Chapter 120: New Company Old Company
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Emma's office occupied the top floor of the Academy's main building, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the Massachusetts countryside.
The decor struck a balance between executive luxury and subtle intimidation. There was leather furniture that probably cost more than most cars, artwork that belonged in museums, and a bar that contained liquor I'd only heard about in movies.
She poured herself a glass of something amber and expensive, then settled into her chair with the fluid grace of someone completely comfortable in her own domain.
"Drink?" she offered, gesturing toward the bar.
"Mm, I don't know. I'm eighteen."
"How refreshing. Kwannon?"
"Water, please," Kwannon replied, taking a seat across from Emma's desk. I settled into the chair beside her, hyperaware of the way Emma's eyes tracked every movement.
"Now then," Emma said once we were all situated, "shall we discuss what just happened downstairs? Because I find myself fascinated by the dynamics at play."
She leaned forward slightly, her attention focusing on Kwannon. "Now, don't take this the wrong way, but it's very rare for you to protect someone who you know can protect himself. Even so, you felt compelled to. Why?"
Kwannon was quiet for a long moment, her dark eyes distant. When she spoke, her voice held careful consideration.
"Julian was beaten," she said finally. "The fight was over. Jennifer's attack would have been revenge, not justice. There's a difference."
"Indeed there is." Emma's smile was approving. "Though I suspect there's more to it than abstract concepts of fairness."
"Don't you know already? You're just asking meaningless questions, Principal. Ben was genuinely trying to learn," Kwannon continued, and enjoyed listening to her talk. "His approach to Chi manipulation showed real dedication, he's talented. Julian turned that into a contest of egos. I didn't like that."
"Ah." Emma's eyes lit up with understanding. "You respect dedication. How very traditional of you."
There was something in the way she said 'traditional' that made it sound almost like an endearment. These two had clearly worked together long enough to develop their own conversational shorthand.
"What about you, Benjamin?" Emma turned her attention to me. "How did it feel, channeling internal energy through an alien nervous system?"
I thought about it, trying to put the sensation into words. "Like tuning a radio to a frequency that doesn't officially exist. The Chi wanted to flow in patterns that didn't match Diamondhead's biology, but when I stopped trying to force it and started working with both systems..."
"Integration rather than domination," Kwannon said with something like approval. "That's the foundation of advanced martial arts. Most students never grasp that concept."
"Most students aren't carrying around the DNA of crystalline lifeforms that naturally conduct energy," Emma observed. "And as he'd say, 'most students aren't Ben Tennyson.' Right?"
Now that was a little embarrassing. I rubbed the back of my head."
Emma giggled. "Though I admit, I'm curious about the implications. If you can channel Chi through one alien form, what might be possible with others?"
I could see the possibilities. Heatblast's connection to thermal energy. XLR8's relationship with kinetic force. Four Arms' raw physical power...
Each transformation might unlock different aspects of Chi manipulation.
"You're thinking very loudly," Emma noted with amusement. "Not telepathically, but your expression gives you away. Plotting to revolutionize martial arts through alien biology?"
"Something like that."
Although those will be slightly more difficult to control. I think Diamondhead was so easy because he's so close to Chromastone in relation.
"Ambitious. I like that in a man." She stood, moving to the window that overlooked the Academy grounds. "Which brings me to my next point. I bet you're dying to visit China already?"
"Yeah," I looked at Psylocke to let her know. "There's supposedly an Iron Fist spirit wandering around somewhere between heartbeats and breaths. My sorceress friend, Charmcaster, thinks it might be willing to teach proper Chi manipulation to someone worthy."
"No way…" Psy looked stunned.
Emma nodded slowly. "China is a complicated place for mutants. The government maintains official policies of tolerance while unofficial organizations hunt us for experimentation. Even with diplomatic immunity, travel there can be... hazardous."
"Hence why I accepted your offer to help arrange things."
"Indeed. Which is why I'm proposing that Psylocke accompany you."
The suggestion hung in the air for a moment. I glanced at Kwannon, who was studying Emma with sharp attention.
"She knows the region," Emma continued before either of us could respond. "Speaks Mandarin fluently and understands the cultural context you'll be operating in. More importantly, she's already begun teaching you Chi manipulation… Having a guide who understands both your abilities and the local customs seems prudent."
It made sense from a practical standpoint. Too much sense, actually. Emma Frost didn't make generous offers without expecting something in return.
"What's the real reason?" I asked.
Her smile was razor-sharp as she turned to look at me. "The real reason is that I'm investing in future possibilities. I already know the feats you can pull off, and this morning you demonstrated capabilities I hadn't anticipated. Having someone I trust observing and reporting on your continued development serves my interests."
"And Psylocke is okay with being your spy?"
"I'm sitting right here," Kwannon said dryly. "You could ask me directly."
I turned to face her. "Are you okay with being Emma's spy?"
"...I prefer the term 'cultural liaison,'" she replied without missing a beat. "But to answer your question… yes. Ms Frost had already told me about you, that is why I was quick to recognize you. Your approach to martial arts is unlike anything I've encountered. I'd like to see how you handle more advanced training."
Emma's expression showed quiet satisfaction. "Excellent. This is good. I'll have the travel arrangements finalized within hours. Private jet to Beijing, diplomatic cover through certain contacts I maintain in the region, and enough funding to handle whatever complications arise."
She returned to her desk, pulling out what looked like an encrypted phone. "I assume you'll want to inform your family of the plans?"
"Yeah, probably should." I pulled out my own phone, scrolling to Gwen's contact. "They're not going to be thrilled about me taking another detour."
"Family rarely is," Emma observed. "They prefer predictability, even when predictability limits growth."
The phone rang twice before Gwen's voice crackled through. "Ben? Finally! Where the hell are you? Grandpa's been trying to reach you for hours."
"Hey, Gwen. Sorry, been busy. Listen, change of plans. I'm going to China for chi–"
"WHAT?!"
The volume made me hold the phone away from my ear. Emma raised an eyebrow while Kwannon tried to hide a smile.
"You can't be serious! Bastard." Gwen's voice carried clearly through the speaker. "We're supposed to be having a family summer vacation, Ben! Not watching you run off with every dangerous woman who bats her eyelashes at you!"
"Hello?? When did women become a part of this? It's not like that–"
"It's exactly like that! First Jessica, then Kai, then that psycho cosmic clone, then Charmcaster, now whatever that aunty White Queen bullshit this is!" Her voice cracked slightly. "Grandpa and I are headed to South Dakota. Some Plumber thing involving cave paintings and energy signatures. You want to go play with ancient Chinese spirits? Fine! Go fuck yourself and enjoy your trip!"
The line went dead.
I stared at my phone for a long moment, processing the anger and hurt I'd heard underneath Gwen's fury. I rubbed the back of my head. Emma and Kwannon waited in polite silence while I tried to figure out what to say.
Finally, I pocketed the device and looked up. "Well, that went better than expected."
"Did it?" Emma asked.
"She didn't threaten to teleport me into a volcano, so... progress? Yay."
Kwannon made a soft sound that might have been sympathy. "Family is complicated."
"Especially when you're changing faster than they can keep up," Emma added. "Growth is rarely comfortable for anyone involved."
I thought about that as I looked out at the Academy grounds, where students were already spreading rumors about the morning's events.
Gwen was right about one thing. I did seem to be collecting dangerous women. Though in my defense, they kept finding me first.
Tomorrow, China. Tomorrow, ancient spirits and dragon-blessed warriors and whatever other cosmic nonsense this universe wants to throw at me.
At least the adventures weren't leaving me.
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