X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Fifty-Three

Author's Word: "Heiress, why isn't this chapter as absurdly long as the last two?" My answer? They were as long as they needed to be and so is this. Put simpler? Y'all go quit messin' with me. Thanks in abundance for that gorgeous stream of feedback and PMs, fam. Excuse me while I inhale more summer. Please enjoy and review!

The tranquility allowed to him after content silence settled in throughout his household became viciously revoked in the form of heavy pressure at his ankles. Despite the reign of night, the majestic male in the large bed made out his harasser as certain as if the sun itself dwelled within the room. The creature at ten feet tall, hunched over, entire form one monumental shroud of darkness taunted him with lighted scarlet eyes and a snarling, fang filled slither for a mouth.

Not bothering to jerk his feet free from the monstrosity's sharp talons, the pajama clad Professor stared back at him with a glower only capable by a genuine taskmaster.

My anchors prevent you from drowning me outside these walls. Now, you attempt to invade my home. Charles threw a hand in the air. You and all your kind will learn a lesson here tonight.

At the telepathic wave that came at him, the creature released a scream reminiscent of a hyena's whimper. Nevertheless, it extended a talon in an attempt to smother his victim-turned-inflictor. Though his body struggled for air, Charles' inner energy devoted itself to the true task ahead. With a final shout, the murky figure evaporated into nothingness.

Released from the vision with a gasp, the telepath arose quickly in bed. He broke away from his covers to make a rapid path for the attached bath. Situated over his sink on the lengthy dual vanity, he splashed cool water all over his face. He drank some of it to relieve his throat and dry mouth. When the sink nearly overflowed, Charles summoned his willpower to keep from dousing his entire head in it for many minutes.

Initially enjoying the delicate fingers that entered his hair next, the man's full senses returned to him. "Princess," he addressed the one now stationed at his side. "What are you—" He took her by the shoulders. "Did you see something?"

Becky told him, "I felt something. It wanted to take you away."

"It didn't," Charles emphasized plainly. "It never will."

Becky sent arms around him and placed her head on his shoulder. "I want to stay with you."

Sugar, Charles looked up at Emma's presence in the doorway with a fussy Brian clinging to her, go on and take the Princess back to bed. I'll be up with the baby for a while yet.

Of course, my love. Charles swept the young girl up to carry back to her own room. He tucked her back amongst the abandoned linens and stroked her curls. I'm sorry for disturbing you so, darling.

I'm sorry they keep trying to hurt you.

Charles laid down beside her. "They only want to hurt me because they consider me the key. I've locked away many manifestations that desire escape. That's why my constant counseling of other mutants is so important. Though I wish we could destroy all the wretched memories and anguishes, they can only be fought and contained."

"I wish you would let me fight them with you."

"No," the elder telepath denied without hesitation. "As strong as your mind is, your heart is greater. Your illusions show people a better world, distracting them from the pain filled in this one. That is where I need you at your best." He pecked her forehead. "Can you do that for me, Becky?"

"I will," she assured. "I promise."

A smile filled Charles' face. "Look at you. I almost refuse to believe you're actually thirteen years old."

"And still short," Becky pouted.

"Now, now," Charles laughed softly, "telepaths are not meant to be giants. We are mutants of gentleness, endurance, and?..."

"Perfect hair," she filled in naturally.

"Top marks," he commended, drawing her in near to help suggest her into sleep.

IIIIIII

Giddy squeals echoed from the blue shapeshifter in white towel escaping the grand bathroom. The male in bright red wrap chased after her while growling. After running around a few of their smaller furniture pieces, Raven eventually toppled onto the bed. Hank did not miss the opportunity to climb right on top of her, blue eyes filled with clear intentions.

"Quit it, quit it…" Raven batted at him by tapping fingers against his strong chest.

"The lady doth protest too little." Hank captured her lips.

With a moan mixed with delight and disdain somehow, Raven nipped his bottom lip to make him pull away. "Baby, come on. I have to get the kids up and rush in and out of class. Charles needs me."

Hank hovered his face hardly inches from hers. "But I want you…"

Firm now, she ordered, "Get ready for work while you still have a job."

"A phys-ed coach's work is never done." Hank detached from her to prepare for the upcoming day.

Raven tipped into the spacious closet to dress, not allowing her nudity to tempt either of them into further interruption.

II

All lunches for her mutant fledglings prepared and packaged, the woman in white semi-casual business attire returned to her quarters. From a chair at the room's small table, Becky finished feeding Brian and now wiped his face clean of all the food that had missed his mouth.

"Oh thank you, sweetheart." Emma walked over to collect the bundle.

Becky gingerly handed him to him. "It's no trouble, Auntie." She went over to sit at the center point of the vanity bench.

Emma left Brian in the middle of the king-sized bed. With him content to play with Dickon, she stepped behind Becky to brush her curls. From their reflections in the mirror, Emma observed the meditative girl studying her new necklace. Stones of diamond, coral, and jade formed a triangle on the gold emblem.

With a smile, Emma recalled, "Your uncle sought out a very specific jeweler to have that made for you."

Becky said, "I don't know how he found the time."

"For his princess and prized protégé's thirteenth birthday? Charles would freeze time- quite literally if necessary." They beamed knowingly at that.

"Auntie Em," Becky held the emblem in her hand, "why don't the nightmares get to you the way they do Uncle Charles?"

Loosening a few tangled strands, Emma answered, "It is far easier for me to block out thoughts than it is for you or your uncle. Unless they belong to those closest to me. I also have the luxury of my diamond casing if it gets too overwhelming. But Charles," a happy yet saddened expression crossed her face as she considered her better half, "he has the most powerful mind I have ever felt. He not only feels the torment others carry around, but he practically considers it his duty to take it away from them and bear the sorrow on his own. Any other mind would succumb to such pressure. Unfortunately, it all too often turns his dreams into a battlefield."

Becky leaned against the vanity in thought. "I've seen them, too. But it's not as bad because it's like I'm only watching. I wish I could make those horrible things leave him alone."

"You do," Emma informed her. "Our connection to him keeps him from drowning. We will not and can never sever."

Those words in mind, Becky's attention floated from her necklace to the bracelet that seemed almost an extension of her skin.

IIIIIII

Throughout the numerous corridors of the high school, the once dull color schemes became transformed by the variety of lengthy banners and posters designed by the student body's own hands. Though they had been repainted back to their natural blue colors, the formerly tagged lockers along with several others also sported exterior posters depicting symbols and slogans of unity. On the main level, several students and faculty members gathered before the start of classes.

Principal Newman approached one cluster of youths. "Are we ready here?"

"Just about, sir," answered Tony, presenting the girl nearest him with a note card. "Ready when you are, Angel."

"Me?" She gaped at him. "Tony, this whole project was your idea."

"Everybody knows that, but I'm just a freshman," he reasoned. "You know it'll sound better from you."

"Yes, do it, Angie," Samantha encouraged.

Letting off a breath, Angel agreed, "Okay then."

Sean, Ben, and the others helped quiet down the numerous talkers as Angel went to stand with the principal.

The school head began things with, "Good morning, all. I would like to wholeheartedly commend everyone who participated in the beautification project. This was truly the healing elixir we needed after the unpleasantness from last week. At this time, I would like to introduce Angela Salvadore, who has a few words to share."

At the applause offered, the dark haired girl started over.

She did not miss Hank's instruction of, "Stand straight and enunciate. Stand straight. E-nun-ci-ate," which made her smile.

"Thank you, everybody," Angel said as the cheerful noise settled. "First, I want to give full credit to Mr. Antonio Aremu, one of the bussed scholars for suggesting this group project." With some claps directed his way, Tony only offered a short wave while remaining tucked amongst his friends. "Now," Angel continued, "I won't take long because we all have to get to homeroom so we can rush the last of this homework out the way- myself included." She eased at the laughter this received. "After everything that happened last week, seeing these beautiful banners fills me with great pride and hope." Raising the card she had with her, she read, "We are many, we are one, we are the future, we are Westchester High."

At the eruption of positive reaction, Cordelia gazed around them with a grin. "This is magnificent- unbelievable."

"Yes," concurred Fabian who stood with her, "on both points," and lifted his hands in stronger applause.

IIIIIII

The unusually still boy remained so while the adult pair piled the numerous layers onto him. Though they began to make him sweat, he loved the warmth they provided, like having his soft blankets all attached to him at once.

"Let's get your hat on, sweetheart." Emma made sure to pull on his hood as well.

Erik stood and extended a hand to the boy. "Ready?"

Simeon nodded and latched on with them both.

Out in the hall, an orderly advised, "You need to restrain him if you're serious about this."

Squeezing the boy's hand, Emma said simply, "We have restrained him quite efficiently, but thank you."

The three mutants moved on.

At Simeon's developing whimpers, Erik asked, "Are you afraid?"

"He's upset," Emma said. "Just look at these walls."

Erik did, frowning at their bleakness. "Don't worry, Simeon. We'll see the sun soon enough."

Simeon smiled in anxious glee.

After making it through the members of security, they arrived in front of one of the fenced off exits. With a lingering overhead camera to contend with, Erik stepped forward to open the door manually. Though initially elated at the sun on the slightly visible portion of his face, the harsh chill and white in place of green grounds made Simeon's eyes fill sorrowfully.

"Nooooooo!" Unable to break free from the adults, he went to his knees in wails.

"Simeon, stop," Erik ordered firmly but with some understanding to his tone. "Stop it. The grass and the trees are still there. We have you wrapped plenty warm enough."

"Simeon," kneeling to him, Emma cupped both sides of his face to lift his head, "winter serves a purpose as well. Don't you want your plants to rest? So that they may flourish? It will only be another month or two."

Erik picked him up, squirming and all. "I'm going to hold onto you. If you become cold, cling tighter to me. I won't put you down or allow the snow to touch you unless you want it to." With the boy now silent, Erik tapped the side of his leg. "Simeon, we do not have much time. We have to look in on the other children. Do you want to go back to your room?" He slowly shook his head. "Then come along."

With a slow nod, Simeon shivered as he was escorted out, though not because of the air. He aimed a mitten covered hand at one tree. "He dead…"

"It is not, Simeon," Emma promptly denied. "The tree is very much alive. The leaves will grow in again."

Knowing he could not use a hair analogy with this particular child, Erik asked, "Have you ever lost a tooth, Simeon?"

"A baby tooth," Simeon confirmed. "The grown-up one grew in."

"That's exactly the way trees work," Erik explained. Bringing him over to the spruce in question, he allowed the boy to touch one limb. "See for yourself. Go on. Your gift will show you."

Though it took greater concentration with his hands covered, eventually a single green leaf sprouted, delighting Simeon. "Look, Emma!"

Approaching, the woman said, "It's beautiful, Simeon. You're so talented."

At one chill, Erik felt Simeon nestle into him and he instinctively rubbed his back and nuzzled cheeks with him, only to pull back suddenly. "That's enough for now." He started carrying the child inside.

Simeon did not protest, still not fond of the outdoor conditions.

Emma noted Erik's change in demeanor and her chest experienced a throb on his behalf.

II

In one tiny, empty room, the Xaviers waited while the orderlies wheeled in the female mutant. Bandages wound around her empty eye sockets. Dry, lifeless brown hair stopped at her shoulders. With arms and legs so deformed that she possessed no hands or feet, it proved all she could do to remain upright in the wheelchair. Without need for Charles' suggestion, the orderlies left them.

"Helena," Raven smiled. "It's so good to- it's us, R—"

"Raven," the girl's voice came out in an unsettling chirp, "and Charles, your brother."

"Right," Raven confirmed.

"Helena," dipping by her chair, Charles put forth, "I thought perhaps you ladies would care to speak alone. Since I don't have nerve enough to venture too far without my Raven," the siblings shared a small smile, "I'll be right outside if you happened to need me for some odd reason. Is that alright?"

Positioned with face forward, Helena replied, "Do what you want."

"Then pardon me, please." Charles took the time to leave a reaffirming squeeze on Raven's shoulder before strolling out.

With her brother outside the door, Raven slipped into her blue form, regardless if the one before her could behold it or not. "Helena, do you remember what we talked about last time?"

"We are not the same," she insisted. "You are beautiful."

"You might want to take an extensive poll on that one."

"Your voice is beautiful."

Honestly flattered, Raven said, "Thank you."

"I was never beautiful," Helena claimed. "But I was also never… I could see, I could write, I could draw. Until my eyes died, dissolved right out of their sockets. My hands grew so sick… like my feet years before. But I could feel them all. Their eyes on me, their upturned noses, all of the disgust- I felt every bit of it."

"I do know that feeling," Raven sympathized strongly.

"You do," Helena said perceptively. "But you are so strange. Your brother, too."

"Why?" Raven wanted to know.

"You're looking at me right now. I know you are. No disgust, no hate, no fear," Helena explained. "He is filled with pain- pain he does not deserve. And you, even when you saw me that very first day… why do you feel that? Why do you love?"

Unaware that she had been secreting such an emotion, Raven searched for an answer for them both. "Because we would be exactly the same if my powers weren't stronger. I would be far worse without my brothers, our family. I don't know why anyone I have loves me. I can be so selfish, spoiled, and hardheaded. But I suppose I have it for you because you're younger than I am. You deserve a chance. I want better for you, good things for you, Helena."

As soon as Raven finished, quiet seeped in and took over the room for more than a minute.

At last, Helena chirped, "I knew it."

Raven sat still and perplexed. "Tell me what you know."

"… You are beautiful."

Inhaling deeply through her nose, Raven closed her eyes to combat the developing twin pools of water.

IIIIIII

"He had to go pick up his wife," reaching inside the refrigerator, Cordelia removed the tall pitcher from it, "but Wolverine put another batch of tea to the side for Jimmy. It has more herbs with healing properties. Is he responding well to it?"

Seated at the island, Fabian replied, "Except actually keeping him in bed for longer than an hour, I'd say so."

"Smashing." Leaving the tea to continue cooling for now, Cordelia sat across from him with her glowing countenance in place. "You know, if he doesn't condemn you, one would think you could give yourself a break as well."

"It is not only that," Fabian told her. "A brilliant, ravishing schoolteacher spending her time educating children considered expendable by this society and a mutant with Wolverine's untold experience and power securing and keeping grounds for a wealthy estate."

"You consider what they do beneath them?"

"I'm trying to make sense of it. Sabretooth as well. The three of them could be tyrants, wealthy beyond Westchester's greatest elites. Why have they chosen this life?"

Cordelia did not respond, having to honestly ponder that herself. "I don't think they want to rule; Victor acts as if he can hardly stand to lead unless he must. And Kayla certainly has nothing to gain from tyranny. After such long lives, seeing the worst in the world, maybe they've chosen to simply share their gifts with those who have none. The way Charles has opened his door to us." At his pensive state, Cordelia reached across to caress his hands. "Fabian, you've been so reserved lately. What is going on?"

"Do you think," he gazed over at her, "I could talk to your brother-in-law?"

"He's conducting training right now," Cordelia explained, "but I'm here. As long as you need."

Fabian clutched her slimmer hands inside of his. "I know."

II

Stationed at the tip of the master suite's balcony, the green eyes cast their gaze on the goings-on beneath the partly cloudy sky. Thanks to Hank's unmatched design, the biting February air troubled her not through her uniform with currently flapping cape. She watched Angel and Banshee assist Magneto with flight training for Eel and Kiki, albeit at a much lower elevation for the small girl. Sabretooth and Beast performed flips through the trees with Samantha and Silver Cat. Under Vapor and Havok's supervision, Cyclops and Lighthouse raced through and leapt across a series of wooden blockades that helped to build their speed and reflexes. As if in possession of a built-in radar, the mutant in ruby quartz visor sent her the briefest wave on their fifth run-through. Becky raised a hand after him, noting how he did not lose even one step.

"Oh Princess," the Professor arrived with his wife in tow, "seems you're well ahead of us today."

Emma remarked, "Nice to see entering your teen years has yet to affect your priorities."

Becky smiled and immediately linked hands with them. "Are we probing today?"

"No," Professor X replied in near haste. "I think we need to spend some much needed time on projection. First as always, let us regroup in the world we know so well."

At the direction, the Triad whisked away in swift motion. They soon found the balcony replaced with a mesmerizing silver atmosphere. Their hair and eyes still visible, they now lingered in their lighted particle forms of green for Charles, brilliant white for Emma, and a pink radiance for Becky. While Professor X and Emma collaborated on the plan for the session, Becky's eyes remained fixated on the space directly above her uncle's head. Far higher up, she searched until the tell-tale doorway materialized. Becky tore away like an arrow of precision.

"Rebecca!" Emma shouted after her.

"Becky, no, stop!" Professor X ordered as they hovered to follow. "You must stay with us. Away from there, now!"

With only a second's hesitation, Becky flew in when the door opened itself to her. Immediately upon entry, the multiple figures encased in inky blackness appeared. Their claws and jagged fingers reached to seize her.

"Stay away!" Becky demanded of the creatures. "I told you I'll never let go of him. Never!"

While she caused a few to melt into puddles, others grabbed hold of her arms and legs to sink her into their abyss.

Rage filling and overflowing within her, Emma morphed into diamond form. She used her hands and feet to slice and destroy the frightening images.

"Rebecca!" Snagging her by the hands with his own, Professor X struggled to yank her away from the black quicksand. "Release her!"

Becky felt herself uplifted, but gasped at her uncle's sudden collapse into the shadows. She used both arms to hold onto one of his.

Despite his circumstances, Professor X's authoritative tone rang clear. "Princess, let go. Rebecca, I'm fine, but you must let go immediately. Go to your aunt. Right. Now."

A vigorous headshake acted as the sole response from the resolute girl.

II

While Cordelia worked on various gymnastic routines on the balance beam, Fabian sat with legs crossed on a mat. Head bowed and eyes closed, he found much needed tranquility in the euphoria of the many active mutations up above. With a sudden sharp intake of air, his brown irises showed themselves again.

"Fabian?" With a final backflip, Cordelia landed and chased after the abruptly departing one.

Once back on the main level, the Spanish teenager mounted the steps two and three at a time. At last reaching the master bedroom, he swung open the French doors and continued his urgent movements.

He took in the twitching bodies of the three on the balcony floor. "Professor!" Fabian aimed palms at them. "Hold on!"

Able to both sense and hear the young man, Professor X could not acknowledge it as the energy rained down on them like a monsoon across a desert. Green eyes widening, Becky launched free with him from the substance. On Emma's part, a mere tap from her fingers annihilated every entity that encroached on her. Overcome with whole new fuel, Professor X floated the females to safety on a lush floral hill he created. On his feet again, the man's stature grew into enormous proportions, generating waves of fear from those that desired to devour his Triad. First conjuring cuffs to bind the monstrosities, the Professor did away with the floor and revealed a flaming pit in its place. With cries of dread and wretchedness, they dropped into the flames. Deaf to the resulting wails, Charles finished by sealing them in.

Coming up behind him, Cordelia beheld the cerebral beams that radiated overwhelmingly from the telepaths. "Fabian!" Summoning her golden skin, she hurried to get in front and block the force.

When the intensity faded and he eased off his powers, Fabian appeared to return from some unknown planet. "Cordelia…"

Returning to flesh for his embrace, she gave him her lips in a robust kiss.

IIIIIII

Reacting to the familiar strong palm against her cheek, Becky's eyelids parted. "Papa."

With an elated smile, Erik held her to him. "There you are, Snow White."

Hugging his arm, Becky found herself in her own bed. "Where are Uncle Charles and Auntie Em?"

"They're alright," Erik assured, rubbing her curls. "Calm your mind. You'll need time to recover from the amount of power you experienced."

Becky let off a sigh. "Oh Papa, it's my fault, but I felt like I had to. I wanted to help Uncle Charles so badly. You know how he takes it all on himself. I just wanted him to be able to sleep."

"I know." Erik reiterated, "Believe me, I do, Sweet Imp. It pains me to see him suffer in the slightest. With the gifts we have, we are going to have times when we have to rash decisions out of concern for our loved ones. However, that's for you and your uncle to discuss later." He laid her against her pillows. "Stay right here while I'll get you something to eat. And let Hank know you're awake."

"Yes, Papa." Attempting to relax, Becky brought her white bear over closer.

II

Together in the seldom vacant teen lounge, Cordelia resided comfortably in Fabian's lap. One arm coiled around her waist while he used his other hand to prop up his head. When Emma walked in, they started to reposition.

She shook her head with a wave of her hands. "As you were, please." She then faced the boy in the room. "Charles is still resting, but I wanted to thank you again, Fabian. Your powers are truly extraordinary."

Fabian replied, "They wouldn't be if not for yours." His gaze grew more thoughtful. "Can I ask you about something, Emma?"

"Of course," the blonde granted.

Cordelia looked up at him. "Should I?..."

Fabian held her tighter to prevent her rising. "No, Hermosa." He glanced her sister's way again. "You were with the Hellfire Club. Their White Queen."

A wry, disbelieving smile formed on Emma's face. "God… I haven't heard that in years."

Fabian then wanted to know, "Why did you leave? Why are you here? After Sebastian Shaw's defeat, you could have ruled."

"True enough," Emma admitted. "After I was arrested and the club abandoned me, I was given time to think. When I lost my first students, I lost myself right along with them. I declared war with the human race because I needed an enemy to distract from my own guilt and self-loathing. Eventually, I had to face my failures as a teacher, a sister," Cordelia lifted her head from Fabian's shoulder, "a daughter. The love I received from Becky and Charles- our entire family- helped me find my way again." At the resulting silence, Emma asked, "Fabian, are you sure you're alright?"

He responded sincerely, "I don't know anymore." Helping Cordelia to stand, he got up as well. "I need to get home."

Cordelia joined their hands. "I'll walk you to the garage. We have to grab the tea for Jimmy."

Emma stepped to the side to allow the young couple their leave.

IIIIIII

At the arms winding around him from behind, the Professor had no need for his power to know who they belonged to.

Focused on the fireplace, he patted one of her hands. "Baby Blue."

Caressing a cheek against his upper arm, Raven asked, "How're you feeling, big brother?"

"Better." Charles turned to her. "More than I have in sometime actually. While I couldn't eliminate the darkness altogether, it's going to have quite a time clawing its way near my surface again."

"That's good to hear, even though it doesn't help my guilt a whole lot. I'm supposed to be your anchor and you almost got shipwrecked."

Charles frowned at the implications in that statement. "You are. All of those minds at the facility- do you really think I would be able to stay level without you? You keep both my feet on the physical plane, Raven. I know I don't speak my gratitude enough. It's been difficult to get used to the idea of you protecting me now."

"Me, too," his sister admitted. "Even after everything that's happened, this grown-up routine still feels weird."

Fleece throw around her shoulders, the mutant lass with waterfall of curls flowing down her back joined them in the parlor.

At the stare shared between the two telepaths, Raven made a prompt exit.

Hands going into the pockets of his robe, Charles brought up, "You should be in bed, my girl. We can talk when I get home tomorrow."

"I can't sleep." Becky walked forward until she reached his feet. "You're upset with me, aren't you?"

"You know quite well that anger is not an emotion I can have towards you for longer than a blink." Charles lowered to sit on the arm of the nearest loveseat, still facing her. "What I am is unhappy with your impetuous actions. From the day the Triad began training together, I've warned you about straying away from us on the mental plane. It's no different from you leaving our sides at a crowded event and the effects could very well be more damaging."

"I wanted to help you," she insisted.

"I realize that, Becky and I definitely appreciate it," Charles said calmly. "But you don't have near the amount of telepathic disciplines necessary to battle such levels of woe and anxiety."

"What did you want me to do then?" Becky retorted in frustration. "Let them take you like they tried to do after the accident? You called on me then, didn't you? Now, every time I feel you hurting, you try to act like it's nothing. Well, I'm tired of it."

"Now, hold on right there," Charles commanded, giving her a sharp look as well. "You watch that tone of voice with me, Rebecca Lehnsherr. You may be getting older, but you've only been thirteen for the better part of three days. You've been my niece your entire life."

The girl's expression became one of puzzlement and wonder. "I have?"

"You have," Charles confirmed, seeing no need to elaborate on that point. "Furthermore, I am still your Headmaster. So don't you dare think you've outgrown a visit across my knee."

"I don't care!" Becky's eyes glossed over by the last word. "Because if you really get trapped inside your mind, you won't be here to spank me. Or fuss at me about my powers. Or make my headaches better. I'd rather get spanked because when you're in pain, I feel it, too." She flung arms around his neck and buried her face against his robe. "And it hurts a lot worse."

Hugging her to him with locked arms, Charles whispered delicately, "Shhh. Yes, Princess, I know. I know it does. The three of us are so deeply linked. Unfortunately, the dark part of my mind knows it as well. It wanted to harm you and your aunt in order to break me. You two make me stronger than I have ever been and to lose that… it's simply unthinkable."

Becky danced fingers through his hair. "It felt like they wanted to kill you."

"That's how these emotions taunt me." Charles kissed her pulsing temple. "But even if I have to fight every single night, I will not yield. Thanks to Fabian's help, they're locked away farther than ever. Tonight should be the best sleep I've had in sometime."

"I'm so glad," she grinned, snuggling in. "I love you to the stars, Prince Charles."

"And I love you to infinity, Princess." Clearing his throat a bit, Charles' firmness resurfaced. "But don't think this is going to get you out of trouble with me, young lady. What have I told you about overexerting your powers? And since when is it alright for you to tell me no, especially during a session?" Becky stretched her neck to kiss the top of his head. "No, no, no. I don't care how adorable and sweet you are. You're a big girl now and—" He felt her settle in his arms, indicating fatigue. "Rebecca…"

With a sigh, Charles began applying swats to her bottom, though certain their mildness would only lure her to sleep sooner. Still, it would give her a warm behind to reflect on. Standing to carry her back upstairs, he continued the thumps to the seat of her pajama pants. Catching a glimpse of the drowsy round face, he could not help his smile.

Still my little princess…

Yes, I am.

The elder gave her a harder swat as he started up the stairs. Back to sleep, tiny telepath.