Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Date: February 15, 1999

Location: Joestar Residence, David's Room

David stirred awake slowly, the remnants of exhaustion still clinging to him from the spells he'd cast two weeks ago. He was more cautious now, aware of how draining high-tier magic could be, especially when combined with maintaining his telepathic shield. Yet, as he opened his eyes and felt the invisible, protective barrier around the house, a small sense of relief settled over him. For the first time, he could trust that his family was safe, shielded from both mundane and supernatural threats.

He hadn't told Emily or Jonathan about his "vigilante activities" or his powers. And despite the small pang of guilt it brought, he knew it was better this way. They were his anchor to a normal life, his reason to keep his powers in check. And right now, they seemed happier than ever.

---

Location: Lionheart Dojo, Later That Day

David had been training hard, honing his martial skills with precision and intensity. The added stamina from his flute practice had been paying off, allowing him to train longer and push himself further than most students. The instructor had taken note of his progress, even offering a few private sessions to help him refine his movements and increase his agility.

After his last set of drills, David caught his breath, glancing at the mirrored wall. His reflection stared back, resolute and unyielding. This dojo had been a place of grounding for him, a space where he could focus on the physical, where he could push himself without relying on his powers. But the looming MCU events were never far from his mind.

---

Location: Joestar Residence, Evening

That evening, David sat with his parents around the dinner table, the warmth of their family routine making the worries of the world seem distant, almost irrelevant. Emily asked about his studies and flute practice, her face lighting up when he recounted his small victories. Jonathan gave a few encouraging nods, occasionally sharing stories from his own high school days, which always made Emily roll her eyes and smile.

After dinner, as he helped his mother clear the dishes, David took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his recent decision settle in. He'd thought about it for a while, wrestling with his responsibilities and his knowledge of the world around him. The X-Men, the Avengers, the threats that loomed on the horizon—he couldn't just stand by.

Once the dishes were done and his parents had gone upstairs, David retreated to his room, his mind buzzing with the determination to make a difference. He couldn't change everything, but he could certainly tip the scales in some events. If he wanted to make an impact by 2003's X-Men United storyline, he'd need to establish himself.

Sliding open the drawer where he kept his vigilante costume, he ran his fingers over the mask. So far, "Shadowflame" had only been known in the shadows of London, but in time, he could expand that reach. He pulled on the suit, feeling the familiar weight and purpose it brought him.

After opening his window, he whispered his latest order, "I have the ability to turn invisible," and slipped outside, moving soundlessly into the night.

---

Location: Streets of London

The streets were quiet tonight, but he didn't mind. He was getting better at tracking down trouble, using his power with careful consideration to avoid becoming too dependent on any one ability. Tonight, he settled on "I have pyrokinesis" as his main order, hoping to build his reputation in the minds of those who might witness him.

As he leapt from rooftop to rooftop, David was surprised to feel a slight thrill. The world looked different from up here, and for a moment, he reveled in the freedom his abilities allowed him. The city below was his, every shadow and corner within his reach.

Finally, his detection order pinged—two men robbing a late-night convenience store. David dropped down, quiet and quick, his pyrokinesis flickering to life as he stepped forward. Flames danced in his palms, casting an eerie glow that caused the robbers to freeze in shock.

["Put it down and leave,"] he ordered, his altered voice echoing through the small shop. The robbers, wide-eyed, scrambled to the ground, their hands raised. David kept the flames in his hands steady as they backed out, only lowering his guard once he was sure they'd fled.

The shopkeeper, hidden behind the counter, gave a grateful nod, but David slipped out before they could say anything. He'd found that staying mysterious kept people more focused on his actions than his identity.

---

Location: Joestar Residence, Late Night

When he returned home, David canceled his invisibility and quietly climbed back through his window, stowing his costume away. Exhausted but exhilarated, he collapsed into bed, grateful for the chance to make even a small difference tonight.

---

Location: Mirror Dimension

The Ancient One watched once more, her curiosity sharpened by his recent actions. She'd been monitoring his unique brand of magic, noting the new spells and strange powers that didn't align with Earth's natural order. Tier Magic. Pyrokinesis. The voice that boomed through the streets of London—Shadowflame was growing, and so was his influence. But at what cost?

Though she still saw promise in him, the Ancient One also sensed a dangerous weight gathering around him. She could only hope that when the time came, he'd be ready for the choices he'd have to make. And if he wasn't, she would be.

End of chap