Through Hellfire and Back,

Part 23

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

Enjoy!

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Early afternoon had sprung up upon Bayville by the time the Wolverine was able to make his full report to Professor Charles Xavier. It was one neither could forget, the words tumbling out of the mouths of all involved in the affair as it had happened.

A Bank robbery.

A mutant thief.

Kitty.

Around the mansion's main communications area, the words of the X-men fell upon the ears of it's entire residence population, as the professor made the connection available to all. There were some things he could hide, but now, with the entire elite team aware, there was hardly any point. Ororo, Hank, the New Mutants, all listened as the report went on. Gasps of astonishment and whispering of disbelief filtered through young lips, as disbelief clouded all the minds of the room. All save one.

"So that's the entire story?" Xavier's eyes remained on the video screen which showed the visage of the X-men. Most of his charges were allowing Logan to do most of the talking as they mentally prepped for their next set of orders. All save Rogue, who remained sitting in the back, eyes closed as she rested from the entire ordeal. It had taken some time, but most of all the false memories had been recalled with better precision; enough, at least, to give them a few names.... and a few faces.

"The White Queen...." Xavier spoke the name out loud, almost as if whispering the name of a ghost. His full attention reverted to the screen. "And you say this woman is Kitty's new headmistress?"

"Yep." Logan grunted. "By the look of things, between Rogue's memory out takes and Jean's own deduction, we're figuring she's some high-playing princess who decided to have a little fun with half-pint's mind and memories."

"Another telepath." Xavier stated fact, rather then question. "And a powerful one at that. This mind-altering appears to be quite a large amount of work. She's done more then simply cloud the mind or taken control.... it's almost as if she's given Kitty an entirely new one altogether."

"That's what it sounds like Chuck. Question is, even *if* we do manage to grab half-pint again, do you think you can fix'er back to normal?"

"A good question old friend." Xavier let out a deep sigh. "Unfortunately, one I can't answer just yet as well. This sort of work.... I've never come across such a situation. To be honest, I'm uncertain if my own mind would be able to handle such a task."

His eyes averted to those of his other charges, observing silently the signs of concern for their friend. The quivering of the lip, the tear on the cheek, the erratic thoughts of the mind- all stood out upon his pupils. Could he really let all of them down? Could he let Kitty down?

"However," he took a deep breath, continuing, "I can try."

Visages of hope exploded all around, and Charles Xavier found himself smiling inside, despite the severity of their dire situation. He would do it; they would do it. They would succeed, no matter how difficult the task. They were, after all, the X-men.

"So, " he changed the subject slightly, "where do you intend to proceed from there?"

"Rogue says she's picked up on images of a major stronghold down in Snow Valley, and let me tell you, everyone here is good to go. Say the word and we'll get right on the rescue."

"Excellent idea. However, I would advise caution; if this White Queen is truly as dangerous as you've described, she may be more then you can handle. Perhaps I should send others- Storm, Hank, or some of the New Mu-"

*RIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG*

Charles Xavier found himself cut off at once. All thoughts were disturbed as the main phone line to the institute started to sound off it's hook. Ororo made her way over to the other line, where, blue eyes widening slightly, she turned dubiously to her professor.

"Professor Xavier, I believe you should take this."

"Oh?" Xavier scrutinized his eyebrows. "Who is it from?"

"A Ms. Frost." Ororo's voice trailed with cold venom. "A Ms. Emma Frost."

Xavier's eyes widened, as did the eyes of everyone else, in and out of the room, on and off screen.

Ororo continued, realizing she had everyone else's attention, with one hand covering the portable phone's mouthpiece. "Yes, she says she'd like to discuss something with Charles about our students....."

"Very well." Xavier kept his perplexed notions to himself as the dark woman passed over the receiver. "Charles Xavier speaking, how may I help you."

"Emma Frost, Headmistress of the Massachusetts Academy." The sultry voice on the other end purred. "I understand your pupils had a run in with one of my own last night?"

"Had a run in with one of my former students." Xavier corrected. What was this woman playing at?

"That she was darling. However, I'm afraid she won't be able to return anytime soon; on the contrary, I was thrilled when her guardians informed me that her enrollment will be a permanent one. She's doing quite well you know: she does what's expected out of her and has proven past every test she's come across here. Overall, I'd say that Miss Pryde has proven to be a most valuable student here now; her full potential is starting to come out quite nicely."

"I've recently been informed otherwise." Xavier's voice was more blunt then it had ever been.

"Oh? You don't agree with my methods? I should mention, my mind-on techniques have proven to give some rather impressive results."

The wheelchaired educator didn't bother to ignore the reference. It was all too clear that Emma was aware of his status, and exactly what had transpired last night. "I'd hardly call becoming a teenage thief full potential, and as for your methods, given how well-informed you appear to be on the full situation, I doubt I need to tell you my opinion on _those_."

"Pity." The lack of concern or feeling was obvious.

"What do you want?" Xavier commanded. It was clear that Emma was trying to enjoy a little mind game, however the telepathic professor currently had neither the time nor the mood to play.

"Why, a chance for our students to do a little educational exchange of course." Emma continued on, undaunted. "Thanks to that little memory stealer of yours, I'm certain you've heard all the news by now, about how you're no longer the only educational facility for the gifted." The smug voice continued. "Although I doubt you're willing to let Kitty remain here for much longer. Tell me, is that large beast of a thing you call the Blackbird prepped for Snow Valley yet?"

"We won't allow Kitty to remain under your control!" The raising of Xavier's voice startled some in the back. Seeing the professor loose his temper was not a common occurrence.

"Tut tut, temper temper, my dear man. Kitty's fate has already been chosen. The girl is mine Xavier, don't forget it!" She hissed. Then, calmer, "However, as you are going to be in my neighborhood regardless, I though it better manners to send a formal invitation."

"Where?" Xavier's voice went cold. "At your own Academy I suppose."

"Don't be ridiculous Xavier. Bringing your students to my school would create a ruckus for both ends. I don't need it, and unless you want more bad press for our kind, about a group of mutants destroying one of the country's top educational facilities, I suggest you agree. So, let's set it somewhere more out of the way- I hold a rather large amount of favor at a local club, the Valiant Night. It's not much, I though it just a place to put my feet up until... better arrangements were made. This evening of course, unless you have other plans?"

"That's hardly away from the public." Xavier interjected. "What about the innocents above?"

"You misunderstand, assuming I *care* about those prattling humans." Emma snapped. "Besides, between the music above and the protected lower levels, we'll be fine. I simply don't wish to be bothered at work. There's a back entrance reserved for special parties, I'd give directions but I'm certain an *illustrious* group such as yours will be able to find it."

"How can we assume this isn't a trap?"

"You can't." Emma paused, allowing her words to fully sink in. "However, I think the consequences if you don't come might be worse if you refuse." The White Queen didn't bother to give further specifics on that. Experience had taught her long ago that the imagination was more often then not far worse then any explicit details.

Xavier closed his eyes. She was right damn her. Did they really have a choice in the matter? "Understood."

"Good boy. Oh, and don't forget to come take a look yourself. We really should speak, headmistress to headmaster." Ms. Frost chuckled slightly. "See you then." The phone clicked as the other end went dead.

"Well?" Hank put his hand on Xavier's shoulder, calmly waiting for the news over what had just transpired.

"It appears there's going to be a meeting." Xavier's right thumb went under his chin, considering. He returned to his X-men, who had remained watching on the other line, awaiting their newest plan of action with bated breath. "X-men, head on to Snow Valley, but turn on the X-jet's homing signal. Storm and I will take an alternate transportation and meet you there."

"What about us?" Bobby asked from behind.

"Yeah, can't we come too?" Jamie put in, only to be bumped by Ray. Roberto raised his knuckles hopefully, while Tabitha cracked a fist into her palm.

"No." Xavier shook his head. "It's clear that Ms. Frost is a dangerous individual, and I don't like the idea of sending all of us against this unknown faction. The rest of you remain here with Beast while I'm gone. Storm, you-" he gave a nod to the white haired woman, who nodded back in full understanding, "-will accompany me. We'll assemble with the others in the Valley." He started to wheel out of the room, turning to face the others one last time in the doorway. "Hopefully, we'll return safely..... with Kitty. Then we'll try to help her, and undo the damage the White Queen has caused to her mind.

"Understood." Hank nodded.

"Good. Now, Storm," Xavier turned his head towards Ororo once more. "Ready yourself. We leave immediately."