yellow bird flying

[cutting_edgex23]

X doesn't leave any notes.

She takes Thor to Greymalkin Industries, acknowledging the mutants they pass with a quick flickering gaze, then moving quickly on.

It's the walk of an X-23 with business to attend to. They've all seen it before. Only half of them manage to ignore the Asgardian that accompanies her.

Once they've made it to the garage, X fishes out helmets for both of them, then checks two motorcycles (her usual and one other) for full gas tanks and decent repair.

That done, they're ready to go.

It's going to be a long, travel-filled week. And at the end --

Well.

They'll find out when they get there.

Comments

[cutting_edgex23]

Soaring through the void, feeling the pull of her own world at her feet, X hears the last fading remnants of the Enigma Force within her.

My little star. My chosen vessel. How bright you burn. Never forget. This is just the beginning.

It has work to do elsewhere.

So does she.

The Baxter Building reforms itself around her, charred machinery littering the ground. But Valeria is okay, and being held tight by Reed and Sue. Spider-Man is upright, and the aliens, and Thor.

Thor.

X takes a step forward, gently kicking a piece of metal out of her way. (It helps to make noise, sometimes.)

"Thor," she says, making sure her voice rings clear.

It is a place to start.

[mjolnir_retriever]

Thor spins, relief spreading over his face like a wash of sunlight.

Even if the relief is abruptly tripped up by confusion.

It's X, or at least it looks and stands like her -- but that energy he felt faintly responding to the demon is now far stronger. More to the point, she's blue and white and glowing. Not blue like a Jötun; blue like the heart of a flame.

[cutting_edgex23]

"I am okay," she says simply.

And, internally -- You can go now. Thank you.

Little Avatar. The Enigma Force's voice comes from everywhere and nowhere, and is audible this time to all.

You will never need to thank me. The reverse is also true. I will find you again, when the universe calls for it. As you will find me.

And then the Uni-Power is gone and only X remains.

She is not blue anymore.

Even if she does, suddenly, look really tired.

[mjolnir_retriever]

She's getting a hug.

Unless she really, really doesn't want one.

"My friend. I'm glad you've returned safely."

[cutting_edgex23]

X hugs back, hard and fierce.

Sometimes, after bearding an evil extradimensional demon in his home dimension and serving as host to a cosmic entity, a person just really needs to.

Then, into Thor's sternum --

"I told you. I am hard to kill."

(She is glad, too.)

[mjolnir_retriever]

Thor chuckles.

"I'm aware."

It's pretty well tested!

"But the realms can be difficult to pass between."

He'll release X, if she wants. But if she's still holding tight, she can get hugged for as long as she wants.

(The Future Foundation are looking more than a little confused by all of this. But they're also kind of preoccupied.

Valeria is either getting grounded or hugged forever; it's not entirely clear which yet.)

[cutting_edgex23]

X shrugs, one-shouldered and quick and still hugging Thor.

She'll step back after another few moments. Maybe a minute or two.

Really.

"It is easier," X says, after a long silent moment. "When I can see the stars."

It is difficult to explain why this may be the case.

But it is true. For her. For now.

Speaking of now --

"You are hungry? There is a diner nearby. With good pancakes."

What?

[mjolnir_retriever]

Thor has no idea why that's the case, but he'll remember it.

It could be important.

And then he grins, bright and relieved and (as always) utterly genuine.

"Very well. Lead on, my friend."

Pancakes are pretty awesome.

[cutting_edgex23]

X leaves a contact number for the Future Foundation on her way out.

They probably have questions.

But in the meantime --

Food.

So much food. With a friend.

And then home.

[mjolnir_retriever]

There are far worse things.

There are, in fact, few better.