Deep in the Cave
A blue crystal hovered mid-air, pulsing like a frozen galaxy, its light waxing and waning rhythmically. James stood before it, his super vision piercing its surface to reveal swirling energy veins.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Andrew said softly, almost reverently. "Like it's alive."
James didn't deny it. "It is."
"We touched it, and we could make things float," Steve said, scratching his head. "Small stuff at first, then…"
"Then it started affecting you," James finished, eyes on Andrew. "Especially you."
Andrew flinched. "How do you know?"
"Your energy signature's the strongest," James said, stepping closer, voice soft. "What did it plant in you? Anger? Loneliness?"
Andrew's breathing quickened, fingers digging into his palms. "It made me… powerful."
"Power's not a bad thing," James said. "But it's like fire—it warms or destroys."
Matt cut in. "What is that rock?"
James paused. "I'm not sure. But it's not from Earth."
Steve's eyes widened. "Alien tech?"
"Or worse."
James touched the crystal's surface. Energy ripples spread, his fingertips glowing faintly.
Andrew stepped forward. "Can you… take it away?"
James looked at him. "You want me to?"
Andrew's head dropped, voice barely audible. "I can't control myself… sometimes I just want everyone to shut up."
The cave fell silent for a few seconds.
In his mind, James asked, System, can I absorb this?
[Yes, Host! Get closer.]
James withdrew his hand, looking at them. "I can take it. But your powers won't vanish."
"What about Andrew?" Matt asked, tense.
"That's up to him," James said, eyes on Andrew. "Power's a tool, not a master."
Andrew bit his lip, silent. James waited patiently.
Finally, Andrew took a deep breath. "Please, take it."
James nodded, pressing his hand to the crystal.
A blinding blue light erupted!
[Ding! Alien energy radiation detected.]
[Analyzing… Resonating with Host's bio-force field.]
[Telekinetic ability integrating…]
James felt his internal energy restructuring, a new force pulsing through his nerves. He tested it, lifting a rock with his mind. It floated effortlessly.
"Finer control than my bio-force field…" he murmured.
With a thought, the crystal flared, shrinking into a stream of light that merged into his palm.
[Ding! Energy absorption complete.]
[Telekinesis module integrated with bio-force field.]
[Bio-force field significantly enhanced!]
The cave darkened, lit only by their flashlights.
"It's over?" Steve asked, dazed.
"No," James shook his head. "It's just the start."
He headed for the exit, the trio instinctively following. Starlight bathed them as they emerged.
"If you want to learn to control your powers," James said, turning with a slight smile, "I can help."
Andrew looked up. "You'll teach us?"
"I know a place," James said, his tone teasing. "Every superhuman needs a guide."
His eyes glowed faintly, super vision locking onto a secluded estate outside New York, radiating unique energy signatures.
"Found it," he said softly, glancing at the trio. "Ready?"
Matt adjusted his glasses, voice shaky. "Where are we going?"
"A place that can help."
James smiled, his bio-force field enveloping them. "Hold on."
They shot into the sky, New York's lights shrinking below. Andrew gripped Steve's arm, eyes alight with awe. Matt gasped, speechless at the view.
The wind roared, but James's field shielded them, keeping them stable.
"That's… Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters?" Matt recognized the destination, voice rising with excitement. "The X-Men's headquarters!"
Steve gaped. "Wait, you mean the mutants?"
James didn't answer. He'd already sensed a powerful psychic probe scanning them—Charles Xavier, Professor X.
As they landed on the school's lawn, a group awaited. A bald man in a wheelchair, his blue eyes gleaming with wisdom, led them. Behind him stood X-Men: Cyclops, hand on his ruby-quartz visor; Storm, white hair flowing; Wolverine, puffing a cigar.
"Welcome, Superman," Professor X said warmly. "And these young people. I sense… unusual energy in them."
James nodded. "Charles, a pleasure. I'm James Holden, call me James. These three gained powers by accident and need guidance."
He briefly explained the blue crystal, omitting his absorption of it.
Charles's gaze lingered on Andrew, brow furrowing slightly. "I feel your pain, child," he said softly. "This can be your home."
Andrew stepped back, fingers trembling. "You… read my mind?"
"Only what you share," Charles replied gently, then turned to James. "Thank you for bringing them. But how did you find us?"
James smirked. "Super vision and senses. Your psychic barriers are strong, but buildings don't hide energy signatures."
Cyclops stepped forward. "Professor, we need to verify his intentions."
"Relax, Scott," Charles said, waving him off. "If James meant harm, we'd know."
He looked at James. "Care for some tea? I think we have much to discuss."
James nodded, and they headed inside. Hank McCoy—Beast—took the trio to settle in, while James followed Charles to his study.
In the cozy room, Charles poured tea. "So, James, besides bringing these youths, what's your real purpose here?"
James met his gaze. "To make allies. If an unprecedented threat looms—cosmic tyrants, dark dimension lords, otherworldly invaders—we need to unite all forces."
"You mean?" Charles prompted.
"Thanos, Dormammu, dimensional breaches," James said, voice low. "Mutants, superhumans, Earth's factions—we need an alliance."
Charles's eyes flashed with surprise. "You're more pragmatic than I expected. But mutant-human tensions make open alliances tricky…"
"That's why we prepare now," James said, setting down his cup. "Your ideals are noble, Charles, but understanding and tolerance won't always cut it. When the real crisis hits, we need to be ready."
Silence fell, broken only by the crackle of the fireplace.
Charles nodded slowly. "I'll consider your proposal. But first…"
He froze, brow furrowing. James had already sensed the anomaly—energy fluctuations at the school's perimeter, but he wasn't concerned.
"Intruders!" Charles's voice turned grave. "It's Magneto!"
Alarms blared, and the X-Men sprang into action.
James stood, eyes glowing gold. "Looks like our chat's on hold."
Charles nodded grimly. "Erik's timing is no coincidence. He sensed something."
James smiled faintly. "Let's see what this magnetic master wants."
The school shook, metal structures screeching under Magneto's power.