X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Seventy One
Author's Word: Thanks a bunch for the feedback, guys. You know how to cheer a girl up. Now I get to pose two new questions. Yes, I love it, too. Which was your favorite parent appreciation chapter? Mother's Day or Father's Day? And which of the kid's speeches did you enjoy most from the last chapter? Let me know and enjoy this!
Screams of jubilation exploded from every rider as the rollercoaster sped down another slope. When the ride at last came to a stop, Frank, Becky, and Scott filed off together.
"That was insane!" raved Scott.
"Meh, it was okay," Frank downplayed. "I'm still waiting to puke on something."
Becky said, "Let's see if Papa will get on one with us."
When Frank spotted the metal wielder talking in-depth to his mother on the bench still, he immediately counter suggested, "Why don't we check out the gift shop instead? I could use a break."
"Sure," Scott shrugged.
Becky sensed an underlying purpose behind the idea, but followed the boys into the nearby souvenir store, anyway.
IIIIIII
When their turn for the ferris wheel arrived, the three mutated males entered the enclosed pod. Alex and Joey took over one side while Sean and his long legs sat across from them.
Alex gripped one of Joey's hands. "Remember it's just a ride. It's nothing to be scared of. We're totally safe inside."
"I know," Joey responded distractedly, his attention on the small window in the middle of the pod.
"Here we go," Sean grinned as their rotation began.
Joey smiled excitedly. "How come it doesn't go fast?"
"Ferris wheels are mostly for the view," Sean explained. He pointed towards the window. "Take a look."
"I don't think that's such a good idea, Sean," Alex said pointedly.
"But I wanna see, Al." The little boy got up and peered out. "Wowwy, we're high! I can't even see Mummy and Daddy anymore."
"What do you think, Joey?" Sean moved over to look out as well. "Think we can high-five the Statue of Liberty?"
"Yeah!"
When their combined weight tilted the pod just slightly, Alex ordered, "Sit your butts back down, now."
The scolded pair retook their seats right away, complete with hands in laps.
IIIIIII
The incredulous vendor's mouth practically connected with the floor of his booth when Erik successfully got the ring over the milk bottle for a third consecutive time.
"Anything from the top," the disbelieving man spoke.
Erik turned to Alex. "You pick this time."
"Okay," she smiled at him. Looking around the top of the booth, she indicated a large plush dolphin. "That one."
Retrieving his pole, the vendor lowered the specified animal and held it out.
"Thank you." Alana linked arms with Erik and they began to walk. "That was some fancy cheating there."
"He should have gone for the plastic ring option then," Erik refuted indifferently. "Besides, half these games are rigged, profiting off the allowance money of unsuspecting doe-eyed children."
"What is it like to have an opinion about everything?" Erik only looked at her with a special glint in his eyes, his chiseled features smirking all around. "Well," Alana squeezed the dolphin under one arm, "Becky should like this."
"I already got her this." Erik held up the small pink bear. "You keep it. You need not be a mother every moment."
"Can't think of anything else I'd like to be," she replied sincerely.
"Mom!" Frank called, running up with Scott and Becky. "Look what I got you in the gift shop."
"Frank, what are you doing buying me things on your birthday?"
"Well, you're kinda the reason I even get a birthday," Frank pointed out.
"He's got you there," Erik concurred, most impressed by the boy's statement.
Alana gave Erik a sideways look and accepted the teeny bag from her son. "Oh Frank." She removed a purple bracelet from it with MOM written across it in white letters. "Thank you, baby."
Frank gestured at her dolphin. "Where'd you get that?"
"Oh, Erik showing off at the ring toss," she explained away.
Not missing a certain look in his daughter's eyes, Erik gave her the bear. "And this is for you, Sweet Imp."
"Thanks." Becky tugged on his spare hand. "Papa, will you ride the carrousel with me?"
"Think you can handle these two?" Erik asked Alana.
"I'll manage somehow," she said with a smile.
Erik took Becky's hand and she skipped at his side while they walked towards the designated ride.
"Mom, can we get cotton candy?" Frank requested.
"We'll be having cake soon," Alana reminded. "So don't get a size any bigger than your heads."
"Alright, thanks!" Frank ran to the snack stand with Scott.
"Dude, your mom is the coolest!" asserted Scott.
Alana watched after them fondly.
IIIIIII
Charles glanced up from cuddling with Emma on a bench when the McCoys approached. "There you are. I thought you two were right behind us in the Tunnel of Love line."
"We took the extended tour," Hank grinned, nuzzling noses with Raven.
"A few times," Raven tacked on, giving his lips a peck.
"Newsflash," Alex proclaimed. He came up, dropping down tiredly onto the bench. "Your lousy honeymoon is over."
"Ignore him, guys," Sean said, walking up with Joey. "He's just sore because we wanted to do the swing ride twice and he couldn't take all the screaming."
"Was Joey that frightened?" Emma asked in concern.
"No." Sean pointed out Alex. "He was."
"I was not," Alex swiftly denied, "and if you tell anybody else, I'll—" He remembered Joey's presence, "ask you to stop because it's wrong to tease others."
Raven said, "Very smooth, oh prince of peace."
"I was thinking more lord of the flies," Sean quipped.
Alex scowled until Joey coming over softened him.
"Al, can we get on the airplane ride now?"
God, why? "Wouldn't you rather I win you a toy? One as big as you?"
"No," the child turned down in such a prompt fashion laughs ignited from the older mutants. "Pleeeeease?" Enlarged blue eyes followed the request.
With a groan, Alex got to his feet.
"Come here a moment, little one." Charles put his hands to Joey's narrow hips when the boy got close enough to him. "Now, that ride goes very high and extremely fast. So I need you to keep a close eye on your brothers."
"Got it, Daddy," he replied.
Alex rolled his eyes and Sean picked Joey up to flick over his shoulder as the three of them started off.
IIIIIII
Gift wrap thoroughly ripped to shreds, Frank discovered a huge chemistry set. He immediately tackled Hank in supreme gratitude and the older male had to lean back on the couch to steady the boy.
"If you hate it that much you could have simply told me." Hank gave him a strong squeeze.
"Are you crazy? This is so cool." Frank went to study the box. "Wow, it has instructions on how to formulate chalk and crystal replicas."
"I had to do good by my favorite colleague," Hank said. "But heed the warning of one who has been there. Refrain from meltdowns and explosions."
"Yes, please," Charles requested.
"And you were upset because I got him the little robot that shoots darts," Emma brought up.
"Here, honey." Alana placed another colorful package in front of him.
Frank took off the ribbon and removed the box lid. "Hey, cool. He picked up the black helmet with zombies all over it. "Thanks a lot, Mom. Finally, one I'll actually like to wear."
"Yes, it should go with my present nicely," said Erik casually.
Frank looked over at him. "What present? Where is it?"
"Come." Erik stood and began leading them all towards the back.
"I'll be right there." Raven went to answer the ringing telephone.
Erik brought the rest outside and extended a hand out to the royal blue, black-trimmed bicycle there. "Happy birthday, Frank."
The newly turned teenager doubted his own eyes at first at the ape hanger handlebars and low banana seat. "Oh yes, yes,…. Yes!" His fists shot up in triumph. "I don't believe it! A Stingray! These just came out." He ran to hug Erik. "Thank you, Erik!"
Erik lifted him straight up. "You're welcome, boychick."
Raven stepped out. "Frankie, your dad's on the phone."
Frank looked over Erik's shoulder. "Could you tell him I'm busy? I'll call him later."
"Anything you say." Raven went back in to deliver the message.
Erik put Frank down, but kept his arms around him.
"Hold that." Charles snapped a picture of them.
"Charles, could you get one of me and Erik with Mom?"
"Of course, birthday boy," Charles granted.
The three lined up with Frank in the middle. Alana hugged him from behind and Erik placed an arm around her and a hand on Frank's shoulder. Once they had the pose, Charles captured the image.
IIIIIII
"Happy birthday, sweetie." Alana held Frank tightly.
"I love you, Mom," he whispered.
They detached after a few more moments.
"Take care." Erik gave the woman a small hug.
"You, too." Alana kissed his cheek. "I'll talk to you soon."
Erik nodded and Frank waved as they started away from the two-flat.
Once they were on the road again, Erik asked, "Why didn't you want to talk to your father?"
Frank shrugged, turning towards the window. "He should've called earlier. He always does this. Like I'm gonna dump you guys just to have a whole five minute conversation with him. "
"Hm." Erik went around a corner. "When was he home for your birthday last?"
"Tenth I guess." He slouched in his seat, rubbing his eyelids.
Erik frowned at the sight. "Are you alright?"
"They're just a little groggy," Frank responded.
"Then you should go to bed when we get back."
Frank groaned. "But Erik, I'm thirteen now and it's still my birthday."
"Even a full grown man knows when to take a rest." Erik himself never complied with such a mentality, but the boy did not need to know that.
After they returned to the mansion, Frank's eyes felt even more tired. He went up to his bedroom and got into pajamas without prodding. He sat up under his bed lindens, rereading one of his cards.
Grateful to be able to wish my brother a happy thirteen. Things are going great here, but I miss you all every day.
See you soon, Frank N' Beans!
Love,
Linny
Charles came in, smiling at him. "How is my new little teenager doing?"
"Good." Frank looked up happily. "Thanks for everything, Charles."
The Professor walked over to kiss his head. "What's become of that scamp I found on the basketball court?"
"He grew two inches and became an even bigger boss."
"Really? I thought it was only an inch and a half." Charles cupped his cheek. "Good night, my child of light."
"Night, England," Frank returned with a small smirk.
Charles stood up to go, passing Erik on his way out.
Erik sat and pulled Frank right into his lap. "Among my people, thirteen is the mark of manhood."
Frank grinned excitedly. "Really?"
"Yes, but in the X-Men you still have another twenty years to go."
"I knew it," Frank grumbled.
Erik lay back with the boy on top of him. "Close your eyes, boychick." He began rubbing his back.
Frank smiled and snuggled into his chest.
Erik did not go to sleep until he heard audible slumber noises from the one in his clutch.
IIIIIII
With a brief knock, Alex poked his upper body into Scott's bedroom.
"Hey, twerp. Ready for breakfast?"
"Just about." Scott hopped up from his bed once he finished getting his last shoe on. "Alex, is it true you were scared on the rides yesterday?"
"Remind me to choke the scream out of Banshee." Alex rolled his eyes. "Look, I do land and water. Air is for the birds. Or the bird-brained like Seanie."
Scott gazed ruby quarts covered eyes up at him. "'Cause of the crash?"
Alex made a sharp turned to go. "We need to eat. Move it. We're holding everybody up."
Scott walked fast to move alongside him. "I didn't mean to make you mad."
Feeling rotten, Alex pulled his younger brother in close. "Don't sweat it. Let's just eat, okay?"
"'Kay."
They joined the rest of the household at the dining room table.
Becky glanced around for the other missing pair. "Where are Hank and Raven?"
"Yeah. How come they're never around anymore?" Joey wanted to know.
Sean began to whistle into his glass and Alex sniggered.
Emma explained delicately, "A newly married couple likes to get to know each other as much as possible after the wedding."
Becky looked even more confused. "Shouldn't they have done that before they got married?"
Charles said, "Oh they better not have."
"When are they gonna have the baby?" Joey asked, making many forks clink and Charles choke up on his tea. "Hank said when people get married they can have a baby."
"Interesting point, little one," Charles told him. "Be sure and ask Hank about it when you see him."
"If we ever see him again," Sean corrected quietly.
Erik heard a faint moan from Frank and observed the boy massaging the sides of his head, eyes shut. "What's wrong?"
"My head's pounding," the young teen replied. "It's making my eyes burn."
Charles put his mug down. "Your eyes are burning? That's most unusual for you. How long has this been going on?"
"A couple days I guess," Frank recalled. "But it started as itching and I didn't really think much about it."
"You can finish breakfast upstairs." Erik stood and gathered the boy up.
"I'll see if I can find the aspirin," Emma said while Charles took Frank's glass and plate to bring up.
IIIIIII
Raven transferred the tray over to the night table then worked soothing fingers through Hank's soft but messed brown hair.
"Baby," she whispered, "up for a nice warm bath?"
A contented murmur left him and he shifted a little.
Raven planted a kiss to her husband's upturned lips. She slowly removed herself from his side. Putting on her white silk robe over the short nightie, Raven slipped out onto their terrace. The third floor offered a glorious side angle of the lush green property.
A few minutes later, her ears picked up on her favorite feet approaching. Strong arms wound under her chest.
"I thought you were exhausted." Raven leaned her head back against him.
"Oh the rejuvenating power of endorphins." Hank kissed her from the top of the neck down to her shoulder.
Raven tilted her head to offer him better smooching access. "I can't believe Emma did all of this for us."
"According to Charles, it was harder on the contractors."
"We have our own paradise, though," Raven continuously marveled. "This is even better than Puerto Rico."
"Home is true paradise," Hank stated. "Now, I believe I heard something about a bath…"
Grinning, Raven hurriedly went back in with him.
IIIIIII
Four hours into sleep, Frank's eyes reopened, now burn free. He sat up and touched his head, satisfied to find the ache also gone. Getting up, Frank left out to visit the nearest bathroom. On his way back out, he bumped into Scott in the hall.
"There you are," Scott happily acknowledged. "I thought you'd sleep the day away. How you feelin'?"
"Good now," Frank answered. "Finally. I've been too ready to try out my new wheels. You coming with?"
"You got it. Meet you downstairs?"
"Yep, just let me change."
They separated and Frank returned to his room. He quickly stripped out of pajamas and into a comfortable day outfit. He lastly clipped on his new helmet.
Going down to the garage, Frank collected his bike and rejoined Scott in the backyard.
"Ready?" Frank pedaled over to him.
"Sure thing."
The boys took off on their individual bikes.
"I can't believe you finally get to be a teenager," Scott remarked. "My number twelve still feels forever away."
"It's not as great as I thought it'd be," Frank responded. "Same old little kid rules. But this bike is so worth it."
When they rounded a tree, Frank let loose a sharp yelp. Scott slowed to a stop at his friend waving his arms about wildly.
"Frank, what are you doing?"
"Scott?" The aforementioned boy gasped when Frank looked back, his eyes glossed over in a thick black coating. "Where are you? Scott, I can't see you."
Scott leapt down from his bike and went to him. "I'm right here. Hang onto me. We have to get you inside."
"I can't see…" Frank fell off his bike, writhing once he hit the grass. "I can't see!"
Thinking fast, Scott sent out a mental outcry. Charles!
IIIIIII
Shouts of terror echoed all throughout the mansion as Hank rushed the extremely disoriented Frank in. Once they reached the lab, Charles right behind them, Hank lowered the boy down onto the exam table. The tall scientist then had to keep Frank's arms down to prevent him from hurting himself.
Shutting the French doors to the lab, Charles hurried to the table. Frank, calm your mind. We are going to help you, but you have to settle yourself.
The telepath received internal screams from the boy that completely drowned out those of the external.
"He's hysterical." Charles made a decision, his countenance reflecting the displeasure it brought him. "Turn him over."
The order took some maneuvering on Hank's part. He flipped Frank onto his stomach and stretched his own arms out. He managed to pin Frank's arms and legs to the table with one hand for each pair of limbs.
Left hand going to Frank's quaking back, Charles used the right to give his bottom nine hard smacks in rapid succession. Frank's movements stopped and his body drooped. Sorrowful moaning echoed from him next.
Hank touched a comforting hand to the back of his head.
Charles lowered to drape an arm across Frank's back. "You were frantic and I didn't want you to harm yourself. I'm very sorry, dear boy. I didn't want to give you a spanking."
Whimpering, Frank rolled to his side, facing the direction of Charles' voice. "What's happening to me?"
"We're going to find out," Charles promised. "But you must be calm and let Hank examine you."
"Where is he?" Frank asked in dismay.
"Right here, Frank," Hank piped up. "Will you let me hold you while I make sure everything's alright?" Frank nodded. Hank retrieved his pen sized flashlight from his desk and returned to sit on the table. He gently worked the child over into his lap. "Okay, buddy. I want you to tell me if things get brighter the closer I get to your eyes."
"Okay," Frank nodded.
Clicking the light on, Hank held it just above Frank's eyes. "Can you see that?" He shook his head and Hank brought it nearer. "Anything at all?"
"…Nothing."
Turning the flashlight back off again, Hank next said lightheartedly, "Well, this certainly is a pickle, isn't it? Suppose we'll have to dig a little deeper. I'm going to need to take a sample of your blood as well as the crust covering your eyes. But I'm going to hold you the entire time."
Frank's voice could barely be heard as he asked, "Where's Erik?"
"He went to the store," Charles told him, coming around to rub the thin shoulders. "He'll be home soon."
"I promise I won't hurt you, Frank," Hank assured. "Do you want me to get Raven to come in here with you?"
"No," Frank turned down right away. "Don't let her look at me. Becky, either."
Hank looked to Charles, grim expressions reflecting between them.
IIIIIII
Pacing back and forth like a disgruntled soldier, Scott sincerely growled.
"What is taking so long?"
"You must be patient, sweetheart," Emma told him. "Hank should know something soon."
"Don't tell me to be patient, Emma," Scott snapped.
"Hey." Alex came upon him reproachfully. "Don't talk to her like that. You know better. We're all worried about Frank, but you need to cool it."
Sean touched Scott's shoulder. "I know how you're feeling, kiddo. Trust me."
Scott walked over and hugged Emma. "I'm sorry."
"I know." The undisturbed woman could feel his and the others' anxiety in waves.
At last, Hank emerged from the lab.
Scott went to him quickly. "Is he okay?"
Somber and vexed, Hank spoke. "I'm not sure how this could have happened or why. But Frank's mutation has had a counter effect on him. He's been blinded."
Scott became relieved. "Okay, that's no big deal. All we have to do is wait for it to wear off like it does on other people."
Hank said, "I'm afraid this is unlike any occasion when Frank uses his light… there's no indication whatsoever that his eyes are still functional behind the black crust."
Emma kept her face neutral for the sake of the younger ones around her. Alex sighed angrily through the nose. Sean walked away a few paces, running a hand over his face, eyes welling up. Scott went towards a wall, sliding down with his back to it until he dropped to the floor.
IIIIIII
Erik made his return through the front door. Locking it with a flick of his wrist, he proceeded through the foyer.
Spotting Charles seated in the parlor, Erik stepped off in there. "I picked this up for the ailing infant teenager." He pulled out the latest issue of Superman from the paper sack he had with him. "How is he feeling now?" Erik then absorbed the younger man's tightly pensive visage. "What?"
Charles got up, sticking his hands in his pockets. "We need to talk."
IIIIIII
The nazi coin twirling almost automatically through his fingers, Frank's hand proved to be the only part of him still capable of movement. Stretched out on top of his linens, his entire reality slipped away; replaced by a darkness he could not escape.
"Erik?" he recognized when the door came open. "It's you, isn't it? Your shoes— they're even heavier than Hank's."
Slightly pacified at the child's perceptiveness, Erik got into the bed with him. "Yes. It's me, boychick." He lifted him to peer into the young face, finding the lids shut. "Let me see."
Frank faced downward. 'No."
Erik kissed the space between his eyes. "Let me see."
Slowly, Frank opened them. Erik's own eyes nearly went back at the black nothingness that stared back at him.
Frank reached up, feeling around for Erik's face. When he touched it, he moved his fingers along the man's jaws, forehead, and hair.
"What are you doing?" Erik stayed perfectly still for him.
"I don't want to forget what you look like."
"Why would you want to hold onto such a grotesque image?"
Frank touched the corners of his mouth in time to feel the smile. "Linny sent me a birthday card. He said he'll see me soon… but I'll never see him again. Or Jeff or Rae. God! What about my mom…"
Erik sent a determined tone into the boy's ear. "You will overcome this. I'll spend every waking moment helping you adapt."
Not saying anything, Frank rested his forehead against Erik's shoulder, finding that particular spot with automatic ease.
IIIIIII
"Uncle Charles?" Becky looked to the male telepath. "Frank isn't sick like his brother was, is he?"
"No, of course not, Princess," Charles hurriedly reassured.
"It's just a little trouble with his powers, Becca," said Hank. "We'll clear it up soon."
Scott folded his arms tensely.
"We can make him a get well card," Joey suggested.
"Joe," Alex spoke delicately, "let's hold off on the artsy stuff for a little while." The last thing the kid needed was another reminder of what his condition took away from him.
Sean twisted around with a smile. "There's my guy."
Erik walked into the dining room, Frank upright in his arms. He carried him over and situated him in his usual chair on the side with Hank, Raven, Becky, and himself.
Taking Frank's hands, Erik indicated the utensils for him. "Knife and fork to the left. Spoon and your glass to the right."
"Don't worry about the food," Raven chimed up. "I made all your favorites down to the corncob."
The thirteen-year-old only nodded.
Everything straightened out, they all started in on dinner.
After a couple minutes of Frank not touching a thing, Erik instructed, "Eat your dinner before it gets cold."
"They're staring at me."
"No we're not, Frank-O," Sean said.
"Yes you are! All of you! Quit staring at me!" Frank grabbed his plate and threw it over the back of his head.
The ceramic dish smashed to pieces against the wall, food scattering everywhere.
"Franklin!" Charles reproached, completely taken aback by the boy.
"Leave me alone!" Frank shot up. He went to leave, but immediately fell over his own chair. Raven reached down to help him and he forcefully snatched away. "Don't touch me!"
"Becky, Scott, Joey, take your dinner upstairs," Emma directed.
The three gathered their plates and left the table, Scott glancing back worriedly as they went.
"Up," Erik yanked on the back of Frank's shirt, "now."
The action caused the young teenager to jerk about wilder than ever.
"No, no, no!" he roared. "I don't want to live like this! I'd rather be dead than ever be this way!"
Glaring and growling at the same time, Erik pulled Frank up into his lap. Magnetically lifting a fork, he forced the handle into Frank's hand and tightened the small fingers around it.
"Do you feel that?" Erik asked through gritted teeth.
"Yeah," Frank responded. "So what?"
"I will use this to puncture my own eyes. I will walk this blind journey with you if that's what it takes, but I will be damned before I let you hurt yourself."
Frank's hand with limp, making him drop the fork. "No, Erik, don't. You can't, please."
Erik squeezed his now free hand. "Then don't. Ever. Threaten yourself again."
Frank's breathing grew shallow and sobs sounded from him.
Sean rushed around the table, wrapping tight arms around the younger boy.
Scooting back from the table, Alex pointed out the mess. "I'm going to get this up." With that, he went in search of cleaning aides.
IIIIIII
Descending the stairs that led from their wing to her husband's lab, Raven saw Hank with his eye attached to the microscope.
"Are you still up, baby?" She came over to him.
"Is Frank still blind?" he countered without looking up.
"You've been at this for three days. How many tests are you going to put him through?"
"Science always has a solution for one willing to find it," Hank urged. "His blood came back completely normal. And this crust is still a mystery to me. As best I can determine, it's like charred dead skin. But it's impossible for it to have formulated so instantaneously. A child who can behold the sun for all of its glory and not so much as blink has his eyes severely burned beyond repair while out bike riding? No. There's more to it than that."
Raven sat on the edge of his desk. "Were you this determined to find our cure?"
"This is deeper than petty appearances," he emphasized to her. "We're talking about a little boy being blinded for the rest of his life. This is my job, Raven. I don't rest when these kids have so much as a sniffle."
She got up at that. "I'll put on a pot of coffee."
Hank looked up long enough to say, "Thank you," before putting all attention back on the microscope.
Leaving out, Raven felt her love for the dutiful scientist magnify tenfold.
IIIIIII
Hand over Frank's as they went over the brail page, Charles asked, "Is there anything you don't understand?"
Frank replied feebly, "I don't understand how it's possible to make straight A's and still have to do summer school."
Charles used his hand to stroke Frank's hair now. "This isn't a punishment, lad."
"I had the alphabet down when I was three, Charles," Frank put forth strongly. "I could read by the time I was four. Why do I have to learn it all again?"
Not having an answer for neither himself nor the boy, Charles suggested, "Let's take a little rest."
Sean stood from where he had been silently watching and went to take Frank's arm. "Come on, pal."
Frank latched onto him, the teenager carefully guiding him out.
Erik entered the parlor after them. "How go the brail lessons today?" Charles sighed. "As well as yesterday. Wonderful."
"I'm worried, Erik." Charles gathered the sheets of paper, all covered in raised bumps. "Frank barely wants to get dressed in the morning. Just a few days ago he had all the life in the world in his eyes. He's barely a shadow of that lad anymore."
Erik bent over, hands pressed against his chess chair. "The comic books, the science projects, his bicycle— everything he received for his birthday; everything that ever meant something to him. It's all gone."
Charles approached his brother. "Have you spoken to Alana?"
The older man shook his head. "This would crush her, especially after all she's been through. I'm holding off for as long as I possibly can." Erik smacked the top of the chair with both hands. "Why did this happen?"
"I don't know, brother," Charles replied honestly. "I've asked myself that same question all week. None of it makes any sense. All I know is that we have to be strong for him." He then gave Erik a funny look. "You blame yourself." Erik gazed at him accusingly. "You were broadcasting."
Erik sent his glance heavenly. "I can't help but feel like I'm somehow the cause behind all of this. I don't care what becomes of me. But these children… is Frank paying the price for my wickedness?"
"Erik, I must say that is the most ego driven notion you've ever devised," Charles told him flat out, getting his attention again. "Frank is suffering to no end and you turn it around on yourself? It's one thing for the victim to give into self-pity, but you? I have news for you, Erik Lehnsherr. You're not as powerful as you think you are and you did not rain down God's wrath upon that child. Do please get over yourself." Charles walked out by him, hands folded behind his back.
Erik stood up straight again. Damn Lab Rat. He's right.
The telepathic Lab Rat called back, Yes he is.
IIIIIII
Sean lay by Frank on the latter's bed, running an affectionate hand down his back.
"Your hair is so bright red."
The older boy responded with a smile to his voice, "Yeah, I've noticed it here and there."
"I still remember the first time I saw you fly," Frank kept speaking. "The sky was so blue, barely any clouds, and I never had to turn away because the sun in my eyes didn't bother me. It never bothered me. You looked incredible, man."
Sean started to say something to him, but a knock came to the door. "Who is it?"
Joey stepped in, holding a folded piece of paper in one hand. "I made something for Frank."
Trying to keep his patience, Sean said firmly, "Joey, not now. Go play."
"What is it?" Frank chimed up.
Sean looked back at him. "Frank—"
"He made it for me." The thirteen-year-old sat up against his headboard. "And I want it. Bring it here, Joey."
The short blonde came over, climbing up on the foot of the bed to directly face Frank. "It's a card to make you get well."
Frank held a hand out and Joey handed the card over. Running his fingers along it, Frank felt the dried designs. The smell of the paint tickled his nostrils.
"What does it say, Sean?"
The redhead unfolded the paper to read the contents. "'Dear Frank, feel better soon so that you can come play with us again. Love, Joey.'."
Frank carefully placed the card next to him on the mattress. "Thank you." He held his arms open for Joey.
The little boy smiled and crawled forward to hug him.
That night, Raven slipped into the room. She found Erik reading a comic book to Frank by moonlight.
"You know he's asleep, right?" she observed, walking in closer.
Erik looked up at her. "I like to keep the story going. His dreams are still visual."
She nodded. "Hank hasn't left the lab once today. It's almost like he blames himself that this happened."
"I know the feeling." Erik got to his feet. "I have to conduct rounds."
"I'll stay with him," Raven promised.
Erik nodded and put the comic book on the night table before leaving out.
Raven extended her hand, brushing stray hairs away from the young face. The peace she received from his content countenance turned into panic when he began to loudly moan.
"Frank?" She started to shake him then gasped.
From the top of his head down, Frank's entire body became immersed in a brilliant luminescence. He proved undisturbed as the glow only brightened.
Raven ran to yell out the door. "Erik, Hank, Charles! Get in here, quick!"
Charles, in his room, used his mind to call Hank away from the lab. Erik returned to Frank's bedroom first, quickly followed by the other two men. By the time they arrived, the entire space had become consumed by the luminosity. They had to shield their faces when it reached its most intense point. Almost instantly, the room returned to its previous darkness.
Frank leapt up in bed, shocking them all when he opened his eyes. The black crust had been replaced by shining whiteness.
"Erik? Charles? Hank?" A slow building smile came to his face. "Raven!" He jumped out of the bed and ran to hug her.
Erik started to ask, "What was—?"
"I can see!" Frank sped out of his room, racing through the dark second floor hall. "I can see!"
The four confused adults hurried after him, the others emerging from their rooms.
"What's happening?" Sean asked.
"I can see in the dark!" Frank realized. "It's as bright as day." He ran over towards Alex and pounced right into the blonde's arms. "Dude, you're uglier than I remember."
Alex raised a brow, standing him up. "Kid, what's up with your eyes?"
"Huh? Oh. Umm…" Frank concentrated a moment until his orbs of honey-brown returned. "Hey, now I see regular. Cool!"
"Franklin, slow down," Charles urged him.
"Slow down?" Frank repeated. "What for? I never have to slow down again. I can see!"
"This is wonderful," Emma said, stepping forward.
"Frank, did you happen to see yourself back there?" Hank asked him.
"You became light, boychick," Erik emphasized. "Every part of you."
"It was so beautiful," Raven smiled.
Now Frank looked confused. "What're you talking about? I had a dream I was bounding buildings then I woke up and saw you guys over my bed. Scott!" Frank dashed over to him. "Let's go do something. Let's go watch John Wayne on TV. Becky," he turned around to the curly headed girl, "let's shoot some marbles- on the roof! No, forget that. Joey," he looked at the youngest mutant, "let's paint the roof. In a thousand different colors."
"Frank, I know you're excited, but we need to go to the lab right now." Hank came over to get him.
"The lab!" Frank jumped at the scientist, who just barely caught him. "Let's go build stuff and poke stuff and mix together things we're not supposed to!"
"Yes, we'll get right on that." Hank patted his bottom to calm him as he carried him away.
Emma approached Charles and Erik. "How did this happen?"
When both men came up blank on an explanation, they placed their eyes on Raven. She held her arms out innocently and shrugged.
IIIIIII
That morning, the entire mutant household had breakfast outside on the patio.
"It's all very simple," Hank put forth. "He's going through physical changes, normal of any boy his age. Between the amount of time he spends playing outside, especially the extensive sun he got exposed to while we were at Coney Island, this next stage of his mutation came into play. His eyes simply needed a few days rest for this new night vision ability to properly develop."
Sean raised a hand. "So what was with the shiny glow thing in his room?"
"I was…." Hank cleared his throat. "Getting to that. Clearly he's still evolving. Perhaps his eyes alone can't contain the amount of light he absorbs. I mean, I know we all want to consider this a miraculous occurrence, but it's merely another aspect of mutation." He noticed his wife's thoughtful expression. "What is it?"
"The light could not have been brighter," Raven recalled. "How did it not blind us?"
Before Hank could say anything to appease that, Erik interjected, "Perhaps some things are best left alone."
Emma turned to Charles. "What do you think about all of this?"
He dabbed at the corners of his mouth with his napkin. "My children are all happy, healthy, and safe. That's all I'm thinking about at the moment."
When the four smaller mutants rolled their bikes out, Alex stood out in the middle of the lawn. They lined up in a horizontal row of Becky, Scott, Frank, and Joey.
"Okay," Alex signaled. "Ready, set… ride!"
They immediately took off, each going at top speed.
Scott caught up with Frank. "Looks like the Eye Scream Team is back."
He grinned. "And even bigger bosses."
Screeching through on his Stingray, Frank gazed up, the sun reflecting against his eyes.