X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Two Hundred Sixty
Author's Word: Hello, fam. Lovely day for the 260th Chapter of a long-running series, isn't it? And Hope, sweetie? I find nothing weird or annoying about you. Even if it's difficult to believe, many of us are in the same boat with you, your heiress included. Nothing wrong with that, though. More people to help you stay afloat. Oh, I forgot to mention it the other day, but this chapter and the last overlap with 258. Please enjoy and review!
Silence reigning throughout the room as well as most of the mansion, Kayla smoothed strands of hair away from the slumbering face. Though a developing young woman, her peaceful countenance only gave the appearance of a fragile child. Wishing she could maintain the girl's present serenity for her, Kayla bent and brushed a kiss across her forehead. From where he stood vigilant over the bed, Logan took the time to squeeze one of Maya's thin, delicate hands. When Kayla stood from the side of the bed, the Howletts along with the telepathic couple departed together. They regrouped with Erik, Victor, and Raven in the library.
The shapeshifter gave them not a chance to gather words as she demanded, "Is she okay?"
"It took some doing," Emma responded to her clearly on-edge sister-in-law, "but we finally coaxed her into sleep. It seemed as if her mind would never stop screaming."
Kayla raised the pill bottle for everyone to see. "We found these in her room. More than half are gone."
Arms crossed pensively, Logan paced a short distance. "Why in the world would a little girl be inhalin' 1000mg?"
"She was taking them yesterday," Raven recalled. "She got them out of Hank's lab; said they were for the residual headaches from midterms."
"While I can attest to the anxiety brought about by exams," Charles spoke, "there is no reason for a teenager to consume such high doses of ibuprofen. Maya likely thought the culprit to be her tests, unaware that it was in fact her powers. This explains why she lost control to such a degree at dinner. She isn't a telepath, but telekinesis also stems from the mind. The use of pain killers only makes control that much harder."
"The kid probably didn't know," Victor reasoned. "We got to remember, she's still new to this mutant game."
"Erik," Charles addressed his brother, "you spend the most time with her working on her telekinesis. How have the sessions been of late?"
Seated on the arm of a chair, Erik replied, "That's the thing. She's grown stronger and has displayed far greater handling. It helps that her state of mind is much better than mine at eighteen. That's why all of this feels so strange."
"Strange appears inevitable when it comes to mutant puberty," Kayla put forth. "Frank lost his sight when a new power started to unearth and Cody is dealing with a few issues now. Though unpleasant, this may all simply be part of Maya's growth."
"I could buy that, except for one thing," said Logan. "Didn't Hank say this transfer deal wouldn't last forever?"
"He said it was a possibility that her powers would fade," Raven corrected. "As in maybe yes, maybe no."
"Until one of us gains the ability to see into the future," stated Charles, "let's keep a close eye on her."
Though a distance away from the library entrance, Cody still picked up every word. Walking off, he made a path for and softly tipped into Maya's room. Climbing onto the bed, he nestled in near to her side.
A little later on his route to Eye Spy, Logan looked in. Finding the two together, he better tucked them in before continuing on to lower level.
IIIIIII
"How's it going, Minute Maya?"
"Bet you can't wait for lunch so you can throw it back up again."
"Sure is easy to make good grades when you don't have any friends."
"Shut up, Cordelia."
"You shut up. I don't have to silence myself to make your boring girlfriend feel better. You're the only reason she even goes to this school."
Jostled right out of his sleep and almost off the bed entirely, Cody had to cover his ears at the screech released by Maya. Everything in the room shook with multiple items crashing from the dresser, shelves, and vanity. With the same going on in the hallway directly outside her quarters, Charles and Emma ushered Cordelia and Angel to get the babies as well as bigger children downstairs.
"Maya, Maya," Cody petitioned, trying to get a hold of the girl so mentally far away from him.
Rushing in with the Xaviers, Raven, and Erik, Kayla instructed, "Go down and wait with the others, Cody."
The boy shook his head and clutched her tighter. "No!"
"Do as your mother says, Codicat." Charles removed him from the bed with a slap to his bottom before focusing entirely on Maya.
"It hurts!" she screamed, writhing upright in bed.
"Smiley." Hurrying right back up, Cody latched onto her by her front. "It's okay, Smiley."
"Let him be," Erik piped up before anyone could scold the persistent child.
"The pain," Emma detected in humongous waves, "it's coursing through her entire body."
"We have to do something," Raven urged.
Somehow able to formulate a plan on the spot, Charles directed, "Erik, Raven, help Cody hang onto her."
Raven stretched out in bed to hold Maya from one side. Erik came behind to place strong arms around the distraught girl and reel her into his lap.
After inching in closer, Charles lowered to one knee. He stared into the sweat-secreting face of his afflicted student and established their mental link. He instantly experienced the agonizing tremors that seemed to attack him in retaliation for daring to defend their chosen target. With every fire to his belly, slit to his arms with razor-sharp blades, and jackhammer to the head sensation, the Professor absorbed it all. So determined to take the blows away from Maya, he would not allow his growing pained tears to know light.
When the horrible vibrations lessened abruptly, Charles did not have to question it with his wife's hands now on his shoulders. Emma fighting right with him, their combined minds struck down the rest of the torment. Though they knew they could not destroy it altogether, they managed to contain it with a seal in place.
Coughing wretchedly, Maya sank against Erik, struggling to catch her breath. The metal wielder's hand glided up and down her back, trying to offer any relief he possibly could. Raven and Cody continued to grip her as well. Kayla made her way around the bed to finger comb through Maya's sweaty brown waves.
Raven looked to the telepaths. "Is that all of it? Is she going to be alright now?"
"She will be," responded Emma.
Shoulders heavy, Charles tacked on, "But that was far from all of it."
IIIIIII
After the mutant fledglings could finally get back to sleep, most of them awoke again a little past noon. With the instructors preoccupied, Angel fixed a late breakfast for the kids, including a sizable portion for Cody's treatment. Knowing Kiki and Trav still missed Hank and that Raven needed rest, Scott and Frank distracted the McCoy children with cartoons in the living room.
In Brian's nursery, Angel, Cordelia, and Samantha saw to the babies. Sharing the rocking chair with Joey, Cordelia helped Brian sip his juice. Angel clean Mira up from her saturated diaper and changed her into a soft pink and gray striped outfit. Samantha played with Todd and some of his stuffed animals on the circular rug. His tail swaying, a protective Midnight observed their various human interactions while stationed by the door.
At the feline mutant who entered, Midnight moved to caress his ankles. The man squatted to return the cat's caress.
"Daddy," Samantha smiled over, "how's Maya doing?"
"Is she safer now?" asked Joey, clearly still effected by the previous night's glass very nearly hitting Brian.
Standing straight again, a far from docile Victor said, "We're going to need your help with the smaller kids a while. Maya's havin' some problems."
Angel tried to get a grasp on his meaning. "Besides her powers?"
Victor explained, "Charles thinks all this has caused some wear and tear on her muscles. She's alright, but she's havin' trouble speakin'; feelin' real weak."
Cordelia brought up, "Did anyone call Hank?"
"Couldn't reach 'em," Victor answered. "If they're out havin' a ball, we likely won't hear from 'em until tonight. Even then, it'll take a few hours for them to get back here."
"What about us?" Angel put forth. "What can we do?"
"Like I said, stay with the kids." Victor made sure to add, "And don't worry. We've got her in Lo' and Kay's room in case of another power reaction." He left then to give the same update to the Eye Scream Team.
Cordelia gave Brian to an apprehensive Joey, who leaned back with both arms around his brother.
IIIIIII
Raven took care of assisting Maya with washing up and getting into her Thumper pajama bottoms. Logan's camouflage shirt swam on her tiny frame, but she enjoyed the comfort it provided. Emma held a bowl of soup so that Maya could use her right and currently strongest hand to feed herself. While the girl ate, Kayla brushed her hair, maintaining the waves as best she could. Cody remained steadily nearby, his head resting on Maya's legs.
"I'll be back in a little while, okay?" Raven said to Maya. "I want to tackle this laundry."
Bowl now empty, Emma got up with her. "I better give you a hand."
Kayla remained supported by the headboard with Maya close against her. She started up a story about a young girl who walked the Earth with a string to help her blind sister see again. Cody inched up more, enjoying his mother's retelling. When Maya drifted off, Kayla laid her by Cody to pop in on the twins.
Not tired himself, Cody went to the desk to draw on some blank paper left there. He stayed in tune with Maya's every breath in-between wondering why his dragon creatures never appeared ready to dive off the page the way Joey's did.
IIIIIII
Returning to his brother's study with the silver serving platter, Erik went about pouring a portion of the lemon and chamomile blend for him.
"Here we are, Lab Rat." He presented the worn telepath behind the desk with the porcelain cup and two scones. "A little pick-me-up. I know you slept hardly two hours."
Propping his head with both hands, Charles gave him a sideways look. "I do believe that's double the rest you received."
"Irrelevance," Erik dismissed as simply as a gentle breeze. "Now, eat and worry not. I'll have some, too."
When Erik started filling a cup for himself, Charles picked up his own tea, "Thank you," and sipped it thirstily. He ate half a scone before bringing up, "Maya has the bulk of my worry. While I fully understand mutated growth spurts, this is all too much. It isn't as if she uses her powers extensively outside of training. Why is she experiencing such physical torment?"
Sitting on the edge of the desk, facing Charles' direction, Erik recalled, "My health was not the highest of my priorities at eighteen. I remember the aches and breathlessness of abusing my magnetism, but nothing like this."
"Papa?" The green eyes peered into the office space. "Uncle Charles?"
"Sweet Imp." Erik put down his tea to reach for her and she went straight to him.
Detecting some manner of distress about his tiny telepath, Charles inquired, "Is everything alright around the house, Princess?"
Becky asked him, "Did you feel it? What was wrong with Maya last night?"
"Not in great detail," Charles replied. "Her mind was wailing so badly, your aunt and I could only focus on relieving her pain. Did you feel anything?"
"I saw something." Becky glanced between the men as she elaborated. "I was dreaming and policemen came to the door. I thought it was me at first, but it was Maya hearing about her dad's accident. And I heard the kids at her school- Cordy, too- saying nasty things to her. There were weird doctors in another one, talking over each other," Becky frowned with repugnance going on, "almost singing that her mom was going to die."
The information from his daughter made Erik consider something immediately. "Charles, if Maya's been having nightmares about her past, that explains why her powers have been so wildly erratic. They're being fueled by anger the same way mine have been known to."
"Of course," Charles comprehended. "The nightmares along with other pressures must be weighing in on her."
"When we shared a room up in Canada," Becky spoke again, "sometimes I'd feel her bad dreams, especially after she fell in the pond. But she was always okay again in the morning."
A small wry smile came to Erik as he stroked a section of her curls. "A consistently talented feat on her part." Both Lehnsherrs turned to Charles at his sudden groan. "Brother?"
Charles began to rise. "Maya needs us, now."
II
Third sketch nearly complete, Cody let the pencil fall from his hand due to Maya's extensive murmuring. He detached from the swivel chair to go to her. Alarm and revulsion made up his face when he saw the blood streaming from her nostrils.
"Oh no, hang on, Smiley." The little boy shot into his parents' private bathroom.
"Maya?" Charles hurried in with Erik directly behind.
Maya moved her head towards his voice, but clogged ears and blurred vision interfered with her ability to fully register the men. Cody returned with a small moistened towel to begin clearing the redness from her face. When she started to sink into the pillows, Charles had to help keep her in place.
Unsure of everything around her yet somehow unafraid, Maya did not know the amount of time that passed next. When her eyelids peeled apart again, she found herself cradled in a strong masculine hold.
She raised a hand to tug on his sweater. "W- Wolv…"
In the rocking chair with her, Erik sent a delicate hush into her ear. "He had to run out. He'll be back soon. I have you. It's alright." He grew a smile at the way the girl settled into his grasp.
From the bed, Charles watched the two. With Cody relaxing on top of him, the Professor used a hand to massage across the youngster's back.
IIIIIII
Zipping into the kitchen while her own personal music mix playing in her head, Brenda had to dance around the ginger on her way to the refrigerator.
After he hung up the phone, she asked coyly, "So, what romantic destination do you have in store for Sam tonight?"
"That was her just now." Collin indicated the telephone extension. "She has to help out at home. Did you know Maya's sick? Like insane sick?"
Almost dropping the bottled fruit punch she removed from the ice box, Brenda stilled like a figurine. "What?"
"Her powers are messing her up big time." Collin stared into the face of the oddly stiff female. "Bren?"
"… I have to go." Leaving the juice on the counter, Brenda broke into her mutated sprint.
Collin could ask nothing as the girl's hastened gust brushed by him.
IIIIIII
Upon making it back to the mansion with necessary supplies, Logan went right to his quarters. At seeing the young ones laying down together, the Veteran carefully situated the lime green teddy bear in Maya's arm and ruffled his son's hair. Logan went into the closet and shared a kiss and updates with Kayla before helping her put things away in the space.
Due to nature's call, Maya's eyes opened and some small relief came over her at feeling a portion of her strength return. At the bear she now held, she smiled and squeezed it, already knowing who had to have delivered it to her. Hearing the man speak lightly in the closet only confirmed it. Slowly getting up from bed, Maya slowly made it into the bathroom. She performed her business without trouble, but the same could not be said for cleaning her hands at the sink.
Extremely cold all of a sudden, Maya cast her gaze downward. She gasped at the frozen surface under her feet that started to crack. Though she only went to her knees on the tile, she shrieked at the sensation of crashing into the merciless ice water.
Reacting to the fall, Logan and Kayla ran out and Cody bounced up on the mattress. They looked into the bathroom, where in addition to a slumped over Maya, they saw their fixtures trembling.
"Smiley!" Darting in, Logan dropped to her side to gather the anguished girl.
"Cody, honey," Kayla grabbed her son's shoulders, "wait. Stay back."
Yanking away from his mother, Cody only continued his purposeful path. "It's okay, Smiley."
Kayla's eyes swelled at the lengthy mirror above her dual vanity breaking into pieces. "Cody!"
The boy hollered as several of the shards sliced at his arms and the sides of his face. Kayla moved to block him from further attack, not caring about the glass bits that ended up in her hands.
Maya in his arms, Logan jumped to his feet.
Heart ready to eject from her chest, Maya uttered, "Cody…"
Blood dribbling down his cheeks, he raised the corners of his mouth for her. "Smiley."
With a horrified shake of her head, Maya turned to sob into Logan's shoulder.
IIIIIII
At the mere sight of the disinfectant, the eleven-year-old squirmed on the medical table. "Aw, no way, not the stingy stuff. I heal fast, remember?"
"Not so fast with gashes this deep," Charles said matter-of-factly. "I will not allow bacteria to make a playground of you in the meantime. Now, keep still, Codicat."
"You heard the Prof, Mite," Victor piped up.
"Yes, sirs," Cody sighed, laying back again.
"How you doin', little sissy?" Victor asked Kayla.
She raised her bandage wound hands indifferently. "They'll restore within the hour. It could have been much worse."
Done cleaning Cody's cuts, Raven declared, "There we go. See, I have the magic touch."
"It's feelin' better already," Cody admitted. "Thanks, Raven. I better get back."
Emma gently kept him in place. "Your father is with her. She's so upset right now. Let her calm down just a little more."
Sitting up, Cody insisted fervently, "She didn't mean to hurt me and definitely not Mama."
"Sweetheart, we all know that." Kayla smoothed his hair with her fingertips. "But we still have to give her some time. It would break Maya's heart if she thought she did you real harm."
Raven started packing up the first-aid necessities. "I can't believe this is happening to her. This is harder to watch than when Frank went blind."
"Everyone," Erik's commanding voice preceded his presence in the lab with the dark haired lass in tow, "here's someone who can shed some light for us."
"Brenda," Charles acknowledged in confusion. "What's this? You know something about what's happening with Maya?"
The squeamish girl hesitated. "Just a few things…"
Emma put a hand on her hip. "Such as?"
"Such as… we've been going out with Melissa to pull off jobs for the safe houses." Brenda struggled to go on despite the astounded eyes of the adults that reduced her already tiny stature. "And I know I should have said something, but last night her nose started bleeding and she was having trouble breathing after stopping this car that was chasing us."
For lack of a better exclamation, Charles ground out, "What?"
"It was this lady's psycho husband," Brenda attempted to defend. "We just wanted to get her and her kids away from there. But first he turned a gun on us—"
"Gun?" echoed a taken aback Kayla.
"It's okay," Brenda reassured. "Maya snagged it right out of his hand. Her powers are beyond amazing now. That car must have been coming after us at like a hundred miles an hour and she royally mangled the tires." She grew rigid at Erik's firm hand on her shoulder.
The metal wielder demanded, "Maya used her powers to stop a large, rapidly moving vehicle?"
Putting on a smile, Brenda responded, "In a really cool way."
Leaning on the medical table to compose himself, Charles realized, "This explains it. A young telekinetic trying to control a pursuing car? She might as well have worked out in the gym for five days straight without food or water. Erik, you saw what nearly happened to you when you tried to lift that submarine. Maya's ravaged both body and mind."
"The anger," Erik pieced together. "During training, I've shown her how to use it to advance her powers. I never dreamed it would lead to anything like this. Not with her."
"We're going to have to combine our efforts. We can go in telepathically to help combat her rage." Charles looked to Kayla. "Can you heal her? We only need enough to kick-start her body's recovery."
With some degree of debate within herself, Kayla determined, "I'll do it."
"Charles!"
The Professor had to move swiftly to secure the pouncing boy. "Codicat, stop before you aggravate your cuts. What's gotten into you?"
The lad's eager brown eyes stared into Charles' questioning blue. "Let me do it. I know how to help Maya. I'll do what you told me. You know, a reason to rejoice."
A proud smile almost took over the entirety of the man's face. "Brilliant, little kitten. Kayla?"
She granted with, "If anyone's up to this particular challenge, it's him."
Victor smirked and roughly tossed his nephew's hair.
IIIIIII
"Here comes geek girl."
"They just rushed Trick to the ER. He was stabbed."
"The problem is Lauren herself. She's digging herself into an early grave."
"Alright, get outta here!" the oddly booming childish voice ordered. "Leave Smiley alone!"
The bleak, dim atmosphere poured a shimmering light over the boy adorned in black and silver.
"Cody Wody?" Illuminated across from him, Maya stood in her yellow and blue uniform.
"Yeah, it's me," he waved. "The Triad let me in. Now, let's breeze out of here from this negative junk so you can get better and have ice cream."
Maya shook her head, remaining in place. "I hurt you. I could've killed you."
"Could not," Cody denied. "And you didn't hurt me because you didn't mean to so it doesn't count. It was the stupid glass. Doesn't matter, anyway. Grenades could've been firin' and I'd have gone in after you."
"… I don't know why."
"What? Look, I know you're mad, but now you're talkin' crazy. You got to stop listenin' to all the bad your head keeps dishin' out. Especially from those dumb kids who teased you. They're the ones who're ticked because they know you're prettier, smarter, and better than them."
Before she could respond, Maya absorbed the echoes all around her.
"Better to be Sean Cassidy's girlfriend than Emma Frost's pathetic pill-popping little sister.
"Maya, I wanted to say thanks, but what I really want to say is how sorry I am."
"Don't worry about that now, Cordy."
"No, I have to worry about it now. I have been horrible to you and you never did anything to me.
"Look, I don't care what you do or say to me, but messing with my friends is a whole other story."
"And Trick's just fine- better yet. They stomped those Purists," Cody reminded. "And your mama's safe at home. You're safe, too, ever since Daddy jumped in that water after you and Mama made you better."
"You'll be okay. You're safe now, darlin'."
Kayla retracted her hand and used it to smooth out Maya's drying hair. "You're going to be fine."
"It's just like Charles said," Cody went on. "We can't let darkness win. Don't let the bad crap ruin your memories of your dad. Tricie, either. She loves you. That's why she gave you her powers. And I know she loves what you're doin'. You saved that family last night plus a lot of other cool stuff like she would've wanted. Heck, you didn't need powers at all to become an X-Woman. Let Seanie by himself tell it, you're just about the greatest girl ever."
"Are you new around here?"
"Sort of. I live near here."
"I've never seen you at school before. Trust me. I would have remembered."
"I'm actually kind of homeschooled."
"Seriously?... Sorry." She held out a hand. "I'm Maya."
He took the tiny appendage before him. "Sean."
"So, you're leaving in the morning."
"For a week."
"I hope you have a great time with your family."
"Thanks. I'm looking forward to it."
When the staring between them only went on, Sean tilted his head forward. They shared a brief kiss on the lips.
"Merry Christmas, Sean."
"Merry Christmas, Maya."
"I love you, Maya."
"I know that. I love you, too, Sean."
"I mean it. I'm really in love with you. I have been for a long time, but I didn't say it out loud at first because… this type of thing usually ends bad for me."
"Me, too."
"I don't care what anybody ever says. What adults say, what my family says- either one of them, no one. I always want to be with you, Maya."
"Please say you love me again."
"I love you."
"Please kiss me again."
He did.
Maya quietly went into recollection. "I close my eyes and I feel that freezing water. Then it's like I'm choking again."
Charles placed a hand to her back. "You went through a horrid ordeal, but it will all soon pass."
She looked to him. "Raven blames herself, but it feels like all my fault. If I could just be better, stronger. Like the rest of you."
"Maya, no one is invincible," Charles emphasized.
"Even with our great psyches, we nearly perished in a car accident we never saw coming," Emma pointed out.
"Remaining at your mother's and Sean's sides takes a great deal," said Charles. "You're much stronger than you're able to see." He cupped her cheek, receiving a smile. "Now, let's get you back to bed."
Pushing beyond his limp, Charles kept an arm around Maya as they headed back to the girls' bedroom. Emma held onto the cane and followed.
Once Maya got situated in her bed, Charles covered her. "We'll be right here should anything else happen."
"You don't have to," Maya claimed.
"Yes, we do," Charles countered. "It's the whole reason we're here."
Emma rubbed Maya's arm. "Sleep well, sweetheart."
"Cody."
"Hiya, Smiley."
"What are you doing out here by yourself?"
"Nothin' much. What're you doin'?"
"I was going to go look for Sean," she got down next to him, "but I found you."
"Maya, why do people have to die?"
"Science says because of all the illnesses we have infecting every generation. Some people say it's because we're overpopulated and death is necessary to control it. But science isn't always right and those people are just really, really- stupid."
After a quiet moment, Cody looked at her. "Do ya know how to play rock, paper, scissors?"
"Of course," Maya smiled.
Trick stepped out onto the stage, receiving a welcoming applause as he did. "Thank you, thank you." He gripped the microphone. "My family's had to deal with quite an ordeal so I must say how much of a privilege it is to be here with all of you again. However, this particular evening doesn't have a thing to do with me. Tonight is dedicated to a very special young lady; so selfless she decided to spend her own birthday in here just to remind me of how very much she is in my corner. Happy seventeenth birthday to Miss Maya Patterson."
"Have you heard of the woman with the missing silver coin?"
"Yeah." Maya sat up on the bed. "That's one of the parables."
"How's it go?" Cody asked.
Kayla explained, "A woman with ten silver coins accidentally loses one and she becomes so upset by it that she lights a lamp and she sweeps every inch of her home until she finds it at last. Then she calls her neighbors together to rejoice with her." Her arm went around Logan. "For the longest time after I first heard it, I did not understand the happy tone of the story. I always found the woman a little greedy and ungrateful. She had nine silver coins, more than most people could ask for, yet she could not be satisfied without the final tenth. Then I realized it. Even a person who seemingly has everything can feel so empty by a single loss."
Logan said, "One thing's for sure. Once you lose that one coin, you learn to hold onto the rest of 'em with everything ya got."
Cody flopped over onto his back as he raised, "And sometimes you get real lucky and find more money."
"Until you feel like the richest person in the world," Maya added.
Kayla nodded.
Raven removed a small box from her pocket and handed it to Maya. "This is for you."
"Raven," the younger girl protested lightly, "I'm not supposed to get anything until tomorrow."
"So I stink at patience," Raven shrugged off.
"Open it, open it," Sean incited.
Giving in, Maya took off the ribbon and lid. Inside, she found a necklace with an emblem that looked like four tiny hands gripping each other at the wrists.
Raven explained, "No matter what other changes we go through, I never want any of us to let go of each other."
Maya held the necklace delicately and gave her a tight hug. "Thank you, Raven."
Raven rubbed her back through her long hair. "I love you, Gorge."
"Okay, well, first I want to stay that I love Raven and Hank so much- just not right now for making me do this." A laugh passed through the crowd, easing Maya a bit. "When I first heard you guys were getting married, I remember feeling nothing but happiness. I wasn't worried or thought you were doing anything wrong. I know some people probably think you're really young for this, but they don't know you at all. Raven's great and Hank's great and together, I know you're going to be perfect."
"God doesn't need or want an insane whore bag like me."
"Melissa, you were violated."
"The act happened all the same."
"Oh, okay. So what? If you tie me down and force an entire bottle of liquor down my throat, does that make me an alcoholic? Now look, I admit it. I don't get girls that fool around. With all the things we have to do, all the hard decisions we have to make on a daily basis- like last night- I don't see how they get into something that avoidable."
"I read you there, babe."
"But you know what?"
"I bet you're about to tell me."
"Even if you willingly did it with a hundred guys in a day, it wouldn't matter in the end. No matter what you do, God always lets you come back to Him. The cross is more than a cute piece of jewelry to wear around your neck. When it comes down to it, all that can separate you from Him is you."
"… Wow. How many halos do you have exactly?"
"Going for a hundred," Maya answered. "My favorite is the sparkly baby blue one."
Melissa laughed with full sincerity.
"I'm so glad I met you. I love you, Maya."
"I love you, too, Tricie."
Leon turned to her to say, "You feel lost in a crowd of mindless drones with nothing to offer but worn-out condolences and pity. But you're not alone, Maya. Not as long as I'm here."
A Promise of Purity.
Because True Love can Withstand the Test of Time.
The reflective jolts coursing through her like an enthused electrical charge, Maya looked on as the entire setting transformed into a lush pasture before their eyes.
"Cody Wody!" Grin attached to her face, she raced for him.
The equally ecstatic boy ran to meet her part of the way and they clamped onto each other.
With a deep exhale of air, Maya's eyes opened and back she resided in the Howletts' suite. While some lethargy lingered, she right away noticed that she could move without feeling ten tons of concrete strapped to her back. She glanced between the two adults who sandwiched her in on the bed.
"Easy, darlin'." Touching a hand to her back, Logan helped her rise against the headboard.
"You're going to be fine now, sweetheart." Kayla gave her both her arms and Maya happily collapsed into them.
IIIIIII
In his tiger striped pajamas with bright orange socks to go along with it, the eleven-year-old reached the parlor quickly enough without having to run and crash into some antiquity.
"Little kitten," Charles smiled from his chess chair. "How is she sleeping now? Any changes?"
Walking in closer, Cody reported, "No shaking or funny noises." He smirked. "Could've sworn I heard her mumble Sean's name a couple times, though…"
Erik remarked, "So she is right as rain again."
Taking the boy by his middle, Charles brought him to sit on one thigh. "I must tell you how proud I am of you, Cody. Not only did you heed what I taught you, you used it to guide Maya out of her own darkness. I tell you, lad," the Professor gingerly tapped the youth's chest, "this immense heart of yours wields greater power than you realize."
"You ought to know since yours has all the power. If I ever go to a great big fancy university, even if it's on the moon," Cody detailed, "you'll still be the best professor I ever had."
With a smile, Charles pecked his head. "And I expect a telephone call the moment you need tutoring."
Erik put forth, "I'm quite proud of you myself."
Glancing over with disbelief, Cody aimed a finger at himself. "Me? You're proud of me?"
"Yes and clean that astonishment off your face before I do it for you." Erik gave off a shark smile. "Specifically, I'm proud of the perseverance and courage you showed by remaining at Maya's side through it all. Even when you were injured, your thoughts stayed with her. You are an exceptional brother, young man."
Cody positively glowed. "Thanks, Erik!"
Charles inspected the child's face. "I see your cuts have nearly faded away."
"I told you it wasn't that bad."
The Professor squeezed his nose lightly. "It is part of my lot in life to worry myself into a tizzy over your every little scrape and bump. You will not take that right away from me."
Cody laughed and hugged him around the neck. "G'night, Charles." Jumping up, he exchanged a fist bump with the other Headmaster. "G'night, Erik."
"Good night," the elders returned after the bouncily departing fledgling.
When Charles' smile dissolved to make way for the brooding countenance, Erik inquired, "Day weighing in?"
"More like tomorrow and the next," Charles told him. "I'm really at a loss with this one, Erik. Maya went well beyond any mere policy violation. Yet after the pain she had to endure from the fallout, I honestly don't know where to begin punishing her or if I can."
Erik stated, "My skin is still crawling from the sound of her screams." He grew grimmer. "But Charles, we not only must discipline her, we have to ensure it's memorable."
Unable to argue so much as a word, Charles bobbed his head. "Well, the Howletts want her in their sights for now, so we do have a little time to fully consider this." He then mentioned, "I can't believe we didn't hear from Hank and the lads once today. You don't suppose anything's happened?"
"Yes," replied Erik, "the spirit of youth in a warm climate. We should be grateful they remembered to tell us they landed yesterday."
"You're probably right, brother." Charles attempted to relax in his seat, part of him wishing to join the five in that tranquil sliver of paradise.