It has been two weeks since Earth came to the mansion. Slowly, she adapts to the lifestyle and schedule that was set for the students. Almost everything is going smoothly except for one: Pyro.
That mischievous guy who keeps on bullying younger kids.
Ever since she came, he targets her of his varying trouble antics, if not for Rogue and Bobby, she would always succumbed to the fire mutant pranks. The reason why; she purposely never shares to other what her powers are. Being a new kid on the group, all have been curious as what she can do since they noticed that Professor X has taken a liking to her. They did not know the main reason behind it; guessing only it was only because of her powers.
Earth isnt really interested in using her powers while living in the institute, she just follows the daily schedule. Breakfast, classes, lunch, recreational activities, dinner and bedtime. During the weekend, she tries to distance herself from the others by staying on the rooftop, lying there simply gazing the wide skies until she doze off.
But today is different, as they are currently sitting on the floor, lined up at the back while attending the defense class being taught by Logan, Pyro has another plan.
"Hey there, newbie" he sits indian style in front of Earth.
"What now?"
"Still afraid? Why hide it when you can freely use it?" Pyro ignites the fire in his lighter placed on his hands, boasting and tempting the girl in front of her.
"If you have nothing else to do, back off."
As much as he wants to have this girl burned by his own fire, he's being reminded by others that this new girl is a favorite of the teachers, especially by Ororo. But ofcourse, this idea was all biased since they only keep on noticing Earth whenever Ororo keeps track if she's getting along well with others.
"Hmpf. Youre such a coward newbs!"
"Care 'ta share yer business there pyro?!"
Logan shook off the mean attitude Jon's having as he stopped his discussion after noticing Pyro is making a fuss at the back. The other students on the class looked back at their direction and now Pyro and Earth have all the attention around. Rogue and Bobby who are sitting on their opposite side just scratched their heads as they knew they will be in trouble again.
"Well, Logan I actually have a bright idea to share." As mischievous as he is, he wont let this opportunity slide to win this round against the newcomer.
"Really? I didnt think you really use yer head bub." Everybody in the room laughed at the ioke. Pyro just grimaced at everyone.
"So whaddya want?"
"Well, since we are on a defense class, I think its best that we try to practice using our own powers ro defend ourselves right? I mean no offense man, your fighting moves are all good. But we are mutants, its best we try to practice our powers-- even if its only in class."
Somehow most of the students seem to agree with Pyro as they, themselves would also want to play with their mutant powers with each other. Its not that they are forbidden from using it, but in their case, they havent tried using it against each other.
Logan, not really sure of this was actually a good idea, consulted the audience on the monitor room.
"Jean? Storm?" He purposely left out Cyclops who he knew is also there.
The three adults on watch discussed it together and Jean, being a telepath contacted the Professor if it will be alright.
The communication speaker inside the battle room turned on and Jean's voice was heard.
"Alright. The professor gave his permission to alter today's lesson. So we'll have pairs combat each other and use their powers to practice their own defense."
Logan turns towards the students sitting in front of him. "'Kay. Ye heard tha woman kids." It didnt go unnoticed to him the evil grin that has been pasted on Pyro's face.
"And since this is yer idea, yer gonna be up first, fire boy." Logan was wrong to think that this would serve as punishment to the young mutant as this was actually his plan, if he wasnt able to persuade Earth to use her powers with his antics, then he'd use the class opportunity to have a little demonstration with her.
"Sure. No big deal Logan. May I pick who's gonna be my sparring partner? Dont worry its not gonna be Bobby ha ha."
"Suit yerself. For the others try to stay put at the back. Better watch or my claws will get the hell outta yer eyes." Being scary as he was, the students abided and gave a big space in front for the upcoming power fights. Pyro stood and walks toward the center as he tells everyone:
"I choose Earth. It's been weeks since she first came in. We should get at least know what she can do."
Everyone looks at the back to see Earth sitting at the end. She could see the stares of everyone as well as the evil look on Pyro as he orchestrated for this to happen. Logan motioned for him to join Pyro at the center to start the session.
"Yer up kid."
Knowing she cant get out of this situation, she followed suit and stand a two meters away from Pyro.
Then they hear again Jean's voice from the intercom speaker.
"Alright kids. As agreed, this match will be on with permission to use your powers. Our objective is for you to utilize your ability and develop defensive capabilities while polishing your offensive strategies too. Try not to overuse your powers okay? We dont want anybody be hurt. Logan will be there with you as Storm, Cyclops and me will be watching from here. Best of luck!"
Logan then commenced the start of the fight.
For the first minute nobody moved from the two youngster. They seemed like trying to read each other's first move.
"Hey bangs, why dont you show your powers now?" As ever, Pyro loves to provoke his enemies. With his control of fire, he felt like nobody can go up against him as he would just toast them with his powers. But thats waht he only thinks.
Knowing the nature of his enemy's ability, Earth cant help but feel a bit bored. She doesnt really take Pyro as a challenge, if there will be one to contend with, she would like to have a match against one of the adults; especially Jean Grey.
"Im not really sure if youre a boy or a girl. Youre mouch more naggy than the girls I know of."
All their classmates just laughed off the humiliation Earth is bringing upon Pyro. And this provokes the boy to attack her with his fire.
The fire reaches the upper half of her body but she still stands there doing nothing, her linen coat starts to get on fire as well. As they see no response from Earth, students starts to worry and try to call out her name. Logan hushes them out with his stare, Jean motions Storm and Cyclops to watch closely on Earth. They are ready any minute if in case the fight goes out of hand.
"Ha. What now bangs? Just all talk?"
"Is this it Pyro? Your fire is but an itch on my skin."
The younger kids on the class just laughed as Pyro is being humiliated again, they just sat silent when Logan extended her wrist in front of them with his claws out. Making his presence scary once more.
Angered, Pyro boosted up the fire he's controlling, doubled up the size to fully cover Earth's whole body ablaze.
Students are starting to get worried as Earth remained standing still, not doing anything. They try to call out Logan's attention hoping for him to stop the match. By then, the feral man instructed the kids to sharpen up their eyes.
"Look closely at her skin before ye all go wailin' out on me."
They followed him and then they noticed. As her clothes got shattered by the fire, they could see her skin being burnt but then return back to normal. This sequence repeats itself as Pyro's attack continues on.
The three adults above who were watching was fascinated by the bizaare routine of her healing.
"Hmm.. Regeneration. Just like Logan." Says Jean.
"What a nasty power. She would totally ace this lesson. Say Storm, would you wanna come down inside and try to lighten up the mood?" Cyclops asks his friend as he swivels out his chair.
"Is there a need?" The white haired goddess replies.
"Well, knowing Jon, he might turn crazy hell with being unable to immobilize Earth."
"Scott's have a point. Hmm.. if he gets out of control he might burn everyone down there."
"But why me?" Ororo raises one of her eyebrows as she stares at the both of them.
"Well, youre the only who can control the rain, right?"
"Ughh. K fine." Ororo stood up from her chair as she was forced by her two friends to help Logan facilitate the match. The electronic doors opened as she went out of the room to head on the lower floor.