A/N Hi people! This is my second Sky High fic (I already wrote a poem called the Story of Warren Peace) though this one is going to be much more complex and certainly longer.
As you have probably guessed my favourite character is Warren and that's why he is one of the main characters in this. Unfortunately I do not own him or any other Sky High character (but that's what dreams are for). Jess, Angela and Mike on the other hand came out of my mind.
Still I don't make money of this so don't even bother to sue me. Not like I could pay it anyway, yada yada yada.
Oh and I'm not a native speaker so if you find any mistakes feel free to point them out to me.
Reviews of all kinds appreciated (even flames as long as they have a hint how to improve not just that it sucks).
So now on to the story.
1. New Student
It was just another day for the Stronghold family. Well, maybe not just another one, but they faced much more unbelievable situations than this. Will was still confused what was actually going on, Josie was doing the last touches while Steve looked like a little kid in front of a Christmas tree. He was so excited it was highly amusing. Today they will have many guests. First Will's friends and then the 3 people this fuss is about. For a second Will remembered how his parents told him the news.
The group of 6 students was occupying the Stronghold living room, discussing the first weeks of summer holidays which they spent more or less separately. Will called them over to hang out and because his parents wanted to tell them some news. After 2 hours of harmless chatter the pair arrived. Exchanging greetings they got to business.
"Mom, dad spill the news already, I can't wait anymore!"
"Calm down Will. I'm glad you are all here, the news we're about to tell you might be a bit shocking but none the less good. "
"Go on Mr. Stronghold, we are quite tolerant you know."
"I know that Layla. You all probably heard that the supers community liaised with another realm of reality. Before we say any more, what do you know about this?"
Ethan's face lit up.
"I heard it is very similar to our world and that they have their own version of supers. If I remember correctly they call them mutants. They have powers like us but get them in a different way. I think it has something to do with the change of their genetical code, but the old fashioned way - evolution."
Josie had to smile. It wouldn't be a surprise if Ethan knew more about it than her.
"You are very right dear."
"You mean they have super powers like us?" Will was, how to say it, a bit slow.
"Yes honey. And now our relations reached a new level and it was decided that a mutant student will be attending Sky High."
Now the surprise was really evident on their faces, even on Warren's. Sure you had to look closely and know him enough but it was there.
"Do you know the kid?" Majenta joined in for the first time.
"Oh yes. Her name is Jess and she is one of the strongest mutants known in her world. And she is an incredibly nice person." Steve was grinning like an idiot.
"Wait a moment. You said she will attend Sky High but that means she is still very young. So how come she is one of the strongest? What powers does she have?"
"You miss nothing, right Ethan? Though she will attend Sky High, she is a bit older than you for she is 19. And as for her powers, she controls the 4 elements."
"Wow. So she's like Warren right?"
"Not really. Warren creates fire and throws it, but has no control over it. She is the exact opposite. She can't produce the elements but has complete control over them. She can create any shape she wants out of the element ranging from a little fire dragon to a wall of water."
"I guess that makes her strong. But while we're at it, how come you can't control fire Warren?"
Only a few people could ask him something like this and survive it, but apparently Will was one of them. Still Warren's reply caught them a little of guard.
"Because it is very hard to tame and control fire. Believe me I've tried, but with little progress. I still can't make objects bigger than a fist. She must have great self-control and will to be able to do that and to such extends."
And after this he did something even less Warren like. With a bit of fear from being rejected he asked: "Do you think she would be willing to teach me how to do it?"
Everyone was shocked because Warren just asked for help (!), fortunately Josie recovered quickly and answered.
"I am sure she will be happy to do so. Actually she is teaching little kids how to control their powers so she has some experience with tutoring. Don't worry and simply ask her." She smiled at him reassuringly.
Suddenly Warren's face lit with a rare smile, though they are becoming more frequent and everyone just enjoyed the moment. The poor boy was rejected more often then not, all because of the mistakes his parents did. But last year he found friends who looked behind his parents, behind his mask of hate and indifference and found a little lost boy. They vowed to protect the little boy and don't let anything emotionally bad happen to Warren. Yet no matter their efforts he was still feared and hated by many. People are just so prejudiced.
Warren couldn't help it and asked.
"What is she and her world like?"
Steve smiled and answered him sounding almost like a proud father.
"She is a sweet young lady but don't anger her for you might face the wrath of the elements. She has it hard in life. In their world mutants aren't accepted like we are. We are loved here but they hate mutants over there. They fear them for a reason I can't understand and make their life very difficult. She knows about prejudice as much as you do Warren if not even more."
"What do you mean more?"
"You see, you are facing hate only when supers are considered. In your normal life you can go easily to a restaurant or a shop and you are regarded as some boy and not the child of a villain. But she doesn't have even this comfort. No matter where she goes, she has to face fear and hate. When she is walking down the street people look at her expecting she'll attack them any minute, which of course she wouldn't. They won't even let her eat in some restaurants and she can't go buy milk because the owner of the shop doesn't want mutants around."
"Now that must be really hard. I can't imagine I wouldn't be able to work at the Paper Lantern because they judged me by my father. How is she even able to cope?"
Seems like Warren has either a bad day or finally shows he is a caring person underneath. Either way Josie answered him.
"She has great friends and family whom she can trust and she is an optimist believing that the attitude of the people will change."
Layla sensed this to be an awkward topic and did her best to avoid it.
"So will she become a freshman? I mean 19 is young but still she will be older than the seniors."
"Actually we wanted to suggest her to become a sophomore like you. And as for her age, it is understandable they will send her. She has been an active member of the X-men for some years now; she can be trusted and will be able to handle this whole situation. You have to understand, the kid will leave the world she knows and enter a different realm to study here for years. They couldn't send any other kid just like that. Yet she will be far from her family and friends, in other words incredibly lonely."
"As a matter of fact, this is one of the reasons we decided to tell you all this. We hoped you could befriend her and make it easier for her to fit in. She will undoubtedly need such support."
A shared enthusiastic ´of course´ was heard in the living room making the superhero parents very happy and pleased though it was a bit of a surprise to hear Warren's deep voice as well.
"I suppose we told you all we wanted. Jess will be arriving in 2 days and we would be glad if you came to greet her. All of you."
Once again Josie got a shared answer of yes and with a content smile went to prepare some snacks with her husband leaving the teenagers to discuss this.
So back to the present day. The Stronghold household impatiently awaited the 3 mutants. Everyone was a bit on edge and Ethan's constant ramble about mutants, the other realm and such wasn't helping at all. Thankfully before someone could shut him up or burn him to crisps the doorbell rang.
"This is it." Josie went to answer the door.
On the other side stood 3 figures. A man somewhere along Steve's age in black jeans and a dark blue T-shirt. He was about 6 feet tall and certainly had muscles he could show of. Dark black hair was contrasted with his icy blue eyes. Next to him stood a woman apparently his wife. She was about 5 inches shorter dressed in a velvet blouse and a black long skirt. She had long red hair and green eyes. The third person was a teenaged girl dressed in blue jeans and a white tank top with some figures drawn in manga style. She was 3 inches shorter than her father with curves a girl would kill for. She had waist long hair that was blue while her eyes had a mysterious colour of grey.
"Angela, Mike, Jess it is so good to see you again. Please enter!"
"It's good to see you two as well Josie, Steve. And I take it this young man here is Will."
"Yes ma´am." Will blushed a little.
The now quite large group entered the living room and sat down.
"I believe some introduction is in order. So, how much do you know about our world? Just that I don't repeat what you already heard." Angela began.
Ethan was about to start an incredibly accurate, exhausting and long speech of what he knew but fortunately for everyone Josie beat him to it.
"They know enough about mutants and why you are here, but maybe you could explain more about your powers."
"With pleasure. Our powers aren't much different from yours. My name is Mike and I have the power over electricity. I can create and control it. In our world they call me Voltage."
"My name is Angela and I'm a telepath plus I can create force fields. My codename would be Force."
"I'm Jess and I can control the 4 elements thou I can't create them. Oh and I'm fireproof. If you haven't guessed it yet, they call me Element."
"You're fireproof? That's so cool man."
Jess couldn't suppress a grin. "If you say so, I guess it kinda is."
"Right, I think it will be better if we separate now. Ange, Mike we can discuss all about the school and accommodation while the kids can get to know each other."
"Jeez, I save the world over and over again, yet I'm still a kid to them."
"Ha, I'm sorry Jess but you will be attending a high school so technically you ARE a kid."
"So what? Just for your information I used to LIVE in a school my whole life. You know Xavier's school for gifted? Maybe you heard of it. Oh wait, you live there as well!"
"Yes but you were a student and a teacher back there. Here you are only a student. So here you are a kid."
"You forgot that I am an X-men as well. Does that count for nothing?"
"Yes, but while you are here, you won't be much of an asset to the rest of the team."
"Ah, I hate it when you actually have a point."
Josie stepped in before they got at it again.
"Now that we cleared that, I believe the ADULTS should go to the kitchen. Be nice sweethearts."
"Oh no, we most definitely will continue later dad. I ain´t done yet."
"Deal."
The adult part of the group finally went to the kitchen leaving 7 teenagers behind. Everyone tried to get as comfortable as possible occupying the couch and several chairs. For a few moments an awkward silence reined the room until Jess decided to start some conversation.
"So people you already know my name and powers, yet I can't say the same. It's only fair that you introduce yourselves."
"Oh, sure. Sorry. I am Will and I have both powers from my parents."
"Wow super strength/invincibility and flight? You kinda remind me of a team-mate back in my world, her powers are very similar."
"Really? She must be impressive yo."
"You can say that again. What about the rest?"
"Hello, I am Layla and I would like to welcome you to our world and our little group. I have no doubt you'll fit in. My power is bound with nature, I can control plants of all kinds."
"Hello to you too. Hmm, I guess I can relate to you and your powers quite well. It's always good to have someone who loves nature around."
"Thank you" It was the only thing Layla could reply burning bright red.
"My name is Magenta and I have the incredible power to transform into a black guinea-pig with a purple stripe. Ain´t I lucky?"
"That depends. You sure have it easy when you want to enter a room unnoticed or if you need to stay in very small places. You don't have to be sad or sarcastic about it, I know mutants that have it much worse."
"How about me? I am Ethan and I can melt into a puddle."
"Can you move while in such state?"
"Yes, why?"
"Than you can use it the same way as Magenta."
"O.K. now it's my turn. I am Zach and I glow. Ain´t it cool yo?"
"If you want to read at night or if there is a power shortage than sure it is."
"You see people at least she thinks it's cool. Finally someone acknowledged it."
"As I said before, there are much worse things. I know mutants that plain simply look different, they are hairy, or much taller or something alike, powers that can't actually be used at all… So I already know Will, Layla, Magenta, Ethan and Zach. One more to go."
´So who would tall, dark and handsome be hmm? Upps, apparently I spent too much time with Kitty and Rouge. But who could resist such hotness?´
´Sigh, I can just as well get it over with. She seems quite nice so why do I hesitate? But boy is she a balm for sore eyes. Wait, where the hell did that come from? Get under control hothead or rather hotpants!´
"My name would be Warren" he added Peace a bit timidly just to be sure. But since she didn't come from this realm she had no idea who his father was and therefore his name didn't affect her like it would anyone else. Plus she had enough common sense not to tease him about the sound of the name even though she knew of the novel (yes they have the same authors in both realms).
"I can create fire but I have certain problems controlling it. It's not easy or usual of me to ask for help but I would be very grateful if you agreed to teach me."
Even if she was hesitant or had some doubts the look in his eyes spoke volumes. She gave him a genuine smile and answered.
"It will be my pleasure. But I have to warn you it's going to be a lot of hard work and the progress will be probably quite slow. Just that you don't get disappointed if nothing changes for weeks."
He tried to remain indifferent but a smile of gratitude was slowly slipping past his hard exterior.
"Well, the most important thing is to have a strong will and a lot of patience."
That just about did it. The whole group fell about laughing so hard that they even had tears in their eyes. Warren had a look that could kill, least tried to but was failing miserably. Poor Jess had a look of shock on her face not really sure what she'd just said.
"O.K. I feel a little out of place here. What have I said?"
Will was the first to get a hold of himself or at least enough to be able to answer her question.
"It's just that Warren and patience don't mix. There's a reason why some call him hothead you know."
With this said she started giggling but tried to suppress it for Warrens sake.
"Interesting nickname I have to admit. So I guess you won't make it any easier for me to train you huh? Then again what could be even worse than to have a Danger Room session with Wolverine and Gambit in the early morning? I swear Cyke does that deliberately just to piss me of."
Only then did she acknowledge the fact that she wasn't home anymore and these people had no idea what or who the hell was she even talking about. The blank stares she got were prove enough.
"Upps, sorry. I just let myself be taken away. Soon you'll get to know them but for the time being I'm the only X-men staying here. Element at your service."
She accompanied these words with a mock bow that earned her some snickers from the group.
Behind a wall 4 adults where hiding not to be seen by the teenagers, all of them with a content smile on their faces.
"I told you everything would be all right. She blended in perfectly. And she even agreed to help teach Warren. God knows he's been let down too many times in his life already."
"Maybe so Josie but I don't like the look he gave her. It was a wee to appreciating for my own taste."
"Oh come on Mike honey, whether you'll admit it or not she's old enough for that kind of staff. And looking him over I can't really blame her."
"Angela! What is this supposed to mean?"
"What do you think? I can easily imagine any female between 13 and 99 to fall for those killer looks. If I wasn't taken myself poor Warren would have more things to worry about."
She sensually licked her lips to add to Mikes anger.
"You've got to be kidding me."
"Of course I am. I'm too old for him and sides I've got you. What more could I want?"
A smiling Steve decided to move the conversation elsewhere before they were actually spotted.
"Enough of peeping. We should discus where she's gonna live and some things about school as well. What about the kitchen?"
"Sure we're all yours now."
"We've already picked a few houses for her but this one is probably the best. It has 2 bedrooms and a guestroom with bathrooms attached upstairs, a nice and big living room with a kitchen downstairs and a basement. Big enough to accommodate her and even organise a sleepover but still not too much that she won't be able to clean up."
"That sounds great and don't worry about the cleaning up, she gets her fair share of that in the mansion probably more that just fare due to all her mischief. But I don't need to use telepathy to see there's something you're not telling us."
Josie sighed audibly.
"There's just one tiny little problem with the neighbourhood."
"And that would be?"
"It's right next to Warrens house."
"No way. I'm not letting her live alone next to that hormonally driven sex craving teen! My last word!"
Now it was Angelas turn to sigh.
"And you would know this about him how?" she asked in a resigned voice.
"Easy. All boys his age are the same."
"And you really think that living next to each other or on the other side of town will make a difference? As far as I remember it didn't stop YOU from visiting me. And don't forget she lived with Gambit under the same roof without anything happening and that says a lot."
Mike had a beautiful red colour on his face though it was impossible to tell whether from anger or embarrassment. Josie and Steve weren't so sure he pondered it himself or with a little telepathic persuasion from his wife but he finally came to a conclusion.
"Oh fine, but when she comes pregnant and crying back home it will be your responsibility."
"And here I thought you considered our daughter better than that."
"And if he forces himself on her what then?"
"Stop talking like that about the poor lad and sides like he even has a chance of doing that. Considering their powers and her training with Logan it's virtually impossible."
"I surrender. You got me there. I trust her and I guess I can trust him. So now onto school business."
He was glad to change the subject as soon as possible.