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.

291. Chapter 291 Saturday of Striving

Chapter Two Hundred Ninety-One

Author's Word: Alright, fam, when one of you puts up lyrics to "Come Back to Me" that is just a guaranteed heart motivator. And yeah, it's that time again. Yes, indeed, a new X-Men movie is out! You know what that means… back the frickkle off! As always, yes, of course, I know the new movie is out. No, I have no plans to see the new movie, at least not for a long while so as not to taint Rise or Fall. I have no desire to stay in perfect canon with these half-thought out films that rely on star power over characterization, overdone special effects, extensive plot holes, and continuity errors so egregious it is painful. Rise or Fall is based off best of the bunch, First Class, with inspiration drawing from the animated series, the TV movie from the 90s (yes, you read that correctly), a few comics, and the Marvel world in general.

I am also highly aware that there are certain characters you are all eager to see. I'll remind you that their inclusion will only occur if it fits Rise or Fall. Also, your vision for them will likely not match my vision for them, so it's a very strong case of be careful what you wish for. As well, I cannot believe that there have been three new X-Men movies since I started writing this thing (no, I'm not counting Deadpool). On a better front, it's great to have heard from fam member TrintySeeker and all congratulations for passing her foreign language class- yeah, that ain't easy.

Now, at last, please enjoy and review!

After managing to swallow very nearly their entire plates, the artistic pair fled the dinner table. Hording their creations in Joey's quarters, only a bright-eyed Bounty observed them. Ten minutes in, the rabbit grew bored of human escapades and made himself comfortable in his burrow to nap. Joey and Laci stacked their canvases after securing each one inside its own foam sleeve. Their completed picture books, colored drawings, and all else resided in decorative boxes. Laci's tri-fold collages proved the most challenging to store, but they managed with additional foam and oversized clear trash bags.

"How are we supposed to explain all this to your family?" Laci beheld their plentiful assortment. "We look like we're packed for Paris."

"Or Rome," said Joey with a hopeful smile. "Don't worry. No one outside of Cody and Becky have any idea what we're doing. I wish I could tell my dad or Alex."

Laci turned to him. "What about Aunt Raven?"

Joey shook his head. "Not yet." He picked up his latest Blue Woman depiction, eyeing it closely. "Not until we know for sure. I don't want to disappoint any of them. Besides, I don't want my mom to mention it to your mom."

Laci laid back against one of his pillows. "At least they'd be disappointed for you, not in you. It's like I can't tell my parents anything."

Joey inched closer towards her. "Laci, if they want you and not me, don't stay behind with me. If you get in, it'll knock your parents off their feet."

The girl immediately sat up at that. "I'm not going anywhere without you, least of all some art program in a different city where I don't know anybody. I want to do this with you, Joey. I don't have to go to prove it to my parents. All that matters is that I did it without them."

Joey toppled with a bit of a whimper. "I want us to win so bad, Laci. It's all I can think about."

Laci intertwined fingers with him. "Same here."

II

"For years, I've heard teachers go on about how smart I am, but when I started high school, my mentality could not have been more shallow. All I wanted was to be accepted, to have an endless circle of friends all around me, feeding off my every word. I wanted to be strong, confident, and popular, not that weak, spineless nothing only noticed as an easy target. I wish I could go back in time and tell my fifteen-year-old self that none of that matters. That there is a whole world out there beyond high school and we have an important part in it. I have seen and experienced things I never thought possible and met people who have changed my entire existence for the better. As I move on to college and marriage, I want to remember and hold tight to these hard lessons. I not only want to be a success, but also an inspirational force reminding those still suffering fear and loneliness that they are anything but nothing."

At the conclusion, his audience of one reacted with, "Had you received anything but number one featured article, I'd have that newspaper as well as the entire school board replaced by day's end."

An impressed Sean came back with, "You'd ruin countless careers on my behalf?"

Charles replied, "With full, unashamed bias. Give that here." Sean handed over the paper and the Professor looked closer at his piece. "You've outdone yourself again, Seanie. I'll have to share this with some of the children when I'm able to return to the psychiatric center. Though I'm more attempted to horde it to myself. Put it in a nice frame for my study."

"Don't worry about that. I brought home a stack," Sean told him. "Kayla wants to show her students, too and I know how you get. Joey's art ribbons, Scott's ROTC honors, Cordy's gymnastics medals; as if any of us are allowed to keep our prizes."

"I am entitled to boasting on my little ones' behalves," Charles stated. "Besides, you'll all thank me when you need those credentials. I have copies of almost everything you've ever written."

"Good to know with all the grief you give me when I louse up." Sean moved from the chair to the bed to lay close to the man. "Remember when I was dumbing down assignments intentionally?"

With a breathy laugh, Charles wrapped an arm around him. "I was close to paddling your bum in front of everyone for that. I don't know who you thought you were fooling."

"Alex drove me nuts with that professor's pet stuff. Now, he's the serious student." Sean considered that truth and shook his head. "Still can't believe that one."

"I can." Charles dragged an affectionate hand through the boy's red hair. "I knew the potential in all of you, even without my powers."

Sean faced him. "You knew my potential as a rock star?"

"That part was a bit of a swerve," Charles admitted. "But there always has been something special about that voice of yours." He kissed Sean's head. "Maya will be with her mother for the full day tomorrow, yes?"

Sean nodded. "Yep."

"Then what do you say you and I go out for a bit?" Charles proposed. "Hit the book stores?"

The redhead started to smile then brought up, "Are you sure you're up for that?"

"I really do need some time out of the house. I'm starting to feel like an invalid," Charles said half-humorously. "And I'm certain a day with my Seanie will be most therapeutic."

"Then cool," Sean agreed, nestling against him.

II

Trading the wrench out for a pair of pliers, Frank fully took in the all too noiseless garage. He peered around the general area for his cohort. Before he could call out his name, the enthused battle cry sounded and the small body launched.

"Trav!" Frank rushed to catch him before he could make very unpleasant contact with the open toolbox.

Giggling, the younger boy looked at him. "You didn't even see me coming."

"Yeah, and you know something? That's not a good thing," Frank informed him sternly. "Geez, kid." He pulled him into an embrace. "You got to be more careful than that."

Trav wound arms around his neck, sensing his unease. "Frankie? Are you mad? I just wanted you to see my jump."

"I'm not mad. I just don't want to see you hurt, little guy. I said you could help me out in here, but only if you're good." Frank met brown eyes with him again. "Wait until training for mutant stunts, okay?"

"Okay."

Frank lowered him to the floor. Trav fiddled with his plastic toolkit while Frank resumed his bike repairs.

II

On Deuteronomy of the aged text, the metal wielder peered up at the fledgling lass lounging comfortably on the sofa. Humming a tune from Mary Poppins to herself, Becky wrote her latest journal entry.

"At the rate he's going, Joey is going to turn this house into his own private gallery." Brian attached to her hip, Emma joined them in the Mag Cave. "Look what I found in the recreation room."

Taking the piece of white construction paper from her for examination, Erik sat up straighter at the depiction.

Becky caught the expression on her father's face and got up to see for herself. "What is it, Papa?" Her vision answering the question for her, she stared at the detailed sketch of Erik stationed at his desk from the left side. Great emphasis went into his pensive countenance as well as the position of his hands while he wrote something. "Oh, my goodness." Becky smiled widely. "That looks just like you. Doesn't it, Auntie?"

With a nod, Emma commented, "It would appear Raven is not his sole source of inspiration." She hefted Brian to kiss his cheek. "Let's check on Daddy."

The droopy baby left his head on his mother's shoulder as they departed the den.

II

Grip locked on the rings, Samantha executed her tenth aerial flip. In sheer tights and a lemon-yellow leotard, Cordelia maneuvered on the tips of her toes up and down the balance beam. Using two floor mats for herself, Angel attempted to re-create the slow, rhythmic movements of the praise dancers she had previously seen perform at Ben's temple. From his place in the doorway, Alex looked on in approval of their efforts until his phone summoned him back to his office area.

Dropping into his chair, he flung up the receiver and brought it to his ear. "Sizzlin' Summers."

The delighted voice on the other end came back with, "That's truth in advertising if I ever heard it."

A grin overtook Alex's entire face. "Holly. Really, you pick now to call? Trying to invade my dreams tonight, girl?"

"Only fair with how you haunt mine," she countered glibly. "You're also not the easiest to catch during business hours."

"What, you thought a private line meant I'd actually get to use it? Joe keeps it tied up." Alex leaned back in his seat. "If you haven't heard, my baby's got a lady now."

"Oh, his little art friend, right?"

"The one and only Laci. I can see why he likes her so much, though. What blonde can resist a beautiful, illegally far out redhead?"

"Hm," Holly pretended to ponder, "none off the top of my head. So, how's anatomy treating you?"

Alex scoffed. "How much time you got?"

She answered straightaway, "All you need and want, stud."

IIIIIII

After the mother and daughter finished making a soft, airy duet of one of Raven's original poems, Kiki drifted off with her pink clothed teddy bear. Hank, who had nearly dozed off himself from the tranquility their voices offered, secured her in a barrier of some of her other stuffed animals. They both kissed her head and Raven clicked on her nightlight before turning off the room's primary illumination source.

Going in search of their son, they found his bed still made. They did not need to wager many guesses as they next headed for the quarters of the one Trav had spent the better part of the evening with. Looking in through the gap in the door, Hank and Raven right away spotted the seven-year-old tucked in with Basher, his ape comrade, in his arms.

Noticing them, Frank looked away from his typewriter and spoke quietly. "Little guy clocked out two minutes out of the tub. Figures with all that bouncing around he's been doing."

While Raven laid down to cuddle with Trav for a bit, Hank went over to Frank, taking note of the numerous books on his desk. "You must have some workload to be starting homework on a Friday. I can't for the life of me grasp why the other teachers bombard all of you to such an extent this close to finals."

"I don't have that much," Frank assured. "I already finished algebra in the car. I have an oral report for history coming up and I want to get this bibliography bull out of the way." He rolled his eyes. "Teachers drive me nuts with these validation mandates as if we drew numbers out of a hat to land in the honors program. There are kids who try to stay informed without being graded."

"I know," Raven piped up. "The worst are the PhD holders. The biggest, most obnoxious blowhards to ever slither."

Hiding a smile, Hank wriggled his glasses. "I didn't know I crushed your spirit to such a degree, dear."

She smiled coyly at him. "You make up for it by being hot."

"Guys, the kid's right there," Frank reminded, indicating Trav. "Don't give him nightmares."

Ruffling the teen's hair a little, Hank asked, "What are you doing your report on?"

"Well, I wanted to keep this one pretty simple," Frank explained. "I'm covering the question of rights and citizenship in regards to anchor babies in relation to the fourteenth amendment with its origin and intent."

Raven gaped at him. "So… simple in the Land of Lovebug I see."
An intrigued Hank stroked his chin. "That sounds riveting, Frank. I'd love to hear what you have to say at some point, even if it's only preliminary thoughts."

"For sure, Hank. That'll give me the chance to make cuts if I need to. Teachers are always tapping their watches with me."

Hank crossed his arms with a frown. "They can be so painstakingly rude about that."

Raven held back a snort and pecked Trav at his temple.

IIIIIII

In white satin pajamas lined with mauve and long matching robe, the blue-eyed woman stayed against her headboard while watching her males' content slumber. Wrapped in Charles' secure hold, Brian kept one arm around Dickon. His other bitty hand held onto the front of his father's shirt. Sending fingers through their hair, Emma let her hand linger in Charles' as she gingerly kneaded his scalp. She experienced her own rush at the increase in easiness he emitted.

Rising from their bed, Emma took leave of the suite. As if raising several windows at once, her mind opened to allow those of her household's youngest to waft in. Mira laid peacefully in her crib and for a moment Emma could hear a pleasant melody inside her. Todd's dreams seemed rushed in a more active sense over nightmarish. In Kiki, Emma saw glorious streaks of white that her own wardrobe could not outshine. Trav felt calmer than usual and the same could be said and most welcomed from Frank, who laid beside him. Joey's mind seemed rapid, but not chaotic. A different story came from the next child she detected.

Emma made a hurried path around the corridor to the dwelling area of the Howlett-Creeds. Entering Cody's room as quietly as she could, Emma realigned him in bed before he could slide off his mattress. She placed her palm across his forehead and cast away the tormenting visions from years back. When Cody went into a relaxed state, Emma slipped out once more. As with Mira, Emma could hear fragments of a song radiating off Becky. Beside her, Laci let off greater tranquility than Emma expected from any young one in a strange bed. With the next child she attempted to reach, she detected no dreaming nor anything remotely resembling slumber. Stepping out onto a balcony that offered a view of the backyard, the woman zeroed in on the teenager.

Victor?

Already got him on sight, boss lady, the security man returned.

With another pitch, Scott chased after the small red and white ball. It took a moment for him to blindly feel it through the shrubbery, but he managed to retrieve it.

Standing fully, Scott turned and immediately stilled at the tall frame of the older male. "… Hey, Coach."

"You fall out of bed straight through the window?" Victor set him with a certain look. "That's just about the only explanation I got for you being out and about this time of night."

"I couldn't sleep too well." Scott raised his baseball. "I thought throwing a few would help. And, you know, it's the weekend."

"And if you were up readin' comic books, we wouldn't have an issue," Victor said matter-of-factly. "You know I don't want you kids out here this late."

"Sorry, Coach," the boy sighed.

"Come on, Shades." Gripping his shoulder, Victor guided the way back into the house. They stopped in the foyer and after Scott got out of shoes and the jacket he wore over his pajamas, Victor knelt to one knee. "I know with this winning streak we're on that you're under a load of pressure, but kid, you for dang know better."

Scott stood in an attentive stance. "Yes, sir, I do."

Victor bent him over his raised knee and lowered his pants and underwear only enough to reach his bottom. After six brisk swats, he redressed the boy and allowed him up again.

"Come here." He brought Scott into a hug. "Next time you can't shut your eyes, come see me."

Scott pressed his cheek against the man's shoulder. "Yes, sir. I am sorry."

"Done with, Shades. Don't worry about it." Victor let him go and prodded him towards the stairs. "Get goin' before Em nails ya."

Scampering up the steps, Scott discovered the dissatisfied blonde woman at the top. He formed his brightest smile. Emma gave him a knowing look back and gestured for him to return to his quarters. Scott did so in a slight sideways motion that kept his backend out of range. Once back in his room, he rubbed vigorously at his bottom. He released a whimper as he flopped stomach down into bed.

IIIIIII

Upon awakening, the young man received confirmation that the sound of running water occurred outside his slumber. At the vacant spot beside him coupled with the cracked bathroom door, he put two and two together. Leon wiped at his eyes for better clarity and gazed around the new, larger space. It came with a deeper closet in addition to the two cherry wood dressers pushed against the wall right next to the door. Mirrors hung on each wall with one attached to the exterior of the closet door. The three-tier stand displayed his action figures and other knickknacks. A frame of the second amendment, superhero team shots, Wonder Woman, Bruce Lee, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, and other such posters decorated the walls as well. A bulletin board with pinned news clippings featuring Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Medgar Evers, and protest updates hung above the wide desk.

When she finished showering and drying her hair, Melissa stepped out of the bathroom. Dressed in black pants and a shamrock green top, she found the main area vacant. After igniting the coffee maker in one corner, she retrieved a pair of tennis shoes from the closet to slip into. She glanced into the mirror, but looked back at Leon's return.

Carrying a tray loaded with two different cereal boxes and milk bottle, he said, "Welcome to Saturday."

Melissa gave him an amused gaze and sat at the card table with him to eat. "Do you remember when Frosted Flakes made everything better?"

"You mean before we went full on Cocoa Puffs?" A glint shined in Leon's eyes. "Vaguely." He poured coffee into both their mugs. "Though, my dad didn't let me eat a lot of cold cereal. Even on Rice Krispies, he made sure I only got a teaspoon of sugar. He usually cooked breakfast. And dinner."

"He sounds pretty cool. More done by nine am than most people do all day," Melissa remarked. "We basically had to train Max to eat anything besides cereal and hamburgers. Their mother was too much of a career girl to take time fixing actual food for them. Being a professional scamming whore-beast and all."

Leon asserted, "Sounds like Joey's birth mother if she only had a brain. I wasn't here when he came, but Alex and Hank told me he was like a wounded animal. He was so scared of going without food that he hid enough in his room to attract ants."

"Smart thinking," Melissa reacted. "Can't blame him for a minute. The kids I find out here…" Her eyes went to the window absently. "I admire every day they don't wind up mangled at the bottom of the Brooklyn Bridge."

"I appreciate every day you don't."

"You should." She faced him again. "You do have a fair bit of credit there."

Leon said glibly, "I'll cash it in for favors later."

When they finished eating and savoring two cups of coffee each, Leon walked into the bathroom and Melissa to the entertainment system. She put on a record and refilled the tray with their empty breakfast goods.

Wild thing, you make my heart sing
You make everything groovy, wild thing

At Leon abruptly popping his head out, Melissa genuinely giggled at his dubious expression while holding his toothbrush with a mouthful of foamy paste.

IIIIIII

Almost as soon as he reached the second floor, Erik had to maneuver out of the way. Alex ahead and Cordelia in her gold form for additional strength, they headed down with individual armfuls of materials.

"Begging pardon," said Cordelia.

"Don't mind us grunts," Alex quipped.

Exhaling with good humor, the metal wielder continued into Joey's room. The eleven-year-old pair gathered the rest of their supplies. They wore comfortable clothing but ensured them neat enough by Xavier standards to venture into town. Joey had on dark jeans, his blue Merlin t-shirt, and a thin black jacket. Laci proved quite the delightful sight in her lilac pants and white long-sleeve top covered in a pattern of maroon, gold, and orchid flowers. With her hair down, a yellow headband kept it at bay.

The tall man made his presence known with, "I see Miss Kendall doesn't care for idle hands. How have you managed with your homework?"

Laci looked up and told him, "We did the written parts already."

"And tomorrow's study day, anyway," Joey brought up. "Right, Uncle Erik?"

"Right, Kangaroo. So long as you haven't forgotten that. Also importantly," Erik showed him the drawing, "did you need this? Your mother found it."

Getting a good look, Joey said, "You can keep that, Uncle Erik. I know it's not that good, but I was trying to do a basic sketch for…" Glancing around, he spotted the small canvas and raised it. "This."

Beholding the oil painting, which added an abundance of warm, comforting colors to the drawing, Erik could only stare at first. "Kangaroo." He dipped to peer closer. "What… when did you do this?"

"Remember a couple weeks when me and Brian were playing in the Mag Cave? He got tired so we sat on the couch for a while. I was doing something else in my pad at first, but then I looked up for a second and saw you with the light from the fireplace and your desk lamp," Joey described.
Messenger bag on, Laci stepped over to them. "It reminds me of Rembrandt's portraits."

"Yeah," Joey said to the affirmative. "I was trying to make it look like the one in Dad's office."

"Kangaroo?" Erik received Joey's eyes again. "Would you sign this for me, please?"

"Sure." Joey put down his painting to take the drawing to his desk. He added his signature to the right bottom corner and handed the paper back to the man. "There you go, Uncle Erik. I'm glad you like it."

With a signaling whistle on his lips, Alex came back to the room. "Let's get it in gear, shrimptoids. Your caddies have everything loaded."

Waving, Laci called, "Bye, Mr. Lehnsherr," and started into the hall.

"See you later, Uncle Erik." Joey hurried after her.

Alex grabbed the white button-down sweater off the desk chair. "Laci's mom would go into hysteria if I let her leave without this." He noticed what the Headmaster held. "Joey did you justice, Dad."

Erik indicated the paper as he claimed, "His talent can highlight even the poorest model."

"Well, you are technically the Father of Frankenstein." Cracking a smirk, Alex rushed out before he could receive a none-too-gentle bop on the head.

IIIIIII

Enjoying the simplistic yet cherished sensation of freely walking about his kitchen, Charles reacted to growing youthful mumbling. When he left the eatery for investigation, an automatic smile came over the Professor's face. As the short figure in jogging pants and significantly oversized gray sweatshirt neared, Charles wondered how the Headless Horseman happened upon his home. Kneeling to the boy, he tugged the shirt down and rolled the sleeves up to the elbows for him.

"Oh, it's only my Little Kitten." Charles used his hand to sweep hair away from the almond shaped eyes. "For a moment, I feared a visit from a certain resident of Sleepy Hallow."

With an impish wiggle of his eyebrows, Cody mentioned, "Well, we do have a lot of horses now. But if he came around here, Blaze would kick him in the gut."

"Ah, so we have security all around then, excellent." Charles looked him over. "I swear, you could make sleeping bags of your daddy's clothes." He touched the interesting black symbols on the front of the shirt. "Do you know what this says?"

"Uh huh, it means warrior," Cody explained. "My dad got it while he was still in Japan."
"Very appropriate," Charles commented. "On both of you."

Cody regarded the man happily and placed arms around his neck. "You seen my folks or did they cut out on me?"

"Yes, but only because I paid them a hefty sum," Charles teased, tickling noses with him. "Though your mummy put up a bit of a fight, you're all mine now."

Cody purred and nuzzled near the telepath's hair. "You feel all better now, right?"

"Not completely, but I am getting there," Charles told him. "You've all been so wonderful for the other instructors. Actually, Joey tells me you helped him with additional studying for your test yesterday. How do you think you did?"

"Okay," Cody answered, trying to ignore the growing burn in his chest. "Joey worries a lot. I bet he did good." He moved back a few paces. "I better go catch up with my ma and dad."

With a bob of his head, Charles informed, "They're still prepping the car."

"Thanks." Cody's scuttling made him nearly collide with a much taller frame.

"Hey, watch it," Sean said with faux menace.

"Ah, watch your face, you big oak."

"Whatever, kitty cactus."

At Cody headbutting his hip, the two traded mild punches. That lasted until Sean seized him for tickling. Unable to hold it in more than a few seconds, Cody threw his head back with laughter. He lightly nipped Sean's wrist and received release along with a small swat that propelled him.

From his spectator view point, Charles shook his head with an increasing smile. "Will you lads ever outgrow turning the mundane into all-out skirmishes?"

"Not even when we need walkers," Sean grinned. "You know, like you and Uncle Erik."

"Aren't you droll? Keep it up," Charles came to stand in front of him, giving the boy a tap on the nose, "and I'll show you one of the many functions of a cane. Ready to go?"

"About that." Sean lost some of his jest for nerves. "I got a call and it's really last minute, but they need me to fill-in for one of the singers this afternoon. Guy had an out of nowhere emergency or something. Do you think?... I'd really love for you to come hear me sing."

Charles quickly developed a pleased countenance. "Oh, Seanie, so would I. Of course I'll come."

Sean beamed. "It's for a restaurant out in Soho; big Saturday spot, apparently. I don't go on until four, so we can still hit a book store on the way. But first I need to grab my guitar," he pulled on the neckline of the navy sweater he wore, "seriously change my clothes, review my music…"

Charles patted his shoulder and back. "Then come, come. We have a mission on our hands."

As they headed for the stairs together, Sean lowered enough to place his head on the telepath's shoulder.

IIIIIII

All loose pieces removed from the second stall, the blonde girl filled another trash bag. Taking a moment to lean on the pole of her rake, Samantha made lingering eye contact with the shiny ones belonging to her steed. So focused she clearly did not notice her other heightened senses, she gasped at the rake leaping from her clutch. Taking it into his own grasp, Erik tried to contain his smirk over how the young girl managed to color coordinate her work gloves with her hot pink overalls, white t-shirt, and equally matching bandana in her golden hair.

"Uncle Erik," Samantha acknowledged pleasantly.

He walked up to stroke Hazelnut then Blaze. "Hard to concentrate on chores when faced with such magnificent animals, isn't it?"

A glow about her despite the task, Samantha said, "Midnight means most to me in the world, but I never even dreamed about a horse. Definitely not one as beautiful as my Hazelnut."

"We used to be quite the duo." Erik then clarified, "My Gideon and I."

"When you were little?"

"And hopelessly scrawny." At her smile, he formed one as well. "Everything seems so exciting yet carefree at the same time on the back of a horse."

"It does," Samantha concurred just as wistfully.

Erik brought up, "But it isn't your day to clean up in here, is it?"

"Joey traded with me to work on his art projects. He's doing Midnight's litterboxes and my dishes tomorrow."

"I do appreciate the way you and your cousins can compromise with each other." Erik handed her back the rake and summoned another his direction. "What do you say we finish this up together and get a ride in, hm?"

Entirely gleeful now, Samantha replied, "Thanks, Uncle Erik!"

"It's something of a scheme on my part, my dear." Erik began raking the hay. "You give justification for my own slacking off."

Samantha viewed him with humor and prepared another empty trash bag.

IIIIIII

"Back up, back up." Frank waited for the younger boy to rush away a few more yards before launching the ball. "Keep your eyes open!"

Trying to stay locked in and the soaring object, Trav jumped up to snatch the football. "I got it, I got it!"

"Way to go, little guy," Frank praised. "Now, let's see what that arm can do." He then reacted to his missing team member appearing out of the back door. "Well, if it isn't sleepy head. Keep this up and you'll be cleaning the latrine for a month, airman."

"Real rich, Tolbert," Scott responded dryly, heading his way. "Remind me to tell Steve you're stealing his shtick. And butchering it."

Frank countered glibly, "Only fair seeing as how you're stealing mine, grumpy."

"More like Dopey," Scott claimed. "Caught it from Vic last night."

Clearly surprised, Frank wanted to know, "You try to go solo on the jet or something?"

"Nothing remotely that cool. I've got this winning season on my brain so hard, I went out to pitch a few… after one AM." Frank winced on his behalf and Scott said, "I know, slow moment. Even better, I've told Kiki about wondering out of the house to go to the stables. Just glad she didn't see me."

Frank dismissed, "Like the bigger guys have never told us off just to do the same thing themselves."

"Ohh yeah," Scott knew. "Alex and Hank can really—" He jumped back at Frank's sudden lunge.

The city native grabbed the football before it could make a harsh connection with Scott's face. "Trav! What do you think you're doing?"

Bouncing over, Trav's voice carried matter-of-fact over contrition. "Go play with my sister, Scott. Me and Frankie are busy."

"Trav, that is not funny," Frank reproached. "You could've broken his glasses off or really hurt one of his eyes. You know Scott can't see so well under low lights already."

Trav responded simply, "That's not my fault. He shouldn't have bugged us."

"Bugged you?" Frustration building all the more as it reached his temples, Scott encroached on the child. "You rotten, annoying little pain. Do I look like I'm in the mood for…" Trav immediately hid behind Frank's leg. "Yeah, that'll stop me."

Frank spread his arm to block his friend's path. "Scott, quit. You're tired and ticked. Trav," he tapped his head, "go sit on the bench for a while."

Losing his smug expression, Trav looked up with round eyes. "But, Frankie, we're playing…"

"Go, little guy." Frank pointed the proper direction. "Or no more football today."

Posture disgruntled, Trav still made his way to the nearest stone bench.

"Seriously, Frank?" Scott regarded him incredulously.

"He's just a little kid, Scott."

"You only go easy on him because he's Raven's son," Scott accused. "If it was Joey, you'd be leading the mob. You know, the little art freak who plays with bunnies that the "great" Wolverine couldn't possibly care about?"

After the spell of silence, Frank tried to speak, but Scott merely rolled his eyes and started inside again. Frank moaned and glared down.

Trav kicked his legs. "Can we play now?"

"No," Frank raised his head, "not until I say you can get up. And zip it on time-out."

Trav crossed his arms and kicked harder at the air.

IIIIIII

The small group proceeding to the crosswalk had to jump to opposite ends at the barreling youth that sped through. They stayed that way as the two uniformed officers raced by next. Iron grip on the strap of his bag, the teenager with heartbeat ready to combust straight out of his chest dared to peer back. Though a distance behind him, the officers showed no signs of discontinuing pursuit. Turning one corner, he met with a narrow passageway. Reaching the black gate at the end, he jumped to climb. Halfway up, he reacted to a sudden shadow and looked back in paling alarm. He calmed, but grew entirely confused at the female figure who spread her arms as a barricade. The boy could ask nothing as the police soon arrived.

"There he is," one pointed out while his partner asked the young woman, "You know this kid, lady?"

"Maybe," Melissa replied, arms never lowering. "Depends why you're on his tail."

"We just want a look in that backpack."

"I didn't do anything," the teen insisted.

Glancing back briefly, Melissa resumed eying the officers. "Not all that up-to-date on my civics, but I'm pretty sure this qualifies as unlawful search and seizure."

"Not with what he's got in there," the older officer countered. "Move aside, girl, or you can come with him."

"Sorry, swine," both men turned to see the long-haired male positioned a few feet from their backs, "but if anyone's going to handcuff her, it's going to be me."

Melissa kept in a snort to maintain her no-nonsense resolve.

At what the pair reached for next, Leon raised his own hands. The officers lost all coloring while the boy at the gate gasped over their guns winding up in the stranger's possession.

"Aren't the untouchable lawmen you think you are without these?" Leon aimed the barrels at them. "Are you?" When their hands went into the air, he directed, "Get him out of here."

Melissa yanked the boy down. "Move, kid."

He asked no questions as he followed her along out of the passageway.

Leon shared an extended stare-down with the officers before depositing their weapons in a dumpster and taking his rapid leave. While his partner retrieved their guns, the older office ran out, seeing not even a trace of the three.

II

Rematerializing behind an abandoned building, the blown away youth touched his chest and stomach, finding himself completely whole.

"H-how…" He looked frantically between the older two. "How did you do that?"

Leon spoke with a flat expression. "Do what?"

"W-what you just did! With those guns and- how did we get here?"

"No idea what you're talking about," Leon stated. "But if you're going to go around speaking such insanity, maybe we better drop you off at Bellevue."

"No!" he pleaded. "I-I didn't see anything. I swear."

"Smart boy." Melissa next snatched his backpack.

"Hey!" Leon stepped up, setting him with an unreadable look. The boy promptly grew wordless.

Dumping out the contents, mostly clothes, Melissa found and picked up a golden-brown package. "So, this is what the Pork Patrol was after." She ripped open one end, eyes widening at the amount of white powder within. "Crackpot jackpot."

"Give that back!" the child beseeched. "You don't understand. I only do deliveries. You have to give it to me. That amount'll guarantee me food for a month."

"More like three to five years if you're caught again. And that's only if this is your first offense," Leon informed. "What's your name?"

"Raymond Gallagher." Melissa held up the school ID she discovered. "You carry this thing around in this line of work? What, didn't have time to print business cards?"

"It's Ray," he corrected, "and fine, I'm retarded. Can I go now?"

"Go where?" Leon inquired. "Where do you live?"

"… Places."

"With who?" Leon asked next.

Ray released an aggravated sigh before speaking again. "A few shelters before they sent me to the group home. Tore out of there within a week."

Leon guessed, "Orphan?"

"Might as well be," Ray answered. "My dad split ages ago. My mom gets SSI for psychos, but drinks up all her checks. Can? I? Go? Now?"

Melissa shared a look with Leon before she said, "We want you to come with us."

Ray immediately stepped back. "You guys with another cartel or what? I'm not trying to get in deep here. I do runs, that's it."

Melissa told him, "We're not with them or the law. Call us the middle ground. I'm Melissa, he's Leon, and we want to take you somewhere safe."

"What?" Ray's suspicion only grew. "Why?"

Leon replied stiffly, "We're bored. Blonde kid being pursued by cops? Couldn't miss that for the world. Now, do you want to come or do you want to go back to playing ring-around-the-pig?"

Ray silenced a moment before giving off an uncertain nod of his head.

IIIIIII

To their mutual astonishment, when Laci and Joey first arrived in the center's art room, they found themselves the only ones in attendance. Miss Kendall explained the small number of entries they had in addition to most not being ready for final submission or wanting to give up their Saturday for it. Pushing two tables together for more space, Joey and Laci continued meticulously with their final portfolio components. A few hours and lots of deliberation later, they brought up their last black and white as well as colored pencil entries.

"You two…" Miss Kendall looked through their canvases, drawings, and other projects. "I would say I'm amazed, but that isn't the case." Sitting at her desk again, she faced each of them. "You both have so much dedication and commitment to this field in ways even older students can't match. I want you to remember that whatever happens with this competition, you needn't continue trying to be good artists." She smiled brightly. "Because you already are. Seek to become extraordinary ones."

Laci's eyes shined. "Thank you, Miss Kendall."

"Thank you so much," said Joey. "I… I can't help hoping we make it."

"Me, too," Laci admitted.

"You've done everything you can," she told them. "Your best. I'll have your portfolios submitted before the end of the day. It shouldn't be too long to hear back, though the wait won't be easy on any of us."

"For sure," agreed Joey. "I better call my big brother to get us."

"Thanks again, Miss Kendall." Laci went with him to collect everything.

After they filled their bags and tidied, they headed out together. Their hands combined the second they stepped into the hall.

IIIIIII

Unfolding the absolutely soft material, the hazel eyes lit up over the intricate patches that made up the quilt.

"This is amazing, Mrs. Howlett." Gina felt the design of wolf puppies and lion cubs. "It's perfect." She shared a hug with the woman seated by her on the porch. "Thank you."

"It was my pleasure, sweetheart," Kayla assured. "One good thing about the nine-month process is the time given for the quilting process."

"Sweetie's going to love this." Gina folded it in half and tucked it around her swelled belly.

Kayla gazed towards her husband, who assisted a few of the girls with the vegetable garden they had been wanting to start. One of the older boys as well as Walter supervised one section of the steadily blooming flowers. Logan peered up at hearing his son's voice.

"Make it tight." Cody helped Aiden form a fist and stepped forward in a swift punching motion. "But while they're swingin', go for the kick."

"Why?" the younger boy wondered.

"Punchin' too much will mess up your hand. Why do you think the pros wear gloves in boxin'?"

"Oh!" Aiden comprehended.

At the approaching vehicle, they all gazed up.

Kayla put down her sewing basket and directed, "Stay here," to her students as she made her way down the steps.

"Keiko, take over." Logan removed his work gloves and walked over with his wife.

"Hey," Melissa greeted the Howletts, getting out of the passenger side of her car.

Leon left the driver's chair. "Special delivery."

Looking to the back, Melissa petitioned, "Ray? It's okay."

Slowly, the boy eased out of the vehicle. Sandy blonde hair likely made darker by dirt streaks with heavy blue eyes, he stood in ripped jeans, a white T, unbuttoned flannel shirt, and worn sneakers. While the sight of the extraordinary building at first caught his attention, the cluster of children in differing skin shades, not to mention well-maintained play clothes, captivated him more.

Kayla spoke first. "Ray, is it?"

"Yeah…" Catching himself, he fully took in the beauty with cascading dark hair. "Y-yes, ma'am. Ray Gallagher."

"I'm Kayla Howlett."

"Your new teacher," Melissa introduced.

Kayla indicated the man at her side. "This is my husband, Logan."

It surprised neither at the boy's dropped jaw. "He's…" At the cutting blue eyes more seasoned than his own, Ray stiffened.

Kayla touched her husband's shoulder. "Please, come inside so we can get you situated."

"Okay." Taking hold of his bag, Ray hastened by Logan.

Melissa went with them.

Leon looked to Logan. "Just have to mess with them, don't you?"

With knowing amusement, the Veteran came back with, "Look who's talkin'."

On his way up the porch steps, Ray paused at the brunette sitting there, who seemed to emit her own glow. "Hi."

Forming an at ease smile, Gina returned, "Hi." The look on her face did not fade as she watched him continue inside.

IIIIIII

With some assistance from Charles, Sean had gone out in new slacks with alligator belt, black turtleneck, polished patent-leather shoes, and his brown suede jacket. Eyeing his slicked back hair in the mirror, he laughed inwardly over considering himself a redheaded Desi Arnaz. Sean then entertained the thought that he probably amounted to what such offspring with Lucille Ball would actually look like. Deciding on a quick peek, he peered beyond the curtain, hoping for a decent turnout. Apart from the table reserved for Charles, every other one including the bar area proved filled. Though a singer older than Sean had yet to finish his set, he found himself breathing harder.

Turning around, Sean met with a most welcomed face. "Charles."

"Can you believe this?" the telepath radiated. "Every one of them here to listen to my boy."

Sean tacked on, "Provide background noise while they enjoy the soup-of-the-day."

"Stop that." Charles gingerly tapped his thigh. "You'll wow them, just wait."

Sean stared at him closely. "We can leave you know."

Charles face fell abruptly clueless. "Say what?"

"All those minds out there. What if you get sick again?"

"Sean, all I'm concentrating on is you." Charles squeezed his wrists. "I promise, if I have even the slightest spell, I'll call home. But for now, all I want is to hear my boy."

Sean leaned in to hug him. "So glad you're here, Daddy."

Charles rubbed his back in a soothing motion. "So am I, son."

Once he finally heard Sean's name announced, Charles rushed to his seat in as gentlemanly a fashion as he could. He ordered a bourbon with soda and waited for him to take the stage. The friendly crowd greeted him with applause that Charles promptly joined in on. Beginning with a slow ballad on his guitar, Sean's stroking of the strings intensified until the instrument seemed to fill the area with its own spirit. Though surrounded by numerous excited minds, Charles experienced nothing beyond enjoyment.

IIIIIII

Reaching the top of the wooden structure, Scott's instinct paid off at discovering the other Eye Scream Member there. Frank dangled legs from the upper level while attempting to gaze out of his old telescope.

Scott commented, "Hardly recognize this place anymore."

Frank cast somewhat tired eyes on him. "Too tall to be in here long without a leg cramp."

"Tell me about it," Scott sympathized. "Though I know I didn't act like much of a big guy earlier. I'm really sorry for getting sore like that, Frank. I lose sleep and act like an actual Cyclops."

Frank came back with, "So, what's my excuse? You're a good guy, Scott. You can lash out sometimes. But me? I completely screwed up with Jeff."

Caught off-guard, Scott wanted to know, "What's your kid brother got to do with this?"

"Back in the city, all I cared about was myself. I was too busy pulling pranks or being a creep to do right by him. He rarely even writes back anymore."

Scott reasoned, "Frank, Japan is not across the street. He probably writes as much as he can."

Frank remained unconvinced. "The way I am with Trav isn't just about Raven. I don't want to drop the ball the way I did with Jeff, Joey, and Cody. Maybe I can be a halfway decent brother to somebody."

"Hey, you have it way easier with him than I do," Scott pointed out. "It's not that I don't love Trav, but he drives me nuts when he wants to. Kiki listens, she's sweet, and so quiet."

Frank said, "I don't know how Erik handles so many boys when we go somewhere. We're so irritating."

Scott agreed with a laugh.

IIIIIII

Reclining against her aunt, Becky vexed, "Uncle Charles will be home soon, right?"

"Of course, lovely." Cross-legged on the bed, Emma made gentle work of detangling the extensive curls. "Assuming Seanie didn't talk him into attending one of those monstrous double-features at the cinema."

Becky smiled at that and relaxed.

With Kiki bathed and in her Minnie Mouse pajamas, Raven left her with Scott to play some sort of torpedo invasion game. The shape-shifter came back to Becky's room to comb Laci's hair, so soft and aglow from conditioner. Due to a dealership dinner likely to run over, the Carmichaels had deemed it better for her to simply remain at the mansion another night.

"You okay, Gorge?" Raven did not care for the all-too-somber face the younger head of red-orange made in the vanity mirror.

"Aunt Raven?" Laci eyed the blue reflection. "Have you ever wanted to do something all by yourself without the other grownups helping?"

No trouble answering that one, Raven stated, "Babe, I'm a little sister. That's pretty much our life goal." She and Becky exchanged a brief knowing look. "Also how I handled college. Before we were instructors, Alex and I went through the whole process without a word to Charles and Erik."

"You did?" Laci responded with vast interest.

Emma commented, "Quite masterfully they did."

Raven said, "It was tough, believe me, but so worth it." She knelt, placing her chin on Laci's shoulder. "I know how crowded your parents make you feel, even though they just want to do right by you. I already see you can handle more than they know. You will show them one day."

The young girl whispered, "Thanks, Aunt Raven."

Laci did not miss the covert reassuring gaze Becky sent her via the mirror.

II

Despite the foul stench attacking his nostrils, Joey kept scooping the soiled clumps into the trash bag. When he returned his attention at one point, his eyes enlarged at seeing his brother make a sandbox of the litter pan.

"Brian! Get out of…" Joey tried taking the small plastic scooper away from him. "Gimme that, it's gross!"

The one-year-old attempted to maintain his grip. "Nuh!"

"Don't "nuh" me." Joey removed it from his hands.

With some grumbling, Brian took a portion of litter and flung it at him.

Joey raised a hand to block it. "Brian, cut it out!"

"What in the world?" Charles peered into the main level half-bath with Sean behind him, quickly identifying the situation. "Oh, Brian, honestly." Charles picked him straight up out of the litterbox.

"Daddy," Brian acknowledged happily.

Sean remarked, "If you small fries wanted to create a day at the beach, try a bathroom with an actual tub in it."

Joey turned narrowed eyes and petulant lips on him.

Sensing in waves the boy's temptation to imitate Brian's litter throwing, the Professor warned, "Charles…"

Joey knew his father must have felt him. "Sorry, Daddy. I just don't feel like it right now."

"I see," Charles understood. "Well, after I give this young man a bath," he kissed Brian's head, "I picked up a brand-new book. And since it is Saturday, I think we can afford some extra story time."

Joey grinned now. "Thanks, Daddy."

Sean tapped Charles' shoulder. "Why don't you ever give me a sweet deal like that?"

Charles promptly reminded, "You have four new hardbacks as well as whatever you plan to swipe from my lot. Now, put them away as well as your guitar and get out of your good clothes." He turned to Joey again. "And you make certain to wash up thoroughly and sweep the leftover bits when you're finished."

Sean looked at Joey as he determined, "And Daddy is officially better."

"Good," was all Joey had to say.

II

The torpedo invasion resulted in a trip to Candy Land. The board game sat between them on the bed. When Kiki won for a second time, Scott gave her a peanut butter cup out of his desk drawer. She blew him a kiss, which immediately made him smile.

Peeking into the room with shy brown eyes, the little boy held close to Basher. "… Scottie?"

Moving his piece across the board, Scott responded without looking, "Yes, Trav?"

"I'm sorry for trying to hit you with the ball. I was just mad."

"I know how that feels," Scott admitted, sliding off the pain. "Ah, it's okay, you pain." He messed the younger boy's hair. "At least we know you have a decent arm."

Trav's countenance brightened. "Will you still help me with my homework tomorrow?"

"Yeah, but only to guard your tummy." Scott delicately rubbed the spot.

Trav released a little giggle and scuttled off.

"There's the little guy." Meeting him down the hall, Frank lowered with arms open. When Trav dashed into his hold, he stood with him. "You and Basher want to play pirates?"

Trav nodded. "I said sorry to Scottie."

"You did? Good going, man," Frank praised. "And seriously, no more bad jokes like that, okay? You and Scott both could've been hurt really bad."

"How come me?" Trav wondered.

Frank replied matter-of-factly, "Once your dad saw Scott, he would have turned your butt into an endangered species." He laughed at the child's resulting expression. "Come on, little guy." He moved Trav to sit on his shoulders. "Anchors away."

IIIIIII

Relaxing on his pillows while Charles tucked the covers around him, Sean chuckled to himself again. "I can't get over those ladies who wanted to talk to you."

Charles raised the hand that displayed his wedding ring. "Never leave home without bird repellant."

Wearing his own band, Sean laced fingers with him. "I'm right there with you."

Charles squeezed his hand. "Today was wonderful, Seanie. Not only getting out of the house, but the chance to see and hear you so at home on that stage. No matter how nervous you may have been, you fooled every member of that audience."

"I didn't really care about them," Sean confided. "The only person I wanted to hear me was you. I know you've heard me sing before, but this was special. Just us. Like when I first came here."

"I wanted that, too." Charles held both his hands now. "My God, how far you've come since then."

A sheen came over Sean's eyes. "You really mean that?"

Charles asked him in turn, "Do you remember what you said when I wanted you to fly off that satellite dish the first time?"

"I'm gonna die?"

Charles chuckled lightly. "After that, you scamp."

Sean thought and remembered, "I trust you. I still do, Charles."

"Then trust the sincerity in my words." He played in a portion of the teen's hair. "You've already given Maya untold happiness. What a life you'll create for the two of you."

Sean wore a watery smile. "I'm still scared."

"So was I," Charles shared. "And it's a very good thing, Sean. To fear being anything less than the best husband possible is true maturity."

Sean listened then glanced around his bedroom. "I'm really packing it up soon."

Moving to lay beside him, Charles said, "Sean, a change of address in no way, shape, or form removes you from our lives or this house. If you ever find yourself overwhelmed, needing to breathe, to talk to someone, I want you to come home. Even if it isn't to talk to me. Such a thing won't make you less of a man. I've been married for one year and five glorious months yet there are still times I need to lean on Erik, Raven, and Hank. Very recently, actually."

Sean laid on his side to face him. "When we picked our codenames, Hank thought it was weird I went with a wailing spirit. But Banshees can fly home."

Charles cupped his cheek. "As you've done before."

"Do you have rounds?"

"No, Emma made it clear she's taking care of that- quite clear."

Sean retrieved something from his night table and showed it with pleading eyes. "Just the first… ten chapters?"

"My eternal horror buff. Fine, my arm has been twisted." Taking the book from him, Charles sat up to begin reading.

Somehow more awake now, Sean hugged his pillow with anticipation.