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.

101. Chapter 101 Children of Liberty

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred One

Author's Word: This time around, stress and anxiety had nothing to do with me not getting this posted yesterday. No, it was more along the lines of having to do a double shift at work, which resulted in supreme exhaustion and snail paced typing fingers. But guys, that last round of reviews- there are no words for it! Thank you so much, everyone! We're beyond a hundred now. Please enjoy and review!

Fourth and final mile completed, the metal wielder made his way back home in a slightly slower pace so as to cool down. When he reentered the mansion, he jogged upstairs and headed to the bedroom indirectly across from his own.

There lay the adorable curly headed sharkling lass, surrounded and dressed in pink, one arm drooping over the side of the mattress. Erik approached and squatted at the sleigh bed. He took her one dangling hand and held it to his cheek for a moment before leaning in to peck her cheek.

Stirring, Becky remarked with eyes still closed, "Sweaty kiss." Her eyelids peeled back. "But I like it."

Erik chuckled heartily and nuzzled at her neck, resulting in immense giggles. "Were your dreams as sweet as you are?" He sat beside her.

She told him, "I think I heard the baby again."

Erik smiled softly down at her. "Conspiring with them already, hm?"

Becky's face shifted into a slight frown. "It's strange. No matter how hard I try, I can't hear Big Bear and Raven's baby."

"I'm sure he's just a bit too small yet." Erik patted her hip through the blankets. "Come now. Let's get ready for school."

She sat up and rubbed her eyes. "I'm so glad it's Friday."

"Yes, especially the part where you've only been to school twice this week due to going on a luxury cruise." Becky responded by falling back against her pillows dreamily and Erik shook his head in amusement. "Get dressed." He got up and headed for the door. "I'm off to torture the boys."

"Yay," Becky reacted with a clap.

Erik found Frank's bedroom empty and he immediately knew he had to be down in the kitchen. When the same proved true for Alex, he also had a good hunch.

The man's intuition proved valid at the pumping of iron and intense groaning as he walked into the gym. For a moment, Erik stopped to simply observe; until Alex chose to ignore the clear strain the next round placed on him.

Alex jumped up as the weight hovered right out of his grasp.

He quickly came to his senses over who had seized it and glanced back. "Is 'good morning' too outdated for ya?"

Erik placed the weight on the floor as he entered fully. "There it is."

A confused Alex raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"That tension." Erik kept his hand just above the young man's forearm. "Like an old friend." He looked at him directly. "What's troubling you, boychick?"

"You mean besides four classes, kids to watch, including mutant training, and getting ready to declare my major?" Alex rattled off.

Erik put a hand to his shoulder. "If you're having difficulty—"

Alex snatched from his grasp. "I'm handling it just fine."

Erik gave him a sharp look. "If you're having difficulty, let one of us know so that we may help you where we can. We won't even take your big boy shoes from you."

The now sheepish blonde bowed his head. "Sorry. Didn't mean to snap. I'm just tired."

Erik then asked, "When was the last time we jogged in the morning together? Or performed any training session?"

"Uh…" Alex rubbed the back of his neck then quickly dropped his hand from the clearly nervous pose. "I guess it has been a while, huh? We'll catch up on that stuff after finals." He started to stand.

Erik got up right with him. "Or first thing in the morning."

Alex shook his head at that. "Tomorrow's Saturday. You know it's the only time I get to sleep in. Do you seriously want me losing more sleep than normal?"

"Of course not," Erik replied, lips upturning in that shark fashion. "So tomorrow afternoon it is. We don't even have to train. We can go on a nice long drive away from it all and talk."

"Talk?" Alex repeated with uncertainty.

"And talk and talk and talk." Erik gave his thigh a firm pat. "See you at breakfast, boychick." He stood and started out.

Alex let off a slow building moan then flopped himself over down onto the nearby mat.

II

Collar to his shirt all straightened out, Hank walked away from the mirror and sat on the bed to put on his loafers.

His head shot up when his wife stepped out from their bathroom, her yellow eyes completely foggy. "Raven?"

Conjuring up some kind of voice, she told him, "I got my period."

Standing immediately, Hank brought her into his arms as tightly as he could. "It's okay." He kissed her red hair. "We'll be okay."

Choking back a sob, Raven clutched him for dear life, breathing heavily against his shoulder.

II

"Good morning you," Emma sat up in bed at his voice, "two." Charles came in fully, joining her under the covers for a kiss.

A pair of scampering little feet entered next, climbing into the bed. "Can she still breathe when you do that?"

The telepaths pulled away, both laughing lightly.

Charles said, "I can assure you, son, that he or she breathes even easier when Mummy and I do "that"."

Emma touched her stomach and spoke. "Wake up, sweetie. Your big brother's here." She looked at Joey. "I don't think he can even start the day without saying hello to you."

Joey lowered and whispered to the white covered belly, "Hi, baby." He placed a delicate hand over the spot. "I wish she could talk back."

Charles tugged Joey over into his lap. "I believe if you listen close enough, you just might be able to hear. With a little help from this." He touched the center of the boy's chest.

Joey snuggled in between his parents and laid against Emma for a better listen.

II

Coming in clad in wearing a jean skirt and form fitting white top, Jasmine rolled over the large bed.

"Daddy, I'm going shopping in your closet." She opened the door and began pawing through.

"Mmhmm," came the muffled reply from the head sandwiched between two pillows.

Shuffling through his enormous selection of colorful dress shirts, the girl settled on an orchid one and put it on. Leaving it unbuttoned, she used one of his dangling leathers to act as on oversized Pilgrim-esque waist belt.

Going to his full length mirror to view her completed ensemble, she also looked at the one still asleep. "You know you need to get up." She bounced her long mane of caramel blonde from shoulder to shoulder. "Daddy," she glanced back then got up onto his side on the bed. "Daddy, you're going to be late for work."

Trick blindly batted at her. "No more encores…"

"Oh, geez." Jasmine hopped up. "Enough of you. I need to help Frank with breakfast." She rushed out.

"Vonnie, wake up…" Trick rolled over to his opposite side. "The baby's crying…"

II

Eying his father in the mirror as the blade glided down the man's jaw, Cody copied the same move, excepted he substituted a Popsicle stick for a razor to remove the globs of cream from his face.

"Daddy?"

"Hm?"

"How come you don't shave your legs like Mama?" Cody inquired.

Logan answered, "Because bikini season's over."

The child then threw out, "Ever wonder what it's like to whiz sitting down?"

Raising an eyebrow, Logan used his razor to point at him. "Don't make me send ya to one of them head shrinks."

II

Descending the stairs, Scott made a face as Alex passed him. "Dude, you stink."

"Dude," Alex slapped his bottom, going up to shower, "you're short."

Taking a moment to stick his tongue out at the departing back, Scott continued on towards the dining room.

II

Pile of scrambled eggs thoroughly done, Frank transferred the yellow wedges over onto a big serving dish.

"I sure hope the babies are girls."

Jasmine looked back from working on the French toast. "Are you still on that thing about wanting all girls someday?"

"Of course," Frank said without hesitation. "Girls are the best kid to have. Buy 'em a couple dolls, play a little tea party, and you don't get any problems."

"I guess," Jasmine conceded slightly. "But I need a boy to name after my dad."

Frank quickly rethought things. "Though one boy might not be such a bad idea."

"That reminds," she brought up. "Would you name yours Phillip," she turned the heat down on the stove, "or Erik?"

"Trust me." He folded his arms. "I'm not raising any Phils."

Jasmine eyed him in nostalgia. "I really hoped things were going to get better with you two. Especially after Linny got sick."

"I'm just fed up with trying, Jas," Frank said. "All you ever have to do to make Trick happy is wake up. I mean, yeah, Erik can be strict and all, but I never have to wonder…"

"Wonder what?" Jasmine prompted gently.

"…If he loves me. For me."

Jasmine came to stand right before him. "You want him and 'Lana to be together, don't you?"

"Jas," Frank tried to think how to explain it, "you don't get how happy he makes her."

"I've seen it," Jasmine reminded. "Just remember. Nobody likes divorce or divorce kids."

Frank shrugged. "Like I care what anybody thinks."

"I know," Jasmine turned away to get back to the stove, "why do you think I like you so much?"

Forming a big grin, Frank attempted to hide it by going to the fridge for the milk and juice.

II

Cordelia and Maya finished setting the lengthy dining room table with only moments to spare as the house's residents began to arrive, starting with Joey and the three telepaths. On any regular day, Victor and Erik seemed to make it a near contest over who would arrive last, but both were beaten out by Trick who came barreling in. Despite his clear haste, the singer still came in wearing a sharp outfit of a cranberry shirt, coffee brown slacks, and nicely washed and combed ash blonde hair.

Logan asked, "Late gig, Spec?"

"Oh," Trick waved a hand, "all night long. Crowds crying out for encores. I nearly lost my voice and wanted to vomit at several different intervals." He beamed. "God above, I love my life."

By the time all were situated, Charles had his standard place at the head of the table with Erik and Emma on his direct right and left. Erik's row consisted of Becky, Trick, Jasmine, Frank, Raven, Hank, Victor, and Cordelia while Joey, Alex, Scott, Sean, Maya, Cody, Logan and Kayla sat on Emma's side.

Sean gave off a short, carefully low-pitched whistle, and commented, "When the new little guys get here, we're going to have to rent out a ball room like the one for Alex's ceremony just for cereal Saturdays."

Laughter spread over most of the table while Raven wore a tight smile and Hank requested, "Pass the eggs, please."

Emma looked away as Maya handed the platter to him. "Have mercy and get them out of my sight"

Cordelia glanced her direction. "More morning sickness, sis?"

"Along with afternoon and evening sickness," Emma replied. She looked down towards Kayla. "Please tell me this gets better."

"Hm?" The Blackfoot woman brought her gaze up. "Oh I really wouldn't know. I never had the nausea. In fact, my pregnancies went extremely smooth and uneventful."

"Hmph. Except for them cravin's," Victor brought up. "This dame actually held a knife on me 'cause I brought her back the wrong ice cream."

"I did not hold that knife on you," Kayla insisted. "I was slicing tomatoes for a salad. You misinterpreted."

Victor continued, "She told me not to come back in the house unless I had butter pecan with me."

Maya's mouth dropped open. "What?"

"Oh my God," Cordelia reacted with an amused smile. "Honestly?"

Logan recalled, "Oh yeah. That night I came in from work and found you asleep on the roof."

Victor gaped at his brother. "Like I was about to close my eyes anywhere near your crazy woman."

A wide, fiendishly giddy smirk covered Kayla's face.

Alex said, "I'm waiting for Raven to turn psycho like that. Good thing Hank's feet are made for late night hiking."

"It'd be no trouble," was all the scientist had to say.

Joey wondered, "I just wanna know how the babies are supposed to get out of Mum and Aunt Raven."

Cody looked up the table at him. "Don'tcha know? They push 'em out through their—"

Nearest to him, Logan clamped both hands over his son's mouth. "The stork waves a magic wand in a cabbage patch and stuff."

Becky giggled into her milk while Frank, Scott, and the teenage boys laughed out loud.

Charles cleared his throat then moved on with, "Between the cruise earlier this week and Raven and Alex's first class getting cancelled, it's been nice for all of us to sit around at the same table. These moments need to be cherished."

Erik added, "Because they're not promised every day."

Victor was the first to concur. "You ain't lyin'."

IIIIIII

Piece of scratch paper balled up, Jam made a free throw from his chair and successfully landed the wad in the several feet away trash bin.

"Yeah!" He thumped his fist in triumph.

Alex remarked from one of the beds, "That doesn't look like studying to me."

Jam looked at him. "Yeah, five seconds is really going to send my academic career down the toilet."

Leon reentered the dorm room. "Hey."

"Watch out," Jam cautioned. "Daddy's in a mood."

Alex rolled his eyes.

Sitting down on the mattress, Leon leaned his back against Alex's and held out a crunch bar he'd acquired from the vending machine.

The blonde accepted it with a small sigh. "Thanks. Sorry, guys. It's just- my dad wants to take me for a ride tomorrow. To "talk"."

Jam's eyebrow went up. "As in that talk?"

"No, trust me," Alex assured. "We just had that talk."

Leon's gaze stayed on the ceiling. "I don't think I've ever had that talk."

"Then what's the problem, Lex?" Jam asked with a shrug. "Thought you and your dad were thick."

"We are. But sometimes he knows me a little too well and it feels like he's ready to grill me."

Intrigued, Jam moved over to sit on the other side of Alex. "And what have you been doing?
Leon twisted his neck slightly to better look at Alex.

"Nothing," Alex said pointedly. "I just have a little bit of hypertension."

Jam stared at him incredulously before he spoke again. "Lex, with all love, what is your young white ass doing with high blood pressure?"

"Jam, I have a ton of responsibility at home," Alex emphasized. "I commute for a reason."

"Wait a minute." Jam started piecing things together. "Your dad must not know about this." Alex nodded. "Why?"

"You don't know him," Alex said grandly. "He gets really serious about his kids. If he finds out about this, he'll have me locked down in a crib in seconds."

"All I know is half my family is walking around with high BP." Jam looked at him closely. "Be careful, man."

Alex nodded again.

Leon popped a chip into his mouth. "Anybody want to go downstairs and shoot pool?"

The other two glanced at each other again before getting up.

IIIIIII

Dressed in a blue turtleneck with khakis and his brown leather jacket, Erik came downstairs to find the less than enthusiastic also leather jacket adorned youth awaiting him.

"Ready?" Erik held up his keys.

Before Alex could speak, Becky and Frank walked in from the living room.

"Where are you going, Papa?" Becky asked.

"Alex and I are going to take a drive for a few hours, Sweet Imp."

"Aww, Papa," the little girl protested. "You already spent last Saturday in the city. Why do you have to go again?"

"Yeah," Frank seconded.

Alex quickly joined in with, "They're right, Erik. It's not fair that I get you all to myself. You guys want to come along, right?"

The cheering responses said it all.

Giving Alex a brief look, Erik turned to the younger pair. "Go get your shoes and jackets on."

They smiled and dashed upstairs.

Erik folded his arms and planted Alex with a stare.

"What?" the blonde smirked. "You know Erik Kids have to do everything in a posse."

IIIIIII

"Yes, I know I'm worth double their asking price. Have you ever gone through these rigorous contract negotiations?" Trick rolled his eyes. "Well, I know you have. That's why a normal person would see the blatant rhetoric in that question."

Cordelia stepped into the kitchen. "Trick, could you hurry off the telephone? I'm expecting to hear from my father."

"Hold on," Trick put a hand over the mouthpiece, "this is your father. Just give me two minutes, lassie. He knows more than any agent I've ever had."

Shaking her head, Cordelia nonetheless took an apple from the bowl and sat at the table to wait. Conjuring up a golden sharp tipped fingernail, she started peeling off the red skin.

IIIIIII

The merry sound of the overhead bell ringing, Erik kept the door open while his sharkling trio trotted out of the sweets shop. Becky skipped ahead with Frank right behind, both with fat plastic bags of candy. Alex, too, had acquired a nice amount, though he knew most of it would wind up with Scott and Joey later.

Erik got into the driver's seat of his car with Alex beside him and the smaller ones safely in back.

"Seatbelts," Erik instructed. Once they complied, he started up the car. "And if I hear so much as one complaint regarding vegetables after this sugar haul I've allowed you, you'll all be tasting vinegar."

"We won't fuss, Papa," said Becky.

Alex remarked, "But I had plans to throw carrots down from my highchair."

Frank proved too preoccupied, currently devouring red licorice.

Becky started in on her first choice from the shop, a milk chocolate rice bar.

Erik gave off a shake of his head. "Next time, you two share a bag." He looked at them in the rearview mirror. "Oh for goodness- remember to chew."

Alex laughed to himself, popping a few M&Ms in his mouth. With the bulk of Erik's focus on the two of them, he found himself enjoying the ride.

"Whee!" Becky reacted when they made quite the odd little jump.

"Yikes." Frank glanced around their wooded surroundings. "The heck was that about?"

Having a pretty good idea, Erik let off an annoyed sigh. Getting out of the vehicle, his suspicions were confirmed in the form of the not only flat but completely shredded front left tire.

"Oh naturally." With no other drives around he used his powers to pop the trunk in search of their spare.

Alex unbuckled and got out. "I'll help."

When the younger ones took the opportunity to climb out as well, Frank tapped Becky's shoulder. "You're it!" He sped off towards the trees.

"Hey!" Becky ran after him.

"Come back here, both of you," Erik ordered. "Stay with us."

"Relax, Erik. I got 'em." Alex started after the energetic pair. "Hey shrimptoids, slow your butts down."

"Try and catch us, paste face," Frank challenged.

Becky giggled and made it appear as if the trees had thickened.

"Oh that's it." Alex ran on. "See, I was gonna be the nice guy. Now I'll just hold you two down for Erik."

Frank dashed out, punching him in the arm. "Ha!"

Alex glared after him. "Guess Erik'll have to wait his turn."

When they made it out into, he took the opportunity to tackle the younger teenager.

"Ow!" Frank cried out upon impact.

"Cut the drama." Alex gave him a light pop on the bottom. "I go harder on you than this in training."

"No, I hit something."

Frowning in confusion, Alex got off of him and used his hand to sweep back the gathering of fall leaves. Frank sat up to help as well and they quickly uncovered a massive circular steel wedge made right into the ground.

"What is this thing?" Alex wondered.

Frank said, "Looks like a UFO landing base."

Alex stood up. "Let's go tell Erik."

"You're not telling anybody."

Both looked up in time to see a faceless figure and dark blue spring down at them.

Shoving Frank down for safety, Alex moved in time to seize it by the shoulders and hurl it towards a tree. The unknown arrive simply touched feet against the trunk and practically bounced right back towards them. He extended his right hand, shooting a deep red beam from it.

Alex flipped out of the way then glanced back. "Nice. But I've seen better." He unleashed a plasma blast from his own hand.

The other one jumped out of the way, making the blast instead hit a tree. He tossed a small metallic sphere down. Alex started to do nothing more than bat it away, but the disk made direct contact for his and sent jolts throughout his entire body.

"Alex!" Frank yelled out, rushing to him.

In a sudden jerk, the disk was stripped from Alex's person while the assailant sounded out in alarm as he found himself suddenly hovering above the ground. Then he yelled as a man unknown to him forced him over.

Becky hurried forward to see about Alex while Frank witnessed.

Erik spoke, "Give me any half-assed reason why I shouldn't tear your limbs off one by one until you plead for your own end." He also took the liberty of removing his mask, finding a face in equal youth to Alex's underneath.

"Fuck off," came the retort from the tan skinned, brown eyed one.

"Please." Another dressed in blue along with red and white and bearing a shield of the same pattern leapt down. "I know this may be asking a great deal, but don't hurt him."

Taken aback in a near breathless state, Erik completely dropped the young man, producing a groan as he hit the ground.

"Wow!" Frank smiled in amazement at the tall man that had suddenly joined the all too interesting development. "Who are you?"

"Oh yes, excuse me." He then started to introduce himself with, "I am Captain-"

"Steve Rogers," Erik cut in, getting all eyes on him. "The man who saved my life."

IIIIIII

Laid out in her bed with eyes fixated on nothing in particular, Raven reacted to the small feet coming into the room.

"Whatcha got there, cuddle bug?" She rolled over to face him.

"I made pictures of the babies." He sat near her on the bed to show the drawing. "This one is yours and Uncle Hank's. I sure hope they're girls just like Becky. But if they're boys, I want them to be like Cody."

"That's funny." Raven sat up. "'Cause I really want a little boy who acts just like you."

"Really?" Joey smiled.

Raven nodded with a smile before growing serious. "Joey," she pulled him onto her lap space, "listen, okay?" He eyed her with his full attention and she cupped his cheek. "Aunt Raven's not having a baby, sweetie."

Joey turned immediately concerned. "Did something bad happen?"

"No, no. Nothing like that," she quickly reassured. "But just like you were wrong last time you thought I was having a baby, I was wrong this time. Only this time, it really, really hurts me and I haven't been able to tell anyone except your Uncle Hank."

The small blonde put the picture down on the comforter and propped up to hug the blue woman around the neck. "I'm sorry, Aunt Raven. Don't worry. It'll be okay."

Raven hugged him back tightly, letting off a sniff. "Thanks, cuddle bug."

"You know what I'll do?"

"What?"

He pulled back a little to face her again. "I'll use all my prayers and star wishes so you and Uncle Hank'll get to be a mummy and daddy real quick."

Genuinely touched, Raven dipped her head to tickle noses with him. "Your new sibling is going to have a lot of competition. I don't think I can imagine a better nephew, Charles Joey Xavier."

Joey smiled and kissed her cheek. "Aunt Raven, can I read you a story? That's what Daddy does when I don't feel good?"

"Oh would you?" she reacted. "That'd be great."

"Be right back." The little boy hopped down to go browse his personal library.

IIIIIII

With every step they took through the wide off-white hallway, another light clicked on automatically. The Captain took the lead through the underground structure with Erik in the rear. Becky looked around from her view from Erik's arms. The three boys remained in the middle and Alex made sure to keep both eyes stuck on the one who had previous attacked him. Frank practically bounced with high enthusiasm.

He said, "I always believed Captain America was a myth from the war."

So did I, though Erik.

"I may as well have been, but that's a rather long story," the Captain responded. "In the meantime, welcome to the Children of Liberty or COL."

"Children of Liberty?" Frank echoed, clearly liking the sound of that.

"What exactly is all of this?" Erik wanted to know.

"We're a small and highly classified organization devoted to keeping various threats to the US at bay," Captain America explained. "These threats range from bombings at the openings of public parks to certain "specialized" capabilities."

Erik glowered. "Is that supposed to mean mutants?"

The blue assailant spun around. "Please? You think you freaks are the only ones walking around with powers?"

Alex stepped up on him. "Freaks?"

"Boys." The Captain placed a wide arm between them. "I ask you to forgive Zaro. He has a tendency to be overly outspoken," he gave him a sharp look, "and needlessly rude and offensive."

Putting on a very forced smile, he apologized with, "Sorry."

"Captain," a lean dark haired man in a lab coat approached the group. "We have visitors?"

"Yes, though Zaro proved less than welcoming above ground." Captain America turned to the others. "This is our head of research, Dr. Bruce Banner."

"It's a pleasure." Bruce extended a hand.

Alex looked to Erik.

After a moment, the metal wielder accepted the hand in a brief shake. "Erik Lehnsherr."

"I'm Becky Lehnsherr," the little girl he had with him piped up.

"Alex," the blonde said, "Summers."

All Frank said was, "I take it you're not a field guy."

Bruce only chuckled. "Unfortunately we can't all have incredible abilities."

"And here I always thought intelligence was a gift."

Looking towards one doorway to the new voice, they a girl there with golden blonde hair and brown eyes.

"Everyone," Bruce introduced, "this is Kerstin Harris. She's- well, the best way to put it is that she handles public relations."

"Hm." Alex looked her up and down.

"Erik, if it's alright with you, I thought Kerstin could give them the guided tour of the base," the Captain proposed. "That'll give us a chance to talk about some far less interesting matters." He saw the clear hesitation the man displayed. "They'll be safe. I guarantee it."

"Fine," Erik finally agreed. He carefully stood Becky up then instructed his charges, "Stay together, I mean it. No running off."

"Aw man," Frank grumbled. "Can't I stay with you guys? You haven't even said how Cap Man helped you."

"That's for another time," Erik said pointedly.

Groaning in frustration, Frank followed the other young ones.

The Captain, Erik, and Bruce went into the large and, much like Hank's, cluttered laboratory.

"Zaro spied you out on our surveillance equipment," Bruce said. "This area stays vacant for the most part and we try not to draw attention to ourselves wherever possible."
"It's as if fate intervened to deliver you here," said Captain America.

"More like a busted tire," Erik informed. "I trust you don't remember me. Then again, why should you? I was among many."

The Captain shook his head. "No, believe me, Erik. You stick out. While the others clamored to join the break in the camp, you refused to trust anyone until I approached and gave you my real name. I never forgot you or what you can do."

"Wait." Bruce tried to get a lid on things. "This is the boy who…"

"Needs no aide of a shield to keep bullets at bay," the Captain filled in.

Erik put a hand to his head, trying to take it all in. "For years I… I thought I imagined the entire thing or hallucinated it. I even forgot about you. Until today."

Putting his shield down, Captain America used both hands to place on Erik's shoulders. The younger man instinctively started to step away but managed to soothe.

"I can't tell you how good it is to see you standing here before me. Alive, healthy, and well." He smiled. "And what a life you've created for yourself. Little Becky is the image of Magda."

Erik's eyes darkened as he told him, "Becky is my adopted daughter. Magda is… it didn't work out." The Captain gave him eyes that said it all while he chose not to. "But you. You still look the exact same as the night we met."

Pulling his mask back to reveal a full head of blonde hair as well as blue eyes, Steve stated, "Staying frozen for more than ten years has unique anti-aging benefits."

Erik's eyebrow shot up at that.

II

Kerstin led her group straight to the well packed lounge and retrieved the necessary ingredients to make root beer floats for Frank and Becky.

Alex commented humorously, "As if they weren't already prepared to enter a diabetic coma."

Kerstin smiled and went over to him. "I figured ice cream would help. They have to be feeling overwhelmed by all this."

"Uh yeah, no," Alex immediately corrected. "With the number of weird things the three of us have seen or been through? This'll hardly register. Though I know if Frank doesn't calm down, he'll wet himself then I'll get to make him my slave for a week to keep my mouth shut about it."

She laughed. "Tell me you're not really that cruel."

"Not even close," he confessed. "So Kerstin, you actually work here? You can't be more than…"

"Nineteen. Zaro and I are freshmen at NYU."

Alex looked at her disbelievingly. "That guy goes to college?"

"That guy is a top student," Kerstin confirmed. "Please don't let the pugilist barrier he puts up throw you off. He's just been through a lot."

"I know the feeling." Alex then brought up, "So I guess you and him are…"

"No," Kerstin assured. "Believe me, I'd suddenly go out with that little guy." She used her shoulder to indicate Frank.

"Well," Alex looked at her closely, "what about this bigger guy?"

Kerstin gaped at him for a moment then shook her head lightly. "You don't waste time, do you?"

"That's not the X-Men's style."

"That kind of implies you have style?" Alex glanced back at Zaro in the doorway. "Beyond waiting on somebody more powerful to come to your rescue?"

Before Alex could say anything, he and Kerstin broke into laughter.

"What?" Zaro glanced down to see that his suit had gone from blue to ultra-bright pink. "Ahh!"

Frank saw and nearly fell over in a horselaugh.

Becky returned him to his normal coloring then stated, "That's the kind of style we "freaks" have."

Putting a finger to his ear, Zaro received a message. "You guys are lucky. Cap just called." He started out only to find them all right behind him. "Uh, where do you think you're going?"
"Hey, Erik said stay together," Frank reminded.

Zaro just rolled his eyes and hurried along through the corridors into the meeting room.

Finding the Captain without his mask, he acknowledged him with, "Steve, what's happening?"

"We've received a lead that the Enforcers are going after a construction site just outside of Manhattan."

"Who are the Enforcers?" Alex asked.

Steve answered, "They're a group of basic anarchists who thrive on delivering blows anywhere they can. They're no doubt targeting the site because it's the spot of the new children's hospital. We've faced them before and they specialize in high-tech weaponry."

"I'll be ready," Zaro assured.

"So will we," Erik put forth. "Alex, we're going along."

"Sounds good to me," Alex replied.

"Gentlemen, we're glad to have your accompaniment," said Steve while Zaro only rolled his eyes.

"Erik, I want to go, too," said Frank.

"No," Erik shot down right away. "You stay right here with Rebecca."

"What?" Frank reacted, practically ready to stomp both feet. "That's not fair. I can help."

"Not another word." Erik lowered to the young children. "Stay here and behave." He kissed Becky's head and touched Frank's cheek. "I love you."

"We love you, too," Becky returned while Frank only grumbled.

"They'll be fine here," Kerstin promised.

When Erik stood back up, Steve said, "We have to move. Can you co-pilot?"

Erik nodded and the four of them started out.

IIIIIII

Heart pounding, palms sweating, and his insides contorting, Alex did his best to not allow any of it to show on the surface. Inside the spacious COL mini jet, he sat directly across from Zaro who took a window seat while Alex specifically chose passenger.

Glancing out of the corner of his eye at the won tweaking with his hand armor, Alex fully absorbed his features. Tanned yet somehow shiny smooth skin, coffee eyes, and a somewhat round face. The thick but silky dark hair reminded him of Kayla or possibly even Leon.

"Lazaro Yang… dude, what exactly are you?" Alex came out and asked.

He turned and faced him as he said plainly, "Mexican and Chinese."

"That's a new one," Alex reacted.

"Only in your little world." Zaro faced forward again. "You gonna upchuck over there or what?"

"I don't do flying," Alex stated matter-of-factly. "My parents were killed in a plane crash. A plane I was on."

Zaro showed no emotion to hearing that but instead said, "My dad's a drug lord."

Not expecting that one, Alex asked, "So what're you doing…"

"On this side?" he filled in. "When Steve got a hold of me, he saw my hand-to-hand skills and he gave me two options. COL or lock-up. More than my old man ever gave me."

"Where's your mom?"

"Back in Mexico last I heard," he answered indifferently. "Course that's been about four years now." He nodded towards where Erik sat beside Captain America. "That your foster father, step-father, play-daddy what?"

Alex responded, "Just my father."

"I need to whiz." Zaro stood straight up and started back towards the bathroom. He closed the door and received a brief startle to discover more than the standard three piece setup.

Frank said, "Look, I don't expect you to understand but I'm a serious X-Man and a serious American so if there's a threat I'm hands on in."

Zaro blinked at him then lightly shoved him into the shower stall. "Kid, I don't care what you do." He started unzipping the front passage of his uniform. "Just let me piss."

"No problem." Frank yanked the curtain back to cover the sight.

IIIIIII

Raven?

The shape-shifter reacted to her brother's mind in her voice and looked up from the bench she sat on in front of their home.

Charles came closer and sat beside her. "It's getting terribly chilly out here. Let's go inside."

She asked straightforwardly, "You already know, don't you?"

Sighing through the nose, Charles nodded. "Yes... If I could sense our child I knew it would be the same with yours."

"Why didn't you call me out?"

"Perhaps it's the only way I felt I could help you at the time. I didn't want to give you reality. I wanted you to have this, even if it meant playing into a fantasy for a time." He touched her shoulder. "I'm so sorry, love."

"You're sorry?" she responded incredulously. "You tried to tell me about this major event in your life and the first thing I do is turn it around and make it about me. Every crazy thing you must have been feeling and I didn't care."

Charles reasoned, "You were shocked. You were only trying to—"

"Don't do that," Raven said near pleadingly. "Don't rationalize this whole thing and make excuses for me. You're constantly there for me and all I do in return is be a crap sister. That's why you didn't come to me about Emma when you guys first started. I want to be a mom so bad but I'm stuck on brat still."

"Baby Blue," Charles brought her shoulder down to rest on his head and he kept his arm around her, "please don't think that way. You are a kind compassionate girl I've watched grow into a young woman. You still have some growing left, but so do I. And most importantly, I love you. So much."

"I love you, too," she returned then smirked. "And ha! I so knew you and Emma were fu—"

Charles gave her a mild swat. "Raven Xavier McCoy." He only received an impish giggle that for whatever reason warmed his heart.

IIIIIII

From the bushes yards off away from the construction site, the male group of four crouched with the young ones tucked in between the elders.

Erik lowered his binoculars. "They're all in."

"Then we have not a moment to lose." Captain America got up. "Erik, you and I will take the east. Zaro, you and Alex head west."

"Is your communicator on?" Erik asked Alex.

"And for the eighth time," Alex faced him in amusement, "yes."

"Let's get this done," said Zaro.

Alex thumped fists with Erik before following him.

"Quite the disciplined young man you have there," Captain America observed.

Erik could not help the proud gaze as they watched them go then moved forward themselves.

IIIIIII

Departing from the lounge, Becky peeked inside every bathroom she came across and even glimpsed the interior of every unlocked room.

"Miss Lehnsherr," Bruce acknowledged pleasantly when she wound up in the laboratory.

"Have you seen Frank anywhere?" she asked, clearly troubled.

"Hm." He gave his chin a rub. "Come to think of it, I haven't heard a peep out of him since the others departed…" Realization dawned over him. "Becky sweetheart, you don't believe Frank is capable of stowing away on a forbidden covert mission, do you?"

"Yes!" Becky looked frantic. "Oh no."

Bruce quickly approached to provide her some means of comfort. "Now, calm down. I'm sure he's alright."

Becky shook her head hard. "Not when our daddy finds out."

IIIIIII

Dodging another blast from an Enforcer's extreme arsenal, Zaro clicked his tongue. "All this to take down a children's hospital? Seriously, what level of hell are these guys aiming for?"

Even Alex had to admit that even a sick nazi mutant with plans to bring a nuclear age to half the world somehow made more sense.

With the lowest deadly force he had available, he used a stream of red plasma to send half a dozen hurdling back. Then another beam came their way, one of an all too blinding light.

"You've gotta be kidding me," Alex stated sardonically.

"Hey, guys," Frank ran up.

"And it's the Boy Wonder himself," Zaro remarked.

Grabbing him by the back of his shirt, Alex demanded, "What are you doing here?"

Frank pointed forward. "Uh, how come they're still coming?"

"Maybe because the Enforcers have the same eye protection I have in my mask," Zaro tossed out. "Meaning no pretty mutant rays are gonna faze 'em."

"Didn't know that!" Frank mentioned.

Alex groaned. "If I weren't busy, you'd get the BBS of your life."

Before the young teenager could comment on stealing terms from Banshee, more assailants came at them.

II

Yells sounded from the group of four as they somehow found themselves dragged across the lawn by the unknown force the leather jacket clad man produced.

While Erik made full use of deconstruction the numerous pieces of metal made into their armor, he stole glimpse to watch the Captain work as well. As a teenager, he had not witnessed the man in his full power but now go to see as he near seamlessly moved between Enforcers like play things. The only time he seemed to make use of the shield was to ward off gunfire.

Well before long, they had all depowered. Erik used every piece of available scrap metal to enclose them all inside an inescapable containment unit.

"Well played, my friend," Captain America commended wholeheartedly, rejoining him. "I don't know what amazes me more. Your mutant powers or the one who wields them."

Actually touched by the praise, Erik deflected with, "Let's see about the others."

The Captain nodded his agreement and they made their way around to the other side and to their young comrades, who were also finishing up.

"Hey Cap," Zaro greeted casually. "You radio HQ yet?"

"No, but I'll have them here ready for detainment of these low lives within the hour," Captain America returned.

"Frank," Erik quickly zeroed in on. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Coming to the aide of the flustered little one, Zaro offered out, "Kid's got some good moves. He used his see-through thing to show us a good dozen of these guys in hiding."

Frank added, "Yeah, they'd have been annihilated without me."

Seething, Erik started to say something again but his attention instantly went to the one who tumbled to his knees, shaking.

"Alex!" He practically flew to his side, propping him up on his lap.

Frank ran over as well, kneeling on the other side.

"Was he hit?" Captain America wanted to know.

"They didn't even get near him," Zaro insisted.

"Alex?" Erik patted at his cheek, trying to get him to say something. "Boychick?"

With a pained groan, Alex's hand went to his chest. "Dad… Dad, help me."

Erik clutched him for dear life and hastened to return him to the jet.

IIIIIII

Leaving out from the medical wing to where Erik waited with Becky in his lap, the broad shouldered bearded brown skinned Dr. Lewis approached.

The two brunettes looked up expectedly.

"Your boy's going to be just fine, Erik," he announced.

Erik sighed with relief and Becky stood. "I want to see him."

Dr. Lewis held a hand out. "Go right ahead, miss lady."

Erik started to go in with her but the doctor stopped him a moment. "What is it?"

"You should not have let him onto the field without testing his pressure first. With hypertension this high—"

"Hypertension?" Erik repeated. "What are you talking about? He's a nineteen-year-old boy."

"One who's body fell to extreme stress and nearly suffered a full cardiac shut down," the other man emphasized. "Are you telling me you didn't know about his blood pressure?"

Erik shook his head helplessly. "I didn't… I didn't know. Please. I have to see him."

The doctor nodded understandingly and led them inside. Becky laid beside Alex in his bed, holding onto his entire wrist with both hands while he smiled and played with her curls.

Spotting Erik, Alex's smile faded silently as he waited for him to speak.

Erik walked down the row of beds until he made it to the designated one and practically blanketed Alex's entire body with his own in an embrace.

"I'm fine," Alex promised. "It was just a fluke. It won't happen again."

Erik only continued to hold onto him.

Dr. Lewis walked up to the family. "I did find one thing odd." They all looked over. "During internal scans, I found the thing keeping your heart going under all of that. It was like… an electric charge coursing through it. Does that have anything to do with your mutation?"

"No," Alex gazed up at the ceiling, corners of his mouth turning up again, "not my mutation."

Becky beamed and nestled against him.

II

When the can of orange soda rolled down into the slot, Frank retrieved it and popped the lid then barely sipped at it.

"Here I thought you'd be in the waiting room with the others."

Frank looked up as Steve, now in civilian attire, approached him. "I like science and everything, but when stuff happens to people I actually know…"

"It becomes all too real," the older male filled in knowingly.

Frank nodded. "Guess you think I'm a real dope for what I did back there."

"You broke rank tonight, little private." Steve lowered to one knee and looked him right in the eye. "You deliberately disobeyed orders, stowed away, and joined in combat, possibly corrupting the mission altogether in addition to endangering your own life." He crossed his arms. "In all my years in the military I have never seen… such a deep patriotic loyalty."

The boy actually touched one of his ears, not believing it at first. "You mean you don't think I'm just a stupid kid who can't do what he's told?"

"There's a little of the latter, but stupid? I shall say not again and again." Steve patted his shoulder. "Though that does not change the fact that what you did tonight cannot happen again. If it does, I'll have you thrown in the brig."

"But that's in the Navy, Cap."

"See?" Steve rubbed his hair. "You are a smart boy."

Frank smiled delightedly.

IIIIIII

Taking in the full story, Charles blinked twice. "I must say, the most excitement to be had in my day consisted of acting as referee when Cody ran through the house with Jasmine's doll. Captain America- why have you never mentioned any of this before?"

"I thought I imagined it all," Erik said from his usual chair. "The delusions of a starving desperate escapee, visiting castles in the sky."

"It is quite amazing." Charles placed his teacup down. "And you're sure Steve is not a mutant?"

Erik shook his head. "He underwent a special program in the military. It made him flawless, the closest to human perfect that can be reached. However, the treatment also nearly cost him his life and more than ten years in a frozen state."

"My God," Charles breathed. "I wonder if Logan and Victor ever crossed paths with him during their war days."

Hank stepped in then and said, "I gave Alex something to help him sleep. He's resting in his room now."

"Thank you, Hank," Erik nodded.

"I feel you must know that I diagnosed Alex's hypertension the same day he started school." Both Headmasters stared at him incredulously. "He pleaded with me not to tell either of you and I went along. I've been monitoring his condition closely, but I never expected he would fly today, let alone participate in such strenuous activity."

"You knew." Erik got to his feet and stormed over, jabbing a finger in the younger scientist's face. "You knew and you didn't tell me? If he had died tonight…"

"It would be on me," Hank said sincerely. "I can't express how sorry I am. I take full responsibility for this and will comply with whatever you decide to do with me." He turned and walked off.

Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Erik glanced back to see Charles standing behind him.

"I know this sounds out of the question, but I have to ask you to give him leniency. Believe me, he and Raven are feeling thoroughly punished at the moment."

Erik looked at him quizzically.

IIIIIII

"And I thought Wolverine was cool beyond reason. Dude," Frank fell back against his bed, completely enthused. "Cap is freaking fantastic! You should see his uniform. It looks like mine. He called me a real patriot. Can you believe that?"

Scott followed the retelling from where he sat propped up on the other boy's desk. "I can't believe I missed all of this. The most excitement I saw was Jas trying to put Cody in a headlock."

"Yeah, it was seriously—" Frank immediately stopped speaking when his door opened.

With eyes focused on Frank, Erik requested, "Scott, would you give us a minute?"

"I'm gonna check on Alex again." The ruby shades wearer scampered down and practically fled from the room.

Erik used his abilities to shut the door, making Frank jump. "You are in more trouble than you have ever known."

"Erik, please." Frank backed up against the headboard. "It felt like I had to be there. I've been on the field before. I don't see how this is so different from Shaw."

"The difference is," Erik seethed, standing right over him, "I told you to stay with your sister. When I tell you to do something, you do it. Pitch a fit about it if you think it will help matters, but you do not disobey me and behave so recklessly."

"Yes, sir," Frank replied in a chirp. "Please don't kill me."

"Oh don't you wish?" Erik then ordered, "Bring me your ruler. Now."

As fast as he could, Frank got up and started looking through his desk.

He found it in one drawer and dutifully brought it over, trying to look the picture of a contrite little boy. "Here, Erik."

Taking it, Erik sat on the bed and pulled him over. He brought Frank over his lap and yanked his pajama bottoms and underwear down in a single act.

When Frank felt Erik's leg trap both of his own in addition to the man pinning his arm back, he knew this would be one of those spankings and the burning in his eyes started already.

Position set, Erik picked the ruler back up and unleashed it across the unsuspecting thighs in stinging blows.
"Aaah!" Frank cried out already, unable to kick his legs or reach back, not that he dared.

Erik did not relent until the thighs were red and the bottom turned pink. He then dropped the ruler and began spanking his bottom with his own hand.

Frank's pleas bled together into incoherent sobs. Tears spilled down his cheeks onto the floor below.

The task sufficiently completed, Erik stopped first freed the boy's limbs before rubbing the heaving back. Frank stayed over his lap for several minutes until his body calmed from the pain it had undergone.

Erik tugged his pajama bottoms off and only replaced his underwear. As carefully as he could, he picked Frank up to hold tightly.

"If I had lost either of my boys tonight, I would be a man lost."

"I'm sorrrrrry," Frank sobbed into his shoulder then tugged on his sleeve. "Pl-please don't go. Stay here with me."

"I'm not going anywhere." Erik laid down with the child on his stomach. "I won't leave you, little boychick." He moved the covers to go over both of them. "Do you want to rest tomorrow while I make latkes?"

"Uh huh," Frank nodded against him.

Erik whispered a song in his ear to help him drift into sleep and away from the unfortunately necessary physical pain he felt.

IIIIIII

The sun beaming so forcefully into his room, Alex's eyelids peeled back, revealing the orbs of blue. At the wet nose against his hand, he formed a smile and pulled Bounty over on top of his chest, rubbing the rabbit behind his floppy ears.

Within a minute, Erik walked in.

Alex got a good look at his face and frowned. "Did you sleep last night?"

"Of course that's your first question." Erik came close and gave him a careful hug. "How are you feeling?"

"Pretty good," Alex leaned his cheek against the man's, "Joey must've left this little guy in here with me last night."

Erik gave the rabbit a pat and sat back a bit to better view them both. "Why didn't you tell me, boychick? Don't you trust me?"

"Of course I trust you," Alex answered automatically. "I trust you more than anything. I just kept it from you out of fear. I finally had everything I ever wanted and I couldn't take being even a little bit sidelined. Then I almost lost it all last night."

When he started to get up so suddenly, Erik cautioned, "Be still. You need to rest."

Alex made a beeline for his closet and removed the first belt he could find from it. "Here."

As if he didn't know, Erik asked calmly, "What is that for?"

"Me," Alex said strongly. "I lied to you. I let myself be hurt. This is what I deserve."

Erik got up. "I'm not going to whip you, boychick."

"You have to," Alex insisted, hand holding the implement shaking slightly as his eyes filled with tears. "I- I was bad. You have to. Erik, please…"

Closing the small gap between them, Erik gave him a fierce hug. "Shhh."

Dropping the belt, Alex began to cry softly.

Erik sat back down with Alex in his lap. Keeping one arm around him, Erik used his other hand to administer eight hard swats to the seat of his pajama bottoms.

"It's done." Erik rubbed his back. "No more argument."

"Yes, sir," Alex whispered, trying to wipe his eyes. "I'm sorry. I'll be good."

Erik hushed him again and kissed his forehead. "You're to come home from school for lunch every single day to have Hank check you over. I want it done in the evenings as well, no excuses. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," he repeated. "I understand." At last, he understood.

IIIIIII

Golden brown potato cakes finished, Erik left the majority for the rest of the household while he carried four plates along with orange juice and other breakfast items upstairs into his suite.

Becky played with Sweetie Imp up against the headboard. Frank laid near her, still on his stomach, moving his nazi coin through his fingers. Alex stretched out across the edge of the bed and sat up the moment Erik returned.

With a simple nod of his head, Erik commanded the tray to spring to life and float over to place itself in the middle of the mattress. He then got down himself, ready to enjoy the privilege of eating with his children.