Rise or Fall Chapter 27 The Rise, a x-men: the movie fanfic

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Twenty Seven

Author's Word: You guys were so fantastic for those reviews. I'm sorry this chapter was not added sooner, but several issues occurred that kept me from posting in a hastened fashion. I thank you all for following this story to this long awaited point. Oh, and for anyone who is wondering, this story is far from done. I'm still getting warmed up here. Enjoy!

Upon awakening, Erik immediately felt the empty spot on the right hand side of his bed. He gave his eyes a brief rub before peering at the clock, which only read a quarter until eight. Taking time to stretch, he got up and off the bed and went over to his private bathroom. He knocked on it twice, but at the lack of response he twisted the knob and went in.

At the sight of the vacant facility, Erik grew slightly bothered. The Rebecca he knew would not be up so early unless nightmares played a hand in it. Of course, Erik had been right beside her the entire night and she had actually sounded quite content whenever his ears took notice.

Erik left his room and strode down the hall to Frank's. Seeing another of the brood missing from their quarters, the metal wielder knew the imps had undoubtedly gone off to scheme together. He only hoped this particular occasion did not give him cause to bring out the fire extinguishers. Deciding to go search for them further, he descended the stairs.

Before he made it to the last step, the man picked up on heavy breathing and rapid moving footsteps.

"Erik!" he heard Frank shout in a tone the metallic wizard had never heard from the young boy before.

Rushing around the grand staircase, Erik nearly fell over as Frank dashed to him. "Frank," Erik knelt down a bit, pulling the frantic youth close to him, "what is it? What's wrong?"

"W-we were playing— out in the woods in our cave and then…"

Feeling the shudders echoing off the thin body, Erik ran a hand along the back of his coat. "Franklin, be calm. Slow down. You're not making any sense."

Frank finally spat out, "He took her. He took Becky."

Feeling a tremor course through his arm that very much resembled a stroke, Erik demanded icily, "Who?"

IIIIIII

Letting off the faintest murmur, Becky sensed it all before she could even gain full consciousness. The thoughts came at her like a swarm of flaming tipped arrows, all strange and discombobulated, and far too many for her to gain any coherency from them. Becky opened her eyes. Her dark lashes fluttered at the different sized distortions looming over her and speaking in hushed tones.

When her eyes regained some sort of clarity, the first sight they met with caused the girl to leap to life with a yell of, "Get away from me!"

Her high-pitched outburst caused Azazel to take a couple steps back.

Becky fell off the couch she had been stretched out on and nearly hit her head on the edge of the coffee table. She scrambled underneath the wooden piece of furniture with her legs dragging along the blanket they had become tangled in.

Angel lowered down to try to reach her. "Hey, baby girl, it's all right. We won't hurt you."

"Erik!" Becky screamed, disregarding the other girl altogether. "Hank! Charles!" She desperately tried to reach out for the last name, but her head began to pound the moment she attempted her telepathy.

A door opened and closed. "Is that the Sleeping Cutie I hear?"

Becky's breathing shortened as a pair of loafer covered feet approached her.

A brown haired man got down and looked at her. "Peek-a-boo." Becky stared at him strangely. "I see you. Now, since none of us here were raised in a barn, what do you say we get off the floor?"

Crawling out to the other side to keep the table between her and the new face, Becky asked carefully, "Who are you? What do you want?"

"Pardon my manners." He reached a hand across the coffee table. "Sebastian Shaw."

Becky felt her heart drop right out of her chest.

Noticing her countenance, the man before her dropped his hand and remarked, "Another one who's heard of me. And I don't even have a publicist. Also, what I want is you." Becky gasped softly. Shaw rethought that. "Well, no, actually. See, you're more of a means to an end. Kids tend to drive me crazy. So sticky… Anyway, what I really want is your good friend, Erik Lensherr."

"Erik?" Becky repeated, growing immensely concerned. "What do you want with him?"

"Loyalty, friendship, allegiance," Shaw said casually. "All things I tried to give to him many moons ago, but alas, children. Some are just incorrigible." He stopped to look closely at the girl. "Clearly, he doesn't feel that way about you so he should be arriving very shortly to reclaim you. I predict there will be horseback involved." He noticed the child touching her forehead. "Sorry about the morphine, but you and that screeching drove my poor Angel here," he placed a hand on the black leather adorned female, "simply crazy. Don't worry. It should wear off before too long."

"I'll get you some water," Angel offered, stepping off into the next room.

Becky's eyes floated up towards Azazel, who regarded her with a statuesque visage.

Shaw saw the stare off and said to Becky, "Ah, don't worry about him. That's just Azazel." He turned to his crimson henchman. "Why don't you show the lady here what you can do? I'm sure she'll get a kick out of it."

Wordlessly, Azazel vanished, leaving behind his standard remnants of red and black clouds.

Becky glanced back in time to see him reappear behind the couch, but her face did not give off any great impression. "Seen it."

This intrigued Shaw, but before he had a chance to inquire about it, Angel came back out with a glass. She handed the tall thing of water to Becky, who drank it down readily. She had not realized how thirsty she had been until that moment. Wishing desperately to be able to summon up an illusion, she knew it would be a futile effort until the internal dizziness ceased.

IIIIIII

"We found the cave a while back. We use it like our own hideout. All we ever did was talk or play a game or shoot marbles." The entire house had gathered together in the living room to hear Frank, who currently sat between Charles and Erik on a couch, speak. "I woke up early and I went to find Becky so we could play in the cave. We weren't out there long and the next thing I know this weird girl with wings comes out of nowhere and just snatches her. Then that Shaw guy shows up." He gave over the piece of paper to Erik. "He said for me to give you this. He said if I didn't, he'd cover me in welts."

Erik turned even more furious, if possible. "He threatened you?"

"Did he touch you?" Charles wanted to know.

Frank shook his head. "No. He was so creepy. He acted like it was normal that he just grabbed Becky like that. Like it was no problem." He ran frustrated fingers through his hair. "I should have done something."

"No, you shouldn't have," Erik corrected him right away. "He would have killed you, Frank and dropped you off right at our doorstep."

Seeing Joey's wide eyed expression, Charles held his arms out for the small boy to climb into his lap. Joey went to him without delay, tilting on his shoulder.

Erik unfolded the paper. "Coordinates."

Charles arched his head to read them. "They're still in Montana."

"That's all I need," Erik stated, getting up.

"Erik." Charles stood up with Joey in his arms.

"No." Erik glanced back. "Shaw took Rebecca, Charles. He came in and he. Took. Her. From me. He's made this beyond personal and in doing so, he filled out his own death certificate."

All Charles said to that was, "I am going with you."

"No," Erik countered firmly. "It's me Shaw is after. I'm not giving him the opportunity to target another close to me."

"That's bull," Alex spoke up boldly. He walked over to the concerted man. "Erik, if you're going into this fight, I'm not sticking around here and sitting on my hands. This is what you guys have been training me for, isn't it?"

Sighing deeply, Erik said grudgingly, "Fine. You, Hank, Charles and I will go. Raven, you stay here with Frank and Joey."

"Like hell," the shape-shifter opposed. "You are not sticking me here on the home front while I watch you guys march off into something dangerous."

"You need to be here to look after the younger boys," Erik emphasized.

"That could very well be what Shaw wants," Charles put forth. "This wouldn't be the first time he's sent us off blind in order to go after our children." Giving Joey a protective squeeze, he said, "They will be safest with us."

When Erik started to argue again, Frank came over to him next. "Erik, please. I have to help get Becky back. Please don't make us stay here."

Placing a hand on the boy's back, Erik brought him in near to his side. "All of us then." He regarded the young people present. "You will all do as told without question." Several nods followed.

"One problem," Alex brought up. "The last time we went at it with this guy, nothing could touch him. How are we supposed to put a dent in him now?"

The completely mute Hank became abruptly animated and took off out of the room.

"I'll get him," Raven said to the others before following after the quickly departing one. "Hank, wait." She came into the lab and found him vigorously tossing things from one of the cabinets. "Hank, what are you doing?" The scientist stood, holding up a vile filled with a light green substance. "What's that?"

"The cure," he stated. "Alex is right. If we're going to get Becca back safely and put an end to Shaw, we have to take things to the next stage."

"Okay, seriously?" Raven put her hands on her hips. "You're worried about your damn feet at a time like this? How is hindering your mutation going to help your sister?"

Hank shook out the vile. "It has two components. It can either attack the mutant cells," he eyed the liquid purposefully, "or enhance them."

IIIIIII

Placing the headgear on, Shaw took a moment to model before the full length mirror in the living space. "What do you think?" he said to Becky, who remained on the couch, hugging her knees. "Helmet or no helmet?"

"Turn it around," Becky told him with a stony expression.

Shaw looked at the mirror again and frowned. "Then you wouldn't be able to see my face—" He realized her meaning and smiled wryly. "Ah, cute." He strolled over towards the couch. "You and I are going to get along just fine." Becky dipped her head when he made a move to stroke her curls. "Right. Don't touch a woman's hair."

Watching Shaw walk over across the room to make himself a drink, Angel picked something up off the nearby end table. "You dropped this while we were in the air."

Becky felt a warm glow throughout her at the sight of Erik's hat. She snatched it away without a word.

"You're welcome," the offended Angel said sarcastically. "Look," she nodded towards Shaw, "he's intense. I'll admit that much. But he's not the bad guy here. He just wants to bring us all together."

"Us?" Becky echoed uncertainly.

"Mutants," Angel clarified. "You know we're not like other people out there. Sebastian sees that and he wants to make sure we aren't trampled by the regulars." She gave the younger girl a small smile. "You don't have to worry. I saw you with Erik last night and I heard you talking. He's nothing like when I first met him. I know he'd do anything for you. You're pretty lucky." She lost the smile at Becky staring at her so intently. "What?"

"Why didn't you ever tell your mother?" Becky focused in on her. "About your stepfather hurting you? He's the reason you ran away from home."

Losing her breath for a moment, Angel reacted with, "How do you know about that?"

Instead of answering her, Becky continued. "Hank, Raven, Alex, and Sean wanted to be your friend. You didn't have to be a bad person." She shrugged. "But I guess you wanted to be like your stepfather."

Shaw chose that moment to come back over. "Well, well. How are the girls getting along?" Angel got to her feet and walked away heatedly. "Okay, what did I miss?"

Becky ran a finger along the rim of Erik's hat before placing it on top of her head.

IIIIIII

Alex had to use the majority of his inner strength to shield his present anxiety. They had been airborne for a little under half an hour. The jet Hank had designed reminded him all too much of another little plane ride Alex had taken. The end result of which had not been in his favor.

He glanced down at Joey, who sat sandwiched between himself and Charles. "You doing all right, buddy?"

Joey gazed about the aircraft with complete fascination and intrigue. "Yeah. This is amazing."

The child's mental readouts had helped to put Charles at ease. The Professor had been quite worried that the flying experience would cause an electrical surge on the young mutant's part.

Frank's numbness seemed to dissipate when he felt Erik take hold of his hand. He looked up at the man expectedly. "This is not your fault," the older mutant said pungently. "We are going to get her back, boychick. There's no question of that. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," Frank replied in a whisper.

This is not your fault, either.

Erik looked across the way at Charles. Isn't it? He specifically targeted Rebecca. Were it not for me—

Were it not for you, Charles cut in mentally, Becky would be a shell. Shaw took your close relationship and used it for his own gains. He is the enemy, Erik. Not you.

Shaw has violated my life for the last time. He won't be left standing this time, Charles.

Charles told him in turn, Just see to it that you are, brother. I know Shaw is your rage, but Becky is your serenity. Use that and you will defeat him.

Erik looked to a window determinedly.

Raven watched Hank's pensive mannerisms from her co-pilot seat. "So, here comes the stupid question. Are you all right?"

Hank concentrated on flying as he answered. "That day, back at the old facility when I knew Becca was still in the building somewhere. I felt my senses take complete leave of me. I could not feel anything again until I saw her safe and sound." He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "You were there with me then, too. I'm not sure if I've ever expressed this, but thank you, Raven. Just thank you. For never giving up on us."

"That's not by my own choice," she told him. "Face it, Hank. We're doomed to be together."

"Raven," Hank spoke admittedly, "I've felt an anger brewing inside me, especially since becoming so in tune with my powers. Once this fight starts, I might lose control. If I don't come out of it—"

"No," Raven countered matter-of-factly. "Listen to me. When we get home, we're going to watch Casablanca. We're not going to live it. Not now. Not ever."

Hank absorbed her words then responded, "As you would have it, madam." He then roared up and over an accumulation of clouds.

IIIIIII

Another meatball rolled over and off the spaghetti mountain pile. The plate had been placed in front of Becky by Shaw's request a couple minutes ago. During that stretch of time, she had regarded the long red noodles like snakes waiting to devour her instead.

"Too hot?" Riptide came over from the stove and bent down beside the girl's chair. "Let me fix that." He made a slight gap between his hands and built up a tiny tornado right in his palms. He smiled charmingly. "It's cool, right?"

Becky stared at him inanely. "I have friends who shoot fire and electricity from their hands."

Clapping his hands together in annoyance, the well-dressed man said, "Would you just eat?" She responded by nudging the plate away. "The chief wants you to eat."

"No," Becky replied plainly. "I'm not allowed to take food from ugly people."

"Just eat it," Riptide insisted again. He stared on in horror as the small one swept her arm out, knocking the plate, along with its contents, onto the tiled floor.

Shaw came in through the swinging kitchen door. When he saw the mess, he gave Riptide's arm a hard smack. "What did you do to her?"

Riptide tried to explain. "I did nothing! She's insane."

"Yes, Riptide, blame the little girl." Shaw pointed out of the kitchen. "Why don't you see if you can round up a broom or something? If you can handle that."

Letting off a sigh, Riptide gladly left the kitchen.

Pulling up a seat, Shaw sat across from Becky. "You know, I'm having trouble understanding your problem here. Considering the fact that by all technicalities you are in fact a prisoner, I feel I'm treating you fairly well. Some might argue extravagantly."

"I don't want anything from you," Becky informed him.

Shaw raised his hands in an exasperated motion. "What is this exactly? Does Erik tell you bedtime stories about all the awful things I did to him or what? How I shot his mother right in front of him? How I inflicted pain and psychological torment on him on a daily basis for years?"

Becky felt something snap inside of her as she picked up the salt shaker and flung it as hard as she could at his head. She had to duck when the plastic item ricocheted right off of him.

He laughed at her astonished face. "I get that reaction a lot. You see, my body absorbs energy. It's why I look this good."

"You killed my dad," she accused abruptly.

"You see? Now, we're getting somewhere." Shaw slapped a hand down on the table. "But I'm going to need you to be a little specific. I mean, one lifeless body for me is a pebble on the beach."

"He was a CIA agent," Becky emphasized angrily. "You and that wind guy and that ugly red demon came in and you killed him just because he went to help his friends."

"Okay, now I'm refreshed." Shaw gave his chin a rub. "Hm, that's a little weird."

Becky glowered at him as hard as she could. "What?'

"Well, what I mean is that during my wonderful time spent molding Erik, he frequently called out for his mother, long after she was well under six feet of dirt. But you," he looked at her with glints of a smile in his features, "when you woke up the first name I heard you say was Erik. Then before that, it was Angel who all out convinced me you were the one he'd stop at nothing to reclaim. Let's not forget that little salt shaker incident after I gave you that very vivid description of Erik's past with me. Plan on throwing the pepper for your actual father any time soon?"

Slouching in her seat, Becky folded her arms and darted her eyes away.

Shaw leaned forward over the table. "You may not want to admit it to yourself, but you and I both know this much is true. You're happy he's gone because it helped you find your real father. Don't you see, Rebecca?" He smiled wider at her. "You should be thanking me."

Becky turned back to look at him directly. "Erik's going to kill you."

The glib mutant only nodded. "For you? I don't doubt he'll put in his best efforts." At a sudden beeping, he reached into the pocket of his jacket. He held up a small remote. "Hm, that was sooner than expected." He smiled deviously at the girl. "Guess who's here."

IIIIIII

When Hank zeroed in on the coordinates given, the group found themselves over the snowy mountains of Montana. All members currently wore the insulated uniforms Hank had designed for each of them, except for Joey who had on practical winter apparel. The jet came to a smooth landing on a clean blanket of snow. They all unlatched their seatbelts and went to gaze out of the windows.

An enormous brick house stood just yards away; completely isolated from civilization.

"I cannot obtain a reading on Becky," Charles reported, clearly annoyed by the fact. "The same with Shaw."

"It's gotta be that stupid helmet he had back on at the facility," Alex put forth. "He said something about not needing to wear it with you not being around, Charles."

"I don't care how many blockades he has up. Becky's inside. I'm going in there," Erik stated unwaveringly.

"Not alone," Raven added pointedly.

"Quite right," Charles concurred. "I can keep visual on all of you via a telepathic linkup. Erik, bring in a team to cover you."

Erik nodded then laid out the plan. "I'm taking the front. Alex, Frank, I want you two together at all times. Hank, you're bringing up the rear. No one comes in breathing distance of Shaw except for me."

"Raven," Charles said next, getting his sister's attention, "my powers are going to be limited as long as I'm acting as eyes and ears for everyone. If anyone comes near this aircraft, you're taking care of it."

"You got it," Raven assured him.

"What about me?" Joey asked.

"You're not to set foot outside the jet," Charles instructed resolutely. "If you do, you're going to be a very sorry little boy."

Erik stated, "That goes for any one of you who dares not come back alive. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir," the younger mutants chorused.

When the males started filing out, Alex stopped to nod at Joey. "Watch Charles' back."

The little boy nodded back.

Raven and Hank linked their gloved hands all the way to the door of the jet. Slowly, Hank slid his out of hers.

"I'll be back," he mouthed before going after the others.

Charles came up behind Raven, placing an arm around her. Joey took the hand of Raven's Hank had just been gripping. Raven gave the small appendage a strong squeeze as they watched the other members of their family march off.

Azazel teleported into the living area. "They're here. Lensherr has allies."

Shaw sighed lazily. "Who went and taught him the value of working with others? No matter. I suppose we could all use a little exercise. You three," he indicated Riptide, Angel, and Azazel, "go have some fun." As the three of them teleported out, he grabbed Becky by the shoulders when she attempted to rush forward.

"Let go!" Becky bellowed. "Let go of me! Erik!"

"Oh, he'll be here soon enough." Shaw moved her none-too-gently into an armchair. "In the meantime, sit. Stay a while."

The moment the four of them made it to the large double-door entryway without any kind of interference, Erik knew something was not right. He did a quick visual sweep of their surroundings, unable to detect anything foul.

"Frank," he called over. The boy came to stand at his side. "Look inside." Erik pointed towards the house.

Using his secondary mutation, Frank shined a transparent light through the brick building.

"It's completely deserted in there," Alex observed.

Charles came into their minds urgently. Take cover!

At the strong command, Alex and Frank dropped stomach down into the snow while Hank and Erik stretched out on top of them defensively just before a wild burst of wind barreled through. The four man dog pile managed to stay in tack as snowflakes soared through the air.

As soon as the small storm passed, Hank caught sight of Riptide and Azazel standing not far off. "Erik, get to Becca!" the scientist urged.

"Protect them," Erik ordered, indicating Frank and Alex. He got up and ran for the entrance.

Seeing Riptide ready to blast off another one, Alex stood. "Nice trick. Remember mine?" He sent out a wave of plasma energy through the circular disk on his chest.

Riptide took cover while Azazel simply teleported.

Noticing the smoke that waved around him, Frank spun around to face the eerie figure. "I know you. You're that thing that's been bugging Becky." He shined his eyes blindingly, but Azazel vanished before the light could make contact.

Frank, quickly Charles spoke to the boy, go in after Erik.

With Hank and Alex to take care of the two rival mutants, Frank dashed inside the house.

Erik shielded his eyes as Frank used his to provide them necessary illumination.

Spotting an outline in the floor underneath the stairs, Erik commanded, "Frank, hurry and help the others."

"I want to come with you," the twelve-year-old insisted.

Erik, unable to give him a look, made a very clear picture with his voice. "Shine your light until I'm secure then get outside. I don't want to detect even a moment's hesitation."

"Yes, sir," Frank complied with a sigh.

Kneeling over the outline on the hardwood floor, Erik felt around until he pulled it loose. He found a steep staircase underneath and proceeded down it.

Frank waited until he could no long see so much as the tip of Erik's ear before returning to the battle taking place outdoors.

Reviewing the beeping icon on his portable device, Shaw instructed to himself, "That's it, Erik. Just a bit further. You're almost there."

"You better hope he never gets here," Becky chimed up from the armchair.

Shaw turned to look at her for a second before going over and taking up a seat on one of the arms of the chair. "Let me ask you something. Did your father have friends? The sort he would invite over to your home?"

"Yeah," Becky answered suspiciously.

"And these friends," Shaw went on, "were any of them black?"

Taken aback by that question, Becky eyed him strangely. "What?"

"You know, black," Shaw spoke slowly. "Colored. What about Mexican? Jewish?"

Becky considered that and finally replied with a comprehending, "No…"

"I see." Shaw clicked his tongue. "So, if he never made an effort to befriend a separate nationality, how do you think he would have reacted to finding out his own flesh and blood was part of a mutated race? Because we both know you never filled him in on your little gift. By the way…" He placed his arm across the back of the chair. "…what might that be exactly?"

Quieting, Becky stared down at the floor.

"Okay then." Shaw stood up, returning to the electronic device in his hand. "I have my ways of getting information out of children. Just ask Erik. He should be here soon."

Despite herself, Becky could not believe how true it was. She had never seen a non-white come into her former house with the exception of a maid here and there. She had decided right away never to share her secret power with her father. The same could not be said for Charles or Erik, who she had jumped to show it to only minutes after knowing both of them.

Charging a red blast from his chest that he intended for Riptide, the other mutant in turn let loose a mini tornado from each hand. The wind combined with the ray, turning it into a flaming typhoon.

"Hank!" Alex yelled out, seeing it heading right for the path of the scientist.

The bellowed one leapt up into the air, missing the subsiding gust. He landed with hands on Riptide's shoulders, flipping him over against a tree.

Alex did not have time to sustain relief when he caught Azazel popping up behind Frank. Before the boy knew what hit him, Alex knocked Frank to the ground before the demonic being could make contact.

Obviously unconcerned over losing his initial choice, Azazel grabbed Alex by the arms and teleported away with him. The motion caused a churn in Alex's stomach, but even more so when he found himself at least a hundred feet in the air. Before he had time to speak, Azazel, with a great deal of indifference, let go of him.

"Alex!" Raven screamed at the top of her lungs, seeing his plunge from the plane.

Charles lost his ability to breathe as Alex landed with a disheartening splash into the lake water.

Taking hold of Joey before he could run out, Raven ordered. "Stay here and don't move." She and Charles took off for the lake.

When they made it to the water, Raven leapt in first and searched frantically for the blonde teenager. She finally spotted him floating limply and swam his way. Raven wrapped an arm around his waist and returned to surface with him.

Charles, neck deep in the water himself, ran out. Raven lowered Alex flat on his back and Charles practically fell over as he sunk down to listen to the boy's chest.

"Come on," Charles urged softly, beginning CPR. He pumped the adolescent chest. "Come on, Alex!"

"Alex, please," Raven begged, wishing her own rapidly moving heart could transfer over into him. She then looked up and saw Joey headed their way fast. "Joey, no. Go back!"

"Get back inside the jet, Joseph," Charles demanded. "Now!"

As if he could see or hear nothing except the fallen older blonde, Joey fell on his knees at Alex's side. With a face of uncertainty, the little boy placed a hand on the middle of the energy plate. A small surge of sparks shot from his hand. Charles and Raven looked on in complete amazement as Alex sprang to life.

"What happened?" the teen wanted to know, spitting out a large amount of water.

"Don't speak," Charles hushed him gently. With cautious hands, he gathered Alex into the safety of his arms. "I need to get him back on the plane."

Raven nodded. "I'll finish this for him."

Charles leaned over, kissing her wet blue cheek. He then used every bit of strength he had at his ready to hoist Alex up.

Joey stayed close to Charles' side as they returned to the jet.

Rounding yet another sharp corner, Erik found himself in a dimly lit hallway. As if able to sense who stood on the other side of the thick iron wall, the determined mutant raised his hands.

No, Erik Charles cautioned telepathically, if you use your powers on that wall the entire foundation could crumble with Rebecca inside.

Damn! Erik lowered his hands. How am I supposed to get her out?... Charles? The sudden silence continued. Charles?

"Raven," Frank acknowledged happily as the shape-shifter approached. "Is Alex okay?"

"He'll be fine," Raven told him. "Can't say the same for that teleporting creep when I get my hands on him."

As if on cue, Azazel appeared from behind her. "You rang for me?"

Raven grabbed his wrist before it could connect with her neck then flipped him over into the snow. The move clearly caught the red being by surprise, as he stared up at her in shocked intrigue.

"Get away from her." Everyone glanced up in time to see Hank pounce down from the sky like a ferocious lion. He landed on top of Azazel, who immediately teleported away with him.

Frank ran over to the empty spot the two had disappeared from to join Raven. An abrupt gust coming their way alerted them to the fact that Riptide had found his way back up from Hank's earlier assault on him. Raven took Frank by his nearest hand, holding onto him with everything she had.

"Ah!" Frank yelled out as the wind took him up to the air.

When they lost hand contact, Raven shouted after him, "Frankie!"

The twelve-year-old felt a fear come over him that he had never experienced before as he began to fall from the new elevation. Then he felt himself somehow pause in midair as an arm wound around his waist. He moved his head up slightly, discovering a familiar but unexpected face hanging onto him.

"Sean!" Frank grinned widely.

"Looks like I got here just in time," Sean said with his left arm extended to keep them up. "Hang on tight."

Frank noticed his uniform. "Did you fly all the way here?"

"Oh, you know it," Sean replied then added, "on my granddad's private plane."

Wanting further explanation on that one, Frank did not have time to inquire. His ears picked up the sound from right before Becky's abduction. Angel flew out at them, eyes resembling those of a serpent. Sean moved out of the way as she spat toxic venom at them.

"Angel, what are you doing?" Sean wanted to know. "Don't you remember me at all? We were friends and now you're helping this sicko?"

"I made my choice, Banshee," the winged girl informed him. "And you made yours." She unleashed another toxic spew.

"So be it," Sean decided then said to Frank, "Cover your ears."

As soon as Frank moved his hands to the sides of his face, Banshee released an intense supersonic scream. Angel yelled out, having to grab onto her own ears now. Deciding to apply the frosting to the cake, Frank shined his optical light into her wicked eyes.

Clearly not anticipating the boy's power, Angel flailed around like a damaged insect when the blindness hit her. She lost conscious control over her wings and fell hard into a snowdrift below.

Azazel, unable to repeat his earlier stunt with Alex with Hank's firm grip on him, reappeared on top of the roof of the house. To his shock, Hank let go of him. The moment Azazel took the opportunity to lunge for him, Hank used his left hand to snatch up the older mutant by his lapel. Moving in a way that a blinked eye would miss it, Hank jerked his right hand, causing a dagger to slide out from his sleeve. He quickly used it to stab Azazel in the middle of the stomach and kept the sharp tool there.

At the shout of agony that followed, Hank looked anything but sympathetic. "That was for those lives you helped destroy at the facility." Hank swiped the blade across Azazel's middle, producing another painful wail. "That was for Alex." He snatched the instrument out long enough to send it into the crimson mutant's left leg. "That of course was for my sister. Her screams are yours now. And this," Hank let go of Azazel's lapel so that he could now use the free hand to deliver a swift punch to his face, "is for me." He watched as Azazel went back several feet right off the roof. He used his last ounce of strength to teleport before he could hit the ground.

Hank held up his blood stained dagger, studying it. "Thank you, Erik."

After he got Frank safely back on terra firma, Sean made a landing right next to him. Both their heads shot up as Hank used the bricks to climb down to the halfway point of the house before leaping the rest of the way onto the ground.

"I see you did remember to pack your uniform," Hank noted.

"Oh yeah," Sean replied. "By the way, Angel has fallen."

"Same with Azazel." Hank glanced around. "Where's Raven?"

They all received an answer in the form of a high-pitched wail, followed by Riptide landing head first in front of their feet.

Raven approached with a self-satisfied countenance. "Hi, Seanie," she greeted casually. "Nice new wings."

Sean gave her a wave then asked, "Where are Charles and Erik?"

"I haven't heard from Charles in a while," Hank realized.

Frank looked towards the house, knowing Erik had gone in some time ago.

"Erik, at last." The metal wielder reacted to the voice coming over the hidden speakers with a reborn fury. "I see you've made it through my little maze. Then again, I knew you would."

"Where is she, Shaw?" Erik demanded lowly.

"Who, Rebecca? She's in here keeping me company," Shaw answered.

"If you've harmed her—"

"Not a curl on her head. I wouldn't even have been able to stumble upon her if not for you."

Erik glowered. "What are you on about, Shaw?"

"Simple. That magic dart from yesterday? It was filled with a tracking device." Erik felt his blood rush and his eyes widen. "Your bloodstream will be rid of it in another twelve hours or so, but ah, the wonders of modern technology."

"What do you want from me?" Erik questioned. "We both know the girl means nothing to you."

"But she means everything to you," Shaw countered, giving Becky a sly smile as he spoke into his handheld. "And since you and I are so close, I'm here to cut a deal. You join with me and the rest of our brethren to rise against the humans, and I will ensure Rebecca's safety. Then there's the alternative where you refuse and I crush her skull in while you watch." He smiled, hearing Erik pounding from the other side of the wall. "She's such a neat kid, too. I really hope you're leaning towards the first option."

Hearing something, Becky glanced towards the opposite wall in dread. A door sized section of the plaster slid out. Becky stared utterly astounded. In walked a radiant sparkling figure that seemed to be made of pure crystal.

Grinning, Shaw acknowledged, "Emma."

"You didn't think I'd forget the ins and outs of our little winter cottage, did you?" She came close upon him, running a crystalized hand over his jaw. "Leaving me out of your moment of triumph. How could you?"

"Oh, we've only just begun here," Shaw assured her.

"You're right. We have. But first," she dropped her diamond form, "remove that stupid helmet."

Losing all control over his own will, Shaw did as she commanded then found himself incapable of any movement from the neck down.

"What is this, Emma?" he wanted to know.

"I did everything for you," the furious blonde told him. "Nearly at the cost of my own life. And you leave me to rot while you screw a little piece of jailbait. You talk about the horrors humanity will plague us with, Sebastian, but underneath all of your magnificent power, you're the exact same as they are."

Emma slinked over to the keypad made into the wall and worked the numbers for a moment. The iron wall shot up instantly, revealing Erik on the other side.

"Erik!" Becky jumped up and raced over to him.

Kneeling down, Erik pulled her in close to him to check her over. "Are you all right? Did he touch you?"

"I wouldn't let him," Becky replied, overcome with emotion to be held again by the one she had been crying out for internally all day.

Sighing in relief, Erik hugged her tightly. Then his eyes fell on the one who had taken her captive.

"Get her out of here," Erik commanded Emma, getting to his feet.

"No, Erik," Becky protested. "I want to stay with you."

Emma came over, gripping her by the shoulders gently. "Never argue with a real man, lovely."

Becky took Emma's hand, but could not force her gaze off Erik as they fled.

Seeing the expression on his former experiment's face, Shaw reminded him, "You heard her. I never touched her."

"You came within a thousand miles of her." Dropping his arm suddenly, a small object fell from the sleeve and into Erik's palm. He brought it up for Shaw to view. "Do you remember this?" Shaw eyed the dart but did not speak. "Ah, the wonders of modern technology. It was so close. I very nearly came to a place where I was ready to put your numerous crimes against me to rest. You almost had an out. But then…" He levitated the dart by the metallic point that had been put on to replace the damaged plastic one. "You took my little girl."

Needing no further words, Erik pierced the tip of dart straight through the man's chest. He watched as Shaw grew in size and formed a haughty countenance as the dramatic increase in power surged throughout his entire body. Then the smile he wore faded away and became replaced with a face of indescribable terror. He veins swelled and burst like fireworks.

As the excruciating cries from his past tormenter filled his ears, Erik remained unmoved, taking in the full show.

His eyes fell on the dart, still firmly in place in Shaw's chest. "Thank you, Hank."

When the female pair made it to the stairway, Emma tugged Becky over in front of her. "You first, darling. Hurry now."

Becky listened and scrambled up the steps as fast as she could with Emma practically glued to the back of her. Making it to the opening in the floor, Becky climbed up then kneeled over the gap to watch for Emma. The blonde woman managed to crawl out, but doubled over when she made it up fully.

"Emma!" Becky touched her arm and shoulder with concern. "Are you okay?"

"I…" She panted against the hardwood underneath her. "I just got the wind knocked out of me. Go on, sweetheart." Emma attempted a smile for the girl's sake as she gestured towards the wide open front entrance. "Your family's waiting."

Not about to budge, Becky screamed out in her mind.

Help! Somebody please help us!

In what amounted to seconds, Hank burst inside with Charles close behind.

Becky felt her heart soar. "Charles, Big Bear!"

"Becca Bear…" Hank breathed, scooping her up into a snug embrace.

Charles knelt to Emma. "You'll be all right. Here."

When he held his arms out, Emma scooted over close enough to wrap a white-sleeved arm around his neck. Charles placed his right arm underneath her legs and got her up. With both ladies secure, Charles and Hank hurried away from the house.

"Becky!" Frank reacted happily, seeing the group of four rushing towards the jet.

"Something's not right," Raven observed grimly. "Where's Erik?"

Just as Hank and Charles jumped inside the jet, the once tall standing house imploded in on itself. A mountain of bricks and glass remained in its place.

Erik. Charles placed Emma down into a nearby seat before running off from the plane again.

Raven charged after him, fear gripping her chest.

When they arrived at the destruction, neither could move as the world around them swirled together incomprehensively.

Erik! Charles called out mentally. Erik, brother, answer me!

A rumbling sounded next. Raven clung to Charles, the two looking on as the pile of bricks and wood began to tremble. From them a silver plated ball burst through. The metal sphere shattered, dropping one fully intact mutant from it.

Feeling her eyes well up with tears, Raven wasted no time speeding over to toss her arms around his neck. "You're alive!"

Erik returned her show of affection and squeezed her securely. "Against the greatest of odds, sister."

Shaking his head with elation, Charles spoke out in a choked voice, "Erik…"

Turning to him, the ascended one quipped, "Did you think you'd rid yourself of me so easily, brother?"

Unable to speak any further, Charles quickly joined their embrace.

Seeing the three figures returning to the jet, Hank placed his sister down with a nudging prod. The moment she saw Erik, Becky felt a whole new level of jubilation take over. She sped down the steps and made a beeline for the man.

Smiling at the sight of the rapid moving head of curls, Erik lowered down with his arms spread out widely. Becky came into them with such an impact that she very nearly sent them both to the ground. Erik locked his grip on her firmly, as if in fear of loosening it even slightly would cause the girl to disappear right before his eyes.

IIIIIII

Groaning softly as he opened his eyes, Alex thought he had slipped into another dream when he found himself back in his own bedroom.

"Welcome back."

Alex glanced to the ride of his bed and saw Hank sitting beside it. "What happened? Where's Becky?"

"Safe and sound," Hank replied. "And so is Frank, thanks to you. You really scared us there."

"I remember… hitting the water. Then I came back for like a minute." Alex attempted to make sense of it all, but his head felt so jumbled.

Hank asked him, "Would you like to meet the one who saved your life?" With Alex looking on in confusion, Hank stood and went to open the door for the person on the other side.

"Erik?" Alex acknowledged. "You saved me?"

Giving the teen a hug, Erik said, "Wish I could claim credit, boychick. However…" He extended an arm out for Joey to walk in.

"Joe?" Alex shot up in bed. "How?"

"He jump started your entire body for you with his powers," Hank informed him. "If Joey hadn't been there, we would have lost you."

Going over close to Alex's bedside, Joey asked, "Are you okay now?"

"Because of you," Alex stated wholeheartedly. "Joe, listen… I…"

"It's okay," Joey told him. "You don't have to say anything. I know how you feel."

"I love you, bro." Alex lifted him up to sit with him in the bed. "That's how I feel."

Taken aback, Joey returned, "I love you, too." He laid his head on Alex's chest, elated over the heartbeat he heard pumping from it.

"Yeah, Grandpa, we're all fine here." Sean listened to him talk for a minute. "My missing classmate's fine, too. Remember, when Mom and Dad get home tell them an emergency at school came up. Thanks. Okay, talk to you soon."

When Sean hung up the phone, Frank said, "So, Hank called you then your grandpa just randomly flew you to Montana to help you fight a battle with other mutants against bad mutants?'

Sean shrugged, "Pretty much. He and Grandma are in on my abilities. Grandpa was a pilot in the First World War so he gets me."

Taking another sip of hot chocolate, Frank shook his head. His grandparents never even allowed him sugar after nine o'clock.

Charles came out to his front barren-by-winter garden. He stopped short to admire how well Emma's full on white covered body blended together so well with the surrounding snow. Continuing on down the few steps, Charles held the mug of hot liquid out to her.

"Here we are," he said. "This should help."

"Thank you." Emma took a long drink of the offered beverage. "Mmm, only the English could turn tea leaves into an art form."

The man smiled. "I thank you, madam. Are you feeling any better now?"

"I see one of you instead of five," she reported, touching her head tiredly. "I'm going to take that as a good sign." Emma eyed him curiously. "I just don't understand how our little combined whammy on Shaw didn't affect you so."

"Oh, I felt it," Charles assured. "I've just spent so many years exercising my powers. For the longest time, they became my greatest ally."

"Hm," the woman hummed. "Perhaps there are a few things you could teach me, Professor."

"I welcome the challenge with open arms, Miss Frost," Charles told her. "Especially with certain unpleasant company being out of the picture.

Sipping the tea again, Emma gazed about at the night sky. "I helped you today." She looked at him. "What makes you think I won't betray you tomorrow?"

We both know the answer to that.

Trying to hide the smile at the upwelling his voice in her head gave her, Emma said, "I must admit, I quite enjoyed merging with you. It also helps that you don't come off as a genocide favoring sociopath."

Charles stated in turn, "And there's more to you than a common trollop for hire." He stared at her seriously. "Why don't you stay? This house is a safe haven for all mutants willing to accept it."

The glint in her eyes flickered away for a moment. "I don't think that's going to be possible. I just got out from under one man's ideals. I think I need to find out what keeps me waking up in the morning before another move is made."

"I understand," Charles said, though his tone reflected differently.

"Emma?" Both adults looked to see that Becky had just walked out. She hurried down the steps to them. "You're not leaving are you?"

"I'm afraid so, Rebecca," Emma replied, playing with a stray curl on her head.

"Why?" Becky frowned, clearly perplexed. "You're one of us. You're a telepath."

Kneeling to be at eye level with the child, Emma said, "And that's one connection that will never sever. You're a very special girl, darling; surrounded by men willing to walk through fire for you. Listen to them and never let one of the bad ones lead you astray."

Emma took her hand for a moment and spoke into her psyche. Take care, darling.

Thank you, Emma Becky thought back.

Rising again, Emma and Charles' pupils bore into each other. Finally, she gingerly placed the mug into his hand and started off down the path.

Emma? Charles called after her, getting her to turn back for a moment. The invitation is an open one.

I like the sound of that. She smirked then sauntered off into the night.

"Do you think we'll see her again?" Becky asked.

"I hope so, Princess." Charles placed his hands on her shoulders. "I certainly hope so."

IIIIIII

With the fire burning brightly, Erik sat under a blanket on one of the green couches, sandwiched between Becky and Frank. Becky, half-asleep, rested with her head in his lap while Frank leaned securely against his shoulder. Charles and Joey sat across from them on the opposite couch.

"You disobeyed me today, Joseph." Charles' words got Joey's worried eyes up. "I specifically told you not to leave the jet. You could have been killed."

"I know," Joey admitted. "I wasn't trying to not listen to you. I swear."

"I know," Charles echoed him. "If you had listened to me, Alex wouldn't be here with us now." The telepath kissed the top of the tiny blonde head. "You truly saved his life, son."

"You don't need to fear your gifts any longer, Kangaroo," Erik chimed in. "You were not created for destruction but restoration."

Joey smiled brightly back and forth between the two men.

Frank looked over when Hank, Raven, Alex, and Sean all filed in, armed with sleeping bags, pillows, and coverings. "We're all sleeping in here tonight?"

"You bet," Alex answered, dropping off a pair of sleeping bags. "Someone has to make sure you and the Curly Top don't roam off to secret caves while the rest of us are asleep."

"Whatever," Frank shot back. "At least I didn't swan dive into icy water."

"Only because I was trying to cover your butt," Alex promptly countered. "You can see through walls, but you don't see when a creepy dude is sneaking up behind you?"

"Why don't you two take five?" Sean suggested.

"Cram it, Sean," Frank said while Alex concurred, "Yeah, Mr. Late To The Party."

"Boys," Charles reproached lightly, "do you all need a time-out?"

"Alex started it," Frank put forth.

"Boy, is it ever good to be back," Sean stated wryly.

Soon, the bedding got arranged with all of the older children spread out between the two couches, where their instructors would be sleeping. Erik lay out with Becky on his chest while Frank reclined opposite of him at the other end of the couch. Charles snuggled comfortably with Joey. Hank and Raven had made a pseudo-bed for themselves near the fireplace with an assortment of sheets and blankets. Alex and Sean took up sleeping bags on opposite sides of the coffee table.

"It was fairly simple, actually," Hank recounted. "The cure could either severely deplete or enhance a genetic mutation. By enhancing Shaw, the kinetic energy built up inside him to a level his body could no longer sustain."

"I'm still trying to figure out how Erik made it out of there in one piece," Raven said.

"It was strange," Erik thought back. "I was standing there and just as Shaw came undone, the metals of the earth that deep underground seemed to surround me. It's as if the earth itself was protecting me."

"Erik, that's absolutely incredible," Charles commented. "And also a sign that your mutation is clearly still growing. The same could very well be true for all of us."

Hank said, "I have some new tests in regards to that theory that I'm eager to run."

Rave kissed his lower jaw. "Not tonight. Rest your brain."

"For the love of God, yes," Alex tacked on while Sean let off a long yawn.

"Yeah. I don't even feel like talking science tonight," Frank said. "I'm wiped out."

"Oh." Erik propped up a bit, careful not to jostle Becky. "I almost forgot. Here." He brought his hand out from underneath the blanket and floated a coin out towards the boy. "I thought you could add that to your collection."

Frank took hold of it, recognizing the black symbol on it. "This is a Nazi coin." He glanced up at the one who had given it to him. "Why would you keep something like this?"

Erik answered plainly, "The same reason you keep your collections. To never forget. Now that I'm ready to move on, I want you to hold onto it."

Frank nodded understandingly. "Thanks, Erik."

"Lights out, all," Charles announced, clicking off the lamp nearest him.

As the roaring flames from the fireplace surrounded them, sleep wasted no time enveloping the group. They could all move on, but none of them would ever forget the starting point that had brought them so far.