X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Twenty Seven

Author's Word: Okay, okay, I know I am being a major rat with these update speeds, but good news. I'm doing well in school and, more importantly, the anniversary of Rise or Fall is this Saturday. Four years, fam! I don't have words. Oh wait, of course I have words… which you'll see for the anniversary chapter. For now, please enjoy and review!

The widespread autumn decor that blanketed the outdoor property once used for the hours of imaginative play shared between him and his sister, appeared as if to blur before him. Before arriving at his front door, he had to grip one of his many lawn ornaments to steady himself. While he absorbed the breather, Charles got in a good look at the area around him, as if he had not truly beheld it in ages.

As usual, Logan kept the grounds in tip-top as well as beautiful shape. Besides keeping the leaves neatly swept and cleared, with the exception of a few side piles he saved for the children to romp in, Logan's green-thumb remained evident through the fall buds. Flowers consisting of bronze mums, scarlet pansies, golden rods, as well as the maple trees of violet and red echoed fruitful life across the gardens. Simply beholding it gave Charles what he needed for a second wind and he at last proceeded inside.

The tiny brown-eyed pixie descending the stairs to get to him only caused his spirit to soar to greater heights. "Hello, baby." When he knelt to bring her into his arms, it alarmed the man to see concern in the pretty brown orbs. "What in the world is wrong with my sweet girl? Trav not sharing the toys again?"

Kiki shook her head, taking one of his hands while continuing to hang onto her bear. "Auntie Emmie is sick."

"Sick?" Charles frowned, allowing the child to lead them upward.

Once they reached the master bedroom, the two walked in to see Emma laid out in bed and slightly propped by the pillows. Becky sat with back turned, chatting with her.

Emma smiled at her husband's presence. "Look who your cousin found."

Senses taking over, Becky glanced back delightedly. "Hi, Uncle Charles."

Charles brought Kiki to sit on the edge of the bed while he went to lean over his wife. "How are you feeling, darling? I hope you haven't picked up a touch of the flu."

"Oh nothing like that," Emma reassured. "Just some throbbing. Hank gave me a little tonic."

Becky piped up despondently, "It feels like my fault. I should've concentrated better at training."

"Rebecca, we have already been through that." Emma reached out to give the twelve-year-old's hand a firm squeeze that matched her tone. "You're not to blame at all. This has been building."

"For how long?" Charles wanted to know.

Growing sheepish, Emma replied faintly, "A week or so…"

"A week?" the male telepath echoed. "Sweetheart, why in the world didn't you say anything?"

"I have dealt with telepathic torment before," Emma stated. "I won't be the wife who nags you with every minor complaint after the loads you've taken on."

Sighing heavily, Charles sat on the side of the bed to face her. "I should have been home. The Triad hasn't had a proper training session in sometime."

Becky looked at him sympathetically. "We understand, Uncle Charles."

"Of course we do," Emma reiterated, patting his wrist. "You cannot be everywhere at once and these political functions are priority at the moment."

"Still," Charles vexed, "you're left to see to everything with the children's schools, the house, their homework, with the baby on top of it all—"

Emma cut into his tirade with, "As women have done throughout the ages. Please don't beat yourself up over this. I really am fine."

Kiki and Becky grinned at the short kiss they shared next.

Charles took the opportunity to cup her chin. "Do you need anything at all?"

"Yes," she replied, "for you to check on your children. Your brother got home about an hour ago and stole Brian."

"Cruel fiend." Charles left kisses on the little girls' heads and stood to go.

Crawling closer to Emma, Kiki handed the woman her pink clothed teddy bear.

II

Comparing a section of Leviticus from his text against the one from Sean's pocket Bible, Erik's attention drifted over to the one in a chair reading a comic book. That is, if having eyes on the pages but attention certainly elsewhere could be called reading.

"You're awfully quiet tonight, little boychick."

Peering over, Frank pointed out, "Leon's quiet."

Alex brought up, "Lee came out quiet. He was probably one of those babies you had to whack the crap out of at birth to get 'em talking."

Leon, who sat beside him on the couch, glanced up thoughtfully. "Actually, I think I was."

Shaking his head in silent humor over his boys, Erik ushered over the youngest. "I haven't heard you remark nastily on any of your teachers or one of the older students all day."

Frank came to sit in his lap. "School's okay. Just thinking about Collin. It feels like he's always on guard. He's always scared that he's going to tick Estevan off enough to get sent away from Max."

Alex remarked, "When we first got here, I'd have bet a cool million on getting the boot right out of here."

This seemed to catch Leon off-guard. "You?"

Frank looked his way sardonically. "Man, have you not lived here that long."

Stroking Frank's mid-back, Erik slipped into thought.

A knock vibrated from the metallic doors. "May I cross into the sanctum?"

"Charles cooties," Frank commented, nestling against Erik's neck.

"Hello, brother," the Poland native acknowledged.

Charles entered at that. "May I have my baby, please?"

Clearing his throat meaningfully, Erik tilted his head in the direction of the sofa.

Alex paused from rubbing his nose against Brian's stomach then looked up innocently. "There are two babies upstairs. Kayla might let you rent one for a full five minutes."

Leon flipped a page in his book. "Too many breakable creatures about this dwelling."

"Oh, my lamb." Charles came over to kneel near Brian, who waved at him excitedly. "I swear, one of these days I'm going to return to find you with a full beard."

"Excuse us, boys." Standing Frank up, Erik led Charles out into the hall for privacy's sake. "I'm sorry I had to miss today. How are we faring? Did you see your attorney at last?"

"Think nothing of it." To the rest, Charles formed a smile. "I believe this vote is going to sway in our favor. Trent also has a private investigator working on our side to gather more information about the containment facilities."

Erik's eyebrows leapt. "Good news? I don't think my heart was prepared for such a thing."

"So," Charles moved on, "how was your time at the Temple this afternoon?"

"Enlightening as ever," Erik replied. "Chad needs more help, specifically with food delivery to members of the congregation experiencing hardship. Then there is tomorrow's worship ceremony."

Charles looked curious. "Oh?"

"Yes, for the holiday season, the Braunsteins want to host several praise and worship sessions. Unified prayer for the upcoming year, considering the difficulties of this one."

"Are you going to attend?"

Erik released a small sigh. "I've considered it, even bringing Maya along. But as of now, you need me—"

"To take a moment's time to focus on your spirit," Charles interjected. "Erik, you should go tomorrow. Take Maya. It could benefit not only the congregation, but yourselves as well."

Erik studied his features closely. "Are you sure?"

"Brother," Charles poked him playfully in the shoulder, "go. In fact, it will be a personal favor for me. I need to be included in your prayers."

Erik feigned astonishment. "The sinner to pray for the saint."

"Stop that." Charles batted at him in jest. "You know I'm more than in need of my own redemption."

"Indeed you are," Erik smirked, "cheeky rat."

"Hey, rat," gripping Charles by his sacred locks of hair, the passing shape-shifter forced him to face her, "have you eaten? Turkey on wheat and a full bag of cookies "just to keep up your strength" do not count."

"Actually, Mum," Charles smiled at her, "I am a bit peckish."

"Kitchen, beef and veggies," Raven pointed, "go."

"Yes, Baby Blue." Turning from his siblings, Charles made a direct path for the kitchen.

Before he went to the refrigerator, he stopped by the telephone. After performing a mental sweep of any minds that could come through, he picked up the receiver and punched in a number.

After a series of rings, the voice on the other end brought him elation. "Thank God you're still up." The corners of his mouth turned upward with sincerity. "Yes, it's me. Are you alone?" Charles listened for the answer. "Good."

IIIIIII

Within the same second the radiant blonde arose from her satin pillows, she witnessed the left French door of the bedroom bumped open. The dressed-for-the-day Englishman strolled her way and presented her with the tray of various breakfast delights.

"And what may I ask is the occasion?"

"You," he answered simply. "I thought your favorite muffins and eggs benedict would aide in your recovery. But no coffee until the aches have completely passed."

"Such a tyrant." Emma ran fingers through a side portion of his hair. "Thank you, Sugar."

"I shall return." Charles left the tray on her lap and a peck at the corner of her mouth. "I have to finish seeing about the little ones. Don't worry about Brian. He's fed and temporarily satisfied."

"Miracle worker," Emma responded pleasantly then placed attention on her knife and fork.

Digging around underneath his bed, Joey heard the full-sized footsteps make their way into his quarters. "Almost ready, Al!"

Smiling at the wriggling sock covered feet, Charles said, "Almost indeed."

At the voice, Joey crawled out and promptly hopped to stand so as to remove himself from the floor. "Dad, you're still here. Do you think you'll be home for dinner?"

"Dinner?" Charles repeated, taking one knee to him. "I'll have you know that I am going to be home all day long."

A thousand lights came over the boy's face. "Really? You don't have to see any bigshots today?"

Charles let off a chuckle. "Not unless I get a ring from your teacher, which I doubt will be the case. And yes, really." He pulled Joey in for a combination hug and tickle. "Outside of taking and picking you up from school. And of course, art class."

"Alright!" Joey threw gleeful arms around him. "I've missed you, Daddy."

"And I've missed my little one," Charles returned then patted the back of his sweater. "Now, let's get some shoes on you. I won't have your school believing us destitute."

At the last word, Joey tilted his head in confusion. "Huh?"

"Something you needn't worry about." Ever again. Charles jabbed the boy's nose lightly. "Did you remember to feed Bounty?"

Immediately recalling, Joey went to supply his rabbit with water and pallets.

IIIIIII

At the Braunsteins' encouragement of a more casual atmosphere, Maya had gone out in her nicest blue jeans, a white turtleneck, and a lengthy green sweater-coat. Hunched over a table along with several other members, she worked to finish her request sheet. At Erik playfully peering over her shoulder, Maya gingerly hip-bumped him.

Once all seemed to finish, Chad summoned, "Alright, everyone gather around. We promise we're not rabid- for the most part."

Maya walked out to stand a couple feet away from them, remaining near Erik. Except for a few people in their early twenties or so, she could not help noticing her presence as the youngest one there of the two dozen. Though she knew most of them, the girl could not help finding it just slightly daunting. Out of the corner of her eyes, she tried to gauge Erik's reaction to the whole thing. However, her headmaster remained as stoic and even as ever.

Sylvia spoke next. "For this time around, no one has to speak their prayer requests out loud. Instead, we invite you to cast them out." She indicated the center of the Temple's platform.

Folding their pieces of paper, Erik, Maya, and the others followed her instruction.

Holding out his arms, Chad directed, "Everyone together now, don't be shy."

Maya joined hands with Erik and a woman on her left. She did not miss the particular grip Erik placed on her thinner appendage.

At Chad and Sylvia going to their knees, the gathered lowered as well and Chad led the initial prayer. "Yahweh, Heavenly Father, King of the universe, I come to you now on behalf of my family, our people, and Your beautiful creation. Let whatever sadness we have faced be replaced with joy. Let our anger turn into kindness. Let our suffering be a testament to any and all. We ask for healing for this year and ask for blessings in the year to come. We beseech You with our prayer requests and offer You our praise and worship."

As soon as the rabbi's words ended, Erik's ears filled with the low outcries and occasional exclamations of happiness, grief, and even anger that erupted from those around him. Glancing over at Maya, he found the girl going from swaying her arms to remaining face down against the carpeting. Her lips let off utterances that sounded sorrowful and imploring. He detected the scent of tears as well.

Pressing his nose against the floor, Erik, with untold experience as well as education backing him, could find no words worthy. When inspiration came to him at last, his children and the other X-Men took the bulk of his voice. After that, he pleaded for the young mutants still lost and in need of them. From seemingly out of nowhere, Erik felt pounds pulling away from his shoulders the way he summoned metals from the atmosphere.

IIIIIII

"Alright, let's try this one." Scrolling a finger through the book, Kayla chose the next problem. "If x plus 5 equals positive 3, what is x?"

From across the table, Samantha tapped French-tipped fingernails against the wood. "Negative… negative. Wait," she squinted in both thought and confusion, "x…"

"Take your time," Kayla encouraged. "You can get this. We just have to pry it out of your head."

Gaining some humor in that, Samantha concentrated a few seconds longer. "Negative two?"

"Exactly," Kayla nodded. "I know how stressful numbers can be. Unless you're among the scientifically minded, they're no one's favorite subject in school. You can do this if you take your time considering what each question is asking. You especially have to do that with words problems."

Samantha arched her neck to remove stiffness, as they had been in the library for the last hour. "Why is this all so hard?"

"Because geniuses want to overcomplicate life more than what it already is." Kayla added, "And because it's the unfamiliar. Continued practice is all you need to start doing this in your sleep."

Samantha nodded. "I hope so."

"Now, let's try…" Using the notebook paper, Kayla wrote out a problem. "This one." She slid it the girl's way.

The figure's x and y symbols immediately stood out to Samantha. Why when reviewing numbers, did the alphabet always seem to creep up?

IIIIIII

From the panda-shaped bean bag chair, Charles turned another page to show the small one present in his lap.

"B is for…"

"Bee." Kiki pointed out the yellow insect in the book, specifically his wings. "And butterfly, too."

Beaming at that, Charles commended, "Yes, butterfly, too. Very good, darling. Now, C is for…" going to the next page, he had to resist rolling his eyes.

"Cat!" Kiki recited. "Midnight."

"Yes, love, except Midnight starts with…?"

"Mmmmm…" Kiki nuzzled her nose against his cheek. "M!"

"Wonderful." Charles kissed her forehead. "What a smart girl you are."

Kiki gripped the wide book. "I want to read to you, Uncle Charles."

"Do you? Oh please." Charles settled more comfortably in the chair. "I would love for you to read to me."

Kiki resumed going over the various letters. Before they could arrive at J, the Professor picked up on her growing lethargy. Though he noticed, he only subtly rocked her. When she drifted off in his clutch, he stood and gingerly tipped over to the girl's bed. He settled her amongst her favorite stuffed animals and covered her up. After stroking some hair away from her closed eyes, Charles carefully crept out.

Going to the nursery next, he hardly had time to reach his son's crib when the smell assaulted him right in the nose. Immediately collecting Brian, Charles rushed him to the changing table. Removing and disposing of the rancid diaper, he moist wiped and powdered his bottom. Grateful for only minimal squirming on the baby's part, Charles managed to get him into a fresh diaper and different outfit.

"There we are." Lifting him, Charles kissed his cheek, receiving a smile. "Now, we're going to have a little apple sauce and some milk." He started carrying him towards the door. "Then Daddy will get to change you again after you inevitably tinkle- most likely right on Daddy's shirt." He gave him a little jiggle as they walked out. "Won't that be fun?"

The bitty boy's squeal indicated that he thought so.

IIIIIII

Both wearing beige baseball caps that sported the Temple's title and insignia, Maya studied the list of names while Erik drove. The vehicle's motion causing the assortment of food items to vibrate every so often became drowned out by Tony Bennett's voice on the radio.

"I can't believe we almost gave Mrs. Abram the wrong meat," Maya vexed. "How did the boys in packing manage to mix that up?"

"At least she was understanding about it. The butcher shop near my barber will have more than what we need," Erik guaranteed, pausing briefly for a stop sign. "I've faced my own share of kosher catastrophes."

Raising her head, Maya slipped into thought. "I don't understand why Messianic Jews still practice that. The Book of Acts cleansed the animals."

"Through Shimon, yes?" Remembering who he currently spoke with, Erik clarified, "Simon Peter," and Maya smiled in understanding. "As for the reason why, it isn't always about maintaining the old law. Many keep kosher out of habit and tradition."

"Is that why you do it?" Wincing inwardly at her own words, she shook her head. "Sorry, I- I have no business asking you that."

"Maya," though he had to keep gaze on the road, Erik's tone of voice kept her attention, "it's more than valid and of no offense to me." He then answered her with, "Tradition is part of it. The sights, the smells," a fondness crossed the man's features as his recollection went on, "of those foods I knew so well. It's as if I'm back in my house in Poland, right in my mother's kitchen."

Listening to him, Maya toyed at the promise ring on her finger. "Mom would fix Boston cream pie for us after church sometimes. Dad used to slip some of his coffee into my hot chocolate. I still mix the two together, once in a while, and the smell always reminds me of him."

Erik spared one hand to gently tap her knee as he eased them into the butcher shop's tiny parking lot. "Here we are. Time for crisis aversion."

Maya unbuckled herself and climbed out of the car. Erik waited for her to fully come to his side before starting inside.

IIIIIII

New delight filled and overflowed within Charles every time he caught his son's reaction to one of the outdoor creatures scampering by or flying over their heads. Despite the winds having died down significantly, that had not stopped Kayla from wrapping the twins in individual fleece throws. Their double stroller rolled alongside Brian's.

Kayla gazed about the clear grounds. "If we were back in Canada, we would be up to our waists in snow by now. And that's only speaking for the afternoon."

Charles smiled and said, "Though I am most grateful for the lack of slush on the marble, it is rather fun playing in the snow with the children and watching their sled games." He reached down to brush his gloved hand against Brian's cheek. "Much better than that wretched downpour you were born during."

"I still cannot believe we missed that whole thing."

Charles bowed his head towards Brian. "I cannot believe we still have this little jewel."

An endearing expression came to Kayla's face. "I know exactly what you mean, Charles."

Turning his pleasant countenance on Mira, the Professor commented, "The X-Men are in tall supply of miracles."

Kayla inwardly glowed at her daughter's little yawn.

When they finished their romp about, they returned to the front of the house.

At the crying that echoed across the formerly silent environment, Logan looked up from bagging leaves. "Is that a mangy pup I hear?"

Kayla maneuvered to unlatch Todd from the stroller first, giving him a little rock. "Aww, we kept them out too long." She kissed her son's nose. "I'm sorry, Hope-light."

Taking their bundled boy from her, Logan brought him to his chest. "You want to go lay down?" He felt him begin to settle. "Yeah, there you go. That's my pup." He gave him back over to Kayla who balanced him along with Mira now. "Don't worry about the strollers. I'll bring 'em in."

Kayla said to the twins, "Your daddy's our big, strong stalwart."

"There she goes," Logan shook his head as his wife carried them inside, "teaching 'em college words already."

With a chuckle, Charles brought Brian in after them.

Hardly ten minutes into returning to his yard work, Logan next saw a bottle of Lager presented to him. "Hey thanks, Chuck," he took the beer, "You read my mi- well, you know what I mean."

"Indeed," the amused telepath replied. Glass of bourbon for himself, Charles gestured for them to sit and they took space on the nearest stone bench. "I must say, you keep our outdoors more vibrant than any gardener under my mother's employ."

"Ain't much to it," Logan shrugged with a long swig of his beer. "Been doing this sort of stuff for years. One of the things keeping my head straight."

Shaking the ice in his glass a bit, Charles put forth, "You still worry about Mira."

Logan let off a nod of admittance. "That baby can hardly cough at two AM without my senses firin' at once."

Now Charles nodded. "Our mutant genetics are so unpredictable. There's still a real chance she could develop your powers."

The Veteran shook his head. "Don't work that way, Chuck. Not on girls. If that plant hadn't tested on Sammie, the gene'd be next to dead in her, too."

"Which goes to show that even low probability is still possibility."

Logan looked at him closely and said, "I swear, Chuck, I'm just goin' to follow you around, takin' notes on this egghead speak you sprout."

Charles gave off a small smile somewhat saddened. "I understand why you feel you need to carry most of this on your own. Since my wedding, I very much know about wanting to shield your wife from everything."

Logan stated, "Got to keep our heads so they will."

With eyes that sparked allegiance, Charles said, "I am here, Logan. If these doubts ever become too troublesome. I mean that, my friend."

"And I know that." Logan still added, "But thanks for the reminder."

They finished off the remainder of their drinks in agreeable quiet.

IIIIIII

Flinging her rich brown hair back with a sudden pop of her head, Teresa proposed, "We should go to the show. A couple of the new pictures sounded good in the paper today."

Amy in turn put forth, "Or we could get our homework out of the way so we can go back to your dorm lounge and watch TV for a while."

Teresa gave off a mock eye roll, "Motherly logic strikes again," but picked up her pencil.

"She's right, Reese," Raven supported. "Besides, we have to get going soon, anyway. Charles wants the two of us to cook dinner together tonight. And since we haven't done that in forever, so do I."

Amy said, "It's hard to believe that your brother actually talks with these big politicians."

"Not today," Alex piped up, eyes remaining on his science book. "He's even picking the kids up for us, which gives me more prep time for finals. Need every minute."

Raven exhaled tiredly. "Tell me about it. I seriously miss freshman year."

"Lee," Jam shuffled through a few papers, "can I see your calculous notes? I do not feel like running back to my room."

"Hm?" Returning to earth, mainly the circular table inside one of the library's conference rooms, Leon blinked then thought. "I don't think I took any today."

"What?" Jam sounded so vehement, Leon actually leaned back in his seat cautiously. "Did you hear what all he said was going to be on this test? You need to cut out all this daydreaming. Are you trying to lose your scholarship and end up a vagrant on welfare? Are you?"

Searching for a response, Leon considered something. "How long does one have to be a vagrant to qualify for welfare?"

Teresa offered out, "Only a week or two if you have a kid. That's one angle I need to go for. Colleges costs too much." At the five pairs of eyes landing on her, she immediately retracted with, "Kidding…"

"Here, man." Alex offered Jam his notebook from arithmetic. "Don't expect it to have every scientific detail. If I wrote as much as you, I'd have crippling arthritis. High BP is enough."

"Appreciate you, Lex." Jam immediately started scanning through it.

Getting back to his own review, Alex gave Leon something of a side glance. His head had been paying quite a few visits to the clouds of late; possibly enough for a toll discount.

IIIIIII

The vividly blazing stars twinkling all around him in addition to the flaming meteorites hurling, the boy took it all in with awe while remaining firmly clung to the disk. At a comet coming at him from behind, Eel arched up and over in something of a somersault. The space debris flew onward towards the sun. The closer he came upon them, the more Joey noticed the unusual pinkish hue the stars seemed to emit.

That should do it, Princess.

Return to us, Kangaroo.

Becky made the illusion dissipate and Eel quickly reached ground level.

Getting off his disk, the boy ran for the girl. "Becky, that was amazing!"

"Thanks, that was fun," she beamed. "You looked great, too."

"Yes. However," Magneto, who approached the youthful pair with Professor X at his side, "let us save the theatrics of flipping about for a few additional sessions. Next time, simply dodge it. Do not waste your energy unnecessarily."

Eel nodded. "Yes, Uncle Magneto."

Becky wanted to know, "How was I, Uncle Charles?"

The male telepath appeared skeptical. "I spotted a few gaps in our galaxy there. It seems you and I," he took her by the hand to give her a little twirl, "will have to make it a point to train together more often. I know Emma focuses on your deeper cerebral side, but I cannot have my brilliant illusionist growing rusty."

Becky smiled, hanging onto his hand a moment longer. "I'm so glad you're home."

He tugged on her smaller appendage. "As am I, Princess. Now, I have about fifteen minutes before preparation for supper. That should be enough time for one more exercise."

Becky asked excitedly, "Can I go flying with Joey?"

"Yeah," the short blonde seconded.

Magneto thought about it. "I'm not sure. You have not carried such additional weight before."

"True, but we must take every opportunity to challenge their growth, Magneto," the Professor reminded.

Making a decision at that, Magneto directed, "No more than fifteen feet. I'll be along with you."

"Oh boy!" Becky waited for Eel to get back on his disk then joined him, dipping to wrap arms around his middle tightly.

"Hang on, Becky." Eel raised his arms more for emphasis than anything and commanded the disk through a charge that started them upward.

Before Magneto could take off after them, Professor X requested, "Mind terribly if I accompany you?"

With a shark grin about him, the older man replied, "If you're daring." Rising into the air, he summoned the metals in his brother's clothing to carry him.

When the Professor arrived near enough to him, Magneto enclosed them both in a small magnetic sphere while staying on route with their children.

IIIIIII

Peering shiny brown irises into the one partly open door of the den, Maya watched the metal wielder performing different stances with a long, curved sword.

"Didn't you come in from training less than a half hour ago?" She stepped inside fully.

Reacting to her voice, Erik raised the weapon. "Time for a little recreation."

Remembering that she herself enjoyed firing both bullets and arrows, Maya replied, "Definitely. I just wanted to say thank you for the day. With my mom's recovery and everything that's happened, it was nice to be reminded of the things I used to do. Used to care about."

"Then I should thank you as well," Erik countered. "Because today provided the same for me."

Positive expression drifting suddenly, Maya said, "I'm sorry I cried."

Erik looked at her in partial bewilderment. "You mean during worship?"

The girl nodded. "I can't believe I acted like that. It just got to be so…"

"What?" Coming closer upon her, Erik encouraged, "You can tell me."

Maya exhaled through her nostrils. "Sean's faith is so radiant, strong, and powerful; just like him. I try to hang onto mine so hard, but I feel like I'll never be like him. I was so quick to write-off my mom's health, I didn't pray hard enough for Tricie, I—"

Taking a small section of her hair, Erik ran gentle fingers through it. "I experienced the same at your age." An ironic expel of air came from him. "Up until recently if I'm being honest. I decided for myself that my usefulness to God had ended and took up a devil-may-care attitude. Maya, you're one of the last to ever have to doubt your dedication towards Him. I see it in you, clear as day. You are allowed to go through a period of despair without feeling shame over it. You're also allowed to talk to me without keeping a wall between us."

Listening in full, Maya leaned in to rest her head against his front. Erik let go of his sword to offer her both arms.

IIIIIII

"Much like Thomas Jefferson once said, President Kennedy also warned us that the price of freedom is always high. It is paid through the blood of our men, the sorrow of our women, and renewed in the hope of our children. No matter what lies ahead, we will always strive to maintain life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Lowering the stapled paper from his eyes, Scott awaited the reaction of his sole audience member. "Did you like it? Be honest."

Seated behind his desk with countenance unreadable and fingers intertwined, Charles said, "Very well. In my very honest opinion, that, young man, was an essay very much deserving of that A plus." Standing with a big grin, he went around to hug the boy. "I'm so proud of you, son."

Scott's features glowed. "Thanks, Charles."

"If you'll allow," the Professor took the paper to look over, "I would like to hang onto this. Perhaps show it to a few of the 'upstanding' gentlemen I speak with on a daily basis. Remind them of liberty's true meaning."

Scott smiled in earnest. "You mean it?"

"Yes, but first," Charles handed the essay back, "you'd best let Erik hear it. Not to mention the brothers Howlett-Creed."

"Okay." The pajama adorned boy hustled out on sock covered feet.

Charles followed his excited movement outside his study, where his ears picked up on something. Following the pleasant tune, he walked until he reached the music room. He remained quietly in place until the teenager at the piano finished his peace.

At last noticing the man, Sean acknowledged him with, "Hey. I was wiping off the keys and realized I've hardly touched this thing in at least a month."

"One would hardly know it hearing you." Charles came in closer, looking about the space. "For weeks after he left, I could swear I heard this piano playing." He joined Sean on the bench. "Late at night."

"Me, too," Sean concurred solemnly. "I never would have picked up music without him. Sometimes I feel like I hardly make a sound and he somehow heard a singer in me."

Charles touched a hand to his back. "Would you mind playing more? Only for a bit?"

Sean nodded, "Sure," and resumed tickling the ivories.

IIIIIII

One last wave of ecstatic bliss passed through as the two at last separated back into individual flesh. Heart ready to tear clear out of her chest, Emma laid flat against the pillows and Charles lingered right next to her.

So, he propped his head up with his hand, feeling better?

Thank God for telepathy, she faced him, I won't be able to breathe again for some time.

So I'm to do all the work? Charles shrugged a shoulder. Jolly good then.

Emma had to contain herself as he moved to get on top of her again. You torture me. I love it.

I am afraid I will be the one left tortured tonight. Charles kissed her lips twice. I promised my brother a game before bed.

Emma looked on as he managed to detach from bed and dress himself. Where are you storing this energy, Sugar?

After that? Charles slipped on a gold and crimson smoking jacket to wear over his t-shirt. I can easily run the length of the earth in a single night. He walked back to kiss her once more.

Emma pulled on his jacket front. See you first thing, Sugar.

Good night, my love. Rising, Charles took his leave of their master suite.

Board along with pieces carefully in place on the table between them, Erik looked up, only to raise an eyebrow at his brother's appearance. "Trying out the wind-whipped style, eh Lab Rat?"

"What?" Realizing, Charles' eyes grew wide and he quickly finger-combed at his messed hair. "That was… I- I fell."

Smirk crossing his features, Erik put forth, "On top or bottom?"

Folding his hands behind his back, Charles strode in. "A gentleman never reveals such details."

The younger man's somewhat smug countenance answered Erik's question regardless. "If you're prepared for annihilation, you may have the first move."

"How courteous. Now," Charles lowered into his chess chair, staring at the board, "let's see…" Sucking in a pained breath, he grabbed onto the bridge of his nose.

Instantly worrying, Erik reached out for him. "Charles? What is it? What's wrong?"

Head rising suddenly, Charles gripped him at the wrist and raised his free hand with a command of, "Go to sleep."

Abrupt exhaustion taking over him, Erik went immediately limp. Charles kept a hold on him to keep him from toppling over. With some maneuvering, he brought the older man over to the nearest sofa to lay him down.

Touching Erik's hair, Charles whispered, "I'm sorry, brother," then turned to hasten out of the parlor.

Going into his study, Charles shut the door after himself. Inside the bottom drawer of his desk, he withdrew his green uniform except with one addition. After he put it on as well as his gloves, he pulled down a black mask that only provided a narrow slit for his eyes.

For his next destination, he arrived inside the garage. Aware of the cameras of Eye Spy, he summoned an illusion to cloak himself along with his chosen vehicle from view.

IIIIIII

The cool night air batted against him, but he felt it not courtesy of the protection built into his Professor X attire. He lingered on the hill that overlooked his property, finding the place unusually small in that moment. As the minutes went by, he remained in place. He only reacted to the strong wind that eventually kicked up. Veering around slowly, the telepath looked on as the figure in black and white appeared and hovered down to stand just a few yards away from him. The ghoulish full-head mask worn could easily send the unexpected into hysterics. Though he recognized the clothing, the X patch filled the Professor with the greatest sense of ease.

"Thank you for coming, my friend."

Pulling the mask up and off, the ash blonde hair and hazel eyes reflected a familiar warmness. "So, Charlie," Trick grinned, "should we squeeze in a pint now or after?"