𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 || 𝐗-𝐌𝐄𝐍 ||

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟕

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After the group came back from fighting Erik and saving Rogue, Milo sat on the couch with Ororo, Scott, Jean, and a few others, trying to catch her breath and make sense of what had just happened. The television in front of them broadcasted a press conference, and the room's atmosphere was heavy with exhaustion and tension.

"The Mutant Registration Act lost its main proponent with the reversal of Senator Robert Kelly, who until now had provided the loudest voice in the cry for mutant registration," the news anchor announced, and the screen cut to Senator Kelly standing in front of a crowd of reporters, microphones shoved in his face. "I was wrong on this particular issue, and I hope, in time, I may be forgiven. Thank you. The Mutant Registration Act continues to draw support..."

Milo's eyes locked onto the screen as Senator Kelly's eyes glowed briefly, something off about his demeanor. Ororo paused the TV with a quick press of the remote, and the entire room sat in stunned silence.

"Mystique," Ororo said, her voice calm but filled with realization.

Everyone stared at the frozen image of Senator Kelly on the screen, the implications sinking in. Raven, alive, and disguised as the senator.

"Son of a bitch," Scott muttered, his arm around Marlow, his expression a mixture of frustration and shock.

But Milo, sitting quietly beside Ororo, could hardly hear any of it. Her mind was spinning, trying to comprehend what she'd just learned. How could Raven—her Raven, the woman she had loved—still be alive? Milo had seen her die, had held her as the life drained from her body. That moment had haunted her every day since.

Now, Raven was not only alive, but she didn't even remember Milo. When they fought Erik, Milo had seen Raven, but there was nothing in her eyes—no recognition, no love, nothing. The weight of it all settled heavily on her chest, and her stomach twisted in knots.

Ororo unpaused the TV, and the reporter's voice filled the room again.

"...from many parents' rights groups who feel threatened by unidentified mutants. In a related story, the body of Senator Kelly's aide, Henry Guyrich, was found today. Preliminary coroner's reports seem to indicate that Guyrich was mauled by a bear," the reporter continued.

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Later that night, Milo found herself standing in front of Harper and Logan's room. She knocked lightly, waiting for a response, but there was only silence. "Harp?" Milo called out, leaning against the doorframe, her voice tinged with impatience. After another moment with no answer, she pushed the door open.

The room was empty. Not a trace of Harper or Logan. Milo scanned the room, her eyes darting to the missing belongings, and it hit her like a punch to the gut.

"Fuck... snake," Milo groaned, rubbing her forehead in frustration. Harper had run off again—for the third time. She closed the door with a resigned sigh. What was it with people disappearing lately?

Milo had been pacing the hallways, her thoughts swirling, before finally deciding to head to Charles's office. She needed answers or at least some guidance on how to handle everything crashing down around her. As she stood in front of the office door, her hand lifted, poised to knock, but something stopped her. Doubt crept in. Maybe this wasn't the right time, or maybe she wasn't ready to face what she was really feeling.

Her hand faltered, and she turned on her heel, ready to walk away. But before she could make her escape, a voice echoed in the hallway.

"Milo," Charles's calm, knowing voice called out from behind the door.

Milo froze, her shoulders stiffening.

Of course, he would know.

He always did.

She took a breath, trying to gather her thoughts before slowly turning back toward the office. She hesitated, unsure of what to say or how much Charles already knew about what was bothering her.

 But she couldn't run away from this forever.

Steeling herself, Milo stepped back to the door, pushing it open just enough to peer inside. "You always know when someone's about to run," she muttered, stepping fully into the room now, her gaze dropping to the floor as she walked in.

"But that's not the point," Milo told Charles, her voice wavering slightly. She avoided his eyes, shifting her weight as she tried to gather her thoughts. Charles remained quiet, watching her closely, waiting for her to continue.

"When we were fighting Erik and the others... his group..." Milo paused, struggling to piece the words together. She was clearly troubled, and Charles could sense it.

Charles leaned forward a little, urging her gently. "Take your time, Milo."

She exhaled, rubbing the back of her neck, her mind flashing back to that moment during the fight. "I saw her... I saw Raven," Milo finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But she didn't remember me. It was like I didn't exist to her."

Charles's expression shifted, concern deepening. "Raven," he repeated softly. He had known that this was weighing on Milo, but hearing her say it aloud made the reality of it more palpable. "You're sure it was her?"

"Yes, I'm sure it was Raven," Milo insisted, her voice laced with frustration and disbelief. She met Charles's calm gaze. "I know what my dead—alive—ex-girlfriend looks like, Charles."

Charles listened quietly, allowing her to continue. He understood that seeing Raven again had stirred something deeply painful within Milo.

"But I saw her die. I saw it happen... right in front of me. You guys also saw it!" Milo's voice wavered, her composure threatening to crack. "We all did."

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