Time was running out for Fenric.
In 1973, Storm and Blink were struggling to alter the fate of mutants, working to prevent the birth of the Sentinels. If they succeeded, this entire timeline would be rewritten. Fenric had to hunt enough mutants before that happened.
Which was why he decided to find Magneto first—and "cooperate."
At this point, Magneto is likely hiding, afraid his plot will be discovered by Professor X. He won't be easy to find, Fenric mused, rubbing his temples.
A moment later, his eyes narrowed. But if I can't find him, I can take what he needs instead. In Magneto's plan, the girl Anna-Marie—Little Rogue—is essential. If she's in my hands, Magneto will come to me.
Finding Magneto was troublesome. Finding Professor X, however, was simple.
By now, Professor X had already established his school for mutants, a place to teach them how to use their gifts to serve society. The name: X Academy.
It wasn't well-known, but its location was easy to discover with the right questions.
Two hours later.
A yellow cab rolled to a stop in a quiet suburb.
"Here we are, sir. This is the place," the driver said politely, though his wary glance betrayed unease. In his mind, there was only one reason a man would come here: mutant business.
"Thank you."
Fenric tossed him the fare and stepped out. The cab sped away at once, as though proximity alone was dangerous. Under government propaganda, "mutant" had become synonymous with "threat."
Fenric ignored him. Ahead, the gates of the academy stood. They weren't ostentatious, but respectable enough. Beyond them stretched a neat garden and a tall five-story building.
Fenric smirked. "Not bad, Professor X. Even a modest academy like this must cost hundreds of millions to run."
He strode inside.
Children of all ages were scattered across the yard, laughing, playing, and showing off small sparks of power. Some were near adulthood, others no older than five.
His gaze swept over them—and he recognized more than a few faces from memory.
Naturally, his presence drew attention. The children paused their games, curiosity flickering in their eyes.
Fenric crouched before a small girl and offered a warm smile. "Hello there. Do you know where Anna-Marie is? I'm a friend of hers, just here to visit."
The girl, disarmed by his gentle demeanor, pointed without hesitation. "Anna's over there."
Following her finger, Fenric spotted his target: a timid girl sitting alone on a swing. Anna-Marie—"Rogue." In the future, she would be known as the Raksha Girl. For now, she was just an insecure, fragile teenager.
"Thank you." Fenric patted the little girl's head and moved toward Anna.
But before he could reach her, a woman stepped in front of him.
She was tall, graceful, radiating the poise of a seasoned beauty. Her sharp eyes pinned him instantly.
"Sir, who are you? What business do you have with Anna?" she asked firmly.
Fenric's smile didn't falter, though inwardly his guard rose. He recognized her at once.
Jean Grey.
The Phoenix.
At present, she was the most powerful mutant at the academy—and the only one who posed a true threat to him. Within her slumbered the Phoenix Force, an existence capable of annihilating everything in its path. Even gods could be undone by it.
Fenric doubted whether even his Armament Haki could withstand such destruction. Fortunately, Jean still lacked control over that terrifying power.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Grey," he said smoothly.
Jean blinked. "You… know me?"
"Of course. Your last speech in parliament left quite an impression."
Her brows knit, but she pressed on. "Then tell me—who are you? And what do you want with Anna?"
Fenric's smile sharpened. "Oh, nothing much. I simply intend to borrow her."
Jean's expression hardened. "What did you say? I don't know what you mean, but I'll have to ask you to leave. Now."
Fenric chuckled softly. "Drive me away? That would mean unleashing the Phoenix inside you. Are you prepared for that?"
With a flick of his hand, invisible force rippled outward.
Jean was hurled back by Fenric's telekinesis. He hadn't harmed her—merely restrained her—but the sudden move sent students screaming in panic.
The commotion drew attention immediately. Doors burst open.
"What's going on?"
The first to emerge was Scott Summers—Cyclops. His eyes widened at the sight of Jean being pushed back. He rushed to her side.
"Jean! Are you all right?"
She steadied herself, glaring at Fenric. "Scott, stop him! He's after Anna!"
"What—?"
The other X-Men—Storm, Wolverine, and more—rushed out, their faces grim as Jean's words sank in.
"Careful!" she warned. "His telepathy is stronger than mine!"
That made them hesitate—but not retreat.
Meanwhile, Fenric had already seized Rogue by the wrist. The girl cried out, struggling helplessly.
"Hey! Bastard! Let her go!"
Wolverine's roar split the air. Younger than the man he'd one day become, his temper was even hotter, his fury unrestrained.
Fenric spared him a sidelong glance. "Logan, you should learn to control that temper. Otherwise, it'll cost you dearly someday."
"Shut up!"
With a snarl, Wolverine lunged, claws flashing as he slashed straight at Fenric.