Chapter 28
The next day at the Institute...
Kitty phases out the door and picks up the newspaper sitting on the step whose headlines are still praising the Hellions for being heroes. She grabs the paper and heads back inside. She enters the kitchen and throws the paper down on the table. "Can you like believe this?" she asks anyone.
"I know, right. You'd think I'd meet a whole group of heroes going around being the handsome, devil may care hero I am."
Kitty grins at her boyfriend who said that. He stayed the night. She means, of course, he stayed the night. She's still sore...plus dressed in his shirt and not much else. Yes, she had gotten some looks but Kitty isn't bothered. She's happy, she has a great boyfriend and finds she doesn't much care if it's rather obvious what they do.
Course Lockheed had had to find himself a new place to snooze because of all the noise she and Peter made.
Kitty leans down and kisses Peter lightly. "They've have nothing on you, sweetie," she assures him.
"Oh for the love of Rao," Clark complains as he walks in because from the angle he walks in Kitty is bent over, the shirt she is wearing riding up very, very high on her thigh. He doesn't need to see that! "Kitty, there's this wonderful modern invention. They're called pants," he tells her dead-pan style.
Kitty scowls...which again, as always, comes off as cute on her. "You're just jealous," she retorts.
"Of you and Peter?" Clark queries before he strokes his chin thinking on it. "You know what Kitty. You're right. I am jealous. I mean Peter is a hell of a catch."
"I so totally am," Peter says in false boast. "But sorry, Clark, this guy's spoken for," he apologises, carrying on Clark's joke, pointing his thumbs at himself. He then lifts Kitty onto his lap and tickles her at the waist making her squeal.
"Peter!" Kitty squeals and giggles and playfully slaps at his chest...his strong, firm, manly chest. Ooh boy she's getting hot just thinking about it. She captures Peter's lips and kisses him gently. "Love you," she whispers, her heart throbbing in her chest at how much Peter means to her.
"Love you, too," Peter returns, having to pinch himself at how well this is going and how happy he feels. Plus his aunt knowing he is Spider-Man helps a bunch as in he doesn't have to lie to her about what he does. She worries, understandably, about his safety but apart from that it's been going much better than Peter ever thought it would be if his aunt ever found out. Course what he hasn't quite got around to telling her is that he and Kitty are lovers now...because god how embarrassing would that be?
Clark rolls his eyes. He's happy for them, really but he doesn't need to see this. "Well I guess I'll just have to live with the disappointment," he says, finishing off the joke he started, not sure they even heard him. He glances down at the paper as Kitty and Peter continue making kissy face and saying sweet nothings to each other, forgetting he can hear every damn word.
"I am so out of here," Kurt mutters as he teleports away. He can only stand so much and Kitty and Peter are putting him off his breakfast.
"I'm joining ya, elf," Logan mutters as he takes his coffee and just goes. He's annoyed enough he has to let half-pint have webs over. He doesn't need to physically see it. Hell he doesn't have to. He can smell it. Why hasn't he killed that smart-mouthed punk again?
The few others here, it was a Sunday after all so it's still quiet, just sort of look the other way and munch their breakfasts. Except Paige who comments on how sweet it is. Clearly she has no real idea what it is Kitty and Peter actually get up to now and her brother, who is using his hand to shade Peter and Kitty from view, doesn't look like he is going to explain it to her any time soon.
Clark looks to his mom for help. She just shrugs back. He shakes his head and just reads through the paper in moments with his x-ray vision. He hadn't given it all too much thought really. If the Hellions saved lives then good for them. As long as it was truly an accident. Besides he has other issues on his mind. Issues that should involve Peter since it involves New York but Peter's 'busy' at the moment.
Anyway that other group that was fighting Tombstone's lot Claire got it out of them who they're working for. Intergang. Metropolis' largest organised criminal group. It seems they're trying to take advantage of New York's chaos to establish a presence in the city. Clark's worry is that to do that they're more likely than not going to have to come through Bayville. In fact considering what happened yesterday they must be here already. Bayville was becoming like the Highway for all these groups to smuggle men and arms into New York and not even a Superman can find and stop them all. Though Clark is trying his best.
The kitchen door opens and Scott and Jean walk in.
Clark wrinkles his nose. Not hard to guess what those two got up to last night either. Ok. That's it. He is so out of here. His nose and imagination can only take so much.
As Clark leaves Scott's gaze catches the newspaper. He picks it up and starts reading.
Moments later Scott is in the Professor's office throwing the paper down on the desk, jabbing at it. "There's no way those guys would ever do anything that selfless," he accuses.
"Definitely not where Emma is involved," Jean joins in, having come with Scott.
Scott stows the usual debate over how bad Emma truly is for now.
The Professor, himself, had had doubts over the truth about what happened. "Seems a little hard to believe I accept. Especially since from the moment they came here they wished to keep a low profile...which only edges me toward it being truly an accident they simply got caught up in. However it came about, Scott, Jean, any positive press for mutants we have to take, no matter where it comes from."
Scott folds his arms across his chest, a dark expression on his face showing clearly how he doesn't like this. "We've been out for approaching a year now, Professor. We've dealt with unstable or dangerous mutants. We've used our powers to help where you felt it appropriate and those jerks do one single thing and get better press than we do."
"It makes no sense," Jean points out.
"Jean, the media rarely makes sense. It's an impulsive entity," the Professor makes the point.
"And what does Emma have to say about this?" Jean wants to know.
"I haven't been able to get a hold of her yet. She's ignoring my calls," the Professor admits.
"Typical," Jean mutters disparagingly. "So what now? We just stand aside and let them play hero?" she wonders. "We both know they're not heroes nor care to be. What happens when they mess this up?"
"I don't think Emma would let it get that out of hand. Not her style," the Professor believes.
"I have to agree," Scott says.
"Oh yes, of course you do," Jean mutters, glaring at him. "What is it with you always giving her the benefit of the doubt? How many times does she have to prove you wrong before you see her for what she is?" she asks him, furious that he, once again, is going soft on Emma. In Jean's view Emma is a conniving, two-faced, callous, manipulative cow...and that's Jean being really, really nice.
"Jean," Scott almost groans pathetically. "Please not this argument again," he pleads.
"Why not?"
Scott arches an eyebrow and glances at the Professor. That's why not.
"Jean," Charles says calmly. "I know you have your issues with Emma but for as long as the Hellions are here in Bayville we have no choice but to try and find a way to get along with them. Especially if there is the possibility of persuading at least some of Emma's students to leave the Hellfire Club. It's our duty to save them from that."
Jean hates it when the Professor makes a point she can't debate. He's right. It is their duty to save the Hellions if they can.
"We, of course, have to remain cautious in our dealings with them," Charles tags on because he has certainly not rushed into any of Emma's suggestions on closer co-operation though he is having a harder time coming up with excuses that don't look like delay for delay's sake. Soon he might just have to bite the bullet and agree to a joint training exercise or maybe even a student exchange. Not today though.
"So what do you think Emma said to them about this?" Jean asks.
For once the Professor didn't have an answer because he didn't really know.
The Hellions Boarding House...
Outside the house a scrum of media have formed. It's not that heroes are new now. It's that this group of heroes is new. The media is always seeking the next thing to latch onto, to sink their teeth into.
Inside Emma was making sure her students were all presentable before she allowed them to step outside. If she's going to use the media she'll do it on her terms. She already has her resources within the Hellfire Club using their influence to spin this the way she wants. She had allowed some information out to tantalise and entice. Just the basics that this was an annex of an elite school for mutants. Emma would fill in the gaps shortly.
Emma had surprised her students. Yesterday they had expected her to chew them out...and while she was not happy that this had happened in the way it was she had not exploded in anger or took them to task. No. Emma had seen how she could use this and therefore didn't have time to waste on that sort of thing.
One strict telling off was enough and then she told them of her idea on how to use this to their advantage.
They couldn't see it but then Emma didn't expect them to. All she expected was them to obey her.
"Right then, are we all here?" she asks as they assemble in the lobby behind the front door. Emma does a quick check that they are. Penance and Murmur as well. No need to hide them any longer. "Remember. Best behaviour. You are the elite. Show it," she warns them.
"Yes Ms Frost," comes the monotone response from all of them.
Emma nods. Straightens out her white jacket over a simple white top and skirt. She has to look like a respectable school principal for the day. Her hair is tied back into a sensible pony tail. She takes a moment to ready herself and then opens the door.
She steps out, the Hellions behind her and greets the cameras with a wide welcoming smile. "Hello, hello, hello," she greets the varying news outlets. She stands forward with the Hellions lined up behind her and waits for all the reporter to get into position. "Thank you all for coming," she says. "As you all know by now I am Emma Frost. Probably better know for running Frost Industries but also founder and Principal of the Academy of Tomorrow. These fine young people behind me are a selection of my students of whom I am so very proud of after their heroic rescue yesterday. No doubt you wish to hear their words on yesterday and we shall get to that but first are there questions for me?"
Emma gazes around, spots the reporter she has influence over and points at him. "Yes, you. Why don't you go 1st."
He clears his throat and delivers his planted question. "Yes, thank you, Ms Frost. If I may start with why did someone such as yourself found a mutant school?"
Emma smiles kindly at him. "The answer should be obvious. Because I, too, am a mutant," she admits it. "Growing up I struggled greatly to control my power until I met a man I'm certain you're all familiar with. His name was Charles Xavier. He took me in, taught me to control my abilities, spoke of his dream of forming a school where he could help many more of our kind. It was inspiring to me. However, Charles, as great as he is, is only one man. He can only help a finite number of our kind so I decided to found my own school and carry out his dream," she explains it.
Why is she saying this when it is in fact as far from the truth as it is possible to be? At least in Emma's head it is. Well it's part of the plan. She can accept having to stain herself with association with Charles for the greater good. As she sees the greater good.
"Why was none of this public until yesterday?" another reporter asks.
"Because I founded it before mutants became public and Charles himself has explained as eloquently as I ever could the reasons. Mine were the same as his. After the existence of mutants came out I chose to keep my school a secret for my pupils' safety and in respect of the wishes of the parents of my students. I don't have to tell any of you how unsafe the world is for our kind."
"And yesterday? What happened?" another reporter asks.
"A tragic accident. My students were taking advantage of the weekend to go out and enjoy themselves and by luck or fate or perhaps divine providence they just happened to be there to help save all those people's lives. They did what I taught them to do. Use their powers to aid mankind. I am so very proud of them," she says, her expression showing that very pride. Emma is a great actress.
"So is there some sort of rivalry between your school and the Xavier Institute?" yet another reporter.
Emma laughs politely. "Oh heavens, no. Well only the friendly sort you get between any two schools perhaps I should say. I'm sure if you were to ask them they would say the same. I haven't had a moment to speak to Charles myself since yesterday but I'm certain he would express his gratitude and relief my students were there to help with the rescue. After all the X-Men nor even Superman himself can be everywhere at once now can they? I'm certain they would welcome any aid in their cause."
Emma smiles as she sees the reporter eat her words up. Helps that Empath is nearby using his talents to induce the required feelings.
Next Emma relearns the important lesson of no matter how much you plan there is always something you can't expect. In this case it takes the form of an elderly woman in a wheelchair. The one Beef rescued from the train wreck.
"Ms Frost I owe your pupils my life," she says, sounding immensely grateful for it. "To show my gratitude I wish to make a donation to your school."
Emma blinks. "Thank you. That is most generous. Almost too generous," she says, giving her an escape to refuse it and look magnanimous.
"Nonsense," the woman says as she reaches into her purse. "I happen to own the largest construction company in Bayville." She pulls out a check and hands it over to Emma.
"$100,000," Emma reads out the total, the surprise in her voice genuine. Sure it's not that much money but the symbolism is the important thing here. "Thank you so very much. I promise you every cent will go into my school and the education of my students," she says, shaking the woman's hand and making sure everyone gets a good shot of it.
"Now then," Emma says. "While myself and this extremely generous lady here discuss how her money will be spent I'll let my students give their version of what transpired yesterday," she hands things over.
At the Xavier Institute...
"Can you believe this crap?" Jean asks in disbelief, her expression one of disgust at this show. She and many others were gathered in a sitting room watching this on the tv.
"Jean," Scott pleads with her.
She shoots him a glare.
What saves him is another intervention. "You're being judgemental Jean."
Jean's gaze flickers 180 to the other side of the room and to the Nova Roman princess. "Amara?"
"I said you're being judgemental," Amara repeats her assertion. "How can you criticise the fact they saved dozens and dozens of people?" she asks.
Jean is rather flustered at that. Of course she never wished harm on a single person. "Because it's not genuine. It can't be. Not from Emma. Never from Emma. I'm sorry Amara but you don't know her like I do."
"Perhaps not...but since she arrived here has she not stuck to her word? Did the Hellions not in fact aid us in Smallville when they clearly never had to? Perhaps she's changed and perhaps the Hellions aren't what we thought they were."
Amara's getting many odd looks now.
"Look," she begins to explain herself. "I'm not saying we just trust them. They're the Hellfire Club but perhaps it's time we at least gave them a chance to see if they're being genuine."
"Amara?" Claire queries.
"Yes?"
"Have you lost your fucking mind?" Claire just asks it. "I was there, remember. The Hellfire Club are a bunch of power hungry assholes. I was a member of the Hellions for awhile. I know what kind of scum they are...well some of them. Trust me there's one or two I wouldn't piss on if they were on fire...mostly because I would be the one who set them on fire."
"Lovely imagery, sweetie," Marie says sarcastically with a shake of her head. "Claire's partially right. Some of them aren't very good people, Amara," she sort of backs up her girlfriend...and remember she too was a Hellion.
"And we're all saints?" Amara asks rhetorically.
"Well Kurt maybe," Rahne jokes because he is that Catholic.
"Zhanks for zhe compliment," Kurt takes it in good humour. "But for vhat you are saying Amara, no, none of us ever claim to be saints but it is alvays good if you have zhe forgiveness of vone."
Amara smiles in acknowledgement of Kurt's point. "That's all I'm saying. We're not perfect. Neither are they but I feel like some of us around here," she aims that at Jean, "are just painting them all with a broad brush because they don't happen to like one or two of them...or one of them," she emphasises the one they all know she means. Emma.
"Where's this coming from Mara?" Tabby wants to know because this is out of the blue and trust Tabby, she's Amara best friend. She would know otherwise if Amara had expressed anything like this before.
Amara shrugs. "It's actually be rattling around in my head for awhile. I just never felt it was the right moment to say but Jean, I'm sorry, you're going too far this time," she says, showing what it was that triggered Amara to speak up. "They saved people...and you're criticising them for that."
"No. I'm not," Jean argues.
"Yes. You are," Amara argues back.
"No. I'm just saying their little show on the tv is a bunch of crap. Knowing Emma I wouldn't be half-surprised if they staged the whole thing."
Amara just looks in disbelief at Jean's paranoia and suspicion. "You know what Jean. About some of the stuff you've said since the Hellions came."
"What about it?"
"You're right. There is a two-faced bitch in town...but it's not Emma Frost," Amara insults the redhead.
Jean's eyebrows reach a new record high on her face before her whole expression darkens in anger. "Are you fucking kidding me?!" she screeches. Jean's usually got a good grip on her temper but being compared to Emma...to Emma! Oh no way in hell is she taking that. "You know Amara I wish I could say I was surprised you saying that but I guess the privileged snobs stick together huh?"
Amara's eyes narrow. "What did you call me?" she demands, she dares Jean to repeat that.
"You heard me, princess," Jean says, mocking Amara's title. She gets to her feet out of the chair she was in and marches right up into Amara's face. "But if you want me to elaborate further no problem. I guess all that inbreeding makes you slow on the uptake."
"Oh boy," Sam says in dread, knowing this is going to end badly...probably with the destruction of half the mansion. "Scott," he whispers harshly.
Scott rises only for Jean to telekinetically shove him back down. "Stay out of this, Scott," Jean telepathically warns him.
Amara's clothes start to singe at the edges as her temper rises and her powers follow to the surface.
Jean's temper gets away from her and she gives it to Amara, both barrels. "You know lately Amara it's become painfully clear that you're really not giving it your best. I thought it was just a phase but no. It's just your true nature reasserting itself. The upper class have always been lazy, expecting to be waited on hand and foot by servants...on no wait you're descended from Rome. You don't have servants. You have slaves. You have human beings reduced to nothing but property. I'm curious, princess, how someone raised in that environment looks at the people around her. Do you stand there judging them by what price you could get at the slave market? I mean like Emma you probably already think yourself better than everyone else by simply being royalty. I guess Clark is an exception to that since to your religion he's a God."
"You leave Clark out of this!" Amara hisses.
Jean smirks at Amara's reaction. "Struck a nerve have I? I'm curious Amara what is it like for you day after day to be in the presence of someone you call a God? Do you feel it validates that overinflated opinion you have of yourself? You see that's what you, Emma and the privileged classes have in common. A belief you're superior when frankly you're not. The fact you're failing in your tests lately should be proof of that. Clark must be so disappointed in his faithful worship..."
Jean is stopped by Amara slapping her across the face. "How dare you," Amara says in an angry whisper. "You dare mock my faith. It's rich isn't it Jean. You Americans hold your values of freedom of thought and will and belief so highly yet so often you show yourselves to be small, petty and closed minded. I have had nothing but respect for your faith since I came here. It's a pity you're unable to reciprocate. If I were you I'd take a long hard think about that...and over the fact about you claim to represent an institute of tolerance and acceptance yet show your fellow mutants in the Hellions nothing but contempt and intolerance and are apparently not even prepared to give them a chance or benefit of the doubt. It's so sad you've allowed this irrational hatred of yours of Emma to so poison your thinking, Jean. I will pray to my Gods that you find enlightenment."
With that Amara strides out the room with all her regal grace.
Jean rubs her cheek where Amara struck her, in a sort of shock that she was hit. She turns and looks around the room. Most of them are avoiding meeting her gaze.
Tabby just gives her a look...like she wants to punch Jean's head off. Jean's always been a bit...well snobbish actually despite what she just said but Tabby never thought the redhead would mock someone's faith. Tabby actually thought Jean was better than that rant she just unleashed. Oh is Tabby going to give Jean a piece of her mind in just a moment. Just give her a second to think of the words.
Jean looks to Scott who gives her a sad shake of disapproval and exits the room.
Jean's brow furrows and thinks maybe she just did go too far.
The Hellions Boarding House...
The press conference was over and the Hellions march back in the house and Julian telekinetically slams the door shut.
"Well that was fun," Ali drawls sarcastically.
"I'd thought you'd be happy with all the free press Ms wannabe Rock star," Roulette teases.
"Wannabe?" Ali takes offence at that. "There's nothing wannabe about me honey. I'm all that and more."
"So why are you complaining then?" Bevatron asks.
"Because that had nothing to do with with rock career, Frenchie. I wasn't out there promoting my next kick-ass album was I?"
"In time, Alison," Emma starts. "You'll see that will do your career a world of good. Remember the only bad publicity is no publicity. Plus I'll have my PR department use this in promotion of your summer tour," she promises.
Ali shoves her hands deep into her pockets. "Well I suppose when you put it like that," she says, seeing that perhaps this might not be bad for her. Though she didn't really enjoy being in front of those vultures.
"So when do we put the next part of the plan into action?" King Bedlam asks.
"Tonight," Emma answers. "We're on the wave and we must ride it before it breaks."
"Nice surfer metaphor," Roulette remarks. "Alex would be so proud."
Emma rolls her eyes. She's very proud of how far Jennifer has wormed her way into Scott's little brother's affections but she hates all that surfer lingo he uses. Makes him sound like an idiot.
"How are we doing that exactly?" Beef asks since only King Bedlam had been let in on the full details. "Accidents like yesterday don't happen every day."
"Unless someone gives them a push," Emma says with a knowing smile.
The Hellions soon get what she means.
Hellions smirks. "Sounds like fun."
Dust doesn't share that enthusiasm. "M-Ms Frost. Surely causing accidents is wrong and puts innocents at risk," she speaks up.
"Dust," King Bedlam says sternly about to tell her off until Emma steps in.
Emma steps up to Dust and gently cups the girl's face through her veil. "I promise you Sooraya no-one will be put at risk. It's a necessary, if rather dubious ploy, I know but it is for the greater good I assure you. The X-Men are...misguided. They need to be shown that. Words alone are not always enough. Trust me. You do trust me don't you?"
"O-of course I do," Dust replies.
Emma smiles despite sensing the Afghan girl's doubts. "Then trust in me that I have this planned out and that the outcome will be a positive step forward in our goals. I know it may not seem clear to you right now but..."
"Trust you?"
Emma smiles a little wider. "Exactly."
Sooraya bows her head. "Whatever you think is best, Ms Frost," she says quietly. Though on the inside she can't help but feel that what they're doing is wrong. Even if your intentions are right if you reach them through wrong actions then Sooraya can't help but feel that violates the intentions the Prophet tries to teach.
"Now pay attention," Emma speaks to them all. "This is what I wish you to do tonight..."
Author's Note: Tensions very much to the fore here but if you want someone to blame, blame Empath. So I name dropped another one of Superman's foes here, this case it being Intergang just to keep slowly expanding his rogue's gallery. Unlike with the Brotherhood in the episode it has to be obvious Emma has a much better thought out plan on what to do next and that it won't be good for the X-Men. Thanks to everyone who wrote reviews. Next up; No Good Deed part 3 as the Hellions continue their 'heroic' deeds.
