Date: Thursday, June 10, 2010.

  Location: Xavier Institute, Scarsdale, NY

  As the first rays of sunlight streamed into the room, the light gently pyed on Illyana's face, coaxing her out of the depths of sleep. She stirred, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the brightness. Across the room, Tyson was seated on a chair, engrossed in his physics textbook. Hearing her movement, he set the textbook aside. "M," he greeted with a small smile pying on his lips.

  Illyana stretched, her gaze settling oextbook. She arched an eyebrow, amusement dang in her eyes. "Studying physics all night?"

  He chuckled, scratg the back of his neck sheepishly. "Well, I’ve gotta learn it somehow..."

  She smirked, pushing herself into a sitting position. "And here you are, just being the perfect gentleman, watg over me… Studying. Sure you weren’t being a creep just watg me sleep?"

  His eyes sparkled with mischief. "Well, I have to be on my best behavior for the first few dates, don't I?"

  Illyana’s light, melodic ughter filled the room. "Dates, huh? Iing choice of words. Assuming you’ll get another." She then grew more serious, her eyes searg his. "But really, what happened?"

  Tyson leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "That noise was a giant fly demon. After you went down, it tried to get the drop ohe thing had a nasty bite when it ected. But when it touched me I got some of its... features." He made a face, indig his distaste. "Mao get the upper hand, though, and took it down. O was out of the picture, I touched you to get your power briefly, and brought you back here."

  Illyana shuddered, "I remember that awful buzzing. That was the st thing I heard." She looked up, gratitude evident in her eyes. "Thank you, Tyson. I owe you one. You were right about the demons, and I’m gd you came with me."

  He waved it off with a devilish grin. "You’re worth it.” He coughed into his hand, “I mean you made it worth it, with your show st night… But keep in mind what happened. Maybe avoid expl Limbo aloil you have a handle on all the different kinds of demons?"

  Illyana nodded. Her eyes took in the room, noting the bare walls and the single bed. She smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Brought me back to your room, huh?" Her tone was teasing and her lips curled into a pyful smile.

  Tyson responded with a smirk of his own, leaning against the edge of the bed, "Yup. I know, sdalous. But, let's be ho, not nearly as sdalous as seeihout clothes." He added, "It's still pretty early. If you hurry, you might avoid getting caught doing your 'walk of shame'."

  With a sultry sparkle in her eyes, Illyana said, "It's not a walk of shame if I have nothing to be ashamed about." The words dripped with fidence. With a slow, stretg motion, she pushed herself up, showg her toned figure. Each step she took towards him was deliberate, filled with alluring i. Closing the distaween them, she leaned in, her lips brushing his cheek in a fleeting kiss. Tysohe flow of Illyana’s power and life force, but she didn't flinch away in pain. Instead, she leaned closer, her warm breath tig his ear as she whispered, "Thanks for the date. I had fun."

  Tyson stood to his feet and walked her to the door, holding it open for her. As Illyana began her exit, he asked, "So… How about a sed date?"

  Illyana's hips swayed with a pronounced rhythm. Without breakiride, she cast a look over her shoulder, her lips curling into a mysterious smile. "I'll think about it," she teased as she disappeared around the corridor's er.

  After tidying up his room, Tyson headed towards the cafeteria. Typically, he was one of the first ohere, sharing breakfast with Jean before the crowd of the other students filled the room. Jubilee would eventually stumble out of bed to join them; it was their daily ritual.

  However, today was different. As he pushed through the doors slightly ter than usual, his eyes darted towards their regur spot, and sure enough, Jean was already there. But she wasn't alone; Jubilee was beside her, and both focused on him as he eysohat look; somehow, they'd known something with his 'date' with Illyana. He tried to act casual as he made his way to the breakfast bar and loaded his tray with food.

  But as he took his seat opposite the duo, Jubilee's expression said it all. Crossing her arms, she leaned in, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Sooo..." she dragged the word out, gng at Jean, then ba, "How was your date?"

  Tyson, seeing the eager curiosity in Jubilee's eyes and feigned disi in Jean's, decided to lean into the moment. Holding out his hand jokingly towards Jean, he quipped, " I borrow your telepathy? I'm going to to talk my way out of this one."

  Jubilee's eyes widened, feigning seriousness. "What? No way! Jean, don't you dare!"

  Jean's eyebrow arched in a mock-offended way, scoffing, "You wish."

  Tyson ughed at his own joke. He took a moment to scoop up a forkful of eggs and chew thoughtfully. Once he'd swallowed, he leaned in with a faux-dramatie. "We spent the night together."

  Jubilee's eyes practically bulged out of her head, and her mouth hung open. She looked like she was about to burst into a flurry of questions.

  Seeing her rea, Tyson couldn't help but burst into ughter. "Okay, okay, calm down, Jubes," he said, still chug. "Before you jump to clusions, let me tell you the whole story."

  He proceeded to ret the adveo Limbo, their skirmishes with the demons, and how Illyana had been knocked unscious. "I brought her back to the institute, and she needed rest, so she crashed in my room. That's all," Tyson cluded, trying to maintain a straight face.

  Jean and Jubilee exged gnces. Jean mused, "Well, it's still teically a sleepover.”

  Jubilee eyed Tyson with suspi, "Where'd you sleep?" she inquired.

  Tyson shrugged nontly. "I didn’t. Just spent the night with my physics textbook. I don’t need much sleep. Missing a night doesn't affect me like it would you."

  A relieved sigh escaped Jubilee's lips. "Good. I mean… From what I hear, you o study physics.”

  — Rogue Rept —

  The days at the institute began to form a pattern for Tyson. Every few nights would be spent with Illyana in Limbo. Every enter with the demons, every skirmish, was a trial they defeated together. Their coordination became impeccable, almost as if they could predict each other's movements. These dangerous excursions pyfully became regur 'dates'. Because time didn’t pass while they hunted in Limbo, when they returned Illyana would fall asleep in Tyson’s room and he’d spend the remainder of the evening studying.

  During the daylight hours, Tyson’s friendship with Jean and Jubilee grew. The three of them would often find themselves lounging on the institute's vast wn, grabbing a sna the cafeteria, or pying games in the girls’ room. Subtly, his friend group grew as he was introduced to more of their peers.

  Kitty Pride was in his physics css. She had the unique ability to phase through solid objects, and would often joi meals. Bobby Drake, who had the gift of maniputing ice, was the jokester of the group, using his powers to py pranks. John Allerdyce, oher hand, was a bit of a figurative hothead. He trolled fire, the elemental opposite of Bobby, and the two would often have pyful showdowns.

  June faded and the warm days of July began. The students were gearing up for a field trip to the Museum of Natural History iy. The idea of a day out was a wele ge from their usual routine. Chatter filled the air, and the students were ready for a day of learning and discovery. Children and teens of all ages cmbered onto the buses. Amidst the enthusiastic group, Tyson's tall figure looked out of pce. His thoughts were elsewhere. The memory of his frontation with Mago still troubled him, and even though Mago was now behind bars, the lingering fear wasn't easy to shake off.

  "Hey, you okay?" Jean's voice pulled him back to the present.

  He looked over to find her emerald eyes searg his. "Just thinking of the basketball game we missed," he replied, f a small smile.

  Jean nudged him lightly, her tone reassuring. "We've got everyooday. And all the professors are on high alert. You're safe."

  "I know," Tyson hough Jean wasirely correct. "I’d feel better if Logan was here."

  Wolverine had left weeks ago. He wao follow up on some pces Tyson had mentioned when giving a more detailed expnation of the memories he’d obtained from Sabertooth.

  Jubilee, who had been eavesdropping on their versation, chimed in cheerfully, "Cheer up, no grumpio rain on our parade today!"

  Tyso some of his tension ebb away. With friends like these by his side, and the might of the X-Men bag him, he felt safe, “You’re right, Jubes. Today will be fi might just turn out to be one of the best I’ve had in a while.”

  Jubilee groaned, “What did I tell you about that?” C her face with her hand, “It’s the kiss of death!” She excimed.

  — Rogue Rept —

  Tyson moved quickly through the exhibits, the massive dinosaur skeletons and artifacts doing little to pique his i. Finding himself at the museum's food court, he settled at a table. The ambient noise of chatter surrounded him as he rexed, taking in the sight of other visitors enjoying their meals.

  He was lost in thought when he felt a pair of familiar arms drape themselves around his chest. Illyana's voice held a teasing lilt ione as she whispered into his ear, "Not much for history, are you?” she chuckled. “Just like physics,”

  He tilted his head back to catch a glimpse of her smiling fad replied with modignation, "I'll have you know I caught up in physics right at the end of the semester."

  John sat at Tyson’s table and leaned forward, resting his elbows on its surface. Eyebrows raised, he gestured between Tyson and Illyana, asking, "Are you two dating or what?"

  The question hung in the air. The retionship between Tyson and Illyana was an enigma to everyo the institute. Their iied from seemingly intimate moments to plete detat, leaving most, including John, scratg their heads.

  Tyson leaned ba his chair, casting a sidelong g Illyana. "Well," he drawled, "She keeps me up at night."

  Illyana responded with an exaggerated eye roll. Pying along, she sighed theatrically, her voice dripping with pyful sarcasm, "Unfortunately, he's more than I handle."

  Illyana leaned in, pressing a soft, affeate kiss on Tyson's cheek, her lips lingering for a brief moment. The simple gesture was enough to elicit a few raised eyebrows.

  Bobby, who’d apanied John, piped up, "I don't know how you touch him so casually. I shook his hand that oime, a like trash for an hour."

  Tyson, not missing a beat, quipped with a smirk, "She's a masochist."

  Illyana's eyes narrowed pyfully, and she delivered a light sp on Tyson's shoulder, feigning annoyance. Grinning, Tyson tinued, rubbing the spot she'd just hit dramatically, "And a sadist."

  Bobby snickered at their banter, but John just threw his hands up in exasperation. Pointing at the duo, he excimed, "See! This is what I mean. No one knows if this is a thing!"

  Illyana’s at was heavier as she replied, “And no one o know.” She grabbed at Tyson’s forearm, he end of his sleeve. “There’s a Russia exhibit, e see it with me.”

  He shrugged at the uys and followed Illyana out of the food court and deeper into the museum.

  John, who had a pent for flipping his lighter over and over became engrossed in a versation with Bobby. A teen from a nearby table aggressively bumped into John, causing his lighter to ctter onto the ground. The boy looked down, a smirk twisting his lips, and said, "Watch it, mutie." With a sense of entitlement, he stooped, picked up John's lighter, and lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag.

  As the teen swaggered away, John's eyes glinted with mischief. Fog on the burning tip of the cigarette, John maniputed the fire, amplifying its iy. The fme shot upwards, jumping from the cigarette to the hem of the teen's shirt. Within seds, an e bze danced on the fabric, spreading rapidly.

  But before panic could fully register oeen's face, a gust of cold bsted from Bobby's dire. The icy stream hit the fire, causing it to hiss and sputter out. In its pce, a yer of frost covered the teen's shirt, making it stiff and staining it with a crystalline residue.

  The teen's expression was one of sheer horror; his mouth agape and eyes widened. But just as the realization of what happearted to sink in, his features froze, as if captured in a photograph. All around diners, children, parents, and even a balloon vendor who was midway into handing over a helium-filled gift to a child, were simirly immobilized, frozen in the midst of their as. Even a baby's cry was silenced mid-wail.

  Sure enough, amidst the sea of paused faces, came Professor X; his wheelchair moving slowly. His face held a stern expression, but his eyes reyed a sense of calm trol. It was clear that this momentary suspension of time was his doing. Charles Xavier's telepathic abilities were unmatched, and he was using them now to defuse a potential disaster.

  Professor X spoke early to John and Bobby. "Gentlemen, every one of us, mutant or not, has the power of choice. To act, to respond, to provoke. Our unique abilities are her toys nor ons to be dispyed in moments of anger or pride. They're a part of our very being. And while they be a blessing, in moments of rashness, they also be our downfall. Let us remember that our true strength lies not in what we do, but in choosing when and how we use ifts. We must rise above provocations and aot out of vengeance or pride, but out of wisdom and uanding."

  The room settled into an uneasy silence. Everyone's attention was draheelevision, pying in the er, suddenly cut to a breaking news segment.

  A news anchor, clearly armed, spoke into the camera, "We interrupt yur programming for this breaking news out of the White House." The s showed chaotic ses, security personnel rushing about. "We have reports," the anchor tinued, "of a mutant attag the White House. While details are still emerging, initial reports suggest that this individual has mao bypass multiple yers of security, using abilities never witnessed before." There wasn’t any footage of the fighting, just an aerial picture of the White House. "This is unpreted," the anchor's voice trembled. "Never before has the heart of over been attacked so brazenly."

  Ba the room, eyes widened, and expressied from shock to apprehension. Mutants were already treated poorly, and this would only inse things. Professor X broke the stunned silence, "Perhaps it is time we returo the institute."

  — Rogue Rept —

  Mystique, perfectly disguised as Senator Robert Kelly, stepped into the Oval Office. The room was heavy with tension. There had been an atta the President, ohat was nearly successful and quickly attributed to a mutant. The repercussions of this event were yet to unfold, but the ndscape of mutant-humaions was sure to be altered.

  "Senator Kelly," the President aowledged, his voice strained but attempting to be cordial. His eyes darted to the figure standio him. "Meet William Stryker."

  Stryker, with his stern fad pierg blue eyes, extended a hand. "Senator. I was a fan of your support of the Mutaration Act. Your ret shift of position from supp the bill is founding." he said, his formal tone barely restraining his displeasure.

  Mystique, using her experience, smoothly replied, "Mr. Stryker. Times ge and often staneed to ge with them." She shook his hand firmly, ensuring not to reveal any hint of her true identity.

  The President cleared his throat. "Given the ret... events, I thought it prudent for the two of you to meet with me to discuss the mutant situation. We 't have atack like this."

  Mystique nodded, portraying the Senator's usual fident demeanor. "Of course, Mr. President. The safety of our nation is of utmost importance."

  Stryker added, "I have some ideas on how to hahe mutant issue." The implication in his voice was clear; he believed in dealing with mutants with an iron hand.

  Stryker fidently pced a folder in front of the President. The seal of fidentiality embossed on its cover caught the curiosity of the President. Inside was a satellite image, sharp and clear. It showed a grand mansion amidst trees and open grounds.

  The Xavier Institute.

  Stryker leaned in, pointing to the picture. "Mr. President, this is more than just a mansion in upstate New York. This is a mutant training facility."

  Mystique, maintaining her facade as Senator Kelly, swiftly interjected, her voice calm yet assertive, "It's a sr. Stryker."

  Ign her, Stryker turhe page, revealing another satellite image. This one showcased a sleek, bck jet, its design distinctly remi of a cssified military aircraft. "And tell me, Senator, how many schools do you know that house an aircraft of this caliber? And if I may add, it emerges from their basketball courts."

  The President's eyes widened in disbelief, and then his brows furrowed. He leaned ba his chair, massaging his temple as the weight of the situation pressed upon him. Finally, he met Stryker's gaze, "What is it you need, Stryker?"

  Stryker answered without hesitation, "Permission to go in, Mr. President. I'm certain the ao your ret attack lie within that facility."

  The lines on the President's forehead became more pronounced as he sidered Stryker's words. "Fine," he ceded, "but no live fire. You detain and question. I won't stand for casualties, Stryker. I won't have the nation waking up to the sight of mutant children's bodies on their m news."

  Stryker's lips curved into a subtle, sinister smile. His eyes glinted with a malicious ihat he hid well. "Of course, Mr. President," he replied smoothly, his voice dripping with feigned obedienbsp;

  Question for enters

  Do you think Tysos a power-up during this Arc? If so… ower-up?

  Behind the ses

  - This se was inspired by X-2: X-men United (2003).

  - Museums are only featured in Marvel movies. X-2, Winter Soldier, Bck Panther, Eternals, Secret Invasion, probably missing a few too.