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Angel In The Attic	By : fusedtwilight Category: X-men Comics > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 5328 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own X-men, it is the property of marvel comics and in no way do i make a profit from this fic.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
- 13
Angel in the Attic
Chapter 12

Fusedtwilight: Thanks to my beta Lisa and thanks to the following authors for their creations. Grey Streaked Fur- Tazmin, CrashCourseify- Skald, 2011Gokurocks18110411- Speed Demon, and Black-Ice- Kid Devil. Thank you all for your OC submissions.
This chapter we meet the champions and they are tested in combat.

Warren and Michael headed for the Danger Room where the Champions were waiting.
Warren had once been a member of a group of heroes called the Champions so he named his team after them in their honor. Just like how Dani named her squad after her old team.
Michael was a little nervous; he was the sixth and final member of the team, finally completing it. Warren had been saving him this spot, knowing Michael would accept, but waiting for him to say yes.
"Don't worry, it's not like you are meeting strangers," Warren said.
"I know, I always get nervous for meetings," Michael explained.
They walked into the Danger Room where the rest of the team was waiting for them. There were four of them.
First was Angie McKay. She was five foot seven with brown hair and eyes and a mousy appearance. She wore a pair of goggles on her head and looked a little dirty. Part of it was because of her power and part of it was because she was an avid gardener. Her power was wind manipulation. She could manipulate wind currents to form a tornado with her at the center of it, becoming a living whirlwind. She could use it to move people and debris but risked being hit by the things she moved as well. She also wore a pair of goggles to protect her eyes. Her code name was Tazmin (Short for the Tasmanian Devil)
Then there was Devin Annable. He was fourteen and five foot four with a lean build and short clean hair and his trademark smile on his face. He had dirty blonde hair and black eyes and his code name was Speed Demon. His power was super-speed, being able to run up to 220 miles per hour.
Rickard Åhs who was twenty-two with greenish blue eyes and long blonde hair that almost reached his waist was six foot five and was very well built. His code name was Skald and his power was manipulating sound waves. He could use them to muffle sound, mimic voices or music or any other sound, use it to fly, and use it to destroy buildings or tanks by vibrating sound high enough. Good thing he was a peaceful man.
Jacob Star-Child was seventeen with black hair and hazel eyes. He was five foot ten and had a thin but well muscled body. His code name was Kid Wendigo. He could transform into a seven foot three tall monster covered in white fur with a long furless tail. He became much more muscular and his eyes turned white, his teeth became sharp and his nails became long and talon-like. All his senses were increased beyond human limits and he gained great strength, durability, stamina and a healing factor. He resembled the Wendigo; a monster that had terrorized Canada for many years. When his power first manifested, Wolverine, who had experience with the Wendigo went to see if the reports of the Wendigo roaming the Sacree reservation were true.
Jacob may have the look of the Wendigo, but unlike the beast he retained his intelligence, and when Wolverine found him there had been a fight but Wolverine quickly realized it was not the Wendigo he knew he was fighting. Jacob's power was the result of a mutation, not a mystical curse.
"Alright guys, it is time-" Warren stopped then looked around. "Where is Wayne?" Warren asked.
"Up there," Angie said, pointing up.
Warren and Michael looked up and saw Wayne was hanging on the ceiling with his wings wrapped around his body, obviously asleep.
"Wayne! Get down here!" Warren called.
Wayne said nothing, either ignoring Warren, or asleep too deeply to hear him.
"Rickard, could you wake him up?" Warren asked.
"Sure thing Warren," Rickard said. He pointed his hand at Wayne and all of a sudden loud heavy metal music was playing in the Danger Room.
"HELL'S BELLS!" Wayne yelled, falling from the ceiling and flying down, covering his ears. Rickard stopped the music and grinned at Wayne, but Wayne glared at him. "You dick! You could have blown out my freaking ears!"
"Shouldn't be sleeping when we are meeting our newest and final teammate," Rickard said with a grin.
"I have met Michael many times and I have enhanced hearing you jerk!" Wayne hissed, rubbing his ears.
"Settle down guys, we have a lot to go over," Warren voiced. Warren placed his hand on Michael's shoulder. "Michael has decided to join us. As you know, with a sixth member we can finally have an official team. Later today all the other teams will assemble to welcome you all into the fold. But today we have a battle royal planned," Warren concluded.
Everyone but Warren and Michael groaned.
"A what?" Michael asked.
"A battle royal is where all the teams get together in the Danger Room and basically-" Angie began.
"Beat the crap out of one another," Devin interrupted with a smile, obviously excited.
Michael gulped. Having seen many of the X-men trainees in a fight he could not imagine all of them being in this room in one major brawl. Thank God the Danger Room was designed to handle such heavy fighting
"Last team standing wins," Rickard said.
"Wins what?" Michael asked.
"The satisfaction of saying they're the best," Jacob quipped.
"Which is why we must win!" Angie stated, thrusting her hand up into the air. "Every time Keller wins, that little smug ass rubs it into everyone's faces!"
"Need I remind you, we must also defeat dozens of other fighters," Wayne said.
"Come on guys! We have a super powerful team! We all got powerful abilities and with Michael on our side we have to win! He took on Kid Omega twice and beat him!"
"I had help the first time," Michael stated.
"What about the second?" Angie asked.
"Who told you about that?"
"Wayne."
"How do you know what happened the second time?" Michael asked Wayne.
"I listened in on some private conversations," he admitted with a shrug.
"It's his thing," Devin said.
"Come on guys, with my tornado, Wayne's scream, Jacob's beast form, Rickard's sound waves, Devin's speed and Michael angel fire we can do this!" Angie exclaimed.
"She's right, were all super powerful mutants, if we work together we can win. And if we don't then we can make one hell of an impression!" Rickard said.
"Yeah," Angie agreed.
Angie and Rickard's combined enthusiasm was infectious, and soon the others caught the contagious excitement because soon everyone was cheering with them.
"What do you think of your team mates so far?" Warren asked.
"I think they are crazy...and great," Michael said with a smile.
"Alright guys, before we get ready, first we need to get you in your uniforms," Warren said.

Later that day all the training squads were in the Danger Room.
Michael stood side by side with his team. Their team uniforms were blue and white. Their shirts were blue and a white halo was sewn onto the front with white lights emanating from it.
Michal and Wayne's backs were exposed, allowing their wings to spread out and they wore sleeveless shirts. Jacob's suit was a little more revealing; instead of wearing pants he wore a pair of shorts and a sleeveless shirt. Angie still wore her goggles and a blue bandana. Devin and Rickard's uniforms were the same design as Angie's but they didn't have bandanas.
Xavier was speaking, introducing Warren's new team but first he was giving a speech. It was the same as always; talking about the X-Men's goals, how they have been chosen to help uphold those ideals of mutant and humans living peacefully.
"These uniforms suck," Wayne complained.
"I like them," Michael said.
"Of course you do, they make us look like a Christian super-hero team," Wayne grumbled.
"What's wrong with that?" Michael asked.
"We would look better if Jacob had worn pants," Angie commented.
"I like walking barefoot okay, besides, how dumb would I look in my Wendigo form wearing pants?" Jacob noted.
"So wearing shorts is better?"
"Hey, I still need to wear something okay, unless you want my junk hanging out for everyone to see," Jacob pointed out. (lol)
"Why couldn't we have black instead of blue? Black would make us look soooo cool," Devin said.
"We can talk to Warren about the uniforms later, right now we need to worry about the upcoming battle," Rickard said.
"What's to worry about? We have a huge bulls-eye on our heads right now," Wayne said.
"Jeez, way to be optimistic," Angie said sarcastically.
"We're the new guys; new guys always get beat up. It's tradition," Wayne explained.
"Oh come on, I am sure they are excited to have us join the ranks," Michael said.
Out in the crowd all the teams were planning on how they were going to take down the Champions as soon as the battle started.
"And without further delay I now turn this over to Warren," Xavier said, wheeling away to let Warren speak.
"Good morning everyone. Today is a great day for me. Today, I get the honor of forming my own group. To take the responsibility of specially training these young men and women to fight for a world that hates us and fears us all in the name of peace, just as Professor Xavier did for me when I was a young man."
"God he acts like that was so long ago, he is only twenty some years old," Devin muttered.
"So I would like to introduce the new squad and my new team, the Champions!" Warren waved to the Champions and the room was filled with applause. Some of the Champions' friends called their names and the Champions waved to the others.
"First, he is the youngest on the team, but don't let his age fool you, this kid is faster than you think. Give it up for Speed Demon!"
Devin stepped forward and did an exaggerated pose for the crowd, showing off. Then he stepped back and Warren continued.
"Next, she is the only girl on the team so I am sure all you ladies already pity her. Hopefully she will keep the guys in line, because she might have a bit of a temper. Give it up for Tazmin!"
Angie began to spin around extremely fast; she circled around her teammates and Warren and spun back to her spot.
"Next, don't let his looks fool you, there is a beast inside this boy whom you do not want to make angry. Kid Wendigo!"
Jacob transformed into his Wendigo form. Luckily his suit was made of unstable molecules like everyone's so it adapted to his new form and did not tear and he let out a mighty roar, then turned back into his human form.
"Then there is the gentle giant who is a force to be reckoned with and the team leader, Skald!"
Rickard stepped forward and waved his hand. All the sound in the room vanished, despite the fact people were still clapping. They stopped and looked confused, then he waved his hand again and all the sound returned.
"Then there is our next X-Man who will be driving his teammates batty; give it up for Kid Devil!"
Wayne spread his wings wide and extended his fangs, giving everyone a toothy smile.
"And last but not least, he has the face of an angel but he burns with a fiery vengeance, give it up for..."
Warren realized then he had not asked Michael what his code name was. He put his hand on the microphone and turned to look at Michael.
"Michael, what is your name?" he asked.
"What? "Michael asked.
"Dude, your codename!" Devin said.
"That's right! What are we going to call you?" Angie asked.
"I...I don't know," Michael replied.
"What about Cupid?" Angie asked.
"I don't have love powers!" Michael exclaimed.
"What about Angel Jr.? That's what everyone else calls him," Wayne suggested.
"No! Definitely not!" Michael retorted.
"What about Archangel?" Jacob asked.
"That was Warren's old name! I want something no one has used!"
"Not many to chose from," Rickard noted.
"How about Super Awesome Flying Guy?" Devin laughed.
"How about no," Michael growled.
"Michael, I need a codename now," Warren repeated.
The idea came to him then, he remembered it as a humorous suggestion by his sister, and a long time ago he played with the idea of naming himself after the highest class of angels; those who were closest to God.
"Seraph! My name is Seraph!" Michael shouted.
Warren turned back to face the crowd and spoke. "Seraph!" Warren announced.
Michael simply waved to the crowed as they clapped for him.
"Seraph?" Angie asked.
"The hell is that?" Devin asked.
"Read a bible and find out," Michael said.
While the teachers left the Danger Room to head for the control room above.
the students talked to one another about the new team.
"So what do you think about the new guys Julian?" Brian asked.
"What about them? They don't stand a chance; they are all wet behind the ears," Santo said.
"Do not underestimate Michael, or have you forgotten what he did to Kid Omega," Sooraya reminded them.
"She is right. Do not underestimate these guys. Not just Michael but the others as well," Julian said.
"But Wayne is just a bat boy," Santo pointed out.
"Yeah, wait until you hear him scream," Cessily said.
Over with Alpha Squadron they too were talking about the new team.
"Who do you think will go down first?" Andrea asked.
"I'm thinking Devin," Sarah answered.
"But he is super fast," Paras said.
"Yeah but he is cocky and it's always the cocky ones who go down first," she threw in.
"I think Michael, he is too nice," Lazaro said.
"Are you kidding? What about his fight with Kid Omega?" Victor reminded him.
The Corsairs were going over a plan of attack and discussing the new team.
"So should we go after the new guys first?" Dallas asked.
"No," the Stepfords replied.
"We sense many of the others are planning to attack them as well," Phoebe said.
"We will let them handle the new guys so we can see exactly how good they are," Celeste said.
"While we battle the rest of the fighters. Then we can take down the Champions once they are weary from defending themselves from the onslaught," Mindee advised.
"Besides, we owe Michael for saving us from Quire," Celeste said.
"Fine with me, I am not wanting to get hit with that angel fire of Bronson's," Maxwell agreed.
Even the Paragons were talking.
"Oh my God, Michael looks so hot in his uniform!" Megan exclaimed.
"They look like a Christian super group," Mark retorted.
"I feel bad for them, maybe we should help them out," Hope said.
"Don't worry, they will be getting some help in a moment," Jessica said.
Meanwhile the Champions were getting ready.
"So Wayne, what are they saying?" Angie asked as she and the others noticed many of the others were whispering about them.
"Remember when I said we were screwed? Well, once this is over I will be telling you how right I was," Wayne responded, having been able to hear what everyone was saying.
Michael had a cross in his hand and was saying a quick prayer.
"What are you doing?" Jacob asked.
"Praying," he answered.
"For what?"
"That no one is seriously harmed."
"Shouldn't you be praying we win?" he asked.
"Why would I do that? It would be selfish of me to ask God to help us win. If we win it will be because we earned it not because God showed us favor."
"But doesn't God love those who believe in him more?"
"No, God loves us all." Michael put the cross under his shirt. "Even the ones who hate him.."
Rickard noticed that the New Mutants were walking over. "Hello? What is this?" he asked.
"We want to join forces," Sofia said.
"You do?" Rickard asked.
"Yes, we want to help you. We all know a whole bunch of the other teams will be gunning for you because you are the new guys," she explained.
"Are you sure it isn't because of the bet?" Wayne asked slyly.
Sofia shot him a look.
"What bet?" Michael asked.
"Sofia fell for one of Julian's tricks. He told her his team was going to win and we were going to lose badly. She got all riled up and made a bet with him," Jay laughed.
"What bet?" Michael asked again.
"If the Hellions win, then Sofia has to go out with him on a date," Laurie said.
"And if we win then Julian has to be her slave for a whole week," David continued.
"What if neither of you win?" Rickard asked.
"Then nothing, the deal is canceled," Nori said.
"We could use the help," Angie commented.
"Come on, we don't need help, we got this," Devin said cockily.
"That statement alone proves how much help you need," Nori said.
"Okay, we will help you if you help us," Rickard said.
"Then it is a deal," Sofia agreed, shaking his head.
Up in the command center Warren noticed his team was apparently making an alliance with the New Mutants.
"Our kids seem to be making a pact Warren," Dani said.
"Smart move," he nodded.
"You think they have a chance?" she asked.
"They may lack the training the other squads have, but I am sure they will do great," Warren said.
"Alright students, get ready," Xavier boomed into the intercom.
All the teams got ready and faced one another. Everyone already noticed how the New Mutants and Champions had seemingly forged an alliance.
Jay stood next to Michael and they both had their wings out, ready to fly.
"You ready Mich?" he asked.
Michael spread his arms and his angel fire covered them.
"I was born ready," he smiled.
Jay smirked and they faced the other teams.
"Begin!" Xavier commanded.
In a single instant, the tension that had been slowly building broke and all hell broke loose.
The New Mutants and the Champions stood side by side, watching as the others fought. But it did not take long for some squads to come for them.
One was Gambit's squad, the Chevaliers and Iceman's squad the Excelsiors. They all ran for the two teams while the others fought.
Gambit's squad was Onyxx, Rain Boy, Bling, Flubber, Jubilee and Husk.
Iceman's was Boreas, M, Morph, Whiz Kid, Chamber and Graymalkin.
"Here they come!" Skald yelled.
"Stick together guys," Wind Dancer said.
"We need to break them up baby," M said to Boreas.
Boreas was six foot three with black hair, ice blue eyes and pale skin. His power was like Wind Dancer's in he could manipulate the wind, but only the cold wind, allowing him to create sub-zero level gales or to freeze his opponents.
He was known to have a violent personality. He was one of the most popular students for his power, good looks and family background. M and he were dating and got along thanks to their snobbish personalities.
He smiled. "Already on it," he stated.
"Look out!" Seraph shouted.
Boreas brought up his hands and put them over his mouth. He blew out a chilling wind that blew the Champions and New Mutants in different directions. Soon they found themselves facing different opponents all alone.
Wind Dancer faced off with M.
Elixir faced Rain Boy.
Prodigy faced Flubber.
Wallflower faced Husk.
Icarus faced Jubilee.
Surge faced Bling.
Kid Wendigo faced Onyxx.
Speed Demon faced Whiz Kid.
Taz faced Boreas.
Kid Devil faced Graymalkin.
Skald faced Morph.
And Seraph faced Chamber.
Wind Dancer and M fought in the air. Wind Dancer was able to keep M at bay with her wind powers, she knew M was a lot stronger then her and if she got her hands on her she would not win a hand to hand fight.
"Stop blowing me off and fight me!" M challenged her.
"Nice try, but I am not letting you get those overly manicured hands on me," Wind Dancer hissed.
Over by Tazmin and Boreas, things were different. Tazmin put her goggles on and summoned a large twister that was heading for Boreas. He stared unafraid and simple blew a gust of cold air at the oncoming tornado.
After a few seconds it stopped and Tazmin fell to the floor, shivering and holding herself, trying to stay worm. One of the drawbacks of her power was she could still be affected by cold air and her spinning mixed with Boreas power made it an unfair fight.
"Pathetic, figures I would get the weakling," Boreas sneered.
He walked away to go assist one of his team mates, leaving Taz alone on the floor, feeling cold and angry about being the first to be taken down so easily.
Speed Demon was staring at Whiz Kid unimpressed. "Really? I have to fight a cripple? This is so unfair."
Whiz Kid just smiled. He pushed a button on his wheelchair and Speed Demon watched as it transformed into a giant seven foot tall robot with Whiz Kid at the top controlling it.
"Aw crap," Speed Demon mumbled.
Wallflower tried to user her power on Husk. But she had shed her skin to transform into a stone-like substance, making her immune to Wallflower's power.
Wallflower did her best to avoid Husk, she knew as long as she could not use her pheromones then she was in trouble. She was alright in hand to hand combat but no way could she fight stone.
Husk managed to grab Wallflower by the arm and twisted it behind her back. She cried out sharply and called it quits.
"Sorry Laurie, didn't mean to be rough with you," Husk said letting her go.
"It's okay. Wish I had a more useful power then pheromones," Wallflower remarked.
She left the room because once you gave up you had to wait out the fight. So now she couldn't even help her team.
Kid Devil flew around Graymalkin. "What's wrong? Can't fly? Oh that's right, you can't!" he cackled as Graymalkin tried in vain to jump at him.
"Stop flying about and face me!" Graymalkin shouted, frustrated.
"Yeah, like that is going to happen," Kid Devil smirked.
Surge fought Bling; she dodged Bling's marrow projections but Bling's durability made her resistant to Surge's attacks.
Kid Wendigo had transformed and was fighting Onyxx. They were hand in hand, grappling one another.
"Give it up punk!" Onyxx bellowed.
"In your dreams bed wetter!" Kid Wendigo retorted with a grin.
"Who told you that?!" Onyxx roared.
"Wayne, apparently you mumble in your sleep too," Kid Wendigo laughed.
"I am going to tear his wings off!"
"Worry less about him and more about me!" Kid Wendigo's tail slithered between them and wrapped around Onyxx's foot, pulling it out from him and causing Onyxx to fall. Kid Wendigo brought his fist back and punched him in the face, knocking him out.
Icarus was flying around Jubilee, but her power was too quick; it blinded him and knocked him out of the air and his eyes were seeing bright explosive lights after she hit him.
Skald faced off against Morph. Morph shape-shifted so he was taller and more buff. But Skald just used his power to knock him out by tweaking with some sound waves.
Prodigy and Elixir were both taken down by their opponents and Michael was still facing off against Chamber. Unlike Icarus and Kid Devil, he was not flying in the air, he was still on the ground.
Chamber was trying to hit him with blast after blast of his psionicenergy but Michael would just throw his angel fire at it causing the two energies to meet in midair which caused a fantastic explosion.
-Not bad kid,- Chamber commented.
Michael looked at him annoyed. "I am not that much younger then you."
-You might as well quit now. You and your squad did pretty well for newbies but there is no way you can win this.-
"I don't know." Michael formed two whips from his angel fire. "I am feeling pretty good about my chances."
He struck at Chamber with his whips wrapping them around Chamber's waists and chest. But Chamber just unleashed a blast of his energy and the whips dissipated.
If Chamber still had a mouth Michael could swear he was smiling right now.
-Now what?_
"Now this!"
Michael raised his hands and shot four balls of his angel fire at Chamber. He dodged each and every one of them easily.
-Seriously? If I had known we were playing dodge ball then I would have fought someone who fights with less than childish tactics.-
"Well I got news for you snooty face; my balls have a mind of their own!"
-...Seriously?-
"Just look behind you," Michael said, blushing when he realized how bad his quip was.
Chamber turned and saw the angel fire spheres were right behind him, hovering in the air, looking as innocent as Christmas decorations but deadly as bombs.
-Ah, bloody hell,- Chamber complained.
The spheres hit him at the same time and Chamber went flying back, skidding on the floor. He came to a stop at Michael's feet, unconscious.
"Score one for the new guy," he said with a smile.
He looked over and saw Taz was on the ground. He went over to her and saw she looked rather blue and was shivering.
He knelt next to her and placed his hand on her back. She felt so cold.
He held her in his arms, trying to warm her up. "Taz! Are you okay?" he asked.
"Bo-Bo-Boreas fr-fr-freezed me-me," she answered, her teeth chattered as she tried to speak.
He focused and tapped into the smallest portion of his power. He remembered what Illyana said about fire being used to keep people warm. He imagined he was the fire, lending warmth to Tazmin.
Tazmin began to warm up. She realized how close Seraph was holding her, and when he smiled she blushed, feeling like a princess who had just been saved by Prince Charming.
"Better?" he asked softly.
"Oh yeah," she breathed.
He helped her up and they saw that Speed Demon was trapped in a net Whiz Kid had shot at him.
They saw Boreas flying to help M, blowing a gust of cold wind that knocked Wind Dancer to the ground. A shot of warm anger ran through Michael when Boreas took it another step forward and blew her away as she was getting up, not even having the decency to let her get her ground before he attacked.
"Go help Speed Demon, I am going to take care of Boreas," he bristled.
"Michael no!" Tazmin yelled, grabbing his hand. "Boreas is one of the strongest mutants in the school! He is really violent too; he won't hesitate to hurt you if you get in his way!"
"I will be fine. I won't let him get away with hurting you and Sofia. I don't like it when men hurt women."
"Yeah, that's sweet but unless you want to be frozen alive-"
Michael put his finger to her lips. "I will be fine, go help Speed Demon. And don't forget, he may be the freezing one, but I am the burning one."
He spread his wings and took flight and went after Boreas.
Tazmin sighed. "This is why I prefer being on the debate team."
Skald faced Graymalkin and used his power to knock him out as well. Kid Devil flew next to him. "Thanks for that."
"You could have taken him out yourself," Skald noted.
"Yeah, but I don't have the same finesse you have with your power. My scream is a lot more painful and I couldn't stop it from hurting you guys."
"You forget I am the master of sound?"
Speed Demon and Tazmin showed up and Kid Wendigo regrouped with the team as well.
"Where is Seraph?" Skald asked.
"Facing off against Boreas," Tazmin replied.
"What?!"
"He said he could take him."
"Skald, we should help the New Mutants," Kid Wendigo said.
Skald looked and saw Wind Dancer and Surge were fighting against the remaining Chevaliers and Excelsiors. "Let's help them first, then we will help Michael," he suggested.
"But Boreas will cream him!" Kid Devil protested.
"Michael isn't a wimp, he can take care of himself, now let's go!"
They went to go help the New Mutants while Seraph went up against Boreas. He flew over to M and Boreas who were still flying in the air.
"Oh look darling, Angel Jr. has come to play," M laughed.
"My name is Seraph!" Michael said angrily.
"It matters not, be gone, I have no time for a runt like you," Boreas sneered.
"I don't think so. Someone needs to teach you a lesson about how to treat a lady, pal," Seraph hissed.
"Oh trust me, he knows how to treat a lady," M said, placing her hand on Boreas' shoulder.
"I meant a real lady, not a trash talking harlot."
Seraph had never much liked M. She was always so snooty; dressing up in expensive and often revealing clothes and talking down to people.
M glared at him. "How dare you! Sweetie, kick his ass!"
"Very well darling, go join the others, I will take care of this pest," Boreas grumbled.
M smiled and kissed him on the cheek and flew down to assist her teammates when she saw they were being attacked by the Champions.
"So, you think you can take me?" Boreas asked Seraph.
"Let's find out!" Seraph boldly said.
Up in the command center Warren watched as Michael faced off against Boreas.
"Kid's got some balls," Logan said.
"Boreas is going to kill him," Jean-Paul said.
"Hey!" Warren exclaimed.
"No offense Warren, but everyone knows he has some serious issues."
"You talking about Michael or Boreas?" Emma asked.
"Need I remind you all that Michael took down Quinton Quire all by himself? No offense Bobby but my boy is going to take your kid down," Warren said proudly.
"I'm rooting for him to Warren," Bobby smiled.
"Wait, what?" Warren asked.
"Dude, Boreas needs to be taken down a few pegs. I have tried to talk to him about his attitude but he just won't listen. Maybe a good smack down is just what he needs," Bobby shared.
Bobby had been out in charge of Boreas because everyone figured since they both had ice powers they would click well as student and teacher. Bobby had put him on his team to pacify Boreas and to help him learn the value of team work and friendship.
They watched as Seraph flew at Boreas, but he blew a powerful gust of freezing wind that sent him flying back and he hit the wall of the Danger Room, and fell to the ground.
"Or maybe we should say a prayer for Michael," Bobby said wryly.
Meanwhile, the Champions and remaining New Mutants were fighting. Kid Wendigo was going at it with Wiz Kid who was still in his robotic form. Wiz Kid gave him an uppercut that sent him flying back.
The Champions and New Mutants grouped together as the remaining opponents loomed against them. "Just give up, you can't beat us," M said with a smile.
"What do we do?" Tazmin asked.
"I have an idea," Skald said. "Kid Devil, use your scream!"
"But-"
"Do it!"
"Fine, here goes."
Kid Devil opened his mouth and let loose an ear splitting shriek. Skald used his power to alter it so it did not affect those close to Kid Devil, but the others were very much affected.
They fell to their knees, covering their ears.
"Surge!" Wind Dancer yelled.
"Speed Demon!" Skald cried.
Speed Demon and Surge ran in a blinding speed, knocking out their foes. Surge used her power to drain Wiz Kid of his suit's power, causing it to go immobile. Speed Demon knocked the others out with a well placed hit to the head, but Husk and M were invulnerable to his attack.
So Surge hit them both with an electric shock, knocking them out.
Kid Devil stopped screaming when they all went down. "Cool," he grinned.
"Everyone all right?" Skald asked.
"We're all alright. We should go check on-"
"Look out!" Kid Wendigo yelled.
He stood in front of everyone and just in time as a powerful icy wind was shot at them. Soon Kid Wendigo's back was covered in icicles. Had he not saved everyone they would have been frozen.
He shook his back and the ice broke; his Wendigo form was immune to frosty temperatures.
Everyone looked and saw Boreas walking towards them.
He looked at his fallen comrades disdainfully. "Idiots, I have to do everything myself," he grumbled.
He was about to attack again but before he could a voice called from behind him.
"Hey jerk face!"
"Who dares call me such a name?!" Boreas bellowed, turning around to face the one who called him.
It was Seraph. "I am not done with you yet."
"Oh, it's you again," Boreas said sounding bored.
"Yeah it's me, we are not done yet!"
"Oh look at you, thinking you can take me on."
Boreas noticed something on the floor. He smiled and waved his hand. A cold air picked up the object he saw on the ground and brought over to him.
It was Seraph's cross.
Seraph put his hand to his chest. He had tucked his cross under his shirt but it somehow must have gotten out and snapped off at some point during the fight.
Up in the command center the X-men paid close attention to what was happening.
"What is that in his hand?" Scott asked.
"It's Michael's cross," Betsy replied.
"Oh boy," Warren said.
"What's wrong?" Rahne asked.
"Well, as long as Boreas doesn't do something stupid, like destroy the cross or insult Michael's religion, then nothing. But if he does then I fear Michael might get a little...wrathful," Warren answered. "Michael takes his faith very seriously and doesn't like it when people talk ill about God."
Down in the Danger Room, Boreas looked at the cross. "Such a funny thing. It always amused me to think there were such small minded idiots like you who think that there was some kind of deity that actually cares about them."
"Give me back my cross!" Seraph yelled.
Boreas gave Seraph a nasty smile and blew an icy breath on the cross making the metal cold and fragile as he crushed it easily in his hand.
"No!" Seraph screamed.
"You're so pathetic. Ckinging to some outdated belief system that no longer holds a relevance in the modern age!" Boreas snarled.
"Tha little bastard!" Rahne growled, her canines growling longer. "I hope Michael beats the hell out o' him!"
"Giving Michael has a lot of built up anger inside him, I think that is about to happen," Warren commented.
"Let me tell you something boy. The closest thing you will see to a God of any kind is me!" Boreas shouted. "I was named after a God! Even before my mutation manifested, my parents knew I was destined for great things! I will freeze you and your pathetic team of miscreants and there is not a God damn thing you or your stupid religion can do to stop it!"
Seraph brought both of his hands up and shot a blast at Boreas and hit him in the chest, knocking him back ten feet.
"TAKE THAT YOU BLASHPHEMOUS FUCKING EGOCENTRIC DICK!" Seraph roared.
"Whoa!" Kid Devil exclaimed.
"Did that just happen?" Tazmin asked.
"This is like what happened with Quinton," Surge noted.
"Think he is going to kill him too?" Wind Dancer asked.
"Meh," Skald said shrugging his shoulders.
Back in the command center the X-Men watched as Seraph burned bright with his angel fire, glaring daggers at Boreas.
"Looks like Michael is going berserk again," Warren said.
"That's bad right?" Bobby asked.
"Only for the one that pissed him off," Warren laughed.
"Should we stop him before he hurts Boreas?" Bobby asked.
"Meh," Rahne said shrugging her shoulders.
"Punk has it coming," Logan said.
Boreas got up with a smile on his face. "Finally, someone offers me a challenge!"
"SHUT YOUR DAMN FACE YOU DIRTY HEATHEN!" Seraph roared. "I AM GOING TO RIP OUT YOUR FRSOTY HEART!"
Seraph's eyes glowed and his angel fire shot out of them like lasers. Boreas dodged the attack but Seraph continued to hurtle his angel fire at him.
"I didn't know he could shoot eye beams," Surge said.
"Wow, look at him go," Kid Devil said in awe.
"Maybe we should have him be the team leader," Speed Demon said.
"Hey!" Skald exclaimed.
Seraph shot a ball of angel fire at Boreas but he shot it down with his ice breath. The second the two powers met there was a small explosion and a great amount of steam was unleashed.
"That all you got?" Boreas taunted.
Michael came shooting through the steam, flying at Boreas. He slammed into the larger mutant sending them flying back into the wall. Boreas was stunned for second by the impact, but then he brought his fist back and punched Seraph in the face.
"Oh!" Jacob cried out.
"That must have hurt," Tazmin said.
Seraph brought back his fist and slammed it into Boreas's stomach. To everyone's surprise Boreas (who was built like a brick house) was raised a whole foot off the ground. His eyes bulged from their sockets as Seraph's fist lifted him up into the air.
"Oh snap!" Speed Demon said.
"He's stronger then he looks," Skald assured.
"You should have seen him when he accidentally ripped off Rockslide's hand," Wind Dancer said.
"What's wrong Boreas? You were talking all that good shit just a moment ago, now here I am slapping you around like a little bitch!" Seraph exclaimed.
"You have a lot of mouth for a Jesus freak!" Boreas growled.
Seraph narrowed his eyes at Boreas. "No one talks about JC like that."
He threw Boreas on the ground and was about to attack again but Boreas was too quick. He brought up his hands and a bone chilling gust struck at Seraph, causing his body to freeze.
He stood frozen, icicles hanging off his body. Boreas walked up to him, sneering at Seraph. "Looks like someone was all talk," he said.
Seraph's body began to glow with a white light, and the ice began to evaporate. Seraph moved his body, shattering the remaining ice.
"Seems like someone is just a great big blowhard!" Seraph shouted, with a sneer of his own.
The Danger Room was becoming less and less crowded now. Some students had been knocked out or like Wallflower, gave up and left the room.
The other remaining students were Hellion, Dust, Mercury, Rockslide, Indra, Match, Wolfcub, the Stepford's, Loa, Specter, Armor and a few others continued to fight.
Hellion noticed the fight going on between Seraph and Boreas and was impressed Seraph was doing so well. He never liked Boreas; the two of them were always butting heads. Hellion could be a snob, but Boreas was downright cruel and vindictive.
It was about time someone taught him a lesson.
But he focused more on defeating the final X-Men trainees so he could get that date with Wind Dancer.
Boreas had his hands on Seraph's shirt, lifting him up in the air. An arctic wind blew around him as he tried to freeze Seraph, but he used his power to keep himself warm.
"You little worm! You think you are my match? What do you have that I don't?" he barked.
Seraph smiled. "I have friends."
Before Boreas could comprehend what he meant, Kid Wendigo came up behind him. He grabbed Boreas, his Wendigo form immune to the chilling winds Boreas was creating.
He launched Boreas at Wind Dancer and Tazmin, who used their combined powers to toss him around. Wind Dancer used her power to make Tazmin's tornado bigger than she ever thought it could be, and also prevented Boreas from freezing her again by using her own winds to counter his.
When Boreas was dizzy from the spinning Taz stopped spinning and Boreas went flying through the air. Speed Demon and Surge chased after him and together punched him in the face, and then they grabbed him and tossed him through the air. Kid Devil flew down and grabbed him and using the momentum to adjust his flight so he went flying up, passing the control room as he did.
Kid Devil let Boreas go until right before they were about to hit the roof. He let him go at the last second and Boreas slammed into the roof of the Danger Room. The sound of Boreas hitting the roof was so loud some stopped fighting to see what made that racket.
Then he fell all the way to the ground, landing with a loud thud.
"Daaaaamn," Dani said.
"Your two teams work really well," Hank noted to Dani and Warren.
"Man they better hope Boreas is out, otherwise he is going to be pissed," Bobby stated.
The New Mutants and Champions gathered around Boreas's body. They couldn't believe they just gave a smack down to one of the biggest, baddest and meanest kids at the school.
"Holy crap!" Speed Demon exclaimed.
"I can't believe it!" Tazmin shrieked.
"We did it! We beat Boreas!" Kid Wendigo whooped.
Kid Devil went up to Boreas with a cocky smirk on his face. "Yeah, suck on it you giant assho-"
Boreas's eyes snapped open, looking positively murderous. "AAAGGGHHHHH!" he roared.
"Aghhhh!"
"Aghhhh!"
"Aghhhh!"
"Agghhhhhh!"
Everyone screamed as Boreas got up, his whole body was shaking with a mix of anger and pain. "I am going to freeze you sons of bitches and shatter you to pieces!"
Seraph walked up to Boreas and punched him right in the face, knocking him out cold.
For a few seconds, the two teams were silent. After everything that just happened, all it took was a simple punch to the face to knock him out.
"What just happened?" Kid Devil asked.
Up in the control room the X-Men watched the scene.
"Well...that happened," Logan said.
"A punch to the face? After all that, a single punch to Boreas's face knocks him out?" Bobby asked, incredulous.
"Well, after all the damage he took it shouldn't be too surprising," Emma commented, looking at the man-shaped imprint now on the ceiling of the Danger Room.
Back with the others the two teams were celebrating. The Champions were delighted at how things were working out and broke out into song.
"We are the champions, we are the champions, no time for losers, cause we are the champions!" the team sang together, enjoying their victory.
They all huddled close, singing; completely oblivious to the world around them...but not for long.
"Excuse me."
The team turned to see the Hellions and other remaining teams were facing them. Looking ready for a fight.
"Aw crap," they all grumbled.

"I can't believe we lost!" Angie wailed.
"Hey, you guys did well, considering it was your first day," Warren praised them.
They were all in Warren's class room. It was a few hours after the battle royal and the Champions were hanging out with their mentor.
"Poor Sofia, she has to go on a date with Keller now," Michael said.
After the two teams lost their fights to the remaining students Sofia was infuriated to learn she had to go on a date with Julian. Julian of course was smug about it, taunting her to dress appropriate for the big night.
"That was insane how you went berserk on Boreas," Devin said to Michael.
"He is going to have a serious grudge against you dude," Wayne said.
"Well, he shouldn't be such a jerk," Michael said casually.
Though on the inside he was fearful. Last time he saw Boreas Monet was helping him walk, he gave Michael such an icy glare that Michael felt a chill run over his body and he wasn't sure if it was Boreas's natural mutant power or his natural talent for being scary.
"Thanks for helping me out Michael, I really appreciate it," Angie said giving Michael a big smile.
"No problem," Michael said.
"That was a good plan you came up with Rickard," Warren said.
"I figured we couldn't let Michael hog all the glory," Rickard said with a grin.
"I am sorry, I didn't mean to-"
Rickard cut him off. "I am not criticizing Michael, you did amazingly well. You took on Chamber all by yourself, which was no small feat."
"You all did well, I would not be surprised if you all win the next battle royal," Warren said pleased.
"We did kick ass," Devin said
"Language," Warren lightly chastised.
"Sorry Warren," Devin apologized.
"Well, now that we have seen you guys can work well together, I want you to take this time to introduce yourselves to one another," Warren instructed.
"Oh me first!" Angie cried.
She stood up before everyone.
"Hello, my name is Angie McKay. I am nineteen years old. I grew up in Wisconsin right off Lake Michigan. I first found out I was a mutant when I was fifteen. I got into a fight with my parents about me not being allowed to go to a party. I threw a bit of a tantrum and next thing I know there is a hurricane in our house. We were all freaked out at first. But my parents were supportive and we decided I should come to Xavier's. My favorite activities are gardening and studying plants."
She sat down and Devin stood up.
"S'up? Name's Devin Annable, and I am fourteen. I like to run fast and impress the ladies." He gave Angie a wink and she just smiled. "One day I will be the greatest X-Man who ever lived! I have two super cool older brothers who I want to be like when I grow up. All our powers manifested at the same time when I was ten. I love being a mutant and think it is super cool to be super-fast. My parents sent me to Xavier's because they were afraid I would be hurt even though I had Sign and Tank to look after me. I miss my family but I will make them all proud."
He sat down and Wayne got up.
"My name is Wayne Tonda. I am fifteen and I come from a town called Bellwood. I was twelve when my powers manifested. I lived with my mom and older sister. They were freaked out I was a mutant; they were afraid what other people would do to me you see. Bellwood isn't a very mutant-friendly place. But I loved being a mutant; I loved looking different, I loved being unique. So at night I would fly around, of course I was spotted and soon the legend of Kid Devil was born."
"Hey, I remember hearing some stories about that. Bellwood got all kinds of tourists trying to find you," Angie pointed out.
"I am glad to see my reputation precedes me," Wayne said with a delighted smile. "Yeah, we got all kinds of freaks wandering the woods trying to find the Kid Devil. And I enjoyed scaring the crap out of them. I got in trouble a lot with my mom; she didn't want me to be seen and was afraid some freak with a gun would shoot me."
"So what happened?" Rickard asked.
"Some freak with a gun shot me," Wayne answered with a grin.
A giggle escaped Angie's mouth but she covered it. "Oh God, sorry Wayne, it's just...the way you said it," she explained.
"No problem, I was moving it that way," Wayne said. "I laughed about it myself after they pulled the bullet out. I had been flying in the woods and some crazy hunter was hunting me. See, he figured I was really a mutant and wanted to end my reign of evil. He got me in the arm but I gave him a good scream and that shocked him enough for me to fly away, almost bled out by the time I got home. Mom and my sister Tiffany had to take me to the hospital. They took the bullet out but they saw the wings and news has a way of traveling quickly. Luckily mom had already called the Professor. He and the X-Men showed up and took me away before the mob could come with their pitchforks and torches...well, not the torches. My favorite things to do are listen in on people and scare them when they least expect it."
Wayne sat down and Jacob got up next.
"My name is Jacob Star-Child. I am from the Tsuu T'ina first nation in Southern Alberta, Canada or as some people call us the Sarcee. I am seventeen and my power manifested a little over a year ago. Growing up, I heard many legends about the man-eating monster; the Wendigo. I never imagined I would become one. In our legends, the Wendigo is a curse created by the gods as punishment for cannibalism. Now I always liked my steak a little rare, but I wasn't into eating folks."
The group chuckled.
"My dad left when I was young. He was a sad, stereotypical drunk Indian who couldn't handle responsibility and ran off. So of course when I hit a certain age I was your typical pissed off teen, who loved to get into fights and be the bad boy. But at home I was a hard worker; worked two jobs to help support my mom and little sister. Before I transformed I started getting these episodes where I would get very angry and just flip out. I was starting to scare my mom and sister. Then one day I was out hunting with my friend and his dad and while we were camping out we were discovered by a very mean and hungry brown bear."
"I know where this is going," Devin smiled.
"Yeah, normally a group of hunters would go for their guns, but our guns were in the truck and the only thing between us and them was the bear. It charged at us and it attacked my friend's dad. Something inside me exploded and things got a little hazy. I just remember towering over the bear...or what was left of it and I was covered in white fur and I had no idea what was going on. When I turn to look for my friend and his dad I find they both have their rifles and are shooting me; luckily they just bounced off me and I ran away."
"Gosh, that must have been horrible," Michael commented.
"It was, I couldn't turn back to human. I thought I was cursed as a Wendigo. I found my new form had new instincts and new cravings. I had a hunger for fresh, raw meat so I hunted deer and moose and the occasional squirrel."
"Squirrel?" Angie asked.
"They're tastier then they look," Jacob explained.
"So what happened?" Wayne asked.
"Well, I wondered around for a while, trying to stay away from civilization, but eventually the urge to see my mom and sister got too big so I went back home. Of course I was spotted and of course reports of the wild Wendigo were all over the news. Wolverine has met the real Wendigo a few times and thought something was funny. The real Wendigo is known to eat people and wreck stuff. But no one was missing and nothing had been destroyed, so he knew something was up. We fought when he found me; I was angry and trying to be left alone, and here was this little midget with some metal claws talking smack and attacking me. Of course I fought back and when he stabbed me in the leg I called him an asshole. Then he realized I was not your typical Wendigo because Wendigo can only say its name."
"Like a Pokemon?" Devin asked.
"Yeah. A Pokemon that will tear you limb from limb and eat your innards and suck on your marrow," Jacob said.
"Yeesh," Devin mumbled with a shudder.
"I told Logan my story and he realized I was a mutant. He called the X-Men and they brought me here and Xavier was able to help me turn back into my human form. I was so worked up about being a monster my anger was keeping me from turning back. After that I returned home and had a happy reunion with my mom and sister. I send them money every once in a while. I like to go camping, hiking; anything that is outside. I also love to hunt...particularly bears," Jacob concluded.
He sat down and Michael was having a good time. It was great to learn more about his teammates. He loved learning more about them, learning their stories and what made them unique.
"Okay Michael, your turn," Warren said.
Michael fought down the nerves in his stomach.
"Well, my name is Michael Bronson. I am sixteen and I am from Cambridge. I was ten years old when my power manifested. I had developed these bumps and bruises on my back and my parents were afraid it was some kind of cancer. Then one day I suddenly felt this intense burning pain in my back and I was screaming and my mother and father were freaking out. I remember them putting me on my belly so they could see what was wrong. Then I remember hearing them freaking out, they were saying something about my back and I could feel something moving."
He took a deep breath and continued.
"Then I felt like something ripped out of my back, and I remember some blood splattering the rugs and my back. I could feel something new coming out of my back, and there were feathers specked with blood falling from the air. I got up, feeling so good, and found I had grown wings."
"Is it true your parents locked you away in your attic?" Angie asked.
"Geez Angie, let him get that far," Wayne bristled.
"Sorry," Angie said.
"It's okay. My family is a very religious family...they did not take it so well and they did indeed move me into the attic. They home-schooled me and told everyone I had a mental illness which was why I never was seen around. For six years that's how it was, my attic was the only world I knew. I was rarely allowed out and it was always with my mother or father watching. My mother got tired of this and wanted me to be able to be happy, but she knew it wasn't going to be at home. She contacted Professor X and that was how I came to the school. I like to read, and fly. I love to draw and meet new people and hang out with my friends."
Michael sat down, surprised by how easy it was to talk about his history.
"And last but not least, Rickard," Warren said.
Rickard stood and Michael noticed he seemed a little weary.
"My name is Rickard Åhs. I am twenty-two and I am from Sweden. I was eighteen when I noticed that strange things would happen around me. Noise that annoyed me would suddenly become muffled; music I loved would become louder. One night, I was driving with my sister and my boyfriend, it was New Year's Eve and I was the designated driver. We were on our way home and the roads were slippery and it was dark and I lost control."
He took a deep breath and Michael saw his eyes become glossy with unshed tears.
"My power...it amplified the sounds of the cars crashing and...lots of people died, lots of innocent people, my sister and boyfriends included, but I think they were dead from the impact. I survived and became very depressed. My parents abandoned me, they didn't like the fact I was bi and me being a mutant just made them resent me more. But after my sister died they blamed me, said it was all my fault. I was about to kill myself when the X-Men arrived."
He removed his watch on his right hand, showing off a thin white scar.
"They stopped me from making another cut and got me some help. They offered me a place at the school and I accepted. It took a lot of counseling to get me right. I eventually graduated and went to college overseas, but there was some trouble and I got into a fight with another mutant. Saved some lives from that psycho and realized I liked being a hero. So I came back to the institute and asked to be trained as an official member."
"Rickard is one of the oldest applicants we ever had," Warren stated.
"So even old men can be trained to be X-Men?" Devin asked.
Everyone chuckled.
"That's right punk. My favorite things to do are to find someplace nice and quiet and think. I also like listening to music. I don't like music that has a lot of swearing in it or talks about busting caps and beating ho's though."
"You and me both," Michael said.
Everyone clapped for Rickard and he smiled.
"Well, that went really well," Warren said. "Tomorrow we will do some training, lots of things are waiting for us in the future and we all need to be ready."
For a moment Warren's eyes seemed to be focused on Michael when he said this. Michael brushed it off as something he imagined. It wasn't like Warren knew something about his future that Michael didn't, right?"

Xavier waited in a room along with Jean and Scott.
A week ago Xavier had noticed that a rather large sum of money had been donated to the school.
He did some digging around and found out who ordered the money. He arranged a meeting with Adonai Malakh. He was a billionaire who ran Paradise Inc.; a multi-national company that was two spots behind Stark International as the world's leader in real estate, entertainment, science, research and development, interment acquisitions and various other branches of businesses.
They had set up a meeting but found that the head of the company was a bit late. The room they were in was large; they sat in front of a giant mahogany desk and behind that was an amazing view of New York. There were red roses in a vase on the desk and a fresh bowl of apples right next to it.
There was a large bird cage off to the side with some white doves inside. The birds sat quietly, looking around the room.
Paintings lined the walls; all religious. One showed the Archangel Michael defeating Lucifer, a copy of God creating man by Michelangelo, Eve being tempted by the serpent and various other religious works.
There was another mahogany table surrounded by couches and chairs with some magazines on it, a giant plasma screen TV on the right side of the wall and another bowl of apples.
It was a very pristine and beautiful room.
"Who is this guy?" Scott asked as they waited.
"He runs Paradise. He is one of the top twenty most powerful and influential people on the planet," Xavier replied.
"He's a bit of a mystery though, Emma said only a few people have ever met him," Jean added. "Apparently the Hellfire Club made an offer for him to join but he declined."
"And he donated a bunch of money to us out of the blue?" Scott asked.
"Yes, though I am grateful I do wish to know why," Xavier said.
"Is he a mutant?" Scott asked.
"Not that I know of," Xavier said.
Just then the door opened and Adonai strolled in. He wore a black suit and tie with a single red rose in his breast pocket. His hair was black and curly and went past his ears. His skin was a deep bronze color and his eyes were yellow like amber.
He was seven feet tall and he had a wide jaw and thick limbs and a broad chest. He looked like the kind of guy who played offense in football, or lifted heavy equipment. The kind of guy who looked like he wrestled with bulls or bears.
But there was also a beauty to him; you could not help but notice the way his hair curled behind his ears, or the muscles along his jaw, or how his eyes seemed like warm molten gold. There was also a presence about this man; it was not just his height and extremely good looks that drew your attention, it was an aura that demanded respect. The way he walked was like a general walking amongst his troops; it made you stand at attention.
The only other thing that was noticeable was a silver and gold ring he wore on his finger.
As he walked towards them Scott tensed a little. There was something about this guy that made him stand alert; like he best not let his guard down. It may have been how built he was or that strange feeling of respect this man demanded, but it made Scott analyze him and the possible ways he could be fought.
Not that he was expecting a fight, but it would not be the first time a meeting had gone...bad.
"Hello Mr. Xavier, it is a pleasure to meet you," Adonai said extending his hand.
Xavier shook his hand; Adonai's hand easily encompassed his and his grip was a bit tight but Xavier did not flinch. They let go and Adonai smiled.
"Sorry, I have a strong grip," Adonai commented.
"It is quite alright. I imagine a man of your stature is naturally stronger than most. But please, call me Charles or Xavier."
"And you may call me Adonai. But who are your fellows?"
"This is Scott Summers and his wife Jean Grey-Summers. They teach at my school and are the co-headmaster and co-headmistress," Xavier explained.
He shook Scott's hand and took Jean's hand and kissed her knuckles. Scott frowned at this as his gaze seemed to linger a little too long and Jean seemed to blush a little.
Adonai smiled and let her hand go.
"Thank you for meeting us Adonai, I am sure you must be busy," Xavier said.
"Ah, but I must apologize that I am a bit late. I am a very busy man and running the company is a constant job which takes up a lot of my time."
"Yes, so we won't keep you. I just wanted to meet you and thank you in person for that donation you gave my school," Xavier said.
Adonai sat in his chair, the light from the sun caught his skin and he seemed to shine.
"But of course you are curious right?"
"Yes, I do have silent donors but your donation was public, most wouldn't dare," Xavier answered with a smile.
Adonai reached forward and took an apple from his bowl, offering his guests one which they declined.
"Paradise Inc. has always looked to the future. Mutants dear Xavier, are the future. It is a genetic fact and no matter how hard people try to convince themselves, humanity's days are done with. But instead of going out peacefully, there are those who would wish to fight a senseless war. I do believe humans and mutants can co-exist. I believe that humanity should slip away into extinction quietly, and in a dignified way. In a way, mutants are the children of humans, and like good parents we humans must help build a bright future for you. As I hope one day you mutants will do the same for whatever new strain of humanity pops up thousands of years down the road," Adonai explained.
He bit into his apple.
"You speak as though you are a human as well," Xavier noted.
"Oh I am. I have met a few of your kind before. They were good, honest people like you."
"And you believe me and my X-Men can bring about peace between humans and mutants?" Xavier asked.
"Of course. Were it not for you I believe things would be bad for mutants now. You show humans that not all of you are like Magneto; you show there are those willing to live in peace. It is a dream worth fighting for."
He finished his apple and tossed it into the wastebasket.
"And when that day of peace and prosperity comes people will know we stood proudly with you and helped bring it about," Adonai continued.
"Surely not all of your shareholders will be pleased," Xavier threw in.
"Let me worry about them. I can be very hard to say no to," he responded.
The way he said it seemed to carry a small thread of a threat. Scott didn't have to be psychic to catch this. He had a feeling this man's ways of persuasion could be a little...dark. He didn't know how or what to think of that. Sure he donated a vast sum of money, yet something in Scott's gut told him something was off with this guy.
"How long have you run this company?" Scott asked.
"Since my father died. It's a family thing really. I inherited it from my father, who inherited it from his father who inherited it from his father. I hope one day to pass it on to my son," he said.
"Your name is really unique, Middle East I believe?" Xavier asked.
"Yes, my kin is from that area. I have a dab of Hebrew in me as it were," Adonai replied.
Just then his desk phone began to ring. He pressed the button. "Yes."
"Sir, they need you on floor seven to go over the overseas projects," his secretary said.
"Very well." he pushed the button again, disconnecting the line. "Sorry to cut this short Charles, perhaps we can reschedule," he said.
"Yes, I just wanted to thank you in person," Xavier reiterated.
He extended his hand and Adonai shook it. Scott and Jean got up and Adonai escorted them out.
"Thank you for coming Charles, perhaps one day soon I might get the honor to visit your school," Adonai suggested.
"We would be honored to have you. Thank you again," Xavier said.
"My pleasure, take care," he said, closing his door.
As the trio walked out they talked.
"Think he is legit?" Scott asked.
"Hard to tell, I didn't sense anything from him," Xavier replied.
"Neither did I." Jean said.
"He blocked your telepathy?" Scott inquired.
"Not necessarily. Some people are easier to read then others. Others are a bit harder to read or sense. It could be Adonai is of the latter."
"Or he is lying to us."
"I think Scott is right. This guy is too good to be true," Jean noted.
"I admit I have my suspicions," Xavier agreed.
"Could he be a mutant?" Scott asked.
"Seems kind of pointless to lie to us about it," Jean said.
"He could be a mutate. He doesn't have to be a mutant to have powers," Scott said.
The Fantastic Four, Spiderman, the Hulk. Now it seems like radiation of any kind could bring you super powers. Or a special serum, or a special suit of armor, or magic powers, or even just beyond Olympic level skills and one could be considered super human.
"We will have to keep an eye on him. Normally it is not polite to look a gift horse in the mouth, but when it comes to the safety of the students I like to check the teeth," Xavier said.
Once they reached the ground floor he continued to speak.
"There was something...familiar about his mind, from what I could feel. We still don't know who it was that helped Michael when he was under Lady Mastermind's thrall. All knowledge of that seems to have been erased from his mind."
"But besides you, who could be powerful enough to erase memories over a vast distance?" Scott asked.
"And that is the question," Xavier muttered.
Adonai smiled.
Xavier had no idea who or what he was. He was pleased with what he saw when Xavier shook his hand. He didn't know Adonai had scanned his existence and knew about Michael's progress.
Had he scanned his mind, Xavier would have sensed it, but psychometry is not scanning one's mind; it is scanning one's past so Xavier had no idea all those times he shook his hand he was telling him more and more about himself and Michael.
"Wonderful, the boy is doing even better," he said to himself.
He walked over to his desk and grabbed another apple and made his way to the seventh floor. Soon the time would be right and he would once again make himself known to Michael.
Things were going much better than he anticipated.
He would have to take care of the psychic blocks in his mind; those might hinder the boy's progress. But he would do that later, for now he would let Xavier train him, to teach him the basics.
Then when the time was right Adonai would take Michael and turn him into the man he was destined to be. Adonai had waited centuries for this moment and wasn't going to let it slip through his fingers.

Fusedtwilight: So what do you all think of the Champions? What do you think of Michael's codename? Please review.
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Angel In The Attic