X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Forty

Author's Word: Yeeeee-ah! Who got a chapter together before the demons of finals could start their little rampage? I did, oh yeah! Anyway, as I take in this victory over academia, it is that time again. Yes, that time. Another X-Men movie is upon us (along with that realization that Rise or Fall has been going on since the dawn of time… yes!).

You know how when the new movies come out and there are certain… "elements" that receive a large amount of hype? For example, lots of people make a frequent request for the appearance of a certain character or characters. Along with the internet being filled with nothing but a specific scene featuring that character or characters that everyone thought was done just so totally awesome and they can't stop talking about it. Don't get me wrong. It's not hype I hate. I'm not a Star Wars fan, but I buy the new merchandise for my loved ones who are and make the references right along with them. However, there are other times when praise is just not earned, you know like with movies showcasing shallow plots, moronic songs that have nothing to do with anything, boring cardboard characters, poorly executed messages, an annoying singing snowman, and a fan base that needs to beaten to de- wait, what was I talking about? I love you all, I love your excitement, and I love your suggestions. I just want to remind you that your vision of how plot and character introductions play out may not necessarily line up with what I see (the be careful what you wish for scenario). Also, if I do happen to take in the new movie (so long as I ain't paying for it), it'll be for one clear purpose and goal in my life. Stalking Haven.

Alright, enough from me. Please enjoy and review (and pray I make it through these last major assignments!)!

Attention wrapped up in the tan folder he carried, the Headmaster lifted his head at detecting a member of his Triad. Reaching his study, Charles initially smiled at the sight of the little girl until he noticed her all too captivated by a piece of pale blue parchment left out by him earlier.

To the Queen of my House and Heart,

Though it has only been a year since we exchanged our vows, it is nearly impossible to imagine a time in my life without you in it. Between the many changes and challenges, I have been all too privileged to have you at my side through them all. Not only have you saved my life, you carried and brought life to me in the form of our Brian. While I've missed your magnificent body lying next to mine, I consistently feel you near through the link that is our minds. When alone in our bed at night, I find myself—

A sharp strike across her unsuspecting bottom prevented her reading any further. Becky jolted up from where she bent over the desk. Her green eyes appeared reminiscent of a curiously errant kitten caught venturing away from its colony.

"That was for prying." Ignoring her attempt at a wounded expression, Charles aimed another smack to her backend. "And that was for allowing yourself to become too distracted to sense me." He lowered into his chair. "What if I had been an attacker?"

"You were," Becky somewhat pouted, reaching to rub the mildly afflicted spot. "But I wasn't trying to be nosy, honest. I just wanted to use your correction fluid then I saw the pretty paper." She smiled a little. "I really like it. It's so romantic."

"While I appreciate the feedback," Charles reached out to fold the letter in half, "this is private." He secured it inside his shirt pocket then opened one drawer. "And I believe this is what you were after." He showed her the container of correction fluid. "I have to keep these hidden. The far more artistic Charles Xavier likes to use them as a white paint substitute."

"Thanks, Uncle Charles." Taking possession of the small bottle, Becky looked into the elder telepath's face. "You really miss Auntie Em today, don't you?"

"Today and every day," Charles answered. "Still, it makes me happy that she and Cordy are getting this time together with their siblings."

Becky nodded and said, "I miss her, too. I'm so glad she's your wife now."

Charles took one of her hands to kiss at the palm. "I may not have my queen in front of me," he brought her to hold in his lap, "but I do have my little princess right here." Her round face glowed as he stroked her curls. "Seems I haven't much right to complain."

IIIIIII

Book assortment hugged to her chest, the blonde female ceased purposeful movement outside the mutant teen reserved lounge. Lingering directly by the door, she could hear the boy conversing, but with lack of another voice she knew he had to be on the telephone. Pushing a section of her long hair behind one ear, Samantha shut her eyes and attempted to block out all else to make full use of her specialized hearing.

"I swear Christmas break went by too fast," Frank bemoaned. "Did you get a dent in the history essay?"

"I'm done and I'm mad because I had to go to three different libraries for one lousy article," Carmen lamented.

"I swear collecting titles for the stupid reference page is the hardest part. I finished last week just to get it out of my face."

"I'm done, too. When I finally sat down, typing only took a couple hours."

Brow now wrinkled into a deep frown, Samantha marched off. With every forceful step she took, an intangible blaze trailed her from behind. Arriving inside the library, she deposited her books on the nearest table. Dropping herself into a chair next, she indignantly opened and flipped through the algebra text. When the numbers before her appeared to take form and point at her with jeering and depreciating laughter, Samantha picked up and hurled the book straight across the room. With one clean sweep of her arm, the others wound up on the floor as well.

IIIIIII

While monitoring the heated pots on the stove, Raven still spared glances her daughter's way every so often.

"Careful, Baby Gorge." Going over to the table, the shape-shifter adjusted the newspaper for her. "Remember what Uncle Charles said. Make sure you keep it on the paper."

"Yes, Mommy." While Raven returned to preparing the evening meal, Kiki used her thumb add rays to the bright yellow sun she designed.

"Rae," Frank burst in ahead of Sean, "I'm here, I'm here."

Raven gave him a soft jab to the arm as well as an oven mitt. "It's about time, love bug."

"Seanie," Kiki entreated. "Come color with me."

"I can't right now, bumble bee," the teenager in sweat coated workout gear gently decline.

Raven spotted Sean rifling through one of the two refrigerators. "Oh do not even think about it." She seized the wooden spoon to wave at him. "We are eating in half an hour."

The redhead used one hand to raise in innocence and the other to reveal the bottle of water to her. "Easy, Blue Mommy. Alex just finished giving us the Dante's Eighth Circle treatment in the gym."

"Ah," the yellow-eyed woman understood. "My twin's too merciful for the full nine, huh?"

Frank stated while stirring the thick soup, "That's Erik's department."

Raven looked him up and down. "You clean up already, Frankie?"

"No, I uh," Frank kept his concentration on the food, "had to sit out a couple times."

"Again?" Raven's hand went straight to his forehead. "Are you getting sick again?"

Frank shook his head hard. "No, Rae. I just got roped into throwing the football around with Trav earlier. You know that's a workout all by itself."

"True," Sean seconded, taking a long drink of water. "Okay, Maya's mom is fixing dinner for us so I have to shower and get into something less sinful. See you guys later." He started out of the kitchen.

Lips puckered in disgruntled fashion, Kiki slapped a red handprint across her construction paper.

IIIIIII

"I'll tell you all about it tomorrow. I know. I love you, too, Angie." Once the other end went silent, Samantha hung up the living room extension and stood from the soft chair.

On her way up the stairs, she happened upon Kayla at the landing, who asserted, "Exactly the young lady I want to see. Did you know you left your textbooks in the library?"

Samantha answered with a plain, "Yes."

Kayla next asked, "Did you know they somehow ended up scattered on the floor?"

"Yes," she repeated.

"Would you like to go pick them up?"

Samantha looked to consider it, but replied, "No."

Kayla's arm extending forcefully prevented her from continuing upward. "I see we need to add "subtlety" to your vocabulary list. So I'll be clear. I want you to go get those books up immediately, put them away where they belong, and meet me in my room as soon as you're done. Five minutes. Is that understood, my love?"

"Yes, ma'am," the girl responded with nod included.

Satisfied now, Kayla continued down while Samantha followed direction into the library.

Gathering her formerly discarded books, she carried them to her bedroom and situated them neatly on the desk. When she arrived in the Howlett quarters, she observed Logan settling Mira in her crib.

When he picked up on her scent, Samantha explained, "Just waiting on Kay."

"Ah, gotcha." He pulled out a chair for her to sit at their small circular table.

Kayla re-entered shortly. "Are they happy?"

Logan looked between their currently quiet twins. "For now. Well, off to earn my keep." He shared a small kiss with his wife and pecked the top of Samantha's yellow head as well.

Kayla sat across from the clearly sullen girl. "This test is really weighing on your mind, isn't it?"

Glad to detect not a trace of frustration in the woman's tone, Samantha admitted softly, "A little."

"Honey, we have all seen the efforts you've put into this," Kayla reminded her. "In all honesty, the hardest part is getting through the anxiety. It's a wonder all my hair didn't fall out when I was studying to become a teacher. I can't even count how much sleep I lost. I must have driven my parents insane more than once. This test is not bigger than you are, Sam. You'll get through this."

"I hope so," Samantha whispered then asked, "Can I go study some more?"

"Alright, but not for long," Kayla granted. "I'd rather not have you falling asleep in the middle of it."

Samantha gave off a partial smile and took her leave of the room. When she returned to her own dwelling, she discovered Midnight in a comfortable position near the book stack. Sitting down, Samantha ran a comforting hand over his fur. Opening the center drawer, she leafed through the pile of folders until she landed on the one that interested her. Going into it, she peered through the detailed answer keys.

Powerful ears at work, Samantha shoved it out of sight at the approaching footsteps. "Becky." She grinned at the visitor, accepting the warm, marshmallow loaded mug from her. "Ohh, thank you." Samantha playfully accused, "Were you reading my mind?"

"Like I have to," Becky smiled back at her, sitting on the edge of the bed with her own drink facing her.

Samantha held the cup far away from her curious feline. "Stop it, Midnight. You know you can't have chocolate."

After an enjoyed sip, Becky asked, "Are you all ready for tomorrow?" She caught something in the older girl's expression. "What's wrong, Sam?"

Before speaking, Samantha got up to shut her door. "Becky…" Looking at her, she continued with, "Have you ever used your powers in school? To make it easier?"

"Are you kidding?" A certain gleam crossed Becky's round features. "At my old school in D.C., I used to get us out of tests and homework. Not all the time, though. My powers weren't half as strong back then."

Sitting back down, Samantha inquired, "Have you used them on tests here?"

"No. The closest I came was helping Anne Cortez. I almost wiped out our teacher's memory," Becky recollected. "Boy, did I get in trouble. I never did it when I was doing school here at home. If I were to even think about using telepathy on a test, Uncle Charles is liable to spank me in front of my whole class." At Samantha's growing forlornness, Becky's concern deepened. "Sam, what's really going on? You can tell me."

Staring at her floating marshmallows, the blonde looked as if to search for words inside the mug as well.

IIIIIII

"Dad, Dad, Daaaaad?"

Taking prompt leave of his den, the tall man in blue dress shirt and gray slacks stooped to grab hold of the small zealous body. "Kangaroo," he spoke firmly to seize the youth's full attention, "I'll remind you that other people in this house are still sleeping, including three babies who react to so much as a pin drop."

"Oops," Joey realized. "Sorry, Uncle Erik. Where's Dad? He's nowhere."

"Oh he's somewhere," Erik informed. "He and Hank had to leave early to navigate their way up to Rockland. A new shipment of equipment is in for the infirmary. I have to be off soon also, but may I be of service to you?"

Joey put on the brightest smile he could. "Only if you say yes."

"So we have some contingency. Yes to what exactly?"

"Can me and Becky go with Sam to the big test? Alex said we could go along if you guys say it's alright."

With a smirk, Erik raised an eyebrow. "The two of you are looking to start high school already? Has Frank been bending your ear?"

"Uncle Erik," Joey laughed, "Sam's real nervous and we want to go so she can think about us cheering for her. Except, I'm not wearing a skirt like when Becky cheerleads."

"Those words relieve me greatly, Kangaroo." Erik then granted, "And of course you may go along. That is very considerate of the two of you. Mind that you don't distract Samantha during the exam."

"We won't," Joey promised. "Thanks, Uncle Erik. I'll tell Becky."

"See to it that you comb your hair and change into a decent shirt as well," Erik tacked on.

"Wow," Joey glanced back impishly, "I feel like Mummy's home." The little boy dashed away when Erik made a swiping motion with his hand.

II

Letting off a deep murmur as she slowly aroused, Maya pulled back her covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed. As soon as she connected fingers to her face to rub away the residual fatigue, she fully felt the cold gooiness. Opening her eyes, she discovered the dark red substance all over her hand and secreting down her pajamas. Heart leaping inside her chest, she let off an intense scream, causing multiple objects around her to shake.

In a matter of seconds, multiple pairs of feet barreled through the hall. Raven along with Kayla and Sean hurried to her aide.

"Smiley!" Cody bellowed.

Leaping ahead, Logan burst into the room with claws bared on both fists and a ferocious countenance in place. "What the hell's goin' on?"

Maya stood in utter confusion. "I don't know… what…?"

At the redness, fear clutched Raven. "Oh, my God." She went to the right side of the alarmed girl while Kayla took the left.

"We have to get her to the hospital," Sean insisted.

"Hold on," Logan spoke over all of them, getting a proper whiff. "Easy, X-Men. It's just paint."

"It's all over me." Maya attempted to wave it off her hands. "Ugh, my hair! How did- this'll never come out."

"Oh no." Guiding her by the shoulders, Kayla vowed, "We'll get it out. It'll take around a hundred washes, but this is coming out."

"How did you spill paint all over yourself?" Sean wanted to know.

"I have no idea!" the utterly flabbergasted Maya responded. "I just went to bed like normal and…"

"Hey, look." Cody pointed out the doorknob.

Logan walked over for a closer inspection and sniff. "Seems we've got an itty bitty prankster on our hands." He looked back at Raven.

In completely astonished disbelief, the shape-shifter uttered, "You have to be kidding me." Both Cody and Logan had to shield their sensitive ears at her next outcry of, "Kyra! Elizabeth! McCoy!"

II

Brown eyes instantly popping open as her named seemed to echo throughout the entire house, the girl moved swiftly to scramble from on top of her bed to beneath it.

"Kyra!" Coming in, Raven made sure to shut the door. "Kyra Elizabeth, I know you hear me. Come here, right now." Noticing the messy bed and trail of abandoned linens, Raven lowered to the proper direction and peeked in on the shining eyes. "Come here, Kyra." When the girl only clutched her favorite pink clad teddy bear tighter, any residual patience faded from Raven's face. "Missy, if I have to come get you…"

Crawling out at that, Kiki promptly sat on her bottom with legs folded. "Good morning, Mommy."

"Don't you "good morning" me, young lady." Taking her by her slim wrists, Raven received her proof in the smudges of paint the child had been unable to wash off. "Ah-ha! Caught you red-handed." With their eyes fixated, Raven asked clearly, "Did you pour paint in Maya's hair?" Biting her lip, she gave off a nod. "Why would you do that?"

"… I wanted her hair to be pretty like yours, Mommy."

Raven crossed her arms. "Nice try. You did it because you were mad Seanie didn't stay home to color with you last night, right?"

"Mmhmm," Kiki mumbled then claimed, "He's my Seanie. He won't play with me when she's here."

"You know that isn't true," Raven shot down. "Even with how busy he is, Sean still takes time to read to you, sing you songs, and even play dolls with you if you want. And didn't you just have him all to yourself while Cody and Maya were away?"

"Uh huh," the small girl admitted begrudgingly.

"Baby," Raven softened a little, "that was really, really mean what you did to Maya. You could have gotten paint in her eyes, ears, and it's going to be really hard to wash it all out of her hair."

Kiki's lips quivered and she held her bear tighter. "I'm sorry, Mommy."

"That's good, sweetie." Raven gently plucked the bear from her grasp and laid it on the bed. "But you are in very big trouble. What has Mommy told you about being mean when you're mad? I don't want my baby girl acting that way, right?"

"… Right."

"And didn't I just tell you yesterday about paint staying on paper? And didn't Daddy and I tell you and your brother not to put paint on yourselves?" At the child's lowered head, Raven tapped her chin. "Kyra Elizabeth?"

Visible saddened gloss in her eyes, Kiki answered properly, "Yes, Mommy."

Staying on the floor for now, Raven gripped her daughter at the waist to make her stand but kept their eyes on each other. "First thing, no coloring until Mommy says so. I'm taking the paints and crayons for a while. I want you to say you're sorry to Maya later. And you're getting a spanking."

Kiki glanced down and whimpered, "I want Daddy..."

Hoping she could cloak her initial disheartening reaction to that, Raven said softly, "Daddy had to go out and you would be in trouble with him, too." Getting up, she held Kiki's hand as she walked to the bed to sit. "Now, tell Mommy why you're in trouble."

"'Cause…" Kiki paused, as if trying to figure out how to speak it. "I was mean to Maya."

"That's right. And what else?" Raven nudged. "Did you break any rules?"

"Uh huh," she nodded. "'Bout the paint. It's just for paper."

Thrilled to be able to praise her girl from something, Raven confirmed, "That's right." She reached in to touch noses with her. "Do you know Mommy loves you? Forever and ever, no matter how naughty you are."

"Mmhmm," came the distant response.

Heart several pounds heavier, Raven accepted it for now. Carefully lifting her, she draped Kiki across her lap. Thinking for a moment, Raven decided to tug down the purple pajama bottoms but let the Minnie Mouse panties stay up. Wanting it over quickly, she applied nine semi-firm swats to the tiny behind. Already crying a little, Kiki entered into sobbing almost right away.

Getting her soft pants in place again, Raven immediately brought her daughter up to kiss and cradle. "Shhh, Baby Gorge." She applied pecks to her forehead and teary cheeks. "It's alright now, sweetie." She lifted her to cry on her shoulder. "Mommy's not mad. Mommy loves you so much."

Kiki hiccupped, "Daddy..."

Beating chest crumbling at that, Raven whispered, "He'll be home later, baby. Come on." She stood with her. "Let's wash your face and get the rest of that yucky paint off."

Calming a little, Kiki replied, "K-Kay, Mommy."

Raven snuggled cheeks with her. "Then we'll get you some nice oatmeal with strawberries. Does that sound good?"

Kiki nodded quietly, though her tears slowed.

IIIIIII

With three of the younger X-Men acting as his passengers, Alex found the unusually silent vehicle somewhat unnerving. Though it did not surprise him completely with Samantha's apprehension coming off in waves. Becky likely sensed it and Joey was more likely to join in a conversation than start one unless excited about something.

When they reached the high school, Alex instructed, "Okay, you two, go on in. I want to talk to Sam." As soon as they were out of the car, Becky linked hands with Joey to enter the building.

Once they left their sight, Samantha turned to the male blonde in alarm. "What's wrong?"

"The fact that your head's about to cave in. Listen to me, Goldie," Alex touched her shoulder, "and I mean listen. I know what you're feeling because I went through it. If you think studying for this honors exam was rough, try going after a GED. I completely bombed my practice test."

Samantha's eyebrows leapt higher on her forehead. "You did?"

"Like you wouldn't believe," Alex responded. "I didn't want anybody to know at first. It's tough being surrounded by so many big brains at home, isn't it?"

"Yeah," Samantha concurred immediately.

Alex went on with, "Sam, whatever happens in there, this thing is not going to make or break you. If it doesn't turn out the way you want, you can always try again. Win, lose, or draw, we're all here for you- I'm here for you."

Samantha formed her first true smile of the day. "Thank you, Alex."

He gave her a small one-armed hug. "Go knock 'em out. I'm going to grab a few things and be back here in a couple hours. If you shrimptoids aren't in one piece when I get back…" He let the mild threat linger there.

The girl laughed a little. "I'm a shrimptoid, too?"

"Shrimpette, actually." Alex noticed her take the straps of her oversized purse. "You want me to hang onto that?"

"Oh no," Samantha shook her head, exiting the car. "I want it with me. See you in a little while." She shut the door and waved through the window.

Alex offered her a wink before driving onward down the street.

Sense of dread re-developing, Samantha nonetheless made her way inside the school.

As soon as she walked in, Becky and Joey each claimed one of her hands. Regarding them gratefully, they followed the signs that pinpointed the specified location. All too soon, they arrived inside the school's library.

A young woman with honey blonde hair and a kind face arose from behind the desk at their presence. "Samantha Ferguson?" she addressed the tallest in the trio.

"Oh, that's me." The girl then corrected, "I mean yes, ma'am."

Smile in place, she introduced herself with, "I'm Miss Fueller, head of the freshman honor program. Since the students who qualified last semester have already been tested, you're the only one I have scheduled for today. The exam is rather extensive with reading—"

"Vocabulary, science, and arithmetic," Samantha filled in.

A pleased Miss Fueller said, "It seems you've done your research well." She indicated the other two children. "And who do we have here?"

"We're Samantha's cousins," Becky piped up.

"Can they please stay?" Samantha requested.

"They're free to sit in the back," Miss Fueller allowed, "but I want absolute silence during the exam."

"Yes, ma'am. Come on, Joey." Letting go of Samantha, Becky took hold of Joey to lead him towards a table in the rear.

Exam packets in her possession, Miss Fueller instructed, "Leave your bag under the table, please."

A now seated Samantha quickly slipped the purse out of sight but kept it at her toes beneath the wooden surface.

Miss Fueller gave her the booklets and instructions. At the three pencils, Samantha brought with her, the woman proved thoroughly satisfied and went to retake her chair behind the desk.

Working on a sketch with the art supplies he had brought along with him, Joey sent out, think she's okay?

Eyes on her journal, Becky stole a brief peek over. I really hope so, Joey.

An hour and three drawings later, Joey quickly looked over. Uh oh!

Joey, raising her head, Becky glowered over at him, not so loud.

Sorry, Becky, but check out Sam. Joey used his pencil to point. I think she's freezing up.

Bringing green eyes Samantha's direction, Becky determined, oh boy, math…

Joey faced her. You gonna?...

Becky sighed internally. I...

Wait.

Becky's eyes enlarged at his hand raising slightly. Joey…

Miss Fueller dropped her novel onto the desk at the overhead lights flickering wildly. "What in the world? Oh, not today. I'll be back, children." She bustled out of the room, muttering, "Is maintenance even in today?"

Stealing only the brief gaze towards the pair from behind, Samantha sunk a hand into the opening of her purse. Retrieving what she sought, she brought the beige folder up onto her lap.

IIIIIII

Curvy, distressed figure stretched out on the sofa, only the cloudy outdoors visible through the bay window provided any type of illumination. Picking up on the incoming whistling tune, she remained entirely motionless even at the clicking of the lights. Going straight to the file cabinet next to his desk, the telepath busied himself at it. Not until he took his regular position behind the desk with his selected documents did she speak.

"Are you really that thick right now?" The irritated yellow eyes turned dull gold as she propped up on one arm of the couch. "Or do I have to streak through here to get a little notice?"

An expression that resembled a reaction to spoiled milk developed on the Professor's face. "Thank you for that stunning visual. Should only require a week or two to cleanse it from my hippocampus."

"Hippo…" Raven demanded in exasperation. "Who talks like you?... Besides my husband."

Giving her a familiar boyish smile, Charles opened his arms. "Seanie told me about this morning?" Getting up, Raven went right to his lap for the embrace. "Honestly, leave this house for so much as five minutes…" He gently rubbed her nose. "I take it you had a sound discussion with her?"

Raven nodded the confirmation. "I've never had to be this hard on her before, Charles. She cried so much. My baby never cries except when she's scared or—"

"Baby blue," Charles applied a calming kiss to her temple, "it's alright. As wretched as those dreaded tears are, it is an unfortunate part of parenting. You did the right thing by her, even if it doesn't feel like it at the moment."

Raven relaxed her head on his shoulder. "Even if she hates me for it?"

"Don't you be absurd," Charles lightly chided. "Kiki hasn't in her to hate a soul in this world, least of all you."

Raven absently played with one of his cufflinks. "I just want my daughter to know I'm here. That I love her. Every day."

Charles massaged at her back, going straight to the core of things. "Mum loved you, Raven. That much I knew about her for certain. I could tell it. During those rare moments when the clouds would clear and she allowed a sliver of sun in… you meant so much to her. Though still not even a fraction of what you've always meant to me."

Closing her eyes to prevent her own developing tears, Raven tugged on his shirt. "Someone had to soften your hardship." Re-thinking the day yet again, she made a displeased face. "I cannot believe she actually dumped paint in Maya's hair."

Charles shot her a meaningful gaze. "Like mummy, like daughter."

"Hey!" Sitting up in a display of indignation, Raven left a hand on her hip. "When have I ever—?"

"When Emma first came here," Charles interjected, "you were ready to shove her straight out the door- or possibly the nearest window- before she even unpacked. I must say, little Kyra's jealousy towards Maya is rather mature by comparison."

Raven batted at his lapels. "Is not! Ugh, you stink."

With a wicked grin, Charles advised, "Hold on."

"Wha—" Raven latched onto him tightly as he launched the chair into a dizzying rapid spin.

IIIIIII

At the young couple that entered his lab together, Hank paid particular attention to the one in green dress with beauty parlor inspired brunette strands flowing down her back.

He remarked, "For someone who suffered an unfortunate dye job, I have to say you look far better than I do during the waking hours."

Smile in place, Maya said, "Only thanks to the Miracle Mom known as Kayla Howlett."

"I'm glad." Sean took Maya's wrist to peer into her eyes. "Not that I wouldn't be wild about the I Love Lucy version of you, but it'd be way too weird to walk around in public together doing the Alex-Raven twin thing."

"Creepy weird," Maya seconded.

Hands in packets, Hank came around the desk to her. "I'm really sorry about that whole thing. My children and paint are a lethal combination."

"It's okay, Hank," Maya reassured. "Though I had a five or sixty negative opinions this morning, I know she's little. But next time I'd prefer one of my favorite colors, like emerald, maybe powder blue—"

"Do not bring up blue around my kids," Hank strongly cautioned.

Sean wondered, "Where is Baby Wings, anyway?"

Hank gestured towards the ceiling. "Up in the playroom. She's worried a certain someone won't love her anymore."

"Naturally, she must mean me," Maya quipped.

"Be right back." Sean started up the lab stairs. He arrived in Hank and Raven's quarters and peeked into the colorful room in question. "Kiki?" He honed in on one brown pigtail on the other side of a toy chest. "Bumble Bee?" At the little sniff, he all but ran over, squatting to her level. "Hey." He extended fingers to wipe her few tears away. "Don't cry, baby. You know Seanie'll cry, too."

Imploring arms beseeched him along with, "Seaaaannnie…."

Not missing a second, Sean practically snatched her up into a warm lock. "Shhh, calm down, Bumble Bee."

"I… I sowwy, Seanie."

"Aw, I know, baby." Sean bowed his head to tickle noses with her. "And I'm not mad. I love you too much for that. You know you'll always be my special girl, right?"

The tot instantly perked and tugged on him happily. "Right! I love my Seanie."

"But," Sean gave the top of her head a quick kiss, "Maya's my girl, too- just in a different way, but I really love her, too. Even when you're mad, I want you to try to be nice. If you're mean to Maya, Seanie'll put you on long, long quiet time." Inwardly, he hoped desperately for her not to press him on that, as that acted as high a penalty as he dared impose on the small girl.

"No, Seanie," Kiki protested. "I'll be nice. Mommy and Daddy don't want me to be mean."

A pleased Sean responded, "That's my girl," and tickled her stomach to hear her giggle.

IIIIIII

Eyes darting and pulse rising the second the knock cut through his former noiseless atmosphere, the fourteen-year-old moved frantically to shove things out of sight and tumble from his closet. Jumping to his feet, he moved the desk out of the way. Swinging the door open, he received a most pleasant golden haired vision awaiting him.

"There you are." A coy smile crossed her features and she tapped at his t-shirt with her fingernails. "I've hardly seen you today."

"Hey, who cares about me? Look at you." Stepping into the hall, Frank joined hands for a half twirl with. "Nice to see you all happy again. So glad that test's over."

Samantha moved in to slip arms around his neck. "So am I."

"Sam," the two teenagers flashed eyes over to the stairs where Becky resided with Joey, "Papa and Uncle Charles want to see you in the parlor."

Frank let go of Samantha for her to walk and put forth, "Wonder what's up."

Scott left the recreation room with Trav trailing after him. "What's going on, Frank?"

The older Eye Scream Team member replied, "No idea."

"Wait for me!" Trav dashed to keep up with them.

The six made it to the main level to find Cody already stationed by one wall outside the designated space. Samantha eyed him, but the boy could only offer an unsure shrug. Repositioning gaze on the parlor, she made her way towards it. The others remained in the hall but most definitely close by with Frank, Joey, and Becky nearest the entryway.

The Headmasters, Raven, and the other instructors present in the house all placed full attention on the girl in floral pants and white sweater.

When they did not speak first, Samantha chose to ask, "Did- Did I do something?"

"You most certainly did, young lady," Charles answered matter-of-factly.

Erik picked it up with, "We just had a rather interesting conversation with a representative from the high school."

Logan did not miss the way her heartbeat went from steady to pounding drum.

Breaking the sobriety, Raven exclaimed giddily, "You kicked every butt, gorge! You're in the Honors Program!"

Having to honestly clutch her chest as her jaw fell, Samantha's eyes sparkled and a smile grew. "I…?"

Kayla rushed her with a hug. "I knew it! I knew you could do it!"

Alex came over to pat her back. "What'd I tell you? Already smarter than me."

Hank said, "This is a monumental accomplishment, Sam."

Logan crossed his arms with a pleased but reserved expression. "Wait until Vic hears about this."

Continuously sensing the other children, Charles invited, "Alright, little ones, come give your congratulations."

Erik added, "Little eavesdroppers he means."

The chorus of, "Yay!" filled the entire house with the small footsteps barreling in to circle the girl.

Frank stood slightly taken aback when Samantha moved by him to share a joint hug with Joey and Becky. When she did veer back to him, Frank promptly hoisted her up and the grin never left her face. Own smiles present, Becky and Joey also exchanged gazes of twin relief.