The morning sun threw off its star-encrusted mantle and melted away the lazy mist that clung like a stubborn child to the dew coated grass. Beams of radiant energy made their appointed trek across the lawn of an upper state New York boarding school. The students housed within grumbled at the rude awakening and try to wring several more minutes of slumber from the dusty air. With a new day, as with every new day, changes come and go. Some are more permanent and memorable than others are. The change that faces the students today will not be one they would ever forget.
As if driving home the wake-up call delivered only moments before by the rising sun, the intercom system comes alive with a crackling, chilling voice. "All students, I repeat, all students are to meet immediately in the auditorium dressed in their battlegear. Anyone arriving late will be suspended for no less than two weeks. Five minutes and counting." Cries of despair and disbelieving filled the air as students rushed around in the underwear and nightclothes trying desperately to find the missing pieces of their suits and assemble at the designated spot.
Lining up in single formation by rank and class, the students managed to beat the imposing deadline with only a few stragglers and heavy sleepers failing the early morning task. The student regiment, in nearly all situations, would prove most intimidating, but this was not one of those situations. Standing before them was the one person who issued the demand. She wore her usual white leather custom-made suit with polished matching knee-high boots and three-inch stilettos. Circling the neckline of her vest was a snow-white mink fur trimming that tickled her slightly rouged touched checks. Tapping her left palm with a rawhide whip, Emma Frost blasted the arranged students with an icy stare that left many shivering and wishing to seek shelter from the oncoming blizzard.
"The thirteen students that failed to meet my deadline are to report immediately to the kitchen. There you will find a very long list of chores that are to be completed by sundown. For every chore that remains undone, an extra week of suspension will be dealt out. The tardy students are dismissed. Remove yourselves from my sight!" Leaving no room to brooch an argument, the late students made their way single file to the kitchen to begin an impossible list of duties.
Those that remained shifted uneasily under the glare of their headmistress. With each passing moment, doubts and anxieties rose, legs grew weaker, and hope diminished.
"As for the rest of the student body remaining, there will be changes made effective yesterday. The practices and methods of your late Professor Charles Frances Xavier was weak and only lead to dissension in the ranks and disrespect towards your superiors. A new order has now been imposed that will effectively do away with procedures of the past. Due to a rise in criminal mischief by some now expelled members, a 24-hour lockdown has been put in effect. There is to be no talking unless a superior talks to you. You will get up promptly at six and be ready by six-thirty. Curfew is at ten with lights out is at ten-thirty. Any one found breaking these rules will be severely punished and made an example to all others."
Allowing the effect of her words to settle over the stun crowd, a few of the more vocal students voiced their disapproval of the new system. "It's not fair, Frost," yellowed a steaming Inferno, his fists clamped shut and pressed into his sides. Echoing his sentiments was Gremlor who bellowed in his deep, husky voice, "We won't allow this! There's over a hundred of us and only one of you!"
"Correction you impudent pup. I noticed that several of you have found out what my next point is. I have installed, courtesy of Frost Enterprises, a power-dampening generator that covers the entire campus and most of Weschesture. The only place where you will be allowed access to your powers will be during scheduled practice sessions in the war room."
Each student reflectively reached out and tried unsuccessfully to tap into their genetically enhanced powers. They stared disbelieving as their gifts refused to surface. Some fell down in shock. Others verbally voiced their anger and resentment at being treated like an imprison felon. On one thing they all agreed on, the firm restrictions placed upon their powers was tantamount to losing a part of their soul.
"Until such time as respect and discipline are drilled into each one here, you will accept and obey everything I say. You will hold it sacred in your heart or I shall personally inscribe it word for bloody word there."
The White Queen stalks across the center of the stage, placing herself in the full view off everyone gathered. "I'm sure some of you are wondering where your former teachers are. Rest assured, they're still here. To handle a school this large, one most not be above seeking help. One thing I am not above is using psychic persuasion to have certain people cross over to my line of thinking."
Indicating an unseen figure on the right of the stage, Emma directs everyone's attention with a starched leather gloved finger. "Allow me the honor of introducing your new headmaster and my assistant, Sean Cassidy."
Gasps of horror filled the auditorium walls. So filled with anguish, no one sought shelter in the wings but stood transfixed at the man walking across the stage. "He is only the beginning. Now that certain choice occurrences have transpired, the fool Xavier has left it open for me to resurrect the Inner Circle of the Hellfire Club. We were forced to disband for sometime due to repeated attacks by the X-Men and the loss of my precious Hellions to Fitzroy. That chapter of my life is now closed and a new one opens. Welcome students, for you, dear children, are my new Hellions!"
Raising her hands in a mock toast to the overwhelmed students, the newly reinstated White Queen and White King laughed loud and long at their recent change in good fortunes.
As the students recovered from the recent blow, Emma continued her barrage of surprises.
From the west stage entrance, a black shrouded man joined the duo on stage. Tossing off his cloak, a piercing wail took a hold of Sidney as she feinted dead away, her face twisted in anguish. Taking center stage was the new Black King to the White King, the loner mutant known as Logan.
"Our resident berserker fought bravely against my psi-attacks long and hard. Too bad for him he never stood a chance against my amplified powers. He shall now do my bidding as a mindless slave, working his penance for brutally slaughtering Harry Leland all those months ago."
In recognition of his new post, Wolverine knelt down to one knee, took Emma's hand in his, and gently kissed it with his lips, swearing fealty to his new master.
"No Black King is complete with out his queen." Taking center stage in a gown of black velvet and matching cloak, a slim, slightly swaying figure took Logan's arm in hers. "Serving me as the new Black Queen, is the psi-assassin, Psylocke. On any other occasion, the former Betsy Braddock would never have succombed to my wish. With the proper mixture of tranquilizers, power inhibiting drugs, and a tainted meal, miracles can be achieved!
The hopes of survival with thoroughly dashed as Psylocke presented herself before the White Queen, prostrating herself in a deep curtsy. Reeling from the backlash of so many traitorous actions, the students could only stand back and watch as the final curtain fell on the house of Xavier.
"Do not hold your breath yet children. The fun has only just begun." Twirling her whip over her head, she brought the tip down in a loud crack that brought screams of fear from those gathered down below. "The Inner Circle is not complete without its Black Bishop. Kurt, would you please present yourself before the assembly?" With his blue devil's forked tail wrapped around his leg, Kurt Wagner teleported from the darkness of the balcony to stand beside his entranced teammates. A stench of brimstone and smoke filled the stage, choking those closest to it with its foul, burning odor.
"And last, but certainly not in the least, the final couple to end our show. The White Bishop and his first lady." Hand in hand, the real-life couple of Gambit and Rogue bedecked in 18th century finery strolled onto the stage on the opposite side of Nightcrawler, forming a semi-circle across the auditorium stage. With his fiery eyes ablaze, a thin red trail of light followed the Cajun's head with his every move. Rogue, her mutant power also suppressed by the White Queen, lovingly slid her fingers along her mate's chiseled jaw line. The rough and rugged texture of his skin appealed to the southern belle's fingertips, tickling the nerve endings that resided there.
"Now that my presentation has drawn to a close, is there any other matter you wish for me to discuss?" From far in the back row, a halting voice broke out, "You can't do this. The X-Men will return and they'll stop you!"
"I'm glad that you brought that up, my precious Silvayne. I have here for all to read a letter signed and dated by your departed Professor. It states: "In the event of my unlikely demise or illness, I, Charles Frances Xavier, hereby do declare that Emma Frost of Frost Enterprises and Headmistress of the Massachusetts Academy take full ownership and responsibility of Xavier's School for the Gift Youngsters. She has my absolute permission to run this school in any manner she sees fit. All students and faculty are to abide to her command as if they were issued by my mouth." It is signed and dated July 31, 2000 and witnessed by his attorney, Michael Cunningham, Esq. As you see, there is nothing you can do. Welcome to the Hellfire Club, children. Your stay will be as painful as possible."
Dismissing the audience with a single flick of her hand, the White Queen and her psychically enthralled entourage stepped from the stage and began the necessary details of bringing life to a dead society.
With nothing more to do and a lost will to fight back, the students returned to their rooms, tears draining from their eyes to reflect the hope that has poured out of their hearts.