[16] Emma Frost And Her Master Plan 

Chapter 16: Emma Frost And Her Master Plan 

—

It was nearly midnight, and Enrique and Greer still hadn't returned to the villa. Ava Ayala knew what it meant for two vigorous adults of opposite genders to spend a night out together. A part of her had expected this outcome the moment Greer mentioned wanting to go out with Enrique, but she had hoped and prayed for Greer to resist his approach.

Clearly, that prayer didn't reach the right place.

From the moment Ava realized those two wouldn't be returning tonight, she couldn't find the courage to look into Anna's eyes. Thankfully, they were watching a K-drama on TV, so their eyes were on the big screen. However, Ava couldn't focus on the show at all. It wasn't that the show was bad; she just couldn't concentrate with Anna sitting beside her, oblivious to her lover spending the night with another woman.

When the episode ended and an ad greeted the screen, Ava's mouth moved on its own.

"I am sorry."

"Hm?" Anna blinked, turning to meet Ava's guilty gaze. "What do you mean?"

"I am sorry… for Greer. I swear she was not always like this." A homewrecker. Ava knew Greer was playful but she had never flirted with men. Since her husband's death, she has remained single, keeping male contact up to verbal flirting. She had a theory of why she was doing this with Enrique. "I think it's her power… that doesn't allow her to resist when Enrique forces himself on her."

Anna blinked again, a deep frown forming on her face. "What are you talking about, Ava? Enrique? Forcing himself on a girl? Did you drink tonight?"

Ava's expression showed more pity at Anna's reaction. Poor girl. She never thought of this possibility, did she? 

Ava took a deep breath and decided to explain her theory. She spoke, detailing how Enrique and Greer's situation was similar to the dominant and submissive system in the animal kingdom. A tigress was dominant against other animals but submissive to a dominant tiger. If the tigress was with the tiger, she would even hunt for him. Ava theorized that Enrique and Greer's powers created a similar dynamic, making Greer unable to resist Enrique.

"...." Anna Marie gave Ava a dry look after she finished speaking.

"What's with that look? It's a solid theory," Ava insisted. When Anna continued staring, Ava cleared her throat. "Alright, let's ignore the possibility that Enrique may be forcing Greer."

"Fine, and then?"

"Anna, you must at least agree with me that Enrique isn't a good person. Sure, he helps and saves people, but you know how he treats you. What sort of lover sleeps with other girls? He doesn't even try to hide it!"

"We aren't lovers, though," Anna suddenly spoke. "I think I told you this before, sugah. He is 'something' like a boyfriend. We aren't really dating. He can do whatever he wants."

"And that is exactly the problem," Ava pressed. She couldn't believe how deeply this girl's mindset had morphed already. "This sort of relationship is sick, but I admit that it's somewhat common these days. We call it an open relationship. In such cases, both people don't mind sleeping with others. However, in your case, Enrique can sleep with others, but you can't. You don't have the ability. Anna, you are on the losing side. He is using yo—"

"Ava." Anna shut her up with a soft glare. "It doesn't matter. It's my life."

"...."

"Even if he takes advantage of my condition, I don't care. He did a lot for me. He accepted me back after I left him selfishly and forgot about him in less than a week. So he has all the right to treat me however he wants… as long as he doesn't throw me away." Anna's voice trembled with resolve.

Ava stared at the mutant girl with an open mouth, unable to respond.

****

Massachusetts, America.

While Anna and Ava debated and Enrique and Greer were otherwise occupied, far away, a scheme was unfolding. The White Queen of the Hellfire Club, Emma Frost, was reading a file with a curious smirk. 

The information was striking and interesting. Enrique Nova, who had single-handedly taken down the Brotherhood of Mutants, had visited a broker to make a few fake certificates.

The Hellfire Club had its web spread all across America. The broker Enrique visited happened to be part of a company owned by the Hellfire Club. Emma had earlier requested information on Enrique, and luckily, the timing was on her side. The report included the certificate requests.

On the requested fake certificates, most of the personal information he entered was that he was from France. "So he is French, then?" Emma asked herself. In truth, that was just half his blood, as the other half was Egyptian. "Or perhaps the organization he's from originates from France?"

Emma Frost was sure this man was a test subject of some country, a super soldier, one of many attempts to create a new 'Captain America.' Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense how he had no past. Hiding things from technology was hard but not impossible. But hiding everything from strong telepaths like Professor X and herself? That was unheard of.

"More so, he came to the broker's house with someone…" Emma noted. She had a bit of information on the woman as well that she shot her eyes over for a minute. "Greer Nelson? She went missing six months ago from the Dojo incident involving The Hand. Not much is known about her yet."

The amusing thing was, these two entered a hotel—part of the Hellfire Club. So Emma knew where Enrique currently was.

If I can use him properly, I might finally succeed in breaking free from Shaw and taking the Club for myself, Emma thought. But he is a hard nut to crack. The X-Men approached him, but he didn't accept their offers. I need something to make him accept my offer…

Emma chewed on her blue-painted lips. "…Ah, I know." She smiled. "If a man doesn't want to listen to orders, you just have to threaten him to listen."

He was hard to deal with because of his unreadable mind. So, she'd ask nicely first. If he didn't accept, she would use her trump card.

****

Later in the morning, Emma Frost sat inside her limousine, looking out the window at the entrance of the hotel where Enrique and his girlfriend had spent the night. After half an hour of waiting, Emma's eyes lit up when she saw Enrique walk out. Beside him was a woman in a long brown coat and matching hat.

Almost as if she's trying to hide her appearance. But why? She didn't do the same yesterday when she went to the broker's house, Emma thought, narrowing her eyes at the woman.

Realizing there was no point in speculating, Emma dove into the woman's mind.

"—Ah!" Emma yelped when the woman's memories from last night rushed into her head. Her subordinate Azazel, the devil-like mutant sitting beside her, quickly leaned over with a frown.

"Is there anything wrong?"

"H-huh? Oh, it's n-nothing," Emma Frost looked flustered, shocking Azazel. When he was about to open his mouth again, Emma shook her head, unable to hold back a gulp when her eyes fell on Enrique again, this time on his waist. "…Yeah, it's nothing."

Azazel nodded awkwardly and backed off.

As Enrique and Greer approached, Emma took a deep breath to prepare for the encounter. How embarrassing to get caught off guard like that. She didn't have to be Sherlock Holmes to know what a man and a woman were doing alone at a hotel, but she wasn't mentally prepared to be overwhelmed by what Greer experienced last night. 

The world was filled with many kinds of mutants, superpowers related to pleasure and sex were not unheard of, but that was one thing, but two humans mating like beasts on heat was another.

She composed herself quite easily, however. It'd be odd for her to be affected by such a thing for more than a minute. Emma Frost smiled and rolled down the window of her seat.

X-x-X

Enrique had a great time last night with Greer. When he woke up in the morning, he realized that Greer had transformed into her beast form at some point during the night. The clothes she came with wouldn't cover her appearance, so he went out early to get a long brown coat before Greer woke up. After eating breakfast delivered to their room, the two left for the villa.

Tigra was wearing a long coat, a round hat, and large shades, looking quite the suspicious figure as she clung to Enrique's arm. "This is kinda bull," Tigra complained in a whisper. "Haah, how I wish I still had the Cat's Amulet…"

The Cat's Amulet was a magical necklace used by the "Cat People" to transform into their human forms, from what she told him last night. Greer had received her powers from the Cat People, becoming a figure from their legend, and could use the Amulet to transform back and forth. However, that Amulet was lost—most likely stolen—by The Hand six months ago during their skirmish.

Enrique chuckled lightly and reached out to squeeze her waist. She concealed a whimper with a hum, as he was about to speak. He stopped his mouth, his eyes flickering to the limo not far from them. It looked too strange, waiting there, and his nose smelled of presence waiting inside.

SHIELD? Enrique wondered. No, it doesn't seem like it. A smiling man or woman would usually stand outside their car to greet the person they want to meet.

Enrique realized he had no idea who this might be, but he was certain the car was waiting for him. His heightened senses could feel the gazes directed at him and Greer from within the car.

"Greer, be on alert," Enrique warned with another squeeze on her waist while pretending to smile. "We might need to fight."

Greer blinked before humming, pretending not to notice the suspicious air around them. A moment later, as they approached the car, the back seat window rolled down. 

A bright blonde woman with red sunglasses peeked out, her blue lips curling into a smile. "Mr. Enrique Nova?" the gorgeous woman said.

Enrique didn't even take a second to recognize her. How could he not? Her white dress was iconic, and she was an influential businesswoman.

"This is Emma Frost of Frost International," the White Queen said. "May I have a bit of your time?"

Enrique kept a flat face, holding back a frown.

****

Emma watched the strange and suspicious man's expression stay blank before he went 'ah!' which slightly surprised her. Perhaps he did not recognize her immediately? That was quite disappointing, no matter a spy or a genuine businessman. 

I had higher hopes, truth be told. If he didn't recognize her, he might be too naive for the business world. 

Not that it mattered. The plans she had for him didn't require him to play business. 

"It's quite sudden to meet such an influential figure outside a cheap hotel," Enrique quickly said with a smile, before looking around the area. "I don't think you were here for me?"

Emma chuckled a little at his reaction, at his hopeful question. She couldn't read his mind, not even stray thoughts, but she didn't need to know he was excited. He may not have recognized her right away, but he knew who she was—so he must be excited and nervous, feeling special. 

Emma was used to dealing with such people, so she felt her initial nervousness lift. She had been worried he would be hard to deal with since she couldn't read his mind. He was the first person with such absolute immunity that lasted presumably permanently, so she had been somewhat nervous at first.

"I actually am here for you, Mr. Nova," Emma said. "I hope I am not disturbing your time with your girlfriend here?"

"Ah?" Enrique nodded. "You actually are, yes."

"...."

"Thank you for understanding, Miss Frost. Perhaps next time you'd like to make an appointment first?" Enrique suggested kindly.

As her smile vanished, he held back a smirk. Emma Frost could go fuck herself, for all he cared. She thinks she's hot stuff? Blonde bimbo-looking bitch. He did not like mind readers, although his own mind was safe, the person beside him was practically naked to the senses of a telepath. How dare Emma Frost come out of nowhere and expect him to have time to talk to her? 

Besides, Emma Frost or whatever, if anyone came and ruined his relaxing time with his girl in his old world, he would have ruined them badly.

Enrique knew this level of ego was somewhat idiotic in a world where gods roamed the streets, but fuck Emma Frost.

"...."

"In any case, I would like to get going. My shy 'girlfriend' here would have a harder time keeping calm if the sun rises any higher. Allergy to sunlight, you see. Now, if you will excuse us."

As Emma Frost stared at him blankly, Enrique turned to walk off. However, Greer didn't move an inch even as he pulled at her.

"...." her expression looked black, she stared at the empty air.

A frown formed on Enrique's sharp eyebrows. He turned to look behind the shades Greer was wearing, finding cloudy eyes behind them. He turned back to glare at Emma Frost.

"I don't appreciate you mind-jacking my friend here," he said, putting a hand on the top of the car. "I hope you realize what you are doing, White Queen."

A murderous grip pressed on the top of the car, bending it inwards under Enrique's hand. Emma Frost's eyes widened when he referred to her by her Hellfire title. A second later, Greer's body flinched back to life.

"Ah? W-what happened?"

Enrique retreated his grip and clenched his jaws at the mutant woman. Looking at her for a few seconds, he turned back to Greer. "It's nothing," he patted her shoulder.

Slowly, the door opened on the other side of the car, making Enrique glance over. "Please, I won't take too long of your time," she said and yet dared to want him to enter from that side. 

Enrique just crossed his arms and moved his eyes back to her.

Emma Frost stared back. A long minute of silence later, as Greer and Azazel exchanged awkward glances, Emma grunted audibly. 

"This is childish," she said with a sigh. Slowly, she moved to the other side of the car and closed the door after sitting there. "...Come in."

Smirking in his sense of victory, Enrique pulled the door open and stepped in, with Greer awkwardly following behind him.

****

Inside the car, her subordinate, Mutant Azazel, sat beside her, while Enrique Nova and his girlfriend sat across from them. Though Emma supposed calling this girl his 'girlfriend' wouldn't be entirely accurate, now that she had gone through her mind. 

This Enrique Nova person seemed to be into women as much as Sebastian Shaw. Sadly, Emma hadn't read the woman's memories enough to know what else to call her, so she would stick to girlfriend until she finished reading her memories during the car ride.

As the car started to move, Emma noticed Enrique's ears twitching as if he were listening to something. Soon he nodded and clasped his hands in front of his chest.

"Follow what I do, Greer," said Enrique, and though the woman looked confused, she did as told. "Good. Now repeat after me: O' My Great Goddess Mut, I pray to thee for thou shall protect my mind from evil witches."

For a moment she found that funny. Then, Emma frowned. Not because she felt insulted, but because… suddenly, Greer's mind became less 'visible.' It was like a bonfire turning into a barely lit candle flame. Emma could feel that this 'defense' could be broken, but it wouldn't be easy and immediate—she would need time. Therefore, she wouldn't be able to freely read this woman's mind while conversing with Enrique, unlike what she had planned.

"...."

He played me like a fool. Emma held herself back from biting her lips. He acted so naively when we first met… This rude person. But how did he do that? Goddess? Magic?

Meanwhile, Greer blinked twice, tilting her head. "Huh? I suddenly feel better and lighter?"

"You do? Perhaps you should think about converting," Enrique patted her back. "In any case, don't mind taking off that hat and shade if you are feeling uncomfortable."

"Huh? But—"

"This woman already knows who you are, she read your mind."

"...." After pausing, Greer nodded and slowly took off her hat and shade. Underneath, Emma found a beautiful woman's face with tigress-like features.

Silence fell in the car again, and this time Emma decided to break it first.

"Apologies for what I did earlier. I hope you don't mind," Emma said. "I am here to specifically talk to Mr. Nova about the 'Hellfire Club.' I doubt I need to explain what that is since you already seemed to know my title within the club."

"A secret group consisting of the richest people in the world, mostly Europeans and Americans, who like to do things that the public would consider inappropriate?" Enrique asked. "Beyond the corrupt businessmen, it's filled with Mutants, Magicians, and other super people? Controlled by the 'Inner Circle,' which consists of people with chess piece titles, where you are the White Queen, one of the four rulers in the group."

"...You know more than I thought you would."

"All thanks to my Goddess," Enrique smiled.

****

Mut, however, was also suspicious of him at this point.

[You said your old world was similar to this one, right? That's how you know many of the things. But just how influential were you to know this much about so many things and people?]

Enrique didn't reply to her, of course, as he couldn't speak to her at this moment. Rather, he looked at Emma Frost with all seriousness.

"In this case, are you here representing Frost International or the Hellfire Club?"

"What if I say it's both?" Emma smirked. "I find you fascinating. Perhaps Frost International wants to invest in your growing company? While the 'White Queen' wants you to do something with the Club?"

"I fear you'll have to elaborate more on your second point."

Emma smiled. "Basically, I noticed you have quite the white theme going on. White superhero suit, a white-tiger beast transformation, and those gray-white eyes…"

Enrique waited for her to reach the point as Emma leaned forward, closer to his face.

"I was wondering, what do you think of the title of 'White King'?"

X-x-X

The White King.

Within the Hellfire Club, a group of people with the highest authority are referred to as the Inner Circle. These individuals are given titles based on chess pieces, reflecting their position within the Circle. Pawn, Knight, Bishop, Rook, Queen, and King—each with a 'White' and 'Black' version, as in a game of chess. 

The Black King and White King hold the most power, both super and political, within the club.

Enrique knew that much, but beyond that, his knowledge was limited—he wasn't sure what timeline this world's mutants followed. Nonetheless, accepting such an offer would undoubtedly accelerate his growth.

However,

"I decline."

Enrique was smarter than that.

****

Emma didn't trust this Enrique Nova at all.

To begin with, she didn't trust people because she knew their thought processes, but in this particular case, she didn't trust him because she didn't know his thought process. Yet, she offered him the position of White King, the one person who would have power over her body and soul.

Amongst the people in this era who had money, power, and fame, besides perhaps Tony Stark, only Enrique Nova might be able to defeat Shaw, the current White King. He used to be the Black King in the beginning, but he had to switch sides due to a variable within the Hellfire Group. That witch of a woman. But that wasn't the point. 

Sebastian Shaw, that monster in human skin, had been using her as a life stock for years. If Enrique managed to overthrow him as the White King, Emma would finally be free.

Freedom. 

That's why she was offering this unknown and suspicious superhero such a world-ending offer. Though true that Enrique didn't possess a great quantity of the three qualities that she spoke of—money, power, and fame—the more important part was that he lacked a real past. 

Therefore, Emma could easily fabricate a noble background for him, enough for him to be accepted by the other Inner Circle members.

The plan was simple: Emma would create a fabulous background for Enrique, and he would later defeat Shaw in the battle of thrones. Then, he would be the King, and she would be the free Queen. It was a smooth plan.

Yet, he just had to say this.

"I decline."

Emma's lips twitched barely noticeably when he declined her out loud with a flat face.

****

The limo continued moving forward in silence for a few more seconds before Emma sighed gently and asked politely, "And why is that so? Perhaps I was wrong to assume you know what the Hellfire Club actually is?"

"No," Enrique replied, his tone firm.

"The Club is a superpower in this world. Have you heard of the conspiracy theory about the group called 'Illuminati' before?" Emma said. "We are the closest thing to that. We rule the world from behind the shadows. Money, power, and fame—you can have everything. You already have some from within three of these, but you can't imagine the sum you'll receive as the White King. It's the highest role in the club, even beyond my own as the White Queen."

Emma grabbed the tablet on the side table, swiped the screen a few times, and presented the display to Enrique. On it, the names of hundreds of female celebrities were shown.

"See this? Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, and Taylor Swift. Four biggest musicians of the current era," Emma said. "They're all a part of us, one way or another. But they're not the only ones. With a click on this screen, they'll appear in your bedroom tonight. That's the power I, a rank below the King, hold as the White Queen. Ah, or perhaps you are more into Hollywood actresses?"

Emma quickly said, biting her lip for a moment. For her, it was more than just a bit annoying that she couldn't read his mind and therefore couldn't predict his preferences. She was too used to doing it since she was a child, so this person in front of her annoyed her. It didn't help that his poker face was just that good.

"I am aware of these benefits you speak of," Enrique said after a while, moving his fingers mockingly when he said the word 'benefits.' "However, it's not worth it. Isn't there a White King already?"

"....Yes, Sebastian Shaw."

Hearing her, his eyelids twitched. It was worse than he thought. He remembered Shaw to be the Black King from the comics, but in this world he was the White King. "Shaw? From what I know, he is a crazy guy with crazy powers in his hands."

"Shaw is a dumbass," Emma declared. "With the support of a strong individual, such as yourself, I can take down Shaw any day. That's the plan: first, you become my personal escort/bodyguard and later when we take down Shaw, you become the White King."

"You must be kidding. Shaw is dangerous," Enrique corrected. "I wouldn't want to fight him for the position he loves so dearly in exchange for some pussy and money. Don't get me wrong, you are a top-notch product, but not worth my life."

"...." Emma scowled. She did not quite like being called a 'product.'

"Besides, suppose Shaw is gone and I do indeed become the White King—in such a scenario, I can't digest the possibility where Emma Frost would willingly be under someone who she can't read the mind of. The proof of it is that you want to erase Shaw even though you can read his mind."

Emma frowned. Obviously, he was right. She wouldn't work under him—it'd be foolish for her to trust a person whose mind she couldn't read, it went against her entire character.

I underestimated this man, Emma admitted.

Not being able to read his mind didn't leave her much to work with, so it couldn't be helped. But no, she couldn't let him go. She needed him; she was unwilling to keep her head down for Shaw. Currently, only Tony Stark had both the power and influence to match Shaw—but she had conversed with Tony before and knew he wouldn't help her. Tony did 'say' he would help in exchange for a few bed services, but Emma knew better since even his genius mind was like an open book to her powers.

So for now, only this shrewd Enrique Nova could help her cause.

I should have gone with threats from the moment he rejected the offer. Emma took a deep breath and leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs.

"You are right, Emma Frost would never work under such a person, let alone willingly. By herself," she said. "Rather, you'll be a figurehead while I will be the real leader. You understand?"

Enrique chuckled, as if it was what he had expected, while Emma continued.

"Greer Nelson, isn't that the name of your lover here?" she pointed a finger at Greer, who flinched. "Ava Ayala. Six months ago, these two girls were seen fighting The Hand. Yes, I do know that group of fools. I can just contact The Hand about these two, and they'll come hunting for your pleasant villa. Would you like for that to happen?"

Enrique stopped chuckling. "You know where my villa is?"

"Not hard to find."

"What a coincidence, that's just like your Mutant School. Massachusetts Academy, is it?"

"...."

Enrique smirked as Emma closed her lips tight. How the fuck does he know that?

Emma wasn't pure evil; she knew that herself. She had hobbies and weaknesses, one of which was her school for mutants that she made after being inspired by Charles. Though she was mostly a selfish person, she wanted her mutant kind to rise above the others just like any other mutant.

Seeing her expression unreadable, as she had trained for her entire life, Enrique didn't seem to shake at all and continued speaking.

"I hold the power to challenge Shaw, or you think I do. Say, what if I hurl such powers against those innocent little mutant children in your school?"

"You are a hero, you wouldn't—"

"A hero? Not anymore, if my people are hurt." When Enrique interrupted her coldly, Emma glared at him.

"I see, so this is how it is," Emma said. "Then I wonder what the general public would think when they find out that their nice and shiny superhero makes fake documents? Countless men try so hard for these papers, but their dear hero just paid some money for it. How do you think the public would like the news?"

"Exactly how they'd like to learn that the beautiful CEO of Frost International is a disgusting mutant," Enrique smiled. "A mind controller no less."

"You—!"

"As a mind reader, you must be more aware than me of the level of bad reputation mutants actually have. How do you think your partners and customers will react if they learn that they have always been mind-manipulated into dealing with you?"

"I did not—"

"After such a revelation, would they really believe the accusation you'll throw at me, that I am making fake papers? The more probable possibility in my opinion is, they'll think you are simply trying to trash my name to get revenge for your fellow mutant Magneto, whom I defeated."

"..."

"I think, Miss Frost," Enrique leaned forward a little as he sighed. "You are too used to reading the minds of the people you are talking to. Stop doing that for a while, and come talk to me after that. Perhaps you'll have a better chance at talking me into this game of yours. Stop the car."

The car that was swiftly moving stopped as Enrique kept staring into Emma's blue eyes, which had by then gone red and bloodshot.

"This wouldn't end well, Mr. Nova," Emma said as Enrique grabbed Greer's hand and walked out of the car. "This is a fair warning: if you leave just like this, then tonight you wouldn't be able to sleep in peace."

"Take a fair warning from me as well," Enrique stood straight with one arm around Greer's waist, just as his hero suit sprang to life from the casual check shirt he was wearing. "If I am not able to sleep peacefully tonight, I will rather spend the night as Ms. Frost's nightmare."

"...."

"Farewell."

Enrique lightly tapped the ground with his feet and sprung up in the air with Greer in his hold.

****

As Supernova vanished into the horizon, Emma's right hand transformed into her diamond form, which she slammed on the glass window, making cracks appear.

"Contact The Hand," Emma said to Azazel. "Tell them their prey was found."

Nobody threatened Emma Frost and left just like that.

**

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