Tenchi the New Mutant

Chapter 4: Welcome to the New Mutants, Tenchi Masaki! Hope you survive the experience!

By claudius

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     I don't own anything. Characters of 'Tenchi Muyo!' are owned by AIC (created by Masaki Kajishima and Yosuke Kuroda). Characters of 'New Mutants' and 'X-Men' owned by Marvel Comics. All canonical X-Men/New Mutants stories in this story were written by Chris Claremont, with artistry and advice from Frank Miller, Len Wein, Paul Smith, John Romita Jr., John Byrne, Dave Cockrum, Bob McLeod, Bill Sienkiewicz, Jackson Guise, Alan Davis, Art Adams, and Steve Leialoha. Magneto was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Betsy/Psylocke was created by Alan Moore and Alan Davis.

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     It was with great attempt that Elizabeth Braddock tried to sleep, but her conscious thoughts were too meddling. This would be just a figure of speech if this person wasn't a telepath. Although it was true that she had sufficient control of her psionic powers, there was always an occasion in which her concentrated shields would ebb, leaving her vulnerable to the thoughts of others.

     Anyway, for this evening at least, this problem was not the reason for her present insomnia. The dinner had gone well. Tenchi was an especially nice boy, including her with the group. It was an exception to the usual isolationist greetings given to her by the X-Men and the New Mutants, with the exception of Douglas (such standards of acceptance these groups play, where the facts of being hunted down, nearly raped, and having one's eyes ripped off fail to measure up! The acceptance factor seemed resolute; one could imagine that being dead at least once would make the difference). It was cruelly unfortunate that the delightful evening was interrupted by that tele program on X-Factor. Betsy had enough experience to loath stuff like that. She had already been given enough of it in her home country. Great Britain had its own share of mutant haters, like that sod Sir Jason Jaspers. They even had its own concentration camp in a lapse of reality; its memory was still cruelly scarred within Betsy's mind. It was there where she lost her kindred love Tom Lennox.

     Any mention of such hostility brought a cold chill within Betsy. She thought it was kind not to have children be aware of the reality of this cold world. To her surprise, the New Mutants understood things, perhaps a little too well. Douglas was especially smart…

     Once again did her thoughts end up there. Whatever the matter, the boy was always apparent within her thoughts, and why not? It was Douglas Ramsey who rescued her from Spiral and Mojo. It was through him on which her second enslavement was also broken. He was such a heroic lad, kind and handsome.

     Halt girl. Betsy stopped at this flattering analysis, knowing the implications and the ramifications. Thoughts like that, the telepath considered with cynicism, could get one in trouble, probably even arrested. The evidence was obvious; Douglas was still a child. She was an adult. Big age difference. Too bad the mind had nothing on the heart (a regret considering what her mind can do). As troubling as it was worthwhile, Douglas deeply cared about her. Her own concerns…well, let's say they were not unreciprocated.

     Suddenly, the eyes of Betsy's mind saw another from outside. Even before the soft knocks were made at the door, the telepath knew who it was.

===

     Unlike Betsy, Illyana had no trouble entering dreamland. It was there where the trouble began, imagining the most depraved of dreams. She couldn't help it. To her fortunate (or maybe unfortunate) luck, she woke up fairly early in the morning. Her ears detected voices in the hall. Creaking the door a little gave her the sight of Dani and Tenchi awake at this ungodly hour. Illyana noted the obvious: Looked like Dani found another victim for her dumb morning exercises, the girl spoke with a shrinking resolve. Maybe it would serve the jerk right…

     Oh stop it, stop it! Illyana's mind rebelled against her attempted hatred. This dislike was with no real reason except in choice. Tenchi was not to blame for anything. He just…came. That's all he did. If there's someone responsible for all the cruelty, it was herself, for all those cold shoulders and door shuts. Oh, why did he have to come?

     She had a year to forget him. The passing of time (or the events made from it) was a difficult period to suppress such memories. A success one minute would quickly result in a failure next time. When Lila Cheney's near destruction of the Earth forced Illyana to choose who to rescue before it was too late, she had managed not to think of Tenchi's name (although thinking of the owner was a different matter). When Farouk and Shan had possessed all the mutants except for Warlock and herself, there was such a thin barrier that stopped her from getting Tenchi's help. When the Beyonder removed the darkness of her soul, one of the first things she thought about was a chance with Tenchi. Shortly thereafter, when the Beyonder killed her, she hoped that this mad God (in both meanings of that word) would spare the New Mutants- and that included…you-know-who.    

     And when it seemed like she could overwhelm this personal addiction…the problem came, with no warning. Just like a failure at cold turkey, the cause unraveled all defenses. One look at that boy's face heated her heart, threw her emotions into that frightening tailspin called love. She was happy. Demon shards, she was ecstatic to see him return! Her lack of show gave no evidence to the degree of her reactions.

     But she knew better. She was not some teenage-girl-undergoing-her-first-taste-of- love. She was one-part-teenage-girl-second-part-evil-demon-sorceress-undergoing-her-first-taste-of-love. Her innocence shattered by one of great evil, there was the potential of spreading the damage that was inflicted to her. This was not unfounded; twice had Illyana experienced this danger. By illusion, by reality, it was possible that Tenchi, the sweet, innocent boy of such a loving nature, would be polluted into a mirror image of her.

     Her arms around her legs, Illyana squeezed them with the utmost emotional turmoil. She was evil, can't deny that. She also knew for a while that the evil was growing. If she had trouble fighting this fire, then what luck would Tenchi or any friend of hers have if they get burned? That's what gave Illyana the most discomfort. Right now she was on the right side, not feeling such damage was natural and perfect. But…how long would that last?

     She couldn't handle this alone. Having a friend's guidance might.

===

     The morning sun was rising. Three figures were up to meet it.

     At about 6:00 in the morning, Tenchi awoke by a knock from his door. Eyes blurry for being shut for hours, Tenchi found an alert Dani standing before him. She wanted him to participate in some morning exercises.

     So, with a slightly ragged acceptance, Tenchi changed and went out with the chief, braving the cool air of the ending night, fighting the last traces of sleep. At least the ride out was fun, as Dani inclusion of Brightwind promised. Together, the three soared into the sky. As he felt with Sam, Tenchi thought the whole trip a paradox of fear and great excitement.

     But the real surprise to Tenchi was Dani's reaction. She was smiling, her happy face a contrast to what he had seen before of her. In all the previous times of their association, Dani Moonstar was faithful to his conception of an Indian: Long and very dramatic. Here, it looked like a mask was ripped off, no longer able to contain its blissful contents. Despite the surprise, Tenchi saw this to be normal to his friend, definitely a difference to Magneto's attempts at being nice. 

     However, once they landed, in a field far from the mansion but still in its territory, Dani put on her old mask. The cold did not affect her, an advantage Tenchi lacked. Wearing some sweats given to him, he felt the cool morning temperatures caress him through this clothing. Fortunately, Tenchi was trained to face the weather. But it was cold!

     Stretching her body in readiness, Dani checked with Tenchi. "Did you put this on?" pulling up her shirt. Tenchi's eyes almost bulged in shock, which was entirely unneeded. There was no skin, but the yellow and black clothing of her uniform.

     Nevertheless, Tenchi answered the question with surprise. "Was I supposed to?"

     The reply gave Dani some sympathetic wincing. "Oh, Tenchi!" she smiled in pity.

     "I'm okay!" Tenchi smiled to prove this matter was trivial. "I've had some training. I don't need any thermal clothing." His teeth jittered.

     Dani's look was admiration. Her words were not. "Famous last words. It's never wrong to be prepared."

     Clapping her hands together, Dani went to the subject of their trip. "One lap 'round the countryside!" She charged off, forcing Tenchi to follow. For the half hour, their feet hit the ground hard with heavy breaths and strong stamina (truly an act of one, considering Tenchi's bruised foot. Looked like he had a replacement for the cold).

     Despite the ache, Tenchi managed to compete side-by-side with Dani. The girl was really in shape (and that was something to the boy, still thinking about the crippled chief from last year). Tenchi inquired about her source of training.

     "My Grandpa," she screamed in breath, ricocheting the same question in reply.

     "My Grandpa," Tenchi said with a smile.

     As they reached half of their journey, a stop was made. Luckily, neither was in their second wind. A good effect from this exercise was it made Tenchi ignore the temperature, despite the contribution of the warming sunrise.

     The stop gave Dani the time to get down to some basics about being a New Mutant. Being one required a tough schedule of body conditioning, the better to use their powers in a dangerous situation. Tenchi said he already understood this. Dani then spoke about other matters, such as the secrecy of their identities while in the public eye. In battle, a team member must always refer to their teammate by their codename. This brought up a question on why Dani's codename was now Mirage instead of Psyche, a change Tenchi had thought about with a brief pondering. Dani said that it was more obvious to what her powers were- creating illusions from a person's psyche. Psyche could be used for any telepathic power.

     Dani also cautioned Tenchi that as a member, he had to work with the team. No individual stunts that could lead into some real damage. Dani added that since Tenchi was the authority in his own household, it might be very difficult taking orders from someone else. Tenchi just scoffed this, admitting he barely had that much control back home, much less any authority.

     Sure enough, Tenchi noticed that the chief was asserting her authority. She referred to his Tenchi-ken, and that it should always be with the owner. This was in the case of some unplanned threat, so Tenchi should not be defenseless in that battle. Tenchi replied that he didn't always need the sword, commenting that if the situation was very serious, he could call upon the Light Hawk Wings. Dani didn't accept that; "An' suppose there was a surprise attack? What then? Being a New Mutant means you have to always be on guard."

     Now the force of this advice was a little pushy to Tenchi. However, he knew that being a leader was not one to require orders of ease. He also understood that Dani was trying to be protective. She had good reason to since she had that depressing ability to foresee a person's death. He told her of his knowledge of this. "I'm sorry."

     Dani turned with a full profile to Tenchi, who wondered if this line just went over her head. Her eyes peered out into the horizon, covered with a few strands of hair (hair that was not presently restrained by ponytails) "So am I, Tenchi. Sometimes I wish this were a normal school, being in a junior class against the seniors. But since the senior group is the X-Men, we New Mutants have to watch out for anything that effects the older team and us."

     "Must be hard being under the wing of a team that spends its time fighting."

     Dani sighed. "Especially when we get some of its competition. Still, it's a proud tradition to follow. Not somethin' I wanna spend my life doing, but it's a nice one."

     Tenchi knew it. He had saved the world before, and thought its work a good thing despite his wishes to live a quiet normal life. It was a good thing he wasn't alone in this.

     Dani changed the subject, jumping up into the air as if she had experienced some kind of mood swing. "Talk's over. Let's go!"

===

     The caverns stretched on as if forever, littered with the shadows and grime from its long tenure away from the sun. Only the floodlights from above shed much light on the subjects, whose dull, rattled complexions one would expect from people who lived down here.

     It was a lot like Limbo, which was why Illyana hated this place. Kitty almost was forced to live in this dump. The reason for that was due to helping her friends (and the life of her brother). It was for her friends on which she was down here again. Illyana shared the same cause as well.

     Finding the X-Men down here was easy. Since the Morlocks' dress code was of the plain, yucky variety, it made the colorful uniforms stand out. Already Illyana had found Rogue and Kurt. Next to meet were Peter (who was at work, drawing something), and finally her best friend. To get privacy, the two walked to an empty alley (it was nice that Ororo was the leader of this community). Illyana gave some accessories to Kitty: an extra Shadowcat suit, and- in her view- the ultimate lifesaver in a place like this- soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Kitty didn't think this so desperate in her position. Though they didn't look like it, these Morlocks knew about hygiene.

     The two conversed like two normal girls. Kitty removed her mask to speak intimately about her internment here. It was a nice stay, with the inhabitants all friendly and stuff, especially Caliban (this brought out some jokes from Illyana that Kitty termed unfunny), but she really didn't want to live here. She had to stay longer though; Logan was still in a critical condition, due to the severe nature of his injuries, so he had to remain here until he could be moved. At the very least, Rachel was recovering very slowly, taking rest in Caliban's old room.

     Kitty related this with some distress. Illyana noted this with pleasure. "Looks like you're not too happy about Rachel."

     "No," Kitty replied, "I'm glad she's okay. But she wouldn't be in this mess unless she just listened. Rachel's so headstrong."

     "Unlike some people," Illyana threw her sarcasm on target. One part thrown on Kitty, it was also based on her dislike of Rachel. Although she shared similarities with her (by age or by position, they existed before their regular time), Illyana saw the girl as a rival to her friendship with Kitty. Her roomie's habit of saying 'Rachel is this,' and 'Rachel did that' made her gag. She knew this was a nasty case of envy, but didn't care.

     "Yeah," Kitty countered. "But when I get mad, I don't throw and break stuff with my mind."

     "Course not!" Illyana added in support. "You just use your hands to do that."

     Kitty really liked that one, as her eyes showed. "Well, I don't force people to see my way."

     "NO!" Illyana cried the word, not as one who refused the possibility with unshakable resolve, but as one receiving a juicy piece of gossip. After getting shushed by Kitty, Illyana continued with a softer "Really?"

     Kitty guarded her words. "Maybe not intentionally. But how are we supposed to know that Rachel's subconscious didn't make that possible?"

     "I don't know what to say about that. Maybe I'm lucky to have my thoughts closed to telepaths."

     "It gets worse," kitty assured. "If Rachel may be capable of doing that, what about the Professor? What if he's been pulling strings?"

     Now that was a real subject. It meant questioning the whole existence of the X-Men and the New Mutants. Were their choices in staying at the school manipulated by the Professor? In Illyana's thinking, that would make him like another Belasco. That parallel, however, was too strong for her to make a firm belief. No way would Charles Xavier be that monstrous or cruel a master; he was the closest father figure she had. It was a horrible thing to consider with conviction.

     "Can't make that similarity, Kitty."

     "I don't believe it either," Kitty snickered, "but it's something to think about." Illyana fell silent afterwards, reinforcing suspicion in her friend. "Speaking of which," Kitty pried. "I bet you didn't come down here to talk about Rachel."

     Illyana remained silent, only succeeding in strengthening Kitty's idea.

     "Is this about you-know-who?" Kitty expressed each word.

     Illyana kept a straight face, but gave in. "Okay, okay. Don't laugh. It's too serious!"

     Kitty playfully laughed. "Right, right. Love is a serious thing." A groan from Illyana forced her apology (and that sounded playful). "I'm sorry! It's just that I've never seen you feel this way about someone before."

     "Who said I felt that way about Tenchi?" screamed Illyana in great seriousness. The outburst forced Kitty to fall silent. For a moment, the two looked at each other with straight faces. Then…laughter.

     "Okay!" snickered Illyana. "I admit it! I love Tenchi! I never stopped!"

     "That's great!" Kitty showered her friend with praise.

     "No it isn't!" Illyana shouted, a soft return to being grave. Her continuing words lowered her back to being realistic. "I'm a demon sorceress. If I stay close to him, I might somehow corrupt him."

     Kitty's face was of refusal. "Illyana," she counseled with warmth. "We've shared a room together, told our most intimate thoughts with each other. I haven't turned into a bad guy yet."

     "You did twice." Illyana responded.

     "Those don't count. Besides, you were always there to save my butt. What makes Tenchi so unlucky?"

     "Because he is." the girl's face dropped to a low esteem. Her voice grew slower, her movements more depressing. "It's so hard keeping my guts about this. So hard…trying not to…love him."

     Seeing her friend under such strain, a serious Kitty hugged her with both arms. "Then don't try. You're in love with someone, and if Tenchi feels the same way, what's so bad about it?" Before Illyana could throw a counterattack, Kitty offered her views. "I know what you're gonna say: Well, what about when me and Tenchi bonded? Well, kiddo, let me tell you something. It was true that you might've corrupted Tenchi there, but don't forget: your love saved him. I repeat, your love. Don't deny that. What you have is a special thing. Don't throw it away."

     Illyana just stood there; Kitty was correct…in that case.

     "I'd give anything to be in your position now." Kitty spoke with determination, tears starting to come from her eyes. "I lost it. Probably twice." Releasing her grip, the X-Man walked a few steps away. "I'm not gonna lie about Larry. I didn't love him like I did your brother. But now, I can't help thinking that something might have happened if I hadn't blown him off that night. Something neat." The girl froze, embracing herself. The emotions amplified touched Illyana; She had treated Tenchi the same way they all treated Larry.

     "Kitty…"

     The X-Man turned around, acting very invulnerable. "I'm okay! I'm an X-Man, remember?" Kitty then walked back to her friend, throwing a hand upon her shoulder. "All I'm saying is give Tenchi a chance. Don't waste what could be great." 

=== 

     It was a breathless Tenchi that returned to the school. Dani had decided not to follow him. As the hot sun glistened, he jogged from the location where the exercise started which was behind the school. His trek led him to pass Peter's field. From what he had heard, the farmer was not back. With consideration, Tenchi thought that maybe he should work the soil.

     But it was the gigantic swimming pool he passed that got his real attention. Tenchi's reflection made temptation smile its face upon him. He looked around the windows before him, as well as the woods behind him. Hope Illyana wasn't looking, Tenchi thought instantly (and sadly). Content in his actions, Tenchi pulled off his sweats, taking off his shoes. He was now stripped down to his boxers. He jumped into the air.

     He then…floated in mid-air.

     He was in this position for a few seconds, exhausting the time limit that should have ended with him in the waters. More than enough time to understand what was happening.

     Tenchi then found his very body moving over the pool, abandoning it. A sense of déjà vu brought apprehensions of this slow pace exhilarating to a crashing pace. Fortunately, this did not happen, as his levitation slowly stopped before a window- the Headmaster's study window.

     The windowpanes opened, presenting a seated Magneto at his desk. His face, perched at some paper in his hands, gave no notice. His voice did. "Tenchi," he casually addressed, "I would prefer it if you used this school's recreational functions with the appropriate swimwear."

     Despite his flapping arms and legs, Tenchi managed to make a serious posture once he stopped mid-air. Now this was a weird way to have a talk about rules! True, it reminded him of his Grandfather's prohibition about the shrine and the keys. However, Tenchi was angry now then he had been before. Grandpa at least wasn't trying to control him!

     "Put me down!" Tenchi screamed. "I'm not some puppet!"

     Magneto's eyes finally looked upon Tenchi, making a perspective. The windows shut together. As that would promise, the teen found his altitude decreasing. It was only when his feet touched the grassy floor did the invisible wires that held him vanished. This display of power finalized on Tenchi's thoughts how powerful the Headmaster was. He seemed able to do everything with magnetism, from moving objects and people just by thought. No wonder he was considered a threat by the world. It was but one more support to Tenchi's own dislike of him (which he felt wrong about). 

     Donning his sweats, he walked to the doorway. Inside, he eventually walked into the living room, where he saw Sam and Roberto watching some TV. They paid their 'good mornings,' with some ad-libs. "Been with Dani, prince?" was Roberto's.

     "Yes," Tenchi spoke with relieving pressure. "I tried to go swimming but Magneto stopped me."

     "Can't say I disagree with you on that, Prince," Roberto added. "That Headmaster is turning this place into a prison."

     "It's not as bad as that!" Sam blurted out in defense. "B'sides, it's 'gainst the rules t' skinny dip." Sam gave his advice.

     That got him an elbow from Roberto. "Self-righteous prig!" he gleefully smiled. "You've taken your share of swims…with even lesser wardrobe."

     "That's different," defended Sam. "Ah wasn't usin' the pool'n."

     The least Tenchi needed right now was getting raddled by supposed friends. "Do you know where Peter keeps his gardening tools?"

     "In the garage," Roberto spoke, his eyes hypnotized to the television.

     Tenchi walked halfway through the room when he remembered something. "You guys know my dad is coming later today, to drop off the tickets. Since he doesn't know about you being mutants, I'm worried…"

     "Don't be." Sam casually spoke. "He won't find out, 'kay? We've done this thing b'fore."

     Tenchi felt better with Sam's assuring. The older kid had grown up a lot since last they met. He was more confident.

     "You know, Prince," Roberto snidely added. "What's with the secrecy? It's not as if your father is oblivious to the harem at your home."

     "That's true," Tenchi begrudgingly responded, "but you guys trusted me with your secrets, so I feel it right not to tell anyone else. Doug hasn't told his parents the truth either."

     "Then don't worry," said Sam.

     Assured, Tenchi was at the door when Roberto blurted out something. "By the way, Prince, Amara wanted to speak with you about something. She's in her room."

     Tenchi took this offer up.

===

     To my most honored father, Lucius Antonius Aquilla in the year 27-- since the founding of Nova Roma…Ave…I miss you. I have had such adventures, father…*

     This now brings me to sad events of late. A lad named Larry Bodine has recently took his own life because of the great persecution to mutants. He was a mutant himself, and in understanding to the hopelessness of his battle, committed the act of suicide.

     Although I agree with you in the sanctity of suicide, my dearest friends are bereaved over this act. The great change in this world has dulled the respect our early ancestors made when they too committed such an act. It is now seen as cowardice, not as one person's final act of defiance. Still, I admit some anguish. It came to our knowledge that certain dogs (of the human variety) were responsible for pressuring Bodine's death as some mere jest. Such animals should be punished with great pain. Unfortunately, my friends have come to believe that doing such revenge is wrong. This is a repeat solution to our retribution to the snake Manuel LaRocha. As Doug stated then, so too the same resolve was made here as well: To punish these children cruelly would make ourselves no different than they.

     I myself find problems in believing this resolve. Those who do evil should be punished by extreme actions. However, it is Professor Xavier's belief that such actions are evil. We should not kill are trespassers. As no doubt concerned, I feel conflicted. To fight with the mutants means surrendering my beliefs. On the other matter, to continue in my beliefs means I will have to fight my own friends. Hera grant me strength on what choice I wish to take…

     Luck had also made its cruel snub on others. You might recall on my previous letter my friend Rachel Summers (in that cruel adventure with that butchress Selene). Well, she has become gravely ill of late due to the matter of helping out her colleague Logan. I have prayed for her swift recovery…

     On a much brighter tone, an old friend has come to visit us. Tenchi Masaki is staying for the week at our school. O great father, you may remember this boy as coming from the East. He is perhaps a mutant like myself. He also possesses a link to a royal family from another world (one of whom- the Princess Ayeka- I befriended well). Let not my ancestor grieve. Though I am friendly to Tenchi I am as ever a sworn believer of the republic of Rome. My political views on a monarchy are just as strong and oppositional as they were when last you have seen me. The boy is a most handsome figure, knowledgeable in many arts of warriorship. However, he is as peaceful and gentle a person as he is as fierce and strong as a fighter. Although his visit was a surprise, we have accepted his presence to our hearts…that is, most of us. In a previous letter, I have told you about my suspicions about the affections to Tenchi by my comrade Illyana Rasputin. At present, Illyana has disproven her feelings, but since Tenchi arrived I doubt much her truth…

==

    With the rejection of her pen, Amara ended the letter for now. She had already begun this writing last week, but as her life was being constantly interrupted by her services as a New Mutant, all she could do was just add on to the length of her writings. She sat on the window seat, looking out at the half-opened window at her side.

     Her peace was interrupted by a knock on her door.

     "Who is it?"

     "Tenchi. May I come in?"

     Amara gave her permission, and Tenchi entered her room. The boy looked around with awe. Amara had expected this; she had fashioned her apartments to be like her home in Nova Roma. The benches, the busts, and her pieces of furniture came from her city, and it caused a stir to whomever she entered her room. Amara knew that she was a stranger in this world of foreign cultures. She also knew that the reverse situation would be given to anyone strange to hers.

    "I see that my abode must be very contrasting to your own." Amara stayed at her seat, one leg dropped to the floor.

     "It is," Tenchi scratched his head in wonder. "So it's true that you come from some ancient roman world?"

     Amara spread herself upon the small, narrow mattress. "It is not ancient to me. In fact, my city is as present in this world as Manhattan and Japan. It is only its past heritage that is ancient."

     "Pardon me," Tenchi apologized, studying her father's bust on the wall. "I read about the Roman Empire. My dad has a hobby in Roman architecture. Would be cool to see your city."

     "Of course," Amara once again corrected. "Rome was not always an Empire. Once it was a republic, fiercely against any who wore a crown. However, the views changed with the tide. The ancestors of my city founded Nova Roma as sanctuary against that change."

     "Wow, you make the history I've read about sound so real."

     "But it is real." Amara nodded, sliding her other leg off its perch. Her arms freely positioned between her spread thighs, she looked at Tenchi with cruel intentions. Dressed in only her white silk nightgown, free of sleeves and undergarments, she got straight to work.

===

    The beginning of realization ran into Tenchi's mind. The sign of its hinting was made by the way Amara seemed to get up; her spread legs closed together at the edge of the sill. Arisen, she then walked, arms squeezed at both her sides, shoulders moving up and down. Her tall, proud posture highlighted her graceful figure, covered loosely in a silk gown. Like Illyana, Amara had golden hair and youthful beauty- and the possible quality of having eyes that were not deep with some dark secret. Today, however, there was a questioning on how different these two blonds were.

     "Eh, so what do you want?" Tenchi asked, a small trace of uneasiness inside his voice.

     "A great deal, my friend." Amara emphasized her words. "I saw you at the pool this morning."

     Tenchi's face turned scarlet. "Y-you have?"

     Amara slowly nodded adorned with a smile. "You have a fine figure…and a handsome face." Each dialogue was made with a slow slur, highlighted by her slinky arm movements. Already Tenchi had a clue of what Amara was implying. He had the experience to suspect.

     The confirmation came when Amara's index fingers touched his chin. Her smile opened with arousal. "I love you."

     Tenchi gritted his teeth, a symbol for his reaction. "Amara!" his face choked as he made a step back, breaking the contact. "What are you saying?" he continued, hoping he was only hearing things.

     He wasn't, not after Amara grabbed his arms. "I am in love with you, Tenchi," she spoke with sincerity, her eyes and face expressing her intentions. "I have been shot by the arrows of Cupid." Her voice turned as frantic as her grip. "Venus has stroked these burning fires inside of me!" She vibrated with frenzy. "And it is you who are responsible for stroking their cause!"

     This was definitely as sign for Tenchi to continue walking backwards. Amara was in love with him! He never thought the girl felt this way, and he didn't know how to deal with it. He already had that problem before.

     His locked attention caused disaster. As he out the door, ignoring Amara's plea to stroke her fires, he tumbled into someone, pushing both to the floor. The victim snapped with "What in the world?"

     "Oh, Betsy!" Tenchi noted as he saw her face, furthering his reply with an apology. "Sorry about bumping into you, but something's happened! Amara's declared her love for me!"

     Betsy's face showed that she understood. "I'm not blind, Tenchi. I am a telepath after all." Her physical words changed into mental. Speak your thoughts to me.

     Seeing there was no alternative, Tenchi resigned at this bit of reassurance. He lent physical aid to Betsy while his mind spoke to her. You've got to help me. I don't want to hurt her feelings. What should I do?"

     Betsy smiled. Tell her the truth, Tenchi…

     Tenchi agreed.

    …Tell her that you love me.

     Tenchi didn't agree with that, as his widening eyes showed. He paused with the shock. He backed away, not realizing he was just retracing his steps in reverse. "Aren't I a little too young for you?" he spoke physically.

     "You're just saying that," Betsy returned the communication, pierced her looks at him. "I can read your innermost thoughts, Tenchi. I can't help blocking them out. They tell me that you are carrying suppressed affections, for me."

     "No, they're not!" Tenchi shouted, astounded by the words.

     "Your subconscious tells a different story."

     "How do you know?! I can't understand them in these matters!" Tenchi continued moving back, proving how more wrong his reverse was. For there was Amara, blocking the path. Tenchi turned to see her angry face. Tenchi knew from his previous experiences what that would entail.

     "And what do you think you are doing?!" Amara screamed to Betsy.

     "Oh no!" Tenchi knew what this was leading to!

     "Stay away from my love!" Amara screamed. She started glowing.

     "Your what!?" Tenchi despaired.

     Though lacking Amara's literal ability to play with fire, Betsy stood out her own defenses. "He is not yours to have!"

     "Now girls!" persisted Tenchi. "Stop this right now!"

     "I am more deserving to him then you are!" Amara cursed. "Barbarian!"

     "Amara!" shouted Tenchi.

     "What did you call me?!?" Betsy glared with looks that killed.

     "I called you a barbarian," Amara grinned in smugness, "which you are exactly. I find it insulting that such a race of blue-skinned savages like you Britons could carve an Empire at the expense of my country!"

     The line was drawn. Betsy and Amara stared at each other with teeth gnashed. Tenchi realized that he had had enough of this. He stood between the two girls, who were capable of inflicting major damage at each other (physically and mentally). "You girls stop it now, or I'll-"

     The door at the other side of the wall opened. It revealed Roberto, looking with silence at what was about to happen.

     "Bobby!" Tenchi broke his post as peacemaker. "You've got to help me! Betsy and Amara are getting ready to fight each other!"

     However, Tenchi found that Bobby was not concerned with this. In fact, it looked like the Brazilian was actually concerned with him. With a blooming lip, Roberto touched Tenchi's cheek...

     Now, Tenchi was ready to freak out at this intended gesture. However, in all this inner madness, there was a force of control. He couldn't just yell at Bobby's intentions, or those of the girls, even though he did not share them. With calm, he tried to put down this advance.  Holding Bobby's hands, he gave this polite refusal, "I don't feel that way."

     Bobby continued to smile. No words came from his mouth. His lips did not move. However, Tenchi could hear his laughter, and it was not coming from the boy before him. Pinpointing the source, Tenchi saw another Roberto at the corner! This boy came out, and walked past the two girls. Amara and Betsy were giggling with laughter. When Tenchi returned to view the Roberto before him, he was shocked to see Warlock in his place!

     The laughter-maker walked close to a realized Tenchi. "Well, what did you think of my joke, hombre?" Roberto laughed with a smug mouth. "I felt that you needed something to remind you of home. In your case, it was your appeal to women."

      The cherub face of Roberto contrasted greatly with the frown of Tenchi. Although there was the relief that he was not attracting any more females, it was still a bad joke to him. "Was anyone else in on this joke?" he questioned Roberto, full with a desire to smack him.

     A smiling Roberto threw his hands for sign of peace. "Well, Rahne is not ready for such a joke, Dani and Shan refused, and I haven't gotten a word from Illyana. I had to make do with Betsy and Amara."

     Amara moved proudly to Tenchi. "Do take my previous words as vain. You are a handsome person, but bear well that my heart is not full of passion for you."

     "If it was," Roberto added, "an earthquake would be here."

     Tenchi just stood there. His anger was strong with feelings that were stung and pulled. He should have realized what Roberto's plans were since the time he met Shan. He felt especially rankled that Warlock, Betsy, and Amara would take part in such a joke.

     It didn't help that Roberto gave Tenchi's shoulder a hearty smack. "Hey, I was just joking, Prince! I didn't mean anything. I'm sorry."

     Tenchi cringed at the back rub. Choices that went against everything he believed in cried to execute them on the spot. He stared at Roberto. His words, "Apology accepted," came with benevolence, of the strained type. He grumpily walked off. "I'll be tending the fields!" he growled in restrained anger.   

===

     Tenchi's farm work was miniscule at best. Peter had done most of the requirements, leaving Tenchi nothing more but to water the crops. It was the least he could do; he knew how dependent plants need their water.

     He was in bad humor; he hated what Roberto did to him. For a moment, it looked like things were going to repeat here, with all the girls throwing themselves on him. It would be Ryoko and Ayeka fighting each other for him, or Mihoshi and Washu declaring their love to him (though for those two, his feelings were strictly just friendly).

     Slowly, as was usual to him, the anger ebbed. It changed into a better understanding of the prank pulled on him. It was exactly like having Ryoko or Ayeka here. As he realized, the joke really reminded him about what he left behind. 

     The farmer sighed. He had never been away from the gang for this long a time. Their absence was so keenly felt that no consideration of what kind of havoc they might be unleashing on Okayama entered Tenchi's mind. They really mattered to him. They were the first real friends he had in a long while. He hoped Washu perfected some even more wonderful way of communicating with him.

     And yet, he found that he was fitting into this school, meeting new friends. Despite Roberto and except for Illyana (whose isolation was now plain), Tenchi was starting to enjoy the mutants' company as well. Sure, there were the bad times he had now entered, with death and injury (much on himself), but his mutant friends shared the trouble as well. There were parallels to his life with the school and his home. Both groups were a community where the members cared about each other (most of the time), standing together when one is troubled. Now Tenchi was training and farming here as well!

     The School for Gifted Youngsters was becoming a home away from home.  

===

     When you're down, aged adolescent, and beautiful, what is the answer?

     Simply one word for Illyana or any other New York girl: Bloomingdale!

     Illyana took this philosophy to her heart in today's case. Time to wash away one's troubles with extravagant fashions and fads! Illyana wondered what her parents would think if they saw in these stunning wardrobes; she had read how her Russia once distrusted all foreign cultures as works of the devil. Guess they were thinking about her.

     As usual in her habit, the time passed by. The question about the deadline of her essay was small in her priorities. She could always cram things tonight (as if she had better things to do), and if that was wasted until the last possible minute, she could always count on Limbo to give her the needed time. Right now, she was going to enjoy herself.

     As the hours clocked by, the girl had tried on a multitude of fashions. This did not count the many accessories of boots, shoes, and purses she tried on. Nor did this include the multitude of blending individual pieces to the perfect mix (all of this was encouraged by a smiling employee with a face that was too good to be true). The problems that plagued her needed to be forgotten. If dressing up once could slightly cause that sad memory to suppress itself, then shouldn't the abuse of this habit promise a period of forgetfulness?

     "How about this, my dear?" said the cheerful employee. The object of her question was this long sweater. The client paused. In terms of size, color, fabric, and style, it was what the doctor ordered.

     "Me like-e!" Illyana snatched the cloth into her hands. The employee reacted with no surprise or upset. She just followed Illyana to the dressing booths. Unfortunately, all were being used.

     "There's a new booth over there," the employee spoke with hospitality as she pointed to a nearby corner. Illyana didn't care about the unique location. She wanted to see herself in this fabulous sweater. Maybe…Tenchi might like her in it (Now that didn't mean Illyana was 100% sure about coming open, but at least she decided to be social with the boy).

     Traveling into this new booth, Illyana started to disrobe for this next batch. This velvet sweater would look fab with these pants! With the excitement given to a girl her age, she tried the paraphernalia on. She suddenly felt a little hazy. The air felt stuffy all of a sudden. Fashion kills, the girl joked to herself with smug smile. Her balance started to shift. The area of consciousness was fading from Illyana. By reflex, she called for a stepping disc. Nothing happened, making her utter defeat inevitable. Like a long scarf trailing from a hand all the way down to the floor, and suddenly let go, the girl's body dropped with a straight descent.

     The room rebelled. Metal arms shot out from two walls of the booth. They grabbed her, maintaining her in balance. The remaining wall that bore none of these tentacles slid open, revealing another compartment beyond. The metal arms dragged the fallen victim through this mouth, gobbling it with the returning panel.  

     In the outside, a sign was planted on the door of this particular booth. OUT OF ORDER.

===

     Class was now in session. Tenchi asked with approval that he participate, as a visiting student. He wanted to know what type of education this school had. There was no class yesterday, probably due to Larry Bodine's death.

     He searched around the classroom, finding that only eight people made up the group. That was not surprising, considering how many lived here. Also worth his attention was the pattern of seating arrangements. Roberto (who to Tenchi's discomfort, was blowing kisses at him) sat beside Sam. Rahne sat in front of Dani. Doug had Warlock at his back (Tenchi wondered about that; he assumed that Warlock was just along for the gang).

     Walking to his desk, Magneto took notice on two pupils. One was absent. "Does anyone know where Illyana is?"

     "She has not been in her room since this morning." Amara answered. Tenchi wondered where she was. He knew she didn't want to see him, but he hoped she wasn't taking this alienation to the maximum (on the other hand, maybe that was right for her).

     "I will speak with her later." Magneto decided with resolve.

     The other pupil was not supposed to be present. Rahne's appearance was of some question. "Miss Sinclair," Magneto noted, "I remember telling you that you have an excused absence this week."

     Rahne just looked at him with a firm and casual tone. "I'm alright now, Professor. Will you please 'cept my presence wit' no more concern?" 

     Magneto simply nodded to her request. Others were not so taken, but class started.

     As the hours passed, Tenchi saw a big difference between his school and theirs. For a private school like this, there was no dress code; everyone dressed the way they wanted. Also different was the etiquette. In his school back home, whenever any student wished to speak, he or she would stand up to be heard. Here, the student's speeches were done sitting down.

    The present topic was European History, and with Magneto as teacher, he spoke about the Napoleonic history. All the students' reaction varied from interest, displeasure, and boredom. It was obvious which reaction Doug was toward. Sitting beside him, Tenchi noticed his friend was scribbling zigzags on his notebook. These zigzags took on the recognizable shape of Warlock.

     "Amara, you have a question?" sounded Magneto to the class.

     "Was not this Napoleon a native of Italy?" Amara asked with expected answer.

     Magneto sat on the table. "He was born in Corsica, an island near Italy. Despite his origins, he considered himself a Frenchman first."

     Amara's eyes dazzled at this remark. "It is a pity that he did not find his native origins more worthwhile. Still, he had the blood of Rome within his veins."

     Magneto turned around to the blackboard. "One should not be too conscious about one's origins. Nationalism has not used this world well."

     Amara huffed with the sting of that philosophy. This caused some snickers from the class.

     After a few minutes, Magneto went into the subject about Napoleon crowning himself Emperor. Amara turned her head with disdainful intent. However, it was Roberto who spoke the next question. "I thought that Napoleon considered himself the enforcer of the French Revolution?"

     "He considered himself the Revolution," Magneto explained. "He thought that ruling was the best course to fulfill its ideals."

     Amara raised her hand, and spoke "Like when the divine Julius took a dictatorship over the Republic of Rome? It appears that intentions for freedom end in tyranny."

     Magneto structured himself for speech. "One has to also understand the dictator, Amara. They believe that the only answer is to rule. Both Napoleon and Caesar thought that the ideals of their country could only be sustained by taking matters into their own hands."

     The classroom froze at the power Magneto was giving with his answers. The way he spoke it, Tenchi figured, sounded like a conviction. The teacher's history proved this assertion.

     "Yet they also became tyrants," Roberto gave a stinging contradiction.

     "In their own mind, they don't believe such labels." Magneto's eyes glowed with relation to the topic as he spoke fluently. "They think themselves above simple morals..." This fluency stopped, the teacher's face taking on a graver expression. "…much to the despair of the people they rule."

     Silence followed. Magneto then restored himself. "Class is dismissed." As the students got up from their seats, Magneto added about tomorrow being the deadline for their history essay.

     Tenchi stood up. "Pardon me, but wouldn't it be due today, this being a history class?" Doug shushed him.

     "It was supposed to be," Magneto made another of his disturbing smil es. "But this weekend's events have forced a postponement."

     The answer given, Tenchi shuddered away from that smile. He found that such kindness couldn't fit with the other side of him. On the other hand, the teacher seemed rather upset in his speech about dictatorships. Tenchi kept trying to find a resolution to make the Headmaster tolerable and understandable. He wanted to like him (noting the evidence), but there was some block.

     Walking out of the classroom, Tenchi heard Shan's voice from the speaker. She had a message for him. "Your father has called. He is arriving at two."

     "We will give him a warm greeting," spoke Magneto to Tenchi's distress. The teacher sounded like he was going to face his dad as some super-villain. All that was missing was the evil laugh. However, there seemed intentionally little that could cause Dad any suspicions on what kind of school this was.

     But then, Tenchi noticed Warlock.

===

     Nobuyuki knew about the aliens in his own home. He knew nothing of the mutants in the school. It was this belief that really pushed Tenchi to make sure such secrets were left confidential. He then started to get at Doug's point about keeping information from his parents. It was fine if only he was complicated by the secrets. However, he didn't want to endanger his mutant friends despite the fact that his father could be trusted. As a result, he felt very nervous about his dad entering the school. He became increasingly paranoid. It loomed greatly within him to the point that any scant example in his view would carry the domino effect of blowing everything.

     As can be expected, this did not endear him much to his mutant friends. When Tenchi spoke with Amara about making no mention of Nova Roma, the girl's reply was rather icy. "I am not a fool, Tenchi," she spoke with an arrogance that knocked Tenchi back.

     Sam handed his palm upon Tenchi's shoulder. "Simmer down, boy! Nothin's gonna happen."

     Betsy was also calm, expressing her apologies for earlier. She was very lady-like. It made Tenchi troubled over his annoying behavior. He was pushing everyone…hard. It was as if he was treating everyone here like the girls back home. Back there, he was the voice of reason. In this school, he was acting like the madman in the sane house.

     His opinions didn't help either. Tenchi wanted Warlock to be unseen in the visit. This got him some complaint from Doug, who said that the alien could stay wherever and whenever he/it wants, under disguise. Tenchi didn't accept this, which led to their argument.

     "Geez, Tenchi. Who went mad and made you regent? Maybe you could tell your dad about us an' avoid this problem?"

     "Aren't you the one, Doug, who spoke against that?" replied Tenchi.

     Sam as usual butted in to stop a fight. Magneto also took action. But the damage was done. Doug said that not only was he not going to meet this snob's father, he wasn't going to go out with this snob tonight.

     With that, Doug and Warlock went unseen. That buzzed Tenchi. He didn't like getting into fights with anyone, but he had defense. Didn't Doug realize he was doing this on the mutants' behalf? (He said this aloud, getting him a 'New to me!' remark from Bobby) The group was dwindling, as already Dani and Rahne were downstairs, Shan was working as secretary, and Illyana who-knows-where. That left Sam, Roberto (who wanted to see how successful this visit would be), Amara, and Betsy willing to be with Tenchi.

     A half-hour later brought the arrival of Nobuyuki Masaki. Since he had come from a meeting, his large body was dressed for business. His loose tie and dark happy face showed that he was not all stuffy. With broken English, he spoke, "May I come in?" while putting his hands together for a half-bow. Tenchi received this, but with a streak of self-embarrassment. He had neglected to give this similar greeting last Sunday.

     "So you've gotten better," Nobuyuki made his opinion. "That's good."

     "I had help from my friends," said Tenchi, introducing them to his father.

     "Ave," Amara greeted. Nobuyuki noticed her with eyes of interest. Luckily Tenchi saw it to himself to take that attention away. "How was your work, today?"

      "It has been a busy morning," Nobuyuki's eyes looked up in wary contemplation. "Haven't been able to see much of the city."

      "That's too bad," Sam gave his consolation. "New York's a place ya gotta spend a lot a' time in."

     Nobuyuki sighed. "I've been here before…" he then stopped. Tenchi nodded, knowing what his father meant.

     Shaking off his problem, Mr. Masaki's moved his hand into his coat pocket. He took out an envelope. "These tickets were given to me by a secretary of my client. I'll keep my own, while you, Tenchi, keep the rest for yourself and your friends."

     Given the envelope, Tenchi felt that type of emotion one feels after wronging someone. Two of these tickets were for two people he had cruelly reproached.

     "What's wrong?" the father asked to his son.

     Tenchi's solemn look shook off with a pleasant one in replacement. "It's nothing at all, dad. Permit me to take you to the sitting room."

===

     With long legs, Warlock walked around the second floor of the wing. Self was following orders from Tenchifriend to desist in any association with him at this hour. Self did not understand, believing that self had shown capability in hiding technarch form in public. Self did not understand; was there more considerable situations to ponder? More learning was needed.

     Dougfriend, who went to the Danger Room, had given different view in contradiction. Tenchifriend, in selffriend's vernacular, was labeled SLEAZEBALL. Reasons were possible actions of unfairness and lack of insight. Self questioned this analysis: Tenchifriend had portrayed balanced choices before.

     A huge eye on Warlock's face telescoped toward an anomaly in the hall. All doors were shut with exception to one. Recognition to this anomaly is domain of Kittyfriend, Illyanafriend, and entity named Lockheed. Sensors indicated no lifeglow of any who belonged in that room. Query: If no selffriends were present in room, why was door open?

     Observation: relate to order of things.

     Fact: Kittyfriend is in location inhabited by Morlock Tunnels.

     Fact: Illyanafriend is at present absent.

     Query: What of Lockheed?

     Warlock instrumented his/its sensors for any distinctive appearance of that entity's lifeglow. The recognition was located- in denizen labeled Sitting Room.

     The techno-being erupted into an explosion of alarms. Realizing that would make attention, he/it dropped that fanfare. It was well known to Warlock that School's real nature was supposed to implement discretion from all outside beings, unless recognized. Tenchifriend's…father (a label that sent shivers down the alien's emotional circuitry despite the individual meaning and roles of that being) is referred as outside being.

     It was up to self to maintain discretion for School.

===

     At the door of the sitting room, Roberto graciously acted, "Ladies first." The delighted Betsy and Amara entered by this chivalrous offer. They disappeared into the room, the door blocking all outside viewing. The floor suddenly shook.

     "What is this? An earthquake?" Nobuyuki asked the moment the vibrations stopped.

     "Yes…" An acknowledged Tenchi forced a hopefully inconspicuous answer. "New York has them a lot!"

     "Yeah!" Sam supported that answer. He had others. One was his knowledge about the ties Amara's emotions had with her powers. The other was the abrupt telepathic message that flooded into his mind. Don't let Nobuyuki in!

     Roberto, also getting that message, closed the door he was wielding open. "I think you should see the west wing!" he backed away.

     Unfortunately, Nobuyuki was already on his way into the room. He saw Amara, Betsy, and…someone else. It was a beautiful girl he saw with these kids before. He remembered her name: Pam.

     Tenchi, Sam, and Roberto knew who 'Pam' was. So full of recognition that Roberto and Sam made surprised faces that were eclipsed by Tenchi's own form of expression (It must be said that the mutants, unlike the visitor's son, were not so much concerned about Warlock's presence as they were with the visitor's affections to him/it). Fortunately, this face fault was behind his father, whose attention was all but taken by the beautiful girl in front of him.

     "How nice to meet you again," Nobuyuki gestured like a gentlemen. 'Pam' repeated this same gesture.

     Amara and Betsy stood side by side, with the straightest of faces. The latter saw that she had to inform the new inhabitants of the situation. In her messages, it was all explained. Lockheed had been let out from Kitty and Illyana's room (Tenchi had forgotten about him). He saw to wandering around the mansion before resting in this very room. Warlock was looking for him, entering through the air vents. Unfortunately, his/its entry coincided with their own.

     With sweat and restrained breath, the boys understood. They also learned that Lockheed was behind the television. Betsy had seen to the temporary mind-zapping of the beast (temporary, as she was unsure how strong the dragon's immunity was).

     Sam, Roberto, and Tenchi slowly situated themselves near the television. Nobuyuki also sat down with 'Pam' at his side. His eyes were taken with whatever attention the 'girl' made. "And where are you from?"

     Warlock looked into his/its memory banks for an answer. Luckily, Tenchi blurted out that she came from here.

     "We come from all around the world," Betsy joined in the conversation very enthusiastically. "I'm from Great Britain. Roberto is from Brazil, Amara is from… Rome. We are from everyplace!"

     'Pam' nodded. He/it spoke for the first time (though in a normal tone). "Native-to-this-field."

     "As she said," Roberto quickly ad-libbed. "Pam is from New York."

     Nobuyuki tenderly put his hands on the 'girl's.' "Then maybe I can see your home. You look so much like my wife."

     "Dad!" Tenchi shouted quite abruptly.

     Nobuyuki noticed this. "I meant that she looked like your mother," He truthfully continued, "but no one can hold a candle to her."

     Tenchi calmed down. "I'm…sorry."

     Nobuyuki returned to 'Pam.' "Has my son been friendly to you?"

     Tenchi turned his head. Not so much to his dad's real intention of arranging a date for him, but in the truth of the question.

     "Tenchi-friend," 'Pam' spoke short.

     "By the way, where is Illyana?" Nobuyuki asked.

     "She's out for the moment." Sam answered.

     "Forgive me my pestering, Mr. Guthrie, but I find it great that my son has been getting to know all these fine girls. And I thought he was shy with them!"

     Roberto tried hard to contain his laughter over this opinion.

     "So what trade is it you do?" Amara questioned Nobuyuki to avoid the problem behind the TV.

     "I'm an architect. I build other people's houses."

     "So you make buildings like the ones I see in this city?"

     "No, I only specialize in smaller houses."

     Magneto then entered the room, walking in very mannered. With a small pause unseen by all save Nobuyuki, he noticed the young lady right next to the visitor. He then saw all his students making discretionary face and hand signals promising to explain things later.

     "Good afternoon, Mr. Masaki," Magneto asked with a greeting.

     The father responded well. "Good afternoon, Sensei Xavier. Has my son been a handful?"

     "He has been most gracious as a guest of my school and a friend to my students," revealed Magneto.

     "I've heard from my son that your predecessor has been absent of late?"

     "My…cousin Charles has taken a sabbatical for health reasons. While he is away, I have administered to his students to the best of my abilities. To my advantage, they have accepted me."

     Oh! Did that remark make Roberto throw a couple of eye loops!

     Nobuyuki spoke casually. "My son Tenchi has been recently out of school due to some…situations. My father-in-law has seen to it that he trains hard to be priest of my family's shrine. However, it is wrong if he should entirely abandon his scholastic duties."

     "Well, I haven't had the time to study or take classes." Tenchi admitted. "But Grandpa would prefer it if I had my studies close to home. I would too."

     The talk kept the great tension in hold. The students' nervously kept vigil in hopes nothing would go wrong. Except for Tenchi, however, they trusted in Warlock's ability to be discreet. They were more worried about Lockheed. Betsy was especially so; she wasn't sure if the animal was awake or still asleep from her telepathic bolt. Lockheed was invisible to her mind scans.

     Sam got up and went to the small bookcase held at the corner of the television. He took out a book, leaning its opened contents toward a proposed direction. He got a little tense at what he saw above the pages.

     "What are you reading?" asked Nobuyuki.

     Sam's head jerked up. "Uh…nothin'! Just some old story ah like."

     "Really," Nobuyuki spoke with interest. "What is it about?"

     Sam paused, nervously smiling. "It's…'bout a Dragon who's awake 'n this narrow cave."

     The students' eyes opened wide at the subliminal message. Only the informed Magneto kept a straight head. Unnoticed to all, he erected a small magnetic field around the creature's position. Only the chance of Lockheed making an all-too obvious fire would make things precarious. Unlike Betsy, he was aware of the creature's conscious state, as his movements would cause a distortion in the magnetic aura Magneto felt in this room. Something must be done.

     Sam shut the book and stared with enthusiasm at the father. "Have ya seen the rest a' this mansion?"

     Nobuyuki shook his head.

     "Yes," Magneto calmly appraised. "An architect such as you would find some interest in this house."

     Nobuyuki looked around for any disapproval; there were none. He then turned to 'Pam.' "Would you like to accompany me, my dear?"

     Tenchi made a small moan. "Well, I-"

     Roberto shoved him. "Go ahead! We'll stay here." Tenchi made a slow growl of the Brazilian's name.

     'Pam' nodded to the request. Nobuyuki, Magneto, and Pam made their destination, with Sam, Tenchi, Roberto, Amara, and Betsy stating their decline of the offer. The door shutting broke the pretense.

     "What are you thinking?" Tenchi angrily whispered.

     "Look Prince," Bobby threw some dagger eyes. "By letting Warlock go with your father, the easy it is for us to get Lockheed."

     Tenchi was undeterred. "But Warlock?"

     "You have a low regard to our friend," Amara defiantly critiqued. "Warlock is not at fault here."

     Tenchi fell silent. He just went to the television like everyone else. Suddenly, the dragon flew out from the nest.

===

     Magneto walked in lead to Nobuyuki and Warlock's following. This was not just because of his role as host; it led the father's attention squarely on him.

     "I'm afraid that my taste in modern architecture is lost in this abode," addressed Nobuyuki, "Though this is built pretty well."

     Magneto spoke louder. The sitting room was making some noises. The television could be heard from their positions. The mistake of removing his shield was now apparent.

     It did not help with Nobuyuki's question. "What's happening over there?"

     The Headmaster kept a straight face despite eyes of displeasure. "Though Tenchi has been a gracious guest, my students appear to be indifferent hosts."

     Nobuyuki kept silent, a sense of familiar experience could be read from his face. It gave Magneto the consideration that Tenchi's own household must be just as chaotic.

     With a door slam, Doug walked into the fray. Assisting with Dani in the Danger Room, he then looked for Warlock, though not as a keeper. He trusted his best friend to do nothing wrong, Tenchi or no damn Tenchi (It has to be said that Doug shared no personal animosity to the boy; instead, he was angry at Tenchi's treatment to Warlock). Entering the hall, his search proved fruitful with an interesting recognition.

     "Mr. Masaki," introduced Magneto. "This is my latest pupil, Doug Ramsey."

     Nobuyuki bowed to Doug. It inspired the linguist to make a different conversation. He spoke in Japanese, obliging Nobuyuki to do also. Magneto overheard this all.

     Doug noticed that Tenchi's father was arm-locked with the 'girl'. With the memories of last time his buddy held this facade, and the implications now shown here, Doug came to a solution. It was a hard decision, something he would never do to any guy (human or otherwise). He pecked 'Pam's' cheek, shouting enthusiastically, "Hi, Gorgeous!"

     Magneto, 'Pam,' and Nobuyuki stood there speechless with different ideas of this. The puzzled Nobuyuki nervously chuckled as he slowly dropped his arm from 'Pam', wishing not to take unfair advantage. "I had no idea about this, Mr. Ramsey."

     Doug then threw his arm around his friend. "It's okay," he grinned. "My girl's quite a beaut, ain't she? Makes me feel lucky."

     "Selffriend!" 'Pam' put an arm around Doug, not deciphering what his/its selffriend's intentions were. Doug kept a straight face, hoping Tenchi's dad would think this was some new age lingo. He then spoke about his opinion about Tenchi.

     After these few words were made, Tenchi, Roberto, Betsy, and Amara joined them.

     "We heard noise in the other room." Magneto made a rhetoric question.

     "Well…Yes!" Roberto made a suave explanation. "We turned on the TV, and then there was this music video featuring Lila Cheney. She's a famous rock star, and my friend Sam is her most devoted…fan. Turning the TV all the way up, I'm afraid Sam got a little carried away."

     "Really?" asked Nobuyuki.

     "And where is Samuel?" asked Magneto.

     "There is another program with Cheney," explained Amara. "Sam wished to resume seeing, though we convinced him to be reasonable this particular time." That was their story to Nobuyuki, presenting no connection to the real facts. Nothing was said about Lockheed flying around the room, breathing fire before being knocked out again by Betsy's psi-powers (due to the animal's immunity, the psi bolts did nothing but knock him down). Little was also described about Sam's decision to carry Lockheed out the window, and into the tower via powers under the cover of TV noise.

     "Tenchi," Nobuyuki spoke, "I've spoke with your friend Doug. He said you've helped his friends recover from a tragedy."

     Tenchi blinked at this story, which overrated his association to the team. Looking at Doug nod with approval increased the guilt inside of him.

     Magneto also added his respects. "It appears that Tenchi has become a part of this school, student or not."

     Nobuyuki's hand brushed his son's hair. "That's my boy." He smiled with pride.

     "Come on, dad." Tenchi tried to put down such undeserving praise.

     Shan entered. Her attention was to the father. "I've received a call from your client, Mr. Masaki. Your meeting has been moved to an hour earlier."

     "It has? This means I have to get there in a half-hour!" cried Nobuyuki in anticipation. "Sorry about this." He apologized while shaking everyone's hand.

     "No problem, Dad." Said Tenchi.

     The father walked back into the hall, making a reminder. "A limousine will be coming to pick you up for the show. It will be here at six. I'll meet you at the theatre."

     The faces of the students brightened up at this lavish proposal. They all wished a fond farewell, with the brightest of faces.

     Once the door clicked shut, everyone's faces save for 'Pam', Shan, and Magneto collapsed to the floor…with their bodies. 'Pam' reverted back into Warlock.

     "Do you think he noticed anything?" breathed Roberto.

     "No." answered Amara.

     "Can anyone tell me what happened?" Doug said.

     Amara explained the truth, which pressured Tenchi to make his apologies. He faced Doug with the weight of a heavy heart, and a leaning head. "I…don't know what to say."

     "Being my personal slave for a week sounds good." Doug smugly chose his words. "But I'm not the one you should be talking to."

     Tenchi sadly nodded. He looked to Warlock. "I'm so sorry for how I treated you. From now on you can do whatever you like with no problem from me."

     With cartoon, half-closed eyes, Warlock spoke with simplicity. "Tenchifriend's- wishes- DIRECTED- to- COMFORT- for- SIRE. Self- SHARES- same- SENTIMENT- for- TENCHIFRIEND."

     The natural meaning to what Warlock said almost broke Tenchi, amplifying his own inferiority to this good and kind friend. "Well, selffriend will see to your comfort." Tenchi demanded. "That is if you've changed your mind about not going."

     Doug threw his arms around Tenchi and Warlock. "I'll speak for Warlock and say that we have."

     "So Doug!" Roberto smiled with a jest. "I noticed how you were holding Warlock. Do you wish to tell us something?"

     Doug frowned, but it was Amara who intervened. "You mean, Roberto, like when you and Tenchi…"

     "Dream on!" Roberto backed off. "That wasn't me!" He gave up, not wanting to be the butt to anyone's joke.

===

     With the scent of nearby smoke in the air, Nobuyuki got into his rented car with suspicious thoughts. The visit was not proof against any wonderings that the father was harboring. Something was up with that school. Tenchi's anxiety showed this. The father decided to ignore it though, trusting his son to be doing the right thing. If it wasn't his business, then it wasn't his business.

     The father couldn't wait for tonight. It would be worth spending some time with his son.

===

     In the location of the skies, Dani Moonstar did the impossible: She enjoyed herself. It was not by choice, but the pleasure one gets from soaring into the air with a flying horse was inescapable. It was an achievement, considering the number of death-signs, low self-esteem, and guilt over being useless that screwed her life.

     Dani cried out a howl known to her Cheyenne tribe. It was a joyous howl, demonstrating her temporary disdain to responsibility. As far as the present was in this position, she was a girl having the fun of her life, holding it by the throat and squeezing its blissful juices.

     The Mini-Cerebro on her hand beeped at the appointed horizon of trees. Dani accepted it with a smirk. The fun was over; She looked among the trees, trying to spot her friend. No rapport was made for the last few minutes. Because Dani shared a rapport with Rahne in lupine form, she was able to know how her friend's feelings whenever she roamed the woods. That rapport was now non-existent. It ended ten minutes ago with a sudden headache. Happening while the Native American was exercising in the Danger Room (why did this always happen to her?), she got to work. Not wanting to make a scene while Tenchi's father was around, she did things on her own, with the help of Brightwind and the Mini-Cerebro she…borrowed. Always be prepared.

     Yo, Rahne!

     She got no response in the rapport. This was bad. Rahne had been acting normal since yesterday, a bad sign for someone most grieved by Larry's death. It was too suspicious, guaranteeing that she was trying to withdraw herself, squeezing all her pain inside. Lousy way to live, Dani knew that fact for herself. Back in the Danger Room, a conversation was made about this. Rahne just talked out the major questions she made and left the room. Her last words were. "Dani, yuir my friend. Let me deal wit' this 'n my own way."

     Dani respected that with reluctance. She ignored it when that sudden pain came later, than forgot it completely in her present trip over the skies. Screw Tenchi's dad knowing her identity; Rahne needed her!

      The Mini-Cerebro beeped stronger over the gale of trees, then grew softer as she hovered away from it. That was all it took for satisfying the location. "Take us down, boy!" she roared into her horse's ear, obeying by swooping down to the ground. The descent was exhilarating, and so abrupt that in getting off, Dani almost fell to the ground, restoring her balance thanks to the stirrups.

     Setting her device around the vicinity, Dani searched for the strongest point of detection. Since she felt nothing, it meant that Rahne had regained human form. Whether this was a good sign was another question she didn't want to answer incorrectly. Fortunately, there was one good thing: No death-images. That had to mean something.

     Brightwind acted excited. "Hold it boy!" Dani pressured her pet to restrain himself. Succeeding with that, she walked into the dark clearing.

     "Rahne!" she called out. "Rahne!" she screamed again. Neither announcement gave any reply. A thousand thoughts traveled within the leader's mind. One that blared out most in her firm brow was danger. Dani took her new situation seriously.

     She looked right and looked left. Nothing. She paused. She moved. Dani had to be careful.

     She then saw Rahne's legs behind a tree. Running to the aid of her friend, Dani saw the situation. She looked with shock, for there lay her friend, pinned to the ground. One of her arms was mouthed by a steel trap. So was one of her legs.

     Dani in fury thought about who put these traps here. Her body lowered to check if her friend was all right. She grabbed a branch, and threw it behind her. Her turning revealed the masked assailant dodging the scrap, firing a gun.

     Luckily, Dani avoided the following shots. Questioning the traps, she knew there had to be a trapper. Time to get into action.

     A hologram of fear exploded from the space between predator and prey. It showed a white suited guy with a very exaggerated grin. Dani knew who that was from the records. The predator did to, but decided not to let that stop the objective. Since Dani did not consider the possibility that her victim would conquer his fear, she stood straight in the open. As a result, she got a blown dart on her shoulder. Her body started to lose its feeling. Although she had enough reserve to pull off the dart, it looked to Dani that none could be summoned for an escape. Damn it, the Native American's thoughts pulsed as she stumbled, the last things she remembered.

===

     The captor slung the rifle upon a shouldered sling. She pulled off her mask, revealing lustrous-smooth black hair and a beautiful oriental face. Her prey was done. She wanted to finish the job with permanent efficiency, a temptation that increased with one look at Mirage or her comrade Wolfsbane. But she suppressed it; she had to enjoy this. No fun in ending it now.

     A shriek came from the background. It was followed by the stinging sound of clinging metal. It was a pleasing chord to her ears. That should take care of the winged steed for the moment.

===

     The Danger Room carried a special meaning to Tenchi. When Washu's dimensional simulator sent him to the school, this was the landing spot. It was where he met Illyana. Like Ryoko, his relationship with her started with violence and surprise. It also ended with friendship, though Illyana was no longer respecting it. One would consider that Tenchi would have thought this with resentment and a harsh decision to share the feeling. Tenchi did not. He wasn't stupid, knowing too well, and experiencing too much with her to not know the truth. And he felt that evil well enough; he couldn't say those fears were unfounded. If Illyana felt being away from him was the best plan, then he couldn't press her. It didn't make him happy, though.

     He was standing in the control booth. A window gave him the view of what was happening inside. There was Magneto in the middle, gesturing his arms like some puppet master. Sam rocketed swiftly through floating hoops controlled by the Headmaster. He swooped through these circles in a straight line, making a turn that looked simple. Tenchi doubted it was.

     "Sam's had trouble maneuvering since ever," Doug spoke out loud. Even though Magneto was in the room, it appeared that Doug was the real master. He pressed switched and buttons with the skill of the experienced. His face was not sharing the glee, instead carrying pathos and resentment.

     This strain was made more problematic because Warlock was in the room. The techno-being short-circuited or wrecked the robots facing him/it. Amara and Roberto were also aggressive in their duties, melting or smashing the mechanical creatures that moved down to them. This was not a finishing job, due to the scrapped remains of the robots' decision to miraculously come back together into their aggressive form.

     "We have some Headmaster, don't you think?" Doug smirked.

     "So what is Amara's codename again?" asked Tenchi, trying to organize the codenames.

    "Magma," Doug shouted, throwing his hand to a switch. The cause had its effect as the whole room warped its natural surroundings, the participants isolated in form. The landscape transformed into a Roman ruin, where thousands of Roman soldiers jumped out of the hidden places. Tenchi made sure not to say something stupid like 'Where did they all come from?' but he sure felt like doing just that. The holograms were so real looking.

     When the light from Magma increased, the ground inside vibrated, upsetting the warriors' posture. They fell down. Cannonball and Sunspot then charged into this weakened onslaught, bashing the soldiers left and right. Warlock scooped them into a giant shovel, blocking much of the army's movement while giving his/its teammates time to divide and conquer any who got through. The act of teamwork was so obvious in message to Tenchi, remembering Dani's words this morning.

     A speaker sounded from the console. "Bonjour Le Professeur, I have received a call from Dani. She and Rahne have gone to a movie."

     This information inspired Tenchi to ask why Shan was not included in this session.

     "Because Shan has a job as secretary. She's trying to raise her brother and sister on her own." Doug's voice carried a bitter note. "Besides, her powers are more mental, though she has more power than I'll ever have."

     Tenchi sighed. Doug hated being worthless. Not being in the Danger Room with his teammates must have been hard for him.

     Magneto levitated through an opening doorway beside the window. He was in disagreement to that message. "Danielle is supposed to be here." Before one could expect an act of expressed anger, the Headmaster restrained himself. "Must be for the best. She is Rahne's friend, and Rahne is supposed to be absent from these classes." He didn't remark about the girl's previous wish to be included, though this paradox was definitely in his mind, as it was to Tenchi and Doug.

    "Continue the session," he commanded. "Then you and Tenchi get ready for tonight." He was gone.

     Doug turned the seat halfway, with his shoulders facing both console and teacher. His front was also in face to Tenchi. "So, what do you think of all this?"

     "I've been to Washu's Lab, remember?" Tenchi critiqued. "But if I can be astounded by this, Washu's must be even more impressive."

     Doug smugly made a playful expression, tapping the console with his hand. "Then I bet our humble technology will be just child's play for you!"

     Tenchi breathed at that. He knew that Doug was working on the right session to use for him. He couldn't use it now because the Danger Room's systems are only adapted the New Mutants and the X-Men.

     "I've already gotten yours done," Doug gave a surprising discovery to Tenchi. "But I'll save that for later. Enjoy your evening while you can!" he finished with an actor's artificial laugh.    

===

     Shan's distressed presentation of the letter gave Magneto an idea of its contents.

     The letter was marked to Professor Michael Xavier of the School for Gifted Youngsters, Magneto's alias as Headmaster. The sender was the Hellfire Club.

     Magneto's brow arose when he read the contents. The letter was signed by Sebastian Shaw and stamped with the symbol of the trident, the Club's insignia. The writing wished Magneto to make an audience with their Inner Circle. This gave Magneto possible misgivings. The Hellfire Club was actually a front for a group of mutants, all highly prosperous and influential figures in the country. They were also mortal enemies of the X-Men, with good reason. Sebastian Shaw, their Black King, had twice captured the X-Men. Selene, the Black Queen was an enemy to his students, especially to Amara. Roberto's father was also a member. At one time, Magneto's old henchman Mastermind had tried to enter its ranks (with disastrous results on the X-Man Jean Grey).

     Magneto had already crossed paths with Emma Frost, the White Queen. That was a hard battle. With cruel power from her student Empath, Frost was able to exploit Magneto's own self-doubts, doubts he had (and still had) since taking on Charles' role as teacher. These fears of failure, already strong, were amplified by that emotion-twister to the point where alcohol became Magneto's only sign of comfort. Egged on by Frost and his problems, the vulnerable Headmaster had no choice but to accept the White Queen's request of enrolling his troubled New Mutants into her own group of adolescents- the Hellions in her school in Massachusetts. It was a decision that he soon rescinded, though he had to admit to Frost's assistance in helping the New Mutants recover from damages brought on by their encounter with the Beyonder. Not that all the scars were removable. Two of the school's faculty, Tom Corsi and Sharon Friedlander had also fallen victim to the power of Empath. Their experiences had forced a leave of absence to recover.

     Even excepting his own experiences alone, Magneto was steadfast about accepting any invitations from any who came from that accursed club. His decision was to destroy the letter and blank out the memory to ignorance. He only got to the act of scrapping the letter into the trash.

===

     Tenchi walked out of the bathroom garbed only in a towel. His normal method of getting dressed was slightly complicated by the two pairs of clothes on his bed. The first was a suit borrowed from, of all people, Roberto. The other was his uniform. Although it belonged to him, Tenchi had never worn it before. Remembering Dani's precautions had forced him to the decision that was long denied. It wasn't as if Tenchi carried any antipathy to the clothing. Rather, he did not see any reason to put it on until now.

     Fitting on a pair of boxers, Tenchi stripped himself of the towel. He lifted up the black leotard, viewing it from the wall mirror. Memories of the day Sam gave him his belt to wear passed through his mind. He was made a member of this group. It was something to feel honored about. They thought him worthy of being included in their circle. It was the first time he was ever in a club.

     This club, however, had superheroes in it, which gave a funny irony. The dangers were not. Nevertheless, Tenchi knew that when he joined the group. From what he heard, the group had gone through much in one year. He hoped that tonight might prove peaceful in their illustrious schedule, but if things were opposite, his sword would be gladly unsheathed in their defense.

     Sitting on the bed, Tenchi pulled up the black leotard, his feet and heels bulging out of the strap on each end of the pant sleeves. It fit snugly; a perfect fit even though Tenchi never wore it before. He felt like a ballet dancer. Next to garb was the shirt. In the middle of this torso clothing was a yellow tunic with its sides removed. Next came the boots.

     Finally, Tenchi put on the red belt, clasping the X-buckle. He held off on the gloves for the moment, only squeezing them upon his belt.

     Tenchi looked at the mirror on the wall. He smiled a little at the sight. It wasn't as flamboyant as his Juriaian suit, but this uniform was weird. No feeling of pride came upon this fit. He felt nothing but a slight burden of awkwardness. What would the girls think of him in this?

     Despite the sense of alienation, Tenchi felt like he could belong here. This was not unique; He felt belonged at home too. The family symbolism was just as keen here as it was at Okayama. The school, like the Masaki household, garnered the most varied people from this world or the next. That would leave ideas of total isolation and discontinuity, but despite some problems, the opposites attracted into a unit. One person can act hostile to another, but generally be supportive in times of trouble. There was no distinction that made the New Mutants any less cooperative then Tenchi's own family.

     As were Ryoko and the girls, the New Mutants had become family to him. Doug had overrated his importance with them. Tenchi hoped to prove it for real, as Light-Ken.

===

     As the clouds lowered the light of day, Shan Coy Manh waited on the park bench, alongside the road. The bus was late. Shan cursed this setback. It would have been better to have a car. Unfortunately, she didn't know how to drive, despite her being of age, and she also couldn't afford the transportation.

     So she waited, thinking about today to pass the time by. She wished she got to know Tenchi more. The boy had an interesting life, with all those women. Then there was the matter of the Hellfire letter. To be sure, she did not hate the school they ran. She only mistrusted the powers behind it (with exception to the White Queen). She loathed the potential of being used again. She had a history of that. Her uncle used her family cruelly, her twin brother a victim of his evil. Then Amahl Farouk used her body and powers, enacting terrible actions that Shan tried not to think about. That would have been the pinnacle had she not became the Beyonder's pawn.

     The road was empty. The coming of the bus became a dependency for the future passenger. The skies were getting dark and gray, fine time for rain.

     Fortunately a light came from the distance. Shan looked out with hope. She was hungry, but she would not give attention to that. Leong and Nga would be home from school soon.

     It was a garbage truck that came from the road. To her disappointment, the bus had not come. She sat back down on the bench. When will it come?

     The Vietnamese girl got to the side of the road, trying to see what was following the truck. To her added disdain, nothing was revealed behind the truck that was passing her.

     She then saw a huge box falling on her.

     Sflanng! 

TO BE CONTINUED

* Opening passage written by Chris Claremont in NEW MUTANTS ANNUAL 2.

==================================================================================

TIMELINE:

NM= NEW MUTANTS

UXM= UNCANNY X-MEN

FF= FANFICTION

Week before

   UXM 206 - X-Men (except for absent Logan/Wolverine) leave San Francisco.

   FF (Chapter 1): X-Men go to Anchorage, find an empty Summers residence. Rachel persuades team to leave her behind to search for Cyclops/Scott Summers (she fails in locating him).

   NM ANNUAL 2 – Mojo kidnaps Betsy Braddock/Psylocke and the New Mutants. Betsy joins the School. Rahne/Wolfsbane (after a hiatus in Scotland) returns to the New Mutants.

   UXM ANNUAL 10 - Longshot joins the School. Mojo captures X-Men (except for absent Rachel). The New Mutants rescue them.

Saturday

   FF (Chapter 1):  Ororo/Storm and Kurt/Nightcrawler fly Longshot to Muir Island and Betsy to Great Britain.

   NM 45 - Spring Mixer that night. New Mutants and Kitty Pryde/Shadowcat meet Larry Bodine. Larry commits suicide later in the evening. Karma/Shan is with her family.

   FF (Chapter 1): Tenchi and Nobuyuki on plane to America.

    X-FACTOR ANNUAL 1 - The X-Factor team are in Russia.

Sunday  

   NM 45 - That morning, New Mutants learn about Larry's death.

   FF (Chapter 1): That afternoon, Tenchi and Nobuyuki land in New York. Arrive at Morgan Hotel in Salem Center. Tenchi takes the bus to the School.

   NM 45 - Kitty, Sam/Cannonball, Dani/Mirage, and Illyana/Magik stop Rahne's revenge on pranksters.

    FF (Chapter 1): Tenchi reaches the school that night, reuniting with the New Mutants. Illyana teleports Kitty, Sam, Dani, and Rahne to school. With permission from Magneto, Tenchi stays at the School. Meanwhile, Peter/Colossus and Rogue pick up Rachel at the airport.

Monday

     FF (Chapter 2): Magneto meets Doug/Cypher and Warlock that morning. Tenchi has breakfast, and gets formally initiated into the group, given the name "Light-Ken." Cleans dishes with Doug and Warlock. Tenchi meets Shan/Karma at her apartment.

     NM 45- Kitty Pryde presents her memorial speech for Larry Bodine to the students of Salem Center High School, as Magneto, Sam, and Dani look on.

     FF (Chapter 2): Tenchi, the New Mutants and the X-Men are also present in the audience. The New Mutants go to Harry's Hideout, than walk and race back to the School. Kurt, Ororo, and Betsy return.

     FF (Chapter 3): Doug greets Betsy. Tenchi visits Peter and goes to bed. Rachel and Magneto try to locate Scott Summers via Cerebro (fails). Logan/Wolverine gets seriously injured (predicted by Dani). Rachel attempts to heal Logan, only to injure herself. Illyana teleports the X-Men (Ororo, Peter, Kitty, Kurt, and Rogue) and their injured comrades to the Morlock tunnels. Healer saves Wolverine and Rachel, but both have to remain underground. Tenchi serves a Japanese dinner to the Mutants. The X-Factor returns to America.

Tuesday

     FF (Chapter 4): Dani puts Tenchi into a morning exercise. Illyana teleports to the Morlock Tunnels, then goes to Bloomingdale. Roberto, Amara, Betsy, and Warlock pull a joke on Tenchi. Nobuyuki Masaki visits the School and gives Tenchi four tickets for an evening show. Magneto receives an invitation from the Hellfire Club. Shan, Illyana, Rahne, and Dani are kidnapped. ==================================================================================

Next time: As Magneto gets a visit from his peer, the New Mutants play pawns in a vendetta-charged game of death. Even if a solution is found, the team might no longer exist in this world.