X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Sixty Two

Author's Word: Many of you may be wondering why I'm posting so quickly when some of you have barely had a chance to take in Chapter Sixty One. In the last chapter's Word, I was so overcome by this strange cold of mine that something important slipped my mind. This chapter is for anonymous reviewer NewYorkLover63, Tom. Tom and his sister are readers of mine and his sister recently had to deal with a health crisis in the form of almost losing her unborn child. It thrills me to the core that not only is she doing well again, but that the baby will be alright. I pray and ask all of you out there to do the same that this family will remain happy and healthy.

I want to take the time to make it clear that not one of you out there is a digital blur who is only good for adding to my viewing count. I value every single one of you readers. Whether it's fan fiction or a future publication, I never want to stand as a giant over "the little people" who made it all happen. No, I want to connect. I want to talk. I want to answer your questions. I want you to know how much you matter. With Rise or Fall, I have a story to tell and you are the audience that is here to listen to it. Thank you to Tom and to all of you for your support. Let's make Rise or Fall endless! Please enjoy and review!

Sighted by the glow of the blazing fireplace, the tiny hazel eyed girl peered around the edge of the doorway into the living room. The woman sat on the couch, icy gaze locked as she stared blankly at the framed artwork worth more than a common man's monthly wages on the far wall. She gripped a crystal glass in one hand, mechanically absorbing the brown liquid within.

"Mummy?" the girl called out, daring to take a single step forward.

The woman's expression faded not as she asked, "What do you want, Raven?"

Before she could answer, her older brother appeared at her side. "Raven, come with me. You know you shouldn't bother Mother."

"She's no bother, Charles." Sharon extended a hand, not looking over. "Come see Mother, dear."

Forming a wide grin, Raven approached and joined the older female on the couch.

Sharon placed her drink on the coffee table in front of her. With a hum in her throat, she brought Raven in close to her side and began to finger comb through the child's hair. The rhythmic murmuring grew louder and Sharon started to tug at the strands.

At his sister's visible wincing, Charles rushed in. "Mother, stop! Stop it." He took Raven's hand and pulled her right off the couch. "You're hurting her."

Sharon caressed Raven's cheek with the back of her hand. "My pet."

Charles kept a grip on his sister's hand, leading her out. "We're going to bed."

Raven glanced back. "Night, Mother."

The golden haired woman picked her glass back up, the hum returning to her lips.

XXXXX

Eyes opening, it took a moment for the blurriness to subside. Raven moaned faintly as she peeled the covers off to free herself from the bed. She went into her bathroom and took a drawn-out shower. Finished, she put on sweat clothes and shifted her skin and hair into civilian form.

Charles looked away from his tea preparation when she entered the kitchen. "At last. I thought you were going to sleep straight through lunch."

"Where's Emma?" Raven asked. "I knocked on her door and no answer. I want to train."

"I sent her into town on a couple small errands." Charles had a giddy air about him. "The little ones have a lovely surprise planned for her."

"Alrighty then. Is Erik around?"

"He left to drive Frank into the city. Don't you remember?"

"No, I don't remember," she said matter-of-factly. "I have a lot on my mind you know."

"Actually, I don't know," Charles refuted. "Because according to you, your mind is absolutely off limits to me."

Raven rolled her eyes and grabbed an apple from the bowl. "I'm going on a run."

"Raven," Charles called after her, stopping her at the doorway. "I know what reservations you have with this day. I only ask that you don't make it difficult for all involved."

Keeping her back turned, the younger Xavier said, "Wouldn't want to be a bother," then continued on.

IIIIIII

"Mommy!" Frank bellowed, racing into the first floor apartment.

Alana hurried out of the kitchen. "Baby!" She held her arms out wide for him to rush into, not caring if she'd be knocked over in the process. "I am so glad to see you."

Erik remained in the doorway, observing the embrace of nothing less than complete adoration.

"You look so pretty, Mom," Frank told her.

"Oh stop," Alana waived off. "You're too much."

"But not wrong," Erik chimed in.

The red haired woman glanced his way. "Thank you." Her face changed quickly to a straighter one. "For dropping him off."

"It's my pleasure. Frank, be good for your mother," Erik said to the boy. "I'll see you tonight."

"Wait," Alana spoke as he turned to go. "Why don't you stay and join us? I'm terrible at cooking just enough for two."

Erik shook his head. "I could never intrude on your time together."

"Aw Erik, come on," Frank supported. "Please? It'll be great."

Letting off a sigh, Erik gave into the dual request. "I suppose I have some time to spare." He came in fully, shutting the front door.

"Mom, come over here." Frank joined hands with her and led her to the couch. "I want you to see what I got you. You come, too, Erik."

Alana sat on the couch beside her son and Erik took the nearby chair.

Frank unzipped his backpack and took a small wrapped box from it. He handed it over to his mother. Alana delicately removed the paper and ribbon before opening the top flap of the box.

An immediate smile took over her lips when she pulled out the glass swan. "Frankie, this is gorgeous, baby. Erik, look at this."

The man took the figurine in for closer examination. "The boy has a king's taste."

Alana hugged Frank with both arms. "Thank you, honey."

Frank leaned against her comfortably, totally at ease. "Are we going to the church picnic again this year?"

"That drag?" Alana scoffed. She carried the swan over to sit between two picture frames on a wall shelf. "I'm not in the mood for gossip today. I thought we could have our own picnic in the park."

"Cool." Frank hopped up and headed for his bedroom. "Gonna grab some stuff!"

When he left, Alana and Erik lingered in near deafening silence.

"Erik—"

"How are the boys?"

Alana glided a hand down her neat ponytail. "Great. Linny called first thing this morning. Jeff sent me a card with Japanese stickers all over it. So," she sat down on the arm of the couch, facing him, "how's everything at the school?"

"The babes remain loud, excitable, and sticky," he replied.

She commented sincerely, "Sounds like paradise."

Erik gazed at her. "The closest I've ever been to it."

The woman stood. "I better finish loading this basket."

After she went into the kitchen, Erik got up to go check on Frank.

IIIIIII

Though she'd had to drive nearly to the edge of town to find businesses open on a Sunday, Emma returned to the mansion with Charles' requested items. Leaving the bag on the foyer's end table, she started upstairs.

Going into her suite, Emma did a double take at the sight before her. Vibrant white lilies covered her vanity, dresser, table, along with a horizontal arrangement spread out across her bed. She walked to the bay window, putting a gentle hand on one of the buds found there.

Love, Charles mentally appealed, could you join us in the backyard a moment please?

Gazing about the room once more, she replied I'll be right down.

When she arrived outside, she hardly had time to take in the enormous lunch presented on the patio table. Becky, Scott, and Joey ran straight for her.

"Happy Mother's Day!" they chorused, each tugging on whatever limb of hers they could reach.

Charles chuckled and said, "Now now, children. Let's relax a bit."

"Let the little lady breathe." Alex tucked Scott and Joey each under an arm and brought them back to the table.

"Come on, Curls." Sean picked up Becky and sat down with her on his lap.

Charles took the still stunned Emma by the hand and guided her to the seat right next to his own.

"I think she's speechless," Sean noticed.

"Did you like your flowers?" Scott asked.

"We picked them out especially for you," Becky said. "We pulled our allowances."

"We wanted to get you a lot more," Joey told her. "But the man said we already bought out all the lilies this side of Holland. Isn't that cool?"

Charles studied her expression. "Something the matter, darling?"

Emma started to say something when Hank stepped out and asked, "Has anyone seen Raven?"

"She went for a run more than an hour ago," Charles answered. I think it's best you be the one to go see about her. Today has her troubled.

"Raven and I have some important wedding details to go over," Hank told the group. "We should be back in time for dinner."

Armed with his communicator, he headed off into the thick of trees behind the grounds.

IIIIIII

Positioned in a ready stance, Frank announced, "Her comes a good one," then sent out the football.

With a bit of a leap on her part, Alana snatched it out of the sky.

"Alright!" Frank cheered, glancing Erik's direction. "Told you my mom was far out."

"I learned that day one," Erik concurred.

Alana smiled, tossing the ball back out to Frank. "Go for long, champ."

Erik commented, "I'm beginning to find this game highly overrated."

"I'm sure you'd have a much easier time if we attached an iron skin to it instead," Alana said coyly.

"And just what do you mean by that?" Erik folded his arms, planting her with a look. "Are you implying my skills reside solely with my mutation?"

She shrugged and smiled. "You tell me."

"Boychick," Erik addressed while keeping eyes on the woman, "let's see what that arm of yours is truly capable."

"You got it, Erik." Frank stepped back a few paces before letting the ball shoot across the sky.

In a unison motion, both adults sped after it. Erik seized it first with Alana colliding right into him. They immediately went down into the grass, laughter erupting from each.

Alana studied his face from where she'd fallen safely against his chest. "Try to wear that smile more often."

Erik took back his hand from absentmindedly stroking her loose strands of hair. "Ahem." He moved away slightly. "Are you alright?"

She sat up on her knees. "Just fine."

"Whoo!" Frank ran up, belly flopping down on top of Erik.

The metal wielder let off an exaggerated groan as he wound arms around the boy. "Frisky, are we?" He playfully growled against his neck.

Frank laughed into Erik's shirt then settled down against him. "I'm glad you're here."

"So am I," Erik returned to him in a whisper.

Deciding to worry over grass stains later, Alana lay back down and took in the rays of the sun overhead.

XXXXX

Adorned in her brand new green party dress, Raven twirled about the second floor to make the satin skirt fly. She then hurried along downstairs, passing by the silver garlands intertwined around the railing.

The small girl stopped short of the parlor at the loud conservation taking place within. Cloaking herself behind the Ming vase, she heard the heated exchange. It consisted of a great many words she dared not repeat in front of Charles. Raven ducked when the heavy feet stormed from the parlor and right out the front door.

As soon as the near shattering slam sounded, the distinct weeping could be heard. Raven made her way into the parlor, finding Sharon with her hands to her eyes.

"Mum?" Raven petitioned, drawing closer toward her. "Mummy, please don't cry." Looking around, her eyes fell on the gold-based snow globe on top of the mantle. Raven quickly retrieved it and brought it over to her mother's chair. "Look." Raven twisted the dial, filling the room with its cheerful melody. "Hear that? It's your favorite."

Slowly, Sharon raised her head. She reached out, touching the globe carefully by clamping her hands over Raven's.

For a glimmer of a second, Raven thought she caught a half smile on the mascara smudged face.

Clutching Raven's hands, Sharon shook out the globe, watching the white pallets flutter down over the horse and carriage contained inside.

XXXXX

"Raven… Raven!"

Popping up from where she reclined against a log, Raven called back, "Hank? Over here!"

The mildly panting scientist came around a tree and crouched down before her. "Are you alright?"

She nodded and leaned forward to put her arms around his broad shoulders. "Did Charles locate me for you?"

"No," he answered, taking her to sit on his right thigh.

"But I left my communicator in my room. How did you…?"

A twinkle ignited in his eyes. "Let's just say there's more to these heightened sense than I lead most to believe."

Raven gazed back at him almost star-struck. "You went there for me?"

Hank cupped her cheek. "What's going on, Raven?"

She shifted on him slightly. "It's my mother. My, um," she scratched at her temple with her thumbnail, "adoptive mother."

"I don't think I've ever really heard you speak of her," Hank realized. "Nothing beyond a casual mention."

"Not everyone is as- Erik like- with their issues," Raven stated with a weak smile. "Some of us don't like to dwell; just want to move on. And after it became just me and Charles, we kind of had this silent agreement never to so much as speak of Mother's Day. Now that Emma is in his life, it's like he's forgotten how much pain this day has to offer."

Hank rubbed his chin then posed a question. "By who's choice is it painful?"

Raven glanced back at him. "What?"

"You can't begin to judge another's natural emotions," Hank told her. "I thought Becca let go of her father for Erik all too easily last year. But in retrospect, who was I to force her into misery she didn't want?"

"You think I'm being selfish," Raven surmised.

"No," Hank replied. "Raven, you spend a good deal of time providing a support and happy air to all of us. However, did it ever occur to you that maybe Charles is pushing back his own inner agonies in favor of making this day positive for everyone?"

"Sounds suspiciously like him," Raven admitted.

Hank arched back, keeping a hand at her waist. "Do you think about your mother a great deal?"

"Not like I used to. She was barely ever around and when she was home, it was all about her best friends; scotch, gin, bourbon— the gang." Raven's lips turned up in fond recollection. "But then there were these blink-and-miss moments where she was this creature of beauty, refinement, class. She's actually the reason I," she bounced her presently blonde hair about, "tend to look like this."

"Ah," Hank understood. "So it was never about…?"

"Channeling Marilyn Monroe?" Raven supplied humorously. "Nope. And I always hoped things would change. Our stepfather would disappear and we'd be happy at last. Silly me." She dipped her face.

Hank brought her into a firm embrace. "I will make you happy, Raven. I promise."

"It's too late for that," she said softly then brought her eyes back up to him. "You've already succeeded."

IIIIIII

Under Erik's touch, Frank drifted off to sleep with his football tucked beside him.

Alana played in her son's dark hair. "I definitely let him eat too much."

"He's a growing boy is all," Erik dismissed. "He'll be famished again upon awakening. He'll be fine. I'll just give him a dose of warm milk before bed."

Alana gaped at him. "You make no sense." She turned and walked out of the bedroom.

Erik frowned and followed her out into the living room. "Care to add to that statement?"

She spun to face him. "I have never seen a single man work such wonders with children, especially my Frank. How are you not married? Is it all because of your powers?"

"No, they—" Erik sighed in aggravation. "I lost my chance at that already."

Alana folded her arms expectedly. "What happened?"

Erik told her flatly, "Instead of focusing on my betrothed, I devoted the bulk of my time to hunting and obliterating stray Nazis."

The redhead failed to so much as blink. "And she considered that a turnoff? Definitely couldn't handle a military marriage if that's the case."

Erik shook his head with the slightest glint of amusement. "Frank really is all yours, isn't he?"

Alana sighed softly, sitting down on the couch.

"Are you feeling alright?" Erik joined her.

"I can't tell you how glad I am that you were here today." She rested her hand wearily against her forehead. "I've felt immensely alone these last weeks. I miss my sons so much. My daughter…"

Twisting his body to better see her, Erik said, "You haven't brought up Phil once today."

She gave him a sideways glance. "Neither have you."

Frank stirred a few minutes later and got up to go to the bathroom. After he finished, he paused at the conversation he heard. He went to the living room archway and observed the two on the couch. The boy watched for a few seconds longer before tipping back to his room.

IIIIIII

Charles returned to the lengthy table and retook his seat between Joey and Emma.

"I spoke with Erik." He placed his napkin back in the middle of his lap. "He and Frank will be home a little later on, but I couldn't reach Raven or Hank."

Becky looked over from her salad. "Can we give Auntie Em her presents now?"

"That is really unnecessary," Emma claimed. "The flowers were already so extravagant, not to mention this dinner."

"Nonsense." Charles rested his hand on top of hers. "We've only just begun. Go on, children."

"You first, Rebecca," Scott encouraged.

Becky reached into the small purse she had with her and took out a pink and white beaded bracelet. "I made it from the kit Papa got me in California. I know it's not as nice as the one you gave me."

Emma immediately slipped it onto her wrist. "It's so much better. Thank you, darling."

Scott gave her a small box. Inside she found a white mug painted with butterflies all around and her name spelled out down the handle.

"It took forever to find an Emma mug," said Scott. "I must have dug through a thousand Emilys."

"Thank you, Scott. Now certain individuals can't steal my coffee cup," Emma quipped.

Charles held up his hands defensively. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Sean made a show of groaning in difficultly as he lifted a white basket covered in clear plastic from underneath the table. It contained scented candles, body lotion, shower gel, and perfume.

"I got my mom one like it in strawberry," he said. "I hope you like vanilla."

"I love vanilla," Emma assured. "Thank you, Seanie."

"I'll be honest," Alex spoke next. "I'm no good at chick gifts. So I'm going to be spending my free time tomorrow washing and waxing your car."

"You are an absolute joy," Emma told him.

Joey got out a square shaped package about the size of a large photo frame. "Here, Mummy."

Curiously, Emma took off the festive wrapping and let off a gasp at what she saw underneath. The canvas depicted a full body painting of her with enormous white wings. At the very bottom she read: My Mum is My Angel.

At seeing her eyes watering, Joey asked worriedly, "Don't you like it?"

"It's beautiful…" Emma, careful of the canvas, reached over Charles to wrap her arms around the little boy. "Thank you so much, Treasure."

Alex stated, "And as always, Joey blew me right out of the water."

Sean pretended to pout. "Wish I had talent."

A laugh vibrated from Charles chest. "I suppose it's my turn." He reached into the pocket of his dinner jacket and removed a long velvet box. "Open it."

Emma shook her head. "Charles Xavier."

"Open it," he prompted firmer.

The blonde woman finally took the box and unsnapped the top. "Charles." A white-gold circular pendant shined up at her, the interior outlined in diamonds.

Charles picked the necklace up by its chain and began to put it around her neck. "The circle never severs. It is endless. Like us." He finished with the clasp and kissed her.

Becky and Joey exchanged a grin and the older boys made mock disgusted faces.

"There you guys are," Sean acknowledged as Hank and Raven entered the restaurant.

"Please excuse our lateness," Hank said. "We had to make a stop."

Raven held out the box of white chocolates. "Happy Mother's Day, Em."

"Thank you both." Emma placed the candy on the table next to her gift basket. "I never realized how spoiled I am."

"Here, Raven." Becky handed her the flower clip crafted from a lily bud. "Joey made them." She indicated the flower halo on top of her curls. "Put yours in your hair like Auntie Em."

"Will you help me?" Raven asked Emma.

"Of course." The older female stood, clipping the flower onto the right side of the golden hair. "I heard you were looking for me earlier."

Raven nodded. "I really wanted to talk to you."

Emma ran one hand through Raven's hair. "I'm here now."

"I know you are." Raven gave her a strong hug.

Hank and Charles shared a quick look, smiles coming to them both.

IIIIIII

A familiar knock sounded at her door and Emma responded, It's open.

Charles came in, seeing her brushing her hair at the vanity. "Hello, lovely." He closed the door before approaching her. "I really hope you enjoyed yourself tonight. We certainly did."

Wordlessly, Emma removed her necklace and held it out to him. "I want you to return this."

Charles stared disbelieving at her. "Excuse me?"

"I didn't have the heart to refuse the children's gifts. Charles, please, just take it back."

He frowned. "Emma, what's come over you? I thought you felt the same as I about your role here. About us."

"I am in complete love with you, Charles," Emma stated, rising up. "But this necklace, the gifts, Joey considering me an angel of all things— I don't deserve any of it."

"How could you possibly say that?" Charles came up behind her. "You've gone above and beyond the call of duty for the children."

"I'm the reason Becky's father is dead!" Emma turned to him with glassy blue eyes and a strained voice. "That little girl who I love so much and I created that agony she had to go through. I knew what Shaw was going to do and I allowed it. I helped that man."

"You also helped us," Charles emphasized. "Without you linking minds with me in Montana, Shaw's death tolls would have reached the millions. I know what you've done, Emma. Just like I know what Erik's done. But I love you both and that will never change."

"I don't deserve to be with you, Charles," she said despondently. "I don't deserve the love of these kids. I already failed as a mother. What right have I at a second chance?"

"Stop this!" Charles gripped her shoulders. "I will not allow you to carry this self-loathing. If you continue to allow the past to cripple you, we will never have a future. And I'll be damned before I let you slip through my fingers again."

Emma stared right into his eyes. "Punish me, Charles. The same as you did in Alaska. Please. Do it for me."

Charles took the necklace out of her thin hand. "If that's what it takes." He gently lay the necklace on top of the vanity and picked up Emma's hairbrush. "Come here." He tugged her over by the wrist and sat on the vanity bench before depositing her over his lap. "This is not something I administer to all deserving. In doing this, I signify that you belong to me, not your past. The sooner you understand that, the less we'll end up here." That stated, he brought her brush down heavily over the ivory nightdress.

Pained chirps left Emma's lips, unable to believe how so very quickly it hurt this time. Charles laid into her bottom with no remorse over his actions, each strike stronger than the one before.

As his lady's volume increased, Charles used all of his mental energy to keep the others from hearing them. On the physical end, he focused solely on the task before him and worked the hairbrush as if it offered his last hope. He loved this woman, he wanted this woman, and he would do this for her; to keep her.

Deciding it done after another minute, Charles carelessly flung the brush to the side and gathered up the hysterically sobbing blonde into his iron locked arms. Emma worked to catch her breath as the tears free flowed beyond her control. She cried out at certain moments when the intense soreness reminded her of its continued presence.

Charles entered her mind. If I have to do this every single night, I will. Emma, please. I need you with me. If I am a fool to love you I wear the title proudly.

Emma regained some manner of governor over her air intake and swiped at her tear stained face with her arm. She pressed her lips to his with all the strength she had in that moment.

The male telepath pulled back first. No, you have to calm your breathing.

I want you now.

He swatted her. Calm your breathing, Emma. Please, love, do as I say.

When her body slowly stopped reacting to the painful experience and normal absorption of air could be heard, Charles rewarded her with a long kiss. He moved them to lay side by side on her bed and did not part from her lips for several more seconds.

I never knew you could hurt me in a way that felt so right, she told him.

Pain was not created without purpose, Emma. It isn't always horror. It signifies life, it allows healing.

Thank you, sugar. Her eyes closed.

Charles used his hand to clean away the remainder of the tears from the beautiful face as he watched her sleep.

IIIIIII

When he heard the front door, Scott went out in time to see Erik put Frank down. "Hey, dude."

"Hey, dude," Frank returned.

Scott pointed with his thumb towards the living room. "Want to watch TV?"

"Sure."

"You 'dudes' pack it up in half an hour," Erik interjected. "You have school in the morning."

"We know!" Frank responded over his shoulder.

Erik proceeded towards his den, wondering just when they'd decorated the mansion in vases upon vases of random white flowers.

The boys took seats on the center of the couch.

"How's your mom doing?" Scott asked.

"Good," Frank responded. "We had a lot of fun." He frowned a little. "Except it was weird. I walked in on her and Erik. They were sitting real close. Mom was smiling, really smiling. And Erik, too sorta."

"Wait. You don't think Erik likes your mom or anything like that?"

"That's what's weird." Frank looked at him. "I kind of hope so."

IIIIIII

Coming into the sitting room, Charles spotted his younger sister, still shrouded in her public form, on her knees in one corner with a book in her lap.

"Still up I see." Charles came in closer and squatted by her. "What do you have there?"

Raven moved a bit to show him the album. "Just the photos from Mum and Dad's wedding. Crazy how they dressed back then."

"Quite," Charles chuckled. "Such a handsome couple, though."

"Yes." Raven's hand outlined Sharon's wedding dress. "You know, there's not a drop of blood between us yet I still feel doomed to lead Mother's life."

Charles placed his eyes on her. "What do you mean?"

"Insecure girl marries the dreamboat scientist then it all goes up in smoke."

"Raven." Charles took the album from her to capture her attention. "Is that really where you think you and Hank will end up? Honestly, child, if I didn't love you so much I'd slap you silly for these ridiculous notions."

"Doesn't it ever worry you?" Raven inquired. "With you and Emma?"

"From time to time," Charles admitted. "However, our parents, try as they might, do not dictate our futures. That responsibility falls on us. Hank may have a great deal in common with Father, but you and Mother are near strangers."

Raven glanced towards the fireplace. "I'm not sure if I ever said this, but I really appreciate the fact that you made my name Xavier."

"Were Dad still with us, I never would have needed my powers to bring you into this family," Charles told her. "But regardless of whatever I had to do, I'm so thankful to have you here with me now."

Raven looked back at him with a shine in her eyes. "I'm really sorry, Charles."

He gave her a strong hug. "I love you, Baby Blue. No matter what."

"Well, well." They both looked over to see a bathrobe adorned Erik in the doorway. "Here I thought I heard the children and it's a little girl with a little rat."

Raven gazed at him sardonically. "What do you want, stalker?"

Erik started towards them. "And what are you two doing awake, hm?" He lowered to the floor.

"Bit of trouble sleeping," Charles said. "Erik, I've wanted to ask… how are you handling today?"

"Mother's Day?" the older man clarified. "One of the few American holidays done right I must say."

"It hasn't been hard for you?" Raven asked.

"Not anymore than the ordinary days that proceeded it," Erik replied. "I don't want the past to ever hinder what we have here." He held his arms open to them. "Come here. I want to tell you a story."

Raven placed her head in Erik's lap while Charles relaxed into his side.

The metal wielder placed his arms over each then began to fill their ears with the tale from his former land.