Rise or Fall Chapter 177 Tribulation, a x-men: the movie fanfic

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Seventy Seven

Author's Word: Happy Anniversary Week to one and all, dadidada! All the glam belongs to the Rise or Fall fam! Enjoy, review, and I-love-you!

At the warm mug presented to him, Erik dipped his head to the young instructor. "Thank you." Hank only nodded back, chugging at his own coffee. Erik failed to miss the reddish tints behind the glasses. "Have you had even a moment's sleep?"

Hank came back with a simple, "Have you?"

Erik sincerely considered that. "Unless you count the brief doze from last night. There I was, seated right before them. Still I couldn't do anything for my own daughter."

"There was nothing you could have done." Hank brought the back of his hand down to stroke at the specified little girl's cheek. "Telepathic powers are so unpredictable- as if we hadn't figured that out already."

Entering in an uncharacteristically sluggish motion, Frank walked right for Erik's chair.

The metal wielder accepted the pajama clad youth into his lap. "And the insomniacs welcome their newest member." He pressed lips to the boy's temple then noticed the action figure he'd brought in with him. "Remind me. Is the yellow and red man the lord of mustard and ketchup?"

Frank exhaled through the nose with amused air. "No, he's the Flash. You know, runs real fast."

"Ah," Erik moved his head in understanding, "their very own Hank McCoy."

The young scientist formed a brief smile that sobered somewhat as he knelt near Erik's chair to address the child. "Frank, I'm trying to get a grip on what you saw yesterday on your hike. You said it made you feel strange. Do you remember anything else?"

Frank closed his eyes, attempting to fully recollect. "It moved over Leon. It was so fast we thought it was just a bird. And while I was…. When I was in that crazy dream, I swear I heard somebody laughing at me. Until Raven showed up. I figured it was just part of it." Frank leaned in closer to Erik. "But it felt like it was happy seeing me blind."

A hand going to the boy's back, Hank peered over his head to share a look with Erik.

Returning to his room in gray pajama bottoms and his undershirt, Alex tossed his towel onto the nearest chair.

"Time for lights out, you guys," he announced to the two present. Scott pushed away the comic book he had been absently reading and stood from the desk. Joey remained at the foot of the bed, caressing Bounty's fur. "Joe," Alex came over, dipping to meet their eyes, "come on. Lay down." He reached to collect the rabbit.

Joey pulled back with the animal. "I want to stay in the infirmary."

Alex shook his head to that. "No, Joe. Hank and Erik have it under control down there. Now you barely ate today. You have to get some sleep." He collected Bounty and transferred him over to his crate then moved back the covers. "Come on."

Scott took the younger boy's hand and tugged on it gently. "Alex is right."

"No," Joey moaned, snatching away to hold his knees against his chest.

"Hey." Alex made fast work of picking up the smaller blonde. He walked in a short circle with him. "It's okay, buddy." Alex ran a hand down his back. "Want me to tell you guys a story?" He felt Joey nod against his shoulder. "Okay, but you have to lay down." Another nod and Alex carried him back to the bed.

Scott climbed in under the blanket and Alex placed Joey right beside him. The teenager sat on the bed facing them with legs crossed. Though not used to this sort of situation, he quickly thought up a version of the Three Little Pigs where the pigs wound up housebreaking the wolf and making him their pet. While they listened, Scott inched in closer, leaving one arm over Joey.

Done stirring the two lumps into her tea, Maya pushed the sugar bowl away. She raised the dainty cup to her lips, taking down short slow sips. Almost burning herself at the sharp scraping, Maya had to keep from dropping the cup as she spun in the direction of the window. Quietly making her way over, she peered out through the glass. One young tree off to the side slapped branches against the pane due to the wind's triggering.

When pressure came down on her shoulder, the brown eyed girl veered around with a loud gasp.

"Sorry!" Sean raised both hands, studying her thoroughly alarmed features. "Babe, are you okay?"

"Sean," relieved, Maya went to wrap arms around his center. She stared up at him as she asked, "Do you feel that?"

Sean enveloped her as best he could. "Yeah… like something's going on. But I can't explain it."

"Neither can I." Maya shook her head with confused despair. "What is happening to us?"

"Nothing," Sean answered adamantly. "Maya, the X-Men have faced a ton of close calls. We'll beat this, too. Count on it."

She nodded then requested, "You want to watch some TV or something? I'm not ready to go to sleep."

Sean agreed with, "Neither am I."

Unsure as to what stirred her so suddenly, the tiny eyelids peeled back, greeted by the mostly dark room. Detaching just slightly from where she laid against her mother, the tiny girl rolled over to the other side of the bed. To her dejection, the normally filled spot did not contain her father.

Rising in bed a little, Kiki rubbed at her eyes. As soon as she pulled her hands apart, she peered into fiery gold eyes and a gleaming leer that echoed a taunting snigger. The razor sharp teeth opened, encroaching on her.

At the scream that resonated from her daughter, Raven shot straight up. "Kiki?" She snatched the wailing child over into her grasp, managing to spare one hand long enough to click on the reading lamp.

"Mommy?" Trav popped up with distress that only intensified when he witnessed his sister's current state. "Kikiko?" He leaned forward to hold her from the side.

"Baby, calm down." Raven rocked with her as best she could. "It's okay now." She kissed her head and caressed the quivering back. "It was just a bad dream. Shhh, shhhh." She glanced to her left. "Trav, get your dad on my communicator."

The little boy grabbed up his mother's nearby wrist device and pressed the designated button. "Daddy, Daddy, come quick."

Not taking the time to respond, Hank arrived up the stairs within the minute. "What happened?"

"She had a nightmare." Getting up with the toddler, Raven carefully passed her over. "See if you can get her to calm down."

The violent shaking on his daughter's part made Hank's own heartbeat gallop along with hers. "Baby Bear, shhhhh." Keeping his own composure, he lowered to sit on the edge of the bed. "Daddy's here. It's over now." He had to blink hard when he felt her tears dampen his shirt. "Yes now. Calm- let's calm down."

Kiki slowly stilled but continuously sobbed against him.

Raven scooted close to them with Trav in her lap. They both moved in to comfort Kiki and Hank reeled them in as near as he could.

IIIIIII

Fresh diaper in place, the Poland native buttoned up the infant's clothes. Making use of the rocking chair, he picked up the bottle of white formula left on the small table. However, his attempt to penetrate the bitty lips proved difficult to say the least when the baby either wriggled his head a bit or let off short cries.

Erik did not take it to heart. He knew the boy longed for his mother; something else the wizard of metal knew well indeed.

Gently shaking the arm that contained Brian, Erik cooed at him. "It's alright, little Lab Mouse." A soft Yiddish lullaby ignited from the man's throat next. As soon as Brian drifted into a place of contentment, Erik slid the nipple in and helped him drink. "There we are. If I don't keep you nice and plump, your mama will use my head to make you a brand new rattle." If Erik did not know much better, he would have sworn he heard what sounded like a chuckle gurgle from the infant.

Making her way into the nursery, Raven paused at the sight of the bosom two before coming closer. "Hi."

So captivated by the one he currently worked to feed, Erik looked her way then returned sight to Brian. "Oh, Auntie Raven's here. Don't you want to say good morning?" Crouching next to the rocking chair, the blue woman smiled warmly at the baby's warble. Erik noted her fatigue behind the pleasant demeanor. "Raven?"

Dim yellow eyes faced him. "We need to talk."

Another stack of cheese toast cooled from the oven, the festive pot holder covered hands presented it to the five at the kitchen table.

"Ooh." Sean then grew suspicious and narrowed mockingly accusatory eyes on the girl. "Sure you didn't poison it?"

She nudged him with her elbow and winked. "Maybe."

"Thanks, Cordy." Scott transferred a piece over onto his plate.

Frank looked up. "You sure you don't want me to fix something?"

Cordelia immediately waved a hand to that. "You just continue being handsome and we'll tag-team for lunch."

"This looks so good." Alex took a slice of the browned bread but put it on Joey's plate. "Don't you want some more?"

An uncertain, "Um," vibrated from the little boy.

Alex broke off a small section and held it out to his lips. "You don't want your Aunt Cordy to feel like a bad cook, do you?"

Joey shook his head slowly and accepted the offered piece before eating at the rest himself.

Cody darted into the kitchen with a short slide of his socks across the tile. "Hey, everybody."

"Hey, Code Man." Sean ruffled his hair when he passed by. "How's your mom this morning?"

"She's terrific." Cody opened the bottom cabinets and pawed through them until he retrieved a long enough tray. "I came to load up for my folks and Smiley. Uncle Vic just wants the donuts he's got in Eye Spy."

"Let me help." Cordelia went to prompt work of filling several different containers.

Cody went around to Joey. "You wanna play barrel of monkeys after we eat?"

Still nibbling at his breakfast, Joey replied, "Maybe later."

Sean piped up, "I'll play with you, pal."

"'Kay," was all Cody said as he returned his attention to the food.

A serene murmur could be heard as the dark haired beauty propped up in bed. Placing his wooden block and carving knife to the side, Logan hastened over from the sitting area to be beside her.

"Mornin', finest thing to come out of Canada."

Kayla returned the greeting kiss that followed but her radiance decreased as she looked around. "Where's Cody?"

"Here I am, Mama." The little boy zipped in as best he could with the tray in his possession.

Logan met him halfway to take the heavy contents. "Good work, Cat." He tossed at the side of his hair.

Cody watched his father lift the tray up over his head with one arm while going back to the bed. "When'll I be able to do that?"

Kayla smiled as their son came to lay at her side. "You'll be as big and strong as your dad soon enough." She fed an orange sectional to the boy. "But I'd like to keep you this way just a little longer."

Cody swallowed the piece of fruit before he asked, "How much longer?"

Kayla hummed in mock thought. "Twenty or thirty years should do it."

"Hey Smiley," Logan called out, "come get some of this grub Cat rustled up." His brow creased when she failed to respond. Standing, he peered into the connected bathroom to see the girl with face barely an inch away from the water loaded sink. "Hey, hey." He came over quickly, pulling her away. "What do you think you're doin'?"

Maya peered up at him forlornly. "I keep thinking about what happened. I never even realized how afraid I still am of that water…. So cold, draining the life right out of me. I wish I could just," she sent exasperated fingers through her hair, "get over it."

Logan gripped both her shoulders. "Hey, it got to Kayla, too. And the boys, remember?"

Maya folded her arms. "Theirs seem actually legitimate."

"It's hardly been a year since you fell through that ice in Canada," Logan reminded. "How long has it been since Alex was in that plane crash? Gettin' over things takes time. Sometimes they never go away completely. Doesn't make you weak by a longshot."

Maya nodded at him but became jarred from her developing thoughts at the voice sounding over the man's communicator.

"Attention instructors," Raven petitioned, "Erik and I would like to see you in the library immediately, please."

Out of the shower and clothed in blue track pants and a WU t-shirt, he finger combed at his still damp hair for a few seconds. Turning away from his dresser, Leon walked over to the end table by his bed. He frowned deeply at one particular bare spot. Dropping to his hands and knees right away, he scanned underneath the short tablecloth. Coming up with nothing, he next slid beneath his bed.

The energetic stepping on the part of the apron adorned girl ceased upon her arrival in his doorway. "Leon?" She gaped at only having visual of his legs. Crawling out, Leon arched his head back to get his hair out of his eyes. "I came to see if you wanted some breakfast… what are you looking for?"

"It's gone." Quickly getting back to his feet, Leon went to yank open his drawers.

Cordelia followed his movements. "What?"

Tossing out several pairs of socks, Leon clarified without ceasing his search, "My necklace. The one Becky gave me for my birthday."

Recalling now, Cordelia said, "Oh, your star-cross. Well, take it easy. Where did you have it last?"

"It's always on my night stand or on top of my dresser." Leon pushed out the latter to look behind it. "Every single time I take it off at night."

"Don't worry. We'll find it." Cordelia calmly walked over to his night table and bent to double check the area. Noticing a particular shine, she took hold of the piece of silver between two fingers and withdrew it. "Here it is."

Leaving his mound of clothes behind, Leon went to receive the jewelry article from her. "Thank you." He slipped it on around his neck. "Where was it?"

"In here." Cordelia touched the side of his waist bin. "I almost didn't see it. It was practically buried."

Both eyebrows raised on Leon as he coiled one hand over the emblem.

"It took over an hour to lull Kiki back to sleep," seated beside Erik at the head of the two joined tables, Raven addressed the staff members, "She has had bad dreams before, especially when Hank is upset about something, but last night was insane."

"She kept saying that the monster would get her," Hank continued. "I have never seen her so shaken. I was afraid to even breathe too heavily when she finally did sleep. Even Trav was tossing and turning throughout the night. Whoever was behind the phobias must have some sort of subconscious or illusionary capability like none we've ever experienced."

"And without our telepaths," Erik spoke next, expression frank and grim, "we are at a horrible disadvantage to find out who is doing this."

"I conducted multiple foot patrols last night," Victor reported. "Reviewed the camera footage. No sight, no scent."

Raven looked between the brothers Howlett-Creed. "I don't even think your tracking powers will do any good. Maya and Kayla's phobias triggered while they were in the house. Meanwhile, the boys were all the way out in the woods."

"Why us?" All shifted their gazes over to Alex, who leaned back in his chair with arms folded pensively. "Look, I get we're the ones with the big buried "phobia fears" but what did they have to gain from that whole thing?"

"Better question," Logan presented next, "why bother with all the mind games? Why ain't this thing gone for the direct approach?"

Erik stroked his chin in brief thought. "What if it has? In its own way. Becky, Charles, and Emma fell into this exhausted state after stretching their powers to free the others."

Raven's eyes swelled with realization. "What if the Triad was the target all along? But it couldn't go after them directly, possibly because Charles and the others could have sensed it."

Hank followed his wife's logic with, "So it forced them to overwork their powers." He formed a deep grimace. "Then that can only mean…."

"It still has plans for the rest of us," Erik filled in.

With a smack to the center of one table, Victor stood from his seat. "Then it just wrote a check its ass can't cash."

"Hell yeah," Logan seconded his brother. "If this piece of—"

"Hey," Sean pushed his way in through one door of the library, a groggy Kiki attached to his hip, "sorry for interrupting but Ms. Loree's on the phone for you," Erik's eyes met the boy's, "She sounds really upset."

IIIIIII

The over a dozen gawking bystanders made it difficult for the sedan to penetrate. When the three managed to emerge from the vehicle, both hands went over Maya's mouth to contain her reaction. Glancing back and forth between the hills of glass that once made up the windows, and the broken decorative symbols strewn about, Sean could only stare. Countenance unreadable, Erik swallowed then took the first step forward to lead the way through the smashed in doors. Inside they found the state of affairs hardly better than the exterior, save for the numerous members gathered.

"Ben." Sean ran ahead towards his friend.

Raising his head, the other teenager bounded to his feet to accept the incoming hug. "Sean," he then noticed the others, "Mr. Lehnsherr, Maya."

"Ben…" Maya moved in to place arms around him as well.

"Who did this?" Erik demanded.

"We have no idea," a fatigued hand passed through Ben's already roughed hair, bags visible under his eyes, "the police and local news were here bright and early. It happened late last night. The police are clueless, but my mom and dad have pretty good hunches. The Messianic movement's faced this before."

Maya shifted her head back and forth in search. "Where are Josh and the girls?"

"We left them with the neighbors after we got the call," Ben then pointed towards the crowd further down, "Mom and Dad are over there."

Erik touched a hand to Ben's shoulder as he proceeded to find the elder Braunsteins.

"Chad," he addressed.

The Rabbi held a respectful finger to the five he currently spoke with and walked over to shake hands with the latest arrival. "Erik, I'm glad you came."

"Of course I did," Erik said promptly. "I want to help, whatever the damages. I'll write out a check before we leave here."

"Thank you," the other man's tone carried untold lassitude, "but I'll tell you the worst part. Syl and I knew when we opened these doors that something like this could happen." The slightest glimpse of humor crossed Chad's features. "I actually expected a whole lot more than a few broken odds and ends. We have more than anti-Semitism after us. Many don't approve of the immersing the old way with the new."

"Erik!"

Both men turned to see one woman making her way toward them and Erik met her in an embrace. "Vanessa."

"I left work as soon as I could." She gazed sorrowful eyes up at him. "I could not believe the news on television."

Passing through next, Sylvia greeted Erik and took her husband by the hands. "Many of the others want to gather out front for a group prayer."

Chad nodded and left an arm around her as they went to call everyone together.

As they walked out among them, Vanessa touched a hand to Erik's chest. "I thought I would never get you on the phone."

"I haven't been easy to reach," Erik admitted then paused long enough to hug her again. "Thank you for being here."

"Nothing could have kept me away," she stated pungently.

Erik made sure their eyes stayed fixated as he told her, "There is so much going on- too much- and I'm not going to be accessible for quite some time. But when I am able again, there are things you and I need to discuss."

"I understand," Vanessa responded unbothered, "and I will be waiting."

IIIIIII

Each with a tyke gripping their hand, the two dark haired boys entered the infirmary.

"She's tired," Scott let go of Kiki for her to walk into Raven's waiting arms, "but she can't lay still for her nap."

"She's scared to," Trav told his parents urgently. "She thinks she won't wake up again."

"Oh sweetheart." Kissing her cheek, Raven gave her daughter a tight but gentle squeeze.

"Listen, Hank," keeping a hand on his daughter's back, the scientist looked Frank's way, "Kiki really wants you and you guys are completely beat from all of this. We want you to lay down with Kiki and Trav and we'll stay here with Charles and the ladies. I'll swear we'll come running if there's the tiniest blip of change."

"And if you call us after you wake up, we'll bring your lunches up to your room," Scott promised. "Just do us a favor and take a break already."

"Yeah, we don't want Rae to pass out." Frank then added with jovial glibness, "And you, either, Hank. I don't want to bug Vic to come lift you."

Raven smiled widely while Hank chuckled shortly from his chest and said, "Alright. The Eye Scream Team to our much needed rescue." He bent to pick up Trav. "Come on, cub."

Raven kissed each of their heads. "Thank you, love bug. Thank you, Sky-High Summers."

Kiki blew a kiss after the boys as the McCoys took their leave of the medical wing.

IIIIIII

The sole sharp petition of his name proved the only thing capable of steering the small boy out of his present thoughts.

"Al?" he called back. "Over here!"

A relieved but nonetheless irate Alex moved through the greenery to get to him. "What do you think you're doing all the way out here?"

Joey indicated Xander, who currently nibbled on a few leaves on one branch. "We just went for a ride."

"Without breathing a word to me." Alex set him with a reproachful glare that matched his tone. He pointed to the spot only an inch away from him. "Come here."

Joey did not hesitate to hop to his feet despite all apprehension. As soon as he got within range, Alex seized him by the wrist and lowered before forcing the boy across his raised knee.

He commenced promptly with delivering sharp swats to the seat of his jeans. "You know better than to wander off, especially with everything going on around here." A protesting neigh from Xander did not slow his hand. "You do this again and your pants are coming down." After the fourteenth strike, Alex returned him to an upright position. "Do you hear me, Charles Joey Xavier?"

Tear streams flowing rapidly, Joey nodded with a small shake about him. "I... I-I'm sorrrry, Al…"

Alex snatched him into a fierce hug. "Don't scare me like that, baby. Something happening to you is worse than a hundred plane crashes." He felt the child grow limp and practically sink in his hold. Alarmed that he had caused him more damage than intended, Alex pulled back to see his face. "Are you okay?"

"It's not fair," Joey sobbed. "Trav and Kiki have Uncle Hank and Aunt Raven. Cody's got his folks. Uncle Erik's here with you." He then hollered, "I want my mummy and daddy!"

Linking their foreheads, Alex bobbed his body back and forth with him. "I know you do, baby," he whispered. "Your mom and dad and Becky are okay and they're going to wake up. But no matter what, you can't think you're alone. Erik, Raven, Hank, everybody's here for you. And worst or best case- whatever, I'm always going to take care of you, Joe." He sent soothing fingers through the younger mutant's hair. "Can't ever let go of each other, right?"

With a sniff, Joey came back with, "Right." He used the back of his hand to wipe at his eyes. "I love you, big brother."

"I love you, baby brother," Alex returned then got up with him. "Let's go home." He headed over to Xander. "But you better hang onto the reins. I don't think this guy is too happy with me right now." Joey gave off a smile and guided his horse while remaining in Alex's hold. "You gonna sleep a while for me when we get home? I'll bring you some ice."

Joey nodded tiredly into his shoulder.

IIIIIII

The moment they made it out of civilian earshot, Maya stated adamantly, "There is nothing whatsoever coincidental about this."

"She's right, Erik," Sean agreed, sticking his head in towards the front of the vehicle, gripping the head rest of the passenger seat. "Too many weird things have been happening. Our Bibles winding up on the floor and Leon told me his necklace ended up at the bottom of his trash bin this morning. The one he always wears from Becky. And now out of nowhere, someone attacked the Temple?"

Keeping as much of his attention on the road as he could, Erik considered something. "Maya, when you were locked in that nightmare do you remember hearing someone laughing at you?"

"A lot of it is fuzzy now," and the girl could not deny how much elation that fact brought her, "but no. I was by myself until Leon's dream crossed with mine."

"Frank said he heard someone laughing; mocking him." Erik rounded a corner.

Sean tried to reason, "But why pick on Frank-O?"

"I cannot be certain," Erik's gaze set, "but I believe it's because his powers are fueled by more than mere genetics."

The young couple looked to each other in a simultaneous motion.

IIIIIII

Fingers drumming along the control panel acted as the only form of sound within the security space. When the upper screens read as clear, Victor moved on to the bottom. Blinking, he zeroed in on the one furthest to the left. Even under the darkened sky, he made out the distinct shaped. He pushed back and out of his seat swiftly.

Storming out front, he saw it still in the same position. The medium lean body in lightly tan suit hunched over, examining one flower bush.

"You're trespassin' on private property, pal." With a calm but steady stride, Victor approached. Fingers growing into claws, his eyes darkened over. "'Fraid I'll have to escort you out."

The infiltrator did not react except to cup one chrysanthemum. The bud immediately wilted and dried out in his hand.

Snarling at the sight, Victor charged for him. The other male casually stood and veered around, displaying a smooth face in its prime, a head of ebony hair, and eyes that lacked irises. Victor paused from lunging at him when he detected movement overhead and spotted a foot scurrying from the edge of the roof.

"Wh—" Victor returned gaze to his front, finding himself alone on ground level.

Moving around to one side of the house, he saw it vacant as well. With a growl, he dug claws into the wall and started up to the roof. A scent brushed against his nostrils. Recognition activated, but from where exactly he could not recollect at the moment. Arriving at the top, a figure in full body dark green stared back at him with a shrouded visage from the other side of the roof.

At the brisk removal of the full head mask, Victor's pulse skipped but he could not so much as speak as an unexpected churn in his stomach built into an intense burning. Everything around him swirled and bled together and his head grew so heavy it felt ready to snap free from his neck. His coordination lost to him, the stout man toppled back.

At her husband's rapid jerk of his head, Kayla leaned in closer to his chair. "Logan?"

Dropping the pistol he'd been polishing, Logan tore out of their suite and did not cease his pace until he reached the front exterior. His nose directed him to one side. There the large inert body lay with limbs sprawled out in different directions.

"No, no…" Dashing, Logan collapsed to his knees at his side. "Victor!"

XIXIX

A choked gasp spat from the lips of the man and the female telepaths rushed to him. The entire Xavier property faded away into a stone gray atmosphere.

"Uncle Charles?" Becky held tightly to his forearm.

Emma kept him steady from the other side. "Charles, speak to us."

One word left the Professor's mouth. "Ignacio."

IIIIIII

Hands pressed together underneath chin, the vacant blue eye stayed wide open while focused steadfast on nothing before him. Kayla's touches to his thigh acted as the sole warmth he experienced in the space. Arms crossed, Erik leaned against one wall standing with Raven. When the doctor finally emerged from the infirmary, the siblings became alert and the Howletts stood expectantly.

Expression nearly void of color, Hank formulated words. "His ribs are completely shattered and both legs broken. If not for his powers taking care of his smaller wounds, he would have bled out completely. He will heal, but whatever he came up against managed to disorient him to a great extent. The process won't be instant."

Logan reacted first with a snort, making all face him. "Bullets right to the chest, heart attacks, bombs burstin'- and that's on a slow day. He's probably milkin' this to take a load off." He turned to Kayla. "Why don't you go let them know everything's good while I look in on the geezer? Keep Cat and the kids upstairs. They see him like this and they'll think their sugar supply's been cut off."

With a sweet smile and nod, Kayla kissed him. "I'll be back."

Raven walked with her and Erik quietly came up behind them.

"Hey," Logan lightly kicked Hank's ankle with the tip of his foot, "fix your face already. You're liable to start lookin' like me if you keep that up."

The young doctor remained outside while the older mutant strolled into the infirmary.

Remaining in place, Logan took several seconds to review the one who's wide body took over the entire mattress. The top to lower abdomen had been wound in bandages, a brace circled his neck, and casts covered his elevated legs. Logan moved in closer.

Of the breathing apparatus, he commented, "Ass too lazy to even use your own lungs, huh?" Spotting the nearby chair, Logan pulled it over to sit. "Figures." He flicked at a few lengthy blonde strands. Bowing his head for several seconds, he eventually extended his neck to reach his brother's ear. "Swear to God, Vic. That cunt is dead."

IIIIIII

A sardonic smile in place, Raven used a fist to keep her head propped up. "Ever get the feeling you're going to wake up covered in boils?"

Erik supported himself against the railing. "A fate long past due to me I'm sure."

Raven, Erik!

The shape-shifter leapt up from the bottom step and the metal wielder spread arms out in front of her in a ready defensive stance.

Raven's lip quivered at the transparent materialization before them. "… Charles?"

"Owen Ignacio!" the telepath exclaimed. "He's been here. He wants to keep the Triad away. He's—" Charles' image faded in a blink.

Raven jumped forward, waving arms desperately in the now empty place. "Charles!"

Calmly applying hands to her shoulders, Erik moved her to face him. "He told us what we need. Now," absolute ire laced his voice, "it's left to us to end this."