X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Fifty Four

Author's Word: Hi, Fam. I hope everyone had a fabulous Father's Day. My dad sure did. I'll never be over the glow he had about him. I meant to have this chapter up yesterday but this week has been utterly insane for me. I'm also not feeling so well today so the wonderful feedback you've been giving to me would be most appreciated. Please enjoy and review!

When he awoke again, this time to the light of morning, Sean discovered another visitor at his side. He raised his head to share a gaze with the precious shining brown eyes belonging to bitty little body in purple pajamas covered in polar bears. An enormous grin coming to his face at her presence, Sean sat up and brought her into the tightest hug he could.

As he pulled away to look into her face again, Sean's own eyes reflected a trace of sorrow now. He wanted to say so many things to her, mainly about how much he loved and had missed her. Kiki reached a hand out, pressing her fingertips against the center of Sean's chest. She smiled up and kissed his cheek. Coiling arms around her closer, Sean gently tackled her against the mattress to blow raspberries into her neck. Her giggles filled his bedroom with much wanted noise.

Getting up, Sean felt a rush in his head at rising so suddenly but pushed it back as best he could. He made his way over to the dresser to get out a shirt. Kiki watched him until her eyes went to the doorway and the grownup who walked in.

"Eh eh," Charles walked over to the teenager, closing the drawer he had open. "What do you think you're doing out of bed, young man?" The telepath absorbed the reading. "Classes are cancelled for today and besides that fact," he carefully took him by the arm and brought him back to lie in bed, "I want you resting today." Sean pointed out into the hall vigorously. "You'll get to see everyone later." Charles gave him a certain look. "And don't think I did not detect you out of bed last night, either." Sean crossed his arms and lay back with lips puckered sourly. Charles had to keep his laughter at bay. "Now don't you take that attitude with me. As elated as I am to have you here again, that won't stop me from swatting your bottom."

"No!" Kiki crawled over, placing a protective arm over the redhead.

Chuckling, Charles assured, "Worry not, sweet lamb. I won't spank Seanie, so long as he's a good boy." He felt a tug on the cuff of his sleeve and looked down at the sad blue eyes and grew serious. "Seanie, no. You did not deserve what happened to you and I am not angry with you." Charles took an additional reading. "Neither is Uncle Erik. We're all only happy to have our little Banshee home." Sean smiled now. "I'm going to get some breakfast together for you." He stroked Kiki's cheek. "I'm leaving you in the safest of hands I see."

Kiki pecked his palm and lay back against Sean.

IIIIIII

Making his way into Eye Spy, Alex gave the security man's chair a nudge with his foot. "Beat it, top cat. I'm subbing."

Victor regarded the coffee mug in his hand out of the corner of his eye. "Ya call that breakfast, junior?" Alex showed him the bagel with thick glob of peanut butter in the middle. "That's more like it. Catch ya in a few." He stretched one arm and headed out.

Alex took over his chair and got his mug and bagel safely situated away from any buttons or controls. Taking a moment to lean back, he performed his first official task of spinning about vigorously.

IIIIIII

Dressed and prepared for the day ahead, Hank descended the stairs from his wing down into the lab. There, he spotted the young one situated on a stool at one table. Countless books surrounded him.

"Have you seen Kiki?" Hank asked.

"She took off chanting 'Seanie' over and over a little while ago."

"Frank, what is all this?" Hank came over to inspect one title.

"Looking into ways to revitalize the human throat," Frank explained without looking up.

Hank noticed the stack of books by the boy's arm that he'd already gone through. "How long have you been up?"

"Only since six- or five, whichever came first." Frank flipped another page. "Hey, you need to try massaging Sean's lower throat and chest area in order to—"

"Frank," Hank cut in kindly, "I'm well aware." He put a hand on his shoulder. "And I know how stressful this situation is, but you don't have to worry. Sean's voice will return on its own."

Frank looked at him now. "You don't understand what he's feeling. When I was blind, it was the worst. Not even just losing my sight but because it felt like someone stole my mutation. Sean did everything to help me through that. I have to do the same for him."

Hank gripped Frank's hand. "I know it doesn't seem like it, but I understand more than you think. And I admire your diligence. I'm going to see about him now. Do me one favor and keep it down. Raven could hardly sleep and I think it affected Trav as well."

Frank nodded and continued on with his reading.

After he had the necessary tools loaded into his black bag, Hank left the lab. When he reached the intended room, he smiled at the sight of Kiki nibbling on a banana while feeding Sean spoonfuls of oatmeal.

"Daddy!" she reacted cheerfully.

Hank felt a warmth when Sean noticed him so happily as well. "Looks like I have an up and coming nurse on my hands." He tickled his daughter's nose then regarded the reclining one. "I wish you could comprehend how good it is to see you." He laughed at Sean hugging his arm. "Sit up a bit for me, please." He placed down his bag on the night table.

Removing the short wooden stick first, Hank applied it to the far back of Sean's tongue to see if any progress had been made there. However, he only viewed much of the same as last night. Getting out his miniature flashlight next, he peered inside Sean's ears.

When Kiki saw what her father retrieved next, she protested with, "No shots, Daddy."

"Just a small one," he assured her. "I only need a little bit of blood and I'll make sure it hardly hurts your Seanie at all."

When the needle pricked the pale skin, Hank did not miss the redhead's eyes filling. He knew it had more to do with remembering the testing previously done on him than the minor pinch he felt now. Once he had the vial properly filled, Hank covered the spot with cotton and a bandage.

"What's this I have here? Ah, look." Hank revealed a pair of lollipops. "One for you," he gave a giddy Sean the green one, "and one for my Baby Bear."

"Thank you, Daddy!" Kiki immediately snatched the clear plastic off of her red one and stuck it into her mouth.

"Well, you're still on the road to full recovery," Hank told Sean. "And I know it's probably killing you to be cooped up this way, so what do you say I recommend a bit of exertion for later? Alex and I will steal you away for a while."

Sean grinned at that and pumped his arm eagerly.

IIIIIII

"They threw him into a van in the middle of the night and informed his parents as an afterthought," Erik raved. "Please explain to me exactly what country I'm in because I'm discovering the prosperity of Ellis Island to be one magnificent fabrication."

"Erik, I understand what you're saying and I agree entirely," Steve said. "This does not surprise me, considering the desire to keep mutants away from the public's eye."

"They made him mute," Erik emphasized. "And what about those other children? They kept a young girl poorly hydrated in order to weaken her mutation. I don't even want to imagine what was done to that little boy only guilty of looking differently. You mean to tell me this is going on everywhere?"

"No," Steve answered him. "Only in states that allow for it. So far there is only a handful. Virginia is one, Iowa, Oregon… here."

The anger in Erik's eyes somehow enlarged. "What? This is going on right here? Where?"

"With our number of correctional facilities? It's any man's guess. Though I doubt if what took place in Virginia will be nearly as harsh here."

"Harsh?" Erik's countenance grew stonier. "As in forced sterilization?"

Steve bowed his head, turning silent for several seconds. "It would not be the first such a practice has been in place." He glanced up at the one who passed by them on the bicycle. "Frank."

"No time to talk, Steve. I have a job to do."

Erik held out an arm to block his haste. "And to where has duty called you might I ask?"

Frank looked at him. "I want to go pick up some herbal teas for Sean. I want to get him some special soups, too."

To that Erik said, "Stay put," and stood from the stone bench, "I'll drive you into town."

Steve got up as well. "I have to get back. I'll call you tonight." Erik nodded. "And I'll let you get back to your mission, little private."

Frank smiled after the departing captain.

IIIIIII

As soon as he caught the scent followed by the minor weight with cheek nuzzling against his chest, Victor did not bother keeping attention on the thick paperback. Placing the book to the side, he ran a hand down his nephew's back and purred at him.

"You disappeared after we got home yesterday." Victor left a hand between the child's shoulder blades. "You seen Seanie yet?" Cody shook his head against him. "I'm sure he'd get a kick out of you payin' him a visit."

Cody kept his eyes away. "Ain't seem like it before…"

"Hey," Victor tugged on the dark strands of hair to get the boy's gaze up, "Sean's where he wants to be, right here. Why don't ya go look in on him, huh?"

Cody slid off of him. "Maybe later. Can I go ride bikes with Joey later?"

"So long as you get his folks' okay first," Victor granted.

Nodding, Cody took his leave of the loft.

IIIIIII

Sinking his teeth into a blueberry muffin, a delighted hum echoed from the back of the Professor's throat.

"Hank tells me that there is nothing out of the ordinary with Sean beyond his voice. He seems to be recuperating quite well." Charles dabbed crumbs away from his mouth with a napkin. "Now it's only a matter of waiting for this wretched serum to wear off." He glanced across the short circular table of their sitting area at his wife. "Darling?"

Emma faced away, absently stroking her teacup. "What if we aren't so fortunate the next time?"

"You mustn't let such thoughts trouble you."

She faced him with sharp blue eyes. "You mean the all too likely reality? Charles, these are not renegade mutants we're dealing with or damaged lunatics like Tobias Evander. When they had Sean and those defenseless children under containment, it was them against us. Things will get worse long before they get better."

Listening closely, Charles folded his hands as he focused in on her. "You want to know how far I'm willing to go in order to protect them."

"I know how much of a blow Darwin was. Imagine that multiplied," Emma stressed. "You cannot look upon this new enemy as a poor defenseless human. Because we may have certain genetic advantages but they are the ones in power. The power to do irreversible harm to our children."

Charles reached across to grasp her free hand. "When we made it inside that facility, the only thing that kept my rage at bay was the desire not to bring negative attention to mutants. If Sean or one of those little ones had been lost during that testing… Emma, I know well what the future most likely holds. And it troubles me- for anyone who dares to make an attempt on our children. Mercy will be out of the question."

Emma lowered her cup to fully bring their hands together in a strong latch.

IIIIIII

Entering the recreation room, Cody saw Becky in one corner putting toys away into a bin. He walked over to where his best friend straightened up his crafts table.

"Hey," Joey acknowledged, glancing up. "How's Seanie?"

Cody shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine. Ain't see him."

"Me, either." Joey screwed the lid back on his last container of paint. "Figured he'd be more excited to see you and Frank, anyway."

"Meh, whatever." Cody then brought up, "Want to go bike ridin'?"

"Sure," Joey replied. "Let me go ask my mum and dad."

Cody looked towards the girl in the room. "You comin' Becky?"

She got the lid closed before turning their way. "Okay. I'll go see if Scott wants to come." She left the room along with Joey.

IIIIIII

Though he had missed his mansion bedroom a great deal, it felt absolutely exhilarating to be out and about. Well, as out and about as Eye Spy had to offer from the safety of Hank's lap. Sean liked sitting with the scientist, one of the few who proved taller than himself. He had worried about upsetting Kiki, knowing how attached she felt towards her father. However, the toddler did not seem to mind reclining against Uncle Alex whatsoever.

"Okay Tommy, remember that Sean still can't speak right now, but he still wants to hear your voice. Hang on now." Alex handed the receiver over to the redhead.

Sean took it, tapping the mouth piece with his knuckles.

"Sean?" Tommy's smile could be heard clear from Virginia. "Boy am I glad you're okay. Mom and Dad are real sore but Grandpa explained that it's not safe. I can't believe those goons just grabbed us. Rotten jerks."

Rubbing Sean's arm while the teen continued to listen to his brother, Hank looked over and admonished, "Alex, don't give her that. She's too young for soda."

"Yeah, next thing you know she'll be trying the hard stuff like sparkling cider." Still, Alex retracted the coke bottle from the three-year-old's lips.

Hank gave him a mildly disapproving look. "It's too harsh on her throat and I don't want her addicted to the stuff before she even starts school."

"Read you loud and clear, Dr. Dad. Here, cuteness." Alex gave her a fruit juice box now.

Sean tapped at the phone receiver vigorously.

Hank took it to say, "Tommy, it's Hank. Sean is trying to tell you he misses you already. How do I know?" He reached up, tossing Sean's hair lightly. "I'll have you know I speak fluent Big Brother." Sean leaned on him comfortably.

Kiki sipped through her straw, contentedly watching the outsides of their home through the monitors.

IIIIIII

"Erik," the fidgeting thirteen-year-old moaned, "I swear I'm not tired."

"You've been up since a frightful hour," Erik reminded him, tucking him into the metal wielder's own bed. "You need to settle down for a bit. I won't make you sleep for long but you need a nap. I'll see to it that Seanie gets his first round of tea."

Frank sighed and rolled over to his side. "Okay…"

Erik bent, kissing him at the hairline. "I'm very proud of the effort you've shown on your brother's behalf, boychick. I know he'll appreciate it."

The boy smiled. "Thanks, Erik."

Giving a massage to his back to help him relax into slumber, Erik carefully made his way out of the suite.

"Hello, Claudia? It's Leon- Vapor. I wanted to see how you're doing today." Leon remained quiet, listening to her. "That's great. Oh, Sean's fine. Remember to call if you need anything or, you know, just because. Okay, talk to you later." Erik came into the den as they hung up. "I was just checking in on the others. Not surprising, Luis' family can't be reached and Elise's parents made it clear that they do not want to be bothered. Claudia and her mother seem to be doing well, though. Mrs. Bradberry spent at least five minutes thanking me again before she found Claudia for me."

Erik nodded. "It's going to take some time for all of them to move past this." He sat on the sofa, looking at the teen. "I'm surprised you're not downstairs with the other boys."

Leon toyed with a pen at the desk. "I don't think it's my place to intrude."

"Hm. I don't recall you carrying that sentiment when Sean was out of town. In fact you seemed very much at home during his absence."

Leon glanced down. "You X-adults can't be as utterly oblivious as all others in your age group, can you?"

Getting up, Erik came around to him, stroking at a section of his hair. "You know you are not some mere stand-in for Sean, yes?"

"Hank, Alex, and Sean have a history that's difficult for the new guy to penetrate," Leon put forth. "Besides, Alex has enough brothers to divide his time between. I don't need to make things any harder on him."

"If you were some magnificent burden on Alex he would not bother noticing when your misbehavior needs correction." Leon looked up to a certain glint in the man's eyes. "Yes, Papa does know all." Leon could not help cracking a smile at that. "I know you're still trying to find your place in this new environment, but I never want you to feel you have to remain in this outsider mindset."

Leon admitted, "I don't feel completely out of place, not anymore. The mutants that we helped- that was great, to put it lightly. I felt purposeful for the first time. Better yet, I felt."

Erik continued to play in his hair. "I understand, believe me. Something tells me we will be coming to the aide of many others."

"And I feel like I belong… whenever you're around."

Erik dipped with arms going around him. "And that, boychick, is what gives me purpose."

IIIIIII

Looking away from helping Becky create flowery jewelry, Scott took in the antics of 'Merlin' and 'Arthur'. Joey mimicking magic by making a jolt of electricity through a stick really caught his eye.

"Knock it off, you guys," he called over. "You know we can't do that stuff out here. Joey, you really know that."

Cody rolled his eyes. "Lay off, Scott. You're such a worrywart."

"I am not." Scott then reminded, "You know what they did to Sean."

Cody promptly scoffed at that. "If anybody tried to get the jump on us while I'm around, it'd be the last thing they ever do." He climbed onto his bike. "Come on, Joey."

They pedaled off a short distance.

Scott exhaled an annoyed air. "Those guys…"

"It's okay, Scott," Becky assured. "I don't sense any other minds out here."

"That's not the point," Scott insisted. "They need to take these things more seriously."

"Scott and Frank think they can boss us around just 'cause they're older." Cody rolled his eyes. "Fat chance of that."

"Whoa." Joey brought his bike to a halt when they reached a steep path ahead. "Careful."

Cody rolled closer, looking down into it with an impressed whistle. "That's gotta be eight feet deep." He glanced over. "And ten feet wide." He rolled his bike back.

Joey watched his movements, growing alarmed. "Cody… what're you doing?"

As if it should have been obvious, Cody informed, "I'm goin' for it."

Joey shook his head hard. "No, don't!"

"Relax." Back far enough, Cody rushed forward in a charged pedal. "I heal real fast."

"Cody, don't!" Joey's plead did nothing to stop the older one's mighty leap.

Cody cried out in triumph as he seemed to soar across. However, when his bike made it to safety on the other side, he found himself unattached to it. Before he could make contact with the drop below, he felt pressure on his leg. Joey watched as Victor swept across with a firm grip on Cody's ankle. They landed on the other side.

Becky rode up with Scott alongside her and wanted to know, "What happened?"

Victor up-righted his nephew and set him with thunderous brown eyes. "Are you out of your God given mind?" He cuffed the side of his head. "Are you?"

"Uncle Vic!" Cody rubbed the spot. "I was- I was just…"

"Get home and straight up to my loft," Victor directed. "And you better enjoy the ride," he indicated the bike, "because that's comin' to stay with me for a week."

Completely down casted now, Cody rode over to rejoin the others. Joey waited so that they could pedal together. Becky rode after them. Scott shook his head before following.

Once they made it back to the mansion, Cody began the journey up to his uncle's away space. He obediently parked his bicycle in one corner. He finished situating it and flinched at the sound of the all too heavy footsteps making their way up.

When the blonde fully ascended, he placed a locked gaze on the boy. "You want to explain that little stunt?"

"I-I was just tryin' out a new trick. Dad does fancy moves on his bike all the time."

"Yeah, can't wait to hear his take on you almost clockin' your head tryin' to show off. And it's plain as day that it's been too long since I turned you over if you think you can get away with pullin' this garbage because your folks are out of town." He bent down and took the boy by the wrist. "C'mere."

Knowing what the man intended, Cody found himself pulling back with a whine of, "Nooooo…"

Recognizing the building tantrum, Victor merely spoke calmly. "Cody- Mite, don't. If I have to pry you up, it's only gonna be worse. Come on now. I don't like this, either."

Tears one by one flowed from the youthful brown eyes. "Uncle Vic, please…"

Getting down to one knee, Victor looked into his face. "You scared of me, Mite?"

Stepping towards him, Cody wound arms around his neck. "I don't wantcha to."

Victor wrapped an arm around the boy's middle. "This is the second to last thing I want to do today. The first bein' call your folks and let them know you got hurt on my watch. You mean most to them in the world, Mite. And to me."

"I'm sorry, Uncle Vic." He bowed his head against Victor's neck. "I'm… I'll be good about it now."

Before he could decide against it himself, Victor carried him over to the couch. Taking a seat, he stood the child up and worked down his pants before carefully laying him across his lap. He inched back, making Cody as comfortable as he could in the position. He pulled his underwear to fully bare the small behind. Sighing inwardly, he brought down his heavy hand.

Cody did not hold back on the yelps and other pained outcries. With such a distance away from the others, no one would hear. In that exact moment, he did not much care if they did, anyway. He waved his feet back and forth as the pain increased and made use of a throw pillow to yank on and cry into.

Trying hard to deafen himself to the child's cries, Victor increased things when he reached his thighs and sit areas. Considering how much he hated this particular chore, he did not want to repeat it at all soon and made sure it stuck whenever he had to. By the time he finished, his nephew laid out in a wretched mess of sobs.

A hand going over the heaving back to sooth it at all, Victor helped him out of his shoes and pants and gently readjusted his briefs. Seeing the nearby fleece throw, he wrapped it around the boy's middle before holding him up. He allowed him to cry into his shirt while he nuzzled and purred at him. Cody tugged on Victor's long golden strands the way he so often did as an infant and upset toddler. Victor also knew well that the distressed sounds came from inward pain just as much as outward.

Not wanting the small body to overheat, Victor covered him better and gathered him up. He carried him downstairs to the younger boys' bathroom. He ran some mild bath water for him before undressing and situating him inside the tub to cool off. After his temperature backed down and he had his face clean, Victor wrapped him in a towel. Inside the boy's room, he dressed him in soft pants and one of Logan's combat t-shirts the Mite had claimed as his.

Coiled safely in the man's arms again while stretched out on the bed together, Cody whispered, "I'm sorry, Uncle Vic."

"You already made that loud and clear, baby boy." Victor kept a caressing hand at his back. "Ya know your Uncle Vic didn't get any kicks out of that, right?" Cody nodded against him. "But I want ya to level with me. You been actin' funny since yesterday. Does any of this have to do with Sean?"

Cody said, "It feels like he just came back here 'cause of those guys that grabbed him. Not 'cause he really wants to."

"The ain't real fair you know." Victor looked at him. "Accusin' Seanie of stuff when he ain't got the voice to defend himself. How about I go get him? Let you get this off your chest?"

Cody considered it then nodded again. "'Kay."

Victor carefully left him on his stomach before standing and leaving the room. A few minutes later, the scent entered Cody's nostrils and he glanced back to his now filled doorway.

Getting up onto his knees, he set the silent redhead with a dark look. "You made Smiley sad. And you said I could call you any time but you were busy most of the time. Joey's lucky. He's got Alex. Alex is better than you." Sean nodded back and forth as if in agreement. "I don't like you anymore. You're a butthole."

At that, Sean made a dagger out of his fingers and stabbed himself in the heart. He then doubled over in mock agony onto Cody's bed.

Laughing a little, Cody attempted to stifle himself. "Still mad at you." Sean looked up at him and spread his arms wide. Cody laid out on top of him. "Butthole, butthole."

Sean responded by locking him into a tight hold and smooching his cheek.

IIIIIII

Coming through the main level, Alex passed Leon and took his arm lightly to get his attention.

"Hey, I'm going to refuel on snacks then we're having more monitor duty in Eye Spy. After Hank gets the kids to bed and Sean stops drooling over his girl. Come with us," the blonde invited.

"As much fun as heavy sugar and salt consumption sounds, Jam called with the homework we missed today," Leon said. "I really need to take a crack at it."

Alex raised a knowing eyebrow. "You've been non-existent all day. What have you been doing if not homework?"

Leon offered out, "Make-believing I'm an instructor so that I can gain my own voice of intimidation. But seriously, Lex, you and Hank don't need to force me into inclusion. I know you need to focus on Sean right now."

"And what are you going to do?" Alex challenged. "Keep playing house guest? Sean knows you were part of the cavalry that went in after him. He needs support from all of us right now."

Leon grew thoughtful. "I suppose this is standard sibling protocol."

"You got it. And besides, I need some backup down there. Mute or not, Sean is still on Hank's insane genius team."

"Duty calls." Leon turned to go with him into the kitchen. "Though technically, I qualify for the insane genius team also."

Alex bashed shoulders with him mildly as they walked.

IIIIIII

As if entranced by the melody filling her ears, Maya did not stop moving until she made it inside the living room. There by the lit fireplace, he lingered with his back against the mantle, fingers working over the guitar strings. Coming in closer, the girl in blue top and cream skirt got down near him. Situating herself under his left arm so that he could still play comfortably, she remained silent until he finished the song.

Her attention went to the crack of thunder beyond the windows. "Sounds like another storm's coming. It rained most of yesterday. While you guys were gone."

Lowering his instrument, Sean reclaimed most of her attention again by gripping her chin to bring her into a kiss. Maya held onto both sides of his face.

"What?" she reacted to his suddenly pulling away.

He removed a white box from his pocket and slipped it over into her hands.

Maya noticed the red cutout of a heart on top of it. "A late Valentine?" She took off the lid and her breath hitched the moment she did.

A silver band looked back at her. Two different stones of clear and crimson coiled together at the top. The inner cursive inscription read: Maya and Sean. The redhead then showed his own right hand and the simpler band of equal coloring. He removed it from his finger, revealing matching writing within. He then patted the bottom of the box.

Careful of the ring, Maya found the tiny paper under the cloth and unfolded it to view the handwritten message.

A Promise of Purity.

Because True Love can Withstand the Test of Time.