Н“‚Н“Ž Н’¹Ð‘’Н’¶Ð“‡ Н“ˆð“…Н’¾Ð’¹Ð‘’Н“Ž – Н“…. Н“…Н’¶Ð“‡Ð“€Ð‘’Н“‡ chapter 18

The next morning, Alec found himself in front of the x-men mansion. The sprawling estate was peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos of the previous night. The halls of the mansion were filled with students, but Alec moved through them without a word, his focus set on Charles’s office.

He was welcomed in without question, as Charles had always done. When Alec entered the Professor’s study, he was greeted by the familiar sight of Charles Xavier behind his desk, his gaze gentle yet piercing, as though he already knew what Alec needed.

– Alec. – Charles greeted with a nod, his voice gentle but laced with relief – It’s good to see you here… alive.

– Yeah, you too, Charles. – Alec replied, his tone half-joking. But there was something harder behind his eyes, a flicker of something that hadn’t been there before. He hesitated, then continued – Did you tell Logan I was kidnapped?

Xavier’s brow furrowed slightly, a shadow of concern crossing his features.

– No. – he replied, exhaling softly as though letting go of a burden – You know that Logan’s healing factor it’s not what it used to be. Slower, now. If I’d told him you’d been taken by hydra, he would’ve tried to go after them himself. And we both know that stubbornness of his would have driven him straight into a fight he isn’t equipped to handle anymore.

Alec’s smirk softened, giving way to something more vulnerable.

– Yeah… he’d probably be halfway to hydra’s base before you could stop him. – he paused, looking away as though lost in thought – Sometimes I forget that even he has limits.

Charles nodded thoughtfully, sensing that Alec was holding something back.

– You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you? – he said, voice gentle, inviting Alec to share more – I don’t need to know the details if you don’t wish to share, but I know the weight of carrying it alone.

Alec’s gaze flickered back to Xavier, guarded as ever but with an edge of something that looked almost… haunted. He shrugged, keeping his tone casual, though a trace of bitterness lingered beneath the words.

– Let’s just say hydra got a little too interested in what I can do. They tried to push me, to get to something they thought they could use. – he paused, his smirk returning, almost mocking himself – So I did them a favor and ‘deactivated’ my power. Figured it was better than letting them turn me into a puppet.

Xavier’s calm exterior didn’t waver, but Alec could see the flicker of shock in the professor’s eyes.

– You… deactivated it? – Charles asked, the words slow, as if weighing the implications.

Alec shrugged, his tone sharp and nonchalant.

– What can I say? I’ve got a knack for self-preservation. Not that I left hydra with much after that, either. – his sarcasm barely concealed the anger simmering underneath, a quiet rage that Alec kept tightly controlled.

Xavier observed him quietly, sensing the strange nonchalance, the sharp wit Alec used to keep anyone from getting too close to what he was really feeling.

– And how did you do that? – the professor looked confused. Being a mutant is on your genes, how could someone turn it off like that?

Alec’s lips twisted into a smirk, though his eyes held little humor.

– Funny thing about genes, – he replied, crossing his arm – they’re predictable, but not invincible. Ever heard of gene silencing? I found a way to suppress my powers, kind of like muting a song instead of stopping it. It’s still there, but no one can hear it. Including me.

Xavier’s gaze grew more intense, clearly intrigued but cautious.

– That’s… really impressive, Alec. But dangerous. Suppressing one’s abilities, especially on such a fundamental level like this… – he said, watching Alec’s reaction carefully.

– I didn’t ‘turn it off’ in the way you’re thinking. It’s more like… rerouting. Like flipping a switch, except that switch happens to be inside my own head.

Xavier’s expression softened, though the curiosity lingered.

– Still, it was dangerous. You could’ve lost your powers forever. There could’ve been so many consequences.

– But there wasn’t. – the boy gave a small smirk.

It was almost enough to unnerve Charles, if he weren’t already accustomed to Alec’s blunt, often detached demeanor. But there was something deeper at play here, something that went beyond Alec’s typical bravado.

– Very well. – Xavier replied, his voice calm – What is it you’re hoping I can help you with?

– I need you to unlock it, since, well, I’m not a telepath anymore. – Alec took a step forward, his expression growing more serious – You’ve got a pretty solid hold on minds, right? – he asked with a slight smirk – So I figured maybe you could, you know, help me lift the restraints.

Xavier regarded Alec thoughtfully, sensing the dangerous potential of what he was asking.

– And you’re sure the powers you already copied will come back? – the professor asked.

– Well, they better, it would suck having to learn everything again. – Alec’s eyes glinted, a spark of something almost scared.

Xavier’s gaze softened, understanding the fear hidden beneath Alec’s sarcasm and calm demeanor. He knew Alec’s past, how much the boy has trained to have control over his powers, to be better at them than the original owner.

– Very well. – he murmured – Sit down, clear your mind. This will take more focus than you might expect.

   Alec complied, sitting cross-legged on the floor, his breathing steady but visibly tense. Xavier raised his hands, fingertips poised at Alec’s temples, and closed his eyes, reaching out with his consciousness to gently touch Alec’s mind.

   The first layers were familiar, even predictable: memories, insecurities, hopes; and the instinctive defenses Alec had unconsciously built up. But as Xavier pressed deeper, he encountered something far more powerful, like a locked door hidden in the recesses of Alec’s mind, radiating potential. There was no mistaking the raw energy simmering behind it.

   Xavier focused, releasing the mental restraints. He could feel the flood of energy, surging forward as Alec’s dormant power reawakened. Alec’s breath hitched, his eyes widening as he felt the familiar sensation ripple through him, the rush of abilities he’d once wielded now returning, stronger, sharper.

   When Xavier withdrew, Alec took a shaky breath, a spark of excitement lighting up his face.

– Welcome back, Alec. – Xavier said, a hint of caution in his tone.

   As the realization of his regained powers settled within him, Alec stood up, his heart racing with excitement. A surge of energy coursed through his veins, urging him to test the boundaries of what he could do. He glanced at Xavier, who watched him intently, a mix of encouragement and caution in his expression.

– Let’s see if this works. – Alec muttered, focusing his thoughts.

   First, he turned his gaze to a nearby stack of books. With a flick of his wrist, he concentrated, feeling the familiar pull of telekinesis. The top book floated into the air, suspended effortlessly before him.

– Nice. – he grinned, turning his attention to another book – Telekinesis, check.

   Next, he thought about reaching into Xavier’s mind, feeling the gentle probe of telepathy. He concentrated on his professor, searching for thoughts and feelings.

– Can you hear me? – he projected, and a flicker of surprise crossed Xavier’s face.

– Yes, loud and clear. – Xavier nodded, a hint of pride in his voice.

– Telepathy’s working. – Alec laughed, moving on.

   Next he stepped to the window, raising his arms as he focused on the sky. A small cloud formed overhead, darkening as he concentrated. A moment later, raindrops began to fall, gradually intensifying into a steady downpour.

   Then Alec extended his arms wide, summoning a gust of wind that made the leaves on the field swirl in a mini cyclone. Then he clapped his hands together, and the air thickened as he summoned a small stream of water, shaping it into a sphere that floated above his palm.

– Air and water are back – he flicked his wrist, dispersing it into droplets. He willed the ground to shift, a small patch of earth rising into a mound – Earth’s back. – he grinned, excitement bubbling. He ignited a small flame in his hand, feeling the heat dance against his skin – Fire, still fucking hot.

   He paused for a moment, gathering energy and then releasing it in a controlled burst. A nearby rock shot off into the distance, propelled by the force he had unleashed.

   Then, he tested magnetism by concentrating on a metal chair nearby. With a thought, it began to levitate, twisting in mid-air before crashing back down with a clang.

– Gambit’s and Magneto’s are back.

He stepped away from the window and with a quick motion, he made the Wolverine’s claws appear. He pressed it into the palm of his hand, wincing as it pierced the skin. He focused on the wound, visualizing the healing process. Almost instantly, the skin began to knit together, leaving no trace behind.

Feeling exhilarated, Alec closed his eyes again and pictured the large oak tree at the far end of the campus. He concentrated, envisioning the distance melting away. In an instant, he felt the familiar pull and found himself standing before the tree, heart racing. “Teleportation is working”, he thought.

Next, he turned his attention inward, honing in on his senses. He could hear the distant footsteps in the hallway, the hum of the air conditioning, the soft ticking of the clock, could even smell the faintest scent of pine mingling with the air.. His enhanced senses were sharper than ever.

Finally he tested his physical abilities. He saw a big rock near the three and he tried to pick it up, he flexed his arms, lifting it effortlessly as if it weighed nothing. He sprinted around the mansion, the world blurring around him as he pushed his speed to its limits, easily outpacing a few startled students.

He came to a stop in Xavier’s office again, grinning at him.

– It’s all back! Well, at least the important ones. – the boy said – Thank you, Charles.

– Don’t mention, kid. – the man said, with a small smile – But if you feel anything different, please warn me, okay?

– Sure, I will.

Alec nodded, his excitement tempered by the weight of Xavier’s words. But for now, he felt alive with possibility, ready as he embraced the thrill of his abilities, knowing that he was finally whole again.

•••

   Alec stepped into the avengers compound, feeling the cool, familiar energy of the place wash over him. The vast halls were empty as he made his way to the kitchen, but he could hear voices up ahead. He smiled to himself; he knew the team well enough to recognize the unmistakable mix of voices: Natasha’s wry, calm tone, Clint’s slightly sarcastic laugh, Sam’s easy-going voice, Bucky’s low grumbles, and Steve’s warm baritone.

   Pushing open the door, he found them clustered around the island, looking like the unconventional family they’d become. Clint leaned back in his chair, legs kicked up, while Sam was halfway through peeling an orange, its citrusy scent filling the room. Steve and Bucky were talking quietly, and Natasha was nursing a cup of tea, her sharp gaze flickering over to Alec as he entered.

– Hey guys, good afternoon. – Alec greeted, a wide grin spreading across his face.

– You look like you’re in a good mood. – Natasha lifted a brow, eyeing him with intrigue.

– Yeah, it’s weird for you. – Clint added, narrowing his eyes playfully – What happened?

   Alec’s grin turned mischievous, as if he were savoring a secret he’d been waiting to spill.

– I got my powers back.

   There was a beat of silence. Natasha tilted her head slightly, intrigued, while the rest exchanged glances, confusion etched on their faces.

– What do you mean ‘got them back’? – Steve asked, his tone a mixture of concern and curiosity.

   Alec leaned casually against the counter, the faintest glint of satisfaction in his eyes.

– You see, Hydra wanted my power to create their ‘perfect mutant army’ or whatever. So I turned it off. They found nothing. – he said, a sly grin tugging at the corner of his mouth – They didn’t like that very much, though.

– What did they do to you? – Bucky’s eyes darkened slightly, a glint of shared understanding flashing in his gaze.

   Alec shrugged, the nonchalance of the gesture undercut by the brief flash of anger in his eyes.

– Probably the same thing they did to you, actually. – he turned to Bucky, the coldness melting as he took in his friend’s appearance with softened eyes – You got a haircut. I didn’t notice that yesterday.

   Bucky’s lips quirked into a faint smile. His hair was tied back in a small bun, revealing a sleek undercut he hadn’t sported for long.

– Yeah. – he said, lifting a hand to run through it self-consciously – Do you like it?

– Fuck yeah. It really suits you. – Alec’s grin spread wider, a glint of flirtation unmistakable in his gaze.

   For a brief moment, Bucky looked genuinely pleased, a hint of color rising to his cheeks. Sam gave a snort of laughter, shaking his head. But before he could make a wisecrack, Steve stepped in, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

– Hold on, – Steve interjected – hydra tried to brainwash you?

   Alec nodded, moving to the counter and reaching for an apple from the fruit bowl.

– Yeah. But it didn’t work. I made sure of that.

   Sam raised an eyebrow, his tone light but tinged with genuine concern.

– And you’re fine? Your brain isn’t messed up like his? – he jabbed a thumb toward Bucky with a half-smile.

   Bucky rolled his eyes, but Alec just shot a reassuring look in Bucky’s direction.

– His brain isn’t messed up anymore. – he said firmly – And yes, I’m fine.”

– How? – Natasha leaned forward, her sharp eyes fixed on him with intensity.

   Alec took a bite from his apple and leaned against the counter, the faint crunch punctuating the momentary silence. He shrugged, as if what he’d gone through was nothing more than a small inconvenience. But there was a heaviness in his eyes that betrayed just how much he’d endured.

– It wasn’t really hard. Their methods were great, though. – he said simply, then flashed a mischievous grin at Natasha – But turns out my brain’s a bit more… complex than they anticipated.

– You’re saying Hydra couldn’t crack you? Not even with their best scientists? – Bucky raised an eyebrow.

   Alec shrugged again, though this time his expression grew a little darker.

– They tried, believe me. They ran test after test, and when they realized they couldn’t access my powers, they switched their tactics. Pain, deprivation, psychological tricks…- he trailed off, his voice softening – But I have something they couldn’t understand.

– Which is? – Clint leaned forward, intrigued.

   Alec paused, searching for the right words.

– My mind is… compartmentalized. – he finally explained – I’ve been through some things in my past that forced me to, well, build walls. Hydra only got through the outer layers; they couldn’t touch the real me.

   Bucky nodded slowly, understanding better than anyone in the room. He saw a flash of that same raw anger in Alec’s eyes, the kind that only came from someone who’d survived more than anyone would ever know. It was a feeling he was all too familiar with.

– Sounds like you’ve got a built-in defense system. – Bucky said, almost approvingly.

– But doesn’t that kind of mental shielding take a toll? Isn’t it dangerous? – Steve’s brow furrowed with concern.

   Alec’s smile softened, a quiet resilience in his eyes.

– It does. But it was worth it. And besides… – his gaze shifted to Bucky, a knowing look passing between them – I had to make sure I wouldn’t be turned into a weapon.

– I get it. – Bucky nodded, understanding etched across his face.

   There was a pause, the unspoken bond between them strong and steady, before Alec broke the silence with a grin, tilting his head toward Bucky’s hair.

– Still, that haircut is really working for you. I mean, when did you get all… stylish?

   Bucky rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t hide his smirk.

– Trying something new. – he muttered, pretending not to notice Alec’s lingering glance.

   The others exchanged glances, a mixture of relief and humor lightening the air. For once, things felt almost normal. At least, as normal as life ever got at the avengers compound.

•••