Rise or Fall

by Heiress Mellie

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

206. Chapter 206 Mind Blown

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Six

Author's Word: Hi, fam. Unfortunate problems of the tummy variety hit me today, but I didn't want to wait another minute to post for the birthday girls. Happy Belated Birthdays to FemaleAlphaWolf (hope the museum was awesome) and Supreme Queen! Love you both and thank you for being part of the Rise or Fall fam! Now, please enjoy and review!

When the piece of folded pink stationary paper arrived on her desk, Becky looked away from her note taking to pick it and up and see its message.

Mrs. Dobbs reminds me of two of those Grecian monsters. Her voice makes ships crash and her face turns people into stone.

A hand going over her mouth to keep her reaction in control, Becky glanced back at Anne and they shared a muted laugh. After scribbling something of her own, Becky folded the paper and gave it back to her.

Anne smiled at its contents then passed it somewhat diagonally over to Megan, who sat right next to Becky. Initially startled at the appearance of the small paper, the girl with light brown hair eagerly read the inside.

Mrs. Dobbs reminds me of two of those Grecian monsters. Her voice makes ships crash and her face turns people into stone.

You forgot one. She can also put you to sleep easily.

"Ms. Braunstein?" Megan's heart jumped and her eyes flashed at the woman up front summoning her. "Please bring that to me."

The first word out of Megan's mouth was, "What?"

Mrs. Dobbs folded her hands together in a display of patience. "That note Ms. Cortez gave to you. I'd like to know what is interesting enough to disrupt my class."

Becky and Anne looked to each other in panic.

"It's about the assignment," Megan attempted.

Mrs. Dobbs said, "Well, let's just have a look." She strolled over to take the note herself.

Reacting quickly, Anne narrowed her eyes as Mrs. Dobbs opened it.

I can't decide who to write about. All the Greek monsters are so interesting.

I know! I'm just wild about this class.

Unable to hide the initial flattery that appeared on her features, Mrs. Dobbs laid the note back down on Megan's desk. "While I appreciate your enthusiasm, ladies, there is a designated time for peer discussion. Please try to refrain until then."

"Yes, Ma'am," responded Megan and Anne added, "Of course, Mrs. Dobbs."

Returning to her notes, Becky sent to Anne, that was a close one.

I know, Anne returned, too bad Megan can't communicate the way we can.

We'd get away with everything that way.

Don't worry, Anne reassured, we still can.

IIIIIII

Mondo let off a colossal groan when he found his school bag void of its writing utensil case.

"Man, I do not feel like running back to my locker." He glanced at the one next to him. "You got an extra pencil, Ton'?"

Reaching in after his own dark blue case, Tony retrieved the spare pencil but sighed in annoyance. "My sisters have been snatching my good pens again." He handed the pencil to Mondo. "I bought that last set myself."

Across from him, Frank sympathized, "Tell me about it. Joey's used my highlighters on his art projects. Says he likes the glow and of course he goes through his every other day. Then I can't mess with Alex's school supplies because he's in college and therefore sacred."

"Oh don't get me started on college," Tony rolled his eyes, "everything Bianca does is for some great purpose or Luce "doesn't know any better"."

"I hate being stuck in the middle." At the unison statement, Frank and Tony erupted into laughter but quieted down upon remembering their library setting.

Carmen piped up to Tony, "At least your two sisters don't crash and burn in school… and life. It's not fun being the youngest and the only one with a usable brain."

Frank said, "Here I thought all oldests were automatically perfect."

Mondo concentrated on his algebra notebook as he countered with a plain, "Not even close."

IIIIIII

"Rachel," Becky tried to contain her own laughter over the giggling squirms, "hold still. You're making me mess up your cat's eye."

"What's a cat's eye?" the younger girl wondered.

"Raven is better at them than I am," Becky tried to make a masterpiece of the peach eyeshadow, "Most of this makeup is hers and a few pieces my auntie doesn't use anymore."

While she and Anne attempted to administer lipstick in front of the mirror, Megan said, "Try this." She pressed her lips against a piece of toilet paper. "My mom does it to keep her lips from looking too red."

Anne attempted the technique and did find her pinkish lips a little more even. "Remind me to scrub this all off before we go home. My father would go ballistic if he saw it."

"I know," Megan understood. "Ours always tells me and Rach that he wants little girls, not little clowns."

"Mine lets me paint my nails," Becky said, putting the cosmetic aides away in the little pouch she had with her. "Sometimes. Now, come on. Let's go before recess is over."

Rachel charged out ahead of them. "I want swings!" She became deflated as soon as they reached the playground. "Aww, the bigger boys have them."

Anne stepped forward. "Don't worry. I think we can convince them to give them to us."

Megan wondered in disbelief, "How in the world are we going to do that?"

Already well aware of the answer, Becky simply walked with Anne.

"What do you orangutans want?" one boy asked.

"Nice faces," one said of their makeup jobs, "you run into a door on the way to school this morning?"

All humor lost upon her, Anne directed, "Get off the swings," one hand went to her head, "now."

All males present on the equipment stood and walked away.

"How'd you do that?" an astonished Megan wanted to know.

Taking a swing, Anne replied, "You know, feminine wiles."

"If we're not allowed makeup," Rachel plopped into one swing and attempted to pump her legs, "we definitely can't do any femmy wilds."

Before Becky could sit she caught Scott gazing their way. She put on a big smile and waved at him. He quietly returned the gesture and resumed speaking with his teammates.

IIIIIII

Something about putting real research into the factors behind the French and Indian war carried very little incentive to spend yet another day trapped inside the mostly empty dank library nearby. Granted, that's how Maya had spent most of her time in Westchester. Before the day she spotted another frequent patron in the form of a tall redhead easily able to give Ricky Nelson a run for his money. Besides, she had been late with her last homework set and had not heard two words of reprimand about it.

With her mother lost to slumber, as per the usual, Maya took to exploring the medical facility. She spent so much time there, she felt she had become something of a fixture. Though for once, she would love to be associated with anything in the world but hospitals. Rounding one corner within the children's ward, she paused outside of one room at the audible coughing.

Peering in at the small fragile one in the bed, Maya did not hesitate to venture forth and see about her. "Are you alright?" She handed her the water glass she spotted on the table by the bed.

With a nod, the girl took a few careful sips. "Yes, it's okay. I do that all the time." She gazed the older female up and down. "Who are you?"

"Oh I'm Maya," she introduced herself. "Maya Patterson. And you're…" She caught a quick glance of the nearby medical chart. "Patricia Vogel?"

She shook out her long dark brown hair. "Yuck, only on paper. I'm Tricie."

Maya smiled at that. "It's nice to meet you Tricie."

"Are you staying here, too? You don't look sick to me. You're too pretty."

"Well, thank you," Maya said with a fully flattered heart. "Actually, I'm here for my mother." She took a seat in the chair beside the bed. "And I have to say, you're definitely too beautiful to be here, too."

"Not in here." Tricie indicated her chest area. "That's what my doctors say. I have bad asthma. Really bad. They say my lungs are really poor."

Resisting a frown, Maya asked, "How long have you been here?"

"A week. My mom works during the day, but we can't really afford to be here. I'm on sponsorship."

"Well, that's good. I'm doing school away from home, so I have time. Would you mind keeping me company?"

"Sure." Fishing underneath her blanket, Tricie retrieved a book. "Have you read this one?"

Maya took the copy of A Little Princess. "Maybe one or two hundred times."

IIIIIII

Knocking once and quite audibly on the doorway, Alex informed, "Phone for you, your highness."

Eager to break away from the plethora of studies before her, Becky took the time to go all the way downstairs to pick up that extension. "Hello?"

"Hi, Becky. It's Anne. Guess what?"

"What is it?"

"My brother's taking me to a special showing of Peter Pan," Anne announced excitedly.

"Oh, lucky," Becky reacted. "I've never gotten to see it in theatres."

"Me, either." Anne then asked, "Do you want to go?"

"The movies on a Monday?" Becky spoke the concept so foreign. "We only get to see movies on weekends. Sometimes the big kids get to go if they have dates and stuff, but not us."

"Maybe you could get Cordelia to bring you," Anne suggested with a smile in her voice. "I get the feeling she'll want to see my brother."

"That's true." Becky then vexed, "Too bad I still have all this homework to do." She next put forth, "Maybe if I we could get the Braunsteins to go, too—"

"No," Anne immediately jumped on. "Not Megan and Rachel. My dad he… he wouldn't want me around them outside of school. Since we have to hide ourselves around them and everything."

"Oh, right," Becky attempted to understand. "Well, my dad and my uncle are still out, so maybe I can ask my aunt. What theatre are you going to?"

After trading information, they ended the call.

Lingering downstairs a moment, Becky made her way up. She sensed Emma in the nursery, where she stood over the changing table trying to get Brian into a new diaper.

"Oh dear, could you throw this away for me, please?"

Becky tossed the soiled wadded up ball into the bin. "His always smell so putrid."

"One of his many charms." Emma bent to kiss Brian's exposed stomach.

"Auntie, I know it's not the weekend," Becky began, "but I was wondering if I could go to the movies with my friend from school. They're showing Peter Pan and I've never seen it in theatres before. You wouldn't have to drive me or anything. I'll ask Cordy."

"I'm not sure about that, darling." Emma began to get Brian into a fresh outfit. "Is your homework done?"

"Mostly," the girl answered. "I'll get it all finished, Auntie Em. I promise."

"Well," Emma lifted the baby to hold to her front, "alright then. If it's fine with Cordy. But I want you both to come straight home for dinner, so don't fill up on too many of those theatre snacks."

Round face becoming very bright, Becky bounced in place. "Thank you, Auntie!"

Going to Cordelia's room next, it took less than a minute to convince the teenager to go along. After Cordelia made a rapid change into a white skirt with yellow top and black jacket, the two were on their way in her car.

At the theatre, Fabian paid for all four tickets in addition to drinks and individual small tubs of popcorn. Becky guessed that the Cortez children had also been warned about ruining their appetites for dinner. Inside, she and Anne sat in the row directly in front of the two teens.

Though he kept his arm around her, Cordelia noted how Fabian focused his attention forward. She remembered that Morrie would have gone in for smooches before the lights could even dim. Of course, before the military Morrie did not have quite the distractions of Fabian and especially not a little sister that needed the bulk of his concentration.

"They're okay," she whispered to him.

Fabian only nodded and kissed her near the top of her head, finding it hard to completely break his attention.

Becky noted, your brother is really nice. He reminds me of Hank and Leon.

Yeah, Anne sipped her drink, we do things like this all the time. The doll museum, the aquarium, shopping. When he's not busy with really important things.

That's really cool.

Both their minds silenced as the theater went dark and the only light consisted of the starting film.

IIIIIII

Though it took a great deal of waiting underneath the covers, at last came Erik's second set of rounds. When her father left her room for the second time that night, Becky sprang from bed to desk. She clicked on her lamp and got out the remainder of her reading and other assignments.

With a heavy head, she tried to push through to get all of it done. She knew she could review it in the car ride to school. Of course, when the words before became cluttered with images of fairy dust sprinkling about, it proved all the more difficult. She silently wished for a fairy to come through to give her what she needed to fly away at that particular moment.

IIIIIII

On his way out of Eye Spy, Victor had to stop his steady pace to respond to the ringing telephone. "Yeah? Adrienne? What's goin' on? I've got an hour to get to work here."

The woman on the other end informed, "Samantha's surgery is scheduled in three hours."

"What?" Victor had to work not to crush the receiver. "What do you mean? What, now?"

"It's a very private hospital with special rules," she attempted to explain. "You have to be able to drop what you're doing on a moment's notice or it could be months before we hear from them again. She's had to wait long enough as it is."

"Now hold on. Give me the info and don't do a thing until I get there," Victor directed.

Adrienne told him everything she could then emphasized, "Hurry."

They hung up and Victor rushed upstairs and called together what remained of the adults in the house that morning. Charles, Emma, Erik, Logan, and Kayla met him in the living room.

"Surgery?" Erik stayed stuck on that word. "For what exactly?"

"To reverse what the plant had done to her," Victor said. "To make her—"

"Normal," Erik filled in.

"Just the outside. Supposedly. Whatever the case," Victor moved on, "I need to fly out there pronto."

"I'm with you," Logan offered then asked his wife, "You good here?"

"We'll be fine," Kayla assured.

"I'm going as well," Erik said with a different kind of determination in his tone.

"One of us should go also," Charles put forth. "Who knows what effect this sort of treatment will have on her already volatile psyche?"

Emma touched both hands to his arm and applied gentle pressure. "Let me. This is the first day in a long time you've had free. I'm more equipped to handle the mental fatigue."

Charles agreed with a nod. "I'll help Kayla with the little ones. Keep me posted."

"Every moment," Emma promised.

IIIIIII

Eyelashes fluttering almost uncontrollably, it very nearly blocked her vision entirely. Of course, full eyesight and attention returned to her and the spine of a textbook coming down on her desk quite audibly.

"Becky," Aaron squatted before her desk, "is everything okay today?"

"Oh yes, Mr. A," she answered with a smile.

"Are you sure? You don't look very well today. Maybe we should call your house."

She immediately shook her head to that. "No, really. That's okay. I'm fine."

Though clearly not convinced, Aaron said, "Well, go get yourself a drink of water at least."

Scott observed his housemate's sluggish departure from the classroom.

IIIIIII

Entering the closed off space first, Victor petitioned, "Adrienne."

At her name, the woman stood from the chair and shared a quick hug with him then took note of her sister and the other two. "I see you brought your own cheering section."

"This hospital has no sign out front," Emma said, "barely a real lobby downstairs."

Adrienne told her, "That's because everything that's done here is very literally behind closed doors. They deal with all kinds of patients. Humans who suffer from disfigurement and burns… and some from our kind."

"Where's Sam?" Victor wanted to know.

"She went in already," Adrienne said with a bit of dread. "We couldn't wait on you any longer. This is going to be an eight hour surgery already."

"Eight hours?" Erik echoed in disbelief.

"She's received the best," Adrienne stated. "All things considered, it could be a lot longer."

Logan asked, "Are you sure this place is on the up and up?"

"This isn't the first time I've worked with them," Adrienne said and left it at that.

"I'll wager that to be absolute fact." Erik walked forward. "What matter of horror have you subjected this child to? Is having to look upon her every day that revolting for you?"

Adrienne released a scoff at that, fully facing the man. "You can save your mutant pride spiel. It's very easy to carry such a flag when telling the world about yourself is strictly optional. Samantha has to cover every inch of herself to avoid ridicule in the best case and stoning in the worst scenario. She isn't your sister, able to wiggle her nose and transform into something so lust-worthy."

"So, what then?" Erik came back with. "Hm? Give her a new face and teach her to forever live in fear of the judgement of others?"

"Her mutant powers will remain and as for the judgement of others? Honey," some form of amusement crossed Adrienne's face, "that is everyday life. Oh, you men may have your moments of feeling uncomfortable in your own skin or picked on for it, but for us it's an endless struggle. Money and power are wonderful things, but do you think I would be worth anything to anyone if I didn't look like this? Beauty is no luxury of the genetically fortunate. It's an absolute necessity that must be achieved and maintained daily. Call me shallow if you will. I've heard it time and again."

Softened only slightly, Erik next asked, "Do you care about this girl beyond that?"

"That's the only reason I'm here. Not that I expect any of you to believe that." She went to retake her seat.

Emma walked over to take the chair to her sister's left, leaving the right one open for Victor. She reached out to lay a hand over Adrienne's. The older Frost woman looked to her only briefly before facing forward again.

IIIIIII

With the number of people present within the cafeteria, scanning through it proved next to impossible until the brown eyes locked in on the intended person.

Becky, Becky!

Having regained some small bit of energy from the cola she had managed to sneak into her lunch box, Becky glanced back at the more frantic telepath.

Scott watched her rise. "Where are you going?"

"I'll be back." Becky made her way over to Anne. "There you are. What's wrong?"

"I'm in big trouble," Anne told her. "I didn't finish one of my homework assignments and my teacher is so mad. I need your help to make her forget."

Becky brought up, "Why can't you do it?"

"Because I'm not allowed to use my powers for school things. My father says it's like cheating myself." Anne formed a tiny hopeful smile. "But maybe if you do it, it'll be okay."

"Anne, I don't know," Becky looked highly doubtful, "I only do that stuff on grown-ups when it's really important. I'm not supposed to use mine in school, period."

"Please, Becky," Anne pleaded. "I'm fine doing it any other time, but please, please do it for me this once."

Becky considered how helpful Anne had been the previous day and finally nodded. "Okay, this once. Come on." They left the cafeteria together and started upstairs. "Too bad you have Miss Loftin. Mr. A is way more understanding about these things."

"I know. I wish I had your main class." Anne brought them to the designated room, relieved to see the door open. "Good, she's here." She peeked inside at the slim woman with dark hair currently styled in a tight up-do. "Miss Loftin?"

Glancing the girls' way, the teacher replied, "May I help you, Miss Cortez?"

Judging by the last name use alone, Becky could sense her irritation. "We wanted to talk to you about Anne's homework." The girls walked forward into the classroom. "I can explain everything."

"I fail to see what good explanation there could be for neglecting an assignment so important to this week's test." Miss Loftin looked to Anne. "You're new to this school and I want to do everything I can to keep you caught up. Not doing your studies properly is completely unacceptable. I think I'll have to speak with your father."

Anne's eyes enlarged. "No, please!"

A somewhat flustered Becky commanded, "Forget," and raised both hands to her temples.

An uncertain expression came to Miss Loftin's face followed by a somewhat pained one that made her lower into her chair while holding her head.

After exchanging an unsure look with Becky, Anne approached her. "Miss Loftin?"

"What?" She faced the girls. "Anne, what are you…" Miss Loftin jumped from her desk with a clear startle. "How did I get here?" She moved about in a slow circle. "What's going on?"

Anne paled and Becky felt her own heartbeat intensify. Uh oh.

IIIIIII

Making his way up, Scott very nearly fell back at the girls almost crashing into them.

"There you are. You forgot this." He handed Becky her pink lunch box. "You coming to recess?"

"Scott," Becky spoke urgently, "I am in huge trouble. Have you seen Victor?"

"I passed some of the other guards earlier. They said he called in." Scott then put forth, "Guess everything's okay at home or they would have sent for us. What's going on?"

Anne picked up the explanation with, "I asked Becky to make my teacher forget about my homework, but she accidentally made her forget more than that."

Becky added, "A lot more. Like everything from today."

"What?" Scott reacted in complete shock and dismay. "Rebecca, what were you thinking?" He glared Anne's way. "And what are you doing her dirty work for, anyway? Aren't you a telepath, too?"

Becky told him, "Her dad doesn't like her to use her powers to cheat with school stuff."

"And your dad doesn't like you to use your powers here at all," Scott said matter-of-factly then focused on Anne again. "I knew you Acolytes were out to cause trouble for us."

"That's not true," Anne said with heavy vexation. "I'm really sorry. We just want to be your friends. I do, really."

"Scott, stop it," Becky urged. "It's not like that."

"Look, I don't have time to argue this." Scott attempted to get a handle on things. "You need to call home and get Emma down here right now."

"Right, Auntie Em." A relieved smile came to Becky's face. "She'll understand."

IIIIIII

"Here we are then." Carrying Brian into the master bedroom, Charles laid him on his back in the bed next to Kiki. "You two are going to keep each other company while you have some rest. When you wake up, it'll be time for some of the wonderful cookies Kayla made." Kiki reacted to that with a gleeful clap and Charles smiled. "Would you like me to stay with you?"

Kiki said, "Uncle Charles," and reached for him.

Before he could lay down on the other side of Brian, Charles reacted to the phone on the night table. "Xavier Institute."

"Uncle Charles?" Becky instantly recognized. "You're home?"

"Yes, Princess, truly astonishing," Charles responded, playing with one of Brian's balled fists. "My agenda is actually clear."

"Where's Auntie Em?"

"She and the others had to fly out to California to see about Samantha. What's the matter? Did you forget something this morning?"

"No, I didn't forget…" Becky worked to get the rest of her words together. "But Miss Loftin sort of did."

Charles frowned in confusion. "What do you mean by that?"

About ready to burst, Becky let the explanation loose in one lengthy sentence then at the lack of reaction she petitioned, "… Uncle Charles?"

After reclaiming his voice, the man directed, "Go to the nurse's office and say you have a headache. Do not move otherwise until I get there."

"O-okay. See you soon." With a shaky hand, she hung up the pay phone.

IIIIIII

Returning with another warm compress, the kind faced nurse asked, "How do you feel now, Rebecca?"

Stretched out on the soft exam table, Becky replied, "Not better at all."

"Aw." The nurse replaced her cloth. "Don't you worry. I'm sure your uncle will be here any moment."

I know…

The nurse went around one corner to check on another ill student.

At the door opening, Becky sat up then relaxed at who stood there. "Oh, Scott."

"Mr. A let me come check on you." Scott walked up to her. "Was Charles pretty mad?"

"He didn't say much, but I could tell." Becky let off a sigh. "He's going to throw me right across the coals."

"Maybe it won't be so bad. He didn't obliterate me after the window."

"It's different with me," Becky said. "With this power stuff, he's always harder on me. Always."

Scott put forth, "Maybe that's because he expects better from you. And I have to admit, I do, too."

Becky looked at him, but proved unable to speak.

When the door opened yet again, both young X-Men went completely silent at the presence of the Headmaster.

"Scott, get back to class."

"Yes, sir." Scott spared one more glance at Becky before rushing to follow the order.

Rubbing one of her arms and finding her knees suddenly interesting, Becky greeted, "Hi, Uncle Charles."

"Professor Xavier." The nurse came back around. "Hello, I'm Sheryl Munson. You must be Rebecca's uncle."

"That I am." Charles shook with her. "How is she feeling?"

"Not much change," she reported. "Does she suffer from these headaches often?"

"Not terribly often," Charles replied, eyes on his niece. "But I would really like to get her home."

"Of course." Sheryl got the necessary form for him to sign her out then dismissed them. "Feel better, Rebecca."

"Thank you." Once they got into the hall, Becky dared to ask, "Is Miss Loftin okay?"

"Yes, after I managed to rebuild her entire day for her in addition to making 'adjustments' for everyone with whom she came in contact. As soon as we get home, I'll be getting in touch with Estevan Cortez so he's aware of his own daughter's involvement in this."

Though she wanted to say something for her friend, Becky didn't dare. "Uncle Charles, I'm really—"

The man raised one hand. "Home, Rebecca. Not another word until then."

Becky only nodded in response.

When they made it out front to where he had left the Rolls-Royce, Becky waited for him to open her door for her then climbed in. She hastily got into her seatbelt without reminder. Charles got into the driver's side and started the car. The trek home felt like hours on Becky's ended. She wanted badly to lean against him or even speak a thought into his mind but she dared not even try.

After he pulled into their garage, Charles instructed, "Take your school things to your room then go to my office."

Nodding again, Becky practically ran upstairs to deposit her bag and lunchbox. She arrived in his study next and took a seat before the wide desk.

When he finished checking in on Kayla and the children, Charles came in and situated himself before the crestfallen girl. "Look at me, please." Becky raised her head. "Can you begin to comprehend how terribly disappointed I am in you?"

Becky whispered, "I don't think so…"

"What about how terrified I was that you had done something irreversible? Something that would get you taken away? For God's sake, Rebecca, what if you had caused her severe damage?"

"I didn't mean to go that far," Becky insisted. "That never happened to any of the other tea—" She promptly clamped her mouth shut.

Charles' eyebrow lifted significantly. "Others? You've done this before?" He tapped a firm hand on his desk. Rebecca."

"Yes," Becky finally got out.

Charles intertwined his fingers. "Who?"

"Just Mrs. Dobbs because she wouldn't listen to me about that psychologist," Becky tried to explain. "Then before when Mrs. Andrews wanted to put Joey's class in alphabetical order. She would have moved him from his friends. It was the first day of school and he was scared enough already."

"The first day of school?" Charles echoed. "You defied me on the very first day of school? After I specifically told you that you were not to use your telepathy."

With something of a quiver, Becky answered, "Yes."

Standing, Charles moved to face out of his window, leaning one hand against the glass. "You've disobeyed me as your uncle as well as your instructor." He looked to her again. "Do you think I caution you about your powers, our powers, so frequently because I am that determined to ruin your fun?"

"No, Uncle Charles," she uttered. "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to take it this far, I swear."

"That much I do believe." He walked closer, pressing his hands against his desk. "Your father and I made it crystal clear what the consequence would be for using your powers in school. However, that part I'm going to leave to him when he returns. As for you and I? You're going to stay home tomorrow, rest your abilities, and catch up on your studies. You're grounded for the rest of the week, meaning outside of dinner and training, you're to be in your room."

Becky wondered, "But what about-?"

"No cheerleading practice," Charles answered straight-forwardly. "And no game this weekend. In addition, you're prohibited from using your powers outside of emergencies and permission for three weeks. No telepathic conversations with anyone and no games with your illusions. If I have to read your mind every day to enforce this, I will. And should you disobey me even once on this, I will spank your bare bum myself. Do you understand me perfectly, Rebecca Anya Lehnsherr?" At her somewhat shaky nod, he prompted, "Answer me, young lady."

"Yes, Uncle Charles," she spoke.

"Very good. Now," he gestured towards the door with his head, "go to your room. I'll call you for supper." As she took her leave of the room, Charles fell into his chair again. Bringing both hands to his face in exhaustion, he muttered, "Damn it…"

IIIIIII

Retracting the curtain on her canopy bed, Anne busied herself by tucking her soft doll in among the rest of the various stuffed animals practically overtaking the sleep space. She promptly reacted to the strong footsteps and tall form that entered her quarters.

"Anne-Marie," still in his Acolyte uniform, Estevan removed his cape to drape over a chair, "you brother tells me you wanted to see me right away."

She nodded. "Si, Papi."

Taking a seat on the edge of her bed, he asked, "Is anything wrong, mijita?"

"Papi?" Playing with her fingers, she slowly went to stand before him. "Becky Lehnsherr's uncle be phoning you soon."

"An X-Man without a glittering golden body to call here? Why, color me flattered." Estevan smiled a little. "May I ask why?"

"I… I got Becky into a lot of trouble. I didn't get my homework done before the movies yesterday and I forgot an assignment. I remember what you said about using my powers on teachers so I asked Becky to make Miss Loftin forget instead. Except it didn't work so well and Becky's uncle had to come and fix everything. I know she's in very big trouble so… I think I should be, too."

After absorbing everything she said, Estevan came back with, "I see. And I suppose you asked her to help you so that you wouldn't use your powers and directly defy me. Si?"

"Si," she confirmed.

"Mijita, even indirectly you're still cheating yourself," Estevan told her. "You're much too smart a girl to not take every opportunity to show it. Believe me, simply forgetting an assignment is far more honorable."

Anne replied, "I think I know that now."

"But alas, here we are." He removed his gloves before taking her hand. "You know what that means?"

The sandy brown head nodded before looking to the floor.

II

Seated at the breakfast nook, Max threw out, "Is Anne gonna get a spanking?"

Glancing back, Melissa gave him a look. "Max, that is not your concern."

"And I don't care to know," piped up Marco, at work on his latest device.

"But would Estevan really spank her?" Max wondered.

"Yes," responded Collin from the sink.

Max said, "He's never spanked me."

"Yet," stated Fabian, making his way into the kitchen, shoulders heavy. "Watch your mouth before someone does it for you."

Collin looked at him then went over to stand by his brother.

Melissa walked over to Fabian. "Are you okay?"

He only nodded.

Kicked back in a chair, Jim put forth, "He ain't killing her. A spanking's nothing over being laid out on the floor trying to get away from a ten foot belt."

Marco snickered and exchanged a fist pound with him at the mutual recollection.

IIIIIII

Entering the recreation room, Hank found his daughter crouched at an activity table with his brother-in-law.

"Daddy!" Kiki ran to him, displaying a clay project. "Look."

Hank picked it up along with her. "What do we have here?"

She explained, "It's a vase."

Charles added, "A modern Picasso."

"I see." Hank kissed her cheek and handed the vase back to her. "Why don't you go show Joey?"

"Okay." Hank stood her up and Kiki scampered out.

Smiling after her, Hank said, "If only we could keep them that small."

"If only," Charles repeated.

Hank headed the Professor's way. "Raven told me about today. How are you doing?"

"Not exactly how I hoped to spend my day off, but I suppose it could have been worse." Charles stood to go over to a regular chair.

Hank followed him. "I know it's difficult, but I want you to try and understand her."

"Hank," Charles said, keeping a hold on his patience, "I more than understand about temptation and peer pressure."

"That isn't what I mean," Hank stated. "Don't forget. I've known her the longest and the last time Becca was in school, it was nothing like this. The other girls were horrible towards her, calling her names I don't care to repeat. It made her so lonely and isolated. You know that feeling."

Charles admitted, "I do, indeed."

"So now," Hank went on, "for her to have so many friends, especially another young telepath, it means so much to her. I'm not saying that's an excuse for what she did, but perhaps you could better see her side in all of this."

"Yes, I know, Henry. However, I also know the journey of a telepath. I don't want her to face the troubles I did. I want to keep her safe."

Hank reached out to touch his shoulder. "Make sure she knows that."

Charles sat thoughtfully then said, "Excuse me," before getting up.

When he made it outside Becky's door, the sound he heard from within stopped him from knocking. He quietly went in, taking in the sullen figure with head buried in the pillows.

Don't cry, Princess. Charles moved to sit by her, a hand going to her back. Don't you cry.

Becky sat up and practically felt against him in a hug. I'm so sorry, Uncle Charles.

I know you are. I'm sorry for becoming so angry with you, Charles kissed her forehead, but do you understand why I was so worried?

Yes, but please don't be mad anymore. She burrowed against his shirt. I love you.

I love you, too. My girl, you must never doubt that. Now, come on. He laid her back down. Get some more rest. It's been a terribly long day.

Becky nodded and started to drift off while he rubbed at her back.

IIIIIII

Returning with a very greasy package in tow, Logan declared, "Okay, I got burritos, tacos, nachos, and a couple salad options for you women folk." He looked over at Erik. "Pretty sure the nachos are kosher."

The metal wielder walked over to leaf through the bag. "Eternally appreciated."

Emma took one salad bowl along with wrapped utensils and carried it over to her sister. "Aren't you hungry by now?"

"I'll live," Adrienne stated.

"Dri," Emma spoke again, "you don't have to be steel every moment."

"Oh, but I must have something in common with your oafish colleague over there."

Emma glanced over at Erik then back to her. "You do. You're both stubborn eldest children insisting upon your own way. That's why Victor suits you so. He doesn't dig in his heels so much."

Adrienne faced her a little. "You believe he suits me?"

"Astonishingly, yes," Emma replied. "To be honest, I didn't think such a thing would exist again for either of us." She saw Victor headed over and handed Adrienne the salad. "I'll go snag a taco." She stepped away.

Victor held out the unwrapped end of a burrito. "Want a bite?"

"I'll pass," Adrienne turned down, poking at the salad.

"Listen," Victor lowered the food, "I'm sorry, okay?"

She looked up at him in confusion. "For what?"

"That I'm not here more. That you have to deal with this stuff alone."

"Samantha is one child, Victor," Adrienne reminded. "For a bachelor, you have a wealth of children you have to look after. Besides, it's been good for me. To focus on something outside of my superficial little world."

A pair of doors in one corridor swung open, bringing in the arriving physician. "Miss Frost."

Adrienne immediately responded and the X-Men gathered around as well. "What's happening? Is she alright?"

"The procedure was a success," the doctor announced.

"How can that be?" Adrienne frowned. "There's still an hour left."

"The reversal didn't prove as complicated as I originally thought," he explained. "Now, she's going to be sore for a while, but there's no reason to believe she won't be able to live the same life as any ordinary girl. Give it about fifteen minutes and you can look in on her."

While Adrienne let off a relieved sigh, Victor slipped an arm around her. "Thanks."

The doctor bobbed his head and turned to go.

"News of the day," said Logan positively.

Emma went over to hug her sister.

Erik shook his head. "Nothing is this simple."

"Erik, please," Emma looked at him, "we'll handle that when necessary. For now, it's over."

Erik still said to himself, "We will see."

IIIIIII

Dressed in her nightgown, bathrobe, and fuzzy slippers, Angel stopped pacing upon catching sight of the two returning men.

"Where is she?" she ran up to them accusingly. "Where is Sam? What happened? Is she okay?"

"Whoa, baby," Logan gripped her shoulders. "Take it easy, okay?"

"No!" Angel snapped, snatching away from him. "I have been calling like crazy. Tell me what happened."

"We've been at the hospital all day," Erik explained. "Emma and Victor are staying overnight. The surgery went through successfully. Samantha is- she's going to be fine. We simply did not want to pull you out of school."

"Well, you should have!" the girl urged. "Do you have any idea how important Sam is to me? I was supposed to be there for her. She must have been so scared. How could Victor and Adrienne just—"

"Angela," Charles' voice rang out from the top of the stairs as he descended, "get to bed, please. We'll get in contact with Victor and Emma first thing in the morning. For now, you need to get some rest."

Angel sighed heavily but headed up nonetheless.

"Better check on the wife and kids," Logan said, going up next.

Erik saw his brother's worn face. "Charles? Is everything alright?'

Charles told him, "I'm afraid we have to talk."

IIIIIII

Letting off a small moan at the sun's rays so heavily in her face, Becky rolled over to find her father positioned right next to her.

"Papa?"

Erik became alert and his arm went right around her. "How are you feeling, Sweet Imp?"

"Okay… did you talk to Uncle Charles?"

"Yes, now you and I have to talk. But first," Erik lifted her to stand, "go to the bathroom."

Becky journeyed across the hall. She did her business then decided to brush her teeth and wash her face.

"Pretty as ever," Erik said when she returned. He gathered her to sit on his knee. "Your uncle told me everything. It seems he gave you a good scolding, too."

Becky leaned against his shoulder. "The worst. But I deserved it. I'm so sorry, Papa."

Erik stroked her curls. "You must never disobey us in such a way, Anya. Even when it seems all too easy because you'll only do it again and again. Especially at school, where you also put Scott in a difficult position."

"I know, Papa," Becky nodded. "I'm really sorry for doing that to him. I won't disobey you or Uncle Charles again."

"I believe you'll try to live up to that. Now," Erik moved on grimly, "what did I tell all of you would happen if you used your powers in school?"

Becky answered, "We'd get a spanking. No excuses."

Erik gave off an impressed nod. "Exactly. And I'm afraid this will not be over your clothes."

Becky resisted a moan and only replied, "Yes, Papa."

Erik opened up his lap space a little better. "Lay over."

Inching forward, Becky stretched over his legs and reached for one of her pillows to grasp.

Erik pulled her pajama bottoms and underwear down in one swoop. Her behind bared, he started spanking soundly.

Having not faced the punishment to this severity in sometime, Becky jumped then tried to be still as it continued. Tears from the pain as well as thoughts of the previous day formed in her eyes and she began to cry.

Knowing she had been punished in other ways, Erik kept the swats plentiful but solely on her bottom. He finished at eighteen brisk blows. He made quick work of redressing his daughter before bringing the sobbing vessel up to hold.

Erik gathered a few of the moist cloths he had brought in earlier to clean her face. "Shh, ladybug. It's alright now." He pecked her nose. "Calm down now, baby."

Becky rubbed at her eyes. "I'm sorry, Papa."

"I know. Now, as I understand it, you're to stay in today and focus on your homework."

"Mmhmm," she nodded.

"And there will be plenty of time for that," Erik laid back with her against his chest, "later." He started rubbing her back.

Becky managed a smile. "I love you, Papa."

"I love you, baby. Now go on and rest a moment," he sent soothing circles all around her back, "we'll see about breakfast in a little while."

Becky easily calmed and fell asleep against him with images of latkes entering her mind.