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.

214. Chapter 214 Mission M&M

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Fourteen

Author's Word: Good morning-noon-after, fam! Since this will be the last chapter before the holiday weekend, everyone, whether you live or simply work in this country, have a happy and safe July 4th! Safe, as in saaaaaafe. Let's not unleash the Stern Professor here. Alright, please enjoy and review!

Palms together with fingers partly intertwined and connected to the nose bridge of the bowed head, the raven haired man concluded his unspoken conversation in time to react to the dainty footsteps.

"Maya," Carter acknowledged the small girl in aqua blue nightgown, "what are you doing up?"

The seven-year-old approached him at the couch. "Mommy never came to say good night."

"That's because she probably won't get in until five or six, peaches." Carter accepted her into his arms and secured her in the blanket he had wrapped around his shoulders. "One of the girls at the hospital had to rush out because her son spiked a fever. You know your mother. The first one to cover in a tight spot."

"I know," Maya nodded, nestling against him. "I'll stay with you until she gets in."

Resisting a smirk, Carter countered lightheartedly, "Oh no you won't." He stretched out on the couch with her against his chest. "You have school in the morning. I am not letting your mom think I kept you up. Go on." He left a hand on her back. "Go back to sleep."

"'Kay, Daddy." The brunette girl immediately relaxed against his solid upper body, pulling on his shirt as she eased into rest again.

XXXXX

At the hand in her hair, the long dark eyelashes fluttered a bit before the tired brown orbs revealed themselves.

Lauren, thin clear tubes going into her nostrils, touched the side of her daughter's face. "What were you dreaming about?"

Shaking her head to better awaken, Maya replied softly, "Daddy. What about you?"

Lauren answered, "You."

IIIIIII

Within the near packed to capacity conference hall, the commotion eventually managed to settle when the pudgy male in dark gray suit took center stage.

"We have seen a wealth of excellent candidates, all more than qualified to represent your district. However, this next one I have had the pleasure of knowing since he was a young boy." He then went on with, "The fourth born in a family of eight, this man soared beyond his family's poor financial state to become the valedictorian of his high school class before going on to attend Harvard Medical School. He is now one of the greatest medical professionals of your community. As your mayor, it is my privilege to endorse as your alderman re-elect, Dr. Lyle Larson."

Applause erupted as the younger man joined him on stage with both arms raised and waving at the crowd that surrounded them.

After exchanging a hearty handshake with the mayor, Lyle said, "Thank you, Mayor Collins," and took over the microphone. Once the audience calmed down again, he began. "And thank you all for being here this evening. Ever since my wife lost her battle with cancer, my mission has been made very clear. There is no point in pursuing life, liberty, and happiness only for that same life to end so abruptly. That is why I have devoted myself to early disease detection and ultimately, the elimination of all undesirable genetic mutations."

As the cheering sounded yet again, one non-participant in the fifth row from the top merely looked on while placing a forcible grip on his scepter.

IIIIIII

Stretched out lazily with eyes on the television, the blue irises diverted their attention towards the foyer and the front way coming open.

"Hi, Uncle Erik," Joey greeted the arriving two. "Hi, Daddy."

Hanging up his coat, Erik returned, "Hello, Kangaroo."

While removing his own outerwear, Charles only began sprouting, "Ten, nine, eight…"

Raising a curious eyebrow, Joey wondered, "What're you doing, Dad?"

"Giving you until the count of one," the Professor strolled into the living room and went to crouch with a show of faux ominousness over his little boy, "to get off the floor before I paddle your bum."

Immediately moving to climb onto the couch now, Joey said, "But I'm not in my school clothes."

"That really doesn't matter," Charles replied simply. "I have told you this more than once, son. I don't like seeing you on the floor that way. It's beneath you; all of you children."

Joey nodded. "Yes, Daddy. Sorry. I always forget."

"Then I'll have to remind you more often." Charles twisted the knob to switch off the television. "Go wash for dinner."

Joey slid off the couch and walked out by Erik, who offered an affectionate squeeze to the back of his neck.

When they made their own way into the dining room, Charles went to Raven to give an apologetic kiss to her cheek. "Are we terribly late?"

"Terribly," the shape-shifter considered it, "no. Just the standard. It's okay, though. We're pretty X-Men low these days."

Erik surmised, "I take it the Howletts are with Toddy."

Scott piped up, "Coach had to go to a thing for one of my teammates tonight."

Charles nodded then asked, "How is Todd feeling?"

"Still battling congestion on and off," Hank reported. "But no sign of the fever returning."

"Good. And hello, you." Charles smiled as Becky finished securing Brian to his high chair. "Look at you. Joining us at the table already." He leaned in to touch noses with the baby. "Now where in the world is your mother?"

"Auntie's on the phone, Uncle Charles," Becky said, taking her seat.

Hands cleaned, Joey hurried in to join them.

"So how was everyone's day?" Charles asked, getting at the head of the table. "I'm anxious to hear anything not related to political debate."

"Then I'm afraid I'm to be the bearer of bad news, sugar." They all looked over at Emma entering.

Charles frowned in deep concern. "What's happened, darling?"

"That was my father on the phone," she said. "He attended a rally for the new aldermen. Apparently, Mayor Collins is endorsing one candidate for re-election by the name of Dr. Lyle—"

"Larson," Sean filled in abruptly.

Leon darted eyes over to him.

"Exactly," Emma confirmed the redhead's mild interruption then continued. "A big part of Dr. Larson's platform seems to be the goal of ridding the human body of meddlesome mutations."

Erik placed down his drinking glass. "Is that so?"

Emma nodded. "He has a speaking engagement scheduled at Harvard. Father thinks we should be there."

"Certainly we will be there," stated Hank boldly. "I'm not going to stand for propaganda filling my alma mater."

"Yes, of course," Charles strongly seconded. "We'll drive into Boston first thing in the morning."

"May I go with you?" Cordelia requested. "I would really like to see my dad and Chris. I can study for my Friday tests on the way there." She turned to Angel. "You'll snag my homework for me?"

The other teenage girl nodded. "Sure."

Charles looked at Emma then granted, "That should be fine, love. However, I want the rest of you to remain in school."

"I want to go." Sean then further justified the claim with, "I'm doing just great in school and I have to use this opportunity. The paper will eat it up. Please? Obviously, I won't go into any huge details about mutants."

Erik said to the male telepath, "It seems this will be a hands on learning experience, Charles."

"Alright, Seanie," the Professor responded. "You may come along."

"With Victor focused on security and the Howletts preoccupied with Todd," Erik spoke, directing his gaze across the table, "we will need you to care for the children."

"Don't even worry about that," Alex assured. "You guys just worry about this Dr. Loser or whoever he is."

"We'll help," Angel offered. "Right, Leon?"

Though he nodded, the Japanese teen's attention lingered elsewhere.

IIIIIII

When he heard the mild tap of a knock at his already ajar door, Sean peeked out of his closet to find the head of long ebony strands had just entered.

"Hey, can you believe I'm going back to Harvard already?" Neatly pressed blue slacks folded on hanger, he walked over to his open backpack with them. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was a sign."

Leon challenged, "Do you know any better?" Sean glanced back at him. "Or do you plan on sneaking out for another screeching tantrum?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Sean dismissed then said, "There is no sneaking out anywhere Uncle Erik is. Don't get me started on the tantrum thing." Leon's countenance remained void of amusement. "Lee, come on. I won't lose it this time. I promise."

Stepping up closer upon him, Leon said, "If you do, do you get that you'll be causing more harm than good? Why else are you going?"

"Because this is important to me. Mutant life matters." Sean then reiterated, "Life matters. And it's about time I became seriously involved instead of hanging around like a goofy kid forever. I know you're worried I'm going to mess up—"

"No," Leon cut in sharply then his tone softened. "I'm worried something's going to happen to you."

Growing quiet, Sean extended a hand. "It won't, Lee. I swear to you."

Leon accepted the other appendage by bringing both his own hands around it in a vice grip.

II

"It's not fair," Angel vexed, laid out on Cordelia's bed while she prepared for the upcoming day. "I finally get home and now you're going out of town."

"Yes," Cordelia held a goldenrod dress up to her front and viewed the look in her full length mirror, "and remind me to tell my sister to stop attempting to kidnap you."

Angel asked, "You tell your guy about your little Boston mission?"

"Only that I'm visiting my dad." Deciding on the dress, Cordelia deposited it inside her bag. "Somehow I don't think mixing them in with these political affairs is the best idea."

"So glad you're not crush blinded," Angel commended. "How is it going with Fabian, anyway?"

"He's really not what one might expect." Cordelia rethought that. "What you would expect from any bloke, really. We talk a lot, hold each other a little, but we hardly kiss and when we do, it's serious blink-and-miss."

Angel waited for her to go on. "That's a bad thing?"

Cordelia shrugged lightly. "I can't help wondering if I, you know, turn him off somehow."

"Honey, you are living the dream," Angel informed her. "A guy who wants to be around you instead of in you. But be careful about that, too. Make sure he's not slowly trying to lure you into something."

Cordelia nodded covertly to that.

II

Arms around Erik's neck from behind, Frank put forth, "You sure you don't want me to go along? You might need me."

"Constantly." The metal wielder touched the boy's wrist and offered it a squeeze. "And you'll be the first I call for reinforcement. However," he moved his chair enough to get a look at him, "I want you helping out here. Alright?"

Frank lowered to sit on one of his legs. "Yes, sir. Promise you'll tell me if you have to punch anybody?"

"You have my word," Erik guaranteed.

Leaving her journal on the sofa, Becky went to stand on the other side of him. "I wish you didn't have to go."

Erik looked and cupped her cheek. "We'll only be away a day or two. Alex and the others will be here with you. You'll mind them?"

Becky nodded into his touch.

Erik brought her to sit in his lap as well and coiled arms around both the children.

II

Leaving a kiss on Joey's cheek, Emma stood and patted her husband on the arm as he walked in by her.

Smile in place, Charles squatted beside the boy's bed. "Ready for your story, little one?" He did not need the less than pleased face before him to sense it. "What's wrong, son?"

Joey wanted to know, "Why can't I go with you to visit Grandpa?"

"This is not a vacation, lamb," Charles tried to explain. "We are going for a very important purpose and you have school."

"Cordy and Sean have school."

"Joey," Charles put soothing fingers in the blonde hair, "I have had a very tiring day and my answer is not going to change."

Arms crossing, the boy huffed, "It's not fair! I want to go, too."

"Charles," stern voice overtaking understanding one, the Professor said, "that will be enough of that. Now, one thing is up to you. Do you want to end tonight with a story or a spanking?"

Calming at that, Joey faced him again. "I'm sorry, Daddy. I didn't mean it…"

Getting into the bed with him, Charles hugged him close. "Oh little one, I'm sorry, too. I know I'm hardly home as it is. I want you to understand that the work I do is very important for us, but I love and miss you every time."

Joey snuggled in near to him. "I love you, too, Daddy. You won't be gone long, right?"

"No more than two days," Charles told him. "Your mum and I will be sure to call."

Joey then asked, "Will you still read my book? We got one in school that's not that boring so far."

Laughing softly at that, Charles said, "Well, this I must see."

Going to the slim book on his night stand, Joey showed him the copy of The Call of The Wild.

IIIIIII

With the gathering of white geraniums in hand, Maya made her way into the hospital room to rid the vase of the wilted buds from last week. Gazing away from the window, the bed bound Lauren observed her rather vibrant daughter.

"I take it you've spoken to Sean recently."

"Last night, actually. They're taking a mini trip out to Boston." Flowers in place, Maya walked towards the window as she spoke. "No, I was just talking to Dana, Tricie's mom. She's been held up at work a lot so she asked to list me as Tricie's legal babysitter. So that one of us can be in the know about her updates to her condition."

Lauren remained upright staring at her with a lengthy silence. "How in the world do you do that?"

Maya turned to face her. "What, Mom?"

"No matter where you go, you always manage to make this grand impression on people."

Maya said, "So long as they're not born and raised in Westchester I guess." She added to herself quietly, possession of a certain X gene also helps.

Lauren stated, "I'm just glad I don't have to worry."

Maya came to sit on the side of her bed. "Worry about what?"

Lauren reached forward to touch her lower arm. "My insurance policy will cover the remainder of the mortgage on the house. Depending on what you want to do after graduation, it should help you through half of college. With any scholarships you get—"

"Wait, what…" Maya eyed her with growing dark eyes. "Mom, what are you- what are you saying?"

Lauren informed upfront, "I'm not going to make it out of here, honey."

Maya shook her head slowly. "Mom, stop it."

"My condition feels more aggravated than when I first came here," Lauren emphasized. "Picking up those cigarettes again after your father… I know I did this to myself. But you will be fine, sweetheart."

"No," Maya responded plainly.

Lauren only went on. "This way you and Sean will already have a house. You'll have the life you deserve. One your father and I tried to have."

"I said stop!" Maya jumped to her feet. "Just stop it! Daddy was killed, Mom. And you're going to what? Sit up here and give in? No, I did not interrupt my life so you can throw in the towel on yours."

"Maya, you have to face fact—"

"What fact?" the girl cut in sharply. "I should have known you were ready to go. I've never been enough for you, anyway." She made tracks for the door.

Lauren's eyes followed her pacing. "Maya!"

The irate teenager only marched onward out of the room.

IIIIIII

The moment the Frost estate came into view, Erik's blue eyes could not leave the window. Sean leaned in towards the glass as well, grinning at the massive grounds.

As they departed the X-Van, Erik said, "This is where you grew up?"

Getting out of the passenger's side, Emma replied, "Guilty." She went to the back to remove Brian from his seat.

"This place is beautiful," Raven remarked, exiting the Lincoln with Hank.

Gathering Kiki out of her seat, Hank held her up to get a full view. "You like it, too, don't you, Baby Bear?"

"Pretty," she stated, brown eyes sparkling.

"Chris!" Cordelia dashed ahead to meet her brother's arms halfway.

The blonde male swept her up for a brief spin. "You're looking wonderful, baby sis."

"So are you," she returned somewhat secretively.

Chris walked with her to greet and speak with the other X-Men. "Father will be back shortly. He had to dash off to the office for an emergency." He took Brian when the baby reached for him. "Hello, old man. Remember me?"

Charles smiled, "He wouldn't forget his uncle so easily."

"Careful," Erik adjusted his sunglasses, "he's been fussy this morning."

"Let's go in." As they started for the house, Chris looked to the McCoys. "We thought the kids could stay together in Joey and Brian's room. We put the two of you in next door to them."

"Sounds great," Raven approved.

"I also managed to pull some strings," Chris said to Charles. "You'll be joining this afternoon's little discussion at Harvard."

"Excellent," Charles reacted. "Thank you, Chris. This really means a great deal."

"More than you know," Chris stated. "There's no chance I'll let anyone besmirch my family on my own school grounds. It's all I should have to tolerate when Yale alumni pass through the place."

"I think that should count as charitable on our part," Hank commented and the two shared a chuckle.

"Oh boy," Raven smirked. "Two of them. Let the games begin."

Sean smiled as they entered the house. "We visited Harvard not too long ago. I could totally see why Hank raves about it."

"I would watch that," Erik cautioned. "If it's endorsing propaganda, there's far more going on there than what the colorful leaflets let on."

Unsure of how to respond to that, Chris said, "Let me show you your rooms."

IIIIIII

Done getting one of his good suits hung up in the closet, Erik walked back out to the room offered to him to sort through his briefcase.

When Charles poked in a minute later, Erik commented, "How exactly are children in your class born with money free flowing out of your backsides yet somehow manage to grow up with nothing but bitterness and resentment towards your parents?"

Effected by that, Charles remained in solid place for a moment. "Just lucky I guess. However, while we're on the subject of privileged brats, don't behave as one while we're here."

Erik glanced at him with a raised eyebrow. "Excuse me, brother?"

"I more than understand your previous negativity towards Chris, but he is a changed man," Charles emphasized. "He is also Emma and Cordy's brother, my in-law…"

Joey and Brian's uncle. "I can assure you, Charles, I will be the perfect gentleman."

"And I can assure you," Charles wore a taut smile, "that you had better be."

Before Erik could react to that, a blonde Raven joined them in the room. "So Brian is napping, Hank hijacked our daughter, Emma and Cordy are waiting to see their dad, and you guys still have plenty of time before you have to knock political heads in."

Charles exchanged a look with Erik before he nudged, "Yes?"

A grin grew on Raven's face. "Who wants to go site-seeing?"

IIIIIII

The sight of the bitty girl twirling about in red dress throughout the campus lawns caused many a conversation to cease and several on-lookers to stop and gawk at the adorability. Hank waved at a few of them, sporting as big a proud father countenance as he could possibly muster.

Walking alongside him, Chris said, "I never thought I would be able to stroll through here again."

"That was then," Hank promptly reminded him. "I saw many classmates wash out during our first semester for idiotic reasons. You were getting married; thought you were in love. But now, you've made quite the life for yourself."

"While your cheering section is more appreciated than you know, Hank, it's a marvel to me that you managed to hang in here as a mere boy."

"It helps that school is the only thing that's ever really mattered to me." Stopping off outside the library, Hank got to one knee and held his arms open for Kiki to rush into them. "Until recent years, of course." He stood with his daughter in his hold.

Chris took Kiki's hand to peck, making her smile. "Where might I acquire one of these?"

Hank looked at him closely. "You're considering settling down? A freed up bachelor such as yourself?"

"I'm considering the strong possibility when I stop being the poster child for immaturity," the older man replied, "maybe."

"That's great, Chris." Hank then suggested, "Want to see if the football team is having warm-ups?"

"Sounds fine then I think we owe the lady," Chris tugged on Kiki's little arm, "an ice cream cone."

"Yes!" Kiki cheered.

Hank said jovially to Chris, "Mind you don't steal her away from me now."

IIIIIII

When they reached the spot in question, Raven grabbed Sean by the hand and charged forward with him. Delighted by their antics, Erik and Charles still continued on at the regular pace.

Standing before the water, Raven declared, "This is really it."

"The Boston Tea Party," Sean marveled. "Frank would go nuts over this."

Holding up the camera he wore around his neck, Charles took a photo. "Which is why we do not dare return without a proper amount of pictures. Line up there, you two."

Raven and Sean wrapped arms around each other for Charles to snap another shot. Then, with some pulling and tugging involved, they forced Erik in between them for another set of pictures. They took several more before settling on a pair of benches, watching the water.

Seated beside Sean, Raven said, "To think a whole other country came about from a few crates of tea overboard."

"More like a desire to keep a few extra tax dollars in their pockets," Erik countered. "Under the guise of a freedom fight."

"Not everyone back then was full of it," Sean insisted. "Sure, a lot of them were hypocrites and slave owners, but there were plenty of others who wanted to stand for actual freedom. They were living proof that all the dialoguing in the world can't always change things. Sometimes you have to be extreme; drastic just to get anyone to hear you." Sean got to his feet, walking towards the edge of the water. "Talking is all well and good for a time. But other times? Other times it's more important to pick up your cross and walk while people are pelting stinky rotten fruit at you." Returning to earth, the redhead looked back to find the other three simply eyeing him.

Charles regarded him with a wondering curiosity, Erik wore a certain approving smile, and Raven threw up her hands in a spirited clap.

IIIIIII

Brian in her arms, Cordelia walked out to rejoin her father and sister on the patio.

"Charles just called," she informed. "They want us to meet them at Harvard."

"We'll be right along," Emma told her.

Cordelia nodded and headed back inside with the baby.

Looking to Winston as she stood, Emma said, "I can't thank you enough for getting us involved in all of this. It means so much to have you as an extra pair of eyes for us."

"You've no more need to thank me for this than you do for me keeping you out of open traffic as a little girl." Winston got to his feet, scepter in his grasp. "But Emma, you must know something." He touched her shoulder. "I've seen the effects of rage fueled, irrational discrimination ever since I was a boy. There is no length I won't go to for your protection."

Emma listened then kissed his cheek. "We have more than I care to admit in common, Daddy."

Winston left his hand on her upper back as they proceeded inside.

IIIIIII

Earliness proved in their favor, as the group not only snagged seats but managed to obtain them in the first row of the rapidly growing packed Harvard auditorium. They sat lined in a row of Winston, Cordelia who held Brian, Emma, Raven with Kiki in her lap, Hank, Chris, Sean, and Erik at the end.

At Kiki reaching one hand out towards one of the stage participants, Raven whispered a gentle hush in her ear then helped her wave. Charles smiled, wiggling his fingers back at them.

"I don't know how he does this all the time," Sean said. "Always having to speak in public."

Chris sympathized, "He's braver than I'll ever be."

"You helped arrange this," Erik piped up. "Don't sell your capabilities terribly short."

Hearing him, Raven sent her oldest brother a smile.

Soon enough, the anticipated one arrived on stage and the audience dropped into silence as the speaking presentation proceeded.

"Our children deserve to live longer, healthier, happier. Working together, we can end these genetic defects—"

"Defects, Dr. Larson?" Charles chimed in from his chair. "I take it you are referring to mutation?"

Microphone in hand, the doctor turned to him. "Among other things. I'm sorry. Your name is…?"

"Professor Charles Xavier," the younger man introduced himself. "I am admittedly a late entry."

"I believe I've heard of you," one of the members recognized. "You're supposed to be an expert in genetic mutation."

"Really?" Lyle appeared impressed. "Then you above anyone know their damaging effects."

Charles said, "I'm afraid you are confusing disease with advancement. You see, Dr. Larson, a mutation is a genetic difference and quite often, an advantage. It is no terminal illness."

"With all due respect, Professor," Lyle countered, "but for however long you've had that degree in your hand, I have been a medical doctor for longer. I have seen the disastrous effects of when the mutant gene goes unchecked. Heart disease, grossly deformities, countless cancers."

"While what happened to your wife was an absolute tragedy," Charles sympathized, "you cannot compare such a thing to the genetic marvel that is mutation. Now before the voters make a decision to re-elect you, it is important to know that your platform of good health is not merely a cover-up to spread destruction to an entire group of human beings."

The entire space silenced for Lyle to respond. "You would not be the first to question my motifs. Some have reacted so adamantly against me that they are the ones causing destruction. In fact it was only a couple weeks ago that a store front displaying my campaign merchandise was horribly vandalized."

As murmuring picked up in the audience, Sean felt an invisible device hovering over him and chipping away at his height inch by inch.

IIIIIII

Done with her dinner for one, the absent eyed girl laid out across the living room sofa with long hair draped and flowing over one arm. Sick of staring at absolutely nothing in the mostly darkness around her, she got up and went to her room to change out of loungewear. Getting into a sweater, a pair of blue jeans, and tennis shoes, she stopped long enough to grab her coat by the front door.

Not heading anywhere in particular nor going in any certain direction, she roamed under the street lights of Buffalo. Naturally, it offered a great deal more activity than Westchester ever did, even on a work night. Though the noise could be unsettling, it almost felt nice to blend among the mini chaos. To not be stared at or classified, as people had their own affairs to mind.

Unsure of how long she had been walking, though it had been at least an hour or more, Maya froze at the headlights on her back. Certain she had committed no crime, she knew it could not be friendly law enforcement. Touching the pocket that carried her taser, she veered around, hair flying.

"So I wasn't seeing things," the unmoved female behind the wheel said.

She arched forward for a better look. "Melissa?"

"Maya, right?" Detaching herself from the dark vehicle, the Acolyte jogged over to her. "What do you think you're doing out here at this time of night?"

"What are you doing here at all?" Maya wondered in turn. "Is your team into something?"

"Yes," Melissa replied, "team me. The others aren't here. And you shouldn't be out here alone."

"Why are you?"

"Used to it. And I have to be somewhere."

"Where?" Maya pressed. "Is it about mutants?"

Melissa shook her head. "I don't think you would be too interested, X-Girl and I don't have time to argue the point."

"Then let's not argue," Maya said plainly. "I'll go with you."

Staring her up and down, Melissa eventually responded, "Get in."

Maya wordlessly followed her into the Buick Electra.

IIIIIII

Delicately transferring the warm growing baby in her arms onto the crib mattress on his back, Cordelia propped up Dickon so that the teddy bear remained close to the small boy. She left a caressing hand against his cheek until he fully tempered off. Watching him sleep another minute, Cordelia took her leave of the child friendly space.

On the way down the stairs, she met with Sean who remarked, "Why doesn't that canopy bed in your room surprise me?"

Cordelia bumped arms with him. "Jealous."

"Maybe," the redhead playfully sneered.

When the teenagers arrived in the living room, Cordelia walked over to where the Xaviers cuddled on the loveseat. "Brian's all tuckered out."

"Thank you, gorge," Emma said, head supported by Charles' chest.

Cordelia went to sit near her father on the ottoman of his recliner.

"Easy, baby," Hank seized hold of the pajama clad Kiki before she could collide with a vase, "no running inside, just like home." He brought her into his lap. "We don't want to break anything."

"I'm sorry," the little girl apologized.

"She's no trouble, Hank," Winston reassured. "It's only nice to hear laughing children about again."

"I certainly know what you mean there, Father," Charles concurred.

Raven stroked Kiki's hair as she determined, "I think this one's been up long enough." She moved to stand. "Sleep time."

Hank got up after her, rubbing Kiki's back. "Good night, everyone."

"Good night," the rest of the room sent after the departing McCoys.

Cordelia wondered, "Where did Erik disappear to?"

Charles offered, "He may have turned in already. It's been an exhausting day."

"With more to come," Emma put forth, countenance uncertain.

"I'd love to stay up and gossip with you lot," Chris moved from his chair and stretched both arms upward, "but I have to be up bright and early. Good night, gents," he started out with a wave as he went, "Good night, dear sisters."

"Hey," Cordelia hopped up to go after him, "do you have to get up too early to squeeze in a run with me?"

Chris formed a small smile. "I think it'll be just the jolt I need first thing in the morning." He gave her chin a brief tickle and continued for the upstairs.

IIIIIII

When they reached what seemed to be nothing more than a formerly industrious section of the city, Maya still waited before questioning the whole thing. At Melissa's order to stay put, the younger girl remained in the passenger's seat. After gazing about with flashlight in hand, Melissa called the all clear. Then getting out of the car, it surprised Maya to see her removing grocery bags from the trunk. Bringing her assistance, Maya collected two of the bags while Melissa managed four.

Leading the way, the older brunette entered one dilapidated building from behind. Putting her packages down for just a moment, she got to her hands and knees. Removing a few designated pieces from the floor, she jerked open an access point that reveal a short staircase.

She indicated for Maya to go first with an assurance of, "It's okay."

Maya nodded and took her time down the steps. She reached the bottom shortly and waited for Melissa before continuing. They journeyed down a lengthy corridor until they reached a heavy wooden door. With four rhythmic and well-placed kicks, footsteps sounded. Several locks unlatched and the door opened. A middle-aged black woman stood on the other side.

She started to speak until she noticed the other girl. "Who is she?"

"This is Maya," Melissa introduced. "It's okay. She's with me. Maya, this is Ruth Baker. She's one of the founders."

"Hello, Mrs. Baker," Maya greeted.

Ruth stepped back for them to enter. "Come on, quick." The girls rushed inside. "Take the food on in the kitchen. What do I owe you?"

"No," Melissa quickly turned down. "This is all on me. It's no problem."

As she followed Melissa towards the eatery, Maya observed the various people seated about. Mostly young women and small children.

"Is this one of those places I've heard about?" Maya finally questioned. "Sort of hideaways for battered women?"

"We have a few men here and there, too," Ruth told her, getting one of the three refrigerators open. "Some runaways from bad homes. We do what we can to keep them safe until they can find better situations."

"This is amazing," Maya marveled.

"It's also priority secret," Melissa emphasized. "Meaning no one can know. Not even your little friends."

Knowing exactly who she meant, Maya promised, "I won't tell anyone, period."

While they put the food away, Ruth took a second look at Maya. "I swear you two could pass for sisters."

"Ruth, please." Melissa placed canned goods into one cabinet. "Don't give her nightmares."

"Oh cut it out," Maya said with a small smile.

Melissa asked, "How are we on first-aid?"

"We have to stock up soon," Ruth told her. "You know it's that time of year. The kids have colds left and right."

Melissa then decided, "I'm going on a run to the hospital."

Ruth frowned at that. "This time of night? I don't think so. Baby, you've done enough."

"I'll be fine. Just give me an hour."

Maya promptly chased after the departing female. "I'm coming, too."

Melissa turned to face her. "Okay, field trip ends here, girly. See where you can help out. I'll drive you home when I get back."

"You said it isn't safe for me out there," Maya reminded. "Do you really think it's that much better for you by yourself?" Melissa sighed. "Listen, I know you probably don't think much of me or my capabilities, but even without my team I'm an X-Man. Let me help you. Please."

With another exhale of air, Melissa said, "Do not get in the way. I'm serious."

"So am I." Maya went after her with that.

IIIIIII

At the severe lack of lighting on the pharmacy's part, Maya deduced, "I take it we're not using a charge card."

"I can buy food and clothes for them, but my Acolyte funds only go so far," Melissa explained, bringing them around to the rear. "Besides, I would need a hefty reason before they'd sell me half these things." She glanced back at the other girl. "If your high and mighty is kicking in…"

Maya shook her head hard. "This isn't a blouse we're swiping. Don't worry. I'm with you."

Nodding, Melissa removed a gadget from her coat pocket and attached it to the steel door behind the pharmacy.

Maya cocked her head curiously. "Can't you just shift through to the other side?"

"Yes, but that won't keep me from tripping an alarm." Melissa pressed the correct button on the silver device and a few beeps sounded before it muted. "That will take care of all electricity in and around the building."

Maya's eyes widened. "That is too cool."

"That is compliments of Marco."

Maya blinked at Melissa's body fading underneath the extremely narrow space at the base of the door. In under a few seconds, the passage opened for her.

Closing it after herself, Maya walked behind her. Melissa waved her flashlight around until she discovered the main supply room. Grabbing plastic sacks for both of them, she went through stuffing them with a wealth of medical aides. Maya packed hers as well, making sure to stock up on multiple cold remedies and products not easily purchased in stores.

At the abrupt noise behind them, Melissa ordered, "Get down!"

Maya dropped to the floor behind a few loaded shelves.

Rushing out to where they had entered, Melissa stood in shock as the back door came open a light shined in her face.

"What do we have here?" The robust officer stepped up closer, flashlight still lit. "An old coot said something about a couple of cute cat burglars poking about, but I had to see it to believe it."

An unimpressed Melissa requested dryly, "Can't you fill your quota elsewhere between donut runs?"

"You have nerve enough to sass me, little girl?" Retrieving the handcuffs from his belt, the officer directed, "Drop the goods and put your hands behind your back. Slow—ahhh!"

Retracting her taser after another second, Maya jumped up from the shadows. "Let's go!"

With as much as they could carry in hand, the pair sped back into the night air. Hastening inside their left vehicle, Maya threw everything in the back while Melissa floored away.

IIIIIII

Responding to the ginger raps to his door, Erik directed, "Come in." He peered over from reading in bed at the teen that walked in. "Seanie? You were in bed when I last checked."

"But not exactly sleeping," Sean informed. He went over and sat down on the mattress with his legs crossed, facing the older male. "Can I talk to you?"

Erik placed his book on the side table. "Of course."

"Okay, so," Sean began slowly, "you know how before we all came together, when Charles saved you from the water. When you were kind of, um—"

"A borderline sociopath?" Erik filled in flatly. "Yes, I have some recollection."

"I know it's not exactly the same, but," Sean took a breath, "I think I know what some of that supreme anger feels like. I've been having it a lot lately."

"I know," Erik nodded understandingly. "The way you were so aggressive at home, that day at the Waldorf, fighting with Leon, those boys- though I know that was not exactly unwarranted."

"Well, when we went to look at colleges, I sort of," Sean bit his lip a moment, "did something unwarranted."

Erik eyed him with an even expression. "What was that?"

Sean glanced down a little. "I'm the one who wrecked the store front. The one with Lyle Larson's pictures all over it. Those things he was saying, trying to color how he felt about mutants with those disgusting hints of… sterilization. I lost it. I lost it big time, Uncle Erik."

Absorbing this information, Erik asked, "Do the other boys know?"

"Just Leon," Sean answered, raising his head. "And please don't be mad at him because he scared me good then he spanked the daylights out of me. Fighting with him is one thing, but that seriously hurt."

A smirk toyed on Erik's features. "So he has been learning."

"I'm really sorry, Uncle Erik. No one saw or heard me scream, though. Thank God."

Arms widening, Erik instructed gently, "Come here, Seanie." The boy crawled over into the embrace, relaxing against the man's front. "I'm not upset with you for the reason behind what you did. However, you cannot risk exposing your mutation. They outnumber us by a sum too great to count, Sean." Erik pressed lips into the bush of red strands. "I don't want anything to happen to you. If that makes me a hypocrite, I've been called worse."

Sean hugged his arm tightly. "I want to stop feeling this way."

"The anger you feel is justified," Erik told him. "However, the ways you exercise it are far too dangerous. You must learn to control it. If you believe you are unable to do so and you find that you cannot talk to Charles, I want you to come to me. Even late at night this way." He massaged his back. "Can you do that?"

Sean nodded. "Yes, Uncle Erik."

"Good boy." Erik brought him to recline against one of his pillows and touched a hand to his back. "Lay down now."

With the massage offered him, Sean snuggled in and closed his eyes.

IIIIIII

Startled awake, Maya rushed into an upright position. Looking to the digital clock on the nearby table, she saw that five AM would soon arrive. Flipping her legs over, she seized her green robe covered in yellow ducks. She slipped into it and out of her room. Making it into the small kitchen the apartment offered, the smell of bacon hit her nose.

Melissa shot her head back instinctively then relaxed. "Hi. I didn't mean to wake you."

"No, it's okay." Maya ran a hand through her messy brown strands. "I thought you left."

Melissa shrugged, transferring the cooked strips over to a plate. "I usually leave my bag in the car. I'm going to check-in with Ruth and the others later on before I head out." She looked at Maya again. "What about you?"

"Good question." Maya sat at the table.

"You know," Melissa joined her, "you're what, seventeen?"

"Eighteen soon enough," Maya put forth.

"Whatever the case, you shouldn't have to be here all by yourself playing candy striper to your mother. News of the day, Maya, grownups are supposed to be able to take care of themselves."

A faint smile came to Maya's face. "You'd think so, right?"

Melissa leaned over the table a little as she asked, "What made you help me last night?"

"Melissa, I saw those people," Maya emphasized. "So many of them looked terrified. I wanted to help."

"But you stole with me," Melissa brought up. "I mean, look at you. You probably have a halo for every day of the week."

"So I can afford to tarnish one or two," Maya half-joked. "But honestly, even when we break the rules I think God still knows our hearts."

Melissa cracked a tiny smirk. "Yeah, God and I haven't exactly been on agreeable terms for a while now."

Maya asked, "Because of everything that's happened to you?"

"Maya, I'm a psychotic nut," Melissa informed her. "These things I do have nothing to do with applying for sainthood. The Acolytes, all of it. It's either this or set bits of my hair on fire. God doesn't need or want an insane whore bag like me."

Maya's eyes enlarged incredulously. "Melissa, you were violated."

"The act happened all the same."

"Oh, okay. So what?" Maya tugged some hair behind her right ear. "If you tie me down and force an entire bottle of liquor down my throat, does that make me an alcoholic? Now look, I admit it. I don't get girls that fool around. With all the things we have to do, all the hard decisions we have to make on a daily basis- like last night- I don't see how they get into something that avoidable."

Melissa concurred, "I read you there, babe."

"But you know what?"

"I bet you're about to tell me."

"Even if you willingly did it with a hundred guys in a day, it wouldn't matter in the end." Maya eyed her seriously. "No matter what you do, God always lets you come back to Him. The cross is more than a cute piece of jewelry to wear around your neck. When it comes down to it, all that can separate you from Him is you."

Melissa quietly pressed fingernails into the table's wood. "… Wow. How many halos do you have exactly?"

"Going for a hundred," Maya answered. "My favorite is the sparkly baby blue one."

Melissa laughed with full sincerity.

IIIIIII

Face immediately brightening at the one who walked in, she grinned widely. "Maya!"

"Hi, Tricie." Going over, Maya knelt to kiss her cheek before sitting on the bed with her. "I'm sorry I wasn't around yesterday. I had a lot going on."

"That's okay. Guess what," smile only increasing, Tracie said, "My mom signed off for me to have outdoor clearance. We can go outside."

"Alright," Maya reacted favorably. "Let's get you bundled up."

After getting Tricie into her fleece jacket with hat, scarf, and gloves, Maya joined hands with her. They went out back to the hospital's back gardens. At such an early hour, they were the only ones to be seen.

Settling in the grass, Maya watched Tricie take a massive twirl. "Whoa, easy. Don't do too much too soon." Tricie walked over to sit facing her. "Besides, you have to save a little energy for when we spring you out of this place for good." Tricie's countenance changed. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Maya," Tricie's voice lowered, "can I give you something?"

"That's sweet," Maya responded. "Thanks."

Removing her gloves, Tricie requested, "Let me see your hands." Maya immediately linked up with her. "Close your eyes."

Eyelids going downward, Maya started to say something until the internal stream coursed throughout her.

Shooting her eyes back opened, she wanted to know, "What was that?"

Smiling again, Tricie said, "Look."

Maya watched as the colorful leaves around them, with no wind present that morning, sprang to life and fluttered in a circular swirl about them.
"Oh my God," Maya gasped. "Tricie…"

Tricie squeezed her hand encouragingly. "Now you try."

"Tricie, I can't…"

"Go on, Maya," the little girl further coaxed.

Raising a tentative hand, another surprised exhale shot from Maya's lips. A small rock leapt up and flew her way. As soon as it came close enough, Maya grabbed it out of the air.

"I showed it to my best friend before I got sick. But she had to move away." Tricie eyed the older girl expectantly. "Do you like it?"

No words prepared, Maya's features melted into jubilant abundance.