Chapter 23: Justice
Xavier's School - Main Hall - Moments After Time Reversal
The mansion was quiet after Lin Chen's explanation. Everyone stood in stunned silence, trying to process what had just happened.
"So... they're all trapped?" Hank asked carefully. "Apocalypse and the Four Horsemen?"
"Yes," Lin Chen confirmed. "Each one is in a separate section of my Mirror Dimension. Apocalypse himself is in the Dark Dimension—my personal domain."
Professor Xavier wheeled forward, his expression thoughtful. "What will you do with them?"
"I'm going to deal with the them first," Lin Chen replied. "They were manipulated by Apocalypse. Some of them can be reasoned with."
"And Apocalypse?" Charles asked quietly.
Lin Chen's eyes grew cold. "He's an ancient threat who has caused suffering for thousands of years. I'll handle him permanently."
Jean stepped forward, her concern obvious. "Lin Chen, be careful. Even trapped, they're all extremely powerful."
"I know," Lin Chen said gently, touching her shoulder.
He turned to address everyone. "I'll deal with this now. Professor, please keep Nina and her daughter safe. When I return, I'll bring Erik to them."
Before anyone could respond, In front of Lin Chen space cracks like mirror and lin Chen stepped through.
---
Mirror Dimension - Storm's Section
Lin Chen materialized in a crystalline landscape where reality bent at impossible angles. Ororo Munroe—Storm—stood in the center, her eyes glowing white as she tried to use her powers to escape.
Lightning crashed around her. Winds howled through atmosphere. But nothing worked. The Mirror Dimension responded only to Lin Chen's will.
"Stop," Lin Chen said calmly, his voice carrying easily through the wind. "You're wasting your energy."
Storm spun to face him, her expression a mixture of fear and defiance. "Who are you? Where am I?"
[DETECTED: Weather Manipulation]
[HOST ALREADY POSSESSES: Weather Manipulation (Thor variant)]
[SYSTEM ANALYSIS: Merging compatible abilities...]
[MERGE COMPLETE!]
[New Ability: Weather Manipulation (Ultimate)]
- Can manipulate ALL natural fury: storms, rain, thunder, winds, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards
- Temperature control across entire planets
- Can create or disperse weather patterns globally
- Atmospheric manipulation at planetary scale
- Storm intensity: From gentle breeze to planet-destroying hurricanes
Lin Chen felt the power integrate smoothly. His existing weather control expanded dramatically. Where before he could affect large regions, now he could manipulate the climate of entire planets with just a thought.
"My name is Lin Chen. You're in a dimension I control—a place between reality and illusion where normal rules don't apply." He walked closer slowly, his hands relaxed at his sides. "You're Ororo Munroe. You were living on the streets of Cairo before Apocalypse found you."
"He gave me power!" Storm said defensively, though her voice wavered. "He showed me my potential!"
"He enhanced abilities you already had," Lin Chen corrected. "But he also manipulated you. He used your desperation and loneliness to turn you into his weapon."
Storm's winds began to die down as uncertainty crossed her face. "He said... he said mutants would rule. That we would build a better world."
"By destroying this one?" Lin Chen asked. "Ororo, you're not evil. You were a thief who stole to survive—you never killed anyone. You helped children on the streets by stealing. Apocalypse twisted your good heart into something dark."
He extended his hand. "I can help you control your powers properly. I can give you a real purpose—protecting people instead of threatening them. But first, I need to understand your abilities fully."
Storm looked at his outstretched hand hesitantly.
Lin Chen activated his system, scanning her enhanced capabilities.
[DETECTED: Ororo Munroe - Storm]
Physical Attributes:
- Strength: 89 kg
- Physique: 23.6
- Agility: 19 m/s
- Mental Power: 57.8
Abilities:
- Weather Manipulation
- Storm Generation
- Lightning Control
- Wind Manipulation
- Temperature Control
- Atmospheric Pressure Manipulation
- Flight (via wind currents)
- Weather Sense
- Enhanced Durability
He gestured, and the Mirror Dimension around them shifted. The harsh crystalline landscape transformed into a peaceful sky with gentle clouds.
"I'm going to take you somewhere safe," Lin Chen said. "A school where people like us learn to use their gifts properly. Professor Xavier runs it—he's a good man who genuinely cares about helping mutants."
Storm looked uncertain but nodded slowly. "The others... what will happen to them?"
"I'll speak with each of them," Lin Chen assured her. "Now, let's get you out of here."
He opened a portal directly to Xavier's mansion and gestured for Storm to go through. After a moment's hesitation, she stepped through the gateway.
---
Mirror Dimension - Psylocke's Section
This section appeared on mountain as water flowing through impossible architecture.
Betsy Braddock stood ready for combat, her psychic blade glowing brightly in her hand. Unlike Storm, she showed no fear—only cold assessment.
"You're the one who trapped us," she said flatly. "Clever. Separating us so we couldn't work together."
"I Separated you to talk peacefully" Lin Chen replied, appearing few meters away. "Sword warrior! You have impressive control over psychic energy."
"Psylocke," she corrected. "And if you think I'll surrender easily, you're mistaken."
She lunged forward with incredible speed, her psychic blade aimed at Lin Chen's heart.
Lin Chen didn't move. He simply raised his hand and caught her mid-strike, freezing her blade in place.
[DETECTED: Psionic Energy Manipulation]
The ability flowed into Lin Chen's consciousness. He felt the unique nature of psionic energy—mental power given physical form. Combined with his existing telepathy and telekinesis, this created fascinating new possibilities.
"I don't want to fight you," Lin Chen said calmly. "Apocalypse recruited you because you were tired of being used by humans who saw mutants as tools. I understand that anger."
Psylocke struggled against his mental hold. "Then let me go!"
"In a moment," Lin Chen replied. "First, I want to check something."
[DETECTED: Elizabeth Braddock - Psylocke]
Physical Attributes:
- Strength: 197 kg
- Physique: 39.4
- Agility: 17 m/s
- Mental Power: 118.9
Abilities:
- Psionic Energy Manipulation
- Psychic Blade Creation
- Psionic Constructs
- Mental Shields
- Energy Absorption
- Telepathic Resistance
- Master Martial Artist
- Enhanced Reflexes
- Telekinetic Bolts
Lin Chen released his hand hold on Psylocke sword. She stumbled back, immediately taking a defensive stance.
"You could have killed me," she said, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Why didn't you?"
"Because you're not my enemy," Lin Chen replied simply. "You were manipulated. Apocalypse promised you power and purpose, but his vision would have destroyed everything—including mutants."
"And what's your vision?" Psylocke challenged.
"It's Survival," Lin Chen said. "Not domination of human or mutants. I want mutants and humans to coexist peacefully. It won't be easy, and there will always be those who fear what they don't understand. But the alternative is endless war. Between humans and mutants"
Psylocke studied him for a long moment. "You're powerful. More powerful than Apocalypse, I think. But power alone doesn't make you right."
"No, it doesn't," Lin Chen agreed. "That's why I'm giving you a choice. Come with me to Xavier's school. Learn a better way to use your abilities. Or stay here in this dimension until you're ready to make that choice."
Psylocke lowered her blade slightly. "Xavier... I've heard of him. The telepath who dreams of peace."
"He's genuine in that dream," Lin Chen said. "And he has resources to help you become more than just a weapon."
After several tense seconds, Psylocke's blade dissolved. "Fine. I'll come with you. But if this is a trap—"
"It's not," Lin Chen assured her. He opened a portal to the mansion. "After you."
Psylocke stepped through cautiously, her warrior instincts still alert.
---
Mirror Dimension - Angel's Section
Warren Worthington III sat on a crystalline ledge, his metal wings folded behind him. Unlike the others, he wasn't trying to escape or fight. He simply looked... lost.
"Warren," Lin Chen said with gentle approach.
Angel looked up, his eyes hollow. "Have you come to kill me?"
"I'm not here to kill you," Lin Chen replied, sitting down beside him. "I'm here to help."
"Help?" Warren laughed bitterly. "Look at me. I'm a monster. These wings..." He extended one metal wing, watching light reflect off its deadly surface. "They're weapons. That's all I am now—a weapon."
"Apocalypse transformed you," Lin Chen said. "He took your broken wings and replaced them with metal. But metal can be removed."
Warren's head snapped up. "What?"
"I have time abilities that can reverse time also" Lin Chen explained. "I could restore your original wings. Organic. Not weapons."
"You... you can do that?" Hope flickered in Warren's eyes for the first time.
Lin Chen activated his system to analyze Angel's transformed wings.
[DETECTED: Warren Worthington III - Archangel]
Physical Attributes:
- Strength: 798 kg
- Physique: 47.8
- Agility: 5.7 m/s (flight speed up to 389 m/s)
- Mental Power: 23.4
Abilities:
- Metal Wings
- Razor-sharp feathers
- Projectile launching
- Enhanced durability
- Flight capability
- Enhanced Healing Factor
- Aerial Combat Mastery
"Warren," Lin Chen said seriously. "I can help you, but first I need your word that you won't use your abilities to harm innocent people."
"I never wanted to hurt anyone," Warren said quietly. "I just... I just wanted to fly again. Apocalypse gave me that, and I was so grateful I didn't question what he wanted me to do."
"Come with me," Lin Chen offered. "There's a school where you can learn to control your abilities properly. And when you're ready, I'll help you transform your wings into something you can be proud of."
Warren stood up, his metal wings spreading slightly. "Why are you helping me? Us? We were your enemies."
"Because Apocalypse manipulated all of you," Lin Chen replied. "You deserve a chance to choose your own path."
He opened a portal. Warren took a deep breath and stepped through.
---
Mirror Dimension - Magneto's Section
This section was different from the others. Metal shards floated everywhere, responding to Erik's magnetic powers. The master of magnetism stood in the center, his hands raised as he tried to manipulate the entire city structure of the Mirror Dimension.
"It's useless," Lin Chen said, appearing behind him. "This dimension responds to my will, not physical laws."
Erik spun around, magnetic energy crackling around his body. "You! You're the one who trapped us here!"
"To prevent you from helping Apocalypse destroy the world," Lin Chen confirmed. "Erik Lehnsherr. Magneto. You've walked a difficult path."
"Don't presume to understand me!" Erik snarled, metal shards shooting toward Lin Chen like bullets.
Lin Chen raised his hand, and his telekinesis stopped every shard mid-flight. They hung in the air between them.
"I understand more than you think," Lin Chen said calmly. "I know about your family. Nina and your daughter."
Erik's face twisted with pain and rage. "Don't you DARE speak their names! They were murdered because of what I am! Because humans fear mutants!"
"They were murdered because of hatred and fear," Lin Chen agreed. "But Erik... what if I told you they're alive?"
Erik froze. The metal shards dropped to the ground with a clatter. "What... what did you say?"
[DETECTED: Magnetic Manipulation]
[HOST ALREADY POSSESSES: Electrical Manipulation]
[SYSTEM ANALYSIS: Compatible abilities detected...]
[MERGE OPTION AVAILABLE: Combine Electrical Manipulation + Magnetic Manipulation]
[CONFIRM MERGE? Y/N]
"Yes," Lin Chen confirmed mentally. "Merge them."
[MERGING IN PROGRESS...]
[MERGE COMPLETE!]
[New Ability: Electromagnetic Manipulation (Ultimate)]
- Complete control over electromagnetic spectrum
- Can manipulate electricity, magnetism, radio waves, light, and all electromagnetic radiation
- Planetary-scale influence
- Can sense and control all electromagnetic fields
- Can generate electromagnetic pulses
- Can manipulate matter through electromagnetic forces
- Can create electromagnetic shields
- Can perceive electromagnetic spectrum visually
Lin Chen felt the two abilities flow together seamlessly. His electrical powers and Erik's magnetic abilities merged into something far greater—complete mastery over one of the fundamental forces of the universe.
"Your wife and daughter," Lin Chen repeated clearly. "They're alive."
"That's IMPOSSIBLE!" Erik roared, magnetic energy exploding outward. "I buried them! I saw their bodies! You're lying!"
"I'm not lying," Lin Chen said firmly. "I went to your home after you left. I found their graves. And I used my powers to reverse time and bring them back to life."
Erik's legs seemed to give out. He collapsed to his knees, his face showing a mixture of desperate hope and crushing disbelief. "No... no, you're trying to manipulate me. You're lying to make me weak—"
"I'm telling you the truth," Lin Chen interrupted. "Nina and your daughter are safe at Xavier's school right now. They're alive, Erik. They're waiting for you."
"Prove it," Erik whispered hoarsely. "If they're really alive... prove it."
Lin Chen created a portal, but instead of leading through it, he formed a viewing window—a one-way observation portal showing Xavier's mansion living room.
Through the window, Erik could see his wife and daughter sitting on a couch, talking with Professor Xavier. Nina was holding their daughter close, both of them clearly alive and healthy.
Erik stared at the image, tears streaming down his face. "Nina... my daughter... how...?"
"I can manipulate time," Lin Chen explained gently. "I reversed their deaths. Brought them back. They're confused and frightened, but they're alive."
Erik's hands shook as he reached toward the image, though he couldn't touch them through the one-way portal. "I... I felt them die. I buried them. I mourned them."
"I know," Lin Chen said softly. "And your pain was used against you. Apocalypse found you at your lowest moment and turned your grief into a weapon."
Erik looked up at Lin Chen, his expression raw. "Why? Why would you do this for me? We've never met. I've been your enemy."
"Because your family didn't deserve to die," Lin Chen replied simply. "And because I believe people deserve second chances when they've been manipulated by grief."
He dismissed the viewing portal and created a regular gateway instead. "Come with me, Erik. Your family is waiting."
Erik stood slowly, his body still shaking with emotion. "If this is a trick... if you're manipulating me—"
"It's not a trick," Lin Chen assured him.
[DETECTED: Erik Lehnsherr - Magneto]
Physical Attributes:
- Strength: 156 kg
- Physique: 17.9
- Agility: 4.5 m/s
- Mental Power: 79.5
Abilities:
- Magnetic Manipulation (Enhanced by Apocalypse - Planetary Scale)
- Metal Control (any metallic substance)
- Magnetic Field Manipulation
- Earth's Magnetic Core Connection
- Electromagnetic Vision
- Magnetic Force Fields
- Magnetic Flight
- Geomagnetic Link (can affect entire planet's magnetic field)
He gestured to the portal leading to Xavier's mansion. "Your family is waiting, Erik. Let's not keep them waiting any longer."
Erik took a shaky breath and walked toward the portal. But he paused at the threshold, looking back at Lin Chen. "Thank you. For bringing them back."
Erik stepped through the portal. Lin Chen followed, closing the gateway behind them.
---
Xavier's School - Living Room
Nina and her daughter looked up as the portal opened. Nina's eyes widened as she recognized the figure stepping through.
"Erik?" she whispered in disbelief.
"Dad!" their daughter screamed, jumping off the couch and running toward him.
Erik fell to his knees, catching his daughter in his arms as she crashed into him. He held her tightly, sobbing openly. "You're alive... you're really alive..."
Nina rushed over, wrapping her arms around both of them. "Erik, we're okay. We're safe. Lin Chen saved us."
Erik looked up at Lin Chen through his tears. "I don't know how to repay you for this. You've given me everything."
"Help Professor Xavier," Lin Chen replied simply. "Use your power to protect mutants instead of threatening humans. That's payment enough."
Professor Xavier wheeled forward, his expression warm. "Erik, my old friend. Welcome home."
Erik stood, still holding his family close. "Charles... I'm sorry. For everything in the past. Apocalypse promised me revenge, and I was too broken to see the truth."
"We all make mistakes when we're in pain," Charles said kindly. "What matters is that you're here now, and your family is safe."
---
Dark Dimension - Destroyed Planet
Lin Chen opened a portal and stepped into his own domain—the Dark Dimension. He materialized on a barren, destroyed planet that floated in the purple-black void.
Apocalypse stood about fifty meters away, his expression showing confusion and frustration. He was trying to teleport, his hands glowing with power, but nothing happened.
"It's useless," Lin Chen called out, walking closer slowly. "You're in MY dimension now. You can't leave unless I allow it."
Apocalypse turned to face him, his ancient eyes blazing with anger. "You dare imprison ME? I am En Sabah Nur! I am eternal! I ruled this world when your ancestors were are slaves!"
"You was a pawn," Lin Chen corrected calmly. "On earth, their are mutant bodies to transfer into. But here? You're just powerful mutant in someone else's territory."
"I will destroy you!" Apocalypse roared. "I will tear you apart and scatter your atoms across the world!"
He raised both hands, and using his molecular manipulation. The ground beneath Lin Chen's feet suddenly liquefied, trying to pull him down. Rocks transformed into grasping hands of stone. The very air tried to solidify around Lin Chen's body.
Lin Chen didn't move. He simply smiled coldly. "Is that your best attempt?"
He activated his time manipulation, focusing it directly on Apocalypse's body.
Green energy surrounded the ancient mutant. Apocalypse's eyes widened in horror as he felt his body begin to age rapidly.
"What... what are you doing?!" Apocalypse gasped as wrinkles appeared on his skin.
"Aging you," Lin Chen replied calmly. "You've lived for thousands of years by transferring your consciousness into new bodies. But you don't have a new body here. So what happens when this one grows old and dies?"
Apocalypse tried to resist, using his molecular manipulation to reverse the aging of his cells. But Lin Chen's time manipulation was too powerful. It affected time itself, not just cellular biology.
"NO!" Apocalypse screamed as his eyes turned white, his skin wrinkled and sagged, his muscles withered. "I am ETERNAL! I cannot die!"
"Everything dies eventually," Lin Chen said coldly. "Even gods."
Apocalypse's body continued to age. Hundreds of years passed in seconds. His skin became like parchment, his bones became brittle, his organs failed one by one.
Finally, the ancient mutant collapsed to the ground, his body nothing but dust and bones.
But his consciousness—his soul—remained. It floated above his destroyed body, glowing with purple energy. Even in death, Apocalypse's willpower was formidable.
"You... you cannot destroy... what I am..." the soul whispered with hatred. "I am... eternal..."
Lin Chen looked at the floating soul with cold indifference. "You're right. Your soul is strong. But you're in MY dimension now."
He raised his hand, and the space around them changed. From the shadows of the destroyed planets, countless souls began to emerge—billions of dark, tormented spirits that Lin Chen had inherited from the Dark Dimension when he claimed it from Dormammu.
"These are the souls of everyone Dormammu ever slaved and killed," Lin Chen explained. "Billions of consciousnesses, hungry and angry. And right now, they're all under my command."
"No... NO!" Apocalypse's soul tried to flee, but there was nowhere to go.
The swarm of souls descended on Apocalypse like piranhas. They tore at his consciousness, consuming it piece by piece. His screams echoed across the Dark Dimension as his soul was slowly devoured.
Lin Chen watched impassively as one of history's most dangerous mutants was completely destroyed—body, soul, and consciousness.
When it was finished, nothing remained except a faint purple glow that Lin Chen absorbed into himself.
[DETECTED: Molecular Manipulation]
[ANALYZING...]
[Molecular Manipulation: Ability to control matter at molecular level. Can transform substances, reshape objects, manipulate biological material, transmute elements, and affect physical structures with thought.]
[Mental Power +89.7]
[New Mental Power: 1,319.2]
Lin Chen felt the new ability integrate with his existing powers. Combined with his other abilities, this molecular manipulation made him capable of reshaping reality at a fundamental level.
He looked around the destroyed planet one last time. "The age of Apocalypse is over. A new age begins now."
He opened a portal and stepped through, leaving the Dark Dimension behind.
---
Xavier's School - Conference Room - Evening
Lin Chen materialized in the conference room where Professor Xavier, Erik, and several others had gathered. Storm, Psylocke, and Angel stood together, still uncertain of their place here.
"It's done," Lin Chen announced simply. "Apocalypse is dead. Permanently."
The room fell silent as everyone processed this information.
"How?" Erik asked quietly.
"I aged his body until it died, then destroyed his soul," Lin Chen replied without emotion. "He won't be coming back."
Professor Xavier looked troubled. "Taking a life is never easy, Lin Chen. Even when necessary."
"I didn't do it easily," Lin Chen replied. "But Apocalypse had existed for thousands of years, causing suffering across centuries. Imprisoning him would have been temporary—eventually he would have found a way to escape. This threat needed to be ended permanently."
He turned to address Storm, Psylocke, and Angel. "The three of you have a choice now. You can stay here at Xavier's school and learn to use your abilities for good. Or you can leave and try to find your own path. But know this—if you use your powers to harm innocent people, I will stop you."
Storm spoke first, her voice quiet but firm. "I would like to stay. I... I don't want to be what Apocalypse tried to make me."
"Me too," Angel added. "I need help. I need to be more than a weapon."
Psylocke was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I'll stay. For now. But I'm watching you, Lin Chen. Power like yours... it can corrupt even the best intentions."
"You're right to be cautious," Lin Chen acknowledged. "I welcome that vigilance."
Professor Xavier smiled warmly. "Then welcome to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. All three of you. We'll help you find your way."
---
Later That Night - Mansion Gardens
Lin Chen stood alone in the gardens, looking up at the stars. The crisis was over. Apocalypse was defeated. The Horsemen were safe and beginning their path to redemption.
"There you are," a soft voice said behind him.
He turned to see Jean approaching, her red hair glowing in the moonlight. She walked up beside him, close enough that their shoulders touched.
"Are you okay?" she asked gently. "You killed someone today. That can't be easy, even if he was a threat."
"I'm alright," Lin Chen replied. "It was necessary."
Jean took his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. "You did the right thing. You saved everyone. You gave Erik his family back. You gave Storm, Psylocke, and Angel a second chance."
Lin Chen smiled slightly. "I'm just someone trying to make things better."
They stood together in comfortable silence, watching the stars, both of them knowing each other feeling, there was peaceful after sometime Lin Chen looked in Jean eyes Jean closed her eyes with little blush then she felt warm breath sensation and soft touch on her lips. As they walk toward Jean's room with rising heartbeat of both of them.
---