The City of Novi Grad was beautiful. Its cobblestone streets whispered stories of centuries past, and its architecture bore the marks of history, scars healed yet visible, reminding anyone who looked closely that the city had endured. Even after the reconstruction, the historical charm remained intact, blending seamlessly with the modern touches that had been added.
As we entered the city, I felt a tug at my heart—a mixture of excitement and nostalgia. Wanda and Jean flanked me, their eyes wide as they absorbed the sights. We made our way toward the monument dedicated to the lives lost in the air strike. A hush fell over us as we approached, each step heavy with remembrance.
Jean looked quiet, almost fragile, and I could see her thoughts lingering on the past, on parents she would never see again. Wanda's gaze was distant, recalling memories of laughter, warmth, and the lives we had lost together.
I placed a firm hand on each of their shoulders. "I'm here," I whispered. "Always. I'll never leave you, not now, not ever."
They didn't say anything, but the closeness of their hands on mine, the faint squeeze of reassurance, told me they understood. We stayed there for half an hour, paying our respects in silence. The weight of history, grief, and survival pressed upon us, but so did a subtle sense of gratitude—for life, for each other, for this moment of peace.
When the quiet became too heavy, I suggested we find lunch. A nearby restaurant, with tables set outside in a sun-dappled park, seemed perfect.
We sat, and a waitress approached with a polite smile. "What would you like to order, sir?"
I studied the menu carefully, letting my eyes wander over the local specialties before deciding. "We'll have some Ciorbă de burtă, please," I said, "and some Mici. Make it enough for all three of us." It was one of the city's famous dishes—a savory reminder of Sokovia's culinary soul.
As the food arrived, I looked at them, smiling gently. "So… are you both feeling better?"
Wanda nodded silently, her gaze flicking worriedly to Jean.
Jean smiled softly, meeting my eyes. "I'm fine. I just… miss them sometimes. But I'm learning to move forward. And I have both of you. That helps."
I felt a warmth in my chest. "Good. That's what matters. Now, what shall we do after this? We're in Novi Grad—its streets, shops, everything. I think we deserve to enjoy it fully."
Jean's eyes brightened, and she leaned forward slightly. "We could go shopping! I've been dreaming about this—this city has a branch of that famous Italian designer."
Wanda's enthusiasm matched her sister's. "Yes! Let's go! Clothes, accessories, shoes… everything!"
I sighed with a smile. "Remember, Axis can cover anything you want. No bills, no trace. Go ahead and shop to your heart's content." [axis is artifact Alex created which controls technology the artifact is in the form of a ring]
Wanda pouted. "But I want to use my powers too! You and Jean do it all the time."
I pinched her cheek gently. "It's not a game, Wanda. Powers aren't for convenience. If you want to use them, there are better ways than shopping. Now finish your meal before you get distracted."
Across the park, unnoticed by us, a small scene unfolded. A 7-year-old boy was chasing a ball while his mother bought ice cream. The ball rolled into the street, and in the same instant, a silver blur intervened. A car, speeding recklessly, almost struck the child. Behind it, several black vehicles were in hot pursuit.
In a heartbeat, I sensed the danger. Powers flared inside me, instincts sharpened. I moved at a blur, scooping the boy and ball into my arms. I saw inside the speeding car: two teenagers with collars around their necks. The driver had blonde hair, golden eyes, and a delicate yet determined face.
Carefully, I returned the boy to his mother, then telekinetically destroyed the brakes of the pursuing cars, erecting barriers to prevent any harm to bystanders. The child was safe, the mother bewildered, and the two teenagers escaped, leaving behind the smoke of destruction.
Jean and Wanda were stunned. "Mutants… in trouble?" Jean asked, her eyes wide.
I nodded. "Yes. Powerful ones too. But we don't interfere today. I've marked them. We can track them anytime. Today… our focus is us."
Wanda frowned playfully. "You were checking them out, weren't you?"
I laughed softly. "No. Beautiful doesn't mean a distraction. They're just… unique. Omega level, maybe higher."
Jean shook her head, smiling faintly. "Alex, you really do think about everything, don't you?"
I reached back, kissing each of them on the cheek. Wanda, seated behind me, leaned closer, and I smiled at the warmth they gave me. "I think about you two first, always. Strangers can wait."
We arrived at a towering building, the city's newest luxury hotel. I handed the keys to the valet and guided us inside. The receptionist, a blonde named Claire, greeted us warmly.
"How may I help you, sir?" she asked politely.
"I'd like to book your most expensive room for three days," I replied.
Claire's face showed no surprise; wealthy teenage clients were not unusual here. "Of course, sir. It comes with a private pool, Jacuzzi, and all amenities. Shall I reserve it for three nights?"
I nodded. "Perfect. And is there shopping here? And a cinema?"
Claire smiled. "Shopping is on the third floor, movies on the fourth. The second floor is for dining, and the bottom six floors are reserved for our guests' convenience. Enjoy your stay."
The girls' faces lit up, anticipation sparkling in their eyes. Jean clasped her hands together. "Finally… shopping! And a movie too!"
Wanda bounced slightly. "I can't wait! Let's go explore everything!"
As we ascended to our room, I glanced at them. Their smiles, their excitement, their laughter—it was the first time in years that I saw them truly carefree. I felt a quiet pride in what we had built together: strength, trust, and the fragile yet powerful bond of our chosen family.
"Promise me," Wanda said softly as we entered the suite, "we'll always protect each other. No matter what."
I pulled them both into a tight embrace. "I promise. We're more than survivors. We're unstoppable. Together, nothing can touch us."
Jean smiled, pressing her head against my chest. "I think today is just the beginning of something… unforgettable."
I nodded, watching the city lights through the large windows. "Unforgettable, indeed. Novi Grad is beautiful… but not as beautiful as you two."
They both laughed, a sound full of warmth and affection, and I knew that whatever came next—danger, challenges, or joy—we would face it as three: Alex, Wanda, and Jean. Bound by power, love, and unbreakable trust.