"Professor, this wasn't your fault. You didn't mean for it to happen.
The principles you once taught us apply to you as well," Wolverine sighed, trying to console him.
Years ago, mutants were feared by humans not just because a few used their powers for crime but because, when their abilities first manifested, fear often rendered them uncontrollable. This led to harm befalling family, friends, and innocent bystanders.
Whenever young mutants arrived at the school, the Professor would counsel them, helping them rebuild their confidence and regain control of their lives.
The Professor, like those children, had also lost control—his brain succumbing to seizures, which resulted in a tragic disaster. He carried more pain than anyone else.
"I'm not a child," the Professor said with a faint smile as he gazed at the children. "When mistakes are made, we must bear the responsibility. I cannot bring back the dead, but I can ensure that those who live have better lives."
If it weren't for these children reigniting hope within him, he might never have faced his painful memories, remaining lost in sorrow until death.
"But, Professor," George interjected, "it's been so many years. That school might've already been taken over by the government, right?"
Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters had an excellent location—on the outskirts of the Bronx in New York. It wasn't too remote but far enough from the chaos of Manhattan, even during events like the Chitauri invasion.
Moreover, George knew that the Bronx was one of the most chaotic areas in New York, primarily populated by African and Latin American communities. If Hell's Kitchen was the most tumultuous part of wealthy Manhattan, the Bronx held that title for the entire city.
It was a place rife with gangs and one of the highest crime rates in the U.S., making it ideal for someone like George to "blend in" while making money. Even if someone died in the chaos, the government likely wouldn't pay much attention.
Still, George doubted such a large castle could have remained untouched after all these years.
The Professor wiped his tears and explained, "Although I was targeted, it wasn't an overt manhunt. The government didn't want to cause a public uproar and lacked sufficient evidence to arrest me.
Officially, my identity remains intact, and most of my assets, including the castle, are still mine. However, I can't appear publicly or access those assets without exposing myself and providing a trail for the government to capture me."
"I see," George said, finally understanding.
On the surface, the Professor was the headmaster of a mutant school, but officially, he was Charles Xavier, heir to the renowned Xavier family—a true aristocrat and major capitalist.
In some respects, the Xavier family's influence exceeded even that of Stark Industries, which had only risen due to Howard Stark's contributions. By contrast, the Xavier family had deep historical roots and immense influence.
Without concrete evidence, openly arresting Charles Xavier and seizing his family's assets would alarm the entire capitalist class. Today it could be the Xavier family; tomorrow, it could be anyone.
Furthermore, could the government provide evidence? Of course not. The Professor's telepathic outburst during his seizure left no visible traces; people simply collapsed as if struck by a sudden illness. Surveillance footage revealed nothing incriminating.
Publicly accusing a man once lauded as a hero, frequently invited to the White House for commendations, would also tarnish the government's reputation. The fallout could even affect the presidency. Thus, they resorted to covert operations, keeping the entire incident under wraps.
"If that's the case, it's actually a decent option," George said after some thought, agreeing with the Professor's proposal.
The Westchester Incident had occurred 25 years earlier, in 1984. Back then, Tony Stark had only just entered MIT at 15. Carol Danvers hadn't become a pilot, Nick Fury was just a regular S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, and Star-Lord Peter Quill was a six-year-old boy living with his mother.
It was plausible that no one had intervened with the mutant school during this time. The government likely didn't even find the underground facilities during their investigations.
"I have no objections, as long as the children are safe," Gabriela added. Trusting both George and the Professor, she decided to follow their lead. Her role was to care for the children, not to make strategic decisions, and she understood her place well.
Seeing everyone agree, Wolverine relented. Deep down, he also wanted to return to the school—a place that had once been his refuge.
As for Caliban, he would follow the Professor and Wolverine wherever they went, regardless of the destination.
The group redirected their truck toward New York.
Given the number of children and their lack of legal identities, they avoided major cities, purchasing supplies in small towns and resting in remote areas. Over two days, they made their way north to the Bronx.
The Professor's condition seemed to improve slightly. Although he couldn't fully use his abilities, he could occasionally influence ordinary people's thoughts, which made their journey smoother. To avoid detection, they frequently switched trucks—selling one at a secondhand market and buying another at a different location.
Upon reaching the Bronx, George and Wolverine disguised themselves and scouted the school first. Just as the Professor had predicted, the property had remained vacant. However, years of neglect had left the castle in disrepair.
Confirming it was safe, they waited until nightfall to quietly bring the children into the castle, settling in its underground levels.
The basement had two floors. Besides the Cerebro chamber and the old X-Men training room, there were over a dozen unused rooms. Though cramped, it was enough for everyone to make do.