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.

299. Chapter 299 Bridge Birthday

Chapter Two Hundred Ninety-Nine

Author's Word: Heiress alive, Heiress explain later, Fam enjoy and review now, 300 next!

June's sweltering conditions offered neither clemency nor the minimalist of reprieve to the already severe intensity of that morning. Only minutes since sunrise occurred, the heat maintained its presence in and out of the two-story house. Atmospheric conditions ultimately mattered not to the inhabitants within.

Tension inside the second-floor master bedroom rivaled the pitiless temperature. Upright against her pillows and headboard, the woman sputtered and breathed wretchedly. In an occurrence, rarer than seizing lightning in a bottle, she functioned far outside of her own head. Possessing a captivating beauty that hid her numerous decades, years of incessant studying, mustering through natural disasters, transforming mutes and illiterates into academic forces of nature, healing injury through something in herself she still could not comprehend measured up none whatsoever against the current and hardest challenge of her existence. Pain matching nothing she ever experienced before coursed through her entire system. The last thirty minutes of pushing somehow proved a greater struggle than the two and half hours of contractions.

To her right, her husband resided without a word of objection as her constriction on his hand almost prevented blood circulation. Focused on nothing but her own task, she occasionally made out the sizable blonde blur of her brother-in-law. Wordless throughout the whole process, he made continuous rounds with chilled wet towels to cleanse her dripping forehead as well as her husband's and that of the kneeling physician. He tried to offer water earlier, but with his wife only allowed chips of ice, his brother refused even a drop of hydration for himself.

When the long-waited at last occurred, she thought she missed it. Her own part finished, everything stalled and entered a haze. She experienced the adamant pulsing in her chest and the growing force of something so foreign to her in that moment, relief. The second the cries erupted, overpowering any and all things, she sat with burning moisture in her eyes. She believed her chest would implode in only a second's time, as if that mattered. It would restore itself as surely as her features stayed striking. She wanted to speak, to ring out clear across the land, but her voice abandoned her quivering lips.
"The cord, Logan." At not a word from his son-in-law, a feat almost more remarkable than what had just taken place, the older male barked, "Logan!"

Hands shaking with near enough force to create a seism inside his whole body, the inert man petitioned, "Vic…"

No further direction needed, the tall head of gold walked to and knelt where he was needed. While Codiram kept a grasp on the squealing teeny body, Victor made a single swipe of the sharp blade to detach him from the umbilical cord. He next found himself assisting the doctor with cleanup. They both used cloths moistened with warm water. Codiram took care of most of the little body. Victor could not control his upturned lips over the thick head of dark hair he sought to make presentable.

Logan regained enough control over his palm to clear hair out of his wife's soaking face.

Flat in bed again on her pillows, she turned her head into his touch. "… What happened?"

Snorting, he raised her hand to clasp and kiss twice. "You had my baby, woman."

Close beside him with voice so distant, she wanted to know, "Where is our baby?"

"Right here, beloved." Both took notice of Codiram making a path for them with shrieking cradled bundle.

Of the two color options to wrap the child in, Logan hitched a breath at his father-in-law's selection of the blue towel. "It- is…?"

"The one we've waited a lifetime for and everything you've ever wanted? Yes," With skilled delicacy, Codiram transferred the baby to the staggered male's clutch, "he is."

As soon as he became locked in the new pair of masculine arms, the screeching little being eased until he stopped crying completely. His mouth stayed open a second longer to yawn.

Unable to detach blue eyes from him, Logan uttered, "Fox…"

"Here." Kayla indicated her upper front. "Bring him here."

Slower than any snail's pace, Logan laid him stomach down on her chest. Recovering her strength or, more likely, forcing its return, Kayla immediately brought secure arms around to keep him in place. When his eyelids parted, amazement and exultation engulfed her at her own brown irises staring back at her.

XXXXX

Vibrant rays of light seeping in through the glass created a sparkle across the former slumbering youthful visage. Almond-shaped eyes popping open, the rest of his body did the same. He ejected from the bed and moved to peer out of his window. Sunrise's glory made the already remarkable estate glow with rich colors. After taking time enough to complete new day business in the bathroom, he hurried downstairs as quickly as he could without arousing the other sleepers or crashing into something.

Overnight humidity having caused him to discard his shirt hours ago, Cody sped through the back door in pajama bottoms and bare feet. He bent at the waist, arms extended behind his back, and ran with only his legs pumping, gaining momentum rapidly. Remaining in the position, he started scaling the first tree he reached in a vertical motion. When he nearly toppled at the halfway point, he snagged the lowest branch and performed a triple flip with it. Letting go of it suddenly, he rocketed to the top. From there, he used the monumental wedges of wood as springboards to jump tree to tree.

When he landed on a slightly shorter tree, he hurried down it to reach ground level again. He took off, stopping at the very edge of the stream. Gazing into the clear water, his own face greeted him. Jerking his head to the right, his hair, which reached several inches past his shoulders, swept to one side. He took in the way it blended into his dark upper body fur. Forming two fists, the boy summoned the bone claws from his knuckles. At the initial discomfort he experienced, Cody shuts his eyes and inhaled through his nostrils.

"Right over here." Cody walked off to a far bush and peered through it. "Look, Joey."

The blonde came over, grinning upon sight. "Oh wow." He carefully lifted the large spotted rabbit up to hold. "He's so cute… but how'd you hear him?"

"I'm not sure," Cody said honestly. "Sometimes I just hear or smell things. Right now, I hear a bunch of deer up ahead," he pointed, "and I can smell the honey in the beehive," he gazed up at the twenty-foot tree towering them, "up there."

Cuddling the rabbit, Joey stepped closer. "Are you a mutant?"

Cody looked at him. "I figure we both are."

Joey nodded in confirmation.

Opening his eyes, Cody's face lit over his full-length claws. With a growl in the back of his throat, he pounced at random pieces of greenery. He sliced at the grass, bushes, and broken tree limbs that crossed his path. Ears, nose, and a sixth sense only experienced by his paternal kin informed him that his solitude would soon end. From beyond the trees, the mutant elder emerged with claws ready.

After a few seconds of debate, Cody dashed to the left. Before he could get seized by his ankle, he made it up a tree. He went back over his previous path through the woods, only in reverse. Vision so locked on the mansion up ahead, he failed to notice one weak branch and suddenly plunged from a white oak. In a brunette blur, the figure giving his chase shot into the air. Cody attached to his back and Logan landed in a crouched position. Rolling off, the boy maneuvered around to look into his father's face. The scowl worn by the man turned glib as he headbutted him. Cody went to his back in laughter until he moved his head enough to notice their sole audience member. Rising, Cody bounded for her. Bending at the waist, Kayla met her son in a sealed hold.

IIIIIII

With a spirited momentum about his feet, the short dark-haired boy stepped alongside the tall metal wielder. The eternally impeccable gentleman wore a tan and cream suit, but skipped the jacket due to the temperature. Erik maintained a positive curl about his lips at the way the child carried his caramel briefcase for him.

"How come the kids can't live here?"

"Danger," Erik answered him with ease. "As much as we'd like to believe that all of us as mutants can live here together as a community, certain mutants are too unstable. This is especially true of the psychiatric facility. Still, we must never join the world in turning our backs on them."

Tommy nodded in understanding. "You think… maybe I could go with you? Just today? I want to help, too."

"No, Tommy," Erik refused automatically, stopping at the base of the stairs with him. "That's out of the question. What we see there on a day to day basis is not for your eyes. We don't even allow Becky to come along to assist the telepaths."

"But I'm not scared." Tommy hurried up a few steps to better reach Erik's eyes. "I figure if I come along, I can talk to them. Show 'em that regular people aren't all bad. Maybe me, Cody, and Joey could come play with them."

Listening to the not entirely farfetched reasoning, Erik lifted Tommy at his middle. "I wish you could. I really do, Tom. Unfortunately," Erik brushed back the boy's hair with his hand, "it isn't so simple."

Tommy exhaled sadly. "I wish I could help you."

"You already do," Erik told him genuinely. "What you want to show them about non-mutants? It's a reminder I myself need every time I walk out the door. And coming from you? I actually believe it." To his surprise, the child's eyes darkened. "What is it?"

Shaking his head, Tommy put on a little smile. "Gonna miss you today is all."
Erik squeezed him as he started the ascension to the second floor. "It's only a long day because we won't be available to them until next week. Are you excited for Cody's birthday event?"

Tommy perked as he replied, "Sure am. Sean's taking me parasailing."

"Not unless I'm on the boat with you," Erik tacked on. "I won't have you gusting away. You can't escape me so easily." Tommy attempted to match his shark sneer and Erik lowered him with a ruffle of his hair. "Thank you. For my dutiful valet…" He retrieved three silver coins from his pants pockets.

"Thanks," Tommy reacted to the seventy-five cents landing in his palm. "But I'd work for you for free any day."

"You'll have me spoiled with such talk." Erik then directed, "Go see to it your brother isn't slacking off."

"Yes, sir," Tommy saluted, scampering off.

II

Brush finished making smooth threads of the waterfall of hair, Maya selected a large green clip to pin to the right side. The door already ajar, she looked into the mirror at the head of red that poked in.

"Good morning," she greeted first.

"It'll be good when we can say that to each other without taking the scenic route." Sean watched her stand, whistle in approval over her black skirt and emerald top tucked into it. "Okay, you look good in anything, but this is a definitely a step up from those baseball caps you wear for Temple delivery."

"I'm helping with safe house tutoring, remember?" Maya turned to retrieve her friendship necklace.

"Right," Sean recalled. "I've got to get you a better secretary." Walking up, he took her into his arms from behind, staring at their dual reflection in the vanity mirror. "I can't wait to see you on that sand. This whole thing is so…" He bowed his head to kiss her neck. "Pre-honeymoon."

Moving out of his grasp, she peered up at him. "Don't expect any special previews to go with it."

"Aw, cranky." Sean folded his arms and made a show of narrowing his eyes. "What's next? Sleep on the couch?" At her sigh, he unbuttoned and rolled up his sleeve. "Still can't get over this, can you?"

Maya eyed the "X" atop "M" symbol depicted in black on is shoulder. "It's not the tattoo, Sean. The meaning is beautiful; it really is. I just can't believe you permanently marked yourself without a word to me."
"It was completely spur-of-the-moment," Sean reiterated. "It was the rush and excitement of my show. Plus something between me and Frank. I didn't think you'd be this bothered by it. Especially considering…"

At his trailing, she searched his face. "What?"

"Look, mine might be permanent, but I can cover it up. Yours is obvious."

Maya stood in utter cluelessness. "My what?"

"Your hair," Sean came back with, "your makeup, your clothes… I swear you own stock in a mini skirt warehouse."

She shoved a portion of hair behind her ear. "So, what, you and Wolverine trade witty barbs about my clothes? Do you think I'm cheap?"

"No," Sean answered as if she suggested serving arsenic as a breakfast cereal. "In fact, I have it on good authority that you're not cheap. Sierra hot, yes. Cheap, yeah right. I'm just trying to figure out why it's okay for you to show so much skin, but not for me to cover up a couple inches of mine."

Crossing her own arms now, Maya glanced down quietly. "Are you sure you want to support us on music? Because right now, you definitely have legal eagle going."

"Music lets me sleep at night." Sean held her to him again. "But seriously, I promise no more impulse moves- no matter how cool- without discussing it with you first."

"Discussing them with each other," Maya amended.

"Fine, have it your way." He made a ravenous move for her lips.

Stepping into Maya's doorway, a witnessing Tommy put forth, "You know his first kiss was with our neighbor's dog, right?"

While Maya swiftly fixed his shirt sleeve, Sean countered, "Actually, their dog is your real birth mother. That's why we have to have you dipped every month."

Shaking her head, Maya went to take Tommy by his shoulders. "Let's grab some breakfast."

Button in place on the cuff of his shirt, Sean departed with them.

IIIIIII

At the two that proceeded from the boys' bathroom, another youth in a white gi caught up with them.

"Hiya, Mike. How's it going, Jody?"

Gripping his gym bag, Mike looked up with a countenance void of jest. "His name's Cody and you know it, Stan."

"Could've fooled me," the huskier boy smirked. "Already built like a girl, now get a load of that hair. Bet that's why you stay out of the locker room now, Howlett. Don't want anybody to see your new bra."

Cody rolled his eyes with a headshake. "Piece of advice, Ratcliff? Keep doing what you're doing."

"What're you talking about, Howlett?"

With a knowing glint in his eyes, Cody clarified, "Saving these cheap shots for when my uncle's not around… like you always do."

"Yeah," Mike seconded. "Betcha wouldn't make those hair cracks in front of Officer Vic."

"What cracks?" Tommy came around the corner from the medium sized gym, basketball tucked under his arm.

Right beside him, Fred addressed his brother. "This clown hassling you guys, Mikey?"

"Ah, shove it, Dukes," Stan waved off. "I'm out of here." He started for the opposite end of the hall.

Hand joined to Laci's, Joey exchanged a very brief but unmistakably frigid gaze with Stan as they walked by each other.

"Him again?" Joey said to Cody when they got in proximity of each other.

Cody nodded.

"What's his beef, anyway?" Tommy wanted to know.

Joey explained, "He's a sixth-grader, but Cody beat him to a blue belt."

"Ah. In that case, why don't we just beat him with the blue belt?" Tommy proposed. "That's guaranteed to take his mind off it."

The group snickered and Cody said, "Forget him," then asked the artists, "You guys hear about the contest yet?"

"No," Laci answered flatly. "So many entries. It's taking forever."
They all looked over at Lily pushing open one entrance door to stick her head in. "Guys, hurry up. Daddy's in the truck and we still have to pick up ice cream." The blonde girl smiled. "Mama made chocolate chip cupcakes for Cody's birthday."

Enthused euphoria practically exploded throughout the community center as the eager bunch charged out of the building.

IIIIIII

Almost genuinely tickled giddy to discover the teen lounge teen free, Frank made a direct path for the extension. Entering the correct phone number, he waited and silently prayed with receiver to his ear.

Three rings in, he at last heard the pleasantly airy, "Hello?"

He replied with an unsure, "Jessie?"

"Frank?" she returned.

"You got it," the boy confirmed. "So, you remember my name… not to mention my voice."

"I never said which Frank. This is Sinatra Jr, isn't it?"

"Ow," Frank winced. "Jersey daddy's boy with a set of pipes? That's a low blow."

"And a real shame," Jessie sighed regretfully. "He's not half the dancer this guy I met at my birthday dinner is. Prince Charming right off the screen that Tolbert fellow…"

Grin plastered across his face, Frank informed, "Good news, he's speaking. Would I sound like a complete wuss if I said I'm glad your older sister didn't pick up?"

"Not wussy," Jessie assured, "wise. Not a problem, though. I have my own phone number."

A disbelieving Frank reacted, "Luck-y. That's oldest child privilege around here."

"What isn't?" Jessie sympathized. "Was this your last day of school?"

"Next week officially, but it's a little more complicated on my end. Are you done after today?"

"Last week, actually. We're on a different schedule at private school."

"Private school?" Frank echoed in a pained tone. "Ugh, flashbacks, nuns, nightmares…"

"We're not that horrendous," Jessie said matter-of-factly. "It's Greek Orthodox. We have a business casual dress code instead of uniforms."

"Ah, cool. So, Greek huh? Guess I got the nail on the head with Wonder Woman."

"Maybe you're clairvoyant. I'm curious to see what other special powers you have."

Glad she could not see his face in that moment, Frank said, "Same here. Unfortunately, this weekend is a power failure. My family's going out of town for this big birthday deal."

"God loves His June babies," Jessie stated. "I hope you have fun and… I appreciate you calling. Before you left I mean."

"I didn't want you to think I forgot about you," Frank told her. "After that night? No chance."

"Same here," Jessie echoed him. "I better get the table set before my dad and Mason get in. Talk when you get back?"

Frank vowed, "June baby's honor."

After they concluded the call, Frank walked with highlighted features and eyes miles away. He lingered in the lounge doorway for five seconds before bolting for Sean's room.

IIIIIII

When the trio of boys made it home from the Dukes, Joey and Tommy went in search of Alex and Sean. Cody reached the top of the stairs and delighted in his mother awaiting him. She already stood in her X-uniform of jade full-body suit and royal blue cape. Cody took the time to swap his karate attire out for the suit, gloves, and cowl that transformed him into Silver Cat. Crossbow accounted for, he headed back downstairs.

In the backyard close to the mouth of the woods, Kayla setup three separate targets. The bullseye on easel in front of a tree, one attached to a high branch, and a stranger one modeled after a kite. With its rope tied around a slim tree, the bullseye batted against the wind but stayed in position.

"Mama."

Kayla looked back at her sprinting eldest. "There you are, beloved."

Of her weaponry assortment, it surprised Silver Cat when she selected the more traditional recurve bow. Gripping the piece of maple by its stout center, she next picked a triangular tip for her arrow. When Kayla positioned herself, Silver Cat remained behind her like a precocious cub. Drawing back and breathing evenly, Kayla let loose. Cutting through the air, her arrow shot into the dangling target, causing the branch to break on contact.

Silver Cat whistled his impression. "You nailed a whole flock, Ma."

"Only the ringleader." Giving her son a secretive look, Kayla tapped his shoulder in indication.

After taking in the options, Silver Cat loaded his bow with a stone tip. From her observational point, it shocked Kayla not in how he aimed for the bullseye in the sky. Pressing hard on the release, the arrow fired. Soaring past the target by at least a yard, it vanished into the atmosphere.

The boy sighed in frustration. "Left up to me, we'd starve."

With a soft smile in place, Kayla brought her arms around him from behind and lowered to touch cheeks with him. "You would have to practice countless hours on end to be as laughable a shot as your grandfather." The young Cat snickered at that. "Heaven help us, when he was twelve…"

XXXXX

At the center of the clearing, the gray and black birds flapped wings and roamed through the light mist. When their ears detected what their eyes could not, several took to the sky in a panic. Two oversized ones proved less fortunate as the sharp metal tip of the wood penetrated them both. Emerging from where he squatted a distance away between a pair of trees, the young man dressed in tan and green moved to claim his kill. He saw that the arrow had pierced straight through the heart of the first bird, but the second only retained injury. Shaking his head at the moronic creature's vain attempts to flap away, out slid his pocket knife from his sleeve. With a swift plunge into its back, he immobilized the turkey. He added both to his cloth sack and started out of the clearing.

Finding his previous location deserted, he peered in every direction. "Codiram!"

Crouched before some shrubbery, the boy inhaled the familiar scent of the plants he collected into his satchel. He gasped at the loud petition of his name and rushed to regroup with he who called him.

"I'm coming, brother."

The highly displeased older youth shot the hastening one a look. "You were supposed to wait here and observe. Off frolicking in the flowers again, weren't you?"

"I was not frolicking," Codiram insisted, going into his bag to show off his bounty. "Look, Esaul. They can restore burns and gashes in a day's time. I can finally finish my ointment."

"All the herbs in the world won't save you if some beast mauls you to ribbons out here," Esaul said matter-of-factly.

"But these are very difficult to find and we've been practicing since sunrise."

"You've been whining since sunrise. I've seen no change in your aim."

"I can do it, brother." Reaching over his shoulder, Codiram plucked his crossbow from the holder he kept strapped to his back.

A familiar caw filling his ears, Esaul went to one knee and pointed.

Following the direction of his finger, Codiram honed in on the fowls flying in a V formation. Keeping eyes on their every motion, he launched his arrow. It zipped up- so high it looked to disappear into the sun. Alerted by the faraway wood, the birds picked up speed until they escaped sight next.

Getting to his feet, Esaul put forth, "I cannot believe it, but there has been some change." Codiram faced him with features aglow. Esaul eyed him back as he went on with, "You're somehow worse than when we started." At Codiram's lowered head, he shook his own. "Come. I have no more time to waste."

Staying in place until his brother walked by, Codiram resituated the bow on his back. His eyes remained on the grass and dirt for the full trek back to their village.

X

Once finished eating as well, Esaul sought out the youngest member of their familial trio, once quad. Finding him in the back of the house, the tall teenager kept back. When the child hoisted the bow again and concentrated with hands tight on his weapon, he sent his arrow forward. It grazed the side of a tree marginally.

"Improvement at last."

Turning at the voice, Codiram surmised sourly, "From annoyance to amusement, brother? I'm in no mood for jokes."

"I meant my words, Codiram." Approaching, Esaul glided his fingers over the smooth top of the crossbow. "I spent two weeks forging this and not only for your birthday." He lowered to one knee to reach the eyes of his short sibling. "The years caught up with Father too quickly. Should anything become of me—"

"Don't say that!" Codiram snapped.

"Should anything become of me," Esaul reiterated with a dose of reproach in his voice, "I want you prepared to provide for and protect yourself and Mother. That is why I push you. You must be ready."

Shifting his head, Codiram's ebony hair spilled across one shoulder. "I will never be like you, Esaul. You are only seventeen and your arrow accuracy is greater than that of half the seasoned hunters."

Taking him by the chin to redirect his heavy brown irises, Esaul said, "I honed my technique as early as I could. Famine and outside attack are very real possibilities for our people, my brother. It happened when Mother and Father were children and the same fate could befall us."

"I know," Codiram sighed. He indicated his crossbow determinedly. "I want to be better, Esaul, I do."

"I know what hinders you and it is no weakness." Esaul took him by the wrists to raise the thin limbs. "These hands were not designed to kill," Codiram followed his words curiously, "but to heal."

XXXXX

Contained to the center of the circular stack of pillows, the fanciful eyes of olive green peered around her eldest sibling's room as if to judge his decorative choices. Hardly an inch away from her, her twin stood on chubby legs. With tiny hands on top of the highest pillow, Todd appeared ready to leap right over the mound. The bitty boy reacted with ecstatic garbling at their returning older brother.

Heists from his uncle's loft and parents' closet in tow, Cody placed the dark medium-sized hickory chest inside the circle. He collected a few items already in his quarters before stepping over the plush barrier to get comfortable between his siblings. Lifting Mira at her waist, he positioned her on the seat of the horse. Clearly confused at first, Mira let off a delighted gurgle when Cody helped her rock on it. When she wanted to grip the handles all by herself, Cody let her be and turned to Todd. He showed him the small stuffed animal, a light-furred fox. Handing it to him for Todd to investigate, Cody brought nostrils to the fox's body and inhaled. Taking the cue, Todd sniffed as well. Cody smiled softly at the smaller Howlett boy detecting at least a trace of a scent, but experienced a pained internal ping over Todd's bewilderment as to who it belonged to.

To assist with that, Cody retrieved the pocket-sized album from the trunk. He brought Mira over to sit in his lap before flipping through the photos. The first four only consisted of the sleeping newborn in pink and white. When they landed on an open-eyes picture, Mira poked it importantly.

"Yeah, Mimi," Cody grinned, "see? That's our Jay. See Daddy's eyes?"

Crawling to it, Todd pulled himself up by the top of the open trunk to peek inside it. "Bruh-bruh."

At the petition, Cody glanced his direction. "Oh yeah, Toad Man. Grandma made that for Granddad." Laying the album down but keeping one arm around Mira's middle, Cody scooted over to pull out the blue and orange throw. "Mama used to wrap me and Jay up in this for stor—" He reacted to the book that plopped out along with the linen.

II

Hanging up the receiver, Logan informed his wife, "Chuck says around ten. They had to stop to gas up that church bus we call a van."

Woven basket nearly filled with toys and other odds and ends belonging to the fledglings, Kayla determined, "We better let Alex and the others know. It's going to take a full armada to get the children clean and ready for bed."

"Not to mention keepin' their anxious hides there." Logan crossed his arms in ponder. "Think we can skip the tubs and just run 'em all through the sprinklers come mornin'?"

"Cool," reacted Tommy with a sparkle to his blue eyes, bringing Todd in on his shoulders. "Beats washing out the tub afterwards."

Kayla put one hand to her hip. "Yes, because you boys are masterfully diligent in keeping your bathroom picked up."

"Sorry, Kay," Joey said, hand in hand with Brian, "but you forget about the tub after mopping up all the water some people dunk all over the place."

Nibbling on his fingers, Brian formed a grin.

"Mama," Cody showed her the book, supporting his tiny sister on his hip, "look. We found Granddad's journal."

Promptly putting the basket down, Kayla used both hands to leaf through the pages. "One of them, anyway."

"How come it's in English?" Tommy wondered.

"The children of our village were instructed in English and French in addition to our own language," Kayla explained. "As a form of defense against outside threats. My father cared nothing for war strategies. He valued language as yet another learning opportunity and practiced the verbal and written day and night." Kayla landed on a particular page. "Oh, this must be after he turned fifteen. He was under the tutelage of a physician in the nearby town."

Joey asked, "So, the Indian kids got to go to school with the white kids up in Canada?"

"There was a divide," Kayla answered, "but more self-imposed. My people carried a great deal of anger and resentment towards their white neighbors."

Tommy mentioned, "You mean because of that Trail of Tears thing?"

Brown eyes replaced by flaming orbs, Kayla and Cody chorused in irritation, "We are not Cherokee! We are Blackfoot."

Tommy flinched then reacted to Todd yanking on his hair. "Hey!"

Reaching over to tap his youngest son's head, Logan explained, "That's a little bit of a sore spot for them."

"Sorry," Tommy said genuinely, "I didn't mean anything. That's just what I heard in social studies."

"I know, buddy. It just gets old." Cody crossed his arms with an eye roll. "Let folks in the States tell it and Cherokees are about the only Indians on the planet."

"The Trail of Tears affected them along with other tribes once native to the Southeast. However," Kayla informed, "a great number of my people have resided in Canada for generations."

Upon noticing the clock getting ahead of them, Logan declared, "Better wrap it up, fellas." At the expected groans, he simply ordered, "Cut your bellyachin'. Unless you want me draggin' you out of bed early tomorrow- by your ears."

Kayla suppressed a laugh at how quickly the three most mobile children rushed to comply "Take the babies to our room. We'll be up in a minute for their baths."

"I'll do Brian's," Joey volunteered.

"I can wash these two, Ma," Cody insisted.

"And I can help," Tommy said importantly.

"Thank you, dears," Kayla replied with clear satisfaction. "Charles, Erik, and Em will be delighted to hear how much you've all pitched in."

Tommy stood with clear delight, careful of the teeny Todd still using him as a ride. With Brian's desire to walk some more, Joey let him lead the way while keeping their hands locked. Cody cradled and nuzzled Mira. She stroked at the part of his shoulder beneath his t-shirt, enjoying the feel of his fur.

At Cody realizing the length and depth of his parents' private bathtub, the three boys gathered pajamas and towels for the babies as well as themselves. They filled the water to a moderate height and all six settled in. Joey helped Brian steer his large duck boat. Tommy held Todd in a hug while the smaller boy kept arms around his neck and kicked in the water as if attempting basic swimming lessons. Cody kept a gentle grasp on Mira as he washed her. When she did not show interest in splashing or water toys, he knew she would want to sleep soon.

"I thought my Grandpa Flynn conquering WWI was cool, but whoa," Tommy spoke in awe, "your Grandpa Codiram was around before the Civil War."

"Yeah, it's cool and all," Cody said somewhat wistfully, easing shampoo through his sister's hair, "but you guys are the only ones I can really talk about him to. That's part of the reason we're going away for my birthday. I don't want to slip how old my family really is in front of the Dukes and I can't just not invite 'em to my party."

Joey shrugged. "I don't think they'd tell anybody about mutants."

Cody shook his head. "Lily could say something by accident. She's not as bad as Trav, but you know how little kids are."

"Yep," nodded Tommy, "this is privileged info." He then asked, "You remember anything about Codiram?"

"Little bits and pieces." Cody peered into Mira's eyes, dim with fatigue. "He died when I was two or three. Sometimes I get these little flashes of his hair, long and silver, tickling my face. I remember feels better. Like his hands on my cheeks. Not as super strong as my dad's or soft like my ma's; kinda somewhere in the middle. Ma says he had real physician fingers."

"Cody?" Tommy ventured somewhat cautiously. "Why doesn't your dad talk about his family much?"

"It's the Howlett side," Cody attempted to explain. "My Grandpa John, the rest of 'em… they're not Uncle Vic's."

"Right," Tommy nodded his comprehension. "I guess it's too tough with him and your dad being half—"

"Tom!" Joey hissed, surprising Brian and Todd. "Don't call them that. Don't even say it or they might overhear it."

"Seriously," Cody seconded. "And if they do, my dad and uncle'll leave you minus one tongue."

At the mere visual that warning inspired, Tommy pursed his lips.

"I don't know why people get all technical with that stuff," Joey put forth. "Me and Alex don't have the same dad. Uncle Erik doesn't have the same anything as Dad and Aunt Raven, but he's still their big brother."

Tommy became curious again. "How's that work, anyway?"

"My dad pretty much started it," Joey explained. "When they were kids, he found Aunt Raven stealing food in the kitchen. She showed him her blue and he wanted to keep her as his sister- so he did."

"Your dad's outta sight." Tommy next wondered, "Where'd Aunt Raven come from, anyway?"

Hoisting Brian from the water to make him laugh, Joey answered, "Heaven."

II

After seeing to the lockdown of all things perishable and/or explosive in his lab for his hastily approaching time away, Hank sought out the bedtime progress of his children. When he found Kiki's room vacant, he let his senses lead him to his sister's part of the house. Comfortably adorned in their nightgowns, the girl pair sat in the middle of the bed. Becky glided the comb through Kiki's hair, made wavy from being styled into a French braid for most of the day.

Hank greeted them with, "Hello, beautiful bears."

"Hi, Big Bear," Becky returned.

"Daddy," Kiki beamed.

Sitting near to them, Hank started up a hand game with his daughter. "Did you finish packing?"

"Yeah, right there." Becky used the comb to point out the pair of feminine carry-on suitcases plus the extra container for her hair care arsenal. "I promise half of it isn't toys. Just a third."

"Ah, progress," Hank remarked.

Kiki asked, "Is Mommy home?"

"Not yet, Baby Bear, but she's going to check on you and your brother as soon as she gets in," Hank promised. "So, eyes shut in exactly fifteen minutes."

"Okay," Becky complied. "I already have our outfits picked out for tomorrow."

"My lifesaver." Hank kissed each of their heads. "I love you both. Sleep tight and soon."

The girls returned the sentiment after his large departing form.

When he reached his son, Hank instantly surmised how much he longed for Raven. He more than sympathized with both his fledglings in awaiting the blue woman. Hank laid in Trav's bed with him, keeping his cub in a gentle clutch that would automatically turn lethal for interlopers.

II

Once they finished their short cardio session in the Hovel's gym, the Summers brothers lounged in the hot tub. Not missing the weariness Scott tried to mask, Alex helped him get into nightclothes. ROTC, baseball, and training having sufficiently worked him for the week, Scott happily accepted the assistance. He received grander delight in the piggyback escort upstairs. Unknown to his little brother, Alex enjoyed the experience far more. With Scott's increasing height and muscle, the blonde knew carrying him would soon come with the same difficulty as trying to lug about an actual cyclops.

"Where're you going?" Scott wanted to know when Alex started to rise after tucking him in.

"I'll be back in a little bit." Alex ruffled his dark hair with soothing fingers. "Going to do rounds and doublecheck we're set for tomorrow. Just go to sleep. I'll take your glasses off when I come back."

Scott nodded and turned to his side, diving right into slumber.

IIIIIII

Somehow managing to keep her voice down, Raven proclaimed, "My home," upon entry.

The other three, while quieter, shared her Dorothy-out-of-Oz mindset.

"Be certain you don't wake the little ones," Charles cautioned.

A skeptical Erik remarked, "Assuming they're actually sleeping as opposed to their usual stifled giggles and whispers before a trip."

Receiving a reading, Emma informed, "All but one it appears."

Following the woman's gaze, Erik spotted the pair of juvenile blue eyes peeking at them from the living room doorway. "Tommy?"

When the man opened arms, the boy went right into them. "You're home."

"I am. What's the matter?" Despite the weight of the day's stress, Erik picked him up with ease. "Can't sleep?" Feeling the child nod against his neck, the metal wielder rubbed his back in circles. "Let's see if warm milk with a sprinkle of cocoa will help."

"Kay," Tommy replied with a small smile.

They lingered for each of the women to peck Tommy's cheek. Charles pulled lightly on the boy's ankle. As he journeyed for the kitchen with the small one, a faint lullaby emitted from Erik's throat into Tommy's ears.

IIIIIII

With Leon and Alex giving the brothers Howlett-Creed the night free from Eye Spy, Logan took the opportunity to lay down with his wife and children. He managed to achieve a few hours of contented sleep, despite periodic reactions from his heightened senses. Throughout the night, he felt Todd's warm body and breath. The same with Cody, who alternated between snuggling his mother and father. Mira burrowed against Kayla's nightdress and gripped two bitty fistfuls of the woman's plentiful dark hair. So accustomed to the pulse of his wife's heart, Logan often mistook his own for hers even if she stood yards away from him.

Each of their children proved a different story for the canine mutant. The rhythm beyond their chests sounded like individually crafted drums somehow belonging to the same band. He made it a point to avoid attempts at making sense of divinity- not that he could- the Veteran could not help wondering about the design plans behind his four. Though he inwardly laughed at equating his offspring with shopping mall blueprints, he still pondered each of them. Cody, his curious kitten, plucky and resilient despite his size, possessed a glow about his giddy cheeks. Logan brushed lips across Todd's head; his tiny puppy but already incapable of going down without a fight. Jaycee knew nothing of the true power she wielded, showing her father even a fragment of beauty in himself by mere glimpse into her eyes. Mira carried that calm, gentle visage that reminded Logan of his wife, including the unyielding will that came with it. All of them linked together in his mind as he allowed himself additional moments of rest.

Hardly seconds after five, Kayla stirred with strong intake of air through her nostrils. Her attempt to move her head slightly jarred the baby currently attached to her.

"Mama," Mira beseeched.

Kayla used a soothing hum to shush her, not wanting to alert their males until necessary. She brought her daughter to the changing table for a new diaper and soft outfit to wear on the jet. They settled in the rocking chair and Mira leisurely fed from her mother.

Alerted by his brother's growing cry, Cody moaned, "Cram it, Toad…"

Smirking, Logan clamped teeth down on his youngest son's ear tenderly. The move made Todd relax some. Sitting up, Cody growled at him. Todd imitated the sound as best he could, giving a tickle to their father's chest as he tried.

Observing the three, Kayla quipped to Mira, "Another bright-eyed morning."

While Cody readied Todd, Logan saw to double-triple-checking they had what they needed for the days ahead. With his children wanting to linger near his wife, Logan trekked to the kitchen to acquire easy breakfast for those of them with fully functioning teeth.

By seven, every floor of the house burst through with activity. With half the teenage girls still away with Adrienne, squabbling over the showers proved a non-issue. Becky simply washed hers and Kiki's faces before getting them dressed in colorful cropped pants and tops for the flight. Frank helped Raven ensure everyone, bustling adults included, got something to eat. An early jog fully awoke Erik, Alex, Scott, and Leon. They helped Hank load the cars. Charles kept the younger boys from getting distracted in their excited antics.

Fresh from washing up, Sean took a moment to position himself before his mirror.

"Boom!" Tommy burst forward, going to leap on the bed.

"Geez, do you mind?" Sean struggled to get his shirt on. "Told you I was getting dressed."

"So?" Tommy scoffed. "Like I've never seen your dumb as—"

"Thomas," Sean reproached.

The boy noticed something. "What's that?" He pointed towards the mirror.

"Your creepy face," Sean sneered.

Developing a smirk, Tommy lowered to investigate. "No way…" He yanked on Sean's arm.

"Ow!" The redhead snatched away. "Cut it out! Go downstairs."

"Too late. I saw," he teased. "Now, lemme see."

"Thought you already saw it?"

"Aw, Seanie." Tommy's lower lip protruded.

Sean sighed through his nostrils. "You breathe a word to anyone and I'm putting Cinderella wallpaper in your room at my house. And I'm telling Erik you're in here swearing."

Alarm showed clearly at the second threat. "No, I won't tell, promise."

Against his better judgement, Sean pushed up his sleeve. "Cool, huh?" He dipped so his brother could have a better view.

"Yeah," Tommy concurred, marveled by the symbol. "How come you left off the E-N?"

"It's not X-Men," Sean explained. "Just X-M, Professor X and Magneto."

"Terrific," Tommy said ecstatically. "But whoa, if Mom and Dad get a load of this…"

"They will. After my wedding." Sean's eyes shined impishly. "I don't need another stick crammed up Dad's hole." Tommy giggled and he smiled. "But remember, you can't tell."

"I know, I won't," the child promised. "It's cool to me. Did Maya see?"

"She's coming around," Sean told him. "It really threw her by surprise."

"I can't believe you really did it." Tommy continued to stare at the decorated shoulder. "You're the coolest X-Man ever."

"Oh, I am, am I?" Sean sent arms around the younger boy's middle. "And what was I before?"

"The biggest dork ever," Tommy answered. "But still cool." He touched foreheads with him. "Only 'cause I own you."

"Back at you, baby man. Now, go tinkle before we hit the road."

"I don't tinkle," Tommy refused.

"Then go blast a gusher," Sean amended.

"On it!" Tommy jumped onto the bed, rolled off, and dashed onward to the bathroom.

IIIIIII

Aboard the private plane, Hank acted as Victor's co-pilot. It frequently amazed the younger male how the elder could go from watching over their home half the night to operating complex machinery and vehicles with greater ease than any well-rested individual. Scott wanted to stay in the cockpit with them, but shared window chairs with Frank, sitting nearest the aisle to safeguard his friend's shoulders. Behind them, Maya sat the same way with Sean. Raven kept Trav in her lap. Beside them, Kiki nestled in Alex's lap, keeping an ear against his chest as if monitoring his heartrate. With Leon's arm around her, Becky helped keep Brian distracted while Emma and Charles relaxed together. Across the way, Logan and Kayla rocked their infants.

Within five minutes, peering out the windows did not provide adequate entertainment for the three boys all but bouncing everywhere. They soon started up a make-believe game that all too quickly involved running through the aisle.

"Hey," Logan barked after them.

"Lads," Charles spoke firmly but calmly, "settle down, please. We are airborne and you know better regardless."

Joey turned immediately bashful but Cody nonchalantly argued, "What's the big deal? We've got gravity up here."

"Nuts to gravity," Tommy dismissed. "We've got Erik. Bet even if the whole plane ripped apart—"

"Guys, cool it, okay?" Raven's voice rang out. She kept a hand on top of Alex's. "I mean it."

"Yes, Aunt Raven," Tommy and Joey replied promptly.

Kayla began a story that caused the fledglings to stay in their seats for the remainder of the flight. Several of them appeared ready to nod off when half an hour went by. Before most of them knew it, their animalistic pilots landed them in the airbase of Sussex County in Delaware. Upon receiving a travel guide, Frank's eyes magnified at discovering the "city" of Rehoboth Beach came with less than fifteen-hundred in population. They rented a large van that Victor drove to allow Hank time with his family. Tommy jumped at getting to ride with Erik in the sleek black Chevy. The Eye Scream Team proved equally excited to cruise in the ocean blue jeep with Maya and Sean. At the number of attractions they passed on their route, Frank right away saw that the small population packed a world of excitement North Salem knew nothing about.

They caught sight of several lavish homes. For the particularly special occasion, Charles had tried to assure the Howletts that he could see to everything so that they had no need to worry. However, Logan made it a loud point to dispute the notion, ready to put down the sizable financial chunk. After extensive negotiations and a reminder of their shared adoration for the birthday boy in question, the costs divided between the Xaviers, Howletts, Erik, and Victor. Knowing what she did about the Howletts, Emma also comprehended the importance involved to account for such indulgence.

When they pulled up before their own rental house, new energy ignited within the fledglings. The property consisted of a tall two-story with attached four-car garage in royal blue paneling with white fixtures. The front carried an enormous porch with furnishings and a pathway that guided out to the clean sand and sparkling Atlantic Ocean. Losing himself and not caring, Alex dashed forward to stand ankle deep in it. He grinned at Hank discarding his shoes to join him. After letting the young ones linger a bit, Kayla and Emma managed to usher them inside for settling. The men stored and unloaded the vehicles.

Entering the house, they stepped onto ceramic tiles that led into the vast family room. Across the way and near the stairs sat the wet bar with table and bar stools. They found the kitchen about medium in size with bar seating to free up space and a wide backdoor. With the main level bedrooms, Cody felt the need to bring up that he, as well as Joey and Tommy by extension, automatically received first pick. He chose the biggest suite, but requested the presences of Alex, Leon, and Sean as well. The older males agreed due to the size, bathroom, and staying near their younger brothers. Joey quite gratefully suspected that Cody also wanted to seize Alex for him. Charles and Emma took the second main level suite. A full bathroom connected Victor and Erik's rooms.

Upstairs, Becky initially did not care for her quarters. Not for sharing it with Maya and Kiki, but the displeasure of having robin's egg walls in a house already very blue in its exterior. However, the numerous windows with fuchsia curtains placated her. Connected via bathroom, Scott, Frank, and a considerably enthused Trav had the other room. The McCoys and Howletts received the second-floor suites, which came with terraces.

Alex carefully stashed his surfboard inside the walk-in closet. Leon put his beside it and Sean stored his guitar. They gave the six-drawer dresser to their brothers and setup Bounty's hatch with food and water by Alex and Joey's bed.

Attempting to stuff his bag of clothing in the lowest drawer, Tommy raised an eyebrow at how Joey handled his outfits. "Uh, what are you doing?"

Folding a pair of shorts at the foot of his bed, Joey replied, "Trying to hurry and unpack."

Eyeing him bizarrely, Tommy questioned, "Why're you being all neat about it for?"

"Proper gentlemen don't throw their clothes about," Joey quoted with full English accent. "You better fold up yours right before my dad checks. And my mom hates wrinkles."

"Aw, man," Tommy crossed his arms and formed a sour expression, "we have to be all fancy about it? That's dumb."

"Quit moaning, Tommy." Sean came over to help his poor attempt at organization. "Mom's the same way."

Absorbing the telepathic message sent to him, Leon informed the room, "Uncle Charles is taking Kayla and Aunt Emma for groceries."

Cody hopped down on his bed. "So…. Maybe we can unpack later?"

Alex countered, "Or… we could finish now and go outside for mad fun."

This hastened the boys until Alex next mentioned sunscreen.

Leon shrugged. "You can always burn and spend the rest of the trip bathing in aloe vera…"

Cody, Joey, and Tommy immediately lined up for the lotion's application.

II

Curls styled into a high-ponytail, Becky tied her bright yellow cover-up on around the bottom of her heart-themed swimsuit. Kiki wore one patterned in purple butterflies with a pair of denim shorts. Becky gathered their towels, nearly dropping them when she saw what Maya exited the bathroom in.

The young telepath gaped. "… Are you kidding?"

Maya looked her seafoam green bikini up and down. "What?"

Only shaking her head, Becky took Kiki's hand as they started out together.

Satisfied to have at last lulled his twins to sleep, Logan left his suite and acknowledged each of the girls. Then, his gaze fell on the eldest one, whose path he blocked at the top step.

"Wolverine," reacted a taken aback Maya.

Dissatisfied irises remaining on her, Logan directed, "Becky, you and Kiki go ahead."

The man's present feelings hitting her in waves, Becky lifted her small cousin to quicken their downward pace.

"Maya Vivian Patterson," Logan nearly snarled, "what do you think you're wearin'? Or did you just throw on a couple of shoelaces?"

Maya sighed in dismissive irritation. "It's just a bathing suit, Wolverine. Raven wears plenty of two-pieces."

"Not even close to this revealin' and you know it," Logan refuted. "Change, right now."

"They're just clothes! I'm still me, no matter what I'm wearing."

"Get off the soapbox. We're talkin' a whole different set of principles here. We have little boys out there," Logan gestured at the closest window, "ages ten on up with every kind of crazy hormone goin' on in their heads. You're supposed to be an older sister to them; a good influence. Now, you want to wear this to the beach just you and your friends, that's one thing. But you've got no business flouncin' around in front of these boys like you're for sale. Now, either go put on some decent clothes or stay in your room." When her lips parted again, he tacked on, "Argue with me and you can spend the rest of this trip in there."

From unyielding to crumbled expression, Maya lowered her head and started back. She re-entered and shut her room door. When she did not return for several minutes, Logan released a heavy sigh and continued downstairs.

II

At home once again on his surfboard, Alex stood high on it while safeguarding Joey, who sat at the end of it. Cody rode on the back of Leon's, bursting with elation from his fur getting to fully enjoy the breeze. With Becky and Kiki latched to his back, Hank used his enormous feet and long arms to dog pedal in the water. While they savored their mutations, Victor perched up above on the edge of one of the terraces, ensuring their privacy remained so. Raven walked along the shore, listening to Trav name the different tiny species they ran into. Attempting to evade the land shark by crouching behind various spots, Tommy darted from a wood pile, only to be instantly captured. Erik teased his seized prey by tickling him into a giggle fit.

"There you two are," Scott acknowledged Sean and Frank.

The pair came out in dark wetsuits that reached their ankles. The snug sleeves cropped at their elbows.

Sean proclaimed, "We're here for serious watersports."

"Yep," supported Frank. "No time for dinky trunks that'll just wash off, anyway."

Scott smirked, "Thanks for sparing our eyes."
Peering around, Sean wondered, "Where's Maya?"

"Not up for the outdoors right now." Logan walked out of the house.

Sean started to ask more until tugs from Frank drew his attention to designing a monumental sand fort.

Piggybacking on Erik now, Tommy asked, "Can we go parasailing later?"

"Not today," the metal wielder answered, keeping a clutch on the boy's wrists as he spun about with him. "Perhaps tomorrow when you're at full strength, but none of you are rested enough for extreme activity."

"Kay." Tommy nestled against his neck.

When they returned to shore, Becky went straight for her cover-up. "Are you sure it's just us out here?"

"Of course, Becca," Hank promised, helping Kiki towel off. "Charles and Emma did a mental sweep before they left to ensure it."

"And we've got ears and noses everywhere," Logan further reassured. He came to kneel before the head of curls. "Any little creep so much as looks at you the wrong way, just shoot a mental jolt. We'll handle it."

Becky nodded at him.

Hoisting up Kiki, Scott proposed, "Want to see who can find the most seashells?"

"Yeah," Kiki agreed cheerfully.

Smiling, Becky took his free hand and they headed down the way to begin excavating.

Later, Hank caught his nephew having a bit of difficulty racing around with Cody and Tommy.

"Joey, Joey," the scientist shook his head, "has my fine champion forgotten everything I taught him? Where's that go-getter who wanted me to make a speedster out of him?"

At the recollection, Joey sent a smile his way. Gaining some momentum, he displayed greater grace as he leapt from stone to stone with the other boys.

Raven came over, hugging her proud husband from the side.

When Charles returned with the lady elders, Leon, Scott, Frank, and Trav helped bring the numerous bags inside. They brought back groceries as well as first-aid and other necessary items their otherwise well-equipped rental home lacked. Charles promptly shooed Emma, Kayla, as well as Raven when she tried to come in right out the kitchen. Emma and Kayla gladly went to check on their babies. Wealth of water bottles and popsicles contained in a cooler, Raven rejoined the outdoor merriment. Charles showed Frank the fruit and produce they lucked upon at the farmer's market. They decided on pita sandwiches with choice of chicken or lamb meat, a variety of chopped vegetables for toppings and salad, white rice with cheddar, and fruit bowls with cottage cheese for an early evening meal.

"I know this is a celebration for Cody," Charles cut the meat into chunks as he spoke, "but I believe this trip is exactly what you needed as well." Frank looked at him from where he prepared the vegetables at a different counter. "I never intended to place unneeded pressure on you about school. It was just so difficult to contain my excitement. And pride."

"I know that, Charles," Frank replied genuinely. "And I know Hank wasn't trying to unload me, either. But that whole day was too much at once… did you really tell Dad you'd have me mounted to the wall if I tried to go away to college?"

Charles stepped over to pinch his cheek. "You'd look so adorable next to Seanie's diploma."

II

Propped against her headboard in mustard shorts and a cerulean tank top, Maya somewhat distantly listened to Mira create melody from her little xylophone. After lying in bed with Todd for a while, Kayla peered in on them.

When neither noticed her, the matriarch piped up, "Wondered what became of my girls."

"Mama," Mira acknowledged ecstatically.

Maya glanced at the woman. "Bet you're really wondering what Melissa's up to."

With a taut smile in place, Kayla sat on the bed, "Please," she pulled Mira into her arms, "trying to get through my firstborn's birthday without heart palpitations." She studied the expression that contradicted Maya's well-known cheeriness. "Honey, are you alright?"

"Not sure," the teenager answered honestly, moving to lie on her side.

Keeping Mira between them, Kayla lowered to face her. "I thought it was strange you weren't out with the rest. Did something happen?"

"Wolverine thinks my bathing suit is scandalous."

"Because it failed to cover everything but your eyes I'm sure," Kayla said humorously. "Where is it?" Sitting up, Maya retrieved the nearby top for her viewing and Kayla lost all glibness. "… Did you craft that from a slingshot?"

Maya shrank bashfully. "Is it that bad?"

"Sweetheart, I have endured throughout your new fashion preferences, but this?" Kayla took the bikini for closer examination, growing even more repulsed by it. "Had I been home, you wouldn't have even made it out of the room in this. Honey," she turned dourly serious, "it isn't only Sean watching you in this. You simply can't run around in front of the younger boys," she stretched the top, "in this."

"That's what Wolverine said," Maya told her. "I felt like a complete slut."

Urgency developed in Kayla's features. "Tell me that was not one of the words he used."

"No, nothing like that," Maya shook her head. "But the way he talked… I know adults don't like the fact that I'm not hiding under twenty layers anymore. Wolverine thought I looked for sale. I can't stop feeling sick…"

"Baby," Kayla quickly took her into her arms, "you know he doesn't really see you that way. Not you, ever."

"How does he do this to me?" Maya wondered in dismay. "Erik, the Professor, Hank- none of them can come close to getting to me the way Wolverine does if he sees the littlest thing wrong with me. I'm almost married for crying out loud. What is with me, Kay?"

Kayla exhaled in good humor. "You think marrying the love of your life can somehow change this? There's no cure for daddy devotion, Maya. Take it from someone who mastered it. My father called me beloved so often, I used to wonder why my parents bothered naming me at all. I can count the number of times he was ever truly unhappy with me and to this day, I regret every one. I was so angry at myself once, I kept him up holding me while I cried- and I was the one in the wrong, keep in mind."

Maya laughed a little. "In training, I'll change if Wolverine says my form is off by an inch. With Magneto, I have to resist putting super glue in his helmet for kicks."

Kayla tapped her lips. "Do not give the boys any unnecessary inspiration, please."

IIIIIII

With a grunt, Frank petitioned, "Seanie?"

In front of the mirror of his suite, the redhead quickly reacted to the pained voice. "Frank-O?" He gently tugged him inside and shut the door.

Frank rolled up his shirt sleeve. "It's hurting again."

Sean inwardly cringed at the redness around his shoulder. "Here, buddy." He dabbed some tissues with warm water and began cleansing it.

Both jumped at the unusually loud knocking.

"Occupied," Sean informed.

"We wanna see the goods," Cody's voice sounded.

"Open it," Tommy further demanded.

Frank rolled his head back. "You've got to be kidding me."

Twisting the doorknob, Sean ushered the trio inside, slamming it closed again after Joey.

Yanking Tommy up, Sean sat him on the vanity of the sink and scowled at him. "Didn't I tell you to keep your mouth shut?"

"What, I didn't tell any grownups," Tommy defended. "My friends ain't snitches."

"Yeah, we know the business." Cody then reiterated, "Now, come on. Make with the goods."

Exchanging a look, Sean and Frank revealed their shoulders.

"Nice," Cody approved. "They used that heavy black ink, too. Didn't it hurt?"

"Like Hades," Frank confirmed.

Joey folded his arms. "That's my design, you know. Uncle Hank used it for our X patches."

"Relax, pal," Sean attempted to placate. "We're not making money here." He ruffled the blonde's hair gently. "I just wanted something extra special of the X-Men. And you are the best artist I know."

Joey asked suspiciously, "How many do you know?"

Shifting his eyes, Sean next offered, "I'll sneak you guys cookies tonight."

This Joey accepted as proper payment.

"Whoa, you're gushin' here," Cody said of Frank's tattoo. "Have you been puttin' cream on it after you wash it?"

Frank shook his head. "The dude said to, but I've kept it covered in the shower. We just got them a few days ago and I didn't want to wreck the ink."

"Amateurs," Cody sighed. He grabbed Sean's face towel and went to the sink to add a squirt of hand soap and water to it. "My dad does this. For fresh tats, you have to keep it clean and moisturized." He went over Frank's shoulder with the towel. "Just make sure you don't rub it or you might wreck it."

Frank watched the younger boy work. "… Thanks."

Cody shrugged. "I just don't want nothin' with X on it lookin' retarded."

"Cody," Kayla spoke over their communicators, "children, come down here and look at this."

Raising his wrist, Cody responded, "Be right there, Ma."

II

At the coffee table in the living room, Kayla knelt with the antique wooden trunk painted in green and gold. Maya lingered near her and Logan held the twins in his lap. Across from them Brian sat in Emma's lap with Charles on the right arm of their chair. Alex, Leon, Hank with Kiki, and Raven with Trav lined one couch while Scott and Becky took the other. Erik and Victor stood nearby.

When the trio filed down, Tommy informed, "Seanie and Frank are pooped." He reached for Erik.

The metal wielder hoisted him with a bounce before situating him on his shoulders. Joey went right to Alex's lap and Cody lowered between his mother and Maya.

"Look at this." Unwrapping the satin, ribbon tied cloth, Kayla held up the colorful garment by its shoulders.

Maya beamed, touching the sky blue top portion. "Is this your Bridge Birthday dress?"

"Ages and stages ago," Kayla confirmed, lifting it for Mira and Todd to feel the material as well. "My mother spent over two months on this. Every seam had to be perfect."

"Reminds me of the first Easter dress our mom got me," Raven recalled. "I felt so fancy getting ready for big, important studio photos."

Charles sent his sister a warm smile. "You couldn't have been cuter… especially next to me in those wretched short pants." He looked equally amused at the resulting laughter.

Finding the stack of aged but impeccably neat papers inside another ribbon, Cody sniffed and recognized, "Granddad."

Kayla retrieved the top parchment to hold to her nose. "Eau de Cologne. Definitely one he sent to Mother."

"That's beyond romantic," Maya commented.

"It was their code when he went to school here," Cody told her. "The cologne was so Grandma knew for sure it was him writin'. If he sent one without it that meant it wasn't from him but a slave owner or somebody trying to prevent tribal retaliation."

Tommy said in confusion, "I thought he came here after slavery."

Leon faced the child. "Which meant the grand sum of nothing."

Erik squeezed one of Tommy's hands. "It takes more than the laws of the land to banish man's misdeeds against one another."

The boy stared in ponder at that.

Cody picked up another letter to read. "My Dear Jaylee, even with Christmas still two weeks away, the spirit of it all thrives throughout the entire town. It is far grander than anything we saw in Swan Creek. Here, candlelight, music, and decorations fill every last corner. Every house and shop smells of cinnamon, cranberries, and peppermint. The different food is spectacular. I think my favorite is a sweet they call gingerbread. They even make small houses out of it. We'll be making one ourselves for Christmas Eve. I only wish you could see it, see everything. Take care and I await to hear from you, Codiram."

Fondness radiated from Kayla's entire form. "For those who converted, Christmas was an event. The men staged the tallest tree at the center of the village. The women and children filled it with handmade decorations. We lit candles at night, sang carols, ate so many cookies and candies…"

"When I had my first Christmas here," Joey remembered, "it felt like I was on a whole other planet. We had the biggest tree and more decorations and presents than I'd seen in my entire life."

"Yeah!" Trav seconded. "It was way better than any of the movies on TV."

Hank stated, "No one does Christmas quite like the X-Men."

Scott put forth, "Rebecca wouldn't allow it."

Becky's head went to his shoulder.

"Oh, wow. Look, Ma." Cody found another small container in the box and undid the latch.

At the pieces of black silk contained within it, Raven questioned, "Is that hair?"

"My father's," replied Kayla. "He was forced to cut it when he came to the US. Of the many tasks required of him to prove himself civilized, this," she coiled one of the strands around her finger, "might have been the most devastating."

"How come?" Trav wondered curiously.

"Our hair is our crown of glory," Kayla explained. "To part with it is like chopping off a limb."

"Rather lose the limb," Leon remarked.

Trav next asked, "Then how come Cody gets haircuts like us?"

Logan fielded that one with, "Because I got sick of hearin' what a pretty daughter I had when he was a baby."

Revitalized laughter filled the room.

"This is why for the Bridge Birthday celebration," Kayla slipped fingers into Cody's dark locks, "the men and boys are encouraged to grow out their hair as much as possible. As a gesture of pride, good health, and liberation."

Cody tapped his chest fur. "And I got plenty."

"A lovely custom," commented Charles, his own crown of chestnut brown reaching his shoulders specifically for the occasion.

Victor and Leon likewise swayed their heads to make their streams of blonde and black bounce captivatingly.

"That'd never fly in the military," stated Scott. "Well," he looked to Victor, "unless you're Coach."

"With the crazy we could pull off and come out of unscathed," Logan spoke, "we both could've walked around in barrettes and evenin' gowns if we wanted."

Alex smirked, "No one's interested in how you spent your weekends, Wolves."

Logan countered, "Cram it, Marlon Blondo."

"Wait, wait, wait," Trav waved his arms, getting them to face him again. "How come men have to have short hair, anyway?"

"There is a lot of history there, Valiant," Erik told him. "One of the main reasons is due to practicality. Long hair would only be bothersome to most working men."

"I don't know how you guys do it," Alex said to Leon and Victor. "There's no way I'm waking up an extra hour earlier for all that combing and blow-drying."

Becky developed a dry countenance and tone. "Try having curls."

IIIIIII

Lowering the tiny boy's clothes for him, Erik next helped him onto the toilet. He kept a lock on one of Brian's hands, but tried to stand a bit away from him to give him some trickle of big boy independence.

At the stiff posture, Erik tugged on his tiny appendage. "Uncle Erik is right here, Lab Mouse. Go on." He smirked a little. "I won't let you fall in."

It took another minute or so, but as soon as he heard the splash from within the bowl, Erik praised him. Brian clapped with joy over the accomplishment. Erik wiped him and showed him how to flush. Afterwards, he gave him his bath and played ducky squadron with him. When he dressed him in an overnight diaper and pajamas, Erik carried him over to his parents' suite.

"Look who used the toilet like a good lad," Erik announced proudly.

"Oh, my heart." Emma practically fled her vanity to give Brian a celebratory hug. "You're catching on so quickly, aren't you, my bright boy?"

"Yes." Charles came over with a smooch for his plump cheek. "Soon, no more spraying Daddy, hmm?"

"Hmm," Brian mimicked with an impish glint in his eyes, making Erik chuckle.

Taking him for a moment, Charles rubbed noses with his son. "Be an especially good lad and watch your Uncle Erik for me, alright?"

Brian responded with, "Yes, DaDa," causing melting on his father's part.

"Come, Lab Mouse." Erik brought him near again. "Let's make sure the rest of the family is behaving themselves."

Brian immediately snuggled into his uncle's shirt.

IIIIIII

"Boom!" Tommy imitated the canon firing as he whacked the top of Sean's head with the pillow.

Sean darted after the shorter Cassidy to retaliate.

When Cody went in to attack, his pillow vanished from his hands and rematerialized in Leon's possession.

"Hey, no fair shifting!" Cody groused.

Leon simply countered, "No fairness in battle," and swiped the pillow at him.

"Oh yeah?" Cody squirmed around, yanking on the long black strands.

"That," Leon seized both his hands with one of his own, "was a line crossed."

Managing to break away, Cody raced to get away from the young instructor.

Peering up from his food, Bounty took in the fascinating human exploits.

When Joey flipped over to their bed with a pillow, Alex accepted his tackle hug. At the taps to the seat of his pajama pants, Joey recognized the wordless command to settle down. He did, simply relaxing in Alex's arms. Joey slowing dawn caught the attention of the other two little boys, who also brought the pillow war to a close. Cody received a few ginger swats from Leon over his hair still and had to resist laughing at them. Tommy wound arms around Sean's neck from behind. He made sure not to alert the instructors by going anywhere near his shoulder.

Since the parents had already come through for stories and to say good night, they turned off the light, refilled Bounty's water, and took last bathroom runs. Each pair got comfortable under their light summer linens. Not used to having a small one at his side at night, Leon found himself keeping a particularly strong arm over Cody, who peacefully drifted off. Sean awaited Tommy inevitably changing position and kicking him in the face yet the redhead minded not in the least.

Alex stroked Joey's hair, speaking to him under the blanket. "Those were some great running times today. You've shown a ton of improvement these last couple months."

"You mean it?" Joey beamed.

"No way would I say it unless it was true, especially on the field," Alex replied then thought about something. "I remember when we first got to our old beach house. You'd wake up at the crack of dawn just to go running with me and Erik. Not being able to keep up never stopped you from trying."
"I only wanted to keep up to stay with you. I didn't want anything to happen to you."

"Plenty has happened to me. But I'm still here." Alex pecked his forehead. "Go to sleep, Joe."

"Night, Al." Joey closed his eyes.

IIIIIII

Cloaked in knee-length robe of silky jade, the girl exited the house and walked along the damp shore. The water brought relief to her warm bare feet, but greater comfort came from the stout arms that wormed their way around her waist. Raising her right hand, Maya felt the stubble her fiancé now so frequently exhibited. The facial appearance coupled with the current length of his red hair aged him a few years in a way she approved.

His chin dipped to reach her ear. "What are you doing out here all by yourself, hm?"

She touched his wrists. "Waiting for someone."

"Oh yeah? Who?"

Turning to view him with the aid of the outdoor lights, Maya replied provokingly, "The only guy who gets to see me in this." Untying her robe, she let it drop, leaving her in the bikini alone. "Too inappropriate?"

"Yes," Sean developed a coy smile, "and I love it." His lips aimed for her neck to leave kisses along it.

Maya closed her eyes and sent a hand down his back.

Sean removed his shirt and stood in his trunks. He made a mad dash for the ocean and Maya sprinted after him. She jumped, throwing her arms around him. Sean kept them in a sealed lock, twirling in place with her. Keeping their hands connected, they swam a distance from the house. Maya floated on her back, her flowing brown hair spreading underneath the water, giving her the image of a nymph. Sean came to her side to kiss her exposed bellybutton. Maya waltzed two fingers up his arm. When they came chest to chest again, she brushed her lips across his tattoo.

IIIIIII

So lost in the sensation of floating on air, the abrupt and very hard contact made both telepaths lose their breaths. Fortunately, Charles landed first and cushioned Emma's equally nude body with his front. The laid wrapped together in their thin sheet.

On top of him, Emma purred. Breaking your own floor rule, sugar?

We're already a disgrace, Charles claimed humorously. Years of etiquette chiseled into our brainstems and this is where we wind up.

Yes, because this is our most controversial scandal. Emma pressed their chests closer together. I'm so glad we found this place. This is the honeymoon we should have had.

Our honeymoon was beautiful, love.

Yes, but you spent too much of it taking care of me. Now, she met his eyes, I'm going to take care of you…

Charles laid his head back with a gaze reflecting his ecstasy. He only hoped he did not bring the lamp down on top of them when her intense gyrating caused him to grip the end table with both hands.

IIIIIII

Ever attentive to the waking hour necessary to feed your youngest children, Kayla got ready for the day as quietly as she could. She left Logan to engage in the all too rare activity of additional sleep. She put on shorts and a sleeveless then brought Mira and Todd onto the terrace for feeding. Settling in a cushioned wicker chair, Kayla enjoyed the golden scenery the rising sun created.

XXXXX

One knee raised towards his chest while the other dangled over the edge of the tall rock formation, the pensive male took in the activity of below.

"Papa?"

He immediately reacted to the voice, looking in the direction of the girl standing in a robe with hair wrapped around her damp head like a hijab. "Beloved, what are you doing up here?"

Kayla came back with, "That's what I was going to ask you."

Codiram extended a hand and she latched on, coming to stand at his side. "I was only thinking."

"You're always doing that," she quipped.

Codiram tugged on her hand and kissed her fingers. "About you. About today. How much I thought neither would ever come." He got to his feet, taking both her hands and peering down at her. "Your existence alone makes your mother and I blessed above all parents, beloved. Who you are makes us the proudest."

Kayla experienced a warmth that made her features grow. "Who I am is because of you."

"If I only had the right to claim such credit." Codiram scooped her up to carry. "Come, before your mother misses us."

Kayla left one arm around his neck as he started them downward.

X

Vehemently cautious with her every stroke of miniscule brush, Jaylee coated her daughter's fingernails evenly in sapphire. Prompting Kayla to close her eyes to make the process simpler, she began brightening her face next. She painted her eyelids in teal, cheeks in deep peach, and lips with wine red. Half an hour later, Jaylee deemed them done and beckoned her husband.

When Codiram arrived in their child's doorway, Jaylee directed, "Look at your daughter," before stepping out of the way for him to do exactly that.

With a sharp inhale, Codiram remained stilled in place over the vision in front of him. Kayla's near floor-length dress consisted of a long-sleeve sky blue top, black sash at the waist, and swirl patterned skirt of four different shades of blue, scarlet, tan, and cocoa. She wore dangling crescent moon earrings and a star-shaped necklace with aquamarine jewel at the center of it. A circular headdress made up of cascading flowers, feathers, and ribbons adorned the top of her loose ebony hair. The finisher came in the form of her dark moccasins.

Kayla went into a quick spin to make her hair and skirt fly. "Do you like it, Papa?"

"Yes." Codiram approached. "But I happen to love the one in it." He tipped her chin to raise her eyes a little. "Treasure of the tribe."

Kayla smiled into his hand.

Adjusting the poncho she wore, Jaylee determined, "We better hurry along. The whole village is anticipating their guest of honor."

Codiram gestured outward with his head. "You heard your mother, birthday girl."

On their way to the front door, Kayla slipped her free hand into Jaylee's right one to move between her parents.

XXXXX

"Mama!"

Now stationed by shore on a picnic blanket with Mira and Todd, Kayla gazed away from watching the waves. "Good morning, CoCo." Her eldest sped right into her arms.

Cody nuzzled against her hair. "What're you doin'?"

Kayla patted his back. "Just thinking."

The boy replied automatically, "What else is new?" Growing a little more somber, he brought his head back to face her. "About Jay?"

"And you." Kayla pointed out Mira and Todd. "And you and you." Cody nestled in her arms and she cradled his upper form. "Oh, my beautiful children… individual works of art you are. Completely irreplaceable." She held out a hand to accept the seashell Todd found for her. "This has family has endured so much loss- God knows we have. But we can never say we haven't gained the worthwhile as well. Learned to appreciate what's right in front of us."

"You're right, Mama. But sometimes…" Cody gathered his words a moment. "I really wish I could talk to Granddad; both of them. Grandma Jay and Liz, too. It's hard seein' the other guys with their grandparents sometimes."

"I know, baby." Kayla kissed him at his hairline. "As ungrateful as it sounds and despite all our years together, I don't think I'll ever stop missing my parents. That's why it's so important we keep them alive through stories. Their journeys, their hardships, their triumphs, everything they did so that we could arrive at this moment together. That we must always keep alive."

Attentive brown eyes staying leveled with her fervid pair, Cody promised, "We will, Mama."

Kayla cupped the side of his face. "Your uncle is taking me and Emma into town again to make sure we have everything for tomorrow." He formed a wide smile. "Let's have some breakfast before I have to change."

Getting up with her, Cody took Todd to carry while Mira made herself comfortable in their mother's arms.

IIIIIII

Awakening with a yawn, the tiny body stretched all limbs. Trav started to pounce Frank to alert him until the little boy noticed the red oozing from his arm.

Instantly alarmed, Trav shouted, "Daddy, Daddy!"

Scott jumped upright in bed, feeling around for his glasses. "What's going on?"

"What's happening?" Frank mumbled, jarred as well.

At their son's distress, Raven rushed in ahead of Hank. "Pooh Bear?"

"Frankie's bleeding," Trav pointed.

Hank inwardly winced and jumped into action. "Let me see."

Frank withdrew his arm. "No, forget it, I'm fine. I just nicked myself yesterday. Total klutz move."

"Frank, this is not a papercut," Raven said, eyeing the blood that stained his shirt and pillow.

"Keep still," Hank ordered.

When Frank tried to resist again, Raven warned, "Franklin Tolbert, if you move so much as another inch…"

Point more than taken, Frank sucked in a breath and allowed Hank to investigate his shoulder.

Removing the shirt from Frank's person entirely, Hank's blue eyes nearly bulged out through his frames at what caused the bleeding. "This… this better be a joke."

"What?" Coming closer, Raven's jaw practically hit the floor. "Is that a tattoo?"

"Oh boy." Ruby quartz lenses in place, Scott hopped up and went to collect Trav. "Let's grab something to eat." They passed the Headmasters on their way.

Frank felt his time on Earth ticking way faster at their presence.

"What's going on in here?" Erik wanted to know.

"Dad." After that word, Frank suddenly forgot how to breathe.

"Look at this," a perturbed Hank waved over.

Erik hastened to the boy's bed. He initially reacted in fret due to the blood until he zeroed in on its source. The metal wielder's posture became entirely rigid, his nostrils flared, and his eyes turned ice blue.

"Erik?" Charles petitioned his brother then saw what disturbed him. "That had better be from a magic marker…"

"It's genuine alright," Hank confirmed. "And no doubt infected. You're only fourteen. Where in the world did you have this done?"

"In the city." All eyes went to the redhead in the doorway, who had been informed of the happenings courtesy of Scott. Coming in fully, Sean pulled up his sleeve. "Same as me."

Charles uttered, "Sean," in indignant disbelief.

"What were you thinking?" Hank demanded.

"You." Seemingly ten feet taller, Erik stood with purposeful gaze fixed on the teenager. "This was your doing…"

"Just listen, okay?" Sean attempted to reason.

"You did this." Erik encroached, seizing the boy by two fistfuls of his shirt. "You let them stick a needle in my son…"

At the untold fury written on the Headmaster's face, Sean attempted to pry away from him. "Let go!"

"Erik." Charles moved to get in between them.

Releasing Sean, Erik's hands next went to his own waist to begin unlooping his belt.

Frank paled and his heart pounded.

"Erik, no!" Raven grabbed his arm with both hands.

"Don't interfere, Raven," Hank ordered his wife with his attention on Sean. "It's exactly what he deserves."

"Enough of this!" ordered Charles, achieving much needed silence. "Hank, see to Franklin. Raven, see to Erik. And you," he took Sean by his forearm and began leading them into the hall, "will be seeing me right now." The Professor brought them downstairs to his currently vacant suite and closed the door. "Sean, I… I can't even begin."

"Charles, I'm eighteen," Sean emphasized. "I just graduated with honors and I'm getting married. I can have a tattoo if I want."

"None of which is true of Frank," Charles said matter-of-factly. "What chain of thought, assuming you still have such an ability, convinced you to take a fourteen-year-old boy to a tattoo parlor?"

"Charles, it isn't that big a deal," Sean insisted. "And it isn't even infected. Frank's having a hard time because the ink is still so fresh. He just needs to take better care of it."

"Are you even hearing yourself as you speak?" Charles asked incredulously. "Where did you have these done? When?"

"Right after my show..."

Heavy realization dawned on Charles' face. "Your call about phone trouble… you lied to me."

With a heavy head, Sean stuck hands in his pants pocket and nodded. "Just me. Frank didn't know anything about it until after I called."

Attempting to keep himself upright, Charles took a few steady breaths and spoke slowly. "I've made every effort I can to support your music career. We allowed Frank to take part in this with you. We trusted you, gave you the benefit of the doubt, and you not only betrayed that trust, you plunged a knife into it."

"I didn't betray you, Charles. I'd never do that. Look at it." Sean indicated the symbol on his shoulder. "You and Erik."

The irate telepath only seethed, "Do not pretend you did this as some form of reverence for us. That's adding insult to the blatant disrespect you've already shown us. I am beyond disappointed in you, Sean Cassidy." The light in Sean's eyes appeared to suffer a blackout. "Go to your room."

"Charles—"

"Go to your room," the man repeated firmer. Charles closed his eyes and ran fingers through his hair as if combating a headache. "I don't even want to look at you right now."

Shoulders and chest heavy, Sean departed the suite without a sound.

IIIIIII

When the resident doctor walked in, Alex looked away from filling the ice packed cooler with bottled waters.

"Me and Lee are taking the kids away from the crossfire. How's Frank doing?" Alex smirked slightly. "Besides complete loss of sanity and self-preservation."

"I'm going to run bloodwork at home, but there doesn't seem to be any significant damage done."

Alex quipped, "Only because Dad hasn't laid into him yet. I still can't get over this. Go back in time by three years- heck, just one year- and try to tell me Sean Cassidy would wind up in a tattoo parlor.

Hank said, "I only wish I'd received forewarning about his descent into complete idiocy. That kid claims he's ready for marriage then turns around and pulls a stunt like this."

"Hank," Alex flipped the cooler lid closed, "don't."

"Don't what?" the scientist frowned in confusion.

"Don't start." Alex came around to him. "Every time we get away to sun and sand, your always have to go mental. When we were in LA, you came close to spanking two layers of skin off Frank. In Puerto Rico, you and Sean kept getting into it. Now, it's both of them so I'd appreciate it if you didn't bash their heads together."

"I will never repeat what happened with Frank," Hank vowed. "As for Sean, you're telling me not to start? Are you saying what happened in Puerto Rico was all my fault?"
"Sean did play brat a couple times," Alex admitted. "But you didn't exactly help by acting like his baby-sitter instead of his brother the whole time. That trip was about Sean, remember?"

"Someone had to keep order while we were out there," Hank reasoned.

"You mean give orders," Alex corrected pointedly. "Look, Hank, you try to look out for all of us. You have ever since we came here. But we're not five lost kids anymore. Something I'm learning with Joey is you have to loosen the reins a little or they'll never talk to us about anything. No matter how mad he makes you, I know you're not trying to lose Sean after this wedding."

Hank remained quietly in place as the blonde took his leave with the cooler.

IIIIIII

The recipe for that day in Rehoboth included eighty-degree air, sun in abundance, and athletic euphoria with the number of frisbee throwers, volleyball players, joggers, and beach ball tossing. The water sports came with the most captivated audiences. Alex and Leon had been talked into competing against another pair of brothers- brunette twins- in a doubles surfing showcase. When minutes passed and neither set seemed ready to wipeout, the four decided it a draw. As if Alex had just brought home another trophy, Becky, Scott, and the other young mansion dwellers cheered and applauded.

Surfboard tucked under one arm, Leon used the spare to accept the celebratory hug from Becky, who stated, "You're incredible."

Alex feigned offense. "Way to gloss me over, babes. This was a team effort ya know."

"Way to shred, big brother," Scott commended.

"Thanks, twerp." They exchanged a high-five.

With Leon and Alex content to take the younger children out on a motorboat rental, the middle-schoolers made their way to a food stand. Scott got them raspberry lemonades, loaded nachos for himself, and a hotdog topped with mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, and diced tomatoes for Becky. Beaming over how he remembered her preference, they shared one of the white tables under a large umbrella that provided shade.

Quickly entering a gleeful high due to the combination of melted cheese and jalapeño peppers he currently consumed, Scott noted of his fellow diner, "You really don't agonize the kosher thing."

Wiping mustard off her cheek, Becky told him, "Only if I'm helping cook something Papa's going to eat. Hank says it's best if he keeps staying away from pork especially. But there are too many kosher rules for me."
"I get that," Scott understood.

An assortment of incessantly enthused teenage boys filled a nearby table. When a blonde elbow jabbed one of his friends and indicated her, Becky whipped her head the other direction.

Noticing one location, Becky moved to stand. "Look what's over here, Scott." She picked up her drink and the red plastic basket containing her hotdog.

Gathering his own snack, Scott followed her to a barren spot around a rock wall. "Help me out, Rebecca. What is it?"

Becky gave him a smile. "You, me, and no one else." She went to sit with her back to the wall.

Scott grinned, "My kind of Triad," and stepped over to join her in seclusion.

IIIIIII

On her way out of the Howlett suite, Maya met up with the male half of the couple in the hall.

"Todd and Mira are sleeping," she reported. "Surrounded by the Great Wall of Pillows."

"Thanks, darlin'." Logan rubbed his temples. "Got enough to do for tomorrow. Now, these lug nuts gettin' inked."

"Sean would never try to ruin Cody's birthday," Maya assured. "But he and Frank were going through such a rough patch… I understand why he did it."

"So do I," Logan concurred, not missing the brief confusion his response gave Maya. "Every one of these," he touched each picture detailed on his arms, "they mean somethin'; everythin'. Right hand to Christ, I'm not ashamed of 'em. I just need your heartthrob and the glowworm to work on their timin'."

Maya regarded him sympathetically. "Point me wherever you need help."

Logan squeezed her shoulder. "Always comin' through, Smiley. That's my girl." He kissed her cheek and continued through the hall.

Countenance bright, Maya glanced after the man's path before entering her shared quarters.

II

After Raven managed to somewhat calm her eldest brother's almost possessed state, the shapeshifter left him to rest while she put together a late lunch for their household. Stretched on top of his still made bed linens, Erik kept blue eyes open yet fixated on nothing. He took in sharp inhales periodically as his only means of combating his racing thoughts.

With the door hardly ajar, Charles still ventured a glance inside. "Brother?" At the lack of response, he walked in completely and made a path for him. "Are you alright?"

"Lab Rat," Erik acknowledged, raising his head a bit.

Sitting beside him on the bed, the telepath sported a smile for him. "We have to talk about what happened up there."

"I lost my head," Erik admitted knowingly. "If I'd gone after Sean with my belt in that moment, I would have brutalized him. I know better than to let my anger get in the way of the children's welfare."

"True," Charles concurred, "but I saw and felt a lot more than anger up there. There was sorrow, panic… fear."

Erik faced the wall again. "When will you learn to keep that troublesome mind to yourself? Now, leave me be."

"You projected onto me," Charles emphasized. "That's how rattled your emotions were. What you felt cut me, too, brother. Please, talk to me… Erik?"

When the older Headmaster only remained rigid, Charles returned to his feet with a sigh.

Initially believing he had shooed him off, Erik next reacted to the heavy thud of the door forced shut. Rising in bed, he saw his brother's compassionate countenance now replaced with complete ire.

"We are not doing this, Erik. You would never accept this juvenile avoidance from me," Charles unbuckled his belt as he spoke, "and I'm not letting you get away with it this time. Whatever else has changed in our lives, we are still accountable to each other. You were only seconds away from lashing an eighteen-year-old boy mercilessly. Now, either talk to me," belt off, he folded it in half, "or I'm going to whip your bare arse." When only staring resulted, Charles shook his head with disappointment. "Stand up, Erik. Right now." The wizard of metal did so without a word and the telepath acted without delay when he tried to undo his own pants. Charles slapped the belt against the side of Erik's left leg and gave him a harsh glower. "No."

Erik dropped his hands and eyes. When Charles sat to unzip and pull down his khakis, Erik felt redness at his neck and earlobes. He silently prayed for it not to be visible to his younger brother. Then, Erik had to consider if God deemed him remotely deserving of that or any other favor.

Pants lowered to Erik's ankles, Charles stood again. "Lay down."

As he draped himself across his bed, Erik enjoyed the sole benefit of being able to press his face into the covers as if burrowing. Charles brought Erik's underwear down to join his pants. Then, lifting the belt to the ceiling, he cracked it across the exposed behind. He saw Erik clutching the bedding to keep from making any pained gestures or noises. Charles quickly sought to expel the iron stubbornness. He continued the whipping, using all that he had to make each strike harder than the last.

At the tenth, Erik nearly choked on his own repressed tears and he breathed wretchedly. "Th- they... they st-t…"

Stilling his punishing arm, Charles gently inquired, "Who, brother? Take your time, but please tell me."

Erik swallowed. "They stuck a needle in my little boy."
Ordering back the gloss ready to form in his own eyes, Charles dropped his belt. He joined him on the mattress and gently eased Erik's clothes back into place. At the tugs on his shoulders, Erik comprehended the cue and turned the Professor's direction. With some maneuvering, Charles got the tall man's upper body in his arms and made certain not to jostle his afflicted bottom. Spotting a container of Brian's baby wipes on the night table, Charles snagged two to help cleanse his brother's face of the rolling tears.

"It was so cold," despite Erik's proximity, he spoke as if a galaxy away, "packed together in that room. They forced us down. I couldn't see anything at first, but I heard it all- the younger boys' screams, making my skin crawl. They jabbed those needles into us. We didn't have names anymore. We weren't human. We were numbers. Only numbers…"

Hanging onto every word, Charles held him tighter and pressed a kiss to the top of his head. "No, that isn't so. No matter what they said or did. You are human; a mutant. Your name is Erik Lehnsherr." He rubbed the containing the black numbers. "These mean nothing. Beyond proof of what you've overcome."

Erik looked up at him. "I'm sorry, Charles. For how I behaved- forcing you to do that. As if you don't take on enough of the children's woes."

"I did it for you," Charles said matter-of-factly. "And I've certainly given you enough reasons to take me in hand in the past. I'm only sorry this situation made those memories so fresh in your mind."

"… Why would Sean allow this? Why would he let them mark his brother's skin that way?"

"I have an idea." Charles then tacked on, "But I think it's time we hear from our boys."

IIIIIII

At the telepathic summonses that jarred them from their own headspaces, the Irish pair emerged and found each other at the base of the stairs. Neither had bothered with changing out of pajamas after the armageddon of a morning. When Frank neared him, Sean placed a kind but secure hold on his wrist. On barely mobile legs, Frank hung back and let himself be led into the designated location. Hardly half the size of the mansion dining room, the area did not provide enough room for their particular brood, which made them use the outdoor furniture to eat together. They sat on the wooden bench built into the wall next to the hutch. Experiencing more of Frank's trepidation than his own, Sean eased him into his lap. Coiling one arm around the older teen's neck, Frank touched his bowed forehead to Sean's cheek.

The Headmasters making their way into the room prompted Sean to raise his eyes, but Frank stayed in position. Though the Professor spoke first, the metal wielder's expression of firm steel gained Sean's attention also.

"If I understand this correctly," Charles began, "we gave permission for Frank to accompany you to your performance after you promised us you would conduct yourselves responsibly and be home at a reasonable hour. In exchange for the trust we gave you, you needlessly lied to us to go to a back-alley tattoo parlor morally depraved enough to service a fourteen-year-old boy."

"I wouldn't take Frank to some seedy dive. I do know tattoo needles can spread disease. A couple other musicians turned me on to a private parlor. And I lied to you," Sean emphasized. "Frank had nothing to do with that. And the tattoos were my idea."

Frank piped up, "Sean—"

"No," the redhead shot down. "I goaded you into it, Frank." Sean eyed the Headmasters. "I take responsibility."

"Responsibility," Charles echoed with bitter, ironic humor. "Do you even know what that word means anymore, Sean? You needlessly lied to us. You put both of you at risk driving out to parts unknown after midnight in an expensive vehicle. You nudged Frank into getting a tattoo with needles that very easily could've been syphilis infected. An error in judgement that would have negatively impacted not only yourselves but Maya as well. Any desire either of you have of starting a family would have remained a fantasy."

Sean maintained eye contact, but the bravado in his posture withered with every word the Professor delivered.

"Why?" Stepping forward with arms crossed, Erik addressed the boys in a heavy tone. "Why would you degrade your own bodies this way? Was juvenile rebellion so worth letting strangers smear your skin; dirty you?"

"This wasn't about rebelling," Sean countered in exasperation. "This has nothing to do with sneaking out of bed for ice cream. This has to do with how sick I am of all these little jabs Maya and I keep hearing about how we can't wait to be "of the norm" again. Just because we're ready for a change and to try new things doesn't mean we're out to run away from home and turn our backs on the X-Men. I was one of your First Five students. No way would I be a fraction of who I am today if you two hadn't come looking for me at the aquarium. Maybe you don't agree with this," Sean tapped his tattoo, "but it means something to me." He dragged a hand down Frank's back. "Us."

"Seanie," Charles' voice carried softness to it now, "you know I never believed that about you or Maya. You did not have to get yourselves marked to prove anything to us."

"Least of all with a tattoo," Erik added.

Frank finally chimed up with, "We wanted them, Dad. Our tattoos don't have anything to do with the camps. You've always told me that the numbers on your arm have no power."

"That they don't," Erik reaffirmed.

"Well, our tattoos do," Frank informed fervidly, rising from Sean's lap with brown eyes darkened. "You let Becky and Joey have your names. They can have something that life-changing permanent, but you're mad we want to wear your initials?"

"Boychick, this is not a necklace or a t-shirt." Erik placed hands on his shoulders. "You had to have known I would never approve of a tattoo."

"Yeah, I knew it," Frank admitted. "And I don't give a flying sack of crap."

"Franklin Tolbert," Charles immediately rebuked.

Glowering, Erik demanded, "What did you just say to me, young man?"

Frank responded thunderously, "You're my dad, too!"

Sean formed his first smile in hours.

Resolve fading some, Erik sent arms around Frank as he agreed, "Yes, I am. Something you'd best never forget."

Latching on, Frank nodded into the man's shirt.

Facing his own boy again, Charles squatted to his present seated level. "I was wrong to snap at your earlier. I should have given you a chance to explain yourself."

Sean said in turn, "You would never bite my head off unless I really stepped in it big time. I'm sorry for lying to you. You did trust me and I completely disrespected you. But I meant what I said before." He looked at Erik as well. "I do want to take full responsibility for this."

"You certainly bear the brunt of it," Charles told him. "I should ground you until the very second you walk down the aisle. However, with Tommy visiting and so much going on, I want you to instead write "I will not be deceitful or reckless" one hundred times for a week, starting tonight. I want them in my possession by dinner time every night or I will spank you again."

Erik informed Frank, "And you're in for a dose of vinegar this evening."

Internally cringing, both youths still replied, "Yes, sir," to their sentencing.

Erik guided and parked Frank in an empty corner. "Keep your hands at your sides and do not turn around whatsoever until I tell you."

Frank nodded silently with nose touching the wall.

Removing his belt for the second time that day, Charles instructed, "Lay down, Sean."

When the teenager complied, the telepath had to figuratively encase his heart in stone. He knew well Sean's feelings towards implements. Wishing the belt unnecessary, Charles pulled back the tall boy's soft pants and underwear with one tug. The English gentleman began the chastisement without delay, but used nowhere near the same force he had on Erik. Charles knew the emotional agony would combine with the physical to cement the lesson.

Maintaining an unwavering expression, Erik glanced between them and his own boy. Frank's shoulders jumped and he flinched a few times, but otherwise he tried to be as still as commanded of him.

After ten with his belt, Charles let go of it entirely. He lifted Sean's long legs enough to be able to sit on the bench then situated the lanky frame across his knee. Charles reignited things with his hand. The tears he knew Sean tried to keep quiet soon got their way as the ginger head hung sobbing. When Charles reached twenty smacks, he let Sean lay a minute simply to cry.

Repositioning his clothes for him, Charles gathered him in a huge. He felt warmth in his own eyes when Sean clutched him as if he feared letting go.

Aware that the young one could not handle telepathic intrusion in that moment, Charles whispered, "I'm very proud of you for accepting responsibility. Though I'm hardly surprised."

"Thanks, Dad," Sean sent into his ear in a hush.

Not at all ready to release him, Charles still loosened their grip. "Go to your Uncle Erik."

"Kay." With a sniff, Sean got up to approach the oldest of the Fraternal Twins. "I… I'm so sorry, Uncle Erik. I knew you wouldn't be happy about the tattoos, but I never meant to hurt or disrespect what you've been through."

Erik reeled him in by the shoulder to hold against his front. "It was I who nearly hurt you earlier. I'm only glad the others were there to stop me. You're not my enemy, Seanie and I'm sorry for making you their stand-in."

The redhead conjured up a watery smile. "Don't worry about it."

That portion of air clarified and cleared, Erik moved on to, "Stand in the corner. No moving about and keep your hands at your side." He summoned the other boy with, "Frank."

As the pair crossed each other to exchange places, Sean applied two soothing pats to Frank's back.

Erik sent fingers into the city native's hair and brought him over to Charles. Puzzled and momentarily worried Erik was going to leave the room, the young teen calmed when the Professor opened inviting arms for him. Frank settled in his lap and Charles coiled arms around his thin waist, ensuring the child faced the metal wielder.

Erik knelt to peer into the melancholy brown eyes. "While it is true that a lot of this falls on Sean as the eldest, don't believe yourself guiltless. As you've proven time and again, you have a mind and mouth all your own. You chose to have this tattoo done, despite knowing I wouldn't approve. Didn't you?"

Frank replied a faint, "Yes, sir."

"We must also face the fact that you're not twelve years old anymore." Erik's expression went from stern to heavily remorseful. He took Frank by the chin to keep their eyes firmly lined. "Papa's going to have to whip you."

Except for swelled irises, Frank did not receive a chance to react as Sean veered around. "No! You can't—"

"Face the corner," Charles practically hissed at him, "and don't you move again."

Taken aback by the telepath's venomous words, Sean looked at the wall again. He blinked excessively to keep additional tears at bay.

"Boychick?" Erik addressed the stone silent X-Boy.

Frank gave off a jittery nod. "K- Kay, Dad."

Charles squeezed him tenderly. "Do you think your daddy will harm you? That I will let him?"

Frank shook his head with greater confidence. "No way." He turned to Erik again. "Um, want me to go over the bench?"

Erik answered him with a plain, "No."

Charles placed Frank on his feet so he himself could get up next. The telepath took up his brother's previous spot, keeping eyes on Frank and mind on Sean. Frank fiddled with his hands while Erik dragged his belt through the loops. Having unwillingly returned to a darker time from his own past that day, Erik did not mind the youth's lack of focus on the implement.

Taking a seat at the center of the bench, the tall elder brought his son over his lap. He first saw to Frank's upper and lower body comfort on the padded portions of the bench. On his end, Frank experienced a swirl. Though he knew the position well for ordinary spankings, he did not think so much as the concept existed where it concerned whippings. He remembered Phil making him as well as Linny a few times go over the leg of the sofa, chair, their beds, or even the floor when Frank felt especially willful.

Distracted by his recollections, Frank hardly registered the first whack. It provided his next surprise when he realized his backside still clothed. Not only that, but Erik's swing, while definitely mighty, did not make the strap seem forged from lightning. The fifth one connected with him and Frank's grunt almost became a chirp when saw Erik's belt plummet to the floor. The mystified boy began squirming when he felt his pajama bottoms sliding down.

With something resembling a growl on his lips, Erik slapped his bare thigh. "Franklin Benjamin, you know better."

"Sorry, Dad," Frank uttered regretfully as he ceased movement.

Grunting inwardly at the loud smacks that started, Sean pressed palms to his ears to block out most of the sound.

Noticing, Charles reminded pointedly, "Hands at your sides, Sean."

Misery laced in his tone, Sean pleaded, "But Dad…"

The unwavering Englishman warned, "Do you need another spanking so soon?"

"No, sir…" Arms dangling once more, Sean heard it all again.

Erik gave Frank fifteen by his own hand, mainly on his brief covered bottom. He fixed his pajamas back into place and hefted the sobbing boy to rock against his shoulder. Frank cried into the spot, grabbing two fistfuls of Erik's shirt almost like he thought he would fall. Erik's comforting but iron arms offered no chance of that.

Looking to the older boy, Charles beckoned, "Seanie…"

Releasing a breath when he could finally leave the corner, Sean accepted Charles' arm over him and leaned in a little, but his focus belonged to his crying cohort.

Exchanging a glance with his own brother, Charles encouraged, "Go on."

Sean did not delay in going to his knees at the bench. "I'm sorry, Frank-O. I'm sorry, buddy…"

Rolling over, Frank threw arms over the redhead and Sean returned the tight gesture.

The city child reacted to the stroking at his shoulder, making him look up. "Dad?"

Careful not to aggravate the symbol, Erik traced a finger around each letter. "What exactly inspired this… particular insignia?"

Sean answered that with a matter-of-factly, "You think we're going to do something as wild as tattoos and not represent what's important to us? I know this whole thing was risky and impulsive, but no matter where I end up, I want to remember where I came from. And I'm not talking Ireland or Virginia."

Wiping at his eyes, Frank added, "I want to remember the men who molded us."

Charles moved over to embrace Frank as well, keeping his gaze on the older Headmaster.

"We can discuss this further another time," Erik determined. "Cody's birthday is what matters right now."

Charles nodded, "And our boys need to rest," ruffling Sean's hair.

With that agreement established, the elder males helped the young ones to the Headmasters' individual quarters to give them uninterrupted recuperation time.

Laying in Erik's bed, Frank left his head in the man's lap.

Erik finger-combed through the lad's hair. "Was your whipping so unbearable?"

"It was weird," Frank replied with somewhat puzzled honesty. "I knew I'd catch it from you one day and I was ready to pee myself over it. But when you told me, I definitely didn't want it, but I wasn't scared, either. And I hate the belt. Chuck 'em in a landfill with the cows they came from."

Erik laughed deep in his throat. "I believe that was trust you experienced. You knew the punishment would hurt, but you also know Papa would never intentionally harm you.

"Mmhmm," Frank nodded, smirking a little. "You're a real weirdo that way."

"Don't get cheek." Erik tossed his hair now. "You still have a mouth rinsing in the near future." He resisted a smile at the boy's whimper. "For now, it's time for a nap."

Frank needed no further prompting to close his eyes.

Erik massaged his back to relieve any lingering tension that would hinder him during sleep. Since his previous word choice lacked the vulgarity of most swears, Erik only intended to give him a spoonful of vinegar. He also decided he could wait to disclose that piece of information…

IIIIIII

Due to his mind and spirit prioritizing the aftermath of Frank's punishment, Sean did not fully realize the fatigue from his own until his head met the pillows. Charles helped get him comfortable in the middle of the queen-sized bed. As soon as the young man began emitting sleep noises, the Professor crept out to see about Raven and Brian.

Sean awoke two hours later and experienced hazy recollection of the very recent events. When he attempted to sit up and his bottom protested the move, Sean's full memories returned. He rubbed his bottom for a few seconds, supremely grateful that the sting had faded at least a little. He visited the attached bathroom then placed a pillow in the chair to sit at the honey oak desk. After searching the drawers and obtaining pen and paper, Sean began the written portion of his punishment.

Minutes into it, he darted blue eyes up at the hastily paced and all too familiar footsteps coming his way. A sudden stop occurred followed by rapping on the door.

With a small smile, Sean informed, "It's open, baby man." Tommy poked his head in then the remainder of his body. "Glad you didn't leave all your manners buried in our backyard."

"Don't get used to it." Tommy tossed him a clear plastic bag.

Sean caught it as well as the delectable items within. "Churros! You're such a good slave."

Tommy rolled his eyes, spotted something, and approached the next. "You're writing lines?"

"Such things are possible," Sean confirmed unfavorably. "For a whole week. I'm trying to get through today's and tomorrow's for Cody's birthday."

"But you graduated."

"Want to go explain that to Charles?"

"No chance," Tommy turned down without delay. "I heard all about him and school junk."

"Mommy Emma," Sean acknowledged of the woman who stepped into the doorway.

"Tommy," she addressed, "I hate to interrupt even a moment of your time together, but could you give your brother and I a minute?"

"Yes, ma'am." Before he started out, Tommy turned to him again. "Can we go parasailing tomorrow since Erik didn't break your arm off?"

Emma laughed lightly and Sean said, "Yeah, before the party. But only so I can use you as shark bait."

Tommy sneered playfully and departed the suite while spinning and pounding his chest gorilla style.

Facing Emma, Sean lost a portion of his good humor. "I guess you heard about…"

"Your body art?" Emma supplied. "Yes, I just spoke with Charles. Let me see it."

Showing her the correct shoulder, Sean asked timidly, "You mad?"

"No," she replied without need for thought. "It's actually quite the grand tribute for our Founding X-Men. While I have no endearment for tattoos, but I've seen as well as done cruder."

The smile on Sean's face intensified. "Thanks, Mommy."

Eyes able to pass for jagged icicles, Emma then demanded, "Now, what in God's name possessed you to call with a bold-faced lie about car trouble for the sole purpose of taking your younger brother galivanting through the city at all hours?"

"We weren't just cruising around, I swear," Sean insisted. "We were both mega pumped from meeting the Beach Boys, me on stage with them, me and Frank finally standing on common ground. We just wanted to top the night off with something special."

"Ohh, yes." Crossing her arms, Emma paced back and forth in front of him, her chilled glare never decreasing. "As in mugging, carjacking, assault- all of which could have happened to you on your jaunt in a BMW. Not to mention the clothes you wore that night. Your shoes alone cost more than most men's monthly wages."

"Emma, there was no chance of that. We could've easily combined our powers to get out of any scrapes."

"Including containment?" Emma noted the boy's lips seemingly unable to divide at the second word. "They are everywhere, Sean, watching us. You know that more than anyone. If you'd been snatched again, we would be none-the-wiser. And I would never be able to forgive myself."

"What?" Sean responded in confusion.

"I supported the idea that you could be trusted and responsible," Emma mentioned. "And you threw that back in my face for the most asinine of reasons." Sean bowed his head. "When we return home, your driving privileges are on probation. You don't go anywhere without instructor permission. Wherever your work assigns you next, you will be driven and picked up at the venue. Should you try to get around this by borrowing Maya's car, she will be in the same boat with you. Do I make myself clear, Sean Cassidy?"

"Yes, Mom," the pale youth uttered.

With a stanch nod, Emma closed off the space between them by embracing him. "I love you and Frank. Don't add to the sleepless nights I'm already going to have while you're in Syracuse."

"I won't." Sean closed his eyes to block a fresh batch of tears. "I love you, too."

IIIIIII

Outdoor dining took place shortly after seven that evening in the form of Raven's hamburgers, French fries, and other side items made from scratch. Though Charles stayed insistent that they share the main meal together, he let everyone scatter for dessert. The children frolicked all across the private beach, finishing off popsicles or ice cream bars.

When Frank went inside to reload the cooler with juice boxes, he spotted his second shadow at his heels. "Hey, little guy, come to give me some extra muscle?"

Trav wore a heavily uncertain countenance. "Are you mad at me?"

Thrown by the question, Frank came back with, "Huh?"

"For calling Daddy this morning," Trav clarified. "I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to tattle, honest."

"Whoa, hold on." Going to one knee, Frank gave him both his arms and a squeeze. "Of course I'm not mad at you. You're supposed to go to your dad or somebody big if you think one of us is sick or hurt." Considering something, Frank let go of the younger boy enough to look into his face. "Did I upset you? How's your tummy feeling?"

Trav thought and determined, "Thirsty."

"Yeah, I bet," Frank smirked. He gave Trav one juice for himself and a small paper bag with four others in it. "Take these. I'll be right there, okay?"

"Okay, hurry." Trav carried the bag out past Cody, who entered the kitchen next.

To the older one still present, he put forth straightforwardly, "I need a favor for my birthday."

"Don't show up?" Frank only half-joked.

"Not even close." Cody's face and voice remained even. "Show up and show that."

Frank touched the tattooed shoulder he pointed to. "You mean it?" At Cody's nod, Frank assured, "You got it."

Satisfied, Cody helped him restock and roll out the cooler.

IIIIIII

At the spectacularly bright sun making its presence known by shining directly into her face like a nagging spotlight, Kayla opened her eyes with a slight moan. Rising on her elbow, she stilled with internal warmth at the white-gold sunshine draped over her three children like a blanket. Cody laid at the end, nestled in their father's now empty portion of the bed. The twins laid between them with Todd hanging onto Cody and Mira glued to their mother's side.

Quietly detaching from the bed, Kayla reacted to the clattering only somewhat audible through the windows. She slipped into her robe and stepped out to the terrace. Below, she took in Logan and Victor with the assistance of Erik's magnetism taking care of the building and grunt work for later. Senses receiving instant pleasure, Logan gazed up at his wife with a silent wave. Kayla sent him back a certain expression, letting her black hair of silk tumble down one side of her face.

IIIIIII

Despite the gift spectacle of the living room, Sean and Frank both found themselves to be interesting subjects to a few eyes.

As if examining the shoulder, Leon questioned, "Hank says you two are in the clear?"

"No infection," Sean confirmed.

Alex kept his tone covert as he inquired, "Where'd you get it done, anyway?"

Sean peered back at him impishly. "Who wants to know?"

"The guy who can mangle you in your sleep," Alex came back with.

Raven chimed in silently yet sharply, "I'll mangle all three of you if you don't pipe down."

Despite the side chatter, the majority of the on-lookers stayed fixated on the one undoing wrapping paper on the couch.

Brown irises lighting up over the canvas, Cody sent an appreciative arm around Joey. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! Look." He turned the painting around to show the depiction of an older boy and girl acting as bookends to the two tucked between them.

Joey said brightly, "I figured you needed an updated one from last year's."

Holding Mira, Logan brought the enthusiastic girl closer. "You see that? Yeah. Find you, Faithie, find you."

With great vigor, Mira tapped the female child on the far end.

Seeing which one she selected, Cody corrected, "Mimi, that's not you. That's—"

"Jay!" Mira squealed with recognition.

While Kayla, Victor, and Logan swapped gazes, Cody grinned, "Yeah, that's Jay, Mimi." He turned to Todd, who presently resided on Victor's shoulders. "See, that's our sister."

Todd tilted his head almost inquisitively, suckling on his fingers.

At the next boxes that came his way, Cody proved somewhat confused. "Wait, you all got me stuff, too?"

"Little kitten," Charles said with a show of astonishment, "did you honestly believe we would forget your special day? We haven't been that preoccupied."

"But I thought this was my gift." Cody gestured at their surroundings. "I'm not slow. I know it probably costs a stack of C-notes just to suck in air around this joint."

"And that is of no concern to you, young sir," Emma informed him.

"No, but this is." Erik deposited a small, thick box into the boy's lap.

Complying by tearing of the crimson paper, Cody saw a wooden black box inside with green cat's eye insignia made into it. He unlatched and raised the attached lid. Tommy leaned over the arm of the couch to behold it with him and Joey. The trio of lads developed expressions ranging from stunned to ceiling-hopping gleeful. Gripping the navy blue spiral handle, Cody lifted it from its casing. He removed the short scabbard, also in blue, and the sharp, pointed blade glistened against his eyes.

"Whoa," Scott and Frank chorused while Alex and the other young men stood mesmerized.

"It's so pretty," commented Becky, causing several male eye rolls.

At Cody's daze, Logan rang out, "Get Guinness Records on the horn. My boy's speechless."

Sending fingers through the birthday fledgling's hair, Erik needled, "Well? Does it suit you?"

Cody finally verbalized somewhat. "What… me- this… are you serious?"

"You're supposed to say thank you," reminded a rather appalled Trav.

"Right, thank you." Cody then repeated, "Are? You? Serious?"

Getting eye to eye with him, Erik confirmed, "Yes. I. Am. Don't be so dumbstruck. Frank and Scott were twelve when I gave them their first weapons."

"Wait, wait." Joey waved his arms importantly. "So, does that mean I get—"

"To help Auntie with the cake?" All but flying over, Raven pulled her nephew off the couch. "Absolutely. Go, go, go." She patted the seat of his pants to propel him.

On their way, Raven glanced back with narrowed yellow eyes and made a leonine clawing motion at Erik.

Looks like someone's in for another whipping…

The menacing scowl Erik shot him did absolutely nothing to wither Charles' cheeky countenance.

IIIIIII

Combined scents of honey, coconut, and cocoa butter pleasant to his nostrils, the newly turned twelve-year-old could have drifted off if not for his sheer excitement. While he lounged in the deep soaker tub, his uncle conditioned and cleansed his head and fur with the elder feline's age-old concoction. At last done with spreading and letting the mixture set, Victor unplugged the tub to drain and switched on the shower. Cody rinsed off quickly under the rush of water. Victor scooped him out with a towel and used several others to help his hair dry faster without placing heat on the purified follicles.

When his brother returned from the attached bathroom of the suite with his bundled son, Logan looked over from where he lined the clothing along the bed. Picking up a small object from the assortment, he held it up for his boy to see.

"We got lucky. Smiley threw this in with her stuff." Logan grasped the red "M" button between two fingers. "Not bad for the last minute."

"It's all good," Cody deemed.

II

Sunset taking place steadily in the distance did nothing to take away from the enchanted glow of the house's exterior. Ten fence posts had been setup on both sides of the path leading down the steps towards shore. On top of each piece of sturdy wood sat an antique lantern. Pieces of tribal inspired artwork created by Joey, Becky, Tommy, Trav, and Kiki propped up in various spots, mainly depicting different types of cats and nature scenes. The Eye Scream Team preferred to help Emma and Raven by loading up the food table. A cart would be used to roll out the frosted cake later. Maya, in a lime green summer dress, sprinkled different colored flower petals along the path. At the center of shore, the Headmasters, Hank, Alex, Leon, and Sean added to the mound of wood contained within a circle of stones. After the pile proved sufficient, Sean snatched up his guitar and tugged over his stool to sit in preparation.

All the males wore cropped pants and short-sleeved shirts that displayed their hairy arms and legs. Sleeveless altogether, Sean and Frank swapped the occasional covert smile. While Alex, Hank, and Erik maintained their regular haircuts, all had decided in favor of stubble. Erik in particular sported a neatly trimmed beard that received multiple approving comments.

Soon enough, the awaited time dawned and all got into position with half on the right and the rest to the left of the lanterns. Sean started playing an airy, tropical fitting tune that deepened soulfully as soon as the front entrance sprang open. All conversation ended as Kayla proceeded from the house. A full-length powder blue dress of light fabric adorned her curvy physique; sheer at the sleeves with a skirt and short head veil that billowed behind her imperially. The brothers Howlett-Creed walked behind her at a spaced, body guard appropriate distance. Logan moved in dark gray attire and Victor in tan, his blonde tresses batting against the pleasing air.

When they reached the assortment of wood, Kayla stood front and center with Victor and Logan on either side of her. The men maintained a position of legs together and hands folded behind their backs. At the elder woman's extended right hand, Maya took her cue and delivered the short to her. With the use of a lighter, the girl ignited the torch. A head bob from Kayla indicated for Maya to rejoin the on-lookers.

Peering from left to right, Kayla addressed the gathered. "Dearest family, truest friends, loyal allies, mutant brothers and sisters- thank you all for joining me tonight in celebration of my eldest son and firstborn child's Bridge Birthday. This twelfth birthday tradition started nearly two centuries ago and is unique to my village of Blackfoot in Alberta, Canada. Its name derives from the belief that the twelfth birthday is the point in which our children cross the bridge from childhood to begin the quest of learning who they are, who they want to be, and who they ultimately become as adults. Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my son," she touched the torch to the wood, sparking the glorious bonfire, "Codicat Howlett."

All looked to the house in anticipation.

From the dwelling emerged the three with Todd and Mira each gripping one of their older brother's hands. In black pants tucked into equally dark moccasins, unbuttoned white shirt, and lengthy sleeveless jacket in shimmering orange-gold, the tiger-esque kitten started down the path. He had an X patch on the right lapel of his jacket and the M button on the left one. Latched on tightly to his siblings, Cody kept his face even and brown eyes stanch. His hair flapped against his shoulders and upper back. He wore a small feather packed traditional headdress that still allowed for his strands to move freely. At inches away from his mother, Cody stopped and stayed statuesque. The twins stilled along with him, both watching with curious green irises.

"Codicat…" A smile upturning her lips, Kayla cupped the side of his face with her free hand. "My firstborn son and that of your father, Logan Howlett. Firstborn nephew of your paternal uncle, Victor Creed. Firstborn grandson of your maternal grandparents, Jaylee and Codiram Silverfox. Firstborn grandson of your paternal grandparents, Elizabeth and John Howlett. Everything for which your grandparents lived and sacrificed. Your uncle's protégé and kindred cat. Your father's greatest wish fulfilled. My… my air to breathe, unquenchable fire in the harshest cold, shelter of hope against a sea of despair, and reason I am still standing among you all today. Your Bridge Birthday is more significant than you can grasp. You are the bridge uniting two worlds at conflict for far too long. You are a white man's son. You are a Blackfoot woman's son. You are everything we are and so much more beyond us." Kayla paused to hand the torch to Victor. "Happy birthday, beloved."

Closing his eyes to subdue the moisture, he absorbed the chorus of, "Happy birthday, Cody," that filled his keen ears.

Cody crouched to give Todd and Mira each an arm and hoist them up to hold closely. They leaned on their mother's front and lingered in complete security when their father came around to lock them in from the other side.