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.

273. Chapter 273 Rise or Fall from the Ashes

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Seventy-Three

Author's Word: Hi, fam! Hope everything's good or better yet, great with all of you. Thanks for the last feedback. Please enjoy and review!

Along the wax paper that lined the med table, the pristine instruments gleamed underneath the florescent lighting. Scalpels, saws, specialized hammers, and other tools laid at the ready. They carried little in terms of morphine or other relievers, but that mattered not in the grand scheme. The far less expensive gas still guaranteed paralysis. The inevitable agony would be short-lived throughout most of the reaping process. Best of all, from their pain would birth purpose. Overall, a far greater end than the overdosing and stray bullets typically led to the destruction of their kind.

Fully attired in green scrubs, their hair tucked away under hats, masks, and gloves the tall male and petite woman awaited their latest shipment. With the promise of so many prospects from a smaller apartment house than usual, the whole thing left them with the anticipating of fanciful tots on Christmas Eve. Their excitement intensified at the approaching footsteps and they faced the double door entry of the salvage room. The pair jumped when a member of their security, beaten and groaning, literally rolled in. From the dim lighting of the hall, another guard emerged with an unyielding arm around his neck.

With her crossbow ready hand attached to the petrified man's temple, Lady Garnet asked, "Is there anyone else here?" At the suddenly frozen scientists, her tone lost its pleasant calmness. "Are there others?"

"No!" the man finally answered. "We're the only ones! Please, we haven't done—"

"Utter one more syllable and you'll find your reproductive parts among the harvest." Mask or none, Lady Garnet's disdain sounded through clear as day. "I present you with two options. Come with me quietly or be buried beneath the rubble with screams left unheard- like so many of your 'patients'."

Not hesitating in the slightest, the medical duo started out by her with arms raised. With a swift kick to his side from the Lady, the fallen guard scrambled up as well.

II

Their weapons severed and wrists bound together in back to back pairs, the gagged formerly armed men looked on as the one in green and black released their abductees from their binds. When he finished with the last truck, Sir Malachite had to hold back the young man they had left with a wounded ankle earlier.

"Get off me!" he demanded, attempting to lunge. "Get the hell off me! I want those mother fuckers!"

"Join the club!" Malachite firmly but gently forced him up against the inner wall of the truck. "Unfortunately, we don't have the time. We have to get you all to safety."

Several of the older residents chimed in their agreement, plainly longing for their loved ones. The boy growled, but eased to go comfort his still distraught sister.

At the doctors and guards who marched out next with hands cuffed, Sir Malachite jumped from the rear of the truck to address his partner. "Everything all clear?"

"I sure hope so," Garnet replied. All looked over in astonishment as the clinic disguised as a storage facility caved in. "Otherwise, the rats and racoons will enjoy one glorious feast this night."

"That's out of our jurisdiction." Malachite turned to the awaiting residents. "I know you've all been through a lot, but is anyone coherent enough to drive one of these vans back? We'll get you shelter as soon as we return you to your families."

One middle-aged man raised his hand. "I'm good to drive. Anything to get back to my kids."

Malachite accepted with, "Then let's be off."

The female scientist piped up indignantly, "You're not going to leave us out here this way…"

Lady Garnet promptly turned back. "The only reason we're leaving you breathing is because your deaths, however pleasurable, would be counterproductive. Count your blessings." She continued on for the driver's seat of one of the vans.

After securing everyone and getting the cars shut, Sir Malachite climbed inside his designated vehicle. The three started back for the building with the two Courtiers grateful to have the hardest part now behind them.

II

With a groan and murmur, the youth in black and blue armor felt some form of clarity return to him. Realizing the adult above him, Azurite recalled the shield Lord Onyx had placed over them immediately after blocking the younger male's body. Crawling out from the mound of brick and plaster, Azurite carefully tugged him free next.

"Onyx?" Supporting the man's upper frame in his lap, Azurite tapped his chest plate and facial area. "Lord Onyx!" Mindful of his head, he shook him a bit. "Wake up!"

The gray mask split apart, revealing the intact but worn face of the one underneath. After a coughing spell, he managed a self-satisfied small smile for the teenager. Azurite returned his own thoroughly pleased countenance.

Until a very harsh reality dawned on him. "Cordelia!"

"What the hell happened?"

"Who did this?"

"That lady helped us! Where is she?"

Situated on the curb with the equally silent elderly man, Count Domino appeared deaf to their questions. He and the frail resident clung to each other, made stunned by the ongoing blaze.

"Domino!"

At Onyx's voice, the boy finally looked up.

"Where is she?" demanded a frantic Azurite. "Where is Glimmer?" At Domino's shaking shoulders, the older teen snarled, "Answer me!"

Onyx gripped him by the shoulder to contain him.

Entire body overcome by tremors now, Domino uttered, "S- she fell…"

"No…" Azurite's eyes swelled along with the rest of his insides. "No!"

Lord Onyx tried to keep a hold over him before he could race in. "No! She's gone! She's gone- fuck, Azurite! We're not losing you, too!"

"Get away from me!" With every ounce of force available to him in that moment, Azurite broke away. "She's alive!" He ran with untold stamina. "I still feel her! She hasn't left me! Take my power, Glimmer!" He unleashed massive waves of his mutation. "Take it all!"

II

Wedged between levels, the far from alert girl found herself unable to rocket free. Her continued movements caused her to crash from the floorboards. Almost swallowed by the awaiting flames, she summoned enough strength to call on her golden form. The move allowed her to land safely, though the heat now became attracted to her skin of precious metal. Able to see nothing but endless black, she tried to crawl through. The intensity becoming too much, she collapsed. Her gold shifted in and out until an overwhelming vivacity cloaked her. Solidified again, she dragged on. Unsure of how far she made it, she heard the voices desperately beseeching her name before she dropped in a faint.

IIIIIII

The calamity taking place in the hall, the so recently awoken girl stood in dismayed confusion.

"What's going on?" She started towards the activity, but the strong arms pulled her away before she could reach the master bedroom. "Daddy, what- what's going on?"

"Cordelia, your mother… I found… she… she passed away in her sleep last night."

All the coloring left her face at once and a crushing dryness filled her throat, causing her to struggle for air.

At the moaning, however strained, the steadfast boy raised his head with joy. "Cor? She's waking up!"

Promptly snapping attention away from where they lingered absently in the room, the Frost males gathered around the bed with Nate.

Her lips parting, she murmured, "M-Mommy?"

Bringing his hand to her forehead then cheek, Winston caressed both. "It's me, little gem. Daddy's here with you."

"Daddy?" Parting eyelids, she showed her blue orbs. She next recognized, "Chris," then incoherently panicked. "Nate!"

Moving in closer from his chair, the petitioned one gripped her hand. "I'm right here, Cor. See? I'm fine."

Relieved now, the girl remained confused over her surroundings. "Where am I?"

"Easy, Baby Sis." Chris patted her stomach over the linens. "We're at the Castle. This is just a little medical suite Otto put together a while back."

"Here, sweetheart." Winston presented her with the glass of ice water. "Drink it slow."

Cordelia raised her head enough to sip through the straw. "What happened?" she asked after emptying most of the glass. "Where is everyone?"

"We're all okay," Chris informed. "Byron had to go out and Felicia is seeing to housing for the residents. Fabian's letting off some steam on the equipment."

Winston picked it up with, "The fire was an inside job, performed by a female resident. She very nearly killed Fabian and Byron on the spot. You took a bad fall after getting the last resident of the third floor to safety with this one." Winston reached across to glide fingers through Nate's hair, who smiled a little. "You would have died if not for Fabian sending you his mutation. You came close, but he had to carry you the rest of the way after you passed out. You're going to have some aches and pains to endure, but we're indescribably fortunate fever and smoke inhalation were the worst of it for you. If not for your suit and powers, you would have been burned beyond recognition."

As Cordelia looked to take all of that in, Nate started to rise. "I'll get Doc Ock to check on you."

Shaking her head, Cordelia reached an IV strapped hand after him. "Natey, don't go…"

The boy promptly stopped to take her beseeching appendage between his two, not having been altogether eager to leave her side, anyway.

Chris stood instead. "I'll find Otto." He headed out, needing away from the room after the countless hours of dreadful waiting.

II

Body so coated in sweat that a puddle of it pooled on the floor, the raging glove covered knuckles continued the merciless assault against the dangling punching bag. When using his fists became tiresome, Fabian swung and kicked with equal fury. He eventually drooped, clutching the base of the bag for some manner of support.

"Didn't help worth a shit, did it?"

Looking over, Fabian saw that the older male in casual attire had snuck up on him. "Somehow picturing that cunt's face isn't as satisfying as having her here in front of me."

"Believe me," Byron sent out his arm, "I'm right there with you."

Accepting the larger appendage, Fabian returned to his feet. "You covered me back there."

"Did I?" Byron feigned a clueless visage. "Could've sworn I slammed your head into the concrete. My aim must be off."

With folded arms, Fabian narrowed his eyes. "What I can't figure out is why…"

Byron could only stare back at the boy for several seconds. "… Really? We're back to- no, we're still here? You really won't be satisfied until you needle some nefarious motive out of me, will you?"

"It'd be immensely easier than this."

"Than what?"

"Trusting you," Fabian spat venomously. "Because that's what's happening and it somehow makes me more uncomfortable than the alternative."

With a tentative hand, Byron touched his shoulder. "If it helps, there is one thing I have going in all this that's purely selfish on my part." Fabian regarded him expectantly. "I like the idea of keeping the only other pair of brown eyes on this team intact."

Fabian concurred that sentiment with, "Si, hombre."

"Fabian." Both sets of brown eyes looked to discover Otto's presence in the mid-level gym. "Sleeping Beauty wishes to see you."

Only taking time to drop his gloves to the mat, Fabian sped off for her direction.

At Otto's continued gaze, Byron said, "I'll check on her in a while. She doesn't need a crowd."

With a nod, Otto made a path for the elevator.

II

"Cordelia!"

Upright now with back supported by plentiful pillows, the girl stretched out her arms feebly. "Fabian…"

Calling upon all willpower not to crush her under his jubilant embrace, he gave two brief but intense kisses to her lips. "This is all I've wanted," he pressed their lips again, hardly able to catch his own breath, "since I pulled you from those flames."

Cordelia cupped both sides of his face, almost clinging. "I'm so sorry. You could've been killed."

"If I'd lost you," Fabian gently brought her to his chest, "I'd have become a killer."

Nate watched the two with glowing euphoria.

Tight hand around his scepter, Winston eyed the young people for a time before silently slipping out of the room. He took the stairwell down to his next destination, the walk helping to clear the overwhelming fog invading his mind.

At the other elder's entry into the lab, Otto remained in place behind the panels. "It will take some doing, but I should have the damaged armor up, running, and more resilient than before. Though I know there's no rush for our recoverees to return to the field so soon. It'll likely be a greater quest to convince them of that little fact."

Winston walked to where the charred armor with tints of gold remained on one table. "Did I tell you how I happened to acquire my friend here?" He raised his scepter.

"You and your horse suffered a disagreement, yes?" the scientist recalled.

"Cordelia took it upon herself to help hasten my recovery. Now, when she visits home, she continues to bring that glimmer of hope with her. For whatever difficulties and dark days she's had, she's never hesitated to be there for others." A reflective smile came to Winston's face. "She brought the last rays of sunlight into my marriage. Cordy and Adrienne have always had that perseverance about them. Chris and Emma were much quicker to give into self-pity, even revel in it. Luxury of confused middle children I suppose."

Otto asserted, "That's one familial position not even the most brilliant psychiatric minds will ever comprehend entirely."

"I thought Chris was lost for sure after his last marriage," Winston further recalled. "But he's home again and for the better. Emma found an unmatched catch in Charles. Now, after all this time… I have another teenage boy on my hands."

Otto reclined in his chair. "You're a lucky man, Winston Frost. And, if my opinion is worth anything, a deserving one."

After a brief silence, Winston came back with, "It's worth something to me, my friend."

Getting to his feet, Otto thumped the pensive man on the back on his way to the attached workshop.

IIIIIII

Though thrilled to linger in her own shower, winces would not cease escaping Cordelia's lips. Once she stopped running the warm water, she received a full view of herself in the mirror. Bruises and dark marks covered much of her skin and those aches she had been warned about had begun on the ride home. To her relief, her face remained clear. She attempted to morph into gold, but found holding onto the casing too debilitating. She only hoped to be able to conceal it all in front of the X-Men. That thought bothered her for multiple reasons, one of the bigger ones being how much she wanted to talk to Charles, Erik, and Emma about the whole thing. She also wanted to fill Angel in, but knew that could not happen without putting her best friend in a tight truth spot with the adults. She also did not want to be the one to increase Alex's blood pressure. Not wanting to draw attention to her afflictions, Cordelia changed into wintry pajamas. They did not have near the attraction of her spring ones, but considering Fabian's willingness to literally walk through fire for her, she doubted if a bit of flannel would make him run for the hills.

Stepping back inside her room, it did not surprise Cordelia to find Beauty dutifully stationed at the foot of the bed. She eased at her vanity to comb her dark hair as her own personal distraction. Another much needed relief came in the form of Nate, who all too easily talked her into a game of checkers. They played for over half an hour when another knock sounded at the doorway.

Cordelia raised her head in instant delight. "Felicia."

"There she is," the older female acknowledged affectionately. "The reigning heroine herself. Though I must say I prefer this," Felicia came closer, indicating Cordelia's nightwear, "over breathing tubes and IVs. Not even one of your unique style could pull them off."

"It was way more satisfying to yank them out," Cordelia told her.

"I'll say," Nate concurred.

Developing a dimly serious countenance, Cordelia put forth, "I only made it through the third floor. No one's say anything to me about the residents below it."

Expression growing grim as well, Felicia joined them on the mattress. "The smoke detectors on the second floor alerted half of them. But I'm afraid the rest as well as the first floor…"

Cordelia bowed her head as a despondent sheen overtook her eyes. Nate dipped his chin in well, bringing an arm around her. He felt her grip his wrist securely.

Felicia spoke again with, "There is no justification, no excuse, no sense that can ever make this right. But you must know that without your efforts, every single man, woman, and child in that building would have been lost. We also got to the abductees before the worst happened. That clinic's destruction is going to have a painful effect on their organization."

Cordelia shook her head with dismay. "For now. You know they're going to rebuild. They've done it before."

"And we'll crumble them again," Felicia stated simply.

An exasperated Cordelia wanted to know, "To what end?"

Felicia's lovely, placid features and tone turned abruptly leonine. "There is no end! Not until one side declares defeat. Since it clearly will not be them any time soon, we're going to have to be stubborn that much longer. No, we couldn't save everyone last night. But every single one that did survive is as worth celebrating as every loss is worth mourning."

"I couldn't have said it better." They all, including Beauty, turned attention on the blonde male in the doorway. "How are you feeling, Baby Sis?"

Deciding on that one, Cordelia told him, "Better… somehow."

Chris regarded her with whole new fondness. "I'll take what I can get."

"Oh, that reminds me." Felicia placed the gift bag she had with her in the middle of the bed. "No recovery is complete without…"

At the older Lady's gesture, Cordelia began to paw through the bag. "Bath salts, milk wash, scented candles, passion flower and chamomile tea…"

"Great for relaxation, anxiety spells, and overall fabulous maintenance," Felicia explained.

"Ohhh…" Pushing past all aches, Cordelia reached forward to hug her. "Thanks so much, Felicia."

She returned the gesture and sentiment with, "Thanks for being here."

Leaving the youngsters to their checkers match, Felicia and Chris moved through the hall together. In something of a zombie motion, Chris entered his room and collapsed on the bed beside Courage, who's tail wagged at the sight of him.

Felicia watched him with a bemused smile. "You can stop the self-flagellation now. Whips are Ron's department."

"Inside woman…" Chris shook his head with disbelief. "Never saw it coming."

"It was an understandable oversight, Chris."

"No, an understandable oversight is putting a comma in place of a period." He sat up a little at that. "I almost got those kids killed. Emma, Father… no one would have forgiven me. Least of all myself."

Felicia reminded, "That's exactly what you're doing right now." She walked nearer to the bed. "Now, it's true last night came with a lot of devastation, but it also showed the strength of this new team. As young as they are, Cordelia, Fabian, and Nate acted above and beyond. We need each other, Chris. We need you at the front of it all."

Chris moved his head from side to side in dry disbelief. "The drunkard turned glutton turned leader."

"Yes, puts you right up there with Attila the Hun."

"Don't be absurd, woman." Flopping against his pillow, Chris stroked Courage's fur. "He was able to annihilate his own brother. You try getting the jump on Adrienne."

Giving him a wry look, Felicia moved to hover directly above him with her hair streaming on either side of his face. "Can I interest you in that massage you've been longing for?"

Chris stared into her brighter blue eyes. "In the state I'm in, you know where that's likely to lead."

"In the state I'm in," Felicia shrugged casually, "maybe I'm the one who would be taking advantage."

Opening his left arm more, he requested, "Will you just linger here aimlessly? For a while?"

"Exquisite man yet simple tastes." Felicia laid down and quickly got comfortable against his side.

Between her and his dog situated on his right, Chris felt some fraction of his strain leave him be.

IIIIIII

Along with the unanticipated incoming teenager came the rich and unmistakable scent of Spanish cuisine. He set it all up in the modest dining room, made up of floral wallpaper like much of the home. Platters of croquettas, patatas bravas, empanadas, and other delicacies soon filled the table. A curious Zelia entered first. As if led by the child, the other rescued women joined in as well. Their number had dwindled down to five with a few having family or native lands they wanted to return to. Fabian sat around with the variety of female mutants, all of them adorned in concealing attire. Three still chose to hide the majority of their faces with their hair. Zelia, seated right next to Fabian, wore hers tucked back. Getting a view of her slightly pointed ears, Fabian inwardly warmed from the way they added to her adorability.

"What are these, Fabian?" She indicated a bowl of brown, sugary sticks.

"Have you ever had a churro? At a food stand or fair maybe?" At her nod, he told her with a glint in his eyes, "These are filled with chocolate."

Renewed delight caused a wide grin on the girl's face.

Fabian remained quiet while they ate, mostly listening when someone dared present a question or better, talked about the circumstance that brought them into their prior lives.

After they finished eating, the staff took care of clearing the table. Fabian showed the ladies what else he had brought along with him and passed around spring jackets, with detachable hood options, for them all. While they marveled over their new garments, Zelia walked with Fabian through the house until they settled at a common room window seat together.

"It's raining," Zelia said of the falling droplets, clutching her lion toy. "I thought I smelled it coming."

Fabian responded, "Seems like as good a day as any for it."

"What's the matter, Fabian?" the little girl inquired.

He looked from the glass pane to her. "What do you mean?"

"You don't seem like yesterday. It's like something's gone." She used her lion's paw to indicate the teen's eyes. "Right there."

"To be honest, I don't feel the same as I did yesterday," Fabian admitted. "Actually, I feel pretty weak."

"Ohh, that's too bad. Maybe you should be sleeping," the child suggested. "I'm glad you came over, but you didn't have to."

"Of course I did." Fabian faced her now. "How else will I grow strong again?"

With a big smile developing, Zelia continued watching the downpour with him.

IIIIIII

After leaving Sean and Frank to carry out their rare feat of late of having an actual conversation, the boychick pair made a path for Alex's room.

"Have to say, it is nice to know I'm not the only one with biological relations capable of making loud, uncomfortable displays."

Sitting backwards in his desk chair, Alex said, "I hate how rough this has been on Sean. No matter what anybody says, I know he loves Maya. They'd do anything for each other."

"Oh, I noticed." Leon sat on the foot of the bed, facing him. "Listen, Lex, I know it's going to be hard not having him around pretty soon. It's the cheapest consolation prize ever, but I'm here."

"Thanks, but Sean or none, I need you as Lee," Alex informed him. "Besides, I think you and me need to keep our focus on Joey and Cody."

"What do you mean?"

Alex explained, "Becky, Frank, and Scott are already on good tracks to advance in the X-Men. Even if leadership isn't Becky's thing, she's had a place here practically since we first came here. And Sam's already five-stars on the field. You've seen Joey and Cody with the babies. Now, with how good they've been to Tommy. They have it in them to be instructors someday. I can help Joe find what he needs. And I know Cody's got it made with his dad and uncle, but he needs you, Lee. They're still young enough for us to train and prepare for the future."

When the blonde finished speaking, Leon came back with, "While I'm totally with you, are you maybe, kind of wishing you'd concentrated on Sean this way?"

Alex said remorsefully, "Back then, I wasn't fit to shape anybody into a leader. I was… I can't even believe what I was. I was a crap influence on Sean. And Hank, as always, had too much of his own stuff going on. But things are different now. I never want any of the younger kids to feel for a second that they don't belong here."

Leon next brought up, "You want me in on this even though I'm not an actual instructor—"

"Yet," Alex cut in pointedly. "You're going to get there, Lee. We just may have to make it sooner."

"I'll do whatever. Especially for Cody's sake."

To that, Alex replied, "And this is why I need you to be Lee."

IIIIIII

Quiet swept across the Frost household before ten o'clock that night. Despite recent exhausting events, the notion of sleep failed to make a sufficient presentation within Winston. Behind the desk in his study, he stared at the various calendar dates before him, charting his numerous political obligations and funding. Pressure proved ready to boil over at how many men he schmoozed with would have rejoiced over his mutant daughter's fiery demise. Anger building, Winston's fist came down like a judge's gavel on his desk.

Wanting some distance from his dual life at least for a few minutes, Winston left his work area and made his way upstairs. He peered in on Cordelia, who managed to sleep compliments of pain relievers. Beauty laid resting beside her. He found Chris and Fabian sprawled underneath their individual covers. Like Beauty, Courage stayed vigilant by Chris. Winston knew that weekend had taken its toll if his son actually took part in slumber over working late into the night at the French writing desk downstairs. It also surprised the man to note how comfortable Fabian appeared in his designated guest room. When Winston reached the last occupied room, he found its inhabitant in his pajamas and tinkering with a remote control.

"Johnathon," the elder's voice made the boy dart eyes over, "while I fully acknowledge the euphoria that comes with spring break, if there was ever a time you required additional rest, now would be it. You can play with your little toys tomorrow."

"I know and I tried, sir, honestly, but I…"

Winston stepped into the room fully. "What is it?" As if he did not already have an educated guess.

"I thought she… for more than a minute, I was convinced Cordelia had been lost to those flames. She's the best friend I've made since I've been here and I could do nothing for her when she needed me most." Nate's expression became still and distant. "I can't stop seeing her fall into that smoke."

Winston waited until he finished then responded, "I know. I wasn't even there and still the details are so vivid in my mind."

"I'm sorry. The last thing I want is for you to think I'm not prepared for all of this."

"Don't presume to know what I am thinking, little Count," Winston warned. Going over, he plucked the controller out of his hand and gestured for him to lay down. After Nate crawled under his covers, Winston sat near him and draped his palm across the youth's forehead. "I believe you acted well under such extremely dire circumstances. Most kids your age can hardly say the same. Though you are still very much a boy, it is clear to me the man you have growing inside."

Nate peered up at him. "Do you mean that?"

"While I realize you haven't lived here very long," Winston rubbed gently near his hairline, "you'd best know that I do not say anything I don't mean. Now, try to sleep." He twisted off the nightstand lamp. "I'll right here should your dreams get to you."

Nate attempted to settle against his pillows. "But don't you need to rest as well?"

Winston directed pointedly, "Eyes and mouth closed, young man."

With a small smile, Nate rolled over to his side. Winston ran a hand up and down the child's back, taking in the thin frame from the light of the windows. Touching soft hair next, Winston used his fingers to smooth the strands away from the beatific face.

IIIIIII

Back home from his late morning jog, the sweat drenched metal wielder met up with the male telepath on the latter's way out of his office.

"I passed Seanie and Liam on my way in."

"Yes, they're going to spend some time together while Maya and the others are having brunch with Lauren," Charles informed. "I'm hoping they can really discuss the tension between them without—"

"Gonna get you!" declared one Tommy Cassidy.

"Gotta catch me first!" Dashing through, Cody hurled another water balloon. "Boom-splat!"

Laughing wildly, Laci stayed safely behind Joey while the blonde boy unleashed swelled, watery wrath at the other boys.

The Headmasters shared a disbelieving yet not entirely shocked gaze before Charles folded his arms and cleared his throat quite audibly. When that did not cease their overly zealous merriment, Erik caused the clattering of multiple metal objects.

Joey and Laci immediately stopped, Cody's brown eyes became that of a fawn's, and Tommy watched the mutated feat with enthralled fascination.

Erik put forth with a faux perplexed tone, "Are these our young ones, Charles?"

"Oh, impossible," the Professor denied with eyes focused on the impish bunch. "Because our boys know quite well not to run around this house, let alone throwing water balloons of all things."

"Ms. Carmichael, do your parents allow you to behave this way at home?" Erik asked.

Holding onto Joey's arm, the little girl shook her head. "No, Mr. Lehnsherr."

Erik next questioned, "What about you, Mr. Cassidy? Do your parents approve indoor water sports?"

"No, sir," Tommy replied.

"We're sorry, Uncle Erik." Joey turned to his father. "Really, Dad. We filled them up to take outside, but it's chilly today. We dropped one on the floor and it kinda went all…"

"War games," Cody filled in. "But we are sorry."

"And we accept your apologies," Charles said with equal sincerity. "We know you didn't mean any real harm, but you're all old enough to know better than to rampage through the house this way." He looked to his fellow Headmaster. "What do you think we should do about this, Erik?"

The metal wielder did not need long to make a determination. "I believe some corner time is due. Joey, go to your father's study. Cody, down to Eye Spy. Tommy, you'll have yours in my den. Laci, since you weren't throwing anything, you don't have to wait in the corner, but you're to go up to Becky's room to think about this. Fifteen minutes, all of you."

"Come along now." Charles started for Joey, but promptly noticed the excruciating stare exchanged between him and Laci. "We're not sending him off into enemy fire, my darling. It's only for the duration of your timeout. Upstairs now, please." Laci managed to pry away to head for the stairs. "Codicat, I just sent a message to your uncle. He's waiting on you downstairs."

"Yes, sir." Cody had to keep from running yet again as he moved to comply with the Professor.

When the tallest Headmaster placed hands on his shoulder, Tommy proceeded for the Mag Cave. Erik led him to a corner a few feet from the fireplace then took a seat at his desk to review updates on the psychiatric patients. A minute later, he looked over to see Tommy's eyes wandering in intrigue over his far from ordinary decorative choices.

"Be still and face the corner, Thomas," Erik admonished.

Tommy promptly stared that way with shoulders stiff. "… Um…"

Glancing up again, Erik said with additional firmness, "Do I need to add to your time, young man?"

"N-no, sir," Tommy quickly replied. "I just- I liked… could you do some more of that stuff?"

Erik raised an eyebrow. "What stuff?"

"You know, making the metal move. It looks so cool."

"… If you're a good boy for the rest of your punishment, yes." The man placed attention on his files again. "Now, no more chatter."

Biting back a giddy smile, Tommy pressed his nose against the corner.

II

In a side by side stride, the Cassidy males moved through one of the walking paths of the impeccably flourishing grounds. While Sean appeared as one with familiarity enough to walk the entire estate blind, Liam gazed about as if he recently crossed over from the other side of an enchanted wardrobe.

"If there was ever a wonder as to why you're hardly homesick…" Liam beheld the variety of flowers in every bush they passed. "This place is a sanctuary."

"I get homesick," Sean stated. "Can hardly get a postcard from Tommy without playing guitar or reviewing psalms to distract myself."

Eyeing the teenager now, Liam said, "And with Tommy, I at least understand the divide between us at times. He's so packed full of energy, can hardly handle the indoors without cabin fever closing in. Then there's me with the coordination of…"

"A newborn ostrich?" Sean supplied.

Liam gave him a fast look. "I don't appreciate how fast you came up with that." Sean lowered his head with a small laugh and Liam developed a bit of humor about the remark as well. "But you, Seanie, I just don't get it. There was a time you could always talk to me."

"Until I had to go and mutate, right?" Sean faced him squarely. "I didn't get to pick the genes you saddled me with, Dad."

"I know that, son."

"I get that my mutation used to be a problem, but even when I start to master it, you shoot me down," Sean went on. "It's the same old pattern with you. You're always so desperate to fit in, never making any noise or waves, and I wind up being just like you. Mom's side of the family has never lived in fear. Why do you?"

Stopping then, Liam gestured briskly. "Look at the world we live in, Sean. Pick up a paper, turn on the evening news- you can't escape it. Riots, bombings everywhere you turn. It's true I do put a lot of stake in staying below the radar. Because to do anything else is essentially a death sentence. That's the cold hard truth of this life, son."

"The cold hard truth is that you have no idea what you're talking about," Sean retorted. "Yeah, it's so easy for you to fit in. Even before my mutation, I was the freaky pale redhead, disgusting the nuns with my creepy books. I was that scared, shy kid all the way up until I came here. If I'd stayed in Virginia, I wouldn't be engaged to someone like Maya or found out that I have talents beyond writing. Charles, Erik, Trick, all of my instructors really, they showed me more than just how to be a good mutant. They showed me that I don't have to fear or walk in shame behind anyone."

Liam flapped his arms feebly. "And yet again, I'm just Dad, right? All I've ever been good for is clearing your bills."

"That's not true," Sean immediately denied. "Dad, you taught me a lot about responsibility and follow-through. I just wish you had tried to teach me more about courage."

"I did drop the ball there," Liam admitted. "But it's difficult to summon bravado with the knowledge that a couple of incognito men can pop up and throw your son into the back of a truck and leave you unable to stop them."

Sean's expression softened. "You were right about that last night. I messed up big time sneaking out of the house like that. I definitely shouldn't have let Tommy come along. That stunt almost cost me more than I could afford to lose. I'm really sorry for bringing that grief on you, Dad. And for giving you sass about it."

Liam gripped one of Sean's shoulders and used his free hand to stroke his cheek. "I'm sorry for making you feel imprisoned. I don't know what it is, Seanie. Things will be great between us then we end up bashing our heads together."

"I think I know," Sean said. "We keep things bottled up, but when we do explode, it is volcanic lethal."

"That it is," Liam concurred. "Son, regardless of anything, I love you and am proud of you. You have to know that."

Sean nodded and returned, "I love you, too, Dad." He went into the arms his father presented him with next.

"Boneheads." Liam slapped his back affectionately. "You and your brother. Colossal boneheads and the cause of my grays."

Sean stepped back and countered, "Oh, and the fact that you had kids when most people are ready to retire has nothing to do with it."

"You and that sly mouth…" Liam reached up to vigorously toss at the red hair with both hands. "Writer, musician, and comedian all in one. Aren't I lucky?"

"Hey!" Sean attempted to fend off the attack on his head. "You set me up with good material then expect me not to use it?" He jumped away a few paces, smirk in place. "Dream on, old timer!"

"Ohh, you've officially had it." Liam encroached on him with lighthearted menace.

Losing a portion of his amusement, Sean bounced around to avoid the man's purposeful hands. "Whoa, whoa, Dad, I was kidding. Kidding! Dad, I'm almost married- I'm eighteen!" Sean hastened by several steps. "I'm eighteen, Dad!"

"Oh," Liam paused, appearing thoughtful, "are you that first wrinkled, squealing mess making faces at me through the maternity ward window? I swear, your screech then was even more relentless."

Sean put on a big smile. "Daddy…"

With a shake of his head, Liam yanked on his son's suede jacket to bring him into another hug.

IIIIIII

Glad to see the previous day's storm clouds long gone, the Bostonian girl stood in the center of the duplex's ample backyard. Elvis played from the stereo placed right beside the backdoor. It had taken some coaxing and a reminder about the twelve-foot fence, but the other mutant females had joined the outdoor festivities. Three wore long dresses and the other two pants outfits that covered them for the most part. More than sympathetic to them, Cordelia enclosed her bruising with a black circle skirt, dark opaque tights, and a honey yellow turtleneck. Over by the grill, Otto and Winston regarded them without a flinch. A couple dared to near enough to have small talk with the scientist. Otto patiently answered any question presented to him. Nate kicked a soccer ball back and forth with one only a year or so older than him and she seemed to get into it quickly.

Cordelia's agreeable gaze landed warmly on where Fabian and Zelia occupied the patio table. The little girl wore an unbuttoned white sweater over her magenta dress with her thick hair restrained in a neat braid. With the plastic set Fabian brought over for her, the two enjoyed a tea party.

"Hard to believe after this record book weekend." Felicia came to stand by the younger Lady. "They're here and so are we."

Continuing to look around, Cordelia replied, "I'm only thankful to see it, rain or shine." Arms encased her from behind and she glanced up at her older brother.

Chris commented, "We're of like minds, Baby Sis. Best mental health day ever."

Cordelia happily relaxed against him. She then jumped while the other mutants appeared alarmed over the abrupt presence of a small head of raven curls barreling through. He screeched to a stop on the lawn and flopped into the grass, practically bursting with giggles.

Before anyone could remark on the sight, Felicia greeted him with a casual, "Hello, Dex. So kind of you to join us."

Jumping up, the child acknowledged the gathered with, "Hi!"

Standing from the table, Fabian neared him. "You…"

"Are a big help." With a scoff, Byron approached with different cases of soft drinks tucked under his arms and bags of ice in each of his hands. "Couldn't wait five seconds to help me unload, could you? Haven't we discussed this patience issue already?"

The dimple faced boy became rapidly sheepish. "Sorry, Dad."

"Dad?" Cordelia and Fabian chorused.

With Otto and Chris taking the refreshments from him, Byron went to wrap arms around the eager youth. "I'd like to introduce my hardheaded, gnat of a son, Dexton Niko."

Cordelia grinned. "Oh, my goodness!' She knelt to properly greet him. "It's so nice to meet you, Dexton. I'm Cordelia Frost."

"It's nice to meet you, too. You can call me Dex."

She promptly returned, "And you can call me Cordy."

"Wait, he's your…?" Pointing out the boy, Fabian only stared at Byron at first. "But he's a…"

With a bob of his head and gleam in his eye, Byron confirmed, "Yes, he is and yes, he is."

At the little girl who recoiled from him, Dex reassured, "Don't be scared. I have something for you."

Bringing his hands together, a dazzling glow took place between his hands. From the illumination formed a miniature pure white unicorn that trotted on air towards her. A now mesmerized Zelia extended fingers. When the unicorn reached her, it dissolved into small particles of bright radiance.

"Gorgeous," reacted Cordelia.

Byron looked on with a gratified expression. "This will be the highlight of his spring break. He's not used to being around kids like him."

"But you," Fabian pointed out Byron then Dex, "and he- you never said- but you have a- and he's… Que?!"

Byron applied a hearty pat to the flabbergasted teenager's shoulder. "Sound out your words, amigo."

Cordelia could not help giggling over her taken aback beau's face. Spotting something out of the corner of her eye, she turned completely to witness the grill's rising flame when her father briefly lost his handling.

Nate went to her side. "Cor?"

Even as the flare simmered down, the petrified redness in Cordelia's normally blue irises remained.