Chapter 24 – Welcome Home
The Blackbird hummed softly, engines steady as the trio and their young passengers settled into their seats. The fight was over, but the air still carried the static of adrenaline. Storm guided the kids gently into the back row, her hand resting protectively on the girl's shoulder, while Kurt slid into the seat beside them, still grinning faintly from earlier.
Up front, Logan strapped himself in at the controls. His hands gripped the yoke with deliberate care—no reckless spins, no daredevil dives this time. He shot a glance over his shoulder at the kids, then back to the dash. "Alright… smooth ride this time. Promise."
The Blackbird rose from its hidden perch, slicing upward into the sky.
As clouds parted, Logan's eyes narrowed, mind drifting inward. That shiver… the eagle's eye, the hearing sphere. He could feel them now, simmering beneath his skin.
Kid's got eyes that cut through ten kilometers of horizon. Not just seeing—it's clarity, every detail sharp as claws on bone. Paired with my bullet time… I'd spot a sniper before he even pulled the trigger.
His jaw clenched, muscles taut.
And the girl's gift… hearing the world breathe. A full sphere, no blind spots,with a radius of 20 meters. She don't just hear noise—she sees with it. Every step, every whisper, every trick in the dark. Add that to my reflexes? Hell, that's no edge. That's cheating.
Logan exhaled through his nose, gruff and quiet. "Damn kids… what did I just sign up for?"
The Blackbird soared silently across the evening sky, Logan keeping his promise—no swerves, no chaos. Just steady flight. His eyes occasionally flicked toward the back, catching Storm softly speaking to the teens, Kurt offering small jokes to lighten their nerves.
By the time the mansion's grounds spread out beneath them, dusk was kissing the treetops. Logan guided the jet down with surprising gentleness, the landing smooth enough to make Kurt raise an eyebrow.
"Not bad… Uncle," Kurt teased from behind.
Logan growled, muttering, "Keep it up and you're walking home."
The ramp lowered, and Charles Xavier was already there, waiting with his calm, unwavering presence. His voice carried, warm and steady as always.
"Welcome back, Logan, Storm, Nightcrawler." His eyes shifted to the two young mutants stepping hesitantly into the open air. His smile deepened, welcoming and kind. "And to you two… welcome home."
The kids froze for a heartbeat, as though the words themselves were foreign, then slowly leaned closer to Storm's side, the girl's hand brushing Logan's claw-scarred knuckles for the briefest moment.
Logan didn't move. Didn't speak. But his eyes softened.
The doors of the mansion opened, golden light spilling out to greet them.