X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter One Hundred Forty Nine
Author's Word: Hi, everybody! Yet another beautiful day I find myself enjoying. I really want to say thank you to everybody for shooting Rise or Fall's reader count to an all-time high. Considering how long this story has been going on, I'm pretty speechless. However, I do request that the new readers and many of the long-timers try to review a little more. Inspiration is flowing, but I always like help in that department wherever possible. So as always, please enjoy and review!
Eager and unleashed, the short pair of padded feet slid across the area rug and continued the motion onto the hardwood floors. The long, burly arms swept him up before he could connect nose first with the door.
"Let's take it easy there, Cub." Hank propped him up on his hip. "Your mother and I decided we want you to spend your first birthday with us in one piece." He squeezed the small nose between two fingers. "And bruise free preferably."
Trav grinned at him. "How much longer now, Daddy?"
"You turn six years old in exactly," Hank faced the digital clock on Raven's nightstand, "Two hours and forty eight minutes." He carried him to the bed and laid him down.
"Okay, nighty night time," Raven announced, carrying Kiki in from the bathroom. The little girl wore a white nightgown covered in several colorful unicorns.
"Mommy," Trav gripped his toes and rocked back and forth, "I want to stay up 'til I'm six. What if, at midnight, I get real big and grow muscles like Daddy? I don't want to miss it."
"Big, muscles?" Hank took up mattress space beside him. "Am I to understand you don't want to be my little cub anymore?"
Trav quickly reassured, "I want to be your little cub, but I want to be big and strong like you."
"I want you to be like your dad, too," Raven supported. She went around, placing Kiki next to him. "But to catch up with him, you need your sleep. Besides, I don't want you tired when we go to the museum tomorrow."
Trav bounced on his bottom a bit. "I can't wait!"
"Neither can I," Hank admitted honestly, covering his fledgling bear pair with the blanket and comforter. "And the sooner you go to sleep, the sooner it will be time for us to leave."
Kiki reached up for Raven. "Kiss, Mama."
Raven smooched each of their foreheads. "Daddy and I have some work to finish downstairs. You protect your sister, Travvy."
The little boy clamped onto her. "Yes, Mommy."
Hank plumped up their pillows and gave them their favorite teddy bears. "We'll be back soon. Good night."
"Good night," the two returned, snuggling in together.
Their parents started out. Raven remained in the doorway a moment before clicking off the light and following after her husband.
When they made it to the living room, the McCoys stood astonished at the splashes of color that practically consumed the space.
"Look at you guys," Raven said approvingly. "You're way ahead of us."
Alex looked over at her as he tried to suspend yet another piece of blue streamer from the ceiling. "You guys have a ton going on as it is. You don't need to be up all night, too."
"And I must say that celebrations within the X-Men would put most royal wedding feasts to shame," Leon stated, working with Cordelia to tape giant cut-out letters to the walls.
"That should do it." Victor lowered from the step stool after he and Logan finished placed the wide Happy Birthday banner across it. "Looks good."
"Sparky put his heart into this one." Logan's ears then reacted to the audible wincing and went to where Maya attempted to put a papier-mâché bear on a high shelf. "Here, Smiley." He gripped her thin waist and lowered her from the ladder. "Let me take care of that."
Kayla turned away from her own decorative project, rubbing the girl's back. "You're still too sore from that attack."
Cordelia piped up, "The little creep was invisible. Not even man enough to show his face until he had her down."
"It was my fault," Maya claimed. "I didn't bring my taser out with me. I wasn't thinking. I should've—"
"Whoa, hey." Frowning deeply, Logan ceased work to take hold of her chin. "Don't you dare blame yourself. You were out shoppin'. You should be able to go to a lousy store without packin' heat." He removed his hand to make a fist out of it. "When I catch up to this guy, he's over with."
"Wolverine, there's more to it than that," Maya urged. "This… Cloak. He's a kid just like me."
Logan shrugged one shoulder. "So I won't end him. I'll just leave him howlin' to the moon."
"See how reasonable he can be?" Kayla sent a coy smile her husband's way. "It's how we operate so smoothly."
"Look," Raven gathered an assortment of decorations from the remainder of the pile on the couch, "let's forget these apple jack, Acolyte people. Tomorrow is my son's birthday, his first ever real birthday, and it is going to be the best day of his life no matter who's face I have to grind into the pavement."
Victor looked to Hank as he pointed out Raven. "You hang onto her for dear life."
Hank chuckled and went in further to assist his wife.
The Headmasters stepped into the entryway next and Charles spoke with, "The dining room is all ready."
Erik said, "I'm certain Trav will approve."
Charles gave them a small smile. "See you all in the morning." They took their leave.
After five minutes of decorating, Raven slipped out of the living room and made specific tracks towards the parlor.
Her hands went right to her hips the moment she entered. "What aren't you telling me?"
They looked away from what appeared to be a pensive staring contest and Charles responded, "Sorry?"
"Don't even try it, Charles. I know you better than that." She flashed hazel eyes Erik's way. "And I know you better than you think. Now, tell me what's going on. Normally, you two are all bells and whistles over one of the kids' birthdays. Why are you so lukewarm?"
Charles sighed. "Raven, please."
"No, no, no 'Raven please'," she promptly shot down. "No sidelining, no baby sis treatment. I'm a wife and mother now and if something is going on that is going to affect our family, I have a right to know."
Erik chose to fill her in with, "There's a terrorist watch on mutants."
Raven seemed to deflate upon hearing this. "What?"
"Because of Estevan Cortez and his followers, the government has put a containment order into place should any mutant activity be witnessed," Erik went on. "Steve Rogers believes agents will be put in place for this specific purpose."
Taking a moment to absorb it all, Raven spoke again. "So you're telling me that a glimpse of my daughter's wings or a little spark from Joey and the government goon squad is going to swoop in to put them under lockdown?"
Charles said, "That is exactly our concern."
Raven shook her head vigorously. "No." She then reiterated, "No. No chance. We are not going to let that happen. All that is going to happen is our family going out tomorrow and celebrating my amazing son's birthday. That's it. We'll stay together, keep our guard up, but we are going to have fun. Trav is going to have fun. Are we all clear on this?"
Clearly impressed, her brothers exchanged a look before replying in unison, "Agreed."
IIIIIII
One brown eye revealing itself immediately became followed by the other as the realization of the morning dawned on her. Popping straight up, Kiki rolled off of her sleeping space on her father's chest.
She tugged vigorously at her brother. "Wakey, Trav! Wake up!"
Trav along with their parents grew alerted. "Whaaat, Kikiko?"
The little girl grinned wide. "Happy Birthday!" Her arms went from a celebratory gesture in the air to around him tightly.
Trav smiled, eyes developing a thrilled glow to them. "It's my birthday! Mommy, Daddy, it's my birthday!"
"Hm?" Raven ran a hand through her red hair as she sat up. "You sure about that? You still look like my little Pooh Bear to me."
"Daddy," Trav looked towards Hank, "I got bigger, didn't I? Almost as big as you."
"I'll say." Hank reached over for his glasses and put them on to take in the full sight of his new six-year-old. "Perhaps even too big for Mommy to carry anymore."
Trav gasped and turned to his mother again. "Is that true?"
"Let's see." Raven slid out of bed and got into her robe before holding her arms out. "Come to me." Trav rushed at her and she caught him, spinning about with him. "I guess I can still lug you around." She kissed his cheek twice and held him tightly. "Happy birthday, Travvy."
Hank picked up Kiki and came over, tapping Trav's behind. "Happy birthday, son."
"Breakfast time," Raven raised.
"Yay!" Trav's enthusiasm only increased upon descending into the lab and discovering the five who awaited him there.
Frank stood up from a stool and said good-naturedly, "It's about time."
When Raven allowed him to stand, Trav ran for Becky who hugged him and said, "Happy first X-Men birthday, Trav."
Joey latched onto him next. "Happy birthday!"
Frank wished, "Happy sixth, dude."
"Happy birthday," Scott roughed up his hair, "you little pain."
Trav giggled.
"Happy birthday." Cody then proposed, "Now let's get goin' with it!"
Placing Kiki down so that she could speed along with the other children, Hank and Raven kept up right behind them.
Cordelia just finished putting out the last tray of warm Pop Tarts when they barreled into the dining room. "And breakfast is served." She went over to pick up Trav and situate him in his usual chair. "Especially for the Birthday Boy."
"Alright, let's eat." Trav grabbed the a strawberry tart with that.
"Hey, it's his day." Cody started pouring himself a bowl of Cocoa Puffs.
Leon entered the dining room with Maya and commented, "I feel overdressed," at the pajama clad individuals.
Maya said, "I have to stop missing these theme clothing memos."
Soon enough, most of the other adult X-Men filed in.
"My goodness," Charles pulled out Emma's chair for her, "it's a feeding frenzy."
"Pop Tarts, donuts, cold cereal." Erik shook his head as he sat. "This is a suitable breakfast?"
"It's what Trav wants," Frank said simply.
Becky turned to her father. "And it's his special day, Papa."
"It certainly is." Erik reached around to tickle Trav's chin. "And what a thrilling day it will be. Happy birthday, little nipper."
"Thanks, Uncle Erik." Trav looked around with concern. "Where's Uncle Alex?"
"He'll be back soon," Leon promised. "Don't worry."
"Look, you kids," Logan approached, "I got one thing to say about this cereal garbage," his eyes narrowed, "Hand over the Sugar Smacks and nobody gets hurt."
Cody held the red and white box up over his head for him. "Here, Wolf Man."
Logan accepted it and tossed his son's hair. "Thanks, Cat-Cat."
Victor practically swallowed a glazed donut whole as he reclined in his seat. "These kids have the right idea."
Are you sure you're up for today? Charles asked of a tired eyed Emma.
I'll have to take it slow but I'll be fine for a few hours, Emma returned. Don't worry, Sugar.
Charles touched her stomach. Not the simplest request, my love.
A blonde head poked its way in. "Hey, am I too late?"
"Uncle Alex." Trav got down to go to him. "Where've you been?"
"Hmm," Alex stroked his chin in thought, "what in the world could have possibly gotten Uncle Alex out of bed at the crack of dawn, besides his own insanity? Oh wait. I remember now." He stepped inside the room in full and revealed the dozen or more of enormous balloons he had in his possession. Four of which featured an inflated Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Mickey Mouse, and Winnie the Pooh.
Trav practically oozed glee. "Thank you, Uncle Alex!"
Letting the sparkly blue weight hold the balloons down, Alex lifted him up for a small toss before squeezing him securely against his chest. "Happy birthday, nephew." He kissed the boy's head and rubbed his back.
A mutual smile spread between Raven, Hank, and the Headmasters.
IIIIIII
Once all residents of the house were properly dressed in casual clothing for the day ahead, they proceeded down to the garage. Before they could divide up to the different forms of transportation, Charles stood with Erik to address them all.
"I must reiterate to you all that we are going out in public," the Professor began, "meaning you are to be on your very best behaviors. Be certain you are with an instructor or one of the older students at all times and unless there is an emergency, there will be no use of your powers whatsoever."
Erik added, "Failure to heed these rules will result in returning to the car to wait on a sore backside. Is that clear?"
"Yes," the young ones replied right away.
A pleased Charles bobbed his head. "Off we go then. Emma and I will be taking the X-Van."
"We'll ride with you," Raven said of herself, Hank, and their children.
"We want to go with you, too, Daddy." Joey indicated Cody as he spoke.
"Hey, Scott," Alex held up the keys to his motorcycle, "let's show up in style."
"Alright!" Scott dashed over to him.
"Hm, my car is going to feel terribly light." Erik knelt down to Trav. "I don't suppose you would be interested in riding in with me, would you?"
Trav looked eager. "Up front with you?"
Erik confirmed, "Up front with me," then tacked on, "In your booster seat."
Trav hopped in place. "Oh boy!"
Logan said, "How 'bout goin' with us, Smile? Or are you gonna bail out on us like the Cat?"
Cody made a playful face at him.
"Sure," Maya agreed happily.
"Hey, Cordy." Victor showed her his spare helmet.
The teenager sincerely bounced. "Yes, yes, yes, yes!"
Emma shook her head lightly. "Alex, Victor, Logan, please be careful on those machines."
"Relax, Mrs. X," Victor reassured, arm going around his passenger, "we know we got valuable cargo on our hands."
Becky, Leon, and Frank got into the back of Erik's car with a highly enthused Trav strapped safely up front in his booster seat. In the X-Van, Charles took the driver's seat with Emma beside him. Hank and Raven sat right behind them with Cody, Kiki, and Joey lined up in the third row. Scott climbed onto the back of Alex's motorcycle and Cordelia did the same with Victor's. Maya's petite frame fit comfortably between Logan and Kayla.
All properly situated, they headed out of the garage. The X-Van took the lead with Erik's car right after and the three motorcycles roaring out one by one.
IIIIIII
Highly girlish giggling caused the security men to look away from their stare-down with the enormous tyrannosaurus rex model. Becky, Cordelia, and Maya came to them with big grins.
"Three women plottin'." Logan immediately determined, "This can't be good."
"What's goin' on, you three?" The question gave Victor the smallest twinge of déjà vu.
"We found a member of your family in the gift shop." From behind her back, Cordelia showed him the stuffed sabertooth tiger.
Logan chuckled heartily. "And what a likeness."
Victor took the toy for closer observation and flicked at the long teeth. "Cute."
"We found one for you, too, Logan." Becky held up the dark brown creature.
"Sweetheart," Kayla hugged Logan from behind, "you never said anything about having a twin."
"Is that what a wolverine looks like?" Raven carried Kiki over to see it better. "It looks like a bear."
Becky shook her head. "That's no bear. It's a badger."
"I thought Wolfy was a doggy," said Trav.
Maya looked thoughtful. "I always figured it was some kind of cat."
Scott asked, "Why'd you pick a badger for a code name?"
"Well, why'd ya pick Cyclops?" Logan crossed his arms. "What, was Minotaur already taken?"
Scott reasoned, "What's a bull monster have to do with eyes?"
Logan's arms drooped. "Why do these dang kids got to be so smart?"
IIIIIII
"The first power plant was actually opened right here in New York City," the cheerful guide woman informed. "In 1882 by Thomas Edison. Edison also invented over 2,000 products, mostly everything we use for electricity in our homes today."
Hank took that moment to announce, "Pop quiz."
"Uh oh," Joey reacted while Cody slapped his own forehead.
Biting back a chuckle, Hank asked, "How fast does electricity travel?"
Ready with the answer, Frank kept his hand down for the others to guess.
Joey finally answered, "A hundred thousand miles?"
"One hundred eighty-six thousand miles," Hank corrected. "Per…?"
"Second!" Trav piped up.
"Correct," Hank nodded towards his son. "And how many volts are in a bolt of lightning?"
"Oh I know this one." Joey even raised his hand as he said, "Three million."
"Well done," Charles commended.
"Hey Hank, no school today, remember?" Alex brought up. "We're here to have fun."
Trav stated, "Science is fun."
Alex bent to poke him in the stomach. "You're gonna make me beat you up on your birthday."
Trav giggled and playfully jabbed him back. "Nuh uh."
"This is so cool."
Joey turned and looked to where Frank along with Scott hovered near one of the electrical orbs. Every time they touched it, a reaction occurred near their fingers.
When Joey moved to try it himself, Charles' stern voice halted him with, "Joey," the boy turned around, "no." Charles walked over and lowered to his son's level. "Remember to keep your hands to yourselves while we're in this exhibit. We don't want any accidents."
Disappointed, Joey still complied with, "Yes, Daddy."
Emma put forth, "I believe it's time for lunch."
Downstairs in the museum's wide spread food court, it took four circular tables to properly seat all of the X-Men.
Erik took in the large assortment of burgers, French fries, and onion rings. "I don't suppose I can persuade any of you to consider a vegetable not soaked to the core in fried oil, hm?"
Trav said, "It's still my dad." He turned to his father. "Right, Daddy?"
"Absolutely," Hank agreed wholeheartedly. "Eat all you want. Especially since tomorrow you'll all be consuming your weight in broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and asparagus."
"Yuck!" Kiki frowned.
"We'll negotiate," Raven placated the unhappy youthful faces.
As everyone began to eat, Charles honed in on the mix of worry and anger on his brother's face. Erik, what is it?
What are they staring at?
Charles glanced across at the man and woman that seemed far too fascinated by their group. He took a moment to read each of their minds.
Relief filled his features and he told Erik, He's thinking about his former field trip days and she's going to pieces over how adorable the children are.
Erik relaxed and managed to focus on the kosher meal before him.
"I'm done," Trav announced after another few minutes. "Can we go see Outer Space now?"
"Hon, wait a sec while everyone finishes," said Raven.
"I want to go to Outer Space, too. I'll take him," Scott offered.
"Me, too," Frank seconded.
Raven shared a look with Hank, who granted, "Alright."
"Keep a close eye," Charles cautioned.
"They'll be okay," said Alex. "I'll check in on 'em in a minute."
"Stay close, Trav." Scott took his hand as their trio made it to the specified exhibit some yards down.
"Wow…" Trav grinned at the low lit space with multicolored neon lights made into the walls.
"This is cool," Frank concurred. "Hey, look over here." He led the way to a mock craft. "It's a space ship, Trav."
"Can I get in?" Trav asked eagerly.
"Easy does it." Scott helped him up and inside the mini ride.
Trav gripped the plastic controls as he pretended to fly out across the stars.
Scott moved away a few inches to speak with the other half of the Eye Scream Team. "Erik and Charles have been acting real weird."
"Yeah, I know." Frank's eyes weighed in with his mood. "It's rotten how they can't have any fun because they're always busy watching our backs."
Scott put a hand on his hip and leaned against the imitation space ship. "There must be something we can do."
Frank grew silent as he tried to figure out exactly what.
IIIIIII
A smile spread across Cody's face as he found himself elevated a great distance above his own height. It allowed him simpler reach for the hand grips.
He tugged lightly on the silky dark hair of the one who's shoulders he currently roosted on. "I could've climbed it myself in a flash ya know."
"Oh I know," Leon replied, gripping the boy's ankles. "But I felt I should pull my weight a little further beyond pointing out the inconsistent historical info from the dinosaur exhibit."
"Ha!" Raven sported a lengthy grin when she returned to the mats before Erik. "Nice try, slowpoke."
Erik stared back at her sardonically. "Those reflexes of yours are becoming a nuisance. Similar to every other part of you." She stuck her tongue out at him. "Be sure you don't overuse that rebuttal in the classroom. Charles," he faced the direction of their other sibling, "you're certainly an unmatched mountain climber. Care to take me on?"
From the bench they rested on while watching the others, Kiki wound possessive arms around Charles' neck and he chuckled. "Terribly sorry, brother." He kept an arm around Emma while supporting the toddler on his thigh. "My hands are rather full at the moment."
Alex came over. "Step aside, Twin. It's my turn to wipe the floor with Erik."
Erik came back with, "I hope your backside is prepared to cash that check, boychick."
Victor took Cordelia by the waist when she got near enough to help lower her down from her own climb. "What's goin' on in your head, goldie? Usually you're pumped for this sort of stuff."
Cordelia glanced up at him. "Just thinking about Angel. Some of the things we talked about. Like her being able to shop at nice stores as if she's a stranger in a strange land. I don't know," she fiddled with a few loose strands that had become undone from her ponytail, "It feels like I took a lot of things for granted growing up. There are lots of girls who would love to take ballet, tap, gymnastics…"
"Hey, don't come down on yourself." Victor placed a hand on her shoulder. "Most kids who grew up like you don't know how to wipe their own noses on their own. But you got both feet on the ground, kiddo. And I'm glad you're there for Angel. She needs a good friend like you."
Cordelia smiled and said back, "Well, I'm glad my sister has a good guy like you."
Victor moved his fingers to swipe her cheek affectionately.
"Son," Hank kept near as Trav maneuvered up one climbing wall, "remember to use the grips."
"But I don't need 'em, Daddy." The boy attempted to stick himself to the faux rock wall.
"Trav," Hank glanced around to make sure the exhibit attendants were preoccupied, "I mean it. Either use the grips or you have to sit down."
Trav looked back with shining eyes. "But Daddy, it's my birthday."
Hank softened. "I know. That's why I don't want anything bad to happen to you. Please use the grips so you won't be hurt, alright?"
"'Kay." Trav latched onto the colorful hand pieces.
Feeling a hand in his, Hank cast his gaze downward to see that Becky had just come to stand at his side.
IIIIIII
Vibrant merriment radiated off the small one as he trotted along at a slow but steady pace on top of the steadfast brown animal. Holding onto the reins securely, Joey walked them a distance around the yard.
When the ride came to an end, Alex helped the Birthday Boy down. "There we go, Bugsy. Did you have fun?"
"Yeah!" Trav grinned upward. "Thanks, Joey."
"You're welcome," Joey said, stroking Xander's mane.
"Alex!" Becky gestured with her hands as she called out. "Bring Trav over here."
"Coming, babes." Alex carried Trav towards the other children with Joey hurrying along with them.
"Okay, party people, I think we're ready for…" Raven stopped in place, watching Trav entirely aglow while the other X-Kids danced with hands joined around him. They'd even gotten Scott and Frank to take part in the rhythmic circle. She absorbed the familiar arm that came around her next. "Hi."
"Hi." Charles looked on with her. "You should know you were right."
Raven faced him. "About what?"
"You are a mother now." Charles met her gaze. "A magnificent, kind, and devoted mother. Of course, I never had any doubt you would be anything less."
Raven gave him a tight hug. "I love you."
"I love you, too," Charles rubbed her back under her mutated blonde hair, "Baby Blue."
After they pulled away, Raven got everyone's attention with, "It's time for cake!"
When the stampede started, the shape-shifter gathered up her son and led them all into the dining room. She placed Trav at the head of the table.
Six candles all lit, Maya helped Kayla carry in the massive chocolate cream cake from the kitchen.
Once the 'Happy Birthday' chorus ended, Becky giddily prompted, "Make a wish, Trav."
"Not for a dog," Charles immediately tacked on. "Moon and stars perhaps but not a dog."
Trav attempted to think of something. When the thought finally arrived, he inhaled then blew sharply. All six candles went out at once, resulting in hearty applause from the others.
IIIIIII
When the freshly bathed and night clothes adorned pair fled in the direction of their playroom, Hank spoke after them, "Hold on just a moment there."
Both children stopped and Trav brought up, "But Daddy, you said we could stay up thirty extra minutes. 'Member?"
"Yes, I do," Hank replied matter-of-factly. "Kiki, you go on. Trav, come here to me, please."
While his sister continued on, Trav walked back to their father. "Are you mad at me, Daddy?"
"Of course not." Hank took a seat on the edge of the bed. "But you and I have something else to take care of for your birthday."
"Ooh, what?" the newly turned six-year-old wanted to know.
"A little family tradition." With that, Hank picked him up and draped him over his lap.
"Huh?" came the incredulous response from the now wriggly boy. "Hey, it's my birthday! No spanking, Daddy!"
"On the contrary, your birthday is the time for you to receive a very important spanking." Hank gave his bottom a light tap. "Like this." Trav giggled at the little bump. Hank smiled and dealt five more with the same delicate force. For the final one, he dished a more sound smack, making his son jump a bit. "That was to grow on." Hank lifted him up into his arms.
Trav said, "That was easy. I want all my spankings to be like that."
"No chance of that. What if instead," Hank raised him over his head for a moment, "you work on being the best cub you can be so Daddy doesn't have to spank you too often?"
"Well," Trav smiled again, "okay. But how come we get spanked on our birthdays?"
Hank brought him down to sit up on his lap again. "It's a very old tradition from the delivery room in the hospital. Sometimes when a baby is born, he doesn't cry or even breathe. So the doctor has to give him a few swats. The small amount of pain makes them cry and helps their breathing along. It's not meant to really hurt them."
Trav appeared both surprised and intrigued. "Really?" He thought about something. "Are you gonna spank Auntie Emmie's baby if he doesn't breathe?"
Hank considered the question and replied, "If I have to. But I promise it won't be too hard."
"Wow." Trav leaned against his father. "Babies have it so easy. But I still like being a cub."
Hank smiled warmly at him. "Go ahead and play with your sister, little cub." He kissed the boy's cheek and stood him.
Trav darted into the playroom.
Getting up, Hank started down for the second level. He saw the other instructors gathered and took a seat beside Victor.
After going over matters in detail, Charles said, "We all know our situation. It is imperative that we practice greater caution than we have before. We must also do what we can to intervene in regards to the Acolytes."
Erik picked up with, "If they continue on as they did at the mall, mutants will go from the watched list to most wanted overnight. We must act to secure our children."
Emma raised, "I think it's best if none of the children are allowed out in public without one of us."
"Alex," Charles turned to the youngest in their group, "I am counting on you to keep things under control at school. See to it that Leon does not overuse his shifting powers."
Alex nodded dutifully. "Consider it covered."
"We'll beef up security," Logan put forth. "Tip toe behind 'em inside one of them Looney Tune bushes."
Victor added to that, "Whatever we have to."
Kayla offered some positive air with, "If we can keep things quiet in regards to these renegades, this issue could potentially blow over. This sort of paranoia has come and gone before."
A knock sounded then and Frank poked his head into the library. "Excuse us." Scott stepped up behind him.
"Lads, come in," Charles invited.
Emma studied their faces. "Whatever is the matter?"
"We…" Scott exchanged a look with Frank. "We know what's going on. About mutants. People watching us."
Frank quickly explained, "We heard Cap come by and we sort of… listened in."
Alex said, "You guys don't have anything to worry about. We're taking care of it. Nothing's going to happen to you."
"We know, but Frank and I have been talking it over," Scott went on. "We want to help. Really, really help. Wherever you need us."
"My powers are really defensive," Frank reminded. "I can help look after the younger kids. If we get into trouble, I can blind anyone who tries to come at us."
"And I want to train more," stated Scott. "I know my eyes are stuck this way, but if I can just gain a little bit of control then you won't have to worry about me out there."
The adults shared gazes, all clearly feeling the same sentiment.
"Look at the two of you," Charles shook his head with impression, "becoming greater and stronger X-Men right before our very eyes."
Erik said, "You have both proven yourselves in the past. I know we will be able to count on you."
Logan got up to throw an arm around Frank and mess his hair. "I love havin' you on my side, glowworm." He looked to the other Eye Scream Team member. "That goes for you, too, slim."
"Let's call it a night." As Charles got to his feet, he took Emma's hand to help her rise from her chair easier. "We'll resume this tomorrow after lunch."
Everyone proceeded out and to their designated spaces.
Hank returned to his wing and went to stand in the doorway of the playroom. He formed a smile at Kiki and Trav working on some sort of structure out of soft blocks.
"Hank, come here, quick!"
Reacting rapidly to his wife's voice, Hank dashed into their sitting room where Raven sat in front of the television.
"What is it?" he asked in urgency. "What's wrong?"
"Look."
When she indicated the glowing box, Hank moved to face the news coverage.
A reporter along with several neighbors stood outside a home practically decorated in yellow tape. "Police have no suspects as of yet but the couple is believed to have been dead for at least a few days."
Hank's eyes enlarged when he recognized the scene. "The Moores' house."
"They killed them." Raven stood up quickly. "It's the Plant. They found out about this mutant controversy. They have to be covering their tracks harder than ever."
Hank's inner core grew still as the realization set in. "Mom..."