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Chapter 52 – The Golden Peach Farewell
🕑 Added 2025-03-28 21:57:31 +0000 UTCThe elevator dinged. The doors slid open smoothly, revealing Natalie Beckman escorting Madam Gao. The elderly woman walked with measured steps, her cane tapping lightly against the polished floors.
Ahead of them, Jack Hou stood on the balcony. His black-and-silver hanfu billowed in the wind, giving him an almost ethereal presence against the New York skyline.
Without turning around, Jack spoke. "Natalie, leave us for a moment."
Natalie bowed without hesitation. "Understood, boss."
She stepped back into the elevator, and with another soft ding, she was gone.
Now, it was just Jack and Madam Gao. The old woman bowed deeply. "Good afternoon, Sage."
Jack finally turned, his golden eyes meeting hers. "Good afternoon, Gao." His tone was calm, but firm. "For you to come in person… it must be something serious. The usual weekly reports could have been handled by Alessa."
Gao straightened, her wrinkled hands tightening around her cane. "I am here to ask you one thing."
Jack's expression didn't change. "…The dragon bone."
A single nod. "Yes, Sage."
There was a brief silence, the wind carrying the distant sounds of New York traffic below. Jack sighed, then turned fully to face her. "I expected this. You wish for me to lead you to it."
Madam Gao met his gaze without flinching. "That is correct."
Jack took a slow step forward. "And what will you do about the other Fingers?"
Madam Gao hesitated. A bead of sweat formed on her wrinkled forehead. "I… I am sure I can lead them astray, towards a dead end."
Jack stopped walking. Then, he laughed softly. "That's not enough." His voice was smooth, but there was no humor in his tone. "I need certainty, Gao. Do you know why I let your faction survive while I wiped out Kingpin's?"
Madam Gao remained silent.
Jack took another step. Closer. "Because I have no tolerance for snakes. If I let something live, I expect loyalty. Show me your sincerity."
Gao finally looked up, eyes sharp. "What do you require of me?"
Jack smiled. "Handle the other Fingers."
Madam Gao exhaled slowly. She knew what that meant. There would be no more Hand. Only her. A single leader, chosen by the Sage. She gripped her cane tightly and bowed once more. "Yes, Sage."
Jack patted her shoulder lightly. "Good." His voice softened. "Don't worry—I'll ensure my clones remain in the territory while I'm away. Even if I leave on my journey, nothing will collapse."
Madam Gao straightened, her sharp mind already working on plans. She said nothing else, simply bowed one last time, then turned and left. The elevator dinged once again.
Jack stood there, watching the city, the wind tugging at his robes. One more piece in place. His territory was secure. And soon—his journey would begin.
…
Professor Charles Xavier exhaled as he lifted Cerebro from his head, placing it gently on the stand beside him. His fingers lingered on the smooth metal surface. As always, he had ended his day by scanning the world for mutant fluctuations. A routine to keep an eye on potential threats—or new souls in need of guidance.
But tonight… something was different. He had felt it. A new presence. Faint, but not singular. As he focused, the sensation deepened. More than one. Several. And the location… Nothing.
No city. No country. Not even an official name on the map. Just an island. An island that wasn't supposed to exist. His wheelchair whirred to life, smoothly moving him toward his desk. He activated the intercom. "Storm, Dr. Moira, Hank, and Logan—please come to my office immediately."
One by one, they arrived. Storm entered first, her white cloak flowing as she gracefully took a seat. Moira MacTaggert arrived soon after, adjusting her glasses with a sharp, professional look.
Hank McCoy followed, his blue fur shifting slightly as he sat down, arms crossed, already deep in thought. And lastly, Logan strolled in, a cigar between his fingers, exhaling smoke as he slumped against the wall.
Charles activated the holographic map. A projection of the world shimmered before them. With a few mental commands, he zoomed in—until the island appeared. Except… it didn't. It was nothing but static.
Storm frowned. "That's… unusual."
Charles nodded. "I felt a disturbance. A weak mutant presence. Several, actually. But even our satellites can't scan the island. It's almost as if—"
Moira interrupted. "It could be a government facility."
The room fell silent.
Moira adjusted her glasses. "Some of my colleagues have been whispering about mutant-suppressing technology being tested in classified locations. If the military has managed to create containment cuffs capable of nullifying mutant abilities…"
Hank frowned. "Then you're saying this place could be a research facility? That would explain the presence of so many weak signals. If they're being actively suppressed…"
Logan growled, his claws slightly extending. "Bastards are barely keepin' them alive to experiment on 'em."
Storm held up a hand. "Let's not be hasty. We still don't know for sure. Even our satellites can't scan the surface of the island."
Moira sighed. "That's precisely what concerns me. And it's not just any satellite—it's one that Hank and I developed ourselves. There's no way the military could construct a barrier advanced enough to block us."
Hank nodded. "As long as the location is on Earth's surface, our technology should be able to penetrate it."
Charles, who had been listening carefully, shifted the holo-map. It moved away from the unknown island… And zoomed in on Golden Peach. Blank.
Storm smirked. "It seems your technology also fails to scan Jack Hou's neighborhood."
Moira clicked her tongue. "Rubbish. He's using some sort of magic."
Hank stroked his chin. "If only we could study his powers…"
Logan scoffed. "Ever the scientist, huh? So, what's the call, Chuck? Are we goin' there for a rescue or not?"
Charles closed his eyes for a moment. Then, he nodded. "Tomorrow."
Logan cracked his knuckles. "Good. Been a while since we gave the bastards a proper wake-up call."
Hank and Moira stood, already discussing the necessary preparations for their team. Storm and Logan exchanged glances, silently assessing which X-Men would be best suited for the mission.
As the room cleared, Charles remained still, his eyes locked on the blank island. Something about this felt off. But there was only one way to find out.
…
The morning sun had barely risen, yet the streets of Golden Peach were already filled with people. Shop owners, street vendors, old-timers playing chess on the sidewalk, tough-looking guys from the underground fight clubs, and even the grumpy old man who always complained about noise—they were all here.
For Jack Hou was leaving No one knew exactly why. No one asked. Because Jack never asked when he helped them. So, they wouldn't question him now. They just came to see him off.
Jack stood at the center of the street, his purple-and-gold hanfu flowing with the breeze. His hands were behind his back, his expression unreadable as he glanced around.
"So…" Jack muttered, eyes lazily scanning the crowd. "Which one of you is planning to cry first?"
Silence.
Then, a loud sniffle. It came from Mario, the Pizzeria Owner.
Jack grinned. "Knew it."
Mario, a big Italian man, wiped his nose aggressively. "Shut up, stronzo! I ain't cryin'! It's the wind, okay!?"
Jack sighed dramatically. "Mario, if the wind can make you cry, I'm worried about what happens when you chop onions. Do you just pass out?"
Mario grumbled, pulling Jack into a bone-crushing hug. "Take care, kid. If you ever need a pizza, you call me, capisce?"
Jack smirked. "I'll hold you to that. If I come back and you've changed your recipe, I'll burn your place down."
Mario laughed, slapping Jack's back. "Then I'll make you one for free. You crazy bastard."
Next came Hogan. The huge, scarred man stood silently, arms crossed, his one good eye staring hard at Jack. Beside him, little Billy clung to his father's leg, eyes wide and unsure.
Jack tilted his head. "What's with that look, Hogan? You afraid I'll never come back?"
Hogan sighed. "No. Just wondering how much trouble the world is about to be in."
Jack grinned. "Oh, that's a fair concern."
Then, his eyes landed on Billy. The kid was gripping a small, hand-knitted scarf in his tiny hands. Jack crouched down, leveling with him. "Yo, little man."
Billy hesitated, then offered the scarf. "F-for you…"
Jack blinked, then gently took the scarf. "…You made this?"
Billy nodded, cheeks red. "To keep you warm! In case it gets cold!"
Jack stared at the messy, uneven stitches. Some parts were too tight, others too loose. It was far from perfect.
Jack wrapped it around his neck immediately. "Looks like I'm invincible now." He ruffled Billy's hair. "If I die on this trip, I'll haunt you for giving me faulty protection."
Billy giggled, finally relaxing.
Hogan sighed. "You better come back alive, Jack."
Jack smirked. "Or what? You'll knit me a funeral suit?"
Hogan rolled his eye as Jack walked away.
Next was Aunty Vivi. The old tailor stood by her shop, arms crossed, tapping her foot impatiently. Jack stopped in front of her.
She glared. "You're really leaving?"
Jack nodded.
Aunty Vivi exhaled sharply. "I should have made you a better robe. That thing looks ridiculous."
Jack lifted his arms, looking at his expensive hanfu. "This? Aunty, this is worth more than half the house in this neighborhood."
She scoffed. "And yet, you still look like a damn peacock."
Jack laughed.
Then, unexpectedly, Aunty Vivi pulled him into a tight hug. Jack froze.
"…I better not hear you died, you brat."
Jack slowly patted her back. "Damn, Aunty. You're making this emotional. Should I call you 'Grandma' now?"
She immediately smacked his head. "Get out of here before I actually start crying."
Finally, there was Natalie Beckman. His secretary. His right hand. The one who had stood beside him through this last month. She approached slowly. Unlike the others, her expression was calm. But her fingers were tightly gripping her skirt.
Jack smirked. "So, do I get a 'boss, please don't go' speech?"
Natalie sighed. "You'd just make fun of me."
Jack chuckled. "You're right."
Then, unexpectedly, Jack leaned closer. His golden eyes peered into hers, sharp yet amused. "I have just one request."
Natalie blinked. "What?"
Jack whispered: "Don't go overboard with my clone."
Natalie choked. Her face turned scarlet. "W-what!?"
Jack smirked devilishly. "I saw the way you were looking at him."
Natalie stepped back. "I-I don't—! That's—! You—!"
Jack leaned back, laughing. "Relax, Natalie. I'm just saying, if I come back and he's wearing a wedding ring, we're gonna have a problem."
Natalie covered her face. "Oh my god. Just leave already!"
Jack grinned. Then, without warning—he pulled her into a quick hug.
Natalie froze. His voice was quieter this time. "…Take care of the territory while I'm gone." Then, just as quickly, he let go and turned away. Natalie stood still. Her heartbeat was too damn loud.
Jack stepped forward. The crowd parted as he walked through. His clones remained behind, watching from a distance. His people watched him leave. Jack didn't look back. Instead, he raised a hand and waved. "Don't burn the place down while I'm gone!"
And just like that—He vanished into the city. The streets felt a little emptier. But Golden Peach would wait.
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