CHAPTER THREE: KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER

Xavier Institute, Westchester, September 12, 2008

As the Saturday afternoon sun shone over the Xavier Institute, all was quiet; the early morning individual training-sessions had gone well – despite the lamentations of the newer students – with team-sessions scheduled for later in the afternoon. For the moment, the Institute students were all enjoying the first weekend of the school year, after the first week that they’d been through.

After breakfast had been cleared away, Tina, in her new dark navy skirt and white t-shirt, had headed down to the living room, where many of the others had gathered; Alex, Ron, Bobby, and Ray were playing video-games, Warren was sitting at a table to the side, reviewing some undoubtedly-important documents for his company, Roberto was playing checkers against Remy – and losing horribly – while Tabitha was listening to her CD player. Outside, Jamie, in full safety gear, had convinced Evan to show him how to do a kickflip on his skateboard…while Rahne and Paige watched from the side, giggling at how every wipe-out produced two or three more Jamies. Inside, Rogue was sitting and reading her latest mystery-novel, while Sam, a knock-knock joke-book in hand, was attempting to teach Mark about comedy. Lance was on the couch, absently strumming on his guitar, while Kitty, Jubilee and Amara were chatting with Lila about the latest gossip…right next to where Wanda was reading her book on the Tarot, much to her chagrin. Kurt had just gotten back from a lunch-date with Amanda, and Scott and Jean were currently researching which universities they wanted to apply to…although, if the furtive glances they gave each other were any indication, university wasn’t the only thing they were thinking of.

Only Clark, Alison, and Krypto were absent; after morning-sessions, Alison had needed to hurry off to a CD-recording, while Clark and Krypto had League-business, plus, Clark had promised to help his Mom with some farm-work in Smallville, and Krypto had tagged along.

Looking around, Tina lightly gulped; even though everyone here was really nice, she kinda wished that Alison was here – ever since training had started, Alison had always encouraged her when she was having trouble. The others did, too, but Tina always felt better hearing it from the girl she was starting to regard as her unofficial ‘big sister.’ She was kinda glad that she hadn’t had to go to school, yet, as the Professor hadn’t submitted her transfer to the school; he was still working on the papers that would allow the Institute to have custody of her.

That was fine with her; she didn’t know if she could handle school…

“Greetings, Tina.”

Looking up, Tina saw that Mark had turned towards her, as he and Sam had paused their ‘lesson.’ “H-Hi, Mark, Sam.” Tina stammered, walking over.

Sam smiled. “Ah was just trying to show Mark here how ta tell a proper joke.” he said. “No offense, Mark, but Ah think ya need to work on yer tahming.”

Mark blinked. “My timing is digital, Sam; there is no need for any recalibration.”

At that, Sam started to laugh, as Tina let out a few giggles…causing Mark to blink in confusion. “Query: the cause for your laughter is unknown; please explain.”

Sam managed to stop laughing. “You are, you metal goof!” he exclaimed.

Mark sighed. “The notion of humour is most perplexing; is there no given standard for what is considered ‘funny’?”

Sam shook his head. “Sorry, Mark; different people laugh at different things.”

Mark looked thoughtful. “Then there is a variance among the parameters that define ‘funny’.” he thought aloud. “This will require further research.”

Tina giggled. “Good luck!”

Just then, a familiar sonic boom echoed overhead, slightly fainter than the ones that Clark created, before Alison touched down in the front yard, walking in through the front door. “H-Hey, Ali.” Tina greeted. “How was your recording?”

“The same as always.” Alison replied, smiling. “So, how are things here? Think you’ll join in the team-drills, today?”

Tina gulped. “I-I don’t know, Ali; I still don’t think I have a good enough handle on my powers…”

Alison smiled gently. “No problem, Tina; no need to rush.”

‘X-Men, we have an intruder alert; suit up and head to the front yard.’

At the Professor’s telepathic summons, all the X-Men instantly sprang into action, heading for the lower levels, to suit up. “So, vat’s zhe situation?” Kurt inquired, switching off his inducer.

“Not sure yet.” Jean replied. Reaching out to their mentor, she asked, ‘What’s wrong, Professor?’

His answer made Jean grimace.

“Jean?” Scott asked. “What is it?”

Jean’s reply made everyone flinch…but none more so than Alison.

“Her Royal Highness is back.”

XXXXXXXX

Outside the Institute, an 18-year-old young woman, fairly tall, and slim, with ample curves, long, shimmery chestnut hair, and emerald-green eyes, approached the gates, clad in a halter-style-top consisting of twin straps of sea-green silk, criss-crossing over her chest, fastened in the center by a silver sea-shell, with two semi-transparent silk straps trailing from the back of her top like a cape, to encircle her wrists. She also wore a pair of green, skin-tight spandex pants, as well as green sandals on her feet, with a pair of silver seashell earrings in her ears, and a simple, dark green duffel bag over her delicate shoulder.

Her rosy lips curved upwards in a smile as she approached the gates…before whispering an incantation, turning herself into green haze, passing through the gates easily, before re-forming and walking on. She hadn’t gone ten feet when two automated defence-turrets rose out of the ground and opening fire at her; without even flinching, she snapped her fingers, generating a protective shell of rock around herself, before exploding it outwards, destroying the turrets. A disc-launcher then rose out of the ground, firing several discs at her; with a wave of her hand, she conjured a mini-cyclone around herself, catching the discs and throwing them back, destroying the launcher.

As several more turrets rose from the ground, her eyes narrowed in annoyance…before she unleashed a deadly sonic scream, utterly destroying the turrets and tearing up a good chunk of landscape in the process. With the resistance neutralized, she turned her gaze to the sky, smiling expectantly, hoping to see a flash of red-and-blue, or to hear a sonic boom…but nothing. Her lips fell into a pout. ‘You still ignore me, my beloved?’ she thought, before she smiled. ‘Very well, then; play hard-to-get. I love a challenge…’

Her thoughts were interrupted as the X-Men raced out of the Institute’s front doors, ready for anything. The young woman simply placed her hands on her hips, frowning. “Is this your idea of a warm welcome?” she asked haughtily. “I see that Xavier’s training regimen doesn’t place much emphasis on manners.”

Power Girl’s eyes narrowed. “You’re not much of one to talk, LeRoux.”

“We don’t know why you bothered to come back, Siryn,” Cyclops snapped, his hand by his visor, ready for a fast shot, “but if it’s a fight you want..!”

Anita “Siryn” LeRoux simply gazed at them in astonishment…before bursting into laughter. “Fight you?” she repeated. “Oh, my poor, foolish X-Men, I didn’t come to fight you…”

Her next words nearly knocked them all flat.

“…I came here to join you.”

XXXXXXXX

Kent Farm, Smallville, Kansas, a few minutes earlier

The late morning sun was bright over the Kent farm, on the very outskirts of Smallville, and there was a light nip in the air as Clark, sitting on the roof of their barn, in his blue jeans and white t-shirt, his Pa’s old tool-belt around his waist, finished patching the last of the shingles that had blown off in the last storm. Below him, Krypto was lifting bales of hay into the barn’s hay-loft, carrying them in his jaws and floating up to deposit them in the loft. With their chores done, Clark floated down to the ground as Krypto followed him. Smiling, Clark gave his pet a scratch behind the ears, before calling out, “All done, Ma!”

Martha Kent smiled as she finished the few repairs she’d had to make on their little house’s front porch, before walking over to her son; her greying hair was tied back in a bun at the base of her neck, and she was clad in her usual faded blue jeans and red-checkered flannel coat…which her husband had once worn. “Oh, thank you so much, honey.” she said. “I know how busy you and your new friends must be; it means a lot to me.”

Clark smiled back. “It’s no trouble at all, Ma.”

“Are you sure you can’t stay a few minutes?” Martha asked. “I made your favourite: oatmeal raisin cookies…”

Clark grinned. “I’d love to, Ma, but I can’t; I’m due back at the Institute for team-drills.” he answered. “Could you just…put a few in a bag?”

“Of course, Clark,” Martha answered, before chuckling, “but you just make sure that Wallace doesn’t sneak any from under your nose! If he wants any, he knows how to ask!” Smiling, she finished, “Oh, and if any of your friends ask, Katherine will be happy to know that I used margarine in my recipe; vegetable oils only.” She then suppressed a cough.

Clark’s smile faltered. “You know, Ma…if…if you wanted me to drop by more often…”

“You can just stop that right now, Clark Joseph Kent.” Martha warned, half-sternly. “I may have Van Braun’s Syndrome, but I’m not an invalid yet; I still have a good year before my warranty expires!”

Clark’s smiled became a bit forced; though he had gradually accepted the fact that his Ma was dying, the sheer unfairness of the situation still tore at him. He supposed that it always would. “Okay, Ma.” Clark replied. “If you ever need my help…just yell out.”

Martha chuckled. “Oh, don’t worry, sweetie; I’ll be okay.” Her smile grew. “You’d best not keep your team waiting; I’ll just get those cookies ready for you.” With that, she headed into the Kent household, as Clark darted inside, heading up to his room and donning his uniform, stashing his street clothes in his knapsack. As he darted downstairs, his knapsack over his shoulder, Superman saw that Martha had gotten a batch of cookies ready in a plastic container. “Here you go, honey.” Martha said, handing the container to him. “Say hello to everyone, and give Alison a hug for me!”

Superman smiled, accepting the container and popping it into his backback. “I will, Mom.” he promised, giving her a kiss on her cheek. “Love you.”

“Love you, too, honey.” Martha said. “Be careful.” Nodding, Superman darted outside, and took to the air, followed closely by Krypto, as they both flew east; Superman had just enough time to drop the cookies in the Institute fridge and leave his knapsack in his room…

Suddenly, his communicator started to beep; it was Scott. Superman promptly answered it. “Boy Scout here, Slim. Everything okay?”

“I’m afraid not, Big Blue; we’ve got a situation, here. You and Krypto had better get back here.”

“Got it; we’re on our way. Boy Scout out.” Superman replied, ending the call. “Okay, boy, double-time!” Superman exclaimed; Krypto barked in agreement, before they both doubled their speed, heading for home.

Within minutes, Superman and Krypto touched down on the Institute’s front lawn; seeing the wrecked defence-turrets, Superman’s eyes narrowed warily. “Krypto, sweep the yard; I’ll check inside.” he instructed; Krypto grunted in assent, as the Superdog darted off, making sure that there were no intruders hiding nearby, while his master darted into the Institute.

As he stepped inside, Superman found nothing out of place; listening carefully, he heard the X-Men’s voices coming from the Professor’s office, along with the Professor’s, Logan’s, Ororo’s, Hank’s, and Raven’s…

…and one other.

Superman’s eyes went wide in sheer horror. ‘Oh, God, not her!!’ He darted towards the Professor’s office at top speed, hoping against hope that he was wrong…

No such luck. There, standing in their mentor’s office, along with the rest of the X-Men, was Siryn. As he came to a stop just outside the office, Siryn turned towards him, smiling. “Hello, Kal-El; it’s been far too long.” she cooed.

Superman kept cool. “What are you doing here, Siryn?”

“Why, joining you, of course.”

Superman went pale. “What?!”

“She’s not kidding, Kal.” Cyclops said flatly.

“Of course I’m not joking.” Siryn added. “Over these past few months, your Institute has gained something of a reputation; for better or for worse, all will agree that the X-Men are remarkably skilled.”

She smiled flirtatiously at Superman, ignoring the glare that Power Girl sent her as she did. “Not as skilled as a certain other super-human team, but that’s to be expected.” At that, Superman simply rolled his eyes.

“Regardless, because of this, my dear Papa has decided that, rather than waste time trying to reconcile with Lensherr and his bunglers, I should come here.” Siryn finished. “And so, here I am.”

Rogue snorted. “Sorry ya wasted yer tahme.”

“Hit the road, lady.” Spyke snapped.

Power Girl’s eyes narrowed. “Better yet, let’s throw her out.”

“Fine by me.” Scarlet Witch agreed.

Siryn frowned. “And you permit such behaviour, Xavier?”

The Professor’s expression was stern. “While I may not agree with my students’ ways of expressing it, Miss LeRoux, I am afraid that I agree with their sentiment; based on your actions in the past, attempting to include you in our Institute would pose an unacceptable risk to my students.”

“In other words, Princess,” Logan growled, “take yer show on the road.”

Siryn’s expression didn’t change. “I suppose I should have expected that reply.” she commented. “My father certainly did.”

She smiled slyly. “Which is why he advised me to deliver this message.” she continued. “You may find things with the government difficult now, Xavier…but my father can quickly find means to make them impossible; despite our somewhat less than friendly relations with this country, Latveria is not without its allies…some of which make generous contributions to certain politicians opposed to your goals, Xavier.”

She shrugged. “So decide for yourself whichever you prefer: a strong addition to your team, or the enmity of Doom. Choose wisely.”

Everyone was silent for a moment, considering Siryn’s words. “We must discuss this.” the Professor said finally.

“Of course.” Siryn said sweetly. “I’ll simply wait outside.”

“Yeah, with me keepin’ an eye on you.” Logan growled. “You try anything, lady…”

Pouting, Siryn looked to Superman. “Kal-El, are you just going to leave me with this brute?”

Superman frowned. “Lay off, Logan.” he began, causing Siryn to smile…

…until he finished his sentence. “I’ve got a better idea.” With that, Superman put his pointer-finger and thumb to his lips and whistled. “Krypto! Here, boy!”

Siryn’s expression collapsed.

At once, Krypto zipped inside, coming to a stop outside the office, panting happily…and then growling in sheer feral fury as he saw Siryn, his teeth bared, ready to attack at a moment’s notice…

“Easy, boy.” Superman said. “Just watch her, that’s all.” At that, Krypto calmed, sitting down on his hind paws, ceasing his growling, but remaining alert. “If she tries anything, boy…you know what to do.”

Siryn looked stricken. “You’d…you’d leave me with that…that mongrel?!”

Shadowcat chuckled. “I’d be nice to Krypto if I were you, Siryn.” At that, Siryn simply cast one forlorn gaze to Superman, before reluctantly stepping outside, closing the door behind her.

“Charles?” Ororo asked. “What should we do?”

The Professor’s eyes closed. “From what I gathered, Siryn is quite sincere in her threat.”

Logan scowled. “That bastard Bob Kelly and his supporters have been breathing down our necks enough as it is.”

Power Girl’s eyes widened. “Wait…you’re considering this?!” she cried. “Are you guys insane?! It’s obvious that this is just another of her old man’s plots!!”

Hank looked regretful. “Be that as it may, Alison, we don’t have very many options.” he said softly. “The Professor met with heavy resistance in rebuilding the Institute; there are a lot of people who would be happy to shut the Institute down.”

Cyclops’ eyes narrowed. “I’m with Ali on this one, Professor; letting Siryn join us is dangerous. What if she uses her vocal powers to make one of us spill our secrets, including Superman’s?”

“That it why every student will have to start wearing a Sonic Neutralizer, Scott.” the Professor replied. “Furthermore, no student will refer to Superman by his Earth-name; I will inform the New Mutants to either refer to him as either ‘Kal’ or by his code-name.”

“We’ll have to keep quiet about the League, too.” Spyke added, before frowning. “Man, this sucks.”

“Y’ can say dat again, mon ami.” Gambit concurred.

Nightcrawler groaned. “Zhis is not going to end vell.”

Power Girl looked stricken. “Kal, say something!!” she cried.

Superman grimaced; he hated seeing Ali this upset…but there was nothing he could do. “Taushi…” he said softly, “…I don’t think we have a choice.”

Power Girl jerked as if she’d been struck. “You’re…you’re just going to let her stay here.” she murmured. “She and her psycho old man are up to something, and you’re just going to let them do it?!”

With that, she darted out of the office at top speed, before anyone could stop her.

Superman sighed to himself. “I’ll go talk to her.” he said. “And I suppose we should give Siryn the ‘good news’.”

“Professor, let’s just make one thing clear.” Cyclops said. “We are not going to just let her on the X-Men; she has to earn it, just like everyone else.”

The Professor nodded. “I agree, Scott; Siryn will be one of the New Mutants from the outset, just as any other new student would be. A place on the X-Men must be earned.”

“Good.” Phoenix agreed. “Frankly, I don’t like this any more than Ali does.”

“Neither do I, Jean.” Superman said. “Neither do I.” With that, he turned, and left the office.

As he stepped outside, he found Siryn still there, looking distinctly nervous as Krypto stared at her, ready to pounce if she tried anything. Siryn turned towards him, stricken. “Can’t you tell this…this beast to go somewhere else?”

Superman allowed himself to smile wryly. “If you’re going to stay here, Siryn, I’d suggest that you two learn to get along.”

Siryn smiled. “I knew you’d see reason!” she exclaimed. Her smile turned sly. “So that’s why Blaire ran off; really, Kal-El, it is a testament to your patience, how you can tolerate someone so high-maintenance.”

“Compared to who?” Superman retorted flatly.

Siryn’s smile grew. “And you still possess that rapier wit.” she cooed. “Oh, I will enjoy working with you.” With that, she reached up to try to glide her hand along his jaw.

Frowning, Superman brushed her hand away. “For now, Siryn, you can stay here…but let’s get one thing straight: I’m with Ali.” he said firmly. “You just mind yourself, missy, because I’m keeping an eye on you.”

Siryn giggled happily. “Oh, Kal-El, I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

Superman could only groan to himself. “Krypto, watch her.” he instructed, before he darted off, to find Alison.

XXXXXXXX

Left with the mutt once more, after suppressing her internal phobia-induced panic to a somewhat manageable level – though her dear Papa’s latest training had included conditioning to the presence of canines, she would always hate dogs – Anita managed a smile at her small victory. She’d gained entrance to the Institute…and, more importantly, driven a small wedge between her future husband and the little half-breed.

Anita frowned to herself, while remembering to keep up her mental guards; it wouldn’t do to let Xavier or the Grey girl to waltz in on her private thoughts. What Kal-El saw in that little floozy baffled her still…although she couldn’t help but adore his loyalty, misplaced though it was.

Well, before too long, she would make sure that his loyalty lay with her Papa…and her.

As the rest of the X-Men emerged from their mentor’s office, Anita kept her expression neutral, making sure that none of them had any suspicion – well, no more suspicion than what they already had; from what she knew, it wouldn’t be long before the next phase of the plan began…

XXXXXXXX

After running out of the Professor’s office, Power Girl darted outside, flying up to sit on the Institute’s roof, her expression utterly dejected; she couldn’t believe that they were just going to let that little brat walk right into their home.

She only wished she’d handled it better; no matter how justified her reaction was, running away wasn’t the right way to handle it. Clark likely thought she’d acted like a spoiled little baby, now…

“Ali?”

Looking up, Power Girl saw Superman hovering in front of her, his expression concerned. “Are you okay?”

Power Girl frowned, trying to suppress her tears of anger and frustration. “No, Kal, I am not okay.” she muttered. “Not when my boyfriend is willing to let that little witch just swoop in..!”

Superman flinched. “Ali…”

“This is a horrible idea, Kal! I don’t care what the Professor thinks; nothing good will come from letting her stay here!” Power Girl exclaimed.

Superman sat down next to her. “Alia,” he said softly, “you know that there are people in the government just waiting for an excuse to shut the Institute down…”

That was true, Alison had to admit; Senator Kelly might have been the loudest voice against mutants – and the League – but he was far from unique. “I know that.” she whispered. “But you know that this is just part of some insane scheme that she and her father have cooked up..!”

“Maybe that’s why we should keep her around, taushi; here, we can keep an eye on her, and maybe prevent her from accomplishing whatever she’s trying to do.”

“But that’s likely what she wants you to think!” Alison cried. “She’s just going to try and pull some insane stunt like Doom did with the Sentinels and…and take you away from me..!”

Superman put his arm around her shoulder. “That isn’t going to happen, Ali.” he said firmly. “I am not leaving you. Ever.”

Alison suppressed a sniffle. “You say that now,” she said, “but you don’t know what she could be planning..!”

“No,” Superman admitted, “but I do know that we’ll get through it, just like we have before.”

“Like the Sentinel incident?” Power Girl countered. “We’re still feeling the effects of that, Kal.”

Superman flinched; he couldn’t argue with her there, he knew.

Standing up, Power Girl finished, “I’m sorry, tausha, but you can’t expect me to be happy about this.”

Superman sighed, and stood up. “No, I can’t.” he agreed. “But it’s out of our hands, so can I trust you to back me on this?”

Power Girl managed a weak smile. “Unlike LeRoux, baby, I can be trusted.” she replied. Her expression hardened. “I just don’t want this to come back to bite us…like I know it will.” With that, she darted off, heading back inside.

Alone, Superman sighed to himself. ‘Why do I know that she’s right?’ he thought, before he darted off, following her.

XXXXXXXX

As the New Mutants, all in uniform, headed through the hallways, heading towards the Danger Room, Lila – or now “Leap” – groaned. “Wasn’t the morning session bad enough?” she lamented.

Iceman chuckled. “You’ll get used to it, Lila.”

Jubilee frowned. “I still can’t believe that ‘Siryn’ witch is here.” she muttered. “What was the Professor thinking?!”

“He was probably thinking that the Institute doesn’t need any more trouble from the government.” Warren – “Angel,” now – replied. “Van Damme Industries – Doom’s company – has the resources to fund quite a few lobbyists.”

Ron – who now called himself “Leviathan” – scowled. “Well, that sucks.”

“No kidding.” Boom-Boom said. “Wonder what Princess Loud-Mouth is up to now.”

“Hang on…this ‘Siryn’ chick…is she the one who’s always trying to steal Kal away from Ali?” Leap inquired.

“The very same.” Wolfsbane replied.

Leap scowled. “I hate her already.”

Magma nodded. “No doubt she’s spying on us for her father, Doctor Doom.”

At that, Tina – who had taken the nickname “Ghost” – gasped, her eyes going wide. “D-Doctor Doom?!” she cried. “She’s…h-his daughter?!”

“Afraid so, Spooky.” Berzerker quipped.

“Yeah, and she’s just as nuts as her old man.” Alex – now “Havok” – added.

Paige – now “Husk” – gulped. “She sounds scary…”

“She’s not so tough, Paige.” Cannonball assured her.

“Yeah, and neither is her old man!” Multiple exclaimed. “Clark seriously kicked his butt, a few months ago!”

“Caution, Jamie; Professor Xavier has previously issued express instructions to refrain from referring to Superman by his Earth-name.” Android stated, looking concerned.

“Metal-Head’s right, pipsqueak.” Sunspot said. “If Siryn hears any of us say Big Blue’s real name, she’ll blab it to her old man.”

Iceman nodded. “From now on, he’s ‘Kal,’ okay?” At that, everyone nodded, as they headed into the elevator, which took them down to the Institute’s lower levels.

Within minutes, the elevator had reached the Danger Room level, and the New Mutants headed into the control room, where the X-Men, Superman, Wolverine, Storm, Mystique, and Beast had been waiting, all in uniform, along with Krypto…and a green-clad, brown-haired young woman who was hovering near Superman, much to the Man of Steel’s annoyance.

Leap frowned. “I’m guessing that’s Siryn.”

Berzerker looked forlorn. “Dude…that is not fair.”

As the New Mutants walked in, Siryn turned towards them…and her expression turned to one of disdain. “Kal-El, you cannot be serious.” she said. “You expect me to work with these…amateurs?”

Boom-Boom frowned. “Oh, she is so getting pranked.” she muttered softly.

“This isn’t up for debate, Siryn.” Superman said firmly. “X-Man status is something you earn.”

“But you’ve seen what I can do, Kal-El.” Siryn pleaded.

“Individual skill is just one part of being an X-Man, Siryn.” Cyclops said. “Teamwork is another.”

Siryn frowned. “I’ve led a team before, Summers.”

“What, ya mean how ya bossed Todd, Fred, and Pietro around, last year?” Rogue scoffed. “That’s not too impressive, Yer Majesty…and that’s not sayin’ how we kicked yer butts every tahme.”

Siryn’s eyes narrowed. “This is ridiculous…”

Power Girl chuckled. “If you don’t like it, you know where the door is.”

Siryn glared at Power Girl…before recomposing herself. “Very well, then; if I must, then I must.”

“Good to hear, Princess.” Wolverine said. He then turned to Ghost. “You up for it this time, Spooky?”

Ghost gulped. “Um…I-I don’t think so…”

Superman smiled gently. “That’s okay, Tina; no need to rush.”

Wolverine then turned to Superman. “They’re all yours, Flyboy.”

Siryn smiled, arching an eyebrow. “‘Flyboy’?” she repeated. “I like it.” At that, Superman just rolled his eyes, before heading down to the Danger Room, followed by the New Mutants…and their newest member.

As they all stepped into the empty Danger Room, Superman looked to his team. “Okay, everyone, like it or not, we’re a team, now. This session’s objective is Capture the Flag; everyone stay cool, watch each other’s backs, and we’ll do okay.” With that, he looked up to the control room. “Okay, Logan, we’re ready.”

Wolverine’s chuckle came through the audio system. “Your funeral, Flyboy.” With that, the Danger Room’s holo-emitters activated, as the silver metal walls faded away, leaving the entire team in a forested area, with patches of blue sky visible through the canopy.

“Iceman, you, Berzerker and Sunspot take point.” Superman instructed. “Angel, you’re with me; we’ll scout ahead, and locate the target-zone.”

“Got it.” Angel agreed.

“Wolfsbane, keep those senses on high alert; if you smell anything approaching, yell out.” Superman continued. “Android, put your sensors at maximum range and sensitivity.”

“Aye.” Wolfsbane said, before assuming her half-wolf state.

“Affirmative.” Android added, his yellow-hued eyes starting to glow brighter.

“Magma, you and Havok keep an eye on our west flank; Jubilee, you, Boom-Boom and Cannonball guard the east; Siryn, cover the rear.”

Siryn smiled. “I am completely at your service.”

Superman ignored her remark. “Let’s move, people.” he instructed, before he took to the air, flying ahead, followed by Angel, while the others followed on foot.

After a few minutes of aerial scouting, Superman spotted the target-zone; it was a mile or so due west, on a high hill, guarded by about a dozen robotic drones…with three dozen more between the others and the target area. “Angel: nine o’clock.”

“I see it, Big Blue.” Angel replied, before he banked into a turn, heading back to the others, as Superman did the same.

In seconds, they had touched down in front of the others. “The target-zone is a mile due west of here; the zone itself is under relatively light guard…but the main force is between us and the zone.” Superman said.

“What’s the plan, big guy?” Iceman asked.

Superman turned to Android. “Mark, at maximum output, how long can you sustain battle-mode?”

“After my recent upgrade, my internal generator can sustain battle-mode at maximum power for two to three minutes.” Android replied. “If necessary, I can supplement my generator by draining power from our adversaries…”

“You don’t need to worry about that, Android.” Superman said. “Angel, you, Jubilee, Multiple, and Android are to run skirmish; get in there, stir them up, and then head for the target-zone as fast as you can.” He then looked to Leap. “Lila, you can take a couple people with you when you ‘port, right?”

“No problem!” Lila chirped…before looking nervous. “I still need to work on my aim, though…”

“Good; I want you to take Havok and Berzerker with you and ‘port to the target-zone.” Superman said. “Siryn, you take Husk and Leviathan with you and follow her. Once you’re there, you’re all to secure the area.”

Siryn arched an eyebrow. “I mean no disrespect, Kal-El, but could you not accomplish this easily?”

“We can’t always rely on a single teammate, Siryn; this exercise’s objective is for all of us to reach the target-zone.” Superman said.

“There’s no ‘I’ in “Team,’ Princess.” Boom-Boom quipped, causing Siryn to frown.

“In the meantime, the rest of us are to move in and take out the rest of the drones, making sure that none of them start to fall back to the target-zone.” Superman finished. “Everyone clear?” There were no arguments. “Then let’s move!” With that, Leap took hold of her two teammates, vanishing in a flash of light, while Siryn conjured green haze around herself, Husk, and Leviathan, teleporting them away, while the others headed towards the target-zone.

Flying ahead of the others, Angel dove towards the cluster of robotic drones, taking out three with one dive-attack before flying off. As the drones turned to open fire on his retreating form, a wave of firework-like sparks washed over them from the side, blinding their sensors, before a squadron of twelve Jamies rushed them. Three Jamies tackled into one drone as a fourth kicked its head off, while two more pushed a second into the path of a third, tripping it and disabling it; three more Jamies surrounded another drone, before dog-piling onto it and disabling it, as the last two jump-kicked a fourth drone.

By then, one drone had gotten a lock on Jubilee’s vantage-point, and was about to open fire…when five silver-metal tendrils snaked out from the trees, piercing the drone’s armour and draining its power. Retracting his fingers, Android stepped into view, his yellow eyes starting to glow red. “Engaging battle-mode.” With that statement, Android’s body began to shift; his torso grew wider, more powerful, his arms morphing into high-powered force-cannons, while his legs shifted, separating into four, spindly, spider-like legs, as he grew to over seven feet tall.

Locking onto two drones, Android opened fire, utterly annihilating the two drones and sending several others flying. As the rest of the drones opened fire at him, Android morphed into a semi-liquid-metal glob, bouncing to the side, evading their fire, slashing out with a silver tendril as he landed, decapitating two more drones. Re-forming himself, Android blasted two more drones, before spearing a third through the torso with one of his legs…seconds before his eyes started to flash; his generator was running low. Promptly deactivating battle-mode, Android looked to his comrades. “I believe we have sufficiently ‘stirred things up.’ A tactical withdrawal is in order.”

Diving low, Angel sent one drone flying with a kick, before touching down. “You heard him, guys; let’s get out of here!” he exclaimed. With that, Angel took to the sky, as Android, Jubilee, and all twelve Multiples ran after him.

As the initial attack drew the attention of the dozen drones guarding the target-zone, Siryn’s teleportation spell deposited her, Husk and Leviathan directly behind them. “Try not to mess up.” Siryn said, as she conjured an orb of lightning in her hand, before firing it and destroying two drones.

Leviathan frowned. “I was about to say the same thing, Princess.” he snapped, before closing on one drone, its laser-blasts impacting harmlessly against his scales; reaching it, he smashed its face with a punch, and then lifted it up over his head, and tossed it into another.

Turning, Leviathan spotted another drone coming at him…before the drone stopped dead, as a shiny black hand had just punched through its torso. The drone then fell away, revealing Paige, who had just finished ‘husking’ off her outer layer of skin, revealing the shiny black, ultra-hard layer just below it. Ron smiled at the younger girl; creepy as it was to see her powers work, they got results. “Thanks, kiddo.”

Husk smiled. “No problem.”

“Splendid.” Siryn said. “You two handle things here; I’ll go check on our dear leader.”

“Wait!!” Husk cried. “We’re supposed to..!” But Siryn had already ‘ported herself away…leaving them to contend with the other seven drones.

Leviathan scowled. “Great.” he muttered, readying himself as three drones closed on them…

“EEEEYYYAAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!”

Leap’s scream cut the air just as her flash of light illuminated the air just above the drones as she crashed down on top of one, her two teammates landing on their feet just behind the drones. With expert aim, Berzerker fried the two approaching drones with a high-voltage blast, while Havok took aim at the last two and sent them packing with twin force-blasts from his hands.

Lila groaned piteously as she stood up. “I have got to work on my aim.”

After Angel, Multiple, Jubilee, and Android had withdrawn, Superman called out, “Move in!!” At that order, the rest of the New Mutants moved in; snarling, the now fully-wolfen Wolfsbane charged at one drone, while the powered-up Sunspot flame-blasted two drones that were aiming at her, giving his comrade time to close on her target and pounce, biting into its throat, shutting it down.

As five drones closed on him, Cannonball took aim, and cannon-blasted himself into the approaching drones, sending them all flying; before the drones could regroup, Magma assumed her fiery state, and melted them all into slag.

Forming a handful of her cherry-bombs, Boom-Boom tossed them into a cluster of drones, where they detonated with impressive blasts, taking out three drones and knocking three more into the air; before they could land, Superman flew towards them and smashed each one into scrap with a single punch. As he touched down, another drone leapt at him, catching him in a headlock…

…and was blasted into scrap by a mystic firebolt.

Turning, Superman’s eyes went wide as he saw who it was. “Siryn?! What are you doing?!”

Siryn smiled. “Why, helping you, of course!”

Superman’s eyes narrowed. “I told you to stay and secure the target-zone..!”

“Hey, Big Blue?” Iceman called out, holding several drones at bay with sub-zero blasts. “A little help?”

Superman glared at Siryn briefly, darting over to assist his comrade. “Deep Freeze!” he instructed. “Everyone get clear!” Iceman instantly understood, and assumed his frozen state, focusing a sub-zero blast in his hands as Superman readied his frost-breath. Once their teammates were clear, Iceman fired his ice-blast first, seconds before Superman unleashed his frost-breath.

Iceman’s blast was instantly magnified a thousandfold by Superman’s breath, as a blast of near-Arctic wind instantly froze every single drone solid. “Everyone head to the target-zone!” Superman called out; at that instruction, the others all ran towards the target-zone, now secured by the rest of their team. In minutes, all the New Mutants had reached the target-zone; the second they were all there, the simulation ended, as the holograms faded away, revealing the Danger Room.

“Time: five minutes.” came Wolverine’s voice over the audio system. “Not bad, but I’m not doing cartwheels, either.”

Superman nodded…before turning to Siryn, his expression stern. “Siryn, just what did you think you were doing?”

Siryn frowned. “That’s a nice way to talk to someone who helped you.”

Leviathan scoffed. “Yeah, at our expense.”

Superman’s eyes narrowed. “I told you to back up the others at the target-zone; you dropped the ball, and they could have gotten hurt because of it.”

Siryn rolled her eyes. “Anyone with a grain of competence could have handled those toys, Kal-El; it’s not my fault that we’re both forced to work with imbeciles…”

“Oh, that does it!!” Leap shouted, rolling up her sleeves. “Say your prayers, Super-Bitch!!”

“Lila.” Superman said firmly, calming the angered girl.

Siryn scoffed. “I rest my case, Kal-El.”

Superman frowned. “Siryn, if we can’t trust you in training, what makes you think we’re ever going to trust you in a real situation?” he asked. Turning to the others, he added, “Good work, everyone.”

Just then, Superman’s belt-buckle started to beep. Cyclops’ chuckle came in over the audio system. “Sounds like you’re needed elsewhere.”

“Sounds like it.” Superman agreed. “I’ll see you guys later.” With that, he darted out of the Danger Room at top speed, heading for the surface, while the New Mutants headed back up to the control room, letting the X-Men head in for their own session.

XXXXXXXX

Academy of Tomorrow, Boston, Massachusetts

In the underground command chamber of the high-tech Academy of Tomorrow, 21-year-old Emma Frost, in her uniform – white tight pants, a white tube top that accentuated her ample curves, and a white cape – smiled to herself as she regarded the large view-screen…which showed several video-feeds of the Justice League in action.

“Getting a bit obsessed, aren’t we, Frost?”

The blonde-haired White Queen of the Inner Circle rolled her blue eyes, turning to see 21-year-old Shinobi Shaw, his mid-length black hair flowing freely, his dark green eyes narrowed, his ‘pretty-boy’ face twisted in a scowl, clad in his usual dark blue business suit over his lean frame. “I don’t recall needing to justify my actions to you, Black Pawn.”

Shinobi’s scowl grew; his demotion was still a sore spot for him. “It was with my help that you organized this school, Frost…”

“…which is why your father allows you to remain here.” Emma finished. “Regardless, I have been studying our dear Kryptonian and his team, Shaw; they will be formidable foes, no doubt about that.”

As the view-screen showed an image of Superman catching a crashing airplane, Shinobi scowled. “We’ve wasted these past few months, Frost; now the alien and his ‘League’ have an orbital headquarters! We should move against them now, before their interference compromises any more of the Circle’s affairs..!”

“Patience, Shaw.” Emma said. “To have the Hellions attack the Justice League head-on is foolish.” Her smile grew sly. “As your father always says, Shaw, it is the smartest warrior that claims victory…which always puts you at a disadvantage.”

Shinobi just glared at her. “This plan of yours had better work, Frost.” he muttered…before he smiled. “It will be quite nice to see the lovely Alison, again.”

Emma simply smiled. “Oh, you needn’t worry, Shaw.” she replied. “Provided that you can keep your lust in check, I have every confidence that it will.”

XXXXXXXX

Xavier Institute

‘X-Men, Siryn, please report to my office immediately.’

The Professor’s telepathic message echoed through their minds just after the X-Men’s team-session had ended, prompting them to head to their mentor’s office. The session had gone fairly well, Power Girl noted to herself, as she and her teammates – along with Siryn – headed out of the elevator, walking towards the Professor’s office.

She would likely never get used to having her around.

As they stepped into the Professor’s office, they all noticed the Professor’s grave expression. “What’s wrong, Professor?” Cyclops asked.

“A few minutes ago, I received a phone-call,” the Professor replied, “from Emma Frost.”

That surprised the X-Men. “Emma Frost??” Phoenix exclaimed.

“The chick running that other mutant team, the Hellions?” Spyke muttered. “What’s she want?”

“Apparently, Emma contacted me to invite me – as well as all of you – to visit her institution – her Academy of Tomorrow – in Boston.” Professor Xavier answered. “She also suggested that she might be interested in our schools working together.”

“Professor, you can’t be serious!” Shadowcat exclaimed. “She’s working for that ‘Inner Circle’!”

“Kitty’s right, Professor; she’s big-time bad news.” Avalanche agreed.

“I won’t deny that this has some risks,” the Professor replied, “but if Emma is sincere, I must at least hear her out.” His expression turned haunted. “I failed her once…”

Cyclops’ expression mirrored that of his mentor. “I’ll go with you.”

“Me, too.” Phoenix added.

All the X-Men nodded, echoing their agreement, causing the Professor to smile. “Thank you.”

“I, too, would be happy to accompany you.” Siryn added.

Rogue scowled. “Since when are you an X-Man, ‘Yer Majesty’?”

“Unless I’m mistaken, Emma’s invitation was directed at ‘all of us,’ which includes me.” Siryn replied.

Gambit arched an eyebrow. “Gambit got t’ say, dat sounds a li’l fishy.”

“What, are you in on Frost’s scheme, lady?” Spyke snapped.

Siryn’s eyes narrowed. “If you must know, Daniels, Emma happens to be a dear friend of mine, as well as one of my former tutors.” she answered. “Prior to coming here, she had inquired if I wished to attend her institution, but regretfully, I had to decline.”

The Professor slowly nodded. “Emma did mention that fact, as well as her extending the invitation to you, Anita…as well as to Superman.” he admitted. “I suggest you all prepare to depart; I will contact Superman and appraise him.”

Siryn smiled. “I, for one, will be delighted to see Emma, again.” With that, she turned to go.

Power Girl glanced towards the door, her hearing having detected something…and as her eyes flashed electric blue, they widened. “Siryn…”

“What, Blaire?” Siryn asked haughtily. “Going to tell me that I’m not welcome here? That this little expedition is part of my alleged ‘plan’? That Kal-El is yours and I’d best quit now?” She smirked. “If I cared one whit about your words…” With that, she opened the door…

SPLASH!!!

As Siryn opened the door, the expertly placed bucket of ice-water crashed down onto her, utterly dousing her, the bucket itself covering her head like a cap…as the sound of laughter echoed from down the hallways.

Unsuccessfully suppressing a giggle, Power Girl tipped up the rim of the bucket, revealing Anita’s incredulous expression. “Actually, I was just going to tell you about that bucket of water…but I see you’ve already figured that out.” Power Girl said. “That’s what happens when you don’t listen.” At that, Siryn’s eyes narrowed, before she stormed off, while the rest of the X-Men, chuckling, headed off, to prepare.

XXXXXXXX

Watchtower, Earth orbit

After rescuing the sinking freight-liner in the north Atlantic, Superman and Green Lantern promptly headed to the Watchtower, entering via one of the Tower’s airlocks; as the outer hatch closed behind them, the airlock filled itself with air, allowing Green Lantern to lower his force-field. “Another day at the office.” John quipped.

Superman chuckled. “You said it.”

The inner hatch then opened, allowing them into the Tower, as they headed to the Monitor Womb, where the rest of the League was waiting for them. “Superman, we’ve just received a transmission from Professor Xavier.” J’onn reported as they walked in.

Superman’s eyes widened in surprise. “Is everything okay?”

“Not sure.” Flash said. “Apparently, this ‘Emma Frost’ lady invited us, Professor X, the X-Men, and this ‘Siryn’ chick to visit her school for mutants.”

Hawkgirl arched an eyebrow. “That ‘Siryn’…isn’t she..?”

“Anita LeRoux, adopted daughter of Victor von Doom, heir apparent to the Latverian throne.” Batman said, his eyes never leaving the computer terminal he was working at. “LeRoux is an Alpha-Class mutant; abilities include UHF/ULF vocal modulation and suggestion, and a high-intensity sonic-blast, in addition to unquantified thaumaturgical abilities.”

Flash blinked. “Huh??”

“Her voice can make other people do what she wants, she can generate a high-powered sonic scream, and she knows magic.” Superman translated.

“Oh.”

“She sounds like a keeper.” Aquaman quipped. “Why is the Professor letting her hang around?”

“Van Damme Industries makes considerable under-the-table contributions to known lobbyists,” Batman answered, “some of which are less than friendly to mutants.”

Wonder Woman frowned. “And this is allowed?”

“Technically, it’s not.” Superman explained. “Accepting donations from Doom could be seen as bribery at best, and treason at worst…but it’s still done, without anyone finding out about it.”

Wonder Woman’s eyes narrowed. “We must endeavour to expose this treachery.”

“Fine with us,” John said, “but that still doesn’t solve the immediate problem; from what Clark’s told us, this ‘Emma Frost’ is in cahoots with the Inner Circle.”

“This is obviously a trap.” Hawkgirl said.

“I’m not saying I disagree with you,” Superman replied, “but the Professor likely feels obligated to at least try to make peace with his former student…”

“…which is likely what this Frost woman is counting on.” Diana said. “Circe herself would be hard-pressed to concoct a more diabolical ploy.”

Superman nodded. “That’s why I’m going to accompany the others to this ‘Academy of Tomorrow’.” he stated.

“As will I.” J’onn added. “Given Frost’s telepathic abilities, she may attempt to psychically probe the others’ minds; we will need every telepath available to ensure that does not happen.”

“I’ll tag along, too, in case Frost and her students try anything.” Aquaman said.

“I have business in Gotham.” Batman said. “Robin and Batgirl have reported that Penguin’s planning a heist.”

“Beacon’s also intercepted a transmission detailing an arms shipment coming through New York.” Hawkgirl said. “It hasn’t finished decoding the transmission, so we don’t know when the shipment is arriving or who ordered it; we know it’s happening today, but that’s it.”

Superman nodded. “Then the rest of you should remain on stand-by, so that at least some of us are ready if the shipment arrives soon.” he replied.

“Agreed.” Green Lantern said. “Good luck.”

“Thanks.” Superman replied, as he, Aquaman, and the Martian Manhunter headed for the vehicle bay.

XXXXXXXX

Academy of Tomorrow

By the time the Blackbird had reached Boston, the sky was starting to take on a twinge of red, as sunset began to approach. As the Blackbird arrived at the coordinates that Emma Frost had given the Professor, Cyclops saw that the Javelin-1 had just arrived as well. Both vehicles promptly touched down on the front lawn, and the X-Men, Siryn, and the Professor disembarked, as Superman, Aquaman, and the Martian Manhunter did the same.

Glancing towards the Academy, Spyke whistled. “Gotta admit, Frost’s got a nice place.”

Looking at the school, Cyclops had to admit, it was impressive; whereas the Institute’s design was more traditional, the Academy’s architecture was decidedly more high-tech. The Academy’s main building was around the same size as the Institute itself, built of silver metal, and large glass windows, with a large glass dome in the center of the building’s roof, letting sunlight shine in. A few meters to the west of the main building was another, slightly smaller building, similar in design to the main one, except that it was reminiscent of a gymnasium.

Emma had clearly blown out all the stops on her school.

As they walked towards the main building’s front doors, Emma walked out to greet them. “Why, Charles, how good of you to come.” she said, smiling. To the X-Men, she added, “It’s a delight to finally meet all of you; I’ve heard such wonderful things…”

“First we’re hearing of it.” Scarlet Witch muttered.

Chuckling, Emma’s smile grew as she spotted Siryn. “Anita, I’m so glad you decided to come!”

Siryn smiled back, as she and her former teacher exchanged friendly air-kisses on each other’s cheeks. “How could I refuse to come see my second-favourite teacher?”

Emma chuckled. “Only second? I’m hurt!”

Siryn laughed. “Now, Em, you know that honour belongs to Papa!”

Emma smiled. “You’re biased, my dear girl.”

“Naturally.”

Glancing to Cyclops, Phoenix sent a mental chuckle his way. ‘Well, that explains a few things…’

Walking over towards Superman, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter, Emma smiled. “Well, I’m sure we need no introduction, handsome.”

Superman frowned, folding his arms neutrally. “Unfortunately, no.”

Emma lightly frowned. “Oh, you’re not dwelling on our last meeting, are you?”

“You must admit, Emma, that we cannot help but be surprised.” Charles said. “In our last encounter, some unkind things were said.”

Emma sighed. “Ah, but that was before, Charles; as you can see, things have changed in these past few months.” She smiled. “Who would know better than all of you?”

Her expression grew serious. “Because of that, I have realized that the two of us – and our respective charges – opposing each other is foolishness.” she continued. “With our kind now exposed, we cannot let ourselves be divided by petty differences in opinion.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that, Emma,” the Professor replied, “but I hope you’ll forgive me if I’m somewhat…sceptical.”

Emma smiled. “I suppose I can’t really blame you.” she said, gesturing to the door. “Please, come in, and let us give you a proper tour of the Academy; perhaps that will put some of your doubts to rest.”

Cyclops frowned…before he slowly nodded. “It’s okay with me.” he said. “Professor?”

The Professor nodded. “Very well.” he replied. With that, he, the X-Men, Siryn, Superman, Aquaman, and the Manhunter all followed Emma into the Academy.

As Emma led them into the Academy, Cyclops saw that several of the Hellions – the hulking powerhouse Beef, the electro-kinetic Bevatron, the microwave-wielding Firestar, and their leader, the telekinetic Hellion – were waiting for them, clad in their uniforms, consisting of full red-and-black bodysuits, frowning; clearly, Emma’s students weren’t any happier about this than they were. “I assume you remember Buford, Fabian, Angelica, and Julian.” Emma said.

“Oh, yeah.” Cyclops said. “They’re kinda tough to forget.”

Hellion scowled. “Same to you, Goggle-Boy.”

“Now, Julian,” Emma said, her tone lightly scolding, “we mustn’t be rude to our guests. Why don’t the four of you give our esteemed friends a tour of our school; I’m sure they’re all curious.”

Julian’s scowl grew. “Yeah, whatever.” he muttered.

“Good.” Emma said. “If you’ll excuse me, I have other business to attend to; I hope you enjoy your stay.” With that, Emma walked off, while the four Hellions started to lead them down the nearest hallway.

‘Scott?’ Phoenix sent to Cyclops. ‘I don’t trust her; not one bit.’

‘You and me both, Red.’ Cyclops agreed. He then lightly widened his thoughts, including the Professor in their talk. ‘Professor, are you sure this was a good idea? You don’t need to be a telepath to tell that she’s up to something.’

‘I agree, Scott; I have no doubt that Emma likely has some ulterior motive for inviting us here,’ the Professor telepathically agreed, ‘but we cannot simply dismiss this opportunity because of that. She may simply require our help.’

‘Then why not just come out and ask?’ Scott replied.

Charles mentally chuckled. ‘Scott, if you knew her as a child, you would know that Emma is far too proud for that.’

‘I still don’t buy it, Professor; this smells like a set-up.’ Phoenix thought.

‘Perhaps, Jean,’ the Professor thought back, ‘but we cannot ignore this opportunity, if there is even a chance that Emma is sincere; our allies are few and far between, now more so than ever.’

Phoenix sighed. ‘Maybe, but we don’t have to like it.’

Glancing around, Cyclops commented, “Nice place you guys have here.”

Hellion smirked. “It’s no ‘Watchtower’, but it’s home.”

“Your school appears quite new.” Martian Manhunter observed. “Has it been established long?”

“One year, approximativement.” Bevatron answered.

Firestar nodded. “Ms. Frost told us that someone once inspired her to create the Academy.”

“I see.” Charles said softly.

“So, what exactly is that ‘Watchtower’ like, anyway?” Beef said, his eyes narrowing.

Smiling, Siryn stepped closer to Superman, her arm lacing around his elbow, ignoring Power Girl’s glare. “I’ve been somewhat curious about that, myself, Kal-El.” she cooed. “What is your headquarters like?”

Politely but firmly, Superman removed her arm from his. “Except for monitoring emergency frequencies and scanning for suspicious transmissions, it’s not much different from the Institute.”

Hellion scowled. “And you have to be in orbit to do that?”

“Outer space is neutral, kiddo.” Aquaman said. “By staying up there, we let everyone know we don’t play favourites.”

“Well, isn’t that nice.” Hellion scoffed. “I’m sure the guys aiming the missiles at you will think so, too.”

Superman chuckled, ignoring the shot. “Well, hopefully, nothing we do will make anyone want to fire anything at us,” he said, “but in the worst case, we’re capable of defending ourselves.”

Siryn giggled. “Regardless, who would be foolish enough to attack you?”

Spyke chuckled. “Hate to say it, but she’s got a point.” he said. “You’d have to be pretty dumb to go after Big Blue and the League.” At that, Hellion just scowled, as he and his teammates led them further into the Academy.

XXXXXXXX

As her students led Charles and the others away, Emma headed to her office, smiling to herself.

The old fool had taken the bait; Xavier was so determined to make peace – to believe that she’d seen the ‘error of her ways’ – he’d walked right into her clutches, bringing his students with him.

‘Speaking of which,’ Emma thought to herself, her smile growing, ‘since my students are showing them our school, it’s only fair that we learn more about them.’ She knew for a fact that strapping Kryptonian’s thick skull was impenetrable as far as her telepathy was concerned, but Charles’ quite human – so to speak – students were another matter. She reached out with her thoughts, listening…

No sooner had she found the thought-train of the young Scott Summers, chatting with his little red-headed paramour, than a psychic brick-wall slammed itself in front of her psyche, blocking her completely.

Emma momentarily recoiled, before trying to push through the block…to no avail. Emma’s eyebrows narrowed in confusion; had Charles detected her? Even if he had, she should have been able to make some headway. It could have been the Grey girl…but Emma doubted it; Charles’ little fire-bird hadn’t seemed to even notice her. Cautiously, Emma tried to zero in on the thoughts of the Blaire girl…only to hit that same iron-clad block, nearly causing her to psychically scream in frustration; what was going on..?

‘I know very little of Earth customs…but on my world, trying to read the thoughts of guests uninvited is considered extremely RUDE.’

Emma almost gasped, as her mind followed that booming psychic voice back to the telepathic giant looming over her mind, utterly dwarfing her in power.

The Martian.

Emma remained calm, lightly smiling. ‘Well, now, my fine green friend, you can’t blame a girl for being curious…’

‘I believe, Miss Frost, that your world has a saying about curiosity.’ the Manhunter replied. ‘If this happens again, I assure you that felines will not be the ONLY ones in danger from curiosity. Am I understood?’

‘Yes. You’ve explained it quite clearly.’ Emma thought. ‘I hope that you weren’t offended by this minor gaffe…’

‘Your sincerity was called into question the moment we received your invitation, Emma Frost,’ the Martian answered, ‘and this incident does not speak well of you. However, out of respect for Charles Xavier, I will let the decision of whether or not to leave rest with him; Charles wishes to believe in you. If you value that belief, do NOT try this, again.’ With that, the Manhunter ended the telepathic conversation.

Alone in her mind again, Emma lightly winced, rubbing her temples from the Martian’s booming psychic voice, mentally kicking herself for being so foolish; she had underestimated the Martian’s abilities, which may very well have endangered their little operation..!

Emma quickly calmed herself; she hadn’t felt the Martian try to invade her thoughts – with a psychic signature like his, she would have been able to tell…though it was doubtful if she could stop him – and her own thoughts had been shielded, preventing her from at least giving their plan away. It was likely that the Martian simply thought she had just been curious; the plan was still on track.

Still, Emma was going to have to be careful, and guard her thoughts carefully, especially when the Martian was around; Emma was no slouch, telepathically – she knew she could hold her own against Xavier…perhaps even surpass him, she thought with a smirk.

But if she ever faced the Martian…it would be no contest; to disable her, all he had to do was grab hold of her psyche and yell at her.

Emma’s frown then dissipated, her expression turning neutral, as her mind returned to the present moment; her gaining the secrets of the Justice League had only been a side-plan, while the real one was still safe. With these thoughts, Emma headed on her way, to continue that plan…before she had to return and play the perfect hostess to the idealistic fool who thought he could ‘save’ her.

XXXXXXXX

After about an hour of touring the Academy, the four Hellions led their guests to an elevator, before heading down. “This leads to our training simulator.” Hellion explained. “It’s what we use to train in using our powers.”

Cyclops nodded. “Sounds like what we use, back home.” he commented, before directing his thoughts at their Martian comrade. ‘Any sign of Emma, J’onn?’

‘None, yet, Scott,’ J’onn thought back, ‘but I would still advise you all to maintain mental blocks for the time being.’

Cyclops nodded; after J’onn had discreetly notified them that Emma had attempted to read their thoughts, every one of the X-Men had promptly raised their mental shields, grateful that their training had included lessons on how to block telepathic intrusions, as well as J’onn’s lessons on the subject. Between their own guards and their two psychic teachers, Cyclops was optimistic that Emma Frost wouldn’t be eavesdropping on them.

The Professor wasn’t thrilled to hear that Emma had tried that, but he was still willing to stay, to at least try to speak with her.

His thoughts returning to the tour, Cyclops had to admit that they hadn’t encountered anything suspicious, other than their guides being less than enthusiastic. They had seen the spacious dorm-rooms, the pleasant atrium, complete with satellite TV, as well as the gymnasium building, complete with an indoor heated pool…which had caused several of the X-Men to look a bit envious.

Before too long, the elevator emerged into a control room overlooking a vast metal chamber below…which reminded Cyclops a bit of the Danger Room. Looking around, he spotted Emma, along with the rest of her students: the skilled ex-Marine Thunderbird, the violet-haired feline metamorph Catseye, and the quiet, sandstorm-generating Dust. Like their four comrades, they, too, were in uniform, except for Dust, who was wearing a full black robe and veil, the traditional garb of a young Muslim lady.

As they walked in, Emma turned to greet them, smiling. “I trust that you’re enjoying the tour, so far?”

Charles nodded. “I must admit, Emma, your Academy is impressive.”

Emma’s smile grew, and for a brief moment, there seemed to be something behind it, before it quickly faded. “I’m flattered that you think so.” she replied. She then gestured to the training chamber below. “Our facility utilizes state-of-the-art holographic imaging systems to create a number of training simulations. In addition, the chamber itself is equipped with a number of training devices…”

“Talk’s cheap, Miss F.” Hellion interrupted, causing Emma to lightly frown. “What say we show our guests how it works?”

Superman arched an eyebrow. “You had something in mind?”

“Yeah; how about a little four-on-four?” Hellion replied. “Me, Angie, Sooraya, and Buford against you, Fish-Boy, Blondie and LeRoux.”

At that notion, Dust looked nervous. “I…I don’t know…” she whispered softly.

Catseye smiled. “You’ll do fine, Soori.” she assured the younger girl.

Charles frowned. “Is this really necessary, Emma?”

Emma just smiled. “Oh, come now, Charles; nothing wrong with a bit of friendly competition.”

Siryn smiled. “I think it’s a wonderful idea.”

Shadowcat rolled her eyes. “You would.”

Superman lightly frowned. “I don’t know…”

“Hey, I’m up for it.” Aquaman said, grinning.

Power Girl nodded. “Let’s show these wannabes, baby.”

Smiling wanly, Superman nodded. “Okay.”

Scarlet Witch smiled. “Kick their butts, bro.”

Superman chuckled. “Will do, sis.” With that, Superman, Power Girl, Aquaman, and Siryn, along with the four Hellions, stepped into the control room’s elevator, heading down into the training chamber.

XXXXXXXX

As he walked into the training chamber with the others, Superman couldn’t help but feel uneasy. ‘Why do I get the feeling that this isn’t going to be just ‘a bit of friendly competition’?’

Hellion smirked. “The rules are simple: last team standing wins.” he said. “Beyond that, anything goes.”

“Fine with us.” Aquaman agreed.

“Good.” Hellion said. “B-Man? Angie? Soori? Attack Pattern Delta.”

Firestar nodded. “Got it, Julian.” she agreed.

“Okay by me.” Beef said.

“Okay.” Dust added softly.

Superman’s eyes narrowed. “Everyone stay cool; if we stick together, we can handle this.”

Power Girl cast a wary glance towards Siryn, before nodding. “Okay.”

“Commence simulation.”

The instant that statement echoed from the chamber’s audio system, Firestar fired a high-powered thermal blast from her hands at them. Instantly, Superman unleashed a blast of frost-breath, freezing the air directly ahead of them, blocking Firestar’s attack. “Aquaman, flank right! Siryn, ‘port to the left and see if you can distract them!” Superman instructed. “Power Girl, try and get the drop on them from above before Dust can..!”

His instruction was cut off as the roaring Beef plowed through the ice, tackling into him and pushing him back to the wall, where Beef slammed him with a barrage of punches…until Superman caught his fist effortlessly, before he inhaled and blew the mutant powerhouse away like a leaf. “So much for ‘friendly competition’.” Superman muttered.

“What, the mighty ‘Man of Tomorrow’ can’t take a punch?” Hellion sneered, as he telekinetically levitated a slab of steel out of the floor, and tossed it at Aquaman, who leapt to the side.

“Ali, paste this jackass!” Aquaman exclaimed. Power Girl promptly took to the air, firing her eye-rays at Hellion, who blocked them with a PSI-bubble, keeping him pinned, and allowing Aquaman to charge at him, slamming his barrier with a haymaker, shattering it and sending him sprawling.

Before Aquaman could react, the recovered Beef closed on him and caught him from behind. “Angie, fry this fish!” he shouted; Firestar nodded, and took aim at Aquaman, readying a thermal blast…

…and seconds before she could fire, Aquaman slammed his head backwards, smashing Beef in the nose, before breaking his grip and flipping behind him, kicking him forward, where Firestar’s blast sent him flying.

As Aquaman’s feet touched down, he was suddenly knocked off-balance as the floor beneath him started to rise, revealing itself as a laser-turret, which opened fire on Power Girl, who generated a hard-light barrier around herself, deflecting the shots. “What the..?!” Aquaman shouted.

“Expect the unexpected, Fish-Boy!” Hellion shouted, as he got up, and telekinetically threw Aquaman off the turret, causing him to land hard, but he quickly recovered.

As Dust whirled herself into a sandstorm, sending a blast of sand towards her, Siryn conjured a gust of wind, blowing the sand away…as another turret rose up behind her, taking aim…

“Siryn, watch out!” Superman exclaimed, darting between her and the turret as it opened fire, the shots deflecting off of his invulnerable frame, before he fired his eye-rays, melting it into scrap.

Startled, Siryn turned around…before smiling radiantly. “You saved me…” she cooed.

“If you want to return the favour, try raining on Dust’s parade.” Superman replied, before he darted back into the fray. Her eyes narrowing, Siryn summoned a torrential downpour over Dust, thoroughly soaking her and washing her sand away, causing her to drop to the ground.

Darting away from the turret’s shots, Power Girl blasted it with a hard-light beam, obliterating it, before she evaded a thermal blast from Firestar. Her eyes narrowing, Power Girl inhaled, and unleashed a blast of gale-breath, sending Firestar flying. Before she could press the advantage, she was knocked out of the air by one of Hellion’s PSI-pulses. His eyes narrowed angrily, Hellion telekinetically pinned Power Girl to the nearest wall, ready to finish her off…but he was stopped as a red-and-blue blur darted between him and Power Girl.

Superman glared at him angrily, before he simply reached towards him…and flicked him with his finger.

The impact of that flick – that tiny little flick – was more than enough to send Hellion flying across the room, to crash into the wall, cratering it. Turning towards Power Girl, Superman smiled, and extended his hand to her; smiling back, Power Girl accepted it, and stood up. Superman then turned towards Hellion. “Well, Julian? Had enough?”

Coughing, feeling as though he’d been hit by a cannonball, Hellion dragged himself to his feet. “You wish, Super-Loser!” he shot back, before he looked to the control room, nodding.

“Holographic systems engaged.”

Almost instantly, the metal chamber was replaced by a vast rocky canyon, with all of them at the bottom. “Terrific.” Aquaman muttered. “Any ideas, Big Blue?”

Superman’s eyes narrowed as he thought. “Power Girl, you take Firestar; block every shot she makes, and take her out at close range.” he instructed. “Siryn, when Dust starts to go sandstorm, hit her hard and fast. Aquaman, the two of us will take out Tiny and Julian.” He grinned. “Remember those old western-movie marathons we used to watch with the others as kids?”

Aquaman grinned. “Lone Ranger maneuver?”

Superman nodded. “Hi-ho, Silver.”

Roaring, Beef charged at Superman, who dug in his heels, and stopped Beef’s charge cold, his eyes narrowed. “You guys want to play for keeps?” he asked. “Fine by me.” And he punctuated the sentence with a lightning-fast uppercut, knocking Beef into the air, before darting ahead of the airborne mutant and slamming him with another punch, and then intercepting him and decking him again; to anyone else, Beef seemed to be getting bounced back and forth by a crimson blur. After several punches, Superman caught Beef by the ankle, and spun him around at high speeds, before tossing him at Hellion. ‘It’s not quite lassoing a bad-guy and tossing him into another, but it’s close enough.’

Hellion’s eyes widened, as he telekinetically caught the human missile that was his teammate…seconds before Aquaman closed on him, slamming him with an uppercut, sending him flying; Hellion was knocked back, but telekinetically caught himself, before he sent Aquaman sprawling with a PSI-pulse, and then reaching for the rocky walls of the canyon with his TK, causing a mini-avalanche, burying Superman under several hundred tons of rock.

Power Girl’s eyes widened as she saw her tausha get buried, but her thoughts quickly returned to the present moment as she evaded a thermal-blast from Firestar. Forming hard-light shields on her forearms, Power Girl darted at Firestar, deflecting each blast sent her way, closing on her fast. Her expression turning desperate, Firestar unleashed the strongest thermal beam she had; as the blast shot towards her, Power Girl raised both her shields, strengthening them as much as she could, as the beam impacted her shields, and was deflected away, searing into the rock-wall…causing the wall to shake, small pebbles starting to fall.

Her eyes widening, Power Girl knew she had to stop Firestar before she caused an avalanche; darting towards the girl at super-speed, Power Girl tackled Firestar, sending her flying, to land hard, dazed, but otherwise fine.

As Dust whirled into a sandstorm, Siryn tried to summon a rain-storm, but Dust stunned her with a sand-blast, before closing on her, trapping her in her storm. Her irritation rising, Siryn ‘ported herself out of the sandstorm; enough was enough. She took a deep breath…

“Siryn, wait!!” Power Girl cried out. “Don’t use your sonic-scream! If you use it here..!”

“Don’t presume to order me about, Blaire!” Siryn snapped…before she unleashed her scream; a wall of sheer sonic force exploded from Siryn’s lungs, blasting Dust clear out of her sandstorm and knocking her out…before the canyon walls around them started to shake, larger rubble starting to fall.

“Oh, dear.” Siryn muttered. “I suppose I had best take my leave.” With that, she ‘ported herself away.

An extremely ticked-off Power Girl was about to do the same…but she couldn’t leave Firestar and Dust there; darting over, she picked up Firestar, hoisting her over one shoulder, before zipping over and lifting up Dust, and then darting out of the avalanche-zone as fast as she could, setting Dust and Firestar down as soon as they were clear.

Outside the avalanche-zone, Hellion walked towards the rubble where Superman was buried. “Let’s get one thing straight, Boy Scout; you’re not taking my job.” he spat. “This is my team; this is our school, and we don’t need you and your..!”

But he stopped, as the rubble started to shake…seconds before Superman burst free, without a scratch; before Hellion could react, Superman sent him flying with a burst of gale-breath, sending him crashing into the canyon wall.

“You can keep your job, Hellion.” Superman said flatly, walking over to him. “Are we done here?”

Hellion scowled at him. “Yeah.”

“Good.” With that, he extended his hand, to help him up; frowning, Hellion ignored the gesture, and got up on his own. As the rest of the Hellions slowly got up, the holographic simulation ended, allowing the entire group to head for the elevator.

As both teams returned to the control room, Emma smiled. “Well, it’s easy to see that the Justice League’s reputation is well-deserved,” she said, “as is that of your X-Men, Charles.”

“Thank you.” Charles replied.

“Vay to go, guys!” Nightcrawler exclaimed.

Aquaman grinned. “Thanks, Little Blue.”

Her eyes narrowed, Power Girl glared at Siryn. “What the hell was that, LeRoux?!” she snapped. “You could have gotten us all killed!!”

Siryn blinked. “It…was a calculated risk…”

“Yeah! You calculated, we took the risk!!” Power Girl shouted. She turned towards Superman. “I told you having her with us was a bad idea.” She said angrily. “Try using those ears of yours for listening, next time.” With that, she stormed off, towards the elevator.

Hellion chuckled. “Smooth, Casanova.”

“Perhaps we should take our leave; my students undoubtedly have other things to attend to.” Emma said. “Hellions, you are dismissed.” As the Hellions turned to go, Emma turned to the Professor. “Charles, I believe that we have some things to discuss; might we discuss them in private?”

“Of course.” Charles agreed.

Cyclops looked concerned. “Are you sure, Professor?”

“Yes, Scott; I’ll be fine.”

Emma smiled. “In the meantime, please, make yourselves at home.” she said. With that, she and the Professor headed towards the elevator.

“Gambit got t’ say, dis place still don’ seem right.” Gambit thought aloud.

“You and meh both, Cajun.” Rogue agreed.

“We’d better keep our eyes peeled.” Cyclops said. “We’d better take a closer look around.”

Superman nodded. “I’d better find Ali, and let her know.”

Shadowcat giggled. “Before or after she yells at you?” she teased.

“Ha ha, very funny, Kit.” Superman quipped.

“Everyone be careful.” Cyclops warned. “If this is a trap, we’re at a disadvantage by being on their turf; if you discover something, notify the rest of us first.” At that, the entire group headed for the elevator…

“Kal-El?”

Superman automatically frowned as Siryn called out to him. “May I speak with you…alone?”

Superman’s frown grew. “Not now, Siryn…”

Siryn’s expression became earnest. “I only ask for a moment of your time…”

Superman sighed. “You guys go on ahead.” he said to the others. “I’ll be right behind you.” With that, the others went on ahead, and Superman turned to face Siryn, his arms folded neutrally. “What is it?”

Siryn lightly smiled. “I just wanted to thank you for saving me.” she answered. “I’m…glad to know that, in spite of everything, you care about me…”

“I care about everyone, Siryn.”

“Of course.” Siryn cooed. “That’s why you formed that team of yours, isn’t it?” She chuckled. “I’m sure that there are those who aren’t too happy that you all operate on your own discretion…”

“I admit, not everyone trusts us,” Superman said, “but we’ll show them that they have nothing to fear.”

“Of course.” Siryn said, her smile growing. “So, when do I get to see your ‘Watchtower’?”

Superman’s frown grew. “Siryn…”

“I’m sure that you’ve already shown your little…shown Alison,” Siryn said, her tone growing sour at Alison’s name, “so I can’t help but feel left out, Kal-El…”

“Well, I can’t help but feel annoyed at how you keep using my full name.” Superman retorted, his eyes narrowing.

Siryn blinked. “Pardon?”

“Kal-El is my complete name; first name Kal, family name El. Kal-El.” Superman said. “It’s getting annoying.”

Siryn gasped. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” she exclaimed. “I’ve been so terribly formal!” She smiled, before reaching out to place her hand on his chest. “The time has long passed for any formality to exist between us…”

“ENOUGH!!” Superman shouted, his voice shaking the room, causing Siryn to draw back. “Siryn, I’ve tried to be patient, but I’ve had it! I happen to think that Alison is absolutely right; you could have gotten people hurt today – both just now, and back at the Institute!” His eyes narrowed angrily. “If you are just here because of some plot that your father cooked up, then I kindly suggest that you pack your bags and get out of my sight.”

Siryn looked hurt. “But…Kal…”

“That’s Superman to you.” Superman corrected firmly. “‘Kal’ is reserved for my friends and loved ones…and you, Anita LeRoux, are neither.” With that, he turned to go…

At that, Siryn started to sniffle. “I…I suppose I deserved that.” she sniffed. “I know I’ve caused you all so much trouble, but…I-I don’t want you to hate me…”

Superman paused at that, her tone tugging at his heart-strings; other than Kryptonite, crying girls and sympathy were his biggest weaknesses – Kitty’s “puppy-dog eyes” were proof of that. He quickly steeled himself. “Siryn, you spent the better part of last year trying to destroy my friends – including Ali – and trying to get me to join your father.” he accused. “For all I know, he likely told you to do exactly what you’re doing, now..!”

Siryn smiled weakly. “Actually, my father was initially against me coming here.”

Superman blinked. “What?”

“It was difficult in convincing him to let me come here,” Siryn continued, “but I needed to do so; I had to understand.”

“Understand what?”

Siryn smiled. “To understand…why you are what you are.” she replied. Her expression turned honest. “Kal…Superman…you have more power than anyone I have ever known, perhaps even more than my father…and yet…you are completely different from him. Not only that, but you actually defied him, something which many – myself included – would never do.” She looked up at him. “You use your power for the betterment of those who are completely undeserving of it, asking nothing in return…and no matter how hard I try, I cannot understand why…so I had to come here.” She lightly smiled, reaching towards him…and then pulling her hand back, thinking better of it. “And as for my overtures towards you…I simply could not help it…”

At her statement, Superman felt torn; part of him still felt as Alison did – namely, that letting Siryn stay at the Institute was a Hindenburg-bad idea, that she was Doom’s daughter, through and through, and that it was only a matter of time before she double-crossed them…

…but wasn’t that a reason why she should stay? Siryn likely knew nothing but what Doom had taught her; here was a chance for her to see the other side of things…and realize just how wrong Doom was…

“I know that you have little reason to trust me,” Siryn said, “but I would like for us to be friends…” she lightly giggled, “…although I will not deny wanting to be more…”

Superman frowned. “Like I said before, Siryn,” he replied, “I’m with Alison. As for being friends…we’ll see.” With that, he turned towards the elevator, to see if he could find Alison.

XXXXXXXX

After storming off, Power Girl stopped in the Academy’s atrium, looking out at the rapidly setting sun, hoping that it would cool her frayed nerves, as she wondered how things could have gotten so messed-up…

“Quite the lovely view, isn’t it, my dearest?”

Power Girl instantly flinched, as she turned to see Shinobi Shaw standing next to her, her eyes narrowing. “What are you doing here, Shaw?” she snapped.

Shinobi smirked. “Surely you didn’t think that Frost built this school out of her own pocket, did you?”

Alison rolled her eyes. ‘Figures.’ “Well, in case you didn’t notice, I wanted to be alone right now, so get lost.”

“I’m surprised that your precious ‘Kal’ isn’t here to console you.” Shinobi commented. “But, then again, that new teammate of yours is quite the distraction, isn’t she?”

Power Girl glared at him. “I said get lost, Shaw.”

“To wilfully ignore one as lovely as yourself…well, I’ve always said that there must be something wrong with his mind.” Shinobi continued. “What he and his ‘League’ are doing is proof enough…”

Power Girl’s eyes narrowed; Shaw’s crass mention of her tausha only served to worsen her anger. “Contrary to what you might believe, Shaw, not everyone is driven by selfishness and greed.”

Shinobi chuckled. “My dear Alison, do you honestly believe that he can actually change the world?” he laughed. His expression darkened. “I’m still curious as to who said that it was his place to even try.”

The insinuation was clear. Glaring at Shinobi, Power Girl said, “Shaw, if all you’re going to do is snipe at my tausha, I think I’ll look at the sunset elsewhere.” With that, she turned to go…

“He’ll fail, you know.”

At that, Power Girl stopped. “Regardless of how much he and his ‘League’ tries, the Kryptonian will fail.” Shinobi continued. His tone turned sour. “Oh, yes, my dearest, there are those who find his ‘heroics’ amusing – you yourself are proof of that – but there is one thing that amuses the masses even more than a hero.”

Shinobi smirked. “And that, my dearest, is to see a hero fail…and believe me, he will.”

Power Girl’s fist clenched. “That sounds like a threat.”

“Consider it a statement of fact.” Shinobi replied. “History has taught us nothing but the fact that heroes fall…and I would spare you from going down with him, my dearest…”

Power Girl’s glare stopped him cold. “You’re forgetting one important fact, Shaw.” she snapped. “Even if you’re right about history, it’s just Earth history that tells us that…but Kal’s not from Earth; as far as your ‘lesson’ is concerned, with him, all bets are off.”

Shinobi scowled. “His kind have no place here, Alison.” he snarled. “If you stay with him, when he goes down…”

“Shaw, I’d rather fall with him than be with someone like you.” Power Girl shot back. “Consider that ‘a statement of fact’.” And with that, she walked away, leaving Shinobi behind.

XXXXXXXX

After exiting the elevator, Superman started to look for Alison; closing his eyes, he listened for his taushi’s heartbeat…and found it – she was heading away from the atrium, on the other side of the Academy. Superman frowned worriedly, before heading towards the atrium, to talk to her…

“S-Superman..?”

Superman paused as he walked into the living room, turning to see Dust sitting there, studying a copy of the Koran. “Um…p-please forgive me if I am too forward,” Dust whispered, “b-but I just wanted to thank you.”

Superman blinked. “For what?” he asked.

Dust lowered her eyes. “I…I lived in Afghanistan before Miss Frost found me.” she began. “I…I used to live in a…a bad place, until I was rescued by UN people. They took me to…to a refugee camp…but I had a very bad sickness; they said that a relief ship carrying medicine was coming…but it nearly got shot down…but you saved it.” She lifted her gaze. “W-Without that medicine, I would have died…”

At that, Superman gently smiled; he remembered that day well – it had been in his earliest days as Superman – before anyone had even started calling him that – and he’d responded to a UN distress call in Afghanistan; a relief plane had taken a missile-hit, and was going down. He’d managed to escort the plane safely to an air-field, and flown off before anyone could see him. “It was the right thing to do.” Superman replied. His smile grew as he glanced to her reading. “After all, does the Koran not teach us to strive to do good?”

Dust’s eyes widened in genuine surprise. “Y-You…you read the Koran?” she whispered. “But…b-but you are not a Muslim…”

Superman smiled, and answered, in fluent Arabic, “I do not need to be a Muslim to find wisdom in the words of the Prophet, peace be upon him.”

Even with her face hidden by her veil, Superman could tell that the use of her native tongue brought a smile to Dust’s face. Her eyes lit up as she replied. “D-Did your people believe in God?”

Superman nodded. “We called Him Rao, which is Kryptonian for ‘Father of All’.”

Dust’s tone turned worried. “W-Were there any…I-I mean, did religion cause any wars on…on Krypton?”

Superman sighed. “Religion, along with other things.” he admitted. “There was a time in Kryptonian history known as the Age of Wars; the title is self-explanatory. It began some time after my people evolved our abilities…and all this power caused many of them to get power-hungry; the Age of Wars consisted of nothing but petty, meaningless wars, and it only ended after the Twelve Wise Ones stepped in.”

Dust blinked. “W-Who?”

Superman smiled. “The Twelve Wise Ones were Kryptonians gifted with telempathy, letting them sense the thoughts and emotions of others, giving them great wisdom, enough to both end the Age of Wars and lay the foundation of modern Kryptonian society, as well as forming Krypton’s governing body, the Council of Twelve.”

“Really?” Dust asked.

Superman nodded. “My people learned from their mistakes, Dust,” he finished, smiling, “just like yours can.”

Just then, Superman’s ears picked up a familiar heartbeat, and he smiled, seconds before Power Girl walked into the room. “Hey.” he greeted.

“Hey.” Power Girl replied, wearily smiling.

Superman noticed her expression. “Are you okay?”

Power Girl lightly frowned. “Just had a run-in with Stupid Shaw.”

Superman reflexively frowned. “Oh.”

“Yeah.”

Dust piped up. “M-Mr. Shaw sometimes visits the Academy, since he helped Miss Frost found it…b-but I don’t think he’s very nice…”

Power Girl lightly chuckled at Dust’s unintentional understatement. “You can say that again.”

Superman weakly smiled. “I…I think we have a couple of things that we should talk about…” he said.

Power Girl nodded, her expression mirroring his. “Yeah, I think we do.”

Superman was about to ask her if they could speak in private…when his communicator started to beep. Superman promptly checked it…and frowned; Beacon had completely decoded the transmission – the arms shipment was due to arrive within the hour. J’onn and Aquaman had already been notified. He sighed. “We’ll have to talk later.”

Power Girl sadly nodded. “Okay.” she said. “Be careful.”

“You, too.” Superman replied, before he hurried towards the exit, to meet up with his teammates.

XXXXXXXX

After a few minutes of walking – or rolling, in Charles’ case – Charles and Emma reached her office. As Charles rolled his wheelchair to one end of her desk, Emma promptly sat down across from him. “Well, I suppose we have a lot to talk about.” Emma said.

“Indeed we do.” Charles agreed. “For starters, I couldn’t help but be concerned at how your students handled the simulation; they seemed to be taking it quite seriously.”

Emma chuckled, as she telepathically answered. ‘Oh, come now, Charles; surely your students aren’t scared of a few bumps and bruises?”

Charles frowned. ‘I suppose I just have a problem with my students being treated like enemies by those who had expressed interest in being friends.’

‘You know how children are, Charles; they’re always stubborn to let grown-ups do what they believe is best for them.’ Emma replied. ‘Wasn’t I proof of that?’

‘I suppose so,’ Charles warily agreed, ‘but after you tried to scan my students’ thoughts, I’m beginning to wonder…’

‘Call it curiosity.’ Emma answered. ‘You can’t tell me that you’ve never taken a peek at someone’s thoughts?’

‘When it was absolutely necessary, yes.’ Charles said. ‘But out of idle curiosity, never.’

Emma frowned. ‘Well, aren’t we the dull one. No wonder Kal-El is such a Boy-Scout.’

Charles chuckled. ‘Actually, Emma, I cannot take the credit for Superman’s outlook; that honour belongs to another.’

‘Oh, really?’ Emma thought. ‘Do tell.’

Charles frowned. ‘That secret is not mine to tell, Emma.’

Just then, a sonic boom shook the air, seconds before the Javelin took off. ‘Speak of the devil.’ Emma thought. ‘It looks like your golden-boy has left you alone.’

Charles’ eyes narrowed. ‘Emma, why did you ask me here?’

Emma smiled slyly, before cupping a hand to her ear. ‘Do you hear that, Charles?’

‘Hear what?’ Charles answered. ‘I don’t hear anything.’

‘Precisely.’ Emma said archly. ‘No sonic boom. No flash of red-and-blue racing to the rescue…because no sound is escaping through the Academy’s sound-proof walls. What that means, dear Charles, is that our strapping Kryptonian cannot hear the sound of sleeping gas filling this room.’

Charles’ eyes widened, as he quickly turned his wheelchair, reaching for the door…but it was locked.

He was trapped.

Smiling archly, Emma slipped on a gas-mask. ‘I must say, I thought you were smarter than this, Charles…but then again, your idealism was always your weakness. Did you really think that I would turn to your point of view? That you could ‘save me’? I never needed saving, Charles. I’m just fine, thank you very much.’

Charles’ vision started to get hazy as the gas started to take effect. ‘Emma…why..?’

‘Because you’re weak, Charles.’ Emma snapped. ‘You would have all of our kind sitting at the humans’ feet. Well, you didn’t infect me with your weakness; I’m not going to let you do the same to the future leader of our race.’ With that, she tapped a button on her desk, opening a secret door in the wall, before stepping through, leaving Charles, as he slipped into unconsciousness.

XXXXXXXX

After leaving the old fool in her office, Emma headed to the underground vehicle-bay, smiling to herself as she telepathically summoned her students. As she emerged from the elevator, she was pleased to see that the Hellions had already arrived. “So, Miss F, you gassed Professor X, right?” Hellion asked.

Momentarily frowning at Julian’s usually insolent tone, the White Queen nodded. “Our dear Charles is having a little nap.”

At that revelation, Dust looked sad. “M-Miss Frost?” she asked. “The Professor…h-he isn’t a bad man…why did we have to..?”

Emma’s expression turned regretful…although her thoughts were anything but; still, she had to put on an act for Sooraya’s benefit. “Charles Xavier is a good man, Sooraya, but his ideas are foolish; his beliefs would leave all mutants weak, making us vulnerable to the humans who would hurt us.” she said.

Catseye nodded. “So, what’s our mission?” she inquired.

Emma smiled. “A good friend of ours has expressed interest in acquiring a bit of laboratory equipment.” she answered.

“Why can’t he get it himself?” Thunderbird asked.

“Because, John, I’m afraid that OsCorp has always been less than generous in that regard.”

Bevatron chuckled. “And the X-Men?” the French youth inquired.

Emma’s smile grew. “I’m afraid that our guests will be a bit too busy to join us, what with the little parting-gift we left them.” she answered. Her expression turned firm. “Time is of the essence, Hellions; move out.” With that, she and her students headed into the high-tech hover-jet that they used for their missions, seconds before the jet powered up, and took off, soaring out of the previously-concealed landing strip, flying off, towards their objective.

XXXXXXXX

A few minutes after Superman, Aquaman, and the Martian Manhunter had to leave, the X-Men all met up in the main entrance of the Academy. “Anyone find anything?” Cyclops asked.

“Negative, Fearless.” Avalanche answered. “Except for the students having to head to the lower levels for training, this place checks out.”

Power Girl nodded. “I was just talking with Dust a minute ago, and she said she had to go, too.” she confirmed.

“Dat’s odd,” Gambit said, “‘cause Gambit jus’ come from de trainin’ chamber; emptier den a N’awlins bar after de day after de Mardi Gras festival.”

Scarlet Witch nodded. “Something is up.”

Shadowcat looked worried. “Jean, any word from the Professor?”

Phoenix shook her head. “I’ll see if I can contact him.” With that, she started concentrating…and her eyes went wide. “I-I can’t reach him! Something’s wrong!”

Nightcrawler gulped. “Vhy do I get zhe feeling zat zhis vas a trap..?”

“Because it was.”

At that, the X-Men all turned to see Siryn walk in. “I happened to pass one of Emma’s students – Bevatron – as he was heading to their ‘training exercise,’ and had a little chat with him on UHF.” Siryn said. “He told me that Emma has the good Professor in her office, unconscious, and that she and her students are heading to New York, to pay a visit to OsCorp Headquarters; I then simply told him to forget our little talk, and came to find you.”

Cyclops’ eyes narrowed. “Why are they heading to OsCorp?”

“He did not know.”

Phoenix looked stricken. “We have to get the Professor out of there!!”

Rogue nodded, her eyes narrowing. “And then we gotta track down that psycho-bitch and kick her scrawny white..!”

Suddenly, thick metal plates slid down in front of the door and windows, barring them inside, as numerous laser-defence turrets popped out of panels in the walls.

“Somehow,” Siryn commented, “I fear that will be easier said than done.”

“Phoenix! Power Girl! Barriers!” Cyclops instructed; at once, Phoenix raised a PSI-bubble, which Power Girl reinforced with a hard-light barrier, seconds before countless laser-blasts lanced towards them…impacting the shield harmlessly. “Nightcrawler, can you ‘port outside and get to the Blackbird?”

“Jawohl!”

“Good; get the Blackbird ready. The rest of us will get the Professor.” Cyclops said. As Nightcrawler bamfed away, Cyclops’ hand went to his visor. “Rogue, Spyke, Scarlet Witch, let’s take these turrets out!” At that, Rogue removed her glove and tapped their leader on the nose, duplicating his powers, before she and Cyclops unleashed sweeping optic-blasts, decimating numerous turrets. Popping clusters of bone-spikes on his forearms, Spyke let the spikes fly, spearing a half-dozen turrets, while Scarlet Witch fired several hex-bolts at another half-dozen, causing them to spontaneously short-circuit.

In seconds, the hall was clear. Phoenix and Power Girl promptly dropped their barriers, before the entire team darted down the hallway, heading for Emma’s office. They were just a few meters away from the entrance when another steel plate dropped in front of the office door, as another wave of turrets popped out of panels in the walls. “Gambit, can you pick that lock?” Cyclops asked.

Gambit grinned. “Faster den Kit can burn de pap’rweights she be callin’ muffins.”

“Hey!”

“Power Girl, cover him.” Cyclops continued. “Phoenix, Siryn, take out those turrets.”

Power Girl glared at Siryn. “Try not to drop anything on our heads, this time.”

Siryn’s tone was just as dry. “I make no promises.”

With that, Gambit bolted towards the door, followed by Power Girl, who reflected incoming shots with light-barriers, occasionally returning fire with her eye-rays. Phoenix backed up her teammates with blasts of psychic flame, melting down numerous turrets, her attack supplemented by Siryn’s mystic flame-bolts.

In seconds, Gambit and Power Girl had reached the door; Gambit promptly went to work at cracking the lock, while Power Girl kept the laser-blasts off of him. “How long do you think this will take, LeBeau?”

“Hmm…looks like de Frost lady sprung for de ‘ole nine yards wit’ dis office.” Gambit commented, as he worked the control console next to the door. “Jus’ got t’ get de gas pumped out…”

Power Girl deflected several laser-blasts, before blasting several turrets with her eye-rays. “Any time, now..!”

“De gas be out…now all Gambit got t’ do is…voila!”

At that, the steel panel lifted up…revealing another metal sheet behind it.

Gambit grimaced. “Merde, dis femme ‘ave one nasty ‘ate fer de ‘fessor.” he muttered. “Dis gon’ take a l’il while…”

“We don’t have time!” Power Girl shouted. With that, she turned towards the door, turning the built-in MP3 player on her belt up to maximum volume, before she pulled her fist back, and slammed the metal panel, putting her fist right through it, before pulling it clear out of the door.

Gambit snorted. “Well, if y’ wanted t’ do it de easy way…”

With the way clear, the rest of them darted through the hallway, heading into the office…where they found the Professor, out cold. Her expression stricken, Phoenix reached for him with her mind. ‘Professor, wake up!’

After a few seconds, their mentor stirred. “What…what happened?”

“Remy got t’ ‘and it t’ y’, ‘fessor Xavier,” Gambit quipped, “y’ sure can pick ‘em.”

The Professor’s eyes went wide. “My God…what have I done..?”

“We can worry about that later, Professor.” Cyclops said. “Is the Blackbird ready?”

At that, Shadowcat phased her head out from the wall. “Kurt’s got it ready to go!” she reported.

“Good. Phoenix, contact him; tell him to bring it this way.” Cyclops said, before he grinned. “I don’t know about you guys, but I think Emma’s office could use a view; Lance?”

Avalanche grinned. “One king-sized window, coming up!” he declared. With that, he walked towards the wall, placed his hands on it, and focused; the entire room began to shake, seconds before the entire wall utterly collapsed, revealing the Blackbird as it pulled up alongside the Academy, its outer hatch open. Phoenix carefully levitated the Professor, wheelchair and all, into the Blackbird, before they hopped inside; once they were all aboard, Power Girl shut the hatch and locked it, as Cyclops headed to the cockpit, taking the pilot’s seat next to Nightcrawler in the co-pilot’s seat, before taking the Blackbird up, heading for home.

As they flew, the Professor was still distraught over what had happened. “Everyone…please, forgive me.” he said softly. “I…I had honestly thought that Emma could change, that I could reach her…”

“You don’t need to apologize, Professor.” Phoenix assured their mentor.

“Yeah! I mean, how many times have we goofed up over the past two years?” Shadowcat agreed. At that, Professor Xavier’s expression lightened.

“So, what now?” Spyke asked.

Avalanche smiled wryly. “What say we go crash Frost’s party?”

“Fahne by me.” Rogue said.

Cyclops nodded. “I’ll radio Kal and the League, let them know what’s going on.” With that, he switched on the radio, hailing the Javelin, while altering course, heading for New York City.

XXXXXXXX

East Seaport, New York City

By the time night had fallen over New York City, the illegal arms shipment had already been taken care of.

Minutes after the vessel carrying the shipment had docked, Superman and the Justice League had moved in. Within a matter of minutes, the crooks moving the crates of weapons had been rounded up, the crates left in plain sight, along with the cargo manifests, and the authorities had been alerted.

As the police pulled up to the dock, they all smiled and shook their heads in wonderment at yet another case left for them…oblivious to the nine pairs of eyes watching them from a nearby shadowed rooftop.

As he looked down at the scene, Superman lightly smiled, as he lightly scratched Krypto behind the ears, earning a happy pant from his pet. “Another job well done.”

Flash grinned. “Some days, you gotta work for it, and some days, it just walks right up to you.”

Wonder Woman’s expression turned concerned. “I only hope that our friends are faring as well.”

The Martian Manhunter nodded. “Despite Emma Frost’s assurances, I cannot help but be concerned.”

“Hey, the X-Men are tough; they’ll be okay.” Aquaman said.

Hawkgirl turned to Batman. “Any leads on who ordered this sale?” she inquired.

Batman nodded. “Beacon has traced the transaction back through several corporations…all of which are dummy companies of Shaw International.”

Superman frowned, as Krypto let out a soft growl at the name. “That name’s like a bad penny; seems to be turning up everywhere we look.”

“More so than you think.” Batman replied. “I’ve looked into this ‘Academy of Tomorrow;’ the materials and labour used in its construction were paid for by Shaw International.”

Green Lantern scowled. “This is starting to look more and more like a set-up.”

“Slim Shady calling the Magnificent Eight; you guys there?”

As Cyclops’ voice came in over their communicators, Superman promptly responded. “Boy Scout here, Slim. Everything okay?”

“Oh, sure…except for being double-crossed and having to escape from a death-trap; you know, the usual.” Cyclops replied. “As you likely guessed, Frost changed her mind about making nice with the Professor.”

Superman frowned. “Yeah, the death-traps sounded like kind of a giveaway.”

“We managed to catch wind of Frost’s plan; she and the Hellions were heading to OsCorp HQ; we were just on our way there.”

“Thanks for the heads-up, Slim; we’re on our way.” Superman replied. “Keep this signal open; we’ll co-ordinate on the way.”

“Understood, Big Blue; we’ll see you there.”

Flash chuckled. “Looks like the job’s not over.”

“Guess not.” Superman agreed, before his tone turned serious. “Let’s move.” With that, he, Krypto, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and Hawkgirl took to the air, while the others headed back to the Javelin, before following them to OsCorp HQ.

XXXXXXXX

OsCorp New York Headquarters

The dark of night had fallen over the imposing skyscraper of the headquarters of OsCorp’s New York division, and all was silent…

…because the normally vigilant night guards that patrolled the building in the late hours had been put to sleep by a psychic pulse.

Inside the main security station, a soft, sand-laden gust of air wafted through the air vents above, gliding towards the control console, before it blew against the main switch, deactivating every single security system in the building, as the breeze blew back into the vent, returning to Dust through the main air intake valve.

With the alarms off, it was simple for Emma Frost and the Hellions to open the rooftop door, leaving their hover-jet on the rooftop landing pad, and walk into the vast main laboratory on the thirty-sixth floor. Looking around, Hellion arched an eyebrow. “So, what are we looking for, Miss F?”

Walking over to a computer console, Emma booted it up, and began searching through the files…before she smiled. ‘Well, well, Norman Osborn…what have you been up to..?’ As she initiated a download, the White Queen turned back to her students. “Hellion, Thunderbird, Beef, there should be a large glass chamber in the corner to your left; get it and take it back to the ship. Catseye, Dust, next to that chamber should be two smaller units, approximately the size of a microwave; we’ll also need those…”

“Uh…Miss Frost?” Beef asked. He gestured to the window. “I think we’ve got trouble…” Arching a snowy eyebrow, Emma turned towards the large glass window…and her eyes widened.

There, floating in front of the window, his arms folded, and his eyes narrowed crossly, was Superman.

Emma quickly recomposed herself. “Well, aren’t we punctual.” she said. “But don’t you have other matters to attend to..?”

Suddenly, the latches on the window popped open, and the window swung open, allowing Superman to float in, followed by the ever-faithful Superdog…and then by Power Girl, and then Phoenix, who was levitating both herself and Cyclops. Seconds later, the Batman swung in by a grapnel-line, landing perfectly next to Superman, as Wonder Woman flew in, followed by Green Lantern, who was levitating himself and Aquaman in an energy-sphere, and Hawkgirl, seconds before the Flash ran up the side of the building, coming to a stop inside the window. To their left, a cloud of green haze appeared, as Siryn teleported herself, Rogue and Scarlet Witch inside, followed closely by a sulphurous bamf! before Nightcrawler appeared, with Spyke and Gambit next to him. To her right, Emma couldn’t help but feel unnerved as the imposing green form of the Martian Manhunter walked through the wall, seconds before Shadowcat phased herself and Avalanche through the wall.

They were surrounded.

“Well,” Emma said softly, “I must admit, I am surprised to see all of you.”

Cyclops’ eyes narrowed. “You tried to kill the Professor, and all of us…”

Phoenix finished his statement. “…and you didn’t expect us to do anything about it?!”

Emma’s eyes narrowed. “I suppose we have a problem, then.”

“You most certainly do, witch.” Wonder Woman snapped.

“We have you surrounded,” Superman said, “so I suggest you give yourselves up before this gets ugly.”

Hellion glared at him. “Super-Loser, this got ugly the minute you guys showed up.” he snarled. “Hellions, attack!!” With that, the Hellions charged at them.

Roaring, Beef charged straight at Superman, tackling into him, his momentum knocking them both out the window; in mid-air, Superman flipped backwards, throwing Beef off of him, tossing him onto a nearby rooftop. As Beef got back on his feet, he was sent flying again as a crimson streak barrelled into him at Mach Six-plus speeds, before Flash turned and plowed into him again, knocking him into the air, where Nightcrawler ‘ported in, slamming him with a mid-air jump-kick, ‘porting away before Hawkgirl dove towards him, slamming him with her mace and sending him flying.

Charging his powers, Bevatron sent a high-powered blast of blue-white electricity crackling at them, but Green Lantern raised a shield from his ring, deflecting it. His eyes narrowing, Hellion levitated a massive piece of machinery into the air, hurling it at Green Lantern…but Phoenix telekinetically caught it, imbuing it with psychic flame, before sending it back at Hellion, forcing him and Bevatron to leap aside.

Dodging away from one of Firestar’s thermal blasts, Cyclops returned fire with an optic-blast, but his aim was spoiled as Dust whirled herself into a sandstorm. “Power Girl!” he called out. Her eyes narrowing, Power Girl started to inhale…

“Blaire, wait!” Siryn called out. “Brace yourself; you’re about to get a power-boost!”

Power Girl blinked. “What??”

“Trust me!” With that, Siryn inhaled, and unleashed a narrow-field sonic scream, focusing its force at Power Girl.

Wincing, Power Girl took the sheer brunt of the sonic attack…before her mutant ability automatically transmuted the sound energy into light energy, supercharging her powers. Inhaling deeply, Power Girl unleashed a blast of gale-breath, de-spinning Dust’s sandstorm, giving Siryn the opening she needed to knock the girl out with a mystic force-bolt.

The threat momentarily dispatched, Power Girl and Siryn looked at each other with mutual semi-mistrust, with a twinge of confusion mixed in; they were nowhere near close to being friends, but they were on the same side…for now…

Then, spying Catseye creeping up behind Siryn, in her half-feline form, Power Girl’s eyes widened. “Krypto, sic ‘er!” she cried out.

At that, Siryn’s eyes widened in horror as the Kryptonian war-hound pounced towards her…and then over her, intercepting Catseye in mid-leap, tackling into the metamorph and sending her flying.

Power Girl smiled at Krypto. “Good boy, Krypto!”

Siryn smiled weakly. “Um…yes…g-good boy, K-Krypto.”

Rapidly generating bone-spikes, Spyke tossed them at Bevatron with deadly accuracy, but the French mutant shock-blasted them away easily. “Cajun! Intercept!” Spyke shouted out, forming two spikes and tossing them to the side – causing Bevatron to lose his focus on the target – into Gambit’s hands.

Gambit grinned as he charged up the spikes. “‘ey! Fishy!” he called out, tossing the charged spikes to Aquaman, who threw them at Bevatron.

Bevatron reacted instantly, blasting the spikes…and detonating them, sending him flying. As he struggled to his feet, Aquaman closed on him and decked him with a haymaker, knocking him out.

Grabbing Thunderbird by the arm with an energy-lasso, Green Lantern reeled him in to slam him with an elbow strike to the temple, but Thunderbird countered it with an uppercut, which Green Lantern blocked. “Not bad, kid.”

“Ex-Marine, Bravo Company.” Thunderbird retorted, headbutting Green Lantern, causing him to lose his focus on the beam. Thunderbird then swung at him, but Green Lantern reversed it.

“Too bad, Marine.” Green Lantern snapped. “Angel Company.” And he punctuated the sentence with a fast left-jab, knocking Thunderbird back, right into the trap he had set; as Thunderbird stumbled back, Avalanche unleashed a focused tremor underneath him, collapsing the floor and sending him falling to the level below.

As Firestar unleashed a thermal-blast at him, the Martian Manhunter massed himself, altering his density to be harder than steel, shrugging off the blast. As Firestar’s beam subsided, the Manhunter telekinetically slammed her against the wall, stunning her, giving Shadowcat enough time to phase her partially into the wall, immobilizing her…where Rogue promptly tapped her with her bare hand, draining her and knocking her out.

As Hellion recovered, his eyes narrowed as he saw Batman closing on him. “What, am I supposed to be scared?!” he sneered, sending a PSI-pulse at him, but the Dark Knight expertly darted aside, drawing a Batarang and throwing it at him. Hellion gestured, stopping the whirling weapon inches from his face, smirking triumphantly…

…until Batman tapped a button on his utility belt, detonating the Batarang and releasing a cloud of smoke, blinding Hellion. The young telekinetic’s eyes darted around, widening as he saw shadows moved behind the haze. Suddenly, pain exploded in his right side, as an iron-hard fist slammed into his rib-cage. Hellion turned, trying to find his unseen assailant…before a lightning-fast kick smashed into the back of his knee, forcing him down. Then, Hellion’s eyes went wide as the Dark Knight stalked towards him, looming over him like a vengeful thundercloud..!

Batman’s moves were fast, precise, and deadly-efficient; a hook to the jaw, a knee to the stomach, an uppercut, and a back-fist strike; in a matter of seconds, Hellion was on the floor, groaning in pain.

As the Dark Knight ceased his attack on her pupil, the White Queen readied an attack of her own, to psychically bring him to his knees…but her focus was broken as a golden lasso snared her arm, as the Amazon Princess yanked Emma off of her feet, pulling her into attack-range. As Wonder Woman prepared to strike, Emma quickly assumed her diamond-like state, seconds before the Amazonian fist smashed into her face.

Frowning, Wonder Woman shook her hand, as the unharmed Emma smirked. “You cannot hurt me in this state, my dear.”

“Perhaps not,” Wonder Woman admitted, “but I know of one who can.” With that, she turned to her teammate.

The Martian Manhunter’s red eyes glowed white. ‘EMMA FROST!!!!’

The Martian’s psychic roar made Emma cry out in pain, clutching her head…as she returned to her normal state; Wonder Woman’s fist moved like lightning, connecting solidly upon Emma’s face, sending her flying, to crash into the wall hard.

Slowly, the White Queen got to her feet, a trickle of blood leaking from her mouth. “Hellions,” she whispered, “exit strategy.”

At that, Hellion fought to get to his feet, and reached out with his telekinesis, and started to collapse the ceiling on top of them…

Seeing what Hellion was trying to do, Superman darted back into the building, and placed his hands on the ceiling, holding it up. Hellion’s eyes blazed with fury, as he tried to pull harder, but Superman didn’t let it budge an inch.

“Julian! Enough!”

Hellion snarled, as Dust started to whirl into a sandstorm, covering their retreat. “This isn’t over!!” he shouted, before disappearing into the sand.

“Everyone, fall back!” Superman called out. At that, everyone quickly started to pull out of the lab; once everyone had left, Superman darted outside through the window, as the ceiling collapsed.

Within minutes, they had all regrouped on a nearby rooftop, with the Javelin and the Blackbird hidden close by. “Nice teacher you had there, LeRoux.” Power Girl said.

Siryn smiled wryly. “Yes, well, Emma did believe in ‘tough love,’ as the expression goes.”

“We’ll have to keep a close eye on the Hellions, from now on.” Superman said.

“We all will.” Cyclops agreed.

“Quite a day we’ve all had.” Flash quipped.

“I’ve seen better.” Spyke said.

Power Girl sighed. “Can we go home, now?”

Superman chuckled. “Yes, taushi,” he said, “we can go home.” With that, they all headed back to their vehicles, to head home.

XXXXXXXX

Academy of Tomorrow

Alone in the command chamber, Shinobi kept his outer manner calm as he addressed the Inner Circle’s Lord Imperial. “I have just received word from the White Queen, my Lord; she and her team have reached the safe house undetected. She also reports that, while they failed to retrieve the required equipment, they did manage to retrieve the necessary data.”

The cold, calculating face of 40-year-old Sebastian Hiram Shaw, the Black King of the Inner Circle, nodded thoughtfully, his cold green eyes in a neutral stare, his dark hair kept tied back. “Well, I suppose that’s something.” he thought aloud. “I assume that the Justice League’s interference was the cause?”