MFG - Chapter 41 (Patreon)

Chapter 41: Show Time

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The night outside was dark. A cold wind howled against the old, worn-out house located far away from any cities or towns. 

Inside, the room was dimly lit, with the soft flicker of the TV screen casting shadows on the cracked walls. Bobby Drake stood behind Scott, his arms crossed, eyes fixed on the large screen in front of them. The sound of the transmission ended with Sebastian Shaw's face, wearing a smile as he spoke.

“Well, that’s that,” Shaw’s voice dripped with smooth confidence. “The meeting’s done. Let’s hope I see you boys on time.”

The screen went black, the light in the room dimming further. A tense silence followed, filling the space between them. Bobby’s heart raced, his mind spinning with a thousand thoughts.

What are we doing? He looked at Scott's back, the older mutant standing still, his posture rigid, almost unnervingly calm. This wasn’t like the Scott Summers he knew—this man always had a plan and always acted with purpose. Now, it felt like Scott was driven purely by anger as if he had lost his rationality.

Bobby sighed quietly, fogging the air. How did it come to this? 

Just a few days ago, they were part of the X-Men under the guidance of Professor X. But now, here they were, hiding in the shadows. All of this was because Scott couldn’t sit still while Emma was in Enrique’s hands.

…Well, everyone knew Emma wasn't the reason for his actions. Even if Emma and Scott had some chemistry in the past, it wasn't the reason why he was acting up. Bobby knew it too.

He had followed Scott because, well… Scott was his leader. He wanted to be beside his leader during his bad times. But now? Bobby glanced at Scott again. 

Something was wrong. His doubts crept in.

“Scott…” Bobby began, his voice quieter than he intended. “Are you sure about this? I mean… Shaw? I’ve not been X-Man for long, but that guy's not exactly trustworthy.”

Scott didn’t respond immediately. His eyes remained locked on the black screen. His jaw tightened as a moment massed, muscles rippling as if holding back something explosive. Bobby swallowed. Maybe I shouldn’t be here?

The tension in the room grew as the silence extended. Bobby could feel it, almost see it—the growing storm inside Scott, and it worried him. "You don't trust him?" Scott finally spoke, his voice low. He sounded calm, too calm.

Bobby hesitated. "I don't trust anyone who’s been an enemy of the X-Men for years." He shifted uncomfortably. "We don’t even know what Shaw’s real plan is. He could be using us, man."

Scott let out a slow sigh before speaking. "This isn’t about trusting Shaw. It’s about stopping Enrique. That…” he looked away as if to hide his eyes even though his eyes were already hidden. “That villain.”

At the mention of Enrique, Bobby’s own mood soured. He could feel his anger bubbling up, the bitterness of what Enrique had done to him returned. He took Rogue, the girl he’d been pursuing and even humiliated him. It still burned, even though he tried to act like it didn’t matter. But this? This whole thing felt like a twisted way to get back at Enrique, and deep down, Bobby knew Scott’s reasons weren’t much better.

“I get it, okay?” Bobby muttered, more to himself than Scott. “I get you wanting to take Enrique down. I mean… fuck, I get it more than anyone. He took Rogue away! But, but this—” he gestured toward the screen, “—this feels off, Scott. Don’t you think we should talk to the Professor, maybe get more people on our side?”

Scott’s back stiffened. His voice turned sharp, colder than Bobby had ever heard before. "The Professor’s too busy preaching about peace, Bobby. He won’t act until it’s too late."

Bobby fell silent again, his thoughts spiraling. Maybe Scott was right. Maybe the Professor was too soft when it came to Enrique. 

But this wasn’t the way they should be handling things. Rogue deserved better than getting taken advantage of by Enrique, but Scott deserved better too. He didn't deserve to get himself tangled up with Shaw of all people.

Bobby opened his mouth to speak again, to say something, anything that would make Scott reconsider, but he hesitated. His loyalty to Scott was unshakable, even if he hadn’t been in X-Men for long. How could he abandon his friend when they were both hurting? Especially now that Shaw was in the picture.

“Look, man,” Bobby finally said, his voice softer. “I’m with you, alright? I’ll follow you anywhere, but… I don’t know if this is right. You sure about Shaw?”

Scott finally turned to face him, his eyes hidden behind the ruby quartz visor, but Bobby didn’t need to see his eyes to know how angry he was. He could feel it radiating off Scott like heat. But there was something else there too, something deeper. Hurt. Betrayal. Maybe even desperation.

“You don’t have to trust Shaw,” Scott said, his voice steady but hard. “But you can trust me. I’m not letting Enrique walk away after everything he’s done.”

Bobby stared at him, his own feelings twisting inside. He wanted to believe Scott, wanted to trust that this was the right path, but the doubt gnawed at him. Something wasn’t right here. Scott wasn’t himself—he hadn’t been since the Jean and Enrique paparazzi situation.

But… 

Scott took a step forward, his jaw set in resolve. “We move at dawn,” he said, his voice final. “We take down Enrique, once and for all.”

Bobby couldn’t walk away. Scott needed a friend right now.

“Yeah…” Bobby nodded, forcing the words out. “Dawn it is.”

As Scott turned away, Bobby stayed behind, staring at the dark screen that had just moments ago shown Shaw’s smug face. His gut churned with unease. 

He couldn’t shake the feeling that they were headed straight into a trap.

****

A dim light cast a soft, golden hue over the room as Enrique lounged in the plush armchair, a glass of whiskey swirling in his hand. Anna sat comfortably on his lap, her arms around his shoulders, head resting gently on his chest. She whispered something, but he only half-listened. 

[The weather's been really unpredictable lately after the weird thunderstorm a few days ago. Some scientists wonder if Thor had paid Earth another visit.]

The TV in the back played the news, but he ignored that too. 

It wasn't Thor… not that that's important. His thoughts were elsewhere, piecing together the puzzle Shaw had thrown at him. Scott Summers was moving. He could feel it. The man’s rage would bring him straight into his trap.

“Still thinking about that idiot?” Anna asked, shifting slightly. Her eyes were half-lidded and sleepy, but she was always sharp. She could feel his tension.

Enrique smirked, taking another sip of the whiskey. The liquid burned its way down his throat, grounding him in the moment. “I’m waiting for him to make the first move,” he said, his voice smooth. “He’s predictable. Angry.” That was why he fell into Shaw’s trap.

Anna sighed, her fingers playing with the fabric of his shirt. “He’s always angry. Let him come. You’ll deal with him, I’ll help you, sugar.”

Enrique chuckled. “I will. But this time, things need to be a bit more well-thought-out. Your professor Jean’s an important element in all this.”

“Oh?” She asked, but before he could answer, his phone buzzed on the desk beside him. He glanced down and saw Emma’s name flashing on the screen. Anna shifted on his lap, leaning back slightly as Enrique tapped the screen. Emma’s voice crackled to life before the video call lit up the wall-sized monitor in front of them.

The TV in the back stopped playing, and the screen ahead lit up. Emma Frost appeared on the screen, sitting in his second mansion. She appeared as composed as usual, with her sharp features framed by her blonde hair. In the background, a screen showed what seemed to be a live broadcast. 

“Huh?”

The scene was unmistakable — it was Scott Summers, pacing in a poorly lit room. Bobby Drake stood behind him, appearing unsure and nervous. The two men were engrossed in conversation, yet neither seemed relaxed.

“Well,” Emma said, her voice sultry as always, ignoring Anna in my arms. “I’ve got something you’ll want to see.”

Enrique narrowed his eyes, leaning forward slightly as Anna adjusted herself on his lap. “How are you seeing them?” he asked. “Doesn’t look like a camera feed.”

Emma smirked, leaning back in her chair. “The Cuckoos are managing it for me. Don’t worry about the details.”

He frowned. “What are the Cuckoos?” He recalled the names from the comics, but he didn’t remember. They were Emma’s subordinates of some kind.

She shrugged. “Just some… tools. Don’t get too curious now, darling.”

“Sure,” Enrique decided not to press the matter. She had her secrets. He turned his attention back to the screen, watching Scott and Bobby in real time. 

Scott’s face was tight with anger, and Bobby… Bobby looked conflicted, enraged as he talked about Anna. It was pathetic, really. Anna’s arms tightened around his shoulders as she watched Bobby speak, her lips curling in disgust.

“He’s still hung up on you,” Enrique said, smirking as Bobby’s voice came through the monitor. Bobby was talking about her, about how he couldn’t stand watching Anna with Enrique. How it had driven him to follow Scott on this reckless path.

“He needs to move on,” Anna muttered, her voice low, as she rubbed her eyes and yawned, wiggling on his lap.

Enrique pressed a soft kiss to her nape, smirking. “Or we can show him you’ve already moved on.”

Anna blinked, and then her Goddess of Mischief side chuckled with a dark sound. “Oh, we can definitely do that, darling~”

Enrique’s eyes gleamed as he turned back to the screen. ‘What if we humiliate him with…’ he thought, sneering to himself. They didn’t even need to do it in front of him, Emma’s mind tricks could show him the scene anytime. The thought of it made him laugh.

“So dawn, huh?” Enrique said, his eyes locked on the screen. Scott had just finished telling Bobby they’d move at dawn. Emma hummed in agreement.

“Fly here already,” Emma said. Her voice was lower now, almost a purr. “I feel scared alone.” She didn’t sound scared, far from it.

Enrique chuckled, pushing Anna gently off his lap as he stood. “Sure thing,” he said, stretching his arms. “We’ll be there soon. First I need to talk to the other helpers.”

Anna stood as well, her eyes flickering with amusement. “Better hurry. Wouldn’t want Shaw’s little pawns getting too far ahead.”

Enrique downed the last of his whiskey, setting the glass down on the desk with a soft clink. He glanced at Anna, who was already heading toward the door, and then back at the monitor. Scott and Bobby had no idea what was coming.

Enrique smirked as the screen went dark. Shaw’s game had just begun, and Enrique Nova was ready to play.

****

While Rogue and Tigra were busy getting ready, Enrique walked through the poorly lit corridor and stopped. He lightly tapped Ororo's door. 

The faint sound of water running from behind the door ceased and was replaced by a gentle breeze. A moment later, the door squeaked open, revealing the dark-skinned Goddess, who had just finished showering. Her lengthy silver hair swirled around her, manipulated by her abilities, as it dried in the soft current she generated. 

She was clad in a snug towel, with droplets of water still clinging to her velvety, dark skin. Enrique’s silver eyes gleamed as they lingered on the scene before him. “Neat power,” he said.

Ororo gave a small smile, leaning against the doorframe. “Mhm, you can’t do it?” she hummed softly. “Wanna come in? I’ll teach you.”

Enrique’s gaze flickered over her for a second longer than necessary, but he shook his head. “Sorry, no, we don’t have time for that. It’s an emergency.”

Ororo’s teasing expression vanished, and she stood straight. He added, “Remember the fight Emma and I had a few days ago?”

“Yeah?” she asked with a frown.

“That was staged,” Enrique crossed his arms. “We did it to capture Shaw’s attention.”

“Oh…” Ororo blinked, her arms tightening the towel around her chest. “And now he’s coming, I assume?”

“Yeah, that’s the emergency. He’s been torturing Emma, and she came to me to save her,” Enrique shrugged, his tone serious. “Right now, he’s on his way to take her back and also kill me.”

Ororo’s blue eyes widened slightly, her grip on the towel loosening. “You should have started with the last part, your life’s more important than a reverse abduction. He’s coming here?”

Enrique smiled hearing her say that and nodded. “Not in this house, but the other one I own. I got Jean on board already,” he continued. “But she’s… unable to use her powers.”

Ororo blinked again, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Why?”

“Some cosmic oath,” Enrique rolled a finger toward the ceiling. “Complicated stuff. Anyway, I need some backup. Are you coming?”

"Of course," Ororo replied, straightening up. "It's Shaw, a supervillain. I can't just sit this out. Give me a minute."

Enrique watched as she turned around, the towel shifting with her movements. Her curvy figure was on full display, her hips swaying as she moved further into the room. Her ass jiggled slightly as she walked, and Enrique’s lips twitched, holding back something. I wanna have that someday.

She could have closed the door herself, but she let the wind do it after she reached inside. Did she want him to see? He chuckled softly and waited, leaning against the wall, his thoughts racing as he considered the upcoming confrontation.

A couple of minutes went by before the door opened once more. Ororo emerged, wearing her costume, the white material hugging her figure in all the perfect ways. She looked remarkable, representing both grace and strength. As the wind outside started to pick up, faintly howling through the mansion's hallways, her eyes locked with Enrique's, showing a resolute spark.

“Let’s go,” she said, her voice filled with confidence. As she stepped forward, the sky above them seemed to roar in response.

Enrique smiled, feeling the thrill of the storm in the air. It echoed with his own powers. “Perfect,” he said softly, stepping beside her. 

****

Enrique and the rest assembled outside the mansion, surrounded by the calm morning air. Above them, the sky displayed hues of early dawn. It was a beautiful scene, but they had to be quick, otherwise, the beauty would turn to horror. 

Jean had left a mental note for the kids, letting them know not to worry when they woke up. Now, it was just the adults—Enrique, Tigra, Ororo, Jean, and the extra, Rogue.

“Alright, Rogue,” Enrique glanced at her, his tone calm but commanding. “Time for some magic. They might’ve put spies around the mansion, use your illusions.”

Rogue silently nodded and raised her hands. A subtle wave of green energy pulsed outwards, surrounding the group. Everyone watched as their forms started to flicker, becoming semi-translucent, as though they were slowly disappearing. To themselves, they appeared translucent, but to any onlooker, they were completely invisible.

“Interesting…” Jean muttered under her breath and observed the illusion. Ororo raised her palm, testing the see-thoroughness.

“That’s so useful. Where did she gain this power from?” Storm asked, her voice low but curious.

“Uh,” Enrique gave a slight shrug, keeping it vague. “That’s a story for another time.”

Ororo arched an eyebrow but didn’t press further. She knew better than to expect a straight answer from this man, especially at a time like this.

“Anyway,” Enrique continued, “Jean, you help carry Rogue. I’ll carry Tigra.” His gaze shifted toward Greer, and she gave him a nod, stepping closer.

Jean glanced at Rogue, her telekinetic aura flaring slightly as she readied herself. “Got it.”

With everyone prepared, they took off into the air. Ororo glided effortlessly, her white hair whipping in the wind as she rode the currents. Jean’s aura shimmered, holding Rogue securely, while Enrique, carrying Tigra in his arms, led the way. The wind whipped through their hair as they soared, invisible to any eyes that might have been watching.

Their destination was Enrique’s second mansion. Where Emma Frost awaited.

As they landed on the rooftop, their feet barely making a sound, Enrique was the first to step forward. They moved quickly, slipping through the building with the same ghostly invisibility Rogue had provided. Eventually, they arrived at the main room. The sight that met their eyes momentarily stunned most of the group.

Emma Frost was casually seated on the luxurious sofa, her face adorned with colorful 3D sunglasses. She was engrossed in a movie, behaving as though she had no worries in the world. The rest of the group exchanged looks. Even though Tigra knew Enrique was not mistreating Emma, she still felt a hint of surprise. Ororo's azure eyes narrowed, while Jean's expression remained unreadable except for her frown.

"Oh, you guys are here," Emma yawned, removing the sunglasses with a lazy smile. Rising from her seat, her silk robe shimmering around her, she walked over to Enrique. Before anyone could respond, she draped an arm around his neck, pulling him in close. Without hesitation, she kissed him.

Right there, in front of everyone.

Jean's eyes grew wider, her frown becoming more intense, an unspoken emotion briefly crossing her face. Greer arched an eyebrow. She knew they were fucking, it was Enrique after all, but she hadn’t expected the woman to be so bold. She chose to remain silent, her tail flicking behind her. Ororo also observed quietly, without speaking.

“Baby, I’ve missed you,” Emma said, pulling back as she ran a hand through his hair.

He stiffened slightly, clearly trying to wave it off. “...Let’s stay professional, Miss Frost.”

Emma grinned with understanding, ready to make another remark when Jean interjected. "I wasn't aware you two had that kind of relationship," Jean stated, her voice calm yet tinged with something.

“Oh, you don’t know a lot of things, Jean,” Emma responded as if willingly getting under her skin. Her smirk widened as she ran a hand down Enrique’s chest, her gaze locking with Jean’s in a silent challenge. “My man loves to keep secrets, you see.”

Rogue had been unbothered by all of this so far. But she frowned hearing the term ‘my man,’ while Jean’s eyes flickered toward Enrique, a glint of disappointment mixed with something harder. 

“Girls, I–” Enrique started, but was cut off. Before any of them could speak, a loud crash echoed from the bottom floor, and the entire mansion trembled. The sound of heavy footsteps was followed by the unmistakable crackle of energy weapons charging.

…They were here.

The room tensed in an instant, the flirtation and accusations between Emma and Jean vanishing into thin air. Enrique’s eyes sharpened as his senses kicked into high alert.

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