X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Thirty Two

Author's Word: Hi, fam! I wanted this up sooner, but I had to handle a scheduling crisis at work that threw me off. As I await seeing my final grades, there is something I forgot to mention. So for that Composition class I took, we were required to take this major essay test that would determine if we're ready to move on to the next level of Jedi (or was it Super Saiyan?...). Forget about our actual class performance. They have to judge us on their special little low-1 to high-7 scale. The whole thing was aggravating with the only highlight being able to leave as soon as we finished writing. I knew nothing I wrote could possibly be appreciated by my professor's colony of stiff colleagues. I have to say, fam, I really don't know what's wrong with me because I goofed and scored a 7. Apparently, that's supposed to be something of a rarity …. …. …. So, either my brain has been thoroughly washed or everything I had to say went completely over their heads. Please let it be the second thing! Also, please enjoy and review!

Nerves ever in tune to so much as the slightest bump in the night contained within her quarters, Angel cracked eyelids open. Rising on her elbows, she observed no activity by her door. She started to assume Midnight to be up to some of his after-hour acrobatics until she noticed the bed separated from her own by the small table.

"Sammie," she petitioned the one with currently active limbs. Clicking on her lamp, Angel addressed a little louder, "Sammie?" As if tamed by the older female's voice, Samantha stilled but her eyes opened to reveal the weary brown orbs. "Can't sleep?" As soon as the blonde shook her head, Angel peeled back her comforter.

Taking the signal, Samantha left her own bed to lie down beside her. Angel shielded them both with the three layers of linens and switched off the light again. She brought both arms around Samantha's upper body, offering soothing hums as they drifted off together. Midnight soon joined them, stretching out at the foot of the mattress.

IIIIIII

Pen tracing out the designated spots of the wide blueprint spread out across his long wooden desk, Estevan indicated them one by one. The five younger mutants dwelled within the large office, listening to the elder. From a nearby chair, Marco worked on a small electrical part for one of his machines but kept ears open. Collin bobbed back and forth on the balls of his feet, hands jammed into pants pockets. Jimmy and Melissa stood in front of the desk with arms crossed while Fabian sat on the edge of the piece of mahogany.

"You'll find five main entrances," Estevan showed them on the prints, "along with three emergency exits."

"All double reinforced with up to five additional keys needed this time of night?" Marco presumed without looking up.

"Triple reinforced, actually," Estevan glanced his direction, "solid iron."

"Might as well be made of wax paper," Jimmy remarked. "All feels the same once I get a hand on it."

"While this is true," Estevan concurred, "remember that your first priority is to free the mutants." He did not miss the look on the female member's face. "Something the matter, Missy?"

"Why were they incarcerated in the first place?" Melissa wanted to know. "You don't expect us to bring them back here, do you? Not around the kids."

"Certainly not, though none of their crimes go higher than grand theft," Estevan explained. "They are disfigured mutants. They are grotesque in appearance with hardly more than some stealth capability."

"Still our kind," Jimmy stated.

"That they are," Estevan nodded. "And I want you to remind them that when the time comes, a debt will be owed to our organization for their spontaneous parole."

"Of course, Father." Standing with a stretch, Fabian proposed, "Come, let's free our beauty-challenged brethren."

Estevan turned to his son. "Actually, Fabian, you needn't worry about this. In fact, I want James to take the helm on this assignment."

Eyes nearly bulging, Fabian exclaimed, "Him?" at the same time Jimmy reacted, "This 'him' right here?"

"Yes," Estevan answered them both, keeping attention on Jimmy. "You're experienced in such operations working on your own, so it's time to see how you handle taking the lead. This should be no trouble for you- if Melissa's praises regarding your dedication of late are anything to go by."

Before Jimmy could say anything to that, Fabian moved to protest. "Father, I think he would do far better from watching me from an observ—"

Estevan cut in with, "That will be both unnecessary and impossible tonight. After all, you and Collin have school in the morning and final exams to focus on."

Fabian felt his jaw at the ready point of dropping. "You cannot honestly be applying this child's limitations to me of all…" He trailed at his father's fixed but stony silent gaze.

"Marco, James, Melissa, prepare yourselves," the man directed, eyes concentrated on his eldest offspring. "Collin, good night."

"Works for me," Collin shrugged. With a yawn, he headed out. "Later, people. The "child" is done for the night."

Arm finding its way around Melissa, Jimmy brought up, "So, you're singing my praises now?"

She promptly snatched out of his touch. "Shut up."

Marco spared one final glance back at Fabian as he shut the thick door after them.

An eerie silence filled the room next before Estevan broke it with, "You question my orders now, mijo? In front of others, no less?"

"No, Papi, of course not," Fabian responded. "I did not mean to dispute you. It is only that you caught me by surprise and I…" He bowed his head. "Lo siento, Padre."

Estevan's countenance shifted with that. "You are forgiven, mijo." He placed a strong hand on the teenager's shoulder. "Papi understands. You've been under much strain in my absence."

"Si." Fabian raised his head again. "I am glad to have you home, Papi."

"Yo tambien." Dipping his chin, Estevan planted a kiss on top of his hairline. "Que Dios bendiga tu suenos."

"Gracias, Papi. Buenos noches," Fabian returned and departed from the office.

Making his way up and into his bedroom, he remained in place with his back to the door for several seconds. Then, features morphing and eyes glowing near crimson, he delivered the harshest kick capable by him in that moment to his unsuspecting dresser. Several of the knickknacks on top rattled at the sudden assault. Becoming aware of himself once more, Fabian had to move to catch one ceramic frame. Managing to grab it before the glass could be effected, he eased himself onto the edge of the bed with it. He stared into the photograph of the three children, captured in a blissful glimpse from many years prior.

IIIIIII

Careful not to awaken anyone in the household from a much coveted great night's slumber, Trick sporadically danced fingers on the black scales only. He looked up at the Professor arriving in the music room.

Trick asked, "Are the others?..."

Charles nodded, sitting near him on the piano bench. "They'll be in shortly."

Trick listened and watched his heavy exhale. "You alright?"

Charles shook his head honestly. "Trick, I… what in God's name have I—"

Clamping a meaningful hand against his back, Trick enforced sternly, "We, Charlie. You did not bind and gag me. This was my own free will, consequences and all."

Charles?

Reacting to his wife's voice in his mind, Charles signaled their whereabouts to her. In seconds, Emma and the McCoys joined them in the space.

"I got us access," Emma informed.

"He's on oxygen right now," Raven said next.

Hank picked it up with, "I got a look at his medical records. Harrington is a chain smoker in addition to having ignored numerous doctors' orders to watch his diet. He was a ticking time-bomb, Charles."

The Headmaster insisted, "And I had the honor of lighting the final fuse."

Trick turned stern eyes on him. "Charlie, I just said—"

"Good." Raven's voice gave her everyone's immediate attention. "Ticking time-bomb, right? If he was going to blow, it's better this way than before he and his cronies got the chance to push sterilization forward. They don't want to save future generations from unnecessary pain. They want to eliminate the chance of spreading the freak gene. The way I see it, this was self-defense. Trick, Charles," the shapeshifter knelt by her brother's leg, "you did what you had to." She gently touched Charles' healing leg. "And you risked yourselves. For us."

Reaching out, Charles took her by the blue hand then gazed towards his wife. Emma offered her nod of agreement.

IIIIIII

Done pressing thin metallic circle into place against the concrete wall, the male in dark ensemble reconfigured his gaze to catch the female mutant rematerialize behind him. She wore equally close-fitting, all black clothing including boots, jacket, and gloves.

"North and west are plastered."

"Finished with east and south." Jimmy spoke into the lapel of his leather jacket, which contained his communication device. "Make some magic for us, Marky-Mark."

"Got you covered." From above in the small plane, Marco worked the necessary controls on the panel.

Melissa watched the outdoor lights around the complex dim significantly and Jimmy smiled in confidence. "The Acolytes are in business."

"Remember, the juice in this place is too much for a full drain," Marco cautioned. "Security cams are down for sure, but you need to be out in twenty minutes."

Jimmy sent back, "Keep your line open and if you don't hear from us in ten, come in after us with both fists."

Marco replied, "My second specialty. Alright, eyes from above."

"We copy." Jimmy next addressed the one before him. "Ready?"

"Let's just get this over with," Melissa responded.

Seeing something in her face, Jimmy said, "Miss, if you're not all in on this, I can hang solo on this one."

Melissa came back with, "So they can hang you over some petty crooks? Not even a chance."

Satisfied by this, Jimmy advised, "Be careful," before they separated.

Having already located the simplest route into the basement level of the prison, Jimmy made his way back to it quickly. Extending his hands, he went to work on dissolving the doors one by one. Once in, he did not make it so much to the end of the hall when he came to a halt at the pair of flashlights on him.

"Get your hands up!" one guard ordered while the second accused, "You're the one who fooled around with the lights. What the hell are you trying to pull?"

Arms going as high into the air as they could reach, Jimmy slowly veered around. "Just thought I'd make your job easy, fellas. Figure I'd come to you instead of waiting around for you to pick me up for walking around in Macy's."

Gun aimed, the first one commanded, "On the ground, now!"

Jimmy smirked at Melissa reforming behind the two. Twirling her entire body off the floor, she forcefully kicked one into the other.

Taking possession of their dropped pistols, she sneered, "You first," then handed one over to Jimmy when he came close enough. "Now," she faced the guards again, "take us to the mutants. We know they're in solitary."

"Wh-what do you want with them?" the older, graying guard stammered. "They're repulsive, disgusting. Just the sight of 'em makes me sick."

"Hm, like this?" Crouching in, Jimmy seized him by the neck. Both guards yelled out as portions of the man's skin began to strip away. Jimmy took his hand back long enough to say, "Take us to them or the next step's your face." Without looking, he aimed the barrel of his gun at the forehead of the man's youthful partner. "Then his face."

As they got up on trembling legs, Jimmy and Melissa followed closely behind with firearms never lowered. When the guards brought them to the next series of doors, they had to use their flashlights to work the multitude of locks at one access point.

At the shiver that coursed through her, Melissa said with abhorrence, "You keep human beings in this dungeon? For theft?"

Jimmy remarked, "They ain't human beings to them."

Remaining silent, the older guard got it open. The two Acolytes looked on as a pair emerged from the holding cell, both in gray uniforms. Their head coverings only allowed the thinnest slit for their eyes.

"Give that to me." Melissa snatched one of the flashlights to shine on them. "It's okay. We're mutants as well. We came to get you out of here before they transfer you to containment."

Remaining wary, one asked in a low tone, "Why would you help us?"

"We'll get to that," Jimmy answered. "But you can consider our boss your own personal Santa Claus this year."

Melissa told them, "You can take those off."

The one towards the back shook his head. "We can't. It's better this way. We will only scare you."

"No," Jimmy shook his head, indicating the near catatonic guards, "the only ones you'll scare are them."

Exchanging a short look with each other, the prisoners removed the head pieces in a simultaneous motion. Jimmy and Melissa managed to contain their breaths. Even in the abysmal lighting, they made out the pale brittle faces of the reptilian men.

IIIIIII

Heavy yet precise footsteps reaching his loft, Victor stayed in place at the sight of the one his other sense had long since picked up on. The much younger man stood peering around the reasonably cluttered space, as if taking it in for the first time.

Not even looking Victor's way, Trick brought up, "Do you remember that night we went after the Purists?"

Victor responded flatly, "Ya mean that night you flew off half-cocked and the rest of us were lucky to get to you in time? Not to mention my sissy-in-law having to keep your lungs from turnin' into silly putty?"

With a mysterious smile, Trick said nostalgically, "The best of times. What I remember most is what happened later." He faced the seasoned veteran. "As strange as it sounds, that night, up here, was the safest I'd felt in a long time."

Victor picked then to mention, "Talked to Hank a minute ago." He gestured for Trick to sit and the musician did so on the sofa. "Seems there was more to this visit than you let on."

Trick pointed out, "As if you didn't figure that much out in under ninety seconds."

Approaching him, Victor got to one knee and kept their eyes even. "When you found out we needed ya, you came in on the first train smokin'. You're thousands of miles off from here, but you still came to help us out here in the states. You're still an X-Man, right down the line."

Trick stated, "I'd like that chiseled into my tombstone after Father."

"I'm not kickin' you in the teeth for what you and Charles did," Victor continued, "but the way I remember it, you and me had a conversation about you bein' on the up and up with me."

"We did," Trick nodded. "And I wasn't. I knew this would all come to light eventually. Accountability; 'tis our way."

Taking a moment to grip him at the shoulders, Victor said, "You're important, kid. To me and this team. I never want to find out something's happened to you."

"Appreciated to the highest caliber, mate." Trick raised one hand.

Victor lifted his own and shared a hearty tightening with him. "Now, for the messy part of this deal." He moved so that he now sat on the couch. "You remember from last time?"

With a single nod and having already braced himself long in advance, Trick positioned himself across the older male's lap.

Wanting the matter settled as quickly as possible, Victor swept Trick's pajama bottoms and underwear down together. He wasted no further time in applying his heavy hand to the now bare backside.

Trick had to contain his initial desire to swear, somehow having forgotten about the full force the man's appendages packed. He instead grunted and hissed in air. When Victor reached beyond a dozen swats, Trick experienced the moisture. With them so high away in addition to all else he had been feeling about the current matter plus so much more with being back for the temporal period, he let the tears stream openly.

By the twenty-fourth blow, Trick's behind had darkened into a deep red. Victor determined the situation resolved and carefully redressed the younger singer. Trick remained in place and Victor offered a hand to rub and soothe his back. He sensed that the tears came from a deeper source than the punishment. From the moment he returned home with Trick that night, Victor had seen it; the utter joy the younger man felt upon mere sight and smell of the mansion.

When he felt the trembling subside, Victor asked, "Ready to get up, kid?"

"Mhm," Trick managed to send back.

Victor helped bring him to his feet then looked into his face. "You okay, Spec?" He had to catch him as Trick nearly fell forward against him. "Easy now, pal, come on here." Victor laid him out on the sofa. "There you go." Squatting, he kneaded fingers through the shorter blonde hair. "It's okay, Trick."

"I'm sorry, Vic…"

"Hey…" The stern tone gave away to a certain smile. "We're all good, kid. Here," Victor took possession of the nearby throw he kept up there to cover him in. "You get some rest. I'm gonna read a while. You need me, just say the word."

Trick relaxed against the cushion. "Thank you, Victor."

Wheeling a swivel chair over close, Victor sat down to resume the current chapter of one of his worn novels.

IIIIIII

Taken out of her dream state, the telepathic woman instantly honed in the bare spot and vacant pillows beside her. Getting out of bed without delay, she took time enough to slip on and tie her satin robe before departing the master suite.

On the main level, she picked up on her target and proceeded into the study. Charles?

Positioned behind his desk with a pensive expression in place, he inched his head to the left to face her. I'd hoped my mind wouldn't be troublesome for you.

It's after three. Emma stepped in closer. Couldn't you sleep at all?

A weak smile appeared on Charles' face. It's too difficult when you're right there beside me yet miles away at the same time.

Countenance matching her heart-wrenched core, Emma placed hands on his shoulders in a light massaging gesture. I've been too hard on you, Sugar.

No more than what I deserve from you, Charles asserted, laying his hand over one of hers. I was completely dishonest with and I cannot express how sorry I am. The greatest shame is that those words won't restore this man's health. Nor your faith in me.

Lowering, Emma nuzzled near his ear. Do you remember when I asked you how far you were willing to go to protect this family?

Yes, Charles answered her.

You've more than proven the length with which you are willing to go for our sake. Though I wish you had confided in me, I know the choices could not have been easy for you to make. Yet you did what you believed necessary.

Charles brushed his lips over her fingers. Thank you, love.

She laid her head on his shoulder. There is more than one reason for the guilt you're feeling right now. Will you make things right with him?

He nodded resolutely. Yes, love.

No further words needed, Emma coaxed him to his feet by tugging at his shirt front. Winding both her arms around his while he used the other for his cane, she guided them back upstairs.

IIIIIII

As he departed his attached bathroom, Estevan did not miss the slither of light trickling in from beneath his door become momentarily eclipsed by a passing presence. Going out into the hall, the man witnessed the mound of linens that had seemingly sprouted bitty limbs strong enough to pull its way towards the staircase.

Some sense of amusement about the sight, he followed the pile with a casual stroll. "Oh, Maxwell, is that you?"

The blanket assortment ceased and the young voice piped up, "Yes, Tio. Um, buenos dias."

"Very good pronunciation," Estevan commended. "Though far too early in the dias for you to be awake. Where are you going with your bed things?"

"I just want to take 'em down to the laundry room."

"I see. Very considerate, but not a task you need to lose sleep over. We'll just leave these in your hamper for the cleaning woman."

When Estevan came near enough to reach for them, Max quickly pulled the linens away. "That's okay, Tio. I can do it. I'm a big boy."

Folding his arms with a rising eyebrow, Estevan asked pointedly, "You aren't trying to hide something from me, are you?"

Max gave off a vigorous shake of his head. "Uh uh."

"Maxwell," touching the child's wrist, Estevan brought him away from the pile so that they were eye to eye, "you just lied to Tio, didn't you?"

"Mmhmm," Max admitted in a whimper. "M'sorry. I just didn't want you to get mad."

"And what would I have to be mad over?"

Though they remained the only two present, Max still dropped his voice to whisper, "I wet the bed."

Giving him a little spin, Estevan detected the moist spot on the seat of his pants. "I see. Well, first order of business," he seized the soiled linens with one hand, "we have to get you clean. The sheets can wait."

Returning to his own room, Estevan deposited the circus elephant themed sheets and blankets into the tall hamper outside his walk-in closet. He next brought Max into the adjoined bath and began filling the tub with warm water. Max could hardly shield his excitement after he undressed and climbed into it. The massive tub seemed almost like a pool all for himself.

"Keep still now, Maxwell," Estevan directed, rubbing a dime size portion of soap- merely enough to briefly rinse off the boy- into his palms. "This is not playtime. You've lost enough sleep as it is."

Max promptly calmed and sulked a little. "I'm sorry, Tio."

"I know it was not intentional, but you are a big boy, are you not?"

"I sure am."

"And big boys do not soil themselves, do they?" Estevan went on. He reached into the water to unplug the tub. "That is something little babies do. Do I need to make you wear diapers to bed like a baby?"

"No, Tio," Max reacted, waving his arms a bit. "Please, please don't make me wear those!"

"Don't worry. I doubt it will come to that. However, I'm afraid we're going to have to cut down on milk, juice, and extra glasses of water before bed," Estevan determined.

"Okay." Max considered something. "Tio, can I tell you something else? Even though this'll make you real, real mad?"

"Nothing will make me angrier than you keeping something from me," Estevan told him, grabbing a towel to dry him with. "I want you to always tell me everything, Max."

"Okay. Well, um… I missed you while you were gone and I wanted to sleep in your bed." Max bit his lip before going on. "I wet it by mistake." He quickly added, "But Jimmy and Missy fixed it."

Estevan listened and nodded. "I'm glad you told me." Hoisting the now fresh but slightly damp child up out of the draining water, he could not help smiling at seeing him wrapped in the oversized towel. "Though I have to say, you do make an adorable baby."

"Tio," Max giggled at the man tickling his cheek with his nose. "I'm not a baby."

"Oh no, far from it." Back out in his room, Estevan laid him down at the center of the mattress. "You are my strong young Acolyte, yes?"

"Yep!" Max sat up in alarm at his move of departure. "Where're you going?"

Estevan replied on his way out, "To get you something to sleep in before pneumonia sets in."

Max did not have time to ponder over why adults always brought up pneumonia as Estevan returned shortly with clean underwear and the Looney Tunes pajamas.

While the older male dressed him, Max wondered, "Tio?"

"Si, querido?"

"If I keep wetting the bed, will you send me away?"

This brought Estevan's eyes up. "What? What are you talking about? Where did you get such an idea?"

Max explained meekly, "Coll. He always says we'll get split up again if we make you mad."

"Collin?" Estevan sincerely scoffed. "After the number of states we crossed in order to find you? He honestly believes I would… Max," taking a seat on the bed, he moved the boy over into his lap with something of a possessive hold, "querido, get rid of these thoughts. If you leave me, the ordinary humans will try to hurt you the way your parents did. And if they did that, I would have to hurt them."

Max peered up at him. "The way you did that bad man that wanted to hurt Anne and Missy?"

"Yes," Estevan responded with a nod, running a hand through the youth's hair. "And all the others like him. Safeguarding you is my purpose. That way when you are older, you will be able to protect yourself and all future young ones as wondrous as we are. I want you with me always, Max. Do you hear me?"

Max replied with an elated, "Si, Tio."

"No one will harm any of you," Estevan kept soothing fingers in his hair, steady gaze fixated on nothing in particular, "ever again."

IIIIIII

Cooldown period coming to a close, the rhythmic pounding from within his chest echoed throughout the metal wielder's ears as he returned to the mansion. Making it to the kitchen in a short sprint, he took in the one situated at the island.

"Good morning, brother," Charles greeted him brightly, pushing a mug across the counter to him. "I thought you would appreciate this after such a lengthy run."

Raising the beverage to his lips, Erik absorbed the taste and warmth of the green tea. "Thank you, Lab Rat." He then noticed the pinkish corners of the young professor's scleras. "How did you sleep last night? Is your leg still bothering you?" He spotted something else. "And where is your cane?"

Addressing only the last question, Charles informed, "I can bear my own weight without it." He moved to stand.

Erik caught the slight limp and immediately went to support his brother by his left arm. "I'll let Hank convince me of that. Come on." He experienced a small smile when Charles inched in comfortably against his side.

"Erik, I really need to speak with you," Charles told him. "Before the children are up."

Picking up the seriousness in his tone, Erik guided the way into the parlor and helped Charles ease into his regular chair. "Alright," take his own seat across from him, he prompted, "let's hear it."

"Erik," Charles began, "I have to tell you straightforward that what I'm about to say will upset you. I haven't been honest with you. Though I first felt it was for a noble purpose, I know now how wrong it was. Quite frankly, I was aware then. I simply wanted to push it out of my mind and now so much—"

"Charles," reaching over, Erik patted him on his good knee, "you're beginning to ramble. Now, tell me flat out. What is this all about?"

Inhaling shortly, Charles brought up, "Do you remember the night you fell asleep during our chess game?" Erik nodded, following along with him. "The real reason you grew so lethargic is because I forced you into a deep sleep with my telepathy."

A near frightened shock flashed across Erik's face. "What? Charles, I—"

"Please," Charles beseeched, "let me finish. The reason I did it is the same reason Trick came here straight out of the blue. That night, he and I combined our powers in order to reconfigure the minds of three committee members who would have voted in favor of sterilization. That would have defeated us completely in this state. We were going to do the same with Owen Ignacio, but when I located his mind, I found out Estevan Cortez was having me watched."

Pieces appeared and joined together within Erik's mind. "The destruction to Ignacio's house, his disappearance- that was you."

"Yes," Charles said with an uncertain nod. "Estevan burst in, gassed us, and I cannot be sure, but I believe he killed Ignacio. And there's a very real chance I went too far with one of the committee members, Ed Harrington. Because of the nightmare state we placed him in, he suffered severe cardiac arrest. He could…" Charles had to grip his composure with steel will as he tasted the words on tongue. "He could die."

Arching far back in his seat with hand going to his abdomen as if he experienced a bullet's penetration there, Erik struggled to respond. "How- how could you possibly keep all of this from me?"

"I thought I had to," Charles answered him honestly. "There was a real chance I would have entered a comatose state or experienced greater mental damage. I thought you would only try to stop me. I didn't even tell Emma."

"You… you…" Pinching the bridge of his nose, Erik worked to sort through the wealth of information. "You placed yourself as well as Trick at unbelievable risk, left the rest of us in the dark- including your own wife-, went after an enemy known for practicing dark arts, but before any of that you… you went inside my head and attacked my mind."

Charles' eyes swelled in desperation at the way he spoke. "Erik, please. I never intended—"

"You did worse than drug me," veins around Erik's neck bulged as his tone's level of disgust only increased, "you lured me, manipulated me, forced me under your control as if I am nothing more than a puppet to bend to your damn will!"

Charles hurried to his feet, not caring about the brace he wore in the slightest. "Erik, no, please, you must hear me out."

Rising himself, Erik walked off several paces, keeping his back turned when he stopped to stand still. "When I was with Vanessa, we talked, we shared- she seemed to understand everything about me; accept all things about me. For the briefest moment, I dared flirt with the idea that I- that the two of us could have some kind of real future together. But all she wanted was to take what was precious away from me. To take advantage of me."

Feeling the sorrowful shine building in his eyes, Charles could only muster one word. "Brother…"

"How could you do this me?" When Erik finally faced him again, Charles saw a level of wounded he previously thought the older Headmaster incapable of reaching, "Brother?..." Not waiting for Charles to utter another syllable, Erik stalked from the room, causing a reaction from every spec of metal in his path.

Slowly sinking back down into his chair, small tremors coursed throughout Charles' body and it took great effort to support his own head in that instance. Not denying the rapidly growing heat behind his eyes, he dipped his chin and allowed the tears to flow freely.

IIIIIII

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum

On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum

The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum

While her mother's soft voice handled most of the lyrics, the drowsy four-year-old attempted to follow along with the drumming portions. Holding her close and gazing into her face, Raven continued for Kiki.

I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum

When she noticed Kiki with eyelids now closed, Raven sent into her ear, "I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum," she pecked her daughter's temple, "pum."

Laying her little girl in her bed, Raven covered up the tiny sleeping vessel and kept her secure in a circle of stuffed animals. The shapeshifter quietly picked up any stray candy wrappers and did other light tidying before leaving Kiki to rest.

Parts of the song still playing on her tongue as she headed downstairs, Raven stopped outside of Erik's den. "Hey, missed my brothers for breakfast."

A weary faced Erik glanced up at her briefly from his desk. "My appetite was lost to me this morning."

Raven regarded him both sympathetically and knowingly. "I take it you and Charles talked."

Erik placed enough pressure on his pen to fool the untrained eye into thinking the paper bled black. "We did."

Not missing his rigid voice and posture, Raven nudged, "So, what happened?"

"Raven, if you don't mind- even if you do-, I am in no mood to discuss this."

From that, she deduced, "You're mad at him. Erik, no, you cannot be mad at him."

Looking up at her in full, Erik responded flatly, "If you're as aware of this information as you seem to be, I find it difficult to believe that you cannot see from where my anger is coming."

"Listen, yes, I admit it. You have the right to be upset. But Erik," Raven urged, "this whole thing has been cutting Charles up inside. Even Emma wasn't happy with him. And with all this guilt he has about Ed Harrington… he needs his older brother. As tough as it is, you need to forgive him and really talk to him. You two have to move past this."

Erik tapped distant fingers on his desk. "It isn't so simple."

"Erik," Raven maneuvered around to get closer to his chair, "you've done things with your powers you're not completely proud of, right?"

Erik bobbed his head once. "Yes."

"But Charles doesn't hold that over you, does he?" At his lack of immediate response, she put forth, "You said we have to be honest with you so that you can protect us. I know he took the scenic route, but he finally told you the truth. Erik, please, take it from me. It's a horrible feeling when you think you've let your big brother down."

Pressing hands against the desk for a moment, only the brown clock mounted to one wall offered sound within the room.

At last bringing himself to stand, Erik looked into his sister's face again. "Your children are fortunate to have such a wise mother, big girl." He brushed his hand across her chin then left his den.

Fully content countenance in place, Raven deposited herself in the now vacant leather chair. Jerking her arms abruptly, she took it for a rapid spin.

II

With the babies on strolls with Emma and Kayla, Logan working in the backyard, Kiki likely down for a nap, Trick voluntarily acting as chauffer for Maya's errands for her mother, and Alex and Leon meeting Jam for a movie, the Professor felt much like a lone prisoner in a fortress. The fortress not so much his family home but the one thing he could never walk away from; his own head. Words from the other Headmaster tormented him in a continuous repeat while the icy blue eyes and equally cold countenance flashed over and over. Sinking his head into the nearest pillow on his bed, Charles could no longer find even minute relief in weeping. Though his inner core still ached, no fresh tears bubbled to the surface. Form weakened from his empty stomach, a spell of lethargy swept across him.

The minimal ease of peace became harshly penetrated by the gathering of shadow images that grew out his mind's eyes. Guffawing at the man's despair, the dark figments encroached upon him.

When he received no answer from his knocking, Erik peeked inside the master suite. At the one who thrashed about in bed, he shoved his way inside and went to grab the distressed telepath by his upper arms.

"Charles, Charles!" Ignoring all difficulty, Erik fought to steady him. "Charles, wake up. Lab Rat!"

Eyelids snapping apart, Charles released a long and sharp exhale. "Br-brother?"

"I'm here." Sitting on the mattress, Erik brought him into a strong hug. "I'm right here, Lab Rat. It was only a nightmare." It honestly startled him at the sudden way the younger man tried to pull away. "Charles?"

"My God… Erik…" Face pale and eyes darkened, Charles' shoulders shook. "How could I do that to you? How could I go so far? He- he's going to die… because of me."

"If Harrington dies, it will be the fault of his own ignorance," Erik said matter-of-factly. "Not because of you and Trick. You're doing offered protection to the future of mutants across this state. Possibly beyond."

"And what I did to you?" Charles wanted to know. "The intrusion, the deceit- there is no excuse."

"That much you're right about," the metal wielder concurred. "While I carry not an ounce of anger for what you had to do to those men, there is no sugarcoating the fact that you left me in the dark. That was disrespectful to me as your fellow Headmaster and brother. Worst of all, it was a major risk for both you and Trick. That is the reason I must punish you for this, Charles."

Charles nodded to that with strong agreement. "Yes, I know. You have to. I deserve your harshest."

Cupping the side of his face firmly, Erik reproached, "Do not tell me what you deserve. That is for me to decide. You have no control here, Charles. Is that clear?"

"Yes, brother," he answered without delay.

"Will it put too much pressure on your leg to lay on your stomach?"

"No, it's mostly healed now. It won't do any harm. I will—" Charles caught himself and instead asked meekly, "Is that what you want me to do?"

"Yes," Erik determined, "but first," he took a pillow to position where Charles' healing leg would go, "let's not cause any unnecessary damage." Getting up, Erik next instructed, "Lay down."

When Charles stretched out with his chin close to the foot of the large bed, Erik's hand went to his belt buckle. He worked the line of leather through the loops and folded it in half. Before going any further, he pulled down the sweatpants Charles had yet to change out of from his morning exercises along with the underwear. Raising his right hand, Erik unleashed the first resounding whack over the bare behind.

Charles used whatever strength he carried in that moment to resist yelling out at a decibel that would surely rattle the plaster. Despite the ones he had given out himself, he himself could not have been less prepared for the pain a whipping produced. Somehow, a trace of humor lingered in the back of his mind and he considered bringing up the fact that at least he had not tried climbing a mountain during a rainstorm while recovering from an injured leg this time around. The building fire in his behind helped Charles to decide against bringing up that particular memory to Erik in that moment.

Continuing to swing, Erik questioned, "What did I tell you would happen if you chose to be reckless with your health and safety?"

Initially frightened that his brother had heard his thoughts, Charles reminded himself that he was the telepath in the room. "That I would- gah!" One particular whack caught him off-guard. "I- I would have to answer to you every time!"

"Every single time," Erik further reiterated. "We may be equal in running this school together, but it is still my responsibility as your elder brother to keep you safe. Even if it means this." He whipped at Charles' lower bottom for emphasis.

The formerly vacant tears returned in the form of bursting dams as Charles cried into his comforter. "Yes, brother! I know- I- I'm so sorry!"

"Good." Bringing the belt down one last time, Erik sighed with relief. "… Good."

Dropping the implement altogether, Erik used a white fleece throw draped over one chair to cover his brother's lower half. It gave him necessary modesty without the unfortunate discomfort of having to redress right away. Very careful of Charles' present pained state, Erik maneuvered to sit on the mattress and leave Charles' upper body on his lap. Though he knew it gave no major relief, he still massaged a hand up and down the younger Headmaster's back.

When's Charles' cries reached softer, more coherent levels, Erik spoke with, "I'm sorry I had to whip you, brother."

Charles returned, "I'm sorry… for everything."

Hoisting him a little, Erik cradled Charles as best he could. "All of that is behind us, Lab Rat. I do not want you feeling guilty for anymore of this."

"I'm trying, but it's only…"

Erik stroked at the chestnut brown hair to help ease him. "What is it, brother?"

Charles' eyes implored him as he asked, "Do you think we can rebuild our trust again?"

Ensuring their eye contact, Erik stated, "I do trust you, Lab Rat. Anger and emotion got the better of me this morning. It was completely callous of me to compare you to Vanessa."

"I haven't heard you mention her in so long," Charles said. "I only wish I could rid you of that pain."

Erik formed a wry smile. "Even in physical and mental agony, your concerns remain on your loved ones. You're truly special, Professor."

"Hardly." Charles closed his eyes a little. "Though kind of you to think so."

At Charles tugging on part of Erik's shirt in such infantile fashion, the metal wielder witnessed that small boy he had met during their cerebral adventure.

Though he wanted not to disturb that one in his hold in the slightest, Erik grew somber. "Harrington's health problems are unfortunate, but in many ways, I'm glad this situation has helped prepare you."

Charles looked at him through slightly cracked eyelids. "Prepare me?"

Erik followed that up with, "For when you have to do this again."