Marvel: The Gene Collector

As Jessica attempted to elude Alex, he skillfully guided her towards a dead end, cunningly closing in on her. Her petite frame resembled that of a small wildcat, agile and nimble, a testament to her past life as a gymnast. Despite her size, her incredibly supple body made her almost as agile as a loach.

Soon, Jessica found herself cornered against a high wall. Surveying her surroundings in desperation, she realized there was no escape. Just as she prepared to face Alex, he materialized in front of the only exit. Raven, who had been closely following the pursuit, arrived breathless.

"How did you recognize me?" Jessica inquired, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. She had believed she concealed her identity well, and now she wondered how Alex had managed to see through her disguise.

In an attempt to eke out a living through theft, Jessica found herself trapped in a desperate situation. Observing her plight, Alex approached her with genuine concern.

"How long have you been living like this?" Alex asked, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"It's been more than a month," Jessica replied, her head hanging low. "Initially, the money we had saved could sustain us, but then debt collectors took our home, and that's when I resorted to stealing."

Returning Alex's wallet to him, she tried to leave, but Alex gently grasped her wrist, urging her to stay. "Why didn't you tell me?" he asked softly.

Jessica responded rhetorically, "What could you do, Alex?"

"I can help you find the murderer, provide you with a place to live, support your education, and offer you a sense of family. That's what I can do," Alex reassured Jessica.

Overwhelmed by emotions, Jessica glanced at Alex, tears streaming down her face. She then threw herself into Alex's arms, sobbing uncontrollably. Her journey from a privileged upper-class family to a pickpocket had brought immense sorrow and despair, creating a gap that few could fathom.

Raven observed the scene, her heart feeling a twinge of something she couldn't quite define. She refrained from intervening, understanding that Jessica needed this support.

After a period of tears and consolation, Jessica's mood began to stabilize. She blushed, feeling embarrassed about her outburst, but Alex held her hand warmly, conveying that she wasn't alone.

Alex smiled and extended his hand to Raven, teasing, "Well, are you ready to be our shopping companion now?"

"Of course, you big softie," Raven quipped, playfully pulling Jessica along as they headed towards the mall.

As they shopped for clothes and daily necessities for Jessica, she decided to reveal her ability. She could create energy balls of multiple colors, which she called "Firework." These energy balls were versatile, with the ability to change shape, move as desired, and even detonate when necessary. They were highly destructive, capable of demolishing trees, metals, buildings, and temporarily blinding others.

Jessica explained her abilities to Alex, and he simply smiled. With a wave of his hand, he levitated all the metal objects in the room, showcasing his own powers. Even Raven couldn't resist showing off her abilities.

Jessica couldn't help but feel a deeper connection to this place. She realized that they were all like her, possessing unique abilities. The sense of acceptance and understanding washed over her, making her feel truly at home.

In the depths of Alex's gaze, a profound sentiment lingered. At fifteen or sixteen, the air was filled with the unmistakable scent of budding love. The trials and tribulations Raven had faced only intensified the emotions and nostalgia flooding over her as she encountered Alex once again.

Observing this burgeoning affection, Raven couldn't help but sigh, reflecting on the seemingly inevitable allure of Alex. It made her wonder if she, too, had been captivated in a similar way back then.

While Raven didn't fit conventional standards of beauty, Alex saw beyond the surface, recognizing her inner beauty. In the eyes of the world, she might still be labeled a "monster," but she had reached a point where such judgments no longer held sway.

With Alex by her side, Raven found solace and strength. The opinions of others had become inconsequential; she lived for herself and the one she loved, standing right in front of her. The acceptance and love they shared shielded her from the judgments of the world, creating a sanctuary within their connection.

(End of this chapter)

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