"So you have some kinda genetically cloned weapon?!" Cayden's voice trembled ever so slightly as he turned to face Bella, his eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and fear. The room seemed to close in around them, the dim lights casting eerie shadows on the metallic walls that surrounded them. The air hung heavy with anticipation, thick with secrets waiting to be unraveled.

Bella's gaze flickered from Cayden to the tube containing Weapon X-29, her expression unreadable. "Not me. Moreso, Hydra. They wanted another you, Mister Barone."

Cayden's heart raced as he absorbed Bella's words, his mind struggling to grasp the magnitude of what she had just revealed. A clone? Of HIM, no less?! Hydra's desire for another mindless weapon capable of untold violence sent a shiver down his spine, igniting a firestorm of emotions within him. Confusion, anger, and fear swirled together, threatening to consume him whole.

He turned his gaze back to the cylindrical tube, his eyes narrowing as he studied the unconscious figure inside. "Can he feel pain?" He asks. Bella shrugs. "I'm not sure if he even can be classified as a living being." Cayden's blue eyes narrowed as he took in the sight before him, his mind racing to comprehend the implications of Weapon X-29's existence. 

Cayden once more allowed the blade infused into his skeleton to protrude from his arm, in one swift motion, slashing the glass tube opened, causing said glass to shatter and the liquid to spill out onto the floor.

As the glass shattered, shards glittering like stars in the dimly lit room, Cayden's heart pounded in his chest. He watched with a mix of anticipation and trepidation as Weapon X-29 emerged from the broken confines of his prison. The clone's eyes flickered open, revealing a stormy gaze that mirrored Cayden's own. A surge of adrenaline coursed through Cayden's veins, his mind racing to decipher the intentions of this genetic duplicate standing before him. The clone extends his left arm, and a blade identical to Cayden's protrudes from his left hand. Cayden stands, ready to clash blades with this... this imposter.

A sadisticly calm smile crosses Bella's face. "You'll excuse me if I don't want to witness this," Bella said with a sadistic calmness as she turned away from the unfolding confrontation between Cayden and his clone. The air crackled with tension as the two nearly identical figures stood face to face.

Cayden's heart pounded in his chest as he stared into the stormy gaze of his Hydra-made clone.

"Your move." Cayden taunts X-29.

With a flicker of malice in his eyes, X-29 lunged forward, his movements mirroring Cayden's with an eerie precision. The clash of their blades reverberated through the room, the metallic resonance echoing off the walls like a symphony of violence. Each strike was executed with deadly accuracy, the sound of metal on metal filling the air as sparks ignited and danced through the dimly lit space. But as Cayden quickly found out, X-29 wasn't just a clone in his looks, as for the first time, Barone felt himself forced onto the defensive.

Cayden's heart pounded in his chest as he parried X-29's relentless strikes, his mind working in overdrive to anticipate each move. The dance of their blades was a deadly ballet, their movements a symphony of destruction that echoed through the room.

As they clashed, Cayden couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of familiarity and revulsion, as if he was living out a sort of internal struggle or some kind of other sappy, deep, metaphorical bullshit like that.

In the heat of the moment, Cayden saw his way out. He gets a firm grip on a wall of CPU towers and computing software. Cayden's muscles burned as he exerted his strength, the strain radiating through his entire body like a symphony of pain. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, dotting the ground below him as he focused on the task at hand. With a final surge of energy, Cayden managed to bring down the wall of electronic equipment, creating a barrier between himself and X-29. The metallic crash reverberated through the room, the sound echoing like a thunderous symphony. Breathing heavily, Cayden took a moment to catch his breath as he surveyed the scene before him. The acrid stench of burnt circuits filled his nostrils, mingling with the scent of sweat and adrenaline that permeated the air. Cayden shoots his clone a small salute before darting out the doorway and back into the hallways of the Forge.

Cayden's heart raced as he sprinted through the dimly lit hallways of the Forge, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The adrenaline surged through his veins, fueling his every movement as he pushed himself to the limits. Each step echoed like thunder in his ears, reverberating through the corridors and blending with the distant hum of machinery.

As Cayden ran, his heart pounded in his chest, the thundering footsteps behind him growing louder with each passing moment. The sound reverberated through the corridors, echoing off the cold, metal walls like a relentless drumbeat of impending danger. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, mixing with the exertion and fear that coursed through his veins.

With a final burst through a set of double doors, he finally reached the outside. A brief feeling of relief washed through Cayden.

A brief feeling of relief washed through Cayden as he burst out of the double doors and into the open air, his heart still pounding in his chest. The scene that greeted him was a stark contrast to the dimly lit corridors of the Forge. The sun hung low on the early dawn horizon, casting a slight warming golden glow over dense wildlife surrounding the now abandoned factory. But Cayden did not have long to relish in the early morning scenery, as he heard slow moving footsteps approaching from behind him.

But Cayden did not have long to relish in the early morning scenery, as he heard slow-moving footsteps approaching from behind him. He turned his head to find... Emma, her eyes filled with concern, making her way towards him. Her long blonde hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of silk, contrasting against her pale skin that seemed to almost shimmer under the soft golden rays of the rising sun. The blood of Doctor Price still stained her face and clothing as she had managed to find her way out of the labyrinth like halls of the Forge. "You left me there." She states coldly.

Cayden's heart sank as he looked into Emma's eyes, filled with a mixture of hurt and anger. He had left her behind in the chaos of the Forge, a decision born out of necessity but one that still weighed heavily on his conscience. His hand instinctively reached out to touch her cheek, but she recoiled from his touch, her eyes narrowing with a cold intensity. Cayden tried to muster up the words to say in this situation, but for once, his voice failed him. The words stuck in his throat like a fly hopelessly caught in the web of a Spider. But behind Emma, Cayden sees a muscular, yet stoic figure walking towards them at a less than brisk pace. Cayden's eyes don't waver from the figure. "Emma, get behind me. Now." He said in an unexpectedly commanding tone.

Emma's eyes widened at the sudden change in Cayden's demeanor, his voice resonating with an unexpected authority that sent a shiver down her spine. She hesitated for a moment, torn between her desire to stand by Cayden's side and the instinct to protect herself. But as she glanced into his intense blue eyes, filled with determination and something else she couldn't quite pinpoint, she found herself taking a step back and seeking refuge behind him, joining him in watching the figure closely. As he drew nearer, the figure became discernable at last. His silver hair fell just above his shoulders as his almost golden yellow eyes nearly glowed in the dark corridor. The scraping of the sword protruding from his left hand echoed in the surrounding hallway, making an elongated cacophonous scraping noise as it dragged against the wall, tearing up the old dilapidated wallpaper as he walked. It was X-29.

"Cayden, who the hell is that? And why does he look... a lot like you?" Emma's voice trembled with a mixture of fear and curiosity as she peered out from behind Cayden, her eyes fixated on the figure approaching them. The sound of scraping metal echoed through the corridor, reverberating off the crumbling walls and sending shivers down their spines.

Cayden felt his blade pushing out from within his skin and once more preparing himself, physically and mentally, for a second round with this dangerous man.

Cayden wards Emma backwards, but she didn't listen. "What're you doing?" Cayden's voice rang out, filled with concern and confusion as he watched Emma draw a pair of glinting knives from thin air. The metallic blades shimmered in the dim light, catching the faint glimmer of the rising sun like deadly shards of ice.

"Don't tell me what to do," Emma's voice rang out, filled with a fierce determination that Cayden had rarely seen before. Her eyes blazed with an intensity that matched the fiery determination in her voice. Despite the fear that lingered within her, she refused to back down, her hands gripping the glinting knives tightly as if they were an extension of herself. The air around them seemed to crackle with electricity, charged with the tension between them.

X-29 rushed the both of them, lunging with the blade in his arm. Cayden reacts first, shoving Emma away, allowing himself to get run through by the blade.

Cayden's body jolted with pain as X-29's blade pierced through his flesh, the cold steel tearing through muscle and sinew. Yet, even in this moment of excruciating agony, a surge of adrenaline coursed through his veins, sharpening his focus and heightening his senses. Cayden swiftly kicks X-29 in the chest, sending him recoiling backwards.

As X-29 stumbled backward, his silver hair swaying like the branches of a willow tree in a gentle breeze, Cayden's mind raced with a mix of emotions, But beneath the surface, Cayden felt a surge of anger coursing through his veins, fueled by the sight of X-29's clone standing before him. He touched his hand to the stream of blood pouring from his stomach area.

Cayden's hand trembled as the warm, sticky sensation of blood coated his fingers. He could feel the life force slowly seeping out of him, the metallic smell of his own blood mingling with the scent of the decaying factory around them. X-29 had recovered from the kick, yet he didn't lunge in for another strike. Cayden tried reading his eyes, but he found 29's bold, unwavering stare rather unnerving.

Cayden tenses his gut, feeling an agonizing, searing pain shoot through him, but at the same time, he felt his flesh closing itself up, as if forcefully stitching his body back together. After about ten seconds of this, his chest wound was entirely healed. Cayden looks up at X-29, who smirked at the sight, displaying emotion for the first time since his escape from his stasis pod. Cayden wearily, yet daringly asks a question of the clone. "You let me heal. Why?"

X-29's lips curled into a sinister smirk, the expression barely visible through the dim lighting of the corridor. His piercing yellow eyes seemed to bore into Cayden's soul, an unsettling mix of amusement and malice emanating from his gaze. The atmosphere grew tense, the air thick with anticipation as Cayden awaited his clone's response.

"Well, it wouldn't be a fair fight otherwise." X-29's voice dripped with ice-cold venom, each word packed with a sadistic, yet familiarly sarcastic undertone.

Cayden's heart raced as he stared into the eyes of his clone, X-29. The tension in the air was palpable, hanging heavy around them like a suffocating fog. Every fiber of Cayden's being screamed at him to fight, to unleash the full force of his abilities and take down this twisted reflection of himself. But a voice deep within him urged caution, reminding him that there was more at stake than just his own pride.

But before the clone and Cayden could re-engage in blade-to-blade combat, a window shattered and a guard fell out, landing on the ground headfirst with a brutal "THUD!".

But before the clone and Cayden could re-engage in blade-to-blade combat, a window shattered, sending shards of glass flying through the air like sparkling diamonds. The guard, caught by surprise, fell out of the broken window, his body hurtling towards the ground with a sickening thud that echoed through the abandoned factory.

Cayden's eyes widened as he watched the guard's lifeless form fold like an accordion on impact. Cayden looked up, seeing Agent Zamora in the opened second story windowsill

Cayden looked up, his eyes widening as he saw Agent Zamora perched on the windowsill of the second-story factory window. The flickering flames from the surrounding chaos danced in her fiery red hair, creating an ethereal glow around her.

She exuded an air of confidence and determination that seemed to emanate from every pore of her being. She lept down, gracefully landing on the grass next to Emma. The smoke from the chaos still lingered in the air, intertwining with the scent of burning metal and the acrid taste of fear. Agent Zamora's piercing blue eyes scanned the scene, taking in every detail with a keen eye that revealed her years of experience as a seasoned agent.

She held up a set of three flash drives. "Got what I came for. Did You two behave yourselves?" She asks, glancing at Emma, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he listened to Agent Zamora's question. "Handled ourselves just fine. Killed a Perverted doctor, found out Emma has a big sister, and now... apparently, I've gotta clone." Cayden says, motioning towards the pacing X-29.

"Oof. Tough shit, kid." She says rather uncaringly. seemingly shrugging at the plight these two had gotten themselves into.

Cayden scoffs out of clear irritation at Agent Zamora's dismissive response. He didn't expect a pat on the back for their accomplishments, but her nonchalant attitude rubbed him the wrong way. His mind raced, trying to come up with a snarky retort, but he held his tongue. He knew that their focus needed to be on X-29 and the imminent danger he posed.

"So this guy. He's Your clone or something like that, eh Kid?" She raises an eyebrow, taking off her leather jacket before lighting up another Cigarette. "Finally, an excuse to smack that smirk off your smug face without facing consequences," Agent Zamora's voice dripped with sarcasm as she took a long drag from her cigarette, the ash glowing like a small ember at the end. The smoke curled around her fingers, intertwining with the tendrils of her silky blonde hair as she exhaled slowly, creating a hazy cloud that lingered in the still air. Cayden rather readies himself for the evident fight ahead. "So, X-29, is it?" Crystal asks the clone. "What purpose do you serve?"

X-29's smug expression remained unchanged as he glanced at Agent Zamora, his eyes glinting with an unsettling mix of arrogance and amusement. His voice was icy and devoid of any emotion as he responded to her question, "Purpose? Oh, my dear Agent Zamora, I don't understand the reasoning behind my existence. All I know is, I woke up a few minutes ago and this familiar, yet dashing broad over here attacks me." He points at Cayden while remarking with a hint of wonder buried under his naturally sinister vocal tone.

Zamora's eyes narrowed, as flickers of surprise and suspicion crossing her features as she listened to X-29's cryptic response. The air around them seemed to grow heavy with tension, the weight of untold secrets hanging in the atmosphere like a dark cloud. She took another drag from her cigarette, the smoke curling around her fingers like ethereal tendrils.

"How'd you know my-" Crystal began, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and caution. The smoke from her cigarette danced around her fingers like ethereal tendrils, mirroring the swirling thoughts in her mind. She quickly shakes her head and gets back on track. "Well, What do you think you're here for? You're a walking weapon, made by a criminal syndicate known as Hydra." X-29, in a surprising move, cuts off the Shield Agent.

X-29's cold, metallic voice cut through the tense silence like a knife slicing through butter. His words hung in the air, heavy with an eerie sense of detachment. The flickering glow from the nearby flames cast eerie shadows on his face, highlighting the sharp angles and coldness that seemed to emanate from him.

"Hydra? Oh, how quaint. As If I'd lower myself to serving such vermin." X-29's voice dripped with condescension as he sneered at Agent Zamora. Crystal was taken aback by his comment.

Crystal was taken aback by his dismissive attitude towards Hydra, her eyes narrowing as she studied the clone before her. The smoke from her cigarette curled around her fingers like a phantom serpent, adding an ethereal quality to the tension-filled atmosphere. She took a step closer to X-29, her voice dripping with authority and command as she confronted him.

"You think you're above Hydra?"

"When creating me, one deviant scientist - a Woman whose name eludes me - made sure I had something no other previous Soldier had been granted." 29 begins. Cayden steps forward to confront him Physically. "And that is?"

"Free Will." X-29's lips curled into a chilling smile, his yellow eyes gleaming with a mix of arrogance and satisfaction. "Rather than be another hollow machine of destruction, I was allowed to keep whatever emotional connections that came with your DNA." 29 explains. Crystal takes another huff, breathing out

Crystal takes another huff, breathing out a plume of smoke that seemed to intertwine with the swirling chaos around them. "So you're a murder machine who can catch some feels?" She says with her typical sarcastic attitude.

X-29's eyes narrowed, a hint of annoyance flashing across his face before it faded into an unsettling calmness. He tilted his head slightly, as if studying Agent Zamora with a mixture of curiosity and silent judgment. The air around them crackled with tension, the remnants of their conversation lingering like a storm on the horizon.

"I suppose you could put it that way," X-29 finally responded, his voice laced with an icy edge. He flicks his wrist and allows his blade to slice through the crisp morning air. "I think We're done talking, dear agent. Time to die."

As X-29's words hung in the air, a surge of adrenaline coursed through Cayden's veins. His heart pounded in his chest, matching the rhythm of his quickened breaths. With each beat, he could feel the weight of the imminent battle upon him. The air grew heavy with tension, electricity crackling like a storm on the horizon. Cayden glanced back at Emma. "Run." He demands of her.

"You think I'm just going to run?" Emma's voice was laced with defiance as she stared at Cayden, her eyes blazing with determination. She took a step forward, her body tense and ready for whatever may come. The wind whipped through her hair, carrying with it a sense of urgency that matched the rapid beating of her heart.

Cayden's piercing blue eyes met Emma's fiery gaze, a mixture of concern and frustration etched on his face. X-29 then speaks up. "Don't be so naive. You already know He can outmatch you in every way, and I'm his exact clone. That being said, what chance do you hope to stand against me?"

At X-29's chilling remark, a surge of defiance rippled through Cayden's veins, his blue eyes flashing with determination. He stepped forward, his body coiled like a tightly wound spring, ready to unleash his full power against this rogue clone.

"Crystal, get her out of here. NOW." As Cayden's voice dipped to a fear-inducing level of pure malice, a chilling silence descended upon them, heavy with the weight of impending danger. The air crackled with electricity, mirroring the tension coursing through their veins. "There are just Some things I gotta handle myself." He remarks with a sigh. Crystal grips Emma's arm. "We're out of our depth, Em. We have to get back to the city with the information we stole..."

Emma's heart raced as she looked between Cayden and Crystal, torn between the need to stay and fight alongside her love and the nagging voice of reason telling her to retreat. As their eyes locked, she could see the fierce determination in Cayden's gaze, his unwavering belief in their abilities. But beneath that determination, there was a flicker of fear, a vulnerability that made her stomach churn with worry. Emma nods to Crystal, but before she left, she felt she had one thing she simply had to do.

"Hey!" She calls for Cayden's attention, allowing him only a brief moment before she grabs his by the shoulder and turns him half around, quickly pulling herself up to his level and planting a quick, yet passionate kiss on his lips. After a brief moment, he gently pushes her away, almost as a courtesy to remind her he had important business he was about to tend to. Understanding the circumstances, Emma glances over to X-29, then back at Cayden. "Come back alive, ok?" She mutters almost pleadingly. Cayden smirks subtly. In his own signature fashion, he responded with, "No Promises." Emma shakes her head as she lets go of Cayden. "Cayden Barone, you're impossible." She says with a single tear escaping her eye. She turns to begin running with Crystal, taking one last look at Cayden before turning and sprinting back the way they'd entered the Forge. 

Cayden watched out of the corner of his eye as Emma and Crystal disappeared into the distance, their figures vanishing into the foliage. X-29's chilling laugh reverberates through the morning air. Cayden's heart pounded in his chest, the adrenaline coursing through his veins like a raging river.

"Well? Bring it on, Jackass!" As Cayden's challenge echoed through the desolate landscape, a gust of wind swept through the air, carrying with it a sense of anticipation and danger. The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows that danced across the rocky terrain. Slowly, Cayden and X-29 began circling one another. The ground beneath Cayden's feet felt hard and unforgiving, as if it were mocking him. Slowly, Cayden and X-29 began circling one another, their eyes locked in a deadly dance of anticipation.

After a few moments, X-29 struck first, his movements fluid and precise. The sound of metal meeting metal resonated through the air as his blade clashed against Cayden's katana. Sparks erupted from the collision, illuminating their faces with a fiery glow. Their eyes locked in a fierce battle of wills, each trying to gain the upper hand over the other.

Cayden gritted his teeth, his muscles straining as he fought against the surprising strength of his clone. The clash of their blades echoed through the desolate landscape, creating a cacophony of sound that reverberated in their ears. Sweat dripped from Cayden's brow, mingling with the dust kicked up by their intense battle as it stained his platinum blonde hair with streaks of dampness. The two blocked and parried each other's strikes, again and again and again. Neither of them could seem to secure an advantage, almost like they knew each other's attack plans before they even made the move.

"So you're as good as they said all those years ago," X-29 sneered, his voice dripping with disdain, yet His eyes gleamed with a wicked excitement, a reflection of the twisted pleasure he derived from the chaos that surrounded them. The clash of their blades echoed through the desolate landscape, each strike resonating with a deafening intensity.

Cayden felt his arm slowly going numb. The repeated clashing of their blades obviously was starting to wear him out, as 29's hits were stinging more and more with each passing collision.

Finally, first blood was drawn. 29 elbowed Cayden in the ribs before drawing the razor sharp edge of his sword across cayden's abdomen. Blood seeped out of the New wound, only this time Cayden was not allowed time to heal.

Cayden stumbles backwards, reeling as he looked down at the crimson river seeping down from the gash in his belly, slowly soaking into his torn jeans.

Cayden's breath came in ragged gasps as pain radiated through his body, the edges of his vision blurring with each passing moment. He could feel the warmth of his own blood pooling around him, staining the ground beneath his feet.

As he dropped to one knee, X-29 slashed his back, causing another painful, bleeding cut to open. Cayden's body throbbed with agony, his senses overwhelmed by the searing pain that radiated through his entire being.

Every movement felt like a Herculean effort, as if his limbs were encased in lead weights. Gasping for breath, Cayden's mind raced with a concoction of fear and determination. He could taste the metallic tang of blood on his lips, mingling with the sweat that trickled down his forehead.

Pain seared through his body, each nerve ending screaming in protest. In spite of this, Cayden somehow found some kind of inner strength that allowed him to stand up. His blonde hair clung to his sweat-soaked forehead, strands sticking together in a disheveled mess as he steadied himself. The world around him seemed to blur as his vision wavered, but he refused to let himself succumb to the overwhelming agony coursing through his veins.

Still, The metallic tang of blood lingered on his tongue, mingling with the taste of sweat that trickled down his forehead. The landscape seemed to spin, a dizzying whirlwind of colors and shapes that threatened to swallow him whole. But the only thing he focused on? X-29, who was currently slowly circling Cayden with predatory grace, his eyes gleaming with a cruel mixture of anticipation and sadistic pleasure. His clone's movements were fluid and calculated, each step taken with purpose as he closed the distance between them. The wind rustled through the trees, carrying with it a foreboding chill that matched the tension in the air.

Cayden felt his gut clench, as his body increased the pain he felt sevenfold in order to heal itself, partially closing the cut on his abdomen. X-29 laughs coldly. "Are you really done in so easily? Perhaps my creators overestimated you. You're not some hero. You're just a tough guy trying to-" He had begun saying as he sauntered towards Cayden, only for the latter's arm to swing around. 29 backstepped at the last second, but not back far enough, as a part of Cayden's blade still managed to tear through the flesh on the front of his neck. 29 immediately sinks to his knees as the sword retracts into his arm, using both hands to slow the gushing blood coming from his throat.

Cayden uses his now blood-stained blade to help him stand. He lets out a brief cry of agony as his gut and back wounds finally close. Cayden looks down at X-29, Now pressing the tip of his blade gently against his clone's chest, right above the heart. "How-" X-29 managed to rasp out despite the flood of crimson spilling from his neck.

Cayden stood sweaty and bloody, his shirt torn to shreds from the fighting. He grins down at his defeated clone. "You said you're a clone of me, more than just physically, right?" He begins with the simple question. X-29 nods slightly.

Cayden's lips curled into a twisted smile as he leaned in closer, his voice dripping with venomous satisfaction. At first, all he says is the word, "Arrogance." 29 looks up, his cold, yellow eyes asking a thousand questions, but Cayden was all too happy to ansewr them. "I noticed You were also given most of my personality. I'd like to think I know my own weaknesses." Cayden states with a satisfied tone. He takes the blade off of 29's neck. "Consider this a courtesy. I know you can heal that, so You get to live longer than a single day, as I believe you're not inherently evil. Don't make me regret my decision." Cayden says coldly as he turns to leave, using his blade to help himself walk, as fatigue was wrecking his limbs, and internal pains were nearly causing him to double over just standing up.

X-29 growls to himself as he starts allowing his neck gash to heal. He didn't know how to feel. His life had been spared as an act of Mercy. Here, he thought Cayden, his DNA original counterpart, was incapable of such a thing in the heat of battle. Perhaps that ex-Hydra woman changed him... or maybe he just knows his purpose in life, unlike his clone. 29 sat up, waiting for the cut to close as he pondered all the thoughts and questions stirring about in his mind.

Despite the healing ability, 29 felt over his neck, noticing that there was a nasty scar over nis neck where Cayden had sliced rather than a perfectly healed patch of skin. "Interesting." The mutant clone observed. "Vibranium blades can leave Permanent scars on healing mutants..." He notioned. "We will meet again, Barone." He says in a newer, Raspier voice as he seemingly accepts this defeat by his counterpart's hands. As he lies onto his back, his adrenaline finally begins wearing off and fatigue making his limbs feel heavier than lead. "...Until another day, Cayden Barone." He mutters as his consciousness begins to slip, and his world fades to black.

As X-29's consciousness faded, Cayden turned away, his steps heavy and unsteady. The weight of the battle hung heavily on his weary shoulders. He could feel the deep ache in his muscles from the relentless fighting, each movement a reminder of the pain he had endured.

-----------

Meanwhile, back in the confines of Cayden and Alexa's high rise condo, Luke slowly opened his eyes, the soft morning light filtering through the sheer curtains of their bedroom. He stretched his muscular frame, feeling the pleasant ache in his muscles from a night of restful sleep. As he turned his gaze to the side, he couldn't help but smile at the sight of Alexa lying beside him, her delicate features illuminated by a gentle glow.

Alexa stirred awake, her eyelashes fluttering against her cheeks as she blinked away the remnants of sleep. "Morning." She mutters, still a little drowsy.

"Morning," Luke whispered back, his voice carrying a soothing warmth that washed over Alexa like a gentle breeze. His emerald green eyes sparkled with adoration as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch feather-light against her skin. The soft morning light bathed the room in a golden glow, casting long shadows that danced along the walls.

Alexa's lips curled into a sleepy smile as she yawned and stretched, her body slowly awakening from its slumber.

"Is Cayden back yet?" Alexa asked, her voice still groggy with sleep, as she sat up in bed and stretched her slender arms above her head. Her mind immediately filled with thoughts of her twin brother, Cayden, and the dangerous battles he constantly found himself in. Anxiety prickled at the edges of her consciousness, intertwining with a fierce sense of protectiveness that flowed through her veins.

Luke's gaze softened as he took in Alexa's worried expression. "No. Haven't heard from him or Emma yet. But, come on, Alexa. Your brother's fine. If anything, he's resilience alone will bring 'em home. After all, we both know he's way too stubborn to just drop dead any-ol'-where."

Alexa tries to smile with confidence, but worry lines marred her smooth forehead as she clasped her hands together. Her mind was a whirlwind of fears and what-ifs, each thought more alarming than the last. She couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for not being out there at the very least, supporting her brother in his battles against whatever threatens the Peace. The bond they shared as twins ran deep, and she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something terrible might befall him.

Alexa felt the warmth of Luke's hand on her shoulder, a grounding force that brought her back to the present moment. His touch offered reassurance, like a beacon of light in the midst of her swirling fears. She turned to face him, her eyes searching his emerald green orbs for solace.

Luke's gaze held a mixture of understanding and unwavering support as he met Alexa's worried gaze. Nearby, a phone started ringing. Luke checked his, and Alexa instinctually glances at hers, but neither one's device was making any noise. Luke swings his legs out of bed as he spots the device in question charging in the corner of his room.

"This is your brother's phone... He must've left it here last night before he went out." Luke confirmed, his voice filled with curiosity as he reached over to pick up the device. The screen illuminated, revealing a series of missed calls and urgent messages. His brow furrowed as he scanned through the notifications, his mind racing to piece together the puzzle before him.

"Luke, what's going on?" Alexa asked, her voice laced with concern as she sat up in bed, her slender frame draped in soft sheets. Luke swiped to answer the call coming through. "Hello?" Luke's deep voice resonated with a mixture of curiosity and concern as he pressed the phone to his ear. Alexa watched him intently, her bright blue eyes filled with anticipation and worry. The room seemed to hold its breath as they waited for a response on the other end of the line.

"Motherfucker, we been tryna call you all night." Nick Fury's agitated voice blares through the speaker. "Sorry, who is this?" Luke asks, his voice resonating with confusion as he tries to make sense of the urgent call. He glances at Alexa, who watches him intently, her eyes filled with a mix of worry and anticipation.

"It's Fury," came the response, dripping with frustration. "Nicholis J. Fury. Tell me who this is and where I can find Cayden Barone, AKA, the Motherfucker whose Phone I'm calling right now!"

"This is Luke Rhodes," he responded, his voice steady but laced with a touch of apprehension. "I'm... Cayden's roommate. What's going on?"

"We got some business that we believe may be a direct result of an altercation Cayden bad "Luke Rhodes, huh? You aren't Blade kid, but you'll do just fine for now." Fury's voice rumbled over the phone, laden with a mix of skepticism and urgency. "Listen up, Motherfucker, I don't have much time to explain, but we've got a situation. We feel that your roommate Cayden Barone is involved in something big. Something that if left unchecked, the world may not exactly be equipped to handle it."

"So what do you need from me, sir?" Luke asks, a sudden willingness overtaking his previously bewildered tone. His muscles tense with anticipation as he awaits Fury's response, his mind already spinning with the possibilities of the situation at hand. A sense of duty and responsibility washes over him, propelling him into action even before he fully understands the gravity of the task that lies ahead.

Fury's voice crackles through the phone, his words powered by a strong sense of authority. "I need you and your little girlfriend's asses to get down to SHIELD Headquarters so we can at least inform you of what we're dealing with. But first, we gotta scene for you to visit with that Telepath friend of yours. We believe it has something to do with the Mutant fugitive, Chris Catalyst."

Luke has a brief flashback to the Garage explosion, to where he hoisted the three Ton slab of concrete to help a woman escape with her life. He heard this Catalyst guy was responsible for endangering her in the first place. He was clearly nothing but bad news. "Where do you need us, sir?" Luke's voice held a sense of determination, his muscles tensing in preparation for the task at hand. His emerald green eyes fixated on the phone, as if trying to draw out any additional information from it. The weight of responsibility settled on his broad shoulders, his mind racing with possibilities and potential dangers that awaited them.

Fury audibly chuckled over the phone. "I appreciate your complience, kid. Downtown, near Time's Square. Apparently, some of those big ass LED boards came loose, and it's suspected that Catalyst guy caused 'em to fall. They need a little help with assessing the situation along with a little clean-up." Luke didn't hesitate to answer, "Understood, Sir." Before hanging up. Alexa tilts her head as she opens her mouth to speak, but Luke holds up his hand as if telling her not to ask. "Just get dressed. We're needed downtown as soon as possible." He briefly explains.

As they rushed to get dressed, the atmosphere in the room crackled with a mix of urgency and apprehension. Alexa's hands trembled slightly as she slipped into a pair of black leggings, her mind filled with a jumble of thoughts and emotions, as Luke hadn't yet filled her in on the situation.

The two finished changing, quickly driving down towards the scene of yet another tragic accident. As Alexa fastened the zipper of her black leather jacket, her hands trembled with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one clamoring for attention as she tried to make sense of the situation at hand. She glanced at Luke, whose strong and stoic presence offered her a much-needed anchor in the storm.

Luke's emerald green eyes met Alexa's, their depths filled with unwavering support and determination.

As Luke and Alexa stepped out into the bustling chaos of downtown, they were immediately enveloped by the pulsating energy that filled the air. The streets were teeming with people, their hurried footsteps echoing against the concrete pavement. Neon lights flickered, casting an ethereal glow that danced across their faces, highlighting their determined expressions.

As they made their way towards Times Square, Alexa couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sight of one of the massive electronic boards missing from its lofty position on a skyscraper. To the horror of both heroes, the gigantic board was lying in the middle of the street, its shattered pieces strewn about like a jigsaw puzzle tossed aside by careless hands. The once vibrant LED lights now lifeless as the board lie face down in the street. The air was thick with a sense of doom and urgency as people scrambled to survey the terrifying sight, their panicked voices blending with the blaring sirens and wails of parked emergency vehicles.

A paramedic tried holding Luke back, but Rhodes effortlessly brushed him to the side. A Dozen or so emergency responders were attempting to lift the fallen LED board, but to no avail.

Luke's voice boomed through the chaos, cutting through the clamor like a thunderous roar. "Get out of my way!" His words carried a commanding authority that demanded attention. The emergency responders, their faces etched with a mix of surprise and awe, quickly stepped aside, allowing Luke to approach the fallen LED board unhindered.

As he neared the shattered remnants of technology, his senses heightened, taking in every detail of the scene. Luke's steady footsteps echoed through the chaos, his gaze fixed on the shattered LED board that lay before him. The air crackled with tension as he approached the fallen wreckage, his powerful frame radiating with a sense of purpose and determination. His emerald green eyes scanned every inch of the scene, taking in the twisted metal and broken glass that littered the ground like shattered dreams. He closed his eyes and listened carefully, hearing a few faint calls for help from underneath the wreckage.

As Luke closed his eyes and honed in on the faint calls for help, his heart pounded in his chest. The desperation in those voices resonated within him, stirring a surge of adrenaline that coursed through his veins. His hands clenched into fists, his muscles tensing with determination. He knew he had to act swiftly to save those trapped beneath the wreckage.

With a deep breath, Luke bends down and grabs the bottom of the giant LED board's frame. He yells to the responders, "I'll hold it for as long as I can, get everyone you can out!"

With a mighty heave, Luke's brawny arms strained against the weight of the fallen LED board. Some people laughed at his attempt at first, only for the faint laughter to turn into shock and awe when Luke began hoisting up the massive frame. His muscles bulged with the effort as beads of sweat trickled down his forehead. Not only did he lift it off the ground, but he was able to lift it high enough to stand up and fit his massive 6'4 body underneath it. The immense pressure threatened to crush him, but he stood firm, his resolve unyielding. "What're you waiting for?! MOVE!! NOW!!" He shouts to the men, his body holding the debris firmly above him, giving them enough room to sweep under the wreckage for any survivors.

The responders wasted no time, their urgent footsteps pounding against the pavement as they scrambled to rescue those trapped beneath the wreckage.

Time seemed to slow as Rhodes stood beneath the weight of the fallen LED board, his muscles burning with exertion. Sweat trickled down his forehead, mingling with the debris that clung to his skin. The world around him faded into a blur of motion, consumed by the intensity of his focus on keeping the wreckage aloft.

The air was heavy with anticipation as the emergency responders scurried like ants beneath the towering, multi-ton frame to retrieve any surviving victims. Luke may as well have been Atlas holding up the sky. Despite the weight of multiple lives hanging in the balance, he knew he couldn't allow himself to quit until everyone who had just run in came back out alive.

The seconds felt like eternity, but at long last, after a whole five minutes, a rescue team member shouts "THAT'S ALL OF THEM!". Luke steps out from under the frame, allowing it to crash back down to the ground as he breaths a heavy sigh of relief.

His chest heaving with exhaustion. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead and chest, mingling with the dirt and grime that clung to his brow. The weight of the fallen LED board had taken its toll on his body, leaving him drained but satisfied in knowing that lives had been saved. Luke's emerald green eyes scanned the scene before him, taking in the faces of the survivors as they looked to the man responsible for allowing their lives to be saved, their expressions a chaotic mixture of relief and gratitude.

Alexa runs over to a seated Rhodes. Alexa's heart pounded in her chest as she rushed towards Luke, her steps quick and determined. Her mind raced with concern for his well-being. She reached him and dropped to her knees beside him, her hands trembling as she gently touched his sweat-soaked face.

"Luke," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of relief and worry. "Are you okay? That was..." She began. "That was... incredible," Alexa finally managed to say, her voice filled with awe and admiration. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, a testament to the overwhelming emotions coursing through her.

The sight of Luke standing beneath the weight of the fallen LED board was etched into Alexa's mind like a vivid painting, each brushstroke representing a moment of fear and hope intermingled. She couldn't help but be in awe of his strength and determination, his unwavering commitment to saving lives. The way his muscles strained against the immense pressure, the glisten of sweat on his forehead as he fought against exhaustion—it was nothing short of heroic.

"Not bad, Mister Rhodes!" A familiar voice calls out in a congratulatory manner.

Both Luke and Alexa turned their heads to see Agent Phil Coulson approaching them with a confident stride, his polished black shoes clicking rhythmically against the pavement. His neatly pressed suit clung to his lean frame, accentuating every line and curve of his impeccable posture. A small smile played at the corner of his lips, revealing a hint of amusement and admiration as he surveyed the scene before him.

Agent Phil Coulson's sharp eyes darted from Luke's sweat-soaked face to Alexa's concerned expression, taking in every minute detail. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride welling up within him as he watched the heroic couple, both physically and emotionally exhausted yet resolute in their purpose.

Coulson's voice carried a hint of admiration as he addressed the weary heroes before him. "Not bad, at all, Luke. That was quite the show." Luke's chest rose and fell with each labored breath, his emerald green eyes reflecting a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he locked eyes with Agent Coulson. "Thanks... Phil, was it?" Luke asks.

Phil Coulson's eyes crinkled with a hint of amusement as he nodded. "That's right, Mr. Rhodes. Phil Coulson, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., at your service." He extended his hand towards Luke, who accepted it with a firm grip, their hands clasping together in a show of respect and camaraderie. Luke's exhaustion melted away momentarily as he exchanged a knowing glance with Coulson. Agent Coulson pulls Luke up to his feet.

Luke's tired muscles protested as he pushed himself up to his feet, feeling a comforting stability return to his body. Luke couldn't help but admire the seasoned agent before him, his eyes taking in every nuanced detail of Coulson's composed posture and sharp gaze. "You two may be needed at Shield HQ." Coulson informs him.

"Yeah, Fury told me," Luke replied, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity. He glanced over at Alexa, who stood beside him, her eyes filled with concern. Luke knew that whatever Nick Fury had called him for must be important.

"This was no accident," Alexa muttered, her voice laced with a mix of uncertainty and determination. Her blue eyes narrowed as she surveyed the wreckage before her, searching for any telltale signs that would confirm her suspicions. She knew that there was more to this disaster than met the eye.

She walks over to the fallen wreckage of the LED board. She gently places her palm on the metal frame and shuts her eyes, quieting her mind, ready to use one of her hidden powers. She was quietly trying to read a type of echo, To see the history of what she was touching. Usually, she could only manage this with inanimate objects.

As she closed her eyes, she witnessed the very tragedy's occurance. Alexa felt the surge of fear, the bone-chilling dread that had consumed her when she witnessed the horrifying scene of the Giant board creaking and falling over six stories, crushing cars and people alike. As Alexa's mind was flooded with the memories of the catastrophic event that had unfolded before her, a shiver ran down her spine, causing her to tremble involuntarily. She could still hear the deafening crash and the cacophony of screams echoing in her ears, each sound a haunting reminder of how life itself could end in the blink of an eye.

Alexa's eyes fluttered open, her heart pounding in her chest as she pulled her hand away from the wreckage. Luke watched her intently, concern etched on his face like a map of worry lines. "What happened? I mean, obviously, the thing fell, but like... How'd it happen?" Luke asks.

Alexa's eyes narrowed as she locked gazes with Luke, her mind racing to find the right words to convey the gravity of what she had witnessed. The weight of her telepathic abilities pressed upon her, threatening to overwhelm her fragile sense of self. She took a deep breath, steadying her voice before responding.

"It wasn't an accident, Luke," Alexa began, her voice laced with a mix of concern and determination. "I saw it, I felt it. The cables just... they just snapped. No prior damage, no wear and tear. Nothing. They just... They just suddenly broke," Alexa repeated, her voice shaking in disbelief. Her eyes shimmered with a mix of fear and determination as she recounted the chilling memory. "There wasn't any tension in the cables before they came loose. It's like one moment they were fine, and the next it just couldn't handle it's own weight anymore."

Luke's emerald green eyes widened in disbelief, reflecting the flickering light of the wreckage as he processed Alexa's revelation. The weight of her words settled heavily upon his shoulders, threatening to crush his spirit beneath their burden. Thoughts raced through his mind, each one more urgent than the last as he tried to make sense of the situation.

"It doesn't make any sense," Luke muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. His mind raced with a flurry of thoughts, each one more urgent than the last as he tried to piece together the puzzle before him. Coulson shakes his head and lets out a deep, disheartened breath, as if he were holding a large portion of the truth back from the two. Both Alexa and Luke shift their gaze to Coulson. "What aren't you telling us?" Luke says sternly, now slightly suspicious of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent.

A heavy silence settled over the trio as they awaited Agent Coulson's response, the weight of his unspoken words hanging in the air like a looming storm cloud. Phil Coulson's eyes darted between Luke and Alexa, his gaze filled with a mixture of concern and caution. It was clear that he held information that could potentially change the course of their lives, but he seemed reluctant to share it.

After a few prolonged seconds of suffocating silence, Coulson finally let out a deep, exasperated sigh. "We do know how this happened. And that's precisely why we tried to call your Brother about this situation." Luke locked gazes with the seasoned S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, his mind racing to decipher the hidden meaning behind Coulson's cryptic statement. "Well that's all fine and such, but that doesn't explain who in the hell tried to kill..." Luke gulps as he sees a few paramedics pushing at least ten stretchers with bodies in body bags away from the scene. "...It doesn't explain who the hell killed ten people by dropping a god-damn Time's Square Billboard on them!" Luke's voice carried a rare hint of anger and aggression.

His emerald green eyes blazed with a fiery intensity as his fists clenched in frustration. Each breath he took seemed to fuel the growing anger within him, causing his muscles to tense and ripple with restrained power. The weight of those lost lives pressed heavily upon his broad shoulders, threatening to consume him in a whirlwind of guilt and remorse. Alexa places her hand on his shoulder. "Luke, we weren't here when it happened. There's nothing you could've done for them." "But what if there was?!" He snaps back at Alexa unexpectedly, seeing how he knew she just read his mind.

Alexa felt the sting of Luke's words pierce her heart like a knife. The intensity behind his voice caught her off guard, and she recoiled slightly as if physically struck by his anger. She understood his pain, the weight of responsibility that he carried upon his broad shoulders, but she also knew that blaming themselves would only serve to further burden their already heavy hearts.

Her blue eyes, glistening with unshed tears, locked onto Luke's intense gaze. "I know how much helping other people means to you. You've told me about your dad, about how you lost him when you were only Six, but you can't save everyone! You can try, but not everyone can be helped!"

Luke's anger flickered like a dying ember, slowly dissipating as Alexa's words washed over him. He felt a knot in his chest loosen, replaced by a mix of relief and guilt. Her empathy was a soothing balm to his troubled soul, reminding him that he couldn't bear the weight of the world on his shoulders alone.

With a heavy sigh, Luke turned his attention back to Agent Coulson, his bright green eyes now tinged with a hint of resignation.

"There's more to this than meets the eye, isn't there?" Luke's voice was laced with a mixture of weariness and determination as he directed his gaze towards Agent Coulson. He had seen enough tragedy and loss in his life to recognize when something didn't add up, and this incident was no exception. The weight of the world seemed to settle upon his broad shoulders once again, threatening to crush him under its unforgiving burden. "That name Fury mentioned..." Luke began, with all the peices seemingly put together in his mind. "That guy Cayden came across twice in a row... He did this too?"

Coulson nods. "Chris Catalyst."

Luke's breath caught in his throat at the mention of Chris Catalyst's name. He had encountered the deranged mutant before, witnessing firsthand the destruction and chaos he left in his wake. The memories of their previous encounters flooded Luke's mind, igniting a mix of anger, fear, and determination within him. Luke grips the open door of a driverless taxi and, with astonishing ease, rips the Taxi's door clean off the vehicle.

The screech of twisting metal filled the air as Luke, his muscles bulging with raw power, tore the taxi door from its hinges. The door stood no chance against Luke's superhuman strength. The sound of shattering glass accompanied his actions as he launched the door through the air with a thunderous roar. The door collided with a brick building with a loud crash, causing small chunks of brick and debris to rain down in a small, yet chaotic symphony of destruction. The air was heavy with the putrid smell of burning rubber and the faint scent of gasoline, intertwining with the lingering smoke from the wreckage. The once bustling city street had been transformed into a war zone, its vibrant energy replaced by an eerie stillness that hung in the air like a shroud. Luke surveyed the once vibrant street, usually teeming with life, now a desolate crime scene, void of commuting citizens and the usual overpowering sounds of chatter and shuffling footsteps.

Alexa watched in awe and concern, her eyes wide with a mixture of admiration and worry. Luke takes a deep breath before glancing back to Coulson. "Fury. Is this what he wanted us to see?" He asks Agent Coulson, who looks down at the ground before nodding his head slightly. Luke forces himself to his feet. "He wanted us at the SHIELD Headquarters. So what're we waiting for, another Catalyst attack?" Luke asks with an almost sarcastic impatience remenescent of Cayden's usual tone.

In the following silence, Coulson's phone rings. He presses a button on an earpiece he's wearing. "Agent Coulson. What do you need, sir?" He says after answering his phone. Phil stands there for a moment, nodding and saying a few things such as "Yeah" and "Alright", before he signed off with "Right away. Understood," and hung up.

He looks up at the duo, his eyes filled with a mixture of urgency and concern. His gaze shifts between Luke and Alexa, studying their expressions and body language for any signs of hesitation or doubt. "Fury wants you two at HQ at once. My car's just down the block, we need to get there as soon as possible," Agent Coulson urged. Luke nods to Alexa, who, without saying a word, motions for Coulson to lead the way.