After leaving the medical wing, Jue wandered aimlessly through the halls of Xavier's School. He allowed his instincts to guide him, heading in the direction of Christina's spiritual signature. His footsteps were slow, unhurried — a habit carved from centuries of deep thought.
His mind, however, was anything but still.
"That girl… Jean Grey…"
"Her power didn't just destroy matter — it unraveled principles, disintegrated thought itself. It wasn't like a Cero or a Hadō… it felt closer to the void. Is that what my true Bankai is supposed to be?"
He recalled the fragmented release he'd achieved in the past — the overwhelming force that shattered dimensions even before he had fully drawn his Zanpakutō.
"At this pace, another year before I can truly draw you. Three more to regain my full Shikai. Six years… and my Bankai will awaken."
"Last time, I only earned half your name. This time, I'll claim all of it."
A fierce light burned in his eyes, and a quiet, almost oppressive aura began to seep from his body — sharp and ancient. It was the pressure of a fully realized soul from another world. But then, as quickly as it appeared, the pressure faded, and his calm expression returned.
"This world is more fascinating than the Soul Society," he murmured. "Let's see if my sword can still cut through everything."
****
After a short walk, Jue stood outside a door. He knocked once.
"Who is it?" came a voice from inside — Ororo Munroe.
"Jue," he replied simply.
The door opened. Storm gave him a polite nod and gestured for him to enter.
The room was bright and comfortable, decorated in the refined style of an old British boarding school. There were two beds: Christina sat near the window, her delicate frame relaxed but alert. On the other bed sat an unfamiliar girl — Asian, perhaps Japanese, with strong-willed eyes.
"How's Jean?" Storm asked, though a hint of concern cracked her usual composure.
"She'll recover physically," Jue replied, walking to the window. "But things are only going to get worse from here."
The other girl stood.
"What's wrong with Miss Jean?" she asked, her voice filled with urgency.
Jue turned, surprised by her boldness.
"This is Hisako Ichiki, Christina's new roommate," Storm said. "Jean brought her here last year."
"If Jean wants you to know the details, she'll tell you herself," Jue said with a smirk, leaning against the windowsill. "Or she can tell me to tell you."
Hisako frowned, but said nothing. Christina, meanwhile, looked up.
"The room's nice. Teacher Ororo and Hisako are really kind. And… the school has arranged everything for me," she said softly. "It's not like I have anywhere else to go…"
Jue approached and gently ruffled her hair.
"You've got more options than you think."
She looked up at him, eyes uncertain.
"Will you stay?"
Jue paused, then nodded.
"I made a deal with the professor. So, yeah — I'll be around for a while."
A genuine smile broke across Christina's face. Jue turned to Storm.
"You'll probably be busy. I won't get in the way. I've lived for a thousand years and never seen New York. Seems like a good day for a stroll."
Storm raised an eyebrow.
"You sure you don't need a guide?"
"I'll manage."
"Then at least join us for Christmas dinner tonight. It's a school tradition. A good chance for introductions."
Jue nodded.
"Understood."
Then, without warning, he vanished in a burst of Shunpo, the window fluttering behind him.
****
Before leaving the campus, Jue stopped by the academy's open field. Hidden in the shrubs along the edge of the playground, he silently observed two boys engaged in morning training.
He had seen them earlier from Christina's window. Despite the holiday, and despite the warm beds they had no doubt left behind, they were outside in the snow, training — by choice.
Jue narrowed his eyes.
"Even with Xavier's pacifist teachings, they're pushing themselves. Why?"
"What motivates boys like them?"
****
Gavin had felt it the moment he woke up — a lingering pressure, faint but oppressive. He hadn't sensed spiritual energy before, but today, something dark and ancient had disturbed his dreams.
He'd tried to ignore it, chalking it up to nerves or weather, but it was still there. Watching.
"You okay, Gavin?" asked Eugene, panting as he caught up.
"Yeah. Just didn't sleep well."
Gavin didn't want to alarm Eugene. He didn't want to admit that the moment they started running, the feeling of being watched had intensified.
"Let's take a break," Eugene said. "You don't look so good."
They walked over to their packs and sipped hot water in silence. After a few moments, Gavin spoke.
"Your family coming this year?"
Eugene hesitated, then shook his head.
"My mom's sick. She can't travel."
Gavin nodded, saying a few comforting words. Neither of them mentioned Eugene's wealthy father or his many siblings. Some silences were best left unbroken.
****
Jue listened from the trees, arms folded.
His eyes narrowed as he observed Gavin, particularly the boy's silver hair — and sharper instincts.
"He sensed my gaze…"
To test a theory, Jue dispersed a thick wave of reishi particles, focusing them around his body — amplifying his spiritual pressure to a level no human should perceive.
"Something's out there," Gavin muttered, eyes narrowing.
But to Jue's surprise, it was Eugene who spotted him first — and pointed directly at his hiding place.
"…Could this boy be like a Quincy?"
Jue stepped out of the shadows, calm and smiling.
"Don't worry. I'm a guest of your professors. I mean no harm."
The boys tensed but didn't run.
"Why should we believe you?" Gavin asked, standing tall despite the unease in his eyes.
"Because your principal wouldn't let someone dangerous walk the school grounds freely."
The truth in his tone, and their faith in Professor X, was enough to lower their guard.
"Sorry, sir," Gavin said sheepishly. "You said you were… curious about us?"
Jue nodded, expression turning serious.
"You both have potential."
"We're just Level 2 mutants," Eugene replied, almost apologetically. "We're not special."
Jue gave a small laugh — not mocking, but genuine.
"Level 2 is what you are now. Not what you'll become."
"Then… what makes us different?" Eugene asked, voice steady.
Jue stepped closer, and the wind picked up around him, whispering like unseen spirits.
"The difference lies in this — even before you awaken your full power, you already choose to fight."
He pointed to their hands — rough, bruised, raw from self-imposed training.
"While others wait to be told what they are… you define yourselves."
The two boys fell silent, watching him with newfound respect.