X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Fifty Eight

Author's Word: Feedback, the gift that keeps on giving. It's great as ever to hear from all of you. I want to wish everyone an early Happy 4th of July, but please. Be safe and lack as much stupidity as possible. Do it for me, fam. Now, please enjoy and review!

Tank filled to the max and few supplies from the store collected, the dark haired man resituated himself behind the driver's seat again. Glancing back at the one quickly drifting away in the booster seat, the corners of his mouth upturned. He carefully up-righted the lion and favorite stuffed creature in his arms and better covered him before taking off for home.

A few blocks down the road, Seth picked up the sirens and promptly parked his Volvo behind a jeep. He waited for the squad car to stop and for the driver to exit then rolled down his window.

"Good evening, officer," he greeted casually. "Is there a problem?"

"License and registration," the uniformed man requested.

"One moment." Seth went into his wallet for one and reached into the glove compartment for the other.

"Daddy?" the young voice piped up.

The petitioned one glanced up. "Shhh, go back to sleep, son." He handed the officer the required information.

Reading the registration in detail, he eyed the ID closely. "What're you doing out at this time of night, Mr. O-Say-ka?"

"Osaka," he corrected pleasantly. "We had a long day I'm afraid. That's why I'm in a hurry to get my son to bed."

"Mind popping your trunk for me?"

Seth's features darkened in bewilderment. "Excuse me?"

"Just make this easy on both of us and pop your trunk, sir," the officer reiterated.

Pressing the necessary button, Seth stated, "Be my guest."

After going to thoroughly inspect the rear, the officer shut the trunk door and returned to the front of the car. "You be careful now. Hate for anything to happen to that little boy of yours."

"Have a blessed night," Seth returned before restarting his car again. When he caught his five-year-old gazing out of his window after the cop, he peered into the rearview mirror at him. "No, Leon, shh." He sent him a wide smile. "Go back to sleep, son. King is tired."

Cuddling with his stuffed animal again, the boy slowly settled down comfortably.

XXXXX

Despite the fatigue weighing in from his pounding head down to his ankles, the sweat that soaked his clothes clean through, and vision blurred at times, he remained in place. Eying the wall for another second, Leon ran at it. He walked up it for two steps before falling down. Jumping up from his back, he came at it faster, resulting in another tumble. Taking a few breaths, he used the nearby bench to help him stand. Going forward for a third time, he strode up the wall and did not come down again until he back flipped off it.

Shakier than before, he ignored it in favor of working on his kicks. When he attempted a roundhouse, the spin involved left him combatting a particularly rough dizzy spell. Finding aide in the bench again, he bent over to press hands against it.

It's almost over now, he sank lower against the floor, almost over…

XXXXX

Startled out of sleep by the shattering noise, the boy scrambled down from bed. He glanced out in time to see his father hurrying over to the bedroom across the hall. The furious but incoherent mumbling grew louder until it at last softened a few minutes later. Daring to head over, he peeked inside at the older man with younger one cradled in his grasp.

"Come back. That's it, yes. Everything is alright." Seth ran fingers through his hair and down his back as he relaxed. "Did you take your sleeping pills?" A strong headshake acted as the response. "You must always remember. Lay down," he helped him do so, propping up the pillows for him, "and I'll get you some water." When his nephew rolled over to one side, Seth took notice of the one just outside the doorway. "Leon." He darted out of sight and Seth rushed out to pick up the hastily departing figure. "It's okay, son." He hugged him closely. "Everything is fine now." He carried him back towards his room. "Jared had a bad dream. That's all."

When he came back down on his wrinkled sheets, Leon asked, "Why does he act like that? When I have a bad dream, I'm okay after you come in."

Seth laid a gentle hand over his cheek. "Your cousin saw very bad things during the war. Sometimes at night, those things weigh in on his mind. Almost the same reason why I don't like you watching those scary movies on television."

Leon suggested, "Maybe Cousin Jared should go to bed early like me. Before the scary stuff comes on."

With a laugh, Seth concurred lightly, "That'll be my next suggestion." He brought the blankets back over him. "Good night, son."

"Night, Daddy." Leon laid out on his stomach.

Seth left a hand on his back before getting up to head down for the kitchen.

X

Bouncing down the stairs while hanging onto the banister, Leon came to a halt when his cousin re-entered through the front door. He wore his navy uniform with equally dark hair brushed back neatly.

When the older one's brown eyes fell on him, Leon greeted, "Good morning, Cousin."

"Good morning." He held up the folded reading material in his possession. "Just getting the paper for your dad." Walking over, Jared knelt to better face him. "I'm sorry for scaring you last night, little Simba."

"I wish I could take away all the bad things you see, Cousin."

"You do. Just by being here." Jared sent both arms around the small body. "Come on." He stood with him. "I need a Simba hug." He felt Leon cling to him at the neck. "That's better." Jared brought them into the kitchen.

When they walked inside, Seth turned away from the coffee maker. "Sorry I'm so behind today. There's hot oatmeal on the stove."

"Don't worry about it, Uncle Seth." Jared went to fix bowls for himself and Leon after placing the child down. "This looks great."

Seated in his regular chair, Leon observed his father. For a man behind, he still wore his freshly dry-cleaned orchid suit with salmon dress shirt and loafers that would blind anyone who stared at the glistening effect for too long. His shave and well combed hair proved equally smooth.

"I wanted something to better jumpstart you with this new promotion," Seth vexed.

"I'm a security supervisor, Uncle," Jared put Leon's oatmeal down in front of him along with a spoon, "A rental cop with more paperwork."

"It's still a promotion well earned." Seth handed his nephew a mug of coffee then got out the orange juice for Leon. "And I expect you to be the best rental cop in the history of that agency."

"Yes, sir. And armed at least comes with a pay increase." Jared raised his wooden hand. "I suppose armed and a half is good enough for them."

"Jared," Seth chided, using the newspaper to bat at him.

Leon giggled into his juice.

XXXXX

Experiencing the brisk breeze of having his bedding removed from his person so swiftly, Leon looked up the picture of an alarmed animal.

"Get up," Erik, dressed in blue running clothes with a white t-shirt under the hood, ordered. "Come on, we've lost enough time."

With a moan, Leon touched his head. "Please, leave me to the enemy's clutches."

"I'm in no mood for jokes." Erik flipped a piece of paper his way. "Ready a pack with these supplies inside. You have fifteen minutes."

Leon brought up, "I have school."

"Not today you don't," the man informed. "Now move." He left out.

Far more confused than any dream state during the night had left him, Leon somehow managed to detach himself from bed. Gathering everything on the list took longer than expected with his barely there coherency.

"So," he gazed up with a startle at Erik reappearing in his doorway, "did you think I was kidding with you?"

Leon indicated the backpack. "I just found everything."

"Dragging your feet. Judging by your eyes alone, you were up late last night." Erik entered purposefully, summoning the door shut with his mutation. "You've lived here long enough to know better than to put off your studies."

Leon had no time to refute that as he found himself seized. Erik dropped down into the nearest chair and placed him over his lap. Leon expected the worst but found the ensuing swats to be relatively mild. Then the last and indescribably sharpest came down, making him hiss in air.

"You should consider yourself fortunate." Erik helped him stand. "Alex had to take an ice shower for this excursion."

Leon nodded and promised, "I'll be right down."

Erik returned the nod and got up, leaving a gentle pat on the young back.

Taking the briefest shower he'd possibly ever taken, Leon got back in his room in five minutes. He threw on dark gray workout clothes and shoes. Grabbing hold of his backpack, he hurried downstairs and shifted before Erik in the foyer to save time.

The Headmaster looked on approvingly. "Ready to go?"

"Yes, sir." Though he had no idea as to where.

To his surprise, Erik guided them towards the back of the house. They entered the thick of trees behind the mansion and journeyed deep into the woods. Leon inhaled pleasantly at the early sunlight that greeted them.

Erik stopped when they reached one clearing. "We'll eat here."

Leon looked confused but took a seat on a large stone. "Eat?"

"Certainly." Taking off his own backpack, Erik sat across from him. "Did you believe I would let you starve? What sort of father do you think I am?"

The hour clearly effecting his subconscious, Leon replied with an audible enough, "The best." He and Erik locked eyes.

"An attempt at flattery is at hand. We'll see if that helps your survival along." Erik poured him a paper cup full from the thermos he had with him. "Here."

Leon took it, inhaling the familiar brew with desire in his eyes. "Coffee. Now who's the flatterer?"

Erik breathed a laugh then gave over the youth's portion of the scrambled eggs, toast, and beef sausages. "Mind you clean your plate."

"Yes, sir." Leon knew that would not be a problem as hunger quickly caught up with him. When his fork received a break, he looked to Erik. "You've done this with Alex?"

"And Frank." Erik lowered his coffee cup. "One on one training in "the wilderness" of sorts."

Leon then wondered, "But why today?"

Erik regarded him with mild curiosity. "Is today inconvenient for you?"

The teenager answered, "No. Not at all actually."

"Good." When they finished eating, Erik put forth, "Let's work that off with a hike. But first, let's add on a little bug repellant. No need to risk a nip from anything that will result in antibiotics."

In complete agreement, Leon removed the spray from a side pocket on his backpack.

XXXXX

"Hello, son," Seth acknowledged as he gingerly stepped over the boy nose deep in literature on the floor.

"Konnichiwa, Daddy," he spoke without glancing away.

Laying his briefcase on top of his desk in the designated corner of the living room, Seth looked back. "Konnichiwa?"

"It means good afternoon." Sitting up on his knees, Leon picked up the book to show him. "Look."

Returning to him, Seth accepted the paperback from him and narrowed eyes at the title. "Japanese Phrases for Children… where did you get this?"

"At the library with Cousin Jared."

"I see." Putting on a smile, Seth got down beside him. "Son, it makes me very proud how excellent a reader you are. But you see, things like this," he tapped the book, "are unimportant."

Leon's eyes flashed in confusion. "But we're Japanese. Aren't we?"

"Yes, but first and foremost we are Americans," Seth emphasized. "I was born here. Your mother was born here. And Americans speak English. You'll get the chance to learn all kinds of languages as you get up in school. Spanish is a very useful one here in California. But that's still years away. For now, why don't I return this to the library in the morning and we'll read one of your regular books together?"

"Yes, Daddy," Leon nodded.

"That's my good boy," Seth smiled.

While Leon went towards the two tier bookshelf they kept in there, he looked over to see Seth lock the phrase book inside his briefcase.

XXXXX

"What is a tyrant's first step towards leaving the people defenseless?"

Leon answered promptly, "Disarming them."

"Correct," Erik bobbed his head, continuing along the uphill trail. "And the second step?" When the young one seemed to struggle with that one, he told him, "Removing their education. Knowledge is indeed power. The ignorant can hardly think, let alone question. But I never want you to believe that your education is limited to the walls of an institution. You are to learn and gain from every possible resource and experience."

Leon did not speak until he absorbed every word from the man. "Is that what you did after the war?"

"In-between focusing on my vendetta, yes. I attended a few schools across Europe," Erik recalled. "I earned degrees in literature, history, science…"

"Really?" Leon regarded him in fascination. "Why don't you display them in your office the way Charles does?"

"Academia is Charles' passion," Erik said. "I have other interests I prefer to showcase."

Leon nodded understandingly.

They kept on with the hike for another ten minutes until they happened upon an area that offered a great many more trees.

"This should do," Erik determined, taking off his backpack. "I want to try a new training exercise with you." He unearthed the dagger with nearly twelve inch blade. "Trust me?"

Not completely sure what response the man wanted to that question, Leon chose the honest one. "Yes, sir."

XXXXX

Extending one small hand forward, the door to the master bedroom creaked open. Peering inside, he noticed right away how much darker it seemed compared to usual during that time of day. Walking in slowly, guilt filled him at just the thought of going anywhere near the dresser drawers or end tables so he simply climbed up onto the bed. Crawling out to the middle of the mattress, he inhaled the scent the pillows offered. The burning behind his eyes developed into moisture that cascaded down his cheeks quietly.

Leon reacted to the next sound he heard by rising up onto his knees. Though he had no idea how long he had been asleep for, he did not have time to think about it as a louder bang occurred next. Getting down, he made treks for the main level of the house.

The sight inside the living room sent horror throughout him. Capturing everything with reach, Jared sent a wave of destruction throughout the space. Incoherent rumblings echoed up out of his chest. It seemed as if an entire hurricane of wickedness surrounded and sought to consume him.

"Cousin, Cousin!" Leon ran in, going to hug him at the waist. "No, stop. Stop it!"

"Get away!" With his wooden hand, he flicked the child away like a troublesome insect.

Popping right back up from the floor, Leon attempted to latch onto him again. "Stop, Cousin Jared! Please!" He yelled louder over the crashes. "Please, please stop!"

Turning around to kick the coffee table out of his way, Jared sat down unsteadily on the couch. "Sons of bitches…" Taking hold of a nearby knick-knack, he smashed the piece of porcelain against the back wall. "To hell with them!"

Getting up beside him, Leon clutched his arm. "I love you, Cousin. I love you…"

Jared did not move or respond as his eyes grew void of any life that had been present there previously.

XXXXX

Able to judge where the dagger would be coming at next, Leon stood in astonishment when he shifted to a spot with blade pointed right at him. The weapon ceased in air at hardly a breath away from his chest.

Erik called it back into his grasp. "We'll pick this up later. Fairly good accuracy for the most part. Now, let's move on."

It took nearly an hour to setup and go over Erik's next challenge. Once they finished, Leon fixed his hair into a quick ponytail and faced the rope before him like a worthy opponent. He darted his gaze over to Erik briefly, who dipped his head. Signal given, both started up their individual ropes.

Making it to the top of the tree a second behind Erik, Leon picked up speed as best he could as he flipped over to the next tree. He jumped for another, grabbing an unstable branch that broke the moment he touched it. He managed to grip another before he could hit the ground and let loose a few breaths before hurrying up again.

Reaching the last tree, he jumped down onto the net that awaited him below. Hissing at a slight pain he felt upon impact, he did not allow it to slow him. When he got to the stream, he stepped back several paces before dashing forward and taking a mighty leap. His lower half connected with the water but he dug his fingers into the dirt to climb out again. He proved luckier at a large puddle of murkier water. Using the overhead rope, he swung across cleanly.

"And without having to use your powers." Erik stepped up to him, holding out a hand. "Solid performance, boychick." Taking the offered hand, Leon lost his smile as he winced getting up. "What's wrong?"

"I hurt my foot. Back at the net," Leon explained. "It's just a shooting pain, though."

"You might have put too much strain on it. Here," Erik placed one of the young man's arms over his shoulders to help him move, "let's have a look."

Leon leaned on him a bit as they returned to where they'd left their supplies.

XXXXX

The moment he made it close, the seven-year-old remained in place for a long period before finally going inside the faculty parking lot. He walked to the place, now cleaned from the charred marks with the fixed part of the gate sticking out like a sore thumb. It all looked as ugly as ever in his brown eyes. Unable to gaze upon it any longer, he took his leave of the lot.

"Hey," reacted a boy he bumped into on the way out, "watch where you're going, Leon."

"Sorry," he mumbled, not losing step.

Smirking at his gathering of friends, the nudged one created a sound with his mouth that very much resembled a detonation.

Leon froze completely, their laughter filling his ears. Turning back around, he re-approached calmly until he got close enough to shove the instigator as roughly as he could into the gate.

X

Seated at the kitchen table with hands folded in front of him, Leon listened while his cousin fumed and paced behind him. The man's shadow created a shiver within the child every time it passed over him.

"I cannot leave work for these pathetic little scuffles you want to get into," Jared ranted. "Try thinking about anybody other than yourself. You think I want this?" He gestured wildly at himself. "God! I'm sick of this." Jared stopped suddenly. "And I'm sick of this damn hair." He yanked the boy forcefully by the ends of his ever growing dark strands.

"Ah!" Leon reacted, feeling as though his neck would snap off. "Stop it!"

"Hold still!" Jared used his wooden hand to fish through the drawer Leon knew they kept various tools in, mainly scissors.

Vision going to a stray cutting knife at the center of the table, the utensil disappeared suddenly and reformed in Leon's hand. Twisting to the side as best he could, he sent the blade into his cousin's lower arm.

The moment he yelled with all intensity and released him, Leon ran right out of the room.

"You little shit!" Jared called after him but seeing to his own injury took over his attention.

When he made it upstairs, Leon chose the master bedroom over his own and slammed the door shut. Diving underneath the bed, he brought his legs up close to his chest and remained there, shaking every so often.

XXXXX

After Erik determined the foot ache to be nothing more than a bruise, they took some time to rest. With the metal wielder situated on a lengthy log, Leon stretched out with his head in his lap. Relaxation poured over him at Erik undoing his ponytail and stroking his long locks.

"Born inside a camp," Leon spoke, eyes fixated on nothing in particular up ahead. "I suppose it'd be an appropriate bookend to die in one."

An immediate glare came to Erik's features. "What?"

"That's what's going to happen to us, isn't it?" Leon reasoned indifferently. "Containment is only the starting point. We both know that. That's the third step in tyranny, isn't it?" He moved to look up at Erik. "Dehumanizing. Get rid of the retards, the unwanted and orphaned, all of the poverty stricken, anyone with colorful skin- then and only then will it be a perfect world."

"With everything I have, I would love to reassure you to the contrary," Erik cupped his cheek, "but that is ultimately what it comes down to with many in power. They seek to create ignorance but cannot see that they suffer from it most. For years, I wondered why I survived. Vengeance was my goal and mine alone. But now my real purpose is clear. I will never allow such a fate to befall any of you." Erik set eyes with him. "No matter what I have to do."

Leon laid his head against Erik's stomach and he felt the man's arms around him closer.

They returned to the mansion before sunset. Leon found the silence that greeted them very strange so close to dinner but did not think much of it as he made his way up. Taking his second and much longer shower of the day, he returned to his room. He changed into comfortable clothing and deposited his dog tags onto the dresser.

It was then that he noticed it. A small box left out on his pillow. Sitting on the bed, he picked it up.

Eyes still on it, he answered, "Come in," to the knock on his door.

Becky came in, dressed in a long blue skirt and pink crop-sleeved shirt. "You found it."

He then looked up. "This is from you?"

She sat next to him. "Go on. Open it."

Untying the silk ribbon, Leon removed the lid. Inside he found a gold piece that looked to be some sort of unique joining of a star and a cross on a chain.

Taking delicate hold of the necklace, he requested, "Will you help me?"

Nodding, Becky clipped the necklace on for him. "There you go. It looks great."

"Thank you." He cradled the emblem in one hand. "But why?"

With a grin, she took him by the hand. "Come on."

Leon had no time to further question her as she led the way out and down the stairs. The moment they reached the darkened dining room, the lights came on to reveal Erik, Charles, Alex, and the rest of the household.

"Surprise!" they chorused. "Happy birthday!"

"Happy birthday!" Trav felt the need to reiterate in a higher volume.

Raven rushed at him with a strong hug. "Happy nineteenth!"

Charles stepped up next to embrace him and pat his back. "Knocked you over with a feather, didn't we lad?"

"Happy birthday, dear." Emma kissed his cheek.

Alex captured him in a quick headlock. "Happy birthday, bro."

Erik brought the near entirely catatonic one over to the seat at the head of the table.

Cordelia helped Frank roll in the bakery fresh cake. Frank slid it over onto the table.

"Wow," Scott reacted to the tall plastic superheroes of Batman, Superman, the Flash, and Aquaman that decorated the sweet.

"Now Scottie," Alex bit back a laugh, "this is Lee's cake, remember?"

"I know." Though the boy could not fight his little pout completely.

"I want to light the candles!" Cody insisted.

"Alright, Cat." Logan handed him the lighter. "Let's get this party goin'."

Joey looked on in amazement that Cody would be allowed to handle such a tool.

The moment Cody finished lighting the "1" and "9" candles, the Happy Birthday melody began.

"Make a wish and blow them out," Becky prompted.

Leon finally spoke with, "… Why?"

She explained naturally, "Because your wish won't come true until they're blown out."

"No. I mean why," he looked around at the other X-Men, "are you doing this?"

"Leon, it's your birthday," Maya smiled.

Leon's response of, "So?" sent them all into silence.

Becky chose to field the explanation with, "Because we love you."

Facing her for a moment, Leon stood suddenly and made rapid tracks for the kitchen.

"Gentlemen," Emma raised a hand to slow Erik and Charles' movements. She went after the youth, finding him with one hand leaning against the refrigerator. "We never meant to overwhelm you. We thought you would enjoy a surprise party."

"Enjoy it? This is the greatest thing anyone's ever done for me," Leon slowly turned to look at her, "For years this day has been nothing more than an X on the calendar. A countdown to my escape to college at best. This entire week has been something for me to get through."

Emma nodded. "I know."

"And you?" Leon gestured towards her. "You have a cute little five-day-old baby. I thought you and Kayla had nothing more on your minds than itty bitty clothes and annoying objects that rattle for no good reason. The entire inside of your body is practically demolished."

"I love your phrasing," she commented.

"Why would you devote time to do something like this? For me?"

"Did you not hear the little princess?" Emma said. "Your family loves you, Leon. This is something I myself had to fully realize last Mother's Day. A celebration in my honor? I found it ludicrous. Nothing about me deserved such a thing. However, once the people in this house have their say, that's about all there is to it. I can assure you, even if we're in here until midnight, they'll still be out there. Though I can't promise Scott won't have pilfered your little super men."

Lowering his head, Leon slowly formed a smile. He waited for his head to steady then reached out to take hold of the hand the woman offered.

The moment they reappeared, Becky shot over. "Leon, are you okay?"

"Yes." He bent, bringing her into a hug. "I'm sorry. I just lost all feeling to my brain for a moment."

Victor shrugged. "Lo' could tell ya a thing or two about that."

"So could Cordy," Sean piped up.

Logan growled lightly at his brother while Cordelia poked a fingernail at the redhead.

"Alright, civility, people please," Charles requested. "This is a joyous occasion after all."

"Could you blow out these candles before we end up with mouthfuls of wax?" Frank said humorously to Leon.

Returning to his seat, Leon could only wonder what more he could ask for. When it hit him, he released a hearty breath, extinguishing the twin flames.

IIIIIII

"So, what part of training is this?" Leon wondered, venturing with Erik through the garage. "Do you want me to outrun your car or ride the roof of it while it's in motion?"

"Honestly, you children have it in your heads that I'm an absolute sadist monster." Erik smirked in satisfaction. "Good." He stopped after a few more paces. "Here we are."

Leon's eyes grew as they dared to take in the platinum and black machine before him. "Is that…?"

"The result of my having to sit through another round of test drives of these monstrosities? Yes." He fished a key ring out of his pocket. "Happy birthday, boychick."

On a shaky hand, Leon took the key. "You do realize I've been judged as insane by various parties, right?"

"Join the club," Erik countered simply. "So long as you realize the whipping that will be coming your way should you behave recklessly with this vehicle."

"But…" Leon stared at the motorcycle. "W—"

Erik cut in sharply with, "Start on that "why" business again and it goes back to the dealership in the morning."

"No, sir," Leon shook his head. "I'm sorry, thank you. Thank you." He went in to embrace him. "Though speaking of whipping- this morning was…?"

"A family tradition," Erik gave his bottom a pat, "I would have told you, but your sister would have had my head if I'd given away the surprise."

Leon's eyes darkened a little. "So then today was a fantastic form of distraction."

"Today," Erik spoke matter-of-factly, "was my opportunity to spend some time with my boychick on his birthday." Leon's mouth closed. "Now you're allowed one spin on this device then I want you inside. It'll be dark soon."

"Okay. Thanks again," Leon watched as the man started out of the garage and he got into a sitting position on the motorcycle, "Dad."

IIIIIII

Done with his second sneaker, Leon got up from his desk chair and walked towards his dresser. The rhythmic knock on his door made him slow down.

"Hey, it's me."

"Alex," Leon looked on as the blonde entered, "what's up?"

"Jam just called," Alex told him. "He wants to grab some food in the city to celebrate your birthday since you weren't in school yesterday. Dad gave us the OK."

Leon nodded. "Sounds great."

"And if you have any trouble keeping up on your new bike, don't worry," Alex smirked, "I'll add on some training wheels for you when we get home."

Leon feigned annoyance as the older teen took his leave. Looking back to his dresser top, he picked up and slipped on the star-cross. Seeing the dog tags that remained, he grasped them up as well. Making a brief fist, he sent them hurdling across the room until they collided with a wall. They slumped to the floor as Leon walked away.