X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter One Hundred Seventy Six
Author's Word: Hi, fam. My sister asked a very interesting question today. She wanted to know how I know when the story is over. I told her that's something I would have to ask the story. From what I can tell, the answer is clearly no time soon. Please enjoy and review!
In a unison maneuver, every vibrant cloud came to a prompt halt. They began connecting together rapidly like an abstract puzzle. Charles and Emma crouched, keeping Becky securely between them. The Professor's expression carried concern mixed with untold fascination. Emma remained still with reflexes at the ready. Becky's initial fear became overthrown by the amazing sight.
As soon as the clouds completely merged, they ceased motion completely. Before anyone could remark on the phenomenon, a golden radiance developed. All three pairs of eyes shut. When the glow's heat faded, they dared make use of their sight again. What greeted them consisted of an immensely blue cloud free sky and yellow-brown sand beneath their feet that stretched out for seemingly miles.
Emma spoke first with, "I suppose the waters of Puerto Rico was too much to ask."
Charles gathered a handful of sand, gripped it to absorb the texture, then let it sprinkle from his palm again. "My word…"
Still unable to grasp it all, Becky asked apprehensively, "Are we dreaming?"
"Something very similar." Charles returned to his full height and kept his gaze on the little girl. "We are where dreams are born."
Emma stood back up as well. "Your uncle and I used to meet here for short periods of time."
Charles further explained, "This is where you pulled me free last year after the accident. Where we fell into after the complications with Brian's birth. This is the world of the mind."
"So," the realization sparkled in Becky's eyes, "this really is our world?"
Taking another glance around, Charles confirmed, "Indeed it is, Princess."
"But then," Becky clasped her hands together worriedly, "how are we going to get out of here? No one can pull us out. We're all together."
"Exactly," said Charles is such a way that it captured their attention greater. "The three of us are together. That is how we shall get back to the physical plane."
"We've made it out before," Emma put forth in a tone that displayed no-nonsense. "This time won't be any different."
Becky bobbed her head with somewhat understanding. "Okay…. I can't wait to get home."
Charles put on a bright smile for her and took her hand in his. "Come. Let's see what awaits us."
Emma tugged on the night dress she currently wore. "I hope it's a boutique."
In a blink's time, their pajamas vanished and day outfits appeared. Emma now wore white shorts and a snug t-shirt with white running shoes and shades propped up on her head. Becky had on the same style colored in raspberry. Charles' impromptu clothes consisted of dark green cargo pants and a brown t-shirt with sandals.
The amused and thoroughly impressed man said, "Ask and ye shall receive, love."
"Oh boy!" Becky tugged on the two long braided pigtails her presently manageable curls had been styled into.
"Speaking of hair," Emma reached out to gently ruffle at Charles' underneath the visor he had on, "very rugged, sugar."
Forming a somewhat reticent smile, Charles cleared his throat. "Well, now that we are properly attired, let's press on."
Becky held out her hand for Emma, who gave a squeeze to the smaller appendage. Entirely linked, the three proceeded forward.
The ahead offered nothing dazzling in the way of site-seeing, beyond a few oddly shaped cacti.
"Delightful." Emma flicked at her ponytail. "Remind me to review the mind's travel brochure for future trips."
"What in the world…" Picking up on an approaching whistle, Charles' eyes darted about.
Pupils enlarging upon recognition of that particular melody, Becky let go of them and shot forward.
"Rebecca!" sounded from Emma as they hurried after her.
Charles caught up, pulling her back by the shoulders. "Rebecca, what do you think—"
"Look!" the wide-eyed girl pointed.
When they did so, Emma and Charles' mouths immediately dropped.
Out of a cluster of rocks walked seven very short and near blindly colorful animated men.
They chanted, "Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to work we go," followed by the whistling chorus.
"Dear God," Emma reacted, unable to hide her smile.
Charles only gawked. He himself had not run into such locals on his last mental journey.
"Aaaaaahhh!" Becky bounced on the tips of her toes with giddy fists clenched. "It's- it's…. it's you! It's the Seven Dwarfs."
"How right you are." The spectacles wearer stepped forward. "Allow us to introduce ourselves."
"It's okay, Doc," Becky assured. "I already know who you are." She started through the row of men. "You're Happy," he gingerly gripped her hand to peck the back and she smiled before moving on, "You're Bashful," he chuckled and attempted to hide his face, "You're Sleepy… and Sneezy," the former yawned and the latter sniffled, "You're… Dopey. Hi, Dopey." She offered him a hug that he gladly accepted. Then she came to the final and most sour of the bunch. "Oh Grumpy, I can't tell you how long I've waited to meet you."
Arms crossed, he raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah?" His gaze narrowed suspiciously. "Why?"
She replied simply, "Because you're my most favorite dwarf."
His features softened entirely. "Ah well," he toyed with two of his fingers, "thanks kindly."
"Say," Happy spoke up, making Becky glance back, "you wouldn't happen to be the one and only Princess Becky, would you?"
"Yes!" Becky walked back over, standing between the adults with her. "And this is my aunt, Queen Emma and my Uncle Charles. He's my prince but Auntie's king."
At that, they all snatched off their hats and got down low with Dopey literally burying his head in the sand.
Twisting at his beard, Bashful neared the blonde woman but kept his gaze downward. "I-I-It's a real pleasure to meet you, Queen Emma."
Emma bent to lift his chin. "Likewise. Though they should call you Handsome instead of Bashful."
The now giggling dwarf looked away with a tomato red face.
"When I'm out of the palace, I like to go by simply Charles," the Englishman shook with Doc, "Charles Xavier."
"Doc Dwarf at your service." He shook heartily with the Professor.
Emma inquired, "You kind gentlemen wouldn't happen to know where we can find some cool refreshment, do you?"
"Figures," Grumpy threw his arms up, "royals can never find their way anywhere."
"Don't mind him," said Happy. "He tends to be a smidge rough around the edges."
"Yes," Charles understood, "he and my brother have much in common."
"Now let's see here." Doc tapped his chin in thought then snapped his fingers in recollection. "There's an oasis further east. It's a might good hike so you'll do with some proper transport." He waved a hand towards the right.
The telepaths looked to see a pair of horses formulate; one pure white and the other cream colored.
"Thank you, Doc!" Upon returning her gaze, Becky saw nothing but sand where the Dwarfs had stood. "Oh no. Where'd they go?"
Emma gripped her shoulders affectionately. "I'm sure they'll find us again if we need them."
"Let's go." Charles guided them towards the steeds. "This oasis could mean our return home."
Emma scrunched up her nose. "Have we ruled out walking entirely?"
"Don't fret, love," Charles helped Becky into the side saddle of the cream horse then took his wife's hand. "Stick with me."
Emma managed into the stir-up and flipped her leg over. Patting the horse gently, Charles climbed up in front of her. Becky ran her hand through the mane on hers that felt even softer than Xander's. Then reins gripped tightly, they started on a trot.
"Remember to stay close, Princess," Charles instructed. "This may not be the physical plane but we must be equally cautious."
"Yes, Uncle Charles," the girl replied.
Emma only held on with a vice lock around Charles' waist; not that he minded. She had not been on top of a horse herself since her visit to her family's property in Boston.
Soon enough, the inviting waters reflected against Charles' blue eyes. "Magnificent."
Emma and Becky smiled at the various fruit bearing trees that acted as shade circling the clear spring.
When they returned to ground level, Charles held out an arm. "Hold on." He approached first and bent, taking two handfuls of the water to sip. Glancing back, he approved with, "It's fine."
All five, including their horses, enjoyed a lengthy drink. They then moved on to collecting and making a picnic out of the fruit.
Emma savored a perfectly ripe peach. "This is Eve's garden."
"Let's ensure our stay ends far more pleasantly," said Charles, finishing off a banana.
Emma watched Becky feed apples to the horses. "Do you believe what you told her?" Charles faced her fully. "That we have the power to get out of here. Do you believe we can get out at all from this end?"
Charles answered her with, "What I refuse to believe is that we are meant to be trapped here while the people we love need us. However challenging this will be, we must get back to them."
Bending at her knees, Becky pressed her palms against the top of the water and observed the ripples.
When nightfall hastened to greet them, Charles scanned the area for usable wood. Only a minute into the search before stones formed a small circles. A collection of twigs piled together next and flame developed from the pieces in a spark.
"Wow," Becky breathed, leaning against Emma's front.
Arms around the girl, Emma remarked, "Lovely. Except for one missing detail."
The stack of pillows and blankets arrived next.
Fists on his hips, a pleased Charles said, "It appears we're set for the night."
"Here, darling." Emma helped Becky out of her shoes and situated her under the covers.
Charles came around the other side to sandwich Becky in. "A mental expedition. All for the Triad." He tickled Becky's nose but frowned at her completely joyless expression. "What's the matter, Princess?"
"I can't sleep here." She sat up.
"It isn't so terrible, darling." Emma began loosening the child's pigtails. "In fact it's rather nice for the outdoors."
"No," Becky shook her head. "I want my bed and Sweetie Imp and," quickly building tears spilled out of her eyes, "I want my papa!"
"Oh my dear." Charles gathered her into his clutch, kissing her head twice. "We know, baby. We know."
Becky wept into his shirt front. "Where's Papa? I want to go home!"
Emma hugged her from behind. "It's alright, sweetheart."
"I know how scary all of this seems," Charles rocked with her a bit, "I felt the same way when I was here. But this time is different. I'm not afraid because I have the two of you with me. Our Triad is strong so long as we're together."
Becky pulled back enough to peer shiny eyes up at him. "You won't go away, will you?" She looked Emma's way. "I don't want you to go away. I don't want to be by myself."
Emma tightened their hold. "We're together. No matter what."
Charles cupped one round cheek on the girl and stared into her face solemnly. "I know I'm not your father, but I love you exactly as if you were my own little girl. In fact, it often feels as if you are. I will keep you safe. My word as your uncle and prince."
Emma finger combed the back of Becky's hair. "Never Sever. Physical or mental, our tie remains law."
Becky sniffed with a little nod and settled back down. Charles and Emma laid down as well, lacing arms across the smaller vessel.
IXI
The neighing of the horses caused them to stir, but the ice burning chill that swept through made them leap to their feet.
Emma hurried to wrap a blanket around Becky before cloaking her own shoulders. The former ninety degree or more dessert had transformed into multiple mounds of snow with the spring completely frozen over.
"Not the pleasant summer breeze I anticipated." Charles reeled Becky in for her to absorb his warmth.
Emma bellowed out, "Now would be a convenient time for a change of wardrobe." She then tacked on sharply, "And it had better not be frumpy!"
Each then watched as fur collared jackets, thick thermal pants, boots and other wintery accessories took the place of their summer apparel.
Becky exhaled with relief and wiggled her pink glove covered fingers. "That's much better." She lowered to get near to the snow.
"Yes, much improved," Charles agreed.
Emma performed a spin in her cozy ski outfit. "I couldn't have picked better myself."
"Now we can move on with—" A collision of snow against his cheek silenced Charles for a moment and he zeroed in on the girl inching away. "That wasn't very nice, Miss Lehnsherr."
Becky giggled, darting away from her uncle turned chaser.
Charles stopped to shield his face from the half dozen snowballs that came at him from behind. "Emma." He mock glowered at her. "You would betray your own husband?"
Running over, the blonde gripped hands with Becky and informed, "We girls must stick together."
"Alright then." Charles rubbed his hands together mischievously. "Perhaps it's time to exercise the full potential of this plane."
Fingers raised, he caused the snow under their feet to slide apart, making both take a tumble.
Becky only giggled. "I can do better than that, Uncle Charles."
With an impish grin, she caused four snowmen to rise up. All of their twig arms carried snowballs, which they promptly aimed Charles' way.
The Professor ducked, managing to keep the assault out of his hair at the very least.
"Ohhh," Emma came over, bending to lift his head. "My poor love. You're about as powdered as sugar."
Charles gave her a look and commented, "Seems your nose could do with a bit of power, dear."
Calling down a gray cloud, he made snow pour from it over Emma's head. When she attempted to move, the cloud only stuck with her every step. Charles guffawed at the sight of his normally sophisticated demure bride leaping about like a chicken.
Becky rushed over, jumping at the male telepath. "You're mean, Prince Charles."
"Oh am I, Princess?" Hugging her close, Charles brought her down into the snow with him.
Relieved at the cloud finally dissipating, something out of the corner of her eye prevented Emma from retaliating against her better half.
"My loves," she waved over, "come here."
Jumping up, Charles and Becky hastened over. Peering across the edge of a slope, they saw what appeared to be a large cottage.
"Well, we've already met the Seven Dwarfs." Charles tilted his head to one side. "I suppose the Three Bears are to be expected."
Becky clapped her hands excitedly. "That means enough porridge for all of us." She then wondered, "What is porridge?"
Charles responded, "We'll soon find out," and they started for the horses.
"I hope dear Mama Bear is accommodating," said Emma, brushing off her clothes. "Think our horses can make it?"
"These horses?" Charles shifted his glance to the steeds in question. "I have no doubt."
Humans mounted on top of them again, the horses walked in an easy trot then then floored in a charge the closer they neared the edge. Becky gasped, Charles attempted to pull on the reins, and Emma practically dug fingernails into him. As soon as the horses went for the jump, a pair of wings sprouted from each of them.
"Eeeee!" Becky squealed.
Emma smiled in great humor at the excited whoop Charles let off.
Maneuvering in the air with the grace of twin doves, the horses took the telepaths for a long twirl in the sky.
The moment they landed, Becky requested, "Again, again!"
"I'm sure there will be a next time, Princess." After Charles stepped down onto the snow he picked her up out of her side saddle. "But it was certainly thrilling, wasn't it?"
"I just love them." Becky hugged the cream colored horse's side.
On land again herself, Emma gazed up at the brick establishment. "It's a ski lodge."
Becky regarded it with interest. "It's bigger than where we lived in Canada."
"It's bigger than one might find in Aspen," Charles commented.
"Well," a spark of adventure developing on Emma's lovely features, she put forth, "what are we waiting for?"
The three neared and the French doors swung open faster than any automatic door.
"Your majesties," A brunette man in a black and white serving uniform bowed as low as he could to them, "we've been anticipating you."
Peering in, Becky's eyes lit up. "Ooh!"
Emma and Charles followed her gaze into a magnificent dining room with nearby sitting area and roaring fireplace. The twenty foot or more hardwood table contained multiple serving dishes and silverware that could not glisten any brighter even under the sun. A dozen uniformed staff members stood behind the chairs in perfectly still position.
Charles held hands with the females and uttered, "My stars…"
"Please," the head waiter returned to an upright position. "Let me take your coats."
Right after they removed their winter apparel, they saw that the clothes underneath consisted of turtlenecks in white, pink, and green.
The servers seated Charles at the head of the table with Emma and Becky to his right and left.
"Champagne, your graces." A housekeeper filled the adults' glasses with the bubbly substance.
"Thank you." Emma then said, "And I thought we were the mind readers."
"Chocolate milk, Princess Rebecca."
"Oh thank you!" Becky said of the sweet liquid poured for her.
One removed the lid to Emma's tray. "Cream fruit-filled crepes, your highness."
Emma exhaled sharply at the display. "Filled to perfection you mean."
For Charles they revealed, "Cranberry English muffins with buttered croissants, your most excellency."
"Why," Charles had to pause as they tucked a napkin into his sweater, "… thank you. This is most extravagant."
"And for the Princess," Becky's mouth practically watered upon view of her own plate, "assorted pastries with French bread and cheese."
She glanced up at the nearest server. "Thank you very much, sir." She then looked between her aunt and uncle. "I want to say grace."
The first to link their hands together, Charles said, "Of course."
They bowed their heads and Becky began, "Thank you, Lord, for all the fun we've had and for giving us such nice things to eat. But please may we return home soon to Papa, Big Bear, and everyone. Amen."
"Amen," Charles and Emma said after her before all three dug in.
After they finished eating, they retired to the sitting area.
"Not that I'm complaining," Emma spoke, reclined against her husband in a plush chair, "but I never thought your psyche would make royals on high out of us."
"Though you are certainly my queen," Charles kissed her neck and his vision went to the one peering out of the window, "I don't believe it's my imagination behind all of this."
"There are sleds out there." Becky turned her head towards them. "Oh, may we go? May we, please?"
"We could stand to burn a few mental calories," Emma said, getting to her feet.
"I second and third that motion." Charles got up as well.
With the eager Becky ahead of them, all three retrieved their coats on the way out. Deciding on the sled long enough to accommodate all of them, Charles lined up in front with Becky behind him and Emma to the rear.
"And we are," the Professor shoved forward, "off!"
The ladies shrieked with glee, their long hair soaring behind them.
"Yes, lovely indeed. But oh," Charles glanced back with a show of despondence, "if only the slope were longer…"
Getting the idea, Becky summoned forth a series of roller coaster loops. One made them go for five rounds in succession before unleashing them. They flew across the sky, landing safely again in the blanket of white powder below. A mess of laughter, they all tumbled off the sled.
"This excursion is like no other." Sighing happily, Emma went on with, "It's utterly…"
"Unbelievable," Charles supplied, turning towards Becky. "Absolute magic."
The smile Becky formed faded a little as she went into thought. "You're so different here."
Charles moved to better face her. "What do you mean, Princess?"
"Well, you're… you're so much fun. You let us use our powers as much as we want. Why can't it be this way at home?"
Charles sat up before responding to her. "Because the physical plane has order and rules. As not only mutants but telepaths, we are able to mix and manipulate that order. With such a gift, we must use it wisely and reasonably." He reached to touch the side of Becky's face under her hair. "We may be royalty here, but outside of this dream land we are above no man and we have our limitations."
Emma added, "In the physical plane, we could easily be hurt or harm someone else in possibly irreversible ways."
Charles nodded to that, staying focused on Becky. "I know it feels wretched that we can't use our powers as frequently as we would like, but it's for good reason. Do you understand, Princess?" At her nod, Charles pulled her into his arms. "And even when it doesn't seem so, I'm very proud of my brilliant illusionist." He spared a hand to take Emma's. "We both are."
Emma's blue eyes radiated the confirmation.
Becky's smile promptly turned into a shudder at a sudden blackness eclipsing them from overhead. "What is that?"
Slowly rising, Charles kept her in a strong hold and Emma stood battle ready. The phantasm passed through, covering nearly the entire sky with its shadowed form. From the center of the manifestation emerged two enormous crimson eyes that chilled the telepaths beyond any cold their current surroundings had to offer.
"Get back!" Emma ordered.
Raising a hand to their temples, she and Charles attempted to cast the creature away but it only expanded. Soon blackness bled over and cloaked the former ski resort. The only color that remained consisted of the three.
"Hi, Miss Frost," Emma and Charles with Becky spun around to see a slim red haired girl emerge from the shadows, "where have you been?"
Emma had to work to formulate words. "… Angelica?"
Charles stretched out his hand when she moved to step closer to the teenager. "Emma, don't."
Angelica cocked her head to the side, eyes on Becky. "Hey, are you new? That's great." When she faced Emma again, the telepaths reacted in horror to the girl's rapidly decaying flesh. "Are you going to get her killed, too?"
A boy with skin equally rotted came to stand beside her. "You said you would protect us."
Becky screamed into Charles' neck.
Other adolescents of various ages appeared, all with taunts on their lips.
"You let them kill us!"
"We're dead because of you!"
"You lying, worthless bitch!"
Running both hands through her hair, Emma belted out, "Stop it! Stop!"
Charles sent an arm around them. "Don't give into them! This is our world. These images are mere products of our minds, our memories. They have no control over us!"
All at once, the scene around them literally shattered and the telepaths dropped at an unreadable speed.
"Rebecca!" Charles kept a hold on her hand then shifted his head to the right, finding Emma's legs held down by her accusers. "No! Release her!" He reached for his wife's wrist, yanking hold of it. "She is not yours!"
With a still intensely beating heart, Becky raised her head. "She's ours! Let her go!" She then called over, "Auntie Em, never sever!"
"Never sever…" Opening eyes widely, a ferocious countenance formed on the woman. Unleashing almost a roar about her, she caused the images to fade away then clutched Charles. "Keep together!"
When their fall at last ended, they made contact with hardwood. Shape, light, and color returned next and they found themselves in the familiar hallway.
Bubbling up inside with joy, Becky hopped up. "We're home!"
"It is the mansion," Emma realized.
"I can't believe it! Papa, Papa!" Becky launched forward.
"Wait." An unconvinced Charles hurried to his feet. "Something isn't right."
Becky stopped to look at him. "But we're home, Uncle Charles."
"That's what it appears," Charles moved around in a circle, "but I haven't seen some of these furniture pieces for years."
Emma followed his gaze. "Where are all the photographs? Where is everyone? It's never this quiet."
"There is someone here," Charles said suddenly. "… I feel it."
"Charles," Emma reacted to her husband paling.
Not speaking, Charles made a beeline for the stairs. Emma and Becky shared a glance before going to catch up with him. Charles led them down to the kitchen where they came to an abrupt halt. The smell of cooked eggs filled the air. A head of lush chestnut brown stood at the stove.
Detecting something from behind, the nonchalant blue eyes turned to greet them. "Good morning, all."
Barely able to inch forward, Charles almost choked on his words. "D- Dad?"
"Why so speechless?" Putting down the spatula, the man in three-piece olive suit held out wide arms. "I never left you, my little prince."
Somehow able to propel his feet forward, Charles entered the embrace with his face pressed against his father's shoulder.
Eyes glossing over, Emma squeezed the shoulders of the now beaming Becky.
Taking notice of the other two, he continued to pat his son's back. "I'm Brian Xavier. Would you like some breakfast?"
"Oh Father," blinking away all moisture, Charles moved to gesture grandly towards his companions. "Please, I'd like you to meet my little niece, Rebecca," the girl curtsied, "and this," he reached out for the blonde, "is the love of my life. My wife, Emma Xavier."
"Emma Xavier." Brian let go of Charles to approach, taking the woman by her fingertips.
"It is," Emma spoke in a hitched voice, "an honor to meet you."
"The honor and privilege," Brian knelt down, lowering his head, "is all mine." He used one hand to cup Becky's chin. "My dear family."
Becky melted into a complete grin at the grand man's touch.
IIIIIII
Cloudy blue eyes fixated and heart rate monitor echoing throughout his ears, Erik's hands remained folded over one of his daughter's small own. He had been in that position from sometime but cared not about the numbness that consumed him.
Hank moved through, vigilant to their vitals.
With Sean behind her, Cordelia entered and wanted to know, "Any change?"
Hank shook his head grimly. "They've been this way for over twelve hours. Their pulses and blood are normal. Whatever is happening seems to be a side effect of their mutation, most likely triggered by yesterday. I can't imagine the exhaustion they suffered attempting to free everyone from something as mentally crippling as a phobia."
Sean stepped forward towards Erik. "I've seen them this way before. Sometimes after training they pass out a little. This is probably the same thing, but you know, stronger." He squatted beside Erik's chair. "They're going to wake up. I know it. Any time now."
Erik absently applying a hand to the young man's head and running fingers through the red strands made up the metal wielder's sole response.
Making her way to the infirmary, the blue woman remained in the doorway momentarily. "Cordy," the teenager quickly turned around, "take care of Brian for a sec."
"Absolutely." Cordelia accepted the transferred bundle into her own arms and sat in the nearest chair with him.
"Brother," the address made Erik face upward, "I need to speak to you."
When the man left his seat, Sean took it to watch over the motionless three.
Erik spoke first when they stepped out into the hall. "What is it?"
"Something isn't right," Raven stated then immediately rethought that. "No, actually, something reeks of shit. And I'm not going to pretend to know what exactly." She went on with, "I know we're still getting over what happened yesterday and now whatever this is has targeted Becca, Charles, and Em. But breaking down is non-optional. Erik, you and I have to keep this place together for everyone. Whatever it takes." Resolute yellow eyes regarded him. "Okay?"
Nodding stiffly, Erik still seconded firmly, "Whatever it takes."
She leaned forward to place arms around him and rested against his chest. "We're going to get through this, Erik."
Holding her in turn, Erik's countenance shifted from despair to unyielding steel.
XIXIX
Departing through the front of the house, the elder Englishman came up just behind the younger under the clear night sky.
"Are you not happy to be home, son?"
Almost spinning on his heel, Charles remained quiet until his lips finally parted. "Father- Dad, there are not words to describe how jubilant I am to have you here, before me," he took him in for what had to be the hundredth time that day, "exactly as I remember you. But this," he pointed towards their house, "this place is not my home. It's nothing more than my own nostalgia toying with me. And though I've carried on my best show of bravado, it honestly frightens me that we may not be able to return to the X-Men."
Not saying a word until his son finished, Brian said, "You always did carry more than your fair share of weight and responsibility. You provide hope for so many you've chosen to take into your care. Can you not spare a little of that same hope for yourself? You've met with challenges in your telepathy before. Is this so different? You will see your home, your real home, again. But my prince, you must have—"
"Faith," Charles interjected as the truth of it connected entirely.
Having spoken all that he needed to for that time, Brian gestured with his head towards the mansion. With a final glance upward, Charles followed his father back inside.