Cross

The next day.

Apocalypse, Dr. Pym, and Scott Lang gathered in the living room early that morning, ready to attend the client meeting.

Hope still hadn't appeared, and all three were growing impatient.

At last, she slowly poked her head around the corner, looking rather embarrassed.

One look told Apocalypse why she was acting so timid: she had changed her look and was afraid to show herself.

Hope had worn her hair in a matronly bowl cut, with dark red lipstick and makeup that made her look older and less attractive.

She hadn't had time for a haircut, but she had pinned back some hair on either side, revealing the lovely contours of her face.

She wore no lipstick or makeup at all. Without it, she looked fresh and lively, almost like an elf.

Apocalypse's eyes lit up, and even Dr. Pym and Scott Lang were startled.

"I'd almost forgotten what my daughter really looked like," Dr. Pym said. "Ah... I suppose another man's words carry more weight."

Scott Lang lowered his voice. "Tang, no wonder you were willing to trade such important information just to get her to change her look. She really is beautiful."

Hope even seemed more ladylike with her new look.

Her formerly fierce air had softened into something gentle and charming.

But as they got into the car, she stepped up beside Apocalypse and showed her true colors, whispering fiercely:

"Coward. I changed my look like you wanted. If you can't rescue my mother, you'll regret it."

Apocalypse smiled. "Hope, you're not very good at business, are you? You paid me before I'd done the job. Now you'll just have to hope I feel like following through."

Hope fumed. "You wouldn't dare..."

The four of them rode in one car.

Before long, they arrived