MFG - Chapter 40 (Patreon)

Chapter 40: Make A Cosmic Oath

—The sun dipped low on the horizon and cast shadows across the driveway. Enrique Nova's sleek, black car rolled to a stop before the mansion gates as the air buzzed with the faint whir of electronics. The CCTV cameras on the gate spun toward him, locking their lenses onto the car. Enrique waited, one hand resting on the leather steering wheel, the other adjusting the expensive cufflinks on his sleeve. A small beep sounded, followed by a voice recognition prompt from the gate’s intercom. [Identity confirmation required.]Enrique leaned slightly toward the speaker, his voice smooth. "Enrique Nova."In response, the system clicked and let out a soft hum as it processed his voice. After a short moment, the gates began to open, revealing the path ahead. Enrique smiled to himself, happy that his gadgets were working well, as he drove the car into the driveway. The mansion loomed ahead, bathed in the warm light of early evening. It looked quite grand like that. He parked the car neatly in its designated spot and stepped out, feeling the cool breeze ruffle his hair slightly. He hummed, playing with the car key, as he walked toward the doors. He loosened his tie with a tug, and at the same time, his business suit began to shimmer. The white magical fabric rippled like water. The transformation was smooth. The formal tie melted away, replaced by the relaxed drape of a soft, gray sweater, the slacks shifting into comfortable jeans. By the time he reached the door, Enrique looked entirely different from the office CEO who had stepped out of the car.He put his palm on the detector outside the door, and the door opened. He entered slowly, realizing that the usual bustling energy of the place was notably absent. He remembered that the kids, as well as Greer, Jean, and Ororo, were all out on some trip. However, his ears picked up on the hum of television. He frowned, had someone stayed back? His footsteps thrummed over the carpet and he made his way inside. He blinked when he stepped into the living room. “Uh… hey?”Ororo was there, sitting on the couch, dressed casually in a white outfit that contrasted beautifully against her dark skin. Her long, silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her face that turned toward her. The soft glow of the television illuminated her features, making her honestly ethereal.“Oh. You’re back.”“Yup, Stormi,” Enrique greeted with a smile, leaning against the doorframe and crossing his arms. “I was wondering who was watching the TV. You stayed back?”Ororo glanced up at him, her deep blue eyes meeting his cold silver ones. That blue went so well with her skin tone, that Enrique almost whistled. God, she’s gorgeous. A small smile tugged at her lips, and she coughed. “I wasn’t feeling all that well,” she admitted, her voice as smooth as ever. Then she added with a slight shrug, “Plus, I like to enjoy the quietness sometimes. The kids are honestly so loud.”Enrique chuckled softly, stepping into the room. “Fair enough. It’s not often you get the mansion all to yourself.” He made his way to the kitchen, opening the fridge to retrieve a bottle of cold water. Twisting off the cap, he took a long gulp. It felt good.Storm watched him from her spot on the couch, her gaze thoughtful. “You seem busy these days. Always coming and going,” she remarked casually, though she failed to hide her curiosity.Enrique capped the bottle and leaned back against the counter. “The Clash of Clans is going through an update. You know how it is, lots of work, lots of supervision. Work never really stops, even when I’m at home. But it’s nice to have a moment to relax.” He gestured toward the TV. “Don’t let me interrupt your show. I’m just going to grab a quick shower.”She giggled, “You’re not interrupting. But sure, enjoy,” She nodded, her smile softening as she returned her attention to the television. “And… I won’t mind if you join me afterwards.”“Sure thing,” Enrique gave her a nod and turned around. He headed upstairs to his room. ….The sound of the shower running soon filled the bathroom, the steam rising as he let the hot water wash away his stress. Work was alright, just a bit busier than usual. A lot of thinking. But now his wandering mind calmed a lot as he scrubbed away the remnants of work.A bit later, he emerged from the bathroom in a towel wrapped around his waist. He dried off the droplets of water still clinging to his body and put on a fresh set of clothes—actual clothes, not his suit. He looked at his reflection in the mirror, fixing his hair with a smirk. The lonely girl wants Netflix and Chill, it seems, he noted as he buttoned his shirt. I wonder how the night will end. Then he walked out of the room. When he made his way back downstairs, however, he heard Ororo’s voice shout loudly.“What?!”Enrique paused at the top of the stairs, frowning in surprise. What's going on? She wasn't the type to yell like that.He moved quietly and descended the stairs, his steps barely making a sound. Ororo was still on the couch, but her previously calm demeanor was gone. Rather, she was clutching her phone, her expression one of disbelief and concern.Enrique’s eyes narrowed as he observed her from the doorway. When she finally ended the call, he stepped forward and spoke. “Stormi? Everything alright?”“I, uh,” she looked up at him, her eyes shaky. For a moment, she seemed at a loss for words, until she managed to stammer out, “I-it was Professor Charles. Scott has gone missing. Everyone is worried.”Enrique’s brow furrowed slightly, though he quickly masked it with a casual shrug. “He’s a grown man, a powerful mutant. He should be fine.”Ororo shook her head, her voice strained. “No, you don’t understand. His trail led the X-Men to destroyed mountain ranges. He’s… he’s gone mad, Enrique. And it’s not just him. Bobby—Bobby also vanished shortly after.”Enrique blinked and then frowned. The gears in his head that had calmed in the shower snapped back in place, and for a moment everything seemed to slow down. His mind quickly pieced together the puzzle. Ah. So that’s how Shaw was planning to make his move. Emma predicted him well.He brought a hand to his face, hiding a smirk behind his fingers as he considered the implications. Shaw was clever, but perhaps not clever enough. His former girl predicted him like a third-grader, so Enrique wasn’t shocked at the least.“Enrique?” Ororo’s voice pulled him from his thoughts, looking at his face with careful eyes. “You seem like you know something. Do you… do you have any idea what’s going on?”He dropped his hand, meeting her gaze with a serious expression. “Uh, I’m not entirely sure,” he said slowly, “but I think I have a good guess.” Before Ororo could ask what, he glanced at the clock on the wall. “I’ll discuss this with you and Jean when she returns. For now, I’ll have to see myself out. I’ll be back soon.”Storm opened her mouth, but Enrique’s look silenced her. He stepped forward, gently placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Stormi. Everything is okay.”With that, he turned and walked out the door, quickly vanishing into the darkening sky as he took flight. The air around the mansion grew heavier as Ororo watched him go, a shiver of unease ran down her spine.****Enrique approached his second mansion through the veil of the night air. The moonlight cast shadows, and he moved stealthily through it. He ignored the main gates and headed for the side windows. With a push, the window creaked open and he flew inside. The interior was quiet and dark, but he easily navigated through the hallways thanks to his super senses. He soon reached a familiar door, before which he paused briefly. He then opened it, as soft light spilled out into the corridor. The room was lavish, filled with expensive furniture, and adorned with rich fabrics. But the most eye-catching prospect was the woman sitting on the plush couch.The goddess-like woman was draped in a silk robe that clung to her curvaceous body, her legs crossed elegantly, and a book resting in her hands. She was a candy to the eyes. “Emma,” Enrique called the White Queen as he stepped inside.At the sound of his voice, she looked up from her book. Emma didn’t look surprised, she just smirked. “Back to see me already, honey?” she said in a sultry voice.Enrique’s eyelids twitched slightly at her blatant tease, but he maintained his composure, ignoring it. “I'm here for serious talk, my dear. Your prediction was correct,” he said, his voice cutting through her flirtation.“Oh, when is it not?” she scoffed, casually closing the book and setting it aside. “Which one are you talking about? Shaw and Scott Summers?”“Yes,” Enrique confirmed, his eyes narrowing as he moved further into the room, closing the door behind him.Emma’s smirk widened as she stood from the couch, her movements deliberate and sensual. “Hmm,” she mused, putting all her attention on him. “It’s not surprising. Scott is an impulsive man. Often childish.”Enrique arched a brow, watching her approach. “Didn't you and him have a thing?”“Oh, please,” she waved her hand dismissively, her hips swaying as she closed the distance between them. “That was just me trying to piss off Jean…” She raised a perfectly manicured finger to his chin, her touch light as she traced along his jawline. “It was a funny situation. Seeing her try to keep him for herself, acting as if he’s the best man in the world. Tell me, baby, have you fucked her yet?”“Let’s not talk about those things here, and no, I haven’t,” Enrique replied, his tone curt as he put his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. She stood with her knee nudging between his legs, a coy smile playing on her lips.“Emma, I need to return home,” he said, his voice firm even as his hands roamed lower, caressing the curve of her hips.“After coming to see me so late?” she teased, her voice dripping with feigned disappointment.“It’s barely 8 PM,” he countered, his grip tightening slightly on her waist.She leaned in closer, her lips brushing against his ear, “Stay the night, we’ll discuss more about Shaw’s next moves. In… great detail.” Her hand trailed down his chest, and just that alone sent a shiver down his skin.Enrique’s mind raced as he tried to decipher her true intentions. No way she’s this addicted to me, even if I did use some sex magic or divinity, he frowned and wondered.He knew better than to trust her completely. Emma Frost was a master of manipulation, even without her mind-reading powers, always three steps ahead. If he had to guess, she must be trying to bag him for herself. If she was going to sleep with him, she better do it by making him love her more than others—was that what she was trying?“I’ve already planned a reaction to Shaw’s move, my dear,” he murmured, as his hands slid down to her firm, round ass. He gave it a tight squeeze, earning a soft whimper from her. “I’m just here to let you know that things are going according to plan and that you should be expecting him soon.”“Oh, really?” Emma pulled back slightly, her eyes filled with curiosity. “What are you going to do?”“I’m gonna bring Jean into this mess,” he replied bluntly.“Ah, you’re finally going to fuck her?” she blinked and smirked.Enrique scoffed, smirking. “If possible, why not? She’s hot and gorgeous.”“Hotter than me?” Emma suddenly pushed him against the wall, tiptoeing as she brushed her nose against his, her breath warm against his skin.“Emma, my dear, please. You’re more of a cold beauty, my frost queen,” he said, while his hand rose to spank her ass. She winced, a mixture of pain and pleasure flashing across her face. “And put down the act. It’s obvious you’re playing with me.”She stared into his eyes, not saying anything for a long moment, before she burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the room. Enrique shook his head.Emma backed off and sat down on the bed instead. Her body jiggled enticingly with the movement, and she leaned back, propping herself up on her elbows. “Hey, it’s fun to change things up a little. I’m sure you’d enjoy the diversity. Plus, men love it when a woman acts differently for them. No?”“Yes. But knowing you, I’d never let my guard down enough to trust those gestures,” he retorted with a shrug, his eyes narrowing. “Anyways, if things go right, I’ll manage to get Jean with us. In that case, victory is confirmed.”“Oh, was it ever not?” Emma’s revealed a wicked smile as she crossed one leg over the other, while her fingers idly played with a lock of her blonde hair. “Were you not confident before embracing me, my dear? I am disappointed.”“Shut up. I’m just saying things will be easier,” Enrique admitted, though his mind was already racing through potential complications.“I’m not so sure about that,” Emma mused in a thoughtful tone. “Scott is there. He’ll attack you. He’ll try to kill you. And from what I know of you, you won’t take that kindly. You’ll attack him back. Seeing so, Jean might as well attack you instead of taking your side, or at least stop you, so that you can’t harm him. Even if they’ve broken up, they share quite the bond, Enrique.”Enrique’s expression darkened slightly as he considered her words. “A possibility,” he admitted, crossing his arms. “I’ll have to word myself carefully when approaching her then. Any ideas? You know the two of them better than I do.”Emma hummed, tapping her chin in mock contemplation. “Well, make a move on her first. Before telling her. That way—”“Ah, I get it. No need to explain further,” he nodded, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “In that case, I guess I’ll take my leave.”“That’s good. But really, you’re leaving?” She smiled, leaning back further onto the bed, her body practically begging for his attention. “I can’t believe you’d leave a craving woman alone like this, my dear.” She slowly raised her head to look at him, biting her lip as her hand slid down to cup her breasts. “Will you really not come and fuck my brains out, baby?”Enrique sighed, his resolve wavering as he took in the sight before him. The temptation was strong, and despite knowing her manipulative tendencies, he… he couldn’t resist. Fine, he thought in his head, giving in to the pull of desire, as he stepped forward. Don’t regret it if you can’t walk tomorrow.Emma’s lips curved into a satisfied smirk as she reached out to pull him down onto the bed with her. The two of them quickly lost themselves in the heat of the moment.****Enrique returned home after that. His footsteps echoed on the stone path leading up to the mansion as he walked through the cool breeze of the evening air, approaching the front door. Unlike earlier, the house didn't seem too quiet now as he entered.And yet, it didn't seem as loud as usual. When he stepped inside, he noticed the absence of the usual lively chatter. Everyone seemed to have returned, sitting around the living room. He exchanged a wave with Anna while glancing around. He searched for Jean, expecting to see her, but she was nowhere in sight.Ororo was still sitting in the living room. The television flickered in the background, but her attention was elsewhere, as the kids sat around her. She looked up as Enrique entered, her eyes catching the hint of confusion on his face.“Where's Jean?”“In her room,” Ororo said softly, her tone filled with concern. “She’s not… feeling alright after I told her about Scott.”The kids watched them talk, while Enrique’s brow furrowed slightly as he took in her words. After a moment, he nodded. “I see. I’ll go talk to her.”Ororo hesitated, her gaze flickering with a mix of emotions. “Take it easy on her, Enrique,” she advised “She’s… vulnerable right now.”He nodded, acknowledging her concern, and headed upstairs. The hallway was dimly lit as he approached Jean’s door. His hand knocked on the wood softly. There was no immediate response. He waited a heartbeat longer and knocked again. This time, he heard a soft sigh from the other side, followed by Jean’s voice.“Enrique, I need some time alone, please?”He leaned in slightly, his voice calm and steady. “It’s better to talk to someone at times like this, Miss Grey.”A moment of silence stretched between them before she responded, her tone exasperated. “No, it’s not. What’s the point of talking to someone when I already know their th—” She stopped abruptly, realizing her mistake.“Ding, one point for Miss Grey,” Enrique let out a chuckle. She couldn't read her mind. Talking with him wasn't useless for her. He waited, and after a short pause, he heard the door unlock.The door opened slightly, revealing Jean standing just behind it. Her eyes were red, her face hollowed with worry. She looked up at him, the weight of her emotions clear in her expression.“Come in,” she said softly, stepping aside to let him enter.Enrique walked into the room, his gaze following her as she moved to sit on the edge of her bed. He chose a chair nearby, sitting down slowly. Jean remained silent, her eyes watching the wall as she waited for him to speak.“What’s bothering you?” he asked, his tone gentle. Jean’s gaze flickered up to meet his, a frown pulling at her lips. “You already know,” she replied, sighing.Of course, he did.“I do,” Enrique agreed, leaning forward slightly. “Which makes me more confused. You two have broken up, Miss Grey. You don’t need to get stuck on his childish behavior. How is it your fault that he’s throwing a tantrum?”Her frown deepened, and she shook her head, a small huff escaping her. “It’s not like that,” she grumbled, sounding irritated. “He and I have always been more than just a couple, even when we’ve broken up. We’re… good friends, Enrique. It doesn’t sit well with me to see him go through this.”Enrique’s expression softened as he listened, but his words remained firm. “I think you really need to move on now… Jean. Even the mention of his name is giving you trouble. Imagine if you actually go out in an attempt to ‘save’ him. And I know that’s what you’re planning. Don’t do it.”Jean blinked, her gaze shifting away from him as she mulled over his words. She stayed quiet, but her shoulders tensed. She didn't know what to do.Enrique sighed and stood up, moving closer to her. She kept her eyes fixed on the floor, refusing to meet his gaze.He reached out, gently tilting her chin up with his fingers, forcing her to look at him. “Hey,” his voice was soft as he murmured. Her eyes slowly lifted to meet his, and he could see the turmoil swirling within them. “You don’t have to carry him around, Jean. He’s not a baby.”Jean remained silent, her lips pressed into a thin line. He could feel the weight of her emotions, the struggle she was going through, and it was quite stupid to him. How could the host of a cosmic entity be so… naive?Without a word, he gently took her arm and pulled her to her feet. She didn’t resist, but she also didn’t look at him. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, her forehead resting gently against his chest. “It’s okay,” he whispered, trying to soothe her nerves. “I'm here for you. Just relax your nerves for a moment, alright?”“....” Jean’s eyes fluttered closed, and for a moment, she leaned into him. She seeked comfort in his embrace that Scott couldn't give her.He raised her face, looking into her eyes. A short silence passed through them, and he leaned down. His lips approached hers… Jean slowly closed her eyes.But just as their lips were about to meet, she suddenly pushed him back, eyes snapping open as she stepped away from him. “Please don’t act like this with me,” she said, her voice shaking. “I… I need to make a decision. Will you leave me alone now?”Enrique’s gaze softened, but he wasn’t ready to give up just yet. He took a step closer, his hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. “Jean,” he began, his voice persuasive. “Just close your eyes… I’ll make you stop worrying about Scott if you give me a chance.”He moved to hold her by the waist again, but before he could get too close, Jean’s hand shot out, delivering a sharp slap across his face.“....”The sound echoed through the room, the sting of it lingering in the air. Enrique’s face turned to the side from the impact, and for a moment, the room was filled with nothing but the sound of Jean’s heavy breathing.“Stop trying to take advantage of me!” she shouted, her voice trembling with anger and frustration, as she pushed him. She glared at him, her chest rising and falling with the intensity of her emotions.Enrique remained still, slowly bringing a hand to his cheek, the spot where she had struck him still stinging. He turned back to face her, his expression surprisingly soft, his eyes reflecting a mix of… hurt and understanding.Jean’s glare faltered, her eyes searching his face for any sign of deceit, of rag. But all she saw was a man who had come rushing to her after a long day at work, trying to calm her, hugging her gently, only to be met with a slap. A pang guilt began to creep in, gnawing at her.How could she slap him? How could she accuse him? She couldn’t read his mind, so how could she be sure if he was truly taking advantage of her? What if he was genuinely caring for her? The uncertainty weighed heavily on her, and she found herself looking down at the floor, unsure of what to say or do. She knew she should apologize, but…Enrique let out a soft sigh, stepping back further to give her some space. “I have an idea where Scott is, Miss Grey,” he said quietly, his tone measured. “At least, I think I do. If… you want to, I can show you—but I can’t tell you.”Jean’s head snapped up, her eyes widening in surprise. “What? You know? Tell me.”He shook his head slowly. “I can’t, I'm sorry. Because as I said, I’m not sure. I can’t tell you without any proof, since you’d just think I’m trying to ruin his image in front of you.”Jean hesitated, her mind racing. She wanted to demand an answer from him, but after what she just did, what authority did she have to do that? “How will you show me?” she asked a moment later.“It’s in a few days, I think. But first, make a Cosmic Oath,” Enrique replied, his voice steady. “Promise to the Phoenix Force that you will not search for Scott. Because if you do, I'm sure you will come hunt me down with him and the new group he's affiliated with.”“WHAT?!”“I can't tell you the details. Just… trust me and promise that. It's just a few days, anyway. Trust me, he'll come find you, you don't have to find him. Alright?”“....”“So make an oath. That you wouldn't search for him,” he said. Otherwise, what if Shaw gave her false information and brought down the Phoenix Force against Enrique? “And also that you won't make a move while observing the event related to this in the upcoming days. When Scott will come to find you… and me.”Jean stared at him, the weight of his words settling over her. She didn't know if she should make an oath with that thing…Of course, she's hesitant. Enrique held back a smirk. But she'll do it. I know she will. The Phoenix Force was very mischievous and unpredictable, so he knew that it would keep the oath if it meant Jean wouldn't get to interrupt he and Scott fighting.After a long moment, Jean nodded slowly, her eyes locking onto his. “Alright,” she agreed, her voice firm. “I promise—”A spark of the Phoenix crossed over her eyes for a brief moment, and Enrique knew that the oath had been made. It was done.“...Well then,” he offered her a small smile that didn't reach his ‘hurt’ eyes, before turning to leave the room.Jean wanted to call him and… apologize, but she could only watch as he walked out, closing the door gently behind him. The room felt colder, emptier, and as she looked at the spot where Enrique had stood.Perhaps it was time to… move on, as he said? No, she shook her head, not before I confirm this.******Don't forget to Heart the chapter!