X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred

Author's Word: Here we are, fam. The 200th chapter. The main reason we're here, besides my imagination that won't quit, is because you guys have spent over three years following Rise or Fall on this journey. Now, as always when we get to a point like this, the question of when the journey's end will take place comes up. Once again, not today, tomorrow, or any time soon. Count on that. Again, thank you all. Now get to work reading and reviewing!

Amidst the loud and zealous machinery that seemed to overtake the estate, the luxurious sandy structure of which sixteenth century fortresses easily envied continued to stand out. The regal building seemed to glisten with a whole new air about it despite parts of it still undergoing necessary restoration. Beholding it from a safe distance, the trio of siblings stood together with the female tucked between her two brothers.

"Look at it," Raven's presently hazel eyes carried a glow about them, "after what happened, I never thought it'd progress to this level."

"Yes." Erik regarded the number of hard hats in the area with their various tools that practically made his magnetism itchy with glee, "though I would not wager a great deal on this particular workmanship."

Charles stated, "After this extensive wait, I expect a century's warranty."

"Hey!" In a near simultaneous motion, all three turned their heads to see the heavyset crew head Clint Coleman waving them over. "Come get a look at this!"

As they walked, a dry air echoed from Erik's throat. "Are we livestock? This is how he addresses those employing him, rather patiently I might add, for six weeks?"

"Let's be nice, Erik," Raven encouraged. "My friend Amy's husband is in construction and a lot of them are really qualified but seriously overworked with the number of jobs."

Though this did not entirely placate the metal wielder, he still dropped it. From even his earliest days in Poland Erik understood about working with his hands. However, there a certain level of respectability still maintained, as he saw whenever witnessing his father on the job.

As good-humored as ever, Charles simply asked, "Is something the matter," when they neared.

"You tell me." Leading them inside through a side entrance of the mansion, Clint next guided them to the lower level and over towards the left corridor. "This mean something to you?"

Before they even got a few steps in, they saw it and Charles and Raven seemed to experience mutual catatonia.

Erik also paused at the stilled two. "What's wrong?"

Charles ran forward with Raven not far behind and Erik did not hesitate to go after them. Stopping outside the hollowed out and completely charcoaled hollowed out space, Charles could only stare at first.

"What in the…?" Erik stepped closer. "How long has this been down here?"

Charles seized him by the arm before he could go in. "Stay out of there." Before Erik could respond, the Professor addressed the construction head urgently. "We had this sealed off for a reason."

Clint tried to explained, "We needed to gut through in order to do a thorough—"

Getting as close to the taller man's face as he could, Charles rebuffed, "Do whatever the bloody hell you need and close it again. And if you decide to tear through another part of this house without consulting me first, your services here will conclude on the spot. Do we understand each other, Mr. Coleman?"

Entirely floored by the smaller male, Clint lifted his hands apologetically. "Don't worry. I'll take care of it. First thing, Mr. Xavier."

After a brusque nod, Charles directed, "Let's go," and began the heated path out again.

Consumed by confusion, Erik moved to catch up with him. "Charles, I don't understand. What was that? What happened in there?"

Charles claimed, "It isn't important."

"Isn't important?" Erik echoed in disbelief. "You very nearly ripped the man's head off with one hand. While highly impressive, that isn't like you."

Attempting to keep his calm, Charles requested pointedly, "Never mind it, Erik. Please."

Erik complied with the request, though the intrigue did not leave him for even a second.

Raven latched onto Charles' arm, finding a leaning spot on his shoulder.

XXXXX

Small hands clutching at tufts of dirt, she had proven motionless for over half an hour. Merely inches away from the young girl, the teenager lingered with mostly his right elbow to offer him support. The mouth on his colorless face remained in a straight line with the storm clouds that had overtaken his eyes for days steadily brewing. He performed no movement except the occasional blink or twitch of a finger.

Almost as soon as the services ended, the swarm of people- most of whom that felt like nothing more than vaguely familiar strangers- had taken off as if on a mutual time clock. For whatever reason, Curt had glanced back at them with an impatient expression. However, when the siblings only remained in stilled place, he took off in the limousine. Neither of the youths had said so much as a word about it. In fact, they chose to stay in their joint silence. Each other's presence was all they needed. That stayed true from that night in the kitchen that had united them.

"Baby Blue," the cool air picking up, he laid a hand on her back, "we have to go now." At her head shaking, he pried her up with absolute delicacy. "Come now." He used his thumbs to clear her teary mud-streaked face. "We need to get you fed and into a nice warm bath. Would you like that?"

The head of golden curls sniffed and struggled for her words. "I don't want to leave her all alone."

"She isn't alone," Charles emphasized strongly. "She's with Daddy."

Hazel eyes shining, Raven fell forward against him.

Enveloping her with ease, Charles slowly stood so as to help her rise as well. As they started off across the greenery, he gazed back again. Before the desire to smash it to pieces took over him, Charles got them away from the headstone as quickly as possible.

Sharon Marko

Beloved Wife and Mother

XXXXX

"Down, down, down. It was a long way down." Finished with the line, Trav let off a giggle at the picture of the fallen bird on the page. "He fell out the tree."

Containing the small boy in his lap while reading over his shoulder, a shark grin proved quite visible on Erik's face. "That's what happens when little imps leave the nest without permission."

Ruby quartz covered face peering into the man's room, Scott petitioned, "Erik?"

Seeing the paper load the boy had with him, Erik closed the book and handed it to Trav. "Go on and wash your hands for lunch, Valiant." He stood him up.

"'Kay, Uncle Erik." Opening the book to the last page, Trav's focus stayed on it as he walked out.

Papers extended, Scott approached the metal wielder. "I'm all done."

Noting the individual stapling of the ordered lines, Erik bobbed his head with approval. "Very good and right on time."

Scott regarded him with mild puzzlement as he laid the papers on the mattress. "Aren't you going to count them?"

"No need for that." Erik looked at him again, sincerity evident in tone and expression. "I know I can take your word for it." Scott smiled at him. "It must have been difficult for you with the rest of your homework."

"No TV, action figures, or comics helped with that," Scott told him. "Coach wasn't kidding around."

"Oh, Victor could never be much of a tyrant. What with allowing his little star to go out for pizza with the rest of his winning team." Erik wound an arm around his slim waist to reel him in near. "I also take it this has been a lesson well learned."

"Yes, sir," Scott confirmed undoubtedly.

"Good." As he had done with Trav, Erik directed, "Go wash your hands to eat."

Heading out again, Scott raised and shook out his somewhat cramped hands. He decided warm water would be most welcomed on them.

It did not take long for all household members, outside of the napping infants, to meet and gather around the first floor's dining table. Erik took notice of the offered lunch selection. Various lunch meats, cheeses, breads, potato chips, and a few fresh vegetables. Peering toward the blue woman in the room, it could not have been made clearer that Raven did not have the mood to throw together a fancier midday meal. Not that the young ones eagerly building sandwiches minded.

"I get to read to my class tomorrow," Trav informed.

Joey looked his way. "A whole book? By yourself?"

"Yep," the six-year-old nodded proudly.

"A whole book," Joey repeated with a shake of his head. "I'd hate that. Reading out loud in front of everybody's bad enough."

"It's not so bad," Cody shrugged. "Not like any of the other guys are some great poets or somethin'."

Trav went on with, "I picked Are You My Mother because it reminded me of how I found my mommy."

The others reacted pleasantly and Raven slipped absent but affectionate fingers into her son's hair.

Hank then brought up, "How is construction coming along?"

Charles answered that with, "It shouldn't be very long now."

Becky lowered her half-eaten sandwich. "May I go watch TV? I'll clean up after."

"Yeah, yeah," Cody supported. "Us, too."

Sensing his daughter's sentiment loud and clear, Erik nodded. "Go ahead." As Becky passed by he stopped her long enough to kiss her cheek.

When Cody and Joey headed out with her, Kayla instructed after them, "Third floor TV far away from the babies, please."

"Okay," Joey called back.

"It'll be pretty good to get back home," said Frank.

"Yeah," Scott immediately seconded. "My own room. My own space."

"Away from it all," came from Sean.

"Your suffering forces me to weep," Erik stated glibly.

"Hm," Cordelia hummed thoughtfully. "Personally, I could get used to living on a floor with only sophisticated gentlemen about."

"Well, that rules me out," Logan accepted.

Alex said humorously, "So we won't leave our dirty socks around as much."
Angel threw out, "Compared to some low income spots I've seen, this is the Waldorf."

"Very fine attitude to take," Erik commended. He raised his drinking glass. "It would also seem that our dear home is full of surprises."

Charles and Raven locked eyes.

An intrigued Leon asked, "Such as?"

Erik looked between his siblings. "That's what I've been trying to figure out."

"Pardon me." Charles left his napkin on his plate. "I need to look in on Brian."

Emma gave his wrist a pat as he moved to stand.

"I need to study." Raven got up as well.

Trav hopped up. "Me, too, Mommy."

Raven only waited long enough for him to grab her hand before continuing away from the dining room.

When he made it to own bedroom, Charles walked in to see Brian attempting to gnaw on one of his padded feet.

The sight produced a smile in the telepath as he lifted him from the crib. Didn't we just feed you?

Brian now found interest in his father's well-combed hair, but Charles only delighted in the light tugs.

Unsurprisingly, the other Headmaster soon arrived in the doorway, but Charles did not bother to look up. "Go away, Erik."

Raising an eyebrow, the older mutant reacted with, "Well, that was… straightforward of you. Not to harm your ego, but I have no interest in you. I simply wanted to see my Lab Mouse."

Charles guided the baby over into his arms. "Be my guest. You could benefit from his positive influence."

Looking into Brian's face, Erik said, "Your daddy is out to wound me, Lab Mouse. He's very unhappy with me you see. Though I only wish to know what troubles him so."

Charles developed a glare, attempting to keep his tone steady. "Erik, I asked you to drop this subject."

"More like mandated," Erik countered. "You and Raven have been acting strangely ever since we left the house. I want to know what that room was all about."

"It's no concern of yours," Charles dismissed simply.

"No concern?" Now Erik's voice proved highly irritated. "We are raising children together in that house. We do not keep secrets from each other. And in case you've forgotten, I am your elder brother."

Charles finally seethed, "Who needs to stay away from my affairs! Damn you, Erik!"

While Erik stood stunned, the baby in his grasp dissolved into immediate and loud tears.

Charles' heart sank at the cries and he took his son back to sit on the edge of the bed with him. "Oh Brian, Daddy's sorry." He kissed his temple twice. "It's alright. Daddy didn't mean to shout." He held him against his shoulder to send a soothing hand down his back. "Yes, alright now."

No words ready, Erik decided to leave the pair alone.

IIIIIII

Seated at the drowsily reclined one's bedside, Maya promptly reacted to the sight of the white coat at last entering.

With a smile present, he went around to ask, "And how are we doing, Lauren?"

Maya wanted to know, "Why is she on oxygen again? That's the third time today."

Turning to the girl with a pair of worn eyes, the man explained, "It's become a struggle for the healthy lung to perform twice as much for the infected one."

Maya brought up, "This wasn't happening when we first arrived here."

"That's because your mother was only in the early stages. As treatment goes on, she's going to need all the help she can get to fight this. For now, you have nothing to be concerned about." Heading out, he told her, "I'll check back in with you both in the morning."

Wanting to say more but weariness of her own catching up with her, Maya lingered with her mother for a few minutes more. She finally took her leave, making her way throughout the brightly lit medical community. Once inside the housing complex, Maya took the elevator up to her floor. Out in the hall, she rushed with great speed due to the ringing she picked up.

Getting her key to allow her entry, she snatched up the vibrating receiver from the coffee table. "Hello?"

"Hey, there you are."

"Hi, Sean." Maya tiredly pulled off her soft hat. "I thought you were Wolverine."

He said, "Sorry to disappoint. I could try a deep angry growl, but I can't promise I won't break anything."

A smile came to her face. "Better not risk it, honey."

Growing serious, Sean asked, "Want me to get him for you?"

"No, it's okay," Maya turned down. "I know how busy he is with his kids. Is Cody doing better?"

Sean replied, "Pretty sure he's not ready to sell Todd to the first kid with a quarter in his pocket anymore. How's your mom?"

Lowering into a chair, Maya increased the chipper in her tone. "Great. How are things at Wealthy and Worthless High?"

"Considering I only talk to Ben and the guys, not as bad as they could be." Sean then frowned. "Saw that jerk who tried to tell you got sent away for "expecting". Didn't look at me twice, though."

"I still can't believe I warrant such vicious gossip. To think, all these years I only had to transfer and date a dreamy redhead to be popular."

Sean gazed around the kitchen before making his voice sound a few years his senior. "Let's re-visit that dreamy part for a moment."

"Hey Sean, get your butt out here!" Alex's voice rang out. "Push-ups, pronto!"

Releasing a sincere growl form his chest, Sean yelled back, "In a little while!"

"Now!" Alex stepped inside. "I've got Lee and Frank out here, too. I'm not letting you guys go soft just because we can't do full-on training. Now, let's go." He walked out again.

Sighing into the phone, Sean said apologetically, "I have to go be instructed."

"I gathered. I'll talk to you later." After they hung up, Maya peered at the openness around her and sank in her chair.

II

Coming into the room in a pair of pants and white undershirt, Logan returned his toolbox to the top of his dresser.

He informed, "Finally got that pipe in the kitchen cleared."

"Good." Kayla rocked Mira near her chest. "Guess who helped me bathe the twins."

"Makin' my life easy, huh?" Logan came to the bed, messing Cody's hair. "Knew there was a reason I kept you around."

Cody smiled in satisfaction and moved quickly to take over the man's lap as soon as he sat down. "Hey Daddy, tell us one of your stories."

"I think these two got a couple years before their ears are ready for that." Logan repositioned Cody to sit on one side of him while he raised Todd up from the mattress to hold with his spare arm.

"Besides, I think we should tell something that all three of you will enjoy," Kayla pointed out. "Your sister is already outnumbered by the men in this family."

Cody agreed, "Okay, Ma. You tell it."

Kayla thought then began the parable of a man's quest for a very special pearl.

II

A smile came to Hank's face as soon as he walked in to see his two children sprawled out near his wife. Trav lay asleep close to Raven, but Kiki crawled out towards him as soon as she saw him.

"Busy grading?" Raven guessed by the look on his face.

"Busy helping Alex inflict the woes of extreme fitness on the younger guys." Hank picked up his little girl. "You miss Mommy and Daddy, hm?"

Raven admitted, "I stole them from Joey and Becca. I need them tonight."

Getting into bed near her and Trav, Hank left Kiki to rest on his chest and stomach. "I know something's been off ever since you came home today. Did something happen at the mansion?"

"Just…" Raven focused on Trav, moving some hair out of his face. "Lots of stuff I'm not trying to think about."

Hank stared at her with gentle eyes. "Is there something you want to tell me?"

Raven looked back at him. "More like something I probably should tell you."

Hank reached one hand over for her to clutch.

XXXXX

Thin little fingers poking at the clear glass bottles of perfume that resembled crystals so much, the bright hazel eyes studied the vanity in honest fascination. Going to one jewelry box, she pulled it open and beheld the strings of pearls with in. Hand going to one short but especially shiny set, she remembered their original owner trying them on for a brief dress-up. That had been one of her better days.

Starting with the pearls, Raven slipped on several bracelets and spritzed herself with one of the scents she loved to smell her mother in. At the very bottom drawer of one carved wooden jewelry box, Raven discovered the gold ring with magnificent diamond there. She immediately placed it on her own finger, using her mutation to properly inflate her own finger to better fit it.

"Raven." She gasped, having not noticed the male figure in the mirror until then. "What do you think you're doing in here?" He gripped her shoulder to spin her around.

She stammered, "I was only tr-trying—"

"You know you're never to come into my room without permission!"

"This is not your room." Both moved to see the young man in the doorway. "This is our parents' room." When Raven ran over to him, Charles knelt to hold her briefly then told her, "Go on to your room, love. I'll be right there."

Raven managed to let go of her brother to comply.

Charles stood fully again, sharp blue eyes on the older male.

Curt ordered, "You will remember your place, Charles. Both of you. So long as you live in my house."

Charles informed, "You mean my father's house."

Curt snatched him over by his forearms in a pained lock. "I am the only father you've had for—"

Summoning all upper body strength he possessed, Charles did not pull away but instead pushed out. The motion caused Curt to stumble back and across the vanity bench. He stared up in the boy, utterly taken aback.

Stepping forward calmly, Charles peered down at him. "You are not my father. You are to stay away from my sister."

Curt could not speak as he experienced and unexpected throb that made him clutch his head.

Charles only watched him for a few seconds before turning to go. He found Raven on her bed, practically suffocating her favorite stuffed panda.

With a smile, he sat near her. "I think Mr. Puddles would like to breathe." He playfully loosened her grip on the bear.

Raven raised her head. "I'm sorry for getting into Mother's things."

"Don't you worry about that." Lifting one of her hands, Charles kissed the ring she wore. "They're all yours now, anyway."

Raven started to smile until she heard a murmur from him. "Charles?"

He rubbed at his temple. "Just a little ache." He stretched out, tugging her over towards him. "Just a little one."

Raven pecked the pained spot and tucked Mr. Puddles under Charles' left arm.

XXXXX

Almost leaping in bed, Charles took in several breaths. The first thing he saw in the mostly dark room was the crib and he immediately threw back the covers to go over. Inside, he found Brian happily cuddled up with Dickon.

Sugar?

At his wife's presence in his mind, Charles returned to bed. I didn't mean to wake you.

Emma gave him a kiss that strongly indicated he wasn't to worry about such a thing. Is it Erik? The house?

Charles determined, everything.

I suspected as much. Emma coiled arms around him as they laid down again. I'm here, sugar. No matter what terrors try to invade you at night. She then sensed it as he snuggled near her neck. You're hurting.

Hardly at all, the Professor tried to dismiss, just the result of a bad dream.

Let me get you something.

No, Charles held her tighter, don't leave me, love. Please.

Emma smoothed his hair with delicacy. Never.

IIIIIII

Chocolate chips added to the mixture, Frank went to work stirring them in. With the pan already heated, he carried the batter over to drip inside of it.

Entering the kitchen for some much needed tea, Erik observed the boy. "On your own this morning, boychick?"

"Yeah, Kayla's busy with the twins and Raven's not in much mood for cooking."

Erik began rolling up the sleeves of his dress shirt. "Let me give you a hand." He started gathering ingredients.

"Dad," the man stopped at the child who beseeched him, "things are a little weird around here. Are Charles and Raven okay? You guys aren't fighting, are you?"

"No, no." Erik came over to place arms around him. "And even if we were, these things happen with siblings. You should know that."

Frank brought up with a little smile, "But when we fight you fry our butts and make us go to our rooms."

"Only because there's no point in creating family hostility over who pilfered whose comic book." Erik grew serious again. "But honestly, boychick, you're not to worry. Except about school. How is that going by the way?"

Frank went into detail while the two of them finished preparing food for their many housemates.

II

At the presence he felt in his room, Charles lowered Brian's rattle to sit up and face his older son.

"Little one," he acknowledged, "isn't about time for you to leave for school?"

"I know, but I wanted to see you." Joey climbed up on the bed to hug him. "Mum said you weren't feeling good."

"Oh, I'm only staying in for the morning," Charles rubbed his hair, "Your mother doesn't want me surrounded by so many people while I'm trying to get rid of this headache you see. Now, you'd best get to the car."

Joey nodded, gazing up at him. "I love you, Daddy."

Charles returned, "I love you, too, little one."

Joey leaned over to whisper, "I love you, Brian," to the baby before getting up and scampering out.

Charles watched him go then reacted to a bonk on his arm. Looking down, he saw that Brian currently wielded his rattle with a goofy grin in place.

"Naughty, naughty," Charles mock scolded, lowering to nuzzle his round belly.

IIIIIII

Emma?

Kitchen, darling.

Leon made his way into the eatery, finding the woman stirring together some baby food. "With the number of wipes, diapers, and formula I find around here I'm waiting on the Xavier Institute for the Infantile sign to go up."

"It'll be a few weeks. I'm having it done in ten by twelve bronze," Emma joked then noted, "You're home from school a little later."

"Library. Jam and I have a project due." Leon then asked, "How is Charles feelings?"

"Wonderful," Emma reported. "In fact, he should be home soon from his afternoon meeting."

Leon then carefully put forth, "I can't help but wonder if this strain he's been showing has to do with the pressure he's under. I know how much Erik and the brothers Howlett-Creed can handle. But Emma… how far is Charles really willing to go to protect us?"

Emma faced him with eyes that carried neither reprimand nor concern as she responded, "Clearly you have a great deal to learn about my husband."

IIIIIII

Wearing her white robe over her pajamas with matching slippers, Raven walked in and stared with worry over the one at the makeshift liquor cabinet.

"Charles?"

Glass of brandy in hand, the Professor gazed back at her. "Baby Blue."

Raven nodded towards the brown mixture. "You shouldn't have that. You know you haven't been feeling well."

With an easy smile, Charles attempted to sooth her with, "It's only a small spot."

"Charles," Raven's tone grew a little as she stayed calm, "just leave it alone. Please."

Lowering the glass, Charles sat on the loveseat and indicated for her to come over.

When she sat next to him, he gave her his arm and said, "I'm sorry all of this has opened up again. I could ring the necks of that construction crew."

"Me?" Raven looked at him squarely. "Drop the stiff upper lip, Charles. You know this has affected you, too."

"She's right, Charles." Both of their attentions went to Erik approaching them. He sat across from them in a chair, never dropping eye contact. "I want to know what has been troubling you. Both of you. I'm not simply on a mission to meddle. I cannot protect you if you won't talk to me."

Raven released a light scoff. "You make it sound like talking to you is the easiest thing in the world, Erik. You didn't grow up with us."

Erik urged, "That doesn't mean I don't feel your pain."

"Can you, brother?" Charles spoke. "Or are you simply ready to write it off after comparing it to your own?"

Sighing, Erik brought his gaze down a moment. "I know I have that tendency. I've been through and seen more than I care to recall. It's made me see the problems of others as… juvenile." He faced up again. "But that does not mean I don't care when I see my family hurting. You two are the reason I have a family at all. Whatever troubles you, cast it onto me." He went to sit on the arm of the loveseat nearest to Charles, leaving a hand on the younger man's shoulder. "Please."

Placing his own hand over his brother's, Charles gazed forward thoughtfully.

XXXXX

Spotting the deep blue sedan, Charles moved down the street. The door opened for him and he climbed inside the passenger's door. The familiar middle-aged man remained behind the driver's side and Charles could sense the negative waves about him.

"Trent," the teenager eyed him, "tell me. Whatever it is."

The man began with, "Your suspicions about your stepfather were right on the mark. Shortly after you were born, Brian put away several trusts to ensure your fortune. As his only son, he made sure to see to it that you were well provided for in case of the worst. However, with you still a couple months away from eighteen, Marko has been researching every possible loophole to gain the entirety of the estate."

Charles nodded slowly. "I knew it."

"There's more," Trent went on grimly. "He's also been looking into girls homes. He wants to send Raven away."

Now Charles felt his heartbeat intensify. "He can't!"

"He can so long as he's technically guardian. Charles, I've been your father's attorney since before you were born. I've made sure to keep an eye on things for your family. However, as long as Marko is in the picture my hands are tied."

"Thank you." Charles looked towards the dashboard. "And I understand."

X

Transferring the chemicals between beakers, Curt added additional heat to the burner. He turned to jot his findings in his nearby book, only to discover the young one lingering there.

"Charles," he breathed.

"Did I frighten you, Stepfather?" Charles walked through the lab to stand about a foot away from him. "My apologies."

Curt looked him up and down then reminded, "You know I don't like you children in here."

"Yes, I remember. Though," Charles' eyes proved unreadable, "I'm not much of a child anymore, am I?"

Remaining silent for a long moment, Curt finally asked, "What is it you want, Charles? I'm in the middle of something."

"This won't take long. You see, Stepfather, I'm afraid there's no longer a place for you inside this home." At the man's dumbfounded expression, Charles explained plainly, "I want you out of this house."

Curt got in closer to him. "Do not attempt to play this game with me, Charles. You've no idea who you're dealing with."

Not so much as a flinch vibrated off the boy. "And you've no idea how true that statement is. For you."

X

Mr. Puddles hugged to her chest, the child is yellow pajamas explored the main level in search of her brother. With bedtime so near, she craved her story very much.

At the rushed footsteps she heard next, she looked to him with a smile, "Charles," then gasped at the sudden way he snatched her up.

With his irreplaceable cargo in his grasp, Charles did not speak as he fled through the first exterior door with her. Raven released a scream into his shoulder at the explosion that roared through next.

X

Firefighters and police swarming the grounds, a shivering Raven remained clutched against Charles. Seated in a patio chair far enough away from the house, Charles only rubbed her back and whispered every comfort that came to mind into her ear.

After a prolonged conversation with the fire chief, the police captain approached the two. "I hate to be the one to tell you this, but your stepfather is didn't make it. Long before we ever arrived."

While Raven remained mute, Charles looked up to say, "Thank you."

XXXXX

With the presently blonde girl staring off at nothing in particular, Alex walked across the back lawn to join her on top of the picnic table.

"How's it going, twin?"

She gave off a little shrug as she laid her head on his shoulder. "It's been worse."

He nodded. "Tell me about it."

A little later, Hank came out with Becky attached to his back.

Alex spotted Sean behind them. "Thought you would've ditched us to hang out with your new buddies by now."

"Thought maybe you were up for a few more of those drills from yesterday," Sean said.

Alex replied, "I got to admit. You did pretty good. It wasn't too long ago you were the guy that thought three counted as a full sit-up set."

Sean waved that off with, "Just wanted to pace myself."

At Hank lowering her down, Raven inquired, "What's the matter, Becca?"

Becky folded her arms. "I don't see why we have to go back there."

Hank knelt next to her. "It's still our home, Becca. Where we started. Where we came together."

Alex put forth, "But the place doesn't define us. When we all got there, we were like some frightened animals or something. Now look at us."

Sean raised an eyebrow. "You were frightened?"

Alex stated, "I just hid it under my macho."

Raven gave him a look. "You mean under your immature spitefulness."

Alex defended, "I was a kid, okay? Right at Sean's age." He shook his head. "Nah, that's just too weird."

Sean smirked. "Better get used to it. I'll be eighteen before you know it."

Hank stood to leave a hand in the red hair. "And still our little brother deep down."

"Your eighteen-year-old brother," he felt the need to emphasize.

Alex rolled his eyes, "Give it a rest," then moved to charge for him.

Sean had no time to react as he found himself tackled to the ground but then recovered enough to fend the blonde off a bit. Letting off a growl, Hank got down to join in the roughhousing.

Becky hurried up to sit with Raven on the table.

"Boys," they chorused.

The Headmasters walked out from the back door, witnessing the display.

"Young men," Charles chided, "really? Don't you all know a little better than this?"

"That's right." Erik then went on with, "Sean, you're leaving yourself open. Alex, what do you plan to do? Lay there and let Hank pin you?" He rolled his eyes. "Have we taught you anything?"

"Nope." Alex squirmed loose. "Just everything."

Sean cutely nuzzled against Hank's chest.

Charles could only smile in amazement at the five of them.

XXXXX

Situated at the center of the wide bed with Mr. Puddles at her side, Raven kissed Charles' cheek as he leaned over to tuck her in.

"Are you sure?" she asked in vexation. "Everything's going to be okay now, right?"

"Everything," Charles confirmed strongly. He laid a hand across the blue forehead. "Our home, our things, our life here, no one is coming to take anything away from us ever again. Trent made sure of it."

Raven relaxed at that. "Okay."

"Now, you stay with Mum and Dad," Charles handed her the framed photograph from the end table, "and I'll be right back."

Smiling, Raven hugged the picture close.

Taking his leave of the master bedroom, Charles made his way to the kitchen to grab a trash bag. He then proceeded through the house, throwing into it all offending photographs, a collection of shirts and other clothing he had already removed from the master closet, and almost anything else that had come in over the more than ten years since his mother received that dreadful phone call. By the end, he needed two trash bags to contain it all. After leaving it in the designated spot for the garbage men to see to, Charles strolled right back inside his now thoroughly cleansed home.

XXXXX

Laying down the assortment of lilies, Raven stood and stepped back to stand alongside her brother. The growing fall wind whipped at their hair as they beheld the grave.

"We haven't been out here in forever."

Charles asked with prompt concern, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," Raven nodded. "It's not like before. Somehow, it's just better now."

"That it is," Charles concurred.

"Come on." Raven linked arms with him. "I need to get started on dinner."

They headed away together with mutual cheerful spirits, but Charles slowed just enough to stare back once more.

Sharon Xavier

Beloved Wife and Mother

IIIIIII

When his fellow Headmaster arrived in the second floor living room, Erik looked over his shoulder to ask, "Martini?"

Charles turned it down with, "Not tonight."

Erik fixed his own drink and sat on the sofa. He soon found Charles' head in his lap and used his free hand to stroke his hair.

"Feeling any better, Lab Rat?"

"Quite, actually." Charles then added, "I'm only sorry for how I spoke to you. I'm sorry, brother."

Erik patted his back. "Think nothing of it," he smirked, "this time. I shouldn't have backed you into a corner over it. After what you experienced, I understand not wanting to reopen that particular part of your life."

Charles stated, facing forward, "Thank God it's over."

"Yes." Erik continued giving comfort to his hair and back until curiosity filled his features again. "Though I can't help but wonder…"

Charles rolled to look up at him. "What?"

Erik met his eyes. "How did you manage to get out of that lab before you were consumed as well?"

After a brief silence, Charles replied, "A great deal more motivation I suppose."

As if passing a note between their blue eyes, Erik came back with, "It's only fitting for one with a great deal more value."