X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Fifty One

Author's Word: Okay, fam you know this system we have going where you give me a large amount of feedback and I update in a rapid sort of way? Let's keep that going. I cannot even describe how outstanding that last round of feedback was! It was so wonderful hearing from all of you. Also, a big thanks for Rise or Fall's very high reading counts. There's more to come. And more and more. Please enjoy and review!

Heated pressure rising and throbbing between his temples, the disturbing images at last ended. The moment his eyes opened, Hank shot straight up in bed. He had no time to regain full control of his breathing when he felt the intense shaking taking place beside him. Glancing to his left, he witnessed the small body's twisting and turning.

"Kiki…" Hank gathered her up into his arms quickly but carefully, attempting to calm her.

With a moan, Raven propped up onto her elbows. "Hank?" She took in the sight. "What's wrong?" Panic immediately won out against her tiredness. "What's going on?" Tossing off the covers, she ran around to his side of the bed. "Is she okay?"

A now alert Trav rubbed at one eye with his fist. "Mommy? Daddy?"

Hank remained silent until Kiki's movements eased and her wailing began.

Facing his wife, he said, "We have to get out of here."

IIIIIII

"Here we are." Erik re-entered the parlor, sippy cup in hand. "Warm milk with a sprinkle of cocoa." He bent near Charles' seat. "Old remedy my mother swore by."

Raven sent him a small smile.

Charles accepted the cup and gently slipped the tip between Kiki's lips. While the half-awake girl drank, he hummed a lullaby to her while using his mental capabilities to further drift her off.

Erik sat across from them next to Hank, who currently rocked Trav against a shoulder. "That should drive the wretched monsters away."

Hank shook his head hard. "This is because of me. Every time I have a nightmare, it's as if she knows."

Returning the three-year-old to her mother's grasp, Charles glanced over at the on edge young man. "Ever since you brought her home that night there has been an unmistakable connection between the two of you. She's still but a babe and you are the only real parents she's ever had. It's no surprise how in tune Kyra is with your distress."

"No." Hank transferred Trav over to Erik to hold as he got up, walking towards the fireplace. "I don't want her experiencing so much as an ounce of what I'm going through. I don't want them around this."

Raven looked back and forth between her brothers. "We thought about heading out first thing in the morning. Getting away for the weekend."

Charles nodded. "With all that has happened, you certainly need and deserve the time off."

Erik massaged Trav's back soothingly as he asked, "Where do you plan to go?"

"It's last minute but we thought about renting a cottage downstate," Hank said. "Short-term should not be that difficult to book."

Charles stood up at that. "I'll make the arrangements. You two take the children and get a decent night's sleep."

Getting up with her daughter, Raven reached over to kiss Charles' cheek. "Thank you."

Hank bent, lifting Trav up. "Thank you for understanding."

Erik bobbed his head. "Go on back to bed."

Hank spared an arm to go around Raven's shoulders as they left the parlor together.

The moment they ventured out of sight, Charles exhaled sharply and ran both hands through his hair. "They're far too young to have to handle all of this at once."

"Yes," Erik then added, "but they are more than capable. They've both come so far since our arrival here."

A small somewhat saddened smile came to Charles' face. "Haven't they all?"

IIIIIII

Once he had Kiki properly situated in her car seat with juice and teddy bear, Erik went around to the other side of the Lincoln. He picked up and strapped Trav to his booster seat.

"Now," Erik handed him an apple juice box, "you're to be a good boy and helpful to your mommy and daddy. Is that clear, my valiant nipper?"

Trav saluted him. "Yes sir, Uncle Erik."

Erik nodded approvingly and stepped back.

Frank approached the open car door next. "Here, Trav. Hang onto this while you're away." He presented him with the red and blue action figure.

Trav's eyes practically glowed as he accepted it. "Ooh, your big Superman."

"Yep. Look, his eyes light up red when you press this," Frank held down the button made onto the cape of the toy, creating the effect, "So if your sister has anymore nightmares, he'll fry all the bad guys for you."

"Cool!" the six-year-old beamed. "Thanks, Frankie."

Frank smiled and said, "See ya soon, buddy," and closed the door.

After he had the children's bags put away, Hank shut the trunk. He made his way up to the front of the car then took in the pig-tailed one in blue jean skirt, white sweater, and red jacket standing on the top step.

Going right to her, Hank picked her straight up into a fierce hug. "It's only the weekend, Becca."

She clung to him tightly. "Why do you have to go away again?"

"It's only for a short time." Hank pulled back just enough to look into her forest green eyes. "I promise you. I wouldn't break a promise to you, would I?" She shook her head and he formed a smile for her. "I love you, Little Bear."

Becky buried her face into his shoulder again. "I love you, too, Big Bear."

"Give it," Alex demanded a second time.

"Alex, I am not going to break a nail," Raven insisted.

After a brief tug of war, Alex snatched away the overnight bag. "Now move it or lose it," he tossed her lengthy blonde hair right over her face, "Twin."

Raven combed fingers through her hair and slapped his arm lightly, "You jerk," but still headed down alongside him.

When Leon came up the stairs, all three paused until he said shortly, "Have a nice trip," and jogged the rest of the way up.

Raven glanced after him before continuing down wordlessly.

Alex's good-natured expression completely faded as he followed her.

IIIIIII

Waiting until Hank pulled into the drive-way, Raven unlocked her seatbelt and smiled back at the slumbering pair.

"Hey, wake up," she shook Trav's foot lightly, "we're here."

Trav stirred and stretched then got a good look outside his window and excitement grew immediately. "Kikiko," he tapped his sister's arm, "wake up! We're here, we're here!"

Kiki opened her eyes and blinked twice. She appeared far more uncertain than her brother at the new setting until Hank came around to pick her up out of her seat. Raven unlatched Trav but allowed him to jump out on his own, the Superman in his possession.

"Look!" He ran over to the short yellow-paneled structure. "It's The Three Bears' house."

Hank joked, "It's four bears now, though we'd best keep an eye out for Goldilocks."

Raven took in the quaint house with white door and windows. Despite the small yard, several beds of thriving flowers framed the property. She also took note of the apple tree in the far back.

"Charles came through," Raven stated strongly, "as always."

Hank fished out one of the keys they had acquired from their brief stop off at the management company. "Let's take a closer look."

After he had the door open, Hank gave Kiki to Raven so that they could enter first. Trav bounced in next with his father right behind him.

Raven beamed at the floral wallpaper that made up the living room. It also came with a peach couch, loveseat, and chair. A tan coffee table resided in the middle of the sitting pieces with a television set facing the couch.

"Oh my…" Raven headed into the kitchen through the swinging door. She came around and, with Kiki pulling on one end, got the white shudders open that allowed them to see out into the living area. "This is incredible."

"I'll say," Hank concurred.

"Look, everybody." Trav poked out from a separate door. "The bed's as big as ours."

Standing Kiki up, the two of them followed Hank into the bedroom. It consisted of the king-sized bed, one tall dresser, a desk, and a chair and floor lamp off in one corner. Expecting a closet at the door he opened next, Hank discovered the four-piece bathroom.

"What do you think, Cub?" His son came over to him. "Is the tub big enough for us?"

Trav glanced up with a smirk. "You need a whole pool, Daddy."

While Hank dipped to tickle Trav's sides, Raven noticed Kiki lingering in the doorway. "What's wrong, baby gorge?"

Shiny brown eyes gazing up, she said softly, "Want to go home…"

"Oh no, sweetie," Raven squatted to bring the little girl close, "it's okay. We haven't gone away forever. We're only going to be here a couple days, okay?"

To lighten things, Hank proposed, "Why don't we get unpacked then go on a walk? Stumble on an adventure or two." Very small ones, he quietly hoped.

Trav pumped his arms giddily. "Yeah!" Clearly, he carried grander ideas than his father in that regard.

IIIIIII

Rounding the corner, the Green Machine pedaled through until the destination came within reach. Sean hopped off and secured the bicycle at the short black stand offered on the sidewalk. As he headed through the door, a tall dark haired youth exited the record store. The redhead sighed inwardly and cursed his luck.

"Cassidy?" The brunette did a double take. "Sean Cassidy? I don't believe it." He laughed shortly. "Did you seriously get paler?"

Rolling his eyes, Sean responded, "Good to see you, too, Marek." He started to step by him but the other teen's hand extending stopped him.

"Heard you were back in town. What, that prissy school get sick of you or did you finally convince Mommy and Daddy to homeschool you all?"

Exhaling through his nose, Sean said, "Get out of my way, Marek."

Marek gave him a shove at the chest. "What's the big hurry? Hey, your bike's looking pretty good. Why don't you hand over your lock key?" He held out his hand. "You know, for old time's sake."

Sean gaped at him incredulously. "Are you kidding me? We're about to be seniors and you're still into this crap? Well, forget it. Don't even breathe near my bike."

Marek snatched him up by the front of his jacket. "Want to repeat that?"

"Sorry, forgot you were slow." Sean pushed him back. "Didn't know you were deaf on top of it."

Though initially taken aback, Marek glared. "Guess you learned a thing or two at that school. Everything but how to live." He swung his fist out.

Sean grabbed hold of his wrist and delivered a swift kick to the center of his abdomen before flicking him off. Marek fell straight back and over the bike stand.

As his breathing and anger calmed, reality set in for Sean. Though his eyes initially enlarged at his handy work, the corners of his mouth slowly upturned.

IIIIIII

Literature text in hand, Cordelia stopped off on the main level to answer the ringing telephone.

"Good morning," she greeted into the receiver, "you've reached the lovely Xavier Institute."

"I just pulverized Marek Stevens!"

Raising an eyebrow, Cordelia recognized, though with some uncertainty to her tone, "Sean?..."

"Yeah, it's me. You'll never believe it- I hardly believed it. This guy has been giving me grief since eighth grade and I finally nailed him." He paused the excited detailing to ask, "Where's Alex? He's gonna go wild when I tell him."

"Uh, might want to check the clock, heavy-weight," Cordelia raised meaningfully. "Some of us still have to go to school on Fridays."

"Oh… right," Sean realized. "Well, where's Hank?"

Cordelia slammed her book against the end table while gripping the receiver angrily. "Hank and Raven took the kids away for the weekend because Kiki is having trouble sleeping at night. Why is she having trouble sleeping at night? Because she feels for Hank, who is dealing with every degree of hell right now. You know, considering the fact that two of his dear old friends, who he thought were dead all this time, turned out to be alive and attacked all of us with their little cronies. And besides those renegades, we still have the Acolytes to worry about. They attacked us, too. Did you hear about that?"

"Of course I did," Sean responded when he finally had the chance. "I talked to Maya and she—"

"Probably downplayed it so as not to ruin your good time," Cordelia cut in. "We're all dealing with mayhem left and right and you have the nerve to call to brag about your little toe-to-toe session with some idiot playground thug? Are you even an X-Man anymore?"

"Hey, I was an X-Man before you even knew the name," Sean retorted. "And who are you to give me grief? Your entire family spent the holidays with us."

"That's because my father and brother, who are completely outside the mutated spectrum, actually dare to come here. Hank and Frank's parents have apparently done that much. Have yours ever even seen the campus?"

After a moment, Sean replied, "No…"

Cordelia went on with, "Do they ever talk about your mutation with you? Do they get that you're a mutant? Do they care?"

"Look, you're the last person I have to listen to. Why don't you just have the guys call me later? You know, if you're not too busy popping pills or playing anorexic to remember." Sean hung up with that.

IIIIIII

With the air somewhat brisk but not too cool, Raven left the cottage in a yellow blouse and long, billowy blue skirt with a sheer jacket that matched it. She'd dressed Kiki in red overalls with sunflower buttons and a long-sleeve orange shirt and ladybug sweater. Trav wore dark blue jeans, his spaceship t-shirt, and an unzipped navy sweater. Hank had also gone with jeans and a blue checkered shirt with vest. They walked in a horizontal line down the street with Kiki holding Hank's hand, Trav gripping Raven's, and the two siblings also linked up.

Several people waved as they strolled through. Couples with baby carriages proved most cheerful. A man jogging across the street with his chocolate Labrador waved.

Raven took note of all of the modest mom 'n pop shops they passed. "This town is so cute."

"I know." Hank stopped suddenly. "And what do we have here?"

The children looked up with twin enthused expressions at the large park.

"Mommy, can we go in?" Trav pleaded. "Please, please, please!"

Kiki tugged on Hank's arm. "Daddy, pweeeeease!"

Raven shared a look with Hank and smiled. "Why not?"

"Yay!" their small ones reacted.

"Not too fast," Hank cautioned when they sprinted ahead.

Trav went straight to the jungle gym and an equally eager Raven hastened to join him.

Knowing exactly what Kiki wanted, Hank carried her over to the swing set. He placed her inside the one specifically designed for toddlers then started her off with gentle pushes.

Raven climbed onto the jungle gym's bridge and, thankful for having gone out in flats, chased her son back and forth across the structure. Climbing a short ladder, Trav sat down at the top of the tallest slide.

"This way, Mama," he directed, waving his arms.

She assured, "I'm right behind you."

As soon as Trav slid, she went next with a sincerely giddy outcry. She noticed the toddler boys in the sandbox, watching her in awe. At the row of mother's lined up on one bench, Raven understood their staring perfectly.

"Here we go." Hank put Kiki on the makeshift dolphin and stood with arms ready should she so much as tilt as she rocked back and forth.

Raven brought Trav over and situated him on a green dragon.

She looked to Hank. "They seriously need to start making these bigger."

Hank chuckled. "If it makes you feel any better, my many growth spurts prevented me from enjoying this kind of equipment for very long."

"Ooh, idea." Raven skipped over to him. "When we get home," her countenance exploded with enthusiasm, "tire swing! We can add it to the treehouse."

Hank gave her a playful look. "And this is something you will share with the kids?"

She poked her lips out. "… Yes."

IIIIIII

At the sound of the front door opening and closing, Sean did not bother to turn away from his huddled up position in the chair. His cloudy blue eyes focused on one window.

"Hi, son." Depositing his briefcase on the coffee table upon entering the living room, Liam took in the forlorn boy. "Let me guess. Mom's serving squash with lunch?"

Still facing away, Sean spoke with, "Why didn't I want to tell you?"

Confused, Liam asked, "What don't you want to tell me?"

"I wanted to tell Hank, Erik, Logan- I wanted to leap frog across state lines to tell Alex." Sean turned to his father now. "But you didn't even occur to me. I finally mopped the floor with Marek Stevens and I didn't even want to tell you."

Liam frowned now. "Sean, are you telling me you were in a fight?"

"He started it."

"For crying out…" Liam touched a weary hand to his forehead. "How many times have I told you to just wa—"

"Walk away," Sean concluded automatically. "You always tell me that. Walk away, forget it, don't let it get to me. One problem, Dad. That doesn't stop these guys for a second. It just keeps them coming at me over and over. And you wondered why I was ready to take off."

"Son," Liam sat in the opposite chair facing him, "fighting is never the solution. It only shows a lack of intelligence. You could have come to me or your mother or grandparents."

Sean stared back at him sardonically. "Before or after he knocked me over, stole my key, and made off with my bike? See, this is exactly why I didn't want to tell you. It's always a lecture. Charles hates fighting, too, but at least he would understand if I was backed into a corner. To you I'm just playing delinquent. Would it kill you to teach me a little thing called strength?"

"If you're looking for a heartfelt pat on the back, you can forget it. And if throwing fists is your idea of strength, that's not something you'll ever learn from me. Now what has gotten into you all of a sudden? You were making so much progress."

"Progress?" Sean echoed. "You mean taming my wild mutant ways? Acting good and normal?"

Liam sighed heavily. "That is not what I meant."

Sean then asked, "Why don't you ask about my powers? Why do you and Mom always change the subject if I so much as mention them?"

"Do not," Liam lowered his tone, seizing hold of his patience, "start with me on this, Sean. I lost count of the number of broken windows I had to replace, constantly having to explain it away as you losing control of some vanishing baseball. Your mother was devastated when you destroyed her china cabinet."

"Oh my God," Sean smacked the arms of his chair disbelievingly, "I apologized for that a thousand times. You know I didn't mean it."

Liam reached over, gripping his knee. "What else needs to happen before you realize that this is not the gift you believe it to be? It only causes senseless destruction."

At a loss for words, Sean got up and started out. "I'm not hungry."

Liam sighed, shaking his head after him.

IIIIIII

Assortment of essays in need of grading, Erik laid the stack down on his desk. As soon as he pulled out his chair, he honed in on the one crouched under the space beneath the desk with her journal.

He asked, "Are you playing hide and seek?" Becky shook her head and he knelt down to her. "So you're willingly spending recess indoors in reflection?"

Placing her pen inside her journal, she closed the book. "I can't stop feeling bad about Hank."

"Sweet Imp," Erik reached out to stroke her curls, "this little getaway has nothing to do with you. Hank simply needs some time to unwind after all that has happened."

"I wish I were a better telepath." Becky turned to him. "Then I'd be able to help Hank forget these bad things. I want to make him happy but I can't."

Erik carefully pried her out from under the desk and carried her over to sit on his lap on the couch. "You already make your brother very happy. In fact, you're one of the key parts to his happiness." He laid a hand over the side of her face. "Do you remember when you were having those terrible nightmares? When I found you outside that morning?"

"Mmhmm." She nodded into his touch.

"You hadn't told anyone about that, not even Hank," Erik reminded. "Was it because he didn't make you happy?"

"No," Becky answered immediately. "I was really scared and confused and I didn't know what to do."

"Well, I believe your brother is feeling a bit of that right now. I know it's difficult for you to see him that way but even grownups struggle with such feelings." Erik wound arms closer around her. "The best thing you can do for Hank is to continue to love and be here for him. Knowing he has that will certainly make him happy." He gave her a little smile. "It's worked for me all this time, even though you've clearly inherited guilt from my side of the family."

Becky smiled back and reached up to hug him around the neck.

IIIIIII

Prepared in black athletic pants and a t-shirt with hair bound into a ponytail, Leon came into the gym. In his own workout gear, Alex ceased bench pressing at his presence and sat up to towel off his damp face.

Leon asked him, "Are we starting on those new endurance drills we talked about last week?"

"I didn't ask you in here to train." Leaving his towel on the bench, Alex stood and walked to him. "This is about Raven."

Understanding now, Leon folded his arms casually. "This explains the subzero air you gave off at school today."

"Lee, I know this whole thing came as a huge shock," Alex began, "but you need to drop this attitude towards my twin."

"Alex, I think you can give it a rest on the cutesy twin facade." Leon smirked slightly. "Unless you have another face under there. Turquoise maybe?"

Immediate and deep glare forming, Alex snatched hold of him by the bicep.

He made a seat out of the nearest bench and deposited the younger student across his lap. "So you want to be funny." Alex started administering sound swats to the upraised behind. "Okay then, no more cool big brother."

The bit of dizziness he experienced at the abrupt change in position instantly became replaced by the rapidly growing pain in his rear. "Alex—"

A solid smack connected with the center of his behind. "No, I'm talking. And you better be still because if you try to shift away by an inch, we're taking this upstairs- to Dad's den."

"I won't…" Leon kept his head bowed. "I won't fight you…"

The obedience slowed Alex's hand, but only somewhat. "Look, I don't agree with Raven keeping this from you, either. But she lied about one superficial thing. You've lied about everything to our faces and have put yourself in the dumbest situations. And every time, Raven's always been nice to you. Even when you almost ruined her husband's name." He moved his hand to start spanking the thighs. "Just because Erik and Charles have too much going on to notice every time you act up doesn't mean anything. I've done the brat thing, Lee, and let me tell you, you're not pulling anything over on me." Alex paused his hand. "You gonna be good?"

Leon nodded vigorously and managed a murmur of, "Mmhmm." Tears, still so foreign for daylight, streamed down his cheeks.

Alex spotted a bit of the moisture on the mat beneath them and picked up on the heavy breathing and faint sniffling. He rested a calming hand on Leon's back and exhaled through his nose before standing him. Leon stood slightly to the side in a very stiff bent head position. He reached out for the tip of his ponytail, which had toppled over his left hand shoulder, and Alex knew he wished the hair were loose so that he could shield himself with it.

Touching his shoulder, Alex delicately turned him. "Hey, it's just me, remember?"

Mustering up his voice, Leon whispered, "I'm sorry, Lex."

Detecting the absolute sincerity, Alex brought him into a hug with a pat on the back. "Believe me, I hated doing that. I always hate doing that. But I have to when my little brothers have it coming. Hank does me the same way."

"I didn't mean anything. I just… I don't know how…"

Alex stepped back to look at him but did not drop the embrace. "I know this family stuff is still mind-blowing for you, especially the brothers and sisters part. But no matter how long it takes, I'm not going to stop being here for you. Even when that means scorching your butt."

Leon remained quiet then said, "That was worse than the paddle."

Alex smirked. "I don't move up weight classes by mowing the lawn you know. Now come on," he left an arm around him as he started leading them out of the gym, "let's get you laid down and iced up."

Leon then wondered, "How hard is it when Hank dishes it?"

Alex squeezed his shoulder. "Imagine ten quarterbacks and throw in a bucket of hot coals."

IIIIIII

Stirred awake from the exhilarating rest period, Raven raised up in bed. A cuddled close Kiki and Trav still lay sleeping with their teddy bears and Superman in the very middle. She did not have long to wonder where Hank went when she picked up on his voice. Getting out of bed, she walked to the doorway and saw him on the living room couch with the phone.

"Yes, he was thrilled to get those books in the mail. He's also determined to read them all himself." Hank smiled then. "Yes, he is indeed my boy. I still can't believe how long you held onto those old books of mine. They're still in great condition. Alright, talk to you soon. Call me if you need anything at all. I love you, too, Mother." They hung up and Hank's smile widened at the sight of his wife. "Sorry, did I wake you?"

"I think the lack of you woke me." Raven came over to join him on the couch. "How's Mom doing?"

"Having a nice time with our relatives," Hank reported, blue eyes turning thoughtful. "I'm still so relieved she's safe. With everything else coming so undone, I just cannot…"

Raven leaned forward, locking his lips with hers then left a hand on his cheek. "I know. Me, too."

The children awoke a few minutes later and Hank took Trav outside to toss their football around. Raven and Kiki selected some flowers from the garden and brought them inside to use as a place setting. Getting a head start on dinner, Raven glanced out of the one large kitchen window to catch her two prized athletes in complete merriment.

"Look, Mommy." Raven looked over her shoulder at Kiki kneeling on a chair at the table and neatly breaking apart pieces of lettuce for their salad.

"Good job, baby gorge," she praised her daughter.

While the roast cooked and the mashed potatoes stayed on the stove to keep warm, Raven sat at the table and showed Kiki how to play cat's cradle.

Catching the football, Trav tumbled over into a small mud puddle.

"Uh oh." An amused Hank jogged over to him. "Looks like my little cub needs a b-a-t-h."
Sitting up and hugging the ball, Trav shook his head. "N-O."

"Y-e-s," Hank corrected, getting on one knee to him. "Do you know why?" Trav watched him expectantly. "Because I'm the d-a-d."

Trav giggled then leapt, giving him a slight tackle. "Bath for Daddy!"

Sticking her head out through the window, Raven suggested, "Why don't we just put the hose on full blast? You two sure need it."

Hank chuckled and got up with son and football in tow. "Come on, cub. Let's wash up for dinner."

"Can I bring my submarine?" the little boy requested.

"Of course, Captain Trav," Hank granted.

Despite Trav's many tub theatrics, Hank managed to get them both clean and dressed in twenty minutes. He carried Trav in and placed him in a chair beside his sister at the circular table.

Raven said with approval, "Right on time," and brought the juicy roast over for the brood of bears.

IIIIIII

Lowering his orange juice glass from his lips, Tommy asked, "Want to go on a bike race?"

Before Sean could answer, Noreen asked, "Sweetheart, could you give us a minute?"

Liam then brought up, "You need to get your shoes on, anyway, sport."

Tommy wiggled his sock covered feet. "Oh right." He jumped up to scuttle out.

Once alone with their parents, Sean guessed, "You're still ticked about yesterday."

"Clearly you still are." Liam laced his fingers together. "And it's becoming a problem. Quite a few things are actually."

"And what does that mean?" Sean wanted to know.

Noreen took over with, "I know we haven't discussed this since Thanksgiving but there is no point in beating around the bush. Your father and I want you back here permanently."

" I knew it," Sean crossed his arms, "and I like I said before, that's not happening."

"Sean," Liam spoke briskly, "this is not a request or question. This is your home and life. It's time you get on with it."

Helmet already clipped on, Tommy re-entered the kitchen. "Ready to go?"

Eyeing their parents, Sean replied, "Oh yeah," and went to his brother.

IIIIIII

Situated on the porch steps, the married pair looked on while Trav and Kiki chased each other around in a highly enthused game of tag.

"I don't think I heard a sound out of her last night," Hank said, watching Kiki.

"No, she slept straight through." Raven leaned in closer to his side. "I can't believe how calming this place has been in just a day."

"This entire area is a welcomed sight," Hank stated. "So many young families with small children." He moved his arm to go around her while still staring ahead. "Sometimes I wonder if perhaps… I gave up on finding a cure too quickly. After all, if it were successful it would not be difficult for me to take on a teaching or research position."

Raven stared ahead. "I could transfer schools."

"Our children could grow up without having to worry and look over their shoulders. We could all be…"

"Normal," they chorused.

Hank then said, "I wish Erik was here."

Raven faced him. "Why?"

"Because clearly I need another session with his belt." Raven's face split into a grin as he went on. "Raven, we have defied logic, probability, and most things I spent years studying in our time together. Small feet, standard skin colors- nothing will ever make us normal."

"If everything I have been through- that we have been through-" Raven turned to their children, "has led us right here to them then it was worth every horrible moment."

"And who knows where it will lead next?" Hank put forth. "We have a responsibility, Raven. Not only to mutation and our family but to our kids. There could be others out there exactly like Trav and Kiki who need us."

"There are," Raven emphasized. She placed both hands over his wrist. "And no matter how much harder it gets, we have to be there for each other. I understand about the nightmares, baby, even if you don't go into them. And I am here, right by your side."

Dipping his head, Hank met her in a kiss.

IIIIIII

A faint moan echoing from her, Becky rolled over and perked a bit at the mind she sensed.

Opening her eyes, she acknowledged, "Big Bear?"

"Shhh," Hank hushed and gently laid her back down, bringing the blanket further over her. "It's too early to be up still, but I wanted to check on you."

"You're home," she smiled, settling down again.

"Late last night. We were all eager to return home." He gently brushed a few curls away from the lethargic green eyes. "I certainly was." He crouched to get in closer to her. "Thank you, Becca."

Becky regarded him in confusion. "For what?"

"For being here with me." Hank took one of her hands to kiss. "Every time I look up it feels as if a part of my past is disappearing before my eyes, but not you. I love you, Little Bear."

The young girl returned, "I love you, too, Big Bear."

"Now back to sleep." Hank patted the portion of the blanket covering her thigh and headed out.

Holding Sweetie Imp close, the contented glow remained on Becky's round face as she resumed slumber.