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.

272. Chapter 272 Inferno

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Seventy-Two

Author's Word: Hi, fam! Thank you all so much for the feedback and the PMs. I am actually feeling better. Anger really isn't something I'm used to holding onto. It's all icky. This chapter overlaps with the last two in case you get confused. Please enjoy and review!

Bag filled with both necessities as well as his shameless heavy splendors, Fabian pulled on the zipper to close it. Passing through the hall, the girl in long lemon yellow skirt and green sleeveless top stopped by and peered through the ajar door.

"Do you have to go back there already?" Fabian glanced over into the face of his sister. "You were with Cordelia's family last weekend."

Fabian promised, "It won't be for long, hermanita. I'll make your next cheer event with bells, whistles, and anything else that will drive the surrounding spectators into madness." At her continued forlornness, Fabian went to take her hand and drew her further into the room. He knelt to meet her eyes. "Do you trust me, amor?"

"Si," Anne answered. "Even more than I do Papi."

At that, Fabian said, "There are important things that I have to see to. As much as I would like to, I cannot explain them right now. You must know that whatever the case may be, what I do is for our well-being. Can you understand that?"

Anne replied, "Si, hermano." She dipped to hug him around the neck. "Be careful."

Fabian clutched her to his front. "My word, amor."

IIIIIII

Compliments of spring break fever that no dignified professor would ever admit to possessing, the English transfer student's last class dismissed twenty minutes early. He watched his fellow and much older classmates take off like century detained ex-convicts. With so much talk in the air the past couple of weeks, Nate knew most of them hastened to catch flights home or prepare for adventurous road trips. Such ideas tickled his fancy greatly, but Nate dared not entertain them for very long. Considering he could not so much as venture outside the neighborhood without escort, he knew his daydreams would remain exactly that.

When he made it outside, warm air greeted and rejuvenated him. Though he knew he could not simply depart the way his classmates did until the chauffer arrived, the pleasant atmosphere of Harvard's campus brightened the day for him. Nate sat on a bench and fished out the fat notebook he used for design specs out of his school bag. Flipping towards the end, he reviewed his various concepts for his black and white adorned counterpart. Count Domino; sophisticated, courageous, cunning, and brilliant. Unfortunately, since the prior weekend, the Count had received little exposure beyond lookout on potential leads. Granted, he knew weekdays did not come with much Courtier activity. He supposed even troublemaking, hate filled pimples of society had some respect for business days and hours.

The boy raised his head to the familiar honk and saw that Myles had pulled in. Nate made a rushed path for the vehicle.

"In a hurry I see," Myles noted, watching him clip on his seatbelt.

"Of course," replied Nate cheerfully. "Cor and Fabian are coming back today."

"Yes, yes, I know." The man started up the vehicle and began the distance back to the Frost estate.

With a road block in place on one of their usual streets, Myles had to make an extensive turn to avoid numerous one-way zones. Glancing out of the window in curiosity of the unfamiliar landmarks, Nate's blue eyes magnified over the picketers. Even through the thick glass panes, he could hear their chants, though could not distinguish the actual words. He zeroed in on a few of the signs. One read "Equal Education Now" and another "Let Us Live, Let Us Learn". Going around one corner, Nate hitched a breath at a pair of officers forcing a man facedown into the pavement.

Myles cleared his throat quite pointedly. "Eyes forward, Mr. Ohnn." When the teen complied, he said, "Thank you. Look at your schoolbooks to pass the time."

Nate nodded and took out his notebook again. He found it difficult to concentrate on a page when his irises yearned to witness the goings-on beyond the window.

Myles seemed to pick up speed after the reroute and they reached the house without further delay. He dropped Nate off by the doors before going to park in the garage. Rushing in, the boy scanned the place for signs of older teen life. His shoulders drooped to only see the staff members. He took a banana and covertly snagged a couple cookies from the kitchen and headed up to his room.

Upon entry, Nate had to hop around through the trace amounts of available floor space. His many trinkets and projects covered most of it. One perk of Winston being away meant he would not receive another lecture about how young men should not live like piglets in a pen. Not wanting the housekeeper meddling with his things, Nate went to work arranging them out of the way as best he could.

"Hello!"

Ears reacting and face aglow, Nate rushed to his feet. "Cor!" He made a rapid path out of his room and down to the foyer. "Hello, spring breakers!"

The girl in yellow dropped her purse opening her arms. "Natey!"

They combined in a tight embrace.

Managing to let her go, Nate went to the male with her. "Fab!"

At the abrupt affection, Fabian gingerly patted the top of his head. "Si, hola, chico. Now, away." Fabian lightly nudged him off. "You're only slightly less slobbery than the dogs."

Nate smiled brightly. "I knew you missed me."

"Where's Daddy?" Cordelia asked, glancing around.

Nate turned to her. "He was summoned upstate for some sort of political matter only this morning. Should be back before the weekend's over, though he didn't fill me in on details." Big surprise…

Fabian pocketed his sunglasses. "Already up to your ears in mischief in his absence, I'm certain."

Nate flashed an adorability loaded smile. "Does doodling in World History count?"

Cordelia fielded that one with, "Absolutely not."

Nate then informed the pair, "Doc Ock wants to see us at the Castle about six. The others will be there already."

Fabian sent him a raised eyebrow. "The Castle?"

"You know, our headquarters," Nate clarified. "Courtiers meet in castles. Well, Fitness Castle in our case so using FC is an option."

"FC," Fabian echoed in pleasure. "My favorite initials. After CF, of course."

Cordelia glanced at him waggishly then said, "We'll head out as soon as we get these things put away." Taking her backpack and purse by their straps, she used her free hand to grab Nate's wrist. "So, how are the crimson halls of Harvard treating you?"

As they journeyed up the stairs together, Nate responded glibly, "Better than I am treating them would be ideal. I actually managed not to get stepped on this week."

Fabian started to go after them until he realized the beagle staring at him quite pointedly. "Beauty… we meet again."

When the dog tilted her head and twitched one ear, Fabian found her lack of barking more off-putting than her usual spirited yelps.

IIIIIII

On arrival to the Castle's laboratory, it brought surprise to none of the youths to see Otto already there. Chris and Felicia talked together on the opposite side of the room. Cordelia spoke a hello to the doctor as she went to see her brother and enthusiastically greet the older Courtier Lady. With a respectful bob of the head to Otto, who raised his hand in amicable acknowledgement, Fabian sat on a table top. He half listened to Nate's recollections of his school week.

"Ah, so the junior set decided to join us." Fabian darted eyes over to see the approaching man in tailored silver suit. "I started to pick up animal crackers on my way over here."

"Hi, Byron," Cordelia waved.

Fabian crossed his arms over his chest. "Almost didn't recognize you without your trusty lasso. No whip, hm?"

"No." Byron then stated, "Just my belt."

Nate pressed down on his foot to keep from laughing and Fabian cast flippant eyes upward.

Chris guided them into a closer cluster in the middle of the lab and gestured at Byron to go into their present agenda.

"Some clients have invited me out to a little get-together this weekend. Something of a…" Byron placed eyes on Nate briefly and cautioned his word choice. "… gentlemen's soiree."

"And this has what to do with us exactly?" Fabian prompted. "Will you require a ride for your special vaccinations come morning?"

Byron regarded him with a sideways look. "This has to do with the evening's rented entertainment. Young mutated women, a few of which are below the legal age for a work permit."

Felicia and Cordelia formed twin faces of repugnance.

Nate asked in disbelief, "Are you referring to streetwalkers?"

"Not even close." Byron stroked the side of the boy's hairline. "Streetwalkers receive payment and some small shred of dignity."

Cordelia stepped closer to inquire, "What do we need to do?"

Byron looked at the girl. "I'll be in attendance to eliminate mole suspicion. You have to rough me up the same as you would the rest." He glanced at them all seriously. "No hesitation."

To that, Fabian stated, "Second assignment and already my favorite."

"We won't require the full team on this detail." Chris then instructed, "Nate, hang back with Otto to get a head start on some of these repairs."

Nate's jaw dropped with a, "What? After a dry spell of this magnitude, you're leaving me sidelined?"

Chris gave him a reassuring smile. "You and that innovative mind of yours will be best served here."

"I'd have to agree," supported Otto.

"Not so innovative here, unless you count using correction fluid as nail polish," Cordelia wrapped arms around Nate from the side, "but I'm staying to help, anyway."

"Seems you're left with me." Fabian eyed the adults. "Fortune gives you its favor."

Byron hummed skeptically. "So, that isn't the forces of Dante's Inferno I'm sensing?"

"Homesick, are we?" Fabian counter-quipped.

"You delightful brutes can improve your A-material on route." Felicia hopped up from where she leaned on the edge of one table. "Let's prepare." She walked over to Cordelia and Nate. "I'll be in radio contact with you both, so stay sharp."

The pair bobbed their heads.

Cordelia went to Fabian next to give him her arms. "Think this will sustain you?"

Fabian practically inhaled her mutant energy through their hold. "It will do." He brought his lips directly to her ear. "Until I return…"

IIIIIII

Ice cube tray in his possession, Erik hastened his pace at the heightened distressed cry emitting from the parlor. He rushed in and saw his brother attempting to soothe a wailing Brian.

"I was gone for hardly a minute." Erik left the tray on the small table as he went to Charles' chess chair. "What in the world happened?"

With a shake of his head, Charles said, "Exactly that. You had the nerve to- dear God- leave the room."

Undecided between a smile or an eye roll, Erik took Brian, who quieted some in his clutch. "I only went to get ice, Lab Mouse. Did you honestly think Uncle Erik would run away and leave you? Come now." Erik settled in his chair with him, using one hand to tap his padded bottom. "That will be enough tears."

Brian tugged on his shirt and uttered, "Uncreek."

Erik could only stare back at him. " …You'll have to forgive me, but in all my travels, I have never encountered this language you speak."

Taking the cube tray, Charles got up to mix their drinks. "I believe that's his not-so-articulate attempt at 'Uncle Erik'. Meanwhile, 'Daddy' is too monumental a feat." He began pouring the scotch. "Not that I'm bitter, mind you."

Erik bounced Brian on his knee and kissed his cheek. "Now Lab Mouse, speak to your daddy." As Charles came around, Erik pointed him out. "Who is that? Who?"

With a sparkle to his blue eyes, Brian followed his uncle's hand gesture with his own finger. "Bad."

"Lab Mouse," Erik lightly chided, accepting his drink. "He probably heard Alex use that one when a certain someone isn't behaving himself."

Charles placed his vision firmly on his son. "Do you know what I'm going to do with you, young man? Hm?" The Professor squatted to his level. "Go on loving you, no matter what you say or do, forever and always."

Brian reached both hands forward to touch his father's cheeks. Charles pecked each of his palms in turn.

IIIIIII

Eyes and hands all needing a break from the abundance of welding, the scientist stepped out of the shop. In the main lab, he observed an unusually disinterested Nate tightening a screw back into place. Across from him at the same table, Cordelia attempted to decipher a chapter from an engineering text.

Otto moved in a stride towards them. "The moon will shatter, its crust shall rain, turning to blood of crimson red, pouring and engulfing the earth as we know it." At the thoroughly confused gazes, Otto said pleasantly, "As is the inevitable fate whenever there is anything but smiles present on your particular faces."

Both children fashioned content expressions at that.

However, Nate's frustration could not fade entirely. "I hate feeling so profoundly useless. I'm only strapped to the bench this way because they fear my precious eyes will witness impurities. It's the same whenever I see a demonstration taking place. I can't set foot beyond a perimeter I swear Winston Frost mapped out by hand. I waited an eternity to come to America and hardly get a blipping peek of anything worthwhile."

Otto listened to the boy's woes in full. "Day-to-day ruffians and chemical transport, while serious matters, are in an entirely different realm. The Courtiers run into far more unfortunate challenges. It's difficult for you to see now, but there are some things to which you are not yet ready to bear witness."

"But Doc, if I have the capabilities necessary to gain acceptance into two of the most prestigious universities in all the world, aren't I ready for just about anything?" Nate rationalized.

"Intellect and wisdom are not synonymous," Otto stated, making the two regard him in puzzled fascination. "You are a marvel of academic achievement and mechanical inclination; a true intellectual. However, wisdom, is a much different ballgame; a league all its own. One that requires far more age and experience than fifteen years. It is also something I know you will possess in ample supply one day."

"Thanks, Doc Ock," Nate smiled gratefully. "Though I wonder if I'll ever truly gain any real experience."

"The classic irony carried across every generation," Otto put forth. "Youth is spent wishing for adulthood while adulthood is spent tearfully reminiscing about youth." Otto clapped Nate's shoulder. "You needn't rush, my precious pupil."

"Take it from someone who's spent an eternity as a little sib," Cordelia chimed in. "This is standard yet painfully square protocol. Doesn't matter. Being a kid is where it's at."

Nate gazed over at her. "You could have gone with them. You needn't lose out just to babysit me."

"I am not babysitting," Cordelia said matter-of-factly. "I just wanted an excuse to hang out with my new brother."

Taken aback at first, Nate could not so much as attempt to subdue the grin that took over his face.

"Glimmer, Domino."

Reacting promptly, Cordelia dashed to the panel to answer the radio. "We're here, Lady Garnet."

Nate came up behind her.

"It's time for my debut. If you don't hear back from us within the hour, we'll need your backup."

Cordelia assured, "We'll be ready."

Before their link ended, Nate leaned over to add, "Be safe, my Lady."

IIIIIII

Music blared with intensity enough to very nearly blast throughout the entire five thousand square feet or more property. The designated showroom contained two dozen impeccably dressed males. The passing cocktail girls moved about in far more risqué attire. Though their appearance easily came off as conservative next to what the party host considered the star attractions.

Seated on an ivory sectional, Byron with a client on either side of him stayed in place while the exotic woman performed on his lap. With skin nearly as white as the leather furniture, her lime green eyes had no irises. The same unusualness could be said of the other women, some with bolder coloring and far more unusual attributes. All wore frilly undergarments with only their long hair to give them something remotely resembling modesty.

With a playful jab of the elbow, the senior client said, "Not bad, eh, Niko?"

Byron reclined deeply in his spot, his eyes never leaving the one over him. "Top-notch talent. What traveling freak show delivered them? I'll need their contact information."

The other man chuckled. "They were actually provided through a friend of a friend. They cost a fortune, but you won't find more obedient wenches. If you're ever interested in borrowing a few for your own gathering- or restless night- you have only to let me know."

The male on Byron's left said, "Now you see why we only invite our closest VIPs to these private events. After the way you scored in that courtroom last week, you bounded right to the top of the list."

"Hm, funny." Byron's brown eyes filled with intention as he watched the girls. "Scoring is about all I have on my mind about now."

The room reacted with flustering when the lights dimmed abruptly. As if formed from thin air, a female clothed in full black stood at the top of the grand staircase. A waterfall of white hair poured down her back that seemed to stream as she slowly but steadily descended.

"Rob, you've been holding out," one man whispered in a hush. "Where did she come from?"

With rising excitement, the host replied, "Beats the hell out of me, but she's the guest of honor now."

All eyes firmly on her, the new arrival made it to the center of the room and her fingers went to her zipper. Before she could proceed, the lights faded altogether. Several of the gathered leapt and scattered until they received illumination once more.

In front of the unknown female now stood the sword wielder in green and black.

"Is this a sick prank? Who's behind this?" the host demanded.

"Sir Malachite!"

Byron backed up against the couch. "Fuck! Those stories are real?"

Rising, Rob snatched his gun from the inside of his suit jacket. "You get the hell off my property."

"Gladly." From the chandelier, Earl Azurite landed on and pinned him, bearing his electrified staff. "After we have the mutants. All of them."

At the chair hurled at him, Azurite arose to his feet to deflect the wood. Others took the opportunity to retaliate as well. Sir Malachite swung his sword, but their real surprise came when the mysterious white haired woman began delivering roundhouse kicks.

When the house's private security raced in with guns ready, Azurite sighed internally. "The ever consistent but useless nature of adults." He felt pressure on his shoulder.

Byron glowered into the masked face. "I don't know who the hell you are, but you're in the wrong house, Robin Hood."

Throwing him off and into a coffee table, the blue adorned Courtier countered, "It's Earl Azurite to you, peasant." While the fight commenced, he hurried to the three wickedly frightened females clustered together. "Ladies, come with me, please. There's no time to waste."

Clearly captivated by his chivalrous appearance and wanting away from the scene before them, the three followed his lead.

Their mutant energy strengthening his every step, Azurite sped from room to room to gather the others. He found two mutated women bound to a bed together and another dangling from the ceiling by her chained wrists. When he stepped into one guest suite, Azurite had to silently pray to keep the contents of his stomach at bay. Not only did he walk in on a middle-aged man on top of a naked woman, he spotted a tiny girl curled up in one corner of the room and crying.

Rage replacing shock, the Earl tore the man off the bed and into the desk. Raising his weapon to its highest setting, he drummed his staff to zap him to a merciless degree. Leaving him a screaming mess, Azurite stomped on his stomach, forcing him to endure the pain winded. Yanking up the discarded comforter, he gave it to one of the calmer women to cloak the one hyperventilating on the bed. Kneeling, he collected the girl into his arms. No more than eight or nine years old, she had a thin layer of golden fur and a long dark mane of hair. Outside of the fur, her face had a mainly regular appearance.

When his powers reported all accounted for, Earl Azurite led them out through the nearest exit. Giving off the combined presence of a unified pride, he bashed any who got in his way with his staff, which remained on full force. They made it out into a garden and on antsy feet of his own instructed the others to wait.

Fortunately, they did not have long to do so as Sir Malachite and Lady Garnet soon fled the house. Garnet rocketed upward to return to and lower the plane. Malachite and Azurite helped the eight females on board. While Lady Garnet piloted, the males handed out the clothing and blankets she had made sure to load before initial takeoff.

When the last one he acquired reached her arms out beseechingly, Azurite glanced down at the girl he still held. "Is she your mama?" At her nod, he allowed her into the hold of the shaken one.

"Sisters," splitting his mask apart for them to see his eyes, Azurite told them, "I am one of your own and I vow to see you out of harm's way. I am Earl Azurite. She is Lady Garnet," he indicated his elders without facing away, "and he is our leader, Sir Malachite. We're transporting you to safety. Now, please," he slowly presented his hands, "let my gift restore you."

Though none of them spoke, all watched him. Straight through the gloves he wore, Azurite's mutated aura radiated. It spread through and rejuvenated them from their weakened states. Afterwards, he began giving out the available water and nonperishable food items aboard the plane. He unwrapped a snack cake and held it out for the little one to sink her teeth into.

At the front of the plane so as not to disturb the goings-on, Sir Malachite watched. Turning to Lady Garnet, the two shared the same look and sentiment.

IIIIIII

Both dogs with food and water filled to their contentment, the girl set about seeing to human cuisine. After removing a few items from the refrigerator, she busied herself at one countertop.

Dressed in athletic apparel with only his fingers acting as his comb, the fatigued male navigated his way into the kitchen. "Ugh…"

Glancing back, Cordelia's features reflected concern. "Are you feeling alright?"

"Just trying to adjust. Sleeping until noon without a hangover- mind-boggling concept." Chris saw clear enough to acknowledge Courage with a rub across his furry coat. Cordelia prepared a mug of coffee from the fresh pot and handed it to him. "Life support, thank you." He thirstily sipped.

"Are you sure those women will be alright?"

"Physically? Yes," Chris answered specifically. "Felicia is housing them at one of her family's properties. They will have staff and medical care on hand."

Cordelia reasoned, "How do we know we can trust any of them not to reveal anything?"

"These physicians make more than cardiologists. As for the rest, most of them hail from Mexico, the West Indies, and Eastern Europe. Essentially, they're in no position for whistle blowing."

"True enough," Cordelia accepted.

His coffee sufficiently evaporated, Chris carried the mug to the dishwasher. "I'm heading over to FC. You three will be by later?"

"Yes, but eat something first." Cordelia presented him with a plate of chopped cantaloupe, strawberries, bananas, pears, grapes, and a scoop of cottage cheese in the center.

"Beautiful. And I don't mean the fruit." Chris took the plate and kissed the top of her head. "A lazy oaf could get used to having you home again, Baby Sis." He smiled charmingly. "No pressure, my little Lady."

She looked back at him in knowing amusement. "Oh, of course not."

Courage followed Chris out of the kitchen.

Nate entered shortly after and acknowledged Beauty with, "Hi there, girl." He playfully bumped hips with Cordelia. "Hi there, girl."

"Hi there, gent," she returned. "Hungry?"

"Twenty to thirty times a day." He then wondered, "Is the service team under revolt? Have I been that big a terror?"

"No," a humored Cordelia replied. "I like to create in the kitchen from time to time."

"Wait, wait. Let me get this straight." Still facing her, Nate lowered into a chair. "You can cook, sew, repel bullets, royally kick arse, and force Miss America to cry herself to sleep every night? I swear, if you came to us as the sole survivor of a dying planet, I'll keep your secret to my dying day."

"You're not allowed a dying day." With a bliss reflecting smile, Cordelia further stated, "Here's a little fact that's not so secret. You are most definitely my second favorite Brit in the whole world."

Nate practically glowed from his toes on up. "Behind the Oxford Legend himself? Looks like I'll have to add too kind to your attributes." He then noticed something and asked, "Where's Fab if not attached to your lips?"

Cordelia flicked his chin. "He left me a note saying he had to run out for a while. He probably ate earlier, but that's no reason why we can't enjoy a high-noon feast. In front of the TV preferably."

Nate laced his fingers in sheer giddiness.

IIIIIII

After an exchange of Spanish repertoire, the dark haired woman led the young man up to the correct floor. Fabian gazed around at every little detail, having never seen so many quaint ceramic knickknacks since his long-gone days of visiting elder relatives. Despite being surrounded by a tall black fence, the building itself looked like nothing more than a privacy cherishing luxury duplex.

Brought before the correct door, Fabian lifted his fist in a tentative knock. Several seconds passed until the lock unlatched and the trepadatious shining eyes dared peer out at the visitor.

"Hola- hello. Remember me?" Fabian dipped to one knee, keeping a careful distance.

"… Earl Azurite," the girl distinguished.

With a nod, he said, "You may call me Fabian if you like. I was- I was afraid. I wanted to make sure you were alright. Are you?"

She blinked a few times. "You were afraid? For me?" He gave her another nod. "How come?"

"I'm not sure," Fabian responded sincerely. "I just know I had to make sure nothing happened to you. May I come in?"

Hesitation reigned until the child stepped back and creaked the door open wider. Fabian slowly ventured inside, not wanting to startle her. The festive lavender and white decorative theme of the room in addition to the picture window satisfied him. Remembering the plastic sack he carried, Fabian withdrew the plush creature from it.

He brought his upper frame down in a bow. "For you."

Taking it, a teeny smile crossed her face over the stuffed lion. "Thank you, Fabian."

"You are welcome." Fabian watched her play in the toy's soft mane. "I like yours, too. It's very beautiful." She now touched her own wild hair, apparently flabbergasted by his words. "I didn't get a chance to ask your name last night."

"… They told me my kind doesn't have names."

The first word to fly from Fabian's mouth upon learning this was, "Liars!" He immediately eased his tone at her flinch. "I am sorry, but they were wrong. You have a name. Please, I want to know what it is."

"In Brazil I was Zelia."

"Zelia," he echoed favorably. "So, Brazil? My family comes from Spain. How old are you?" He then shared, "I'm eighteen."

"Just eight," she replied.

Fabian next wondered, "Where is your mama?"

"Down in recovery. She still hurts very bad."

"Zelia," Fabian spoke with a cherished delicacy, "did any of those men ever hurt you that way? Ever? Please tell me."

She shook her head. "They said they were saving me. That I would do well at…" Zelia struggled for the word. "At auction. Some joked I would be taken to the circus."

Fabian said matter-of-factly, "If you ever go to the circus, it will be to watch the show."

"But…" Clutching the toy with one arm, she indicated her fur, which gleamed in brighter gold from bathing and the room's illumination. "Look at me."

"I am," Fabian smiled. "I saw you last night, Zelia and I only see you all the more now. You're a unique and pretty girl." He presented his hand to her palm up.

Accepting the indication, she laid her smaller, fuzzier palm on top of his. "You did something. I could hardly move last night and you made it better."

"I used my special power to put you at ease and keep all of you well until we could get you to doctors," Fabian explained. "Zelia, the way you look, things you can do or will do someday- they are your gifts. I shared my gift with all of you. It's only different from yours."

Trying to grasp his words, Zelia noted, "You look like everyone else. How can you do these things?"

Fabian responded, "You may not believe me, but you're actually the reason I can do these things. You and others out there like us. Because we are the same, being close to you fills me with strength. In a way, you all make me powerful."

Tension about her shoulders decreasing, Zelia regarded him with a new sheen about her eyes.

IIIIIII

Laps loaded to capacity with waffles, cereal, and other breakfast delicacies, the pajama clad duo stayed fixated on the color set before them. They laughed over the antics of Woody Woodpecker between bites. Lounging by Cordelia's feet, Beauty stared at the screen with keen interest as well.

Downing a large bite of banana waffle with some orange juice, Nate poured himself another bowl of Trix. "This is beyond ace. Back home, I'd be up at six and cleaning out the stalls by now."

"They don't let you get much TV time in, do they?" Cordelia surmised.

"My grandfather considers television to be wasteful rubbish. Mum doesn't have much better to say about it," Nate recounted. "But Grandfather never says no to any book I want. After studying mechanics a bit, I was able to fix up a telly someone had thrown away."

Cordelia looked at him with grand impression. "You figured out how to do something like that on your own?"

Nate nodded, eating a spoonful of cereal. "If I didn't tinker with things, I wouldn't have any cool toys."

"In Westchester, we're allowed to lounge about on Saturday mornings. But the weekend is also for extensive studying and training."

Nate shook his head dreamily. "You're so lucky to be a mutant. So phenomenally powerful."

"How's this for a proposition?" Cordelia put forth. "My gold for your genius."

"Deal," Nate accepted. "Although, if you return here for university, my genius will be at your disposal whenever you need it."

With narrowed eyes, Cordelia accused, "Are you honestly being unbelievably sweet and insufferably guilt-tripping at the same time?" He tilted his head cutely and she brought an arm around his shoulders. "And you think you lack power…"

Half an hour later into continued animated enjoyment, the two proved deaf to the front door. Beauty reacted first to the human elder's presence in the den.

Raising her head, Cordelia smiled. "Daddy." Moving her clutter to the coffee table, she got up from the couch to better greet him. "You're home."

Winston directed fervently, "Get changed at once. Both of you."

Entirely bewildered, Nate stood to also comply with the order.

IIIIIII

Almost literally running into the woman on absent-minded route towards the building, Fabian acknowledged, "Felicia."

She said, "Looks like we're both fashionably late."

Fabian's brow wrinkled in confusion. "For what? I went by the Frosts' house, but the butler said they all left in a hurry."

Felicia replied simply, "We'll find out soon enough," as they continued inside the Fitness Castle.

Within the mainly quiet lab, Cordelia and Nate shared a table with Chris leaning against the top of it. Otto filled the executive chair behind the panels. A pensive Winston stood in the center of the space. Closest to the entrance, Byron glanced over at the final arrivals.

"What did we miss?" Felicia wondered.

Byron responded, "From the looks of it, a wake."

With the full house in place, Chris requested, "Tell us what's going on, Father."

Winston informed grimly, "It's the Harvesters."

"What?" Nate reacted, expression going into repulsion.

"The Harvesters?" Fabian repeated with a raised eyebrow.

"We've gone against them once," Otto began to explain. "They were making a pharaoh's fortune on a self-healing mutant. They're back alley physicians who harvest vital organs."

Byron added, "Before the donors are done using them. We ravaged their last clinic. No surprise they're back in business."

Fabian wanted to know, "Are they targeting mutants?"

"They're targeting a low-income building," Winston told them. "In Roxbury."

Cordelia placed eyes on her father.

"Roxbury?" Nate repeated. "That's the number one area I was warned to stay away from almost as soon as my plane landed. I've heard it's nothing more than a sinkhole for the worst forms of life."

"I can vouch for that," Winston affirmed. "I did grow up there."

Nate very nearly fell from his chair. "You?"

"He wasn't born among the wealthy, Natey," Cordelia reminded.

"Well, I know that, but still- him, sinkhole, Roxbury?" Captivated, Nate grinned at his host father. "My dear sir, you are cool!"

Winston only glanced at him with a twinge of appreciation before returning to the matter at hand. "Doctors involved with the Harvesters offered free exams and bloodwork to the residents under the guise of a charitable organization. What they really wanted was to narrow down the healthiest candidates. They're the ones that will be abducted tonight while the rest will be left to die in what will look like an accidental gas leak."

Chris jumped on that last part. "A gas leak? Didn't a tenement in Dorchester go through the same thing about a month ago?"

Confirming his son's thoughts, Winston said, "Well-staged by Lyle Larson's associates."

"Dorchester is right behind Roxbury in terms of violent crime," Felicia mentioned. "So, naturally, investigation of foul play will not take priority. Neither will the disappearances, most of which will go unnoticed or dismissed as roaming offenders and junkies."

Cordelia asked, "But what's the sense in killing the residents who don't qualify? There's no profit to be had from it."

"Extermination," Fabian deduced.

"Exactly," confirmed Otto. "As with gang activity in those areas, law enforcement does as little as possible. Certain political figures are willing to pay top dollar to have the metaphorical trash disposed."

Cordelia folded her arms in aggravation. "Nothing but mere undesirables…"

Nate reached out for her shoulder. "It takes an undesirable to label an undesirable… or something along the lines of that rubber-glue analogy my mum gives me all the time."

Cordelia smiled softly and laid her hand over his.

"Is there a reason we're wasting time in here?" Fabian urged impatiently. "We have to evacuate the building."

Byron seized the zealous youth by his upper arm. "If we go that route, police and fire officials will rule it a hoax and they'll go right back to their apartments. Not only that, but our entire goal will be compromised because the Harvesters will be expecting us."

"Ron's right," Chris agreed. "We have to pull this off under the radar if we're to keep any of these people alive."

Cordelia got to her feet. "Fortunately, the X-Men swear by such methods."

IIIIIII

No change in activity to be seen, the blue armored Courtier lowered his binoculars. Attempting something resembling comfort with his back supported by the graffiti coated wall. Mask open for the time being, the young Earl gazed up at the older male locked in a firm one-legged stance with arms spread.

"The hour is too near," Azurite vexed. "How exactly do they hire their professional assassins? A vigorous round of eeny-meeny-miny-moe through the phone book?"

Never breaking position, Lord Onyx said, "Actual professionals avoid detection at all costs. They won't act so much as five seconds before the livestock is loaded."

"Livestock," Azurite quoted with a dry amused air.

"That's what they're considered in the eyes of the Harvesters." Onyx reacted to the boy's ginger chuckle. "What?"

"Funny, isn't it? As livestock, they have value, albeit short-lived. In the eyes of day to day society, they're trash to be bagged and burned."

"We do what he can, Azurite," Onyx stated. "Marches, bonfires, sit-ins, even all-out fisticuffs can be completely futile. The only one we can truly change is the guy in the mirror."

Earl Azurite grew quiet until something crossed his mind. "I know this is a major step down from last night for you. Chin up, m'Lord. Perhaps when this is over you'll be offered a gratuitous lap dance."

Dropping his stance, Lord Onyx divided his mask to glower at the teenager. "You have a real knack for writing checks your green ass can't begin to cash. You think I enjoyed that?"

Azurite shrugged. "From my angle…"

"Get your hormonal eyes checked, chico," the man countered crossly. "I have a vulnerable sister of my own. Just being there left me feeling disgusted. And as much as I loathe this corrupt legal façade, I can't abandon my responsibilities."

Azurite rolled his eyes. "Under indentured servitude, are you? You have no responsibilities here."

"Yeah? I'm looking at one of them right now."

At that, Azurite moved to stand to his full height. "Who do you think you are? You are not responsible for me."

"Keep telling yourself that," Onyx responded evenly. "You can erect all the walls you want, amigo. You're still transparent."

Earl Azurite quietly walked off a few paces to swing his staff at empty air.

Shutting his eyes and mask, Lord Onyx went into a new stance.

II

Crouched on the edge of the roof beside the intended structure, the girl's vigilance remained locked on the street below. Coming near her, Lady Garnet placed a hand on the younger Lady's upper back. Glimmer peered up at her with an appreciative glance. Casting gaze across the rooftop, Lady Garnet walked to the far more brooding Frost sibling. Standing right alongside him, she observed their decaying surroundings. Spray paint made up most of the décor with the majority of businesses boarded up and other properties dilapidated. The occasional siren could be heard in the distance.

"To think your father had to walk through this warzone every single day. The price I'd pay for a fifth of his willpower..."

"Willful runs in the family," Sir Malachite stated. "Though rarely ever in a good way. I have to find those adoption forms they've kept hidden from me."

With a small laugh, Lady Garnet tugged on his arm. "Stop."

"I'm serious, Garnet." He turned to face her. "Without this armor, I'd be dead on arrival in this neighborhood. Everything my father did to get out of here was so that we would never know the stench of this hellhole. My grandfather, father- why am I the rotten apple?"

Raising a gloved hand, she caressed the side of his mask. "I ask such things about my life choices almost daily. You and I were both slow to start. However, we have to accept that the past cannot be undone. But we still have a future."

Sir Malachite came back with, "We do. Don't we?"

From her position, Lady Glimmer contacted the above. "Count, how's it going up there?"

In the pilot's chair operating one of his electronic insects, Domino reported, "I tried keeping my eyelids apart with toothpicks. Moving on to duct tape next."

"I'm sorry you're stuck with watch again," Lady Glimmer said sincerely. "If it means anything at all, I feel much more confident with your eyes in the sky."

"No, doesn't mean anything," he determined, "except everything."

Zeroing in on the street, Glimmer informed hurriedly, "We have baddies. Will check in as soon as we can."

Before they ended the link, Count Domino requested, "Kick a few extra bums on my behalf."

Glimmer called the other two over with, "Sir, Lady."

The adults joined her side promptly, sandwiching her as they knelt to watch the arrival of the three unmarked vans. Pairs of men left every vehicle. At the extensive firearms they retrieved, Lady Glimmer released a small gasp.

Sensing her readiness to jump in already, Sir Malachite shot his arm out as a blockade. "Not yet, Glim. Those guns are just a fear tactic. They can't harm the donors without losing enormous payment. And they want the others to look like accidents."

Lady Garnet reminded, "You'll be able to clear the rest out as soon as the hostages are secured. Once they lead us to the base of their new clinic, it will be our turn to implement a little fear."

Glimmer nodded.

The three watched as the Harvester's hired hands furtively made their way inside the five-story building next door. After a few minutes of agonizing quiet, the silence shattered with the screams from invaded apartments. To distract herself from the sounds of skin-crawling terror, Glimmer stared down. With so many outcries, she observed as not so much as one person in the surrounding area ran in to offer assistance.

It took more than twenty minutes, but finally the kidnappers emerged with the bound residents. Many adults with older children and teenagers, all were herded in pajamas alone. Lady Glimmer almost fell at the way one of the gunmen threw a sobbing pre-teen girl into the back of one van. A slightly older boy, Glimmer guessed to be the girl's brother, shouted in her defense. The abductor used the rear of his weapon to bash his ankle. Glimmer inhaled through her nose and gripped the edge of the roof. Were she in her golden state, she would have been able to crush the shingles into dust.

Lady Garnet slipped an arm around her. "Whatever bounty they think they're making from this will not compare to the restitution we inflict upon them."

Sir Malachite stood straight as the cars finished loading. "Be ready."

"Be careful," said Glimmer pointedly.

Her brother gave her a bob of his head before rocketing off. Lady Garnet ran fingers through the livid girl's white wig and took off after him.

Rising, Lady Glimmer mad dashed and performed a flying leap over onto the next rooftop without summoning her mutation.

"Azurite," she communicated to, "can you see the assassin?"

"No sign of him," the Earl returned in frustration. "Probably being mugged as we speak."

"Begin evacuation, Glimmer," ordered Lord Onyx. "Focus on the people. We'll take care of whoever shows up next."

"Got you." Hurrying to one side of the building, she landed on the fire escape and maneuvered in through the sole open window. She found herself in a living room and the distraught middle-aged couple jumped in fright. The woman had clearly been crying. "Please, please it's alright." Glimmer's voice came out in a plea. "We're going to get your family back; whoever was taken. But you must come with me. Others will be here soon and they're going to kill all of you. Please," she gestured wildly at the window, "go, hurry!"

Gripped with uncertainty, the man took hold of his wife and barreled to escape through the space. As soon as they made it through, Lady Glimmer sped on to reach the other apartments.

Below, Lord Onyx returned from inspecting the front. "Something isn't right here."

Earl Azurite regarded him sardonically. "You're only now reaching that monumental conclusion?"

"I'm serious," he barked at the boy. "Follow me."

No time for questions, Azurite ran after the adult's flapping cape.

They reached the building in seconds and Lord Onyx kicked in the emergency exit door. They discovered illumination in the main level hall and hurried in with weapons ready. Picking up on commotion, they shared a masked look before making their way to the apartment. The rushed sound became louder as soon as they broke down the door.

"Who is that?" a female voice demanded.

"Ma'am, it's alright." Lord Onyx with the Earl behind him followed her pitch into the kitchen. "We're here to get you out of—" They took in the sight of the young brunette woman dressed in strange attire. She stood by her open backdoor with a small steel orb in her hand that Onyx quickly distinguished. "No! You'll kill everyone in this building; children!"

"I'm sorry," her voice hitched. "But I need the money..." Getting into her headgear that completed the hazard suit, she shot straight out the door.

When Earl Azurite moved to give her chase, Lord Onyx blocked his intention and tried to race in the other direction with him. The orb flew back into the apartment. The second it bounced from the wall to the floor, it erupted.

Metallic dragonfly flapping about outside, Count Domino paled and nearly lost his voice over the camera footage. "Azurite, Onyx?" No answer resulted and it seemed as if his heart plummeted to his stomach. "Glimmer!" he slammed on the outgoing button harder. "Get out of there!"

On the third floor now, the girl in gold armor aided the retreat of the second to last apartment. "What's…?" She absorbed the building heat from below. "Oh my God…"

"Get out!" Domino screamed.

In a surreal daze, her eyes went to the last apartment. "Not yet!" She ran at it.

"You have to!"

Lady Glimmer only dashed on and crashed through the wooden door. She scooped up the frail and horrified man she found on a cot. She then realized the room to be windowless.

Powering his boots to the fastest setting, Count Domino rocketed out of the plane. It took everything to hang onto his surveillance device. Honing in on her location, he dropped the controller as his ivory armored body shattered the living room window.

Elation sprang within the boy when he spotted the girl coming at him with resident in tow. "Hurry! We have to—" Terror gripped him once more at her boot sinking through the floorboard. "No!" He zoomed for them and Glimmer managed to toss the elder into the Count's arms before the flooring collapsed completely. "Cordelia!"

Struggling against his delirium, the man tried in vain to reach after her falling form. Both males could do nothing as the black smoke below engulfed her.