X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Eleven

Author's Word: Greetings, fam. Thanks so much for your poll answers. They were great to read. Also, thank you for making 110 the most read chapter to date with the highest traffic hits. I wanted to let you guys know that this week is going to be beyond chaotic for me as will this entire summer probably be so my usual update schedule is going to be thrown out of whack. Here, there, everywhere! But I can promise you that as long as you read, I will write. Speaking of, please enjoy and review!

The unexpected-for-November rise in humidity that early afternoon herded a good portion of the Westchester University student body out to the outdoor lounging spots. One circular table contained the members of the self-proclaimed SSC along with their female cohorts. Their present activities consisted of eating, cram studying, but chewing the fat seemed most popular.

"The turkey is so big this year, Papy and both my brothers had to carry it in like fresh game," Teresa recollected. "My house is going to be packed," she whacked at the table to emphasize the last three words in that sentence, "Roberto and his wife will be there with all three of their kids. Then our other brother Luca- they just had a baby. Add on the cousins' kids and they can gang up to take us all out."

"Ooh, fun," Raven said positively.

"I can't wait to get home," Jam raved. "Me, my dad, and my little brother get up the earliest to handle the turkey 'cause that's our thing. Then we turn the kitchen over to Ma, Grandma, and the aunties. So for the rest of the day all the men are kicked back, watching the game." He noticed Alex's expression. "Look at you all aglow."

"I am not aglow," Alex denied but the smile refused to leave his face.

"You are Rockefeller Center right now," Teresa accused playfully.

"No, just…" Alex looked around the table at all of them, blue eyes bright. "I wasn't at my best last holiday season. But now, grades are good, home is even better, having you guys around doesn't completely suck."

"Your charm knows no end," Amy piped up.

"No, Alex is cool. It's this guy I can't stand," Jam used his thumb to indicate a currently studious Leon. "Gets to spend his holiday in sunny California while I'm raking leaves in Connecticut."

Raven asked, "What are you and your dad doing for Thanksgiving?"

Leon's eyes pried away from his book to look up. "We've always gone out on holidays."

"That's smart," stated Amy. "So much less hassle and anxiety. We're taking JJ over to see both sets of grandparents then the three of us are having a small dinner at home."

"That sounds really nice, but I love having the kids around," Raven said.

Amy brought up, "And who's putting Thanksgiving dinner on the table for your herd?"

"Uh," Raven raised her hand high, "you're looking at her."

Teresa gaped. "You're flying solo?"

"Not completely, but I called dibs on front seat already." Raven also added, "There were claw marks involved."

Alex told the table, "A few scratches and scrapes are worth it for her cooking."

"Okay, so," Jam drummed at his tray with his fingers, "I was thinking we should all get together tonight or tomorrow before everyone leaves. Go see a movie or something."

"Great idea," Teresa seconded.

"I should be able to leave JJ with my mom until Jason gets off work," Amy said.

Alex responded, "Need to check in at home, but it should be okay. Leon, you in?"

"Can't think of anything better," he guaranteed.

"Maybe we could take over a dorm lounge for the movie," Raven suggested. "And order a ton of takeout."

"Yeah, yeah," Jam concurred. "We could even go check out—"

A sudden scratching from the overheard speakers intruded across the campus before a somewhat shaky voice boomed out.

"Attention students and faculty, report to the auditorium for an emergency assembly. Again, report to the auditorium for an emergency assembly."

The previously excited group developed expressions ranging from mild curiosity to deep concern as they got up and went with the others towards the designated location.

IIIIIII

Giddy shrieks and shouts carried throughout the backyard from the four children so heavily wrapped up in their game. The bandits circled around the lovely maiden while the acting Lancelot tried to find a spot of penetration to come to her relief. From one of the stoned benches the two adult telepaths and Kayla observed with tea mugs in hand. Logan stood off with his foot propped up on the edge of the bench, taking swigs from the beer he held.

"Let her go!" Scott ordered. "I command it."

"Never!" Cody threw back in as gravely a voice as he had to offer. "You'll have to take her from us."

"Or pay the fine," Joey offered out as an alternative. "It's a thousand gumballs or just five hundred if you have all green ones."

"That's outrageous," Scott claimed,

Cody proclaimed, "Then she is ours forever." He made mock noises with his mouth while throwing out sticks that worked as arrows.

"Boom, boom," Joey sounded as he clicked his plastic trigger over and over.

"Bet you weren't expecting this." Scott revealed the trash can lid behind his back. "Your attacks will never get through my invincible shield." He rammed ahead with it, making the other boys scatter to either side. "Don't worry, Miss, you're fine now." He wrapped one arm around Becky's middle. "Come with me and I will take you away from all of this."

"Sure," Becky agreed happily, arms winding around his neck, "If my papa says okay."

"That's right, sweetheart," Emma cheered on. "Make him work for it."

Charles asked the Howletts, "Does it ever disturb you to see Cody playing Cowboys and Indians?"

"Not as much as it should," Kayla admitted, sipping her tea.

Logan shrugged. "He can play Cut the Canadians for all I care."

"Raven," Emma acknowledged, watching as she and Alex approached with slumped shoulders, "what are you two doing home so early?"

"They cancelled classes after the announcement," Raven said, disguised hazel eyes darkened.

Charles wondered, "What announcement, love?"

Alex looked at all of their faces. "You guys haven't seen the news?"

Kayla informed, "This is our first break of the way."

Logan asked nonchalantly, "What's up? Some nut call in a bomb threat?"

Alex glanced towards where the preoccupied children then faced back to the others. "Somebody shot the president."

Logan stood up straight, the women clutched their chests, and Charles got to his feet.

As if able to gather their collective thought, Raven confirmed, "They killed him."

IIIIIII

The sugar bowl met with the kitchen floor in a vicious shatter followed by a boot covered foot kicking at the resulting shards.

"Hey!" Jasmine snapped, coming over from where she wiped down the kitchen counter. "Look, I'm mad, too, but messing up our daggon house isn't going to do a thing. By the way, I'm not cleaning that up."

Frank glanced down with a whisper of, "Sorry, Jas." He went to get the broom from where it propped up against one corner then promptly chucked it down next. "I cannot believe this."

"I know." Jasmine began scrubbing at the already polished sink.

"How do they just…" Frank struck his left palm with his right fist. "I'll bet you anything it was a boarder hopper. Those sneak thieves'll do anything for a buck."

Jasmine turned around to look at him with a sharp seriousness. "Frank, you can try that all you want to. But you know this was one of ours. And you know why they did it, too." She threw her sponge down into the sink before stalking over to retrieve the dust pan.

Quiet spread over the kitchen as Frank lifted the broom back up and stiffly swept at the spilled white crystals.

IIIIIII

"No school, no school, no school!"

The elated chant carried out from the small male duo, barreling past the three adults gathered along one side area of the yard.

"Take it easy, boys," Hank called after them.

The corners of Victor's mouth turned up at their merriment. "They're in a whole other universe right now."

"Must be nice," Raven commented, head on her husband's shoulder from where they sat in the grass together. "You guys should've seen the other students after the assembly. It was a mad house. Staff members were so upset, crying. I'm still in a daze from the whole thing. It came out of nowhere."

Victor said, "Yeah, that's when they tend to get ya, girly."

Raven looked over at Joey firing his toy pistol towards Cody. "Cuddle bug, could you please play something else for a while?"

Hank glared at the child's sudden deafness and went over. "You heard," he snatched the toy right out of the tiny hand, "what your aunt just said. Now stop it and behave yourself."

Joey's once beaming countenance fell hard. "I'm… I'm s-sorry, Uncle Hank."

"No you're not," Cody piped up, growing furious. "We didn't do anything wrong and give that back." He marched over to take the pistol back. "It ain't yours."

"Hank," Raven petitioned sharply, honestly able to feel the building radiation coming off of him. She got up and walked over to clutch him from behind. "Stop."

"Mighty Mite," Victor addressed his nephew casually, "you two go play up in my loft."

"'Kay, Uncle Vic." Cody took Joey's hand to lead him away.

"I'm sorry for not listening, Aunt Raven," the short blonde said as they departed.

Raven sent him a smile. "It's fine, baby." Her attention then quickly returned to Hank. "What was that?"

"I don't really know," he answered her sincerely, blinking a few times.

Victor strolled over and gave Hank's back a couple firm pats. "Back it down, big guy. Come on." Hank released a calming sigh and Victor looked at Raven. "Nothin' to worry about. He's good."

Raven touched Hank's wrist and suggested, "Let's get some rest."

Hank agreed and held onto her.

Victor watched the couple leave then made tracks for Eye Spy.

IIIIIII

Hands lightly stroking her gradually growing midsection, Emma entered Charles' study to find him on the phone. She moved her fingers to his shoulders and massaged the area.

"Yes, I'll remember. I hope to hear from you soon. Take care, Martin. I mean that. Cheerio." Charles hung up and leaned back in his executive chair a bit.

Emma lowered to wrap her arms around him. "What is it, my love?"

"That was Dr. King." Charles reached up to absently caress her cheek. "He said the strangest thing to me… he doesn't believe he'll live to see his fortieth birthday."

"Is he so unreasonable in that thought process, Charles?" Emma responded. "He's probably amazed to have survived this long after all he's overcome. Today is only further proof that the road less traveled is also the most short-lived."

Charles let out a breath through his nose. "There's so much speculation right now. Some believe this is only the beginning. That the entire nation is at risk of—" Waves of dread cut into his mind. "Scott?"

The young boy stepped inside the room with his hands behind his back, a contrite expression on his face. "Something worse is going to happen, isn't it?"

"Oh my dear." Emma went over to cup his face. "Don't let any of these wild theories upset you."

"But what if the television is right?" Scott urged. "What if we shouldn't even leave the house for a while?"

"Come here, my boy." Charles sat up straighter to fully open his lap space. Scott walked over and sat on him, looking up at the Professor. "When I was your age, many frightening things surrounded me as well. Fear of nuclear war seemed to grip everyone around me. You have to believe that we will always keep you and the others safe even as this, too, passes away."

Scott gave off a nod and nestled into Charles' sweater.

IIIIIII

With the footage replaying yet again on the flashing tube before them, Sean looked next to him in time to see the slow tears rolling down Maya's cheeks.

"Hey," the redhead used his hand in an attempt to brush them away, "honey, it's okay."

"I'm sorry," Maya uttered and he took her into his arms. "I don't mean to… it's just so horrible. He was just there with his wife and next thing…"

" I know," Sean whispered, having had to bite back his own feelings.

Cordelia, dressed in a sunny yellow and orange cropped ankle sweat outfit, stopped her pace just outside the living room.

She looked in the couple and said, "Don't fret, you two. School will be back in session soon enough."

Sean turned a no-nonsense glower on her. "This is not funny, Cordelia. God, what is wrong with you?"

"I was only kidding," the Bostonian insisted, smile still in place. "I don't know why you're still watching this horror, anyway. Use your free time to hit the gym. It works wonders as a pick-me-up."

"The leader of our country just died, Cordelia," Maya emphasized.

The darker haired girl shrugged one shoulder. "So did my mother. What's your point?" Neither of the other two teens spoke. "Besides, John F. Kennedy- not a big enough name for me. Ring me should something befall Charles F. Xavier." She continued on with that while Maya and Sean only exchanged glances.

IIIIIII

Rounding the corner with Erik along, Alex nearly collided with a chocolate skinned lightly bearded man significantly above him in both years and height. He carried a box with him.

"Oh sorry," Alex quickly apologized.

"Don't worry about it," the man assured. "It's been nothing but hustle and bustle since I got here."

"Dad, you see where I put my…?" Jam stepped out of his dorm room. "Hey, Lex. I thought you and Raven were outta here."

Alex explained, "I saw on TV that a few campuses were going nuts. I just wanted to make sure you guys were okay." He then indicated the one behind him. "Oh, this is my dad."

"How you doing, sir?" he smiled. "I've heard all about you from Lex. I'm Jam."

"Jamal Porter," the other man present spoke pointedly, "I see you left your home training at home."

"Oh man." Jam touched the elder male's shoulder. "This one's my dad."

With an eye roll, the one beside him stuck a hand out to the one with Alex. "Eli Porter. Heard Alex is adopted." He gestured with his head towards Jam. "You want anymore?"

"Erik Lehnsherr," the Poland native returned as they shook. "And something tells me he'll be crying out for you by nightfall."

Jam moved to take the box. "I'll take this down, Dad."

Alex offered, "I'll come with, Jamal."

"We'll see you shortly, Alexander," Erik said after him, receiving a mock scowl for it. He looked back at the other adult. "Do you need a hand?"

"Appreciate it." Eli led the way back inside the dorm room. "The second I heard it on the radio, I violated twenty different traffic laws getting out here. Taking my son home for Thanksgiving before people start acting crazier than what they already are."

"Wise," Erik spoke, giving him things from on top of the desk to place in the cardboard box on top of the bed.

Eli brought up, "You run the school Alex graduated from, right?"

"Co-run," Erik replied. "With my younger brother. And you're a landowner, yes?"

"I manage a couple buildings out in Hartford. They're no New York high-rises but I do alright." Eli looked to the other man, studying his face for a moment. "You know, I have to tell you. I'm really glad Jamal made friends with Alex. I wasn't too keen on him going to school out of state like his cousin because you know how kids are. Get a little taste of freedom and they want to forget how dangerous the world actually is."

"Instant amnesia," Erik agreed wholeheartedly. "Then if you dare try to remind them…"

"They act like you got 'em in chains," Eli supplied zealously. "That's why you got to watch giving them an inch."

"Because they'll take a mile or more," Erik added.

Eli nodded. "See you, you speak my language. But seriously, though, we're from one of the few desegregated suburbs in Connecticut. None of my kids have seen the worst of how folks can be. That's why my wife and I worried about college. But Mal met Alex and Leon in class and they clicked just like that. Now they have their own little group, all of them seeing about each other. That's what I like."

"So do I," Erik had to admit. "I hesitated at Alex and Raven coming here, too, but it's been for the best."

Eli then asked, "So have you heard the lowdown on these fraternities?"

While talking and packing continued in the room, outside in the student parking lot, Alex helped Jam reorganize the back of his father's car.

"Whoa, what are you taking, half your room?" Alex remarked then grew more serious. "You are coming back, right?"

"Oh hel—" Jam darted his eyes around to check for anyone over the age of twenty-five. "Yeah. Ma and Dad just don't want anything to happen to the best thing they ever made that's all. I know the SSC couldn't survive without me."

"Nor would we try." They turned around to see Leon standing behind them. "Heading out soon, hm?"

"Yeah," Jam nodded, patting the car. "This is gonna be a rough holiday for my family. Man, Kennedy… and I thought things were looking up."

Leon put forth, "I wonder who's going to get the blame for this one."

Alex said with certainty, "They're gonna catch the guy who did this."

Leon turned to him with straight eyes. "Not what I meant."

"All ready, Mal?" Eli approached with Erik, each holding a suitcase.

"Yeah, Daddy," Jam responded. "I'm set."

"It was nice to meet you, sir," Leon spoke.

"You and Alex, too," Eli said. "You boys take care and be careful."

"It's alright," Leon assured. "I'll be leaving soon myself."

Erik got the last suitcase in. "There we are. Safe journey." He held his hand out.

Eli shook with him for a second time. "Nice talking to you, Erik."

"Dad, I want to drive," Jam said.

Eli tossed him his set of keys as he wearily headed for the passenger's side. "Be my guest."

"See you two in a week," Jam saluted his friends before getting in the car. "Tell Raven I said bye."

"I will." They drove off and Alex looked at Leon. "So, do you need a ride to the airport this weekend?"

"Thanks, but it's already taken care of." Leon bowed his head in respect toward them. "Have a nice holiday." He started out of the parking lot.

Alex's eyes followed his path.

Erik noticed the expression. "What is it?"

Alex answered, "That's what I'd like to know."

IIIIIII

Proper number of plates situated around the lengthy dining table, Emma went to work on folding the napkins. Becky moved in tune with her, putting the silverware in place.

"Auntie?" the little girl petitioned.

Emma put down the first completed napkin. "Yes, heart?"

"The president has kids, doesn't he?"

"Yes, a little boy and girl," Emma replied. "They would have had four had their other son and daughter lived beyond birth."

Becky asked next, "What's going to happen to them now? The boy and girl who are still here."

"They still have their mother," Emma reminded her.

Becky touched one of the wooden chairs and leaned forward on it a bit. "It's so awful that their daddy is gone."

Emma stopped to run fingers through the child's dark curls. "I know."

"Auntie Em," Becky glanced up, "why was Sebastian Shaw… why was he like that?"

Considering the question in detail, Emma stooped to be at eye level with the curious green orbs. "Sometimes a person can believe in something so strong that it becomes the only thing they're able to care about. They have an end goal in mind and they'll do anything to see it accomplished. And if it means discarding human life, they don't think twice about it."

Becky's hands reached out to delicately press against the older female's stomach. "Auntie Em?"

"Hm?" Emma hummed, tucking some stray hair behind the girl's ear.

Becky told her, "I'm so glad we have you here."

Emma's arms almost instantly folded around her and she held the little body as near to her as she could.

IIIIIII

The music seemingly creating enchantment within him, Charles followed it to its source inside the music studio recently renovated in his home. Trick wore a near hypnotic expression, hazel eyes set straight ahead but focused on nothing, and fingers working so precise and instinctively across the keys.

Leaning against the roof of the piano, Charles remained perfectly silent until the play came to a gradual end.

The Professor then stated, "I would gladly hand my doctorate over to you in exchange for so much as a grain of your natural talents."

"You're one to speak of natural talents," Trick said, "all-powerful telepath."

Charles touched his own head. "Highly overrated. Though I did notice that the mood of your tune seemed much more melancholy than usual. Not that I'm surprised after today."

"That's how I always play when the vexation weighs in," Trick told him. "Bombings, assaults, riots. Now JFK." He sighed. "It all adds up to one big reminder."

"Of what, mate?"

Trick looked at him solemnly. "Of why I wanted Jasmine out of this country."

With no need to use his 'natural abilities' Charles deduced, "You're thinking about leaving."

"One step forward, ten back, Charlie," Trick emphasized. "How many have to be lost for things to change here? How is the world-renowned greatest nation on earth still so far behind?"

"We mustn't give up on them, Patrick." Charles went around to sit with him on the piano bench. "The klan, the purists- these wicked entities does not an entire country make-up. Remember why our families came here in the first place. The promise and hope. It is our responsibility to fulfill these ideals. Is going back to Europe the simple solution? Absolutely. However, what will that teach our children? What will that say to men like the brothers Howlett-Creed who fought to maintain these freedoms?"

Trick quieted then said, "I never thought I would belong to anything like the X-Men. Blast it all, I never thought I would belong period. I don't want to leave any of you behind."

Charles placed a comforting hand on his lower back. "Then don't, mate."

Glancing ahead thoughtfully, Trick started up another melody on the piano with a lighter tone to it.

IIIIIII

On his way back from a late night visit to the bathroom, Alex's ears picked up on the faint yet sobbing. He followed it into the room not far from his own and saw Scott up in bed. Even with only moonlight from the windows to illuminate the space, Alex still made out Scott's hands against his eyes.

"Scottie?" Alex walked over, climbing into the bed next to him.

"Alex," Scott sniffled, picking up his glasses.

Before he could put the frames back on, Alex directed, "Keep 'em closed," and used his bare wrist to wipe away the extra moisture on the young face. "What's wrong, little brother? Rotten dream?"

"Mmhmm," Scott nodded.

"What about?"

Scott slipped his frames back on. "We were in the jet. All of us; the whole X-Men. Hank was showing me how to fly. Then they started shooting at us. We were falling fast, but I woke up before we hit the ground. But I saw it and I keep seeing it."

Alex gave him a strong hug and pulled him into his lap. "Shhh, it's okay. We're all okay. All this whacked stuff on TV probably just got to you." He brought the comforter around them. "That's all."

"They killed our president, Alex," Scott's voice still carried disbelief, "If they could do that, they can come after us, too. What's going to happen to us?"

"Nothing," Alex said with ice in the words. "Scottie, nothing's going to happen to us. What happened to Kennedy was sick, but I won't let anything like that come around here. Scott," Alex cupped the side of his face, "I'm not letting go of you for anything this time."

Scott told him, "You never did. I don't know much of anything, but I know that."

Giving a kiss to the top of his head, Alex held him protectively. "Go to sleep. I'm right here."

Scott settled down in the arms of the older Summers and managed to ease back into sleep. Watching him do so, the same could not be said for Alex that night.

IIIIIII

At the incoming giggles, Victor announced, "Here comes trouble."

Cody ran ahead of the other two, clutching his uncle's leg.

Becky tagged Joey with a hug from behind. "You're it."

The little blonde proved too distracted by the wooden structure developing before them. "What're you doing?"

"Ah, what's it look like we're doin'?" Logan hammered as he spoke. "We're buildin' a retarded barn to corral your retarded pony."

Joey's face lit up. "For Xander? Oh thank you!"

Victor commented, "Surprised you three ain't inside. Thought Saturdays belonged to Bugs Bunny around here."

"None of the cartoons are on this morning, Knight Victor," Becky explained.

"Yeah," Cody grumbled. "It's all blah, blah, blah about that guy with the goofy accent."

Logan scoffed. "Think this is bad? When I was a kid, folks were still goin' on about Lincoln."

Becky's eyes practically popped out of her head. "You're that old?"

Narrowing his eyes her way, Logan replied, "No, I ain't that old, Curl Girl. Always heard my parents talkin' about it, though. And let me tell ya, only way they could take out old Abe was with a sucker shot because nobody had the gull to come at him to his face."

"Toothpick thin like Maya, but get this. He was even taller than me," Victor said, switching out a hammer for a screwdriver.

"Whoa," the trio of children reacted incredulously.

"But why did they shoot him?" Joey asked. "Or President Kennedy? What'd they do?"

Logan got down on one knee to the children. "Take a look at your buddy here." Joey turned to Cody. "How would you feel if I were to tell you that you can't play together? In fact, he can't play at all. Instead, he's gotta do all the chores around here, pick cotton out in some field, and only eat food you wouldn't even feed a dog. All on account of his hair, skin, and eyes bein' a little darker than yours."

"That's so stupid," Joey raised.

"Yeah, Lincoln and Kennedy thought so, too," Logan said. "And the folks who shot 'em ain't go for it."

Becky shook her head. "Who's idea was it to put grownups in charge of anything?"

"Tink," Victor twisted in a few screws, "if it was up to me, I'd hand you the job."

Cody suggested, "Then Becky can run for president when we get big."

Joey threw out, "If the wives are First Ladies, what would you call Becky's husband?"

Getting back to the project, Logan mumbled, "Probably First Cyclops."

Hearing that, Victor let off a snort.

IIIIIII

Jumping lethargically through random leave piles in the front yard, Frank blew out a puff of air from his mouth then dropped down onto the ground. His honey brown eyes absorbed that rays the sun offered down.

A minute later, a blonde head appeared over him and blocked out the light. "What's this? A soldier down?"

Frank leapt to his feet giddily. "Cap!" He immediately threw arms around the man's middle. "Oh God, it's so good to see you."

"And it's always good to see you," Steve told him with a gentle tap to his back. "I'm only sorry that pesky delegate meeting in D.C. kept me away from your fabulous USO show."

Frank slowly gazed up at him, eyes shining. "I can't believe they really killed him."

"I know, little private." Steve took both the boy's shoulders to squeeze. "But the American spirit was not lost with him. We will persevere through this, won't we?"

"Definitely," Frank responded. "We always do."

"And it's exactly what JFK would want," Steve said with certainty.

Erik stepped out from the house and approached. "Steve? I didn't expect to see you so soon after all of this."

"I only have a moment to spare," Steve told him. "Kerstin and I have to rush out to Texas for a little damage control, but I wanted to speak to you." He looked down. "Could you give us a moment, Frank? I'll be in to say goodbye before I go."

"Okay," Frank complied and started for the house.

Erik watched him go then faced the Captain again. "I take it this is a little more than a social call."

Steve's countenance confirmed the suspicion. "Erik, I spoke with my insider from the CIA. The way Kennedy was assassinated- no one can explain how it happened or from where it came. There's paranoia running rapid. From what my contact could gather, the government is in the works to enforce control over all persons exhibiting extremely unusual or dangerous capabilities resulting from genetic disorders."

Erik compounded all of that into, "Mutants."

Steve nodded. "It's still unknown exactly how this will be carried out and I swear to keep my ears to the ground. But you and your team have to be more careful than ever before."

Erik could barely hear him as distorted images and sounds of a time long past replayed over and over throughout his mind.