ᴄʟᴀᴡꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇᴅᴇᴍᴘᴛɪᴏɴ ⤷ ʟᴏɢᴀɴ ʜᴏᴡʟᴇᴛᴛ

.𝟎𝟗

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Lottie stood in front of the small mirror in her room, the morning light casting a soft glow across the space. Her hands moved with practiced ease as she applied her makeup, blending the colors just right. She reached for her stockings, smoothing them over her legs, the fabric catching slightly against her fingertips.

As she dressed, her fingers lingered over the cool metal of Logan's dog tags, which she had set on the dresser. She picked them up, the weight of them familiar and comforting. With a sigh, she ran her thumb over the engraved letters, lost in thought. They were more than just a reminder of him—they were a promise. She held them to her chest for a moment before slipping them around her neck, the tags resting just above her heart.

Ready for the day, she took one last look in the mirror, adjusting the chain and smoothing down her skirt. The dog tags felt right there, a quiet reassurance.

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Lottie wasn't sure why she had agreed to chaperone a group of mutant kids on their field trip to the science museum. The gleaming exhibits, the hushed atmosphere, the intricate displays—all of it seemed harmless enough. But as she moved through the halls, a sense of unease gnawed at her. Something about the day felt off, though she couldn't put her finger on what.

She was currently watching a dull program on human evolution when suddenly the screen began to flicker. She turned around to see Scott in front of Jean. She was relieved that she had someone to keep her balanced.

 Storm quickly approached them, her expression serious. "Hey. Have you guys seen Bobby and Rogue?" she asked.

Jean shook her head, still feeling out of sorts, but Scott's attention was immediately drawn to the concern in Storm's voice. "No, why?"

"Something's happening in the food court," Jean said, her tone hinting at the urgency of the situation.

Suddenly, the air became still and something felt off. They quickly made their way through the museum, weaving through the crowds until they reached the food court. The scene they found was tense—Bobby and John were in the midst of a standoff, their powers on display in a way that was anything but subtle. The tension in the air was palpable, and Rory's heart sank. This wasn't going to end well.

Before things could escalate further, the professor intervened, freezing everyone in the museum except for the students. His expression was stern, disappointment evident as he turned to Bobby and John. "Next time you feel like showing off, don't." he admonished, his voice heavy with the weight of responsibility.

As they regrouped, a nearby television screen caught their attention. The news broadcast was urgent, the headline scrolling across the bottom of the screen: Attack in the White House. Mutants Suspected.

The reporter's voice filled the room. "-where there's been an attack in the Oval Office of the White House. Details are still coming in, but we have been informed that the president and vice-president were not harmed. Sources say the attack involved one or more mutants."

"I think it's time to leave, Professor," Scott said, his tone grave.

"I think you're right," Xavier agreed, his gaze darkening with concern

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"My opinion? I think Magnetos is behind this." Scott announced to the group.

Jean shook her head. "No, I don't think so, Scott. While Erik is capable of organizing something like this from prison, for him it would be irrational."

The professor nodded in agreement. "It would only hurt his goal of mutant prosperity."

"You mean superiority," Scott muttered from his spot on the couch, his voice tinged with bitterness. Lottie took a seat next to him, a silent show of support.