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.

106. Chapter 106 Untouchable

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Six

Author's Word: Have a wonderful holiday weekend, everyone! I love my fam, I love my fam, I love— please enjoy and review!

Heartbreak Hotel playing on the stereo along with the unique smells of various hair products filled the feminine bedroom. Her doll Josephine capturing most of her attention, the young girl sat up on her knees at the vanity bench while her mother worked the brush through her smoothly ironed out mane. Both wore purple outfits, the older woman in a pants suit with silver-gray top underneath and the younger a lavender blouse with matching tights and a darker purple skirt.

"I see these folks have done everything but stick a crown on your head." She placed the brush down to fluff out the caramel blonde hair. "I can't get over this castle you're living in."

Jasmine told her, "And you need about ten different types of ID just to go out and check the mail."

"At least we know you're in good hands when your dad's at the club." She looked at her closely in the mirror. "They do treat you alright, don't they?"

"Oh definitely," Jasmine assured. "They're just crazy, but they can't help it."
"Good. Stand up, let me see you." Yvonne held onto her hand while she did so, helping her perform a short spin for the full effect. "Foxy, foxy. You know I wanted to get your sister a skirt like this in—"
Jasmine let go of her and moved along the side of the bed. "Have you seen my shoes?"

Yvonne's hands went to her hips. "Jas…"

She held up the flats victoriously. "Found them."

Conceding, Yvonne started towards the door. "Let me go check on your daddy."
The familiar humming hit her ear before she even made it into the intended suite. She entered in time for him to step out of the bathroom with a white towel around his midsection.

He gave off a click of his tongue. "If I'd known you were still this impatient, you could've climbed right on in with me."

She rolled her eyes. "Same old starlet. Take about ten years longer to get dressed than the women."

"I wanted to save the best part for you, lovey." He started undoing his towel.

"Pat!" Yvonne turned her back to him.

"Mm." Trick came up behind her, a massaging hand going to her shoulder. "So close yet still so far away, hm?"

"Put your damn pants on."

He walked over to get into his underwear and dark slacks. "I love it when you're bossy!"

"I can't believe this cushy setup you have going." Yvonne ran a hand along the unique architecture that made up the doorframe alone. "Shoot, I want to be mutated."

Trick sat at the foot of the bed, getting into his shoes. "Not what you said a few years ago as I recall it."
She turned back around. "Different time. We were in court, I was mad as sin. You know what you and Jas can do was never really an issue."

"Matters not to me," he told her, growing serious. "So long as Precious knows it."

"And look at you," she said with a smirk. "Teaching?"

"Don't be jealous just because I have wee ones to inspire."

"Patrick "Hooky" Hughes. How do you even function in a classroom?"

Buttoning the lower portion of his chosen shirt, he made his way over to her, causing her to become enclosed between him and the door. "Not quite as well as I function in the bedroom."

She ducked out of his touch. "Don't mess with my hair unless you're ready to pay to get it done."
"Only fair if I'm the one sweating it out," he countered haughtily.

Yvonne maneuvered away, providing some small amount of distance between them. "Jas still doesn't want to hear about Mackenzie."

Trick shrugged a shoulder, going to pick out a blazer from his closet. "Sounds like a personal problem."

"Pat," she reacted in annoyance.

"Hey," he looked over at her, "I don't even date. You know that, Jasmine knows that. If she won't accept a new woman in my life, don't plan on her accepting your new tight little unit."

"So you won't even try and talk to her about it?"

"Hmm." Trick picked up his comb and looked into the nearest mirror. "Part it on the left or right?"

She only shook her head back at him before leaving out.

IIIIIII

Flipping through the infant catalogue, Emma wondered, "What to get for a baby boy. I only started buying for small children period this year."

Raven mentioned, "Charles still has a lot of his stuff stashed away in the attic."

"Oh I'd love to take a look at that," the telepathic woman responded.

"I hardly had to step inside a store," Kayla chimed in. "Logan insisted on building most of the baby furniture."

"Hank's really handy like that, too," Raven said.

"As is Charles." Emma then tacked on, "When it comes to whipping out his credit card."
When the trio from upstairs came through, Jasmine acknowledged them with, "Good night, everybody."

Raven looked up. "You three heading out?"

"The club then some late night ice cream." Trick had an arm around both of them.

"It was nice seeing you ladies," Yvonne waved pleasantly as they started for the front of the house.

"Have a wonderful time!" Kayla called after them brightly. The moment the door opened and closed, she ground out, "Weak little hussy."

Emma looked completely aghast by her friend. "Kayla."

The abruptly irate one went on with, "I cannot stand women like that. Her daughter's at a crucial stage of adolescence, experiencing a thousand different emotions, and she pops in on her at her convenience. Meanwhile, she wants to hide out in Brooklyn living some fake picture perfect life." Kayla gazed back at her grading. "I guess appearances are all that matter."

Raven tried to offer up, "I'm sure it was hard to—"

Kayla got to her feet at that. "She knew it was going to be hard the moment she allowed him inside of her. Trick faced the same hardships, but he never waved the white flag. If she were any kind of real wife and mother, she would have stuck by her man and their child. That cowardly two-faced skeeze." She marched out of the living room with something resembling a growl in her throat.

Emma proved too shock to speak while Raven advised, "Never be a crap mom in front of the old lady."

IIIIIII

The moment he completed the final number, the dinner crowd leapt to their feet in roaring applause. Trick remained on stage, taking in the shouts and cheers as a show of respect to his audience members. After another minute, he managed to sneak away to his dressing room.

He finished sipping is bottle of water in time for Jasmine and Yvonne to make it back. "So, talk to me. Still got it?"

Yvonne offered him a supportive hug. "Better than ever, baby."

Jasmine cuddled in between them and said, "That was great, Daddy."

Trick gave a kiss to the top of his head. "You're too good to me, Precious." He noticed the button bracelet on her wrist. "Ah did you make that?"

"Frank did." Jasmine took a seat on the couch.

"Oh right," Yvonne said knowingly. "I forgot you gave him that little promotion. You have all your classes together now, right?"

"Except Daddy's. I take Mutant Psychology with Emma Frost."

"Mutant Psychology," Yvonne echoed. "What're you making in that?"

"A letter," Jasmine told her.

Yvonne rolled her eyes. "There you go sounding like your daddy in school again."

"Look who's talking." Trick put his hands on his hips. "Miss Please-Do-My-US Studies-Homework-So-I-Don't-Have-To-Hear-My-Mama's -Mouth."

"That happened one or two times," Yvonne insisted.

Jasmine narrowed her eyes in confusion. "How are you asking somebody new to the country to do your US Studies?"

"You know what?" Yvonne pointed a finger at each of them. "I can't stand neither one of you. Tic and tack." They laughed and she pulled Jasmine up by the hand. "Come on, baby. Let's fix ourselves up before we go out here again."

Trick said, "I'll go pull the car around."

They separated and after making it through a few fans, the musician slinked off through the side entrance. He started for the parking lot when a hand touched his arm and he looked back at a winded young man.

"Hey Trick, sorry to sneak up on you but I had to. I've been trying to get an autograph for the longest." He held out his pen and pad. "Would you mind? I love your sound."

"Certainly not." Trick took the items and started filling out the blank paper. "Your support pays the bills after all. What's the name, mate?"

"Just make it out to the Purists." He jerked his hand suddenly.

Trick turned completely frozen, dropping the pad along with pen as the sharp blade connected with his upper back.

"Now," the penetrator said into his ear, "take your two-toned family and go back to wherever you came from or we'll get them next."

That sealed, he yanked out his dagger and ran off.

Unable to move at first, Trick eventually tumbled forward, trying to reach around to get at the deep wound.

"Daddy?" Jasmine left out through the side entrance, glancing around. She spotted her father and smiled. "What're you doing?" She then noticed the red substance secreting down his white blazer. "Mama!"

IIIIIII

Resolute pairs of feet belonging to the headmaster duo, the Howletts, Victor, and Emma proceeded without fail along the white tiled floor of the ER.

Seated in a chair, Alana stood to greet them. "Hi, I was waiting for you. I didn't want you to have to deal with this unscrupulous nursing staff."

"Is he alright?" Charles wanted to know.

"It wasn't too deep a gash," the redhead explained, "but they found a blood donor and he's all stitched up. I think they'll let him go home tonight."

"Where is Jasmine?" Kayla asked next.

"She and Yvonne are with him now. They're back there in—"

"I can smell him," Logan cut in before heading the way.

While the others went, Erik lingered for a moment. "How are you?"

"After you guys left, I completely dumped out what was left of my prescriptions," Alana told him. "Is Frank alright?" Erik nodded. "Are you?"

The man did not speak immediately.

Victor, who had paused at Erik's sudden halt, returned to him and reminded, "Hey boss man, we got a job to do, remember?"

Erik came back to reality and walked back with him.

The moment the members of the X-Men filed into his room, Trick sat up as best he could. Jasmine detached herself from his bedside long enough to go into Emma and Kayla's mutual embrace.

Before anyone could bombard him, Trick spoke. "Logan, I've given Yvonne cab fare. Could you wait with her until it arrives?"

"Yeah, sure," the gruff man agreed.

"Victor," he addressed next, "we're about ready to get out of here. Could you take Precious and the ladies down to the car?"

Jasmine reached a beseeching hand out for him but no words came from her mouth.

"Easy, baby." Victor lifted her up into his strong hold. "I gotcha. Your daddy's coming."

Yvonne promised Trick, "I'll call you first thing."

He nodded at her.

Emma and Kayla followed the Howlett-Creed brothers out.

Charles stepped up to take the ailing one's hand. "How are you feeling, man?"

Erik demanded, "Who did this?"

Trick replied, "I'm not sure. I didn't get a good look at his face."

"Do the police have any leads?" Charles asked next.

"No police," Trick stated firmly. "Von knew to drive us straight here. If the press got wind of this, it would be a field day."

"Trick, you were stabbed outside your own club," Charles emphasized. "You could have been killed and you're only thinking about saving face for the public?"

"I'm thinking about my daughter," Trick said matter-of-factly. "I don't want her bombarded by this. Things like this happen. Disgruntled fans and the like, probably just upset I returned to the European circuit for so long. Gents, please… I just want to go home."

Charles squeezed his hand and promised, "We're going. Don't worry about anything."

Trick nodded gratefully at him then glanced up to catch a sharp stare from Erik. He promptly avoided eye contact with him.

IIIIIII

"Here we go." Maya entered the suite with the stack of linens. "These are fresh from the dryer."

"Good." Sean had all of the previous bed things removed already. "Charles and Erik mentioned cancelling classes tomorrow."

"I think that's a good idea." Maya handed him the sheets. "Like anyone's minds will be on tonight's reading assignments, anyway."

"Yeah…" He got the fitted sheet on then started smoothing out the flat.

Once he finished, Maya got the blanket and comforter on. She looked over to see that Sean had eased himself into a chair, clutching one of the pillows against his chest.

"Sean?" She approached, kneeling beside him.

"Why him?" he got out. Not having an answer for him, Maya rested her hands on his lap. "He told me that's how his powers really grew, guys attacking him. But Trick is…"

"He's so good to people," Maya filled in. "He doesn't let anything stop him from being so warm and welcoming and fun."

"Does being nice just make you a target?" Sean rationalized.

"It feels like it," Maya admitted, her head going to rest on his legs now.

Sean placed the pillow under her head and kneaded fingers through her hair. "I just want to do something about it." He simply had not figured out what yet.

IIIIIII

Under the kitchen table, Cordelia spoke into the extension. "Em says they're on their way back. He's going to be okay. Yes, I'm fine. Just a little shaken still. I should go see if anybody needs anything. Alright. I love you, Daddy." She got up to hang up the phone and saw Alex there. "Hi."

"Hi," he returned then held his arms open.

She went right into them, leaning her head on him. "Am I totally pathetic?"

"I think you're better off than the rest of us," the blonde male told her. "At least you're honest about it. I have enough power to bomb the block and I can't keep my own family from being hurt at random times."
"When I was starving myself," Cordelia slowly looked up at him, "a small part of the reason I was doing it was because I thought if I got sick enough I'd have your full attention. At least you'd notice. My brother would just step right over me."

He took that in then said, "That's the difference between men and X-Men. We'd fall out on the floor with you before we would ever step over you."

She smiled and leaned on his chest.

IIIIIII

Walking into the living room with Raven, Hank announced to the five children gathered there, "Alright, time for bed."

"But Big Bear, I want to wait for Papa to get back," Becky protested, lined up on the couch with the three younger boys while Frank stood off to himself.

"Yeah," said Cody. "It's not like we're going to school tomorrow."

"You still need your rest," Hank said firmly. He went over to pick up Becky. "Let's move along now."

"Come on, Joey." Scott linked hands with him and stood.

"Aw, okay," Joey complied.

At his friend going along, Cody got up as well. "Alright, alright."

Hank tossed over his shoulder, "You, too, Frank."

"I'm not going anywhere," Frank informed him.

An exasperated Hank had to keep his inner beast calm as he said, "Frank, do not be difficult. Now, it's time for bed."

"Stop treating me like a little kid!" Frank yelled out, arms folded. "I'm not going anywhere until I see Trick and my girl, I don't care who likes it. In case ya forgot, Hank, I knew them before any of you. It's enough the crummy adults wouldn't let me go along to the hospital like I'm some kind of wuss."

"Frank," Hank started angrily.

"It's okay," Raven chimed in with a cheery countenance. "Hank, while you're putting the guys to bed I'd really like Frankie to stay down here and keep me company. Please."

"Alright," Hank agreed then proceeded out with the other children.

Raven approached the one remaining. "Hey, grumpy boy."

"I'm sorry, Rae." Frank sat down on the couch with her. "But nobody ever takes me seriously about this stuff."

"I know the feeling," Raven said. "I'm usually made to sit in the kid sis chair."

Frank formed a small smile. "I remember this one time when I was eight. Me and Jas stayed out an hour later than we were supposed to. My dad was home at the time and I knew he was gonna blow one. The second we got home, Trick thanked us for going on "that errand" for him. He's always been the way, you know? He hates hollering and making a big deal."

Raven wound her arms around him. "Reminds me of Charles when we were younger, too. It's like they keep the pain behind their eyes and you have to stare real close to catch it."

Frank sat quietly with his head on his shoulder until he brought up, "I'm gonna check on my mom."

"Kay." Raven watched him get up and head over to the living room extension.

IIIIIII

With a soft murmur, Jasmine rolled over. Finding the spot next to her vacant in the darkness, she instantly started to panic.

"Daddy…" She shot up in bed. "Daddy!"

Trick hurried out from the bathroom. "I'm here, I'm here." He got down beside her, enveloping the frightened child in his arms. "Daddy's here, babby." He kissed her forehead and rubbed her arm. "Hush now."

"Will you sing, Daddy?" she requested him, clutching him with a racing heart.

Though he did not have much of a song within him, he still sent a lullaby into her ear.

"Yeah?" he responded to the knock that came next.

Emma entered, followed by Charles, and clicked on the light. "We're sorry, Trick. We sensed it and we just wanted to see if we could help her sleep."

At his daughter's approving nod, Trick said, "Thank you, Em."

While the female telepath went to hold Jasmine, Charles went around to Trick. His friend's vexations practically tore into his own flesh.

How are you now?

I'll be fine, Trick tried to reassure.

Right. Charles allowed it to drop for now and got up to see about Jasmine.

Trick repositioned himself on his stomach, finding the back pain from the wound and stitching too irritating to rest on.

IIIIIII

Sprawled out on all fours with nose planted to the ground, Victor gave it a deep sniff.

"Trick's blood," he determined, "but too many people have been through already for a decent trail."

Erik noticed something and picked it up. "This has to be Trick's." He read the front page of the pad out loud. "To a one of a kind fan… it ends there."

Victor got to his feet and approached. "Got to be when he pulled the knife out on him. With Specter's powers, the son of a bitch had to get the jump on him."

"What better way than posing as an interested fan." Erik studied the pad closely then started flipping through it until he landed on a page with an interesting design of letters. "Purists?"

Victor said, "Never heard of 'em. Looks like gang insignia."

"Trick wasn't mugged," Erik remembered. "He didn't even take his watch off him. If not a war over territory, what kind of lone gang member attacks without the desire for profit?"

"Unless they're tryin' to get a message out," Victor concluded.

IIIIIII

A mug of tea in her hand, Kayla laughed when Cody came bursting out of one side of the tall leaf pile.

Looking over from raking, Logan shook his head. "Ya call that work, slacker?"

Cody responded by letting off a small growl and jumping at his father's leg.

Dropping the rake, Logan lowered to snatch the boy up then sent them both down into the pile with Cody safely on top of him.

Kayla came around and knelt near Logan's shoulder.

He turned to her, catching her gaze. "What're you lookin' at, huh?"

"You." She leaned in to kiss him.

Cody wiggled his face through his mother's long hair. "I want a kiss, too."

Logan advised, "Then go get a woman."

Cody shrugged. "Kay." He started to get up.

"Oh no you don't." Kayla immediately snatched him back.

Cody giggled as his father held him down for his mother to smooch his cheeks.

From his stance at his bedroom window, Trick took in the three of them until a sound from behind immediately made him look back.

"Von."

She stood just inside his room, wearing a white blouse and blue striped skirt with a messenger bag across one shoulder. "For a minute last night I thought you might never work my nerves again."

Trick enclosed the gap between them to hug her. "I'm glad you came by."

"Pat," she started to speak, pulling back to face him, "I've been thinking. With everything that's going on, all these politics, maybe it's better if the three of us don't appear in public together anymore."

"What?" he reacted with a deep frown. "Just like that? Are you forever going to let random sickos influence you? First you let them come between us and now you want to deny our family entirely?"

"It's not for me," Yvonne urged. "It's for Jasmine. I know it was for the best that you got custody. The fact that she can pass for white is a gift. Let her have an easier life than her sister's going to."

Trick looked at her in near sympathy. "Why is it so hard for you to be strong?"

Instead of finding insult with his words, she replied, "Same reason it's so easy for you." Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a beige file. "I talked to a friend of a friend this morning and found this out." She shrugged one shoulder casually. "In case you're interested."
He accepted it, glancing inside briefly before lowering the file. "Go check on our daughter." He called after her as she turned away, "Von?" Her brown eyes returned to him. "Who else have you contacted since last night?"

IIIIIII

"Did you remember to call the cleaners?"

"Of course I remembered to call the cleaners," Nora shouted back up the stairs as she attempted to get the hook onto her last earring. The dark haired woman stopped off to stand in front of the main level's full length mirror. "They'll be here in twenty minutes."

Ultan descended the stairs, still in his robe. "I told you I wanted to switch service. If we're late for this dinner—"

"Everything will be alright if you just calm down," Nora urged.

"You look lovely, Mother."

They both turned to see their son standing there yet neither had heard the door.

"Patrick," Nora acknowledged in surprise.

Ultan stepped forward. "We didn't expect to see you here."

"Yes, I know," Trick responded with a tilt of his head. "I recall that I need hand written invitation to come home."

Ultan gave him a look as he clarified, "I mean because of last night."

"So Von did get in touch with you. Odd." Trick let off a hum from the back of his throat. "Her folks are visiting kin in South Carolina and they still managed to call this morning. I know I made it clear that I didn't want Holly disturbed while she's at school, but I can't imagine what kept you two away."

"Yvonne assured us you were alright. We were going to call as soon as things settled down, dear," Nora told him. "We just thought it'd be best if we…"

"What, Mam?" Trick walked up closer, an air of silent innocence surrounding him along with his tone. "Did you think it'd be better to distance yourself from me? Not risk the neighbors getting word and tarnishing the name of your beloved bakery yet again? That would only be the second time in life I've caused you immense shame."

"Patrick," Ultan looked at him, "we're on our way out soon."
Trick continued on, moving right by them towards an end table. "This just brings back so many memories." He touched the lamp on top of the table. "Remember this, Da? You should. You knocked this off when you shoved me into the table one second after I told you Yvonne was expecting. You were there, Mam. Don't you remember?"

"Patrick, enough of this," Nora dismissed. "We know you're still feeling a mighty shock from last night."

Trick flashed them a smile "It was nothing compared to the shock I felt when I hit the floor that night. Right here." He pointed out the spot beside the table. "Before I could even realize what had happened, Da started kicking me, shouting out every cuss in the book."

Ultan sighed through his nose. "I was upset. You know that."

"So was I," Trick turned around. "I was upset and confused, but most of all terrified to the core. I was a teenage boy who wanted nothing more than caring and compassion from his parents. Instead you pushed me, kicked me—"

"Patrick!" Ultan ground out.

"Stomped on me," Trick continued without pause, "shouted at me." He started making his way back towards them, eyes locked. "Why did you do it, Daddy? Why did you enjoy hurting me? Why do people enjoy hurting me?"

"You dishonored us!" Ultan finally snapped. "Before God Himself, you spat on everything we ever taught you."

"Then I learned from the best," Trick stated. "Because for years now, you've spent every available moment going against two of His core principles; love… forgiveness. The two of you are the reasons Christians are given the coldest of welcomes. You make our faith out to be made up of the harshest judgment and complete bigotry. Christ took men and women from all walks of life and let them know they were worth something. Precious in His sight. You have never once behaved this way. And for that, you bring me shame." He moved right by the now completely silent couple as he strolled towards the door. "Keep on this path and you can forget that you have a granddaughter the same way you like to forget who her mother is."

That said, he turned the corner that led to the front door and phased straight out and away from the house.

IIIIIII

Smiling at the sight of his wife coming into the lab, Hank hurried over to offer her a kiss.

"How was school?" he asked.

She thought for a moment then said, "Old people talking, me spacing."

Hank looked at her understandingly. "I had Trick in the infirmary earlier. We're fortunate the blade just missed a critical artery. He should have a hastened recovery ahead."

Raven plopped her book bag on the nearest table and walked over to a window. "From the physical part maybe." Hank came up behind her quietly. "I'd put it behind me for so long, but this whole thing has made me think about those guys."

Hank's hand went to one of her shoulders as he reminded, "Erik took care of them."

"And I love him for it," she smiled slightly. "Still doesn't completely take away what they said, their hands all over me." Hank embraced her from behind. "But this is worse. Instead of someone coming to rescue Trick, his daughter had to walk out and see him that way. How is a little girl supposed to get over that?"

"It will take time," Hank knew, "but they'll both be alright. We'll all make sure of it."

Raven reclined comfortably against his strong upper body.

IIIIIII

Situated on the lowest bleacher, Sean observed the practice match between the Westchester team. Currently, pairs of brunettes and blondes bounced the ball back and forth across the net. Jasmine sat lined up on the bench with the rest of the girls. Even from their distance, Sean could still make out the distant forlornness in her eyes.

"Yeah, let's go, Jas," he cheered the moment her turn came up.

Jasmine did not even bother batting at the ball before going to speak to the coach softly. As she next walked back over to Sean, another girl hopped up to take her position.

Sean immediately surmised, "This isn't helping at all, is it?" Jasmine sat in his lap, her eyes sunken and he coiled arms around her thin frame. "Feel like getting some ice cream?"

Remembering where her family had planned on going the previous night, she answered with a soft, "No."

"Then let's just drive around," Sean proposed next. "Go on and get changed."

Jasmine got up and started for the girl's locker room.

Sean waited the few minutes for her to return to him, now wearing blue jeans and her jacket. He took her hand and led them out from to where the BMW waited. They spent the car ride in silence until Sean decided to stop off at the playground. The fall weather left it mostly deserted and the pair ended up on the bridge portion of the jungle gym. They sat with crossed legs, facing each other, though Jasmine seemed to peer right through him.

"I know what you're feeling, love," Sean told her after another minute. "When Charles and Emma got into that car crash and Charles didn't wake up right away, I had no idea what to do. I just had to get out of the house, though; step back from everything."

Jasmine's gaze came up. "Where did you go?"

"Church," he replied. "When I'm most lost, that's usually where I wind up. That's something I really love about Trick. He gets that. The X-Men have dealt with a lot of crummy things, Jas, but I know we'll get through this, too."

Jasmine said, "I'm so glad I met all of you, Sean. Before it always felt like most people were against me. Not really my ma and dad, but just me. Like being two things makes me disgusting."
Sean stated, "Anybody who thinks that way, especially about you, is disgusting." He flipped his legs over the side of the bridge and got up. "Let's head back. I know Frank-O misses you already."

At his lifting her up with her legs dangling over one of his arms, Jasmine let off a giggle that served as much needed music for the redhead's ears.

IIIIIII

"There is more to this than we realize," Erik stated strongly. "I could tell it back at the hospital."

"Erik, be reasonable," said Charles from an armchair. "Trick was recovering from serious injury. It's miraculous he could function at all in that moment."

"There's one way to know for sure," Logan put forth as though it should have been obvious, "fish around in his head."

"I hate to say it, but he may be right, Charles," Erik seconded. "This is no ordinary situation we're in."

At his unique hearing signaling him, Victor turned towards the doorway. "Speak of the Specter."

Trick came to a halt outside the parlor from the front door, glancing at each of the gentlemen present within. "…Hi?"

"Trick, would you be a mate and join us in here for a moment, please?" Charles requested.

The Irishman walked in. "Where's Jasmine?"

"Sean took her to volleyball practice to get her mind off things," Erik explained. "Meanwhile we had no idea you'd even gone."

"Wasn't aware I was grounded," Trick said dryly.

"Trick," Charles stood and approached him, "is there anything further you can tell us about last night? Anything at all?"

Trick appeared thoughtful then stated, "Too much blood loss I suppose. It's mostly foggy."

"I spoke to Steve Rogers today," Erik spoke. "Have you ever heard of the Purists?"

"Not til this very moment," Trick replied.

Charles picked up the explanation. "It would appear they're an organization not unlike the Klu Klux Klan. The difference is the Purists specifically target people of interracial heritage or relationships. Needless to say, authorities have chalked them up to just another street gang. You've never once heard the name before?"

Trick gave off a slight shake of his head. "No."

"Your heart rate says different." They all glanced back at Victor. "In fact, it says you're flat out lying."

"Then you need to get your ears checked," Trick came back with.

Charles started, "Trick, if I have to scan your memories—"

Trick faced him again, now incredulously. "You're threatening to invade my mind now?"

"You're holdin' out on us, Trick." Logan placed a firm hand on the younger man's shoulder. "You need to get it through your head that this ain't just your fight. These fuckers goin' after you is the exact same as them comin' after my family."

Trick scoffed at that. "Are you serious at the moment? Tell me, Logan, is that contentedly carefree boy of yours even aware he's mixed? In case you hadn't noticed, the hatred of Indians is very last century."

Logan got closer into his personal space. "Don't you try to talk to me about hate. You ain't been alive but five seconds. If you think a knife in your back is the worst of it—"

"Gentlemen," Charles got in between them, looking at Trick again. "You must let us help you. That's why you're here, Trick. That's why we're all here."

"A regular band of brothers." Trick let off a sardonic breath and turned, walking off a few paces. "But wait just a moment." He glanced back. "I'm not really in the club, am I?"

"You're being ridiculous," Erik told him.

"Am I?" Trick turned to him. "I suppose you really think it's ridiculous the way I carry such a poor influence over your dear little sanctified Charles. Pouring booze down his throat and the like."

"Trick, please—"

Trick cut him off with, "It's alright, Charlie. I know I'm at least your favorite playmate, right? Someone to pal around with when ol' Erik's being a heel, yes? That is, when the two of you aren't criticizing me over my lenient parenting of my "maturely dressed" daughter."

Logan stepped forward. "You're way out of line, bub."

"And you're a loudmouth with his brains wedged up his arse." At the fierce glare Logan gave him next, Trick challenged, "Oh what are you going to do now, Wolvie? Belt me one?" He spread his arms apart. "Go ahead. That's how blokes like you get off, isn't it? Go on. Beat the emerald out of me."

Victor yanked Logan back by his shoulder and declared, "Okay, enough's enough."

Trick stood up straight. "What a joy it must be to have an elder brother. Personally," he glanced back at the Headmasters, "I wouldn't know." He left the room.

The others lingered behind, all equally wordless.

IIIIIII

What a big roaring laugh of irony.

He clipped the side straps of his boots.

Taking a poker to the ghost guy. Yes, so very funny. They must all think I'm a riot.

The black claw tipped gloves slid on next.

That's what they've all thought for years now. I'm just a living, breathing joke.

Looking to his bed, he saw his daughter asleep peacefully there and bent over to kiss her head.

Sleep, my Precious. Tomorrow, you'll worry not. He stood from her. It's times I had the last laugh.

Dawning the ghoulish mask, Specter walked forward until he stepped clean through the wall. He continued on, leaving the house through the back way with purposeful strides.

At the center of the woods, he raised his arms and took off on in flight.

Lost in his own head, he barely had time to realize he'd made it into lower Brooklyn and came to a stop up above the old factory. Waiting a moment, he spied two males re-entering the building from a rear access point.

Lowering until he faded in through the roof, he simply watched the two dozen or so men that congregated like an ill insect horde. Soon enough, they would know of him.

Out front, the X-Van came to a sudden halt along with the pair of motorcycles. Professor X and Magneto exited the car while Wolverine and Sabretooth removed their helmets and got up.

"Specter's already inside," the Professor sensed.

Before any of them could make a move, three Purists stepped out of the building.

"Still early for Halloween," one of them commented as they all removed pistols from inside their vests.

With a single hand gesture, Magneto yanked the guns straight from their hands and broke them apart.

The metal wielder then said to the astonished trio, "Trick-or-treat…"

"Gimme something good to eat," Wolverine concluded, claws slowly extending.

On the inside, one of the Purists directed, "See what's going on out there."

Having recognized the sound of the van along with the motorcycles, Specter glided down, causing all present to take several steps back.

"The other gentlemen are the least of your problems," the grim figure informed them. His eyes narrowed on one in the far back wearing a thick blue jacket. "Especially yours."

"What the hell?" one of them uttered.

Specter said no more as he shot ahead, giving his intended target chase.

The twin doors of the factory burst open then, providing entry for the other X-Men. Both sides stood completely incredulous of each other, but for entirely different reasons.

"Are you seein' what I'm seein'?" Wolverine put forth.

"You gotta be kiddin' me," Sabretooth reacted.

Magneto looked on at the group of Blacks, Whites, Latinos, and several others. "I didn't see a gathering like this on Ellis Island."

Professor X addressed them with, "This is how you break the color barriers? Hunting down your own kind?"

"Ever hear of the one-drop rule?" A large man walked up. "We're just here to keep order."

Not listening to anymore, Wolverine took the liberty of charging forward.

Racing out of the nearest exit, the targeted Purist looked back to see that his pursuer had given up chase. Facing ahead again, he stumbled back at the ghostly one now standing before him.

"What do you want?" he demanded in desperation.

"I suppose this is all a bit confusing, isn't it?" Specter removed his mask, unveiling the ash blonde hair and normally gentle face underneath. "Ring any bells?"

"Patrick Hughes?" the other man's eyes grew immensely. "You're… you're a…"

"Oh, I'm just as alive as you are." Specter knelt down, making him back up on his behind. "But you wouldn't have minded seeing me dead. In fact as I remember it, you hinted that's what you'd do to my family next. Isn't that right, boyo?"

Unable to speak at first, a dark glower covered the man's features. "You … you pollute the human race. Your daughter's even greater filth than the thing she clawed out of. She is impu—" His eyes nearly rolled back inside his head at the pain he experience next.

"Hurt doesn't it?" Specter wiggled his fingers around his former assailant's inner lower abdomen. "What many fail to realize is that I can quite easily rip out a lung, spline, heart… with just a twist of a few fingers. But alas," he withdrew his gloved hand, "it's simply not my style." He stood up over the one currently clutching his midsection. "My, is that going to be a bitch of a recovery."

II

At the chain wielder that came his way, Professor X commanded, "Put that down immediately." He ceased movement and dropped the chain. Charles then threw out his right fist, sending the oversized individual down. "Thank you."

"So," Wolverine twirled one around by his shoulder, "ya don't care much for mixed families, huh? That's alright 'cause personally," he sunk his claws into his thigh, producing a soundless scream, "I don't like my son growing up on the same planet as scum like you." He allowed him to drop to the floor.

"A broch tzu dir!"

Magneto looked back in time to catch the one who had just wished a curse on him. "Please tell me you're not serious." Tightening his hand into a fist, he seized the man by all metal made into his clothing. He sent him into the floor face down several times roughly before allowing him to completely flop. Magneto then lowered directly over him to speak. "They gassed our kind, shot us, buried us alive. And you dare…" Anger building all over again, he delivered a backhand slap to the man's jaw.

Eyes blackened and claws out, Sabretooth collided a pair of heads together, sending them into unconsciousness. He let off a roar and went after another.

X-Men that's enough, Professor X ordered mentally, we must locate Specter.

As if awaiting his stage cue, the aforementioned one floated in from high above them. An eerie wind followed is presence. The X-Men gazed about as the scattered inanimate weapons sprung up in a swirling motion.

Feeling something dreadful, the Professor shouted up, "Specter, stop! We've done enough here."

"Not quite yet, Charlie," Specter determined, kicking things up further.

"Cut the effects, Spec!" Wolverine called out, covering his face from the building debris. "You made your point!"

Magneto attempted to slow things by moving his hands but Specter's powers proved far more fueled and forceful.

Specter brought his own hands together, creating what felt like an indoor tornado and causing terror to the already wounded below.

The X-Men grouped with their backs in a square and linked arms just to stay anchored.

"For the rest of your worthless lives, remember this," Specter spat at them, "if you ever try to hurt anyone again!"

Vivid dark and ghastly images appeared, popping up in all directions.

"How the hell is he doing this?" Sabretooth wanted to know.

Wolverine let off a growl. "Bub's been holdin' out big time."

"He's taken leave of his senses," said Magneto. "If he doesn't stop, he'll level the building."

Specter! Professor X cried out. Patrick! He broke from the square.

"Charles, no!" Magneto called after him.

Patrick, my friend Charles implored. I know what they did to you; I felt it myself. But if you continue this way, the devastation will be too great.

Get back, Charles Specter commanded.

I won't! The Professor then sensed something else. Patrick, you are forcing too great a strain. You are going to kill yourself. Think about your little girl. Jasmine, all of us, we love you. He felt Trick start to weakenyet incapable of coming down from his own power high.

Charles…

I'm here! Charles allowed himself to be lifted straight up into the center of the grand gust. I will not let you be thrown away, Trick, even if I'm lost in the process.

With as much mental strength as he had to offer, Professor X forced Specter into a sharp calm. They both cried out at the mutual collision of anguish that followed. Specter released the last breath he had to offer while the Professor fell faint.

Magneto seized him by his metal attachments and carefully lowered him into his arms while Sabretooth leapt up and caught Specter.

The dark eyed mutant removed his mask for him. "Trick?"

Barely making out the face of his friend, Trick blinked until his surroundings fell into complete darkness.

IIIIIII

"Easy, easy. That's it. I'm here…"

With slow breaths, Trick's eyes eased open until they could fully see the radiant countenance above. "K-Kayla?"

"Welcome back." She squeezed his hand between both her own then gave his hair a forceful tug. "And don't you ever scare us like that again."

"Sweet Jesus…" He sat up in the bed, seeing they were in the infirmary. "Please tell me I suffered a massive hangover."

"Of the mutated variety," the woman stated. "Your lungs very nearly collapsed but fortunately I could get you restarted. As an additional bonus, you'll find that it'll soon be time to remove your back stitches."

"Kayla, I can't begin to…" Trick then realized something. "Charlie! Where is he?" He glanced around frantically.

Kayla assured, "He recovered before you did. You're both fine." She cupped his cheek. "We're all fine now."

Trick stared forward a moment, not entirely convinced of that.

IIIIIII

In their regular chess chairs across from each other, Charles leaned back tiredly and Erik sat forward in a stiff position. Logan sat on the arm of one sofa with a grimmer than usual expression on his face. Victor stood off to the side, eyes focused on the fireplace.

Charles announced, "Kayla just contacted me telepathically. He's alright."

"Great, he's alive." Logan punched a fist into his palm. "Now we can kill him."

"He's a kid." Victor turned around, looking to all of them. "He's what exactly? Twenty eight going on twelve? These guys went after him for shit reasons and he lost it for a minute."

"And within that minute," Erik spoke, "so much more could have been lost."

Trick hurried into the room. "Charlie?"

"Trick?" Charles practically bounced to his feet and went to hug him. "Thank God. How do you feel?"

"Oddly asthmatic but otherwise fine." He then turned solemn. "Charles, I am so sorry and—"

"And," Charles interrupted sharply, running a hand through the ash blonde head, his features calm and gentle, "you are forgiven. Before anything else takes place this night, you must know that. Do you believe it?"

Trick nodded. "I simply don't deserve it."

"Hey." Logan got up and looked at him. "We're the ones who had to suit up in the middle of the night, kick around a bunch of low-lives," he rethought that, "okay, that was the good part. Then almost got sucked away like somethin' outta Oz. So don't go tellin' us what ya deserve. If we wanna forgive your dumbass, we will."

Erik stood. "However…" He gestured for Trick to take his chair.

The young Irishman did so, feeling immense trepidation come over him as he did.

Erik took up Charles' chair before he began. "Perhaps we have not been perfectly clear on the rules. In this house, accountability is highly and consistently enforced. Not only with our children but with every adult man and woman living here."

"I understand," Trick responded dutifully.

Erik's grimace only increased. "Then you must also understand that part of that accountability is being honest with one another. Not lying, keeping secrets, venturing off in the middle of the night like a wayward teenage boy, and going into a fight with circumstances unknown to you. Is that clear, Patrick? Should I write it down perhaps?"

"No, no," Trick shook his head. "I hear you, Erik. Loud and clear."

Charles stepped over to them, looking at Trick. "Was that your powers at their absolute max?"

"Yes," Trick answered.

Charles then asked, "Why didn't you tell us before?"

"Right." Trick rolled his head slightly. "Didn't think I'd win big man on campus by revealing I have the ability to invoke nightmares in man and child alike."

Logan let off a long scoff. "Oh whoopdedoo, Spec makes scary faces. Uh, in case ya hadn't noticed, my brother comes with a couple'la freaky charcoal eyes. Then there's metal head over there who can slice a guy's head clean off without leaving so much as a fingerprint on the machete. Don't get me started with Chuck."

Victor brought up pointedly, "Or the scrawny pipsqueak with the skeleton claws."

"What I hope Logan is trying to say is," Charles' attention returned to Trick, "we all have various abilities that create fright even in ourselves. One of the many reasons we're here is to help one another gain control." He squatted at Trick's chair, eyeing him closely. "Tonight cannot happen again."

"It won't," Trick promised.

"Then we have nothing further to discuss." Erik formed a particular look. "Except your punishment."

Trick turned sheepish. "I don't suppose this is an eraser-clapping offense?"

Charles told him, "More along the lines of a spanking offense."

At the young man's incredulousness, Erik looked to him sharply. "You lied, endangered yourself, and could have exposed mutation all in one night. Unfortunately, the entire world would not have the same reaction as Maya."

"A spanking." Trick blew out a breath and ran both hands through his hair. "Right. I- I won't fight this." He looked between the Headmasters. "What should I— what do you want me to do?"

Logan posed the next necessary question. "Which one of us is dishin' it out?"

Charles glanced to Erik. "What do you think?"

"I'll do it," Victor suddenly piped up, gaining all of their attentions. "Way I see it, he violated safety and security. That's my jurisdiction."

Logan crossed his arms. "And what am I?"

"A runt," Victor answered promptly. "Now pipe down."

Erik nodded his agreement.

Charles turned back to Trick. "Are you comfortable with this?"

"Yeah, it's fine," Trick responded in a soft tone.

"Go on up to my loft," Victor directed. "I'll be behind you."

Trick got up to comply with the order.

As he walked by, Logan watched him go with what could honestly be described as sympathy.

IIIIIII

There was something to be said about the bit of attic level space that acted as Victor's refuge. The room carried a well-worked atmosphere, with the more worn furniture pieces and wooden built-ins. Trick noticed the short two tier shelf but also spotted books here and there that seemed almost, perhaps even intentionally, hidden under various objects.

The room was not in line with Erik's den, an oddly cozy medieval chamber, yet even with the literature it had not much in common with Charles' more studious, busy-man office. Trick's own music studio popped with color, though different posters of musical giants covered up large portions of the walls. It also had little floor space due to the different instruments scattered about, but Trick had developed a sort of catlike maneuvering around the cherished space.

At the moment, however, he felt more like the cat's prey. The Irishman had no doubt about the pain he would soon receive. While he did not look forward to it, he had no intention of acting in opposition. He'd been the victim the previous night but this time, he knew he deserved it all.

Heavy footsteps proceeded the loft's owner before the honey wheat blonde entered in full.

For several seconds, neither spoke until Victor finally said, "Try tyin' a cowbell around your neck, why don't ya."

This surprised the musician. "Come again?"

"You strolled straight through the woods, right under our cameras. If you'd just flown off right from the roof, none of us would've been the wiser 'til later. Then you just left that address laying out in your room." Victor folded his arms, drumming fingers against one bicep. "Almost seemed like you wanted to get caught."

Giving off the slightest shrug, Trick countered quietly, "Maybe I wanted to see if any one of you would follow."

Victor told him, "You know we would've."

"For what, Vic?" Trick demanded in a near despairing tone. "To fulfill your arse kicking quota?"

"The only ass we cared about was yours," Victor shot back, pointing a clawed finger at him. "You wanna go on a rip roarin' rampage fine, but not without us. I been exactly where you been, Trick, and maybe if ya took five seconds not to brush the old guys off like we're all against you maybe we wouldn't be in this mess. You think I want to turn you over?"

"You all too readily volunteered."

"If I wanted to hurt ya, I could've been chucked you straight out that window," Victor indicated the very destination across the room, "but believe it or not, I give a few damns."

Trick realized, "That may be the kindest thing you've ever said to me. Come to think of it, that may be the most you've ever said to me."

"Trust me. When I got somethin' to say, you're gonna hear it." Victor moved by him over to a sofa. "How'd this go down when you were pintsized?"

Trick turned around to look at him. "I stopped getting formal spankings when I was about six. After that it was only my da's strap. Usually with me on the floor."

"I always gave my old man a good workout." Victor gave him a certain glance. "Between usin' me as a punchin' bag and bowlin' me down the stairs."

Trick sucked in a wince. "Victor…"

"Over here." Victor took a seat in the middle of the couch and gave one of his knees a pat.

Feeling everything in the room swirl together at the sudden surreal impact of it all, Trick managed to stand at his legs before lowering himself over them.

Victor helped adjust him so that his entire body laid out comfortably on the couch. With a single motion, he next got his pajama bottoms and underwear down and landed the first swat.

Trick's eyes bulged out and he exhaled sharply, unable to believe the initial effect of the very first blow. It all felt so long gone but he quickly became reacquainted with it as Victor's hand seemed to rain down without pausing. Burying his face into a cushion, Trick tried singing faintly to himself as a distraction.

As he continued the act of chastisement, Victor had to remind himself that he did not have a self-healing body across his lap. Yet he also knew that, while still very young, Trick was not one of the small children, either. However, the musician lived inside Victor's protectorate and that sole fact made it serious.

With the behind sufficiently red enough, Victor moved onto the thighs. Soon enough, his nose detected the telltale scent of tears. He also glanced over to see the puddle of wetness secreting from the cushion Trick still had attached to his face. Wanting to end things just as much as he did, Victor moved up a bit to get at the most sensitive sitting area. It would assist as an overnight reminder about the danger and near death he'd inflicted on himself.

Calling it done, Victor gave him the courtesy of redressing him then left a hand on the trembling back. Offering the second hand as well, the older mutant started rubbing over the pajama shirt. He knew he could not allow Trick up until at least some of the soreness subsided.

"You okay down there, kid?" he addressed him after a moment.

Trick raised his head up. "Birdies… dancing around my head… aren't they lovely?"

Victor rolled his eyes and smirked. "Yeah, you'll live." He helped him to his feet, "Easy now," and stood with him.

"It hurts," Trick stated somewhat distantly.

"'Fraid that's the general idea. Ya ain't feelin' it alone, you know."

Trick looked directly at him. "I do know. Thank you, Victor. Ever since we met, it's always felt like there's been an unspoken gap between us but now it's like we're finally able to—"

Victor held up a silencing hand. "If I run you a cold both, can we skip the poetic mush? Get enough of that from Hank."

Trick smiled. "Thank you." As soon as the older mutant turn away, he rushed after him to clamp arms around him from behind.

"Oh for…" Letting off a light sigh, Victor moved around and returned the embrace.

IIIIIII

The sunshine from the window hitting her eyes unexpectedly, Jasmine stirred and awoke.

She rubbed at her face as she petitioned softly, "Daddy."

"Right here, babby," Trick whispered into her ear from where he propped up against the headboard holding her.

"Good morning," Jasmine beamed at him. She then noticed something through the back of his undershirt. "Oh Daddy, it looks so much better."

"And it feels a lot better, too." Trick kissed her hand then her cheek. "This is going to be a beautiful day. Know how I know?" She looked at him expectantly. "Because I'm spending it with you."

Jasmine sat up, hands winding around his neck. "I love you, Daddy."

"Oh I love you." He gave her a long squeeze then suggested, "Why don't you shower and give Mama a ring, hm?"

"Okay." Jasmine hopped up and headed out into the hall.

Trick's gaze stayed on the window for a prolonged moment before he got up and changed into a casual weekend outfit.

Going downstairs, he met up with Sean in the foyer.

"Hey." The redhead offered him a hug. "Are you okay?"

Trick gave him a fond pat on the back. "That seems to be the million dollar question these days."

Sean pulled back and said, "Having you here means so much to me. I just hate that it takes bad things happening for me to realize these things."

"Hey." Trick touched the side of the young face gently. "You're not telling me anything I don't already know, Seanie. You just better know it's more than mutual, lad."

Sean smiled at him then remembered something. "This came for you while you and Jas were asleep." He showed him the box on the small hall table and Trick looked at it. "Want me to heat up some lunch for you guys?"

Trick glanced at him. "That sounds great, thanks."

The teenager walked off.

Using some force to bust through the packing tape, Trick got the box opened and paused a moment to take in the contents within. Lifting the heavy circle of gold, he placed it around his neck.

"Untouchable." Trick had not even heard Cordelia approach and remained still as the girl ran fingers over the ancient writing on the front of the medallion. She then explained. "I took two semesters of Latin. This is beautiful. Where did you ever get it?"

He answered, "Your da."

Cordelia melted into a grin.