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.

263. Chapter 263 Between Beauty and Beasts

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Sixty-Three

Author's Word: Hi, fam! Thank you for the last round of feedback and a special thanks and welcome to the new readers. Now while I take on the task of accepting another shift (because I'm insane and shouldn't be left alone with myself) after only about three hours of sleep yesterday, please enjoy and review!

Medieval Europe made its glorious comeback by claiming Central Park for itself. The fair straight out of the sixteenth century came with numerous display stands, quaint wooden replicas of the houses of that time, flags and banners in wild colors, enchanting music, and tantalizing aromas belonging to various cuisine. Puppeteers, jugglers, clowns, magicians, men on stilts, and exotic masked dancers made up only some of the countless performers. The costumes featuring many women in white blouses with flowing skirts and men in everything from boots and trousers to tights.

It had taken Joey a fraction of a second to decide to don a Robin Hood ensemble. A green tunic, slacks of a slightly darker shade of green, boots, black cloak, and even an authentic bow and arrow set compliments of Erik made up his outfit. Laci's and Lily's mothers had helped them stitch together their dresses. Laci's cranberry velvet dress with oversized silver cross around her neck and ruby clip in her hair made her appear more like a lady or duchess of the court instead of a princess. Lily had certainly gone for princess with her pale pink dress of silk reminiscent material with cone hat in the same color. Becky, the other princess, wore an emerald dress that gave a jewel effect to her eyes. The plastic tiara on top of her curls matched the bracelet from Emma and her Triad necklace from Charles. With lengthy sleeves and many petticoats in addition to the early spring conditions, the girls had no need to cover their lovely ensembles with coats.

The other boys walked around dressed for the fair as well. Fred and Mike both came as knights with their armor made of soft but firm material with plastic swords in their scabbards. After having his initial idea to go as a flame-thrower wielding dragon vetoed by the adults, Cody had opted for an ogre with real wooden club borrowed from his father's many heirlooms. When, where, how, or why Logan had acquired such an item left Joey in wonder. Scott's costume proved the most off-the-wall, as he proved the only cyclops prince there. Having not wanted to attach some tacky plastic eyeball to his face, the Headmasters allowed him to wear his uniform visor instead. Erik actually gave him much kudos for going as a mutated monarch. The look had genuinely shocked Joey solely for its creativity. Usually he saw the ROTC and training devoted Scott as too bland and academically minded like the other older Charles Kids. Joey still had trouble believing Scott to be biologically related to forever-fun Alex. Though after the party Scott had planned the previous year to cheer Becky on her birthday, Joey gave him a bit more credit. He also noticed that Scott seemed easier to spend time with without Frank around to dictate coolness.

While Hank claimed to have come along to help the other adults keep track of the children, Raven showed no shame in her excitement over the fair. Her long blonde French braid flowed down the back of her floor-length royal blue dress. Flowers in different shades of blue decorated her braid. Kiki looked similar to her mother except in lavender. Hank and Trav both dressed as Merlin inspired wizards.

The other adults in attendance consisted of the Xaviers and Erik. It had surprised and saddened Joey a little when Cordelia expressed no interest in the fair. When he thought about it, his aunt had been particularly quiet and keeping to herself of late. Charles and Emma paraded through as king and queen. The Professor wore navy and gold attire while Emma's white gown made her all the more radiant. Not used to seeing his father in a cape, Joey found the blue accessory especially regal on him. Erik really made the boys marvel over the entirely real upper body armor he moved around in with ease. The equally genuine sword he carried on his hip only added to the fantastic image. He waved it about and even allowed the boys to take turns lifting it. Fred had the least amount of trouble picking it up. With Charles' and Erik's accents and present appearance, they came off as the most legitimate attendees there.

When the group stopped to take in a jousting tournament, Fred remarked to Joey, "If we had Samson and Xander, we could take both those guys down."

"For sure," Joey concurred with a grin.

Next, the group found their way to where the music swelled highest and multiple people stepped in spirited tune to it. Others looked on merrily and clapped. Charles immediately took his wife's hand to perform ballroom with her. Likewise, Scott requested and received a dance with Becky. Joey and Laci shared a smile before linking up as well. Through a bit of nudging, Lily convinced Trav to partner up with her. Of course, with Lily's unique steps the two tykes appeared to be taking part in a hoedown. Trav seemed to enjoy that fine. Hank had to wait in line to dance with his own wife, as Fred and Mike both wanted turns with Joey's stunning aunt. Fortunately, Hank still had Kiki to move with him.

They switched partners every so often with Becky, Laci, Lily, and Kiki all wanting to dance with the grown men. Kiki also clamped onto Scott and Becky got Cody into it. When Cody spotted Joey twirling about with Emma, he silently wished to do the same with his own mother. With Kayla so busy with her new students and the twins, Cody found time with her rare now. Sometimes at night, grading and planning lessons or staying up with one of the babies left Charles to provide Cody's bedtime story. While the boy greatly appreciated the Englishman's narration of books, Cody still preferred his mother's oral tales from their tribe.

"Can you believe all of this?" Laci radiated happily when she and Joey danced again. "I'm so glad the fair is during your birthday week."

"Me, too." Joey remained cautious not to step on her dainty feet. "We had something like this for Becky's birthday last year at our house, but it wasn't anything like this."

"Joey," Laci's countenance went into ponder and her voice lowered, "why isn't your aunt in her real colors? Everyone would think it's just part of her costume."

Glancing Raven's way briefly, Joey said, "Halloween was one thing, but she doesn't like to risk it most of the time. She was attacked a few years back by some guys when she accidentally turned blue."

Laci's eyes plumped. "What?"

"Yeah." Joey's own eyes dimmed a bit. "Alex tried to explain it to me, but I still don't understand why anybody would want to hurt my Aunt Raven. She's always been good to me."

"So, she has to cover up forever?"

"Not for long," Joey replied. "Not if I can win that contest."

As they moved along, one could hardly wager a guess at who snapped the most photographs between Charles and Laci.

Soon enough, they had to divide by gender for bathroom breaks. Charles and Emma adamantly refused to let the children get so much as within reach of a port-o-potty. The king and queen herded everyone along to a restaurant not far away, where they paid the greeter for use of the facilities.

While they waited on Charles and the boys to finish their tinkling and hand-washing, Hank inquired of Erik, "How in the world did you get in and out of that stall so fast in all that armor?"

Erik indicated the near invisible crotch zipper. "We knights have to be resourceful in the heat of battle."

Never able to remain still for long, Cody whacked at unseen thugs with his club after he clean his hands.

"Ugh, they should've left that little troll under the bridge he crawled out of."

Entering into a fiery stiffness at the words picked up by his sensitive ears, Hank turned eerie glower on the snickering teens at the farthest end of the lengthy sink. Quickly looking to Cody who continuously played, he received some reprieve that the child had not overheard. However, that bit of elation did not satisfy the scientist near enough as, to Erik's surprise and confusion, he stalked towards the offenders.

"What? Did? You? Say?"

Laughter instantly stopping, the boy in question stammered, "Uh, wh-what," his height lessened significantly under the much larger male's menacing gaze, "I- I didn't—"

"Yes," Hank forcefully slammed him into the tile wall, making his friends shout in fright, "you did."

Leaving his stall, Charles witnessed and rushed over. "Henry!"

Erik hastened as well, leaving the boys in their care puzzled.

Complete terror coating his body, the one under Hank's powerful grip insisted, "I didn't mean it, man! I'm sorry! Swear to God, I'm sorry!"

"Henry, let him go," Charles ordered. "At once!"

With a growl, Hank dropped the youth to the floor.

The telepath made quick work of removing the situation from the minds of the on-lookers and ushered his own out of the men's room. "Henry Phillip McCoy," Charles seized him by the arm, "what in God's name were you thinking?"

"You didn't hear him!" Hank spat. "What he said about Cody."

The X-Boy in question went from confused to curious. "Huh? What'd he say about me?"

Holding onto the small hands of Trav and Mike, Erik stated, "That is unimportant. We can discuss this later. For now, let's wait on the ladies and enjoy the rest of Joey's day."

Charles bobbed his head his brother's direction. "Right, of course." With a smile, he knelt to his new eleven-year-old. "Has it been a good day, son?"

"The greatest, Dad," Joey responded, partly trying to lift the atmosphere. "Thank you."

Scott's gaze lingered on Hank, having a few good guesses about the words used against Cody. He inwardly praised the man for knocking the insulter down twenty pegs.

The women soon rejoined them and they quickly made their path back towards the fair.

"Uncle Hank don't mess around with clowns like that," bragged Fred to the other children. "Remember those guys that cracked jokes on me on Halloween? They about pi—" He remembered the adults present, specifically the females. "They were ready to wet themselves and he ain't have to lay a hand on 'em."

Joey at first found it strange to hear his Uncle Hank referred to as cool, but with his own thoughts going back to Halloween he knew it to be true. He glanced at Cody and could tell his best friend could not deny it.

At the tension she sensed radiating from her brother, Becky linked up with Hank's spare hand. She felt his squeeze and the slow but steady reduction of his livid energy.

IIIIIII

Leaving their guests and the other X-Men to have their fill of Joey's colossal cake, the Headmasters as well as Victor brought Hank into the Mag Cave. Raven sat close to her husband on the sofa with both supportive hands on his wrist.

"Henry, while I most certainly understand the reason behind it," Charles began, "I am appalled by your actions. That was a teenage boy you assaulted, likely ignorant of the impact of his own words. What if you had caused him serious harm?"

Before Hank could speak, Raven asserted, "Then maybe he'll learn to keep his mouth shut in the future."

Charles started to reproach, "Raven—"

"No," the shapeshifter refused. "I'll admit its excessive and he definitely better not make a habit out of it, but what if Cody had heard that?"

Erik put forth evenly, "Sometimes the protective instinct acts ahead of the logical sense. Had I heard the young man, I cannot say I would have reacted differently."

Hank finally spoke with, "Still, the fact remains I was out of line. I apologize and will see to it that it does not happen again."

Victor leaned over to tap him on his Merlin hat. "Don't beat yourself up too much, egghead. We'll do some runs in the woods after the party. Stretch out the beast legs."

Charles sighed. "I only worry, Henry. I don't want idiotic remarks to cause you to do something irreversible."

"I know, Charles," Hank nodded. "I'm glad I didn't ruin Joey's birthday."

"Ruined?" Raven smirked. "I think this was the highlight for the boys."

Hank smiled back at her, experiencing the usual swell of gratitude whenever their eyes met.

IIIIIII

Even after Laci's father picked her up and Logan left to drop off the Dukes siblings, the X-Kids could not settle down from their sugar load fast enough. Erik ended up having to fix warm cocoa milk for them all, including the older teens. Raven also drank a full glass, but the metal wielder suspected that to be more of a want than a need on her part. House quiet at last, Erik arrived in his daughter's room.

In gray and pink pajamas, the girl under the covers admired her necklace.

"I fear for any assailant daring to go after any birthday present of yours again." Erik sat on the bed, facing her. "Mainly because I don't believe Scott will be able to withhold his optic blast a second time around."

Becky smiled brightly at him. "Could you sing one of Grandma's lullabies tonight?"

"Any one you like," Erik granted. "But first, I need a little inside information from you."

Becky hoped she did not appear as frozen as she felt, considering the number of secrets in her mental lockbox.

"Have you noticed or felt anything off about Hank?"

Initially relieved, Becky still hummed skeptically. "Well…."

"Anya," Erik intertwined their fingers, "your brother isn't in any trouble. I'm only concerned about him."

"He gets mad more," Becky admitted softly. "Almost like in California. He snaps at the boys sometimes. When they're goofing off. I feel it especially when he can't calm down right away, even though he wants to."

"I see," responded Erik evenly. "Well," he put on a small smile for her, "as we all know, I have my days like that as well." He positioned Sweetie Imp and her Lana doll closer on either side, as if using them as her blockades. "Lie down, baby."

Becky laid flat with her curly head against the pillows. She relaxed into sleep by her father's voice and her grandmother's melody.

II

Arms wound around the smaller blonde, who in turn cradled the teeniest blonde, Brian, Alex's gaze fell on the cloaked canvas near the desk.

"Really, not even a peek?"

Joey smiled coyly. "You'll see on Saturday."

"It better be cooler than I think it is." Alex touched their cheeks together. "Eleven years old." He whistled. "I'm waiting to wake up to you with a full beard- before Sean starts shaving I'll bet."

Joey laughed, careful not to stir the drifting Brian. "It's weird, though. I didn't feel so different when I made ten last year, but now I definitely do."

"How do you feel different?"

"I never had this many friends before, Al. I still can't believe it. They all came to bring me presents, play with me…"

"Of course they did," Alex said undoubtedly. "I'm glad you have such a cool crew on your side, but don't forget, baby brother. Cody, Laci, Fred and his sibs- they were all brand new to Westchester. They probably never thought they'd make a friend half as incredible as you are."

Resting on Alex's arm, a contented Joey stared into Brian's closed eyes as he spoke again. "Al, will I always be your baby brother?"

Finger combing the boy's hair, Alex answered with, "When this new heart you gave me finally wears out, they're going to find me old, gray, and still holding you like this."

Wide smile on his face, Joey pressed his ear to Alex's chest to hear the thumping.

IIIIIII

Almost reduced to a puddle of pleasure by the one who topped her body and caused her pulse to skyrocket, Raven kept up with him. She coiled both her legs around one of his and brushed lips across his neck. When her breathing intensified and heartrate seemed close to explosion warning, the shapeshifter grew limp and could assist no longer. Minutes later, exhaustion began to weigh in. The same could not be said for her better half, who if anything, became more and more enthused.

"Hank…" She pushed at his shoulders. "Babe, come on… we have to get some sleep."

"You rest," Hank encouraged, never losing focus. "Let me send you away."

Raven grinned in the dark. "You know I'll never fall asleep like this. The sun will rise and set again first." She prodded at him more. "Seriously, Hank, I'll get up earlier. Give you something more effective than coffee for work."

With a sigh, Hank at last moved to lay beside her after giving her another lingering kiss. Raven rolled to her side, leaving her arm across his chest. Even at that simple touch, she could hear his exhales effected in that way that only she could cause. She massaged fingers along his abdomen until he calmed at least marginally.

IIIIIII

Amongst the throng of students bustling in every possible direction across the campus exterior, the dark haired head honed in on who stood still. The other young people seemed to fade away as unimportant distortions merely by being within her presence.

Going straight for her, Leon took in the fuchsia shift dress under her trench coat. "Didn't I tell you? They moved the queen's luncheon to two."

Melissa tapped his shin with her ivory low-heeled shoe. "Espionage is one thing," she handed him one of the foam cups she had with her, "but if I want to show up here without scandalizing you, I figure I better blend in with the frilly fillies."

"Yeah, because your wardrobe is the most scandalous aspect of this relationship." He inhaled the coffee aroma. "And thank you for providing my daily crack."

They started walking together and Melissa said, "My class is letting out early tonight. You want to grab some takeout and rip on a lousy flick on TV?"

"I think A Streetcar Named Desire is coming on…"

The corners of their mouths curved up in mutually baleful fashion.

When they reached the table occupied by Leon's comrades, Melissa waved quickly. "Would love to stay to hear the nerd word, but I have to go participate in the questionable." She glanced at Leon on her way back to the parking lot. "Make a professor cry."

"Run over an optimist," he sent after her before taking up a chair at the table.

Eyes still on his textbook, Alex remarked, "You two are disturbing."

Leon reacted by taking an extended sip of his coffee.

"Speaking of…" Jam watched Raven swallow a pair of caffeine pills with her mocha. "Why don't you just go ahead and stick a grenade in your chest?"

Blinking, Raven somewhat bashfully tucked a few blonde strands behind her ear. "Yeah, um, not enough sleep."

"Doze off in class," Jam suggested simply, gesturing with his shoulder towards her housemates. "Those two have done it."

Taking no offense to that, Leon nodded in agreement.

Alex raised his head and informed, "She can't do that. Not in public."

Raven further explained, "If I get too tired or stressed, my "makeup" runs."

"Ah," Jam comprehended. "Gotcha. And on that note, I better run myself to catch my professor." Fiddling around inside his bag, he adorned Raven's head before leaving.

While Raven rolled her eyes up to get a better look at it, the two remaining males snickered over the glittery papier-mâché crown.

IIIIIII

As his students filed in, Hank tried to finish jotting the day's lesson plan on the board. He had to pause every so often, trying to clear his head of the mental clog. The chattering youthful voices did not help, but he reminded himself he did work with high-schoolers.

Rushing in hardly two minutes into the hour, the girl with arms loaded immediately explained herself with, "I'm so sorry I'm late, Dr. McCoy. My combination got stuck again and it took forever to get into my locker."

"Don't worry about it, Whitney," Hank reassured. "I'll have maintenance take a look at it for you."

She smiled with immense appreciation. "Thank you, Dr. McCoy." Maneuvering to get to her seat in the third row towards the back, she experienced a bump she could not register as she toppled. Her books scattered in the process.

Several students near her erupted into laughter.

Tony moved the fastest of the unamused males to help Whitney rise. He then lowered to pick up her things.

"Nice feet," chuckled a blonde haired boy.

"You tripped me!" Whitney accused.

"Did not," came the denial.

"Yeah, you did," Collin glowered, situated in their row. "I saw you, too."

Disorder growing, Hank rang out, "Class!" At their immediate hush, he next crooked a finger. "Dylan, come up here."

The boy protested, "Aw, Doc, I was just—"

"Up. Here!" Clear venom laced Hank's tone. "Now."

When Dylan grudgingly stood and slowly started for the front, all watched in quiet observance as if attending a memorial. The moment could also pass for an execution.

Once Dylan got within reach of him, Hank stared blue daggers into his face. "Did you or did you not trip her on purpose?"

Legs becoming jelly and stomach ready for a withdraw, he replied, "I was just joking around, Doc. I'm sorry."

"You find it funny to harass people on a whim?"

"I didn't mean it like that," Dylan insisted.

"I think you did. And I'm sick of it. I've had my fill of you spoiled urchin boys thinking you can do as you please. Not in my class." Hank then directed, "Bend over." He gripped the wide ruler on his desk.

The now panicked boy paled. "No! Doc, it was a joke."

"No one is amused, Dylan. Bend over right now or we take this to Principal Newman and add a week's detention to your punishment. Which do you choose?"

Mortified beyond belief, Dylan stretched his upper body over the desk and buried his face against it.

Getting in behind him, Hank used the ruler to dish out six hard strikes, causing flinches from the other students. "Return to your seat."

Dylan somehow managed to do so while never darting eyes away from his tennis shoes.

Speaking to the entire room, Hank declared, "Let that be a warning to all of you. There will be zero tolerance for bullying, whether in here or in the gym. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

Without delay, they chorused, "Yes, Dr. McCoy."

Hank resumed the order of business with the previous night's homework. The stun remained heavy among the youngsters and Frank, Collin and Samantha exchanged wordless glances.

IIIIIII

When break time arrived, the children of yellow and reddish-orange hair stayed behind to enjoy the empty art room.

"Leonardo did a portrait of some random lady," Joey rinsed his paintbrushes alongside her at the deep steel sink, "and people still act like Mona Lisa is the greatest portrait ever."

Laci asserted, "The Last Supper is so much better."

"Isn't it? And he still can't touch Michelangelo." Joey carried the two plastic cups containing their thin brushes back to their table. "But if he could make the whole world see somebody ordinary like Mona Lisa as the most beautiful woman, I can do the same thing for my Aunt Raven. If I can just get her into that art gallery- a real New York City gallery- everything will be different. People from all over will come to see her. People who talk even fancier than my dad."

Lisa scrunched her nose in pondering. "Does anyone talk fancier than your dad?"

Joey considered that one. "Grandpa sometimes. But Laci, if my aunt gets into that gallery she'll never have to hide her real face again. Everybody will love her." His expression became a very adult pensive. "I just have to win the exhibition. I only need second place to get her in."

"Joey, you're sure to walk away with first," Laci said indisputably. "You're a fantastic artist."

"There's twenty-four other entries, Laci. A lot of older kids, too."

"But you're different," she insisted. "You don't see things the way other people do. You're the only boy I know who can find beauty where nobody else can."

Entirely unsure as to what, Joey experienced something and he smiled at her. "Thanks, Laci."

She beamed back at him.

Chairs practically hip to hip, they entered harmonious silence while working in their individual sketchbooks.

IIIIIII

Even from all the way on the third floor and under the veil of night, Hank still seemed to hear everything around him. Beside him lay his wife, worn but indescribably satisfied by him again. Despite his poor sight, he still easily made out the unique blue form and wanted nothing more than to unite their flesh continuously. He wanted sunrise to approach and splash its beautiful colors across their nude and still joined physiques.

Breathing rate going off the scales, Hank removed himself from the bed. He slipped into a discarded pair of pants. He made a direct path for their terrace, disregarding the sharp cold air. Gazing upward at the cloud free sky, the moon poured silver illumination over his face. Fangs forming and fingernails growing into claws, he flipped over the very edge.

II

Snatched from her dream state, Becky bolted up. Trying to rub the sleep out of her eyes, she hurried out of bed. She got into her slippers and robe. After digging her pale pink flashlight out of her lower desk drawer, the girl rushed from her room.

As soon as she arrived on the main level, Charles walked out of his study. "Rebecca, it's after midnight. What do you think you're doing?"

"Hank's outside," Becky explained urgently. "Something's wrong, Uncle Charles."

Keeping his countenance together for the distressed girl, Charles responded, "Don't you worry, Princess. I'll see to him. Give me this," he took her flashlight, "and you go back to bed. Go on now."

Becky sighed, but started back up.

Making haste of getting into his coat, Charles sent out a mental message as he dashed across his backyard. Before he fully entered the woods, a flying Erik and charging Logan joined him.

Honing in on the mental coordinates, Charles zeroed in on the half-naked young man in the middle of the clearing. "Henry!" He waved the flashlight over him.

With a turn of his head, Hank unleased a snarl.

"Time to simmer down, kid." Logan attempted to approach him. "Get back in the house before you catch you—" The minute he laid a hand on Hank's arm, he found himself flung into a tree.

"Drive him into sleep, Charles," Erik put forth.

"I'm trying." Charles' brow creased at the strain. "His thoughts are wild and everywhere at once. Even he cannot concentrate on them."

At that information, Erik seized Hank by the zipper and snap of his pants and forced him onto the ground. Rage filled growls carrying clear across the woods, Hank grabbed and hurled a boulder into the air. Erik managed to miss it, but accidentally dropped his metallic hold. Hank proceeded to throw whatever other stones in his reach at the man.

"Henry, stop this!" Barreling for him, Charles tackled him to the ground.

Hank merely batted his brother-in-law away and glowered between Erik and Logan, targeting either for the pounce.

Logan unleashed his claws. "Looks like you want to do this the hard way."

Before further brawling could take place, Victor dropped from a tree and landed directly in front of Hank. "Alright, big guy, that's enough."

When Hank protruded his neck and snarled in his face, the unmoved Victor released his roar. Trepidation appeared over Hank's features, but still he attempted to swipe him. Victor calmly caught one of his wrists then the other. Hank struggled, but Victor remained standing as solid as a statue. Using a forceful downward yank, he deposited Hank into the grass.

With a small growl, Hank looked ready to rise again.

"Stay down." At his continued movement, Victor lowered menacingly, eyes blackened. "I. Said. Stay. Down!"

That roar effected Hank's ears, which he covered. He shook in place, disoriented and body aching from the cold. Victor removed his brown leather coat to blanket him. Staying at Hank's side, Victor rubbed the younger male's limbs to further appease the chill.

Still on the ground himself, the Professor inched over.

Hank raised his eyes timidly. "… Charles?"

"There you are." Charles gave him a smile and laid a hand over his cheek. "I was worried about you, Henry."

Victor returned to his feet with Hank in his clutch. Erik flew down to engulf them all in his electro-magnetic sphere in order to get back to the house faster.

An alerted and dressed Raven met them at the door. They brought Hank into the living room and laid him on one of the loveseats close to the fireplace. While Victor lit the fire, Erik went into the kitchen to prepare some warm milk. Raven clothed her husband in the pajamas and robe she had brought down. Logan acquired some guest linens from a closet to cover him further. Charles stayed holding onto Hank's hand and patting it every so often.

When Erik came back with the milk, Raven supported Hank's upper body in her lap and helped him drink it. "There we go, babe. It's alright now."

Erik wanted to know, "What exactly happened to him out there?"

Logan fielded that with, "Primal side got the jump on him. These spells happen from time to time with us hairy types, especially the in young. Basically shuts down the common sense parts of your brain. Think of it as growin' pains."

Charles deeply considered that. "That may explain his antagonism with so many boys of late, even his students at the school."

"Bein' around younger males durin' these times is pretty rough," Victor explained. "Whether it makes sense or not, havin' em sass you gets you thinkin' they plan on takin' you down. On takin' your dominance away."

Raven looked to Logan. "How do you handle something like that with two sons and all the other guys around here?"

Logan said, "My control's stronger and my first instinct is to protect the pack."

"That's where I got to keep my head, too," Victor concurred. "Every minute."

Most of his milk gone, Hank piped up, "I'm so sorry, everyone. I don't know how this happened. I couldn't clear my head. I thought I wanted some air, but," he let off a small groan, "it felt like I was becoming mad…"

Charles squeezed his hand, eyes filled with gentleness. "I know exactly what you were feeling, Hank and believe me, it isn't from reading that brilliant mind of yours. My powers have caused me to act against my will as well. It would seem neither of us is finished growing yet."

Sharing a small smile with the Professor, Hank peered up at his wife. "I'm sorry, Raven. I never wanted—"

Dipping her head, she silenced him with a kiss and caressed his jaw. "All that matters is that you're okay. We're going to be fine. I'm going to take care of you."

Hank reached a hand up to knead at her red hair.

"Sweet Imp," Erik acknowledged his daughter.

Hank glanced up. "Becca Bear."

Big grin in place, Becky flung cherishing arms around him.

IIIIIII

In honor of the Art Exhibition, the gym usually used for the community center's volleyball games received a transformation. The floors had been polished and everything smelled of revitalizing potpourri. Small circular tables covered in different colored cloths displayed each entry and offered the space a vibrant pop. In addition to the judging committee and the art teacher Miss Kendall, the contestants, their families, and other interested parties walked through to admire the different works.

Attached to the arm of a suit adorned Hank, Raven herself wore a sky blue skirt, blazer, pill hat, and white blouse with matching heels and gloves.

Making her way through in red pleated skirt and white button-down sweater, Laci eyed her.

Looking away from a detailed depiction of a green giraffe in a lone cage at the zoo, Raven inquired, "Honey, are you okay?"

"Oh everything's fine." Laci smiled up at the older female. "You're just super pretty."

Raven tickled her chin. "Not half as pretty as you are."

"Raven, come quickly," petitioned Emma. "We found Joey's."

With Laci following along, the McCoys walked to where the majority of their household circled one canvas. When Frank prodded at the others to make room for them, Raven and Hank stepped forward to behold it themselves. Raven used both hands to contain her gasp. The canvas portrayed the highly feminine blue figure with ravishing red hair. In a black sleeveless ball gown, she descended a solid gold staircase with a chandelier directly above her.

"It's Mommy," Kiki pointed.

"Mommy's gonna win," declared Trav.

"You mean Joey's gonna win," Cody corrected. "He's the one who dang near went nuts workin' on it."

"Still Mommy's picture," said a determined Trav and Cody did not refute.

"Okay, this is about a thousand and one times cooler than I thought it was going to be," determined Alex.

"Joey, I can't even…" Hank grinned wider. "It's magnificent. Isn't it, sweetheart?" He gently nudged his unusually catatonic wife. "Raven?"

"Raven, you're still your nephew's greatest inspiration." Charles pressed on her wrist to jar her. "Say something, love."

Not trusting her words for fear that they would bring tears, Raven nearly fell out of her heels as she squatted to lock Joey in a vice grip. Joey held her equally tightly, looking towards a glowing Laci.

Soon, the committee took their places yards away from and facing the crowd to make their announcements. They started by naming three honorable mentions who would receive ribbons for their efforts.

"Yada, yada, yada," muttered Alex.

Frank moved his hand in an annoyed motion. "Get on with it."

Charles shot them a disapproving glare and Erik looked away to hide his smirk.

After the first three, the head of the committee, a plump woman dressed in orchid, went on to the main prizes. "In third place and recipient of ten dollar cash prize… Blue Woman's Ball by Charles J. Xavier."

Amidst the applause, a displeased wave spread over the X-Men.

An unusually cross Laci appeared ready to use her little white purse as a whacking weapon. "… Third?"

Face entirely even, Alex put forth, "Let's trash this place."

"Alexander," chided Charles.

Erik had to resist causing something unforeseen to the metal flower pins worn by the judges.

Held in Raven's embrace, Joey went deaf to the names of the last two prize winners.

IIIIIII

"How did Stars in Daylight beat this out?" Sean said, staring at the now framed Blue Woman's Ball attached to the wall above the living room fireplace. "There's already a star in daylight. It's called the sun, morons."

Scott scoffed. "Stupid. And I'm the guy who sees in red."

Leon rubbed his chin. "Pretty sure I noticed a certain resemblance between the first place winner and one of those judges…"

Angel crossed her arms. "Sedity folk get on my nerves."

Though perturbed along with them, Frank kept a steady visage on the painting that brought him contentment. "She'll always be a masterpiece to me."

II

Pouring her son a glass of milk to go with the plate of warm cookies, Emma rubbed at his back. "You mustn't be so down, Treasure. Third place in a competition such as this is quite the honor."

"Your mother's right, little one," Charles supported. "All of history's greatest men, including the artists you admire, had to face a number of setbacks before achieving ultimate success. And today is no failure on your part in my book."

"Yes, Cuddle Bug." Coming up behind, Raven rubbed Joey's shoulders in reassurance. "You won third out of twenty-five. Most of those kids have probably been studying art since birth. You have the natural gift- you and only you because I say so." She knelt by his chair "The painting means more to me than I can tell you and don't forget, you've won two ribbons with Blue Woman."

Propping up his face with both fists, Joey claimed, "They weren't as important as this. I wanted you to get into that gallery."

"Joe, forget their dinky gallery," Alex interjected, reaching over to pat his shoulder. "You're going to be so famous one day, you'll be able to buy and sell that place… or we could just trash it."

Charles sent his gaze towards Heaven.

"You don't understand," Joey's voice raised, making them all look at him. "If I'd gotten Aunt Raven into a real big city gallery, everybody from everywhere would have loved her. Maybe even more than Mona Lisa one day." Joey faced his aunt. "You finally would've been free."

Erik paused from drinking a beer at the island and Hank did the same with his cola.

Raven peered back at Joey seriously. "Baby, what are you talking about? I'm already free."

"Not to go outside," Joey emphasized. "Not like you really are without having to put some other face on. Trav talks to me and he's always scared he's going to say something he's not supposed to in school. If I'd made you famous, everybody would have seen you as beautiful. But I messed it all up." A sheen pooled in the boy's eyes. "I'm sorry, Aunt Raven."

The other adults all experienced mutual pings in their chests, none of them able to say anything at first.

Feeling far more for him than herself, Raven acted swiftly to hug him. "Shhh, Cuddle Bug, no, no, no. Don't you say that. You didn't mess anything up. It's the best painting ever. Forget about what the whole stupid world thinks. You and our family love me as I am and that's all I need."

Leaving his drink on the island, Erik approached. "Kangaroo?" The child brought his eyes up to the man. "Have you ever heard of Daniel Hale Williams?" Joey shook his head. "He was a doctor. In 1893, he performed the first successful open-heart surgery in this country."

Joey's expression changed from sad to astonished. "Like what Laci had to have?"

"Exactly," Erik nodded. "His technique paved the way to save countless lives. However, he was also a black man. Seventy years later and race relations are more heated than ever before. It's an unfortunate truth, Kangaroo, but one success, however monumental, cannot change the world overnight."

Joey now turned bewildered and frustrated. "So even if I do get famous, somebody'll still try to attack Aunt Raven for being blue?"

"No, Joey," Hank chimed in firmly. "There will always be ignorant people somewhere, yes. But one day, things will be different for mutants. That's why the X-Men are here."

"Son," Charles spoke, getting his boy's attention, "your existence alone will help change this world. Look at your friends. Laci, Cody, and Fred have all been teased at some point or another for their appearances. But you only see them as dear friends. If you only knew how wonderful a mindset that is."

"And keep in mind that Erik almost completely annihilated the last idiots dumb enough to mess with Raven," Alex brought up. "He could've let the rest of us come along for a little fun, but I'll let that go. This time."

Erik exhaled in amusement.

"And don't forget about our other allies," Emma mentioned. "Jam is still Raven's friend, the same for Maya long before she became a mutant, Chris is keeping his own vigilance for us, and we even have my father's support. Trust me- that's saying something."

Joey formed a real smile and looked into Raven's yellow eyes when she gripped his hands.

She told him, "I'm not the same person I was when those guys attacked me. I really am stronger now. You don't have to be afraid for me, Cuddle Bug. More importantly, today is still special for both of us and personally, I want to celebrate."

Joey decided, "Then I'm going to use the money I won to take you out to dinner."

Raven threw her arms in the air giddily. "Yay, it's a date!"

Hank dashed out of the way of the stampeding pair. "I don't think I've ever in life seen her that excited for a date with me."

"Like you're half the stud Joe is," Alex waved off.

"Oh Charles," Emma went around to her husband, "it simply broke my heart to know Joey entered the exhibition all for Raven's sake."

Joining hands with her, Charles responded, "As saddening as it is, I can't help feeling uplifted as well. Joey has yet again given me hope. We become so lost in day to day political battles that we almost forget how important it is to keep our children informed. So that they can forge a better future."

Erik put forth, "In the back of my mind, I cannot let go of the notion that the fight for mutant rights will inevitably result in war. Yet today, Joey sought change through an act of love." His lips quirked. "Only a little boy; so much wiser than he knows."

Alex stated somewhat to himself, "Be lost and roaming without that kid."

II

After swapping out her heels for more comfortable flats, Raven met Joey in the foyer. "Will you put this on for me?"

Joey's eyes reflected his approval of the paper crown. "Cool, where'd you get this?"

She dipped for him. "The one and only Jam."

The boy very carefully placed it on top of her mutated blonde strands. He next handed over her coat and opened the door for her. Wearing an honored countenance, Raven stepped out front. She waited to latch hands with him before they proceeded to paint the town red or, in their case, blue.