X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Seventy Four

Author's Word: My grand apologies for this being a little later than usual. A few small complications got in the way. Now that they're thankfully out, please enjoy and review!

Oh, one more thing and a tiny bit random. Cast a vote for your favorite instructor. To make it easier, place a vote for favorite Headmaster and instructor (Hank, Emma, Alex, Victor, Logan, Kayla, and even throw Trick in there if you wish) and why. This is not about favorite characters but more their individual styles as instructors. Now would be a good time to put in any thoughts regarding the upcoming Anniversary Special as well. Okay, go. Enjoy, review, love!

Softly illuminated by the gold moon and stars lamp situated on a short end table by the rocking chair, Charles walked the center of the nursery. He clutched his infant son near to his chest and Brian nuzzled against and gripped the plush material of the robe with his bitty fists. Pressing lips to the top of the round head, Charles could not help the inward pride that bore in him when he felt the delicate strands. The fair hair made him all the happier due to how much more it made their son resemble Emma.

Here we are, my little dreamer. Charles gently lowered the now at ease baby back into his crib and covered him with the hand-stitched quilt. Daddy will see you in the morning. I love you.

Stepping back from the crib in a backwards maneuver, Charles went over to click off the lamp then quietly departed the nursery.

Before he could return to his own quarters, he sensed further distress on the floor. He made his way to Sean's room and even under the meager lighting the windows offered, he easily honed in on the tossing and turning. Charles came in fully and joined him on the bed. He seized the restless body and applied two fingers to the top of the redhead.

When he met with the images, the sights of the medical equipment and the hands everywhere did not surprise the Professor in the slightest. Though the boy remained himself for the most part during the day, Charles did not expect the ordeal to be so easily forgotten come night's reign. Without causing him further mental discomfort, Charles managed to clear the young head of the unpleasantness. He himself relaxed at Sean's calming form. Charles tucked him back into bed and stayed in position beside him. After a few minutes, he finished stroking the red hair and took his leave. Then the despondency struck him and directed him to another room.

Approaching the bed carefully, he took a moment to feel the pillow; damp but not as soaked as normally when a spell hit. Crouching, Charles placed a hand on Leon's back. Well aware that he still was not the young man's first choice of telepaths, he did not allow that to stop him from ordering the sorrow far back. When Leon's tears slowed, Charles managed to rearrange the pillows to give him something dry to sleep against. He smiled at the nineteen-year-old who appeared the full picture of an unbothered little lad; rare indeed where it concerned Leon.

Once he arrived back inside his own bedroom, the pleasure on his features grew at the sleeping Emma pawing at his side of the bed. Charles removed and dropped his robe onto the nearest chair. He rejoined her in bed and felt sleep take him away nearly the instant he connected with the sheets.

IIIIIII

Departing the master bathroom in her white with pink blossom print robe, Emma reacted to and stared fondly at the figure still attached to the mattress. She dipped to maneuver on the bed and crawled out until she resided on top of him.

Help me, sugar.

Immediately popping eyes open at the distress call, Charles peered back into the radiant face. What is it, love?

She inched in closer to his forehead. Your wife is lonely.

Aww, Charles' lips twisted apologetically, I'm afraid your husband is positively drained.

Oh? Well, the baby's still sleeping. So why don't I, she began kissing from his chest up to his jaw, revitalize you?

Charles brought his arms around her slim frame and kissed her hard, but had to pull back within a few seconds. I'm sorry, sweetheart.

Emma absorbed his pained expression. Are you alright?

Yes, but terribly exhausted. He gathered a section of her hair into his hand. I'm so sorry, my love. The mind is not giving the flesh any favors.

Understanding countenance in place, Emma kissed him again. Not another word, Professor. You get some more rest and I'll go see about the children.

Charles looked back at her with utmost thanks but silently swore when her warm body left his. Still, he followed her instructions and closed his eyes again.

Awakening half an hour later, he hastened to shower and dress in gray slacks and a beige short-sleeved collared shirt. Once he had his shoes on, he started out into the hall. When he came to the stairs, he had to pause suddenly and grip the railing. The steps swirled and multiplied before his eyes and he bowed his head away from the sight.

He then felt a strong hand wave through his brown hair. "Bad hair day, Lab Rat?"

Charles glanced over his shoulder with a small smile. "Erik. I'm afraid I'm running a bit behind this morning."

"I expected nothing less after you became a married man."

Charles gave him a faux cross look then said, "How I wish that was the culprit." He then touched his head again.

Erik's brow creased at the moan he picked up from the younger man. "Charles?" He gripped his shoulder.

"Long night," the Professor dismissed, meeting Erik's gaze again. "It left me awfully famished."

"Let's get some food in you." Erik took his arm to guide down the stairs.

The Headmasters arrived in the dining room to see most of their household together at the table. As soon as they took their chairs, Becky got up to give the men's cheeks greeting kisses.

"Like magic." Charles gave her a squeeze at the waist. "Thank you, Princess."

Becky smiled and took over her regular place.

Noticing two particularly empty spots, Erik asked, "Did Alex and Leon leave already?"

Victor confirmed, "Bright and early to pick up their buddy."

Charles took the opportunity to address them all. "And remember everyone, while Jamal is visiting with us this weekend there are to be no power displays whatsoever nor talk of mutation."

Frank mentioned, "So Maya coming to dinner all over again. But I guess Sean won't break into a freak sweat this time."

Cordelia laughed and Sean sneered at both of them.

Maya proved flattered. "Really?"

Sean faced her. "I just wanted everything to be at least half as perfect as you are. But I only had these guys to work with."

"Uncle Erik?" Trav piped up curiously. "How come we can't be mutants around anybody but Maya?"

Erik answered him with, "Because Maya possesses something many outsiders do not. Trustworthiness and loyalty."

"And a dang good shot," Logan added, resulting in laughter from members of the table.

Before breakfast concluded, Alex paraded in with a declaration of, "Westchester University has arrived!"

At the sight of the one between her twin and Leon, Raven hopped up with a giddy screech. "Jam!"

Dropping his overnight bag, Jam caught her and gave her a short spin. "Queen Rae!"

As soon as he placed her down, the four students began the enthused chant of, "WU, WU, WU, WU!"

"Yoo-hoo, WU," Erik spoke out to get their attention.

"Sorry, guys," said Alex, returning to earth. He placed an arm around Jam and led him over to the table. "Come meet everybody. I take it you remember this guy."

"Hard to forget." Jam offered his hand. "Nice to see you, Mr. Lehnsherr."

"Jamal," Erik shook the young one's appendage, "I hear congratulations are in order."

"Yes," said Charles. "Going from a half scholarship to a full. That's an outstanding accomplishment."

"Thank you." Jam turned to shake with him next. "Now don't tell me. Professor Xavier, Oxford grad, far out mega genius who knows about everything."

Charles appeared taken aback by this. "I see my reputation not only precedes me but exaggerates terribly."

"The twins always talk about you," Jam informed. "Alex is wild about you."

Charles looked to the young man in question. "Is he?"

Alex tried to hide his bashful smile.

When the introductions continued, Jam acknowledged Hank, Sean, and the McCoy children with familiarity then studied Cordelia for a moment. "Wait a minute. Aren't you the girl from the party who was—?"

"Oh that's her," Sean felt the need to confirm.

Cordelia sunk in her chair.

Leon came over to reassure her, "People have done crazier. Take it from me."

After he became properly introduced to everyone, Jam said, "I'm sorry to interrupt your breakfast like this."

"Don't be silly," Emma promptly waved off. "Sit down and join us."

Trav stood up. "You can sit with me, Jam."

"Thanks, Bambi boy." Jam went around, lowering and accepting the excitable six-year-old into his lap.

"Anybody who's coming with us needs to hustle up after breakfast," Alex told them. "I need to get some practice in."

Jam looked away from Raven loading up a plate for him. "Your contest's the day after tomorrow, right?"

"Yep," Alex nodded.

"My twin," Raven retook her seat as she spoke, "sir surf champ."

While the young people went on about the day ahead, Charles found himself forcing down bites. His formerly eager appetite had depleted considerably.

IIIIIII

Water pistols fully loaded, the Eye Scream Team raced along squirting each other. Not watching his step, Scott tumbled backwards over where Becky attempted to bury Hank under the sand.

"Are you alright?" the girl asked urgently.

Scott sat up, knocking sand out of his hair. "Yeah, I'm okay, Rebecca."

Hank, who only had his head visible, cautioned, "Let's try to keep accidents to a minimum while we're out here."

"Got it." Scott then hurried up to continue playing with Frank.

Carrying over a collection of seaweed and various other beach paraphernalia, Cody deposited the goods. "Look what I found."

"Good. We can use that to add color." Gingerly removing the bucket, Joey successfully added another tower to the growing castle.

Grinning, Trav wondered, "How big can we make it?"

Joey determined, "Let's make it bigger than Buckingham Palace."

Trav then asked, "Where is Bucky-ham Palace?"

Joey explained, "Where Daddy's from. England."

Trav's excitement grew. "Was he born in the palace?"

"I don't think so." Though Joey often considered such questions himself when it came to his father.

"Oh honey," Raven took hold of Kiki's hand before it could touch down on one particular shell, "don't mess with that one."

Kiki flashed quizzical brown eyes her way. "Why, Mommy?"

"Crabs bite," Raven explained and her daughter nodded with full understanding. "But what do you say we try to find a starfish?"

At Kiki's ready smile, Raven took her hand and they walked barefoot along the shore together.

With a short holler, Jam managed to keep his grip on his rented surfboard as the trio returned from the water. "You two are trying to kill me."

Alex slapped his back good-naturedly. "Don't act like you didn't enjoy it."

Jam glanced at him. "There is no shredding in Connecticut."

"Then this really will be a weekend to remember. Watch this for me." Alex placed his own surfboard down with the greatest of care. "I'll go grab us some sodas."

Jam then turned to Leon. "I'm surprised you didn't sign up for this thing, Cali."

Leon watched Alex head for the food shack and said, "There's no competing with greatness."

IIIIIII

After the Professor finished handing out the new memorandum, Logan took notice of one placed in front of an additional chair.

"You expectin' Trick there, Chuck?"

"What?" Charles then realized his error and gave off a lethargic shake of his head. "Perhaps I am." He then moved on with, "Let's begin."

Erik kept eyes on him as the meeting started.

Not missing this, Charles spoke to him directly. "Erik, have we heard anything new from Steve regarding containment?" Though he was well aware he would be the first to know had the metal wielder learned anything.

"Not of late," Erik answered then looked to Victor. "Any disappearances or accounts of children being taken away from their parents?"

"Not in our area," the security man answered. "Though, if there really trying to keep mutation under the wire, they won't be advertisin'."

"Here's what I can't help wondering," Emma put forth, receiving attention from the others. "Why this emphasis on secrecy? They say it's to keep the public from panicking but what if there's more to it?"

Kayla voiced the other woman's unspoken concern. "What if they're trying to use some of us? After all, the CIA sought all of you out."

"Yes, and what a flourishing allegiance that was," commented Erik dryly.

"Sean said they wanted to sterilize him," Alex raised. "Can they do that?"

"It's been done before," Logan said.

Hank stated, "It all comes down to eugenics."

While he listened to Hank go on and the others respond, the looks and sounds of the room blurred together incoherently before Charles. He made a show of smoothing his hair but tried to focus his mental energy.

From under the table, Emma touched his knee. "Charles?"

The blue eyes regained some concentration towards his gathered staff. "I…" He got to his feet. "It's Brian. I'd best see if he needs changing. Go on without me."

Emma started to stand. "I can do that."

"No, no," Charles reacted to his wife, "I have him. He's been especially fussy lately, so I'll be back as soon as I can." He left the library at a pace he hoped did not appear too hastened.

The remaining Headmaster's narrowed gaze followed him, but he did not go after for now and resumed the meeting.

IIIIIII

Screams as well as black and white images from the television filling the space, the four pairs of eyes stayed with the set. Fred and Joey sat on the couch with the wide bowl of popcorn between them. On the floor, Mike and Cody lingered close to the screen while nibbling on cheese crackers. The intensity of the scene escalated and Joey glanced over to see that they were no longer alone in the living room.

"Ah!" His reaction resulted in similar shouts from the other boys.

Joanne, in her flannel bathrobe with curlers making a mountain out of her hair, switched on the light and announced, "Joey, your aunt just pulled up."

"Oh, Ma," Fred acknowledged with relief.

Joanne caught sight of the television and said, "Fred, you and Mikey must have seen this picture a dozen times. I don't know how it still gets a jump out of you."

"It's still the scariest ever," Fred declared.

Joanne responded to the knock to the front door. "Hi, Cordelia."

"Hi, Mrs. Dukes." The teenager stepped inside, handing her a closed plastic container. "Cody's mom made extra blueberry muffins."

"Thank you," Joanne accepted. "You're just about a doll." She then called into the living room, "Joey, Cody!"

The aforementioned pair said goodbye to their friends and started for the front door.

"What were you watching?" Cordelia asked them as they headed for her car.

Handful of cheese crackers in his possession, Cody looked up at her. "The Blob."

IIIIIII

On Jam making his successful return to Alex's room, Leon commented, "Nice feat, not getting lost." He then jumped when the older teen's hand connected with his rear.

Smirking, Jam lowered next to him and sobered a little. "Alright, I've barely heard from you lately. How're you doing here?"

Leon answered him with, "Better than I have been, believe me," then said, "Sorry about that by the way; the distance. It's a force of habit."

"I understand, but you need to knock it off. You're one of my main guys, Lee, whatever you got going on." Leon banged fists with him and Jam carefully raised another curiosity. "So, level with me. This place, Alex's family," Jam gazed around the spacious sleeping space, "what kind of "institution" is this really?"

"Hmm." Leon laid on his side. "Are you implying I've signed up for a nuthouse?"

"No, nothing like that. But this place is more laid out than the Waldorf to be a school for only a handful of kids." Jam bobbed his head covertly. "Are the Professor and Mr. Lehnsherr- are they housing refugees?"

Leon snickered at that. "Maybe," a twinkle reflected in his brown eyes, "but whatever the case, they're the good guys. Looking out for all of us. Though I haven't completely determined why on the Professor's end."

Jam nodded approvingly. "So long as you're alright, I'm alright."

"Hey, guys sorry," Alex strolled in, "had to play instructor."

Jam asked him, "And what exactly do you teach around here?"

"Stuff." Alex ruffled knuckles against his hair and plopped down to join them. "Right, Lee?"

Leon said, "Somewhere between doodling and boot camp." At the swat to his bottom Alex provided, he playfully tumbled off the bed.

Leon seized hold of a pillow off one of the cots and flung it.

Alex caught it with ease and said, "So that's how you want to play?" He threw it back at him.

Jam rolled his eyes. "Y'all are girls." Then he felt the plushy whack across his face and blinked before declaring, "Okay, now it's over."

The mini war game intensified from there with the trio leaping across all three beds. They hurled any soft object they could get their hands on, including a few not-so-gentle ones.

Alex took the opportunity to pin one of Jam's arms behind his back. "Told you to visit the weight room more often."

"Not everybody's got a sub-lease in the gym." Jam grunted, waving one arm. "Some of us spend more time in the library."

"Whoa, whoa." Alex let him go to jab at his chest instead. "Who're you calling stupid?"

"Don't know," Jam smirked and tackled him, "but you answered."

Alex growled and batted at him. "Can't believe I fell for that."

Leon latched onto Jam's back, creating a full on wrestling mountain.

"Ha!" Alex grabbed Jam in a headlock. "Now I gotcha!"

Pushing the already ajar door open further, the man peered in before entering fully. "I see you're treating your guest with utmost hospitality."

Glancing up, Leon acknowledged, "Dad."

"What guest?" Alex released his hold with a kind pat. "It's just Jam."

Jam poked him lightly with his elbow. "That explains the stepchild treatment."

Alex took in Erik's present attire and whistled. "Hebrew Hot Stuff."

Erik tipped his hat a bit. "I'll only be out a couple hours. I wanted to say good night, but I doubt highly if you young men will be tuckered out by my return. Do try to sleep before the AM reaches single digits."

"Yes, sir," came the three-way response.

Alex then told Jam, "Dad has a new lady… Caribbean."

Jam let off a low whistle of his own.

Giving his oldest only a mildly disapproving look, Erik said, "Good night, gentlemen," and started out.

Joey came through immediately after, munching on a delight from the kitchen.

"Hey, Muffin Man." Alex opened arms for him to come into.

"Okay, don't tell me." Jam extended a finger, trying to think. "Scott."

Shaking his head with a small giggle, the face full of crumbs said, "I'm Joey."

"… Right." Jam snapped his fingers. "And Scott is…"

"Brown hair." Alex then added on to differentiate him from Frank, "Dark glasses."

"But wow," Jam tugged on one of Joey's shirt sleeves, "this is the one that looks like you."

Alex said naturally, "We get that all the time."

Smiling, Joey offered a portion of his muffin for his older brother to bite into.

IIIIIII

Full moon casting its silver radiance over the two stretched out on the picnic blanket, Vanessa darted eyes to the right of herself.

"You're awfully quiet tonight." She laid an arm across his chest.

"Hm?" Erik held her closer to his side and pecked the top of her head.

She pulled gingerly at his lapel. "Would you like to talk about it?"

Still gazing towards the sky, Erik sat up a little. "My brother. I can't shake the feeling that he is keeping something from me. Something regarding his health."

Vanessa moved, resting against his shoulder now. "You two are so very close. Why would he keep anything from you?"

Erik remarked, "This absurd need of his to handle and keep things solely to himself."

Vanessa commented, "I'm detecting a family resemblance."

Erik eyed her. "It's different for me."

"Oh of course," she accepted. "Do you believe he's hiding a serious illness from you?"

"Not life-threatening… so to speak." Erik bowed his head to sigh. "Perhaps I overly worry. However, I can't afford not to."

"Yes," Vanessa's fingers ran down his lower arm, "I know you cannot."

When he caught sight of the raised portion of his thin jacket and the digits displayed, he moved the limb away from her touch.

Vanessa's eyes flashed. "I am sorry, Erik." She scooted away from him. "I never should have…"

Shaking his head, Erik followed her movements. "No… no, I'm sorry. I'm sure you've noticed it before now."

"Yes," she admitted softly then grasped his wrist when he reached the left arm out to her again. "How can you possibly give any praise to Europe?"

"There are evils here as well, Vanessa," he stated, staring directly into her eyes. "Believe me."

Vanessa held his wrist for longer then bent to brush her lips over the numbers. Erik gently gripped her chin and raised her head. She stilled as he drew her in towards his own lips.

IIIIIII

When the words of Joseph Conrad offered nothing in the manner of soothing, Charles flung the book over onto the couch. Clutching two handfuls of his brown hair, the young Professor doubled over out of his chair with heavy moaning. Using the small table to make it to his feet, he began the inward spinning journey out of the parlor. He then had to catch himself before falling into a vase many dynasties his senior.

Honing in on the rear of the house, he decided air would be his solace. Yes, calm cool air. Leaning against the walls of the main level, he made the unsteady path for the back door.

Wind whipping through his hair the moment he made it outside, the clarity Charles gained did not last long. Moved by some unconscious forth, he continued to walk in a heavy daze all across the backyard. He eventually left his property and steered through the woods surrounding it.

Reaching the road, Charles finally stopped at last. He met with the concrete just as a pair of headlights neared him.

IIIIIII

With a few blinks, the blue-eyed blurred vision cleared enough to take in their surroundings. They were nestled in the middle of a large bed in a suite but not the master. Then Charles realized the one in a chair to his right.

"Br—" His dry throat attempted to find a voice. "Brother?"

Erik instantly opened his eyes at the title. "Charles." He leaned over to place gentle arms around him.

Charles nestled against his shoulder. "What happened?"

"Shhh." Erik took hold of the glass of water he had refreshed every hour or so and handed it to him. "Drink this." As Charles did so, he answered his question. "You collapsed in the middle of the road last night."

Charles almost choked on his drink. "What?"

Erik's eyes glazed over. "I very nearly hit you, Charles."

"My God… I'm…" Charles touched his head groggily. "Erik, I'm so sorry. I only wanted a breath of a fresh air. I don't know what must have come over me."

"Something that's been building," Erik took the nearly empty glass from him and left it on the night table, "and that you've been hiding."

Charles tried to escape Erik's accusatory glower but found it difficult, especially at the moment. "It's only been in the last few days. I've had… some trouble with my telepathy. It's nothing I haven't faced before."

"Oh, you've wound up passed out outside in your night clothes before?" Erik proved displeased to say the least. "I'm surprised Raven never mentioned these occurrences."

"Last night was as bad as it has been in a long time." Charles attempted to leave the bed. "What time is it?"

Erik's forceful arms repositioned him automatically. "Never you mind that. You're spending the entirety of today getting some rest. I've already spoken to Emma. We'll be bringing your meals up."

Charles groaned at that. "Why did you trouble her with this?"

Erik answered fervently, "She is your wife, Charles. How would you feel if she hid this same problem from you?"

Charles sighed. "Yes, you're right."

"And while we're on the subject of hiding." Erik crossed his arms. "What made you keep this from me?"

"I didn't think it would escalate so," Charles urged. "I did not anticipate last night. We've already so much on our plates. I wasn't going to come to you as a fledging unable to handle my own mutation."

Erik took him by both sides of the face to lock their eye contact. "We must always come to each other with these matters. It is not a question of adolescence but of the oaths of accountability we took. Don't behave as if you've forgotten."

"I haven't," Charles promised. "Erik… I really am sorry."

"I know, Lab Rat." Erik moved one hand to rub his shoulder. "However, I'm afraid you still need discipline for this." He looked at him closely again. "Will you fight me?"

A thoroughly meek Charles replied, "No, brother. I won't."

Erik moved over to the bed to offer him a quick hug then comfortably positioned the Professor over his lap so that his entire body remained on the mattress. The metal wielder began swatting soundly over his pajama bottoms. He left his thighs alone, not wanting to make him too uncomfortable throughout the day.

Clutching Erik's bed sheets, Charles cursed himself for allowing this situation to go this far.

"It matters not that you're now a married man, Charles Xavier," Erik smacked the center of his behind, "I am still your elder brother. If you are reckless with your health or safety, you will have to deal with me every time. Do you understand me?"

Groaning, Charles piped up, "Yes! Yes, brother!"

Bringing it to a close, Erik promptly gathered the younger Headmaster up into his strong clutch. He massaged his back while Charles sent tears into his shirt. Erik pecked at his temple and sent words of Yiddish into his ear that often comforted the children.

Though Charles could not make out the tongue, his brother's voice coming at him so gently eased his crying. He inwardly protested when he felt Erik move him to lay on his stomach. However, he only covered up Charles and remained rubbing his back. Despite himself as well as the pain in his backside, Charles absorbed the full relief that soon engulfed him.

IIIIIII

Done having a splash fest in the pool with Alex, Leon, and a few of the younger boys, Jam maneuvered over to where Raven sat kicking her feet in the water. The thoughtful girl in purple two-piece suit wore white-rimmed sunglasses and leaned with hands back against the solid surface surrounding the pool.

"Hey, pretty lady." Jam glanced about their immediate area. "Your husband isn't around is he? It's my New Year's resolution to avoid getting beat up."

Raven laughed and kicked at him playfully. "He just took the kids inside." She pushed her glasses up to the top of her head. "Question."

Jam raised himself to sit by her. "Yes, ma'am?"

"How did you know you wanted to major in business?"

"I'm good with money," he answered easily. "Figured out early on that the only way for me to make my way in this world is to have as much of it as possible. My dad's self-made, too."

Eyeing the nearby mansion, Raven said, "Money has a way of popping up around here."

"Hey, I'm in Club Preppy, too." Jam studied her expression. "Got the big major angst, huh?" Raven nodded admittedly. "I think you have a good thing going with your poetry."

"That's," Raven searched for a way to word it, "too much of a personal thing to make a career out of. You know?"

He nodded now. "What else are you wild about?"

She answered with the first thing to enter her mind. "My kids."

"Then go from there," Jam encouraged then grinned cheekily, "Mama."

Raven gave him a little nudge into the water only to squeal when he yanked her down by one smooth leg.

IIIIIII

Emma made it back to Erik's room and felt a swell of satisfaction at her husband's nearly empty dinner tray.

"All done, sugar?"

"Yes." Charles clean his mouth with a napkin. "My compliments to Kayla."

"I'll pass that along to her." Emma repositioned the tray onto the little table in the sitting area. "For now," she came back over and took him by the arm, "you come with me."

Not daring an argument with his better half, Charles followed her up and carefully walked with her back to their room. She further guided him into the master bath, where the candle circled tub nearly overflowed with milky moisture.

Oh my love, you didn't have—

Emma kissed his lips to silence his mind. With the lid down, she made a seat for him on the toilet while she stripped him of his pajamas. With her husband completely bare, she took his hand again to bring him to the tub. Charles eased into the water, clear elation forming over his features. Emma worked the loofa over his flesh to cleanse him of the sweat while the warmth eased all aches in his muscles.

IIIIIII

With the overhead blue sky and beaming sun along with the growing crowd forming on the beach, Alex decided the whole thing a good omen. Before he began another practice round with Jam and Leon, he turned to where a few of his family members gathered.

"Hey, Joe!" he called out.

The shorter blonde sprinted over to him. "What is it, Al?"

Alex lowered to his level. "This is my last run before we start and I need my good luck charm along for the ride."

Joey jumped with glee and got into the correct sitting position for Alex to wade them out on the board.

Having ordered strictly coconut so as not to stain their matching white floral summer dresses, Emma handed over Becky's snow cone.

"Thank you, Auntie." The little girl quickly began in on the chilled treat.

"Rebecca?"

Gazing through the numerous people, Becky picked up on one in particular heading their way. "Vanessa?"

When she got near, the woman explained, "Your father mentioned this event. Far more exhilarating than I anticipated."

Emma acknowledged her with a, "Hello."

"This is my Auntie Emma," Becky introduced. "Auntie, this is Vanessa." That I told you about.

Vanessa held out a hand. "It's a pleasure."

"Likewise," Emma returned, offering a ginger shake.

"Vanessa?" Pocketing his sunglasses, Erik came near.

"One of the girls wanted to change shifts so I thought I'd come down." She gazed up at him unsurely. "I hope you don't mind."

The corners of Erik's mouth slowly turned up. "Not at all. Come." He hoisted Becky up then slipped a spare arm around Vanessa. "Let's go say hello to the others."

Putting her own shades back on, Emma followed after.

The X-Men managed to obtain fairly decent seats from the many benches and folding chairs that had been setup. Of course, nothing captured their attention until the third competitor, Alex "Sizzlin'" Summers, took center in the water.

"WU, WU, WU, WU!" started from his schoolmates.

"Go, Alex!" Cordelia belted with full force.

"Come on, Summers!" cried out from Scott.

"Nail them!" Hank commanded.

Emma smiled at Brian's gaze of pure intrigue at the goings-on. Glancing over, she viewed Becky in Erik's lap, both overcome with cheers for Alex. A quietly content Vanessa stroked at a section of the girl's curls. Emma felt Charles' arm around her next. With a cheek kiss from the male telepath, she left her head on his shoulder.