A few days had passed since the kiss, and, to no one's surprise, Ethan and Anna had officially started dating. At first, their friends had their fun teasing them, Bobby and Kitty especially. Angelica and Kurt weren't far behind either. Every time Ethan and Anna were caught together, someone would make a comment.
"Oh my stars," Kitty had grinned one afternoon, nudging Anna. "Didn't take you for the type to fall for the mysterious, overpowered, and ridiculously hot new guy."
Anna's face burned. "Ah hate y'all."
Ethan, however, was unbothered. The teasing didn't embarrass him in the slightest; in fact, it only made him bolder. One time, when Bobby jokingly said, "Hey man, think you two need a room?" Ethan had smirked, turned to Anna, and kissed her right in front of them, a real, deep kiss. That shut them up fast.
Now, days later, Ethan sat alone in his room, absentmindedly flipping a silver pocket watch between his fingers. The watch wasn't ordinary. It was the watch, the one Rob had given him. It was soul-bonded, meaning no one else could use it or even touch it without his permission. No matter where it was, he always knew its location.
He had figured out how to use it, but the problem was energy. A dial along the rim marked its charge. After three months of absorbing external energy, it had only reached five percent. Damn thing takes forever to charge. It consumed anything energy-based, mutant abilities, ambient radiation, even elemental forces. To speed things up, he had started wearing it around his neck during training, letting it soak up energy while he fought. He had even held a secret competition, letting others try to damage it with their powers. Still, it barely charged.
At ten percent, he could travel but only for a few seconds before being yanked back. Staying in another world required far more energy. Not enough yet, he thought, watching the faint green glow pulse on the dial.
He sensed movement behind him... Anna. Smirking, Ethan turned just as she was about to surprise him. In one smooth motion, he pulled her onto his lap.
"Ethan!" she gasped, wide-eyed.
He grinned and captured her lips in a kiss. Anna's momentary surprise melted away as she kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck. After a moment, she pulled back slightly, her gaze dropping to the watch still clutched in his fingers.
"You've been foolin' with it for weeks now," she said, "given to you by… a certain annoying bastard, the same annoyin' bastard you won't tell me 'bout?"
Ethan had already mentioned that a bastard gave it to him when Anna and the others first asked, but he'd never shared more. He looked at her, then at the watch for a few seconds. Then, to her surprise, he unclasped the chain and looped it around her neck.
The watch was small enough to sit comfortably between her breasts. She blinked. "Wait… why're ya givin' me this? Thought you were all possessive over it."
Ethan's expression softened. "Because it's important. And I think it looks good on you."
Anna fingered the cool metal, confused. "But..."
"Just promise me," he interrupted, holding her gaze. "Don't ever take it off."
His tone was more serious than she'd ever heard, making her heart skip. Ethan was carefree most of the time, rarely worried about anything. But this? This meant something.
"Alright," she said softly, closing her hand around the watch. "Ah promise."
Satisfied, Ethan leaned forward and kissed her again. What he didn't tell her was the real reason he'd given it to her.
He had a gut feeling a hunch. If this world follows the events of X-Men (2000), then things are going to get dangerous soon. And if Anna's my girlfriend, then I need to track her through the watch. Just in case. Not taking any chances.
The rest of the day passed as usual. Classes began, students shuffled from one lecture to the next, and Ethan and Anna had to separate for the time being. Ethan sat through lessons, but his mind was elsewhere.
He'd been gathering information about this world, confirming what he already knew and uncovering new details. Stark Industries existed, with Tony Stark recently becoming CEO after coming of age, still focused on weapons manufacturing. Oscorp was active too, specializing in biomedical and biomechanical technology. Then there was the upcoming space expedition, one that would eventually lead to the birth of the Fantastic Four. Reed Richards and Victor Von Doom were set to lead it, about a year before their mission.
Most interestingly, Frost Industries was in play. Emma Frost was the CEO, but there wasn't much online about her. Probably keeping things hidden. If she's anything like the comics, she's already a telepath, playing her own game.
Ethan knew one thing for sure: this world was gearing up for chaos. Superhumans, mutants, gods, cosmic forces, it was all inevitable. If he wanted to stay ahead, he needed to grow stronger. Magic might be the next step.
Kamar-Taj the place where the Masters of the Mystic Arts trained. Ethan had considered going there for some time. His body could adapt to anything, but he lacked long-range attacks, any ability beyond physical prowess. If he could learn magic, it would grant him versatility. Maybe I should take Anna with me. Her powers were dangerous, but with training, she could be so much more. Her ability to absorb and retain energy might become an advantage.
As he sat in class, he tapped his fingers against the desk, already planning ways to help her grow stronger.
By the time classes ended, the evening sun cast a golden glow over the school grounds. Ethan was already waiting. Anna stepped out, adjusting her gloves, when she felt a firm but familiar grip on her gloved hand.
"Ethan?" she blinked in confusion as he pulled her along, his grip strangely cold.
"C'mon," he muttered, leading her down a hallway into an empty corridor, away from prying eyes.
"What's this about?" Anna tilted her head.
Ethan's gaze was unreadable as he leaned against the wall. Then he spoke. "It's time to end this."
Anna blinked. "What?"
"I've thought about it," he continued, voice devoid of warmth. "I can't keep doing this with you. Let's break up."
Her lips parted, confusion flashing across her face. "Is this some kind of joke?"
Ethan scoffed. "Do I look like I'm joking?" The way he looked at her... like she was nothing made her stomach churn.
Her voice wavered. "Why… what happened?"
Ethan crossed his arms. "You really wanna know?" He let out a humorless laugh. "Fine. The truth is, I was just passing time with you. Thought maybe you'd be interesting, but turns out you're nothing special."
Anna took a shaky step back. "That's not true. You don't mean that."
"Oh, but I do." He smirked cruelly. "Hell, even the others don't like you much. You're a burden, clingy, too weak to stand on your own."
Tears welled in her eyes. "Stop it."
Ethan stepped closer. "Wanna know the best part?" he whispered. "I was never even attracted to you."
The words cut deeper than any wound. Anna's breath hitched; she reached out, desperate for something that made sense, but Ethan jerked away as if her touch disgusted him. Then, before she could react, he drove his foot into her stomach.
Anna gasped, stumbling back and collapsing on the cold floor. The pain in her abdomen was nothing compared to the agony in her chest. She clutched her stomach, staring up at him through blurry eyes. "W-why?"
Ethan turned away, expression blank. "It's best if you never existed. This school would be better off."
Anna bit her lip, trying not to sob. "What about the watch?"
Ethan paused for only a second. Then, without looking at her, he said, "It's a disposable item." His eyes flicked toward her briefly. "Just like you."
And with that, he walked away, leaving Anna broken on the ground.
Minutes passed, maybe hours. Anna didn't know. She sat there, knees drawn to her chest, silent tears rolling down her cheeks. Why? What had I done? She rubbed her eyes and forced herself to stand. Her legs felt weak, but she pushed through the pain, returning to her dorm and ignoring the curious stares.
Inside, she froze. The watch hung around her neck, a reminder of everything. Her fingers trembled as she grasped it. She wanted to rip it off, throw it away, stomp on it but she couldn't.
Anna sat on her bed, staring blankly at the floor, hands trembling as they held the pocket watch Ethan had given her. She still couldn't understand. Why had he changed so suddenly? Why said those things? The Ethan she knew would never have done this.
Her breath hitched; fresh tears welled in her eyes. The door creaked. "Anna?"
She barely reacted as Angelica stepped in. The redhead's eyes widened at her roommate's tear-streaked face, shaking hands, and the way she hugged herself as if holding the pieces together. Angelica closed the door and walked closer.
"What the hell happened?"
Anna sniffled, wiping her eyes. "Ethan… he..." Her voice broke. She took a deep breath. "He broke up with me."
Angelica raised a brow. "Huh. Didn't see that coming."
Anna let out a bitter chuckle. "Neither did I."
Angelica sat beside her, tilting her head. "And?"
Anna swallowed. "He said Ah was… nothin'. A burden. That he never liked me in the first place."
Angelica blinked, then sighed and shook her head. "Damn. That sucks."
Anna gave a weak laugh. "That's an understatement."
Angelica leaned back. "It's kinda weird, though, right? He was all over you, then suddenly he's saying this crap? Sounds like he wanted an excuse to ditch you."
Anna flinched. Angelica's voice stayed light, casual. "Maybe it's a good thing. You don't need to waste time on him anymore."
Anna frowned. "But..."
"Look, I get it," Angelica cut in. "You loved him. But let's be real, Anna, did you think this would last?"
Anna's heart clenched. Angelica sighed dramatically. "Guys like Ethan don't stick around. He probably just got bored."
Anna clenched her fists. "Ah don't believe that."
Angelica shrugged. "Believe what you want, but you know I'm right." She glanced around the room. "Honestly, maybe it's time you left. You're miserable here, and now that Ethan's done with you, what's keeping you?"
Anna hesitated. Angelica smiled, a little too sweetly. "Think about it if you leave, you won't deal with this pain. You can start fresh, away from the drama."
Anna shook her head. "But..."
"No buts," Angelica said firmly. "You deserve better than this, right? Sitting here crying over some guy who clearly doesn't care? Come on, Anna."
Anna bit her lip, staring at the pocket watch. Angelica's eyes gleamed with amusement. She leaned in, lowering her voice. "If you really wanna leave, I can help. I know a way no one will notice."
Anna swallowed. "Won't someone stop me?"
Angelica smirked. "Not if we do it right."
Anna let out a shaky breath. She wanted to believe there was a reason that Ethan had one. But the pain was too much.
"…Okay," she whispered. "Help me leave."
Angelica grinned, yellow eyes flashing for just a moment. "Good choice."
---
Ethan walked through the halls, running a hand through his hair. The day had been normal training, classes, helping Hank with new chemicals, until he returned to the main hall. Wiping his hands on a cloth, he sighed. I should find Anna, he thought. They hadn't seen each other since class; it was unlike her not to seek him out.
Just as he was about to leave, hurried footsteps echoed.
"Ethan!"
He turned to see Kitty and Angelica racing toward him, both frantic. His brows furrowed. "What's wrong?"
Kitty caught her breath, eyes full of worry. "It's Anna... she's gone."
Ethan's confusion deepened. "Gone? What do you mean?"
Angelica crossed her arms, looking uneasy. "She left."
"That's impossible."
Kitty held out a letter. "She left this."
Frowning, Ethan unfolded it, scanning quickly. Then, without hesitation, he tore it in half.
Angelica's eyes widened. "Ethan..."
"This isn't her," he growled, blue eyes darkening.
Kitty and Angelica exchanged a glance.
"I don't understand," Kitty said softly.
Ethan's jaw clenched. "This letter… it's not Anna. She didn't write this."
Silence fell. Kitty shook her head. "You're saying someone forced her to leave?"
Ethan exhaled sharply. "No, someone manipulated her. Anna's not the type to run away over… whatever nonsense this says." His fists clenched. "She was set up."
Kitty bit her lip. "Bobby's already told the teachers."
Ethan nodded. "Good. But I'm not waiting."
Kitty grabbed his sleeve. "Ethan, wait..."
"I'll bring her back."
Kitty hesitated, then nodded, eyes determined. "I believe you. You'd never say that stuff to her."
Ethan's expression softened. "Thanks, Kitty." Angelica also nodded.
Ethan narrowed his eyes, focusing on the watch's signal. "Good… she's still wearing it."
Without another word, he sprinted full speed toward its location.