Chapter 26: Unstolen Power

As the days passed at the Institute, Anthony found himself delving deeper into the world of mutants and their abilities. He listened to the stories of his fellow students, learning about their unique powers and the struggles they faced. It was during one of these conversations that he heard about Anna Marie, also known as Rogue.

"She's amazing," Bobby exclaimed, sitting with Anthony in the common room. "She can absorb the abilities of anyone she touches. It's like a superpower buffet for her!"

Anthony's curiosity was piqued. "Really? But what happens to the person whose power she absorbs?"

Bobby shrugged. "They lose their power temporarily, and she gains it for a short while. It's a real bummer for them, but it makes her a formidable ally."

Anthony's mind whirred with thoughts. The idea of having his reality-warping ability stolen by someone else sent shivers down his spine. He had promised himself never to use his power on people, but the fear of being vulnerable and powerless was overwhelming.

That night, as he lay in bed, Anthony couldn't shake the unease that filled him. He felt a gnawing anxiety, knowing that his power could be taken away from him with a single touch. Unable to sleep, he made a decision.

With a deep breath, Anthony focused all his concentration on his ability. He imagined it unstealable, uncopiable, forever his and his alone. It was a risky move, breaking his promise to himself, but the fear of losing control over his power outweighed everything else.

The following morning, Anthony felt different. An energy seemed to surge within him, and he felt both drained and exhilarated at the same time. He wondered if his attempt had worked, but he couldn't be sure.

Later that day, the X-Men were gathered in the training room, discussing their latest mission. It was then that the news of Rogue's absence reached them.

"Anna Marie's out on a solo mission," Scott informed the team. "She'll be gone for a few days. Let's hope she stays safe."

Anthony's heart sank at the news. He knew he had to be careful with his power, but he couldn't help worrying about Rogue and the potential consequences of her abilities. He decided to keep his own experiment a secret, not wanting to worry his friends or add more complications to the situation.

Days passed, and the X-Men carried on with their missions and training. Anthony tried to focus on honing his own abilities, hoping that he had done enough to safeguard himself from being vulnerable.

During one of their training sessions, Anthony couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was off. His power felt different, somehow. It was as if a part of it was missing, and he couldn't quite put his finger on why.

"Anthony, you all right?" Jean asked, noticing the distraction in his eyes.

He forced a smile. "Yeah, just a bit tired. I'll be fine."

As the days turned into weeks, Rogue's absence weighed heavily on Anthony's mind. He couldn't help but wonder if his own actions had any impact on her. He decided to confide in Bobby, hoping to find some reassurance.

"I did something, Bobby," Anthony finally admitted one evening. "I tried to protect my power from being stolen."

Bobby raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"I used my ability on myself," Anthony explained. "I imagined it as unstealable, as if no one else could ever have it. I don't know if it worked, but I can't shake this feeling that something's not right."

Bobby looked thoughtful. "Well, I'm not sure if that's a good idea, but I understand why you did it. Just be careful, Anthony. Your power is already unique, and tampering with it might have unintended consequences."

Anthony nodded, grateful for Bobby's understanding. He knew he had taken a risk, and he couldn't turn back now. All he could do was wait and see if his experiment had any lasting effects.

As the days passed, Rogue finally returned from her mission. Anthony watched from a distance as the others welcomed her back warmly. He kept his own secret close to his chest, not wanting to burden anyone with his worries.

However, as time went on, Anthony began to notice a subtle change in himself. His power felt stronger, more stable, and he no longer felt that nagging fear of vulnerability. It was as if he had truly become the master of his ability.

But with this newfound confidence came a sense of responsibility. Anthony knew he had to be even more cautious with his power now. He couldn't let his guard down, especially around those who didn't know the truth about him.

As he continued to grow and learn at the Institute, Anthony knew that he would always have to be vigilant. His reality-warping ability was a gift, but it also carried a weight of its own. He had to tread carefully, knowing that the power he possessed was both a blessing and a potential danger.

And so, as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Anthony embraced his place among the X-Men, ever mindful of the power he held within him. He learned to trust his teammates and rely on their support, but he also knew that he alone held the key to his own destiny.

The journey of a mutant was never easy, but Anthony was determined to make the most of it. And as he continued to grow, both as a mutant and as a person, he knew that he was exactly where he was meant to be – among the X-Men, a family of individuals with extraordinary abilities and the courage to face the challenges that lay ahead.

(A/N: Power stones, I don't want to keep reminding anyone, or be that guy....BUT POWERSTONES ARE NEED FOR A BETTER RANKING.)