88 50 Years

After that Eric slipped away with Angel, and Charles departed alongside Psylocke. Left to her own devices in the manor, Storm stood tall, her admiration for Raven evident in her demeanor.

Storm, renowned for her unconventional hairstyle, refused to be bound by mainstream expectations. Unlike the original portrayal where she had smooth, long locks, her choice to embrace a unique style added depth to her character.

In response to Storm's heartfelt plea, Alex generously funded the establishment of an orphanage for a group of children Storm had rescued. This gesture not only fulfilled Storm's wish but also provided her with a peaceful sanctuary in the United States.

Time had elapsed since the cataclysmic events in Cairo, ushering in a period of remarkable safety and stability. Apocalypse's disposal of nuclear weapons into space, coupled with the formidable strength of mutants, dissuaded humanity from antagonizing mutants.

However, a sense of uncertainty lingered, with the looming question of where the next crisis might arise weighing on everyone's minds.

"Anya, your potential exceeds what you've yet to uncover. Listen to the symphony of nature; it will unveil the answers you seek," Alex, situated within the manor, guided Anya in honing her ability to commune with nature. Every tree and plant became her conduit, granting her insight beyond sight.

Anya closed her eyes, hands clasped together, attuning herself to the ambient sounds. The air around her seemed to crystallize as she discerned myriad whispers and glimpsed distant vistas.

Anya's eyes snapped open, and she stumbled to the ground, a wave of dizziness washing over her.

"I did it! I can hear the plants!" Anya exclaimed, her smile tinged with exhaustion from the strain of her newfound ability, momentarily overwhelming her.

"Anya's put in quite the effort; now it's time for some well-deserved rest," Alex said gently, guiding Anya into a nearby room. Feeling woozy, Anya quickly succumbed to sleep.

"Seems like it's getting late," Raven teased, leaning against the door frame.

"Oh?" Alex reached out, drawing Raven close, his arms encircling her waist.

"What mischief are you planning?" Raven eyed Alex with playful suspicion.

"You'll see soon enough," Alex replied cryptically.

After a few hours of hardcore activities...

"What have Emma Frost and Jessica been up to lately?" Alex inquired, realizing he hadn't kept in touch with them.

"You and Howard have been slacking off; Emma's been running Stark Industries, and Jessica's been hitting the gym," Raven replied with a mischievous grin.

"I see." Alex chuckled softly, pleased that his companions were pursuing their own interests.

Seven or eight years had passed since the last Apocalypse crisis, bringing the timeline to 1990. Alex had spent fifty years navigating this world.

"I think I'll pay a visit to Charles' school; it always puts me at ease," Alex said, giving Raven a light kiss before teleporting directly to the entrance of Charles Xavier's Manor.

The place bustled with activity, filled with mutant children whom Charles had gathered over the years.

As Alex strolled in, Charles greeted him warmly. "What brings you here today?"

"Why not? Can't I visit when I have some free time? I heard Storm and Jean are both teaching here, so I thought I'd drop by and see for myself," Alex replied with a grin.

"Professor," a black-haired boy approached.

"Is he new here? What's his mutation?" Alex inquired, eyeing the unfamiliar face.

"He's Nightcrawler, Kurt. What you're seeing is due to this device," Charles explained, lifting Nightcrawler's wrist to reveal a watch-like contraption.

"But Alex, you've arrived at the perfect moment. I've discovered a mutant who appears to possess frog or toad traits. How about we investigate?" Charles suggested to Alex.

"Toad?" Alex mused, recalling the character from X-Men 1 who served Magneto—the amphibious Toad.

Considering the story's trajectory, there's a chance this Toad could eventually align with Eric.

"I'm not particularly intrigued. I came to catch up with Storm and Jean. Whether to recruit this individual is your call," Alex shrugged.

(End of this chapter)

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