Rise or Fall

by Heiress Mellie

First Class: Charles and Erik have accepted their roles as guardians and headmasters over the young mutants but there is still work to be done for the greater than typical family. This is a familial and discipline, including spanking, centered fiction.

178. Chapter 178 The Shadow of Death

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Seventy Eight

Author's Word: Another day closer to anniversary time. Let's do it, fam! Please enjoy and review!

One item in the historical exhibit caught the attention of the male-female pair. Safeguarded behind the clear casing, the delicate face depicted fair skin, an intricate blonde up-do, and red lips.

After a quick skim of the information card attached to the front of the case, incredulity developed. "What unmonitored fool gave Marie Antoinette a doll? A shrew celebrating thorns in the sides of great men no doubt…" At the quieter than usual girl's lack of response, Fabian glanced down. "Anne?" He followed his sister's line of sight some distance away to where a half a dozen giggling sixth grade types flocked together. "Oh the great debaters. I wonder what plethora of topics have them so captivated- unicorns or nail polish application."

Anne looked up at him now, hugging her own doll to her chest. "I like unicorns."

"You can also go more than a century back into their mythologies." Fabian crouched enough to level their eyes. "Don't waste time wanting to join ignorant social circles. Even if those girls reached Everest, they would still be beneath you." His hand went to her cheek gingerly. "When will you see how special you are?... being my sister."

"Oh hermano," she laughed into his touch.

Flicking her nose with his thumb, Fabian stood straight again. "Now come. Let's pay a visit to the facilities to do something about that lemonade and ice cream you inhaled."

Taking his hand, Anna regarded him knowingly. "You have to go, don't you?"

"Desperately," he admitted.

Once they reached the designated area, they divided into the two bathrooms separated by a water fountain. Fabian released a highly contented exhale when his bladder reached empty. At the sink, he collected a handful worth of soap and scrubbed vigorously. He turned to go but paused long enough to further smooth out his already crisp collar and straighten the two or three loose hairs on his eyebrows. Leaving out, the young man positioned himself outside the lady's room.

After a minute, he rang out Let's go, hermanita. We have a whole other wing to see and Papi expects us within the hour.

He addressed a middle-aged woman that stepped out. "Pardon me, madam, but could you please tell my sister I'm waiting? Very light brown hair, angel eyes."

The woman smiled and re-entered the bathroom, only to promptly return with a confused expression in place of her pleasant one. "I don't see her."

"What?" Rapidly bypassing the lady, Fabian walked in. "Anne?" He shoved open every unlocked stall. "Anne-Marie, where are—?"

Everything in him came to a standstill at the brown-eyed doll smiling up at him. He snatched it up from the floor then jumped from his thoughts at a hand connecting with his arm.

Scowl in place, a woman in full dress attire informed him, "You're not supposed to be in here."

Heated glare forming, Fabian ordered, "Get out of my way," and knocked past her.

Many stopped to gape at the sudden speed demon powered entirely by his own feet.

Anne? Anne, where are you? Anne-Marie? He made his way to the front of the building, spotting only more who stared at him like some sort of side show. Anne-Marie!

IIIIIII

"Uncle Erik!" Cautiousness of his mutated scream basically abandoned, the redhead cried out next, "Raven!"

Maya charged up the stairs. "Everyone, quick."

Raven's voice piped up through their communicators. "Library!"

Location identified, the couple turned one corner and practically skidded upon reaching the reading space.

As they stumbled over their words far more than usual for the bashful pair, Kayla raised soothing hands their way. "Breathe, both of you. Please."

Sean gathered some air as he told the room, "We found info on Ignacio." He slid the news clippings over for the adults' viewing. "Old articles go on and on about his philanthropy."

Erik picked up one paper and studied it with Raven while the Howletts along with Hank and Alex reviewed the other two.

"The library in town," Maya stepped up to lay the thick book on one table, "He's barely thirty and he already has an autobiography out. He has this unbelievable custom-built house up in Maine."

Hank adjusted his glasses, reading one section. "Dr. Owen Ignacio. University of Washington, hm."

Alex looked at him in inquiry. "Washington?"

"It's considered one of the greatest medical schools in the country." Hank then tacked on glibly, "Debatably."

Maya told the room, "He specializes in genetics."

"Just like Charles," Sean put forth. "Do you think they know each other?"

"Extremely doubtful," Raven said, studying the picture of the grinning waving man. "Never heard of him and this face doesn't ring so much as a jingle."

Erik looked to the researchers. "Is there an address attached to his Maine residence?"

Maya tapped the book. "Right in here."

"Well, since he's so comfy lurking near our house," Raven's eyes flashed, "I'm sure he won't mind returning the courtesy."

Bone claws extended as far as they could from Logan's fists. "Just show me where to shred, Blue."

"While you and I share that particular sentiment, Wolverine," Erik spoke, "this will have to first and foremost be a reconnaissance mission. We hardly know anything about Ignacio or the full extent of his powers. And without telepathy on our side, we're going to have to exercise stealth."

"We'll be ready in five seconds," Alex guaranteed.

"No," Erik said after the hastened young man. "I want you to remain here with Kayla and the children. We cannot leave them unprotected."

Alex nodded dutifully.

"Hank," Raven approached her husband, taking his hands, "I want you to stay here, too."

"What?" came the sharply disgruntled reaction. "Raven, that's insane. I'm not staying behind while you enter an unknown situation."

Keeping her calm, Raven emphasized, "Our kids need you here. Too much has happened already. Four of our X-Men are in the infirmary already. If anything else comes up, you're the only doctor here."

Erik stepped up, putting a hand to Raven's shoulder. "She's right, Hank. Please, trust us."

With a slow exhale through the nose, Hank nodded slowly. He only looked up when Raven held his head between her hands, locking their eyes.

Kayla coiled both arms around one of Logan's as he departed for preparation.

"Sean," Erik addressed, heading out as well, "tell Leon I'll need you both downstairs and ready in ten minutes."

A disbelieving Sean felt his lower lip disconnect from his upper and he could not formulate sound at first.

Glancing back, Erik delivered a whack across the back of his head. "Don't just stand there with your mouth open. Move."

"Yes, sir," the redhead responded straightaway. Despite the reproach, he could not help the building smile on his face as he walked out.

Lowering into a chair, Maya flipped the autobiography open to the page she'd left off on.

XIXIX

Gentle hum turning into an impressed whistle at the sight overhead, Brian waved over, "Oh son, daughter-in-law. You may want to have a look at this."

The trio of mutants gathered around where he stood in the backyard. Gazing upward, they watched the thin orange stream shuffle across the sky, disappearing and reappearing occasionally.

Charles stroked his chin in puzzlement. "I can't begin to fathom an explanation for this one."

Eyes remaining up, Brian said, "Now Charles, what have I told you about leaving your swirling vortexes lying about?"

Emma offered to her father-in-law, "Men of great intellect can be so very distracted from time to time."

"It's so pretty." Becky then jumped as it shot in her direction next.

"Rebecca!" Closest to her, Emma moved but the beam proved faster. The girl vanished instantly upon contact. "No! What did it do to her?" Emma raved. "Where is she?"

Silent, Charles felt the answer piece together within him.

IIIIIII

Though initial vision stayed blurry for several seconds, the sight of the white ceiling overhead eventually came into view. Though she attempted to rush up, lethargy overcame her and she had to slow significantly. Seeing the needle attached to her arm, she plucked it out and detached the tape with a moan.

"Have a good nap, Tink?"

While her mind remained incredibly foggy, she instantly recognized the voice and peered across the room. "Knight Victor."

He arched his head up as best he could and cautioned, "Easy, baby," as she tried to scramble down.

One hand going to her head, Becky made her way over to him, utter shock filling her at the heavily bandaged man. "What happened to you?"

"Slipped on a banana peel." Victor gave her a special smile, maneuvering one hand into her curls. "You're a sight for big, brown sore eyes, Fairy Girl."

Returning to the medical space, Hank disbelieved his vision to such an extent that he removed his glasses. "… Becca?"

She turned towards the entry. "Big Bear!"

The girl hardly had time to raise her arms as her brother's strong own swept her up. "Becca, you- you're alright!" He left kisses on her forehead and nose. "And you're here… you're here."

Becky buried her face against his lab coat. "I missed you so much."

Victor remained quiet at the display, corners of his mouth curving up.

When it dawned on her, Becky looked over in urgency towards the other filled beds. "Uncle Charles and Auntie Em- they're still there. I have to get them out."

Hank winced at the groan that resulted as soon as she touched finger to temple. "Becca, no. Neither you or your powers are remotely strong enough to handle that. I know Charles and Emma will make it back as well, but I can't risk you slipping away again." He cupped the side of her face, gazing closely into the green eyes. "They wouldn't want that, either."

"Listen to the egghead, Tink," Victor supported. "Charles and Em just want to hit the snooze button a couple more times."

With a nod, Becky then wanted to know, "Where's Papa?"

"He and Raven had to go look into something," Hank explained gently, "but they'll be home as soon as they can." He smiled for her. "I can only imagine Erik's reaction when he sees you. Speaking of which," he stood with her, "let's go show you off."

"Yeah, let's," Victor seconded.

Hank set him with an unambiguous glower. "Wiggle so much as a finger and I sedate you. And I don't mean through your arm."

Staying flat, Victor remarked, "Bedside manner needs a little work there, Doc."

IIIIIII

Attention averting from his sneakers to the front of the jet, Sean could not shake the mild uneasiness he experienced. In place of Charles and Hank as pilot and co-pilot were Erik and Logan. Erik had on a full body black suit easily mistaken for night prowler attire and Sean could only wonder when, where, and why the metal wielder had acquired such clothing. Logan wore gray and black camouflage. While Sean himself had dressed in a black t-shirt with equally dark jeans, Leon wore black and white athletic clothes. Raven paced most of the length of the jet, attired in a form fitting navy jumpsuit that zipped down the front.

From where he sprawled out across one row of seats, Leon played with his Swiss army knife while watching the mutated blonde's movements. Never before had he seen her shoulders so heavy yet her entire form so tall at the same time.

"Closin' in now," Logan reported. "Should be- damn."

At the veteran's reaction, the three young people took to the windows. They observed the lengthy brick estate, complete with towers and surrounding lawns so neatly trimmed not a blade of glass appeared out of place.

"So," Leon spoke, "custom-built wasn't an exaggeration."

"Where do these fuckers get this kind of money?" Logan frowned.

"Imagine the security in that place," said Sean.

No great impression settled in Raven and she glanced Logan's way. "Good thing our security travels."

"After what he put my wife, brother, and unborn child through?" Logan's gaze narrowed with determination. "I'll hop every continent after this son of a bitch."

"At the very least he has no neighbors about." Rising to his feet, Erik instructed, "Hang on."

Moving the males to sit, Raven remained between Sean and Leon, keeping an arm on each of them.

Taking control of the metal craft, Erik maneuvered them a little over a quarter of a mile behind the residence. He landed them as quietly as he possibly could.

Before they departed the craft, Erik gathered them for direction. "Raven and I will take the second story with Logan and Leon on the first. Sean, you're to stay in radio contact here in case we need you."

Raven added, "Remember to only display powers when necessary. We don't know who or how many people are in there. Being subdued and put into containment is a bit of an inconvenience at the moment."

They all voiced their understanding and Logan said, "Shred to a minimum, gotcha."

Stepping down from the jet, the infiltrating four ventured forth while Sean situated himself in the pilot's seat.

After a series of crouching under the trees, they arrived within the wide spread backyard. Going off in their designated pairs, Erik and Raven crept to one side while Leon and Logan took to a back door.

Using his ears, Logan glanced in through the nearest window to confirm the emptiness of the lush enclosed porch. He nodded towards Leon, who worked his knife to unlatch the door. They proceeded inside with a braced Logan in the lead.

Magnetically unlocking their door, Raven and Erik entered a hall that contained a short round table with tall Ming vase on top. They spotted stands and other pieces of décor but nothing resembling actual life. They walked forward until they located a side stairwell and slowly started up it.

IIIIIII

A round of "Mmmms" echoed throughout the kitchen as Hank rained chocolate sprinkles over the already abundant sundaes.

"Whoa, easy," Alex touched Trav's back while the boy guzzled down the creamy sweetness. "Bugsy, I promise. Nobody's taking it from you. We value our fingers too much."

"Hank must be real glad to see Becky," Cody spoke covertly to Joey, "He's not even givin' us grief about our teeth and junk."

His own sensitive hearing activated, Hank squatted to leave an arm around each of them. "And I'm certain you both will happily accept seconds on the broccoli casserole we'll be having this evening. Correct?"

Pushing past initial hesitation, they replied with a unison, "Correct."

Hank then chuckled and sat back down with a fudge faced Kiki in his lap.

"I know I'm glad you're back." Joey leaned over to share another hug with Becky. "Now I know Mum and Dad'll be here soon."

Becky laid a hand across her forehead. "It still feels funny. I can't believe how long we were away. Like a week."

Scott reacted to this and gazed across the table at her. "A week? Rebecca, it's only been three days."

Her eyes widened at that. "Really?"

"You know how wild dreams can be," said Alex, going around to leave arms around her from behind. "One minute I'm surfing in Hawaii and the next I'm doing major motocross over the rings of Saturn."

Hank quipped, "Having already bested the moon no doubt."

Frank retrieved a package out of the freezer. "Who wants chocolate chips?"

Cordelia walked in to the multitude of positive responses, her attention on Brian in her arms.

Kayla looked away from clearing things at the sink. "Where's Maya?"

"Lost in research over this… Ignacio-Pistachio bloke," Cordelia replied dismissively, giving Brian's rump a gentle pat. She gathered a fingerful of whipped cream onto her finger to slip into his mouth. "Someone heard we were having ice cream without him."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Brian," Joey apologized to his brother.

Cody tapped his bowl with his spoon. "I should bring one of these to Uncle Vic."

"Honey, the only thing your uncle needs right now is rest," Kayla informed, stepping over to her son's chair. "He's been working too hard and he's still recovering from that strain he suffered last night."

"He's feeling better today," Hank reported positively. "He may be up for visitors in the morning; possibly later tonight."

Becky now absently nibbled on the chocolate at the tip of her spoon.

IIIIIII

Departing from yet another vacant bedroom, Raven met with Erik in the hall.

"Not even so much as a naked French maid cuffed to the bed." Raven put hands on her hips. "An estate like this should have twenty staff members on hand."

Erik mentioned, "You and Charles don't seem particularly fond of cleaning services."

Raven smiled cutely at him. "What do you think we keep the rest of you around for?"

Erik gave her the softest scowl then his attention floated over to one set of doors. "This way." They reached the end of the hall and Erik determined, "Locked."

"Naturally," they said together.

At his swiftness in bringing submission to the locks, Raven stated, "You are my kind of burglar."

"Your sentiments are appreciated, dear sister." Erik pulled the twins door back.

What greeted them consisted of a work station that would ignite delight in any alchemist.

II

On making their way down into the lavish basement containing pool table, television, film projector, pin ball machines, stereo, and several other trinkets, Logan released a whistle.

"Let's catch a game later." Logan gripped the eight-ball, tossing it over his shoulder to Leon.

The teenager caught it with a small smirk. "At least the Xaviers are adoptive parents. Why would a single guy need to surround himself with so much splendor if he lives alone? That always confused me about A Christmas Carol."

"Don't ask me to explain moneys bags to ya." Logan walked through the space, eyes on everything. "I'm just the schlub they hire." He paused shortly. "Hold it."

Leon moved his hand from one oil panting to look his way. "You hear something?"

"I smell somethin'; icy." Going forward again, Logan examined the far back wall.

Gliding his hand along it, he detected a wide groove on the far right side. He sent four fingers into the tiny opening and attempted to slide at it. The veteran grunted, finding that budging it proved more difficult than it appeared.

Leon approached. "If there's something on the other side, I can shift through."

"No," Logan turned down right away, "we don't know what we're in for here."

With a summons of his full strength, he managed to force the wooden paneling out of the way. There they discovered another entry point in the form of solid steels doors.

Logan shook his head and mumbled, "Magneto would be upstairs."

Leon ran a hand over one door and the appendage experienced a shiver. "It's cold."

Both males then moved back several paces when the doors separated. Chilled air passed through them and they stared in mutual amazement. They viewed a wide freezer that seemed to go deeper than the rec room.

"Stay put," Logan instructed his young comrade before proceeding forward himself.

Remaining just outside the entrance, Leon kept observing eyes on the man.

The combat boots he wore allowed him to creep through without worry of losing his balance on the slick surface. Even furthest back, he saw nothing more than walls of ice. Until his eyes cast downward. Narrowing his gaze, Logan lowered to his knees. He used both hands to rub away at the frosty build-up. Then through the clear space in the floor, the stock-still female eyes stared up at him.

Logan gave off a slow shake of his head. "My God…"

"What is it?" Leon poked his head inside then released a sharp pained groan. He touched his neck, feeling the ice crystal that had shot at him like a dart.

"Leon!" Rushing to his feet, Logan started for him.

A block rising out of the floor caused him to stumble.

"Don't worry," Raising his head, Logan's eyes practically rolled back at the sneering blackened face hovering above him, "I will see to your friend."

"Vapor, get out of here!" Logan shouted across to him.

When the manifestation charged at him, Leon fell back but shifted before he could hit the floor. Reappearing at the stairs, he watched with terror as the steel doors shut off the freezer. A wretchedness took over his stomach at the baleful chuckle that echoed from the creature coming at him again. Leon shifted through the crack underneath the basement door.

Cold encasing on him, Logan took in the being returning inside the lighted freezer. "The fuck are you?"

"I have gone through many names throughout the decades," he honed in closer over him, "Beelzebub, Deceiver, Ananasi, Belial—but you and yours will grow to know me as the Shadow King." At Logan's growl and attempt to rise, he passed through him, creating a cold surge that sent that man down again. "I told you I will see to your young friend. After I've had my time with him, I will deliver him back to you." Logan stilled at the blackness overtaking the freezer and the cold intensifying. "So that he may die in your arms. As so many others you've failed before him." Enormous gleaming fangs appeared. "Like your daughter."

Pulse rising and ready to burst through his every vein, Logan made a powerful leap at him. The countenance vanished, leaving him by himself inside the darkness.

II

Erik's fingers skimmed through one of the packed shelves that made up one wall. Twentieth Century Mystic Arts, Demonology 1865, The Book of Pleasure, Black Paradise.

"A so-called man of medicine and science." Erik moved his hand away in revulsion. "Entertaining notions of witchcraft?"

Raven opened a door that appeared to lead to a closet. "Erik, look at this!" The man came up behind her, peering in at the innumerable candles and postings of lower world entities. "I take back anything I ever said about you being creepy."

Erik determined instantly, "We have to get out of here."

"Erik, Raven!"

The latter raised her wrist. "Leon, what is it?"

"It has Wolverine. I—"

"Leon!" Erik shouted into his communicator when the link faded.

Raven raced for the door, but a pair of hands reaching in shoved her back forcefully into Erik. He caught her as best he could as they stumbled back.

"Don't be in such a hurry." Stepping in fully, he locked the study without looking back.

"Ignacio," Erik recognized.

"What the hell do you want?" Raven demanded. "Why are you doing this to us?"

Erik shielded and ducked with Raven as the spherical paper weight came at them.

"Why are you doing this to us?" the sharp-dressed man mimicked, using his hand to imitate a mouth yapping. "Oh dash it all, the brat who lucked into money has problems. That's what's wrong with you mutants." He leaned back against the doors with arms crossed over his chest. "Can't handle life's obstacles." He noticed Erik's raised hand. "Oh please, Magneto." Owen spread both sides of his brown jacket apart. "You won't find metal- or downright stupidity- here."

Erik held Raven to him. "What do you want from us, Ignacio?"

When he informed, "Your powers," their eyes enlarged. Ignacio reconsidered that with a hum. "Well, not specifically your powers. I could do without playing with magnets or… walking around as a blue mistake of nature."

Raven's features remained unmoved. "The guy with a satan shrine is calling me a mistake of nature?"

Erik let go of her to rise up. "Enough of this." A sudden rocking sensation made him ease down to one knee.

The siblings watched eight wooden bars rise out of the floor, caging them.

"Wood," Erik growled.

"Of course." Nearing the bars, Owen focused in on Raven. "Mock the shrine all you like. At least my friend gives me results." He turned to Erik. "Did yours keep those numbers off your arm?"

Erik touched the lower limb with a glower. "Countless fools before you have walked with this ridiculous mindset. Do you honestly believe these results permanent?"

"You think you know me so well?" Owen rested a hand against one bar. "My older sister and I grew up with nothing except a mother who could hardly muster a word of English. We watched her scrub after those who thought of her as another piece of furniture; less than. Then her heart finally gave out and Lucia and I were left to fend for ourselves. But ah, Luce," a wry smile formed, "she had a little secret that she only confided in me. The thoughts; she heard them all the time."

"Telepathy," Raven stated.

"Not only could she hear them, but occasionally she could even control them," Owen went on. "I tried to convince her to use them to give us something resembling a decent life, but she was too afraid. Thought herself wicked. So I studied and reached the top the hard way. But still… shouldn't things be fair with siblings? I used her bone marrow to replicate the effect within my own DNA." He shook his head in annoyance. "But unfortunately, Luce inherited Madre's weakness."

Erik shot accusatory eyes at him. "You experimented on your own sister until she died?"

Owen hefted his shoulders. "The first time she was ever useful to my life. I preserved her as long as I could. But eventually my powers faded completely. But that's alright. Because," he picked up one nearby book, "I made a real ally. And all he asks in return is the occasional borrowing of," he patted his chest, "one handsome meat suit."

Raven gripped the bars, regarding him snidely. "And I bet it's as good for you as it for him."

Ignacio bobbed his head to stare into her eyes. "Keep the blonde. After you X-Men are added to my research," he reached for her chin, "you and I are going to get very cozy." He retracted before he could bite her. "Please, save a little for later." Turning away from them, he took his leave of the room.

II

Blood streaming down his chest and clothes, Leon clutched his neck as best he could as he raced throughout the main level. He jumped away at the creature forming right in front of him. Reacting fast, Leon ordered a vase into his clutch and flung it forward.

The Shadow vanished and returned just as easily. "Run all you like. The chase is almost as satisfying as your screams will soon be." Leon shifted over to the center of the foyer, collapsing with a heavy groan. "This will be a sight to behold. What will win out?" He hovered above the distressed youth. "Dying from exhausting your powers? Or in a pool of your own blood? Now at last, you will know what your mother went through."

A resonating scream burst the front doors apart. "Leon!"

He could hardly stand to move his head as he distinguished, "Sean…"

"No!" The Shadow made a direct line for the newcomer, making the redhead's eyebrows raise. "You can do nothing for him. You- the weakest, pathetic, most worthless of all X-Men. You're a good for nothing waste!"

Sean cocked his head to one side, blinking. "Okay, first? The kids in middle school called me worse than that. Second? What Washington Irving novel did you crawl out of?"

Rapidly growing into an eight foot tall black being with claws for hands and teeth like razors, he assured, "You will learn to fear me."

Sean stood still. "You do know I've gone to bed on horror movies and dreamt about puppies, right? I go to scary conventions for crying out loud. All of that stuff is fake, powerless. Like you." The Shadow King rushed him but stopped in place at the unyielding countenance. "I know what you are so you can save it." Sean scoffed. "And is this all you can do?" Grabbing hold of whatever random ornaments fit into his hand, he began tossing them the creature's way. "Pick on pregnant women? Laugh at blind children because you know they can kick your butt? Scare little girls then run away like a complete wuss?"

With a monumental roar, the entity spread apart, bleeding the area into total darkness. Though his heartbeat increased, Sean kept a hold on his resolve. Tightening his fists, he took a seat on the floor.

Shutting his eyes, he began, "Yea, as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."

Silence!

Sean placed hands over his ears. "For thou art with me! Thy rod and they staff they comfort me!"

I will plague and poison all those you've ever cared about! Charles and Emma will die first then Maya, Frank, your parents, little Tommy…

"Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of my mine enemies! Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over!" Switching things over, Sean dropped his hands and returned to his feet. "And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world!" His mutated scream belted out with the last word.

A crying echo reverberated from the monstrosity as Sean found himself back inside the strange manor. Not taking time to catch his breath, he raced over to gather Leon into his arms.

II

At Erik's continuous kicks to the solid bars, Raven urged, "That's not going to do any good!"

A seething Erik veered around. "We have to get to Leon!"

"I know!" Raven came back with just as strongly. "But we have to…" She then spotted the one corner window in the room. "I have an idea."

Erik followed her pacing. "We'll never fit out of it."

With a kick, Raven smashed the glass in and picked up a book to finish clearing off the shards. Erik then looked on as her size decreased significantly to that of a girl no older than five or six.

"Be right back." The mousy voiced child climbed up onto the window.

Erik used the metal on her communicator and waist belt to ease her onto ground level then reached a hand down towards her. "Raven."

"Don't worry." The chubby cheeks stared up at him. "I'll be careful, big brother." She then sprinted around the corner and across the yard.

Coming to a skid at the broken matter that once acted as the front entryway, she hurried over the debris to get inside.

She gasped at Sean attempting to clean and slow a wound on Leon. "Seanie!"

He looked over, completely confused at the sight of the short female blonde. "Uh, do I know you, sweetie?"

"It's me." She scuttled over on the tips of her toes to get to them. "Raven. What happened to him?"

No time to comment and her present adorable state, Sean kept the pressure of the table cloth against Leon's neck. "Gross monster man happened to him."

"I'm fine." Leon propped up as best we could. "We have to get to Logan."

"You two go after him," Raven directed. "I have to back for Erik."

Sean could not comment as she dashed for the kitchen. He instead stood, helping Leon along the way.

II

The combined forces of anger and apprehension at work within him, Erik could only pace as he waited without a stitch of patience. Then he looked over as the little body made her way into the still unlocked study.

"I'll save you, Erik!" She wielded a hatchet over her head.

Raising an eyebrow, Erik took magnetic possession of it. "I believe I can take it from here, little girl." He further used his powers to hack three of the bars to bits.

Raven pouted slightly. "I could have done that."

Erik jumped out, grabbing her up into his arms. "I must say," he ran out into the hall, continuing rapidly with her, "I quite like you as my itty bitty sister."

She tugged on his ear. "Don't get used to it."

"Uncle Erik," Sean spoke over the man's communicator, "we need your help in the basement, hurry!"

II

With the cold consuming his entire form and creating aches in his lungs, any will Logan had to kick and beat against the walls died out in the space. He lay still, struggling for air. Under the darkness, his mind retreated to pleasant images between him and his family.

The metallic doors split and crushed apart, revealing their wielder on the other side. "Logan!" Not hesitating for even a moment, Erik crossed the untold chill to collect the other X-Man.

As he felt himself carried out, his senses remained intact. "Erik…"

"It's alright now, my friend." Erik laid him down.

Sean and a now full-sized Raven hovered over either side of him to provide warmth to the frigid man while Erik held onto Leon.

Blinking to resume vision, Logan became elated at the injured young man. "… You okay, kid?"

His chest heavy, Leon managed a nod.

"We have to get back," Sean put forth. "That thing said he'd go after the others."

"With Owen Ignacio as his transport." Raven took one of Logan's arms and Sean the other to help him stand. "We have to hurry."

"That thing," Logan spoke as they filed for the stairs, "… The Shadow King."

IIIIIII

Eyes growing fatigued from the extensive review of the materials they'd brought home, Maya stood from the table. She stretched out both legs and headed out. She walked out of the library and moved around one corner, almost barreling into one dressed in full green.

The face made her clutch her chest. "What are you—" Her voice escaped her as fat knots tied together in her stomach.

Falling to one side, the only movement on the motionless girl consisted of her petite body dragging away involuntarily.

IIIIIII

Cordelia made her way into the living room, where The Eye Scream Team worked to straighten up the space.

"I still can't believe Rebecca's back," Scott raved with wild smile in place.

Cordelia added, "Now for Charles and my sister to get with the program."

Looking up in time to catch something out of the window, Frank dropped his armload and hollered, "Get down!"

The three huddled together as every window in the room shattered. Two enormous fists tore down the entire wall, allowing the three young males full entry. Guided by his flying disc, the elder mutant zoomed by them to tower over the adolescent X-Men.

"I am going to ask this exactly once." Unmistakable fire made up Estevan's tone and blazed within his eyes. "Where? Is? My? Daughter?"