X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter One Hundred Twenty
Author's Word: Sorry this took so long, guys, but it's the same thing, work. Oh, look there, a phone call. I'm needed again.
However, I want to throw something out before I fly off again. If you haven't noticed, a lot of things in this story has relative or cultural humor. Certain things characters say are not meant to be cruel or hateful towards anyone, just realistic of the culture, character, and the time period. Rise or Fall was not created with the intent to attack anyone. So if you find yourself offended, don't be. Just don't be.
In any case, please enjoy and review!
Rounding a corner, the two ceased walking upon recognition of the golden haired girl on the bench. As they came at her like paparazzi, Raven started to smile then playfully deflated when they both squatted down to give full undivided attention to the one on her lap.
"Hello there, you sweet girl," Amy cooed, touching one of the tiny mitten covered hands.
Teresa grinned and went, "Hi, pretty eyes. Pretty, pretty eyes."
An initially confused then curious Kiki formed a big grin at the fussing on her behalf.
"Good to see you guys, too," Raven spoke up.
Teresa arched her head up at her. "Oh you're here, too?"
Amy smiled. "It is so good to see you, Raven."
"I guess," Teresa joked as they managed to share a four-way hug. "What're you doing here?"
"Dropping off my last assignments," Raven then added, "Thank God. And," she held Kiki up to squeeze from behind, "showing off my new cuties."
"She is just gorgeous, Raven," Amy told her. "I can't believe how well she's taken to you in such a short time."
Teresa brought up, "What happened to the little boy?"
"Off being one of the guys with Uncle Alex." Raven felt certain he would master the art of belching by the time they returned home.
II
"First semester just flew by," Jam remarked, zipping up his fully stuffed duffel bag.
"It's unbelievable." Alex helped load up one of the other suitcases for him. "Four weeks of no homework, no papers, no surprise quizzes."
"I'm a little nervous on grades," Jam admitted squeamishly.
"Bite me," Alex shot down. "You know you pulled straight aces."
Jam glanced down at the small boy in his room apparently hopping his way toward him on all fours. "Can I help you?"
Trav stated in a higher pitched voice, "They call me Thumper 'cause I'm thumpety!" He then started pounding the floor with one foot.
Alex shook his head lightly. "Kids at home have him hooked on Disney flicks already."
"You got him watching Bambi?" Jam reacted distastefully then looked to Trav. "Didn't you cry when the mama died?"
Trav paused, appearing quizzical. "She died? I thought she just ran away somewhere." He shrugged. "Oh well." He dropped to his back and flopped about.
Sitting on the now bare bed, Alex ordered in mild amusement, "Get off the floor." He stretched his arms out. "You look like you're having a seizure." Trav leapt up and ran into his hold. "We need to go meet up with your mom, anyway." Alex turned to his friend. "You stopping by that Christmas party tonight?"
"Nope," Jam shook his head, "my parents are already on their way out here. You bringing a date?"
"Kerstin."
"Ooh," Jam teased.
"And Sean," Alex tacked on.
"Your own redheaded chaperone, huh?"
"She's bringing one of her friends, too," Alex said. "We're just going to hang out for a little while and Sean'll get a big kick out of it. He loves this college kid stuff."
Jam's expression grew grim. "You heard from you-know-who?"
Alex sighed. "He just vanished after our last test. I can't believe Leon. It's like he's a totally different person now."
"Hate to say this, but maybe this version is the real one," Jam put forth them offered Alex a clap to the shoulder. "Anyway, if you do happen to see him, do me a favor. Bend him over and give him a swift kick in the tail for me."
"Done." Alex looked down and Trav spiritedly kicking his little legs out. "Dude, please. You couldn't even reach up to his knee cap."
IIIIIII
Captivated by the high peppermint fragrance in the air, the swarm of people around him, and the extreme myriad of trinkets the aisle had to offer, Charles attempted to concentrate on his list. Letting off a small moan, he rubbed at the top of his brown haired head. Though most of the others around him carried a great deal of holiday cheer, there were still quite a few projecting immense stress his way as well.
Glancing around, the Professor turned alarmed for a moment. "Joey?"
The blonde head peeked out at him from around the far back of the aisle. "Over here." He zipped out of sight again. "No, over here."
"Why you…" Charles could not help his smile as he darted after the boy. "Charles Xavier, come back here at once."
Laughing, Joey maneuvered through several racks and stands with Charles in relentless pursuit. Then both father and son had to jerk quickly to avoid crashing into a well-dressed woman with a stack of packages in her possession. Joey tumbled down and Charles toppled to one knee.
Rolling over toward him, Joey relented, "Uh, caught me, Daddy."
"It seems I have," Charles stood then picked him up, "you little scamp." He draped him over one shoulder. "Keep this up and I'll start carrying you inside a sewn-in pouch on my coat like a proper kangaroo family."
"You can't call me that," Joey wiggled about in the new position, "that's just for Uncle Erik."
Charles smirked, though he knew his son could not see his face. "Is that so?"
"Yeah! So now I get to call you Lab Rat." He rang out the last two words with a partial sing-song to his tone.
Applying tender pats over the vulnerable seat of the youngster's trousers, the Professor prompted, "Did you say something, Mister Xavier?"
"Yes," Joey responded, voice sweetening more so than the very scent of the peppermint. "I said love you, Dad."
"That's what I thought," Charles readjusted him so that they now faced each other. "It seems Daddy's ears are growing in his old age. Now, I thought you were helping me pick out the new ornaments for everyone."
Joey played with a button on Charles coat. "Do you want me to give mine to my brother?"
"What?" Charles looked at him seriously. "Why would you do that? I picked that ornament out especially for you."
"But it says Baby's First Christmas on it."
Charles' countenance did not change. "And? I don't care if it says God Save The Queen. It's yours and will be yours well into old age. Now I think it's time you and I had a little discussion." He started carrying him towards an empty bench.
"Uh oh." Joey placed his hands behind him. "My bum's not here right now."
"Not that sort of discussion, you silly lad." Though he knew the boy only jested. He sat, standing Joey up in-between his legs. "I want you to tell me exactly how you think about our new little family members. Do you feel as if you aren't getting enough attention?"
"No, Daddy. I know you, Alex, Uncle Erik, Mum and everybody love me. And I love Kiki, Trav, and my brother. But sometimes…" Joey tapped his own head.
Charles understood the gesture and looked inside the young mind. "You miss it being just the two of us? Is that right?"
Joey nodded, becoming a little bothered. "Please don't tell Mummy, please. I love her so much and she's better than any mama I could ask for. I try to make it go away, but sometimes I can't stop remembering how I thought I was gonna die when…" He slowed to take a breath and Charles waited patiently for him to go on. "…I don't know where I'd be without you, Dad."
Arms engulfing the shorter body in an instant, Charles sent a gentle hush into his ear. "I know, little one, I know. You've changed my life in the most wonderful way. I thank you for that, my son."
Joey gave his cheek a kiss. "Can we go look at the ornaments now?"
"In a bit," Charles replied, not prepared to let go of him for a while yet.
IIIIIII
"Pwetty." A mesmerized Kiki held up the gold tree topper.
"Do you know what it's for?" At her headshake, Sean dipped his head to caress her cheek. "A long, long time ago a special baby boy was born in a manger- that's like the barn Xander sleeps in. The baby's name was Jesus. Can you say that? Jesus?"
"Jesus!" Kiki parroted with a big smile.
Maya smiled over at them from where she, Raven, and Becky sorted through one box of decorations.
"That's right." Sean pecked the top of her head. "After He was born, the biggest, brightest, most beautiful star appeared up in the sky. It helped the three wise men find the baby so they could give Him gifts and celebrate Him."
"Look, Kiki," Becky scooted over to where Sean sat with her on the floor with his back against the couch, "this is my papa's special ornament from Uncle Charles. See the wisemen?" Kiki ran a finger over each of the three carved out faces. "That's Papa, Uncle Charles," Becky pointed to each one, "and your daddy."
"Watch out, ladies," Frank cautioned, leading the way into the living room, large box in his grasp. "Lights coming through."
"I can't believe how many we have," Scott marveled, coming in behind him with another load.
Cody carried in another box while Joey and Trav, who had wanted to help the older boys, brought in the last one.
Receiving a reading, Emma glanced up from setting out the various poinsettias. "I do believe the men are back."
The front entrance practically burst open. Charles, Erik, Logan, Victor, Alex, Trick, and Hank all worked together to carry in the mighty pine.
"Daddy!" Trav started to run to him.
"Whoa, whoa," Raven grabbed hold of her son, "slow down, poo."
"Keep back," Hank cautioned to all of the youngsters, "we don't want you to get stuck."
"Wish you'd have said that about me," Trick sulked. "Feels like I'm shaking hands with a rabid porcupine."
"Would you cut your grousing already?" Logan grumbled at him. "You're probably just sore you got a whole drop of sap on your clothes."
"Gentlemen," Charles attempted to intervene.
"Speaking of clothing, dear Logan," Trick said, "would you mind giving me the name and number of that kindly blind tailor of yours?"
Logan glared, bringing up a menacing fist of claws. "I've just about had it with you, show boy."
"And I've had it with both of you." Erik moved to get in-between them, keeping them separated by magnetic force. "You've done nothing but bicker and pick back and forth between each other ever since we left the lot. So help me, if I hear so much as one more word out of either of you for the next ten minutes, I will suspend both of you from the ceiling by your belt buckles."
A distinct puppy whimper sounded from Trick and his face fell.
"Don't even," was all Victor said when his brother shot him a wounded countenance.
The women and children practically bubbled over with amusement.
Cheer returning as quickly as it left, the tree trimming and decorating carried on.
"Oh thank you, Charles," Jasmine squealed over her ornament. "Look, Daddy." She held the sparkly purple flower up for viewing.
"It's beautiful, Precious," Trick reacted then gasped when Charles gave him a small crown. "Charlie."
The Professor stated, "A symbol of loyalty, friendship, and how happy I am to have you and your daughter here." The two men shared a hug before Charles moved on. "Cordelia, my sweet girl." He gave her a shimmering red heart. "You had that the day we met- you wily Frost women."
The teenager let off what sounded very much like a chirp then threw her arms around him. "It's dazzling, Charles! Thank you so much."
Kissing her head, Charles made his way over to Scott, giving him a small wooden ornament.
"The drummer boy," the pre-teen recognized. "Oh thank you, Charles."
"You'll have to thank Joey," Charles informed. "He picked that one out for you."
"Aw thanks, Joey." Scott moved over to hug the younger boy.
"I'm glad you like it," Joey said, returning the embrace before taking an ornament from his father's bag to give to Cody. "I found all of yours by the stuffed animals."
"Alright, a tiger," the Canadian boy grinned.
Logan received a wolf, Kayla a fox, and Victor a lion; all four ornaments wore Santa hats.
Becky leaned against Victor's leg, pointing out his. "I like that one."
"Me, too," Victor concurred, studying the majestic creature in his grasp.
"The Cheshire Cat," Maya hugged her ornament near to her, "I love Alice and Wonderland. Thank you, Professor."
"Mommy, Daddy." Trav jumped up and down when he got his. "It's Pooh Bear."
"I see, son," Hank said, more preoccupied with winding a string of lights around the tree. "That's great."
"Perfect for my Travvy poo," Raven nuzzled noses with him.
"Here you go, my little Kyra." Charles handed her a pink satin ornament.
Kiki pointed the writing out. "What's that?"
Sean read it for her. "Baby's First Christmas."
"And for the love of my life." Charles approached Emma, delicately transferring the pair of church bells over into her hand. "For the day they ring for us."
Unable to articulate any verbal or even mental response, Emma flung herself at him. Charles caught her with ease and seized possession of her lips in a kiss, carefully dipping her.
"Whoa!" Alex actually had to catch his own breath at the display. "We haven't even broken out the mistletoe yet."
"Please, like you're not gonna be conducting your own smooch fest tonight," Sean smirked at him.
Alex pointed a faux firm finger at him. "Keep it up and you can sit at home tonight."
Hank piped up, "Then Raven and I would be glad to accompany you."
"Oh yes," Raven seconded slyly. "There's so many stories I haven't even told Kerstin yet. I'm sure she'll love the naked breakfast one…"
"Er-ik," Alex portioned in a moan.
"Boy-chick," Erik placed a gold garland around his neck, "it's tinsel time."
While the decorating continued, Charles slipped out and returned minutes later, fully loaded camera in his possession.
"Oh Baby Blue…"
Turning around, Raven managed to shift over to her blonde guise before he captured her image. "Charles Xavier- earlier warning next time, please."
"Alright, little sister… and here we have," Charles maneuvered around the tree, "our dearly devoted elder brother." He snapped a shot. "No, no. Let's try that again. You're making an odd face." He clicked the button again. "Oh no. I suppose you just look that way, don't you?" With a wave of his hand, the metal wielder summoned the camera into his own clutches. "Erik!" Charles' lips poked out. "Give that back."
"Now now, Lab Rat," Erik chided him humorously, "brothers must share everything." He took a photo of the pouting Professor. "Wouldn't you agree, Victor?" He floated the camera over.
"Oh yeah." Victor took the camera, aiming it right at the Howletts, who sat on the couch together. "Smile, sissy-in-law."
"No!" As if suddenly on fire, Kayla jumped up. "Get that thing away from me. I'm fat!"
"Oh no you don't." Logan yanked her down into his lap by the back of her sweater. "Come here, woman." He trapped her in a kiss just as Victor took the picture.
Victor then turned the camera on Jasmine, who wore a piece of silver tinsel as a boa. "Gimme a big smile, baby."
Grinning from ear to ear, Jasmine posed in three different angles for him.
Logan whistled. "How do you let that child out into the world?"
"With a prayer," Trick replied, seated at the piano.
"Hey Vic, over here." Sean lifted up a squealing Maya.
"Let's see that smile, darlin'," Logan prompted.
Maya beamed brighter than the ensuing flash.
"'Kay, boss," Victor tossed the camera back to Charles, "do your thing."
Happy to have his device back, Charles chose Alex and Scott, who sat under the tree currently, for his next shot. "Summers brothers, together again."
"Together forever," Alex corrected, pulling Scott over to cuddle in his lap for Charles to take the photo.
Once the flash faded, Becky bent over, pecking Scott on the cheek. The youngest Summers froze in place as Charles succeeded in capturing the image in time.
"Hey, I want one of those." Frank hugged Jasmine from behind.
Jasmine placed her hands over his. "Ready."
"Beautiful," Charles commented, taking the photo. He turned around, aiming for where Becky had moved over near Kiki. "Our two spoiled baby girls."
"Don't forget about my baby girl." Alex stood, putting an arm around Cordelia, who leaned comfortably against him.
"Impossible," Charles said, sending the flash their way. He walked backwards until he sat by Trick on the piano bench. "Me with my best mate."
One arm going around the Professor and the other hand making a thumbs-up, Trick grinned widely for the picture.
"Me, Uncle Charles." Trav waved his arms about. "I want a picture."
"Alright, love, but let's get your mum, dad, and sis in it, shall we?"
Situating themselves on a loveseat, Hank held Kiki in his lap and Raven did the same with Trav.
"Here we have them," Charles pressed the button, "The real McCoys."
"Mommy," Trav looked up at her, "how come you won't be blue in the pictures?"
"It's in case someone else ever looks at them," Raven explained. She pinched his chin affectionately. "Remember, Mommy can only be blue when we're at home."
"You'll understand someday," Hank told him.
"Oh, one of those," Trav surmised, the whole thing reminding him of shots and vegetables.
After a multitude of further picture taking, Charles directed, "Alright, all of my X-Men together. Let's go, by the tree."
Once the grumblings and fusses over proper positions ended, the large group stood together while Erik brought the camera to life and clicked the button. The brilliant white flash shined over them.
IIIIIII
Each with a string of multicolored lights wound around their arms, they started up the ladder. Picking up on further crunching in the snow beneath them, Logan's gaze shifted downward to hone in on his firstborn.
"Hey," he called to his child with a sharp whistle, "uh. Don't even dream about it."
Cody flashed brown eyes of purity up at him. "But I always help back home."
"That's back when we had one and a half stories," Logan reminded him. "You'll clock your coconut good if you slip and fall off this fortress."
"So?" his son dismissed. "You're letting Frank help and he can't even heal up."
Giving him a particular look, Logan sent out a simple warning of, "Codicat…"
The now grumbling boy started inside. "Don't call me Codicat…"
Frank tried to conceal his humor at the "babyish" display, not to mention the glow at having a task the little guys could not horn in on.
Undisturbed by his offspring, Logan reached the roof first then pulled his young aide up.
"Hey, I already told you," Frank carefully situated himself, "I ain't got two left feet."
"Like I already told you," Logan countered, "you crack your head open and I'm gonna kick your scrawny tail up and down. Now," he handed him the spare hammer from his tool belt, "get to work."
Frank stuck his tongue out briefly but did as told to begin attaching the lights.
They remained in comfortable silence, only the sounds of hammer connecting with nail filling the brisk wintry air, until Logan asked, "How'd you do in school?"
"Straight A's again," Frank shrugged.
"Straight A's again," Logan mimicked. "That's outstandin' and you make it sound like one big whatever." Though he knew he couldn't talk exactly, as he himself had played down his own academic achievements at that age.
"School is a big whatever," Frank said. "You read some junk, you write the junk down. Seriously, where's the brain surgery?"
Finding the words mirrored what Kayla tried to reiterate over and over to their son, Logan released a chuckle. "Bet your folks are mighty proud."
Frank focused on the task before him. "Mom's always proud."
Though he knew it to be a touchy subject, Logan still mentioned, "And your old man?"
"He thinks school's no big deal," Frank responded. "Most of my family's that way. They think people with education are just a bunch of snobs looking down on hard-working folks who come home with dirt under their nails."
"There's some truth to that," Logan had to admit. "See, me and my wife have bumped heads on this issue since day one. She thinks education is everything; gets that from her father. Me? I think it's just one training ground and not the biggest. But you, glow worm, you've got it in ya to do big things with that brain of yours."
A small smile came to the young teenager's lips. "Erik and Charles are always telling me that."
"Then maybe you ought to start listenin'." Logan then asked, "What do you want to do with yourself when you get older, anyway? Still lookin' into government?"
Frank's countenance shifted into uncertainty. "Well, yeah…"
"But?" Logan prompted gently.
"My powers. Ever since they kicked in big time, I've been feeling like I'm supposed to be doing something way bigger than that."
Logan's hand went to his shoulder. "Don't let it keep ya up at night. You got plenty of time to sort it all out. And the X-Men, not exactly small time there."
Frank nodded in full agreement to that.
IIIIIII
Ever intrigued brown eyes watching the wrap around the arm inflate larger and larger, Trav reached a finger out to lightly poke at the contraption. Expecting it to surely burst, it remained intact for another puff of air to enter it.
"You're not hurting him," Trav glanced towards the one operating the blood pressure device, "are you, Daddy?"
Alex told him, "Your dad wouldn't hurt me. Not unless I had it coming."
"Remember when I explained it, son," Hank mentioned, making use of the metallic circle of his stethoscope. "This is how I make sure Uncle Alex's heart is good and strong."
"Okay, but no shots." Trav insisted resolutely.
Alex used his free hand to ruffle the head of brown. "Check out the bitty beast. Looking out for your uncle."
"Someone has to when I am not present." Hank wore his stethoscope like a loose scarf and started unstrapping Alex the machine. "You're closer to normal readings and your heart rate is steady. We'll be able to decrease your medication soon."
Alex formed an elated smile at that. "So there's a chance this thing could be out of my life once and for all?"
"The risk will always be there," Hank then went on with, "but I believe you will be able to keep it in check. Just one more thing." Alex eyed him seriously. Hank grinned. "Have an insane amount of fun for both of us tonight."
Returning the positive expression, the blonde hopped up off the table. "You got it. Though to be honest," he picked Trav up to cuddle against his cranberry button-up shirt, "I wouldn't mind swapping lives with you," he looked to the doctor, "Dad." He gave Trav over to him.
Hank nuzzled his son at the cheek. "Uncle Alex won't be home until after bedtime so say "night, night"."
"Night, night, Uncle Alex," Trav recited.
"Night, night, nephew." Alex winked at him and headed out.
II
Small wriggly girl tucked under his arm, Sean made his way into down to the foyer where Maya helped Raven put out little porcelain holiday trinkets.
"If your daughter watches me go potty one more time," Sean declared, "I'm gonna start screaming rape."
Raven let off a mock gasp and stopped to take Kiki into her arms. "What have I told you about violating, Seanie?"
The toddler only responded by tugging on the frilly material of her mother's red blouse.
"Yeah, I actually have to leave soon so…" Sean gave Raven a special look.
"Right. Let's go visit Auntie Emmie and your baby." The shape-shifter carried Kiki out and away from view of the copper haired X-Man.
A now at ease Maya stood to hug her boyfriend. "Miss you already."
"Sure you don't want to come?" Sean asked again.
The brunette shook her head. "No, have fun with your boy. Besides, this is so much fun. Christmas is just thriving around here. I'm not even sure if Mom wants to put up a tree this year."
"Oh your house is getting a tree whether she likes it or not," Sean promised and kissed her.
IIIIIII
Following his ears to the tune of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" Steve stepped inside the lounge to discover Zaro along with several other Liberty agents performing various impromptu dance steps.
"Spiked the eggnog early this year, did we?" the Captain smirked.
"Come on, Steve," Zaro, following a rhythm all his own, made it over to the older male, "if you see I still have my clothes on, I'm not drunk. Now, come on. Get down."
Steve raised his palm and said, "I'll pass."
"Hey now," Zaro took his arm, "don't be ashamed of your moves just because your last date was with Wilma Flintstone."
Giving the teenager a strong hip bump, Steve corrected, "I'll have you know my interests went entirely to Betty Rubble." Nonetheless, he joined in on the fancy footwork.
A minute later, Kerstin came into the doorway and laughed lightly at the sight. "I can honestly say I hate to interrupt but Alex and Sean are here." She laughed when Zaro spun her way to begin twirling her.
Steve went over as well. "Have a good time. Just—"
"Not too good a time," both young people filled in.
Nodding, Steve then said, "And try to be back—"
"When we feel like it," Zaro interjected then smiled cheekily. "Just messing with you, Steve."
"Don't worry, Steve," Kerstin assured. "According to Alex, WU parties and NYU bashes are completely different things. This probably won't go beyond ten."
A pleased Steve responded, "I'll see you when you get in."
Tugging on Kerstin's long blonde hair, Zaro directed, "Come on, cheese head," and led them out.
When they got out in the hall, Kerstin yanked on his collar to halt his movements. "Don't forget, you promised."
"I'm gonna play nice," Zaro repeated yet again. "So long as Havok doesn't stick his hands where they don't belong."
Kerstin pointed a finger towards his face. "You let me worry about that."
"Dream on," Zaro said dismissively but regarded her fondly.
IIIIIII
"It's so weird seeing Em at Christmas again." Cordelia removed another kiss from the bowl on the kitchen island that contained the red and green wrapped candies.
"Do you ever miss your brother?" Jasmine asked.
"Please," the older girl dismissed. "Sister-in-law number two remembers to send me a locket faster. Adrienne always mails gifts when she's not coming, though."
"Is she anything like my mother? Saying one thing and doing another?"
"No," Cordelia answered without thought. "If she's going to be somewhere, she's going to be there. If she's not, she's not. But I still remember when I was really little. Christmas felt like the only time the hostilities ever took a break. Even Mom and Dad were good around each other."
Jasmine recalled, "In my family it's always been those tense black vs. white dinners with Dad and Aunt Hol being the life of the party. Things got good and crappy after the divorce. This will be the first Christmas I've had in the states in a while."
"Didn't your mom ever come to visit?"
"Dad offered to fly her in but she never wanted to leave Mackenzie."
"She didn't want to fly with the baby?" Cordelia popped another kiss.
Jasmine stated grimly, "I didn't want her to."
II
"Cody," Joey called his friend over when he spotted him.
Shoulders and feet heavy, the petitioned one joined the other youngsters underneath the glowing tree.
"What's wrong?" Becky asked him.
"Nothin'," Cody claimed, poking at a glass ball ornament that stuck out at him.
Something tells me his father told him no, Kayla broadcasted to the female telepath beside her on the couch, if he can't do as the big men do at every moment, the world becomes such a horrible place.
I understand, Emma, who held a lapful of happy toddler, returned. She also found it admirable that the little boy looked up to said men so openly.
Coming through the living room next, Erik rained numerous gold circles down upon the children. "Blessings of Hanukkah."
Becky, along with the others, reacted in delight. "Thank you, Papa!"
"Thank you, Erik," said Scott.
"Thanks, Uncle Erik," came from Trav and Joey.
"Thanks," a less-than-enthused Cody piped up.
Raven laughed when Erik sprayed her and Hank with chocolate coins before he moved on to offer some to the ladies and an eager Kiki.
When he took a seat on the other sofa, Becky climbed up into his lap.
"Uncle Erik," Trav got up, nestling against the man's other side, "what is honey-ka?"
Erik laughed softly, having pronounced it not nearly as well when he himself was small. "It's a very old holiday of my people. I'm sure the story wouldn't interest you in the slightest."
Trav only turned increased curious eyes on the man while the other children scooted up to position themselves right at Erik's feet.
"Tell the story, Grandpa," Raven goaded.
Giving his sister a mild look, Erik thought for a moment about how to simplify the tale for the little ones before he began.
"During a time of great suffering, one of many to be endured by the Jewish people, they found themselves with only enough oil to light the temple for a single night. However, through a combination of faith and the Almighty's fondness for His people, the light lasted as long as eight nights."
When he finished, Becky added, "That's why Hanukkah lasts for eight nights."
"I bet they wish Frank had been born," Scott said humorously. "No one has to worry about losing light with him around."
Cody rolled his eyes. "Frank's not so special. If Joey had been there, he'd have invented electricity."
Emma caught the disagreeable waves of dread that floated off her son at that assertion. Something told her that Joey felt these people would go the same as those from his former town if exposed to his mutation.
She then had to let Kiki down so that the small girl could toddle towards the others to hear Erik's accounts of ancient people with unique gifts. Cody seemed to let some hostility go at hearing about a boy and his slingshot.
IIIIIII
For the Westchester University Christmas Party the main level of the school library had been laid out with an assortment of decorations that included an enormous tree at the center of the space. Three tables of different foods, one specifically dedicated to sweets and beverages, were set up by the information desk. Different Christmas carols played overhead. Overall, the atmosphere proved more lively than expected while remaining respectfully subdued enough.
Making his way around a row of Germanic texts, Alex closed in on the other blonde. "Studying in the off season and during a party. Geez, if I'm that much of a dud just say so."
"No," Kerstin honestly dropped the book in favor of winding arms around his neck, "this is strictly a me problem."
"I'll fix you up," Alex offered, leaning in.
Alex and Kerstin sittin' in a tree.
F-U-C-K-I
Grabbing hold of one of the singers by the front of his throat, Kerstin shoved him up against one shelf. "Lazaro!"
Sean stepped forward in a fit of laughter.
Alex turned a glare on him. "Oh you think that's funny? Come here." He grabbed him in a headlock and started furiously going at his hair. "Still laughing, squirt?"
"Ow!" Sean grunted. "Hey- I'm taller than you!"
"Fine," Alex shrugged. "Wet willy it is…"
"No!" Sean quickly protested. "Uncle, uncle, uncle!"
Taking Alex's arm, Kerstin suggested, "Let's find a less juvenile atmosphere."
"Let's," Alex seconded, going for the doors with her.
"Let's find a less juvenile atmosphere," Zaro chirped after them. "I swear that girl came out thinking she was grown."
"Alex totally had that coming," Sean attempted to fix his hair back, "with all that hassle he's given me and my girl."
Once they made it outdoors, Alex gave another look through of the blue collared blouse covered by her green sweater and black skirt the girl had on. Her flowing locks of gold bounced about her arms and shoulders with seemingly every move she made.
"Have I told you how freaking phenomenal you look tonight?"
"Yes, you did," Kerstin replied, stopping pace to face him. "And I appreciate it every time. Sorry about that whole thing, though. I know Zaro put him up to that."
"Don't let those innocent eyes fool you," Alex assured. "Sean's a little prankster, too. He's lucky I'm too wild about him to deck him one."
"It was nice of you to bring him out with us, though."
"Yeah," Alex's arms wound around her waist, "want to ditch 'em?"
She laughed, "That's a possibility," as they kissed.
IIIIIII
"Ten bags of weed on me and about a dozen cops on my tail," Zaro reenacted the actions between two tables while Sean sat watching with a slice of chocolate cake, "so I fall out straight from the car and rush into the alley. Two cops tried to ambush me and I took 'em both out. That's when I ran into Cap. He gave me the choice and that was it. New leaf, new life."
"Yikes," Sean responded to it all, "Charles and Erik met me trying to pick up girls at the aquarium." Silently, he proved glad that neither men had caught him getting into such trouble. Even back then, Sean felt certain that they would have taken turns giving him a sound spanking. "Unreal that your dad's into drug crime. My mom can barely get my dad to take his migraine aspirin."
"My dad doesn't take the stuff." Zaro sat down on top of the table. "He doesn't even drink unless it's to be social or gain info. He just uses the addicts."
"That's really…" Sean went ahead and admitted it. "Smart. Underhanded but smart."
"That's my old man," Zaro stated somewhat absently.
Sean carefully put forward, "Do you ever see him?"
"Now and again," Zaro shrugged. "Gotta avoid him for the most part. Can't have him clued into what I do now. But life with Cap and Kerst, the CoL- it's all good."
"I understand, believe me." Sean then noticed the clock on the far wall. "A half an hour already?" He looked to Zaro. "Think they're still mad?"
Zaro scoffed. "Probably lip smackin'." He hopped up. "Come on. Let's go sneak up on 'em."
The full knowledge that Alex would throttle him mattered not as Sean took his coat and followed along.
They scanned the grounds all the way out to the student parking lot, finding Sean's BMW still in place. The redhead felt relieved, knowing Alex had a way with cars, with or without having keys in hand.
"I don't believe it," Zaro flapped his arms in annoyance, "They actually bailed out on us."
"Well, the joke's on them," said Sean. "If they took off too far, Alex'll probably wind up grounded for his whole break."
"Ah, Kerst is probably just messing with me," Zaro said lightly. "Let's head back and spy out these small town coeds."
"I have a girlfriend," Sean reiterated.
Zaro mimicked his tone with, "Then let's go get me one."
Shrugging in ease, Sean returned with him to the buzzing library.
IIIIIII
Highly enthused laughter preceded Charles' and Trick's return home. They came into the living room, where Kayla and Emma talked while Erik and Victor played with Cody and Joey on the floor.
"What is so funny," Emma then wondered, "or do I dare ask?"
"We went to the pub for a quick brandy," Charles started the explanation.
"They had a new bartender on duty you see," said Trick.
"Yes, yes," Charles nodded, trying to contain his merriment. "And… he carded us."
Emma began to laugh as well. "Are you serious?"
"Big surprise," stated Erik flatly.
"Shocked they didn't try to call your folks," Victor tossed out.
"What does "carded" mean?" Joey asked.
Cody answered, "When they check to see if you're old enough to drink grownup stuff. Like that height thingy for rollercoasters."
"Oh!" Joey then frowned deeply. "I hate that thing."
"Tis all my fault," Trick insisted. "This is what happens when I shave."
"Did you two take a cab home?" Kayla felt the need to ask.
"No!" Trick barked at her in jest. "Instead we consumed our weight in ale then promptly got into a ten car chase resulting in a violent crash. You'll see more about it on the ten o'clock news."
Giving his cheeky comrade a gingerly pat on the behind, Charles assured, "We walked, Kayla."
"Don't talk to me about no ale," Logan came through, stumbling onto the nearest couch. "It's a piece of work putting lights up around this place. Told Frank we're just gonna string him up next time." He gave Cody a nudge with his foot. "Go get me a beer."
"Better not. Might hurt myself." Getting to his feet, Cody put on a wide faux grin. "Why don't ya ask Frank to get ya a beer?" He started out and Joey went after him.
The adults lingered, most with dropped jaws.
"I'll talk to him," Kayla offered.
Logan held up a hand to stop her. "Don't bother. If he wants to be a pissy little brat, let him."
The front entrance sounded next and Sean went to stand over by Charles and Trick.
"Where's Alex?" Erik wanted to know.
"I have no idea," the redhead replied honestly. "Me and Zaro were begin goofy so he and Kerstin took off."
"And you haven't heard from them?" Charles' face lost all trace of humor. "That doesn't sound like Alex."
"I thought maybe he came home," Sean said.
"Let's see if I've missed him." Fingertips going to temples, Emma performed a scan of the house, then the grounds, then the entirety of Westchester.
"Love?" Charles spoke to the clearly alarmed woman.
Lowering her hands slowly, Emma announced, "I can't find him anywhere."
IIIIIII
Head heavy and pounding like a thousand drums at once and the remainder of body near completely numb, he still managed to make out the firm surface beneath him. Some type of wood maybe.
Attempting to shift himself, Alex fell right off the bench and landed hard on top of the tiny tiles. Using his hands to pull him along through the lengthy floor, he paused momentarily. Under the dim lighting provided, he made out the unconscious one stretched out beside him.
"Kerstin," he breathed.
When he tried to reach out for her, a pair of shoes stepped out and a shadow loomed above them.
"What will it be this time?" the nonchalant voice proposed. "Water… or gas?"
Confused and dazed to say the least, Alex got out a strained, "What?"
"Water, did you say? Well," the sound of squeaky valves went off, "if you insist."
Alex's shouts echoed throughout the space as scalding hot water streamed down on them.
IIIIIII
Unison outcries leaving them simultaneously, the adult telepaths let go of each other and stepped back. Kayla and Sean went to Emma while Erik and Trick attempted to steady Charles.
"Pain," Charles managed to get out. "He's in pain…"
Erik's countenance turned darkly severe. "Where is he? Where is he, Charles?"
"I don't know," Charles replied, at a complete loss.
"He doesn't even know," said Emma.
Erik's gaze went to Sean next. "Did you see where they were headed?"
Sean searched every part of his own memory banks, coming up completely empty. "I…"
"Enough of this," Logan put forth. "Come on, Vic. We'll go back to the school and track 'em from there. They couldn't have gotten too far."
Maya entered the parlor with someone right at her heels. "Steve Rogers is here."
Before questions could launch his way, the Captain step forward to say, "I know who's taken them."
IIIIIII
"Wakey wakey, dear children."
Alex coughed and sputtered, coming down from the hurt high of the extreme heat. He attempted to take in whatever exhaustion available beyond the steam. He looked over, seeing that Kerstin had awoken. When they could both breathe again, repulsion covered their faces along with the desire to heave.
"Oh don't like that smell?" The room, resembling a public shower, completely lit up, showing the half a dozen or so mutilated corpses scattered about. "Death is an acquired fragrance but once you get used to it, it's more pleasant than roses."
"Oh God…" Alex's gaze slowly went up, finding three men over him.
One an extremely thin elderly well-dressed man in a smoking jacket and neatly pressed slacks. He had finely combed gray hair tied together in the back and carried a long curved brown cane. On the far left side stood a stocky man who had to be touching seven feet tall at least. He wore a torn yellow undershirt and stained sweat pants. In the center was a middle-aged man with a short brown haircut, clad in dark jeans, a white shirt, and a deep blue demin jacket.
"Need a hand, lad?" the elderly man kindly offered, reaching for him.
The moment he grabbed Alex's forearm all memory came at him at once.
They were kissing then an old man passed through asking for change. The moment Alex reached inside his pocket, the frail hands shot out, somehow draining the very life from them both.
"No!" Alex tried in vain to jerk out of the man's hold then grunted hard when the strenuous sensation resumed.
"It's like I always say," the elder let go, allowing him to drop back down, "kids today have no respect."
"You should be mindful of Decay," the man in the middle dipped down to Alex's level, "if had no regard for you, he could have left you a pile of ash on the curb. Normally I send Javitz," he indicated the giant man, who Alex then noticed only had his left eye, "but we didn't want to create too much of a scene."
"I don't know how you found out about mutants," Alex said, sharp gaze on them all, "but let Kerstin go. She has nothing to do with this."
"Nothing to do with—" the incredulous man got to his feet, letting off a chuckle. "Nothing to do with this? Boy, she's the reason you're here."
Kerstin urged, "Tobias, please," she then spit up blood when his booted foot connected with her chin.
"Stop it!" Alex shouted
"One," he got down, snatching up her face between his hands, "three, five, two, six, zero." Rolling up one sleeve, he held up the numbers plastered there close to her eyes. "135260! That's what they called me! That's what they made me!" He shook her head hard. "Don't ever speak my name!"
"You're a camp survivor," Alex realized. "Listen to me. Please! We're not against you. My father has numbers on his arms, too. He went through it, too!"
Dropping Kerstin entirely, he placed complete and full attention on Alex. "Your father?" Alex nodded a look that could be taken as slight horror crossed the older male's face. "You don't know what she really is, do you?"
"What are you talking about?" an utterly dismayed Alex demanded.
"She's a fraud!" he responded sharply. "Her name is not even Kerstin Harris. It's Greta Eichman."
Alex repeated, as if trying to recollect, "Eichman…"
"That's right," the man nodded slowly, "probably read the name in history class. Martin Eichman and his wife Olivia- her parents," he pointed accusingly at Kerstin, "were nazis unlike any others. They were not forced solders doing as they were told to save their own lives. No, they dined with the man, lived by his every word. Martin took it even further and committed suicide like him. But not before smuggling his wife and newborn out to the states." He turned a stony visage on Kerstin. "With the blood of tens of thousands on his hands, your father still loved you," he kicked her again, "the sick fruit of his loins."
"Leave her alone!" Alex yelled again. "I don't know what your head case is, but you've got the wrong girl. Kerstin," he turned to her, "tell them."
"Yes," the man seconded. "Tell us, Greta."
Unable to formulate words at first, tears ran down her face. "… It's true, Alex."
Feeling the desire to throw up all over again, Alex could only stutter, "What?"
"Poor luck, lad," said Decay with sympathy. "That's why it's important to cover certain bases during a courtship- such as bothering to ask the young lady where she's from and what her family is like."
"I'll tell you what," Tobias gently pulled Alex up, helping him to his feet. "Since she screwed you over as well, I'll not only spare you," he accepted the machete Javitz handed to him, "I'll let you have the first swing. Just try to avoid major arteries." He held it out. "We want to keep her alive as long as possible."
Trembling all over with a range of emotions attacking him at once, Alex stepped back. "I won't."
"Fine." Tobias lowered the weapon to prop against the nearest wall. "Then she can watch." He gave Alex a forceful shove down.
Hitting his face hard upon contact, that measure of pain mattered not as a heavy blunt objected connected with Alex's back over and over again. From above him, Javitz swung the fat club repeatedly, mostly over the young man's back.
"Stop!" Kerstin bellowed. "Stop it! Just take me! Take me!"
Those words reminding him of a time long past, Tobias seized hold of her by the back of the neck and forced her to take in the brutal beating.
Javitz displayed no signs of fatigue for a full ten minutes when Tobias finally decreed, "Enough." He lowered down to Alex, who had been nothing more than a mess of groans and grunts throughout the ordeal. "Too much of a man to scream?"
Glancing up at him, Alex spat blood right into the man's face. "My dad's hand makes me cry sooner."
Simply wiping his face clean with one swipe, Tobias stated, "Yes, your father." He looked towards his cohorts. "Let's move on to next door, shall we?"
While Javitz lifted Alex by the back of his blood rich shirt, Tobias took the liberty of dragging Kerstin into the next room by her hair.
They situated the two in a pair of chairs, both hissing when they strapped them at the wrists with razor wire.
Summoning a tall screen from the floor, Decay switched on the corner projector.
Despite the agony he felt not nearly subsided, Alex remarked, "Now we have to sit through your home movies?"
"Since you seem so attached to your father, I thought you'd enjoy seeing firsthand just what they did to us."
No further explanation was required as the film began with an infant being immediately with an infant being tossed in the air then fired upon.
"No!" Alex shook his head back and forth.
Kerstin screamed but got her head jerked back when she attempted to look away.
"This is what your mother and father did!" he said loudly into her ear. "Every single day! Men, women, children! Nothing but play things."
Twisting about in his seat, Alex began to weaken as he suffered further blood loss from the heavy cuts developing at his wrists.
Stealing a glance out of one window, the enormous Javitz announced, "Company."
"Leave it to me," Decay offered.
Making his way downstairs to the front of the secluded Tudor home, he opened the door.
Surprised by the one he found there, he asked, "Can I help you, young man?"
"I'm really sorry to bother you, sir, but my car broke down and—" Leon shoved by him, sending the elder to the floor.
Making it to one of the dual flights of stairs, Leon did not get the chance to make it to even the first step. He felt a yank to his hair before finding himself flying clear across the room and colliding with a stand.
"Get a haircut, you disrespectful punk," Decay taunted.
Leon waited for the man to get near to him as possible then swung out his leg, kicking Decay's feet right from under him. Leon righted himself and tried to run again but Decay seized his ankle, made him fall, then pinned him to the floor.
Jerking his head back, Leon hit him as hard as he could in the nose then kicked him off. Once they both returned to their feet, they exchanged several blows and Leon had to work to miss the cane coming at him as well. Finally seizing the young one by the wrist, Decay threw him down.
"This will teach you a lesson," he said, bringing his cane down.
Before the object could make contact, Leon's entire body dissolved into a multitude of glittering particles. A stunned Decay looked on as he seemed to vanish entirely.
Reforming at the top of his stairs around one corner, Leon promptly dashed away down the hall and out of sight.
II
Turning off the projector, Tobias said, "That's enough audio visual for one night. Untie them."
Javitz snatched off the razor wires with his bare hands.
Alex and Kerstin lingered in place, both paled and inwardly disgusted to say the very least.
"I need a break. Find somewhere to stick the boy."
Javitz gathered Alex up in one arm.
"Kerstin!" he called out to, reaching one feeble hand out.
"Oh don't you worry." Tobias took Kerstin over to a nearby table, where he strapped her down with chains. "Mr. Javitz will be returning to keep you," he patted her cheek, "company."
Javitz looked back, a dark gleam in his eyes.
"No!" Alex struggled in complete vain to get away, only creating further weakening on his part.
Javitz brought him into a dark room with a squeaky floor. Hurrying his work, he forced Alex's hands behind him and tied them together before stringing the young man in place that way from the ceiling. Taking his leave, Javitz locked the door after himself.
The position leaving him in pain most indescribable, the darkness only allowed the numerous destructive images to replay over and over in his mind. Worse than any of the physical torment, though, Alex found himself absolutely powerless. A harsh murmur escaped his lips just as his heart at last gave out.
IIIIIII
"Tobias Evander is a masterful escape artist who fled an Austria camp after the last of his family was put to death. Wife, two small daughters and one boy, he'd grown up in a protestant household. When it was learned that his mother, long passed at the time, was ethnically Jewish, that's all they needed."
Specter stated, "One-drop rule."
Captain America sent him a nod before going on. "The Eichmann couple made a specific sport out of bringing endless misery upon Evander's family. He violated his wife on several occasions before finally killing her while she starved and beat his children until their deaths. All carried out before his very eyes."
"Shit," Wolverine muttered while Sabretooth only gave off a shake of his head. "He's got to be fucked up in the head."
"That would be putting it mildly," said the Captain. "About eight years ago reports started coming in about a mass of slayings from Argentina going on across the US where several nazis or their relatives had managed to flee. Upon closer investigation, it was discovered that they weren't killings but suicides. Evander had become an artist in the field of torture. He always made sure to let his victims live, specifically so they could be tormented by the memories for years to come. Kerstin's mother did not kill herself but when Evander revealed her, she was sent back to Austria for trial and life imprisonment after having her only child ripped from her arms."
"What happened to the lass after that?' Specter asked.
"She stayed in foster care for five years until Evander found her again, this time torturing her new family right before her eyes. We got to him before too much damage could be done and I've kept Kerstin under my radar since. Evander was taken for containment."
"Containment?" Specter repeated. "How has he not been put down?"
Sabretooth piped up knowingly, "He ain't directly kill any of them. Technically, he ain't even commit manslaughter."
"Right," the Captain concurred. "That in addition to his experiences in the camps have given him the right to an insanity plea. He escaped a few months back and a special forces team has been trying to track him while keeping their error out of my knowledge." He glared at that. "But something in me told me to make the necessary calls when Lazaro returned without her. I know he has them."
Sabretooth turned around to watch the caped back of Magneto, who had proven the quietest of all during the jet ride.
From the front of the plane, Hank also remained silent while Charles sent coordinates into his mind.
Alex please, the Professor inwardly pleaded, you must stay strong. We are coming for you.
IIIIIII
An invigorating surge coursing throughout his chest caused Alex's eyes to shoot open and his mouth to release a heavy breath.
"J-Joey…"
The blue eyes then darted over in reaction to the banging at the door. Expecting Javitz had returned for him, utter astonishment filled him when Leon tore inside.
"Lee?" Alex uttered in disbelieve.
"Lex." Removing his Swiss army knife from his pocket, Leon cut the ropes loose and carefully lowered Alex down to prop up against him. "What have they done to you?"
"What are you doing here?" Alex wanted to know.
"I saw them take you," he explained quickly, attempting to carry him out. "I followed. I—"
An outcry sounded from them both when the floor gave out underneath them.
Leon held onto Alex, making them both vanish with a burst, but proved only strong enough to make them land on the floor beneath them as opposed to crashing down.
"Oh, my God," Alex reacted when they both reformed. "I don't believe this. Lee, you're a…" His friend toppled over in complete weakness and exhaustion. "Lee? Leon!" He shook him as best he could, careful of his head.
Looking up at a certain sound, Alex glanced around to see that they had wound up in a room literally crawling with rats.
IIIIIII
Phasing out of the plane for a moment, Specter re-entered to tell the rest, "There's a house down there. Beyond the trees."
"Is Alex in there?" Magneto questioned.
Professor X replied, "I am certain."
"That's all I need," stated the metal wielder.
Before the plane could get low enough, he summed the hatch open with his powers. Then the rest had to stand back in look on as he leapt right down and crashed into the nearest top floor window.
Watching closely, Captain America saw that he had both landed on his feet like a cat and taken off immediately like one. Hurling himself down next, the red, white, and blue clad individual shot after him.
"Well, that's one style I suppose." Specter became transparent. "I'm going in, too."
"Be careful, Specs," Sabretooth cautioned him.
"Don't worry about me." That said, Specter flew straight down and inside the house.
The remaining four men had to wait for the plane to completely land but hastened for the property as soon as they could.
"Excuse me," they all looked up as Decay took a mighty leap from overhead, "we don't accept visitors."
"We'll handle this," Sabretooth said.
"Find the others," Beast urged.
"I'm receiving a reading." Charles started for the stairs.
"I'm with ya, Chuck," Wolverine hurried right behind him, "but give the thinker a rest." He sniffed the air around them. "I got the scent."
"That was quite the leap," Beast commended to Decay. "For one so decrepit, it was an amazing feat."
Decay barked, raising his cane. "Good for nothing whipper snapper."
"Pal, don't even get me started." Sabretooth then growled and lunged at him.
Using his cane, Decay gave him a hard whack along the side of the face followed by a kick to the abdomen.
Snatching him by the throat, Beast gasped at the sudden drainage he felt.
"I don't need youth, boy," Decay challenged. "Not when I can suck you dry for it." He then shouted at the abrupt clock to the back of his head.
Sabretooth stood behind him, cane in hand. "Ya dropped this."
Taking the opportunity, Beast somersaulted onto his hands to use his feet to grab hold of Decay. With some momentum, he sent him hurdling through a closed window.
II
Nearly absolutely petrified as her clothing was stripped off piece by piece, Kerstin managed to look up into the face of the one who lingered over her.
"I know why you're doing this," she spoke. "It's gives you a sense of power, conquest. Maybe you've been wronged by women in the past. You're already a large man, a powerful man. You don't have to give into—"
Javitz covered her entire face with his hand to muffle her.
"Look at you," Tobias stood in the far back, arms crossed, taking in the show. "Just like I saw you in Texas. Trying to play the part of a magnificent being of compassion and understanding, fooling everyone around you. I bet you even have yourself convinced that you're more than a monster, who crawled out of another monster. Change your name, lighten your hair; your blood remains the same." He stopped speaking when different objects began floating in the air around them.
Seeing it as well, Javitz stepped back cautiously. He started to follow Tobias' lead of fleeing from the room but stopped as a seeming ghost floated upward from the floor. Javitz stumbled back in terror.
"Do you understand that the five seconds of pleasure you feel conquering a frightened woman installs fear in her for the rest of her life?" Specter grew solid again. "You ever been that scared, gent?... How about now?"
The moment the last word left his mouth, a whirlwind kicked up in the room and formed an enormous devilish image.
Javitz released a yell of absolute terror as the fiend seized hold of him to devour him whole, though in fact, he remained intact and became a sobbing mess on the floor.
Shaking his head, Specter made his way over to Kerstin and used his powers to phase her from her bonds. "You're fine now, darling."
"Thank you," Kerstin said repeatedly.
Specter reclothed her quickly then carried her out of the room, stopping just long enough to give Javitz a harsh kick in the rear as he did.
II
Around one corner the scent proved particularly sharp and Wolverine pointed claws towards one open door. He and the Professor released too late that they had very little floor to work with and hurled down almost immediately upon entry. Wolverine grabbed hold of Charles in an attempt to cushion him with his own body.
Down below and with one hand securely on Leon, Alex channeled the feeble amount of plasma energy he had to offer to blast at every, clearly starving, rat that came at them.
"Get away from us…" He heard something overhead and sent out a blast, "Get away!" Then he had to watch in horror when the beam hit Wolverine's shoulder, making him drop Charles. "No!"
Landing with a bit of a wobble, Professor X hurried over to the pair on the floor but took a moment to glance over. "Logan?"
"I'm fine," Wolverine dismissed, though one hand did clutch his badly battered shoulder. "How're they?"
Carefully taking the still unconscious Leon into his hold, Professor X reached for Alex. "Dear boy, are you alright?"
Still unable to believe it, Alex kept his gaze on the one he'd mistakenly struck. "What did I do…?"
"Hey, hey," Wolverine came over, hefting the blonde up as best he could, "don't you worry about me. I'm gonna heal up. I'm gonna heal right up. Let's just get you home safe."
Charles then went about telepathically contacting Sabretooth and Beast for assistance back up.
II
Moving purposefully throughout the floor, Magneto hurled away anything containing so much as a spec of metal out of his path.
"I know what you're feeling, Erik," the Captain attempted to calm, "but we have to—"
Magneto turned on him briskly. "You know nothing of my present feelings. And you know less than that about the inner workings of a nazi hunter."
"But you know well," shield in hand, he folded his arms, "don't you?"
A figure shooting across them and freezing under the lighting made them both look over.
The momentary staring contest ended quicker than it began and the two charged for Tobias.
Taking control of the metal of his pants and jacket, Magneto forced him to topple down the back stairs and land on his back. On an injured leg, Tobias got up and limped out of the nearest door. He ran through the thick of trees, only to connect with the grass below.
Magneto encroached and began stomping on him with every word he spoke. "You. Touched. My. Son." Gloved fingers around the assailant's throat, he hoisted him up.
"No!" Tobias choke out before Magneto's punch could go out next, "Your son. I only wanted to open his eyes. Him," he pointed out and Magneto glanced back to see that Captain America had walked up, "the so-called hero of justice and truth. He stands for them, not for us. He knows what they did to us but he still protects them."
"Don't listen to him, Erik," Steve beseeched. "This is how he gathers allies. Others with harsh pasts. He fans the flames of hatred. Kerstin does not deserve this. No child deserves to pay for their parents' wrong-doings. He's only holding onto this because he has nothing else to live for."
Turning back to the one in his grasp, Magneto told him, "You and I should both be grateful for my own children," he delivered the intended punch to the center of his face, "or I would still be like you." He then discarded him by flinging him up against a tree.
Relief sighing out from his chest, the Captain said, "It's over, Erik."
"Yes." Magneto veered around again, cape flapping. "Between us. You knew the danger posed to my son by pursuing this relationship. And you said nothing."
"Kerstin has a right to her privacy. I just wanted her to be able to live her life."
"See how well that goes after tonight," Magneto stated. "For either of them."
"Hey, boss." Sabretooth stepping up caught their attention. "The kids are okay, but we need to move."
Magneto walked by Captain America wordlessly. Sabretooth shot his former comrade an unreadable look before moving alongside his friend.
IIIIIII
"I want to see him."
Emma cupped his face. "Sweetheart."
Scott's voice cracked as he repeated, "I want to see my brother."
Emma gave him a gentle hush and hugged him tightly.
"What is it taking so long?" Cordelia wanted to know. "Why can't we see him?"
"They're still in there with him." Emma extended a hand to rub her sister's arm. "I know this is difficult, but you must calm down."
At long last, Hank departed from the infirmary to face the awaiting crowd before him. "Neither of them has awoken. Kayla managed to repair the internal bleeding but between the blood loss, the effect this entire experience has had on his hypertension, and his exposure to the mutant Decay's powers, things are still touch and go. As for Leon, the drain plus the overuse of his powers took a heavy toll."
"But they'll be okay," Cordelia put forth adamantly. "Right?"
"We will do everything possible to make sure of that," Hank responded, unable to keep the vague out of his tone.
Scott clung even closer to Emma and cried softly against her.
From the two nearby chairs, Becky and Joey held on tightly to each other's hands.
II
Walking through the second floor hallway, Maya stopped at the sight of the one roosted at the top of the pairs.
Sitting beside him, she placed both hands over his taught wrist. "Are you okay?"
Without looking at her, Sean stated, "I should've said something sooner."
"You didn't know," Maya reminded. "Sean, you're not the reason this happened. It was completely pre-meditated. You never could have saw this coming."
"That's the problem." With his spare hand, Sean gave as hard a punch to the wall as he could before getting up in a huff.
"Sean!" Maya got up after him then stopped in place at his door slam.
II
Hand going over the dark singed markings, Kayla let off a small wince.
Hearing her, Logan waved a hand. "You should've seen it before. That kid's got some kind of aim on him."
She helped him into his pajama shirt and started work on the buttons. "The things you do…"
"Just earnin' the keep, baby," he said offhandedly.
Kayla leaned in to plant a lingering kiss against his cheek and neck.
Cody ran in. "Daddy!"
"Honey, no," Kayla attempted to still him. "Your dad's—"
"Glad to see you." Kayla then looked on as her husband caught their son, silently absorbing the shock of pain that spread from his shoulder as a result. "C'mere, baby boy."
Cody clutched him around the neck. "I'm sorry about earlier. I'll go get you a beer right now."
"Hey, hey." Logan patted his back, laying down with his son on his stomach. "Don't you worry about it. I don't need a thing 'cept what's in this room right now."
Kayla lowered down, kissing his still healing shoulder.
IIIIIII
Gaze set on the metallic balls clinking back and forth on his desk, Erik made them go faster and faster until he shoved them along with every possible article clean off his desk. Summoning everything from pushpins to his mounted weaponry, the wizard of metal went to work banging the walls and his furniture with as much force as he had to offer.
"Erik!" Looking back, he saw that Charles had walked right in. "Stop this. It won't do a damn thing."
Dropping the objects at once, Erik collapsed to the floor along with them. "They tortured him. The same methods they used on us…"
Ignoring his own rules, Charles got down right with him. "I know. He's a madman, driven insane by his own torments."
Erik faced the telepath. "Am I so different from him? Hunting was my life not too long ago, in case you've forgotten."
"You are not the same!" Charles took hold of the older man's face between his hands. "Evander wants nothing more than brutal suffering and bloody senseless vengeance. Yes, you have committed wrong in your time but you have done better for yourself. For all of us. Joey says he doesn't know where he would be without me. That's exactly how I feel about you. I love you, brother."
Erik moved down into the younger man's arms, taking refuge against his shoulder.
Holding him as best he could, Charles looked up as Raven somewhat feebly made her way into the den. "Raven?"
"I just finished putting my kids to bed. My sweet, innocent, wonderful kids." She came down to her knees before them. "That if I ever lost, I'd pretty much shrivel up and die."
Charles touched her cheek. "Love."
"Why is it every time we try to live our lives, to walk out our front door, things—horrible things come out of hiding to hurt us?" Raven's voice carried demand. "How much more do we have to take?"
Each brother offering her an arm, she joined the embrace with tears running.
Neither male having an answer for her, the three of them remained that way, made aglow solely by the flames of the fireplace.