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.

258. Chapter 258 Guys Just Want to Have Fun

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Fifty-Eight

Author's Word: Question for you, fam. If you spend the bulk of every waking moment from meals to bus rides typing to the point of sprained fingers, is that an obsession? It is? Good. Also, welcome to the fam-fold, AnimationNut and thank you for so much feedback. Please enjoy and review!

Gleeful smile present to match the rest of the petite but highly enthused frame, Brenda announced importantly, "I went to the mall today."

From her private bathroom, Melissa sent back, "What else is new? Baskin Robbins name the new Flavor of the Month after you?"

Shaking her head from where she reclined on the bed, Maya pressed encouragingly, "And what happened?"

"I found the perfect action gear for us." Lifting the large shopping bag she had with her, Brenda plopped it on the bed. She showed them the sets of sleek black pants with multiple pockets and equally dark denim jacket. "And these," Brenda took out a deep blue turtleneck and tossed it Maya's way, "for some individuality."

Catching the top, Maya nodded approvingly. "You know, they're really not bad. What do you think, Melissa?"

"Think of wh—" The oldest female left the hygiene space in hardly enough time to keep the shirt from hitting the floor. Holding up the electric pink turtleneck, she regarded the giver in bemusement. "You all truly, madly think you're funny with this."

"It just suits you," Brenda smiled brightly. She pulled out her violet turtleneck last. "And purple perfection for me."

Rolling her eyes, Melissa deposited her shirt over her desk chair. "Very tactical there, kid."

Removing her robe, the other two girls received the full image of the mid-length black dress she wore. The white stripe cascading down the front of the sleeveless number followed the lengthy path of the zipper.

"Ohhhhh!" Brenda rushed up to help her spread her brown waves. "You are such a dream come true."

"Exactly what Leon's going to be thinking in a few minutes," Maya asserted. "More so than usual that is."

"Um, yeah, thanks." Melissa slipped on a sheer ebony cardigan, freeing her long hair from the back of it. "Anyway, I have to get out of here. You beanie bops be sure to shut my door when you leave." She dissolved into the air and under the door crack with that.

Taking a sudden leap, Brenda twirled while hovering. "Leon, Sean- ohh, you ladies have no idea how lucky you are."

Maya watched her float down and onto the bed. "I know it hasn't been that long, but are there any boys at school you think you may like?"

"Meh." Brenda flapped a dismissive hand. "It's nice to watch from a distance with a huge tub of popcorn, but I don't think I'll be into that stuff for many, many moons."

"That's extremely mature for you to admit that," Maya praised. "Most girls at school fall head over heels in an instant and usually wind up landing flat on their faces."

"Maybe way back when I could get behind the boy crazy phenomena. But in containment…" Brenda's expression shifted negatively. "Tyson was always trying to help us out and he was such a great dad to Zack. But then… the second Ignacio gave the word, he was ready to tear apart my clothes and me. If our teams hadn't shown up when they did, I could tell Leon would have died before he'd touch either of us that way. Dicks like Tyson, martyrs like Leon…" She searched the other girl beseechingly. "How do you know which is which?"

"I wish I could tell you," Maya said honestly. "Meeting Sean in the diner that night was the greatest thing to ever happen to me. Probably defined the rest of my life. I feel blessed, but it could be like you said. Just great geek luck."

Brenda nodded. "Either way, I'm playing it safe with doodles of me and John Wayne on the biggest ranch in the southwest with a petting zoo and burgundy brick house. Oh and those great big swings for the front and back porches."

Maya gaped at her initially. "That sounds incredible… and suspiciously detailed."

IIIIIII

Caramel iced coffee in hand, or at least what remained of the revitalizing beverage, Melissa observed the male in black jeans, gray sweater, and chocolate leather jacket at play. Hands and wrists having somehow morphed into springboards, Leon achieved shot after shot at the condensed basketball game.

After another cherished sip, Melissa put forth, "So, is that gingersnap's head you're sinking through that hoop or did you add another entry to your "To Maim" list?"

With another dunk, he asked, "You looking for a top spot?"

"Spicy. Here I thought female dog was my shtick."

Leon then mentioned, "So, guess who's going to Puerto Rico for the four-day weekend?"

She pretended to think and came back with, "Desi Arnaz… wait, never mind, Cuban."

Leon went on with, "Hank and Alex thought it would be totally far out to have a guys' weekend- them, me, Jam, and of course, Sean- to celebrate the fact that soon enough, we'll be giddy schoolmates. Charles and Erik said we could use the jet and all."

Comprehending to an enormous degree, Melissa offered, "Hey, think about it this way. A free trip to paradise and away from this ice box."

"I don't want to go," Leon emphasized petulantly. "And there is no way I can subtly wriggle out of it because I've managed to evade all things "in celebration of Sean" and it'll be a hundred-foot red flag if I miss this."

"But didn't you already go on a college tour together? You knew he was applying to WU."

"That was different; no pressure. I never expected him to jump at the chance to attend. Now, it's four days," with magnified ire, he reiterated, "four days I have to put on as much fake as possible. Hank and Alex are enough and now Jam has to fawn over him, too? Or maybe, God forbid, I wanted to spend my last time off from school until spring break with my girlfriend. But I can't bring that up without looking like a sellout ready to bail on the guys." Leon pushed at the machine. "It's enough that I have to live every damn day with this mind-fucked head while they get to be…" Turning suddenly, he kicked a packed trash can straight across the restaurant.

Garbage splattered in almost every direction.

With gasps and whispers, all other patrons placed complete and utterly appalled attention on them. Melissa herself stood in stunned disbelief.

"Hey!" Storming away from his position behind the counter, the manager fumed their way. "What the hell is your problem, you stupid kid?"

Spreading her arms to maintain distance between the males, Melissa warned, "You're going to have a hell of a lot more to clean up if you don't back off." She gripped Leon's right sleeve. "Let's get out of here." She only took time enough to retrieve her coat off the hook by the door. "Lee," Melissa stayed in step with him on the sidewalk, "seriously, what was that?" She moved to stand in front of him. "This thing is eating you up that much?"

Both hands yanking on his hair, a dismayed Leon walked backwards until he reached a wall. "I- I don't know. I don't know what I…" The rest of his body remained rigid as he slid down onto the pavement.

Melissa knelt to her knees before him. "Leon, look at me, look." Cupping his cheeks, she raised his head. Lost brown eyes stared into her solider ones. "That wasn't you in there. It wasn't. I'm the irrational freak here and I don't take kindly to you trying to steal my gig." At his increased and unhitched breathing, she connected their foreheads. "Calm- calm down. It's okay." She touched his rapidly pounding chest. "Do you want me to call Erik? Lee," she massaged his front tenderly, "do you want me to call your dad?"

Leon's head bobbed. "Mmhmm."

"Okay." Melissa eased fingers through his hair. "Don't move." She returned to her feet to go to the payphone half a block away.

By the time the sedan pulled up, the two had become situated on a bench. A still somewhat shaky Leon kept his head in Melissa's lap.

"Lee!" Alex hurried over to him while Erik came around from the driver's side.

Leon quietly arose to accept the blonde's embrace.

Melissa explained, "He's still coming down from an anxiety attack. He'll be fine soon."

"What exactly brought this on?" Erik wanted to know, coming to peer into his son's face.

Melissa could only tell him, "They hit at random. Stress, bad flashbacks popping up without an invitation. It's hard to say. Just take care of him. Please."

"Don't worry," Alex guaranteed, helping his brother up. "Come on, dude. Let's get you home."

Erik asked the girl, "Do you need a ride?"

"I'm good," Melissa declined. "My car's still in the parking lot."

Leon stepped away from Alex to bring arms around her. "I'm sorry…"

"Funny," she glanced up at him, "I'm not. Call me tomorrow."

Leon nodded and returned to the others.

Once back in the car, Erik resumed driving while Alex stayed in the back with Leon. Even as he closed his eyes to rest them, Leon felt the steadfast vigilance by his side.

IIIIIII

After he changed into pajamas, the youth laid on his stomach in bed. The Yiddish lullaby brought contentment to his ears. With the lower half of the young mutant's body over his lap, Erik also applied ginger taps to his bottom. It did not take long for Leon's mind to comply with the unspoken fatherly command to rest coupled with reminder that loneliness was a thing of the past.

When he relaxed completely, Erik arranged the blanket over him. With a kiss to the jet black hair, the metal wielder left him to sleep. Going downstairs, he found the two telepaths and youngest instructor in the parlor together.

Alex quickly stood from sitting on the arm of Erik's chess chair. "Is he any better?"

"Yes, now," Erik replied.

Emma inquired, "Are you sure I shouldn't go up?"

Erik said, "I managed to get him to sleep, but I believe he'll want to see you tomorrow."

From his chair, Charles piped up solemnly, "The poor lad. It pains me to see him progress, only for these spells to catch him unawares." He glanced Alex's way. "This time away is probably the best thing for him right now. You as well, Alex. You all deserve some fun."

Erik reminded, "Only be certain to take care of each other."

"Not a problem," Alex said without hesitation. "No matter where we are."

IIIIIII

At the smidge of space available at the door, Maya looked in to see the redhead loading a medium sized duffel bag.

"Sean?" Entering fully, she regarded him with surprise. "I thought you finished packing. You guys are leaving in a couple hours."

"Packed my clothes days ago." Sean gestured at his duffel bag as he added another horror novel. "This is just for my books. I get the feeling I'm going to have a ton of downtime."

Not missing the tone of voice he used, she asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"It means I actually had the gull to think this trip was going to be about me."

"What? It is. Alex and Hank planned it just for you."

"Maybe that's how it started." Bag filled, Sean zipped it up. "But now, it's going to be the Leon Pity Fest. Typical. I earn a little spotlight, some kid who's had it worse than I have comes along, and it becomes "Sean who?"."

"Don't think that." Maneuvering around, Maya wrapped her arms around his front middle. "Hey, if anybody's out of focus it's me. Alex has been doing backflips since he found out you guys will be going to school together."

"Yeah." Sean resisted an eye roll. "I get to play kid brother on campus. Just like this trip. I'm nothing but the dweeby high-schooler. I wanted Ben to come, but his family already made plans."

"I don't understand this. Everything was going so well between you and Leon until…"

"What?" Sean prompted.

Maya asked carefully, "You're really upset he's going to be an instructor, aren't you?"

Dipping his head, Sean stayed quiet for several seconds before facing her again. "I was part of the First Five, Maya. Before we even called ourselves the X-Men. I didn't show up out of nowhere or meet them through someone else. Charles found me back when Cerebro actually worked. He and Erik came looking for me." Detaching from her, Sean went over, hitting the nearest wall with his knuckles. "They picked me, Maya."

Finding herself weakened all of a sudden, she whispered, "I know." Despite the anger she felt radiating from his shoulders, Maya walked up to snuggle into his shirt. "So did I. My smartest move ever."

Holding her to himself, Sean breathed in her wavy hair soothingly. "Honey, we really have to talk when I get back."

With a nod, Maya concurred, "We really do," and gave him an extended kiss. "Please try to have fun."

Sean nodded back, hugged her once more, and began collecting his things to carry downstairs.

IIIIIII

Though the aircraft's body alone proved quite impressive, Jam became stars-truck once inside the jet.

"This thing puts Air Force One to shame." Jam cast his gaze on the scientist seated at the front. "You're telling me you actually designed this plane?"

"Naturally. If I have to transport cargo this precious, I want to personally see to it that the machine is air worthy." Hank glanced back. "Sean, I'm in need of a co-pilot if you please."

Smiling, the redhead immediately claimed the chair next to his.

The WU trio chose to buckle into the side seats. Though Leon figured it to be instinct that they kept him sandwiched between them, he could not help wondering if the apprehensive flier should receive the security instead. However, Alex appeared more concerned with scanning the surroundings while they conversed. Since Hank had to keep his focus on operating the jet, Leon surmised that Alex considered it his duty to keep extra eyes on the cargo members considered precious. Jam either shook playfully or leaned on Leon's arm during the flight. When even the slightest wiggle of turbulence took place, he felt Jam's particularly strong grip. Also, Alex would extend his arm as if locking them in place, reducing his phobia to the backburner. Leon wondered if all eldest siblings came with such internal radar. He merely reclined, enjoying the additional safety features.

"I talked to Grandma the other night," Sean recalled, eyes ahead and hands attentively at the proper controls. "It apparently took an hour or less for Grandpa to broadcast right over to Ireland about his "college boyo"."

Chuckling, Hank brought up, "Haven't your multitudes of older cousins attended universities?"

"Oh sure, we have doctorates across the board. But I'm Seanie."

Hank smiled. "I know what you mean. On my last visit, Mom had found and framed another one of my old jerseys. I couldn't have been more than ten the last time I wore that thing."

Sean's eyes started to match the clouds they flew over. "Baby man has another basketball trophy under his belt. "Too short to shoot" my foot."

Hank's voice lowered a little. "You've really been missing Tommy, haven't you?"

Sean gave off a nod. "I can't help feeling afraid to go back. I hate that they grabbed me in front of him. And with the way things are going politically, they could try to sterilize him just for being connected to me."

Wishing he could offer the younger mutant a reaffirming pat at the very least, Hank kept hands and concentration on their elevation. "I understand and it's perfectly reasonable to be afraid. I couldn't even return for my own father's funeral. We're living in difficult times. That is why the X-Men are so necessary."

They slipped into amicable silence after that and Sean discovered his spirits lifted. With Hank he could discuss such matters without the inevitable strange looks that came from being surrounded by so many lacking positive biological ties.

Thanks to the superior quality of the custom jet, the group reached the San Juan airbase in under four hours. When they picked out the rental van, Sean had to resist a victory dance over everyone going along with his request for emerald green. While Hank, Leon, and Alex likely felt indifferent in regards to color, Jam declared the vehicle a "sexy-mobile".

With the sensational eighty-five degrees that made up the atmosphere, their five bodies almost went into euphoria shock. Since Hank had piloted, Alex drove the way towards their private bungalow and kept the windows down. The older two rode up front while Leon and Sean each got a rear window. The in-between Jam laid back with arms folded behind his head and sunglasses accentuating his already blatant grooviness. The grin stayed in place on Sean's face as they passed the different locations. Having not been to Puerto Rico since Winston Frost's surprise cruise, it all felt new again to the redhead. Leon nearly hung half his body out of his window, silky strands flapping against the welcomed breeze.

Clearly bothered by the position and the overly laidback expression on the Japanese teen, Hank directed, "Lee, not so far out."

"Yeah," came from Alex. "If your head gets sliced off, Dad'll kill us."

Pulling back, Leon found a roosting spot for the aforementioned head on Jam's shoulder, who minded not.

Glad to spot a supermercardo on their route, Hank pointed for Alex to turn into the parking lot. Inside, the first supplies they loaded up on consisted of bottled waters, sodas, and orange juice due to the dehydration they experienced from the new-to-them spiked temperature. They added ice cream for that reason along with the ever present need for deliciousness. To no one's shock, Hank picked out vegetables for them. They immediately noticed how ripe and appetizing both the fruits and produce looked.

"Locally grown with far fewer chemicals," Hank explained. "Raven prepared tons of amazing recipes while we were on our honeymoon."

"Ah, you guys did honeymoon here," Jam recollected the story then minor horror hit him. "Uh, we're not staying in the same love cottage, are we?"

"No chance," Hank laughed. "That place I prefer to leave untainted."

"And we support you, Bozo," said Alex, receiving a head tap from the larger male for it.

Since they were all hungry and with it approaching noon, they selected hero sandwiches at the deli. Even with Alex having to drive, they all finished eating as they made their arrival on the one-story structure. With white trim, a rich gold that almost matched the sand covered the bulk of the house. Alex only focused on the water, mere yards from their front door. He pulled into the attached garage and they started collecting their bags.

"You and that guitar," Alex remarked of the familiar black case, which gave the redhead three packs altogether. "You're loaded up like the girls."

Sean rolled his eyes. "Like you're not ready to super glue yourself to that surfboard."

"Alex, leave Sean alone." Hank threw his bag on his back to grab two of the grocery sacks. "He's becoming quite the vocalist and I like hearing him practice."

Sean smiled proudly. "Glad some people do."

Alex bumped shoulders with him. "You know I do, too, brat."

"Surf nut," Sean retorted.

"To the core," Alex smirked.

Having brought a backpack to hold his clothes in, Jam carried the rest of the food for Hank.

Coming up behind, Leon shut the trunk.

The interior of the house consisted of a big common room with small kitchen area, a three-piece bathroom, two spare closets, and two bedrooms. Hank and Sean decided to share while Team WU took the bigger one with connected bathroom. They made sure to put the perishable foods away in the refrigerator before settling in their quarters.

"This place is cool for a guy spot," Jam approved. "I'm surprised you could book something this nice last minute."

"As proper and orderly as he is, Charles Xavier is the one true king of spontaneous vacations," Alex boasted. "Five days' notice is four more than what he needs."

"Thanks again for bringing me out here." Jam sat on the single bed he had claimed for himself against the left wall. Alex picked the one across from him while Leon got the one by the giant window. "My parents would never let me travel alone. They've been extra suspicious since Kennedy."

"Wise," Leon spoke, dangling off the side of his bed. "We're lucky things are pretty calm at WU. Other campuses have rioting almost daily."

"And now we get a break from that crap." Alex tucked his surfboard under his arm. "Now, come on. Who's up for some shredding?"

"I'm in." Leon lazily rolled off the mattress and righted himself with a jump.

"I'll meet you out there," said Jam. "Need to call home real quick."

Alex silently cursed himself, figuring he should do the same. Passing by the kitchen, relief came to him at seeing Hank on the phone. Judging by the smile on his face and tone he used, he had to be talking to his blue better half. He wrapped things up with Raven at Jam's request to dial his own family.

Making it out into the sunshine, Alex hollered, "Woooot," as he galloped for the water.

"Hey!" Clutching his guitar from where he sat on the bottom step of the porch, Sean frowned after him from under his circular shades. "Watch it!"

Leon patted his board as he came through at a more subdued pace. "He's a hazard where these things are involved." He laid his board down and waded into the water after the blonde.

When Hank and Jam stepped out, the latter ran to join his friends, but remained mindful of the string stroking Sean. He caught up with Leon to ride the back of his surfboard, knowing Alex to be too captivated by his for sharing. He would likely hand over a kidney first.

Enjoying the feeling of khaki shorts and a sky blue polo shirt, Hank lingered at the top of the steps to hear Sean play. Sean relaxed under his audience of one. Fifteen minutes went by and Hank moved to soak his sandal wedged feet into the inviting moisture.

Jam returned to shore and toweled off before dropping to sit beside Sean. "Sizzlin' Summers is something else. He and Lee always forget I'm straight out of the Connecticut 'burbs. All we surf is snow."

Sean paused his playing and laughed. "That's pretty much the life in Virginia, too. Where my family is."

"Glad somebody gets it." Stretching back restfully, Jam told him, "I like your sound, by the way."

"Thanks," Sean smiled. "I haven't been at guitar or piano for even two years, but I love it."

"You write, too, don't you?" At Sean's nod, Jam stated, "I can tell. I grew up listening to a lot of old music my parents like and you have that deep, rich flavor, too. Like you're telling a story."

"Really? Because I've gotten into lyric writing, too."

Floating on his board, Leon peered through his drenched black strands at the chatting pair.

When Alex finally desired a break forty minutes later, Jam and Sean stood to approach the other three.

"Okay, so I know we're trying to get away from civilization for not being so civil," Jam said, "but anybody up for some sailing?"

"And parasailing?" added Sean eagerly.

Hank let off a wince of uncertainty. "I don't know about that, Sean. You've only done that a couple times and it's been a while. Besides, Erik isn't here in case something goes wrong."

Jam asked curiously, "What, he usually goes up with him? Mr. Lehnsherr parasailing." He nodded, mainly to himself. "Yep, I can see that."

"No," Alex shook his head in partial humor. "He's just the best guy to have around for equipment failure and stuff. Hank's right, Sean. You should wait until it's warm back home for that."

Sean crossed his arms impudently. "Says the guy afraid of heights. Brian could handle a rollercoaster better than you can."

The good-natured expression instantly evaporated on Alex's face.

Hank clamped a hard hand down on the redhead's shoulder. "Sean, enough. No parasailing and that's final."

The teenager sulked in place.

Darting eyes around at the suddenly agitated bunch, Jam formed a big smile and threw arms over Sean and Alex. "So, about that sailing…?"

Throwing some wet hair over his shoulder, Leon said, "Sounds like a plan to me."

IIIIIII

The base of the white speedboat rental cut through the water more briskly than a freshly sharpened knife through grass. Hank operated it from the captain's chair. From where he sat next to Leon and across from Alex, it amazed Jam the way Hank could power essentially any form of transportation. He made the ride rapid for them while smooth with no concerns about flipping over.

When another and much larger boat came from the opposite direction, the males saw that it contained other tourists. It consisted of a middle-aged brunette woman, a blonde man at her side, and five children who began to wave with big smiles. Their parents followed suit with equally genial expressions. Returning the gesture as the family passed them, Jam and Leon exchanged content glances.

As soon as they made it back, Hank left the others to take back the rental while he approached Sean. The teenager used a long, thin stick to create zig-zags in the sand.

"That was more refreshing than any morning coffee." Hank dipped to his level. "Maybe you and I can sail together tomorrow."

"Mmhmm." Eyes on his design substance, Sean made one section of the lines into a cross.

"Sean," Hank sighed, "You know I—"

"Hey, guys." Orange flier in hand, Alex walked upon them with Leon and Jam right behind. "Look what everybody's talking about."

Taking the paper from him, Hank read, "Nocturne's Lair?"

Eyes lighting up, Sean took it for viewing. "Ooh, spooky."

"They're having all-ages entry the entire weekend," informed Alex.

"And it's smack in the center of tourist territory. Meaning they speak English in there," Jam pointed out.

Hank said, "Well, we are in San Juan and in Puerto Rico as a whole, you'll likely find more bilinguals here than in—"

Alex cut into the educational gaiety with, "We gonna crash it or what?"

Sean looked to Hank pleasantly. "I want to check it out. Please?"

Hank placed gaze on the one yet to comment. "Leon?"

He raised a triumphant fist and bowed his head. "Let us boogie."

"Yeah!" Jam grinned and he started to jog off. "Let's go shopping." He screeched to a halt at the four blank faces staring at him. He indicated his t-shirt. "We can't show up at a club in beach clothes. Work with me, heathens."

They uttered, "Ohhhhh," at the mutual realization and followed after Jam to get the van out of their parking spot.

IIIIIII

Only seconds upon passing through the bouncers did the quintet grasp the name Nocturne's Lair. The main décor consisted of some type of shimmering silver paint blended among black drapery with muted lighting overhead. As they sought out a table, Sean observed the numerous framed works of art that vividly resembled details from his books. He saw a werewolf pack with radiating gold eyes, an ominous creature emerging from a murky pit, ghostly women cloaked in sheer white garments, and multiple shots of vampires. The group finally secured one of the round tables large enough to seat them all. They sat at about the halfway point from the stage.

When the waitresses came through, Jam and Alex gladly held down mini conversations with them. Leon watched Hank, particularly the way he fought off a sudden hand cramp by wriggling the finger occupied by his wedding ring. He also failed to miss Sean's eye roll and rather self-satisfied expression aimed Alex's and Jam's way. Though they themselves did not notice, Leon detected the "single people are so pitiful" air the Irish teen emitted. Considering the women affected him neither in nor out, Leon only offered a head bob of cordiality to show service appreciation. The five eventually settled on quesadillas, chili cheese fries, and a round of root beers.

A magician currently performed and when he bowed to his applause, his largest puff of smoke burst. All of the lights faded, leaving only the miniature candles at the center of each table to illuminate the massive club space. Illumination popped on stage and through the clearing smoke, a man in jungle garb took his time igniting both ends of the staff he held with a lighter. He jumped into an air-cutting spin as he began a fire dance. He went from twirling it like a baton to balancing it on each of his limbs until he let it prop on the back of his neck.

Eyes filling with the flame, Leon inched back in his chair.

Zeroing in on him immediately, Alex put a hand over his wrist and spoke covertly. "Hey, Lee, buddy, it's okay. You want to go outside?"

Blinking, Leon shook his head. "No, I'm good." He picked up his root beer to drink.

Out of the corner of his eye, he thought he caught a trace of a smirk on Sean's face. When he moved his head to fully view the younger boy, he only saw him captivated by the stage. Leon hoped he had been seeing things, but remembered Sean's little and rather unexpected remark to Alex earlier. Since when did the junior apostle get off on mocking such personal things? Leon then remembered the fact that he, Frank, and Alex had all been targeted by the Shadow King yet not Hank, Sean, Scott, or even Joey. In fact, Joey brought Alex out of his nightmare. Considering the way Sean put the real fear into the Shadow, did he suddenly think it a one-upmanship on the Erik Kids? Were they or were they not all still men behind the X?

It crossed Leon's mind to oh-so-subtly point out that he had been the one to free Maya from her mental ocean of ice. The second he experienced the thought, disgust developed promptly. How could he even consider taunting Sean as well as using Maya that way? Beyond the wrongness of it, no future instructor should entertain such thoughts against those in his care; in his family. Leon touched the side of his head, attempting to keep it from spinning.

The fire-dancer's end caused untold applause and Sean pushed back from the table. "Bano." He walked off.

"Bathroom," translated Hank.

Alex gave him a dry look. "Thanks, Harvard."

The startling raspy voice over unseen speakers announced, "And now, Nocturne is proud to unveil… Dragonfly."

From beyond the ebony drapes, the provocative form sauntered onto stage. Covered in crimson softly transparent Arabian inspired attire, she wore a solid white theatre mask. However, the endless curves that made up her figure spoke much more and louder than whatever verbal could offer. When the sultry music sounded, she began to dance, making rounds at every table that contained even one male.

Hank looked on in repulsion at the way she attempted to climb on high-school aged boys. "They consider this appropriate entertainment for an all-ages event?"

Alex asserted, "We are so far from home."

Jam tilted his head at the way the woman's backside pulsed. "What the… dang…"

"Depravity in motion. I'm going to keep Sean busy until she's done or rediscovers the concept of human dignity." Hank arose from the table with that.

Jam and Alex's eyes morphed into saucers when Dragonfly made a path for them next. When she came closest, she redirected suddenly, honing in on the one with the waterfall of hair. The moment she made a move to sink fingers into those strands, Leon caught her wrist. He had to watch his strength as he shoved her quite forcefully out of his personal space.

While Alex reached over to rub Leon's tense shoulder, Jam got to his feet to say, "Yeah, seniora, I think you need to go ahead and mosey. Por favor, gracias."

She hissed a Spanish swear at them before going in search of a table on the other side of the room.

On his way to the bathrooms, Hank detected the one he sought around the corner. The tall male made his way about the end of the bar and saw Sean finishing off a drink in a glass as high as a ruler.

"That better be Sprite." Taking a whiff of the inside, Hank glowered. "Sean, what do you think you're doing?"

"Relax." Sean tapped his arm amicably. "Eighteen is the legal age here."

Taking the glass, Hank informed, "Not for the X-Men."

Sean scoffed incredulously. "Are you kidding? We drank a toast to my great success, remember? New Year's, your wedding—"

"Family gatherings where you were allowed one glass," Hank emphasized. "You know perfectly well what Charles and Erik would have to say about this."

"Why are you all over me?" Sean shouted in his face. "I thought this trip was for me."

Slamming a furious palm onto the counter, Hank seethed, "This trip is not cause for you to behave like the immature, spoiled, selfish little boy you've been being since we got here."

"Whoa, hey." With Jam and Leon in tow, Alex came around to them. "Guys, what is—" He observed the looks on their faces combined with the grip Hank had on the near empty glass. "Okay, we all know that's not Hank's. Sean, seriously? We promised Erik and Charles we're not here for this crap."

Sean turned a dismissive glare on him. "What's the matter? Mad I didn't shoplift it first?"

Jam tapped his own ear to ensure he had heard correctly. "What does that have to do with anything?"

An equally clueless Leon shrugged.

"Alright, you know what?" Hank placed the glass on the bar. "We're leaving, right now."

"Just… fine!" Sean stalked towards the exit.

Hank followed straight behind.

Alex unleashed a monumental sigh. "Unbelievable…"

"I know," concurred Jam. "First you try to get smashed at that party," he looked at Leon, "and now Little Red." Jam shook his head. "We can't take you bad kids anywhere."

Leon's response consisted of an adorably urchin smile.

After an agonizingly silent ride back to the bungalow, Sean marched into his room. Naturally, it surprised him not when Hank walked right after him into the shared space. He quietly cursed his roommate selection.

Mentally keeping his beast at bay with a very heavy club, Hank calmly shut the door. "Okay, let's step back a little here. I know this isn't like you, so Sean, please. Talk to me. What's wrong?"

"Why did you have to make such a big deal?" Sean turned flaming blue eyes on him. "It's not like I'm driving or anything. I wasn't going to get drunk."

"Sean, you know the rules about alcohol," Hank reminded strongly. "Be it on foreign soil or our own, the same policies apply. Charles and Erik said no drinking on the college tour and you know perfectly well they said the same for this trip. If you're acting up like this now, then I really do worry about you entering college."

"Yeah, Hank sure," Sean rolled his eyes. "First alcohol then I'll move right along to stoner. And someday, me and Maya will have our own trailer tucked right between the dumpster and the outhouse."

Touching his now throbbing temple, Hank released an incredulous breath. "It is no wonder that you…"

When he trailed, Sean demanded, "What?"

Hank looked at him directly as he said, "Not one of us has selected you for instructor training."

The words acting as jagged swords forced into his chest and stomach, Sean wordlessly lowered onto his bed.

Hank came to stand over him. "Sean, I have always tried to be good to you. Not only as an instructor and your brother, but as a friend who understands. We are mutants, but I've tried to help you hang onto that bit of normal we both know. That's why I wanted you to pursue Maya, try new things, stay in contact with your family, not let your comfort zone imprison you to the point that the world misses out on this incredible guy you are going to grow up to be. But suddenly, it's like we can't even communicate." When Sean tried to dip his head, Hank seized his chin. "I don't want this trip or your celebration to be a washout. But I am warning you, Sean, if you keep this up, I'm going to put you over my knee, pull down your pants, and spank you until the notion of sitting is inconceivable. Do I make myself clear?"

"… Yes."

Hank stared into his eyes unyieldingly. "Yes, who?"

"Yes, sir," the teen amended.

Now using his hand to ruffle the red hair, Hank's tone softened. "Take a shower and get into your pajamas. Let's see if an early bedtime helps you awaken as that responsible, college-bound eighteen-year-old I know so well. I'll watch TV with the other guys so you can have some space."

"'Kay." After Hank walked out, Sean began the slow robotic process of removing his club clothes. He absently dug around his suitcase for his robe.

IIIIIII

With Jam and Leon engaged in some Spanish soccer event on the flashing screen, the oldest pair spoke in the kitchen. They lightly tidied the countertops and sink to preoccupy their hands.

"I know he wandered deep into brat territory and all, but do you think you could give him an insanity plea on this one?" Alex attempted to defend, working a sponge over the white tiles near the stove. "Midterms can take a lot out of a guy, he's probably thrilled and terrified at the same time about starting college, and it's Sean. He wouldn't act like this for no reason."

"Yes, that's what's bothering me." Hank finished ridding the window pane of streaks. "I don't understand this passive aggressive behavior. Sean can usually come to me with what's troubling him. But this entire school year has been something of a mood rollercoaster with him."

"It's the teen thing," Alex reasoned. "Seanie's just such an ace most of the time that all of this feels so out of nowhere. And hey, try not to kick his butt too much over the booze thing. He probably got too caught up in guy time and figured we'd be lax on the rules."

Hank could not deny the validity in his points. "Yes, that's likely the case. It reminds me of how overly spirited Becca and Joey were when we went to Disney Land."

"If spirited means hyperactive," Alex quipped.

"I myself have let the beast get out of hand on vacation," Hank admitted. "I'll talk to Sean in the morning. Maybe we can have a cookout in the afternoon."

"Now you're talking," Alex seconded.

Growing somewhat grim, Hank told him, "But if Sean keeps digging his heels in, I will have to spank him, Alex."

"I get that. And trust me, I'm the last guy who'll give you grief about it."

While his eyes stayed on the television, Leon's attention drifted the direction of the kitchen.

"There's something really bizarre about Puerto Rico."

Leon turned to Jam. "The lack of trash mounds in the water?"

"I'm talking about the people," Jam clarified, still watching the TV. "The way they talk to us, look at us, act around us- you'd think we were human beings or something."

That fact having not escaped his attention, either, Leon remarked, "Weirdos."

Traveling and the day's activities weighing on them, they all retired to their quarters within the hour. Considering the strange bed, Leon drifted in and out of sleep. A few times his dreams and incoherent eyes toyed him into believing a certain brunette female laid in the spot beside him. Right around five AM, his ears picked up on something he knew his imagination could not be blamed for. Rising in bed, he peered out of the window. Even without full visual clarity, he did not miss the form making haste away from the house.

IIIIIII

Compliments of the particularly early hour, the young X-Man felt as if he owned the people void public beach. He experienced a mild positive swell as the sun steadily awoke with him. Sean went from piling various beach trinkets like seashells to skipping pebbles on the water.

"Where exactly does your head go during stealth training, Narnia or Never Land?" The dark haired mutant appeared at his side. "It should be a federal crime to be this laughably lousy at sneaking out. And with that in mind, how did you get by Hank, anyway?"

Hardly reacting to his presence, Sean answered, "Went into the living room to read for a while, but staring at the same sentence for ten minutes gets old. Left through the back. And Narnia, by the way."

"Don't know if you heard," Leon eased down into the sand, watching the gentle waves with him, "but there's a rumor going around that you're on the naughty list. How is taking off like this supposed to help your PR?"

Sean shrugged one shoulder. "At least it keeps me under the spotlight."

"Spotlight?" Leon echoed in mild bewilderment. "You're the main attraction or have you forgotten the whole reason we're here is because of you?"

Sean scoffed disdainfully. "Yeah, sure. Looked to me like you guys were having plenty of fun without me yesterday. The only time any of you bothered looking my way was when I was being moody. Maybe next time I'll conjure up an anxiety attack so that something about me will actually be about me."

"That's what this is about?" Leon realized. "You think the guys have been more focused on me? I can hardly walk into a room at home without hearing how proud someone is of you. Alex is practically ready to get you guys matching WU tattoos."

"Yeah, so I can be his kiddie tag-along," Sean claimed. "You're the one he actually loves spending time with. The one he treats like an equal. I thought this college thing would finally put me on the same playing field as you guys. What a joke. Even Hank says I'm not good enough to be an instructor."

"You feel like I'm invading your territory." Leon spoke the comprehension partly to himself. "Just like I think you're doing with WU."

Sean faced him with a dubious countenance. "You can't be serious. I could have my own Banshee army and I still couldn't invade your territory. You, Alex, and Jam are like the Three Musketeers. And I'm supposed to find a place in that this fall?"

Leon regarded him sympathetically but knowingly. "You don't actually want to go to WU, do you?" When Sean only wordlessly drew in his knees and hung his head, he received a clear-cut answer.

The mutually silent pair became rapidly animated again by the resonating noise of intense splashing. Leon's eyes jumped at the sight while Sean looked on as if witnessing a Biblical phenomenon. The water swirled and arose into a mountain of a wave. Leon grabbed Sean by the arm, but experienced the consuming moisture before he could shift them more than a couple yards away.

When it felt very much like they would soon drown, the burst dissipated. Sprawled on the sand, Leon gagged and expelled the excess water from his mouth. Saturated near to the bone, he scanned the bare area all around him.

"Sean?" Making it to his feet, Leon raced for the ocean. "Sean!"

Pressure in his left thigh promptly followed by piercing agony prevented him from diving in. Groaning in pain, Leon spotted the sharp green stinger planted in his thigh as he toppled back. When he attempted to sit up, his eyes squinted at the winged shadowy figure that blocked the center of the sun with its silhouette. As the flying creature encroached on him, Leon took in the female in gold leotard. With red skin, solid yellow eyes, and hair as ebony as his own, a pair of antennae stuck out at the top of her head.

"Well, chico guapo?" She hovered in place right above, but lowered on top of him. "Are you ready for a private performance now?" She glided yellow gloved fingers all around his face.

"Dragonfly?"

Her lips quirked. "In the fiery flesh." When she attempted to kiss him, Leon hurled a glob of saliva into her face. "Ugh!"

While she tried to wipe herself clean, Leon yanked the stinger out of his leg. "Where's Sean?"

Dragonfly seized his lower arm before he could stab her. "Don't waste what little energy you have. My own darts can't harm me. As for your friend, believe me when I say you have deeper worries."

Leon jerked and struggled beneath her then found himself hauled into the air.

IIIIIII

Pouring juice next to Jam, who prepared fruit salads for their group, Alex went over to a clearly pensive Hank. The young scientist stood in the middle of the common room, tapping buttons on his communicator.

"They're still not answering?"

"And Sean left his in his room." Hank growled in frustration. "He knows better than that."

"Hey, easy." Alex squeezed his bicep soothingly. "They probably went for a walk. You know they can't stay too far away from the smell of food."

At the growing buzzing noise, Jam glanced all about to see if hornets had made a nest somewhere. Astonished alarm came over him when a swarm of bees burst in from the half-open window straight through the screen.

"What the hell?" Jam exclaimed, fleeing the kitchen.

The other two could not comment as hordes of mosquitos, flies, and beetles flew in from the three living room windows.

Well-aware of the countless illnesses carried by Puerto Rican mosquitos alone, Hank yelled, "Don't let them touch you," and propelled them into a run.

With the insects in pursuit, the three tore out of the house through the front way. The instant they made it, they found themselves blocked in on a section of sand with hundreds of spiders surrounding them. Thoroughly disgusted, Jam and Alex began crushing them under their shoes. Gripping a stray piece of plywood, Hank batted at the winged assailants fervently. At a sharp screech overhead, the insects scattered at once.

"Uh uh." Jam shook his head angrily. "We are going down to that real estate office to tell them we did not sign up for the Exodus package."

"Where'd all those things even come from?" Alex wanted to know.

They all jumped in horror at one of their missing own plummeted from the sky, blood secreting down his left leg.

"Leon!" Hank dropped to check over him with Alex and Jam kneeling on either side of him.

"He will survive." The fluttering female landed in the sand.

"Mother fu—" Jam proved too taken aback by the creature to articulate coherently.

Alex shot up. "Who the hell are you?"

"Dragonfly, from the club." Leon next ground out, "She took Sean."

Every inch of Hank's body pulsed with fury. "Where? Is? He?"

"I will tell you." She regarded the males haughtily. "If you are willing to cooperate."
Jam finally exploded with, "What the hell is that thing?"

Alex's fists clenched. "A mutant… like us."

IIIIIII

Eyelids abnormally heavy, the blue irises had to fight to part and take in the minimal light. Initially believing himself to be in the hospital, Sean saw what looked more like a laboratory twice the size of Hank's after being attacked by a gothic grenade. Realizing he currently stood upright, he attempted to walk then fully absorbed the transparent material that made up his container. Without a second thought, he released his scream.

"It would behoove you to save breath and strength. That glass is shatterproof."

Peering about, Sean demanded, "Who is that? Where's Leon?"

"That poor man's teleporter? Hopefully, making himself of some use. Whatever the case, I'm certain Dragonfly is properly entertaining him. As for who I am, I believe you above all people already know me quite well." The large, black adorned body stepped forward, displaying a rigid, insipid face with equally lifeless ivory eyes, "I am Nosferatu."

Sean arched back against the holder, eyes inflating. "Oh my God…"

He made a slow but purposeful trek towards the boy. "You haven't reason to fear me, Mr. Cassidy. At least," fangs protruded in his mouth, "not yet."

"Afraid?" Inching forward again, Sean scoffed. "Yeah, right. I'm just trying to figure out when exactly Dracula and Lily Munster had a bastard child together. Do you have a sun allergy? Next to you, I could pass for Kenyan. And what's with that outfit? Do you have Prom tonight?"

While initial disapproval resulted from the remarks, Nosferatu melted into an eerie grin. "I knew you were special. Right when you walked through the door of my club. I saw the fascination on your face, the childlike captivation over the artwork while your lowbrow friends walked right by. Beyond that boyish face of a prince lies a future master mutant, powerful enough to recoil the Shadow King himself."

"He's not a king," retorted Sean bitterly. "Kings don't sell their souls to lord over people. They lay down their lives to save them."

"Do not be brainwashed by your upbringing." Nosferatu pressed clawed hands against the glass. "You need not wait until after death for what you can have here and now on Earth."

"Hello, fang face," raising his hand, Sean tapped the case with his promise ring, "does this look like I'm interested in anything you have to say?"

Pleasure formed all over Nosferatu's features. "It looks as if you are of more value to me than I originally believed."

Though he continued to glare, Sean felt his pulse escalating at both his tone and words chosen.

IIIIIII

Every single window now shut and locked, Jam remained stationed by the center one in the living room to observe the insectoid woman who appeared more bored by the wait than anything. From the couch, Leon inhaled sharply through the nose as the needle laced through the skin of his thigh. From the sofa's arm, Alex dragged comforting fingers through his long black hair.

"Alright, stay brave for me," Hank coached, sealing the wound. "It isn't bad, but I don't want to take any chances."

Alex squinted and almost felt Leon's pain at Hank going over the mark with rubbing alcohol. However, the blonde knew Hank did not want to risk any infection from the stinger or Dragonfly's not-so-gentle means of depositing Leon in the sand while he was already hurting.

Scowling, Jam piped up, "What I wouldn't give to launch a raid bomb on that bug bitch."

"Join the club," concurred Alex. "The only reason I haven't used my powers as a bug zapper is so she can verify these coordinates she gave us."

"This is…" Jam walked over to them, trying with full might to get a grip on the situation. "This is retarded. You all have this "X gene", but y'all look like that and she looks like Jiminy Cricket's crack-fiend sister?"

Hank raised his head, giving him a certain look. "Some mutants are physically different and there is nothing wrong with that. Mutation is like anything else in life; take the good with the bad. Appearances don't mean anything."

Alex reminded, "He's just trying to understand, Hank."

"Okay, we go to school together, I have been in your house multiple times, and dang near sublease your washer and dryer," Jam listed. "I knew there was a hell of a lot more to this gifted school, but this? How have you guys kept this under wraps?"

Leon spoke with, "One commonality among all of us is that mutants very rarely willingly reveal themselves to regular people, even family members. I theorize that it's an instinctive defense mechanism."

Alex faced Jam. "We wanted to tell you. Lee especially did. I just couldn't deal with the idea of one of my best friends turning on me."

Jam eyed him incredulously. "Really, Lex? We've been best friends for almost two years on top of being each other's support system at school. You honestly think I'm that petty?"

Alex asserted, "You have no idea what it's like to have to hide so much."

"You have no idea what it's like not to be able to," Jam shot back, creating a blanket of silence within the room.

Leon bit his lip.

Hank shut the first-aid kit and got to his feet. "This discussion will have to wait. Alex, gear up." He glanced down at Leon. "You stay put until we get back."

"But I can walk," Leon insisted. "You two can't go in there alone."

"Hank's right, Lee," said Alex. "You've lost enough blood and you'll only make your injury worse. It's an order, brother."
Jam shook his head. "I don't like this. You know Dragon Lady is up to something."

"This is not the first threat we've faced," Hank informed simply. "Let's move, Alex."

They separated into their different rooms.

Jam sat on the coffee table facing Leon. "Exactly how many of these things have y'all faced?"

Leon started to answer then had to do an internal count himself.

II

A pacing Dragonfly reacted to the creaking front door. Descending the few steps, Alex and Hank stood in their X-Men athletic apparel.

"My…" Dragonfly sauntered their direction. "Very chic."

Hank's amicable expression became replaced with a snarl and dim eyes as he coiled a hand around her neck.

Alex tried to take his arm. "Hank, wait."

"If anything," Hank's grip only increased, "anything happens to my brothers, I will pluck your wings one by one like the despicable cockroach you are."

Once allowed to breathe again, Dragonfly hissed at him, "If I weren't under orders…" and took to the sky.

"Watch yourself," Hank cautioned Alex before leaping for the first branch to swing from the trees.

Thankful for making field training an art form, Alex kept up with ease by sprinting.

Several miles later, they made their way upon a picturesque rock formation of cliffs where the water batted gently. Hank awaited Alex and Dragonfly landed.

The woman gestured towards the print recognizer built-in and started to remove one glove. "This will give us access to—"

Blasting the entrance open with a mild plasma shot, Alex said casually, "Cool, let's go."

Hank prevented him from going inside and eyed Dragonfly specifically. "Ladies first."

Her present feelings towards him crystal clear, Dragonfly walked ahead of them.

Senses at their peak, Hank went next in order to absorb whatever might attempt to make hazardous contact with Alex. The younger instructor did not argue for a moment due to Hank's growing healing factor and their mutual objective to locate Sean.

As the light grew brighter, the three stepped onto a magnificently carved stone bridge. A reaction bubbled in Alex's heart at the water a hundred feet or more below. Having either heard the blonde's change in breathing or his increased beat, Hank peered back. Alex gave him a nod and resolute eyes to indicate he could press on without trouble. In turn, Alex noticed the way Hank regarded Dragonfly. The heat the scientist radiated appeared to stem from a lot more than merely wanting to intimidate her. Alex got the feeling Hank desired to snap her neck and drop her into the water in a single swoop. It surprised the twenty-year-old yet oddly did not concern him much.

In an abrupt motion, Dragonfly leapt straight up before sprouting her wings. Alex and Hank could not question the move as a snarl echoed within the hollowed out hideaway. Some yards away at the end of the bridge stood a seven-foot canine mutant with bulky physique covered in gray fur. Possessing a muzzle, he bared claws and teeth.

"Blood Hound," Dragonfly smiled down at the new arrival, "right on time."

Hank rubbed knuckles into his palm. "I should have a minute or two to spare…"

"Whoa!" Alex reacted to the way the water seemingly came to life, forming a typhoon on both sides of the bridge. "How the…" Veering around, he felt his jaw drop at the brunette in three-piece suit complete with loafers at the starting point of the bridge. "Riptide?"

"Riptide?" Hate fueled fury in his eyes, Hank turned.

With a smirk, the acknowledged mutant noted, "Looks like you're down a few."

"Looks like you're down an entire team," Alex hurled back. "Probably because we killed, stabbed, and beat the shit out of all of them."

Miniature puffs of wind forming in his hands, Riptide challenged, "Round 2."

"They must be kept alive," Dragonfly reminded her crew. "Dispatch them and get them to the laboratory immediately."

Alex kept an aggravated Hank at bay from Riptide. "Whoa, whoa, feet of fury. I call this one."

"You've every reason to be intimidated by me."

At the words from Blood Hound's mouth, Hank's entire focus returned to him. Not bothering to reply, he charged first and Blood Hound did not hesitate to shoot forward next.

II

"Have you ever heard the expression "today's science is yesterday's magic"?"

Presently squatting at the base of his container, Sean responded listlessly, "That was either first or second grade."

"Owen Ignacio was never fit to house the Shadow King." Nosferatu toyed with different vials as he spoke, his voice tranquil and countenance unreadable. "Like so many of these 20th Century medicine men, most notably in the States, he was careless, wasteful, lacking patience- not to mention common sense. He had the perfect specimen in his sister and instead of using her to advance them both, build a truly unstoppable force, he let greed and selfishness devour him. He picked her apart until she died."

Sean's expression changed a little. "You almost sound sympathetic."

Quieting momentarily, Nosferatu stated, "Sacrifice is inevitable but waste is pointless."

"Wait, what was that about the 20th Century? How old are you?" At the even look the man gave him, Sean said, "Yeah, my Uncle Erik never answers that one, either."

"Where and when I came from, opportunity was a rare commodity. The Shadow King helped make me who I am. Ignacio and his overdone satanic rituals- a ten-year-old ready to blow up the kitchen with his first chemistry set." Nosferatu walked his way. "Look at you, only a boy. So many mixed emotions no doubt going through that copper head of yours. You need only to realize your potential. You worship a God who ignores the prayers of His own, leaving so many of them to be martyred in His name. You, Mr. Cassidy, can be a god in your own right; invincible, all-consuming. Or you can remain a sniveling, fearful child."

Lowering his head for several seconds, Sean raised his eyes again. "I am afraid of a lot of things. Letting down the people I love, returning to that mumbling wimp too pathetic to stand up for anything, never growing into the man I really want to be someday." He moved to rise, eyes focused on his captor. "But what I'm not afraid of are werewolves, zombies, the goriest details on the pages of my books. Do you know how I came out on top against the Shadow? Because he was evil and evil is nothing. It's just this desperate attempt to take everything away from you so you'll give up and be nothing, too. Nothing but a partner in the pit. Yeah, I have fears." Sean's face contorted menacingly. "But you're not one of them." Opening his mouth as wide as he could, he emitted his mutated screech.

Nosferatu only stood in place. "I already told you that it is completely futile to…" Shock developed within him at the spreading cracks in the glass.

Rushing it, Sean erupted from the case. Tackling Nosferatu to the floor, he continued to bellow at the highest pitch he could. Beakers all across the lab shook and crumbled. Sean shouted in genuine pain when twin beams shot from the ghostly man's hands. The teenager flew back, hitting a wall. Both males on their feet again, their narrowed gazes met from across the way. Making his hands into fists, Sean abruptly broke into a mad dash for one set of the stone steps that led up. Having not anticipated that maneuver, a partially intrigued Nosferatu gave chase.

II

Keeping a monstrous grip on Blood Hound's wrists to keep the winding claws from sinking into his skin, Hank used both feet to kick him in the abdomen. Flipping over, Blood Hound took Hank by the shoulders in the process to throw the younger man. Using his oversized feet to secure a landing, Hank only ran at him again. Spotting Dragonfly above them, Hank feigned attention on the mutant he currently wrestled with. When Dragonfly unleashed the stingers, Hank swiftly switched positions in order for them to spike through Blood Hound's chest.

"No! You!" Eyes flashing, Dragonfly made a direct path for Hank.

As soon as she flew in close enough, the X-Man yanked her down. Forcing her onto the stone floor on her stomach with both arms behind her back, he peeled off the first clear wing. Her insectoid scream packed enough sound to nearly shake the cavern. Hank took his time removing the final three, unbothered by her outcries.

"I'd consider myself fortunate if I were you." Getting right next to her ear, Hank detailed, "The last time I went up against one of Riptide's little playmates? I carved him up, left multiple wounds all over him, but made sure the cuts would not bleed out just to ensure he felt every single unbearable second of it. Do not fuck with my family." He flung her over against Blood Hound's struggling form.

As their exchange of air and plasma blasts continued, Riptide finally gained the upper hand. He poured wind from his hands into the water and directed at the younger male. Alex found himself engulfed by the relentless moisture. Now at the bottom of the cavern, he attempted to swim up. The water divided, making him drop onto the flat rocky surface.

Adjusting his cuffs, Riptide strolled towards him. "I have to keep you alive, but not comfortable. What a shame. No little boys underfoot to save you this time around."

Before he could sweep him up in another wind swirl, Riptide hissed at the abrupt duel kick to his spine. He went to his knees where the much younger brunette stood behind him.

"Slightly bigger boys okay?"

"Lee." Alex jumped to his feet. "What do you think you're doing here? We told you to stay behind!"

One eye twitching, Leon pointed down at the assailant. "But he… I saved and you—"

"I'll yell at you later," Alex determined, seeing the water ready to take a dive of its own. "Move it already."

With one hand on his brother and the other the fallen attacker, Leon shifted them all upward.

A hastening Hank demanded, "Leon, what are you doing here? What did we say?"

"This has to wait, Hank," said Alex. "We have to get Sean back so we can knock the crap out of both of them."

Ears reacting, Hank pointed towards the ceiling. "Something's happening up there."

Having obtained the full exterior exit, Sean had to come to a sudden halt at the end of the grassy cliff. In only a t-shirt and shorts, he had no way to fly himself to safety.

Glancing back, he saw Nosferatu making a path for him. "So much for folklore. Shouldn't you be writhing under the sun's rays about now? Ah!" Grabbing his head, Sean sunk to the ground.

"I normally only save this for special occasions, as it does leave me a bit winded." Flicking his hand, Nosferatu forced another psychic tremor on the boy. "Alas, in the name of science."

Rematerializing thanks to Leon, the trio of arriving X-Men chorused, "Sean!"

"Ah, perfect." Turning with a self-satisfied smile, Nosferatu acknowledged, "Leon Osaka- more interesting than I originally thought, Henry McCoy, and Alexander- ahhhhh!" At the plasma blast that impacted his midsection, Nosferatu tumbled over the cliff.

While Hank hurried to check Sean for injury, Alex and Leon peered down over the ledge.

Despite his stomach secreting green fluid that made both their own bellies perturbed, Nosferatu managed to shakily stand.

"I am not a petty thug to be brought down so easily!" he shouted up at them. "Survival is what I know and what I have mastered. No matter where any of you run, I will—"

Upon collision with the emerald green van, Nosferatu's body launched such a distance across the shore even Hank's vision lost sight of him.

"Whoa…." Sean marveled, cradled in Hank's grasp.

At the driver departing the van, Leon and Alex wore twin enthused expressions. "Jam!"

"There you are, hardhead!" he called up to Leon then asked Alex squeamishly, "And that was one of the bad dudes, right?"

Alex smirked, "Emphasis on was."

IIIIIII

Combining bleach, dish washing liquid, and anything that happened to smell lovely, Jam furiously mopped and scrubbed to rid the house of even the faintest insect essence. A showered, changed, and more awake Leon assisted by polishing off the wood. Spotting the can of aerosol, he waved his hand to shift it off the kitchen counter.

Gawking at the trick, Jam said, "At least this explains how you always pop up at random on campus. Not to mention how your sneaky self knows so much about the profs."

Leon looked up at him. "Really takes away from the whimsical Asian mystic allure I have, doesn't it?"

"Oookay, Leon." Jam rolled his eyes in jest. "But seriously," he paused to lean on the mop, "you guys have to live this life every day?"

"Not every day. But we do have our enemies. Still," Leon sprayed the air freshener, "I'll take every bit of this over what I had before."

"As crazy as it sounds, I'm relieved."

Leon glanced at him. "Why?"

"Because I knew something more was going on at that house," Jam explained. "I tried to think up everything- FBI, CIA, and I finally settled on witness protection maybe. I'm glad you're finally better off, but not mixed up with some bull."

Walking to him, Leon said, "I'm glad you finally know."

Extending his hand, Jam slapped palms with him.

Leaving the suite, Alex watched them a few seconds. "Lee, I need to see you in here. Jam, you mind?"

"Oh, no," Jam replied with a headshake. "I'll just turn on the TV to drown out the ass-beating you're about to give him."

A wry, "Best friends," left Leon's lips as he made the short path into their room.

Closing the door after them, Alex asked, "How's your leg?"

"Just a little sore now. How's your heart?"

Alex thumped the spot. "Still Eel-powered."

"That guy, Riptide…" Leon's eyes darkened somewhat. "Is he the one who killed Becky's birth father?"

Alex answered that with, "He was involved. Shaw's goons slaughtered every single one of those men… and Darwin. Scott's got memory problems, but I swear," he rubbed his neck tiredly, "I have too many I'd love to forget."

"I know," Leon sympathized.

Getting back to the matter at hand, Alex crossed his arms. "We told you to stay behind for a reason. You were hurt and with the loss of blood, you shouldn't have been exerting yourself. Your powers already take a lot out of you on a normal day."

As he spoke, Leon heard the voice of the budding physical therapist. "I knew you weren't just benching me. But we're the only X-Men here and I was worried about what you and Hank might be walking into. I guess… getting spanked isn't half as bad as not having you around to do it. You know how much of a problem child I am."

Alex cracked a smile, but resisted laughter. "Your problem is you never make coming down on you easy. I've pulled my own share of stunts like this, but you know the deal with me. Your lives are more important. And buddy, you have Melissa to think about now, too. That's one girl I'm not trying to deliver bad news to."

Regarding the blonde with a plethora of emotion, Leon asked, "What do you want me to do?"

Alex sat on the side of his own bed and remembered that Dragonfly had already put him through a separate ordeal. "Lay over my legs."

Leon walked over and stretched across, his upper form allowed comfort by the mattress. While he almost obliterated his hand in the process, Alex delivered fifteen heavy swats without more than a second's gap in between the strikes. Leon released some moisture from his eyes, but mostly hissed at the instant and severe sting.

Alex patted his back with his left hand. "No ice for you… but you can cool off out in the water in a little while."

Not even considering an argument, Leon responded, "Thanks. I'm sorry, Lex."

Sensing some traces of guilt in his voice however small, Alex carefully helped him to sit up on his lap. "I remember how mad I was when Hank diagnosed me with hypertension. I went from being this buck who could take on anything to a guy choking down old man pills, having pressure tests and bloodwork done, and having to watch what I eat. I constantly bit Hank's head off, even though he was only trying to look out for me. One day in the lab, he finally had enough, bent me over, and made fried salami out of my hide. Did I mention that was shortly after my instructor promotion?"

Leon stared at him at first. "I wish we had video recording indoors at home. These stories and the guy you are now, it's more insane than I am."

"Yep, I was a piece of work. So I don't want you beating yourself up over mistakes. You're still trying to figure life out." Alex brought him into a hug. "So am I."

Lips curving upward, Leon closed his eyes and settled his head on his shoulder. He only hoped his older brother did not pick up on the new guilt building in Leon from wanting to diminish Sean's special weekend.

IIIIIII

By the time the oldest male made his return a little after three, his nostrils absorbed the bliss of the spic-and-span residence. He greeted and commended Jam, who viewed some marine show on TV. Hank could not help observing him for a bit. After the many bombshells of that morning, Jam appeared undisturbed as well as unchanged. To his additional relief, Hank could now walk around barefoot.

Entering his quarters, he found his young roommate in clean clothes and napping on top of the covers. Going to sit on the side of Sean's bed, Hank massaged the teen's back. He smiled widely at the little murmur emitted by his fellow Charles Kid.

Opening his eyes with a yawn, Sean took him in. "You're home."

"Sure am."

"… Are you still mad?"

"Seanie," Hank moved in closer, "I didn't go out because I was upset with you. Facing off against Blood Hound really stirred my beast. And with how I handled Dragonfly as well, I really needed to center myself. In tropical settings like this, I'm mostly tranquil, but my beast is known to get out of hand. I'll never forget hurting Frank that day in California. I do not want to do the same to you."

"I think I'd deserve it." Sean sat up, holding his knees to his chest. "I'm so sorry for how I acted, Hank. Not just sneaking out and getting in trouble this morning, but for being such a colossal pain yesterday."

"Were you really that angry about the parasailing? Or is there more going on here?"

Sean had to think how to explain it. "Hank, look at us. We've been with the X-Men from the jump. You were basically an instructor before we even got to Charles' and Raven's house. Now, look at me."

Listening in full, Hank replied, "I am looking at you. I'm looking at the guy who's gone from being the shy, awkward kid hiding in the library to a courageous, talented, ever-intelligent eighteen-year-old. You're in a serious committed relationship with a wonderful girl, you both have these blazing bright futures, you're able to stand up for yourself and others, you're a great musician, and a valuable team member. You've even held your own on the field. Your defeat of the Shadow put you on Nosferatu's radar in the first place."
"But…" Finding his counter argument pretty weak, Sean still pointed out, "I'm not an instructor yet. Leon got recommended ahead of me."

Hank shrugged indifferently. "And? Leon is still navigating the dating world while you and Maya have been a match-made since you met. We all progress in different areas at different rates and ways, Sean. My graduating college at fifteen may sound accomplished, but let's be honest, I'm a certified weirdo."

Sean could not hide laughter at that. "Ohh yeah. But in the good Charles Kid way."

"Oh absolutely, we're amazing," Hank immediately concurred. Then, though he hated it, he lost his humorous expression. "All that in mind, while I do not blame you for what happened today, you shouldn't have left like that and without your communicator. What did I tell you yesterday?"

Sean rocked in place a little. "That you'd spank me with my pants down really, really bad."

"Yes," Hank touched and gently shook his shoulder, "and as adorable as you will always be, I intend to keep my word."

"…'Kay." Getting to his feet, Sean started to pull down his pants.

"No," Hank admonished lightly. "I'll take care of that. Here." He lowered the redhead over his lap himself.

Having not faced this position from his not-so-taller-yet-insanely-stronger older brother for some time, Sean felt grateful for his long arms that allowed him to reach and grip the bedpost. Satisfied to have his inner creature curled up in a corner by the fireplace in his mind, Hank got his lounge pants and underwear down. With no delay, he began the punishment. He did not count the swats the way he would with his bitty children and while mindful of Sean's sensitivity level, he also knew the boy would be facing many social challenges in college soon. With that at the front of his thoughts, Hank determined he had to make this memorable, even if it made them both miserable.

In-between trying to prevent his scream and creating tear rivers, Sean made multiple mental notes to not get in trouble with the highest ranked Charles Kid any time soon. Moaning intensely, he sobbing into the thin summer blanket.

When the bare bottom practically glowed scarlet, Hank used his large hands to redress and pick up the weeping redhead. The boy's eighteen years of age irrelevant, Hank rocked him as best he could. On Sean's end and despite the pain, something he appreciated about getting it from Hank or Erik was that the men were tall enough to fully contain his lanky form. He knew his height came with many advantages, but Sean experienced moments of envy at how the small kids could be picked up and carried into the house when exhausted.

Hank did something of a double-take when he heard amused exhales from him. "What's so funny?"

"Sorry, um, I was just thinking about…" Sean wiped at his face with his wrist. "Remember the fourth or fifth week we were living in the mansion? The First Five of us. Me and Alex got bored watching the movie and got into this wrestling tournament. You didn't want him to choke me so you got into it and we wound up in this pile-up. Charles and Erik came running in and Charles is all, "Boys, stop fighting," and Erik is just, "Stop fighting so pitifully"."

Hank let off a hearty laugh. "Never failed. Charles is terrified we're going to kill each other and Erik is mad we haven't killed each other fast enough. Weren't Raven and Becca still watching the movie the entire time?"

Sean said, "Must have been a chick flick for Raven not to chant, "Cream Alex, cream Alex!"."

Chuckling again, Hank suddenly fell back on the mattress. "Ugh…"

Safe on top of him, Sean grew worried. "What's the matter?"

"I'm old."

"Nuh uh." Sean shook his hair. "That's Uncle Erik. He's even older than Wolves and Vic 'cause magic."

Smiling, Hank wound an arm around him then proceeded to administer a noogie to his head. "Have I mentioned that I love you?"

"No fair!" Sean squirmed. "No "love you" sneak attacks!" He collapsed against the older mutant. "Love you, too. Hank… hungry."

"Me, too. And I actually get to barbeque without Lehnsherr interference. But you do realize you have to get up so that I can, right?"

"Boooo." Still, Sean slid off to the side.

Hank ensured his comfort while on his stomach. Before he fired up the grill, he brought Sean a bottle of cola in to help perk him up. Hank knew he probably should have given him water or milk, but it was still the kid's special weekend.

In a little over an hour, the front of the house filled with the undeniable scents of hamburgers, grilled vegetables, and sliced watermelon.

Leon and Sean worked on some type of structure made entirely out of sand.

"I hate fighting with you."

Sean looked up at him. "I know. Me, too. It never gets us anywhere and I always feel crummy."

Leon clarified, "That and the fact that our butts always end up roasting. Just shocked we didn't get it in front of each other this time."

"I kind of wish we did," Sean half-joked. "It was nice the way you held onto me when Dad and Uncle Erik whipped us. Today was no fair, though. Hank spanks harder than Alex."

"I bet Dad whips harder than Uncle Charles," Leon countered.

"Definitely," Sean concurred. "But who between them has the worst hand?"

They entered into individual states of ponder.

Enjoying lemonades in side by side patio chairs, Jam inquired, "Is it true what Hank told me about back home?" Alex faced him with an eyebrow up. "About the undercover agents. If they find out about you, can they really lock you away?"

Alex nodded grimly. "Yeah. They've captured Lee and Sean before. Sean was almost sterilized."

Jam released a heavy breath. "And my parents think we have reasons to be paranoid. Lex, I really do get why you and Lee weren't upfront with this. I got to do some thinking when I was looking for the Long Hair Hoodlum." Alex smiled in grand amusement. "You have all this stuff on your plate, but whenever I've needed you, you're right there for me. I didn't have friends as good as you and Lee in all four years of high school. No matter what happens, I'm standing by you. And God forbid, going down with you."

"Don't even say that," Alex cautioned and softened. "But thanks, man. And for what it's worth, I say to hell with the world. I know it's made you and Lee wish you could hide, but you don't have to in this group."

The two smacked palms and resumed sipping.

Food ready to go, Hank left them to get started while he rushed inside to wash his heated face. After cooling himself at the kitchen sink, he opened the refrigerator door. Bending to the lowest shelf, he looked in on the jar of tissue samples he preserved from the rental van.

IIIIIII

Quarter moon present above, an interruption to the still atmosphere came about in the form of a watery eruption. Birds flying nearby flapped away urgently. The worn, disheveled but otherwise intact vessel made it to the unknown, vacant shore.

I will find you again, Sean Cassidy. Throwing his head back, the empty ivory eyes rivaled the moon's glow. You, Leon Osaka, Henry McCoy, and most assuredly, Alexander Summers.