As time had moved on, the mansion had slowly grown quieter and quieter as the night descended upon everyone. The festive cheer was still lingering in the air, as the glow of Christmas lights illuminated the environment.
Most of the families had retired to their homes as the night had came upon them, and the younger mutants went back to their rooms in the mansion, nestled in their beds as they dreamed of the holidays.
Meanwhile, as all of this happened, Maxim stood in the dimly lit hallway outside of his sister's bedroom, his back leaned against the wall as he folded his arms and glanced at the door. He could hear Katya's soft, steady breathing from inside.
She had fallen asleep clutching one of the sketchbooks she had been proudly showing him earlier, filled with everything from the X-Men and Iron Man, to beautiful landscapes and even a few family portraits.
Maxim smiled and chuckled to himself as he thought about how Katya's eyes had shone so brilliantly with pride and excitement while showing him her artwork.
She had eagerly told him about her new friends, classes, favorite teachers, and even pranks she pulled using her telepathic powers. For a couple hours, it was as if nothing else mattered, as they were just siblings enjoying each-other's company.
But now, reality was seeping back in. He knew he couldn't stay. He still had goals, missions that he needed to complete.
With a quiet sigh, he pushed off the wall and headed downstairs, his steps silent on the polished wood floors.
The mansion was almost eerily peaceful at this hour, with only the faint hum of the heating system and the occasional creak of the old building breaking the silence.
Maxim moved with purpose, his mind already shifting gears as he planned his next steps.
The X-Men were waiting for him downstairs, their postures relaxed but watchful. Professor Xavier sat in his wheelchair near the grand staircase, his hands folded in his lap.
Storm and Jean stood off to the side, with Cyclops, Logan and Nightcrawler further back.
"Heading out already, Mr. Novikov?" Xavier's voice carried an undercurrent of curiosity and perhaps a touch of concern.
Maxim nodded, his expression calm. "I have a lot to do. Places to be." He glanced toward the stairs, his thoughts still lingering on Katya, "But I wanted to thank you all again. For everything you've done for her."
Jean stepped forward, her expression warm, "You don't need to thank us, Maxim. Katya is a special girl, and she's become a part of our family here. We'll always look out for her."
"She's been a bright spot for a lot of people here," Storm added, her voice soothing. "She's strong, but she's also still a child. We'll make sure she grows up happy and safe."
Maxim's gaze softened as he looked at the women, "I appreciate that more than I can say." He paused, then added, "She deserves a childhood. A normal one. And I know that's hard to come by for mutants."
Professor Xavier inclined his head slightly. "We do our best to provide that, despite the challenges. Katya has adapted remarkably well, and she's flourishing. But…" His gaze sharpened, the subtle probing of his telepathy brushing lightly against Maxim's mental defenses, which immediately flared in response.
Maxim's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of warning in them. The lights in the environment immediately dimmed, a blanket of darkness wrapping around everyone as Maxim's form shifted.
"But you're curious about me, aren't you, Professor? Your actions are quite disrespectful, I wonder what you'd do to my sister if she didn't have her own mental defenses." Maxim said.
Xavier held up a hand, a placating gesture, "Merely concerned, Mr. Novikov. You have a unique presence, and your sister's abilities are… extraordinary. Her telepathic power can be cataclysmic in the wrong hands. It's natural for us to be cautious."
"Cautious," Maxim echoed, his tone neutral. He glanced at Jean, who was watching him with quiet intensity, her empathy radiating in gentle waves, "I understand that. But my business is my own. I'll protect Katya in my own way."
"Of course," Jean said softly. "But if you ever need help, you can always reach out. For her sake, if not your own."
Maxim gave a slow nod. "I'll remember that."
With that, he turned and moved toward the door, his movements sure and unhurried. The X-Men watched him go, a mixture of emotions playing across their faces.
He paused at the threshold, his hand resting on the doorframe as he turned back one last time. "Thank you," he said again, his voice quiet but sincere, "For everything you've done for her. Take care of her."
"We will," Jean promised, her gaze steady, "And take care of yourself, Mr. Novikov. She cares for you a-lot, make sure to visit more in the future."
Maxim nodded, then stepped outside into the crisp, cold night. The air was sharp and clear, the snow crunching softly underfoot as he made his way toward his car. He was almost to the vehicle when a small voice called out behind him.
"Maxim!"
He turned just in time to see Katya running toward him, her small figure bundled in a thick coat, her face flushed with cold and excitement.
He smiled, kneeling down as she reached him, her breath puffing out in little clouds as he held her in his arms.
"Princess, you're supposed to be asleep," he teased gently, brushing a lock of hair from her face as he looked at her tired expression, chuckling at how adorable she looked.
"I couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye," she protested, her eyes bright and a little wet,
Maxim's heart clenched, and he pulled her into a tight hug, feeling her small arms wrap around his neck. "I wouldn't dream of it," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead, "I love you, Katya. More than anything."
She clung to him, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "I love you too, Maxim. Don't be gone too long, okay?"
He closed his eyes, holding her close. "I'll be back, I promise. And next time, I'll bring someone very special with me."
Katya pulled back, her eyes wide and curious. "Who?"
He smiled, a mysterious light in his eyes. "Your sister-in-law."
Her mouth dropped open in shock, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Sister-in-law? You're getting married?"
"Not yet," he said, chuckling. "But I'll find her. Soon."
"Where?" she asked eagerly, bouncing on her toes as she looked towards him. Maxim's smile widened, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Norway."
"Norway?" she repeated, her voice filled with wonder. "Wow…"
He chuckled again, brushing his fingers through her hair. "I'll tell you all about it next time, okay? Be good, princess."
She nodded solemnly, though her excitement was barely contained. "I will. I promise."
He kissed her forehead again, then gently released her, standing up. "Go inside, it's cold out here."
She hesitated, then threw her arms around him one last time before stepping back, her eyes bright and filled with love. "Bye, Maxim. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, Katya," he said softly, his heart aching as he watched her turn and run back toward the mansion, her small figure disappearing into the warm glow of the foyer.
He stood there for a moment longer, his breath misting in the cold air, then turned and got into his car, the engine purring to life as he pulled away from the mansion, his thoughts already turning to the next part of his journey.
As the mansion disappeared in the rearview mirror, his gaze hardened, his mind focused. There was a lot to do, and not much time. But he had made a promise, and he intended to keep it.
Norway. Hela, that was his long term goal. As the Goddess of Death, she was one of the most powerful persons in the MCU, and could become a worthy ally.
The only problem was she was just a bit too battle crazy, but Maxim was sure with his knowledge, he'd be able to convince her to join him. But before that, he still had many things he needed to do.
Finish the Battle of New York, get the Mind and Space Stone, destroy the Red Room and recruit the Black Widows, take over Madripoor.
There was so many things he was planning, but all of this was not only to protect himself, but also to protect Katya, to create a world she can live in danger free.