Rise or Fall

by Heiress Mellie

First Class: Charles and Erik have accepted their roles as guardians and headmasters over the young mutants but there is still work to be done for the greater than typical family. This is a familial and discipline, including spanking, centered fiction.

243. Chapter 243 Flights of Fancy

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Forty-Three

Author's Word: Breathe it in with me, fam. That's delightful summer air right there. Happy Memorial Day, everyone! Though my family does not usually do anything for it, I'm taking my niece and nephew (and their mom/my sister I guess- if she's quiet) on a little boat ride before we go check out the carnival that's in town. So while they're downing every snack in sight, I can rock a thrill ride. Please enjoy and review!

Stretched out in a position most leonine across the row of metallic filing cabinets, the thin figure with brown hair cascading over the edge attempted to prop up her head. In-between watching the rummaging one go through the drawers, she took in other exciting sights within the office space. They mainly consisted of the wall clock, the white to gray ceiling tile motif, and the Kennedy portrait fixed in a spot so well-lit it gave off a celestial illusion. Melissa, however, regarded it with indifference at best.

"You seriously got me out here at five in the morning to showcase your ace detective skills." She allowed her hair to spill to one side of her face. "What am I, your espionage inspiration?"

"Actually, that'd be Erik." Leon continued flipping through files. "You serve the purpose of Batmobile."

Melissa rolled her head back. "Should have known you were plotting to get into my wheels this whole time."

Documents properly pilfered, Leon sat cross-legged to begin reviewing them. "Now for a peek at this semester's brand of elitist educators."

Rising into an upright sitting position, Melissa asserted, "A quick look into their files is all you need to play puppet master over these windbags? That's either good on you or royally pathetic on them."

"Professors are machines," Leon stated, going to another sheet. "Designed and assembled by the system of the institution. But no matter how well-oiled, every machine has an internal flaw. The imperfect cannot create the perfect."

Melissa put forth, "Would kill to know what exactly created you."

"My central theory is God during a drinking game gone terribly awry. Now," Leon moved onto the next file, "just have to wait on the background for my genetics professor. I hate how long it takes to update for new people. Checking in really cuts into my personal time."

"You are truly a role model for the intrusive manipulators of the world."

Returning the files and shutting the drawer, Leon determined, "There, let's go."

Making a straightaway exit, the two returned to the outdoor lawns of the wide campus.

Leon glanced up. "Pretty, huh?"

Following his gaze, Melissa took in the various colors that morphed the sky into a limitless canvas. "Nothing like sunrise." She stuffed her hands into her coat pockets. "It really makes you wonder."

"I know," Leon concurred wistfully. "What horrors will the day bring?"

"Hm, plague?" Melissa proposed. "Been a while since mankind suffered a good outbreak. You know, with a little fear and paranoia thrown in."

Leon thought then said, "I'm going with mass genocide in one of those unclean countries no one cares about."

Melissa inhaled dreamily. "Oh the possibilities."

IIIIIII

From eatery to factory did the Xavier kitchen transform. While Raven and Kayla worked together at the stove, Emma prepared and loaded up the individual lunch boxes. Kiki sprinted back and forth to help with any small task assigned to her.

Fussy pink bundle in tow, Logan entered. "See, what'd I tell ya?" he addressed his daughter. "She right there. Your mama was not abducted overnight. You never want to believe me."

"Ohh, heart," Kayla went to gather Mira, who quieted in her clutch. "Give Mama one more hour, please."

Raven looked towards the bosom pair. "It's fine, Kay. Take care of her. I got it."

"Oh, thank you, Raven." When Kayla sat at the table, Kiki retrieved and brought over one of the baby's bottles. "And thank you, sweetie." The Canadian woman eased as she offered her daughter the chilled juice.

Emma wondered, "Did Cody want peanut butter cookies or chocolate chip today?"

"Grab whatever's easiest," Logan advised. "Like he'll bother to look before wolfing it down." Hoisting Kiki up suddenly, he received a joyful squeal from the little girl. He settled her on his shoulders while readying the coffee and tea service.

"Good morning, everybody." Bright smile in place, Maya walked in. "Do you need any help?"

"Life-saver Gorge to the rescue." Raven tossed a pair of oven mitts her way, which Maya stopped midair and captured with her telekinesis.

"Hey, Smiley, pass me—" Turning his head, Logan had to do a double-take at the teenager's appearance. "What do have on?"

Maya looked her chosen outfit up and down, which consisted of a white tank top, green open button-down sweater, and emerald circle skirt that touched down right above her knees. "What?"

"You're about to make this kitchen spontaneously combust," Raven realized with a grin. "Nice work, Gorge."

"Nice work?" Logan regarded the shape-shifter incredulously. "She's goin' to school, not a brothel." He faced the one in question again. "Since when do you go around in skimpy little skirts like that?"

"Skimpy?" Maya had to keep from laughing. "Angel gave me this for my birthday." She brought her shoulders up assertively. "And I want to wear it."

"Oh believe me, you are wearing it." Raven high-fived her.

Emma brought up, "That skirt is within the school dress code, Logan."

Logan looked to his wife for assistance, "Fox, talk to this kid."

Rocking Mira, Kayla only offered up, "Wear your tights, honey. It's cold out."

Gaze going heavenly for a moment, Logan lifted Kiki to reposition her on the counter. "Alright, I'm gonna make you a deal, Mini Wings," he peered into the curious brown eyes, "you stay four and there's a lifetime of gummi bears in it for you. Deal?"

The pigtail sporting child accepted, "Deal," and coiled pinkies with him.

IIIIIII

Under the partially cloudy sky, a thin blanket of snow that seemed closer to a sheet covered the grounds around the maroon and gray school building. To the rear, behind the deep blue dumpster and beneath the short tree, the boy in forest green coat and girl in one of harvest gold stood together. Though they faced each other, both their gazes remained on the gloveless hands that lingered only inches apart.

With a swallow, Joey looked at her for further confirmation. "Are you sure?"

A twinkle about her gray eyes, Laci nodded eagerly. "It's okay, Joey. We can trust each other with everything, can't we?"

A smile crossed the blonde boy's no longer uncertain face. "Yeah." He touched and locked hands with her.

It took a second, but when the spark ignited at her fingertips and traveled straight through her entire right arm, Laci grinned excitedly. "Oh my gosh…"

Joey automatically asked, "Did it hurt?"

"That was unbelievable! It was—" Experiencing something else, she reached up to run fingers through her suddenly frizzy hair.

Despite the girl's resulting laughter, Joey still said, "Sorry about that."

"Don't worry." Laci removed her wool hat to shake out her strands. "It probably looks better now."

Joey smiled until the bell ended their merriment. "Aw, man."

Laci deflated as well. "I wish we could stay out here all day." She put her other glove on.

"Me, too," Joey redressed his own hand, "but just wait until lunch. I have a real surprise for you."

Eagerness redeveloping, Laci linked palms with him again as they hastened to beat the tardy bell.

IIIIIII

As if in possession of a built-in radar, the corner rounding male zeroed in on the creature in floor-length pink and black striped skirt with dark sweater and magenta top. When he attempted to approach, he remained in silent place upon noticed her conversing with an equally pink but far more blonde female.

Noticing him, Samantha greeted cheerfully, "Hi, Ben."

Promptly glancing back, Angel's features proved as pleasant as they were constantly radiant. "Ben."

"Angel." The boy toyed with one strap on his backpack. "It's really good to see you- both of you. I mean, talking last night was great, but… I'm really glad you're home."

Though she had to prop herself up by her toes, Angel brought arms around his neck in a hug. "Me, too."

"Sam." Frank rushed up to her. "We need to get to homeroom. You're new so we have to claim you a seat near out group."

"Okay." Samantha took his arm but looked over. "I'll see you later, Angie."

"Love you," Angel mouthed, waving the younger teens off.

"Can I—" Stopping himself, he took her hand, tone growing quite formal. "May I escort you to class, Miss Salvadore?"

Trying to hide her giddy expression at the Lancelot routine, she accepted with, "I thank you, Mr. Braunstein."

IIIIIII

`` Tedium overtaking her, Raven stood to go towards one wall where a painting of the Last Supper hung. Peering into the clearly recently polished glass on the frame, she double-checked her appearance. In scarlet skirt and blazer on wide high-heels, she also wore a small hat on top of her long crinkle wave hairstyle. In two of the padded chairs in front of the desk, the men waited less anxiously. In his gray suit so light it could easily pass for silver, Erik engaged in his favorite pastime- outside of extensive training and sword fighting- of making coins bash into each other. Charles, wearing his navy blue suit, sat with head bowed and arms folded as if in quiet, spiritual reflection.

Raven reacted to the clicking of the knob and opening of the thick door. "Trent, hi."

"Raven," the thin man of graying and receding hairline regarded her through his slim-rimmed glasses, "it's good to see you. How is that little family of yours?"

"Doing great," Raven responded undoubtedly. "Hank's at work, Kiki's almost completely over her speech problems, and Trav may or may not be concealing plans for an atomic bomb. Or possibly a candy piñata- you never know with him."

Trent chuckled heartily at that. "Did you pick a major?"

"Elementary education. Hoping to be a grammar school counselor."

"Perfect. Good grades?"

"I live with him, remember?" Raven indicated the Professor in the room. "Not trying to get sentenced to the secret dungeon."

"Raven, please." Charles got to his feet and approached them. "You know the dungeon hasn't been operational in at least five years."

Smile on his face, Trent slipped an arm around each of them. "Can you believe these two? Since they were little children I've known them."

Erik raised a brow. "Were?"

"Oh, so funny," Raven playfully sneered.

While the men shook hands, she reclaimed her seat between her brothers.

"As much as I would love to keep this a social call," countenance matching the growing seriousness in his tone, Trent continued, "I have the latest reports from the facility investigators. While general medical testing is still going on, Owen Ignacio's disappearance has brought about a drastic drop in treatment based fatalities. Not that they're willing to lay blame on the beloved doctor for such unfortunate mishaps."

Raven rolled eyes upward, Charles exhaled in irritation, and Erik clasped his hands together in a heated, thoughtful expression.

"However, there is one operation in Connecticut that is highly problematic to say the least."

Erik jumped on that with, "Connecticut? Mutant containment has become legal there as well?"

"I'm afraid so, though this facility is operated on a smaller, privately funded basis," Trent explained. "Dealing with psychiatry more than medicinal. Last week alone reported five serious injuries, including hospitalization for a severe concussion."

"Oh, my God," reacted Raven, having to grip the wooden arms of her chair. "What are they doing to these mutants?"

"You misunderstand. These attacks have been on the staff members," Trent informed, receiving utterly taken aback wide eyes from the trio of siblings before him.

IIIIIII

On route from Advanced History, Maya and Angel chattered with Sean and Ben bringing up the rear and talking about upcoming horror pictures. When they stopped off by the lockers, Cordelia, decorated in a boa made up of Fabian's arms, found them.

"Hello, brain bearers," she acknowledged her housemates.

Fabian dipped slightly to rest his chin in her dark hair. "If it isn't Team Xavier," he regarded the other outside male, "and Jacob's second favorite son."

A flabbergasted Ben blinked several times. "Wow, no one ever gets that reference right."

When a small group of other students, clearly in a horde, approached from the opposite end of the hall, a brunette in letterman's jacket regarded them condescendingly. "You want to get out of our way?"

Angel shot back, "You want to add please to that sentence?"

"Not to mention "excuse me"," Maya tacked on. "You seriously can't remember basic first grade etiquette, Maccabee?"

"It's Mack," he enunciated, "Minute Maya."

Sean jabbed a finger at him. "You call her that again—"

Maya put a soothing hand over his wrist. "Forget it, Sean. These guys haven't grown an inch since grammar school."

One blonde girl in the back jeered, "You mean like your chest?" Her group dissolved into immediate laughter.

Cordelia formed a tight smile. "My God, your hair is pretty. Which thrift store did you go to for the dye?"

"Hmph," Angel crossed her arms, "probably the same dime store she got that dress at."
The brown haired one next to Mack glowered and took notice of Maya's decorated finger. "Nice ring. How many crackerjack boxes did you have to go through to get it?"

Maya simply countered, "Can't remember, Rita. How long did you have to stay on your knees for Maccabee to finally give you his class ring?"

Rita's jaw dropped while her friend's proved equally muted by the retort.

Throwing his head back in laughter, Fabian proposed, "Wicked, but I've grown bored of this atmosphere. Let's go off campus for lunch. My treat."

Moving together in a cluster, they paraded away from the hostile other students.

IIIIIII

"Miss Ferguson, can you spare a moment?"

Frank squeezed her at the wrist. "We'll save you a seat in next period."

Carmen insisted, "We better hurry."

Tony, Mondo, and Frank filed out with her.

Books in hand, Samantha came to stand before the wide desk. "Yes, Mr. Silverman?"

"Since you're only starting out this semester, I want to get a real feel for your writing skillset," he explained. "I'd like a paper from you that discusses the themes of the book. Say around," he thought for a moment, "a thousand words?"

Having to keep from dropping her school supplies at that, Samantha could only gape at first. "A thousand? But I just started the book."

"Don't worry," the man reassured. "You have until the end of the week. I pay particular attention to grammar and citation."

Managing something resembling a smile, the girl bobbed her head. "Yes, Mr. Silverman."

"Great and again, welcome. I'll see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow," Samantha returned, moving to leave the room in a now entirely listless motion.

IIIIIII

The moment the bell that signaled both their nourishment and upcoming recreation screeched, students spilled out from every classroom and direction. As if fleeing a violent siege, Joey and Laci hardly remembered to grab their things before taking off.

"Hey!" Fred called after him. "What, you two can't wait for us now?"

Looking back, Joey said, "We'll meet you in the lunch room," before continuing onward with the girl's hand in his.

Fred shook his head. "What a couple'a love birds."

"They ain't nearly as gross as teenagers," Cody put forth, "or, y'know, my folks."

Chilled air gusting against their faces, Laci and Joey burst through one set of double doors then had to look around. Laci noted the way Joey moved against shadows and small spaces almost like a real spy. Inwardly, Joey discovered a newfound appreciation for his X-Men training. With Victor still out of town and, fortunately, no other members of security about yet they ran a few blocks. They soon found their refuge among a throng of trees.

Exhaling sharply, Laci said, "I feel like we just robbed a bank."

"It's way bigger than that. When you rob a bank, you only got to worry about the police. If my dad and uncle saw me now, I'd be real dead meat." Forming a smile, Joey removed the object from his backpack. "But I just couldn't wait to show you."

Laci stared hard at the triangular piece of silver. "Is that a piece of a spear? Like the Merry Men would use?"

"Even better." Summoning up a charge, Joey made the piece of metal widen and enlarge into a full-on circle.

Laci's eyes sparkled right along with the sight. "Wow!"

"That's not the best part." Placing the disk on the ground, Joey stepped onto it.

When he extended his hand, Laci accepted it without a second thought and joined him on top of it. She smiled when he hugged her tightly then gasp when she felt the surface beneath them tremble. In seconds, they began to inch high and higher in an upward motion.

Unable to speak or even move at first, Laci clung to him as closely as she could. "Oh, my God… oh, my God… Joey!"

Alarmed, Joey asked, "Do you want to go back down?"

"Yes!" However, she right away decided against that. "No…"

Elated, Joey promised, "I won't let anything happen to you, Laci. Not ever."

Seeing the light in his blue eyes brought the girl a great sense of ease. "How fast can you go on here?"

"Hold on!" Gripping her, Joey zoomed them off in the path of a large oak tree.

Laci felt panic rebuilding. "Uh, Joey…"

Before she had the chance to scream, Joey tilted the disk to scale up and over the long wood. Not so much as a branch grazed them. Pigeons made haste to get out of their way. Though he could have continued doing that for hours, the hunger drumming in his stomach made Joey safely lower them again.

Panting, Laci seized his hand to press against her coat front. "Is it… is it still there?"

Even through the thick material, Joey experienced the vibration of the pounding muscle. "It sure is." He leaned his ear in. "Sounds great, too."

"Because I'm with you." Releasing a squeal, she threw arms over him. "Oh, Joey, thank you so much! That was the best thing I've ever done in my whole life."

When she pulled back, a glowing Joey took her hands. "We'll do it again. And again."

Positively beaming, realization hit Laci then. "We better get back to school."

"Oh, right." Leaving his own happy daze, Joey made quick work of shrinking and jamming his disk into the side pocket on his bag.

IIIIIII

For the duration of the two-hour ride, beyond finding herself miserably outnumbered against her brothers in terms of radio stations, Raven occupied her time by taking in the Connecticut countryside. Due to the wintry conditions, it offered no greenery or flowers. However, the spread of snow did make it look like an extension of Christmas; even somewhat resembling their mother's favorite holiday globe.

Behind the wheel of the Rolls-Royce, Erik's keen vision picked up on the back passenger's abrupt squinting. "Charles?"

The telepath pinched the bridge of his nose. "We're nearly there now."

Raven felt the shadow over their car and gazed out the window at the five-story structure tucked away off the road. Erik absorbed the surge of power at the extensive amount of metal that made up the building. It contained several wide windows with all but the ones on the first floor entirely tinted from outside viewing.

As they passed by the double doors on route to the parking lot, Raven read the cursive sign that hung above. "Pleasantfield Psychiatry Facility."

Remembering what he had discovered upon review of Alana Tolbert's former institution, Erik determined, "I'll be the judge of that," and brought the car into the nearest available spot. He exited the vehicle first but awaited his siblings before leading the way around.

"Hey." Raven touched a hand to Charles' back. "You okay?"

Immediately veering around, Erik went to take his arm. "Lab Rat?"

"I'm fine." He put on a dashing smile to soothe the worried pair. "It's only… so many of our people at once. Crying out but bleeding together. Trust me, I've suffered far worse."

"Perhaps we should come back after dark," Erik proposed.

"What?" Charles eyed him in disbelief. "After the time it took to get here?"

"Maybe Erik's right." Raven cupped the side of his face gently. "If you slip into another coma, Emma and Becca aren't here to pry you out."

"But you are." Charles looked between them. "If we stay together, you two can act as my anchors. I promise to alert you if I feel myself drifting."

Erik pointed a finger directly at his face with no-nonsense expression in place. "If you don't…"

With a number of comebacks in mind, Charles played it safe with, "Yes, brother."

Raven moved her head to hide her amusement.

Keeping Charles securely between them, they continued on into the building's very tight vestibule.

Pressing the white button, a female voice responded, "Name and purpose of visit, please."

"Charles Xavier, Erik Lehnsherr, and Raven McCoy," Charles answered. "We telephoned from my attorney's off—"

The loud buzzing noise cut him off and also took the three mutants off-guard for a moment. Erik opened the now unlocked door that allowed them full entry into the waiting area. Behind an enormous and curved desk, the slim receptionist got to her feet.

"Dr. Henson will be here shortly. Sign in and have seat if you like."

Lining up in order of age, they added their names to the clipboard she presented to them.

They had no need for sitting as the wooden door across the way opened and the stout figure almost completely filled the frame. Skin almost the same shade as coffee with low haircut and cleanly trimmed beard, he stood at about Erik's height with a far broader upper torso. He wore dark brown slacks and orange shirt with tan tie and gleaming patent leather shoes. However, the belt containing a plethora of weapons, including twin holsters on his hips, caught their attention most.

Hand forward, he made a path for the tallest of the incoming trio. "Professor Xavier?"

"Erik Lehnsherr," the Poland native correct, though still accepted the handshake. "My brother is the professor in the family."

The English man reached out with a friendly smile. "Charles, please."

Entirely still at first, the doctor shook his head to clear it. "You… I'm sorry." He shook with him next. "Darryl Henson- You're the professor of genetics? After getting a hold of some of your papers, I expected…"

Charles' eyes glinted knowingly. "A balding old bloke complete with patches on his jacket? Not the first time I've received such a reaction."

"We have quite a few things to talk about." Darryl turned attention on the young woman present. "Miss, I think it's best you remain here in the waiting area."

Raven struggled to keep her eyes from morphing into heated yellow. "Excuse me?"

Darryl explained, "I don't mean you any disrespect, but some of what goes on here is more than what some women can handle. I hire a very bare minimum of you and only because of the liability involved with dealing with female patients."

The receptionist chimed in with, "He's right, dear. Believe me."

Raven exhaled a bitter laugh. "Seriously…" She narrowed harshly serious eyes at him. "Whatever you have going on back there, I've seen and survived worse. So I am taking a little peek for myself."

"With or without your authorization," Erik felt the need to add.

Remaining quiet, Darryl at last nodded. "Have it your way." Going back the direction he came, he led them through the door.

They moved throughout a narrow off-white hallway illuminated by the dangling florescent lights overhead. They walked through several other doors, all requiring security codes.

Either for conversation purposes or to gain information, Darryl asked, "And what is your area of specialty, Mr. Lehnsherr?"

Erik answered indifferently, "Various degrees in science, literature, and history."

Charles felt the need to vaunt, "He holds masters in physics and global studies. Our sister Raven," he gestured towards the female member of their group, "is working towards her bachelor's in elementary education."

"School teacher?" Darryl guessed.

"Counselor," Raven corrected. "If it all works out, I'll likely go for a master's myself."

"Think long and hard on that one. That thesis is no joke," Darryl warned.

Raven sent optical daggers into his back. "Neither am I."

They reached an elevator and took it to the second floor.

Erik winced inwardly at Charles' gasp. Brother?

It is hurting me, Charles admitted, but this is pain I must learn to endure. Even the professor must push himself, especially himself.

Erik gave him a supportive tug to the shoulder, hoping that positive vibration would bring the telepath some comfort.

Before the doors even slid apart, the moaning, audible ranting, and especially the screams could be heard.

Every door they passed came with a small circular window and many within uttered bizarre outcries.

"Most on this floor consist of mutants dealing with different levels of anxiety disorders, mainly caused by despair over physical disfigurement. They need continuous monitoring, but believe me," Darryl adjusted the belt he wore, "they're the sweet lambs in this flock."

Slowing down, Raven walked off to the right to see inside one window. Though the face remained hidden at first, the one sprawled out on the floor shot up. Raven's hand went to her mouth at the sickly gray skinned, eye-less figure that somehow seem to scan straight through her.

IIIIIII

With all players gathered around him, Gary decreed, "I want this upcoming season to be our best ever. That's why every Saturday or Sunday we need to try to get in a practice game." Several murmurs of agreement resulted. "Now Coach Dan's still downstate visiting his people- which reminds me," Gary looked to the one in possession of ruby shades, "any idea when Coach Vic is getting back?"

"Well, I think he's—" Finally fed up from being distracted by the feuding going on with one group of boys, Scott peered over at the commotion and experienced a chill that had nothing to do with the weather. "Uh, I got to get back to you!"

Gary started to call after him, but instead prioritized finishing his speech to the others.

"Give it! It's mine!"

"No, gimme it!"

"Actually, give me it." Standing over the second-graders, Scott held his hand out expectantly. "Right now."

The small boy currently in possession of the sharp piece of silver immediately surrendered it.

Scott said, "Thank you," then closed his eyes to concentrate. Rebecca?

Reacting to the mental petition, Becky had Anne take her turn swinging the ropes in the double-dutch game they played with the Braunstein sisters.

She made her way through the playground quickly. "What's wrong, Scott?"

"This?" Scott showed it to her. "A couple of second-graders had it. Isn't this Joey's?"

Eyes enlarging, Becky confirmed, "You're right. That's the upgraded one Hank made him. How'd it get here?"

Enclosing the tool in his fist, Scott put forth, "Let's find out."

It did not take long for Becky to zero in on the blonde boy in question, who currently played pretend with his own friends. "I need to borrow my cousin, please." She gave Joey no time to ask questions as she led him away by his wrist.

Laci watched them along with Scott go worriedly.

"Wow," Fred marveled, "Becky was making my mom's hit-the-ceilin' face."

Cody merely looked on with growing curiosity. One off-hand stare from Becky offered him enough of a hint that he was not to follow them.

Once inside the school and secure in an empty corner, Becky held up the folded disk. "This is yours, isn't it?"

Alarm going off inside his head expressing imminent danger, Joey knew he could not lie to her nor did he really want to. "Y-yeah, looks like it. I must've dropped it by mistake."

Fists on hips, Scott asked the next question. "What's it doing at school in the first place?"

Feeling his own temperature rising, Joey stuffed his hands in his pockets to hide their sweatiness. "I wanted to hurry up to get to training after school."

Incredulous over the pathetic excuse for a story, Becky used a warning tone. "Joey Xavier…" He placed a pair of adorable eyes on her. "This is about Laci, isn't it? Were you showing off you can fly to her?"

"Whoa, Laci?" Scott looked from the girl to the younger boy. "Laci knows what you can do?"

"What we can do," Becky clarified. "Joey, I don't believe you."

"Becky, I'm sorry," Joey urged. "I just wanted her to see and try—"

"Try?" the older children echoed in unison.

Joey backed up against the wall, half-tempted to cause a power outage. "We- it wasn't- we weren't in school. We left right before lunch."

Scott's shoulders shook with every word. "You left school grounds and took Laci fly…" Hands ready to strangle the fifth grader, Scott had to redirect them to yank at his own hair. "Are? You? Crazy? Or just as stupid as Sean?"

"I'm not stupid!" Joey retorted.

"We know that," some form of Becky's gentleness returned to her voice, "so why would you do all of this?"

"Do you want to end up inside a truck like they did Sean when he pulled that dumb flying stunt?" Scott seethed. "Do you want to be cut into little pieces on a lab table? And Laci, too? They'd have thought she was one of us just for being seen with you!"

"No!" Joey moaned, tears developing in his eyes. "I didn't mean all that. I swear we were careful… I swear."

Becky moved in to hug him. "It'd break my heart forever if they took you away and I couldn't do anything because you left school. Joey, you can't do these things anymore. Please."

Joey bowed his head against her shoulder. "I won't. I'm sorry, Becky."

She touched his hair in consolation. I love you.

I love you, too.

Stepping back, Becky indicated the disk. "I'm putting this away with my stuff until it's time to go home."

"'Kay," Joey nodded.

Scott watched Becky make her way through the hall before turning sharp visage on the younger X-Child. "Rebecca may be, but I'm not even close to finished with you." Gripping Joey by his hood, he all but shoved him through the nearest door into a more closed off corridor. "Do you have any idea how deep you're in it here? You blabbed to Laci about us, showed off your powers to her, left school, used your powers in public, took Laci along for the ride even though Erik doesn't let you fly without an instructor even at home, and then you were irresponsible enough to drop your disk! I found little kids playing with it. They could have hurt themselves or a teacher could have seen it or…" Throwing his head back, Scott sincerely growled. Facing him again, he prompted, "Well, aren't you going to say anything?"

Face losing color, Joey slowly replied, "I don't know what to say… except I'm really sorry."

"You seriously think sorry is going to cut it here?" Scott folded his arms grimly. "Vic takes a little time off and this is what you do? If he were here right now, you'd be in the security office getting your butt paddled. And that's only round one. Charles, Erik, and probably Alex will dish out rounds two through ten."

Lips quivering, Joey implored, "Please don't tell 'em, Scott. Please, they'll get so mad at me…"

"I'm so mad at you," Scott stated matter-of-factly. "Look, crying may get Alex to crumble with you, but not me. After all this, I bet you can't give me so much as one good reason why I shouldn't call home right now."

Joey looked straight through the older boy's red lenses as he came back with, "Haven't you ever liked a girl? I don't mean any old girl, either. I mean the best, most special girl you ever met who likes you. Even though you don't have a clue why anybody would ever want to be your friend at all. Haven't you wanted to tell her everything?" At the sudden silence from the no longer resolute one, Joey demanded, "Do you know what that's like? Huh, Scott?"

All wind blown from every inch of his sails, Scott's shoulders drooped along with the rest of his imposing posture. "I tell you, kid, sometimes… I really can't stand you."

With the smallest glint of his humor available, Joey said, "I know that already."

"Look," Scott released an extended breath, "I won't call home, okay?"

A grin spread throughout Joey's features. "Thanks, Scott!"

"Don't even." Standing at his total height once more, Scott backed him against a wall and towered over the sinking blonde. "If you think this is over, you're out of your head for real. I need time to think about this, but let's get something straight here." Scott poked him in the chest as he spoke. "I am going to be keeping an eagle eye on you. If I find out or even suspect you're showing off to Laci or anybody else, I'm gift-wrapping you and handing you right over to the adults. Even if I have to get in trouble, too. Making sure our family's safe is more important. You got that?"

Joey nodded his head with much vigor. "Ooh yeah. I got it."

"You better." As they left through the door together, Scott could practically sense the relief billowing off the guilty party next to him. "Get that smile off your face."

Joey immediately redirected his vision to stare at his boots.

IIIIIII

When given a moment alone within Darryl's office, the siblings claimed the sofa for themselves while gauging their own individual thoughts. Raven left her lap open to act as a cushion for Charles' weary head. Erik let his legs prop up the younger man's ankles.

Jerked away from her inner reflections, Raven reacted to the strange moan. "Charles?" She stroked at his hair, studying his face. "Are you okay?"

"Lab Rat?" Erik dipped to better bring arms over him.

Charles covered his forehead with both hands. "So many… all of them." He had no need to go on as the other two comprehended quite well.

Upon the end of the extensive tour treated to them, every floor came with it a new horror. Some of the mutants needed restraint right down to a muzzles to keep them from brutalizing orderlies and medical personnel. The top floor contained specialized chambers for ones with powers too volatile and minds too far gone. Every half hour, a chemical had to be sprayed in to nullify their abilities.

Raven spoke next. "I thought seeing Joey so frightened was an extreme."

"Nothing but a confused babe next to them," Erik stated. "Savage. Their bodies violated, minds unstable, and their own gifts driving them to the brink."

"I'm sorry, but," Raven slowly shook her head, "I can't call half of what we saw gifts."

"You're right, Baby Blue." Charles shifted just slightly to be on his back. "We must help them."

"Charles," Erik regarded his brother urgently, "look at you. If you try to probe so much as one of their minds on a deeper level, you could—"

Charles gave him a resolute countenance and determined tone. "Are you of all people telling me to turn my back on other mutants? It's impossible for them to join us at the institute, but I have to do what I can so that they can live their lives without this torment."

Erik gripped his wrists and stared into his face. "We have to approach this carefully. Yes, we must do right by them, but we will not lose you in the process."

Raven said equally forcefully, "You're not playing one-man mind on this one, Charles. Forget it."

Charles started to respond, but opted to move into a vertical position on the couch when the returning footsteps echoed across the hall tile.

Stepping in, Darryl remained in place, looking them up and down. "Oh, you all are still here? Thought we scared you right onto the first 747 back to Europe."

"All of us?" Raven eyed him snidely. "Or just the one in the skirt?"

Hiding a smile at the sharp woman, Darryl headed for his desk. "Listen, I know how important these "subjects" are for your research and whatever grants you may be after, but clearly, this facility is beyond the realm of three starry-eyed idealists."

Erik nearly spat in disgust at the last word. "Idealists?"

"Dr. Henson," rising to his feet, Charles casually slipped his hands into his pants pockets, "Darryl, while it is clear you have several preconceived notions about our intentions, you truly could not be further from the truth. We want to be of help to these mutants; these people."

Sitting down, Darryl asked, "What could they possibly mean to you?"

"What do they mean to you?" Erik countered, standing next. "You said it yourself that your private practice provides half the funding for this facility."

Darryl explained simply, "The less we're on the government's books, the lower these people are on their radar."

Erik kept icy eyes on him. "You didn't answer my question."

"You didn't answer mine," he shot back plainly.

"Well," the last to her feet, Raven wore a not quite readable smile, "I guess we'll have time for a lot more Q&A." She turned stony visage on the one behind the desk. "My brothers and I do not frighten away easily, Dr. Henson."

"There is more to discuss. For now, I believe we can see ourselves out." Charles made the first move for the door, holding it for his siblings.

Erik tipped his hat at Darryl. "We'll be in touch."

When Raven went to leave first, Darryl said, "Nice meeting you, Miss McCoy."

Stopping in place, the presently blonde shape-shifter glanced back. "Mrs. McCoy. That title takes a hell of a lot more work than a PhD." She waltzed right out with that, Charles and Erik directly behind her.

Watching the unusual three depart his office, Darryl rolled around in his chair, gazing out of his wide tinted window.

IIIIIII

Sipping her husband's specialty brew of warm tea, Kayla absorbed the caramel aftertaste. She reclined comfortably against his strong chest. Enjoying his own mug's worth of his recipe, Logan used his left arm to coil around her middle. He danced fingers underneath her blouse to massage at her abdomen.

"Can you remember," Kayla reached up to drag fingers through his stubble, "the last time we were able to do this?"

"Mmm," Logan tasted her fingertips, "that summer we visited the Amish farm."

With an airy laugh, Kayla gingerly jabbed him with her elbow. "It only feels that long ago. Thank God the twins are sleeping through the night better, Cody is so much better adjusted…"

Logan brushed lips across her ear. "And their mother's all mine."

"Even as the chains turn to rust, baby," Kayla reaffirmed.

When his nostrils and ears were assaulted all at once, Logan loosened his hold on her. "Oh boy. I smell hormones."

The troop of young people took mere seconds to arrive inside the kitchen. While the girls spoke over each other excitedly, the boys dove right for the refrigerators.

Sean practically tore open both doors, scanning through them. "I am starving."

Frank reached in for the leftover chicken. "I'm dying." He hummed, biting into a drumstick.

Sean retrieved the tub of Neapolitan ice cream. "What's for dinner?"

Logan fielded that one with, "Figured we'd sprinkle some salt on a fresh kill and toss it to ya raw."

Barely listening, Sean dug through a drawer. "Cool, cool."

"Sean," Kayla reacted to his attempting to use the ice cream scoop as a spoon.

"Sorry," he said over a mouthful.

"Why is it so quiet around here?" Maya wondered.

"Raven and the top guns ain't back yet," Logan told her. "Emma's got Kiki and Brian at the market, Alex went to pick up the ankle-biters, Leon's… still in the state as far as we know."

"So," Kayla looked to the girls, "how did today go?"

"A lot better than I thought," Maya determined. "After everything, my old high school officially falls under small potatoes."

"That's wonderful, sweetheart." Kayla turned to the youngest female present. "What about you, Sam? Were your classes alright?"

Logan wanted to know, "Kids treat you okay?"

"Everything's great," Frank piped up before the girl could. "We're together practically the whole day."

Smiling back at him, Samantha seconded, "Yes, great. Except I have so much homework already."

With sympathy, Sean said, "Welcome to the honors program, where they build you up and break you down until you cry." He considered that. "Like training with Magneto."

At the most unusual grin Cordelia wore, Logan's eyebrow arched. "You okay there, Glim?"

"Sure," she replied sweetly. "We were just wondering if we could meet Fabian—"

"And Ben," Angel chimed in importantly.

"For coffee," Cordelia continued.

"Just for an hour, maybe two," Maya further coaxed, going to kneel by Logan's chair. "Please?"

"No," Logan denied.

"Why?" rang out from the chorus of whines.

"Lousy kids and your fun. You're goin' to stay right here and do the same things I did as a teenager." Upon recollection, Logan withdrew that with, "On second thought, get out."

Hopping up, Maya kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

"You get ninety minutes," Kayla added pointedly. "It's a school night and you have your studies. And don't be late, or too full, for dinner."

"Yes, ma'am." Sean looked across the way. "You comin', Frank-O?"

"Nah, I just want to go to my room." Frank placed attention on Samantha. "Did you want any help with your homework?"

She shook her head. "Oh no, I'm fine. It's easy."

As the young people started out, Kayla called out, "Sean Cassidy!"

Right away peering back, the now sheepish redhead made fast tracks to return the rest of the ice cream to its designated refrigerator.

IIIIIII

Oversized feet free from shoes and socks, Hank said with sparkling interest, "I wish I could have gone with you today."

Raven looked away from her vanity mirror. "Trust me, it wasn't the glamour of that Hollywood tour we went on."

"But just think," Hank's eyes twinkled, "this could be a first step. With Ignacio out of the picture, this facility could be what it takes for mutants to not be confined or sterilized but offered the same care and help as any human being."

"You're right, baby." Getting up, Raven walked to where he sat on the edge of their bed. "It's just being there… too…"

Hank grew somber. "What?"

She positioned herself in his lap, arms around his neck, and still facing him. "I could have ended up like some of the ones I saw in there. If Charles hadn't found me that night, what would I have had? A few years before I snapped completely, too."

Hank gave her a smile and kiss to the lips. "This is exactly why you are in the correct chosen field, my love. You can offer kids a genuine, relatable perspective."

Raven presented him with a happier expression in turn. "Thanks, honey."

"Though you're still wrong about one thing. You never would have ended up so far gone."

She looked upon him in wonder. "What makes you say that?"

Moving swiftly, Hank rearranged things so that he now hovered above her on the mattress. "Because at some point, I would have scoured the earth. Maybe not sure as to why even. But one way or another, I would have found you."

Raven grinned, stroking his cheek. "Hey, what about Kiki and Trav?"

He considered that. "I likely would have stopped to locate the cubs first."

Raven toyed with a button on his shirt. "That's my man."

IIIIIII

Glad but not surprised to discover the two men he sought in the parlor, the boy came to stand at the midway point between their regular chairs.

"Scott," Charles faced him happily, "did you need something, son?"

"I need to talk to you both," Scott informed them, hands behind his back. "But I don't mean like Headmasters-kid. I mean man to man."

Erik unfolded his leg and leaned in with interest. "We're all ears."

Though he spent earlier practicing, Scott still searched for the right words. "So, when you're a leader and something happens, it's important to be able to handle it on your own, right? That is, certain things without reporting to the higher ranks. After all, what good am I if I have to bug you two every second?"

Charles jumped on that with, "You do not bug us, Scott. Don't ever think so."

"But to answer you," Erik picked up, "I have to ask something first. How serious is this something?'

"It kind of is, but not like… dire or anything." Scott hoped that made some form of sense or at least sounded intelligent. "I really think I can handle it on my own."

"I see." Charles hummed in thought. "Well, we did assign you this position at the grammar school because we believe you are mature enough to take on such a responsibility."

"Meaning we should be able to trust your judgement." Erik peered directly into the child's lenses. "Can we?"

Looking between them, Scott answered, "Yes, sir. I promise to always do my best."

Erik reached out to pat his thigh. "Then have at it, field leader."

Scott started to grin but instead stood tall and straight-faced. "Thank you, gentlemen. That will be all."

At the child striding out, Erik had to work to keep his growing snigger in control.

"Brother, come now," Charles chided. "He was trying to be honest with us. You know how seriously Scott takes his responsibilities."

"It isn't that. Did you see that walk?" Erik then explained, "He looked the very picture of you."

A proud glow developing at that, Charles brought his mix of scotch and soda to his lips.

II

Lowering Bounty's refilled water dish into the crate, Joey looked towards his knocking door. "Come in." At the one who did so, he felt the nerves ignite. "Oh hey, Scott."

"We really have to talk." Gesturing towards the bed, Scott sat down with and facing him. "You know what happened at school and what you've been doing on top of that aren't good? Like at all, right?"

Joey bobbed his head, outlining one colorful portion of his comforter. "Yeah."

"I understand about you and Laci," Scott told him. "Believe me, I really do. But, Joey, even with these goofy feelings messing up our heads, we still have to be careful. I know I was really ticked earlier, but a lot of that was because I knew something bad could have happened to you. And on my watch."

Joey hugged his knees. "You didn't want everybody to get mad at you?"

A now offended Scott promptly countered, "No. I didn't want anything to happen to you."

Honestly taken aback, Joey asked, "Why? You'd finally have Alex all to yourself."

"Joey," Scott looked at him closely, "I wouldn't have Alex at all if you hadn't saved his life. Your powers can do a lot of good. But the bad people who want to snatch us up? They don't see that. And I don't just mean the lawmen. If a bunch of regular people saw you, they'd—"

"Call me the devil." An angry gloss shined in Joey's eyes. "That's what they'd call me. That's all grownups ever called me before. But not Laci. She thinks I came from God."

"I can't pretend to know a whole lot about God," Scott admitted, "but Laci's on the money there."

Joey perked a little. "Thanks, Scott."

The older boy lost his lighthearted tone for a moment. "But you can't get away with all of this, either. No chance. So, here's what I want you to do. For the rest of the week, you're going to the library right after lunch."

Realization instantly hit him. "You mean no recess?"

"No recess," Scott confirmed. "Ask your teacher for your homework assignments ahead of time and get started on them in the library. And don't try drawing or any funny stuff because I'll be checking your work. If you goof off even once, I'm calling home the next second."

"Don't worry," Joey reassured. "I'll do it- or not do it- or… I'll stay inside for recess."

"Good." Daring one hand forward, Scott placed it on his shoulder. "I don't want you thinking that I'm picking on you for kicks or anything like that."

"Nah, I'm the one who did that already." Joey looked regretful. "I'm really sorry for going along with Cody that time your powers went off at school. Making you and Frank do our homework for us and stuff. That was really rotten of me."

"True, but I know it wasn't your idea. And hey, I got to say… you have a special kind of guts, Joey."

Taking the time to glance around the room, the blonde pointed to himself. "Me?"

"No, the baby kangaroo Erik imported from Australia." Scott rolled his eyes playfully. "Yes, you. Leading and even missions I can basically handle, but telling a girl… everything? I don't think I'll ever be that brave." Patting his shoulder now, Scott stood. "You're pretty cool, kid."

"Thanks." Before he could reach the door, Joey petitioned, "Scottie? I hope you get to that kind of brave one day. I'll bet all my art supplies she does, too."

Unable to formulate a worded response, Scott merely gazed over his shoulder. He sent the younger mutant a teeny guarded smile and finally took his leave of him.