POV: Scott
Xavier told me to pack properly.
Said I should take my time and get ready for my "vacation."
Am I going to do that?
Nope.
I'm grabbing a bag, a couple of clothes, and I'm gone.
And I swear, I've never moved this fast in my life.
The fear of running into one of the X-Men—or God forbid, Jean—had me practically sprinting through the mansion halls.
The second I reached my room and shut the door, relief washed over me.
"Okay… grab a bag, some clothes, and disappear."
Yeah, I said I wouldn't pack anything.
But I'm not an idiot.
If I can take something useful without slowing myself down, I'm taking it.
And for once, luck was actually on my side.
Why?
Because while I was frantically digging through the previous one-eyed owner's belongings, I found a few things that are going to help me. A lot.
First? Cash.
Four hundred dollars, to be exact. That's not bad at all.
Second? Car keys.
Transportation? Secured.
Thank God I know how to drive.
Other than that? The poor guy mostly had clothes.
Except for one small box, hidden deep in the back of the closet.
Inside it… a ring.
Perfectly crafted. Gold—at least, I assume it's gold. And embedded in it was a beautiful ruby that shimmered under the light.
Probably meant for Jean. A symbol of eternal love.
But now?
Hehehe...
Money. Money. Money.
If I sell this, that's a few more precious dollars in my pocket.
And sure, I know better than anyone that what I'm doing—what I'm thinking—is wrong.
But so what?
I'm not a saint. I'm definitely not hero material.
So any advantage I can get in this messed-up world?
I'm taking it. No hesitation.
After that, I don't even bother organizing anything. I just shove it all into a backpack and rush out of the room.
Now the real question is—
Where the hell is the garage?
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POV: ???
I'll be the first to admit I wasn't expecting to see this.
Look, I may not be the nicest person around—and I'll absolutely tease someone if I get the chance—but what I'm watching right now?
It's… kind of sad. Maybe. I'm not sure.
Scott has always been… persistent? Annoying? But deep down, he's a decent guy.
I think.
More than anything, though, when Scott commits to something, he goes all the way.
So why does it look like he's running away?
He practically rushed down the hallway, disappeared into his room for a few minutes, then came back out with a backpack and headed toward… the kitchen?
Maybe he wanted to grab something to eat before going somewhere.
And maybe I shouldn't act like a stalker just because I can phase through walls and pretty much any kind of matter?
Nah. It's fine.
So, Boy Scout…
Where exactly are you going?
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POV: Scott
Okay. I've made mistakes, I admit it.
But who the hell needs a mansion this big?!
I swear, a map would be really useful right about now.
The fact that I can hear multiple voices nearby isn't exactly comforting either.
I may not be a genius, but I've already realized I took a wrong turn.
And being the rational man that I am?
I decide to turn around and head back the way I came.
But what's really bothering me is this feeling.
Like I'm being watched.
Probably just paranoia.
But if even Batman has paranoia issues, why shouldn't I?
So I'll assume the worst and act like someone's watching me.
Even though I'm desperately hoping I'm wrong.
It only takes a few minutes of retracing my steps toward my room for me to realize-
I was absolutely right.
I glance upward… and very conveniently spot a young Girl giving me an awkward little smile.
Wait a second.
Is she inside the wall?