𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 || 𝐗-𝐌𝐄𝐍 ||

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟎

˗ˏˋ꒰🃏꒱

The group walked up a narrow path in New York City, led by Selene Gallio. "She's in there," Selene said, gesturing toward a building ahead.

Behind them, the sound of wheels rolling caught their attention. "Hello, old friends," Charles greeted, wheeling up alongside Scott, Kurt, and Storm.

The group turned around, but Erik quickly cut through the pleasantries. "Save the 'old friends' shit, Charles. And stay out of my way," he warned.

Charles, undeterred, met Erik's gaze. "I'm sorry for what she did. But I can't let you go in there," Charles said firmly.

Harper stepped forward, her voice filled with frustration. "You're always sorry, Charles. And there's always a speech. But nobody cares anymore."

Charles looked surprised, taken aback by Harper's words. "We do this here, now, they'll see us as monsters. Violent freaks, fighting on the streets of New York."

Erik turned slightly toward Milo and Hank, giving them a knowing look. "What did I tell you?" he said. Milo stood there, claws extended, while Hank had shifted into Beast.

Charles' expression grew more desperate. "Damn it, man, your homeland will be gone. Everything you care about."

"Save it," Erik shot back, rolling his eyes.

Charles' gaze then moved to Milo. He could see the turmoil in her eyes. "Don't do this, Milo. Killing Jean will not bring Raven back," he pleaded.

Milo's jaw tightened as she stood next to Hank. Her voice was cold as she answered, "The girl dies."

Beast charged forward, leaping through the air with precision, landing gracefully on the other side of the hall. Without hesitation, Milo followed, her claws unsheathed and her eyes focused with deadly intent. The adrenaline pulsed through her veins as she sprinted after him, her footsteps echoing in the narrow space.

Behind them, Erik began to rise, floating effortlessly as his magnetic powers lifted him into the air. His expression was steely as he moved in sync with the others, all heading straight for the building where Jean was hiding.

There was no turning back now.

˗ˏˋ꒰🃏꒱

As the battle raged between the two groups, Charles desperately tried to find a way to intervene. Reaching out telepathically to Kurt, he repeated his plea in Kurt's mind, "Kurt, get me inside."

Kurt, already in motion, appeared in front of Charles, ready to teleport him. But before he could react, Selene Gallio seized control of his mind with her own powers, forcing him to teleport to her side.

"You're not the only one who can control minds," Selene said coldly, her eyes locking onto Charles.

Charles turned, shocked at how quickly she'd taken control. "Kurt!" he yelled, watching helplessly as his plan fell apart.

Milo saw Scott aiming his optic blasts at Erik and immediately sprang into action. She rushed over, tackling Scott onto the hood of a nearby car. As Scott struggled beneath her, he tried to fire his optic blasts at her. Milo pressed him down, her claws digging into the car's hood, as she fought to restrain him.