X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Twenty Nine

Author's Word: Hi, fam! So, guess what- I made an A on my psychology exam! Thanks a lot for all the reviews for the anniversary chapter and thank you all again for helping me to keep Rise or Fall growing strong for these four years. Now, upward and onward to the next year- after you enjoy and review this one of course!

At the darkened and extensive blue and purple marks shown to him on the limb, the young doctor removed his glasses in momentary disbelief.

"This happened while you were in the shower?" Hank frowned.

Situated on the lab table, Charles clarified, "More like when I was stumbling out of the shower like an enormous buffoon."

Erik, who stood by with Alex, piped up pointedly, "He did not exactly help matters by walking on it."

"Charles," Hank reproached, "you should have known better than that. You easily could have had a fracture and not known it until you caused worse damage. Next time you suffer anything like this, you must call for help with your telepathy. Or scream; use your communicator- anything! But I don't want to hear about you merely brushing it off."

Alex shot incredulous eyes Hank's direction. Hearing him scold Charles was too bizarre to witness already, but the resident medical expert honestly sounded ready to flip the Professor across his knee.

"Yes, Henry," Charles replied dutifully. "You couldn't be more right. I'm sorry."

The satisfied scientist continued the examination and concluded it by putting together a brace for the injury.

"There we are," Hank gauged. "You shouldn't need that for more than a week. And to be on the safe side, I think you should go back to using your cane for the duration. You still have it, right?"

The less than enthusiastic Englishman responded, "Indeed, I do. It should be in my closet."

"I'll dig it out for you," Alex offered. "Now," he went over to drape one of Charles' arms over his shoulder, "come on, Unc. Let's get you upstairs. Lean on me, okay?"

Charles smiled at him with warm fondness. "Lead on."

Watching them leave the lab, Erik put forth, "Do you have it?"

"We're good," Alex sent back to him, maintaining most of the weight for Charles.

Doctor radar still on, Hank noticed the way Erik on and off rubbed his eyes. "Are you still tired from yesterday?"

"That's the odd thing." Erik faced him. "I don't remember being remotely tired while Charles and I were in the parlor. Maya and I spent most of the day helping the Temple, but I have gone days without sleep after far greater excursion."

Hank eyed him blankly. "So, you're bragging about nearly killing yourself with exhaustion."

"The point is," Erik went on sharply, "it makes no sense for me to be so overcome with fatigue the way I was last night. And for sleeping so long, I woke up in a haze."

Hank's concern grew. "You could have slept for too long. Or perhaps a length of stress overcame you without realizing it. My healing powers are growing, but there are still mornings I find myself having fallen asleep at my desk over a mound of research." And one of Raven's snug blankets covering him.

"That's true." Still not entirely certain, Erik said next, "I'm going to do a set in the gym."

II

Stroking tender fingers over his father's brace, Joey put forth, "It's too bad it's not a real cast. That way we could draw all over it and it'd help you get better faster."

Arm around his little boy, Charles told him, "The brace means Daddy will heal sooner than expected. However, I would still love to have a new picture from you. Perhaps a dragon for the Knights of the Round Table to slay. Or even a nicer one to aide them on their quests. Pretty please?"

"Sure, Dad," Joey beamed. "Maybe with big gold wings."

"Okay, first," after some scrambling, Alex emerged from the enormous walk-in closet, "Emma owns a private sweat shop because she's got more clothes in white alone than more dames wear in a lifetime. And second," he held up the cane, "found your third leg."

Joey's joyful expression faded at the sight. "Why does he need that?"

Alex explained, going around to prop the cane up against Charles' side of the bed, "To speed up his recovery, Joe."

Charles kissed the top of Joey's head and added, "It's only for a week or so, little one. Hank's simply being cautious."

"Daddy," Joey tugged on part of the man's shirt, peering up at him anxiously, "you won't need to go back in that chair, will you?"

Knowing that his son meant no standard piece of furniture, Charles quickly assured, "No, Joey, absolutely not."

"That's right." Alex joined them in the bed to start massaging both of Charles' legs. "We're going to make sure. Come help me, baby bro."

Joey crawled down the mattress, touching both hands to Charles' injured limb. "I won't hurt you, will I, Dad?"

Charles determined, "Impossible."

"Go ahead, like this." Alex demonstrated how to slowly soothe the legs. "This is good for the circulation, too."

Joey imitated his gestures. "Like this, Al?"

"Right. Keep it up," the older blonde encouraged. "We all know how much of an ace you are at healing."

Charles' inner comfort grew simply watching the pair. "Behold, our future physician giving instruction already."

"Hey." Alex raised a sharp pointer finger. "I am not going to—"

"Become a doctor," Charles spoke in tune with him, amusing the young man. "Yes, so you have said. You should watch that. I spoke much the same way about becoming a professor."

Joey said, "I like you as a professor. I get to tell everybody that my dad is the teachers' teacher."

Sharing a small chortle of laughter with Charles, Alex added, "Oh yeah, King Curriculum."

Reclining back a bit, Charles only hoped his present pleasant expression would be enough of a distractor from the ponderings plaguing his mind.

IIIIIII

Fingernails tinted by royal blue polish at last dry for the most part, Kayla searched through her jewelry box for a fitting necklace. She occasionally looked into the vanity mirror at the enthralled teenage girl working the comb. Her expression reminded Kayla very much of how Cody looked whenever something sweet was within his immediate reach or Logan showed him a new weapon.

"I am obsessed with your hair," Angel declared, continuously smoothing the long, thick strands of pure ebony. "It is perfect."

Kayla's smile reflecting on the mirror, she said, "I've been tempted to cut it a time or two, were a portion of it not a gift from my children. It grew a little every time I was expecting."

Draped across the bed, Cordelia paused from cooing over the two babies to pipe up, "If I ever let my hair grow to that length, it would wind up a wretched, matted mess on a daily basis."

"Girl, don't talk to me about matting." Angel put the comb down to help Kayla with her chosen necklace of a silver band with tiny sapphire stone. "I have to outrun water in-between relaxers." She sat by Kayla on the vanity bench. "So, what show are you seeing?"

"Fiddler on the Roof," Kayla replied somewhat dreamily. "We've been wanting to see it for weeks. Naturally," her pleasant gaze turned the way of the twins, "our attention has been elsewhere."

"Dinner and a Broadway show in New York City," Angel practically swooned. "Logan is my kind of husband."

Choosing that moment to push the doors of the closet open, the aforementioned man stepped out. "Do me a favor and spread the word around, wings."

At his black slacks and navy blue dinner jacket with tie to match, Cordelia sat up with a grin. "Hello, Marlon Brando."

"Thanks, baby." Only needing to get into his shoes, Logan lowered into the nearest chair to put on the gleaming pair of patent leather. "We appreciate you dolls looking after the mutts for us."

"I have the phone numbers for the restaurant and the theater on the desk," Kayla reminded. "And there's an extra copy—"

"On the refrigerator," Cordelia filled in.

Angel told them, "I already have them both memorized."

Cordelia put forth, "Would you two be this anxious if Maya weren't off being starry-eyed with Sean?"

"Knock it off, Goldfish." Logan looked up at her. "We know good and well you can keep a handle on things with the kids. Just surprised you ain't off with his royal high-horse. Or is this the night he takes the time to wash all that gunk out of his hair?"

"Fabian is home with his sister," Cordelia informed, trying to mask her mild amusement at the man's question. "Besides, it doesn't matter. I already have a date tonight." She poked Todd in the stomach, making him squeal.

Kayla smiled at her small son and asked, "How are things going with Fabian?"

Logan wanted to know, "He's treatin' you right, ain't he?"

"Of course," Cordelia replied promptly. "In fact, he's cut down on throwing me down the stairs to once or twice a week now." She immediately tacked on, "I jest, I jest."

Angel cautioned, "You better cut that out before you wind up getting Fabian shredded into confetti."

At the half-hearted glower Logan sent her, Cordelia ducked down cutely.

IIIIIII

On his way up from his vigorous routine on the exercise equipment, Erik met with the female pair who strolled through quite elegantly despite their loaded arms.

At the metal wielder taking the wide pink box from her, Emma said, "Oh thank you, Erik. We simply couldn't resist the bakery's window display."

"They had silver snowflakes hanging up and a full nativity set with the wise men and everything," Becky recollected.

Emma patted the box Erik held. "We thought everyone would love these sugar cookies for after dinner."

"They're shaped like trees and stars." Becky's eyes seemed to gleam happily. "Auntie Em and I talked about putting our tree up this weekend. Can we, Papa? Please?"

Erik replied, "We'll see about making a trip out to the lot, Sweet Imp. What's that you have there?'

Becky held up her smaller package. "These are some of Uncle Charles' favorite raspberry cookies. Can I give him some now? Just a couple."

"Not before you give me something."

When her father knelt to her height, Becky kissed his cheek and grimaced humorously. "Ugh, Papa's all sweaty!"

"And in desperate need of a shower." Erik joined foreheads with her for a moment. "You may spoil your uncle, but not your appetite."

Becky smiled and scuttled up the stairs.

"Emma," Erik petitioned before the woman could start up after her, "I have to talk to you."

Emma stepped down and fully faced him. "Erik, what is it? Charles didn't do worse damage, did he?"

"No, fortunately. It's that… while he and I were on that rather odd mind journey, this..." He tried to think how to word it. "Disgusting apparition appeared out of nowhere. I managed to vanquish it, but it reminded me of when you and I ventured inside Becky's mind. Charles told me you experienced something similar."

"Yes," Emma nodded quietly. "I was haunted by the students I lost. The dream state telepathy produces can be extremely random and unpredictable."

"This did not feel like someone from Charles' past," Erik tried to explain, "or even my past. Charles blamed it on not feeling well, but I am not convinced that's all there is to it. And that fall Charles took… I'm worried he's keeping something from us. Possibly about his mutation. What if he suffered a dizzy spell while in the shower? With the amount of stress he has taken on, he could have a problem and not know it himself."

Emma absorbed the theory then guaranteed, "I will monitor him." She reached out to squeeze his forearm. "My husband is fortunate to have you for a brother."

Erik returned, "Not nearly as fortunate as he is to have you. I'll take this into the kitchen." He turned to go with the box and Emma continued for the upstairs.

II

Working a dish towel over the screen of the presently off monitor after spraying it down with glass cleaner, the tall security man reacted to the ringing telephone.

Balancing his cleaning aides, Victor lifted the receiver and tucked it between his shoulder and ear. "Xavier Institute Security." His brown eyes widen suddenly and he dropped the spray bottle. "What? What happened? Where? Alright, stay put. I'm on my way." He then reiterated, "Stay put."

Only taking time to snatch hold of his brown coat, the leonine mutant took off from Eye Spy in a gallop.

XXXXX

As soon as match met wood, fire ignited and illuminated the sizable study in a crimson orange glow. Taking his glass of burgundy from where he had left it on top of the mantle. Taking a lengthy sip, he detected out of the corner of his eye before he could fully turn. There across the room stood the figure cloaked in black and white, standing solid as stone. Only the slightest ripple from his shoulders signified a reaction on the occupant as he put wine glass to lips for another taste.

"Though I cannot be absolutely sure as to how you got in here," Owen left the glass on the mantle once more, "you should know that I've studied the black arts to a far greater extent than I have medicine. And I must say," he slowly started the stranger's way, "your entrance could use some work." Standing only inches apart, Owen studied him up and down. "Bit audacious for one who has to burglarize for profit. Or, hm, perhaps you're one of those spree killers. If that's the case, let me mix you a drink and we can discuss employment opportunities."

The grandfather clock in one corner provided the sole sound within the room after that. Then all at once, a strong gust of air spread out from every part of Specter's body until it grew and seemingly found life in the form of several mini tornadoes. The winding bursts grew distorted faces and spun around Owen in a taunt.

Raising his voice to be heard over the creatures, he spat, "I don't know who you are, but it's going to take more than cheap parlor trick—" Owen faced forward, only to find his unexpected visitor had vanished.

Tearing away from the entities, Owen dashed out into the hall. There, he bashed into someone who planted him nose first against the waxed hardwood below. Wriggling with full vigor, Owen managed to get to his back but remained pinned by an entirely different figure holding him down.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

That matters very little. All you need to know is that mutants will not be your specimens to experiment on, violate, and disregard like landfill waste.

As if he could peer straight through the black mask, Owen realized, "You. I know y—" He no longer had a chance when an overhead force burst through the ceiling and simultaneously knocked the telepath clean off of him.

Professor X slammed his head into the nearest wall. The moment he hit the floor, the tall vase he brought down with him smashed to pieces over his right leg.

Owen lost his ability to speak as the entire hallway filled with gray smoke. He passed out as an encroacher dove in from the gap in the ceiling and advanced upon him.

XXXXX

The whips of night air stinging at the bare portions of his face, he attempted to wind his scarf closer. He reacted to every vehicle that came into view until one from the Xavier garage caught his attention.

At the one he spotted on the bench, Victor hardly stopped before leaping out of the car. "Trick!"

Forming a smile, Trick went to rise from the bench. "Seems you've hidden a teleportation ability from us. Thanks for getting here so quickly, Vic."

Gripping his shoulders, Victor looked him over. "What do you think you're doing out here? I told you to stay put."

Trick waved his gloved hand off to that. "Hospitals aren't quite my scene, though it is quite refreshing not to have a hideously obnoxious stab wound with which to contend."

"I'm not foolin' around here, Trick." Victor looked into his face. "What happened to you? Do I need to talk to the doctors?"

"No, I'm all signed out," Trick reassured. "This is just the result of my spontaneity. I had a layover upstate so I thought I would pop in on everyone. Probably should have OKed that plan with my lungs…"

Victor appeared ready to give him that obnoxious stab wound now. "You flew here on your own? Trick, are you out of your mind? You have to know what's goin' on! They've got all eyes on us."

"I wasn't in uniform and the doctors ruled it a severe asthma attack. Victor, please, can't we continue this at home?"

At the hazel eyes so heavy with exhaustion, Victor bobbed his head. He took hold of the black overnight bag then helped Trick into the car. Victor got him buckled then went around to get in himself.

Now holding his bag in his lap, Trick looked the older male's way. "While I know you have only begun to rake me over the coals, still… you've no idea how good it is to see you, Victor."

Buckled in himself, Victor gave him a single look as he started up the car. Turning the heat on high, he reached one hand out to half rub, half toss at Trick's hair.

Getting comfortable in the passenger seat, Trick determined that those coals sounded particularly warm and inviting. Possibly even more so than the vehicle's growing heater system.

Though Trick managed to stay alert for the most part, the ride was spent in silence. As the Xavier Mansion came into view, the elation that consumed Trick's features could not hide for a moment. After returning the car to its spot in the garage, Victor slung the bag over his shoulder then removed Trick himself to carry. He encountered no trouble with the additional weight, but remained careful of his movements as he brought them up.

When Trick met with the bed within the quarters he had once claimed for himself, he immediately nestled into the pillows. Gratitude filled him at whoever had dressed his mattress in dryer fresh linens. Victor unzipped and looked through the overnight bag. He caught sight of the familiar X-Men uniform, not missing the bits of grime and debris that covered portions of it. Letting that go for the time being, he found his original target in a pair of pajamas. With no objection on Trick's part, Victor got him changed from his coat and day clothes into the more comfortable attire.

Trick started to thank him until his own name made him look to the doorway. "Frankie, is that you?"

"Frank," Victor addressed the boy, "now's not a good time."

"No, please." Trick sat up a little. "I want to see him."

"Trick," Frank ran at him, "where's Mom? Where's Jas? Where are they? What happened?"

"Shh, shh, shh," Trick hushed the frantic teenager. "There isn't anything wrong, Frankie. Not a thing in the world; they're fine. They flew on ahead of me is all. I just had the chance to come see you so I took it. Though I'd hoped the circumstances would be a little hap—" He broke into a coughing spell.

Frank's previous frenzy returned. "Trick?"

Gently tugging the child away, Victor delicately forced Trick back into a reclined stated and determined, "You need to get some rest. I'll bring you something to eat in a little bit."

Trick calmed his spell and nodded once. "Thanks, Vic."

Frank shared another hug with him then left with Victor keeping a hand on his shoulder.

When they came out to the hall, they saw Erik, who ushered Frank downstairs.

The metal wielder then asked of Victor, "How is he?"

Victor answered, "Breathing. We should be grateful for that much. But somethin' is up here, Erik. I sense it in more ways than one."

Faced with yet another mystery, Erik exhaled through the nose.

II

Entering the Mag Cave, Frank found the room's usual assortment already present.

Seated behind Erik's desk, Alex asked, "Are Jasmine and your mom okay?"

Frank nodded somewhat distantly.

Leon put forth what they all seemed to wonder, "Then what is he doing here out of the blue?"

Frank took a chair. "He, um, he says he wanted to see us. Maybe a Christmas thing or something."

Shooting up from where she laid against Leon on the sofa, Becky stated matter-of-factly, "Well, she better not be coming here. I swear, if Jasmine sets foot in this house—"

"Whoa, whoa," Alex cut into the tirade, "okay, Becky, you need to calm down. I know you guys had a little fight and everything—"

Becky turned venomous green eyes on him. "You don't know anything, Alex, and don't tell me to calm down."

Now even Leon's eyes leapt. "Becky…"

As if worried possession had overtaken the girl, Frank stood to go to her. "Becky, don't get upset. Relax. Trick didn't say anything about Jasmine coming here." Or his mother for that matter.

"Forget her. Come on, Frank," Becky pulled on his hand, "let's go find Sam and have a couple more cookies before bed."

Frank nodded and quietly followed her out.

When they were alone, Leon looked over at the eldest Erik child. "What was that?"

"The princess is on her high-throne again." Alex shook his head in annoyance but dismissed, "Never mind. We have enough to worry about around here."

Surprised to hear that's all he had to say, Leon nevertheless dropped the matter while his thoughts ventured elsewhere.

IIIIIII

The knock preceded the voice claiming, "Pardon, but someone snuck out of bed to see you."

Sitting up, Trick seemed to ignite with anticipation. "My, whoever could that be?"

Opening the door, Charles came in cane first with Brian supported on his hip. "Can you say hello to your Uncle Trick? He's the nice man who sent you all of those lovely soft toys you enjoy bouncing off of Daddy's head."

Trick noticed the baby's small smile and his heart practically ruptured. "Give him to me." He reached for him like a tot eager to open his birthday presents.

Transferring the baby to his friend's hold, Charles sat on the side of the mattress to watch their introduction.

"Mr. Brian Henry Xavier," Trick cradled him like long buried treasure, "I cannot tell you how grand an honor it is to meet you at last." His eyes glossed at Brian reaching up to stroke his stubble. "Yes, I…" He attempted to contain his building emotion. "I am due for a shave, aren't I?"

Charles said, "He is the curious little creature, isn't he?"

"God Charlie, you've no idea how long I've waited to hold him," Trick looked to the telepath, "Had I known of the difficulty you and Emma suffered at his birth, I swear I would have found a means to get away."

"No, Trick," Charles shook his head, "it's my fault. I'm sorry for leaving you in the dark so much. With a new life in front of you, I didn't want to be a burden upon you."

"A burden?" Trick echoed as if he found the word foreign. "Charlie, you're my best mate. You don't have to keep anything from me."

Now Charles' eyes carried a sorrowful shine. "Yet I have to keep it all from my brother. My wife…"

Trick spared one hand to touch his knee. "I didn't reveal anything. You have my word on that."

Charles told him, "That's one word I know I can take to the bank."

II

While the girls rinsed off the minimal dishes they had created, Samantha glanced around. "Did anyone see where Midnight went?"

Frank offered, "I'll grab him before he goes looking for Wolverine," and left the kitchen to search.

Samantha smiled after him then noticed the younger female's expression. "What's wrong, Becky?"

Staring at the counter a moment, Becky looked at her directly. "You know that man upstairs?"

"Trick," Samantha recollected. "Frank's friend from where he used to live. He was a teacher here, right? Sean and everyone always say how nice he is."

"He's okay," Becky said with a shrug then lowered her voice. "But you really need to watch out if his daughter tries to come back here."

Samantha frowned in urgency. "Why?"

"Because she was going steady with Frank. If Trick comes back here, Jasmine will come back here. And I just know she'll try to get Frank back. Most likely to leave with them this time."

A stunned anger entered the blonde's tone, making her eyes redden. "What?..."

IIIIIII

Beneath their multiple layers of covers to defend against even the slightest of wintry winds, Emma received additional warmth in the form of her husband's arm around her middle. She kept a hand over his, intertwining the fingers containing their wedding rings. He exhaled against her neck and she felt his heartbeat drumming from his chest and against her back.

Are you awake?

Any answer I give would be an automatic yes, Emma pointed out. Sugar, do you trust me?

Charles pressed his lips to her shoulder. With all that I am and all that I have. Endlessly.

Rolling over so that their eyes locked even in the dark, Emma urged, then tell me what's really going on. You're keeping something from me. I could try to scan for it, certainly, but I want to hear it from you.

Charles laid his hand across her cheek. Something you must understand first, love. I had no choice. Please, I need you to understand.

Emma dipped to kiss the exposed portion of his chest. Tell me.

What I said before about the vote on sterilization weighing in our favor could not have been further from the truth. Half of the committee members chosen wanted amendments to require testing for the X gene and immediate sterilization if detected.

Emma had to intake air that. My God, Charles no!

That's why I had to act swiftly. I had to drastically alter the minds of the men involved. I wanted you and I to do it together, but after I saw how ill you were feeling, I knew I could not trouble you with it. That's why… why I phoned Trick.

The woman in his clutch tried to grasp it all. That's why he was in the hospital. She touched his harmed leg. That's how this really happened, isn't it?

Charles nodded solemnly. Love? I'm afraid there's more…

XXXXX

With a groan on his lips, the laid out X-Man jumped the moment consciousness tickled him. He found himself in a sick bay that he recognized, but felt too cloudy to fully take in when the sight from the bed next to his filled his pupils.

"Trick!" Attempting to go to him, the Professor groaned out in pain, only then realizing his currently supported leg.

"He's going to be fine." Charles darted eyes over to find the one in lengthy cape arriving inside the room. "Keep still. I must apologize," Estevan came to stand between the two beds, "That leg took quite the hit."

Charles demanded, "What have you done to us?"

"Harmless knockout gas. Well, mostly harmless," Estevan faced the slumbering Trick, who wore an oxygen mask, "He popped up out of nowhere. The gas had a slightly harsher effect on him, but Marko got you both aboard ship in time. Judging by that tacky ensemble he had on, I take it he's another of your X-Men."

Charles eyed him with caution. "You followed us to get to Ignacio."

"I knew if I kept tabs on you, you had to make a move sooner or later," Estevan reasoned simply. "Certain mutants who don't play well with others helped me maintain a visual on you. But I never meant to harm you. I only needed you incapacitated to keep you from interfering."

The telepath kept a fixated gaze on him. "Did you kill Ignacio?"

Taking a seat on the bed, Estevan stared back at him evenly. "Do you really care?" He took Charles by the wrists to raise his hands. "So long as these maintain their lily white cleanliness you value so much." Charles snatched away from him and Estevan remained unbothered. "I take it you want me to contact the rest of your team. Come to think of it," Estevan wore a curious expression now, "where are the rest of your people?"

Charles' lips parted only to close right back after a few seconds. "… Just get us back to Westchester. Please."

With a nod, Estevan stood. "Alright." Taking his leave, he stopped off at a shelf by the door. "We also had to take this off of you. Relatively fetching, but I must say," gripping the piece of fabric, Estevan threw it his way, "it doesn't become you." He continued out with that.

Picking up the material from where it landed on his ankle, Charles stared into the vacant eyes of the black mask.

XXXXX

Eyes going to his watch again, Sean practically fled his BMW to make it inside with only minutes left to his curfew. Somewhere between taking care of Maya's house and catching Cleopatra on television, he had lost track of time. Once fully in the mansion, he let off a relieved sigh at not discovering a giant cage planted by Erik ready to clamp down on top of him.

A certain light on the main level kept him from going upstairs right away. As he followed it, he only hoped Cody had not crept out of bed to goof around. Making it into the studio, his dropped draw proved the only reaction capable of by the astonished boy.

Peering up from the keys, Trick shot him a playful smile. "Well, well, well. The king of the high school set is too busy being a social icon to polish the piano once in a while, hm?"

Managing to form words, Sean wanted to know, "Are you really here right now?"

"Funny," Trick got to his feet, "been asking myself that question for hours." He then spread his arms widely.

Not needing any further cue, Sean shot forward like an escaping bullet to embrace him.