X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Thirty Three
Author's Word: Good news, my people! I aced my test! I also got to work through any residual frustration by writing this chapter, which in no way, shape, or form brings up memories of my family's trips to Six Flags or anything. *Whistles an innocent tune in Frank fashion*. I hope you guys enjoy and as always, please leave thorough feedback. This one is so for you, Alicia!
When Frank placed down his next baseball card, Sean took time to examine it before coming to the conclusion that he already had the player in his own deck. Very few words had spread between them for the duration of the trading game, as any sound could either alert Hank, whose hearing seemed to be growing significantly better lately, or worse, Erik. Having a room right dab between both of theirs on the first floor proved quite problematic at times, especially for youths suffering through insomnia.
"How much time now?" Frank asked after another minute.
Sean stared back at the clock on the desk. "Six hours and forty two minutes."
"Ugh!" Frank tossed his cards down completely, reclining back on the floor. "This night's never gonna end."
"I know." Sean lay down opposite of him and the two high-fived their bare feet together every so often. "I can't believe it's been three years. Last time we went, my brother threw up twice."
"We've done Coney Island and Busch Gardens," Frank recalled. "They're pretty cool, but I've heard they've got nothing on—"
A knock came to their door, startling them both. "I strongly advise the two of you to keep it down. I suspect Erik will be conducting another round shortly."
"Thanks, Hank," Sean said.
The boys hurried back into their respective bunks.
IIIIIII
Raven? Becky called out telepathically. Did you ever meet Snow White?
Not yet. Raven rolled over on her own twin mattress as she answered. But I have seen four out of seven dwarfs.
I would love to meet Snow White. I think she's even prettier than Sleeping Beauty. Oh, and Goofy and Mickey Mouse, too!
You think Goofy is prettier than Sleeping Beauty?
Becky laughed out loud. No, but I want to meet him, too. Oh, Raven, you're so lucky to have gone already.
True, but it has been years. They have to have more exciting stuff out now than ever.
I can't wait, I can't wait!
Neither can I, Raven admitted. But we need to try and sleep. You can't talk to Snow White if you're yawning in her face.
Becky closed her eyes, but could not do the same with her mind. The anticipation she felt had built to near bursting proportions.
IIIIIII
As soon as he awoke again for the third time that night, Alex immediately sensed the lack of weight in the bed. Hearing the light sounds of rolling plastic, he propped his head up to get a better view of the floor. His missing roommate sat on his knees, playing with a pair of toy cars.
"Joey, what the heck do you think you're doing?"
"They're going on a drive to Mickey's house." The child tapped the cars before rolling them along again. "And they have to be there early or Huey, Duey, and Luey will eat everything."
Coiling an arm around his waist, Alex hoisted Joey up. "No more road trips until the morning, okay?" He settled the smaller boy down on top of his chest.
Joey squirmed a bit. "But I can't keep my eyes closed."
"You need to try harder. Go to sleep, baby." Alex gave his behind a few gentle taps. "That's an order."
Relaxation soon found the anxious boy in the form of Alex's steadily beating heart. Joey nodded off, comforted by the thumps.
IIIIIII
As soon as seven AM greeted them, the headmasters of the house went to work gathering up their still sleeping charges.
Charles entered the girls' bedroom first with a kind greeting of, "Wake up, my lovelies. Time to begin an exciting day." He walked over to Becky's bed and dipped down to give her nose a kiss. The peck resulted in a murmur from the little girl. "Let me see your beautiful eyes, Princess." Her lids peeled back, revealing the green orbs. "There they are." He went over to Raven, planting a kiss near her bright red hair. "And my other princess."
Raven moaned lightly then sat up, rubbing at her eyes. She felt more like a frog than any princess that particular morning.
Leaving the females to their dressing, Charles moved on to the next second floor room. He smiled at the sight of Joey asleep on top of Alex, with the latter's arms wrapped around him in a strongly protective grasp.
The Professor shook their shoulders gently. "Time to awaken, gentlemen."
Joey rolled his weary head up then grinned at who he saw. "Good morning, Daddy."
"Good morning, little one." Charles lifted him up to hold close. "And where are we going today?"
"Disney Land!" Joey responded eagerly.
"Disney Land," Alex mimicked the enthusiasm then released a long yawn. "I can get him ready, Charles."
"Much appreciated as always, Alex." Charles stood Joey up and started to leave but turned back once more. "And Alex?" The teen looked to him. "Try and have some fun today yourself, alright?"
Alex nodded before getting up.
Downstairs, Erik performed his own wakeup calls. He received aid from a wooden spoon and a thick frying pan.
"Up, up, up, up," he commanded, banging the tools together full force.
When he opened the door to Frank and Sean's room, Frank shot straight up in bed while Sean very nearly fell from up top.
"Erik," Frank moaned, flopping down against his pillow. "Come on."
"I am wiped," Sean said, running tired hands through his thick mess of bedhead.
"Such a shame. That's what happens when you don't go to bed when you are told." Erik began pounding again until they were both fully up.
"Erik, must you?" Hank approached him. "I'm dealing with a bit of a sensitive issue."
Lowering the frying pan, Erik took in the picture of Hank covering his ears. "I see your hearing is continuing to enhance."
"It's on and off," Hank told him. "This morning, however, it happens to be very much on so a lack of unnecessary noise would be very much appreciated."
Frank poked his head out of his room. "So maybe you shouldn't yell, Erik. Or talk. Like at all."
Erik did silence but chose to respond to the child by whacking his thigh with the wooden spoon in his hand.
"Gah!" Frank yelped.
Sean rolled his eyes. "You set yourself up for that one."
IIIIIII
Everyone gathered outside to eat after getting dressed. To make things as easy as possible on all parties, mainly of the adult variety, breakfast that morning consisted mainly of cold cereal. Naturally, the children had no qualms with that. Becky and Joey even seemed to make a race out of who could finish their Cocoa Puffs first.
"Done!" Joey announced while Becky yelled out, "Finished!'
"Can we go now?" Becky wanted to know.
"Can we?" Joey implored. "Please, please, please?"
"We'll be leaving shortly. Just be patient," Charles said, trying to go over the driving seating arrangements. "We could put the younger three in the back of your car with Alex's accompaniment."
"Why do I have to be in the baby mobile?" Frank complained.
"So that Becky and Joe can keep an eye on you," Alex teased then received a wet raisin to the forehead for his trouble. "Hey!" He flicked a small spoonful of cereal Frank's direction but the twelve-year-old moved in such a way that the flakes hit Sean's cheek instead.
The unsuspecting Sean chose to retaliate by splashing milk Alex's way.
Before Alex could do anything, Charles ordered, "Stop it. All of you."
Erik took the liberty of popping each participant on top of the head before his gaze locked on the blonde. "Really?"
"What? Frankenstein started it," Alex said in his defense, rubbing his head.
"And you're older than both of them," Erik reminded him sharply.
"Ha ha!" Frank sneered then immediately quieted at the fierce look Erik shot him.
"You finish your breakfast and I don't want even the slightest hint of tom foolery out of you for the duration," the metal wielder mandated.
"Yes, sir," Frank deflated, picking at the remainder of his cereal.
Unable to stay still, Becky and Joey got up and started playing chase back and forth.
"Do try not to dirty yourselves before we even arrive," Charles cautioned.
The adolescent mutants linked hands and started spinning in a rapid circle while chanting, "Dis-Ney Land, Dis-Ney Land!"
Hank groaned faintly. Normally, the childish spirit brought a joy to his heart but that day it only succeeded in bringing a ring to his ears.
Erik noticed his discomfort and turned to the children. "Quiet down, you two." He then asked Hank, "Are you sure you can handle an amusement park today?"
The young scientist gave off a nod. "There will be a lot noise pollution, but it'll also be too collective for my ears to focus in on."
Letting go of each other, Becky and Joey fell out into a giggle spell.
Charles had to keep his calm when their very clean clothes made contact with the sand. "Go inside and get changed. And hurry along. We'll be leaving soon." Still having fits of laughter, the pair of giddy children rushed inside. "And no running in the house, please!"
To simple things up, Erik and Charles made the final decision to drive with their own floor of charges to the amusement park. Raven, Alex, Becky, and Joey would go with Charles while Hank, Sean, and Frank rode with Erik.
Once Becky and Joey performed a quick change, they ran out to the garage but Hank's voice stilled their rapid movements.
"Where are your communicators?" he wanted to know.
Joey formed a "deer in headlights" expression. "I think mine is on the coffee table."
"Telepaths don't need communicators, Hank," Becky stated superciliously.
"Becca, I designed them specifically for situations like this," Hank reiterated. "And your powers are not advanced enough to be trying to hone in on us in a park filled with people. Now, go inside and put them on, please."
Joey sighed in boredom while Becky rolled her eyes but both complied with the order. They came back out minutes later and showed off their bracelet adorned wrists to Hank, who nodded his approval.
"You two are in Charles' car," Hank told them. He allowed Joey into the garage but stopped Becky outside of it. "Becca, whenever we go somewhere I don't want to see you without that communicator. I started working on them as soon as we got you back safe and sound. And don't roll your eyes like you're brushing me off, either. I'm your much older brother and I expect you to heed me, alright?"
Not anticipating the reproof, Becky nodded with a quiet, "Sorry, Hank."
Hank smiled. "That's my girl. Now, let's go and have fun."
When Becky climbed into the back of the Cadillac, Joey brightened from where he sat buckled in Alex's lap.
Then he noticed her face. "What's the matter?"
"Nothing," Becky said, trying to perk up.
Raven looked at them then to their driver. "Hey Charles, how about some music?"
"Oh, wonderful suggestion." Charles turned on the radio and put it on the first classical station he found.
Making a face, Raven played with the dial. "I said music, not screeching." She landed on a song that made her grin. "Alright, Beach Boys."
The passengers in the back became enthused and Charles mellowed to it.
The Cadillac pulled out first with Erik's Pontiac following closely from behind.
"Bada-bum-bum-bum-bada-bum-bum-bum-bum-ba," Alex hummed the tune in Joey's ear. "Who is that?"
Joey tried to think. "Umm…"
"Mickey," Alex said.
"Oh!" Joey realized.
Getting an idea, Becky wiggled her fingers. "Look, Joey." She formed a miniature dance line of Mickey, Minnie, and most of their friends moving across the dashboard.
The tiny blonde grinned brightly. "Ooh, wow!"
Charles glanced down and had to pull over abruptly at the sight.
The move startled Becky into making the images vanish.
"Rebecca, you are never to perform illusions in the car," Charles told her irately, turning his head to look at the girl. "Someone else could have seen it or you could have distracted my driving. If you do it again, I will pull this car over again and spank you."
Feeling awful at the shattered look that appeared on Becky's face, Raven attempted to sooth her brother with, "Charles, calm down. She was only playing with Joey."
Charles sighed, unable to believe how harsh he had been. "I'm sorry, Princess. I didn't mean to snap. But you must be careful."
"Okay," Becky responded softly.
At the knock that came to his window, Charles lowered it for Erik, who asked, "What's the problem?"
"Nothing," Charles told him. "Just a small mishap. All straightened out now."
Erik did not miss his usually cheery Becky's forlorn expression but chose not to comment. "All right. See you in a while then." He returned to his own car.
As Charles began driving again, Becky heard Joey speak into her mind. The grownups are grouchy!
I know, Becky agreed completely. Even Hank. It's all 'don't get dirty', 'don't run', 'put on your communicator'.
'No powers', Joey added. I thought we were supposed to have fun today.
Seeing the kids with their eyes locked on each other but no words spoken, Charles knew they had to be having a telepathic conversation. He did not need to pry to guess the topic, either.
"Joey, we put crayons and paper back there in the bag," Charles informed him then added for Becky's sake, "There may even be some stickers and a little glitter…"
Becky instantly revitalized, unable to believe Charles would allow her glitter in his nice rental.
The half hour drive could not have come to an end sooner. To the delight of the drivers, they had no trouble whatsoever finding side to side parking spots. As everyone exited the vehicles and started to stretch, the guardians knew they had to get a lid on things before all children went dashing off like mad.
"Alright," Erik said, "no one move. We need to establish some ground rules first." He ignored the fully anticipated groans. "Yes, life is so very hard on all of you. As you stand here. In the parking lot of Disney Land."
"The first rule and most important," Charles began, "is no one under the age of fourteen is allowed off by themselves for so much as a moment. It's quite easy to get lost in a setting like this and we want to prevent that as much as possible. Overuse of my telepathy in this kind of instance will cause a severe strain on my part so keep your communicators on at all times. Are we all clear on this?"
At the positive replies that followed, Charles led the way to the large gated entrance of the park, which practically radiated in its own magic. After all entrance fees were paid, each member of their party received a map of the park.
"We have to check out Tomorrowland," Sean said to Frank. "You'd love it. They have all kinds of far out space exhibits."
"Oh, cool," Frank responded.
"That sounds fascinating," Hank concurred.
"You guys would probably like Fantasyland," Raven told Becky and Joey. "That's Mickey and Minnie's territory."
The youngest two shared an excited smile at that.
Frank gave off an eye roll. "Oh, joy. Infant land."
"We can split up," Charles decided then and there to avoid any arguments.
"I'll take the squirts to Fantasyland," Alex offered.
"I'll go with Frank and Sean to Tomorrowland," Hank said.
Raven turned a smile on Charles. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
He nodded back eagerly. "Frontierland?"
"Frontierland," Raven confirmed.
Becky tugged on Erik. "Come with us to Fantasyland, Erik."
"I'll join you over there in a bit," Erik promised her. "For now, I think I'll take a look around of my own. Mind Alex, alright?"
She nodded.
"Alex," Charles addressed. "Remember." His eyes indicated Joey. "No thrill rides."
"Got it," Alex understood.
With the large group successfully divided up, everyone went about their separate ways throughout the many areas of the theme park.
IIIIIII
Rocket To The Moon
Frank pointed out the building with an enormous rocket ship attached to the top. "What's in there?"
"Come check it out," Sean said.
The two of them along with Hank entered the building.
Once inside, they saw a gathering of screens with seating wrapped all around. The three managed to snag some seat room close to each other with Frank securely in the middle. At first nothing happened.
Then all of a sudden, the room went dark and the monitors switched on. The seats seemed to come to life as they swayed in a blasting off fashion. The screens showed them rocketing off from the earth and slowly but surely venturing off into the milky-way. For several minutes, they looked on in fascination and intrigue as the simulation allowed them to explore other worlds.
When the ride finally ended, Frank grinned and said, "That was beyond cool!"
"I told you," Sean smiled.
"Hank, do you think we'll really make it to the moon soon?" Frank inquired.
"Oh, absolutely," Hank answered without a doubt. "Technology is advancing in that area all the time. We'll be there sooner than any of us realize."
"They need to send us up," Frank said as they exited. "We'll be mutants in space."
Hank considered that. "It would be most interesting to see your particular power up against the rays of the sun."
"Yeah, and we wouldn't even need rocket fuel," Frank put forth. "We'll go on Erik power."
Sean shook his head. "I don't think the Martians will ever be ready for him."
IIIIIII
Erik, having hung back in Main Street U.S.A, walked around aimlessly. He had seen less people gathered together during his last visit to the airport. He finally decided to step into Maxwell House Coffee House. He took up a barstool and scanned briefly through the menu.
"Are you ready to order?"
The metal wielder looked up into the blue eyes of an eighteen or nineteen-year-old girl dressed as a bar maiden with her brown hair in pigtails. "A regular tea with two sugars, please."
"Yes, sir." She turned to get started on it.
"How are you today?" Erik asked her.
"Just fine, thanks." Her voice held a sincere friendliness to it. "Are you by yourself today?"
"Well, actually…" Erik started to say more but the sound of tears alerted him as a woman sat down in the stool next to his, holding onto a wailing toddler. "Not having a good day I take it."
"We were." The woman readjusted the sniffling child in her arms. "But she saw Goofy and got so scared." She turned to the waitress. "Can I have a cup of warm milk, please?"
"Sure, ma'am."
While the woman busied herself in her purse, Erik kept his attention on the crying baby girl she held. Erik put control over a few pennies that had been left on the counter and made them move and dance. The girl calmed down almost right away, completely enthralled in the coin show.
Erik let go of the pennies as soon as the waitress came over with the tea and milk. "Thank you."
The mother stared at her child disbelievingly at the lack of tears.
"She must be thirsty," Erik said.
The lady clearly did not care to question it but looked extremely grateful.
Erik drank his tea quickly then laid a ten dollar bill out on the counter.
"Sir, your change," the waitress called after him when he started to leave.
"Is yours," Erik told her.
The toddler waved goodbye to him and Erik gave her a secretive wink before leaving out of the coffee house.
IIIIIII
Childhood returned for the Xavier siblings as they walked throughout Frontierland. Raven held on tightly to Charles' hand; a move which normally would have left her mortified if Hank or the boys had been around to see it.
They made a stop off at Pack Mule's Through Nature's Wonderland and mounted a coach pulled by donkeys. Charles placed an arm around Raven as she rested on his shoulder. They enjoyed the comfortable ride across the very realistic desert scenery.
"Do you remember when I first tried to get you on a mule?" Charles asked.
Raven groaned at the recollection. "Yes, and I could not have been more terrified."
"I believe they had to send the poor animal to a farm after you spooked it so badly," Charles said with a chuckle.
"Shut up." Raven smacked his thigh lightly. "What about you gorging out on cotton candy and hotdogs?"
"It tasted that much better as it all came right back up," Charles joked.
Raven gazed around, trying to remember the sights. "I have to bring Becca by here later. Erik would probably enjoy it, too if he'd give stuff like this a chance."
Charles noted, "He's coming out of that hard shell of his more and more. He still requires his solitude from time to time. Nothing wrong with that." When their ride concluded, Charles got off first then helped Raven down. "So, where to next?"
Spotting the Mineral Hall Shop, Raven grabbed Charles' arm and raced them both over. Charles could only shake his head at them having not been there long at all and his sister already felt the need to go shopping.
IIIIIII
At the numerous and colorful sights and sounds Fantasyland had to offer, Becky and Joey spent the bulk of the walkthrough almost permanently trapped in awe. Even the cool air of indifference possessed Alex could not completely hide how amazing everything looked to him.
"Where to next, shrimptoids?" he asked them.
Joey saw something. "Look at that."
Alex followed his finger over to the Jumper Jets. The teen thought the ride looked incredibly cool until he saw it take off with another group of kids. The machine moved unbelievably fast.
"No go, Joe," Alex pronounced.
The younger boy frowned. "How come?"
"You heard what Charles said," Alex reminded him. "No thrill rides. That thing over there is definitely thrill territory. If it scares you, your powers could go off."
"But I won't be scared," Joey insisted. "Really I won't."
"Yeah, come on, Alex," Becky piped up.
Alex shot her look that clearly said "you're not helping" before turning back to Joey. "You know it'll be too dangerous if your electric acts crazy."
"But I thought my powers were good now." Joey's face fell a bit.
"They are good. They always have been." Alex felt a strong bolt of guilt at having suggested otherwise, especially after Montana. "Well, maybe we could—" He right away decided against giving in. "It's just not a good idea, Joey. What if I win you a stuffed animal to go with Scottie? I'll get one for Becky, too."
"Nooo…" Joey's tone carried that vibe that indicated for Alex that the waterworks would arrive any second.
"Joe, don't," Alex said with more firmness. "Do not do this to me, kid." A quick sniff preceded the tears that soon turned into a stream. "Joey, cut it out. Seriously."
Becky tried to help for real this time. "Please don't cry, Joey. If you can't go on, I don't want to go on, either."
Not listening to reason from either of them, Joey's crying went up a few notches.
Alex started to pick him up but had to retract his hand instantly when he felt the building electrical surges radiating off the distraught child.
"Joey, your powers are going off," Alex hissed. "Someone's going to see. You have to stop. That's an order." When the outburst only went on, Alex held up his wrist. "Do you want me to call Charles?" Joey did not cease and Alex found himself fed up. "Have it your way." He spoke into the communicator the way Hank had directed them. "Charles, I need a little help over in Fantasyland. Joey's officially lost his mind. We're near the Jumper Jets."
Erik, who had already arrived at Fantasyland as he had promised Becky he would, picked up the transmission. His pace picked up rapidly and he soon spotted the familiar trio of children. He did not go over right away, but instead paused to observe Joey for a moment. Erik could not believe the display the electrified little mutant had the nerve to put on. If Alex had needed to contact them then clearly Joey had proven beyond reasonable.
Going to his waist, Erik unbuckled his belt and worked it through the loops. Once he had the leather accessory off, he folded it in half and walked up with a no-nonsense expression.
Becky saw him first and gasped at seeing him with the implement in his hand.
Feeling a shadow fall over him, the sobbing Joey gazed up into Erik's icy eyes and became stunned.
Shocked himself, Alex went over to put his arms around Becky.
"Stop it." Erik raised his belt up. "Right now." Joey quickly turned off the tears. "Carrying on like you're about two years old. I don't know what's possessed you, but I strongly suggest you get over it or so help me…"
"Erik, no!" Charles had gotten the call as well and jogged over with Raven not far behind.
Before Erik had a chance to say anything, Joey made a beeline for Charles.
"What is going on?" the telepath demanded, picking his smallest charge right up.
"He was having an all-out fit," Erik explained.
Charles turned to Alex for confirmation.
The blonde teenager nodded grudgingly, hating being in this position. "He got mad because I wouldn't let him on that ride over there. His powers were starting to go off."
Frowning deeply, Charles next looked to the one in his arms. "Joseph Andrew Reynolds, what on earth were you thinking?"
His eyes locked on the pavement below, Joey said quietly, "I don't know…"
"I think you and I need to finish this discussion in the men's room." That stated, Charles carried him off.
After reaching the nearest bathroom, Charles took them into the first empty stall and locked it.
Joey felt his heart racing. He still had not gotten over the shock of Erik waving the belt over him and the anger he knew Charles felt in that instance did not help him feel any better.
With some difficulty due to the compacted space, Charles lowered to Joey's level. "I cannot believe how both mischievous and irresponsible you behaved. Alex would do anything for you and you forced him to call us in to handle you?"
"I couldn't help it," Joey attempted an excuse. "I just get so sick of my powers getting in the way of everything fun."
"You could help it, Joey," Charles countered, clear disappointment coming off his British accent. "You just chose not to. That's a choice you will never be free to make. We all have power slipups but misusing them intentionally is completely unacceptable. I should take you straight home." The boy's blue eyes became disconcerted at that. "But I'm not going to do that because it would be unfair to the others. However, you are getting a spanking for that awful tantrum. And if you even consider having another, you will be sitting in my car for the rest of the day on a very sore bum. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, sir," Joey got out in a hushed tone.
Satisfied with the response, Charles undid the snap on Joey's pants then got them down. He turned the child around before tugging the underwear down next. With a hard hand and heart to match, Charles began peppering the small bottom with sharp swats. Joey gave off a moan to each initial strike then yelped as it went on.
After the tenth smack, Charles readjusted the tyke's clothes and gently spun him back around. "Are you ready to start acting like the good lad I know you are?" The watery-eyed boy nodded and Charles gave him a strong hug.
Exiting the stall, the Professor hoisted Joey up into a careful sitting position on one of the sinks. He wet a few paper towels to start drying off the sad eyes and heated little face.
"Daddy hated having to do that, especially on such a special day as this." Charles finished cleaning his face and kissed his nose.
"I'm sorry I had a tantrum," Joey said honestly. "I don't know why I did."
Careful to keep his voice down, Charles said, "I know how difficult it is to feel like your abilities are keeping you back from the things you enjoy. Your control has improved, son. Really, it has. But you're still not fully there yet. I wouldn't keep you from a fun ride to be mean to you."
"I know." Joey brought his hand out to lace fingers with him. "What am I thinking?"
Smiling, Charles entered the young psyche delicately. "You're sorry and you want to go back to the others. And so do I."
Charles helped the little boy down. Keeping their hands held, they made their way out of the stuffy bathroom and back out into the sunshine.
IIIIIII
As he took up space beside Raven on a bench, Alex propped up his head with his fists. He had felt like a complete traitor having to not only call on the adults but also give detail about Joey's ill behavior.
"I can't believe he acted like that," Alex spoke for the first time in several minutes. "He never acts like that with me, especially after I give him an order."
"He wanted to force you to allow him his own way," Erik put forth, getting both Alex and Raven to look up. "You did the right thing, boychick."
"And now I get to feel like crap." Alex let off an incredulous breath. "Great."
Raven put a comforting hand to his shoulder. "I think you could use a break. Want to go meet up with Hank and the others over in Tomorrowland?"
"Whatever," Alex shrugged.
"Becca, want to come?" Raven offered as they got up.
Becky shook her head no then leaned into Erik's side.
Raven understood perfectly and walked off with Alex in search of the other youths.
"Joey!" Becky smiled, seeing him returning with Charles. She hugged the younger child the moment he got close enough.
Joey relaxed fully then looked around. "Where'd Alex go?"
"He and Raven went to find the older kids," Becky explained. "So now it's you, me, Charles, and Erik."
"Oh." Joey's gaze fell on Erik and he made a move as if to shield himself with Becky.
Erik pushed up his sunglasses, giving him a look. "Don't you dare act as if you're shy around me." He stepped over and bent slightly to attack the bashful little blonde with tickling fingers. "Those days are over, Kangaroo."
Joey screamed a giggle. "Uncle Erik!"
"Yes." Erik stopped tickling to poke the child's stomach affectionately. "That is my name, isn't it?"
You'll become Comatose Erik if I ever see you raise a belt to one of the younger children again, Charles warned telepathically.
Honestly, brother? Erik returned. Do you really think me that cruel? I wasn't really going to whip him. I only wanted to scare him down from that fit. Some of us lack the ability to freeze others.
Glad to have that understanding in place, Charles turned to the kids. "And then there were four. Who else is hungry?"
"Me!" the child pair answered eagerly and Erik had no disagreements.
IIIIIII
After receiving a location from Hank via communicator, Raven and Alex joined up with him, Frank, and Sean just as the latter three exited the Flying Saucer.
"Raven." Frank hurried to her. "That ride is so cool. And we went on this amazing trip to outer space. Then we did this walkthrough thing and we got to see all the props and sets from that movie, 20000 Leagues Under the Sea."
Raven could only smile at his enthusiasm. "Have you gone on the Submarine Voyage yet?"
The memory hit Sean as soon as she mentioned it. "Oh, we have got to get over there."
"Race you," Raven challenged and the two darted off.
Never one to miss any sort of running competition, Frank sped off as well.
Hank and Alex went after them at a steady but far less competitive pace.
"Your ears doing okay?" Alex asked the taller male.
"It's as I suspected," Hank responded. "The high noise level here is evenly balanced so it's not so terrible. How did the situation with Joey fare?"
"He was a complete brat, but I still feel like a jerk for ratting on him," Alex said.
"I know what you're feeling," Hank sympathized. "By us having Charles and Erik, one would think that'd leave us with the freedom to be the fun big brothers constantly. However, Charles and Erik cannot be everywhere at once and they depend on us to help keep the kids safe. That's something that really rang true for me after… after everything with Becca."
Alex did not press on it, knowing Hank did not care to speak of the abduction. "I don't think this older bro thing will ever be completely easy." Of course, he had known that far before Joey even entered his life.
IIIIIII
Making their way through the throng of people, Erik held securely to Becky's hand while Charles did the same with Joey. The young electricity endowed mutant had rediscovered some manner of cheer during their search and happily pointed out different attractions along with Becky.
When they finally found a food vendor, Charles asked the children, "What would you like to eat?"
"Hotdog," Becky replied while Joey said, "Cheeseburger."
Noticing the dessert sign, Becky asked eagerly, "Can I have a chocolate malt?"
"Ooh, me too!" Joey glanced up beseechingly. "Please, Daddy?"
Charles looked to Erik, who said, "You'll need a vegetable to go along with that barrage of junk." He smirked. "We better get them French fries."
The kids started jumping up and down merrily.
"And you say I indulge them," Charles remarked genially then turned to place their order.
When they sat down, Charles posed a question. "Do you know when the first rollercoasters came about?"
While Joey stared in puzzlement, Becky answered, "In 1884 at Coney Island."
"That would be the first rollercoaster in America, love," Charles told her. "The first rollercoasters actually go back as far as the fifteenth century. Do you know of what material they were originally made?"
"Wood," Joey responded, proud to finally know one.
Charles smiled at his boy. "Correct. Naturally, not the safest design, but things soon progressed."
"They're still scary, though," Becky said.
"Are you scared of rollercoasters, Uncle Erik?" Joey inquired, staring across the picnic table at the man.
Erik took time to swallow before answering. "I wouldn't know. We didn't have them in Poland."
Joey tilted his head curiously. "Why didn't you go on one after you left?"
Charles chose to cut in there. "Little one, I don't think Uncle Erik wants to discuss—"
"It's fine, Charles," Erik assured the younger man then focused on Joey. "Let's just say, I never had the opportunity previously. But all of that matters not now. I'd rather watch you have fun."
Turning to her left for just a moment, Becky caught sight of a figure in yellow and blue. Her mouth dropped open but no sound came from it; only a thrilled intake of air. She leapt up from their table and took off like a body on fire.
"Becky!" Erik called, taking off after her without delay.
Either unable to hear or ignoring him altogether, Becky continued on at her hastened pace. The determined adolescent female forgot to utter an 'excuse me' to the few people she bumped into on her pursuit. She stopped shortly and looked around but came up empty.
The girl jumped when a pair of hands came down on her shoulders. She quickly calmed when she gazed up at Erik. Of course, that calm did not last long when she saw the clear displeasure in his eyes.
"Have you taken leave of your senses?" he demanded of her. "Why did you run off like that?"
"I thought I saw Snow White," she tried to tell him. "I was sure it was her."
"I don't care if you saw the president of these United States," Erik reproached, getting down low to make very sure their eyes locked. "Do you not see the number of people here? All it takes is a moment and you could have been—" His tone turned even sharper if possible. "Don't you ever dash away like that again. Do you understand me, young lady?"
Becky felt everything around her go silent at the reprimand. "Yes, Erik," she got out after a second.
"Good." Erik took time to think for a moment then said, "When you're done eating, you are going to sit and have a little quiet time to think this over."
She only nodded as he took her hand and led them both back to the picnic area.
Joey watched Becky sit back down. She looked mighty glum but judging by how comfortable she sat, Erik clearly had not spanked her, much to Joey's relief.
After she finished her last fry, Becky reported softly, "I'm done."
Erik then brought her over to an empty bench and placed her on it. "You're to sit here for ten minutes. And don't try having a telepathic conversation with Joey to pass the time. Not unless you want me to swat you in front of all of these people."
"No," she declined right away.
Not sure whether he would be able to go through with the harsh threat or not, Erik remained confident that he would not have to as he stood near her.
Hugging her knees to her chest, Becky could not believe her day. She had somehow managed to get scolded by the best big brother on earth, then Charles, and now Erik. As it all sank in, she felt the tears burn in her eyes before they began to slide down her cheeks. Hating it, Becky started sobbing into her thighs.
Feeling as though someone had taken a jackhammer to his insides, Erik knew he could not allow himself to cave yet. He looked over towards the picnic table. Charles carried a sympathetic expression for him and offered him a mental note of encouragement.
As soon as the tenth minute arrived, the metal wizard sat down and pulled Becky into his lap. "Shhh, my sweet. It's all right."
"I'm sorry I let them get me," she choked out. "I'm sorry! It was all my fault."
Glaring, Erik reached back just enough to look at her. "That was not your fault. None of that was your fault." He swayed himself slightly in order to rock her. "In an ideal world, you'd be free to run and roam about as you will. But unfortunately, lesser beings like Sebastian Shaw still walk the earth. And some of them are far worse. I have to protect you and I can't do that if you scamper away." He used a thumb to clear the remainder of her tears way. "Do you understand that?"
"Yes," Becky responded honestly then hugged him around the neck. "I love you, Erik."
Erik kissed her curls. "I love you, too, Anya."
IIIIIII
The household of mutants met up at four o'clock for an early dinner at Skull Rock and Pirate's Cove. The nine of them took up an entire long table and enjoyed a sword fight between Peter Pan and Captain Hook throughout the full course meal.
During intermission for the theatrics, Alex and Sean went with the younger boys into the bathroom.
"How's your butt?" Alex asked Joey when the latter came out to wash his hands.
"It's okay now." Joey went to stand before the older blonde. "I'm really sorry about earlier. Are you mad?"
Alex chose to answer with, "I should be." He then lifted the child up to hold. "You're just lucky you're cute and cool and look just like me and that I kinda sorta like you." Joey giggled a little. "But if you act bad the next time I give you an order, I won't play with you for a whole week. Piggyback rides included."
Joey looked horrified at that. "Got it."
Both boys satisfied, they waited on Sean and Frank to finish up then the four of them went back out to catch more of the show.
At six o'clock, they still had not seen the entirety of what the park had to offer. However, the growing lethargic children in Erik and Charles' arms indicated that the time to head home had definitely arrived. Even Frank had slowed down considerably and snagged a ride on Hank's back as their large group made tracks for the gate.
"Did you have a good time?" Hank asked Becky.
The curly headed girl nodded into Erik's shoulder. "Yeah. It was great."
"Hey, Becca." Raven gave the younger girl's arm a tap then pointed towards the gate.
Looking over, Becky grinned widely. There stood Snow White, waving goodbye to departing visitors. Suddenly, 'great' sounded like an understatement for that day.