X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Seventy Eight
Author's Word: Hi, guys. So I'm coming back from supreme birthday joy, as I aged as of yesterday. Wonderful time was had by all. Best of all of course (besides getting my Christmas décor up) is that I got a chance to do some writing. Meaning, you guys will get a chance to do some reviewing. Please enjoy!
A light moan left his lips before his eyelids peeled back. The very first image he received consisted of Joey snuggled into Emma's arms, the blonde duo still sleeping tranquilly. Satisfied that the soreness from his formerly dislocated shoulder had at last faded, Charles folded both arms behind his head and gazed up at the trey ceiling in their room.
What time is it?
The male telepath rolled over to face her. Who the devil cares?
Emma's eyelashes fluttered and she took in his lazy smile. What?
If you had my present view, you'd have no need to ask. He intertwined fingers with her, providing a safe casing over Joey.
II
Soft white bear in grasp, Becky entered the den on padded feet. The snoring man lay on his back on the pull-out sofa, one hand on his chest while the other dangled off the mattress.
Walking around, Becky got close to his ear. "Papa? Papa? Paaapa…"
Erik turned over, opening his eyes to the small figure in hearts themed footie pajamas. "What's the matter, Sweet Imp?"
"I'm hungry."
A sardonic countenance came to her father's face. "Baby, Papa did not get to sleep until nearly three, due to your supposedly ill uncle insisting on this spontaneous and all too unnecessary retreat, which left me to unpacking, going to the market and other such errands, and rising every single time one of you just had to creep out of bed. So please," he placed a pillow over his face, "not now."
Becky climbed over him and onto the bed. She proceeded to bounce on her knees against the springs.
Erik popped up. "Anya!"
She plopped down flat on her back. "Yes, Papa?"
He lowered back down, his arm going around her. "Rest with me a few minutes then we'll see about something for this," he rubbed her stomach.
Becky smiled and hugged his arm along with her bear.
II
Before she could fly away with pleasure, Raven got a good look at the mahogany clock on top of the back wall.
"Hank," she prodded at him, "it's almost noon."
"Fascinating." He continued.
"Get up." She squirmed. "We missed breakfast and Charles needs to eat."
A moaning Hank sunk down into her neck. "Please don't leave me."
"We'll make it up." Raven stroked his hair in comfort. "Promise, promise."
With a groan, the large man rolled off. "I'll help you."
"No chance." Raven pecked his lips. "I will not be distracted by your pretty." She hurried to dress.
Hank stretched his arms out across their bed, glaring bitterly at the clock.
II
"We're fine," Sean sat at the desk with his feet on top of it, the receiver pressed to his ear, "he's still in the shower. Just once I'd like a roommate who doesn't make gagging noises every time we talk."
"I know how they feel," Maya had to admit. "At my school, a girl is pretty much dog faced without a boyfriend."
"Hey, I know how it feels to be alone and listen to mush," Sean said, "but our mush is okay."
Alex stepped out of the bathroom dressed for the day. He sat on his bunk and started putting on his boots.
"So what are you up to today?"
"Hey, Maya!"
Sean looked back. "Why do you just assume I'm talking to Maya?"
"Because you don't call your folks just to ask about their day," Alex finished with his laces, "you go after your dad for cash and your mom for brownies."
"You don't know me, Alex," Sean sulked.
The blonde walked by, vigorously messing the younger teenager's hair. "Can't wait to catch you on the slopes."
Sean groaned into the phone.
"What's wrong?" Maya inquired.
"Yet another sport Alex is going to be good at," Sean told her. "While I'm getting buried in the snow."
"I thought you knew how to ski."
"I do, but Alex knows how to conquer."
II
Ham and cheese omelet done, Raven put it on top of the plate to join the sausages and toast already present. She next got the tea service ready.
"Morning, gorge."
Raven turned around at Becky's voice. "Hi, gorge."
"You can gorge yourself now." Erik placed Becky in a chair at the island.
"It's a noun, Papa," Becky said matter-of-factly. "Not a verb."
Erik shark bit her neck, getting a squeal, then surveyed the island. "This looks wonderful, Raven. In a gentile sort of way."
"Relax. Most of this if for Charles," Raven clarified. "I have safe Erik yums coming."
"Much improved." Erik sat next to Becky.
More and more members of the house started to arrive at the small open kitchen.
Emma walked beside Charles' chair in a sparkling cashmere sweater and ivory pants and boots.
"I'm glad this thing is low enough," Raven remarked when Charles rolled up to the island.
"Still," the young professor started to move, "I much prefer a regular seat." Erik tried to take his arm. "I have it, thank you." He attempted to bring himself up using the edge of the counter, but he winced and fell back against the wheelchair.
Raven reacted urgently, "Charles?"
"I'm fine!" Charles then relaxed his tone. "Just fine, dear."
"Here." Erik maneuvered Charles into the chair he wanted.
"Where are Frank and Scott?" Emma decided to deflect.
"I'll get them." Sean headed for the room shared by the boys.
Alex took notice of the gaping Joey and picked him up. "Hey, sleepy butt. Need someone to carry you?"
Joey nodded against Alex's shoulder, his eyes on his father.
Knowing Joey would want to stay close, Alex snagged the spot on Charles' right.
Moaning and groaning preceded Frank's entry, Sean and an equally unenthusiastic Scott behind him.
"Do you now see what happens when you don't go to bed?" Erik said pointedly.
Frank waved him off with a grumble and sat.
Scott yawned and came to the island as well. "We couldn't sleep."
"So talking and playing into all hours is your way of coping with that?"
"Erik, leave us aloooone," Frank moaned.
"Papa didn't have a good night," Becky informed.
"Me and Sean'll take the squirt and Frankenstein skiing with us," Alex offered.
Frank became animated. "We can go sledding."
"Alright!" Scott cheered.
Alex squeezed Joey. "You want to come, buddy?"
He shook his head. "I want to stay with Daddy."
Charles smiled and tweaked his nose.
"How 'bout you, Hank?" Sean invited.
"I'm more in the mood for a hike," Hank responded, glancing across the island. "Do you want to come, Becca?"
"Okay," she grinned.
Emma hummed thoughtfully into her coffee mug. "You know, Raven, this would be a good opportunity for us to hit the shops."
Raven held her bagel high. "I'm in."
Once brunch ended, Hank volunteered to clean up. Alex, Sean, and the younger boys went off to gather their snow sporting equipment. Becky changed into a pink vest and pants with boots and a crisp white turtleneck. Raven then went to work braiding the little girl's hair into pigtails.
"Thanks again for the new skis, Em," said Alex, helping drag out the sleds.
Emma tied Scott's scarf around his neck as she spoke. "Just see to it that none of you break your necks out there and we'll call it even."
"Don't worry," Scott assured. "Snowfall in Alaska is way more treacherous than here."
"Well," Emma put his hat on him, "I happen to want you safe worldwide."
"Come on, squirt." Alex took Scott's hand and the four of them filed out.
"I need the keys to the snow cruiser," Emma said.
Erik turned to her with disbelief. "You're able to operate a snow cruiser?"
Emma flicked blonde hair over one shoulder. "How do you think I jetted around Alaska?"
"I want to drive back," Raven put forth.
Hank glanced over from putting clean dishes away. "Please be careful, dear."
Raven went over to kiss him. "You just enjoy your whole oneness with nature."
Hank looked up over Raven's head. "Ready, Becca?"
She carried his coat over to him. "Yep."
Hank changed into his outerwear and left with the girl.
Emma knelt to Charles' chair when they got outside. "So, I'm off to purchase brand new clothing of which I'll soon grow tired." She smooched his lips.
"Mm." Charles looked at her despondently. "It will be nice to do this without you having to stoop."
"Sugar," Emma caressed his cheek, "I'd crawl for you."
Charles captured her gloved hand and kissed the back.
Emma smiled and got up to go after Raven.
IIIIIII
As if honing in on his owner's essence, Xander turned his head just before Joey entered the small barn. The boy walked up and allowed his steed to sniff at his fingers. He then began feeding him apples out of his jacket pocket. Joey nuzzled Xander's front, half resting on him.
When the compass in his pocket started jumping about, Joey looked back. "Uncle Erik, you found us."
"Did you expect less?" Erik strolled over and lifted the child with one arm and rubbed Xander's mane.
Joey eyed his horse distantly. "Do you remember on my birthday when you raced with Daddy and he won?"
"You mean when he utterly demolished me?" Erik chuckled in the back of his throat. "Yes, he really showed me that day." He gave the boy a little bounce. "Let's go see about him now, hm?"
Joey nodded and Erik carried him back towards the ranch style house.
In the largest bedroom, Charles rolled across the hardwood floor gathering the various scattered toys to place in better locations. He allowed Dickon and most of the other stuffed animals to reside on the king sized bed, the paints to the desk, and the others went to the top of the two tier bookshelf and into the green bin.
"Lab Rat, what are you doing?" Erik asked, coming in with the man's son.
"Practicing my backhand," the telepath replied without looking up. "Much better, yes?"
"Much like your wit." Erik placed Joey down.
"Little one, I know you were tired last night, but you're going to have to keep it tidier in here. Especially on the floor." At the lack of response, Charles spun his chair to face the boy. "Charles Joseph, did you hear me?"
Joey came out of the temporary trance he'd gone into. "Oh- yes, Daddy."
Charles then asked him, "Would you like me to read more of your new book to you?" At the eager nod, Charles rolled over and took the children's novel off the nightstand. "Come here, little one." He extended a hand.
Joey took a couple light breaths before going straight for the bed. "I want to take a nap."
"A nap?" Charles echoed. "You've only been awake a couple hours."
Joey hugged Dickon tightly. "I don't feel good, Daddy."
Charles stroked his own chin. "Then would you like Daddy to lay down with you and read instead?"
"Uh huh," he replied happier.
Erik felt a small shudder course through him as Charles struggled on the sore limb to climb into bed with- for his little boy. He started to step forward to offer assistance when the telepath successfully made it on top of the mattress.
Arm going over Joey, Charles returned to the bookmarked page.
IIIIIII
The cold white substance sprayed everywhere as the green skis glided down the mounds, zigzagging side to side while the red pair struggled to keep up. When they made it to the end of the course, Sean removed his goggles and turned around to face the less than pleased owner of the red skis.
"That's our third run."
"I can count," Alex stated dryly, pushing up his own snow goggles. "And don't get too cocky about it. This is my first time."
Sean pointed up towards the slant. "Looks like your kid brother is having an easy time."
Alex turned around in time to catch Scott's sled coming in several feet ahead of Frank's.
"No fair." Frank hopped up. "You're from Alaska. It's hard to find snow that sticks for longer than a couple days in New York."
"Oh I missed this," Scott said nostalgically, getting up. "Want to go again?"
"Yeah, sure," Frank agreed, despite his defeat.
"Let's all go," Sean suggested.
"Sounds good to me." Alex readily abandoned his skis and went to tug Scott's sled back up for him.
Once they'd gone up a couple yards, Sean rode behind Frank while Alex did the same with Scott. When they began the race back down, the Summers pulled into a fast lead. At the bottom, the pair toppled out, landing softly in a snow pileup.
Scott laughed wildly.
At the sound coming off the young boy, Alex softened a little and brought him over to hug.
Scott laid on his chest. "What's this for?"
"Who says I need a reason?" Alex held him tighter.
IIIIIII
It took Emma and Raven seven miles to make it to the boutiques found in the higher class ski resort. With their family's need to keep things under the wire along with Charles and Raven wanting to be away from the extreme wealth scene altogether, Charles had purchased the ranch as far off as he could without making them too isolated.
At the first shop, Raven followed Emma over to the children's section, the older woman browsing through potential items for the children. Raven wondered over towards toddler apparel and she smiled, picking up a little candy cane striped snowsuit.
"Boys or girls?"
Raven turned to a sales lady with deep black hair and almond shaped eyes. "Oh, neither. Not yet. I just got married, I'm starting college in the fall…"
"But you dream about them," the woman filled in.
"Only every other day lately," Raven confirmed. "My husband thinks we're better off waiting a while."
"My husband was the same way," she said. "Except a while for him meant never. Then he held our little boy in his arms and that changed in all of two seconds."
"I never pictured myself with children of my own, either," Emma chimed in, looking over a boy's sweater. "It's amazing how much they change you."
"Are you two from the states?" she asked.
"New York," Emma replied. "Do you live around nearby?"
"Not even close. I work here seasonally, mostly for the discounts. I'm actually a schoolteacher."
"So am I," Emma confided.
"Miss," a woman by the changing room called over.
"Excuse me." The sales lady stepped off.
Emma looked at Raven. "You know, if Hank isn't ready for kids you two might try slowing down on your numerous love sessions."
"You're jealous," Raven accused.
"Well, obviously," Emma failed to deny.
IIIIIII
Snow covering the vast and different trees she had never seen before, Becky considered the woods to be something out of a fairy tale.
"Becca." Hank waved her over.
She ran over to where he stood and took in the large frozen pond. "Wow!"
"I'll have to check its solidity," Hank said. "But I say this looks like a fine spot for ice skating. What do you think, little Bear?"
"Ooh, really?" she smiled widely.
"So long as it's safe."
While Hank knocked and tapped at the ice, Becky gazed at it, seeing her own reflection. She sat back against the tree behind her and retrieved something from her vest pocket.
At the rustling sound, Hank looked over at her. "Your teeth are going to completely rot away one of these days."
"That's okay. I still have baby teeth left and when you're old, they're supposed to fall out again," she informed him before biting into the chocolate bar.
"Odd murmurings coming from the little girl who will be eating an extra scoop of vegetables tonight," Hank countered then got back to his research.
Becky glanced next to the tree at a squirrel scampering about. Wanting to get his attention, she broke off a piece of the candy and placed it down a few inches away from him. After a moment, he approached the chocolate. Becky started to smile until he suddenly took off at top speed.
Becky frowned in confusion then screamed when a foaming dog leapt out of the nearby greenery. Before it could connect with her, Hank snatched it up by the neck and flung it against a tree. He started to ask Becky how she was until his ears picked up on rapid movements.
Grabbing Becky up, Hank ran from the site as fast as he could, confined inside the hiking boots he wore. Five other dogs of various sizes darted after them. With the creatures gaining, Hank put Becky down and kept her behind him. He lifted an old log and started swinging it like a bat.
From the fourteen foot tree overhead, a fierce growl sounded before a tall figure jumped down. Hank and Becky stared on as he began wrestling with the hounds.
Grappling one to the ground, he looked up at Hank. "Go! Get out of here!"
Hoisting Becky back up into his arms, Hank sped until they happened upon the mouth of a cave. He brought them in, holding a now whimpering Becky against his chest. When the hurried footsteps approached, Hank grew ready to fight again until he realized it to be their helper.
"It's okay," he panted, "they're hurtin'." He joined them in the cave, crouching near the opposite wall, looking out. "We'll stay low in case they regroup."
"What was wrong with them?" Hank wanted to know.
"Wild dogs, abused and neglected. Completely insane," he explained. "That's the most extreme case I've seen in a while. Course, we don't get too many campers around here."
Hank noticed his bleeding ankle. "You're hurt."
"It's nothin'," he dismissed. "One just got a good nip in."
"Those animals were rabid," Hank emphasized. "You have to let me look at that."
"What do you think you are, kid? Some kinda doctor?"
"Dr. Hank McCoy," he fully introduced himself. "Now, will you let me have a look?"
Taken aback, he granted, "Go nuts."
Hank took off his knapsack to remove the supplies he needed.
Becky, still a little shaken, gazed upon the one who had aided them. He wore a lengthy brown coat, black pants, a gray shirt, and the hair of honey wheat came down nearly to his waist. Becky mainly absorbed the shiny black eyes.
The stranger turned to her while Hank clean his wound. "This your little sis?"
"Yes, she is," Hank responded, pouring a bottled water across the bite to wash away the blood.
"I'm Rebecca Lehnsherr," she introduced herself. "What's your name?"
"When I'm like this, Sabretooth." He shook his head out, his eyes morphing back to white with light brown pupils. "When I'm like this, Victor. Victor Creed."
"Well, Victor Creed," Hank began bandaging his ankle, "it seems we all have much in common."
Becky reached into her vest and took out another chocolate bar, giving it over to the man.
Raising an eyebrow, Victor glanced back and forth between the two young people. Something told him they were not from Spirit Camp.
IIIIIII
Pot boiling on the stove, Charles went in search of the box of pasta. Not seeing anything except pots and pans in the lower cabinets, he rolled into the pantry. Sighing, he saw the boxes of different noodles at the top. Taking hold of the middle shelf, he used it to bring himself up. He grabbed the box up, but the pain became too much and he toppled over.
Hearing him, Erik dashed in from the den and rushed to help him up. "Are you alright? What happened?"
"Just a little accident," Charles claimed. "I'm fine."
Getting him back into the wheelchair, Erik noticed the box of pasta in his clutch and set him with a sharp glower. "Charles Xavier, what were you thinking trying to reach that shelf yourself? You could have been hurt."
"I'm already in this chair. How much worse can it get?" Charles dared to joke.
That remark really made Erik livid. "I can think of a few ways. It would be just horrible to be confined to that chair on a sore backside, wouldn't it?"
This caught Charles' attention. "You wouldn't dare."
"Just as you dared to be fool enough to stand."
"Joey is hungry."
"I'll fix it for him." Erik reached for the box.
Charles snatched it back. "He is my son, Erik. It is my responsibility to care for him, just as it was before this damn incident occurred. I am not the helpless cripple you're trying to make me out to be. Now get out of my way or I'll force you."
Erik eased off at the outburst. "Is that what you think?"
"What am I left to think, Erik?" Charles countered almost desperately. "Between Raven seeing to my nutrition intake and you acting as if you have a toddler on your hands, I've become utterly worthless."
"That is not true." Erik squatted to him. "And don't you believe it for a moment. Charles, when you were in that hospital all I could think about was how badly I failed you."
Charles looked confused. "Failed me? Erik, you had nothing to do with the accident."
"I should have gone with you like you asked," Erik urged. "If I had, I could have drove. I could have used my powers to stop the other driver or keep us from crashing."
"Brother," Charles took both his hands, "by that logic, we'll have to follow Raven and Alex every single day when they start school or the smaller children to their extracurricular activities, never leaving their sides."
"I see nothing wrong with that," Erik said seriously.
Charles laughed lightly. "But don't you see? We cannot prevent every horrible occurrence, no matter how vigilant. I detest every day that this happened and it has made me angry, but I could never blame you for this, Erik. Because I know without doubt that you would never allow anything to befall me if you could."
"You have that right." Erik brought him into a hug. "I'm sorry for belittling you, but I can't stand seeing you in this pain."
Charles rested on his shoulder. "Then help me overcome it. Help me find my way out of this chair."
"I will," Erik vowed, standing. "But first, let's get this boy fed."
"Yes." Charles rolled back towards the stove.
"I still don't understand why you chose to take a ski trip now of all things."
"To sit back and drink hot chocolate with Emma while the rest of you hit the slopes."
"Honestly?" Erik responded. "A part of me knew that."
IIIIIII
A swarm of multicolored fireflies soared into the cave, dancing over the heads of the trio before they disappeared in bright bursts of additional color.
"Huh." Victor glanced back at Hank. "So you're the real living Big Foot and the cutie's some kinda fairy princess."
"No, you're either a fairy or a princess," Becky corrected. "Fairies help princesses, so you can't be both."
"Well, excuse me," Victor smirked. "I lost my copy of the rulebook."
"But you are correct," Hank told him.
"Look Doc, I don't get into all this college speak about mutation and genetics," the man said, "but I think I get you."
"I'd like you to return to our house with us," Hank put forth. "Professor Xavier could explain all of this in greater detail to you."
"Can't." Victor got to his feet. "Gotta make sure these woods are clear of those mutts."
Hank stood as well, staring at Victor's ankle. "How are you…?"
"I heal real fast," he explained briefly. "I got to go. You get your sister to safety. If anything else happens, I'll hear ya. Trust me."
Nodding, Hank picked Becky up.
"Thank you, Mr. Creed," she said gratefully.
"Take care, fairy girl." Victor hurried out, calling back, "You, too, Beast!"
Holding Becky close, Hank made rapid tracks back towards their dwelling spot.
IIIIIII
Seated beside Erik on the living room sofa, Charles cradled Joey in his arms, the light from the fireplace illuminating them. The little boy had fallen asleep almost instantly after his meal.
"He's terrified of my wheelchair," Charles stated.
"I could tell," Erik admitted.
"Every time I'm in it, he can't take his eyes off and he doesn't want to come near it. It's as if he believes the chair itself did this to me."
"In his mind, it probably represents the fact that his father could be depowered," Erik reasoned. "He sees you as larger than life after all."
"My little one." Charles kissed his cheek. "He has such trouble sleeping at night ever since it happened. The things I ever took for granted. If I could just pace with him back and forth across the room again."
"You will," Erik assured strongly. "This will pass, Charles."
The front door burst open then, bringing the four boys along with their equipment in.
"I didn't face plant," Sean announced to the headmasters victoriously. "I won every single time. I am better than Alex at something. I can now die happy." He started towards their room.
"That will be sooner than you think if you don't lay off," Alex warned, following.
Frank came over to sit in Erik's lap and Scott sat on the arm of the couch, leaning against Charles.
"You're cold." Erik squeezed Frank tightly.
"That's from playing in the snow like crazy," Scott explained.
"We were making mutant rockets out of ourselves by the end," Frank added.
"Really? Well, would you mutant rockets be interested in some hot chocolate and a bowl of tomato soup?" Charles brought up.
"Yeah!" they said together.
"Go put your sleds away and collect your brothers," Charles instructed.
The boys scampered up to do just that.
IIIIIII
Raven let out a joyous sigh as they pried apart. "So, was that worth the pause from earlier?"
"I'll let you know once I stop floating," Hank replied dreamily.
Raven moved to put her head against his bare chest. "I'm so glad you and Becca are okay."
"Yes, though something tells me she will be staying over with Erik for a few nights." Hank rubbed his fingers along the scales on her back. "I keep thinking about Victor."
"Are you worried?"
"Oh, I know he's alright. It's only," his eyes narrowed in thought, "when he was fighting those dogs, he completely embraced the inner beast. Then he turned it off just as easily. I wonder if I could ever get to that level."
"I'm not a good person to ask." Raven pecked by his nipple. "I tend to believe you can do anything."
"Why do you think I always ask you?" He thought again. "Raven?"
"Yeah, babe?"
"Would you like to go make snow love?"
The shape-shifter giggled mischievously as they got out of bed and used as much stealth as possible to make it outside.