Night settled over the mansion like a heavy velvet curtain. After hours of training and laughter, Ethan and Anna finally allowed themselves to pause. They lingered in the quiet gym, the only sound the low hum of the building's heaters and their steady breaths.
Ethan brushed a loose strand of hair from Anna's face. His touch was tentative at first, then steadier as their eyes met and held.
"You were incredible today," he said, voice soft but edged with something warmer.
Anna smiled, still catching her breath from the sparring session. "I had a good teacher."
The moment stretched between them, fragile and electric. Ethan leaned closer, his forehead resting against hers. "Are you sure about this?" he murmured.
She nodded. "I trust you."
The kiss that followed was unhurried and deep, a promise woven into silence. Whatever lay beyond it remained unspoken; they didn't need words. When they finally parted, a quiet understanding lingered between them. They dressed and slipped out into the hall, exchanging a small, private smile before heading to their rooms as moonlight spilled through the windows.
---
Morning brought a crisp clarity, sunlight streaking through the tall windows of the training room. Anna rolled her shoulders, testing the subtle ache left from yesterday's exercises. Ethan was already there, spinning a staff lazily in one hand, a grin tugging at his mouth.
"Ready to see if last night's lessons stuck?" he teased.
She raised an eyebrow. "Only if you're ready to lose."
Logan, leaning against the wall, snorted. "Kid's got claws now, better not underestimate her."
Storm folded her arms, watching with calm curiosity. "Let's focus on precision," she instructed. "Anna's adapting quickly, but control will be key."
At Storm's nod, Ethan lunged first. Anna sidestepped, light on her feet, countering with a swipe that would have caught him if he hadn't spun clear. They circled, trading blows, wooden sticks clashing, feet sliding across the polished floor.
Anna's body moved with startling instinct, her strikes sharper than before. Even Logan's eyes narrowed in appreciation. "She's not just copying my healing," he muttered. "She's moving like me."
"Whole Wolverine package," Ethan quipped, ducking a jab.
Anna smirked. "Don't sound so jealous."
They sparred for several minutes, testing each other's limits, until Storm called a halt. Anna's chest rose and fell with steady control, a quiet pride settling across her features. Whatever strange path had brought her here, she was proving she belonged.
---
The clang of the mansion's bell echoed faintly through the halls, followed by a familiar mental voice: "Everyone, gather in the main hall immediately."
Professor Xavier's telepathic summons left no room for delay. The group exchanged glances curiosity sparking in their eyes and filed out together.
The main hall buzzed with energy by the time they arrived. Students clustered in small groups, whispering eagerly. A moment later, Professor Xavier entered with Jean Grey and Scott Summers. Scott's usual reserve was replaced by a wide grin; Jean stood radiant beside him, fingers lightly intertwined with his.
"I have an important announcement," Xavier began, his tone warm. "Jean and Scott are getting married."
Cheers erupted, filling the hall with a wave of joy. Friends surged forward to congratulate the couple. Ororo embraced Jean, while Hank clapped Scott on the shoulder. Even Ethan felt a small smile tug at his lips, though Logan, standing apart, looked as if someone had dropped a weight on his chest.
The celebration lasted only moments before the air shifted. Jean stiffened, her expression faltering as an ominous gold flickered in her eyes. The atmosphere thickened, pressing against every mind in the room.
"Jean?" Scott's grin faded into alarm.
A voice layered, echoing, not entirely her own rolled through the chamber. "The true Phoenix is about to return… The one who finds her will be the one who truly hosts her."
A pulse of raw telepathic energy exploded outward. Students collapsed where they stood; papers and furniture rattled in the shockwave. Ethan felt the pressure slam into him, but something inside him flexed and adapted, shielding his thoughts. Nearby, Anna staggered, her healing factor working overtime. Logan planted his claws into the floor to steady himself.
"Jean!" Scott darted forward as she trembled, power surging uncontrollably. Professor Xavier pressed through the mental storm, his voice steady despite the strain. "Jean, listen to me. You're safe. Breathe."
For a heartbeat, the golden glow blazed brighter — then guttered. Jean sagged into Scott's arms, her breathing shallow but even.
"All right," Xavier said, scanning the room with quiet urgency. "Ororo, Hank, help the conscious students get the others to their rooms. Scott, take Jean to the med bay. I'll be there shortly."
As the hall cleared, Logan flexed his hands, unease written across his face. "What the hell just happened?"
Ethan exhaled slowly, eyes fixed on the door where Scott had carried Jean out. "Looks like the Phoenix isn't just a bedtime story."
Anna brushed dust from her sleeves, still pale but steady. "If that was her power waking up…" She let the thought hang.
Ethan's mouth curved into a dangerous smile. "Makes you wonder," he said quietly, almost to himself. "What would happen if I let myself burn in those flames?"
Logan shot him a look, part warning, part curiosity. Storm's gaze flicked between them, stormy with concern.
The hall felt different now: emptier, quieter, yet thrumming with unanswered questions. Ethan glanced at Anna, meeting her steady, questioning eyes. Whatever the Phoenix meant for them, it had already shifted the ground beneath their feet.
And somewhere, deep in the mansion's walls, a faint echo of fire stirred, waiting.