Canceling his diamond form, Fenris constructed a psychic barrier using Professor X's ability and linked multiple minds using Emma Frost's. Combining the two telepaths' strengths, he sensed their fierce mental clash and abruptly forced his way in.
Boom!
An invisible shockwave struck both Charles Xavier and Emma Frost, sending them tumbling to the ground in surprise and alarm.
"Impossible! There's someone else here with abilities like mine!" Charles widened his eyes in disbelief as a CIA officer helped him up.
"You just said that," the officer reminded him.
"No, I meant someone else! Someone even stronger than me and the telepath on that ship!"
Until now, Charles had never encountered anyone with powers similar to his own. Moments ago, he discovered an equal on the opposing ship and had thought that was the biggest surprise. He never expected an even greater one to follow.
This was not a surprise. It was a shock!
This person's telepathic power had shattered the connection between two powerful psychics in an instant. Charles, who had always taken pride in his strength, suddenly felt a sense of urgent unease.
He knew well how dangerous a telepath could be.
Was this person a friend or an enemy?
"Go. Quickly. There's another telepath here, stronger than both of us. I can't stop him!"
On the Caspartina, Emma Frost scrambled to her feet in panic and called out to Sebastian Shaw.
Though the opposing telepath was strong, she had been able to hold her own. But this new arrival had violently and effortlessly torn their connection apart.
To be able to split apart two strong telepaths so easily meant this newcomer was not just powerful, he was overwhelmingly so.
It was the first time Shaw had ever seen Emma this shaken. This frightened.
"Let's go!"
Without hesitation, he turned and rushed into the ship. There was a submarine below. Once they reached it, they could escape.
It was a good plan… But too late.
"Ahem. Good evening, everyone. Or bad. Up to you."
A voice rang out in their minds. Sebastian Shaw found himself frozen, unable to move.
"Who are you?"
"Who are you?"
Two voices echoed in his mind.
Ding!
Mutant Chat Group is now online!
Emma Frost has joined the chat.
Charles Xavier has joined the chat.
"You can guess who I am. There's a prize if you get it right," said the 'Group Leader,' Fenris.
Emma Frost: ...
Sebastian Shaw: ...
Charles Xavier: ...
With no clues, how could they guess anything?
"Chatting with you is less fun than talking to customer service. At least they reply fast and call me darling."
Darling, my foot. Are you insane?
"D-Darling, can we go now?" Sebastian Shaw bent without shame. He did not care who this man was. He just wanted to leave.
Emma couldn't match his power. Shaw himself was immobilized. The Coast Guard was about to arrive, and Erik Lehnsherr, who they had brushed off earlier, could climb back on board at any moment.
This was the worst crisis Shaw had ever faced.
Fenris was stunned by how shameless he was.
You're the ruler of the Hellfire Club. You're the Black King. And here you are, calling me darling like it's nothing?
What would Emma think?
What would Charles, who sees you as a major threat, think?
You've broken your image completely, old Shaw.
Forget it. Time to end the joke. This was just a greeting. A farewell gift. The future is long.
"Whoever you meet is meant to appear in your life. They are here to teach you something."
"Today's encounter was both coincidence and destiny."
"I hope you've learned something. Meeting adjourned."
The Mutant Chat Group has been disbanded.
Sebastian Shaw regained control of his body and looked at Emma. She nodded slightly, indicating the mental presence was truly gone.
A moment ago, they were convinced they would die. Now, the crisis had vanished without a trace, leaving them confused.
Still, they had definitely learned something.
A false alarm.
Those two words were the sweetest in the world. Sweeter than "all is well," "bright future," or "smooth sailing."
Before Fenris appeared, they were: "The world is uncertain. We are all dark horses."
After Fenris appeared: "Even being a beast of burden is fine. As a beast, I sincerely apologize."
"Go!" Shaw shouted again, preparing to re-enter the ship.
Suddenly, the ship's anchor rose from the sea, as if gripped by an invisible hand, and slammed down toward him.
The long chain glinted under the moonlight like a giant serpent, sweeping across the deck and slicing the top layer of the ship.
In an instant, explosions erupted everywhere. Fire blazed into the sky, lighting up the dark waters.