In the shadowed corners of an abandoned factory, a young woman sat cross-legged on the cold concrete floor, a half-eaten hamburger in her hand. She wore a fitted leather jacket, her striking red hair falling in waves around her face, and her piercing blue eyes glimmered with wary intelligence. Several purple markings, not quite tattoos but more like birthmarks, adorned the skin near her eyes, giving her an unmistakable, almost ethereal appearance. This was Clarice Ferguson-a mutant known to those in the underground as Blink.
Clarice's life had always been one of wandering. Orphaned at a young age, she had awakened to her powers in fear, unable to control the crystalline portals she could summon-gateways that could bend space and time itself. The first manifestations of her ability were terrifying, resulting in accidents and chaos she could not prevent. Over time, she learned to distance herself from crowds, slowly gaining control over her power and coming to terms with her mutant identity. She became a quiet legend among mutants, drifting from city to city, helping others like herself whenever she could. She had rescued mutants with unusual powers-one who could generate excess bones, another with two hearts-and in doing so, she had built a reputation as a protector, even if she remained wary and reserved.
Now, as she sat and ate, her mood was light enough to hum a folk tune under her breath, though her voice was tinged with loneliness. Suddenly, she stopped, her senses alert. She turned toward the shattered window, her eyes narrowing as she spotted a streak of flame blazing across the sky, heading directly toward her.
With a crash, the window shattered, and the flames landed in front of her. As the fire dissipated, a figure appeared-a young Asian man, his presence calm but commanding. It was Su Zhan.
Su Zhan looked himself over, nodding in satisfaction. He had learned to use his psionic abilities to shield his clothes when traveling by flame, preventing them from burning away-a trick that doubled as excellent training for his powers.
Clarice's hand immediately summoned a pink crystal, her body tense and ready for a fight. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice wary.
Su Zhan offered a friendly smile, his tone warm but confident. "No need to be nervous. I mean you no harm. My name is Su Zhan, and I've come to invite you to join my team."
"Sorry, I've never heard of you, and I'm not interested in joining anyone's team," Clarice replied, her voice steady but guarded.
"Clarice Ferguson," Su Zhan continued, "Bahamas-American, mutant, able to create crystals and open portals for teleportation through space and time. When you were young, your powers frightened you. You struggled to control them, caused accidents, and withdrew from people. But you learned, and now you travel, helping other mutants. I'm right, aren't I?"
Clarice's expression shifted from suspicion to shock. She hadn't expected anyone to know so much about her. "How do you know all that?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Su Zhan's eyes softened. "Don't worry. I investigated you because I admire what you do. I may not be a mutant, but I have many abilities-including the power to see the future. I know that this world is heading toward catastrophe, and mutants will soon face a crisis unlike any before. You want to help, but you can't do it alone."
"So what?" Clarice countered. "You think you can do what I can't? Why should I believe you?"
Su Zhan's voice was calm and resolute. "Because I won't let this world fall. Anyone who tries to destroy or control it is my enemy, and I'll do whatever it takes to stop them-even if it costs me my life. If you don't believe me, you're free to leave at any time. But why keep wandering alone? Join me, and together we can make a difference."
The word "wandering" struck a chord in Clarice's heart. She had grown used to her freedom, but it was a lonely existence. The thought of having someone to rely on-even just for a while-was tempting. And Su Zhan's sincerity was hard to ignore.
"If mutants really are in danger, will you help?" Clarice asked, her voice earnest.
"I promise," Su Zhan replied, his gaze unwavering.
Clarice hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. I'll go with you for now. But if I find out you're lying, I'll leave."
Su Zhan's smile brightened. He knew that, despite her words, Clarice had already decided to join him. "You know," he said, "you should have a name that truly suits you. From now on, you'll be known as Blink. I believe that soon, mutants-and the whole world-will know that name."
"Blink?" Clarice repeated, a small smile tugging at her lips. "That sounds… cool. Alright, from today, I'm Blink. So, what do we do now?"
"First, show me your powers," Su Zhan replied, grinning as he extended his hand, ready to begin the next chapter-with Blink at his side.