A Promise Between Two
Five months ago
Krakoa - Carousel -
In a clearing wrapped in an ethereal and almost fantastical atmosphere, the sky was tinged with magenta and pink hues, while a solar glow gently passed through the treetops.
There, in that dreamlike landscape, was a group whose members were once mere strangers to each other. Strangers who became allies... or enemies. Then, into friends. And from that connection, a brotherhood was born, stemming from what unites them and transforms them into what they are today: a family.
This family learned to coexist in a world that fears and hates them.
Warriors, protectors, teachers, and dreamers who have faced not only physical threats but also the weight of prejudice, ignorance, and fear.
In every battle, in every act of resistance, they rose as a living and persistent declaration: being different is not a weakness, it is their greatest strength.
They are not just a team.
They are a symbol.
And now, the X-Men, this family of mutants united by adversity, come together with a clear purpose: to fulfill a promise they made to themselves. Finally find a home to belong to.
Charles Xavier—the original dreamer, the father who never quite was—led the group of mutants alongside Erik.
Scott Summers walked beside Jean Grey, their hands intertwined as if refusing to let go was their way of affirming this new beginning.
''It's beautiful,'' said Jean, still not believing what her eyes were seeing.
''Do you think Nathan and Rachel will like it?'' asked Scott.
''Like it? They will love it, darling.''
Ororo Munroe stayed close to the leaders, listening attentively to every word shared.
Logan, as was customary, kept a few steps behind the group. Beside him, Kurt Wagner radiated serenity, his eyes to the sky, murmuring prayers of gratitude for what he saw as a miracle.
''This is a mutual agreement between Krakoa and us,'' Xavier began with a serene voice. ''He provides us with a home, and we offer him our company. We show him respect, and in return, he will protect us. It's not about domination, but about unity. We are one people.''
''For now, this must remain a secret,'' Erik continued, his tone firm and clear, without turning to the others present. "Only those we trust completely will know this truth. You are part of that circle. Together with Charles, we believe the time has come to take the first steps. It will take time... but we know for sure where we are headed.''
Both leaders paused, allowing themselves to enjoy the moment. The others silently imitated them. Some closed their eyes and breathed in the pure air of Krakoa, others let themselves be carried away by the beauty of the surroundings, and a few simply contemplated in peace.
Then, Scott Summers stepped forward, capturing everyone's attention. ''I speak for everyone here when I say that you can count on us for anything. The sooner we build this, the more mutants will be able to find a true home here.''
At his words, Jean, Ororo, Kurt, Charles... even Erik himself, smiled.
''Well said, son,'' Erik approved with a slight nod of his head.
''How moving, Summers. You almost made me shed a tear...'' the voice emerged with elegant sarcasm from the very spot where they had arrived. ''But I agree. If we are going to build a nation, let it be carved in stone if necessary: we will not allow anyone to take anything from us again. No more schools under attack. No more silent deaths. This time, it's played on our terms.''
She was the White Queen, the Omega-level telepath: Emma Frost. A woman whose body seemed sculpted by an ideal of perfection that inspired respect, desire, and fear in equal measure.
Her physical presence was magnetic: long, sculpted legs with the precision of a dancer and the firmness of a warrior, a proud posture that never wavered, and a back so straight it seemed to defy gravity itself.
Former enemy, current ally, and future cornerstone of a nation, Emma was present among the mutants chosen to witness the union with Krakoa.
''That's the plan. You have my word: mutants will no longer be forced to bend.'' Charles Xavier's words not only responded to Emma but also served as a declaration for everyone present. In the era of Krakoa, he was leaving behind his absolute pacifism. The dream would remain alive, but the world could no longer ignore it.
Ororo turned her head towards the man who, despite everything, had remained silent during the journey. ''What's your opinion, Logan?''
''It sounds too good to be true... and we all know that something that good always drags along something rotten that eventually catches up with us.'' Wolverine's words reflected what many had thought but dared not say. ''... But I think it's worth trying this time, Charles.''
Those words were enough for the family to feel closer than ever and feel unstoppable at that moment.
''Come with us, there's still much to see.''
Krakoa - The Grove -
The first place they visited was The Grove. There, the mutants met Douglas Ramsey, also known as Cypher, who seemed to listen to Krakoa with the attention of a child before an adult.
''Hey, bub... I see you found a place where you are finally useful.''
Despite the comment, Doug turned with a smile upon seeing the group approach. ''We were wondering how long it would take for everyone to arrive. I didn't think it would be so soon.''
''We believed, with Erik, that this was the right place to start,'' said Charles as the group dispersed through the clearing, which was already designated as the future site of the Krakoa Council. ''We hope we didn't interrupt anything important.''
''Quite the opposite,'' Doug replied, glancing at the trees whispering through the wind. ''Our big friend here was wondering when you two would start bringing the others.''
''We are already making progress on all fronts,'' Erik interjected, looking directly at the living island before turning to the group. ''And there is much we need to discuss. But the most important thing is to keep our promise: to bring mutants here, to feed Krakoa with our mutant energy.''
''For that, we need to connect with mutants around the world,'' continued Charles, as he received two uniquely looking flowers from Doug. ''These are the so-called Gates. When planted anywhere in the world, even outside the planet, they create instant portals to Krakoa. And these others,'' he added, showing a second type of flower, ''These are Habitats. They allow us to cultivate living structures, which will give us embassies and safe zones for our people, regardless of the location.''
''We need to plant them all over the world. So that, when the time comes, any mutant can come to Krakoa and find refuge. And don't worry about where you place them...'' he added, with a slight smile. ''Only mutants can use them.''
''They only work with our genetic code,'' Storm stated with astonishment and curiosity reflected in her eyes.
''Exactly, Ororo,'' Xavier nodded. ''So, if any human tries to cross it... they'll probably end up with a broken nose.''
Upon hearing that, several in the group held back from laughing, although others simply didn't try. The atmosphere, despite the seriousness of the mission, began to fill with a new feeling: that of hope.
The afternoon in Krakoa was a living painting. The sky turned amber, and the air had that sweet and humid warmth that could only be found on the island.
The Grove turned out to be the perfect place to discuss the future.
There they were allowed to rest and enjoy what was left of the day, with Charles Xavier announcing to them with a serene smile: make yourselves comfortable. This is your home from now on.
Emma Frost was barefoot, reclining in an organic chair that Krakoa itself had given her, letting the breeze caress her platinum hair.
Jean and Scott were nearby, sharing smiles with serene complicity.
Kurt hung from a branch, entertained by the flora, while Logan leaned just below, against the trunk of the tree, chewing on his ever-present extinguished cigar.
Storm had closed her eyes, immersed in the harmony of the surroundings.
Xavier and Magneto were walking with Douglas, debating the distribution of the floral gates at the designated transit point between Krakoa and the rest of the world... when everything changed.
Without warning.
Without sound.
Without initial movement.
Just a psychic shockwave that tore through the atmosphere of Krakoa.
Emma tensed and fell from the chair, her eyes wide open, a hand pressing hard against her temple to contain what was overwhelming her.
Jean collapsed to her knees, gasping, while Scott instinctively surrounded her with his body, looking around with the visors activated.
Xavier staggered, Cerebro abruptly disconnected from his mind... Blood poured from his nose.
Douglas stopped understanding Krakoa for a moment. Because Krakoa fell silent.
The island, alive and aware, trembled. The trees creaked, and the earth vibrated.
''What the hell was that?'' Logan growled, his claws already extended, dropping the cigar from his mouth.
Kurt teleported in a flash to Xavier's side. ''Charles!''
But the professor didn't respond immediately. Jean and Emma neither. The magnitude of what they had just felt was... immense. It was not a mind. It was not a simple signal. It was a presence.
A primordial vibration. An omega resonance so pure that the air became dense, as if the world were holding its breath.
Emma held her temples, unconscious tears falling down her cheeks. ''That wasn't a mind,'' she murmured. ''That was a... force.''
Storm opened her eyes, feeling as if the sky itself was tightening over her shoulders. ''It wasn't here... the East. Japan...''
Douglas, pale as marble, whispered: ''Kurama... Mount Kurama. Krakoa knows. He... felt it...''
Xavier instantly activates Cerebro after he has mostly recovered, ignoring the pain that caused him to grimace and the blood that was streaming down his face. He was presented with a signal that paralyzed him: a psychic signature, a mutant reading never seen before, with no record whatsoever... Perfect and horrifying... Readable yet incomprehensible... Worthy of a god.
Scott and Logan, although unaware of the psychic power, felt it as a vibration in their bones. Something activated their fight instinct, as if a predator had opened its eyes and was watching them.
After a long silence, Charles, with a restrained but solemn voice, addresses everyone: ''An Omega-level mutant has just revealed himself... But I can't reach him.''
Japan, Kyoto - Mount Kurama -
''You must find him before it's too late'' were the words of Professor Xavier—words that the group of mutants repeated like a mantra as they moved towards their destination.
''So... all of that was caused by a single Omega-level mutant?'' asked Illyana, walking alongside her brother Piotr. Both had been considered necessary for the mission to the mountain, although no one knew exactly what to expect.
''It's the only thing we know for sure, thanks to the professor,'' Scott replied as they ventured deeper into the dense fog. ''Our goal is to find him before anyone else and, if possible... convince him to come with us. Let's just hope this fog gives us the advantage before a conflict breaks out.''
''What is this place anyway?'' asked Illyana.
''Mount Kurama,'' Logan began, to the group's surprise. ''In Japan, they consider it a place for spiritual training. But few can enter, as it has been protected by a clan since it was founded in the Heian era. I even heard that the Reiki was born here.'' He could only growl upon seeing the incredulous expressions or the restrained smiles of some and fixed his gaze on the current team leader. "Any problem, bub?"
''None, Logan. Sometimes I just forget about your story in Japan,'' Scott replied calmly.
''Careful,'' warned Ororo, stopping dead in her tracks. Everyone obeyed instantly, fixing their gaze on the ground.
Just a meter away, the ground looked torn apart, as if something had consumed it.
''You know? The mystery is fun at first, but I'm already fed up with this fog. Dear, can you do us the favor?'' Emma spoke to Ororo, who nodded elegantly and extended both arms. The wind responded, and the fog dissipated as if it had never been there. ''Thank you, darling.''
The revealed landscape was devastating: houses reduced to rubble, bodies everywhere—some torn apart—and the ground still smoldering where it had been ravaged.
''Let's move forward. Stay alert for any movement,'' ordered Scott.
Delving deeper into the temple, they found only more destruction. No one spoke; the tension was as thick as the fog they had just dispersed. Only Kurt murmured prayers for those who died in the place.
''Did the Omega mutant do this?'' asked Piotr, his deep voice leaving the question hanging in the air as he searched for any survivors.
''A few minutes ago, I was thinking the same thing... but look at this,'' called Emma, drawing everyone's attention.
''Sentinel,'' Logan growled upon seeing the metal remains.
''There's more over here,'' Jean warned. To everyone's relief, the sentinels were destroyed.
''Silence,'' Scott ordered suddenly.
Everyone saw the same thing: a graveyard of sentinels on a devastated plain, and in the center... a single man, standing, gently holding the body of a woman and suspended particles around him that illuminated his surroundings on that dark night.
''We found him/It's him'' the voices of Jean and Emma echoed in everyone's mind, a telepathic whisper that raised everyone's guard.
The man gently laid the woman's body on the ground. Then he began to rise slowly, without ever taking his eyes off her.
The women present, including Illyana, were momentarily absorbed by his figure.
Tall and imposing.
His white hair, immaculate, stirred by the energy around him, as if each strand floated slightly.
His young face seemed carved with precision, fine, angular features, almost sculpted with divine intention.
And his eyes... His eyes were a blue so pure that they seemed to have their own light, their own language.
''His mind... It's like a supernova covered with a layer of ice. I can't touch it,'' Jean told the others.
''White hair, eyes like polished crystals... sure, as if the universe needed another attractive person,'' added Emma, with a mix of sarcasm and genuine intrigue.
''Were you the one responsible for all this?'' asked Logan, his gaze fixed on the mutant.
''Logan, I don't think that's a good way to start a conversation,'' said Jean, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye while keeping the telepathic channel open with the others.
''Don't worry, Jeannie. I just want to clear up the doubt quickly.''
''No,'' the man replied, without taking his eyes off Logan. He didn't seem angry or defiant, more like he was trying to figure something out about him.
''A man of few words,'' Illyana huffed. ''Seriously, one of you two should get inside his head to move this along. It already looks like a staring contest.''
''I'm trying,'' said Jean. ''But every time I get close, it's like it slips away. Do you have any results, Emma?''
''Jean, do you see the situation around us and still want me to try to get into his mind?''
Emma had not stopped observing her surroundings since they arrived.
She had already come to a conclusion: the sentinels didn't seem to have put up much of a fight; rather, they had been crushed by a single attack.
Instead, the bodies of the locals told another story: cuts, burns, and even clean holes from one side of the body to the other. Victims of the sentinels, clearly.
''It's the only way we have to know his true intentions,'' replied Jean. They both looked at each other; they didn't need words or telepathy to understand each other.
''The attempt is in vain anyway,'' he interjected, without looking at any of them in particular. ''I mean telepathy. It can't reach me... unless I allow it. Although you almost succeeded at the beginning,'' he added, looking at one of them. ''I didn't expect you to try so quickly as soon as you found me, Jean.''
The tension increased instantly. Illyana drew her sword. Logan showed his claws.
But he remained completely calm.
''Do you know us?'' asked Scott.
''You're the X-Men, right? I'd have to live under a rock not to know you, wouldn't I?'' he replied. His face showed no emotion... and yet, everyone felt that he was mocking them.
''You know us, but we don't know you,'' Ororo said firmly. ''What is your name?''
The mutant lost his mask for just a couple of seconds. Time that was enough for the rest to see that behind that indifference was a man who had just lost something valuable.
The only ones who showed compassion in their eyes were Storm, Jean, Piotr, and Kurt. It wasn't out of pity, but because they understood the pain of losing for no reason.
They didn't see him as a threat at that moment... but as someone who had just stopped being a son.
"Satoru..." his voice came out low, without strength, and his eyes focused on the lifeless body of the woman. "Gojo Satoru."
El vacío de Moira - Base secreta del profesor X -
''An Omega level!?'' Moira stepped back, shocked by the information that Charles and Erik had just brought her.
While Charles tried to approach to calm her, Erik continued: ''Scott and the others must be on the mountain right now, so we will soon receive more news about it.''
''NO!'' Moira abruptly pulled Xavier's arm away, alarming both of them with the intensity of her reaction. ''Don't you understand!? Of course you don't understand it! Because you didn't die nine times to get here!''
Charles could see it clearly: Moira was on the verge of a panic attack. Her mind was a whirlwind at that moment, trying to imagine all the paths this new problem could bring them.
''There's no reason to panic, Moira. Drawing conclusions before—'' Erik tried to intervene, but she interrupted him.
''The problem is that you don't understand!'' her glare scorched Charles. ''Get out of my head, Charles... I won't repeat it''
''I just want to help you. You're too worry about someone we don't even know yet.''
''That's the fucking problem!'' she tried to calm her breathing, but it was impossible. She let herself fall against the wall, her hands clutching her hair. ''It's the first time something like this has happened...''
Both men looked at each other. Then they understood. That Omega mutant had just broken the pattern that Moira had woven in all her lives.
''There has never been a case like this. Neither with any of you, nor with Sinister, nor even with Apocalypse...'' her voice was barely a whisper, trembling. ''Now, all my knowledge, my experience... all my warnings... might mean nothing.''
''No'' said Charles, kneeling beside her while placing a hand on her shoulder. ''They are still valuable. Maybe this is the first true anomaly that presents itself to you. Maybe that is scary... but it could also give us hope.''
Moira looked at him and then at Erik, who was also extending his hand.
''Our options are clear,'' added Erik. ''It could be the one who causes our downfall... or the one who delivers us victory. But we won't know until we face it.''
Moira nodded, taking a deep breath, and finally accepted both hands to stand up.
''That's it,'' said Charles, with a slight smile. ''Now tell us: what do you need from us?''
Moira looked at them intently, determined. ''Listen carefully...''
Space Center - Orchis Main Base -
''And with the acquisition of the remains of Sol's Hammer, we can move on to Phase II and begin the adaptation with the Forge. The estimated period is four months from today. By then, everything should be ready to start the creation of a new Mother Mold.''
''Excellent, Dr. Gregor,'' Devo, the leader of the organization, spoke without taking his eyes off the documents that Alia had distributed to those present. ''We hope that placing her at the forefront of this investigation will be sufficient incentive to continue achieving results.''
''You can be sure of that. And in any case, thanks to what happened in Genosha, time is on our side. With the Forge, our work will not only accelerate but also yield remarkably positive results.''
''And the salvation of humanity will finally be within our reach,'' added Erasmus Mendel, smiling with pride. ''Our only concern is that, somehow, they discover our plans.''
''That won't happen,'' replied Omega Sentinel coldly. ''They are too busy with their own internal disputes. And if it becomes necessary, we still have sentinels in reserve capable of buying time—''
''Excuse the interruption!'' everyone turned towards the soldier who burst in, cutting the moment. ''I bring information about the mission in Japan, in Kyoto, sir.''
''Speak.'' ordered Karima, with a sharp voice.
''The extermination was successful. All the members of the clan were eliminated, not only the rebels who rejected our help but also the infiltrators who provided us with information, as you ordered, captain.''
Sentinel nodded slightly, pleased, although her expression remained stern. ''If that was all, you could have waited for the meeting to end,'' she murmured, detecting the nervousness in the soldier's voice. ''Is there anything else I should know?''
The soldier hesitated. ''During the operation, all active ground sentinels were deployed, a total of one hundred and eight. At first, the reports indicated that the extermination of the Gojo Clan and the destruction of the temple on Mount Kurama had been completed...''
''And~?'' Karima raised an eyebrow with visible annoyance.
''We lost all contact with the one hundred and eight sentinels. Five minutes ago, we received information that a group of mutants, three Omega class and five Alpha, arrived at the location. And by then we were able to confirm that the one hundred eight were completely destroyed.''
There were mixed reactions: sighs of frustration, gestures of anger. Only Devo and Karima remained unperturbed, which confused the soldier.
''A useful loss...''
''What are you talking about, Karima?'' Alia frowned. ''Those sentinels could have been used for something more significant instead of wasting them on a... Monk Temple?''
Karima turned to her with a steely gaze. ''Let me be clear, Dr. Gregor. If I could go back in time over and over again... I would destroy that clan as many time as necessary...'' Gregor and Mendel fell silent.
''Moreover,'' Devo interjected, ''They were old models. With our new advancements, the next generation of sentinels will be all we need. And we still have the drones on Mercury. There is no reason to panic.''
''Exactly,'' concluded Karima with a half-smile. ''You can be sure of one thing: today we got rid of a big problem.''
Alia's gaze narrowed as she took it all in.
A pang of doubt, followed by a subtle discomfort in the pit of her stomach, took hold of her.
She wasn't thinking of backing down, she still believed in Orchis's goal, but there was something that deeply unsettled her: the ease with which some were willing to kill humans in the name of the cause.
It wasn't the first time she felt that contradiction... but this time the pang had been sharper.
Fortunately, only her husband, Erasmus, noticed that slight change in her expression, one that she quickly concealed.
Japan, Kyoto - Mount Kurama -
The X-Men group no longer knew how to handle the situation. They recognized that this mutant, now known as Satoru, needed a moment to say goodbye to the deceased. But some among them just wanted to end it all and leave.
''Satoru Gojo,'' Illyana called out, stepping ahead of the group. Her voice resonated louder than expected, making him turn to look at her.
Colossus tried to stop her but received a sharp slap from his sister before she continued on her way.
''We understand that you were not responsible for what happened here, and we know that you are going through a difficult time. But we came to this place for you. So... how about we give you a moment alone, and then you join us? This is no longer a safe place. Neither for you... nor for us.''
Satoru watched her from his spot. She stopped a few meters away. The height difference between them was evident.
''Why should I?''
''Why?'' she sighed, lifting her head to look him straight in the eyes. ''Look... most of us wake up during puberty. Thirteen, fourteen... when everything stinks and your body decides it can still get worse. Generally, some piece-of-shit trauma triggers it. But it's not a rule. Some bloom earlier. Others... like you, who seem to be in your twenties, suppress it until the universe screams louder.'' she shrugged, as if downplaying its importance. ''There is no magic age. Just the moment when something breaks. I guess... this was yours.''
Gojo blinked slowly, ''Curious. But... is that supposed to convince me to go with you?''
Illyana turned and fixed her eyes on Jean. She understood without the need for words and conveyed the thought to the rest. ''Let someone take my place before I decide to split him in half.''
Kurt and Ororo were about to intervene, seeking a softer approach, but Logan was faster.
The claws emerged with a metallic sound.
''Listen, bub... I don't care anymore if you just woke up your mutation or not. I just know that you're making us waste too much time here. And I can smell that you're doing it on purpose. So I'm considering dragging you out, if necessary.'' The sighs from his companions were immediate, sensing what was to come. ''You decide...''
Satoru barely turned his head towards him.
''You know... I don't think the sense of smell is useful for detecting intentions.''
''I ain't got time for this crap!''
''Logan!'' several shouted at once.
Kurt was the only one who acted, teleporting behind him. But it was too late.
Logan was already a meter away from impaling Gojo with his claws, and nothing seemed to stop him...
Or at least that's what they thought.
Wolverine stopped completely, inches from Satoru. His adamantium claws refused to advance, as if an invisible barrier stood between them. The impulse betrayed him, making him fall to the ground.
Even Nightcrawler was looking at him, not understanding.
Anyway, Logan kept stabbing with his claws despite not reaching him, hoping he could embed them somewhere.
Gojo watched him calmly. He just raised an eyebrow, as if it were a minor detail. ''Persistence is a virtue. And here I'm, seeing her in flesh and adamantium'' a mocking smile formed on his face.
''RRAAGHH!'' roared Logan, pushing harder, blinded by frustration. He ignored Kurt's pleas for him to stop.
Jean was about to intervene, but Satoru got ahead of her. ''Becoming a berserker won't achieve anything,'' without even a gesture, he sent Wolverine flying backward.
Magik had to move aside by inches to avoid being run over.
''Did you try to throw his body on me?!'' she shouted, pointing her finger at him while brandishing her sword.
''Maybe'' the answer was vague, barely a murmur accompanied by a mischievous smile.
''IIlyana, stop,'' ordered Emma, but the blonde didn't listen. She launched a direct thrust to Gojo's head.
The result was the same as with Logan.
She crashed against the invisible barrier. She insisted. Over and over again. Vertical cuts, horizontal cuts, shifts... Nothing.
Finally, she dropped the sword.
''No, it's still not enough,'' and she went back on the attack.
''Yes. Yes, it is.'' Gojo took a step towards her, and with a slight gesture, sent her rolling towards Logan, who was just getting up.
''Get off me, old man!'' Illyana pushed him with an elbow to the stomach.
''It was you who fell on top, girl!'' he growled in response.
''That was enough.'' Scott stepped forward. His visors began to glow.
''You said it yourself, Summers. That was enough.'' Emma placed her diamond hand in front of the visor. ''You've already tried it your way. How about now letting the adults handle it?'' A growl escaped from Logan. Illyana frowned.
Emma turned to Satoru, who still hadn't moved from the spot, nor had he separated from the body. ''Ororo, Kurt, with me. Jean, make sure those two don't do anything stupid. Piotr... keep an eye on your little sister.''
The darkness of the night was beginning to fade in the ruins of the temple, with the breeze lifting dust and ashes, welcoming a new day in Japan.
The three mutants walk carefully. Satoru hasn't moved an inch from the side of the woman's body that lies behind him.
''That woman was important to you, so I hope you know that she will find peace in the arms of God.'' Kurt was the first to approach him, wanting to show him respect for his loss.
''She wasn't a very religious woman despite being a vital part of this temple... but I'm sure my mother would have accepted those words with a smile and would have been grateful,'' he smiled in gratitude in response.
''Would you allow me to pray for her?''
Satoru looked at his mother before responding, ''Please,'' he stepped aside to let Kurt pass.
He knelt beside her and began to pray softly, allowing Ororo and Emma to speak with him.
Ororo stepped forward. ''Your pain is clear, even though you try to hide it, Satoru. We don't intend to fully understand it, nor do we come out of pity or mere curiosity,'' she said with a calm and firm voice. ''I'm sure you know what you are... but we know what you could become.''
She paused, allowing the air, laden with ashes and memories, to speak as well. Her eyes scanned the ruins, the bodies, and finally returned to him.
''You are a mutant, one of us. One whose power we felt from the other side of the world.'' Satoru looked visibly surprised. ''We are building something... a home. Krakoa. A refuge for our own. For those who thought they were alone. For those who need a new beginning... There we won't ask you to forget. But perhaps... you can start to build something beyond the grief.''
Gojo listened to every word of Storm. He didn't respond. But for Ororo, the fact that he listened to her was enough.
Then, his eyes fell on Emma Frost. ''And you? Are you going to keep observing and analyzing everything, or do you have something to say?'' There was no emotion in his tone, but Emma wouldn't fall for it. That lack of expression combined with indifference was the most obvious shield Satoru could show her.
''Darling,'' Emma replied, firm, elegant, and confident, without the need to raise her voice, ''I don't need to look around when the answer is right in front of me.'' She took another step. Not as someone advancing to threaten, but as someone unafraid of confrontation. ''You don't care what has happened to this place, nor to these people... the only thing that has mattered to you is what is behind you, the only thing you have protected until now.''
They were face-to-face. Their eyes were at the same level.
''And why should I care?'' replied Gojo, his voice coming out cold for the first time. ''This place has been rotten for years. A nest of traitors wrapped in empty words, followed by blind fanatics... The only thing that matters to me now is finding those who sent the sentinels.''
The air around them seemed to thicken. The tension grew among the others; Emma was the only one who remained unperturbed.
Until she saw them.
Gojo's eyes, those light blues that seemed to contain an ocean reflecting the sun, had begun to shine.
''What's next? Are you going to ask for permission to enter my mind, or will you do it without asking?''
''And crash into an invisible wall?'' Emma let out a soft and melodious laugh. ''I have a reputation to uphold, in case you didn't know. No, what I really want to ask you is... to trust me.'' her words, firm but now free of all sarcasm, were accompanied by a serious look. She was no longer joking.
She approached close enough, slowly, and placed her lips next to Gojo's ear.
It was close, but not attached. Even so, she felt something strange. Something invisible barely held her back. She noticed it, and her curiosity was ignited.
''I'll help you find them,'' she whispered. ''You might think you can do it alone, and maybe you're right. But it will take you too long, and they will stop you before you succeed... Come with us. You will not only find a family you can trust... I promise to use everything in my power to serve them to you on a silver platter.''
She slowly stepped back, just enough to be able to see his eyes again and admire them up close, as if they were unique diamonds in the whole world. Even in the universe.
''What do you say? Do you accept?''
Satoru looked at Ororo, then at the group of mutants watching him from a distance.
Finally, he turned to see Kurt, still by his mother's body. Apparently, he had gathered a lily, a white rose, a white hyacinth, several blue carnations, and a lotus flower, forming a small bouquet to offer her.
A smile escaped his lips. One of gratitude. one that Kurt returned.
And then, his eyes refocused on Emma.
''Trust, huh?'' his voice sounded low, almost like an echo of his own thoughts. ''Trust is a risk that is only worth taking if you are willing to lose. I... lost everything.'' his words didn't sound sad. They sounded like an already accepted fact. ''But I think that if you find someone willing to look you straight in the eye, without fear and without masks, maybe... you should try once more.''
The sparkle in his eyes gradually faded. It didn't disappear, but it softened. Only Frost noticed it. And that, coming from him, was almost a gesture of intimacy.
''I'll go with you.'' Emma let out the breath she didn't know she was holding. Satoru turned to where his mother was, who had the bouquet in her hands. ''Just... let me say goodbye to her.''
''Of course,'' Kurt's voice was calm and respectful. He took it upon himself to respond for all of them, ''May I accompany you, comrade?''
Gojo nodded gently while lifting his mother in his arms.
''Hold onto my arm,'' he instructed.
Before anyone could add a word, or even Nightcrawler could ask why, they both disappeared from the place.
There was no flash. There was no smoke. Similar to Kurt's power, but without leaving a trace behind.
Silence reigned in the place. It was Emma who interrupted: ''Inform Charles that we will be back in a few minutes, Jean.'' We will use Illyana's portal to return to the school and from there to Krakoa; it's better if we don't leave a trace here for now.
Jean nodded, with a visibly doubtful Scott by his side.
''Is something wrong, Summers?''
''What did you say to make him accept?''
''Is my stoic field leader jealous of how I approached the new pretty-eyed prodigy?''
Scott let out a dry laugh before answering, ''Nah, just simple curiosity.''
''Hmm... if it's just simple curiosity, then I suppose I'll leave you with it. I'll just say it's a promise between him and me.''
Moira MacTaggert
Charles Xavier
Erik Magnus Lehnsherr
Jean Grey - James Howlett - Scott Summers
Ororo Monroe
Kurt Wagner
Illyana Rasputin
Orchis
