(POV of Charles Xavier)
I walked through the polished corridors of my school, the walls quietly echoing the distant chatter of young minds. My hand rested on the wheelchair's control as I made my way toward the sealed chamber of Cerebro. Time to search… to feel… for new mutants across the globe .... to give them a future before the world decides to take it from them.
Cerebro hummed to life, expanding my perception. So many thoughts. So many minds. But even amidst that vast ocean of consciousness, a few remained as silent as the void.
Ritsuka Fujimaru.
Hakuno Kishinami.
Karna.
And… James Moriarty.
They are not from our world. That much I'm certain of. Their minds… are sealed. Reinforced by something ....no, someone. Likely Hakuno because of her energy signature, A seal, complex and elegant, guarding their thoughts from intrusion. It is not simply mental shielding ...this is intentional protection. I could break it… but it would mean violating a sacred boundary. And now is not the time.
Still… that dark aura Ritsuka carries… only a few like Logan and myself can sense it. Logan remains wary no surprise. His instincts rarely lie. And yet, watching Ritsuka in the courtyard moments ago, leading young mutants through basic exercises, his smile genuine… his words encouraging…
I never imagined a person with such darkness in his soul could also be so… good.
He connects with people easily too easily. Like someone who has seen every version of loss and still chooses hope. I wonder what kind of life he must have lived to hold such pain… and still stand. Still smile.
I took notes from my Cerebro session and returned to my office. When I opened the door, I saw the photo on my desk our first class. The younger days. Smiling students. Among them, Jean Grey.
I stared at her image. My brightest student. My deepest failure.
'Jean… I did what I thought was right. For our kind. For the world. But I still wonder if you'll ever forgive this poor old man.'
With a sigh, I reached for a glass of water and paused.
Storm was coming.
Seconds later, the door opened. Ororo Munroe my sister in all but not in blood...stood in the doorway. Her eyes, as piercing as ever, held a storm behind them.
"Professor," she said, voice even but heavy, "we need to talk."
"Of course," I answered calmly, setting the glass down.
"It's about Ritsuka and Hakuno," she began, stepping in and folding her arms. "Who are they, Charles? Why did you bring them here? Are they victims of a terrorist group? They've become close to us. And Ritsuka… he's one of the few humans I've met who isn't pretending. He's honest."
Ah… the honesty. Yes. Ritsuka never hides himself and yet, so much is hidden.
I also want to know the answers for your questions. Too bad, I have to wait until I read his mind.
I met her gaze. "I can't say much, Ororo. But they do not bear ill intentions toward us."
Ororo's eyes narrowed. "Does that mean they have ill intentions toward someone else?"
Sharp. As always.
'They are targeting HYDRA' I thought, folding my hands. 'Their motives remain unknown. But their direction is… deliberate.'
I had considered brainwashing them, once. Not for fear but for what might follow them. Yet… I know too well the weight of brainwashing. And something in me told me they belonged here, if only temporarily, so it's okay to brainwash them for greater good.
Before I could elaborate, the communicator on my desk buzzed.
A call priority line.
"Excuse me," I told Ororo and answered.
It was the President.
An emergency.
An astronaut mission had gone wrong. Communication was lost. NASA needed help. Mutants... ones who could act in space, adapt to pressure, and handle potential unknowns.
"I understand," I told him. "We'll respond immediately."
I looked at Ororo. "A rescue mission. Space-class. I'll compile the list. Can you gather the team?"
She nodded. "Leave it to me."
I scribbled names quickly
I handed the list to Ororo. She glanced at it once, then turned to leave.
"…And Ororo?" I said as she reached the door.
She paused.
"…Thank you."
She smiled faintly and left.
Once alone, I sighed in relief.
Thank you, Mister President, I thought, staring up at the ceiling. You may have just saved me from telling Ororo what I truly don't know about Ritsuka and Hakuno.
Still… the time will come. I will have to look deeper. I will have to read what lies behind those sealed minds.
Mainly Ritsuka.
Not for control.
Not for fear.
But because… sometimes the greater good demands sacrifice.
---
[Xavier's School garden]
The warm afternoon light filtered gently through the canopy of the Xavier garden trees, casting a peaceful hue over the private bench where Jean Grey and Hakuno Kishinami sat to chat.
Ororo Munroe stepped into the garden with her usual grace, the early light glinting against her white hair.
She saw where Hakuno Kishinami and Jean Grey were sitting, sunlight pouring on them as they enjoyed a quiet morning girls talk.
Jean was resting her cheek on her palm, eyes quietly watching the sky, while Hakuno sat beside her.
"Jean, Hakuno," Ororo greeted, stepping in. "We've got a mission. It's urgent. You are requested."
Jean blinked. "Me?"
Hakuno's brow furrowed, her calm demeanor breaking just a little. "Now? But… I just started making progress with her. Jean's finally beginning to understand what love really feels like. Throwing her into danger again will mess with that."
Ororo softened her tone. "I see now I understand why she is acting different. But it's a rescue op ...astronauts. Low threat. We just need a solid team up there. Jean's psychic powers might help coordinate the mission."
Jean turned, her voice cautious. "Is… Scott coming too?"
Hakuno's expression froze. "Scott?" she repeated, surprised.
Jean blushed slightly, quickly glancing away.
Ororo allowed herself a small smile. "Yes. Scott and Nightcrawler are both joining."
Jean tried to suppress her smile, but it bloomed faintly on her lips as she stood. "I'll get ready."
Hakuno stood, grumbling under her breath. "First time she smiles this week, and she can't even thank her friend who helped her to understand love,…"
---
The early sun bathed the field in gold as Ritsuka Fujimaru, in a gray sports jersey and track pants, stood before a group of excited mutant kids. A whistle hung around his neck, and his usual soft smile carried just a hint of mischief.
"All right!" he called, clapping his hands. "Before we start the football match, we warm up. A sharp body needs a sharper mind."
The kids groaned in mock protest.
"Down on the ground. Push-up position!" he barked.
"Yes, bro!" they echoed.
"One!"
The kids pushed.
"Two!"
Another push.
Ritsuka smirked. "Three! Think of each push-up as booting up your brain."
On the sidelines, Scott Summers and Nightcrawler watched, arms crossed.
"Never thought I'd see someone get this many kids to listen so fast, but I agree Ritsuka is good at playing with kids. " Scott muttered.
"Ja," Nightcrawler chuckled. "He's like a strange cross between a Wiseman and a P.E. coach."
Just then, Jubilee came bounding over, waving.
"Yo, Ritsuka! Kids!" she called, giving a big wave. "Morning energy's strong today, huh?"
"Jubilee!" Ritsuka called out, motioning the kids to stand and jog in place. "What's up?"
"News from the top. Mission from the President," Jubilee announced with a grin.
Nightcrawler tilted his head. "Again?"
Scott sighed. "We've barely recovered from the last one."
Ritsuka straightened, blinking. "Mission? Serious stuff again? Are you guys dealing with another terrorist group?"
Jubilee grinned, hands on hips. "Nah, it's just a space mission. Astronaut rescue. Low combat risk. You lucky guys got picked," she nudged Scott and Nightcrawler with a wink.
Both men blinked.
"Space?" Kurt repeated.
"Real space?" Scott raised an eyebrow. "You're sure?"
"Yup," Jubilee said, smug. "Wish I was going too. But nope. Just you two."
The kids gasped in unison.
"Space?!"
"That's so cool!"
"You gotta tell us what zero gravity feels like!"
"Do aliens exist?!"
Scott laughed gently. "I'll tell you when we're back."
Nightcrawler gave a theatrical bow. "And I shall describe it with poetry."
Ritsuka grinned. "Okay, you heard them, kids! That's your reward! Now start the push-ups from Start again."
"WHAAAT!" the children wailed.
"Just kidding"
---
(A Few Minutes Later)
The ball finally rolled across the field as the match began. Ritsuka passed the ball gently to one of the smaller kids and clapped. "Nice control!"
"Oii Ritsuka!" a voice called out from behind.
He turned to see Hakuno approaching, her long coat swapped out for something more casual. The kids waved.
"Miss Hakuno! Join us!" they cheered.
Hakuno raised her hands defensively. "No, no, no. I'm not a football player. Ritsuka's the only one good at running around and chasing balls like a mutt."
"Hey!" Ritsuka laughed.
"But I am the best at tennis," she added with a smirk. "I beat him five times in a row."
"But You never won in football match!" a kid corrected.
"I bet you never won against Brother Ritsuka in any game expect tennis!" another added.
Hakuno looked betrayed. "Et tu, kids?"
Then chuckled. "You brats. Always ganging up on me."
"But Brother Ritsuka's best at football!" one of the kids shouted defiantly.
"Yeah, best football coach!"
Hakuno pretended to pout. "Tch. I'll make you all run laps if you keep picking sides."
They all burst into laughter.
Ritsuka let himself relax. Moments like this… even in a world not his own… were precious.
He looked up at the sky, eyes trailing toward the clouds.
---
[Xavier's School Cafeteria -Early Afternoon]
The large cafeteria bustled with chatter and clinking utensils. Sunlight poured in through the glass panels, casting warm tones across the rows of mutant students enjoying their lunch. At one of the corner tables, Ritsuka Fujimaru and Hakuno Kishinami sat with a small tray of sandwiches, salad, and miso soup....a blend of Chaldea comfort food and mutant academy cuisine.
Ritsuka was dressed in a casual hoodie with track pants, sleeves rolled up, still a bit flushed from the earlier football game. Hakuno, calm and elegant as ever, sipped tea gracefully while nudging some spinach off her plate with mild distaste.
Nearby, Karna sat in silence, already finished with his meal, his arms crossed calmly as if meditating. Opposite him was James Moriarty, in his usual three-piece suit, enjoying a crossword puzzle with a sinister little grin curling his lip.
Everything was peaceful… until—
A pulse.
Subtle, but undeniable.
Ritsuka's head jerked slightly. He stiffened.
Hakuno's cup clinked against the saucer as her fingers froze.
Their eyes met.
"...You felt that too," Hakuno murmured under her breath, her usual calm cracking. "That power…"
"It's Jean," Ritsuka said, voice low and serious. "It's not like a High ranking mage's mana signature. But it's unmistakable. It's growing fast… way too fast."
Hakuno's eyes narrowed. "She's not even on the planet's surface… and yet we still feel it?"
Karna's eyes opened slowly. "A faint, unfamiliar presence… far from Earth. Divine? No. But burning… like an ancient star. Yes. I felt it too."
James Moriarty lowered his newspaper. "Oh? I thought I was the only one who noticed something peculiar… but it seems the storm is already forming, hmm?"
Ritsuka says. "Let's talk in the library. We will join you both after we complete our meal"
Karna and Moriarty nodded wordlessly and left.
Just as Ritsuka and hakuno completed the meals, Bobby Drake came rushing in.
"Hey! Guys!" he called out. "You've gotta see this—check the TV!"
The cafeteria quieted slightly as the monitor switched to a live broadcast.
"We are receiving visuals from NASA's deep-space camera ...confirmation that the X-Men successfully rescued the astronauts from the damaged orbital station. Their jet is re-entering the atmosphere, safe and secure. It's a remarkable display of teamwork and courage from Earth's mutant protectors…"
Footage played of the X-Jet pulling away from the station, with Jean Grey, Scott Summers, and Nightcrawler visible from the cockpit.
Cheers broke out from the younger students.
"They're safe," Hakuno whispered under her breath, shoulders relaxing just slightly.
Ritsuka didn't smile. His gaze lingered on Jean's image. "...She looks calm. But that power wasn't normal. Not even close. It increased even more now" Ritsuka whispered
Hakuno nodded, eyes sharp. "Yes, It's growing."
Bobby grinned. "Anyway! There's going to be a small party this evening in the garden. Professor X's idea."
Hakuno blinked. "A party? Again?"
Bobby laughed. "Not like last time. No big dinner, no wine, maybe fireworks. Just garden chairs, tea, maybe some cookies. Chill vibe only."
"Sounds like something Da Vinci would host," Ritsuka chuckled, but his voice was low.
"You guys wanna come?" Bobby offered. "Not many are invited. Just a few who Professor thinks need to unwind."
Hakuno raised an eyebrow. "...We'll come. But only if Karna and James come too."
"They're in the library," Ritsuka added, already turning to go. "We'll let them know."
Bobby gave a thumbs up. "Cool! See you later then."
---
(POV of Vuk, Leader of the D'Bari)
Space was quiet...deceptively quiet.
The flagship of the D'Bari, a sleek and jagged vessel forged of emerald alloys and dark star-mined obsidian, floated unseen in orbit above Earth, its advanced cloaking field humming like a silent prayer to vengeance. Inside its corridors pulsed ancient technology far beyond most galactic civilizations...designs rooted in science, molded by suffering, and driven now by revenge.
We were once a peaceful race.
I still remember the sun of D'Bari IV... golden skies, oceans of crystal light... the laughter of children in the gardens of flame-kissed vines. Now, the laughter is gone.
All because of her.
Because of the Phoenix.
I am Vuk.
Once a scholar.
Now a warborn leader of the last D'Bari.
My people are tall, thin humanoids with light green skin, iridescent eyes of glowing amber, and elongated limbs suited to D'Bari IV's lower gravity. Our faces are sharp but noble, lacking ears and hair, smooth-skulled and elegant in movement. We are a species of beauty and age, evolved to listen with psionic receptors rather than sound.
But now, the elegance is replaced with resolve.
In the command chamber, only dim starlight illuminated my crew. I looked out at the glowing orb called Terra. But To us, it was a potential sanctuary.
Until we saw the fire again.
A burning aura in orbit.
The Phoenix.
My warriors stood still behind their visors, fists clenched at the sight. Their breath, though regulated by suits, carried fear. Hope turned to dread again. And yet...
"I won't let it happen again," I muttered.
I turned and faced them all.
"My dear D'Bari," I began, voice firm, echoed across the bridge. "We lost our home. Our sun was devoured by the Phoenix. It called it 'rebirth'but for us, it was death."
All eyes locked on me. They needed a reason to believe. I had to be that reason.
"This planet… Terra... is ideal. It has resources. Stability. But the Phoenix... she is here now. To harm this planet. Preparing again."
I walked forward.
"But this time, we will act. This time... we strike first."
The soldiers stirred. Some straightened up. One dropped to one knee in reverence.
"The Phoenix is not a god...it is a force. And forces can be harnessed. We will find a way to control it. And we will turn this cursed flame into our beacon."
I raised my arm.
"We will take our revenge. We will live."
"I swear by the name of D'Bari IV....we will survive. Even if we must destroy this world to protect the next generation. "
My fist clenched.
"For D'Bari!!"
"FOR D'BARI!!" the chamber roared.
As my soldiers filed into the docking bay, I walked silently to my quarters. There, my beloved Uok stood waiting. Her skin shimmered under the violet lighting. Her hand gently rested on her belly...our child.
She looked at me with glassy eyes, but no weakness.
"I will keep them safe," she said softly, wiping away her tears. "Our child will know a world that doesn't burn."
I leaned forward, pressing my forehead against hers.
"Our future lies in your hands," I whispered.
She nodded, gripping my hand tight. I kissed her gentle...then turned and walked away.
Three assault ships, sleek and blade-like, powered up as the chosen warriors boarded. These weren't soldiers of an empire. These were survivors—fathers, sisters, sons and daughters with nothing left to lose.
We descended toward Terra, undetected by Terran satellites.
{A/N: Terra is another name of earth in Marvel universe.}
---
[Elsewhere on Earth.... Xavier's School... Library]
Hakuno and Ritsuka went to library to talk with karna and James about Jean and the growing power in her.
Suddenly Ritsuka paused. A strange chill passed through his spine.
He stopped suddenly.
Hakuno looked up. "... Ritsuka?"
"Hakuno, my saviour class skills are unlocked now..." Ritsuka murmured, narrowing his eyes toward the window.
"Something else is... Approaching this world and
..... they are enemies of Humanity."
---
[To Be Continued…]
Note: how is the chapter? I know the development between karna and James with x-mens is lacking. But don't Worry they will get development in this arc. I was so focused on developing jean, Scott, hakuno and Ritsuka. But I promise you both servants will get development.
Also I started to watch Marvel movies again, started with Hulk movie. So my motivation is increased more now.
How is Vuk character? I choose comics version not movie version!! Isn't he doing his best to save his world even if it means to destroy another world.... Just so his world can Survive? I wonder how Ritsuka will handle the situation with them. After all , he knows what Vuk is facing? I wonder what answer he will choose? Kill and destroy them or something else. Look forward to Future Chapters.
Also I forgot to ask, should I include karna x phoenix ship or not in this story? Tell me because I have no problems with what you choose. Because I already have a side story arc for Karna and James in future. But I want to know should I make Phoenix as waifu or not for karna.