"Thor! You got lucky this time, but next round—come die properly!"
Ryuuto's voice cracked like thunder itself. Watching the so-called God of Thunder vanish in a streak of lightning, he snorted and dropped down beside Jane. The battlefield around them was still smoking, half the hospital in ruins.
He crouched, one arm steadying her trembling body. "Hey, Jane… can you hang on?"
Jane managed a weak smile, pale as snow. "It's fine… just hurts a little."
"Hurts a little," he muttered, brow furrowing. "You've got Tai particles raging inside you. That's not a 'little' anything."
She met his gaze, warm despite the chaos. "Ryuuto, I can't suppress them anymore. My strength isn't enough. Can you… take them out of me?"
He nodded. "I'll try."
Memories of old Marvel films flashed through his head, but this wasn't fiction anymore. With a deep breath, he summoned chakra into his palms—medical ninjutsu glowing green against her skin. It wasn't elegant, but it worked to stabilize her breathing.
Meanwhile, his thoughts echoed inward—
Shion, any ideas on how to handle these particles?
[Heh, this one's on you, Host. Mission still ongoing. No spoilers!]
Tch. You're seriously useless when I actually need you.
[Excuse me? Rigid systems don't make miracles happen. Lazy hosts do.]
Ryuuto rubbed his temple. "Fine. Then can you at least tell me how people normally extract Tai particles?"
[Dark magic's the easiest route. But unless the host cooperates perfectly, kaboom—instant body detonation. Pretty, but messy.]
"So… a death sentence if I mess up. Great."
He sighed and looked down. Jane's pulse was steady again. His makeshift healing would only buy time.
"Jane," he said softly, "we're moving. There's a place—Mutant Academy. They might have what we need. You in?"
Jane nodded without hesitation. "I trust you."
That word hit harder than any lightning bolt. Without another word, Ryuuto took her hand and flashed away in a streak of crimson light.
At the gates of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, Professor X was already waiting with several students, the sun catching his silver hair. When the two finally appeared, the professor smiled like a father seeing his lost child.
"Ryuuto. Welcome back to your alma mater."
"Professor," Ryuuto said, half-grinning. "You're still looking ridiculously calm. Did you finally figure out how to stop time, or is it just good skincare?"
Charles chuckled. "Old habits die hard. Now, tell me about your friend."
Ryuuto quickly explained Jane's situation, his tone shifting to serious. "Can the Academy help extract Tai particles?"
The professor frowned. "I'm afraid not, Ryuuto. But whatever you need, this school stands with you. We'll protect her—and you—until we find a solution."
"Then I'll need a quiet lab. Preferably one that won't explode if something goes wrong."
"Understood. Follow me."
As they disappeared down the corridor, students whispered—some in awe, some in fear. To them, Red Mirage had returned. The once "Powerless Freak" of Axville now carried a reputation that could shake gods.
Professor X ordered enhanced security—no one in, no one out. The Academy would become their fortress.
Meanwhile, far from Earth's warmth, Thor returned to his own frozen hall, his armor cracked, his pride worse.
Malekith, leader of the Dark Elves, greeted him with that smug, corpse-pale smile. "Thor, my dear thunder prince, do you bring me the Tai particles?"
Thor clenched his jaw. "No. The mission failed."
"Failed?" The word dripped venom.
Thor slammed a gauntleted fist on the table. "That damned brat Ryuuto interfered again. Killed two of my men. Took the host and vanished."
Malekith's smile died. "You disappoint me, thunderer."
Thor grabbed a bottle of Asgardian red, downed it, and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Don't worry. I'll get them back—and his head too."
Malekith's voice turned cold. "Control your rage. Our goal is the particles, not your revenge. Once we have that power, everything—mutants, gods, mortals—will kneel. Until then, follow my lead."
Thor's eyes burned. "I gave you my word. You'll have your damn particles."
The two locked eyes, tension thick as smoke. Behind them, Asgardians and Dark Elves gripped their weapons, ready to tear each other apart.
Finally, Malekith hissed, "Stand down."
The armies dispersed, but the hatred between thunder and darkness was only beginning.