Rai_jin
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#13 VCM
🕑 Added 2025-03-23 04:02:01 +0000 UTCThe cafeteria buzzed with low chatter as trays clattered against tables. Most students were still half-asleep, but Bobby finished the last bite of his breakfast and stood up abruptly. "I'm done eating, everyone." Without another word, he turned and walked off in a hurry.
John, watched him go and scoffed. "What’s up with him? He’s been acting weird lately."
Ethan shrugged. "Probably off to see that girl. You know, the one who got kidnapped? She’s still shaken up. If there’s ever a perfect time to swoop in, it’s now."
"You're saying he's taking advantage of the situation?" John raised an eyebrow.
Ethan smirked. "I'm saying he’s seizing an opportunity."
John leaned back in his chair. "I can see that. Rogue is a great girl, but she’s got… issues." His expression turned complicated. At first, he’d found her intriguing—until he saw what she could do.
One accidental touch and she could drain the life out of someone. That was enough to make him keep his distance. But Bobby? Bobby didn’t seem to care. In fact, he only got closer to her after that.
As if on cue, a young girl walked up to their table. She wore a green jacket, her long black hair falling over her shoulders, except for one distinct white streak at the front. No doubt about it—this was Rogue.
"Hey, I’m Marie," she said with a polite smile before quickly adding, "but most people call me Rogue."
She turned to Ethan. "Bobby told me your name’s Ethan, right? You’re his roommate?"
"That’s me," Ethan replied casually.
John leaned in, whispering just loud enough for Ethan to hear. "Looks like Bobby missed his shot."
Rogue must’ve heard, but she didn’t react. Instead, she looked at Ethan, her expression sincere. "I wanted to say thanks. You know, for what happened that day."
"Don’t mention it." Ethan shrugged like it was nothing.
John, however, wasn’t one to let things slide. "Wait, weren’t you looking for Bobby?"
Rogue hesitated. She had come to find Ethan—to thank him and maybe get to know him better—but with John sitting right there, it felt awkward.
Besides, Professor X had told her not to casually share what had happened that night. So what was she supposed to say?
"Did someone call my name?" Bobby’s voice cut in.
He slid into the seat next to Rogue, setting down a fresh breakfast tray. John’s eyebrows shot up. "Bobby… weren’t you just…?"
Bobby grinned, pulling another carton of milk from his tray. "I got up late. Figured I’d grab another bite."
Ethan cleared his throat dramatically. "Bobby, buddy, about last week—you still owe me twenty bucks. Remember? I lent you money for soda."
Bobby gave him a deadpan stare. "Twenty bucks? For soda? What did you buy, a whole case?"
"That’s the price you pay for friendship, man."
Bobby groaned but pulled out a bill from his pocket. "I swear it was ten dollars… but fine. Here."
Ethan took the money and stood up. "Thanks, pal. I’m done eating. John, let’s go."
John gave him an approving nod as they left the cafeteria. "Smooth move, buddy. That was textbook extortion."
Ethan laughed. "Nothing personal. Just business. So, what now?"
"I’m heading back to play some games. Be a hero and bring me lunch when you come back."
"Yeah, yeah." Ethan waved him off and wandered outside, finding a quiet spot in the yard.
He leaned back in a chair, basking in the sun, enjoying the rare peace of not having class while still getting a scholarship.
His peace was short-lived.
A shadow fell over him. Ethan opened one eye and saw a man standing in front of him. He was in his forties, dressed in a suit and sunglasses, carrying a metal briefcase.
Short brown hair, slightly receding hairline—not exactly intimidating, except for the fact that he carried himself like someone with authority.
The man gave him a polite smile. "Mind if I ask you a question?"
Ethan sat up, narrowing his eyes. "Depends. Who’s asking?"
"Phil Coulson, Level Seven agent of S.H.I.E.L.D." He pulled out an ID and held it up for Ethan to see. "I’m looking for Professor Xavier."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "S.H.I.E.L.D., huh? And why are you looking for him?"
"Official business." Coulson adjusted his sunglasses. "I hear the school’s a bit hard to navigate. Would you mind pointing me in the right direction?"
Ethan studied him for a second before nodding. "Yeah, sure. Follow me."
As they walked toward the main building, Coulson made casual conversation. "Nice school. A little quiet, though. Is it break time?"
"Something like that," Ethan answered vaguely.
"You’re staying here during the break? I used to do that in college. Late-night road trips, sneaking off to Liberty Island, smuggling in drinks. Honestly, I think the 21-year-old drinking law is ridiculous… but that’s just between us."
Ethan gave him a side-eye. This guy was good—talkative, friendly, and good at keeping a conversation going just enough to make you drop your guard.
Classic spy tactics.
He stayed on alert, careful not to reveal anything important.
They reached the professor’s office, and before Ethan could knock, Professor X’s voice echoed in his head.
'Come in, Ethan.'
Ethan pushed open the door. Inside, Professor Xavier turned his wheelchair to face them, a calm smile on his face. "Thank you for bringing our guest."
Coulson stepped forward, showing his badge again. "Professor Xavier, Phil Coulson, S.H.I.E.L.D. Level Seven. We need to talk about recent events."
Xavier’s smile didn’t waver. "S.H.I.E.L.D. sent you? No offense, Agent Coulson, but I would have expected someone… higher-ranked."
Coulson remained unfazed. "You’re right. I’m just the delivery guy."
He set the briefcase on Xavier’s desk, flipping it open.
Inside was a screen, which flickered for a moment before displaying a familiar face—a bald man with one eye, staring back at them with his usual intensity.
"Professor Xavier," Nick Fury greeted, his deep voice filling the room. "It’s been a while."
Xavier nodded. "Director Fury. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Ethan watched back and forth between Fury and Charles, more particularly at their head...
Coulson watched him with a deadpanned look.
'This kid...'
...
Professor X smiled. "What a pity. I thought you would come to me in person."
"Forgive me, Professor. I carry secrets too important to risk exposure. While I trust your integrity, an extra layer of security never hurts. After all, I am the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.," Nick Fury replied coolly from the screen.
Professor X didn’t address Fury’s reasoning directly. Instead, he mused, "I've had many face-to-face conversations with Ms. Carter. She's an admirable woman."
Fury’s posture stiffened slightly. "Ms. Carter is indeed a great woman," he answered vaguely, his initial authoritative presence dampened.
It was a calculated move on Professor X’s part—invoking Peggy Carter, co-founder of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Captain America's longtime partner, to subtly disarm Fury.
It was like reminding someone that you had personal ties to their family elders. No matter how strong you were, it inevitably softened your stance.
"Before we continue, I need the room cleared," Fury ordered.
Standing by with his hands clasped, Coulson glanced at Ethan. Without a word, Ethan turned and exited. Coulson made a move to stay, but Fury's gaze didn’t waver.
"You too, Coulson."
Pouting slightly, Coulson sighed. "Alright, boss."
Outside, he found himself standing next to Ethan, feeling somewhat awkward. "You know, I think we’ve found common ground."
"Like the fact that we both take orders from a strong bald man?" Ethan quipped, tilting his head.
Coulson paused before chuckling. "Not exactly what I meant, but now that you mention it, I guess it’s a topic that could go on for a while."
Back inside, the two faced each other across the screen, their real conversation beginning.
"Professor X, you know I have my reservations about working with you and the X-Men. And yet, here I am."
"No, you’re not here. You just sent a tablet with a video feed," Professor X countered calmly.
Fury ignored the remark. "I have one reason for this conversation—the Liberty Island incident."
"That’s old news."
"Old news? The entire city can see the wreckage of the Statue of Liberty. Only the pedestal remains. Do you really think people will just forget?"
"Then fix it. If the government lacks funds, I'd be happy to contribute."
Fury let out a short laugh. "Oh, how generous. No need, though. Some ice cream company was the first to step up, offering to pay for full restoration—on the condition that Lady Liberty’s torch be replaced with their latest ice cream cone."
Professor X’s expression remained unchanged. "That could be a hit with younger generations."
Fury’s face darkened. "You know what I’m getting at. This is about government authority. The Statue of Liberty is a national symbol, and this disaster has shaken public confidence. The government can’t even disclose the truth, which only fuels unrest."
Professor X nodded. "True. But you, Director Fury, are not among those who feel disturbed by this."
Fury’s eye narrowed. "When government authority is questioned, people trust S.H.I.E.L.D. more.
They need us more. Plenty of voices out there argue that S.H.I.E.L.D. interferes with democracy and freedom. This situation only strengthens my position."
"So it’s given you leverage with the World Security Council," Professor X noted.
"Exactly. But I need to deliver results to justify the resources I'm asking for."
Fury leaned forward. "That white energy field that appeared and vanished—my agents scouted the affected area.
Every plant and animal exposed to it underwent strange mutations. Our scientists concluded that the energy was highly radioactive. If it had lasted longer, it could have wiped out half of New York City."
"It was an accident," Professor X said.
"An accident? That was an unprecedented terrorist attack." Fury’s hand hit the table.
"And yet, it didn’t become a catastrophe. The X-Men contained the situation, and Magneto—the one responsible—is now in military custody."
Fury scoffed. "Military custody? Motherfucker, please. That prison has failed to hold him before. Those so-called guards are a joke."
"Perhaps you should take that up with them," Professor X responded coolly.
Fury muttered a curse under his breath. The military had always been a thorn in his side. Take the green monster at Manhattan University the other day—clearly one of General Ross’s experiments gone rogue.
Yet Ross still refused to cooperate with S.H.I.E.L.D., covering up the incident as if it wouldn’t come back to haunt him.
Given the military’s track record, Fury doubted Magneto would stay locked up for long.
"Fine. What about Magneto’s machine? I know you have it."
"Yes. And it will remain sealed away, along with all related research."
Fury’s jaw tightened. "Sealed forever? How can you guarantee it won’t fall into the wrong hands? That it won’t be turned into a weapon of mass destruction?"
Professor X met his gaze, voice firm. "I can guarantee it."
Fury stared at him. "And I’m supposed to just take your word for it?"
"I, Charles Francis Xavier, assure you that it is as safe in the hands of the X-Men as it would be in yours. Any further questions?"
Fury exhaled sharply. The old man had won this round.
"My people say I never leave a negotiation empty-handed, but today, Professor, you got the better of me."
Professor X’s expression sharpened. "Then let me add one more thing—S.H.I.E.L.D. needs to stay away from that kid."
