Yuri stared at Aron, her mind racing. She couldn't deny the allure of his offer. The system she had believed in, fought for and devoted her life to had failed her. And yet, a part of her hesitated. Could she really abandon everything she knew and align herself with someone like Aron who is on a different level and revered as a God by many? Was it the right decision? Or was she being reckless? She didn't know. "Join me." The phrase echoed in her mind, clashing with everything she'd spent her life believing.
"What would joining you even mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Her throat felt tight as if the words themselves might choke her. "I'm not... like you. I don't have powers. I don't know how to do what you do."
"You don't need powers to make a difference, Yuri. You have something far more important: courage. You've already proven that by standing up against a system designed to crush people like you. That's why I want you on my side," Aron said, holding her hands. "This world is broken. The rich and powerful prey on the weak, and those who are supposed to protect them turn a blind eye or worse, join in. I've seen it everywhere, and I've had enough. I'm building something new, something better. A world where justice isn't for sale and people like you don't have to fight alone."
Yuri watched him, torn between skepticism and a growing sense of hope. "And how exactly are you planning to do that? Overthrow governments? Tear down the system?"
"Not tear it down, but reshape it. Corruption spreads like rot because it's left unchecked. But if you cut it out completely, you can start fresh. It won't be easy, and it won't happen overnight. But with the right people, it can happen," He explained patiently, his voice low and intense.
"And you think I'm one of those 'right people'?" She asked.
"I know you are," Aron said firmly. "You've already proven you're willing to risk everything for what's right. You just need the resources and support to actually make a difference. That's what I'm offering."
She frowned, still unsure. "And what's in it for you? Why go to all this trouble?"
His eyes softened, and for a moment, she saw a flicker of vulnerability.
"Well, let's start from the beginning. You see, all I ever wanted was a peaceful life free of worries. I had the power to do so much more yet I chose to turn a blind eye for far too long. I thought as long as I am happy and safe, the world can burn for all I care. But then... I don't know how to say it... It's like a calling, a destiny. Something deep inside me kept telling me that I had to do something, that I couldn't sit around anymore. That there are things more important than my own happiness." He said in a calm voice, a small smile tugging at his lips.
After a little pause, he pulled back his hand and continued...
"Back then, I just did it. Used my power without even hiding or thinking twice about the consequences of my actions and brought them all back to life and it almost killed me. Then I saw it. The people I saved are either suffering or they are busy hurting others like those bastards skimmed the disaster funds. I saw kids sleeping in the cold without proper food or blankets. Then those bastards from the banks, stealing others hard-earned money forcing them to take their own lives. Then there are those who want to hunt my kind... If I wanted I could have just flipped things around. I could have taken over everything. I could have made myself the King or the Emperor, and no one could have done anything about it."
Yuri looked at him, her expression thoughtful. "Why didn't you?"
Aron smiled, his eyes shining with an inner light. "Then I thought, what would the point be? I could have become the most powerful man on Earth, but what then? I would have to deal with politics, corruption, backstabbing, and all the other crap that comes with power. Besides, you already know about the aliens. There's only so much one man can do alone. So, I need people like you to deal with the humanity side while I will deal with the alien side. A perfect balance between both."
She stared at him, speechless for a moment. "Are you saying you're going to fight those aliens?"
"I am," he said simply. "And I won't just fight them, I will make sure they don't ever dare to attack Earth again. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you the biggest news yet. In four days, I'll be freeing Genosha and ending their slavery. So, I'll be too busy. I need you, Yuri. I need you to handle things on this side. So, I ask again, will you join me and fight for a better future?"
Yuri was quiet for a long moment, considering his words. "You know I never trusted in higher powers, but you... you're something else entirely. What you're saying is insane, but for some reason, I feel like I can trust you. So..." She extended her hand with a smile. "I'm in."
Aron took her hand and shook it with a smile.
"Welcome aboard, Yuri."
"So, what's the plan? When do we start?" She asked, ready to jump into action.
That night, both Aron and Yuri captured all the corrupted bastards and as usual, Aron manipulated them to make a public confession, plus he made them give back the money they stole. It caused a huge wave of shock and outcry. And his presence in the Police Headquarters was enough for the cops and higher officials to stand down. As much as he hated using his power to force others, it was a necessary step to minimize corruption. The corrupt were arrested that night and Yuri became the face of the operation.
The next morning, she was given a new position. But she declined and announced the formation of a new squad that would deal with crimes without any mercy. The President of the United States who had received a visit from Aron last night agreed with him and supported the formation of the new squad.
[2 days later] [Yuri's new office]
"Argg!" Yuri grabbed her head and leaned back. "You have any idea how many papers I had signed today?"
"Good exercise for your wrist," Aron grinned and sat in front of her desk. "How are things going here?"
"Who thought I would end up doing this? All those people, looking up to me like I am some kind of hero..." She said and laughed.
"Overwhelming, right?" He asked noticing the number of flowers and letters she received from the victims' families. "You're doing great, Yuri."
"Thanks to you. But I'm really glad... To think within just 2 days I would get this far," She said with a happy smile.
"I guess you can call it destiny," Aron said, tapping his chin.
"Yeah, well, my destiny has a lot of paperwork in it," she grumbled, glancing down at the pile of files on her desk.
He chuckled, standing up and walking around her office. "Oh, this is nice," he said, examining the photographs on her walls. "Your dad?" He asked.
"Yeah. We were very close. He was a cop too. Before he... you know."
Aron nodded, knowing what she meant. "Don't you ever get thoughts like asking me to bring back your dad or anyone closer to you who died?" He asked with a serious expression.
"Who wouldn't? But... Life and death is the part of nature. And you said that it almost killed you last time. I don't want you to risk your life for my selfish desires. I'm not that type of person. Besides, I know he's looking over me from up there. And as long as I remember him, he will live forever in my heart," Yuri said with a sad smile.
"He's proud of you, you know. I'm sure of it."
"Thank you," she said softly, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I wish he could meet you."
Aron smiled, patting her shoulder before turning to leave. "Well, I will let you get back to work. Good luck with the paperwork. You're gonna need it. Oh, I almost forgot... I'm sorry for that accident. I told you I'd keep an eye out, but things happened and I had to prepare for the Genosha raid." He opened his palm and a pair of gloves appeared out of the thin air. He used telekinesis to move them toward her.
"Gloves?" Yuri took them with a questioning look.
"Always wear them, no matter where you are. Unless you are attacked by someone stronger than Phoenix, you'll be unkillable and unstoppable. Good Luck," With that, he disappeared with a bamf!
Yuri held the gloves in her hands, staring at them in wonder. "Unkillable? Unstoppable?" She muttered. "Sigh! I have no idea how he deals with so much pressure. He kinda looked tired... Or, maybe it's just me."
She shook her head, then put the gloves on before returning to her work.
'Time to get back to work,' she thought, picking up another file from the pile on her desk. 'After all, I've got a lot to do.'
...
Aron stood before the Xavier's school... He opened a portal. Jean and the others came from the other side and stood behind him. It was time...
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AN: 1 more chapter before this vol ends. Next vol will start with Genosha Raid followed by Thanos. Expect big action scenes and segs.
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