X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Ninety Two
Author's Word: Well, despite the snowstorm, having to drop off twenty dollars to my sister who's child needs a prescription because she is sick yet again, having the car stuck in a snow drift, having to figure out family bill payment, and needing nourishment and sleep for my night shift tonight I managed to get this chapter posted. Personally, I was a little worried there. So my Valentine Adoption Day was wonderfully spent at Grandma's. Also, thank you to everyone for the reviews and PMs.
Side Note: If anyone has any questions about any particular clothing featured in this chapter, think X-Men Evolution. If you're really lost, PM me. Please enjoy and review!
Bags in hand, Sean entered the mansion through the front way, closing the doors after him with as much stealth and quiet as one possessing such a lanky body had to offer. He got out of his shoes to better tip upstairs.
On the second floor, he locked eyes with Jasmine as she left the bathroom in her robe.
As if knowledgeable about his desire not to draw attention, she whispered, "What're you doing?"
"Working on a little surprise for Maya." Sean approached her and bent to kiss her cheek, making her form a toothy smile. He then withdrew a red tulip from the multicolor bouquet he had with him. "Happy First Day of School, love."
Jasmine held the flower to her with a grand delicacy as she watched him stroll off to his room.
IIIIIII
Sunrise bathing over his shirtless body, Logan sat cross-legged in front of one of the backyard flower beds. Hands pressed against his knees and eyes squeezed shut, he stayed in the calm motionless position.
Tea service in her possession, Maya stepped out of the house and carefully made her way over to him. She paused momentarily to observe then continued on.
"Good morning," she greeted kindly.
The man reacted by shooting his right hand out, which made three long claws extend from his knuckles.
At Maya's frozen wide eyed countenance, he quickly lowered his hand. "I'm sorry— I just… the senses don't warn me so good when I drift off."
Placing the tray down, Maya held a petitioning hand out. "May I?"
Realizing she meant his claws surprised him at first, but he replied, "Go for it."
Clasping both her hands over his right one, Maya's fingers moved the length of the boney attachments. "Where did they come from?"
"Had him as long as I can remember," he told her. "Came along with the rest of the freak package. Not somethin' I go around showin' off with kids underfoot."
"Doesn't it hurt?" She touched the three exit points.
He stated, "Pain is weakness leavin' your body," and absorbed the claws back inside his hand. "What're you doin' up so early?"
"I'm used to it. I still feel like I need to get my mom's coffee ready every morning." Joining him in the grass, she dragged the tea service over.
"Thanks, darlin'." Logan began pouring himself a cup. "Exactly what I needed."
Maya watched him a moment then asked, "Were you praying?"
"Somethin' like it." He took a long sip of tea. "Technique I picked up from some friends back in Japan. Helps my head." Gazing around them, he commented, "This place doesn't hurt it, either."
"I know," she concurred. "It's so beautiful here."
"You excited to start school with your little friends?"
"I was." Maya stretched out on the ground and set her stare upward. "I've been in and out of this house to the point where it really did feel like home. But now that summer's over, I can't help feeling like the real freak around here."
Logan studied her a moment. "You ever fire a pistol?"
The taken aback girl turned to him with a completely thunderstruck expression.
IIIIIII
Linked up with Joey, Cordelia moved rhythmically with him through the main floor hall.
"Hey, wait up." Alex walked over and took Joey's free hand.
The little boy laughed when the two older individuals hoisted him up.
Cordelia asked Alex, "You're going to WU this morning?"
"Yeah, gonna get some studying in until my class later." Alex then looked up and realized her full appearance of a knee length yellow checkered dress with white boots and headband. "Whoa."
She grew alarmed at first. "What?"
"Nothing," he assured. "I'm just so used to seeing you in sweats."
Her worry immediately relaxed. "My father would be aghast if he even thought I dared to wear pants to school."
"You look great," Alex commended.
Cordelia smiled at him. "Thank you."
A shriek sounded, causing the three of them to hurry into the dining room.
There they found Maya with both hands over her mouth, eyes locked on a chair decorated in multiple colorful streamers. A banner had been taped to the head of the chair with a picture of Sean and Maya and a note reading "The Year of Our Lives".
"Cool!" Joey said, going over to take a look at the décor.
"My goodness." Emma walked in. "What is all this?"
Sean came in with several of the others, a vase of tulips in his hand. "You like?"
"Sean…" Maya proved speechless as she took the vase then read the note attached to it. "For the Xavier Institute MVP."
Cordelia's eyebrow went up. "MVP?"
Maya explained, "My full name is Maya Vivian Patterson."
A sardonic Cordelia thought to herself, Of course it is.
Putting the flowers down at the center of the table, Maya leapt up into Sean's arms. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Holding her closely, he only replied, "I love you."
"Lucky," Raven said with a small pout. "Wish Hank was going to school with me."
Alex dropped into his usual chair. "Let the nausea begin."
"It already has," Cordelia mumbled.
As everyone soon gathered for the breakfast brought out to the table, Erik watched the younger girls come in. Becky wore a ruffled pink skirt with white collared blouse, tights, and Mary-Jane's; her hair restrained into loose pigtails tied with pink ribbons. Jasmine had on a short blue jean skirt with matching vest and a red shirt under it. Tall black pumps covered her feet. She'd pinned a tulip into her hair but the makeup on her face distracted from any other color found on her body. Erik refrained from commenting for the moment and accepted the peck to his cheek Becky greeted him with.
Judging from Charles' silent yet crystal clear reaction in addition to the glance he sent Erik's way, the Professor felt much of the same.
Trick glided into the room last. "Morning, people." He kissed the top of Jasmine's head, "Morning, beautiful," before sitting beside her.
Charles and Erik shared another look.
IIIIIII
From across the outdoor space, Leon walked up and peeked over Alex's shoulder.
"New field strategies and methods with emphasis on individual powers," he read.
Alex closed his notebook. "Geez dude, wear a bell."
Leon sat across from him at the table. "Are you plotting a very violent chess tournament?"
"Sure, for when I'm eighty," Alex came back with. "This is just some extra credit I'm working on for POGO."
Leon slipped off his backpack. "Do you feel like going at the weights after school?"
"I can't," Alex turned down. "I need to fly home as soon as Dugray's class gets out. I just hope he doesn't prattle forever."
"What's so important?"
"I need to help out with my brothers."
Leon nodded. "Right."
They then saw Jam headed over, walking side by side with Dean Stavros.
"I'm sure you'll enjoy it," Stavros went on as Jam took a seat at the table. He took notice of the other boys present. "Hello, gentlemen."
"Hello, sir," they returned.
Stavros turned back to Jam. "Remember, Friday at noon. He'll be expecting you."
"Oh yes, sir," Jam replied assuredly. "Thanks again."
"What was that about?" Alex asked after the Dean walked away.
"He was telling me about an internship that just opened up in the Business Department," Jam explained. "It'll be perfect because it's only a few hours a week so it won't mess with my B plus minimum requirement."
Leon squinted in confusion. "Jam, scholarships can go as low as a B minus minimum."
Jam said, "Not according to my dad and his size fourteen shoe."
Alex snorted. "I'll trade your old man's shoe size for mine's belt size."
Jam pointed a finger at him and asked, "You ever been smacked with a wet towel?"
"What exactly are we talking about," Raven walked up, putting a hand on Alex's shoulder, "and why can't I resist joining this conversation?"
Leon clarified, "Parental torture implements."
"Oh, let me try." Raven thought a moment. "Hairbrush."
Alex shook his head while Jam commented, "That's a girl for you."
They all looked up as a row of maroon and gold clad horn blowers barreled through.
Another stood on a chair and announced, "Pi Alpha Kappa is pleased to present you with this year's fresh Beauty Queen. After much deliberation, we have selected one so sexy, so gorgeous, but so unfortunately off the market. Mrs. Raven McCoy."
The mutated female became absolutely still. "What?"
An Alpha member rushed up, placing a red and gold crown on her head then handed her a scepter of matched coloring. "Long live the queen."
Jam seconded, "Long live the queen," then started to clap.
Shrugging, Alex began clapping and he and Leon joined in on the chanting that ensued.
Raven glanced around with initial dismay then melted into a smile and offered those present a wave.
IIIIIII
"With this being my very first class at my brand new school, the concept of "the beginning" and origins has been floating throughout my mind." Kayla paced the short distance in front of the library's desk then faced the teenagers in full. "My ancestors originated from the Blackfoot tribe of the Canadian Rockies, meaning although I am in fact Indian, I am in no way a Native American."
Frank surmised, "So you don't hate America."
"Not a bit," Kayla answered, not at all offended by the remark. "But I fully understand how you might carry that presumption. Not all misgivings about those different from ourselves stem from hatred but from a lack of knowledge. Frank, where did your family originate?"
"Ireland," he answered. "And England. I guess. My mom's people migrated with my great grandparents and my dad's came during the late 1700's I think."
Kayla nodded. "Sean?"
"Irish over here, too," the redhead replied. "My grandfather still has his accent."
"Maya," Kayla indicated next.
"Scottish mostly with some Dutch thrown in," Maya explained.
"And you Cordelia?"
She did not look up from scribbling on a paper. "My father's great-greats came to Boston on apprenticeships."
Kayla continued. "And many years later, we face a whole new start. In the form of each and every one of you. Sometime from now your own descendants will look upon you as their own beginning. You have to decide what you're going to leave behind for them."
"It's not even just nationality anymore," Maya put forth. "There's mutation to consider."
Cordelia stated, "Not really your problem, is it?"
Sean turned to face her. "It is if she has mutant children with someone. Even if they're normal, people are supposed to care about other people, mutant or not."
"Thank you for that, Sean," Kayla said positively.
While Kayla kept on, Sean slipped a hand over one of Maya's and she gazed at him gratefully. Frank listened intently to Kayla and Cordelia added a clown face to her doodle.
IIIIIII
The moment he spotted the sibling pair coming near the student union, Jam made a show of falling to his knees at Raven's side.
"Oh Your Royal Fineness, I know you have a man and I still live off allowance checks from my parents but I say we can leave it all behind and start a new life," he mock declared.
Hiding a smile, Raven dismissed him with, "Shut up, Jam."
"I'm not sure if I'm ready for such a commitment," Leon approached the group, "but I'd personally love an autograph." He showed them a flyer with Raven's picture taking up the bulk of the page and Beauty Queen printed at the bottom.
"Where'd you get this?" Raven took it for closer observation.
Leon told her, "The Alphas distributed them all over campus."
Alex noted, "They're not fooling around with this thing."
"Only fools would take this seriously." They all looked to see Natalie Carver come stand before Raven. "Yet another stunt by the Alphas to undermine to Omegas. They pick a new Barbie every year to use as their own personal ornament. Some of us don't need crowns to stand as queens." She stared directly at Raven. "Enjoy that piece of plastic on your head. It's about as real as everything else about you."
"Nat," Jam frowned.
It stunned Alex when Raven's reaction was to turn and walk away at a rapid pace.
"Lay the hell off my sister," Alex ordered of Natalie before following. "Raven! Rae, wait." He caught up with her when she stopped to sit on a circular bench outside. "Hey, come on." He sat next to her. "This isn't like you. Since when do you let chicks like her get to you?"
Raven's currently hazel eyes shined his way and her tone hinted at tears. "She's right. I am fake. Alex, we both know I'm not really beautiful."
"Cut that out." He brought her into a hug and stroked her hair. "Yeah, you are. It doesn't matter what form you take. It's still you."
Raven took the crown off her head. "Can we please not tell anyone about this?"
"Sure," he promised then stood, taking her hand.
She got up, following him inside.
IIIIIII
Rapid footsteps charging forward, Lighthouse quickly got ahead of Eel.
"Better luck next time, sparks," Lighthouse jeered with a laugh.
Then a small figure leaped over their heads in the form of the young Silver Cat. He wore a full body gray and orange suit and a half mask with pointed ears that allowed him to visibly smirk.
"Looks like the only thing you can run is your mouth," he taunted Lighthouse.
Lighthouse, full face mask on, did not bother to glare but his voice reflected his sentiment. "This is kid stuff. Wait until you see me on the field."
"Guys, come on." Cyclops walked forward out to the backyard. "We'll be late."
Silver Cat waited for the older two to go then shared a high five with Eel.
"Boys," Spirit and Becky remarked together as they walked out.
"Miss Hughes," Beast addressed when he saw the young girl, "that's not the uniform I originally designed for you."
Spirit had on a black suit with zigzagged black and white boots, white gloves, and a white cape she herself had added on. "I know, but I just wanted to add a little flavor to it. Plus Becky's cape is so cute. I had to have one."
Specter put a hand on Hank's shoulder and encouraged, "Go along with it. Save yourself a headache later."
When the children all gathered outside, the adults started to emerge.
"What is your Uncle Erik wearin'?" Silver Cat whispered. "He looks like a couple'la melted jelly beans."
Eel said back, "I keep telling him he needs a hat."
Once the entire household had made its way outside, Professor X stepped forward to address them. "Now that school is out for the day, it's time to begin your field and power training. While we do not, I repeat do not, expect any form of perfection as we try to help you hone your abilities, we have no tolerance for intentional misbehavior."
Magneto walked up next. "While it will vary based on instructor, failure to heed direction, power misuse, or any other such tomfoolery will result in immediate punishment. In some cases, this will take the form of mild but instant correction."
"What's the mean?" Silver Cat asked Eel quietly.
"Bop on the head," Eel explained. "Unless you're little like us. Then you get bopped on the butt."
"My dad always goes for my head."
"Shhh," Cyclops hissed their way.
"Do your best," Professor X went on. "That's all we can possibly ask."
Magneto dismissed them with, "Let us begin."
IIIIIII
Following the Howletts down into a sectioned off portion of the basement, Maya looked around at the numerous targets setup behind waist high blockades.
"What is all this?"
"Sweet, ain't it?" Wolverine then explained, "Convinced the Prof to use some of this dead space as a shootin' gallery."
"Okay, you do realize that I have never done anything like this before, right?" Maya felt the need to mention.
"Won't be able to say that after long," said Wolverine. "Fox, suit her up. Cat, grab me a girl gun."
Kayla adorned Maya with the ear and eye protection she needed. "Don't worry," she urged, squeezing the girl's shoulders. "He's actually not a half bad teacher."
Wolverine took the gun Silver Cat brought him. "Okay, first thing ya need to know is…" He glared down at his son. "This is a 22. I said a girl gun. You're tryin' to make her set it off big around here. What's a girl gun?"
"The revolver," the boy realized. He went to retrieve it from the case and brought it back. "Here."
"See what he's doin'?" Wolverine indicated to Maya how Silver Cat held the gun. "He's got it pointed down but not all the way." Maya nodded. "Watch this." He took the revolver and showed her every hand motion. "Keep away from the trigger until you're ready for it. Good thing about a revolver is that it won't go off as soon as somebody farts like half these guns will. Keep your pointer finger along the barrel." He stepped up to a target, gun pointed straight in front of him. "Now blow his brains out." He squeezed the trigger.
Maya flinched at the sound it produced and could not imagine it without her ear protection.
"It's alright," Kayla assured.
"Don't be scared." Wolverine walked over. "A gun's just like anything else in your hand. So long as you're the one holdin' it, it's all good. Come here, Smiley." He brought her to get in front of a target. He helped her hold up the gun in her thin hands. "Keep your arms straight."
Maya adjusted them, unable to believe the piece of metal she currently wielded. "Like this?"
"Yep. Remember to keep the hold firm, otherwise that recoil's gonna be murder on your shoulder." Wolverine stood right behind her. "Fire."
Sucking in a breath, Maya tugged on the shoulder then let off something of a silent scream when her bullet connected with the target.
"Good, you ain't drop it. 'Cept you got him in the stomach," Wolverine pointed. "Ya need to work on your aim. Fox, come show her that fem pose you do."
Kayla walked over and took the gun for demonstration. "All it takes," she shot the target's head, "is practice." She returned the gun to Maya.
The still edgy teenager imitated Kayla's movements as best she could. After a few seconds of being in the position, she got a bullet into the target's neck area.
Wolverine whistled. "A beauty shot. Nice one."
Maya did not quite know how to feel about such praise.
IIIIIII
The mutated gust sent every object hurling off the table that had been setup outside and Spirit lowered her arms.
"I don't believe this is traditional telekinesis," Beast noted. "Instead of requiring a great deal of mental energy, this power seems to take a lot from the heart and lungs. That was evident from her physical."
Specter said, "That's why she's typically not allowed to use it. It's placed cardiac strain on me before."
"I can make some further adjustments to her uniform," Beast offered up. "To keep her organs better regulated. And relax, Spirit. I can assure you the cuteness will remain in tack."
The girl clapped approvingly. "Walking through walls is easier."
"Let's see it," Banshee encouraged.
Spirit went behind a tree and took a dive straight through it, falling forward into the grass.
"I still can't fly," she announced.
"Don't feel bad." Banshee helped her stand. "It's not as easy as it looks. Watch this." He climbed up the tallest nearby tree, spread his arms out, and launched him with a scream.
Spirit observed him moving about like a falcon over their heads.
Turning transparent, Specter also took to the sky. "Mind sharing the airwaves?"
"I think I'd prefer someone prettier." Banshee flew down and grabbed hold of Spirit with one arm.
Placing both her own arms around his neck, she felt the wind brisk through her hair as the land around them took on a whole new grand glory.
"Oh my God," she grinned.
"Hold on tight," Banshee encouraged.
Spirit snuggled against his neck, fully enjoying the flight. She then laughed at the aerial loops her father performed off to the side.
IIIIIII
Gloved fist extended, Havok unleashed a small dosage of red plasma that sent the metallic disks hurling the opposite direction. At the array of lids that came their way next, he ducked, covering the significantly smaller male as he did so.
"Wait for it…" Havok jumped back up. "Go!"
Eel rushed forward alongside the elder mutant, determined to keep up with the pace.
At a figure leaping out at them from out of the bushes, he gasped and summoned up sparks from his hands.
Hardly hindered, Sabretooth lifted the child by his arms. "Ya barely grazed me, kid. Come on. You gotta react better than that when somebody really tries to grab you."
"Toast him, Eel," Havok commanded.
With a grunt, Eel sent out a burst strong enough to force Sabretooth into dropping him.
Havok caught him then tapped his bottom to prod him. "Run!"
Eel started to move again, Havok right with him. Taking Eel by the shoulder, Havok paused them as an enclosing of different metal jobs circled them. Any space they had proved too minute to so much as squirm through.
"Eel, move with me. And keep up. I don't want to hit you by mistake," instructed Havok.
"Right," Eel responded straightaway.
Twirling with their rears out of reach, Havok blasted every bit that currently enclosed them.
The objects lifted slightly and Eel made out an opening. He got down to his stomach and rolled himself free. On top of a boulder, he spotted Magneto and used both hands to dispense his electricity. The wizard of metal toppled over upon contact, but still managed to land on upraised knee. The materials promptly dropped, allowing Alex out.
"Nice one, short stuff." Victor approached the small group. "Ya nailed him."
Eel rushed over to the fallen one. "I'm sorry, Uncle Magneto."
"Don't be," the man shook his head, getting to his feet. "You reacted with the sense to take the threat at its source." He rubbed the part of Joey's hair that stuck out through his facial covering. "Well done, Kangaroo."
"Thanks," the child smiled.
"Though next time," Havok came over, "I want you to follow orders. We know it's just Magneto out here, but it could be a whole army next time. Only try something like that if it's major life and death or if we at least have a telepath with us. Got it?"
"Got it, Havok," Eel replied.
"Let's go again, come on," Havok directed.
"As you would have it," Magneto said wryly.
Sabretooth went to get back in position.
As they started walking off, Havok put a hand on Eel's shoulder. "And one more thing." The little boy glanced up expectedly. "I'm real proud of you." He tweaked the small nose then jogged ahead.
A grinning Eel hurried to follow.
IIIIIII
Down below in the gym, the combination of diamond, gold, and blue went to work.
"You both seem so distracted today," Emma noted as she hurled the jagged edged stars out. "Anything going on?"
Mystique deflected each sharp piece with calculated movement. "School stuff."
"And what about you?" Emma sent a karate chop out at her sister.
Glimmer grabbed her arm and performed a flip over Emma's body. "Life severely lacks fairness."
"Preaching to the choir there, gorge." Mystique ran towards Emma with a kick.
Seizing her by the ankle, Emma launched the shape-shifter off towards the back wall. "Does anyone care to be a bit more specific? It's a little difficult to read minds when I'm like this."
Upon connection, Mystique walked up the wall and came down securely on her feet. "Girls are evil."
"Horrible," Glimmer seconded.
Retrieving a pair of daggers, Emma went at the teenager with them. "Have you been talking to Adrienne?"
Glimmer's gold casing fended off the blades easily. "I'm not quite that desperate yet."
Mystique came down between them, using a hand to shove each one back. "I wonder how Maya's doing with Wolverine."
Colliding with her back against a wall, Glimmer quickly got back into a defensive position. "I think she's a little too busy making time with her precious beau to be bothered with things like this."
"I don't like the hostility I've sensed between the two of you," Emma remarked, adjusting herself.
"Yeah, seriously leave Maya alone." Mystique tackled Glimmer, managing to get her down on a floor mat. "It's not her fault. So she has a great guy. So she gets voted Most Beautiful. That's no excuse to attack her."
An incredulous Glimmer managed to get out from under her. "Honestly? She won Most Beautiful?"
"Well, no but—" Getting up, Mystique groaned. "That's it. I need five."
"I need chocolate. But oh yes, that's right. I can't have any because if I look at it my body will swell to the point that Moby himself will mock me." Lips poked out, Glimmer returned to her regular body inside her white sleeveless X-Men uniform.
Watching them leave out, Emma silently apologized to the universe for her own adolescence.
IIIIIII
"There goes another one!"
Seeing the figure without weaponry, Cyclops said, "He's yours, 'House."
Lighthouse delivered his blinding light, making the black cloaked one dissipate.
"Alright, good," Havok kept his eyes glued to their performance, "keep it up. Cyclops, don't take out anybody that's not armed. We don't need to show off excessive force here."
Becky groaned, touching her forehead. "Alex, I'm having trouble keeping up with your directions. Your mind is everywhere."
"Sorry, babes," he apologized. "I'll try to slow things down."
"It feels so weird." She went over to touched his arm. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Havok assured. "Look, why don't you go catch up with the Triad? I'll do some speed training with the guys."
"Okay." She regarded him another moment before heading across the yard.
Havok put a hand to his head and sighed deeply through the nose.
IIIIIII
Landing on a high tree branch, Beast gazed about and kept his ears sharp.
"I believe the correct phrase here is, 'here kitty, kitty'."
"Meow!" Sabretooth came down, promptly kicking him towards the ground.
"Classic ambush." Beast yanked hold of another branch then dropped to his bare feet. "You never cease to amaze me, my friend."
"Let's see how well this amazes you." Sabretooth launched himself downward, fist out.
Beast grabbed the appendage and tossed him off to the side. "I noticed your uniform was the first to go missing."
The tall blonde mutant currently wore a brown leather pants suit with an X belt looped through along with his X patch stitched to the right shoulder of his long coat.
"What's it to ya?" He charged at Beast again.
"I can't help but feel the slightest bit of flattery." Beast collided with him in turn and the two went rolling.
Sabretooth got him pinned, squeezing his forearms tightly. "Ya ain't half bad with a sewing machine. Now all I need is a petticoat and some matchin' earrings."
"Petticoats? Careful." Beast kicked him up and off. "Your age is showing."
Sabretooth growled and rushed him once more. When they got in close proximity again, Sabretooth obtained the upper hand. He bent at the waist then delivered a swat hard enough to make him fall forward.
Looking over his shoulder, Beast wanted to know, "What was that for?"
"That's what I do to oversized brats. Also," he stood over him and held out a hand, "I hate ya."
Smirking, Beast locked up with him and returned to a standing position along with their sparring match.
IIIIIII
At Emma's excessive pacing, Professor X spoke into her mind. Keep that up and we'll be plowed enough to plant winter vegetables.
"I'm trying to get a grip on our young X-Women." She ceased her movements. "On the one hand, I have my normally sweet yet presently troubled little sister with whom I'm trying desperately to reconnect. Then there's wonderful and ever pleasant Maya who rubs her the wrong way for some reason. God only knows what's happening to Raven in college."
"Have you taken a look at some of Jasmine's fashion choices?" Charles brought up.
"Every young girl goes through that phase," Emma waved off. "I know I did."
"And you're still not over it," he tacked on.
Emma put a hand on her hip. "Never heard you complain before, sugar."
"Hm." The Professor turned with a smile at who came their way next. "Here's one little girl who remains sunshine through every storm." He lifted Becky and held her close then sensed something. "What's the matter, Princess?"
Peeking up from resting on his shoulder, she said, "I'm glad you're here, Uncle Charles."
He kissed her cheek. "Because of you." He glanced towards Emma. Two. "Are we ready to begin?"
"I believe so." Emma went to stand at her side.
"What are we doing today?" Becky asked.
Going deep inside, Professor X told her. This is new territory so we'll all have to remain close. He took Emma's hand. Ready?
Emma pressed her free hand to the back of Becky's cape. Ready.
Becky's thought solidified it. Ready.
Taking a breath, Professor X led them as internally far back as he could. His eyes bulged while Emma and Becky felt sudden lightheadedness come over them.
When they all found footing again, or something similar to it, they discovered the Xavier grounds replaced with a solid silver atmosphere. Emma's body had become enveloped in a stunning white, Charles' illuminated green, and Becky shined with bright pink; their hair and eye colors remained most visible.
Where are we? Emma looked around in sheer marvel.
Off the physical plane, Professor X stated.
Becky floated upward several feet. It feels so nice in here. Really warm but cool and fresh, too.
Stay with us, my Princess. Charles followed her up and used his essence to hover safely over hers.
Emma went as well. How have we done this?
Together. After the accident, I felt my life trying to leave me, but something would not allow it. I tried to establish contact with you, love, but you were too injured.
Emma nodded, remembering all of this. You waited until you could reach Rebecca.
Yes, but I feel that the biggest reason I survived that day was due to—
An abrupt rush returned them to their true surroundings. All three lay stretched out on their backs with Banshee standing over them.
"Are you guys okay?" the redhead asked. "You looked kind of stiff-ified."
"Never better, sweetheart," Emma answered, rolling over to lean on Charles.
"Quite," the Professor seconded.
Becky cuddled against his other side, aglow from the unbelievable session.
IIIIIII
Seated at the kitchen table with a yogurt, Cordelia looked up at the ringing telephone.
"I'll get it," she called out. Standing, she took hold of the kitchen extension. "Hello, Xavier Institute."
"And hello to you, too, my dear."
"Daddy," Cordelia formed a wide smile upon recognizing his voice, "hi. How are the happenings in Boston?"
"Tedious and hollow without your presence," Winston responded. "How are you, my girl?"
"A little better I suppose," Cordelia said. "I told you I made the gymnastics team, right?"
"I never doubted that much. You haven't had any trouble heeding to Charles and Emma, yes?"
"Not really," she replied. "Charles is just a gem of a man and it's been good being around sis again. The other instructors here are nice as well."
"Excellent," Winston said with approval. "Now tell me, how was your first day of school?"
"Fine…"
"Which translates to?"
Cordelia sighed. "Daddy, why do some girls have to have it all? Looks, brains, absolute popularity…"
Winston cut her off with, "Why are some girls born into absolute wealth? Cordelia, envying another's achievements won't better you at all. Instead, you need to focus on your own self-improvement."
She studied her fingernails. "I know."
"And I know that tone. I have raised three teenagers before you," he reminded her. "Are you actually listening to me or are you nodding along until I'm convinced enough to move on to the next topic?"
"Must you live and breathe brilliance, Winston Frost?"
"Flattery won't distract me, either. I want you to remember what I've told you. Understand?"
"Yes, Daddy," the girl answered.
Convinced for the moment, Winston went on with, "Very good. Now, keep your mind on your studies and athletics and forget this popularity nonsense. I have to step out, but have your sister call me after supper. I want to hear all about Little Charles' art class."
"Alright. Talk to you soon and I love you."
"I love you, too, Cordy." The smile reflected through the phone. "To the ends of the earth."
They said goodbye and hung up. Cordelia waved a hand, grownups, then returned to her small snack.
IIIIIII
At the knock to her door, Raven did not look up from her poetry homework as she responded, "It's open."
Emma stepped inside with a piece of paper in hand. "Raven, this fell out from some of your school things and I have to say—"
Realizing what she had with her, Raven stood, stormed over, and snatched the flyer. "Okay, so the stupid Alpha boys made me their stupid Beauty Queen. I didn't ask for this, I in no way wanted this. I'm just outside minding my own business, when suddenly a giant crown lands on my head. And you know something else? I enjoyed it. Every single minute of it. Everywhere I went, people adored me. So what if precious Omega Queen Natalie Carver thinks I'm just a shallow little Barbie doll? There is nothing wrong with Barbie. Barbie has been a ballerina, a model, a business exec, a nurse, a flight attendant, and a butt load of other things all while planning her big dream wedding to Ken." Raven ticked off fingers as she spoke. "We should all just aspire to be like Barbie!"
A perfectly calm Emma waited for the tirade to end before she spoke again. "I only wanted to congratulate you. I think it's wonderful."
Raven blinked twice. "Oh… it's been a hard day."
"You don't say? Because it's not as if you've been projecting feelings my way like a barrage of missiles."
Raven plopped back down into her desk chair. "If any other girl in school had won this, she'd be able to come home with bragging rights. No, not me. I'd just get repetitive lectures about how I'm disgracing my blueness."
Emma knelt next to her, placing an arm around the younger female. "Not from me you won't. Raven, as "unnatural" as they are, you're the one who dreams up these different faces. And each and every one you use is beautiful, blue and beyond."
Leaning against her tiredly, "I really need you in my life."
"And I need you talk to me if you ever feel this way." Emma squeezed her chin. "Spoken by someone who has been compared to Barbie ever since the lovely dear made her debut."
Raven nodded. "Thanks, gorge."
"You're welcome," Emma stood back up, "gorge. I'll let you get back to studying." She turned to go.
Holding up the flyer, Raven took another long look at it.
IIIIIII
Coming into Scott's doorway, Charles said, "I spy a little boy not doing his homework."
Said boy glanced up sheepishly, closing the comic book. "Sorry. I was just taking a break."
Charles came over to the bed and picked up the colorful book. "This reminds me." He sat down by him on the bed. "A certain someone has a birthday coming up just around the corner."
Scott laid back against him. "Anyone I know?"
"I'll give you a hint." Charles folded arms around him. "It's someone I love very dearly."
Rolling his head back, Scott looked up at him through ruby quartz. "That really doesn't narrow it down."
"Which is why I'm the Professor." Charles pecked his head then saw someone walk by them out in the hall. "Trick." He got up and went after the other man, catching up with him quickly. "I've been meaning to speak to you."
"What's happening, Charlie boy?" Trick turned to face him in full.
"Now I don't mean any offense with this. However, Erik and I have both taken notice of some of Jasmine's attire."
Trick concluded, "You think it's too much for a little girl." Charles nodded. "She's been in uniforms at every school she's ever gone to. Now that she's here, she wants to express her individuality as much as possible. Considering how much this world tries to limit her, I try not to hold her back unless she gets too out of hand."
"I understand and I see her side of things as well," Charles said sincerely. "She's a very beautiful girl. However, I believe modesty can also amplify that."
"I'll have a word with her," Trick promised.
"Thank you." Charles folded his arms. "So, how was your first teaching experience?" They started down the hall together.
"It's funny you should ask. The moment I walked in, I wanted to use the lavatory pass then I remembered that I'm the bloke behind the big desk."
IIIIIII
In the sitting area of the Howlett suite, the glowing embers danced within the fireplace, providing the sole means of light for the room. Kayla and Maya sat in the two chairs on opposite sides of the end table, the former knitting and the latter working on a needlepoint. Logan and Cody took up space on the floor with the gun case they'd used earlier between them.
Sniffing the revolver, Logan wondered, "Why's this thing smell lemon fresh?"
"That's the one I showed Maya how to clean," Cody told him.
Logan rolled his eyes upward in mild dismay then went on to inspect another weapon.
Rising, Maya stretched an arm out. "I'm going to finish my homework and head to bed. Good night."
"Good night, honey," Kayla returned.
Cody studied a bullet, waving at her. "Night, Maya."
Logan said, "Tomorrow I'll start ya on a .9mm."
Maya nodded and started for the door but looked back. "Logan?" She got his eyes up. "I'm not sure if I'm right for this training. Even if it's in self-defense, I don't see myself getting off on the idea of taking a life."
Putting down the gun in his hand, Logan got up and went to face her. "That's exactly why I picked you for this. Don't fuss over what ya can and can't do. That's what this trainin' is for."
She thought then nodded. "Okay."
He pecked her forehead. "Get some rest, darlin'."
Maya smiled at him then walked out.
Going back over, Logan knelt down to tickle Cody from the behind. The little boy burst into giggles and tried in vain to fight his father off.
Kayla watched them fondly for a moment then returned to piecing together the scarf.
IIIIIII
The sound of the piano making him pause from going upstairs, Sean entered the living room to see Trick gliding his fingers along the ivories. It amazed him how the man needed not to glance at the music once.
Upon noticing the boy, Trick stilled his performance. "Ahoy."
"Sorry," Sean quickly apologized. "I didn't mean to interrupt."
"No, no. Come here." Trick waved him over. Sean joined him at the piano bench. "That's some amazing talent you have there."
"Talent?" the teen repeated incredulously. "Me?"
"What else do you call an ear-piercing scream?"
Sean quipped, "An annoyance to the neighbors?"
"No, I'm serious." Trick tapped Sean on the chest. "Your lung capacity is something out of this world. You ever considered learning to sing?"
"Learning to sing? Trick, I can barely talk without mumbling."
"Speaking hasn't a thing to do with true vocalizing, boyo," Trick informed him. "If you're up for earning some extra credit, I'd love to work with you."
Sean grew intrigued. "You really think I have it in me?"
"Otherwise I'm merely sitting here babbling like my granda before we shoved him face first into the home."
"Okay," Sean nodded. "I'll try it."
Trick ruffled his hair. "There's a good lad." He then began by indicating the sheet music to him.
IIIIIII
Spotting the three girls leaving out of Gender Studies, the photographer ran after them with a petition of, "Raven, wait up! Can I talk to you?"
Raven saw who it was then turned to her classmates. "Teresa, Amy, I'll catch up with you guys outside." They walked off and she went towards him. "Ethan, right?"
"Guilty," he answered, tugging on his duffle bag sling. "I wanted to talk to you about yesterday. I'm the one who rooted for the other Alphas to make you queen this year. I hope it didn't bug you."
"No," she shook her head, "it was cute."
"We have Politics and Government together."
Her eyebrows went up in surprise. "We do?"
"You probably never notice because I'm all the way in the back corner over yonder," Ethan described. "But I've noticed you since the first day of class. You always join in on discussion. Most girls wouldn't go near POGO, but you're never scared to speak your mind. And I think it's cool that you're married, too, because a lot of chicks come here to find an M.R.S. Not you."
Raven felt herself blush slightly. "I guess I'm pretty lucky there."
Ethan added, "On top of being smart, funny, and so with it. This is my second year here and I think you're a nice change of pace. I thought you'd make a perfect queen. The fact that you're stunning is just the icing on top."
Unable to talk at first, Raven dissolved into a complete smile. "Thank you, Ethan. That means a lot to me. Seriously."
"I'll see you around, Your Majesty." He headed off in the other direction.
Starting to leave herself, Raven stopped for a moment. Unzipping her book bag, she retrieved her crown from it. Placing it securely on her head, she started for the outside on a whole new air.