Rise or Fall

by Heiress Mellie

First Class: Charles and Erik have accepted their roles as guardians and headmasters over the young mutants but there is still work to be done for the greater than typical family. This is a familial and discipline, including spanking, centered fiction.

81. Chapter 81 Electrified and Unleashed

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Eighty One

Author's Word: Oh thank goodness that the world didn't end. Then I never would have had the chance to post this chapter. So I officially got my bulk Christmas shopping done, meaning I only need to worry about the odds and ends that make up stocking stuffers. But regardless of how hectic, I love it all. Please review and enjoy!

Fat snowball ready, Cody swung his arm back then launched. Both boys, along with horse and rabbit, watched it soar over the top of the nearest tree.

"That almost went to outer space," Joey marveled.

Cody said, "My dad showed me how to do wide throws. He can flip a guy clean across an iron gate."

"Gosh." Joey went to work on a snowball of his own. "Wish I could be as strong as you guys."

"I'll betcha can if ya go super charge," Cody put forth.

Joey looked doubtful of that prospect. "I don't know, Cody…"

"Oh come on, Joey," Cody encouraged. "You ain't hurtin' nobody. Go ahead and try."

Peering at the finished snowball in his gloved hands, Joey stared at it as he began sending volts inside of it. Stepping back, he threw it up with all his might. Before the snowball got halfway up, it exploded, sending out cold particles in multiple directions.

Cody leapt up excitedly. "That was kickin'! Do it again, Joey. Real big this time. Enormous."

"'Kay, I'll try." Joey started in on another snowball.

Once done, he had to lift the finished product with both hands. Giving it a charge, he hoisted it volleyball style. The white sphere blew up, raining chunks of frozen moisture down. The boys toppled to the ground in fits of laughter.

"I can't believe I did that." Joey kicked his feet up, seizing hold of the toes of his shoes. "My daddy would've spanked me if he saw it."

Cody propped up on his elbows, bewilderment crossing his face. "Just for that? Even if you didn't hurt nothin'?"

Joey nodded. "And my big brother would smack my hand."

"Can he do that?" Cody gaped.

"Yep," Joey responded. "If Alex says "that's an order", it's an order. And he says our powers are too dangerous to use just like that."

"Then what's the point if ya don't even use 'em?"

Joey hugged Bounty when the rabbit came his way. "I can use 'em sometimes. If they say it's okay." He watched Cody jump to his feet. "What's wrong?"

"I got chores," Cody grumbled. An idea came to him. "Hey, you wanna come over to my house?"

Bounty in his arms, Joey stood. "I wish I could, but my daddy and uncle'll get mad if I go to a strange place."

"Joey, strangers are grownups," Cody reasoned. "Everybody knows that."

Joey replied, "I don't think my Uncle Erik knows that."

"Aw, please Joey," Cody implored with hands clasped. "We haven't even been out here ten minutes. You don't wanna quit playin' already do ya?"

"No," Joey had to admit. "Well, maybe just a while won't be so bad."

"Yeah, and it ain't far," Cody pointed out.

Placing Bounty safely inside the deep saddle pack, Joey climbed up onto Xander. "Come on."

Cody grinned and maneuvered himself In behind the younger boy.

IIIIIII

Flipping another page in the hardback, Victor paused a moment. His ears picked up on oncoming hooves. Putting the book on the floor, he got into a leonine vigilant position in the glassless window. At the familiar scent, he eased off. Then he spotted his nephew on horseback, behind a small yellow haired boy.

Must've got sick of the bunny. Victor scampered out of sight.

Trotting Xander inside the wide shed, Joey got down and went towards the red and black motorcycle. "My brother's got one of these."

Cody went to stand next to him. "This one's my uncle's. Daddy's out on his."

Joey glanced over at the flight of stairs leading straight up into the wood ceiling. "What's up there?"

Cody followed his eyes. "My uncle's loft. Wanna see it?"

"Won't he be mad?"

"Nah. Come on." Cody led the way up.

When they reached the top, Joey gazed about at the random pieces of furniture. The space also had an upright punching bag and a row of different sized dumbbells lined up against one wall.

Taking a step back, Joey made contact with something hard. He gazed up, seeing a tall long haired man holding an ax.

"Ahhh!" Joey hollered, sending out a wave of electricity.

"Joey, no!" Cody ran over as Victor roared at the unexpected attack. "That's my uncle."

Joey's eyes widened. "Oops... sorry."

"This is my new friend Joey, Uncle Vic," Cody introduced.

Smoothing back his now frizzed hair, Victor crouched to Joey's level. "Heard about ya." Joey stood still as the man sniffed at him. "Ya wouldn't happen to be part of that tribe of mini mutants I been runnin' into, would ya?"

Joey looked at him in realization now. "You're Knight Victor."

He snorted at that. "Been called a lotta things in my time, but that's gotta be a first." He turned to Cody. "You," he placed the ax in his hands, "there's a stack of wood with your name on it. You know Logan wanted it done before he gets in."

Cody sighed. "I know." He started for the stairs. "Come on, Joey."

"Hey, kid." Joey turned back at Victor's voice. "Heard you're real cool. Good to finally meet ya."

Joey smiled then followed Cody out back. "They let you use an ax?"

"Nope," Cody whacked the toll down, splitting a log in half, "they make me."

"Sure looks like fun."

Cody shrugged and divided another. "Wanna try one?"

Joey gladly accepted the ax until his eyes locked on the recently sharpened blade. "No," he held it back out, "I better not."

Confused, Cody asked, "Why?"

"I'm not allowed," Joey told him. "I might hurt myself."

"How?" Cody smirked. "Think a piece of wood'll hit you dead in the eye?"

"No, but," Joey spoke slower, "I might hurt myself on purpose." He put the ax down and sat on the nearby tree stump.

All traces of humor lost, Cody walked up to him. "Why the heck would ya do that?"

"I only cut my hand once. Before that, I ran hot water over my wrists."

"How come?" Joey frowned.

"My first mama didn't wanna touch me 'cause of my powers," Joey explained. "The hot water was hurt bad, but at least I could feel it. It was everywhere and it was so warm…"

Cody placed a hand on his shoulder. "I don't ever wantcha to be hurt, Joey."

Joey looked up at him. "You don't think somethin's wrong with me?"

"You ain't turn your nose up at me the way rich kids do," Cody brought up. "I ain't about to turn mine up at you." He picked the ax back up. "Go ahead. Just try it."

Getting up, Joey took it again. Raising it high, he managed to chop through one of the logs. He turned to Cody, who only smiled with certainty.

After Cody finished up with the wood, Joey helped him carry it inside to the container beside the fireplace. The living room opened straight into the large kitchen.

"Mama and Daddy sleep up there," Cody indicated the stairs right in the middle of the kitchen and living room. "Me and Uncle Vic's rooms are down here. I like mine. It's closest to the fridge."

Joey laughed then watched Cody take the broom around the kitchen. "You need any help?'

"Nope. I can take a break after this since I don't have to scrub 'til after dinner." Cody grabbed the dustpan. "Mama likes it good and clean, but Daddy says no wife of his is gonna get on her hands and knees for nothin'. So we do it."

"Ah," Joey understood. "My mama never gets on her hands and knees, 'cept to play with us in the sandbox."

"She sure sounds nice."

"She is," Joey confirmed fondly.

"'Kay, done." Cody put the broom and dustpan away. "Wanna see my room?"

Joey nodded and went with him through the door off the kitchen. The space proved to be barely half of what Joey had back in New York, but the carvings on the wood paneling caught his eye.

He then noticed something next to the bed. "This is cool." He ran a hand along the red saddle of the white rocking horse.

Cody put his hands in his back pockets. "Not mine. I'm just takin' care of it for somebody. My daddy made it."

Joey studied the detail, down to the creature's glossy blue eyes.

At the oncoming motor, Cody said grandly, "Here comes Daddy."

Out in the kitchen, Victor sat at the table trying to tighten the bolt in under one chair.

He did not bother to look up when he heard the door behind him swing open. "Knew I smelled a runt."

"Beats your geezer funk." He deposited his jacket on the nearest counter. "Where's my kid?"

"Out playin' with matches or runnin' with scissors." Victor fiddled with the bolt. "You tell me where he is."

Logan kicked his seat as he walked by and Victor retaliated by using a claw to jab him in the thigh.

Cody glanced up from playing Monopoly on the throw rug with Joey. "Daddy." He got up and ran over.

Picking him up with one arm, Logan used his free hand to playfully punch the child in the stomach repeatedly.

When his son reached up to hug him, he glanced over his shoulder to the unknown boy in the room. "Who're you?"

Rising quickly, Joey answered, "Charles Joey Xavier, sir."

"He's my new friend I told you about," Cody further explained.

"Xavier, Xavier…" Logan snapped his fingers to try to remember. "Know I've heard that name somewhere… Hey, Vic," he called out into the kitchen, "ain't that the guy who wrote that Christmas book with the ghosts?"

"That was Charles Dickens, ya retard," Victor yelled back.

"Whatever," Logan waved off, looking at Cody again. "And what's the matter with you, huh?" He stood him up. "Next time ya have company in here, ya could at least open a window and blow your crap to the other side of the room. Geez, no home trainin', Codicat."

Joey said, "Sorry for being on the floor, Mr. Howlett."

The man shrugged. "What do I care if you're on the floor? You can lick the floor for all I care." He pointed a finger at the little boy. "Don't lick the floor. You'll catch a disease. So, take it that's your horse out there."

"Yes, sir," Joey responded. "That's Xander."

"Sure is a beaut," Logan commented. "Hear you're stayin' in that house a mile north." Joey nodded. "Also hear ya got lightnin' in your hands." Another nod. "Put her there." He stuck a hand out. Joey approached the doorway and tried to shake with the man. "No, kid. Zap me one. Let's see whatcha got."

A surprised Joey reacted with, "Uh… um."

Cody mouthed 'go on'.

Unleashing a small dose of his power, Joey sent the electrical wave throughout Logan's arms.

The man's head arched back a moment and he whistled sharply. "Oh yeah. You'll fit in around here." Joey's apprehension turned into a glow. "I need to get this shower in before your ma's shift is up." He ruffled Cody's hair then left out.

Cody noticed Joey now staring at the shotgun mounted above the back door. "Daddy, can I show Joey the Big G's?"

Logan flapped one hand, continuing up the stairs. "Vic."

Going to a kitchen drawer, Victor removed a pair of keys on a ring. "Over here."

The boys followed him to a sidewall in the living room. He placed one key inside the bitty hold- nearly invisible at first glance- and pulled it open, revealing another wooden access point. Victor unlocked it with the second key and raised it like a window shade.

Joey let off a silent gasp at the hollowed out wall containing a plethora of guns in different shapes and sizes.

"Gol-ly," was all he could say.

"Show him your service pistol, Uncle Vic," Cody raised.

Victor reached in and took out a shining brown handled handgun. "Ol' reliable. Ain't fired this sexy in ages."

"You mean they let you see them just by asking?" Joey said in disbelief to Cody.

"See 'em? Ha!" Victor pointed out Cody with his thumb. "This kid knows how to dismantle, clean, load, and fire. Shame he's got his daddy's aim, though."

"Can you use 'em by yourself?" Joey asked next.

"Not unless he wants to walk with a limp." Victor relocked the cabinet.

"But Daddy says I can pick out one as my own when I get big," Cody said. "I wanna carry his service pistol more than anything."

Victor patted his head. "You'll get there quick as a lick. Don't rush it, 'mite." He went to put the keys away.

The two young mutants left out to go check on Xander and Bounty inside the shed. Joey held the nose twitching rabbit while Cody rubbed the horse's silky mane.

"You're so lucky to have a horse of your own," Cody commented dreamily.

"'Cept when he poops," Joey added, making his friend laugh.

A whistle alerted them to Logan's oncoming presence. "It's a zoo around here. Now we just need a cage for Vic."

Cody threatened, "I'm tellin' you said that."

Logan gave him a fake punch to the jaw. "What do ya think I'm sayin' it in front of ya for?"

Joey then put forth, "I better go, Joey."

"Alright." Cody's voice carried understanding but zero enthusiasm. "Daddy, can Joey come play tomorrow?"

Logan shrugged. "So long as it's okay with whoever birthed him."

Joey rubbed Bounty's back and said, "She won't care."

"Then we're good." Logan headed for his motorcycle.

"Daddy, can I go with you to get Mama?" Cody asked, coming up behind him.

Logan glanced down. "Did ya get your chores done?"

"Yep," the boy answered.

"Did ya talk back to your uncle?"

"Nope."

"That's okay. You'll do better tomorrow. Now, butt up."

Cody grinned and got out his small sized helmet. "See ya tomorrow, Joey." He got behind his father on the bike, wrapping both arms around the man's waist.

"Bye, Cody." Joey put Bounty back in the saddle pack and mounted Xander. "Goodbye, Mr. Howlett."

Logan lifted the eye guard on his helmet. "Look, kid. You ever want to set foot in this house again, can the Mister garbage. It's Logan or better yet," he revved up the motorcycle, "Wolverine." They roared out.

Joey grinned after them before taking off on his horse.

IIIIIII

Hank looked away from repairing one of the wrist communicators at Becky exiting the linen closet, pink feathery wand in hand.

"Becca, what are you doing?" he wondered.

Raven took a jar of pasta sauce out of one cabinet. "The search for Narnia is on."

"Ah yes," Hank nodded. "Of lions, witches, and wardrobes."

"Uh huh, but we don't have wardrobes here." Becky moved on to investigate the pantry.

"Are you still out to find the knight?" Hank mentioned.

Becky waved her wand over the oatmeal box. "Yeah."

"Me, too," mumbled Hank.

Joey came in through the door. "Whoo- hi." He closed and locked the door back.

"Hi, cuddle bug," Raven greeted.

Becky smiled, poking her head out of the pantry. "Joey."

Hank wiggled his glasses. "Hello, stranger."

"Little one," Charles beckoned. "Come in here a moment, please."

Joey unzipped his leather jacket, following his father's voice into the living room. He sat on a floor mat, doing mild exercises while Alex observed.

"Yes, Daddy?" Joey went to stand between his outstretched legs and touched his shoulders.

"My, isn't this a pleasant surprise." Charles' hands went to the small waist. "I thought I may need to message you in for supper."

"We were having so much fun- me and Xander."

"That's wonderful," Charles said. "However," he pressed the tip of Joey's nose, "I believe both of you could benefit from a rest from riding tomorrow."

Joey immediately protested, "No, Daddy, no. Please. I promise I'll be good."

"This is not a punishment, love," Charles reassured. "And one day won't do you any manner of harm. In fact, it could do Xander a world of good to have a break. Now, go on and wash for supper."

"I'm not hungry now." Joey turned and walked out with shoulders slumped.

"Let me talk to him," Alex offered. He followed the sullen child's path.

The shorter blonde leaned back against a laying down Xander, Bounty cuddled on his lap.

"Let me guess." Alex entered the barn and knelt by them. "Bounty Bunny, right?"

Joey's focus stayed on the rabbit. "Mmhmm."

Alex draped an arm over Xander. "What's the matter, Joe? You've been acting weird for days now. All you ever want to do is go riding. Now, what is it? Is Frank picking on you or something? Are you mad at me?"

The little boy asked him, "Al, is my daddy ever gonna walk again?"

"He- heck yeah," Alex replied with no room for negotiation. "I don't care what it takes. But no matter what happens, baby, he's still your dad." He raised the child's chin with the palm of his hand. "Even when he says you can't do something. Trust me, I've been there."

"I know. I love my daddy."

"Then go get ready for dinner like he told you to," Alex directed.

Joey's eyes glimmered. "Is that an order?"

"Yep," the older one answered promptly. "And take bunny boy in with you."

"'Kay, Al." Gathering Bounty, Joey stood. He giggled when Alex grabbed him up in a close hug.

"I've been going through baby brother withdrawals." Alex kissed his head. He got up, carrying them all out.

IIIIIII

Fire glowing and highlighting his golden strands, Victor stretched out across the lengthy throw rug. Logan sat in his well-aged armchair, facing the mantle and finishing off his bottle of Lager.

When his wife came from downstairs, her welcomed her weight in his lap. He coiled his left arm around her waist, her long dark locks tickling his exposed chest area.

"Daddy," Cody left out of the adjacent bathroom in his pajamas, hopping about on his bare feet, "the hot water's out again."

"I'll look at it later," Logan said. "And learn to wear your damn slippers." Kayla's fingernail twisted into his nipple, making him grunt. "Darn slippers."

Victor extended a hand. "C'mere, mighty 'mite."

Cody lowered down to rest on his uncle's stomach, the man's hair coated arms going around him. "Uncle Vic, you ever hear of anything hurtin' themselves on purpose?"

Opening one eyes, Victor asked in turn, "What's a member of the Mickey Mouse Club know about a thing like that?"

"Just curious about it."

Kayla piped up, "People who hurt themselves do it for all kinds of reasons. Depression, self-hatred—"

"And sometimes they deserve it," Victor interjected. "Least in their heads."

"Why all the interest, Cat?" Logan asked his son. "Girlfriend dump ya?"

"Daddy, please," Cody rolled his eyes, "I dump them."

Victor guffawed.

"Dang, I need some of your moves," Logan put forth.

"You sure do," Kayla quipped.

"No comments from the peanut gallery." Logan kissed the back of her head and looked back to Cody. "Anyway, you keep these little curiosities in your head. You ever up and decide you deserve to feel pain, come see me. I'll give ya a hand."

Cody touched his behind protectively. "And I know where, too."

Kayla smiled at him. "You want to hear a story, Coco?"

Cody nodded, eyes on her. His mother went into the account of the hunter who returned home on a daily basis to find his house in good order and a hot meal always ready for him. The man pretended to leave one day, but secretly waited to see who had been doing these things for him. He discovered it to be the woman born to be his wife, carrying out here duties toward him. She also told the hunter she could transform herself into a fox, but that such a thing caused her to emit a terrible odor. Regardless, he loved her for everything she was and they lived a long prosperous life together.

"Could they ever have kids?" Cody asked.

"Yes," Kayla nodded. "A pack of mutated foxes, which got to go hunting with their father every single day."

"Cool!" the boy approved.

Logan declared, "Time to hit the sack, Cat. Come kiss your ma."

Rising up, Cody smooched Kayla's cheek. "Good night, Mama." He bonked foreheads with Logan. "Night Daddy. Night, Uncle Victor."

They returned his sentiment and he headed for his bedroom.

Victor roared a yawn and stretched. "I'm callin' it a night, too. See you kids in the mornin'."

"See ya, Pops," Logan said back.

The Sabretooth walked a few feet away to his own room.

Logan turned to Kayla. "Doesn't that story end with that hunter rejectin' the chick and her callin' it quits on men?"

The woman bumped his shoulder with hers. "What woman in her right mind could ever do a thing like that?"

A slow eager smile spread across his face. "Search me." He raised her legs up with his arm to put her in cradling position then pressed their lips together in a strong kiss.

IIIIIII

With a giggle, Joey awoke to find Bounty staring him in the face. The creature's whiskers had tickled him right out of slumber. Joey hugged him then climbed down from bed to use the bathroom. After he finished, he carried Bounty out of the room.

"Hi, Mummy," Joey greeted brightly, seeing her in the kitchen.

Emma placed her coffee mug on the island. "There you are, Treasure." She bent to peck his cheek and felt the ball of fur between them. "Oh yes, our new little roommate. Well, good morning to you, too."

Joey sat at the island, putting Bounty on top. "Where's Daddy?"

"He and Alex are going to be out for most of the day doing physical therapy." Emma got out a bowl and spoon then retrieved a cereal box for him. "You didn't sleep very well last night. Your father and I could both feel it."

Joey poured a tall bowl of the Frosted Flakes. "I wasn't that sleepy."

Emma took the gallon of milk out of the refrigerator and poured a portion into the bowl. "Are you really this upset about not getting to ride Xander?"

"I love him, Mummy," Joey told her. "You got him for me and I didn't even have to ask."

"I know." Emma raised one of his hands to kiss. "That horse means more to me than I care to admit as well."

Joey thought of something. "Mummy, since I can't ride him, can I go sledding after I eat?"

"Why don't you take a couple of the others with you?" Emma suggested. She played in his hair. "I know Becky's really missed you lately."

The boy swallowed a bit of his cereal. "Can't I just play by myself? Please?"

Emma conceded, "If that's what you really want. Just be sure to stay close and keep your communicator on."

"Yes, Mummy." Joey rushed to finish his food and hopped up.

After he changed into his warm clothes and boots, he dragged his sled outside. Once he made it a good distance from where anyone could see or hear him, he gripped the rope attached to the sled and sent an electric volt down into the snow behind him. The surge caused his sled to rush forward. Smiling victoriously, Joey continued to glide along with the aid of his mutation.

IIIIIII

Crouched menacingly with eyes narrowed, Logan challenged, "Make your move, tough guy."

Letting off a light growl, Cody leapt off the picnic table and dove for him. Logan caught him and rolled backward until he sat upright with the boy again.

"Ya call that a pounce?" He started giving him a noogie. "I've seen newborn kittens do better."

"Gah!" Cody managed to yank away. "Newborn kittens move faster than you, old man." He sped off.

"Ooh, them's fightin' words." Logan got up and went after him. Cody ducked behind one of their trees. "Whatcha hidin' for? Daddy just wants to give ya a big hug."

Cody blew a raspberry at him. "Yeah, 'cause I'm a sucker." He ran off again.

Logan flipped in the air and landed, blocking the child's path. "Goin' somewhere, buddy boy?" When Cody moved to scramble under the space between his legs, Logan reached down and picked him up by the leg. "Gotcha. Think ya could outsmart me, huh?"

Cody wriggled like a worm on a hook. "Ain't real hard to do, ya know."

"Callin' your father dumb, huh? Hm, looks like I need to teach ya a little respect," Logan flung him over into a nearby hill of snow, "son."

Coming up from behind, Victor wrapped arms around Logan's chest in a vice lock. "Try that on me, Runt."

"If ya insist." Logan gripped the taller man's arms and flipped him up and off him. "Huh. Reflexes gettin' a little shabby there, Pops."

Growling, Victor glowered up at him. "Hey, little brother," he returned to his feet, "c'mere."

"Get him, Uncle Vic," Cody cheered.

The men rushed at each other and Victor succeeded in getting Logan's arm pinned behind his back.

"Remember this move, Runt?" Victor tightened the grip.

Logan grunted. "Kid stuff, Vic."

Victor smirked. "Sent you to tears enough times back in the day." He then had to let go suddenly as a series of snowballs started colliding with his face. "What the heck?"

Standing straight again, Logan grinned at Kayla on top of the picnic table, pelting out wet spheres. "My woman- always lookin' out for me."

"Hey, 'mite," Victor called over. "A little help here."

Cody shook his head. "Sorry, Uncle Vic. Can't attack Mama."

"Away from my husband, you brute." Kayla tossed one final snowball out.

Victor attempted to dust the white powder off. "Kay, I've said this for years. When's a girl like you gonna dump this chump and hook up with the real thing?"

"I have my real thing." Kayla lowered into Logan's waiting arms and kissed him.

"Ugh, y'all," Cody protested.

"Hush up, boy," said Logan. "How in the heck do you think you got here?"

Just then, Joey skidded through and gave one final blast to the snow before jumping off his sled.

Victor caught it. "You sure know how to make some kinda fancy entrance, sparky."

"Joey!" A delighted Cody hurried to him.

"Hi," Joey greeted. "Hi, everybody."

"Come meet Mama." Cody practically yanked him over towards his parents. "Mama, this is Joey."

"Hello," Joey acknowledged respectfully.

"The famous Joey," Kayla nodded. "It's so good to finally see you in person."

"Mama and Daddy ain't workin' today," Cody told his friend. "Come on. Let's all play. You and me against Daddy and Uncle Vic. Mama'll jump in if we need help."

"Well, okay," Joey agreed.

Going to stand beside Victor, Logan readied himself. "Let's see what kinda shock you're really packin'."

Joey's mouth nearly hit the ground. "You mean I can use my powers?"

"Course ya can," Cody answered him. "We heal real quick around here." He then dashed ahead to tackle Victor.

Logan made a "come on" gesture with his hand towards Joey. "This ain't a tea party, kid. Give it all ya got."

Joey formed the best game face he could. "You got it, Wolverine."

When the adult made a swipe for him, Joey sent out twin bolts of electricity through his pointer fingers.

Logan absorbed it through his arm. "Fancy shootin', partner."

Far more at ease now, Joey placed himself full force into the game. At one point, he made Victor's hair stand on end to keep him for attacking Cody. That gave Logan an extended chuckling session.

They stayed playing that way for well over an hour until Kayla proposed, "Who wants hot apple cider?"

"Me!" all three members of her household quickly accepted.

"What is apple cider?" Joey wondered.

"Ya never had it?" Cody asked incredulously. "Wait 'til you try it. It's too good."

Victor lifted Cody up to ride on his shoulders as they all headed in.

Surprising Joey a moment, Logan did the same thing with him. "Not bad, sparky. Not bad at all."

Joey smiled as the man lowered him into a chair at the kitchen table.

"Is your mama a mutant, too?" Joey asked, watching her get the cider ready.

"Yep," Cody responded. "We're all mutants here."

"You said it, Cat." Logan reclined back in his chair. "One big barrel o' freaks together."

Kayla caught a glimpse out the window as she brought the mugs over. "Seems we're looking at fresh snow."

"That's cool." Cody pointed out Logan. "It's Daddy's turn to shovel."

"It's Daddy's turn to shovel," Logan mimicked before yanking the boy over to tickle on his lap.

"Is something wrong, sweetie?" Kayla asked, noting the expression on their guest's face.

Joey touched the handle on his mug. "My daddy used to play with me like that. But now he can't run after me or ride horses or carry me to bed or anything. He's in a wheelchair and it's taking a long time for him to get better."

Cody frowned in concern.

"That's gotta be rough," Victor sympathized. "But ya know, Joey, your old man needs ya now more than ever."

"That's right," Logan seconded. "Look sparky, the sad truth is that all parents are gonna get old and sick—"

"You're already old," Cody pointed out.

"Shut up, ya idget," Logan dismissed him before continuing. "That's why we keep you kids around. To help us out because we know that without a doubt, we can count on ya. Plus we need somebody to switch the stations around on the radio." Cody poked his father's knee and Logan gave him a squeeze. "Ya get where I'm comin' from?"

"Yes, sir," Joey responded honestly. He then picked up the mug to sip the cider and smiled widely. "Mmm."

"Told ya," Cody smiled back.

When he finished his cup, Joey pushed out from his chair to get up. "I have to get home now, but I'll try to wake up earlier tomorrow."

Now Victor got a good look out of the window. "Hold on a minute. It's comin' down heavy out there. One of us'll have to drive you back."

"I got him." Logan stood Cody up.

Joey's face paled. "Uh, no. That's okay. I'll just zap myself back."

Logan took a peek out from the back door. "Nothin' doin', kid. The white stuff's already at your ankles. Go run out to the shed while I grab my keys."

Joey exchanged a quick look with Cody. "See ya…" He started out.

Cody watched him go. "See ya…"

As soon as he got outside and the door closed, Joey tried to find his sled, but it had already been buried under the accumulation. Taking his gloves out of the pocket of his jackets, he put them on and attempted to run from the house as quickly as possible. He barely made it back into the woods before he fell face forward.

"Whoa!" he reacted to being hoisted up by the backs of his jacket and sweater.

Holding him up to eye level, Logan glared at the child. "Didn't I tell your little hardhead to wait in the shed?" At his hesitance, he gave him a little shake. "Answer me, boy."

"Yes, sir," Joey quickly replied. "You did."

"Then what's the big idea takin' off like that?" Logan poked him in the chest. "Ya know I have a good mind to forget you're not mine and tan your lousy hide for that stunt."

"No, Wolverine, please," Joey urged. "Please don't spank me."

"Logan," Victor came up on them, "everything okay out here?"

"Yeah." Logan placed Joey down. "Sparky here was just about to gimme the full story. Weren't ya, sparky?"

Joey nodded hard. "I didn't want you to take me home 'cause my mum and dad don't know I'm here. I'm not allowed to do much and they wouldn't have let me come over if I asked them."

Logan folded his arms. "So, seems to me that you already got it comin' your way when we get back to your place."

At Joey lowering his face, Victor added, "Hey. Take it like a man. A whippin' won't kill ya. Makes ya stronger if anything."

"Yes, sir," Joey whispered.

"Come on." Logan guided them inside the shed and over to his motorcycle. "I hate to see a nice kid like you catch a lickin', but if my own son did this," he handed him Cody's helmet, "his hide'd have more stripes than the US flag."

Joey accepted the helmet with no shred of excitement. "Could ya tell him I'm glad we were friends?'

Logan frowned. "Were?"

"I know you don't want me to ever come back after this."

"Hey," Logan knocked on his head lightly, "don't go puttin' words in my mouth, blondie. Cody wants ya around and so do the rest of us. Kids screw up. Heck, grown people screw up. Doesn't mean we don't like ya."

Joey looked up at him cheerfully. "Thank you, Wolverine." He went to hug the man's leg.

"Yeah, yeah. Save the mushy stuff for your folks." Logan patted his head then got on his motorcycle. "Hop on and hang on tight."

Putting the helmet on, Joey did as instructed, latching on with as much of a grip as he had.

IIIIIII

Maya ran her fingers along the soft fur of Bounty's stomach.

"He is so cute," she cooed. "I've never been allowed to have a pet, except fish, who fail to live longer than a week usually."

"Me, either," said Sean. "Not with my brother's tail pulling obsession."

Frank got up from playing checkers with Scott at the coffee table when the doorbell went off. "I'll get it." He headed for the front door. "Who is it?"

"Wolverine."

The city native scoffed. "Yeah, real funny, Alex." He opened the door and lost his humored expression at who he found on the other side. "… Wol…. Wolverine!"

"Wolverine?" Sean got up and headed for the door.

Maya watched Scott leave as well and wondered out loud, "Who's Wolverine?"

"It is you," Sean recognized.

Scott glanced down at the timid creature beside him. "Joey?"

Logan asked the boys, "Your mother in?"

"Emma!" they called for in chorus.

IIIIIII

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa." Frank waved his hands, trying to get a grasp on things. "Let me get this straight. You're friends with Wolverine's son and you actually went to their house?"

"Yeah," Joey replied quietly. "We were play fighting—"

Frank's eyes widened. "You fought with Wolverine?"

"Uh huh," Joey said. "Then Cody's mom made us apple cider—"

"You ate his food," Frank cut in again.

"Then it started to snow so he took me home on his motorcycle."

"His motorcycle?" Scott echoed incredulously. "Joey, that's dangerous."

"His motorcycle?" Frank also repeated. "Joey, that… is so cool!"

Becky, who sat next to Joey on Frank's bunk, asked, "But why didn't you tell anybody about Cody?"

Before Joey could answer the bellow of, "Charles Joseph Xavier, come in here right this instant."

All children silenced at Emma's tone and Joey slowly shuffled out to her. Emma stood in the living room by the fireplace, arms crossed.

Joey made his way up to her. "You called me, Mummy?"

"Yes, I just finished talking to the hairy leather clad individual who brought you home on the back of his motorcycle." Emma's tight smile morphed into a full and deep glare. "What were you thinking lying to us and sneaking off to play with a boy none of us even knew about then going off to his house not once but twice? Joey, friendly or not, mutants or not, these people could have done God only knows what to you. Do you understand that?"

"Yes, Mummy. I'm sorry. Me and Cody just wanted to play together, that's all."

"And that would have been perfectly fine had you come to me." She placed great emphasis on the last five words. "Joey, I have made it perfectly clear that if you feel you cannot talk to your father or uncle about something that I am always here. You had no reason in the world to lie to me, but you did it anyway."

"I'm sorry," Joey reiterated.

"Sorry can't begin to cover this," she informed him. "Alex will be back with Charles soon, but your father needs to rest up from his therapies. Go wait in the den for your uncle to return from the store."

Joey could no longer make her out, except as a white blur through his moistened eyes. "Yes, Mummy." He turned and headed in the direction she ordered.

IIIIIII

Before Erik even entered his sleeping quarters, he caught the distinct sobbing taking place within. He viewed the stretched out child on the sofa.

"I spoke with your mother."

Joey sat up, holding out the accessory he had while trying to wipe his eyes with his free hand. "H-here, Uncle Erik."

The metal wielder took the thick leather belt away from him. "Why are you giving me this, Kangaroo?"

"So… so you can," he took another swipe at the water pouring down his cheeks, "you can use it on me."

Erik went to stand right in front of him. "Who is the child in this room?"

"Me," Joey answered him.

"And who is the adult?"

"Uncle Erik is."

The man nodded once. "So don't you ever try to instruct me on how to punish you." He tossed the belt to the side.

"But I deserve it," Joey insisted. "I was so bad, Uncle Erik. Badder than I've ever been." His voice went into a hush. "Mummy's so mad at me."

Erik knelt down before the little boy. "When their small babes do dangerous things," he removed a handkerchief from his pocket and began cleaning the teary face with it, "mothers tend to lose their usual warm and abundantly forgiving nature. She didn't scold you out of anger, Kangaroo, but out of worry and fright. The same reasons your daddy and I spank you."

"'Cause she loves me?" Joey added.

"Exactly," Erik confirmed. "She could raise her voice louder than Sean ever dared dream and it's only out of love."

Joey sniffed. "Is it time for my punishment, Uncle Erik?"

"Yes, it is," the man responded, taking a seat beside him. "I know your mother already gave you a firm tongue lashing, so I'll only tell you this. If you ever deceive us or do something to put yourself at risk again, I will spank your backside red for three nights straight. Even if your father punishes you as well. Is that clear, young Mr. Xavier?"

"Yes, sir," the child said. "Real, real clear."

"It had better be, young man. Now, over my knee." Erik patted the spot he named.

The nine-year-old maneuvered himself across the man's legs. He bit his lip and shut his eyes tightly in anticipation of the impending strikes.

Lowering the boy's pants and long-johns, Erik decided also to take his underwear down. Small bottom exposed, he began dishing out fast and hard swats. He almost stilled his hand when Joey's tears started up so quickly. With every inner discipline he had, Erik forced his heart into silence and instead focused his attention on the young mutant's thighs. He wanted Joey to keep this lesson any time he moved to sit down the remainder of the night.

When the small one's tears quieted from exhaustion, Erik stopped. He fixed Joey's clothes then picked the tearful baby up into a hold he dared anyone to try and breech.

"Uncle Erik didn't enjoy that, Kangaroo." He got up, walking the space of the den with him and rubbing his back. "Not at all, but I have to know where you are at all times so that I may protect you. If we ever lost you, your mummy, daddy- none of us would ever recover. Nor would we want to."

"I'm so sorry, Uncle Erik," Joey apologized. "I won't deceive again."

"I know you will do your best." He kissed him at the temple. "I love you, child."

Joey returned the kiss, placing it on the man's cheek. "I love you, too."

A knock came to the door and Alex poked his head in. "Hey. Is he okay?"

Erik wondered if the teenager had somehow found a way to synchronize himself with the little boy. "Why not ask him yourself?" He gave Joey over to him.

"Aw, poor guy." Alex hugged him close and brought him out. "Got a spanking, huh? Don't worry. Your big brother's here." He carried him into the one deserted spot in the house, the living room, and placed him on his stomach on the couch. "I'll be right back, okay?"

"'Kay," Joey nodded.

It did not take Alex long at all to leave and come back, plastic baggie in hand. "Here we go. One ice bag coming up." He lowered down on the couch just as Joey sat up on his knees. "What's wrong?"

"I used my powers a whole bunch of times. And not for emergencies, either." Joey raised his hand and held it out, palm down.

Fully comprehending what Joey expected from him, Alex took the small hand into his own. "A whole bunch of times? And no emergencies, huh? Guess I'm gonna have to teach you a lesson." Joey shut his eyes. Alex gave two feather light pops to the tips of the bitty fingers. "There."

Eyes coming back open, Joey exclaimed, "That's it?"

"Yeah, that's it. That's the rule when you already have a sore butt." Alex gave him a look. "I know you're not talking back to me about it, right?"

"No, Alex," he hurriedly reassured.

"Good, now lay over my lap." Joey did and Alex could feel the heat on his bottom radiating straight through his pants. Though he knew the child deserved everything he got, he still hated it. He took his pants and thermals down, leaving only the briefs up and gently applied the icepack. "There you go. While that sits, how about you tell me why never mentioned this Cody kid to me or anybody?"

Joey asked uncertainly, "Will you get mad?"

"Not if you tell me to the truth," Alex replied.

Joey went on with, "If I would've told somebody, Daddy would've wanted him to come over here."

"And that's a bad thing?"

"If he would've come, he wouldn't have been my friend anymore," Joey rationalized. "He'd have met Frank and Scott and they'd have taken him…"

Alex felt a ping shoot throughout his chest.

He removed the icepack, readjusted Joey's layers and brought him up so that their blue eyes met. "You mean the way Scott took me from you?" When Joey dipped his chin, Alex brought it right back up. "Uh uh, you look at me. Do you think Scott stole me?"

"…Sometimes. He's smarter than me and stronger than me and plays better than me…"

"So what? You think just because Scottie can throw a football further or because he knows Einstein's favorite food means something? Joe, he's my little brother, but you," he poked him in the belly button, receiving a smile from the young one, "are my baby brother. "I still have to take care of you, teach you everything, make sure you don't poke your eyes out on random stuff," he held up one of Joey's hands, "smack this when you act bad."

"That part's ouchy," Joey commented.

"Better than getting your butt spanked, right?" At the nod, Alex said, "Yeah, I bet. And I admit it. I have been spending a lot of time with Scott on this trip, but it's because he grew up around all this snow and crap and I want to understand what he's been up to all these years. But you gotta remember this, kid," he pressed Joey's hand against his chest, "you're this. You're the reason that thing's still ticking. And for a while there, you were the reason I got up in the morning." He didn't miss the surprised flash in Joey's eyes. "So if you have a problem, you better open your mouth, paint a picture, or even zap me to get my attention."

"Yes, Alex." Joey formed a pout. "Can I have some more icepack?"

Hiding a smirk, Alex instructed, "Lay back down."

IIIIIII

Rattling noises ringing throughout his ears, Hank shot up in bed. Careful not to awaken Raven, he slipped into a discard pair of pants and his coat before tipping out back. Hearing Xander's neighing, he approached the barn and rushed in when he got close enough.

"Sabretooth," he acknowledged.

The man's long hair blew through the frosty breeze and he deposited Joey's sled onto the floor. "Just makin' a return." He started out, but Hank blocked his path. "What's the idea?"

"I've been trying to find you."

"Look, my brother's the champion fighter," Victor dismissed. "Go sniffin' after him for autographs." He pushed passed him.

Glaring, Hank leapt up and over to get in front of him again, getting a surprised reaction out of the older male. "I'm not after your signature. You and I are very much the same. Except you're at a level vastly unknown to me. I want your help, Victor. Help me achieve that level for myself."

"We got the same powers," Victor grabbed a fistful of Hank's shirt and jerked him forward, "but believe me, kid, we ain't nothin' alike." He let go of him. "Nothin'." That said, Victor jumped up into the nearest tree.

Hank could only watch him vanish yet again. If that's your game, time to execute Plan B.