Marvel: My Eyes Defies Fate.

"Is it worth it?"

Kurogai looked at Rogue quietly, his voice low but probing. Was it really worth it? Sacrificing the chance to rid herself of a burden she'd carried all her life—just for him?

"It is."

Rogue nodded without hesitation. Her expression was calm, resolute. She rolled up her sleeve and extended her pale, delicate arm toward Kurogai, offering him her blood without a trace of fear.

Perhaps in the past, she'd doubted herself, questioned how things came to this point. But now, Rogue understood what her heart truly wanted. She had no regrets anymore.

"If that's your decision," Kurogai said with a faint smile, his voice deep and steady, "then I promise you this, Rogue. Just be sure you won't come to regret it later."

A small blade shimmered into his hand, the edge catching the light. With one smooth motion, he sliced across her forearm. Her crimson blood flowed gently, a stark contrast against her pale skin, and dripped into Kurogai's waiting palm. As the drops touched his skin, they were absorbed instantly—drawn into the Ultimate Eye, sealed within its mysterious power.

When he had gathered enough, Kurogai sealed the wound with a slow breath, but Rogue was already swaying. Her face had gone pale, her steps unsteady. Between the exhaustion from the recent battle and the sudden blood loss, her body couldn't take it anymore.

She collapsed forward—but didn't hit the floor. Kurogai caught her effortlessly, his arms wrapping around her as if it were instinct.

"You're still weak," he said gently, lifting her into his arms. "You need to rest."

He carried her across the room and laid her down on the bed, her head gently resting against the pillow. Then, with a flick of his hand, a wisp of bluish flame appeared at his fingertips—the Undying Fire. It danced softly, crackling with the essence of the Phoenix Force, a powerful regenerative energy that had already once saved Jean Grey.

The flame drifted over Rogue's wound, healing it instantly. The skin mended smoothly, as though it had never been cut. Kurogai didn't stop there. Drawing upon the ambient magic around him, he began etching a glowing circle in the air—a protection sigil, both a safeguard and a symbol of his acknowledgment.

"This is a protective spell," he said calmly. "It allows me to sense your presence and keep you safe."

The glowing seal embedded itself into her, vanishing into her skin with a soft pulse. This wasn't just a defensive tool. Skye had it. Jean had it. Even Wanda. And now Rogue bore the mark too. It was Kurogai's silent way of saying: You're one of mine now.

A girl had risked this much for him. What kind of man would he be if he gave her nothing in return?

"I accept your condition," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Get some rest. When you're better, I'll come back. From now on… you're my woman."

He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the forehead. His lips were cool, but the gesture carried a warmth that reached Rogue's heart. She closed her eyes, cheeks flushed, and a faint, content smile curved her lips.

---

Outside, after leaving the X-Mansion, Kurogai didn't return to his research facility or the orphanage. He had other matters to attend to—one of them being Dr. Helen Cho, a brilliant scientist he'd been seeking for some time.

He had wanted to recruit her into his scientific team, but she'd proved elusive. Now that the urgent matters were settled, he could finally resume that search.

In the field of biological science, Helen Cho was a genius. She had once helped Ultron create a synthetic body, proving that her intellect was nothing short of world-class.

"In the scientific community, not many know her," Kurogai muttered, hands behind his back as he walked through a portal. "But I remember Stark mentioning her once. He called her a friend."

That gave him a starting point. If he couldn't locate Helen Cho directly, he would find Tony Stark, the man with connections everywhere—and the resources to back them.

"I've been in this universe a while," he said with a smirk, "and I haven't even had a proper meeting with Marvel's golden billionaire. Time to change that."

There was a touch of amusement in his tone. Kurogai had been too busy—surviving, building power, forming alliances. Now, he had time. And Stark… well, Stark could prove useful. Not just in finding Helen Cho, but potentially in backing Kurogai's broader research.

He opened another spatial portal and stepped through, reappearing in the private lounge of Stark's Malibu mansion.

"Warning. You have entered a restricted area. Please state your purpose or I will notify the authorities."

A calm, distinctly British voice filled the room. The lights turned on, illuminating the sleek, modern space.

"This is AI, huh?" Kurogai muttered, raising an eyebrow. "You must be Jarvis. Didn't expect Stark to have developed you this early…"

"Correct. I am J.A.R.V.I.S., Mr. Stark's virtual assistant. Please identify yourself and state your intentions."

"No need for alarms," Kurogai replied smoothly. "Just tell Stark that I'm here. I have something he'll want to hear. Something he won't say no to."

He smirked as he settled into one of Stark's luxurious chairs. Even without using his Geass, Kurogai knew he carried enough intrigue—enough leverage—that Stark would want this meeting.

After all, when a man with power, secrets, and magic walked into your house uninvited… you listened.

---

I've started uploading two new fanfictions on my Patreon (they're free to read!).

One is based on One Piece and the other on Naruto.

patreon.com/Zphyr_

I'd love to hear your thoughts, should I keep going with them or stop?