Heart of Frost
By Rachel
Disclaimer: Kitty Pryde, and all of Gen-X, along with the X-Men, and their universe are trademarks of Marvel Comics; I'm only borrowing them for an unauthorized work for my own personnel enjoyment. No profits are being made from the posting of this story. However, this work is copyright to me.
Warning: If a f/f relationship upsets you, then this story is not for you. If you don't agree with a Kitty Pryde that is searching out her sexually with women, give this story a pass. And if it's illegal where you live, MOVE!
Feedback: Please send any feedback to rachel12@tampabay.rr.com
Continuity: All of my stories will use X-Men #361/81 as the cut-off. Since there is no clean cut-off time, the whole Cerebro mess, and Xavier missing did not happen, along with the phony Wolverine. However, the older more mature looking Kitty with the short hair as seen in X-Men #100 is the look I'm including for the Shadowcat I'm writing about.
As for Gen-X, Issue 40, in these stories, M and Penance are NOT related, there are NO twins that was a dumb idea IMHO, so please forget the M/Penance storyline. Also please don't ask about Gaia, I don't know much about her, and never really saw her as part of the team.
Notes: This is the sequel to my story 'Early Morning Confusion'. Also in that story I mistakenly referred to Xavier's mansion as 'Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters', which is Gen-X's school even though it's still at times called the 'Massachusetts Academy'. Vice the mansion's rightful name 'Xavier Institute for Higher Learning'. (Now you know why I was confused) I'm sorry for the error, and will be writing it correctly in this story.
Indicates thoughts
[ ] Indicates telepathy
Thank god that's it, now on with the story.
Heart of Frost
Part One
The bird flew over the strange earth, it had learned by following the black path it could find nice juicy bugs gathered along it attracted by the heat of the large animals running along its trail. Its eyesight was better than most birds it thought proudly, most other birds always talked down about pigeons, yet it knew they were the most plentiful on earth. Right now it was following high above the white animal as it moved along the trail gobbling up the insects in its path waiting for the chance to steal one of the bigger, riper bugs. Then it saw its opportunity, swooping down in a dive, he open his beak. Faster and faster his speed increased passing the white animal, and in an instant, grabbed the insect within its mouth. Only it misjudged the animals swiftness, suddenly it was upon the bird but it must have eaten its full, for it left it flapping in the violent wake of its passing, letting off a roar in annoyance.
"STUPID PIGEON!" Jubilation Lee yelled as she watched through the rear window the bird flap its wings trying to steady itself before flying off. Turning to her companion in the snow white limousine, the Chinese-American mutant crossed her arms over her chest with a look of boredom, "I think it's time for me to say it, are we there yet?"
Katherine Pryde, known as Kitty to her friends, codenamed Shadowcat to the outside world smiled while she continued to look out the window at the snowed covered buildings as the limousine journey along I-95, "Sorry, but we're only halfway to the Academy." Kitty responded, not taking her eyes off the passing countryside. She had been thinking of the events of the last few days, a scrap of paper on which her fellow X-Men, Marrow had written a poem stating her feelings for Kitty. Then of course within a day, she not only found herself in bed with said mutant. But also was found out by half the team that she had slept with Marrow, which didn't go over well. Why, why did I sleep with her? Kitty had been asking that question even since she got into the limo taking her and Jubilee to the Massachusetts Academy.
"Hey Pryde, I'm hungry, lets stop someplace okay?" Jubilation asked, getting a soft coo of agreement from the dragon on her lap. "They should be eating about now at the school, and I don't want no cold leftovers, and ever since that last food fight, Frosty won't stock the car anymore"
Chuckling, Shadowcat looked at the girl, then to the two-foot long purple dragon, who was in a blissful mood thanks to Jubilee's scratching right between his wings. Lockheed, alien dragon, and her best true friend and companion for over four years. Nodding in agreement, she leaned forward pressing a button on the intercom letting the driver know their wish to stop at the next restaurant. Jubilee's mention of the school's headmistress brought back some memories to Kitty.
Emma Frost, the ex-White Queen to the Inner Circle of the Hellfire club, and ex-foe. Kitty had been thirteen when Frosty as Jubilation referred to the woman, tried to recruit her for the Hellfire's club own new group of young mutants, the Hellions. Of course the X-Men showed up at almost the same time, next thing she knew, Kitty was rescuing them from the White Queen. Too many fights, and kidnappings later, Emma Frost broken by the deaths of her Hellions, agreed to join forces with Xavier, and thus Gen-X was born. Never thought about that did you Pryde, if Emma Frost can change, why can't Sarah?
Kitty's thoughts were interrupted when the stretch limo came to a halt, quickly looking out the tilted windows she saw that they had pulled up right in front of a small diner. Grabbing her shoulder bag, Shadowcat held open the flaps allowing Lockheed to jump in just in time for the driver to open the rear door standing stiffly as the two girls exited the car.
"Would you like to join us Lumpkin?" Jubilee asked the driver, one of Emma Frost's more trusted servants. She didn't know why Frosty trusted him and his counter part Bumpkin so much, knowing how rare the White Queen's trusted anyone; it was enough to the girl to consider them trustworthy also.
Bearing the weight of the handbag containing the dragon with little trouble, Kitty was not surprised to see Lumpkin silently shake his head no. From what the students at the school had said, no one has ever heard him talk. Shivering from a cold breeze, Shadowcat called on her companion to hurry up before they froze. Dashing ahead, Jubilee held the door open for Kitty as she entered the diner then followed behind. Seeing the stares the pair was receiving as they came in, Shadowcat guessed that not many patrons drove up in stretch limousines.
Making their way to a booth, they sat opposite of each other, with Kitty placing the handbag containing Lockheed between herself and the wall, while Jubilee started flipping through the music selection of the remote jukebox.
"Hey Kitty, they have some K.D. Lang," the girl said, her eyes locked on the song menu, "and Melissa Etheridge." She added enthusiastically.
Her response was cut short by the appearance of the waiter, a balding older man that spoke with a heavy New York accent. "You both together?" He asked simply then narrowed his eyes as he caught sight of Kitty's Star-of-David necklace, casting an inquisitive glance at Jubilation, the man returned his attentions to Kitty as he hesitantly said "Shalom."
Surprised at first, then with a smile coming promptly to her face, Shadowcat nodded and answered, "Shalom, Ma Shlomxa, Shmi Katherine."
Her eyes switching back and forth as Kitty and the waiter spoke what Jubilee guessed was Hebrew. They talked for over five minutes she estimated with the waiter giving off a short laugh every now and then. Finally he pointed at Jubilee, while Kitty said something again in Hebrew, then nodded again with a laugh before leaving the table. Still browsing through the jukebox selection, "Kitty, what did he mean are we together, I mean, together as, together or," raising both hands with the index fingers twitching up and down, "Together?"
Breathing out a sigh, Kitty just shook her head and said, "Geek alert."
"Where?" Jubilation said turning to look around the diner, then through the window at the parking lot. "Where, I don't see…." Realizing just who Kitty was talking about, the girl reviewed the last few minutes in her mind and shrugged her shoulders, "Sorry." She replied softly.
Pausing as the drinks arrived, Kitty knew that her being with Sarah freaked Jubilee out. But the girl was trying to accept it, even requesting that she be reminded if she started to act all geekie as she put it. "It's alright, just remember I never listen to those artist before, I don't plan on doing it now just because I slept with Marrow. And together as in me paying for both of us, unless you want to?"
Panicked that Kitty even thought that she may foot the bill, Jubilee hastily shook her head, "What! No way, Frosty don't give us any type of allowance, I mean she expects us to do work around the school to earn any spending money."
In complete false sympathy, Shadowcat nodded her head, "I can't believe it, she actually makes you all work for money?" While impressed with the new Emma Frost, the old one she thought would've just given money to the students in order to buy their loyalty.
Taking a big gulp of her Pepsi, Jubilation nodded thinking that Kitty was agreeing with her, "Yea, that's what I think, like she has all of this money, think like she would just give us some, by the way," Jubilee asked looking over her shoulder, "When are we going to get to order some food?"
"Already did, got a hamburger with all the fixins for you and Lockheed, and some Kosher Pesach Cholent, for me, haven't had anything Kosher for a long time." Kitty answered, her attention on a car that just drove into the parking lot, its radio blaring some old AC/DC. "Hmmmm?" She asked missing what Jubilee said.
"What is Pesach Cholent?" Jubilee said again.
Watching the car again, Kitty replied that it was a chuck roast served with potatoes as the occupants got out. She guessed they were both about nineteen, maybe twenty years old; both wore holey blue jeans and T-shirts despite the cold weather. And they were both loud, cursing at the top of their lungs, and laughing. Jubilee noticed them about the same time as their waiter arrived with their food. Setting the plates down with a smile, the old man looked worried as the two men entered the diner.
As the old man hurried over to check on his new customers, Kitty grabbed one of the hamburgers and dropped it in the oversize handbag, which soon had contented munching sounds echoing from it. Then returned to her scrutiny of the men, they seemed have settled down some, through they kept glancing at her and Jubilee. Then again Kitty thought, she was also watching them, so turning away she concentrated on her dinner.
As they ate, Jubilee filled in Kitty with what's been happening at the Academy, that Paige was still following around Chamber, not knowing what to do with him if she ever caught him. M was still Ms. Perfect in Monet's own mind. It was at this point that Kitty interrupted Jubilee's gossip and asked if everyone at the school knows what happened between her and Marrow?
"No," Jubilation said thoughtfully, "I told Paige but she didn't believe me, so she put Angelo on, right away he got excited about something and started speaking Spanish. Next thing I know, Ev was on the phone asking me what was going on at the mansion." Taking a breath she wondered why Kitty was rubbing her forehead, "Headache coming on? Any way, Ev was interrupted by Frosty, who told me to repeat everything I told the others, then she said the limo was on it's way to pick me up, and that she had to speak to the Professor about some computers. So, no not everyone knows what happened."
Staring at the girl for a few moments, Kitty finally shook her head and could not help but smile, "No, you're right, not everyone knew then."
Stopping in mid-bite, Jubilee thought about what Kitty said, and nodded, "Yea, you're right, Paige just can't keep her mouth shut."
Shouting from the other side of the diner captured both of the girl's attention. The two young men were arguing with the waiter, Kitty could only make out them saying something about 'dirty' and 'you people'. Narrowing her eyes, Shadowcat was about to stand, when the two men suddenly turned around and stormed out of the diner, leaving the waiter saying a few choice words about their parentage. Easing back in the booth, Kitty and Jubilee just looked at each other before silently going back to their supper, while Lockheed took time out from his hamburger to peek over the rim of the handbag.
With no other disturbances the pair finished their meal, and Kitty paid the waiter while leaving a generous tip on the table. With the old man bidding them a nice evening, Kitty loosely held the handbag with Lockheed, as she and Jubilee walked out into the darken parking lot looking for where Lumpkin parked the limo. Sighting the car, Jubilee grabbed Kitty's hand and gave it a tug as the pair started to walk across the lot. When out of the blue, with a loud screech, the car belonging to the men that had been in the diner drove right for them. Jubilation instantly jumped back out of the way, while Kitty just phased, even though it looked like the car was going to miss them.
Just as the car passed by them, a hand shot out of the passenger side window grabbing hold of Kitty's bag, and hauled it in while a shrilled laugh followed in their wake. Running up next to her companion, Jubilee stared after the swiftly moving auto clearly upset. "THEY GOT LOCKHEED!"
Answering, "I know," with a small chuckle, Kitty watched the car as it neared the parking lot exit.
Abruptly a thunderous roar split the air around the parking lot, followed by yellow flames erupting out both sides of the car. The doors opened as the two men came tumbling out, their clothes scorched with tails of smoke still rising. Getting to their feet they both ran off in opposite directions screaming at the top of their lungs as the abandoned car rolled forward until it plunged into a drainage ditch.
Jubilee joined Kitty in her laughter as Lockheed looking a bit indignant flew out of the kidnappers car with the handbag clutched between his muzzle. Snorting at the would be thieves, the dragon flew back to his mistress landing on her shoulder, receiving a welcoming pat on the top of his head, "Did those bad old men scare you?" Kitty asked her dragon with a grin. With a roll of Lockheed's eyes, all three made it back to the car still laughing at the memory of the smoking men.
The rest of the trip was uneventful; to which Kitty was thankful for, Jubilee spend her time between watching the small TV build into the instrument panel, and for the twentieth time tried every switch she could find. Until the limo turned through the gates leading to the front doors of the school.
"About time," Jubilation grumbled as she slipped on her favorite yellow jacket, "Why don't we have teleporters, I mean every time we go against the bad guys, they have teleporters, so why don't we?"
Zipping up her own black leather jacket, Kitty smiled while Lockheed curled around her shoulders. Pausing long enough to caress the dragon's chin, she waited for Lumpkin to come around to open the door. "I guess we just don't pay enough."
"Yea, that's what I say, I mean Frosty should be paying us for going to school right?"
The rest of Jubilee's banter was halted when Lumpkin opened the door for the girls. Exiting the vehicle, Shadowcat looked over the front of the school remembering the last time she was here, tied to a chair while the White Queen wearing her white corset, thigh high boots and cloak tried to brainwash her to become the first member of the Hellions.
"Hey chica, welcome back." A voice from the shadows called out to Jubilee. Turning at the sound, they saw Angelo, one of the Academy's students also known as Skin, step out with a cigarette dangling from his mouth. Taking a deep drag on his smoke, the young man nodded to Kitty, before turning his attention to Lockheed. "What's with the purple rat?"
All three individuals, Jubilation, Kitty, and most of all Lockheed who took on an indignant air stared at Angelo, with Jubilee just beating out her friend's reply. "Lockheed," she began sternly, "is not a rat, he's a dragon!"
"You're kidding me." Skin laughed while shaking his head, "chica, I've seen a dragon, in fact I fought a dragon, and that," he added pointing at Lockheed, "is no dragon."
Before Kitty could come to Lockheed's defense, the doors to the front of the school open and out stepped Emma Frost. Shadowcat was shocked at her appearance, instead of the Hellfire Club outfit she'd imagined, the woman was wearing an oversize white cashmere sweater, white slacks that Kitty guessed she herself would never be able to afford, finished with a of pair high heeded boots.
"I'm glad to see that you made it home safely Jubilation," Emma said, in a tone that seemed contented, yet controlled in its manner. "And Kitty, it's been a long time, I'm happy to see you in more pleasant circumstances, please come inside." As she stepped aside holding the door open for the pair.
As Kitty walked into the school with Lockheed stilled curled around her shoulders, the dragon kept his eyes locked on Angelo, his eyes burning with fire as he thought of revenge.
TBC
By Rachel
Disclaimer: Kitty Pryde, and all of Gen-X, along with the X-Men, and their universe are trademarks of Marvel Comics; I'm only borrowing them for an unauthorized work for my own personnel enjoyment. No profits are being made from the posting of this story. However, this work is copyright to me.
Warning: If a f/f relationship upsets you, then this story is not for you. If you don't agree with a Kitty Pryde that is searching out her sexually with women, give this story a pass. And if it's illegal where you live, MOVE!
Feedback: Please send any feedback to rachel12@tampabay.rr.com
Continuity: All of my stories will use X-Men #361/81 as the cut-off. Since there is no clean cut-off time, the whole Cerebro mess, and Xavier missing did not happen, along with the phony Wolverine. However, the older more mature looking Kitty with the short hair as seen in X-Men #100 is the look I'm including for the Shadowcat I'm writing about.
As for Gen-X, Issue 40, in these stories, M and Penance are NOT related, there are NO twins that was a dumb idea IMHO, so please forget the M/Penance storyline. Also please don't ask about Gaia, I don't know much about her, and never really saw her as part of the team.
Notes: This is the sequel to my story 'Early Morning Confusion'. Also in that story I mistakenly referred to Xavier's mansion as 'Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters', which is Gen-X's school even though it's still at times called the 'Massachusetts Academy'. Vice the mansion's rightful name 'Xavier Institute for Higher Learning'. (Now you know why I was confused) I'm sorry for the error, and will be writing it correctly in this story.
Indicates thoughts
[ ] Indicates telepathy
Thank god that's it, now on with the story.
Heart of Frost
Part One
The bird flew over the strange earth, it had learned by following the black path it could find nice juicy bugs gathered along it attracted by the heat of the large animals running along its trail. Its eyesight was better than most birds it thought proudly, most other birds always talked down about pigeons, yet it knew they were the most plentiful on earth. Right now it was following high above the white animal as it moved along the trail gobbling up the insects in its path waiting for the chance to steal one of the bigger, riper bugs. Then it saw its opportunity, swooping down in a dive, he open his beak. Faster and faster his speed increased passing the white animal, and in an instant, grabbed the insect within its mouth. Only it misjudged the animals swiftness, suddenly it was upon the bird but it must have eaten its full, for it left it flapping in the violent wake of its passing, letting off a roar in annoyance.
"STUPID PIGEON!" Jubilation Lee yelled as she watched through the rear window the bird flap its wings trying to steady itself before flying off. Turning to her companion in the snow white limousine, the Chinese-American mutant crossed her arms over her chest with a look of boredom, "I think it's time for me to say it, are we there yet?"
Katherine Pryde, known as Kitty to her friends, codenamed Shadowcat to the outside world smiled while she continued to look out the window at the snowed covered buildings as the limousine journey along I-95, "Sorry, but we're only halfway to the Academy." Kitty responded, not taking her eyes off the passing countryside. She had been thinking of the events of the last few days, a scrap of paper on which her fellow X-Men, Marrow had written a poem stating her feelings for Kitty. Then of course within a day, she not only found herself in bed with said mutant. But also was found out by half the team that she had slept with Marrow, which didn't go over well. Why, why did I sleep with her? Kitty had been asking that question even since she got into the limo taking her and Jubilee to the Massachusetts Academy.
"Hey Pryde, I'm hungry, lets stop someplace okay?" Jubilation asked, getting a soft coo of agreement from the dragon on her lap. "They should be eating about now at the school, and I don't want no cold leftovers, and ever since that last food fight, Frosty won't stock the car anymore"
Chuckling, Shadowcat looked at the girl, then to the two-foot long purple dragon, who was in a blissful mood thanks to Jubilee's scratching right between his wings. Lockheed, alien dragon, and her best true friend and companion for over four years. Nodding in agreement, she leaned forward pressing a button on the intercom letting the driver know their wish to stop at the next restaurant. Jubilee's mention of the school's headmistress brought back some memories to Kitty.
Emma Frost, the ex-White Queen to the Inner Circle of the Hellfire club, and ex-foe. Kitty had been thirteen when Frosty as Jubilation referred to the woman, tried to recruit her for the Hellfire's club own new group of young mutants, the Hellions. Of course the X-Men showed up at almost the same time, next thing she knew, Kitty was rescuing them from the White Queen. Too many fights, and kidnappings later, Emma Frost broken by the deaths of her Hellions, agreed to join forces with Xavier, and thus Gen-X was born. Never thought about that did you Pryde, if Emma Frost can change, why can't Sarah?
Kitty's thoughts were interrupted when the stretch limo came to a halt, quickly looking out the tilted windows she saw that they had pulled up right in front of a small diner. Grabbing her shoulder bag, Shadowcat held open the flaps allowing Lockheed to jump in just in time for the driver to open the rear door standing stiffly as the two girls exited the car.
"Would you like to join us Lumpkin?" Jubilee asked the driver, one of Emma Frost's more trusted servants. She didn't know why Frosty trusted him and his counter part Bumpkin so much, knowing how rare the White Queen's trusted anyone; it was enough to the girl to consider them trustworthy also.
Bearing the weight of the handbag containing the dragon with little trouble, Kitty was not surprised to see Lumpkin silently shake his head no. From what the students at the school had said, no one has ever heard him talk. Shivering from a cold breeze, Shadowcat called on her companion to hurry up before they froze. Dashing ahead, Jubilee held the door open for Kitty as she entered the diner then followed behind. Seeing the stares the pair was receiving as they came in, Shadowcat guessed that not many patrons drove up in stretch limousines.
Making their way to a booth, they sat opposite of each other, with Kitty placing the handbag containing Lockheed between herself and the wall, while Jubilee started flipping through the music selection of the remote jukebox.
"Hey Kitty, they have some K.D. Lang," the girl said, her eyes locked on the song menu, "and Melissa Etheridge." She added enthusiastically.
Her response was cut short by the appearance of the waiter, a balding older man that spoke with a heavy New York accent. "You both together?" He asked simply then narrowed his eyes as he caught sight of Kitty's Star-of-David necklace, casting an inquisitive glance at Jubilation, the man returned his attentions to Kitty as he hesitantly said "Shalom."
Surprised at first, then with a smile coming promptly to her face, Shadowcat nodded and answered, "Shalom, Ma Shlomxa, Shmi Katherine."
Her eyes switching back and forth as Kitty and the waiter spoke what Jubilee guessed was Hebrew. They talked for over five minutes she estimated with the waiter giving off a short laugh every now and then. Finally he pointed at Jubilee, while Kitty said something again in Hebrew, then nodded again with a laugh before leaving the table. Still browsing through the jukebox selection, "Kitty, what did he mean are we together, I mean, together as, together or," raising both hands with the index fingers twitching up and down, "Together?"
Breathing out a sigh, Kitty just shook her head and said, "Geek alert."
"Where?" Jubilation said turning to look around the diner, then through the window at the parking lot. "Where, I don't see…." Realizing just who Kitty was talking about, the girl reviewed the last few minutes in her mind and shrugged her shoulders, "Sorry." She replied softly.
Pausing as the drinks arrived, Kitty knew that her being with Sarah freaked Jubilee out. But the girl was trying to accept it, even requesting that she be reminded if she started to act all geekie as she put it. "It's alright, just remember I never listen to those artist before, I don't plan on doing it now just because I slept with Marrow. And together as in me paying for both of us, unless you want to?"
Panicked that Kitty even thought that she may foot the bill, Jubilee hastily shook her head, "What! No way, Frosty don't give us any type of allowance, I mean she expects us to do work around the school to earn any spending money."
In complete false sympathy, Shadowcat nodded her head, "I can't believe it, she actually makes you all work for money?" While impressed with the new Emma Frost, the old one she thought would've just given money to the students in order to buy their loyalty.
Taking a big gulp of her Pepsi, Jubilation nodded thinking that Kitty was agreeing with her, "Yea, that's what I think, like she has all of this money, think like she would just give us some, by the way," Jubilee asked looking over her shoulder, "When are we going to get to order some food?"
"Already did, got a hamburger with all the fixins for you and Lockheed, and some Kosher Pesach Cholent, for me, haven't had anything Kosher for a long time." Kitty answered, her attention on a car that just drove into the parking lot, its radio blaring some old AC/DC. "Hmmmm?" She asked missing what Jubilee said.
"What is Pesach Cholent?" Jubilee said again.
Watching the car again, Kitty replied that it was a chuck roast served with potatoes as the occupants got out. She guessed they were both about nineteen, maybe twenty years old; both wore holey blue jeans and T-shirts despite the cold weather. And they were both loud, cursing at the top of their lungs, and laughing. Jubilee noticed them about the same time as their waiter arrived with their food. Setting the plates down with a smile, the old man looked worried as the two men entered the diner.
As the old man hurried over to check on his new customers, Kitty grabbed one of the hamburgers and dropped it in the oversize handbag, which soon had contented munching sounds echoing from it. Then returned to her scrutiny of the men, they seemed have settled down some, through they kept glancing at her and Jubilee. Then again Kitty thought, she was also watching them, so turning away she concentrated on her dinner.
As they ate, Jubilee filled in Kitty with what's been happening at the Academy, that Paige was still following around Chamber, not knowing what to do with him if she ever caught him. M was still Ms. Perfect in Monet's own mind. It was at this point that Kitty interrupted Jubilee's gossip and asked if everyone at the school knows what happened between her and Marrow?
"No," Jubilation said thoughtfully, "I told Paige but she didn't believe me, so she put Angelo on, right away he got excited about something and started speaking Spanish. Next thing I know, Ev was on the phone asking me what was going on at the mansion." Taking a breath she wondered why Kitty was rubbing her forehead, "Headache coming on? Any way, Ev was interrupted by Frosty, who told me to repeat everything I told the others, then she said the limo was on it's way to pick me up, and that she had to speak to the Professor about some computers. So, no not everyone knows what happened."
Staring at the girl for a few moments, Kitty finally shook her head and could not help but smile, "No, you're right, not everyone knew then."
Stopping in mid-bite, Jubilee thought about what Kitty said, and nodded, "Yea, you're right, Paige just can't keep her mouth shut."
Shouting from the other side of the diner captured both of the girl's attention. The two young men were arguing with the waiter, Kitty could only make out them saying something about 'dirty' and 'you people'. Narrowing her eyes, Shadowcat was about to stand, when the two men suddenly turned around and stormed out of the diner, leaving the waiter saying a few choice words about their parentage. Easing back in the booth, Kitty and Jubilee just looked at each other before silently going back to their supper, while Lockheed took time out from his hamburger to peek over the rim of the handbag.
With no other disturbances the pair finished their meal, and Kitty paid the waiter while leaving a generous tip on the table. With the old man bidding them a nice evening, Kitty loosely held the handbag with Lockheed, as she and Jubilee walked out into the darken parking lot looking for where Lumpkin parked the limo. Sighting the car, Jubilee grabbed Kitty's hand and gave it a tug as the pair started to walk across the lot. When out of the blue, with a loud screech, the car belonging to the men that had been in the diner drove right for them. Jubilation instantly jumped back out of the way, while Kitty just phased, even though it looked like the car was going to miss them.
Just as the car passed by them, a hand shot out of the passenger side window grabbing hold of Kitty's bag, and hauled it in while a shrilled laugh followed in their wake. Running up next to her companion, Jubilee stared after the swiftly moving auto clearly upset. "THEY GOT LOCKHEED!"
Answering, "I know," with a small chuckle, Kitty watched the car as it neared the parking lot exit.
Abruptly a thunderous roar split the air around the parking lot, followed by yellow flames erupting out both sides of the car. The doors opened as the two men came tumbling out, their clothes scorched with tails of smoke still rising. Getting to their feet they both ran off in opposite directions screaming at the top of their lungs as the abandoned car rolled forward until it plunged into a drainage ditch.
Jubilee joined Kitty in her laughter as Lockheed looking a bit indignant flew out of the kidnappers car with the handbag clutched between his muzzle. Snorting at the would be thieves, the dragon flew back to his mistress landing on her shoulder, receiving a welcoming pat on the top of his head, "Did those bad old men scare you?" Kitty asked her dragon with a grin. With a roll of Lockheed's eyes, all three made it back to the car still laughing at the memory of the smoking men.
The rest of the trip was uneventful; to which Kitty was thankful for, Jubilee spend her time between watching the small TV build into the instrument panel, and for the twentieth time tried every switch she could find. Until the limo turned through the gates leading to the front doors of the school.
"About time," Jubilation grumbled as she slipped on her favorite yellow jacket, "Why don't we have teleporters, I mean every time we go against the bad guys, they have teleporters, so why don't we?"
Zipping up her own black leather jacket, Kitty smiled while Lockheed curled around her shoulders. Pausing long enough to caress the dragon's chin, she waited for Lumpkin to come around to open the door. "I guess we just don't pay enough."
"Yea, that's what I say, I mean Frosty should be paying us for going to school right?"
The rest of Jubilee's banter was halted when Lumpkin opened the door for the girls. Exiting the vehicle, Shadowcat looked over the front of the school remembering the last time she was here, tied to a chair while the White Queen wearing her white corset, thigh high boots and cloak tried to brainwash her to become the first member of the Hellions.
"Hey chica, welcome back." A voice from the shadows called out to Jubilee. Turning at the sound, they saw Angelo, one of the Academy's students also known as Skin, step out with a cigarette dangling from his mouth. Taking a deep drag on his smoke, the young man nodded to Kitty, before turning his attention to Lockheed. "What's with the purple rat?"
All three individuals, Jubilation, Kitty, and most of all Lockheed who took on an indignant air stared at Angelo, with Jubilee just beating out her friend's reply. "Lockheed," she began sternly, "is not a rat, he's a dragon!"
"You're kidding me." Skin laughed while shaking his head, "chica, I've seen a dragon, in fact I fought a dragon, and that," he added pointing at Lockheed, "is no dragon."
Before Kitty could come to Lockheed's defense, the doors to the front of the school open and out stepped Emma Frost. Shadowcat was shocked at her appearance, instead of the Hellfire Club outfit she'd imagined, the woman was wearing an oversize white cashmere sweater, white slacks that Kitty guessed she herself would never be able to afford, finished with a of pair high heeded boots.
"I'm glad to see that you made it home safely Jubilation," Emma said, in a tone that seemed contented, yet controlled in its manner. "And Kitty, it's been a long time, I'm happy to see you in more pleasant circumstances, please come inside." As she stepped aside holding the door open for the pair.
As Kitty walked into the school with Lockheed stilled curled around her shoulders, the dragon kept his eyes locked on Angelo, his eyes burning with fire as he thought of revenge.
TBC