empress.

“Yes, very strange that one of ours would procreate with one of theirs, especially considering relations. I suppose it is beneficial in making alliances, however.”

“And is that what you see me as, Deatbird? A tool beneficial in making alliances?” The young ruler regarded her biological aunt for a moment. “Lilandra loved Xavier.  From everything I have seen, my mother loved him. Is that wrong?”

“Have you seen our resurrection pods? It’s hard to be strange to a mutant.”

“No, but I wish to take a tour of your Krakoa shortly. We haven’t had time to schedule one yet.”

“So the Shi’ar are here,” Peter said, as if he’d just confirmed his own theory. “So you can feel it too then?”

“We are, yes. Was my statement confusing?” Her tone was genuinely curious and lacking any snark. So many things were new and even if Xandra continued to grow at an accelerated rate there were still things to get used to. “I’m sorry, what are we feeling?”

“A non mutant copulating with a mutant? Not as weird as you’d think. We don’t really look down on aliens here, at least I don’t.” Kate produced a hand. “I’m Kate Pryde, it’s good to have you here.”

“I was more referring to the egg part of my origin. People seemed confused.” A placid smile covered the face of the young Empress. “Xandra.” She shook Kate’s hand. “I’m glad to be here. There’s so much going on.”

“Is this really what we should expect now? Who invited you?”

“My father. Your New Mutants have been aiding the Shi’ar. We come here with no invasive purposes.”

“Not quite what Aliens had prepared me for but I suppose I’ll take it.”

“Which aliens are you referring to? The Kree? Skrull?” 

“Not the strangest thing to come out of the galaxy, not by a long shot. Still, we’re happy to have you here, egg or not.”

“I would hope not. Then I would begin to wonder if I had done something wrong.” She mused for a moment. “Thank you. I don’t believe we’ve met yet though.”

“The egg thing isn’t weird really; my story is super weird and complicated too. What’s weird is the whole Charles Xavier thing.”

“What do you find strange? Professor Xavier was in space for a while, which is when he met my mother.”

Charles watched from a few feet away as Xandra, his progeny, explained the legitimacy of her claim to the throne to a nearby group. A proud grin adorned the telepath’s face as the young Shi’ar woman turned away from the others and made her way back toward her father.

“You’re sounding more and more like me every day,” he joked.

There were smiles and handshakes before the small group of mutants that Xandra had been speaking to dispersed. She knew who she was and her place seemed obvious but for others it was not as simple. “Gladiator would say that was a bad thing.” The smile remained on Xandra’s face as she turned fully to face her father. “Thank you for taking the time to see me today. What should I call you?” Charles? Professor? Father? This was new to her.

“Graduation sounds great and all but I just remembered that everyone stares at you when you walk across the stage. I’m feeling self-conscious just thinking about it.”

Loki refused to turn the music down, head swaying with the nearly unrecognizable beat, “On the contrary, I find it quite soothing.”

“I see. I believe we have different ideas of soothing, but I do appreciate music.”

“For the first time in years, I crave some sort of artistic outlet. I’d say that’s a sign of the times, hm?”

“Don’t you think I would look cool with a big sword or something? Guns were the old man’s thing– I gotta find something new for myself.”

“Today I have absolutely nothing to do and you know what I’ve been doing? Scrolling through Twitter. That’s it. And I don’t even care how basic that sounds. What’s your @? And don’t lie to me, I know you have one.”

“What makes you think I’m here to cause trouble?”

“No, no. I’m happy to take the time to address any of your concerns.” 

“I am not here because of issues.” The Shi’ar Empress entered the office fully.  “The Shi’ar came to Earth to speak to the Krakoans, but America is an ally as well. I wanted to wish you well.”

“Hm? Sure I have a moment.” Checking his watch he grimaced. “If you speak quickly.”

“Your residence is quite large.” Circumstance had led to Xandra’s feathers flattening and taking on the guise of ebony hair. She preferred her natural form but the telepathic camouflage meant she was stopped less and was ultimately safer.  “Would you like me to wait until you are free?”