X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Sixty Eight

Author's Word: Happy Extended Anniversary, everyone! Welcome to what has to be the longest chapter in Rise or Fall history(thus far)! How did we get here? Somewhere between my overactive imagination and your reader loyalty, we created something huge here. Something that brightens all of our days, even when they've been much too dark. I'm happy if I have brought so much as a glimmer of joy to any and all of you over this last year. Thank you all.

Now, in honor of Election Day I have, that's right, a gimmick (look, I need to get something out of all of this political mumbo jumbo). I want you, you, and you over there to get out there and vote- for your favorite parts of Rise or Fall.

One- Who is your favorite character? I'm imposing a "canon" and original character selection, otherwise it'll just be Alex straight down the line.

Two-Favorite Couple? Categories are Hank/Raven, Charles/Emma, Sean/Maya. Or your favorite potentially teased couple. Please, I repeat please, stick to couples I have actually hinted at as opposed to certain couples you want to see but no good and well I will never write.

Three- Best Sibling Combo? Categories are Charles/Raven, Charles/Erik, Erik/Raven, Hank/Becky, Sean/Frank, Alex/Joey, Alex/Scott, Frank/Scott.

Four-Best First Kiss? Categories are Hank and Raven night of Shakespeare, Sean and Maya on Christmas Eve, Charles and Emma under a tree.

Five-Favorite Holiday Chapter? Categories are Christmas/Hanukah, Valentine's Day, and Easter/Passover.

Six-Favorite Birthday Chapter?

Seven-Favorite parent/child moment. Categories are whatever you like.

Yes, I'm going to shut up now and let you guys enjoy. Please review!

"Well done, my friend," Charles commended wholeheartedly, shaking hands with the tall young man. "Robert Louis Stevenson would have been proud."

Hank paused to catch his breath, still mesmerized by the experience of allowing his oversized feet to live up to their full potential. He had just taken off full force around the grounds, returning to Charles in mere seconds. Of course, to receive such praise from the Professor proved to be the best part for him.

"Impressive, Hank." Glancing over, Hank saw Alex approaching them. "With feet like those all you need is a red nose." The blonde clapped Hank's shoulder. "Right, Bozo?"

Thoroughly deflated, Hank said, "I'm done here," before taking off in the opposite direction.

Charles stared at the remaining young man sardonically. "Thank you, Alex." He then called over his shoulder, "Come on, Hank!"

"Ah, let him go pout in his lab," Alex waved off.

"Is there a reason you take such satisfaction in cruelly mocking others?" Charles wanted to know.

"If he has a problem with it, let him grow a pair and say something," Alex said simply then turned slightly serious at the man's less than pleased countenance. "Charles, I'm just joking with him. Don't be mad."

"Go inside, please," Charles requested, rubbing his temple tiredly. He began to follow the path after the disgruntled scientist.

Alex turned to go towards the house when he collided with a brick wall, making him fall back hard. Looking up, he saw that the strange wall had vanished. Putting a hand to the top of his head to orient himself, he headed for the mansion again.

As he passed one of the many trees on the property, Becky poked her head out to peek at him. Getting back down to return to her notebook, her round face formed a very satisfied grin.

IIIIIII

Raven caught up with Hank on the second floor and caught up with him as he turned the corridor.

"Hi," Hank acknowledged her, perking up.

"Hey," she returned, towel draped over her shoulder. "So you were wearing your melancholy when I saw you at the window. What was that about?"

Hank shrugged a shoulder. "The usual."

"Alex," Raven surmised. "Hank, why do you let the blonde wonder harass you?"

"He's not worth the trouble," Hank said. "He wants an emotional punching bag and I'm the lucky candidate. Besides," he stopped to face her, "Charles and Erik have entrusted me to be an instructor. Such a responsibility comes with the necessity of being a good example."

Raven smiled softly at him. "You really are one in a million."

Trying not to blush, he returned, "You should be the resident expert on such things."

The girl flicked her blonde ponytail bashfully. "I really need to shower."

"Me, too." He then quickly pointed and added, "T-this way. Different bathroom. Separate."

Laughing lightly, Raven said, "Glad we got that straightened out," then headed away.

Hank watched her go before continuing on to his lab.

"Sean," he recognized upon entry.

The lanky teen looked over from where he sat on a stool beside Hank's desk. "Hey, hope you don't mind me violating your sanctuary zone."

"No, it's fine," Hank assured, moving around the desk to pick up his loaded pad of notes. "I wanted to make those adjustments to your flight suit." He then peered over at the younger male's book. "Catch-22?"

"Yeah." Sean held up the novel. "My dad picked it up for me on one of the trips he made last year when it first came out. You ever read it?"

"One night during a lengthy tedium spell." Hank sorted through some papers as he spoke.

Sean's eyebrows went up. "One night? The whole thing?"

Hank said, "I find Heller's attempt at ironic humor to be drawn out and predictable at best."

"You're crazy," Sean claimed. "The guy had me rolling every other page. Let me guess. You're into The Great Gatsby."

Hank took off his glasses, giving him a look. "You dare mock the work of Fitzgerald?"

"Only because he's completely cracked," Sean countered with a smirk.

"Hank, there you are. Of course." Charles came in, going to stand in front of the desk. "I wanted to see if you were alright."

Knowing what he meant, the tall scientist assured, "I'm fine, Charles. However, if Sean doesn't develop some respect for classic authors, I might just have to recreate his flight suit with a few pieces of string like in the Peter Pan plays."

"Hey, that reminds me," Sean mentioned, eyes going straight to the Professor. "Since I've been such a good little flyer, do think we could maybe do something fun?"

Charles turned to him. "Such as?"

"Such as… Gregory Peck's new movie?" the redhead ventured. "Cape Fear?"

"Cape Fear?" Charles repeated with uncertainty. "Well, I suppose it couldn't do much harm. Hank, would you like to come along?"

"Thank you, no," Hank declined. "Cerebro's almost online and I really want to concentrate on it tonight."

"Very well," Charles said favorably. "Come on, Sean. We're off to hit the town."

Sean smiled and hopped up to walk out with him then turned back. "Hey." Hank glanced his way. "I love Peter Pan."

Hank returned fondly, "So do I."

IIIIIII

Though most of the film had left him cringing, every time Charles turned to view Sean's reaction, the smile seemed permanently fixed to the young teenager's face. The credits rolled, allowing them to return to the parking lot.

When they made it back to the mansion, they ended up in the kitchen.

"I'm serious," Sean went on. "Twice they had me play Peter Pan. No one told me red hair automatically equaled tights and ridicule."

Charles chuckled within his throat. "I'm sure you were most adorable, Seanie."

"Yeah, the thirteen-year-old critics raved over my cuteness," the boy quipped.

"This may be a tad excessive." Charles carried the mug of hot chocolate over to where Sean sat at the table. "Considering the two tubs of popcorn, candy, and soda pop you already had." Though he had made the substance with mostly milk like he used to do for Raven.

"I'm a growing boy." Sean took a long drink of the liquid chocolate.

Charles shook his head with a smile as he sat beside him. "If I could grow at half the rate that you do, I'd be leagues ahead."

Sean looked at him with seriousness in his eyes. "Thanks a lot for the movie."

"You're welcome." Charles reached over to pat his hand. "It's been about three weeks now. How do you like your new school?"

"I'm cooler than ever," Sean replied. "I go see scary stuff with my teacher, who may be the grooviest guy here."

Charles gazed upon him with the utmost fondness. "Finish your hot chocolate so you can get a proper night's rest.

"Yes, sir." Sean continued to sip, enjoying the comfort contained in that room between the two of them.

IIIIIII

Green eyes shot open as soon as the mind behind them became alerted. Careful of her best doll, Becky got down into her slippers before rushing out of the room. Erik barely had time to turn away from hanging up his hate in the foyer closet before a frilly pajama covered body flung itself out towards him. His reflexes proved fast enough to catch her.

"Erik's home!" she declared.

"Yes." Erik adjusted her in his arms. "And Rebecca is awake. Why, may I ask?"

"I couldn't sleep."

"Oh?" He began to carry her upstairs. "Why?"

"I couldn't see you," Becky replied as if it should be so plain. "I had to see you to make sure you were okay."

Making it into the child's bedroom, Erik placed her in a sitting position on the side of the bed before kneeling to her. "You listen to me, little miss. I have come back and forth from more than you will ever know. You are not to concern yourself with me. It is I who looks after you. Yes?" She gave off a nod. "Now, lay down."

Doing as told, Becky asked him, "Erik, can you sing?"

Surprised by the question, the man responded, "Do I have the ability? Doubtful. Will I? You'll sooner witness an alien space landing." When she only stared back at him with enlarged peepers, he sighed heavily. "Fine." He summoned her door shut with his power. "Don't even think of making a habit out of this."

Becky grinned and hugged her doll with one arm.

Scanning the furthest corners of memories he normally dared not trek to, Erik remembered one particular lullaby from his childhood. Standing with a shadow of security over her, he began.

Shlof, mayn kind, mayn treyst, mayn sheyner,
Shlofzhe, zunenyu.,
Shlof mayn leben, mayn kaddish ayner,
Lulinke lu-lu
Shlof mayn leben, mayn kaddish ayner,
Lulinke lu-lu

Lulinke lu-lu

Lulinke lu-lu

Becky's posture relaxed, taking in the words, despite not knowing the tongue.

Bay dayn veegl sitzt dayne mame,
Zingt a leed un veynt
Vest amol farsteyn mistame,
Vos zee hot gemeynt
Vest amol farsteyn mistame,
Vos zee hot gemeynt

In Amerika iz der tate –
Dayner, zunenyu
Du bist nokh a kind, les ate,
Shlofzhe, shlof, lu-lu
Du bist nokh a kind, les ate,
Shlofzhe, shlof, lu-lu

Erik brought the blanket up to her chest level as he continued, offering her the brown teddy bear near to hold onto as well.

Biz er kumt der guter kvitl,
Shlofzhe, zunenyu
Shlofn iz a tayer mitl,
Lulinke, lu-lu
Shlofn iz a tayer mitl,
Lulinke, lu-lu

Lulinke lu-lu

Lulinke lu-lu

"Alright, that's enough of that." Erik fluffed the pillow under her head a little. "Go to bed."

"Erik?" She rolled over onto her side. "What were you saying?"

"Yiddish," he dismissed. "You wouldn't know it. Didn't I tell you to go to bed?"

"Yes, Erik." Becky shut her eyes. "Good night."

"Sleep." He clicked off the reading lamp. My child.

Leaving her a few minutes later, Erik went off to make sure no rabblerousing had taken place in his absence.

IIIIIII

In the library, Hank and Raven along with Sean and Alex sat in pairs at different tables while Erik conducted a lecture on defensive strategy when out in the field.

Taking the pen he had with him, Alex scrawled something out on his notebook then used his foot to nudge Sean. The redhead glanced at him then to the notebook the blonde slid over covertly and read the message written there.

I dare you to tell Erik to shut up.

Sean quickly wrote back: Why don't you just send a firing squad after me?

Alex returned: Figures. You're pretty yellow for a redhead.

Biting his lip, Sean raised his hand after a few seconds. "Erik?"

"Sean," the man stopped speaking to acknowledge. "Do you have a question?"

The boy responded with, "Dún do bhéal."

Hank immediately turned to look at him, clear surprise all over his face and Sean had to wonder if the scientist knew what he'd just say.

"Actually, since I am the one conducting this little information session, I don't believe I'll 'shut my mouth'."

Sean's skin grew paler than it could have even if he were to be buried under ten feet of snow for a year. Worse than the fact that Hank knew, Erik had understood him!

"Uh, um, I, I was just, I didn't mean," Sean continuously fell over his words. "Y-you…"

"I know countless languages, Sean," Erik informed. "Gaelic is only one." He gave the extremely nervous boy a sharp look. "Do you think it's funny to tell your teachers to shut up?"

Sean shook his head hard. "N-no, sir. I didn't mean… I'm sorry. It was just."

"I put him up to it," Alex piped up. "It was just a joke."

"And yet no one is laughing," Erik replied pointedly. "Go to your room, Sean. Hank, Raven, that's enough for today. Alex, come up here."

While the other three filed out, Alex made steps towards the desk, his hands crammed in his jeans pockets.

"I didn't think he'd actually do it, okay?" the young blonde attempted.

"Do you also think it's good to goad others into behaving foolishly and disrespectfully?" Erik planted him with a look. "Hm?"

With a sigh, he replied, "No, sir."

Summoning the metal edged ruler off the desk and into his hand, Erik ordered, "Bend over."

Left without a choice, Alex pressed his hands against the top of the desk. He silently convinced himself he could take this.

Erik walked around and got behind him. He raised the wooden implement and brought it down forcefully. The moment the blow connected, Alex had to suck in a breath to lock in the swear words his mouth wanted to let loose. Erik kept on until he'd delivered eight whacks to the teen's behind.

"You may rise." Erik tossed the ruler onto the desk.

Alex did, slowly. Seeing how much he struggled to keep his hands from vigorously rubbing out the immense sting he felt, Erik absorbed how much the boy kept within. It reminded him a great deal of himself.

"I'm sorry, okay?" Alex ground out.

Erik patted the thin back twice. "One spark creates an explosion, Alex. Remember that."

"Yes, sir," he said, gaze locked on the desk. "Can I go now?"

"Straight to your room."

Heading for the door, Alex stopped, looking back. "I really didn't mean anything. Please don't light into Sean."

"He'll live," Erik stated. "Just as you did. And Alex, we're fine here."

Alex nodded and left out. The moment he got into the hall, he rubbed at his behind. Erik's hand already had a force, but the man combined with a stick proved near deadly.

IIIIIII

Dear Mom and Dad,

There's not much going on here today.

Feeling the dishonesty rising to its peak, Sean threw his pen down onto the floor. Sure, nothing much going on besides his big stupid mouth, which he wished he could super glue shut already.

At the knock that inevitably came to his door, he fought to find his voice. "C-come in." To his surprise, a much shorter man than Erik entered. "Charles?"

"Hello, Sean." The Professor closed the door after he got inside. "Erik says you have something to tell me about his lecture just now."

Sean could not establish contact as he started the explanation. "Alex dared me to tell him to shut up. So I did, but, um, in Gaelic. I just wanted Alex to think I had guts. I didn't mean anything bad towards, Erik. Charles, I swear. I am so sorry."

Charles squatted before the teen's desk chair and placed a hand under Sean's chin to gently force his head up. "Gotten yourself into a bit of mischief, have you? Oh you boys." A small smile came to the man's face. "I can tell you that Erik did not seem terribly bothered when we spoke. However, you understand it was a very disrespectful thing to do, especially in the classroom, yes?"

Sean quickly nodded. "Yes, sir. I'm really sorry. I promise I won't do it again."

"I believe you." Charles gripped one of his hands and squeezed it, turning completely somber. "But I'm afraid I'm going to have to give you a spanking for this offense. I can't have you giving into such silliness while one of us is trying to teach you something."

Breathing growing heavier, Sean replied with a low, "'Kay."

Charles held onto his hand as he led them to the bed and took a seat. Instead of being yanked across his lap like he expected, it shocked Sean to be pulled down into a sitting position on top of the Professor's legs. He did not fight it for a moment, though.

"Are you nervous?" Charles straightened out pieces of red hair to get a better view of Sean's eyes.

"Yes," Sean convinced.

"Because you think I'm going to hurt you?"

"No," Sean denied right away. "'Cause I wasn't good and I let you down."

"Oh Seanie." Charles gave him a hug around the waist. "Don't ever think such a thing. I don't believe you could ever let me down. Young men get into trouble; that's a foregone conclusion. I'm here to correct you, not condemn you."

Relief coming over him, it still took a great deal to let go of the comfort Charles currently provided him. "I'm… I'm ready."

"That's a good, brave lad." With a bit of maneuvering, Charles got the lanky individual across his lap.

Having never given a formal spanking to a boy before, Charles figured Sean would have more physical strength than Raven, but perhaps a softer emotional state. He began to smack moderately at the seat of his pants.

Letting off grunts and groans all the way through, Sean thought it should have felt stranger to be over a knee that wasn't his father's or another male relatives. However, despite the pain, he found himself feeling not at all awkward with it being Charles.

After applying ten to his behind and an additional five around his thighs, Charles stopped to rub at Sean's back. Mentally sensing the boy calming soon, the telepath lifted him up carefully back into an upright position on his lap. He hugged Sean tightly and allowed him to cry the few tears, more emotional than physically pained, into the shoulder of his gray blazer. After all, what else did he use a dry-cleaning service for, if not for such situations?

"Am I the mean professor now?"

Sean glanced up with a pair of shiny eyes. "Are you crazy? No way."

"Well, that's good to know," Charles smiled. "But I was thinking, since you are so into your Irish culture, perhaps I should acquire one of those schoolhouse straps they use on their children…"

"No!" Sean quickly protested. "Charles!"

Chuckling, Charles held him tighter. "I wouldn't do that to you. Well, not unless you did something dangerous to your own health."

The boy managed to smile. "No thank you. A spankin's already dangerous to my health."

Ruffling his hair affectionately, Charles said, "Erik and I think it's best if you and Alex spend the remaining time until supper in your rooms. Alright?"

"Yes, sir," Sean complied.

Charles stood him up and gave him another quick hug. "Perhaps we could play checkers together after we eat."

"Okay," Sean agreed happily.

As the man left out, the teenager returned to his desk, standing now, and picked up his pen again.

Actually, there is something going on today. I realized that I have the best teacher in the world.

IIIIIII

"Raven, Raven!"

The mutated girl barely had time to react as her overzealous brother hoisted her into the air.

"Whoa, what's going on?" she wanted to know.

Charles put her down, an enormous grin on his face. "Hank's done it. Cerebro's online. We've found another boy; a mutant. Just a few hours away living right in the city."

"Are you serious?" she smiled back.

"Yes, come." He took her hand. "We have to gather everyone."

The group of seven soon came together in a collection in the foyer.

"What's his name?" Sean asked after they'd learned of the situation.

"Franklin Tolbert," Charles answered, still extremely excited. "Erik and I are going off to recruit him now. Depending on how well this goes over, we most likely won't be back until after most of you are asleep."

Erik's gaze went to Becky, who forlornly stood apart from the rest.

"Actually, Charles," the older man spoke, "I'd prefer to stay here. There are several new drills I wanted to go over with the boys."

Alex shrugged while Sean screamed a silent "no".

Looking to Erik somewhat knowingly, Charles agreed, "As you see best, Erik." He turned to his sister now. "Raven? Would you care to accompany me this time?"

She replied happily, "Sure."

"Let's get ready."

Raven jogged upstairs to change clothes while Charles went to find his car keys.

Erik looked to the remaining three males. "Well, are you deaf perhaps? Outside, now."

"Aw, man," Sean grumbled, getting up with the rest.

"Do we have a comment?" Erik called after him as he followed.

"Erik?"

He paused momentarily at the child's petition. "Yes?"

"I don't care what anybody says," Becky stated resolutely. "I think you're wonderful."

Caught off-guard, he quickly recovered. "Go play with something non-flammable." He continued walking.

IIIIIII

Changed into sweat outfits, Hank, Alex, and Sean went out to the backyard and performed small warm-up exercises. When Erik joined them, he called for ten starting laps around the grounds.

Not wanting to deal with Alex's comments, Hank chose to keep his shoes on, but still fared a decent pace. Alex remained neck in neck with him, clearly not about to be left in the dust next to the greatly athletic individual. Sean did his best to keep up as well, but had no Olympic zest going for him.

Around the fourth time around the property, Sean started feeling a pinging near his right foot. Ignoring it, he managed to keep moving along until they got to the sixth lap and he went down.

"Sean!" Alex screeched to a halt and ran back to him.

Hank stopped as well, letting out his inner doctor as he came and crouched near the redhead. "What happened? Are you alright?"

"My ankle," Sean indicated. "It won't stop hurting."

"Don't worry. We'll talk care of it." Being the largest of their trio, Hank gathered him up into his arms.

"We broke Sean," Alex reported to Erik when they approached.

Erik frowned. "What happened to him?"

Hank gently placed the fallen teenager on a bench. "That's what I'm going to find out." He bent, starting to examine the ankle. "Well, fortunately it isn't sprain. It seems you only pulled a muscle. You'll have to take it easy for the next couple days, but we shouldn't need to amputate."

Sean laughed slightly. "Oh, you're funny."

"I have my moments." Hank stood. "I'll get the hot water bottle and some aspirins." He started back for the house.

Alex sat in the grass near Sean's bench. "So, what? Your leg just up and gave out?"

"No, first my foot started hurting," Sean said.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Erik wanted to know.

"I…" Sean looked down. "I didn't want to slow them down."

Erik took a seat on the bench, placing the boy's sore leg in his lap. "You should never ignore an injury. A mild pain can instantly become irreversible." Granted, he himself did not normally follow the same advice.

Sean sighed as Erik started massaging his ankle. "Are you mad?"

"No." Erik looked at him, no anger present. "So long as you're alright. But do not do this again or we will have a problem."

"Yes, sir," Sean nodded.

"Can I get the foot rub treatment, too?" Alex requested.

"You can make yourself useful and go get him a bottle of water," Erik said matter-of-factly.

"I knew you liked him better." Alex got to his feet to follow the directions.

IIIIIII

When morning greeted him, Frank hopped right up in bed. He wondered for a moment if he had been hallucinating the other night until he felt the magnificent bed currently cushioning him. Rubbing the remaining sleep from his eyes, he again took in the massive bedroom that belonged entirely to him.

Pulling some clothes out of one of his suitcases, the young boy practically danced on air as he dressed. After he had his shoes on, he left out and made it down the stairs. As soon as he made it down, an aroma hit his nose and guided him right into the kitchen. There he found the red haired blue girl of his dreams.

"Good morning, Raven."

She turned around, smiling at the sight of him. "Frankie. What are you doing up so early?"

"I slept great, but I was so excited." Frank walked in fully, going towards the stove. "Your house is amazing."

"I guess I like it pretty well," she concurred. "You hungry?"

"Sure." Frank noticed the pancakes she busily worked to prepare. "Can I help?"

Raven appeared stunned. "You cook?"

"Oh yeah," he said, making nothing grand out of the fact. "I've been helping my mom since I was little. Want me to fry some eggs?"

"Sounds good. We should have a few dozen eggs in there." She indicated the refrigerator.

Frank went to the icebox to dig through it. He heard someone else enter the kitchen and looked over to see Raven back in her blonde guise and talking to a tall fellow with glasses.

"Oh, hey. Frank, meet Hank," Raven quipped.

"Frank Tolbert, right?" Hank held out a hand. "It's wonderful to meet you."

"Likewise," Frank returned, shaking his hand.

"Hank's actually going to be your science instructor come fall," Raven proudly informed.

Now, the boy appeared greatly intrigued. "Oh yeah? What're we gonna be doing?"

"That depends," Hank responded. "What do you like to do in class?"

"Environment science is alright, but it's kiddie stuff. Biology is where it's at. Chemistry is okay, too, but it's just a lot of mixing unless you're figuring the formula for some serious acid. My dad's a marine and he can carry ten guys on his back and nuke another dozen at the same time."

"Really?" Hank's eyebrows went up. "If it all interests you so highly, I could use a good lab hand. So long as I can trust you, of course."

Frank bounced on his toes like an eager puppy. "Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. You can trust me. I'd love to do it."

"Tell you what," Hank proposed. "Come check out the lab later, I'll get a nice look at your mutation in the process, and we'll go from there. Does that sound like a plan?"

"Solid," Frank responded with a fist thump.

Hank turned to Raven. "I'll be back to help you carry everything out."

"So," Frank spoke when Hank left out again, "is Science Man your boyfriend?"

Raven gazed after the kitchen doorway. "…No."

As she turned back to the stove, Frank could definitely sense no trace of joy in that answer.

IIIIIII

Erik stepped into Sean's doorway, taking in the scene of the pair chattering away just as they had done during breakfast.

"You." He pointed at the youngest but received attention from both boys. "Charles and I want to see you downstairs."

"Err-kay," Frank responded, getting up from the floor. "See ya later, Sean."

"See ya," the redhead returned.

Frank made the very silent trek down the stairs with Erik.

"So, uh," the pre-teen attempted to converse. "Controlling metal. Do you use that? To pick up change and stuff?"

Erik replied shortly, "Several thousands of dollars' worth on a monthly basis."

Whoa! Frank thought.

When they reached Charles' study, Frank took a seat in one of the chairs facing the desk while Erik stuck to standing next to his fellow headmaster.

"Frank, we've been reviewing your file," Charles held the beige folder, "and I must say that your grades and test scores speak volumes."

"All except your conduct," Erik brought up pointedly. "Which speaks a different language altogether."

Frank waved a hand. "They say that just because I read comics in class and goof around a little. I learn the crud, don't I? Adults always nitpick."

Charles folded his hands over the file, looking closely at the boy. "You mean like your uncle?"

"My uncle can take a hike over Everest," Frank scoffed. "He's not my dad."

"We didn't bring you into this world, either," Erik pointed out. "However, you, the others here, you're all children of our species. That's why we have this institution. As long as you're here, you will obey the rules we set."

At that, Frank's eyes went to the ruler on the desk. "Are you guys gonna bust my knuckles? Like the nuns?"

"I should say not," Charles stated strongly.

"Only your backside may possibly feel a ruler," Erik told him. "Depending on how you choose to behave."

"We have faith in all of your abilities, Frank," added Charles.

Frank looked at each of them then nodded somewhat surely. "Yeah, okay."

After they finished reciting the rules, they dismissed the new pupil.

"He's a good boy," Charles said. "He only has a bit of a mischievous streak."

Erik tilted his head, looking after the child's path. "Then he's sure to fit in."

Back on the second level again, Frank spotted the quiet girl from breakfast.

"Hey!" he called, making her pause entering her bedroom. "You're Becky, right?"

"Yeah," she replied, clearly surprised to see him coming over.

Frank looked behind her. "Is this your room? Let's check it out." He zoomed right on in.

"O-kay then." Becky raised an eyebrow, but still followed him.

Frank stood in the middle, gazing about the large space. "Wow, you are like so girl. Like a thousand percent girl." He turned to her with eyes of intrigue. "Is it true you read minds, too?" She nodded. "Too cool! Hey, are you Charles' other sister?"

"No." Becky gave off a little laugh. "I'm Hank's sister. And I don't just read people's thoughts all day."

"Yeah? What else can you do?" Becky wiggled a few fingers and the next thing Frank knew, he had a blue unicorn licking his hair. "Yikes!" He jumped back several feet and the creature vanished. He looked at Becky again. "That is too far out. Well, not the unicorn but what you can do." He got in closer towards her ear. "So level with me. You ever use any mind tricks to get your way?"

"Not here," she replied. "I used to all the time with my- my dad."

"If I had that kind of skill, I'd have my dad build me a shrine and send my brothers to reform school," Frank said. "I can't believe all the stuff you have. You don't know anything about marbles, do you?"

"I love shooting marbles," she told him.

"Up for a tournament?"

"Okay!"

"Great. I'll go grab mine. Girls here sure are groovy," he said, jogging out.

Becky formed a smile before going to gather her own colorful orbs.

IIIIIII

Sitting his teacup back down on its saucer, Charles dashed back over to the enormous machine and put the headgear back on. He absorbed the sudden rush over scanning through countless minds all at once. After several minutes, he had to pull back, putting fingers to weary temples.

He felt Erik approaching and asked without turning around, "Rounds all done for the evening?"

"They're all fast asleep." Erik came up right behind him. "Now, why aren't you?"

"I can't," Charles insisted. "Not until I find him again."

"Charles, we've gone on several recruitment missions and I have never seen you with this level of determination," Erik noted. "Why is this mutant so important?"

"This one needs me," Charles put forth. "I felt him and he reached back to me. I know that's hard to believe, but somewhere this little boy is crying out and I simply must answer the call."

"Don't hurt yourself before you get the chance," Erik cautioned.

"I'll be fine." Charles pulled the psychic helmet back down onto his head.

Erik leaned forward, watching as the younger man took on the telepathic struggle with a mostly even face. Whoever this little mutant was, clearly Charles had no plans to rest until he was located.

IIIIIII

Raven put a record on the stereo in the living room then retook her seat next to Hank on the sofa. Alex had an armchair and Sean lay on the floor, watching the two younger kids shoot marbles.

"I think the coolest mutant power so far is definitely the mind reading thing," Frank raised.

"Yeah, but I dare somebody to try to mug you one night," Sean tossed out. "One look and they're crying in agony."

Frank grinned. "What if they make you scream? You'll blow their ears out."

"I think we all have our own useful skill settings," Hank said.

Alex smirked over at him. "Yeah, 'cept you probably want to steal Raven's to cover up them elephant feet."

Raven and Becky sent death glares out at the blonde.

"I figured you'd be the one to want to be a shape-shifter," Frank said to Alex meaningfully. "So you can cover up how full of shit you are."

"Frank," Hank reproached him.

Becky covered her mouth in a gasp, Sean's jaw dropped, and Raven had to keep from falling over in laughter.

Alex sat up, staring at the young boy intently. "What'd you say?"

Charles stepped in at that moment. "Yes, Franklin, I'm also interested to know what you just said."

Frank glanced over at the man. "Charles, all I was… but he—"

"My office immediately, please," Charles directed.

"Charles, it wasn't his fault," Raven said, getting up.

Sean also wanted to say something to plead his young friend's case, but did not want to undermine the Professor at the same time.

"Raven, this does not concern you," Charles told her. "Come along, Frank."

Standing with a groan, Frank followed the man into the study.

Charles turned around to face him. "Franklin, we do not use that sort of language in this house and a boy your age shouldn't even think to try."

"Alex started it." Frank crossed his arms. "Lousy jerk."

"That will be enough of that, young man," Charles scolded. "If you have a problem with anyone in this house, you're to come see Erik or myself. However, swearing will not be tolerated, especially in the presence of ladies."

Frank's resolve weakened at that. "Sorry…"

"I hate to do this because you're still so new here, but I think you need a spanking." Charles sat on the couch and extended an arm. "Come here, please." He noticed the uncomfortable honey-brown eyes and stiff posture on the child. "Frank, I know I am not your father, but I am one of the men seeing to your care. I will not whip you nor give you more than I think you can handle."

Softening some, Frank came to stand at his legs. Charles lowered him down and wrapped an arm around the thin waist. Estimating how much to give to a little boy, he gave him eight all to the same spot then stood him again.

He warned him, "Speak that way again and I'll allow Erik to give you a good mouth rinsing with the vinegar."

Frank, no tears in his eyes, stared at the man somewhat strangely. His behind stung, but compared to the spankings he received from his own father it barely counted as a bee puncture.

"Yes, sir," he replied nonetheless.

Charles brought him over into a hug. "You really are a good lad, aren't you?"

"Uh, sure."

With a pat to his back, Charles let him go. "Run along and show Raven I left you in tack, despite her reservations. And if you have any more trouble, come see me."

Frank nodded and left out.

Leaning back against the couch, Charles remained fully aware that he'd been rather easy on the boy. Truthfully, he knew Alex had provoked him into it, but he did not want Frank to fall into a swearing habit. Charles could feel it coming; Alex's many comments were going to cause further chaos if not soon nipped in the bud.

IIIIIII

Fragile body in his firm grasp, Charles rushed through the main level of the mansion. He met up with Erik outside one of the washrooms.

"Where are the others?" Charles bypassed the man to enter the half-bath.

"Hank has them out back." Erik walked in after them. "Raven set out the clothes."

Charles noticed the boyish checkered green shirt and soft pants with a pair of cushioned socks, all unearthed from his own childhood collection, folded neatly on the counter portion of the sink. He lay Joey down carefully and started undressing him.

Frowning over the frail body, Erik asked, "How old is he?"

"Eight." Charles began changing him into the clean clothes. He'd already washed off the stray dirt from him back in Illinois. A full bath could come later.

Unable to believe the answer at first, Erik said, "So small. Barely near Becky's size."

"I know." Charles finished with the last button on the shirt and promptly lifted him back up. "We need to get him to bed."

When the three of them reached the second level, Charles brought Joey into the bedroom nearest to the master. He got him covered up and tucked in. The two men sat on different areas of the bed, watching the sleeping angelic vessel.

Despite the face so precious, Erik could not contain the disgust he felt. Joey reminded him of the numerous children he'd seen around the camp. Those not gassed or experimented on typically starved to death in the ghettos, soiled in their own fluids after their weak bodies lost all muscle control.

"How could the land of boasted plenty allow this to befall their own children?" he wondered out loud incredulously.

"I wish I knew, Erik," Charles replied, tone faint as he played in Joey's soft blonde hair.

Erik now fully understood why Charles had not wasted precious time by calling home right away. "You should get some sleep, Lab Rat."

"No," Charles turned down. "I've too much to do. He needs clothes, shoes—"

"All of which we can take care of later," Erik cut in. "He is fine now, but you have worn out body and mind on this journey. I'm insisting on this one, Charles."

The younger man sighed deeply, but nodded. He kissed Joey's head and planted a thought there as well.

I'll be back, little one.

Erik got up and followed him out, stopping to steal one last look at the child before shutting the door.

Sensing the men's departing minds, Becky crept into the room moments later. She carried a brown teddy bear with her and placed it on the bed next to the little boy's head. She peered closely at the new face. Kissing his cheek, Becky tipped back out to return to the backyard before she could be missed.

IIIIIII

Leaning against one wall with arms folded, Alex observed from a distance while Hank examined the now more tranquil child.

The young doctor gently pressed large hands down on the bare ribcage. "Does it hurt you when I do this, Joey?"

"No," came the quiet reply.

Hank stretched and flexed out the little legs. "Now?"

"No," he repeated.

"Alright, good." Hank lowered closer towards his head, but still gave him a comfortable amount of distance. "Okay Joey, I have to make sure you're healthy in and out. And to do that, I have to take a little bit of your blood. If you're still and calm for me, I promise to give you juice and cookies when we're all done."

"Okay," Joey eagerly agreed.

Charles stepped over, taking one of his bitty hands to hold on to. He also took the liberty of giving the exposed stomach a brief tickle.

Alex's lips turned up at the giggled produced by the act.

Ready with a tube, Hank had to work to find a vein on the thin arms. He finally located a spot and slowly inserted the need.

Only the slightest whimper of reaction sounded from Joey.

As soon as the vial became mostly filled, Hank withdrew the needle. He placed a cotton ball over the puncture followed by a Band-Aid.

Charles kissed Joey's fingers. "That wasn't so awful, was it now?"

Joey smiled and reached his other arm out for the man.

Seeing he clearly wanted to be picked up, Hank said, "Not yet, Joey. I'll give you your cookies, but first I have to check you down here." He tugged on the waist of the soft pants. "Is that okay?"

The unbothered nod Joey gave off worried Hank a little. He looked to Charles and could tell the Professor shared the same concern.

Getting Joey's pants and underwear down, Hank conducted an inspection of the adolescent parts. Not finding anything suspicious, Hank worked his clothes back up.

"I need you to be honest with me, Joey." Hank hated having to pose this question to one so young, but knew it necessary. "Has anyone ever tried to touch you anywhere below your bellybutton?"

Joey shook his head. "Nobody ever touches me."

"Better not have," mumbled Alex, still entering vivid notions of Joey's "parents" driving off a cliff.

Satisfied with the exam, Hank went to the jar on his desk and retrieved two chocolate chip cookies from it. He also got out a bottle of fruit juice from his small personal refrigerator.

"Here we go, Joey." He carried the treats over to the little boy.

"Thank you." Joey then rapidly crammed both cookies into his mouth almost at once.

Charles' eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Joey, no. You mustn't do that. You could choke that way."

Joey swallowed, turning sheepish. "I'm sorry, Charles."

"Oh it's alright, love." Charles ran fingers through his hair. "I only want you to be careful. Now drink your juice."

Joey moaned, fiddling with the cap. "It won't open."

"Here." Alex walked over to the exam table. "Let me see it." Joey handed over the bottle and the teen instantly snapped off the lid. "There you go, squirt."

"Thank you, Alex," he smiled, taking a long drink of the sweet liquid.

While Charles helped Joey get his shirt back on, Alex glanced over his shoulder to find Hank staring at him.

"What're you lookin' at?"

"Nothing at all." Hank turned to go store away Joey's blood sample.

IIIIIII

Everyone gathered in the living room, Raven addressed the group. "Okay, Charles just sent me the word. They're coming down. Remember that Joey's been through a lot so be nice, be patient," she turned a glower on Erik, "don't scare the gooey filling out of him."

Erik had to resist an adolescent eye roll. "You do realize that was not my original intent?"

"Whatever, knife guy," Raven waved off.

Getting a mental tingle, Becky informed, "Here they come."

Hank came in first, followed by Charles. Sean and Frank exchanged a disbelieving gaze when Alex entered holding the little child in a strong clutch.

Joey marveled around the new space. The lab had been something neat to be certain, but the living room proved the picture of cleanliness, fancy taste, and contained something he had never seen before; a real roaring fireplace. His eyes then glided over to the faces he had not seen during his ordeal next to the stairs earlier. Then he saw the scary knife man and buried his face in Alex's neck.

"Now, Joey," Charles chided lightly. "That is not polite at all. Erik is here to help me run the school and he means you no harm whatsoever."

Erik walked over very slowly to where Alex stood with the newcomer. "I'm sorry for frightening you before."

"S'okay," Joey whispered, daring to dart his eyes over to him.

Raven smiled and approached next. "Hi, Joey. Do you feel better now?" She deflated at his whimper. "What did I do? I'm not even wearing my worst face."

Alex stayed quiet while Joey said something into his ear then told Raven, "He thinks you're mad because he hurt you earlier."

Raven recalled the small zap he'd given here. "Oh, that? I barely felt it. I'm not mad."

Joey turned to face her. "You're not?"

"No," she assured. "I'm just glad you're okay. Look what I ordered for you." She held a hand to indicate the food spread on the coffee table.

Uncertain as to what Joey would like to eat, she'd gotten three different pizzas; one all cheese, one vegetarian, and a pepperoni. There were also bottles of coke available.

Joey's shoulders went up in honest shock. "You got all that for me?"

Raven nodded. "And I have a big chocolate cake waiting in the fridge."

Frank's eyes narrowed at the situation. First of all, he did not remember getting a takeout buffet when he'd not-at-all-long-ago joined the school. He also did not understand why everyone felt the need to fall over themselves over this kid, even Erik! The man had barely grunted three words when he'd met Frank.

Becky scooted over to make room on the rug. "Bring him over here, Alex."

Alex obliged and carried him over to the circle of other youngsters. He got down between Sean and Becky with Joey in his lap.

"Okay, Hank cloning I'll believe," said Sean. "But making a little copy of Alex- never thought I'd see the day."

Alex smirked. "It's about time we got somebody that looks like me around here. All these brunettes were gonna make me chuck a hurl."

"So what?" Frank tossed back. "You always make us hurl."

"By the way, Joey, the funny one is Sean and the funny looking one is Frank," Alex introduced. "Becky's the chick."

"Hi, Joey!" Becky waved brightly.

"How's it going, buddy?" Sean greeted.

"Hey," came from Frank.

Joey did not speak, utterly mesmerized at being surrounded so many other people, mainly children.

"Well, come on, guys," Raven urged. "Dig in before it gets cold."

They all circled the coffee table, except for Charles and Erik who sat on the couch together. They ate while watching everyone else. When the seven youngsters started eating, Joey only cautiously nibbled at first then transformed into a human vacuum cleaner. He ate the cheesy slices as though he'd just discovered food.

"Yeesh," Frank remarked in disbelief. "And you guys talk about the way I eat."

"Joey, slow down," Charles instructed. "You'll make yourself sick at that rate."

Erik said nothing to the boy, understanding very much how it felt to see food as a privilege.

"Raven, I wish you would have selected something a little healthier," Hank said lowly to her. "He's already so malnourished."

"Hank, it's his first meal here," Raven reminded. "Let him enjoy it."

Charles overheard him and sent a mental request to Alex. See if you can get him to eat a little of the vegetarian.

Taking hold of a slice of the colorful veggie piece, Alex held the pointed part out to Joey's lips. "Open, kid."

Joey did then closed his mouth again as he took an enormous bite.

After they finished with the cake, which lasted all of five minutes once brought out, Erik saw that most of them had turned into greasy chocolate coated messes.

"Seems it's time for baths," he threw out.

"Alex," Charles petitioned, getting the teenager's attention, "would you mind helping Joey?"

"You got it." Alex hopped up with the shorter blonde. "Come on, dude. Time to take a suds dive."

Joey wrapped his legs around Alex's waist and put his arms around his neck as he took him out of the room.

"I put some more of your clothes in Joey's new room," Raven told Charles while Sean and the kids filed out. "I'll go with you guys to shop for some more in the morning." She leaned over to kiss his cheek. "I'll clean up."

"Thank you, my love." Charles returned the peck.

"Care for a hand?" Hank offered Raven.

She turned to him with a smile. "Always."

Leaving them to it, Charles and Erik retired to the parlor. They took their usual chairs and started up a chess game.

Erik asked, "What did Hank say about the physical?"

"He's going to run the blood work, but he found no traces of abuse," Charles reported. "No sexual violation, either, thank God." Though he'd performed a thorough scan of Joey's head, the telepath knew well that the mind could still keep some things under lock and key.

"Indeed," Erik concurred thoughtfully. "But I must say, for eight years old he seems awfully…"

"Regressed?" Charles filled in knowingly. "Yes, he is. Chronologically he's eight, but on a psychological level he's no more than five."

"Why?" Erik frowned.

"As best I can tell, his mental capacity is up to par, but his social skills are terribly behind," Charles explained. "I read through the paperwork his mother left behind in their apartment. This last year alone, he missed over a hundred days of school."

"How is that even possible? Didn't authorities look into it?"

Charles shook his head slowly. "You should have seen it, Erik. An entire town against one little boy. They completely demonized him." He paused before going on. "I couldn't have been the only one to see him wandering out in that storm, but not one of them did anything."

Erik ran a completely weary hand down his face. "Bastards," he muttered, getting up to go lean a hand against the fireplace mantle.

"He won't be anything like the others, Erik," Charles emphasizing, twisting in his chair to better view him. "We have a lifetime of scarring to reverse."

Considering that, Erik felt his anger build. Soon everything on the mantle with so much as a molecule of mantle began to shake.

IIIIIII

Alex returned with the large towel in time to see the left hand knob turned on and Joey reaching over for the steaming water it produced.

"Hey!" Alex proved faster and shut the valve off. "Have you lost it? You could've burnt yourself."

Joey shook his head, as if trying to clear it and said, "It got cold."

Detecting something off, Alex simply pushed it back and stuck his hand in the tub. "Well, it's good and warm now. Let's get you in." He hung the towel up and helped the child remove his clothes.

Almost immediately after he was placed in the water, Joey seemed to totally go at ease. Alex began washing him, receiving a few long dormant memories of having the same experience with another a long time ago. Joey turning wriggly interrupted his thought process.

"Hey, hold still." Alex tried to grab him and Joey sent out a little splash. "You little eel! Trying to get me wet, huh?"

They stayed in the bathroom for twenty minutes, both becoming lost in play. When he'd gotten the little body clean enough, Alex unplugged the tub and scooped its inhabitant out with the fluffy towel. He wrapped him up in a bundle and took him out into the hall.

Remembering which bedroom he'd seen Joey come out of earlier that day, Alex carried him into it. He breathed a small sigh of relief at the pajamas and underwear that had been laid out on the bed. He dressed Joey quickly to keep him warm.

Alex thought of something as he pulled down the pajama top. "Hey, Joey?" He got the boy's curious eyes up. "Don't mess with the bath water anymore unless me or somebody bigger is there, okay?"

"Okay, Alex," Joey responded obediently.

"Good." Alex enveloped one of his smaller hands with his own. "Listen, I have to go lift some weights for a while. Charles will probably be up here soon. If you need anything at all tonight, do you remember where my door is?"

Joey looked surprised. "You mean you're not gonna lock it?"

"What? No. Why would I…?" Alex trailed, really not wanting an answer to that question. He already had enough fuel for the rage he felt towards the kid's abandoners. "My door's always open. Just for you, okay?"

Joey gave him a smile.

Alex patted him twice on the stomach then got up to head out.

Glancing towards the pillows, Joey's eyes fell on the teddy bear there. He pulled it over for closer examination, tugging at one of the feet.

You found Dickon.

Joey gasped at the voice in his head that did not belong to Charles. Who's that?

"It's me." Becky, in her own pajamas, stepped into the room.

"You… you're like Charles," the boy realized.

"Yep," she smiled. "That's right." She pointed to the bear. "Do you like him?"

Joey held it up. "You mean you gave him to me."

"Of course." Becky went over to join him on the bed. "Hank said you didn't have any toys and I didn't like that at all. If I was Santa Claus, I'd make sure every kid in the whole world had a toy. No matter if they're good or bad or rich or poor or anything. All kids need toys."
Joey listened to her, hugging the boy to his chest. "Thank you…" He then struggled to remember her name.

"Becky," she supplied.

"Becky," he echoed, getting under the blanket. He raised the bear up. "How do you say his name again?"

"Dickon," Becky pronounced, laying down beside him. "Like from my favorite book. Dickon is Mary's friend."

"Who's Mary?"

"A girl." Becky's eyes went to the ceiling as she recalled the tale. "Her parents never paid her much attention, always leaving her with servants. Then they die and she gets sent away to live in her uncle's big castle. She meets Dickon and ends up happier than she was before."

"Wow, that's a nice story." Joey then bit his lip. "Are you sure it's okay you're in here with me?"

Becky looked at him now. "I don't care if it is or it isn't. You don't seem so dangerous."

"I do bad things," he admitted. "With my, m-my powers."

She shrugged one shoulder. "So do I. I used to make my dad do whatever I wanted."

"You did? Where's your daddy now?"

Quieting a moment, she responded, "He died."

Joey's eyes saddened on her behalf. "What about your mommy?"

"Don't have one," Becky said indifferently. "I don't think moms are so special. You only need them to be born then what do they do?"

The younger child paused to consider that.

Becky began to ponder, getting under the blanket with him. "Joey, do you think wishes can come true? Not the goofy ones you make on stars, but ones you really, really want? Like the kind you make on your birthday?"

"Don't know," Joey answered honestly. "Do you?"

"I'm not sure yet. But if they do," she looked at him sincerely, "I think you're part of mine."

A sparkle that had nothing to do with his mutation came over Joey upon hearing that.

Half an hour later, Charles walked into the room. He stopped short of the bed, taking in the sight of the little boy and girl asleep with Dickon tucked between them. Charles slipped out as silently as he could. Once in the hall, he rushed to retrieve his camera.

IIIIIII

At Sean bouncing into the study, Charles looked up with a smile. "No one told me Tigger would be gracing me with a visit today."

"Wow," Sean said. "You may be the first person to call me someone other than Eeyore-on-drugs."

"I suppose that leaves me to be Christopher Robin." Charles patted the side of the teen's leg fondly. "Now, how may I help you?"

"If you're feeling brave enough, I thought we could take in a horror double-feature Saturday night," the redhead brought up excitedly.

Charles sighed slightly. "I'm afraid bravery is not the issue. I'm sorry, Sean, but I don't think I can be away from the house at night right now. Not with Joey still settling."

Sean's brow wrinkled. "Well, he's been here a week already. Can't Alex watch him for you or Raven?"

"Yes, but I am the only one here who can cease his rages if he has another spell. And unfortunately, he's his most volatile at night. I'm terribly sorry, Sean. Perhaps we could try for next week."

The lanky boy forced a smile. "Yeah, sure. Joey needs a lot of help right now. I understand. I'll probably just spend some time with Frank that day." He turned around to head out.

"Seanie?" Charles called, making him look back. "Perhaps we could enjoy a little telly later?"

Perking a little, Sean said meaningfully, "I'm in."

IIIIIII

Finished writing out another word, Alex used the pencil to underline it.

"And this is how you spell Erik's names. His last one is the hardest so don't feel bad if you get it wrong the first few times." He noticed Joey absently doodling on one lower edge of the paper. "Hey, hey, pay attention." Alex tapped his hand to alert him.

"Oh!" Joey looked as if he'd just returned from a foreign planet. "Sorry, Alex."

"It's okay. I know this stuff's no fun, but you want Charles to see you doing a good job, right?"

"Uh huh," Joey nodded.

"We'll play in a little while, promise." Alex then spotted the parade of ants marching down the middle of the desk. "What the…?" Bugs in the immaculate mansion? Impossible. He pulled out the bottom drawer and made a disgusted face at the insect community he discovered within. "Gross! Joey, what's all this food doing in here?"

Heartbeat picking up, Joey panicked and flung himself right off Alex's lap down to the floor. He started yelling and writhing about.

"No, no, no, no." Alex dropped down beside him. "Joe, stop. Don't do this."

As if unable to hear him, Joey made every light the room had to offer flicker.

Sensing the child, Charles charged upstairs. "Alex, what happened?"

"Nothing," Alex replied quickly. "It was me. It's not his fault."

Charles approached standing over Joey. Joseph, you stop this fit at once.

The sharp mental tone brought the eight-year-old back to reality and the lighting functioned normally again.

"Charles," he recognized, sitting up.

"Why were you having a tantrum, Joey?" the Professor wanted to know.

"I saw some old food in the desk drawer," Alex piped up, placing arms around the boy. "A few bugs. No big deal."

"Alex," Charles spoke pointedly, "let go of him. Right now, please."

"No," the blonde teenager refused. "Charles, he stopped. It's over. You don't need to— you don't have to do that."

Charles retained his patience as he repeated, "Let go of him, Alexander. Please don't make me force you."

Slowly and grudgingly, Alex released his secure lock on the little boy.

When Charles picked Joey up and sat in the desk chair, Alex shook his head and stormed out.

Knowing he could not rush after him, Charles instead sent a mental message to Erik about the situation. He next wordlessly place Joey over his legs and landed the first swat to the teeny bottom. The Professor kept a few seconds of space between each smack, giving him six in total.

A calm spread throughout Joey, his residual electrical energy subsiding.

Charles scooped him up into his arms to hold against his chest. With a kiss to his forehead, the telepath gathered the boy's most active thoughts.

"Joey," the man spoke, "I'm not angry with you for taking the food."

Joey looked up at him. "You're not?"

"Of course not, but you didn't need to. Little one, if ever you are hungry all you have to do is say something," Charles explained gently. "You will never, ever be without food or warmth or shelter," he squeezed him tightly, "or this." Joey nestled under the man's chin. "Now since it appears I'm going to have to phone the exterminator to take care of the problem in here, how would you like to stay in my room with me?"

"Okay, Charles." Joey hugged him around the neck.

Standing with him, Charles started for the door. "Would you like to read another book with me, too?"

Nodding, Joey happily snuggled into his shoulder.

IIIIIII

Three mannequins lined up, Alex released a ferocious blast that obliterated every single one into charcoaled chunks.

"Are you pretending they're all Charles?" Alex spun around to see that Erik had just entered the bunker. In his silent fury, he had not even heard the older male. "Or just the one in the middle."

"I'm not in the mood, Erik," Alex informed him.

"Clearly." Erik crossed his arms. "I can see where you're coming from with your present disdain towards Xavier, though. Considering how much of a sadistic abuser he is towards children."

Alex gaped at him. "I never said that. But I don't see why he always has to light into Joey for every little spark. He's just a kid!"

Erik felt the vigor with the last sentence. "A kid with a mutation dangerous to himself and others. The spankings control it, Alex. The sting takes away from the fear he feels when he has these little moments."

"I get that, but don't expect me to be all smiles about it."

"I don't, but know this," Erik said warningly. "It's either Charles spanks him now while he's young or Joey becomes instable to the point where he's beyond any of our help. What do you think adults outside this institution would do to him if it reached that extreme?"

Alex's fists went to his hips as he absorbed the annoying truth in the man's words. "I wish it were me instead of him."

Erik walked up, gripping Alex's arms lightly. "He has you and your experiences to help him with his own. Work with Charles and I, not against us."

The teen nodded. "Yeah. Okay."

"Come on." Erik slapped his back and started leading the way out. "I suppose this means your plans for departure have been officially cancelled." Alex looked at him with surprised eyes. "Yes, I do know all."

IIIIIII

On Saturday, a heavy rainstorm swept over Westchester, keeping the inhabitants of the Xavier Mansion indoors. The seven mutated young people all wound up in the living room, listening to records to drown out the hectic conditions outside.

Holding two action figures up, Joey brought them close together. "Look, Frank."

Frank whacked the top of his own head in exasperation. "Joey, how many times do I have to tell ya? That's not how you do it. You're just making them hug."

Alex balled up a piece of notepad paper and tossed it at the pre-teen's head. "Newsflash, genius boy. He doesn't know how to play."

"Yes, Frank," Hank agreed. "Joey isn't used to all of these different toys. You have to show him."

When another crash of lightning sounded, Joey started moaning.

"Hey, hey." Raven put down her coffee mug and got down on the floor to place an arm around him. "It's okay, sweetie."

Sean looked up from his book, getting an idea. "Hey, Joey." He got on the floor as well. "You know what's real fun to do on a rainy day?" The eight-year-old eyed him expectantly. "Build a great big huge fort."

"Yeah!" Frank seconded.

"What's a fort?" wondered Joey.

"We'll show you. Raven, how many sheets and blankets do you guys have around here?" Sean asked.

She pretended to think on it. "Oh, just about enough to provide warmth to the American and Canadian armed forces."

Soon the entire group got into it. Becky and Raven rounded up all the linens they could find while the males did the same thing with every removable cushion the house had to offer. They all regrouped in the living room and started construction on their structure. By the end, they'd created an oversized and highly colorful monstrosity that looked to be able to hold a dozen men at least.

"What are we gonna call it?" Becky said.

"Fort Mutant!" Sean put forth, raising his fist. "Only one rule. No being normal."

They all scrambled inside with Hank and Raven comfortably wedged against each other's shoulders. Before they could get too settled, they heard the strong male footsteps creeping close.

"Oh no," Frank groaned. "What do you wanna bet Erik makes us run laps in the rain?"

Becky made a face as well. "Charles will probably try to make me "hone" again."

"Okay, second rule," Sean raised. "No grownups."

"You heard him, Hank," Alex smirked. "Beat it."

Raven threw a pillow at his face on the scientist's behalf. "Better idea. Let's just beat Alex."

"Oh, bring it on, fake blondie," Alex challenged.

Charles and Erik made it into the room in time to witness a pillow fight of immense proportions.

"So," Erik spoke first, "would this be that line between rage and serenity you keep telling me about?"

"No," Charles replied. He took possession of a throw pillow. "This is." He whacked the taller man over the head with it.

Completely taken aback, Erik revealed his very pointed teeth before darting after the telepath for a full retaliation.