Anna stood in the train station's waiting area, her face clouded with sadness as she clutched her ticket. She was wrapped up tightly, leaving only her striking face visible, not a single inch of skin exposed.
"Bobby was right. Even as a mutant, I'm a monster. I absorb others' abilities and memories. I shouldn't be going to school. I should find a secluded spot in the woods and just end it all," Anna muttered to herself, lost in her thoughts. She remembered her brief but happy time at Alex Manor. Everyone, from Katie and Anya to Jin and Orolo, and even Professor Alex and his three wives, had been kind to her. Alex had even promised to help her overcome her power's defect.
But Bobby's words had planted seeds of doubt in her mind. Could Gene X truly fix her inherent flaw? Even if the current medicine suppressed her powers, would it ever truly solve her problem? Was Alex lying to her?
Despite her doubts, Anna still hoped for comfort, for someone to offer her a drink and take her back, just like last time in Canada. Her mutant heart was fragile, especially after going through this situation twice.
But this time, her wish seemed destined to remain unfulfilled. If Alex hadn't intervened, Eric wouldn't have dared to try and catch Anna. Both Eric and Charles knew the extent of Alex's strength.
As the train's arrival drew nearer, Alex still hadn't shown up. Anna's spirits sank even lower.
Suddenly, a whistle pierced the air. A young man, dressed in a non-traditional style, approached Anna. "You look down. How about we have some fun together?" he suggested.
"Go away," Anna snapped, repulsed by his approach.
"Hey," the man persisted, reaching out to grab Anna's hand. "You're wearing gloves? You must be a clean freak. I wonder what you'd look like if you got them dirty."
He expressed his desire to grasp Anna's hand, but she quickly recoiled, attempting to leave, only to have her gloves torn off in the process.
"Stay away from me!" Anna's gaze hardened as she confronted the unconventional-looking youth, her intent clear as she reached for her gloves.
Unperturbed, the youth paid no heed, seizing Anna's wrist despite her protests.
"Let go of me!" Anna's voice trembled with fear as she watched the youth's grip tighten, realizing the perilous consequence of physical contact without her suppressant gloves.
Panic surged through her as she comprehended the risk of absorbing memories and abilities from others, especially without the means to control it.
In the blink of an eye, the youth's expression contorted in agony, collapsing to the ground as if struck by a sudden affliction.
Anna swiftly retrieved her gloves, fleeing in terror. As she boarded the approaching train, she hastily donned the gloves once more, her eyes clouded with distress. "I warned you not to touch me."
Thanks to Alex's intervention, Anna's mind was shielded from harmful memories and personal experiences, ensuring that her absorption was limited to knowledge alone. This time, she wouldn't lose herself amidst the influx of foreign recollections.
"Professor, I believe we've located Anna," Psylocke reported through the communicator, observing Anna's hurried entrance into a train carriage.
"Bring Anna back as soon as possible. I'm concerned that Eric might forcibly take her away," Charles urged with a sense of urgency.
"No, professor, they're already here," Psylocke informed, her gaze fixed on Angel with a pair of metallic wings.
"I'll be there shortly," Charles assured Psylocke, already sprinting towards the station.
Inside the carriage, Anna observed the Mutants engaged in a fierce battle outside, panic evident on her face.
Suddenly, the roof of the carriage burst open, and a figure made a slow entrance – none other than Magneto himself.
Upon spotting Anna, Eric gracefully gestured, preventing the vial of medicine on his waist from flying out. Instead, he delicately inserted it into Anna's vein, causing her to swiftly succumb to a deep slumber.
"Next up is Logan. Let Logan come to us on his own," Eric declared as he picked up the now-sleeping Anna, making his way out of the carriage.
Witnessing Magneto's success, Angel, Frogman, Sabretooth, and others immediately parted ways with the X-Men, joining Magneto's side.
Following Charles' orders, the X-Men lost their fervor for the fight, choosing to observe as Magneto walked out with Anna.
(End of this chapter)
.....
Join my exclusive Patreon community for 30 thrilling chapters! Free members get two or more advanced chapters FREE. Don't miss out, join now!
Link: pa*treon.com/MidnightWonder (Remove the *)