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.

218. Chapter 218 Recovery?

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Eighteen

Author's Word: Hi, fam. Thanks as ever for that great last round of feedback. Now as ever, please enjoy and review!

With only the moon seeping in through the blinds, the minimal illumination created a silver effect across the paled face in the bed. Standing alongside the mattress, Sean regarded her as if Snow White in the flesh. Not wanting to wake her for even a moment, he bent and left his kiss on her forehead. Taking her hand into his for a few seconds, he at last took his leave and closed the door softly after himself.

The redhead made it down to the parlor, where Emma, Raven, and Cordelia lined one loveseat. Across from them sat Angel, Hank, and Alex. The Brothers Howlett-Creed lingered near the fireplace. Easing himself onto the sofa arm closest to Angel, Sean assumed Kayla to still be upstairs seeing about her children.

The gathered had very little time to wait as the Headmasters made their presence known in the space. Out of their X-Men uniforms, they wore suits and trench coats more fitting for Charles and Erik over Professor X and Magneto.

Though all gazed their way, Emma spoke first with, "Were you successful?"

Erik responded with a dry, "Depending on your definition of that."

"I was able to mentally influence the hospital staff," Charles further clarified. "They fully believe we found her that way."

Raven shook her head. "Another one we can't bury." At the look that appeared on Alex's face at the supremely thin mention of Darwin, the shape-shifter promptly regretted her words.

Angel also shifted in her seat uncomfortably.

Erik moved things to the next major subject at hand. "How are the others?"

Hank picked up that explanation. "Melissa, Brenda, and Leon are resting. Kayla succeeded in reversing some of the damage caused by the gunshot wound, but Leon still has some healing time ahead."

Alex muttered, "Small favors I guess."

"Brenda is greatly undernourished," Hank went on. "She's on an IV now to help with the dehydration. Melissa doesn't seem to have any serious physical side effects, but I convinced Estevan to leave her here so that I can monitor whatever this testing may have done to her. As for Maya," the young doctor's face grimaced, "Emma managed to get her to sleep."

Sean wanted to know, "What's going to happen to her now?"

Hank said, "As far as I can tell, some sort of transference has taken place. As she passed, Tricie essentially gave her powers to Maya."

Cordelia shook her head in confusion. "How is that even possible?"

Hank told the room, "It's very similar to Kayla sharing her healing ability."

"Yeah," Logan piped up, "except that don't always end the way we want it to. What's this goin' to do to Smiley?"

"If the effects were fatal, I'm sure it would have happened at the moment of transference," Hank reasoned. "There's a lot going into this. On a biological level, Tricie and Maya appear related so Maya, despite the absence of the X gene, may have the DNA coding necessary for replication."

"Not only that," Charles spoke next, "but if this is a form of telekinesis, Maya very likely has the mental capacity necessary for it. I cannot begin to emphasize how much more we have to learn about mutation."

"Such mysteries will not be solved tonight." Emma got to her feet. "We should all try to get some rest."

Cordelia stood as well, eyeing her sister. "Like that's going to happen?" She turned to head out with the others nonetheless.

"Angel?" Erik's petition caused the girl to pause in the doorway. "You acted well in our absence."

Charles added, "We're very proud of you, darling."

Having to squeeze a portion of the wooden frame to keep her initial emotions at bay, the girl whispered, "Thank you," and continued out.

Remaining in silence while they removed their coats, the Headmasters settled into their chess chairs. Though any such games remained the furthest things from their minds.

"So small," Erik positioned his arms as if he still carried her, "I understand Raven's feelings, but how can anyone bear placing one so delicate, innocent into the ground?"

Charles bowed his head deeply. "This is it, Erik. All the proof the Acolytes ever needed. Estevan will do whatever it takes to hunt down Ignacio. And the worst part of it all is…"

Erik picked up on his pause. "Charles?"

The younger man continued, "I have no words left to stop him."

IIIIIII

Eyes hardly opened by a smidge, the brown orbs still fully made out the large figure hovering over her. The eyelids tore apart completely as the body belonging to them sprang to life with fury.

"Get off me!" She flung out the pillows and any nearby medical equipment. "Get away! Get off!"

While Hank ducked, Kayla dashed over to contain the younger woman's arms. "Melissa, Melissa! Stop." She stroked the calming vessel's hair. "It's only us. Estevan left you with us for medical care."

Heart beating rapidly, Melissa returned to earth and recognized the face at her side. "Mrs. Howlett?" At Kayla's encouraging nod, Melissa eased comfortably into her arms.

Kayla formed a small smile and held her closely.

"I apologize." Hank slowly came near. "I didn't mean to startle you that way."

"It's not your fault," Melissa told him. "Just… men on top of me don't normally have my best interests at heart."

With an understanding nod, Hank said, "I feel the need to apologize for that as well."

"Leon," Melissa glanced around anxiously, "Brenda. Where are they?"

"Both upstairs," Kayla responded. "We situated Brenda in a guest room on the second floor. It's probably best she not see a medical setting for some time. Maya is doing fine as well."

"But the little girl?..." The looks that appeared on both their faces gave Melissa no need for further confirmation.

"If you wish to change, we left some clothes out." Hank indicated the neatly folded articles. "Please excuse me."

When he departed, Kayla also stood. "Do you want me to leave, too?"

Melissa shook her head, leafing through the clothes. "You're fine."

"Do you want me to show you the showers?"

With a nod, Melissa followed her out of the infirmary.

II

Despite the lack of light, Becky made out both the one stretched out in the bed and the other currently upright in the chair beside him.

"Sweet Imp," Erik acknowledged. Becky went to him, climbing into his lap. "It's far too early for you to be awake."

She told him, "I keep hearing awful things every time I try to sleep. I've been getting flashes, too."

Erik held her closer, running a hand through her curls. "It's alright, ladybug. I'm here."

Becky left her ear against his heartbeat. "Papa, you're not only sad about Leon, are you?"

Erik rested his chin in her hair. "We lost a little girl tonight, sweetheart. Not much younger than you are."

"Oh no," Becky reacted. "What happened?"

"She was… she was very sick."

"What's her name?"

"Patricia Vogel," Erik recalled. "Tricie." He zeroed in on the one in the doorway. "Melissa?"

Clad in dark pants and a violet top with hair still damp, she backed away. "Sorry. I just wanted to see…"

"It's fine," Erik assured, gesturing his hand towards Leon. "I'm sure he'll be glad to know you were concerned."

Before Melissa could step one foot forward, the penetrating scream made her race the other direction. "Maya!"

Standing Becky, Erik shot up next.

Every detached piece of furniture in the room clattered like nervous teeth while the smaller objects developed life and flew every possible angle.

Panting from her bed, Maya backed up against her headboard in complete terror.

As soon as Erik forced the door open with his powers, Melissa ran in. "Maya?"

Maya screamed again and bobbed her head as everything at last collapsed to the floor.

Erik raced in to gather the shaking girl into his arms. Sean came in next while other members of the house filed outside the room.

Peering outside of her current quarters, Brenda wanted to know, "What's going on?"

Angel looked over and walked towards her. "It's okay, babe."

Brenda asked nervously, "Why is she screaming?"

Recognizing her, Melissa came over. "Hey," she shared an embrace with her, "it's okay now."

"Melissa," Brenda smiled sincerely.

"My name's Angel," the other girl introduced, gently touching Brenda's arm. "You shouldn't be alone. Want to come lay down in my room?"

Brenda eyed Melissa, who nodded. Then taking hands with Angel, they walked together.

IIIIIII

In his red velvet robe, Fabian made his way into the main sitting room of the manor where the elder Cortez remained stationed by the wide picture window.

"Papi, you must rest," the boy urged him. "You're only going to make yourself sick."

"I am already sick, mijito." Estevan moved to face him. "Two children died. It very easily could have been one of you in their place."

Fabian nodded solemnly. "I know, Father. The images won't leave me be, either."

Hearing a familiar car, Estevan glanced out the window again. "Well, well, well. Seems the garbage men are a tad early."

Strolling in through the front way with a whistle on his lips, Jimmy flashed a smile Fabian's way. "Past your bedtime, Fabu?" All good humor left him as he felt a tremor under his feet and found himself pinned with his back against the floor. "What the hell?"

"Where were you?" Estevan positioned the younger male's arms to keep him from seeking help from his mutation.

"You better get the fuck off me!" Jim demanded.

"Where were you when we needed you?" Estevan seethed. "Where were you when they forced Melissa down and locked her in a cage?"

Jim went still at that for several seconds. "… What? Is she?"

"Alive," Fabian piped up. "No thanks to you."

Jim shook his head in disbelief. "I didn't- I didn't know."

"And you didn't care." Estevan stood from over him. "It is by your choosing that you disappear for days at a time with no way for us to reach you. I will not stop you from doing so. But know this, if you fail to live up to your usefulness, you can return to living as common street filth wondering when the police will finally catch up to you. Then you'll know firsthand what it's like inside a cage."

Stepping over him, Estevan took Fabian's arm and started upstairs.

Remaining in stunned place, Jim could only face the ceiling without any further movements.

IIIIIII

Returning to their suite, Hank reported to the one in the bed, "I just checked on Kiki and Trav." He sat beside her. "Did you get any sleep at all?"

"Sleep?" Raven echoed distantly. "Who needs that? No, I'm getting used to the gentle humming in my ears; the burning in my eyeballs."

Hank stroked her scale covered arm. "Burning eyeballs tend not to be the best of signs."

"Better from exhaustion than crying," Raven stated. "I've had to resist the urge all night. Once I start, we'll need those magic Mickey Mouse buckets."

Hank lowered his head to kiss her. "Cry if you must. Leave bucket duty to me."

"Before or after you repaint the place next?" she responded glibly. "Hank, you are working around the clock for the others. You're going to pass out."

Hank shook his head at that. "I'm used to it by now."

"How exactly is that reassuring? Come on," Raven fluffed the pillow on his side of the bed, "lay down." At his clear hesitation, she bargained, "Just for an hour… or three. I'll wake you when we need you. Promise."

At last giving in, Hank laid out beside her in lab coat and all.

II

Black gloves blurring before him due to their rapid motion and general area blending into a swirl, Alex delivered one more merciless punch to the helpless dangling bag. He dropped down to the mats beneath him, gasping for air with entire form coated in sweat. He reacted to the bottle of water that rolled his way.

Victor approached him. "Thought I heard you in here."

"Like anything gets by you." Removing one glove, Alex picked up the water, "Thanks," and promptly started chugging.

"Feelin' any better?"

"Oh yeah, loads." Alex sat up on one mat. "I'm just trying to figure out why we aren't going after these guys with both barrels loaded."

"Because goin' in head first like that," Victor settled down onto a bench, facing him, "usually results in you gettin' your ass handed to ya. Not to mention a whole lot of other casualties."

Alex dismissed, "I don't really care about that right now."

"I feel what you're feelin', Lex."

"Really? Anybody ever shoot your brother?" Victor's expression did not change as Alex immediately bit down on his lip. "Yeah, that may have been the single dumbest thing I've ever asked."

"Eh, give it time," Victor waved off. "You'll ask a lot dumber." Walking over, he helped him to his feet. "You got enough juice left in ya to hold onto this thing for me?"

Alex nodded then remembered, "Here," and handed over his gloves.

"Look at you," Victor examined the gloves, "itty bitty hands."

Alex shot him a mock glare as he readied the bag for him.

II

Baby who currently found her long blonde hair so fascinating taking over the bulk of her attention, Emma hardly reacted to the soothing hand that came down on her shoulder.

How is he?

Emma kissed Brian's head. Not near the level of fussiness I've felt throughout the rest of the house.

Charles' squatted by the rocking chair to look into their son's face. So much devastation in only a day's time. And only after our grand remodeling project.

We'll simply rebuild again. And again, Emma brought Brian up to her shoulder so he could spit up on the towel there, and again if we must.

Even with all the untold loss and pain in all areas, Charles took her by the hand, I can't help feeling like such a spoiled man. Thank you for everything, love.

None of it comes close to repaying the debt of gratitude I owe to you, sugar. Emma closed her eyes as she pressed her head against Brian's.

II

Immediately recognizing the stubble that tickled his cheeks, the little boy let off a giggle in his sleep. "Daddy…"

"Top of the mornin', Cat-Cat."

Cody opened his eyes fully and touched both sides of his father's face. "You're home."

"Yeah, we snuck in." Logan joined noses with him. "You took care of your brother?"

"Sure did."

"Thought so. Were you boys good?"

Cody scoffed. "Heck no."

"Yep," Logan nipped playfully at his neck, "that's my boys."

"Mama," Cody recognized next.

Peering into her oldest son's bedroom, Kayla inquired, "Has anyone seen Maya?"

II

Clicking off the boiling water, the teenage girl walked to the counter to prepare the tea service. Pushing some hair behind one ear, she took notice of the silver band on one of her fingers. Standing in perfect place, her mind traveled an untold distance back.

Running two bitty fingers over the stones of clear and crimson, the little girl wondered, "Who gave you that?"

With a smile, Maya touched it. "My boyfriend. It's a promise ring."

"Ohhh." Tricie then had to wonder, "What does that mean?"

"It's a really special promise between the two of us. To be each other's one and only forever. And an even bigger promise to wait for that. However long it takes."

Tricie smiled back at her dreamily. "That sounds so nice. I hope I get one of those someday."

"I'm sure you will."

Slow tears rolling down her cheeks, Maya hardly had time to react as the numerous odds and ends inside the eatery launched at once.

"Smiley?"

"No!" she gasped. "Cody!"

The energetic boy bounced in and Logan had to move quickly to shield him from the pot loaded with hot water. The Veteran hardly acknowledged the singe himself.

"Oh, my God…" The materials dropped as Maya shook her head in dismay. "Cody… Cody!" She dropped to her knees to hug him around the neck.

He gripped her right back. "It's okay, Smiley. Look, I'm alright."

Kayla intervened with, "He's fine, sweetheart. Calm down now."

Standing slowly, Maya looked to Logan with glistening eyes. "I just wanted to make your tea…"

Logan reached out for her. "Smiley…"

"No! Stay away from me!" She fled the kitchen.

Outstretching his arms, the unsuspecting redhead in the main level hall caught up to her. "Maya. What's going on?" He seized hold of her. "What's wrong?"

"Sean, stop!" Maya belted out, squirming with great vigor. "Stay away! Let go!"

Shaking his head hard, Sean only pulled her to his front. "I'm not afraid."

"Let go!"

"No! I won't," his voice softened, "no matter what."

"He's right, gorge." Raven came down the stairs with Hank right behind her.

"You didn't run from us," the scientist reminded. "Do you really think we're going to leave you now?"

Completely shaken, Maya leaned her head forward to sob into Sean's shirt.

IIIIIII

The next time the girl opened her eyes she noticed the wet towel folded over onto her forehead and her upper body resting in Raven's lap on the sofa in Charles' office. The Headmasters, Hank, Logan, Kayla, Emma, and Victor also remained nearby.

Charles put on a small smile for her. "Any better now?"

Maya nodded a little, reaching out to join hands with Raven.

"Maya," Emma came closer, "we know a lot has happened, but as soon as possible we need to start on helping you control your new gift."

Maya immediately frowned. "Gift? What gift? That's what you all have. These powers aren't mine. They're Tricie's."

"She transferred them over to you," Hank emphasized. "Don't you think there is a reason for that? She trusted you, Maya."

Raven played in her hair. "She loved you, gorge."

"I know what you're feeling, Maya," Erik spoke. "The constant moving objects. My own being limited to metals never gave me any favors. I can help you understand it and ultimately control it."

"We all can," Charles seconded.

"I…" Maya sat up a little. "I can't. I can't do anything right now. I…"

Before another surge could take place, Kayla stepped forward. "And you don't have to do anything right now." She held a hand out. "Come on. Let's get you back upstairs."

Managing to get to her feet, Maya linked up with her.

Logan followed after the departing two.

Victor shook his head. "Y'know this won't to be easy on her. Forget everythin' else for five minutes. We're talkin' about developin' powers this late in the game."

"He's right," Hank agreed. "Those of us not born with ours developed them at an early age. This is going to be a whole other transition."

Charles nodded. "All we can do for her is… everything we're capable."

II

While Angel applied some silvery shadow to the right eyelid, Cordelia asked, "Did you manage to get back to sleep?"

Brenda nodded carefully. "A little. These have to be the softest beds I have ever felt."

"I swear, right?" Angel concurred with a knowing smile.

Brenda ran a hand along the numerous pieces laid out on the bed. "Your clothes are amazing, Angel."

"Pick out whatever you want," Angel offered. "I have enough to go around, believe me."

"But first," Cordelia showed her the pair of bottles, "pick your polish." Brenda pointed out the white one. "Wise choice."

Angel started combing through the shoulder length hair, unable to hide her frown at the numerous loose strands that came out.

Brenda noticed her face in the vanity. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Angel put another smile in place. "I just can't wait for the others to see you."

Cordelia made ginger work of adding the nail polish. "Time to blow their socks off."

II

As soon as the brown eyes made an appearance, they had a pair of green orbs belonging to a round face to gaze back at.

"Good morning," Becky greeted brightly.

Leon left a hand at the back of her hair, simply studying her for a moment. "Even after everything that happened, I would go through these last couple days all over again. So long as it means waking up to you here."

Smiling immensely, Becky lowered to cuddle against his side. "I was so worried about you."

"I know how you feel, Curls." With a tap of a knock on the ajar door, Sean entered. "Great timing. Pretty sure I smell Uncle Erik's latkes downstairs."

Becky declared, "I'm going to get you some," to Leon and hopped down.

"I'm unworthy, Pretty Eyes," he said after her.

Sean flicked at her curls as she passed him. "So let me get this straight." Going over, he joined the injured one in the bed. "You were all worried about me getting into trouble in Boston, only for me to come home to find out you'd snuck out, joined up with Maya and Melissa Vitus- somehow, got shot, captured, and still managed to hold your own until we showed up."

Leon brought up, "Did I forget to mention the sneaking involved secretly boarding a 747?"

Sean gaped at him. "Okay, you're either a way badder boy than I am or a much better one than I could ever hope to be."

"Let's split the take and call it even," Leon suggested, eyes growing solemn. "How's Maya?"

Sean lost his humor as well. "She's crushed about Tricie. Not that I blame her. She really loved that little girl, Lee. It's so hard to believe that the X-Men can stop supremely powerful mutants and pull off major rescue missions, but none of us could do a thing to keep her alive."

Leon quieted until he mentioned, "Maya called looking for you, but you were still in Boston. She wouldn't tell me anything, so I went looking for answers."

Sean tugged on the older teen's t-shirt. "I was up all night thinking about what could have happened if you and Melissa hadn't been there. Before yesterday, Maya was a regular human. You know they wouldn't have thought twice about getting rid of her."

Leon concurred with a soft, "I know."

II

Arms crossed, Emma put forth what seemed to flutter throughout all of their minds. "We have to decide how to proceed with Ignacio. He cannot be allowed to get away with this."

"The problem is that he is not the only one out there," Erik brought up. "What are you willing to wager that Lyle Larson is not conducting the same practices out in Boston? Not to mention the other facilities scattered throughout different states that Steve told us about."

Poking her head into Charles' study, Cordelia's beaming countenance received the attention of the extremely somber adults. "Sorry to interrupt this gathering of the grown-ups, but you should know we have a total knock-out among us." She scampered inside to make room.

Entering ahead, Angel held onto the hand of the other girl. "Tada." She helped Brenda pull off a small twirl. "What do you think?"

The newly discovered mutant, now in blue jeans and a pink and white striped sweater with white headband in her hair, waited silently for their reaction.

Victor gave off a shake of his head. "Well, here's another one we can never let out of the house."

"You look wonderful," Hank smiled.

"Beautiful," said Emma at the same time Charles commented, "Simply lovely, my dear."

Shooting up from the couch, Raven let off an enthusiastic whoop.

The building smile on Brenda immediately faded at the sight of the blue woman. "Y-you…"

When Raven's face promptly deflated, Hank stepped forward. "It's alright. She's my wife. I know it's difficult to understand, but mutants come in a variety of—"

"No, no. I didn't mean- it's just that…" Stepping off from Angel, Brenda came as near as she could to Raven. "You can't go outside. You can't. I knew a girl who looked like you. When they first brought me in. Her skin was something like yours, but she was yellow all over and they tested on her constantly. She didn't survive past her third day."

While expressions of horror crossed Angel and Cordelia's faces, the others looked on rigidly.

Putting on a smile, Raven took Brenda's hands and assured, "It's okay. You don't have to worry about me." She then changed over to her blonde form. "This is all they see when I'm in public."

Brenda regarded her in sheer awe. "Wow. How did you do that?"

Raven replied, "Been trying to figure that out for years now."

"You've nothing to worry about, Brenda." Erik placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, making her look up at him. "We will keep you safe here."

Charles stepped up as well. "Do you want us to telephone your parents?"

Brenda considered it then requested, "Could we wait? Just a little while. Please?"

"Absolutely," Erik responded. "Whenever you feel comfortable."

Emma asked, "Are you hungry?"

"We ate a little earlier," Brenda said of herself and the other girls, "but honestly? Yes, definitely."

"Come." Erik brought an arm around the ultra slim girl. "Have you ever had latkes before?"

"Oh yes," Brenda recalled, linking up with him as they walked. "My mom makes potato cakes at home sometimes. It feels like I haven't had any in forever."

As they went, Cordelia said humorously, "I don't remember getting treated this well when I came here."

Angel remarked in jest, "Girl, you know they don't love us. They just let us live."

"Be grateful for that," Erik called over his shoulder.

II

Hands going into her back pockets, the brown haired female lingered in the doorway before speaking. "So I see your fan club is finally giving you a breather. You're one popular guy."

Glancing up from his food tray, Leon stated, "Even after living here almost a year, that's still way too hard to believe."

"Tell me about it." Coming in, she sat near the edge of his bed facing him. She crossed her legs. "How are you feeling?"

"A lot of things. The weirdest part is being able to feel at all."

Melissa let off a slow nod to that. "What are you thinking?"

"About when I woke up in the infirmary here," Leon told her. "Before I knew I was a mutant. Before I had any idea what mutants are exactly. Maya walked in with breakfast for me. She had this unbelievable glow when she smiled. Any pain or loneliness she felt was pushed back; hers to control and turn off." Leon's irises darkened significantly. "I don't think that smile's ever coming back."

"You don't know that," Melissa reasoned. "She's already shown she can survive. She'll be herself again."

"She has to be better than I am, Melissa."

"No," Melissa countered firmly, "she has to be better than me." She eyed him closer. "There is nothing wrong with you, Leon. I don't care what anyone says to the contrary. Not even you."

Leon blinked steadily before settling on her in a mutual gaze.

II

Watching the magnificence of the front grounds from her perch point on a second floor balcony, Cordelia caught sight of the approaching pair. Transforming into gold, she flipped down to get in front of them.

"Hi." She returned to flesh form as she shared a hug with Fabian.

"We came to get Melissa," Jimmy informed.

Cordelia gestured with her head towards the inside. "I saw her go upstairs a little while ago."

Without another word, Jimmy headed in.

Cordelia faced Fabian fully. "Are you okay?"

"Sleep was a lost art last night," he told her. "My father is completely livid about all of this. Not to mention that what happened to that girl- girls- it brought up memories I don't care to revisit."

Cordelia nodded in understanding. "And it makes you worry about your sister. Probably your father, too."

"There really are times that I wish…" Turning, he walked off a few paces.

Cordelia followed his movements. "What?"

"That we could leave it all behind," Fabian admitted. "Try to be a- God forbid- regular family. Even though I know it'll never be as it was."

Taking his arm to hold close, Cordelia said, "I know exactly what you mean. Trying to find the light again after an unexpected dark spell."

Fabian moved to view her again. "But despite everything, it felt so good to fight alongside each other last night. You really are a marvel in the field."

Cordelia smiled at him cheerfully. "I don't think anything could replace that feeling."

"I would like to give it a try." Remaining still, Cordelia experienced the all too short-lived warmth as his lips brushed briefly across hers. He looked at her pleasantly. "Let's go."

With a nod, she went in with him.

II

Making it to the second floor of the Xavier mansion, Jimmy followed the sounds of conversation. He soon found himself outside of Leon's quarters, taking in the two so wrapped up in talk neither seemed to hear him.

"Missy," She glanced back at his voice, "the boss wants you back home."

Turning back to Leon, Melissa said, "I do have to head back."

Leon nodded. "Right."

Getting up, Melissa looked to Jimmy. "I want to see Brenda before I go."

II

Rocking back and forth on her toes, the anxious girl wanted to know, "Are you sure it's okay?"

"Yes," Angel repeated with a smile. "You don't have to worry, babe. We're safe here."

Looking over at Raven who stood nearby, Brenda felt reassured at the shape-shifter's nod.

She let off a breath. "Okay."

Clad in her X-Men uniform, Angel unleashed her wings. "But just to play it safe, let's keep low."

Nodding, Brenda waited for Angel to take to the air before she herself fluttered upward.

"Whoa." Raven watched the girl who seemed lighter than a feather take off.

With twin grins, Angel and Brenda soared twelve feet or so above ground. While her wings buzzed in rapid motion, Angel watched Brenda who seemed completely at one with the air.

"I can't believe this," Brenda beamed.

"Told you. Come this way." Making a sideways motion, Angel veered through a pair of trees.

Brenda went to follow her then stilled suddenly. "Ah- ahhh!" She grabbed hold of her lower abdomen.

Stopping instantly, Angel sped to grab hold of her before she could drop to the ground.

Seeing everything, Raven ran over while shouting, "Hank," into her communicator.

IIIIIII

When the retching noises at last became replaced by the toilet flushing, the gathering of Charles, Erik, Hank, Raven, Fabian, Cordelia, Jimmy, Melissa, and Angel waited. At last, Brenda emerged, one hand refusing to let go of her stomach.

To the mutants around her, she gave off a sincere, "I'm sorry."

"That was not your fault," Raven stated strongly.

"I should have known better," said Erik. "Allowing you to eat so much so soon could not have been good for you."

Hank gently took her by the wrist. "You should really lay down."

"No." Shaking her head with tears forming, Brenda took back her arm. "I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry that I didn't listen to my parents, that I let myself get taken to that place, that Melissa," her small frame began to shake, "that they were going to make Leon…"

The Japanese male in question arrived on the main level in his pajamas and robe. "What's going on?"

"Make Leon what, love?" Charles asked gently.

"Tell us," Erik urged.

Melissa piped up, "You don't have to."

Brenda slowly went on with, "She was going to let Leon… let Leon do it with her to keep Tyson off of me."

Cordelia placed a hand over her mouth to silence her gasp.

Angel laid palm over her chest.

Raven appeared ready to throw up now. "Oh, my God…"

Rage in his eyes, Jimmy turned around to shove Leon into the nearest wall. "Did you touch her? Did you fucking touch her?"

Summoning his magnetism, Erik flung Jimmy to the floor by his belt buckle. "If you wish to remain in possession of your hands, you will keep them to yourself."

"Jimmy, dammit!" Melissa hissed. "He didn't do anything to me, okay? I told him to, but he wouldn't."

In shock, Fabian reached out for her arm. "Missy…"

She turned to face him. "I'm fine, Fabi."

Erik went to Leon, gingerly taking him by the wrists. "He tried to force you to…?"

Leon bowed his head in a nod.

Erik's willpower came into play as he kept the metal around him from shaking violently.

Raven's arms immediately went around Brenda, who continued to cry.

IIIIIII

Moving to the opposite side of her bed, Maya's eyes opened to take in the one seated nearby.

"Wolverine?"

"Prince Charmin' was busy." Leaning over, Logan stroked some hair out of her face. "How's my girl doin'?"

Giving off a shake of her head, Maya proved uncertain as to how to answer that at first. "After all this time, I have what I wanted; Maya the mutant. Why do I feel completely sick inside?"

Transferring over to sit on the side of her bed, Logan said, "The things we want usually come with a hefty price tag attached. Not to mention blood and sweat on top of it. But me, Fox, and the others? We're goin' to see you through this. I promise you, Smiley."

Staring at nothing in particular on her wall, Maya suddenly found that name so unfamiliar.

II

Wound in a blanket on the sofa, Brenda reacted favorably when the den's owner returned.

"Here we are." Erik handed her the glass of ginger ale. "Drink it slowly now."

"Thank you so much." She started in on the cool drink with careful sips.

Sitting beside her, the metal wielder gave her his arm. "I know what you've been through, Brenda. Taken away from your home and brought into captivity. Your humanity disregarded as you're treated with less care than a guinea pig."

Brenda looked up at him. "Did they put you in containment, too?"

"Yes," the man answered, "but not for mutants. I lived with my parents in Poland during the war."

Realizing fully what he meant, the girl's eyes widened. "Oh God…"

Erik nodded once. "I saw girls there; children. Many thinner than you are."

Brenda extended a hand to touch his arm consolingly. "How did you survive that?"

"The same way you did," he said. "Whether we choose to believe it or not, there's a greater purpose at work for both of us."

"Brenda?" Joey petitioned, entering the Mag Cave with Becky. "We wanted to ask you something."

"Sure," Brenda turned to them, "what is it?"

"We know about Tricie," said Becky, "but we need the names of the other kids. The ones who didn't make it out."

Brenda wondered, "What for?"

Joey answered with, "So that nobody forgets them."

IIIIIII

Slightly startled from her thoughts at the knock, Melissa left the large window to go to her door. Undoing the various locks, she got it open to discover her leader on the other side.

"Oh, Estevan."

"Are you hungry?" he asked her. "That cleaning woman has nothing on your culinary talents, but I'm sure she can handle the basics."

Melissa smiled a bit. "Not right now."

As she moved back across the room, Estevan ventured inside. "Melissa- Missy, I cannot begin to describe the hole that would have been left here had anything happened to you. Though I could not prevent what happened, I can swear to you this. Owen Ignacio will know suffering a thousand times greater than what he's caused."

After a few more seconds of silence, Melissa spoke with, "Estevan? I know what little regard you carry for women and I completely understand why. When you've come to believe the worst in certain kinds of people…" She slowly glanced back at him. "How do you even begin to react when you witness the best in them?"

Estevan responded, "I wish I could tell you. I've been asking myself that for some time now. Ever since you joined our ranks."

Folding her arms, Melissa peered down at her area rug in ponder.

IIIIIII

Finished tying the last ribbon, Frank declared, "There," and stepped back, "that should do it."

"Here they come," Cody pointed.

Departing the house from the rear, Sean gripped Maya's hand as they made it across the yard to where the other X-Men awaited them.

Letting go of Sean, Maya spent nearly a full minute taking in the display. Almost every branch of the short, wide tree had been covered in a multitude of colorful ribbons in addition to other décor. What really drew her attention was the canvas at the base of the tree with the different names. Daring to extend her fingers, she traced the out the letters in Patricia.

Becky came over to her. "Even though we never met them, we want to remember her. And all the other kids, too."

Hand going to cover her mouth, Maya breathed, "Thank you."

Venturing away from where she stood between Angel and Cordelia, Brenda stood before her. "Thank you."

Maya bit back a sob as she joined hands with her.

They all remained in place, with gazes aimed at the tree while individual thoughts lingered elsewhere.