Attention: Generation X and their villians, as well as any other mutant mentioned in this story, is property of Marvel Comics. The character Richard Cale is named after family relations. Any other reference to anything copywrighted is a chance happening.

Class Dismissed

Questions Answered

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I. Bob
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Bob smiled and nodded as he mingled among the crowd. He loved this. At these parties, he was the center of attention. For all the years and experience working with Canon had brought him, Bob was unparalleled in his knowledge of the inner workings of the political system. And now everyone wanted in, everyone wanted to give him their opinions in hope that it might become an issue in the next big election, or become the topic of hot debate somewhere. Thanks to Canon Bob's name was synonymous with the political world, and also thanks to Canon, his name was on the lips of Hollywood to. That last part was at his request. Everyone wanted to be a big name in Hollywood with the least amount of effort, and thanks to Canon, Bob's name was known all across LA.

Bob was dealing with a young actress now who wanted him to mention her name to a director Bob allegedly knew. Bob was laughing it up and enjoying every minute of it, until his cell phone rang. It was the important cell, too; the one attached to a vid-phone elsewhere in the house. Bob excused himself and headed down the hallway, flipping open the cell phone as he went. "Bob Bonega." He said in his best business tone as he hurried towards the vid-phone, "Make it quick."

"I need to speak with Robert DiSalle," came the voice on the other end of the phone. Bonega recognized it immediately; it was that Cale fellow. He and Canon had been keeping in touch with each other quite frequently since the incident a few months ago. "Tell him it's about the issue concerning Japan."

"Yes, of course." Bob replied as he entered the vid phone room. He nodded to an agent standing in the corner and the man left the room to find Canon. Bob went to work hooking up the cell phone to the video screen.

Within a few moments, a large figure entered the room wearing a suit and followed by about four other men. "You may go." Canon said to his entourage as he approached the video screen.

"Nice to see you again," Rich said as Canon sat down before the video screen, "especially since our last face to face encounter."

"Likewise." Canon replied, "I trust you received the information we tracked down. Did any of it prove helpful?"

"Indeed, it did prove helpful." Rich responded, "The person involved is now under arrest. I do appreciate the help in tracking him down." Rich motioned to the small crowd in the room with him on his end of the transmission, "It should also be good news to the students in my care. I invited them in for this."

"Really?" Canon replied, "And did the baseline put up much of a fight as he was being detained?"

"Well, he didn't like being discovered, but he didn't realize that I knew of his plan. He tried to say my student was a scientist. Not that he was aware she was my student"

"Well, here's hoping that he gets what he deserves." Canon grinned as he raised his glass. As he finished, he said, "Is Miss Lee there with you now?"

"Indeed, Jubilation, please step forward."

"Jubilation," Canon said, growing a bit more somber, "I want you to know how much I regret for the trouble I caused you in Japan. Nothing I can do can make up for it, but I hope you will at least accept my apologies."

There was a moment of silence before Everett spoke up "Sir, I think you left her speechless."

"Which is very hard to do," said the boy named Darrett.

"Well, at any rate, I'm glad the madman's plan has been foiled. And I appreciate the help. Good luck to you all in the future," Rich said as he prepared to end the conversation.

Canon responded. "Indeed."

"Mr.Cale?" Bob piped in, "Good luck on your new post." Skitz nodded and the screen went blank. Bob turned to his employer and said, "Do you really think it's the best idea to trust him?"

Canon raised an eyebrow, "Well now, Bob, questioning my judgment?" Canon stood and approached his protégé, "that is very unlike you." Canon chuckled a little, "No, Bob, Rich has shown his respect to me and I am simply showing respect in return. Canon still trusts no one, but that doesn't mean I have no need for allies."

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II. Jubilee
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Jubilee sat quietly, since she was still shocked at the apology. After the whole affair in Japan was over, everyone had gotten her filled in on what had happened. Now, the man who had hired 'The Hand' had apologized to her. When she finally composed herself again, she finally said, "I can't believe he thinks an apology will solve it."

She was almost startled when Rich said, "When if comes down to it, he apologized for being duped into being part of the whole mess. That, I think, was what he wanted to set straight. Over all, Canon was not used once, but twice."

She looked at him and shouted, "HE WAS USED!?!?!. HOW ABOUT I WAS USED!"

She was startled when Rich looked at her and said, "If it wasn't for his help, I wouldn't have found the man who wanted to use you in a new version of Sentinal. Face it, Jubilee, first he was used by Adrienne to try and kill me, and then, he got used twice because 'The Hand' was paid by that man to capture you. Canon got duped twice, and I wouldn't have known about the traitor in my own company if he hadn't kept in touch."

She was amazed by that. She then heard Clarice say, "So that's who the strange calls were with. The man who was behind the whole mess in Japan. How can you trust him? You heard what Kevin and Christy had said."

Jubilee was surprised when Rich looked at Clarice and said, "I don't trust him, but I respect him. When he realized he was being used, he no longer wanted to fight me. It's like a mututal respect for each other arose at that time during the sword fight. Plus, something I found out when I had his power; when he found out what Jubilee's fate was going to be, he started planning her rescue."

Jubilee was surprised more by that little item. She looked at Rich and said, "You mean after he found out that 'The Hand' was going to send me to Genosha, he was planning a rescue. I guess he isn't the evil madman we were told he is."

She then heard Yvette say, "He has some issues. Rich had told me about some of them. I think he's still morning a loss. Rich even hopes he'll changes his ways."

She then heard Everett say, "You are always hoping for the best for people, aren't you, Rich?"

She watched as Rich nodded and said, "Yes, that is the truth Everett. I have to hope for the best. Speaking of that topic," Jubilee knew what had entered into Rich's mind. He wanted to know what they had decideded about the job.

Before he could continue, Jubilee smiled and said, "Everett and I are accepting the job offer in Chicago. It's gonna be good for the both of us." She smiled at Everett and saw him smile back. It was going to be nice spending the rest of her life with Everett.

They were all surprised when she heard Emma said, "Well, that has things set for almost all of Generation X. Now, if you students wouldn't mind, we need to speak with Rich and Yvette." She turned to see Emma had Professor X and Jean with her. Whatever was about to happen, it was a major psychic issue. She decided maybe it was best if they leave.

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III. Yvette
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Yvette went pale when she heard what Emma had said. It was the thing she had been fearing all day, and she hadn't told Rich what was happening yet. She had kept an eye on the others earlier, mainly because she was concerned about them looking for her. She had almost been late for rehersal, but got there in time. She looked at the others and said, "Maybe it is best if you all go." She watched as all the students left the room and Emma, Jean, and Professor Xavier entered.

As they entered, she heard Rich say, "Is there something wrong, Emma? I haven't been around much of today, but I take it something is bothering you." It was at that time she went to close the door, that she saw Grimore enter, and jump up on the desk. She was almost surprised when Rich picked up Grimore and said, "Grimore, how are you? Did you miss me?"

It was then that Professor Xavier said, "It looks like he did miss you. He seems to be a bit protective of you as well."

She could see Rich was very weary of his next words. His first words were to her as he said "Hun, what is going on here?" He then said to Xavier, "Any pet is cautious of his owner. Animals care for their owners, and will help them if they can. Why do you ask?"

She watched, but silently said in their mindlink. "Grimore encounted Xavier last night, on the Astral Plane." She saw Rich almost frown at that.

She then heard Emma say, "I take it Yvette just told you why we are here. Charles had an encounter on the Astral Plane. All the evidence points to your cat, and frankly I myself would like some answers."

Yvette just calmy said, "If we do answer your questions, you must respect that we can't answer them all." She watched as Rich nodded in agreement. She then went over and stood next to Rich and said, "What do you want to know about Grimore?"

She saw Jean look at them and said, "I remember Hank once mentioned that Grimore was a familiar. Is that true?"

She listened as Rich said, "That's true. He's a familiar bound to my family. As long as the Cale family is around, Grimore will be around. He also protects the family from threats, or what he perseves as threats."

She then heard Xavier say, "Does that include communication, as in speaking with the attacker?"

Yvette noticed Rich look at Grimore, and then back at Xavier and said, "It may very well include that. However, he won't speak with anyone other than me and Yvette. Now, if you had the encounter on the Astral Plane, it might have happened differently. However, if he had to face you, there must have been a reason. Why did he encounter you?"

She noticed that Xavier looked uneasy, and that was when Emma said, "This morning, Charles noticed something odd happening on the Astral Plane. When he went to investigate, he ran into Grimore. I take it this was something you were part of." She watched as Rich nodded and she then said, "I shall also guess that it was for your eyes only."

When Rich nodded, she saw Jean nod and say, "Then maybe we should not pry anymore. It is obvious to us that what ever happened was meant for you. I may make one suggestion, Richard, and that is you tell the others about Grimore. If you don't do it soon, it may haunt you. Now, I believe you have some of the other students to talk to."

Yvette looked at Rich and said, "She's right. We still need to know about Angelo, Daria and Mondo." She watched as Rich nodded. She motioned everyone out of the room and then looked at Rich and Grimore. She could tell Rich was upset with Grimore, but she knew they could talk about it later. She smiled and said, "Hun, we need to talk with the others. You two can talk later."

She watched as Rich got up and said, "We will talk later, Grimore, especially about who you decide to confront. Right now, I have students to attend to, but I will talk to you later, Grimore." She smiled at that until she heard Rich say, "He messed up big time. He knows it. Now, lets find the others." She followed Rich as they headed out of the office, in search of the others.

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IV. Ororo
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Ororo walked with Kyuukai down the hall to find Godiva. She could tell Kyuukai was still a bit out of it due to her experience. As they walked, Ororo looked at Kyuukai and said, "Kyuukai, I've seen how you and Godiva act with each other. How did you two meet?"

She noticed Kyuukai smile as she said, "Oh, that was a magical night. The past few weeks at school, I had seen her around, and thought she was so beautiful. The only thing was, she kept talking with one guy, and I wondered who he was. I found out it was Rich and I asked him what my chances were with Godiva. I didn't know her orientation at that time."

She got the feeling that this was almost a fairy tale love story. The only difference with this one from the one's she had heard was that the prince and the princess were both princesses. She looked at Kyuukai and said, "So what else happened?" She did want to hear the end of the story.

She noticed Kyuukai smiled as she said, "Well, Rich said go to the dance and wait. When I got there, I waited, and Rich arranged for the most beautiful scene. Everyone parted to let her enter, and for one whole dance, only the two of us were dancing. As we danced, I saw Rich leave the dance area. Not to long after that, he left for college. It was a magical night."

Ororo had to agree with that. It sounded beautiful. She then noticed that they were at the hall, and Godiva was sitting in a corner. Ororo could tell something was bothering the girl, and hoped Kyuukai could cheer her up. She walked up to Godiva, noticing Mondo and Daria there, and said, "Godiva, glad to see you here. Someone is eager to see you."

She saw Godiva look up and smile as she said, "Kai, you are better. I could use your support now." She could see something was truely bothering her.

Ororo looked at Godiva and said, "Child, what is wrong? What is bothering you so much?" She didn't like to see people upset, and it was clear to her that Godiva was upset.

She then heard Daria say, "I think her mood is partially our fault. We told her about how I came to be here." Ororo was confused by this, but then she didn't know the full story of how Daria came to be at the school. Daria then said, "You see, I was in the care of her father before I came here."

Ororo was confused by this. She didn't know who Godiva father was, but it was something that was still bothering the girl. She was confused by this as she said, "What happened with you father?" She could tell Godiva didn't want to talk about it, but was also surprised by the fact that she didn't know.

She was almost surprised when she heard Angelo say, "Oh no, don't tell me you told Godiva about that, Daria." She turned to see Angelo had just walked into the room. Something told her that whatever it was, it was big, and maybe Angelo could answer her question.

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V. Angelo
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Angelo looked at everyone and noticed how puzzled Ororo was. He then looked at Daria and Mondo and said, "Did you two tell Godiva about her father, and about everything that followed that moment?"

He watched as Mondo and Daria nodded and Godiva said, "They told me everything, Angelo. However, I don't think Ororo or Kai knows. If you have a shorter version to tell, Angelo, you should tell it."

Angelo thought about it for a moment and decided that a short story would do. "To keep it short, about a month after Rich joined, all hell broke loose. Soon afterwards, Bastion from Zero Tolerance showed up. It was at that time we found that Rich was related to him, and to save Rich's life, he killed himself and destroyed all of Zero Tolerance. I think you know the rest."

Angelo was startled when he heard Rich say, "I think we all know the rest, Angelo." He turned to see both Rich and Yvette coming into the room. He was almost startled when Rich walked up to Godiva and said, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you all this, but I had taken it hard. I didn't know how you'd take it. Who was the first to tell you about it?"

He watched as Godiva motioned over to Daria and Mondo. He watched and followed Rich's glance as Daria said, "We both told. You see, we want to help her at the museum, instead of taking your job offer. I thought I needed to bond, in a sister sort of way."

It was then Angelo remember what he had to tell Rich. He wasn't going to take the job offer either. He honestly didn't know what he was going to do. He was already declared dead in most of the world. He wasn't even sure if anyone suspected the truth. He looked at Rich and Yvette and said, "Rich, I need to tell you something."

He was almost startled when Yvette said, "You aren't going to take the job. I could sense it in your mind." Something bothered him about it, but was also glad that Yvette's psychic abilities were improving. He then saw an apologetic look cross her face as she said, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been looking."

He realized she hadn't meant to invade and smiled. He just said, "No harm done. I just wasn't sure how to tell you. I mean, given my background, it might be awkward to take a job. I'll figure something out, but I don't think you should worry about me."

He watched as Rich smiled and said, "It's cool, Angelo, but do keep in touch. At least I now know about all the students and their plans. I suggest we all rest up now. Tomorrow is a very big day." He then saw Rich and Yvette head out of the room, and noticed that Grimore was following them. He knew pets would sometimes follow their owners, but how Grimore acted was just plain weird. He wondered, just like he had before, if there was more to Grimore than anyone let on.

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VI. Grimore
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Grimore walked quietly behind Rich and Yvette. He knew Rich was upset, and he was sure he knew why. Soon, they arrived at the apartment and Rich openned the door. He followed them, seeing Gabe reading one of the books in Rich's library. When the door was closed, he heard Rich say, "Grimore, we need to have a nice chat, about Professor Xavier."

He looked at Rich almost apologetically, and said, "With all due respect, I could not let him in to what was meant solely for you. I was to protect what happened from everyone." To him, his explaination was reasonable. However, he could tell Rich wasn't excepting it.

He was startled when Rich shouted, "You think the founder of this school would hurt people. What ill will could he have?" It was obvious to Grimore that Rich had forgot the incident that drove him to the school in the first place. The incident with Onslaught, which was caused by Charles Xavier.

Grimore looked straight at Rich and said, "Need I remind you of the incident with Onslaught. That was caused by Professor Xavier. Beside, if he is so benevolent, why did he have to investigate? Also, why weren't Godiva and Kyuukai asked to come to the school? I know why you weren't asked. They had no clue you were even a mutant. I hate to say this, sir, but look at Xavier's own X-men. Look at the powers they have. They are very powerful, and look at your own classmates. Why the interest in them?"

He watched as Rich took a step back. He could tell he hit a point that bothered Rich, and something that Rich had never thought of. He then heard Yvette say, "Grimore, do you think Professor Xavier has other reasons for picking the students here?"

Grimore looked at her and said, "If I remember what I heard, Yvette, you were not picked, but left here. I'm not even sure if Xavier himself knew the extent of your powers. I think if he would have known, you would have been invited by Xavier himself." He then saw her sit down in shock. Apparently, his words were having more power than he thought they would have.

It was then he heard Gabe say, "You know, it sounds to me that Xavier has good intentions, but he's trying to get people together to help him if things go wrong. Sort of to help keep the dream alive. But it does seem like Xavier is getting power together, and power is as good, or evil, as the one controlling it."

He then heard Rich say, "You've given us alot to think about Grimore. Tell me, Grimore, what does tomorrow look like?"

Grimore got up and jumped up to the table and said, "It is a day you will survive, just what you do will determine the fates of many. A wrong choice may lead to a very dark time. Just be careful what you do. You might not have as many choices at the key moment." He watched as everyone appeared to be in deep thought about the upcoming events and things he revealed. Inwardly, he hoped that some of the things he'd be wrong about, but only time would tell, especially when it came to Professor Xavier. While the man had a good influence, there was some evil in the man, but depending on the events of tomorrow, he feared Rich would not trust Xavier for some time.

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VII. Elane
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Elane gently placed Marcus into his crib. Her son had been tired after his last feeding, and was already asleep. As she pulled the covers over him, she kissed the child on his forehead and said, "Sleep well, my child. Tomorrow will be a day of victory for your father."

As she stood back up, she heard Marius say, "Yes, it will be. We will have alot to celebrate tomorrow." She turned around and embraced him as he said, "Think about it, my love, this time tomorrow, all of Generation X will be captured and either my slave, or a meal."

She smiled at him and said, "Not only that, but it looks like you will get Rich's cousin, and some of the X-Men. You'll have done something no other villian has done. The total defeat of the X-Men." Just the thought of the event filled her with pride. The love of her life totally defeating the most powerful telepath in the world.

She felt Marius take her arms, but not bite into them, as he said, "With Xavier's power, the whole world will be mine. No one will be able to stop us. It will be the dawning of a new age." She loved it when he talked like that. It made her feel like all her dreams were coming true.

As she looked at him, she thought of the place they were at. It had just enough room for his few entralled and them, plus the other 'guests'. She knew that they didn't have enough room here. She looked deeply into Marius' eyes and said, "My dear Marius, where are we going to go after we win. We can't fit all of them here."

She saw Marius smile at that as he said, "Don't you know that Rich owns a huge estate in England. Also, his friend Gabe owns a huge estate in Germany. With their capture, we will own what they own. I may have to kill Gabe, but he is the last of his line. He has no heirs, and no doubt he has no will. Also, we will also gain control of Emma's company. The only little problem is how reluctant Rich will be with what he owns. However, I think his love for Yvette will make him give in."

She marveled at the fact that he could read his opponents so well, but then, a terrible thought crossed her mind. She looked at Marius and said, "Do you think Rich will give in easily? What if he fights you?"

Elane marveled at the evil grin that crossed her lover's face as he said, "He won't fight. He's too scared he will become like me. Plus, if he's fool enough to try and isolate us, I will seperate him from all the others with a spell." She knew he had everything planned out, right down to the details. Now, her only concern was the fact that they had to get Kyuukai singled out.

Before she could ask the question about that, she heard a knock on the room door, and a voice say, "Sir, may I speak with you for a moment?" It was Freeze Frame.

She looked up at Marius and softly said, "What do you think he wants?" She knew Freeze Frame had his talents, and Marius liked having him as an underling. The only worry she had was that Freeze Frame would try to take over.

She watched as Marius headed for the room door and said, "I think he has a way to help in our goal. I will be back as soon as I speak to him about it." She watched as Marius left the room, and she hoped that if Freeze Frame had a plan, that it would be successful.

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VIII. Freeze Frame
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Freeze Frame was nervous when Emplate came out of the room. He knew what he was about to ask would most likely not be granted, but wasn't sure how Emplate would take it. He almost cringed when Emplate sternly said, "What do you want, Freeze Frame, and it better be good."

He swallowed and said, "Sir, I told Britney of the plan, and she wants to help. She says she could be of great help in capturing Kyuukai." He hoped Emplate might be intrigued by it. He didn't want to be punished for overstepping his boundaries.

He saw Emplate look at him and say, "Does Britney know of a weakness? Something we can exploit to capture Kyuukai?"

He was happy Emplate was willing to listen to what he had to say. He looked Emplate in the eye and said, "Britney knows Kyuukai has a motherly side to her. She is overly concerned about all she knows. Britney said that she would be all you need to lure her out of the school and into your clutches. Once shes out, all we have to do is capture and use her powers against everyone."

He noticed then Emplate was smiling. He had a feeling that Emplate approved of what he was suggesting, and it was only verified when Emplate said, "I like it. I knew I had picked that deceitful girl for a reason. However, I am glad you mentioned her in the first place. It was only right for me to give her to you."

Freeze Frame smiled and said, "I didn't know you had her picked out at first. However, I figured it would be best if I asked for her first. I'm glad you allowed me to have her for myself. I had a feeling she'd remember me. I had gone to school with her."

He saw that Emplate was surprised by that fact. Emplate looked at him and said, "All this time, and I never saw it. You really do care for her, don't you?" Freeze Frame nodded and Emplate said, "Then I will allow her to be part of the attack. You know Freeze Frame, out of all my followers, you appear to be the most loyal. I'll make you my second in command. How does that appeal to you?"

They had started walking to his room during their talk and he said, "I would love that, Emplate. I appreciate the honor. May I ask one question?"

Emplate looked at him and said, "What is it?"

Freeze Frame couldn't help but smile as he said, "If we ever have to deal with your sister Claudette, may I have Quinn as my personal prisoner. I want to make that girl suffer."

He heard Emplate laugh. He wondered if he has asked something wrong, but Emplate just said, "Of course. To be honest, I'd rather have Quinn dead instead of dealing with her. Quinn looks like she would be one to usurp my power. The only reason she supported Claudette is because she hates men."

Freeze Frame had always suspected as much. As he opened the door to his room, he said, "Since Britney will be helping, can you change the spell you used on her so she can be more mobile. She is still bound to me, right?"

Emplate nodded and said, "Yes, and when the day comes that Quinn is in our little group. You may have her as your slave." He watched then as Emplate entered the room and re-did the spell that affected Britney. Now he knew success was soon in their reach.