X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Forty-One

Author's Word: Hi, fam! Joy of joys, school is out!...until I start that summer class in June. This chapter would have been up sooner, but this whole week has had me pulled in every direction. Also again, I know the new movie is out. The billboards alone gave it away. I know everyone's excited, but as with the last one, I most likely won't be seeing it until like it I am feeling. For now, please enjoy and review!

Sparks from fingertips powering the flashlight he toyed with, Joey spoke in a hushed but eager tone into the receiver. "I still can't believe they're really letting us ride into town on our own. Without Frank, Scott, or anybody."

"You're so lucky," Laci replied, lounging on the twin bed with feet dangling off the other side. "The big candy emporium is hardly eight blocks away from here, but I still couldn't go anywhere without one of my older cousins. But my aunt packed us a whole bunch of snacks to go watch the Christmas Day parade."

"That sounds fantastic." Joey added, "Sounds like something my Aunt Raven or Cordy would do."

"Yeah, stuff like that is why I miss Manhattan sometimes," Laci admitted. "But I can't wait to get back to Westchester in the morning."

Joey lost the chance to happily concur with that sentiment when a click sounded and he found himself now in a fully laminated space.

"Charles?" the elder Xavier petitioned. Not waiting on him to answer, the telepath went behind his desk and squatted. "There you are."

Forming a tight smile, Joey greeted him with, "Hi, Daddy."

"Hello, son." Charles bobbed his head towards the telephone. "Laci I presume?" Joey nodded. "I thought her parents didn't like her to accept calls after dinner."

"Well…" Joey coiled the cord around one finger, "yeah, but that's the rule at her house. And right now she's still at her aunt and uncle's."

With a single raised eyebrow, Charles reproached, "Joey…"

"Uh, Laci," the boy articulated into the mouth piece, "I have to get ready for bed. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, me too." Her voice brightened as she returned, "See you tomorrow!"

Hanging up, Joey crawled out from under the desk. "Sorry, Dad, really. It's just we haven't talked much since she's been in the city."

"Yes, I know and I'm not angry with you." Charles touched hands to the sides of Joey's waist. "But remember that you are not doing either one of you any favors by helping her break her parents' rules. Yes," Charles tickled noses with him, "even by technicalities."

Joey let off a small laugh. "Yes, Dad."

"That's my good lad." Charles then directed, "Go get ready for your bath while I warm some milk to help your brother sleep."

Joey grew fretful at that. "He's still missing Mum, isn't he? I am, too."

"We all are," Charles sympathized. "But they will be home again in time to have dinner with us on Sunday. I know your mother's first priority will be to check on all of you."

Joey's expression turned somewhat cheeky. "After you guys kiss, right?"

Trying to cover his amusement with a firm countenance, Charles reiterated, "Bath time, young man."

The blonde handed him back the telephone base before scuttling out of the study with his flashlight.

IIIIIII

Salted walkway and impeccably shoveled surroundings clued the returning Acolyte into the fact that maintenance had been by earlier. He formed something between an internal smirk and scoff at the spoiled existence enjoyed by the children of Westchester. The closest he himself came to the luxury of groundskeepers during childhood consisted of one fifty-year-old janitor who finally got around to shoveling when the build-up reached five feet or more. Snowball fights did a more thorough, not to mention quicker, job of clearing out the frozen moisture.

Jimmy's reflexes reacted as he entered the dwelling through the front and managed to stop him from stepping on the bundle stationed on the rug of the entryway. With front paws across the boy's torso, Jack gave the tall male human what could only be described as a warning gaze. Clearly, any harm that came to the small child, accidental or otherwise, would not end favorably for the one who caused it.

Kneeling, Jimmy offered the dog his wrist to sniff and lick so as to remind him of their ally status. "Max," he lightly shook the little mutant burrito, "hey."

Stirring, Max blinked a few times until his eyes happily settled on the one over him. "Hey, Jim."

"Who kicked you out of bed? You break up with your woman or did your rent check bounce?"

"Nuh uh," Max replied, clearly barely half awake. "I wanted to wait on you. I didn't go outside, though."

Jimmy immediately asked, "Did you wet the bed again?" Max shook his head. "Then what's wrong?"

"Tio's not home."

"You know him are Marco are coming back tomorrow. Where's your brother at?" At the boy biting his lip, Jimmy repeated firmer, "Where is your brother?"

Max uttered faintly, "Don't know…"

Giving off a shake of his head, Jimmy bent to lift him with one arm. "Come here." He carried him up the stairs and into the seven-year-old's quarters. Jack trotted along right behind them. "Alright." Jimmy laid him down and loosened the blanket on him. "Stay put."

"Jim," the boy beseeched as he turned to leave, "don't go, okay? He's in here."

Promptly returning to the redhead's side, Jimmy wanted to know, "Who?"

"My dad," Max whispered. "Every time I close my eyes. I try to hide, but I can't go invisible when I sleep."

"You don't have to," Jimmy told him, dragging a hand through the messy copper hair. "If he ever tried to come anywhere near this house, Jack would get him low and I'd get him high." He faced the puppy. "Ain't that right, man?"

Jack responded by crawling up to lay right beside Max.

Winding an arm around the terrier, Max still focused on the older mutant. "Stay just a little while. Okay?"

Jimmy remained on the side of the bed. "Right here, little man." At the boy's smile and lengthy staring, he asserted, "If you want a picture, get out your brown crayons tomorrow. Go to sleep."

Max promptly shut his eyes.

It took ten minutes or so for the slumber sounds to emit. Getting to his feet, Jimmy accessed the bedroom next door through the shared bathroom way. He found nothing within except a still made bed.

IIIIIII

Small but loud boot covered feet sped and did not slow down until they reached the exterior of the intended suite.

"Uncle Erik?" he called with a knock.

The deeper voiced responded from within, "It's open, Kangaroo."

Taking the invitation, Joey observed the man on the floor. It did not come as a surprise to see him performing sit-ups. However, Erik's wrists tied together behind his head did appear somewhat out of the ordinary.

Joey titled his head as he continued to watch. "Isn't that hard?"

Sparing the boy a side glance, Erik replied with a particular twinkle about his eyes, "That's the whole point."

"Oh, right." Walking to the dresser, Joey gazed up at the four glass bottles. "Dad and Alex aren't home. Can I use some of your cologne?"

"So long as you don't bathe yourself in it," Erik granted.

Joey picked up a certain blue bottle and read the label. "Pleasure King?"

Promptly rising to his feet, Erik burst his hands free from the packing tape. "Not for little boys." He stepped over, plucking the bottle out of the curious child's grasp. "Let's stick with something basic." Erik sprayed the tips of his fingers with a scent from a clear bottle and tapped Joey's neck to transfer the smell over. It was then that the metal wielder fully took in the lad's attire of red sweater and gray slacks. "Isn't that your new cashmere?"

Joey touched his shirt front. "Well, yeah. Figured I should look decent at Mrs. Dukes' house and all."

"Oh yes." Erik formed a knowing smirk. "Especially with ladies about." He did not miss his nephew's attempt to hide his blush. "While I do appreciate your trying to look presentable, I don't think your parents will take kindly to you playing in your good clothes."

"Aw, please, Uncle Erik," Joey entreated. "I'll be careful in them. I promise."

Erik thought then pronounced, "If you get so much as one hole in them, don't look to me to save your backside."

Joey leaned forward on him affectionately. "Thanks, Uncle Erik."

As the child started out, Erik reminded, "Make sure you tell me before you boys leave."

"We will," Joey called back. He made a path for his next destination and saw the smaller youth buzzing about his room still in his underwear. "Trav, why aren't you dressed yet?"

Raven arrived in the doorway. "Give us just a sec. We're trying to solve the mystery of the disappearing long-johns."

"Oh boy," Joey groaned. "Well, hurry up already."

The blue woman crossed her arms while yellow eyes fixed him with a look. "You want to repeat that, sweet little nephew?"

Joey immediately gave her the most charming smile he could muster. "I meant… please, Aunt Raven. The other kids are waiting at Fred's."

"Uh huh. We'll meet you downstairs." Raven turned to continue the search.

When he sensed his friend approaching, Cody glanced back from the front door but had to do a double take at the blonde's appearance. "Your dad sign us up for dance class or somethin'?" He himself currently wore jeans and a gray sweatshirt so large on him that the sleeves were rolled up. The "Legendary Champ 1960 Wolverine" printed on the back gave away who the garment actually belonged to.

"What?" Joey further defended with, "This is how Alex dresses for school."

Cody shook his head. "Glad no dame's got my nose up that much."

"Come on," Joey changed the subject. "We need to grab our bikes."

After they returned with all three of the necessary devices, Joey spoke out to Erik via communicator. The McCoy quad jogged down the stairs with Kiki in Hank's grasp and Trav bounding while holding onto Raven's hand.

"Be sure to mind your manners at Mrs. Dukes."

"I know, Mommy," Trav responded.

"And behave yourself," Hank emphasized. "I don't want to hear from the bigger boys that you were giving them a hard time."

Trav repeated, "I know, Daddy."

"And you bigger boys," a now fully dressed Erik descended next, "must be sure to keep an eye on him."

"We will." Joey made a move for the knob. "Let's go, guys."

Erik used his magnetism to keep the door in place. "And," his tone made the young males look his way again, "call us as soon as you get there and when you are leaving. The moment the streetlights turn on, you need to be pedaling back here at top speed. Not making side trips for candy and ice cream."

"Oh don't worry about that," Cody reassured. "Mrs. Dukes always has plenty of sweet stuff around." At Hank's blue eyes aiming right for him, the child justified, "Not that we ever go overboard or anything."

"More than anything else," Erik continued, "you need to remember that being allowed to go into town by yourselves is a privilege. A privilege that can and will be revoked if you behave irresponsibly. Do you understand me, young men?"

"Yes, sir," answered Cody and Joey.

Trav stood as tall as he could with a salute. "Yes sir, Uncle Erik."

A sufficiently pleased Erik nodded. "Very good."

After the three had the proper outwear on, they proceeded out in a line led by Cody. As soon as they reached the bottom of the steps they zoomed off on their bicycles with Trav in the middle. Erik followed them outside and took to the sky. Peering down, his gaze did not leave them until they left his range of vision entirely.

Hank reacted to the growing lethargic figure in his hold. "Looks like someone's ready for a little rest. Want to lay down with Brian?" Kiki nodded but reached imploring arms in a different direction. Hank only smiled. "Oh Mommy, you're being beckoned."

Moving away from the window, Raven immediately went to collect her daughter. Bringing Kiki near in a hug, she carried her upstairs while humming a sweet melody into her ear.

IIIIIII

Making use of the full sized mirror within the spacious walk-in, the teenager finally decided on right vs. left part and instead combed down the center of his hair. He then shuddered at the abrupt pressure of having his ankle squeezed.

With no one in sight, Fabian knew immediately. "Max!" The giggling boy rematerialized and Fabian made a swipe for him. Max only jumped back further into the closet. "Oh, is that how you want to play, mini mutant?" Stepping out of the closet, Fabian shut the door and leaned against it while whistling casually.

"Hey!" With both fists, Max pounded hard. "Let me out!"

"Sorry." Fabian studied his expertly groomed fingernails. "I can't hear you. You'll have to speak up."

"Let me out, let me out!" The shouting quickly morphed into full on wailing.

"Max?" Collin dashed in and quickly gauged the situation, feeling a churn in his stomach. "Fuck, Fabian, move!" Shoving the other teen out of the way, Collin yanked open the door. "Max?" He dropped to his knees to embrace the crying little boy. "Shhhhh, it's okay. Hey, buddy, it's okay."

With a fastidious rub of his neck, Fabian said, "I forgot he has a bit of an issue with—" He was granted no chance to continue as Collin leapt up and connected his fist to his lower jaw.

The move startled Max enough to cease his tears and make him stand in near catatonia.

Responding to the commotion, Jimmy came in next. "The hell is going on?"

Fabian seethed, "You are going to regret the day you ever darkened our doorstep."

Collin only retorted, "You're gonna regret the day you were born if you ever mess with Max again. Just because you didn't give a shit about your own brother…"

Jimmy had to all but teleport to get between them and keep Fabian's attack at bay. "Whoa, whoa, hey, stop!" Extending both arms, he barely managed to keep the irate individuals apart. "I said quit!" Jimmy looked to Max. "Go downstairs, now."

"Aww," Max moaned. "But I wanna see…"

Jimmy added a layer of menace to his tone. "Boy, you better take your narrow behind down those stairs."

Still reluctant, Max turned and fled from the room.

"Knock it off." Summoning his powers, he touched palms to whatever bare skin he could access on the two. They both reacted with a cringe to the light burn. "Think I won't do worse? Keep trying me. I don't know what's wrong with y'all, but you need to get it together. If I wanted to deal with this mess, I would've stayed around my own color."

Collin pointed accusingly. "He locked Max inside the closet."

Jimmy regarded Fabian disbelievingly. "Are you for real?"

"I forgot, okay?" Fabian insisted through clenched teeth.

"Cloak," Jimmy instructed, "go take your brother to meet up with your friends."

Glower still in place, Collin gladly took his leave.

To the boy remaining, Jimmy wanted to know, "Have you lost your mind? You know their mama used to lock that kid in the closet. Why would you do that?"

"I said I forgot!" Fabian walked to his nearest mirror to inspect his jaw. "When my father hears about this…"

"Come off it, Fabian," Jimmy shot down. "What're you plan on tellin' him? The scrawny ninth-grader clocked you for picking on his little brother? Yeah, that'll make you look like a big man in front of him."

Fabian glared daggers at him. "Don't you ever try to tell me anything about my father! Get out!"

Throwing hands in the air with a shake of his head, Jimmy departed while muttering, "Marco, Miss, where are y'all when I need you?"

IIIIIII

From behind one mound of snow, Scout burst free and jumped out with eager barks. With arms wide open, Trav caught and hugged the dog, who licked his face. Gripping the handle, Lily tugged Darlin' around inside the red wagon. Thick plastic swords in their possession, Fred, Mike, and Cody carried on a three-way battle that involved using the picnic table as a ship. Off to themselves in one spot of the backyard, Joey and Laci created miniature snow people using whatever stray articles they could find to act as hair, noses, arms, and legs. Laci used what she dubbed her favorite Christmas present, the silver camera around her neck, to snap pictures of the different characters.

"We should show the prints to Miss Kendall when art class starts up again," Joey suggested.

Laci's gray eyes lit up to resemble silver. "I can't wait to get back to art. There are a lot of things I like in the city; seeing the Christmas decorations, the shows, and everything. But every time I'm there for a while I start thinking about how sick I used to be. Just waiting on that surgery was horrible. Here in Westchester, it's like everything's brand new."

"Yeah," Joey concurred, "I know what you mean."

Doing up the buttons of her tan coat, Joanne stepped out from the back door. "Freddie, bring Darlin' in before she gets too much of a chill out here. Lil', Laci, give me a hand in the kitchen. The rest of you make sure to stamp your boots clean."

"Kay, Ma." Fred went to hoist up his youngest sister while the other two girls filed in ahead of him.

On the mats present just inside the rear mud room, Scout watched in fascination at the human children pounding their feet against the floor to remove as much moisture as they could. After they clean off as best they could and removed their coats, Lily led Laci into the kitchen. Fred brought the boys into the living room. Mike switched on the television set and flipped through the channels until he landed on Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd. Fred smiled at Darlin' pointing at the TV with glee while he helped her out of her heavily padded snowsuit.

Fred held the baby in a large arm chair and Trav, Joey, and Cody joined Mike on the throw rug to get near to the flashing screen. Joey could not help fidgeting in place just a bit, practically able to hear his father's scold over him sitting on the floor.

"Here we go," Lily announced as she and Laci carried in different plates of cookies.

Joanne came up behind with a tray of full milk glasses. "You all help yourself, but you know the routine. Maid service only comes through here every 31st of February."

"We'll clean up," Cody responded and Joey said, "Thanks, Mrs. Dukes."

"I'll take her, sweetie." Joanne accepted Darlin' from Fred then brought up, "Laci, you be sure to take your heart med. Lord only knows your mother's wrath if I let you slip by so much as a quarter of a minute."

Laci could not help giggling, "Oh, I know," and went inside her pink and blue messenger bag to retrieve the proper capsule.

Massaging Darlin' on her back, Joanne headed upstairs.

"Trav, no!" Mike grabbed the younger boy by the wrist when he looked ready to give a piece of cookie to a whimpering Scout. "Dogs can't have chocolate. It can kill them."

Trav's eyes enlarged substantially. "Really? I thought that was just cats."

"Nope, dogs, too." Fred faced the animal in question. "Cut out that beggin', Scout."

"Come on, boy." Mike stood to go into the kitchen with Scout right behind him. "I'll get you a biscuit."

Cody snorted a laugh as he turned towards Trav. "And to think you're the one always whinin' about a dog."

Trav blew a raspberry his way.

Cody merely rolled his eyes and started on another chocolate chip treat.

From out of the corner of his eye, Joey attempted to keep he his growing euphoria under control at Laci inching in close to him on the rug. She sported a yellow wool cap on her head with her vibrant red hair loose and slightly wavy. The girl had on a while turtleneck with a design of multicolor snowflakes all over it and a pair of light blue jeans with a blue snowflake on one knee and a red one on the other.

After Looney Tunes came to an end, Fred stood with a loud stretch and yawn. "Let's do somethin' else. Who's up for a hike?"

"Yeah," Cody seconded. "It's our last weekend of freedom. Besides, there'll hardly be anybody on the trails behind the park with snow still on the ground."

"Right," Mike agreed. "We might have the whole place to ourselves."

Lily hopped to her feet and insisted, "Me and Trav, too."

Trav reminded, "But Uncle Erik said to come straight here and straight home. No side trips."

"He meant not to make any side trips on the way home," Cody countered. "We ain't goin' home yet so it's okay. Besides, remember what your folks said? We have to listen to Mrs. Dukes. If she says it's okay, it's okay. And Hank said for you to listen to us big guys, too, right?"

"He did say that, Trav," Joey supported then glanced at the girl closest to him. "You feel like it, Laci?"

"Sure," she smiled. "We hardly get any time with just us kids."

"See?" Cody spoke to Trav again. "It's all okay. But if you want to stick around here while we have all the fun…"

"Nuh uh!" Trav protested. "I'm going, too."

"You guys get ready," Fred directed. "I'm gonna let Ma know." He made a path for the staircase while the others brought the dishes into the kitchen and went after their winter attire.

IIIIIII

Mutated reflexes at work, the focused blonde watched as her pinball score steadily elevated. So involved with the fascinating game, she did not notice as another pair of hands came down over both her own and pushed the buttons with her.

Whipping her head back, she smiled widely. "Collin, you're here."

Max sprung up in front of his brother. "Hiya, Sam."

"Hi, Max," the girl returned kindly.

"Hey, man." Frank returned from the bathroom and glanced down. "And mini man." He and Max bumped fists. "Wish you would've told me you were bringing him. I'd have kidnapped Trav."

"Last minute deal," Collin explained vaguely. "We both need to be Fabian free for a while. Isn't that right, buddy?"

"Yep," the little boy agreed entirely. "You should've seen the way Collin slugged him. I thought his teeth were gonna fly out."

Samantha's eyes jumped from the surprise. "They got into a fight?"

"Oh wow." Frank smirked, patting his friend's shoulder. "You finally mangled Prince P—" Remembering they had both a female and small child in their company, he concluded with, "Pathetic."

Collin gave him a secretive, knowing look. "If Jim hadn't gotten between us, I'd have beat the crown right off him." He then tapped Max on the head and pointed out another game. "Hey, don't you want to play the claw machine? Win something for Jack to rip to shreds."

"Ooh, yeah," Max grinned excitedly.

Samantha reacted to Collin reaching into his pocket. "Oh, it's okay. I have money. Besides, I want to play, too." She held out a hand for Max who eagerly linked up with her.

Collin waited for his brother to fully leave earshot before speaking again, the pride in his expression now faded. "As good as it felt to sock it to Fabian, I can just hear it now when his old man gets home later. Estevan is going to lose it supremely."

"Hey, don't worry about him," Frank replied automatically. "If he tries anything with you or Max, let me know. We'll handle them together."

Collin actually eased at that. "Thanks, man."

"Sure. Let's just hurry up and order the burgers before the movie tickets are all sold out."

Looking over to where Max attempted to reel in a green and yellow teddy bear from the machine, the corners of Collin's mouth turned up once more.

IIIIIII

Group clustered together like a wilderness pack, the seven children paraded through the thick of trees. Cody gripped and performed flips on various branches he could reach. Fred and Mike dragged their toy swords, making a unique twin path in the snow. Trav paused to point out different small creatures that thrived despite the wintry conditions to Lily. Upon reaching a log, Laci stepped up to walk along it. Joey took the signal to grip the tips of her gloved fingers to keep her steady.

When they reached a particular clearing, Fred rushed to jump onto a slanted stone and faced the others. "Let's play some more Pan and Hook." He raised his sword. "I call the Cap'n."

Lily bounced on her toes. "I get Wendy!"

"You can't take Wendy if Mike's always Peter Pan," Fred reasoned. "You know they're sweet on each other."

"Yuck!" Mike and Lily reacted with equally sour expressions.

Lily put forth, "Trav gets to be Peter."

Trav raised an excited fist. "Yeah, I get to fly and play tricks on Captain Hook."

"We'll just see," Fred smirked then looked at Cody. "You should be the Indian chief."

"Only if I get to use flaming arrows," Cody bargained.

"Yeah, sure," Fred agreed. "Hey, Mikey, you're the top of my pirate crew."

Mike appeared ready to bubble over in joy at his older brother's declaration. "Okay!"

Fred looked to the quiet two remaining. "How 'bout you guys? Laci can be Tinkerbell and Joey can be a pirate, lost boy, or somethin'."

"Actually, I think I want to take some more pictures," Laci said.

"Me, too," concurred Joey. "We can make lots more snow people out here."

"Suit yourselves," Fred shrugged.

With their companions completely engrossed in their game in seconds, Joey and Laci ambled off in another direction from the clearing. They moved through the space below several rows of trees, many with outstretched branches that connected across to each other.

Laci ended the amicable silence between them when she stated, "I love going over to Mrs. Dukes' house. She never makes a big deal over everything her kids do. And when most adults hear about my heart, they act like I'm going to pass out if I so much as hiccup. It drives me crazy."

"Tell me about it." Fishing around inside the pocket of the large leather jacket he often used as a coat, Joey toyed with his compass. "My Uncle Erik's always got his eyes on us. The Dukes remind me of Cody's folks. You'd be amazed at the stuff he gets to do."

Laci turned to him curiously. "Why are your parents strict, anyway? I thought boys got to do whatever they wanted."

A now nervous Joey rapidly searched his brain to offer her an explanation. "I guess 'cause I'm adopted and everything. My mom says she wishes she could go back in time and steal me when I was first born. She calls me Treasure."

Laci listened and responded, "I think she's right."

Joey started to smile until memory hit him. "Hey, I've got something for you." Removing the backpack he carried, he reached inside. "I decorated it myself."

The girl waited patiently until he raised the wooden box for her viewing. Taken aback, she accepted it with great delicacy. Joey had painted the exterior in golden rod and covered the box in different colored plastic jewels as well as fabric stars and hearts.

At her unusual quiet, Joey became apprehensive. "Do you like it?"

She right away affirmed, "It's perfect, Joey. Thank you."

"You're wel…" When she moved forward to give him a hug, Joey found himself melting right into it. Her hair catching his attention, he somewhat unconsciously ran fingers through it.

"Oh, I made you something, too."

Her pulling away snapped Joey out of his entranced state. "Huh? What'd you say?"

"Look." Unzipping the inside of her messenger bag, Laci took out the book of construction paper. "It's us from Halloween. It tells a story." Taking it, Joey started going through the pages while she explained each photograph. "That's when we were getting ready to go at your house. That's that real scary house we went to."

"Yeah, yeah," Joey grinned in recollection. "With the howling werewolf and that mummy that popped out on the porch."

"I screamed like crazy."

"Pretty sure even my Uncle Hank did." They laughed together before continuing with the book that had one final picture of them in front of a tree dressed as Robin Hood and Maid Marian. "This is the best. Thanks, Laci."

The freckled face beamed and said, "It's like our own Christmas."

After they secured their gifts inside their individual bags, they pressed forward again. They only walked for a minute or two when Laci spotted something.

She aimed a finger, "Look at that," and they ran forward for a closer see. The wooden structure resembled an oversized cottage with additional story added onto the rear. "I think it's one of those cabins you can rent. My dad's job had a New Year's Eve party in one before. It didn't look like this, though. This one is like from a storybook or something."

Joey approached the plaque that hung on a post beside the antique mailbox. "Whoa, no wonder. It's been here since 1861."

"Really?" Laci came over to read it. "That's over a hundred years ago."

"That's even older than my Uncle Erik." Joey rethought that. "At least I'm pretty sure. He won't tell his age for a million bucks."

Laci giggled as she took in the building's details. "Just look at these windows, Joey." She marveled at one stain glass that created a picture of birds soaring towards beams of light. "They're even prettier than the ones you see in church." Raising her camera, she clicked a picture. "I'd love to see inside."

"Let's find a way in." Joey darted up the steps.

Rushing after him, an incredulous Laci said, "Are you serious? What if somebody catches us?"

"We're the only ones out here," Joey reasoned. "No grownups or anybody. Let's do what we want to do for a change."

Forming a somewhat impish grin, Laci seconded, "Yeah. What we want."

They tried the front, not at all surprised to find it locked shut. They worked their way around to the side to reach the back.

Laci noticed something. "Look, Joey."

Glancing down, the boy saw the large hole that seemed to be the result of a weather issue. "Think we can fit?"

"Maybe I can." Removing her bag, she handed it to him to hold.

Joey kept eyes peeled on her every movement as she managed to squirm through the narrow opening like a rabbit.

Once in, Laci got to her feet and undid the locks to the side door. "Come on in," she invited cheerfully after opening it.

"Way to go," Joey commended, handing back her bag.

Laci tried the light switch. "Ugh, the power must be off."

Joey covertly removed his gloves and raised one hand while her attention stayed elsewhere.

Laci jumped a little when one of the overhead fixtures shot on. "Oh good, it works."

The pair of children found themselves within a rustic living area with open kitchen and a bar, all mostly made out of different types of wood. What captivated them most came on the walls in the forms of various oil paintings of different landscapes.

"Wow, look at all these." Joey found the stairs and something of particular interest at the landing. "Laci, come here."

The girl ran to his side and immediately took notice of red, yellow, and brown stain glass that framed a cross in the center. "That's amazing." Going up a few steps, she captured the sight with her camera.

From his angle, Joey saw the way the light pouring in from the window appeared to spotlight her in brilliant color. "Sure is."

She gestured at him. "Come up here with me." Joey climbed the few steps that separated them and Laci indicated for him to stand behind her. "I think I can get both of us." She positioned her camera. "Maybe you should take it. You're taller."

Joey gripped the sides of the camera. "Don't you wish there was a way to see pictures before you developed them? You could get rid of all the crummy ones."

Laci nodded wholeheartedly. "That'd be too cool."

To be more certain, Joey snapped two pictures. "There we go."

Settling her camera around her neck again, Laci regarded him seriously. "You know how I've been saying how glad I am to be home?"

Joey's brow creased with worry. "You are, aren't you?"

"Yes, definitely," she reassured. "But not just because Manhattan reminds me of being sick. Westchester's home now because you're here. I have more friends now than I've ever had in my whole life and you're my very best one. I really like you, Joey."

A now elated Joey had to keep from stumbling over his words. "I— like you, too, Laci. A whole lot. But it's different from how I like our other friends. My dad is always paying attention, even when he's running around all crazy busy. But whenever my mom's around his eyes change and it looks like he's daydreaming. They don't kiss in front of everybody near as much as Cody's folks do, but I still see it."

"When I had to stay overnight at the hospital," Laci recollected in turn, "I remember waking up at different times. Sometimes they'd go out into the hall, but I could still hear them. At one, Mom would be sobbing so hard it was like she was screaming. I'd hear Dad whispering, saying it would be alright over and over again. By three, Mom might be asleep and Daddy would have one arm over me and the other on her. But he'd never sleep." She paused as if to wonder. "Do you think we like each other that way… maybe?"

"I definitely like you that way." Some of Joey's resolution faded a bit. "Even though I'm not so much as half as tough as your dad."

Laci countered, "And I'll never be as pretty and glamorous as your mom."

Joey informed, "You're pretty to me. I don't care what anybody says."

A sheen developed in her grey eyes and she wore a watery smile. "Really?"

"Really, I mean it," Joey confirmed. A new thought entered his mind and he had to exhale. "Can I tell you something else?"

Laci nodded. "Of course."

"You didn't turn the lights on…" Joey felt his own heartrate rise. "I did."

Bewilderment covered the girl's face now. "Huh?"

"Honest I did. It's the electricity. Look." He hurried down the steps with Laci promptly following. Lifting his hands towards the ceiling, Joey delivered power to every possible light. "You see? I can control it."

Unable to take her vision off the lighted display all around them, Laci finally settled awe-struck eyes on him. "Joey," her voice hardly audible enough for a hush, "you're… you're from Heaven, aren't you?" She stepped up closer to look into his face. "Did God send you to me?"

It was Joey's turn to stand taken aback. "Wow. When I was younger everybody said I came from the devil. But it's not like that, Laci. I'm a regular kid- sorta. I'm a mutant kid. I just didn't know it until my dad saved me."

Not sure what to ask first, Laci decided on, "What's a mutant?"

"Ummm, we're…" Joey brought up, "You know my Blue Woman pictures?"

II

"Joey! Laci!"

Due to the volume level of the other children, Cody had to use his scent skills instead of his currently sensitive hearing. He caused them all to come to a sudden halt when he zeroed in on the missing pair making their return.

"Hey, Joey!" Cody raised his hand in a wave. "There you guys are."

"'Bout time," said Fred. "We're losing daylight around here. We need to get back."

Mike asked, "Y'all done taking pictures?"

"Yeah," Laci answered, glancing at the boy at her side. "We caught some really good ones."

"Let's go," Lily piped up. "I have to help Mama with dinner soon."

As their youthful troop began their way out of the woods, Joey clamped onto Cody's shoulder. "Hey, I need to talk to you."

Before Cody could say anything in turn, a disgruntled Trav popped up. "I thought we were supposed to stay together."

"Trav, don't tell that we went off on our own," Joey urged.

Cody offered incentive with, "You say a word and I might let it slip to Hank that a certain small fry was in the lab while they were out of town. A small fry who dropped a beaker that I had to sweep up…"

Trav stiffened entirely "Not gonna tell, promise!"

Cody lightly noogied him through his hat. "Thought so."

With the rest going ahead of them, Joey and Laci joined hands in their mutual slower pace.

IIIIIII

The first among the crowd of departing movie-goers, the small copper haired child burst through the doors. Plastic pistol in hand, he fired at multiple targets and created his own sound effects.

"Max, slow down," Collin ordered, though not at all surprised by his brother's antics. "You know you have to wait on us."

"You're losing loot, pal." Frank picked up a stuffed animal the little boy dropped. "Here," kneeling, the fourteen-year-old re-worked the younger mutant's coat. "Cram 'em in here. They'll be easier to hang onto."

Looking on in interest as Frank secured the plush toys for him, Max spotted a couple walking by them. The man carried a drowsy toddler boy while moving hand in hand with the woman. Raising his pistol again, Max squeezed the trigger after their backs and made the loudest blast noise he could.

Finished buttoning up the coat, Frank glanced up at him with a smile. "You like the westerns, huh? Wasn't that shootout in the saloon far out?"

"Yeah! They were goin'," Max waved his toy weapon in every direction, "pow, pow, pow, bam!"

Samantha shook her head in humor. "Why do boys like guns so much, anyway?"

Collin responded indifferently, "They get the job done, at least for them." He indicated the other people around. "But we're packed with our own fire power; no reloads necessary."

"You said it, man," Frank supported, returning to them with Max on his shoulders. He lowered him to the pavement again. "Sure you don't want to come over to our place? You guys can stay the night."

"Nah, we're good." Collin gathered Max into his arms. "We'll check you two later." Going to his scooter, he situated his brother on it and helped him with his helmet. "Oh and Sam," he peered back, "congrats again on your test thing."

"Thank you," Samantha regarded him secretively, "again."

Max claimed, "I get to drive."

Collin knocked on his helmet before sitting in front of him on the machine. "You get to dream." His own helmet in place, he floored it at a significantly lower speed due to his short rear cargo.

IIIIIII

Allowing Trav to shoot to the lead in their bicyclist trio, Cody and Joey pedaled close together to speak covertly.

Having to grip the handlebars to keep from flying straight off, Cody could only stare at first. "Are? You? Serious? Laci's in the know?" Joey nodded yet again. "What happened? Did a spark come off ya by accident?"

"No, not by accident…" Joey dipped his head a bit, unsure if he could even explain it to himself. "I just- I don't know. We got to talkin' about stuff and I really wanted her to see and… she liked it. She really liked it, Cody."

"Pfft," Cody puffed sharply. "And to think just a couple hours ago all we had to worry about was gettin' in before dark. When our folks hear about this…"

"Cody," Joey spoke in alarm, "you can't tell them. I used my powers and everything. If my dad finds out—"

"You won't be on that bike seat too comfy for a while," Cody filled in knowingly. "You're liable to catch it worse than that time Scott blew that trash can at school. At least his really was by accident. Trust me, my lips are sealed. You're too good a pal to lose to a whippin'."

"Thanks, buddy." The smile Joey formed at that faded at another thought. "Hey, Cody, how bad does a whippin' hurt, anyway?"

Cody looked at him with a gaze entirely void of humor as they rounded a corner. "You just remember you don't heal up so quick."

Joey felt his heart drop right along with their conversation.

IIIIIII

When the massive manor came into view, Collin eased it into its usual spot within the spacious garage. As they entered the main dwelling, the teenager found it all too quiet. He nearly jumped at the energetic barking, followed by the puppy barreling through to reach the younger boy.

"Jack!" Max bent to hug him and enjoyed the animal's affectionate tongue adorning his cheek.

Collin patted at the furry head. "Heya, mutt."

"I take it by his reaction that you're both in one piece," the adult voice rang out.

"Tio's home."

When Max sprinted off to properly greet the man, Collin grudgingly followed him into the sizable office. With the amount of gold scarlet that covered the room along with a wall used entirely as a bookshelf, and different weapons contained behind impenetrable glass, the space looked like something cut out and heisted straight out of a Spanish castle. With Estevan's particular skills and resources, Collin strongly considered that possibility.

Anne stood from sitting in her father's lap so that he could properly catch Max.

"There he is." Estevan received a whiff of the grinning child's breath. "What in the world have you been eating?"

Max thought then recounted, "Burger, French fries, soda, popcorn, and the big Hershey bar."

"So only the core food groups." Estevan placed him down with a slight ruffle to his hair. "Go brush whatever is left of your teeth."

"Okay, Tio. Oh, here, Anne," Max pulled out a small stuffed owl to hand to her, "I won this one for you."

"Thanks," the girl smiled, giving her new plush creature a little hug.

"I got one for Missy, too. Where is she?"

"You'll have to give it to her later," Estevan told him. "I sent the others on a bit of an errand."

Collin piped up, "Want me to go meet up with them?"

Estevan flashed eyes at him. "Unnecessary. They'll likely be back before midnight. Collin," he made him pause before he could leave with the other youths with attention on the toys, "come here."

Collin experienced a peculiar paralysis in every muscle as he neared the man behind the desk. "Did I do something?"

"I think that's quite obvious." Estevan folded his hands together, eyes fixated on the thin boy. "While I know what having your brother back in your life means to you, you need to remember that I am both the head of our organization as well as of this household."

Collin nodded immediately. "Yes, sir. I-"

"I," the older male cut in pointedly, "am not finished. Though I expect some youthful indulgence here and there, I do not want you overfeeding Max with so much junk food. He is small for his age and could become sick easily."

At the relief that overcame him, Collin nearly smiled. "Oh- right. Yes, sir. I'll watch it from now on."

Estevan nodded in satisfaction. "I have some calls to make. I likely won't see you until morning."

Taking the cue, Collin left the office as fast as he could, inwardly hoping his current nerves stayed as hidden as his effects of his mutation.