X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Eighty Eight

Author's Word: Thank you all so much for the wells wishes and PMs about my beloved cats. Please keep it up. I also want to take the time to welcome new reader, LisaDanSir, into our family. Thank you for loving me, Lisa, and thank you for loving Rise or Fall. We love you, too. And thank you all for giving me continual reason to write. Please enjoy and review!

Eyes scrolling through the pages of the aged text, Erik glanced down every so often at the sharkling pair kneeling on the floor beside his desk. Marbles scattered between them, the blazing fireplace provided plentiful light. Erik's personal extension ringing penetrated the contented silence contained within the den.

He lifted the receiver to his ear without straying away from his book. "Headmaster Lehnsherr." A smile overtook his even expression. "Good evening. Hold on a moment while I see if we remembered to bring him back from Canada." Erik held the phone out towards Frank. "Your mother."

The boy hopped right up to seize the receiver. "Hi, Mom."

Becky climbed up into Erik's lap and he rocked her lightly.

"Hi, honey," Alana returned. "I can't wait to see you tomorrow. I have a surprise you won't believe."

"Alright!" Frank thumped his fist in cheer. "I can't wait to see you, either." His voice softened. "I love you."

"I love you, too, champ. Let me speak to Erik again."

"She wants you." Frank returned the phone to Erik then sat on the man's spare leg.

"What do you wish of me?" Erik spoke into the mouthpiece.

"Erik, it's important I see you tomorrow," Alana told him. "It's about something I can't go into over the phone."

At that, Erik assured, "I will be there. Count on that."

After they hung up, Erik's arms went around each child in his hold. Frank reclined against his chest and Becky tugged at Erik's sweater, nestling in.

IIIIIII

With the older blonde in rapid pursuit of him, Joey jumped from the chair to the loveseat. Alex attempted to coil arms around him but the little boy managed to zip away and dash across the room.

"Get your butt back here, Eel." Alex continued to chase him. "You got to give in sooner or later."

"Never!" Joey denied.

Getting down on all fours, Alex moved to block his path. "Last chance. Come quietly and maybe I won't make you scrub behind your ears."

"No," the child turned down. "Daddy always checks." He then spotted someone out in the hall. "Cordy, help."
The girl rushed in, grinning at the sight of their predator to prey stances. "What's going on in here?"

Joey explained, "If he catches me, I gotta take a bath."

Alex pointed a finger at him. "Hey, no calling for reinforcements."

"Don't worry, Joey. I'll save you." Cordelia then promptly pounced onto Alex's back.

"Whoa!" The unsuspecting male fell over onto his stomach, careful of the girl currently clamped to him. "No fair. Chicks always fight dirty."

Joey went to tackle him from the front. "We gotcha now, Al."

"Oh yeah?" Alex dug in under Joey's armpit, making him tumble in a spell of laughter. "As for you, new girl," he snatched Cordelia over into his lap, making her shriek, "I'll show you who's in charge around here." He began tickling her stomach mercilessly. She giggled breathlessly, only making halfhearted attempts to bat his hands away. Alex paused to cradle her. "Had enough, Glim?"

Cordelia smiled up at him as she calmed.

A disgruntled Scott made his way into the living room. "Joey, Bounty left a bounty in my room." He held up the twitchy nosed culprit.

"Oops." Joey hurried over to collect the rabbit. "Guess I forgot to close my door. Sorry, Scottie."

"He gets all over the house," Scott complained. "Can't you keep better track of your own pet? He could get hurt."

"Whoa, Scott." Alex let Cordelia up before rising himself. "He said he was sorry." He approached the boys. "I'll clean the crap if you make sure Joe gets into the tub."

"Fine," Scott sighed. "Come on, Joey." He led them out.

Cordelia went to stand behind Alex. "Scott's pretty tense for a little kid."

"He wasn't always. He used to be kind of like Joe is now," Alex recollected. "Full of fun, curious. But then things happened the way they did. I usually had some kind of foster home, but Scott got trapped in the system most times because of his powers."

She said, "I understand. Though it's hard to believe you two are related sometimes."

Alex turned around. "Same could be said for you and that Chris guy."

"Tell me about it," she concurred completely.

"I'll catch you later, Glim." Alex gave her another quick tickle, receiving another laugh. "I'm on disgust duty." He walked out.

Cordelia smoothed a hand across her stomach, a glow emanating from her face.

IIIIIII

Half his body dangling off the large bed, Sean's red hair connected with the carpet, receiver pressed to his ear.

"Okay, picture it for just a second. Me full on flight, but instead of the suit, I switch it out for a cape. And a red and black outfit. It'll be Superman meets Batman." He rolled over onto his stomach, one hand pushing against the floor in place of his hair. "Yeah, I'm trying to talk Hank into it, but he keeps giving me these dumb old lectures about safety."

"You know he's boss of the group," Maya reminded on her end.

Sean formed a pout, knowing full well she'd be able to hear it in his voice. "I want to be the boss."

"Over Raven?"

Sean's left eye twitched. "On second thought…" He watched Emma reenter the suite. "I have to go. Love you, too. See you tomorrow." He sat up, placing the receiver back to its base. "Thanks, Em. Big house, little privacy."

"I don't mean to be critical," the blonde woman started, "but I fail to see the sense in leaving a teenage girl to fend for herself practically every night."

"Maya's not like most teenage girls. Besides," Sean got to his feet, "I look out for her."

"And you do a finer job than any beau could dare try," Emma commended.

"So," he rocked back and forth on his feet, sticking his hands in the pockets of his robe, "any chance of you talking to Charles about getting me my own line? Please, please."

Emma thought then replied, "I will casually bring it to his attention."

Sean smiled, "Thanks, Mommy," and strolled out.

Emma shook her head fondly after him.

IIIIIII

Having seen them pull in, Alana hastened to open the doors in anticipation.

An outcry of, "Mooooom!" sounded as Frank dashed from the car.

Somehow not falling over, Alana caught him in a tight hug. "There you are. Let me see you." She pulled back, holding onto his wrists. "Look at you. I need to talk to Raven about what she's been feeding you. How did you get so tall?"

"Going against my permission." Erik came into the doorway.

Alana smiled over Frank's head. "Hi."

"Hi," the man returned, removing his hate before stepping inside fully.

Frank glanced back and forth between them then remembered, "Hey Mom, where's the surprise?"

Alana turned back to him. "Mr. and Mrs. Johnson upstairs?" Frank nodded, following along so far. "Guess who is in town visiting them."

Utter astonishment filled Frank's features. "No… you're kidding…"

"Jasmine," Alana called out, "come on out, sweetie. He's here."

While Frank remained in a near catatonic condition, Erik looked on in curiosity in puzzlement. Soon enough, a long-legged creature emerged from the kitchen. She had light apricot skin and an incredible mane of caramel blonde crinkled hair. She wore a cow print skirt with white tights and matching vest, a red turtleneck, and black go-go boots.

A monumental exclamation escaped the glossy lips as she ran forward. "Frankie!"

"Jazzy!" Frank met her halfway. Grabbing her up, he spun around with her in a swift circle. "Oh my God, oh my…" He put her down, only to hug her again. "Oh my God!"

The adults exchanged a look between them, Alana beaming and Erik quite visibly satisfied with the joyful display as well.

She held onto Frank's hand, eyeing him. "Lord Frank, you grew up so seriously."

"Me?" The grin never left his face. "Jas, you are too beautiful. I mean, you always were, but now- whoa."

"Frank," Alana spoke, "aren't you going to introduce her?"

"Oh, right." Frank came back to reality and brought Jasmine over to where the other pair stood. "Jazzy, this is my headmaster, Erik Lehnsherr. Erik, this is Jasmine Hughes. She's my best friend from way back."

Jasmine dipped in a small curtsy. "How do you do, sir?"

"Not as well as I should, but not as horribly as I could." Erik took her hand and bowed. "It's a privilege, Miss Hughes."

Frank turned her back to face him. "So where's your dad?"

"At rehearsal. He's doing the dinner show down at Cheshire tonight."

"Aw, cool! I cannot wait to see him again. Come on. I want to hear about everything." He took her hand again and guided them towards the dining table. "How's Galway?"

"Fake pseudo-winters trying to pass for summer," she replied. "Nothing like here."

"Those two were peas in a pod at one point," Alana said to Erik. "She's been touring Europe with her father, but they've finally decided to pop in for the first time in nearly two years. They're staying with her grandparents."

Erik appeared thoughtful. "Aren't the Johnsons your upstairs neighbors?"

"That's right."

Erik squinted his eyes toward the girl. "So then she's…"

"Yes," Alana confirmed. "Yes, she is."

However, that did not come close to being the reason she'd requested Erik's presence.

IIIIIII

"Bye, Joe. Paint something cool, just not on your classmates."

Cordelia smiled, watching Alex send Joey off to art class.

He stood and looked at her. "See anything you like?"

Her eyes jumped. "Excuse me."

"On the board." He walked over, gesturing towards the numerous activities on display across the community center wall.

"Oh." Cordelia glanced back. "They're starting up gymnastics early this fall."

Alex put forth, "Then come on. Let's snag you an application."

Cordelia hesitated. "I'm not sure. Everything's been so out of balance lately. Me especially. I wonder if I still have the drive."

"Look Cor," Alex peered straight into her eyes, "I know what you're feeling. You're wondering if you're good enough, if you even have a chance to compete. Those thoughts race around my head all the time."

This surprised her. "Really?"

"Yeah, but if I kept listening to them I'd still be a hopeless ex-jailbird instead of a college student and future instructor. If you're really worried, I'll work with you."

Cordelia grinned up at him. "You'd do that?"

"Only if you do what you gotta do first." He pointed towards the flier.

"Let's go for it," she decided.

Pleased, Alex placed an arm around her as they headed for the gym to speak with the coach.

IIIIIII

Removing the cooled oatmeal raisin cookies from their tray, Alana transferred them over to a serving platter.

"The kids have been friends since they were small." Alana placed the empty tray inside the sink. "We met them in church. When the congregation directors tried to prevent their membership, that's when Phil threw up his hands. We haven't been back inside the Lutheran church since. They helped us find this place when I realized I was carrying Jeff. Yvonne's parents lived in this building long before us."

Erik nodded in understanding, pouring milk into the individual glasses. "And Yvonne?"

"Divorce." Alana lifted the platter. "She's out in Brooklyn. New guy. New life. Trick tried to stick it out, but he eventually just got sick of it so three years back, off they go to Europe."

"Trick?" Erik smirked.

"Short for Patrick," Alana clarified.

They carried everything out.

"Here we are then." Erik placed a glass of milk down by Jasmine at the dining table. "For the lady."

"Thank you." She looked up at him. "Sir, did you come over on Ellis Island like my father?"

"Yes, but that was some time ago." Erik sat next to her while Alana did the same with Frank. "I'm from Poland originally. From where did your father cross over?"

"He's Irish," she answered. "My mother's American." Jasmine took a cookie from the plate. "Oatmeal raisin crans- thank you, Lan."

"I still remember some things," Alana smiled.

"So," Erik took a short sip of milk, "you knew this one when he was only knee high, hm?" He indicated Frank. "Any interesting details you care to divulge about him?"

"Erik," Frank protested.

"Who, him?" Jasmine pointed out Frank with her thumb. "Oh, he's great. The best. No trouble at all."

Erik said, "I see well why he considers you his best friend."

Once the cookies were mostly done, Frank asked, "Erik, Mom, can me and Jazzy go check out the court?"

"Is it safe?" Erik wanted to know.

"They'll be fine," Alana promised.

"We used to go down there all the time." Jasmine stood. "Just let me go upstairs and throw on some jeans real fast."

"Cool. I'll meet you out front," Frank agreed.

"Don't stay gone too long," Erik cautioned.

"We won't," Frank returned. He stopped by the door to grab his basketball before they left out.

Erik got up from the table. "Hello again."

Alana moved around, standing before him. "How was Canada? You didn't happen to run into any snow bunnies up there, did you?"

"Actually I did," Erik told her. "Joey named him Bounty. We also happened upon a Sabretooth, a Wolverine, a Fox, and a biological hybrid of the latter two."

Alana stared at him strangely. "Were you up in the mountains or on The Island of Dr. Moreau?"

Erik chuckled through his nose. "New mutants. They'll be joining us soon."

"Really?" This intrigued her greatly. "That's amazing, Erik. And I think it's wonderful that there are more like you."

"Yes." Erik folded his arms, leaning back to sit on the edge of the table. "Though there's just something about being back in New York. The sights, the sounds, the fact that I don't have to travel far to find a kosher delicatessen."

Alana smiled warmly. "I missed you, Erik."

He stood straight. "I missed you, Alana."

The two shared an embrace, Erik's fingers sliding delicately through her red hair.

IIIIIII

Gazing about, Jasmine marveled, "This is too weird."

Frank bounced is ball as they walked down the sidewalk. "Seeing the old neighborhood again?"

"Seeing you again." She looked at him. "I expected you to change so much, especially when Lannie told me you'd gone off to some gifted boarding school. I swear my entire face hit the floor. This is so not the Frankie I know."

"Me?" He pointed to his own chest. "What about you? All over Ireland, France, Italy. Ruling the world and stuff."

"Puh-lease," Jasmine dismissed. "You know I don't change. I just improve. Only thing good about it was not having to listen to all those pathetic cracks people try to make."

"I'll wail on anybody who gives you grief," Frank vowed. "Just like before."

Jasmine smiled at him. "Nope. You ain't change worth a dang."

Frank ran fingers over his basketball somewhat bashfully. "Ya know, I still remember how we used to pretend to be married to each other."

"Maybe you were pretending," she said coyly. "It was real to me."

Before Frank could say anything, she snagged the ball and darted across the street. Frank hurried after her. When they reached the court, they found an empty hoop and passed the ball back and forth between each other.

"I can't believe everything that's been happening since we've been away." Jasmine tossed the ball over to him, her face saddening. "I am so sorry about your sister."

Frank caught the ball, squeezing it tightly between his hands. "Me, too." He tossed and sunk the ball. "I'm just glad my mom's doing better."
"And Linny," Jasmine went on. "When I found out what happened, I felt horrible for all those pranks we used to pull on him. I cannot believe he's out there doing the Lord's work. You talk to him much?"

"We write." Frank chased down the ball. "He usually can't be reached by phone."

Jasmine tucked a loose stand from her ponytail behind her ear. "Your mom didn't mention the Sergeant too much. How's he?"

Frank dribbled the ball in place. "Same old, same old."

She deduced, "So basically about ready to join my mom's club?"

"Yep," he nodded.

Jasmine approached the next part carefully. "Your teacher…"

Frank looked up. "What about him?"

"You call him by his first name. He and Lan seem real cool around each other. And he acts so worried about you." She walked up to him. "Are your parents in trouble?"

"He put her in the nuthouse for being sad, Jas," Frank emphasized. "Then he wanted to act like we couldn't see her. Erik, my other headmaster Charles, the kids at school, they've been there for us like nobody else."

"I'm here for you, too," she told him. "Whatever happens."

"Thanks, Jas." He stepped back and threw the ball her way. "Think fast."

She somewhat wobbly caught it then started towards the hoop.

Frank ran after her and attempted to block her path. When all efforts to get around in proved in vain, she moved to simply dash ahead.

"Ha," Frank clamped his arms around her, "nice try." He then paled and shivered as her entire body slipped straight through his.

Jasmine fell out behind him, landing on the pavement and dropping the ball. She glanced up to take in his reaction with supremely apprehensive hazel eyes.

Scanning their surroundings briefly, Frank saw that the few other kids present were too involved in their own games to have witnessed anything.

"Jas… you…" Fear overcame his face and tone. "You're not really here, are you? Something happened… are you an angel?"

"No, no," she shook her head hard. "Frank, I'm alive." She held her hand up to him. "I'm right here."

Taking the thinner hand in his own, Frank helped her return to her feet. "You are really here." A relieved smile came to his face before he pulled her into a strong hug.

Surprised at first, Jasmine reciprocated the gesture. "It's okay? You don't think it's bizarre? We're still friends?"

"Of course we're still friends," he responded firmly, moving to face her again. "Jas, we're more than that… we're the same."

Confusion overcame her. "What are you talking about?"

Taking her hand, Frank brought them over to an isolated section of stone wall. "Now watch."

Jasmine remained still in anticipation.

Igniting his eyes, Frank let go of his transparency beam.

Covering her mouth from her startled gasp, she looked from the now crystal clear wall to him. "Frank," she grinned giddily, "oh my God!"

He gave off an expression near equal to hers. "I can do so many things with my eyes. First it was just giving off this blinding light last year, now it's transparency- I can even see in the dark, bright as day."

"Mine started two years ago." She clamped hands with him. "That's why me and Dad have been pretty silent."

"I'm so glad you came back, Jazzy." Frank practically radiated joy. "This is fantastic. Now we can go to school together."

She turned perplexed again. "You mean your school?"

"Yeah. See, I'll level with ya. The whole gifted thing's a cover-up. It's really a school for mutated kids- mutants. That's what we are." He then assured, "I swear it's not as gross as it sounds."

Jasmine absorbed all of that then responded, "Okay then. We seriously need to catch up. Like really, really."

"Let's go talk to Erik. And my mom. She'll never believe you're like me."

The girl bit her lip. "Actually, she kinda, sorta already knows."

Frank's face drooped in astonishment. "Huh?"

IIIIIII

Spotting the forlorn figure as he came down, Alex stopped to sit by her.

"What is this thing you have for stairs?" he joked before asking, "Did you talk to them yet?"

"Not quite yet I'm afraid," Cordelia answered with a sigh.

"Alright, up," he hauled her to her feet as he also stood, "up, up. I'm with you."

"Okay," she went along pleasantly.

Alex pressed a supportive hand to her back as they made their way into Charles' study. He and Emma stopped talking and the latter stood from her seat on the desk, both telepaths clearly sensing something in the atmosphere.

"Cordy, what's wrong?" Emma asked her sister in concern.

The teenage girl stepped forward. "Alex and I lingered at the community center for a bit after Joey went off to art class. Gymnastics are starting very soon and I really want to try out."

A less than favorable expression came to Emma's face. "Sweetheart, I'm just not sure. We both know the stress and pressure that go into that. And you never go half-asked."

"Your sister is right I'm afraid," Charles agreed. "After all that's taken place, participating in something so rigorous may be too much of a strain."

Before Cordelia could voice so much as a word of protest, Alex went to stand beside her. "I disagree."

Emma folded her arms in intrigue. "Do you?"

"I'm a serious athlete," Alex reminded them, "and I know from experience that sports give you something to focus on and look forward to. It gives you a sense of achievement where school and home sometimes fall short. Glimmer can do this if she wants and I'm willing to work with her."

Charles stroked his chin. "Is that what you believe to be best?"

"Yes, sir," the younger man confirmed.

"Then I support your professional judgment," Charles stated without a trace of doubt.

Hands moving to her hips now, Emma concurred with, "So do I, but there will be ground rules. At least there will be when I figure out what they are."

Jumping up in the air, Cordelia ran over to hug her sister then Charles. "Thank you both." She hurried back over, "But especially you, Alex," and pecked his cheek.

Alex smiled at her. "Come on." He started out with her. "We need to get a regiment together for you."

Cordelia bounced enthusiastically after him.

Though it pleased her to see her so content, Emma still felt bothered at the other feelings she detected from Cordelia whenever Alex made his presence known. She could only hope things would not get out of hand.

IIIIIII

Excitement resonated throughout the Cheshire Club as audience members filled it. Erik, Alana, Frank, and Jasmine shared one circular table.

When dinner came around, the Master of Ceremonies stepped out to the podium. "I'd like to thank you all for coming out to join us here at Cheshire tonight. I believe you'll get your money's worth because tonight we welcome back a kid who's sound we haven't had the pleasure of hearing in a few years now. Let's have a big hand for the man straight off the Emerald Isle, Trick Hughes."

A round of applause went off, signaling a man with ash blonde hair to step out. He wore a tieless black suit with an orchid colored collared shirt.

Gripping the microphone, he offered the people present a smile before uplifting the room in his distinct brogue. "Thank you. Thank you, all. It's far more than what I deserve- but I'll take it anyhow." He received several laughs for that. "But seriously, it's good to be back in the US of A, especially right here in New York. One benefit I have of traveling abroad is that it feels as if I'm welcomed home wherever I may go. I am also privileged to carry home in my heart so long as I have the light of my life along for the ride. My precious baby, Jasmine."

The girl in question beamed in admiration of him. Alana smiled, touching her shoulder while Frank and Erik looked on in approval.

"This is for you, Precious," Trick concluded.

The lights went dim and the melody began to pour from his lips.

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No I won't be afraid
Oh, I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

So darling, darling
Stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand, stand by me
Stand by me

If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
All the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
No, I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And darling, darling
Stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand now, stand by me
Stand by me

So darling, darling
Stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand now, stand by me, stand by me
Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me
Oh stand by me, oh won't you stand now, stand
Stand by me

Audience members went into an uproar as soon as he concluded.

After another number from him, Jasmine brought their table into her father's dressing room. He stood before the lighted mirror, drinking thirstily from a bottled water.

"Daddy!" Jasmine went to him.

Smiling, Trick placed the water down and knelt to hug her. "There's my Precious." He pulled back to look at her, holding onto her hands. "How did I sound? Did I fail the second chorus?"

"You were terrific," Jasmine guaranteed then gestured towards the other. "Look who's here."

"Lannie." Opening his arms, Alana went right into them. He hoisted her with a great squeeze. "Ay, you're a better sight to behold than the angels themselves." He placed her down.

She said happily, "You looked good out there."

"You look better anywhere," he countered then turned to the boy in the room. "Sure as the day is done my eyes be deceivin' me. This cannot be little Frankie Tolbert. Last I saw you, you were nothing but a wee babby and now you're halfway to manhood."

Frank went to hug him as well. "Don't stay gone so long next time and maybe you won't miss so much."

Trick messed his hair vigorously. "Ah, you haven't changed a bit, boyo. Still acting the maggot I see." He then took in the other, incredibly silent, man present. "And who might this be?"

Frank took hold of one of the metal wielder's hands to tug him over. "This is Erik Lehnsherr. Erik, meet Trick."

Extending a hand, Erik commended, "Topnotch performance."

"Thank you." Trick shook with him. "I truly appreciate you coming out for it."

Erik's expression tightened. "However, your other talents are of greater interest to me."

The color nearly drained from Trick's face and he turned to Alana, clearly taken aback. "Lannie, how could you? I trusted you."

"You don't understand," Alana hurried to explain. "Erik is one of you. So is Frank. I found out a few months back when I was dealing with everything with Linny."
Jasmine added, "She's right, Daddy. Frank saw my powers and he showed me his."

In demonstration, Erik caused every possible object, from the radio to the lamps, to float until they connected with the ceiling.

An amazed Trick faced the metallic wizard. "We are truly one and the same, man. You have the telekinesis within you. Same as we do."

Erik put everything back into place then told him, "I'm afraid mine is limited to strictly metals."

Trick folded his arms with a humored expression. "I wouldn't exactly call that much in the way of limitation."

"Give already," Frank urged. "Let's see yours, Trick."

"Ah boy." Trick sighed then readied himself.

Raising both hands, a wind seemed to fill the room as several different objects moved forward at once. Then he went entirely motionless until his entire body became transparent. Hovering up, Trick glided through one wall and came right back through it the same way.

He got to his feet and rematerialized. "I really need to work on the sharp turns."

"Holy," Frank breathed.

Erik stepped up to Trick, who stood only a couple inches under his height. "Let's take a walk."

"Plan on bopping me off and flinging me into the Hudson, do you?" Trick lost his grin when Erik only started off without him. "He didn't answer me. Why isn't he answering me?"

Frank only shrugged with an innocent air about him.

IIIIIII

In-depth conversation marked Sean and Maya's entry into the mansion.

Their talking ceased the moment the familiar voice entered both their minds simultaneously. Sean, Maya, come to my study immediately, please.

Maya froze a moment. "I can't remember the last time I was called into the principal's office."

"Let's run," Sean suggested.

Seanie…

Coming, he returned meekly.

The couple entered the designated room. Both Charles and Emma stood there, the former's came making him taller somehow.

"Have a seat, please." Emma gestured towards the sofa. She waited for them to comply. "Charles and I need to talk to you about something that's been going on for far too long. Sean losing sleep with the late night calling, Maya's complete lack of supervision, the list goes on."

Alarm filled Sean in that moment. "Em, please listen."

"Sean, please," Charles said pointedly. "You'll have your chance to speak shortly. From here on out, everything Emma just named will cease. Maya," he looked directly at the young girl, "I'll need you to get a copy of your transcript and student record over to me as soon as possible. Then I'll have Hank and Raven come by to help you with your things."

Maya blinked twice. "Professor?"
"Emma and I as well as Erik are in complete agreement. You are a much needed and cherished asset to the X-Men as we hopefully are to you," Charles told her. "It's time you joined us officially."

Sean broke the ensuing quiet spell with, "I'm dead. I'm dead and in Heaven or having one of those dreams again."

Emma informed him, "You're both alive and fully awake, Sean."

"I'm joining the X-Men?" An overwhelmed Maya managed to get to her feet. "I'm… in the X-Men!"

Sean practically dive bombed Emma in a hug. "Thank you, Mommy!"

Trying not to fall over, Emma patted his back. "I wasn't alone in this."

The redhead lowered to hug Charles at the waist. "Thank you, Daddy!"

Maya laughed hoarsely at the display then went over to share a hug with Emma. Thank you so much.

Don't. Emma stroked her hair. This is where you belong.

Turning to where Charles knelt rubbing the elated Sean's back, Maya agreed entirely.

IIIIIII

"If you want the short version, I arrived in the states with my parents when I was fourteen," Trick walked side by side with Erik through the mostly secluded park not far from the club, "met a girl at fifteen, eloped and had a baby at sixteen. I already faced a lot of grief from different blokes when I first came over, between being punier than a pear and carrying this accent. But walking around with a woman of color on my arm?" He let off a long whistle. "That didn't sit too well with certain members of her community, felt I was honing in on one of theirs and all. One night on my way home from a dime act, three guys ganged up to take me out. When my powers went into play, I thought for a real moment that the good Lord had called me to stand before the Pearlies. Instead, I had everything a ghost had to offer with the added bonus of still breathing. That happened when I was seventeen."

Erik nodded, listening yet involved with his own thoughts. "And you confided in Alana?"

"She was a nurse and one of the sweetest misses I've ever known," Trick replied. "I couldn't bring it to Phillip. He's my friend, but he still swears by that uniform and the flag."

Erik quietly concurred with that sentiment. "Jasmine's mother, Yvonne, does she know?"

"Yes." A sour look crossed Trick's face. "And I curse my tongue every day for it. She tried to use it in our custody battle. Too bad for her it all sounded like a crazy folk tale. No burden of proof when it comes to," he searched for the term, "mutation. That's what you call it?"

"It's what it is," Erik responded. "We are, as some may believe, fortunate. Our abilities remain hidden for the most part. I thought myself to be a complete abnormality, a mistake of Creation, until I met the man I now call brother. Charles Xavier. We run an institution for mutants out of his home."

"There are more then." Trick grew in curiosity. "How many are there?"

"More than you realize," Erik stated. "With mutation developing at the rate it is, we've made it a mission to gather together for protection and training."

Trick noted, "A brotherhood if I ever heard it."

Erik stopped his pace to look at him. "We are brethren, Trick. Responsibility, accountability, we pledge it, especially in regards to our children. We can help Jasmine- help you- to better control these powers."

Taking a seat on top the backrest of a bench, Trick let off a short breath. "This is all so much, so soon."

Sitting on the bench, Erik emphasized, "Time is of the essence. We cannot be kept secret much longer. You took your daughter to Europe to keep her away from those seeking to do her harm. This is the same thing. Only now she will have the opportunity to exist freely among her own peers, the very notion of persecution nonexistent."

The younger man closed his hands together, going deeply into thought. "Stability, happiness, it's all I've ever hoped for." He faced the metal wielder. "All I do is for her, Erik. My little girl—"

"You spend every waking moment fretting over her," Erik interjected abruptly. "Even when she's in your arms, you wonder when someone will try to snatch her away. She sees the world in wonder, you see it as a venom most poisonous waiting to devour her whole."

Trick stared back at him in awe. "You've stolen the very thoughts from my head, man."

A half smile crossed Erik's face. "Wait until you meet my brother." He stood. "We should get back."

Trick stood up on the bench then jumped down. "Right you are." They began to walk back towards the club in peaceful quietness.

Erik glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. "You and Alana seem quite close."

"Yes, she really is one of a—" Getting the idea, Trick slowly looked at him. "Oh! You're thinking that she and I- perish the thought and send it back from whence it came. There's not enough money on God's own green to get me involved with a bean of my own homeland." He raised a coy eyebrow at Erik. "So, the Tolberts have met their time, eh? I can't say I didn't see this coming."

"What do you mean?"

"Any divorcee knows the signs," Trick stated. "Once Phil left her in that facility without whispering so much as a word about Linny's condition, I almost heard the final nail pound in the coffin. Besides, I happened to catch the two of you tonight. Very suspiciously reminiscent of a date."

"It wasn't," was all Erik said to that.

"I bear no ill criticisms towards you, but please," Trick lifted his hands in renunciation, "don't feel the need to kick my arse."

A trace of a chuckle echoed from Erik's chest.

IIIIIII

Feet swaying contentedly in the air, a pajama clad Cordelia lay out across her bed, leafing through a copy of Sports Illustrated.

Though she had the door wide open, Alex still knocked on the doorway. "Can I come in?"

She sat up on her knees. "Of course."

"I have something for you." He sat on the edge of the bed. "Give me your hand."

"To smack?" she quipped.

"Maybe," he replied slyly.

Extending the requested appendage, Cordelia waited as Alex deposited the X patch into her hand. She glanced back at him with a growing smile.

Alex told her, "It'll help you remember you're not in this alone."

"Havok," she glided a fingernail across the letter, "thank you so much."

Alex patted her head as he stood. "See you in the morning, kid." He walked out.

Cordelia gaped after the departing figure. Kid…?

IIIIIII

Listening to Trick's tales from Ireland complete with photo album, Erik left him with the children while he went to assist Alana with coffee prep in the kitchen.

Resting one hand against the counter nearest the stove, Erik raised, "So this is how you really know about mutants."

Alana turned from the boiling pot. "Yes. I just never knew what it was called. Yet it seems wherever I turn," she walked up to him, "they find a way into my life."

"Unfortunate."

"That's your opinion." She gestured with her head out into the living room. "Think you'll have any trouble with the new addition?"

"Quite the contrary," Erik said. "Jasmine seems to have a good head on her shoulder."

She smirked at him. "I meant Trick."

He returned, "We'll see, won't we?"

They brought the coffee along with milk for the young ones out in time to hear Trick recalling a story about opening for Frank Sinatra.