Grey Frost

Grey Frost
Chapter 1: Distress Call

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AN: This takes place after “Power Surge” and puts an Evolution twist on Emma Frost. I’ve borrowed some things from the comics, but played with some other details. It works with the Emma/Scott/Jean dynamic and I hope you all enjoy how I use it.

Summery: A beautiful woman named Emma Frost joins the X-men and takes a strong interest in Scott, which doesn’t sit will with Jean for a second. Emotions are pushed and friendships are tested, filled with sex, passion, and realizations. Scott/Emma Scott/Jean

‘These mean character thoughts or psychic communication.’

Rating: NC-17. This contains graphic depictions of sexual acts. Don’t read it if you don’t like it. You been warned.

I urge everybody who reads this story to tell me what they think. Please send me feedback via email at slickboy444@aol.com or post a review on the fanfiction website. I’m open to constructive criticism, but I ask that you be kind. Thank you and I hope you all enjoy the story.

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It was a dark cloudy night under the skies of Manhattan. Brisk winds swept through the imposing buildings making up the famous skyline. Deep within this concrete jungle was a din of city noises, ranging from car horns to shouting New Yorkers. It was a complex maze teaming with complex forces. And along the dark alleys of one of the many large buildings, a desperate figure scrambled for survival.

“This way! Over here!” yelled a sinister male voice.

Turning a narrow corner, a muscular man dressed in a tight black uniform with a dark mask shrouding most of his face directed three other similarly dressed men through dirty alleys laced with garbage. Each was armed with an imposing, futuristic rifle-like device. They all moved together closely with speed and efficiency. In this urban jungle, the predatory work of nature still applied. It was the hunter versus the hunted.

“Hurry up! We have to catch her before she gets too far!” said the lead man, “That bitch can run, but she can’t hide!”

“A blonde bimbo dressed like a high class hooker? Shouldn’t be too hard to find,” grinned another.

As the four men scoured the dark allies, a lone presence watched them pass by while hiding behind cockroach infested dumpster. She was panting hard as adrenaline rushed through her system. Fear, anxiety, and determination had every one of her senses working at full throttle. One minor slip-up and she would face a fate worse than death. When she rose from her hiding area, she stepped into the middle of the alley and her presence became clear.

Her name was Emma Frost and her appearance was one that would have left any man speechless. She was in her late teens and bore flawless skin with long flowing blonde hair that cascaded halfway down her back. Her body was very voluptuous, accentuated by perfectly shaped legs and hips. She also had above-average breasts that were well-rounded and proportioned to her frame. Her face didn’t have a single blemish, dominated by a powerful, alluring gaze.

Her attire also brought out her appearance. She wore tight fitting white leather pants that hung low on her waistline. Lifting her large breasts was a matching halter-top with a cape that showed off her toned core and impressive cleavage. She also wore white lipstick that tied everything together. It was an exotic, if not overtly erotic, appearance. But at the moment looks were the last thing on her mind.

‘That’s it you overgrown slugs. Get overconfident. There’s no way in hell you’ll take me back!’

Seeing her opening, Emma dashed into the alley. She was without direction or destination, but she didn’t dare look back. Getting caught was not an option. Either she would get away or die trying. She had made her choice. Her fate was left to her own will to survive. But given the determination of her pursuers, Emma Frost would definitely need a little luck to get out of this one.

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The Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters was in a usual state of restlessness as the evening hours settled. Much of the student body was either lounging around or busy with homework. Some had gone out, but for the most part it was an average evening in a house full of teenage mutants.

Professor Charles Xavier was just finishing his latest updated to Cerebro. He had spent much of the afternoon in the main chamber installing new circuit boards and enhanced detection software. It took longer than he had hoped, but his hard work paid off as the final diagnostics showed promising readings.

“Final installation complete. Cerebro update version 7.0 is operational,” said the computer in a mechanical tone.

With an accomplished smile, Professor Xavier rebooted the system and went over the final checks. Everything seemed to be in order. The Xavier Protocols that catalogued every mutant on the planet was secure and intact. The psychic amplifiers were operating at complete efficiency and with new fortitude. It was by all accounts a successful upgrade.

‘Just one more check,’ he thought to himself, ‘Then I can…’

Suddenly, his train of thought was cut off by a blaring alarm that appeared on the large, holographic computer screen. A large map of Manhattan appeared with a small red dot blinking in the depths of the elaborate landscape.

“Warning. New mutant signature detected. Name: Emma Frost. Power: Telepathy and transmorphic shifting. Status: high level alpha. Situation: Dire.”

Taking in this new reading, the Professor put on the advanced Cerebro helmet. From this powerful machine, he picked up thoughts of a determined young woman running for her life and four sinister figures looking to capture her at all costs. Near as he could tell, this was a new reading. Her high level status must have kept her from being detected. But if the thoughts she was sensing were any indication, the situation was grave. And if he wasn’t mistaken, she was crying out for help.

“Emma Frost…” said Xavier as he read over the data, “I suppose I won’t be catching up on my reading tonight after all.”

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Upstairs in the dormitories of the institute, Jean Grey was lying on her bed casually chatting on the phone with her ongoing romantic interest, Duncan Mathews. Having recently suffered a massive issue with her powers, she had been in and out of checkups with the Professor. As far as she knew she was healthy again, but the experience had affected her in many ways.

Of course, nobody at school knew about what happened. As far as the rest of the world knew, she suffered a major seizure. She was allowed to take a couple days off from school, but that didn’t stop her friends and teachers from calling. And Duncan Matthews was among the most frequent callers.

“Yeah, I’ll be back on Monday,” said Jean casually as she lay back on her bed, “No, I’m okay…really, it was nothing. The worst is behind me. Thanks for the flowers, by the way. I really appreciate…oh sure! I’d love to go a party next Friday. What? No, Scott won’t…he only came last time because he…fine. Can we drop it? Okay…I have to go now too, Duncan. I’ll see you on Monday. Bye.”

Upon hanging up the phone, Jean let out a tired sigh. Aside from her powers, her personal life was also not exactly stable. Duncan had been flirting with her for a while now and she had flirted back. Then recently, after her big win as captain of the soccer team, he took it a step further and asked her out. It was a big deal being desired by the star captain of the football team. Regardless of how she felt about the guy she couldn’t help but be a little star-struck. Every one of her teammates cheered her on and in the end the peer pressure won out.

Now Duncan was already classifying them as the official star couple of Bayville. It felt a little premature, but Jean went along with it. He may have been pig-headed at times, but she thought there was some good in him. It was all happening so fast, but it was too late now. Jean was officially the girlfriend of Duncan Matthews.

“Jean?” came a voice.

Her demeanor perking up a bit, Jean turned to see her long time friend and fellow X-man, Scott Summers, standing in her doorway. He bore a somewhat disheartened look on his face, hinting he probably heard the last bits of her conversation with Duncan. To say Scott didn’t think to highly of him would have been the understatement of the century, but Jean took it as him being overprotective.

“Hey Scott,” she said with a smile, “What’s up?”

“Nothing,” he said, stuffing his hands in his pockets, “How are you feeling?”

“Much better,” she said, getting off her bed, “The Professor said my powers are stable again. But he wants me to get weekly check-ups just in case.”

“It’s probably for the best,” said Scott, the recent memory of her power surge still hanging strong, “I still worry about you.”

“I know. But I’m fine now…really. And it’s thanks in no small part to you.”

Her warm tone brought a smile to Scott’s face as well. Since her power surge, things between them had been changing. Jean owed Scott a great deal after what he did for her during her darkest hour. If it wasn’t for his support, she never would have regained control. But there was more to it than him just saving her life. From that conflict, a strange link had formed between them. Jean reached out in her most desperate moment and Scott reached back and in the heat of a moment something between them connected. It went beyond anything they could make sense of, but it was clearly there.

An awkward silence fell over them. There was still a lot they hadn’t talked about since the incident, but with the horrors still fresh in their minds it was better to take things one day at a time.

“So what did Duncan want?” asked Scott, his tone taking a turn for the bitter.

“He was just checking up on me,” assured Jean, “He was worried too, you know.”

“I’ll bet,” he muttered.

“Don’t start, Scott,” said Jean defensively, “You’re not still hung up about him, are you?”

“I’m not hung up, I just…” but Scott stammered as he let out a frustrated sigh.

Jean shook her head in exasperation. Ever since she and Duncan got serious, things between her and Scott had been strained. Granted, it happened rather suddenly, but it was still a major source of conflict.

“Look, I know you don’t like, Duncan,” began Jean.

“Gee, what gave that away?” muttered Scott.

“I’m serious, Scott!” said Jean with an exasperated look, “Duncan asked me out and…it’s sort of becoming official.”

“Official?” said Scott, a hard feeling forming in the pit of his stomach, “Don’t you think that’s a little…”

“Sudden?” finished Jean, “Yeah, it is.”

“But why?” pushed Scott, “Duncan’s a jerk!”

“He’s not a jerk!” shot Jean defensively.

Scott cast her a skeptical gaze, making her rethink her words for a minute.

“Okay…maybe he can be a little thick headed sometimes,” she admitted.

“Sometimes?” said Scott curiously.

“But he has other nice qualities,” she justified, “Just give him a chance.”

Scott diverted his gaze. There were any number of reasons he could have given to cast doubt on Duncan Mathews, but Jean was very stubborn in instances like this. Arguing with her was tantamount to fighting Magneto. It still made him feel sick to his stomach, thinking about her and Duncan as an item. But if this is what Jean wanted, what else could he do?

“Scott…” said Jean, placing a hand on his shoulder, “Just tell me why this bothers you so much. You’re my best friend. I don’t want something like this to come between us. I swear you can tell me anything.”

Scott looked into those alluring eyes of hers and pondered at his predicament. Should he tell her how he felt? Should he risk complicating their friendship? A million thoughts swarmed through his mind. He didn’t even know where to begin. But he couldn’t just stay silent. He had to let this girl know she meant more to him than a mere friend.

“Jean I…”

Then suddenly, he was cut off by the deep sound of the Professor’s voice echoing in his head.

‘Scott…Jean…we have a situation. Meet me in the War Room with Wolverine and Storm immediately.’

‘What is it, Professor?’ asked Jean, her attention now diverted.

‘Cerebro just picked up a distress call. I’ll explain everything in greater detail, but I need you two to suit up. This may require our immediate intervention.’

Casting Scott a look of regret, Jean set aside their current argument. While she wanted to set this issue aside, the Professor’s tone left no room for argument.

“Sorry Scott,” she said, “We’ll talk about this later, kay?”

“Yeah…sure,” said Scott distantly.

The timing of a crisis was impeccable. Once again, they had been thwarted from confronting the issue of their feelings. Scott was so close to saying what he felt. He had been wanted to tell Jean for so long, but that moment would have to wait. The duty of an X-man, as it seemed, was never done.

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The X-jet descended from the thick cloud cover over Manhattan with little incident as the X-men neared their target. Scott, Jean, Logan, and Ororo were all in full uniform ready for combat. Professor Xavier was back at the institute manning Cerebro, keeping a close eye on the situation and guiding them towards the mutant signature that had drawn such heightened curiosity.

“Professor, we just passed lower Manhattan,” reported Scott, who was flying the plane and speaking through the radio, “Are you still getting a reading?”

‘Loud and clear, Cyclops,’ replied Xavier via radio, ‘The signature is coming from just up ahead. I’m broadcasting the coordinates to your onboard GPS right now.’

After receiving the coordinates, the four X-men got a glimpse of the signature that had them out on this sudden mission. On a small digital map readout, a red dot flashed as it moved through the complex urban landscape of the city. From the looks of it, there was nothing special on the surface. But they had been X-men long enough to know things weren’t always as simple as they appeared.

“Still on the move,” said Logan, getting into his Wolverine mindset, “Just what is it about this thing that’s got ya worked up, Chuck? And why didn’t it show up before?”

‘Call it intuition old friend. But make no mistake. This is a well developed mutant we’re dealing with. Her name is Emma Frost and her abilities were advanced enough to escape detection from Cerebro until I installed the new upgrades.’

“Sounds dangerous,” said Ororo in a concerned tone, “What kind of powers are we dealing with here?”

‘Near as I can tell she has strong mesomorphic abilities as well as advanced telepathy, which is why I requested Jean to this mission.’

“Yeah…I figured,” said Jean, diverting her gaze out the window.

Sensing her distress, Scott cast a concerned gaze.

“Jean, if you aren’t ready yet…”

But Jean was quick to cut him off.

“No, Scott. It’s not that. I’m just anxious about pushing my powers again after what happened.”

‘I understand that, Jean. But since we are dealing with another telepath, we need your presence in case the situation goes awry. You have my utmost confidence that you’ll to manage your powers. Just remember the exercises we worked on and you’ll do fine.’

“Right…I won’t let you down, Professor,” said Jean in a strong tone.

‘You never do, my dear,’ said the Professor in a warm tone, ‘Remember, X-men, your mission is to save Emma Frost. Her thoughts are desperate and her situation is grim. Be careful. Over and out.’

The radio was silenced as the X-jet approached the area. Jean took a moment to gather herself. This would be the first time she used her powers fully since her power surge, but with the Professor’s encouragement and the presence of Scott, Logan, and Ororo she was ready to face the task at hand.

“Alright, I’m taking her into silent hover,” said Scott, activating a few controls, “Storm, you stay here on standby and provide us cover if we need it. We’ll all have our homing beacons on, so make sure you stay close.”

“Will do, Cyclops,” said Ororo, taking the controls in the co-pilot seat, “Good luck.”

“Since when do we need luck?” grunted Wolverine, pulling on his mask and getting out of his seat.

“Wish I had your confidence, Wolverine,” said Jean.

“Don’t we all,” commented Scott as he and his teammates neared the hatch.

Upon opening the hatch, the brisk evening air of New York City filled the craft. Down below were the alleys where their target was currently running around in trying to get away from whatever was pursuing her. Taking a deep breath, Jean activated her telekinesis and guided Scott, Logan, and herself down to the dingy surroundings. It was a bit of a rough landing, but it got them where they needed to be.

“Sense anything?” said Scott, keeping a ready hand on his visor.

Closing her eyes and clutching her temples, Jean used her telepathy to scan the area. There were a lot of city noises to filter out, but it didn’t take long for her to pick up on the emerging scene before them.

“Hmm…I’m picking up some pretty intense thoughts,” said Jean, “Some are pretty hostile.”

“Must be whoever’s after this chick,” said Logan, drawing his claws, “I can smell em too and they don’t smell friendly.”

“What about Emma?” inquired Scott.

“I…I don’t know,” said Jean, trying to scan through the clutter, “Her mind must be shielded, but I’m picking up a lot of desperation. I think she’s trying to get away.”

“Sounds like a good chase,” grunted Logan, taking a few whiffs of the air, “Come on, let’s join the fun!”

Following Logan’s nose and Jean’s telepathy, the three X-men began their search through the vast alleys of the New York urban jungle. If this Emma Frost was in trouble it was up to them to help. There was no telling what they would find, but they would find out soon enough just what the mystery was surrounding this girl.

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Emma Frost was still running, knocking over trash cans and dumpsters behind her as she scanned every direction for a way out. But as cunning as she was in navigating through the maze of alleys, the masked men were never far behind her. As determined as she was to get away, they were equally determined to catch her before she could escape.

“This way! I heard something over here!” yelled one of the masked men.

“Ah hell!” cursed Emma, turning down another alley, “Don’t these drones have anything better to do?”

Emma weaved her way down narrow alleys, panting hard as she pushed the limits of her endurance. She quickly lost her sense of direction, not caring where she was going as long as she got away from the masked men. She could sense their minds near. They may have been mindless soldiers, but they weren’t stupid.

She was almost out of breath. Panic sweat poured down her face, the adrenaline surging through her system. She couldn’t afford to let fatigue take over when she was so close to freedom. Breaking out of a narrow alley, Emma nearly tripped over a trash can and stumbled into a widened pathway. There, she was met with the worst sight imaginable…a complete dead end.

“You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me!” she gasped, leaning against the wall for support.

Setting aside her fatigue, she stumbled back where she had come from. But before she could take two steps, she froze as she came face to face with one of the masked men.

“End of the line, bitch!” said the man, aiming his weapon right at her.

“I’m not going back!” spat Emma with raging intensity, “I’d rather die than go back!”

“Ha! Like you have a choice,” scoffed the man, “Nobody runs from the Hellfire Club!”

He had her completely trapped. There were no doors, windows, or alleys to run through. But Emma Frost refused to go down without a fight. Concentrating her remaining strength, her body was suddenly surrounded by a shiny diamond-hard shell. Clenching her fists, she prepared to fight her way out. But the masked man hardly seemed threatened.

“That won’t do you any good,” he grinned.

With a pull of the trigger, a bright purple flash shot through the muggy air and struck the young woman point blank. The shock was greater than she had anticipated. Even her shell couldn’t protect her. A paralyzing surge shot through her body, collapsing every limb and setting her nerves ablaze with pain. Her vision blurred and her balance collapsed, yet she remained conscious. However, the masked man was already approaching in a poise of triumph.

“Stupid bimbo,” laughed the guard, “Haven’t you learned by now that Shaw prepares for everything? He paid good money for these mutant containment gizmos so not even your powers can save you now!”

“Go…to…hell!” spat Emma in defiance.

With a scoff, the imposing man grabbed the ailing woman by the neck and held her up against the wall. She choked hard on her lungs, weakly grasping his heavily muscled arm. Her limbs were still limp from the blast. She couldn’t reactivate her powers. She could barely move. Yet she refused to go out like this. Every last fiber of her being yearned to succumb to the darkness, but she kept fighting back in defiance.

“Hmm…weak and defeated,” said the masked man with a sinister tone, “Just like Hellfire likes em!”

“Ack!” choked Emma.

“I don’t think Shaw and Selene would mind me breaking in that nice body of yours,” he grinned, “It should give you a taste of the punishment you’ll face when we get back!”

She was completely at his mercy. The masked man smiled under his mask as he hungrily fondled her breasts. He let out hungry moans of sexual dominance as he leaned in and smelled her womanly aroma. He was going to rape her right here in the alley. She could sense his sick thoughts through in her mind. Emma closed her eyes and tried to fight it, but the walls around her were closing fast.

“Get…off!” struggled Emma.

“I don’t think so bitch!” said the masked man, grasping her face and holding it firmly, “Face it, Frost! You lose!”

Hungrily kissing her neck, Emma felt unconsciousness drawing near. She fought hard to get away, but she couldn’t escape the grasp of the Hellfire Club. It was over. She had dared to run and now she would face their full wrath.

“Nnn…NO!” she cried.

“YES!” said the man hungrily.

He was about to rip off her clothes and rape her into submission. Then suddenly a blinding red flash shot out from the roof above and knocked he man back against the wall with the force of a speeding truck.

“You heard the lady! Hands off!” yelled Scott from his perch atop the roof of one of the buildings.

Upon being released from the masked man’s grasp, Emma fell to the dirty pavement coughing for air. Her body was still weak from the blast she had endured earlier and struggled to stay conscious, but she was aware enough to realize that something unexpected had happened and Hellfire’s henchmen were no longer the hunters.

“What the…” grunted the masked man, looking up to see Cyclops descending towards the ground via a fire escape, “Who the fuck?!”

Just then, the three other masked men who had been following close behind arrived at the alley. They were just in time to see their comrade lying against the wall in a bruised heap. They didn’t have time to process the situation. All they saw was their target and some other kid in a weird costume coming to her aid. Not asking questions, they aimed their weapons and prepared to fire.

“Hey! The bitch comes with us!” spat one of the men.

“I don’t think so, bub!” came a menacing voice from behind.

Before the three guards could turn around and react, an ominous ‘snikt’ echoed through the alley and two sets of adamantium claws drew from the hands of the raging Wolverine. And with the skill and swiftness of a predatory animal, he pounced upon the unsuspecting men and slashed their weapons to bits.

“Holy…” gasped one of the masked men, “Kill him! Kill him!”

“Rrrrrrahhhhhhhhhhhh!” roared Wolverine as he raged on.

With lethal efficiency, Logan delivering swift blows that knocked two of the masked men out cold. Confused by this sudden development, the remaining guard tried to crawl away and gather what was left of his weapon. But just as he reached out to get it, an invisible force pulled them out of his grasp.

“Not so fast, pal!” said Jean, who was hovering above them in a bubble of telekinetic force, “Time to even the odds!”

“You little…” began the masked man as he rose to attack.

“Oh no you don’t!” grinned Jean.

Unleashing a burst of telekinetic energy, Jean flung the hapless man against a dumpster and knocked him out cold. Logan maintained a defensive poise over the unconscious bodies of the other two men, but it was painfully clear they weren’t getting up from his attack. And if they had two nerve cells in their brains, it was probably better they didn’t.

As Scott reached ground level, he quickly ran to the aid of the downed Emma Frost. She was still breathing hard and reeling from the pain, but remained conscious. Kneeling to her side, he quickly drew her attention. Her vision was still blurry, but when she took in the face before her a sense of calm came over her. If she hadn’t been out of it, she would have stared all night.

“Miss Frost! Miss Frost, are you okay?” said Scott, sensing she was still conscious.

“Nnn…” she groaned, “Who…who are you?”

“We’re here to help,” he assured.

They were like words from an angel. She had been on a one way ticket back to the torture chambers of the Hellfire Club. But fate seemed to have other plans. It was a change in luck in her otherwise hapless excuse for a life and she took it without hesitation. She tried to get up, but Scott helped her ease into it with his gentle grip.

“You’re gonna be okay,” assured Scott.

Suddenly, the man that bore the blunt end of Scott’s optic blasts stirred. Brimming with rage, he reached over and grabbed his weapon. His sights were set solely on Emma, the woman who had caused so much havoc in the Hellfire organization. And if he couldn’t recapture her, then killing her would be the next best thing.

“DIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!”

Scott’s instincts took over and he shielded Emma’s body with his. And before the masked man could pull the trigger, he shot a perfectly aimed optic blast directly at the weapon.

“AHHHHHHH!” wailed the guard as everything went black.

Upon impact, the energy released triggered a mini-explosion, sending a deafening bang throughout the alley and blowing the unlucky henchmen back several feet. The blast forced Jean and Logan to shield their eyes and run to the aid of their teammate.

“Scott!” exclaimed Jean.

“I’m okay, Jean,” said Scott, catching his breath from what just happened.

“Talk about your lucky shots,” muttered Logan, “What about the girl? She alright?”

Turning their attention to Emma, they noticed she was out cold. Her body had been weakened from a frantic chase, a paralyzing blast, and a deafening explosion. But she was still alive and finally safe.

“She’s out cold,” said Scott, picking up the limp woman and cradling her in his arms, “We better get her back to the mansion.”

“Already on it,” said Jean, sending a message to Ororo via telepathy, ‘Still with us, Storm?’

‘I read you loud and clear, Jean. I should be over your position in a moment.’

As the X-jet appeared overhead, Jean took over and used her telekinesis to levitate them up into the craft. The mission had been more eventful than they had anticipated, but it was still a success. They saved Emma Frost and stopped those mysterious men from harming her. Yet still, many questions remained.

“I wonder who those goons were,” wondered Scott, “Why do you think they were after her?”

“Beats me,” shrugged Logan, “But I can’t say I’m surprised.”

“What makes you say that, Logan?” asked Jean as they neared the jet.

“Just look at her,” he said, gesturing towards her body, “Any woman with looks like that is bound to attract trouble.”

“Do you have any idea how sexist that is, Logan?” scorned Jean.

“Maybe,” he conceded, “But I’ll bet she’s got a story to tell and it ain’t pleasant.”

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Surrounded by many ominous faces, Emma Frost was at a crossroads. She was standing in the middle of a spacious room with people dressed in elaborate Victorian style attire. The men wore expensive suits while the women were a mixture of dress and lingerie. These people were more powerful than she ever could have contemplated. They had money, contacts, and abilities far in advance of anything she could match.

They were the Inner Circle of the Hellfire Club. Their goals were simple…gain power no matter what the cost. Every member had a heart devoid of compassion and a soul filled with greed. Many also had abilities far more advanced than most humans or mutants for that matter. Some were even powerful parishioners of the mystic arts. And unlike the many others who had the privilege of having this opportunity, Emma could sense every one of their dark thoughts.

“You’ve become so strong, my dear,” said a dark voice from behind, “Just look at how far you’ve come. A runaway girl to a dominating woman…you have made us very proud. But there remains one last step, Emma. You must accept your new role as my White Queen. You must pledge absolute loyalty to our cause.”

The cold words of Sebastian Shaw, the Black King, echoed through the young woman’s mind. His tone was full of greed, power, and bloodlust. Every last figure in the Inner Circle shared his dark poise. And if she was to attain such exalted status, she would have to become just like them. Emma Frost had to die and the White Queen had to be allowed to reign supreme.

“This is your chance, Emma,” said Shaw, his cold hand grasping her shoulder, “No longer will you be just some high priced stripper who steals business secrets. With us, you can wield more power than you ever dreamed. All you have to do is submit. Become my White Queen! Join us and embrace your new identity!”

It was the biggest choice of her life. Either become the White Queen or stay Emma Frost. All these eyes of such enduring darkness penetrated her being down to the very pit of her soul. They were asking her to become just like them, a power-hungry monster. In return she would live in a world of opulence and privilege the likes of which few could ever imagine. It was a sacrifice that had to be made in the name of power and she had to make a choice.

Emma’s mind raced as Shaw’s gaze hardened. Under his scrutiny she sensed his mental shields relax, most likely by his choosing. He wanted her to sense what she could become. He wanted her to know that she was destined to be his. But looking back into the cold eyes of the Black King, she could see only the darkness in his eyes. And in that reflection, she saw an image of the person she would become. And in a moment that would surely change the course of her life, Emma Frost made her decision.

“No! I won’t!”

Shaw tightened his grasp, gazing down on her with untold rage. His every thought was black with greed and lust. His penetrating eyes were devoid of any good. He craved this woman’s submission. Every king needed a queen. But Emma had made her choice.

“You must! You dare defy Hellfire?! You dare defy your king?!”

“You’re nobody’s king! And I’m nobody’s queen!” spat Emma in defiance.

“But you are!” grinned Shaw with sinister intent, “You are mine! You will submit! You will become one of us!”

“NEVER! I WON’T!”

Emma struggled to break free from Shaw’s grip, but he was too strong. His sinister hold could not be broken. The rest of the Inner Circle joined in, led by Selene, a woman dressed in dark lingerie and a poise dominated by ruthlessness and hatred. Emma began to panic, feeling the walls around closing fast. There was no escape. They had her trapped. And she knew better than anybody that Hellfire showed no mercy.

“Then you will face our wrath!” said Selene, her eyes burning with hatred, “Nobody rejects Hellfire! Nobody!”

“No!” gasped Emma as they closed in, “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

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“NOOOOO!” yelled Emma as she shot from her unconscious state.

Covered in cold sweat, she gasped as she awoke in new surroundings. She remembered being chased by Hellfire acolytes, running into a dead end, and facing a fate worse than death. After that it was all a blur. Had they caught her? Was she back at Hellfire? If so, then the torture she was about to face would make death seem a welcome release.

Then a warm, caring tone echoed through her mind.

“It’s okay,” said Professor Charles Xavier, “You’re safe now, Emma.”

Emma panted hard as she took in her new surroundings. She quickly gathered she wasn’t back at the Hellfire Club. She was in what looked like a small hospital room. She was still in her Hellfire attire, minus the cape, and lying in a bed with an IV drip going into her arm. Then it dawned on her. She had actually gotten away. She ran from Hellfire and lived to tell about it.

“Oh God…” she groaned, rubbing her head as dizziness set in.

“Whoa, easy there,” said Scott, gently urging her to lie back.

The shock still hadn’t worn off and her head was spinning. She then took note of the two figures standing besides her bed. One was a kind-looking man in a wheelchair who bore a peaceful demeanor. And the handsome man beside her was unmistakable. He was the one who had saved her earlier.

She quickly found herself draw to this man. Her memory was still fuzzy, but she vividly recalled him protecting her when that Hellfire guard tried to kill her. She didn’t know who he was or why he did it, but she was already deeply indebted to him.

“You…” said Emma, locking her eyes on the man with the visor, “You’re the one who saved me.”

Scott couldn’t help but smile.

“It was a team effort. We heard you needed help. Guess we got there just in time.”

“You have no idea,” she said, smiling at her savior, “But where am I? who are you people?”

“Allow me to answer that,” said the Professor as he wheeled closer to her bedside, “My name is Professor Charles Xavier. You’re in the infirmary of the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters.”

“Gifted youngsters?” she said with a look of intrigue, “You mean…”

“Yes. I mean mutants,” affirmed Xavier, “I take it you’re aware you’re a mutant, Miss Frost.”

“Of course I’m aware. But how the hell did you know?”

“The same way we knew you were in trouble,” said the Professor, ‘It also takes one to know one.’

The sound of his voice in her mind confirmed it. He too was a mutant and she assumed that visor the boy was wearing wasn’t a fashion statement. It left her with plenty more questions, but at least she was in the presence of friendly people again.

“Ugh…my head,” mused Emma, rubbing her temples, “What about those Hellfire goons? Did they…”

“They’re gone,” assured the Professor, “You’re safe here, Emma. I promise.”

“I highly doubt that,” said Emma in a dark tone, “You don’t know the kind of people they work for. If they find out I escaped they’ll…”

But Emma was unable to continue, her throbbing head catching up to her. Scott gently placed a hand on her shoulder. Immediately, Emma felt her tension ease. His touch sent a feeling of warmth and safety. This boy didn’t know a thing about her or the kind of person she was, yet he helped her. That alone spoke volumes to the former White Queen.

“They won’t get you. The X-men will make sure of that,” said Scott.

“The X-men?” said Emma curiously, “Is that what you call this little club?”

“It’s not a club, I assure you,” said the Professor, “But that’s another matter. Tell me, why were those men after you?”

Emma cringed. The memories still stung, the cold tone of Sebastian Shaw and Selene hanging strong in her mind. Even though she escaped, the scars of the Hellfire Club could not be forgotten.

“It’s…a long, painful story,” said Emma, hugging her shoulders.

“I see,” said Xavier, sensing her distress, “Then I won’t make you talk about it. There will be plenty of time tomorrow. Until then, get some rest.”

“Thank you, Professor,” said Emma, letting out a sigh of relief, “I promise I’ll tell you everything. I owe you that much.”

“Very well,” said the Professor with a smile, “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“I’ll be fine,” she said, letting out a deep sigh as she sank into the bed.

With a warm smile, Xavier turned to wheel himself out. This woman may have had some issues, but he could sense some genuine good in her. There was much to discuss, but that could wait. For now, she just needed time to let it all sink in.

She had come so close to a fate worse than death. She should have been back at Hellfire facing the blunt end of Selene’s torture chambers, but fate had taken her down another path. She didn’t know where it would lead, but anything was better than Hellfire. It was still a lot to manage, but as she watched Xavier and Scott leave a smile formed on her face.

“Hey wait,” she called out.

Scott stopped in mid stride and turned back to face the woman he saved.

“You got anywhere else to be tonight?” she said casually.

“Uh…no,” said Scott, not thinking too much about it.

A smile spread across the young woman’s face.

“Stay for a while,” she offered, “You can keep me company.”

“Um…sure,” said Scott, pulling up a chair, “But don’t you think you should get some rest?”

“After what I just went through, sleep is the last thing on my mind,” sighed Emma, “Besides…I’d feel a lot safer with you here.”

Scott smiled and blushed. It wasn’t every day he saved someone’s life, let alone a beautiful woman. She had clearly been through a lot. He knew the signs. And sometimes the best thing anybody could have after an ordeal like that was someone to talk to.

“So…can I at least know the name of my knight in shining armor?” said Emma with a warm smile.

“Uh…Scott,” he said somewhat awkwardly, “Scott Summers.”

“Scott Summers…” said Emma with further intrigue, “Well…thanks. I owe you big. You have no idea what those men would have done to me.”

“Try not to think about stuff like that now, Miss Frost,” said Scott, pulling up a chair, “You’re in good hands with us.”

“I’ll take your word for it. And please, call me Emma,” she smiled.

“Sure…Emma.”

Emma Frost had been through a lot. She ran from the Hellfire Club and survived thanks to this man and his friends. She had a chance to take a new path in life and after a night like this she was eager to embrace it. In addition, she had a handsome knight in shining armor by her bedside. She didn’t know where things would go from here, but for now she just wanted to learn more about this man who had saved her.

“So Scott…” she said, resting on her side, “Tell me about yourself.”

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Up next: Emma Frost joins the X-men to the elation of some and the concern of others.