A Rider Kick in Marvel ch 137

In the tranquil grounds of the X-Mansion, the majestic Castle Doran descended from the sky, its towering silhouette casting a shadow over the estate. With a thunderous rumble, the ancient fortress landed gracefully, its dragon-like features gleaming in the afternoon light.

Ace, Lorna, and the X-Men emerged from the castle, their expressions a mix of relief and determination. As they stepped forward, a shimmering ball of energy shot out from Castle Doran, enveloping them and guiding their path towards the waiting figure of Professor Charles Xavier.

The venerable telepath greeted them, his brow furrowed with concern. "Welcome back, my friends. I'm relieved to see you all safe." His gaze swept over the group, taking in the weary but resolute faces of the X-Men and their unexpected allies.

Scott stepped forward, his visor gleaming in the sunlight. "We were successful, Professor. Ace is safe."

Charles Xavier's face visibly relaxed, a warm smile spreading across his features. "I'm relieved to see you all in one piece." His gaze settled on Ace, a hint of paternal concern in his eyes. "Ace, we were worried when we lost contact with you. I'm grateful you're unharmed."

Ace nodded, a grateful expression on his face. "Thank you, Professor, and the rest of the X-Men, for coming to my rescue. I couldn't have done it without your help."

Charles' attention shifted to the young woman standing beside Ace, her vibrant green hair immediately catching his eye. "And who might this be?" he inquired, his tone welcoming.

Ace placed a hand on Lorna's shoulder, offering her an encouraging smile. "This is Lorna Dane, Professor. She's..." He paused, considering his words carefully. "She's Magneto's daughter, and she helped me escape from Asteroid M."

Charles' eyebrows rose in surprise, but the expression on his face remained one of thoughtful contemplation. "I see." He turned to Lorna, extending his hand in a gesture of greeting. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lorna. Your father and I have had our differences, but I'm grateful for your assistance in this matter."

Lorna's lips curved into a hesitant smile as she grasped Charles Xavier's outstretched hand. "It's an honor to meet you, Professor. I... I'm sorry for the trouble my father has caused. I hope I can make amends in some way."

Charles' warm gaze settled on the young woman, a hint of understanding in his expression. "Nonsense, my dear. Your father and I may have our differences, but we are old friends. That makes you family in a way, does it not?"

Lorna's eyes widened, a spark of hope igniting within her. "Family?" she repeated, the word carrying a weight of longing and uncertainty.

"Indeed," Charles affirmed, his hand giving Lorna's a gentle squeeze. "Your father and I have a complicated history, but that does not negate the fact that we share a deep bond. And that, by extension, includes you and your sister."

Lorna thanked Charles again, her expression conveying a mixture of gratitude and lingering uncertainty. "I appreciate your kindness, Professor. It means more to me than you know."

Charles Xavier nodded, his compassionate gaze settling upon the young woman. "Then I must insist that you stay with us, Lorna. The X-Mansion would be honored to have you as our guest."

Lorna hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly. "I'm... I'm not sure, Professor. My father's actions have caused so much pain, and I'm not certain I can fully separate myself from that legacy."

Ace, sensing Lorna's hesitation, stepped forward. "If I may, Professor, I'd be more than happy to have Lorna stay with me." He turned to the green-haired woman, a warm smile on his face. "My home is quite large, and it can feel a bit lonely, even with Izu there. I'd be honored if you'd join me."

Lorna's eyes widened in surprise, her gaze darting between Ace and the Professor. "You... you don't mind?" she asked, her voice soft and tinged with disbelief.

Ace shook his head, placing a reassuring hand on Lorna's shoulder. "Not at all. I'd enjoy the company, and it would be a pleasure to get to know you better."

Charles Xavier observed the exchange with a thoughtful expression, a hint of approval in his eyes. "If that is what you both wish, then I will not stand in your way. Lorna, you are always welcome here, should you ever change your mind."

Lorna's lips curved into a tentative smile, a glimmer of hope shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Professor. And thank you, Ace. I... I accept your offer."

Rogue's brow furrowed as she watched Lorna accept Ace's offer, her lips pressed into a thin line. The thought of the green-haired woman staying with Ace filled her with a familiar pang of jealousy.

Stepping forward, Rogue cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the group. "Ace, can I have a word with you?" she asked, her tone polite but tinged with an underlying edge.

Ace turned to Rogue, a concerned expression on his face. "Of course, Rogue. What is it?"

Rogue cast a sidelong glance at Lorna, who met her gaze with a faint smile. "I'm just... concerned about Lorna staying with you. Isn't the X-Mansion a better place for her?"

Ace placed a reassuring hand on Rogue's arm. "I know you're worried, Rogue, but I think it would be good for Lorna to have a fresh start, away from the influence of her father. And I really don't mind the company."

Rogue's lips pursed, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But Ace, you're my..." She paused, catching herself before she could finish the sentence. "You're our friend. Shouldn't she be with the X-Men?"

Lorna, sensing the tension, stepped forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Don't worry, Rogue. I'll take good care of Ace," she said, sticking out her tongue playfully.

Rogue's jaw tightened, and she felt a surge of irritation at Lorna's gesture. "Why, you little..." she started, her hands clenching into fists.

Ace quickly stepped between the two women, his expression stern. "Now, now, let's not get carried away. Lorna, that wasn't very kind. Rogue, I know you're concerned, but I really think this is the best thing for Lorna right now. Can't we all just get along?"

Rogue took a deep breath, her shoulders visibly relaxing. "I'm sorry, Ace. I just... I worry about you, that's all." She glanced at Lorna, her gaze softening slightly. "I'm sure Lorna will be fine with you. Just... be careful, okay?"

Ace nodded, relieved to see the tension dissipating. "I appreciate your concern, Rogue. I'll take good care of Lorna, I promise."

Lorna, sensing an opportunity, reached out and took Ace's hand, flashing Rogue a triumphant smile. "See? I'm in good hands."

Rogue's eyes narrowed, and she fought the urge to snatch Ace's hand away from Lorna. The green-haired woman's playful gesture only served to stoke the embers of Rogue's jealousy, and she knew she would need to keep a close eye on the situation.

In the sleek, crimson Tridoron, Ace and Lorna traversed the bustling streets of New York. As the vehicle glided through the traffic, Lorna couldn't help but steal occasional glances at Ace, her curiosity piqued by the enigmatic young man.

"So, Ace," Lorna began, her fingers drumming against the leather seat, "this mansion of yours – what's it like?"

Ace smiled, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. "Well, it's certainly not what you'd expect. It's a bit... unconventional, I suppose you could say."

Lorna's brow arched, her lips curving into a playful grin. "Unconventional, huh? Now you've got me intrigued."

As the Tridoron turned a corner, Lorna's eyes widened in surprise as a sprawling, grand mansion came into view. The building's elegant architecture and sheer size were a stark contrast to the bustling city surrounding it.

"This... this is your home?" Lorna asked, her voice tinged with awe.

Ace chuckled, glancing at Lorna's captivated expression. "Told you it wasn't what you'd expect. Welcome to my humble abode."

Guiding the Tridoron into the driveway, Ace brought the vehicle to a smooth stop. Lorna stepped out, her gaze sweeping over the impressive structure, taking in every intricate detail.

"Humble? Ace, this place is anything but humble," Lorna breathed, her fingers tracing the ornate designs on the mansion's exterior. "How on earth did you come to own such a place?"

Ace said he inherited it from his parents. "My parents left this place to me when they passed away," he explained, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

As they entered the grand foyer, a petite woman with short black hair approached them, her expression brightening at the sight of Ace. "Ace-sama, you've returned!" she exclaimed, her words laced with relief.

"Izu, it's good to be home," Ace replied, offering the woman a warm smile. He turned to Lorna, gesturing towards Izu. "Lorna, this is Izu, my secretary. Izu, this is Lorna Dane, a friend who will be staying with us for a while."

Izu's gaze shifted to Lorna, and she offered a polite bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lorna-sama. I'm glad Ace-sama has returned safely."

Lorna returned the bow, a hint of surprise in her expression. "The pleasure is all mine, Izu. Ace has told me a little about you, but I'm excited to learn more."

Ace placed a hand on Lorna's shoulder, his expression warm. "Izu has been an invaluable part of my life. She's been taking care of the mansion in my absence."

Izu nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Indeed, Ace-sama. I'm relieved to see you both here, safe and sound. Please, let me show you to your room, Lorna-sama."

As Izu led Lorna up the grand staircase, Ace lingered in the foyer, his gaze sweeping over the familiar surroundings. "It's good to be home," he murmured, a sense of contentment settling over him.