Chapter 97
Arc 7 - Ch 14: Fallout
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011.
Location: House of M, Manhattan, New York
Director Fury entered the VIP lounge with Deputy Director Maria Hill. "Director, I wasn't expecting to see you today," Tyson said.
"Yeah, well, I've got bad news and worse news. Thought I should deliver it in person."
Tyson gestured towards the plush sofas. "Please, have a seat."
As they settled into the comfortable chairs, Tyson and Felicia on one side, Fury and Hill on the other, an air of unease filled the room.
"Okay, hit me with it."
"I'm getting pressure from up top to sideline you. It seems like the snakes in the grass were waiting just for the right moment to strike." Tyson's jaw clenched. He understood the underlying meaning.
Fury suspected Hydra.
He gave a curt nod. "Since you killed Magneto on live TV, it puts us in a precarious position. Don't get me wrong, kid, I'm backing your actions. But there are those on the World Security Council dissenting. It doesn't help that the video of Magneto fighting the demon in the Bronx has resurfaced on the internet and has gone viral."
Tyson frowned. That demon was him in disguise. The video was from when Magneto had come after him the first time. The irony wasn't lost on him. Magneto fighting the 'demon' was now providing cover for his actions, making him look like the hero instead of the villain.
"So, what exactly does this mean for Tyson?" Felicia asked, concerned.
Maria Hill spoke up for the first time. "It means we're facing significant political pressure. Some are calling for Tyson's powers to be under constant surveillance; others are calling for him to be put on trial for murder."
Fury continued, "I'm supporting you, but I can't completely ignore the concerns being raised. We need to find a middle ground."
"What kind of middle ground are we talking about here?" Tyson asked.
"We're proposing a probationary period. You'd work closely with SHIELD, under our supervision. It would allow us to vouch for your actions, show that you're a team player, and keep the wolves at bay."
Hill added, "It's the best compromise and allows us to protect you from any fallout. Otherwise, the World Security Council could push for more extreme measures."
"How long would this probationary period last?"
"Six months," Fury replied. "During that time, you'd need to work with a SHIELD team on any missions or actions taken against enhanced individuals."
Tyson's eyes narrowed. "And my work here at House of M? My other responsibilities?"
"It should be mostly unaffected," Hill said. "We're not asking you to abandon everything."
Felicia spoke up, her voice laced with frustration. "This is ridiculous. Tyson saved countless lives by stopping Magneto. How can they punish him for that?"
"Politics, Ms. Hardy. It's not always about right and wrong. It's about perception."
Tyson stood up abruptly, pacing the room. "And what about the Brotherhood? The other threats we're facing? Am I supposed to just run away if they come after me while I'm on SHIELD's leash?"
"Not at all," Fury assured him. "We're not trying to sideline you, Tyson. We're trying to give you a framework to operate within that won't make you a target. Self-defense is a different story."
Felicia's face tightened as she added, "I have more bad news. Empire State University sent an email this morning. You've been expelled."
Tyson blinked. "Expelled… For what?"
"They claim that your actions violated the university's policy against violence. It went on to say that even in self-defense, taking another's life is beyond unacceptable. They threatened that if you returned to campus, the authorities would be notified."
Tyson pinched the bridge of his nose. The weight of the consequences from the public fight was starting to pile up.
"Okay, so that's the bad. Now for the worse. Norman Osborn." Tyson's head snapped up. "Because your identity was revealed, people have been looking into you," Fury continued. "Since you were a minor when Osborn was captured and an employee at Oscorp, their lawyers are arguing that he was wrongfully imprisoned. Killing Magneto, while he was a terrorist, is still leaning a portion of public perception against you."
"That's exactly why I called you guys in to detain him," he argued, frustration evident in his voice. He cursed under his breath. "I should've just killed him."
Fury shook his head. "That would've probably made all this worse."
Tyson turned to Felicia. "When we're done with this meeting, get Maki in here. We're putting together a law team."
"We're covering you legally," Hill said.
"I know, and I appreciate it," Tyson replied, "but we're going to have a team too. Some things are outside my SHIELD duties, and it's probably beyond time I have a dedicated staff for that."
Fury nodded, understanding the necessity of his decision. "In the meantime, I need you to not go after Osborn. If you target him, it lends credence to their arguments."
"I can't go after Osborn, and I can't go to school. I can't run any shows because this place is a shelter. What am I supposed to do?"
Fury's expression softened slightly, recognizing the difficult position Tyson was in. "Why don't you focus on taking care of this shelter? We'll look for Osborn, Kravinoff, and the others. You lay low for a while, let this blow over."
The expulsion from ESU felt like a personal blow. Combined with his identity reveal, it was like any semblance of normalcy he'd been clinging to was being stripped away. And now, with Osborn potentially walking free, the stakes seemed higher than ever.
Felicia watched Tyson with concern, her mind working through potential strategies. "We could use this time to strengthen our position," she suggested. "Build up our resources, train the people here, maybe even expand our network of allies."
Tyson nodded slowly, appreciating Felicia's practical approach. "I don't know if my identity being public will help or hurt that. But you're right. We can't just sit idle, even if we're laying low."
Hill leaned forward, her expression thoughtful. "This could also be an opportunity to work on your public image. We could arrange some carefully controlled interviews, maybe even a public statement about your actions against Magneto."
Tyson's brow furrowed. "It feels like we'd be playing into their hands, trying to justify what I did."
"Sometimes, playing the game is necessary to win it," Fury interjected. We're not asking you to apologize or backtrack. We just want you to present your side of the story in a way that the public can understand and sympathize with."
"Alright, I can handle the interview. I've done it before."
"Look, kid," he said, his voice gruff but not unkind. "You're in a shit position, but you survived. Think about the contingency we put in place. You avoided that. While this is tough, you did well. Just do me a favor," Fury continued, "and stay out of trouble while we try to fix this."
"I'll do my best, Director. But trouble seems to have a way of finding me."
"We'll keep him in line, Director Fury. You have my word on that." Felicia insisted.
Hill raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure if that's reassuring or concerning coming from you, Ms. Hardy."
The tension in the room eased slightly, the hint of humor a welcome respite from the gravity of their discussion.
Tyson took a deep breath, his mind already racing with plans and possibilities. "Alright, so we lay low, focus on the shelter, and work on damage control. What about The Brotherhood? And there are always new dangers emerging."
"We'll keep you informed of any major developments. If something comes up that requires your specific skills or knowledge, we'll bring you in. But for now, let us handle the heavy lifting."
"Just remember," Fury warned, "Whatever you do, keep it low-key and above board. The last thing we need is for someone to accuse you of building a mutant army or something equally ridiculous."
He stood up, signaling the end of the meeting. "Alright, Tyson. We've given you a lot to think about. Remember, this isn't permanent. It's just until we can get things under control."
Tyson rose as well, extending his gloved hand. "I appreciate you coming here in person, Director. And for what it's worth, I'm sorry for putting you in this position."
Fury shook Tyson's hand firmly. "You did what you had to do. Now, it's our job to deal with the fallout. Just keep your head down and let us handle the politics."
Fury's other hand reached into his pocket and produced a cream-colored envelope. Tyson accepted the unexpected delivery.
"A letter?" He turned the envelope over, noting his name's clean, precise handwriting on its surface.
"Found tucked inside Romanoff's latest field assessment dead-drop," Fury explained. "She's never done anything like this before, so I had it flagged as priority to bring to you."
After the door clicked shut behind Fury and Hill and their footsteps had faded down the corridor, Tyson stared down at the letter from Natasha, wondering if he should read it with Felicia here, but he threw caution to the wind. His adamantium claws made quick work of the envelope's seal, and he dove into Natasha's handwritten letter.
Tyson,
I watched it happen live. All of it. The attack, Jubilee's death, your response. Everything. I've never felt so helpless, sitting here in Moscow, watching events unfold through a screen. My first instinct was to drop everything and come to you, but we both know why I can't. The mission must come first. You reinforced that lesson yourself with what you showed me. Some paths must be walked, no matter how much we wish it were different.
About Magneto... I know what it's like to take a life in anger, in that red haze of rage and grief. I've been there. The cameras caught everything. The raw fury in your eyes, the brutality of the moment. The media will have a field day with it, but they don't understand. They weren't there. They don't know what it's like to watch someone you care about die in front of you, to feel that overwhelming need to make someone pay for it. I won't tell you not to feel guilty about killing him or over Jubilee's death. That guilt is what makes you human. It's what separates us from the monsters we fight. But don't let it consume you. Magneto made his choices. He brought an army to fight you, meant to use you as a weapon, and killed someone you loved. Your response was justified. The world might debate its ethics, but I want you to know that I understand. They saw you kill Magneto, but I saw you save countless lives. I saw you try to talk down a terrorist and make him change his ways. I saw you protect your city. That's who you are, Tyson. Not the monster some media outlets will try to paint you as, but a protector. Someone who will do whatever it takes to keep others safe. Sometimes, there are no clean solutions, no perfect answers.
When I encouraged you to pursue things with Jubilee, it wasn't just because of the uncertainties in my own path. It was because I saw how she looked at you, how she made you smile, how she brought out a lightness in you that I rarely could. Where my love for you comes wrapped in complications, hers was pure. She loved you simply for who you are, and you deserved that kind of love in your life.
I watched her fight alongside you. She died protecting not just you but everything you both believed in. Don't diminish her sacrifice by drowning in guilt. She made her choice, just as I've made mine, just as you make yours every day. We're all soldiers in our own way, fighting for what we believe is right.
I don't regret pushing you together because I'm sure she knew what I know. You are important. The wound in your heart is still fresh, but don't close everyone out. Don't push them away. My wish was, and still is, for you to live, regardless of what's yet to come. It may not seem like it now, but you will love again. The worst is likely yet to come. You need to find happiness wherever you can. Jubilee would want that for you, too.
These past months have changed me in ways I'm still discovering. New strengths emerge when I least expect them, and I find myself adapting to circumstances I never anticipated. It's ironic that I'm discovering these changes while pretending to be someone else entirely. But we all play the roles we must, don't we?
When you shared all your secrets with me, you gave me a gift. The knowledge that my life will mean something. It brings me peace. I think about what you told me, about that cliff and the sacrifice. Regardless of what may change, what has changed, I'll still make that jump when the time comes. Because that's what we do. We make the hard choices so others don't have to. We all have our parts to play in what's to come. The choices we make and the sacrifices we accept are all for something greater than ourselves. Finding peace in that knowledge doesn't make it easier, but it gives it meaning.
I know the weight you carry. The responsibility and the burden of choices seem impossible. It's a lonely path, but you don't have to walk it alone. Even when I'm not physically there, I'm with you.
Keep training. Keep protecting those who need it. But most importantly, keep being you - the man both Jubilee and I fell in love with. The one who makes terrible jokes, who cares so deeply it hurts sometimes, and who never stops trying to make the world better.
I miss our talks. The quiet moments in the suite when we could just be ourselves. No missions, no unspoken truths hanging over our heads, just us. I miss your terrible jokes and your way of making even the darkest situations seem manageable. I miss training with you and seeing you grow into the hero I always knew you could be. And it's selfish, but most of all, I miss how you made me feel… how you could make me feel.
I love you, Tyson. I probably should have said it properly on the phone instead of that Star Wars reference. But you know me. Emotions aren't my strong suit. And it was easier to remind you of us, of what we had, than it was to face the fact that we might not have it again and tell you how I really feel. Still, you should hear it properly, at least once more.
I love you.
I probably always will, no matter what the future holds.
Stay strong. Take care of our family at the House of M. And remember, Jubilee's light lives on in the lives she touched and the love she shared with you.
Until we meet again,
Natasha
— Rogue Redemption —
Tyson slumped back into his chair, leaning his head back to stare at the ceiling. Felicia asked, "May I?"
He gestured for her to go ahead, but he didn't look down from his contemplation. After she finished reading, Felicia moved closer, wrapping her arms around him in a gesture of comfort.
"You okay?" she asked.
Tyson shook his head. "Not really, but I'll manage."
She hesitated for a moment, her expression shifting to one of reluctance. "I hate to pile it on, but I have more bad news."
Tyson groaned, running a hand over his face. "Of course you do. What now?"
"Fisk called. He contacted the arms dealer you were looking for, Ulysses Klaue."
Tyson straightened up, his interest piqued, but he remained cautious since she said it was 'bad' news. "And?"
"He was willing to deal with you until he saw you on TV," Felicia continued. "Apparently, he canceled, not wanting to get near you with the product. Too risky, he said."
Tyson groaned again, louder this time, his head falling back once more. "Perfect. Just perfect. Because we didn't have enough problems already."
Felicia squeezed his arm gently. "I know it's not what you wanted to hear, but maybe it's for the best. Given everything that's happening, getting involved with a wanted weapons dealer right now might not be the smartest move."
"I really wanted that vibranium... I know I probably sound like a spoiled child, but it's important."
"We'll find another way." Felicia soothed. "Why don't we check on the Morlocks? It might help take your mind off things for a bit."
"Lead the way," Tyson agreed, grateful for the distraction.
As they approached the arena, the sounds of voices and movement grew louder. Felicia guided Tyson to the upper level, where they could overlook the entire space below. The sight that greeted them was nothing short of miraculous. The arena floor had been transformed into a makeshift community center. Rows of cots lined one side, each neatly made, spaced, and with dividing free-standing curtains for privacy. On the other side, tables and chairs were set up, creating areas for dining and socializing.
"Aunt May has done an incredible job," Tyson marveled, his eyes scanning the organized chaos below.
"She's been a godsend. I don't think we could have managed this without her."
As they watched, Tyson's gaze fell on a familiar figure. Peter was standing near one of the tables, deep in conversation with Gwen Stacy. The sight of her surprised him.
"Gwen was insistent that her family went into witness protection," Tyson said, confused.
"They are. But Gwen thought it would be safer if she wasn't with them. She decided to stay here at House of M instead."
Tyson nodded, understanding the logic behind the decision. His eyes continued to roam the arena, eventually landing on Jessica Drew. She was lingering near the edge of the room, looking distinctly out of place among the Morlocks.
"You worry about her," Felicia said softly, following his eyes.
"Her story is the craziest thing, maybe even more so than mine. But I worry about you too," he added, turning to face Felicia. "How are you holding up?"
Her carefully constructed mask of nonchalance slipped for a moment. She wanted to tell him everything. How scared she'd been during her captivity, how relieved she was to be back, how much she cared for him. But old habits die hard, and she found herself deflecting.
"Probably better than you," she said. "Honestly, I thought you'd be broken down by now."
"Let me know when everything is settled, so I can." Tyson's attempt at humor didn't quite reach his eyes.
Felicia reached out, her hand finding his. "Seems like it's as good a time as any," she said gently. "No classes for the foreseeable future. We're not under attack. Everyone is fed and taken care of. If you need to check out, go for it."
Tyson shook his head, his eyes returning to the scene below. "Not really. Osborn is out there, and so is the imposter, Kaine."
"Someone is always out there," Felicia countered, struggling to keep the frustration from her voice. She wanted to shake him, to make him understand. "After them, it'll be the remnants of the Brotherhood or some other threat. You said you weren't doing anything without SHIELD oversight. So what's the issue?"
They watched as Peter said something that made Gwen laugh. Felicia felt the familiar tug of jealousy. Not of their relationship, but of the ease with which they seemed to connect. She longed for that kind of openness with Tyson, even as she feared it.
They stood in silence for a moment, watching the bustling activity below. A group of younger Morlocks had started a game of tag, weaving between the tables and chairs with gleeful abandon. Their laughter echoed through the arena. Jessica made her way towards Peter and Gwen. There was a hesitancy in her steps, as if she wasn't sure if she'd be accepted. But Peter welcomed her over, his face breaking into a warm smile.
"It's good to see them getting along," Tyson mused. His face took on a thoughtful expression.
"Do you have Mary Jane Watson's phone number?"
Felicia raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden question. "Yeah, I do. Why?"
"Do you mind giving her a shout? See if she has a job. If she doesn't, offer her one."
"That's random. Doing what?"
Tyson shrugged nonchalantly. "Whatever. Helping out if you think she'd be a decent secretary. Modeling. PR. It doesn't matter really, just get her here."
Felicia's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Everyone you've ever hired or asked me to find has been with a purpose," she said, unable to keep a hint of accusation from her voice. "What's MJ's purpose?"
Tyson's gaze drifted back to Peter, who was still chatting with Gwen and Jessica. "Peter," he said. "Gwen is going to leave, maybe for good. He'll be heartbroken. He's had a crush on MJ since they were kids."
Felicia's expression turned from suspicion to amusement. "Does he know you're playing matchmaker for him?"
"Nah. It'll just be a coincidence."
Felicia nodded, accepting the explanation. "Okay. You have someone in mind for Jessica too?"
Tyson's brow furrowed as he considered the question. "Nope. I'm not sure of her type... I'm not sure she even knows her type."
"That's the truth." Felicia found herself admitting something she'd been hesitant to voice. "I think she likes me." Tyson raised an eyebrow, surprised by the revelation. She watched his reaction carefully as she added, "I think she likes you, too."
He snorted in disbelief.
"Yeah, you're kind of emotionally unavailable at the moment," she said, the words coming out more bitter than she intended.
"Is that the vibe I'm giving off?" he asked.
Felicia shook her head. "You're giving off the 'I can carry the weight of the world on my shoulders, and I don't need any help' vibe."
Tyson nodded, satisfied. "Alright, I'll take it." He paused, noticing Felicia's tone. "But you're making me think that's not a good thing."
She sighed heavily. "Deputy Director Hill said they want you to see a psychologist. I think it'd be good for you."
Tyson's face hardened. "The last thing I want is someone else in my head. I found out that Xavier was messing around in there. And I don't trust any other psychics."
"More reason to talk to someone," Felicia countered gently.
"Talking to a shrink won't fix what's wrong with me," Tyson said defensively. "Besides, I'm talking to you."
"You don't really open up to me," she said softly, trying to keep the hurt from her voice. "Not like you did with Jubilee or Illyana. And that letter proved for certain, not like you did with 'Ms. Rushman' either."
The mention of Jubilee's name sent a pang through Tyson's chest. He turned away, his gaze sweeping over the bustling arena below. The laughter and chatter of the Morlocks seemed distant now, muffled by the weight of his thoughts. Watching his reaction to the mention of Jubilee's name was like a knife to Felicia's heart. She knew he was still grieving, still processing the trauma of recent events. Part of her wanted to wrap him in her arms and never let go, to shield him from the pain and responsibility that weighed so heavily on him. But another part, the part shaped by years of self-reliance and mistrust, held her back.
"It's not that simple," he said quietly, his voice barely audible above the noise from below. "Jubilee... she was different. She saw me at my worst when I was just figuring out who I was and what I could do. And Illyana..." He trailed off, memories of the blonde sorceress flashing through his mind.
"I know I'm not them," she said softly. "But I'm here, Tyson. I want to help. I want to understand."
Tyson turned back to face her. For a moment, the facade of strength he'd been maintaining cracked, revealing the turmoil beneath. "I don't know if I can explain it," he admitted. "Sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in all of this. The responsibilities, the expectations, the constant threats..."
Felicia nodded encouragingly, her grip tightening slightly. "That's okay. It's okay to feel overwhelmed. You've been through so much, Tyson. No one expects you to have it all figured out."
He let out a bitter laugh. "No one expects it, but everyone needs me to figure it out. That's the problem. I'm supposed to be this powerful mutant, this leader, this... savior. But most of the time, I feel like I'm just stumbling around, hoping I don't screw everything up."
Tyson said quietly. "I can't afford to be weak.
"Asking for help isn't a weakness," she said, pouring all her love and support into her words. "It's strength. It takes courage to admit when you're struggling, when you need support."
Tyson nodded slowly, absorbing her words. He looked back out over the arena, watching as Peter laughed at something Jessica said, Gwen joining in. The sight brought a small smile to his face.
"Maybe you're right," he conceded. "Maybe I do need to open up more."
— Rogue Redemption —
Later, back in the VIP Lounge, Tyson sat in a booth, with Felicia next to him and Jessica across from them. His focus was entirely on a metal cube that rested before him. As Maki entered, she noticed the cube shifting and morphing under his new power, from a perfect sphere to a pyramid, then to increasingly complex shapes. A dodecahedron appeared briefly before melting into more intricate figures.
Maki slid into the booth next to Jessica. "You wanted to talk with me?"
"Yes, thanks," he said. "You're a lawyer, right?" Maki nodded, her eyes drawn to the distracting, constantly changing shape on the table. "I need a team of lawyers put together," he continued. "Do you have any recommendations?"
Without missing a beat, Maki replied, "There are two Landsman & Zack, or Hogarth, Chao & Benowitz."
Tyson's eyebrows raised slightly, impressed by the quick response. "You came up with that quick."
"I figured you'd be in legal trouble eventually, so I did some research, and they seemed likely to take you on as a client."
Recognition flickered in Tyson's eyes at the mention of Hogarth. She was a significant character in 'Jessica Jones'. But that also reminded Tyson of Kilgrave. He had intended on absorbing him previously, to fulfill the requirement set forth by Amora. Yet he hadn't. He still needed to do something about the pheromone mind-controller, and sooner rather than later. He didn't never met Jessica Jones, but didn't want her subjected to months of being held captive and raped if he could help it. But his new SHIELD oversight complicated that.
He leaned back slightly, and the metal shape shifted to resemble a miniature Eiffel Tower. "I was thinking more... we needed lawyers of our own."
"In time. But I recommend for your current legal issues, hire an established firm and look for staff lawyers for the future."
Tyson nodded, respecting her opinion. "Fair enough. You're the expert here." He paused, the metal shape collapsing back into a cube. "I have a few candidates I'm considering as well. At a future time, when we decide to hire, can you do the interviews?"
"I can do that," Maki agreed easily, but she hesitated before speaking again.
"I received a meeting request from Edgar Lascombe. He wanted to have a telemeeting to discuss some issues."
Tyson's eyes narrowed. The metal cube he'd been manipulating suddenly developed sharp edges. Lascombe was HYDRA, and high-ranked at that. They'd never met in person, save for the first time Tyson met Maki and followed her back. That night, he'd been searching for clues to Cindy Moon's whereabouts and stole her blood sample from Lascombe. He doubted it was coincidental that Fury had hinted at HYDRA, and now one of their leaders wanted a meeting.
"Telemeeting?" Tyson asked, his voice carefully neutral. "Not in person?" Maki nodded, her keen eyes noting the sudden tension in Tyson's posture. After a moment of consideration, Tyson shrugged. "Sure. Arrange it."
As he returned his attention to the metal shape, now morphing into an intricate snowflake, Maki's curiosity got the better of her. "What are you doing?"
"Warming up."
"For what?" Maki pressed, intrigued by the display of fine control over his powers.
"An experiment."
"Care to elaborate?" she asked.
Tyson's gaze flicked to her before returning to the metal, which was now taking on the form of a delicate, miniature tree. "I'm trying to see how far I can push my control over metal. Not just in terms of strength, but precision," he said thoughtfully.
Maki's eyes narrowed slightly. "And this experiment... is it safe?"
"I'm being careful."
"That sounds like a no. I'll be going to prepare for the meeting with Lascobe and the law firm. Good luck." Maki said as she stood to leave.
As she left the room, the metal tree suddenly collapsed, reforming into a perfect sphere that hovered above the table.
Concern etched lines around Felicia's eyes. "Tyson, you're all over the place, and I have no idea what you're doing. You're experimenting with your powers and scheduling meetings with CEOs we have no ties to. House of M has become a refugee shelter." She paused, taking a steadying breath. "I'm the one that coordinates most of what's going on around here, but I can't do my job or help you if you don't tell me what's going on."
"Do you have a plan?" She asked. Her voice rose slightly in a hint of frustration. "It doesn't seem like you do. I feel like I'm doing the most here behind the scenes, and I know the least. I have to guess all the time. I'm flying blind here."
Felicia pressed on. "Why do you keep me at arm's length?"
"What do you mean?" Tyson asked. His eyes darted to Jessica, who was listening intently.
"Don't worry about her. She's one of us," Felicia said, drawing Tyson's attention back to her.
"We've been more than friends for months," Felicia continued, her voice thick with emotion she struggled to contain. "I've spent more time with you than anyone, but you never opened up to me."
Tyson looked away, his discomfort evident. "I just thought you wanted to keep things casual and professional. From the moment we met, you always played the mysterious, out-of-reach girl."
Felicia's laugh was short and bitter. "If that isn't the pot calling the kettle black. If I wasn't here for you, would I have worked with you for all those months, handling everything you needed? Would I have stuck around or just taken the millions that I earned here and ran? I could've robbed you blind because you trusted me. But I didn't. If I was still just the Black Cat that you saw in Oscorp that night, would I still be here?" Her voice cracked slightly. "Even now, I got kidnapped because of you, replaced and held captive, and I'm still here. I stole the super soldier serum, for God's sake. Do you know how easy it would've been to have just left with it? My family would have been set for life."
"But. I'm. Still. Here."
The weight of Felicia's words hung in the air between them. Tyson was frozen by the sudden outpouring of emotion from someone he'd always seen as unflappable. Felicia's strength had always been evident in her quick wit, her physical prowess, and her ability to handle any situation with grace and poise. But now, Tyson saw the fragility beneath that strength. The vulnerability in her eyes, the slight tremor in her hands as she waited for his response.
"Felicia, I..." Tyson began.
Jessica cleared her throat from her position on the armchair, reminding them of her presence. "Maybe I should give you two some privacy," she said, moving to stand.
"No," Felicia said, her voice firm despite the emotion swirling in her eyes. "Stay. You're a part of this now, too."
"I didn't realize," Tyson said softly. "I thought... I thought keeping a distance was what you wanted."
She took a deep breath, visibly steeling herself. "I'm not asking for declarations of undying love here. I'm just asking for honesty. For trust. I need to know what's going on in that head of yours if I'm going to help you, help all of us, get through this. And we're going to straighten this out before any of us leave this room."
Tyson's gaze flickered between Felicia and Jessica. He realized how much he'd come to rely on Felicia, particularly when he realized she'd been kidnapped. He knew he'd been taking her for granted.
"You're right," he said finally. "I've been... I've been trying to carry everything on my own shoulders. But I knew it was too much. I started to let others in, but you're right. When I came to Midtown, you were the first one I told about my past. I should've told you everything. I'm sorry for keeping you in the dark."
Felicia's posture relaxed slightly, relief evident in the softening of her eyes. "That's all I'm asking for," she said softly. "Let us in, Tyson. Let us help."
He looked at Felicia and saw not just the confident, mysterious woman he'd first met but someone who had become integral to his life. Someone who cared for him deeply.
"Okay," Tyson said. "Okay. Let's talk."
Tyson's expression grew serious, his eyes carrying a weight that made both women straighten in their seats. "Before I start, I need you both to understand something. What I'm about to tell you... Once you know, there's no going back." He looked between Jessica and Felicia, making sure both women knew what they were getting into. "This isn't just about me or my powers. This is about everything. The world as you know it."
"After everything we've been through, do you really think anything you say will scare us away?"
Jessica shifted in her seat, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the armrest. "I'm a clone with someone else's memories. I think I can handle whatever truth bomb you're about to drop."
"Alright. I had a vision of the future," he began, his eyes distant as if seeing beyond the confines of the room. "And I know that, in part, it will happen. Many things I've seen have already come to pass. But my vision wasn't infallible. There were things I didn't see. Both of you, for instance." He looked directly at Felicia. "When you mentioned Fisk, that first time, I knew who he was because I'd seen it before in my vision. The Stark Expo, the Green Goblin, the Lizard at Midtown. I foresaw all of it. I didn't know you would be a big part of my life. Jessica, I didn't know we would meet. Every choice I make creates ripples and changes the future I thought I knew. Things like the imposter Spider-Man, your kidnapping," he gestured to Felicia. "I saw vampires, but I didn't see Jubilee being turned into one of them... her death." his voice caught slightly at the admission.
"You're trying to navigate between what you know might happen and what you want to happen," Jessica said, understanding but not accusing.
"Yes," Tyson admitted. "But it's more complicated than that. The knowledge I have... It's both a blessing and a curse. I can prevent certain tragedies, but every change I make could lead to something worse. And there are things coming, threats that could destroy everything, that I need to prepare for."
The last words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken grief. Felicia shifted in her seat, her voice soft but probing. "Okay, so how does House of M fit into all this?"
"At first, I was winging it. But over the past few months, I've been trying to maneuver us into a position where we can help prevent future disasters."
Felicia's frustration was evident as she said, "That would've been nice to know."
"Yeah, sorry."
She took a deep breath, visibly centering herself. "Okay, hit me with it. What's this future going to be like?"
Jessica nodded in agreement, her curiosity palpable. "Yeah, what are we up against?"
Tyson's expression grew grim. "Well, I purchased Trask to prevent a mutant apocalypse." Felicia's eyes widened slightly. He pressed on, "Think about it. Autonomous robots designed to hunt mutants. How does that play out?"
Jessica guessed, "Like the movie Terminator?"
Tyson snapped his fingers, pointing at her. "Exactly."
"Damn," she breathed, her voice a mix of horror and disbelief. "That's bleak."
Felicia's mind was already racing ahead. "Okay, so you stopped the robot apocalypse. What else?"
Tyson laughed. "Maybe. But the Sentinels weren't the only robot apocalypse we need to worry about."
Felicia held up a hand, her composure slipping for just a moment to reveal the overwhelming nature of what she was hearing. "Let me get something to drink." She looked over at Jessica and added, "And make some coffee. I feel like this is going to take a while." She returned a minute later, drinks in hand, and settled back onto the sofa. Her green eyes, usually sparkling with mischief, were now sharp with focus. "Alright. Let's hear it all."
And so Tyson began to unfold the tapestry of the future. He spoke of the Battle of New York and impending alien invasion. He described Ultron as an artificial intelligence gone rogue. And all the other threats to come. Finally, he told them about Thanos, the Infinity Stones, and his quest to erase half of all the life in the universe. His words and illusions painted pictures of destruction, heroism, and sacrifice. Felicia and Jessica listened with rapt attention. The sun continued its descent outside, but within the executive lounge, time seemed to stand still.
Felicia's mind whirled with the implications of what she was hearing. Her usual mask of cool detachment slipped, revealing flashes of fear, but even deeper, a growing protectiveness towards the man sitting across from her. She found herself studying Tyson as he spoke, noting the way his hands clenched and unclenched, the slight tremor in his voice when he described particularly harrowing events. For the first time, she truly understood the weight he had been carrying all this time. A part of her wanted to reach out, to offer comfort and reassurance. Instead, she channeled her emotions into sharp questions, probing for weaknesses in the narrative, looking for ways they could change the course of this bleak future.
"Ms. Rushman's letter makes so much more sense now. Jesus. I can't even be mad that you told her first, with what she'll do. And now I know why you want that vibranium. Since you're a billionaire now, I thought you were becoming a weird collector of eclectic things. But it was actually because you're afraid of what Ultron could become." Felicia said when Tyson finally fell silent. "So, what's our play? How do we stop these things from happening?"
Tyson's eyes met hers, and for a moment, Felicia saw a vulnerability there that made her heart ache. "I don't know if we can stop all of it," he admitted. "When I try to change things, it seems that events tend to play out, sometimes with small changes, and other times, new events occur that seem to be just as harrowing. But we can prepare. We can be ready to face these threats when they come."
Jessica leaned forward, "We're with you. Whatever it takes."
Felicia nodded in agreement, her hand moving to rest on Tyson's arm without conscious thought. "You're not alone," she said softly. "We'll face this future together."
As the words left her mouth, Felicia felt something shift within her. The walls around her heart began to crack. She loved this man, she realized with a start. But the words stuck in her throat. Instead, she hoped he could read in her touch what she couldn't bring herself to say aloud.
Tyson's hand covered hers, warm and solid. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, Felicia thought she saw a flicker of understanding there. Of reciprocation.
"Did your experiment earlier have to do with the story you just told us?" Jessica asked, snapping both their attention back to the present.
Tyson shook his head, but it was a bobbing shake, like he wasn't sure if the answer was yes or no. "I've been thinking about what Magneto could do," he said. "The way he could manipulate magnetic fields, not just metal. This power is such a major boost that I worry about what challenges it will bring. Strength begets strength."
"I have a bit more control over its shapes than Magneto did," Tyson began, then shook his head, correcting himself. "That's wrong. I mean, I'm better at visualizing than Magneto was, which allows me to do things more precisely."
"Like what?" Felicia asked curiously.
In response, Tyson split the sphere. The metal flowed like liquid mercury, coalescing into miniature figures of Spider-Man and the Lizard. The tiny combatants engaged in an intricate battle that played out before their eyes.
"I think it's because I've spent so much time visualizing with my illusions," Tyson explained. "Making the metal do what I want is so much easier. And since I absorbed Magneto, I gained his experience and power. He used ferrokinesis for most of his life, so I already feel as if I have a lifetime of experience manipulating metal. But it's not enough. My control needs to be better. I noticed in the sewer that it was difficult to manipulate large amounts of metal and create illusions at the same time. I don't know if that's a limitation of my power, my focus, or whether I need to practice and learn to use them in conjunction."
Jessica's eyes widened at the display. A grin spread across her face as she declared, "That's so cool!"
Tyson chuckled, and a boyish enthusiasm crept into his voice. "Yeah, like how I imagined action figures were supposed to be when I was a kid."
Felicia, ever practical, brought them back to the matter at hand. "So what's the experiment?"
In response, Tyson slid out of the booth, his eyes closed in concentration. The metal Lizard figurine flattened out, spreading wider and thinner with each passing second. The others watched in fascination as the metal sheet became impossibly thin, stretching to the point where it was barely visible to the naked eye.
"Did you destroy it?"
Tyson's eyes opened, and he smiled triumphantly. "No. I made it as thin as I possibly could. You can't see it anymore because it's effectively two-dimensional now." He held out his arm, and the women could just barely perceive something wrapped around it, like a shimmering mirage that vanished when viewed directly.
"Who wants to be my assistant?" he asked, inviting someone to touch it.
Felicia didn't hesitate. "You know we've never truly touched before," she said.
Tyson's response was equally playful. "And if my experiment works, we still wouldn't."
The tension in the room was palpable as Felicia reached out, her hand hovering for a moment before making contact with Tyson's arm. There was a collective intake of breath, and then nothing happened.
Tyson let out a sigh of relief, quickly followed by a grin that split his face.
"It feels normal to me."
"Because I created the thinnest condom in existence," Tyson explained.
The room erupted in laughter. Jessica leaned in, her scientific curiosity piqued. "How thin are we talking here? And how does it maintain its integrity at that thickness?"
Tyson's expression turned thoughtful. "I'm not entirely sure of the exact measurements, but it's thin enough to be essentially invisible and imperceptible to touch. As for its integrity..." He paused, considering. "I think it has something to do with the way I'm manipulating the magnetic fields. My power allows me to maintain its strength and maybe even its molecular bonds. I'm not entirely sure."
Felicia, her hand still resting on Tyson's arm, looked up at him with awe. "This is incredible. But what are the implications of this? I mean, beyond the obvious applications."
Tyson's excitement dimmed slightly, replaced by a more serious demeanor. "That's what I'm trying to figure out. The level of control this requires is heavy. I could do this and fight. But I know I couldn't maintain it while fighting, using multiple illusions, and still flinging metal around at the same time."
"If you can maintain this, you've solved your problem. You'll be able to touch anyone without needing to rely on clothes, magic, or inhibitor collars."
Jessica beamed at him, her voice warm with genuine happiness. "I'm so happy for you, Tyson. This is huge!"
Felicia's tone shifted, taking on a determined edge. "We're going to celebrate this. Right now."
"Not sure I should be leaving and going clubbing," Tyson said reluctantly. "That didn't end well last time."
But Felicia was already in motion, moving behind the bar. "Then we're doing it here," she declared, her tone brooking no argument.
Jessica's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Right now?"
Felicia's response was to pull out a champagne bottle. "You defeated your nemesis, and you solved the problem. Like THE Problem. The one that's been ruining your life since before we met."
The pop of the champagne cork punctuated her words. As she began pouring the bubbly liquid into flutes, Jessica laughed, the sound light and carefree in a way it hadn't been since her arrival at House of M. "You know what? You're absolutely right, Felicia. This is a big deal, and we should celebrate it."
Tyson's resolve wavered. "I suppose a little celebration couldn't hurt," he conceded.
As Felicia handed out the champagne flutes, the atmosphere in the lounge shifted. She raised her glass, her eyes locked on Tyson's. "To breaking barriers," she said, her voice soft but filled with meaning.
"To new beginnings," Jessica added, her smile bright and genuine.
Tyson raised his glass. "To facing the future, together."