Ethan tightened his grip around Sinister's throat, his blue eyes burning with cold resolve. Blue lightning crackled around his body, illuminating the swirling tornado that engulfed the ruined castle below.
Sinister struggled and his face contorted with pain and fury, but Ethan remained unmoved.
"You think you can kill me?" Sinister sneered, "I have countless clones, and my influence spreads further than you could imagine!"
Ethan's expression remained blank. "Not this time."
With a flick of his wrist, orange flames erupted from Ethan's hands—Phoenix Force flames, searing not only Sinister's body but his very soul. Sinister's screams echoed through the sky as his form disintegrated into nothingness. Even the ash left behind was devoured by the flames, ensuring that no part of him could ever return.
Ethan exhaled before surveying the destruction. The mansion was nothing more than rubble, and the tornado he had summoned crackled with energy, still raging across the landscape.
With a single thought, the storm dissipated, leaving eerie silence in its wake. He turned toward the Blackbird and his body is still crackling faintly with residual lightning power, and took off.
-------
Inside the Blackbird, Morph had just arrived before carefully setting the unconscious Older Jean and Scott onto the seats. He exhaled deeply while running a hand through his sweat-dampened forehead.
The moment he had felt the tornado tear through the castle, he had known Ethan was responsible. That knowledge had been his cue to escape, carrying Jean and Scott to safety.
"Guess I made the right call," he muttered under his breath and is grateful that Ethan's power hadn't harmed them in the process.
A moment later, the entrance opened, and Ethan stepped inside. His expression was unreadable and Jean immediately rushed to his side, her sharp eyes scanning him for injuries. "Are you hurt?" she asked with a hint of worry lacing her voice.
The sheer magnitude of his power had shaken her, but she knew better than to question it now.
Anna also moved closer but scowled when she saw the way Jean was looking at Ethan. "He's got adaptation, Jean. He can heal," she said dryly before crossing her arms.
Jean chuckled lightly before shaking her head. "Still, doesn't mean we can't check on him."
Logan who is standing nearby, studied Ethan with a serious expression. "What happened to Anissa?" he finally asked and his tone edged with suspicion.
Ethan glanced at him but said simply, "You don't need to worry about her anymore."
Logan's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Ethan met his gaze evenly but didn't elaborate. "I'll explain everything back at the mansion."
The others exchanged uncertain looks but didn't press further. Ethan then turned his attention to Jean before stepping closer. "I'll take her back myself. Anna, you can follow behind me."
Logan's brows furrowed slightly. "Why?"
Ethan smirked faintly. "Because I brought them here, so it's only fair that I take them back. Besides, you can fly now."
Anna huffed but didn't argue. After permanently absorbing Anissa's powers, she had gained abilities similar to a Viltrumite—though she wasn't at their full level yet, she was strong enough to hold her own. She could also fly on her own, but Jean was the only one who couldn't, as the Blackbird they arrived in was a smaller version and couldn't fit everyone, so it is best this way.
Ethan lifted Jean effortlessly into his arms, "W-what are you doing?" she stammered.
"Taking you back," Ethan replied simply and before anyone could say another word, he shot out of the Blackbird like a bolt of lightning.
Anna watched him go with her eyes lingering on him for a moment before she, too, took off, following his path.
Back inside, Logan let out a heavy sigh. "That kid's got too many damn surprises."
Behind him, Hank stirred, groaning as he slowly regained consciousness. Scott followed moments later, blinking groggily as he took in his surroundings. Older Jean also regained her consciousness.
"What… happened?" Scott blinked blearily, "How did we get here?" he murmured, looking around in confusion. His hand instinctively reached for Jean's, Older Jean sat up slowly and her head is pounding. "Where are we?"
Logan smirked and leaned back in his seat, staring out in the direction Ethan had flown. "The answer to that is Ethan saved us."
Scott's brows furrowed. "Ethan?"
.....
The journey back to the mansion was swift. Ethan and Anna flew at incredible speeds, cutting through the night sky like comets. Ethan ensured Jean's safety by conjuring a wind barrier around her, shielding her from the sheer velocity. The wind roared past them, but inside the barrier, she felt nothing more than a gentle breeze.
They landed smoothly on the school grounds, where Jean stumbled slightly as she adjusted to being back on solid ground. Anna, however, remained composed, her gaze flickering toward Ethan as if searching for something.
As they entered the mansion, the soft hum of activity filled the halls. Students and teachers went about their night, unaware of the events that had transpired. It didn't take long before Professor Xavier summoned them to his study, already aware of their return.
Ethan, Anna, Jean, and Storm gathered in the room before taking their seats. Ethan reached for a plate of snacks on the table and began eating casually. Anna, on the other hand, sat stiffly.
Professor told them to wait for the others to arrive before explaining everything.
Unbeknownst to the others, Professor Xavier had already looked into Anna's mind the moment she arrived. He saw the events that had transpired but chose to remain silent for now, waiting for the full group to assemble before addressing the situation. His expression remained composed, but a shadow of concern lingered behind his eyes.
An hour passed before the rest of the team arrived. Hank and older Jean excused themselves to rest, their bodies still recovering from the ordeal. Scott, Logan, and Morph, however, wasted no time in finding the Professor.
Scott recounted everything up until he lost consciousness, his voice laced with frustration and disbelief. Morph filled in the gaps, explaining the battle, Anissa's fall, and Ethan's final clash with Sinister.
When they finished, Professor Xavier exhaled deeply before looking directly at Ethan. "Why?" he asked. "Why did you kill Anissa and Sinister? This is not the way. We cannot use our powers as tools for destruction. We must use them for the betterment of mankind, not for vengeance."
Ethan remained silent for a moment, finishing the last bite of his snack. Then, he calmly set his plate down and met Xavier's gaze, "Enough with this pep talk, Professor," he said in a firm tone.
"Wake up to reality. The world isn't fair, and survival isn't guaranteed. You preach peace, but even this school was attacked. How many times have you had to fight back? And how many more times will you have to until you finally understand?" He leaned forward slightly before lowering his voice. "There will always be people who hate mutants, and as long as they exist, war will follow. That's reality."
Storm shifted uncomfortably, her gaze flickering between Ethan and the Professor. Logan crossed his arms, listening intently but saying nothing. Morph, however, remained completely still, his usual carefree demeanor absent.
Ethan's tone softened slightly as he continued, "I respect your ideals, Professor. Coexistence sounds great in theory. But reality is often disappointing and after everything I've seen, I know better now. I won't kill mindlessly. But if someone tries to harm me or my friends, I will not hesitate to strike back."
His eyes drifted toward Anna and his expression become gentler than before. "That brings me to my next point," he said. "Anna, I'm leaving this place tomorrow. You need to make your choice."
Anna's breath hitched and her fingers tightening on her lap. "Ethan, I—"
"I've given you enough time," he interrupted, "Stay, or come with me. But decide."
Scott's visor gleamed as he stepped forward and his frustration finally boiling over. "And what makes you think we'll just let you walk away after what you've done?"
Ethan's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "Even if every mutant in this school tried to stop me, they wouldn't be able to," he said simply. His eyes flickered toward Storm. "You know it."
Storm sighed, as Logan gave a low grunt before shaking his head. He had seen Ethan's power firsthand. There was no point in arguing.
Without another word, Ethan stood and took Anna's hand, guiding her toward the door. She hesitated for a moment but ultimately followed. Young Jean trailed behind them, pausing briefly to glance back at the others before continuing forward.
Scott's fists trembled. "Professor, what do we do?"
Xavier closed his eyes, a heavy silence settling over him before he finally spoke. "We part ways."
Scott's eyes widened. "What?"
"I know Ethan's mindset," Xavier said quietly. "And this incident has only strengthened his resolve. There is no path where our philosophies align. It is best for all of us if we let him go—peacefully."
The room remained silent as Ethan and his companions disappeared into the halls, their footsteps echoing behind them.
.....
Later that day, Ethan gathered his close friends—Bobby, John, Kurt, Kitty, Jubilee, and Angelica—in one of the recreation rooms to break the news officially.
"I guess this is it," Ethan said while leaning against the pool table with a faint smile. "I'm leaving tomorrow."
His friends exchanged glances, some of them already aware of his impending departure.
"Yeah, we figured," Bobby said with a smirk while trying to keep things light. "You said last month that you'd be gone by now, and we've been keeping track."
John rolled his eyes. "So much for acting surprised."
Kurt gave Ethan a nod, "You know ve vill miss you, ja?"
Ethan smiled. "Yeah. I'll miss you guys too."
Kitty crossed her arms, trying to look stern but failing as her voice wavered. "So, where are you headed exactly?"
Ethan shrugged. "Somewhere new. A fresh start."
Jubilee sighed dramatically. "Just don't forget us when you become a big shot out there."
Angelica placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll always be here if you ever want to visit."
Anna and Jean stood to the side, both unusually quiet, lost in thought.
.....
The next morning arrived sooner than expected. Ethan packed his things and stepped outside to find a car provided by Professor Xavier waiting for him. A small crowd had gathered to see him off.
Most of the girls who had become fond of him were there, looking somber at his departure. His friends stood by, and despite the heavy mood, they managed to throw in a few jokes.
"So, what's your plan?" Bobby teased. "Charm a whole new group of ladies wherever you're going?"
John smirked. "Yeah, don't forget about us when you're busy breaking hearts."
Ethan chuckled. "You guys are impossible."
Storm stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Ethan. You're capable of great things, but never forget who you are."
"I know. Thanks, Storm."
Hank adjusted his glasses and smiled. "We talked about your future, and I meant what I said—I'll reach out to some contacts and make sure you get into a good university. You have the potential to be an incredible doctor."
Ethan nodded, his gratitude evident. "Thanks, Hank. That means a lot."
Then, to everyone's surprise, Anna appeared with her luggage in tow.
"I'm coming with you," she said firmly, her green eyes filled with determination.
"Wait, what?!" Bobby exclaimed. "You're leaving too?!"
A stunned silence followed before Logan smirked. "Enjoy your life, kid."
Anna hugged him tightly. "Thanks, Logan. For everything."
A wave of silence washed over the group before murmurs broke out.
Before anyone could fully react, another unexpected development occurred—young Jean stepped forward, also carrying a suitcase. "I'm coming too."
Ethan's eyes met hers, and a small knowing smile formed on his lips. He wasn't surprised; she had told him the night before that she wanted to leave as well. She felt disconnected from this world, especially with the presence of her older self and the way things had changed.
Older Jean approached her younger counterpart, a gentle smile on her lips. "You can always come back here, you know. This is your home too."
Young Jean hesitated before nodding. "I know. But… I need to figure things out for myself."
Older Jean sighed softly before pulling her into a hug. "We always wished for a sister, right? I guess our dream came true."
Young Jean smiled for the first time in a while. "Thanks, Jean."
Older Jean pulled away slightly, her expression warm yet firm. "Call me Madelyne Pryor. I've decided to be my own person, not just your other half."
Young Jean looked at her for a moment before nodding. "Alright… Madelyne."
After a few more goodbyes, Ethan, Anna, and Jean got into the car. As it drove away, they looked back one last time at the mansion.
...
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