The Changes

"Behold, Charles, my triumph is complete. Every X-gene carrier in New York will awaken as Mutants," Eric declared with a victorious flourish, unleashing both the X-Men and his cohorts.

With his mission accomplished, Eric saw no reason to heed Charles's opposition any longer. The shackles of restraint could be cast aside; freedom was theirs once more.

"No, Eric! You've wrought havoc upon New York!" Charles's voice rang out, heavy with sorrow and dismay.

He surveyed the chaotic aftermath: countless individuals wielding newfound powers without restraint, terrorizing the ordinary populace. Opportunists seized the chance to carve out their own dominions, plunging the world into further disarray.

New powers clashed with the old, heralding a grim epoch of violence and suffering.

As the machinery fell silent, sweat beading on Anna's brow, even Logan and Sabretooth appeared drained, their forms now worn by exhaustion.

Approaching them, Eric gently lifted Sabretooth before turning to Logan, extending a hand in solidarity. "You will be revered as heroes among Mutants. Your valor will be etched in history," he intoned solemnly, acknowledging their sacrifices amidst this tumultuous upheaval.

Logan hesitated, casting a wary glance at Eric before clasping his hand, torn between resentment and gratitude for the role Eric played in shaping him into a mutant icon.

"My apologies," Eric's voice softened as he turned to Anna, noting the traces of fatigue etched into her youthful features.

With a tender gesture, Eric released Anna from her restraints and extended his hand to her.

Yet Anna recoiled in fear, her trust shattered by the horrors she had undergone.

Eric's expression darkened, withdrawing his hand with a heavy sigh.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, a vial clutched in his hand.

"I'm sorry for startling you, Anna. I didn't mean to arrive late," Alex approached Anna, his voice tinged with remorse as he offered the potion.

Tears filled Anna's eyes as she sought solace in Alex's embrace, her sobs reverberating through the tense atmosphere.

"I wanted to surprise you, but I never anticipated this outcome," Alex confessed, pressing the vial into Anna's trembling hand.

"This is surprise enough," Anna managed a tearful smile.

"Drink it. It'll help you control your abilities and interact with others," Alex encouraged gently.

But Anna shook her head resolutely, discarding the potion. "I can touch you," she declared, her joy palpable.

For Anna, the gesture meant more than any potion. It was enough for her.

After all, fifteen was the age of budding affection.

Alex, unaffected by time due to the super soldier serum and mutant genes, retained his youthful allure, his charisma drawing admirers like moths to a flame.

"Alex, it worked! I've done it!" Eric exclaimed, gripping Alex's shoulder with excitement.

"Yes, but it's unleashing chaos upon New York," Alex replied solemnly, his tone heavy with significance.

Some individuals who hadn't fully activated their X-gene experienced a surge of stimulation, leading to complete mutations, transforming them into beings akin to electric men, water men, and even Sandmen.

"It all adds up!"

The whirring of helicopter propellers interrupted their conversation, signaling the discovery of the source—the Statue of Liberty. These people weren't fools.

"Looks like trouble's headed your way. I'll leave now," Alex remarked, observing the approaching helicopter and shimmering lights. Without hesitation, he scooped up Anna and teleported away from the Statue of Liberty.

This wasn't his mess to clean up. Even Anna was an unwitting victim in all of this.

As Eric's radiation enveloped New York, the city braced for the ensuing chaos.

Awakened individuals with a myriad of abilities emerged, some choosing the path of righteousness, while others succumbed to the allure of super-ability crimes. Good-hearted souls took it upon themselves to maintain justice, becoming street heroes fighting against the tide of crime.

Meanwhile, opportunistic careerists seized control of the underground, giving rise to even greater evil.

With New York descending into chaos at an alarming rate, the future seemed bleak. Explosions, crimes, and wanted super-criminals plagued the city, while underground gangs ran rampant.

Yet, no matter how embroiled Alex became in the turmoil, anyone foolish enough to threaten his home would be swiftly dealt with.

(End of Chapter)

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