Chapter 35 - Unveiling New Abilities

In the days following the successful mission, Anthony was eager to further develop his reality-warping abilities. The memory of freezing time to stop the terrorist group's plan had left a profound impact on him. He knew he had the potential to harness this power even further.

With determined focus, Anthony secluded himself in the training room. He stood at the center of the room, closing his eyes and taking deep breaths. His heart raced with anticipation as he attempted to replicate the time-freezing move he had used during the mission.

At first, his attempts were met with failure. Time and again, he tried to concentrate on a specific area and stop time within it, but the seconds continued to tick away as if mocking his efforts.

Frustration welled up inside him, and he declined any help from his teammates. He knew he had to master this power on his own. He was afraid of relying too much on others, fearing it would weaken his resolve to control his own abilities.

Jean Grey, who had been observing his training from afar, approached him with concern in her eyes. "Anthony, I understand that you want to do this on your own, but sometimes accepting help can be a strength, not a weakness. We are a team, and we support each other."

Anthony sighed, feeling torn. "I know, Jean, but this power is mine, and I need to figure it out myself. I can't let it control me."

Jean nodded understandingly, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Alright, but remember that we're here for you if you need us."

Determined to master his ability, Anthony continued his training day after day. He spent hours focusing on controlling the flow of time in small, controlled areas. Each time he failed, he grew more frustrated, but he refused to give up.

One evening, as the sun set on the horizon, Anthony felt a newfound sense of calm and focus. His mind seemed to connect with the very fabric of time itself. He closed his eyes, envisioning the area he wanted to freeze.

In that moment, time seemed to stand still within the designated space. Anthony's eyes snapped open, and a thrill of excitement coursed through him. He had done it!

His teammates, who had been watching from a distance, erupted into cheers and applause. Anthony's face broke into a proud smile as he realized he had accomplished his goal.

He approached Jean, who was beaming with pride. "I did it, Jean! I actually froze time again!"

Jean hugged him warmly. "I knew you could do it, Anthony. I'm so proud of you."

With his newfound ability to freeze time, Anthony's confidence soared. He continued to train and refine his powers, always striving to push the boundaries of what he could do.

One day, during a training session with Nightcrawler, Anthony found himself facing a new challenge. Nightcrawler's agility and teleportation abilities made him a formidable opponent.

As they sparred, Anthony used his telekinesis to create barriers and block Nightcrawler's attacks. He felt the rush of adrenaline as he dodged and countered Nightcrawler's swift movements.

Nightcrawler, impressed by Anthony's progress, grinned. "You're getting better, mein freund. Keep up the good work."

Anthony nodded, sweat pouring down his brow. "Thanks, Kurt. It's been a lot of hard work, but I'm getting there."

As days turned into weeks, Anthony's abilities continued to evolve. He discovered new ways to use his reality-warping powers, creating intricate illusions and bending the fabric of reality to his will.

During one training session, Wolverine approached him, cigar in hand. "You're shaping up to be a real asset, kid. Just remember, your powers are a gift, not a burden. Embrace them, and don't be afraid to use them when the time comes."

Anthony nodded, taking Wolverine's words to heart. He knew that his powers were a part of who he was, and he couldn't let fear hold him back.

With each passing day, Anthony grew more confident in his abilities and his place among the X-Men. He had come a long way from the hesitant, introverted teenager who had first arrived at the institute.

As he continued to train and hone his skills, Anthony knew that there would always be new challenges and adversaries to face. But with the support of his teammates and the strength of his own determination, he was ready to face whatever the future held.

And so, the journey of Anthony, the reality-warping mutant, continued. With each step forward, he grew more into the hero he was destined to become, embracing his powers and using them for the greater good.

(A/N: see now i post slow cause i have no stones to keep moving forward.)