W.I.T.C.H.E.: Evolution

By: Sokai

Disclaimer: I, Sokai, do not claim ownership to the workings of W.I.T.C.H. - I leave that honor up to Elisabetta Gnone. Nor do I own Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's X-Men series franchise (even though this story isn't even really related to the series, at least not super super directly, anyway. Just don't want to hear law suit claims LoL). However, I can and DO claim to own this story and its inspired ideas FROM both series.

Note: That's the way I like it, when chapters just flow out of you far more cooperatively than others . . . cough, cough. Anyhow, kind of a 'quiet' response so far to this new story, but I suppose that's to be expected again, given my broader absence from the site, lately . . . unfortunately. Hopefully things will be able to pick up more, on both our ends. =)

In any case, thank you, as always, for the reviews I did get, including the follows and faves, already! Now, please to enjoy (and review) this chapter (and also, apologies, on the mild cursing up ahead within it like the previous one)! =)

This story/chapter was written/created in December 2016.

Chapter Two

Given that she was a mutant, a teenager, at that, with the ability to manipulate any earthly substance (at least, presumably so, as she had stubbornly yet to fully unlock her true potential), sixteen-year-old Cornelia Hale had become rather accustomed to the unpredictability of day to day . . . despite doing her absolute best to control to the contrary, given her rather punctilious personality.

In fact, even having fully realized that she really wasn't like 'everyone else,' the moment that her powers had finally manifested four years ago, had done little to dissuade her overall knack for rolling with the punches, and proceeding accordingly.

Of course, it had helped that the young blonde's parents, Harold and Elizabeth, had always raised both she and her baby sister, Lillian, to carry themselves as though they really were different than others, or better, even . . . although in retrospect, perhaps it had less to do with their wealthy station within life, as Cornelia had always believed growing up, but now more so to do with the fact that all four members of the Hale family were proudly endowed with varying mutant abilities.

At least, presumably all four members, as Lillian, last Cornelia had been updated from her parents, still had yet to display any sort of inkling of mutant power, much to the nine-year-old's chagrin . . . and her big sister's secret delight.

After all, if there was one thing Cornelia took great pride within, it was cultivating and nurturing every last talent and skill she'd had at her disposal, be it her ten-year figure skating career, her scholastic endeavors, and now, her terra firma based mutant abilities.

Sure, it hadn't turned out to be the ability to pass through physical matter like her father, or the admittedly obnoxious ability to instantly mimic observed movements like her mother . . . which, if she was perfectly honest with herself, was most probably one of Cornelia's main, driving forces while growing up to always be at the top of her game, no matter the situation or odds.

It certainly hadn't been an easy thing to witness as a child, after all, not yet fully comprehending precisely how the already highly vain and opinionated Elizabeth would immediately excel at any physical feat laid out before her, simply by just watching another person do it . . . while her then young, and only daughter at the time would naturally still be learning, and at times even struggling, with perhaps a few of the very same things. . . .

To her credit, at least, Elizabeth had been kind enough not to openly exercise her Adoptive Muscle Memory abilities around either one of her daughters throughout the later years, particularly once a crying, and truly cross seven-year-old Cornelia had outright decided to quit trying to learn figure skating, altogether, and anything else for that matter.

It was also when both Elizabeth and Harold had at last decided to have 'The Talk' in full with their child, apparently feeling that perhaps Cornelia was finally old enough to better understand what mutants were, and exactly what it meant to be one. . . .

That specific memory would always cause Cornelia to feel great shame, as it was now honestly rather difficult for the mature, levelheaded young woman to imagine attempting to throw in the towel over anything ever again . . . yet it would also flood her heart with the at times infrequent, familial tenderness toward her sometimes unbearably strict mother, as Cornelia would feel grateful that the older woman had been willing to tone down an ability she truly did cherish, in order for both of her daughters to have the opportunity to thrive without any future inadequacies . . . which was something, despite their admitted lack of overall closeness, Cornelia was rather thankful Lillian wouldn't have to worry about, whenever the time came for her own mutant abilities to manifest.

Still, the fierce competitor within Cornelia was perfectly fine with being the only Hale Sister with a currently active mutant power, going on four years strong, now, and advancing more and more each day that she was there at Kandrakar's School for Gifted Youngsters, soaking in every lesson and training session with immense gusto.

Sometimes Cornelia would often wonder the sort of mutant she would shape out to be today, had she not accepted the invitation to enroll years prior, and instead allowed the both of her parents to guide her, as they had adamantly offered to at the time . . . and still would, on and off, to this day.

Would she still obtain the thankful wisdom that the occasional restraint over sheer, raw power is sometimes the best course of action, or that loss, as personally grating as that still was for her to readily accept at times, did not equate to total failure, as she had previously held onto, growing up?

Or, would she still be every bit of the condescending elitist as she had been when she'd first arrived, eager to show off her newfound powers to any fellow student who would even simply look her way?

Sometimes the road less traveled by can make all the difference, Cornelia mused with a faint smile as she casually made her way down the grand staircase of the school's foyer that Sunday afternoon, and on her way to lunch within the quite spacious communal dining hall. After all, if I hadn't enrolled here, then I would have never met –

- Cornelia? Would you meet me within my study, please? Cornelia nearly let out an uncharacteristic shriek of alarm as she abruptly heard the sound of a familiar, male sounding voice echoing within her mind . . . however, not because of the actual occurrence, itself, but because of what, or rather, whom she had been previously thinking about. . . .

By now, of course, she was rather used to her Headmaster and Founder of the school, Himerish Kandrakar, utilizing his Telepathic abilities within various, incredibly impressive ways . . . including effortlessly infiltrating the minds of any one of his colleagues or students in order to communicate, like so.

Still, it was another thing entirely to have it happen while within the middle of an immensely guarded train of thought which no one was yet privy to . . . or so she'd hoped!

Shaking her sunlit colored head, as though to further shake away the disturbing notion, Cornelia immediately collected herself before mentally responding, Of course, Professor. I'll be right down, and made her way down the rest of the stairwell, taking a right instead of the intended left toward the dining hall as originally planned.

Although she was currently feeling rather famished, having spent the last two consecutive hours locked within peaceful meditation within Professor Kadma Starlighter's private garden as part of her continued training regarding her newly acquired healing abilities, Cornelia knew better than to ignore a personal summons from any one of her instructors, but Professor Kandrakar, especially.

There were quite a number of truly powerful mutants currently within attendance at that school, she was willing to admit, with each of her teachers quite predominantly at the top; however, none would, or perhaps ever could surpass Himerish Kandrakar, this Cornelia was well aware without a doubt . . . even with her admittedly at times over the top admiration for Professor Starlighter.

Nonetheless, her overall reverence toward her Headmaster was just as fierce and true, especially her loyalty, to the point of having been branded the 'Headmaster's Pet' by several of her fellow pupils, including her already vexing enough associate, Irma Lair . . . who was probably the one who'd started its otherwise covert circulation, the more Cornelia thought about it.

Not that she cared one iota what any of the students thought, naturally, particularly where it concerned giving her full, unwavering support to the man who'd become the undeniable catalyst within grounding her, and shaping her into the better mutant, better person she was today.

Were it not for Professor Kandrakar, indeed each of her professors, Cornelia would most probably still be needlessly flaunting her powers about, all while still holding onto the previous notion that because she was a mutant, she was above it all, above all humans.

She still was far from perfect, possessing lingering moments here and there, like her parents, but Cornelia knew without a doubt that while she was proud to be who she was, she'd never wish to go back to that unavailing frame of mind, and did her best to readily snuff it out of any other student who might have felt the same way she once had.

Of course, it hasn't been terribly hard to 'stay on course,' so to speak, anyway, not with. . . .

Cornelia inhaled sharply as she quickly shut down her renewed thoughts, not wishing to take the risk that Professor Kandrakar could still be listening in, especially not when she was now right in front of the door to his study.

True, he had yet to show active signs of abusing his telepathic abilities in such an encroaching manner during her four year stay at the school, but Cornelia didn't wish to take any unnecessary chances. . . .

"I'm here, Professor Kandrakar. What is it that you wanted to -" Cornelia began as she briefly knocked upon the beige colored door before gently pushing it open, her heart nearly jumping straight into her throat as her ice blue eyes unexpectedly rested upon the very person she had been resisting thinking about.

Elyon Brown.

Cornelia's very first, and only best friend made when she'd first arrived to the school, her personal, friendly rival yet simultaneous cheerleader where strengthening each of their mutant powers was concerned . . . and, more recently, her secret crush.

Cornelia hadn't known which had been far more surprising: the apparent fact that she was now also romantically attracted to girls in addition to boys, or the fact that it just so happened to be the person whom, up until said realization, had always been more like another sister to her more than anything else throughout their four year friendship. . . .

She certainly hadn't been trying to fall in love with Elyon, indeed with anyone at that school, as she had been, and still was very much committed to her studies and overall mutant training.

However, a lesson that another one of her teachers, Professor Cassidy Chacon, would like to habitually impart to her students, was that life could take many unexpected turns, but it should be embraced, not run from.

Easier said than done, as Cornelia would strongly wager that that woman hadn't ever had to worry about the ramifications of possessing romantic feelings for one of her close friends, one of her fellow roommates at that . . . or, worse yet, what would happen if it ever became open knowledge to them. . . .

And thus, until she'd found a way to completely bury her newfound affections, Cornelia would have to uncharacteristically, although quite gladly, flee and shy away from them, all for the sake of her friendship with the truly kind, and generous girl, something which meant more to her than anything.

But . . . boy, was it becoming harder and harder to do, especially whenever Cornelia was actively around Elyon, or whenever any of the male students would lately attempt chatting the smaller girl up, she'd irritatingly notice.

Of course, she, too, would be flirted with, as Cornelia was well aware how physically attractive she was by nature, and how many of the male population currently wished to become her 'lucky boyfriend.'

But none of that, none of them mattered, or could even come close to compare to Elyon, and what Cornelia was already feeling for her. . . .

None of them were as thoughtful, beautiful, or as talented . . . or as adorably shy, yet inviting as Elyon.

And none of them were especially as powerful a mutant as she was, either, even more so than Cornelia, to be certain . . . and perhaps even majority of the school's student body, she was sure of it.

It was one of the more delicate topics between them which was rarely directly addressed – At least, not unless the situation called for it, such as during one of their mutual training sessions within the aptly named 'Danger Room,' but it wasn't exactly a secret among the more seasoned mutants currently attending their school.

That Elyon was, what Professor Kandrakar had once explained to them both, an "Omega level mutant, which is, in theory, at least, the most powerful class of mutants within existence," during one of his past lessons which had later led to Cornelia learning quite early on that there were apparently different tiers, or 'classes' of mutant powers currently within world . . . which had temporarily reignited her childhood feelings of insufficiency to have learned, as she'd wonder for a time thereafter what class level she'd fallen into, and even that of Professor Kandrakar, himself, as he'd always appeared to be quite omnipotent within his own right.

Cornelia had never dared to pose a query regarding either wonder, however, even to this day, as besides it possibly coming off as a bit insubordinate in regards to her otherwise patient and kindhearted Headmaster, she did not wish to put a damper upon the, at the time, still developing friendship between Elyon and herself, if she ever did know the exact answer.

Besides, despite 'everyone' knowing, Elyon had never been one to flaunt her many abilities, not even during any of their shared training simulations, which would sometimes almost make Cornelia believe that perhaps the other girl was nowhere near as almighty as Professor Kandrakar had claimed.

Almost.

For, during the rare moments she would allow herself the opportunity, Cornelia would see firsthand just how powerful Elyon truly was and then some, she was certain, the way she would unleash the array of versatile mutant abilities currently at her disposal, and quite possibly counting.

While it used to be rather intimidating, almost frightening, to witness what this one person, this child at the time was already capable of, it now invoked a mixture of great pride, yet sadness for Cornelia, for while she personally wouldn't mind trading places with her best friend in order to possess such awesome strength, deep down she knew how sometimes Elyon would wish to do the same. . . .

She was well aware of how alienating it could at times feel for the extraordinarily gifted girl, especially being the only known Omega level mutant, at least at their school.

And it certainly wasn't as though Elyon could ever seek answers, or comfort from her family as to why she was born with such power, as she was an orphan, having been taken in by Professor Kandrakar to live with him at the school as his ward since she was ten-years-old.

Still, regardless of her origins, or whatever path her mutant abilities inevitably led her down, Cornelia knew that, no matter what, she was always going to be there for Elyon, be it platonic within nature . . . or perhaps one day maybe even more than that. . . .

"Ahh, Cornelia. Thank you for arriving so promptly. Please, please! Come in," Professor Kandrakar welcomed kindly with a soft, thankfully oblivious smile (or so Cornelia certainly wished), beckoning the tall blonde into his immense, although inviting private study.

Both Cornelia and Elyon had been personally called forth into the middle aged man's office so many times throughout the years to discuss various topics that both girls had, by that point, committed its lavish, golden décor to memory.

With a quick, temporarily meek nod, Cornelia cleared her throat as she quietly closed the study's door behind her upon entering, sparing as casual a glance toward her warmly smiling best friend as possible, before making her way to her usual spot upon the plum colored love seat set adjacent to the habitually unlit fireplace to her right.

Apparently wishing to take in the sight of two of his top students before continuing, Professor Kandrakar did so from his place in front of his mahogany desk, watching calmly as Elyon removed herself from her previous spot in front of his large, floor length windows from behind him, and took a seat next to her steady companion for the past four years.

It was sometimes quite hard to believe, even for a mutant of his high caliber, how much his young ward had changed, and how far she had come, since the moment Cornelia had first arrived at his school.

True, Elyon had already made great strides, both within her mutant abilities, as well as overall personality, both appearing to have gone hand and hand, as the then freshly orphaned girl was still understandably distraught over having lost the both of her parents within such a tragic manner as a house fire. . . .

When he had first become her legal guardian, Himerish had smartly taken his time within fully immersing Elyon within the world of mutants, as it were, choosing instead to impart his vast knowledge upon their fellow kind bit by bit, as to better allow her time to properly grieve and then, eventually slowly heal.

It hadn't always been easy, of course, given that his institute was literally created for the sole purpose of housing and fostering the individual powers of any and all fellow mutants willing to learn, and how to better control them; however, with the thankful, added aid of his longtime personnel and companions, the transition from Elyon's previous, so called mutant-free life, to what it was today had become gradually much more smooth as the years passed.

And when the day came that the young Elyon was finally ready to talk about the night of her parents' demise and, more specifically, how she had managed to survive the inferno, Himerish had been more than prepared and willing to delicately guide her through that direful moment via his immensely powerful telepathic abilities, mentally traveling into the previously jumbled landscape of her mind regarding that terrible night. . . .

It was because of this, in fact, that Elyon had fully realized for the very first time what her mutant ability had been . . . at least, one of them at that time.

". . . . You were able to escape the blazing wreckage, Elyon, due to your ability to teleport," Himerish had quietly explained within an air of immense sympathy upon releasing them both from their previously established psychic link. ". . . . Our emotions can be quite powerful, but especially so for us as mutants. And so, the moment you'd awakened and realized what was going on that night, that your family's home was mysteriously and suddenly on fire, your fear response immediately set in and . . . that was what enabled your mutant power to manifest for the first time, teleporting you out of your burning bedroom and clear outside, where your neighbors had reportedly found you. . . ."

A small and terribly cruel consolation for his young ward to have at last learned the full circumstances surrounding her curious survival, to be sure, and it had understandably taken Elyon many a month to at least attempt coming to terms with, but it had been a necessary truth for her to learn if she was ever meant to continue forward within her new life.

And as much as he would like to believe that he, as Elyon's new guardian, had played an active role within her present, overall development, Himerish knew fully well that meeting and becoming eventually close friends with Cornelia was what truly made all the difference.

True, he had quite obviously been there, every step of the way to help nurture Elyon's vast array of gifts, in addition to simply be as supportive as possible, but the precise change within the young teenager hadn't occurred until Cornelia had arrived.

Although more willing to actively use her growing powers and how to better control them as the years passed, Elyon hadn't shown true commitment, nor any real, distinctive confidence until Cornelia had enrolled, who'd certainly possessed both within spades right from the very beginning.

Sometimes Himerish would often wonder how both blondes could possibly get along, let alone become as close as siblings as time went on, the way both were complete opposites, what with Elyon generally preferring to take the backseat and analyze every situation before proceeding, while Cornelia was a natural born leader, and always ready to lead the charge.

Elyon, even before they'd met, had always been a bit withdrawn and socially awkward, although understandably so, considering, and even now would at times fall back to similar behavior here and there whenever placed within a new setting, Himerish would notice.

Meanwhile, from the very moment she'd set foot upon school grounds did Cornelia immediately captivate her fellow students, holding their attention and receiving their respect without very much effort, even when her formerly inexperienced, younger self had carried on and on about how powerful she was, and proceeded to utilize her Geokinetic abilities rather recklessly.

No matter their differences, however, it would always warm Himerish's heart to reflect upon how much both students truly complimented the other, each bringing out the best within themselves, as Cornelia would, whether knowingly or not, challenge Elyon to always strive for excellence and to do her absolute best, be it mutant or scholastically related . . . while Elyon would effortlessly bring out the more sincere, heart-warming and affectionate side to Cornelia, a side which a fair amount of their fellow pupils, indeed even their teachers, have found to be otherwise quite elusive.

Wherever life was to lead them within the future, Himerish was quite positive that both girls would remain within each other's lives forever. . . .

Clearing her throat, a bit uneasily, he'd curiously noticed, Cornelia shifted a bit within her seat as she politely asked, ". . . . You wanted to see me – Us about something, Professor?"

Lightly shaking his head as he allowed his previous reminiscing to fade away from the forefront of his very special mind, Professor Kandrakar then gently rubbed at the back of his smooth, bald head before nodding within response.

"Yes, yes, of course, Cornelia, of course! Apologies for having gotten temporarily lost within thought, as well preventing you from enjoying your afternoon meal, but I've a bit of a favor to ask of you. You, and Elyon, to be more precise," he calmly explained with another warm smile, placing the both of his strong, slightly calloused hands upon either side of his body, and rested them against the edge of his smoothly polished desk.

At this, Cornelia immediately shook her cornflower colored head within respectful dismissal, as her Headmaster knew that she would, her peaches and cream complexion taking on a much more sobering look.

"Not at all, Professor. You know that both Elyon and I are always ready to drop everything to assist you with whatever, and however we can," she responded dutifully, her cheeks growing a bit rosy as she then watched as both her mentor, and best friend began to smile within blatant amusement.

"I . . . think what Cornelia meant to say was that, simply, we're here to help, Oracle," Elyon remarked with a teasing air, referring to her guardian and Headmaster by the admittedly apt nickname she had long since affectionately adopted for the man as a result of the pair having naturally grown closer, and of her learning more about his own mutant capabilities.

Professor Kandrakar's gray colored eyes began to twinkle within furthered merriment as he gazed upon the pair of blondes, both of whom he had truly felt familial ties to, before continuing.

"Well, then, on that note . . . I am sure that you both are aware that we've two new students among us, yes? Cornelia, Professor Starlighter had informed me last night, upon my return from my business trip, that both you and Miss Lair had had a rather . . . interesting first meeting with one of them, am I right?" he carefully asked, his eyes studying the serious blonde's demeanor, while Elyon tilted her head toward her best friend and roommate within understandable confusion, her intricately braided side ponytail falling a bit lazily off of her left shoulder as a result.

"Huh? You never told me that you met the new student yesterday, Cornelia. I thought the reason you'd come back to our dorm room a bit later than usual was because you were just busy studying hard with Professor Starlighter, like always, and especially ever since you'd gained the ability to heal," she stated innocently, before her smooth, dark brows began to furrow as she, too, had a better look at Cornelia's now curiously guilt ridden expression. ". . . . Wait. Is there more to this story that I'm obviously unaware of? Because you also told me that the reason you were looking so drained when I'd asked was only because of your having practiced for so long. . . ."

Letting out a light, shameful groan, Cornelia nodded toward both Elyon and Professor Kandrakar within initial response, temporarily looking more like her best friend as she began to clumsily rub at the back of her neck at the same time that she rose to her feet.

"I-I, well . . . that wasn't exactly a lie, Elyon. I was with Professor Starlighter all afternoon like I said I'd be, and that I'd be having another private lesson with her in order to continue learning to better control my Geokinetic Regeneration," she began with foreign timidity as she partially turned toward the empty fireplace, "but . . . on our way out of her garden, we'd heard a scream coming from one of the dormitories, so naturally we went to investigate. . . . It was the new student, Will, I think is her name, falling unconscious after Irma had . . . accidentally 'Shorted Out' the girl's Electrokinetic abilities, a-and . . . well, honestly, one thing had led to another, and the next I know, I was healing her internal wounds, and -"

"- W-Whoa, wait a second! Internal wounds? Cornelia! You've only been so far able to manage external wounds, and usually 'wound,' singular! What made you think you were ready to take on something so big, so soon, and for something as serious as a 'Short Out' for an Electrokinetic?" Elyon interrupted with heated concern as she too, jumped to her feet, as Professor Kandrakar merely watched within vaguely amused silence at the stark personality reversal presently carrying on between the pair.

Had it been anyone else, all three present individuals were well aware that Cornelia could, and would have easily snapped right back, biting the person's head off within the process and easily winning the debate.

Because it was Elyon, however, and because she knew that her friend was merely acting upon concerned impulse, Cornelia merely accepted the girl's tongue lashing, biting down onto her lower lip before replying.

". . . . I-I know, Elyon, I know. And I'm sorry that I didn't tell you about it – All of it – last night. But I didn't want you to worry, and have, well, this reaction. Besides, I'm feeling much better now, clearly, now that I've gotten a full night's rest," she quietly apologized before turning back around to face Elyon, who still appeared very much as though she had had quite a fair bit more to say upon the matter.

Professor Kandrakar, however, thankfully rescued the taller blonde from another round of admonishing outbursts, despite having technically been the reason she had found herself within such a predicament in the first place.

"You will be happy to know that both Will, and Irma are doing much better, themselves, as well, girls. I had popped into the Infirmary to check on Miss Vandom after meeting with Irma within the dining hall at breakfast, and although understandably still a bit shaken up, I believe that Will will get past this incident with time," he revealed, removing himself from his place in front of his desk as he slowly approached both still emotionally charged teenagers before him. "In fact . . . this is why I have summoned you two. You see, both you and Miss Vandom have a fair bit amount in common, Elyon, at least as far as your . . . 'mutant origins' are concerned, if you'll forgive my bringing it up. Suffice it to say, however, that I believe that you will be able to come at her with a far more relatable approach than what a few of your other professors, and even myself have already tried. . . ."

Cornelia felt her heart break, and the immediate impulse to wrap her arms protectively around Elyon, whose previously heated facial expression melted into one of instant melancholy upon hearing this, perhaps even within a mixture of empathy toward the red haired newcomer.

Although the two had shared everything with one another, their ups and their downs throughout the years, lingering upon the subject of her parents was yet another one Cornelia regrettably noticed that Elyon would choose not to do if she were able.

Majority of her previous wounds over her profound loss had more or less healed over time, true, even to the point where the young girl was now capable of relaying fond memories she'd shared with them without immediately bursting into heartbreaking tears . . . but the emotional scars were still very much present, however faded over time they had become.

". . . . So, are you saying that she's an . . . an orphan like me, or -"

"- I am simply saying, my dear Elyon, that if ever I were to entrust onto someone the task of helping to guide an unsure, and rather fearful young mutant toward her truest potential, toward hope within the face of adversity, then it would be you," Professor Kandrakar smiled with esteemed pride as he gently squeezed a now furiously blushing Elyon's shoulders, before turning toward a secret, although equally proud Cornelia. "And I can think of no one better than one of my top pupils to help cultivate, if you'll excuse the pun, and mold our other new student, the admittedly confidence-scarce Miss Cook, Cornelia. . . ."

Cornelia squinted her eyes at this a moment, doing her absolute hardest not to allow her natural ego to get the better of her, as she struggled to remember the first name of the other, newest mutant within question.

". . . . Do you mean Taranda, Professor? I think I have a few classes with her over at Bayville. She's pretty smart, too, if I'm thinking of the right girl, although you'd never know it if none of our teachers ever called on her, the way she sort of seems to just blend into the scenery, unopposed," she remarked with a light frown within continued reflection, before promptly catching her admittedly unmannerly words and apologized. "I-I'm sorry, Professor . . . and Elyon. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with being shy, but. . . . A-Anyway, forgive me, but I actually thought that maybe you, or one of the other professors had already asked Irma to show her around, in all honesty, since I do remember seeing them walking around Bayville's halls together – And here, as well. . . ."

". . . . Taranee, and yes, Cornelia, I suppose Miss Lair has taken the noticeable shine to her," Professor Kandrakar corrected with a light smile, releasing Elyon from his tender grasp as he then focused his entire attention onto a now taken aback Cornelia. "While I do admire her habitual initiative to welcome any and all of our school's newer populace, I must say that Irma's . . . overly abundant enthusiasm is perhaps not precisely what our young Miss Cook would readily respond to, I don't believe. At least, not for now. . . . No. No, I do believe someone of your more calm, collective nature would do wonders for helping her adjust more soundly to her fellow enrollment at our school. And, given your . . . colorful observation concerning her lack of self-assurance, I'd say that having you show her around is quite the perfect match, wouldn't you say?"

Although learning that Cornelia would now be actively trouncing her brunette rival without even having to try this time around, and at their Headmaster's behest, no less, greatly pleased her to no end, the prospect of also having to become what was readily amounting to babysitting an apparent mouse of a girl did not. . . .

However, because it was a personal request from the man she'd most respected, and knowing that his general wisdom had never before steered any of his students wrong before, Cornelia resisted the urge to give any physical sign of her current disdain over the matter as she slowly nodded . . . although she was well aware that her thoughts could have easily betrayed her within that moment, given her professor's Psionically based abilities, after all.

". . . . All right, Professor. If you really think it's a good idea, then I'll help . . . Taranee out," Cornelia conceded obediently and her body automatically standing at attention, a physical reaction which practically every other student at the school but herself would notice would happen whenever receiving a direct order, or request from any of their professors.

Elyon couldn't help but giggle at the familiar sight, her previously lighthearted mood thankfully returning as she gave a playful salute toward her legal guardian and nodded.

"Sir, yessir! If Cornelia's in, then so am I, Oracle," she teased with a growing smile before turning her attention onto a now profoundly befuddled Cornelia, and gave her a playful wink.

Unbeknownst to Elyon, such a simple gesture, one shared between them many a time over the years, now possessed the ability to cause Cornelia to hopelessly melt inside, as she continually struggled and rebelled against her rapidly growing, romantic feelings toward the presumably unmindful girl.

Cornelia was unable to respond after this for a few moments, which thankfully did not appear to matter, nor was noticed by either remaining party, as Professor Kandrakar instead merely expressed his immense gratitude toward both girls before freely dismissing them back to whatever afternoon activity the either of them had previously been attending to.

It wasn't until they'd completely exited their Headmaster's study that Cornelia was finally able to find her voice again, and it was filled with distinct disfavor. . . .

". . . . You know, when we both were finally granted more responsibilities around here earlier this year, I thought it'd be more along the lines of 'Junior Professor' related. You know: accompanying Professor Lin or one of the others upon their frequent 'scouting missions' to recruit a newly activated mutant into our school, once Professor Kandrakar would locate them . . . or at least finally lead a training session within the Danger Room here or there. Nope. Instead, so far we've just been tutors of the general, scholastic variety . . . and now, I've just been promoted to glorified 'Mutant-Sitter'," she huffed dramatically as she slowly led the way down the partially empty corridor, and back into the foyer.

Elyon gently patted at the taller blonde's back as she softly chuckled once more, unknowingly sending several sparks to shoot up and down the girl's spine at the unexpected physical contact within the process.

"Well, to be fair, Cornelia, you have been hinting – And not at all subtly, I might add – to finally be entrusted with more obligations over the years, and now you have, even before some of the perhaps more suited upperclassmen – Both of us have, thank you, when I certainly haven't ever once opened my mouth about it. . . . Do you think this is Oracle's way of trying to prepare me to take over as Headmistress of this school one day, or something? Because I-I -"

"- Whoa, whoa. It's okay, Ellie . . . It's okay," it was Cornelia's turn to reassure her now frazzled roommate, her newfound affection toward her falling away, as it always would, whenever serious matters were involved.

And Cornelia could think of nothing more serious, nor important, than the continued happiness and sureness of her closest companion. . . .

"What is Professor Kandrakar, well, all of our professors, actually, always telling us to do? To never sell ourselves short, right, and to keep believing within ourselves, no matter the odds," she stated softly, blindly reaching down without thinking to gently clasp Elyon's now clammy hand within her own, as Cornelia's blue eyes never left her periwinkle. "So if ever the day would come that you just might become Headmistress, it will be a day to remember, for sure. . . ."

". . . . Because I'd so terrible, right?" Elyon couldn't help but weakly jest with a faint smile, before Cornelia promptly shook her head within furthered dispute.

"No, Elyon. Because you'd be absolutely remarkable. . . ." she complimented warmly, her voice strong at first before trailing off into only just above a whisper, as her mind at last caught up with her body, and she'd immediately realized that both girls were still holding hands.

She might have been able to so far bury down her true emotions for the other girl whenever the situation called for it, but it did not mean that Cornelia was completely immune to any and all physical contact they might have shared . . . and given that she generally now made it a point lately to at least not be the one to no longer initialize it, Cornelia personally felt she was rather successful thus far not to attract any unwanted attention concerning the matter.

"O-Oh! Booo . . . get a room, you two! Oh, wait, you already did, never mind. Okay, well then go back to it if you wanna carry on with all that touchy-feely crap you insufferably close blondes love flaunting everywhere!" both Cornelia and Elyon suddenly heard the gratingly familiar voice of Irma call from across the other end of the foyer as she'd then entered, alone, and made her way up the grand staircase as she passed.

Still unfortunately completely flustered by the already, albeit secretly embarrassing moment, Cornelia then blurted out the only ready response she could presently think of upon swiftly releasing a now grinning Elyon's hands, ". . . . W-Why don't you . . . go suck an egg, Irma!"

She knew it was a terribly childish, and just plain terrible comeback, in general, and given that all three teenagers had been living together for several years now, during which time Cornelia had delivered quite the nasty barb or two toward the brunette, she was well aware that both Elyon and Irma were also aware of its supremely lackluster impact.

And it certainly reflected as such, as Cornelia regrettably watched as Irma suddenly struggled to continue up the remaining stairs, instantly bursting into an uncontrollable fit of laughter as she pressed on.

"'G-Go . . . Go s-s-suck an e-egg?' Is that the best you've got for me, today, C-Cornikins? W-Well, then excuse me while I g-go . . . lick my wounds in private! 'G-Go suck anegg!' H-Holy shit, man!" she remarked sarcastically in between breathless chortling, hugging at her waist with one hand as she gave a blind wave of goodbye with her other before retreating.

As the Hydrokinetic brunette's obnoxious laughter thankfully began to die down the further into the upstairs corridor she ventured, Elyon lightly shook her head as her previous smile widened.

"I swear! I will never understand why you two continue to bump heads so much, when it's so obvious you really do care for one another!" she declared with a playful roll of her eyes, causing Cornelia's own to widen within immediate disagreement before continuing. ". . . . Plus, the way you two carry on sometimes, it's honestly almost like you guys were married! Now, let's go get you something to eat before you become any more cranky!"

Cornelia could only stand, glued firmly within her spot a moment upon hearing her best friend's final, honestly innocent statement, as she watched her lead the way toward the Communal Dining Hall.

Of all the mutual students to ever be accused of having feelings for, albeit within harmless jesting, Elyon could truly think of no one else but possibly the biggest pain, barring her kid sister, Cornelia had ever had the displeasure of sharing living quarters with?

Although she was . . . admittedly easy on the eyes, if Cornelia wanted to be privately honest with herself, there still wouldn't be enough alcohol within the world which could ever get her intoxicated enough to . . . to kiss Irma, let alone one day be married to her!

Besides . . . talk about irony, Cornelia couldn't help but muse a moment longer with a small, defeated exhale, as she immediately forced the previously disturbing thought of ever dating the incessantly loudmouthed Irma straight down into the pit of her stomach, which was presently grumbling quite loudly within renewed, undeniable hunger . . . but also becoming increasingly knotted up with crippling emotions the longer she stood, staring with helpless yearning toward the girl who knew her so well, and yet so very little. . . .

- End of Chapter Two

(A.N. Because I rather enjoy 'torturing' the WITCH gals when it comes to their so called, romantic love lives, that's why, because anyone asks "Whhhhhy you do dis to Cornelia?" LoL

Okay! Quickly, quickly, before I forget my end-A.N. Thoughts like last time! Yup, decided to make The Oracle's last name be 'Kandrakar' for no other reason than to be 'cleverly obvious' that omg, that's where he resides within the original canon, yay! LoL Also decided to have Elyon refer to him as "Oracle" as another obviously callback, and also to be a little reminiscent of Professor Xavier's at times being referred to as "Professor X," just as I'd stated that Irma calls all the professors in their school "The Professor" in chapter one also as another reference.

Also made him much, much more likable, in my opinion, this version of him – Himerish, I mean, not Xavier, although I suppose I did end up doing a slight mesh of his personality sprinkled in here and there.

Definitely was unavoidably thinking of Paige from "Charmed" when I was writing Elyon's backstory of how her mutant powers had first awakened, seeing as Paige had lost her adoptive parents due to a car accident which she'd 'mysteriously' survived, only later finding out it was because of her innate ability to Orb and thus do so out of the vehicle before the crash.

Wasn't honestly my intention to draw any similarities, trust, but damn if I don't loves me some good ol' "Charmed..." and Paige, actually. =p

Also yes, clearly Elyon's definitely the Jean Grey of this story, even though she's naturally powerful within her own right, canonically speaking, while Cornelia, I suppose, you could sort of think of as the Scott Summers...as much as he's always irritated me. LoL

What else, what else...Oh, yeah. I guess that's also why or how you'd choose to look at the present reasoning behind Cornelia's romantic intentions toward her best friend, given Jean and Scott's similar beginnings...although don't expect any Emma Frost type of characters to pop up out of nowhere to disrupt the girls' possible getting together. Jus' sayin'! =p

I also, quick note, currently wouldn't really define Cornelia as bisexual, either, or at least SHE wouldn't readily do so quite yet. Maybe not even omnisexual, either, although that perhaps would be a better 'fit' for her, so to speak, and what she'd probably think if she chooses TO think it all over later on down the road. =) For now, though, she's simply finding that she's falling in love, and this time it just so happened to be with her female best friend, is all. =)

Ooh! And nearly forgot to mention CORNELIA'S mention of "Bayville!" Couldn't be bothered to think of another name for the "regular high school" they all go to, in addition to attending their mutant related classes at Himerish's school, so I just used the name for the X-Kids' school in "X-Men: Evolution," since the WITCH chicks are also within Upstate New York, as well, anyhow. =)

I THINK that's it! Yay! Might have remembered everything this time, AND at 6 in the morning and zero sleep yet, to boot!

'Kay, hope you all enjoyed, and please to be reviewing! =) )