X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Seventy Seven
Author's Word: So that enormous stack of feedback? Yeah, did not see that coming whatsoever. Thank you, guys! But I want to take time now to give a special shout-out to the love of my life and the guy who has been with me for thirteen years as of yesterday, my Beloved cat Tiger. Happy Birthday again and again! This one's for you! Please enjoy and review!
The rush of radiant white light came at her all at once, the surrounding warmth quickly accompanying it. She wondered how it could be possible after everything.
"Miss Frost… Miss Frost, can you hear me?"
Blue eyes opened fully, Emma took in the initially blurred face of the gray haired MD. "W-what? Who are you?"
"My name is Dr. Novak," he introduced himself, speaking slowly. "What's yours?"
She searched for her words. "Emma. Emma Frost."
"What are the names of your parents?" he asked next.
"Winston. Hazel… but she- she isn't here anymore." Am I?
"What year is it?"
"1963," she answered.
The doctor nodded positively. "Miss Frost, you and Charles Xavier were involved in a hit-and-run car crash. You hit your head against the passenger window. We managed to remove the gla—"
"Where's Charles?" Emma cut in sharply.
"Just take it easy for now."
Emma yanked the IV out of her arm. "Where is he? Take me to him now."
"Miss Frost, we need you to relax," he tried again.
Emma got out of the bed and Novak signaled the nurse over. Before she could inject Emma with the sedative, the mutated woman gave the nurse a forceful shove back. She then pushed passed the doctor and ran from the room at a near ravenous speed.
Despite the piercing head throbs it gave her, Emma scanned through the hospital in search of her boyfriend.
XXXXX
Letting off a happy sigh, Emma waited for Charles to open her car door for her. "Thank God that's over. He was practically pleading toward the end."
"Oh I don't know." Charles shut her door after she entered then went around to get behind the wheel. "Percy means well. He just needs a bit more guidance."
"You're thinking about donating to his project," Emma concluded. "You are an eternal softy, sugar."
He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "I have to earn that name, do I not?"
"Not," she smiled at him.
They buckled up and Charles started for home. "We should really do something fun for the children before school gets out."
Emma suggested, "We should take them somewhere. They don't get out as much as they should."
"Joey certainly had a wonderful time in Boston," Charles recalled. "Perhaps we could—" His eyes enlarged suddenly. "Hold on!" He had no time to deviate as the oncoming truck collided with their hood.
The Rolls-Royce went into a spin and Charles could not control it. Emma's head smashed hard against her window, but she felt an even bigger splatter from her left side when they connected with something and stopped suddenly.
Emma, I love you.
XXXXX
Finally, she zeroed in on his room and practically fell over to get inside. An entire medical team surrounded the bed, blocking the inhabitant from her view.
A masked doctor glanced back. "You're not supposed to be in here."
"No, I have to see him." Emma hurried forward, a pair of nurse pushed her out.
"Ma'am, I know this is difficult, but you have to wait here." They left her in the hall and returned to the room.
Charles, Emma screamed out, completely ignoring the pain the outcry caused her, Charles! Please… She fell forward against one yellow wall. I love you, too.
IIIIIII
Music from the radio blaring and girls still singing along to it, Hank pulled the BMW into Sean's usual spot. The zealous youths climbed out of the vehicle, but their chatter stopped the moment they saw the very grim headmaster by the garage door.
"Whoa, who's in trouble?" Alex tossed around.
"Yeah, we're not even late for dinner," said Sean.
Raven stepped forward, concern crossing her face. "Erik?"
"There was an accident," the man informed. "Emma and Charles are in the hospital."
The news sent a sharp wave throughout the group.
"What?" Raven grabbed at the front of Erik's shirt. "Are they okay?"
"I'm going to find out now." He started for his car.
Raven linked hands with Hank and followed.
"Alex, stay with the kids," Erik ordered, getting into the driver's seat of his car.
The blonde boy said not a word as he headed out of the garage.
Maya went into a still stunned Sean's arms. The two looked on at the others driving out.
IIIIIII
Upon hearing the door open and shut, Frank rushed from the den and into the foyer.
"Alex."
The acknowledged one took the young boy into a hug. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Frank tugged on his t-shirt in comfort, "Erik told me. The other guys don't know."
"Where are they?"
Frank pointed out the location. "Erik told us to eat in the Cave. Becky got one of those headaches, but it went away a little while ago. I want to call my mom."
Alex nodded and let him loose. "Go ahead."
The young teen walked towards the kitchen.
Joey shot up from drawing on the floor when the den's double doors spread apart. "Al's back!"
Alex caught him and held the small body securely. "You miss me today?"
"Yep!"
"Better have." Alex gave his stomach a tickle, getting a laugh out of him. "Now you get these art supplies up before you make a mess on your uncle's rug."
When Alex put him back down, Joey moved quickly to do as told.
Alex went over to the sofa and sat with Scott in his lap. "Hey, squirt. You guys hiding in the Mag Cave, huh?" He looked at Becky. "How you feeling, babes?"
The reclining one answered, "It's better now. When is Papa coming back with Uncle Charles and Auntie Em?"
"Probably not until real late," Alex said. "Major car trouble."
Scott piped up, "What kind of car trouble?"
Alex glanced down at him. "The overly technical kind little kids wouldn't understand." He stood Scott up. "Come on, Becky." He gathered her into his hold. "You should get some rest."
"Okay." She nestled in his grasp.
"Scott," Alex got up with her, "why don't you and Joe get ready for a bath?"
Scott only nodded as they walked out. He looked over at Joey, who merrily put away his coloring equipment.
IIIIIII
The receptionist immediately gazed away from her magazine when a tall man in a black polo, another tall man in glasses, a t-shirt, and beach trunks, and a young blonde woman in a swimsuit covered only by shorts rushed up to her desk.
Hank started to speak, "We're trying to get information on—"
"Charles Xavier and Emma Frost. Where are they?" Raven demanded.
"Are you family?" she asked.
Raven put on a tight grin. "No, we just love cruising through hospitals at night 'cause they're so much groovier than malls." She glared. "What the hell do you think?"
Hank touched his wife's shoulder and looked at the woman behind the desk. "Sister, brother-in-law," he pointed behind them to Erik, "brother."
"Just a minute." She began leafing through files.
Raven tapped annoyed fingernails against the surface of the desk and Hank had to rub at her shoulder to ease her the slightest bit.
"Here we are." The receptionist uncovered the necessary documents. "Emma Frost suffered a concussion, but she's resting comfortably under the aid of a sedative. The doctors want her here overnight for observation. Charles Xavier's condition just decreased from critical. He's in ICU, Room Five, and I'll have his doctor come around to speak with you."
"Which way to ICU?" Hank asked.
"Through those doors."
The moment she pointed, Erik took off in the direction with the couple not at all far behind. When he walked into Room Five, he hitched a silent breath. A sleeping Charles lay in bed with one leg propped up, heavily bandaged. He had similar wrappings circling his waist.
Raven came in next then Hank.
She put her hands to her mouth and walked towards him almost robotically. "Charles?" She placed a dainty hand on his right arm. "Charles? Wake up. It's me, Raven."
"He can't hear you." The group turned around to see that a short nurse with brown hair had just arrived. "You don't know me, but I know of all of you. I'm Lauren Patterson, Maya's mother."
"Of course," Hank acknowledged. "I'm Hank McCoy, this is my wife Raven, and Erik Lehnsherr."
Lauren entered fully. "I can brief you until the doctor arrives. Metal shards from the car punctured his left thigh clear through along with his side. If his blood type had been at all rare, he never would have made it. They managed to pop the dislocation in his left shoulder back into place."
Raven looked at her. "Then why can't he hear me? Why isn't he waking up?"
The older female answered, "With the amount of blood he's lost in addition to the surgery, it'll be quite the waiting process before he comes to."
"Can't something be done?" Erik put forth.
"I can assure you," she said, "we've done everything we possibly can. You really will have to wait. Excuse me." She left out.
Erik turned to Hank now. "This is common, isn't it? He'll be fine?"
"With the blood match, yes," Hank confirmed. "It's that leg injury that worries me. There's a chance that he may…" The young doctor noticed something out of the corner of his eye.
Raven stood with her arms folded, a vague expression on her face, flashing in and out between blue and her regular guise. Before either man could reach for her, she released a high-pitched scream and stumbled to her knees at the side of the bed.
"Charles, please, please," his sister pleaded. "It's okay. You're fine now. You can wake up. Charles, please. Come back. I need you."
Hank moved as fast as he could, lowering down to clutch her. She buried her face in his shoulder, crying uncontrollably.
Erik wanted badly to offer her comfort, but his eyes went to Charles and he knew he had no right. He had failed them all.
IIIIIII
Something strange invaded Joey's sleep enough to rouse him out of it. He took Dickon by one paw and climbed down from bed, leaving out. He walked the short distance to the master suite and glanced inside, surprised to find the bed already made.
"Daddy?" Joey petitioned. Daddy? Daddy, where are you? At the extremely unusual lack of reply, he moved on to Emma's room, finding it in much the same condition. Mummy? Mummy!
Unsure as to why, Joey felt a queasiness course through his system. He returned to Charles' room in a zombie state and pulled himself up onto the bed, clutching his bear closely.
A half hour later, Alex came in through the open entry. "Hey, there you are. About gave me a heart attack when you weren't in your bed." He walked over and took a seat next to the little boy. "Whatcha doin' up, huh?"
Joey placed his eyes on him. "Where's my mum and dad?"
Alex touched a hand to his back. "They just had to go to the doctor. That's all."
This confused the child further. "But why couldn't Uncle Hank take care of them here?"
"I can't answer all these questions on an empty stomach. Come on," Alex tugged on one of his feet, "let's grab some food."
"I don't want any food." Joey sat up and stared at him seriously. "I want to see Mum and Dad."
"Joey, listen to me," Alex stroked the side of his face delicately, "they're sick right now, but we'll get to see them soon. Erik's there with them and me and Hank are here with you guys. Okay?" Joey nodded into his palm. "That's my baby brother." He lifted him up along with the bear to carry. "Let's go round up Scottie."
Joey stuck his head under Alex's chin and held onto him frightfully.
IIIIIII
Beeps from the heart monitor echoed throughout Erik's ears, his eyes locked on the damaged figure hooked up to tubes and other sustaining equipment. He reached forward, brushing strands of chestnut brown away from the closed eyes.
You can't fool me, Lab Rat. If you think this is going to be your own personal holiday away from the imps, you're sadly mistaken. Awake, brother. Please…
Another beep acted as his response.
Feeling the fingers in his hair, Erik's hand shot out to seize the wrist before his eyes reopened. He could not even remember dozing off.
"Alana," he calmed upon recognition.
The redhead gazed back at him with no signs of trepidation present. "Hi, Erik."
"What are you doing here?"
"Frank phoned," she explained. "I figured I owed you a few tortuous hospital visits."
Rising from his chair, Erik brought her into a close hug. Alana leaned forward against him, her hands going around his neck.
IIIIIII
Hank stepped inside the highly feminine bedroom, spotting Becky in her pajamas and robe standing by a window. The sunlight completely illuminated the ponderous girl.
Turning her head, she happily greeted, "Big Bear."
"Becca Bear," Hank came close and bent to kiss her cheek and nuzzle her nose, "I heard you weren't feeling very well yesterday."
Becky told him, "I saw it."
Hank's brow creased in confusion. "Saw what, baby?"
"Uncle Charles getting hurt." Her green eyes dimmed as she went on. "It was so awful, Hank. His blood- it was everywhere. It got all over Auntie Em, but she couldn't do anything. It wasn't her fault."
Hank locked arms around her. "Shh. Of course it wasn't Emma's fault. It wasn't anyone's fault except for that fleeing driver. Did you really see it happen?"
"Yes," she answered dismally. "I thought I was having a horrible dream, but I was awake. I didn't want to say anything in front of Joey yesterday. I know Auntie Em's okay, but Uncle Charles…" Becky hitched a breath. "He's so far away, Hank. What's going to happen to him?"
"Nothing is going to happen to him," Hank said resolutely. "Charles survived the very worst last night. He is coming back, Becca. He would never let so much as one of us go. Don't let go of him now."
Becky nodded and lowered down to better settle into his hold. She mentally reached out for Charles as far as her psyche allowed in that moment.
IIIIIII
When the telephone sounded, Frank dashed from the stove to snatch up the receiver.
"Hello." He grinned. "Erik? Hey! How're— yeah, course we're okay." Alex entered with Joey and Scott ahead of him. "Hang on, here he is." Frank extended the receiver out. "Erik wants to talk to you."
Alex took the mouthpiece. "Hey. Yeah, I'll go into the parlor." He placed the receiver on top of the refrigerator and looked to the boys. "Hang this up when I say." He walked out and a few seconds later yelled out, "Hang up!"
While Joey sat and Frank worked on the food, Scott went over to the refrigerator. He started to reattach the receiver to the base, but decided to hold it up to his ear.
Hank walked in, Becky in his arms. "Scott, I believe I heard Alex say to hang that up."
"…Right." A sheepish Scott reattached the phone.
Joey piped up, "Where's Aunt Raven?"
Frank looked at him. "What, you don't like my cooking now?"
"No, but she usually fixes it with you."
"Your aunt isn't feeling well this morning, Joey." Hank placed Becky in a chair. "I'll be bringing her breakfast today."
"Oh." Joey then asked, "Will Mummy and Daddy and Uncle Erik be home later?"
"Soon enough." Hank went to the refrigerator. "How about a glass of milk? You all drink too much fruit juice."
"He's lying." Everyone's eyes fell on Scott. "Erik is at the hospital. Charles and Emma got hurt in a car accident."
"They are going to be fine," Hank quickly reassured.
Scott said strongly, "You don't know that."
"Scott," Hank growled, "I want to see you in the dining room. Immediately."
As they walked out, Becky moved seats to get close enough to put her arms around Joey.
Frank silently focused on the stovetop, utterly taken aback by his friend.
Hank sat in one of the dining chairs, pulling Scott to stand before him. "I understand that you are upset, but you should not have said any of that in front of Joey. He has inflicted pain upon himself in the past. And you stand there and tell him his parents are in the hospital then dash his hopes further? I am appalled by you, Scott Summers."
The boy moved out of his touch. "Well, I'm sick of adults lying all the time. They told me my family was fine, too. Maybe I didn't want to go on living. Anybody ever think of that?"
Hank's countenance softened and he brought the younger male into his lap. "Don't speak that way. Not ever."
Scott looked down. "This isn't fair, Hank. First my parents, I barely remember my brother, and now Charles and Emma?"
"This is not historical repetition," Hank stated. "They will be with us again. Emma only stayed over for observation."
"What about Charles?"
"Charles is a man of majesty and might," Hank emphasized. "He would not leave without fighting to his final breath. And from what I saw last night, he is indeed still breathing."
Scott absorbed his words then said, "I'm sorry, Hank."
"Good. Go back and eat," Hank stood him with one swat to his bottom, "and no further outbursts."
Scott reached back, feeling the weight of the man's hand on his behind. "Yes, sir. Promise." He headed out through the swinging door.
IIIIIII
"You hardly touched breakfast," Alana noted as they proceeded out of the cafeteria.
"I've gone for longer stints without food," Erik replied gruffly. "Believe me."
"Is that supposed to be justification?" She tugged on his arm. "At least come get some fresh air."
Erik attempted to pull away halfheartedly. "I'm allergic."
"Good thing I'm a registered nurse." Alana guided them outdoors.
The blue sky above and the lush green lawn surrounding Westchester General did nothing to pacify Erik. His gaze went up toward the multitude of windows.
Alana's eyes followed him. "Erik?"
"I should be the one lying in that bed."
This took her by surprise. "What?"
"He asked me to go with them," he went on. "I know how tired he can get. If I had been there, I could have kept control of the car, stopped the son of a bitch from plowing into them. He never asks much of me. Why couldn't I just attend the damn affair?"
"Erik," Alana pressed a hand to the center of his chest, making him look down again, "please don't do this to yourself. Please. Do you know how much I hated myself for not being able to bring my daughter into this world then for not being there to detect Frank's mutation or Lincoln's cancer early? I felt like a failure to my kids to the point of-" She shook her head of the line of thinking. "Erik, you control metal. Not every chance occurrence."
Putting a hand in his pants pocket, he stepped off a few feet. "As much as I didn't expect to find that officer at my door last night, I couldn't say I was completely surprised. I constantly look over my shoulder, waiting for men in uniform to rip them all away from me."
"That will never happen." Alana walked up directly behind him. "No matter what it takes, Erik. It will never come to that. Not again."
He quieted a moment. "Then there are these other moments when I look over my shoulder and I see traces of hope." He turned around to face her. "Thank you, Alana."
"For what?"
"Being here," Erik clarified. "Not letting me face this alone."
Alana reminded, "It is nothing you wouldn't and have not done for me. You are man enough to deal with this head on. I only want to ride shotgun."
Erik gestured for them to move and Alana linked arms with him again. They began walking the cobblestone path circling the hospital garden.
IIIIIII
Lifeless yellow eyes continued boring into the right wall, focused on absolutely nothing. At the knocking on her door, she did not so much as blink.
Frank tentatively stuck his head in. "Rae?" He walked in, shutting the door softly. "I just wanted to see how you were." He stepped up, seeing her untouched tray on the night table. "Want me to make you something else? I'll fix whatever you like."
"No thank you," came the distant reply.
"Well, what do you want me to do?" Frank raised. "How about I open up a window?"
"No!" Raven clutched her pillow tighter. "I don't like it out there."
A lost Frank sat in a chair facing her. "I think it's cool how much you love Charles. And Erik. When my brother got sick, I don't think I would have even kept going to see him if our mom wasn't there. It was just so disgusting. I couldn't even eat around him. But when those guys attacked you, I wanted to kill 'em. And I would have. I swear I would've, Rae."
After a moment, she spoke again. "I know."
IIIIIII
One hand operating his mechanical truck toy, Scott looked to where Becky and Joey shared a soft chair. They both gazed despondently out the window.
"Want to go down and watch some TV?" Scott offered up. "How 'bout marbles?"
"Not now, Scott," Becky turned down while Joey only leaned back against her.
Scott sighed and quietly played until he heard Alex's voice.
"Check out the gorgeous groovy chick I picked up at the hospital."
The woman in white stepped inside the recreation room.
"Emma," Scott acknowledged brightly.
Becky grinned. "Auntie Em, you're home."
Joey jumped up and sped right for her. "Mummy!"
Ignoring all bruises and residual aches, Emma lifted him up to hug tightly. "Oh Treasure."
He pulled back to see her and immediately noticed the cuts along her forehead. "Are you okay, Mummy?"
"Of course I am," she responded undoubtedly. "And your father will be just as soon as he stops lingering in that bed like a lazy oaf." Joey giggled at that. Emma smiled and placed him down, gipping one of his hands. "Let me look at my darlings." Scott and Becky came closer. "Oh," she brought the three small ones into an embrace, "you're all I wanted to see." She took Alex's hand and squeezed it. "Where is Sean?" She had yet to sense him since her return.
IIIIIII
Sunshine from the stain glass poured on her as she walked by the numerous windows, spraying color on her white blouse and cream pants. Maya honed in on the familiar head of red, currently bow. She stood back and remained quiet.
Looking up again, Sean glanced back. "How did you…?"
"When Hank told me you took off on a drive, I figured I'd find you here." She sat next to him. "Guess I do kind of know you."
Sean stared ahead. "Then why are you still with me?"
"And what does that mean?" she wanted to know.
"Hank is taking care of the house and Raven. Alex is looking after the kids. Even Frank has a handle on things."
"You're just in shock," Maya reasoned. "In minutes everything got flipped upside down. You're trying to make sense of it all."
"I keep wanting to be a better X-Man," he sighed. "But I always come up short."
"We're kids, Sean." Maya stood, pacing in a short heated circle. "We should be able to go to the beach or a party and come home to everything being okay. Why do we have to be brave and strong every second? Sean, I love that you're a mutant, but you're still human."
Sean got up, taking her hands one at a time into his own. "Come with me?"
Maya had to arch her head back to establish full eye contact with the tall boy. "Sure."
Arm going around her, Sean led them out of the Westchester Protestant Praise House.
IIIIIII
Emma gathered the empty cartons from the delicatessen back into the large plastic bag. Frank, Scott, Becky, and Joey sprawled around her massive bed, finishing up lunch.
"Almost done?" The woman looked over their plates. "Oh what's this? No vegetables remaining? Wait until the men hear of this." She smiled and collected the dishes into a stack. "Now, why don't you all lay down for a bit while I see to this mess? Just lay right here and I'll be back, alright?"
The children complied and lined up in a row of Becky, Joey, Scott, and Frank along the bed.
Leaving out, Emma carried the dishes and trash, but stopped outside the recreation room. "Alex, what are you doing? Have you even eaten?"
The teenager placed the board games on their correct shelf. "I'm done. I'm just straightening up."
"I can see to that," she assured. "You barely slept last night and don't bother to deny it because I could sense it during the entire car ride home. The kids are laying down. Why don't you get some rest, too?"
He walked out, flexing an arm. "For a while I guess."
"That's all I ask." She pecked his cheek and started off again, but turned back. "And Alex?" He looked to her. "Erik and Charles will be so proud of you. I know I am."
Alex formed a smile. "Thanks, Em." He then proceeded on towards his bedroom.
IIIIIII
Pulling off the sheet, Hank began folding it. Once he finished, he placed it on top of the comforter and started on the pillows.
"What are you doing?"
Hank turned his head. "Raven. I was just—"
"What are you doing in my brother's room?" she demanded. Storming forward, she snatched the pillow out of his hands. "This is his room! These are his things." She threw the pillow down onto the mattress. "This is where Joey goes when he's scared at night. This is where he held me while I cried over our mother's death. You have no right to be in here, packing everything up and acting like he's already a memory. If my brother doesn't make it, the rest of life doesn't get to go on. Do you hear me? It doesn't. Because I say so."
An extremely calm Hank held up the linens he'd left on the nightstand. "I was only putting fresh sheets and blankets on the bed. I thought the additional comfort would benefit Charles when he came home."
Raven immediately felt like gagging over her previous words. "Hank…"
"Did you honestly think I would let him go that easily?" Hank frowned deeply. "Raven, I have been holding onto him for dear life."
"I'm sorry," Raven breathed. "Baby, I am so sorry."
Hank dropped the linens onto the bed and hugged her, letting her sob into his bicep. "I love you." He kissed her red hair and reiterated, "I love you."
IIIIIII
Finished finding individual spots for the assorted balloons, stuffed animals, and giant fruit basket, Maya looked back with a smile.
"So?" She gestured around the space. "What do you think? Too much? We tried to hunt down a skywriter, but apparently they don't just plop out of midair." She sat in the chair beside his bed, taking one of his hands in between her smaller two. "Sean'll be right back. He's just looking for something in the car. My mom promised to make sure you get extra special attention. She sends her best, too. She's not always so chipper, but I know she appreciates you guys fostering me all the time." Maya listened to the machine beep a few times before speaking again. "Don't tell all the cool kids, but summer's not exactly my favorite time… It was a such a gorgeous day. My aunt and uncle, who are never here, came over with their kids to spend the week. Mom put a little get-together in the yard; just us and a few neighbors. Dad and I were running around playing with my cousins. It was great because I hardly ever see them. It was hot, so we went through the drinks pretty fast. I was helping in the kitchen and I came back out to ask where Dad was and Mom told me he went to get a couple more cases of soda. I didn't think anything about it. We just kept on playing. Until the police showed up. And in that one second, everything was over." She quickly swiped at the few tears coming down from her eyes. "No hospital, nothing. Dad was just gone. We were playing together and then we weren't. Mom gave up on everything after that. Church, friends, togetherness. Professor," she gripped his hand tighter, "please. I'm asking you to stay. You and Mr. Lehnsherr are not just their teachers, you're their fathers. I know how much Sean and the others love you because I do, too."
Going into silence again, Maya brought his hand up to her forehead and closed her eyes.
IIIIIII
Erik left the men's room and found Alana near the vending machine. The red haired woman jumped when the device began to rattle. A plethora of chips and candy bars spilled out of the slot.
Coming over, Erik picked up a stick of chocolate. "Save your coins."
"Erik," she glanced around guiltily, "you can't just do that. It's stealing."
"Then have me booked. I could use the time off."
Alana took the bar out of his hand. "Must you be trouble?"
Erik planted a hand against the front of the machine, peering down at her. "You're only now figuring that out?" At her half-smirk, something bored through Erik and he dipped forward. Alana remained still and waited. "No," Erik took one step back from her. "I can't."
"Right," she sighed. "I understand."
"It isn't you," he said immediately. "I want to, you know that, but the way I'm feeling… I don't want to use you for that."
She touched his cheek. "How is it using when I wanted it, too?"
"Erik."
The petitioned man turned around at the teen approaching them. "Seanie." He hugged him when he came close enough. "How's everything at home?"
"Okay, I guess." Sean looked over. "Hi, Auntie Alana."
"Hi, Sean," she waved with a smile.
Maya came upon the group. "Hi, Mr. Lehnsherr. Hello, Mrs. Tolbert." She faced Sean. "I'm pretty sure he wants to see you now."
Book in hand, Sean headed for the room. At the sight of Charles laid up in the bed, it took several seconds for him to get oriented.
Finally, he sat in a chair and opened the book to the designated section then read it out loud.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me…
IIIIIII
Rising up in bed suddenly, Becky scampered down. She walked out into the hall, down the stairs, and did not stop moving until she reached Charles' study. She looked around the small room intently, for what she did not know.
Becky.
The curly headed girl spun around and gasped at the transparent image of her uncle behind her.
Charles extended a calming hand. Now, now. Don't be afraid. I am still very much with you. More than you can imagine, my dear girl.
I want you to come home, she urged.
So do I, Princess. With your aunt still hurting, I've tried to reach you, but it's been difficult. I'm having great trouble returning here. I need you to pry me free.
I can't, Uncle Charles. I'm not powerful enough to help you.
Rebecca, the image of Charles lowered to one knee, I want you to forget every physical limitation this world has placed on us. I want you to forget every individual that dreads you entering his mind. I want you to forget the headaches and the pain. Tap into that magic you showed me the very first day we met. He held his hand out again, palm up.
Becky reached back. The moment their hands connected, her green eyes dazzled brightly and she felt herself mentally fly away.
When she became aware of her surroundings again, she found herself out in an empty field. Looking ahead, she saw someone laid out on a large rectangular stone.
Uncle Charles, she smiled and ran for him.
As soon as she got within reach a hand shot out of the ground and grabbed her by the ankle. Becky screamed and kicked at it, but even more appendages came from the earth, all intent on devouring her.
Let go of me! She continued struggling until she managed to take hold of Charles' right wrist. I'll never let go of him!
Grunting, she managed to pull herself up until she got close to his right cheek, giving it a peck.
Eyes opening, Charles sat straight up. He grabbed onto the little girl, bringing her up onto the stone with him. Thank you, Princess.
All at once, the environment faded with a magnificent flash of white.
Becky found herself right back in the study.
Sean nearly dropped his Bible when Charles leapt up in bed, breathing heavily. "… Erik!" He ran for the door and hollered out of it, "Erik! He's awake! Charles is awake!"
IIIIIII
The moment Hank received the call, the entire house dropped all business and filed out front eagerly. Eventually, Sean's BMW pulled up. Erik got out of the driver's seat with Sean, Maya, and Alana exiting the back. Erik then magnetically unlatched the passenger door, revealing Charles to them all. The elated faces all deflated when the metal wielder used his power to open the trunk and summon out the wheeled device.
Sean held the back of the chair while Erik very carefully helped Charles out of the car and into it. Sean took the back handles and began rolling him ahead with the others following.
Raven, having showered and dressed, stepped forward.
When Charles saw her he held a hand up. Sean took the signal to stop moving the chair. Sucking in a pained breath, Charles stood and attempted to limp on his right leg, but his left sent him down.
Before he could so much as touch the ground, Raven appeared at his side. She draped one of his arms around her shoulders and raised him back up. Gazing upon his blue sister, an elated chuckle poured from Charles' mouth and he leaned against her in the best embrace he could possibly offer in that instance.
IIIIIII
Setting his teacup down, Charles declared, "Bedtime." The adolescent groans filled his ears and he tried to hide the joy the sound brought him.
"Aw, Daddy." Joey rested on his arm, lips poked out.
"Now, none of that, Charles Joseph." The Professor tapped his bottom to get him to stand. "Scott, Rebecca, Franklin, go on."
The four children obeyed and each took a turn hugging Charles. When Becky got to him, she kissed his cheek as well.
Thank you, Charles sent to her.
I love you, Uncle Charles. Becky held hands with Joey and followed Scott and Frank out.
Erik turned to the pair of teenagers in the parlor. "Why don't you two call it a night as well, hm?"
"Gladly." Alex stood with a stretch.
"I hear ya." Sean glanced back and forth between the headmasters. "But first, could I…?"
"Go phone your girlfriend, Sean," Erik granted.
"Yes!" the redhead hurried out by Alex.
"Run me over, hormones," Alex quipped before leaving himself.
Hank kissed Raven's hands. "I'll see you in a bit."
"Yes, you will," she grinned, seated on the arm of the loveseat nearest Charles.
"Good night all." The scientist walked out.
"Time for tuck-ins." Emma gave Charles a quick kiss.
Dear, he called after her, when we're done, I'll need you to sleep in my bed. To ward off ghosts and poltergeists of course.
Sounds fabulous, but it'll definitely be sleep. I feel a headache coming on. Emma sauntered off.
Raven went around and sat on the loveseat, cuddling into Charles' side.
Despite the soreness, he managed to get his left arm around her. "Not tired yet, love?"
"Nope." However, her eyes closed and light breathing noises soon followed.
Erik shook his head from where he sat on the other loveseat. "Now I suppose I'll be carrying you both up."
"Not for long," Charles guaranteed. "I'll begin physical therapy as soon as possible. I hold no desire for that bloody chair."
"Mmhm," Erik silently concurred. He then noticed the younger man's expression. "What is it, brother?"
"I actually have no residual memory of the accident," Charles confessed to him. "I remember telling Emma I loved her and that is all. The crash, the pain- my mind retreated before any of that."
Erik eyed him closely. "So it wasn't the blood loss that kept you under?"
"No," Charles confirmed. "What is stranger, is how close I came to death. For a moment, I felt myself starting to go, but something kept me anchored here."
"What?" Erik wanted to know.
"The Triad. As if part of my mind stayed behind here with Emma and Becky."
The metal wielder posed yet another question. "What are you saying?
"I honestly don't know," Charles replied. "Not exactly."
Not probing him any further, Erik joined him on the other sofa with Raven safely between them. He coiled an arm around the two of them and they sat in comfortable silence, the brothers watching the blaze inside the fireplace. For whatever right or reason, they had Charles back and Erik would not allow himself to fail him again.