Marvel: The Gene Collector

"Hello, my name is Raven," she greeted, offering a friendly handshake to the two. A genuine smile adorned her face, surprised and pleased to find others like her in this unexpected encounter.

Suddenly, a loud growl emanated from Raven's stomach, and a slight blush colored her cheeks, barely noticeable against her unique skin.

"Feeling hungry?" Charles asked with concern.

Raven nodded eagerly.

Charles gestured towards the array of food behind him, saying, "Help yourself to anything you want. No need to resort to stealing; we've got plenty."

A broad smile lit up Raven's face. For her, the luxury of being able to eat without worry was a welcome change.

"You don't have to resort to stealing anymore. I can provide you with food and help you get an education," Alex chimed in, echoing Charles's sentiment.

"Hey, Alex! That was my line," Charles teased, glad to finally have a companion. As for who would support Raven in school and life, it didn't matter; they were both well-off anyway.

Raven nodded vigorously, not dwelling on the details. As a child, the prospect of food and education was more than enough for her. Alex, on the other hand, recognized the usefulness of Mystique's shapeshifting abilities.

Mystique could flawlessly replicate anyone, male or female, including their clothing, accessories, retina, fingerprints, palm prints, skin texture, and vocal cords. It was a potent skill that Alex could leverage in various situations.

After spending a night at Charles's house, the weekend arrived, providing two days of rest. Alex took Raven back to the Howard Villa, explaining the situation to Howard. Though reluctant, Howard agreed, considering it a minor addition to the household.

He also assisted Raven in completing the enrollment procedures. The following day, a new blonde girl joined Alex's class.

Meanwhile, news about Captain America's exploits in Europe continued to unfold, marking the passage of three eventful years. Engaged in covert missions and battling HYDRA in the trenches of World War II, Steve found himself facing the ultimate confrontation during the final clash with the Red Skull.

...

The trio had navigated the turbulent years of adolescence, progressing from their school days to the first year of junior high school at Manhattan Middle School.

As a close associate of Captain America, Alex received a poignant invitation to attend the hero's memorial service. The news of Captain America's passing hit Charles hard, as much of his character had been shaped by an unwavering admiration for the patriotic icon.

Despite the absence of Captain America's body, believed by Alex to be preserved in ice for a future return, he brought Raven and Charles to the memorial service. The trio grappled with the emotional weight of bidding farewell to their superhero.

Seventy years into the future, Captain America would be thawed out, rejoining the Avengers. However, Alex faced the challenge of explaining this extraordinary event to those in the present.

Peggy appeared significantly aged, as if a decade had swiftly slipped through her grasp. The master of ceremonies ascended the stage to deliver the eulogy, emphasizing the absence of a body with only a cloak, a flag-draped coffin, and a tombstone present.

The President of the United States personally draped the flag over the coffin, surrounded by attendees who were Captain America's fellow soldiers and comrades, individuals he had rescued during his heroic career.

Standing beside Alex, Charles couldn't contain his grief, shedding tears uncontrollably, momentarily silencing his friend.

Though Alex and Steve's acquaintance had been brief, the impact was enduring. The concept of being frozen for seventy years seemed to blur the lines between life and death.

As soldiers raised Captain America's burial site, a solemn procession commenced, affording the "spirit in the sky" one last survey of his homeland before the final resting place.

Alex trailed behind the entire somber procession, immersed in sorrow that seemed to linger in the air. Amidst the mourning, a peculiar notion occupied his mind — the curious image of Captain America awakening from the ice only to confront his own grave.

The thought carried a touch of irony and a wistful smile played on Alex's lips.

Captain America found his final resting place in the Martyrs' Cemetery, and Howard's demeanor reflected profound sorrow. The loss of Captain America, a dear friend, weighed heavily on him. The relentless war had cruelly snatched away this superhuman figure, leaving no trace behind. Howard grappled with the paradox of such an extraordinary being meeting an ordinary end.

Driven by an undying hope, Howard embarked on a dual quest – one for the elusive Tesseract and another in search of any hint of Captain America. Alas, his efforts proved futile as he combed the globe for news of the missing hero.

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