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.

274. Chapter 274 Clearing the Smoke

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Seventy-Four

Author's Word: Heiress, why is this short and not posted as of yesterday? Umm, Morlocks! Yeah, they're a good scapegoat. Please enjoy and review, fam!

Stacks of folded blankets in a variety of patterns and colors in their possession, Becky and Laci bustled down the stairs. Kiki rushed along behind the older girls, holding onto a much lighter assortment of sheets. Trav brought in as many stuffed creatures as his arms could carry. Frank paused him long enough to take a few from him and place the smaller boy on his shoulders. Scott and Alex took charge of gathering multiple pillows and cushions, mainly so that anyone could roam around on the floor without a scathing Stern Professor lecture. Cody and Joey carried in the most valuable of cargo in the forms of their teeny siblings. While Cody held tight to Mira and Todd, Joey tickled noses with Brian and kept Bounty tucked under his arm.

Sean, the mastermind behind the colossal creation, received assistance moving the furniture around from Tommy and Hank. Leon and Maya used their powers to rearrange certain smaller pieces just right. It took nearly half an hour, but soon the monumental fort, complete with tunnels, escape paths, canopies, and other structural delights stood before them.

"Say hello to X-Fort Omega!" declared Sean proudly. "Remember the rule, no being normal."

Maya smiled his way. "Too bad we didn't add a threshold for you to carry me over…"

"Hey, X-Men, remember?" Sean scooped her up suddenly, making her giggle as she clung to him. "We'll improvise."

Stretched out on a sheet on the floor, Tommy eyed them. "Are they always this kissy?"

Cody scoffed and flapped one hand. "They've got nothin' on my folks." With grand vigor, he bounded to the peak of the fort, a tall pillar of pillows. "And the Cat's king of the mountaintop!"

Striding into the living room in true regal fashion, Charles said matter-of-factly, "His majesty will be fidgeting on the throne if he doesn't get down from there." When Cody promptly hopped to the floor again, Charles glanced down at him. "Must you constantly be out to break your neck, little kitten?"

"Eh, I'll grow a new one." Cody then grinned adorably. "Just kiddin', Charles."

"And what do we have here?" Erik entered with great intrigue on his face.

With a shake of his head, Charles said, "The agonizing cries of designer furniture reduced to playground materials."

"Everything will be in impeccable order as soon as we're done," Hank promised.

"Give or take a week," Alex quipped.

Charles turned to the redheaded boy present. "I take it you're the foreman on this little project."

"You got it," replied Sean proudly.

"A very impressive fortress, I must say," Erik commended. "Could do with a built-in arsenal, though."

Tommy raised his eyes to the tall Headmaster.

Charles said, "I suppose it has a certain eclectic appeal to it."

"Hey, what is going on in here?" Raven demanded, storming in. She raised the playpen she carried. "What about the cave?"

"Oh!" Joey went to lay the pen on its side. "Thanks, Aunt Raven."

"What happened to him?" Erik asked when Victor walked in with an apparently weary Logan attached to his back.

"I'll tell ya the same way our ma explained him to me." With that, Victor shrugged his shoulders.

Soon enough, the completion of X-Fort Omega broke into all-out celebration. Under one canopy of blankets, Raven combed Laci's hair while she, Becky, and Kiki played with their dolls. When Maya inched over, she received relief when Kiki did not object to her joining in. Scott and Frank got a game going with their action figures, using different parts of the fort as stages for Metropolis and Gotham City. Alex, Leon, and Sean partook in mini wrestling tournaments with Joey, Cody, and Tommy. Trav darted back and forth between Hank and Victor's playful encroaching on him. Logan enjoyed the feeling of having the twins in his lap while keeping the occasional eye on Cody pawing at Leon. At Mira kneading at his shirt, Logan kissed the top of her head. Above all the merriment before him, Charles' chest swelled the most over the Cassidy boys latched onto each other.

The Professor's contentment faded instantly on sight of a certain one-year-old yanking on the cord of a lengthy floor lamp. "Brian Henry Xavier, get away from there!"

Almost the entire room silenced at the unusually forceful rebuke from the man.

Before his father could grab at him, Brian developed tears and wobbly sped for his safe haven. "Uncreeee!"

Erik caught him, but offered him no reprieve as he turned him right back around. "Go to your daddy, Brian. Go on."

Trav took the opportunity to ever subtly latch onto Erik.

Joey started to move, but felt ginger pops on his bottom from Alex. The wordless order kept the shorter but not-too-thrilled blonde in place.

A light growl and shake of the head from Victor redirected the eyeballing young ones to their own games.

Taking his baby by his pudgy midsection, Charles kept firm eyes on him as he indicated the lamp. "No, no, no! You do not touch that." He then kissed his forehead and uttered to him, "Daddy doesn't want you hurt, love."

Brian eased crying and nestled against his father. Though Charles could not be completely certain his toddler comprehended his every word, he trusted he received his intention with them. When Brian peeped up at him, shiny blue eyes almost remorseful, Charles smiled back at him.

Looking to Alex, Joey received a head bob from him. With the permission earned, Joey crawled over to snuggle with his father and brother.

"Don't get any ideas, you two," Cody warned his siblings. "If you try to smash stuff on yourselves, I won't be so nice about it." While Mira only kept focus on their father, Todd opened his mouth wide enough to display his tongue. Cody shot him a disgruntled look. "Hey!"

Victor snorted. "That's a runt for ya. Nothin' but lip."

A deep chuckle vibrated from Logan's chest. His attention then fell on Maya, in green seahorse pajamas and stroking Bounty in her lap. He could suddenly make out a consistent ticking from his eardrums. He delicately rubbed circles along Mira's back.

"You okay?" Raven said to an especially quiet Laci.

The younger red haired lass nodded. "Even though I'm starting to miss my mom and dad, I still hate that I have to leave tomorrow."

"So do we. But don't worry." The blue woman intertwined their fingers. "We'll have lots more times like this."

Overhearing them, Leon darted eyes between Laci and Joey. He doubted not at all about those times to come.

Peering in on their men and children, Emma and Kayla swapped a conspiring gaze as they slipped away again to break out margarita mix.

IIIIIII

Lungs dried out and prepared to collapse, the girl released a wretched gasp as she jumped upright in bed. Her heavy breathing relaxed at Beauty's wet nose and tongue against her arm. Blinking several times, Cordelia managed to click on her night lamp. She picked up the bottle of water she kept next to her bed and chugged.

At the knock on her door, she remembered her current whereabouts and knew a steadfast Charles would not be on the other side. Still, she invited, "Come in."

Another male relief looked in instead. "Cordelia?"

"Fabian." A smile slowly spread on her face. "You- you actually heard me all the way down the hall?"

"From Notre Dame's bell tower." The handsome countenance then admitted, "Though the restless pacing contributed marginally."

Cordelia watched him come take a seat on the side of her canopy. "You can't stop thinking about the fire, either?"

"I can't stop thinking about you in the fire." Fabian reached for her.

Cordelia recoiled indignantly. "Fabian, no, look at me."

In full view of the visible bruises coated in sweat, Fabian replied with gusto, "I am. To think I almost…" He gathered her in his arms and began kissing on and around her lips.

When they pulled back after several seconds, Cordelia kept a grip on his navy pajama top. "I almost lost you, too. Crossing that blaze for me."

He stated adamantly, "I would cross Lucifer's blaze for you." His fingers went into her hair and he ensured their locked eyes. "You will not join my losses. Whatever we face, you are—"

"Yours." Cordelia caressed him from the neck up. "I'm yours, Fabian." She brought their lips together again in equal unity.

Beauty's brown eyes regarded them in fascination.

Fabian kept his hold on her ginger and with eyes closed and mouth fixated, his body followed the recline of hers.

At her sharp groan, he immediately arched back. "Cordelia, I- I'm sorry. I never meant…"

Trying to relax from the ache in her back, Cordelia said with resolution, "You didn't hurt me." Her face and tone softened significantly. "But I- we…"

"Would shame both our families." At her nod, Fabian offered one more short kiss. "I love you."

Staying in place, she returned, "I love you, Fabian."

Leaving with a quick rub between Beauty's ears, Fabian found himself at a loss for breath. Making it to the nearest bathroom and faucet, he turned the cold water on full blast.

IIIIIII

Still gray skies of overhead only seemed to accent the arrival of the Mercedes. Like a dismal parade procession, the youths filed down the stairs. While Joey carried her bag and art case, Laci walked between Becky and Kiki, the girls gripping hands. Tommy and Cody followed after with Raven carrying Trav on her hip. Some of the other X-Men lingered behind, simply observing. They made their way outside to where the Xaviers conversed with the Carmichaels.

Upon mere glimpse of her daughter, Julie lost all concept of other human life. "Laci!"

"Hi, Mommy," the little girl bellowed back.

Clint raised a hand. "Daddy's here also." At his child's plethora of supporters, he looked at Charles and Emma. "Seriously, what kind of magic are you people hording? This is the same kid who couldn't stay the night at her cousin's without phoning six or seven times."

With her husband's arm around her, Emma said, "We're only glad we were able to make her feel at home here."

"And believe me," Julie replied, "we appreciate it."

Tommy wanted to know, "You'll be back before I have to leave, too, right?"

"Of course," Laci promised, stepping over to give him a hug.

"We'll have real fun then," Cody guaranteed them all.

Becky said, "I'm so glad summer's coming. You're the best roommate ever."

Raven feigned offense. "Hey!"

Laci shared an embrace between Becky and Kiki then went to the shapeshifter. "Bye, Aunt Raven."

Squatting so that she and Trav could hold onto her together, Raven returned, "See you soon, Gorge."

After speaking to the rest gathered, Laci linked up with Joey to greet their parents.

Clint swept her right up for a kiss to the cheek. "Hey, peaches."

"Daddy." Laci nuzzled noses with him and kept an arm around his neck as she turned to the Xaviers. "Thank you for having me."

"Thank you for having us," Charles smiled.

Julie accepted Laci's things from Joey. "Thank you, charmer."

"Be safe now," Emma wished.

Car loaded with precious girl, Julie sat in back to snuggle and recount the goings-on of their individual long weekends. As they pulled off, Laci's gray eyes stayed on Joey's blue until they finally left each other's sight.

Kneeling, Emma placed arms around her son. "Seems you're not my treasure alone to horde… though that won't stop me from trying."

Joey smiled and leaned on his mother while Charles tapped his shoulder affectionately.

II

"Be glad when she gets back." Entering the kitchen with his friends, Tommy took in Sean and Maya talking to his parents. "Are you guys still here?"

Resisting an eye roll, Liam said, "We'll be back in our cell in a couple hours. You just better make sure you earn good behavior while you're here."

Tommy shrugged, "Sure. I'll hold it in until I get home."

"We somehow knew that." Doreen next put forth, "I only wish we could've joined your grandparents' pilgrimage."

Maya's eyes sparkled with interest. "Are they going on a mission trip?"

"Yeah, Hartford," quipped Liam. "To see Frank Sinatra live."

An unsurprised Sean shook his head with a smirk.

"Okay, troops, grab your bowls and designated cereal boxes and march to the TV," Raven directed. "I'll secure the juice and milk."

"Love your aunt," Tommy uttered to Joey as they and the smaller kids collected their goods.

Joey gave him a little smile, trying to perk at least a smidge.

"Cartoons on a weekday." Cody led them from the kitchen. "This is livin'."

"I miss school," sulked Trav, causing multiple flat faces from the older children.

"We'll be in to see you before we leave," Doreen said after them.

"Hm?" responded a distracted Tommy. "Oh yeah, okay, Mom."

Finishing off his coffee, Liam noted, "Mister Popularity."

"Seems that way," said Sean, partly to himself.

"Do you two want me to pack you something for the airport?" Raven offered.

"Thank you, sweetheart, but don't trouble yourself," said Doreen. "Maya supplied us with a wealth of chocolates to munch on."

Maya smiled. "Call us when you get in."

"We will," assured Liam. He placed a hand on the shoulder of his oldest. "Now, remember, Sean, before you agree to a final lease, make sure you have your instructors review it with you and request multiple copies."

"Got it covered," Sean replied.

"And for God's love, obtain renter's insurance as soon as possible. It is imperative—"

"I know, Dad—" Sean then corrected his exasperation with a far humbler tone. "I mean yes, sir, thanks. We will."

"We really appreciate everything," added Maya.

Doreen hugged her. "Call if you need anything." She went to Sean. "Oh honey, to think this is the last we'll see of you before you're a graduate then a- then a groom…"

Sean held her tightly. "I know, Mom. It's okay. Better than ever, actually."

Liam cupped Maya's cheek and shook firmly with his son. "We should head out."

"I'll be right along," Maya said, helping Raven with the breakfast goods.

Raven dissolved into her blue form as the Cassidys departed. "So, what's on the agenda today for the life and times of Seana?"

"Seana's on the backburner," Maya told her. "I want to make sure he and Tommy get enough time together. Brenda and I are going with Kayla and Wolverine to help out at the safe house."

Raven nodded her approval as they finished stacking the food tray.

IIIIIII

Syringe prepared, Hank made stealthy and quick work of retrieving the blood from the one-year-old so preoccupied.

Joey observed, "He didn't even flinch."

Hank secured the sample and said, "I believe he's more concerned with why his brother's so sad."

In Joey's lap, Brian reached fingers up to touch his nose and chin. "Joooe…"

Joey kissed his hand. "I'm okay, Bri." Hank presented each of them with a red sucker. "Thanks, but what'd I do?"

"Oh?" Hank raised an eyebrow. "Is it impossible to believe I merely want to spoil you once in a while?"

Joey's eyes darted suspiciously. "Well…"

Hank gingerly thumped the top of his head. "I know you're missing Laci already and I more than know how you feel. Those hours Raven and I are apart during the week are really difficult to bear at times."

"Really? Even though you're together all the rest of the time?"

Leaning on the table, Hank used his hand to prop up his face, his expression far away. "Never enough. Not when you see her face everywhere. Mirrors, pools of water, the reflection in a watch…"

Joey eyed the man. "In the fireplace sometimes 'cause of…"

"That beautiful red hair," Hank supplied knowingly. "None like it in all the world."

"Yeah," Joey beamed dreamily.

Looking between them, Brian continuously swabbed the inside of his mouth with his sucker.

IIIIIII

Completely captivated by the view offered from the satellite dish, the youngest Cassidy boy stood near to the now green donning Professor. Tommy found the uniform to be fetchingly militaristic. The boy held his breath at the caped man in crimson and orchid making a landing. Not missing the child's enthused but bashful eyes, Magneto sent him a wink and playful tap to the chin.

"Sorry, we're late." The Banshee boy climbed up ahead of the watchful Beast. He reacted to his brother's snicker. "What's so funny?"

Tommy asserted, "I'll never be over that getup. I thought banshees wore tattered clothes. You look more like spinach and corn mushed together."

"Hey," piped up Beast, "I designed that uniform. And our Banshee happens to be the genuine article."

Smiling, Banshee tacked on importantly, "And Maya likes it."

Tommy kept from rolling his eyes with the adults present. "I bet."

"It would seem young Mr. Cassidy needs to see you in action," Magneto put forth.

Professor X then encouraged, "Show him everything you've got."

With that, Banshee leapt right off the satellite dish. Releasing his lethal scream, he spread his wings and took to soaring on the air currents.

"Everything alright?" Magneto asked of the strangely stiff child. "He won't be hurt so long as I'm here."

"Um…" Flashes of trucks and struggling flashing through his mind, Tommy still nodded. "Mmhmm."

Sensing the discomfort, Professor X petitioned, Banshee, I believe you're missed already.

The second the mutant teen made his return landing, he kept his arms open until his brother attached to his middle.

Beast then suggested, "Why don't we show Tommy how else we fly around here?"

"The simulator," Sean grinned. "Ready for that, baby man?"

"Sure, let's do it," the boy replied.

When the group of males made it inside the mansion and down to the lower level, Tommy proved thoroughly taken aback by the unbelievable machine. He appeared in a daze all the way aboard. Beast allowed him to take up the co-pilot's chair with Banshee, but cautioned him not to touch anything. With Beast on the inside, Magneto decided to remain in observation alongside the Professor from the exterior.

Glancing around in absolute fascination at everything, Tommy gripped both sides of his chair when the machine seemed to come to life. The forward facing monitors came on with crystal clear images of a blue sky cutting through clouds.

Grin growing, Tommy exclaimed, "Grandpa would love this!"
Eyes on the flight, Banshee shared a brief smile with him.

IIIIIII

After helping straighten up the kitchen and laundry areas, Brenda maneuvered through the hall. She stopped off outside of the open classroom, looking in on Kayla conducting a Q&A session for some of her older students. Most of them seated towards the front, they appeared to follow every syllable emitted by the woman. Brenda soon moved on to the library, where Maya organized a new shipment of hardbacks.

Approaching the older girl, Brenda put forth, "You ever wonder where Kayla keeps her divinity crown?"

Maya responded, "Second drawer of the changing table if I'm not mistaken."

Both girls flinched over the abrupt outburst of, "Aiden, quit it!" The glasses adorned Walter attempted to yank his encyclopedia away from the terrorizing younger boy. "Stop! I'm not done- you can't just take stuff!" Rage filled Walter's eyes at the page before him ripping in two. "Look what you did!"

"Aiden!" Maya charged over. "You can't—" She had to keep from using her power to deflect him hurling another book.

Brenda ducked as well. "Ooookay then. I think we need rein—"

"What is going on in here?" With a cluster of curious boys peering in behind him, the Veteran filled the library doorway.

"Wolverine," Walter held up the encyclopedia, "look what Aiden did."

At the torn page, the man approached. "What in the world?" He turned eyes on Aiden. "Boy, do you think books grow on trees?"

Walter adjusted his glasses. "Well, actually—"

"Rhetorical question," Logan said pointedly. He then noticed the lingering youths by the door. He narrowed his eyes in such a way that they scattered out of sight.

Walter brought up, "He threw books at the girls, too."

Glancing at the young female mutants, Logan received their confirmation nods and stood over Aiden with arms folded. "You got anything to say for yourself, whelp?"

Aiden went straight to his back, kicking and shouting incoherently.

The undisturbed Wolverine knelt and released a cry loud enough to shock the boy into silence. "Yeah, I can scream and holler, too. Annoyin', ain't it? Come here." He pried the brunette child up and started out with him.

Maya retrieved clear tape from the desk to patch up the encyclopedia, much to Walter's delight.

Finding one small common room actually void of people, Logan shut the door. Sitting in a chair at the wooden table, he stood the boy before him. Lips protruded and dark hair a mess, Aiden twisted the base of his t-shirt. Getting pressing matters out of the way, Logan briskly moved him across his knees. Eight heavy swats led to a squirming body that the Veteran pinned in place.

"Uh uh," the man snarled, causing the whiny whimpers to cease. "You don't talk, you don't move an inch without my say-so, got it?" He stilled in response. "Whatever's goin' on in that head of yours, ripping up your nice things and carryin' on won't help worth a da- dang. You got a problem, open up your mouth and say somethin'." Logan allowed him up, but kept a hold on him at the boy's tiny waist. "You got me?"

Aiden nodded. "… Yes, Wolverine."

Nodding back, Logan prodded him over to a corner. "Stay put right here." At the small hands reaching to rub his bottom, the man batted them away. "Uh uh." After seven minutes, Logan could see the calm developing. "Alright, that's enough of that." He placed Aiden in his lap again. "Your ma's been pickin' up extra hours, right?"

"Uh huh," Aiden replied.

"You think she wants to hear about you actin' a fool when she gets in?"

He shook his head. "No… please don't tell her."

"So, now you're fishin' for favors?" Logan ran a hand down his back. "You got one more time to act up today. If I find out you've been at it when we leave, you're gonna have every reason in the world to holler the next time you see me. And don't forget, I can pull off a sneak attack at any time. You hear me?"

"Yes, sir," Aiden whispered.

"Better. Now, come on." Standing, he kept a firm grip on the six-year-old's hand. "You're in my sight for the rest of the day."

Aiden pursed his lips to hide his ecstatic reaction to the sentencing.

IIIIIII

"I don't know how you get any work done. This place really is beautiful," Cordelia said of the thriving Ivy League campus.

Nate concurred with, "Yes, especially without concern of facing a stampede from blokes twice your size."

Cordelia squeezed his arm. "Yet half your brain." Nate rested on her shoulder as they proceeded into one building together. "You're sure he's in today?"

"Oh yes," assured Nate. "He likes to make himself available for students who actually stick around during break."

They made it outside the correct classroom and waited ten minutes or so for the handful of nineteen-year-olds to take their leave.

"Cor, did you want me to…?"

With a strong shake of her head, Cordelia took his hand as she led them into the room that easily passed for an auditorium. "Dr. Octavius?"

Glancing up from his briefcase, the man wore a delighted smile. "Isn't this a privilege?" More so after recent events, he knew. "But where in the world is your own private sector of Spain?"

Cordelia informed mysteriously, "Fabian is off gallivanting with his other woman."

"Ah, Lady Zelia," Otto surmised. "Now, if you're here with some sort of spirited campaign to add girls to the student body, I'm afraid I have no choice but to sign your petition."

"Hmm, not today I'm afraid." Cordelia took two front desks with Nate. "I've had… a bit of trouble since Roxbury."

"I noticed at the cookout," Otto admitted.

"I can't talk to the others, especially my father and Chris," Cordelia claimed. "I don't need to give them new ammo to think I can't handle what we do. And naturally, talking to the other X-Men is out of the question."

"The inevitable qualms of the dual life," Otto sympathized. "Believe me, I understand. What you saw in Roxbury… it was hardly even a glimpse of the life your father had to endure day in and day out. It made him stronger, but left him with many stone walls in place. Any weakness or vulnerability is out of the question with Winston Frost."

"Oh yes," Nate knew.

"I don't know why I can't be built that way," Cordelia said forlornly. "It's as if I'm made of butter instead of gold."

"Cordelia, bouts of PTSD are something most of us will have to face in life. Some handling it far worse than others," Otto stated. "But you must never think yourself weak or lesser for the abilities to feel, care, and mourn. If more people could find such things within themselves, mutants and regular humans would already be living freely."

Nate said, "Instead of just humans."

"No," Otto denied, startling them both. "During times of extreme hatred and fear, none are free. Some may receive the illusion of being able to walk in the light with heads held high, distracted by the chains that still weigh them down. Any white man can be gunned down for marrying or simply befriending a woman of color. Chris and Byron are never allowed to let their guard down or fully be themselves without risking their families. Politicians with nerve enough to be a voice for peace are top game for an assassin's bullet."

Instinctively reaching over to clutch Nate's wrist, Cordelia said softly, "It all feels so pointless to fight for at times."

"Yes, I know it does, but to give into that mentality would leave us as useless as much of the world." Going from around his desk, Otto came to crouch in front of theirs. "You are not your father or brother." He looked at each of them. "You are both courageous, persevering onward. And in my humble little opinion, the flames have more to fear from you."

Absorbing the squeeze from Nate's hand as well as the words of the man, Cordelia's inner aches experienced new reprieve.

IIIIIII

Quizzical blue eyes gazing in beyond the solid steel doors, the inside of the seemingly medieval chamber beckoned his entry. Gazing around in absolute wonder at everything, lit solely by the fireplace, his focus fell on the curved weapon above the mantle.

"Whatcha doin'?"

Jumping, Tommy calmed at who the voice belonged to. "Oh, real funny, Cat man."

With a laugh, Cody cautioned, "Better be careful in the dragon's lair. This is where he grows the vegetables of century-long nastiness to force on little children."

Joey looked around. "Something's definitely weird…"

"What?" Tommy wondered, experiencing a bit of apprehension himself now.

"No, I mean because the Erik Kids are usually all over this place," Joey explained.

"Erik Kids," Tommy echoed. "Charles Kids…" He faced the biracial boy. "And you're…"

"Wolverine and Fox affiliated," Cody answered. "But if the Charles Kids are lookin' for new membership…."

Tommy brought his gaze up again. "Swords, daggers- are all these things real?"

Joey replied, "I'm not allowed to touch any of it… so yes."

All three boys gasped at the way the large sword jumped up and off the wall. They veered around to see the handle fly straight into the hand of the metal wielder.

"Not the trio of boys I anticipated finding in here, but no less a pleasant surprise." Erik walked in, magnetically shutting his doors after himself. "Did you need me?"

"Where did you get that?" Tommy pointed.

"Hm, this?" Erik held up the curved sword. "An auction, I believe. Reminded me of one once owned by my grandfather." He used it to indicate the one behind a case on vertical display. "This one I acquired in eastern Ireland from a blacksmith."

Tommy's face proved thoroughly enthralled. "Really?"

Erik nodded. "You wouldn't be interested in a closer look, would you?"

Ready to burst, Tommy replied, "More than anything."

Summoning his powers, Erik unlatched and opened the case. "You'll need both hands to lift it. Mind the blade."

Stepping forward on eager but nervous feet, Tommy reached hands out to grip the weapon's handle. With some grunting involved, he managed to hoist it up.

"Hm, that isn't bad," commented Erik. "Particularly for your size. Do you work out at all?"

"Just a little," Tommy said. "Pushups and stuff for basketball."

"It shows." Erik gently took the Irish blade from him. "I would have to see, but would you boys be interested in a bit of swords training while Tommy's here?"

The visiting boy jumped up and down. "Al-right!"

"Sounds cool to me," said Cody, though he already had some experience there.

Joey regarded his uncle skeptically. "All of us?"

Erik gave him a particular look. "As I said, I will see. I'll let you all know."

Tommy nonetheless stood in total glee over the mere possibility.

IIIIIII

Adorned in blue jeans, sweaters, jacket with hood, scarf, and very lightly tinted sunglasses, the little girl peered around as if seeing the world for the first time. The tall male kept a lock on her hand, acting as second eyes while they moved through the two blocks.

When a heavyset man seemed to come too close to them, Fabian felt her lean on his side and he placed fond pressure on her hand. "Do not worry, amor. I am here. Only the greatest of fools would dare cross us."

Eased by the words, Zelia observed, "It's pretty here, isn't it, Fabian?"

From his time there, Fabian knew Boston boasted much beauty to distract from the underbelly so repulsive. "Si." He stared down at her. "Though I like my view much better."

"My mother sat on the porch longer today," Zelia reported. "Do you think I can do other things? Maybe even go to school?"

"Someday." Fabian paused to kneel before her. "Someday you will be able to do all you want in the world. Leave it to me."

"I will," she smiled. "… You have to go back to your home soon, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. My sister needs me as well and I miss her," Fabian replied honestly. "But I will be back here again and again. Even when you cannot see me, you can trust that I am protecting you and the others." Zelia stepped forward to nuzzle his front. At the building chill in the air, Fabian stood with her. "Let's head back now."

After he dropped her off and visited a while longer, Fabian started back in the olive green Zagato, loaned to him by Winston. When he returned to the lovely estate, he parked and found Cordelia with Beauty. In yellow and gray athletic wear, she walked in a careful pace with the dog.

A flash from the lowering sun splashed across Fabian's face as he neared them. "Pushing it, hm?"

The girl faced him. "No such luck. I went by Harvard with Nate and that took the bulk of my fitness zest. Though considering I can still walk at all, I'd best show a little gratitude."

"Agreed." Gripping her chin, he gave her a kiss. "I'm sorry for almost letting last night…"

"It's okay," Cordelia assured. "And it wasn't your fault. I do want to share that with you, Fabian. More than ever, I want to share everything with you."

Fabian took her shoulders and gazed into her eyes. "What a fortune to have all the time in the world."

An engrossed Cordelia ogled him back. "Daddy and Chris should be home soon. Best get pretty for dinner." She steered Beauty along.

"Si…" At the way her backend moved in her track pants, Fabian had to pocket his hands to keep them from connecting with it.

IIIIIII

Home again with the Howletts in tow, Maya followed the scents of honey and cinnamon into the kitchen. She beamed at the Cassidy pair overtaking the island.

"Hey," Sean acknowledged his fiancé.

"You guys have been busy," the girl noted.

"Yep, here." Tommy presented her with a popcorn ball. "Gran makes 'em for Halloween and Thanksgiving."

"Oh yum." Maya took a favorable bite from it. "Thank you, sweetie."

"Pardon the intrusion," Erik stepped in, "but might I borrow," he pointed out Tommy, "you for a moment?"

"Him?" Sean then sniggered, "Somebody's in trouble…"

Tommy playfully sneered at him and left with the Headmaster. Erik brought him to where Cody and Joey waited at the bottom step of the staircase.

"I've talked it over with the others," the man began, "and I'm willing to teach you to use the traditional weapons under these very specific conditions. You follow my every order to the letter, no tomfoolery, no going near any of the weapons without an instructor present, and should you fail to heed me," his eyes seemed to linger on the blonde in the middle as he went on, "and end up harming yourselves, the consequence will be a spanking you will remember for the rest of this life, going straight into the next. Do you understand me, young men?"

"Yes, sir," they recited.

"Every word, Uncle Erik," Joey tacked on.

"Very good. Now," Erik continued, "when you and your brothers grow sufficiently tired of roughhousing, meet me down in the gym for a little review." He walked off with that.

Tommy placed a grip on Joey's lower arm as he declared, "Your uncle is such a boss!"

Sharing a quick look with Cody, Joey concurred, "Ohh yeah…"