Marvel: Starting with the Homelander Template

"Liz, you're leaving?"

At the mutant base, Raven looked at Liz in disbelief. She rushed forward and grabbed her hand. "Why? I thought you liked it here—with us!"

After several days of rest, Liz had mostly recovered. At least now, she could move around like a normal person without issue.

Of course, considering the severity of her injuries, a full recovery wasn't realistic. If she weren't a mutant with enhanced resilience, she'd still be bedridden. While she could walk now, that was about the extent of it.

During her recovery, Raven had frequently visited, chatting and laughing with her, building a strong connection. So the moment Liz got out of bed, only to announce she was leaving—that was something Raven couldn't accept.

"Yeah, Liz. If there's something troubling you, you can talk to us," Hank added gently.

He'd grown fond of Liz as well—they shared similar quiet and introspective personalities. She reminded him a little of himself.

"No, Raven. I really do like it here. I've been happy with everyone…" Liz replied sincerely, then shook her head firmly. "But... I have reasons I have to go."

"Then tell us—what reason?" said Copycat lazily from the side, lounging with her legs crossed as she stared at Liz like she was an idiot. "Do you even realize who you're surrounded by? Do you know what these people are capable of? If you've got problems, now's your golden chance to solve them. Seriously, you're being stupid."

"I'm sorry… I really am," Liz bowed deeply to everyone. She knew they meant well—it made her feel even more conflicted. But that only strengthened her decision.

She couldn't let herself be the one who brought disaster to these people.

"Oh, I get it," said Emma Frost, voice like silk and ice. "You're afraid of losing control and hurting us."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, then she and Copycat began a little back-and-forth performance. "Vanessa's right. You're being incredibly naive. Girl, you really think your power's all that?"

"You—how did you know?" Liz asked, startled.

"I told you—you're overestimating yourself," Emma said haughtily.

She'd already skimmed through Liz's memories with her telepathy. She understood what was going on: childhood trauma had caused Liz to lose control of her powers when emotional. When she got angry, the flames surged out, burning everything in range.

And yes, Liz's flames were impressive. In her memories, she'd destroyed entire buildings during a loss of control.

But to Emma Frost?

Not even a threat.

Her diamond form could shrug off far worse. And with her psychic powers, Emma could help Liz manage her emotional triggers. Worst-case scenario, she could knock Liz unconscious before she ever exploded.

"You do realize the man who saved you back there—" Emma gestured toward Alex, "—is the strongest man on the planet, right? You think you're going to accidentally hurt someone around him?"

"You're giving me too much credit, Emma," Alex said with a shrug. Then, turning to Liz: "But Emma's not wrong. She's a seasoned mutant mentor—especially when it comes to training and power control. And she's telepathic. Trust me, if anyone can help you, it's her."

"Liz, running away isn't the answer," Hank added. "Learning to control your power is the only real path forward."

Liz hesitated. She glanced from Alex, to Hank, to Emma, then at everyone else.

Finally, she asked quietly, "You… you really think you can help me?"

Emma rolled her eyes. "Are you underestimating me?"

"If it's about losing control, you're overthinking it," Hank chimed in, adjusting his glasses. "I can design a reinforced room just for you. Fireproof, explosion-proof—whatever you need."

With Hank's genius, that was practically child's play.

"Oh, right. I forgot to mention," Alex added helpfully. "Hank's one of the most brilliant scientists in the world. That kind of thing? Barely even a challenge."

Liz looked at all of them, seeing nothing but sincerity and confidence. Slowly, her resolve softened.

If everyone already had solutions for her worst fears… then why was she still running?

Seeing Liz change her mind, both Raven and Hank smiled in relief.

"Come on, Liz!" Raven took her hand with excitement. "Let's find you a room you like. I think you should stay across from me—or next door. That way we can hang out more! But first, let me show you around the place!"

Laughing, she practically dragged Liz off to start the tour.

Meanwhile, Emma walked up beside Alex. "There's one… small issue."

"Oh?" Alex raised an eyebrow.

"Liz used to be an agent for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense."

Emma had already gleaned this from Liz's memories.

"Used to be?" Alex immediately caught the wording.

"Exactly. Used to be. That's why I said it's a small issue." Emma nodded.

"Her powers were unstable. High-ranking officials considered her a liability, so she's been kicked out of the B.P.R.D. before—more than once."

"In fact, this was her thirteenth time being removed."

Alex blinked. "…Thirteen?"

Seriously?

That's not employment, that's a revolving door.

But if Liz's ties to the Bureau were this on-and-off, then she wasn't a serious threat—or a priority target. That was good.

At that moment, Selene appeared beside Alex. "Supreme One, the time has come."

Alex stood up, brushing his coat sleeves. "Alright, everyone—I'll excuse myself."

He gave a quick nod to the others, then turned to follow Selene.

Today, he was heading out to fulfill the promise he'd made to Marcus and the other elders—to officially attend the Supreme Leader Induction Ceremony.

Since he'd already given his word, Alex would see it through.

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