warmth and hospitality they offered made her feel like she truly belonged. She hoped that once she and Ororo returned to the mansion, she could visit them again—and maybe next time, she could bring Roxas along. The thought of seeing everyone together brought a small, hopeful smile to her face
Her thoughts drifted further as she stared at the ceiling. Could this world be her new permanent home? Maybe as a student at Professor X's school, she could carve out a life for herself. She imagined what that could look like: a place to learn, to grow, to be herself—whoever that truly was
Suddenly, a sharp pain flashed through her head, pulling her from her daydreams. She clutched her temples as a memory surged forth
She saw a boy sitting on a beach under a starry night sky. His gaze was fixed on the ocean as he made a solemn promise to a girl. The girl's silhouette was faint, her features blurred, but the boy's voice was clear. "I'll always be there for you," he said with unwavering conviction
The memory faded as quickly as it came, leaving Xion gasping for breath in the dimly lit guest room. She looked around, grounding herself back in reality, but the image of the boy lingered in her mind
She recognized him. He was the same boy from the flashes she'd had before arriving in this world. But the girl… she couldn't quite place her. The silhouette was hauntingly familiar yet completely unknown
And once again. The boy heavily reminded her of Roxas. But she isn't sure why
Xion sat up, hugging her knees to her chest. She knew she had to figure this out. Maybe when she is able go catch him, she could talk to Roxas about it. If anyone might understand these fragments of memories, it may be him
For now, she laid back down, staring at the ceiling once more, her mind restless with unanswered questions before deciding that they can wait
The next morning
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Evan's house as a soft knock sounded at the door. Xion, already awake and dressed, made her way to the entrance. Opening the door, she was greeted by the sight of Scott and Jean standing on the porch, looking mildly surprised to see her
"Xion?" Scott asked, tilting his head slightly. "What are you doing here?"
Xion gave a polite smile. "Oh, Ororo invited me to see her family and watch Evan's basketball game yesterday," she explained
Jean and Scott exchanged glances, realization dawning on them. "So… the mutant we're here to meet…" Jean started, her tone thoughtful
"Is a relative of Ororo," Scott finished, connecting the dots
Before they could say more, Vivian's voice called from inside. "Xion, who's at the door?"
Xion turned slightly, calling back, "They're from the institute, like I am! They're also friends of Ororo."
Vivian appeared moments later, a warm smile on her face as she wiped her hands on a dish towel. "Oh, you must be Ororo's colleagues! Please, come in," she said, gesturing for them to enter
Scott and Jean stepped inside, exchanging polite greetings with Vivian. The house felt cozy and inviting, the smell of breakfast lingering in the air
"Thank you for having us," Jean said graciously as they entered the living room
"Of course! Any friends of Ororo are always welcome here," Vivian replied, her demeanor as welcoming as ever. "Evan's upstairs getting ready. I'll call him down in a bit."
As Vivian busied herself in the kitchen, Scott leaned slightly toward Jean. "This should make the conversation a little easier," he murmured
Jean nodded in agreement, glancing at Xion. "So, how was the game yesterday?" she asked, trying to keep things light
Xion smiled. "It was really fun. Evan's really good, and Marcel and Vivian are such nice people."
Jean nodded, noting how comfortable Xion seemed here. "That's good to hear," she said, her tone warm
Scott, however, kept glancing toward the stairs, clearly eager to meet Evan and get things started
Scott glanced at Xion with a curious expression. "So, do you know what Evan's power is?" he asked, folding his arms casually
Xion nodded. "Yeah, I've seen it," she replied, her tone even but with a hint of anticipation for them to see
Jean tilted her head, intrigued. "Does it have something to do with the weather? Like Ororo's?"
Xion shook her head. "No, it's something different," she said, a small smile forming. "You'll see soon enough."
Jean exchanged a look with Scott, who raised an eyebrow but didn't push further. "Has Ororo already talked to him about it?" Jean asked, steering the conversation back to Evan
Xion hesitated before nodding. "She has. But… he seems hesitant about it. He's not sure what to make of everything yet," she admitted. "That's why it's good you both came today. I think it'll help."
Scott crossed his arms, looking thoughtful. "It makes sense. It's not always easy for someone to accept their powers, especially if they're young and unsure how to handle them."
Jean nodded in agreement. "That's why we're here, though—to help him figure it out." She glanced toward the stairs, her gaze softening. "Let's hope he's willing to listen."
Xion smiled faintly, appreciating how much they cared. "I'm sure, he'll come around," she said
At that moment, Vivian returned to the living room, calling up the stairs. "Evan! please come down!"
Of course no response as Marcel then came in
"Evan!" Marcel called, his voice carrying up the stairs. "You've got some visitors!"
After a few moments, Evan came down the stairs slowly, his expression wary and his hands shoved deep into his pockets. His gaze flicked to Jean and Scott before landing briefly on Xion, whom he gave a faint nod. "Uh… hey," he said, his tone guarded
Ororo spoke first, her tone calm but firm. "Evan, these are Jean and Scott. They're from the institute I told you about. They're here to help you."
Evan frowned, his brows knitting together. "Help me? With what? I'm doing fine."
Vivian crossed her arms, her tone slightly exasperated. "Evan, coming home with holes in your clothes doesn't exactly scream 'fine.'"
Evan flushed, his shoulders stiffening. "I've got it under control," he said defensively. "I don't need to go to some school for freaks or whatever."
Vivian's eyes narrowed, and her voice turned sharp. "Evan Daniels, that's enough. Apologize."
He sighed heavily, looking anywhere but at his mother. "Fine. Sorry," he muttered, though it was clear he wasn't fully convinced
Jean stepped forward, her voice calm but pointed. "It's not about being a freak, Evan. The institute is a place where you can learn to control your powers before something goes wrong. You don't want to accidentally hurt yourself or someone else, do you?"
Evan scoffed, crossing his arms. "I've been fine so far. I don't see why that would change."
Scott spoke up, his tone steady. "That's what everyone thinks—until something unexpected happens. Trust me, it's better to be prepared."
Evan raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "And what's so special about this institute anyway? Why should I listen to you guys?"
Jean glanced at Xion. "Why don't you show him what you can do?"
Xion hesitated for a moment, looking to Ororo for reassurance. When she nodded, Xion stepped forward and summoned her Keyblade in a flash of light. The weapon gleamed, catching the attention of everyone in the room
Evan blinked, his tough façade cracking slightly. "Okay… that's actually kinda cool," he admitted reluctantly, though his tone still carried an edge of skepticism. He watched as Xion made the Keyblade disappear just as easily as it appeared
Jean stepped up next, demonstrating her telekinesis by lifting a chair across the room and moving it smoothly to the opposite side before setting it down again.
Evan raised an eyebrow, his stance loosening but his tone still sarcastic. "So you can move furniture around. Great. Real useful."
Finally, he turned to Scott. "What about you, Shades? What's your trick?"
Scott chuckled softly at the nickname but kept his tone even. "My powers aren't exactly indoor-friendly," he explained. "If I used them here, let's just say this house wouldn't look the same afterward."
Evan tilted his head, curiosity briefly flickering in his eyes. "Uh-huh. Sounds dangerous. But still doesn't explain why I'd want to go to some school for that."
Jean stepped back in, keeping her voice patient. "The institute isn't just about powers. It's about being part of a community—people who get what you're going through and can help you grow. It's not about changing you; it's about helping you control what's already there."
Evan shrugged, still unconvinced. "I don't know. Sounds like a lot of rules and people telling me what to do."
Ororo spoke gently, but her tone carried weight. "It's more than that, Evan. It's about safety—for you and everyone around you. This is something you need to consider seriously."
Evan sighed, clearly feeling cornered. "Yeah, yeah. I'll think about it," he muttered, though it was clear he wasn't ready to commit
As the tension in the room eased slightly, Evan's gaze flicked back to Xion. "That thing you had—that was pretty cool, though," he admitted grudgingly
Xion gave him a small, encouraging smile. "Thanks. Maybe one day you'll show me what you can do, too."
Evan shrugged again but didn't say anything, clearly still processing everything
Marcel sighed heavily as the tension in the room lingered, running a hand over his face. "I'm sorry about that," he said to Jean, Scott, and Xion. "Evan's been… stubborn lately. I'll talk to him."
Ororo gave her brother a reassuring nod. "He just needs some time to process everything. It's a lot to take in."
But before Marcel could head upstairs, there was the faint sound of a window opening. Jean's brow furrowed as she closed her eyes briefly. "He's not in his room anymore," she said, her tone both exasperated "He just jumped out the window and took off!"
Scott groaned, rubbing his temples. "Great. So much for our pitch. Maybe we should've worked on that delivery."
Xion tilted her head, genuinely surprised. "I thought we were doing pretty well, though."
Meanwhile
Evan rode his skateboard down the streets, weaving through traffic and letting the rush of the ride clear his head. The cool wind against his face felt freeing, but the weight of the conversation back home still lingered
As he eventually came to a stop near a quiet park, he sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "School for freaks," he muttered to himself, frustration laced in his voice
Unbeknownst to him, a pair of sharp black eyes had been tracking him from a distance. Pietro leaned casually against a lamppost, watching Evan's movements with a smirk. The speedster waited for the right moment before zipping over in a silver blur, stopping just inches from Evan
"Hey there," Pietro said, making Evan jump back in surprise
"Whoa!" Evan exclaimed, almost tripping over his skateboard. "Pietro! Where'd you come from?"
Pietro chuckled, crossing his arms. "Let's just say I'm quick on my feet. What about you? What're you doing out here, looking all moody?"
Evan hesitated, debating whether to answer. But felt he could understand "Parents want me to check out some school. For freaks, apparently."
Pietro's smirk twitched ever so slightly at the word "freaks," but he quickly masked it. "That so? Sounds… boring," he said casually, his tone betraying a hint of mischief.
Evan shrugged. "Yeah. I don't want to deal with all that. I just want to do my own thing, you know?"
Pietro's smirk grew wider as an idea formed in his mind. "Well, if you're not into boring schools, how about some real fun instead?"
Evan raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. "What kind of fun?"
Pietro leaned in slightly, his tone dropping conspiratorially. "Let's just say I've got a knack for finding excitement—and maybe you'd like to come along. What do you say?"
Evan hesitated for a moment, unsure of Pietro's intentions but tempted by the promise of something different. "Alright, I'm listening. What kind of 'fun' are we talking about?"
Pietro's grin widened, but the glint in his eyes hinted at something more devious. "You'll see. Trust me—you're gonna love it."
Pietro jumped onto his skateboard with ease, skating alongside Evan down the streets. The two zipped through the neighborhood, dodging pedestrians and showing off little tricks along the way
"Gotta say," Pietro called out over the sound of their wheels on the pavement, "you've got some good moves here compared to basketball court"
Evan smirked, confidence flickering in his expression. "You better bring you're a-game, man. I'm not losing to some dude who thinks he's fast."
Pietro chuckled, hiding a sly grin. "Oh, don't worry. I know just the place. Next game, you're gonna have your work cut out for you."
"Yeah? We'll see about that. After all you maybe faster. But not better" said Evan competitively
As they skated further, Pietro took a sharp turn down a quieter street, leading Evan to an old, closed store. The front door, oddly enough, was slightly ajar
"Here we are," Pietro announced, hopping off his board and gesturing toward the store
Evan furrowed his brow, stepping off his skateboard. "Uh… this place looks closed... What are we doing here?"
Pietro shrugged nonchalantly. "Place is unlocked. No harm in checking it out, right?"
Evan hesitated, glancing between Pietro and the store. "I don't know, man. Feels kinda sketchy."
Pietro leaned casually against the doorframe, his tone light but persuasive. "C'mon, Evan. What's the worst that could happen? You scared? You chicken? Gonna run to mommy?"
The challenge in Pietro's voice sparked something in Evan. He sighed and rolled his eyes. "Fine. But you're taking the blame."
"Deal," Pietro said with a grin, pushing the door open and stepping inside. Little did Evan know Pietro has his fingers crossed behind his back
Evan followed reluctantly, taking in the dimly lit interior. It was a small shop, mostly shelves lined with snacks, drinks, and other miscellaneous items. Nothing particularly noteworthy
"So… why here?" Evan asked, crossing his arms
Pietro, already munching on a bag of chips he'd swiped off a shelf, grinned. "The owners must've been in a hurry or something. Left the place unlocked. Means everything's free for the taking."
Evan frowned, shifting uncomfortably. "I don't know, man. This doesn't feel right."
Pietro waved a hand dismissively. "Relax. Nobody's here, nobody cares. You said you wanted to do your own thing, right? Well, here's your chance. Live a little."
Evan looked around the small shop, conflicted. His instincts told him this wasn't the kind of "fun" he wanted, but something about Pietro's confidence made him pause. After all, wasn't this guy just trying to help him loosen up?
As Evan wandered through the small shop, he noticed Pietro casually munching on junk food and tossing wrappers on the floor. It wasn't just casual snacking—Pietro was deliberately making a mess, knocking items off the shelves with a careless swipe of his hand. A row of canned goods clattered to the floor, rolling in every direction
"Yo!" Evan called out, his voice sharp. "What the hell are you doing?"
Pietro glanced at him with a sly grin, his silver hair catching the dim light. "What does it look like? Just having a little fun." He grabbed a stack of cereal boxes and shoved them off a shelf, sending them tumbling to the ground
"That ain't fun, man. That's just… wrong!" Evan snapped, stepping toward him
Pietro's grin widened, a dangerous edge creeping into his voice. "Wrong? Nah. Necessary." Without warning, he grabbed several small items—a bag of chips, a candy bar, a drink—and hurled them at Evan. They hit him square in the chest, scattering to the floor
Evan caught one of the items and glared at Pietro. "What the hell are you trying to pull?!" as he prepared to shoot a spike at him
Pietro's expression turned cold and calculating, his tone dripping with malice. "Can you say… scapegoat?"
Before Evan could respond, Pietro suddenly vanished in a blur of inhuman speed, leaving a gust of wind and a mess in his wake
It took Evan a moment to register what had just happened, but the realization hit him hard. Pietro is also a mutant
His thoughts were interrupted by the blaring sound of sirens. Red and blue lights flooded the small shop as two police officers stepped in, guns drawn
"Hands up! Now!" one of the officers barked
Evan froze, his hands shooting into the air. "Wait, wait! This isn't what it looks like!"
The officers didn't lower their weapons, their eyes darting around at the mess and the empty shelves. To them, it looked like Evan had been looting the store
Evan swallowed hard, panic rising. He didn't know what to do, but one thing was clear—Pietro had set him up, and now he was in deep trouble
Later
Evan sat on the cold bench of the small holding cell, arms crossed and head bowed. He could still feel the sting of Pietro's betrayal and the humiliation of being dragged here for something he didn't even do…. Or at least fully participated in
The clanging sound of the cell door opening made him look up, and his stomach dropped when he saw who had come to visit
Ororo stepped inside first, her expression stern and lined with disappointment. Behind her were Jean, Scott, and Xion. While Jean and Scott seemed calm, Xion's concerned gaze pierced through Evan's defenses, and Ororo's disappointed look felt like a punch to the gut.
"What were you thinking, Evan?" Ororo asked, her voice firm but not raised. "Whatever you did landed you here."
Evan flinched, unable to meet her eyes. "I didn't do anything," he muttered
"Then why are you in jail?" Ororo pressed
"It wasn't me," Evan said, his voice rising in frustration. "I didn't trash that store. It was some guy I was hanging out with. He set me up!"
Jean tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing in concentration. "He's telling the truth," she said softly, glancing at Ororo and Scott
Ororo's stern look softened slightly, but her disappointment didn't fully fade. "Even so, Evan, you need to take responsibility for who you choose to associate with. This could have been avoided."
"Evan…" said Xion with a disheartened look
Evan finally looked up, and the sight of Xion's sad, disheartened face hit him harder than Ororo's words. His heart sank. "I know… I messed up," he admitted, guilt clear in his tone
Jean stepped forward, arms crossed. "Here's the deal, Evan. You have two options: You can come with us to the Institute and give it a shot, or you can stay here overnight and let your parents find out about all this tomorrow."
Evan's eyes widened. "What? You can't be serious!"
Jean raised an eyebrow. "We are. The choice is yours."
Evan hesitated, looking between Jean, Scott, Ororo, and Xion. He felt the weight of their expectations and his own shame pressing down on him. Finally, he sighed and nodded. "Fine. I'll give the Institute a shot."
Ororo's lips curved into a small, approving smile. Xion's face lit up with relief, and Evan felt a little better seeing their reactions
When Xion asked, "How are we going to get him out of here?" Jean put a finger to her lips in a shushing motion. She turned toward the officer at the desk, her eyes glowing faintly
The officer paused, then stood up and walked to the cell. "Oh, it appears there's been a mistake. I am very sorry for wasting your time, you're free to go," he said mechanically, unlocking the door. As he robotically returned to his seat to change some paperwork before resuming his business
Evan stared in amazement. "Did you just—?"
Jean smirked and cut him off. "Let's just say it's handled."
As they stepped out of the station, Scott clapped Evan on the back with a grin. "Welcome to the team, rookie."
Evan rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the small smirk creeping onto his face. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just see how this 'Institute' thing goes."
Meanwhile
Pietro leaned back on his heels, a smirk plastered across his face as he admired the chaos he'd left in his wake. With a sharp twist, he spun on the spot, generating a small whirlwind that sent trash and debris flying across the street. The satisfaction of outsmarting Evan and setting him up was a thrill he couldn't resist
But his self-congratulatory moment was interrupted when a commanding voice broke through the air.
"Pietro."
"!" said The speedster as he froze mid-spin, his sharp eyes narrowing as he turned toward the source of the voice. There, standing imposingly with his arms crossed, was none other than his father, Magneto
Pietro blinked in surprise, his usual confidence faltering. "Dad? What the hell? Haven't seen you in forever. What's with the dramatic entrance?"
Magneto's stern expression didn't waver despite it being hidden by his helmet
"I've been observing. Watching you waste your potential."
Pietro crossed his arms, scowling. "Gee, thanks. Great to see you too."
Magneto ignored the sarcasm. "I have an offer for you, son. One that will not only give you purpose but also allow you to get even with those who've wronged you."
Pietro perked up at the mention of revenge. "Oh? You've got my attention. What's the deal?"
Magneto stepped closer, his voice lowering. "There's another school. Not like the one you're currently wasting your time in…."
Pietro raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched across his face. "Another school? You've gotta be joking. I barely tolerate the one I'm in now."
Magneto's lips curled into a faint smirk. "I'm not joking. And I'd suggest you consider this seriously, given that your current school is already planning to expel you. Your grades and behavior are… less than exemplary."
Pietro rolled his eyes but couldn't entirely hide his unease at hearing this. "Figures. So what's this new place supposed to do for me?"
Magneto reached into his coat and pulled out a folded piece of paper, handing it to Pietro. "This is the address. Show up, and you'll see. You'll be joining others like you—strong, capable, and misunderstood by the rest of the world. Together, you'll form a team that will shape the future. And take down Xavier"
Pietro unfolded the paper and skimmed the address before tucking it into his pocket. "Alright, I'll bite. What's this team called?"
Magneto's smirk widened. "The Brotherhood."
Pietro tilted his head. "Brotherhood, huh sounds awesome. I'm in"
Magneto nodded, his cape billowing in the wind as he turned to leave. "Welcome to the Brotherhood, my son. Don't disappoint me.."
Later
Roxas was halfway through and episode of the Simpsons when the rapid knocking on the door startled him out of his focus. Glancing at Todd, who was sprawled out on the couch snoring softly. Roxas nudged him with his elbow
"Hey, Todd. You expecting anyone?"
Todd blinked groggily and scratched his head. "Nah, man. Why? Someone knocking?"
The knocking grew louder and more insistent, like a drumroll threatening to break the door.
Lance walked in from another room, irritation evident on his face. "Who the hell is making that racket? Roxas, did you invite someone over?"
Roxas shook his head, frowning. "Nope. Not me."
The knocking escalated into a rapid-fire barrage. Roxas sighed heavily, standing up
When Roxas reluctantly opened the door, a silver-haired boy stood there, his arms crossed and his foot tapping impatiently
"About time!" the boy said, exasperated
Before Roxas could respond, the boy vanished in a blur, and suddenly, Todd yelped as he was knocked off the couch. Roxas turned to see the boy standing in front of the TV, flipping through the channels with lightning speed
"What the—?" Todd sputtered, scrambling to his feet
In another flash, the boy was in the kitchen, rummaging through the pantry like he owned the place. He pulled out a bag of onion rings, ripped it open, and began munching as he leaned casually against the counter
"Okay, who the hell are you?" Lance asked
The boy smirked, tossing a handful of onion rings into his mouth. "Name's Pietro. My dad transferred me here."
Todd raised an eyebrow. "Transferred you? What is this, some kind of school?"
Roxas narrowed his eyes. "Wait… your dad? Who's your dad?" as he knew that there was a reason why he came
Pietro's smirk widened. "Oh, y'know, Magneto. Ring any bells?"
The three of them stiffened for a moment
"The boss is his dad.." muttered Todd in astonishment
Pietro shrugged nonchalantly and, in another split second, was back on the couch, flipping through the channels again
"Is there anything decent on this thing?" he muttered before tossing the remote into Roxas's hands. "Meh, nothing worth watching."
Roxas caught the remote, as his eyes narrowed at Pietro
"So you're just gonna barge in, raid our pantry, and make yourself at home?" said Lance
"Yup," Pietro said with a cheeky grin, lounging on the couch. "Dad said this was my new team, so I figured I'd make myself comfortable."
Todd exchanged a glance with Lance and Roxas. "Great…"
Roxas, still gripping the remote, shot Pietro a wary look. "Wait… did you bring anyone else with you?" He tried to sound casual, but inside, he was dreading the possibility of Fred crashing through the door and devouring everything in the pantry
Pietro smirked, leaning back on the couch. "Relax, dude. It's just me."
Roxas exhaled in relief, tension visibly draining from his shoulders. "Good. I mean… cool."
But before Roxas could fully relax, Pietro was suddenly gone in a blur. In another instant, he was back, holding three skateboards in his hands, grinning from ear to ear
"Don't say I never bring gifts!" Pietro quipped, tossing a skateboard at each of them. The boards landed perfectly at their feet as if placed by hand. "First impressions and all, right?"
Todd blinked, looking down at the board. "Uh, thanks?" as Roxas then noticed the remote was missing, but back in Pietro's hands
Lance frowned, crossing his arms. "Cool gift, but let's get something straight—this is our place. You're not gonna mess it up, got it?"
Pietro put a hand on his chest in mock sincerity. "Me? Mess it up? Never!" His voice dripped with sarcasm, but the smirk on his face suggested he might actually try to behave
Todd wasn't entirely convinced. "Uh-huh. Just… don't destroy anything with your wacko speed"
Pietro grinned, flipping his silver hair out of his face. "Scout's honor stinky. I'll be on my best behavior."
Roxas gave Pietro a curious look, as he was surprised that Magneto's son had super speed rather than magnetism
"Pietro.. was it?" Said Roxas
"Yup" said Pietro putting the remote to the side
"…You're powers are speed right?" said Roxas
"Yup" said Pietro
"…How?" said Roxas
"How what?" said Pietro
"….You're power is being fast.." said Roxas
"Yeah. What about it?" said Pietro
"…and your dad has magnetism" said Roxas
"and?" said Pietro like it's the most normal thing
"…and you don't have his powers and have speed instead?" said Roxas
"Ooooh I see your confusion" said Pietro "Yeah. Genetics are a weird thing when jt comes to mutant powers"
"Lucky genetics. That's for sure.." muttered Todd as he imagined himself being super fast
"Say, you guys wanna go take your boards for a test ride?" said Pietro
"Nope" said Lance as he went to bed
"Meh" said Todd jumping back on the couch as he turned on the TV
Roxas would shrug his shoulders, for an odd reason he felt the skateboard in his hands feels like something fun…
Something….familiar to himself…
Roxas could only why as in a split second he felt Pietro's arm wrap around him
"Alrighty new friendo slowpoke-o" said Pietro "Rolling down and riding fast" as he drags Roxas out of the motel room
"Have fun Rocky. And other guy…" muttered Todd as he continued watching
Meanwhile
As the car cruised along the highway back to the X-Mansion, the air inside was quiet but not uncomfortable. Evan sat slouched in the back seat beside Xion, his skateboard resting against his knees. Ororo was focused on the road ahead, but she kept glancing at the rearview mirror, checking on them
Evan finally broke the silence, his voice hesitant. "So… Xion, what's it like? You know… at the Institute?"
Xion turned to him, offering a small smile. "I like it very much. It's… welcoming. You don't have to worry about being judged or misunderstood there."
Evan raised an eyebrow. "Welcoming? You mean they're all just fine with people having crazy powers?"
She nodded earnestly. "Yeah. Everyone there is different, but It's not like school-school, if that's what you're worried about."
Evan smirked faintly. "Yeah, well, not sure I'm the 'school spirit' type."
Xion tilted her head. "You don't have to be. You'll still get to be you. I'm sure you'll like it there."
Evan looked out the window, watching the scenery blur by. Her words were comforting, but he wasn't ready to admit it out loud. "I don't know. Feels like my whole life's been flipped upside down. This mutant stuff… it's not easy to deal with."
Ororo spoke up from the driver's seat, her tone gentle. "That's why the Institute exists, Evan. You're not alone in this."
Evan glanced at her reflection in the rearview mirror, seeing the care in her eyes. Then he glanced at Xion, who gave him an encouraging smile
"Alright," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess it won't hurt to check it out."
Xion's smile brightened. "That's the spirit"
Ororo smiled softly, keeping her focus on the road. "I promise, Evan. This is just the beginning of something good for you."
Evan didn't respond immediately, but the small, hopeful flicker in his eyes suggested that maybe, just maybe, he was starting to believe them
The car pulled up to the sprawling grounds of the Xavier Institute, its impressive architecture framed by the soft glow of the afternoon sun. As they stepped out, Evan found himself scanning the place, feeling both awe and unease at the sheer scale of the mansion. Not too long after. Scott's car pulled up as well
Waiting near the entrance were Professor Xavier and Aqua. Xavier sat calmly in his wheelchair, his kind demeanor immediately putting Evan somewhat at ease. Aqua, standing beside him, smiled warmly at the sight of Ororo, Xion, Scott, and Jean returning
"Welcome back," Aqua greeted, her tone light but sincere. Her gaze shifted to Evan, and her smile widened. "And you must be the Ororo's Nephew"
"Uh, yeah." Evan adjusted his backpack awkwardly. "You… one of the teachers here?" Aqua was caught off guard by the question. And Xion held down a slight giggle
"Well… no," she said, stepping forward. "I am Aqua, It's nice to meet you." She glanced at Ororo and then back to Evan, her expression slightly surprise
Evan nodded, feeling all eyes on him. "Yeah, I guess so, My names Evan"
Jean stepped up beside Evan, her tone reassuring. "You'll like it here, Evan. I promise."
"Yeah," Xion chimed in, standing on his other side. "It's not as overwhelming as it seems. Everyone's really nice."
As Evan shifted his weight nervously, Professor Xavier rolled closer, his serene presence instantly commanding attention. "Evan, welcome to the Xavier Institute. This is more than just a school—it's a family. A place where you can grow, learn, and find your place in the world."
Evan met Xavier's gaze, feeling a strange sense of calm wash over him. "Uh, thanks… I think."
Xavier smiled knowingly. "I understand this is a lot to take in. But you've already taken the first step by coming here. I look forward to helping you discover your potential."
Ororo placed a hand on Evan's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "You'll be alright here, Evan. I promise"
Evan sighed, his usual stubbornness softening as he looked at the welcoming faces around him. "Alright."
Aqua grinned. "Come on, we'll show you around."
As the group led Evan inside, the weight of uncertainty began to lift slightly from his shoulders
As the group stepped into the mansion, Evan's eyes widened, taking in the grand interior. His gaze, however, immediately landed on Kurt, who appeared put of nowhere with a "poof" whose blue fur and tail made him stand out
"Whoa!" Evan blurted out, taking a step back
Kurt looked up, startled, and then sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "Oh, sorry about that!" he said, his thick German accent evident. "I forgot to adjust my watch."
With a few twists on his watch, Kurt's appearance shimmered and changed, taking on a more human form. "Better?" he asked, smiling apologetically as Evan looked over his hologram appearance
Evan blinked, his surprise giving way to curiosity. "Wait… your watch can do that ? That's actually kinda cool."
Kurt grinned. "Danke. Though I am sorry you saw my real appearance for a moment."
Before Evan could respond, a cheerful voice called out, "Hey! You must be the new guy!" Turning, he saw Kitty Pryde approaching with a bright smile
"I'm Kitty," she said, extending her hand. "Welcome to the Institute!"
"Uh, thanks," Evan replied, shaking her hand awkwardly
"Come on," Kitty said, motioning for him to follow. "Let's show you around. You're gonna love it here!"
As they walked through the halls, Evan took in the sights, his amazement tempered by an undercurrent of unease. When they passed by Logan, Evan felt a cold stare boring into him.
Logan crossed his arms, his expression serious. "Don't mess up, kid," he said gruffly, his tone almost a growl
Evan froze, gulping slightly. "I… I won't," he said, trying to sound confident but coming off more sheepish
Logan gave him a final look before walking off, leaving Evan to mutter under his breath, "Man, what's his deal?"
Still, a part of Evan couldn't shake the anger simmering inside him. The memory of Pietro setting him up and escaping scot-free gnawed at him, even as he tried to focus on the present
"Now then Evan, you are just in time for dinner" said Ororo as everyone gets excited to have some food. And Evan feeling that a nice meal would make him feel a little better as everyone then began to head to the dining room
Xion sat between Aqua and Ororo, chatting quietly with them, while Evan was directed to sit between Kurt and Scott.
"So," Scott said, glancing at him, "first impressions of the place?"
Evan shrugged, trying to keep it casual. "It's alright, I guess."
Kurt chuckled. "Give it a week. You'll be calling it home in no time."
Evan couldn't help but smirk slightly at Kurt's optimism, though the anger he felt toward Pietro still lingered in the back of his mind. As everyone settled in for dinner, Logan made his way to the kitchen, his claws gleaming as he expertly sliced through a stack of pork chops. He loaded several onto his plate, ignoring the amused and slightly horrified stares from the others
Kitty couldn't help herself. "Uh, Logan? You know eating that much pork is probably gonna clog up your arteries, right?"
Logan glanced at her with a smirk, completely unfazed. "Thanks for your concern, kid," he said confidently, taking a hearty bite out of one of the chops
Kitty rolled her eyes, mumbling, "You're impossible."
Meanwhile, Xion turned to Ororo with a hopeful look. "Ororo, do you think we could visit Vivian and Marcel again sometime soon?."
Ororo smiled warmly. "Of course, Xion. I'll schedule a visit for later next week. Vivian mentioned how much she loved having you around, so I'm sure they'll be thrilled to see you again."
Xion's face lit up at the thought. "Thank you"
As she and Aqua receive their plates of potatoes, corn, rice, and some pork chop slices. To Xion it smelt amazing
And Aqua. While the food did look good. In the back of her mind. She yearned for Ventus and Terra to be with them
Little later
After dinner, Scott leaned over to Evan with a curious grin. "So, you ready to see what you're capable of? Training's not just about learning control; it's also pretty fun."
Evan hesitated for a moment, but the eager looks from Scott and the others pushed him to nod. "Yeah, I guess. Lead the way."
Scott stood and motioned for Evan to follow, with Kurt tagging along excitedly. "This'll be awesome! Velcome to the Danger Room, man. You're going to love it!"
Logan, arms crossed, smirked as he trailed behind. "Let's see if the kid's got what it takes."
As they left, Xion suddenly seemed to remember something. She turned to Aqua, who was finishing her drink. "Aqua, can I talk to you for a second? In private?"
Aqua, noticing the serious tone in Xion's voice, nodded. "Of course. Let's step outside."
The two excused themselves and walked out into the mansion's peaceful garden, the moonlight casting soft glows on the flowers. Aqua glanced at Xion curiously. "What's on your mind?"
Xion hesitated, looking down at her hands before meeting Aqua's gaze. "It's… about Roxas. There's something I want to ask you."
Aqua's expression shifted, a mix of curiosity and concern. "What about him?" as she still needed to get used to calling him that around Xion
Xion took a deep breath, preparing to reveal her thoughts, her expression conflicted. "What should we even talk about with Roxas when we see him? It feels like we're all just… waiting, but we're not sure for what."
Aqua sighed, glancing up at the stars. "If we do talk to him, we need to figure out a plan—a real plan—about how to return home someday. We can't just drift here forever, no matter how comfortable things might feel right now."
Xion hesitated before softly asking, "But… what if this place could be our new home instead? Everyone here has been kind, and it feels like… we're starting to belong."
Aqua's expression wavered, her usual confidence faltering. "I don't know, Xion. I really don't. A part of me agrees with you. The longer we stay, the more attached I feel to this world, to these people. But…" She trailed off, her voice tinged with guilt
"But?" Xion pressed, sensing Aqua's inner conflict
Aqua's eyes met Xion's, filled with a quiet resolve. "But we don't belong here. Not really. If the opportunity comes to return to our home—even if it's sudden, even if it means leaving without saying goodbye—we have to take it. It's the right thing to do."
Xion looked down, her heart heavy with the weight of Aqua's words. "No one here knows the truth about us. Not even Xavier, Logan, or… Ororo. Do you ever feel guilty about that?"
Aqua nodded slowly, her voice soft. "Every day. But until we figure out what to do, it's safer this way. For us, and for them."
The two stood in silence for a moment, the sound of the wind rustling through the garden surrounding them. Despite their guilt and uncertainty, they both knew they had to protect the bonds they'd formed here, even if their stay was destined to be temporary
Aqua glanced at Xion, sensing the weight of their conversation, and decided to shift the mood. "Let's change the subject. Xion, if there was something you always wanted to do—something that didn't involve Keyblades or fighting—what would it be?"
Xion blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Something… not about Keyblades?" as Aqua nodded to her
Xion hesitated, her imagination flickering to life
She pictured a cozy home bathed in sunlight, filled with laughter and warmth. Her mind lingered on a vivid image of Roxas smiling at her, gently lifting her into his arms in a playful yet tender gesture. In her vision, she leaned forward, capturing his lips in a kiss that felt both natural and profound
Breaking from her daydream, Xion smiled softly. "I've always wanted a home," she said, her voice filled with quiet longing. "A place with warm, friendly people who love and support each other. A place where… I could just belong." Her voice grew softer. "And honestly, I feel like this place could be the one…what about you Aqua?.."
Aqua nodded, her gaze drifting as she thought for herself.
A sudden, vivid idea flashed through her mind. It was subtle but deeply meaningful: her hand interlaced with Roxas's, the warm sand of a beach underfoot, and the two of them leaning closer as if their hearts had found an unspoken connection. Aqua blinked back to reality, a faint blush brushing her cheeks.
"I'd want to see the ocean," she admitted softly. "Not just any ocean—but with friends. To share that moment of peace with the people I care about…."
"..i like that a lot actually… I would like to do the same" said Xion
Aqua tilted her head, as she then gained a new question. "Xion…why wouldn't you want to go back?"
Xion looked away, the shadows of her past creeping into her expression. "Because I don't have anywhere to return to," she said vaguely, her tone heavy with unspoken pain. "I don't want to go back to that cold, empty place… it was never a home."
Aqua's chest tightened at the sadness in Xion's eyes. She considered pressing further but stopped herself, instead offering a gentle smile. "We don't have to figure everything out now," she said reassuringly. "I'm sorry if it feels like I'm being unfair or rushing you."
Xion's smile returned, warmer this time. "It's okay, Aqua. I know you're just looking out for me."
Aqua placed a comforting hand on Xion's shoulder. "For now, let's focus on reuniting with Roxas. After that, we can decide what to do—and where we truly belong."
It still irked Aqua to refer to him as Roxas rather than Ventus
Xion nodded, her spirits lifting. "Yeah. One step at a time."
"Let's head in… I'm glad we were able to talk about this" said Aqua as she and Xion began to head back into the mansion, as Aqua led the way, her mind drifting as they began to head to the Danger Room where everyone else was
Xion walked beside her, glancing at Aqua's expression. "You okay?" Xion asked, tilting her head.
Aqua blinked and offered a soft smile. "Yeah, just… thinking."
Xion nodded, deciding not to pry further. Instead, they continued in comfortable silence, but Aqua's thoughts lingered
What if Roxas doesn't want to leave either?
The question circled in her mind like a restless tide. She couldn't ignore how comfortable she and Xion were becoming here, nor could she deny the pull of the connections they were forming. But Roxas?
Would he see this place as a home too? Would he even want to leave if they found him?
Aqua's hand brushed against the cool railing of the staircase as they descended, her pace slowing. If he chose to stay, could she blame him?
"Aqua?" Xion's voice pulled her back to the present
Aqua turned to see Xion watching her curiously, concern flickering in her eyes. "Sorry, just lost in thought," Aqua said with a sheepish smile
they were immediately greeted by the sight of ramps, half-pipes, and rails sprawled across the expansive room. Evan was in the center of it all, effortlessly navigating the course on his skateboard. He launched off a ramp with an impressive flip, narrowly dodging a rubber ball shot at him by Scott
"Nice try!" Evan called out, landing gracefully and zooming toward another obstacle.
Scott smirked, reloading his launcher. "Don't get cocky!"
Meanwhile, Jean, Kitty, and Kurt each took their turns aiming and firing rubber balls at Evan, who twisted and turned with incredible agility, managing to avoid most of the shots
"Whoa," Xion said, her eyes wide with admiration
"Yeah," Aqua agreed, her gaze following Evan as he executed a smooth grind along a rail. "I didn't realize skateboarding could look so… cool."
Later that night
Evan laid in his new bed for a bit. After some training. He felt that was fun. But it's just that. He still felt angry. Angry that Pietro screwed him over. But since he has to be living here in the institute. Maybe it would be good to have a quick stroll around bayvile
It could get his mind of Pietro too
Evan slowly got up and grabbed his skateboard. And carefully creaked his door open. Ther was no one in the hall. Therefore no one to catch him. As he began to sneak down the hallway and down the stairs
He looked around. Thankfully Ororo didn't seem to be near and most likely in her room. Which got him a sneaky smile as he quietly snuck over to the door and carefully opened it and slipped out
He then tossed his skateboard on the ground and began to roll. Eventually rolling past the gates and into the streets
The cool air rushed past Evan's face as he carved through the streets on his skateboard, enjoying the freedom of the ride. Now that he'd slipped out of the mansion without telling anyone, craving a moment to himself and a chance to explore Bayville
As he cruised through a quiet stretch of road, he spotted another skateboarder up ahead, effortlessly gliding along with smooth, calculated movements. Something about the figure—a boy with blond, spiky hair—caught Evan's attention. There was a strange familiarity, a feeling he couldn't quite place
"Why does he remind me of Xion?" Evan thought
Curiosity got the better of him, and Evan sped up to catch the guy, who turned out to be Roxas. "Yo!" he called out
The blond skater glanced over his shoulder, his blue eyes calm and quiet. "Hey," he said simply before returning his attention to the road
Evan rolled alongside him, matching his pace. "What brings you out here?"
Roxas hesitated for a moment before answering, "Just needed some air. What about you?"
"I'm new in town," Evan replied, feeling an odd vibe from the guy. "I'm starting at Bayville High soon."
Roxas gave a small nod. "I see. Good luck there."
They continued riding in silence for a few moments, the sound of their wheels on the pavement the only noise between them. Evan couldn't shake the feeling that there was something… off about this guy. But he brushed it off, figuring he was overthinking
After a while, the Roxas spoke again. "I've got to catch up with a friend," he said, turning his board toward a side street. "Maybe I'll see you around school."
"Wait," Evan said, watching as the boy started to pull away. "What's your name?"
Roxas didn't answer. Instead, he took a sharp turn down an alley, disappearing from view
Determined to find out more, Evan quickly followed. Yet, as he rounded the corner, there was no sign of the blond anywhere
Instead, a new voice rang out, one that immediately set Evan's nerves on edge.
"Well, well, well. Look who's out for a stroll."
Evan froze, his grip tightening on his board as Pietro zipped into view, casually leaning against a lamppost with a smug grin
"Didn't think I'd see you so soon, Porcupine," Pietro taunted, his tone dripping with mockery. "Miss me?"
Evan's muscles tensed as sharp bone spikes began to protrude from his forearms and back, glinting faintly under the dim streetlights. His skateboard clattered to the ground as he clenched his fists, his mind swirling with anger
"You've got some nerve showing your face, Pietro," Evan growled
Pietro leaned casually against the lamppost, unfazed by Evan's display. In fact, he seemed amused, a sly smirk playing on his lips. "Whoa, easy there, Spike. You've still got that temper, huh?"
Evan took a threatening step forward. "You framed me! You set me up, and you think it's funny?"
Pietro chuckled, casually dusting off his jacket. "Well, you would look pretty good in orange. How was the food? Three square meals, right?"
"That's prison you asshole!" said an enraged Evan "You know I wasn't there!"
The taunt was the last straw. Evan lunged, sending a volley of sharp spikes toward Pietro. But in a blur of motion, Pietro zipped out of the way, laughing
"Too slow!" Pietro teased, reappearing several feet away. "C'mon, Evan. Is that all you've got?"
Evan gritted his teeth, his spikes retracting and reforming as he prepared for another attack
Meanwhile
Jean walked briskly through the hallways of the mansion, heading toward Evan's room. She had intended to check in with him, hoping to ask how he was settling in and what he thought about the mansion so far. However, as she approached the door, she paused, her brow furrowing
The room was eerily quiet. Jean reached out with her mind, searching for Evan's presence, only to realize he wasn't there.
"Evan's gone," she murmured, her concern growing
She quickly turned and headed toward the common area, where she found Xion sitting on a couch, reading. "Xion," Jean said urgently, "have you seen Evan?"
Xion glanced up, surprised. "No, I haven't. I thought he was still in his room."
Jean frowned and hurried to find Scott, who was in the garage tinkering with one of the vehicles. "Scott," she called out, "have you seen Evan?"
Scott looked up from under the hood of the car, wiping his hands with a rag. "No, I haven't. Wait…" He glanced around, suddenly realizing something. "He's not in the mansion, is he?"
Jean shook her head. "I just checked. He's gone."
Closing her eyes, Jean focused her telepathic abilities to locate him. Within moments, her mind zeroed in on Evan's presence—and the unmistakable feeling of conflict. "He's in a fight," she said, her voice tight with urgency. "And he's losing."
Scott's jaw tightened. "Let's go. He's going to need backup."
Jean and Scott started toward his car, and as they passed by the kitchen, they spotted Aqua. Jean gestured for her to join them. "Aqua, we need you to come with us. Evan's in trouble."
Aqua immediately nodded, sensing the seriousness of the situation. She followed the two of them to Scott's car, where Xion had already climbed into the back seat.
On the drive into the city, Jean explained the situation. "Evan is fighting someone!" she said, glancing back at Aqua and Xion. "He's angry, and he's outmatched. If we don't get there soon, this could end badly."
Xion and Aqua exchanged worried looks. "We'll make it," Xion said firmly
Scott's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Hang on, Evan. We're coming."
Back to Evan
Play: Half Life OST – Klaxon Beat
Evan gritted his teeth as he lunged at Pietro, his spikes extending from his forearms. Pietro smirked, effortlessly sidestepping the attack and leaving Evan stumbling forward
"You're getting better, Spikey," Pietro said mockingly, "but you're still not fast enough."
Evan glared at him, panting heavily. "I'm not letting you off this time, Pietro!"
Pietro yawned dramatically, as if bored. Then he cupped his hands around his mouth and called out, "Hey, Rocky! You enjoying the show?"
Evan blinked in confusion. "Rocky? Who's Rocky? Unless.."
There was no response, but Pietro's smirk widened, as if he knew something the others didn't
Before Pietro could say more, a sudden laser shot cut through the air, forcing him to dodge at the last second. He turned to see Scott, Jean, Aqua, and Xion standing nearby, their expressions determined
"Well, well, the cavalry has arrived," Pietro quipped, dusting himself off. "Guess this is gonna get a little more exciting."
Jean's eyes narrowed as she stepped forward. "Who are you?" she asked
"That's the guy who set me up! Pietro!" Evan snapped, pointing an accusing finger at Pietro.
Pietro chuckled, unfazed. "Guilty as charged," he admitted smugly. "And what are you gonna do about it? Send me to detention?"
Scott aimed his visor at Pietro, clearly ready for a fight. "You messed with one of us, and that makes it our business."
Pietro rolled his eyes and wagged a finger at them. "Ah, ah, ah. You're gonna have to catch me first."
Without warning, Pietro sped toward Evan, knocking him off his feet in a blur before retreating to a safe distance. "Come on, Rocky," he called out again, his voice dripping with mockery. "You're just gonna sit this one out? Thought you'd have my back."
Jean's gaze darted around, trying to locate this "Rocky" Pietro was addressing, but there was no sign of anyone else
Xion got curious. "Is someone else here?"
"Maybe he's just trying to mess with us," Aqua said, her eyes narrowing at Pietro seeing how dangerous he is with speed
"Enough games!" Scott barked, unleashing another laser blast, which Pietro easily dodged
"You're gonna have to try harder than that," Pietro sneered, before glancing at Evan. "Don't worry, Spikey. I'll be sure to write you a postcard when I leave you in the dust."
Evan growled, getting back to his feet. "You're not getting away this time, Pietro!"
Jean stepped closer to Evan, her voice calm but firm. "We'll handle this together. Don't let him get under your skin."
Pietro smirked, his confidence unshaken. "Oh, I'm counting on it. So, who's next?" as he then darting back and forth around the group, his movements too quick for any of them to follow clearly. He zipped by Scott, forcing him to misfire his visor blast, and then swerved past Jean, causing her to stumble
"You're all way too slow for this game!" Pietro taunted, his voice a blur as he dodged every attempt to corner him
But Aqua and Xion stood firm, their Keyblades shimmering in their hands. The moment Pietro darted toward Xion, she swung her Keyblade in a calculated arc, forcing him to change direction. Aqua anticipated his movement, her weapon sparking with magic as she launched a bubble shot that nearly got his heels
"Whoa!" Pietro yelped, skidding to a halt. "What are those things?!"
Aqua narrowed her eyes. "Let's just say they're not something you can outrun."
Pietro's cocky grin faltered as he noticed the two women coordinating their movements. Every time he made a move toward one, the other was there to counter him, forcing him to stay on his toes.
Unbeknownst to them, Roxas watched from the shadows, his face tense as his gaze lingered on Aqua and Xion. Every time Pietro engaged them, his fists clenched, his heart torn between stepping in and staying hidden
Before Roxas could make a decision, Jean seized an opening. Her eyes glowed as she used her telekinesis to lift Pietro off the ground. "Let's see you run now," she said, her voice steady
"Hey, hey, put me down!" Pietro yelled, flailing in the air
"You're not so fast when you can't touch the ground, huh?" Evan mocked, his spikes extending as he advanced toward him
Pietro scowled, and in a desperate move, he spun rapidly, generating a whirlwind that began to form into a tornado. The group staggered back, shielding themselves from the debris swirling around them
"This is bad!" Scott shouted
Aqua glanced at Xion, a determined look in her eyes. "We have to stop him."
Xion nodded. "Together."
The two of them charged forward, their Keyblades glowing with power. Timing their strikes perfectly, they slashed through the base of the tornado, disrupting its momentum and forcing Pietro to stop his spinning
Before Pietro could recover, Evan lunged forward, pinning him against a nearby wall with his spikes. Pietro struggled, glaring at him
"Let me go, you spiky little punk!" Pietro demanded
Evan smirked, leaning in. "Not so fun when you're the one stuck, huh? Maybe the cops will enjoy hearing about all the trouble you've caused. And guess what? LIVE AND LEARN"
As the sound of approaching sirens grew louder, the group exchanged nervous glances
"We need to move," Jean urged
Reluctantly, Evan pulled back, retracting his spikes as the group began to retreat. As he gives Pietro the middle finger before running off
As they ran, Xion glanced back one last time and froze for a moment. In the shadows, she saw a faint silhouette—Roxas. He stepped forward, his expression unreadable, and effortlessly yanked the remaining spikes off Pietro
"Roxas?" Xion whispered, her heart skipping a beat
But before she could call out, Pietro and Roxas vanished in an instant, leaving no trace behind
Xion turned back, her mind racing with questions as she rejoined the others. Aqua noticed her distracted look but chose not to press, focusing instead on getting everyone to safety
Later the next morning
The soft hum of the greenhouse filled the air as Xion carefully watered the plants, her hands steady but her mind racing. She worked alongside Ororo, who was tending to a cluster of vibrant flowers, her calm presence grounding the space
After a while, Ororo glanced at Xion, noticing the girl's unusually quiet demeanor. "Xion, is something on your mind? You seem… troubled."
Xion hesitated, her fingers brushing against the leaves of a potted plant. "I was just thinking…" she began cautiously. "Have you ever cared about someone who… might've been in with the wrong crowd?"
Ororo paused, her eyes softening as she picked up on the weight behind Xion's question. She knelt to adjust the soil of a nearby plant, her voice thoughtful. "Yes, I have. There was someone here, long ago, who was… rough around the edges, to say the least. Hostile, even. He had little patience for others and didn't trust anyone."
Xion looked up, curious. "What happened?"
Ororo smiled faintly, her gaze distant as she recalled the memory. "Professor Xavier gave him a chance, despite all the reasons not to. I'll admit, at the time, I was nervous. I didn't know if he'd ever see things differently, but… slowly, he did. He turned a new leaf, and now he's one of the most dependable people here."
Though Ororo didn't name him, her subtle warmth made Xion suspect she was talking about Logan. She studied Ororo's expression, realizing there was a deeper fondness in her tone
Xion's mind wandered back to the silhouette she had seen during the fight. If that really had been Roxas helping Pietro… was he lost in a bad crowd too? Could she find a way to bring him back, to give him the chance he might not know he needed?
Ororo's voice interrupted her thoughts. "Why do you ask, Xion? Is there someone you're thinking about?"
Xion hesitated, gripping the watering can tighter. "Maybe. There's someone I care about, but I'm not sure how to approach him. I don't even know if he'd want to talk to me."
Ororo straightened, brushing her hands off and giving Xion a gentle look. "If this person means that much to you, don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the first chance you're given. Sometimes, it's the smallest gesture that opens the door to something greater."
Xion nodded, her resolve strengthening. "Thank you, Ororo. I think I needed to hear that."
Ororo smiled and placed a hand on Xion's shoulder. "You'll know what to do when the time comes. Trust yourself."
As Xion returned to watering the plants, her mind felt a little clearer. If she did see Roxas again, she would take that first chance to reach out to him, no matter how uncertain it felt
To be Continued
Trivia
1: I was going to extend this chapter to another school day. But my own impatience took over
2: I legit forgot that Roxas can skateboard until writing this chaoter and playing Kingdom Hearts 2.
3: the whole reason why Xion was present in meeting Evan was because one thing. And that was because I personally believe that of all the Xmen in the entirety of Xmen Evolution. She would've gotten along with Ororo the most. And no doubt I think Ororo would've wanted to do something nice for her hence the invitation
4: funny enough the soundtracks I've been listening to when writing this has been largely OSTs from Sonic Games. Many of those tracks are straight up gold
The song I listened to the most is Crush 40's "Open Your Heart"
5: everytime I think of Roxas. I also ways think of Shadow the hedgehog. While I don't know how many of you are also Sonic fans like I am. And if you're not I'd recommend looking into Shadow when you get the chance
His story have themes rather similar to Roxas. To a surprising degree
6: The game I've played the most within the past few months is Shadow Gens. And Dayum the DLC level has been the new level I played the most
Lucky 7: I can certainly promise that the next chapter will actually be within this year. Hope you guys continue to stick around for it
And thank you all who choose to stick around. It means the world to have your interest
So until next time everyone
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