X_silver_saffire_x:  I like them too.  However, one thing I like about writing is playing games with characters heads.  IF I make it a Lancitty, Lance's attitude gets a 180 (At least with her, more like a 45 with everyone else.)

Chaotic Boredom: I presume you refer to Mr. Trevais in your review for Chapter 3.  I do not know why your reviews contain questions, and I hope you continue them, for these are the questions I want people to ask.  And I agree, Rogue ain't Rogue if she ain't a goth girl.  As I told Silver_Saffire, Lance is going to be a much changed man in my fic, once I get through with him. *Screaming in background* I guess his rehabilitation from complete @$$hole to at least partially nice guy is going well. And Jamie kicks @&$, as he will show Lance, oh, say, at the end of this chapter.  Read on, o' chaotically bored one. And the rest of you too!

Chapter 5: Dojo Etiquette, Cyclops Vs. Sage, and the Hood!!

The students of Xavier's institute had been told that their hand-to-hand training would begin at dinner the day of the disastrous 'Shadow Stalker' simulation.  They were told to meet Mr. Trevais in the small building behind the school at 7:00 the next day.

When the time came, the Xavier students were all assembled, not a one of them quite sure of this.  After waiting for a minute, Kyle came up from behind them, dressed in an outfit the likes of which they had never seen before.

The entire outfit was a dark emerald color, with a strange symbol on the right breast.  The symbol was that of a fist with a closed eye over its fingers.  The pants were ankle-length and loose fitting, the shirt went to the wrists, and while the sleeves seemed to fit loosely, the part over the torso seemed to fit like a normal shirt.  Around his waist, he had a black belt, tied in a knot, with seven gold stripes running through it.

He walked past them silently, and stopped when his cane hit the porch in front of the small building.  His hand let go of the handle to the cane, and he brought both hands up to chest level.  He formed his right into a fist, and put it into the palm of his left, which he then put at a 45-degree angle to his fist.  His hands thus positioned, he bowed to the building, and then stepped up onto the porch.  Once on the porch, he reached down, and took his shoes off, put his socks in them, slid open the door to the building, and stepped in.

The rest of them looked at each other, the same question on all of their minds, what was that all about?  Shrugging, Bobby walked past them all, and stepped into the dojo.  Much to their surprise, Kyle's arm shot out from the right side of the door, barring his entrance at the last second.  He then came into the doorway again.  "Remove your shoe's and socks before entering the dojo."  Before Bobby or the others could protest, he continued, "It is a sign of respect to the others who use the building, the building itself, and those who are training with you.  I doubt any of you want a large bruise from being kicked by someone with their shoes on."  When offered that option, the entire team saw the wisdom behind his words.  After de-shoeing themselves, they entered the building.

At the far end of the room, on the opposite side of a large, blue pad that looked like it belonged in a gym, was Mr. Trevais, his eyes closed, legs crossed under him, meditating.

After several minutes, Scott spoke up.  "Mr. Trevais."  Before he could continue, Mr. Trevais spoke up, "I know you are there, Scott.  Kyle, instruct them in the basics of dojo etiquette. Then show them their gi's and how to put them on."

Kyle turned to his father, and bowed as he had to the building, "Yes sensei.  Sensei, I request to address the others who study here." Mr. Trevais nodded his permission, and then closed his eyes again.

Kyle turned to the other students of the Xavier institute, "First rule of any dojo, never address the resident master," at this he pointed to his father, "As anything but sensei.  This is a sign of respect, for he has worked long and hard to achieve the title, and deserves it as much as the Professor or Dr. McCoy deserve their titles. Second rule, is that you never wear shoes or socks in the dojo, as I told you already." At this, his face adopted an expression that screamed 'If-I-could-see-Bobby-I'd-throw-him-a-pointed-look.'  "The third rule is that you do not talk while in the dojo's walls.  If you must talk, then either request permission from the sensei, or request permission for you and the person to step outside.  The fourth rule is that you treat the building with respect. This is because it was once, long ago, customary to teach martial arts in a temple, and even now, this place can be looked upon as a place where you are learning an art form.  The fifth rule, is hanging on the racks against either wall.  Girls, yours are to the left, guys to the right."

At this pronouncement, the students headed in their respective directions.  On the racks, they found suits similar to the one Kyle wore, in varying sizes.  "You're names are on the patch on the left side of the chest." Kyle said, "And they have been made to your specifications. These are your gi's, and you are to wear them to every lesson.  There are two reasons for this.  One, they are specially made to be both protective from the blows of your classmates, and they also will keep you much cooler than they look like they will.  The other is that it is the traditional dress for martial arts in general, and, as even Wolverine will tell you, you don't walk onto the dojo floor without wearing your gi."

Kyle then walked over to a mannequin, which was wearing a gi.  "Now, you see this mannequin, it's an example of what you're going to look like if your gi is tied up incorrectly. Quite embarrassing, right?"

It was true, the mannequin's pants were down about ankle level, and the shirt looked disheveled, almost like a button-up shirt whose buttons have been messed up.  Kyle then proceeded to show them how to tie their gi's so that they wouldn't end up looking like the mannequin.  "I suggest you all go and change into your gi's.  There are changing rooms for that purpose, but be quick about changing."

The students, still a little stunned by the way Kyle was acting, had to be shooed along, although they ended up changing quickly enough.  When they walked out, each of them had their gi's on reasonably correct.  "Before we move on, Rogue, recheck the hanger your gi was on, there should be a pair of gloves there, also, there is a pair of cloth shoes by the door, please use them.  I doubt any of us feel like being absorbed."  He said, smiling to take the sting from the words.  She turned around, and indeed, there was a pair of gloves over the bottom bar of the hanger, she smiled slightly as she put them on, and the entire dojo sighed with relief.  Kyle then showed them their belts, and instructed them in tying them up correctly.  Once the other students had completed this, and made Kyle aware of it, he nodded, and turned to his father.

"Sensei, we are ready." After making this proclamation, he walked over to a small rug, and sat on it.

Mr. Trevais smiled, "Good." Then to the group as a whole, "I would appreciate it if you would call me sensei at all times.  Kyle does not jest when he said I worked hard for that title, it took me twenty years of training to achieve.  Today, we will merely have a demonstration.  I would like to ask that one of you volunteer to spar with Kyle."

Scott perked up at these words.  This was his chance to both get back at the younger kid, and to prove that he didn't need this training.  He quickly spoke up, "Sensei," and his tone of voice tried to make it an insult, "I would like to volunteer."  (AN: From here on I'm just going to write Sensei or Jacob for Kyle's dad, since that's what everyone will call him.  If the phrase sensei is capitalized, I'm referring to Mr. Trevais, if it's not, I'm referring to the title) Sensei nodded, and Scott quickly stepped forward.  Kyle stood up from the full lotus he had assumed on the rug, and calmly walked towards the center of the Floor. (AN: The Floor is the big blue pad I mentioned earlier.)  Upon reaching it, he brought his fist to his palm, and bowed three times. The first was to his classmates, the second to Sensei, and the third to Scott. Sensei spoke up at this, "You forgot rule number six of a dojo, Kyle. Before sparring, always bow to your classmates, your sensei, and your opponent."  Kyle's face assumed a slight flush of embarrassment. How could I forget that, I've been doing this since I was FIVE!!!  He shook it off quickly, as Sensei addressed the rest of the class. "There are more rugs around the edges of the pad. Each of them has one of your code names on it.  Please sit on the corresponding rug."  The students quickly complied.  Some of them assumed the classic Indian style, while others folded their legs to the side or under them.  Rogue, being the unique individual she is, placed her right foot flat on the rug, left leg perpendicular to the front of her foot, and leaned on her knee.  Scott began to imitate Kyle's bow, when Sensei once again spoke up, "Scott, that is not the bow for one of your skill." Sensei then stood up, and walked towards the two of them. "You, as a beginner, bow with both fists at your sides.  Kyle, as an advanced student, bows like you have seen him. I, as sensei, bow similarly to Kyle, but with my palm closed over the top of my fist." He then stepped back, and bowed to both of the students, and to the class.  "Begin." He stated, as he settled back to his rug.

Cyclops immediately brought his fists up to guard his face, a la boxing.  Kyle, having sparred with plenty of rookies in his time, and having heard the air rushing past his fists, could practically envision Cyclops's stance.  He shook his head, as he almost lazily assumed one himself.  He brought his right hand over to his left breast, the palm towards his left shoulder, fingers splayed.  His left hand settled just past the right side of his groin, the palm facing towards his hip, fingers splayed.  He bent his right knee, and extended his left leg towards Scott, thus giving him the appearance of drawing away from the older student.  Cyclops fell for the psychological trap the stance set for him, and rushed at Kyle.  The younger boy shook his head, as he heard the pounding of Scott's feet.  As Scott drew his arm back to punch, Kyle simply waited. As Scott's left flew through the air, Kyle turned his torso, dodging the punch.  Before Scott could withdraw his fist, Kyle's hand lanced out, and caught his wrist in a tight grasp. He then twisted Scott's fist across to his right side, turning Scott's back to him.  He then pulled his fist to just below the shoulder blades.  Leaning forward, he asked Scott, "Look familiar?"

"HAI!!!!" came the call from he side.  At that call, Kyle released Scott's hand, and stepped back to the place he had began.  The other students realized that he had found where he was supposed to stand by the pair of foot-shaped indentations in The Floor. Scott stepped back to a second pair that had been set about four feet away from him. Kyle then went through the same sequence of bows, class, sensei, and opponent, and this time Scott did the same, his attitude much changed.  Kyle then went back to his rug, and reassumed a full lotus.  Scott sat cross-legged on his rug, thinking about the defeat he was just soundly handed.

Sensei spoke from his mat, "You did well Scott, Kyle has defeated opponents in less time than even that." Then to the class, "The first thing that must be learned from that is to never underestimate your opponent.  Take young Jamie for example.  He is younger than you, but that does not make him less dangerous.  If properly trained, his power would make him a dangerous foe."  The rest of them thought of that, and cold shivers went down their spines. "Now," said Sensei, "Watch me, I am about to show you the basics of guarding yourself, and show you one of the most basic stances."

*After the lesson*

After the lesson, the students of the institute had been told how to fold their gi's, and then were sent to shower and change before dinner.  On the way to the institute, however, Scott caught up to Kyle.

"Hey, Kyle." Scott called. The blind boy turned to the source of the voice, and spoke, "Yes, Scott?"

"I'm sorry about the way I've been treating you and your dad…sensei, the last few days. I thought that I could fight just fine. But after my spar with you, I got to thinking.  And I realized something, I really don't know jack about fighting."

Kyle smiled, "Even the best of us make mistakes and errors in judgment, and even the oldest can learn something new. Come on, let's go get dinner and a shower, not in that order."

Bobby, who had been listening, laughed, "Yeah, Ms. Munroe would throw us out of the kitchen."

Kyle shook his head, as he had the image of the lady they called Storm, bodily removing each of the students from the kitchen.  It wasn't as hard as he thought it would be to imagine it.

(AN: Let's say that, thanks to the Professor, Kyle has a good idea of what each of his classmates looks like, (Gotta love telepaths))

*Thursday, after school*

The New Mutant team was gathered in the lounge, for the most important thing they had done all year.  No, it was not a meeting with the Professor, or prank-planning session…

It was a study group for Midterms.

"But why do you set it equal to zero?" Jubilee whined, not understanding quadratic equations in the least.

As Bobby began to sort Jubilee's confusion into understanding, he was, for once in his life, being serious.  Of course, Kyle threatening to show him the finer points of sparring was always a good encouragement to be serious.  Almost immediately after Jubilee found herself beginning to understand the equations, the Professor called them to the Planning room.

*Planning room*

When the Professor arrived in the planning room, he found the New Mutants suited up, wondering if they had missed a Danger Room session.

"No," Began the Professor, "I would like to see just how you're coming along in your training.  Therefore, you will be going to deal with the Brotherhood, who has launched a raid right through Downtown Bayville.  Beast will be accompanying you, as the driver of the X-Van." Bobby groaned, first, because Beast was coming, second, because they weren't taking the Jet.

However, Jubilee, who had heard from Kitty about the Brotherhood, had a question. "Professor, what if that Wanda character is there?"

The Professor turned to Jubilee, "She isn't.  The only ones you're facing are Avalanche, Blob, Toad, and Pyro, who seems to have jumped ships from the Acolytes."

Sage nodded, having read up, in Braille, on all of them. "Well then," he said, "Shall we go?"

As the team left, the Professor added one last detail.  "Bobby, you will be the tactical leader.  However, don't forget that the others are depending on you."

Bobby nodded.  This definitely made up for not taking the jet.

*The Battlefield*

The 'Hood was having a blast, tearing it up in downtown Bayville, when the New Mutants arrived.  When they climbed out of the X-Van, the Brotherhood began laughing so hard that they almost collapsed.

"What are they trying to do, yo? Make us die laughing?"

Pyro shook his head, "Ah' don' know, mate."

Annoyed by their laughter, Bobby turned to the rest of the team. "What do you say we show them that just because we're younger doesn't mean we can't beat 'em?"  With the resounding agreement to that, he, Amara, and Roberto powered up their mutations, transforming them into their well known Iceman, Magma, and Sunspot forms.  Kyle reached down to the small, stick-like object in one pocket, and pulled it out. (Not that, morons.) Pushing a button one end, a long shaft of ademantium extended, giving the stick all the appearance of his cane.  Seeing this, the Brotherhood started laughing harder.

Kyle stepped forward, cane in hand. "Might I ask just what you find so amusing?"

Toad answered him. "Y… Y… You guys are so desperate, you send a blind man, yo." He couldn't take it, and broke down laughing again.

He smiled, "I bet I could probably wipe that smirk off his face in twelve seconds."

Berserker laughed a little hysterically, "Try eight, Sage."

Toad stopped laughing at that, "You think so, yo.  Well then, lets see."  And with that, he jumped at

Sage.

Sage heard him launch himself into the air, and the rushing noise that was a small-ish body flying through the air.  When it drew closer, he shook his head, "Bad idea." He said, as he brought his left foot around, catching Toad in the side of the torso.  The kick, which would have already hurt, was made worse by virtue of Sage changing his density to that of a diamond. (AN: I don't remember if I had Beast mention it, but, when Kyle changes his molecular density, he takes on the properties of whatever else has that exact density.  So, if he does ice, he floats on water, if he does diamond, he becomes incredibly hard and heavy, etc.)

While Toad was trying to stand himself back up, Kyle looked back towards the Brotherhood. "Rule number one, never underestimate your opponent." Toad emphasized this for him by launching some of his projectile slime, which caught Kyle dead in the side.

Kyle reached down, and brushed off some of the slime.  "Disgusting." He said his voice more than a little perturbed.

Iceman nodded, and then said, "Let's get em.  Berserker, you and Jubilee take Toad for a spin.  Magma, you, Sage and I will take Blob.  Boom-Boom, you and Sunspot take Pyro. Short-stuff, you, Wolfsbane, and Cannonball take out Avalanche." The New Mutants nodded, although Boom-Boom muttered a little about 'arrogant Brazilians' and Jamie complained about 'him not being short.'

The fight then began in earnest.  Toad jumped at Jubilee, hoping to take her out of the fight quickly.  This proved to be a bad idea when he got a face full of red fireworks, followed quickly by a punch to the face.  When Toad fell back, his nose throbbing, Jubilee shook her hand, "Damn, his face his hard."  Berserker had little difficulty giving Toad a medium sized blast of electricity, which put him out of the fight.

Pyro was proving a tougher opponent. Since he could control the flames that Sunspot created, said fire-making Brazilian was forced to use his fists, and the other powers he had at his disposal during the day.  Boom-Boom's power proved just as useless, as her 'cherry bombs' created more than enough fire to play with.  Jubilee and Berserker looked at each other, and nodded.  Jubilee ran forward, distracting Pyro by projecting fireworks that had a disturbingly fire-like color to them.  While the sparks, and the other two mutants, distracted him, Berserker snuck behind him, and fried his flamethrower.  Once he had lost the means to create his own fire, he was at the mercy of his four opponents.

Blob was proving to be even more difficult.  While Iceman and Magma were peppering him with fire and ice, Sage was forced to get in close and fight the much larger mutant.  As yet another punch came at Sage, he yet again ducked underneath the fist, and yet again hit the massive mutant, this time in his solar plexus.   However, due to the Blob's size, Sage's fist could not penetrate enough to do more than normally.  Or maybe it did do something, as the Blob actual was hurt, for the first time in years.  This actually served to outrage him, and he came at Sage, fists first.  Sage, sensing that staying this close was a bad thing after he avoided the fifth punch only because he used his mutation to change to the density of mist, began to execute a set of back-flips that would make gymnasts jealous, taking him well out of the Blob's way.  On his way past Iceman and Magma, he quickly called out "FREEZE THIS GUY!!!"  Iceman, catching on to what Sage meant, encased Blob in a very thick block of ice.

Avalanche was finding that, unlike Pyro, he had gotten the worst possible set of opponents.  The little kid may have been easy to knock down, but after the third time, he realized that he wasn't just seeing things, and that there were more of him every time he knocked him down.  And when you have to fight the same mind in thirty bodies, things get ugly.  On top of that, the girl could transform into a wolf, or anything in between, making her more agile than the other two.  And the other kid, the one with Rogue's accent…  Well, Avalanche learned after he saw the kid nearly take out the side of a wall that getting in his way when he charged was bad.

Taking stock of the situation Avalanche made a tactical decision.  "RETREAT!!!!" He called.  Toad, who was just collecting himself, began to do so, although he acquired Pyro a lighter on the way.  Using the lighter. Pyro Defrosted the blob.

"Wha…"

"C'mon mate, we pullin' out."

Blob nodded, and then withdrew with the others.

The New Mutants were thoroughly pleased with themselves as they climbed into the X-Van.  However, once they finally got back to their studying, Jubilee let out a frustrated sigh. "Just when I start to get it, we get called out and I lose it again!"

Bobby laughed, then sat down next to Jubilee to re-re-teach her quadratic equations.  However, all through the process, a single thought ran through his mind, Jubilee is sure cute when she's frustrated.

R&R PWWWWWEEEEEEAAAASSSSEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!