Through Hellfire and Back,

Part 5

Disclaimer: X-men Evolution is the property of Marvel and Kids WB. All the characters in this story are the property of Marvel. Marvel owns everything, everything!

Enjoy!

*********


Emma Frost casually made herself comfortable on a plush white sofa. Absently, she wondered what her fellow teachers would think if they could only see her now.

While Headmistress Frost was a formal woman who always appeared distinguished and proper, the White Queen was another story. The snow white bondage top and stretch pants which now hugged every inch of her shapely curves was evident proof of this. The outfit was accented by a pair of high-healed boots which ran themselves up to her knees, and long white gloves coming up to her elbows, so tight they could have served as a second skin. Distractedly she wondered if she should have also donned a cape, something expensive and fur-lined perhaps. She pushed the thought away, the weather was still too warm for such things.

One of her 'employees' brought out a crystal glass and bottle of expensive white wine. Emma filled the glass and took a sip, savoring every drop of the alcoholic delicacy. Really, her job might not have been all fun and games, but, as she surveyed the immense wealth she was surrounded by, she had to admit: the benefits plan was something else. Crystal chandeliers, angora carpeting and marble walls; all hidden in a complex far beneath the Academy. Yes, being headmistress had it's perks...... and being queen was even better.

Speaking of which....

She motioned to one of her servants, who flipped on the goliath screen before her, which dwarfed Emma and, indeed, the entire room complex by far. The latest and most advanced technology money could buy..... oh yes, that benefits plan was something else.

The television snapped to focus, revealing a dark room with poor lighting and three silent figures, one of whose features could be distinguished. Center stage was a gentleman of fifty, short stature with raven black hair decked out in a dark business suit. His eyes pierced ahead, making eye contact despite the miles of distance. The other two sat on each of his sides, all but hidden beneath the shadows of the room. It didn't matter, Emma knew all too well who they were. Inner circle echelon, part of the Lords Cardinal; a Black Bishop and White Rook.

It was a meeting of the Hellfire Club.

On the other side, Chairman Sebastian Shaw observed Frost, carefully scrutinizing her casual posture with fine comb and well-turned eye. Spreading his arms apart, elbows resting on the table, he lowered his chin onto his hands, one finger carefully tracing the cleft in his chin.

"Emma, how.... unexpected. To what to I owe the pleasure of speaking to our fair White Queen?"

Emma Frost took another sip of wine before giving response, stretching further in repose. Nothing could hide the satisfactory smirk on her lips as she hailed Shaw with her glass .

Shaw frowned, growing impatient with Frost's relaxed manner. She had left a message earlier stating important news for his ears. He wanted that information; now.

"Well, what do you have to offer me?"

Another sip. The White Queen was going to end up drunk before she talked at this rate.

"A proposition Shaw. It appears we have a welcoming new candidate who might interest the members of the inner circle."

Ahhh, now that was better! Perhaps it was worth his while to listen after all.

"Oh? Another mutant? How... fortunate. Care to elaborate?"

The White Queen didn't hesitate.

"A new student here, under my care. Her mind had quite a few interesting things to say." Emma's voice became almost mesmerizing. "I sense great potential in her.... and predict a great many uses for her gifts."

Good news, however.....

"Have you any proof that she'll be of value?"

"I have enough." Emma stated sharply.

Shaw nodded. Even if he hadn't a clue what this new mutant was capable of, a good review by the White Queen was always a pleasant thought. "How long will it take you to collect her?"

"Not long." The White Queen let out smoothly. "The poor, sweet child is already under my care. I'll pretend nothing is going on for now, let her lower her guard a little, find out what else I can."

"And then?"

"Why then," Emma's smirk turned to a full-fledged grin, as her eyes shone in delight. "Then, she'll be ours for the taking."

Laughter spit the air, as the Inner Circle started chattering about the details. For those employees who were present, the White Queen's words sent chills down the base of each spine.

The nights were growing colder in Snow Valley, Massachusetts.