X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Forty Five

Author's Word: Hi, Fam! I'm sorry this took a bit longer to get up, but I have a lot going on with my health and fitness and definitely with Easter weekend upon us. Me and the sisters are having Dad time tomorrow followed by Grandma time on Sunday. Family all weekend long! Yes! Please enjoy and review! Happy Easter!

The early stages of a stallion against a woodland setting developing, the young artist looked away from his sketch pad at the vrooming engine. He hopped up from where he used a crate for a seat as the silver and gray machine returned to the garage.

Happy expression on his face, Joey rushed over to greet the driver. "Hey, Al!"

Removing his helmet, Alex smiled down at the shorter blonde and ruffled his hair. "Hey, Joe. What're you up to, huh? Let me see that." He accepted the pad from the boy and studied the incomplete drawing. "Nice. Is this for class or for you?"

"For me." Joey took the pad back. "Al, can I go for a ride on your bike with you?"

"Joe," Alex touched a hand to the back of the small one's head as they headed through the garage, "remember what I said before. You're too pint-sized to get on still."

"But I ride Xander all the time," Joey defended. "And I rode on the back of Wolvie's bike before and he lets Cody ride with him all the time."

"And," Alex cut in pointedly, "Cody can take a lot more than you can and if I remember it right, riding with Wolv's on his bike is one of the things that got you into major trouble."

Joey deflated. "Oh yeah, that." He looked up at him again. "Well, can we go do something else?"

"Sure, after I study for a couple hours."

The exasperated boy responded, "You're always studying, Al."

"That's because if my grades slip your dad has a yard stick with my name on it," Alex half-joked. "I'll come find you when I'm done. Go play with Cody for a while."

Joey said unenthusiastically, "He's out in the woods with his parents and Maya all weekend. Trav's in the lab with Uncle Hank, Kiki's napping, Cordy's been in the gym all day, and Scott and Frank always have to pick the games. You're lucky, Al."

Hiding a smirk, the older one inquired, "Yeah, how's that?"

"You got me when I was bigger and I have to wait for my brother to be born and to stop being a baby."

"Are you kidding me?" Alex hoisted him up into his arms. "I would've loved seeing you as a baby. Scott was my drool machine and you would've been my puke machine."

"Puke machine?" Joey repeated in amusement.

"For all the times I've had to clean you up while you were sick." Alex headed into the house with him. "And even then you were cute."

IIIIIII

Despite the chill of the day, the sun's overhead radiance offered some relief along with a picture of the various trees. Fledgling plants and flowers attempted to sprout and various wildlife flew and scampered from tree to tree.

"Okay, give." Logan attempted to seize the object in the strong clutch of his better half. "Hey, fork 'em over."

Kayla hid them behind her back. "You should've brought your own."

"They are my own," he reminded.

"Yet I remain unmoved," she came back with.

When he seized her, the Indian woman initially squealed until his lips trapped her and she wilted blissfully in his hold.

With her sufficiently distracted, Logan next snagged the binoculars. "Got 'em!"

Kayla informed while still hanging onto him, "If you weren't so dastardly handsome that never would have worked."

"Oh Cody," from a few yards away from the adults, Maya grabbed Cody at the shoulder to still his movements. "Be careful." She knelt down, observing the wooden brown structure closer. "You almost stepped on them."

"Oops." He lowered to peer in on the speckled eggs within. "These look so cool."

"I think they're sparrow eggs." Maya then cautioned, "Make sure you don't touch them or the mother will be bothered."

Cody turned thoughtful. "Wonder where she is."

"Probably gathering food."

Noticing something behind the girl, Cody urged, "Don't move," as he attempted to reach over for it.

"Hey, hey." Logan came over. "Hands off, Cat." He took possession of the creature crawling across a log. "Got to make sure it's not poisonous."

Maya turned around then stood with a smile. "It's only a garden snake." She extended both hands and Logan gave the animal over to her. "I see them in the backyard sometimes."

"Let me see." After Maya handed him the snake, Cody took the liberty of placing it around his neck like a scarf. "Cool."

Logan knelt down to him. "I've seen ones five and six times the size of this guy. He can't be more than twenty feet. Must be young. Be sure to keep him away from these eggs."

"I will." Cody ran a hand along the creature's smooth body.

"Maya, honey, look at this," Kayla petitioned.

Maya went over to her and remained in place as Kayla held up the binoculars for her viewing. The girl gasped delightedly at the sight from beyond several trees of a cluster of playful fawns.

IIIIIII

A merry hum preceding his arrival, the young Professor smiled when he arrived in the living room to see his little boy sprawled out on the couch. Hardly interested blue eyes focused on the television.

"Now what is this?" Charles strolled over and squatted before the child. "A bored lad on a Saturday?" Joey nodded lethargically. "You usually love these cartoons."

Joey stated, "It's not as much fun without Cody and Becky." Eyes landed on his father's face. "Will you read me a book?"

"What if," Charles picked him up as he stood, "we read one of your chapter books together?"

"Okay," Joey agreed, perking up.

Charles sensed the returning minds before the door even sounded. "The Princess has returned."

"Becky," Joey grinned as she skipped inside with Erik right behind her.

"Hi, Joey. Hi, Uncle Charles." Becky then asked the male telepath, "How's Auntie Em?"

"She's feeling quite well," Charles reported cheerfully. "She's in our room reviewing her upcoming lesson plan."

"I'm going to go tell her about Ben's service." As Becky headed upstairs, Raven came down.

The shape-shifter carried one child on her hip while the older one dashed ahead. "I'm glad you're both home."

"Oh dear." Familiar with that tone from his sister, Charles placed Joey back on his feet.

Erik got on one knee to Trav's level. "You're not creating trouble for your mother are you, nipper?"

"Course not, Uncle Erik," Trav answered, winding arms around the man's neck.

"Earlier today when we were out," Raven began, "we passed that pet shop that's near the ice cream parlor and they had at least a dozen puppies on display. And Hank and I have been trying to explain that our family isn't ready for a puppy."

"I'm afraid your mummy and daddy are right, lambs," Charles supported. "I'm sorry but no puppies."

Kiki's lips promptly poked out. "Puppy!"

"Aww, no fair," Trav grumbled, countenance matching the sentiment.

"Now now," Erik gave his bottom a light pat, "no fuss making. It isn't as bad as all that."

Joey chimed up, "I want a dog, too. Daddy, can't we just have a little one? Please?"

"Joey," Charles said pointedly, "our family does not need a dog."

"But why?" Joey wanted to know.

"Yeah," Trav crossed his arms, "why?"

Erik chose to field that one. "Because dogs are a big responsibility and we already have our fair share of that around here."

"But I already take care of Xander and he's an even bigger responsibility," Joey raised. "And I take care of Bounty, too. I can remember to feed him and walk him and everything."

"Charles," even as he used the boy's first name the Professor attempted to hold on to his patience, "this discussion is closed."

"Daddy," Joey further beseeched.

Kiki's eyes developed tears that quickly spilled over. "I want a puppy! I want a puppy!"

"Hey," Raven gave her a shake to try to calm her, "Kiki, stop that. Shhhh," she rubbed her back, "it's okay."

"Puppy, puppy, puppy, puppy!" Trav chanted.

Erik returned to his feet and raised his voice as well. "That is enough, children." Both the youngest two silenced though Kiki continued to sniffle.

"It sure is. Now come on," Raven took Trav's hand, "I think we need a few minutes of quiet time."

Trav sulked, but followed her out.

A suddenly weary Charles pinched the bridge of his nose. "Joey, go to your room, please."

Joey looked surprised. "But I didn't have a fit."

Charles held out a hand. "Come with me, son." Joey linked up with him and they started up the stairs together. When they arrived in the boy's bedroom, Charles situated him on the bed before looking into his eyes. "You know better than to continuously talk back to me that way. Especially in front of the younger children. If they see you behaving that way you're only going to get them riled up."

Joey understood but his face saddened. "But I wasn't trying to, Daddy."

"I know, but Joey, you're much older than Travis and Kiki. You have to be a good example for them. Even if you don't agree with me, you should wait to discuss it with me later. Do you understand?"

Though still unhappy, Joey nodded. "Yes, Daddy. I'm sorry."

"That's my good lad." Charles got up. "I'll come for you when your time is up. And no playing with your toys or art supplies."

"What about my book?" Joey brought up.

"We'll have a story as soon as your punishment is up."

The boy exhaled heavily. "Yes, sir."

Charles left a kiss on the top of his head as he departed from the room, closing the door quietly after himself.

Lifting Bounty out of his crate, Joey cradled the rabbit in his arms closely.

IIIIIII

Out in the wide clearing, the tall assortment of different wood fragments allowed for a fire that seemed to illuminate the land from practically a mile off. Swallowing down the remains of his bottled lager, Logan's attention went to his own right hand; specifically, the small fingers rubbing against the three subtle markings at the knuckles.

Extending them so that they only poked through his skin a bit, he allowed Cody to feel the bone claws. The boy in his lap felt for them almost like a kneading pup in search of comfort.

Adding an additional blanket around Maya's already well wintry dressed form, Kayla recollected, "This reminds me of my days among my people." She gazed across the way at her men. "So much hard work during the day but at night, gathering around the fire, it brought us together in this indescribable oneness. I still remember when I was even younger than Cody, though I don't know how because that was so long ago," she smiled, "tucked between my parents like precious cargo."

"Isn't it amazing how that feels?" Maya spoke, reclining against the older female. "Being between them like nothing bad can ever get to you."

"Yeah," gathering Cody in his arms, Logan walked over to sit on the other side of the girl on the log, "I know what ya mean, Smiley."

"It's hard to describe," Maya glanced upward at the lightly clouded over moon, "Things have felt so dark and pointless for me lately. And I've been angrier than I've been in a long time. But now," her gaze shifted to looking around at the three of them, "it's okay. I know everything's going to be okay."

"Glad somebody figured that out." Logan slipped an arm around her.

Settling her head against his shirt front, Maya felt Cody latch onto her snugly.

IIIIIII

Surface good and spotless, Charles turned and leaned against the counter to better face his sister.

He said, "I hope you don't consider me too much of an ogre over this puppy situation."

"Oh definitely not," Raven assured, steadfastly loading up the dishwasher. "Joey may be all about animals, but he has enough on his plate with his grades and art class. So if Kiki and Trav would have gotten a dog, it most definitely would have turned into Mommy's dog and Mommy is also a student with no time for picking up after Fido."

Charles let off a breathy laugh. "I hated to see Kiki's little face so scrunched at supper."

"I know!" Raven concurred wholeheartedly. "I hate this 'no' part of mothering." She considered that. "Though I guess that gives me a leg up on our mom. Remember her anti-dog policy? Filthy slobbering hounds on my furniture? Absolutely not!"

"Ah but the rugs," Charles continued with a smirk, "we mustn't forget the rugs, Raven. They cost more than any wretched mutt's worth. But I have the solution. We'll redo the entire house in plastic and linoleum."

Raven made a show of fainting with great woe and Charles caught her, both giving into wild laughter.

Appearing in the doorway with his usual astounding presence, Erik said over their volume, "So this is how I find you? Engaging in merriment instead of seeing to your chores?"

"Oh sod off." Raven tossed a dish towel at him, which connected with and cloaked across his entire head.

Charles laughed harder. "Brilliant. That towel does wonders for his face."

Calmly removing it, Erik stated, "I'll give you wonders."

When their metallic kitchen aides came to life, Charles and Raven did not waste a moment fleeing in opposite directions.

IIIIIII

Waiting until she'd sufficiently swallowed, Maya said, "This is definitely my favorite part of the rustic life."
Kayla buttered a biscuit. "It doesn't get more all-natural than this."

"Mm," Logan hummed in pleasure, pointing out the brown bottle. "Pass me that syrup, boy."

Never putting his fork down, Cody handed it over. "Load me up some more bacon, Daddy."

"Here." Logan started piling slices onto his son's plate. "This'll keep ya powered up all day long."

"So," Maya raised her glass of orange juice, "does Canadian bacon actually come from Canada?"

"I don't know. What am I, smart like you?" Logan then bellowed, "Hey ma'am," he indicated his empty mug to the waitress behind the counter, "can I get some more coffee over here? 'Preciate it."

"Peameal bacon."

Still in the midst of sipping, Maya turned to Kayla. "Hm?"

"That's what that food is typically called in Canada," the woman clarified. "Popularized in the states but originated in Britain."

"Ah," Maya nodded understandingly before returning to her strawberry-banana pancakes.

IIIIIII

Grass underneath them blurring as they sped along, the strong brown creature continuously galloped through the seemingly endless grounds. At a stump approaching quickly, Joey gave the signal and Xander leapt over it without slowing for longer than a second.

"Whoa, Xander." Joey eased him off to get down then gripped the reigns to walk a bit and allow the animal his cool down.

Charles!

Feeling the presence of the elder who possessed that name, Joey returned Daddy?

Soon enough, Charles rushed upon him. "There you are.''

"What's wrong? I put on my long-johns."

Taking a breath, Charles informed him, "You wandered out of bounds."

Stilling at the realization, Joey gazed about his present surroundings. "Oops. Sorry, Dad. I didn't mean to. I guess I wasn't paying attention. We were having so much fun."

"That's something you must pay attention to." Charles dipped to get in near to his son's eyes. "I've told you about straying away before."

"I know," Joey sighed.

"Joey, you're too young to ride so far away by yourself," Charles emphasized. "If I cannot count on you to obey the boundary then I can't let you go riding alone."

With a near growl erupting from the young boy, Joey declared, "It's not fair," before kicking at the dirt in such a way that it ignited an electrical reaction.

Charles Joseph Xavier, his father inwardly reproached, you stop that this moment!

So shocked with himself, Joey covered his mouth.

Taking hold of him, Charles laid the child out across one upraised knee and applied a swat to the seat of his pants. Giving him another after a few seconds, the Professor made sure to keep firm to accommodate the bottom's wintry padding. He finished at seven spaced strikes then left a hand at his back.

Are you calm now?

Joey nodded hard. Yes, sir.

Charles stood him up and brought him in to his chest. "Now, what was that little display really about?"

Joey buried his face against his neck. "I don't know…"

Charles rubbed his back. "Go on now. You can tell me."

"Well… sometimes I don't know what to do," Joey started. "Everybody's always telling me I'm too little for stuff I want to do then I have to act older for other stuff. But it's not the stuff I wanna be older for. It's always the stuff I want to be little for."

Despite the uniquely Joey explanation, Charles understood him perfectly. "I see. So," he pulled back to look into the young face, "you feel yanked about in both directions."

"Mmhmm," Joey whimpered a bit.

Charles stroked his cheek with one gloved hand. "I know growing older is more difficult for you than it is for most children. And perhaps I was a bit too stern with you yesterday. You're normally so wonderful with Kiki and Trav that I suppose I put a few big boy expectations on you. I know this is still a transition for you, especially with the baby due. But you're still my little one. You know that, yes?"

Joey nodded with a smile and hugged him around the neck. "I love being your little one, but is there any fun older stuff I can do, too?"

"Hm, we'll see." Son in hold, Charles stood with him. "Come along, Xander." He took hold of the reigns. "Off for home again."

Giving his mane a quick shake, the horse followed along with the father and son pair.

IIIIIII

Glancing up every so often from where his children played in the pen together, Hank looked over as Erik entered in through the French doors of the lab.

"Look what followed me home from the toy store." He raised the leash, showing them the chestnut colored animal on the other end.

"Puppy!" Kiki squealed.

Hank smiled and went to retrieve them from the pen before carrying them over. "Oh look. Isn't he cute?" He put them down to get near to the toy.

"He looks like a real dog," Trav observed.

"Squeeze his right paw," Erik directed.

The boy did and both children grinned when he began to bark.

Hank then prompted, "What do you say to Uncle Erik?"

Kiki hopped up and clamped onto his leg. "Thank you, Unca Ewik!"

Trav took the other leg. "Thank you!"

"You're welcome. Now you have a dog without the mess and such. However," Erik held up a warning finger, "you have to share him. If there is any fighting over him, he's coming to live with me for a week."

"No, we'll be good, Uncle Erik," Trav promised then got down with Kiki to play some more.

Hank gave Erik a slight nudge with his shoulder. "I dare say our ferocious shark is showing his soft side."

Erik said plainly, "Even fearsome aquatic life enjoys household harmony." He then could not mask his satisfaction over the contented small ones near his feet.

IIIIIII

"I've got it!" Cordelia called out in regards to the ringing telephone.

Both adorned in X-men attire, the two stopped just short of the entrance to the basement.

"I want first blast with the marksman rifle," said Maya.

"Why you?" the boy wanted to know.

"Come on, Silver Cat. You always get firsthand experience."

"But I need to show you how to do it right," he insisted.

Weapon in question in hand, Wolverine came up behind them. "Nobody knocks the head off that mannequin before me."

"Why?" the young people reacted in chorus.

"'Cause I'm old and this is how I get my kicks."

Maya put a hand on her hip while Silver Cat brought up, "That's what you always say."

"Maya," Cordelia poked her head in, "the redhead wonder is on the phone."

"We're about to train," Maya said. "Tell him I'll call him tonight."

Cordelia shrugged and went to deliver the message, walking by the green suit, blue cape adorned Mrs. Howlett.

"Ready?" Kayla addressed the other three.

All with eager unanimous responses, the group proceeded down to the range.

IIIIIII

Stepping outside the wide open space, Alex made his way into the nursery. Folded magazine in his possession, he gave a small whack to the behind of the one currently staring into the crib.

Joey looked up with a smile. "Hey, Al."

"Hey. Wow, the little diaper bag'll be here before any of us know it." Alex got down to the child's level. "Pretty cool, huh?" The shorter blonde nodded. "So I've been talking to your mom and dad."

Joey grew uncertain. "Am I in trouble?"

"No, you're not in trouble." Alex rested with his back against the crib and tugged him over to hold in his lap. "Not unless you try to take your helmet off." At the confused look, Alex laughed lightly and patted Joey's stomach. "I'm going to take you out on my motorcycle, but you have to wait until your birthday."

Face completely aglow, Joey bounced on his bottom. "Yes! Thanks, Al! You're the best big brother in the world!"

"Thanks, I do what I can. So question," Alex stood him up and stared directly into his face, "am I still the best big brother in the world when I make you wait for stuff?" Joey darted his eyes about impishly before scampering away. "Hey!" Jumping to his feet, Alex hurried after him. "You're in for a world of tickle torture, kid!"