Marvel: Sin Lord

Three weeks had passed, and the Hellions had returned to their normal routines—missions, training, and, for Inarius, late-night reflections on the strange dreams that no longer plagued him.

One morning, Emma gathered the Hellions in the common area, her expression more serious than usual.

"I have news about the New Mutants," she began, her tone somber.

The room fell silent as everyone turned their attention to her. Even Empath, usually prone to snarky comments, seemed genuinely attentive.

Emma continued, "The New Mutants encountered the Beyonder. They were killed by him—only to be resurrected as his emotionless slaves, forced to fight other heroes for his amusement."

A collective gasp rippled through the room.

"What?" Jetstream said, leaning forward. "Killed and... brought back? That's insane."

Emma nodded, her voice softening. "Though they were eventually freed, they've been left deeply traumatized. They've lost their drive, their purpose. They're plagued by nightmares of dying again and again. Charles Xavier is no longer at the Xavier Academy, and Magneto has taken over as their leader. But I don't believe Magneto is equipped to help them recover—not in the way I can."

Inarius crossed his arms, frowning. "And how do you plan to do that?"

Emma's sharp gaze shifted to him. "By bringing them here, where I can use my ability and resources to help them heal."

"Wait," Tarot said, confused. "You're going to bring the New Mutants to the Massachusetts Academy? Magneto will never allow that."

"You're correct," Emma replied. "Which is why I'll need a little... persuasion."

She turned to Empath, who straightened in his seat, his usual cocky grin spreading across his face. "Ah, you mean me."

"Yes," Emma said. "Your abilities are perfect for this. If Magneto proves resistant, you'll make him feel helpless enough to agree."

Inarius shot out of his seat. "That's your plan? To manipulate him? With all due respect, Emma, that's wrong!"

Emma didn't flinch. "It's pragmatic, Inarius. Magneto may be powerful, but he's not invincible. And the New Mutants need help."

"Not like this," Inarius argued.

The room went silent, the tension thick. Emma met his gaze evenly, her tone softening. "I understand your concerns, but this is the best way to ensure they get the help they need. Sometimes, you must do what's necessary, not what's easy."

Inarius sighed, running a hand through his hair. "And what if it backfires? What if Magneto comes after us?"

Emma smiled faintly. "Let me worry about Magneto."

Before he could argue further, she stood and gestured for Empath to follow her. "We leave immediately."

After they were gone, the Hellions dispersed, each dealing with the news in their own way. Inarius, however, couldn't shake the unease gnawing at him. He headed to the gym, needing to clear his head.

He stepped onto the treadmill and started running, his pace quickening with every passing minute. His thoughts raced alongside him.

Is this really the right thing to do? he wondered. Sure, the New Mutants need help, but manipulating Magneto? That's crossing a line.

He pushed himself harder, sweat dripping down his face as he tried to outrun his doubts.

Emma's always had a plan, and she's never let us down... but this feels different. How far is she willing to go?

The sound of his pounding footsteps echoed in the empty gym. For the first time in a long while, Inarius felt uncertain about the path they were on. He just hoped that when the dust settled, they wouldn't regret it.