After settling Anissa and Jubilee into their new rooms, the mansion returned to its usual rhythm—though the air was still thick with tension.
Outside, Bobby, John, Kurt, Kitty, Jubilee, and Anissa stood on the vast lawn, with Kitty and Bobby enthusiastically showing Jubilee around.
"And over there's the playgrounds," Kitty explained. "We even have danger room below, that's where we practice combat, test our powers, and, you know, try not to die when Logan's training us."
Jubilee raised an eyebrow. "Sounds intense."
"Oh, it is," Bobby added. "Logan's new here but his training is basically torture disguised as exercise."
Meanwhile, Anissa remained quiet, observing everything carefully. She had no interest in the mansion's amenities—what she wanted was knowledge about this world and the people in it. Every interaction, every show of strength or weakness, was stored in her mind.
She had already determined that Ethan and his little girlfriend, Anna, were powerful enough to restrain her. The others? She wasn't sure yet. This world had surprises, and she intended to learn them all before making her move.
But something else occupied her thoughts—the gem.
A gem that allows travel across the multiverse... If the Viltrumite Empire could harness its power, they wouldn't just rule the galaxy—they would rule everything.
Anna slowed down as now she and Anissa are some distance away from the group.
Unconsciously, her gaze drifted back to the watch hanging from Anna's neck, its steady presence a silent anchor in the room. The simple, rhythmic ticking seemed to pull at her attention, a constant, quiet reminder of the mystery it represented.
A sharp realization cut through her. She remembered now—the same watch had been hanging around Ethan's neck in the blinding light that had torn them from her universe and brought them here.
Her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly on the innocuous accessory. This little trinket... this must be the 'gem' they spoke of. The lie was clever. And apparently, even the girl wearing it now was unaware of its true nature. A slow, calculating smile touched her lips. The key to the omniverse was dangling right in front of her, and no one else even knew it except Ethan and her.
The thought solidified in her mind: he had given the watch to Anna as a deliberate safeguard. By placing it on someone who appeared innocent and uninformed, he had created a perfect layer of misdirection to keep its true nature concealed.
Anna noticed her gaze and narrowed her eyes. "You keep looking at this again and again. Why?"
Anissa didn't hesitate. "I'm curious. As I said earlier I want it." Anissa's expression was neutral but there was a glint of interest in her eyes.
Anna scoffed. "Not happening."
"Why not?" Anissa tilted her head slightly. "Afraid I'll break it?"
"Afraid you'll steal it." Anna's voice was firm. "I don't trust you."
"Then we have something in common," Anissa replied with a smirk.
Anna replied sharply, "It's not your place to be curious about this. We'll find a way to send you to our universe, but until then, keep your eyes and hands off it."
Anissa smirked. "Touchy, aren't we? I only asked because, well... maybe it's wasted on someone like you."
Anna's eyes flashed. "Wasted?"
"Don't take it personally," Anissa said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "It's just—a watch that charming deserves an owner with the strength to protect it and the charm to do it justice. Something a fragile little girl simply cannot provide."
Anna clenched her fists. "And what? You think you're that person?"
Anissa's smirk widened, a flash of arrogant pride in her eyes. "Perhaps I am. I am a warrior, after all. It is my nature to be both powerful and beautiful. Such a treasure would be far safer with me than with a child."
Anna scoffed before stepping closer. "Listen to me, and listen carefully—this watch isn't some toy you can take and experiment with. I don't trust you, and I definitely don't trust what you'd do with this."
Anissa met her gaze without backing down, a taunting glint in her eyes. "Then maybe you're just afraid of your boyfriend getting attention from me while I'm wearing it on my neck," she countered, her voice a low, challenging purr. "Perhaps you worry he'll find a true equal more interesting."
The tension between them was obvious, but before it could escalate, Ethan appeared. "Anna, can I talk to you?"
She hesitated before giving Anissa one last glare and nodding. "Fine."
Ethan pulled her aside, leading her away from the group and into the quiet of the trees. He smiled playfully. "You know, I kind of like you being this possessive."
Anna felt her face heat up. "Shut up."
Ethan leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. She kissed him back, letting herself melt into it for a moment. But then, Ethan pulled away, his expression turning serious. "I need to talk to you about something important."
Anna frowned. "What is it?"
Ethan exhaled. "I'm leaving the X mansion."
Her eyes widened. "What?"
"Not immediately," he clarified. "Next month. But I can't stay here forever, Anna. I need to go out into the world, make a name for myself. I don't want to just sit here and depend on others."
Anna looked away and her mind is racing. "But... you're the one who told me there are people here who care about me."
"And I still believe that," Ethan said. "But you and I both know that mutants aren't safe in this world. I need to be stronger. We need to be stronger. We can grow strong here but being strong isn't enough. We also need connection and name for ourselves. That's why I want you to come with me."
She hesitated. "I... I don't know."
Ethan smiled softly while brushing a strand of hair from her face before kissing her forehead. "It's not like we'd be leaving forever. We can come back anytime. And if you don't want to go, you can stay here. I'll visit you whenever I can."
Anna bit her lip and is conflicted. She wanted to be with him, but this place... this was the first real home she had.
Then, she glanced down and pulled the watch from under her shirt. "What about Anissa?"
Ethan's gaze darkened slightly. "Naturally, she's coming with me. I can't leave her here."
"Why?"
"Because she's dangerous." His voice was firm. "She might not look like it all the time, but I haven't forgotten what she really is. I know she can't kill me but if I let my guard down, she can kill others I care about."
Anna clenched the watch tightly in her hands. "You're planning to befriend her."
Ethan sighed. "If she can be turned into an ally, she'd be useful. If not... I'll deal with it."
Anna was silent for a long time before nodding slowly. "You're not forcing me to decide now, right?"
"No," Ethan assured her. "Take your time. I'm leaving next month—you can make your choice by then."
She looked down at the watch in her hand, then up at him. "Why did you give this to me, Ethan?"
Ethan didn't want to reveal it but he wanted to be truthful to her, so he hesitated before answering truthfully. "Because it's bonded to me."
Anna's eyes widened. "What?"
"As I told you before, it's not as ordinary as it looks. It's an artifact, and it's bonded to me," he explained, his voice softening. "I can always sense its location. That's how I knew where you were when you left the mansion." He met her gaze, his expression earnest. "If you're ever in danger, that bond is what will allow me to get to you fast."
Her grip on the watch loosened as her expression softened.
Ethan stepped closer before wrapping his arms around her. "I like you, Anna. No... I love you. You're my first girlfriend, and I don't want anything to happen to you." Anna felt her heart race as he spoke, his voice filled with sincerity.
"This world treats mutants harshly," he continued, his grip tightening slightly. "And not just mutants—there are countless dangers out there. I know it. That's why I want to protect you. If you have this, I can always find you, no matter where you are."
She looked down at the watch in her hand, emotions swirling in her chest, before meeting his eyes and smiled as her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I love you too, Ethan."
She kissed him, pouring all her emotions into it before pulling away and holding up the watch.
"From what you've told me, this thing is too precious," Anna said, her voice low and earnest as she held the watch. "And I can tell you're not telling me its full functions, but it's fine. I trust you."
Her grip tightened slightly, her knuckles paling. "But if it falls into the wrong hands..." She trailed off, "I don't even want to think about what could happen."
She took a deep breath and placed the watch around Ethan's neck. "So, you keep it with you."
"Anna—"
"Nope," she interrupted while smiling as she poked his chest. "Don't argue. I'm also training and growing stronger. Don't think for a second that your girlfriend is going to stay weak."
Ethan sighed while shaking his head with a smirk. "Alright, alright. You win."
"I always do," she teased before kissing him again.
...
The night was quiet as Ethan walked toward Professor Xavier's office. The mansion was dimly lit, and most of the students had already settled in for the night. He began to wonder why the professor had asked for him alone.
When he reached the office, the door was already opened. Professor Xavier was seated at his desk with his hands folded in front of him and had a contemplative look in his eyes.
"Come in, Ethan," the professor said with a calm yet firm voice.
Ethan stepped inside and closed the door behind him. He could tell by the professor's serious expression that this wasn't just a casual conversation.
"You wanted to see me, Professor?" Ethan asked before taking a seat.
Charles nodded. "Yes, Ethan. Please, sit."
Ethan took the offered chair, his posture relaxed but his mind already racing. The Professor didn't waste time.
Xavier nodded. "Yes, it's about the gem."
Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly. "What about it?"
The professor leaned forward slightly, "I believe it's in everyone's best interest if we erase all memories of the gem from the minds of those who know about it."
"Erase their memories?"
Xavier sighed. "Ethan, I understand that you only told them the truth because the situation demanded it, but this kind of knowledge is dangerous. If a powerful telepath were to uncover it… if the wrong person found out what that a gem is truly capable of… they would stop at nothing to find and take it for themselves."
To be honest, it didn't matter if they searched for the gem or not, since it never existed in the first place. That's why he offered no resistance to the suggestion.
"So, what are you suggesting?" Ethan asked, his voice laced with hesitation.
"I will erase all memories of the gem," Xavier explained. "I will alter their recollections so that Anissa is simply an alien who crash-landed on Earth. Nothing more, nothing less."
"But what about Anissa? She's not from this world. If you're altering memories, we need a cover story for her."
Xavier nodded. "I'll adjust her memories as well. She'll believe she's an alien who arrived on this planet by accident. It's the simplest explanation, and it accounts for her abilities without revealing the multiverse."
Ethan rubbed his temple. "Fine. Do it."
The Professor leaned forward slightly. "Be careful with her, Ethan. She's dangerous, and her intentions toward you are… complicated."
Ethan smirked. "Yeah, no kidding. But I can handle her."
"There's something else, isn't there?" the professor asked, his piercing eyes studying him carefully.
Ethan exhaled and leaned back in his chair. "Yeah… I'm planning to leave next month."
Xavier didn't look surprised in the slightest. Instead, he nodded knowingly. "I expected as much."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You're not gonna try and convince me to stay?"
Xavier chuckled softly. "Ethan, I can sense ambition when I see it. And ambitious people like you can't stay in one place for long."
Ethan smirked slightly. "That obvious, huh?"
The professor folded his hands together. "You remind me of others I've encountered in my life—people who were never content with simply existing in one place, no matter how comfortable it was. You seek more. Experience. Growth. Purpose."
Ethan was silent for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. This place is great, and I've made friends here, but… I can't stay. I need to make a name for myself and grow stronger. Also build something of my own."
After a moment, the professor's expression turned serious again. "Will Anna be going with you?"
Ethan sighed. "I asked her, but she's still thinking about it."
"She cares for you deeply," Xavier said. "Whatever choice she makes, respect it."
Ethan sighed. "Yeah, I know."
After a brief pause, he cleared his throat. "By the way… uh… I could use some money."
Xavier raised an amused eyebrow. "Money?"
Ethan looked a little embarrassed. "I need some for the trip. I'm planning to go to New york."
The professor chuckled softly. "And what exactly do you plan on doing in New York?"
Ethan smirked. "Visiting an older woman."
Xavier's eyes twinkled with curiosity. "I assume this isn't just some casual visit?"
Ethan shrugged. "Let's just say she's someone worth meeting."
The professor studied him for a moment before smiling. "Very well. I'll arrange the funds for you."
Ethan grinned. "Thanks, Professor."
Xavier nodded, then closed his eyes and pressed his fingers against his temple. A wave of psychic energy pulsed outward, altering the memories of everyone who had known about the gem.
When he opened his eyes, only he and Ethan remained aware of the truth.
"It's done," Xavier said.
Ethan exhaled deeply, knowing that from now on, the secret of the Omni-Watch was safer.
....
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