"Do you really think someone like her is going to change, Legion?" Cessily asked without taking her eyes off Martha. "Because while she had me locked in there, she never stopped saying horrible things. She's convinced mutants shouldn't even exist."
Illyana, standing a few steps away, let out a mocking laugh, clearly sharing Cessily's doubts.
Legion sighed, casting one last look at Martha and the guards before turning back to the girl.
"Look, I believe everyone deserves, at the very least, the chance to do the right thing," he replied, though his voice sounded tired. "Some people have already crossed the line and there's no coming back, I know that. But Martha… and all these guys… I want to give them the benefit of the doubt. If they screw it up, then they can rot in prison. But I'm not going to be the one who takes away their chance to choose."
Illyana snorted and stepped in front of everyone, visibly fed up with the moral lecture.
"'Mortal laws,' 'authorities'… you always come out with the same human nonsense," she complained, waving a hand dismissively. "That's not how the world works, Legion. But if you want to keep dreaming, that's your problem. Let's get out of this dump."
Without warning, Illyana hurled a disk of light forward.
The portal didn't stay still. Instead, it swept across the room like a wave, swallowing the guards, Martha, Cessily, and Legion himself in the blink of an eye.
The sensation of emptiness was abrupt, and before they could even process it, the damp smell of the basement was replaced by fresh air.
They crashed hard onto the grass of the X-Mansion gardens. The contrast was ridiculous. There they were, covered in dust and blood, surrounded by unconscious people, right in the middle of the school's perfectly manicured lawn.
The moment they landed, the mansion doors flew wide open.
Kitty and Jubilee burst outside, shouting their friend's name as they ran full speed toward the group.
Seeing them coming, Illyana dismissed her greatsword in a flash of light and straightened up, crossing her arms in a proud stance.
She lifted her chin slightly and braced herself for the impact of a grateful hug, ready to receive praise for saving the day. Instead, Kitty and Jubilee zipped right past her like lightning bolts, completely ignoring her.
"Cessily! Oh my God, you're okay!" Jubilee shouted as she and Kitty threw themselves at the mercury-skinned girl.
The three of them ended up on the grass in a tangle of arms and legs. The relief didn't last long, though, because as soon as they confirmed she was unharmed, the scolding began.
"What were you thinking?" Kitty demanded, switching between tears and fury. "It was stupid to go off on your own like that! Do you have any idea how worried we were? We thought they'd killed you!"
Cessily tried to stammer out an apology, but Jubilee immediately cut her off, checking her arms and face.
"Don't ever do this to us again, Cess! You nearly gave all of us a heart attack!"
Illyana stood there with her arms still crossed, disbelief written all over her face. She stared at the empty space where her friends had passed and snorted, looking away.
"Ungrateful…" she muttered under her breath, wrinkling her nose.
Legion, standing right beside her and trying to catch his breath, couldn't help letting out a soft chuckle at the scene. He rubbed the back of his neck and glanced sideways at the Queen of Limbo.
"You shouldn't expect rewards for doing the right thing, Illyana," he teased. "Virtue is its own reward, right?"
Illyana's response was simple. She landed a sharp punch on his arm. Not with full strength, but Legion was so worn down from the fight that it caught him off guard.
"Ow!" he yelped, clutching his shoulder with a grimace. "Hey, I'm still injured here!"
"You deserve it for saying stupid things," she shot back, a small crooked smile tugging at her lips.
The commotion in the garden quickly grew.
Bobby arrived sliding in on a sheet of ice that melted as it touched the grass, relief all over his face when he saw Cessily. Pyro stayed farther back, arms crossed, observing the chaos with his usual look of disinterest.
Kurt also appeared, weaving quickly through the students to reach the group.
Soon, dozens of students crowded around them, forming a circle of murmurs and curious faces.
Their attention split between Cessily's condition and Legion himself. Many had never seen him up close before. The futuristic armor and helmet, dented and battered from the fight, sparked a flood of whispered questions and plenty of photos.
Before anyone could say anything else, a sudden, powerful wind swept through the garden.
It didn't knock anyone over, but it was strong enough to silence the voices and force the students to take a step back. The air turned cool, carrying the clean scent of rain.
Ororo crossed the threshold of the main door with a presence that imposed immediate silence. She stood there, arms crossed, her expression calm and firm.
"The show's over. Everyone who has nothing to do with this, return to your classes immediately," she declared.
The crowd of students began to disperse, murmuring in disappointment. Many still cast curious glances toward Legion, wondering what a hero was doing in the mansion's courtyard.
Taking advantage of the movement, Pyro lowered his head and tried to blend in, walking quickly toward the entrance as if he'd only been a spectator.
He was about to step inside when Ororo's voice caught up with him.
"John."
Pyro froze, squeezing his eyes shut and letting out a defeated sigh. He turned slowly, scratching the back of his neck.
"You didn't really think you could just leave after taking part in that unauthorized 'field trip' to New York, did you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Worth a shot," John muttered, trudging back toward the group as the rest of the students finished heading inside.
Ororo stepped aside, making room for the Headmaster.
Professor Xavier emerged from the mansion, Jean gently pushing his wheelchair while Scott walked at his side with his usual rigid posture. Xavier's expression was serious, the kind that made students straighten up just by feeling his presence.
"We have a lot to discuss, young people," Xavier said, sweeping his gaze over the group of friends.
Then the Professor turned his attention to Legion. He took a moment to assess the state of the armor. Dented, covered in concrete dust, the visor cracked. Xavier glanced briefly at Scott, then focused back on the stranger.
"My name is Charles Xavier," he introduced himself calmly. "Headmaster of this school."
"Legion," he replied simply, forcing himself to stand straight despite the fatigue starting to weigh on him. "A… nearly full-time hero?"
Xavier nodded with a faint smile, noticing the toll the battle had taken on the young man's posture.
"Before we go into the details of today's events," Xavier continued in a kinder tone, "may I ask you something? Would you like to use one of our rooms to clean up and rest a bit? It hardly seems reasonable to have a serious conversation with someone who looks like they've just crossed a battlefield."
Legion let out a soft, almost relieved laugh beneath the helmet. He really was exhausted. Not unable to move, but with that deep need to sit down after running a long distance.
"I'd appreciate that, Professor. Honestly, that would help a lot," he accepted.
Xavier then looked to Scott.
"Scott, would you be so kind as to escort our young hero to a room? Once he's ready, please guide him to my office."
Scott nodded silently, gesturing for Legion to follow him inside the building.
===============================================================
The two heroes walked in silence for the first few meters, leaving the noise of the garden behind.
As they entered the main hallway, Scott stopped and turned to him, extending his hand with that seriousness he never seemed to shed.
"By the way, we haven't properly introduced ourselves. I'm Scott Summers," he said, waiting for the handshake.
Legion nodded, gripping his hand firmly despite his fatigue.
"Legion. Nice to meet you."
They resumed walking through the carpeted corridors of the mansion. Scott, usually reserved, broke the ice as they climbed the stairs.
"What you did during the battle in New York was very brave," Scott said, glancing at him. "Not everyone would charge headfirst into a threat like that."
"Thank you," the young man replied, adjusting his helmet with a sigh. "Though, to be honest, I wasn't entirely sure what I was doing. But I was already in it, so I had to try something."
Legion winced and placed a hand on his lower back, stretching carefully to ease the tension.
"I can still feel the beating Terrax gave me… or maybe it's just the hits from the fight earlier," he added with a soft laugh.
Scott chuckled quietly, nodding.
"I know the feeling. The day after is usually the worst," Scott replied in a more relaxed tone. "Here we are."
They stopped in front of a solid wooden door. Scott opened it, revealing a spotless guest room with a private bathroom at the back.
"Take your time. There are clean towels and some clothes that might fit you in the closet. I'll wait outside, and when you're done, I'll take you to the Professor's office."
========================================================
Hot water beat against Legion's back, finally convincing his muscles to stop protesting after the lab fight.
Steam filled the bathroom, forming a thick curtain as he washed away the remaining dust and sweat. Despite being under the shower, he kept a small waterproof earpiece in place.
"Sir, I apologize for interrupting your shower," SID's voice came through clearly, "but my long-range sensors have detected two aircraft approaching the mansion's airspace."
Legion closed his eyes for a moment, letting the water run down his face.
"Friends or enemies, SID?" he asked, reaching for the soap.
"The first helicopter belongs to Frost International, likely Miss Emma Frost," the AI reported. "The second has no official identification, but satellite imagery and magnetic signatures confirm it is Magneto and his group."
Legion paused briefly, calmly lathering his hair, a smile forming beneath the falling water.
"Well then… looks like the party didn't end in New York," he remarked, amused. "This is getting very interesting."
He ran his hands through the foam, thoughtful. Magneto's presence meant things could escalate quickly, and with him, there was always the possibility that not everyone was who they claimed to be.
"SID, maintain constant scans on the newcomers' biometric signatures," Legion ordered, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Do you think you could identify Mystique if she decides to play hide-and-seek?"
"It is practically impossible to detect her with scanners, sir, given her cellular control."
"Figured as much," the young man murmured with a smile as he rinsed the shampoo from his hair. "Maybe I should turn into Beast? I shouldn't be able to find her, she mimics everything… but I could at least try."
He stayed under the stream a little longer, enjoying the last moments of calm before the X-Mansion filled with unwanted guests.
========================================================================
In the Headmaster's office, the atmosphere was thick with the heavy tension that precedes an exemplary punishment.
Xavier remained behind his large wooden desk, calmly observing the group of young people standing tightly together before him: Kitty, Jubilee, Kurt, Pyro, Bobby, and Illyana, with Cessily seated off to one side. Flanking the Professor like a wall of authority stood Jean, Ororo, and Colossus.
Ororo was the first to break the silence.
"That was an absolute act of recklessness," she declared, sweeping her gaze over the six of them. "Sneaking out of the school like that, without a plan and without support… You have no idea how dangerous it was. You could have ended up in a morgue, or worse. You should have informed us. The adults are here to handle these situations, not for you to play soldiers."
Kitty, who hadn't stopped twisting her fingers together, looked up, trying to stammer out an apology.
"Ororo, we're really sorry, but we couldn't just leave Cessily and—"
"If we had told you, it would've taken you forever to agree on where to even start," Illyana cut in with her usual sharp tone, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. "You would've debated protocols and risks while she was still trapped. In Limbo, we don't ask permission to attack the enemy."
Colossus, who hadn't taken his eyes off his younger sister, let out a heavy sigh. Though his eyes showed relief at having her close, his voice was deep and stern.
"Illyana, this isn't about being slow. It's about acting intelligently," the Russian giant scolded her. "You have no idea how many threats are out there looking for mutants for who-knows-what experiments. You can't throw yourselves into the fire every time something goes wrong without thinking about the consequences. And I'll say it again… we are NOT in Limbo."
Pyro couldn't hold back anymore and let out a bitter laugh, stepping forward without being intimidated by Colossus' size or Ororo's stare.
"And what would've been the consequences of not acting fast, huh?" Pyro spat cynically. "Maybe by the time you finished your strategy meeting and decided which boots to wear, Cessily would've already been turned into metallic soup."
Bobby jabbed him sharply in the ribs, shooting him a glare to shut him up before things got worse.
Jean, trying to soften the tone and regain control, stepped toward the young mutants with an expression full of empathy.
"We understand your fear, but all students at this school are under our protection," Jean explained gently. "It's our responsibility to keep you safe and help you with whatever you need. We would never have allowed something like this to happen to Cessily. I promise you that."
"Oh yeah? And what about Rogue then?" Illyana interrupted.
The question landed like a stone.
Illyana pushed herself off the wall, locking her eyes onto Jean.
"Wasn't she your responsibility too? Where was all that protection when she needed it?" the Queen of Limbo pressed.
Jean was left speechless, her mouth opening but no sound coming out. She lowered her gaze, visibly shaken by the direct strike to a wound that still hadn't healed.
Beside her, Ororo placed a hand on her shoulder, concern in her eyes, while Colossus stepped forward, his face flushed with anger.
"Illyana Nikolievna Rasputina!" the Russian thundered, using her full name to demand silence and respect.
Before the argument could escalate further, Xavier's calm, deep voice filled the office, soothing the tension through sheer authority.
"What happened to Anna Marie was… unfortunate," the Professor said, a trace of sadness in his voice. "I assure you that no one in this room wanted anything bad to happen to her. But you must understand a fundamental distinction. Anna was already an official X-Man. She knew the risks. She was an adult who made her own choices."
Xavier paused, scanning the faces of the six young mutants with a look that blended affection with a stern warning.
"But unlike her, you are still young students. You are inexperienced and lack the necessary understanding of the real dangers that exist in this world. This school was created precisely for that reason. To guide you, to protect you, and to prepare you until you are ready to face what's out there. Not so you can throw yourselves into the void on your own."
Xavier softened his expression and turned his wheelchair toward Cessily, who remained curled in her chair. His voice lost its reprimanding edge and became warm.
"Cessily, I need you to understand something," the Professor said gently. "This school is not a prison. You are not being held here against your will. You are free to leave whenever you wish, but if you choose to do so, you must at least inform us. That way we could help you. Take you where you need to go, make sure you have money, clothes, food, or a safe place with friends or family."
Cessily kept her eyes fixed on the floor, nervously fidgeting with her metallic fingers.
"We have done everything we can to find a solution to your situation," Xavier continued. "I know your suffering is great, truly. But what you did today could have led to terrible consequences. Not just for you, but for all your classmates and friends who risked their lives to look for you."
The mercury-skinned girl finally lifted her head, her eyes shining with anguish.
"I'm sorry… I'm really sorry," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I was just so desperate. It's so hard watching all of you… enjoy your senses. Eating something delicious, touching the person you love, feeling the wind and the sun on your skin… I just wanted to stop being this for a moment. I'm sorry. Truly."
Xavier gave her a compassionate smile and nodded slowly.
"It's all right, Cessily. It's good that you understand that. That's the first step for us to continue helping you."
Kitty, who hadn't stopped watching her friend throughout the entire exchange, stepped closer and placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently.
"Everything turned out okay in the end, Cess," Kitty said with a reassuring smile. "Don't punish yourself anymore. You're my friend, and if there's anything, anything at all I can do for you… you know I'll always be there. You don't have to go through this alone."
Cessily managed a small smile at Kitty, grateful for the gesture, then turned back to the Professor.
"Professor, there were others like me in that place," Cessily explained quickly. "Other mutants who were being studied, they—"
"Don't worry about that right now, Cessily," Jean interrupted softly, giving her a calming look. "They're all under Hank's care now. He's examining them personally to make sure they're in good health, and afterward we'll decide what's best for each of them. They're safe."
Ororo, who still had her arms crossed, shifted her gaze toward Illyana.
"And what about the guards and that researcher?" Ororo asked curiously. "Why did you decide to bring them here as well, Illyana?"
Magik let out a snort and smiled smugly, shrugging.
"Don't look at me," she replied. "The 'hero boy' got sentimental. He didn't want them to die and kept talking about a fair trial or some other human nonsense. To get him to stop bothering me with his speeches, I just brought everyone along."
At that moment, the office door burst open. Gambit strode in quickly, his face serious and devoid of his usual carefree demeanor.
"Professor, we have company," Remy announced, gesturing outside. "Two helicopters are heading this way at full speed."
Xavier frowned slightly, remaining calm.
"Do we know who they are, Remy?"
"One identified itself as Frost Industries," Gambit replied, adjusting his trench coat. "And the other… well, Magneto himself sent a message. Says he has important matters to discuss with you, Professor."
Xavier let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples as if trying to ease an oncoming migraine.
"Very well," he said, his voice tired but firm. "All students are to return to their dormitories immediately. Jean, Piotr, please inform the rest of the faculty. I need you to ensure the students' safety and make sure no one else leaves the mansion until I authorize it."
Both nodded at once, gently guiding the young mutants toward the exit.
Pyro, Bobby, and the others left in murmurs, glancing toward the gardens as the room emptied. Xavier then turned to the remaining X-Men.
"Remy, Ororo… would you be so kind as to have a table prepared outside? Tea, something to drink, and a few refreshments. Let's receive our guests with the courtesy their positions require."
They both nodded and left the office to carry out the request.
Xavier was left alone in the silence of the room, broken only by the distant echo of helicopter blades drawing closer.
He closed his eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and then spoke to the air without turning his chair.
"If you were that worried about the kids, you could've gone out and asked them yourself how they were."
From the door connecting to the library came a low growl.
The wood creaked, and Logan appeared, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face.
"You know I don't handle that sentimental crap very well," Logan grumbled, walking toward the window as he slipped an unlit cigar into his pocket.
Xavier nodded with a small, nostalgic smile, though it quickly faded as he looked toward the horizon, where the two helicopters were already visible.
"What do you think those two want?" Logan asked, fixing his gaze on the Frost Industries aircraft glinting in the sunlight. "And more importantly… why are they coming together?"
Xavier kept his eyes on the approaching machines, his expression one of deep concern.
"Emma is a reasonable woman, within the scope of her own interests," the Professor replied slowly. "But Erik… with him, you never know. With any luck, he only wants to reminisce about old adventures with me."
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HEY THERE, HOW'S IT GOING? HOPE YOU'RE DOING WELL
WELL, THIS IS WHERE TODAY'S CHAPTER ENDS. WE'LL SEE WHAT THE HELL THESE TWO VERY PARTICULAR PEOPLE WANT, WHAT OUR HERO WILL DO, AND WHAT MUST HAVE HAPPENED TO ROGUE FOR JEAN TO FEEL SO SAD ABOUT HER.
AS ALWAYS, THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND YOUR COMMENTS.
SEE YOU IN THE NEXT CHAPTER.
TAKE CARE, KISSES :)