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.

96. Chapter 96 Thank Heaven for Them

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Ninety Six

Author's Word: Yes! I am feeling much better than I did last week and practically sat on a cloud while writing this chapter. A big welcome to the family goes to new reader, Priscilla Diane- thank you for your wonderful words that acted as a strong reminder of why I write at all. Welcome back to the family, Abc123 and FrankieRae- love you both, glad you're doing well, and no matter how long you're gone for, trust that it's always great to hear from you. That goes for all of you by the way. Please enjoy and review!

When the small bronze bell above the door sounded, the normal expression she wore to address a customer instantly faded and giddiness took its place.

"Trick."

"Hiya, Judy." The ash blonde took up a stool by the fountain drink counter. "It's good to see you."

The middle-aged brunette woman said, "Heard you were back. How's Jazzy doing in that fancy new school?"
"Just fine." Trick tapped fingers along the wooden counter. "Is he in?"

"Did the sun rise?" She nodded towards the back. "Want me to get him?" At Trick's nod, she called out, "Ultan! Someone's here to see you."

In seconds, the man with short ginger hair stepped out from one room.

When his eyes fell on his visitor, he removed his spectacles for closer observation. "Patrick."

He put on a smile. "Hey, Da."
"Come into my office." Ultan reentered with the instruction.

Feeling thirteen years removed from his age, and not in the positive sense, Trick followed after him. Ultan sat behind his desk, the large wedge of oak that took up half the room, unchanged since the day they first opened.

"Where's Mam today?"

"Home seeing to it that the contractor earns his pay." Ultan looked at him. "Where's my angel?"

Trick smiled. "She's at practice. She's on the local volleyball team now."

Ultan nodded once. "What brings you out to Queens?"

"I can't stop in on my folks every once in a while?" Trick returned casually. "This bakery is practically a second home. I still remember having a root beer float at the counter after school. Everyone buzzing about."

Ultan brought up, "You neglecting work to play for pennies in the street."

Trick did not speak again right away. "Have you seen the news? The church bombing?"

Ultan picked up his stock list. "I don't get involved with these politics. This country gets distracted so easily."

"Politics?" Trick repeated with a frown. "Da, four girls were killed in that explosion. Little girls. Not so much as a grain of justice has been sought."

Gazing up at him again, Ultan responded, "Don't stand there and play naïve, boyo. As if this is all so surprising. Those girls would still be alive if it weren't for those demonstrators constantly trying to disturb the peace. If they had just left well enough alone—"

"An outcry to end hatred and division among human beings is a disturbance by you?" Trick retorted. "If a bloke catches you being mugged at gunpoint and tries to help you, I suppose you'll royally rake him over the coals for having nerve to disrupt crime flow."

"Don't you get sharp with me, Patrick." Ultan stood back up. "You may have been handed over a teaching position but you don't know a damn thing about survival. We came to the US to make a way for ourselves, not to create waves. But you chose to stand straight in the middle of a scandal. You've done two wise things in your life, son; the divorce and getting my granddaughter the hell out of here. Why did you ever come back here?"

Trick shook his head slowly. "You know more than I do, Da. When you figure it out, let me in on it." He turned away and walked out.

Ultan sighed, getting back to work.

IIIIIII

Fluffy rabbit tucked under one arm and board beneath the other, Joey entered in through the ajar door.

Cordelia sat up in bed with a smile. "Hi, men."

Joey placed Bounty up on the bed before settling himself with the board next to the brunette girl. "Want to play checkers?"

Cordelia touched his hair affectionately. "You don't have to keep missing art class just because I'm not in gymnastics right now."

"It's okay. I don't need it as much 'cause Trick teaches me, too. And I'd rather be here with you."

Bounty burrowed into the spot on the blanket nearest her thigh.

Cordelia patted his fur before they started up the first game.

Charles came through a few minutes later, taking a moment to quietly observe the contented three from the hall.

IIIIIII

Taking the brush through her partly sweaty hair, Becky gasped as Jasmine dived inside the bathroom straight through one wall.

"Hey." Jasmine hopped up to a sitting position on the vanity. "How was class?"

"Boring," Becky reported. "I hate working with this substitute. She has us doing the same tired routine over and over again."

Jasmine offered secretively, "Then how would you like to play hooky on Friday?" At Becky's curious look, she chose to elaborate. "There's another new girl on the volleyball team, Savannah. Her parents are having her little sister's birthday party and she asked me to come. Plus she said I could bring you."

Initially excited by the whole thing, Becky quickly sobered. "My daddy will never let me go. I had to beg and beg to join dance class."

Jasmine's eyes rolled. "That figures, but don't worry about Erik. I have an idea." She jumped up. "Come on. Sean's waiting in his car."

Grabbing hold of her dance bag, Becky headed out with her, lost in thought at the unexpected prospect.

IIIIIII

"One second!" Alana switched off the television and went around to answer her front door.

A gloomy Trick practically stumbled in. "Hello, my lovely."

"Well, hi there." Alana closed the door. "Surprise you didn't burst through in your own unique way."

Trick stretched out on the couch. "Not feeling real invited these days."

"You know that's not true here." Alana sat on the arm of the sofa nearest his head. "What's the matter?"

"Visited my dad today."

The redhead clicked her tongue. "What made you go and do a thing like that?"

"I can't get that Birmingham bombing out of my head, Lannie," he told her, rolling over to his side. "Those lassies were right around Jas' age. I thought maybe he'd show the teeniest shred of compassion."

"I know. It kept me up the first time I heard about it. But Trick, if it's compassion you're looking for, don't you have a house full of people available?" she pointed out.

"The X-Men are an amazing bunch. And those kids," he smiled fondly, "little miracles all of 'em. But I'm constantly left feeling like the odd man out. Vic and Logan have each other and aren't looking for new membership. Erik and Charles are equally impenetrable."

"Trick," Alana put a hand on his shoulder, making him sit up to face her, "if you need Erik, he will be there for you. You have to look beyond that front he puts up. Despite what anyone may believe about him, he has more capability for caring and consideration than he dares let on."

"Lannie," Trick touched her wrist, "when are you going to put down your own front?" She blinked at him. "I haven't heard you mention Phillip's name practically since I returned here. And that night at the club? You made it clear Erik wasn't available to the general female public. Tell me this is not some fantasy you're playing out while the negligent hubby's out of sight?"

Alana stood straight up, crossing her arms. "Every time I go shopping, I end up in the men's department. Tugging on a turtleneck, hugging a leather blazer. Anything that reminds me of him. I am a married Christian woman with both eyes on a heavily troubled Jewish man. You call it a fantasy. I call it two steps away from disaster."

"I tried desperately to keep my marriage afloat," Trick recalled. "I wanted to spend my entire life with Yvonne." He looked at her. "But that's me. What about Phil?"

Alana returned dryly, "What about him?"

IIIIIII

With the last knot tied off, Victor took hold of the loose end and began dragging the body across the yard. They soon had company in the form of the headmasters and the youngest instructor.

"I know I'm making a big mistake by asking, but what are you doing to him?" Alex asked.

"What, this?" Victor pointed a thumb over at the currently struggling Logan. "Been playin' this for years. Gotta figure out how to free himself. If you wanna make it real good, he's gotta get untied before gettin' dunked in the gator tank." Victor indicated the swimming pool.

Erik stroked his cheek. "Interesting."

"I suppose it is a creative training method," Charles concurred.

"Plus we were too poor and bored," Logan piped up, twisting himself about. "Geez Vic, what'd ya do? String me up with your hairball fuzz?"

"I invented this game just for him," Victor said. "Also came up with the quiet game. First one to speak loses."

Alex smirked. "I am so using that on Frank."

Growling, Logan at last popped the ropes apart.

Cody ran over, stopwatch in hand. "That was a minute and a half, Daddy."

"Minute and a half? I'm outta shape. I could've been dead already," Logan insisted.

"And still talkin'," Victor mumbled.

"Me next, me next!" Cody hopped up and down.

"Fine, but go change," Logan instructed. "If I dunk ya in that pool with your good clothes on, it'll be your ma who's fit to be tied."

Cody grinned and ran towards the house.

Victor looked over at the others. "Any of ya interested in some fear suppression tactics?"

Erik bit first. "Such as?"

Withdrawing a dagger from under his sleeve, Victor explained, "Stick your hand out. I'm gonna run this thing over the space between your fingers while you try to keep your hand still."

"I'll play," Alex volunteered.

"Sure ya ain't scared of messin' up your manicure, blondie?" Logan taunted.

Alex shot him a look. "This is kid dare stuff. I'm not afraid."

"Step on over." Victor led them towards the patio furniture.

"I'd like a go, too," Erik said.

"Oh yeah," Logan scoffed. "Sure you're real scared of sharp pieces of metal."

Erik raised an eyebrow. "You have claws, do you not? Unless you don't think they'll make an adequate substitute."

Logan unleashed three of the bony extensions on one hand. "Bring it, Metal Man."

Seated opposite each other on one patio table, Victor stabbed the dagger at the wide spaces between Alex's hand while the teenager managed to remain in place.

"You okay over there, kid?"

"Do you see sweat?"

"Sounds like ya got a jackhammer in your chest," Victor informed, never losing rhythm with his blade. "I've been hearin' it for a few days now."

Alex shook his head. "Keep your ears to yourself."

Across the way, Erik and Logan sat in the same position. Logan rapidly moved his far left claw over the gaps between Erik's fingers, the latter man maintaining a stony countenance.

"What're ya doin'?" Logan wanted to know when his shifted his hand to a palm up position. "Flat on the table."

"I like being different," Erik stated plainly.

Resuming, Logan's visual worked upward until his eyes landed flat on the series of numbers etched on the other man's arm.

Erik inquired, "See something of interest?" then lunged his hand forward.

Logan immediately retracted the claw before he could cut the man. "You outta your mind?"

Erik leaned back casually. "What more can you expect from a whack job?"

IIIIIII

"The Beatles? In Manhattan?" Cordelia very nearly dropped the bowl of popcorn she contained in her lap. "By yourself?"

"I blew all the money I had on me and Sean had to come save me then Emma and the Professor had to come save us," Maya recollected bashfully from where the two of them sat on the living room floor at the coffee table. "At least you fled Massachusetts with style."

"Yeah, but Dad poured the blame on my daft brother. Wasn't your mom livid?"

Maya said, "She was at work through the entire thing."

Kayla spoke up from where she sat on the loveseat with her stitchery. "I'd have been livid."

Maya glanced her way.

"If we're talking full throttle rage, you ladies should have been here when Hank and I came home extra late from a date," Raven mentioned. "I wish you had been here, actually. The backup support would have been nice."

Cordelia looked to where the shape-shifter shared the sofa with Emma. "That's it? Charles made a to-do over being late?"

"Well, me implying that I wish Erik would've drowned didn't help so much," Raven admitted.

"But it comforts me to know that I wasn't the only one on your death list," Emma said. "I also know the dating game makes you act rather absurd. Don't you recall it, Kayla?"

The dark haired woman replied, "I never dated."

The room fell silent as all other eyes put full attention on her.

"You mean you never went out with anyone before Logan?" Maya tried to get clarified.

Kayla informed, "I never so much as kissed anyone before Logan."

"Holy wow," Raven reacted.

The teenagers shared a look while Emma took a long sip from her coffee mug.

IIIIIII

Braiding Josephine Doll's hair, Jasmine urged, "Come on, Becky. You know you want to go."

The curly haired girl looked away from playing with Sweetie Imp on the other end of her bed. "Yeah, but I'm not supposed to be dishonest with my papa."

"Parents don't always need to know," Jasmine reasoned. "I don't tell my mama every detail about me or my daddy. And my dad would so say yes and understand, but he doesn't want to be in a bad position with another dad."

"How are we supposed to even do this without them finding out?" Becky wanted to know.

"Check this out." Jasmine stretched out on her stomach, hugging her doll with one arm. "I'll say I'm thinking about taking dance classes and I want to sit-in on yours. So we go there together right after school on Friday so that you can "show me around". I'll just tell Savannah that our parents are crazy serious about us all being home for dinner and we can't stay more than two hours. That'll be enough time."

Becky then brought up, "How are we supposed to get to their house?"

"I have money for a cab there and back. It's way easier than it sounds." She shrugged one shoulder. "Course, it could be real easy if you use your powers to make your dad say yes."

Becky shook her head hard. "I can't do that. He told me not to."

"Fine." Though from her tone, Jasmine clearly still did not understand. "So are you in? Please, Becky. I promise it'll be fun."

With a sigh, the younger girl nodded.

IIIIIII

Resting his fingers for a moment, Sean looked over then frowned at his teacher's pensive expression.

"Was I that bad?"

Trick broke out of his own psyche, reaching over to squeeze Sean's shoulder. "You played it just fine, boyo. Just fine."

An excited Jasmine rushed into the converted music studio. "Daddy." She went to stand before Trick. "I'm thinking about taking lessons at Becky's dance hall. Can she and I head over there right after school? She's going to introduce me to everybody and let me watch them."

Trick indicated the redhead in the room. "Ask your chauffer."

Jasmine folded her hands together, hazel eyes sparkling. "Please, Seanie?"

"Of course," the teenager smiled at her. "Hey Jas, this is for you." He started up a melody on the guitar he had with him.

It's far beyond the stars
it's near beyond the moon
I know beyond a doubt
my heart will lead me there soon

While his pupil filled the room with the sweet song, Trick tugged his glowing daughter close to hold.

IIIIIII

Long done with his science and history homework, Frank rolled over on the floor with a lazy moan. Noticing Alex's leg dangling off the sofa, he used his bare toenails to jab at it. The blonde looked down, returning the favor with a mild punch to the preteen's chest.

A pointed throat clearing from the man behind the desk made both boys return to their studies.

Becky cuddled in Erik's lap, watching his fingers glide through the text. "Papa?"

He used his spare hand to run fingers through her curls. "Hm?"

"Is it okay if I go to dance class early on Friday? Jasmine might want to start going with me and I want to show her around."

"That's fine, Sweet Imp," Erik answered her. "I wouldn't mind having two of you there together, anyway." He took her small hand to touch to the page. "Which passage do you want to go over next?"

Becky retracted her hand. "I'm tired, Papa." She stood up from him, rubbing at her eyes. "I'm going to go to bed."

"Alright." He leaned forward to kiss her cheek. "I'll be up in a bit."

Nodding quietly, she started out.

IIIIIII

Pulling in front of the Sparkle Dance Studio, Sean waited for his female passengers to hop on out.

"Have a good day, beauty queens," he called to them before departing.

They waved after the BMW.

Jasmine wore a pair of white pants with a collared lime green quarter sleeved shirt while Becky had on blue jean capris with a flowing soft pink top. Her dance bag dangled over one shoulder.

A cab came up in mere seconds, surprising Becky.

"It's okay. I called the company from the house to say what time to be here," Jasmine explained. "You know we're in Westchester- they never arrive on time in New York."

They climbed into the back and it was the driver's turn to be surprised. To prove their legitimacy despite their age, Jasmine handed him a few dollars up front. He asked them nothing more except for the address.

Before long, they arrived in front of a small red and white Cape Cod house. Jasmine paid the rest of the fare and as they headed in through the gate, a girl with lengthy golden blonde hair ran out to them.

"Jasmine!"

"Hey, Savannah. This is my friend I told you about, Becky."

"Hi, Becky," Savannah greeted brightly.

Her cheerfulness put Becky at ease. "Hi."

"Come on. We're in my backyard." Savannah led them to that direction, where a multitude of balloons and streamers had been strung.

A man and woman approached the newcomers.

"Well, hello ladies," the man spoke first. "You must be Vannah's new friends."

"Yes, sir. I'm Jasmine Hughes."

"I'm Rebecca Lensherr, but you can call me Becky."

"It's a pleasure to meet both of you," the woman said. "I'm Carine Nowen and this is my husband, Jonah."

Savannah pointed out another girl, younger than herself. "That's my Cousin Aubrey."

"And this," Jonah brought them over to the picnic table where a small oriental girl sat at the head of it, "is our daughter, Mei."

Though they were both shocked at the sight of her, Jasmine and Becky recovered quickly and said hello.

"This is Mei's seventh birthday, but her fourth birthday with us." Jonah touched both hands to her shoulders. "Where did you have your other birthdays, sweetie?"

"China," she told the group, her little round face bright.

"That's right," Carine smiled. "To give her a better life, Mei's first parents sent her to the US to get adopted and we were lucky enough to be the family that got her."

Mei stood up to get closer to Jasmine and Becky. "Thank you for coming to my party."

"You're welcome." Becky unzipped her dance bag. "We brought these for you." She handed her the two small stuffed animals.

"The cat's from Becky's room and the bird's from mine," Jasmine said.

"Thank you!" Mei smiled in delight.

"This is a very special occasion," Jonah went on, "since we're new here, Savannah and Mei haven't had the chance to make many friends so we're very happy you could be with us today."

Carine linked hands with him. "Let's start the prayer."

Jonah nodded and the collective group joined hands in a circle and bowed their heads before he began. "Father, we'd like to thank You for allowing our Mei to have another birthday and that we can celebrate it with all of our girls, including their new friends, Jasmine and Rebecca. I also want to take another moment to pray for the families of the girls in Alabama and if we may, we ask You to change the hearts of the lost in this country. In Christ's name, amen."

"Amen." They all opened their eyes together.

"Alright," Jonah clapped his hands together, "we don't have a lot of time so what do you say we get crazy and have as much fun as possible?"

All concurred to that and the hostess girls began to show the others the various activities they had out.

IIIIIII

Hum echoing off his lips as he came upstairs, Charles ceased movement at the site of what looked to be a pair of overgrown mashed potatoes.

"Hm, strange. I don't remember purchasing new furniture." He knelt down to the one on the left hand side and gave it a squeeze, producing an instant giggle. "And this one feels awfully familiar."

Joey poked his head out. "Hi, Daddy."

Cody emerged from his sheet next. "Ya saw through our invisibility cloaks."

"Invisibility cloaks?" Charles appeared fascinated. "Did you acquire these from Merlin himself?"

Joey nodded. "He said we don't have to bring 'em back for a hundred years."

"My, that is awfully nice of him. But since you're already so well covered, why don't you both try to get a quick nap in?" Charles put forth.

Cody's lips poked out. "Do we hafta?"

Charles sweetened it with, "You can use my bed."

"Alright!" Cody shot up and Joey rushed after him.

"No bouncing," Charles called after them. "I'll be in to check on you shortly." He made his way to Cordelia's room, going to sit beside her on the bed. "How is my sweet girl doing?"

She smiled at him, lacing her fingers through his. "Fine."

Charles gave her hand a kiss. "Hank tells me that you do seem to be doing much better. Therefore, I think your sick leave from gymnastics is officially over."

"Thank you, Charles." Cordelia leaned over to hug him.

The Professor held her, patting her back softly. "I know how much going for the gold means to you, darling. I only want you to comprehend what you mean to me. And Emma, Joey. Not to mention your father."

Cordelia peeked up. "You believe he's a good person, too?"

"Much like Emma," Charles cupped her chin, "I don't think he was ever bad to begin with."

Also like Emma, he wondered if Winston himself was even aware of that.

IIIIIII

One big breath managed to extinguish all seven candles, resulting in a round of applause from all those present.

"What did you wish for, Mei?" Aubrey asked her.

"She's not supposed to say, Bree," Savannah urged importantly.

Becky added, "You have to keep it secret for the magic."

Jonah stated, "Well, I know what I'm wishing for- a slice of German chocolate cake."

Mei started cutting the slices for everyone, her mother monitoring from behind.

After everyone had their fill of cake, the girls moved over to playing in the garden.

"This way," Aubrey ran towards the pair of willow trees. "To the handsome princes."

"I'm Sleeping Beauty," Savannah declared.

"I'm Snow White," Becky said.

"I'm Rapunzel." Jasmine then added, "I wish she had a movie."

Mei worked to keep up with them. "Can I be Cinderella?"

"It's your birthday," Becky reminded. "You can be whoever you want." She then noticed the strange way Mei moved her leg. "Did you hurt yourself?"

Savannah slowed down to go help her sister. "She's alright. She got sick in China and it messed up her foot."

Mei stopped and said, "I don't like running games. Kids at school make fun of me."

Jasmine put forth, "Then let's do something else."

"Want to play with the present I got you, Mei?" Aubrey suggested.

"Yeah!" the smallest one grinned.

After retrieving the box, the five girls formed a circle in the grass and started creating different things with the jewelry kit.

"How old are you, Becky?" Savannah asked.

"Eleven," she answered.

"I'll be eleven this year, too," said Aubrey. "How come we never see you at school?"

"We go to boarding school," Jasmine explained. "My dad's a teacher there and hers is a headmaster."

Becky turned to Mei. "My daddy adopted me, too."

Mei faced her. "Did your other mommy and daddy want you to have a better home like me?"

"Well yes, but not exactly. My- my other dad died," Becky stated.

"What about your mommy?" Mei wondered.

Aubrey cut that one off with, "Do you like being adopted?"

Becky answered that with great ease. "More than anything."

"I'm glad we have Mei." Savannah placed the colorful beaded necklace around her sister and hugged her from behind. "Or it'd be just me. My mom can't have another baby."

"Wish mine couldn't," Jasmine muttered. She then spoke louder with, "Adoption's great and everything, except when you're not allowed to do anything."

"All parents are like that," Aubrey pointed out.

"Yes," Savannah lowered onto her stomach, getting out of her sandals to dangle bare feet in the air, "they always think they know what's best."

"My papa's really nice," Becky said. "He just gets worried a lot."

"Our mom and dad worry a lot, too," Mei added a few more beads to her creation, "we moved away 'cause the people where we lived before were bad."

Savannah's eyes darkened. "They used to say awful things about our family."

Jasmine shook her head. "People always want to talk. My dad tells me to keep on struttin'."

Unexpectedly, a pair of small dainty flats fell from out of the sky, landing in the center of their circle.

Mei let off a surprised chirp.

Savannah's eyes widened. "Where'd those come from?"

Becky picked them up. "My dance shoes?"

All heads turned when the tall individual in the brown coat leapt down next.

He stood, fists at his waist. "Your aunt noticed ya left those at home. Went to drop 'em off at your school," he folded his arms, "only ya weren't there."

Aubrey jumped up, pointing. "Who is that?"

"Knight Victor," Becky replied.

Mei approached the unknown man. "Are you a real knight?"

"Workin' my way up to it." Victor lowered to one knee, giving her a special look. "How 'bout you? You a real live doll?"

Coming out from the back of the house, Jonah saw and raced over. "Hey, get away from my daughter!"

Jasmine quickly intervened. "It's okay, Mr. Nowen. He's just our school security. He came to get us."

The man calmed. "Oh, I'm sorry. You just can't be too careful these days." He then took in Victor's wardrobe. "Loose uniform policy down there, huh?"

"Becky, Jas," Victor got back to his feet, "say bye to your friends."

Mei went to them. "Take these." She gave Becky a red beaded bracelet and Jasmine a purple one. "I'm so glad you came."

Jonah said, "It was very nice meeting you girls. I hope we'll see more of you around here."

"Do you want to come over this weekend?" Savannah offered.

"We should so have a slumber party," Aubrey suggested.

At Becky's crestfallen expression, Victor herded the X-Children out of the yard.

"Start talkin'," he directed when they made it to the sidewalk.

Jasmine explained indifferently, "We got invited to my friend's little sister's birthday party. We would have just asked to go, but you know how Erik is. So we just went early to Becky's dance class and took a cab over. We were going to take one back until you showed up."

"Huh." Victor tapped his right fingers along his left bicep. "So ya lied, got in a car with somebody ya don't know, went somewhere nobody knew about, then planned on gettin' in another car with somebody else ya don't know. And here's a little added bonus," he lifted Becky's wrist, "not a communicator in sight. Hank'll get a real thrill outta that."

Jasmine smiled at him. "Come on, Victor. It's not as bad as that."

Victor looked back and forth between them, no signs of humor present on his features. "If the two of ya were boys I'd have already clocked your little empty heads together."

Becky's eyes jumped. "Victor."

"Tink—" He held out a firm separating hand. "I can't cover for ya on this one. Ya crossed too big a line. I'm tellin' your folks as soon as we get back."

"You can't!" Becky pleaded. "We'll get in so much trouble. Please, Victor."

The man only shook his head. "Goin' around with strangers… ya could've landed in more trouble than ya bargained for. Now, let's get goin'. Sean'll be at the dance studio soon. Get movin'." He climbed up into a tree to observe them from overhead.

Jasmine started to walk first and Becky robotically went with her. The hazel eyed child watched the one with orbs of green move like a girl doomed.

IIIIIII

After Trick received his share of details from the member of Xavier Institute Security, he started upstairs. Finding his daughter's door partially opened, he phased right in. He found the twelve-year-old seated in front of her vanity, focused on brushing a particular knot out of her caramel blonde hair.

Seeing him in her mirror, she turned around on the bench. "Hey, Daddy. Did you talk to Victor?"

"Certainly did." Trick closed the door as he came in fully. "Seems you lassies had a little adventure."

"Yeah, sorry I didn't tell you about that whole thing," Jasmine said dismissively. "But I really wanted Becky to go and Erik- well, Erik is Erik."

Trick folded his arms. "You know I would've come up sooner, but I had to calm myself a minute before I decided to shake you like a ragdoll."

Jasmine's mouth dropped. "Daddy."

"Explain!" he exclaimed. "Tell me at what point you thought I would be A-Okay with you lying right to my face and sneaking over to a house with a family we know nothing about. Anything could have been wrong with these people, Jasmine. Four girls were just killed, bombed inside a church of all places!"

Jasmine immediately thought back to the end of Jonah's prayer. "Dad- Daddy, I didn't know."

"Exactly! You don't know. You don't know who's who and what's really out there," Trick emphasized. "Erik has seen the very worst of it and strives to keep his children safe. And I am beginning to understand what he's saying. Good God, Jasmine… what were you thinking?"

Any attempt at explanation could not make it off her lips. "I'm sorry…"

"Not as much as you're going to be," Trick assured. "You're grounded for a week and if your mother wants to see you any time this century, she is going to back me up tenfold. Get up." He pulled her up, taking her spot on the bench before dumping her over his knees.

Jasmine experienced an instant rush of panic. "Daddy- aaahh!" She felt her brush come down hard on her rear.

"Quit screaming like you're being killed." Trick brought the wooden implement down again. "You begged for this today. And if you use your power so much as once, so help me child, I will soak this brush in water."

"Daddy!" Jasmine jumped at every blow until movement became too painful. "Daddy, I'm sorry! Owww! I'll be a good girl- Daddy, I promise!" She felt herself tearing up, not having gone through this happening in so long.

Trick finished with fifteen whacks in total then dropped the brush altogether.

He stood his sobbing child up, gripping her at the waist. "Listen to me. You are my good girl. No matter what you do, past, present, or future- I will always forgive you. And if you ever need me, I am here. Never doubt that for a moment, Precious."

With a watery nod, she lowered down to cry into his shoulder.

Trick enveloped his arms around her, rocking his ever growing lass. Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, he began to whisper an old lullaby to her.

IIIIIII

Changed into the adorable kitten pajamas with white bear clutched to her side, she stared at the wallpaper covering her bedroom until the colors completely blurred together. She had sensed her father's return home a few minutes ago and continuously waited for his mind to approach.

Soon enough, the man's mind along with his heavy feet came to stand out in the hall. The knob twisted, opening the door. Becky started to look over but found herself unable to do anything accept watch his tall shadow move across the room.

Instead of sitting on the side of the bed, Erik laid down, locking eyes with the child who looked even smaller in that moment.

"Is it true?" he wanted to know, tone even. "Did you lie to me? Did you get into a car with a stranger to go to another stranger's house?"

She managed a nod a fraction of her voice. "I'm so sorry, Papa."

"That is not near good enough, Rebecca Anya Lehnsherr. Do you understand how sorry I would have been had something happened to you today?" Erik sat up. "To be out at the store, only to come home to find out something terrible has happened to my daughter because she chose to be dishonest with me? Why, Rebecca? Why did you do this?"

"I don't know… I thought I was just going along with Jasmine at first, but then I got to thinking it'd be nice if we played with some other girls, too." Tears started rolling down her round cheeks. "And it was. We had fun and nobody made fun of my hair or thought I was weird for eating chocolate at dance class and…"

Erik brought her in close to him to kiss one teary cheek. "Why did you not ask me?"

The answer felt poor on her tongue but she spoke it, anyway. "I thought you'd say no."

"If it meant this much to you, we could have worked something out. I could have sent your aunt over there with you or kept Victor in the area to protect you. But even if I had said no," he cupped her cheek, getting her eyes up, "doing what you did today is still completely inexcusable. Papa's going to have spank you. You know that."

"Yes," she whispered.

Erik took a short breath before moving on to the next part. "You not only lied to me, Anya, you did things that put your safety at risk. For this, you're getting your spanking bare."

Becky had to use her hand to shield her gasp. "No… Papa, no, please don't! Please!"

Understanding not only her worry but embarrassment, Erik touched foreheads with her. "I'm your father, Sweet Imp. Just as I dress or bathe you when you're too tired or sick to do it yourself, this will be no different. Except this is something I don't want to do but must. Once it's over, it is over. Just like any other punishment."

"Yes, Papa," she replied quietly, a few more tears going.

Hating this with the same level, or possibly higher, as his little girl did, Erik delicately laid her across his lap. To make it easier, he tugged her pajama bottoms and underwear down together. Raising his hand, he stilled it for a second before bringing it down across the exposed little behind.

A moan escaped Becky's lips and she pulled fiercely on her quilt. Even though the lack of protection to her bottom felt as terrible as it did, the one punishing her caused the full force tear eruption.

Erik winced internally when her agony projected into his own mind and it took immense effort to push on. As her behind continued to redden and her cries filled his ears, he could do no more. Gentler than anything, he eased her clothes back in place, grateful that the soft material would not irritate her at all.

Becky continued crying, all the way back up into her father's arms. She felt the fur tickle against her cheek and enclosed her arms around the handed over Sweetie Imp.

With both arms busy consoling his child, Erik pushed himself up off the bed to walk the room with her. While wanting her tears to come to an end, he had to sincerely work to keep his own stinging eyes from watering.

"Shh, my Anya," he whispered, rubbing her back under her long hair. "Your punishment is over. It's all done." Feeling her extremely heated face, he carefully put her on her feet. "Papa will be right back. I just need to get something for you."

Head of curls shaking, she let off a toddler's wail and raised beseeching arms, teddy bear and all, up at him. "Papaaaa…"

Unable to ignore that, Erik lifted her right back up and carried her with him over to the younger girls' bathroom. He closed the door and kept hold of her with one arm while using his one free hand to wet up her hand towel. He then eased the cool fabric over her face to clean the needless salty moisture away.

Becky managed to calm down and cradled in his arms sniffling.

Attention solely on his daughter, Erik brought them to his room and laid back on his large bed with Becky and Sweetie Imp propped up on top of him.

Though he knew he would not do nearly as good a job as the older female members of the house, he started braiding her hair back to get a better look at her face.

"There's my pretty Anya." He kissed her nose. "I love you."

She gave off a teeny smile. "I love my Papa, too."

Done with her hair, Erik resumed rubbing her back. "Tell me about the party."

Becky went into the story. "It was Mei's party; she turned seven today. Her big sister Savannah invited us and their cousin Aubrey was there. Their parents were really nice and we even prayed before we did anything."

"I see," Erik nodded. "Would you like to be friends with these girls?"

"Yes, Papa," Becky answered honestly.

"I'll have to talk to their parents." He then immediately tacked on, "And we will see."

She smiled wider. "Thank you, Papa."

Erik kissed her head. "Get some rest. We'll have supper together when you awaken."

Becky happily settled down again him and Erik held her securely closer.

IIIIIII

Ears following the pounding noise, Hank used his own unique skills to climb up to the tree house. He spotted Victor in one corner of the newly renovated space, hammering away at some sort of wooden structure the man had put together.

"What are you doing?" Hank inquired, making his way over to sit beside him.

Victor glanced at him. "What, this? Just, ya know, one of them beautifyin' mirror things. Figured the girlies could use more stuff in here."

"Mmhm." Hank then noted, "You've been mostly out of the house ever since you came home with them."

"Didn't want to stick around for the fireworks."

"Yes. I myself am glad my lab remains a sizeable distance away from the bedrooms." Hank kept his eyes on Victor's project. "I've had to spank Becca in the past. It's never simplistic."

Victor focused in on him. "You never went nuts on her did ya?"

"No," Hank immediately shook his head. "Actually, I find my primitive side never gets offended by a female child."

"What's there to get offended by? When Becky wasn't at that dance school, I went a little ape nuts. I managed to track 'em down and where do I find 'em?" Victor shook his head ironically. "Sittin' in a backyard makin' jewelry. Makin' jewelry, Hank; talkin', just bein' girls. What's wrong with that?"

"The smallest act of normalcy tends to get frowned upon inside these walls," Hank stated. "But Erik isn't entirely wrong. We have to make survival and discipline priority. Just look at what's going on in the world today."

"Today?" Victor scoffed. "Try yesterday, last year, and a few decades back. You ain't seen nothin' yet, kid."

Hank formed a smile. "Thankfully you're here to show me."

Returning to his work, Victor instructed, "Make yourself useful and pass me some nails."

The young scientist happily complied.

IIIIIII

Rebecca, out here. Quick.

Taking a moment to slip into her robe and house shoes, Becky stepped out into the hall.

Scott, she smiled.

The one in ruby sunglasses took her hands. Are you alright?

Yeah, fine. What's going on?

"Frank figured out how to hook up one of the monitors in Eye Spy for live TV. Let's go."

"Wait." Becky pulled back a little. "What if we get caught?"

"Security shifts don't start for a while yet," Scott told her. "And the adults are in the parlor together."

"Okay," she agreed secretively.

Frank crouched outside the bedroom door and called out, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel. Let down your hair."

Responding to the familiar signal, Jasmine left out of her room. "What's happening?"

Cody lunged forward, wrapping arms around her middle. "We're bustin' out."

"And having a TV party," Joey added.

"I'm grounded," Jasmine reminded.

Frank joined hands with her. "Who said anything about leaving the house?"

Jasmine grinned, allowing herself to be whisked off.

IIIIIII

In their usual chairs, Erik and Charles had the chessboard between them. Emma sat on the arm of a sofa that contained Kayla, who received a shoulder massage from Logan. The McCoys shared the opposite loveseat.

Gazing into the fireplace, Victor took notice of Trick who also stood off to himself. "You have a lousy gig the other night or somethin'?"

Trick looked to him. "What?"

Logan piped up, "You been crawlin' around here like the cat beat ya to a pulp and stole your tongue."

Charles asked, "Is something troubling you, Trick?"

Erik looked up.

"Life," Trick threw out. "Trying to be a good father without imitating one's own."

Victor gave off a nod and Hank looked at him.

"Kids are great," Raven put forth, "but parents are overrated."

Emma said, "They always want more than what they themselves are willing to give."

"Some cannot give at all," Charles put in.

Kayla recalled, "Mine always made it clear that their existences had no meaning until my birth." They all faced her. "Wow, I really don't fit in around here."

IIIIIII

The screen aglow, the boys sat in front of the small monitor, taking in Peter Pan soaring through the English sky.

"This is so cool," Cody remarked.

Joey looked at his friend. "You haven't seen Peter Pan before, either?"

Cody thought a moment. "I don't think I've seen any Disney movies."

Gasps filled the Security Room.

"Dude, we need to work on you," Frank raised.

Scott looked at Becky's wrist. "That's pretty."

"Thanks, I just got it." She played with the red bracelet.

Jasmine heard footsteps coming their way and sat up straight. "Uh oh."

Victor opened the door and poked his head inside the room. For several seconds, he only locked eyes with the gathering of children. When the man revealed a large white box filled to the top with Krispy Kremes, they all jumped up to rush him.