X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Two Hundred Fifty-Six
Author's Word: Hi, fam. First, prayer request: two of my friends are suffering through vastly different but very bad problems at the moment so all good thoughts are appreciated.
In nicer news, I have a game for you guys. I recently wrote a detailed post on my alternate Facebook about how in The Lion King, love is a central theme yet it is never directly spoken between any of the characters. However, it is still expressed verbally. What do I mean by this kookiness? A prime example is when Nala says, "It's like you're back from the dead. You have no idea what this will mean to everyone- what it means to me." For a Rise or Fall example, try this spoken by Alex in Chapter 22 (throwback!), "Hey, Frankenstein. After this weekend, you better bring your butt back here." There is no right or wrong and it's up to your interpretation. Bonus points if you find ones between Howlett-Creeds and Erik Kids (*Charles Kids silently drum fingers*). Errrr… please enjoy and review!
Gingerly rocking back and forth in the hand-crafted chair, the much older girl clutched the bitty one wrapped in dryer soft throw. The euphoric expression never faded as she gazed into the gray-green eyes of the wee Miracle. She tugged at the teenager's long chocolate strands, as if trying to study the hair directly to the follicles. Maya peered up every so often to observe the brothers on the play rug together. Cody held Todd in his lap, helping him pet Bounty while the rabbit enjoyed a few strips of lettuce.
Internal alarm system alerting him, a bright-eyed Cody would have shot up if not for securing his infant brother. "Mama's home!"
"And she let Daddy come, too," quipped Logan, entering the suite behind his wife.
"Reasons for being…" Tunnel vision fixated on her children, Kayla tossed her bag in the general direction of the bed and knelt to give her boys her arms. "How was school today? Any playground problems?"
"Uh uh." Cody raised one hand to indicate his knuckles. "Not a poke out of 'em." His face turned somewhat sour. "But I still have to be all tame and stuff for a while. It wasn't so bad today. Joey cooked up an explorer's game at recess. He hid a big box of his marbles and we shot 'em around after we found 'em. I snagged a new steely."
"There, see what I mean?" Kayla caressed his chin. "I keep telling you that you can have fun without winding up in a mud puddle on a daily basis."
As she stood to greet the girls, Cody remarked, "I thought laundry's supposed to be rollercoasters for mamas."
Kayla resisted an eye roll. "Throw in vacuuming and drain clearing and it's the whole theme park for us." She kissed the center of Mira's forehead then noticed the older one's appearance. "Oh sweetheart, let me see that dress."
Giving Mira to her, Maya stood to go into a slow spin in the long-sleeve emerald green, black trim skater number. She wore dark hoop earrings and sparkling green clips to keep her hair partly pushed back.
"Glamour girl," Logan addressed, "you and Red must be steppin' out in five-star style tonight."
"No, we're staying in," Maya told them with a certain glint about her brown irises. "It just feels like the evening for a certain amount of oomph."
"Really?" Curiosity instantly filled Kayla. "Any particular reason, might I ask?"
With a wink, the teen only said, "See you at dinner," before departing the suite.
When it seemed all three of her youngsters desired her attention at once, Kayla transferred onto the bed to properly snuggle with them.
A slightly pensive Logan squatted to gather Bounty in his arms. "Where is she gettin' these dresses? Kiki's dolls?"
Kayla gave him a bemused look. "They aren't that short. A lot of girls experiment with hem lines these days. We see much worse driving through the city. Girls of my village would have been brought to trial by fire for being so risqué. With my mother acting as lead torch bearer."
"How 'bout that walk?" Logan mentioned next, going to join them on the mattress while stroking under Bounty's chin. "You'd think they had Marilyn Monroe teachin' Home Economics."
Cody snickered at the thought.
With a smile of her own, Kayla placed a comforting hand on her husband's thigh. "As much as you want to retain the image of that shivering fragile flower you pulled from the water, teenagers are going to go through phases. Like this rock n' roll persona Sean developed last year. It's only a sign of their confidence improving."
"Fine, I'll buy that," the man conceded. "But once this ventures into tattoo territory…"
Cody blinked with bewilderment. "But Daddy, you've got—"
Logan narrowed his eyes. "Play with your brother and sister."
IIIIIII
Taken by the purple buds, Samantha said, "Those smell divine," while arranging cutlery at the individual plates.
Becky smiled at how much her choice of words reminded her of Emma. "Hank picked them up after work." She fluffed out the centerpiece. "He wants Raven to come home to them. They had violets at their wedding- that whole day was just gorgeous."
"The pictures aren't nearly enough." Samantha clutched a spoon to her chest with a starry-eyed look developing. "I bet it was a dream."
Becky eyed her with playful impishness. "Like your grand escape with Collin. I swear, you're just like Rapunzel. Beautiful golden hair and all."
Samantha stroked at the tip of her French braid somewhat shyly. "Are you mad Frank isn't my boyfriend? I really did like him at first, but it's gone now."
"Oh no, I understand," Becky reassured her. "My crushes disappear way faster- mostly. I just thought you'd be way better for him than Jasmine. And as much as I love my brother, I don't like that he went to that party without you." A memory struck her next. "I remember when we went on vacation in California and Uncle Charles planned this great day at the aquarium for us. I was so upset when I woke up with a bad headache. But Joey said he didn't want to go if I couldn't. Everybody ended up staying home."
"Really? All of them?"
"Yeah," Becky nodded. "It surprised me because I was being a cranky mess over it."
"I would have been, too," Samantha sympathized. "Worse than I was on Friday."
They finished preparing the table in time for Angel and Cordelia to arrive with their prepared dishes. Frank helped them along by bringing out the drinks. He shared a trace of a smile with Samantha, inwardly pained by the residual block between them. Of course, nothing could compare to the one that divided him and Collin. Just the thought made Frank mentally kick himself.
The rest of the household soon made their way into the living room in different clusters. Charles practically dropped into his place at the head of the table, ready to refuel with food as well as the pleasure of actually sharing a meal with his family. Emma situated Brian in his highchair before taking her own seat. The woman's ever present elegance masked her fatigue for the most part. When Erik sat, his posture came off more rigid than tired, but he eased at Becky taking her place next to him. Raven's yellow eyes developed new life over the vase of flowers. Touching his wife's shoulders, Hank kissed her neck from behind and she placed a cherishing hand over his wrist.
While they waited for the table to fill completely, multiple mini conversations struck up. Charles wanted to hear all about the progress of Kayla's students while she in turn anticipated details about the psychiatric facility. Trav held the attention of his parents and Uncle Erik by talking about the amazing world of his advanced reading and writing classes. Cordelia, Angel, and Samantha got into the silly but endearing antics of boys. Becky and Scott chattered eagerly about baseball season not being far away.
It did not escape Leon's notice how Joey transferred over to Alex's lap when the older blonde went into a story about Brian's alleged maniacal laughter from earlier. Though he loved his baby brother to an infinite degree, Leon figured Joey did note entirely appreciate Brian having significantly more time with Alex of late. He also noted the way Alex instinctively wound an arm around Joey's middle without glancing down or ceasing to speak. For his own part, Leon would not have minded a cuddle of the Cody Wody variety. However, that particular little boy gave full focus to his mother.
When the last two finally made their entrance, their mutual glow caused quiet in the room. In a rather captivating dress, Maya linked arms with Sean, who wore black pants and a tan collared shirt. Coupled with his well-combed red hair, the wardrobe choice made him quite striking.
"My, you two," Charles reacted favorably. "You're absolutely smashing."
"But what is the occasion?" Emma wondered.
"We just thought it appropriate." Looking at Maya, Sean received her nod for him to go on. He faced their household again. "First acceptance letters came in…" He honed in on the youngest instructor present. "From Westchester University."
While multiple verbal responses resulted from this, Alex placed Joey in the chair as he jumped to his feet. "You… I swear, Sean, if you're pullin' my leg…"
From behind their backs, Sean and Maya revealed the long pieces of papers that came with the word "congratulations" in bold at the top.
Both hands went over an elated Raven's mouth. "Oh, my God…"
"I can't even… ah, yes!" Alex dashed over, sharing a handshake with the redhead before pulling him into a hug. "We're actually going to college together!"
Maya added, "With me as a decoration."
"Yeah," Alex patted the top of her head, "nice job, kiddo."
Maya immediately received an embrace from Raven, who honestly had to be careful not to squish her tiny frame in that moment.
Right away, every adult present came to stand while the young ones sat clamoring over the news. Charles somehow kept a firm grasp on his graceful dignity as he practically plowed through everyone to offer his enthused kudos.
IIIIIII
Exiting behind a throng of students who displayed greater zeal than her by the truckloads, the head of wavy brown hair sought out her escape transport. She zeroed in on the knight and white horse in the form of X-Man propped up against motorcycle.
Leon stood straight as she neared him. "So, how many gold stars today? Bajillion? I bet it was a bajillion."
"No, but that's about how many went into my eye-rolling world record," Melissa replied. "How's your existence?"
"Better all of a sudden." He handed over her helmet.
After hastening away on the bike, they stopped when they reached an empty stretch of road. Leaving the motorcycle propped by some rocks, the pair situated themselves beneath two trees.
Leon removed his backpack. "I come bearing tribute."
Melissa reacted with vigor over the plastic container housing jumbo slice of strawberry cheesecake. "You're seriously the Pie Prince or something."
He gave her one of the plastic forks he pulled out next. "For the full Lady and the Tramp effect."
Melissa mused, "Who am I in that scenario?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Leon responded. "The female dog."
She jabbed her fork his direction. "The only reason I'm not impaling you right now is for the purpose of pie."
They began scooping up bites of the rich dessert.
After his third swallow, Leon put forth, "Are you aware you're dating a four-year-old?"
Still eating, Melissa countered, "Are you aware that there are certain things you should never say out loud? And," she gazed up, "huh?"
"Maya and Sean got into WU."
"Nice." At his face, she amended, "Or not."
Leon elaborated with, "I know our household dynamic. Joey and the smaller kids are priority, Scott wields the great genetic guilt, and come fall it's going to be the Havok and Banshee Nostalgia Hour."
"Ah," Melissa comprehended in full. "So, the one place you hold top priority is being usurped by the ginger invasion."
"You should have seen when Sean came to visit campus for a day," Leon recollected. "Just like that, Jam and I stopped existing. Yeah, Raven has her friend set and the six of us hang out and eat together a lot, but it's still the Lex-Jam-Lee frat. Who is Sean, the one-syllable wonder, supposed to be? Sea'?" Leon quickly rethought that. "Better not use that one. It sounds too close to that nazi guy who abducted Becky a few years back." At Melissa's startled eyes, he placated her with, "Don't worry. They killed him grotesquely."
"Ohh, good."
Leon asked straight out, "I sound like a preschooler, don't I?"
Melissa stated, "I don't believe you sounded like a preschooler even when you actually were on. And I get it. Fabian just went through this with Jimmy constantly being put in charge. But do me a favor and try to resolve yours without gunshot involvement. As if we haven't had enough of that."
Leon leaned back against one tree trunk. "You know, I'm starting to think there's a downside to this whole middle child thing. But not in the Franklin "hey everybody, here I am, look at me, over here-over here-over here" Tolbert way."
With a short laugh, Melissa slipped into somber. "I wish I knew what to tell you with all of this. But I've never had that- the sibling solidarity thing. I care about them, but my team doesn't operate like yours. I keep to myself in night school. Besides, the best friend concept," she scoffed, "just makes for easy stab access to your back."
Leon drew his knees in solemnly. "I shouldn't be bothering you with something this trivial. Not with the pressure you're under."
"Hey, knock it off." Stabbing her fork into the remainder of the cheesecake, Melissa cupped both sides of his face to unite their brown eyes. "Don't even think like that. You can tell me anything. If you start having impure thoughts about ferrets, I want to hear about it- to get first dibs on pointing and jeering at you."
Leon burrowed his right cheek against her palm. "I miss you next to me."
"Me, too." After a stint of amicable silence, Melissa told him, "There's a reason you don't have to play the "look at me" game. You stand out, all on your own. Alex knew that before any of us."
"… We have to leave, don't we?"
"Eventually." Melissa plucked up a chunk of cheesecake and deposited it on his tongue.
IIIIIII
Upon entry into his son's bedroom, the Professor took in the child-friendly space turned warzone. The giggling and galloping boys tore about, flinging pillows and stuffed animals. The telepath felt grateful that they only hurled soft items at least. However, he experienced quite the contrary at them transforming the bed into a trampoline.
"Charles, Codicat…"
Despite the man's tone not possessing near the bite of his own father's, Cody dropped into a contrite sitting position instantly. Joey did likewise, though he favored his first name greatly.
The small blonde reported, "We're all ready for bed, Dad."
"Small favors, I suppose." Going to them, Charles lifted Joey to kiss his forehead. "Do Daddy another by going to see about Mummy and Brian."
Joey touched noses with him. "You're not gonna holler at Cody are you?"
"No." With another squeeze, Charles stood him. "And I must reduce your training with Uncle Erik. You're becoming a trifle too suspicious."
Joey sniggered somewhat mysteriously and left to go to the nursery.
"Now, Cody…" Turning to the remaining boy, he received the biggest closed-mouth grin and brightest pair of brown eyes conceivable. "Oh, you stop that." Despite the mild order, Charles could not resist sitting on the mattress to clutch him in his lap. "I want to know how you've been feeling." He raised one of the child's hands for emphasis. "Any trouble?"
Cody's dark hair flew with his headshake. "Not since Monday. Be glad when I can mess around again. I don't need the guys thinkin' I'm some kinda wuss scared to scuff up his boots."
"You mustn't concern yourself with what the other lads have to say," Charles soothed.
Cody looked up at him. "How 'bout the girls?"
"Now that," Charles said pressingly, "is another matter altogether." With a smile, he tickled his chin. "I'm going to work with you some more this week on different mental exercises to help ease that fearsome tiger you have within. In the meanwhile," Charles hoisted him a little to hug close to his shoulder, "do you think you can keep being my calm little kitten? Please?"
Though he much preferred otherwise, Cody dutifully vowed, "I'll do anything you want me to, Charles."
The highly pleased Professor said, "Thank you, good sir. Now, since your mum is still busy with her grading, I'll read to you and Joey until she's ready to say good night."
"Cool."
"I second that." Charles laid him down with his head supported by a pillow and stretched beside him. "And between us gents? Ladies quite like a chap with a tender side."
Cody followed his words with fascination. "They do?"
"Of course," Charles reaffirmed. "Simply take a look around our house. Emma and myself, Raven and Hank, Maya and Sean- even your daddy sees to the gardens with a masterful green thumb. He takes your mummy out to the theatre, dinner, dancing. In addition to supporting her anywhere he can here at home."
Nodding, Cody knew, "That's true."
Joey returned shortly and Charles read them a few pages from A Wrinkle in Time.
IIIIIII
On route from the ladies' room, Emma experienced a troubled mind that, surprisingly, did not belong to one of the facility's housed mutants. Rounding a corner, she saw the tall man currently using the vending machine in such a way it reminded her of Brian with his rattles.
She approached him urgently but spoke calmly. "While I greatly sympathize with your ire, I'll remind you that we are being frozen in time." She gestured towards the overhead camera.
Remaining perfectly in place, Erik caused the device to crumble into various pieces. "All better." A flood of candy and other snack items spilled for the base of the machine and he offered graciously, "The lady's choice."
Emma selected a package of Oreos and watched him stuff small bags and bars into his suit jacket. "That time of the month?"
Giving her a brief look, Erik stated, "The children are always pawing at me for candy." He moved to sit on the nearby bench.
Emma joined him while munching. "Would there happen to be a reason behind this shoplifting spontaneity?"
"Old habits die hard."
"Some don't," she countered somewhat vaguely. "Such as the ability to turn off your heart- once a nifty trick. There's more troubling you, though."
Erik in turn questioned, "Such as?"
"Deceitful females, the fact that we're forced to float around on this piss-poor planet," Emma threw out casually. "And of course, Simeon- specifically the fact that we can't walk out the door with him right this moment." She tapped the cookie package. "So, why not take whatever we can? Is it not owed to us?"
Erik sent her callous eyes. "Do not lurk about my head, woman."
Emma faced him as well, her blue eyes an ocean of repose. "I would not disrespect you that way. You know that. You're just not quite the closed book you think you are."
Erik got to his feet as he said, "I'll remind you that I'm here to anchor you, not the other way around."
Emma released a dry, ironic laugh. "I am floored as to how alike you and Adrienne are. Cut from the same cloth, divided in even pieces of the same stone. Let anyone display the most basic of care and concern for you and you retreat into that "commander in chief- proud eldest" defense mechanism."
"It is our burden," Erik declared fervently. "We carry that and all of you with it. It's in your best interest to remember that, little sister-in-law."
Never losing eye contact, Emma left the bench as well. "And when you finally burst at the seams, who carries us then? Surely you have that part figured out already, big brother-in-law."
"… We don't have time for this." Fists and jaws clenched, Erik walked by her.
The steadfast woman in white moved after her solid steel anchor.
IIIIIII
Entirely unsure what force had driven him to do so, the head of copper came to stand right outside the Health and Safety classroom. Putting a tighter grip than normal on the strap to his backpack, Collin debated whether to continue or take the huffy route. With an inward unhappy sigh, he stepped in fully.
Frank's head arose from the front row desk he occupied in the otherwise empty room. "Hey, you came."
"Promised Sam and Tony I'd show," Collin informed indifferently. "Doc McCoy holding you after school again?"
"He just said we could use the room." With the way Collin sat on the edge of the teacher's desk, Frank found him quite older than the mere months that gapped their ages. For all of his raging bravado from Monday, the young X-Man felt about as ferocious as a flea in that instance. "I am so sorry for that dumb crap I said- all the dumb crap I always say- for the fact that I went blind before yet somehow I'm still not mute like I should be. I was caught insanely off-guard with you and Sam. I felt betrayed by both of you, but it's still no excuse."
Taking his own time to let the penitent words set in, Collin eventually responded, "Look, if we're being upfront, I'd have probably acted like a bigger jerk than you did. I was going to talk to you about Sam- I should have. You've been an ace friend to me, even after all the retarded BS I've gotten us into. For you to come at me like that, I must've hurt you bad. I'm sorry, too, man."
Standing, Frank said, "If it helps, I got my butt burnt- twice."
Collin winced. "That's rough… but yeah, it totally helps." They shared a hand slap turned shake then Collin wanted to know, "So, can you handle me being with Sam now?"
"It's going to take some getting used to," Frank admitted. "But you weren't wrong with what you said. I was stringing her along and I know to treat girls way better than that. I just want us all to be good again."
"You're good," Collin asserted. "Me? I make no promises. Now, come on. Let's clear out of here before our rides ditch us."
After Frank grabbed his bag, the two departed and quickly became wrapped up in bemoaning about their upcoming Italian test.
IIIIIII
When the explosive dual screams that rivaled that of Banshee's ignited through the house like an all-consuming shockwave, every able pair of feet thundered to see about the commotion. Sean leapt up the stairs two at a time. Cordelia, not even done swapping her school clothes for more comfortable apparel, hurried from her room. After securing Kiki and the babies, Alex and Logan sped from around one corner of the second floor.
Frank arrived last with chest hammering. "What's—" Gazing into the bedroom that captivated everyone's attention, he observed the blonde and brunette bouncing while holding each other and squealing at unheard of pitches. "Oookay, almost afraid to ask."
Logan placed his fists on his hips. "You dames gone postal? Cut out this hollerin' before you get the babies riled."
"Seriously," Alex reproached them, "have you lost your minds or just the concept of the indoor voice?"
Stopping to pat her chest, Angel got out, "Can't breathe… you tell."
Enormous smile in place, Samantha announced, "Angie got into WU!"
Though Sean took in more than one deep breath, he managed to keep his mutated caw at bay. "You mean it?"
Alex ran in first, hugging Angel with one arm and clutching her letter with the other. "Partial scholarship and grant? Ohhhhh man, beautiful," he embraced the petite girl wholeheartedly, "I knew it! I knew you'd make it!"
Logan remarked, "Looks like that WU gift shop's about to make a killin' off this crew. Just wait until the others get in. Fox is gonna be over the moon for you kids."
"This is unbelievable." Alex could hardly comprehend it. "We're all going to school together."
"Ahem," Cordelia raised a hand, "I hate to be a wet blanket, but I received the downsized version of the envelope. As in, "Better luck next lifetime"."
Near mournful silence resulted.
Angel's smile depleted. "…. What? That's impossible. There is no way in the world I got in and you didn't. I'm the last one around here who qualifies for a private college. In fact, I expected my letter to come back with "girl, please" written out in red."
"No chance," Alex shot down. "You got in and you deserve it." He went to Cordelia. "And so do you. There's a mix-up here, I'm sure of it. We'll get Dean Stavros' secretary on the phone and arrange for you to see him tomorrow. Do not even worry about this, Cor, I'm serious."
Cordelia raised her head, reflecting his optimism in her eyes. "Thanks, Alex."
Alex drew her into a close hug, rubbing her back in additional reassurance.
IIIIIII
After being sought out by a rather overwhelmed Brenda in need of biology rescue, Maya asked Sean to drop her off at the Acolyte Manor straightaway. The moment she made it up to Brenda's new bedroom, Maya marveled favorably over the layout. While roughly the same size as her room at the Xavier Mansion, it also came with an attached bathroom. Maya peeked in to get a good look at the lighted vanity mirror above the adorable sink and double door cabinet. A window to the left poured in more natural light than any makeup artist could dream about. To the right was the shower and deep-soaker tub combination. The sight made Maya somewhat long for the second floor bathroom she had to herself due to her mother having her own in the master bedroom. Most definitely, she dared not complain. While she did have to share with the other teenage X-Girls, the mansion came with plentiful half-baths as well. The only major downside was having to take her turn cleaning the shared bathroom when Maya already kept it the neatest after use.
The color scheme of Brenda's bedroom consisted of plum for the walls opposite to the bed and a bright shade of lilac for the front and back walls. The three windows practically took up the entire back wall, especially the picture one in the very center. The wall to the right of the door contained side by side posters of the American and Lebanon flags, one of an eagle soaring across Mt. Everest, a framed artwork with the serenity prayer written in cursive, and Hollywood sensations like the Rolling Stones, the Bee Gees, the Supremes, Eartha Kitt, and John Wayne among others. The bulletin board above Brenda's daybed with the easiest access to the sunlight held different and multiple pictures of her family.
Even with the lavish teen toys owned by Fabian, Maya still found it all too fascinating to see one stand. A brand new stereo with tower of records to go with it filled the wooden structure. An upright television set stood near it in the corner. Maya could hear her Headmasters' reactions to any of them pleading to keep a TV of all things in their own rooms. She especially pictured Erik saying something along the lines of, "If it's moving pictures you want, go find the pop-up books in the library."
Settling on the bed with her and the homework load, Maya complimented, "I love your room."
"Thanks. Glad you got to see it after the paint smell finally died." Brenda looked around it as if for the first time as well. "Estevan has been so incredible it's unreal. He says nothing is too much for his deserving."
Fighting off a laugh when yet another Erik remark entered her mind, Maya began with the study review. To her pleasure, it did not take Brenda very long to grasp the concepts once broken down by what she referred to as, "Someone who's not an uptight fossil with putrid cheese breath." They talked more while working on their individual assignments.
"My parents would run out of the house dancing in the buff at two AM if I got into a private university. What'd your mom say?"
Raising her head, Maya recollected the conversation. "Let's see. "Mom, my first acceptance letter came. I got into Westchester University". And she said, "The sky is blue"." Maya turned to the younger girl. "Which is "I never doubted you, MVP" in the language of Lauren Patterson."
Brenda chortled and flipped to a fresh page in her notebook.
A little over an hour later, Melissa poked her head into the half-open room. "Hey," noticing Maya, she added an extra, "hey," before addressing her new teammate again. "If you want to get a workout in, change and meet me in the gym. I have thirty minutes, tops."
Maya tilted her head, intrigue more than apparent. "Date?"
Melissa gave her a flat look, "No, Skipper. Hurry up, Bren," before heading for her end of the hall.
Brenda started to seek out some appropriate gym clothes, but curiosity made her follow Maya's departing feet.
The twelfth-grader likewise tried to keep up with Melissa. "What's so important?"
"It's my night to read Shakespeare to the blind orphans- guaranteed mood lifter there." Going into her quarters, Melissa snapped her head back at the two in relentless pursuit of her. "Shouldn't you two be swooning over a magazine cover with Elvis' picture?"
"If I change my name to Cordelia maybe," Maya dismissed. "So, where are you going?"
Trying to focus her thoughts as she moved around her room, Melissa came back with, "Place with things for stuff."
Brenda quipped, "Easy on the juicy details. I'm on the edge of my Tweety Bird socks here."
Maya deduced, "You're making a supply run, aren't you?"
As if able to feel the quizzical brown eyes aimed at her, Melissa turned around with a hard visage. "You are not tagging along."
"I helped you before," Maya reminded simply.
"Well, things have changed since then, haven't they?"
"Yeah, I'm good for more than just a taser jolt this time around."
"No," Melissa countered matter-of-factly. "This time around- even though I still don't know how- I'm going out with a guy who prefers your little neck not fractured."
"Miss, come on," Brenda now goaded. "Let us back you up."
Melissa eyed her incredulously. "Bren, you are joking beyond comprehension right now."
"I've been training."
Melissa scoffed at that. "You honestly think you fall under seasoned soldier after a week of strength training and hand-to-hand? You're delusional, kid."
Brenda shot back, "This kid came all the way back on her own, didn't she? Besides, how else am I going to gain field experience?"
Maya said wryly, "She's got you there…"
"Alright, curfew girl." Arms crossing, Melissa walked to Maya. "How do you plan on explaining being out past beddy-bye to the X-Men?"
Maya did not hesitate at the question. "My mom's back to working part-time. I'll just call and say I'm staying over with her."
The response clearly impressed Brenda. "Ohhh, nice cover."
Maya made sure to add, "If Leon does find out, I can explain myself. Things like this are too important to the safe houses."
Releasing a sigh of momentous proportions, Melissa said, "If you boppers slow me down, I will staple your puny butts into car seats. And lose the school skirts."
Pumped from head to toe, Brenda offered, "You can wear something of mine, Maya."
"Back in a flash," Maya smirked, returning to the previous bedroom.
Melissa groaned into her hand. From mission to field trip…
IIIIIII
As if being escorted straight down the red carpet, Angel, Cordelia, and Sean entered the parlor with the Headmasters, Raven, Hank and Alex. The three teenagers lined up on one sofa with the McCoys taking up the arms while Alex opted to lean against the back.
Sitting with Erik across from them, Charles started to speak until he noticed an absence. "Where's Leon? I thought he was joining us."
Alex explained, "He's got a ton to do for his genetics class and he's reviewing some notes he took during training. He's putting his everything into becoming an instructor."
Glancing down, Sean toyed with a stray piece of lint on his sweater.
"Understandable," Charles responded. "Well, when Maya gets home—"
"That was her on the phone, Sugar." Emma arrived inside the parlor and Erik made room for her to sit near her husband. "She's spending the night at her mother's. I presume they're celebrating as well."
"Ah, of course." With a smile, Charles addressed the youths again. "Erik, kindly break out the Merlot."
Sean lifted his head with interest. "Really?"
Emma said, "This occasion more than calls for it."
"Okay, loves," Cordelia spoke when her sister began to hand out glasses, "I'll remind you that I'm still technically in the reject bin."
Charles wagged a finger at her. "That will be enough of that, young miss. Cordy, you haven't a need to worry. I'm sure this admissions business will be sorted out tomorrow."
"Definitely," Alex concurred. "These are the same people cracked enough to let me in."
"You make more sense than I do," Angel claimed.
"I believe we have heard more than enough from the Doubting Thomas Society," Erik determined. "You have all earned this victory. It is the university's turn to live up to your expectations. Keep putting yourselves down and your tongues will pay for it. Now, which do you prefer, vinegar or wine?"
"Wine," the three seniors chorused while Alex went with, "Booze."
"Don't you love him?" Cordelia gestured at the metal wielder favorably. "His way with words is remarkable."
Sean shared a look with Hank as he said, "That's one way of seeing it."
Erik began dispensing from the bottles containing the fine liquid grapes. He added a splash of water for everyone, partly for Hank's preference and also not to debase Charles in front of their charges.
"So just so we're clear," Sean looked from Hank to the Professor, "there's no hard feelings about Harvard and Oxford?"
"Of course not." Hank clapped his shoulder. "Sean, so long as you receive a quality education- at a school representing the color crimson- I'm proud."
Charles responded with, "Oxford was my goal, Seanie. You need to go after yours. Besides," his blue eyes twinkled, "there's always graduate school…"
Erik sipped his drink and said, "So long as I don't have to cross state lines on a nightly basis to ensure your safety, I'm greatly satisfied."
The three laughed together and Angel remarked, "Yeah, Erik, like you would actually…" She trailed and they quieted at the wordless stare they received from him.
Alex ruffled Sean's hair. "You knew he wasn't kidding."
Emma threw out, "You're all going to look adorable in your matching sweaters."
Raven smiled at that and looked at the younger ones. "I have to say, as proud as I am of you, Seanie, I'm so thrilled about my Gorgies. WU is really pushing the envelope to integrate girls into private universities. Not to mention getting rid of color division."
"I loved that from the get-go," said Angel. "I think in the back of my mind, WU was my dream school all along. I was just so prepared to be blown off by every college I applied to that I didn't want to think too hard on it."
"Been there, Ang'," Alex sympathized.
While the excited academic chatter went on, Cordelia lightly swished her glass to create mini typhoons with her wine.
IIIIIII
Still trying to adjust to the strange headgear, which she could only describe as highly advanced minor hats due to the built-in lights, Maya appreciated two things. One, that Marco could devise so many nifty innovations and two, the way he apparently kept matters in shatterproof secrecy. The last thing Maya wanted was for Fabian to hear about that evening's activities and get the information back to Cordelia or any of the other kids. Marco, in her opinion, came off as much more reclusive than Hank and seemed to enjoy tinkering with smaller gadgets. Hank specialized in updating the jet, adding in grand training tools like the flight simulator, keeping the infirmary prepared for any and every crisis, not to mention his unmatched design skills when it came to their uniforms.
Naturally, Maya had not gone out in her yellow and blue X-Men apparel- which she considered stylish regardless of the numerous opinions to the contrary. From Brenda's collection, Maya had borrowed form fitting black track pants, a snug navy t-shirt, running shoes, gloves, and a dark jacket to defend against the cold yet not weigh her down. Next to her in the driver's seat, Melissa wore all basic black. As they coursed through the city, Maya wondered why Melissa would pick a warehouse belonging to one of the largest pharmaceutical companies on the east coast. However, Maya preferred that scenario over pilfering from a struggling neighborhood clinic. She figured Melissa carried that same mindset. During the drive, she prayed for a combination of forgiveness and success.
When the intended structure came into view at last, Melissa parked the van an extensive distance away. Walking alongside each other, she reviewed the agenda with Maya yet again.
It bothered the younger one not at all in terms of preparation. "I hope these," Maya raised the gizmos necessary for disabling electricity, "can buy us enough time."
"For this place," Melissa gazed upon the colossal warehouse, "we'd need a tsunami to knock out every power source. But they carry top-of-the-line everything here, including drugs these people can't begin to afford. I've met mothers who regularly sell themselves to pay for their kids' meds."
This stiffened Maya's posture, but strengthened her resolve.
Maneuvering to the rear of the building, Melissa rematerialized to the other side of the enormous gate. Maya concentrated on her abilities to unlatch the door for her own entry. The brown haired females applied as many power killers as they could along the building. Afterwards, Maya got them in via the loading dock.
Once inside, they found themselves in the medical equivalent of a candy store, albeit closer in resemblance to a candy fortress. They switched on their headgear so they could properly see. As if carrying ticking bombs on their backs, the two moved in utmost urgency to round up as many supplies as they could and bring everything to a stack in the darkest corner of the main floor. They concentrated on the most difficult remedies and equipment to obtain.
Hovering across the night sky like a jubilant firefly, Brenda honed in on the unwanted but hastily approaching vehicle. "Mount up, ladies," she activated her miniscule earpiece, "we've got pigs on the prowl."
"Gotcha," Melissa returned. "Float tight, Bren." She pulled Maya over to the center of the floor and away from their mound of products. "Time for a pork roast."
Maya's eyes swelled and expression turned frightened over the entering officers with flashlights waving and guns pointed. One was tall with graying hair while his partner appeared to be in his mid-twenties with rich brown hair and wide shoulders.
"Well, evening ladies," the elder spoke first, shining his light directly on them. "Little late for a Girls Scout meeting, don't you think?"
Hands going straight into the air, Melissa said, "Easy, pops. We don't want any trouble. Some kids at school dared us- we're stupid- we're sorry."
The younger officer used his flashlight to indicate their ebony attire. "Really? That's what you're going with?"
"Oh my God," Maya gasped, latching onto Melissa. "Please, please don't call our parents. They made us. They said they'd…"
"Hey, let's calm it down a little, doe eyes," the senior softened ever slightly. "If it's your folks that put you up to this, we can help you out. What are your names?"
"Diana Prince." Melissa then indicated the girl with her. "This is my kid sister, Kara. Look, you can take me, but leave her out of this."
"We're not going to hurt you," the younger man promised. "But until we get this all sorted out at the station, we will have to cuff you."
The girls complied without question. After the silver bound their hands to their backs, the uniformed men took them out and helped them into the backseat of their squad car.
"You're doing the right thing," the gray haired officer told them while his partner drove. "You girls cooperate with us, we'll do the same for you."
"Yes, sir," chirped Maya.
Fifteen minutes in, they heard Brenda's voice through their earpieces. "Loaded, ladies."
At the specific gaze from Melissa, Maya absorbed a breath through her nostrils before proceeding. Most grateful to have no other vehicles in front or back of them, Maya seized control of the steering wheel. The unsuspecting police shouted and swore as the seemingly possessed car went into a sharp spin. Maya unlocked the rear doors before bringing them to a stop. When Maya popped open their doors, Melissa waited for her to roll out then dove after her. The officers hollered after the fleeing pair, but found themselves trapped in the car with steering wheel and doors that refused to budge.
II
Using gloved fingers to comb through her wind-whipped hair, Brenda experienced elation at the returning two. The moment they jumped in through the open backway of the gray van, she stepped down viciously on the accelerator. Having already freed themselves of the handcuffs thanks to their particularly slim wrists, Melissa and Maya managed to get the van closed.
While Maya panted against one pile of goods, Melissa climbed up to get into the passenger seat. "Took you long enough, kid."
"Well, excuse me, Princess Diana," Brenda replied glibly, "but we don't all have random boy muscles. Be glad I have the zippy feet and big skateboard thingies."
Regaining her breathing, Maya supplied, "Dollies."
"Yeah, those." Brenda turned multiple corners with the only destination in mind being the land of far, far away. "Are they on our tails?"
Checking the windows with keen eyes, Melissa reported, "No and even if they tried, they don't have a clue about this car."
Propping up her head between their two seats, Maya suggested, "We should regroup at my mom's." At their looks, she enlightened, "That way I'm not lying to the X-Men. Besides, I'm pretty sure I left my calculous book over there."
Melissa faced forward with a smirk. "Just born to be bad, baby."
IIIIIII
After both got to enjoy showers of the rejuvenating variety, the high-schoolers took care of hair drying in Maya's bedroom. Brenda easily fit into a pair of green and white pajamas, but Maya had to dig around a little harder for the taller, better frontal endowed Melissa. Done checking on the van again and scoping the general area, Melissa joined them upstairs.
"I hope these aren't too big on you." Maya presented her with the gray sweatshirt and pants with Yankees logo printed on both pieces.
Accepting them somewhat cautiously, Melissa said, "Please tell me your redheaded heartthrob didn't leave these over here."
"They're my dad's," Maya told her, making Brenda look over from brushing her hair at the wall mirror. "I have most of his lazy weekend clothes. Mom still has his suits hanging in their closet."
Brenda formed a smile.
"… Thank you." Melissa then quickly asked, "Um, bathroom's across the way, right?" She left the room at the nod.
From the mirror's reflection, Brenda observed Maya unwinding at the head of her bed with a pocket Bible.
Brenda watched her a moment before coming to sit with legs folded at the foot of the mattress. "Your powers must be phenomenal by now to have made a play toy out of that cop car."
Maya peered up in partial amusement. "This from the girl who can fly?"
"Big deal. Lookout and lifting," Brenda waved off. "Tricie seriously knew what she was doing with that transfer. Now, other kids can get the help and medicine they need."
While Maya's features remained pleasant, she found herself unable to respond as pondering took over. Brenda minded not and resumed brushing her hair.
When Melissa came back dressed for the night with brown waves contained in a towel, Brenda looked to her. "I knew I wasn't seeing things at the facility." This landed Melissa's eyes on her. "You and Lord Leonine of the Everlasting Long Hair."
Maya broke into a snicker.
Rolling her eyes, Melissa lowered into the desk chair. "You've lost sleep awaiting the moment to rub this in, haven't you?"
Brenda grinned with puckish glee. "Hey, I'm a sophomore. The always forgotten, easily bored bunch. I'm not trying to pry or anything- much- but I am super glad you guys found a way off Planet Oblivious."
Maya said offhandedly, "After a few wrong turns at Planet Denial."
Melissa placed attention on her now. "And naturally, you couldn't be happier. Hate to disappoint, but running through meadows hand in hand really isn't our teacup."
Maya closed her book and peered back at her. "You and Leon stay so stuck on this idea that you're all alone in the universe. Just because I smile, wear cute dresses, and love being with my boyfriend doesn't mean I don't feel like I'm being held together with tape and string. It's the same for Sean. We're nice to everybody so we're weak. Then when we've had enough and finally snap, everyone wants to act surprised and offended. And it was way worse before Sean and the X-Men. Old movies on TV aren't the greatest support system, but that's the life when you're a nobody at school."
A flash appeared and vanished again in Melissa's eyes and she dipped her chin a bit.
Hugging one knee to her chest, Brenda outlined Tweety on her left sock. "I was a nobody. Maybe even lower than that. More like that wedge of old gum that always sticks to the nobody's shoe. Using track to fit in is how I got snatched. It's funny," her lips curved into a taut smile, "as horrible as it was in that place, being a mutant actually made me feel worthwhile."
Melissa stared at the overhead fixture, the light illuminating her face. "Whenever I walked through the halls at school with my friends, every other kid would stop what they were doing. They'd split apart like the Red Sea. Quick to let royalty through; people who never gave them a first or second thought. I was never a nobody." She exhaled with dry jest. "Instead I became a slut, a liar, a psycho. That's me, going for the gold."
"But none of that means anything anymore," asserted Brenda brightly. "The nastiest things people have ever said to us. It's total bull now. We have incredible power. Do you get that? We can do things. Change things."
"Hate to play bubble buster," Melissa interjected, "but one raid does not make you some kind of superhero. In fact, I'm pretty sure this whole thing is in violation of that handbook."
"So we violated the law," Brenda dismissed. "Who the hell cares?" Her word choice made the other two lock gazes on her. "You think I care about idiotic laws made up by people who figure it's A-OK to strap me to a table while a guy ten times my size rapes me? My parents think we were cheated out of a promise of freedom in this country. How do you end slavery or child labor or spread faith openly? You have to fight for freedom. I mean, guys really, is it that wrong to use bad to achieve good?"
Maya answered that with, "No. Sure, I had a lot of doubts about tonight. But no regrets. Wolverine, Kayla, Erik, the Professor- they're not training us for the heck of it. And they won't let anyone use us for target practice. Neither will Estevan."
Melissa sighed, thoughts coming at her at once. "Listen, as great as tonight turned out—"
"Great?" Brenda echoed, eyes sparkling. "So you admit it. We make a terrific team."
"You're…" Melissa finally followed that up with, "Less annoying than Jimmy. We'll play it by ear." She set them with a no-nonsense look. "On my call."
"We know," Maya accepted.
"Yeah," seconded Brenda as if it should have been obvious. "I can't lead a horse out of a barn, let alone to water. No, seriously, I could barely get it out of the stall."
IIIIIII
Adorned in a black pencil skirt with pale yellow peplum top, and short heels, Cordelia tugged down her lace gloves. Summoning up the knowledge of every etiquette class ever thrust upon her, she continued into the grand office.
The older gentleman immediately arose to shake with her. "Miss Cordelia Frost?"
Accepting his hand, the girl returned, "Dean Stavros? I've heard legend tell of you from Alex and our housemates."
"I may or may not confirm everything." With a twinkle in his eye, he gestured towards one of the chairs facing his desk. "Please." He returned to his own chair once she sat. "Now, as I understand it," he began leafing through documents on his desk, "you requested this meeting to discuss your denial notification, correct?"
Cordelia responded, "To be quite frank, sir, the letter really caught me off-guard. I'm wondering if there's been a mistake."
"I'm afraid not, Miss Frost," he informed.
She stilled a moment. "But I don't understand. My friend Angela Salvadore was accepted with scholarship and she never expected to get in."
"Angela Salvadore," Dean Stavros echoed favorably. "Quite a rare gem of a candidate. Her essay on rebuilding oneself from a broken existence left me captivated. The thought of a young girl creating such a name for herself after a lifetime of hardship. In many ways, she reminds me of Alex and your other housemate, Leon Osaka. Miss Salvadore has managed to maintain a 3.4 GPA, hold down a professional modeling career, and I have a contact at your high school who spoke in great detail about how well she handled that terrible vandalism incident. She has multiple letters of recommendation, most glowingly from her advanced placement teacher. In fact, your sister Adrienne described her as, "The redefinition of beauty, elegance, and strength"."
"… Dri's always had such a way with words."
"Indeed. As for you, Miss Frost," Stavros further scanned her file, "while you maintain the bare minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, you've been as low as a 2.5 while you were in Boston. You have some recommendations, but no advanced placement courses, no clubs or activities…"
"But I've been in a couple pageants at school and took part in the recent beautification project," Cordelia pointed out. "I've also taken ballet, tap, ballroom, swimming, equestrian—"
"A very lovely childhood resume," the man chimed in. "Yet you withdrew from gymnastics, which would have been a fine addition to your application. I don't mean to be harsh with you, Miss Frost, but your file shows a troubling lack of drive and direction. While I am incredibly sympathetic about your mother's passing, your closest friends have had to persevere through greater turmoil. Someone born into your level of wealth and privilege has no excuse not to rise to the very stars. Your eldest sister alone is a testimony to that." Looking at her, the Dean folded his hands. "Before I began here, there was a time when your last name by itself would have granted you instant admission. However, what I want for my students is for them to make a name for themselves. Be it privilege or poverty, I do not want them chained to their family's past. Westchester University has a mission to educate, instill a hard work ethic, emphasize hope in even the bleakest of circumstances, and ultimately graduate future leaders who will spread those same ideals in whatever they choose to pursue. I firmly stand by that mission statement."
After several uncomfortably quiet seconds, Cordelia surmised, "Meaning I'm unqualified."
Dean Stavros regarded her remorsefully. "I am sorry, Miss Frost. Best of luck to you."
"I understand." Getting to her feet, she picked up her coat from where she had draped it over her chair. "Thank you… have a nice day."
"You do the same, dear," he returned.
Though she found her vision abruptly blurry and her hearing absent, she somehow made it out of the office. Slowly but steadily nearing the doors, she stopped upon witnessing the plethora of conversing students walking back and forth beyond the windows. Redirecting to the ladies' room, Cordelia hid her face in the closest corner. Unable to refrain any longer, the tears boiled over in cascades.