Colossus - "Violence is regrettable but... effective." ~ The

Piotr Rasputin stood in the warm sunlight of Piotr's Studio, the large windows letting in the golden afternoon light. The distant hum of the Helicarrier passed high overhead, while Avengers Mansion had quietly sent word of a peaceful gathering. The X-Jet sat idle on the landing pad nearby, its engines cool for once.

Armor leaned against a workbench, polishing a small piece of metal with a soft smile. Polaris floated a few feet off the ground, gently moving tools around with her magnetic powers. Professor X sat in his wheelchair near the open door, watching everyone with quiet contentment. Shadowcat phased casually through a wall just to make Moon Girl laugh, then reappeared with a grin.

The air smelled of fresh paint and blooming flowers from the garden outside. The Night Nurse had stopped by earlier with a basket of snacks and a note from Moira MacTaggert that simply said: “Take the day.”

Piotr felt the familiar strength in his body, but today it wasn’t rage. It was something calmer. He rolled his shoulders, letting Limitless Stamina and Unshakable keep him steady. Deft Focus helped him stay present as he listened to the easy conversations around him. Ingenuity sparked a quiet idea in the back of his mind — something he might sculpt later.

The Power in All of Us warmed his chest like sunlight. Energy, Genius, and Strength moved through the group in perfect balance, while The Power of Protection wrapped around them all like a gentle promise.

Assess the Situation told him everything was exactly as it should be. Rapid Response ensured no one felt left out. Make the Call had brought a few more familiar faces drifting in — friends stopping by just to say hello. No one needed to Suit Up today. There was no Hulk Smash, no Crushing Blow. Sub-Orbital Leap wasn’t necessary. Thunderclap was replaced by soft laughter. Unstoppable Force had become the steady, gentle pull of friendship keeping everyone together. Boundless Rage stayed quiet for once. Immovable Object had become something gentler: a steady, grounded peace. "Avenge Me!" felt far away; today there was nothing to avenge.

Armor Up wasn’t needed. Bulletproof Protector and Fighting Fit were simply the easy confidence everyone carried. Made of Rage had softened into something warmer. Steel Fist and Tackle were replaced by gentle handshakes and hugs. Taunt had turned into playful teasing.

Organic Steel gleamed softly on Piotr’s skin, a quiet reminder of who he was. Enhanced Physique, Iron Will, Titanium Muscles, Endurance, and Ready for a Fight had all settled into a deep, peaceful strength that no longer needed to prove itself.

As the sun began to dip toward the horizon and the team laughed together over shared stories and simple food, Piotr looked around at all of them — mutants, heroes, scientists, friends.

He took a slow, deep breath, feeling the steel within him settle into something warm and steady instead of rigid.

A soft smile crossed his face.

“Violence is regrettable but... effective.”

Grok AI