The cafeteria at Xavier's was buzzing as usual. Trays clattered, students called out to each other across the tables, and the smell of pizza and fries mixed with something healthier that Beast had insisted on adding to the menu.
At one of the central tables, a group of the more recognizable girls sat together. Jean Grey had claimed the spot by the window, her red hair catching the afternoon light, while Jubilee leaned in with a grin. Kitty Pryde was beside her, animatedly telling some story, and Rogue sat across, listening with half a smirk.
Their conversation drifted lazily from classes to training exercises or the profession they chose—until the cafeteria doors opened.
Nova walked in, tray balanced in one hand, scanning the tables for an open seat. Even though he didn't try to stand out, heads turned. Whispers followed him across the room.
Jubilee nudged Rogue with her elbow. "Speak of the devil. The famous Mr. Ashbourne himself."
Kitty's eyes widened. "That's him? The guy who made that Training Potion everyone's been freaking out about?"
"Not just that," Rogue added, leaning back in her chair. "He was part of the team that cooked up the regeneration serum too."
"Mm-hm," Jubilee chimed in. "And if you believe the rumors, he's the same guy who pulled Tony Stark out of the desert last month. Can't tell if it's true, but still…" She gave a low whistle. "Kinda wild."
Kitty rested her chin in her hand, studying Nova as he set his tray down at an empty table. "So what's his mutant power? Anyone know?"
Rogue shrugged. "Beats me. Doesn't look like a telepath. Not exactly the guy you peg for laser eyes either."
"Maybe he doesn't have one," Jubilee teased. "Maybe he's just, you know, hot and smart."
That earned a laugh from the table, but Jean's expression stayed thoughtful. She glanced toward Nova, then back at the group.
"I asked Storm about it once," Jean said finally, lowering her voice just a little. The others leaned in. "She told me his ability is… different. Apparently, as long as he understands the underlying logic and has the knowledge, he can make it real."
Rogue raised an eyebrow. "That's vague as hell."
"Or scary," Kitty added quickly. "Like… he made the regeneration serum and that training potion, right? That means he's not just book smart—he's got crazy high IQ. If he understands the science behind producing fire or electricity, doesn't that mean he could actually do it? Like… fire powers, lightning powers—maybe more?"
Jubilee's eyes widened. "Hold up, so you're saying if he studies, say, nuclear physics, he could just… go nuclear?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying," Kitty said, half laughing, half serious.
Rogue let out a low whistle. "Damn. Imagine a guy who can just pick his powers like electives."
Jean folded her arms, her tone calm but carrying an edge of caution. "It's not that simple. Knowing something and mastering it are two very different things. But… yes, the potential is there. That's why Storm called it dangerous."
Jubilee leaned back in her chair, tapping her straw against her cup. "So… best case? He's like a walking Swiss Army knife for powers. Worst case? He studies the wrong thing and—boom—end of the world."
Kitty grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "Or he just uses it to ace every exam forever. 'Sorry, Professor, I just invented the answer.'"
The table burst into laughter, the sound carrying through the cafeteria.
Meanwhile, Nova was scanning the room for a spot. Meeting with the principal had taken up the entire day. Since he already had achievements in biology—published work that had reached academic journals outside the mutant community—he didn't need to attend any regular classes, but he was still required to be present for all the mandatory exams.
Then he negotiated and managed to get permission to own a personal lab in the school, one focused entirely on the study of mutant DNA and abilities. Principal Beast agreed, though with conditions. He wanted weekly reports submitted to ensure oversight, and the real reason he approved was because he wanted Nova to take Jean Grey as his student.
When he heard this, Nova was both surprised and delighted. Jean was one of the major reasons he had decided to come to this school. After all, she was the Phoenix host. That meant she carried the potential to become this world's most powerful protector—or its greatest destroyer.
After all, the Dark Phoenix was no joke. In the movies, she may have been killed by Wolverine's claws, but that was just fiction. Of course the main characters were bound to win there. But this is reality, there would be no guarantee of survival. Nova couldn't afford to take chances.
So his plan was to get close to Jean, and then try to create a contract with her—using his knowledge about the Phoenix Force, while also offering to help her control it.
Now Principal Beast directly offered Jean to him as if handing an innocent lamb to a hungry wolf. …Wait, that sounded wrong. He wasn't some predator drooling for the kill.
Okay, maybe he was drooling a little. Jean Grey wasn't just powerful—she was a walking fantasy. That fiery red hair, those curves, the way her uniform clung to her in all the right places. God, she was sex on legs.
Of course he had plans—serious ones, about the Phoenix, about power, about control—but he'd be lying if he said his mind didn't wander to dirtier places. The idea of getting under that skirt, hearing her moan his name, hearing her moan his name, ruining her perfect lipstick with his high quality cream dripping from her face, and making the school's perfect princess lose that pristine composure? Yeah, the thought alone was enough to make him grin like a bastard.
But power came first. Always. If he could secure her trust, guide her control over the Phoenix, then everything else—her loyalty, her power, and maybe her body—would follow.
Nova shook his head, forcing the images out before they got him hard right there in the damn office. He'd spent months pouring everything into building the island, keeping himself in check, and now he was more pent up than he cared to admit. If he didn't take care of it soon, he'd end up having wet dreams about the redhead and that wasn't exactly the most professional way to start mentoring her.
Still, he didn't agree right away. "Why me?" he asked flatly, tilting his head at Beast.
Beast folded his hands, eyes sharp behind the glasses. "Because Jean has chosen both paths—the X-Men and the scientist. She's already outgrown the standard curriculum, far beyond most of her peers. But she lacks the… results you've already proven capable of. You've built, innovated, led. She has the raw ability, but not the achievements."
Nova let that sink in. It made sense, and he could tell Beast wasn't exaggerating. Jean had the talent, the drive, and the power. What she didn't have yet was someone who could show her how to actually apply it outside of theory or missions.
"Fine," Nova said after a moment, leaning back casually. "I'll take her under my wing." His lips curved into a faint smirk, a private thought flickering behind his eyes. For science, of course.
Suddenly, Nova came out of his thoughts as a black cloud swirled into existence right beside him. The air grew cold for a split second, the kind of chill that made the back of your neck prickle. Then, with a muted bamf, a tall, lean figure stepped out of the smoke, his spaded tail flicking lazily behind him.
"Ah, there you are," the newcomer said with a cheerful lilt, his German accent warm and disarming. "I am Kurt Wagner. Most here call me Nightcrawler."
Nova looked him over once, then leaned back in his chair, unfazed. "Nova," he said simply.
Kurt's grin widened, sharp teeth catching the light. "So it is true. You are the genius who created the regeneration serum and the training potion, ja? Ever since the boys heard about zat training potion, they have been going absolutely crazy. Even Scott pretends not to care, but I see him giving you the side-eye."
That actually made Nova smirk." Ofcourse which boy would say 'NO' to six packs?"
Kurt's grin widened, sharp teeth catching the light. "So it is true. You are the genius who created the regeneration serum and the training potion, ja? Ever since the boys heard about zat training potion, they have been going absolutely crazy. Even Scott pretends not to care, but I see him giving you the side-eye."
That actually made Nova smirk. "Of course, which boy would say no to six-packs?"
Kurt nodded, leaned in and spoke slowly, "After all, all the girls like that... picking up girls becomes easy with muscles..."
Nova chuckled, eyes glinting. "Careful, elf. If you think muscles are the only cheat code, you're already losing the game. Charm, timing, knowing when to shut up—those matter a hell of a lot more."
Kurt tilted his head, tail curling behind him as he teased, "So you are saying you don't need muscles to get under a skirt?"
Nova smirked wider. "Exactly. Muscles just make it easier when her boyfriend shows up."
Kurt burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. "Ach, Gott, you are dangerous, mein Freund."
Nova and Kurt shared bad boys smiles.
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→ 30 REVIEWS= 3 BONUS CHAPTER's
→ 200 POWER STONES= 1 BONUS CHAPTER
→ 400 POWER STONES= 2 BONUS CHAPTER's
CURRENT PROGRESS:↓
– FIRST OBJECTIVE:- 26/30 REVIEWS
– SECOND OBJECTIVE- 168/200 P.S
– THIRD OBJECTIVE- /400 P.S
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CHAPTER:- [95 - BLINK'S WISH & TRADER'S FRUSTRATION] IS AVAILABLE ON MY P@TREON