Claire

Ethan's eyes narrowed as he took a step toward the mutant girl, his grip on the knives tightening. "Alright, let's start with the basics—who are you, why are you here, and why the hell aren't you locked up like the others?"

The girl hesitated before letting out a small sigh, brushing a strand of dark hair behind her ear. "My name's Claire. I'm with the X-Men."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "The X-Men, huh?" That was unexpected.

Claire nodded. "Professor X sent me to gather intel on this lab. I infiltrated weeks ago, but there were too many guards, and my abilities aren't suited for direct combat. So, I hid and waited for an opportunity."

Ethan smirked. "So, you're basically saying you were cowering in a corner while I did all the work?"

Claire glared at him. "I was waiting for a chance. You just happened to be that chance."

Ethan chuckled. "Alright, fine. So, what now?"

Claire took a deep breath. "If you take me to the main lab room, I can contact Professor X and arrange for these kids to be transported to the X-Mansion. They'll be safe there."

Ethan leaned back slightly, considering her words. "Hmm… sounds tempting." His eyes gleamed mischievously. "But what if you're just tricking me?" He twirled one of the knives in his hand. "I'd hate to get my hopes up just to have to kill you."

Claire crossed her arms. "I'm not lying."

Ethan shrugged. "We'll see."

He turned toward the mutant kids, who were watching him with a mix of awe and uncertainty. "Listen up, brats! Sit tight and don't panic. I'll be back soon, and then you'll all be out of here."

The children nodded hesitantly, placing their faith in him.

Ethan and Claire made their way through the ruined facility, stepping over bodies and broken equipment. As they walked, Claire stole glances at Ethan. He carried himself with the confidence of someone far older than fifteen. His humor, his efficiency in battle, his ability to stay composed—it all felt unnatural for someone his age.

"Something on your mind?" Ethan asked without looking at her.

Claire hesitated before speaking. "You… don't act like a fifteen-year-old."

Ethan smirked. "Yeah, well, let's just say I've had an interesting life."

Before Claire could ask anything else, they arrived at the main lab room. Ethan kicked the door open dramatically. "After you, princess."

Claire rolled her eyes but quickly got to work, accessing the communication panel. Within moments, she made contact. "Professor, it's me. The lab's been wiped out, and I have a group of young mutants who need evacuation."

A calm yet authoritative voice responded. "Understood. We're sending a team. Hold your position."

Claire turned to Ethan. "They're coming."

Ethan nodded. "Alright, I'll go tell the kids."

He walked back to the imprisoned children, his usual grin in place. "Good news, little ones. You're about to get a one-way ticket to somewhere safe."

The children's expressions shifted from fear to hope. Some even smiled. Claire watched from a distance, still puzzled by Ethan's maturity and ease in handling the situation.

Half an hour later, a sudden noise caught Ethan's attention. A distinct sound—an aircraft approaching.

He looked up, his grin widening. "Well, well… looks like our ride's here."

As the X-Men's jet prepared to land, excitement bubbled in Ethan's chest.

He was about to meet the heroes he had once only seen on TV.