Chapter Eight
The woman spoke once more, running a hand over the cement Phoenix's wing. "Introductions are in order. This is Charles Xavier's Institute for Higher Learning. He founded this school as a haven for mutants like yourselves and like me. I am the headmistress of this school, Emma Frost. You will address me as Miss Frost at all times. The headmaster is Scott Summers, though some of you may know him by his codename, Cyclops, who is busy at the moment. Now, the tour."
As Emma moved forward into the school and lead the girls through, they followed almost silently, uncomfortable around each other. "This is the main building, children. The first floor has classrooms, faculty offices, and the ballroom which will also serve as an assembly hall." They walked past many paintings hanging on the walls decorating the mansion, passing several students on their way who immediately recognized them as rookies, but said nothing in the presence of Miss Frost. They continued into a room which was obviously a cafeteria.
"This is our cafeteria. It will be open from breakfast until dinner to accommodate any variation of eating schedules." Several carts were offering up any type of food, but what was unique about the room was the glass-paned walls. A dome in actuality, brown paneling interrupted the glass in a fashionable style, obviously much improved since the mansion had been rebuilt. She led them out the sliding door of the cafeteria to the back area.
"We have a basketball court and swimming pool out back. However, be advised that if you hear the Klaxon go off, you are to clear the courts immediately. The hangar for the X-Men's jet is directly below, and the court is retractable." There was also a lake. The swimming pool was large and contained many children, while the basketball court only contained two mutants going one-on-one. The rookies watched them use their powers to combat each other, only to be led to the side building.
"This is the girls' dormitory building. On the other side of the main building is the boys' dorm. Past ten p.m., all students are to be in the dorms. Their dorms. This hedge maze was designed by Giancarlo Betto, the famous mutant landscaper." The hedge maze was huge, containing nothing short of a labyrinth. Emma motioned to the other side of the building, near a pathway into the surrounding forest.
"That's my office over there and the door is always open." She didn't need to take them inside for them to already know that it was elegant.
"On the second floor is the gym and faculty housing. But the exciting areas...The areas for which you need a teacher with you...Those are downstairs." Emma pressed a red button, waiting for the elevator and satisfied as the rounded compartment slid open and fit all of them with no problem, soon opening into the sub-levels. She led them out of the elevator and into an all-steel hallway, her heels clicking lightly against the floor.
"This sub-level is where most of the X-Men activity takes place. Down this corridor, for example, is Cerebra, our mutant detection system. It can locate any mutant, anywhere. Only a skilled telepath like myself can enter the chamber and use Cerebra." Cerebra was guarded by a large, circular door, basically fitting the decor of all steel accessories. They approached a door that clearly stated: Danger Room, No Student Access Without Faculty Advisor. Emma slid a card she had handy through and the door slid open to reveal a large, empty, circular room, a blue-tinted control hub at the top for observation.
"This is the Danger Room, where the X-Men have advanced combat training. This room will remained locked at all times as the simulations are quite realistic. Only faculty and X-Men can open it. The Danger Room conjures up obstacles or opponents to test control of powers and combat abilities. Danger Room scenarios are brought online and kept in check from the station above. Which brings us to the end of our tour." Ruby red lips twitched into a small smirk, using a hand to shoo them away. "Return to your dorms or recreation areas if you wish, just don't bother me right now. Go mingle amongst yourselves."
With that, the four girls all traveled to the elevator, going upstairs before stopping awkwardly in the cafeteria. "Hey...Is anyone hungry?" The first one to bring up the question was Eve Illusen, bringing a good natured smile to her friendly features. The rest nodded, except for Kat, who rolled her eyes immediately.
"I doubt they have edible food here. My stomach is sensitive except when it comes to exquisite food. Sorry kids, but I'm out." With that, the psionic butterfly left the cafeteria, leaving the other girls confused.
"Bitch." Cassie spoke for the first time.