X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Thirty

Author's Word: Thirty chapters now! See, I would be more excited, but I only went about three hours at the Fitness Center yesterday and I want to go even harder today. Thanks a lot to everybody for the fantastic feedback. Can't wait to read the response for this round. Enjoy!

By early afternoon the sun radiated down over the beach house in a stunning glow. With it came light winds that provided small waves throughout the blue moisture below. Hank got to enjoy the feeling of going shoeless on the secluded property while Becky got to enjoy playing with his long fingerlike toes.

"Uh-oh, Joey," Hank cautioned, glancing over to the child currently piling up wet sand just a few feet away. "Look out. There's a shark coming after you."

Joey appeared confused until Erik encroached on him on all fours. Joey gasped in mock terror and fell down on his back. Erik hovered on top of him, growling menacingly. Joey used his small hands to fend him off, but mostly tugged at the strings to Erik's dark grey sweatshirt.

Attempting to aid her younger housemate, Becky dashed over and jumped onto Erik's back. The move made the man start to wobble.

"Ah, attack of the Imps!" Erik went down, landing gently on Joey while also cushioning Becky. "I've been defeated!"

Chuckling, Hank approached the group. "Okay, pop quiz. About how many teeth are in a shark's mouth?"

Joey reached up and spread the corners of Erik's mouth open with two of his fingers. "One, two, three, four, a hundred…"

Erik nipped playfully at one of the tiny fingers. "A shark has well over three thousand teeth in its mouth. If he loses one, another will grow back in its place in a matter of weeks."

"That's a lot of tooth fairy money," Joey reacted.

"Joey, sharks don't get visited by the tooth fairy," Becky said. "They're mean. They eat people."

"That's not entirely true, Becca," Hank told her. "Shark attacks on humans are actually rare. Typically, they want to avoid us as much as we want to avoid them." He looked back and forth between his adolescent pupils. "Here's another one. What's the difference between a squid and an octopus?"

While Becky and Joey thought on that, Frank shot by, seemingly jet powered by how rapid he moved on the blue and gold skateboard. The energetic boy stopped just short of where Charles laid avoiding sun in a patio chair under an umbrella. Frank attempted to kick the board up and into his hands, but the sand caused it to go slightly off.

Charles caught it before it could land on him then pulled Frank down to sit in his lap. "Frank, do please calm yourself before someone gets hurt."

Frank grinned and rested against him. "You're so squishy, Charles."

"Why aren't you wearing your helmet?" Erik wanted to know, rising up.

"I just got my hair done," Frank joked, running fingers through his dark lochs.

Erik fixed him with a look. "If I catch you without it again, that board becomes mine."

"Fine," Frank said, "I'll be a dork from here on out."

Alex and Raven came running up the beach in haste, careful not to trample the small children in the sand as they did.

Raven pulled Hank up. "Guess who's in town." Before he had a chance to offer up a sufficient guess, she told him, "The Beach Boys!"

Hank's eyes brightened. "Really?"

"We just heard about it. They're having a huge jamboree," Alex further explained.

"You, me, Alex, and Sean have to be there," Raven said to Hank. She looked at Erik then Charles. "Please say it's okay."

"When exactly is this event?" Erik asked.

"This Friday at six," Raven answered then played with her fingers coyly. "And since we just got here and we're the last people in the entire state to find out, tickets are kind of sold out."

Alex went over to Charles, kneeling by his chair. "We were hoping you could do that special thing you do and sort of "convince" the people at the box office to let us in."

"Let me get this straight." Charles adjusted himself in his seat while keeping one arm around Frank's middle. "You want me to force my way into people's minds for the sole purpose of you attending a loud, crowded social event brimming with untold reckless excitement?"

"In a nutshell, yeah," Alex replied.

"I don't know, Charles," Erik spoke. "If we allow this, we'll be making them far too happy. There's nothing I detest more than happy teenagers."

"Hm," Charles hummed in thought. "That is quite true."

Raven's mouth formed a taut circle. "You guys are not this mean— not Charles, anyway. If you say no to this, I will hold my breath until my face turns blue." She puffed out her cheeks and transformed into her natural form.

"Wow, it really works when she does it," Joey said to Becky.

Charles laughed. "Of course you may go. And yes, I'll do everything I can to get you in."

"Yes!" Alex exclaimed, leaping to his feet.

Raven bounced about giddily before jumping for Hank to catch her.

"This should be incredible," Hank said.

"Just be sure to behave yourselves," Erik reminded them. "No alcohol. No drugs."

"What if we bring home some to share?" Alex suggested.

Charles, the nearest to the boy presently, stretched a hand out to smack his behind lightly. "Alex," he chided in amusement.

Frank remained silent, slipping deeper and deeper into thought.

IIIIIII

Sean passed through the living room, completely involved in one of the horror novels he had grabbed to read on the jet ride over from New York. The book held his attention with so much force, he failed to hear the ambush coming until the small arms and legs wrapped around his neck and waist from behind. The restraint on his neck made him gag slightly.

"I gotcha for sure this time, Wiley the Red!"

Peering over his shoulder, Sean asked calmly, "Joey, do you know what a BBS is?"

Joey shook his head. "No."

Sean put on a tight smile. "Ambush me again and you're going to find out. Now, down."

Once Joey returned to the safety of the hardwoods, Sean continued on to his room.

Frank sat up from the lower bunk at the sight of him. "Hey, Seanie."

"Hey." Sean took a seat at the desk to settle in with his book.

"So did Rae tell you about the Beach Boys deal on Friday?"

"Yeah, I can't wait," Sean responded. "I love the Beach Boys. Charles is so cool for getting us in like this."

"Oh, I know." Frank got up and leaned over the desk. "This jamboree is going to be beyond far out. But as we both know, Erik and Charles will say I'm too young to go. So, that's where you come in."

Sean looked up at him slowly. "Come again?"

"Well, Erik and Charles worry because they're the adults and it's their job," Frank rationalized. "Then Hank worries because he's like eighty percent adult or something. Then there's Alex— let's not go there. The way I figure, though, if you say you want me to go all I have to do is mope around Rae for a while and the two of you can totally get me in. Great idea, right?"

"Yeah," Sean said. "Only you left out one little detail."

Frank thought about what it might be, but came up empty. "What?"

"You're not going," Sean stated matter-of-factly. "Because you are too young."

Frank's countenance drooped. "Too young? But we listen to the Beach Boys all the time on the radio and you don't say I'm too young then."

"That's because we're at home. But you are too young to go to a major crowded fest that's supposed to be for teenagers."

"I'm practically a teenager," Frank insisted. "I'll be thirteen this year."

"You're still twelve," Sean countered. "That's like me saying I'm old enough to drive when I was still fifteen."

"I don't believe this!" Frank yelled towards the ceiling. "I'm old enough to help you take on a crazy chick with wings and poison spit, but I'm too young to do anything cool with you? I thought we were friends, Sean, but all you do is treat me like I'm Joey or something."

"That is not true."

"Save it." Frank pointed towards the door. "Get out of my room."

Sean stared at him disbelievingly. "Uh, this is my room, too."

Frank lowered his arm. "Fine, whatever. I'll go." He walked out the door, slamming it after himself.

Sean started to go after him, but decided to get back to his book instead. He found it best to let the angry little whirlwind simmer down for a while.

IIIIIII

Hank sat at a patio table, taking a pair of tweezers to the back of his communicator.

"Hey," he acknowledged as his favorite helper passed through. He indicated the communicator. "Want to try testing them for a ten mile range this time?"

Resting a hand on the sliding glass door, Frank looked at him and said tersely, "If you're supposed to be so smart, why don't you do it yourself?"

Surprised, Hank furrowed his brow. "There's no need to be so curt. I thought since we started this project together, you may want to offer some assistance."

"Well, think again." Frank slid the door open and stormed in by Raven.

The shape-shifter watched the pre-teen's movements before making her way out to Hank. "I take it he's upset."

"Apparently," Hank replied. "I'd only like to know what I did to him."

"At least he's speaking to you," Raven offered up. "He's been giving Sean the silent treatment since yesterday. He's really ticked he can't come with us tomorrow."

"Well, neither is Becca, but she's not throwing little fits over it."

"Frankie doesn't handle emotions the way she does," Raven reasoned. "Whenever he's hurt, he just lashes out. I've been there. I know exactly how he feels."

Hank returned his focus to the communication device. "Oh, I know you do."

Raven appeared distressed. "Why did you agree so fast? That disturbs me. Are we passed the everything-I-do-is-cute stage?" He continued working. "Hank?" She let off an annoyed sigh. "Fine, be deaf to me."

As soon as she stood and turned to leave, Hank yanked her over by the wrist and sat her in his lap. She eyed him with surprise then expectance.

"When you're angry is the cutest of all," he said before kissing her.

IIIIIII

Coming into the foyer from his eight laps around the beach house, Alex flopped into the nearest chair. Poking his head out from the living room, Joey walked out and over to the winded teen. He leaned his hands against Alex's knees and connected their noses.

Alex gazed back into the opposite pair of blue eyes. "Can I help you, Eel?"

"You had Lemonheads," Joey accused, sniffing.

"Yes, I did," Alex confirmed. "Would you like me to regurgitate them into your mouth the way birds do?" When Joey opened his mouth wide, Alex laughed. "You're gross, kid. Tell you what, though. Run into the kitchen and grab me a bottle of water and I'll give you the rest."

Joey nodded once before making tracks for the eatery. He started to go for the fridge then noticed Frank over by the doors, struggling with four trash bags.

"Want some help?" Joey offered, coming over.

Frank glanced at him then grew a rascally smile. "Sure. I have a ton of stuff to take care of. You'd be doing me a huge favor if you take these out back for me. Maybe me and Becky will even let you come clam hunting with us later."

"Well," Joey considered for a moment, "okay."

Leaving the smaller child with the large black bags, Frank whistled as he walked away. Before he could make it out of the kitchen, he bumped into Alex who stood in the doorway looking far from pleased.

"Nice try, flashlight. It's your week to take out the trash and he's can't carry all that crap out himself."

"What? He agreed." Frank looked over. "Isn't that right, Joey?"

"Uh huh," Joey responded. "It's okay, Al."

Alex went over and removed the large bag from his struggling hands. "No, Joe. Don't let anybody try to take advantage of you." He spoke to Frank again. "Take it out yourself. Now."

"Lick mine, Havok," Frank spat.

Glaring, Alex said, "I'll pass, but if you don't stop being a pint-sized jerk, I'll kick that end of you instead. I know the reason you want to call yourself being mad. Maybe Sean wouldn't help you out because he didn't want to spend an entire night babysitting a dramatic brat like you." He dropped the garage bag he held. "Now, get this stuff out before I let Erik know you're using the little kids to do your chores." Alex lifted Joey up with one arm and went to the refrigerator with him.

Enraged into silence, Frank marched over and grabbed two bags up into each of his hands and walked out back with them. He strode down the beach at a furious pace. He did not bother opening the waste cans, but instead flung his bags against them, causing two of the thin plastic holders to burst upon impact. As Frank walked away, the seagulls moved in on the bounty the boy left behind.

IIIIIII

Charles had to snatch hold of the wooden archway as he felt his feet nearly go out from under him when they unexpectedly came upon a gathering of round objects. After steeling himself, Charles looked down at the assortment of marbles. His eyes also caught scattered action figures, matchbox cars, jacks, and Frank planted on the couch in front of the glowing television set.

"For God's sake, Franklin," Charles reproached. "I've told you children that I don't want toys down here. Pick these up and take them to the leisure room, please."

"You do it," Frank responded, never taking view away from the tube.

This caused a raised eyebrow from Charles. "Excuse me?"

Frank gave off a shrug. "I'm just a kid. Last I checked, adults picked up after kids."

Walking over, Charles calmly clicked off the TV. "Frank, if something is troubling you, I'd like you to feel free to discuss it with me."

"Nothing's 'troubling' me," the younger male responded. "Except people around here can't seem to make up their minds about what I am. If I'm a kid then I don't have to clean up after myself."

"Frank, if you want to pursue this, you will certainly receive a child's treatment." Charles lowered to face the sitting boy better. "Now, for the last time, please pick up your things." At the folded arms and scowl that followed, Charles stood. "Right then. Come along." He pulled Frank up by his forearm.

Shocked by the tender telepath's strong grip, Frank demanded, "Let go!"

Not saying a word, Charles led them both into Frank and Sean's bedroom. Using his spare hand to pull out the desk chair, Charles dropped down into it. He lowered the less-than-willing Frank over his knees.

"Your behavior of late has been atrocious," Charles told him. "And I believe you've been given quite enough leniencies." That said, Charles brought his hand up then down again with a solid smack over Frank's shorts.

Frank yelped and squirmed with zest.

Charles swatted him firmer in response. Despite the show of misbehavior the twelve-year-old had been displaying, Charles sensed the underlying roots behind them. The man knew the punishment would cause the unnecessary walls to crack and crumble down.

When he heard crying and also smelled the tears, Charles ceased immediately and positioned the child upright on his right thigh. "I'm very sorry I had to do that, Frank." He gave him a hug.

Frank did not resist the affection, but chose to place his head on Charles' shoulder. Considering his attitude over the last two days, especially with that little occurrence out in the living room, he knew Charles had been pretty easy going with him. That fact caused a surge of guilt to spread throughout the boy and he cried harder.

Charles patted his shaking back, knowing the newborn tears did not spring up from the pain. "You've been feeling strangely lately, haven't you? Dealing with feelings you perhaps don't understand."

"Are you reading my mind or something?" Frank asked, glancing up a little.

"I don't really need to," Charles said. "I can feel all of the confusion flowing through you. It also helps that I, too, was once a twelve-year-old boy." He smiled. "Not a very fun age from what I remember."

"You're telling me." Frank sniffed and wiped his eyes. "It's just hard to know what to do sometimes. I'm too young to hang out with the older kids a lot of the time, but I don't really feel like one of the little kids, either."

"It feels so awful to be trapped in the middle, doesn't it?" Frank gave off a nod and Charles held him tighter. "You may not be able to see it, but I think you're at a great advantage around here. You have Sean, Raven, Hank, and Alex to look to while Becky and Joey simply adore you. As do Erik and myself of course." He kissed the pre-teen's hair.

"Well," Frank smiled, "you should." He got a soft chuckle out of Charles at that. "I'm really sorry for acting like that towards you. Are you going to tell Erik?"

"Yes, but I will also let him know that you've been punished already. However, I don't think he'll be very happy to trip up on your marbles so," Charles stood him up with a pat on the behind, "get in there and pick up your toys. Right now, young man."

"Yes, sir," Frank returned, hurrying out.

IIIIIII

Turning on the desk lamp, Sean discovered a sleeping Frank. As quietly as he could, he placed the bag he had with him on top of the desk the undressed and put on his robe. After a quick shower, Sean returned to the bedroom and got into his pajamas. He ran a hand through still damp red hair before beginning up the ladder that led to his bed.

"How was it?"

Hopping down at the unexpected voice, Sean sat by a now alerted Frank on the lower bunk. "You're supposed to be in bed."

"I am in bed," Frank yawned.

"Wise guy," Sean remarked then reached out to slap his behind good-naturedly, which produced a slight hiss from the younger boy. "Ooh. Somebody caught it."

"Don't remind me," Frank sulked.

Sean arched over, putting an arm around him. "I'm sorry you got spanked, buddy."

"I had it coming," Frank admitted grudgingly.

Sean nodded. "I got you something." He got up and went to the bag he had left on the desk. "Catch."

Frank took possession of the white t-shirt Sean tossed his way. It had Beach Boys spelled out across the top in bold colorful letters.

"Too cool," Frank grinned. "You got this for me? Even after how I acted?"

"Hey," Sean came back over and rejoined him on the bed, "even when you're an annoying little pain, you're still my Frank-O. Besides, Alex and the others are great enough, but they're still not you."

Frank felt completely touched at that. "Thanks, Seanie."
"I was thinking tomorrow we could hang out all day," Sean proposed. "Just us."

"Oh, I'm in," Frank agreed wholeheartedly.

"Well alright then." Sean smiled then returned to the desk one more time to turn off the lamp. "You know, I guess the new year has softened me even more. If Tom had gone bratty and not talked to me for a dumb reason, he'd have caught a BBS."

Frank frowned in the now dark room. "What the heck is that?"

"I never told you about that one? Huh, weird." Sean started up the ladder again. "It stands for Big Brother Spanking. Well, sweet dreams."

As he settled down comfortably in bed, he left Frank with eyes open wide down below.