Rise or Fall

by Heiress Mellie

First Class: Charles and Erik have accepted their roles as guardians and headmasters over the young mutants but there is still work to be done for the greater than typical family. This is a familial and discipline, including spanking, centered fiction.

21. Chapter 21 Calm and Center

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Twenty One

Author's Word: Thank you all for the last reviews. I want to welcome my new readers in with big wide hugging arms. I hope everyone continues to enjoy this story and leave as much detailed feedback as possible.

Stepping into the grand sized shower, Alex turned on the right hand nozzle only. He winced and tried to keep from jumping back when the icy droplets rained down on his bare body. After a mere five minute wash-up, he immediately scrambled away from the bath and toweled off.

Hearing the clinking of materials along with footsteps, Erik watched the young man descend the stairs. Alex had changed into gray sweats and a blue jean jacket. An enormous knapsack covered his back.

Smiling at the yawn that escaped the teen's lips, Erik quipped, "Early enough for you?"

Shooting the man a mild glare, Alex replied dryly, "Oh yeah. Dark, creepy; everything I love about five AM."

Erik adjusted his own backpack then lifted the duffle bag that sat at his feet. "Let's be off."

Alex walked with him towards the front. "You plan on killing me?"

"Maybe." Erik draped his free arm around him.

Letting loose another yawn, Alex said, "Good."

IIIIIII

Raven came into the festively feminine bedroom with Charles closely behind.

"Here she is," the shape-shifter said, indicating the weary faced girl currently confined to the bed. "Just look at her."

Charles rushed over and knelt to the bedside. He studied Becky's squinting eyes and flushed cheeks that sent an all too unpleasant familiarity over him.

"How are you feeling, love?" the Professor asked, gently brushing stray curls away from her eyes with his hand.

With a pained voice, she touched her own forehead and responded, "My whole head feels heavy. Ever since I woke up… it won't stop hurting."

"You're having a telepathic headache," Charles informed her. "Raven, hurry and get a cool towel, please." His sister left out right away to fill the order.

Becky moaned as the throbbing continued. "I want Erik."

"Shhh." Charles took her hands, clasping them in his own. "I know. He'll be home tonight. For now, allow your prince the honor of caring for you."

Managing a tiny smile, she whispered, "Okay."

Raven re-entered with a damp hand towel. "Well," she put forth brightly, "looks like no school today."

"Yay," Charles cheered lightly on his little protégé's behalf.

Grinning at her brother's attempted enthusiasm, Raven folded the towel in half before carefully laying it across Becky's forehead.

Tensing a bit under the sudden chilled fabric, Becky slowly relaxed a tad.

IIIIIII

A flock of sparrows took off for the sky as the two pairs of strong feet came trampling through the wooded area.

Noticing another shiver escaping from the younger body running beside, Erik asked him, "Everything all right?"

"Fine," Alex answered breathlessly. "I just took a cold shower this morning."

"A cold shower, eh?" Erik took a turn around a gathering of trees and the youth followed his movement. "Do we need to have a special conversation while we're out here?"

Alex "accidentally" bumped the metal wielder with his elbow. "I took it to stay awake. I'm not a big fan of coffee."

"That makes two of us," Erik concurred. "Quite frankly, the best remedies are found in nature."

"Is that why we're out here?" Alex kicked up his speeds to be side to side with the man.

"Among other reasons. Let's just hope you can keep up."

Ready to set him straight on that particular point, Alex felt his legs turn into springs as he jogged ten feet ahead.

Erik looked on with both satisfaction and approval as he gladly stayed a shielding distance behind the boy.

IIIIIII

Becky opened her eyes, finding her room empty. She touched her head, trying hard to ignore the strained pulsing. Climbing down from bed, she somewhat dizzily made it over to her large white dollhouse. Picking Barbie up from the plastic couch, Becky attempted to turn her room into a fashion runway. She groaned suddenly, dropping her doll in order to grip her head.

Charles walked back in and caught the flashing colors before they dissipated altogether. "Rebecca." He came over quickly and gathered the little girl in his arms. "No, no, no. No illusions. They'll only make things worse." Standing with her, Charles rubbed the curl covered back of the whimpering individual. "Oh, Princess, it's all right."

Raven stepped in, appearing concerned at the scene before her. "Is she okay?"

"She attempted an illusion. Now the pain's worsened," Charles told her.

"Charles, we have to let her take something."

"No," the man shot down. "You know that's out of the question with telepathy."

"We can't just let her suffer," Raven insisted.

Overcome by the aching female in his arms and the enflamed one beside him, Charles sighed deeply. "All right, but keep the others downstairs. We don't need their thoughts bleeding into hers."

Raven understood and went to retrieve the necessary medicine.

After giving her the aspirin, Charles settled Becky back into her bed. "Now, you are to stay put, young lady. We'll be in to see about you if you need anything."

Becky hugged her nearby teddy bear, looking miserable. "Do I really have to be stuck in bed all day?"

Feeling for her, Raven offered, "I'll come back and play cards with you."

"After you get some more rest," Charles tacked on. He laid a hand on the top of her head, massaging the spot a bit. "Be a good girl."

Shutting her eyes as the aspirins went to work, Becky thought someone should tell Charles that princes were supposed to free princesses from towers. Instead, Charles had decided to trap her in one.

IIIIIII

Helping to unload the duffel bag, Alex and Erik took out pots, pans, various utensils, and multiple pieces of scrap from Hank's laboratory.

"So much for nature," Alex remarked, examining a form. "But then I guess a bunch of leaves and dirt can't help you much out here."

"There are eighty-six known metals in the world," Erik told him. "Quite possibly more. Scientists only knew of a little over twenty before the nineteenth century after all."

"I thought this was supposed to be a break from school," Alex brought up.

"Don't sneer education, Alex," Erik admonished him. "It's your greatest power."

Alex shrugged. "Who's sneering? I'm doing everything I can to snag this GED."

"But is it the information you're obtaining that you value or the idea of having an overrated piece of paper to hang on your wall?" the metal wizard presented him with.

The blonde stood up, dropping his jean jacket as he did so. "Can we get on with this, please?"

"Ah yes, avoidance. Very good," Erik jibed, rising as well. "Very well, Havoc. If you so desire to train…" He stopped speaking and jerked his head suddenly.

With the twin frying pans flying at him, Alex sent a fiery red blast from either of his wrists. The pans blew out of his path. He winched when a spoon jabbed him hard in the lower abdomen, forcing him to suck in air for a moment. He swung a fist out, decking a large black pot out of the way before it could make contact with his face. Practically snickering at the pair of butcher knives that shot out next, Alex used his ability to send one hurdling towards the clouds while the other one stabbed a nearby tree.

"Pretty decent, Erik." Alex dusted off his clothes. "I'd like to see you survive without a kitchen army." He glanced about his surroundings, finding them deserted. "Erik?" Hearing a rustling over his head, Alex looked up into the tree he had sent the knife into. "What are —?"

Erik pounced, pinning him facedown. "My abilities are not my sole means of survival. Only my favorite." He put a firmer grip on the angrily struggling lad. "Sight, sound, speed, agility- you must hone all of these skills, boychick."

"Got it," Alex grunted. "Now, devour my carcass or get off."
"Force me off," Erik challenged. "If you can."

Knowing Erik would not release him otherwise, Alex thought quickly. He arched his head back as hard as he could, whacking Erik forcefully in the face. Feeling the older man's grip loosen, Alex scrambled away swiftly. When Erik made a move to grab his foot, Alex performed a low backflip. He jumped up, fists bared and countenance poised for combat.

Erik's face split into a wicked grin. "At long last, you've made sufficient use of that hard head."

Smirking himself, Alex lowered his hands. "I had to hold back. I know your bones are getting brittle."

Giving him a good-natured punch to the chest, Erik used a shoulder to point to another direction. "Come on. Let's take a minute to eat Then it'll be time to try something else." He headed off.

Alex went after him, stopping only briefly to rub his aching arms.

IIIIIII

All of Hank's senses went warm when Raven's lips pressed against his unsuspecting cheek.

He lowered his book onto the table to watch her move about the kitchen. "Hey. How's the little bear?"

"Perfect as ever," Raven replied, going to the cabinet to gather a few ingredients. "And good news. She's finally feeling well enough to eat something. I'm going to whip something up for her and I thought you'd like to deliver it."

Hank smiled. "I'd love to."

Once Raven had the food loaded and ready to go, Hank started for the second floor.

Becky rolled over to the sound of rapping at her door. "Come in," she invited tiredly.

Hank entered, tray in hand. "Hi, Becca Bear." He came over close. "Heard you were hungry."

"Big Bear." She perked up in bed. He rested the tray in her lap, letting her see the soup, grilled cheese with tomato, and tall glass of milk. "Thank you."
"It's Raven you should thank," Hank let her know. "She put this all together for you."

"Raven is so great." Becky took a long sip of milk. "She played three games of cards with me and checkers. I'm so glad you like her."

Hank cupped her cheek with his large hand. "I'm so glad you like her." He gave her a smile. "I have great news. You know that project you were so worried about? I'm pleased to announce you made an A."

"Oh, yes!" Becky shot her arms up in glee. "I can't wait to tell Erik."

Hank's delighted expression deflated slightly. "Erik?"

"Yeah," Becky nodded, talking to him in-between bites of sandwich. "He's always telling me not to fret over silly things."

"And you seem to follow his every word," Hank commented in displeasure. "Listen, Becca, don't you think you should take more of an interest in what Charles tells you? He's your headmaster."

"So is Erik," she came back with straight away.

"Erik is not the one who can help you live up to the best of your telepathic abilities," Hank retorted. "And I feel it necessary to remind you that you and I would not be able to be together this way if not for Charles."

"I know," Becky admitted, "but—"

He cut in with, "I know you're still too young to understand certain concepts, but while you're so preoccupied with fawning over Erik, you need to consider which of these men will always be here for you."

Staring at him with disbelieving injured eyes, Becky stayed that way in silence for several seconds. She abruptly pushed the tray away.

Hank had to move quickly to catch it. "Becca, what do you think you're doing?"

"I'm not hungry anymore," she told him flatly. "I want to be alone."

Knowing he had most certainly upset her, Hank tried, "Becca—"

"I want to be alone, Hank!" Becky reiterated, darting her eyes from view of him. "Please!"

"All right, all right." He made dragging tracks towards the still open doorway. Turning his head slightly, he stole a glance back at her before leaving out.

As soon as her door closed, signifying his leave, Becky felt a throbbing in her chest that gave the one re-building in her head some fierce competition.

IIIIIII

Alex gazed out over the area Erik brought them to next. Between the roaring water from the creek a good twenty feet below and the jagged rocks poking out from both side of the cliff walls, the scenario did not carry a high level of optimism.

"Are you sure about this?" Alex asked, getting up.

"I'm sure," Erik responded with a tone that matched his answer.

Standing still as Erik strapped him into the harness, Alex said, "Well, for a last day on earth, this is as far out as it's gonna get."

"I couldn't agree more." Erik pulled the second harness out of his knapsack, getting a clearly surprised reaction out of his young comrade.

"So," Alex concluded, "murder-suicide pact?"

"More like anything that happens to you," Erik clipped opposite ends of the same rope to their harness belts, "happens to me."

The proposition reminded Alex of a similar deal he himself had made with Joey during their first meeting. "You plan on hanging onto me?"

"For dear life," Erik confirmed. He gave the rope a tug to test its durability. "Ready?"

Alex dipped his head resolutely. "Oh yeah."

Going over to the log that would act as a bridge to the other side, Alex looked back at Erik who stated, "Remember. I'm right behind you."

Words of assurance in his ears, Alex took the first step onto the thick piece of wood. Walking out further and further, he peeked out the corner of his eye to see Erik only a few feet away from him. Trying to keep his eyes on his objective of making it to the other side, Alex did not anticipate it when his foot landed in a rotten section of the log.

The unexpected sensation caused him to tilt to the side. He yelled out at the feeling of falling but stopped short all of a sudden. With noticeable weight coming down, Alex looked over to see Erik dangling along with him on the right side of the wooden plank.

"Okay," Alex spoke, eyes focused on the water below, "don't know about you, but I'm gonna go ahead and call this a step back."

"No sense of adventure?" Erik put forth. "What happened to the little drag racer?"

"Hey," Alex said defensively, "Sean was driving, I'm not little, and how the hell are we going to get out of here?"

Before Erik had a chance to remark on any of that, the rope snapped, sending both males plummeting fast.

Shouting at the top of his lungs again, Alex felt his cries halt at the back of his throat when his lower back stuck up suddenly. He veered his head around slightly to see what had stopped his early age demise. Erik, with open palms out, currently held them both up by the magnetic clips on their harnesses.

Letting out a calmed breath, Alex gasped when they dropped once more, making twin cannonballs in the creek.

Rising to the surface first, Erik scanned the water for his charge. "Alex? Alex!"

Swimming up behind him, Alex took hold of the man's ankle, pulling him back under.

When they both popped back up, spitting out water, Erik said through gritted teeth, "You conniving sniggering little brat! I thought you'd smashed your head against a rock."

"Why would that matter?" Alex tossed out casually, playing in the water around him innocently. "Did I worry you?"

Slapping the water hard to re-soak the boy, Erik grunted in annoyance before heading back for the surface.

Having received the answer he had been seeking, Alex smirked and went after him.

IIIIIII

"Okay," Raven said, putting away the final dish from the washer in the kitchen. "Let me just recap this one more time. You go up there to bring her food and you guys wind up in a fight?"

"I'd say that's a fairly accurate summarization," Hank said from where he sat sullenly at the table.

"All right, listen." She sat across from him, laying one of her hands over both of his. "All you two need is a little cool down time and everything will be okay."

"Raven, you don't understand," Hank pushed. "Becca and I are not like you and Charles. We really, really love each other."

Knowing he was hurting, Raven resisted the urge to punch his arm for that. "Gee, thanks."

Hank realized his words. "That's not what I meant." He groaned, running frustrated hands through his hair. "I keep tying my own noose." He looked at her. "What I mean is, we've never had the traditional brother to sister relationship. We do not get into heated arguments."

Raven eyed him in amazement. "Never?"

"Never," Hank confirmed. "Ever since we met she's been my nice, good perfect little sister."

"Wow," was all Raven could say. She propped her face up with her hand. "What exactly did you fight about?"

Sighing, Hank recalled things. "I made some unpleasant remarks about Erik."

"Okay, another one for the Erik files. Been there. I'm following you so far. What'd you say?"

"I…" Hank found himself being significantly less stanch with his words now than he had been with Becky previously. "I made the implication that he would not always be there for her." He noticed Raven staring his direction, but not looking directly at him. "What?" He glanced back to see a very dissatisfied headmaster in the kitchen doorway.

Raven put on a large smile. "Hi, big brother."

"Well," Charles came in, hands jammed into trousers, "this certainly helps me with my mystery. I can't find Rebecca anywhere upstairs."
"What?" Raven reacted.

"Did you try calling her telepathically?" Hank demanded.

"Unfortunately, Hank," Charles spoke pointedly, "she's suffering from on and off telepathic headaches so my jarring her psyche won't help matters. Of course, after what you said to her I can't imagine how things could get any worse at all. Honestly, Hank, what were you thinking?"

"I never meant to hurt her, Charles," Hank asserted. "I wouldn't, not Becca. But we all know that Erik is a loose cannon and after everything Becca's gone through I only meant to caution her."

Charles told him firmly, "Henry, in the event you harbor concerns about Erik or myself, you are to present those concerns to one or both of us."

"I was out of line," Hank understood.

"Yes, you were and we will be having a detailed conversation about this later," Charles informed him. "For now, we need to find Becky and you need to remember your place."

The latter half of that statement rang out in Hank's ears and he felt viciously snatched away from his adulthood. Of course, being chewed out in the presence of his girlfriend had cushioned that blow so well.

Joey came into the kitchen rapidly but stopped, sensing "important talk" taking place. "Charles?" he petitioned. "Excuse me…"

The Professor turned to him. "What is it, Joey?"

"Becky's feeling really bad."

Not needing any further explanation for now, Charles followed the little boy out to the back of the house. Frank sat on his knees in the grass, propping a drained Becky up as best as he could.

The city native spotted Charles and said, "She was just watching us kick the ball around then she started acting really weird."

Charles picked the pajama and robe adorned little girl up to hold. "Rebecca Jane Douglas, you are going to give me heart failure." He carried her back towards the house where a concerned Raven and Hank stood.

Hank stopped the two telepaths for a moment. "Becca, I want you to forget what I told you before. I am so sorry."

She peeked at him over Charles' shoulder, holding her right hand out. "I love you, Bear."

Smiling widely, the scientist accepted the small appendage, giving it a reaffirming squeeze. "I love you, too, Bear."

After the two separated, Charles took Becky upstairs to her room. With arms full, he kicked the door closed with his foot before placing the adolescent cargo down on the bed delicately.

"Is it your head again?" Charles asked, seeing a wince on the girl's part.

"No," she said. "I just got a little dizzy."

"That is exactly why I told you to stay in bed," Charles scolded. "I understand your anger with Hank, but that gave you no reason whatsoever to go outside."

"I only wanted some air."

"Then you should have waited for me to check back in on you," he said. "I would have taken you to one of the balconies to sit for a little while." Charles sighed, trying to keep his growing frustration in check. He took up some space beside her on the bed. "Rebecca, your lack of compliance when I try to tell you certain things for your own benefit has gotten out of hand. Contrary to your present belief, Erik is not the only adult in this house who can take you across his knee."

Becky's eyes seemed to jump for a moment. "I'm sorry, Charles. I wasn't trying to do anything wrong. I told Hank I wanted to be by myself, but I didn't really. I wanted him to come back and… I wanted Erik to come back…"

Stretching out beside her, Charles asked gently, "Why did you feel you couldn't seek me out? Hm?"

"I don't know," she replied in a hushed voice. "I'm glad you and Raven were here with me all day, but I wanted Erik because he- he really loves me."

Charles' brow furrowed a bit at this. "And you think I don't?"

"I'm not sure," Becky said honestly. "You told on me to Erik and said I wasn't listening in training. And you're always telling me what I should be doing because I can't do anything right."

Catching the stray tear that fell from her eye with his thumb, Charles said, "Oh, darling. I never meant to make you feel so awful. I know I tend to nitpick quite a bit with you, but it's only because I want you to learn the discipline that goes along with the power. I don't want you to have to struggle with telepathy the way I did at your age." He rubbed a soothing massage into her temple. "These headaches- it breaks my hurt to see you in so much pain, especially since I've been there myself."

Becky touched the wrist of his that provided her with the much needed relief. "I'm sorry for not listening to you, Charles. Hank told me about decorum and I want to be like him."

Charles gave off a small smile. "I don't think you could have picked a finer role model. And I'm sorry, too." His countenance went grimmer. "Because I'm going to have to spank you now."

The little girl protested with, "But you can't. I'm your princess." She pouted at him. "Remember?"

"I do, indeed," Charles assured. "And by not punishing you for wrong-doing and potential harm you could bring to yourself, I'm failing in my duty. How do you think Cinderella's stepsisters became so wicked?"

Becky could not help letting off a slight giggle at that.

Hating that he would have to be the one to silence her enchanted laughter, Charles sat up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He very carefully helped Becky to stand, holding onto her tightly.

"Do you understand why I have to do this?" he asked, studying her eyes.

"Mmhmm," came the distant response.

"Hmm?" Charles mimicked the hum. "So, that means you have no plans to entertain that mischievous idea in your mind?"

Becky blushed slightly, knowing he had read her short-lived thought of erasing his knowledge of her ill-behavior. "No, Charles. I'm sorry."

Charles played with her hair for a moment. "I know you are."

The Professor considered how to handle this. By no means did he want to cause the child anymore additional pain than was absolutely necessary. Making a decision, he lowered her over his lap. Charles brought his hand down over her robe six sharp times, knowing she needed nothing more than a warm bottom to serve as a strong reminder and promptly lifted her up to hold in his lap.

Becky moaned and shed light tears into his shirt.

Charles knew the reaction came more from being ill and fussy than anything. "All done, love." He rubbed her back in a circular motion. "It's over now and no more. I've got you." He kissed the top of her head. "I've got you, Princess." He felt her settle down and calm in his arms. "You know, I think I've loved you since the moment I first talked to you that day in the lounge."

She glanced up at him with a smile. "I love you, too. And I still love your voice."

Elated to hear that, Charles only hoped she remembered the last part the next day they had class time together. He put her down on her stomach and covered her with a blanket. Taking the opportunity to watch her sleep, he sensed the head tension leaving her alone for the time being.

IIIIIII

Frank stood at the front entrance as the dusted dirty wilderness men finally returned home.

"You're back," he acknowledged then took in their full appearance. "Uh, what happened? Did a bear beat you up out there?"

"No," Alex said, sighed hard and thrilled to be back in civilization. "Just an attack by automatic butcher knives, a nutcase in a tree, then plunging a good twenty plus feet into raging water."

"Cool," Frank grinned.

"I'm glad you think so," Erik said, dropping off the duffel bag. "Because you'll be joining me out there soon enough."

Frank folded his arms, forming a cheeky expression. "Oh yeah?" Erik shot him a warning look. "I mean yes, sir. I will be there."

Erik messed the boy's hair. "Where's Becky?"

"Upstairs," Frank told him. "She's been having headaches from her powers all day."

Not caring at all for this particular information, Erik hurried up the stairs. He took a quick shower and changed into clean clothes before continuing on for the intended bedroom. He and Charles spoke for a minute before the telepath took his leave.

Lying near her, Erik wrapped his arms around Becky from behind. After a second, the girl rolled over and snuggled into him. Erik noted how easily she seemed to respond to his touch, even when sound asleep.

Poking his head in, Alex asked, "Erik? She okay?"

Erik looked over, seeing that the young man, too, had clean himself up. "She will be." He kissed Becky's cheek.

Alex came in fully and sat on the floor at the edge of the bed. "Thanks for today."

"You enjoyed yourself?"

The teen nodded. "Weirdly enough, yeah. It was a nice break."

"That it was," Erik agreed. "The peace found in a natural setting has a certain appeal."

"Yeah." Alex quieted for a moment, staring ahead at the floral wallpaper. "And the one-on-one time didn't hurt, either."

Taken aback by the sudden sentiment, Erik managed to recover. "There's a reason I asked you to come with me after all."

"I'm glad you did." Alex stood again. "At any rate, I'm beat. Night, Erik." He started out.

"Sleep well, boychick," Erik returned softly to the departing figure.