After returning to Tony's house, we were greeted by Yinsen and Potts. Potts still wasn't used to us appearing out of portals, her eyes widening for a moment before she composed herself.
"Every time, it's like watching a magic show," she muttered, half amused, half exasperated.
Da Vinci immediately went to find Tony, clearly eager to share whatever ideas she'd come up with during our trip. She had mentioned before that Tony had the potential to surpass even her in the future, and he was already starting to come up with different ideas to grow his company to the top again. It didn't take long before Da Vinci became a business partner with Tony, and now they were developing medical tech to sell to common people at low prices.
Meanwhile, Morgan, Ereshkigal, Karen, and I sat on the sofa. Potts turned to me, curiosity in her eyes. "So, where did you all go this time?"
"We went to meet the X-Men for some business," I answered, trying to sound casual.
But before I could elaborate, Ereshkigal and Morgan chimed in, both with mischievous grins on their faces. "We went with him to keep an eye on him," Ereshkigal said, her tone light but pointed.
Morgan nodded in agreement, "Yeah, we had to make sure he didn't start flirting with women."
Potts raised an eyebrow at me, her gaze sharp. I could feel the sweat starting to form on the back of my neck. "A womanizer, huh?"
I opened my mouth to defend myself, but Morgan and Ereshkigal quickly pinched my cheeks, cutting me off. "If we hadn't been there, you'd probably be flirting with that Kitty or Jean," Morgan teased.
I didn't answer because, well… they weren't entirely wrong. But before I could fully react, Potts looked at me, then at Tony's direction, and said with a wry smile, "You've got the same habits as Tony. Morgan, Ereshkigal, keep him in check."
"Definitely" both said at same time.
To make matters worse, Karen, who had been sitting quietly on the sofa, suddenly asked, "What's a womanizer?"
I felt my face heat up as Potts smirked, and I wished I could disappear right then and there.
I sighed, knowing there was no use in hiding the truth from them. "Alright, alright. I'll admit, I might flirt with others if I saw them let their guard down," I said, giving them a sheepish grin. "But I would never cheat on my loved ones."
Morgan and Ereshkigal's teasing expressions softened, and they exchanged a look before smiling at me warmly. "Good," Ereshkigal said, releasing my cheek and giving me a playful nudge. "Just remember who's got your back."
Morgan leaned in, wrapping her arm around mine. "As long as you remember where your heart really lies, we're good. Or you will feel the world of pain, Understand?"
I nodded at her.
Potts, who had been watching the exchange, smiled warmly. "It's nice to see you being honest, Ritsuka. I believe you."
Her words made me feel a sense of relief, knowing that despite all the teasing, they understood me. For a moment, the room was filled with a comforting sense of camaraderie, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for having these people in my life.
Just as I was basking in the warmth of the moment, my phone buzzed. I picked it up, seeing a message from Xavier. As I read it, my expression grew serious.
"The X-Men team just returned from space. They saved the astronauts, and Jean's got the Phoenix Force now. But she's stable—no changes in her powers. Karna asked you guys to return here."
Morgan and Ereshkigal immediately picked up on my change in demeanor. "What's going on?" Ereshkigal asked, her playful tone replaced with concern.
I relayed the news to them, and Potts frowned slightly, though she seemed relieved that what's going on. "Is everything alright?" she asked.
"Yeah, it is, hopefully" I nodded. "Tell Tony and da Vinci, it will be late for dinner for us" i said to Potts and Bucky who came to the room.
Then karen open the portal to school after morgan told to her.
Ereshkigal squeezed my hand, her expression firm. "We'll be ready for whatever comes next."
Morgan nodded in agreement, determination in her eyes. "We're all in this together."
As I looked at them, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we'd face them head-on—together.
Potts seemed confused but said "be safe guys"
With that, we decided it was time to head back and we stepped through, arriving in a large hall at the Xavier Institute. Storm, Xavier, and Karna were already there, waiting for us.
Xavier looked relieved as we approached. "Ritsuka, everyone, welcome back. Jean is resting now. The mission was successful, and she's stable for the moment."
Before I could respond, Karen, who had been quietly observing the room, suddenly piped up. "She's coming."
Jean entered the room silently, her presence immediately sending an unnatural chill down Ritsuka's spine. She moved slowly, almost methodically, before settling on the sofa. Her movements seemed too deliberate, too calculated. Ritsuka's eyes narrowed as he focused on Jean.
"You're not Jean," Ritsuka said, his voice cutting through the heavy silence like a blade.
Xavier's expression turned grim as he delved deeper into Jean's mind. "It's true… Everyone in the school is asleep, even Ororo. This is the work of the Phoenix," he confirmed, the weight of his realization evident in his tone.
Jean's eyes flickered, revealing the glowing symbol of a Phoenix bird within them. The power radiating from her was palpable, filling the room with a suffocating pressure.
Ereshkigal, Morgan, Karna, and Ritsuka could all feel it—this was a force unlike anything they had encountered before. Sensing the danger, Morgan instinctively held Karen closer, her motherly protective instincts kicking in as she shielded her daughter. Karna, without hesitation, positioned himself in front of Ritsuka, his stance one of readiness, prepared to defend his Master with his life.
The Phoenix, controlling Jean's body, ignored everyone else in the room, her gaze locking onto Ritsuka with a predatory intensity. "I want to speak with the successor of Protégé," she demanded, her voice echoing with an otherworldly resonance that seemed to reverberate through the very air around them.
Then, her attention shifted to Karna. "I sense the power of the sun within you," she remarked, her curiosity piqued. "Who are you?"
Karna, his gaze unwavering, responded, "I am Karna, the son of Surya, the Sun God. And I will not allow you to harm my Master."
The Phoenix tilted her head, surprised by his defiance. "You would make a perfect host for me," she mused, "but your strong will… I don't like vessels that resist. I prefer dominance, as I have with Jean."
Karna's eyes narrowed slightly. "Jean is innocent. Do not harm that kind soul."
The Phoenix laughed, a sound both cold and mocking. "Does the son of the Sun God harbor feelings for her?" she taunted. Xavier, feeling the tension rise, urgently pleaded, "Please, don't do anything to her. She doesn't deserve this."
The Phoenix's expression shifted to one of mild interest. "How unexpected… A compassionate Xavier. In parallel worlds, my counter parts never encountered one like you. You're different from the others." Her words hung in the air, leaving Xavier visibly confused, but before he could question her further, Ritsuka stepped forward.
Ritsuka had anticipated this confrontation, having already warned Morgan and Ereshkigal that something like this might happen. He moved in front of the Phoenix without a hint of fear, his eyes meeting hers as he introduced himself.
"I am Ritsuka Fujimaru," he stated, his voice steady.
The Phoenix scrutinized him closely, her expression one of mild surprise. "So, the successor of Protégé isn't as arrogant as his predecessor," she observed. "Interesting… But be aware, there are powerful beings watching us even now, and I don't appreciate anyone interfering in my games."
Ritsuka didn't flinch. He knew what he had to do. He turned towards Karna, Morgan, Ereshkigal, and Karen, offering them a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I'll be right back," he said, his tone calm despite the situation.
Without further warning, the Phoenix enveloped Ritsuka in her power, and in the blink of an eye, they disappeared from the room, transported to the white dimension of the Phoenix Force—a realm connected to all Phoenix entities across the multiverse.
As soon as Ritsuka vanished, worry etched itself into the faces of Morgan, Ereshkigal, and Karna. Morgan, however, was quick to act, turning to her daughter. "Karen, can you see what's happening between Ritsuka and the Phoenix?"
Karen nodded, her eyes glowing faintly as she projected the scene of the meeting into the room. The sight stunned Xavier, who had never seen anything like it before. The little girl was more powerful than he had realized, capable of reaching into dimensions even the Phoenix Force controlled.
Karen's voice was soft but clear. "I can watch them, but I can't interfere. The Phoenix's laws are absolute in that place. From outside it is impossible to enter"
Morgan, Ereshkigal, and Karna exchanged worried glances, their resolve hardening. They knew that if Ritsuka's life was in danger, they would have to find a way to reach him, no matter what. They were ready to act, to teleport to his side if the situation became dire. But for now, all they could do was wait and watch, hoping that Ritsuka could handle whatever the Phoenix had in store for him.
Ritsuka found himself standing in a vast, white dimension, a space that seemed to stretch infinitely in all directions. It was serene yet unsettling, a place where time and reality felt both present and absent. Before him, the true form of the Phoenix Force emerged—an awe-inspiring, majestic entity composed of flames that danced with an ethereal grace. Its beauty was both terrifying and mesmerizing, a being of pure cosmic power.As he took in the sight, the Phoenix slowly transformed, condensing itself until it took on the familiar form of Jean Grey. She walked towards him, her expression unreadable, yet her presence exuded a palpable superiority, her eyes alight with an unsettling mixture of disdain and curiosity.
"You look just like any mortal that has come before me, man from the Outer," she declared, her voice dripping with contempt.
Ritsuka frowned, feeling a pang of surprise at her words. He was caught off guard by her nonchalant dismissal of his identity.
The Phoenix continued, her tone disdainful, "You are nothing more than an Outer hero from the void."
There was a momentary pause as she observed him, her gaze piercing through his very soul. She could sense the kindness within him, the light that guided his actions. But it didn't matter to her—his soul, no matter how pure, was insignificant in her eyes. What she failed to notice, however, was the latent darkness and the power of destruction hidden deep within his soul, a mistake she would come to regret.
Ritsuka, still maintaining his composure, was acutely aware of the Phoenix's disdain. Her condescending attitude was palpable, and he could feel the weight of her scorn pressing down on him.
"You know where I'm from?" Ritsuka ventured, trying to glean more information.
The Phoenix's eyes narrowed slightly. "No, I don't. But I know you are not from any of the known universes my flames have touched. So either you come from a universe that existed before this one, from the void, or the Outer."
Her response only deepened Ritsuka's confusion. He attempted to explain his origin as a priest of Gaia summoned by Earth, but the Phoenix abruptly cut him off, not giving him a chance to elaborate.
"You are the main topic for many entities after that bastard Protégé chose you as his Successor," she said, her tone dismissive.
Ritsuka realized that the Phoenix and other entities had taken an interest in him because of his new role as Protégé's successor, rather than his role as humanity defender. This revelation shifted his perspective on how to approach the conversation.
Choosing to listen rather than challenge her directly, Ritsuka responded with a hint of amusement, "Wow, so I'm a celebrity now. Many people are watching my journey. This isn't new to me."
The Phoenix's eyes flashed with disdain. "You think you're a celebrity? How quaint."
Ritsuka's slight smile remained as he replied, "Honey, I'm adorable."
The Phoenix's expression hardened. "You are nothing but an animal in a circus, a pawn to beings like us in a grand-scale game. I came to you because you are the topic of interest."
Ritsuka understood that the Phoenix was attempting to belittle him, to make him feel insignificant compared to her and her peers. He noted her effort to undermine his sense of self-worth but remained unfazed.
"It doesn't concerns you what plans they have for you" She said "The only way would be to submit to us," she declared, her voice carrying an air of finality.
Ritsuka's eyes narrowed. "Is this a threat to me?"
The Phoenix's response was chilling. "No, you are not at our level for us to waste threats on. No matter what existence you attain, it will never matter as we will always exist above you."
His eyes grew serious, the gravity of her words sinking in.
"Stupid mortals," she continued with contempt. "I know you are the Successor of that bastard. That bastard who reached our status. But that does not make you equal to heavens or us."
It was clear from her disdain that she did not acknowledge Protégé's superiority, nor did she wish Ritsuka to believe in the Protégé's power.
The Phoenix's eyes blazed with phonix fire as she looked down on Ritsuka, her presence exuding an almost tangible arrogance. The room seemed to crackle with her immense power, amplifying her every word.
"Look, low life," she said, her voice echoing with a divine authority. "I prefer to engage with those beneath me. I offer you a simple choice: if you lose, you will become my servant and swear eternal fealty to me. If I lose, I will unleash my vengeance upon every person you hold dear."
Her gaze was condescending, as though she were examining a particularly disappointing insect. "How tragic it would be, wouldn't it, low human? So why don't you kneel and admit the mistakes of your predecessor? Pay for them here and now, without any further violence."
Ritsuka's expression hardened. He had sacrificed too much and lost too many to become who he was now. The thought of someone threatening his loved ones stung, but he had never chosen the path of vengeance. Yet, he would not be intimidated or submit to threats.
"Sorry, but I kindly decline your offer, Ms. Angry Bird," he said firmly, his voice steady despite the seething rage beneath. "I will not follow the path of my predecessor. I will use my power to protect as many people as I can, and you needn't worry about that."
The Phoenix's gaze turned icy, her contempt palpable. "What? Do you think I'm a fool to believe such empty promises? And who gave you the right to refuse my offer? I reject your refusal outright. Prepare for a battle to the death!"
Ritsuka met her glare, his resolve unshaken. "I have the freedom to choose my own path. I'm just an ordinary person trying to make a difference. Why is it so hard for you to understand that?"
I faced the Phoenix, feeling the weight of her divine disdain. "How about you see my memories and judge me?" I offered, hoping she might understand.
The Phoenix's eyes narrowed as she peered into the fleeting glimpses of my past. She barely touched the surface, dismissing the depth of my suffering, the sacrifices made, and the burdens carried. Her expression remained unyielding, as though she had already decided my worth without truly seeing me.
*Why should I listen to him?* she thought, dismissing the memories with a wave of her phonix power. Her gaze turned cold, and she spoke with a cruel finality.
"Worthless. Your world and your journey are meaningless. You are a waste of that power. Pathetic. You've destroyed nothing but fake people, false gods, and imaginary histories. Anyone could do that. You're nothing but trash."
Ritsuka lose all the light in his eyes. She said his journey is worthless, his friends who sacrifice themselves for him are worthless, the people and world which he destroyed are worthless to her.
"No…" I whispered, struggling to keep my composure. "They… are NOT worthless." I bit my lip until it bled, I remembered all the smiles and dreams I took. They are not worthless and that's why I always remember them so they don't be forgotten
The Phoenix continued, her voice dripping with condescension. "So, I've decided. Make your choice, or—"
Before she could finish, my anger erupted. I drew on every ounce of my strength and, with a forceful swing, slapped her across the face. My body became as Colossus, powerful and unyielding. "Just admit it—you and your cosmic friends are afraid of me, you dumb bird."
Even Uatu the watcher saw shocked and thought Ritsuka is insane bastard for giving face slapping to phonix.
The Phoenix was momentarily stunned, her arrogance faltering as she processed my insult and the physical impact.
"How dare you?" she roared, her eyes blazing with fury.
In a flash, she retaliated with blinding speed. Her strike sent me flying, crashing against the ground with a force that left me gasping. Pain seared through me, but I forced myself to rise, determined not to let her see me falter.
**
Next chapter will fight between Ritsuka fujimaru and phonix