Welcome to chapter threeeee yippee
Kaiserreich99 – Thank you :)
Endermetherborn – I appreciate you a lot, and don't worry, Roxas and Xion won't be on opposing sides forever
But give it some time and I think it may pay off, I hope
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Xion stared at herself in the mirror as she takes off her Organization cloak to see her outfit. A white sleeveless top with a black vest over it
Come to think of it. Roxas has always seen her wearing the cloak and vice versa with him
And would he like it? As she then wonders the outfit Roxas could be wearing under his cloak
And then imagined him wearing les-
"!" said Xion shaking her head at the thought. But then she heard the blackbird land getting her curiosity
Professor X wheeled into the mansion, leading Aqua through the spacious corridors of the X-Mansion. Aqua's eyes scanned the impressive interior, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. Suddenly, her gaze locked onto a familiar figure standing near the entrance of the main hall, causing her to stop in her tracks
"You…" Aqua's voice was filled with surprise, her finger pointing directly at the person in front of her
The figure stepped forward, revealing herself fully in the light. "Yes… me…" said Xion, her expression calm but with a hint of emotion underlying her words
Professor X looked between the two women, his curiosity piqued. "I see you both know each other?"
Aqua hesitated, her eyes still fixed on Xion. "...Sort of," she finally responded, her voice tinged with a mix of caution and relief. Professor X's interest was clearly piqued by the cryptic exchange
A faint smile appeared on Xion's lips. "I'm glad you made it out," she said softly, her eyes meeting Aqua's with genuine warmth
Aqua's tense expression softened slightly, but a shadow of concern remained. "Did he also make it?" she asked, her voice lowering as she subtly referred to Roxas, the unspoken name carrying weight between them
Xion's smile faded, replaced by an uncertain look. She glanced away briefly before meeting Aqua's eyes again. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness and uncertainty. "After we got separated, I lost track of him."
The room seemed to grow quieter as the weight of Xion's words settled in. Aqua's mind raced, a mix of hope and worry churning within her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her thoughts
Professor X, sensing the depth of their unspoken connection, decided to give them a moment. "Why don't you both catch up? I'll arrange for someone to show you to your quarters, Aqua," he suggested kindly
As he wheeled away, Aqua and Xion stood facing each other, the silence between them filled with unspoken questions and shared memories. Aqua took a tentative step forward, her eyes searching Xion's for reassurance
"Xion, I… I need to know what happened after we got separated," Aqua said, her voice barely above a whisper
"I woke up in the middle of a city," Xion began, her voice carrying the weight of disorientation. "But not too long afterward, the Professor found me. And I've been here since."
"I see... It must have been quite an adjustment for you," said Aqua with her voice soft with empathy. She hesitated, then asked, "But do you think... Ventus is close?"
Xion furrowed her brow, the name stirring a sense of confusion and familiarity
"...I still don't understand why you call him that… That's not his name," said Xion pondering the peculiar spelling in her mind.
Aqua's expression remained resolute. "...Maybe to you," she replied gently. "But he's Ventus. I know he is."
Xion's eyes narrowed slightly as she tried to reconcile the two identities. "...That's interesting. But I've always known his name as Roxas. There's no way that Ventus is his name… not spelled like that," not realizing she accidently hinted at the Organization's naming tendencies
Aqua offered a reassuring smile. "Well, if it's anything, I guess these nice people can help us"
Xion's smile widened. "Come on. You have to meet the others," she said, her excitement palpable as she led Aqua out of the room and headed towards the kitchen
Xion poked her head into the kitchen, her eyes scanning the room cautiously. Aqua, noticing her friend's apprehensive stance, followed her gaze and saw Logan seated at the table, reading a newspaper. Xion quickly ducked back around the corner, her breath hitching
Logan sighed, sensing her presence. "Look, kid. I'm sorry I scared you that day," he said without looking up from his newspaper. "I promise I won't go nuts."
Xion hesitated, then peeked back into the room. "Is something wrong, Xion?" Aqua asked, concern lacing her voice
"No... not anymore," Xion replied, her tension easing. Together, they stepped into the kitchen. Aqua's eyes lingered on Logan, who remained engrossed in his paper
"Uh... hello?" Aqua ventured, her voice tentative
Logan glanced up briefly, giving her a nod of acknowledgment before returning his focus to the newspaper. "New here?" he asked gruffly
"Yes... may I ask your name?" Aqua inquired, her curiosity piqued by his rugged demeanor
"Logan," he replied, folding the newspaper and standing up. "Gotta tend to my bike." With that, he left the kitchen, leaving Aqua and Xion in a momentary silence
"He seems pretty..." Aqua began, searching for the right word
"Rough... yes," Xion finished for her. "But I've been told he's always that way. He's also very reliable.
"I see," Aqua said thoughtfully as Xion opened the fridge, pulling out some leftover pancakes from the previous day
"...there's something you should try," Xion said, placing the pancakes in the microwave
Aqua watched the plate spin in the microwave, her curiosity piqued. "Those look good," she said as the microwave beeped, signaling the pancakes were ready
Xion smiled, placing the warm pancakes on a plate and offering them to Aqua. "Yes, then there's the other thing I wanted to ask," she began hesitantly. "Do you have any idea how we can return home?"
Aqua's expression softened with sympathy. "I… am afraid I don't know," she admitted. "My magic doesn't have the ability for world transportation. I would've assumed you could do it when we got here."
"Well… no… it's just that when it happened, when I used my magic, the teleportation wasn't from me," Xion explained, her voice tinged with frustration and confusion
Aqua's eyes widened in shock. "…do you think it was Ventus?" she asked, using his name cautiously
Xion's expression tightened slightly at the mention of Ventus. "I… don't know. If Roxas is responsible for it," she said, causing Aqua to frown slightly at the name Roxas. Xion handed Aqua a plate with pancakes. "Try some."
Aqua took a bite, her eyes lighting up in surprise and delight. "These are incredible," she said, savoring the flavor. "Nothing like I've ever had before."
Xion grinned, pleased to see Aqua enjoying the food. "Yeah, the kitchen here has its perks," she said, taking a bite herself
Aqua's mood lifted slightly. "Maybe the X-Mansion won't be so bad with food like this," she said, and they both giggled, a moment of shared comfort in their uncertain situation. Aqua then yawned
"Did the professor give you a room?" said Xion as Aqua nodded "You should probably get some rest then. You look tired"
"I think I will" said Aqua as she gets up
"do you need assistance to your room?
"No, I got it" said Aqua as she gets to walk to her room. Xion looks at her with a slight smile that she at least has one other person to speak to more personally, then. She heard an unexpectedly loud rev sound
She looks out the window to see Logan seemingly hurrying to finish adjusting his bike
Scott and Kurt stood on the mansion's balcony, observing Wolverine as he suited up and roared off on his motorcycle, frustration evident in his movements
"Hey, look. Where is he going?" Kurt asked, his tail flicking with curiosity
"Beats me," Scott replied with a shrug, his eyes following the retreating figure
"Shall we follow him?" Kurt suggested, a mischievous grin spreading across his face
Scott returned the smile, holding up his car keys. "Why not? Could be interesting."
Kurt turned and called out, "Hey Xion, we're going to follow Wolverine. Want to come?"
Xion, feeling a mix of boredom and curiosity, responded, "...Sure," and joined the two in the garage
As they walked toward Scott's car, Kurt asked, "Do we go full armor in?" pointing to the X-Van
"Nah, we go with a lower profile and style," Scott said, unlocking the car. The three of them got in, the engine humming to life.
Xion, still feeling uneasy about seeing Wolverine again, couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement for an adventure so different from her life with the Organization. As Scott's car turned onto the road, they kept a safe distance from Wolverine, who seemed oblivious to their presence
The chase led them through winding streets and busy intersections, certainly giving Xion a better look of the city she had barely seen
until Wolverine, in an impressive display of skill, used unfinished construction buildings as ramps, gaining higher ground with breathtaking stunts. It was then that Xion noticed Wolverine wasn't alone—he was following another motorcyclist
"Who do you think he's after?" Xion asked, leaning forward in her seat
"Not sure," Scott replied, his eyes narrowing. "But we'll find out soon enough."
As Wolverine closed in on his target, a flicker of movement caught his attention. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a figure standing on a far away rooftop
The figure seemed to be watching him intently, a curious yet distant presence. Wolverine's sharp gaze narrowed, recognizing the distinctive blonde hair and the dark cloak fluttering in the breeze
In an instant, the figure vanished, disappearing into the labyrinth of the city. It had to be the same person he fought in front of the X-Mansion the other day
Wolverine pushed the thought aside, his focus snapping back to Sabertooth
Eventually, Wolverine pulled into a parking structure, the sounds of fighting echoing through the concrete. Scott parked at a distance, and the trio cautiously approached. Suddenly, a motorcycle was hurled towards them with alarming speed
"Watch out!" both Xion and Scott yelled simultaneously. Nightcrawler acted quickly, teleporting all three away just in time to avoid the crashing motorcycle
Crash!*
Scott's car was now a mangled wreck. "My car!" Scott exclaimed, his voice filled with frustration. "Damn it. That's going to be a hassle to fix."
"Up there!" Xion pointed, spotting Wolverine locked in combat with Sabertooth on the upper level of the parking structure
Determined to help, Xion summoned her Keyblade and performed an impressive high jump, jumping from floor to floor until she reached Wolverine's level. Cyclops and Nightcrawler looked on in surprise that she could do that
"Wait, Xion!" Cyclops called out, but she was already too far ahead
"Our destinies shall end when one of us falls!" Sabertooth growled, pushing a car towards Wolverine with monstrous strength
"I didn't take you for that mumbo jumbo crap!" Wolverine retorted, straining to keep the car from crushing him
Xion, seeing the struggle, shot a fireball at Sabertooth, knocking him back into another car. "Well, damn. The little girl has a trick up her sleeve," Sabertooth sneered, regaining his footing
Nightcrawler teleported next to Sabertooth, only to be swatted away effortlessly. "Huh-!" Sabertooth grunted, using his arm to shield himself from Cyclops' optic blast.
Xion ran over to help Wolverine, but he held out a hand, signaling her to stop. With a grunt of effort, Wolverine pushed the car off himself and stood up, his claws glinting in the dim light
"This is between me and you, Sabertooth. The rest of you stay out of it," he growled
Xion, Cyclops, and Nightcrawler exchanged uncertain glances but held their ground a few paces back
Sabertooth smirked, his fangs gleaming. "Afraid your friends can't handle a little tussle, Logan?"
Wolverine lunged, his claws aiming for Sabertooth's throat. The two clashed in a blur of furious strikes, their claws sparking against each other. Sabertooth swiped at Wolverine's chest, tearing through his uniform but missing flesh as Logan twisted out of the way.
Despite Wolverine's warning, Xion felt compelled to intervene , dashing forward with a burst of speed
Cyclops readied his visor, his finger hovering over the trigger
Nightcrawler teleported to the upper levels, looking for a tactical advantage. He reappeared above Sabertooth, teleporting in rapid succession to disorient him. Sabertooth snarled, swiping at the air, frustrated by Nightcrawler's agility
Cyclops found his opening. "Kurt, move!" he shouted
Nightcrawler vanished just as Cyclops unleashed an optic blast, hitting Sabertooth square in the chest and sending him crashing into a concrete pillar
Wolverine roared in anger, "I told you to stay back!"
But Sabertooth was already recovering, shaking off the rubble with a laugh. "You think this is enough to stop me?" He lunged at Cyclops, his claws poised to strike
Xion intercepted, her Keyblade deflecting Sabertooth's claws with a shower of sparks. She twirled, delivering a series of rapid strikes that forced Sabertooth to backpedal
Wolverine took advantage of the distraction, slashing at Sabertooth's legs and bringing him down to one knee. "This ends now!"
Nightcrawler reappeared beside Sabertooth, delivering a swift kick to his head before teleporting away again. Cyclops followed up with another optic blast, this one aimed at Sabertooth's side, knocking him off balance
Wolverine then tackled Sabertooth, their ferocity evident in every strike and claw. The two adversaries tore into each other, their long-standing enmity fueling their relentless combat. Sabertooth, with a powerful kick, sent Wolverine flying backward
Seizing the opportunity, Sabertooth sprinted into the nearby elevator and slammed the button. Wolverine lunged after him, but it was too late. The doors slid shut, and his adamantium claws scraped uselessly against the metal
As the elevator descended, Sabertooth's mocking voice echoed back up the shaft. "This isn't over, Logan! You can't run forever!"
Wolverine growled, his eyes narrowing in frustration. He turned to see Xion, Cyclops, and Nightcrawler approaching
"I don't fight your battles," Wolverine said sternly, his voice a low growl. "So don't fight mine." Without another word, he stomped off towards his motorcycle, his shoulders tense with unresolved anger. He swung a leg over his bike, gunned the engine, and roared away
"Aw, he loves us," Nightcrawler said with a playful grin, trying to lighten the mood
"Yeah. Bet," Cyclops replied with a hint of sarcasm, his eyes still fixed on the spot where Wolverine had disappeared
Xion watched Wolverine leave, her curiosity piqued. "Why is he like that?" As she recalled his rather hostile first meet up with her
Cyclops sighed, looking thoughtful. "Well, from what it looked like, he has an ugly history with that guy."
Xion nodded slowly, still pondering the fierce encounter
"What now?" said Xion
"Come on, guys, let's head back," Cyclops said, trying to refocus the group
"But your car is wrecked. How can we?" Xion asked, her brow furrowed
"A taxi," Cyclops answered nonchalantly
"…a taxi," Xion repeated, the word sounding foreign to her
Nightcrawler chuckled and explained, "Ja. It's like a temporary ride when you have no vehicle."
Cyclops and Nightcrawler began changing into their civilian clothes, blending back into the everyday world. Xion, following their lead, removed her cloak and folded it neatly
As they made their way down the stairs to the ground floor, Nightcrawler continued to lighten the mood with his upbeat demeanor. "You know, Xion, it's not so bad. A taxi ride can be an adventure in itself."
Cyclops gave a small smile "Just hope we don't get a chatty driver."
The three reached the bottom floor, and Cyclops made his way to a nearby payphone. He dialed a number with a practiced ease, his expression one of focused determination
"You guys go on ahead. I'll deal with my car," Cyclops said, pulling out his wallet. He handed some money to Kurt before beginning his call to a tow truck
"Ja," Kurt replied, nodding reassuringly. "Come on, Xion."
They walked toward the street, where Xion's curiosity was piqued by the passing cars. Kurt raised his hand to signal a yellow taxi
"Is that the taxi?" Xion asked, her eyes wide with interest
"Ja," Kurt confirmed as the taxi pulled up to the curb. They both got in, and Kurt instructed the driver, "To Xavier's Mansion, bitte."
The driver nodded, and the taxi merged into the flow of traffic. Xion gazed out the window, her mind swirling with thoughts of Wolverine, Roxas, and Sabertooth. The city's hustle and bustle seemed distant as she tried to grasp the complexities of this new world she, Aqua, and Roxas found themselves in
She hoped to catch a glimpse of Roxas amidst the cityscape, yearning to share everything she had learned with him
The taxi ride was quiet except for the hum of the engine and the occasional honk from other cars. Xion glanced at Kurt, who offered her a reassuring smile
"It's a lot to take in, I know," Kurt said softly. "But we'll figure it out together."
Xion nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. She turned back to the window, the city's lights reflecting in her eyes as she held onto the hope of finding Roxas eventually
Meanwhile
"Yo, Rocky. Why you staring into space again? It's in the air, not the streets," Todd joked as he and Roxas stood on the high rooftops.
Roxas blinked, bringing himself back to the present. "...I saw the Wolverine again," he said, thinking about when he saw Wolverine pass by to go after Sabertooth.
"The claw dude? Heh. Well, since he isn't nearby, we might as well chillax," said Todd, kicking back on the ledge. He was so close to the edge that a simple tap could make him fall
"Aren't you worried about falling?" asked Roxas, curious about Todd's casual demeanor
"Look, Rocky. I've got the dexterity and balance any man wishes they had. Heh. Nothing can get me out of my groove," Todd said confidently, not noticing a pigeon approaching
The pigeon cooed, catching Todd off guard. "WHOAH—Oof!" Todd exclaimed as he fell onto the rooftop floor. Roxas felt a slight smile tug at his lips as he watched
"Yeah, yeah, keep laughing," Todd grumbled. The pigeon began to dig its head into a Doritos bag Toad had been eating from, enjoying the crumbs that remained
Roxas watched in amusement before asking, "...Why did you want us armored up here? I highly doubt much would happen."
"Well, as a team, I'd think the crazy woman would want us to do, y'know, like recon missions. Like the spy movies. Heh," Todd replied, still sprawled on the rooftop.
"I don't think we're spying for anything right now," muttered Roxas seeing nothing change
Todd frowned, watching as Roxas pushed off the edge and started to walk away. "Ey, where ya goin'?" he called out, concern creeping into his voice
"Somewhere other than here," Roxas replied, his voice barely audible as he prepared to jump down from the rooftop
"Wait, wait! We can do something different then!" Todd shouted, scrambling to his feet. "Like, I dunno, just hang out. You know, as friends?" Roxas paused, giving him a deadpan look that made Todd squirm. "It'll be worth it. I promise."
Roxas rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed. Without another word, he leapt off the rooftop, landing gracefully in a narrow alley below.
"Hey man, wait up!" Todd exclaimed, quickly following suit. The two landed with practiced ease, avoiding the few pedestrians who might have seen them. Roxas wasted no time in discarding his cloak, letting it drape over his arm
"Look, Rocky," Todd began, the nickname earning him a sidelong glance from Roxas. "While we still have the day, there's the arcade! Maybe get a burger or even… I don't know… do something, at least." He was pulling off his Toad armor, revealing his regular clothes underneath. As he stuffed the armor into his backpack, a mischievous grin spread across his face. "Actually, I got something! Come on!"
Roxas raised an eyebrow, "Then what is it?"
"Just watch… ooo~," Todd said, his tongue flicking out to snatch a few bugs that were buzzing nearby. Roxas cringed, the sight still managing to repulse him even after all this time
"Are you just going to eat bugs?" Roxas asked, half-curious, half-disgusted
"Well, no. But I do wanna save my change for the arcade," Todd replied with a giggle, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He peeked around the corner and spotted a hotdog stand, manned by an elderly man in sunglasses. The man's presence seemed strangely familiar
"Don't mind myself one of those," Todd muttered under his breath
"…Excelsior Dogs?" Roxas read the name of the vendor out loud, his tone questioning
"Yeah, that guy makes the best dogs. I think his name is… Lee? Or was it Stan? Whatever. Let's go," Todd said with a devilish grin as he began to sneak toward the stand
Todd reached out with a practiced hand, aiming to swipe one of the hotdogs when the vendor's tongs suddenly lashed out, swatting his hand away with surprising speed.
"Your parents should've taught you better," the elderly man chided, giving Todd a light bonk on the head with the tongs. His voice was stern, but there was a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "Now go on, start trouble somewhere else."
"Oww… fine, I'm going," Todd grumbled, rubbing his head as he slunk away. Roxas, still standing near the cart, watched the exchange with mild interest
The vendor turned his attention to Roxas, his expression softening. "You, on the other hand, look like you came from far away," the vendor said, a hint of knowing in his voice. He handed Roxas a hotdog without waiting for payment. "Here, new people always bring surprises, no matter where they're from. Especially those from far away."
Roxas blinked, taken aback. Does he know? he wondered, his grip tightening on the hotdog. Before he could voice his thoughts, the vendor continued, his tone nostalgic
"That look you're giving reminds me of another boy your age," the vendor said, a fond smile playing on his lips. "He swung around all over the place. There's a whole web of stuff I've seen him do."
Roxas's curiosity was piqued, but before he could ask more, the vendor waved him off. "Now go on, kiddo. I've got customers coming."
Reluctantly, Roxas turned and started walking away, the vendor's words echoing in his mind. He caught up to Todd, who was waiting a few steps ahead
"Yo, dude. You gonna eat that?" Todd asked, eyeing the hotdog in Roxas's hand
"...Yes," Roxas replied, still processing the encounter
"Fair enough," Todd said with a shrug. As Roxas took a bite, Todd watched him expectantly. "So… how is it?"
"...It's… savory." Said Roxas
"Weird thing to say, but okay. But is it as good as I said?" Todd pressed, eager for confirmation
"Yes," Roxas admitted, his lips quirking into a faint smile
Todd grinned, satisfied. "See? Told ya we could find something to do."
As they walked away, the mysterious vendor watched them go, a knowing smile still lingering on his lips while resuming making his hotdogs
As they continued down the street, Todd couldn't resist the pull of mischief. His eyes darted around, looking for something—or someone—to liven up the afternoon. It didn't take long before he spotted a couple of guys standing near an alley, engaged in some animated conversation. A sly grin spread across Todd's face as an idea took root.
"Hey, Rocky," Todd whispered, nudging Roxas. But before Roxas could react, Todd had already veered off, sneaking towards the men
Roxas sighed, rolling his eyes as he continued down the sidewalk. He wasn't in the mood for Todd's antics, but he knew there was no stopping him once he got an idea. As Roxas turned a corner, he heard a loud commotion behind him—shouting, followed by the sound of something crashing to the ground
Roxas stopped and turned around just in time to see the two men, now fuming, glaring in his direction. Todd was nowhere to be seen, having already ducked behind a dumpster, leaving Roxas standing alone and confused
"Hey, you!" one of the men, a tall guy with a buzz cut, barked as he stormed towards Roxas. "You think you can mess with us and just walk away?"
Roxas blinked, completely taken aback. "I don't even know what you're talking about," he said calmly, though his eyes darted around, trying to figure out what had just happened.
"Don't play dumb with us!" the other man, shorter but stockier, snapped. "You're the one who knocked over our stuff!"
Roxas barely had time to process the accusation before the taller man, his face twisted in anger, threw a punch aimed straight at Roxas's jaw. The blow landed with a solid thud—but instead of recoiling, Roxas stood perfectly still, barely even blinking
The man yelped in pain, clutching his hand as if he'd just punched a brick wall. "What the hell…?" he muttered, staring at Roxas in shock
Roxas sighed, his expression as stoic as ever. "I'd suggest you think about your next move," he said quietly, his tone calm but carrying an edge that made both men pause
The two men exchanged nervous glances. The guy who threw the punch was still rubbing his knuckles, clearly regretting his decision. After a moment of hesitation, they both took a step back.
"Uh… you know what, it's not worth it," the shorter man muttered, trying to save face as he started backing away. "Let's just go."
"Yeah… whatever," the taller one agreed, still wincing as they turned and hurried off, throwing wary glances over their shoulders
Roxas watched them leave, his annoyance growing as he realized what had just happened. He knew exactly who was behind this. "Todd," he muttered under his breath, already scanning the area for any sign of the troublemaker
Sure enough, Todd emerged from behind the dumpster, a sheepish grin on his face. "Man, that was awesome!" he said, jogging up to Roxas. "You didn't even flinch, dude! You looked like you weren't even touched!"
Roxas fixed Todd with a hard stare, his patience wearing thin. "Why did you stir up trouble and leave me to take the heat?"
Todd laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. "I didn't mean for it to go down like that… but hey, it worked out, right? You scared them off like it was nothing!"
Roxas sighed, shaking his head as he started walking again. "Next time, don't get me involved in your messes," he said, his voice firm
"Alright, alright," Todd said, still grinning as he fell into step beside Roxas. "But seriously, you were badass back there. I didn't know you were that tough!"
Roxas rolled his eyes as he began to leave
"Hey come on man! I promise it won't happen… as much" said Todd
To Xion
"Hi," said an unexpected feminine voice from behind, making her almost drop the book she was reading
"!" Xion gasped, slightly off guard at the sudden voice. "Oh... hi."
"I'm sorry for scaring you," said the girl, stepping into view. "What's your name?"
"It's Xion," said Xion, looking at her curiously
"It's nice to meet you, Xion. I'm Kitty. Kitty Pryde," said the girl
"Well, it's nice to meet you too," Xion replied, returning the smile. "…may I ask what your gift is?"
"Oh, that? Like, I can do this," Kitty said as she walked over to the couch. Without missing a beat, she phased right through it
"!?" Xion stared in stunned amazement at such a power
"Don't worry, girl, I'm no Casper," Kitty said with a slight giggle, making an exaggerated ghostly gesture
"Casper…" repeated Xion to herself
"You a fan of him?" said Kitty as Xion shrugged "No worries gal. The series is eh eitherway. But we like have to watch some other stuff together"
"..have you met the others?" Said Xion curiously
"No" said Kitty making Xion gain a slight smile
"Then let's go. Im sure you'll like the others" said Xion
To Roxas
"Roxas. Todd. Meet Lance Alvers. He'll be joining both of you here," said Principal Stockholm as Lance walked in, his arrogant stride apparent. "Lance, this is Roxas James and Toad Tolansky."
"Hey! It's Todd!" said Todd, correcting her
"Well, that explains the stench," Lance said, covering his nose for a moment. "…What are you staring at?"
Roxas frowned while Todd flinched
"Now, you boys play nice. I've got plans for you later," said Principal Stockholm. "Now leave. School's over," she added, ushering the three of them out of the office
As they stepped into the hallway, Lance shot an annoyed glare at Todd, who looked slightly startled
"Hey, man. No need to be hostile, we're part of a team now," said Todd, trying to ease the tension
"Really now?" Lance replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he made Todd flinch again. "Then I get to call the shots."
"What!? No-no, crazy woman said I was in charge," Todd blurted out, making both Lance and Roxas frown at the obvious lie
"No, she didn't," said Roxas flatly
"I thought we were a team!" Todd exclaimed at Roxas, feeling slightly betrayed.
"I never thought of either of us being a leader," Roxas replied, making Todd's head drop in defeat
"Then that settles it. I'm the big dog here," said Lance, crossing his arms confidently
"Oh come on, Rocky, you can't just let him be in charge, can you?" Todd pleaded, looking to Roxas for support
"I don't care," said Roxas with a hint of annoyance, as Lance looked smugly at Todd
"Tch, whatever. But I'm the one with charisma," Todd insisted, trying to regain some ground
"Sure you do, stinky," said Lance sarcastically as he and Roxas started to leave the school
"That's right—hey! Wait up!" Todd called after them, running to catch up. "Can't we just, I don't know, grab pizza now that we're a team?"
Lance paused, considering Todd's suggestion. Roxas stopped as well, turning slightly to look at Todd
"Pizza, huh?" Lance said, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "Maybe you're not completely useless after all. If any of you guys have the money to do so. I'm broke as hell"
"No…" said Todd shamefully
"Well, I'm out of here. Hey... Roxy, was it?" Lance said, looking at Roxas
"Roxas," Roxas corrected him
"Got it. Roxas," Lance repeated. "Where do you live?"
"Over there," Roxas replied, pointing at an apartment complex that, while close to the school, was still a rather long walk
"A two-floor craphouse like that?" Lance said with a scoff. "Damn. We must be alike then."
"It's livable. See you," said Roxas, turning to leave
"Whoa, whoa. Don't you need a ride?" Lance offered
"...It would be convenient," Roxas admitted, thinking about it and unaware of Lance's ulterior motive
"Cool. Let's go," Lance said, walking towards a green Jeep in the parking lot and gesturing for Roxas to join him
"...Thanks for the ride," Roxas said awkwardly as he had to admit. It felt nice not to have to walk the distance from school and back
they eventually reached the apartment complex and got out.
"Now, which room is yours?" Lance asked as he followed Roxas into his apartment, catching him by surprise
"Why are you coming in?" Roxas asked, confused
"Need a place to crash, Roxas," Lance said, closing the door behind him and opening a clother drawer to dump whatever is in his duffel bag in "We're a team, but I have nowhere to go." He walked into the living area, taking in his surroundings. "Well damn. A bed, a couch, a fridge, pantry, and a clean...ish bathroom. Hell, even a TV. All to yourself. Now I'm jealous."
"It's not much, I guess," Roxas said, setting his things on the table
"Where do you sleep?" Lance asked
"I just sleep here," Roxas replied, pointing to the couch
"Lucky me. I get the bed," Lance said, jumping onto the bed as Roxas rolled his eyes
"Just don't mess up the place," Roxas warned, taking a seat on the couch and flipping on the TV
"Yeah, yeah. Thanks, Roxas," Lance said, stretching out on the bed with a satisfied grin
After a few moments, Lance noticed that Roxas didn't have any belongings beyond his clothes. He also felt his stomach growling and got up to check the fridge, only to find it empty. He checked the pantry, but it was just as barren
"Dude, you must be a minimalist to the max," said Lance, shaking his head. Roxas just shrugged as they heard an unexpected knock on the door. Roxas went to answer it, and to his surprise, it was Todd
"Hey... it's me. Number one member of the team?" said Todd awkwardly
"...Why are you here?" asked Roxas, curious and a bit annoyed
"Look, I may have... followed you guys here. And... I don't want to sleep in the woods again," admitted Todd, awkwardly scratching his neck
Roxas sighed in annoyance, remembering what Mystique said earlier about playing nice. Reluctantly, he gestured for Todd to come in
"Sweet! Thanks!" said Todd, jumping in and onto the couch. "Hey, is this The Simpsons?" he asked, noticing the TV
Lance walked over, glancing at the TV but more focused on their immediate problem. "We need some food," he said, grabbing his empty duffel bag and tossing it at Todd
"Whoa! What was that for?!" exclaimed Todd, catching the bag awkwardly
"Putting you to work," said Lance. He turned to Roxas. "Is there any vending machines nearby?"
"Yeah, but I don't have any money," said Roxas
"I got, I think, maybe fifty bucks," said Todd, patting his pockets
"Save the cash for something else, Toad. I got it covered," said Lance with a grin. He motioned for the other two to follow him. "Come on, let's hit those vending machines downstairs."
The three of them left the apartment and made their way to the basement where the vending machines were located. The area was dimly lit and deserted, just as Lance had hoped
"Sweet. A nice vulnerable vending machine where no one can see us," said Lance as Roxas and Todd followed him.
"OH BOY OH BOY, DORITO BAGS PLEASE BE MINE!" exclaimed Todd excitedly, spotting a couple of Dorito bags in the machine
"Quiet!" Lance swatted Todd on the back of the head
"Ow! ...Sorry," said Todd, rubbing his head
"Got the bag?" Lance asked Roxas, who held out his empty backpack while Todd held out Lance's empty duffel. "Good. Now stand back, you two."
Roxas and Todd stepped back, watching curiously. Suddenly, the ground began to shake as Lance used his powers
"WHOA!" exclaimed Todd as he and Roxas tried to keep their balance
The vending machines shook violently, and after a moment, they couldn't handle the tremors anymore. Snacks, soda, and water bottles spilled out onto the floor
"Haha, yeah!" cheered Lance as Todd and Roxas began stuffing the food and drinks into their bags. "Now let's go before security comes to check."
The three of them hurried back to Roxas's apartment, laden with their loot. They managed to slip inside just as they heard footsteps approaching from the other end of the hallway
Breathless and triumphant, Lance dropped his bag onto the kitchen table. "Alright, now we're set," he said, grinning
Roxas and Todd dumped their bags too, and soon the table was piled high with snacks and drinks. Roxas couldn't help but smile at their impromptu haul
"Thanks for letting me crash here," said Todd, genuinely grateful. "I owe you one."
"Just don't make a habit of it," said Roxas, though his tone was less annoyed now. He glanced at the pile of food. "Guess we're not going hungry tonight" as he started loading all the food into the pantry and all the drinks into the fridge
But Roxas looked at one of the bags of chips. It did look appetizing enough as he began to open it, however it didn't taste that bad as he sits on the couch to watch the Simpsons while Todd digs into every dorito bag they got
Meanwhile Elsewhere
The young girl sprinted through the dimly lit streets, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she struggled to navigate the maze of her own thoughts. Fragmented memories flashed before her eyes—some clearly her own, others foreign and disjointed. Each step she took was heavy with confusion and fear
"GET BACK HERE, LITTLE GIRL!" Wolverine's voice roared through the night, laced with a dangerous edge as he pursued her. His silhouette was a menacing blur, claws gleaming under the pale light of the streetlamps. "Little Rogue... YOU'RE DEALING WITH THE X-MEN NOW!"
Terror surged through her veins as she skidded to a halt, realizing there was no escape. "No!" Rogue screamed, her voice trembling with desperation
In a panicked impulse, she reached out, her gloved hand making contact with the side of Wolverine's neck. The moment they touched, a sharp pain exploded in both their minds, a cacophony of thoughts and memories clashing and intertwining.
Wolverine's snarling face contorted in pain as he began to shift, his form blurring and distorting before her eyes. Feathers sprouted from his skin, his body shrinking, morphing until, impossibly, a bird stood where the fierce mutant had been moments before
With a final, panicked squawk, the bird flapped its wings and took off into the night, disappearing into the dark sky
Rogue collapsed to her knees, clutching her head as the overwhelming pain subsided. She blinked rapidly, trying to clear her vision. When she opened her eyes, Wolverine was gone.
She looked around in fear, but still couldn't see him, but still felt scared
The bird now a dark shape against the moonlit sky circled overhead before flying some distance away. It landed silently on a rooftop, its sharp eyes watching Rogue from the shadows.
The bird's form shimmered, its feathers shifting back into pale blue skin as Mystique stood on the edge of the building, observing her daughter with a mixture of concern and satisfaction.
Mystique kept her distance, saying nothing, her presence hidden in the darkness. She knew better than to approach now, knowing that Rogue was too volatile, too fragile in this moment. Her eyes followed Rogue as the girl slowly rose to her feet, still shaken by the encounter
Suddenly, another figure emerged from the shadows. Jean Grey, her expression stern yet sympathetic, approached cautiously. The redhead extended a hand, offering Rogue a small device—a communicator, its design sleek and unassuming.
"Take it," Jean said softly, her voice a gentle contrast to the chaos that had just unfolded. "If you ever need help.. the xmen can help "
Rogue stared at the device, her hand trembling as she accepted it. Jean's presence seemed to offer a sliver of hope, but the fear and uncertainty remained etched on Rogue's face.
Mystique's gaze narrowed as she observed the exchange from her perch. She watched as Jean's presence began to soothe Rogue's nerves, her daughter's resolve seeming to weaken in the presence of someone offering comfort. Mystique clenched her fists, her mind racing with new plans to counteract the X-Men's influence
Before Mystique could act, a familiar growl echoed through the night, and the real Wolverine appeared at the end of the alley, his eyes locked on Rogue. She gasped, her pulse quickening as she realized that Mystique had only delayed the inevitable. The X-Men were still after her
With a final, desperate glance at Jean, Rogue turned and fled into the darkness, her footsteps echoing through the empty streets. She didn't know where she was going, only that she had to get away
"what's wrong with her?" said Wolverine
"I don't know…" said Jean "should we go after her?"
"No.. Charles says to give it time" said Wolverine as the two of them left
Mystique remained on the rooftop, her eyes fixed on Rogue as she disappeared into the night. Silently, she transformed back into the bird and took to the sky, following Rogue from a distance, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. She had done what she could to protect her daughter, but she knew it might not be enough. As long as the X-Men were involved, Rogue's path would never be free of danger.
And as the night deepened, Rogue continued to run, her mind a storm of fractured memories and haunting voices, not knowing where to turn or who to trust. Mystique, hovering above, vowed to keep watch over her daughter, no matter how far she had to go to ensure Rogue never fell into the hands of the X-Men.
"Perhaps this may be easier than I thought…" thought Mystique
The next day
Roxas stirred as the first rays of morning light streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across his face. The remnants of sleep clung to him, but the faint sound of snoring pulled him into full wakefulness.
He blinked a few times, disoriented, before glancing down and spotting Todd sprawled out on the floor, his limbs akimbo and a thin trail of drool escaping from his mouth
Right. He'd let Todd crash here last night after a long day. It took Roxas a moment to fully recall the events that led to the uninvited sleepover. As his memory cleared, he let out a soft sigh, more amused than annoyed, and swung his legs off the couch. Careful not to make too much noise, he stood up and stretched, glancing over at the bed where Lance was still buried under a pile of blankets.
With a quiet yawn, Roxas padded over to Lance's side, noticing how peaceful he looked. The guy could sleep through an earthquake if given the chance. Roxas reached out and gently poked Lance's shoulder.
"Mmm…" Lance mumbled, shifting slightly under the covers. "Stop… mmm…"
He gave Lance's shoulder a more insistent shake. "Lance, it's a school day. We've got to get moving."
Lance jerked awake, his eyes snapping open in confusion. "Gah! What the hell, man?" he grumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he tried to make sense of where he was.
Roxas crossed his arms and arched an eyebrow. "It's like, 7 AM or something. We've got to go, or Stockholm's gonna lose it."
Lance groaned and turned to his other side, attempting to burrow deeper into his blanket cocoon. "Dude, it's too early. We can chill for a bit longer…"
"I think we should go," Roxas pressed, giving Lance another firm shake. "You know how Stockholm gets when we're late."
Lance let out another groan, this one filled with resignation. "...What?" he muttered, sitting up and blinking at Roxas, who still had that same neutral expression on his face. Lance rubbed his temples as if the action would magically make the morning easier to handle. "Man, how early do you even get up?"
"Always around this time," Roxas replied with a shrug as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Lance could only shake his head as he threw off the blankets and started to get ready, clearly not a morning person. Roxas, meanwhile, moved over to Todd, who was still sound asleep on the floor. With a light nudge of his foot, Roxas attempted to rouse him.
"…Huh?" Todd mumbled groggily, squinting up at Roxas through bleary eyes. Roxas continued nudging him until Todd's brain caught up with reality. "Oh… hey, Rocky," Todd yawned, stretching his arms overhead. "What's for breakfast?"
Roxas didn't bother answering. Instead, he rolled his eyes and walked into the small kitchen area
Lance, finally dressed and awake enough to function, grabbed his school stuff with a resigned sigh. "Get up, short stuff. We're going to school," he grumbled as he gave Todd a not-so-gentle kick.
"OW! Fine, I'm getting up!" Todd protested, rubbing his side where Lance had kicked him.
Roxas stood by the door, waiting for the two of them to get their act together. When they were finally ready, he led the way out of the cramped apartment, the door creaking as it closed behind them. The three of them made their way down the hallway, footsteps echoing off the worn-down walls as they descended the stairs to the parking lot.
Lance jeep was waiting for them, parked slightly askew in its spot. Lance tossed his bag into the backseat and climbed into the driver's seat with Todd quickly following suit. Roxas slid into the passenger side, staring out the window at the early morning light that bathed the city in a soft golden hue and drove off to school
Meanwhile
back at the X-Mansion, Xion sat on the edge of her bed, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The morning had been a blur of preparations, and now, with everything in place, she was moments away from her first real experience of what "school" was like. The word felt strange in her mind, almost foreign, but it filled her with a bubbling excitement she couldn't quite contain. For the first time, she'd get to see what it was like to be in a real classroom, surrounded by other students
A soft knock on her door pulled her out of her thoughts. She turned to see Kitty Pryde peeking in, a warm smile on her face. "Hey, you ready?" Kitty asked, stepping into the room
Xion nodded quickly, standing up. "Yeah, I think so," she said, though the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her nerves.
Kitty studied her for a moment, noticing the way Xion's hands fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. "You sure? You seem a little… on edge," she said gently, her eyes filled with concern.
Xion hesitated, then let out a small sigh. "It's just… this is all so new to me. I've never really been to a school before. What if I mess up? What if I don't fit in?"
Kitty's expression softened even more, and she reached out to place a reassuring hand on Xion's shoulder. "Trust me, you'll be fine. Everyone's nervous on their first day. It's like, totally normal."
"Kitty's right," came Jean's voice from the doorway. She walked in, a calm and comforting presence. "We'll all be there with you. If you need anything, you can just find one of us. And remember, it's okay to feel anxious. You don't have to get everything right on the first day."
Xion felt a small wave of relief wash over her. "Thanks, guys," she said, smiling a little. "I guess I'm just overthinking it."
Jean returned the smile, nodding. "It's natural. But you're strong, Xion. You've got this."
With their reassurances, Xion felt a bit of the tension ease from her shoulders. She grabbed her bag and followed Kitty and Jean down the hall, where they met up with Scott and Kurt, who were already waiting by the front entrance. Scott gave Xion an encouraging nod as they headed out to his car
The drive to Bayville High was filled with the usual chatter—Kurt cracking jokes in the backseat while Kitty and Jean discussed their classes for the day. Xion mostly listened, absorbing the way they interacted with each other. It was comforting, in a way, to see how close they all were, and it made her feel a little less nervous about the day ahead
As they pulled into the school parking lot, Xion's heart began to race again. The building loomed large and unfamiliar, with students milling around outside, chatting and laughing as they prepared to head inside. Scott parked the car and turned off the engine, giving everyone a moment to collect themselves
"Okay, here we are," Scott said, turning to look at Xion. "Remember, if you need anything, just come find us. We're all in this together."
Xion nodded, her grip tightening on the strap of her bag. "Right. I'll remember."
The group stepped out of the car, blending in with the throngs of students as they made their way toward the entrance. As they walked, Xion could feel her nerves creeping back, but Kitty stayed close, giving her a reassuring smile whenever their eyes met
When they reached the entrance, the group split up to head to their respective classes. "You got your schedule, right?" Kitty asked, pausing before heading to her locker
Xion pulled out the crumpled piece of paper from her pocket, showing it to Kitty. "Yeah, I think I've got everything."
"Awesome. You'll do great, Xion," Kitty said with one last smile before heading off to her first class
Jean gave Xion's arm a quick squeeze. "We'll catch up with you later, okay? You're gonna do just fine." With that, she and Scott headed off down another hallway, leaving Xion standing there with her schedule in hand
Taking a deep breath, Xion glanced down at her schedule and tried to orient herself in the maze of hallways. Her first class was just down the hall, so she followed the stream of students, her steps hesitant but determined
She didn't know that somewhere else in the school, Roxas was navigating his own day. Their paths hadn't crossed yet, and for now, Xion remained unaware that he was even there. But for the moment, she focused on her own journey, determined to take this new experience one step at a time
As she reached her classroom, Xion hesitated at the door, her heart pounding in her chest. But with a deep breath, she pushed the door open and stepped inside
Xion took a deep breath as she stepped into her first class, clutching her schedule tightly. The classroom was already bustling with activity—students chatting, shuffling papers, and settling into their seats. The atmosphere was lively, almost chaotic, and it made Xion's heart race even faster. She hesitated in the doorway, unsure where to sit or what to do
She finally spotted an empty seat near the middle of the room and quickly made her way over, trying not to draw too much attention to herself. As she sat down, she could feel the curious glances from some of the other students, but thankfully, no one said anything. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place, like she was an outsider looking in on something she didn't fully understand
The teacher, a tall man with glasses, called the class to order and began the lesson. Xion tried her best to focus, but her nerves made it difficult to absorb what was being taught. The concepts felt foreign, the pace too fast. She kept glancing at the other students, who all seemed to know exactly what they were doing. She couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety—what if she couldn't keep up? What if she made a mistake?
The class seemed to drag on forever, but eventually, the bell rang, signaling the end of the period. Xion quickly gathered her things, feeling a sense of relief that the first class was over. She was eager to find Kitty, hoping that having a familiar face nearby would help calm her nerves
Thankfully, her next class was with Kitty. The moment Xion spotted her, she felt a wave of comfort. Kitty greeted her with a bright smile as they walked into the classroom together. "Hey, how was your first class?" Kitty asked as they found seats next to each other
Xion hesitated, not wanting to seem out of her depth. "It was… okay," she replied, forcing a smile. "Just… different."
Kitty gave her an understanding look. "Yeah, the first day can be a little overwhelming. But don't worry, it gets easier. And hey, you've got me in this class, so you're not alone."
Xion nodded, feeling a bit of the tension ease from her shoulders. Throughout the class, Kitty was a comforting presence, offering quiet reassurances and small explanations whenever Xion seemed lost. It helped more than Xion could put into words, and by the time the bell rang again, she felt a bit more confident about getting through the day.
Later
After a few more classes, the school day finally ended, and Xion found herself walking out of the building with Kitty by her side. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the school grounds, and students milled around, chatting and making plans for the evening. Xion glanced around, taking in the sights and sounds of school life—things that felt so normal yet so alien to her
As they walked, Xion couldn't help but ask, "Kitty, what's the deal with all this? I mean, school… it's so different from what I expected. There's so much I don't understand."
Kitty looked over at her, tilting her head slightly in curiosity. "What do you mean? Like, the classes or just school in general?"
"Everything," Xion admitted. "The way people talk, the routines, the rules… I've read about school, but being here, it's just… I don't know, it feels overwhelming."
Kitty nodded sympathetically. "I get it. School can be a lot to take in, especially if you're not used to it. But you'll get the hang of it, trust me. It's just like learning anything new—you take it one step at a time. And remember, if you ever need help with anything, I'm here for you."
Xion felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. "Thanks, Kitty. That means a lot."
Kitty smiled warmly. "No problem! You've got this, Xion. Just give it some time."
As they continued walking, Xion found herself nodding along to Kitty's words, trying to take them to heart. But despite the reassurances, there was still something lingering in the back of her mind—something she couldn't shake. It was the thought of Roxas, the memory of him still vivid and ever-present. She hadn't seen him all day, but she couldn't stop wondering where he was, if he was okay, and if he was thinking about her too.
As they turned a corner, Xion's attention was caught by a familiar figure walking down the hallway. Her heart skipped a beat, and she froze in place. It couldn't be, could it?
"Roxas?…" Xion's voice was soft, almost disbelieving, but it was enough to make the blonde boy stop in his tracks and turn around. Their eyes met, and the surprise in his expression mirrored her own
"Xion?…" Roxas said, his voice filled with a mix of shock and relief. He had never expected to see her here, of all places, and yet, here she was. Xion's face lit up with a bright smile, the uncertainty and anxiety of the day melting away in an instant
"Roxas!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement as she ran toward him. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him in a tight embrace, her happiness overflowing. Roxas, momentarily taken aback, quickly wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. The sudden display of affection didn't go unnoticed by the passing students, particularly a few girls who watched with a mix of curiosity and jealousy
"Xion! You go here too?" Roxas asked, his voice tinged with disbelief as he pulled back slightly to look at her. The sight of her, so familiar yet so out of place in this new world, filled him with a sense of comfort he hadn't realized he was missing
"Yeah! I just started today," Xion beamed
"…Is Aqua also here?" asked Roxas curiously
"Not yet," Xion replied, noticing the slight change in his expression. "She's back at the X-Mansion. She'll be attending here soon though."
The mention of the X-Mansion made Roxas tense up. The memories of what Magneto had told him flashed through his mind, stirring up a sense of unease. He glanced around, as if expecting someone to be watching them, but the hallway was mostly empty, save for a few lingering students.
Xion, sensing his hesitation, gently tugged at his arm. "Come on, I want you to meet Kitty," she said, trying to pull him over to where Kitty was standing a few steps away, watching the exchange with a curious smile.
But Roxas hesitated, glancing back at Xion with an apologetic look. "I don't know if I can right now," he said, the words coming out slowly as he recalled Magneto's warning about keeping a low profile ESPECIALLY around Xavier's students
"But why not?" Xion asked, her curiosity piqued. Before Roxas could respond, they were interrupted by a voice from down the hall
"Yo, Rocky! She's gonna go nuts if we don't see her soon!" Lance called out, walking toward them with Todd in tow. The casual nickname and the urgency in Lance's voice made it clear that they were expected somewhere—and not just anywhere, but with someone who wouldn't appreciate them being late
Xion's eyes widened in recognition as she spotted Todd. Her mind flashed back to the night he had broken into the X-Mansion. The memory was still fresh, and seeing him now stirred up a mix of emotions—mostly surprise and unease. Kitty, on the other hand, couldn't hide her slight grimace upon seeing Lance, memories of their previous encounter surfacing. She hadn't expected to run into him again so soon, especially not like this.
"I have to go now. I'm sorry," Roxas said, his voice tinged with regret as he gently pulled away from Xion's grasp. He gave her a quick, apologetic glance before hurrying to catch up with Lance and Todd
Xion watched him go, a sense of disappointment settling over her as she saw him disappear around the corner. It wasn't the reunion she had imagined, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Roxas had seemed happy to see her, but there was something in his demeanor that suggested he was holding back, keeping something from her
"...So, like, who was that?" Kitty asked, her tone light but with a hint of concern as she walked up to Xion
"...His name is Roxas," Xion replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she tried to process what had just happened. She wasn't sure how to explain the connection she felt with him, or why his sudden departure left her feeling so unsettled. And in all the confusion, she never even got to ask him what he thought of her outfit, a detail that now seemed trivial compared to everything else.
Kitty noticed the slight sadness in Xion's expression and gave her a reassuring smile. "Hey, Xion, it's nothing to be upset about. Boys always have stuff that makes them… well… busy," she said, trying to lift Xion's spirits. "Besides, I heard Scott wants to take Jean and us to grab a burger. Maybe that'll take your mind off things?"
Xion looked at Kitty and managed a small smile in return. "Yeah… maybe," she said, trying to push her worries to the back of her mind. As they walked out of the school together, Xion couldn't help but glance back one last time, hoping that maybe, just maybe, she would see Roxas again soon—and that next time, he wouldn't have to leave so quickly
Meanwhile
Rogue stood before Ms. Stockholm's desk, feeling a mix of unease and curiosity. The woman before her, with her perfectly styled hair and a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, seemed to be measuring every word she spoke
"Alright, Rogue. I'm sure you'll be happy here," Ms. Stockholm said, her tone almost too sweet, her smile lingering a moment too long. "Happy and safe."
Rogue nodded, trying to force a polite smile of her own. "Yeah… thanks," she mumbled. Ms. Stockholm gave a slight, dismissive wave, indicating she was excused
As Rogue turned to leave, the weight of the encounter settled on her. The memories—those stolen fragments of other people's lives that haunted her mind—buzzed like static, making it hard to focus
She clenched her fist around the communicator in her hand, considering whether she should reach out to the X-Men. They would want to know where she was, but the thought of conflict made her hesitate
Lost in her thoughts, Rogue almost didn't notice the figure walking down the hallway toward her. But when she did, it was as if the noise in her head quieted just a little. There was something about him, Roxas
It wasn't just his looks, though those were certainly striking; it was something more. A presence, maybe, or a sense that he, too, carried burdens of his own
"Hey…" she called out, her voice hesitant as she took a step toward him
Roxas stopped and turned to face her, his expression curious. "...Hey," he replied, his voice soft but clear. "Did you also get recruited by Ms. Stockholm?"
Rogue nodded, pushing a strand of her hair behind her ear, revealing more of her face. "Yeah, I did. What about you?"
"Same," he said with a shrug, though there was a trace of something unreadable in his eyes. "She hasn't yelled at you yet, has she?"
Rogue blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Uh, no… but she does seem like she might have a temper," she admitted, a small, tentative smile forming on her lips
"That's good to know," Roxas said, and for the first time, he smiled—really smiled. It was brief, just a flicker, but it was genuine, and Rogue found it oddly comforting
Rogue felt a strange pull towards him, a sense of familiarity despite having just met. "I'm Anna," she said, the name slipping out more naturally than she expected. "Anna Marie."
"Roxas James," he replied, his gaze briefly drifting to the communicator she had tucked into her pocket. He seemed to consider saying something, but then thought better of it. "I hope you find this place… bearable."
Rogue chuckled softly. "Yeah, me too."
As Roxas turned to continue down the hallway, Rogue couldn't help but watch him, her mind racing with questions. She knew there was more to him than he let on, just as there was more to her than most people knew. When he entered Ms. Stockholm's office, she found herself hoping she would see him again soon—outside of classes, preferably
Even as she watched him catch up with two other boys before presumably leaving
She glanced at her communicator once more, still uncertain if she should contact the X-Men. But for now, her thoughts were occupied with the mysterious boy who seemed to carry secrets as heavy as her own
To be continued duh duh duuuuh~
Trivia
1: I know, I know, I skipped over large portions of the episodes that introduced Rogue and Kitty
But I mainly did it. Both out of impatience and I highly doubt Xavier would've asked Xion to come considering she had just joined at that point
As for Rogue. Same reason, but at the same time. I didn't want to focus top much on that (unless I decide to rewrite it at a later point) But we'll see
2: I've reently watched Xmen 97 and GOTT DYAYUM IT WAS GOOD.
3: Sooo. Who's ready for Shadow Generations?
Now that's pretty much it this chapter. Considering anyone who's seen Xmen Evolution can make a good guess what happens next.
So leaving a review give inspiration for more, and until next time