X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Eighty Seven

Author's Word: Happy New Year's Eve-Eve, fam! Well, here we are at the last chapter of the year. I wonder how many we can get out in 2015. Personally, I can't wait to find out. Okay, so to end the year I have a few polls. One, what were some of your favorite Rise or Fall hilarious moments? Two, what were some sad moments? Three, any moments in particular tug at your heart? Be safe and catch you next year, fam! Now, please enjoy and review!

One triple backflip across the diving board accompanied by an aerial swirl resulted in a dive most elegant by the solid gold body. Observing from her recliner with a white sun hat positioned to keep glares out of her eyes, Emma waited for the teen to towel off before handing her glass back to her.

"Where do you keep this endless supply of gusto?" the blonde wondered.

Lowering into her own outdoor seat, Cordelia sipped her fruit punch through the twisted straw. "You should know. The sparkles add that much needed kick." She faded from her gold form with that.

Emma told her, "And you'll find that the kicks are less so after childbirth. Not to mention mental intrusion, temporary comatose, and doing battle with a hypnotizing whore."

Cordelia had to keep from snorting at her sister's phrasing until temperance took over. "It really makes everything look different. After what Joey and Becky have been through, maybe- just maybe- our mother actually had finer points."

"That she did," Emma concurred lightly, leaving it at that.

Staring out at the pool, Cordelia stated, "I forgot how wonderful being here can be. Especially now."

Gazing forward herself, Emma reached out to link up with the girl's nearest hand.

IIIIIII

A mild knock to the one open French door preceded the petition of, "Sir?"

Winston faced away from the spreadsheets that currently preoccupied his mind. "Yes, Myles?"

"Christian telephoned a moment ago," the stable man informed. "He's been detained at a meeting and advises us not to keep dinner warm for him. He's going to pick up something later this evening."

"Hm, seems one has to operate a hotdog stand to share a meal with that boy." Winston spoke more audibly for the other man. "Thank you."

Dipping his head, Myles set off to resume his duties.

Silent pondering venturing him away from his work, Winston did not have long before his thoughts became jolted away sharply. Galloping, giggles, and dog barks seemed to fill the entire main level. He stood with the initial notion of requesting to keep the noise levels down until a sudden crash made him hurry out into the hall.

The three foot blue and white vase laid in ruins while dog and boy stood on opposite sides as if surveying a crime scene in horror.

"Little Charles," Winston quickly approached to examine the youth for nicks, "are you alright?" Joey nodded hard. At ease now, a more foreboding countenance developed on Winston's face. "Come with me, please." At the dog attempting to follow them, Winston waved his hand in a shooing gesture. "Go on, Courage. Off with you."

The black and white animal did walk off, but only went as far as to wait by the stairs.

Continuing on to his office with his grandson, Winston sat back behind his desk with Joey situated right at his feet. "Now, were you running just now?"

Joey bit his lip. "Mmhmm."

Keeping a tight grasp on his patience, Winston calmly requested, "Little Charles, please don't mumble that way. Speak up."

"Yes, sir." Joey then tacked on for good measure, "I was running."

"I see. And do your father and mother approve of you running through the house at home?"

"No, sir," Joey replied. "I'm really sorry, Grandpa. I didn't mean to break your vase. You can have all of my allowance money for it. I have four dollars saved. I'll go get it."

Winston raised a hand. "That won't be necessary. While I do believe you're sorry, you must be careful not to get so excited that it makes you go against house rules. They are in place for a reason. There are things here that can hurt you if you accidentally run into them. I certainly don't want you cutting yourself."

At the man's wording, Joey nodded somewhat absently. "Yes, sir."

"Now, I'd like you to sit over there," Winston pointed at one of the padded chairs pushed against the left hand wall, "quietly. We'll see if you can settle a bit of that zest down before dinner."

"Yes, Grandpa." Joey walked over, taking over one of the available seats.

"I'll be back," Winston got up as he spoke, "Best have that vase swept up before anyone is harmed." As he walked by, he brushed one hand through Joey's hair. "I trust you'll keep still in my absence."

"I promise," the boy responded.

Once left to himself, Joey peered around the space. It came with far darker woods than found in Charles' study. While it had several built-ins, it had nothing on the uniqueness of Erik's den.

Joey's thoughts then lingered on his uncle. He knew what the metal wielder would have to say about him running around the house. He most likely would have made Joey take a time-out standing after he received a swat or two. Then after, Erik might have slipped him a caramel chew from his desk. Joey liked getting them best after an especially good training session with Magneto. The acknowledgement of his good performance felt better than flying sometimes. Lifting his right leg, Joey used his knee to prop up his chin.

IIIIIII

Situated with back straight against his headboard, his eyes remained on his copy of The City and The Stars while one arm coiled around Becky's middle. Comfortable against her father's front, the little girl wrote her latest entry into the steadily filling journal. At the rather rambunctious young boys to the side, Erik ordered a short shush that calmed their play a little. Laying side by side at the foot of the bed, the oldest two of the youths peered through their curriculum selections.

Alex exhaled hard. "Anatomy is going to be brutal this semester. Not to mention Sociology."

"Really?" Leon turned to him with a growing smile. "That's the one I'm looking forward to."

A certain amusement crossed Erik's features at that.

Frank crawled and laid on top of Alex's back to read over his shoulder. "Microbiology? 19th Century History? Whoa, you got to let me sit in on these."

"Sure, Frankenstein." Alex cocked his head to the side to rub their cheeks together. "I'll even let you do my homework for me."

Frank wrapped arms around his neck in a mock choke. "You wish."

"Hey, Erik," Scott looked to the man, "what foreign languages are we doing this year?"

Erik answered, "That has yet to be determined, but I am open to suggestions."

They need not know that he was nowhere near finalizing his upcoming lesson plans. Something Charles had most likely completed before the first week of summer ended. Yes, that described the eager little lab rat to the letter…

IIIIIII

The focused blue eyes peeping out from under the safety of the covers, the flashing box provided him with his sole means of light. He eyed the dark figure creeping up the stairs as the music's tempo increased steadily. As the hand connected with the doorknob, Joey's ears practically exploded at the creak to his own door.

"Ah!"

"Easy!" The adult blonde reacted to the overhead lights flashing on and off. "Sprite, it's me. Relax before you wake up your brother."

Joey calmed with a sigh. "Sorry, Uncle Chris."

"I just got in; wanted to check on the two of you." Coming in fully, Chris closed the door and stopped to peek inside at the content Brian before making his way over to his older nephew. "No wonder you're ready to leap out of your skin." He clicked off the television. "Horror pictures at this time of night?"

"I don't get to watch 'em at home…" Joey dipped his head under the marginal light offered by the windows. "I'm sorry."

"Now, now." Chris cupped and lifted the child's chin. "This is far from being the crime of the century and it is summertime after all."

Joey eyed him in wonder. "Are you gonna tell my mum and dad?"

"Absolutely unnecessary," Chris dismissed. "But I do advise you to get to sleep before they come in here next."

Joey nodded and moved back to the head of his bed then looked back. "Uncle Chris? Will you stay with me?"

Getting out of his shoes, Chris directed, "Scooch over." He laid down beside the boy, sparing an arm for him.

Joey held a part of the man's shirt front. "Uncle Chris, do you love me?"

Taken aback, Chris replied with, "Of course I love you. And Brian." He moved his hand to caress his cheek. "You don't think I do?"

"Oh no," Joey quickly reassured. "I know it. I just like to hear it."

Chris smiled at him. "I know exactly what you mean. Now," he snuggled in closer, "let's see if we can scare those nightmares away together."

It took a few minutes, but Joey eventually eased into sleep beside him.

IIIIIII

Attired in a casual yellow and brown striped pants outfit, Cordelia proceeded up as if entering a whole other dimension located within her childhood home. When she reached the attic, it pleased her to have most of her illumination needs provided by the vibrant stain glass windows. It did not carry the grime and cobwebs of the average attic; not with her parents' mandate to keep every solitary square inch of the house as clean as possible.

Slowly striding through the lengthy storage space, nothing in particular tickled her fancy until she reached one corner that contained multiple lumps beneath several white sheets. Pulling the linens away, she discovered the missing furniture pieces from the master bedroom. All of them grouped together and set aside, either too special or too shamed to linger among the rest the attic had to offer.

Cordelia spent the next ten minutes pawing through the various articles. Behind one short dresser, she noticed an antique trunk and tugged it out by its handle. The trunk was green with a swirl of dainty pink flowers made into it. Cordelia unlatched and pulled up the trunk. Of the contents within, the first to catch her attention proved a copper haired doll in lavender dress. Picking it up, the girl next honed in on what the doll had been sitting on. With her spare hand, she took hold of the old papers tied together by a red ribbon.

IIIIIII

Two porcelain teacups with saucers on the tray, Emma returned to the living room to see her husband wrapping up a conversation.

"Yes, I know. Alright, love. Ta for now." Putting the receiver down for one of the cups, Charles took a sip. "Thank you, darling. I just hate having the staff wait on me so."

"But my waiting on you?" Emma held a butter cookie out to his lips.

Charles took a bite. "Sheer torture."

Emma stroked his hair while enjoying her own tea. "I take it that wasn't your brother."

"Sister, actually," Charles informed.

Emma left a hand on his thigh. "You know you have to call him back eventually."

"It simply grates on me, Emma," Charles sighed. "When Erik decides he's right, that's the end of it. He will not be satisfied until I submit to his greater knowledge and infinite life experience."

Emma said, "As is the wonderful world of having older siblings."

"Well, thanks for that sentiment, little sis."

The Xaviers looked up to see Chris rolling in the stroller while Joey dashed ahead to share a hug with his parents.

Charles brought him to sit on his knee. "Did you lads have fun in the park with Uncle Chris?"

"Uh huh," Joey said, "and we met a lot of nice ladies."

Emma sent a raised eyebrow her brother's way. "Christian, tell me you have not been using my sons to hit on women."

"Is it my fault you ladies fall to pieces over a couple of adorable little faces?" Chris lifted Brian out of the stroller and cooed over him.

"Give me my baby." Emma got up to receive the infant. "It's feeding and naptime for you."

"Oh thanks, Em, but I'm really not hungry at the moment," Chris told her.

Emma gave him a light jab with her elbow as they headed for the kitchen together.

"Eh, where do you think you're going?" Charles pulled back a retreating Joey.

The small blonde looked up at him. "I want to go see Xander."

"You can do that later. Right now, you could use a nap yourself." Charles stood with him.

Joey moaned against his shoulder. "But I'm not tired, Daddy…"

"Those droopy bags under your eyes say differently. I could tell you were tired at breakfast this morning, but I didn't want to keep you away from the park." Charles carried him upstairs to the boys' room.

Joey squirmed at being laid down and having his shoes removed. "Noooo!"

Surprised at this, Charles still took off the sneakers. "Now none of that, son. An hour or two of lie-down won't hurt you." He stood to go retrieve a pair of lounge pants for the child. "I'll read you a story."

Joey inched away from his touch. "I'm not tired!"

"Charles," the Professor lifted the youth's legs to swat at his bottom twice, "that will be enough of that. Do I need to spank you before your nap?"

He shook his head. "No… I'm sorry."

"Very good." Charles finished swapping out his blue jeans for the softer pants and brought the blanket over him. "Would you still like me to read to you?" Joey nodded. "Which book?"

"Anything," Joey whispered.

Charles selected one of the new ones Winston had acquired for the boy. Before the fifth page, he noticed his son drifting off. He got him better tucked in then quietly left the room.

Stirring a moment later, Joey heard his mother come in to lay Brian down. After she left, he waited a few minutes for his brother not to cry for her again and popped out of bed. Going to the television, he switched it on and lowered the volume as much as he could while still being able to hear.

IIIIIII

"Kiki!" Trav groaned. "Leave it alone. It's mine."

Hank looked away from where he worked behind the club house over to his children seated at the picnic table. "Trav, let's all play nicely, please."

"But it's my puzzle," the six-year-old insisted. "Grandma got it for me."

Edna turned from her needle point. "She's only curious, dear. Would you please show her how to put it together the proper way?"

"Well," Trav considered, "okay, Grandma. Alright, Kikiko," he handed her a few pieces, "pay close attention."

Hank sent his mother a grateful smile.

Raven observed them from the kitchen window while talking on the phone. "You want to come to classes with us? I don't know, babe. WU might sign you up on the spot."

Frank said, "Cool. Then we can be together all day."

"Looking forward to it." Raven reclined in her chair. "Hey love bug, let me talk to your dad."

"Okay, Rae." Putting a hand over the mouth piece, Frank bellowed for, "Dad!"

Erik arrived in the den. "Did you want me or every available father in the western world?"

"Nah, you'll do." He held out the receiver. "It's Raven."

Erik took over the phone and chair while Frank went out back to join the others. "Sister, you require something of me?"

"Mostly an explanation," Raven said. "So I heard about the whole Joey on the job with Chris Frost, technology is bad fallout."

"A little spat," Erik dismissed. "Nothing to concern you."

"Save the "protect little sister" thing, okay? We just battled literal hell together in case you forgot," Raven sharply reminded.

"I do, indeed. In fact, I believe you're the reason I survived."

"We've survived too many close calls. I don't want anything as ridiculous as this coming between the two of you. Maybe you're right and Joey shouldn't have been there, but I can't believe you're this upset about it. Unless…"

Erik did not appreciate the tone of her pause. "Unless?"

Raven approached with caution as she went on. "Are you sure this is all about Joey's safety and it has nothing to do with the fact that he's palling around with Chris Frost? Who from what it sounds like is giving him the fun uncle treatment?"

Erik scoffed. "That's both absurd and petty."

"But totally okay if you do feel that way," Raven reasoned. "I know how you feel. When Emma got pregnant, I was so jealous I went into a deep funk. Like every other bit of good in my life didn't mean anything."

"It does matter, Raven," Erik emphasized. "Why do you think I try so hard to hang onto every bit?... I'll call you later."

"Okay." They hung up and Raven looked over at Hank entering through the back door.

"Hey, I finally fixed the club house," he told her importantly. "Come see."

Getting up quickly, Raven joined hands with him. Hank led her out to the rear of the small plastic house. There the former HM plus AM had been painted over. The House That Haven Built had been written in its place in bolder letters with a bigger heart etched around the words.

"Well?" Hank prodded. "What do you think?"

His wife's response came in the form of her jumping into his arms as if springs had been designed into the heels of her shoes.

IIIIIII

I know I'm not crazy when I say these days are getting longer and the nights are getting harder. I keep your pillow beside me. Every morning I swear I'm holding you. The good news is that the prospects of this conference are encouraging. Still, I can't wait to get back to you and our Adrienne.

All my love,

Winston

Having grown completely stiff, the girl proved unable to move and her eyes incapable of darting away from the parchment.

"Cordy?" Emma offered a light knock before stepping inside.

Chris gazed over her head. "Here you are. Why so quiet?"

Emma took notice of her expression. "What's wrong?" Coming closer, she saw all of the antiques sprawled out over the bed. "And what's all this?" Recognizing the emerald-eyed doll, she raised her up. "Lana. I haven't seen her in years."

Cordelia finally glanced up. "I thought she was mine."

"No, when Mother and Father brought these home for us you broke yours within two weeks and tried to take mine," Emma informed. "You never stood a chance with Adrienne's. She enclosed her's behind a double-bolted case."

"Ah, yes. And they got me that little wooden drummer. Hello, what's this?" Chris took the letter Cordelia held. After the briefest read-through a chortle echoed from his chest and out of his lips. "Could the old man get any cornier? Oh, he is mine to torture with this."

Cordelia glared. "It's not funny! He wrote that to Mommy." She held up the stack she had happened upon earlier. "He wrote all of these for her. Is everything just a big joke to you?"

Emma sat down on the bed to put an arm around her. "Calm down, sweetheart."

Chris moved around to sit on the other side of the girl. "I was only funning, baby sis. I've never… let's just say my wives never inspired this kind of thing in me."

Emma leafed through the other letters. "These are beautiful. I can't believe these are our parents."

Cordelia leaned on her shoulder. "Now Daddy acts like he wants to erase all traces of her. How could this happen to them?"

Chris sighed, bringing his fingers into her hair. "It's hard to tell with these things. No one ever really knows why. There's never one solid reason other than plain foolishness on all sides."

Emma picked up her doll again, staring quietly into the jewel-like eyes.

IIIIIII

Having grown tired of the television in favor of playing with his Merlin and Arthur puppets, Joey next put them down to gaze towards the door. Tipping over to make sure Brian remained undisturbed, Joey continued on. He peeked out into the hall, finding it free of family as well as staff members. He ventured out, tipping along on his socks.

To his relief, only the youngest housekeeper worked in the kitchen and she bustled about too much to really notice the young boy. Joey took out the apple juice and poured himself a glass. Before he could leave the eatery, he met up with Courage who barked at him in acknowledgement or possibly in reprimand. Joey held a silencing finger to his lips and rubbed the dog's head. He then hurried forward with Courage rushing after him.

With a stumble, Joey gasped when his glass leapt right from his hand. He had no time to fret over where it would break or not as it collided with the French writing desk. The glass and sticky liquid within spilled across the documents left on the furniture pieces.

At the very adult footsteps that sounded next, Joey barreled for the nearest door out of the house as fast as he could. A concerned Courage did not hesitate to go after him. Joey did not stop moving until he reached the stables. He found his way over to Xander's stall and squatted inside on the floor. While Courage hovered nearby, Xander turned his head, as if curious as to what troubled his normally merry owner.

Joey? Son?

Raising his head at the petition, Joey initially did not want to answer but complied with his father's voice. I'm here, Daddy.

Charles peered into the stall. "There you are." He held out a hand and his stomach churned at the boy recoiling. "Son, you know me. I wouldn't harm you."

"I know, but… I did something really bad, Daddy. Really, really bad."

"I know," Charles returned. "And we're going to sort it all out. But first, let's go inside."

When Joey got up and came close enough, Charles picked him up out of the stall. He hugged his son to him and carried him away from his rather protective animal companions. When they returned inside and upstairs, Charles brought them into his and Emma's room, knowing Brian would still be asleep.

"Alright, son." Sitting on the side of the bed, Charles stood the ten-year-old before him. "I want you to explain to me what happened."

"I… I dropped my juice and messed up Uncle Chris' work. But I didn't mean to, honest Daddy."

"I believe you." Charles picked up one of the boy's hands between his own two. "How did you drop your juice? Were you running?"

Joey bit his lip at first. "… Yes, sir."

"Didn't your grandfather have a discussion with you just yesterday about running through the house? The same discussion your mother, Uncle Erik, and I have with you at home?"

"Yes, sir," came the whisper.

"And last I checked, you were supposed to be napping. Now Charles," the telepath looked closely into his eyes, "this behavior isn't like you at all. I want to know why you're acting this way." He laid a comforting hand over one of the child's cheeks. "Please tell me."

A gloss swept Joey's eyes as he slowly responded with, "You and Mummy left me. Now, Uncle Erik and Alex left, too."

"Oh baby," Charles brought him into a tight embrace, "Mummy and I never and would never leave you. You know your uncle and certainly Alex would not. We all merely needed some time to deal with what happened."

"When are we going to be together again?" Joey wanted to know.

"Soon," Charles vowed, kissing his head. "But as for now," he brought their eyes to meet again, "we have some business to finish. You understand what you've done wrong?"

Joey gave off a nod and stretched himself out across his father's lap.

At the direct obedience, Charles pulled his pants down but allowed his underwear to remain in place. He then started off the punishment with mild smacks to the center of his bottom. Joey wrapped both arms around Charles leg, holding on as forcefully as he could. Detecting the growing tears, Charles made the last ten of the seventeen smacks the hardest and stopped. He redressed his son and collected the crying vessel into his arms. Joey grasped at parts of his shirt and bawled.

Charles left one hand on his back and the other in the soft blonde hair. "It's over now, baby. Daddy's here." He stood to walk the space of the room with him. "Daddy's right here, little one."

Joey nestled in under his chin. "I'm sorry, Daddy…"

"No more of that," Charles admonished gently. "I know you are. I love you, son."

"I love you, too, Daddy."

"What do you say we wash your face and go see Uncle Chris?"

Though unsure, Joey still replied, "Kay."

Downstairs, the sole Frost son surveyed what remained of his paperwork after the housekeepers had finished taking care of the spill and broken glass. He looked up when the Xavier males came down the stairs, the younger with his face buried against the elder.

"Chris, Joey would like to speak with you." Charles put him down, leaving hands on his son's shoulders.

Judging by the boy's face, Chris wondered about the validity of that statement. He squatted to get in closer to the youth. "Sprite?"

"… I ruined your work. I was running and…" Fresh tears spilled down Joey's cheeks. "I'm so sorry, Uncle Chris!"

Shaking his head, Chris pulled the child to him for a hug. "Sprite, no. Don't cry. I don't want to see you cry. It's alright."

"Daddy spanked me," Joey informed.

Charles did not miss the disapproval apparent in his brother-in-law's features.

"Did he?" Chris pulled back to clean Joey's cheeks. "Did it hurt you badly?"

"Uh huh, but I deserved it for acting so bad," Joey explained. "Uncle Chris… do you still love me?"

"What?" Chris looked back at him with disbelief. "Yes, of course. I wasn't happy about this, but I have copies of everything back in my desk at work. It will take more than spilled milk or juice to come between us."

Charles smiled along with his son then instructed, "Joey, go on up to your room and lay down. I think that nap would be good now. I'll be up in a moment."

"Yes, Daddy." Joey left a peck on Chris' cheek before going back up the stairs.

Getting to his feet, Chris lost his good humor. "You didn't have to hit him."

Keeping his calm, Charles countered matter-of-factly, "I have never struck him or any of my children out of anger or spite. My brother and I decided long ago to use spanking as a form of discipline. Emma doesn't administer it herself, but agrees with us. It's particularly effective in Joey's case."

"There are other ways to get through to children." Chris walked towards the desk, gripping the chair. "You could try talking to him."

"We do, quite often in fact," Charles stated. "And if you don't mind my saying so, it's something you could stand to do with your own father more often." He turned towards the stairs with that.

Chris glanced back after him, but remained silent.

IIIIIII

Releasing a weary sigh, Winston clicked on the light as he all but poured into his office. Loosening his tie a bit, he placed his briefcase on the desk before taking a seat.

Alerted the moment she caught his car pull in, Cordelia arrived in his doorway shortly. "Daddy?"

"Cordy?" Taking in the girl dressed in honeybee themed pajamas, he extended an arm her way. "You're still up?"

"I was waiting for you." She came in, taking a seat in his lap.

"It seems your brother and I are taking turns with this late night business." Winston appeared in fond thoughtfulness. "Hard to believe the changes this family has seen."

Cordelia slowly revealed the paper she had with her. "Do you remember this? Mother kept your others as well."

"Hm?" Winston scanned the letter, letting off a dismissive snort when he finished. "Ah yes, quite well. Where did you find this drivel?"

The teenager frowned. "It isn't drivel, Daddy. Mommy kept these for years. It's incredible the way you two felt about each other."

"Love-struck children." Winston wadded the letter with one hand and deposited it in his trash bin. "All sonnets and sunshine before real life and responsibility catch up with you."

"But Daddy—"

"You'll understand well when you're older." Winston kissed her cheek. "Now, why don't you get some sleep? I have a light day tomorrow so I thought we could go out for breakfast. Perhaps take in the museum."

"… Alright." Cordelia hugged him around the neck. "Good night, Daddy."

"Good night, sweetpea."

Winston watched her leave then reached a hand in to retrieve the discarded paper. Giving it some smoothing out, he reacquainted himself with the words from countless years past.