X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Two Hundred Fifteen
Author's Word: Hi, fam! I hope everyone had a great July 4th and even more hopefully that you awoke with full memories intact on July 5th. Please enjoy and review!
On the second ring, the hand reached out for the receiver while both eyes remained on the inside of his textbook.
"Xavier Institute for the Gifted. Associated with the Lehnsherr Shark Academy."
Definite amusement present, Maya recognized, "Leon."
"Maya," he acknowledged in turn, attention now sincere. "I take it you're looking for Sean, but they're still Boston bound. And with Alex and Angel preoccupied by the small ones, that leaves the lounge all for me. Until Frank determines the appropriate time to bug me."
"They're still there?" she said, returning to the Boston set. "I thought that was going to be an overnight thing."
"They're still investigating this Lyle Larson. I also strongly suspect Cordy is trying to get in additional time with her brother and father."
"… Right." Maya rubbed fingers against the side of her neck. "Wolverine and Kayla?"
"Have hardly looked up since Sunday," Leon told her. "They've been busy with Todd, but I hear he's doing better." He then asked, "What about you?"
"Oh I'm fine. I just wanted to check in, but I better catch up on this homework. I'll talk to you later."
"Bye," was all Leon had time to say as she swiftly wrapped up their conversation.
IIIIIII
Not missing the particular bleep of activity on one of his south cameras, Victor took prompt leave of Eye Spy. Going out to the backyard, he made his way over to the pajama and robe adorned boy who presently dangled from the tire swing.
The child gazed up at the arriving adult. "Um, hi Coach."
Victor gripped the swing to keep it in place. "Shades, what do you think you're doin' out here this time of night? Unless I hear sleepwalkin', you got some explainin' to do, kid."
"I couldn't sleep. I can hardly turn my head off."
Victor surmised, "Thinking about the last game this weekend, huh?" Scott nodded. "That's nothin' to lose sleep over, pal. No matter the end result, Dan and I know you guys gave it your all."
Scott said, "I just want my all to be good enough."
"Yeah, I definitely know that about you," Victor nodded. He removed him from the swing and rubbed his thin arms as he carried him for the warmth of the indoors. "Wish you'd come to me when you can't get your head together. You could've caught a cold out here. Don't need Emma blowin' a fuse at me."
Scott nestled against the man's front. "I didn't want to bug you or Alex. You're so busy."
"Okay, look," standing him at the foot of the stairs, Victor looked close into the lenses covered eyes, "you need to worry about being a kid while we worry about the big stuff. You got that?"
"Yes, sir." Scott's demeanor grew slightly nervous. "You gonna, um, swat me, Coach?"
"You get upstairs," Victor directed. "If you ain't under them covers by the time I come check, there's your answer."
Scott turned and jogged up to his room without delay.
IIIIIII
Hand flinging outward at the picture frame, the girl frowned when it did not so much as jiggle. She then aimed her left hand in the direction of the lamp, yielding the same unfortunate results.
Coming into the doorway, Melissa could not help smirking. "Okay, tell me this is not some sort of modeling aspiration thing."
Dropping her current exaggerated pose, Maya veered around. "No way. I hear you have to have real breasts for that."
"A full chest, but an empty head. Go figure that one out." Melissa then noted, "You're up late."
"You're here late," Maya counter observed. "I thought you had to be gone today. Is everything okay with the shelter?"
"Fine," Melissa replied. "I suppose I don't have the big hurry I thought I did. Unless I'm invading your space…"
Maya shook her head. "No, this is great. I mean, it takes some getting used to having someone here again, but that's okay, too."
Melissa nodded once. "I'm going to get a workout and something resembling sleep in. French toast sound good for in the morning?"
Maya smiled, "Sounds closer to perfect."
IIIIIII
"Bye, Uncle Alex!" Trav waved, hanging onto Joey's hand as they neared the school.
"Bye, buddy," Alex called after him.
Becky came up to the front of the car to kiss his cheek. "See you after school. Love you."
"Love you, babes," he returned.
Watching the five X-Kids safely enter the building, Alex started up Erik's car again to head for his own education destination.
IIIIIII
The burst of particles seeped through the narrow space beneath the door. Once inside the apartment, they reformed into the long haired teenager in dark pants, red checkered shirt, and black denim jacket.
"Maya!" Charging through the dwelling, he dashed into the first bedroom he located. "Maya?"
With no time to react, he experienced the pair of feet wedged into his back for only a second before crashing face down against the bed. Immediately rising on the mattress, he caught sight of his assailant.
She calmed upon recognizing him and dropped her fighting stance. "Oh, it's you. Didn't realize."
"I hope that's true." Leon returned to his feet and approached her. "Didn't you hear me calling for Maya?"
"All I heard was a guy, who somehow broke in here, saying her name in some frantic way," Melissa said matter-of-factly.
"Breaking in is a little low brow for what we're capable of doing." Leon received the smallest positive expression from her. "And what are you even doing here? Where's Maya?"
"Relax, she's down at the hospital," Melissa informed. "We ran into each other the night before last. She helped me pull off a major run."
Leon's eyebrow reached new heights at that. "A run?"
IIIIIII
Laid back in the bed beside the smaller female, Maya's gaze stayed on the gray colored ceiling.
"Why haven't you told your mother?"
Tricie explained, "She would think I'm really sick. I don't want to be in the hospital forever, Maya."
"Hey," Maya sat up on her elbow, "you won't. Listen, I have friends who can help you. They're exactly like you; they can do special things, too."
Tricie became curious. "They can? Can they move things?"
"My friend Leon sort of can. One of my teachers can move anything made of metal. Two people who could scatter things with wind used to be with us before they moved away. But I know people who can do all sorts of things. Like read minds."
The little girl's jaw dropped. "You're not fooling?"
"Not even a little," Maya assured. "They're all so incredible." She played with the pattern on her pants. "Not like me."
Tricie told her, "You're incredible to me." She moved in closer towards her. "I'm so glad you're here."
Maya offered her both her arms. "So am I." She gave her a squeeze and stood. "I'm going to go see how far away your mom is."
"Okay." Tricie picked up her picture book to leaf through.
Arriving at the nurse's station, Maya inquired, "Excuse me, has anyone heard from Dana Vogel? Her daughter Patricia is a patient here."
The woman behind the desk searched through a few of the files. "Are you Maya Patterson? The babysitter on file."
"Yes," the teenager nodded.
"Didn't they tell you?" the nurse put forth. "Mrs. Vogel was rushed out of work last night. She became extremely ill."
Maya frowned in stunned disbelief. "What? Is she here?"
"No, from what it says here she's in a special facility. There's some fear that Patricia could potentially exhibit the same illness so they're bringing in a new physician early this evening."
Maya had to stand perfectly in place, attempting to absorb it all.
II
Seated in the middle of the sofa, Leon observed the dutiful young woman loading up an oversized purse.
"So the Acolytes are a convenience?" he surmised. "You use the cash Estevan gives you to finance your world saving endeavors."
Melissa sincerely scoffed. "I've saved nothing. None of it makes any difference in the end."
"That doesn't stop you," he noted.
She shrugged. "What else have I got to do? And by the way," Melissa faced him, "My team is more than just my own personal bank account. My priorities just happen to extend beyond mutants."
Leon promised, "I'm not knocking you, believe me."
They both looked to the front at the rattling of keys.
A distant-eyed Maya walked through the door, her gaze immediately zeroing in on the one parked on the couch. "Leon? What are you doing here?"
"Hm, let's see." Getting up, he started her way. "You called looking for your boyfriend or the Howletts, all of whom are currently preoccupied with other things. You had that "mustn't be a bother" tone in your voice that you think no one notices. Add that to just how weird you've been in general and yeah, thought it was time to make a house call."
"I'll leave you X-Men be." Melissa slipped her purse on around her neck. "I have an elsewhere awaiting me."
"Wait," Maya beseeched. "We'll go with you."
"Maya." Melissa gave her a specific look, darting her eyes in the direction of the male in the room.
Maya offered her an assuring smile. "Believe me, Melissa, Leon is beyond great at keeping his lips sealed."
Melissa moved to glance his way. Leon in turn regarded her with a nonchalant tilt of his head.
IIIIIII
Parting his eyelids, the man took in the one staring back at him and presently residing on top of his chest.
"What're you lookin' at?" Logan drew him in to kiss the top of his head. "Hm?"
Kayla smiled from where she laid beside them in Cody's bed. "Here I thought you two would never get up. How's he doing?"
Pressing lips to the infant's forehead, Logan stated, "Fever's long gone." Arms around Todd, he sat up with him. "Breathin' is just about normal again, too."
"Oh, that's wonderful." Kayla touched a hand to her son's back. "I know Mira's been missing her twin. Though I have to admit, it's been nice seeing Todd and Cody together so much."
"You ain't lyin'," Logan concurred.
A rhythmic knock came to the door followed by, "Hey, Happy Howletts?"
"Get in here, Marlon Blondo," Logan invited.
Alex entered fully. "Sorry to interrupt, but has Leon been home today?"
Kayla shook her head. "I was awake most of the day and downstairs a few times. I didn't see him once."
Logan asked, "He ain't cut out on school, did he?"
"He did," Alex confirmed grimly. "Should've figured something was up when he didn't want to go with me to drop off the shrimptoids. None of the kids at school know anything, either."
Kayla suggested, "He probably had something to deal with. You know how personal things can get for him."
Alex nodded. "I just hope he gets his butt home soon. Before our dad gets back to annihilate him."
IIIIIII
At the feminine footsteps behind him, Leon ceased pacing outside the rundown building and turn around. The girl in greet coat approached with warm cup extended.
"I brought you some coffee."
Leon took it with a short sip. "Thanks."
Maya then asked, "You doing okay out here?"
Leon shrugged one shoulder. "No dishonor in guard duty."
"The lady who runs the place is just really cautious is all," Maya told him. "I still think it's so cool what they do. All these people with nowhere—"
"Aren't enough to distract me from the reason why I'm here," Leon cut it sharply. "I hear you're Melissa's new running pal. Gone on any neat medicinal heists lately?"
Sighing deeply, Maya ran a tired hand through her hair. "What do you want me to say? Phony prescriptions are harder for some of us to come by." As soon as the words left her mouth and she saw his face, she regretted them. "Leon, I'm sorry. That wasn't- that wasn't fair."
Leon said, "This is not about morality, Maya. This is about you all of a sudden behaving recklessly. What if something had happened to you? Do you understand the kind of trouble you could have gotten into for robbing a pharmacy? They could've even called it drug pushing."
"The people down there needed medicine and supplies," Maya urged. "This wasn't some fun lark we went on. You think breaking chains or providing shelter for runaway slaves was legal hardly a hundred years ago? No, but they were willing to take the risk."
"Maya, stop with the revolutionary bit," Leon dismissed. "Look, it's admirable- I fully admit that- but we both know what Erik and Charles would have to say. Let's not forget Wolverine."
Tugging at her hair in exasperation, Maya wanted to know, "Why are you giving me such a hard time about this? This isn't like you."
"Because I love you, Maya," he practically spat, startling her. "Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to formulate those words with a straight face? Do you know how foreign that feeling is to me? Whether I like it or not, that's where we are. I feel the same for Sean with his random acts of absurd stupidity. If that makes me a supreme hypocrite for coming down on you then fine. Because I am sick of having no say in losing people for dumb reasons."
Eyes forming a thick gloss, Maya leapt to meet him in a hug. "I love you, too, Leon. I'm sorry."
Arriving top side, Melissa paused at the building's narrow entryway. She quietly observed the pair outside.
IIIIIII
With an additional pinch of salt, she lowered the temperature on the stovetop and walked over to the refrigerator. Retrieving the armload of fresh vegetables, she shut the ice box door with one swing of her hip.
Depositing her goods onto the table, Angel looked to the one who sat upright in the custom-built by Logan baby lounger. "And now we're putting together a salad supreme." She picked up the knife to begin cutting. "You know you need a little balance next to the pork chops and macaroni and cheese. That's one of our many lady problems. Enjoying your food while factoring in that figure. Not that you have to worry about that," Angel leaned in to tickle her stomach with her nose, "my sweet little heart-stripe."
Mira let off a happy gurgle.
At Trav rushing in at top speed, Angel requested, "Baby, don't run in here. You're going to hurt yourself."
"Sorry, Angie." The little boy slowed down long enough to leave the kitchen.
As soon as he picked up momentum again he found himself hoisted up into his uncle's arms. "You trying to crack your noggin or something, genius boy?"
"Hmmm?" Trav looked thoughtful then playfully tapped foreheads with him.
With a smile, Alex threw him over his shoulder. "Come on. Let's toss the ball around until it's time to eat."
"Yeah!" Trav reacted favorably.
Heading for the backyard, Alex knew the energy burning would also be a big help at bedtime that night.
IIIIIII
So engrossed in the book they currently shared, Maya almost missed the nurse coming into the room.
"Right this way, sir," the woman directed.
Maya stood up right away. "Oh, your new doctor's here, Tricie."
"Well, hello." The beaming man in white coat over full dress suit strolled in.
A jackhammer ignited in Maya's chest as she lost her breath. "Owen Ignacio." She backed away one pace, causing the water glass on the night table to fall and shatter against the floor.
Tricie glanced over in surprise. "What's wrong, Maya?"
Raising an eyebrow, the doctor also regarded her peculiarly. "Is everything alright, my dear? I don't believe we've met."
Finding her voice, Maya put on a smile. "I'm… I'm Tricie's caretaker while her mother is away. My name is, um, Maya," she got it out in hardly a mumble, "I- I've seen you on television."
"So that's it," Ignacio comprehended. "You're concerned about my past legal trouble. Well, I assure you. As the courts rightfully decided, that whole thing was a gross misunderstanding. I want nothing more than to put it all behind me and do good," he walked over, cupping Tricie's cheek, "where I'm needed."
Maya had to resist all urges to leap over and tackle him away from her. "So you're Tricie's new physician. I'm glad she's receiving the best."
"Thank you," he replied. "I wanted to be here personally for her transport."
"Transport?" Maya echoed.
"Yes, we're moving her to a far superior facility." He smiled down at Tricie. "Your mother's awaiting you there."
"Oh good," Tricie said with relief.
Certain that her heart would soon separate from her chest, Maya put forth, "I have to go with you." She then explained carefully, "Tricie's breathing troubles are partly linked to stress and having me around helps subside it."
"Yes, of course," Ignacio nodded. "You're welcome to join us, dear."
"Thank you," Maya said brightly. "Just give us a moment so that I can help Tricie dress. Then I only need to put in a phone call to my older sister to let her know I'll be late tonight."
"Very well." Ignacio walked out with the nurse.
II
When she found herself no longer alone in the eatery, Melissa asked without looking up from the stove, "You know your way around the kitchen or are you one of those PB and J sandwich guys?"
"I'm a college sophomore surrounded by women who specialize in gourmet," Leon stated.
Answer received, Melissa said, "Just as I thought." To the ringing telephone, she instructed, "See if you can handle that."
"I'll do my best." Leon answered with a short, "Hello?" He frowned a little. "Maya? What's the matter?"
Melissa took in the swelling in his eyes and immediately turned off the stove. "What's going on?"
"What? You're kidding me." Leon listened for a few seconds. "Right, understood. Don't worry. We'll be right behind you. Keep your cool." He hung up the receiver.
"What's going on?" Melissa repeated. "Is Maya okay?"
"Grab your keys. We have to move." Leon marched out with that.
II
Hand in hand with Tricie, Maya tried not to let her nerves show nor allow eyes to linger on the pair of male escorts that sandwiched them. Making it out to the white van, Ignacio got the back doors open then held out cordial arms for the females to step up ahead of them. Maya helped Tricie up and sat with her at the furthest corner of the van. Ignacio settled across from them while the men with rifles stayed in place closest to the doors.
"As safe as this feels," Maya spoke after a moment, "it seems a little extreme just to transfer hospitals."
"We can never be too careful." Ignacio eyed Tricie. "Especially with this young lady's unique circumstances."
Gazing about the mostly dark interior of the van, Tricie held on as tightly to Maya as she could. Keeping a firm grasp on her, the teenager used one hand to pat the spot underneath her coat that contained her taser.
The moment she spotted the unusually unmarked vehicle leaving the hospital, Melissa took off after it. She stayed in tune with it while attempting to keep a reasonable distance between them.
"I still say we need to call in my team," Melissa insisted. "Finally nail this guy."
"We have no time for that," Leon reminded from the passenger seat. "Besides, you know Estevan wants his head. That could harm Tricie in the process. You saw what he did to our house."
Melissa's eyes developed a darker brown. "He has legitimate reasons behind his actions. He's not some rampaging monster."
"And I don't care to argue that point," Leon said. "At least not right now."
Melissa put forth, "I wonder why Maya didn't say anything about this kid being a mutant."
Leon stated, "Maya's better at keeping secrets than she thinks."
IIIIIII
When the drive took over an hour and a half's time, Maya knew they had ventured beyond the outskirts of Buffalo. Her suspicions received confirmation as they were escorted out. The white building before them had much more in common with a corrections center than any hospital she had ever behold. After punching in a code on the keypad to allow them access, Ignacio led the way. Holding onto Tricie, Maya went next while the guards came up behind them.
Experiencing a shiver at the less than inviting interior, Tricie asked, "Where's Mommy?"
"Still not feeling well I'm afraid," Ignacio reported. "Don't worry. You'll see each other before long. Gentlemen, please take Patricia to her quarters while I show Maya around."
"Wait a minute," Maya started to protest.
"Do not worry," Ignacio tapped her shoulder in a display of comfort, "She'll be just fine. Besides," he spoke more covertly, "you and I have to talk."
Maya nodded and walked through the facility with him. "Are Tricie and Dana going to be okay?"
"There's something you must know." Ignacio paused to turn and face her. "As much as it troubles me to admit this, Mrs. Vogel simply could not take the stress and strain of raising a child with Patricia's particular problems. She signed her over to our care long-term."
"What?" Maya breathed. "That can't be. Dana is completely devoted to Tricie."
"I'm afraid it is true," Ignacio said forlornly. "I've seen this happen with parents before. The pressure builds and they decide they can no longer handle it. Unfortunately, even mothers are only human. Mine definitely was."
Maya asked, "What did you mean by particular problems?"
"I don't know if you are aware of this," Ignacio began, "but according to her blood results, Patricia is no ordinary little girl. In fact, she's not even entirely human."
"Excuse me, Doctor, but that is ridiculous," Maya dismissed sincerely.
Ignacio shook his head. "So young. Come with me." Unsure as to what to do now, Maya started walking with him again. "You mentioned in the van about being interested in studying nursing yourself."
"Yes, very much."
"This could be an excellent opportunity for you. If I like what I see in you, I'll allow you to intern here. You'll be able to spend time with Patricia; keep her calm during the testing. It's all for her greater interest."
Maya said somewhat distractedly, "I would love that. Thank you."
Arriving outside one room, Ignacio excused himself with, "Pardon me a moment," before slipping into the closed off space.
Maya lowered to the bench outside the room. Hearing something, she shot her head up to see a gurney being wheeled through at a rapid pace. She followed the two people in scrubs carting it along around the corner and through a pair of doors.
Drumming fingers along her knees, Maya finally jumped up and made her way through the swinging doors. Not seeing anyone present she continued through the better lit hallway. At further hullabaloo, she maneuvered her small frame behind a tall shelf of medical magazines. She watched the two from before exit one room at the end of the hall until they again left her sight.
Dashing out from the shelf, Maya headed the way they came from. Soon enough, her adrenaline faded as the smell attacked her nostrils with full force. Managing to get the door open, she found herself within an all too familiar space; a morgue. She counted a least two dozen containers along the wall.
As soon as she noticed one set of initials, she felt her heart slow. Reaching forward with a shaky hand, she pulled out the drawer. Releasing a disgusted shriek, she almost fell back at the pale motionless form and dim eyes shooting out at her. She then gasped at the noise she heard next.
Leon's body rematerialized before her. "Maya." She practically collapsed into his arms. "Wh—" Holding her close, he saw the body. "Who is that?"
Once her voice returned, she uttered, "Tricie's mom." She gazed up in panic. "They killed her, Leon. They're going to kill Tricie."
"No," he said firmly. "We're getting out of here."
"Tricie…"
"Melissa is trailing them now." Leon gathered the distraught Maya and carried her away from the room. "We had to abandon her car and continue after you on foot."
Maya wound frantic arms around his neck, experiencing a surge of nausea throughout her stomach.
II
Despite the thick red sweater she wore, the thin eight-year-old frame experienced continuous shivers. Seated on the exam table, she wished for either Maya or her mother, preferably both, to join her in the room instead of the tall guard who appeared as if he had never formed a smile in his life.
At the abrupt commotion beyond the door, the guard raised a hand. "It's alright. Stay put." Before he could move, the door opened and in walked a rifle carrying Melissa.
"Okay, here are your options," she informed. "Either back down or join your buddy out there."
He glanced out to see the other guard clutching his lower body on the floor.
When his finger worked towards the trigger, Melissa said, "Bad call," and vanished.
Tricie covered her mouth in awe at the sight.
Melissa reappeared behind him and bashed him upside the back of the head. The butt of the gun broke off and the pieces went straight to the floor along with the guard.
Glancing over, Melissa determined, "Tricie, right?" Unsure of what to say, the girl nodded hard. "Maya's told me all about you. Come on." She walked over, holding arm arms out. "Let's get both of you out of here."
Smiling, Tricie went right into her hold.
Child secured, Melissa raced out into the hall. Back on the lower entry level, it did not take long for them to happen upon the other pair.
"We have to get out of here," Melissa urged. "You know there's more goons where these guys came from."
"I don't think that's going to be possible." The young people all looked to see Ignacio standing mere feet away from them. "You're all so photogenic. I caught you on camera. So," he slowly approached, "more mutants, hm? Well, that's—" As if slipping on an unseen banana peel, he promptly fell back.
Tricie lowered her arm. "I don't like that doctor."
Beaming, Melissa commended, "Way to go, honey."
"Speaking of going…" Still holding onto Maya, Leon gestured with his head for them to move first.
Melissa took off with Tricie and Leon followed at an equal pace.
Reaching the exit, it did not surprise any of them to discover it sealed. When Melissa put Tricie down, Leon touched the child's shoulder and shifted himself along with the two younger girls through the doors. Melissa immediately imitated the act with her own powers.
"Wait, wait," Tricie said when they made it out. "My mom!"
"Tricie, listen to me. We have to go," Maya emphasized, "now!"
With no further conversation, Leon scooped up Tricie and ran with the females into the thick of trees.
IIIIIII
"Yes!" Sean uttered triumphantly upon entering the mansion. "Home at last."
"Seanie, please keep it down," Emma said, a sleeping Brian in her arms.
"Sorry, Mom," he whispered.
Raven kissed a drowsy Kiki's cheek. "We better get them to bed and check on Trav."
Hank nodded his agreement and followed his wife, Emma, Cordelia, and Sean up the stairs.
I'll be right along, Charles sent to Emma's mind.
The Headmasters walked and talked about Lyle Larson on route to the parlor. They made it into the space, discovering Angel cradling Mira on one of the couches.
"Angel darling," Charles came towards them, "you're still up?"
"I can't exactly sleep so I'm helping Kayla out," the girl explained. "I'm so glad you're home."
Erik detected something there. "Angel? Is everything alright?"
Angel shook her head. "It's Leon. Alex, Victor, and Logan are out looking for him. No one's seen him since this morning."
Erik stood in complete disbelief. "What?"
"My God," Charles reacted. "What could have happened to make him disappear this way?"
Angel replied honestly, "We have no idea."