Chapter Two Hundred Ninety-Two

Author's Word: Fam, I am so sorry for how long this one has taken. It was basically a series of one thing leading to another and my not feeling well here and there. This chapter overlaps with the last one a little. Now, so as not to delay, please enjoy and review!

Already combating the swirling taking place within his head from his one-man high-speed chase against NYPD, being rescued by two… sparkly dust beings of some kind, and riding with them to a secluded fortress, Ray struggled to keep his cells together. He gripped the strap of his backpack tighter as he proceeded into the steel gray, eight-story structure. Melissa, the female half of his hero team, walked behind him with Kayla Howlett, the teacher and heart-stopping beauty, leading the procession. They first moved through a wide entryway and mud room of sorts before continuing on through the French doors.

"Unbelievable…" Ray gazed up in awe over the antique light fixtures and paused to touch one stone wall. "This is… what, mid-19th century? English?"

Kayla peered back at him with great impression. "You have quite the architectural eye. It was built in 1870, but the structural influences of the 50s and 60s are quite apparent."

Melissa piped up, "This place has been everything from boarding school to tourist lodging."

Ray wondered, "And now?"

"Both," Kayla replied. "As far as you children are concerned, however," she started them up the rear staircase, "it is home."

Ray's squeamishness regrew. "Group home?"

"No," Melissa answered quickly. "I told you, that's not what we're about. No feds, no state, not so much as a town crier. Completely under the radar."

"And that is how we will remain," Kayla stated. "We have an extensive library, laundry, dining hall with three meals a day, heavily-stocked kitchen you're all welcome to, social center and many other common spaces, plus our own school of course." She brought them around a corridor and through another set of doors into a wing. Kayla turned a knob near the end of the hall. "Here we are, Ray."

Having been so preoccupied looking around and taking in the details listed, Ray had to shake his head from its daze. "Huh?"

Kayla opened the door wider. "Your new room."

Walking in, the boy promptly lost the ability for movement. The first sight to greet him consisted of the dark wood twin poster bed with night table to the right of it. In front of a pair of light radiating windows stood the three-drawer desk and chair. One open door near the foot of the bed showed a closet, but down from it, Ray had to pull out the second door. Blue eyes managing not to burst from their sockets, he discovered the four-piece bathroom.

Melissa looked in. "Nice, huh?"

"Um, I…" Ray turned to the women. "Where's the other bed go?"

Kayla came back with, "What other bed, honey?"

"No way… no way is all this mine," the boy insisted. "Last place I lived in had four of us to a room and six of us to a toilet."

"You'll find that we don't believe in making sardines of children in order to secure government grants," Kayla informed. "We have ten to twelve bedrooms on each floor. We keep families together and several members only require temporary safekeeping until they can get their affairs in order."

Head clouding again, Ray walked back to them. "What is this? Why am I really here? A study? Experiments? What?"

Melissa actually laughed at that. "You think we need to go under the radar to screw around with nature? You'd be surprised how willing government officials are to supply test subjects. I get that you don't believe it and I don't blame you, but you're here to stay out of their hands."

"That is why we have several rules regarding safety and protocol," Kayla spoke next. "Not just for yourself, but to secure everyone living here. All will be reviewed in detail with you before the weekend is over. The main one you need to remember is that you do not leave these grounds without permission unless it is an emergency. Do you understand that?"

Ray nodded. "Yea- yes, ma'am."

"I'll get fresh linens for your bed and scrounge up some clean pajamas. Tomorrow being Sunday, I'd like you to relax a little and settle in," Kayla instructed. "On Monday, I'm going to administer tests to see where you stand academically. What grade are you in?"

"Tenth," Ray replied. "But I, um, I had to quit going a few months ago. By then, I was just showing up to grab lunch, anyway."

Kayla gave off not so much as a blink. "That's more than understandable and don't you worry. We will do everything to get you up to speed."

"… Thank you." Ray tasted an oddness on his tongue, mainly the earnestness packed with the words he seldom used at all anymore.

Once Kayla received what clothes he had for laundering and they left him, Ray lowered into the nearest chair as the entire day weighed in.

II

Lounged on the lowest step of the back porch, the Veteran kept keen watch over the outdoor happenings. He braced himself for Aiden, who ran at him with soft punches and kicks. Fending him off with his wrists, Logan growled at him lightly and poked him twice in the stomach.

He wound both arms around the laughing child to seize him. "Yeah, Cody turnin' you into a scrapper? Huh, punk?"

Aiden giggled at the noogie given to his side. "Wolvie!"

When Leon neared, Logan stood the boy, "Go get Cody. Go get him," and thumped his bottom.

Aiden sprinted back to Cody, who started up a wrestling match in the grass with him. The girls busy with their garden glanced at them with shaking heads.
"Alright, Psych 101, what's your gut on this kid?" Logan asked once the college student sat beside him.

Leon began with a single word. "Desperate. Vanished father, drunken mother who is there in body alone, driven to extremes just to feed himself. Shelter sent him to a group home; couldn't make it a week there. That's how he wound up a coke courier."

Logan's countenance remained even. "Anybody touch him?"

"Not in that way I don't think," Leon responded. "He wasn't fidgety around me or Miss; just frazzled and blown by what we could do- he'll keep his mouth shut there. Since his mother collects checks and he wasn't actually taken from her, I'm guessing she has extreme bi-polar or something similar. Likely unpredictable emotions, fits of rage, and drowning it out with bottles. Watching someone deteriorate like that… it's unbearable."

Logan glanced at him briefly before facing forward again. "I know."

IIIIIII

Left to wonder how such a gruesome piece of fiction could send the young one into a peaceful drift, Charles pulled the covers closer around Sean. He placed the mark at the end of chapter four and laid the book on the nightstand. Charles switched off the light before taking his leave. He made sure to stop off in the room of his little protégé, finding both girls fast asleep. Charles kissed Becky's forehead and as a precaution, read Laci's pulse as well as dream state. Finding each in fine shape, Charles pecked her slim hand and departed.

Situated in the armchair next to a window, Emma cradled and sang to her snuggled up boy. First watching them from the doors, Charles entered the master suite fully and knelt by the chair.

The lethargic Brian reached a hand forward. "Da…"

"No, no, little lad. Daddy already held you and read to you." Still, Charles gripped the tiny hand. "Time to sleep, son. Go on."

They watched him close his eyes and Emma said softly, "He was so fussy without you today. Thank goodness Joey came home. He needed at least one Charles to appease him."

The primary Charles smiled fondly. "Do you want me to stay?"

"No, go on downstairs. Have your fun."

Or we could put him to bed and have our own fun…

Despite eyeing him provocatively, Emma returned Down, Professor. You're not that up and about yet.

Charles stood with a show of grudging. I married a cruel, beautiful woman.

You knew that.

Managing to part from her, the male telepath headed out again.

IIIIIII

On popcorn duty- part of eldest child priority according to the other two- Erik returned with a refilled bowl of the mandated movie munchie. He had added minimal salt and butter, not that they needed to know that. Handing the bowl to Raven, Erik retook his seat on the couch and Charles automatically placed his legs on his lap. The lab rat, currently lab roll with most of him wound in a blanket, kept his head supported in Raven's lap. She gently played in his hair in-between feeding him as well as herself bits of popcorn. While they kept most of their attention on the black and white projector film, Erik monitored Charles for growing fatigue and/or pain.

Though he appreciated the time with his siblings made so rare of late, the metal wielder still rubbed Charles' back to coax him into obtaining additional rest. Halfway into the movie, he picked up on squinting from the younger man. When Erik stroked his cheek, Charles made his gaze firmer on the screen. Not appreciating the deflection, Erik patted his bottom through the blanket. When Charles peered his way with not stubborn but imploring blue eyes, Erik gave in.

However, that came with conditions. If it gets even the slightest bit worse, you're going to bed, Lab Rat. If you fight the issue, we'll be visiting my den for an extended 'chat'.

Yes, brother. Knowing how much his late-night cry had frightened them all earlier that week, Charles minded the warning not at all. He only further appreciated being nestled between his siblings.

IIIIIII

Almost as soon as his eyelids pried apart, the blonde boy sat upright in alarm. It took several seconds for him to remember the events of the prior day. For over a minute, he merely lingered in awe of the bedroom given to him not twenty-four hours ago. He touched his chest, feeling the blue pajamas that still carried their dryer fresh fragrance. He remembered putting them on after his shower then remaining in his room, as if frightened it would be taken if he set foot out of it. A stacked food tray from dinner had been left outside his door with a vanishing knocker, though.

Finally removing himself from the linens, Ray made it into the bathroom. He used the toilet as well as the provided necessary items of paper, toothbrush, paste, mouth wash, and towels. Deciding he would have to venture sooner or later, not that he minded the idea of spending the rest of his life in that suite, Ray sought out his laundered clothes. He picked what could be described as his best outfit, a green sweatshirt and black jeans with only one rip. On closer inspection, however, he saw those pants along with his others mended, having not noticed when Kayla first returned them. After getting into his sneakers, Ray opened the door with a startle, finding a tall oriental male on the other side. Doing a doubletake, he found the hair too short and face too benign to be Leon.

"Sorry, Ray… Ray Gallagher, right?" At the confused boy's nod, he smiled. "I'm Shane Qin. I'm the Resident Director of sorts for this wing. I thought you might not be up for breakfast."

Ray then zeroed in on the tray he carried. "You… that was you last night."

Shane told him, "I believe my sister brought that one."

When his senses returned, Ray accepted the tray with, "Thanks."

"Not a problem. I'll catch you later, alright?" Shane turned to go.

Ray watched him go a moment before shutting his door again. Sitting at the desk, he moved over his empty dinner tray to make room for the offered breakfast. Ray's insides lit with delight over the waffles, bacon, French toast, sliced fruit, and glass of orange juice before him. He made crumbs of the offering in little time.

IIIIIII

Supporting Trav on her hip, Raven stood in front of the stove while her son stirred one of the tall pots for her. Up and about as well, Hank prepared tea and coffee for their herd. Kiki went back and forth between her parents to help where they needed her.

The bright freckle-faced girl joined them in the kitchen. "Good morning." The greeting practically sang from her lips.

Letting Trav down, Raven knelt to share a quick hug with her. "Good morning, Gorge."

Laci wore blue pants and hooded jacket left unzipped to display her goldenrod "Jaguars Cheer Squad" shirt. Cat hair clips adorned her braided pigtails. Raven also took notice of the "CJX" wristband she sported.

"You're up early," Hank noted. "Did you sleep alright?"

"It was great," Laci responded. "Becky and I woke up to do our hair. She likes to get Scott up on game days and I wake up Joey when I'm here."

Raven remarked, "I'm sure you're their ideal alarm clocks."

"Can I help with anything?"

"Definitely." Raven handed her two serving bowls. "Could you carry these out to the table?"

"Sure, Aunt Raven." Laci headed for the dining room.

Hank wanted to know, "Why is it that you're "Aunt Raven" to Joey's friends and I'm "guy Aunt Raven married"?"

With a quirk of her lips, his wife said, "They can smell the educator on you."

Jaguars clearly on the mind of the yellow and blue bunch, it did not take long for the mansion's residents to fill the dining table. Raven had prepared one batch of oatmeal with cinnamon and raisins and the other with diced strawberries. The spread also included biscuits with honey and turkey sausage from Erik's beloved kosher butcher shop. While they loaded their plates and served oatmeal to the babies, Becky poured tea for Charles from the silver pot. Seated in their uncle's lap at the head of the table, Kiki stirred in his preferred cream and sugar amounts. After ensuring Laci swallowed her morning pill, Hank reminded Cody to have a glass of milk in addition to his juice.

"Hey, I know it's Game Day, but lose those hats indoors, fellas," Logan directed. "Besides, it's Sunday."

Scott, Joey, Cody, and Frank immediately snatched off their baseball caps.

Turning to the table head, Scott asked tentatively, "Are you sure you're alright for today? I mean, I want you there more than anything, but not if it's too much."

With a highly upbeat smile, Charles brought up, "It was only yesterday I heard Sean rock the house quite momentously. I'm sure I can handle the zealous minds of your many fans as well, Scott."

Sean glanced the man's way with fondness present.

A little under twenty minutes later, Victor noted his watch. "We better pack it in."

Frank looked at Joey and Laci as he asked, "You two need any help with the posters?"

"Oh yeah." Scott moved to stand, picking his plate and glass up with him. "You two have been nonstop painting sensations. I can't wait to see what you made…" He failed to miss the traces of guilt building on their faces. "Did you forget about the game?"

"No!" came their simultaneous insistence.

"No way. Never." Joey bolted up from his chair. "Come on, Laci. We better go… check on those."

"Right." Laci looked at the others. "No one come into the rec room. They're a surprise."

Leaving together calmly, the blonde and redheaded pair mad dashed for the stairs.

IIIIIII

One toe into the hall led to the entire thin form following suit. Peering from side to side at the various furniture pieces, aged but polished and well-maintained, he made a slow directionless path across the maroon carpeting at the center of the floor. Gasping at some commotion, Ray ducked into a gap of space. It hid his presence, but he had to steady the wobbling vase he nearly knocked over. The chattering grew closer and he looked on at the girl from the porch the previous day being escorted in a wheelchair by two tall brown-skinned boys. Both in black slacks and ties, Ray thought they could pass for Special Forces security. The older one who pushed the wheelchair had on a burnt orange dress shirt and the younger one, his attention the property of a thick book he carried, a royal blue one. The trio maneuvered out of the wing as well as Ray's sight.

"Ooh, I love this one."

"I know. You do have the best taste. Help me put it on?"

The voices led Ray across the way. He glanced into a partly open door and found a bedroom coated in pink and white. Shane stood wearing tan pants and a brown collared shirt. Standing at the foot of the made bed in a lavender dress and floral headband, a little girl worked to secure the gold tie around his neck.

Spotting the pair of blue eyes, Shane acknowledged good-naturedly, "Ray?"

"Oh, sorry," the boy replied sheepishly. "I wasn't trying to—"

"No, it's fine." Gathering the girl in his arms, Shane carried her over. "This is my little sister, Mia. Mia, this is Ray."

Ray deduced, "You're the one who brought the food last night." She nodded. "Thanks "

Mia asked, "Are you coming with us?"

At his confusion, Shane clarified, "Church. Downstairs."

Ray's eyebrows popped with surprise. "There's a church in here?"

Shane answered, "Our equivalent, anyway."

"But…" Ray gestured at his current ensemble. "Look at me. These aren't exactly worship threads."

Without having to think on it, Shane said, "I think I can help you out there… if you're interested."

Considering it briefly, Ray shrugged. "Eh, why not?"

IIIIIII

The congregation gathered in a meeting room on the main level of the building. Padded folding chairs spread out, Ray counted a little under thirty in attendance. The minister, who Shane referred to as Padre Pal, currently knelt beside the wheelchair, speaking to the girl from before and her two friends. Mia tapped Ray's shoulder and pointed out the second row. Shane sat in the middle, leaving Mia in his lap. Lowering beside them, Ray touched the dark tie he wore, mainly because he had not donned such a thing in years. The white shirt likewise borrowed from Shane fit a little bulky on his thin frame, but tucking it in helped. Ray also found that his black jeans did not appear too horribly out of place with the outfit. He looked up at Padre Pal, who had on khakis with a gray shirt and sport coat with sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

Though the man danced energetically over to the podium at the front of the room, Pal only greeted the group before extending a hand. A brown-haired curvy woman in cream top and powder blue skirt stepped over. She accepted the microphone Pal handed her and brought it close to her lips.

At the length his jaw dropped, Ray's chin nearly connected with his lap. Once the stun faded, he listened in full enjoyment to her Latin accent belting out the song. When she concluded, the room applauded and she gave the microphone back to Padre Pal. She also supplied him with a quick kiss before settling in a first row chair.

"Thanks as always to my wife," Pal spoke into the mic, "and not only because she tolerates my tone deafness." Light laughter resulted from the comment. "But seriously, the first thing I did this morning was switch on the radio while we were getting ready. Apparently, I suffered temporary insanity, believing Sundays featured inspirational music. Nope, instead I heard about shootings, car crashes, and riots- and that was just last night. Yeah, not the way I wanted to start the day, so I need a favor from anyone willing. Please tell me something good, big or small." He responded to the first raised hand and walked over. "Alright, Walter, what do you have for us, my man?"

"I made two A's and a B on my tests this week," Walter reported into the mic.

"Muy fantastico," Pal reacted among several other positive murmurs. "And since I know one of those A's came from my class, it's all the better. Alright, my people, what else do you have for me?" He next came to a young black couple with bundled baby boy in the girl's arms. "Brock, Roxie, and my main man," he tickled the baby's plump cheek, "Braxton. Give us the good."

Brock leaned towards the microphone. "We had to take off in a hurry when Roxie's family found out Brax was coming. I already have my diploma, but she had to quit school. We got married, but I was out of work for the longest. We only made it here because somebody at the free clinic was in on the network. Now, Roxie is back on track to graduate and I was just made a manager at the bar and grill I'm at."

Amongst the amount of pleased chatter, Pal stated, "That has to be the best news of the day. Thank God to the moon and back."

"Oh, we do," Roxie reassured rapidly, igniting chuckles from several people.

When Pal moved on to the next person, Ray noticed the faraway expression on Gina before a shift of her head made her hair block her face.

Ray received his next surprise when the services ended around ninety minutes later. Pal's voice failed to make him doze off as well. Ray moved to stand along with the siblings, but stayed in place at the singer along with the padre making a path for him.

"Who do we have here?" the woman acknowledged first.

Holding Mia in one arm, Shane used his other hand to touch the teen's shoulder in indication. "The latest addition to my wing, Ray Gallagher. Melissa and Leon brought him by yesterday."

"Right, we heard about you." Hand extended, Pal shook with the boy. "I'm Jose Palermo, but the kids decided to name me Padre Pal with the firm understanding that I had no say in the matter. This is Camille. We're going steady." He wiggled his ring finger. "For the last ten years."

With an amused roll of her eyes, Camille took Ray's hand and offered him a small hug. "It's nice to meet you, sweetheart. We really appreciated having you here today with still settling in and everything."

"Actually, it was pretty cool," Ray admitted. "You completely blew me away with that song. No church I ever set foot in so much as mentioned the Beatles, let alone crooned them. It's usually fifty praise songs saying the same thing over and over like the choir's getting a kickback out on the side."

Camille regarded him with delight and jest. "Yes, I know exactly what you mean. Don't let it get around, but God loves Ringo Starr, too… or maybe that's just me."

Pal brought an arm around her waist and said, "We like to encourage people to find the faith in the most unexpected places instead of merely hiding behind the Bible. Definitely beneficial for all of us here, involved in so many different struggles."

Ray put forth, "I've never met any preacher like you before."

"Probably because I'm not one," Pal admitted. "I'm not ordained. This is just a gathering place to talk, share, and remember we're not alone out here. I'm what I like to call a bootleg apostle. So Paul, essentially."

Ray snorted then asked, "You're a teacher here, too?"

"Now, that part of my resume is legit," Pal confirmed. "I have adult learning courses at a community college and tackle Spanish, French, and Italian here. Guess I'll be seeing you in class this week."

Camille added, "And we were certainly glad to have you with us today, but please, don't feel obligated to make every Sunday. Come once a month, once a season, or for only a few minutes at a time. This place will always be open to you."

Though he did not believe it possible, Ray found himself even more astounded by his new dwelling.

IIIIIII

Ever early to secure ideal spots for their extensive bunch, the bulk of the X-Men took over the central bleachers in Hope Park. With Anne among the cheerleading squad, Acolyte members arrived not far behind them. The surprising part came with Estevan being one of them. Not so astonishing, he and his team wore specifically customized Jaguar athletic apparel. Carrying Max, Estevan shared a quick wave of acknowledgement with the X-Elders. He put him down in order for Max to sit with Trav, Kiki, Laci, Joey, and Cody on the bottom bleacher. Erik who held Brian, Charles with Sean leaning comfortably on him, Emma, Kayla cradling Mira, and Logan propping Todd on his shoulders lined along the top. Directly beneath them sat Hank, Raven, Alex, Frank, and Leon, who shared a brief look with a sunglasses adorned Melissa before she reclined among the chattering Maya and Brenda. Cordelia stroked Fabian's bicep when he brought his arm around her.

Helping Angel distribute drinks and light snacks to the players, Samantha reacted to the pair of hands finding her hips. Recognizing the touch instantly, she veered around to give the redhead a full hug.

"Hey, Collin," Angel smiled.

"Hey, Ang." Collin took Samantha's hand. "Your king on official business?"

"For the King of Kings actually," Angel quipped. "Temple stuff."

"Let's grab our seats." Samantha noticed the teams ending warmups. "They're almost ready."

Victor watched the three teens head over to sit near Cordelia and Fabian.

A pack of shouts and squeals preceded the cheerleaders dressed in gray and copper.

Yell it to the east
Shout it to the west
Dingo boys are the very best
All the muscle
All the might

Beware our bark
Beware our bite

Dingoes have only begun to fight!

"Dinguses," Sean whispered to Charles.

The telepath patted the tall teenager's knee with a soft snicker.

After audience applause and innumerable eyerolls from the girls in blue and yellow ended, they stepped up. In a ten-person formation, Anne and Becky took the lineup of two directly behind their Captain Sarah with a row of three girls after them and the final four bringing up the rear.

Go ahead and growl galore

Wait til you see what we have in-store
With you we will mop the floor
Champions to our very core
If it's vic-tor-y you seek

All you're getting is defeat
When we kick your tails across the street!

The crowd ignited again as pompoms shook and more cross looks exchanged between the opposing forces. It only took mere minutes into the game for Hank to morph into the third coach with Alex not far behind. At Scott's turn to bat, Hank practically snarled for silence. X-Men, Acolytes, and home fans experienced a wince at his first strike.

"Almost! Put a choke on it, Summers," came from Coach Dan.

At the second pitch, Scott cracked the soaring white sphere and threw the bat down almost within the same second. Dust flew in his wake as he took off.

Gary clenched his fists. "Nail it, Summers!"

Using Brian's hands to clap, Erik urged, "Come on, Scott…"

Logan yelled, "Pump them long legs, Slim!"

Hank stayed locked on his every pace. "Go, go, go!"

"I must get around to hiring that film crew," Charles fussed, pointer finger not snapping his camera nearly fast enough.

Laci, providing the ground level angle, fired hers as well.

Leaping the remaining inches, Scott landed on the base and a decree of, "Safe," resulted.

On her feet so quickly one would have thought she sprouted her wings, Kiki flashed her "Sky-High Summers" poster, designed by her own hands, for all to see. Joey, Trav, Cody, and Max joined in with Laci taking another photo.

Face aglow, Becky shot her pompoms well above her head. Anne waved hers beside her, smiling furtively at her friend.

Glancing over briefly, Scott caught Alex's most satisfied expression and bob of the chin, which the younger Summers returned.

At the midportion of the game, a humming Gary carried over and deposited a fresh case of water into the cheerleaders' cooler. "Can't have you ladies losing your voices on us." He received multiple thanks as the cluster of girls reached in for bottles. At the head of sandy brown retrieving one, he wondered, "You ever go out for glee club?"

Untwisting the cap on her bottle, Anne's countenance grew amused. "No. I haven't even done a recital since I was little. Why?" She sipped her water.

"Nothing," Gary shrugged. "Squad just sounds different since you joined up. Sort of reminds me of these Latin sopranos my mom listens to."

Anne immediately smiled at the unexpected remark. "Really?"

"Yeah. The cheers have this, like, spicy salsa thing going now. I like it. Anyway, better get back to my boneheads." He started for the other players, but stopped once more to add, "And nice form, newbie."

As he walked off, a flabbergasted Sarah went over to Anne. "Ohh, no way." She put her hands on her hips. "Captain Too-Cool-for-Cooties is scoping jailbait."

Anne turned to her with a mix of humor and confusion. "What?"

The blonde informed straightforwardly, "Gary has his eyes on you, seventh-grade salsa."

"What?" Anne repeated significantly louder then had to hush herself. "Gary? An eighth-grader?"

"About to be high-schooler," Delia mentioned importantly.

Audrey held her pompoms close in a swoon. "The top cat himself."

"I don't think I've seen him talk to any other girl at school, Anne," Becky pointed out. "He's always busy with the team."

"You guys, hold on." Anne tried to get a grip on things and turned to Sarah again. "I thought captains only went after the head cheerleader."

"That's more of a high school rule," Sarah dismissed. "I should know." She lowered her voice significantly. "I'm going out with a junior." At their gasps, she shushed them. "Breathe a word to or near authority and I'll be feeding you your pompoms. Also, girls, should parents ask? Say you're going to the library."

At the coaches' sharp whistles, they hurried into formation for another cheer standoff.

IIIIIII

Once near the generous shade offered by the high oak tree, Clarence parked the wheelchair and daintily hoisted the expecting girl from it. Gina kept an arm around his neck as he lowered her to rest against the trunk. Beside her, Keith fluffed the cushion behind her back and situated the blanket in her lap.

Black and white sphere rolling ahead of her, the younger student reached their location. "Who wants to play?"

Gina humorously declined with, "Give me another six to ten weeks."

With Keith already settled with his copy of Robert Frost, Clarence accepted, "Okay, let's see what you got, all-star."

Keiko grinned and kicked the ball his way.

All out of their more formal attire, Ray headed across the lawn with the Qin siblings. Mia steered him by hanging onto his wrist.

"Everyone," Shane called out to the frolicking youths. Keith and Gina peered up and the other two stilled their soccer ball. "I'd like you to say hello to Ray."

"You came yesterday," Gina remembered.

Ray cleared his throat. "Yeah… I saw you, too."

Shane told them, "Ray's staying in our wing."

"How you doing, man?" the oldest boy there greeted, exchanging a hand slap with Ray that eased him somewhat. "I'm Clarence. This is Keiko." The pre-teen bouncing the ball on her knee smiled and waved. "That's my Cousin Keith," he bobbed his head with a pleasant expression before returning to his current page, "this is Gina and," Clarence went over to gingerly rub her stomach, "Little G."

Only then did Ray fully realize, "… You have a baby."

Gina wore an easy smile at that. "Watch your volume. He's still baking and I don't want him to fall flat."

Ray used two fingers to indicate her and Keith. "So, you two are…"

Keith's eyes enlarged immensely while Gina and Keiko broke into complete laughter.

With a chuckle of his own, Clarence said, "Man, please. Unless she falls straight out of some old timey book, my cousin does not make time for foxes. And no, kid's not mine, either." Clarence looked back, "Unless you're finally ready to come clean with me."

Gina rolled her eyes playfully.

Ray said, "Sorry, I just figured… you know with Leon and Melissa, Mrs. Howlett and her husband…"

Shane touched his arm. "I understand what you mean. Mixed race couples are more than welcomed here. Away from all the dangers against them, especially now."

Ray nodded to that and spoke to Gina again. "I really didn't mean anything."

"It's okay," the girl assured. "The father… he doesn't live here."

"And he won't come around here," added Clarence with clear intent. "If he knows what's good for him."

"I'm going to let you guys get acquainted," Shane determined. "I have some work inside to get out of the way." He crouched to Mia to kiss her forehead. "See you in a while." He looked to the newcomer. "I'll be on the first floor if you need me."

"Okay, thanks." Ray watched him depart and turned to the rest. "Shane's pretty decent, right?"

"Yep," Clarence nodded casually. "You'd never know he almost beat a dude to death."

Ray experienced buzzing in his ears and swelling in his eyes. "W-what?"

Ball tucked under her arm, Keiko assured, "It's okay. The guy was trying to touch his sister."

"Ohhh!" Ray watched Mia ease next to Keith, who showed her his book.

IIIIIII

Kiki lay settled in the middle of her parents' bed, clothed almost head to toe in Scott's yellow Jaguars t-shirt. The player himself kept one arm around her as he finished reading Cat in the Hat.

"Don't go, Scottie." She tugged on his shirt.

Scott laid the book to the side and held onto her. "I'll stay until you fall asleep, okay? And I promise, as soon as your nap's over, we'll play."

"Kay." Kiki closed her eyes.

Despite his own words, Scott had trouble finally letting go of her when she did emit slumber noises. He pressed a kiss to her temple then made his way down into the lab through the stairs.

"Sam, what's going on?" Scott asked of the girl standing not far from the desk.

The one in casual clothes replied, "Hank says he has something to show me."

"And here it is." Rising from where he rummaged, the tall scientist presented her with the most unusual gun, complete with four barrels.

While Samantha stood astonished, Scott insisted, "You've got to be kidding. She doesn't even go on the range."

"And that is no firearm," Hank informed. "Go on, Sam. Aim it and try out the first button."

The girl did so, causing a green rope to shoot from the first barrel. "Wow!"

Hank explained, "You're a marvel in the trees, but I don't want you lost for a vine out there. Don't let their thinness fool you. The material can handle right around three hundred pounds and shoot up to fifteen yards, though I'm looking to expand upon that. You have green for forest settings, white and black neutrals, as well as a pink option because… it's you."

Grinning, Samantha ran fond fingers over the weapon. "Oh, thank you, Hank!"

"… A grappling?" Scott's jaw dropped. "You built her a bat-arsenal?"

"X-Arsenal," Hank corrected him. "Though it didn't take even a tenth as long as it did designing the flight simulator with you in mind."

Scott grew promptly contrite. "Right." He turned to Samantha. "So, ready to test it out?"

The blonde twirled the piece of X-Arsenal in one hand. "You bet."

II

Returning to his office area, it irked but failed to surprise Alex at finding the much smaller version of himself glued to the telephone. With his back turned in the big executive chair, Joey did not notice when he leaned over the desk with an impatient drumming of his fingers. As soon as Joey got up, still gripping the receiver, to peer out of the window, Alex reached out to swat him.

Jumping to his toes briefly, Joey looked back as he spoke into the mouthpiece. "Talk to you later, Laci. Yep, got to go." He hung up, giving his brother the biggest smile he could. "Hey, Al."

"Hey, Joe," Alex sat in his chair now, facing his squeamish brother, "didn't a certain nephew promise a certain metal-manipulating uncle to focus on schoolwork today?"

"Yes," Joey knew, "but we only talked a minute."

"You've only been apart an hour."

"I know," Joey said despondently.

Very difficultly resisting an eye roll, Alex asked, "How long were you really on there?"

"Um," Joey thought, "five minutes I think."

"Hand." Alex held out his own as he gave the order. "Left one." Joey surrendered the appendage and received five smacks on the back of it. "There. Now, get your books out."

"Yes, Al, sorry." Joey started for his backpack, but faced the instructor again. "Al, would you take the phone away from me?"

Without having to think on it, Alex answered, "Nope. I don't want to be mean to you, Joe." He took the hand again, applying a little massage now. "When you act up, I'll just make sure talking while sitting is non-optional. Might not be so comfy for you to hold the receiver, either."

Joey hugged him and kissed his cheek. "Thanks, big brother."

Alex squeezed him. "Get your books and sit at the desk."

Joey looked at him and promised, "I won't goof off anymore, really."

"I'm not watching you. I just want you close by. It's good for me. My heart told me so."

With a happy expression, Joey gathered his materials from his backpack. He pulled the extra chair over to the side of the desk and opened his reading book. Alex retrieved his own class notes, enjoying the amicable silence that developed.

II

Passing the Security Chief on his way to the main gym, Frank remarked, "I get the creepy look when we're down here, but what's with the black getup for regular training?"

"Got to throw off the senses," Victor explained, tugging down a dark glove. "Sam and Cody could get too distracted by the scent and sound of family out there. They stay on their game better if they can't see our faces or completely distinguish our voices."

"Ah, gotcha," Frank comprehended. "Yet somehow we never have that problem going up against Magneto. Maya's ready to cannonball him out of the sky half the time."

"Makin' him proud every time." Sabretooth finalized the menacing appearance by donning the black, faceless mask.

Frank ducked when the man leapt straight over him. The boy watched him resume movement and scurry on all-fours. Continuing into the gym, he saw Leon there, also in their X themed workout gear.

"Hey." Containing his hair inside a ponytail, Leon raised a halting hand. "Stay right there. We're going to charge."

Frank kept his legs together. "Don't we usually keep hand-to-hand in group with the other guys?"

"We do, but in terms of critiquing style," Leon stood directly and far across from him, "one-on-one is the better option."

His wording quickly concerned Frank. "I thought my marks were up. Do I need to increase strength training?"

"You're already surpassing your weight limit there," Leon told him. "Your endurance is greater, too. You still specialize in rough street fighting. I want to work with you on the finesse I gained from martial arts."

"I told you already. I was hardly in karate for three months before I washed out. I believe the word "incorrigible" was thrown around."

Leon wore a face of dry amusement. "You and Alex. Even after everything, you still see the guys you used to be. You're not that kid anymore, Frank. Set aside the anger and fight the way you do everything else, smart."

Though some uncertainty lingered, Frank nodded. "Okay."

Leon repositioned in an arm-curving fighting stance, giving Frank the cue to do the same. They stared for more than ten seconds until Leon sprang forward. Frank rushed to make a collision with him in the middle of the room.

II

Cheer gear swapped out for her pink and purple uniform, Becky lastly attached her cape. She eyed herself in her full-length mirror before leaving her quarters. In radiant white, Emma met her at the stairs. The female telepaths descended, honing in on the male stationed at the bottom step. Becky went to him first for an embrace. Holding her to him and stoking her hair, the man in green and black kept visual on his wife. When Emma stretched one thin hand, he took it to gently reel her in towards them.

Let's be off.

Their minds and hands linked, Becky walked between the adult pair as they left through a side entrance of the mansion. They walked together across the grass, staying in mental and visual observance of the goings-on between the other X-Men. Becky jumped a little at her father's abrupt, unrelenting presence in pursuit of the four mutant fledglings.

Pushing her wings with great gusto, Angel hastened to lift Glimmer before a swarm of metallic gears could makes ribbons out of her.

The flying girl inwardly pleaded, Maya, come on!

Veering around suddenly, Magneto seized the impending taser out of the air. "My," he switched it on and off, "what a lovely gift."

"Give that back," Maya scowled.

Magneto gave her a look void of sympathy as he countered, "Take it back." He felt Maya's telekinesis trying to do so and let the taser hover in air while he made only a half-hearted attempt to hang onto it. "Tug of war is your best effort? I see why athletics aren't your strong suit."

Maya shot back, "Sounds like your people skills."

"Hm, quite the droll little girl you are…" Magneto turned again. "As this one is cunning." He stopped Glimmer's attempted attack by stilling her golden body. "Yet not too clever, my precious metal." He forced her back into flesh form before dropping her.

Angel dove after and caught her quickly.

"Maya!"

She looked to see the little boy coming. "Trav."

"I can help. Gimme a boost." When Maya helped him onto her shoulders, Trav swung his nunchaku high.

Magneto stopped the chain with ease. "I expected much better from you, valiant. You know perfectly well that metals have no—" An abrupt impact caused his plummet to the ground.

Landing in the grass, the metal wielder saw the enormous boulder fall right after him. Glancing up, he caught Angel and Glimmer's very self-satisfied faces.

Trav dashed over to retrieve the taser and with a, "Hmph," ran back to Maya with it.

Getting to his feet, Magneto took in each of the young ones. He eased their initial apprehension with an expression of approval. He caught Professor X's face from a distance and shared a mutual gaze with him.

At the shadow overhead, Emma and Becky gazed with laughter at Banshee soaring above. Silver Cat rode his back like a surfer on a board. Once over the woods, Banshee eased them into a tree.

He ensured the younger mutant's safety on the solid branches then raised his communicator to his lips. "Cyclops?"

"Have I told you lately that your stealth skills are on par with a beached whale's?"

"Right, because blazing red eye beams are so subtle," Banshee returned dryly. "I'm sending Cat your way. I'll be scouting overhead."

Silver Cat added into his communicator, "Try not to slow Callie down."

"Haha. Get here in one piece, kid." Cyclops ended their connection with that.

"Be careful." Banshee put a gloved hand in Silver Cat's hair.

The younger mutant giggled under the ruffling of his strands. "You got it."

Making his way down from their tree, Cyclops moved through on foot. From the twitching leaves over him, he received confirmation of Calico following his route. Keeping his hand to the side of his visor, the boy developed a faster pace. A noise from behind caused him to stop and he experienced goosebumps down his back. At the snarl, Cyclops toppled back, staring up fearfully at the blackened figure with bone claws exposed.

However, the second the older male lunged, Cyclops kicked up his feet and performed multiple somersaults to evade him. With the encroacher focused on rampaging, Calico seized the opportunity and swung in. Clinging tightly to her dubbed cat-grappler, she kicked him down as she soared through on the green vine. She landed in front of Scott, keeping him behind her and her claws full-length.

"Guys." Jumping down, Silver Cat started to go for them until he felt himself yanked up again by the back of his uniform. "Hey!"

Looking to see him in the grasp of a much larger attacker, Cyclops directed, "Callie!"

Needing no further cue, Calico shot out another of her manmade vines. She managed to coil it around the encroacher's ankles, but needed Cyclops' added strength to help trip the mountain of a man. Silver Cat darted to them and Calico reeled in her rope.
"Move, guys!" While the kittens ran, Cyclops sent a small concussive burst to each man to slow them down.

As quickly as he caught up with his teammates did those who sought them recover. Above, Banshee saw, but his attempt to intervene became short-lived when he felt himself snatched by his right winged flap. He tried to caw, but the large had grabbed and restricted his throat.

"Cyke," Calico cautioned before he could blast, "wait, you'll hit Banshee."

Cyclops then addressed, "Silver?"

"Goin', goin', gone!" Silver Cat scurried up the nearest tree.

Jumping through branches, he reached Banshee's location and seized the one who held him from behind, covering the eye and mouth portions of his mask. When released, Banshee bellowed and dropped to fly. Circling the tree, he stilled long enough for Silver Cat to latch onto his back.

As they neared their other two teammates, Banshee yelled, "Cover your ears!"

Calico, Cyclops, and Silver Cat did so and he unleashed his mutated shriek with harsher force to take out the other two encroachers.

Cyclops dropped his hands. "Alright, almost there. Bansh', you screech from the front to protect their hearing. I'll blast from behind."

Nodding his agreement, Banshee led their sprint. Silver Cat crouched with arms spread to intensify his speed. Calico did the same on all fours. Cyclops stayed ready with fingers to his visor.

IIIIIII

When the lunch hour approached, the floormates made their way to the dining hall together. The large room, separate from the more elegant dining room, came with multiple folding tables and buffet style food options to choose from. Ray wheeled Gina up to a circular table that could contain them all. Clarence loaded a tray and brought it back to her before acquiring his own.

"Homemade meatloaf and scalloped potatoes?" Ray could hardly believe his eyes as they returned to the table.

Keiko told him, "They bake the bread and desserts, too."

"My entire body's about to go into shock. Never ate this good anywhere." Ray promptly started shoveling the numerous dishes into his mouth.

Clarence advised, "Boy, don't choke yourself. There's more. We promise."

Ray had to keep from snorting as he laughed at his own antics. "Sorry." He drank from his glass of milk to aide in swallowing. "So, where'd you guys all come from, anyway?"

"Harlem," Clarence answered of himself and Keith.

Mia replied, "Chinatown."

"Manhattan," said Gina.

"Hartford." Keiko scooped up another portion of vegetables. "Thailand before I was sold."

Nearly coughing up his milk, Ray echoed, "Sold?"

Keiko nodded. "My family fell into poverty after my father's death. My mother couldn't afford all of us and my brothers were of greater use. A group of Americans gave her a big sum, pretending to take me to a good family here in the States. I was bought as a slave and passed between homes. I only got out last year because the nanny the last family hired is in the network."

"And sorry, wait," Ray attempted to grasp. "How old are you?"

"Twelve," Keiko responded. "Five when I came here."

Ray also noticed the way she used her left hand to work her utensils, barely wiggling fingers on the limp right one. "Did they do that to you?"

Touching her right wrist, Keiko recollected, "It's been broken three times in different places; owners taking their frustration out on me. I can hardly use it now and had to learn to write with my left hand."

A thoroughly revolted Ray remarked, "That's effin' sick."

"At least it's over. That's all that matters. And soccer helps," Keiko said brightly. "Wolverine taught me how to play."

"Wolverine?" Ray repeated in confusion.

"You saw him yesterday," Gina mentioned. "Mrs. Howlett's husband."

"That Logan guy?"

Keiko said, "We all call him Wolverine."

"One guess why," Ray scoffed. "Guy looks like he hasn't had his rabies shots."

Clarence laughed. "He messes with all the new boys he first meets like that. Showing who's boss. He's cool, though."

Gina asked curiously, "So, where are you from, Ray?"

The blonde looked at her and replied, "Queens, but I was running jobs for a cartel in the Bronx. I was about to be hauled off by the cops until Batman and Catwoman showed up out of nowhere."

"Missy isn't Catwoman," Mia stated. "She's Wonder Woman."

Ray raised innocent hands. "My mistake." When Keith stood to refill on milk, he asked Clarence, "Why doesn't your cousin talk?"

"He doesn't like to," Clarence answered plainly. "People have given him too much grief over his speech problems, even some of his teachers."

"Oh," Ray understood. "Sorry."

"Don't worry about it. Besides, Keith doesn't need to talk," Clarence claimed. "Not the way he writes."

Coming back with his drink, Keith sat and opened his text to the poem he left bookmarked.

IIIIIII

At the rise in temperatures later that day, the outdoor activities of the mansion dwellers increased significantly. After wasting no time getting into their bathing suits, Maya, Angel, and Samantha swam strides in the pool while Cordelia pulled off multiple impressive dives off the board. Sean and Cody provided the musical background, courtesy of their guitars. Samantha galloped over the lawn on Hazelnut with Joey and Xander alongside them. Kiki and Trav trotted from behind on Franny and Steel. Lounging with Raven in a patio chair proved the only thing capable of keeping Hank from battling with Erik over the BBQ grill. Charles and Emma relaxed in the next chair over, cherishing each other's lips under the warm sun. Victor and Logan rolled around on a picnic blanket with the babies until one began fussing.

"Hey, boss," Victor carried Brian over to Erik, "think the kid wants a word."

Erik took his nephew and handed the spatula to the security man. "Take over for me." He positioned Brian on his shoulders and walked about with him while holding tightly to his tiny hands.

With Scott attached to his back, Alex began with, "Ready, set…"

Frank hanging onto him, Leon concluded, "Go!"

The young instructors took off with the Eye Scream members holding on closely to them. With a rush of momentum, Leon crossed the designated finishing point first.

"Alright!" Frank hollered, sharing a fist bump with Leon.

Hopping down from his brother, Scott demanded, "Two out of three."

"Better yet," Alex further challenged, "three out of five."

"Geez, Scott, you already creamed the Dingoes," Frank reminded.

Leon put forth, "Is it some kind of Summers trait to win at everything?"

"Yes," came the unison reply from the other duo.

Becky jogged over to the shades adorned one. "Will you help me? We need more popsicles, stat."

Scott slipped an arm around her and said, "Raincheck," to the others.

Watching them walk off, Alex commented in jest, "And that is definitely a Charles Kid trait."

Dipping her feet into the pool, Kayla asked of the forlorn girl, "Maya, what's wrong?"

Maya swam to her corner of the pool. "Thinking about the game and…" She gazed about their surroundings. "This. Most of the kids in school treat days like this as total chores, keeping them out of the movies. As excited as I am about the wedding, I can't tell you how much I'm going to miss this."

Finger combing her hair in comfort, Kayla reminded, "This will always be your family to come home to. And sooner than you think, you and Sean will experience many days like this. With your own children."

At that, Maya looked to where Sean went to his knees in a guitar solo before Cody headbutted him.

IIIIIII

After some maneuvering and extensive wheeling, the two found their way out onto one of the second level terraces.

"Easy now." With her arms snug around his neck, Ray carefully picked her up out of the wheelchair.

"Sorry." Gina held on. "I'm not exactly the easiest girl to sneak off with."

"Who's complaining?" Ray came back with. He situated her in the cushioned seat at the outdoor table and sat next to her. He took in everything around them. "Look at this place." He peered up at the blanket of stars. "Leaps and bounds from the city, huh?"

"Galaxies," Gina concurred quietly.

Ray faced her again. "I'm still trying to figure this out. Me and the others I get, but how does a girl from Manhattan end up here? Did your folks actually put you out because of the baby? I thought people like that sent girls away for that kind of thing."

"No," Gina shook her head, resting a hand on her midsection. "Considering what they had in mind, I almost wish they had."

"What'd they…" Ray caught himself. "No, sorry, I'm digging way too deep here."

"No, it's fine. It's easier to talk about now," Gina said. "When my parents found out… oh, my God. Beyond livid. They wanted to take me to this doctor, who knew how to, um…" Ray frowned deeply, clearly catching her meaning. "I had to run. A nurse at the free clinic brought me to a safe house, introduced me to Melissa."

After some seconds of thought, Ray spoke again. "So, you could have had all of this erased like nothing ever happened and you still ran?"

Gina looked away. "I don't expect you to understand. Even if they don't say it, I know people write me off as a stupid slut."

"Whoa, that is not what I meant," Ray refuted, getting her eyes on him again. "And it's not what I think. My mom got knocked up when she was seventeen, thinking she could put the hooks in my dad. It worked at first. He even married her. Until he got sick of the one-dame-only life and took off. We were okay for a while. Before my mom started her liquid diet."

Gina stated, "Parents are assholes."

"Oh yeah," Ray agreed. "But look at you, Gina."

"Look at what?"

"You could have gone the easy street route, but you put your kid first. That's… that is freaking amazing."

She managed a little smile. "Thanks. Still, every single day I wonder what kind of mom I'm going to be."

Ray wondered, "Why? You're already a great one. At least from where I'm sitting."

Gina's countenance lightened further. "I'm really glad they found you, Ray."

He replied glibly, "Whoever said drugs lead to nowhere?"

"Piece of advice?" the girl offered. "Don't say that so much as within a mile of Mrs. Howlett."