"Charles, what is it?"
Erik walked over to him, frowning slightly.
"Moira's here," Charles replied, glancing between Erik and Rorschach. "I just sensed her."
Erik's expression turned serious.
If Moira had shown up, it could only mean one thing—the CIA had made its decision.
The three exchanged a knowing look. No words were needed. Together, they headed for the door and brought Moira back to Charles's room.
Once they were all seated, Moira got straight to the point. Her tone was solemn.
"As we expected... the CIA has officially shut down our division. From now on, you're no longer affiliated with them."
No one looked surprised. The room was quiet, but the mood was tense.
The CIA had really pulled the plug.
"Fine by me," Erik said with a casual shrug. "We never needed the CIA anyway."
Charles turned to Moira. "And what about you?"
In truth, he was more worried about her than he let on. His time with Moira at the CIA had forged something deeper than just a working relationship.
"They blamed the collapse on my proposal," she said with a strained smile. "So… I've been suspended."
She tried to sound lighthearted, but Charles could sense the disappointment beneath her words.
"Typical," he muttered. "Someone has to take the fall, and they always choose the easiest target."
But there was nothing they could do now.
Moira clapped her hands, forcing a smile. "Anyway—forget about that. What about you guys? What's next?"
Charles grinned. "Actually, we're planning something big. We've got a surprise in store for Shaw."
He laid out the plan to her.
Moira's eyes lit up. "Count me in."
Even without the CIA, she had no intention of walking away—not when Shaw was still out there. Her earlier hesitation about being the "weak link" seemed almost laughable now.
With Charles backing her, everything felt easier.
"Well then…" Charles beamed. "Welcome aboard, Moira."
Despite his usual skepticism toward humans, Erik offered no objection. He respected Moira.
Raven and Hank were also quick to welcome her after hearing the news.
From that day forward, Moira became Charles's assistant—helping coordinate missions, mentor young mutants, and aid in their development.
Rorschach, however, didn't participate in Charles's training sessions. He was the only one who had complete mastery over his abilities.
Even if Charles wanted to teach him, there was nothing to teach.
While the rest of the team got "drilled" hard by Professor X, Rorschach trained alone in the gym—always a few steps ahead of everyone else.
Even Erik didn't receive such treatment. Charles still put him through the wringer.
Life at Xavier's manor was thriving.
Charles's deep understanding of genetic mutations allowed him to tailor training for each student. No matter their ability, he had a method—and the results spoke for themselves.
The nickname Raven gave him, "Professor X," was more than fitting. No one knew more about the X-gene than Charles Xavier.
In just ten days, the mutants under his guidance made huge strides.
They weren't polished fighters yet, but they were a far cry from who they had been. The progress was obvious.
Charles and Erik were proud of what they were building.
"Charles!"
Erik was out training on the field when Rorschach approached, his silhouette sharp under the midday sun.
Both Charles and Erik looked up.
"Well, this is rare," Erik smirked. "You're not locking yourself in the gym today?"
Rorschach chuckled. "Thought I'd come critique your training."
Over the past few weeks, the three of them had grown close. Their bond wasn't one of hierarchy—but of mutual respect. They spoke to each other like equals now.
"Then you picked the right time. I've got something new to show off," Erik grinned.
Charles chimed in, "Truth is, Erik's already operating near his peak. He's trained himself for years hunting Shaw, so his improvements come slower than the others."
Rorschach nodded.
"Anyway, I should get going. It's about that time."
He glanced at the sun and stretched his shoulders.
A while back, during his visit to S.H.I.E.L.D., Howard Stark had jokingly invited him over for dinner. Rorschach thought he was just being polite—but then the official invitation arrived.
Howard Stark really meant it.
And Rorschach wasn't about to turn down a chance to connect with someone like Stark. The man was wealthy, well-connected, and well-informed.
Charles and Erik didn't object.
They weren't his keepers—just comrades.
As long as Rorschach stayed true to himself, they trusted him.
"Need a ride?" Charles offered. "Take my car if you want."
"Thanks, Charles. Maybe next time."
Rorschach waved off the offer. A special driver had already been arranged for him.
He left the manor and made his way to New York's 75th Street—the place where he had once parted ways with Jarvis.
Sure enough, Jarvis was already waiting.
But what neither of them realized… was that they weren't the only ones waiting for Rorschach.
....
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