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.

165. Chapter 165 Night of the Trackers

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Sixty Five

Author's Word: This chapter overlaps with/takes place during the events of the previous chapter. Throwing that out there to avoid confusion. Thanks so much for the last round of feedback. It's really what I needed. I have a better grip on things and I hope to be able to stay that way, so please keep praying. Also, please enjoy and review!

First round of articles loaded, the tall head of honey wheat moved over to his closet to further gather what he needed. Making his way into the bedroom unannounced, Logan situated himself cross-legged on the mattress and began pawing through the overnight bag.

"She plans on washin' and ironin' these for you, too?" Victor glanced back to see that his brother held up a pair of his boxers. "Or is that the maid's job?"

Snatching the garment back, Victor used them to slap him across the face. "Shut your hole, runt."
"Mm, mm, mm, mm," Logan stretched out across the bed, regarding the three button-down shirts on hangers he carried in one hand. "This dame's got you struttin' around like Mr. Swank."

"Oh look who's talkin'," Victor countered, laying the shirts down flat inside the bag. "Every time Kayla's ready to hit the town, you get down like a fifty cent hooker."

"Who's a hooker?" Cody came in on hopping feet.

"Your dad apparently." Logan made room for the boy to flop against him.

"Ooh, I'm tellin' Mama," Cody teased. "She says you're all hers; all of ya."

Winding an arm around his neck, Logan noogied him. "All the dough'd go to her, anyway."

Cody squirmed free and scooted over to peer inside his uncle's luggage. "Ooooh." He fished out another pair of underwear.

Logan tapped him on the bottom. "Don't get beside yourself, Cat."

Victor rolled his eyes. "I'd clock your heads together if the echo wasn't likely to cause a rockslide."

IIIIII

Lowering his Coke bottle, Chris requested, "Be honest with me."

A bite of her cake lingered at Cordelia's lips. "What about?"

"Is this Morrie kid the reason you've suddenly hung up gymnastics?"

"No," Cordelia answered with a strong shake of her head. "Trust me, he was completely flabbergasted. It just became too difficult trying to keep my mutation from taking over when I perform. I only want a little time to step back."

"Listen Baby Sis," Chris leaned forward from where he sat on the coffee table facing her, "mutation may have clean skipped over me, but you and I have one thing in common. Becoming too friendly with substances in order to… drown it all out. Whether you hold off on athletics or not, I don't want you to stumble off this good track you're on."

"I won't be like that again," Cordelia said positively. "Things are different now."

"Christian," the siblings looked over at their father joining them in the living room, "why don't you have a gander at some of Little Charles' new artwork? They're up in the recreation room."

Chris got to his feet. "If you want me to leave, you only need to say so."

Winston stared back at him dryly. "Somehow my saying so tends to end with you moving back home."

"You coddle me, Daddy." Chris applied a playful knock to Cordelia's forehead before strolling out.

"Bye, Big Brother," she said after him.

Leaving his scepter propped up against one arm of the sofa, Winston sat down beside his daughter. "I cannot get over how marvelously things have come for you, dear." His arm went around him and she snuggled into his side. "And this Mr. Bench seems to be," he thought on that a moment, "respectable company."

Cordelia shook her head glibly. "You're always so ready to throw together a wedding feast."

"However, if he is swaying the way of the military," Winston went on, "I want to caution your seriousness with this relationship. That's quite a commitment for one so young to take on."

"I know," Cordelia said, somewhat in her own mind there.

"You know I still remember that mutual joy felt between your mother and me when we were alone with you in her hospital room. At last, I said, this one looks exactly like me." Cordelia exhaled a laugh as he continued. "We were so happy, never expecting to be graced by another child." Winston gripped her shoulder gently and peered into her face. "No matter how difficult it may be to believe, your mother did love you, Cordy. Whatever else took place between us, that is a fact."

Younger blue eyes glossed, Cordelia propped up to wrap both arms around him. "I wish you didn't have to leave so soon, Daddy."

Winston kissed the top of her head. "I'd like you to check in on us in Boston sometime this summer. You can have the pleasure of giving your brother a hard time for a nice change of pace."

"Sounds fab," she smirked impishly.

IIIIIII

After checking in on their son, Logan returned to their suite and remarked to Kayla, "See you got him calmed down from all that sugar."

"Three stories later," Kayla added. She watched him change into soft pants and a t-shirt. "Are you sure you don't want one of the guys helping you tonight?"

"Vic needs to get a couple hours sleep to power that jet." Logan tossed his worn clothes into the tall wooden hamper. "Alex and the boys have class and Hank and the others got work." He zipped up his hood, coming over to her. "I'm good for all-night."

Kayla propped up on her knees, running beseeching hands down his chest. "That makes one of us."

Emitting a deep sensual growl, Logan stated, "You get finer and finer every time you carry my kids."

Kayla's expression sobered. "I really hope Victor can have this again one day."

"A guy doesn't always need to settle down to appreciate his lot, Fox."

"I know, but with everything you two have been through, all that he's done for us, the school- every job he's ever had," Kayla appeared thoughtful, "I'd like to see him with a woman he can look forward to returning to every night."

"Me, too," Logan had to admit.

"And who knows? This will probably be good for Adrienne Frost, too."

"If you ask me, she's got the better end of the deal." Logan kissed her then lowered onto the mattress to swap out his shoes.

IIIIIII

Dressed in long red and purple skirt with sleeveless white top, Angel made her way out alongside Adrienne through the garage. Victor waited beside Hank's car, as the scientist had offered them a ride to the airport.

"See to it that you and Cordy get some form of studying done in-between applying coats of nail polish," Adrienne instructed. "I'll see you on Sunday."

"Stay fabulous." Angel exchanged cheek pecks with her.

Victor bent down to hug the small teenager and sent into her ear, "Have all the fun in the world, baby."

Angel tugged on his shirt sleeve and stepped back after a few seconds. "I'm not in you guys' business, but keep it out of my bedroom."

Victor gave a light yank to a small portion of her hair while Adrienne warned, "Keep it up and I'll sublease your space."

Angel shot her something of a 'nuh uh' look then stepped back for them to load into the Lincoln. Turning to follow the movements out of the car, she watched it glide out of the garage. Smiling, Angel headed for the upstairs again.

IIIIIII

Spreading the doors to her sizable office open, Adrienne deposited her purse into the nearest chair.

Glancing back, she encouraged, "Make yourself at home. I'll try to sneak us out of here as soon as possible."

With a shrug, Victor dashed over and collapsed onto the couch with arms folded behind his head.

Not bothering with a comment, Adrienne concentrated on the stack of messages in her possession and made her way over behind her desk.

"Queen of Hearts!"

Eyes recovering from the sight of the tall figure in near neon purple leisure suit, Victor honed in on the platinum blonde with strands almost as long as his own.

Standing in full before she even had a chance to properly sit, Adrienne returned, "Clem!" Going over, she exchanged a brief embrace with him. "How were the Alps?"

"A cold dismal death." He stretched his arms out wide. "Ah, to be back in civilization," he then noticed the man out of the corner of his right eye, "but perhaps I spoke too soon. Don't tell me you're actually interviewing him."

"No, only dating him," Adrienne informed. "Victor Creed," she looked his way, "meet Clement Wilson. He's a freelance model."

Getting up, Victor approached with hand extended. "How you doin'?"

"Better than most." Clement loosely shook with him. "So, where did you two meet? The auto show?"

Victor replied, "Her dad's hot tub actually."

Clement limply let go of his hand. "Come again."

Adrienne let off a chuckle. "Victor does security at my brother-in-law's institute. We met last year while he was vacationing with my family."

"Ah, I see." Clement regarded the other blonde up and down before returning full attention to the woman in the room. "How is your Monday looking? I thought we could have lunch, catch up a bit."

"I'll have to check and give you a call back."

"Miss Frost- busy, busy, busy. Well, I have a full day ahead, too." He turned to go. "Nice meeting you, Vic."

Watching him stride away, Victor faced Adrienne with a raised eyebrow. "Tell me you never—"

"No," she cut in flat. "He's adorable but I've never had a remote interest. I'm afraid flirting and faux smiles simply come with the business. Speaking of, I need to get certain shareholders on the phone."

When she started back towards her desk, Victor moved faster and sat in the executive chair first.

She had to keep from screeching at his yanking her down onto his lap. "Oh stop it," she batted at him halfheartedly, "you living breathing scandal." Adrienne released a sharp feminine utterance when he began spinning the chair vigorously. "What are you doing?"

Stopping suddenly, he told her, "You didn't say please."

IIIIIII

Ball going from left palm to right, the shades adorned boy in blue shorts and Jaguars t-shirt continued the singular juggling trick while proceeding through the hall.

"Sure gonna be weird having practice without Vic."

Walking along with him, Frank brought up, "At least you don't have a game this weekend."

In a yellow and blue shorts outfit, Becky moved by twirling on the tips of her toes and waving her pom-poms about. "I hope Adrienne doesn't get any witchy ideas about hogging Knight Victor all the time now."

"Nah, Adrienne's not so bad," Frank defended. "She's just, you know, one of those fancy uptown ladies. I bet Vic'll make her happy."

"Here's hoping." As they started down the stairs, Scott abruptly lost control of the ball. "Uh oh."

Coming up, Charles caught the white sphere. "Indeed." He set the young Cyclops with a stern look. "Not in the house, Mr. Summers. You know that."

"Yes, sir. Sorry." Scott bit his lip. "May I have it back?"

Charles tossed it lightly over to him. "And see to it that you hit one out of the park with it."

"Yes, sir," Scott repeated with a brighter expression in place.

"Come straight home from practice now," Charles directed as they paraded by him.

"Yes, Uncle Charles," Becky called back.

The Professor watched them leave through the front before continuing on his own way.

IIIIIII

The beaming sun overhead casted glorious rays, illuminating the already golden sand. Stepping forward on the otherwise deserted shore, she allowed the mild water to flicker against her exposed toes. Hurling towel to one empty chair, Adrienne remained in her cherry one-piece halter suit. Starting out on a slow sprint, she soon hastened until jumping right in. The body of water enveloped her entire form and rejuvenated it.

Raising head up, she looked to one short cliff where the one in tan trunks perched. Then executing a somersault, he came down in a cannonball.

Adrienne laughed at the new moisture that splashed her. Lowering again, she met eyes with the other diver. They performed a swirling dance motion then took off in a side-by-side stroke. All too soon, though, Adrienne had to return to surface to absorb the air. She squinted at the water as Victor only continued on.

She clamped hands over his bicep and he at last came up. "How on earth can you function in such a way?"

Victor pounded his chest. "These lungs don't have to follow the standard rules."
Adrienne countered, "Well, this heart is still restricted to the standard rules for avoiding an attack."

Victor laid back in the water. "Nice to know I get some reaction out of that thing."

Moving to climb on top of the wet but furry chest, Adrienne remarked, "Aren't you the tortured soul?"

Victor stroked the dampened red strands. "Ain't you the torturer?"

Dipping her head under his chin, Adrienne relaxed there. Victor sent both arms around her, keeping her locked in place.

When they finally settled on the shore, they laid out on a white picnic blanket. The setting sun left their surroundings in swirls of magnificent colors.

Taking another bite of lobster, Adrienne said, "Here's hoping the marine life doesn't revolt against us."

Victor finished a portion of his sushi. "You know, this grub's better here than what they had in Tokyo."

Adrienne gazed up at him from where she stretched out stomach down. "And what were you doing in Japan?"

"Me and my brother spent some time out there years back," Victor recollected. "We got a chance to hone our fighting skills even better, but it had this calm to it at the same time."

"I can't begin to imagine all the things you've seen."

Victor offered out, "Wait until you get a better look at what's out there. Beyond the country club and keepin' up phony appearances."

She propped up on an elbow. "Dare I say you find me a snob?"

"I find you," Victor eyed her all over, "well-guarded. I ought to know. Security's my business. No faux smiles, but flirtin?..."

Adrienne's lips upturned in a way that hinted at anything but faux.

IIIIIII

Brown eyes focused on the twelve foot ivory ceiling with gold plated light fixture dangling, it took only the briefest moment for his attention to return to the left portion of the bed. There the medium fair skinned creature with tints of azalea about her cheek bones lay beside him. Wrapped in burgundy satin night dress, one arm laid across his broad chest.

The allure of the red strands taking over him, Victor's fingers combed gently through her long hair that intertwined with his. With the carefully silent technique learned throughout his many years, he detached her from his person in order to sit up. Bringing knees up towards his front, he lingered that way for some time, captivated by her slumber. He quietly dropped one foot onto the area rug followed by the other. When he stood fully, he picked up his robe to put on over his white pajama bottoms. Before leaving the room, he brushed lips across her temple.

On his way into the kitchen, he took the time to click on the television set to the morning news then had to adjust his eyes to the color picture. He kept it as low as possible and his ears, naturally, had no trouble following things word for word even as he went to work in the eatery. Glad that Adrienne's fridge contained more than mineral water and takeout from many moons passed, he prepared two heavily loaded omelets with toast.

Entering like one back from exile, Adrienne demanded to know, "What are you doing in my kitchen?"
"Somethin' you don't know a thing about. Cookin'." Victor shrugged one shoulder towards her coffee maker. "Hope that's got a decent taste to it. I don't know much about these fancy French gadgets."

Adrienne retrieved a large mug to pour and inhaled the aroma. "Tres bon. Je suis heureux."

"Merci." To her raised eyebrow he pointed out, "Never said I couldn't talk the talk."

"Je vois." Adrienne took a seat at the table to add sugar from the bowl. "Dear Angel can handle herself in the kitchen quite nicely. Once she retires from glamour, she'll make a fine wife. Whether any worthy gentleman will be equally fine a husband is another story."

"That's the last thing in the world that girl needs to worry about." Victor placed her plate down before sitting across from her with his own.

"Your watchful instinct is a delight." Adrienne unfolded a cloth napkin to lay on her lap.

"Your old man probably said the same thing to you as a kid."

Adrienne enjoyed a lengthy sip of coffee before responding with, "Daddy's goal for his girls was to have us married off to the most fitting suitor. Not so much with Cordy but she is the baby after all. Yet ironically Chris was the first to marry- and divorce- twice."

"And you're the one with the company," Victor raised.

"Darn it all," Adrienne used her fork to make a light stabbing motion, "if only I didn't lack male parts."

Victor scoffed soundly. "If ya didn't, we'd be eatin' breakfast on opposite sides of the country right about now."

Adrienne laughed gingerly then noticed his sudden shift in countenance. "What is it?"

"Thought I heard somethin' on TV. Be back in a minute." Rising, he went out into the living room.

Standing over the flashing box, he waited for the story to conclude then started up towards the master bedroom. Undressed out of nightwear quickly, he tugged out his overnight bag from underneath the bed to remove the articles at the very bottom of it.

Adrienne stepped into the doorway as he finished getting into his long leather coat. "Where on earth are you going dressed like that?"

"Hey." He looked at her while attempting to gather other items into his pockets. "I figure you have some kind of work load in front of you today, so what do you say we meet up tonight for dinner?"

"Dinner?" Adrienne echoed as if the word was ripe with filth. "Oh no, no, no, no, no."

"What, is tonight some kind of fasting thing for you models or what?"

She marched over to stand before him. "I'm no fool, Victor Creed. If you're moronic enough to don a full-length coat during May in San Diego, you're into something. I know very well that these X-garments and this," she flicked a hand towards his coat, "brown rag are some sort of red cape for you."

Victor leveled eyes with her. "Listen, I need to head out for a while but it's important. With the jet's speed, It'll hardly take me two hours to get there."

"To get where?" an utterly puzzled Adrienne wanted to know.

"Kansas."

Blinking at him, she sat on the bed and crossed her legs, placing folded hands over one knee. "Oh I must hear this."

Lowering to her new level, Victor began with, "You remember me tellin' you about those mutants we went up against in Hank's hometown? Edge Pack?"

"Led by he who very nearly killed my sister and unborn nephew in one strike?" She nodded. "Vaguely."

"Puma's down for the count, but those punks of his are still out there," Victor said. "They were talkin' on the news about a string of bank robberies across central Kansas with one just last night. They said it looked like an honest to God zoo came through and rampaged the place."

"If he is dead, what concern of this is ours?" Adrienne reasoned plainly. "Those banks should be insured for their losses. And if they're operating by night's veil and go unseen, they should be of no threat to mutant kind."

"They've got a young girl with 'em," Victor told her. "Kid can't be any more than fourteen. If they get caught up, I'm not lettin' her go down with them."

"You expect to play rescuer to one who willingly works with such low lives?"

"She was experimented on, Adrienne," Victor emphasized. "Her head's screwed up. On top of that, with the way she looks nobody's going to have an ounce of sympathy for her. She'll wind up inside a real zoo and that's the best case scenario."

With a small sigh, Adrienne said, "I see your point. Fine," she got up, "just let me change."

"Hold on," Victor stood after her, "I know you don't think you're ridin' shotgun."

Adrienne eyed him crossly. "And I know you don't think I'm going to busy myself here while you fly off. Who do you take me for, an imbecilic investigative reporter unable to see through a thin pair of glasses?"

Victor raised a silencing hand. "Not up for debate, Adrienne. I'll call you when I land."

As he marched for the door, she seized hold of a silk pillow and tossed it at the back of his head. "No!" He glanced back sharply at her. "We were supposed to spend this weekend together. I made closet space for you, dammit! You're allowed to follow me to work but I must remain on the sidelines for yours? Absolutely not! Now, my powers might not have sufficient enough "razzle dazzle" for you but they're better than you venturing off against an entire band of mutants all on your own."

Staying in place for some passing seconds, Victor walked back to her, no-nonsense expression in place. "I give the word. Not a damn thing happens to you. Not a damn thing." She nodded at him. "Get dressed." He left her with that.

While he waited, Victor kept his concentration on the TV. Soon her scent grew closer and he glanced up at her entry. She wore a single piece deep black full body suit that zipped to her chest line along with equally dark boots and gloves.

He remarked, "You been holdin' out."

She said offhandedly, "Last season's risk collection."

When she came to him, he asked, "You know how to handle a weapon?"

Adrienne stared at him sardonically. "No, I'm merely a single woman living alone in California carrying a trusty police whistle. Again, who do you think I am?"

Standing to his full height from where he leaned against the couch, he answered, "My girlfriend," and swept by her in search of equipment.

IIIIIII

Patrol car loaded, the navy vehicle started away from the present wreckage the previous day knew as Greenburg Savings and Loan. Keen former military eyes locked on them until they made it down the road, Sabretooth inched back a few paces and turned around.

"'Bout time," he grumbled.

"I didn't think the spectators would ever die down." Adrienne then quipped, "Though with a population of seven hundred, I'm sure a bank robbery wins out over a barn raising."

"Let's go." Sabretooth headed towards the rear of the building.

Winding one arm around Adrienne's waist, he took a leap to return them to ground level. His claws acted as their means of getting through the yellow tape attempting to block passage from the destroyed back door.

Nostrils flaring, Sabretooth knelt to his belly to point nose at the floor.

Adrienne inquired, "Is it Edge Pack?"

"It's them," Sabretooth confirmed, rising up onto one knee. "But trails cool off overnight. Plus we got cop and civilian scents laced with it, too. It'll take some doin', but I can tail 'em."

Removing her glove, Adrienne ran fingers over the countertop. "Aria Moore."

Sabretooth gazed up at that. "That Vipera girl. One of the kids who grew up with Hank."

"Apparently, she didn't grow quite as well as he did." Adrienne looked to him while indicating the thick claw marks under her hand. "This is her handiwork. If we search around I should be able to hone in on someone with an attachment to their whereabouts." At the thunderstruck eyes she received from him, she said matter-of-factly, "You have your way of tracking. I have mine."

A captivated smirk formed on his face.

IIIIIII

"Oh mother dear, see here, see here.
For we have found our mittens.

Put on your mittens, you silly kittens…"

Stitched on smile currently hung upside down, the button eyes attached to cloth face took in the odd angled view along the short hallway. Once they reached the downstairs, the doll came up to meet the gaze of the one who held her. The pink lips murmured to the rag toy.

When the door opened and closed so sharply, piercing eyes shot over to see who had returned. The leonine orbs of pale green relaxed at the presence of the incoming birdy, who wore his special skin instead of his big wings.

Before he could even fully step into the wide parlor, the enormous creature came down to block his path in a pounce.

"Where were you?"

"Out." An even but grudging patience resided on Tim's face at the large hand keeping him from moving.

"Do not think that this weak, worthless human guise gives you any superiority over the rest of us," Puma narrowed dull gold eyes at him, "You need to be on-call at all times."

"If it weren't for this weak, worthless guise there'd be no one to deposit these hauls," Tim reminded pointedly. "Hell, we'd still be skulking around Chicago."

"All of this is only temporary," Puma emphasized.

From the other end of the hall, Spiral strode their way. "Eagle Eye, about time." She then asked Puma, "Are we ready?"

With a gesture of his head, they took his cue to follow. Tabby scuttled along after them.

Light proved something of a scarcity due to the closed blinds in the den, much like the rest of the house. Orb Weaver suspended from the ceiling on a web made hammock. Slither reclined back in a chair, the lengthy tail that consisted of his lower body rolled out over the floor like carpeting. Tim dropped down to join Vipera on the couch. Tabby sat on her knees by the coffee table, making the strings of red that made up her doll's hair straighten and coil right back into place.

Puma leaned over the chair that allowed him to face them all. "I have locations in Wichita mapped out for you. You'll have to be swift to make it to all three. Slit any security or police that try to become involved."

Vipera commented, "That's unlikely. These backwater towns can hardly count on Barney Fife level law enforcement."
"I can't believe we left Chicago for this," raised Tim. "I keep waiting on Toto to show up in the backyard."

"Once these jobs are completed, we can move on to the next stage," said Puma. "You, Vipera, and Spiral are on tonight. Weaver and Slither will remain here to act as search if you are not back before one AM."

"I want to go," Tabby piped up.

"She can distract them if trouble does show up," Tim put forth.

"No," Puma turned down. "She's still too much of a liability at this point."

"Preparations must be made for her," stated Orb Weaver. "She never gets out at all."

Tim mumbled, "Must be a cat thing…"

Irises of his eyes thinning at that, Puma directed, "Get ready." As the group proceeded out, he snatched Tim back by the arm. "If you do not learn to keep your mouth shut, I will ensure that your human form is too mangled for the public to behold."

Tim quietly bobbed his head and continued out.

A lingering Spiral walked up to Puma, putting two of her numerous hands on his tight bicep. "It would do you well to get out more often."

He shook his head. "Not until I can increase my strength."

"You're killing yourself as it is."

"Believe me," Puma moved out of her touch, "death will never come near my doorstep so easily again." Going over to the couch, he sat down and ran clawed hands through the scalp area of the one still situated on the floor.

Tabby kept eyes locked with her doll. "Put on your mittens, you silly kittens.
And you shall have some pie. Meow, meow, meow…"

IIIIIII

Back propped up against the roadside advertisement for Sal's Grub Shack, Adrienne threw out, "Billboards are becoming a habit of ours."

"Not necessarily a bad one," Sabretooth responded, crouched with his focus forward.

Keeping as low as possible, Adrienne slid over to get right behind his shoulder. "You can honestly see it from here?"

He answered, "Like a regular telescope. Sunset was over an hour ago. They'll be on the move any time."

"If they're operating tonight."

Sabretooth stated near knowingly, "They're operatin' tonight."

Adrienne rested her chin on his back. "Ever the active soldier." She rolled her head back toward the cloudy above. "I suppose a full moon is too monumental a request."

Glancing back, Sabretooth caressed her cheek. "I know this ain't exactly Paris."

"Paris I've seen." She laid her hand over his. "The prowl, however, has a certain provocative element."

The unmistakable motor sounding out made him return his visage ahead. "They're leavin' now." He waited a minute for the van to arrive on the road. "Let's move."

Wrapping arms and legs around him, Adrienne had to suck in her breath as he began the rapid trek across the tree tops.

At the shudder that seeped from his shoulder blades down, Puma stepped back in a rigid motion.

Slither came through the main level in time to see the stiff male bump into and knock over a table.

Stilling the pink plastic spoon, Tabby left the doll on the floor as she approached the single corner window in her room. Mouth forming into a circle at the one just beyond the glass, she worked the lock and raised it.

Her eyes carried a sparkle as she acknowledged, "Big Daddy Cat!"

Female comrade in tow, Victor swung them inside and onto the nearby bed. "Yep," he got down, coming upon the elated lass. "It's me, baby. You got no idea how good it is to see you."

Tabby bounced shortly on her tows then took in the woman he'd brought along and came towards her in a near hypnotic state. "Big pretty dolly…"

Stepping down slowly, Adrienne marveled at the living breathing leonine fledging with long platinum blonde hair and curled tail. She wore blue lounge pants striped with white and a t-shirt.

"What in the world did they…?" Adrienne cupped both cheeks of the exotic creature.

Tabby herself proved content to bat at the older female's hair.

"We need to move, ladies." Sabretooth made a path for the window only to have to jump back at the face of the arachnid popping up.

A stream of webs sprung out, coating Sabretooth to the back wall in an instant.

"Once you enter the spider's parlor," Orb Weaver wriggled inside, moving along the ceiling, "there is no way out."

Yanking the floor lamp straight out of its cord, Adrienne wielded it like a sword. "My kingdom for a can of raid."

Jerking at his restraints that kept his hands pressed to the wall, Sabretooth ordered, "Adrienne, get her out of here."

"Be still," Adrienne instructed the girl behind her, stepping down.

The redhead swung it out with a wide strike and Orb Weaver seized hold of it with a web. Adrienne only yanked back on the lamp. Orb Weaver bounded her ankles together with a web rope and pulled it to make her fall back.

The door shot open next and Slither made his way inside. Going straight for Sabretooth, the serpent figure stood with unblinking eyes before the feline male. Sabretooth fought to snatch away but his gaze seemed locked in place. He released a struggling grunt before his head dipped.

A choked breath escaped Adrienne. "What the hell did you do to him?"

Veering around in a slow motion, Slither stated, "You'll soon feel it yourself." Gliding along on his tale, he pinned her with his stare.

Adrienne gasped and grabbed her head with both hands, sinking to the floor quickly.

Tabby reached out a pleading hand but seemed unable to move any further from her position.

IIIIIII

Old mildew combined with several unpleasant aromas made the surrounding atmosphere ripe. Drips of water in one corner and the scattering of small insects sounded. Eyelids cracking open minimally, the tall form pacing back and forth across the cement floor could be made out. The pale gold eyes fixated on him with a ferocious wrath.

"Sabretooth…" Venom laced the heavy tone.

"Puma." Trying a feeble attempt at movement, the X-Man found his arms secured to the stone wall by chains that offered the smallest amount of circulation to his wrists. "Or are you goin' by Lazarus these days?"

The large figure stepped across the floor, the one tiny window in the room providing miniscule illumination to his face. "I survived radiation poisoning and a grotesque transformation. You honestly believed you had it within you to kill me?"

"Them shrilled screams you were givin' off helped that theory along. Or was that some type of secret hissin' power that went over my head?" At the kick to his chin, only the force created by the foot made Sabretooth move. Looking right back to the one over him, he deduced, "So this is your big rematch? But then again, I'm sure you were on your way back to my stompin' grounds. Sure, any day now."

Puma dipped to establish their eye contact. "I will bring your end. But first I will finish what I started with your so beloved X-Men, especially Hank McCoy."

"No kiddin'? Okay, let me just give you a little piece of advice, kiddo." Sabretooth stretched his neck out as best he could to get in near to the other male's ear. "Try not to shit yourself this time around."
Lips practically foaming with a snarl, Puma slapped at him with claws bared.

II

Proceeding up into the space with the use of all eight sprawled limbs, Orb Weaver crawled over the wooden plank floors. Arms and legs bound together by webs on opposite walls, the crimson haired woman lay suspended several feet up. First snapping her feet loose, Orb Weaver undid the web on her wrists and lowered the slumbering miss into his four arms. The exquisite face reflected against his numerous orchid colored eyes.

As he danced fingers along her neck to reach her cheek, his hand paused along with his entire body as sharp agony overcame him. Dipping his head, he discovered the thin blade shoved into his middle.

"In self-defense," her eyes opened, casting cold blue eyes upon him, "sometimes your best bet is to play dead." She then forcibly yanked the boot knife out of him, causing him to lower painfully before her. "I take it it's your first day in the jungle?" She slid the knife back up her sleeve.

While Orb Weaver sought to control his bleeding with the aide of all arms, Adrienne walked by him. Stopping suddenly, she stomped her boot down on one of his ankles. He howled out at the unexpected contact.

"That was for getting fresh." She dashed for the stairs that would see her out of the attic.

II

Another punch connected, now directed at the very center of his mouth. Turning his head to one side, Sabretooth spat out the resulting blood. Puma loomed over him, shoulders shaking with both lassitude and ire.

"Congratulations, pal," Sabretooth breathed heavily, "you got the edge- over a guy chained to a wall."

New rage birthing within him, Puma raised both sets of claws.

"Don't you even dream about it." Reacting to the new voice, Puma rushed to his feet and glanced back. At the top of the stairs, Adrienne aimed a derringer his way. "Getting catty with him is my job."

Puma chuckled with great sincerity. "You believe that toy frightens me?"

"Nope," a cold dread washed over Puma as he sensed the presence from behind, "that's my job." The moment he turned around, he received a metallic slap to the face strong enough to send him down. "Thanks for clearin' my head from your boy's little nap. Was wonderin' when you'd pop out. I caught your scent within ten yards of this place. By the way," Sabretooth dropped the restraints down on top of him, "me and chains don't mix."

Adrienne returned the small gun to its original positioning within her boot. "Leave him. We have to find the child."

Sabretooth's eyes widened at the abrupt shadow casting over her. "Down!"

Before she received the opportunity, Adrienne fell down the few steps and collided hard with the floor.

Slither forced her arms behind her back. "Your trickery won't work this time around."

Rushing over, Sabretooth grabbed Slither by the tail. He snatched up the serpent mutant and hurled him around in a triple motion before flinging him across the basement.

Righting himself again, Puma declared, "You will not get the better of me again." Leaping over onto the top of the stairs, he charged out of the basement.

Sabretooth started after him but his gaze went down.

Adrienne fished out the gun again. "I'm right behind you."

Words spoken, Sabretooth went to all fours and galloped out of the lower level. Nose guiding him, he narrowed the scent back to Tabby's room and felt the pulse in his chest pound that much harder. Reaching the space, he caught her in Puma's vice grip just before he scurried out of the window with her.

"Tabby!" Practically soaring behind them, he hurried up the nearby tree along with them.

Once closest to the top, Puma stopped on a thick branch, allowing Tabby's kicking feet to dangle in front of him.

"Stop!" Situated on a wooden limb right across from them, Sabretooth demanded, "Put her down!"

Puma glowered narrowly at him. "I will shatter every bone in her body before I let her become yours."

Adrienne ran out to the back of the house and began her way up the tree.

"She's a little girl!" Sabretooth urged. "She's one of yours. You can't just throw her away."

Gasping for air, Tabby turned beseeching eyes on her leader. "Big kitty…"

Turning away from her gaze quickly, Puma stayed focused on Sabretooth. "If you get in my way again, she will only be the first." He let go of her and her scream pierced across the yard.

"No!" Sabretooth roared, dropping right after her.

At the middle point of the tree, Adrienne flung herself as far as she could. She managed to grab onto the ivory furred girl. Absorbing most of the impact at ground level, Adrienne rolled her over onto the grass. When she arrived on her stomach, Tabby attempt to burrow into the green blades, whimpering.

Sabretooth landed between the two females. "It's okay, baby." He ushered the now shivering girl into his solid grasp. "I've gotcha. I got you…" He hovered over the redhead. "Adrienne?"

Groaning as she sat up, the woman insisted, "I'll live." She caught Sabretooth's furious gaze float towards the top of the tree. "Forget the coward. We have to get out of here."

A snarl lingering in his throat, Sabretooth coiled one arm around Adrienne's waist to hoist her up then hurried away with the two clinging to him.

IIIIIII

With the aide of his mutation, Erik kept the receiver in the air between the two chess chairs so that both Headmasters could hear the speaker.

"Just finished checkin' in with my brother. This weekend. It's been- it's been wild, I'll tell ya."

"We can say much the same on our end," Erik told him. "Perhaps details would be best left to morning when all heads have cleared."

"First thing, bosses," said Victor. "Trust me, we got a lot to go over."

"We look forward to it, Victor," Charles leaned over towards the mouth piece, "along with the return of your trusted vigilance."

"'Preciate it. Alright, I'll see ya." Hanging up the kitchen line, Victor walked out to where Adrienne sat on the living room sofa in soft shorts and a tank top. He took a seat and laid her thoroughly bruised legs on his lap. "Be still." He began applying the chilled towels from the bucket of ice water he'd brought out with him. "We need to keep this swell down."

"It looks worse than what it is," she claimed, situating one towel around her neck to comfort her shoulders.

"You could hardly take two steps," Victor reminded.

"Thank God for ibuprofen."

Victor sent messaging fingers over her left ankle. "Thank God for you."

Adrienne eyed him. "A mutual sentiment. Though, it appears I'll be missing about a week of work. I show up battered at the same time my boyfriend arrives for a visit? No one ever believes that mutated jungle creature story." Victor chuckled within his chest. Adrienne glanced towards the upstairs. "Do you think she'll be alright up there?"

"That tranquilizer really did the trick for her."

Adrienne faced him knowingly. "Not at all what I meant."

Victor bobbed his head. "Yeah, I know. Well, I'm gonna be up a while. Come on." He started to stand. "I'll get you settled in Angel's room."

Adrienne gripped him at the wrist. "I'm fine exactly where I am."

Not bothering with an argument and certainly not up for one, Victor retook his seat. He helped Adrienne move over to recline against his chest. Victor reached over to click on the TV and they remained palpable quiet, watching the tail end of Singin' in the Rain.

A little under an hour went by before Victor's hair practically stood on end at the resonating scream. He barreled for the stairs. A formerly dozing Adrienne used the arm of the couch to help herself up.

When Victor made it to the master bedroom, he could not move fast enough before both hands punched straight through the glass of one window.

"Tabby, no!" He shot over, prying her away from the remaining shards.

A mix of screeching and moaning echoed off the child. While Victor held her at the waist, she swung out her fists, knocking everything clean off an end table.

"Baby, calm down." Victor forced her back.

Spinning in his grasp, she pawed at him with a desperately confused countenance. "Stop, stop, stop!" Tears streamed down her furry cheeks as she shrieked, "Make them stop! It hurts! Please!"

Adrienne came in slowly, supporting herself by whatever objects she passed. "Victor?"

Lowering them both to the floor, Victor pulled Tabby in close to his chest. The purring made her cries slow down to large intakes of air but her body continuously shook against him. Victor focused entirely on her, stroking gently at her hair.

Upon closer inspection, Adrienne observed the once white hands of the girl coated in blood. Getting down with a muffled groan at the leg throbbing, she gathered the lace handkerchiefs strewn on the floor next to them and began silent work on cleaning the cuts.