Xavier Institute
The sun had barely broken the horizon when its first golden rays began to touch the perfectly manicured gardens of the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters. The grass was still damp with morning dew, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of freshly watered flowers, creating an atmosphere of tranquility that was almost deceptive.
Jean Grey stepped out of the classroom with calm strides, though her mind was far away. As she closed the door behind her, she was still mentally organizing her students' questions—young mutants full of potential, fear, and hope—when a deeply familiar voice echoed inside her mind, clear and serene as always:
"Jean, please come to my office."
She paused for a moment in the hallway, taking a deep breath. There was no urgency in Charles Xavier's tone… but there was something else. Something Jean couldn't quite define.
A few minutes later, she gently pushed open the heavy wooden door to the professor's office and stepped inside. The room was exactly as it always was: organized, quiet, welcoming. The shelves filled with old books, the immaculate mahogany desk, and the soft light streaming through the window gave the place an almost timeless aura.
Jean got straight to the point, without preamble:
"Professor… has Magneto already left?"
Charles Xavier smiled faintly, his long fingers interlaced atop the desk, like someone who had been expecting that question.
The day before, shortly after Nick Fury's departure, Charles had asked everyone to leave the room. He and Erik Lehnsherr had remained there for hours, talking behind closed doors. None of the other mutants knew exactly what had been said… but Jean felt, deep in her chest, that something had changed irreversibly.
"Yes, he has already left," Charles replied calmly. "And… although he won't admit it out loud, Erik needs time. Even so, he is seriously considering your proposal."
Jean raised her eyebrows slightly, genuine surprise crossing her face. For someone like Magneto to even consider changing his stance… it bordered on the impossible.
"The Brotherhood of Mutants shouldn't cause any more trouble for a while," Charles continued, turning his wheelchair and moving toward the window. "And as of today, the Xavier Institute will return to normal operations."
Jean blinked, taking a few seconds to process those words.
"So… we're free to go out?"
"Exactly," he replied, as if commenting on something trivial. "If you want to take a walk, go ahead."
She frowned. Throughout the entire week, Charles had insisted that no one leave the Institute, fearing unwanted attention—from both the government and certain organizations that were watching mutants far too closely after the last incident involving the Hulk.
"Are you sure, Professor?"
Charles let out a deep sigh before turning to face her, his gaze filled with understanding and a nearly paternal kindness.
"Jean… I know you don't want to tell me about him. And I respect that. But know this: he helped us more than you realize."
Jean looked away briefly. She didn't respond.
"I won't pressure you," Charles continued. "I only want you to thank him for me. Now, he's not just your friend… he's an ally. To all of us."
Jean smiled, touched by his words. Still, she couldn't resist teasing him:
"Professor… you're not going to have someone follow me again, are you?"
Charles's smile faltered for a second, replaced by visible discomfort.
"…Even if I asked, Logan doesn't want to do that anymore."
Jean laughed openly, the sound echoing lightly through the office.
"Thank you, Professor. I'll get ready to head out."
She spun on her heel and left with lively steps, almost too light for someone carrying so many responsibilities. Charles watched her through the window, letting out a silent sigh.
"I never thought you would become a pillar for the mutant future…" he murmured, his thoughts inevitably drifting to Arthur.
He shook his head, pushing the thought aside. It wasn't time yet.
---
Across the City — Arthur's House
Meanwhile, on the other side of New York, Arthur remained secluded in his workshop. The environment was a stark contrast to the Xavier Institute: holographic screens floated in the air, chemical vials were scattered across metal workbenches, and the constant hum of electronic systems filled the silence.
He hadn't slept properly in days.
Arthur held a small test tube up to the light, carefully observing the liquid inside—one attempt among many to create a cure for Peter Parker's transformation.
"Cortana," he said without taking his eyes off it. "What is the police department doing right now?"
The artificial intelligence replied immediately, her voice neutral and precise:
[George Stacy has assembled a task force. He has requisitioned new weapons and equipment… it appears they intend to enter the sewers in search of Peter Parker.]
Arthur closed his eyes for a moment.
"They have no idea what's waiting for them…" he murmured.
[The chances of them finding Peter Parker are minimal,] Cortana added. [The New York sewers are a true labyrinth.]
A three-dimensional projection appeared in the air, revealing the city's underground tunnels stretching like gigantic serpents, crossing at impossible angles for miles.
[If there is a defined route, I can scan the surrounding areas based on thermal patterns and movement,] she continued. [But without a clear direction, it's like looking for a needle in the ocean.]
There was a brief pause.
[Even so… to ensure George Stacy's safety, I will maintain constant surveillance over the task force's communications and location.]
Arthur nodded silently and returned to his work.
Then Cortana's voice spoke again, this time with a subtle change in tone:
[Arthur. A visitor has just arrived.]
"Who…?"
[Jean Grey.]
Arthur blinked, surprised.
"Jean?"
He smiled faintly, set the test tube back into its holder, and left the workshop.
---
S.H.I.E.L.D. — Helicarrier
High above, far from the bustle of the streets, Maria Hill entered Nick Fury's office carrying a folder of documents.
"Director Fury… Magneto has just left New York. We were unable to determine exactly what was discussed between him and Charles Xavier."
The Xavier Institute was unlike any other place. Infiltrating it was no easy task. The first requirement was simple—and impossible for most: being a mutant.
And even then, there was Professor X's personal interview.
The most advanced lie detector in the world.
"Since it was Charles who called him," Fury replied, leaning against the desk, "I believe we won't have any major problems for now."
Hill hesitated before asking:
"Sir… do you trust Charles Xavier?"
Nick Fury smiled enigmatically.
"Of course not." He turned toward the window. "Still, stay alert. I have a feeling that something big is about to happen."
Hill nodded.
"Any news from Agent Romanoff?"
"None."
"And JARVIS?"
"Tony Stark sealed all the loopholes. With our current resources… it's practically impossible to breach the system."
Fury simply nodded, his gaze fixed on New York below.
Something was moving in the shadows.
And he intended to be ready for whatever might come.
---
Arthur's House
Jean looked at Arthur with sincere gratitude in her eyes.
"Arthur… thanks to you, the professor decided to reconsider his position."
Beside Jean, Gwen—who had just arrived—furrowed her brows in confusion.
What exactly is going on here? she wondered.
Arthur shrugged, indifferent as ever.
"It's fine. What matters is helping you."
He smiled lightly.
"Relax a bit. Talk things out. I'll go get something for you to eat."
As soon as Arthur walked away, Gwen immediately turned to Jean.
"Jean… what were you two talking about?"
Jean smiled and took a deep breath.
"Well, here's the thing…" And then she began to explain.
(End of Chapter)