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.

180. Chapter 180 Divided They Stand

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Eighty

Author's Word: Hi, Fam. Thank you for the feedback, especially you Meeeeeee and LeftEyeObsession. I'm very sorry that the first chapter for November has taken this long, but I was hit with a triple whammy. Mental health, physical health, and family struggles. Prayers are an appreciated thing. Now later for all of that. Please enjoy and review!

By the twelfth walk-through of the night, his feet not only ignored the aches that became numbness but partly welcomed them. The physical discomfort took away from the torment within his chest and head. Stopping off at the individual cots, he raised Leon's head every so often to receive a tiny stir on the teenager's part before he drifted right off again. Though his neck had been properly patched and treated, Leon's initial blood loss had been distressing to witness. The Poland Native carried no desire to awaken to another unconscious member of his brood.

Fingers going into the thick curls, his hand experienced a tremor. He removed the appendage before the effect could disturb his little girl. His little girl… nearly snatched away from him again. Unlike before, though, all faults went right to him. Allowing that black widow to allure and almost sink in to deliver her poisonous bite. All the while he had been entertaining a fool's notions. Absurd delusions about a future. That so-called future had come far too close to destroying a present he cherished more than anything the mortal coil could possibly offer.

Making his way out into the hall, he pressed his forehead against the cool wall so hard he felt certain marks had been left. Turning so that he faced the panic room, he sunk into a sitting position with hands dangling over his knees.

Brother?

Lifting his head, Erik looked as if to behold the one before him for the first time and eagerly returned the title. "Brother. Somehow I knew you were awake."

A small droll smile hinted on the younger man's ever pleasant features. "I've slept enough." He entered a deep crouch to keep their blue eyes together. "Something you haven't experienced in days. Certainly not tonight."

"Even if I tried, the images I'd see would ensure I did not remain that way."

Charles reached a hand forward. "Let me help."

"No." Erik jerked away as if to avoid a blow. "You still haven't recovered from battle, Lab Rat."

"Oh, haven't I?" Charles came back with. "Erik, very much was revealed to me while we were in that state. I believe the entire thing was born from a need for recovery. To save the Triad from severe brain damage. That's why Rebecca returned so quickly. Emma and I absorbed the brunt of it."

A knowing expression came to Erik's face. "Which is why you returned last."

"We're not going to make this about me." Charles laid a head over the right side of Erik's face. "You must stop rebuking yourself. Wanting to care about Vanessa is not near enough to make a guilty man out of you. She was a lying thief in the night, using Rebecca yet again for her own gain. And she did not act alone. The Shadow King wanted her as well as Ignacio to produce mayhem in our lives."

Pa… Papa!

Both men alerted to the anguish, they returned to the panic room with Erik in the lead. He settled down beside his vigorously quivering daughter. Only under his strong hold did Becky's limbs go back to a relaxed state. Though even in the darkened space, Erik still made out her heavily distraught features.

IIIIIII

One high-heeled boot covered foot coming down over a miniature hill of rubble, Raven cast her gaze throughout the remains of the living and front rooms. Walls practically crumbs with furniture, artwork, photographs, and electronics reduced to unrecognizable rubbish heaps.

A familiar hand placed gentleness on her shoulder. "It's only a house, Baby Blue." Charles kissed her at the temple and brought her into his side. "Mere stone and brick."

She leaned her blonde haired head in towards his neck. "I know."

To their far left, Erik kicked at random bits until he honed in on something. Crouching, he used his hands to brush away the stray pieces that covered the warped Horror Fest trophy. The surfing one had been divided into four pieces. Upon further investigation, he discovered the Exceptional Father plaque, broken clean in half.

"Look what I found." They all went to the approaching Hank, who carried a black sack with him. "It was under one of the benches. Look at this." He opened it to reveal the stacks of bills within.

Pawing through it, Raven estimated, "There must be fifty thousand dollars here- what's this?" She removed the one white piece of paper from it and started reading from it. "Thank you again for your assistance and my deepest apologies for our previous mishap. Please look upon this as an opportunity to redecorate over your rather unsightly taste. Sincerely yours, your brother in magnificence, Estevan Cortez." Raven remarked, "That is… the best cursive signature I've ever seen."

Erik took the note to look over. "Somehow I'm unable to deny the "sincerely" bit."

IIIIIII

In an attempt to follow doctor's orders, Victor remained reclined on one infirmary bed while performing slow leg lifts. The man still had to adjust to the slow paced recovery. A nearby Hank observed him. Though he knew any other man taking such a fall would have been dead on contact, Victor hated how Vertigo had left him distorted enough for his reflexes to fail him so hard. Then the Acolytes' unanticipated visit had only resulted in more bodily strain on the security man.

Emma walked a short pace back and forth while feeding Brian his bottle. Erik and Alex sat together on one bed with the Howletts across from them.

Charles entered the medical wing. "Raven is seeing to it that the children have breakfast."

"Me and Vic did a full assessment of the damage," Logan informed.

An interested Charles came to stand beside Emma. "What did you learn?"

Logan reported, "We'd have to sweep up before we could even call it a crap shack."

Charles deflated but said, "Not unexpected."

Emma raised Brian to her shoulder for burping. "Can you fix it?"

Victor piped up, "Can we put up a few walls, a new ceilin' or two, and roof? Sure. Can we jazz it up back to Xavier style? Don't bet on it."

"Even if we could," Logan went on, "we'd have to wait until Vic was a hundred percent. Even then, this is too tall an order for just us two. Assumin' you want it patched up before winter and all."

"That would be our preference," Charles stated glibly.

"With Kayla expecting, we couldn't possibly demand so much of Logan's time for such a construction project," Emma reasoned.

"Quite," Charles concurred with his wife. "I'm afraid we'll have to bring in professionals."

"No." Erik got to his feet with the objection. "After all of this, I refuse to allow a stranger to poke about these grounds."

Logan mentioned, "There are crews that know how to keep their mouths shut. For cash on the barrel."

"Then that is what we'll have to do." Charles faced his fellow Headmaster. "I don't like this, either, Erik, but if we do not act quickly the neighbors will become suspicious. And Westchester has not been at the heart of any noteworthy natural disasters this summer."

"Sure it has," said Alex wryly. "They all just wind up in our backyard."

"This is all still difficult to fathom." Hank jotted down Victor's progress as he spoke. "That woman is beyond what Gavin ever described to me."

A formerly quiet Kayla put forth, "How do you know he was telling you the full truth?"

Hank raised his head from the clip board. "What do you mean?"

"Are you really so certain that Gavin simply did not color the facts in his favor?" Kayla continued. "He could have easily been out to gain your sympathies. He could have strung Vanessa along by false promises until he had the chance to abduct the baby."

"And if he did?" an unwavering Emma spoke. "Rebecca would have still become ours, only with Joey's scars. Assuming she wasn't killed as a street-walker before Charles detected her."

Kayla faced the other woman. "Is that your unbiased opinion? It was made obvious on the beach that day how threatened you felt having Vanessa anywhere near Becky."

"Pardon me, Kayla, but I know the truth," Hank stated before Emma could retaliate. "Gavin never had to confide any of this in me, but I earned his trust after taking care of Becca for him so many times. Before I never parted my lips to intrude on their past."

"And what if Vanessa had taken Becky and walked out on him instead?" Alex proposed. "Or is it only "abduction" when the dad wants his kid?"

Kayla said, "Don't twist my words. I'm only saying that for her to come after her daughter—" A reaction of metals within the space caused her to cut off.

"My daughter…" Erik leapt from the bed in such a way that Alex thought he flew. "Rebecca is my daughter."

Logan got up next, coming at the metal wielder. " I don't care what little issues you have. You sure as hell better watch how you speak to my wife."

"It is your wife's mouth that should concern you," Erik retorted.

"Logan," Victor snarled before his brother could exercise his initial reaction. "Cool it. I'm serious."

"Erik," Charles came over to take his arm, "calm yourself. Let's go outside."

"No, Charles." Snatching away from him, Erik glanced at the Professor briefly. "They don't know us. They've no idea what we've experienced."

Logan spat, "We wrote the book on life experience."

"Yet how ignorant you are." Erik faced him again with a far stormier glower. "Congratulations, you reproduced. We recruited every single one of our children. We sought them out. We brought them here, fed them, clothed them, trained them, rebuilt from the damages inflicted upon them by the people who brought them into this world. Even in the blackest of times, we regret not a moment. Because what they've given to us in turn is worth the world tenfold."

Charles attempt at mediator weakened as he added, "More."

Alex darted eyes back and forth between them.

IIIIIII

With many thanks to the local bakery so that she did not have to navigate through cooking that morning, Raven passed out an assortment of sweet breads, fruit, and milk to the children. Maya and Cordelia had also offered their assistance with everyone in the panic room.

Raven sat facing her two small ones while breaking off bits of banana. "Here, Baby Gorge." She held a bit to Kiki's lips. "Eat a little and Mommy will give you a donut."

Kiki accepted it into her mouth, eating slowly. Beside her, Trav had a slightly easier time with his food, though that really had to do with their mother's presence.

Picking at her muffin, Becky glanced up at having part of her hair pushed behind her ear.

Leon gave her a smile. "Hard to eat with a veil in your face. Believe me, I know."

Becky looked back at him fondly then bit into her muffin.

She then reacted to a paper airplane connecting with her forehead. "What is this?"

Cody walked over. "Read it."

Unfolding the makeshift flying contraction, Becky's confusion only increased. "Zap?"

"Zebra and Proud," Cody smirked. "You're mixed up just like me and Jasmine."

Maya attempted to intervene at that. "Cody, not right now, okay?"

Puzzlement becoming replaced by untold fury, Becky informed the boy sharply, "I'm nothing like you," she ripped apart the paper in her hands, "and I'm definitely nothing like Jasmine! I'm not a zebra and I'm not a stupid bio!"

Tossing the shreds in the air, she jumped down from the bed and raced from the room heatedly.

"Becca!" Raven moved to catch up with her.

A rare occasion indeed, Cody proved at a loss for words. "But I just…"

Sean came over and bent to hug him.

Rummaging furiously through the cabinet, she at last located something she could use. Gripping the straight razor, Becky worked the blade to saw through her curls like a knife to rope.

Stepping into the bathroom, Raven let off a disgusted gasp and moved to take the razor away. "Becca, stop! Give it to me!"

"No!" The smaller girl struggled as best she could, but the shape-shifter proved stronger and removed the instrument from her clutch. "I'm not hers! I don't want anything from her! Cut it all out of me!" Becky yanked down on two fistfuls of her hair to try to rip them from the roots. "Get it out!"

Snatching her by the wrists, Raven reeled her in forcefully and screamed, "We were never theirs!" This quieted the child but kept her glossy eyes focused. "You never belonged to her and I never belonged to them."

Understanding, Becky surmised, "Where you were before…"

Raven nodded slowly. "They hated me. They wanted me gone; from the planet. They said I could never be theirs. I didn't know it then, but they were right. I belong with Hank." She let go to link hands with Becky now. "Just like you." Toddling in, Kiki came to stand in the middle of the two and Raven touched the top of her head. "And Kiki, Trav, Erik, Charles, Em, Joey, Frankie, Scott, Alex, Seanie, Leon, Brian- we all belong to each other." When Kiki ventured off to explore the bathroom, Raven used the freed hand to brush over Becky's tear-stained face. "She doesn't get to claim so much as a pinky on you, Gorge."

Kiki approached again, now with a wad of toilet paper she held up.

Becky took the offered tissue with a small smile and clean at her face. "I love you both so much."

Raven wound arms around the girls. "We love you, too."

Kiki nestled into her side. "Love Becca."

At the sight of the two boys positioned outside the bathroom, Erik paused in the hall. "What's the trouble, young stewards?"

Trav reacted to the man's voice first and stood up as tall as he could to tell him, "Cody called Becca a zebra, Uncle Erik. Shows what he knows. We're bears."

Joey added somewhat apologetically, "Cody… he just doesn't understand, Uncle Erik."

The man bobbed his head and started to apply a knock to the door when the three females emerged.

Becky hesitated not at all in reaching up for him. "Papa."

Erik plucked his daughter up out of the bunch. With his hand working her back up and down, he whispered Yiddish comforts to her until he felt her thin form further calm. He also failed to miss the strong tugging clutches she applied to the front of his clothing.

Tilting his head with curiosity, Trav addressed, "Mommy?"

Raven positioned Kiki on one hip. "Yes, Pooh?"

"What's a steward?"

IIIIIII

With Brian comfortably reclined, Emma directed the blue buggy across the rear lawn. Sensing the youthful minds, she smiled upwards at the treehouse.

"Boys," she called.

Scott stuck his head out first. "Em." He worked his way down the ladder to share a hug with her.

Emma squeezed him to her front. "It's nice to see one house completely intact."

"Yeah," said Frank, glancing down. "Lucky for us. We already lost the living room TV. Our hearts can't take much more."

Though initially delighting in the humor, the woman sobered. "How are you feeling after everything?"

Frank answered, "I'm doing alright. It's not like I was by myself. Charles and Sean helped me through it."

After peering in on a slumbering Brian, Scott asked Emma, "Do you need us to do anything?"

"From what I've been told, you two already pitched in a great deal as it is." Emma then encouraged, "Don't let me interrupt the fun you've earned."

Frank experienced a swell of satisfaction. "Thanks a lot, Emma."

Scott gave her a smile before starting up the ladder again.

Taking the back of the stroller, Emma rolled on towards another section of the yard.

Soon enough, another pair of feet walked in tune with her. "Alex and Sean left to take the boys to the center."

"I know," Emma replied, gazing ahead. "I told them to hurry right back, though knowing Alex an ice-cream stop can't be completely ruled out."

Forming a short smile, Kayla noted, "I know you don't want them out of your sight for the next few…"

"Decades," Emma supplied. She eased the buggy to a stop and squatted to look in on her baby. "To think what happened. What could have happened. And the lovely fact that the world's viciousness is a never-ending struggle."

Kayla studied the younger woman closely. "Emma, I'm sorry for the way things escalated. I never meant to imply anything against any of you."

"I know that, Kayla," Emma reassured, facing her. "You're such a devoted mother. You wanted to see some fraction of good in another one so far fallen."

"Not something I'm terribly known-for, if my relationship with Lauren Patterson is any indication." The two X-Women shared a light laugh. "But still, even with everything I've seen in my time, it's hard to grasp that there are parents out there who don't carry my family's mindset of a child's worth."

"Brian is the only child I've carried yet I was a mother before him." Emma stood again. "It feels as if an adopted mother spends half her time doting and the other half defending herself to those who either can't or refuse to understand."

Kayla told her, "Honey, you have nothing to prove to thoughtless on-lookers."

"I know," Emma said. "Explaining simply helps me refrain from impaling them with diamond fingers."

IIIIIII

Eyes not so much as blinking until the two short forms fully entered the building, Alex faced the dashboard of the BMW. He clenched his fists tight enough to cause any passing mugger a monumental dental bill.

"From the day I met Joe, I've had these wild day dreams about his birth mom and that guy driving off a cliff." He wore a tight, wry smile. "Hope there's room for three in the car."

"This makes me sicker than the Shadow ever did," said Sean. "Evil lives for chaos. I get that. But how could she do this to Becky? And Uncle Erik, too." The redhead drooped in the driver's seat. "I thought she was going to be so good for him."

"So did I," Alex admitted. "Sure, it would've taken some getting used to, but I hoped it would all work out. Erik deserved that much…" He then applied a solid punch to his door hard enough to startle Sean. "Sorry." Alex grew sheepish. "I'll foot the bill for any dings. By the way," Sean looked at him, "way to kick Shadow Creep's ass. Twice."

With a smile, Sean leaned against his shoulder cutely.

II

"Are you mad at me?"

Joey glanced his friend's way urgently. "No way. Why?"

"'Cause I made Becky cry." Cody stared down at his shoes. "I didn't mean to. I thought maybe it'd cheer her up a little."

"I'm not mad. I know you didn't mean anything bad." Joey rubbed his arm with uncertainty. "But our family's… we're real different from yours."

"I know it." Cody reset his gaze to upward. "I think you're pretty lucky to be honest."

"How come? Yours is great, too. Your folks let you do all kinds of stuff."

"I love my folks and my uncle just fine." Cody then elaborated with, "But you have all these brothers and cousins and stuff. Your ma and dad are so good to you, even though you ain't come from 'em. After my sister, things were pretty rotten. 'Til I met you."

Joey countered immediately, "What about you? Alex was so busy with Scott and Becky's with Uncle Erik, Uncle Hank, and the others a lot. Things have been a ton better since we met."

"Joey!" At the enthused voice, both boys looked in time to see the beaming face charging their direction. "You're back, you're back!"

The blonde remained still for her to throw arms around him. "Laci!"

"I can't believe it." She pulled back to fully take him in. "You haven't been to class all week."

Cody waved to another approaching pair. "Hey, Dukes!"

"Hey!" Mike hurried.

"You guys!" Fred came around to noogie at both their heads. "I thought you'd packed up and ditched us."

"Nah," Cody playfully punched at him, "we'd have sent ya a postcard by now."

Laci asked, "Are you coming for the second half of art?"

Joey's cheer dampened at that. "No. We have to stay home for a while."

Mike asked with alarm, "Did ya get grounded?"

"Whoa boy," Fred ran fingers through his own hair, "what'd ya do?"

"Nothin' lately," Cody answered. "We ain't on lock-up. We just got to deal with, ya know, family stuff. You know, parents and all."

"Parents," Fred remarked with a shake of the head, "they'd be lost without us."

Laci wondered, "When will you be back?"

"Soon I hope," was all Joey could offer. "Sorry."

Fred assured, "Hey, we know how it is. But when you do show up again, we're on for a sprinkler war in my backyard."

"You're on," Cody eagerly accepted.

IIIIIII

At the all too familiar grunts echoing throughout the hall, Kayla followed them into the gym. Both hands working protective caresses over her swelled stomach, she watched the red glove covered hands assault the dangling bag with vicious vigor.

She asked, "Is that helping?"

"Ain't hurtin'." Logan stopped suddenly and caught a few breaths. "Fox," he began removing his gloves as he turned her way, "I been thinkin'."

Teasing brown eyes walked upon him. "You know better than that."

"I'm serious," he informed. "Look, the X-Men were supposed to be about bandin' together. Keepin' mutants safe. That's the song and dance they fed us, right?"

Kayla nodded once. "Something like that."

"This shadow mook cut it too close. Anything could've happened to you, Cody, the baby. That bitch he hired knocked my brother completely off his game. And the Howletts ain't exactly popular around here today." Logan tucked his gloves under one arm. "Got to say, Canada's lookin' pretty good right now."

"Yes," Kayla's visage remained strong and even, "because there we lived under this impenetrable net of protection. Nothing catastrophic or horrific ever befell us there."

"Fox—"

"You talk about what almost happened?" Kayla went on sharply. "We lived the simpler life before and still our daughter was snatched away from us. Victor sustained injury here. In Canada, he lost it all."

"I was there!" At the harsh retort, Logan bit the tip of his tongue. "I'm sorry, baby." He brought her into his arms.

Kayla laid her head near his neck. "This isn't you, lover. You're not a man who walks out on account of difficulty. Our marriage would have crumbled years ago if that were the case."

Logan stroked her long hair. "It'd have crumbled if you didn't put up with so much from me."

"Must you always take full fault?"

"You're talkin' to a youngest child, remember? I take it all."

She released a humored air.

IIIIIII

Enjoying the comb in his lengthy tresses, Leon's body faced the way of the man seated behind the desk. Though he sat, the man appeared taller and wider at the shoulders; his face unreadable and solid. Good-nature twinkled in the dark blue orbs whenever he looked to the two boys on the floor with the Clue game between them and at the pair on the sofa.

Entering the space, Alex gazed around contentedly. "Nice to see the Cave still in good shape."

"You're back." Scott stood from the game to go to him.

"Hey, little brother." Alex lowered onto a free spot on the couch with him.

Smoothing out one section of the hair, Becky zeroed in on the bandaged neck.

Leon stilled at her delicate touch to the sensitive spot. "Becky?"

"She did this to you," the little girl accused, green eyes storming over.

"An Acme booby-trap compliments of Ignacio did this," Leon told her.

Becky shook her head, getting to her feet. "No. Everything's her fault. She hurt you, she hurt Knight Victor, even our Temple."

Frank stood straight. "Forget her, Becky. She's nothing. We shouldn't even talk about her anymore."

"Your brother is right, Ladybug." Rising, Erik removed himself from his chair to go to her. He took her hands, bringing them up as high as they would go. "We must forget these unpleasant infiltrators. We must move forward."

"Papa," Becky's head lowered, "I don't know if I can. I feel so sick…" Erik squatted and held one side of her round face in his hand. "She was in our house, in my room." Lifting her chin, Erik observed the shining eyes. "I don't think I can stand being here anymore."

Saying nothing, Erik locked her into a tight hold.

Leon and Frank exchanged a look and Alex squeezed Scott around his middle as he drew the boy in closer to him.

II

"Hm," Emma pointed up towards the massive gaping hole, "perhaps we could put a tapestry on that wall. Or a mosaic."

"Or commission Joey to create one for us." Charles turned to the one he currently cradled. "What do you think?"

Brian's response consisted of lifting a balled fist in one direction.

"Speaking of," Emma smiled bright, "look who's home."

"Mummy, Daddy!" arriving from the lower level, Joey watched his footing over the debris while he moved to hug each of them. "Hi, Bri." He gave the baby his finger to suckle on.

Dipping down so that the brothers had better access to each other, Charles said, "I've been meaning to mention, little one, how proud we are of your efforts to keep Brian and the other children safe."

Emma lowered as well, giving the smaller blonde an embrace from behind. "We know how frightening it must have been for you."

Joey told her, "I stopped being scared after I saw you throw her, Mummy." As his parents enjoyed the needed laughter, the boy put forth, "She can't ever take Becky… right?"

"No, little one," Charles left a kiss on his cheek to accompany the promise. "Not ever."

Emma added meaningfully, "We saw to that."

Charles stood at his brother emerging from the unscathed den. "Erik?"

Erik put a hand to his shoulder and looked between him and Emma. "There's something we need to discuss." He cast a smile Joey's way. "Kangaroo, would you please take your brother into my den to play with the others?"

"Yes, Uncle Erik." After receiving the baby from his father, Joey proceeded for the designated space.

"Erik," Emma spoke next, a trace of prior knowledge reflecting in her eyes, "is Rebecca alright?"

The tall man answered with a plain, "No. We need Raven and Hank."

Not bothering with questions, Charles laid hand over head to get in fast contact with their sister.

IIIIIII

At Kiki's inquisitive eyes never darting away from the doorway, Scott held her tighter and promised, "Hank will be back soon." He rested his cheek in her hair. "Don't worry."

Next to them, Frank's lap contained Trav. The older boy's action figures distracted the six-year-old quite nicely.

"What is taking them so long?" Cordelia pondered impatiently. "What is this about?"

"About the next steps for the house most likely." Maya helped adjust Victor's food tray for him. "This construction is going to be huge."

"Just take it easy, gang," Victor placated. "Things'll be cleared up soon."

Arms wound together on one bed, Joey and Becky quietly reclined with Leon and Alex, who cradled Brian, seated at the foot. In a chair near Victor, Sean attempted to hang onto a fidgeting Cody. While the child possessed many skills, the redhead surmised he still had a ways to go in regards to keeping still.

When the Headmasters finally made their way into the infirmary, the youths eyed them as if preparing for marching orders. Raven and Hank followed and Scott got up to return Kiki to the scientist's arms. Emma and the Howletts entered lastly. Alex stood while never disturbing the contented Brian.

As often the usual order of things, the Professor started them off. "I must apologize to you all."

This bothered Cordelia and she went to touch her brother-in-law's arm. "Whatever for?"

The Oxford grad explained, "Because I haven't taken the time to express how proud I am of all of you for your tremendous efforts during this catastrophic ordeal. It is that love and devotion that weakened our enemies." Charles' expression changed slightly. "Though it is a burden none of you should have had to carry."

Alex stepped one foot forward. "We'd do it again."

"We know," Charles said without the faintest stroke of doubt evident. "But that is not what we require of you now. Emma found a capable construction company. However, our concern is with rebuilding the people in this room over the structure above. That's why, for the duration of the construction, we'll be leaving town."

"Where to?" Some concern showed on Alex's face. "I don't think the beach house is a good bet."

Leon looked up at the older teen.

"Our place in Canada?" Sean guessed.

"Neither." Now Erik addressed them. "I've rented a small house outside of Hartford."

"Alright," Alex smiled and exchanged a glance with Leon, "we can drop in on Jam."

Charles then informed, "Emma and I will be driving out to Boston."

An enthused glint covered Cordelia's features as she went to her sister. "We're going to see Daddy?"

Emma gave her an affirmative nod, slipping an arm around her. "He and Chris are eager to see us."

"As is my mother," Hank piped up. "Now that the former threats have moved on, Raven and I are taking the children to go see her."

Trav threw his arms up and shouted, "Yay, Grandma!"

"Gwandma!" Kiki parroted her brother.

"But wait." Maya walked around to Kayla and Logan. "Where are you going?"

"You're lookin' at our dream vacation home, Smiley," Logan extended his arms grandly, "Somebody's got to make sure this crew earns their pay honestly."

"Then I'm staying, too," Maya decided.

Raising his head slowly, Sean stated, "So am I."

Cody rolled his head back to regard him with a wide smile. "Really?"

"Someone who knows the house should be here," Sean reasoned. "Especially with Charles and Raven leaving." He turned his gaze the Headmasters' way. "Is that okay?"

Charles did not speak at first then wanted to know, "Are you sure?" Sean nodded at him and Charles went to leave a hand on his shoulder. "Then the responsibility is yours. I know I can count on you."

With a smile, Sean placed his hand over the man's wrist.

Erik then directed, "You'll need to gather your things quickly. With the damages so extensive, I don't want any of you upstairs for very long. I'll use my magnetism to safeguard you."

"So," came from Leon, "when exactly are we…?"

Erik filled, "In the morning."

Alex informed, "Believe it or not, this is more notice than we usually get for this kind of thing."

Glancing around at all parties within the room, Scott's gaze ultimately landed downward.

IIIIIII

Visual directed at the darkening sky, it did not take her long to figure out that one rapidly moving object could not possibly be a falling star.

Arms crossing, she inquired straightaway, "What do you think you're doing here?"

Remaining hovered a few feet over her, the male youth replied, "My family stayed nearby in case Anne's condition worsened."

Now Cordelia's eyes contained alarm. "Is she okay?"

"She's perfect," Fabian assured, leaping down from his rocket powered disc. "All thanks to you X-Men."

Cordelia claimed, "I didn't do anything."

"That makes two of us. Then again, failing my family wouldn't be a first on my part."

At his forlorn countenance, she had to ignore her initial instinct of offering a consoling touch. "I… this wasn't your fault, Fabian. These people- they tried to hurt all of us." She frowned in irony. "Here I thought my mother left much to be desired." The extended gaze he sent her next nearly startled her.

"I must get back before my father misses me." Fabian moved to board his disc again but turned back once more. "I'm- I offer my apologies for all of this."

Cordelia returned, "I'm sorry, too. Fabian," she called after the now departing individual, "I'm leaving- for a while. Going back to Boston to see my dad and brother."

"Hm." He started up in the air. "Never take your eyes off them. If this experience has taught nothing else, it's that we'll always be something for the humans to use. Or discard altogether."

Cordelia only quietly watched him whip out across the sky.

II

"Easy, fella," Alex said of the horse wanting to nibble on his fingers in addition to the carrots. He patted the creature's plump underbelly. "Bet this guy can't wait to get to Boston. Your granddad's got those other horse pals for him, right?"

"Mmhm." Joey slid the brush across another section of Xander's fur.

"I know you're thinking about Bounty, but it's okay. You know Cody'll take good care of the little guy."

The boy nodded once. "Yep."

Moving around the length of the horse, Alex squatted at the child's side. "Joe?"

At having his chin tugged over, Joey flashed heavy blue eyes. "I'm gonna miss your birthday."

"Is that all?" Alex scoffed and promptly waved that off. "Believe me, I wish I could skip it."

"What if Mummy and Daddy get sick again? Grandpa and Uncle Chris won't know what to do."

Alex answered simply, "Then you and Cordy better fall over each other grabbing the phone. Besides, they won't get sick again. They were only asleep to get better and now they are."

Joey ran a finger down the bristles of the brush. "What if your heart hurts you?"

Alex drew him into his chest to get a good listen at the thumping taking place. "I already got a big enough piece of you to keep me going. Just like always." Impenetrable arms laced the boy. "Don't worry about me, Joe. I don't want you worrying about anybody but Brian. Going to look out for him, right?"

Joey nodded harder at that. "I promise. Al?"

Alex caressed the smaller back. "Yeah, baby?"

"Don't let anything happen to Becky, okay?"

The older blonde echoed resolutely, "I promise."

II

Making it into the master suite with a heavy exhale, Charles said, "It was difficult, but I made it there in time. I found the nicest trailer to transport Xa- dear God!"

Emma looked away from the walk-in closet in urgency. "What is it?"

"That!" Charles aimed an astonished finger at her suitcase that only contained a couple pairs of shoes and a few garments. "You've hardly packed."

"Who has the time?" Emma responded with an exasperated air. "I've been so busy with Brian's things. I've never had to travel with a baby to worry about."

"That makes two of you."

"As if you didn't have vastly superior childcare experience." Arms spread, the woman flopped down onto the center of their bed.

"Emma," a passing Scott hurried in by Charles, "are you okay?"

"Oh, yes darling." She sat up for him. "Splendid."

Charles walked over. "This is a complicated female problem, son. So many clothes, so little time."

"Oh," Scott said with comprehension then faced each of them. "May I talk to you?"

"Every moment of every day," said Emma.

Sitting on the bed, Charles brought the boy into his lap. "What's the matter, lad?"

"It's just…" Scott stroked Charles' arm. "I missed you both so much, but…"

Emma laid a delicate hand on one side of his face. "Go on, sweetheart."

Scott slowly asked, "Would it be alright if I go with Erik and my brother? Please?"

The Xaviers shared a gaze and Charles answered, "We want you with us very much, Scott, but if you want to go with Alex to Connecticut, I'll talk to Erik myself for you."

Emma added, "But if you need us at all, we want you to telephone immediately."

"Oh, I will." Scott reached over to hug her. "Thanks, Em. Thanks, Charles."

Charles kissed the back of his head as he reminded, "You're to mind Erik and be a good lad. Not that I have any doubt of either one."

Scott smiled at the man. "Yes, sir. You can count on me."

Emma said, "We never doubted that, either."

II

Adding a stack of research journals to a box, Hank stilled at his desk. "I can't believe I'm really going home."

Raven tacked on knowingly, "And not for a crisis situation."

Seated on top of the desk with legs kicking and hugging her favorite stuffed bear, Kiki said, "We go see Daddy's mommy."

"That's right, Baby Bear." Hank dipped to level their eyes. "Your grandmother is so excited. She can't wait to see you and Mommy and Trav. Hopefully she'll be able to spare a moment to notice me."

"Don't count on it," Raven teased then glanced around. "Trav, where are you?"

"Coming, Mommy!" Trav rushed down from their wing with a colorful armload. "I'm all ready for Grandma's."

Raven laughed at the toys he dropped on the floor. "And what about your clothes?"

Trav made a face. "Who needs that stuff?"

Shaking his head, Hank said, "Cub, why don't you leave the packing to your mother and I while you keep an eye on your sister?" He lifted Kiki and carried her over to the playpen.

"Okay, Daddy," Trav agreed and went to climb in as well.

When Hank came back towards her, Raven guided them a short distance away. "There's something I want to know." Hank eyed her expectedly. "I understand about Charles and Erik, but Becca, Vanessa… why did you never tell me?"

Hank took his wife's hands. "It's not that I feared I couldn't trust you. But the girls at her last school already gave Becca so many insecurities about her mother. I never wanted fuel added to the fire about- how exactly she and Gavin came to know each other. And another reason I never wanted to speak about any of this is," Hank bowed his head, "I couldn't stand the thought of losing Becca. Ever since late last year, everything I thought I knew has been swept up in a cyclone. Becca remains that one part of my past that is good and dependable. Call me sentimental, even selfish if you will."

Raven gripped his head in her hands to make him face up again. "You are not selfish."

"Big Bear?"

The couple faced the lab's ajar doorway and Hank completely straightened his posture and formed a brighter countenance. "Becca Bear."

Becky walked in with her wrist extended. "The clasp is loose again."

"I'll take care of it." He lowered to examine the bracelet. "You wear it so much I'm awaiting the day it permanently attaches to your skin."

While the man worked, Becky's free hand went to his shoulder. The touch made him look up. The young girl leaned forward to wind her arm around his neck. Hank in turn grasped her thin frame.

"I love you so much, Hank."

He pecked her cheek and held her tighter. "I love you, too, Becca."

Not wanting to melt on the spot, Raven tipped over to look in on her children.

IIIIIII

Six AM's arrival dawned upon the once majestic mansion and the older members of the lower level dwelling reacted to it first. The group began loading the individual cars. The Xaviers would be taking the X-Van, Erik his own sedan, and the McCoys their Lincoln. Logan, with the help of a steadily recovering Victor, secured the large white trailer to the back of the X-Van.

"I still can't believe we're doing this." Raven hopped up to sit on the hood of Erik's car. "Just when we were all together again."

"Baby Blue," Charles approached her gently, "this is not a goodbye."

She could not help sulking. "Then why does it feel like it?"

Erik went to her, stroking some blonde strands away from the hazel eyes. "Blame me if you must, big girl."

Raven shook her head to that. "No. This isn't your fault. I know how much Becca needs this; needs you."

Charles said to Erik, "I've certainly taken my fair share of solo ventures. Believe it or not, though, I think this will be good for all of us."

"You answer me one thing."

At the grizzly veteran's voice, Hank shut the trunk of the Lincoln and turned around. "Yes?"

"I heard about this zebra club fiasco." Logan crossed his arms. "Is that the real reason you kept this hush-hush from curl girl? You ain't want her to know she was color infected?"

"Logan," came a low growl from Victor while Kayla uttered, "God, help…"

A taught grin spread across Hank's face. "You caught me, Logan. You see, this mild-mannered husband, father, physician demeanor is nothing more than a façade. I keep a white sheet and hood in the back of my closet as part of my welcome package into the blazing bigots club. Everything- my love and care for Becca, Leon, Jasmine, your wife and son, my marriage to a vibrant blue woman- all part of my ingenious cover." Hank shook his head with straitlaced eyes. "Tall accusations from such a small man."

Raven rolled her eyes. "My husband isn't hateful, you little gnat."

Walking in with Leon, Alex encouraged, "You tell him, vibrant twin."

Leon put forth, "You love and care for me?"

Hank gave him an unamused sideways expression.

"Look," Logan walked up on Hank, "I'm an inconsiderate low life who can't play well with others- shut up, Vic." His brother snorted. "Even before I was married, I constantly had to defend my family from outsiders. It's what I've always done."

"I fully admit I do not have your life experience," Hank reasoned, "but we share the same sentiment. And there lies another problem. We're not outsiders to each other, Logan. We're all X-Men."

"Here, here," Charles commended the young man, walking over. He put a hand to Logan's back. "And I know I'm leaving the house in trustworthy as well as experienced hands."

Logan looked at him and informed, "I deck slackers."

Emma sighed sadly. "I hate that I'm going to miss this."

As the numerous young people soon filled the garage, work commenced throughout.

Sean gave Xander a sideways hug while Joey offered him sugar cubes. When the creature proved calm enough, they slowly stepped down.

"There we go." Sean locked up the back of the trailer. "Xander's all good for the next five hours."

"Are you sure?" Joey vexed.

"Trust him." Coming around the side, Victor carefully tapped the metal. "He ain't gettin' out of there."

"Coach," Scott came to stand at the man's feet, "should you be up this much?"

Victor applied knuckles to the boy's hair. "Any guff from you'll and it's thirty laps a day this fall."

Scott laughed and squirmed under his touch. "We'll see about that."

"Now Seanie, I don't need to remind you that while we're away, the same rules apply," Charles brought up. "Same curfew, same rules for dating—"

"Right." The redhead then called over his shoulder, "Maya, Vegas is out."

The girl snapped her fingers in mock disappointment.

"Easy, Chuck," said Logan. "We'll make sure they don't have any fun- at least Kay will."

His wife nudged his arm with her elbow.

"Please be careful on those monstrous machines," Emma cautioned.

Leon looked away from sizing up his motorcycle. "Yes, Mother dear."

Alex indicated his own bike. "You riding with me, Scott?" When his brother arched his head towards Becky heading for Joey, the blonde said knowingly, "What was I thinking?"

"I'll bring you something from Hartford," Becky promised.

Joey returned, "And I'll bring you something from Boston."

"No baked beans." They both giggled and Becky gave him the strongest hug she could. "I'll miss you."

Joey rested on her shoulder. "Not as much as I'll miss you."

Alex touched Cordelia's wrist and instructed, "You better keep an eye on these boys for me." He then added, "And they better be the only boys you even look at."

She responded by jumping up to wrap arms around his neck.

Frank stood at Logan's side. "Wolves."

"Glowworm." Logan exchanged a handshake-slap with him. "Don't get lazy on me while you're out there with the Conneti-nuts. I'll have to kick up your trainin' sessions."

"Sounds good to me," Frank smirked then moved over to hug Kayla. "See you when I get back."

The Indian woman rubbed the back of his head. "You take care. Remember, you're half the reason I show up to class."

"Hey," Maya reacted while Sean looked equally disgruntled.

Kayla blew a kind kiss their way.

Going over, Joey held up his compass. "In case you need to find me."

Erik picked him up into a solid embrace. "I'd search forever for my little Kangaroo."

"Remember," with Charles in tow, Emma knelt to Becky, "we're never far away from each other."

Becky showed the older telepaths her bracelet. "Never sever."

They shared a three-way hug.

Raven then carried Kiki over for Emma to hold for a bit.

Victor's voice eventually rang out over the wealth of farewells. "Alright, cut the mush."

"Yeah," Cody pointed over his shoulder with his thumb, "get out."

Logan lifted him to support on one hip. "You don't call the shots." He faced the other X-Men. "Beat it already."

Charles performed a final check to ensure Xander's trailer while Emma situated Brian in the car seat. Cordelia and Joey took up the back of the X-Van with the baby between them.

"Don't stray away," Erik warned the motorcyclists as he slipped behind the wheel of his car.

Leon and Alex sent him unison salutes.

Frank happily took the passenger seat beside the metal wielder. With a firm grip on Sweetie Imp, Becky only turned away at another pressure on her hand. She summoned up a smile for Scott.

"Bye, everybody!" Sticking out of the car window as best he could with so much restraint from his booster seat, Trav waved his Superman action figure from Frank.

"I love you!" Kiki sent out.

Maya went to lean against Sean, who brought her close to his side. Victor and the Howletts stood behind them. The remaining six looked on as the five departing transports took their leaves of them one by one. Bending to drop a kiss on Maya's head, Sean used his right hand to form a firm fist.