Part 1: Morning Calm
Location: Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters
Time: Morning
The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Xavier's mansion, casting soft beams over the polished floor. Riven stepped out of the shower, the steam curling away from his bare shoulders. He toweled off in silence, the slight ache in his torso a fading reminder of the sparring session from the night before. The wound on his side had mostly closed, his healing abilities kicking in overnight—not instant like Logan's, but fast enough to avoid needing stitches.
He dressed simply, a dark grey t-shirt and black jeans, and made his way to the kitchen. The halls were quieter than usual, though the murmurs of morning routines echoed faintly. As he entered, a few students already seated at tables noticed him. Some glanced away quickly, unsure. A few others whispered.
"That's him... the guy who flew," one boy murmured.
"He fought Bobby, right?"
Riven ignored the chatter and quietly filled a tray with scrambled eggs, toast, and black coffee. He sat in the corner, away from the cluster of students. A few brave ones slowly joined him, saying nothing, just sharing the silence. Others kept their distance, eyes wide with curiosity or caution.
After finishing his meal, he took a moment to breathe. Then he rose, placed his tray back, and headed toward the infirmary.
Inside the medical wing, he entered the room where the children rescued from the Hydra base were recovering. Some were awake, others still resting under gentle sedation. One boy—a familiar face from the lab—spotted him and weakly raised a hand.
"Riven..."
Riven approached, kneeling beside the bed. "You're safe now. No one's going to hurt you again."
The boy nodded, eyes moist but grateful.
After a few more minutes spent among them, Riven left the infirmary and sought out Xavier. He found him in his study, the soft hum of the old room a comforting contrast to the sharp tension of the past few days.
"You're leaving," Xavier said, even before Riven spoke.
Riven gave a small nod. "This place is good for them. He'll be safer here than anywhere else."
Xavier folded his hands. "You're not wrong. But I hope you know, you have a place here too."
Riven gave a half-smile. "Thanks. But I have unfinished business."
Outside, Jean and Cyclops stood near the front steps, talking in hushed tones. They fell silent as Riven approached. Beast, Monroe, and Logan waited nearby. Beast gave him a small nod of respect.
"You sure you don't want a ride?" Logan asked, arms crossed.
Riven smirked faintly. "Nah. I fly."
With that, he stepped out onto the front lawn. Students watched from the steps, windows, and balconies. As his feet slowly lifted off the ground, propelled by his telekinetic force, a few of the younger kids waved shyly.
Riven gave a brief nod, then soared into the sky, disappearing over the tree line.