Charles

Professor X, advanced in years, bore wrinkles on his face. His smile was gentle and kind, possessing a peculiar charm that could always calm people from tension and unease.

At least, that's how Donnie felt. In Professor X's smile, he completely relaxed, shedding the anxiety he'd felt just moments before. He thought it was Professor X's psychic power, but he felt it was more a part of Professor X's personality.

"Child, welcome to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. I am Charles Xavier," Charles said, looking at his fellow mutant with joy in his eyes.

Charles had every reason to be delighted by Donnie's arrival. He had been keeping an eye on this fellow mutant who had awakened at Level Four. Although they had never truly met, Charles knew a great deal about Donnie.

Professor X possessed formidable psychic powers, which granted him powerful sensory abilities and the capacity to see into people's hearts. Even without delving deep into someone's mind, he could sense superficial things through his psychic power, such as discerning a person's character.

By rights, he should have brought Donnie to the school much earlier, but he had held back, waiting patiently.

What Donnie displayed upon awakening was not anger or hysteria, but a void, like a stagnant pool devoid of life. At that moment, Charles felt a chill. This fellow mutant's talent was astonishingly high, but it also worried him. That deathly stillness unnerved even Professor X, who had witnessed countless storms.

He had secretly looked after Donnie, shielding him from many hardships. He hadn't revealed himself, merely sent an invitation and watched Donnie's choice, striving not to interfere directly with the young man who was in the process of thinking and adapting, leaving him ample room to choose. He had even prepared himself mentally for the worst.

But when he clearly sensed Donnie coming to find him, he was truly overjoyed. A Level Four mutant daring to stand before him already showed that this fellow mutant had at least emerged from his initial shadow. It proved that his series of actions, not interfering directly, had been correct. This young man had not disappointed his expectations.

Charles had dedicated his life to advocating for the mutant race. He cherished every one of his kin and had met countless people, seeing through everything with his wise gaze. But when Donnie stood before him, straightening his back, his nose actually stung a little.

"Professor? Donnie is still looking at you," Jean gently reminded him. She had followed Charles since childhood and knew him too well. He was a wise elder, and at times, more like a sensitive child.

He had been too weary all these years.

"Professor X, thank you for looking after me during this time." Although unsure why Charles was being so sentimental, Donnie still expressed his gratitude. He had wanted to thank Professor X long ago but only fulfilled that wish today.

Professor X had discovered Donnie the moment he awakened and had also asked S.H.I.E.L.D. to look after him, saving Donnie a lot of trouble. Even so, Donnie had never approached Professor X, acting as if nothing had happened, as if he knew nothing.

Even so, when he had nowhere else to turn and came seeking help, this respected elder still opened his door and welcomed him with open arms.

Donnie knew that, in an invisible way, he already owed this old man far too much.

If one had to name the person who had shown him the greatest kindness after his awakening, it would undoubtedly be the unassuming Professor X, this benevolent old man who had silently done so much for him.

Charles Xavier, hero of the mutant race, outstanding leader, benevolent elder, and guide.

Donnie held a heartfelt respect for Charles, though he also feared his psychic abilities to some extent.

"Child, when you stand before me, I believe you have stepped out of the darkness," Charles said with a smile, generously expressing his admiration for Donnie and his joy at meeting him.

Donnie smiled. "I can only say I've stepped out of part of it... There's still a knot in my heart that I can't untangle."

"Is it because of the Hulk? You believe he caused your parents' death, destroyed your peaceful yet happy family, and that your once wonderful life was drastically changed because of the Hulk," Charles softly voiced Donnie's inner thoughts.

Donnie's face darkened, and he remained silent. He knew the Hulk wasn't the direct culprit, but his parents had indeed died indirectly because of the Hulk, and he still couldn't untangle this knot.

What would happen in the future? What would he do when he faced the Hulk? Would he kill him directly? At the very least, making peace was impossible.

"If I had the chance, I think I might kill him. At least, that's how I feel right now. If I ever gain that kind of strength," Donnie confessed. Professor X hadn't probed his mind; he was a man of noble character, and Donnie was willing to voluntarily reveal his inner darkness.

This knot had been suppressed in his heart for too long; he couldn't untangle it.

He had already killed Abomination, and Ross was imprisoned in a heavily guarded facility, so he had no opportunity to act for the time being. As for the Hulk, his whereabouts were currently unknown.

Donnie truly didn't know how to choose.

In a way, the Hulk was indeed a menace. Ever since the birth of this monster, every rampage and outburst had led to the deaths of countless innocent civilians and the ruin of countless happy families. Countless people in this world hated him to the bone, wishing they could eat his flesh and sleep on his skin.

Donnie understood that reconciliation with the Hulk was basically impossible because he simply couldn't let go.

"Follow your heart, child. Time will provide the answers and allow you to make the right choice. I also believe you will answer with your true heart," Charles advised. He didn't try to stop Donnie but guided him like a mentor.

He knew Donnie was an adult with his own opinions. Though young, he was growing rapidly. This elder believed Donnie would make a choice that at least wouldn't betray his true feelings. Time would help this somewhat confused child grow and find his own guiding light amidst the fog.

This was already incredibly precious.

Charles asked Donnie to sit down, and Jean quietly left, leaving the space for the elder and the young man to communicate.

That day, Charles and Donnie talked for a very long time. They chatted about their mischievous childhood experiences, the setbacks they faced while growing up, and their dreams and wishes for the future. Amidst bursts of laughter, time flew by, and the sense of unfamiliarity between them diminished infinitely.

Donnie felt as if he had known the Professor for many years. Otherwise, how could they have chatted so happily? It was as if he and the Professor had been close friends many years ago, though Donnie knew it was an illusion.

As dusk fell, Jean pushed the door open again, chiding them for losing track of time and forgetting dinner.

Charles laughed heartily. He hadn't laughed so freely in many, many years. He immediately invited Donnie to stay for dinner.

"My students are very curious about you and have been eager to meet you," Charles said with a smile.