MFG - Chapter 37 (Patreon)

Chapter 37: Different Girls, Different Problems 

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“So he's getting really close to Jean, huh.” Emma Frost sat in her principal office, leaned back in her chair. “What a dilemma.”

Jean was a powerful mutant. Just her base powers made her Omega Level, but then she's the Host of the Phoenix Force. If put on a chessboard, Jean's importance and potential were higher than Emma's. Plus, Emma couldn't earn Enrique's trust since he knew her nature.

In that case… Is he thinking about replacing me? That thought upsetted her a little, but she couldn't deny the possibility. Just like her, Enrique Nova’s a cold and calculative man. And the problem was that she didn't even know how calculative he was. He was safe from her telepathy. He was a variable.

I can see why someone like Jean would fall for him. Emma could picture how Enrique must have seduced her. Jean never met someone romantically whose mind she couldn't read, someone who took care of her and made her feel better.

In her long life, Emma has noticed a delusional trait in women. They made things more romantic than it was; they loved to believe everything good was done with a romantic intention. To Emma, that was a delusion. However many girls loved thinking that way even knowing so. Jean must be one of them. All the men in her life were an open book in her head, so she mustn't have encountered this delusion in the past. This was the first time she did and sadly, it just had to be Enrique Nova.

Emma was sweating.

The air-conditioner was working, yet she couldn't help but sweat. Her brows were knitted together, her fingers tapping away at the table.

What are the odds of my survival if he decides to betray me? She began to calculate. No, it's too low. He already beat me once. He also beat the possible allies I could hire. So if he decides to take me out after beating Shaw, then I can't do anything.

In that case, she had two choices in her mind.

The first was to make it so that Supernova and Sebastian Shaw would fight to the death. Unfortunately, it'd be really hard to pull off. Chances of that occurring naturally were low, and if she were to meddle in the battle, they might just eliminate her first. So that was a very risky draw.

Then, the second. To… give herself into his arms.

Normally, she'd say “to seduce him” but he wasn't the type. He knew her nature enough to not fall for her like that, moreover when he's already shown to be polygamous. He wouldn't stick to a single girl at all, not unless he's brainwashed. So the correct wording was indeed, to throw herself into his arms and hope he'd like her enough.

The probability of him liking her body and letting her live… was a lot higher than the probability of her eliminating him and Shaw at the same time.

“Goddammit,” she slammed a fist on the table.

Usually, there would be other extreme choices that she could take, but her plate was very limited. It was all because of that damn magic agreement!

That day when he defeated the X-Men as well as the kids at her school, the Helions, Rouge used the teleportation power of Azazel and took them to a pyramid in Egypt. That's where the two of them forced Emma to agree with a deal; it was a magical deal, basically a slave contract, something that magically stopped her from going against him.

She could openly not hurt him, and neither could he. It seemed like a balanced agreement based on that line, but the other lines turned her into a slave.

That agreement was only till Shaw's passing. It'll cease to work after the White King's demise.

So…

Emma had to make her decision before then.

****

From what Anna told him, the next few days at school were great for the mutant kids. The human kids approached them a lot more than usual, and instead of seeing them as a whole other species, it truly felt like they were just being seen as regular kids by them.

Some were envious of their powers, but it wasn't jealousy or discrimination.

The kids enjoyed the new atmosphere at school, and they knew who to thank.

“Hah! Professor Jean's new man is great, I vibe with him a lot more than- ak!”

“Hey, jackass! She can hear us!”

The kids were talking on the couch, playing with the controllers, while Enrique was behind the kitchen. He opened the fridge, took out energy drinks, and closed it. Just when he turned around, he found Ororo Munroe smiling at him. He turned back to the fridge to take out another energy drink and tossed it to her.

“I don't usually drink these,” she said, accepting it. 

“I guess electricity keeps your body energized?” he asked, and she giggled.

“What's the point of asking? You should know as much as I do,” she said, undoing the can.

“Not actually. My electrical powers are limited. I can discharge large amounts, sure, but it's not like it's flowing through my veins right now. While in your case, I think your X-gene is making lightning flow through your veins?”

“Aha, I see. Yes, that's the case. I didn't know we had such a difference when our source is kind of the same,” she said, sounding genuinely surprised.

He took a big gulp of my can and tilted his head at her. “So you believe what Mut said back then? That your powers come from her?”

“Well, she enhanced my existing X-gene, which is why I'm as powerful as I am… otherwise I'd have been a nameless mutant with maybe, what, power to charge a mobile phone.” She joked and giggled, and he allowed her a laugh too.

“Makes sense actually. In that case, would you like to convert to Mutism?” 

“It's not called ‘Mutism’, how disrespectful.”

“Huh, it's not?”

[“...My child, how do you not know my religion's name yet?”] Mut's sad voice flowed into his ear, and he ignored it.

“Yeah. It doesn't have an exclusive name, it's part of the greater Egyptian Mythology. These days it'll be called the Temple of Mut, if we were to give it a name,” she said.

“Damn, you know a lot.”

“That's not much. Just a few months ago, I didn't know much, but I went through my mother's old books, and found some stuff.”

“Oh, I see,” he said. “We should learn it together then. If I ask my Goddess, she'll drop some holy books on my lap anytime.”

“Mhm, doesn't seem like a bad idea. I am curious about it too so that I can full-heartedly believe in her.” Ororo said, smiling. She turned her head to look at the kids, and then at Jean in another corner of the room, wearing glasses and typing away on a laptop. She must be doing schoolwork.

Of course, the two professors were happy as well to see the kids get along with normal kids. Ororo hummed, whispering, “I was quite surprised when you proposed in front of Live TV. I didn't know you liked her that much.”

“That wasn't a proposal,” Enrique said and didn't miss the slight twitch in Jean's ears. She sat far from here, and although Ororo was looking in the same direction, her eyes didn't catch it. His did. He decided to play with her a little, saying, “I just felt angry that he was talking about Jean that way. So I had to say it. Plus, I was the cause of her breakup, so I had to take responsibility.”

“Oh, so you're saying you don't like her that way? Despite kissing her?” Ororo looked at me with a raised eyebrow. “What a bad young man you are.”

Ah right, I'm supposed to be 21. Which made him younger than her. No wonder she was talking like that. 

At the same time, when Ororo said ‘so you don't like her that way?’ he didn't miss the way Jean's ears slumped a little.

“Well, uh, I would rather not date now,” Enrique decided to say. “And I'll feel bad to play with her heart when she just went through a breakup. So I'll have to say ‘no’ for now.”

“I see. Yet you go around kissing people, what a debaucherous man.” she teased him. 

“Debaucherous? Me? Impossible.” Enrique said and she giggled in response. “But Miss Munroe, aren't you too curious about this topic? Almost as if…”

She gently hit him on the chest, “Oh, shut up, I'm simply curious as a friend and fellow professor of Jean. Not because of you, rest assured. But you're not planning to date anytime soon anyway, so it's not like it matters even if I…”

“Even if you?”

“I'm messing with you,” she giggled, showing off her pristine white teeth, and Enquire watched her with a soft smile. She looked gorgeous.

“Well then, I'll go back to my room now and look for a remedy for my broken heart,” he said, and she waved at him.

“Good luck. The energy drink was good.” Ororo said and he nodded. He began to walk away but paused before the kids.

“Ah, right, guys. A new update is coming to the game. Make sure to check it out.” He announced and they snapped their heads to look at him, eyes sparkling.

They seemed to like the new game a lot.

All except for Jean, whose expression was quite down when Enrique passed by her.

****

Clash of Clans.

A game from Enquire’s original world that grew in popularity and became the undefeated number 1 mobile game for years.

Enrique had successfully stolen its idea, since it was yet to be released here, and modeled a lot of its features based on Egypt; especially Mut.

The Townhall, for example, was actually a virtual Temple of Mut. Every time a player would level it up, Mut would gain faith. And there were millions of players doing that.

After just a week of its launch, it was downloaded over 10 million times from just the Play Store. As he had been expecting, such a humongous harvest of divinity pleased Mut greatly. This was more than enough to awaken a new power.

Before this, he had received two new powers from Mut. Lightning Cloak, which enhanced all of his base powers, including strength and agility, and Heat Vision, which made him release superheated plasma energy from his eyes.

Both were useful and powerful. So he held high expectations about the third power.

And he wasn't put off in the slightest.

===

Ability: Thunder God's Wrath

Description: This power allows the user to summon and control an immense and devastating thunderstorm. Unlike regular lightning, the storm created by this ability harnesses the primordial power of lightning, capable of reshaping landscapes and altering weather patterns temporarily.

Techniques within this Ability:

1. Storm Summoning: The user can summon a thunderstorm of apocalyptic proportions, calling down bolts of lightning that strike with pinpoint accuracy. The storm covers a vast area, creating torrential rain and powerful winds that can uproot trees and cause widespread destruction.

2. Lightning Manipulation: The user can manipulate the storm's lightning to form constructs such as weapons, barriers, or creatures made of pure electrical energy. These constructs can be controlled remotely and possess immense power.

3. Electromagnetic Pulse: By concentrating the energy of the storm, the user can release an EMP blast that disables all electronic devices within a certain radius, making it impossible for enemies to use technology against them.

4. Charged Atmosphere: The storm creates a charged atmosphere that enhances the user's physical abilities. Their speed, strength, and reflexes are significantly amplified, allowing them to move and react at lightning-fast speeds.

5. Divine Judgment: The user can call down a single, colossal bolt of lightning that carries the combined power of the entire storm. This bolt is capable of obliterating even the most formidable opponents or structures, leaving nothing but a scorched crater in its wake.

Visual Effect:

When using Thunder God's Wrath, the user's eyes glow with a fierce blue light and their body crackles with electrical energy. The sky darkens, and thunder rumbles ominously as the storm gathers its power. When the Divine Judgment is unleashed, the bolt of lightning descends from the heavens with a blinding flash, illuminating the entire area.

===

“Incredible.”

It was five abilities inside one. Wasn't this really powerful? Although the destruction capability meant he couldn't use it everywhere, such as in the city, this would instantly raise his ability a few times when used.  

It was a hidden trump card. 

Finally… he had an ultimate technique!

X-x-X

A grand chandelier glittered above the opulent room, casting a soft light across the luxurious furnishings. Mahogany paneling adorned the walls, and velvet drapes framed tall windows overlooking manicured gardens.

A polished walnut table stood at the room’s center, flanked by high-backed chairs upholstered in burgundy leather. At one end, a fireplace crackled, its mantel adorned with porcelain vases, a gilded clock, and a portrait of a stern ancestor.

Emma Frost, in a sapphire white gown, entered the room with graceful steps. Her blonde hair, pinned with jeweled combs, framed her aristocratic features. “It seems I’m interrupting your moon gazing time?” She asked even as she moved to her seat with authority.

Across from her, Sebastian Shaw stood by the window, his balding head glinting under the moonlight. His tailored suit accentuated his commanding presence. He wore a black suit, unsuitable for the White King, but Emma already knew that he had yet to forget his Black King days. He wore black in private still, only bothering with white in public. He turned from the window as Emma took her seat, his movements deliberate and controlled.

“Mm, not at all,” he shook his head, slowly walking over to sit opposite her. He poured himself a drink, wine as red as blood, and poured another glass for her. “I hope the journey wasn’t too taxing?”

The Hellfire Club had branches in every major city in the world, London was no exception. Sebastian Shaw had been staying here for a while instead of the main branch in New York due to some official reasons. He’d soon return there, but since he couldn’t just yet, Emma had to fly over to England for this meeting.

She shook her head, clinking cups with him, “Not at all.” Traveling in a private jet was far from taxing. “Although I am slightly on my nerves since this seems like an important meeting?”

“It is,” Shaw sighed. “Lady Selene asked me for a favor.”

“....” Selene did? That’s rare. Emma was taken aback slightly. The Black Queen would often ask the White King and White Queen to take care of this and that, but they were not ‘favors’ but orders. Since Shaw bothered to word it as a favor, it meant it was important. 

“She wants us to elect a Black King,” Shaw sipped wine and said, watching Emma freeze. “I don’t know what she’s planning, but she wants us to find a suitable candidate for the Black King seat.”

Emma frowned, “Why all of a sudden?” Shaw had been crowned as the Black King when he first joined, but due to his way of doing things and general attitude, Selene almost killed him after a certain incident. Being the Black Queen, she didn’t want him to be the Black King.

Any other Black Queen in history wouldn’t dare act up like that, she’d have ended up dead, but Selene’s immense power made anything possible. So Shaw promptly moved himself to the White King’s position instead. 

That was one of the reasons why Emma’s life had become more bothersome recently. She had to deal with Shaw personally all the time unlike in the past.

Now, that same Selena wanted to crown a new Black King after decades of that seat being empty? For what occasion?

“So I’ve been wondering. How about a party, where we invite all men with prosperous wealth and significance and consider them for the seat by observing them?”

Emma frowned deeply, sensing the impending trouble from Shaw's words. "A party to select a new Black King? Are you certain that's the best approach?" She kept her voice steady, concealing her unease.

Shaw leaned back, swirling his wine. "It's necessary. The Black King’s seat has been empty for too long, I agree with Selene on that. We need to bring in someone who can uphold the Club’s reputation and strength."

Emma’s mind raced. A new Black King would complicate her plans with Enrique, no, it would complicate the Club’s entire process. She had to navigate this carefully. "And who do you have in mind for this role? Surely not just anyone can be considered."

Shaw chuckled, a dark sound that filled the room. "I’ve been considering a few names, but nothing concrete. Tony Stark? He’s the star of the recent alien invasion. I might also just free Magneto from the Pentagon and offer him the seat. James Proudstar, Warpath, is also a good candidate. Ah, and add Scott Summers, Cyclops, to the list too.” 

“Mhm…”

Shaw sipped his wine and leaned back into his couch, “There are also a few others from different corners of the world. Other than the candidates, I want to invite some onlookers too, such as Kade Kilgore, that kid. I plan to invite him to the party too. He might be too young for Lady Selene, but who knows her taste? Maybe she’d choose him. I also want to invite that woman, Viper, who I’m quite certain is a higher-up in HYDRA.”

Just the last word made her stiffen, she had to hold back a frown. This is bigger than I thought.

Sipping her wine, she almost showed a reaction when Shaw spoke again, “Though, there is one rising star that comes to mind too. Enrique Nova. Hellfire Club is a place for people who are Icons, in either wealth or power, or both, so he is still too small to be considered a King candidate, but he has potential. I should at least invite him to the party, don’t you think? You've already had some business dealings with him, what’s your idea of him?"

Emma stiffened, hiding her surprise. "Yes, I’ve spoken with him.” She didn’t know how much Shaw knew about her and Enrique’s strife, so she had to choose her words carefully. She wished she could read his thoughts right now. “I’ve already tried inviting him. However, he’s not interested in being a member. If we decide to persuade him, we'll need to use a more appetizing position.”

“Such as the Black King’s seat. Invite him, he'll come running with just the possibility that he might get selected,” Shaw said.

Oh, was this an opportunity to put them against one another? Enrique would obviously reject the idea, like he had before. If Shaw knew that Selene had already proposed that role to Enrique a while ago, when they were having a BBQ party, he'd have choked on his wine. He's rejected Selena’s offer to her face, why would he accept it now? 

Knowing Shaw’s pride, he would be mad if Enrique rejected his proposal to his face. Then they might just well fight it out.

….However, it would probably piss Selene off too if he rejected the offer of Black King twice in a row. What if she took her anger out on Emma? Since Emma would be the one who invited Enrique as a candidate despite knowing he already denied the offer before?

That wasn't wise. She should stop Shaw from inviting that man. Otherwise, she'll face Selene's wrath.

“...However, he's just a fledgling, he's not big enough to receive the role of Black King.” She added, hoping it would be enough to change Shaw's mind.“Plus, I don't like him, we have had disagreements and fights in the past. He almost took my life. It’s unwise to invite him to the party since by attending it he's going to meet important figures who will help him grow his business. I don't want to indirectly help him like that.”

Shaw’s expression darkened, and before Emma could react, his hand shot out, gripping her throat. "You take me for a fool, do you? I know you've been helping him and his company in many ways, what do you mean you don't like him?” Shit, she had miscalculated how much he knew! “Why are you lying to me? Is this some new scheme, Emma? Is he your new lover?” He hissed at her, his grip tightened, and she struggled to breathe.

The room's atmosphere immediately took a dark turn. It could break out into a serious fight any second.

Emma’s eyes blazed with anger, even as she struggled against his hold. "He’s... not my lover. He... is very… unpredictable and argh-” she gasped for air, his hand vibrating around her throat. She wished she could Mind Kill him right this instance, but he'd take her out with him if she tried that. “S-shaw… let me go, it hurts…!"

Shaw’s eyes bore into hers for a long, tense moment before he released her, pushing her back into her chair. Emma gasped for air, glaring at him. "You should be careful, Shaw, I'm still the White Queen. If you-”

“Silence,” he growled, leaning back into his couch. From the way he was relaxed, he didn't even take her as a threat. Rightfully so. There was nothing Emma could do to defeat him on her own. She was a telepath, she could try to destroy his mind, but while Shaw didn't wear his Power Helmet anymore, he had long since had a strong psychic shield that protected his brain, created with the help of his subordinate, Sage.

Emma could never crush his mind before he would combust her body into a bloody explosion.

“I don't know what you're planning, Emma, but if that plan would be disrupted by bringing him to the party, that's what you shall do. I don't care how you do it, go beg him if you have to, but I want him at the party." Shaw scoffed, standing up. "I wonder why you wouldn't want him to become the Black King. Does it hurt that your lover boy might get stolen by Lady Slene, or what?” 

“....” Stupid fool.

He chuckled darkly at her silence, but his expression didn't lift. “Enough talking. Do not test my patience. Ensure that Enrique attends the club, I might as well just choose him as the Black King just to watch your expression fall. Leave.”

Emma kept her expression straight as she walked out of the room, her hatred for him solidifying. Goddamn imbecile, just you wait. 

Shaw was a dangerous, abusive man, and it was becoming increasingly clear that he needed to be removed. From the Club, and from her life.

As she massaged her sore throat, she resolved that she would see him dead. Enrique might be manipulative, but he didn’t abuse his allies, his women. People like Jean Grey wouldn't stand by if he did.

Emma stopped before a window beside the hallway, smoothing her gown. She needed to act quickly and decisively. The Hellfire Club's future depended on it, and she needed to ensure that future included Enrique Nova, not Shaw. 

She left the room with a plan forming in her mind. She couldn't bring him to the party, never, Selene might kill both of them for playing with her by taking an offer that he had rejected to her face before.

In that case, how else can I make Shaw come face-to-face with Enrique? Emma's mind raced.

With a final glance back at the room where Shaw had threatened her, Emma Frost stepped into the night, ready to set her plans into motion.

****

It's been a month since the launch of Clash of Clans. Far from this side of the world, Enrique Nova and the rest of his housemates were occupying a section of a fancy restaurant.

"Yoo-hoo! This is crazy!" Sunspot exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder.

The restaurant buzzed with energy, filled with the laughter and chatter of Enrique and his companions. The kids, delighted by the lavish surroundings and delicious food, were having the time of their lives. The adults watched with amusement, joining in the celebration of Enrique's recent success.

Sunspot and Cannonball were engrossed in a spirited conversation about school, games, and mundane stuff, filled with the excitement of teenage boys. Melt Down and Mirage were discussing their favorite dishes, watching the menu served before them with hungry eyes. Kitty and Anna were exploring the intricacies of the menu, where Sooraya twirled her head around.

"I've never been somewhere like this before…" Sooraya added, her voice filled with awe.

Anna, taking her eyes off the menu, smiled gently at her friends' vibrancy. "It's a special night, enjoy it to the fullest."

Enrique nodded, raising his glass for a toast. "What she said. Since the new game has crossed 100 million downloads in such a short time, naturally it calls for celebration. Eat all you want tonight."

"Can we drink?!" Sunspot asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Jean waved her hand, her tone firm. "No, no, don't get Mr. Enrique in trouble."

The kids groaned, but their spirits remained high. The other professor at the table, Ororo clapped her hands, signaling the start of the feast. "Now now, let's start eating, the food’s getting cold.”

As plates of delectable food were passed around, the room filled with the sounds of clinking cutlery. The atmosphere was warm and celebratory. Their entire group enjoyed a short but delicious meal.

After a while, Enrique and Ororo excused themselves from the table. "Wanna see something cool?” Enrique grinned a playful glint in his eyes. Of course, Ororo was down for it. 

“Sure?” They moved towards the wide glass walls that showcased the night sky outside. The moonlight filtered through the windows, casting a glow over the two of them, it was quite a grandeur.

Ororo raised an eyebrow once they faced the clear sky. "What do you have in mind?"

With a flick of his wrist, Enrique summoned a small bolt of lightning, which crackled in the palm of his hand. Ororo's eyebrow remained raised, and she shook her head. “Magic tricks? Really?” 

She responded by summoning her own streak of lightning, her eyes going slightly white, as the two energies danced together in the air. Enrique changed his hand posture to summon more, but before he could do so, she put her hands down. Her eyes went fully white. 

Lightning flashed in the sky, the clear sky growing dark and cloudy. He whistled while she smiled and giggled, a little drunk in the atmosphere. 

Their laughter was cute, drawing the attention of Jean, who watched them from the corner of her eye, sipping on her juice. She was oddly silent.

“Hey, you, come already~ the park looks fun,” Anna noticed the playful display as well, but before she could show any reaction, dragged away by the other kids to explore the indoor park near the restaurant.

Greer followed them to ensure they didn't get into too much trouble, leaving just Jean, Enrique, and Ororo by the glass walls. “Hey, Anna, wait for me.”

Enrique and Ororo continued to play with their powers as lightning bolts created a mesmerizing light show against the night sky. Their cheeks were slightly rosy from the alcohol as they played like kids. 

Jean watched in silence. 

"You think you're so clever, don't you?" Ororo teased back to what he just said, her eyes sparkling, as she gently hit him on the chest.

Enrique smirked, leaning in slightly. "Well, I'm a self-made millionaire who rose from zero dollars in half a year, so perhaps. But you seem to be enjoying yourself too much to call me out."

“Mmh-hmm? Really?” She hummed, a hand slowly sliding by his tie.

Their faces were close, the electric energy between them palpable to outsiders. Jean watched from the table, sipping orange juice, as her eyes narrowed slightly at the scene. Their lips began to draw closer, their eyes clear and glossy with the haze of the evening.

“Ahem—” Just as their lips were about to meet, Jean cleared her throat, the sound breaking the spell of the moment.

Enrique blinked and Ororo flinched, pulling back with an embarrassed smile. "U-uh, I think I'll go check on the kids," Ororo said quickly, turning on her heel and heading towards the indoor park.

That left Enrique to face Jean. “Oh well, I'll be more embarrassed if you look at me like that,” he rubbed the back of his head, his cheeks tinged slightly. 

Jean met his gaze, a mixture of dark amusement and something else in her eyes. She put down her juice and picked up a glass of wine, taking a slow sip, and turning her head away from him.

The night continued, the celebration carrying on, with Jean's head filled with thoughts, and her heart heavy with realization. Why did I want to stop them?

**

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