X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Thirty One

Author's Word: *Chorus of Triumph along with Parade of Epic* Fam, it's… it's so wonderful I dare not speak it- almost. School is out! Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! Not that this hasn't been a delightful return and supreme privilege of renewing my education, but yes, yes, yes, yes! I celebrated my birthday on Friday, complete with family dinner on Saturday.

Now, that I'm on break, it's a good time for a poll question I've been meaning to put up. What has been your favorite X-Men Vacation Destination? Was it Winter Relief in California, Canadian Ski Trip, Sean back with the Cassidys, the Xaviers in Boston, or Erik Kids in the Countryside? Include any I may be forgetting and let me know why. Also, please read and review!

Near identical gazes completely locked on one another, the pair of faux adversaries sized each other up from their opposite ends of the gym. When the blonde at last played the part of a bullet and entered a full charge, the brunette launched as well. Before their torsos could collide, Frank threw up a right handed punch. Alex seized the slightly slimmer fist with hardly an inch away from his face and forced him into a stomach down pin on the mat. In seconds, he forced both of the teenager's arms behind his back.

Kneeling, Alex kept a knee against his back to talk close to his ear. "I counted about five ways I could have blocked that move." He stood up from him. "You should have gone straight for the tackle."

"That wasn't my first mind." Rolling around, Frank faced him. "Besides, your strength training is way ahead of mine. A tackle wouldn't have done any good."

"You shouldn't go for the punch right away. That could cause you real damage." Leaving his observational spot on the bench, Leon reached down to take his hand. "A kick leaves a strong impact with faster recovery on your part."

"Listen," Frank linked with him to be helped to his feet, "that organized stuff may work on the west coast, but where I'm from, the object of the game is to give the other guy the bigger shiner."

Alex felt the need to remind, "My game is making sure we're the guys that are able to walk away."

"Yeah, I know." Frank touched the top of his head. "Look, I'm still sore from sword fighting with Dad. Can I get a shower in already?"

"Fine," Alex granted, "but you better not go splashing on my after shave again. Like Sam's senses can't already detect your smell a mile off." He watched Frank hasten out of the exercise space in such a way it made him shake his head. "That kid and chicks. I don't know how he manages to be so smooth. I was still pulling girls' hair to show I liked them at fourteen." At the silence, he changed his glance to see Leon's drifted expression. "Lee? You home over there?"

Blinking, Leon looked at him. "Just… wondering what it's like to shave."

II

As if squad car sirens sounded from behind him, Frank sprinted up from the lower level and his pacing only accelerated as he elevated. Reaching his quarters, he slid in and all but kicked the door shut after himself. Going for the closet next, Frank closed that entrance as well. Now using his mutation to illuminate the dark surrounding, he sat on the floor while rifling through a green plastic container. Mask successfully fished out, the youthful scholar's retentive ability made him remember how to load the contraption. He removed the two vials to do exactly that. With hands initially hesitant, he brought the mask towards his face.

IIIIIII

Features glowing and eyes dazzling with glee, the young girl twirled beneath the spectacular Christmas lights that filled practically every last cranny of the department store. The scents of cinnamon, peppermint, and vanilla came at her like soft-tipped arrows. Bing Crosby's deep, calming voice provided multiple carols from the loud speakers. All of the various people and small children dressed in so many bright colors, especially red, reflected in her eyes. The part that caught her fancy the most came in the form of the stunning tree with sparkling golden star that reached just short of the ceiling.

Popping out from the other side of the tree, Angel sped out at her. Gripping each other by their gloved hands, the girls danced about in circles. Both wore pink peacoats, Angel in magenta with Samantha's closer to bubblegum, and their slightly curled hairstyles swirled right along with them. Fully aware that they appeared either ridiculous or all-out insane to the other shoppers, Angel personally cared not. She yanked the somewhat unsuspecting Samantha forward and into a hug.

"Beautiful." The word made Angel bring her eyes over in time to see a passing elderly gentleman. Giving her a smile, he tipped his red flat cap at her and continued on his way.

"Ooh," Samantha reacted in a giggle to finding another pair of arms suddenly around them.

"Hey, little man," Angel acknowledged, dipping down to give Cody a better embrace.

"Look what Dad got." Cody pointed out his father, who approached with Victor and Kayla.

Coat slung over one shoulder, Logan came close to show off the exposed portions of the t-shirt he wore. "Pretty good, huh?"

Samantha took his left arm to admire the drying picture just beneath his shoulder of the adorable face with green eyes that looked as if to glow. "It's Mira!"

"And Toddy," Angel recognized of the other arm.

"Yep," Logan nodded. "Like to keep this one for my girls," he raised his left arm then indicated the right, "and this for my knucklehead mutts."

"And look, look," Cody hopped over to take his father's wrist, "this one looks like Jaycee's watching Mimi and I'm watching Toddy."

Logan immediately looked who his wife, who only reassured, "You are. Both of you."

"That's right," Logan seconded, taking a knee to his son. "Jay's got us from up there," he reached under the boy's hat to ruffle his hair a bit, "and we got you down here."

Victor received his nephew's attention with, "Hey, Mite. You know Sammie ain't seen the train yet."

"Oh boy, come on, Sam." Cody grabbed hold of her hand. "Follow me!" He took off so quickly that any other child may have suffered a dislocated shoulder.

Samantha, however, merely laughed and dashed along with him.

"We're inside, heathens," Logan reminded them in a casual tone, going behind the two children turned lightning bolts.

With Victor bringing up the rear, Kayla and Angel walked with linked arms.

"It's a marvel how vastly different things are in the city," Kayla put forth. "Though I'm sure a lot of it goes to the great generation gap as well. I remember when I was a little girl, my mother and I would make our own decorations. My father always chopped down the best tree he could find, usually bringing me along."

Angel formed a quirky smile and recollected, "When I was little, Santa was the church donation bin."

Victor touched a hand to the girl's upper back. "What do you say we make this year one for the record books?"

Caught up to the central Santa's Workshop where Samantha and Cody watched the big rotating train with such glee, Angel determined, "It already is."

IIIIIII

"That's Daddy with Uncle Trick." Charles pointed out the one beside it. "And I know you know who this is." Brian tapped excitedly against the picture, making his father equally giddy. "Yes, that's your Uncle Erik with the menorah. Can you say menorah?"

"Mmmm," the baby hummed.

"That was a very good try," Charles commended. "Can you say Daddy?"

After a brief blank look, Brian reiterated, "Mmmmm."

"I'm going to have to deduct your grade for that one." Charles kissed the side of Brian's soft head then flipped the page. He indicated the photograph of the swelled stomach dressed in white. "Here is your mummy last Christmas. And that," he showed him Emma's middle, "believe it or not, is you. Back when you were balled up, nice and cozy."

When Brian turned to him with a giggle, Charles felt a minor burn behind his eyes. His thoughts went to the numerous scares that had plagued Emma's pregnancy. Charles brought Brian closer to his side and uttered a mental, thank you.

"Daddy." Joey bustled in through the open doors of the master suite. "Guess what we got."

Laying Brian on the pillow beside him, Charles reached to pull Joey on to the bed with them. "If this energy is any indication, I'm guessing it involves something terribly sweet."

"No," Joey shook his head then about it, "well, yeah, but that was earlier. Me and Mum found ornaments for Angel, Sammie, Mira, and Todd."

Coming in next, Emma held up the wide shopping bag. "They're right here if you would like to see them." Leaving the bag beside the bed, she lifted Brian to hold, who promptly burrowed into her sweater. "How was your regiment today?"

Charles reported, "Hank and Alex noted remarkable improvement, especially with my strength training."

This clearly delighted Joey. "Alright! I knew you wouldn't have to wear this dumb ol' brace for long."

Charles told him, "In a few more days, this dumb ol' brace will be long gone."

To Joey's surprise, his father offered him a high-five, which he reciprocated. "Yes!"

"That's wonderful." Emma rubbed Brian's back. "Let's get a quick nap for you before the others return with the tree."

As soon as his mother left with his brother, Joey turned urgent eyes on Charles. "Dad, is Mum okay?"

Not expecting the question, Charles countered it with a concerned, "What makes you ask that, little one?"

"She doesn't seem as happy as normal," Joey noted. "Something keeps feeling weird."

"With my political work and now this leg, your mother is under much more strain. But I can assure you," Charles took his hands to squeeze for emphasis, "she's absolutely fine. You needn't worry."

"I can't help it." Joey moved in to lean against the man's side. "Since Mum's taking care of you, maybe I can take care of Mum."

A smile instantly forcing his lip corners upward, Charles brushed a finger across Joey's cheek. "You make me so proud, son. Even when you have done wrong, I never want you to forget that."

"Thanks, Dad," Joey responded brightly.

Charles remembered something. "Didn't you find an ornament for your little brother?"

"Oh, right… do you think maybe I could give Brian my blue "Baby's First Christmas" ornament? I really want him to have it."

Smiling, Charles said, "Then I'll have to pick out an even more special one for you, won't I?"

Noticing the massively thick photo album, the boy pulled one end towards himself to peer through with his father.

IIIIIII

Returning to the living room sometime after dinner, Frank ceased movement upon arriving in the doorway. With her situated right in front of the fully decorated tree, the clear lights created a radiant luminance over the golden haired girl.

Senses going to work, Samantha looked back happily. "Oh Frank, isn't everything so pretty?" She went on as he approached her. "I think it's more beautiful than the great big tree I saw at the store today."

Gazing up at the pine, Frank said, "You should see Rockefeller Center in New York. The tree there is over a hundred feet tall with about a zillion lights all over it."

Samantha's eyes sparkled at the mere thought. "Wow…"

"But to be honest," Frank faced her now, "I'd rather look at you."

Initially completely still at the sentiment, the bubbling sensation within the girl rushed her forward to toss her arms over him. Frank latched onto her as well, nuzzling his cheek into her hair.

II

"And I told about what the candles mean and all the yummy food you made us and the games," Trav detailed. "And how we can win chocolate coins. Everybody in class thinks it's so cool that I get Christmas and Hanukkah. Even that dumb old Kenny Nolan was jealous."

"Very good." Erik then touched upon the last statement of the boy in his lap. "But I don't want you calling him dumb or anything else unnecessarily. Remember, he only repeated what he thought to be true. But I only want my valiant speaking good things."

"I will, Uncle Erik," Trav promised.

We did it, okay? You and me. We're almost out of here. You have to hold on a little longer. Please, Leon, we've come too far…

Joining them in the Mag Cave, Becky walked to where Leon lay sprawled out on the sofa with his focus so far away.

She came to stand by him. "What are you thinking?"

Moving in order to fully view the round face, Leon told her, "About pretty girls," he sat up, bringing her on top of his legs, "with pretty eyes."

The now grinning Becky reached up to play in his silky hair.

II

Visual attention going from the fresh power sprinkling from the blanket of clouds overhead to the figurine in her gloved hand, Angel lingered on the top step. Her quiet blended in nicely to the silent wintry atmosphere. She heard unlatching at the front door and shifted her gaze in time to see the hazel-eyed mutant in tan trench coat join her on the front porch.

"I realize you're new around these parts, but that," he pointed to the miniature glass figure she held, "belongs on the tree. Charlie takes these ornaments a wee bit seriously." Angel's features grew pleasant as he lowered beside her on the step. "Certainly is a beautiful one."

"Joey found it for me," Angel regarded her ornament, "it matches a lot better than half those angel decorations. It's the same thing year after year. No matter what store I go into, they're all the same; pale with blonde hair or too dark."

Trick bobbed his head sympathetically. "It used to be the same way for my Jasmine. Until we moved to Europe. We found this particular collection of all sorts of angels in every shade and wing color imaginable- all in an elderly woman's shop in France if you can believe it."

The wide-eyed Angel reacted with, "Sounds like a dream."

"I know. Now," Trick gathered a portion of snow to play with in one hand, "my da radar can't help but detect that something more is troubling you. Am I right or in need of a tune-up?"

Exhaling through the nose, Angel put forth, "I just want to know… where is everybody getting these amazing white dads? Your daughter has you, Cody has Wolverine, Becky had her birth father and now Erik- the last dude I expected to be daddy to anybody. Seriously, what form did I forget to fill out?"

Though Trick's initial response consisted of mild laughter from her wording, he brought an arm across her shoulders. "Believe me, darling, it has absolutely nothing to do with you, but everything to do with us. Many men are handed gifts, but foolishness and selfishness prevent a wide lot from accepting them. Finding out I was to be a father at the ripe old age of sixteen took a lot out of me to say the least. But I ultimately knew I wanted to be there for my child. And from where I'm sitting, your father lost himself quite the jackpot."

"You've got to be playing," Angel scoffed. "Jackpot? Me?"

"No, the invisible gremlins that visit me at night. They started returning when I got off the pills." Trick squeezed her upper arm. "Of course you, daff lass. You're making a difference in children's lives. Children like my daughter who have felt forced out of the picture of humanity since the beginning. Jasmine is such an admirer of yours."

Angel claimed, "She shouldn't be. I'm just a decent face from the gutter that got lucky."

"And I'm just immigrant garbage out of Ireland that got lucky. If not for my voice, I'd hardly be qualified to clean gutters. I'd like to believe God has a gold token for each of us that we only need discover."

Angel leaned on him thoughtfully. "You mean like mutation?"

"No, mutation is more along the lines of priceless gem. Which reminds me," Trick peered down at her, "do you have plans for tomorrow?"

The replied, "Homework pit."

"The horror," Trick cringed. "But in-between, do you think you might be up for a round of training?"

"You know it," she happily agreed.

IIIIIII

Having been directed to the backyard by Melissa, Cordelia quickly reached that end of the Acolyte estate. Though initially finding the wide outdoor area vacant, she immediately became aware of at least one other lifeform by the sudden snowball that collided with the center of her coat.

Poking his head out from behind a tree, Fabian greeted with a charming, "Top of the morning."

Cordelia shot him a mock glower. "Oh, you think you're so funny."

"Hmmm…" Revealing another cold orb behind his back, Fabian admitted, "Guilty," before throwing it.

Though she missed it with ease, Cordelia ran down the steps to get at him. "Just you wait!"

Laughing heartily, Fabian darted off. Leaving sizable footprints in the snow, the two raced about the yard. Cordelia made multiple snowballs that lacked considerable aim.

"Miss me, miss me," Fabian bounced from different pieces of lawn décor to miss her strikes, "now you have to—"

"Gladly." Flinging her own body now, the girl managed to tackle him. When they landed in the snow, Fabian's form helped to cushion her. She brought her lips to his and he gripped her waist. "So," she raised her head a little, "how was that?"

He responded, "Is the snow melting or am I imagining things?"

"It's not melting." Cordelia connected noses with him. "But I think I am."

"Don't you love when we do things together?" Fabian wound arms around her.

"Of course, but I didn't think I'd see you this weekend. Now that your dad's back." She eyed the boy beneath her seriously. "So Owen Ignacio?..."

"Won't be ruining our Christmas season," Fabian informed. "Or the lives of our families or any mutant's ever again."

A pleased reaction showed on Cordelia's features. "Brilliant." She dipped her head to share another kiss with him.

Immediately recognizing the particular footsteps that carried over next, Fabian broke away to sit up a little. "Father."

The even toned man stood just outside the backdoor. "Hello, Miss Frost."

A now bashful Cordelia moved to get up. "H- hello."

Fabian stood, helping her to rise as he did.

"We'll be having lunch out." Estevan then invited, "Will you join us?"

Cordelia smiled at Fabian then answered, "I'd like that."

Estevan nodded once and returned indoors.

IIIIIII

Joy overcoming her inward system at the sensation of fur nuzzling against her ankles, Samantha managed to keep attention on her book while reaching down to stroke Midnight. The cat's eyes twitched upon hearing the bellowing of his girl's name and he walked towards the ajar door to properly investigate.

"Sam!" Frank burst through, cautious not to bump the small feline in his movements. "Hey, Midnight."

Samantha shut the book and shifted in her swivel chair. "Frank."

"Want to go sledding with Collin?" he asked her excitedly. "Scott has a thing with his team and Vic so he said we could use his sled, too."

Though initially gleeful, Samantha recalled, "Don't we have to do homework on Sundays?"

"Sam, come on, you're always studying and my tests are in the bag." He stepped in closer to take her hand and plead, "Please?"

Smiling, she said, "I just need a minute."

"Great." Frank hastened out again. "Meet you downstairs!"

Almost flying up from the desk, Samantha hurried to her dresser. Midnight watched while she dug through what could only be described as the treasure trove of pink.

IIIIIII

With Kiki balanced in his arms, Trick stopped when they caught up with a uniformed Banshee who headed for the back of the house.

"Hey, you coming?" the teen asked the man.

"Just need to change." Trick then brought up, "And I noticed the strings on your guitar look far from worn… have you been practicing?"

"Of course," Banshee guaranteed.

Kiki shook her head to that. "Noooo."

Trick raised an eyebrow the bitty girl's way. "No, my love?"

She further informed, "He kisses Maya- all the time."

"Kiki," Banshee protested, "here I thought Trav was the tattle-tail."

"Nice to know I have a trusty informant on my side." Trick handed Kiki over to Banshee's hold. "I want to hear an A-one performance of that instrument later, boyo."

"Yes, sir." Banshee kissed Kiki's cheek. "Let's get your coat on so you can play while we big kids toil."

Though not certain as to what that last word meant, Kiki stilled agreed, "Okay."

As he continued on for the stairs, Trick next passed the blonde lady of the house. "Emma, hi. Getting ready for a session with the young ones. Time to see how rusty these instructor skills of mine, assuming I ever had any, have gotten."

Emma nodded. "Let the girls know I'll be ready for them in the gym when you're done."

"Right… Em," Trick spoke again when she started off, "this whole thing… don't be upset with Charlie. It's just as much my doing."

Emma looked at him again. "You were trying to be a good friend, Trick, as usual. However, I happen to expect a little more from my own husband."

"Oh Em, you two have far too much going for you to let something like this divide you for a moment."

"Nothing has the power to divide us," Emma stated. "That doesn't mean the foundation can't suffer the occasional tremor. I appreciate what you're trying to do, but this really is between…"

"You and your husband," Trick filled in. "Right. Pardon my interference." He gripped the banister as he headed up.

"But whatever the reasoning behind it," Emma spoke after him, "it is good to have you here, Trick."

Trick sent a smile down at her, "Thanks, Em," and continued up in search of his uniform.

IIIIIII

Once the winter gear loaded three reached the top of the hill, Frank immediately positioned his sled. Eager for his first run, he sped down right away.

Collin eyed the sled he used, which passed easily for a wooden tank. "Would you get a load of that? The last time I did this, me and my brother used pieces of plywood from the junkyard."

Samantha said, "I've never done this."

This managed to surprise Collin. "Not even once?"

She got behind the faux wheel of the airplane sled. "No."

Getting in from behind, Collin cautioned, "Believe me, once you start," he gently prodded her forward, "you won't want to stop for anything."

Samantha released a giddy outcry as she zoomed down the slope.

Collin watched her rejoin Frank below. It amazed him that the other boy could have not only a girl from school clamoring for him, but one in his very own house as well. Collin silently envied him, but did not bother dwelling on the feeling. No girl, be she mutant or normal, would want anything to do with the son-of-a-con turned muty-for-hire.

"Hey, Coll," Frank called up, "while we're young, dude!"

Collin situated himself on his own sled. While nothing as unique as theirs, the combination of thick wood and metal proved far greater than anything he had put together in his younger days. He remembered the early mission that had turned into a ski trip afterwards when Estevan had purchased both the sled and Collin's first ever pair of skis for him. He knew they were nothing more than bones being thrown in return for total loyalty. Collin wound up putting up his best show of dutiful errand boy from then on to keep the goods rolling in. Leaving his thoughts, he took off for the level of the other two, white moisture spraying in all directions.

The more runs they went on, the more Samantha found herself at home with the entire thing. On the sixth time out, she persuaded the boys to push her from as great a distance as they could. Of course, she also assured them she would hang on tightly.

As they observed her merriment, Collin put forth, "Good stuff, huh?"

"Yeah," Frank concurred, "this whole day's been great."

"Not what I'm talking about and you know it." Collin did not miss Frank's developing stiffness. "You tried it, didn't you?"

Frank sighed. "Yeah."

"Good, right?"

"Oh yeah," he had to admit. "It's so weird. It's like this super calming power surge. I never felt anything like it outside of my powers going full blast."

"I told you," Collin slapped his back, "and don't worry about getting more. I've got us covered, man."

"Just remember to keep quiet about this," Frank said urgently.

"Relax and trust me," Collin replied. "I know how to keep secrets."

IIIIIII

Wings slicing through the sharply cool air, Angel formed a spitball from the back of her throat and unleashed it.

"Deflect it, Maya," Specter directed, keeping visual on them through his intangible flight, "That stuff is toxic."

Maya had to duck the first one, but managed to send the others Angel fired to different directions with waves of her hand.

"That's nice work." Shifting around, Specter warned, "You have trouble from behind, Angel."

The airborne girl turned in time to see the mutant in yellow and green soaring her way. All too familiar with Banshee's screech, Angel took off rapidly. She flapped to a height his own power could not scream and scale. She next sent a spitball at his chest. The flam meeting his front caused Banshee to lose coordination and drop.

Gasping, Maya shot out her hands in a stop motion that made him cease movement a couple feet before hitting the ground. The hold only last a few seconds as he fell the rest of the way but landed gently. The other two mutants joined them on terra firma.

"Are you okay?" Angel asked, wondering if she had gone too far.

"Just great," Banshee assured, looking to Maya. "Thanks to my own personal hero here."

"That was a fine show, Maya," Specter commended. "And I know you haven't had long to master what you can do."

Maya looked at her hands as she spoke. "Too bad Hank believes they're here on a temporary basis."

"Well, we'll just have to see about that, won't we?" Specter countered simply, giving a happy shine to Maya's brown eyes.

A geared up Banshee wanted to know, "What's next?"

"What's next is you ladies should meet Em in the gym," Specter said. "And I believe I hear a certain instrument calling for you."

"On it." Banshee walked to Maya and left his arm around her middle as the three made their way towards the house.

Specter did not miss Angel's utterance of, "He is so cool," and a certain contentment appeared on his features, though hidden underneath the menacing mask.

The Irish mutant gazed up to see the Poland native make a landing near him.

"A flying Magneto." Specter shook his head. "The world trembles."

"Then mission accomplished," Magneto stated. "I see you've gotten back into the swing of things nicely."

"Hopefully, if I can manage to keep track. You fly, Joey can fly, Maya has powers of her own… tell me, can one of the babies blast through walls?"

Magneto answered, "At the moment, only eardrums during their three-way choruses at night. But I have high hopes for their advancement." Shifting gears a bit, the older man brought up, "We really haven't had much chance to speak since Victor brought you home."

"Failed flight experience," Specter recollected. "Not the colorful entrance I usually go for."

"I'm only satisfied you were able to reach us," Magneto extended one hand, "whether you're here for a day or a decade, welcome home."

Reaching out his own appendage, Specter locked and shook with him. "Thank you, Erik."

"Now," Magneto next proposed, "what do you say to a flight around the grounds?"

"Heaven help," Specter joined him in the air regardless, "you will show me mercy?"

"Never." With that, Magneto sped off with cape billowing.

Specter moved to catch up. At least some things never change.

IIIIIII

Close to four that afternoon, darkness crept across the sky all too quickly. Though the air grew colder, the vigorous activities of the three teenage mutants kept them all from noticing it. Done waving his arms and legs about, Frank rolled over to view his snow angel creation.

"So, what do you think?" He glanced around. "Sam?" He then discovered her at the top of the hill on top of the airplane sled. "Whoa, Sam!"

Gliding straight down, Samantha jumped from the wood at the halfway point. She reached the bottom ahead of the sled, landing on her boot covered feet.

Recovering from his cardiac episode, Frank said, "Okay, as cool as that was, be careful! You could've broken your… everything!"

Samantha faced him, tugging on the front of his coat. "Sorry."

Frank smirked at her cute and coy tone, but then noticed the absence of the third member of their party. "Coll? Collin!"

At the top of the hill amongst a cluster of trees, Collin kicked impatiently at one trunk. At last, he saw the one in the long brown coat approaching.

"It's about time. I hate it when they send you new guys."

"Keep your shirt on, kid." Turning his head, the new arrival spat into the snow. "I've got what you're looking for. But times are rough this time of year so if you're looking at powder, it's an extra Benjamin."

"I'm not into crack," Collin dismissed. "Give me my usual stuff and hurry up. My friends are waiting."

"Kid, I'm not falling for that. Let me see your money."

Rolling his eyes in annoyance, Collin reached into his pocket to retrieve the bills. The moment he did so he found his other wrist seized.

"Hey!" The boy attempted to jerk away.

Calmly reaching into his coat to reveal the badge, the older male introduced himself as, "Detective Howard Hansen. Been investigating multiple claims from residents in this area about suspicious activity in this park, mainly drug deals."

"I ain't into drugs!"

"I suggest working on your material between here at the station." Getting him pinned against one tree, Howard fished out a pair of handcuffs. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say—"

"Collin!" Frank arrived on the scene, running up. "Stop, he didn't do anything!"

"Leave him alone!" Charging forward, Samantha's claws pried straight out through the top of her glove. She sent a ferocious swipe across the detective's face.

At the unexpected but deep gash, Howard had to let go of Collin to place hands against his now blood stained lips, nose, and upper eye.

While Frank stood in shock at the sight, Collin yelled, "Move! Run!"

Frank grabbed onto Samantha's hand as the terror gripped trio fled.

Once completely out of the park, they did not stop moving until they made it another seven blocks away. Finding a deserted alley next to a book store, they finally took the time to catch their breaths.

Able to speak again, Collin panted, "Thanks, guys. Fuckin' cop thought he had me."

"He would have had you if we hadn't been there," Frank glared. "What if he had backup? They'd have gotten me and Sam, too."

"Look, I'm sorry!" Collin looked to the girl. "You okay, Sam?"

She studied her fingers, now back in their regular state. "I- I think so. What happened? What were you doing?"

"Getting hassled," Collin claimed. "Pigs like that have nothing better to do than mess with kids. Got to do something between donut runs."

"We need to get out of here," Frank determined. "And we all have to stay out of that park. That guy could still recognize us."

"Right," Collin agreed.

"You better go invisible the whole way home," Frank advised.

"Already on it." Collin disappeared before them. "Run home, guys and don't stop 'til you get there."

Joining hands again, Frank and Samantha checked the exterior for trouble then ran out ahead of him. They continued their haste until they found themselves right in front of the entrance to the Xavier mansion. While Samantha's stamina only gave her light panting, Frank had to grip his knees to fight the building nausea he felt in the pit of his gut.

"Sam…" Able to stand completely upright, Frank continued speaking. "Listen to me. We can't tell anyone about this, not Angel or anybody. We'll be in huge trouble; huge mutant trouble on top of that."

Samantha assured, "I won't tell anyone, Frank. I promise."

"Good." Frank touched her arm comfortingly. "Come on." He led them inside.

IIIIIII

Inhaling for all its worth, annoyance gripped the fourteen-year-old at the echoing knock to his bedroom door.

"Go away!" he called to the whoever.

"Frank?" Scott's voice sounded. "It's just me. Open up."

"Scott…" Scrambling, Frank crammed the mask along with its components away. He left and shut his closet before stepping out into the hall. "Hey, what's up?"

"Why weren't you at dinner?"

"Oh, me and Sam ate out," Frank told him. "Hope Raven wasn't too sore at me."

"She seemed okay." Scott then said, "I just wanted to get my sled back. Me and some of my teammates are sledding after school tomorrow."

Fear creeping up his spine at the realization, Frank felt himself pale. "Uh, right. Listen, Scott… I… I made a mistake and… I lost our sleds."

Formerly pleasant features morphing into a rampaging bull, Scott roared, "You lost my sled?!"

"It was an accident!"

"It's not a pocket knife, Frank. What kind of five star idiot loses a giant sled?"

"Whoa, hey, hey, turn it down out here." Approaching them from one end of the hall, Logan clapped a hand onto each of their shoulders. "Wake up those babies in my room and I'll clock your coconut heads together. Now, what's this all about?"

It took Scott less than a second to tattle, "He lost my sled you made me! I let him borrow it to take Sam out and he goes and loses it."

"I didn't mean to," Frank insisted. "And I lost mine, too. I'm really sorry, Scott. I'll get you another one."

"That was a custom sled designed like an air force plane." Scott's teeth gritted. "You can't exactly pick up one at the mall. Sorry nowhere near covers this."
"Scott, easy, easy." Logan dipped to get close to the irate boy's eyes. "Listen to me, Slim. I'll make you a brand new one, better than ever. I promise you."

Not fully appeased, Scott did manage to grumble a, "Thanks."

"Go down to the gym and grab some gloves," Logan directed next. "I'll be down in a second and we can box."

"Okay," Scott sighed, going to get out some workout clothes.

"As for you, come here." Gripping both Frank's shoulders, Logan brought them into the boy's own room and shut the door.

"Wolves, I can explain."

"Great, because we're talkin' about two sleds that took me weeks to carve out and build." Logan crossed his arms. "I don't believe this comin' from you, glowworm. This is how you treat a gift?"

"It's not like that," Frank claimed. "I left them because we… we kind of had to leave in a flash."

Logan raised an eyebrow. "What was the big hurry?"

Fully aware of the mans' senses, Frank mustered up, "We almost had a fight on our hands. This bigger guy came up out of nowhere. I mean, we'd have fought and everything but the way all you adults have been talking, I didn't want to risk our powers popping out."

Logan considered things and determined, "Looks like you made the right call in a rough spot. But still, you have to make this up to your buddy. So you're gonna spend this week helping me design a new sled."

"Sure, anything," Frank complied. "I owe Scott big time."

"And I better get downstairs before he mangles a punching bag like Havok."

Before the man could turn to go, Frank asked meekly, "Wolves? Are you mad?"

Looking back, Logan reached out to ruffle his hair. "Just glad you kids are okay, glowworm."

Frank nodded under his touch then watched him leave. Letting off a deep sigh, the boy practically tumbled over against his bed.

IIIIIII

Bringing in the tray of hot chocolates and popcorn bowl, Raven placed it on the living room coffee table.

She joined her second oldest brother on the sofa and stroked his brown hair. "So, confession time."

Raising one mug, Charles sniffed its contents. "You didn't add the cinnamon."

Raven narrowed yellow eyes at him. "I am not a savage, Charles."

He tasted the brew. "Ah, very good. So what is it really, Baby Blue?"

"I'm pretty sure one of my classes is in C territory." Raven then quickly added, "But it's just an elective."

Charles put an arm around her shoulders to ease her. "You're under tremendous pressure, love. At school and greatly more at home. I can't say I would have handled things so well at your age."

"Really?"

Charles nodded. "You'll improve. I'm certain."

Honestly blinking at the lack of scold coming from his lips, Raven said, "Thanks, big brother. Hopefully, the husband is equally understanding."

Charles honed in on the ringing telephone. "That's my study."

"No, no, no, no," Raven protested at him reaching for his cane. She indicated the television. "You'll miss the opening."

Getting to his feet, Charles placated her with, "Tell dear Rudolph I shall return before his flying debut." Making it into his office, he quickly seized the persistently ringing receiver. "Yes, hello. Charles Xavier."

"Charles, good. We haven't spoken in days. Did you hear about Ed Harrington?"

Charles reacted to his lawyer with, "The committee member? No, nothing of late. What's the word?"

"He suffered severe cardiac arrest," the other man informed, "brought about by what his wife claimed, if you can believe this, to be endless night terrors."

Charles had to steady himself against his desk. "… What? Is he?..."

"It doesn't look good. God forgive me for this, but I suppose that's all the better on your end, yes?... Charles?"

"I'll call you back." Hanging up the receiver without another word, the Professor lowered into his chair.

"Your cocoa is getting cold, mister." Raven came into the doorway of his office, losing her humor at his expression. "Charles, are you okay?" She came in closer to place arms around him. "What's wrong?"

Charles did not speak, only taking the time to touch his head against hers.