Kitty Pryde strolled past the expansive dormitories that Wyatt had created using his powers after rescuing the mutants from the Nevada facility just two months prior. The cold November air caused her to wrap her red scarf tighter around her neck.
With their sleek, modern designs, the dormitories perfectly accommodated the unique physiological changes some of the new students had undergone. It was truly awe-inspiring to think of the intense effort Wyatt had poured into this project. It took him three days of relentless construction to finish the project which would have normally taken a team of construction workers months to complete.
The image of Wyatt at the dining table each day, piling plate after plate of food onto his plate while her friends looked on in a mix of astonishment and mild horror, still made her giggle. But that humor quickly faded as she recalled how, after his private meeting with her professors on the third day, Wyatt had left the mansion almost immediately, barely managing to exchange more than a few words with her or anyone else.
Unfortunately, there was one person he had spent a lot of time with before he left.
Wyatt had engaged her in conversation for several hours each day before he finally left. The girl's vibrant orange-red hair framed her annoyed yet reluctant expression as Wyatt soared away, leaving her behind under Ororo's care.
As she watched him leave, Kitty was weighed down by a flood of questions she longed to ask him—everything from what he had witnessed at the facility to what extraordinary lengths he must have gone to for such a daring rescue mission.
However, the expression on his face whenever anyone mentioned what he saw or did quickly stopped her. It was clear that whatever Wyatt saw had a significant effect on him.
But now that he was gone and things began to settle, Kitty couldn't help but wonder about the new girl Wyatt had spent so much time with when he had returned.
Wanda Maximoff.
She couldn't help but feel that Wanda and Wyatt had some sort of connection.
From what Kitty heard, Wyatt and Wanda, who, as it turned out, possessed abilities faintly reminiscent of his own. This similarity caused them to gravitate to one another as Wyatt was able to better help Wanda learn or practice her powers.
In that regard, Kitty couldn't help but feel the sharp sting of jealousy whenever she saw him gravitate towards Wanda.
Watching him choose Wanda over his other friends—and herself- annoyed her.
Despite her attempts to understand, the ache in her chest only grew stronger. She longed to be the one he turned to, to share moments that could deepen their connection. She knew she was being unreasonable, but Kitty couldn't help it.
But just as swiftly as he had returned, Wyatt was gone, whisked away to an unknown destination to prepare for his upcoming hearing in Washington. This was no ordinary hearing; Wyatt had solemnly claimed it would alter the world's perception of mutants.
The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, casting tension and anxiety over the mansion in the days that followed. And when the hearing finally arrived, it was a spectacle fraught with twists and turns.
Kitty, along with everyone else, felt her heart break as she watched Wyatt endure the contempt of angry crowds gathering at Capitol Hill.
The hateful signs and venomous curses hurled his way made her throat tighten with emotion, threatening to spill over into tears.
Yet, she found unexpected strength in Wanda's unwavering confidence, a quiet yet fierce belief in Wyatt that radiated from her.
Spurred on by that resolve, Kitty inhaled sharply and steeled herself.
As the hearing unfolded, Kitty and the others were left speechless, their eyes wide with shock and horror as undeniable truths came to light.
Every news outlet fervently dissected the horrific atrocities committed by the MRD, and it was in that moment of despair that Kitty felt the hot sting of tears spill down her cheeks.
But her sorrow was fleeting, quickly replaced by awe as Wyatt stood tall in his red and white suit, exuding an unshakeable presence.
He delivered one of the most powerful speeches she's ever heard. Kitty knew she would carry his words in her heart forever.
When the hearing concluded, the world felt dramatically transformed; a wave of compassion surged forth, as if a collective consciousness had stirred from its slumber.
Suddenly, everyone—civil rights groups, humanitarian organizations, and even local officials—mobilized with a fervor to extend their hands in solidarity with mutants.
The air buzzed with a sense of hope and possibility, an exhilarating shift that promised liberation from fear for those like her.
In response to this newfound momentum, Charles Xavier and the rest of her mentors sprang into action.
They were far from passive observers; instead, they seized this pivotal moment, channeling the energy of the movement to advance their cause with remarkable speed and effectiveness. It was their time to capitalize on the opportunity Wyatt gave them.
Now, two months later, the landscape had changed dramatically. All government-funded programs designed to marginalize or discriminate against mutants had been dismantled, eradicated like weeds in a flourishing garden.
Several groundbreaking laws were enacted to ensure that individuals who possessed the X-Gene would be treated with dignity and respect, complete with government-backed initiatives to assist both existing and newly emerging mutants in harnessing and embracing their extraordinary abilities.
Amidst this transformation, Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters emerged as a luminous beacon of hope and support for young mutants. The school became a sanctuary, attracting wealthy philanthropists and investors eager to fund its initiatives. They flocked from every corner of the country, drawn by the allure of aligning themselves with a noble cause that now gripped the public's imagination.
To Kitty, however, these financiers were nothing but greedy opportunists, eager to bask in the glow of public approval while exploiting a moment in the limelight when helping mutants was so popular.
Yet, she found consolation in the fact that their money poured into the school, providing resources for her and the rest of the new students who were pouring into the school. She couldn't help but appreciate the benefits, regardless of their motives.
Despite the whirlwind of change that enveloped them, Kitty and her fellow students felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward the individual who had ignited this remarkable shift.
Wyatt had become their symbol of hope and inspiration, the person whose courage had paved the way for a brighter future. Even Scott, who had once bristled at the mere mention of Wyatt's name, now wore a look of admiration and respect toward him.
Despite the vibrant shift towards a brighter and more hopeful future, Kitty found herself wrestling with a sense of disappointment.
Not once, since Wyatt's hearing, had he sought her or any of his other friends out just for the simple joy of spending time together or basking in lighthearted moments like they once did.
He only showed up when there was work to be done—whether it was for his training sessions with Logan, intense sparring matches with Scott and the rest of the team, or personal training sessions with Wanda.
It felt like the carefree times they used to share, filled with laughter and fun, had vanished, leaving only a relentless schedule of work without any breaks for enjoyment.
Kitty couldn't help but admire Wyatt's unwavering resolve. His relentless focus stemmed from a deep-seated mission: to confront the alarming surge of crime that had enveloped New York City.
It was truly remarkable how swiftly he had managed to reorganize his efforts and regain a foothold in this chaotic landscape, accomplishing in the span of just two months what many seasoned professionals would have labeled an insurmountable challenge.
But with Atomic now once more in the spotlight, the nefarious elements of the underworld reacted instinctively, scattering like cockroaches startled by the sudden brightness of light.
Criminals who had once roamed the streets with impunity found themselves either lurking in the shadows or swiftly apprehended by the justice system, galvanized by the mere presence of Atomic.
His reemergence on the scene had transformed him into a symbol of safety and security, instilling a potent sense of fear among criminals. The mere thought of encountering Atomic had become a powerful deterrent, signaling to criminals that their days of breaking the law or causing terror were numbered.
In this revitalized atmosphere, hope flickered back to life for the citizens of New York, who were beginning to reclaim their streets from the grasp of fear.
As New York's crime rate stabilized and began to dwindle, Kitty clung to a flicker of hope that Wyatt would carve out some time to visit her. But, to her dismay, that hope quickly faded.
Wyatt, or Atomic as the world knew him, had begun to expand his heroic reach far beyond the familiar confines of New York City.
With the ability to soar through the skies, he traversed the globe, leaping from one urgent crisis to another, responding tirelessly to the call for help wherever he was needed.
His remarkable achievements encompassed a wide range of heroic interventions and humanitarian efforts.
From thwarting a powerful tsunami that threatened to unleash its destructive force upon the vulnerable coastal communities of Japan, to skillfully intervening in a precarious situation to prevent a massive landslide that could have obliterated a picturesque mountainside resort in Canada, his actions were nothing short of extraordinary.
Additionally, he played a crucial role in constructing vital water wells in the sun-drenched, arid regions of Africa, bringing life-sustaining water to communities that had long suffered from drought and scarcity.
His efforts also extended to China, where he heroically rescued a town from the brink of disaster as a devastating flood loomed overhead, showcasing his unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and fostering resilience in the face of natural calamities.
Each of these feats not only demonstrated his exceptional skills but also highlighted his deep compassion for those in need.
Yet, as Kitty watched him dart from place to place, her pride and admiration for his altruism warred with growing concern.
She feared that his relentless pursuit of heroism could lead him to the edge of exhaustion.
The weight of the world seemed to rest upon his shoulders, and she couldn't shake the worry that, in his fervor to save others, he might end up losing himself in the process.
"Why the long face?"
Kitty blinked and turned to Rogue, who was giving her a slight, knowing grin. "You're thinking about him, aren't you?" Rogue asked, motioning for Kitty to sit with her in the newly constructed gazebo that overlooked the mansion's open courtyard, where several students were playing soccer as they ran over the colorful fallen leaves.
"No... I'm thinking about... other things."
"Really?"
"...am I really that easy to read?" Kitty sighed as she sat down.
"Girl, you're like an open book. In class or during training, you always have that same expression on your face," Rogue said, leaning back as her shoulder-length hair brushed against her neck.
"Ah..." Kitty blushed in embarrassment. "I just... miss him, you know? We used to see him every other week, and now he barely visits except when he trains with Logan or, ugh, Wanda."
"Yeah, well, he's become a major superhero now. You can't turn on the television without hearing about how the amazing Atomic saved someone in distress or how he helped rebuild a collapsing hospital in France. Wyatt's just too busy. It wasn't that long ago that he was just an ordinary guy struggling to learn to fly... now he's some sort of beacon of hope worldwide... At least that's what the news is saying about him," Rogue said with a cheerful smile. "It's crazy how things turned out."
"Yeah… crazy," Kitty muttered.
Sensing that Kitty was still feeling down, Rogue slid closer and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Just between us, do you only like Wyatt, or do you love him?" Rogue teased.
Kitty's face turned crimson as she tried to back away, but Rogue's gloved hand kept her in place. "W-what are you talking about? Me? Love Wyatt? No-no way! We're friends… just friends."
Rogue hummed thoughtfully and backed off. "Sure, sure. So you wouldn't mind if, let's say, Wanda snatched him up for herself?" She glanced over to the far-off training field where Wanda was practicing her powers to levitate a large stone boulder under Ororo's supervision.
"No way!" Kitty yelled, jumping to her feet and drawing curious looks from those at the pool. Realizing her outburst, she coughed into her hand and squinted at the chuckling Rogue. "I mean, I don't think Wanda likes him that way… she's just learning from him. They're just friends! Yeah."
"Hmm… if you say so," Rogue replied, stretching her arms overhead. "By the way, I heard something I think you'll like."
"What?" Kitty asked as she retook a seat.
"I heard from a pretty reliable source that the Professor is planning to hold a big fancy winter ball in a month to celebrate all the new laws that have been signed. I suggest asking Big Red to go with you before someone else does," Rogue said with a playful smile as she stood up.
Stepping up to Kitty, Rogue placed a hand on her shoulder. "Kitty, word of advice. Don't drag your feet on this. I don't want you to regret this later on... Trust me on this." She said softly as she looked over to where Scott and Jean walked hand in hand along the tree line in the distance.
Kitty remained silent as she watched Rogue walk back to the mansion. She let out a long sigh and pulled out her Stark phone.
Opening her photos app, she swiped through her pictures until she stopped on a group photo. Her gaze lingered on the image of herself, Wyatt, Evan, and Rogue, who was laughing at Kurt as he ran away from an angry Scott, whipped cream smeared across his face. A soft smile crossed Kitty's lips as she admired Wyatt's joyful expression.
"Oh man… do I love him?" Kitty whispered as she cradled her face in her hands
••o••o••o••
Reznov Antonov frowned deeply as he observed one man after another being taken down by the man without fear at the center of the chaos.
The echoes of grunts and the dull thuds of bodies hitting the ground filled the air around him. With a heavy sigh, he reached for the cold steel of the pistol tucked into his waistband, the weight of it a familiar comfort, and began to stride purposefully toward the unfolding melee.
Clad in his striking red and black suit, Daredevil moved with a fluid grace, his adamantium batons whipping through the air as they connected with the advancing Russian gang members and the highly trained ninjas of the Hand. Each strike was a calculated dance of power and precision, yet with every passing moment, fatigue crept into his muscles, a reminder of the relentless battle that had raged for twenty exhausting minutes.
The old warehouse around them had become a grim battleground—its concrete floor strewn with the limp forms of the Russian human trafficking ring's henchmen and the elusive ninjas who had allied themselves with the notorious crime syndicate.
In the weeks that followed Atomic's branding as a terrorist and his mysterious disappearance, the Russians had seized the opportunity to reclaim their lost dominance. Initially, their efforts proved fruitful, as they gradually regained their foothold and consolidated power alongside the Hand, their numbers swelling alarmingly, rekindling their merciless operations.
Daredevil found himself alone in this fight, forced to navigate the seedy underbelly of their world while Atomic's focus had been scattered across the globe. Yet, he pressed on, determined to disrupt the machinations of these two malevolent organizations.
He was fortunate, however, to occasionally join forces with allies like Spider-Man, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist, their combined strength bolstering his efforts. Ultimately, all of his relentless determination bore fruit when a crucial clue finally surfaced, leading him to one of their most elusive targets: Reznov Antonov.
When Daredevil finally tracked down his elusive target, he found himself ensnared in an unexpected trap—an eerie warehouse brimming with ruthless Russian mercenaries and a legion of the Hand's ruthlessly trained ninjas.
After twenty relentless minutes of unyielding combat, Daredevil felt his stamina wavering. His muscles screamed in protest, and he could barely remain upright, let alone fend off the remaining fifteen ninjas now encircling him like wolves stalking their prey. Nevertheless, he gritted his teeth, summoning every ounce of resolve buried deep within him.
One by one, powered by sheer perseverance, he fought each ninja down, his fists flying in a flurry of strikes, each blow costing him dearly. Finally, exhaustion overwhelmed him, and he sank to one knee, panting desperately as he collapsed onto his hands, his breath ragged and heavy.
With a chilling calm, Reznov stepped forward, his looming figure casting a dark shadow over Daredevil. He pointed his pistol at the blind man's head, a twisted smile curving his lips.
"I'll be sure to send Atomic your bullet-ridden corpse," Reznov sneered, pulling back the hammer of his gun with a sharp click. "A nice message, don't you think?"
Despite his precarious situation, Daredevil lifted his head, determination burning in his unseeing eyes.
There was no hint of fear on his face. Just then, his acute senses detected something slicing through the air above the warehouse—a sound that caused him to grin.
"Why don't you tell him yourself?" Daredevil replied, his voice steady.
Suddenly, a thunderous crash reverberated through the warehouse, causing Reznov to whirl around, his gun momentarily forgotten.
Moonlight poured in through a massive gaping hole in the roof, illuminating swirling clouds of dust and debris that danced in the air. Heavy footsteps echoed ominously as a figure clad in crimson and white emerged from the haze, his flowing white cape billowing behind him in a dramatic flourish.
"…Reznov," Atomic's voice rumbled, low and fierce.
In a frantic attempt to regain control, Reznov spun back to where Daredevil had been, intending to use him as a shield. But to his bewilderment, the blind hero had vanished.
Heart pounding, Reznov turned to flee toward the exit, only to find that his clothes had inexplicably stiffened around him, encasing him in a solid steel version of his outfit, rendering him as immobile as a statue.
Emerging from the shadows beside Atomic, Daredevil stood tall, defiant as both heroes glared at the trapped Reznov.
"We've been looking for you…" Atomic said, his voice low and steady. "Now tell us… where is Maksimilian Zhukov?"