Disclaimer: The X-Men are not mine, they're Marvels. By now you should know which characters are mine.

Author's note: Stupid finals.

I hate finals, but more I hate school projects. Oh well, it took a while but I finally pulled through this chapter. The interview at the beginning is too short but I couldn't give away too much about Principal Darth yet. We are getting closer to the Haven story line, but not there quite yet. Thanks to everyone who's reviewed (especially consistant reviewers magicrazy101 and San child of the wolves) and I would love to see more of you there. School is on the horizon for the X-Men so let's dive into their new principal...

Oh and I've actually decided to do something about Benj and Rogue's possible relationship. You can see it in this chapter expand. Don't be angry "Romy" fans (uck... couple names) he's meantioned but remember, in Evolution, Rogue had little feelings for him anyways.

Enjoy!

"We're reporting to you live from the office of Bayville High's new principal, Mr. Nicolas Darth." A blonde female reporter said in a cheery voice. She sat in an office chair next to Mr. Darth beside his desk. Darth was wearing a jet black suit with a lavender dress shirt and deep purple tie.

After taking over for Kelly, Principal Darth had redecorated the interior of the office. He removed the oak desk and replaced it with his own ebony one, as well as his own chairs. The room had a darker feel to it, but so did the new principal. His desk was neat and orderly, but had several trinkets along the far side, including a miniature skull.

The camera wheeled to face Darth, he smiled warmly.

The news investigator began her questioning. "So Mr. Darth, why did you decide to take this job?"

The students and teachers of the Xavier Institute were crowded around the televisions all over the house. Even Scott and Jean were interested in the new principal. The Brotherhood was also tuned into the news program, curious of the man who lost them downtown and invited them to return to school.

The golden rays of light reaching in the tall windows glinted off Darth's purple eyes and light blue scar. "Well, I had been following the school's progress since the initial mutant incident. As I understand it, the school has received quite a bit of publicity, not always positive." Darth's voice was smooth and glossy, seeming to sweeten everything he said. "But I wanted to change that. I was praised highly at my last administration job, and before that was a history teacher. I felt that I would be a good fit to this school."

"You've made it known that your intent on mutant equality. Where did you develop these feelings?" The news woman asked.

Darth's left eye twitched, then he answered. "I'm not a fan of any sort of inequality. It's not just toward mutants, but I suppose I have a soft spot for them. My daughter is a mutant."

The news woman paused, nervously looking down at her question sheet. She coughed, "Your daughter… is a mutant?"

"Yes, but she's not my only child. Every student of mine has been like a son or daughter to me. I would hate to see one of them treated unfairly due to appearance, abilities, beliefs, or customs. High school has enough difficulties, there's no reason more should be added to them."

The news woman nodded, and turned to the camera, "Well there you have it. Mr. Darth will also be having a questions and answers session for curious parents and students tonight."

The screen blacked out and returned to the news station. "Thank-you Mary for that in depth look at our area's newest principal. Next will be-" Zzzink.

Rogue stood up with the remote in her hand. The students in the Rec Room looked at her expectantly, but she said nothing. Throwing the remote to Kurt she walked out of the room. Benj rose with a peculiar look on his face and followed her out.

All eyes turned to the professor. He was watching the pair exit with an eyebrow arched. When he realized everyone was watching him expectantly he coughed quietly, "Hem- Well I think I would like to meet this new principal in person."

Rogue wasn't really sure why she had walked out. It was just a quick impulse she didn't even think about. She paused in front of her door.

"Rogue!" A voice yelled behind her. It was Benj. He ran up to her and stopped. He was wearing a dark green t-shirt and black athletic shorts, as well as his rough padded gloves. He brushed the hair out of his eyes and began talking, "Why'd you leave so suddenly?" Benj asked in a breathless and sweet tone.

Rogue shrugged her shoulders, "Ah don't really know…" She turned to face him and leaned against her door. Benj's cheeks flushed a little. "It was just a sorta impulse Ah got. There's something about that new principal… Ah just can't put my fingah on it…" She trailed off.

The blonde teen rubbed the back of his neck and avoided her eyes. He got a similar feeling of Principal Darth, but it was a bit more hopeful. Finally there seemed to be someone in authority on mutants' side.

"I don't know, Rogue. I think he seems pretty cool." He said, still avoiding the beautiful green eyes of Rogue. His crush on the slightly older mutant was growing every day. He figured it had to do with the swagger she had. Rogue had a type of confidence that Benj often wished he had, and the fierceness of a lioness (as Leo liked to say).

Rogue raised an eyebrow as Benj seemed to zone out, staring at the floor. The new mutant was always finding new ways of surprising her and the older mutants at the Institute. He was progressing rapidly with his powers, having just the day before succeeded in changing the air around them into a thick fog. He was doing tremendously well in Danger Room sessions. He, Leo, and Ty were surpassing the younger mutants (the "new mutants").

Whenever she talked to him one-on-one he acted like himself, but when more people were added in he seemed more timid but even more desperate for her attention. Although he denied it, Benj had left her flowers a few days ago, after she saved his butt during a Danger Room session. Then he started wearing those gloves. She was pretty sure he did it for her, like if she had to stay covered, he'd do so too (in a way). Like sympathy gloves.

She had a feeling the kid had a crush on her, but was unwilling to do anything about it. Rogue didn't want his crush on her to be anything like her crush on Scott. Scott was oblivious that Rogue had any feelings toward him. As smart as the visor-wearing mutant was, he was an idiot when it came to relationships.

Rogue wanted to return some of Benj's feelings, but she felt it would be unfair. Benj definitely deserved something more than she could offer. He appeared to be okay with it, but Rogue would never accept that. She just couldn't do that to the blonde teen.

And then there was the whole thing with Gambit. Rogue didn't like to think about that incident tooo much. Despite how it turned out in the end, he had still used her. The man was charming, she'd give him that; but he'd charmed his way into a lot of beds and Rogue wanted him NOWHERE near hers.

Benj stifled a laugh as the last thought went through her head.

She glared at him in a mix of mock and true anger, "Ya sneaky demon! Ya were in mah head!" She yelled, cracking into a smile.

Benj smiled sheepishly "Sorry, just curious."

"Oh, yeah? Are ya curious about mah fist too?" Rogue's voice dripped with sarcasm as she swung her fist at Benj. He stepped back, letting the gloved hand graze his cheek. His turquoise eyes glimmered playfully.

"Oh? So that's how you want it southern gal? ¡Vamos! " He taunted, bouncing lightly on his toes.

Rogue launched herself at him. She swung punches and kicked out but never touched him. She wasn't trying very hard to. He ducked and dodged everything she threw at him, entering into a dangerous but light-hearted dance.

Down the hall the two of them fought; then when Benj ran up the beige wall and landed behind her they continued on in the other direction.

Rogue was careful to watch Benj's breathing as he dodged and blocked her strikes. She knew that his asthma was easily triggered and was anxious to cause him to have an attack. He may be able to control the air around him, but had no control over that in his lungs.

Benj caught the next punch in his gloved hands and paused, his breathing a little ragged. Rogue stopped, seeing the panic beginning to creep into his eyes. His lungs were constricting, slowly but surely. As his chest tightened more, Benj fished in his long pockets for the little silver canister. He let go of Rogue's hand and rested an arm against the wall. Taking slow breaths he tried to calm his breathing on his own. Every breath made a raspy sound as it entered his lungs.

Rogue put a hand on his back as he straightened himself up. He placed the inhaler to his lips and pressed the release. He breathed in two puffs then stopped. The lungs in his chest expanded and he felt much better.

"I think... I won." He gasped.

Rogue frowned, "Ah think ya're confused, Benj."

He smirked. "Am I? Last I checked, you were attacking me, but now that you've stopped… I've won." He started walking down the hallway to the stairs.

"Oh no!" She called after him. "Ya haven't won anything. But if ya're so keen on provin' ya can beat me, why don't we ask to use the Danger Room for our next fight?" Now it was her turn to smirk. She crossed her arms as Benj turned around in mock horror.

"You wouldn't!"

"Ah would."

Benj threw his hands up in surrender. "Fine, fine. Let's call it a draw."

Leo was watching Amara and Tabatha at the mansion's pool. He wasn't trying to be a stalker, but sometimes an artist had to stalk. Wearing a white sleeveless shirt and red swim trunks, he sat on a chair at the edge of the pool sketching the two girls. He was finding Tabatha's hair to be both challenging and fun, not unlike her. She was a pain to work with in Danger Room sessions, but a joy to hang around otherwise. Everything was some sort of pleasure trip to her. One of the last training sessions went a little like this:

"We have to cross the finish line!"

"No problem, let's blow things up! "

"No Tabatha, CROSS the finish line. "

"Oh, you take things too seriously."

"Too seriously? That's the assignment!"

Leo couldn't figure out why a girl like Tabatha would be friends with a shy girl like Amara. They seemed almost opposites but were the best of friends. He just couldn't quite understand it.

The teen went back to sketching, his hand almost a blur against the pale white surface of his paper. The pencil made smooth strokes as he drew the girls sitting with their legs in the pool. His eyes were focused completely on the drawing expanding from his hand.

"Hey there, kitten. Whatcha drawing?" Tabatha asked from right beside his ear.

He jumped up and nearly stumbled into the pool. Flailing his arms like an idiotic bird he caught himself and glared at the spikey haired mutant.

"Not funny Tabs." He growled.

"What? Shouldn't a girl know when a guy is stalking her?" She teased, sitting in his chair.

"No, actually that's the point of stalking. And I wasn't stalking you either." He replied.

"Well you should at least let a girl know. That way she can show an artist more… interesting features."

Leo shook his head trying to get that image out of his mind.

Amara walked up behind him. "Although I disagree with that last point, you should at least warn us."

Leo turned and bowed, "Lo siento, senorita. Maybe you would like to see what I've been working on then?"

"Yeah sure." She answered.

He held out his sketch proudly. Amara gently took it and examined it. Her face flushed slightly, and she grinned. "Wow, this is beautiful."

He leaned in, "I only draw the truth, you know." He said quietly.

She turned to him, about to say something when the professor's thoughts sliced through.

'All students and teachers I would like to see you in the common room.' The professor's mental voice said.

"Well, you can't argue with that." Leo grumbled, heading into the mansion.

"What's up professor?" Scott asked as the last few students trailed into the common room.

"As you all know, there is a question and answer session with your new principal tonight. I would like you all to be there." Professor X replied.

Leo raised his hand in question. "Uh, is this just a 'let's see what he has to say' or a 'make sure no one dies' sorta obligation?" Other students nodded as he flicked his tail nervously. He wasn't comfortable being in a crowd of potentially angry humans.

"Both." Xavier responded. "And that's why Forge is here with some new communicators." He gestured behind him to the inventor. "We need to make sure this remains peaceful."

"Alright, can I have a volunteer?" Forge asked, rubbing his hands together. The mutants shuffled their feet, reluctant to be some sort of guinea pig. Suddenly Ray sprang forward. He glared back at Benj, who was standing behind him. "Alright! Now come here Berserker. Great. These communicators," he held up something small and metallic. It was about the size of a blue tooth. "are state of the art. I customized each one to react with your powers without exploding or sustaining damage," he turned and looked at Rogue. "Sorry, Rogue. Yours was the only one I couldn't configure that way. There are just too many possibilities to factor, so be careful." He whirled around to face Ray. "Now take Ray for example. However unlikely, he could cause an electric spark to hit his communicator while he's wearing it. Instead of blowing-up or shorting out his communicator is shock-proof, so it won't." He held up Ray's communicator again, which had a little blue lightning bolt on the side. "Now, Ray, take this and try to shock it."

Ray nodded. After taking the ear piece he allowed electricity to spark and leap from his fingers and onto the device. The blue sparks clung for a second then seemingly jumped off.

"See? No damage what-so-ever." Forge said proudly. "They can also connect to single devices without the rest of us hearing the conversation. Say I just wanted to talk to Ray over the communicators. I would take my communicator." He picked up a bronze-colored ear-piece with an etched hammer on the side and stuck it into his ear. He gestured for Ray to do the same then continued, "then say 'Forge to Berserker'." There was a slight buzzing. "You can't really tell but now whatever I said over the communicator would go straight to Ray, and not to anyone else. When you use this function you have to use codenames or it won't work. Now, for Jean you just say Jean, and Leo, since you elect to abandon your codename most of the time, I set it to respond to just 'Leo'. Are there any questions?" Forge asked. Everyone shook their head. "Groovy, now you guys can come up and get your new communicators."

There was a surge forward as everyone jumped up to grab theirs.

"Everybody, please quiet down." The professor shouted above the ruckus. "I want everyone to sit in groups of at least two in case of trouble, but try to spread out. We want to gage the response of the crowd."

As the mutants began to disperse, Charles made mental contact with Logan and Rogue.

'Logan, Rogue, I want you two to be by Leo. Just in case…'

'In case he loses control, no problem professor.' Rogue answered back.

'Let's hope he doesn't Chuck. Nothing would wreck this thing more than a mutant attack.' Logan thought gruffly.

'Agreed.'

The Brotherhood Boarding House

Lance sat strumming his guitar on the couch as Blob stared blankly at the TV screen. As usual, nothing was happening. Pietro sped into the room suddenly and glared at the two with his mouth open.

"What are you two doing just sitting there?" He yelled throwing his arms up. "Aren't you coming to that new principal thing?"

Lance lazily rolled his head to look at him. "Why would we? I have no interest in Darth; we'd probably be wastes of space there."

Pietro opened his mouth to speak when Magneto walked up behind him (he was starting to do that a lot). "You will come because I said so."

Lance bolted upright and threw his guitar aside. Blob tore himself away from the TV as well.

"Yes sir." Lance said nervously, standing up.

The session was being held in the school auditorium. Already, thirty minutes before it was scheduled to start a huge crowd was gathering. The X-Men arrived in a variety of vehicles. Scott packed five others into his red car, and Charles had driven the X-Van. That hadn't been quite enough so Jean drove her SUV, Logan took his bike, and Leo rode the black with green accents motorcycle the Dysons had brought with them. Once at school the group rejoined then split into smaller groups.

Inside the auditorium the X-Men spread out and secured their communicators. Logan, Leo, Benj, and Rogue sat on the left side and everyone else placed themselves randomly in the quickly diminishing available seats.

Magneto and the Brotherhood crept in the back and filled the back row.

"Hey, Benj." A scratchy voice said from the aisle. It was Vince, the short-haired teenage skater. "Don't mind if I sit by you do you?" He asked. Benj shook his head.

"Nah, man. Go straight ahead." Benj replied.

Vince sat in the open seat to the left of Benj. He pointed to the silver communicator in his ear; his had a symbol that looked like a gust of wind. "What's up with the blue tooth man?"

"Err… a gift from the professor." He lied.

"Cool." Vince said.

The noise in the auditorium grew to a loud rumble. Finally Principal Darth walked onto the stage. The noise died down and the news crews in the auditorium turned their cameras to the stage.

He stopped in front of the podium. "Thank you all of you for coming tonight. Hopefully this will clear up any confusion and questions. Just raise your hand and I'll call on you. It'll be just like high school." He laughed.

Several adults raised their hands in the audience. Darth pointed to a business man with brown hair.

"I have a question about the sports program. How will you be able to ensure the mutants don't use their powers?"

"Each player will have to sign a no-power agreement-"

"But how will you guarantee they will hold it true?" The man interrupted.

Darth's eye twitched in annoyance of being interrupted. "As I was saying, they will have to describe their abilities. From there we will be able to tell if they're using them. If they do use them I will decide on the consequences."

The man sat down, and another person expressed a complaint.

"What about if a mutant loses control of their powers? Dangerous out-of-control mutants shouldn't be allowed on campus! Also how can you be sure they really lost control and didn't just purposely use their powers?"

"Mutants without control are always a problem. We don't have a solution to this yet, but I am making arrangements." Darth replied. His face darkened, "And for your last question, I will be the judge on if they lost control."

An angry looking man stood and yelled at the principal, "Why are you even allowing mutants in the school? They are nothing but trouble makers and freaks! I for one would never send my kid to a school alongside mutants!"

Mr. Darth didn't yell back. Instead he took a deep breath and answered calmly. "Are you old enough to remember segregation? If not, let me explain. It was a time when black and other colored people were not allowed to go to the same places, do the same things, or eat the same food as whites. It was terrible. It broke the country apart and took strong men and women to abolish it." He looked out into the audience. "Maybe some of you 'colored people' out there can remember a time when a white man or woman came up to you and said 'move' and you were expected to do so. Maybe you knew people who were persecuted because of their skin color. If the Civil Rights movement isn't your style, let's go back a bit to the Holocaust." Magneto in the back tensed. "Jews were slaughtered merely because of their religion. Do we want it to be like this with mutants?" He paused. "A few months ago I heard a speech given in this very room about why mutants should attend school here. The young mutant who gave it was smart and intelligent; she was even on the soccer team here. She pointed out that lots of people have the Advanced X Gene. Some of your children might even develop it, and would you want them to be treated unfairly?" He paused again. "You probably don't even realize this but there are many mutants among us right now." The X-Men all tensed in their seats, as did the Brotherhood. "You there." Mr. Darth called, pointing straight at Logan.

"Uh oh…" Leo muttered.

"Sir, do you realize that sitting to your right is a mutant?" Darth asked Logan.

Logan turned his head to look at the girl next to him. He was glad Darth hadn't said left, because that was Rogue and she didn't want any attention drawn to herself. Next to Logan sat a teenage girl about the age of seventeen. She had dirty blonde hair that hung straight down to her shoulders, and startling neon green eyes. She wore a gray and tan striped fitted T-shirt and jean shorts. The girl stood, revealing herself to the rest of the crowd.

"That, ladies and gentlemen, is my daughter, Claire." Darth's voice was filled with pride. He looked back at Logan. "Did you realize what she was, sir?"

Logan snorted, "No, and I hang around teenage mutants every day!"

Darth smiled. "See? It is almost impossible to tell a mutant from an average human. Any more questions?"

Magneto stood in the back and raised a hand. Darth pointed to him. "Yes, how will you punish students who use their powers?"

Mr. Darth frowned slightly, "Not punish, discipline. It depends on the student and how many times they have inappropriately used their powers. I believe that different types of discipline can have a profound effect on different students. One might respond well to detention, while another might need to do custodial work to get the point."

"I see…" Magneto answered. "And if a threat is made on a mutant by a human?"

"I will deal with that severely. Any form of threat will not be tolerated and the one who threatened, human or not, will most likely receive suspension or worse." Darth growled, losing his typically sweet tone.

"That's all I wanted to know." Magneto said, sitting down.

"More questions?" Mr. Darth asked, many hands shot up. The night continued on in similar fashion with no incident.

As the X-Men left the building to return to their vehicles, one question still lingered on their minds.

How would it really be once school started up?

So what'd ya think? This whole chapter I was aching for a chance to quote Starfire from Teen Titans. I really wanted to quote her last line from the episode Troq where she speaks out against persecution and racism. But alas (earwax) I could not, but hopefully I will find a place in a future chapter.

Also sorry that I still haven't revealed all of the Dysons' and Benj's past, it's coming don't worry.

Again be prepared for a writing lull. It's CHRISTmas! YAY! And New Year's and Hanukah. I will probably be reading other fanfictions and Eragon the rest of break. (speaking of which, I found magicrazy101's Outcast's Acceptance to be very entertaining. I hope you update soon!)

*OC Update: (Final) I have 5 characters, a gay 17-year-old guy (love interest for my own gay character), a straight 15-year-old girl, another straight 15-year-old girl/wolf, a 9 year-old boy, and his older sister a 16 year-old lesbian, oh and a straight 16 year-old-guy.