Let The Exams Begin
A few more days passed. Then a week longer. Time just seemed to fly by as the mutants prepared. And then it came. The morning most of the X-Men's main team and one New Mutant had been dreading yet expecting for a long time. "Are you scared?" Rogue asked Kitty.
"A little," Kitty took a breath before she finished eating her cereal. "I can't believe it's finally happening."
"Yeah I thought we'd never get this far," Kurt nodded.
"We haven't gotten through it yet," Betsy pointed out.
"Final exams," Kitty took a deep breath. "We're finally taking our final exams. And if we pass...We graduate high school. We'll finally get to graduate high school. After all the insanity we've been through we'll be free! No more homework, no more written tests, no more assignments...No more anything! We'll be free! Free!"
"One little problem," Rogue reminded her. "We actually have to pass the exams before that can happen!"
"Oh right," Kitty felt more than a little nervous.
"This should not be a problem," Rina snorted as she finished eating an apple. "In Hydra I was taught ten times this information. We will pass."
"Speak for yourself," Remy grumbled looking at his Algebra book one final time. "Remy still not sure why he's doing this."
"It will be good for us to graduate officially from high school like Jean and Scott," Peter told him.
"I guess after all these years it's finally time to take our final exams," Rogue said. "Why am I more scared of this than I was when we were under attack by aliens?"
"Because you didn't have to memorize a bazillion different things in order to defeat them," Kitty told her. "Just blow 'em up and beat 'em senseless."
"No matter how many enemies we've fought, Apocalypse, Magneto, Cobra, Sentinels, Hellfire Club, demons, FOH…Nothing freaks me out more than a blank piece of paper," Kurt agreed.
"This should not be too much of a challenge," Rina snorted. "As I said before, in Hydra I was expected to learn ten times as much information before a mission. History, advanced mathematics, even other languages. This should be easy to finish."
"Yeah well not all of us are as confident as you are," Kitty gave her a look.
"Tell me about it," Remy grumbled. "I hate Algebra!"
"Let's look at the bright side," Betsy said. "After this all we have to worry about is X-Men training. Or in my case New Mutant training."
"But aren't your powers even stronger now?" Rogue asked.
"Yes and so is my control," Betsy told her. "But I still haven't been here as long as most of you. I'm still learning things about my telepathy. Not to mention my psychic sword. Well technically it's a dagger but I can make it as big as a sword now if I want to."
"What's to know? You make the sword, you cut down the enemy," Remy shrugged.
"Yes but it can be as weak or as strong as I'd want it to be," Betsy said. "There are a lot of different levels I've yet to explore with it. Besides most of the New Mutants aren't exactly novices now with their powers either."
"Oh yeah," Kurt remembered. "Today's that other thing for them too. How are you going to handle that?"
"The Professor gave me an exemption and automatically moved me up to the second squad," Betsy said. "Red Squad. Mostly because of my age but he also felt having at least one telepath on the team might be a good idea."
"It makes sense to me," Kitty nodded. "Our squad has Jean, why shouldn't your squad have a telepath too?"
"I can't believe our school is big enough to have three squads now," Kurt shook his head. "Remember when it was just the six of us?"
"The good old days," Kitty sighed. "And I thought it was croweded then."
"You think this is a lot of kids wait until we graduate and the Professor takes on even more students," Rogue reminded her. "It's gonna get even more wild. I heard the Professor's planning on adding up to a hundred students in five years."
"Yikes," Kitty blinked. "We can barely handle the things that go on with under thirty students! A hundred!"
"Makes Gambit's head hurt just thinking about it," Remy admitted. "Think about it. A dozen or so more Boom Booms, Skullfires, Sunspots, Berserkers, Pyros, Quicksilvers, Avalanches, Starlas..."
"I see your point," Rina cut him off. "Perhaps in our case more is not better."
"Okay what's our exam schedule?" Peter asked as he looked at his papers.
"Social Studies first, English Composition and Comprehension second," Rogue told him. "Algebra and Geometry then Science."
"That's a lot," Peter looked a little worried. "And we have to complete each test within two hours?"
"That's what we have to do to pass high school in this state," Kitty shrugged. "Hey look at the bright side, at least we've got the gym requirement covered."
"More than covered," Rogue groaned.
"Not to mention saving the world has given us more than enough community service credits," Kurt agreed.
"Even the Board of Educated Jerks can't argue with the signatures of both General Hawk of GI Joe and Fury of SHIELD," Rogue agreed.
"You know something though," Kitty said. "As much as I'm stressing about these tests, I'm kind of excited."
"Me too," Kurt said. "No more school after this! I can't wait!"
"I wasn't talking about that," Kitty said. "Although that is a juicy bonus."
"So what were you talking about?" Rogue asked.
"Think about it," Kitty said. "We'll be the very first graduating class the Xavier Institute has ever had. It's amazing."
"What about Scott and Jean?" Betsy asked.
"They don't count," Rogue said. "They graduated from Bayville High."
"That's right," Kitty nodded. "And you know something, as important as that was for them…I think this is more important for us. Think about it, this is history here. Okay school history but it's still a big deal."
"You're right," Peter nodded. "This is our school. We learned much more here than at Bayville High."
"You mean Bayville Hell. I wasn't crying when we got kicked out of that crummy school that's for sure," Rogue agreed. "I've had more than enough bad memories of that dump to last me a lifetime. I'd sooner camp out in one of Apocalypse's pyramids overnight than go back there for a day!"
"If I had gone there I would have sliced apart the football squad on my first day," Rina made a wry look.
"And I'd be encouraging you to take out the cheerleaders and the principal!" Rogue added.
"I'm glad I missed it as well," Betsy grumbled. "I certainly wouldn't have wanted to spend all my time answering questions about who I really was!"
"Thanks to my loving mother," Kurt rolled his eyes. "I'm with Rogue. I mean look at what we had to go through. Evil principals, Magneto, the Brotherhood, Cobra, hiding who we were…"
"Until we got exposed as mutants," Kitty sighed. "And then we had to endure harassment from all the jerks which was everyone at school! Including the teachers!"
"The only good thing about Bayville High was I got to see Amanda," Kurt admitted. "And the brief times before we got outed people thought I was normal."
"It was still hiding Kurt," Rogue told him as she put away her dishes in the sink. "Here we can be ourselves and not worry about every little thing."
"Well Remy is certainly worried," Remy grumbled. "About these exams. When do they start?"
"Ten minutes from now," Peter looked at the clock on the wall. "In Classroom A."
"Holy…" Rogue swore under her breath. "We'd better get a move on!"
"Here we go," Kurt said. "Come on, Rogue, Kitty I'll teleport you there!"
"But I haven't even finished breakfast yet!" Kitty protested before Kurt took her hand and grabbed Rogue by the arm. He teleported away with them.
"Leaving us to run for it," Betsy grumbled. "Oh well it's still better than what the New Mutants have to go through today."
"I dunno, Remy thinks he might prefer it to an Algebra test," Remy grumbled.
"I'd prefer getting shot out of a cannon into a wall than to an Algebra test," Betsy groaned. "Come on! Let's go! We'll be late!"
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Meanwhile down in the Danger Room nearly all the New Mutants were in uniform and standing at attention. (Autumn was not there for she was still not ready for testing, let alone training.) Xavier was there along with Logan and Scott ready to address them. The entire room was filled with nervous tension and excitement for everyone knew what the purpose of this meeting was thanks to the gossip grapevine.
"It's come to my attention that several of you New Mutants may be ready to graduate to a more permanent standing," Xavier said. "Although the main team roster is already set, we feel that it is time for another permanent squad should be set up. This will be known as X-Men Team Red Squad. The Main X-Men team will be Gold Squad. The lower roster of mutants that still need to work on their powers and training will be the Blue Squad."
"So the New Mutants that have been here the longest will automatically graduate to Red Squad?" Roberto asked as he raised his hand.
"No," Xavier shook his head. "You will all be given a series of tests to see which placement you belong in. These tests will determine the extent of your control over your powers as well as your personal aptitude and maturity."
"Most of you anyway," Logan handed out a papers and the students read what was on them. "Some of you have already been placed. So you won't be taking the test. Read it and weep."
New Mutant Placement Exams:
Students Taking the Exam:
Cannonball, Wolfsbane, Jubilee, Magma, Mirage, Boom Boom, Husk, Bedlam, Sunspot, Berserker, Skullfire, Synch, Dead Girl, Cypher, Polaris
Exempt from Exam:
Psylocke (Red Squad)
Multiple (Blue Squad)
Goblyn (Blue Squad)
Static (Blue Squad)
Gossamyr (Blue Squad)
Penance (Blue Squad)
Autumn Rolfson
"Wait a minute! What is this?" Jamie shouted. "I'm on Blue Squad? What does that mean?"
"It means you and the others indicated are not taking the test," Xavier told him.
"Why can't I take the test?" Jamie challenged. "I'm just as good a fighter as the others! And I've been fighting with them just as long!"
"You're also younger than the others," Xavier pointed out.
"I'm fourteen!" Jamie said. "I'm not that much younger! And the extra team was my idea! Doesn't that count to at least give me a chance?"
"Yeah like you'd actually pass anyway," Ray scoffed. "Face it Kid, we're a lot older and more experienced than you!"
A lot of the other New Mutants scoffed at this. "Then I don't really need to be here do I? I'm out of here!" Jamie stormed away.
"Yeah go ahead you little baby and have a temper tantrum," Ray laughed.
"That's enough Berserker!" Xavier said sternly in a tone that instantly cut him down to size.
"I'll get him Charles," Logan said quickly and went after him. Leaving Xavier to lecture the remaining students. He found Jamie in the exercise room nearby where the young mutant was using a lot of his clones on several machines at once. One was on a treadmill. Another on an exercise bike. Two more were lifting weights. Small weights, but weights with two more as spotters. And the rest were tackling a punching bag.
"Well at least you're not trashing the room," Logan said before the punching bag was torn to shreds. "Okay I spoke too soon."
"Sorry Mister Logan but I am ticked off!" Jamie yelled as he reabsorbed some of his clones. Except for the ones on the weights. "I'm sick of being treated like a little kid and don't tell me it's because I act like a little kid! I mean come on? Two words: Ice Man! Think about it! And don't get me started on Ray and Roberto!"
"For what it's worth kid, I think you're just as good, even better than some of the others that are taking the test," Logan sighed.
"Yeah well…" Jamie felt slightly better for a moment. "Then why…?"
"Because as the Professor said you're too young," He shook his head. "And I agree with him. You're just a kid. You haven't even had a decent growth spurt yet."
"I am not just a kid!" Jamie felt the anger burn inside of him.
"I'm over a hundred years old," Logan looked him in the eye. "Trust me, you are just a kid. And I've seen far too many young kids get killed over that time and I'll be damned if I just let it happen to you."
"You're really that old?" Jamie was shocked. "I knew your healing factor was strong but…Wow! You're older than the Professor!"
"Yeah well I don't exactly let people know my age," Logan said. "The point is I've seen a lot and trust me, you don't need to rush yourself. Get what I'm saying?"
"Sort of," Jamie shrugged.
"I know it sucks to be stuck with the others but you're pretty young and as good as you are you still need to learn more," Logan patted him on the back. "You just need a little of that maturity and in a few years you'll be able to graduate to a higher team. Then at least we will have at least one person on the squad that can teach Iceman how to behave in public. Got it?"
"Maybe," Jamie wasn't completely convinced.
"There's another reason," Logan told him. "Call it a gut instinct but I have a feeling this team is going to need all the help it's going to get. You've got potential kid. You might be the boost this team needs."
"Well I don't feel that important right now," Jamie absorbed his remaining clones.
"Then here's another reason," Logan said. "Since the other two ain't getting through to your brain. Think about the other kids your age. Taylor, Madelyne…You could show them the ropes."
"I guess," Jamie sighed. "At least they don't treat me like a little kid. Course we're mostly the same age."
"It will do you good to hang out with kids your own age for once. And one more thing," Logan grinned. "Maybe you can help me with the exams after all…"
Back in the Danger Room the New Mutants were still asking questions. "Why is Betsy automatically sent to the Red Squad?" Roberto asked.
"Because she's taking her high school finals, Psylocke will also be exempt from these tests," Logan said as he walked in alone. "However she will be placed in Team Red because of her age and skills."
"Is that fair?" Ray asked. "I mean she just gets placed into the upper levels because of her age and stuff?"
"If you think about it, it is kind of," Sam said. "Don't forget, the Blue Team is automatically getting four people and a lot of them it's because of their ages. So I guess it all balances out."
"All right then we'll head up to the observation room," Logan nodded. "All those on Blue Squad come with me." Xavier and Scott and the other exempt students went upstairs while the others waited on the floor.
"Oh man oh man!" Tabitha nearly trembled with anticipation. "I can't wait! This is going to be so cool!"
Ten paintball drones filtered to the sides of the room out of openings in the wall. "Not the paintball simulation again!" Roberto moaned. "I hate that one!"
"Everybody hates that one," Sam told him. "That's probably why they picked it!"
"This first part of the exam is very simple," Logan grunted. "You've done this before. It's a little game of paintball. There's only one rule: Don't get hit by the paintballs. You can use your powers any way you like but once you're hit three times you're out of the exam."
"Three times? Not once like you usually do?" Sam asked.
"Let's just say we're cutting you a little slack this time," Logan grinned. "Of course the paintball drones were souped up a little before the test. And they've got a few surprises."
"Surprises?" Amara gulped as the Danger Room changed into a jungle environment.
"Why do I have the feeling things are going to get a lot worse?" Ray groaned.
"You have no idea Berserker," Logan grinned. "Begin!"
"I should have asked to go on the Blue Squad like the squirt!" Ray squealed as the drones started to attack. "Multiple gets away with everything around here!"
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Meanwhile at Misfit Manor, Spirit and the Blind Master were addressing the older Misfit students. "You're mean we're all taking our high school equivalent tests today?" Pietro gasped. "Why?"
"You all need to work as a team, therefore it makes sense that you must all graduate as a team," Spirit explained.
"And then Al and Xi and I can start our ninja training," Todd grinned. "I can't wait!"
"I guess that's why Spyder and the Triplets aren't here," Arcade said.
"Actually the Triplets not only graduated high school, they're working on their second doctorate," Althea told him.
"Second doctorate?" Lance blinked. "What's their first?"
"Engineering," Althea told them.
"Yikes," Arcade blinked. "And I thought I was smart!"
"You think you're smart?" Shane looked at him. "That's frightening."
"No it's frightening that Toad thinks he's smart," Pietro snickered. He managed to dodge a hit from Todd. "Too slow!"
"So we're studying to become first level apprentices?" Xi asked.
"Yes," The Blind Master said. "Technically that's what most average ninja are at your level. Not that any ninja are average by a long shot but you get the idea."
"But we have to do our high school exams first right?" Althea groaned.
"You are correct, Wavedancer. After your high school exams the three of you will be studying and will be tested on the twenty five secret skills that have been passed down through the clan," The Blind Master spoke. "As described on this sheet Spirit is handing out to you."
"Twenty five!" Todd yelled.
"Well there used to be only fifteen and then twenty," The Blind Master explained. "But over the centuries things changed so…"
"Whoa," Lance blinked as he looked over Xi's shoulder. "Look at this list!"
Unarmed Combat, Armed Combat (Sword fighting, staff fighting, throwing stars, spears, etc…), Hidden Weapons, Strategy , Espionage and Infiltration, Camouflage: The Art of Disguise, Swimming-Underwater techniques, Clan History, World History, Geography, Wall Crawling, Food Preparation (How to Poison Your Enemies), Chi Manipulation, Animal Training, Philosophy, Weapon Making (Swords, bo staffs…etc.), Acupuncture, Flower Arranging, Craftsmanship (Making non weapons into weapons), Lock Picking, Magic Arts/Mutant Abilities, Survival Skills, Computer/Technology Skills, Tea Ceremony, Breathing
"We have to know all this?" Todd yelled.
"The good news is since you've helped save the world a few times recently we're counting those as some of your tests," The Blind Master said. "So you pass your Mutant Skills, your Unarmed Combat, and your Armed Combat classes."
"Only three of them?" Todd asked in surprised.
"Swimming and lock picking should be a snap," Althea remarked.
"Wall crawling I can do but breathing?" Todd blinked. "What kind of class is that? I can already hold my breath pretty well."
"Not just that," The Blind Master explained. "Controlled breathing can increase your power and strength as well as endurance. It's a very important skill to learn."
"Yeah but what's this tea ceremony one?" Todd asked. "Philosophy? What are we going to do? Bore our enemies to death? And flower arranging? What kind of ninja skills are those?"
"Originally only kunochi, the female ninjas were required to learn that," The Blind Master said. "But in these modern times both male and female ninjas must learn this skill."
"Acupuncture? As in needles and stuff?" Pietro winced. "I hate needles!"
"Weapon making? We have to learn to make our own weapons?" Althea groaned.
"If your sisters were taking that exam they'd pass in a heartbeat," Xi remarked.
"I am so glad I am not gonna be a ninja," Pietro snickered.
"Actually ninja training or not," The Blind Master coughed. "You're all taking these classes and have to pass every single test."
"WHAT?" All the Misfits yelled.
"Wonderful!" Shane groaned. "This is going to be hell!"
"I dunno I think I might do good at the tea ceremony one," Fred looked at the list. "Can we substitue root beers for tea and serve twinkies?"
"And in the flower arranging one can we set the flowers on fire?" Pyro asked.
"And do robot frogs count in animal training?" Todd asked.
"When you say craftsmanship does making little houses out of popsicle sticks count?" Lina asked.
"The category means to make weapons out of usless objects," Althea told Lina. "Popsicle stick houses don't count as weapons!"
"I guess they could count as weapons if you throw them at people," Wanda shrugged.
"Or set them on fire," Pyro added. "And then we throw them at people!"
"Why isn't there a fashion category?" Pietro called out. "Huh? Good fashion is important too!"
"As for the disquise category how about my brother pretending to be a normal person for once?" Wanda snapped.
"I got another question!" Fred called out. "In the animal category do we have to learn how to ride horses and stuff? Because if we do I might have a problem."
"Maybe they've got an elephant you can ride on?" Todd asked. "Hey can we learn to ride elephants?"
"I wouldn't mind learning how to ride elephants," Xi admitted. "And at our tea lesson may we have cookies? Chocolate chip cookies?"
"Ooh! And can we have milkshakes too?" Fred asked.
"Hey here's a philosophy queston," Pietro called out. "If my sister blows up a couple a trees but no one is around to hear it does it make a sound?"
"Can I throw those throwing stars at my brother?" Wanda asked. "I really want to do that weapons class first if you don't mind!"
"Hey for the magic class can we learn how to make certain people disappear?" Lance asked. "Because I've got a few people I want to try that out on."
"For computers does hacking into your parents' bank account and fixing it so that they would be auidited by the IRS count?" Arcade raised his hand. "Because I already did that. So if it does count do I get a pass on that or something?"
"Uh if I say I helped him with that do I get to pass too?" Shane asked.
"You did not!" Arcade snapped.
"Dude help a guy out here," Shane asked.
"Hey for the poison thing can we wait until it's Firestar's turn to cook?" Pietro called out.
"Give me those acupuncture needles!" Angelica shouted. "I'll show you my technique on Quicksilver right now!"
"I'll hold him down for you!" Lance agreed.
"We both will!" Wanda agreed.
"Dibs on those sharp three pronged pointy things!" Todd called out. "You know the ones that kind of look like forks?"
"Yeah, can we use those as utensils in the tea ceremony?" Fred asked.
"Can we have cookies or not?" Xi asked.
"Oh it's going to be a long, long training period isn't it?" The Blind Master groaned.
"Yes but first you have to pass your exams," Spirit grinned as he held up the test papers.
"Oh man…" Todd groaned. "We're doomed!"
"Have a positive outlook on this," Spirit told him.
"All right I'm positive we're doomed!" Todd moaned.
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Back in the Danger Room…
"Run! Keep moving!" Danielle yelled to the others, barely dodging a paint ball splatter. The New Mutants ran as fast as they could through the simulated forest, dodging the paint. "AAH!" She fell flat on her chest narrowly missing the paint ball. "This is getting serious!"
"I hate this simulation!" Tabitha puffed and sweated. "I hate it! I hate it! I hate it!"
"You aren't the only one so shut up and keep running!" Doug screamed.
"I'm impressed," Forge looked at the time in the observation booth. "It's been five minutes an no one has gotten hit once. That's a new record."
"I wish the Professor could see this instead of assisting Storm with the rest of the team's final exams," Scott said. "At least he'll be able to see the video tape."
"Well then let's make this a little more challenging shall we?" Logan grinned. He grinned to Jamie. "Okay Kid, get 'em."
"Heh, heh, heh," Jamie cackled as he rubbed his hands. "Payback is so sweet!" He took the controls. "Say hello to my little friend."
"Oh boy," Scott gulped. "It's never a good sign when he starts quoting Al Pachino!"
"This is not going to be pretty," Forge gulped.
"RUN! RUN! RUN PATHETIC MORTALS! AH HAH HAH HAH HA!" Jamie howled in delight. "YOU SHALL SUFFER MY WRATH! DIE! DIE! HA HA HA HA HA!"
"AAAHHHHHHHHH!" The New Mutants screamed as they were mercilessly slaughtered almost instantly. Orange paint splattered everywhere.
"Putting Multiple behind the controls of a weapon. Good choice Logan," Forge said sarcastically.
"REVENGE! REVENGE! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!" Jamie cackled with evil glee. "REVENGE IS GREAT! GLORIOUS! GLORIOUS REVENGE! HA HA HA HA HA HA!"
"WE GIVE UP!" Ray screamed. "WE GIVE UP! WE SURRENDER! OW! OW! OH MAN THAT HURTS! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD WE SURRENDER!"
"MEDIC!" Roberto screamed.
"Okay," Scott blinked. "That was…Interesting. Very informative."
"Yeah," Logan looked at the delighted Jamie. "We all learned never to be at the wrong end of a gun while Multiple is pulling the trigger."
"Go ahead, make my day," Jamie snickered. "He he he he he he he…"
The simulation ended. Ray was able to see the observation booth and saw who was at the controls. "MULTIPLE? I KNEW IT!"
"Oh how I hate that little runt," Roberto groaned.
"I don't think he's too thrilled with us either," Tabitha moaned in agony. "Ow..."
"You just had to tick him off didn't you guys?" Sam snapped.
"Good job kids," Logan walked down to meet them. "You did well...Considering."
"He he he..." Jamie was heard giggling.
"Yeah considering you put Multiple the Maniac in here," Forge called out. "And you keep telling me that my inventions are dumb ideas?"
"I think I could go for one of Forge's weapons right now!" Ray glared at the gleeful New Mutant in the control room.
"At least that's over," Tabitha groaned as she sat up.
"And now," Logan grinned. "You have to take the second part of the exam."
Second part? There's a second part? Oh boy. Find out what happens next when the New Mutants continue to see if they've got what it takes! Hey you all wanted to see more New Mutant action and you are gonna get it!
Ray walked out. "Translation, we are going to get it. Why do you people encourage her?"
"Beats me," Fred walked out carrying a dictionary. "But you know this does give me an idea."
"Call the media," Ray said in a deadpanned voice.
"No I'm serious," Fred told him. "There are a lot of kids out there studying for tests and I think that maybe this fic might do something educational for once. That's why I am going to start something new! Blob's Words of the Day!"
"Words of the Day?" Scott walked out. "Don't you mean Word of the Day?"
"It was gonna be that but then I couldn't choose between words," Fred explained. "But I got some real good ones here. Come on! Let me try it out!"
"Why not?" Ray shrugged. "Can't be dumber than anything Red writes!"
I heard that! Go ahead Fred!
"Okay!" Fred opened up the book and picked a random work. "Here's a good one to start us off. Psychopath."
"Oh boy..." Ray groaned.
Fred continued. "Psychopath: A mentally ill or unstable person. One who has lost contact with reality but who engages in abnormally agressive and seriously irresponsible behavior with little or no feeling of guilt."
"Hello folks!" Pyro walked out. "How's it going?"
"Visual aides help so much," Scott groaned.
"Ooh a word game!" Pyro grinned. "Can I play?"
"Yeah pick a word, any word," Fred showed him the dictionary. "And read the definition."
"Is it too late for me to go back in the Danger Room and get shot at by Multiple again?" Ray asked.
"Here's a good word," Pyro pointed at one. "Shuss! That's a funny word! Shuss! Shuss! Shuss!"
"I wish they'd shuss up," Scott groaned.
"Shuss," Pyro read. "To ski down a slope at high speed! Ooh! I gotta try that!" He ran off.
"I don't believe it," Scott was stunned. "Pyro got excited about a word that wasn't fire related. What are the odds?"
"Here's a good word," Fred read another one. "Whipsaw, it's a verb meaning to beset with two or more adverse conditions or situations at once. Hmmm. Now I wonder what 'beset' and 'adverse' mean?"
"If having a hyper Pyro run around loose and the Blob on brain bending spree at the same time are not examples of both whipsaw and adverse conditions I don't know what is!" Scott groaned.
"Now for a new word!" Fred was excited. "This is kind of fun!"
"Are you sure you can go on Blob?" Ray asked. "Don't you need a break or something? I mean normally doesn't your brain get overheated if you learn more than one thing at a time?"
"I've been doing crossword puzzles and taking vitamins," Fred told him. "Ooh! Ooh! I got one! Tamarind! That is ground meat seasoned with chili..."
"That's a tamale you idiot!" Scott snapped. "You're reading the wrong definition!"
"Whoops! So I am," Fred blushed. "Sorry about that. Okay, tamarind is a tropical tree of the legume family with hard yellowish wood and feathery leaves. It is also the name of the acid fruit it develops."
"I'M READY!" Pyro was heard shouting.
"Spreaking of fruits..." Ray groaned.
"WHAHOOOOOOOOOOO!" Pyro zoomed by on skis with some kind of jet boosters on them. "I'M SHUSSHING! I'M SHUSSING!"
"Where did he get...?" Scott blinked.
"COWABUNGA!" Forge jetted by on similar skis. "WHOO HOO!"
"Ask an extremely simple and stupid question..." Scott rolled his eyes.
CRASH!
"AAAHHH! OW! THAT HURT!" Forge shouted.
"WHO PUT THAT WALL THERE?" Pyro shouted.
"Here's a word for the day," Scott said in a deadpanned voice. "Disaster. A sudden or great misfortune. Or one of Forge's inventions."
"Here's another one," Ray added in an equally deadpanned voice. "Ineptitude. The quality or state of lacking in fitness or being out of place, generally incompetent...Also see Forge's inventions and Pyro's brain!"
"Wow we are really learning a lot of words today," Fred grinned.
"I know I have a few words I'd love to say," Scott groaned.
