Chapter 11
The Entrance to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters
"Charles, does Gage really have to stay here?" Maria's voice trembled as she cradled the sleeping boy in her arms, reluctant to let go. "As long as we keep him inside on full moon nights, it shouldn't be a problem."
Charles watched her carefully before sighing. "Maria, we still don't fully understand what triggers his transformation. It might not just be the moonlight. If something else sets him off—if he changes in the middle of a city—there's no telling the damage it could cause."
Howard stood beside Maria, silent at first. He, too, had his reservations. Gage's last transformation had happened in the wilderness, away from people. But what if it happened again? What if it happened in New York?
"I know it's difficult," Charles continued, his gaze shifting between the two parents. "But I have to think about Gage's safety—and the safety of everyone around him. If the government starts seeing mutants as threats again because of this, it could put all of us in danger."
Maria tightened her grip around Gage. "We could visit him often, right?" she asked, her voice uncertain.
Howard placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Of course, Maria. And once Charles figures out exactly how Gage's powers work, we can bring him home."
Maria scoffed, shaking off Howard's hand. "Visit often? You're drowning in work at S.H.I.E.L.D., and I have Stark Industries to manage. We'd be lucky to see him once a month."
Howard hesitated, then took a deep breath. "That's why I'm resigning."
Maria and Tony turned to him in shock.
"I have my reasons," Howard admitted, "but the biggest one is my family. I need to be there for you, for Tony... and for Gage." He pulled Maria into an embrace, holding her close.
---
### Eight Years Later
The Xavier Institute's cafeteria was in chaos.
"My lunch! It was right here!" Chef Harris wailed, staring in horror at the now-empty counter. "I just went to wash my hands for a minute! A whole vat of curry! Two hundred burgers! Gone!"
Ororo, passing by, heard the commotion and stepped inside. "Harris, what's wrong?"
The chef turned to her, panic in his eyes. "Ororo, you have to believe me! I just finished preparing lunch, went to the sink, and when I came back—everything was gone!" He gestured wildly toward the empty space where the food had been. "A massive vat of curry! Two hundred hamburgers! All vanished!"
Before Ororo could respond, a loud *clang* echoed from outside. They rushed to the door and saw a large stainless steel bucket rolling across the ground. Traces of steaming curry clung to the inside, the only evidence of what had happened.
"This is the bucket!" Harris pointed in horror. "It was *full* a minute ago!"
Ororo sighed, rubbing her forehead. "I think I know who did this."
"You—what?" Harris looked at her, bewildered.
"You're new here, so you probably don't know the situation. This kind of thing... isn't exactly uncommon." She exhaled, clearly frustrated. "Just remake the food, and your overtime pay will cover it. And trust me—this won't be the last time."
"But the students won't get lunch on time!" Harris protested.
"This isn't on you," Ororo reassured him. "I'll handle the culprit." And with that, she turned and stormed out.
---
Student Dormitory
"Hand over the chocolate, Polly."
Eight-year-old Gage—who, despite his age, appeared smaller due to his lean frame—stood in front of Polly, arms crossed. He pointed at the older boy with the authority of someone much bigger. "I saw you stash two pieces in your pocket. Don't make me take them myself."
Polly hesitated. His hand instinctively went to his pocket, ready to surrender the sweets—until he noticed his girlfriend, Yuanna, watching from the sidelines. His pride wouldn't let him back down so easily.
"Oh?" Gage smirked. In a blur of movement, he drove his fist into Polly's gut.
The older boy doubled over, gasping. He clutched his stomach, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, but no sound came out.
Gage crouched down, reached into Polly's pocket, and retrieved the chocolate. "Thanks," he said, standing up and turning away without a second thought.
Technically, he shouldn't be fighting over snacks with kids, but the Saiyan metabolism didn't care for technicalities. If he didn't eat enough, he would suffer. And besides—Polly was a known bully. Gage didn't feel the slightest guilt taking food from someone like that.
"Hey!" Polly finally regained his breath, shouting after him.
Gage turned back just in time to see sparks crackling around Polly's hands.
"Interesting," Gage muttered as Polly's bioelectricity flared, sending arcs of lightning racing toward him. The attack struck, but Gage barely flinched. "Not bad," he admitted. "You might even catch up to the natural bioelectricity in my body someday."
Polly's face darkened. Gage had barely acknowledged the attack—let alone taken any damage.
Then, from the corner of his eye, Gage spotted someone rushing toward them. His smirk vanished.
"Ororo!"
He bolted.
"GA—!"
By the time Polly turned to look, Gage was already gone, a blur of motion disappearing down the hall.
"Don't run!" Ororo's sharp voice cut through the dormitory. Unlike the others, she could track his movements. She followed his trail, spotting him perched on the dormitory rooftop.
Gage grinned down at her. "Aunt Ororo, calm down! I'd rather not get zapped today. Shouldn't you be teaching Polly how to control his powers instead?"
Polly, standing behind Ororo, flushed with embarrassment.
Ororo's eyes began to glow. Thunder rumbled in the distance.
Gage gulped. "*Oops.*"
"S-Sister Ororo! I meant *Sister!*" he corrected hastily, but the electricity in her gaze told him the damage was already done.
In a last-ditch effort, he cupped his hands around his mouth and called out, "Hey! Piotr! I ate all the cafeteria food again! Come catch me!"
For a moment, silence. Then—
A heavy set of footsteps thundered through the school.
Gage barely had time to react before a deep voice boomed across the courtyard:
"GAGE!"
Piotr was coming.
And Gage ran.
******
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