A few hours later, after the meeting
Charles observed the yellowish glow emanating from the dial on the young man's wrist, processing the information calmly.
"So, just so I'm clear," Charles commented, "this isn't a mutation nor a genetic malfunction. It's a gradual transformation into an alien species caused entirely by the… Omnitrix, was it?"
Legion nodded, though the motion made his tiger ears twitch nervously above the metal.
"Exactly. It's an error in the transformation system," Legion replied.
Jean Grey, standing near the window, frowned slightly as she crossed her arms.
"If that's the case, can't you simply accelerate the process?" Jean asked. "Turn fully into that form immediately, like you do with your other transformations, and then wait for the timer to run out so you can return to normal."
Legion sighed in frustration and began pressing the Omnitrix dial, trying to force a selection.
The device, however, only emitted a few faint technological beeps that seemed to mock him.
"I already tried," Legion muttered, his distorted voice crackling like furious radio static. "It won't respond. The system is locked in this transitional state."
Emma Frost, reclining elegantly on one of the lounge chairs, arched an eyebrow as she watched him.
"And there's nothing you can do to fix it?" Emma asked, twirling a lock of her hair. "I find it curious that someone wearing such advanced technology can't solve a simple 'crash.'"
Legion let out a deep growl. His fists clenched tightly, and the air venting through the mask's grilles came out hot.
"Let me tell you something, Emma Grace Frost!" he snapped. "The Omnitrix is not a simple computer you can just reset or shut down! Its complexity is astronomical! It's not a toy you fix by hitting it… even though Rath really wants to hit something right now!"
At that moment, Hank McCoy approached cautiously, adjusting his glasses, scientific fascination shining in his eyes.
"Legion, if the device is rewriting your genetic code in such a… fascinating way," Hank began, extending a hand slightly toward the young man's head, "perhaps I could take a small sample to study. You know, purely for the sake of science. It might help us understand what's going wrong and—"
Before Hank could finish, Legion reacted aggressively. He spun around and let out a powerful, distorted roar directly at the blue professor's face.
"GRRRRRRRRRRRR!"
The sound echoed violently through the room.
Hank jumped back, raising his hands defensively as he retreated several steps in a hurry.
"All right, all right!" Hank exclaimed, breathing hard. "I'll take that as a very firm 'no.' Science can wait… and so can my physical integrity."
To Hank's surprise, Legion lowered his head and closed his eyes behind the helmet's faceplate. His chest rose and fell heavily as he forced his breathing into a steady rhythm.
"Sorry… That wasn't my intention."
Scott, who had been watching the scene while leaning against the wall, let out a small laugh and crossed his arms, glancing toward the spot where Logan usually stood.
"So that explains the… extreme attitude?" Scott teased. "It's like we're watching Logan 2.0. All you're missing is the cigar and calling everyone 'bub' to complete the picture."
Legion stiffened instantly.
His tiger ears flattened, and a new growl began forming in his throat.
He was seconds away from jumping to his feet and shouting back at the X-Men leader, but he stopped halfway. He clenched his fists until the gauntlets of his armor creaked and forced himself back down into one of the chairs, which groaned under his new weight.
"Let me tell you something, Scott Summers!" he began, then lowered his volume, taking a deep breath. "Don't compare me to him. The issue is that Appoplexians are beings with an extremely intense temperament. They're not just aggressive, they're the embodiment of stubbornness and battle-driven passion."
He paused, running a hand through his increasingly prominent orange hair.
"Their genetic imprint is so strong that it affects my psyche during the transformation. I'm still myself. I haven't lost my memories or my values, but it's like a part of my personality, the most impulsive and ferocious one, gets amplified… a lot. It's like trying to drive a race car that only knows how to go at full speed. I have the steering wheel, but the engine only wants to keep going and never stop."
Charles nodded with an expression of understanding, empathizing with the internal struggle the young man was describing.
"That is admirable, Legion," Charles said gently. "Maintaining control when your own biology pushes you toward aggression requires great willpower."
Emma let out a soft laugh at Charles's words, rising from the chair and walking slowly toward Legion.
"Oh, Charles, always so noble. But I think the kitty needs something else," she said as she approached.
Legion followed her movement through the helmet's faceplate.
When Emma was behind him, she extended her hand and began rubbing the top of his head, right between the ears.
Legion let out a warning growl that vibrated in the air, but Emma didn't flinch. Her fingers slid down until they found a specific spot at the base of the feline ear.
Suddenly, Legion's resistance collapsed. His neck stretched toward Emma's touch, and his right leg began tapping rhythmically against the floor.
"I adore felines," Emma commented. "You'll surely want somewhere to spend the day, won't you? You could come to my building. I have the best food, a huge bed, and if you behave, I'll have giant scratching posts and balls installed so you can play until you're exhausted."
Legion stayed like that for a few seconds, head tilted, Rath's instincts betraying him, until he realized what was happening.
He shook himself violently, making Emma withdraw her hand smoothly, her amused smile intact.
"LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, EMMA GRACE FROST!" Legion roared, springing to his feet so suddenly that the chair was flung backward. "RATH IS NOT ANYONE'S PET! RATH IS AN INCREDIBLY STRONG AND ADVANCED COMBAT MACHINE THAT COULD TIE YOUR ARMS INTO KNOTS LIKE PRETZELS AND THEN USE THEM AS A JUMP ROPE!"
He leaned toward her, baring his fangs behind the helmet, though he paused when he got close, snorting hot air.
"AND DON'T THINK THAT JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE AN APPEARANCE THAT WOULD MAKE AN ANGEL RETIRE OUT OF ENVY AND A FACE THAT RATH FINDS… ANNOYINGLY ATTRACTIVE, YOU CAN TREAT ME LIKE A ZOO LYNX! NO ONE TAMES RATH! RATH TAMES HIMSELF, AND SOMETIMES NOT EVEN RATH CAN DO THAT BECAUSE RATH IS TOO MUCH FOR RATH!"
He remained with his finger raised, trembling with pure indignation, before dropping back into the seat, which was quietly returned to its place by Charles's telekinesis.
"No, thank you," he muttered, now looking toward Charles. "Professor… I know this might be asking a lot, but… could I stay at the mansion?"
Xavier was silent for a moment, exchanging a meaningful glance with Jean and Scott before focusing on Legion again. The Professor smiled warmly.
"We are allies, young man," Charles said. "And unlike Erik and Raven, I will be happy to help you with whatever you need."
The Professor laced his fingers together on his lap and continued in a thoughtful tone.
"Besides, the students have the day off today. You could relax in your room if you prefer privacy, or try going out and making some friends. I've noticed you get along quite well with Kitty's group. I'm sure they'll want to thank you personally for getting them out of that mess."
Legion nodded, accepting the Professor's words with a small bow of his head.
"One day should be enough. By then, the system should have completed the cycle and I'll be able to stabilize the dial. I appreciate you letting me stay."
Emma let out a dramatic sigh, feigning disappointment that couldn't quite hide her playful smile. She stepped closer, reducing the distance until she was almost at ear level.
"That's a real shame," Emma murmured, her breath brushing against the feline ear. "But my offer still stands. If you get tired of being surrounded by hormonally charged teenagers, my building will be waiting for you with every comfort I can provide."
Legion glanced at her from the corner of his eye, ears pinned low, body tense. He was clearly on guard, not against a physical attack, but against the dangerous caresses of a woman who seemed capable of humiliating his combat instincts so easily.
Emma stepped away and walked toward the door.
"I won't keep you any longer," she said, pausing before leaving. "I'll be taking Hellion with me. Charles, we'll be in touch to discuss the next steps."
Charles nodded politely, waving her off.
"Until soon, Emma. Take care of Julian."
With her departure, the room seemed to regain a bit of oxygen. Legion remained staring at the door she had exited through, his ears still slightly lowered.
"That woman is dangerous, Xavier," Legion stated.
Charles smiled and gently shook his head.
"She is not an evil person. She is simply a woman who always acts based on her own interests and the benefits she can obtain. She is pragmatic, in her own way."
But Legion did not seem to be listening to Charles's lesson. He remained lost in his own internal indignation.
"Listen to me, Charles Francis Xavier! Rath must beware of her caresses!" he exclaimed, crossing his arms tightly. "A warrior of Rath's caliber should not be swayed by a mere touch of hands on his fur! It is a high-level psychological destabilization tactic!"
Charles fell silent, simply watching him, while Jean and Scott exchanged an amused look behind him, holding back their laughter at the drama of a warrior deeply affected by a few pets.
Taking advantage of the fact that Legion was distracted with his speech about dignity, Hank agilely slipped along the young man's right flank. His blue fingers extended with precision, millimeters away from one of the orange hairs protruding from the back of his neck.
However, before he could close them, Legion snapped his neck around with a sharp movement.
"LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, HENRY PHILIP MCCOY!" Legion roared. "RATH'S DNA IS THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF RATH! IF SCIENCE WANTS A SAMPLE, THEN SCIENCE WILL HAVE TO COME HERE AND TRY TO RIP IT OUT WHILE RATH TEACHES SCIENCE WHY IT SHOULD NOT MESS WITH RATH! IS THAT CLEAR, FURRY DOCTOR?!"
Hank withdrew his hand at lightning speed and began whistling a distracted melody while staring at the ceiling, pretending he was merely inspecting the room.
"Well now, what interesting molding this office has, don't you think, Charles?" Hank murmured, retreating quickly toward his desk and playing dumb under Legion's glare.
Jean then turned to Charles with a more serious expression, setting the jokes aside for a moment.
"And what about Magneto?" Jean asked. "Are we going to let Erik take all those people once they recover?"
Charles remained silent for a moment. He approached a small side table, took a glass, and calmly poured himself some water. After taking a sip, he sighed.
"If they wish to go with Erik, that is their right, Jean," Charles replied. "We cannot offer a permanent home to everyone. We can help them, provide resources, or take them wherever they choose, but we cannot hold them here. I suppose that, given the circumstances, most will see Genosha as the security they are looking for."
Legion, who had been listening in silence while still keeping an eye on Hank, suddenly spoke up.
"Let me tell you something, Charles Francis Xavier!" he exclaimed, drawing everyone's attention. "Rath also has an offer for the metahumans. Rath also has a place where they could stay."
He crossed his arms, broadening his chest.
"But Rath does not speak of a refuge where one hides, nor of a fortress. He speaks of a place they can truly call home; a place where humans and metahumans genuinely coexist, without walls between them. Tomorrow, when they are better, Rath will speak with them."
Scott paused, looking at Legion with skepticism.
"You have a place like that?" Scott asked. "A place where humans and mutants live together just like that?"
Legion puffed out his chest with evident pride, causing the plates of his armor to tense.
"Rath does not lie!" he exclaimed. "It is a project much closer to becoming reality than you think."
Hank, who had been processing the young man's words, intervened, momentarily setting aside his desire to obtain a DNA sample.
"I noticed you used the term 'metahuman,'" Beast commented. "Do you mean mutants by that? Or is it a different classification?"
Legion nodded firmly, crossing his arms.
"Rath prefers that term. The word 'mutant' carries too much negative weight in this world. It sounds like a mistake, something that must be corrected or feared. 'Metahuman,' on the other hand, implies evolution, a step beyond humanity without ceasing to be part of the same species. If we want to change the mindset of the masses, we have to start with how we define ourselves. It is a matter of marketing and respect, and Rath demands both!"
Hank fell silent, weighing the logic behind those words. He exchanged a look with Charles, who brought a hand to his chin thoughtfully.
"It is not a bad idea," Charles admitted softly. "Language shapes perception. Sometimes, a change of name is the first step toward a change of paradigm."
Scott, seeing the conversation threatening to stretch on again, pointed toward the door.
"You can discuss it later, brainiacs. Follow me," he said, gesturing to Legion with one hand. "I'll take you to your room and personally escort you… just in case." He then turned toward Jean and Charles with a half-smile. "It's better if he doesn't run into Logan in the hallways; I don't want a catfight in the mansion right now."
Jean let out a small laugh, covering her mouth with her hand, while Charles shook his head, still smiling.
Scott turned back toward the front, but stopped when he found Legion's face inches from his own.
"LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, SCOTT SUMMERS!" Legion growled, invading Scott's personal space until their visors were nearly touching. "RATH IS NOT SOME CAT! RATH IS A PUREBLOOD APPLOPLEXIAN MALE, THE PINNACLE OF GALACTIC WARRIORS! DO NOT DARE COMPARE RATH TO A SIMPLE DOMESTIC FELIS CATUS THAT CHASES RED DOTS ON WALLS AND DRINKS MILK FROM A BOWL! IF YOU CONFUSE A PREDATOR LIKE RATH WITH A PARLOR KITTEN AGAIN, YOU WILL FIND OUT WHY MY SPECIES DOES NOT NEED LITTER BOXES!"
Scott kept his composure, simply nodding calmly and downplaying the matter.
"As you say. Just follow me."
Legion snorted, but nodded and began walking behind Scott, leaving Xavier's office behind.
In the room, Hank remained standing, watching the young man's back with an expression of deep disappointment and empty hands.
Jean approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder in support.
"Don't worry, Hank," she said softly. "You'll have another chance."
=====================================================
Scott guided him to a spacious, well-ventilated room in the east wing. He stopped at the threshold and pointed inside.
"You can stay here. It's one of the most reinforced rooms, and you'll be at ease. I'll have someone bring you something to eat and drink shortly."
Legion entered the room as Scott withdrew, closing the door behind him.
Alone in the room, the hero began pacing back and forth like a caged animal. The silence only made the buzzing of the earpiece in his ear more irritating. He scratched at it roughly, feeling the metal of the device against his sensitive skin.
"LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, ANNOYING DEVICE THAT IS IN RATH'S EAR!" he roared, reaching for the earpiece to tear it out.
"Sir, please calm down! Do not remove the earpiece," Sid's voice echoed directly in his auditory channel. "I need to monitor your vital signs and remain in contact with you. If you break it, I will have to find other ways to communicate."
Legion stopped, his fingers clenched around the device, breathing heavily.
"THE ONLY VOICE THAT SHOULD BE IN RATH'S HEAD IS RATH'S VOICE!" he shouted into the air, his arm trembling with the effort of not throwing the device against the wall.
However, after a few seconds, his shoulders dropped slightly. He closed his eyes and let out a growl that slowly turned into a sigh. He carefully adjusted the earpiece back into place.
"I'm sorry, Sid," he murmured, lowering his head. "Rath… I… I didn't mean to yell at you. It's this DNA, it puts me in a bad mood."
"It's all right," Sid replied. "It is a side effect of the transformation that cannot be avoided, for now. Remain calm, at this moment I recommend—"
Suddenly, Legion let out a roar of surprise.
His body was seized by a violent spasm, hunching over as his muscles swelled, gaining several centimeters in height and width in an instant.
The sound of the armor expanding filled the room. The metal plates on his chest and shoulders cracked and split apart down the middle, vanishing as his torso was revealed, now covered in thick orange fur with black stripes.
His mane grew, becoming wilder and longer, falling over his shoulders. His human hands were covered in dense fur, while his nails lengthened.
Although the helmet remained intact, the change, which before had only stood out due to a slight physical shift and the animal ears, now deepened even further.
The young man looked up, coming face to face with a full-length mirror hanging on the opposite wall.
He stood there, staring at the image reflected back at him.
"LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, LYING MIRROR!" he roared on instinct, but his voice faltered as he noticed his nails growing longer.
He fell silent, analyzing the orange fur now covering his arms and the torso visible between the remains of his armor. His ears flicked in irritation.
"Great… just great," he muttered, and this time his tone was a strange mix of Rath's fury and Legion's bitterness. "Look at you. Now it turns out you're turning into a furry."
He ran a furry hand over his forehead, feeling the texture of Appoplexian hair. An image crossed his mind: his friends from his original world seeing him like this. He imagined the crude jokes and uncontrollable laughter as they watched him slowly turn into an "anthropomorphic tiger."
Despite the aggression coursing through his veins, a small laugh escaped his throat.
"If those idiots could see me now…" he whispered, and for a brief second, Rath's rage was replaced by a stab of nostalgia. "They'd mock me until they cried. It'd be damn hilarious."
The door to the room burst open with a loud crash, interrupting Rath's moment of introspection in front of the mirror.
"Did somebody order pizza?!" Jubilee shouted, storming in like a whirlwind with four stacked pizza boxes, followed closely by Bobby, Kurt, Illyana, Cessily, Kitty, and John.
When she saw the figure in front of the mirror — a taller Legion, with a wild mane and arms and chest covered in orange fur with black stripes — Jubilee dropped the boxes without thinking. Kurt reacted instantly, teleporting to catch the pizzas mid-air with a BAMF!, while she threw herself into a frantic hug against the Appoplexian's chest.
"LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, HUMAN…!" Rath roared, but he was cut off.
"KITTYYYYYY!!" Jubilee screamed at the top of her lungs, clinging tightly to his new fur.
========================================================
HELLO, HOW ARE YOU ALL DOING? HOPE YOU'RE DOING WELL.
WELL, THE TRANSFORMATION CONTINUES. RATH WILL HAVE TO SPEND A DAY AT THE X-MANSION UNTIL HE CAN RETURN TO NORMAL. IN THE MEANTIME, HE'LL HAVE TO DEAL WITH ITS PARTICULAR RESIDENTS.
WE'LL SEE HOW THINGS CONTINUE IN THE NEXT CHAPTER.
BY THE WAY, TOMORROW I'M GOING WITH MY FRIENDS TO SEE THE NEW SILENT HILL MOVIE… IT BETTER BE GOOD… FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE IN THE THEATER.
AS ALWAYS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND YOUR COMMENTS, I REALLY APPRECIATE THEM.
SEE YOU NEXT TIME, A LITTLE KISS :)