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.

113. Chapter 113 Lose Some

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Thirteen

Author's Word: Hello, Fam. I know this chapter has been a long time coming and trust me, that was not the way I wanted it to be. With such high reader loyalty, not to mention your care and value towards me, I feel like I owe you all an explanation. You see shortly after Where Were You my family and I became homeless due to some unintentional property damage on my mother's part. That's why I joked at the beginning of Thankful about that chapter's lateness being on her. However, I am now writing to you from my brand new and enormous bedroom. That's right. We've found a new place to live and are all settling in nicely and happily, cats and all.

Fam, there were nights that I thought I would not survive this experience. If I made it out of this for no other purpose than to be evidence in your lives that you can all overcome hardships, I am glad. Thank you all for supporting Rise or Fall as well as me. I really do believe having this story helped keep me afloat. Okay, enough of that. Please enjoy and review!

Droopy eyelids fluttering over yellow orbs, the red haired mutated female attempt to stay as upright as possible. Against her own endurance, though, another surge of queasiness passed through her lower abdomen. The unpleasant feeling caused her to sink down amongst her numerous pillows.

Maneuvering around in the swivel chair at the desk, Maya's attention retreated far from her studies at the sight of the older girl.

"Raven," the brunette joined her on the bed, a concerned hand going to the shape shifter's shoulder, "are you alright?"

"Tummy's waging war," Raven made a sour face, complete with tongue partially stuck out. "It's been on and off since I got up this morning."

"I'll go get some seltzer." Maya hastened down to the kitchen and returned almost immediately with the glass of bubbly clear beverage. "Here you go." She watched Raven sip it slowly and carefully presented a question. "Are you…" Maya guarded her words with extreme caution. "Do you think you might be…?"

"No," Raven answered, no sign of negativity in her voice. She put the half-finished glass on the side table. "This is typical holiday indulgence aftermath for me. When Frank's mom fixed Christmas dinner for us last year— let's just say I should've taken the time to shape shift a slightly bigger stomach."

Maya's eyes dimmed in sorrow. "Sorry."

"Hey," Raven brought her into a hug, "it was a legit question and it's okay. I meant what I said at dinner yesterday. My life's too good to agonize over any of this anymore."
Maya nodded and concurred, "I know what you mean."

IIIIIII

In-between bites, Frank raved, "Just picture it. A fourteen inch Superman with real working arms and legs and a laser vision flashlight."

Scott looked up from enjoying his own hoarded apple pie. "What do you of all people need with that? You're a living breathing flashlight."

"A puny plain flashlight," Frank insisted. "Not a super charged red one."

"If I could," Scott took in another forkful, "I'd wrap mine up for you."

Frank put his finished plate down on the floor. "Okay, what do you want for Christmas?"

Scott paused from eating. "Gee, guess I never really thought about it. Normally I just get whatever my sponsor donates. You know, those Santa drives they have for orphans."

Frank scoffed at that then reminded, "Well, this year you're dealing with the genuine Santas. Christmas with the X-Men is like nothing you've ever seen."

"That's what Rebecca's always saying." Scott formed a small smile. "But really, all I want is to be with my brother. And I already have that."

"All you want is Alex?" Frank blinked at him. "Dude, coal's bigger than that."

Stealthily as ever, Erik poked his head inside the tree house. "Not to intrude upon the sanctum with my grownup cooties—" Blank stares looked back at him. "— yes, I did just use that word- it's time for good little boys to come inside and take their baths."

Frank put forth, "What about bad little boys?" He then quickly held both hands up. "Kidding, kidding."

Erik descended from the rope ladder to give them better access to it. When Scott came down, Erik ran fingers through the dark brown hair. The man then enveloped Frank before he could touch down on the ground and lifted him up.

"I'll show you exactly what happens to bad little boychicks." With a tickle, he flipped the young teen over his shoulder.

Frank laughed and pounded lightly on his back.

IIIIIII

Simple finger strokes going over his guitar strings, Sean stood the instrument up and propped it against his desk. Opening the widest drawer, he retrieved pen and paper from it. Removing his circular shades, he clicked on his lamp and began to write.

Dear Tommy,

Hey kid, how was Thanksgiving? Did you eat good? I know you did. Did you have to share your room with Cousin Mark again? Here's hoping he didn't wet the bed this year. Things were pretty cool here. My friend Raven cooked and it was great being with Maya. Remind me to tell you all about our kissing later- ha!

I want you to know that my not coming home had nothing to do with you. In fact, I've been missing you lately more than ever. I don't call or even write as much as I should and I'm sorry. I love you, bro, remember that. Things are just a little weird with me right now.

Bet Dad is still pretty sore with me, huh? I know you probably heard us on the phone. I didn't mean to blow my top, but it feels like he and Mom aren't listening to me at all. I know I have to set things right.

Can't wait to see you- even though Dad's probably going to ground me for an entire visit…

Love,

Your big brother and boss,

Sean

IIIIIII

"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"

Entering the living room only lighted by the flashing box, Charles went over to where Emma and Cordelia sat together on the couch under a fleece throw.

"How long has this movie been on?" Charles wondered, taking a seat on the arm of the sofa.

"About four or five times," Emma estimated.

"Today," Cordelia added.

"Hm." He then returned to why he'd come in to begin with. "Have either of you seen Joey or Becky recently? It's nearing bedtime."

"Why haven't you called for them telepathically?" Emma mentioned.

"And ruin our dear Princess' masterful cloaking?" A soft smirk on his lips, Charles turned to Cordelia. "Have you seen them, love?"

"Mm-mm," the drowsy teenager responded, head finding a roost on Emma's shoulder.

Charles then leaned in and asked, "Would you tell me even if you had?"

"Uh uh."

He pecked her at the temple. "My honest girl."

Getting up, the Professor left them with their film to return to his search.

IIIIIII

At the tug to his pants leg, Victor retrieved another powdered donut from the box and slipped it under the foot space beneath the control panel with eyes never leaving the monitors.

Hank came in, taking over the spare chair. "Substitute's here."

"Hey." Victor slid the box of donuts over to him.

Before he could take one, Hank's ears picked up on a dainty sneeze. "Becca Bear?"

Green eyes peeked up at him. "Hi, Big Bear."

Hank grinned and picked her up to hold on his lap. "And what are you doing under there?"

Joey popped out next, finishing his half of the donut. "We're on the lam."

Victor added, "Tryin' to keep from servin' six to ten hours of sleep."

"Oh I see." Hank held Becky securely. "Aren't you even the least bit tired?"

Despite her headshake, Becky snuggled against his front lethargically.

Victor watched them out of the corner of his eyes. "You two tryin' to make me jealous, huh?"

Hank looked over at him. "Missing Logan already?"

"Just the baby boy," Victor claimed.

Joey leaned against him. "I miss them, too."

Victor patted his head. "Ah, they'll be back before we know it, kiddo."

"I'm still surprised you didn't go with them," Hank said.

"Let 'em have some fam time. Besides," Victor spared an arm to put arm Joey, "I got a job to do."

"Ah ha!" The headmasters came into Eye Spy, the younger wagging a very distinct "no-no" finger. "Here you are."

Joey ducked his head inside Victor's jacket. "No we're not."

"Really?" Charles folded his arms. "Well, invisible child, if you do happen upon one Charles Joseph Xavier, please tell him that Bounty misses him dearly."

Giving into that, Joey got up and walked towards his father. "Okay, I'm off the lam."

Erik squatted next to Hank's chair and used his chair to indicate the half-awake little girl. "May I?"

"I suppose," Hank conceded, gently giving her over to the older man.

Becky lost the will to argue as Erik stood with her and gave her powdered cheek a kiss.

"Good night," Charles said to the others while Erik nodded the same sentiment.

Maya arrived as the security's room next visitor. "Hank?" She got the scientist's eyes up. "Raven's not feeling too well. Her stomach's upset."

Hank started to rise then glanced at Victor, who directed, "Go to your woman."

Not needing any further incentive, the younger man left out.

Maya sat down in the chair, hand smoothing over the armrest as thoughts of its usual inhabitant came to her. "Have you heard from them?"

"Not since the first pit stop," Victor answered. "My brother's not too good about little things like checkin' in."

The girl brought up her next thought. "So they're okay?"

"If they weren't," Victor looked to her in earnest, "I'd be the first to know." He gave her knee a soft pat.

Maya relaxed at the reassurance then beheld the variety of donuts the mutant held out to her next.

IIIIIII

Wife contentedly on top of him, the abrupt ring sounding interrupted the atmosphere like a bolt of lightning erupting throughout the room. Groaning, Hank felt around until he had the receiver in his clutch.

He pressed it against his ear and muttered a gravelly, "Hello," into the mouthpiece.

"Henry."

Arm around Raven to support her, Hank shot up in bed at the voice. "Dad?"

"Yes, it's me, son. Listen to me," Norton's tone shot up several notches, "you have to fly to Chicago immediately. Take the next plane out."

"What?" Hank reacted. "Father, you're making no sense. What is going on? Is Mom alright?"

"This is not something I care to discuss over the telephone. Meet me in Gage Park at three o'clock tomorrow. I'm serious, Henry."

Completely thrown, Hank responded with a frustrated, "Father!"

"I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow." The phone clicked with that.

"What on earth was that about?" Raven wanted to know.

Hank answered in all honestly, "I haven't the slightest idea."

IIIIIII

"What exactly did he say?" Emma attempted to understand.

Having thrown on the first available outfit in his closet, Hank's large feet paced back and forth across the parlor. "It's more about what he didn't say, which was a great deal. Because first of all," Hank came to a sudden halt, "my family has not taken a trip into Chicago since I was sixteen. Second of all, my father and I haven't spoken since shortly before the wedding."

"Third," Raven chimed in, raising one hand, "make the room stop spinning, please."

"So he expects what of you exactly?" Erik demanded, walking up on Hank. "To drop your own affairs to follow this ludicrous command?"

"This is unlike him, Erik," Hank had to admit. "Unless there's work to complete, my father is in bed by ten every single night. I can't imagine why he would contact me out of the blue so late."

Charles hung up the phone and walked back over to the assembled mutants. "It took some doing, but I managed to get you on an eight AM nonstop."

Raven put a hand on her hip. "I hope that's for two."

"Raven, no." Hank went up to her. "I don't know what all of this is about. Not to mention, you're still not feeling well."

"Call it a second wind," Raven responded flippantly. "Look Hank, for better or for worse is not just a catchy saying for me. I'm going with you, even if it's as a stowaway."

Hank pulled her in near to him, a small smile making its way to his otherwise tired face. "Boarding for Doctor and Mrs it is."

Erik put forth, "We should all go."

"There's no need to upset the kids," Hank insisted. "If we need you, we'll call." The metal wielder still proved unconvinced. "I swear it."

Erik crossed his arms. "You had better."

Raven felt a hand in hers and looked over at Charles.

I'm as near as you may need me.

Raven only squeezed his hand.

IIIIIII

Small overnight bag packed, Hank's senses picked up on something as he stood up straight.

"Victor." He turned around.

The long haired blonde said, "There's somebody around here who's not so keen on this whole thing."

White bear tight in her clutch, Becky rocked back and forth against her headboard. A faint hum echoed from the back of her throat.

Hank stepped inside the bedroom, closing the door after himself. "Becca."

"Hank," the little girl's voice pleaded, "please. Don't go to them."

"I only need to find out what the matter is," he reassured, sitting on the bed facing her. "Then I'll be right back here with you. I promise, Becca."

"They're going to try to make you stay with them," moisture appeared in her desperate green eyes, "I know it."

Hank's arms went around her in a vice-grip. "Impossible. Nothing can split us up. Remember? You said that."

"I remember," she whispered.

Hank moved back just enough to look at her. "Will you do something for me?"

"What is it?"

"It feels like you share your gift with everyone," he eyed her importantly, "except for me."

Understanding, Becky focused to see inside the normally forbidden mind. Several feelings surrounded her at once, but she honed in on only one.

I love you, Big Bear.

Hank left a kiss on her forehead. I love you, Little Bear.

IIIIIII

Heading for the second floor stairwell, Raven jumped at her bag unexpectedly getting yanked out of her hand.

"I got this," Alex said simply, draping the strap over his shoulder. "You guys ready to go?"

She nodded. "Here's hoping I manage to hold my puke for two hours."

"Just take care of yourself." Alex rubbed the back of his neck slightly. "You're the only twin I have until Joe gets bigger, which I told him he's not allowed to do."

Raven let off a breathy laugh then exchanged a hug with him.

They started down the stairs until Raven felt the need to stop at a particular pair of eyes peeking out from one of the bathrooms.

Frank reached one foot out. "Bye."

Raven held one hand up in a weak wave. "Bye…" She then rushed forward.

Frank met her part way and they had to work not to collapse on contact.

"Hurry back," he asked of her.

"I will," she guaranteed in turn.

They stayed that way for nearly another minute before Raven pried away to descend the stairs. Frank walked out to the landing, watching her go off. He'd officially had enough of people in airports of late.

IIIIIII

The plane landed at O'Hare shortly after ten that morning. With only their overnight bags to worry about, the McCoys took a moment to situate themselves on a bench.

"Hotel maybe?" a blonde disguised Raven proposed.

"I don't want to make any hard plans before we speak to my father," Hank determined, "except that's over four hours away and we have no way to reach him."

Raven shrugged a shoulder. "Any way to kill time around here?"

"Chicago." Hank stood, taking a moment to absorb it all. "I always loved our trips here." He looked at her. "Do you know what one of my all-time favorite destinations is?"

His wife guessed, "Opera house?"

"No," Hank shook his head.

A single taxi ride later found them just outside the Lincoln Park Zoo.

"You're right, baby. I don't think the kids could've handled this experience," Raven quipped, peering inside the lemur habitat.

"My teachers used to take the honorary scholars on field trips here," Hank recollected, blue eyes completely lit up. "I can't tell you how much of a highlight it was. Learning about so many different biological specimens on paper is one thing but experiencing them as near as this- oh the thrill!" He suddenly yanked her over to him, seduction written all over his features. "Until I knew our bed of course."

"Henry," Raven chided playfully, dancing a finger down his lips.

Hank gave the tip of the finger a kiss then began leading the way around the massive zoo.

After they stopped to have lunch in the food court, Hank asked her, "Have you ever tried commuting via water taxi?"

Soda straw in her mouth, Raven tilted her head in intrigue.

Departing from the zoo, the couple purchased tickets for the next available waterbus and took it across lake Michigan. As they journeyed, the tour guide offered out fun facts about the city.

While Raven listened, Hank simply took in the sights of the city so far away yet so familiar in his mind and heart. The various buildings, different shapes in sizes, still glistened under the sunshine. Most made up of so many windows that they gleamed like mirrors against the radiance. Not even the sharp Midwest autumn air could distract him from the unbelievable skyline.

They soon arrived at Ogilvie Transportation Center, where they boarded the trolley. The streetcar took them directly to the Natural History Museum. However, they only got the chance to take in a few exhibits before time dawned on them.

To save precious minutes, Hank had them take the 'L' straight to 55th street. With the train's speed, the two managed to walk the four blocks with ease until they came upon a beautiful widespread park.

"This is amazing," Raven smiled.

"My father and I used to come out here just to practice football. That's been so long…" He then pointed. "There he is." They ran the rest of the way.

Spotting them as well, Norton got to his feet and waved them over. "Henry, Raven!"

"Father," Hank acknowledged when they got close enough. "At last."

Raven cut right to the chase with, "You mind filling us in on what this is all about?"

"Quickly." Norton began to walk at a rapid pace and the youngsters hastened to follow along with him. "We've so much to talk about."

"You've never been more right in your life," Hank concurred. "Why did you have us come out here this way? Where's Mom?"

"She's fine. She's in the northern suburbs with her sister. She'll be safe there."

"Safe from what?" Raven demanded. "What is going on, Norton?"

Norton looked at Hank. "Timothy Gable, Aria Moore- do you remember them?"

"Aria, Tim," Hank immediately recalled, "of course. We went to school together."

"Timothy has been missing since shortly after Kennedy," Norton informed. "Aria flew in this week to visit her parents and now she's disappeared. They've killed them."

"What?" Hank grabbed his father by the shoulder, spinning him around. "Who?"

"The government has discovered what happened to you and the other children effected by the radiation," Norton began to spew.

Hank began to feel lightheaded, trying to take it all in. "How is that even possible after all this time?"

Norton's eyes darkened severely. "Word was leaked from inside that the Plant has started experimenting on a new generation… leaked by me. The overheads fell under pressure after the assassination. I have no doubt they've begun hunting each of you mutated children down and they'll soon be after you as well."

"Oh God…" Raven clung to Hank's arm.

"I'm sorry, son," Norton said honestly. "I couldn't tell you over the phone. It's a paranoid world we live in. Lines can easily be tapped."

Trying to come up with words, Hank raised, "What can we do?"
"My car is this way." Norton began leading them over to the green Chevrolet. He went around to the driver's side to unlock the vehicle while Raven and Hank climbed inside. "This isn't all, Henry. There's still—" Norton stopped speaking suddenly.

Hank had no time to comment on the abrupt trailing as a harsh rumble filled his ears and wetness splattered over his shoulder. By a brief touch and smell, he recognized the substance to be blood.

Raven released a resounding scream, only able to look on as Norton collapsed into the street.

"Dad!" Hank scrambled over to the driver's seat, finding the elder McCoy limp with a stream of blood flowing from his upper abdomen.

"No!" Norton urged before his son could leap out on the instincts of a doctor. "Go…" With all the strength he had left to offer, he flicked the keys over. "Go!…"

At another gunshot firing, Hank had to make a rapid decision. Jamming the key into the ignition, they floored at top speed away from the park.

IIIIIII

"What happened here?"

"Somebody got shot."

"It had to be a drive-by."

"Where's a wallet? Do we have a name?"

A small light haired girl emerged from the crowd of on-lookers, all blocked by the lengthy yellow tape.

One gloved police officer removed the driver's license from the wallet. "Norton McCoy… from Dundee. What was he doing out here?"

"We're about to find out," another officer stated. "Someone's got to alert the family."

Heading back into the crowd, the small girl ran off into the trees until she met with a cloaked individual.

Hank removed his hat and hood and looked on until Raven regrew into an adult stature.

Tears rolling down Raven's quickly paling cheeks, Hank caught her while trying to support himself in the process.

IIIIIII

Foyer light providing them with illumination, he waited while she went in then latched every lock the door had to offer. He then leaned his forehead against the window pane in a near paralyzed stature.

Raven offered him an embrace from behind. "…They'll find you."

"No…" Hank slowly turned around, taking her hands. "The keys were all together. He had to have called us from here last night. This is my uncle's second house. If they were going to… they don't know about this place."

Going to the stairs, Raven took a seat on the lowest step, having tried during the train ride after they abandoned the car to collect herself. "What are we going to do now?"

Hank stated, "I have to find answers." He looked on decisively. "I know where I can go."

Raven leapt up, grabbing at his jacket. "Hank, don't you dare. Don't you go out there. Don't you leave me! Hank, if something happens to you—"

"Raven." Hank attempted to gather her then felt her topple over in his grasp. "Raven…" He picked her up in a cradling position. "My love…"

"I don't feel good," she told him, hand going to her stomach.

Hank carried her up the stairs to the master bedroom and laid her down carefully. "Easy." He took her hands with both of his. "It's alright now."

She shook her head slowly. "How can you possibly be comforting me?"

He kissed her fingers then her lips. "You are my comfort." He lowered down next to her.

"They're going to get you next, Hank," Raven attached herself to him firmly. "They're going to take you from me."

"No!" her husband resolved, surprising even himself. "I know where I can start getting answers. Aria Moore's family lives only half an hour from here. I can talk to her father. We have to figure out a way to shut the Plant down or they're going to keep doing this."

Raven grasped his face. "They'll catch you."

"Not if I move by the tops of the trees," Hank reasoned. "They may know I was affected, but I haven't been out this way in years. No one knows exactly what I look like anymore or how I've mutated. But I need you to stay here and rest. Keep your communicator on."

Sitting up, her arms went around him desperately. "Just come back. Hurry, baby."

"I will." Hank gave her a long kiss. "Try to contact Charles and Erik, but be careful what you say."

Raven nodded hard, new tears formulating.

Somehow managing to take his leave of her, Hank made his way over to one of the large windows. Opening it, he threw himself out onto the nearest tree and started off purposefully.

IIIIIII

Lowering the volume on her television, the plump brunette woman hurried out to respond to the knock on her front door.

Squinting at the tall visitor, she inquired, "Yes?"

"Mrs. Moore," Hank stepped one foot forward, "it's me. Hank… McCoy."

"Hank McCoy," the woman breathed as if looking upon a ghost. "The news… your father… you shouldn't be here."

Hank darted his hand forward to keep the door from shutting. "They killed him right in front of me. The same people who killed Aria. Please…" His eyes implored her. "I need to know what is going on."

A man with light brown hair and mustache came up from the back of the house. "Get out of town, Hank. While you still can."

"No!" Hank forced himself inside. "Aria, Tim— we're not the Plant's only children born at that time. They have murdered innocent people like a spectator's sport. You can't merely stand by and—"

"So you believe yourself a hero, young Henry?" Mr. Moore retorted. "Can't you see that Harvard doctorate means nothing? You're nothing but a mutant now. And we're the filth that beget you."

"They killed Aria…" Hank's eyes narrowed. "Why would they go after my father to cover themselves but not you?" His heightened senses automatically picked up the increased heartbeats. "Thanksgiving was no coincidence. You knew she was coming. You… gave her away to them."

"Get out of our home before I call the police," Mrs. Moore threatened.

"Oh don't worry." Hank stood straight, a calm air radiating off him. "When the authorities learn of this new information regarding Aria's disappearance in connection to my father's death, you'll be the ones desiring to leave town."

Leaving the pair stunned, he walked right out the door.

IIIIIII

Having grown too tired and overwhelmed to try calling the X-Men, Raven felt elation come over at Hank's communicator message that he was on his way back to her. Settling in the large bed, she managed to push back the vivid imagery playing throughout her mind in order to drift away.

From the lowest level of the house, footsteps sprang to life. They started up and continued on all the way to the second floor. Entering the bedroom through the partly open door, a pair of keen eyes hovered from above, watching the blue maiden's slumber.