Disclaimer: I don't own the Incredibles.

A/N: Thank you for reviews! I am very happy to recieve them.

As the beam Mortikis held thrusts forward toward James' chest, Violet quickly jumps in front of James shielding him with her force field.

"No!" Mortikis says throwing the table leg away. Reaching for Violet, he grabs her by the neck, "Fine then, you're coming with me."

He reaches for the devise on his belt. As he does James leaps up from the ground, grabs Mortikis and separates him from Violet.

"Now, you go back where you came from!" throwing Mortikis across the room he shoots a ball of fire toward him, causing the device to break. As it does a portal opens, instantly sucking Mortikis through it, and closes again.

Catching his breath he turns to Violet. His skin, returns to normal and heals his injuries.

"I'm sorry about that," he says to her as he looks at the damage to the cafeteria, "I didn't know they would be able to come here, I have to be more aware..."

"She's coming isn't she; the Empress?" Violet rubs her neck, "I mean if he came here, she shouldn't be far behind."

James turns to her.

"It will take a bit; but yes, she will come," he admits.

"What if I can't stop her… what if you, can't stop her!" she looks into his eyes, "Mortikis could have got you, if she is stronger than him…"

"It's not the same," he tries to calm her, "The Empress has different powers. She's not strong and fast like him."

"Teach me," she grabs James' shoulders, "Train me to be better."

He hesitates for a moment, "I'm not sure I…"

"I don't care how, just help me James. I need at least a chance at fighting her."

"Okay, I'll train with you," he accepts.

A sound at the crumpled doors causes them both to look over. Teachers and police pull rubble away from the entryway as they try to get inside.

"Maybe we should get out of here now," Violet suggests.

Walking over to the crumbling wall opposite the doors, the two carefully climb out.

---

Explaining the lunch room event to Violet's parents didn't go quite as well as it could have. Bob had more doubt in whether James could protect Violet like he had said he would, and Helen had ideas along the lines of; maybe this Empress is a bigger threat than she had originally imagined. James wasn't worried though. Violet had been convinced that she needed him, and that was all that mattered. As long as she needed his help, he could stay.