X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Fifty One
Author's Word: Thanks to you guys for reviewing. It was great to read the detailed feedback. If anyone ever has any questions or concerns, my PM box stays open. Thanks as always for reading. Enjoy!
The final bell rang, ringing in freedom for the students of Westchester High. Maya stopped briefly at her locker before making her way out through the cabin fever possessed teenagers and to the front of the school.
Despite the crowd, she made out one highly recognizable face. "Sean!"
The redhead smiled as he approached. "Hey." He took her hands and kissed her lightly.
"What are you doing here?" Her tone came off as delightfully curious.
"I did a little plea bargaining to come see you," Sean explained. "I know you're busy with Parents Night and I just couldn't wait for tomorrow."
"Oh that's so great, but I meant to tell you," she hugged Sean's arm as they walked towards the BMW, "it's been canceled. Half the school board had a separate crisis this week."
"Yikes, seriously?"
"Mmhmm. So I thought we could snag Hank and Raven and go out tonight."
"Sounds like a plan," Sean agreed, opening up the passenger door for her.
IIIIIII
Finished with the zipper, Hank stepped back to give the completed ensemble the once over.
"How does it feel?" the scientist asked.
Scott held up a yellow gloved hand. "It feels great." He hopped down from the stool. "I can't wait to try it out."
"You're going to get the chance," Hank told him. "Time for training."
The two went downstairs and out to where four of their fellow mutants had gathered in the back.
Havok took in his brother's blue outfit touched up with yellow patches along the arms and legs. Yellow boots covered his feet.
"Looking good, bro," he commented.
"Thanks." Scott clenched his fists triumphantly. "Hank does such fantastic work."
Beast formed an amazed countenance. "Is that gratitude? From a Summers? Be still my heart."
The others laughed while Havok rolled his eyes with a smirk.
"Where's Frank?" Scott scanned the grounds expectantly.
At that moment, the one in question barreled outside. "Scott! Erik!" He looked ready to combust with sheer bliss. "Everybody!"
"Franklin, calm down before your explode," Charles directed, though showing his happiness at seeing the boy so enthused.
Magneto went to him, putting both arms on his shoulders. "Take a deep breath. Now, what is all the excitement?"
"It's Mom," Frank explained. "We just got off the phone. She's coming home in a few days."
Cheerful responses followed the sudden announcement.
Magneto patted one of his shoulders. "This is truly news of celebration, my boychick," he said to him softly.
Scott came over. "I can't believe it. I'm really happy for you."
"Thanks, dude." Pulling on his attached hooded mask to complete his Lighthouse look, he looked at the other boy closely. "And whoa, you look beyond cool. Now you just need a codename."
"Cyclops." Scott turned around, finding Becky behind him. She touched the gold colored visor he had on his face. "You know, like in the story."
Scott grinned at the recollection. "Okay."
Professor X chose to move things along. "Now that we are all ready, let's proceed."
"You got it! I could go all day." Lighthouse rushed forward, completely ready for anything in that moment.
IIIIIII
The second they stepped out of the car into the parking lot, Raven hurried ahead.
"Freedom!" she exclaimed, spinning around.
Maya laughed, coming over. "Is this seriously your first night out?"
"On the town since the-incident-that-need-not-be-named." Raven found enchantment in her surroundings. "Stores, people, pretty concrete. I want to kiss it."
"May I?" Hank pulled her to him with one arm and joined lips with her.
Raven chirped gleefully as they parted. "Concrete no good."
"No good," Hank agreed before they started walking.
Sean placed an arm around Maya and they followed alongside.
"So how's it going with your new people?" Maya asked.
"Scott is doing well," Hank said. "He's a fast study. He's polite and so considerate."
Maya surmised, "You like him better than Alex."
"Yes, he does," Raven answered for her all too kind fiancé.
"And Emma is great," Sean piped up. "She teaches this mutant psychology class about the mental aspects of our powers."
"Yeah, can we not talk about the Frost fiend?" Raven requested, clearly irked.
Hank gave her a firm squeeze. "Raven…"
"Clothing!" the mutated blonde pointed.
The two females dashed forward into the mall with Hank and Sean going at a much more subdued pace.
When they got into the first store, Maya paused at the jukebox sounds. "Beach boys!" She and Raven promptly started dancing amongst the racks.
Sean and Hank completely stopped at the entrance.
"Sporting goods? Hank suggested.
"Sporting goods," Sean quickly concurred.
They walked backwards across the hall to the designated store.
"So," Hank ran fingers along a football, "I know what's wrong with Raven."
"Wow, it's gotta be love," Sean joked. "Talk about a chick you can't wrap your head around."
"But," the older male moved on, "Maya seems, shall I say, especially extroverted this evening?"
"She's been bogged down with school stuff." Sean took a golf club and made a putting stance with it. "So have I. It's just nice to be able to spend time together again."
Back across the hall, Maya stopped to catch her breath from excessive laughing. "Okay, now tell me. What's the Emma Frost hang-up?"
Raven went to browse through a rack of tops. "We didn't need more teachers. Hank and my brothers do fine all on their own."
"But Sean says she's really cool. It's nothing like how he used to talk about Mr. Lehnsherr." Maya rubbed at her jacket sleeve unsurely. "He says there feels like something's between her and the Professor. Do you think that's true?"
"Yeah, there's something," Raven scoffed. "Something that's as fake as I'm sure Emma's nose is."
"That's so mean," Maya accused lightly. "But seriously, Raven. She sounds like such a cool mom."
Raven's eyes flashed at that. "I don't have a good track record with moms."
Maya went around to her. "I'm sorry."
The older girl sighed. "It's not your fault. I've been trying so hard to forget all the stress and focus on what's good in my life. I guess this whole Emma thing is getting to me."
"I understand."
Raven put on a small smile. "Let's go get the guys." She led the way across the hall.
When she spotted Sean, Maya embraced him from the side.
"Hey." He put his arm around her, studying her face. "You okay today?"
"I'm having ice cream withdrawals," she told him.
Sean smiled and their group proceeded to the food court.
IIIIIII
Two pairs of adolescent male feet trampled down the stairs as Scott and Frank made their way through. The former held up a miniature airplane while the latter carried a dark green tank, bypassing the ringing telephone. Running into the living room, Scott climbed up on the couch and Frank took over one of the armchairs.
"Command to base, do you copy?"
Scott squinted under his glasses. "How am I base if I'm in the air?"
"It's a hover tank," Frank explained simply.
Erik walked in, hiding his amusement at the youthful display. "Boys, we're not monkeys. Off the furniture."
They both scrambled down.
"Hey, Frank." Alex stepped in, standing next to Erik. "Your dad's on the phone."
"Really?" Frank left out right away.
Scott noticed a sudden stiffness in Erik's countenance now. "We're sorry for playing around on the furniture."
Erik offered up a little smile. "Think nothing of it, Scott. Only remember to leave such activities for the outdoors."
"Come on, twerp." Alex went over, taking his brother's hand. "I'll play with you until Frankenstein's done."
Erik moved aside to allow the Summers passage.
Entering the kitchen, Frank picked up the phone extension. "Dad?"
"Frank, son, I only have a minute so I need you to listen to me, okay?"
"Okay," the boy followed along.
"I know your mother's had your ear, telling you she's coming home and the like," Phil began. "I want you to call her first thing in the morning and tell her it's a bad idea."
Not expecting that for a minute, Frank frowned deeply. "What? I've talked to Mom plenty of times. She's fine."
"She's not ready yet, Franklin," Phil emphasized. "Your older brother's already talked to her for me. Now I need you to. You're old enough to handle that."
"I don't care what Linny did," Frank stated, gripping the phone tightly. "I've waited a long time for Mom to get better and so's Jeff."
"You watch your mouth talking to me like that, Frank Tolbert. In the morning, you call her."
"No," the boy said resolutely. "Sorry Dad, but I miss Mom and I'm gonna see her." He hung up before his father got another word out.
As he left the kitchen, Frank rubbed his wrists. He felt mild shaking developing from them.
IIIIIII
Charles left the library and descended the staircase with his copy of Don Quixote open and glued to his face. Knowing the house so well, the Professor robotically made it into the living room. He eased down into the loveseat.
"Hello, Baby Blue," he greeted when Raven attempted to tip by a few minutes later.
Raven, shopping bag in each hand, groaned inwardly. "Hey, God called. He wants His omnipresence back." She walked in.
"I only study under the best." Charles held his arm out and she sat by him. "I do hope you'll exercise some spending restraint once you are married."
She snuggled into his side. "Hank likes to spoil me."
"But you'll always be mine." Hank kissed her at the temple.
"Charles?" his sister inquired casually. "Are you doing Emma Frost?"
The telepath dropped his book. "Raven Xavier, that was entirely vulgar of you."
"Fine, I'll phrase it British style. Charles, are you fu—?"
He swatted her thigh. "For God's sake, Raven."
"Answer me," she urged.
"No," he responded sharply. "There have been no… such exchanges between us."
"But you love her," Raven said knowingly. "Don't you?"
Charles' eyes dimmed. "Do you hate me for that?"
Raven shook her head slowly. "I tried to convince myself she was exactly like those Oxford girls."
"So did I," Charles confessed. "Raven, you filled an enormous void in my life all those years ago. None other on earth can replace or hope to duplicate it."
Raven shifted, resting on him. "Will you read to me?"
Charles picked the book back up with one hand and used the other to stroke his little sister's red hair.
IIIIIII
Sean snatched up the phone on the first ring, having paced around the parlor for some time. "Hello," he greeted urgently.
"It's me, Sean."
"Finally. What kind of super shower did you take? I've been calling to check on you since we dropped you off."
"Sean," Maya started importantly, "tonight I chose to do something."
"Rearrange your stuffed animals again?" the redhead guessed.
"No," she replied. "After you guys left, I got up and took a bus downtown to Manhattan."
Sean felt ready to accuse his ears of full blown fabrication. "No you didn't."
"I wanted to be spontaneous."
He shook his head. "No you didn't."
"So," she went on, "I snuck into the Beatles concert."
"Ohhh, no you didn't."
"I did until security grabbed me," Maya said. "Soooo I had to pay to get in or go to the station. I mean I couldn't go to jail. Those people do not get into college. But the money I paid to see the whole last ten minutes of the show was all the money I brought with me and now I'm sort of trapped in a large city with nowhere to turn." Silence lingered on the other end. "Sean? Sean!"
The male teen began to recite, "You're traveling through another dimension - a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. You're entering the Twilight Zone."
"Wow, you actually sound like the guy."
"Where are you?" he erupted into the phone.
After taking down the address, Sean grabbed his keys and took off for the garage. Like a mutant man on a mission, he did not stop for so much as an oxygen intake before entering Manhattan city limits. He then paused long enough to ask for directions.
Soon enough, he discovered Maya situated inside a phone booth. He braked sharply and hopped out.
Maya ran out of her see-through shielding and into his arms. "Oh, Sean."
"Crazy girl," Sean returned, rubbing her hair. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Thank you so much. I can explain everything."
"Do it on the way." Sean got them into the BMW and started back.
They did not make it beyond five blocks before Sean stopped the car again.
Maya looked to him in alarm. "What is it?"
"If I go any farther, we're going to stall." He growled in frustration. "And I broke my neck to get here and just left my wallet on the dresser."
Maya now appeared helpless. "Sean, I am so—"
"I have to call my house." He got out without another word and walked a few feet over to another pay phone. He found a dime in his jacket pocket and inserted it. A hallelujah aura and chorus broadcasted over him at the voice that picked up. "Hi, Emma. It's Seanie."
IIIIIII
Erik quietly opened the door that led into Frank's bedroom. Seeing the bed deserted, his eyes went to the closet and the familiar golden light seeping through. He walked over, opening the door fully. Frank sat on the floor, power on, absorbed in a comic book.
"Can't sleep?" Erik inquired.
The boy shook his head slowly before turning off his mutated lightshow. He placed his book down then twisted around, reaching for the man. Erik got down to his level and pulled him to lay his head on his chest.
"Is this about your father?"
Frank told him, "He wants me to tell Mom to stay in that place."
Erik's face did not form an obvious reaction. "Why would he ask that of you?"
"He says Mom is still sick but I talk to her all the time, Erik. You saw her at Christmas. She's doing great now."
Personally, from that day on Christmas alone, Erik saw little to no real problem at all, but kept that little detail to himself. "Yes, I believe she is. Did you argue with your father about it?"
Frank nodded. "And he fussed me out as usual. It never fails. Linny's the mindless robot who does what he says and Jeff's just cute."
Erik lifted and carried him back to bed. "He loves you. He's just seen so much." He lay the boy down then got beside him. "It's hardened him inside. I know the feeling well from… war days."
The boy cuddled over close. "Erik, I know I drive you nuts most of the time. But you think like Mom, right? You think I'm good enough?"
"You're a future leader, boychick." Erik placed both arms around him. "Absolute greatness that I'm privileged to train, regardless of what anyone has to say. That includes yourself."
"Thanks." Frank ran a hand along the presently covered arm he knew carried Erik's tattoo. "How do you make that hardness inside go away?"
Erik sensed he asked that question for more than one reason. "I hold you like this. And I remember the good I have now." Frank closed his eyes as he spoke, falling to sleep quickly. "That no man shall ever take away." He spread the blanket over the young boy and settled in for the night at his side.
IIIIIII
Fed up with the ongoing quiet spell, Maya exited the car. She walked to Sean, who currently kept his attention on the passing vehicles.
Maya urged, "Please let me explain."
Sean faced her. "I really hope spiritual possession is involved here."
"Parents Night wasn't cancelled," she informed. "My mom knew about it for three weeks, but the hospital offered her overtime so, of course, she took it. I worked hard to help with Parents Night and my own mom couldn't be bothered."
"Maya," Sean came close upon her, "that's seriously lousy, but how did you wind up here?"
"I wanted to go off and do something— anything crazy," she rationalized weakly. "What does it matter if I'm home with a book or sneaking into a wild concert? Mom's not home to notice either one."
He brought her near to him. "Why didn't you just talk to me? You didn't have to do this. This isn't even you."
"I thought you might not understand," Maya whispered. "I know the kids at your house are underfoot and the adults are always around. For some reason, most kids consider that situation a bad thing."
He dipped a bit to match her height. "Babe, you already know I am not like most kids."
She focused eyes on him. "I'm so sorry, Sean."
"Come here." He put his arms over her protectively.
They separated when a pair of headlights came upon them.
Sean saw the car's occupants. "Phew. No Uncle Erik. Really don't feel like having my ears boxed."
"Oh, leave him alone." Maya shrunk under the withering stare he gave her next. "'Kay, Maya be quiet now."
Emma got out of the Pontiac, followed right away by Charles.
"Children." Charles embraced them both, giving each one of his arms. "Thank God."
"Are you alright?" Emma asked.
"We're fine," Sean replied while Maya said, "Thank you so much."
"Of course, dear." Charles stepped back to look at Sean. "First things first, we're going to stop by the gas station. Then you two are to follow us straight home. Maya, you'll be staying with us tonight. I'll speak with your mother first thing in the morning."
Surprised, Maya nonetheless agreed.
After Charles paid to fill Sean's tank at the nearest station, the adult and teenager pairs got back on the road. With no traffic at the hour, they made it back to the mansion in a little under an hour.
Charles brought everyone into his study. He sat in his office chair with Emma standing by him. The kids told the story from the sofa facing the desk.
Once he heard everything, Charles stated, "I am deeply disappointed in your decisions tonight."
Sean bowed his head. "I'm sorry, Charles."
"I was referring to Maya," the Professor clarified. The girl's eyes jumped. "Not only was your behavior foolhardy and pointless but completely reckless to yourself as well as Sean."
"Professor, I am beyond sorry. I am how crazy over the moon sorry," Maya pleaded. "I was stupid and dumb and kinda high— but not really, I swear."
Sean felt the need to assist her in some way. "She was upset about her mom. Charles, you know Maya would never normally do anything like this."
"People in our lives can make us insane," Emma spoke, getting attention from all present. "Especially the very young who are still learning." She walked from the desk to the left end of the couch. "Before tonight's severe lapse in judgment, I'd heard nothing but good from Sean about this beautiful, kind, intelligent and extremely understanding girl."
Maya smiled as Sean took her hand. "He feels that way about you, too."
Emma brushed back some of Maya's dark brown hair. "If Maya has it in her to accept us all as we are, I think we can look beyond all of this."
Charles felt himself beam because of the woman. "I wholeheartedly agree, Emma." He grimaced slightly. "However, forgiveness is one matter while exemption is another. Maya, you are an immense part of Sean's life. So much so that you feel as if an extension of our household." Charles stood from his seat. "I am going to give you the spanking you thoroughly earned tonight."
The girl seemed to go catatonic at the majestic man's declaration.
As if she had been expecting this new development, Emma held a hand out to the suddenly silent redhead in the room. "Let's go find somewhere suitable for Maya to sleep."
Unsure, Sean felt he should do or say something to rescue his girlfriend. However, a power much stronger than those feelings forced him to his feet. Only sharing the briefest glimpse with Maya, Sean departed the study with Emma rubbing his right shoulder soothingly.
Charles rapped his knuckles on the solid oak desk before coming Maya's way. "Have you ever been spanked, Maya?"
Quickly finding the charming, warm professor larger and far more intimidating, she answered, "Not since my age started in the two digits."
"Well, you're still a little girl," Charles informed her. He lowered to reach her eyes. "Your mother over extends herself, yes. But does she deserve to lose her only child on an impish whim?"
"No," the girl replied honestly.
"Were you any other young lady, I most likely would not have allowed Sean to continue seeing you," Charles told her. "But you, love, are very special." He placed a gentle hold on her chin. "Remember that."
"Thank you," Maya whispered, having to wonder for a moment if he had seen inside her mind.
Sitting beside her, he carefully tugged her across his lap. "Should you kick, scratch, or bite this shall be much worse and far longer for you," Charles warned, having developed a knack for how females typically responded to painful discipline.
Mesmerized by her abrupt and strange view of the carpet, Maya managed to say, "Right— yes, Professor."
Having not expected to find himself in such a position with not one of his own charges, Charles gave her blue jean covered bottom a sharp swat.
For the first few, Maya could only focus on the very awkward and embarrassing aspects. Then the strikes kept coming, creating a pain she had not known for years.
She gasped slightly, making inaudible yet dainty grunts.
Seeing his point getting across, Charles moved on to her thighs. "Should a situation such as this arises again, you will find yourself right back here. I won't allow you to betray your mother's trust nor disregard your own well-being, young lady."
Tears ran down her cheeks in a heavy flow and she nodded hard.
Charles at last ended things, resting a hand at her quivering back.
After a minute, he picked up the small framed girl into a cradling hold. "There there, dear. It's all over now." Maya rested her cheek against his shoulder, letting off a sob. "I do not want you to think I don't have sympathy for what you have been dealing with, love. My own mother grew even more distant after my father's passing. I know not all are able to quietly push through as I did, never making waves. However, there are waves and then there are tsunamis."
Maya managed the slightest laugh. "I was torn between this and going blonde… and Sean loves my hair."
Charles smiled at her. "But dear, should you ever need an adult to speak to, please do not hesitate to telephone."
"Thank you, Professor," she said quietly. "I really appreciate all of this."
"The thanks are unnecessary." Holding her securely with one arm, Charles touched two fingers to his temple. Sean, come here please.
Maya stood upright again by the time Sean journeyed back. The young couple gazed back at each other mutely. Sean finally stepped forward, giving her a strong hug. Maya felt great relief inside his caring lock.
Charles sat back quietly, knowing they needed the moment.
Letting go of each other, Maya kissed his cheek before leaving the study. Emma stood out in the hall and took the girl downstairs for something to eat.
Sean turned to the Professor, who held his arms open wide. Without a second's delay, the tall redhead went and climbed into his lap.
"I am so tired," Sean sighed deeply.
"I know you must be." Charles rubbed his back in comforting circles. "You should have told us the situation before driving off in that haste."
"She scared me. I mean, Maya in downtown Manhattan. I didn't want to waste time explaining when I barely understood the whole thing myself. After what happened to Raven, I just lost it."
Charles nodded. "Yes, I know what you must have been feeling, but I still should have been notified. You rushed out without even your driver's license. What if an officer had stopped you?"
Sean's shoulders slumped. "I didn't even think of that. I'm sorry."
"With all that in mind," Charles went on, "I am proud that you called for help as soon as you needed it. Not to mention how you did not protest when I stated I would punish Maya."
"I wasn't that surprised," Sean told him. "Maya is usually insanely practical; always doing the right thing. Tonight, even I knew she had it coming. And she didn't even invite me to the concert."
Charles laughed lightly. "Now," he patted Sean's behind, "what to do about my well-meaning yet wrongly acted boy?"
"Time-out nap," said boy requested tiredly.
Clutching him, Charles declared, "No driving or going out for the remainder of the weekend."
"Yes, sir." Sean nestled into the man's neck, knowing that was more than fair. "Charles?"
"Seanie?"
"I really love you. I want you to be happy."
"Oh, my good lad." Charles kissed his head. "I'm happier than any man could be."
"I mean the way I'm happy with Maya," the teen clarified somewhat shyly.
Taken aback for a moment, Charles rubbed Sean's back again. He listened for the youth's faint slumber noises, sinking into thought.
IIIIIII
Not having to look up at the footsteps, Emma continued putting the milk away into the refrigerator. She had developed a feel for the male telepath some time ago.
"Is Sean in bed?"
"I just finished carrying him up," Charles confirmed.
Emma turned her head to him. "Hidden muscle I see."
Charles stared back squarely. "My arms and hands are where my strength truly manifests. Have you forgotten?"
"Never." She tickled his lips with a manicured finger. "But we both know where your real strength lies." She waved a hand through his chestnut brown hair before taking a towel to wipe off the counter. "Maya is bunking with Raven. Erik is staying with Frank tonight. Little Cyclops told me about the training session earlier. Erik is not entirely far off. They need to better master their gifts at an early age before they become out of control."
Taking a seat at the table, Charles listened and watched her move about. "Would you believe I've had dreams like this?"
Emma paused by the sink, tossing locks of blonde over one shoulder. "Like what?"
Charles rested his arms on the table, continuing to face her. "You in my kitchen. Of course that was usually the morning after…" He let off a cheeky chuckle.
"Professor," she chided playfully, snapping a towel his way.
Extending a hand, Charles pulled her towards him. "I feel I've been leading you on."
"Charles." Emma gripped his hand tightly. "I know how important your life is here. You care for children even beyond your household. You were right. There is so much more to consider here."
He got up, closing the space between them. "I've spent night after night considering it all. It won't leave me alone. Emma, the unique tie that we share, the way we feel— we cannot go on ignoring it nor should we."
Emma placed her arms around his neck. "Then what do you suggest, sugar?"
Charles tipped his head forward, touching noses with her.
IIIIIII
When morning arrived, Raven found herself staring blankly up at the ceiling. The still exhausted Maya slept nearby on the other side of the big bed. Raven understood that like none other; Charles Xavier punishments came with pain, fatigue, yet an overall warmth and forgiveness.
Climbing out of bed, Raven took time to put on her robe before leaving out. She moved several doors down to another suite and knocked.
Emma appeared at the door seconds later, brow furrowing in surprise. "Raven."
"I am not getting up early."
The surprise turned into confusion. "Earlier than this?"
"If we do this training regiment, it is on my schedule," Raven informed, arms crossed. "And I do not do Erik Lehnsherr five AMers."
"Oh, sweetheart. I barely acknowledge AMs at nine," Emma said.
"And I am not your little soldier, so don't try to go drill sergeant with me," the shape-shifter continued. "Because I am only going along with this because Hank thinks I should."
"Understood," the blonde nodded. "Anything else?"
"If I think of something, I know where to find you." She started back up the hall.
"Raven?" The petition made her turn back. "I look forward to working with you."
Raven eyed her icily. "Tramp."
"Stop it. You'll make me homesick." Emma closed her door again.
Smirking slightly, Raven returned to her own room.