X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Sixty Five
Author's Word: Big news, my people! Almost a year ago to the date, I posted the very first chapter of Rise or Fall. This year on Halloween, the same day I originally posted, marks this story's very first anniversary. Meaning come Halloween, there will be a hugely special chapter. We're going to get a look into the very early days of the school and I want your input. What are some things from the team's start that you would love to flash back to? Review me or PM me with your requests and suggestions. In the meantime, please read and enjoy!
The moment the light switched on, snapping him out of slumber, Hank jumped up in bed with a low growl. His desire to rip out internal organs, at least most of it, faded when he made out the face of the bedroom intruder.
"Erik, I don't mean to be inhospitable, but get out." He collapsed against the pillows again.
"Up, now," Erik, dressed in a sweat suit, ordered.
Hank turned his head toward the alarm clock on his night stand. "It's six AM."
"Yes, I decided to let you sleep in. Get changed and downstairs in five minutes." Erik walked towards the doorway. "We're going for a sprint." He said nothing more as he left out.
With a sigh, Hank removed himself from the comfort of his bed. He went across the hall to use the bathroom then returned to his room to strip out of his pajamas. He put on his own gray sweat outfit and made the journey downstairs.
"A minute to spare." Erik lowered his wristwatch when the young scientist got down to the foyer. "Well done."
Hank rubbed a hand over tired eyes. "Why are we doing this?"
"Because I command it as head of the Groomsmen."
"You're blatantly abusing your power."
"As if you're surprised." Erik ordered the front door open magnetically. "Move."
Shaking his head, Hank jogged out to the still partially dark day. Erik headed after him, forcing the door shut with his power again as he went.
The two ran the length of the compound side by side three times before Erik spoke again. "Take your shoes off."
"I'll leave you in the dust," Hank reminded as a statement of fact.
"Be my guest," Erik encouraged. "I am not the one with tension to release— for today that is."
Coming to a halt, Hank kicked off his sneakers, releasing the mutated appendages within. He then dashed off, transforming into a blur in no time. Erik waited patiently while the Beast performed five consecutive laps around the property.
"How do you feel?" Erik asked when he came back finally.
Hank took in several breaths. "Quite certain that I'll have no trouble getting that cummerbund on." The older man chuckled faintly. "Thank you, Erik."
The metal wielder slapped his back good-naturedly. "Let's get you showered and fed."
"Okay."
Hank got back into his shoes and they started back towards the mansion.
IIIIIII
Coming back out to the patio where the women gathered around table, Charles carried his best porcelain pot.
"More tea and hot chocolate, ladies?" he offered.
"Please," they chorused.
Charles began to pour the warm water into Raven's and the older ladies' teacups and Maya and Becky's cocoa mugs.
"Oh!" Charles lifted one empty serving dish. "More croissants coming up."
"Charles, I can do that." Raven started to stand.
"No, no, no." Charles gently pushed her back down with a kiss to her cheek. "Not a finger you will lift this day." He hurried back inside with the tray.
"Uncle Charles is a prince," Becky stated.
Alana put forth, "Raven, how much do you want for your brother?"
Emma pretended to appear aghast. "You'd dare steal him before my very eyes?"
"Just to cook and clean up twice a week," Alana half-joked.
"He reminds me of Sean," Maya smiled dreamily.
Emma turned to a forlorn Raven. "Is everything alright?"
"I really miss Hank," she confessed. "It feels like a decade instead of a day since I've seen him."
"Then you know it's the real thing," Alana said, taking another sip of tea.
IIIIIII
When the limousines arrived, Charles had the white one take the women to the church first. Erik then ushered the men out towards the remaining black one.
Joey's jaw dropped over the stretch vehicle. "Do we really get to ride in that, Uncle Erik?"
"It's all ours, Kangaroo." Erik held the door open.
"Oh boy!" Scott grinned.
"This is so cool!" Frank exclaimed.
After they were all in, Sean asked, "Can we roll down the top and yell at people we know?"
"Don't be a geek, Seanie," said Alex. "At least wait until we pass the high school Suck it, preppies!"
Charles stifled a laugh. "Settle down, boys."
Erik opened the built-in mini bar. "Drinks, gentlemen?"
Sean's eyes shined. "You mean it?"
"Yes. Let's see here." Erik scanned through the selection. "Your choice- chocolate milk or apple juice?"
Sean instantly deflated. "Chocolate milk… Hank, can we have the real stuff at the wedding?"
The contemplative Groom looked away from the window. "Just for the toasts. With a little water."
Despite the second part, Sean gestured victoriously with his fist.
Once they pulled up in front of Westchester Protestant Praise House, the eight males filed out of the limo. Each carried the bag containing his individual suit.
An elderly white haired man with a thick wooden cane designed like a scepter greeted them upon entry. "Charles Xavier!"
"Rev. Phelps," the young Professor returned delightedly. "I am thrilled to have you presiding over today's ceremony."
"Oh I could not be happier for Raven. Seems just yesterday she was a little head of pigtails." The Reverend shook his head in fond remembrance.
"I know what you mean," Charles said softly then remembered they were not alone. "Rev. Phelps, I'd like you to meet our boys; Alexander, Sean, Franklin, Scott, Joseph—"
"Joey," the little one piped up.
"Joey," Charles amended, giving him a pointed glance for the curt interruption. "This is Erik Lehnsherr and of course, the Groom himself, Henry McCoy."
"Henry McCoy." Rev. Phelps used both his frail hands to shake one of Hank's. "Good to see you, lad."
"Reverend, it's a pleasure," the tall man said.
"Today is one of grand significance," the minister stated. "As Scripture tells us, a man is to leave his mother and father and become one with his wife."
Hank's eyes flashed. "Believe me. That will not be a problem."
"We'd best get changed before the guests arrive," Charles brought up. "We'll speak later, Rev. Phelps."
"Of course, Charles." He waved him and the boys off then noticed Erik gazing about the church very much like an inquisitive child. "Are you a man of faith, Mr. Lehnsherr?"
Erik looked at him. "Jewish."
"The chosen? Wonderful!" the minister said loud enough to create an echo and even startle Erik a bit. "We have much to discuss."
Giving the warm man a glimmer of a smile, Erik went after the others.
IIIIIII
Adorned in a pink silk robe, Raven peered at her reflection in the large vanity mirror of the changing room. Becky sat beside her, watching while Maya removed the curlers from the blonde hair.
"Why are you doing your hair curly?" Becky wondered.
Raven's eyes stayed on the mirror as she replied, "I want to look as pretty as you always do."
Becky smiled at her, remembering yet again her enthusiasm when Hank first announced his engagement to her.
Done with the curlers, Maya picked up her purse next. "Okay, now for the goodies. I know you have something new with the broche Emma gave you. For something borrowed," she took out a pair of earrings, "my pearlies from Grandma."
"Oh thank you." Raven quickly went about attaching them to her lobes.
"For blue, I have this." She took out a handkerchief in the designated color. "Figure you'll need it at some point."
"Definitely," Raven concurred.
"But I'm still terrible because I snoozed on something old."
A telepathic voice sounded with, Actually Maya, I believe I have that under control.
Charles, fully dressed in his indigo tux, walked in with a box. He put it down on the nearest chair then removed a fluffy white article from it.
Raven veered around, lost for words as he carried it over for her viewing. "Mother's veil."
"Yes," Charles nodded. "My reservations toward her aside, I know it's only fitting that you wear this today. I strongly believe she would have wanted it this way."
"Wow, look at it," Becky marveled.
"Thank you," Raven put her arms around her brother, "so much."
Charles embraced her back as tightly as he could.
IIIIIII
Straightening his cuff, Alex stated, "You know, these threads aren't completely nerdy, Bozo."
"Look-it, Scott," Frank said. "We're like James Bond twins."
"I've never worn anything this fancy in my life," Scott said in amazement.
Alex went over to help adjust his bowtie. "Living big in the X-Men, bro."
Their words swirled together in Hank's ears as he stood perfectly straight for Erik to run the lint brush over his clothes.
"Are you going to breathe at some point today?" Erik asked him.
"No," Hank replied with a completely even face.
"Good man." Erik moved the brush along the shoulders of his jacket now.
"Come on, guys," Alex instructed. "Let's go put the cans on the back of the limo."
"Why do people do that?" Scott questioned.
Frank shrugged. "Why do people throw rice? All this wedding junk is weird."
"Don't dirty yourselves," Erik called after them.
"Papa," Becky petitioned a moment later, "are you guys dressed in there?"
"Yes, my sweet," Erik answered. "It takes a man but a moment. Unless Charles is fixing his hair."
Becky stepped inside, going towards Hank. "Some of the guests are here. A lot of them are big like you."
Hank stated, "Looks like my football team is right on time."
"Hold on a minute." Erik looked the little girl up and down. "Have you seen yourself, young lady?"
Becky wore a lavender dress with a streamer attached floral headdress. White stockings and Mary Janes that matched the dress covered her legs and feet.
Hank smiled, at ease by her presence. "It seems an angel has decided to stand among us." She giggled as he took her up to hold. "Happy to see the best part of my family here."
Erik gave his arm a pat.
Alex came back in and stopped long enough to take in Becky's appearance. "Hey, cutie. Guess we know who the next babe to marry is gonna be."
At the death glares the two older men sent him, Alex made rapid movements to snatch up the spare roll of twine and leave right back out.
IIIIIII
"No, no," said an exasperated Emma. "The violets go on opposite corners. We already went over this, people."
"Mum," Joey chimed up. 'They should go by the windows. They'll look prettier."
Emma gave in. "Listen to the one with the artist's eye."
The waiters then went to work putting the enormous vases of violets in front of the windows.
Charles entered the party room. "Looks as if things are coming along…" His eyes made a clear path for Emma. "…quite nicely."
Emma put a hand on her hip. "And what is that look for, Professor?"
"Nothing at all," he assured coyly.
"Hm." She went to him, straightening out his pocket handkerchief. "Why do I find that so hard to believe?"
Joey giggled behind his hand at the wink Charles sent him.
"There." Finished hanging up the banner, Sean climbed down the ladder. "How's it look?" He went to pick up his tuxedo jacket from where he'd left it on the back of a chair.
"Hank and Raven Til the End of Time," Maya read. "That's why I love you, Sean. Simple but so creative."
Sean froze with only one sleeve into his jacket. "You just said you love me."
"Yes, I did," she confirmed.
"I love you, too."
Maya stood in front of him. "You should."
Cautious of the numerous adult eyes in the room, Sean snuck a brief peck to her lips.
IIIIIII
Alana finished with the rouge and replaced its lid.
"I really must thank you for letting me take part in this."
"Hey, you've fixed gourmet meals for us how many times?" Raven mentioned. "In addition to providing me with my love bug Frank."
Maya burst into the room, followed by Emma, Becky, and Charles at a less enthused pace.
"Raven, Raven, you won't believe it!" Maya all but imploded.
The older girl jumped up in alarm. "What? What, is it Hank? Is he okay?"
"Sean loves me!"
"I think we all figured that out, love," said the Professor.
"Yesterday's news," Emma dismissed.
"Give me another heart attack, why don't you," Raven reacted.
"And also," Maya added, "the guests are ready, the guys are ready— are you ready?"
When the ceremonial music began, Raven let go of a breath. "Let's leapfrog that broom."
"What?" Becky's face wrinkled in confusion.
"You're on, sweetie," Alana informed.
"Ooh." Becky grabbed up her basket of petals.
Emma opened the door. "Scott's already out there."
Becky went out into the hall and joined the shades adorned boy. Scott sent her the closest thing he had to offer in a smile at the nerve-wrecking moment before they began to move. Becky sprinkled the blue and violet petals while Scott walked alongside with his arms firmly at his sides.
"See you out there, girly," Maya said to Raven then took her flower assortment.
In the hall, she linked arms with Sean in a close lock. They moved forward.
Emma and Alex stepped out next.
"Promise you won't let me trip?" the teen whispered.
"I promise to remove it from the mind of anyone who sees."
"You're the best," he responded.
Alana left the room, meeting up with the Best Man.
"Nice tux," she said, facing ahead.
"Fantastic legs," he returned, gaze also set forward.
Thankful that her hair masked her resulting expression, Alana intertwined arms with him. They moved along down the aisle. Erik took his place among the Groomsmen, where they currently lined up vertically by age. Only Frank stood off to the side, beside a stand of various candles. Alana likewise joined the Bridesmaids.
Joey soon began down the aisle. He held out a blue satin pillow with the two rings on top. Once he reached the other males, his shoulders relaxed. He raised the pillow up towards Erik, who accepted the bands and used his other hand to place on top the boy's head in comfort.
The packed church gazed back as Hank stepped out. Free of his glasses, he wore a serious straight-eye countenance. Only his legs moved until he fully approached Erik then he turned and folded his hands together in front of himself.
Thought he had to squint a bit, Hank looked out upon the crowd. On his side of the seating he saw his teammates, research colleagues and the like. For a moment, he considered those not present. Then he took in his wedding party, his true family, and any and all longing faded from his being.
Back in the Bride's quarters, Charles returned from the little peek he'd taken.
"It's nearly our time, Baby Blue." He clapped his hands together. "Now, how shall we escape? The window or the back exit?"
Raven laughed hoarsely. "Oh no. After all this fitting and primping, this is happening. I do or I die." She removed her robe, unleashing the brilliant white gown underneath.
Charles came over, crowning her with the veil. "My heart soars and yet it is broken."
"Charlie…" A stray tear slipped from her eye.
"Now, now." Charles snatched up the blue handkerchief and delicately dabbed at the cheek, careful of the makeup. "None of that, young lady. You're part of a proper English family. Stiff upper lip."
Raven nodded vigorously as he masked her with the front of the lengthy veil.
The second the organist started with the bridal march, the entire church got to its feet. They waited expectedly until the brother and sister revealed themselves.
With all the dignity and sophistication in the world it seemed, Charles walked her down the aisle until they got in proximity of the Groom.
Rev. Phelps spoke from the altar. "Who gives this woman to this man?"
Slowly, Charles pulled back his arm. "I do."
The couple took their places before the minister and Charles stepped back among the men of the family.
"We're gathered here today to welcome the whole new union of Raven Xavier and Henry Phillip McCoy. At this time, we are going to give way to a candlelit ceremony, directed by Franklin Tolbert." Rev. Phelps gestured out towards Frank.
The pre-teen raised a finely carved stick and lit its tip with a nearby larger candle.
"I light the red candle for love and the joy of family. I light the blue candle for beauty and prosperity. I light the ivory candle for a healthy body and fruit bearing spirit." He finished with all three wicks. "For Raven and Hank. May the light guide you home."
Erik and Charles looked on in pride while Alana beamed over her child.
The Reverend resumed things. "Henry, do you promise to love, honor, respect, protect, and provide for Raven for richer or poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, so long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Hank vowed.
"Raven," the minister addressed next, "do you promise to love, honor, respect, and obey Henry for richer or poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, so long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Raven vowed.
"May I have the rings, please?"
Erik took the bands from his jacket pocket and gave them over to the minister. Then he and Charles went in opposite directions and retrieved gold cages, each containing a single dove. Charles placed his at Becky's feet while Erik did the same with Scott.
"Raven," the Reverend directed, giving her the regular gold band, "Hank," he gave him the diamond studded one, "put these on each other's fingers and say, "with this ring, I thee wed"."
Raven went first. "With this ring, I thee wed."
Hank then carefully glided hers onto her gloved finger. "With this ring, I thee wed."
Rev. Phelps concluded with, "Then by the power invested in me by God and the state of New York, I welcome for the first time, Dr. and Mrs. Henry McCoy. You may now kiss your bride."
As soon as the last word left the man's mouth, Becky and Scott unlatched and opened the individual cages. The white birds soared out and above the heads of everyone, producing a collective gasp.
Hank flipped over the veil, taking in his wife for the first time. With teary eyes and a large grin, Raven gazed back at her husband. The moment Hank put his lips to hers, the church erupted into cheers and applause.
IIIIIII
Rising to his feet, Erik clinked his champaign glass with the flat end of his fork. Conversations at the surrounding tables silenced.
"Your attention, please," the Poland native requested. "The time has come for the Maid of Honor and Best Man to give the speeches. And as always, ladies first. So," he extended a hand out, "Maya, if you would."
"Eh boy." The teenage girl stood from her seat next to Sean. "Okay, well, first I want to stay that I love Raven and Hank so much- just not right now for making me do this." A laugh passed through the crowd, easing her a bit. "When I first heard you guys were getting married, I remember feeling nothing but happiness. I wasn't worried or thought you were doing anything wrong. I know some people probably think you're really young for this, but they don't know you at all. Raven's great and Hank's great and together, I know you're going to be perfect." Hank placed his hand over Raven's, squeezing it while she smiled. "Okay, your turn to suffer, Mr. Lehnsherr."
Where have I heard that before? Erik got up again. "At the beginning of time, we were all carved out; made puzzle pieces for a much grander design. I have seen no two pieces fit together better than Raven Xavier and Hank McCoy. Hank with his gentle strength, intelligence, and leadership combined with Raven's warmth, kindness, and relentless spirit. Love is such a fleeting and overdone emotion, so to find it in true sincere form— that is a wondrous gift." He lifted his glass high. "Congratulations to my sister and her husband."
"Here, here," Charles seconded.
"Here, here!" the guests concurred.
"Thanks, Maya," Raven said. "Erik, eh, needs work."
Erik stated, "That is what happens when the pretty one is allowed to go first."
Maya giggled bashfully.
Emma stopped one of the passing waiters. "Please take a plate and offer some out for the rest of the staff. I know you're all famished from putting up with me today."
"Thank you, madam," he said with the highest gratitude before continuing his duties.
The family table contained a line-up of Charles, Emma, Erik, Alana, Hank, Raven, and Alex on one end. On the other side, Sean, Maya, Frank, Scott, Becky, and Joey faced them.
When the first song started up from the band, Hank immediately put down his fork.
"Excuse me a moment." He got up, taking Raven's white gloved hand with him. "I need to borrow my wife."
Raven stayed nearly motionless as he led her out to the floor. She slipped her arms around his neck while he touched his palms to her waist. They danced not to the rhythm of the beat but by the combination of their once separate bodies.
Emma nudged Charles lightly. "Aren't you going to cut in, sugar?"
"Actually," he wrapped one arm around her, "I don't believe I need to."
After the first dance finished, the photographer setup the wedding party in a multitude of different combinations and poses.
Right away after, couples hastened out to the dance floor.
Taking out her tiny compact, Alana used the mirror to fix her hair.
"Leave it down," Erik advised.
Alana allowed the gathering of strands to topple against her shoulders. "If you say so."
The man go to his feet, holding out a hand. "May I?"
She put her hand in his. "Certainly." They headed out among the throng of other pairs.
Joey took another bite of the triple chocolate cake. "Frank's mum is really pretty."
"Yeah, but," Scott reclined back, "I think red hair is a little bit strange."
"What about curls?" Alex remarked softly with a smirk.
Scott bumped his foot underneath the table.
"Quite a day, eh?" Erik said.
Alana nodded, following his steps. "So beautiful."
"Two so richly in love; dreams coming true."
"I hate it," she stated flatly.
Erik came back with, "Damned young people and their repulsive happiness." He gazed into the brown eyes of the woman. "I must admit, an added bonus has been you. One could easily mistake you for the Bride."
The brown eyes darkened. "I was a bride once. And being here has only reminded me of vows I made. Maybe I did bet on the wrong horse, but that's something I have to live with. Not something I get to trade up."
Erik reinforced, "All sin begins in the heart, Alana."
"Erik, you were the one who said we could never—"
"I could never hurt Frank. But now I know how he feels about this. I will force you into nothing. Simply understand I am here. In whatever capacity I am needed."
"Thank you." She lay her head on his chest and felt his arms wind around her upper body. He took over most of the dancing for them both.
From the soda table, Frank observed them with an appeased countenance.
IIIIIII
Hand in hand, Hank and Raven walked through the empty south hall of the church. They passed by several photographs hanging on the walls until they reached the black and whites.
"Here it is." Raven used a finger to outline the couple inside the frame.
"Brian and Sharon Xavier," Hank read. 'Our names will be here soon."
"Henry and Raven McCoy." She leaned back against his front, his arms going around her waist. "I'm going to see and hear that the rest of my life… still doesn't seem long enough."
"I think it's been in my head for longer."
"Since when?"
"Since," he held her closer, "a little after you asked me if my mutation made me 'super smart'."
Raven moaned at the recollection of her naiveté. "Ugh, I was such a ditz."
"You?" Hank countered with a scoff. "Remember our special evening of Twinkies and blood withdrawal? Why did you ever date me?"
"Because I was mesmerized by the pretty," she told him.
Hank turned her around for a kiss then felt a nuisance between them. "I think it's time we made potpourri out of that."
"No." Raven clutched the bouquet. "I have to throw it."
"Let's go," Hank smiled, leading her back to their reception. "Everyone." The group turned to see that the couple of the hour had returned. "My wife is ready to throw the bouquet."
"Try to jump," Sean whispered to Maya. "You know you're short."
Becky went to stand.
"You can't catch it," Frank claimed. "You're just a kid."
Scott said strongly, "Let her do what she wants."
Emma smiled at them and shook her head.
Facing away from the eager crowd, Raven tossed the gathering of flowers over her head.
Charles turned away from the table holding various appetizers in time for the bouquet to collide with his face.
Erik, who stood by him, snickered as he ate his baby carrot.
IIIIIII
"I wish we could have a wedding every day," Joey said.
"Yeah?" Alex adjusted the little boy in his arms. "You like dressing up now?"
"It's better than going to school," he responded. "Plus we get cake."
"And now you get to brush your teeth and have a bath," Alex informed. He looked over his shoulder to where Scott and Becky talked together in the living room. "You guys, too. Let's go." At their ignoring of him, he rolled his eyes and carried Joey upstairs.
Emma passed by them and continued on for the kitchen.
"Hi." She detected Charles' presence before she entered.
"Hi." Charles sat at the table, finishing a cup of tea. "Hank called from the airport. They arrived a few minutes ago. Erik and Frank are on their way back from dropping off Alana as well."
"Honeymooning in Puerto Rico." Emma walked to the counter, leaning one hand against it while she faced Charles. "What a nice wedding gift that you so kindly allowed Erik to pay for."
"Yes, well, he twisted my arm." Erik had also threatened some over-the-knee brotherly bonding time, but Charles saw no need to bring that up.
"And the contractor will be here first thing tomorrow for my gift," she reminded him.
"Yes, yes, of course." Charles stood and went to rinse out his cup then collected a few of her fingers into his hand, giving her a little twirl. "I'll see you later for tucking the children in?"
"You bet," she guaranteed.
The male telepath smiled and walked out and Emma went to the refrigerator. She opened it, discovering Raven's bouquet inside a water filled vase for preservation.