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.

116. Chapter 116 Baby Blue

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Sixteen

Author's Word: Happy Friday, Fam. You know, I don't believe this but last week I completely forgot to welcome in our new members. I apologize and would like to be the first to usher in Kermitty, TeamSterekForever, dumbblonde76 (though we're all sure you're really not one), CosplayKitty, and newest newcomer Thistle of Liberty. Thank you all so much for supporting me, Rise or Fall, the fam, and helping my inspiration continue to go on longer than any battery operated bunny. Thank you! Please enjoy and review!

Sunlight washing over the blue face at just the right, or possibly wrong for one with such a yearn for sleep, time, she murmured and peeled her eyelids back. The glow from outdoors brightened her yellow orbs and overall demeanor. Rising from bed, Raven spread the curtains fully apart to make peace with the new day then placed her attention on the armoire to select an outfit.

"Mommy?" Coming to a complete still for only mere seconds at the petition, the mutated lady looked towards the bed where the little boy lay rubbing his eyes. "Is it time to get up, Mommy?"

Beaming, Raven answered, "Yes, sweetie," and made her way over, kneeling over the mattress to kiss him at the hairline, "it's just about time to get up."

Smiling back at her, Trav stretched out his arms and legs then reached forward to grab the tips of his toes. "How did you sleep?"

Raven leaned in to nestle him a bit. "Perfect with you here." She glanced towards the still slumbering pair, the bitty one comfortably on top the larger one's chest. "Now let's see if we can get these two to get with the program."

"Wake up, wake up," Trav sat up on his knees and started leaping about the mattress. "Daddy, Kikiko have to wake up, wake up."

The girl responded to her brother's antics first and observed with bright eyed intrigue.

Hank moaned and allowed her to crawl out onto the mattress. "Trav," he snatched the boyish alarm clock up and brought him over his head, "no jumping on the bed."

"You have to get up," Trav stated, "Mommy said."

"Really?" Moving with the agility his mutation provided him, Hank tossed the child up in the arm and used his feet to catch him with ease. "You're ratting me out to Mommy now, hm?"

Trav giggled, the long toes rubbing his sides. "Daaaaddy…"

Hank grinned and lowered him safely into his arms again. "And here I thought you liked being tickled."

"Careful, honey." Raven hastened to help the mobile girl down from the big bed. "There we go."

Kiki's attention went to the contents of the armoire. "You wear this, Mommy." Teeny fingers tugged on a short dress made up entirely of orange, green, yellow, and white squares.

"Hm," Daughter on her hip, Raven used her other hand to take the garment by its hanger. "Okay, but do I get to pick out an outfit for you?" Kiki nodded and rested her head on the older female's shoulder. "Yay, yay."

Soon enough, the spectacular bedroom transformed into a boutique, complete with two devoted valets. After she had Kiki's outfit picked out, Raven tried to find the maroon soccer shirt Trav "really, really, really" wanted to wear that day. Hank used the edge of the bed as a changing table to get a suddenly zealous Kiki's clothes on.

Used to fidgety tots during checkups, Hank smiled and said, "So it seems I have a wriggler. Are you trying to give Daddy a hard time? Huh? Are you?" Kiki laughed and lifted the skirt of her dress over her face to cloak herself. Hank took the opportunity to blow on her exposed stomach, producing extreme giggles. "Who's my Baby Bear? You are." He blew again. "Yes, you are."

Sending her into laughter submission, Hank managed to get the white knitted tights on her then started on her shoes.

Trav rocked back and forth on the bed with his ape toy. "Did you find soccer yet, Mommy?"

Spinning around from the depths of the dresser, Raven held up the shirt victoriously. "Eureka!"

Completely giddy, Trav put his stuffed animal to the side long enough for her to finish dressing him. "Thank you, Mommy."

"You're welcome, Travvy," Raven returned with a tweak to his nose. "Now, what do you say Daddy and I get dressed so we can go down and get breakfast going for everyone?"

"Okay," Trav agreed.

Hank maneuvered Kiki to sit closer beside him. "You stay right here with your brother."

While their parents stepped off into the en suite to take their shower, Trav returned to his ape man and Kiki played with the pink decorated bear she'd received from Becky.

"I'm glad they're our mom and dad now." Trav looked her way. "Aren't you?"

"Mmhmm," his sister responded, slightly preoccupied with gnawing on one of her bear's paws.

IIIIIII

At the crunching of leaves from behind, the redhead glanced back to see the one in the almond brown coat approaching.

"Maya." Sean closed his notebook and crammed it back inside his book bag to make room for her on the bench.

"Hey." She smooched the corner of his mouth as she sat.

"Hey," Sean parroted, eyes narrowed. Putting a hand to the back of her head, he leaned in for an additional and longer kiss. "That's more like it."

"Sorry." Maya cuddled against his arm in further apology then observed, "You're up early."

"Just felt like writing." He tipped his head against hers. "About groovy sad girls who still manage to look fantastic in the morning."

Now Maya kissed him in earnest. His coyote yelp following made her giggle softly.

"I'm just wondering what keeps taking them so long," she agonized.

"It's a long drive to and from Mexico," Sean pointed out. "And they've only been gone since Friday."

"I don't know what's wrong with me." Maya gazed overhead at the golden orange sky. "But ever since we all came here, it's like Wolverine and I have been in our own outsiders club."

He nudged her knee with his. "I thought that was our club. If you let just anybody in, we'll come dangerously close to becoming populars."

"Ugh," Maya reacted with a sour face. "Never. But you know what I mean. Being so regular in a sea of amazing people is hard. Wolverine understands that. And obviously I can't share with my mom what this school is really like." She then tacked on, "Not that she could sit around long enough for a full explanation. Raven's so busy now and I hate this, but I feel like Emma and I are way too different."

"But not you and Kayla," Sean surmised. Maya nodded. "I know how that feels and believe me, mutation doesn't always guarantee an in. Kids around here have had it pretty rough. I can't exactly relate to that."

Maya said solemnly, "I'm sorry for anything I did to help you feel that way."

"Hey," Taking her hand, Sean stood and she followed, "all you make me feel is this." His hands went to her hips as he dipped for a kiss.

They remained that way until Maya leaned her cheek against his chest in an embrace and he acted as her solid guidepost.

IIIIIII

When another piece of bacon landed in the center of the skillet producing a loud sizzle, Trav announced, "Bombs away!"

"Bombs away!" Raven echoed, stepping back with him securely against her hip. "But remember, we can't ever feed this to Uncle Erik. You remember why?"

"'Cause it's poison and it'll make his tongue all green," the child replied.

"Exactly." Raven bent down with him to check on the cinnamon buns.

"Mm," Kiki hummed, nibbling on the bits of sliced banana Hank fed her to hold her over. "Kiki Mickey."

"Kiki Mickey?" Hank repeated, both humored and confused.

Trav rolled his eyes back grandly. "That's not your name, goof butt. It's Kiki McCoy."

Using the hand that held him to tap his thigh, Raven admonished, "No name calling. She's still learning."

Gathering Kiki in his arms, Hank patted her back as he turned from the island to look at his wife. "I still need to speak with Mother."

Immediately placing Trav back on his feet, Raven suggested, "Honey, could you go let everyone know that breakfast is almost ready? Have them head for the table, okay?"

"Yes, Mommy." Trav started out, taking Kiki's hand when Hank put her down as well.

Raven leaned an arm against the refrigerator. "I can't understand what she can be going through."

Hank confessed, glancing down. "I wish it was safe for me to be there. Yet, what could I say? We've never been able to relate and I'm fairly certain that's my fault."

Raven walked over, offering him a tight hug. "It's okay, baby."

He formed a slight smile. "I'm just glad to see it's not the same case with you and our son."

"Me, though." Though admittedly, Raven had been much more initially concerned about things between her and their daughter starting off on the right foot.

IIIIIII

"With Kayla still away along with the stress of this weekend still quite heavy on most of us, Erik and I believe it best that we do not resume classes until tomorrow," Charles set forth.

Erik stated sardonically, "I can hear the gnashing of teeth from the babes now."

"I don't believe anyone's up for much of anything of late," Emma said from where sat in Charles' chess chair. She looked up at Alex. "How were classes for you yesterday?"

"Dull without Raven," the youngest in the room admitted. "And pretty uneventful. At least my friends are around. Except I keep feeling like I should stick around here; do something for Hank."

"Perhaps you can," Charles put forth. "You are able his feelings perfectly in this scenario." The Professor then regretted his suggestion at the look that appeared on the teenager's face next. "I'm sorry, Alex. I only meant…"

"I know," Alex immediately reassured. "And I know what you're getting at. But… I've been trying hard to knock the chip off and put all that behind me."

"I never saw my father's death," Charles told them. "Not that I would have remembered well at that age."

Erik inhaled through his nostrils and looked towards the fireplace and the continuously silent Victor likewise turned away.

"I don't know what I could possibly say," Trick piped up. "I have moments where I'd like nothing better than to bury both my parents- alive, preferably."

Emma shrugged. "Hasn't everyone had those days?"

Charles placed a pointer finger on each of them. "I'm going to be keeping a close eye on the two of you."

Entering the parlor, Trav let go of Kiki and approached the easiest accessible adult. "'Scuse me, Uncle Charles. Breakfast is almost ready."

Charles smiled down at the lad and patted his head. "Thank you, Trav."

When he turned away to speak again, Trav tugged on his gray jacket. "Mommy says to go to the table."

"In a moment, Trav," Charles promised then started to part his lips once more.

Trav folded his arms. "She means right now, Uncle Charles."

Every other adult present had to choke down laughter.

"Travis," Charles' voice carried patience as he knelt to the boy's level, "in this family we say "Please come to the table". Alright?"

"Yes, Uncle Charles," the more contrite child repeated, "Please come to the table… right now, please."

"As you would have it, young sir," Charles granted, getting to his feet.

"Why hello there," Emma greeted Kiki when the little girl climbed up on her lap and promptly snuggled in.

"Someone loves Emma," Trick noted.

Victor spoke with, "She probably senses that baby growin' in her. You'd be amazed what these kids pick up on."

Both the telepathic and maternal parts of Emma did not doubt it.

The moment she stood with the toddler in her hold, Trav reached arms up with low moaning noises at the back of his throat.

Alex bypassed all of them to lift him. "Aw, don't worry, little dude." He propped the boy up on his shoulders. "I gotcha."

Erik watched the two with an amused countenance.

As they all proceeded out, Kiki smoothed her hand along Emma's hair. "Pwetty."

Emma pecked the small palm. "Thank you, dear."

With Frank's help, the McCoys carried out trays of food as the dining room filled up.

The moment she spotted Sean, Kiki scampered down and over to him.

Seeing her, Jasmine made a show of grabbing the redhead's left arm. "No, Kiki. Seanie's all mine."

"Mine!" Kiki disputed, yanking on his right wrist.

"Mine!" Jasmine argued playfully.

"Mine, mine, mine!" Kiki tugged and hopped with each word.

"Hey, quit pulling," Sean protested. "I'm tall enough."

Maya, who sat closest to him, had to duck at one point. "Do I get a say in this at all?"

"Jas," Trick intervened, "I don't want to hear it when that child comes after you with a pair of scissors."

"Just messing with you, baby," Jasmine winked, taking her usual seat.

"See?" Sean picked the toddler up to place on his lap. "All yours. And Maya's."

Kiki responded to that by shoving at the older brunette girl as if to bat her away.

"Kiki," Hank reproached, her name alone making her settle down.

"It's okay," Maya assured. "I'd claw another girl's eyes out for him, too." She then resisted the urge to run her fingers through Sean's hear for fear of further retaliation.

"Here, babe." Sean prepared a piece of cinnamon bread for the teeny one.

Raven quickly reminded, "Make sure you—"

"Cut it into small bites," Sean made use of his butter knife, "I know how to take care of a little kid, Raven."

Alex glanced two chairs down at him. "Since when?"

"You're not the only one with little brother experience." Sean solidified his argument by sticking his tongue out.

It did not surprise him when the move only made the blonde snicker.

Charles cleared his throat sharply. "Now, there a few things we need to go over this morning."

Frank raised, "Are we going to school today?"

"No, we're—" The uproar that resulted from the answer drowned out further explanation on the Professor's part.

Erik ventured over the commotion, "We should instead use this as an opportunity to be productive."

"That's right," Scott agreed strongly. "We should train. What do you say, Frank? Eye Scream Team?"

"Eye Scream Team," his friend seconded.

"I'm so in," said Cordelia, never one to miss any golden opportunities. "Oh Alex, you don't have class for a while yet. Will you come out with us?" Her hands folded into a plead. "Please, please."

"You got it, Glim," Alex guaranteed.

"What about you, Raven?" Cordelia tried next. "Please? I miss the old girl squadron and sis can only supervise."

"My feet shall soon be bare," quipped the older Frost female.

"Gorge, I'd love to, but…" Raven indicated the two children she had a claim over.

Becky chimed in, "We'll stay with Kiki and Trav. Won't we, Joey?"

"Yeah," the small blonde smiled.

The newcomer pair reacted with cheerful outcries.

"Spirit," Cordelia urged Jasmine next, "come on. We're still a gorge short and I need a leg up on the power mommies."

Jasmine agreed right away and Alex went into what their session should detail.

Eating his breakfast, Victor's focus stayed on the gloomy brown haired girl who seemed less than powered.

IIIIIII

After they changed out of their mealtime dresses and into more appropriate play trousers, Becky zipped up Kiki's coat. Joey helped Trav into his green button-down.

"I hate havin' to put all this stuff on," Trav griped.

"Me, too," Joey sympathized, finished with the last thick black button, "but we'll get fussed out good if the grownups see us without all of it. They check, trust me." He looked over his shoulder. "Let's go play out in the barn, Becky."

"Okay." She smiled at the sight of the one who came through the foyer next. "Knight Victor. Will you come play with us?"

"We're going to go see Xander," Joey added excitedly.

"Maybe later," the man compromised. "On X-Man duty right now."

"Alright. Come on, Kiki." Becky picked up the younger girl.

"Becky," Victor called after her, making her glance back as the boys charged out the door. He extended a pointer finger. "Don't you let them get on that horse."

"I won't," the curly haired girl promised and zoomed out.

Victor shut the door after them then proceeded up the stairs.

Maya flipped another page in the thick novel when she heard the deep voice remark, "I don't think ya get how this no-school thing works."

She looked to him with a smile. "The Professor is having us study this for English." She shrugged a shoulder. "Heard we were supposed to be productive."

"Yeah," Victor stepped inside the bedroom and gestured about, "but look at ya cooped up by yourself."

Maya closed her book and said into it, "Wolverine usually trains me."

"Come on, up," Victor tugged on her arm, "I can take you on the range."

"No," she protested, placing the book down. "You wouldn't want—" She toyed with a section of her long hair. "I do stupid things."

"You're a little girl." She peered up and he amended, "Little big girl." Sighing, he looked at her closely. "Look kiddo, I get it. I'm taller, blonder, and vaguely handsomer," she laughed softly, "however you wanna slice it, I ain't Wolverine."

Thinking a moment, Maya got up from her arm chair. "You know what?" She stood directly before him. "Sabretooth works just great for me."

IIIIIII

Jagged steel discs hurling towards them by the dozens it seemed, the three young females charged forward. Mystique used split-second maneuvering to avoid them, Glimmer leapt and flipped over them, and Spirit merged her body through every piece that came at her.

"Cyclops, cover them!" Havok directed.

"All over it, bro!" the visor adorned mutant leapt into the air. "Down!"

The females ducked in time to miss an enormous metal log, which Cyclops blasted into bits.

"Newsflash!" Lighthouse shouted out. "You can't blind inanimate objects. Is a challenge too much to ask for?"

"As you wish." Raising his hand in the air, Professor X created images of various armed assailants.

"Now you're talkin'!" Lighthouse quickly became involved.

"Cyclops, low heated blasts." Havok looked over at the other Eye Screamer. "Lighthouse, your eyes do more than shoot light. Use them and remember you can't blind a masked opponent."

"We're still in this, too." Mystique looked back and forth between Glimmer and Spirit then bellowed for her eldest brother. "Any year, Magneto!"

That gave the wizard of metal his cue to produce more objects for them to combat.

Professor X rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Spirit is getting faster under pressure."

"Cyclops has been bringing all A game," said Havok. "Even more since the plant."

"Glimmer carries zest and diligent on the training grounds," Magneto observed. "Hm, perhaps she could join more of my regiments."

One hand on her hip, Emma planted him with a look. "I dare you to try to usurp my girls right before my eyes. I'll remind you that this baby will be making his debut at some point."

Professor X said lowly to her, "I believe someone is having difficulty accepting that his boys have reached a whole new plateau."

Magneto sent sharp blue eyes out to him. "Someone can also hear you, Lab Rat. Strange," he turned back to the younger mutants, "Lighthouse's new abilities have yet to reveal themselves again."

Watching along with the older man, the Professor got the feeling that only in their own time would the phenomenal powers rise again.

IIIIIII

Reaching the lower levels of the house, Hank dressed in his beastly attire headed in the sought after direction. As soon as he reached the range, he ceased movement, listening to the rounds firing one by one. The booms resonated throughout his ears and his hands morphed into fists.

Noticing him out of the corner of his eye, Sabretooth signaled, "Hold your fire."

Lowering the weapon onto the table in front of her, Maya removed her eye and ear protection and looked back at the one who had happened inside. "Hank…"

Beast indicated Sabretooth. "I wanted to see if you were ready to…" He turned to hasten in the other direction. "I'll be out back."

"Hank!" Maya hurried to catch up with the large footed individual. "Beast, wait. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—" She struggled for words. "I was practicing. I shouldn't have- I'm sorry."

The scientist glanced to his side. "You… you didn't do anything, Maya."

"That's right." Semi-automatic in hand, Sabretooth got between the two, facing the downhearted one. "I know these things keep causin' damage everywhere ya turn, but these," he raised the weapon, indicating its trigger, "don't fire by themselves. Ya wanna put the blame on a hunk of metal, you might as well round up knives and cars," Maya faced him at that, "while you're at it."

Maya pressed her blue gloved hands against Beast's upper arm, brown eyes shining patiently toward him.

Beast formed a smile. "Of course. I'm sorry I reacted that way. I want you to be able to defend yourself, Maya."

"Go ahead and reload, doll face." Sabretooth transferred the gun over to her hand. "Be there in a sec."

"'Kay." Maya started back.

Letting of a forced cough, Beast said, "I don't know what came over me. So many things happening at once. I'll be outside."

Sabretooth's grip on his shoulder kept him in place. "Nice try, tough guy. Now, fess up. What's goin' on in your head these days?"

The younger man attempted to organize his thoughts. "I have a wife, two small enthusiastic children who mere days ago lived as lab experiments, and I have to get my deceased father's affairs in order. Have I mentioned that I haven't even celebrated my first wedding anniversary yet?"

Sabretooth nodded as he finished. "I've been where you're at, kid." He slapped his shoulder lightly. "It ain't easy. Life changes in a blink. All ya can do is keep on or lay down."

Beast then wanted to know in earnest, "How have you kept going after all these years?"

"Waitin' for the next thing," he turned to head back toward the range, "like a coupl'a Euros knockin' on your door to throw a job at your feet."

Beast's lips twitched in amusement. He had some experience there.

IIIIIII

Bristles smoothing along the chestnut brown fur, Joey moved on to another grooming spot on his animal.

He looked on at the one who stood beside him. "That's it. Do it real soft. He likes that."

Trav got up on the highest tips of his toes. "I can't reach the toooop…"

"Here, I can help." Going to the back of the other boy, Joey wrapped tight arms around his small middle and hoisted him as best he could. "There you go, Trav. I think Xander likes you."

From the narrow window, a dark brown haired head peered in on them. Over on the built-in bench of the side right-hand wall, the girls nestled. Each held one end of the thin book.

Becky read aloud, "Would you like them in a house?" She conjured an image of a florescent cottage over their heads, making Kiki gaze up in marvel. "Would you like them with a mouse?"

A tiny gray mouse scampered into the house and the toddler shrieked a laugh. "Mousey!"

Internal sensory caused Becky to look up, a delighted smile coming to her face. "Papa's here."

The boy's glanced over with a unison, "Hi, Uncle Erik."

Making his way inside through the open entrance, the metal wielder tossed a portion of his cape over one shoulder and spoke. "Ah, the high queen told me of the pitter-patter of little feet to be found out in this neck of the woods."

Approaching in curiosity, Trav looked him from boots all the way up. "Are you going to a big party?"

Joey explained that with, "He's dressed like that 'cause he's being Magneto."

"What is a," Trav pieced the term together, "magnet-toe?"

Becky giggled and commented, "I don't know, but it sounds a lot better than Magneto." She brought Kiki over.

"Magneto," he gave his daughter the softest nudge as he knelt down to one knee, "is a name that means I can do this." Rotating his hand palm up, he raised the silver spheres and made them swirl around in place.

Kiki arched her head back, captivated by the display.

An entranced Trav started to extend his hand then hesitated. "Will it hurt?"

"No," Magneto answered resolutely. "We do not use our gifts to harm each other in this family."

Reassured, Trav placed his hand in the middle of the spheres. "How're you doing this, Uncle Erik?"

"I control metal. The same as Joey with electricity," the man explained. "And I know you've seen Becky's special talents at work."

Trav deflated a little. "I wish I had something amazing, too."

"But you do," Magneto emphasized, locking eyes with him. "Climbing and crawling over walls is absolutely amazing." He touched a gentle hand to the small boy's cheek. "No matter what, I want you to remember that. Alright?"

Trav smiled brightly. "Yes, Uncle Erik." He laid his hand over the older male's.

Magneto gazed fondly at him then stood. "Come along now. It's gotten too cold. Time to play inside."

The children complied and diligently followed him out.

Running ahead a bit, Trav seized the metal wielder's hand and walked alongside him.

Glancing down, Magneto offered the tiny appendage a secure squeeze.

IIIIIII

Maneuvering stylishly throughout the lounge, the hastened blonde plopped down onto the arm of one of the ultra-soft couches.

"Alex," Leon, the closest one to him, acknowledged pleasantly.

They exchanged a sliding palm slap and Alex said, "Sorry I'm late. Stuff at home."

"Usual case," Leon noted.

However, Jam assured, "Never fear, Lex. You're right on time." He unveiled the covered circular tin from the tall paper bag he had with him. "Tada. Ma's sweet potato pie." He placed it on the coffee table in front of him. "Get it while it's good." He then began distributing plastic forks to the other four present.

"Oh lucky." Teresa bent over to take a nibble. "So many people at my house, I didn't get away with half a plate."

"I know," Jam concurred incredulously. "Hungry cousins running wild. My mama had to slip this to me like a drug deal."

Amy hummed at the taste of the dessert then asked, "How's Raven doing?"

"Good," Alex replied, catching a minute piece of pie that attempted to escape his fork. "Really good, actually. I can't believe how happy those kids have made her."

"And so we've lost another one to motherhood," Jam stated solemnly. "We keep a place for her," he patted the empty portion of the couch, "in hopes she shall return to us on the wind…"

Amy rolled her eyes. "Really?"

"Dude, she signed up to be somebody's mom," Teresa rained reality, "not to fight for the country."

"You okay?" Alex reacted to Leon's sudden fatigued groan.

"Jetlag." Leon readjusted himself in his seat. "Flying cross country leaves something to be desired." He looked up. "Up for hitting the gym with me and Jam? After Econ?"

Alex flapped a hand against his shoulder. "Sounds like a plan."

"Ooh!" Teresa noticed her watch and hopped up. "Gotta get to class."

"Me, too." Jam took a couple more bites of pie as he stood.

Teresa asked, "Can I catch a ride with you?"

"Sure." Jam lifted her up into the arm and sped off with her.

"Hi-Yo Silver!" the brunette girl bellowed, hand raised high as they departed.

Alex shook his head and smirked. "This place never gets old."

IIIIIII

Done with the rigors yet fun of X-Men training, Jasmine changed into a purple skirt with dark boots and a white blouse. When she got back downstairs, she noticed the mail that had been left under the slot. Among the stack, she noticed a particular large yellow envelope and examined it first. Putting it away in the drawer of the nearby end table for now, she carried the rest into the study.

"Mail's here." She held it out to Charles.

"Ah," the Professor took the pile and leafed through it briskly, "all the old chaps. Bill, bill, and bill. Always a pleasure." He then noticed the look on the young girl's face. "Jasmine dear, is something the matter?"

Opening her mouth but unsure of the words, Jasmine maneuvered around to the front of the desk as she spoke. "Frank's powers. How do they work?"

Charles started the regular explanation of, "He absorbs energy from the sun that allows his eyes to project different levels of—"

Jasmine softly interrupted with, "No, no. I know the technical part. I mean this new thing he can do. He keeps talking about how incredible it felt; how bigger and better it is."

Charles nodded. "We're all trying to get a grasp on it, but I don't believe you have any reason to be concerned, love. Frank will be fine."

She then asked, "Where exactly does mutation come from? You say we all have a gene in common." She began to pace the length of the desk. "That it's the new evolution or whatever, but this is insane." Jasmine stopped moving suddenly to face him again. "You mean to tell me that the reason I walk straight through walls, that my dad flies through them, and how Frank can," she made energetic hand gestures, "glow all came from a bunch of hairy scaries sitting around in a cave a hundred zillion years ago?"

"Jasmine," Charles got up, walked around, and put a delicate grip on her thin shoulders, "what is this really about?" He regarded her with kind eyes.

With a light sigh, she admitted, "I feel like my powers are different, too. Just like everything else about me." She went to the couch and sat down somberly.

"Jasmine," Charles neared and squatted at her side, giving her knee a pat. "Jazzy," she looked at him, "I will not read your mind," he moved over to sit next to her, "but I will remain here and listen to whatever's on it."

After staying still a moment, Jasmine leaned against him and the telepath wrapped a comforting arm around her.

IIIIIII

Shape-shifter holding on comfortably to her Beast's strong arm, the married couple made it up to the second floor together.

Raven put forth. "Anything in particular you want for dinner tonight?"

Hank hummed in thought the dipped his head. "Is this an option?" He kissed at her neck.

She grinned and got in front of him, taking both his hands. "Only if you give me what I want…"

"Toes and all," he granted, "just for you." Hank reeled her in towards him. "What do you say we get up a little earlier for an even longer bath, hm?"

Raven cautioned, "So long as the kids don't hear us."

Hank eyed her with a special glance. "And who's kids would those be?"

"Why," Raven smiled widely, "our kids."

"Our kids," Hank echoed, bringing his face in closer to hers.

Dashing out of the recreation room suddenly, Becky froze in place at the sight of them.

She brought her hands behind her back. "Hi, Big Bear. Hi, Raven."

Raven waved at her. "Hiya, Becca."

"Becca," Hank approached with great suspicion, "is everything alright?"

"Oh everything's fine, fine, fine," she assured with a sunshiny radiance.

"Where are Kiki and Trav?" Raven asked her.

"Well…" Becky shifted from foot to foot. "See, we were coloring, but then I went down to kitchen to fix a snack and Joey had to go to the bathroom. And by the time we got back…"

"Oh God…" Fearing the worst, Raven ran ahead into the recreation room. "What—" Pulling Becky's move from seconds ago, she stilled at what she saw before her.

In the middle of the room sat a suddenly all blue Kiki and Trav while Joey worked a wad of moistened paper towels over the former's arm.

Hank arrived inside next along with a guilt-faced Becky.

Seeing the McCoys, Joey hurried with an explanation. "We were only gone for a minute. Honest."

"We're really sorry," said Becky.

"Look, Mommy," Trav smiled at her, waving his arm excitedly. "We're blue, too now."

Raven could only reply, "I see, hon."

Hank pinched the bridge of his nose. This was not the upcoming bath time he'd so been looking forward to.

IIIIIII

Freshly showered from the men's locker room, Alex changed back into winter gear and started out for the student parking lot. As he headed, Teresa came up jogging behind him.

"Hey, Alex!"

He paused the slowed down. "Hey. You're lucky I have far out babe sensory or I would've had to hurt you just now."

"Who says I have a problem with that, Sizzlin' Summers?" She winked and he laughed shortly. "But seriously, we need to talk." She got in front of him to look closer into his face. "Your guy is a stone cold liar."

An initially surprised Alex deduced, "Leon."

Teresa's mouth dropped for a moment. "Love how you jumped to him in two seconds."

"Look, Luke Berg is probably just spreading more crap around. Don't listen."

"This doesn't have anything to do with Alpha Head," Teresa informed. "I'm talking about how hard it is to come down with jetlag when you never even set foot on a plane."

Alex narrowed his eyes. "What?"

"Leon was here," Teresa pointed towards the pavement for emphasis. "I had to come back to school twice for things over break. Once on Friday because I forgot something and I saw him over by the dorms. Then a few of my cousins and I came up on Saturday so I could show them the campus and I spotted him again."

"Are you sure it was him?"

Teresa crossed her arms. "There aren't a ton of Asian guys with long flowing hair walking all through here. Before you showed up today, he claimed he got back on Sunday. Must've been a short trip."

Alex looked thoughtful then raised, "He has to have a reason. Maybe he's just goofing around."

"I don't know, Alex. He's so shady sometimes. I hope he's not involved in something." She gave a brief rub to his arm as she headed away. "Tell Raven to call me."

Only nodding after her, Alex continued on for the parking lot, sights around him vanishing as he slipped deep inside his own psyche.

IIIIIII

Each carrying a squeaky clean toweled bundle, a weary Raven and Hank entered their room. In a near simultaneous motion, they deposited their loads safely onto the bed then went to seek out clothing.

"No fair," Trav continuously grumbled. "I liked bein' blue!"

"Yeah!" Kiki seconded, kicking her legs out.

Raven told them, "You get tired of it. Trust me."

Turning back with an outfit for his son, Hank scolded, "You had no business getting into Joey's art supplies that way. Paint is for paper, not for skin."

"And," Raven got onto her knees to place a fresh diaper on Kiki, "if Joey or any of the other kids are nice enough to share something with you then you need to be nice back. You have to take care of and respect their things."

A contrite faced Kiki raised her head. "I sowwy, Mommy."

Trav looked over at them. "We just wanted to look like you, Mommy."

Hank glanced to gauge his wife's reaction.

"Why?" Raven wanted to know. "I love the way you guys look."

Kiki sat up to hug Raven around the neck. "Pwetty Mama."

"Yes, she is," Hank concurred as he got Trav's last leg into the one-piece pajamas.

Raven moaned happily and squeezed Kiki tightly. "I love you guys so much."

"We love you, too, Mommy," Trav told her then faced up. "And you, too, Daddy."

"And Daddy loves you." Hank pinched his toes lightly then formed a stern expression. "But if you do anything naughty like this again, I'm going to spank you both." He looked back and forth between his children. "Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Daddy," the pair recited.

"Good. However," Hank went on, "I think you two could do with an early bedtime tonight."

"Right after dinner," Raven supported. "That means upstairs, brush teeth, count sheep, straight to sleep."

"Yes, Mommy." Trav then asked, "Can we play now? Please?"

Raven looked to Hank who determined, "While Mommy's cooking. In the lab with me."

"Yay!" the children reacted.

"In your playpen," Hank tacked on.

"Awww!" Trav fell back against the mattress dramatically.

Raven laughed and reached over to tickle his stomach.

IIIIIII

With a soft hum on her lips, the slipper covered feet waltzed into Eye Spy. Having already picked up her scent as well as breathing pattern, Victor tossed another mini muffin into his mouth.

"What're you doin' outta bed?" he asked, never looking away from the monitors.

"I forgot." Jasmine pulled the manila covered envelope out from behind her back, a sly smirk on her face. "This came for you earlier."

Taking it out of the delicate hands of the child, Victor sniffed the package over, wondering who could possibly have his present address. If any little goon from way back had managed to track him to start something- his eyes fell on the name elegantly spelled out on the upper right hand corner.

"Soooo," Jasmine swayed about with absolute innocence covering her unique features, "why is Cordy and Emma's sister sending you things? Heard about your little date- what's really going on?"

"Nosy." First using the envelope to bat the girl's actual nose, Victor used a claw to cleanly tear the top flap off.

Allowing the contents to spill into his hand, out dropped a good dozen color photographs. He began to go through them one by one, each a different pose from that night.

"Oh you look so handsome!" Jasmine squealed, grabbing one of him handing over money at stage. "I want this one."

"Fine," Victor allowed then brought her near to his side. "Now get to bed, baby." He pecked her cheek. "Ya got school in the morning."

"Okay, good night." She headed back out.

"Hey," Victor turned around in his chair, handing her another picture, "give this one to Becky. I ain't tryin' to start World War Three around here."

Jasmine accepted the other print then left out via the wall.

Raising the photos up for a closer examination, Victor's focus remained on one that had been captured during their dance. Their hands clasped together, the photographer had managed to seize the shot under precisely the right light.

A change on one of the monitor's yanking hold of his concentration, elation filled Victor over the returning travelers.

IIIIIII

"Here we go, gorgeous." Logan helped his wife down from the then reached in for the middle portion of the truck for their son. "Come on, Cat-Cat. Home sweet home."

The child moaned and rubbed his face.

Glancing to her right, the presence of her brother-in-law did not surprise Kayla for a moment. She could only wonder and occasionally distantly dream of the cerebral tie shared between two siblings so in tune.

"Well, if it ain't the good for nothin' boob without brains enough to pick up a lousy phone once in a while," Victor turned to the woman present, "And little sissy-in-law."

Kayla turned to her husband in displeasure. "You said you were going to call at every rest stop."

"I said I meant to call," Logan corrected. "Meant to." He shrugged a shoulder towards his brother. "So I forgot a coupl'a times. We're all in one piece, whoopee doo." He watched Victor go over to the back of the truck. "What're you doin'?"

Victor glanced up. "No illegals, huh?"

"Hey, that was one time," Logan insisted. "And they had cash."

"My gallant extremist," Kayla stated dryly.

Seeing Cody worming around, Victor went up to the boy and peered into the little face. "What're you doin' up, Mite, hm?"

"What do ya think?" Logan answered. "He wants to see your ugly mug. Well, here ya go," he transferred his son over into his waiting blonde mutant's arms, "Here's your uncle. Ya happy now?"

"I'll be happy as soon as I unpack," Kayla lifted her duffel, "in the morning. Right now, it's officially a night."

"Go ahead," Victor rocked Cody in his clutch. "I got the kiddo."

Kayla looked at him gratefully then began the trek up from the garage.

Logan said to Victor, "Come on back to Eye Spy when you're done puttin' him down," he retrieved the remainder of his family's luggage, "Got a couple wild tales for ya."

"Got a few for you, too," Victor returned.

Logan raised one acknowledging hand back at him as he started forward with the bags.

Cody whispered up, "I missed you, Uncle Vic."

"Yeah?" Victor began to walk and brought the little body up to nestle against his shoulder while he rubbed his back. He sent into the young ear, "Not half as much as I missed you, baby boy."