Chapter – Return to Novi Grad: A Date in the Rebuilt City
It had been five years since Novi Grad had fallen. Five years since the attacks, since loss had ripped our lives apart, and since the city we loved had been reduced to rubble. Now, as I drove us toward its rebuilt streets, a strange mix of nerves and excitement twisted in my stomach. Today wasn't about battle or training. Today, it was about us—finally enjoying something we had fought for.
Wanda and Jean sat beside me in the car, both unusually quiet. Wanda's hands fidgeted with the hem of her scarlet jacket, while Jean's gaze was fixed on the horizon, her mind clearly racing with memories. I stole a glance at them, smiling softly. They were gorgeous—confident, composed, and alive. The girls who had endured everything with me and come out stronger, smarter, and sharper than anyone could have imagined.
"I can't believe we're actually doing this," Wanda whispered, her voice tinged with awe. "Going back there… to Novi Grad."
Jean nodded, her dark eyes distant. "It feels… surreal. Like we're ghosts walking through a city that remembers everything we lost. I didn't think I'd ever want to come back."
I reached over and brushed a strand of hair from Wanda's face. "It's okay to feel that way. But today isn't about the past. Today is about what we've built—together." My hand lingered for a moment, warm, reassuring. "Five years of training, of fighting, of surviving… we're stronger than ever. Nothing out there could touch us now."
Wanda's lips curved into a small, shy smile. "And we survived because of you, Alex. You… you never gave up on us."
I chuckled softly, shaking my head. "I didn't do it alone. You both chose to fight, to keep moving forward. That's what makes you amazing. I just made sure no one got in the way."
Jean leaned closer, her fingers brushing mine. "You've been more than a protector. You've been… everything we needed. Teacher, guide… and maybe something more." Her voice dropped to a softer tone, almost hesitant. "I've realized I… I care about you more than I thought I could."
Wanda's eyes widened, and a blush crept across her cheeks. "I… I feel the same way. You've been here for us every day, never asking for anything, just… giving. It's… it's more than I ever expected."
I swallowed hard, my chest tightening. Five years of shared battles, sleepless nights, and relentless training had forged a bond I could never have imagined. "You two…" I said slowly, "you're not just my responsibility. You're my heart. I care about you both, more than anything. And I want today to be about… celebrating that."
A soft laugh escaped Wanda, almost shyly. "Celebrating, huh? You've never been this sentimental before."
Jean smirked, leaning back in her seat. "Maybe he's finally learning how to be human."
I rolled my eyes playfully, reaching over to squeeze both their hands. "Or maybe I just finally understand what matters. Enough talk—I think it's time to enjoy ourselves."
The city came into view, bright and alive, a testament to resilience. Skyscrapers gleamed, trees lined the boulevards, and families strolled in the streets. It was hard to believe this was the same place that had been reduced to rubble all those years ago.
We parked near the central square, the air buzzing with life. Street performers juggled and danced, cafes spilled warm light onto the cobblestones, and vendors called out their wares. Wanda and Jean's eyes lit up, and I couldn't help but grin at their excitement.
"Let's just… walk," Wanda said, her hand slipping into mine. "I want to feel the city, see everything."
Jean nodded, her arm brushing mine. "It's been a long time. I… I want to remember it differently this time. Not as a place of loss, but as a place of new beginnings."
We strolled through the streets, the three of us laughing and teasing one another. Alex—me—was no longer just a teacher or protector. Today, I was simply one of them, a friend and companion, basking in a rare moment of normalcy.
At a small café, we stopped for coffee. Wanda sipped hers nervously, her eyes darting around the square. "I never thought… that we could have moments like this. Just normal things. After everything."
I reached across the table, covering her hand with mine. "Normal is what we've earned. Every bit of it. You've trained, fought, and grown so much. Today is about you two being happy."
Jean leaned closer, her chin resting on her hand. "And us being… together. I mean, look at us. We survived the impossible, and now we're here, walking through a city that tried to break us. But it didn't. We didn't."
I smiled, feeling the warmth spread through me. "We're unbreakable together."
After coffee, we wandered to the central fountain. Alex—me—used a subtle hint of magic to make the water shimmer in rainbow patterns, the girls' eyes lighting up. Wanda reached out, letting a small swirl of her chaos energy dance over the water, while Jean's Phoenix force added a warm glow. Together, the display reflected our harmony, a silent testament to how far we had come.
"This… this is amazing," Wanda said softly, staring at the fountain. "It's like the city is alive again, just for us."
Jean nodded, her hand brushing mine. "It feels… right. For the first time in years, it feels right to be here."
I pulled them both close, just long enough for a moment of shared warmth. "This is our city now," I said quietly. "Our memories, our victories. Nothing can take this from us."
The sun began to set, painting the skyline in hues of orange and pink. We sat on a bench, our hands intertwined, enjoying the quiet.
Jean leaned her head against my shoulder. "Do you ever think about the past?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Every day," I admitted. "But I've learned something important. The past shapes us, but it doesn't define us. We decide what comes next. And I choose… this. I choose us."
Wanda rested her head against my arm, her voice soft and trembling. "I was scared for so long. Scared we'd lose you, scared we'd lose each other. But now… I trust us. I trust you."
I kissed the top of her head gently. "You don't have to be afraid anymore. Not with me. Not with us. We've trained, we've grown, and we're stronger than ever. Together, nothing can break us."
Jean smiled, lifting her head to look at me. "Stronger… yes. But also… happier. For the first time in years, I feel alive again."
We walked through the streets as night fell, magic subtly enhancing the cityscape. Small lights floated in the air, a combination of our powers and Alex's careful control, creating a soft glow that followed us like stars. People paused to watch, unaware that three sorcerers moved among them, wielding the remnants of cosmic and chaotic power with delicate control.
At a quiet rooftop overlooking the city, we stopped. The city stretched out below us, alive with light, hope, and promise. I pulled both Wanda and Jean close, letting them lean against me.
"I love this," Wanda whispered, resting her head against my chest. "I love us. I love that we're alive. That we can just… exist without fighting for our lives every second."
Jean nodded in agreement. "And I love you, Alex. Not just for what you do, but for who you are. You've given us everything—strength, guidance, safety, and… love."
I held them both tightly, my heart full. "And I love you both. You've been with me through everything, and I can't imagine a life without either of you. We'll face the world together, always."
The morning deepened, and the city sparkled below. Magic, laughter, and love intertwined in perfect harmony. For the first time in years, we weren't training, fighting, or surviving. We were simply… together.
And that was more than enough.