Rise or Fall

by Heiress Mellie

First Class: Charles and Erik have accepted their roles as guardians and headmasters over the young mutants but there is still work to be done for the greater than typical family. This is a familial and discipline, including spanking, centered fiction.

150. Chapter 150 Ghosts of Yesterday

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Fifty

Author's Word: Fam, I cannot express how touched and blown away I was by the last round of reviews. And here we are at the 150th chapter! Thank you guys for following this whole time. A special thanks to Esteee for referring to Rise or Fall as a book. I can't explain why but that made me feel so many wonderful things. Please enjoy and review!

The moment the door opening sounded followed by rushed footsteps, the auburn haired woman dropped the plate into the sink and snatched up her largest chopping knife in the same motion.

"Who's there?" she demanded, stepping slowly towards the kitchen entryway. A combination of alarm and relief burst throughout her system when the familiar couple hurried in. "Oh my goodness," she touched her elated chest, "Henry, Raven."

"Mom," Raven went to her with a strong hug, "are you okay?"

"Yes, sweetheart, of course." Edna tapped her cheek fondly. "Oh it's so good to see you."

"Thank God." Hank placed an arm around each woman. "I feared the worst. We flew out as quickly as we could. I'm glad I still have my old house keys."

"Hank," Edna studied her son's features closely, "what is going on?"

Raven looked puzzled. "Didn't you see the news last night?"

"No, I turned in early." Edna then wondered, "What's happened that has the two of you so startled?"

"Mom," Hank began, "Aria's parents were murdered. Right in their own home."

The knife fell from Edna's suddenly limp hand. "What? Kate and Bill- he worked with your father for years."

"That's why I'm concerned," Hank explained. "This cannot be coincidental. There are new mutant conspiracies at work and we believe the heads of the Plant that killed Dad went after the Moores as well. They're trying to eliminate anyone who can reveal them to the government. Until we can ensure your safety, I want you to pack and go stay with some of the relatives down in Indiana."

Trying to obtain some sort of grasp on things, Edna urged, "Henry, slow down. Listen to yourself. Threats from the Plant, conspiracies against mutants. You're worried about my safety? What about the two of you? What about the children?"

Raven responded adamantly, "Mom, we're all fine. I promise. We can handle this. But we can't handle something happening to you the way it did Norton. We do not want to go through that again. Please."

After a moment of thought, Edna sighed lightly. "Alright. I'll get my things together."

"Raven, please stay and help her," Hank requested. "There's somewhere I want to go first. I'll meet you two at the train station."

Knowing what and where he meant, his wife nodded. "Okay." As he left out, Raven looked back to mother-in-law. "I am so glad you're alright. I can't even tell you."

"Oh my dear." Edna brought her into another embrace and stroked at the long golden hair.

IIIIIII

Norton McCoy
Beloved Husband and Father

After another minute, Hank got up from his one knee position. He placed a hand over the smooth top of the tall stone and lingered that way for a long stretch. Placing both hands into the pockets of his jacket, he at last headed away from the grave.

Sensing a sudden sound from behind, Hank turned around to grab hold of and hurl the would-be assailant hard against the nearest tree.

"Ow! Geez, McCoy," he rubbed his now throbbing brown haired head, "you don't come by for ages and stages then try to give me a concussion? Screw you, too."

Hank's form grew stiff at the seeming ghost before him. "Tim?" A smile grew on his face. "Tim!" They both ran forward, hugging wholeheartedly. "I thought you were—"

"Almost," Tim pulled back, "I got away. By the skin on my ass."

Hank's eyes dimmed significantly. "They killed Aria."

"Now her parents," Tim said next. He then gestured with his shoulder towards the stone a few yards over. "I'm sorry about your dad. Broke my heart. He was always so good to me when we were kids."

Hank merely bobbed his head then asked, "What have you been doing? Where have you been?"

"Hiding out. Barely have ten bucks to my name so I've been passing back and forth through shelters and church meals."

"Why didn't you go back to your parents?"

Tim exhaled through the nose. "My folks are long gone, Hank. They split after those thugs from the Plant grabbed me."

Hank looked on incredulously. "They never bothered going after you?"

"Probably figured I was good and dead," Tim admitted. "Considering some of the things that happened while I was locked down, I sometimes wish they'd gone ahead and killed me."

"What did they do to you, Tim?" Hank wanted to know.

Tim darted brown eyes away for a moment as if thoughtfully. "What didn't they do?" He faced him again. "If you really want to talk, meet me at that old diner by school."

"Where we used to play pinball," Hank recollected. "What time?"

Tim thought then said, "Six. And Hank, don't tell anybody you saw me. Seriously."

"Don't worry," Hank assured. "It's just… I can't believe you're here."

Tim returned, "It's good to see you, too, Hank. I'll catch you tonight." He glanced around before hurrying off.

A still taken aback Hank remained in place, watching his departure from the cemetery.

IIIIIII

Situated beside her mother-in-law, each with a piping hot foam cup of coffee, Raven glanced up at the arriving footsteps.

"Hank."

He kissed her briefly then reached out for the older woman. "Mother."

"Henry," Edna joined hands with him, looking into his face closely, "is everything alright? You're awfully pale."

Raven eyed him with concern.

"I saw," Hank shook his head lightly, "I went to see Dad."

Raven got up to hug his arm. "It's okay, baby."

A dismayed Edna stated, "The entire world has turned upside down."

Hank found absolute truth in her words.

The train arrived a few minutes later and Hank carried Edna's luggage while the women spoke at the doors.

"We'll call you early tomorrow," said Raven. "The kids want to hear from you, too."

"Kiss them for me, dear." Edna gave her a hug then faced her son. Hank brought the bags up onto the train and situated them on one of the double seats then turned around. "Henry, please," Edna gripped his wrists, "keep them safe."

"I will," he vowed, enveloping her into a locked hold. "I love you, Mom."

"I love you, too, son," she returned with a peck to his cheek.

After they let go, Hank stepped down to where his wife awaited him. They stayed with arms around each other until the train took off.

IIIIIII

Not missing the teenager's unmistaken urge to perform a series of fantastic cartwheels, Kayla addressed pointedly, "Cordelia."

Glimmer turned back with a small huff. "We're in the middle of nowhere plus the middle of the Midwest, Kayla. No one's going to see us out here."

"You don't know that for a fact," said Wolverine. "It's still daylight out. You keep that gold in reserve."

Maya lingered on a rock near Kayla, turning her taser on and off.

Vapor paused his martial arts exercising and gazed upward to where Sabretooth occupied a tree, his concern clearly with the McCoys.

"I am going insane out here." Glimmer flipped at some of her dark hair. "When is everyone coming back?"

Havok stepped up to place an arm around her. "Keep cool, Glim."

"Here they come." Sabretooth leapt down with the announcement.

Maya stood with a smile at the returning couple. "Raven. Is she okay?"

"How's your ma?" Sabretooth asked also.

"She's fine," Hank reported. "We got her to safety."

"Good." Wolverine smacked a fist against his palm. "'Cause if these mooks came within even a mile of her…"

"While a gruesome sentiment, it's still appreciated," Hank said. "Any word from Charles and Erik?"

Havok told him, "They're still holding their question and answers session."

IIIIIII

The pained scream echoed throughout as the body hurled into the kitchen, crashing into and smashing the table upon contact. Overwhelming fear in addition to aches clutching his entire form, the blonde man scrambled to retrieve a broken table leg. The cape adorned figure hovered in while the one dressed in green and black strolled.

Magneto raised an eyebrow at the item in the man's hand then formed a faux frightened visage. "Oh merciful heavens, you've discovered metal's one true weakness. A piece of wood. Now I am utterly powerless and fully, completely at your command. I shall soon commence with bended knee graveling." He then summoned the knives from the countertop rack. When the blades circled his face, the man looked as if he might vomit violently at any time. "St. Louis- did you honestly think you could hide so easily after what you've done?"

"Please." He backed up a bit. "You won. The Plant's gone, everything's gone. What more do you want?"

"Let's not play coy, Mr. Rowry." Professor X stepped forth. "We had to go through quite a few of your colleagues already and I've grown very tired from the experience. We know you are behind the murders of Bill Moore and his wife. In order to keep the lid on what they allowed you to do to their daughter."

"I heard about that." Rowry then insisted, "But I had nothing to do with it. I'm trying to distance myself from that entire affair. Start over."

"We are going to make sure of your words. You'd best relax your thoughts while my brother takes a reading. He's had to search a great many minds already and we would hate for him to develop a headache." Magneto made the knives dance around him. "Wouldn't we?"

Breathing heavily while attempting to calm himself, Rowry assured, "I'll do anything you want. Anything!"

Crouching, the Professor put two fingers to his temple and concentrated.

He soon stood back up. "To my astonishment, he's telling the truth."

"A pity," Magneto responded wryly. "I was having such a fine time." He placed narrowed eyes on Rowry. "You may not be guilty of this one crime but you have countless others under your belt. You had Norton McCoy killed then tried to experiment on his son. If you come anywhere near Edna McCoy or anyone again, we will find you," Magneto ordered a knife into his thigh, getting a blood curdling outcry out of the man, "and we will display no leniency." He turned away with a sweep of his cape.

Professor X gave Rowry one last look before catching up with his brother to depart the condo. "You enjoyed that far too much."

Magneto gave him a sideways knowing glance. "As did you."

The Professor did not respond but a certain cheeky glow seemed to develop around him.

IIIIIII

White mug in his possession, Frank made his way back into the parlor.

"Oh thank you, darling." Emma accepted the warm tea from him.

"No problem," Frank glanced over to where Becky played a board game with Kiki and Trav while Cody with Joey's help attempted to teach Bounty bunny-karate, "Have you heard from them yet?"

Emma shook her head. "Not since Raven and Hank rejoined them."

Scott put his book down and got up to sit beside Emma on one sofa. "I wish there was more we could be doing."

"Charles and Erik would not have left you two capable young men here to help me with things if they did not believe in you," Emma reasoned. "I know helping with the cooking and seeing to the smaller children are not as exciting as most X-Men activities but they are no less necessary."

"You're right, Em." Frank lowered to sit on the edge of the coffee table. "I'm just worried about Rae. Last time they were there, those guys had her and Hank on a table. If I were there, I could help with my powers- maybe they'd actually work again."

Emma leaned over slightly to pat his knee. "Hank and Raven went in completely unaware before. Now they have the others backing them and I have you backing me."

Frank smiled at her and Scott rested against the woman's arm thoughtfully.

IIIIIII

The moment he arrived inside the small dining establishment, a wave of memories came at Hank all at once. He went right to the corner that contained the pinball machines. Slipping a quarter from his jacket pocket into the slot, he promptly started up a game.

"Two out of three." Hank glanced up to see Tim leaning against another machine.

Hank stood up straight to face him. "Loser buys the ice cream?"

Tim countered, "Let's sweeten it with two weeks' worth of allowance."

"And sit through our mothers' lectures on gambling?" Hank waved a hand. "I'll pass." They then shook hands and went into a hug. "So I wasn't imagining things."

"Live in the flesh," Tim looked up at him, "but barely."

They took a two-seater table furthest to the back and Hank asked, "What are you still doing here? It wasn't even safe for me to attend my own father's funeral."

"Kept low, to the shadows," Tim said. "Also got some help." His voice lowered and his eyes sharpened. "From guys like us. Leftover from the Plant."

"What?" Hank's tone slipped into an astonished hush. "I adopted two children we discovered there but I had no idea other had survived."

"We did. Now we're banding together. That's why I really wanted to talk to you. Bring you to meet them."

"Tim, I have my teammates," Hank informed. "The X-Men. They're mutants as well."

"But not like us. In your face obvious, always hiding it."

"Well… no, not all of them. Are you telling me everyone you're with are all physically mutated?"

"By the Plant," Tim confirmed. "Those of us who didn't die at birth or were given away by our parents. Aria's parents completely sold her out. They conned her into returning home for Thanksgiving and everything."

Hank dipped his head. "They let them kill her. I learned that the last time I was here. I can't say I spared a moment's mourning for either of them."

"We're not like other mutants, Hank. We're- we're disgusting," Tim emphasized. "That's how everyone's going to treat us. You and I may be able to cover up but once we're seen, it's all over."

"Tim, I told you already. I'm happy where I am. Though I'm thrilled to see you alive and well," Hank faced him, "that's as far as it goes."

Tim shook his head and said humorously, "Your head's been big ever since you left for Harvard."

"My head wasn't too big to send you an invitation to my wedding," Hank crossed his arms, "At least now I actually know why you didn't show."

"College at thirteen, wife and kids by twenty-two. Guess you'll be ready to retire in, what, three years?"

"I forgot how nonexistent your sense of humor is."

"Oh look who's talking," Tim shot back, "Einstein."

Hank let off a small chuckle. "I really have to be getting back."

"Hank," Tim stood after him, "just remember. Don't spread the word about me."

With a nod, Hank said another goodbye before ordering a coffee to go.

Placing his gray hood back on over his hat, Tim slipped out of the restaurant. As he headed through the second block, he gasped as a hand grabbed hold of him and snatched him into an alleyway in a near simultaneous motion.

"Shit," he reacted, dusting himself off once released. "Can't just tap a shoulder, can you?"

The pair of gold-yellow eyes narrowed at him. "Did he show?"

"Yeah," Tim nodded, hands going into his pockets. "But it's a no-go. He's got cutesy mutants he hangs around with. X-Men or some crap like that."

"X-Men?" the low burly voice repeated the name. "I will not let Hank McCoy slip through our clutches."

"I already tried talking to him."

"You forget you're dealing with a man of science. It's time to try a live demonstration."

IIIIIII

All heads gazed upward at the return of the jet. While it was still in the air, Magneto jumped and flew down to them. Professor X landed in the designated spot and walked out and down to approach the others.

"Charles." Glimmer went to him.

"You are a sure sight for sore eyes," he said, winding arms around the girl.

"Did you learn anything?" Kayla asked.

"We walked away with more questions than when we first began," said Magneto. "Apparently, the conspirators at the Plant are not behind the Moore murders."

Dressed in her black uniform but civilian guise otherwise still in place, Mystique flapped her arms in dismay. "From square one to zero."

Havok wanted to know, "Then what's really going on around here?"

Professor X glanced around. "Where's Hank?"

Sabretooth caught the scent. "Here he is."

Hank jogged up. "Charles, Erik, you're back."

Mystique looked to him. "I was getting worried."

"I'm sorry." He slipped an arm around her. "It seems my head needed more clearing than I thought."

"Is all well with your mother, Hank?" the Professor asked.

Hank nodded. "We got her on the train hours ago."

"Then we'd best head for home," Professor X raised next, "with the Plant in the clear, at least on this occasion, we should look into other leads."

"I know this is random," Maya piped up, "but what about the Acolytes?"

"Unless they have a connection to this, this whole ordeal sounds far too uncouth and void of flashiness for the likes of Estevan Cortez," Magneto determined. "Charles is right. Let's head back."

"Dang." Wolverine made a fist as they began to walk. "Hate gettin' all dressed up with nobody to pulverize."

"So we'll go out for hot wings and let you start a bar brawl," Sabretooth pacified his brother.

Kayla smiled and linked arms with her disgruntled man.

On the jet, sets of Sabretooth and Glimmer, Mystique and Maya, Havok and Vapor, and the Howletts shared double seats. Professor X and Hank co-piloted and Magneto walked about the aisle, his powers keeping him balanced.

When Charles picked up on a sudden creature encroaching on them, he had to veer sharply to avoid it. Gasps and shrieks sounded from most of the others. Sabretooth held out an arm to keep Glimmer in place next to the window and Wolverine did likewise with Kayla. Mystique coiled secure arms around Maya.

"What was that?" Havok demanded.

"Better question," Vapor looked to their window, "what's that?"

Havok's eyes widened at what appeared to be a layer of webs covering the glass.

"Hold on!" Summoning the door open, Magneto flew out to see about things. "What in the world?..." Some sort of spider-like creature crawled along the jet.

Before he could make a move to attack it, another flew out at him. Magneto dodged it then received a better look. It was some sort of bird-human hybrid with brown feathery limbs the same color as his hair. A combination of hair and feathers also covered his chest and he wore dark pants.

"Going to have to move a little faster than that, clown," the avian creature taunted, flapping his wings briskly.

A whirlwind developed from the motion and Charles and Hank struggled to maintain control of the craft while all passengers went straight to the floor.

Panic overcame Havok and he grabbed hold of Vapor to keep him away from the open door. "Hang on, Lee!"

Focusing a moment, Vapor shifted both their bodies to the back of the jet. "You okay?"

Havok only nodded shakily.

Hank whacked his fist down on the specified button and got the door shut but that did nothing to keep the momentum of the plane itself.

Glimmer formed her gold casing while Sabretooth and Wolverine spread themselves out to pin down the female passengers.

Grunting, Magneto created his electric-metallic shielding then lowered until he remained mere inches above the jet. Using all the power he could call upon, he took control of the craft and brought it down into a field below.

As soon as they leveled, Mystique gripped Maya's chin to check her over. "Are you okay?" The younger girl nodded vigorously and Mystique hugged her hard.

"Fox?" Wolverine touched the back of his wife's blue cape.

Kayla took his hand and gazed back at him with calm brown eyes.

Glimmer held Sabretooth's arm and he rubbed her back.

Vapor looked to the stone silent one beside him. "Alex?"

Shaking his head, Havok dropped down to one knee and gripped the side of one seat in an attempt to steady his mind and breathing.

Throwing his shoes and socks off, Beast unleashed his feet and rushed out of the jet.

Professor X came behind him. "Erik!"

"I'm fine." Magneto came down onto his feet.

Beast had to take a step back at the one who flew down next. "Tim?"

"Name's Eagle Eye. Can you believe it?" He indicated his wings. "Transforming's not half as painful anymore. Guess the Plant was good for something."

"How could you do this?" an incredulous Beast demanded. The others began filing out of the jet. "You could have killed us!"

"As if a gang of mutants can't survive a little turbulence," Eagle Eye dismissed. "Besides, we're under orders."

"We?" Beast echoed.

The approaching minds hitting him all at once, Professor X directed, "Brace yourselves."

From the bushes several yards over emerged a man with green snake-esque features crawled forth alongside a woman in blue viking garb with six arms. A bleached blonde leonine girl leapt down from a tree.

"That's Tabby. She's pretty sweet for a mangy cat." Eagle Eye indicated the other two. "Slither isn't a people person, but wait until you get to know Spiral. She can do more than juggle with those arms."

"Hank." Mystique ran over to him. "You know this guy?"

"Know him?" Eagle Eye scoffed. "We used to walk to school together every day."

Mystique glanced up. "Is this…?"

"Tim Gable," Beast filled in. "I found out he was alive today. What I didn't know was that he'd become a renegade for hire."

"Hey, I tried the sit-down approach with you, Hank," Eagle Eye said importantly. "These are your great X-Men? They don't look like much to me. So this is the wife, huh? Looks just like your type, too."

"What do you want with us?" Magneto demanded.

"We don't want anything to do with you, mister," Eagle Eye informed. "All of you pretty mutants can march directly to hell for all we care. They're not after you. They're after us. They're going to learn exactly like the Mr. and Mrs. Backstab."

Beast realized, "You killed Aria's parents."

"Nope." Everyone looked over as a jade skinned, scale covered woman with dark hair pulled back by a lengthy ponytail stepped forward between Slither and Spiral. "That was my crowning achievement."

Thrown for a loop for what felt like the millionth time that day, Beast recognized, "Aria?"

"Don't ever call me that again," anger filled her already crimson eyes, "That name was given to me by the people who betrayed me. I am Vipera," she smiled at him now, "but yes, I survived, too." She gestured from him to Eagle Eye. "You, me, Tim. Together again."

"Uh, I don't think so." Mystique got in front of him. "Because I don't know what's in the water around here but I'm glad my husband got away before contamination set in."

Vipera looked her up and down. "Yes, you're that thing he married."

Before Mystique could retort, Beast clamped a hand onto her shoulder then said, "Your parents were completely mutilated. That was all you?"

Vipera held up her claw tipped fingers. "By my own hands."

"But you…" Beast tried to get a grip on things. "You were the sweetest girl in school."

"All an act. Like every part of my life," she said. "All those days from school I missed, all the marks and bruises- the "accidents"," she glared, "they did it all to me. Constantly putting me through procedure after procedure to cover my natural body. My mother was repulsed by me, my father couldn't bear to touch me," Vipera clenched her fists, "I was not lucky like you and Tim, Hank."

"Some luck," Eagle Eye spat. "Norton McCoy tried to correct things and my father fled for the hills. This is our big chance, Hank. We'll make them pay for Norton. Make them all suffer for forcing us into hiding. Take our rightful places."

Beast folded his arms. "Consider the buddy system fully disbanded."

Vipera glowered deeply. "So you can stay in hiding?" She gestured wildly towards Mystique. "With this wretch?"

Mystique came back with, "Says the puke-green hussy?"

With a snarl, Vipera swiped claws out at her. Mystique said not a word as she lunged right back at her.

"Now we're talkin'!" Bone claws extended, Wolverine charged forward as well.

Magneto flew to Professor X's side. "You must rest, brother. Let us handle this."

Though grudgingly, the other man touched his weary head. "Be careful."

"Under orders, eh Tim?" Beast mounted a tree. "That doesn't surprise me. What does is that fact that this person actually trusted you to carry this out. Our water boy spent less time on the bench than you did."

"Shut up!" Eagle Eye flew at him. "You've always thought you were better, smarter."

He kicked him when he came close enough. "You left out stronger, faster; not to mention far more handsome. And on the subject of code names, call me Beast."

At the hands on her shoulders, Glimmer flipped the assailant over her head. Tabby landed on her feet and Glimmer got a good look at her. Long hair with a thin layer of ivory fur covering her body. She wore a white tank top and black shorts with her tail poking out at the end.

"You're a kid, too?" She smiled easily. "Okay, seriously, what do you say we let the grownups have their little tiff thingy and we hit up a malt shop?" Glimmer ducked at the loud hiss that accompanied the jump. "Or we can stick around for a while."

Vapor groaned at being yanked up suddenly.

"Lee!" Havok called after him.

Slither moved around him in a circular motion. "You do not look so good, little boy. Feeling light-headed?"

At the sudden dizziness, Havok closed his eyes and clutched his temples. "What are you doing to me?"

From where he lay attached to a web, Vapor grew still at what crawled out at him. Four separate arms and two sets of feet attached to each limb. Four large purple eyes lined along the orange face.

The young man reacted with, "Who or what?"

"I am Orb Weaver," his voice consisted of a venomous gargle. He hovered over him. "And you are my prey."

"That seems to be the case. If only I possessed the ability to escape out of tight spots- oh yes." Vapor smirked as his entire body dissolved.

Completely uncertain, Havok started firing random blasts with his powers.

Magneto took possession of Vapor, bringing him up before the crimson slices could connect.

Havok's jaw drop. "Vapor, I'm sorry. I-I can't even tell what's happening!"

"It's okay," Vapor assured as Magneto lowered him once again.

Slither groaned in pain when the metallic spheres connected with his head and he glanced back in rage.

Magneto narrowed his eyes and took control of the chain necklace around the other mutant's neck. "Assaults against my children never end favorably." He proceeded to make him choke.

Professor X came to Havok's side. Relax your mind. I am here. He then took it upon himself to absorb the youth's troubled thoughts.

Magneto's control over Slither subsided when webs shot down at him.

Seeing Orb Weaver overhead, Vapor shifted upward onto one tree and attempted to pull apart the web. From across the way in the other tree, Wolverine popped up.

"The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout, out came the Wolverine," he sliced the other end of the web apart, sending Orb Weaver hurdling towards the ground, "and made the spider go splat."

Vapor looked on in amusement.

Spiral encroached on Kayla. "You think your beauty gives you superiority?"

The Indian woman replied evenly, "No more than your appearance gives you justification."

Spiral jumped at her and they both went to the ground. She used her four lower arms to keep her pinned and used the right upper to go at her throat. She screamed out suddenly and fell to the side.

A heavy grimace came to Spiral's face at the taser possessed teenager over her.

Glimmer shoved the attacking Tabby away from her. The platinum blonde felt herself bump into something solid and she gazed up at the tall one behind her.

Forming a smile, she reacted cheerfully, "Big Daddy cat…"

Sabretooth raised an eyebrow. "What's a little girl like you doin' with this goon squad?"

"Puma took me away," she recollected fondly. "Made me his sweet kitten."

"Puma?" Glimmer echoed in confusion.

Tabby ran a hand down Sabretooth's chest. "Big kitty cat…"

Watching her closely, Sabretooth gently took her hand. "Look baby, I don't know what they did to you but you need help. Come with us."

"Hmm," her distant green feline eyes appeared ponderous, "no!" She swiped at him.

Vipera slammed Mystique as hard as she could into the grass. "You think the two of you have a chance of making this marriage work? How long before he grows bored of you? You can't understand him. Not the way we can."

"If you knew Hank half as well as you think you do, you'd know he's not crazy about green," Mystique's natural form took over and she smirked, "but he's wild about blue." She kicked her off with that.

Vipera flipped over onto her feet. "Well, well. Doesn't this change the playing field?"

Maya gasped sharply when she felt something grab her leg, forcing her down. She looked back at Orb Weaver, who slowly reeled her in.

Jumping down, Wolverine sent both sets of claws into his back, creating a pained shout. "Just don't know when to stay down, do ya?"

Smiling at first, Maya then felt Spiral's shadow over her. The multi-armed woman went down suddenly. Maya saw the arrow that had connected with her shoulder blade and glanced over at Kayla.

From on top of one wing of the jet, she held a crossbow. "And to think how long it's been since I oiled this thing."

Beast leapt onto another branch. "I see your aim hasn't improved with age."

"But I'll show you what has." Eagle Eye floated in place then began to flap his wings briskly.

Very quickly a gust picked up across the land.

Everyone below ceased fighting to cover themselves.

Vipera shielded her face. "Eagle Eye, stop this. You're going to take out our own!"

Eagle Eye shouted in agony at the abrupt and echoing aches throughout his head. He fell into the dirt, moaning as he attempted to rise.

Professor X lowered his hand from his temple.

Attempting to smooth back his hair, Vapor took notice of a blue creature headed their way. "Another one of them?" It then dawned on him. "Raven?"

Feeling as though she had left the shower without a towel, Mystique gazed back at him. "Leon…"

"Why are you…?" He then surmised, "You're not in disguise, are you?"

She hugged herself. "Not anymore."

Only able to gape, Vapor turned away to see about Havok. "How are you?"

Getting to his feet, Havok batted them all away from him. "Leave me alone. I'm fine."

Magneto touched his shoulder. "Boychick."

Havok snatched away from him. "I said I'm fine!" He stormed onto the jet.

Vapor materialized after him.

Tabby scampered away after her departing brood but turned back to wave. "Bye, shiny girly. Bye, Daddy Cat." She ran off.

Sabretooth and Glimmer exchanged a look.

"We're not finished!" Eagle Eye insisted.

Vipera helped him to his feet and herded him away. "Another time!"

As the band started away, Wolverine put forth, "I saw we play round-up."

"No," Professor X turned down, "we have our own with which to contend."

Magneto added, "And more renegades to make life difficult for us all."

Beast headed onto the jet with Raven. He looked back once before continuing inside.

When they were all boarded, Wolverine glanced across the way at Maya. "You showed some fancy footwork out there."

A glow immediately filled her features. "Really?"

"Yep," he nodded, "but we need to work on your hand-to-hand."

"Can you show me how to use a crossbow, too?" she asked.

Kayla leaned against Wolverine. "After this, I fail to see why not."

The remainder of the ride proved silent. With Charles' exhaustion weighing in, Hank had to take over the majority of pilot duties. He appreciated being far up and away, his own thoughts consuming like a roaring blaze.

IIIIIII

Dressed in casual evening attire, Erik entered the gym. He silently remained in place, witnessing the vicious assault against the dangling bag.

"I thought you'd gone to bed."

Attention still on the object before him, Alex responded simply, "Not tired."

Erik stepped in closer. "Perhaps Emma can try to help you with-"

"No!" Alex exploded, facing him at last. "No one is going inside my head! Forget it! God, why can't all of you just leave me the hell alone!" He turned away.

Erik took him by the upper arm to veer him back around. "Leaving you the hell alone stopped being optional a long time ago. Whatever mental anxieties you suffered tonight, amnesia was not one of them. I am not going to leave you to your own devices when I see you dealing with this sort of torment."

"There's nothing to talk about, Erik," Alex insisted. "I froze up, that snake guy got the jump on me, I was completely useless. Oh yeah, except for the part where I almost hurt Lee. I was top notch then."

Gripping both the youth's arms now, Erik brought him in close. "Stop. None of what happened back there was your fault. Our jet was attacked, it triggered long buried memories within you- it's a miracle to me that you were able to stand on your own two feet afterwards. That's the only way Slither's trickery worked on you. It's no different than what happened at the mall with the Acolytes."

Alex grabbed two handfuls of his hair. "After all this time, I thought this stuff had gone away. When the jet was going down, I just felt so…"

"Terrified," Erik supplied gently. "I felt the same, for fear of what could have happened to all of you." He embraced him closely. "You don't have to be ashamed, boychick." Alex rested his forehead against the man's chest. "Go on and have a hot bath and get ready for bed. I'll come see about you in a little while."

Alex nodded against him then looked up. "Okay, Dad. Thanks."

Erik gave him a smile and a pat to the cheek before journeying back up to the main level himself. When he made it back to his den, he found another young man present before his desk.

"Hank," he acknowledged evenly.

The glasses wearer watched his movements. "Leon said you wanted to see me."

"Yes," Erik used his powers to shut the doors of the Mag Cave soundly, "I do. That childhood chum of yours, Tim. You knew he was alive."

"Yes," Hank responded. "He revealed himself to me when I visited my father's grave. We later met up at a diner we used to go to. He wanted me to join this group of his but I wasn't interested."

"Hm, I see." Erik stood behind his desk, hands behind his back. "And you relayed not one single detail. Not the fact that this thought-to-be-dead individual had returned nor the fact that there were others like him. I'm also going to wager that no one, not even Raven, knew of your little diner meeting. Correct?"

Shamed filled Hank's countenance as he attempted to explain, "He made me swear not to tell anyone. I feared for his safety. I felt a loyalty…"

"Loyalty?" Erik echoed, heavy anger in his voice. "Your loyalty is to the people under this roof; the X-Men; your family. Can you even comprehend how foolish your choices were today?"

No argument within him, Hank bowed his head. "You're right. But between my mother and… I can't express how sorry I am."

"Oh you've no idea how sorry you're going to be. With Charles recovering from heavy mental strain," Erik began undoing his belt, "that leaves your misconduct to me. Take your pants down and lay over my desk."

Though initial shock followed by a churn to his stomach resulted, Hank wordlessly complied with the order. He lowered his slacks then stretched out over the top of the desk, moving stray objects out of the way as he did so.

Belt off and folded, Erik got in behind him. Getting his boxers down with a swift yank, he paused not for a second before bringing the strap across the exposed rear sharply.

Having grown unfamiliar with the implement, what resembled a choke sounded from the back of Hank's throat. As Erik only continued with increased force, the tall scientist had to grip both sides of the desk to remain in place. He felt his inner creature awaken and he wanted to get up and lash out but he fought it. A greater part of his mind took over, reminding him how much he deserved the punishment. That knowledge combined with everything else going on inside his head created tears in his eyes that spilled over profusely.

"You are never," Erik whacked at his thighs now, "ever to withhold information from us again. Do you understand me, Henry McCoy?" He received a heavy nod and whipped at his under curve. "Answer me, boy."

Hank ground out, "Yes, sir!"

Once the back end became red all around, Erik stopped and put his belt back on before directing, "Get up."

Attempting to rub at his wet face with one hand, Hank used the other to somewhat blindly work his clothes back up. The act irritated his bottom to no end.

Erik watched him and asked, "Do you understand why I did that?"

"I," Hank used his shirt collar to wipe his frames clean, "I was dishonest- foolish. I- I am sorry, Erik. This will never happen again."

For a moment, Erik caught a glimpse of the shy, uncertain young man he had met what felt like ages ago. "You're right it won't." That said, he brought him into a tight hug. "And you are forgiven."

Hank found himself leaning against his shoulder. "I don't deserve it."

Erik swatted him. "Don't you talk back to me. Your punishment is over but it can easily resume." He moved back to face him. "We have greater matters ahead of us. I won't worsen things by leaving you in misery. Leaving you sore will suffice."

Sniffing, Hank nodded "Yes. Thank you."

Erik nodded back. "Now go to your room." Complying, Hank turned away and started out. "And Hank," the younger man promptly paused and looked back, "being the oldest as well as an experienced instructor forces me to be harder on you. However, it does not make me love you any less."

Hank repeated, "Thank you. I… I love you, too, Erik."

All necessary words spoken, Erik reiterated, "To your room."

Hank continued out and Erik lowered into his desk chair, releasing a heavy sigh.

IIIIIII

Finished tying one sneaker, Alex moved onto the next one when a knock came to his door.

"Come in." He watched as Leon shifted inside. "Hey."

"Hey."

Alex eyed him expectantly. "What?"

Leon stated, "I'm afraid of fire."

"What?" the blonde repeated now confused.

"I'm completely afraid of it," Leon reiterated. "Every time I see it, I go back to that smoke billowing everywhere, those flames engulfing…"

"Whoa, Lee." Alex got to his feet and came to him. "You don't need to tell me any of this."

Leon only kept on. "I could never think less of you, Alex. During my numerous pathetic moments, I'd give to be you. Because through it all, my well-being was your priority last night. No matter what, you're there for me and I respect you and… now I'm a little woozy."

Letting off a breathy laugh, Alex reached out and patted his stomach twice. "It's okay. X-Men and their feelings. They have a weird effect on a guy." His face sobered. "Thanks, Leon. And for the record, I'm always going to be there for you."

"For the record, I believe that." Leon left out with that. Making his way down into the kitchen, he paused at who he found busy at the stove. "Oh."

"Leon." Raven instinctively reverted to her blonde guise.

"I was," he darted his eyes away, "after coffee."

"Over there." She pointed towards the pot and he headed over. Raven sighed in exasperation. "So, what? You can't even stand to look at me anymore?"

"Considering you were the one keeping this from me, I think you can cut me a little slack." Leon poured himself a mug. "I mean, you have to understand- yesterday you were the most gorgeous girl in our class."

Raven folded her arms. "And now I look like I just crawled out of the black lagoon, right? Look, it just became a habit, okay? I wanted to make you feel comfortable."

Leon chuckled bitterly at that. "At least throw me a little honesty now, Raven." He faced her. "You weren't walking around in this skin to make me feel comfortable. You did it to make yourself comfortable. Just like I fabricated everything about myself when I got to WU. The less people who knew the truth, the more it felt real for you, right?"

Raven could not speak at first but eventually said, "I've had to struggle with looking this way my entire life. Starting college was never in the cards for me until it turned into this adventure for me and Alex. Suddenly I'm labeled a beauty queen. So yeah, maybe I was hiding it from you for me. But blue or blonde, I'm still me, Leon."

"What I find interesting is that with a power like yours you can look like any woman. But you chose a blonde knock-out," Leon noted. "Sure, you could argue that it made it easier for you to fit in with your adoptive family but the truth is, it just made fitting into this society easier. Hey, don't think I don't understand. If I had the opportunity to look like Alex's twin, I'd jump at it." Coffee in hand, he walked out by her.

Yellow eyes darkening, Raven leaned against the sink despondently.

IIIIIII

Favorite teddy bear in her clutch, the small dainty one used her free hand to grip the banister as she proceeded down. When she reached the bottom step, she found her father there with head in his hands. She extended her own bitty hand towards his bicep. At the delicate touch, Hank looked to her and an immediate smile developed on his face. Taking his daughter into his arms, he kissed her head and started back up with her.

They made it back to their wing, where a distant eyed Raven sat perfectly quiet while Trav read one of his books to her. The couple made eye contact as Hank placed Kiki down next to them.

Trav smiled. "Daddy, want to hear me read?"

"I would love," Hank got down next, "to hear you read, son."

Looking back to the page, the little boy resumed his recitation.

Raven played in the six-year-old's hair then felt the strong arm around her. The blue woman glanced at her husband with a small smile. Kiki reclined against Hank while looking over her brother's shoulder at the colorful pictures.