Rise or Fall Chapter 285 Make an X-Man out of You, a x-men: the movie fanfic

Chapter Two Hundred Eighty-Five

Author's Word: Hi, Fam! Alright, so I'm coming at you guys on a more serious note here. I've put up these sorts of disclaimers in the past, but I think it needs to be mentioned again, for the newness of the year if nothing else.

For those of you who have followed Rise or Fall the longest, you already know the business. You brand new fam members don't get a pass because it should be fresh in your minds. You've seen the various chapters and different subject matters, tone, and overall content within them. Controversy and unsettling moments can and will pop up throughout in a wide range of different ways because that's the way it goes. Time period, character personalities, culture, sub-cultures, and many other aspects go into this. Instead of tossing out accusations, gasping and fainting from offense, or deciding that I've taken it upon myself to commit literary assault against whatever you believe in, stop and consider. Stop… and consider.

Alright, enough of the dull official business. Please enjoy and review!

From around one corner, the inky blackness received twin casts of spotlight from the eyes of the teenage mutant in red, white, and blue. Lighthouse stilled against the wall, awaiting his comrades. Dashing up with rapid reflexes, Calico came to his side in seconds. Taser bared, Maya hurried on cautious feet. The radiant gold beauty of Glimmer flipped through, landing on her feet.

Lighthouse immediately wanted to know, "Where's Trav?"

"Right here, Captain." The boy in specially designed X-Men attire from his father jumped from the side wall and came down towards him like a spirited hatchling.

"Little guy, stick close," Lighthouse urged. "Remember the deal. I convince the top dogs to let you in on a few of these, you don't cause me heart attacks."

Trav used the boa staff he carried to salute him. "Got it. You can count on me."

"Status update, 'House," Vapor requested via communicator. "How're you guys holding on?"

"Everyone's accounted for," reported Lighthouse. "No close calls for a while."

Positioned at the Eye Spy screens as well, Havok petitioned, "Cyclops, what's your situation?"

In the pilot's chair of the flight simulator, Cyclops came back with, "All clear ahead. We should be there to rendezvous with the others in approximately eight minutes."

"Maybe we should stay in place," Maya proposed. "Give backup a chance to catch up with us."

Glimmer folded her arms and scoffed, "Where's the fun in playing sitting duck?"

"Shhhh!" Calico hissed abruptly.

Lighthouse reacted immediately. "Callie, what is it?"

"Circle up," the feline mutant directed, combining in a round formation with the other four. "Eyes forward."

Lighthouse performed a quick spin on his heels, taking brief glimpses of the four incoming encroachers. "Calico, are these guys legit or mental mooks?"

"Real deals," she confirmed.

"Trav, stick with Maya!" Lighthouse ordered. "Spread out, you guys and whatever you do, do not look into my eyes."

"Right," they chorused before separating.

Calico darted after the largest in the group, coming at him with a spin kick. He blocked it with his massive forearms and released a roar. She let loose her own snarl to fight off the trepidation it caused along her spine. Coming forward like an arrow, Glimmer's solid gold foot collided with his chest, forcing him down.

"Picking on girls." She helped Calico rise. "Pitiful and brutish."

Calico regarded her gratefully then reacted to a smaller frame coming for them. Linking hands, they moved in unison to fight her off. It came with difficulty, due to her agility besting theirs. Jumping in, Lighthouse released a wave of light that caused her to use both arms to weaken its effects. Glimmer and Calico took the opportunity to high-kick her into the wall.

Taking a dive under her attacker's legs, Maya had no time to regain footing as she found herself forcefully dragged back by her ponytail. Summoning her full focus, her taser leapt from her hip and sent a shock through him. The intensity dizzied him enough to release her hair.

"You leave her alone!" Staff appearing before boy, Trav proceeded to viciously clout the encroacher. "Big meanie, you stop that! What'd she do to you, anyway?"

When the man went down but the child only continued, Maya took him by the shoulders. "Trav, stop- excessive force, excessive force."

Trav grudgingly lowered the weapon then whacked him in the shin with it once more, producing a howl. "Meanie!"

Maya turned around with a gasp at the final one making a very purposeful path for them. The other three hastened over to help them.

"'House?" Cyclops tried again with, "Lighthouse…?" He faced his copilot. "We've got to get to them."

At the impending metallic objects making a very precise route for them, Banshee said, "As soon as we get through them."

Gripping their wheels in unison motion, the two performed a brisk left arch. Several of the magnetic infused parts came at the plane's nose until static interference occurred. Banshee and Cyclops struggled to regain footing.

At the flickering lights overhead and effect on their momentum, Angel and Becky locked hands. In their pair of seats, Silver Cat used his left arm as a blockade to keep Eel in place, despite the straps holding them in.

"We're nearly drained," Banshee informed urgently.

"Eel," Silver Cat said of his friend unlatching himself.

Electrifying the base of his boots in order to stick to the floor, Eel made a determined trek for the control panel. Getting between the pilots, he sent his mutated jolts into the machinery.

The lights returned to normal and they leveled off.

Becky formed a smile. "Joey."

Banshee ruffled his blonde hair. "I've got to trade my jumper cables in for you."

Pounding from above made Angel shift her gaze upward. "Okay, Magneto plays too much."

"Cyclops, stay on course." Banshee undid his seatbelts. "Angel, let's take these guys."

Silver Cat bounded up without hesitation. "I'm going, too."

"No!" Cyclops peered back at him. "You know you can't fly."

Silver Cat countered, "But I can take hits for them."

Thinking it over briefly, Cyclops mandated, "No unnecessary heroics, Silver. If you die, you answer to me."

"Don't get mushy on me, pretty boy," the younger mutant waved off.

"Rebecca, pick up copilot," Cyclops requested. "I'll direct you telepathically."

"Coming." The caped girl hurried to take Banshee's seat.

When Banshee pressed the necessary button for the roof hatch, Angel sprouted her wings and flew straight out. Silver Cat and Banshee jumped and scrambled to the top. Angel swirled around as quickly as she could, taking out as many gizmos as she could with her lethal spit.

Banshee dipped to Silver Cat's level. "Want to carpool?"

"Cool." Silver Cat latched onto his back.

Due to the indoor environment, Banshee had to keep his potent scream to a minimum. He used it in close proximity to smash the parts that came at them. Breathing through his nostrils, Silver Cat's sharpened claws tore through the openings on his gloves. With a growl, he jumped onto a sizable piece and ripped it up with his boney extensions. He continued that way, leaping through objects then using them for momentum to spring at others.

Quietly floating from one corner, a device sprang out six flexible metallic arms and seized Angel. She attempted to force it off, but it kept her bound and locked her in place against the ceiling.

Becky touched one set of fingers to her right temple. "Scott, Angel needs help, but they're too outnumbered."

Firm resolve in place, Cyclops declared, "I've had enough. Eel, take over." At the incredulous expressions from the two cousins, he confirmed, "And yes I just said that."

Mouth dangling open but unable to say anything as Cyclops ran for the hatch, Eel rushed to act as pilot. He used a combination of his few sessions in the simulator and his powers to keep them steady.

"Angel!" Cyclops jumped and managed to support his weight an iron slab. "Stay still." He twisted the knob on his visor for the lowest setting before releasing a blast.

The machine broke in half and Angel flapped her wings with relief. "Thanks, Cyke. These things are trying to get frisky."

After sending off a stream of his power to rid them of half the machines, Cyclops called up, "Banshee, hold it down! I'm going to find the others!"

Hearing that, Silver Cat immediately dropped beside him. "Not without me, bub. I'll do the sniffin'. You do the shootin'."

Racing with the energetic boy, Cyclops said, "I'm bothered by how much I like this plan."

At the razor sharp disk that attempted to keep them from accessing the exit, Silver Cat punched it out of their path with his claws without hindering his pace.

Managing to get away from most of the encroachers, Trav used the staff to slam hard on the fingers of one male attempting to snag Maya again. Lighthouse grabbed him up and placed the boy on his shoulders. While they all sped through the hall by Lighthouse's illumination, Calico took the time to expel the most forceful roar she could in that instance to debilitate the resolve of their opponents all the longer. She then made haste to catch up with the others and Glimmer grabbed hold of her wrist to help the growing winded girl along.

"Girl roar," Silver Cat recognized. "Sounds like a Calico Kitty to me."

"'House," Cyclops identified while the other Eye Screamer recognized, "Cyke? Geez, if I'd known this backup would take so long, we'd have packed travel snacks and some sleeping bags."

Running alongside him, Cyclops said matter-of-factly, "Sorry, I'll plan better for aerial assaults in the future."

"That's all I ask," Lighthouse smirked.

Staff waving about, Trav trumpeted, "Tally-ho!"

All gizmos done for, Angel hovered in the air as surveillance. "Here they come. Get the door open." She landed through the roof access.

Becky pressed the correct button for the entrance to slide apart. They all took a mighty dive into the jet.

Banshee grinned at Lighthouse's panting. "Been getting your exercise in?"

The younger male sent him a mildly disgruntled look.

Eel glanced back. "Did we do okay?"

Cyclops went to him quickly, tossing his hair with a victorious smile. "That's affirmative. Way to go, Eel." He turned to the girl. "And you… as always."

Becky got to her feet. "You, too, Scott. Always."

He regarded her closer. "Rebecca…."

"Children," the Professor's voice boomed telepathically, "that will be all for today. Go on with your homework and studies. And don't bother trying to doddle changing your clothes. I'll be by to check on each of you in precisely fifteen minutes."

Lighthouse sighed deeply. "Knew it was too good to savor."

"Senior year would be so perfect without that little academia detail," commented Glimmer.

As they all proceeded up from the main level, they met with their acting opponents. The formerly masked individuals consisted of Beast, Mystique, Wolverine, and Sabretooth.

"Okay, next session, I demand a heroic role," Mystique stated. "Why am I always the villain lately?"

Sabretooth patted her shoulder sympathetically. "Tell me about it, baby."

"Wolverine," Maya caught up with him, "are you okay? Did I go too far with the tas—"

"You ain't even have it on the highest settin'," he interjected pointedly. "Don't waste time worryin' about me with these drills. Your need to prioritize you and your squad. I'll heal up. You won't."

Maya nodded quietly.

"You got a nice swing there, kid." Wolverine hoisted Trav up with one arm and took the staff with his free hand. "Next, I'll show ya how to use the nunchaku."

Trav's brown eyes developed a brilliant glow.

IIIIIII

Reins in each of their hands, the yellow and black heads proceeded across the vast yard while the horses enjoyed their cooldown.

"I knew it," Cody spoke in delight as well as jest, "I knew you two were gonna get around to smackin' lips. But at her birthday party?" He whistled his impression. "You've got more guts than anybody gives you credit for. If her dad had seen you…"

"I know." Joey did too well. "That's why you can't tell anybody, Cody. Laci's parents wouldn't let her sleep over here anymore. They might make us all stop being friends." Joey's eyes enlarged with a harsher notion. "They'd probably ship her off to another school."

"In one of those too goofy to pronounce countries I bet. But even not, you ain't got to worry about me, Joey," Cody vowed. "Even if they sliced me up with rusty razors, I wouldn't squeal on the best pal there is."

"Thanks," Joey smiled a little. "My family can't find out, either. Remember what happened when Uncle Hank and Aunt Raven caught Frank and Jasmine?"

Cody slowed his movements as he sank into laughter. "Man, did they ever box his ears for that one. He's the only one I really wish we could tell. Hearin' you beat him to kissin'? He'd probably try to ship himself off to a different school."

"Probably." Joey then wondered, "You've kissed a girl before, haven't you?"

"Yeah, but not with all the romantic jazz," Cody replied. "At my last school, me and one of my old chicks smooched at recess. It was a dare and only lasted like two seconds. My ma knew we ain't mean anything bad and my dad said I'd better have the decency to buy her dinner with the works first. You gave Laci that great big party so yeah, definitely the works."

Joey smiled wider. "I never thought about anything like this happening to me. Me liking a girl and weirder, her liking me back."

Cody's expression displayed plain displeasure. "What's so weird about that? Joey, come on, what girl wouldn't like you? You're fun, about the nicest guy in school, real cool, you got all this money and you ain't a snob about it, you're a genuine artist with prizes, awards, and everything. Know what your dad told me?"

"What?" Joey responded curiously.

"He said ladies really do go for the nice guys. Like Smiley and Sean or your mom and dad. I bet when we're older, you're gonna be just like your dad. Talkin' all big and smart, explainin' all there is to know about mutants, speakin' to bigshots. And I'll be right there with you."

"You will?" Joey beamed.

Cody nodded. "To make sure nobody hassles you. I know you and your dad don't like to swing on guys, so I'll do it. But it's a good thing Charles isn't into fightin'. He can spank hard enough. I'm almost scared to see what happens if he smacks a guy without love."

Joey rolled his head back in a howling laugh.

IIIIIII

"So, what's the final verdict? Gold stars or smile stickers?"

"They're giving me full assessment tomorrow. They like to keep it a weekly thing. It ensures my irrational thoughts are ripe and plentiful."
Snorting, Frank put forth, "Got time for the gym tonight?"

"For a little while," Leon determined, proceeding through the second floor with him. "You've really been into these workouts lately."

"Takes some edge off," Frank told him. "Besides," they came close to the stairs, "figure I better shape up to make you look good. You're a pretty cool instructor already." When Leon applied pressure to his shoulder, Frank stopped on the top step and turned back. "Lee?"

"It's not your job to make me look good," Leon informed him. "It's my job to help you make sense of who and what we are. To reach beyond what you've already achieved. Whatever nerves I feel from the scrutiny I'm placed under are minimized with you and Scott out there. Frank, whether I'm bumped up to instructor or not, that doesn't change the fact that you're my brother and I'm supposed to be here for you."

Silently raising one hand, Frank accepted Leon's in a palm slap. "Want to goad Dad out of cocoa milk when we get done?"

"Very much so."

IIIIIII

When the thunder clapped and the boom rippled throughout the sky, the infantile brown eyes sprang apart. Rising while clutching one of her bears, Kiki took in the water pouring and pounding against the glass in her windows. Slipping out from under her covers and bed, she walked into her closet and gathered an assortment. When she finished, Kiki grunted as she tried to wriggle into her pink rubber boots.

Letting off a tired sigh, the lean young boy made his way into Eye Spy. "Coach?" When he stopped rubbing at his eyes and righted his shades, he found the space presently vacant.

Going to Victor's regular chair, Scott felt the warmth and knew the man could not be far away. He settled in the seat, holding his textbook in his lap. Noticing one corner camera, he sat convinced of his eyes as deceivers until he leaned forward for a closer view. Jumping up rapidly, he rushed out and up to the main level.

Once done situating the fleece blanket on the brown animal, Kiki settled by the inside of the stall door with her own covering, pillow, and bear.

"Kiki!"

The panicked voice made the lethargic girl shudder and raise her head. "Scottie?"

In his coat and boots over his pajamas, Scott swung the door open. "Kyra Elizabeth, what do you think you're doing out here? You know never to leave the house without one of us."

"I want to stay with Franny," the smaller child explaining, reaching out to stroke the pony. "She's scared of the rain."

Easing a bit, Scott insisted, "That's silly, Kiki. She has no more reason to be scared of the rain than we do." He rubbed Franny's mane. "Xander the rest of their family are out here with her. Besides, you know you can't sleep in the stalls." Stooping, Scott gathered her along with the soft items into his arms. "They could step on you or kick you by mistake and really hurt you. Now, come on. We need to get inside before Vic sees us."

Clutching her as close to his front as he could, Scott mad dashed out of the barn, ducked under any cameras he could, and finally made it through the back door with her. Beyond relieved that the storm had likely silenced their return, Scott crept up the stairs with the bitty but all too precious cargo.

After getting her out of her wet boots and hat, he laid her on top of her flat sheet. Right hand going to her back, Scott used the left to deliver four moderate slaps to her bottom.

"Ow!" Letting off a yelp that came off more startled than pained, Kiki attempted a glare with shiny brown eyes. "Scott-ie!"

"You get that look off your face and that tone out of your voice right now, Miss Missy." Scott gave her a fixed expression that made hers wither. "Don't you ever sneak out alone like that again, especially not at night when it's raining like this. If your mommy or daddy had seen you, you'd get a lot more than a few little pops. I don't want to see you get in trouble, Kiki. It makes me sick in my tummy. But seeing you really hurt would do a whole lot worse to me."

"… M'sorry, Scottie," she murmured.

"Good. Don't cry. I don't want my special girl to cry." Scott brought her back into his arms and walked with her a bit the way he often saw Alex do with the babies. "Scottie's not mad. I just love you," he kissed each of her cheeks and rocked her some more, "so much."

"Love you, too…" Kiki closed her eyes.

With all delicacy, Scott returned her to bed and layered the covers on top of her. He made certain to situate her pink clothed bear in her arms. Standing, Scott tipped out into the hall, but let off a grunt at bumping into a significantly bigger male form.

"Hey, Shades…" Victor scanned his presently dressed state. "Did you go outside in this madness?"

"For Kiki." Scott promptly clarified, "She wanted Franny to have a blanket."

"I bet," Victor smiled fondly. "Glad to see you kids appreciatin' the new horseflesh." He showed him the book he carried. "Did you leave this downstairs?"

"Oh right," the boy remembered. "I'm going nuts over this history test tomorrow. Can you help me review? I want to make sure I have these names and events straight."

"You keep us old-timers around for a reason." Victor helped him take off his slick coat then handed him the book. "I'll go hang this up to dry. You get into your robe and slippers and meet me in Eye Spy. I don't want you hackin' up a lung come mornin'."

"Yes, sir." Scott headed for his quarters to retrieve the warm nightwear, releasing a relieved breath.

IIIIIII

"Oh no, I totally get it, believe me." Hands presently preoccupied with styling her daughter's hair into a neat side swept braid, Raven balanced the receiver between her ear and shoulder. "It's unbelievable the thought process involved with going out for a just a couple measly hours. Is this a real date? Is it casual or the start of something serious? Is it casual with the potential for serious? New outfit or throw on whatever's in the closet? Why is everything I own so ugly? Will he even notice a new outfit? Ugh!" Raven tied a small purple ribbon to the tip of Kiki's braid. "It's exhausting."

In matching garments of brown trousers with tucked in red polos, the McCoy males walked in.

"55, 66, 77, 88, 99, 110, 121, 132-"

"Enough." Taking a seat at the foot of the bed, Hank faced his son and intertwined fingers with him. "Twelves."

Trav sprouted, "12, 24, 36, 48…"

"That's always the case, isn't it?" Raven sympathized, letting Kiki up. "The closet is never reliable when you need it to be. And Charles thinks I'm a shopping addict. You should see his hair care regiment."

Hank looked over at his wife. "Is that Amy?"

"Laci," Raven clarified before resuming the conversation.

"108, 1…" Trav searched his mind. "130…"

With a strong shake of his head, Hank informed, "Off by ten, Cub."

"I meant 120," Trav quickly corrected then groaned, rubbing his head. "Aww, I got all mixed up."

"Calm down." Hank kneaded his shoulders for him. "That's the only one you missed so far this morning."

"But I missed three last night," Trav further vexed.

"I'll see you tonight. Marvel them with your cool today, Gorge." After hanging up, Raven went straight to kneel near her boy. "Your nerves are getting to you, Pooh Bear. Tests are a nightmare, but don't let them make you crazy."

"But I need math to be a doctor, Mommy," Trav reminded her.

"Honey, you're trying to do third grade material," Raven pointed out. "You have more numbers stored in your brain than I do and, quite possibly, ever will. Now, calm down for Mommy." She enclosed her arms around him, feeling him ease when their cheeks connected.

"And what about you, Baby Bear?" Bringing his silent daughter into his strong hold, Hank smiled at her offered butterfly kisses near his ear. "How are the new words Uncle Alex gave you? Spell "cow" for me."

"C-O-W," Kiki recited.

"Great job. Can do "sheep"?"

"Hmmm, S-E-E-P."

"You missed the H, Kikiko," Trav informed importantly.

Raven tapped her son's nose. "She was still really close."

"Oh Daddy," Kiki tugged on his collar, "P-O-N-Y is pony."

Faux astonishment came over Hank's face. "You're pulling my leg, Baby Bear. But, hm, I do believe you're right."

Raven only smiled. "I'm going to tell Uncle Charles how well you two are doing with your studies."

"Come along, McCoys," Hank directed, standing with Kiki. "New challenges to conquer ahead- like trying to comprehend how so many high-schoolers have such deplorable punctuation skills next to my first-grader."

Walking after the two of them, Raven tapped fingers along Trav's bottom. "Stop calculating."

Trav popped his head up from her shoulder. "How'd you know?"

IIIIIII

Before the plethora of different children finished breakfast, the few parents on hand had to make haste. The children assigned to morning kitchen duty clean and stored leftovers while the rushed adults gathered in the van used for carpooling to reach their various places of employment in timely order. Some of the much older teens and those just over age twenty with the morning off, carried out chores or conducted study for their general equivalency exams or trades.

The day's learning aides and her coffee mug in her possession, Kayla stopped at the staircase. She looked on in great pleasure at two of her strapping students. While one carried the expecting girl down the steps, the other boy waited at the base with the wheelchair. After they had her situated, he rolled her towards their classroom.
"You're most appreciated, gentlemen," Kayla smiled at them.

"Oh," the one pushing the chair glanced back to assure, "no problem, Mrs. Howlett."

The other one laughed, "Somebody got to keep that baby from trying to bail out on her."

Once they had her parked at her regular table in class, Kayla stroked the girl's fluffy ponytail near the honey blonde highlights that appeared all the lighter. "Your hair has gotten so mesmerizing."

"Thanks," Gina peered up with a little smile, touching one loose strand. "I just hate having it with the night sweats, but it is really pretty, isn't it?"

Kayla nodded. "It's why I never cut mine. My hair became so lush when I was expecting. When the uncomfortable part is over, you'll thank your child for such a beautiful gift."

Gina lightly drummed her belly. "I'm more thankful he stopped making Mommy hurl in the middle of the night."

"So generous of him. Are you handling bedrest alright, still?"

"Mmhmm," Gina replied with a nod. "It's kind of nice after how sick I was feeling. But some days, if I didn't have school, I'd be out of my mind."
"And your work has had marked improvement with the new concentration," Kayla commended. "But let's spend some more time on the porch later. The spring air will be good for both of you."

"Do you think we could do some more stitching? It's so cool to be able to make clothes for him."

"Absolutely," Kayla granted. "Consider it an extra credit project."

The room filled shortly after and Kayla offered fifteen minutes of review while she sorted the tests for their different grade levels.

IIIIIII

As soon as the remains from their lunch table landed in the trash, Becky found herself swept off by the enthused head of reddish-orange. With the other children rampaging for the playground, Laci led them to a deserted corridor. She started to speak then indicated she needed a second to breathe and gripped her tights covered ankles to help the oxygen intake.

"Laci," Becky spoke in half curiosity and the rest sheer amusement, "what is going on? Your thoughts are hitting me too fast and none of it makes any sense."

"Sorry, Becky." Raising her head, Laci wore a tremendous smile. "I just have to tell someone and Joey said it was okay."

With her cousin involved, Becky wanted to know, "What's okay?"

"He kissed me!" Laci rapidly lowered her voice as Becky's green irises swelled. "Joey really kissed me."

"What?" Becky gasped. "When?"

"My birthday. When we went out to see the horses. Oh my God, Becky, it was incredible!" Laci used both hands to fan herself. "First, he asks me to be his date- his real date- for Sean's wedding then…"

Becky took her by the arm, partly to keep the younger girl from falling over in an enchanted daze. "Joey, my little cousin, actually kissed you?"

Laci nodded hard enough to nearly send herself into a dizzy spell. "Everything sparkled… even though I'm sure that was his powers. That made it even more amazing."

An astonished Becky stood silently a few seconds. "I… I can't believe it. Wow…"

Now, Laci appeared curious. "Have you ever kissed—"

"No." Becky shook her head immediately. "I, um, I'm not sixteen. My papa says I have to be sixteen."

"Ohh," Laci understood. "I don't know how old I'm supposed to be. My parents don't talk about this sort of thing. I can't tell my mom about this. If my dad found out, my entire life would be over."

Becky offered her wrist a comforting squeeze. "I won't say a word, Laci. I promise."

"Thanks, Becky," the redhead smiled. "You're lucky your dad is so cool."

The older girl blinked. "I am? I mean, yeah, I think so, but I hardly ever hear other kids say that."

"Okay, so he doesn't let you do everything," Laci dismissed. "Girls are never allowed to do everything, anyway. But you get to cheer, he sticks up for you in school, takes you neat places, shows you how to do fantastic things- he teaches sword fighting, Becky. He got so into the festival for Joey's birthday. His armor looked better than the stories."

"Oh, I know," Becky recalled contentedly. "I wish your parents didn't have to be afraid all the time. My birth father used to have to worry. But I didn't really know it then."

"You mean because you're half black?" At the way Becky's eyes flashed, Laci's own became alarmed and she covered her mouth. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't- Joey- he shouldn't- I'm sorry."

"No, Laci." Becky relaxed her posture and took Laci's hands. "It's okay. I'm fine. Black, Caribbean, French, whatever she is, it doesn't matter. I'm not hers and I never was."

"Joey doesn't belong to his, either," Laci pointed out. "I know it's mean, but I kind of hope they both fall into the same pit and get eaten by those spiders that lay their eggs in people."

"That is too mean," Becky stated, momentarily stunned by the very image. "To the spider babies."

Both girls gave into giggles as they made their way to the jubilant shouts and games of the outdoors.

IIIIIII

Hair tied into a high ponytail, the girl in yellow and blue stayed gazing into the vanity mirror when she heard the knock. "Come in!"

The male in full Banshee ensemble did so, taking time to admire the frame across the way from him. "Not going to lie. I'm going to miss seeing you in that uniform."

"That's what you're thinking about?" Tugging down her last glove, Maya turned to him with her left hand on her hip. "Not the fact that we can soon eliminate the formality that is knocking?"

"That detail is what soothes me comes nightfall." He watched Maya lower to the foot of her bed, picking up her stun weapon with listless expression in place. "Still thinking about what Wolverine said yesterday, aren't you?"

Maya raised her head. "How did you know?"

"Because it's you." Banshee squatted before her. "And because it's Wolverine. It's the dad voice, Maya. You know Wolverine wouldn't just talk down to you for standard adult ego fulfillment."

"I know," she sighed. "But… how is it I functioned so well working with the girls?"

Sincerely considering the question, Banshee came back with, "Bigger stakes yet lower expectations. Here with the X-Men, even though it's just field scenarios, we're still in school. Grades mean a lot. To both of us. The greatest thing we have going for us against the cool jerks of the world."

"Yeah," Maya knew. "College is rearing its all too ugly head. Got to get past that."

"Are you past that team?" Banshee asked her, getting her eyes on him. "Working with Melissa and Brenda, do you miss it?"

Maya in turn wanted to know, "Is that bad? After all that happened?"

Banshee placed his hands over hers. "We can talk about that later. Right now, let's show the X-Men the power couple they'll soon have to do without."

Maya formed a genuine smile and stood to leave with him.

X-Men dressed and assembled in groups of instructors and students, Vapor paced in broad strides to address them all.

"Today's session is called Against the Odds. Three teams of X-Men need to make it back from air, land, and underground to there." He pointed out Cody's wooden spinning contraption. "You just executed a dangerous mission. Now, you need to get your team to the Safe Zone, ideally with all limbs accounted for. But expect some very determined opposition along the way."

"As should they," Glimmer grinned.

Vapor continued with, "If you clear early, feel free to assist the other teams."

Cyclops gave off a strong bob of his head. "Point us where you need us, Vape."

"Angel," Vapor named first, "I want you to lead the air squad. You, Eel, Maya, and Cyclops."

"Whoa, air?" the last selected reacted. "Is the X-Jet under camouflage around here? How are Maya and I supposed to get airborne?"

Beast stepped forward then, presenting Eel with an enlarged version of his disk. "Time for a test drive."

"Oh, yes!" Eel replied brightly, hopping on. "Thanks, Uncle Beast. Maya, Cyke, come on."

After the other two boarded with him, Angel unearthed her wings from her backless uniform and declared, "Let's go," before flapping upward.

Eel powered the disksand hovered after her.

"Banshee, you head the underground," Vapor directed next.

"Underground?" the redhead repeated, pointing to the sky. "Don't you think I should maybe…?"

Vapor raised a patient hand. "Go with me on this. I swear this is one of my sane-er days."
"If you say so," Banshee shrugged. "Who are my draft picks?"

Vapor called off, "Lighthouse, Becky, and Trav- you, too."

Trav leapt up and down triumphantly. "Woohoo!"

Lighthouse reached over to mess his hair. "Take it easy, Little Guy. You're gonna need that energy for down there."

"Mystique," Vapor spoke to next, "you have Calico, Glimmer, and Silver Cat. Is Land Leader fitting enough?"

"And the squeaky wheel gets the grease," the shapeshifter smirked.

Teams selected, Vapor went over procedure once more and sent them off to properly divide into the remaining two segments.
"So," Glimmer addressed their quad, "as Team Land, we have the most direct path to the Safe Zone."

Mystique peered over at their destination. "Looks that way. We're clear straight through."

"Therefore, getting there will be anything but safe," Glimmer concluded.

"Anything but," Mystique confirmed.

"Cool," Silver Cat beamed.

Proceeding forward, Mystique cautioned, "Watch your backs. Fronts and sides, too, while you're at it."

Letting her gold form take over, Glimmer walked after the blue woman.

Silver Cat wore a ready expression. "Let's do this, Callie."

Veering in a slow circle with eyes peeled and ears alert, suspicion pooled in Calico's pupils as she backed up the eager boy.
Overhead, Eel squatted on his disk to best avoid Cyclops' optic blasts, though the sky remained presently absent. Angel fluttered beside the disk, awaiting whatever.

"There!" she shouted at the sharp circles of iron making a purposeful path for them.

Throwing his arms in the air, Eel created an electrified sphere to secure them all. Several of the pieces made contact and dropped to the ground, but just under half managed to slice through the novice shielding. Hands raising, Maya stopped some of them in midair while Cyclops blasted others.

"Magneto," Angel acknowledged the elder who made his presence known by descending from above, cape swaying majestically behind him.

"Still reliant on those hands I see." Arms crossed, the man in crimson and orchid regarded Maya with a belittling smirk. "Here I thought you were past the thumb sucking stage." He then had to move quickly when the girl, palms at her side, forced the weapons to retaliate against him. "Hm, looks as if I struck a nerve. Good."

When Cyclops fired his beams, Magneto swiftly dodged. With the most offensive powered members of her team limited by flying capability, Angel flapped her wings with great force to go after their preliminary target. She spat two globs of acid spit at him. Magneto put up his sphere then lowered it once more to seize control over the only metal on Angel's uniform, her boot zippers. The petite X-Girl struggled against his dragging. Eel positioned the disk between her and Magneto to throw off his attack.

"Quick thinking, Kangaroo," the man then followed it up with, "and entirely foolish."

Knowing he sought to seize his disk, Eel sent out two handfuls worth of electric energy before he could. Though it briefly slowed Magneto, it did not prevent his summoning of a multitude of new metallic fragments in nearly every direction.

"We have iron locust invasion," declared Maya.

"Y'all play exterminator," Angel assigned, sights set on the adult mutant. "I'll handle Papa Come Crazy here."

Cyclops readied his visor. "Mutant bug zappers at your service."

Magneto indicated for the girl to come at him. Angel's eyes darkened and she darted his way with a hiss.

Sensitive ears picking up the otherwise mute sensation of soaring wood, Calico gazed up urgently. "Watch out!"
At the arrows firing at them, Mystique summoned, "Glimmer!"

"On it!" The golden girl jumped and performed an aerial spin to break every one of them in half.

Silver Cat picked up an arrowhead that landed near his foot. "Oh yeah, my ma's nearby. One of her bows can fire a whole mess of these."

At the figures cloaked in dark articles encroaching, Mystique determined, "As are certain other members of your family it looks like."

"Please," Glimmer scoffed. "They haven't a chance against the four of us." She raced ahead.

"Glim, wait!" Mystique shouted after her.

Glimmer had to stop suddenly when the sparkling diamond form came down to impede her path. After seconds of eyeballing, the sisters jumped into combat with one another.

Mystique started to offer assistance until she had to usher the other two back from another round of arrows. "Guess Kayla caught a second wind." Her fists formed over the approaching pair. "Ain't longevity grand?"
"I figured on somethin' like this, Mystique, but we're all good," Silver Cat assured. "I have a stratagem all worked out."

Mystique responded, "And that would be…?"

"Callie, come with me." The girl in pink and white directly behind him, Silver Cat raced to stand just yards away from the larger two. "Hey, Twiddle-dee and Twiddle-doofus, got a message for ya." Exchanging a secretive look with Calico, both children went into a chant of, "Neiner, neiner, neiner!"

With twin snarls, the older pair charged for them. Calico used all fours to gallop and Silver Cat ran with his upper body bent forward and arms straight behind him. They sped with the full speed of their legs to draw them away from the others.

Aided by Lighthouse's bright eyes, Banshee walked ahead of their group through the otherwise dark lower level of the mansion. Becky held onto his arm and Trav stayed attached to Lighthouse's side, gripping nunchakus.

Peering around the first corner, Banshee found it clear. "The exit's not far now, guys." He reacted to Becky glancing all around them. "Curls, what's wrong? You hear something?"

Becky told him, "I feel something."

Trav shouted at the ghoulish figure that appeared behind them. "Banshee!"

Lighthouse stepped just ahead of the small one. "It's okay, Little Guy."

"I'll say." Strolling over, Banshee screamed directly in the fiend's face, making it vanish. "Seriously, Charles? Were you having a B Movie marathon last night or what? You think a creepy pale face is going to put me off? What do you think I see in the mirror every day, Sidney Poitier?"

When that visual became replaced by numerous red-eyed glowing beings encased in black, Lighthouse stated flatly, "You brought this on us."

"I really did," Banshee accepted.

Becky concentrated and caused a few to disappear, but despaired, "I can't get rid of all of them."

"Then let's pull the plug," Banshee said wistfully. Becky, help me track him. "'House, do you think you can hold it down?"

Lighthouse revealed his knife. "We'll do our worst."

"Yeah!" Trav seconded.

"Great." Becky?

The dark-haired girl dashed through the hall with the redhead, finding it all the darker as Lighthouse's illumination faded with their every step.

"Remember to stay close," Lighthouse reminded Trav before taking out the assailants that came at them with his blade.

"Right." Making a lasso with the chain, Trav swung at several of the entities, causing them to dissolve.

Becky shrieked at an enormous roaring flame rushing towards them. Banshee gripped her at the shoulders to keep her near and attempted his mutated caw. An additional pair of embers resulted. Banshee remained resolute against them. Getting a thought, Becky created a contentedly smiling rain cloud. It floated over, dematerializing the flames with its moisture. Banshee and Becky shared a smile before continuing onward.

"Trav," pocketing his knife, Lighthouse hoisted the younger boy up, "I've got an idea." He placed him on his shoulders. "Bash 'em big time!"

When Lighthouse began to twirl in place, Trav comprehended his meaning and made a rope of the chain again. In rapid circular motion, he used one wooden end of the weapon to finish off the remaining images.

"Look, they're all gone!" Trav pointed ecstatically.

"Yep, thanks to you." Lighthouse let him walk again. "We better catch up."

Arriving at the base of the stairs that would take them upward, Becky knew, He's here somewhere.

He is right here. The matter-of-fact Professor's appearance before them gave them both a startle. "And one would think after all this time, you would know better than to project your thoughts so—gah!" At his legs becoming abruptly constricted and yanked, the Professor fell forward.

Running their way, Trav reeled the nunchaku in. "Becca!"

"Cubby," Becky returned, joining hands with them.

"Lighthouse, upstairs, quick," ordered Banshee.

"Run for it, guys," Lighthouse ushered, hurrying on the heels of the younger two.

To prevent another move from the male telepath, Banshee unleashed a small caw. When it looked to irritate the man's ears, the teenager dashed up two steps at a time.

With a frustrated growl, Cyclops fired another beam. "These things keep popping up like gray hairs."

"And Magneto's not slowing down." Maya looked to where Angel fought to break through his sphere.

Cyclops assessed the situation. "They're everywhere, but we're stuck in place."

Peering between two pieces of the floating metals, Eel's eyes lit up as he discovered a solution.

At yet another acid ball unable to penetrate, Magneto shook his head in amusement. "Tiring already, my dear?"

"Keep dreaming," Angel dismissed.

"Hey, Angie, what do you say to a little backup?"

Reacting to Cyclops' voice, Angel glanced to where Maya delivered telekinetic punches to stray objects while Cyclops blasted others out of their path. Using his electric waves, Eel dragged the rest. He also managed to keep the older two upright on their wedges of metal that kept them in the air.

Angel told them, "I love y'all." Eyes redeveloping their seriousness, she yelled for, "Cyclops!"

Needing no additional cues, Cyclops increased the force on his visor. Combined with Angel's acid, it forced Magneto's sphere to dissipate. The moment it did so, Maya and Eel hurled the fragments at the metal wielder. They collided with and clung to the armor in his uniform. Magento went down calmly, easing himself onto his feet at ground level.

While they cheered, Angel commended, "You guys are amazing."

From their viewing point, Vapor did not miss the heavy concern formed by Havok over the listlessness vibrating off Eel. Vapor started to speak through communicator until they saw Maya reach for him.

She gently finger combed loose strands of blonde away from his eyes. "You better take us down before you wear out."

"Mmhmm," Eel nodded his agreement, steadily losing vigor.

"Cyclops, get him to the Safe Zone," Angel instructed. "Maya and I will help the others. If anybody touches you, zap first and ask questions later."

"Without a doubt, Angel. Easy, buddy," Cyclops brought Eel's arm around his neck and supported most of their weight as they took off in a sprint.

Careful to stay still on the feeble branches, Silver Cat peered down at the far larger males circling the trunk like a school of sharks. Though tall, the tree lacked the mass to support their adult weight.

"You know you can't—" Gaze now upward, the shorter of the men found the tree devoid of youth. "Where'd he get to?"

"Doesn't matter," the bigger one said. "Got to get sick of playin' cat and mouse eventually."

"You know," Both reacted to one of the sought-after children landing on his feet from another tree, "ya must be pretty pitiful alphas if you can't take down a couple kittens."

Growls vibrated from the men's chests, but their attempts at rushing the boy came into hindrance when the adolescent female appeared from behind. Gripping her makeshift vine, she used a two-legged kick to send the canine encroacher into the feline. When they went down, Calico glided through the now clear pathway to get to her teammate.

"Yes!" Silver Cat locked arms and legs onto her back. "Way to go, Cal-i-co!"

Landing with him, Calico used all fours to bolt through the greenery. It took all of her reflexes to pull back from running into the one who leapt to close off their escape route. Glancing over his shoulder, Silver Cat saw the other recovered elder with bone claws extended.

"Submit," growled the one directly facing Calico. "Now!"

"No way!" disputed Silver Cat.

At the boy's visual redirecting upward, the other warned, "Move and we'll make streamers out of your insides."

Absorbing a breath, Calico belted a roar.

The hardly moved older feline only sent back a greater one, forcing her to recoil slightly against her will.

"Callie, no." Silver Cat formed fists and summoned out his claws. "Only way you're gettin' us to submit is if you make sure we can't get up again."

With a shrug, the one he faced said, "Suit yourself."

However, he did not get the chance to take a step as he experienced a tremendous shock throughout his entire form. When the taser sent him down, it made a target of the large assailant next. With the foes distracted, Maya ran out from a clump of trees to see about Calico. Silver Cat started to comment, but became all too captivated at his abrupt elevation. Rolling his his head back, he smiled up at Angel, who winked at him. Hurrying after them with Calico linked to her arm, Maya only took the time to summon her taser back into her possession.

Once Kayla's arrow ammunition died down, Mystique quickly discovered further obstacles. She tried to navigate through strategically placed smoke bombs. Deciding the safety zone secondary, she only wanted to assist Glimmer, who struggled against Emma's stronger diamond body.

"Rae!" Free from the underground, Lighthouse and the others hurried to reach her.

"Banshee, Lighthouse!"

Though she heard Cyclops' voice, Becky's immediate concern went to the young blonde with him. "What happened to my cousin?"

"He's fine," Cyclops reassured, "but super charging his powers that hard got to him."

"I'm okay, Becky," Eel further confirmed.

"I got him, Cyke." Banshee gathered Eel to carry as they kept on.

Coming upon them with Calico, Silver Cat, and Angel, Maya wanted to know, "Are we all here?"

"I'm going to help Glimmer." Mystique took off in that direction. "We'll catch up!"

"Calico, Silver, 'House," Banshee named, "use your eyes to get us through this smoke."

"I'm your eyes in the sky," Angel vowed. "Maya, Cyclops, take the rear and zap down anything they might try to throw at us. Becky, stay alert for any minds lurking around."

"No problem," said Cyclops while Maya promised, "We've got you."

So do I. Becky linked their minds.

Trav held her hand tighter.

At a rough kick to the abdomen from Emma, Glimmer collapsed and lost her golden state on impact. Mystique somersaulted and dropped, stretching her arms to cover the teenager. She and Emma eyed each other then ran. Meeting halfway, Emma swung a punch, but Mystique arched far back to avoid it, going into a flip. She kept maneuvering that way, dodging every attempted blow.

"You're definitely built better," the shapeshifter admitted. "But you don't have my resilience, Em. And you already wasted most of yours."

"That theory remains to be tested," Emma came back with.

Solidifying her body once more, Glimmer sped through to knock the diamond woman out of the path of the blue one. At Emma's casing flashing and clearly ready to fade, the two team members headed hurriedly across the yard together.

At last in full view of the wooden creation, Angel yelled down, "Everybody load in! We're almost safe."

Standing back for the others to rush in while still cradling Eel, Banshee looked at the lingering teen. "'House, what are you doing?"

Without turning around, Lighthouse said, "You already know I'm not leaving my lady. Glim, either."

Giving Eel to Becky, Banshee insisted, "Go in. I'll wait for them."

"Forget it," Lighthouse turned down.

"I wasn't asking," Banshee informed.

"Neither was I," Lighthouse came back with.

Hearing them, Cyclops zipped out to stand beside Lighthouse.

Trav peered out curiously.

"Mystique, Glimmer!" On site, Lighthouse waved with both arms. He then lost his view of them when another fog of smoke went off. "Mystique!" Running a few feet, he sent his mutated rays through the smoke. "Follow my light!"

Cyclops stayed positioned with hands on either side of his visor.

The bodies of gold and blue at last burst through, moving at an unstoppable pace for them. When they neared enough, all four jumped to officially claim the Safe Zone.

IIIIIII

In scarlet and white lollipop themed pajamas, the young girl stood beside the older female sporting reddish orange hair. Raven wore WU running pants and one of Hank's Harvard sweatshirts. Latest combination- consisting of chocolate chips, marshmallows, and almonds- complete, they used their wooden spoons to scoop out the dough.

"Wait a second here." Raven used a clean dish rag to clear Laci's face of the flour streaks. "You make a way better Bo Peep than sheep."

Smiling widely, Laci hugged her around the waist. "Thanks, Aunt Raven."

"It's the mom thing." Raven stroked her loose hair. "We twitch at the sight of messes."

"I mean for getting my mom and dad to let me stay over." Laci looked up at her with joyful gray eyes. "And because my leftover birthday cake has been the best breakfast ever two days in a row."

Raven said with a mysterious air, "Let's not fill my husband in on that last detail."

At the kitchen table with Kiki coloring in his lap, Scott turned to the boy beside him. "How you feeling now?"

Joey took his lips off his soda straw to speak. "It's better, really, especially since Laci's here." Joey shook his head out a little and blinked. "I just got so tired out of nowhere."

"You used a ton of power. We wouldn't have made it through that session without you." Despite the positive words, Scott's expression carried remorse. "But I am sorry."

Joey came back at him with a thoroughly lost, "Huh? What'd you do?"

"I should've looked after you better out there."

Becky gazed up from her journal. "Scott, that was not your fault. Angel said everybody did great."

"Yeah, I know." Scott gave a light pat to Joey's back. "You just scared me for a second there."

Joey offered, "You can take credit for my next bad quiz grade if it'll make you feel better."

Scott snorted. "And you can run my ROTC laps for me."

"Have I mentioned lately how proud I am of my little guy?" Trav filled the kitchen with his giggling as Frank hoisted him high above his head. "When I told you to help me out in training, you came through big time."

The kitchen lights overhead accentuating Trav's already tremendous smile. "I wanted to do like you did. When you got me, Kikiko, and everybody out with your great big pretty glow."

Laci looked over her shoulder with raised eyebrows. "What?"

Raven said, "You have no idea how many stories we have to tell you."

Scott folded his arms. "How come you're such a good little guy for Frank, but a royal pain for me?"

"You just like Kiki better." Trav started to stick his tongue out, but remembered his mother's presence.

"He does not," Frank denied, bringing Trav down to hold against his hip. "Right, Scott?"

The other Eye Screamer brought his head up from Kiki's crayon creation. "Hm, what?"

Entering in his regular workout clothes, Leon petitioned, "Frank," the younger boychick turned to him, "you got a couple secs?"

"Sure, bro. Here, little guy." Frank sat Trav on the edge of the island. "You supervise." The ninth-grader followed Leon out of the eatery. "So, what's the word?"

Knowing he meant the instructors, Leon replied, "Still pending, but that's not what I want to talk about." Frank waited for him to elaborate. "Why did you ignore Sean out there?"

"Oh, that."

At the hint of dismissive in the teen's tone, Leon responded with a disapproving, "Yeah, that. Frank, I don't expect you to be a sheep out there and as X-Men, we do have to rely on instinct in a lot of situations. But Sean didn't tell you to do anything unreasonable. You should have gotten to safety."

"I don't care about my safety when it involves Rae," Frank emphasized. "I wasn't trying to step on anybody's toes."

"So, it was all about Raven?"

"Yeah. Look, it's hard to explain, but she… even if it's only training, she means too much."

Leon regarded him without even mild bewilderment present. "That's not something you have to explain to me. Practically since I met Maya, I've felt compelled to protect her. That's the main reason Melissa and I are showing up at this wedding. We want her to go on with a good life. I just had to make sure what happened out there had nothing to do with you and Sean issues."

Frank shook his head hard. "No way, Lee. As big a bonehead as I can be, I wouldn't put the team at risk like that. Do you, um… am I in trouble with you?"

"No," Leon answered promptly. "Because I believe you about Raven. I try to trust your judgement because you are valuable in the field. But I need honesty on your part, too."

Frank brought up, "We can talk about anything, right?"

"Even the ugly," confirmed Leon.

With a mutual nod, Frank returned to the kitchen and Leon headed for the stairs.

Alex met him a third of the way up. "They're ready for you."

"They?" Leon echoed the first word. "What about you?"

"I never needed deliberation," Alex said matter-of-factly.

With Maya and Cody to bathe and dress the twins for bed, the Howletts arrived in the library together. Heads practically conjoined, Charles and Hank reviewed their vast assortment of training notations. Arms folded and eyes shut, Erik made a handful of paperclips and other office aides rotate around his chair. Emma concentrated on her to-do list for that weekend. Victor's reading material consisted of progress statements from the teachers of some of his more struggling Jaguars.

When Leon along with the WU twins walked into the research space, he took in the mutant elders. They sat in a formation of the brothers Howlett-Creed as the book ends, Kayla seated at Logan's right, Hank and Emma on Victor's left, and the Headmasters at the center. Raven and Alex opted to sit across with Leon between them.

As usual, Charles spoke first, his features even but gentle. "Well, Leon, this past week you received free reign to conduct your own brand of training sessions. That is what we're mainly here to discuss."

"Alright," Leon followed along.

"You're certainly more observant than many your senior," Emma noted. "What are some of your thoughts on the students' performances?"

Clearly having already given that much consideration, Leon replied, "Even though they usually have a night and day dynamic, Frank and Scott are major assets. They don't openly panic, even when chaos is raining around them. They're a great force together, which is why I've tried to spread them this week to work with the others. Though, Frank still has his stubborn moments and Scott can be too much of a perfectionist at times." The others gave off murmurs and nods of agreement. "Cody plays around a lot, but I think he does well working with somebody like Sam, who becomes incredibly serious during sessions. His energy and powers are definite necessities. A lot of the same can be said for Cordy. From what I've seen of Joey, it's like he's possessed when his instincts take over. He recovers from unexpected setbacks faster than the others and seems more in touch with his electrical energy. Protecting others is the pressure and motivator he needs." Alex shared a quick look with Erik at that. "Maya is still readjusting to her powers and I see her trying to keep control over them instead of the other way around. She's still a little trigger shy after what she went through, but that tells me she understands the gravity of it. Both Scott and Joey know the damage volatile powers can do so they really suited each other as a team."

On that subject, Kayla asked, "What made you select the field leaders for this last session? Raven is obvious, but why the others?"

"Sean struggles emotionally, but his spiritual side, his mental strength…" Leon pondered briefly as to how to phrase it. "Those parts of him seem to be made of titanium. He showed the Shadow King no fear; no mercy. If it came down to it, he might have been able to take down Nosferatu on his own or slowed him down at the least. He may not be telepathic, but that kind of mental will can help see Becky through when her own powers overwhelm her. Frank was effected by the phobias the same as we were, but with Sean's help he was able to confront the Shadow in a massive way. As for Angel," Leon went on, "she's independent, tenacious, and courageous in ways she doesn't even realize. She has a presence despite her size, but she isn't condescending or pushy, so the kids are comfortable with her."

"Interesting. I'm curious about a session from earlier this week," Hank brought up. "What you called Divided, Not Conquered. How did you decide who to pair together?"

Leon explained, "As two of our fliers, Sean and Angel were the best bet not to slow each other down. Sean's scream is more lethal than Angel's acid, but her wings are lighter and faster than his flight suit. Scott's optic beams are powerful, but the shades make his vision poor in certain areas. Sam's heightened senses and swiftness benefited him the same way Scott's militaristic prowess and direction did her. Cordy and Maya are recovering in different ways and could look out without one feeling like a detriment to the other. Becky and Joey working with Hank and Lex had reasoning by sanity going on. Those dreams are blurs now, but Maya and I were able to free each other from our phobias. Joey did the same for Lex, keeping head and heart going for him." Alex's curving smile displayed his acknowledgement of the statement. "Hank, you and Becky had might and mind going. You'd do anything to protect her and she can keep your beast at bay with or without her powers."

"We all need anchors from time to time," Charles stated

"Yes," Hank seconded, "we do. I appreciate your foresight, Lee."

"What about you and Frank?" Erik mentioned.

Leon formed a small smirk. "Pretty sure we just wanted to punch things together. Besides each other."

"Answer accepted." Leaning in with fingers laced, Erik's countenance grew dimmer. "You realize that as an instructor, your duties extend beyond combat preparation. You will be a full-fledged authority figure with more privileges as well as responsibilities. While we are all aware that you've already taken the initiative to discipline as an elder brother, I want to know your real feelings about enforcing house rules on a greater scale."

Leon locked brown eyes with the metal wielder's blue. "You want my real feelings?"

"Yes," Erik affirmed.

"God help us," inserted Logan glibly.

"Alright." With fixed visage, Leon laid his right arm across the table as he spoke. "The truth is I never saw this coming. The offer to instruct. It's baffling, but an honor. But no new rank or special perks will turn me into a bootlicker for any one of you. I respect you because you give me reason to. I won't say anything in front of the kids unless I really have to, but when I think you're wrong, believe me, you'll hear about it. I want to help the younger mutants, offer them what little I have to give. And that's something I'll continue to do, special title or none."

"Special title or none," Alex piped up, "I want you out there with me."

Raven gave Leon's shoulder a massaging squeeze. "So do I. You talk about the others, but you don't know what an asset you are, either."

Leon glanced between with quiet gratitude before placing eyes on the ones across the way. "Is there anything else?"

Charles offered up the question with, "Ladies, gents?"

"You got to learn to open your mouth, outside of bein' an ace smart aleck," Logan said earnestly. "I know I'm one to talk here and I get that you're this big-time brain used to kickin' and scratchin' through this life on your own. But you're only twenty and there's so much goin' on in your head. When it gets to be too much, you don't have to carry the weight alone."

"You're not the only one of us who needs to be reminded of that," Kayla added.

Charles faced the sole silent one. "Victor, do you have anything to say?"

The blonde Veteran set Leon with an unreadable expression. "Make sure you wash your hair tonight. You got to be kiddin' me with that oil build-up."

Leon dug both sets of fingers through his black strands. "I need to be arrested for neglect. I haven't had time for a decent shampooing in three days."

"Dear boy," Charles vexed, "why do you think I picked up those travel soaps for you? How difficult is it to step off to the boys locker room while you're at school?"

"I hate going in there," Leon said sourly. "The smell, hot water running out after three min—"

Logan growled heavenly. "Don't you dames get enough of this at the beauty parlor?"

Erik cleared his throat to better resume things. "What you said before is exactly the reason we wanted to begin your instructor training. Every one of us contributes individually, making for a superior team because of it. We never went into this expecting blind servitude of you, Leon. Had we, you never would have qualified."

Charles picked it up with, "Logan was correct as well. We are here for the children as well as each other. We are accountable to one another. We have to be if we are to not only survive this world, but claim our rightful places in it."

"I understand. I don't think I'll ever have even a fifth of your hope, Charles," Leon looked around at all of them, "but I want to stay in the fight. I want to move forward with this training."

"You will," Erik informed. "As our newest staff member."

As Leon stilled, Alex grinned enormously, and Raven appeared ready to erupt with glee, Emma smiled knowingly, "Congratulations, sweetheart."

Finally throwing composure to the wind, Raven's arms did likewise, coiling over Leon with near sinister giggling.

Alex slapped palms with him and tossed a portion of Leon's hair over his face.

Despite himself, Hank pumped his fist with a low but elated, "Yes," that came out as more of a jubilant growl.

IIIIIII

Different levels of hyperactivity from various combinations of sugar among them, the pajama clad bunch moved in a large cluster. Excited whispers and giggles echoed from the group. Performing short spins every so often to create laughter from his tiny passenger, Frank carried Trav on his shoulders. Scott supported a growing lethargic Kiki, nuzzling noses and cheeks with her to keep her awake just a little longer. Latched onto both, Cody bounced between Sean and Maya. Murmuring together, Raven and Laci walked hand in hand. Crouched closely, Cordelia, Angel, and Samantha speculated what awaited them. Easily supporting Joey's weight on his back, Hank talked with Leon about the meeting and overall day. Leon used his left arm to keep Becky tucked near his side.

They made it to the designated section on the main level, at last clear of yellow tape, plastic coverings, and hazardous materials. Alex stood facing them in front of the wide wooden door, now painted indigo.

"Out of the way, blondie," Raven ordered.

Trav glanced back with disapproval. "We have to say "excuse me, please", Mommy."

At the laughs, Raven formed a tight smile for her son. "Thank you, Pooh Bear."

Twisting the knob, Alex kicked the door the rest of the way open. "Blah, blah, behold. No trampling the little kids."

All but stampeding into the brand-new space, a sea of enthused gasps provided the preliminary reaction. They met with an L-shaped room; front wall black and the two sides in midnight blue. A wrap-around sofa in dark orange provided plentiful seating. The left wall provided a direct view to the tall television set with built-in record player on top. The electronics instantly captivated Frank, Scott, and the older males while most of the girls squealed over the layout. Cody wasted no time dashing over and onto the couch, promptly bouncing on the cushions in his socks. At Laci and Joey joining him, Trav tried to squirm off his rider.

"Oh no you don't." Frank kept the eager little boy in place.

"You know not to do anything bad like that," Scott said to Kiki.

Aiming his thumb the proper direction, Sean ordered, "Down, you guys."

"Cody," Maya admonished, "you know better than that. Cookie overload or none."

"Relax, people," Alex waved off, entering behind them. "Let them wear out for bedtime."

Though it surprised Raven to see Laci participate, the shapeshifter could not deny wanting to partake as well.

Still, Scott stepped towards them. "Joey, quit, not so fast. You're going to make yourself dizzy."

Doing a flip, Cody informed, "That's the best part, genius."

Scott shot back, "Joey can't just heal himself like some people." He turned back to the blonde. "Seriously, I don't want to take any chances after earlier. Laci, either. Come on, you guys."

Giving in, Joey plopped to his knees. "Okay, okay."

Finding her own clarity, Laci lowered near him bashfully. "Sorry."

"It's okay, Gorge." Raven came over, clearing hair out of the girl's face. "You should see me during snowball fights."

Cody went into a squatting position and now made ape motions with his arms.

Sean shook his head, but Maya could not prevent her smile over the pint-sized theatrics.

"Look, Scottie."

At Kiki pointing down, Scott let her stand and went to one knee next to her. "Yeah, Kiki, ooh," he brushed his hand along the carpeting, "it's softer than Midnight."

"Of course," Alex said naturally, pointing out the playpen in one corner along with activity table. "If the kids are going to be in here, they need to be safe to goof around while I'm working out or whatever. Speaking of…" He indicated for them to follow him through the corridor.

On their way, they passed two doors to the right of the hall. Alex took the time to show the first, also done in black and blue. It contained another sofa as well as two bean bag chairs across from the lengthy desk with matching bookcase. Seeing a number of his drawings and other personal creations displayed on the walls, Joey went in with Laci for a closer look. The contents beyond the second door floored the group significantly more. It had a sink with long vanity, glassed in shower, and most grandly, an upright jacuzzi.

Jaw nearly touching the floor, Frank uttered, "A hot tub? They actually let you put a hot tub in?"

"Office?" Angel gaped. "This boy got a condominium."

Sean noticed a valuable article missing from the deluxe bathroom. "You plan on going tinkle in that thing?"

Alex fielded that one by walking to a door off to itself, showing the toilet within. "The water closet as Emma calls it."

Going to the jacuzzi with Becky, Samantha wanted to know, "Can we try it if we get into our swimsuits?"

"Hold off on that for just a sec, goldie." Alex started towards the hall again.

Anticipation overtaking her system, Cordelia stepped briskly alongside him. No disappointment found her when they reached the wide archway. Her entire face brightened over the personalized gym. While hardly a third the size of the one downstairs, it carried an assortment of treadmills, recumbent as well as standard cycle bikes, an elliptical, stair stepper, punching bags, and weight benches. Most of the machines stayed pushed against the walls to free up mat space in the center.

"An aerobic oasis," Cordelia declared, not awaiting invitation for her entry.

"Frank, check this out." Scott made a direct path for the metallic handles ascending half a wall vertically.

"Far out!" Frank climbed up after the eager Cyclops.

Spotting the dangling rings overhead, Samantha rocketed to grab hold of them.

Cody ran at one of the bags, but swung himself about with it instead of punching.

Perched on the top handles alongside Frank, Scott watched the younger boy as if to figure out his true planet of origin.

"Unbelievable. He can sublease this place as a summer home." Raven crossed her arms. "None of this is fair."

Picking the drooping Kiki up, Hank turned to his wife. "Love, between the two of us, I have my lab, our private suite in a vacant part of the house, Kiki and Trav have their own playroom in addition to their separate bedrooms—"

"Could you and your son keep your manners and solid reasoning to yourselves, please?" Raven interjected through sulky lips.

"No." Hank looked Alex's direction next. "As outstanding as all of this is, I don't like this area left open if the kids are going to be in here."

"Hank, come on, it's me." Going to the archway, Alex brought their attention to the white gate made into right hand interior wall. He unrolled it to show it blocked entry by five feet with a latch to keep it in place. "And while we're talking baby proofing," he increased his tone to address all the young ones present, "I only want to have to say this once. If I catch anyone under the age of Becky messing around in here by themselves, I hope your day is clear to spend over my knee. I'm talking superbowl of spankings. I'm not kidding."

"Ohhhhhhh, you mean exact same rule as the big gym. Gee," Cody rolled his eyes, "better write that down. Us Under Becky types are slow like that."

Sean's tone came with a distinct bite. "Cody, stop mouthing off. I mean it."

"Fine, I quit." Cody let go of the bag, landing on the mat below in a dramatically sprawled position.

When Becky began the trek up the handles, Scott scooted over to give her room to sit with him. He took her hand when it got in reach of his to help her the rest of the way up.

"Mommy," beseeched Trav, "I want to climb, too. Please, please."

"Go ahead," Raven allowed. "For a little while. It's almost tuck-in time."

"Kay, Mommy." Hurriedly getting to the wall, Trav pressed palms to it to crawl upward with ease.

Frank kept eyes on him and hands ready in the event the slightest slip occurred.

In the office, Laci noticed the custom emblem that adorned the outer door. "Did you make this one, Joey?"

The boy ceased rocking in the big executive chair to answer her. "Yeah, it's from our first Christmas together. I made one for everybody." Among the pictures that lined the desk, one in a silver frame made him smile. "Hey, Laci, look."

The redhead moved around the desk to see what he meant. Her own features showed delight over the photograph of the blonde duo in sunglasses waving inside a speed boat.

"This was in California, right?"

Coming to see about the quiet pair, Alex remained outside the door, but peered in as best he could.

"Yeah," Joey recollected. "I loved being at the beach house. We shared a room and Al played with me all the time."

"It's like you were woven into the same tapestry." Laci outlined their image with her finger. "Same thread, same spinning wheel. You look so much like your brother."

"I know," Joey smiled with partial boast. "Everybody says so."

Alex dipped his head a moment, his own self-satisfaction taking over his features.

IIIIIII

Almost lured by the airy melody fluttering freely the closer he drew towards it. Once in the music room doorway, Leon simply leaned there until the body giving life to the scales saw fit to conclude.

"Ever think to apply to Julliard?"

Raising his head with a blink, Sean let off a soft laugh. "You've got to be joking. That place is a competitive bloodbath for musical prodigies. If you don't have the best of Mozart down by age two, don't waste the time and tears."

"This is New York we're talking about. There are countless fine art schools." Going to Trick's desk, Leon hopped up on the edge of it, facing the younger male. "Not next door to WU, but not a million mile trek, either. You could have everything at once. A place to study music, literature, writing. Loads less pressure."

Sean straddled the piano bench to better look at him. "Leon, where are you even coming from with this? Is this some sort of instruction initiation from Charles and Erik?"

"This has nothing to do with contingencies," Leon informed. "I already made it clear to all of them that I'm not in this to be a mindless drone. Not that I'll ever fully get why they placed me in this position unless crazy is now contagious."

"Look, Lee," the repositioned the sheet music as he got to his feet, "I appreciate the concern- I really do- but I have a move-in ready place, a car, and in a breath, I'm about to have a wife. I'm already going to a top school on the east coast and somehow landed a job doing something I really love."

"You can still have a job, Sean. Right here." The redhead turned to him with incredulous eyes. Leon told him, "I've seen you in training, Sean. Especially this week." Getting up, he made a path for the high-schooler. "There's power in you that has nothing to do with a fancy flight suit or supersonic screeching. I know you hate that I was picked as an instructor ahead of you. It's no easier for me watching someone younger than I am going from committed relationship to readiness to share a life together when I can't even... But now that I am an instructor, maybe we can work with each other, help each other."

The explosive silence that came next brought an uneasiness to the normally pleasantly whimsical music space. Sean exhaled a heavy breath, gliding one hand through his thick red hair.

Blue eyes shining, he stilled a moment before responding. "We could. I know we could, Lee… but I really can't." Sean breathed in and swallowed the heaviness softly. "The X-Men will always be part of me and even if I wanted it to, nothing can change that, but I have to figure out the kind of man I'm supposed to be. Not just have a vague idea of him. I'm so far from who I was when I first came here. I want to keep moving forward to better myself. I don't just want to be the man Maya loves. I want to be the one deserving of that love every day. And she deserves the chance to get away from here, all these bad memories. To keep her mom afloat, Maya had to put herself last too many times. I'm putting her, the family we're building together, first."

Though Leon' face darkened, it contained understanding. "Promise me you will. Every day, every minute; take nothing for granted."

"I promise," Sean got out in a whisper. He started to go around the piano, but veered back again. "I'm glad they moved you up, Lee. Training with you really has been worthwhile for me. What you saw in me, I think I felt a little of it, too. It's… it's almost like having Trick here again."

"That's one comparison I never thought any lifeform would make about me," Leon nearly smirked. "Coming from you, it's real acclaim. Laughably ludicrous still but legit acclaim."

"Oh, you laugh now?" Sean rolled his eyes playfully, "Hit the lights," as he took his leave.