X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter One Hundred Ninety Four

Author's Word: Hi, fam! My adoption anniversary was great. I hear there is a lot of insane weather going on so for those of you who are in the Boston situation or one similar to it, my prayers go out to you and I hope you're alright. In the meantime, grab some cocoa as you read and review!

With a royal blue tie in his left hand and one of a navy-yellow-brown striped pattern in the right, the uncertain telepath held them up before the somewhat captivated three.

"Now that I've finally selected a suit, I still can't decide which of these would best accent it. I believe this one is striking," Charles said of the blue, "but this one is bolder; more memorable," regarding the stripes.

"Why don't you wear the forest green one?" Raven suggested. "It always looks cute on you."

"Because I want to get their attention," Charles emphasized, "not give them daydreams about having pea soup for lunch."

Holding Brian on his lap, Erik threw out, "So I take it the red would provide them with ketchup fancies?"

"Or worse yet," Raven mock gasped, "Cherries, apples- then the sugar plums are going to pop up and it'll be a whole whacky fruit salad situation."

Charles narrowed his eyes at them. "I'm beginning to see why middle children often loathe their siblings." He then reacted to his son's outstretched hands. "Do you want to help Daddy decide? Come now," he stepped up closer to the baby, dangling the pair of ties before him, "which one do you want Daddy to wear?"

Tugging on the blue one, Brian brought it to his mouth to gum on.

Erik chuckled and Raven fell back on the mattress with laughter.

"And still more helpful than the two of you." Charles bent to brush a kiss across the top of Brian's head.

"Brian, Brian," Emma shook her head, entering the room. "You'll chew on Daddy's clothes but make grenades of your teething rings."

"He gets that from me." Erik raised Brian high enough to touch noses with him. "Don't you, Lab Mouse?"

Brian reacted to that with a squeal and using his bitty hands to squeeze the man's cheeks together.

Turning to his wife, Charles asked, "What would you like me to wear, love?"

Coming close to him, Emma walked two fingers up his shirt front. "Do you really want me to answer that in the presence of your siblings?"

"Hey!" Sitting up again, Raven's hands went to cover Brian's ears. "No scarring the baby."

Growing serious, Erik stated, "What you wear is of little importance, Charles. It all comes down to you knowing your position and standing firm with it."

Charles nodded at him. "I only hope I have what it takes to get this across."

"Charles, please," Raven said dismissively, "after your thesis anxiety, this will be a snap."

The Professor started to respond to her until someone else appeared in the doorway. "Seanie."

Walking in, Sean put forth, "Charles, I wanted to ask… would it be alright if I go to the conference with you guys?"

"That shouldn't be a problem to get in another on-looker," Charles replied. "And it thrills me that you're taking an interest."

"Thanks," Sean smiled. "This is too important to pass up."
Looking around the room at the others Charles said, "I want to remind you all that we must keep our wits about us. I especially will have to defend us without revealing what we really are."

"We obliterated Shaw," Erik brought up, "and now they want to prevent future births of our kind."

Emma said, "Shaw's one of the many reasons it's becoming harder for mutants now. Not to mention the Acolytes."

"And Edge Pack," Raven added.

"Well, we're not all like that," Sean spoke again. "They'll see." He then left again to return to the third floor.

II

"Odd how the misinformed are so quick to twist things."

"Hm?" Listening to her, Logan continued pouring their drinks.

Relaxed against their headboard, Kayla continued with, "From the moment my powers became evident, my parents considered me a miracle; everything I did a gift. Nothing like what certain others have accused me of being."

Handing her a wine glass full of apple juice, Logan scooted over close enough to wrap an arm around her. "You're a healer with beauty this world ain't ever known. Like you fell from Heaven. But me and Vic?" He took a swig of his beer. "One look at us and we're somethin' out of Revelation."

Kayla faced forward at nothing in particular as she said, "If I fell from Heaven, they sent you on loan ahead of me. I look at Cody and see that brightness in his eyes. He lost so much of it with his sister. But this country, this world telling him that it's better off he was never born..."

Logan indicated for her to lie on her side and he started a slow, delicate massage over her back. "And not just on account of the claws. I worry about him, too." His hand passed over her stomach. "Both of them."

"If they move forth with this sterilization, you know what the next mandate will be."

"Then we do have problems." Logan finished off his drink. "That's a whole lot of empty heads I got to slice off."

II

Situating the teddy bear more securely in his daughter's arms, Hank brushed hair free from her forehead and left a kiss on the spot. Standing from the bed the girls shared, he moved over to where the head of curls worked on her journal. The desk lamp provided her sole means of light.

In a whispered tone, Hank observed, "That book's going to be filled soon."

"I know," Becky returned the low voice. "Sean and I are going to get new ones. We like to review what the other has to say about certain passages."

Bobbing his head, the scientist advised, "Don't stay up too late. Eye strain will activate your headaches." He stood from his crouched position. "I love you."

"Love you," Becky said after the departing man.

II

What could easily pass for a hybrid of a jet, one hundred car train, and steam ship blasted across the third floor in the form of rampaging boyish footsteps. Joey and Trav jumped onto an armchair while Cody flipped over onto the center of the couch.

Hurrying into the room, Alex aimed an unusually sharp pair of blue eyes their way. "Hey, hey! You guys knock off that running up here. You know what Erik and Vic would say if they saw you."

Instantly lowering to his knees, Trav looked up with contrition. "Sorry, Uncle Alex."

Alex walked over to pick him up then addressed the other blonde in the room, "Joey, you left your art supplies on the kitchen table. Get it clean in there, now."

"Oops, sorry." Joey rushed to get down and head for the eatery.

Alex started to carry Trav out until he picked up on the commotion behind him and turned back to see the remaining youth bouncing on the couch. "Cody, do not play around with me. Get. Down."

"Okay, okay," Cody grumbled, getting to the floor again.

With a sigh, Alex left the room with drowsy six-year-old in tow.

As soon as the instructor disappeared from his sight, Cody smirked and hopped up onto the cushions.

"Didn't Alex just tell you to get down?" Reacting to the new voice, the boy discovered Leon had just entered in his unique soundless way. "Now, if I heard him you definitely heard him, what with having the superior ears and all."

"Oh yeah, sure Lee. I heard him." Cody lowered once more. "I was just foolin' around. You know how uptight Havok is."

Leon came back with, "Really? Because I've always seen him as one of the coolest instructors here." Strolling over, he knelt before the shorter brunette. He contained one of his hands between his own two. "Do they still hurt?"

Cody wiggled his fingers on the other hand. "Just sometimes."

"Then you should watch it," Leon advised him. "That only leaves one spot to get smacked."

Cody scoffed at that. "I'm not scared of Alex."

Leon swayed his head to keep a gathering of hair behind his back. "Who's referring to Alex?"

The little boy eyed him for a length then asserted, "You're crazy."

The corners of Leon's mouth folded over into a smirk.

IIIIIII

At her husband and youngest child arriving in the exterior hallway of the main level unit, Emma acknowledged the former with, "At long last. The others are waiting in the car."

"My apologies but I had to clean my jacket," Charles explained, currently dressed in a deep blue suit with red tie, "because someone," he gave Brian's cheek a ginger pinch, "who claimed to want a hug actually wanted to spit up on me. It's as if he planned it."

At Charles passing the baby over to her grasp, Kayla confirmed, "Oh they know. Trust me."

Emma took Brian's fist to kiss. "Be good, my darling and wish luck to Daddy."

"You'll do us all justice, Charles," Kayla stated undoubtedly.

Frank stepped up from where he leaned against the front door. "Sure you don't want me there with you?"

"Franklin Benjamin Tolbert at a political conference," Charles appeared to lull the possibility over, "I believe we have enough on our plates without the added trouble of World War Three."

The teenager shrugged. "I can still make trouble for them from the outside."

"Oh yeah?" Logan challenged, batting soft punches the boy's way that soon became a mini boxing match between them. "Let's see what you're made of, trouble."

Grinning, Frank ducked out of the way of one of the mock blows.

IIIIIII

While the forty-seven story high hotel proved daunting on its own, the true effect did not fully register until the interior came into view. The grand meeting room, made up of flawless sparkling whites with gold accents in the décor, appeared ready to host a royal wedding instead of a conference.

Sean looked on as Charles was shown his official seating on one side of the long t-shaped table. The Professor sat amongst other invited professionals. However, it was the very front of the T that captured Sean's attention. The mayor of Manhattan, the senator, and a councilman held down those seats. It floored Sean how all of them made Charles appear so youthful yet the telepath carried his usual jovial, unfettered countenance as he greeted and shook the numerous hands outstretched to him.

Himself seated fourth in their second row, Sean glanced about to gauge what the other X-Men thought about the whole thing. Unsurprisingly, Erik, sporting a steel gray suit with black tie and a fedora that matched the suit, kept arms crossed and right leg over his left thigh. The man's blue eyes were set and unreadable; his mouth in a perfect straight line. If Sean had not known better he would have sworn the metal wielder to be a dignitary sparing precious time for a frivolous occasion.

Hank sat to the left of Erik, wearing a chocolate brown suit and dark green tie. The scientist appeared to be somewhere between quizzical yet staid. His intertwined hands acted as a prop to keep his chin up. Right by her husband, the presently blonde haired Raven had on a light blue pencil skirt, yellow blouse, a crop-sleeved jacket the same color as her skirt, and heels in a slightly darker shade of blue.

Sean's attention now went to Emma, in the fifth chair of their row. The woman wore a sharp white pants suit with blazer that seemed to outshine the entire room. Unlike Raven's down golden hairstyle, Emma had done her hair up in a neat spiral bun. Tan tinted sunglasses covered her eyes but not the confident expression aimed her husband's way. Whether or not he could see it, Sean was willing to bet the male telepath could feel her support. Hopefully, the support of all of them to go with it.

The redhead himself had decided to go with full-on Sunday best. That consisted of his black suit and tie. With the equally dark loafers on his feet, Sean felt as if he'd dressed for a funeral. He silently reminded himself not to end the night with a spooky novel anymore- at least not the night before something important, anyway.

After introductions concluded, a great deal of reading, that seemed to never end in Sean's opinion, took place. He shared a brief glance with Raven and could tell she did not find the excessive droning altogether worthwhile, either.

The mayor raised his head after he finished reciting out loud. "Does everyone understand the proposal for the mandate as it has been outlined?" When positive responses resulted, he continued with, "Then let us proceed. Agent Thompson, if you'll please."

A gray haired man seated across from Charles' section of the table raised a stack of tan folders. "This is data obtained from our facility's doctors who have worked to treat the contained mutants."

Sean formed a glare and did not miss Erik's jaw tightening or Hank's slow exhale through the nose. For a second, he thought he caught Raven's eyes yellow over. Emma kept the serenity on her exterior.

"These people have medical conditions that are dangerous to themselves and the people around them," Agent Thompson went on. "Why should we wish this epidemic upon the next generation?"

"That is why sterilization is not only necessary but the most humane option for these people," Councilman Grant put forth.

The mayor called on a man from Charles' side of the table who held his finger in the air. "Yes, Dr. Walker?"

"I've been a psychologist for over twenty years and I've spoken with a range of women who have undergone hysterectomies and men with severely low sperm counts. These people have suffered everything from clinical depression to thoughts of suicide," Dr. Walker emphasized. "Taking away a person's biological capability to reproduce is both unhealthy and unethical."

Senator Keating spoke next in a calm tone. "So you believe it ethical to allow someone physically unfit to parent a newborn? Sterilization, Dr. Walker, is often performed under the recommendation of specialists in your very field when it comes to mental handicaps."

"That is true," raised another man. "If it's too great a risk to produce a generation of people with mere mental disorders, is it not far more dangerous to unleash potentially deadly mutants upon society?"

Charles' voice finally rang out with, "I'm going to have to chime in here. Mutation is not a disorder to diagnose nor a condition to cure. It is a natural biological advancement. I also consider it extremely narrow-minded to label all mutants as deadly, entirely due to the misguided actions of one such as Sebastian Shaw."

"Shaw was only the beginning," Councilman Grant responded. "What about mutant terrorists? Mutants like these Acolytes with a depraved message to get out with no regard to lives lost in the process."
"I have no excuse for the activities of the Acolytes," Charles admitted, "but the dangers of terrorism have existed long before they or Shaw came into the picture. If you force sterilization on all mutants because of terrorists, you'll have to do the same for every ordinary man and woman capable of such deeds."

Grant countered, "You take the guns and the explosives away from normal humans and the threat goes away. Mutants have the fire power within them and we cannot afford for those genes to spread."

Trying to keep an iron fist on his patience, Charles reasoned, "Mutants do not automatically beget mutant children. A large percentage of mutants are birthed from regular human parents. Some mutations are brought about by radiation or substance exposure. Traumas. There is so much to mutation and we've hardly scratched the surface yet you're ready to eradicate it altogether."

"We know you are the resident expert on these matters of genetics, Professor," Senator Keating interjected. "However, Americans have a God-given right to be protected by—"

Gripping the top of the chair in front of him, Sean practically burst up from his own seat. "What do you know about God? What do any of you know about anything?"

All eyes promptly going to the teenager, Hank tugged on his hand and hissed, "Sean, sit down."

Snatching away from him, the boy only went on. "You know what a God-given right is? Being able to have children. And nothing gives any of you the right to take a gift like that away. What's next? Huh? Mandatory sterilization of all short people? Can't be too careful with midgets running around, ready to trip us up and bite our knee caps off."

The mayor got to his feet. "Young man, you can either control yourself or I will have security do it for you."

Before Erik could react like a territorial animal to that one, Emma stood, taking Sean's arm. "I have him." Giving him a gentle pull, she goaded, "Come on, honey. It's alright."

A flush taking over his face, Sean dipped his head as low as it could go as he followed her.

Eyes twinkling, Raven cast a smile after them.

Getting a cup from the water cooler in the hall, Emma poured the clear drink and handed it him. "Here you go. Calm down now."

Sitting on a lengthy wooden bench, Sean took slow sips, quietly wishing he could dunk his head into the cup. "Emma- Mom, I- I don't know what came over me. I'm crazy, nuts, crackers- cheese, too!" He gathered a fistful of his own hair to yank at. "I'm sorry."

"I'm not." Caring blue eyes flashed from the woman. "Not for what you said, anyway. The timing and location could have been better planned." She sat down, putting an arm around him. "Sweetheart, I know hearing all of that must have been so hard for you. After what they put you through."

Sean said lowly, "They wanted to sterilize me…"

Emma smoothed out his hair with her fingers. "I know. But dear, as difficult as it is, we must do everything we can without revealing ourselves. I clean house fairly well before I made it out of CIA holding- that and helping Charles bring down Shaw took a great toll- but we can't take too many risks. Charles, Erik, none of us can take the risk of losing any of you."

Nodding contritely, Sean lowered as best as he could to softly collapse into her hold. He now knew why he'd gone out dressed for a funeral; he had just dug his own grave after all.

IIIIIII

Each holding onto one end of the dual ropes, Cordelia and Becky worked to keep in motion with Angel's vigorous jumping. With a squealing Kiki attached to his back, Victor crawled around in the grass on all fours. Leon helped Cody with his new karate routines. Joey and Trav painted with water colors at the small patio table. Alex, Frank, and Scott had a three-way football game going. The Howletts held down the porch steps with Brian nestled against Kayla's front, as if trying to communicate with the growing child inside of her.

"Girl, slow down," Cordelia requested with a grin in place.

Smiling herself, Angel could hardly ease her vigor. "I haven't done this in forever!"

Victor glanced over, swelled himself by the glowing girl.

"I can't wait for Fred's party tomorrow," Joey threw out.

"Me, either," Cody concurred without breaking his arm stance.

Becky said with relief, "I'm glad Papa's letting me go."

"And I get to go, too!" Trav declared.

"We know, Bugsy," Alex said, "you told us."

"About a hundred times," added Scott, giving the ball to Frank who lost control when he tossed it.

At the football knocking over a couple of their paints, Joey groaned, "Aw, Frank."
"You're messing up our art," Trav accused.

"Hey," Logan chimed up, pointing his beer bottle their way. "Let's not make a federal case out of this, guys."

"Sorry, sorry." Frank went over to grab the ball off the table. "I tell ya, this yard's not cutting it." He flung the ball to Alex. "One thing I'll say about the country. There's tons of space."

"And less kids," Scott muttered.

Frank walked over to lean against Logan. "Wolverine, can't you make those guys build our house any faster?"

"Love to, glowworm," Logan spared an arm to go around the boy's slim middle, "but my methods of persuasion ain't happy British boss approved."

Leon put forth, "How 'bout ferocious Jewish boss approved?"

"Yeah," Alex seconded, "we could definitely swing that."

When Cody came over to gape at the drooling Brian, Kayla wanted to know, "Why aren't you this small anymore?"

"Ma," Cody protested, "if I get any smaller, I'll be a gnat."

Logan raised, "Hey, nothin' wrong with bein' travel sized."

Settling Kiki down into his arms, Victor rocked her a little. "Gettin' sleepy, baby?"

"No," the three-year-old claimed, despite rubbing at her eyes.

"I'll take her, Vic." Angel headed over, lifting the small girl up. "Come on, little mama. I need to lay down after all that jump rope."

Kiki settled her head against the teenager's shoulder as Angel carried her in.

IIIIIII

Highlighting another section, Ben spared a glance at the near-muted one seated at his desk. "You're quiet tonight."

Tapping a pen against his own study copy of King James, Sean spoke with, "There's a lot going on. I get half of it off my mind and then the other half replaces it."

"Everything okay with your family? Both of them?"

Sean shrugged. "Sure."

Ben next mentioned, "Maya?"

"Yeah, we're fine," Sean shifted in the swivel chair, "though I'm sure a couple of the kids are placing bets about when I'm going to break down because she's in Buffalo."

Ben said, "It's cool the way you guys support each other through this. Even if I had more time to date, I don't think I could be this "adult-ish" in a relationship any time before college."

Sean tapped fingers over a few lines in the text. "Hey, you know Matthew 21:12-13?"

"You're ahead of me." Ben flipped a few pages. "Here I thought you were the one spacing out."

"I've been thinking…" Sean eyed his friend seriously. "Do you think it's okay to flip over a few tables? When you have to?"

"For us?" Ben had no need to consider it as he answered, "I think it's inevitable."

Growing ponderous again, Sean returned his gaze to the reading.

IIIIIII

Smoothly maneuvering out of the already open living room window on their floor, Victor gripped the edge of the roof before flipping over onto it. He joined the equally silent male already present up there. They both gazed over the edge at the severe lack of spectators. Even in the summer, Westchester seemed to shut down shortly after the sun did the same. Those that did pass by and happened to notice them, only gaped temporarily before hurrying along their way. Why question two tall men completely unbothered by little details such as the downside of gravity?

Without facing him, Erik inquired, "The boys still sleeping?"

Bobbing his head, Victor said, "Couple chatterboxes but they're quiet now." He moved onto the one boy at the front of both their minds. "Wonder what's keepin' him."

"I wonder what he's been thinking of late," Erik came back with. "As if these few weeks away from the rest of us inspired untold change in him."

Victor put forth, "I'm thinkin' it started a whole lot sooner than that. He just kept it to himself."

Erik eyed the BMW finally pulling in. "There he is."

When he arrived inside the third level unit, the sight of the Headmaster and instructor did not surprise him but his shoulders still drooped. "Sorry I'm late."

Erik kept a fixed visage on him. "So then you do remember what time curfew is?"

The disbelieving Sean emphasized, "It's twenty minutes, Erik. I was over Ben's house- remember Ben? You actually like him. I left on time, but I forgot I needed gas."

"Why didn't you call?" Victor asked him.

"I wanted to book it home. Geez," Sean rolled his eyes, "Wolverine never gives me grief about a few lousy minutes. If everybody's still sore about earlier, I wish you'd just spit it out already."

Not speaking until he arrived only an inch from the youth's personal space, Erik directed, "Go to the den."

Hands going into pockets and head casting downward, Sean headed that way.

Once inside his sleep space, Erik began, "We have not been separated so long that you've forgotten who I am to you. Unless you've suffered some sort of brain aneurism that's causing you bodily imbalance, you do not roll your eyes at me and you certainly do not dismiss me. Do you hear me, Sean Cassidy?"

"Yes, sir," he whispered.

"Speak up," Erik ordered. "You've already proven you know how to do that."

"Yes, sir," Sean repeated in a far more audible tone.

"Sit down." When the teen lowered into the nearest available chair, Erik glanced down at him. "Victor tells me you've taken on a new training regimen with him."

Trying to keep his tone even, Sean responded, "So is that a problem or something? We've been through a lot and I want to be prepared for the next thing."

Erik squatted to meet the young man's eyes again. "Are you sure that's all there is to it?" Sean only nodded then became surprised at suddenly finding himself enveloped in the man's embrace. "I'm not angry with you about today. Your words were forceful but not remotely wrong. I only want you to be careful, but not solely for your sake."

At that, Sean wondered, "What do you mean?"

Erik pulled back to look at him again. "After Virginia, I can't promise I'll be able to hold back against anyone who tries to target you again."

Sean gave off a nod. "I'll be careful, Uncle Erik."

"Go on and get ready for bed," the metal wielder instructed next, "If you're late again, you're grounded for a week."

"Yes, sir." Getting up, Sean made a path for the bathroom.

IIIIIII

Arriving inside her quarters, Emma observed two of her Xavier men sprawled out tiredly in bed. Though Brian looked to be the calmer, having his father's shirt sleeve to gnaw on and all.

Going to lay down so that Brian remained in the middle of them, Emma asked, "What troubles my king?"

"He wants to burn and bury the throne," Charles informed her. "The phone's been practically ringing off the hook. I've been invited to multiple speaking engagements dealing with the sterilization mandate."

Emma indicated the letters she had with her. "Then I take it you don't want to see today's mail." She watched him sigh. "I thought you would be delighted, sugar. You have the opportunity to be a voice for mutants."

"Yes, it is wonderful, but love," Charles sat up, leaning against one raised knee, "I worry about the children. Do you honestly believe that after all that's happened we can give them any sort of stable academic year?"

Emma lifted Brian to hold close. "Stability is a bit of a luxury where we're concerned."

Charles laid a hand over his wife's knee. "I'm calling a meeting tonight."

IIIIIII

Despite the numerous blue and green balloons suspended anywhere they could possibly fit, very little excitement could be absorbed in the Dukes backyard. The mood in the air completely eluded Trav and Lily, who raced about together in a mini game of tag.

Sitting at the table with Laci, Joey tried to comprehend a wealth of prescriptions. "So you have blue ones and white ones?"

The girl with hair of red-orange nodded. "White are for my heart and blue are for blood pressure. But I take yellow for the side effects of white and pink for the blue ones. My mom and dad are more programmed to the schedule than I am."

"Wow," Joey marveled. "My brother has to watch his blood pressure, too. I used to think problems like that were for old people."

"Yeah, so did I," said Laci sardonically.

Becky and Cody rejoined them at the table with the female's attention on the two dutiful Dukes boys positioned by the fence. "It's not fair that Fred has to wait around like this on his birthday. What's taking their dad so long?"

"He drives trucks, Becky," Cody reminded her, patting Scout when the dog came close enough. "Those guys go all over the place. They can't just pull over."

Stationed behind his brother, Mike encouraged, "He'll be here any minute, Freddie."

Fred did not react until his mother stepped out from the back door. "Ma, did Dad call?"

"Not since this morning," Joanne adjusted little Darlin on her hip, "Fred, you've got to have patience. Why don't you open some of your gifts?"

Fred sighed lightly. "In a little while."

Cody's ears picked up on a rather large automobile that seemed to be making its way towards them. Curious expression in place, he leapt over to peer across the fence.

"What is it?" Fred attempted to follow his gaze. "Maybe it's my dad."

Cody raised an eyebrow. "Your dad drives a giant ice cream truck now?"

The moment the trailer pulled up into full view, Lily ceased playing to jump up and down. "Daddy!"

As those gathered in the backyard came closer, the driver's side door opened an outstepped an enormous man in jeans, flannel shirt, and baseball cap. Joey, Trav, and Cody gawked, trying to take in his height alone.

"Daaaaaaad!" Fred barreled for him with Mike and Lily not far behind.

"There's my boy!" Rick practically hollered, lowering to bring Fred into a large hug.

"Daddy's here!" Lily raised arms to him.

Rick hoisted her straight up. "Hey, Lily bud." He spared his other arm to mess Mike's hair. "Hey, you little string-bean." He then hugged him.

Becky shared a smile with her housemates at the sight.

"What took you so long, Dad?" Fred asked him.

"I'd have been here two days ago, but I had to make a quick stop down home." Rick went around to the back of the trailer, pulling up the sliding door. "Come see why."

When Fred followed his father's movements, his jaw instantly dropped. "Samson!"

Rick helped the white horse with long black mane down from the carrier. "This old bag of glue about begged to come back here with me." He touch a hand to Fred's head. "Happy birthday, son."

"Dad, you're the best!" Fred threw arms around him before doing the same with his horse.

While the children went to greet Samson, Joanne made a beeline for Rick. "We are discussing this later."

Taking their baby from her to hold, Rick stated, "Lookin' forward to it," then drooped to kiss her.

The girls reacted with a mutual swoon while the boys gave off mock gagging noises.

IIIIIII

Situated on the top step of the front porch, Sean peered out across the short lawn. He waved at the neighbors passing by, finding it strange to be in such close proximity to other people. A shadow came over him followed by a hand to his shoulder and the redhead looked back into Hank's concerned face.

"Are you alright?" the scientist came right out and asked.

Sean put on a smile. "Yeah, unless you're starting to believe those Eeyore on drugs rumors that used to float around about me."

"I'm serious, Sean." Hank sat beside him. "Something has felt a little off since we reunited. Especially after yesterday. It seems you really had that pent up."

"Maybe I did," Sean admitted.

"I want you to know that you can talk to me," Hank urged. "About anything. I know I seem all over the place between my family and seeing to things with the X-Men, but I am here for you, Seanie. Never doubt that."

Sean nodded gratefully. "Yes, big brother."

Hank flicked playfully at a few of the red strands.

IIIIIII

At her son rushing into her bedroom, Raven directed, "Hey, let's slow it down, little man. How was the party?"
"Great! Look, Kikiko." Goody bag in hand, Trav climbed onto the bed where his sister studied him curiously. "I brought you stuff." From the bag, he pulled out a light-up ring, a small plastic monkey, and a bag of M&Ms.

"M's!" Kiki reacted to the candy.

Raven prompted her, "What do you say to your brother?"
"Thank you, Travvy."

"You're welcome. Oh, here Mommy." Trav handed her a wrapped peanut butter cup.

Raven grabbed him into a strong love. "Thank you, Travvy."

IIIIIII

After nearly two hours of deliberation, Charles raised, "So we're all in agreement, yes?"

"If that's what you want to call this," Logan said, "but I still don't like it by a longshot."

"None of us are altogether thrilled, but we must do what is best for them," Emma emphasized to the group around the dining table.

"It's really unavoidable at this point," said Kayla.

"It's not the worst thing in the world," Alex reasoned. "I'm surviving it."

Victor stated, "Whatever it takes."

"Agreed," Hank nodded.

They all awaited Erik, who at last decreed, "Then it is decided."

Charles requested, "Emma, do please gather the children."

"Of course." She led the way out, summoning the young ones telepathically.

When only the two of them remained in the dining room, Charles got up, keeping his gaze on his brother. "I don't have to read your mind to know how unhappy you are with this. Should anything happen, we'll take swift action. But please, I need us on the same side."

Erik arose from the table. "Regardless of my reservations, that's something you don't have to doubt, brother. Come."

Feeling more at ease, Charles walked out with him.

It did not take long for the students to arrive inside the first floor living room. Raven who held her daughter, Cordelia, and Angel lined up on the couch with Leon and Sean on opposite arms of it. Becky, Frank, and Scott took the loveseat. Cody, Joey, and Trav sat on cushions on the floor.

Cody threw out, "I wonder who did it."

"You mean what did you guys do," Scott corrected.

"We didn't do anything," Joey insisted.

"Relax," Leon's voice sounded. "I doubt highly if we would be called together this way over something as trivial as a broken vase."

"Something big is about to happen," claimed Sean. "Count on it."

Cordelia looked to Angel as she said, "This is going to be interesting. Here's hoping we're not dividing yet again."

Having been let in on the happenings, Raven remained mostly quiet and focused on Kiki.

Soon enough the instructors arrived one by one with the Headmasters coming in last.

To no one's major surprise, Charles addressed them first, "When our institution began, Erik and I had the goal to educate you as young, volatile mutants who would have to face the world someday." The Professor formed a smile. "But you've all grown so much and have gained such vast control over your powers."

"Not only have our mutations changed," Erik continued from there, "but so have things among us. We're no longer merely creatures of the same species banding together. We are in every way a family."

Charles took over again with, "There's a great deal taking place. Our fight to ensure mutants a place in society has only intensified. In addition to the threats we face from renegade mutants. Then of course Kayla is going to want to take maternity leave the moment the baby is born. All of this is going to require a great deal of our attention. We simply cannot structure your academics the way we once could."

Frank raised a hand. "So… what does that mean exactly?"

"We get a year off from school?" Cody grinned hopefully.

Trav gasped at that. "No!"

"Whoa, son, calm down," Hank coaxed. "Even if we all shared a one-room hut in the middle of a swamp, that option would be non-existent."

"Actually," Charles clarified, "what this means is, we are going to register you all for school right here in town."

Absolute silence resulted at first.

"You mean…" Joey tried to comprehend this. "School-school?"

"With non-mutant kids?" said Scott.

"As in actual senior year?" came from Angel.

"To answer all of you," Charles paused only briefly, "yes."

Becky brought up, "But we're still staying together, aren't we?"

Erik answered her with, "I dare anyone to try to compromise that."

"So," Emma regarded the children, "what do you think?"

While multiple and quite varied expressions resulted from that question, no one had any immediate words.