X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Forty Eight
Author's Word: I'll tell you guys something. I was about to call it a night, sit back and watch my DVR filled with movies I missed during the work week. Then I got Elisa-Vendette's review and that just gave me the spark to go ahead, re-read, and post. Thanks for all the feedback and enjoy!
With the white emblem dangling high, the sun bounced right off, turning the color into dazzling platinum for a moment.
"Is that the Cyclops' missing eye?"
Becky left her own world to glance over at the sudden voice. "Huh?" She then saw who had discovered her. "Scott Summers?"
Scott walked over to where the girl had perched herself under a tree. "I read some of the Odyssey last semester. It's about this king who goes on all these insane voyages. The eye on your bracelet reminded me of the part where he runs into the Cyclops, who is basically a jerk. But if I only had one eye, I wouldn't be so nice, either. Though, I don't think I'd start eating people."
Becky laughed, "Gross!" She slipped the bracelet back onto her small wrist. "Emma gave it to me for my birthday that just passed. It's weird. I only knew her for a little bit, but I kept hoping she'd come back."
"After the Shaw thing, right?" She stared at him with momentary darkened eyes, alerting him. "Alex told me what happened in Montana. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have mentioned it."
"No," Becky reassured. "It's okay, really. I know you didn't mean anything. Besides, that's all over now."
Scott nodded. "So your powers are like the Professor and Emma's, right? You can read minds?"
"Don't worry. I won't read yours if you don't want me to." She stood up. "Want to see what else I can do?"
"Sure," Scott responded.
Then the boy had to stand in sheer astonishment as the snow on the ground vanished. In its place grew long plants with enormous colorful buds. The flowers reached out, acting as chairs for the two children before hoisting them up. Then it faded suddenly.
Becky looked mildly disappointed. "It's hard to hold the big illusions."
Scott stared disbelieving at her. "That was completely amazing! And here I thought your dancing was good…"
Becky smiled. "Your turn."
"Um," Scott stammered. "That's probably not such a good idea. Something bad might happen."
"It's okay." She gestured at their present surroundings. "We're outside. Come on, Scott. Please?"
Thinking for a moment, Scott brought his head upward. Concentrating until the sensation brewed, the crimson red beams shot from his eyes and toward the sky.
He closed his eyes and blinked several times then turned to Becky.
Her green eyes seemed to sparkle. "That was pretty."
Scott rubbed his neck sheepishly. "Thanks." His power had been called a lot of things, but pretty stood out as a new one for him.
"It's getting colder out here." She started for the mansion then looked back at the remaining individual. "Aren't you coming?"
"Oh," Scott reacted. "Yeah." He jogged over, catching up with her quickly.
IIIIIII
Hank increased the brightness by several notches.
"Okay, Scott. I want you to tell me the moment you start to feel uncomfortable."
"It's fine so far," the young boy reported from where he lay facing up on the lab's exam table.
Clicking off the overhead lamp, Hank said, "His mutation is in close proximity to Frank's. They can both withstand the brightest of lights and I'm willing to wager that the sun also fuels Scott's abilities."
Charles rubbed his chin. "Interesting. So it's a reasonable deduction that all optical mutations could very well have been birth from the sun. Similar to how Joey's power correlated with being born under those power lines."
"That's one theory," Erik chimed up, propped against a side wall next to Alex. "Except Alex controls the same beams. Only his fire everywhere but his eyes."
"I was just about to mention our good friend known as genetics." Hank rolled the silver cart over. "How are you with needles, Scott?"
"Alright I guess," the child replied unreservedly.
Alex stepped forward, seizing hold of Scott's right hand. The younger Summers squeezed back at him, fully relaxed.
Erik glared as Hank readied the blood test. While he knew it to be necessary, the man held no fondness for needles.
"Now, Scott," Hank spoke, "if I hurt you even a little bit, feel free to punch me." He smiled at the child's laugh, carefully pricking his right arm's vein with the needle point. "You know, if I had made that offer to your brother when he and I first met, he would have jumped at the opportunity."
"Oh yeah," Alex confirmed with a smirk.
"I believe it." Scott gripped tighter to Alex as his blood was drawn.
The moment the tube filled, Hank removed the needle from the adolescent flesh. He then quickly covered the teeny puncture hole with a bandage.
"Well done, lad." Charles rubbed Scott's hair then patted his cheek.
Scott gave him a bright gaze. Since they met, the Professor had been a constant source of comfort.
"Hand to hand in ten minutes, Alex," Erik instructed. "And feel free to bring the little Summers with you." He walked out.
"I'll need to head off as well," Charles said.
Hank nodded knowingly. "The cuts are healing and hopefully, we won't have to worry about scarring. Have you checked his room yet today?"
"After breakfast, yes. I'll look again before bedtime and keep you updated."
After Charles walked out next, Alex shook his head. "Why are you guys talking about Joe like he's some kind of freak? Kids hurt themselves. They're kind of known for it actually."
Hank looked to Scott. "If you're going down to the weight room with Erik, you better change your clothes."
"Oh, right. I'll be downstairs, Alex." Scott hopped down and proceeded out of the lab.
Once they were alone, Hank eyed Alex importantly. "Joey did not fall and scrape his knee. He took a knife and started slicing at his own hand."
"You're crazy," Alex urged. "Joey would have been crying all over the place over that little blood test you just gave Scott. You think he's going to have nerve enough to sit there and cut himself?"
"Alex," Hank spoke patiently, "people who inflict harm on themselves—"
"Look, I got to go, okay?" Alex cut in. "I have a session and I'm not trying to put Erik in a mood." He walked away from Hank.
The scientist watched him go with a glint of sympathy in his eyes.
IIIIIII
Emma turned upon sensing the Professor. "Charles."
"Emma," he returned, closing the door to the recreation room. "Thank you for being here."
"It's no trouble," she told him then looked to Becky and Joey, who played with Legos together off in one corner. They've been that way for the last twenty minutes. He hasn't acted out of the ordinary in the slightest.
He didn't act out of the ordinary yesterday before all of this happened, either. I wanted to do this in here because I know how comfortable the children are in this room with the toys and everything.
We won't get protest out of him for going into his mind?
Charles chuckled internally. You don't know my Joey.
"Please come here, Princess," the man beckoned.
Becky got up and went over, standing next to Emma. "What is it, Uncle Charles?"
Charles bent slightly to better face her. I have wonderful news. Emma is here to help me train you today.
The little girl grinned. Really?
It's my pleasure, Emma told her.
Yes, Charles continued, and we're also going to help Joey. He had a rather nasty accident yesterday and we just want to make sure he's more careful in the future. Are you ready to begin?
Yes yes!
Ready and willing, Emma said.
Right then, Charles proceeded. Now Becky, I am going to need for you to make a nice but simple enough illusion. I want you and Joey to play together and just relax, alright?
Alright, Prince Charles.
Becky returned to Joey, who still quietly stuck colorful building pieces together, and sat by him at their small kids' table. With some concentration, Becky placed them inside a crowded area filled with numerous rides and attractions.
Joey looked around, giggling. "Becky, what're you doing?"
"We have it all to ourselves now," she grinned.
Emma watched with Charles from an inconspicuous distance. Is this Disneyland?
Yes, Charles responded, they had a marvelous time that day. Have you ever been?
The woman nodded. And I still want those seven hours of my life back.
"Can I see your hand?" Becky asked. Joey held it out, allowing her to look over the white bandaging. "How'd you do this, anyway?"
"It was a knife," Joey explained shortly. "I cut myself."
"A knife?" Becky frowned. "Didn't it hurt?"
"Not at first," he replied. "At first, it felt good."
Becky's eyes turned shocked and the two adults exchanged concerned glances.
IIIIIII
Scott brought the refilled water bottle to Alex. "Here you go."
"Thanks, little bro." The blonde took it and drank readily, having developed quite a thirst after his session with Erik. He then dropped down to the mat and began performing a series of one-arm pushups.
Scott squatted to observe closer. "I can't believe how good you are at these things."
"You'll be in line to be an instructor one day," Alex put forth confidently.
The younger boy shook his head. "I don't think so, no. I am not a leader. A horse to water, nothing."
"I thought the same thing when I was a dork like you." He paused his exercising and got up, patting Scott on the stomach. "What've you been up to so far? Got lost around the place yet?'
"Not yet," Scott reported. "I talked to Rebecca earlier."
"Ah yes, the Princess." Alex lay back down and started his sits ups. "She try to read your mind?"
"No," Scott said to the contrary. "She showed me how she does illusions, which was completely cool. My power must've looked real square next to it, but she seemed to like it."
Scott stayed in the up position at that. "You showed it to her?" Scott nodded. "Are you completely cracked?" He grabbed Scott's nearest hand and gave it a strong pop.
Confusion covered Scott's face as he rubbed his now sore appendage. "What did I do?"
"Scott, you or Becky could've been hurt," Alex snapped. "You almost blasted the inside of a restaurant just yesterday or did you forget that quick?"
"But I was really—"
Alex cut him off with, "We cannot go showing our powers off outside of training. They're too dangerous, Scott. We are not like Becky."
"Don't you think I know that?" Scott finally burst. "You're not the only one who got bounced around foster homes because of this stupid thing! I don't want to hear this stuff from you, too, Alex." The boy popped up.
"Scott." Alex stood after him. "Come back here, now."
Scott waved his arms and continued out of the weight room.
Alex turned, delivering the hardest punch he had in him to the nearby bag.
IIIIIII
Charles watched the children's interaction for a full half hour before deciding it best to press on.
Emma, I want you to try to approach him while they're talking.
Anyway you prefer, Professor.
I caution you, he rang out strongly, Joey's mind is Pandora's Box. Once you discover what it holds, there is no turning back.
Worry and concern noted.
Emma casually made her way over to the children, stooping down behind Joey's chair to place her arms around him.
She smiled when she felt him squeeze her wrists in return. "Your daddy tells me you like having your mind read. Would you be bothered if I take a little peek?"
"No, go ahead," Joey encouraged.
Kissing two fingers, Emma touched them to the child's forehead before delving into his psyche.
All at once, she felt cold water pouring down on her with roars of thunder and flashes of blinding lightning all around. Her stomach pounded with hunger, she smelled soiled, but the fear proved to be the worst of all. She seemed pinned against the floor with utter terror and isolation. Then the yelling sounded, practically tearing her eardrums in half.
A gasp shot from her mouth and her blue eyes widened as the link dissolved.
Joey stared back questioningly, pulling lightly on the lady's blonde hair. "Emma?" he spoke with concern.
Becky looked extremely worried. "Are you okay, Emma?"
She composed herself, putting on a smile. "Of course, darlings. Excuse me. I just need some water."
"I'll go with you." Charles followed her out into the hall. As soon as they were out of view of the children, he pulled her into his arms in a strong hug. "It's alright now."
"I saw it all, Charles," she breathed, clutching him. "I saw what they did to him. Oh, God." She placed a hand over her forehead. "The screams. The screams no one could hear."
"I know." And Charles certainly did. "I felt it all from the day I found him." He pulled back to face her. "Emma, if you don't wish to continue…"
"No!" Steel rang out in her tone. "I'm going to help him, Charles, no matter what I discover. I'm not turning away from him."
"Thank you," he whispered to her.
After Emma found the nearest bathroom and splashed some water on her face, they returned to the recreation room.
"Are you okay now?" Joey wanted to know.
"I am. I'm sorry about that," she said, going back to him. "Come on." She took him by his uninjured hand. "I want to see more." She delved back into his mind.
The two slipped into a pure white room as the psychic link rebuilt itself.
Emma studied Joey carefully, satisfied to see him calm over the new surroundings. Did they try to hit you, Joey?
No. Joey seemed to float up towards an intangible ceiling. They didn't hit me. They didn't even touch me. He flapped his arms like wings. Nobody liked touching me 'cause they knew I'd hurt them.
The woman flew up after him, watching him like a hen to her chick. Did you ever try to hurt them, Joey? Even once?
I never ever tried to. It just always happened. One night it was raining real bad and I wanted to sleep with Mommy 'cause it was so scary. But I made a mistake and shocked her. I ran and Kyle locked the door. Joey remained floating in one spot. He locked the door every night after that.
Emma caught him before he could wander any further up and brought him down to her eye level. Please don't lock me out, Joey.
I don't want to do nothin' bad to you, Emma.
I know a little more about bad than you do, treasure. Your powers are beautiful, not a source of malice. She held onto both his hands to keep him in place then brought him into her hold.
Joey reached up to stroke her long hair some more.
IIIIIII
Sean finished pouring Frank's glass of milk and returned the bottle to the refrigerator. He sat across from him at the table, where the two had a cookie plate between them.
"All of this stuff with Alex and Scott is really crazy," Sean commented, taking a chocolate chip. "It's horrific to be honest. Can you imagine being separated from your brothers for seven years?"
Frank broke his cookie in half and dipped it in his milk. "Nah, some guys just have all the luck." He jumped when Sean banged his fist down on the table.
"That is not funny, Frank," the redhead said fiercely. "Look, I know you have issues with your brothers and they drive you crazy, but don't you ever worry? Hope they're okay?"
"Sure," Frank shrugged. "Then as soon as I see them, me and Linny can fight and Jeff can act all clingy."
"Little kids can't help that," Sean urged. "Tommy's the same way when I go home. I just can't believe what happened to Joey."
"It's what he wanted," Frank pointed out simply. Sean stood from the table. "What?"
"Clearly, you're too young for me to have this conversation with." He grabbed a couple cookies and his milk then walked out of the kitchen.
Frank attempted to dismiss it and eat another cookie then threw it down and slouched in his seat.
IIIIIII
Walking through the second floor hallway, Erik glanced out of a window in time to catch the colossal red flare. Not wasting a second, he dashed downstairs and out the back way. There he found the source of the laser show.
"Scott!" Erik came over carefully behind him.
The boy made sure not to turn away from the sky. "It won't stop!"
Erik touched his shoulders. "You're fine. You just need to focus."
"I can't control it!" Scott insisted.
"Yes, you can," Erik countered firmly. "Now listen to me and calm yourself. Just breathe."
Scott shut his eyes and stayed completely still for nearly a minute. He breathed slowly then blinked cautiously. He turned to face Erik.
"Alright now?" the man asked gently.
Scott nodded once. "Yes, sir. Thanks."
"Come on." Erik lifted him right up and carried him back into the house. He sat the boy in the first chair they came across then lowered down to him. "What happened, Scott?"
"I'm sorry," he said immediately. "I didn't mean for it to go off."
"Scott, listen to me— you are not in any trouble." Erik put a comforting hand to the back of the young mutant's head. "I only want to help."
Scott lifted his legs into the chair to hug his knees. "Alex and I were fighting and I walked off. I felt my power charging so I went outside."
"Why were you fighting with your brother?"
"I told him about showing Rebecca my powers. Then he yelled at me, said it was dangerous." Scott sighed. "I know he's right, but the whole thing made me feel crummy."
Erik ran fingers through Scott's hair, thinking. "I want you to lay down and rest for a bit while I talk to Alex. Alright?"
"Yes, sir." Scott stood, making steps towards the stairs.
It did not take Erik long to track down the other sullen Summers. He found the heated blonde pounding away at the punching bag.
"Havok," Erik summoned, grabbing his attention instantly. "Come talk to Papa."
Resisting the immaturity of an eye roll, the teenager approached. "What's up, Erik?"
"Your brother's gift just a moment ago," the older male replied.
"Is he okay?" Alex wanted to know.
"Physically, yes." Erik folded his arms. "He told me you yelled at him."
"I blew up," Alex admitted. "But I had to. I say this to Joey, too. Our power type is too destructive."
"You would know, especially considering the fate of that poor statue back at the facility."
"That reminds me," Alex recalled. "I'm so getting Hank for ratting me out."
Erik turned serious. "Alex, when you become an instructor you cannot bite the heads off your students for every little error. Yes, I know this sounds odd coming from me, but elders are allowed hypocrisy from time to time."
"I get it, Erik," he said, "but I just found Scott. I can't let him hurt himself."
The metallic wizard crossed his arms. "You mean the way Joey did yesterday?"
Alex sighed in annoyance. "Not this crap again. Hasn't anybody around here ever had an accident?"
"I had to take the knife from him, Alex," Erik emphasized. "He shocked Raven and Charles when they tried. The blade had his blood all over it."
"Stop it." Alex's eyes turned icy.
Erik only went on. "He made carvings in the palm of his own hand. How is that accidental?"
"I said stop!" Alex cried out. "I know already! I don't want to hear any more about it. I should've been here, looking out for him. I should've been able to be with him and Scott, but I was too busy thinking about myself."
Erik grabbed the distraught youth into his arms. "It was not your fault, boychick. You try harder than half the people your age combined. All you can do is admit the truth and try to help Joey from here on out.
"I will." Alex lay his head on the man's shoulder.
"But you need to go upstairs and set things straight again. Scott is alive, Alex. Cherish every moment."
Alex nodded then left the gym. He went up and entered through Scott's partially open bedroom door. There, the young boy lay across the bed, weary eyes closed. Alex said nothing as he walked around and stretched out beside him, placing an arm over him. After a while, Scott rolled over, resting on his older brother's chest instead of the pillow.
IIIIIII
A doorway opened in the white world and Charles entered through the opening.
Emma looked to him, holding onto Joey. Charles?
Leave us, please the man requested.
Carefully placing Joey down, Emma blew the child a kiss before disappearing.
Where did she go? Joey looked around.
She will still be there when we are done here, Charles assured, approaching his boy. I wanted some time with my little one.
Okay, Joey smiled.
Charles dipped down to him. Joey, why did you cut your hand yesterday?
I don't know…
No, no. I believe you do. Why would you go against my wishes and intentionally hurt yourself? Were you angry with Daddy? For bringing Scott here, perhaps? Joey quieted. Let's try a little change of venue, hm?
With a wave of his mind, Charles brought them to a stone bridge over a rushing stream.
Ooh! Joey reached up to peer over the side of the bridge.
How do you feel about Scott being here?
I like Scott. He's nice.
But you'd never tried to cut yourself before he arrived. Was it because you thought he was here to steal Alex from you?
Joey's countenance saddened. Al lied to me.
How so, little one? Charles inquired.
He told me he wished it could just be us two. Then he left with Scott. Joey's face reddened. He was supposed to stay with me while I slept but he went to see Scott. He lied!
Not used to seeing such expressed emotion from the child, Charles probed on. But why did you cut yourself? Why your hand?
Joey held up the injured appendage. Alex is supposed to hold onto it. I wanted him to come home and take care of it. He'd be mad at me but it's okay 'cause I know he loves me.
The telepath nodded. How did you know to harm yourself? You've never done it before… have you?
Joey bit his lip. Before I met you, sometimes I'd hold my wrist under the hot water until it turned red.
Charles had to keep in his initial reaction at this information. Why would you do that?
'Cause I could feel it, Joey explained tentatively. I couldn't feel my mom, but I could feel that.
Resisting the moisture buildup in his eyes, Charles steadied on. He lifted Joey up and held him near. Using his hand, he began tapping the child's bottom lightly. Soon enough, he felt the still peace come over the young vessel.
I never want you to harm yourself again, little one. If you ever feel like it again, I want you to come to Daddy, Uncle Erik, Alex, Hank, any one of us, night or day. If you shock us, I will spank you but I will never stop holding you. Please! If you hurt yourself, you hurt me as well.
I'm sorry, Daddy.
I love you, Joey.
The vision ended, bringing them back into the recreation room where Emma and Becky waited on them.
IIIIIII
"Tommy?" Sean grinned widely. "Hey, baby man. Yes, I can still call you that." He laughed. "What's going on over there? How's school? Oh, way to go, dude." Sean quieted for a moment. "Yeah, I'm still here. Sorry about that. I just wanted to call and let you know that I miss you and I can't wait for the next school break to see you. We'll do whatever you want." Sean then spent the next several minutes listening to his brother's childish prattle, which provided music to his ears.
IIIIIII
Scott sat in the middle of his bed, pumping his fist against the palm of his baseball glove.
He smiled when the adults entered. "Hi."
"Hello, sweetheart." Emma gave him a little hug, sitting beside him.
"What do you think of my new room?" Scott asked her.
Looking around, she said, "Too tidy and not nearly enough toys. We'll have to fix that."
Charles joined them on the bed, ruffling Scott's hair. "How was today?"
"My powers flared up again." The boy shook his head in frustration. "It's happening way more often now. It used to be weeks in-between. I don't know what to do anymore."
"Your abilities are growing with you," Charles explained. "Of course, their former sporadic nature clarifies why I never picked you up on my computer before. But you needn't worry." Charles made sure they had eye contact. "You are here for us to care for. We will sort through this development together." Charles patted his thigh. "Why don't you go wash up for supper?"
"Yes, sir." Scott turned to Emma. "Are you eating, too?"
"Of course she is," Charles answered before Emma could.
"Great!" Scott bounced up and went in search of one of the many bathrooms he'd been shown.
Charles and Emma left out. Finding the air somehow warmer than earlier, they went out to a second floor balcony.
"It's wonderful to no longer have you as a secret," Charles said. "Though it did have its intriguing aspects." Her gave her an impish grin.
"What was with the secrecy?" Emma asked curiously. "Was the trollop so much of a wicked scandal?"
"Perhaps." Charles' blue eyes glittered in the light of the bright half-moon. "However, I think it all came down to me, not you. You know how I feel?"
"I have a hunch," she teased.
Charles gazed forward. "My entire life has been devoted to someone else. First my father, then my mother for whatever worth, then Raven came into the picture like a babe on my doorstep. Now I have… all of this. Brother, sister, school, children."
"Quite the load," Emma noted, blonde hair batting lightly in the wind.
"But never a burden," Charles tacked on. "I am immensely grateful for every single person in this house. I am responsible for them. Then you— I spent the bulk of my time in California thinking about you. Then when you finally returned here, I thought if I spoke of you they would all be able to see my feelings. Just the idea made me feel completely selfish. I expected the earth to cave in."
"Charles Xavier, if you ever found the ability to be truly selfish, the world would bow to you," Emma stated. "You're a man, not a martyr. Don't force yourself to be alone."
"Stay with me," he put forth strongly. She faced him in confusion and expectance. "Erik and I discussed this. With your experience and overall capabilities, we believe you would thrive as an instructor here."
Losing all traces of humor, Emma looked away from him now. "I cannot go down that road again. After the last time…"
"Don't force yourself to be alone, Emma." He caught her attention again. "Look at what you've already done for Rebecca and Joey. If you walk away from this then the loss of your former students will never be more than ignorant waste."
She touched his cheek. "Charles… I touched Joey's mind and I felt ready to shatter. But I couldn't. Do you know how good it is to be able to feel?"
"Joey does." He captured her wrist. "You've gone across the globe, yet you constantly wind up here. What does that tell you, love?"
"New York shopping is addictive?"
"Emma," came the stern response.
She sighed. "Are you positive you want me in your mutant gallery?"
Charles said, "I'll mount you on my wall."
"Hm?" She shook her head out. "Sorry, you said 'mount' and it just went from there in my mind." Emma smirked. "Fine!... I accept."
Charles immediately took her in a hug. "We need to head down. I have quite the announcement to make."
Emma walked back in with him, suddenly finding the regal home much larger.
IIIIIII
Scott returned to his room to change from lounge pants to regular for dinner.
He opened his door to leave out again and saw someone there. "Rebecca."
"Hey, Scott." She held a decorated shoebox out to him. "These are for you."
"Uh, thanks." Scott, having never received shoes from a girl before, pulled back the lid tentatively. The box practically spilled over with a variety of marbles. "Wow! These are all for me?"
Becky nodded, running a hand down her pink sleeve. "When Joey first got here he didn't have any toys, not even a teddy bear. So I gave him one of mine; Dickon. I meant to give you those before, but I was so excited about Emma being here and I had to help Joey, too."
"Thanks a lot," Scott grinned. "Dickon— do you mean like Mary and Dickon?"
Disbelief mixed with delight crossed the girl's face. "You've read The Secret Garden? I didn't think any boy on earth ever read it."
"I'm not like most boys," Scott told her.
"You're definitely not like Alex," she positively noted. "Come on. We better go eat."
Scott agreed then made haste to hold the door open for her. "So is Charles anything like Mary's rich uncle?"
"No," she decided. "He's way better."