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.

276. Chap 276 The Mask That Grins and Cries

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Seventy-Six

Author's Word: Hi, fam! Okay, so for the anniversary special next week, I'm thinking we go on another blast to the past. Any flashbacks you guys really want to see? Get your requests in between now and early this Sunday. Also, please enjoy and review!

Dark sky all around, the only sounds within the aircraft consisted of Sir Malachite's boots pacing across the metallic floor and Lady Garnet flipping through listings. With the Hardy Foundations investments particularly fruitful that quota, she searched for any suitable properties for use as emergency housing. Though the night's agenda did not consist of anything overly strenuous, Malachite reviewed the situation in his mind. He also fully realized how vacant the plane felt with the absence of the two youngest Courtiers. He wondered if it had been that way when they were still only a trio with no real name. On one turn, Malachite felt the gentle constriction on his wrist. Pausing in place, he saw Garnet latched onto him without turning sight from her reading material.

Eyes forward as ever when operating the aerial vehicle, Lord Onyx still caught a glimpse of the forlorn co-pilot's reflection in the windshield. "All well over there, Earl?"

"Ten-four," came the disinterested response.

"I know this is a far cry from the satisfaction, not to mention stress reliever, of bringing thugs to their knees. But tonight will be a much bigger blow to Lyle Larson's organization than a fist can inflict."

"I would prefer a more direct blow to Larson," Earl Azurite stated. "Expelled through his brainstem by a 9mm."

"Agreed," Lord Onyx said without hesitation. "Unfortunately, we're not gifted with such gratification."

With an inward sigh, Earl Azurite echoed, "Agreed."

When they reached their intended destination, Onyx left the plane to hover. He and Azurite rocketed out together, followed by the other pair.

"Contact us immediately if you notice anything suspicious," Malachite reiterated after they landed on the roof. "I don't want either of you exposed to these chemicals longer than necessary. We'll keep you covered from up here."

Garnet added, "Be certain you are at least twelve feet away from those substances before you attempt to power your boots."

Azurite gave off a shake of his head. "Can we do anything without risk of explosion?"

The adults all looked to consider that and Sir Malachite said, "Very seldom, though that is a good point."

"Come on, amigo." Lord Onyx clapped his cohort's shoulder, going for the roof access. "Let's mix and mingle."

Shutting his mask, Earl Azurite rolled his eyes and followed. "Did you forget to zip your crotch? Your excruciating trite is showing."

"And there's the cranky brat I know and tolerate." Lord Onyx kicked the door in and they proceeded down the flight of stairs.

Reaching the inside and top of the factory, they moved by flashlights as they continued descending through the different levels. They at last made it to the base and the pair of doors they sought. Exchanging a brief masked gaze, they kicked in simultaneous motion. Glad to find the dark space windowless, Onyx felt around for and clicked on the wall light. To their immediate irritation, they found the room packed with two dozen or more toxic barrels.

Going to one while Onyx did the same with another beside it, Azurite strained over the tight lid. "And how necessary is this again?"

Forcing his own lid off, Onyx replied, "If we don't get these compounds contaminated, they'll be used to fill bullets, darts, and other trajectories with a toxin that literally eats the inflicted body from the inside-out until only trace particles remain."

"… And on that note." Azurite ripped off his lid and applied the tablets supplied to them by Otto. He watched it fizz and make the clear substance significantly whiter. "Are we sure they won't be able to use any of these afterwards?"

"Something like this requires a good two months just to gather the components. Once it's contaminated, they have to burn through resources to start from scratch."

Earl Azurite's shoulders tensed. "And they will."

Lord Onyx raised his head the teenager's way. "And we'll be back. Whatever it takes, wherever they go, every time."

With that, they continued on swift feet to defile every container.

IIIIIII

At the way his brother jumped over the face on the black and white screen, Sean had to keep from laughing and held him tighter. From Sean's lap, Tommy stretched forward as if he could actually climb inside the television. Both boys became still and quiet as the woman ran and the music swelled. At the way the TV switched off, they both shouted.

"Gentlemen, please." Strolling in, Erik magnetically turned it back on. "Don't want to wake the dead now, do you? Not to mention everyone in this house."

Sean scowled at him. "Oh, real funny, Erik."

Getting up, Tommy wanted to know, "Where have you been?"

Erik gave him a look back. "Dealing with a migraine's worth of car trouble." He knelt to him. "What are you boys doing up at this hour?"

"Watching the monster marathon," Tommy replied importantly.

"Honestly, Sean." Erik stood, ruffling Tommy's hair. "This is what you expose your little brother to before bed?"

"Sure," Sean responded naturally, "this is half of what we do back home."

Tommy informed, "The other half's deckin' each other."

"That's more like it," Erik nodded. "One more picture then it's on to bed. I'll see about you later."

"Okay, Erik," Tommy said after him then climbed up onto Sean's legs again.

Seeing the light on and door open, Erik walked into Charles' study next. Any stress brought about from the evening instantly vanished at the sight of his daughter in his brother's lap.

Charles pressed a kiss to Becky's head to jar her. "Look whose home."

"Papa," she reacted with beseeching hands.

"Ladybug." Erik took her and kissed her cheek. She instantly melted in his grasp. "Waiting for me?"

"And keeping me company," said Charles. "As I wait for you. Everything alright now?"

"Yes, just some engine trouble." Erik rubbed Becky's back as she began to drift. "My deserving punishment from God."

Charles crossed his arms, giving him a displeased face. "You really think He has a conspiracy where you're concerned, don't you? What in the world did He have to punish you for this time?"

"Due to certain feelings catching me off-guard, I strongly considered going into the city for…" Cautious of his daughter, Erik concluded, "… Some very special company."

"Erik Lehnsherr," Charles chided, biting back laughter.

"And the married gent is casting stones." Erik gestured towards the living room. "You're aware of the Dynamic Duo out there?"

"Yes," Charles smiled fondly. "It is spring break and I don't want them to lose a moment together."

Erik nodded his agreement then left to take the now slumbering Becky up to bed.

IIIIIII

Blue eyes fixated on the steadily filling journal, the pen automatically stopped at the uncomfortable murmur from the one beside him.

"Are you okay?" Nate adjusted the cushion behind her back. "Is there pain?"

Calmly inhaling through her nose, Cordelia resituated herself on the sectional. "The bruising is better, but these backaches get to me at night."

Nate delicately stroked her hair. "I'll get you some medicine."

"No," Cordelia turned down. "I want to wait until we get home. I'll sleep better that way. Besides," she gave him a grateful smile, "you've done enough. You could've gone with the others."

"To partake in turning acid into silly putty?" Nate scoffed. "I think they can manage without us."

"Sorry it took so long." Rissy returned from the kitchen with a tray of hot chocolates and Nate stood to take it from her. "Thank you." She retook her seat on the other side of Cordelia. "I hate when Deloris moves things around in the cabinet."

Taking one of the warm mugs from where Nate placed them on the coffee table, Cordelia appeared mildly confused. "I thought the housekeeper was Madge."

"Oh, she is. Deloris is one of the grad students who sits with Dex when I can't," Rissy clarified. "She's good with him, but she's a little too organizational happy for me."

"I know what you mean," Nate sympathized. "I can't stand for the staff to try to tidy my room. My mum doesn't fuss over that sort of thing so long as the bed is made and dirty dishes aren't left as a buffet line for annoying critters."

"Annoying critters," Rissy quoted. "IE, Deloris." The three shared a laugh at that. "It is so cool having you guys around. It gets ridiculously dull around here." She tapped Cordelia's arm. "You are so lucky. Getting to drive back and forth with your boyfriend, your father actually letting him stay in your house."

"On completely different ends," Cordelia tacked on. "But Daddy does have this truth system. Once it's broken- not good. Also, we have Count Camera here on hand." She ran a hand through Nate's hair.

"I do what I can in the battle against necking," Nate smirked.

Cordelia asked the other girl, "Have you ever had a boyfriend?"

Rissy responded, "Sort of, but nothing like you and Fabian. Byron is lawyer, judge, jury, and firing squad with any boy I like. If I so much as get asked out to the ice cream parlor, he runs a background check."

"Oh, don't even feel bad," Cordelia waved off. "At home with the X-Men, there's my brother-in-law and his brother, my friend Alex, my nuisance Sean, and our security men safeguarding our maiden virtue. You should have seen it when my first boyfriend tried to pick me up. Even Chris engaged in some verbal sparring when he met Fabian. Daddy outright sent us out of the dining room to interrogate him."

Rissy insisted, "All of them combined cannot be as bad as Ron."

"As bad as Ron how?"

The three shot eyes over to the foyer as the man entered with Fabian behind.

"Ron," Rissy acknowledged.

Cordelia sent him a smile. "We didn't even hear you come in."

"How lucky you are that we're not armed. I did hear you, however." Byron shrugged out of his gray trench coat. "As bad as Ron?" He moved to stand over them. "In what way?"

Cordelia darted eyes Fabian's direction, but from the all too amused look on his face, she knew he would be of no assistance.

"Oh, they didn't mean Ron as in you," Nate piped up. "They meant the clown."

Going under his suit jacket, Byron put a hand to his hip. "The clown?"

"You know, Ronald," Nate elaborated. "Patron saint of Happy Meals."

Byron eyed the boy with dissatisfaction. "Those things are the byproduct of radioactive sewer vermin."

"And they come with a toy," Nate added giddily. "Last time I got a slinky."

While her brother regarded the fifteen-year-old with either stunned irritation or quiet astonishment, Rissy switched up topics with, "So, how did everything go tonight?"

"Disastrous." Byron stood coyly. "For whoever opens the factory in the morning. In addition to the contamination, they're going to regret deciding against extended warranties on their machinery."

Cordelia grinned triumphantly and Nate exclaimed, "Wicked ace, mates!"

"Daddy?"

Attention shooting right to the stairs, Byron walked to meet his son partway. "And what are you doing out of bed?" He gently hoisted him up.

Dex folded arms around his neck and laid his forehead against his shoulder. "I had a bad dream…"

"Aw, did you?" Caressing his pajama clad back, Byron headed up with him. "It's alright. Daddy's home now."

Fabian watched them ascend then went to properly greet Cordelia.

The blue-eyed girl jerked her head away from his lips. "Oh no." She batted at him. "A lot help you are."

"I hate missing out on a good floor show." Capturing her wrist, he opted to kiss the back of her hand instead.

Rissy glanced over at Nate. "Really, patron saint of Happy Meals?"

Nate countered, "Don't spit upon my beliefs."

II

When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires will come to you

If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do
Fate is kind

Smoothing the comforter around his son while dog and boy kept brown eyes fixed on him, Byron sat on the side of the bed. The enchanted words continued emitting from his lips.

She brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of their secret longing
Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true

As the easiness cocooned him, Dex better settled under his covers. "Thank you, Daddy."

Placing a large hand on the boy's chest, Byron returned, "Thank you."

"For what?" Dex wondered.

Byron leaned forward towards him. "If you only knew."

Dex touched both sides of the man's wrist. "Daddy, if Zelia's mom says it's okay, can she come to school with me?"

Sighing through the nose, Byron's eyes grew heavy. "I wish she could, son. I really do. But it isn't safe for Zelia."

"But you said my school is safe for me."

"Your school is safe for people who look like us and Aunt Rissy," Byron explained. "However, it isn't safe for someone who looks as unique as Zelia. You see, for people to know how talented you are, you would have to show them. Zelia can't walk into a room without everybody seeing how different she is. And they wouldn't just tease her for it. There are those who would want to hurt her for it."

Dex claimed, "I can keep her safe from them."

Byron smiled and chuckled lightly. "I know you can. But I don't want you having to fight unless you have to. And you shouldn't have to fight your way into school. You know, like the bussed kids on television?" Dex nodded his recollection. "It's my job to put up that fight for you and it's your job to go to school, learn everything you can- more, and one day you can make things better. If you truly want to."

"Oh, I do, Daddy. But I want things better for Zelia right now."

"So do I. What do you say we bring over some brand new books for her?"

"Okay," Dex agreed, eyelids weighing down. "Good night, Daddy."

"Good night, little star." Byron kissed his forehead and rubbed Pongo's. "And you make sure he stays put this time." He turned the lamp down to its dimmer setting and stood to go, nearly colliding with Fabian outside the door. "You forgot how to get to the bathroom already?"

Seemingly returning from somewhere so far away, Fabian said, "We… we're heading out."

Byron nodded and followed him down.

Rissy shared hugs with Cordelia and Nate. "See you guys later. Tonight was great."

"It sure was. I'll see you tomorrow," Cordelia replied and Nate said, "I'll be interning tomorrow, but we must catch a show at the cinema soon."

Placing an arm around his sister, Byron addressed the other three youths. "Let's see, it takes approximately twenty minutes at this hour to drive back to Winston's estate. Straight there, no dawdling, no playing the radio loud enough to distract yourselves and/or cause Mozart to rise from the dead to criticize your infantile music selection, call the same minute you walk through the door so that I know all of your pieces are accounted for." At the three blank looks given to them, Byron said, "Do you want a fanfare? Get moving. It's late."

"Moving," reacted Cordelia and Nate.

Fabian followed, taking one hand out of his pocket when Cordelia gave him her keys.

IIIIIII

After finding the right switch to properly illuminate the lower level, Sean led the formation of Hank, Alex, and Leon down.

"Just get a load of this." The redhead gestured grandly around the wide basement. "They're going to finish it in time for move-in."

Alex gave off an enthused whistle. "You can rock out all you want down here."

"I know," Sean grinned excitedly. "All without bugging Maya while she's studying."

Leon pointed to one corner. "You'll have room for your comics over there alone. And a spotlight to read them by."

"For sure," Sean raved. "Wait until you see it. Couch, mini fridge…"

Hank kicked the walls lightly and scanned the area for even the faintest structural cracks. "While I agree that this is a much safer alternative to campus housing, I can't help worrying about the costs to heat this place. Syracuse winters are quite merciless."

"Logan's playing legal aid for us," Sean mentioned. "Management already pays for water and trash pick-up. He's trying to negotiate heating gas into the rent."

"Wolverine is seriously going to bat for you guys. Look at all this." Alex relaxed on the bottom step. "You and Maya are getting the whole nine yards."

Demeanor abruptly filling with agitation, Sean responded accusingly, "What's that supposed to mean? He's just taking his father-of-the-bride responsibility seriously and trying to keep us safe."

Completely thrown by the younger male's tone, Alex said, "I know that, Sean. I wasn't—"

"Wolverine and Kayla have tried to help instead of chewing us out about our every decision," Sean continued the tirade. "So, I don't appreciate you or anybody implying that we're just collecting handouts like I can't take care of my own wife or something."

Leon clamped a hand down on top of Sean's head as he countered, "And I don't appreciate you attacking the guy who got into Charles and Erik's faces on your behalf."

Regret replacing his heated bravado, Sean dipped his head in shame. "Geez… I'm sorry, Alex."

The blonde stood to go hug him. "Forget it, Seanie. You've got a ton on your mind right now." He rubbed his hair. "Doesn't help that Tommy's leaving on Sunday."

"Nope," Sean placed his cheek on Alex's shoulder, "really doesn't…"

II

"Are you kidding me?" Raven reacted with much robustness upon sight of the kitchen.

Maya brought them to circle the island. "I know. I don't believe it, either." She glanced at Kayla. "When you guys mentioned apartment hunting, my head went to studio- not symphony dancehall."

Kayla reasoned, "Our first concern was your privacy. With everything going on, we have to stay cautious."

"Exactly," concurred Emma. "And these townhomes are lovely starting points."

"I'll say," seconded Raven. "Are they doing anymore showings today?"

Almost materializing in the eatery, Charles inquired, "Why would that matter to you, hm? It isn't as if you're ever leaving- ever. Darling, I'd really hate to move you into the secret dungeon again…"

"Joke's on you," Raven replied smugly. "I painted it pink last time. And for your information, I just want to ogle other people's homes without getting the cops called. Hank and I already have a dream suite at home."

"Ah, very good then." Charles scanned for his other fledglings. "They're still out back?"

Maya nodded and gestured. "With the men folk."

The Professor headed for and out of the rear door. On the porch, Logan and Becky sat on a blanket, monitoring Brian, Todd, and Mira. Trav and Kiki had dozed off near the baby boys. Erik and Victor raced about the yard with Joey, Cody, and Tommy. The little boys tried to hasten past the grown men blocking their path. Cody jumped at Victor, who toppled over with his nephew in his grasp. Erik went to the ground as well, succumbing to Tommy and Joey's tickling fingers.

Elation overcame Charles at the way his brother laughed so freely. "This was brilliant thinking, Logan."

Cradling Mira, the older man said simply, "Only the best for my girls."

Stepping out a few minutes later, Sean waved at his brother. "Having fun, bad boy?"

Tommy stuck his tongue out with a grin.

Sean then gazed down the porch to the Eye Scream Team swapping baseball cards. "So, what do you think?" He headed for them. "We can have some great guys' nights here, right?"

Frank nodded, his eyes down on the cards. "Yeah, it's nice."

Scott studied a rookie option. "Very pretty."

Stirring, confusion over his location startled Trav a little. "Mommy?"

"It's okay, little guy." Frank shot up to dash and gather him. "Yeah, we're fine. We're just checking out Sean and Maya's place." He lifted him to carry inside. "Mommy's in here."

Sean sighed until he felt a hand in his. He glanced down at Becky and a prompt smile grew. She guided him down the steps to partake in the playful antics.

IIIIIII

Against the strong chest of the one she shared a deck chair with, Cordelia noted, "You're so quiet."

Fabian stared at the still waters of the pool. "As if I ever have anything substantial to say."

Raising her head, Cordelia kissed his chin. "What's wrong?"

"This week… I can't remember anything like this."

"The fire and everything?"

"No, feeling like this," Fabian tried to explain. "Worthwhile, part of something beyond proclaiming my family's genetic perfection. The Courtiers are nothing like the Acolytes. We've been saving people, helping mutants. Not just keeping them in our back pockets for potential usefulness. And Byron…"

"What about him?"

Fabian carefully left Cordelia in the chair while he got up to pace anxiously. "It makes no sense. He's an ordinary man with a mutated monster for a child. After what he went through just to conceive him, how is he not angry, disgusted? If Dex is ever discovered, Byron could lose everything he's ever worked for. And your father," Fabian veered to look at her, "having us here in his house, at his table, using his things… Otto Octavius doesn't have a mutant child at all, neither does Felicia- what is it they want?"

"To help us," Cordelia answered. "I know that's the hardest thing you'll ever have to believe." She sat up straighter. "You don't want to leave. Do you?"

Fabian stared downward. "… My sister, Cordelia."

"I know," and Cordelia did. "Being around Dex and Rissy really made me miss Joey and Angel. All of the others. But… Nate."

Fabian presented the question on both their minds. "How are we going to keep this up?"

Cordelia spoke the only response they had. "I don't know."

Returning to her, Fabian lowered to kiss her. "I'll be in later. Do you want me to take you inside?"

"I am not completely helpless, you know. And yes."

Getting her into his hold again, Fabian started for the house with Cordelia's arm going around his neck.

IIIIIII

Throughout the clashing of blades in the gym, Sean winced on his brother's behalf. Not due to harm finding him, but because of Tommy fluttering between stiff and entirely lax. Cody watched with worry as well while Joey stood in wonder that anyone's grip, in his mind, could be worse than his.

"Hey!" Tommy reacted to finding himself without his weapon.

"I could have stolen the clothes off your back with that lack of attentiveness." Erik placed both swords on the bench then reached around to swat Tommy's bottom.

The force made the boy howl and he immediately went to rub it. "Oww! What'd I do?"

"Your body is here, but your mind is clearly elsewhere," Erik explained plainly. "That's the discipline you face during training."

"Consider yourself lucky," Sean chimed in. "He whacks us older guys on the head."

"We're too little for that," Joey claimed.

Cody scoffed. "Mention that to my dad."

Tommy looked down. "I'm sorry, Erik."

The Headmaster got to one knee and raised his chin. "I'm not angry with you, Tommy. But you must be careful. If your heart isn't into this right now, would you like to sit with your brother to watch?"

"Yes, sir. Thanks." Tommy walked to Sean, who accepted him into his lap.

"You okay?" the redhead whispered, only receiving a nod.

After practice ended, the cluster of males made their way up to the main level. As soon as they got there, Joey's ears proved oddly stronger than Cody's as he made haste for the living room. On the couch, he saw the heads of bright red chatting together.

"Laci!"

The illuminating smile came his way. "Joey, there you are. We got back early." She noticed his sweaty attire. "Were you riding Xander?"

Raven said wryly, "They're learning swordsmanship, actually."

Laci's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Yeah…" Joey broke out of his dreamy trance. "I should probably go change…"

Getting up, Laci offered him a hug. "No rush."

Tommy and Cody hid building laughter. Erik and Sean found themselves having to do the same.

IIIIIII

Attempting to make sense of the paper mill his desk had been reduced to, Chris searched the file cabinet and a drawer as well.

"Have you seen…" He gazed over at the boy situated at the side desk. "The Mitchell document?" Not looking away from his own writing, Nate slipped him the beige folder. "Lifesaver. I'm still not used to having my own office."

Nate asked, "Do you want a coffee refill?"

"Thanks." Chris handed him his empty mug. "And I'm sorry about the paperwork pileup. I know this isn't the thrill ride of precarious, high-tech weaponry."

"No, I don't mind the quiet." Walking to the small table near the wide window, Nate poured him a fresh cup from the personal coffee maker gifted to Chris by Felicia. "Gives me a chance to work on letters to Mum. You know," bringing the cup to him, Nate lingered by Chris' chair, "I know I'm not supposed to see anything "unsettling" and that I'm to feign deaf during adult conversations, but I heard what Byron was saying the other night. About men who want children but are denied them. I have to say, I feel pretty privileged. I haven't had a father in years and Grandfather is so reclusive. Now, I have a host father, a phenomenal professor in Doc Ock, and a terrific mentor around me. Even Byron and Fab."

At the boy's sentiment, Chris placed the mug down. "I spend a lot of time wondering if I'm doing right by anyone; you, my nephews, the team. I can't count the mistakes I've made as an older brother, but Emma and Cordy still stand by me. You know that I only keep you out of certain things to protect you, right?"
"I have an inkling," Nate replied cutely.

"Up for some takeout after this?"

"Only if it involves Happy Meals."

IIIIIII

Giggles overflowed from the secluded trail clearing. Camera as eager as the girl who operated it, Laci snapped numerous photographs of the boys turned monkeys. When they ceased swinging from tree branches, Cody, Fred, and Tommy lined up to leap stone to stone across the pond.

"Come on, Joey," Cody waved over.

In a comfortable spot on the grass with Laci, the blonde shook his head. "No way. If I fall and crack my skull, my dad will go ballistic."

"Oh, what'll he do, anyway?" Fred jumped to the second stone after Cody. "Take away your reading privileges? Your dad's a softie."

"His hand isn't so soft," Joey informed.

Cody looked back. "His yardstick, either."

Fred started to say something until he felt the sudden weight on his back. "Whoa, watch it, Virgenius! You trying to take us both out or what?"

"Just making this a vacation to remember," smirked Tommy.

Laci leaned on Joey's shoulder. "It already is."

Smiling, Joey took to his sketchbook while Laci sought to conquer Charles' camera quick-draw record.

IIIIIII

Before the teenager even reached the block he sought, the swell of various people could be seen for nearly the entire stretch. As he managed to get through and inched closer, he saw the decorations- ribbons, cards, teddy bears, plentiful flowers- that made up the memorial. It stood a few yards away from the scorched, demolished remains of the former apartment house. He saw many resisting tears, but several present appeared ready to collapse in sobs. In the middle of it all, a black man in a dark suit- presumably a minister, attempted to offer booming words of solace to them all.

Fabian noticed a row of grammar school children kneeling on the sidewalk with hands joined and heads bowed. Slowly approaching, Fabian moved to his knees beside them. He showed his right palm and the boy closest to him linked up with him. Head going down with theirs, Fabian stayed in position with them until the oldest child and prayer leader concluded. Rising again, Fabian thought a bullet coursed through his chest and believed his eyes deceiver. Zeroing in, his brown irises confirmed the young woman in black coat with dark shades.

The second she started to walk, Fabian did likewise. He moved through the crowd at a careful pace, but with the swiftness of a purposeful shark. She left the group and stopped at the edge of the street, going to unlock her vehicle.

"Excuse me, madam?"

Briefly startled, she relaxed at the sight of the boy. "May I help you?"

"Yes." When only inches separated them, darkness consumed Fabian's features. "You can go to hell for what you've done." Terrified realization came over her, but Fabian snatched her arm before she could flee. "You murderous bitch!" His face met the rim of her glasses with unrelenting force, breaking them in half. "You killed them! Puta! You killed them!"

Despite her struggles and the growing on-lookers rushing forward from behind, the seething teen locked fingers around her throat. He tightened his grip until he could feel her bones.