Mutant Base – Common Room
> "Alien attacks continue to ravage major cities across the country. Localized warfare has lasted six full days."
"Preliminary statistics place the death toll at over 8,000, with injuries surpassing 10,000—and those numbers are still climbing."
"It's been three days since the extraterrestrial declaration of war, yet the government has remained conspicuously silent, offering little beyond empty platitudes."
"The nation grows increasingly restless, desperate for real answers…"
On the screen, grim footage rolled: cities in ruins, smoke-choked skies, ambulances weaving through debris-littered streets.
Raven, Hank, Emma Frost, and Mystique sat in front of the television, the weight of the news pressing down on them.
Alex, however, was nowhere to be seen.
---
He wasn't out on a mission or tracking Decepticons.
No—Alex was in the training room.
These past few days, he had immersed himself completely in developing his telekinesis.
And the results?
Astounding.
He could now effortlessly lift fifty tons with a mere flick of his mind.
Considering how recently he'd obtained his second Source Stone, this growth was nothing short of terrifying.
And perhaps a bit… addicting.
That exhilarating sense of becoming stronger, faster, sharper—it was like a drug.
One Alex had no intention of quitting anytime soon.
---
Back in the common room, Hank muttered:
> "He's been locked in there for three days. Alex has the patience of a saint…"
He looked more anxious than anyone.
If he could've charged out and fought the Decepticons himself, he would've.
Raven's expression was no less grim. She had agreed to Alex's strategy, yes—but that didn't mean she was indifferent to the mounting casualties.
As for Emma Frost and Mystique?
Unbothered. Detached.
This was entertainment, not tragedy.
---
Suddenly, Hank stood up.
> "I can't just sit here anymore. I have to do something!"
He turned toward the exit.
> "Hank, wait—what are you even planning to do?" Raven reached out instinctively.
> "I don't know. But anything is better than this," he snapped, brushing past her.
> "Oh… now this just got interesting," Emma said, lifting an eyebrow.
Her lips curled into a sly smile.
> "We have visitors."
---
Visitors?
That single word snapped everyone's attention toward her.
---
This base had no outside contacts. No social circles. No guests.
Selene's team was the only group that maintained the compound, and they were strictly internal.
So visitors? That was rare—very rare.
And the way Emma said it?
Practically oozing mischief.
> "Emma, stop teasing," Raven said, leaning forward. "Who is it?"
Before Emma could reply—
Alex appeared at the door.
---
> "Old friends," he said simply, looking toward Hank and Raven.
They exchanged a quick glance—and then the realization hit.
Old friends.
Specifically their old friends.
Only two people fit that description right now.
Raven gasped.
> "Alex… is it Charles and Erik?"
> "I already had Selene bring them in," Alex replied with a faint smile. "You'll see for yourself in just a moment."
> "It has to be them," Raven whispered, eyes fixed on the hallway.
---
> "I wonder what those two want now," Emma muttered, rolling her eyes.
---
Right on cue, the voice of Selene echoed from down the corridor.
> "My lord, your guests are here."
Two familiar figures stepped into the room.
One had refined features and the calm grace of a noble. His wavy chestnut hair was perfectly combed, and his posture was effortlessly regal.
The other had a rugged edge—weathered, intense, a quiet storm behind his eyes.
Charles Xavier. Erik Lehnsherr.
---
> "Charles! Erik!" Raven leapt up, unable to hide the joy in her voice.
Even Hank's usual composure cracked—his eyes lit up, nostalgia breaking through the tension.
Whatever had happened in the past, once upon a time… they were a team.
---
> "It's good to see you all again," Charles said, scanning the room.
His smile was gentle, but his expression carried years of weariness.
---
> "So… this fortress is yours?" Erik muttered, surveying the sprawling compound.
> "Didn't expect you of all people to have a setup like this, Alex. You're just like Charles."
He meant it both as a compliment and a veiled surprise.
Selene had already told them—this entire base belonged to Alex.
And Erik, to his credit, was genuinely impressed.
---
> "Life takes strange turns," Alex replied, stepping forward and extending a hand.
> "Welcome, gentlemen."
---
Emma, as usual, remained icy.
> "Okay, let's skip the hugs and nostalgia. Why are you two here?"
---
Charles's face sobered immediately. He pointed at the TV screen, where footage of the ongoing destruction still played.
> "Alex," he said quietly, "as much as I'd like to catch up… we came for this."
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