In the chairman's office at Oscorp, Vincent Hall watched the US news reports.
Thousands dead, yet suppressed. The media's gaze was forcefully redirected back to the Vatican incident.
Such talent in news manipulation, Vincent thought with a smirk. Truly impressive.
"Desire Points have accumulated nicely. Time to upgrade the Ice Fruit and Hydro-Kinesis."
It wasn't that he preferred ice. It was that ice and water complemented each other perfectly on Earth. The Mera Mera no Mi (Flame Fruit) was sufficient for now.
Vincent wanted to draw stronger abilities.
"If I could pull a Kryptonian or Saiyan physique... I'd dump every point into maxing it out."
But if he couldn't, he had a backup plan. Concentrate all resources on one ability until it broke reality.
He chose the Hie Hie no Mi (Ice Fruit).
Breaking through to Tier 3 would involve deep universal laws. True Absolute Zero.
Currently, his "Absolute Zero" was just really cold. He estimated it was around -270°C. True Absolute Zero (-273.15°C) stopped time and motion at the quantum level.
Happy Hogan called again.
"Mr. Hall, I've arranged Tony's private jet to fly Miss Raven to New York. Stark Industries staff will drive her to Oscorp Tower."
Happy was polite.
"Thank you, Happy. You're a reliable friend. I won't forget this," Vincent smiled.
Raven—Mystique—was at rock bottom.
For Vincent, this was the perfect time to claim her. A top-tier spy, even without powers, was invaluable. And loyalty forged in despair was the strongest kind.
Vincent pressed the intercom. "Julia, come to my office."
"Yes, sir."
Julia Roberts, his assistant, was growing into her role. In a few years, she would be a titan of industry.
She walked in, serious but with eyes that said, You haven't touched me in a while.
Vincent wasn't in the mood for games.
"I need you to buy a luxury property near Central Park. Immediately."
Julia's eyes lit up. Spending money was her favorite sport. "Consider it done, Mr. Hall."
She made a call. Ten minutes later, five portfolios of vacant penthouses were on his desk.
"Pick one."
Vincent chose one and pushed the other four back to her.
"I get to choose one?" Julia gasped.
"Of course."
She squealed and kissed him deeply.
"Have mine furnished and ready in three hours," Vincent ordered.
"Understood. I'm on it."
"Also, buy the other three. Take your time negotiating."
Vincent turned his attention to the stock market. Stark Industries was stable at $35. No news on the Arc Reactor yet.
Opportunity.
But Tony was arrogant. Would he collaborate?
Oscorp Tower. Evening.
Raven looked out the window at the New York skyline.
Her feelings were complicated. Being abandoned by Magneto had been a wake-up call. Being human felt... strangely light.
But what touched her most was Vincent. One phone call, and he sent a private jet.
Compared to Magneto, her "brother" in arms, Vincent treated her with dignity.
"He was right," she thought. "Mutants are just humans with a mutation. If a cure exists, the government will mandate it. Maybe the era of mutants is ending."
But that wasn't her problem anymore.
She smoothed her suit. She looked sharp, professional. But her cold expression intimidated Julia.
"Mr. Hall is waiting for you," Julia said, then left.
Raven turned to Vincent and finally smiled.
"You probably noticed. I'm human now."
She knew Vincent's tastes. He liked the exotic. Being human might be a disappointment.
"I told you, you've always been human," Vincent said. "As for your powers... 'lost' might be inaccurate."
"Do you have a way to restore them?" Raven asked, hope flickering.
"I've studied Jimmy, the Leech," Vincent explained. "He suppresses the X-Gene within ten meters. He doesn't destroy it. Once the suppression chemicals leave your system, your powers will return."
"Return?" Raven's eyes burned.
"Yes. But it takes time."
Raven walked over and sat in his lap.
"Vincent... you gave me hope. I knew you could solve this."
"You have options," Vincent said, stroking her back. "One: Join Oscorp, lead a project, and use my resources to speed up the recovery. Two: Wait it out. Three: I can try to purge the chemicals manually, but I need test subjects first."
Raven hugged him tighter.
"You want me to join Oscorp?"
"No. I want you to control Oscorp. I'm young. I need someone who understands the shadows to run my empire."
"I'm a wanted fugitive," Raven chuckled.
"And I'm the guy who just sank a Carrier Strike Group," Vincent whispered. "If yesterday's news taught you anything, it's that the US government is afraid of me. You are under my protection."
Raven was stunned. He did that?
"Besides," Vincent continued, "the only threats on Earth are the Ancient One and a fully unleashed Jean Grey."
"Jean?"
"The Phoenix Force inside her can rewrite the universe. Compared to that, Magneto is a child playing with magnets."
Raven was reeling. The scope of this man's knowledge and ambition was terrifying.
"What about Charles?"
"Charles is too kind. He binds himself with morality. It's a blessing for humanity, but a curse for mutantkind."
"If it were you, what would you do?" Raven asked.
"War," Vincent said simply. "Unite humanity against an external threat. Or make everyone a mutant. If everyone is special, no one is."
"Can you do that?"
"Maybe."
Vincent stood up, patting her hip. "Let's go. You need rest. No more running."
"I... I understand."
"Raven!"
A voice echoed in her mind.
Charles Xavier.
Vincent stopped. He saw Raven freeze.
"Come home, Raven," Charles projected, his mental voice full of sorrow.
"No, Charles," Raven said aloud. "I'm not a mutant anymore. I have a new life."
"That demon will destroy you," Charles warned.
Vincent narrowed his eyes. Demon?
"System. Upgrade Psychic Immunity."
Immunity was passive. He wanted to be active.
[Desire Points -3 Million: Psychic Immunity -> Telepathy]
"Keep going."
[Desire Points -30 Million: Telepathy -> Psychic Sovereign]
Psychic Sovereign (Entry): Absolute control over one's own mind and the ability to dominate others.
[Wealth Points -300 Million: Psychic Sovereign (Entry) -> (Mastered)]
Boom.
Information flooded his brain. His soul felt dense, tangible. He could project his consciousness. He could warp reality through sheer mental will.
"No, Charles," Raven said firmly. "He is my hope."
Vincent smiled gently. "Let me talk to the Professor."
He looked into Raven's eyes and piggybacked on the psychic link.
Hello, Professor, Vincent projected.
Charles gasped in the astral plane.
Ice Demon... I knew your mind was shielded, but I didn't know you were a telepath.
I am many things, Vincent replied, his mental voice booming like thunder in Xavier's mind. And Raven stays with me.
He severed the connection with a mental blade.
Raven blinked. "What did you do?"
"Just said hello," Vincent grinned. "Let's go home."
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