Chapter 12: The Weight of Choices
The morning at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters was as normal as any other—at least, on the surface. The students were going about their usual routines, attending classes and engaging in idle chatter. But for a certain group of friends, there was an unspoken tension in the air.
Bobby, John, Kurt, Kitty, and Angelica had been waiting for Ethan and Anna since breakfast, eager to talk to them about the previous day's events. When they finally saw the two entering the cafeteria, all five of them rushed over.
"So, What the hell happened?" Bobby asked, "You guys just vanished last night, you gotta tell us what happened."
Anna hesitated, glancing at Ethan, who gave her a subtle nod.
"I… I was manipulated," Anna admitted. "They… they impersonated Ethan and tried to kidnap me. Ethan stopped them."
Kitty gasped. "What? Who? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Anna said before forcing a small smile. "Thanks to Ethan."
John frowned. "Who was it? Did they get away?"
Ethan's expression remained neutral, but there was a flicker of something darker in his eyes. "Let's just say they got what they deserved."
John scoffed. "And what does that mean?"
Ethan didn't elaborate. Neither did Anna. The unspoken truth hung in the air between them. Ethan had killed someone. And though Anna wasn't entirely comfortable with it, she accepted this fact.
Kitty and Angelica exchanged glances, sensing something more behind Ethan's words, but they didn't press further.
John clenched his fists. "I hope whoever it was suffered. No one messes with our own."
Bobby nodded in agreement, his expression darkening. "If they come back, we'll make them pay."
Ethan and Anna shared another glance. They didn't need to say anything. The ones responsible wouldn't be coming back.
Kitty placed a hand on Anna's shoulder. "If you need anything, let us know, okay? We're here for you."
Anna nodded with a genuine smile playing on her face, "Thanks, guys. It means a lot."
The group sat down for breakfast, the atmosphere lighter than before, though a shadow still loomed over Ethan's thoughts. He could tell Anna wasn't completely at ease, but she stayed close to him.
Afternoon - Xavier's Office
After lunch, Ethan received a mental message from Professor Xavier, requesting to meet him in his office.
When he arrived, the room was quiet, except for the faint ticking of a clock on the wall. Professor Xavier sat behind his desk and his expression is composed yet firm.
Ethan stepped inside before closing the door behind him. "You wanted to see me?"
Xavier gestured to the chair across from him. "Yes, Ethan. Please, sit."
Ethan didn't hesitate and sat down, "I'm guessing this is about yesterday?"
Xavier nodded. "We need to talk about what happened. About the lives you took."
Ethan didn't flinch. "They were a threat. I eliminated them."
Charles studied him for a moment, then leaned forward. "And what about the value of their lives? Do you believe they deserved to die? And do you believe that was the only solution?"
Ethan's jaw tightened. "They weren't going to stop. If I hadn't done it, they would have come after Anna again. I made sure they wouldn't."
Xavier sighed, "Ethan, I understand your need to protect those you care about. But taking a life isn't something that should ever be done lightly. There is always another way."
Ethan's gaze darkened. "Not always."
Xavier held his gaze, "Perhaps not. But we have to try. That's what makes us different from those who choose violence first."
Ethan scoffed. "So, when someone attacks us, we're just supposed to let them? Even if we die, we can't fight back?"
"That's not what I'm saying," Xavier replied calmly.
Ethan cut him off. "I'm not like you, Professor. I won't just sit back and wait to be attacked. If someone tries something, I'll make them regret it."
Xavier sighed. "Ethan, you have power beyond most people's comprehension. But power without restraint—"
"Is dangerous," Ethan finished and his tone is almost mocking. "I've heard it before."
Xavier frowned but remained composed. "Then tell me—why did you spare Erik?"
Ethan smirked slightly. "Because the one who impersonated me is still free. Erik might know something. He can lead me to them."
Xavier's eyes widened slightly at that realization.
Ethan stood up and is ready to leave. "I'm not a killer, Professor. But if someone I care about is in danger, I'll do whatever it takes to protect them."
Xavier exhaled slowly. "And what if the whole world is responsible for harming those you care about? What will you do then?"
Ethan paused at the door, then turned back with a smirk. "Then this world is fucked up."
Xavier's eyes widened in shock as Ethan walked out slowly.
As Ethan stepped out of Xavier's office, his mind was still running through the conversation he just had. He knew Xavier meant well, but their perspectives were just too different. He wasn't the type to sit and philosophize about morality when lives were on the line.
That's when he noticed someone leaning against the wall, arms crossed, waiting for him.
Logan.
Ethan paused before narrowing his eyes slightly. "You heard our conversation?"
Logan smirked before pushing off the wall. "Yeah, most of it."
Ethan sighed. "And? You here to judge me too?"
Logan let out a short chuckle. "Nah, kid. I've taken more lives than your age. Ain't my place to judge."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. That was a rare bit of honesty from Logan. But before he could respond, Logan tapped his fingers against his temple. "Got my memories back."
Ethan's eyes widened slightly. That wasn't supposed to happen. Not yet. Then again, his very presence had already derailed the so-called 'canon.' No surprises there.
Logan continued, his tone unusually serious. "I get it, kid. Sometimes, doing what's necessary means getting your hands dirty. But don't let it become a habit."
Ethan remained silent, studying the older man. Logan wasn't judging him—he was warning him.
Logan started walking away but stopped after a few steps. Without turning around, he added, "I'm just worried about you. You've got heart, kid. And someone out there cares about you—a lot. Make sure you don't disappoint her."
Ethan smirked slightly as he watched Logan walk off. He wouldn't become a mindless killer; he was sure of that. But there was something else—something he had started to notice about himself.
He enjoyed the fight.
Even during training, even against Magneto, there was something about battle that made his blood boil with excitement. He wouldn't go looking for fights, but if one came to him… he wanted to test himself, to push his limits.
Maybe it was part of his adaptation, sharpening his instincts, making him focus more. Or maybe, deep down, he was just a battle junkie.
He shook his head. That was something to think about later. Right now, there was something more important to deal with.
When Ethan returned to the cafeteria, most of the students had already finished their lunch and left. The long table where his friends had been sitting was empty—except for one person.
Anna.
She looked up as he approached, her eyes filled with concern. "Everything okay?" she asked softly.
Ethan gave her a reassuring smile and nodded. "Yeah. Everything's fine."
She wasn't entirely convinced, but she didn't push. Instead, she let out a small sigh of relief and moved over so he could sit next to her.
Ethan leaned back in his chair before watching her carefully. "Anna, there's something I need to talk to you about."
She tilted her head before furrowing. "What is it?"
Ethan took a deep breath. "I can't always be there to save you. You need to be able to protect yourself. And that means learning to control your powers."
Her eyes darkened slightly. "I know that. But…"
She didn't finish, but Ethan already knew what she was thinking.
"You're afraid of your powers," he stated.
Anna tensed. "They hurt people, Ethan. I can't control them."
Ethan shook his head. "Your powers are out of control because you're afraid of them. You keep seeing them as something separate from you, something dangerous. But they're part of you, whether you like it or not. So instead of running from them, accept them. Let's figure them out together."
Anna looked away, biting her lip.
Ethan reached out, gently taking her gloved hand. "You trust me, right?"
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"Then trust me when I say this—you're stronger than you think," Ethan said firmly. "And you don't have to do this alone."
Anna took a deep breath, then gave him a determined smile. "Okay… I'll try."
Ethan grinned. "That's all I ask."
....
AN: Hi Guys, how is the chapter. So, I need suggestions regarding the second female lead. I'm thinking of adding someone who has powers related to death, since Ethan can't die.
I decided to have two or three female leads in this fic.
So, can you suggest female characters in Marvel and DC with powers related to death.
....
Like it ? Add to library and Review the fanfic.