X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Seventy Five

Author's Word: Alright, Fam. This upcoming Halloween marks the third anniversary of Rise or Fall. If you want to throw out suggestions for the special chapter, now would be a great time to do so. As you have for almost three years now, please enjoy and review!

Spread out across the island, the morning fragrances of bacon, French toast, eggs, and cinnamon bread filled the kitchen. At one counter, she finished adjusting the pot so that fresh-brewed coffee would soon join the aromas. Returning to the refrigerator, Kayla took out the container of orange juice.

When an abrupt but uncomfortable twinge developed in her back, she deposited the pitcher on the nearest solid surface. Shutting her eyes and leaning against the refrigerator, she left one hand at her stomach while she waited for the throb to pass. She exhaled calmly as it did so and went to resume her food preparation.

Kayla then screeched and clutched her front. What felt like a knife slicing at her insides coursed through her entire abdomen. Brown eyes casting down a moment, she lost all ability to scream and breathe at the thick redness secreting between her legs.

"Mama?"

Jolting upright, Kayla discovered air again, but panted heavily. Despite her long hair masking her vision, she still easily recognized the small face beside her with enlarged eyes.

"Cody…" Her arms circled her son instantly.

Taking in his warmth as well as that of her linens, she realized she had not only returned to her own bed but had never left it. Freeing one hand to toss back a portion of her hair, she felt the dampness across her face and brow. The sweat had also crept through her night dress.

"What's the matter, Mama?" Clinging to her, Cody gazed up to try to study her face. "I heard you from in my room. Are you okay?"

"Oh yes, baby, I'm fine." She offered him a small smile made out by the marginal light of the windows. "Just fine." She held him close, resting her cheek against his hair. "I didn't mean to wake you."

Cody stroked her arm. "Want me to get Daddy?"

"No, honey," Kayla shook her head, rubbing his back. "Mama just had a bad dream. That's all. Here." She laid against the pillows with him. "Let's go back to sleep."

Cody nestled in tucked under her arm with one of his stretched out across her stomach.

IIIIIII

Though the sun's bright morning rays normally supplied him with a large amount of rejuvenation, Frank let off another yawn while tugging at the straps of his knapsack. Leon walked alongside him and the older boy's loose hair managed to shield his tiredness for the most part. Frank did notice a faint pink tint in the white areas of Leon's eyes and wondered if he'd perhaps had a rough night. A mostly unbothered Alex walked a short distance ahead of them at a more charged pace.

Frank acted as the first to break the amicable silence. "Why do we always have to do stuff like this so early?"

Flying a few feet over them with an unmatched vigilance, Erik remarked, "You call a six-thirty rise early? If anything, I spoiled you this morning."

"Yeah, guys." Alex glanced back at them. "This is nothing for the X-Men. Those ice showers should have jump-started you."

"Is that what cold showers are for?" Leon piped up with a set but unfocused countenance. "Here I thought they were supposed to ease excitement…"

Frank looked away, snickering into his shoulder and Alex turned to give Leon a jovial punch in the chest

Shaking his head while keeping his own amusement at bay, Erik floated down to ground level. "Let's pick up the pace. Move, now."

While the older two did hasten, Frank felt Erik's fingers go to his wrist. The city native took the quiet cue and stayed close to the man's side as they continued through the woods.

IIIIIII

Undoing the band around the expecting woman's arm, Hank reported, "Your blood pressure is a physician's dream. The baby's heartbeat is louder than Brian's was, if such things are possible. I still have to run your bloodwork, but from what I've already gathered, you're both doing extraordinarily well."

Giving Logan's hand a squeeze from where she sat on the exam table, the now radiating Kayla said, "It was just to be on the safe side."

Logan hugged Kayla from behind. "Kid's given us grays already." He tossed at Cody's hair, alerting the boy. "Like some people."

Cody briefly stuck his tongue out. "Ain't our fault you're old." He dodged his father's next sight and looked towards the table. "Are you okay now, Mama?"

"Of course," Kayla smiled and smoothed his hair back. "Now, it's a glorious day. Why don't you go out back with the others?"

"Okay." Cody made a charged motion towards the double doors.

Hank watched him go as he said, "Your particular regenerating powers are unbelievably impressive, Kayla. I've never heard of such an uncomplicated pregnancy, let alone witnessed it for myself. Especially factoring in your—" Stopping himself shortly, Hank turned his head to clear his throat.

An unmoved but humored Kayla supplied, "My age, I know. Believe me, I'm not ashamed."

One of the French doors opened then and Becky entered the lab with a plate in hand.

Hank waved for her to come over closer. "I believe you're both acquainted with my junior lab assistant for the day."

Becky held out the fudge squares for Kayla's viewing. "Chocolate's good for the heart."

Accepting one of the moist treats, Kayla used her pinky to tickle the girl's chin. "As are you."

II

At the sight of a certain smile appearing, Sean went from laying back with one of his knees raised to sitting up fully. "Completely cornball, isn't it?"

"It is not." Lowering the notebook, Maya faced him. "I think it's really well laid out for your first one."

"I don't know…" Taking it from her, Sean reviewed the center verses. "I'm definitely not a poet, but this song idea hit me and wouldn't leave me alone. I thought it fit with a character in one of my stories."

"It just needs a little polishing." Maya then suggested, "Why not have Raven or Hank take a look?"

"Maybe." Studying the paper, Sean released a small sigh. "I need Trick."

"Grrrrrr!" Rushing forward, the ferocious creature latched onto Maya.

She laughed and nuzzled noses with him. "Hi, Cody Wody."

Sean asked, "Your mom alright, Code Man?"

Cody jumped at him next as he answered, "Yep!"

Upon spotting him, Joey called out, "Cody!"

Hopping up, the requested one ran over to where Joey gingerly pushed the tire swing for Kiki. From a small ways away Victor threw the ball with Scott and Trav.

Letting off a shudder at moisture connecting with her blouse, Maya brushed a hand over her shoulder. She gazed upward at the cloudless sky then crawled over to recline against Sean.

The redhead offered her both his arms. "What's wrong?"

She laid her head on his chest. "It's getting chilly."

With the eighty degree air around them, Sean only shrugged and enjoyed their proximity.

IIIIIII

With his warm breath penetrating her neck, a low but ecstatic moan echoed from her lips. As he rolled over, Emma found her way back on top of her husband's soft and inviting form.

Almost ten minutes later, she laid flat on him. How are you feeling, sugar?

You need to ask after that? Charles brushed his thumbs down her bare arms. That concerns me…

After that, Emma pressed their lips together and their tongues followed suit, I only want to ensure you didn't sacrifice every ounce of energy on me.

No, but you present quite the intriguing proposition. Charles' hold redirected to around her waist now. Let's give it a try, shall we?

When a wail traveled to their room and minds, Emma detached herself from him. Duty calls, sugar.

I swear that boy knows… Charles propped up on his elbow to enjoy the full view of his wife while she clothed herself. Suppose I'll catch some fresh air then.

Emma freed her long blonde hair from the back of her white blouse. She sent him a wink as she sauntered off for the nursery.

IIIIIII

Positioned on the edge of the hill where he could properly see the three below, Erik signaled, "Go!"

Like individual bolts of lightning, they took off on the upward path. Though he and Frank remained neck and neck, Alex dashed forward to leap for the top first.

"That makes two of three." Erik bobbed his head Alex's way. "Well done."

Leon lowered onto the grass, kicking his legs out vigorously. "Trust me. I'm still feeling it from winning the first time."

"Aw man, what is going on?" Frank kicked at the dirt. "I could win races in my sleep in New York."

"Take it easy, Frankenstein," Alex comforted in his own way. "You about had me that last time."

Frank said, "You're probably still jazzed up from that surf tournament."

Alex waved a dismissive hand. "Don't even bring that up."

Erik observed wryly, "I see you've at last made peace with second place."

"Second place out of eight guys?" Alex exhaled disbelievingly air. "Yeah, real challenge there. Next competition, we'll see who finishes first."

As the blonde walked off a few paces, Erik looked to the younger pair. "You two replenish." Frank and Leon went for the water bottles while Erik followed Alex. "I'm surprised at you, boychick. You're showing very poor sportsmanship. In front of your brothers at that."

Alex's shoulders slumped a little. "Sorry, Dad. But how do I go from coming out on top with a bad ankle to crashing into second on two good feet? I'll tell you how. I'm getting washed up."

Erik took hold of him to make him turn around. "Oh, please. I must know how you came to this phenomenal conclusion."

Raising his lower arm, Alex ran a hand over it. "I thought this BP was under control but now I'm not so sure. Forget second. It feels like it's going to keep me out of the game completely."

Erik clamped his hands over the young man's wrist. "Just as we often have to remind Scott, it is impossible to win every single time." He patted his cheek next. "Even for one in possession of such greatness. The only thing that is going to remove you for the game, Alex, is you and this childish self-pity."

Alex dipped his head then admitted, "You're right, Dad." They started back towards the others. "Guess this means you're not taking down that silver cup they gave me, huh?"

"Continue to sulk," Erik gave him a playful nudge, "and it gets its own spotlight."

Removing the bottle from his mouth, Frank nearly choked on the remaining water in his mouth at the swift shaded outline passing over. "Lee!"

The undisturbed Leon looked up. "What?"

"What is it?" Erik asked as well at the disgruntled expression the youngest male wore.

"I swear I saw something," Frank insisted. He moved closer to Leon, waving a hand over him. "It was… dark."

Alex tossed at a section of Leon's hair and said, "You mean besides this mane?"

A far more serious Erik placed hands on Frank's shoulders. "What was it, boychick?"

Frank attempted to think. "… I'm not sure."

Spotting something overhead, Leon pointed upward. "I believe I know."

They all observed the black bird flying above them.

Frank shook his head hard. "Great, I'm losing it."

"It comes and goes," Leon sympathized.

Erik rubbed Frank's back. "Seems it's time for a rest." He began leading them down to where they'd left their backpacks.

Frank felt Erik keeping him near again. He did not protest, knowing such youngest treatment did not occur so often.

Leon and Alex made quick work of devouring their fish, corn, and bread to perform some sprinting exercises together.

At the smell coming from Erik's cup, Frank requested, "Can I have a little?"

Erik considered it for a few seconds then decided, "Only a taste." Picking up the small thermos cup, he poured a portion of the coffee into it. "There we are, little boychick."

After he had the cup in his grasp, Frank took slow sips. Though his tongue did not agree with the black beverage, he felt his insides excite a little bit.

Lowering it from his lips, he toyed with the brim of the cup. "So… Vanessa's pretty."

Erik put down his own coffee to fully face him. "I noticed. For someone lacking red hair that is." He did not miss the teeny smile the boy formed. "You were so quiet at the competition. I wondered when you might say something."

"What I say doesn't matter, anyway."

"Yes, it does," Erik countered resolutely, brushing at Frank's hair with his fingers. "Go on. You can tell me what you're feeling."

Frank wondered what they were himself before he spoke again. "I don't want you to be by yourself, Erik. But…. I love my mom."

Reeling him in with one arm, Erik kissed his head. "And you have every reason to. I never want anyone or anything to come between the two of you." He moved Frank to sit on his lap. "Or the two of us."

Frank dipped down to a nestling spot against Erik's bicep.

IIIIIII

At the abrupt gust arriving in her room, Maya put down her Teen Study Bible on the open page while she went to shut her partially open window. Getting out of her clothes, she slipped on her green bathrobe and headed for the bathroom. Filling the tub with piping hot water, she squirted in some kiwi scented bubble bath.

When she moved to turn off the faucet, her hand stilled and brown eyes enlarged at the completely warm water icing over. Letting off a gasp, she looked on as the walls of the bathroom vanished and the floor formed more of the cold crystals. Maya then screamed when a crack developed in the ice and travelled right for her.

Passing through the hall from feeding Brian, Emma reacted to the outcry and shoved the door open. Her heart took on a life all its own at the girl face down inside the overflowing tub.

II

Done with the flint rocks, Erik added a few additional twigs to the growing flames. He glanced over his shoulder at his boys taking turns at scaling a nearby rock formation.

Situating his foot inside another little nook, Frank paused suddenly and tried to wipe what felt like dirt out of his eyes. The moment he removed his hand, he found their surroundings dimming significantly faster than what could be considered standard for summer. When the lights went out entirely, he bellowed and jerked wildly.

"Frank!" Alex shouted while Erik took to the sky.

Leon moved over and seized hold of Frank. He rematerialized the both of them to ground level and settled Frank against the grass with his arm around him.

"Frank." Erik hovered down. "What is it?" He cupped both sides of the boy's face. "What's come over you?"

"No, no, no!" Frank shouted. "I can't see! I can't see!"

Indicating for the older two to hold him down, Erik inspected Frank's eyes. He detected no signs of crust or the slightest damage.

"Grab everything." Erik gathered Frank into his arms. "We have to get him to Hank."

Alex and Leon hastened to collect the packs.

With his own as well as Frank's accounted for, Alex said, "Come on," then gazed over at the entirely still form not far from him. "Lee, come on. We got to move… Lee?"

Attention entirely locked on the crackling fire before him, Leon slowly returned to his feet. The growing flames reflected against his brown orbs and he back away then ran from their reach. The move proved futile as the blazing redness not only followed him but consumed the tree and plant life all around him. The uncharacteristic holler Leon released brought a sickness to both Alex and Erik's insides.

"Lee!" Alex seized a nearby water bottle and put out the small fire. "It's gone. See?" He then hurried over to grab hold of him. "Leon!"

Erik commanded, "Alex, bring him here."

When the blonde came near, Erik summoned up the largest electro-magnetic sphere he could. With all three youths secure, he brought them upward. Locked arms never loosening on Frank, he started their path back towards the house.

A kneeling Alex continued to try to coax Leon, who squirmed vigorously in his lap. Glance casting downward, Alex's chest pounded not only at the elevation but when he found himself boxed inside a small space. He realized it to be an aircraft just as pieces of it began breaking off bit by bit.

"No," Erik reacted to Alex attempting to inch away. "Get a hold of yourself. Alex!"

The orders only proved futile and Erik used all of his strength to keep the sphere firm. The small portion of his mind not concentrating on that could only vex over what manner of malice had targeted his sons.

II

Special blend of tea in hand, Logan left the kitchen and journeyed back upstairs. Before he reached their corridor, his ears alerted him. Dropping the mug, his legs practically blurred together as he bounded the rest of the way. Logan burst into his quarters, discovering his wife writhing in bed while clutching her stomach.

IIIIIII

Walking along the foot of the beds that contained the three males, both Becky's hands covered her mouth. Their distress seemed to radiate right towards her. From where Charles and Emma attempted to offer comfort to the others, it was obvious the two older telepaths experienced much of the same.

On the side of Kayla's bed, Logan attempted to restrain her. Sean did the same for Maya. Trying to move between his three boys, Erik experienced a mix of disgust, loss, and steadily growing anger. Victor remained in one corner, not wanting to cause a disturbance to the process but remained steadfast should he be needed.

The last to reach the infirmary, Raven barreled in. "I left the kids with Cordy." She observed the five filled beds. "What's happening to them?"

"They appear to be trapped inside some sort of nightmarish state," Charles tried to explain.

Raven went to sit beside Frank. "But how? How did this happen?"

The Professor formed a deep frown. "I'm afraid this is my doing. I'm not sure how but the telepathic stress I've experienced must have produced a side effect in them."

Emma looked to him. "Charles, I know we are capable of projection but how on earth could you have done all of this?"

"I don't give a damn how you did it." Logan's head shot up. "Get it undone, now."

Raven reacted to him with, "How is biting their heads off going to help anything?"

"Stop it," Hank interceded, attempting to concentrate on all of their vitals. "Whatever is happening, we must get it under control. Kayla's healing powers are keeping her stable, but Alex's blood pressure is through the roof. I'll have to sedate them."

"No," Emma immediately protested. "We could trap them in their own minds that way."

"Yes," Charles agreed, a calculating expression growing on his face. "I have an idea, but it will take some doing. It will require the entire Triad." Becky moved over quickly to stand with him and Emma. "As well as… Victor, Sean," Charles addressed next, "bring Cody and Joey here straightaway."

Managing to remove himself from Maya's bed, Sean followed the silent security man out of the medical wing.

Emma sat down to keep a grip on Maya while they waited.

IIIIIII

The oxygen depleted entirely amongst the relentless fires. Though he remained stretched out in the middle of it all, Leon did not pass out and continued choking on the flame. His hair had already become engulfed in the flames and his skin peeled from the bone slowly.

Somehow a scream penetrated but not his own. Bringing his head up, Leon made out a darkened wall. Managing to get to his feet, he made it over and surprise filled him when he discovered the wall to be terribly cool.

When the last piece of solid ice at last gave in, Maya yelled out again. She met with the numbing cold water below. Kicking and tossing about as best she could, it failed to help her rise to the surface.

Upon recognition of the cry, Leon banged fists against the wall. "Maya!"

"Leon…" She tossed her head back to bring her lips out of the water. "Leon!"

"Maya!" His strength returning, Leon shoved at the wall with full gusto.

A hole broke and water leaked in. The moisture grew and shattered the wall like glass. The water provided Leon with relief and quenched the fiery atmosphere.

Now finding himself within some sort of warm lake, Leon made out the vessel up ahead. He swam forward, taking hold of her. Bringing them both up, Leon took in the air and Maya spat out the water.

"Easy," Leon kept a firm grip on her, "it's okay. It's okay now."

New moisture developing from her eyes now, Maya brought arms around him and wept into his shoulder. "Thank you…"

"Actually," Leon hugged her to him as he waded towards land, "thank you."

II

With the wrecked plane soon to be no more, Alex desperately scanned what was left for a parachute. He spotted one and tried to grab it, but the craft tilted. Alex rolled back and fell through the wide opening. Sharp air cut at his face as he dropped through the clouds.

"Ah—" His shouts ended shortly when something snagged him by the hand.

Gazing up, a wide grin covered the teen's face. "Joe?"

Attached to his silver disc, the smaller blonde held on with all might. "Don't worry, Al. I've gotcha. You hang onto me and I'll hang onto you. That way, we won't get lost."

"Right…" Throwing his other arm up, Alex pulled himself up to join him on the disc. "That's right, Joe." He brought the little boy to his front.

Joey smiled. "Can we go home now?"

"Yeah," Alex nodded somewhat shakily, moving back to face him resolutely. "Let's get out of here."

Keeping their hands joined, Joey redirected the disc to make them soar off and upward.

II

"What's happening? Where is everybody?" Frank attempted to move around his silent black surroundings, waving his arms desperately. "Dad? Alex? Leon? Dad, where are you?" He dropped to his knees, nose against the floor. "Why is this happening?"

Then through the darkness, an outlined doorway carved out. An astonished Frank withdrew fearfully. From the opening, he made out the illuminated blue woman stepping forward.

"Rae?"

"There you are." She walked up, extending a hand. "I've been searching all over this icky abyss for you. Now come on, Frankie. I need help in the kitchen."

"Raven," he breathed.

Their hands touched and a bright glow emitted from Frank, lighting up the space. The radiance faded, taking the two mutants away with it.

II

Pain in her abdomen intensifying, Kayla watched the blood pool out from her. The terror that she would soon see her lifeless child's small body gripped her far more than the agony.

"Mommy?"

All senses growing alert, the Indian woman raised her head. "Cody? Baby, is that you?"

Her son's transparent form appeared before her. "Mommy, where are you? I need you."

"Cody!" she shrieked when he disappeared again.

Kayla turned, forcing her mutation to work for her. The pain subsided and she rushed to her feet in search of him.

"Cody?" She scanned through every possible room. "Cody, where are you? Cody!"

"Here I am, Mommy!"

Rising straight up on the infirmary mattress, Kayla found the beaming boy at her side. "Cody!"

"Mommy!" He went into her enveloping arms.

Logan brought them both into his embrace.

"Joe," a stirred Alex said in regards to the child next to him.

Joey laughed, tugging on him. "Wake up, sleepy head."

"Sean," Maya recognized.

"Easy," the redhead lowered to hug her, "it's okay. It's over."

Erik reacted to Leon attempting to move, but the entire room stilled when Frank's reemergence came with a magnificent burst of light.

"Frankie!" Raven cooed over him, smooching his cheek and head repeatedly.

"Charles, it worked." Hank looked over at the worn Triad and worry combatted his relief. "Are you alright?" He went to Becky.

"I believe so," Emma responded, hand against her forehead.

"That only took…" Charles steadied himself. "Quite a bit of doing."

Becky blinked in astonishment. "Did we really do all this?"

"Yes, we did, Princess." Charles glanced around at his returned X-Men. "Thank God we were successful. Hank," he turned to the scientist, "check everyone over then we could all do with some rest."

With a bob of his head, the young doctor returned to work.

IIIIIII

"Dad, I keep telling you," Alex's attempted protests became interrupted by the blanket pressing against him, "I'm okay."

"And I keep telling you," Erik looked at him pointedly, "hush."

The line-up in his wide bed consisted of Alex and a reclining Frank and Leon.

Sweetie Imp in her possession, Becky wormed under the covers to get near Frank. "What's wrong?"

The boy rubbed his eyes. "Just… still feeling funny."

"It will pass soon." Erik went around to leave a kiss on his head. "Now, I'll be back shortly." He headed for the door. "Alex, watch them."

The blonde placed eyes on the other three. "Don't I always?"

Teddy bear close, Becky laid her head on Leon's chest and settled down the easiest of all.

II

With another kiss, Sean's dark blue eyes regarded her. "I'll make you breakfast in the morning. Just the two of us."

Maya smiled up at him. "Now that's a dream."

They squeezed hands a moment longer and Sean walked out by Logan.

"How you feelin', darlin'?"

"Don't worry about me," Maya dismissed, propping up on her pillows. "How's Kay and the baby?"

"All good," Logan assured then reiterated, "all good," as he combed fingers through a portion of her hair. "Warm enough?"

"I am now."

"I'll be up most of the night so call if you need me. I'll be here. You need anything?"

"My Study Bible. It should be on the desk," Maya indicated.

Logan went to look in the designated area then zeroed in on the book beside the desk on the floor. "Here you go, Smiley."

Maya appeared puzzled as he handed it to her. "How'd it get down there?"

He offered out, "You probably just dropped it. It's been a heck of a day."

"Right." Maya hugged the book to herself. "See you in the morning, Wolverine."

Logan tapped her nose and watched her lay down before getting up to go.

He met with Victor in the hall, who said, "I've got Eye Spy. You stay with the Mite and Kay."

Logan gave him a nod that spoke loudly enough for him and went on to his suite.

II

When both Headmasters joined the McCoys in the lab, Hank began, "It seems the negative telepathic energy targeted those of us with deeply rooted phobias." He then elaborated with, "Kayla's fear of miscarriage, Frank's blindness, drowning, flying, fire."

"Yes, because had it been strictly about fear it would have gotten to us all," Charles reasoned. He pinched at the bridge of his nose. "I honestly can't believe I let this get so out of control."

"But…" the three males faced a puzzled Raven. "Charles, this doesn't make sense. You had problems with your telepathy when we were kids and none of this ever happened."

"And the boys and I were deep into the woods," Erik raised. "On top of that, we were all awake. When Becky's projection of Gavin Douglas attacked me, it was after I'd gone to bed; a time of vulnerability." He faced Charles. "Have your powers troubled you today?"

"No," Charles realized. "Other than some residual fatigue from this weekend, I've been fine."

Raven looked to one of the double doors creaking open. "Frankie?"

Erik glanced back. "You should be in bed."

"Sorry, just…" The pajama clad boy ventured forth towards the adults. "I wanted to tell you something." Frank's countenance carried heavy wretchedness. "I don't think Charles did this to us. When we were on the hill, I saw something or felt something… I don't know exactly."

Alarmed pondering gazes passed between Raven and the men.

"We can't make sense of this now," Hank determined.

"Quite," Charles concurred. "We'll sort it out first thing in the morning."

The Headmasters began to leave and Erik stopped to lift Frank to carry.

While Hank remained downstairs to work for a while longer, Raven returned up to lay down with Kiki and Trav.

IIIIIII

Lowering his coffee mug onto the short table in front of him, Erik flipped another page in his Torah. The minimal light of a small lamp allowed him to see the words, though the slumbering four in the bed captured the bulk of his attention.

Sometime later, the metal wielder peeled eyelids back. Before he had the minute sleep dust brushed out of his eyes, he observed the youths on his bed. Noticing something, Erik inwardly chided himself for allowing the book to fall during his dozing as he carefully placed the text on the table. He visited his bathroom next.

As soon as he finished brushing his teeth, he picked up on the crying. Not wanting to awaken the child's drained parents, Erik made rapid tracks to the nursery himself. Reaching the crib, he raised Brian into a cradling embrace.

"Shhh, little Lab Mouse," the man whispered and kissed him at the ear, "I have you."

"Uncle Erik!"

Cautious of the baby, Erik spun on his heel, taking in the frantic Joey. "Kangaroo," he approached him, "what is it? Did you have a bad dream?"

"Mummy and Daddy won't wake up."

"What?" Erik ran to follow the little boy into the master suite. "Take your brother." He left Brian in Joey's clutch.

"Charles?" nearing, Erik shook his brother. "Charles, wake up." He next tried with Emma, patting her cheek as well. "What?" A harsh thought made him pause for only a moment before he bolted back to his own room. "Rebecca!"

The other boys aroused and Alex shot up right away. "Dad?"

Going to the girl, Erik picked her up out of the bed. "Becky? Anya?" He lifted her head, staring with a pounding heart into the motionless face.

IIIIIII

Through the swirls of black and deep blue, she dropped at an untold speed. Her round face paled as she screamed uncontrollably. All at once, she experienced pressure at her wrists and felt herself pulled and returned to some form of terra firma.

"It's alright, Princess. We have you."

"Stay with us, darling."

"Uncle Charles, Auntie Em," Becky recognized with absolute relief then clung to both of them tighter. "Where are we?"

Keeping a protective closeness over the female pair, Charles took in the various swirls of colors that made up their surroundings.

"This may be hard to believe and I almost don't," he spoke, "but we appear to be… in our own world."