Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2006 09:14:24 -0800 (PST)
From: Mark <rahvin747@yahoo.com>
Subject: Fire and Ice - chapter 2

Disclaimer : The X-men are property of Marvel and this is a work of
fiction.

************************************************************************

Fire and Ice

Chapter 2

It had been a week since I'd first arrived at the mansion. I'd spent the
time trying to acquaint myself with the workings of the school. The place
was much busier than I had initially thought. Students walked around in
large groups, laughing and chatting and shuffling between classes just like
students do. They appeared to be normal adolescents enjoying their lives,
except for the one important distinction : they were all mutants. It was
easy to forget that fact until a small girl ran through a wall, a boy arced
lightning between his fingers or another one lifted another student with
one hand. At first he thought his gift was a tough burden, until he'd come
across students who couldn't touch anyone, who permanently had gloved hands
or special sunglasses covering their eyes, or grotesqueries like green skin
or sharp spines growing out of their backs. Shivering, he remembered to be
appreciative of his current situation - that he could blend in if he wanted
to. Some students did not have that choice.

Kevin had stayed in his room for hours at a time. He wasn't a student, and
was free to do whatever he wished with his free time. At night he would sit
on his bed and try to enhance and focus his own powers. It was a difficult
and tiring exercise, and not always without consequences. On the second day
he'd destroyed his bed, and unlike the mirror, he couldn't repair it with
his gift. It had been too late to rectify the situation, so he'd been
forced to sleep on the wooden floor under the blanket which had thankfully
survived his massacre. During the day he would wander the immense school
grounds and sit under a tree, and meditate with his powers. He could feel
himself becoming stronger through his own puny interventions, but he was
afraid to test the limits of his strength. Sure, he knew he could lift a
chair with his mind, but he wasn't prepared to try and lift a tree and draw
the school's attention upon himself.

Only one issue managed to distract him during his meditations : Bobby. He'd
come across his name while chatting to a girl named Rogue a few days
previously, and he'd linked her description of him to his own description
of the guy. So... his name was Bobby Drake. Even the name was sexy. Shaking
his head, he continued dressing himself for breakfast. He was hungry and
breakfast was inflexible and always between 7 and 8 in the morning. This
was no time for a distraction! It was so irresponsible! He'd done his best
to avoid the guy over the last few days, but to be honest he'd seen him
only on the rarest of occasions and usually at a distance. He just couldn't
shake the feeling that if he turned a corner and Bobby was staring at him
the eyes, he would pass out from fright. Or worse - panic and tear the
house down - either with his powers or the power of him making a fool out
of himself. Both were equally strong, and as destructive around hot
guys. Then again, maybe he could disintegrate himself and spare himself the
torment of actually speaking to the guy.

Sighing, he pulled on his last sneaker and tied the laces. "If there is a
god, please let me never confront Bobby Drake," he murmured apathetically.

Standing he walked out of his room, and half expected Bobby to be standing
there just as a divine joke. Angrily he closed the door and walked to the
breakfast room. Entering apprehensively, he looked around to make sure his
territory was clear of all insurgent forces. Most students ate earlier than
this, and he discovered that at 7:45 most of the people were already on
their way to class, even the teachers. Dishing up some bacon and eggs, he
casually walked over to the jug and poured himself some orange
juice. Mrr... he had his plate in his left hand and his knife and fork in
the right hand. Maybe... he focused on the glass and it floated up and
accompanied him to the table he chose to sit at. He sat down and tried to
make the glass settle down in front of him, and next to his plate. It
wobbled in midair as if trying to defy him.

"If you explode and cover me in orange juice, I actually will tear this
house down," he said with feigned anger. He heard footsteps behind him, and
the glass dropped the last inch and spilled a little onto the
table. Concentrate you fool! Gah! He was afraid to turn around but the
footsteps he heard sounded like a woman's shoes. Good - not Bobby, and if
Bobby then a big enough turn off to stop him from ever thinking about him
again. It was a win-win situation.

"May I join you?" the beautiful woman said, sitting opposite him without
waiting for an answer.

"Sure Storm," Kevin said warmly. "Late night?"

"Yeah," she said. "Spent hours marking chemistry papers which the students
wrote yesterday. I wish I could say I was out clubbing all night with
Wolverine, but that would make me a liar and a clown."

Kevin laughed. "I've been meaning to ask you. What is with the weird names?
Storm..  Wolverine? Shit, those aren't your birth names are they?" He ended
with a small laugh, but was half-afraid they were, and had just passed off
a not so vague insult.

She smiled. "The senior members of the school belong to a group of mutants
called the X-men. Xavier's men, as I'm sure you figured out. They are code
names we use, but because we use our powers so frequently to enhance
mutant-human relationships, we use our code names more frequently than we
do our real names. My real name is Auroro, but I chose the name Storm - for
obvious reasons."

"Don't tell me... you can level cities with your fiery personality," Kevin
said mischievously. Storm laughed. "Nah, I get it. Very cool."

Storm continued. "Jean, who used to have similar powers to you was known as
the Phoenix. Pete's known as Collosus. Marie is Rogue. Who else is there?
Kitty is Shadowcat. Bobby is Iceman."

Iceman. The smile vanished from his face as soon as the words left her
mouth, but she was looking at her hands counting the members of the X-men
and didn't notice. Maybe the guy could freeze things. Hmmm....

"Kevin?" Storm said curiously. "Are you still on this planet, or are you
busy inciting a revolt in China?"

"Venezuela," Kevin said impishly. "I was just distracted that's
all. Nothing major. Just thinking of a name for myself." Two lies in two
seconds.

Storm chuckled. "You need to become an X-man first. That means you need to
not only know how to control your powers, but use them with mastery."

Kevin's eyes fell disappointedly, but he tried to cheer himself up. "Okay
then, well I'll try. But I'll be an X-man one day, I promise you." He
winked at her, but was deadly serious.

"I have no doubt," she said, and she didn't smile. "See you later my
friend" With a brief smile she rose and walked gracefully from the room,
still chewing on a piece of toast. He liked her.

Kevin finished his breakfast at his leisure, all the while staring out the
window at the gardens but not really seeing them. Already he was thinking
of possible names to give himself, and how great it would be to work
alongside Iceman. He shook his head angrily and looked despairingly at a
piece of bacon. He was dreaming of being a track athlete and couldn't even
walk yet. It was so typically impulsive of him. As he walked out the room
he was confronted by Professor Xavier who walked towards him cheerfully.

"Good morning, Professor," he said politely, and continued to walk past
him.

"Ah Kevin, Storm said you were here," he said, and Kevin stopped in his
tracks. "Let's go to my office. I want to see how you are progressing."

He didn't wait for a response, and turned on his heel and strode briskly
down the long passage. Kevin followed, of course. He wasn't about to defy
this man, even if he didn't feel like another heavy lecture. He walked
ahead of him the whole time, and he followed him into his office. Kevin sat
down in response to his courteous gesture, and waited expectantly. He sat
down opposite him in his heavy wooden chair.

"So Kevin," he began. "Inform me as to what progress you've made with your
powers over the past week."

Kevin coughed nervously. "Well Professor. I'm walking in the dark. I don't
really know what I'm doing, but I spend hours every day trying to gain
control over my mind. I figure that because my mind is the source and
control of my powers, if I manage to control that, then control of my
powers will come with it."

"Clever man," he said with an wide smile. "You are correct, of course. I
suspect though, that you have found it easier said than done. The mind is
fiercely independent and it hates being controlled far more than it hates
being out of control."

"I noticed," Kevin said with a weary sigh. "When I think I've managed to
gain some rough control, it takes a small distraction to shatter my
concentration and bring me to my knees. It's so frustrating!"

"Maybe you need to address what distracts you, and control it so that it no
longer has any power over you," he said thoughtfully.

"Now THAT is easier said than done," Kevin said, and brushed his hand
through his hair angrily. "Every time I think I've stepped forward and can
lift my bed with my mind, I step two steps back and destroy half my room. I
can't do this," he said and suddenly his shoulders slumped and he looked
very tired, and worse, only a few hours past dawn.

"Yes you can!" the Professor said reassuringly. He was serious, but
supportive at the same time. "No one ever said it would be easy. All these
other mutants needed to master their minds before they could wield their
powers. Do you really think Storm can control the forces of nature with an
undisciplined mind?"

Kevin shook his head, but wasn't committed to the answer. It seemed so easy
for the others. The Professor leaned back and sighed. "It's only been a
week. It takes most mutants many years to gain any level of control on
their involuntary abilities. I think you've done well."

Kevin's eyes shot up in surprise. Done well? The compliment stung more than
a severe scolding due to ineptitude. He decided to hold his mouth. Saying
anything might ruin this situation, which had turned out better than he'd
expected. The silence stretched.

"Don't worry, my friend," Professor X said. "You've done well. I can only
sense your psychic abilities, and they are already twice as strong as when
we last spoke. Though I doubt you've even practiced with them."

Kevin confirmed the Professor's theory with a slight shake of his head,
still silent. "I'm trying, sir," he said sheepishly.

"I know," he said simply. "I apologize for placing this much strain on
you. Whereas other mutants are citizens armed with knives in their hands
who need to learn to wield the blade, you are a citizen covered with hand
grenades and explosives. Control is of greater priority for you, and them."

Kevin nodded. "I need a favor," Professor X said, as an afterthought. "I
need to speak to Marie - Rogue as you know her - but I sense that she is on
the far side of the grounds, and eager as I am to walk, I don't feel up to
a half mile walk. Could you fetch her for me?  I have to discuss some
issues with her."

Kevin nodded. "Sure Professor. Anything to help around here," he said with
relief. At least the moment was over. Anything to escape the eyes of this
room. With a brief greeting Kevin leaped up from his seat and out the
office in more than a hurry. He was sure the Professor had noted his
expedited exit, but he couldn't give a damn. He felt like he was being
choked in that room. It was like an interrogation.

He exited the mansion at a brisk walk. Breathing in deeply, he felt as if
he hadn't breathed fresh air for years. The Professor's knowledge was too
intimidating. It was starting to piss him off. He doubted anything could
unsettle the wretched man. As he passed the pond a small globe of water
bounced across the surface and he rolled his eyes.  Damn these powers of
his to hell! He doubted Superman had to put up with this shit.

He found himself cursing and muttering about his abominable gifts, and ten
minutes later when his temper had cooled, he discovered that he was in the
middle of a huge open plain of green grass, and in the middle of fucking
nowhere! I need to find Marie. He felt angry and desperate. Suddenly he
felt himself being drawn to the west, and he walked in that direction. He
knew she was close. He didn't know how, well he did - it was his gift
showing another benefit. He could feel the heat of her body nearing him,
could hear the beat of her heart sending ripples through the air, ripples
only he could detect. He climbed one final small hill, and saw her sitting
in the far distance under a tree with two other people. He walked hurriedly
to deliver the message to her. He'd taken so long, Professor X must wonder
if he'd crawled here. As he approached the large green tree, he saw her
sitting on a patchwork blanket with two guys. One was blonde and laughing,
the other was more serious ... and... and... shit! ... was Bobby. He
staggered as he approached, but Marie had already spotted him from the
corner of her eye, so running away was out of the question. His heart
started beating, and a bead of sweat ran down his back. Control!  He had to
learn to control himself, or what use would he be to the X-men!? He
approached the tree as he would a firing squad.

"Uh - hi guys," Kevin said nervously. He voice was close to cracking.

The three turned to look at him from their sitting positions, but he
skillfully avoided Bobby's gaze. He could feel it on him, and it had
nothing to do with either of their powers. This was a nightmare. He thought
Professor X's office sounded like a perfectly reasonable sanctuary right
now. "Hi Kevin," Marie said jumping up and hugging him as if he was a
long-lost friend. She was a nice girl, but she always wore long clothes and
gloves. Perhaps she was deformed in some way like some of those other
mutants. The blonde guy stood up and approached with a friendly smile.

"Hi, I'm Angel," he said kindly, and he shook Kevin's hand. He was good
looking, but Kevin was already owned by the sight of another guy, so sorry
for him.

Kevin's eyes widened. "Holy fucking shit... you have ... wings!" he said
before he could stop himself. Silence. Angel's eyes fell. "Oh I'm sorry,"
Kevin said quickly. "It's just that I think it's the coolest thing ever!"
Angel recovered well and smiled widely. It seriously was amazing. Without
further ado, Kevin told Marie that the Professor requested her presence,
and she looked to Bobby nervously who nodded supportively.  She smiled
weakly.

She turned to Angel. "Could you get me there quick, hon?" she said
kindly. Angel nodded, and his wings spread from behind him, until they
covered a vast area. Kevin's mouth dropped like some foolish
schoolboy. They greeted him, and with a gust of wind Angel was propelled
into the air with Marie in his arms. He flew away in the direction of what
Kevin assumed was the mansion. Flying like a bird!

"Woah," Kevin said foolishly, almost exhaling as he did.

He heard shuffling behind him and the catastrophe of the altered situation
hit home. He was alone with Bobby. He turned slowly, as if he was about to
gaze upon the most grotesque thing ever seen, but ironically, the total
opposite. Instead of the medusa, he was greeted by Bobby looking at him
openly, his blue eyes boring into his soul. Those eyes.

"Hi, my name's Bobby," he said lightly and stuck out his hand. As soon as
Kevin shook it he felt waves of cold enter him and a light frosting appear
on his skin. The guy really could freeze things.

"You're cold," Kevin said in awe.

"Then you don't know me very well," Bobby said with a wide smile, and for
the first time ever Kevin's heart was in danger of stopping instead of
going faster. This guy was so awesome he couldn't concentrate. Maybe the
Professor was trying to pierce his mind again. Don't be ridiculous. You
know exactly why you are feeling like this. "So... uh...  is your name
Kevin? I heard Marie say your name was Kevin so I just want to make sure."

Kevin realized that he'd let the silence stretch to discomfort. This is
exactly why he wanted to avoid the guy - for this very reason! He was
confused, a blithering idiot from the outset. It doesn't have to be this
way. He could still salvage this calamity.

"Yeah, that's my name," he said, but could feel himself blushing. "Sorry -
I'm just distracted today."

"No problem," Bobby said smirking sexily. "Let's sit a little. We can walk
back to the mansion in a few minutes. The damn bird brought me here, but he
deserts me at the first sign of a smile from a pretty girl."

Kevin laughed. "What are you guys doing here so early in the morning? Don't
you teach the students?"

"Nah," Bobby said coyly. "We're too young to teach. Occasionally we are
allowed to help students learn to discipline their minds so that they can
wield their powers. That's one aspect common to all mutants. Other than
that, I don't know any subject well enough to teach it. Storm and others
are teachers because they know things, and I'm 21 - what do I know?" He
smiled at his own self-mockery, and Kevin smiled at his smile. God, I'm
useless.

"Seems fair," Kevin said diplomatically. "So you can freeze things, right?"

Bobby didn't respond, just looked at him. His eyes lowered slowly to the
blanket and Kevin's eyes followed to see where they were going. He was
leaning on his left hand but stuck out his index finger casually. A small
jet of ice shot from the tip of his finger, and he twisted his finger with
a randomness which hinted at precision. Seconds later he was looking at a
small ice figure about three inches high - a smiling stick man with a hat
and a cane who was posing as if he'd just finished a professional stage
dance.

Kevin laughed gleefully. "That's great! That's so awesome," he said.

Bobby smiled and looked at Kevin for a while, but Kevin was transfixed on
the small figure. It was unbelievable what he'd just done. What could Bobby
do if he was trying?

"What can you do?" he said and Kevin jerked around to look at him
anxiously. Maybe he could pull off something which would pass off as a
decent trick. Something that with luck wouldn't devastate the land for
miles. No. The Professor said he was the most powerful mutant in the
world. He better grow up and act like it.

With a cheeky smile, he focused on Bobby, and a frown creased his pretty
face. A small cracking sound came from the blanket and Bobby looked down
and laughed. The little figurine had become animated, and had started to
dance around the blanket. Swinging his cane, and his hat in his hand, he
did a dance which would have made Broadway proud.

"Cool," Bobby said simply, but the smile on his face was boyish and amused,
and to die for. He stuck out his hand and the floor of the blanket was
coated with smooth ice to form a stage.

Kevin applied his powers to impress this great guy. The little ice cane the
stick man was dancing with glowed and seconds later was revealed to now be
made of a fine wood. The hat flashed and was suddenly made from a
glittering red stone - a ruby perhaps. The little man really was an
impressive sight as he performed backflips, summersaults, cartwheels and
splits. Suddenly he started whistling and the sound was that off a
diminutive little mouse singing New York, New York. Bobby laughed loudly
and fell on his back breathless from amusement. This was great. The
performance eventually ended but Kevin was so proud of himself, and so
happy for the moment.

Bobby rolled on to his side, and propped his head up with his hand. "Damn,
you're talented, Kevin. I'm jealous."

Kevin blushed at the comment. "I'm not a patch on you, buddy," he said
honestly. It was pure luck that he hadn't vaporized the tree above them by
accident. Or was it? Could something have stabilized his powers?

Bobby snorted derisively, but then looked at Kevin curiously. "Did you know
that at one stage, just before you made his hat turn red, your eyes became
darker - much darker?"

Weird, of course - that wasn't what bothered him, and he was about to tell
Bobby so.  "You were supposed to focus on my stage show for you, not my
eyes," Kevin said with a grin, and as a joke. Bobby turned away and his
cheeks colored, but the corner of his mouth tried to smile.

"Should we go?" Bobby said, and Kevin admired the expert deflection of the
awkward moment.

Kevin nodded, and they both stood. With the smallest flick of his mind the
complete performance of Little Ice Man and his Red Hat disappeared forever.

"Hey! We could have sold that hat!" Bobby said with mock anger.

Kevin smiled. "I don't even know what the hell it was. It could have been
glass, or plutonium for all I know."

Bobby looked naughty. "But... it could also have been a precious stone. A
red diamond or something undiscovered. And then we could have become rich
and used our fortune to take over the world!"

Kevin laughed loudly. "All in good time, my young apprentice." They both
laughed, and started walking back to the mansion. It was a long walk, and
they talked extensively about shallow topics, but topics which put them on
the path to friendship. For the first time in his life he really hated his
gift. He stared at the approaching mansion, but his powers could detect
when another person was looking at him, and he felt Bobby look at him
whenever his gaze turned towards the mansion. The temptation to read
Bobby's thoughts was almost overwhelming, but he managed to hold it off. He
would have given anything to know, and he gave almost everything he had to
stop himself from knowing.  He was scared at what he would find. It was the
treasure chest which everyone knew would be opened, but which no one wanted
to touch first. Who would risk the specter inside on the off chance of
finding a stash of gold? Should he take the chance... should he?

End of Chapter 2 - thanks for all the comments I received. They were
inspiring and I appreciate anyone who took time to write :). I'll update
when I can, but I have a busy career and it's tough finding time to
write. Kevin (All comments can be sent to rahvin747@yahoo.com)