Escanor(Marvel)

My time in the cell became an endless cycle of contemplation. The shackles, though uncomfortable, had become a part of my reality. I had tried to break them several times, but each attempt ended in failure. Resigning myself to my fate, I settled in as comfortably as possible within such a confined space.

They were waiting for my decision. The moment I gave them an answer, they would determine my fate.

"Join the mutant school?"

To be honest, I wasn't sure. A normal life was no longer an option for me. If these people had managed to invade my home once, they could do it again anywhere. Revenge? Tempting, but for now I didn't even know who they were or where to find them. Secret organizations that kidnapped people… Once I thought such stories were just urban legends. But now I was here, and my captors were people with extraordinary abilities. Worse yet, it seemed that I had become one of them.

Staying here. At first glance, it didn't seem like the worst option. But something inside me protested. There was something about this place, something I couldn't quite explain. Maybe it was just a bad first impression, but a whole bunch of superpowered kids gathered in one place? Madness. Here, among others like me, I might be in even greater danger than if I were free.

I had to make a decision. Everything else, I would figure out as I went along. If I stayed, I would need to learn to protect my mind. During the day, that might be easier, but at night… At night, I would be completely defenseless.

Right now, I could feel the sun slowly sinking beyond the horizon. The warmth faded, leaving me alone with the cold and the weight of my shackles. They seemed heavier now, pressing me down onto the floor.

Power level: 400.

Lost in thought, I didn't immediately notice that I was no longer alone in the cell. A visitor stood nearby, and I recognized her instantly. Rogue. It was she who had taken my powers at the very moment I could have turned the tide of battle. Her interference had been the key to my defeat.

"I came to apologize," she said finally, looking a little hesitant.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by such an opening.

"For what?" I asked, not bothering to hide my skepticism.

"During the fight, I took your powers… and part of your memories," she admitted, lowering her gaze. "I know it hurts. Sometimes, people I touch don't survive it." She raised her hand, looking at it as if it were something alien.

I shrugged.

"You said it yourself. It was a battle. You did what you had to do to win. We fought, and I could have killed you. In return, you could have killed me. But you didn't."

Rogue frowned slightly, then crossed her arms over her chest and looked away.

"Still… I'm sorry," she said quietly.

Her apology was unexpected. I wondered what had pushed her to this moment.

"And what now? Do you have the same power as me?" I asked, deciding to change the subject. If she could absorb abilities, her potential seemed limitless.

"No, it's temporary," Rogue answered, shaking her head. "The more powers I take in, the longer they stay with me. But sooner or later, they fade."

"I see," I murmured, piecing the puzzle together in my mind. "So, in a way, you're a kind of balancing force among mutants?"

She sighed but didn't answer directly. Instead, she continued.

"By the way, my name isn't Rogue. It's just a codename. My real name is Anna-Marie."

"A beautiful name," I said with a slight nod. "You probably already know mine, given the recent events. But I'll say it again. I am Escanor, of the Pride lineage."

I stood up, straightening to my full height. I didn't want to show any weakness.

"Thanks. It was nice meeting you, but I have to go." Anna-Marie turned toward the door, her footsteps barely audible. But halfway out, she suddenly stopped and looked back.

"I hope you decide to join us," she added with a small smile before leaving me alone.

The moment the door shut, I felt my legs give out. I collapsed onto the floor. The shackles that had once been just an inconvenience now weighed me down with an unbearable force. My muscles, once indomitable, felt as though they had vanished entirely. The strength granted to me by the sun had completely abandoned me.

Power level: 50.

I still struggled to understand exactly how my ability worked. Even in captivity, far from direct sunlight, I could feel solar energy seeping into me. But as night fell, everything changed. The energy faded, leaving me completely weak.

Lying on the cold floor of the cell, I suddenly felt the walls pressing in on me. I was helpless. Without my strength, I was vulnerable to those who held me here. Now all I could do was wait… for my fate.

The wait, however, didn't last long. After some time, the cell door opened again. Two figures stood in the doorway: Professor Xavier and Wolverine.

"I see you've changed," the professor said, studying me intently. His tone was calm, but there was a note of curiosity in his voice. "You no longer feel like a mutant. That's strange… I've never encountered anything like this before."

He tilted his head slightly and continued.

"Logan, remove the shackles. He's no longer a threat."

Wolverine frowned and shook his head.

"Are you sure? Maybe he's just faking it."

"You felt it yourself, didn't you?" the professor asked, surprised.

"I did," Logan admitted reluctantly, "but I know some can fool even the sharpest instincts."

He stepped forward, his heavy boots echoing across the cell floor. Opening the door fully, he entered, his gaze locked onto me with tense suspicion. He yanked the shackles, and I couldn't resist. His strength was undeniable. Taking the key, he began unlocking the restraints, which clicked open, freeing my hands.

"No tricks, kid," he warned with a scowl, stepping aside but never looking away.

"Let's take a walk. I'll show you the place," Professor Xavier offered with a slight smile.

It was a far better option than staying in the cell. I stood up, feeling the lightness in my arms after the shackles were removed. As I stepped out, I noticed Logan following closely behind, like a shadow. The professor led the way, and I followed.

The corridor we entered had cold, metallic walls that gleamed under the lights. Identical doors stretched along its length, each marked with an "X" symbol. Their uniformity was almost hypnotic. On one side, a door slid open automatically, and we stepped inside.

The room was small, resembling an elevator. There were only two buttons: "Up" and "Down." Without a word, Logan pressed "Up." The elevator moved slightly, and moments later, the doors opened.

What I saw beyond them was nothing like I had expected. Instead of labs or another cold hallway, I found myself in a grand, old mansion. High ceilings, exquisite sculptures and paintings on the walls, rich wooden finishes—everything spoke of history and grandeur.

As we walked further, I began seeing children. Some were teenagers, others much younger. They looked lively, occupied with their own tasks. Some carried books, others laughed as they passed by. In one of the lounges, a group of kids was gathered around a television.

"Tomorrow, Stark Industries will present its new weapon for the U.S. Army, set to be tested at a range in Afghanistan," a reporter announced on the screen. Another weapon designed to kill.

My thoughts were interrupted by a sharp shove in the back. Wolverine, clearly irritated, growled, making it clear we needed to keep moving.

We approached a staircase leading to the second floor. Xavier's wheelchair, seemingly guided by an invisible force, smoothly ascended the steps.

On the way, we crossed paths with Storm. Her presence intrigued me. Her powers, capable of controlling nature itself, were truly remarkable. She gave us a polite nod in greeting, and I couldn't help but stop to watch her as she passed.

"What, you got a crush already, kid? Keep moving," Logan muttered with a smirk.

"You wouldn't dare talk to me like that in daylight," I reminded him coldly, hinting at his recent defeat.

"Hmph," he snorted, irritation clear on his face. He tried to shove me forward again.

I brushed his hand off my shoulder, making it clear I could walk on my own. We continued in silence.

Reaching one of the doors, Professor Xavier opened it and gestured for us to enter. I stepped inside.

The room was spacious and comfortable. Against the far wall stood a massive desk covered in papers and folders. In front of it were several leather chairs, next to which a small coffee table sat.

"Have a seat," Professor Xavier suggested, gesturing toward one of the chairs.

I accepted the invitation and settled in, warily anticipating what he was about to say.

"Logan, would you mind heading to the kitchen for a cup of tea for me and Escanor?" Xavier asked calmly.

"Don't do anything stupid, kid, or you'll regret it," Logan warned, extending his claws menacingly.

"Logan, I'm sure Escanor will behave. And I'm not entirely defenseless myself," the Professor added with a slight smile.

Logan grunted in disapproval but said nothing, stepping out of the room and leaving us alone.

I locked eyes with Xavier, trying to decipher his intentions.

"Do you remember our conversation in your mind and the offer I made? You've had some time to think. What do you say?" he asked, his voice gentle but insistent.

"Since you can read minds, why don't you just find out yourself?" I snapped, irritation seeping into my tone.

"You see, I try not to invade people's minds unless absolutely necessary," he replied calmly.

"But you did with mine. And it looks like you read my whole life," I gritted my teeth, barely holding back my anger.

"I apologize for that," Xavier said, lowering his gaze. "There were certain circumstances. You posed a serious threat, and I had no choice. Besides, I saw very little. Believe me, your mind was so well-guarded that even accessing your inner world required tremendous effort. All I managed to glimpse were your strongest memories and emotions. Everything else remained a mystery to me. And now, even without those defenses, I still won't pry into your thoughts."

"That doesn't make me any less angry at you," I replied bitterly, gripping the armrests of my chair so tightly that they creaked under my fingers.

"I only want what's best for you. These people are not just criminals. They have powerful backing, and even we must tread carefully. Here, you'll be safe," the Professor continued.

"I can take care of myself," I shot back, masking my uncertainty.

"Highly unlikely," he countered evenly. "Right now, you're weaker than an ordinary human. I can always sense mutants, but sitting in front of you now, I would never guess that you are one. And yet, recent events suggest otherwise."

I clenched my jaw in silence, suppressing my frustration. This weakness was unbearable. It limited my freedom and made me vulnerable. If someone found me at night, I wouldn't be able to defend myself.

"How about this—stay for a week, recover from everything you've been through, and then decide what to do next? You need time to think about your future carefully," the Professor offered.

Just as he said this, the door opened, and Logan walked back in. But instead of cups of tea, he held two bottles of beer.

"The kettle's broken, so this is all there is," Logan muttered.

"Logan, Escanor is still a child," Xavier chided.

"So, you're not having one?" Logan asked, ignoring the remark.

"I think I'll pass. It's getting late anyway. Logan, take Escanor to a free room," the Professor instructed, clearly signaling the end of our conversation.

"Not back to his cell?" Logan asked, frowning.

"I believe he will become our ally. His intentions are good; he's no villain," Xavier replied calmly.

Standing up, I headed toward the door. With a nod of farewell, I stepped out into the hallway. Logan snorted in irritation and took the lead, showing me the way. We went downstairs and walked through a long corridor. Soon, we reached another staircase and turned into a narrow passage lined with closely spaced doors.

"Listen, kid, I don't trust you. Give me even the slightest reason, and I'll cut you to pieces," Logan growled, glancing over his shoulder with narrowed eyes.

"Say that again—but during the day," I snapped, my irritation rising. His constant provocations were starting to get under my skin.

"What, afraid now?" he smirked, turning to face me, the tension in the air almost palpable.

"And you're only tough when your opponent is weaker than you?" I shot back, staring straight into his eyes.

He snarled, and with a metallic snikt, his claws extended.

At that moment, a nearby door opened. A girl around my age stood in the doorway, blowing a huge bubble with her gum. But as soon as she saw us, she froze. The bubble popped, and the gum immediately stuck to her face.

"Here's your room. No funny business," Logan barked, pointing at a door at the end of the hall.

Shoving past me with his shoulder, he stormed off and disappeared around the corner. My back was drenched with sweat. No matter how much I tried to act tough, I was scared out of my mind just now.

"Did I come at a bad time?" the girl asked, trying to peel the gum off her face while eyeing me with curiosity.

"No, actually, perfect timing," I replied, studying her. She was quite attractive, with a unique blend of European and Asian features.

"Haven't seen you here before. Though I'm kinda new myself. Name's Jubilee," she said, extending her hand.

"Escanor. Escanor Pride," I replied, shaking it.

"Prideful Escanor? Fitting name," she grinned.

"The best one," I declared proudly.

"Alright, Mr. Pride, off you go," Jubilee teased with a smirk before waving and strolling down the hall.

I turned toward my room. I needed some time to think through my plans.

Reaching the door, I stepped inside. The room was small: a single bed, a nightstand beside it, and a modest desk. Nothing unnecessary.

I sank onto the bed, contemplating the mutant school. I hadn't seen much yet, but I had already noticed that everything here was fairly unstructured. Students roamed the grounds freely, not under strict supervision—more like a private boarding school, but with unique features.

I had never heard of such a school before. Clearly, its students didn't find it—the school found them.

My current situation truly limited me. If I wanted revenge, I had to be ready for anything, even an attack in the dead of night. Right now, I wasn't prepared for war against a secret organization—but I wasn't going to back down either.

Trusting unknown people with superpowers wasn't the wisest idea. But until recently, I hadn't even imagined beings like this could exist. And now, I was one of them.

I had reached a crossroads. My next decision would define my fate. I needed to regain my strength. Though hunger gnawed at me, I had no desire to go anywhere. Instead, I conjured the image of my family in my mind, sending it deep into my heart, keeping them close to my sun. Gradually, sleep overtook me, carrying me into the realm of dreams.

It ended abruptly.

Heat surged through my body. I sat up, stretched, and walked to the window. Dawn was breaking outside. Throwing open the panes, I inhaled the crisp morning air. The height wasn't too great, and I could already feel my strength returning. Without hesitation, I leaped down, landing firmly on the ground.

Power level: 200.

I headed toward the park, where an open lawn stretched out, free of dense trees.

The first rays of the sun touched my skin, warming my body. Energy surged through me, my muscles tensing and expanding in size. I could feel myself growing, transforming into my ultimate form. The sensation of power was intoxicating.

Power level: 2000.

Gazing at the rising sun, I pondered my weakness. How could I hold on to this strength at night, when only the moon and stars lit the world? Why had I been granted such immense power, yet with it, such a glaring vulnerability? Maybe the answer lay within me. I was too proud, too arrogant. If this strength were with me at all times, perhaps I would have done many foolish things.

"Enjoying the sunrise?" a pleasant voice rang out.

I turned and saw a woman approaching. It was Storm—though I didn't yet know her name. She was striking, her white hair a stark contrast against her deep brown skin, and her black attire accentuating her slender figure.

[image]

Recalling how she wielded the forces of nature, I couldn't help but admire her. At first glance, no one would suspect that such immense power resided in her hands.

"Bidding farewell to weakness," I said, turning fully toward her. In the distance, I noticed other members of the X-Men. "Are you afraid?"

"No, but caution never hurts. You're a strong mutant, but we've fought even mightier ones before," she replied calmly.

"Yesterday, I could have killed you all so quickly that you wouldn't have even had time to stop me. But I only wanted one man dead, and you were simply in my way," I said without malice, feeling no resentment toward them anymore.

"Perhaps. And what do you plan to do now?" she asked.

"Do?" I glanced toward the horizon, where my revenge lay beyond the fence. Here, in this place, I could stay and wait out my weakness. "Yesterday, I agreed to stay for a week," I replied.

"Good. I'm glad," she said with a warm smile.

"By the way, I wouldn't mind grabbing a bite to eat," I admitted, realizing how long it had been since I'd last eaten.

"Of course. Let's head to the kitchen," she suggested. Seeing that I was no longer a threat, the other X-Men began to disperse—except for Wolverine, who remained nearby, watching us.

As we passed him, I casually bumped his shoulder. With just a light shove, he went flying into the wall, crashing straight through it.

"Oops. That was an accident," I said, savoring the satisfaction of my revenge.

Wolverine shook off the debris, got to his feet, and glared at me with clear fury, extending his claws.

"Enough! This feud has to stop!" Storm stepped between us, trying to prevent a fight.

"Agreed," I shrugged.

"Hmph," Logan snorted, retracting his claws and walking off.

"Did you really have to provoke him?" Ororo asked, turning to me with a hint of disapproval.

"He deserved it," I replied matter-of-factly before adding as I walked ahead, "By the way, I never asked—what's your name?"

"Ororo Munroe. But most people call me Storm," she introduced herself.

"Escanor," I responded in turn.

"I know. Do you always talk this strangely?" she asked with a slight smirk.

"I speak as one should," I answered proudly.

Ororo rolled her eyes and continued forward. I lingered for a moment, watching her, before following.

Power level: 10,000.

Author's Note

The mutant school arc won't last long.