X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter One Hundred Twenty Nine
Author's Word: For those of you, like me, who expected this up sooner, I'm going to have to refer you to my body and the extreme fatigue it's gone through. Despite all that, here is the second half of the Anniversary Special. Thank you guys again for taking part in this two year journey. One of you mentioned that you're looking forward to the years to come. Believe me, I am, too. Please enjoy and review!
Ponderous green eyes that carried a sparkling allure to them remained attached to the plethora of shiny orbs scattered closely before her. She darted the occasional glance at the pensive one directly across from her, who currently had no focus for the game. His gaze turned to the side, he propped his chin up on one raised knee.
Finally deciding on a move, Becky flicked out her steely, which bumped Frank's onion skin.
At the abrupt draft that swept over her, the curly haired girl released a shudder and buttoned up her white kitten themed sweater.
"Frank?" she addressed the prolonged silent boy.
"Yeah?" he returned, continuously looking away.
The stretched out Becky waved her feet in the air. "Whose kid do you want to be?"
Certainly not expecting such a question, he faced her at last. "Huh?"
"It's funny." Becky lifted upward onto her knees and gripped a nearby twig. "Big Bear is my brother, but it's like he belongs to Charles. Sean, too and Joey for sure. But you, me, and Alex- we're Erik kids."
Frank looked intrigued but still asked, "How do you figure? I mean, definitely you but what about us?"
"What is that name Erik always calls you and Alex?"
"Boychick?" Frank filled in.
"Yeah that one," said Becky. "Have you ever heard him call the other boys that?"
Frank thought in depth then realized, "Nope, none of 'em."
"Erik went with you on your visit into the city, too, even though Charles is the one that found you and brought you to live here."
"Yeah, and he said he was going to take me off on a hike for special training," Frank recalled. "Like he did with Alex that one day."
"Mmhmm," Becky nodded. "It's like we're split in half." She used the twig she held to etch out an invisible line between the marbles. "Half for Charles and half for Erik."
"What about Raven?"
"She doesn't count. She's their sister," Becky pointed out.
Frank stroked his chin in adult fashion. "You, me, and the paste face are Erik's. And all the super geeky—" The girl gave him a disapproving look and he promptly mended his choice of wording. "Extra smart guys are with Charles."
"Yep. Erik Kids and Charles Kids."
"Got to say, we are equipped with cool," Frank commented favorably then got a good glimpse outward. "Uh oh, let's book it. Erik already had to roast me yesterday at his hotel and I don't want another taste any time soon."
"Oh boy," Becky responded in dread.
They hastened to collect their marbles and load up their backpacks with them. Back in what remained of the steadily fading daylight, they climbed onto their bicycles and pedaled away from the cave.
"Hey, you know what?" Frank glanced back at her. "I could get used to having a sister."
Becky smiled then declared shortly, "Race you!" before speeding forward.
"No fair!" Frank zipped after her.
XXXXX
With recess underway for her spirited pupils, Kayla herself could not resist leaving the schoolhouse for the glorious welcome the bright sun and comfortable air provided. She took a moment to lean against the banister, watching the dozens of various aged youngsters so lost in their play.
Up until recent events, most understood books as nothing more than scribbles on a page. Others had suffered from various illnesses. Now, though, it seemed as though a new day had dawned for the children she had grown to cherish.
Papers to review in hand, Kayla turned and headed away a short distance that allowed her to remain in earshot of the youngsters. Finding a particularly sunny spot, Kayla took a seat on a boulder so eroded it substituted well as a chair.
Not a full minute went by until the Indian woman picked up on a shift in her atmosphere.
Whipping her head back, she released a breathy groan at who she saw positioned directly behind her.
He wore a grin far too curved and toothy for her liking. "Pretty day. Don't ya think so, Miss Silverfox?"
"Hm," she stood, smoothing out her long blue skirt, "it was," then promptly started away from the troublesome male.
"Whoa, hold on now." Logan jogged ahead. "What's the hurry?"
Kayla said without bothering to look at him directly, "Private Howlett, some of us have work to see to. Why don't you go see if you can be of use? Assuming such a thing is possible."
"Right here at your service, ma'am." He moved to get in front of her. "I'd clap your erasers any day."
"Private Howlett—" Completely exasperated, Kayla had to steady her temper a moment. "What do you want?"
A smug smile coming to his face, the soldier shot his hands forward on either side of her.
Pressing palms against the rock formation that helped to encase her, he said, "I'm looking at what I want."
Kayla scoffed. "You are as delusional as you are vulgar. I wouldn't be yours if you were the last man on earth."
Logan countered simply, "May very well be the case one of these days."
"Kindly move out of my way." She pushed at him.
He caught the hand she batted at him, studying it briefly. "Ain't that about the strangest thing?"
"What are you talking about now?"
"Could've sworn this was the hand you burnt. When you got a smidge too close to the fire." Logan looked at her. "Knew your daddy was a top doc. Didn't know he was a miracle worker."
"Whole oceans could fill with what you don't know." Clutching her papers close, she at last shoved by him and kept on walking, single braided ponytail bouncing against her back. "Good day, Private."
"Good day," his blue eyes followed her every movement, "Miss Silverfox." He banged his knuckles together and turned on a heel, entire body captivated. "Fox…"
XXXXX
"And then the terrible ogre fled away with Princess Amara, trapping her in his cave while Prince Robert lay drained of his strength and unable to do more than cry out for his love in utter despair."
Seated cross-legged on the rug made up of several colorful squares, Erik listened in great humor to the plump woman delivering the narration. To the right of her a puppet show went on illustrating her every word. He dipped his head a little lower, resting his chin on top the black curls of the one he held in his lap.
Reclining against the front of her father's purple turtleneck, Becky gazed around at the other people taking in the tale. Mostly other girls made up the small audience; a few with disgruntled brothers not wanting to sit through it, older sisters or possibly babysitters, and several mothers. No men in sight.
A highly pleased Becky clutched onto one of Erik's strong arms. The wizard of metal could have easily gone with the majority of the other men in the family to some silly wresting tournament that day. Fighting all for a sport? The whole thing made no sense in Becky's opinion. No, Erik had both chosen and wanted to be with her.
Soon the narrator concluded with, "Thanks to Prince Robert the kingdom was finally free of the ogre's tyranny. He and Princess Amora married in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by white doves."
A chorus of gasps resounded from the audience when a pair of the ivory birds seemed to appear out of thin air and fly off quick as lightning.
"Oh my stars…" The narrator touched her chest in delighted astonishment.
Not quite as flabbergasted as the others around him, Erik reached down towards Becky's neck. The ginger shark bite he gave her resulted in a squeal from the little illusionist.
XXXXX
Heels clicking back and forth across the polished hardwoods, the golden haired woman observed the continued sloppy stance of the child.
"Grace, Cordelia, grace," she coached, frustration clearly setting in.
"I'm trying, Mommy." The seven-year-old hung on tightly to the bar while attempting to complete the curve. "These shoes make my feet sweaty."
"Ladies do not sweat- least of all Frost women." A self-satisfied smirk and hair flip accompanied the statement. "We glow. We shine. Brighter than the heavens."
Cordelia crinkled her nose in confusion. "From our feet?" However, a glow did come over her all at once at the sound of the front door opening and closing. "Daddy." She sprinted straight from the room.
"Cordelia!" Hazel attempted to summon back. "Oh honestly." Brow knit, she sighed. "That girl."
Winston had just enough time to drop his briefcase so as to catch the small figure in light pink leotard that leapt out at him.
"My word. Is this Cordelia Frost?" He spun about with her. "Or Doris Humphrey herself?"
Short arms around his neck, the girl wondered, "Who is Doris Humphrey?"
"Before your time," he answered with a mysterious glint. "How was ballet today?"
"I hate it," came the immediate reply.
"Sparing no punches are we? But alas, my dear," Winston stood her, hanging onto one small hand to give her a twirl, "we must all play a part in keeping your mother deliriously happy."
Cordelia giggled, moving around on the tips of her toes along to the man's spins.
Approaching from the other end of the main floor hall, Hazel acknowledged him with a cool, "Rough day, dear?"
"You could say so, my love," Winston returned in a matched tone.
"Cordelia," Hazel spoke to their child next, "go on and change into a dress. I'm going to check on dinner." She turned and headed in that direction.
Within twenty minutes, the majority of the Frost household gathered in the dining room.
"Ah, my three gem stones," Winston acknowledged as the girls entered.
Adrienne, who lead the line of daughters, bent near his chair to kiss his cheek. "Good evening, Daddy darling."
"Hello, Daddy," Emma said plainly, taking her seat.
Just as they started in, Chris tore into the room at a rapid pace. "Sorry, sorry. I'm here."
"Thank you for announcing yourself." Winston looked squarely at him. "What kept you?"
"I caught up with a few friends after track practice," the teenage boy explained. "The hour got away from us by a few minutes."
"You know well what time dinner begins in this house, Christian," Winston reminded pointedly. "It's been the same since you needed a high chair. Aside from that, you need to stop letting those daft school chums distract you."
"Yes, Father," Chris sighed, not up for arguing the point as he simply lowered into his chair. "Won't happen again."
"After dinner, you're to go straight to your room to study for exams," Winston directed. "I will be by on and off so I strongly suggest you attempt focus."
"Yes, father," the male blonde repeated tiredly.
"On the subject of school activities," Hazel looked to her middle daughter, "I don't suppose you've given cheerleading any further reconsideration."
"No I have not," Emma confirmed.
"If you're concerned about being behind the other girls, I'm sure Adrienne will be more than happy to help you ease back in." Hazel smiled the redhead's way. "What else is the point of having an elder sister as captain of the squad?"
Adrienne smiled widely. "Oh Mommy, Em knows she's welcome back at any time."
Emma shot the older girl a look. "I'd sooner take the option to cut out my own tongue."
Cordelia gaped at her with open mouth while Chris tried to focus in on his steak.
"Emma Frost," Winston reproved.
Hazel stared icily at her. "I believe the inability to speak would suit you quite well. I don't want to hear another word from you for the duration of this meal. Is that understood?" At the lack of response, she reiterated, "Is that understood, Emma?"
"You said not another word," Emma shot at her, expression dark. "Make up your mind, Mommy."
Removing herself from the table, she left the dining room in a huff. She made use of her mental abilities to drown out her parents angered protests.
XXXXX
Flipping over onto another position on the sofa, the little boy now faced Charles' desk. The large heavy piece of wood always gave the Headmaster an added majesty every time he sat behind it. Though occasionally it also worked to increase his intimidation when Joey found himself in a less than favorable place with the man. However, that did not happen often.
Glass of water with him, Charles returned to the study. "Here we are now. Sit up for me, please." He gave the glass to the light haired child, watching him guzzle the clear liquid within. "Feeling better now?"
"A little," Joey replied softly, studying his reflection in the remaining water. "Charles," he glanced up, "I wasn't trying to hurt his bike, really. I didn't mean to mess up his flag." He shook his head hard as he spoke. "I don't mean to mess anything up. Honest I didn't."
Gently taking hold of the sides of the boy's face, Charles hushed him. "I know you didn't, little one. It was an accident. While it is true that you should not have been on his bicycle without permission, what Frank said out there is not the truth and I won't have you believing a word of it."
"But I feel like I do ruin everything." The young mutant's eyes glossed over with saddened moisture. "Even without my powers."
"Oh my Joey, no." Charles took the glass to place down before enveloping him in a protective lock. "You're only a little boy, growing and trying to understand the world around you. You're going to make mistakes, but you will never ruin things. Not for anyone." He left a kiss at the top of the blonde head. "Least of all me."
"I always want to be good for you, Charles," Joey told him, clutching the front of the man's shirt.
"You are, my little one." The Professor pulled back with a big smile. "And do you know what a good boy needs?"
"You're gonna spank me?"
"No, you silly dear." Charles had to resist the urge to laugh at the dread that had briefly crossed the child's face. "I believe we need to take a trip into town soon so that you can have a bicycle to call your own. Would you like that?"
The corners of Joey's mouth turned up. "You mean it? One of my own?"
"Your very own," the telepath guaranteed.
Joey's arms sprung out to coil around the man's neck. "Thank you, Charles! Thank you, thank you!"
"You are welcome, Joey." Charles carefully pressed him back against the couch to hover above and rub noses with him. "You're welcome, you're welcome."
Joey giggled then thought about something. He still wanted to find a way to make Frank feel better.
XXXXX
The brown squirrel paused its rapid pace only long enough to scratch behind its ear and take in a brief overview of its surroundings before hurrying along. The giggling girl ran after the bushy tail, unable to catch up to the smaller, lighter creature but would not give up its attempts to get away. A scream echoed throughout the wooded area when the ground abruptly gave out from under her.
Landing in the five feet or so pit, she hurried to her feet.
"Help!" she cried out when the dirt proved too unstable for her to grip long enough to climb out.
As if on cue the blonde head appeared above her. "Esther!"
"Vicky!" Features now aglow again, she automatically reached hands up for her sister. "Help, I can't get out."
Grabbing onto the slightly smaller hands, Vicky mustered as much strength as she could provide to free her from the entrapment.
Once back on ground level, Esther practically burrowed against her in a frightened embrace. "Thanks. I thought I'd be stuck down there forever."
"Esther, you know you're not supposed to run off like that," a vexed Vicky reminded, arms winding around her. "You could've gotten really hurt."
"I just wanted to play and you were taking too long."
"I would've been done talking in a minute. You're so impatient." Getting up, Vicky dismissed, "Never mind that. It's getting dark and Mama's waiting." She took Esther's hand and started back the opposite way.
At the visible hesitation that soon built on the older one's face, Esther inquired, "What's wrong?"
"I was trying so hard to find you I wasn't minding my way." Vicky whirled about in a full circle. "I don't think I've come out this far before…"
"Oh. Um…" Pointing a finger, Esther made a human compass out of herself and stopped the motion on one particular point. "I think it's this way." She shot forward.
"Esther!" Vicky dashed after her. "Esther, stop! You have to stay with me! Esther!"
The determined head of red kept on, managed to slow to a stop before colliding with the figure that jumped down before them.
"Daddy!" Esther jumped with glee.
Both girls fell into his arms and he held them near as he could without introducing complete suffocation.
"How did you know we were out here?" Vicky asked him.
"Ran into a couple of your friends." Victor moved back just enough to look at the dual beautiful faces. "Told me you went off to find your sister."
Vicky nodded, annoyed blue eyes landing squarely on the one in question. "She wandered away again."
"Vicky wouldn't quit her chit-chattin'," Esther threw back. "I heard it. It was about boys."
"It was not!" Vicky quickly denied.
"That's enough." The command returned their attention to their father, who stood to his full height. "Esther, you know better than to stray away, especially all the way out here. And you, Miss," he aimed his gaze at Vicky, "know to keep watch on your sister."
"Yes, Daddy," Vicky sighed.
"I'm sorry," said a glossy eyed Esther.
"Come'ere." Using an arm for each, Victor hoisted the girls up to carry. "We need to get home. I know your mother expected ya back already."
Precious cargo accounted for, he started that way.
X
Face pointed towards the window, Vicky tried to focus on the setting sun but the distraction of her heart sinking along with it won out. Esther sat in bed, about ready to squeeze the fluff straight out of the tan teddy bear in her clutch. Both had changed clothes already, which only added to the dread in their shared room. Being made to dress in their nightgowns at such a relatively early hour only meant one of two things. Since obviously neither of them were sick, that left the other reason…
Not wanting to leave them waiting too long, Victor soon entered the bedroom. He made a point of not shutting the door too firmly. Vicky went over to sit beside Esther while Victor sat directly across from them on Vicky's bed. The man's countenance carried a combination of firmness and concern but he had no anger present.
"I need to make somethin' good and clear," Victor began. "When every member of this family leaves out of this house, we all know what we're supposed to do. That includes when me and your mother allow you out to play. Esther, you know to stick close by and Victoria, you know to pay attention a whole lot better. Right?"
"Right," Vicky confirmed softly.
"Don't act like you don't know how to speak," Victor said of Esther's sole nod.
"Right, Daddy," she amended then asked while twisting her bear's ear, "Are you gonna spank us?"
"'Fraid that's why we're here," Victor responded. "And I swear by God it's gonna hurt me harder than it does you. But if anything ever happened to our girls," he shook his head slowly, "your mama and me wouldn't be the same. Not ever."
"We're really sorry, Daddy," Vicky stated genuinely.
Victor indicated for her to come towards him. "Come on, Honeysuckle. You're first."
As she moved to obey him, Victor picked up on the dainty groan she emitted and easily read the expression known well among eldest children. She stood right in front of him and he gently gripped her hand, taking a moment to look over the one carrying his name and appearance. His responsibility weighed firstborn often acted as his main source of proof that something about him could be called beautiful. It shamed him to tarnish that beauty, even just by tears.
With the same careful gentleness he gave to her as a newborn, Victor lowered her across her lap. He scooted back so that her body comfortably stretched out on the mattress. Lifting a hand he in no way wanted to bring down again, he began to pepper her bottom.
The pained outcries began the moment the fourth one struck. Victor knew it to be sincere, considering the force he currently used. With his children so rarely in this position, he sought to keep it that way. Their underwear and thin gowns could hardly be called protection and stayed in place solely for their modesty. Little girls stayed in a whole other league from little boys after all.
At the twentieth mark, Victor decided it done and hardly a second passed between that decision and raising his well punished child up to hold and rock. Vicky cried into his neck and tugged at pieces of his shirt that fondly reminded Victor of her infantile days.
"It's okay, Honeysuckle," Victor's fingers ran down her yellow hair, "shhh. You know you're still my good little girl."
A completely wet face pulled back to look at him. "I'm so sorry," she got out in barely a hush as she sucked in another breath.
"You don't need to be sorry anymore. Daddy just needs you to be careful." Victor touched noses with her. "I love you so much, Vicky."
"I love you, too," she said back then reiterated, "I love you, Daddy."
Victor could only hold her a few seconds longer then carried her back over to Esther's bed to lay her down.
Esther herself had covered her ears and kept her eyes as tightly shut as she could during the whole thing.
"Alright, baby." Victor held arms out to her. "Let's get it over with."
As he expected, she began to cry already. "No, Daddy, please…"
"I'm sorry, Twinkles." He picked her up and started to carry her back. "Daddy wouldn't if he didn't have to."
Reseated on the Vicky's bed, Victor put her in the same comfortable position over his knees as he had her sister before her. Pressing a delicate hand to her back, he began spanking with less harsh swats than used on his oldest child.
However, Esther clearly did not find it all that much lighter as the writhing and wailing began near instantly.
"Esther!" he reproached her when the reaction turned into wild kicks.
"No, Daddy, no, it hurts!" She pounded tiny fists on the mattress. "Daddy, stoooooop!"
"Esther Creed…" Victor's tone carried traces of a growl in it now. "Cut that out right now. I know it hurts, but you will keep still until I'm done, Miss."
Right away slowing her movements to only the occasional squirm, Esther continued to cry loudly. That Victor allowed her, no matter how much it disturbed his heightened hearing.
As soon as he finished, Victor swept his bawling child into his arms with the simplicity of a doll and cradled her. He pecked all around the wet face in between nuzzling and purring at her.
What he at first thought to be whimpering made the corners of Victor's mouth turn up at Esther attempting to imitate his mutated sounds. His middle girl had become more and more precocious since the birth of Baby Bliss and he understood quite about feeling out of place.
"Cute little thing." Victor used the edge of his shirt sleeve to clean her face. "Got no business cryin'. Your eyes look enough like the ocean as is."
Esther let off a giggle. "Thank you, Daddy. I'm sorry for wanderin'."
"I know and I don't think you'll forget too soon." He hugged her closer. "Supper'll be on soon. Want me to have your uncle bring it in for you and your sister?"
"Uh huh!" she replied eagerly.
Victor let off a chuckle. He already knew his runt of a brother would be more than happy to indulge and dote all over his little Hush Bug.
"Well, don't you forget your daddy love you, too," Victor reminded, playfully tugging on her red strands.
"I know," she smiled, gripping his hands for a moment. "I love you, too."
Victor gave her another kiss then brought her back over to lay on her side near her sister.
"Daddy," Victoria wrapped an arm around Esther as she addressed him, "will you stay in here a while?"
"Anything you want, baby." He sat down, content to watch them. Anything.
X
Another log sliced clean in half, Victor readied another hardly missing a swing. When the pleasant scent and tingle of his better half struck him, he immediately glanced back.
"You get Bliss to sleep?"
"They're all long asleep." Gail gripped the shawl tighter around herself. "Your girls are fine, Victor. Better yet."
"I was too rough on 'em," he claimed, splitting another deserving block of wood in two.
"Oh hardly," his wife dismissed in near amusement. "You go out of your way to do right by them. Too many things can happen to them out here. Far worse than any spanking." She reached up to soothe his shoulders. "No need to punish yourself, too."
Victor laid down the ax and turned to her in full. "I know you're right. The thought of somethin' happenin' to 'em. But then seein' 'em a mess of tears," he sighed, "it just makes me think of…"
"Victor," Gail spoke in a way that kept his eyes more fixated on her than usual, "you are not your father and I am not mine. Everything that we have together- they have no power over us. Not anymore."
Hands going to squeeze her upper arms, Victor dipped to kiss her. She held onto his shirt front, readily returning it.
XXXXX
All at once the warming sensation clouded him internally and he had to move with untold reflexes to cover the entire top of his face with both arms.
No, not here. God not here!
"Scott?" One of the other students placed her hand on his shoulder. "Scott, what's wrong?"
"No!" He jerked away from her. "Stay- stay away!"
Unable to contain the force any longer, the twin red beam shot from his eyes. The entire far left wall inside the shop crumbled in seconds.
Panic overcame Scott at the shouts and outraged reactions.
"No, no," he tried to plead to those who encroached upon him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."
Completely disoriented and turning rapidly sick to his core, Scott tumbled back onto the street. While his patrons fled in terror, the shop keeper pointed him out, yelling and swearing at him.
Scott tried to get up but three men pinned him down.
"No, stop!" the boy yelled out. "You're hurting me! Please stop! I didn't mean to. I didn't—"
When their grips seemed to loosen, Scott witnessed what had their attention now. A magnificent glimmering body made up of some form of crystal forcefully scattered the crowd. She gripped one nearest to her by the throat and flung him off clear across the street. She next performed a twirling kick, connecting swiftly and painfully with the chins of any who dared take her on next.
More clear now, she ran up on the main encroachers, melting into the body of a blonde woman in an all-white pants suit.
"Release him," she ordered plainly, sending one hand out but causing no further harm with it.
The three not only let go of Scott entirely but stepped back several feet completely robotically.
Though he had so many things to say, Scott proved unable to speak nor did he have a chance as the woman grabbed him up by the hand. Making use of his long legs, he hastened to keep up with her until they made it far enough away from the wretched scene.
"Are you alright?" She gripped the sides of his face, trying to look him over. "Did they hurt you?"
"No, please." Scott snatched his head back and gazed away from her. "Don't look at me."
"Scott," she spun him back around, her own blue eyes carrying immense sincerity, "you don't have to be afraid."
"How did you know my name?" the more than taken aback child wondered.
"Because I am exactly like you," she informed him. "My name is Emma Frost."
Still not totally able to grasp it all, Scott stepped up and leaned against her with clenched eyes and choked tone. "Thank you… thank you so much."
Emma's arms found their way around him as instincts long dormant regrew within her. "You will never have to worry about that wretched filth coming at you that way again. You don't have to worry about anything, Scott. Now quickly," she took his hand again, "come with me."
Entirely compliant, Scott simply held on and ran.
Though not exactly what the telepathic woman had anticipated to pick up while out shopping, she had no plans to make a return, either.
XXXXX
On shuffling feet and timid spirit, Sean somehow made his way outside the door that contained the creature that would soon seal his doom. More literally, it was the bedroom belonging to his other and oldest headmaster. A small, itty bitty argument had led to Sean sneaking out- falling from, actually- his window and somehow winding up on the doorstep of his steady, Maya Patterson.
Ah, Maya Patterson. Warm, sweet chocolate eyes and long lush brown hair; undoubtedly the biggest brain belonging to the adolescent race. Would her voice over the phone be enough? Perhaps it would be best to go personally check up on her again…
Sean then winced and rubbed his bottom, memories of being bent over Charles' desk and lap while getting a spanking that likely made the boy's Irish ancestors cry out in agony hit him. No, leaving the house was bad. In fact with a grownup telepath about, thinking about leaving the house was bad. Smacking his own head repeatedly, Sean worked to get the naughty, naughty thoughts out of his mind.
"What exactly are you doing?"
The redhead's eye bulged. Having gotten lost in his own musings he had not noticed that the other Fraternal Twin now stood directly in front of him.
"I was… um… itchy." He bit his lip.
"I see." Erik's own lips quirked upward in dry amusement.
"So," Sean stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet, "Charles said you have a full day planned out for me."
"That can wait. Come." Erik headed back into his room only to look back at the nervous youth he left there. "I'm not going to whip you, Sean. Come along."
"Yes, sir." Sean entered after him, though his current feelings were not helped when Erik used his powers to snap the door shut. "So, what's up first?"
"I want to talk to you." Erik sat on the edge of his bed. "About your young lady friend." He did not miss the small snort the younger mutant let off. "Yes, I too realize I am indeed a square. Now, sit."
Sean brought over a nearby chair and sat in it facing the man. "You want us to stop seeing each other, don't you?"
Erik raised his eyebrows. "Why would I want that? From what Charles has told me, Maya sounds like a very intelligent girl. Quite mature for her age."
Sean smiled. "She is, Erik. I'm telling you. She is amazing."
"I'm sure." Erik leaned in, eyeing him closer. "Has anyone ever spoken to you about nature? Relations between a man and a woman?"
"Well," Sean started thoughtfully, "my family is deeply Catholic… so no."
"Never at all?"
"I mean I take Hank's science class- though we haven't actually gotten around to that unit. But I know that our stuff goes in their stuff," Sean made a mini demonstration using his finger and fist, "then you're supposed to keep going until something pops or we shoot. Not sure which comes first. I at least know it takes more than kissing to make a baby."
"We'll iron out the exact mechanics later." Erik went on with, "And do you entertain thoughts or feelings about such things?"
Sean darted his eyes about before admitting, "Yes. Sometimes."
Erik nodded. "What that means is, on a biological level at least, your body is ready for the experience. Now, don't mistake me because such a process is part of the natural order of things. However, the body's readiness doesn't necessarily match up to the mind or going a bit further, the spirit."
"Erik," Sean looked slightly incredulous, "do you think I'm trying to do it with Maya? Because I've never tried anything, I swear. We've never even kissed. Okay, so I tried to go for it last night- kissing I mean! But she moved her head away and I got a clue. But we believe in the same things and I wouldn't do that to her. Or me."
"I'm glad you mentioned that last bit," Erik said. "Because in these situations, respect for yourself is also vital. Often times, the effects on the young ladies are the most scrutinized. However, there is more to the young man than acting as a ravenous animal, ready to mount at any given moment as if care or consequence matter not in his conquest. You are an important worthwhile person, Sean. If you don't respect yourself, you won't be able to have it for others and ultimately, no one will have it for you. Is any of this making sense to you?"
Sean gave off a nod. "Yeah. I think it is. It's weird. I mean this kind of stuff is usually untouched back at my house. Why do adults always flip out whenever it comes up?"
"Multiple reasons. The thought that your curiosity will likely lead to rushed experimentation. Some were never given such information themselves at a young age. Then there's the ever popular fear of," Erik reached forward, stroking at Sean's thick hair, "watching your child's innocence fade away."
Sean smiled then considered something else. "Erik? Is it bad to think about it?"
"If you only knew the thoughts that ran through my own mind," Erik replied with a slight smirk. "No, at your age it's more than expected." He stood. "Then at my age it tempers off to the occasional nag."
Rising as well, Sean then wondered, "What is your age?"
Erik promptly instructed, "Get changed. We're going on a run."
"Yes, siree," Sean saluted and headed for the door. He paused, looking back a moment. "Hey, Erik?" The man turned his head towards him. "Thanks."
Erik merely bobbed his head and Sean continued out to go in search of his sweat clothes.
XXXXX
Flashes of black and white from the television set washed out over the three attentive faces in the otherwise dark living room. Becky munched on milk chocolate squares and Joey chugged a bottle of Coke in between stuffing his cheeks to capacity with popcorn. Cody, who sat between them, could not take his gaze away from the glowing tube.
"Eee!" Becky squeaked, swiftly turning her head at one particularly frightening scene.
"Uh oh, look out," Joey addressed the unsuspecting people within the film. "He's right there- he'll get you!"
Cody's enthralled grin only increased. "Wow." How could he have gone so long without television?
"Oh no," Becky sudden spoke out in alarm.
"It's okay, Becky," Joey assured her. "I think the scary part's over."
"No it's not," she sincerely countered. "Uncle Charles is coming."
Joey gasped and instructed, "Hide."
Cody rushed up from the floor with them and onto the couch. They all ducked underneath the blanket they had there.
The light flicked on, allowing the bathrobe clad man to better see. Charles walked into the common room and went straight to the television, clicking it off. He calmly strolled towards the couch next.
I know three little children who are going to have warm buns before breakfast, he removed the blanket, revealing the eyes of green, brown, and blue underneath, if they aren't back in their beds in exactly thirty seconds.
"Yes, Uncle Charles," Becky jumped up first, "come on, boys."
"We're going, Daddy," said Joey.
Cody, while mostly preoccupied by the wonder of having the big grownup telepath inside his head, rushed to his feet as well. Certainly he did not want the man who had been nothing but nice to him mad at him now.
"But first…" Charles called after the departing trio.
They turned back, finding him on one knee with his arms spread.
Becky smiled and ran to hug him. "Good night, Prince Charles."
"Good night, Princess," he opened the embrace more for Joey to dive in, "good night, little one. I love you."
"We love you, too, Daddy," his son returned.
When they moved back enough, a rarely shy Cody walked up to hug the man, too. "Night."
"Good night, Cody," Charles gave him a squeeze, "And I love you, too." He faced them all again. "Now off to bed. Thirty seconds."
Darting off again, the children made it upstairs and separated for their own quarters.
When Cody returned to his room, he flopped over into the middle of the bed before situating himself under the covers. Though he certainly had no desire for "warm buns", he had also considered the time limit something of a fun challenge. He had probably made it in half that time. His father and uncle would be pleased to hear that.
At the sight of Charles in his doorway, Cody sat up in bed. "What's wrong? Did I move too slow?"
"You?" Charles nearly scoffed, coming in closer. "Perish the thought, lad." He lowered at the boy's bedside. "I only wanted to see how you were doing. I know this is a big change from your home in Canada. Do you like it so far?"
"Are you kiddin'?" Cody responded with great excitement. "This is the best place I've ever lived. But I don't care if it's so much as a little basement. So long as Joey and Becky are here, too. And my ma's real happy. I think my uncle is, too."
"What about your father?"
"Oh he's happy so long as Ma ain't sore at him."
Charles laughed at that. "Fall in love with a wonderful woman yourself and you'll understand such a thing much better."
Laying back again, Cody said in a softer tone, "Sorry 'bout bein' up late."
The Professor stroked his cheek. "I know you don't require as much sleep as the others but with classes beginning soon, it's best for you to stay on a cycle. We grownups have rules in place here for more reasons than being no fun."
Cody looked at him skeptically. "Are you sure?"
"Almost completely positive, but that's mostly because of how adorable you are." Charles kissed his right temple. "Stay put now. It would break my heart to have to spank one of my new lambs so soon."
Cody clung to his pillows. "I'm put, I'm put. See?"
"Thank you." Charles stood, taking a moment to run fingers through the youngster's dark hair. "Good night, Silver Cat."
"Good night." Cody waited for the man to leave then sent out, your uncle's tele-voice is sure a lot louder than yours, Becky.
That's 'cause he's so old, the little girl sent back.
Rebecca, Codicat…
Yanking the covers as far over his face as they would go, Cody began emitting fake snores.
XXXXX
Looking on for the time being while the pair got properly acquainted with their new things, the McCoy couple stood together just outside the door of the play room. Hank and Becky had made fast work of getting it decorated earlier, including putting up paintings depicting nursery rhyme scenes and other fun characters.
It amazed Raven that even a girl of only three years like Kiki picked a small soft doll to carry around. How young did the desire for maternity arrive exactly? Hank grinned at Trav tossing around his plush football; without question he would grow into a reigning champ in the unashamed but biased scientist's professional opinion.
Taking Raven's hand, Hank brought up, "We have to tell them."
"How?" the blue woman wanted to know.
"I suppose we'll soon find out." Taking a breath, he lead the way in and put on a smile. "Having fun?"
Trav looked up a little worriedly. "Is play time over already?"
"No," Raven answered, situating herself on the floor nearest him, "just on a short break."
Hank got down next, bringing Kiki to sit with him. "We want to talk to you two. It's about something very important." Trav immediately focused on him while Kiki rolled her head back to better see him. "Remember what we said before? About how Raven and I will be taking care of you now?"
"Uh huh," Trav responded. "Like your daddy said."
Raven picked it up from there. "Well you see, my brother Charles has been busy today. He's gotten our lawyer to start work on some special papers. What makes them so special is that once Hank and I sign them, you two will be all ours. Forever."
Trav gasped. "You mean… forever and ever?"
"That's right," Raven confirmed. "No one can ever rip you and your sister or the four of us apart. We'll be your mom and dad just like you were born to us."
"Just like that?" Trav looked in awe. "Those papers got to be magic."
"It feels that way to us, too," Hank said. "We want you two as our little boy and girl more than anything in the world."
Trav smiled then wondered, "Does this mean we can call you Mom and Dad, too? After the magic and everything?"
"The magic's already started, babe," Raven told him. "You can call us Mom and Dad whenever you want, but it's okay if you don't feel comfortable with that at first. It won't change anything."
Reaching one tiny finger up, Kiki poked at Hank's face until he looked down at her. "Daaaaddy."
Hank grinned, "Yes," and held her up a moment before bringing her in against his shoulder, "oh my girl. That's exactly right."
Trav propped up to wind arms around Raven's neck. "I like you as my mommy even more than as the Blue Fairy."
Using every inner restraint she had to contain the tears that wanted to form and overflow, Raven instead enveloped him. She carefully tackled him against the play rug, making him laugh soundly.
X
As dinner cleared out for that evening, Charles approached his sister.
"Raven, the lawyer needs to know if you want the children's full given names to remain intact," he explained.
Raven paused a hand from cleaning Kiki's mouth. "We hadn't really thought about that." She looked towards her husband. "Honey?"
"Well, I already figured they would take on our last name but I hadn't considered the rest," Hank said.
"What's everybody talking about?" Trav wondered.
"Honey, do you want to keep the name you already have?" Raven presented. "Travis Edward Holt or would you be okay with it being something different?"
"Hmmm," the boy tilted his head, "what's your whole name again, Mommy?"
She smiled and recited, "Raven Xavier McCoy."
Trav said, "Then I want to be Travis Xavier McCoy."
"I'm all for it," Hank seconded.
"So am I," Raven agreed with absolute delight.
"Simply splendid. Now," Charles took Kiki from her to hold himself, "what to do with this young lady?"
"Elizabeth." All eyes fell on the lingering Victor who then clarified, "Just take a look at that face. Fit to be queen."
Charles adjusted the toddler in his arms. "Here, here."
"Kyra Elizabeth McCoy," Raven spoke, attempting to get a feel for it. "I love it."
Hank shared a knowing look with his friend. "Thank you, Victor. Elizabeth is a beautiful name."
"Be downstairs if anybody needs me," was all the man said before leaving out for Eye Spy.
XXXXX
"Here they come," Raven whispered in a hiss to the trio of males, making them cease playing in the snow.
Frank put forth, "You think he told her?"
Alex watched closely as the broken and despair two he had expected did not appear. Instead, a giddily laughing hand in hand teenage couple returned to them.
"I guess he couldn't go through with it," Alex surmised.
"Hey, guys," Raven greeted carefully.
Hank came up behind her. "Is everything alright?"
"Completely perfect," Sean left a kiss against Maya's dark brown hair, "she knows everything."
"What?" An incredulous Alex rushed forward. "Everything? About us?"
"And I feel like I don't have a brain in my head," Maya stated. "I don't know how I never figured it out."
A highly pleased Raven said, "Don't even feel bad. Charles and Erik make sure we keep our secrets."
Frank walked up. "Did he tell you about all of us?"
"Well, I wasn't going to let her think I was an alien you guys picked up," Sean reasoned.
"I could not believe Sean's abilities." Maya's gloved hand went down her boyfriend's cheek. "So much strong force in someone so sweet and quiet…"
Sean smiled down at her.
Alex slapped a hand over his eyes. "Unreal."
"Although," Maya gazed around at the others coyly, "I was sort of hoping…"
Hank figured it out first. "You would like to see the rest of our powers."
"That would be so cool," Maya finally burst.
"Alright!" Frank ran off a short distance. "Me first, me first. Check this out, Maya."
Turning away from the group, he filled the entire darkened garden with magnificent light.
"Oh my God…" Maya looked at Sean. "I thought you said he blinded people."
"Pretty light is your last sight," Sean said. "Though just for a few minutes."
Switching it off, Frank came back over. "I have an X-Ray, too. I can look straight through anything."
At the alarm that appeared on Maya's face, Sean assured, "He doesn't use it on people. Trust me. Alex, why don't you go next?"
Pointing one finger out at their guest, Alex ordered, "Stay," before going away several feet from them.
Maneuvering his body about for a moment, three rings of red shot from his body. One sliced off a tree limb as they flew off upward.
"How did…" Maya gaped a moment. "Where on earth can you possibly store such volatile energy?"
"No idea," Alex came back, "but if manage to find the off switch, let me know."
Sean explained lowly, "He's not best friends with his powers."
"I suppose it's my turn. Prepare not to be awed." Removing his boots and socks, Hank unveiled his enormously unusual feet.
Before Maya could say anything, he took a leap into the air and latched onto the branch of the nearest tree.
Laughing, Maya walked out to stand directly beneath him. "I would trade you for a year for so much as five minutes in my gym class."
"You have a deal." Hank then grabbed her up by the hands to hover her up off the ground.
Maya squealed in delight at the new distance.
"So," Raven clapped her hands together, "now that the air's all clear around here, who's up for more hot chocolate?"
"Raven, wait." Maya hurried after her when Hank put her down. "Come on. I am dying to see your powers."
Shoulders slumping, Raven told her, "You're already seeing it."
"What are you talking about?" inquired the confused younger girl. "All Sean said about you was that you're not a real blonde. No big deal. My mom used to dye her hair a lot."
Hank gazed over at his girlfriend supportively.
Solemnly dipping her head, Raven dissolved from her peach skinned disguise into her natural blue form.
Maya's hands went straight to her mouth as she gasped and stepped back.
"Here we go," Alex mumbled.
"Lucky for you, Sean's mutation is invisible. Don't worry, though. It's nothing I'm not used to." Raven turned to head back towards the house.
"No." Maya managed to catch her arm. "Raven, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to. I just didn't— you- I always thought you were completely perfect in and out. Fantastic skater, your family, everything. I never imagined…" She squinted her eyes. "Is this blue?"
Raven held out one indicating arm. "All over."
"Is the Professor… were you parents…?"
Raven shook her head. "Nope. One of a kind… that's me."
Hank approached, putting an arm around her. "Exactly how I prefer it."
Maya looked at them both before her eyes settled on Raven. "I'm really sorry. Is there any way we can still be friends?"
Now Raven proved stunned. "You actually want to keep being friends?"
"Yes," the younger girl replied strongly. "I don't want anything to change." She gazed around at each of them. "And I swear, I'll never tell anyone about any of you."
An elated Sean walked up to hug her. "I knew we could trust you."
Maya leaned against him for a while longer then turned to Raven again. "Can I help you with that hot chocolate?"
The blue girl nodded. "Sure."
As they went, Maya linked together their arms.
Alex stepped up to stand behind Sean. "You've got a maximum groovy chick there, carrot top."
The redhead could only form a goofy smile, ready to soar right then and there without the aid of makeshift wings.
XXXXX
Discovering an unusual package that had been giftwrapped from the inside out, most likely to display the white portion, Emma began removing the paper. Inside, she found a folded long sleeved shirt and held it up. The front read Westchester University with Mom right below it.
Alex knelt by the blonde woman's chair. "I had to special order a white one. I was worried it wouldn't arrive in time. I saw a regular one in the school store and it made me think of you. Because it's what you are ya know."
"This is beautiful." Emma shifted in her seat to place grateful arms around him. "Thank you, sweetheart."
"I think the little bloke may have just outshined your engagement ring, mate," Trick commented humorously to Charles.
"I wouldn't doubt it." The Professor's attention then went to Leon.
The newest X-Man took off the gift wrap of a cylinder shaped present. Inside the protective casing, he slid a poster out from it. Leon unrolled it, eyes jumping for a moment at the Superhero All-Stars that practically leapt at him from the paper.
"Do you like it?" Charles asked, getting his attention. "I wasn't sure if you were fond of all of those characters or not."
"I…" Leon looked the poster up and down. "… love it." He faced the man again. "Thank you."
Leon observed the thrilled expression that came to the telepath's face next. The satisfaction present there carried more of a glow to it than a thousand shining faces on any other Christmas morning.
XXXXX
After the short green and red colored train finished its tour throughout Santa's Workshop, it made its way back to the loading station. Parents gathered around to collect their small children. Hank and Raven easily honed in on their pair, both seated in the caboose.
"Did you have fun?" Hank asked, picking up Kiki.
"Yep," Trav answered, leaving one of his short arms around Raven's neck. "We saw the elves baking cookies with Mrs. Claus in one of the teeny houses."
"Too bad it's just for kids," Raven bemoaned.
Hank could not help smirking. "Would you like to transform to less than four feet so that you can go on the next one?"
"No," Raven replied insincerely then had to resist sticking her tongue out in front of their children. "Come on," she reached over to take Hank's hand, "Let's see what else we can find."
The McCoy quad now properly linked together, they began to move through the mall again. The small town shopping center had pulled out all the stops in regards to décor and fantasy settings featuring the North Pole.
"Let's pop in here a moment," Hank said and guided them into an office supply store.
Trav looked through the aisles. "Are we shopping for Uncle Charles and Uncle Erik, Daddy?"
"Actually, son, I thought we could do a little shopping for you." Hank flashed a smile this way. "Since you're starting school with the others."
The five-year-old appeared about ready to burst with untold excitement. "I am?" He looked at Raven. "Really?"
"As soon as vacation's over," Raven confirmed with a smile.
"Yes!" Trav threw both arms up in a cheer. "I get to go to school, I get to go to school, I get to go to school…" As the words soon turned into a song, he began dancing in his mother's hold.
"I go to school," Kiki asserted.
Hank chuckled and said, "Perhaps in another year or two. But Daddy will keep teaching you until you're ready for the classroom with the others."
"Does this mean we can do our homework together, Mommy?" Trav asked.
"Why do you think I want you in school so bad?" Raven responded. "I need somebody to help me and Uncle Alex isn't cuttin' it."
XXXXX
Radio on at nearly full blast, the Xavier Mansion living room all but exploded with the merriment provided by the seven youths within. Hands locked together, Becky and Joey bounced up and down on a couch. Frank flipped back and forth between the arms of a chair. Sean laid stomach up on the floor, kicking his legs out while playing harmonica. Alex performed some type of improved karate over in one corner. Raven danced in bare feet on top of the coffee table.
The stunned upon entry Headmasters remained still for a moment until they took in the eldest of their bunch presently dangling upside down from the chandelier.
"Henry McCoy," Charles called up in a reproach.
Staying in shocked place briefly, Hank leapt down straightaway. "I um," he cleared his throat, "I'm afraid I got a bit carried away there."
"Keep that up and you'll be in charge of dusting the light fixtures," Charles warned, though could not help finding humor at the sight.
Using his mutation to turn down the music, a calm voiced Erik asked of the room, "Exactly what madness has settled in here?"
Sean hopped up to his feet. "Would you believe the younger kids forced us to have fun with them?"
Frank stopped moving to accuse, "You fink!"
"Speak for yourself, Seanie." Raven jumped down from the table with a haughty smile. "I was a willing participant."
When they turned to Alex, the blonde said simply, "Hey, if you can't beat 'em…"
"Oh we can't?" Erik raised an eyebrow.
"No spankings, Uncle Erik," stated Joey. "It's still Becky's birthday for two hours."
"And thirty five minutes," the girl in question tacked on.
Already changed from her Snow White dress, the little girl still wore the blue cape over her new pink cupcake themed pajamas along with her specialty made crown from Joey.
"It's also bedtime very shortly," Charles brought up. "Especially for certain little ones."
"Awww!" Joey groaned.
"No bedtime." Becky took hold of her feathery plastic wand from Alex and waved it around. "I declare it."
Erik walked over, putting hands on either side of her slender waist. "I'm afraid you've been overruled, Princess."
Becky smiled knowingly. "Only Uncle Charles can call me that."
Delighted at her newfound title for him, Charles said, "Yes. And with all things considered, we'll grant you twenty more minutes."
"Forty," Becky counter offered.
"She dares to negotiate," claimed Erik, though he did not feel entirely surprised.
"Thirty," Charles walked up, poking Becky in the nose, "and that's as high as we go, young lady."
"Thank you," the girl beamed.
"His highness is far too generous," Erik said of Charles.
The younger man shrugged lightly. "Let her enjoy her first day as eleven just a bit longer."
"Come here, kid." Alex took hold of Joey, sitting on the couch with him.
Hank did the same with Becky and Erik sat beside them.
Sean seized Frank's chair and the preteen plopped down into his lap.
Charles joined Raven on the other sofa.
The Professor stated, "After so many ups and downs, I believe this year is off to a flying start. We all have our health and happiness."
"And each other," Raven added.
Erik nodded. "That particular point must never be overlooked."
"These birthdays seem to be flying right by," Charles mentioned next. "Becky's will be ending soon but Joey's is not far behind it."
"Oh boy," Alex smirked, "He's getting 'that' look in his eye."
Frank said, "It's 'cause we're becoming men and they're becoming old."
"You'll see how brittle these bones really are the next time you find yourselves over our knees," Erik said pointedly.
"You'll break down before you even get to us." Frank immediately arched back against Sean the moment Erik made the slightest move. "Just kidding!"
Sean patted Frank's head. "We must respect the dragon."
The metal wielder smirked and reclined back.
Charles laughed and glanced the way of the Birthday Girl. "It was very kind of you to share your wish with me today."
"I don't need anything anymore," Becky told him. "Because of you and Erik." I just hope you get what you wished for.
I hope so, too, Princess, Charles exchanged a special gaze with her, I certainly hope so.