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.

300. Chapter 300 Home is Where the X is

Chapter Three Hundred

Author's Word: See, fam, it is possible for us to stay in contact without a millennium passing. I'm alright, just work and other aspects of RL cramping my style and zapping my energy big time. Yet despite it, despite a number of circumstances that should have caused the abandoning of this series, here we are. Three hundred chapters at over two million words, going on six years and still counting more than any of you can believe. I must not only thank you all for that magnificent last round of reviews, but for those of you- Rise or Fall Seasoned and Rookie alike- for giving this tale so much loyal support. Beyond what it's meant to my own sake, a community has been created here that in many ways mirrors the mutated one that brought us together in the first place.

When you really stop to think about it, we are mutants. And by mutants, I mean absolutely jacked up. We all have countless issues, scars of the past and present, brains we wish we could turn off, endless moments of despair and loneliness almost impossible to bear. As one of you put it, Rise or Fall is a world to retreat to for those of us who have to remain here. There really is nothing more I can say than thank you again and again, fam.

No, wait, wait, there is one more thing. Please enjoy and review- preferably to 400!

Upon commencement of the idiosyncratic celebration, most of the older male X-Men volunteered for clean-up duty. They sought to give the women a rest and the Howlett-Creeds further time together. When they finished their part, the Headmasters retreated into the kitchen. While Charles sat on a bar stool, Erik readied their beverages in the form of a chilled beer with lime for himself and some of Kayla's fruit-packed margarita mix for the telepath.

"Thank you," Charles sipped his drink through the narrow straw, again observing the fuzz on the metal wielder's face, "old boy…"

Sitting across the way, Erik shot him a look of reprove back. "Watch it, Lab Rat. The occasion called for some sort of follicle tribute and we can't all pull of your romantic tresses."

"Alas, so true." Charles flicked a portion of his lengthy chestnut brown locks. "But in all honesty, brother, I like it. The beard really becomes you."

"Yes, at last I can take my place as a proper Jewish elder." Erik stroked his facial hair. "I think I'll keep it for now. Do you plan on getting a trim, fair Rapunzel?"

"Most likely," Charles determined. "We'll see after the wedding." He next acknowledged the presence of the blue woman making a purposeful path inside and towards them. "Raven, are you—" He looked on at her spurting Erik directly in the face with one of the boys' water pistols.

Remaining calmly in place, Erik wiped off with a nearby dishtowel as he mentioned, "I thought you detested gun toys, big girl."

"The only thing I detest right now," Raven resprayed him, "is you."

Erik remarked, "Like the good old days," batting at her with the towel.

"Party's over, no more Miss Nice Sister." Yellow eyes aflame, Raven demanded, "What was going through your head- assuming there's anything in there- to get Cody a dagger and make it out to be some sort of twelve-year-old rite of passage? You know Joey's going to expect one for his next birthday."

"What he expects and what he'll receive are two different things," Erik said matter-of-factly.

"So, you're not giving him one?" The temporary relief promptly faded on Raven's face. "Yeah, that'll go over well after you already gave Frankie, Scott, and his best friend their own weapons."

"And all three earned them," Erik stated simply. "If anything, Scott and Cody qualified when they were eleven. If Joey wants a blade of any kind, he will have to prove himself trustworthy with one far more than the others had to. But whether he does or not, I won't deny the other boys what they deserve."

"I agree, baby blue." Charles received Raven's attention now. "He should thank his lucky stars he's allowed to take part in swords training. As difficult as it is, I'm afraid this is a necessary lesson Joey must learn."

Raven eyed him thoughtfully before facing their eldest sibling again. "What if he does prove himself trustworthy by next year?"

Erik touched her shoulder placatingly. "We'll go from there." He peered across to Charles, who nodded in concurrence.

IIIIIII

When lethargy managed to get the better of the birthday boy, Cody sprawled out in the middle of his uncle's bed. With much good humor about himself, Victor changed him out of his tiger inspired attire and into equally striped summer pajamas. Logan came in to lay with him while Kayla sent an ancient lullaby into his ear. The tune caused purring on the slumbering kitten's part.

"Good night, beloved," Kaya left in his ear before getting up to tend to her other children.

Logan lingered, fingers swimming through the fur on his eldest. "What'd we do to earn this boy, big brother?"

Quiet at first, Victor ruffled the blue-eyed male's hair. "Been askin' myself that for years now, runt." Decades.

After briefly touching noses with Cody, Logan moved to rise. On his way out of the room, he applied a headbutt to Victor's shoulder. The contact ignited ginger purring from the feline elder.

When he made it to his second level suite, Logan stilled and hung back for the bitty body racing his way. Before he could fully reach his father, Todd toppled forward. Logan inhaled forcefully through his nostrils to keep from breaking into laughter at the dumbfounded expression on his son's face.

"Dada," Todd whimpered, tears beginning.

To keep his baby from erupting altogether, Logan approached and gathered him calmly. "Yeah, yeah, alright. Simmer down, Pup." Due to the heat, Todd only had on a diaper and Logan kissed the exposed stomach. "Daddy's gotcha."

Todd calmed down against the man's taut shoulder.

Standing in the doorway, Kayla said, "He climbed right down from the bed when he heard you."

"Daddy's watch dog." Sitting on the bed with his youngest son, Logan observed Mira in her pink nightgown with eyes closed and arms around a teddy bear. "Meanwhile, this little girl wants to fall asleep at the switch."

"It's a tiring job to keep up with your boyish antics." Kayla closed the door and went around to join them in bed.

Letting Todd crawl across the mattress, Logan watched him plop comfortably near his sister.

IIIIIII

Amidst the growing breeze and shine of the outdoor lights, the guitar strings sent a soothing melody across the environment. Sean kept his volume as tranquil as he could so as not to disturb the sleepers within the rented dwelling. While he played, Maya claimed his chest as her pillow and nearly drifted off against his favorable form. When the hand-in-hand McCoys departed the house, Maya reached up to link with Raven. Out of their party dresses, both walked in their bathing suits with towels tied at their waists.

Hands going into the pockets of his shorts while his feet savored the sand between his toes, Hank eyed the chattering X-Women. "Who are we, man?"

Tilting his chin back, Sean replied, "Seanie no comprendo."

"We felt less trepidation at the idea of facing off against the Hellfire Club than we did asking those two out. Now, for the rest of our lives…" Hank could only conclude that with, "They are the rest of our lives."

"Watch what you say," Sean cautioned glibly. "It almost sounds like you have a shred of faith in my marriage. And in me."

Hank crouched, facing the younger Irishman. "How did we get here, Seanie? When we first got to the mansion, we could debate about books all night long."

Lowering his fingers from the strings of his instrument, Sean recalled, "Guessing how much more air it would take for Alex's empty head to finally explode."

"Swapping childhood stories; the more humiliating, the better."

"We were an endangered species back then," Sean pointed out. "The only ones of the First Five with parents who practiced normalcy instead of just lip service."

Hank let off a slight chuckle before sobering again. "I was wrong. Quite a bit where you're concerned, but the other day… I shouldn't have supported Erik whipping you when his mind was so far gone. I saw that potentially infected tattoo on Frank and wanted you punished to the extreme for it."

"… I did, too," Sean admitted. "When Erik and Charles called us in. They weren't too tough on him, but I hate hearing Frank get spanked."

"Yes," Hank focused on him, "I know what you're feeling there."

Sean placed his guitar in its case. "How did we get here, Hank?"

"I've thought about this and in all honesty, it seems I keep getting blindsided by you," Hank claimed. "Ever since we got you out of containment. Seeing you there- what they'd done to you- left me in greater fear than when my father was gunned down."

The shared fact caused pupil enlargement on Sean. "It did?"

"Yes," Hank responded as if it should have been so visibly apparent. "Watching you recover, going through those spells of anger and lashing out- I only wanted to keep you healthy and safe. I thought things were on track after the college road trip. Then I found out what you did to that store front. It made me crack the whip too much in Puerto Rico."

Sean said guiltily, "I'm pretty sure I was making you crack. I was supremely pissy over the instructor thing and I somehow got it in my head that acting like the immature kid brother I thought you saw me as would make me feel better… yeah, no."

Hank informed seriously, "I never saw you that way, Sean. I've always thought you had a good head on your shoulders. Not quite ready to be an instructor but still loyal and valuable to the team. Sometimes my need to protect all of you can harden me to the point of harshness."

"So, springing our engagement on you…"

"Thanks for the kick to the gut." Hank indicated his belly. "The horses would've left me less winded."

"Aren't you glad I was considerate enough to conceal the tattoos from you?" Sean came back with impishly.

Hank tossed his red hair briskly. "But I do know where you were coming from with the engagement. You and Maya supported us and alleviated a lot of our fears. All I did was try to instill fear in you. But what really frightens me is losing you, Seanie."

The younger mutant leaned forward against him. "If Virginia and a containment cell couldn't do that, no way will our thick heads get the chance."

Smile developing, Hank patted and rubbed Sean's back.

Their subtlety attempting female audience observed before returning to their beach drawing. Maya retracted her stick when she finished carving out the four X's. Raven sealed them inside a heart.

II

Excitement of the day still immensely vivid well into his night, the ten-year-old could only fade in and out of sleep for brief intervals. Besides venturing into Rehoboth and the birthday party like none other he had seen before, Tommy thought about tuck-in. To go with that evening's hair theme, Erik had read from his Torah about Samson. Tommy continuously tried to refrain from laughter every time he thought about Leon claiming Delilah to be in the same league as Jack the Ripper. When Alex came in the room later, he had thumped Tommy's stomach on route to Joey. Unsure as to why, Tommy remembered easiness filling him from the quick tap.

Stirred from sleep yet again, the culprit came not from the child's own mind. Popping his head out from under the light blanket, he gazed across the way to see twitching taking place in Leon's bed. Though he could not make out the words, Tommy picked up on distressed mumbling as well. In the bed against the back wall of the room, the two blondes-in-a-pod laid tranquilly and soft movement could be heard inside Bounty's hutch. With Cody staying over with his uncle and Sean likely outside skipping about with Maya, Tommy rolled off his mattress.

"Lee?" He climbed and maneuvered to reach the young instructor's left shoulder. "Hey, Lee, it's okay." Tommy went to touch his hair, surprised to find it soaking.

"Too…" Leon's lips parted with a struggle. "It's too hot…"

"What?" Putting a hand to Leon's forehead next, alarm went through Tommy and he beseeched, "Alex, Alex!"

"Huh?" Instinctively rising at the little boy's petition, Alex hastily tried to clear the grogginess from his voice. "Tommy?" He twisted on the end table lamp and made a path for them right away. "What's going on, buddy?"

"I think Lee's sick." Tommy used a corner of the sheet to try to wipe away the heavy sweat buildup.

All but plunging to his brother's side, Alex directed, "Go get Erik and Em," clasping Leon's right wrist in his hands.

While Tommy wasted no time darting out to find the two, a hardly coherent Joey left bed to raise the windows higher.

"Where are you going?" Alex wanted to know when Joey attempted to leave next.

The shorter blonde looked back. "Water."

Alex nodded his approval and consent then returned full attention to the one before him.

Tommy returned first with the named mutant elders in tow, both in robes tossed over their nightclothes.

"Darling." Emma hastened over and Alex noted her more battle-ready countenance instead of a concerned one.

"Boychick." Tommy in his arms, Erik put him down to sit at the head of the mattress. He gathered Leon's upper body to cradle against his chest. "Shhh, we're here now."

Wanting to give them more room, Alex stepped over to Tommy and placed hands on his shoulders as they looked on. Alex glanced over his shoulder and he sent the Headmaster in the hallway what he hoped passed for a kind expression at such an hour. Naturally, Charles only peered back pleasantly as he rocked and calmed Brian. Still, the male telepath could not cease wishing to be of greater help to his nephew, but Charles refused to intrude mentally.

Venturing within, Emma located the culprit responsible for Leon's discomfort. At the taunting flame that attempted to engulf her next, her telepathic body became diamond. From her gleaming form, crystal clear gushed and took over the environment. She watched the daunting blaze drown and dissipate.

Leon let loose a heavy exhale and his brown irises displayed some clarity. "What… Auntie?"

"It's gone, sweetheart," the woman in white assured him.

Leon then realized Erik's grasp and burrowed right into it.

Looking to his father and baby brother as he passed them, Joey re-entered. At the chilled cup presented to him, Leon threw his head back to guzzle its contents.

IIIIIII

Back from their expedition at the state park, the duo of skilled nourishment providers secured their fish hall to the rental's chest freezer. With Scott about ready to sprout wings on his feet, part of Erik questioned allowing him his own thermos of coffee with half cocoa. Scott batted at the man's ribs with his fists and Erik made a fine show of fending off the thin youth. With an unanticipated dose of tickle torture, Erik ushered Scott upstairs and assigned the mission of bathing. The metal wielder started through the main level to do likewise.

Glad to discover the adjoined bathroom not female occupied, Scott took a brief shower before that could change. Once he lost fisherman-funk to princely-purified, he tied on his robe and scuttled out to boyish quarters. Soles of his feet making very abrupt contact with something round, Scott had to catch himself in a push-up stance before he could smash ruby-quartz-first into the tile. He formed a glare at the giggling he heard next and looked to the bed shared by his best friend as well as his number-one nuisance.

"That was great," Trav raved. "Do it again, Scottie. Do a handstand at the end this time."

"Do I look like your personal cheerleader?"

"Noooo." Trav shook his head, making his brown hair shake side to side. "Cheerleaders are pretty."

Scott got to his feet with a glower. "Didn't I tell you to get this stuff up last night?" He indicated the scattered action figures, stuffed animals, and his assailant, the inflatable ball.

"Nope." Trav smirked a little. "Last night was my other stuff. You didn't say anything about these ones."

"Well, get 'em up." Scott flung the ball his way and remembered to tack on, "Please."

Trav dropped the ball off the side of the bed. "Later…"

Rolling his head back in exasperation, Scott berated, "Why do you always have to argue with me? You know we have to clean up after ourselves at home. This isn't any different. Why can't—"

"Whoa, hey," already dressed for the day, Frank made his way into the room, "can't a guy help toss together a little breakfast without needing to leave a babysitter with you tykes?"

Scott glared his way. "Real funny, 'House. How's your tattoo, by the way? Want me to massage it with my fist?"

"And somebody woke up on the Cyclops side of the bed." Frank then asked, "What's the grief?"

"Your twerpy sidekick." Scott indicated the room's youngest inhabitant. "Look at all this crap."

"Watch it," Frank advised. "That word gave my tongue a vinegar bath just a couple days ago." He turned to Trav. "Little Guy, pick your toys up so we can go eat."

Trav grumbled, "Why can't I do it later?"

"There he goes again," Scott said in exasperation. "Let's go see what your mom has to say about that."

"Scott," Frank blocked his path and lowered his voice, "seriously, man, don't bug Rae with this. Hank, either. Rae was telling me he and Sean patched things up. It'd be nice for us to be the X-Men again without all these hassles."

Agreeing with that sentiment, Scott still prompted, "Then you deal with him."

Going to stand in front of Trav, Frank gripped his shoulder and looked into his face. "Clean-up or time-out, little guy. What's it gonna be?"

"Clean-up," Trav complied with a sigh.

"Thanks, buddy." Frank ruffled his hair.

Eying them, Scott quietly went to his drawer to begin dressing.

IIIIIII

On arrival at the Bellmoor Spa, Becky proved captivated. With the massive swimming pool, impeccable landscaping, and goldenrod building, the entire place could easily be mistaken for a grand summer home. The positive impression continued with the interior of multiple wooden built-ins and light fixtures seemingly out of a palace. However, when the four reached the room they sought, Becky's excitement rapidly morphed into anxiety. Seated in the padded swivel chair, Raven and Emma managed to distract her by rotating the nearby earring display. However, Hank soon picked up on his sister's heart ready to evacuate her chest.

"Hey," his large hand went to her trembling back, "easy, Becca, it's alright."

Her knuckles white from gripping the armrests, Becky asked shakily, "How bad does it hurt?"

"It's only for a minute," Raven promised, dipping beside her chair. "Trust me, Gorge. It's over in a flash and you'll be the most styling cheer babe around."

"More so than usual," Emma tacked on, playing in Becky's curls.

"Good morning," the attendant, about Raven's age with blonde bob hairstyle, greeted brightly as she approached. "I'm Rhonda. And who do we have here?"

"This is our Princess Becky." Emma touched her tense shoulders soothingly.

Rhonda asked, "Is her highness ready for fabulous."

Becky moaned a little, inching back in the chair.

Hank took her left hand to kiss. "Becca Bear, you don't have to do this. Maybe it's best we wait a while longer."

Instantly disagreeing with that suggestion, Emma squatted and spoke to Becky next. "Sweetheart, do you know the finagling I went through with your father to make this happen? It's highly doubtful if I can convince him a second time. You've been pleading endlessly to have your ears pierced. Do you still want this?" Becky nodded and Emma stroked a section of her hair. "We're all right here and it will be over shortly."

Spotting a man leaving one room to unlock an office, Hank went to Rhonda to inquire, "Who is that?"

Seeing who he meant, Rhonda replied, "That's my manager."

Idea forming, Hank whispered to her. Rhonda nodded and made it over to the man before he could enter his office.

With a big smile in place, he walked towards his current customer. "Hello there. It's Becky, yes?"

Green eyes sparkling as they took in his rich brown hair and hazel eyes, Becky stammered, "Um, um- yes, yes, that's me."

"Beautiful Becky." He shook hands with her. "I'm Bill. And my, my, my. They actually let you out of the house with those emerald eyes?"

"Not by choice," Hank joked.

"I have just the item for you." Bill went into the case and retrieved a pair of silver and jade studs. "These would bring out your eyes perfectly. You like?"

"I love them," Becky declared, smile growing.

"Excellent. Now, I understand you're a little nervous so I had a thought," Bill put forth. "How about Rhonda and I pierce your ears at the same time? It'll be over sooner that way and you can show off your new pretty earrings."

"Okay," Becky agreed.

While they went to work, Raven softly commended, "Good thinking, hubby."

Hank came back with, "How do you think we got her to be still for the dentist?"

IIIIIII

"As Nazi Germany began to seek European dominance, US military planners became increasingly concerned about a German naval attack on the east coast. The gun batteries of Fort Miles, secret state-of-the-art installations built within the sand dunes of Cape Henlopen, were designed to defend against the powerful German navy."

Though they tried to absorb every last detail spoken by the airy-voiced tour guide, the Eye Scream Team went in and out of hypnosis over the sights around them. They could have easily stayed planted in the Artillery Park if not for Logan herding them along with bonks to their heads. Alex and Sean shook theirs at Charles feeling the need to photograph everything, even a bird landing on a lookout tower. The boys got into the spirit far more when the tourists received the chance to take pictures beside the enormous weaponry. The Summers brothers posed for a multitude of shots together.

"Ohh, this takes me back," uttered Logan when they entered a space with roped off ring in the center.

Frank guessed, "Your fights up in Canada?"

"Way further. Dad was dukin' it out in the army, too," Cody informed, going to swing fists with the man lightheartedly.

"Had about a hundred guys or more ready to shred me for the bets they lost. Never failed. Play possum with some six-foot meathead then wham!" Logan jabbed at Cody's stomach, tickling the spot with his knuckles. "Mug meet mat."

Cody laughed and headbutted his father's front in turn.

Arms crossed while watching, Scott stepped out into the hall. He took in the framed photographs covering the wall in a horizontal stretch. They depicted boxing matches as well as various military group shots.

"Shades." The boy peered back at Victor's voice. "I know you're a hot second from turnin' fourteen, but let's keep the pack together, huh?"

"Right. Sorry, Coach."

Coming closer, Victor laid a palm on top of his head. "You've been pretty quiet today. More so than usual and that's sayin' somethin' with you."

Scott jammed hands into his pants pocket and stared downward. "Beats actin' like a first-class jerk."

Getting the boy's eyes up, Victor gestured at a bench down the hall. Scott sat on the wood with long legs crossed and Victor faced him.

"Lay it on me, Shades," the mutant elder encouraged.

Scott sighed lightly. "Keep thinking about Cody's party. Everything Kayla said about him; how important he is. Cody is descended from all these incredible men. He has two cultures full of amazing traditions. He has everything in common with his dad. I was looking forward to coming here all week, but now… all I can think about is my dad and wonder about everything we lost that I can't even remember."

Listening extensively, Victor surmised, "On the outside lookin' in, right?" At the boy's nod, he said, "That makes two of us." Scott looked at him closely. "Meetin' the X-Men is one of the best things to ever happen to me, but it doesn't change how out of place I feel at times. My brother and the others have families of their own. So did I once."

Astonished horror crossed Scott's face. "You did? What happened?"

"I failed them," Victor stated. "My wife and three little girls. Sam sees me as somethin' special, but I'm constantly worried I can't do enough to protect her. Any of you kids."

Scott deduced, "Is that why let us have it big time over breaking security rules?"

"Bullseye," Victor confirmed.

"Guess we really are in the same boat, huh?"

"No," the man shook his head. "I get you feelin' like you're on the outside, but you're not by a longshot, kiddo. In case you hadn't noticed, a lot of folks have their hooks in you. Emma, Charles, Erik. Unlike Logan, the last thing I ever wanted was a boy of my own. Then you waltzed into my life. I've been there for more kids than I can count, but in all my years, you're the closest I've ever had to a son."

Unable to respond at first, Scott eventually asked, "Is that a bad thing?"

Victor shrugged one shoulder. "For you maybe."

When Scott lifted his hands, Victor gripped him at the waist to hoist into his arms.

IIIIIII

Pale form coated in sunscreen courtesy of his wife's massaging fingers, the Professor lounged on the towel with shades and visor in place. He next reacted hungrily to Emma feeding him green grapes.

"Relaxed is a welcomed look on you, sugar," she noted.

"Thank you, love," Charles touched his palm to her cheek, "but I do believe I have the better view."

Emma dipped to kiss him, but a bucket's worth of sand unloaded onto her husband's face before their lips could unite.

Sputtering, Charles turned to see their all too giggly one-year-old with smoking gun in the form of still gripping the bucket handle.

"Henry…"

Hank looked up from designing a sand kingdom with Raven and their children. "Hm?"

"Not you," Charles clarified. He brought attention back to his son. "That was Daddy's hair…" Promptly veering, Brian took off across the sand. "Ohh, no you don't…"

Charles sprang up after him, leaving Emma in a fit of laughter.

"Uncree!"

Erik ceased walking and scooped up the child. "Eh eh, Lab Mouse. What trouble are you into now?"

Strolling up, Charles informed, "Using Daddy as his own personal sandbox."

Biting back a chuckle, Erik told the baby, "Uncle Erik would love to rescue you, nipper," he handed him over to Charles' hold, "but my services are needed elsewhere. Don't be too mean, Lab Rat."

Shaking his head at those words coming out of his brother's mouth, Charles peered into the allegedly guiltless eyes of his boy. "It's bath and time-out nap for you." He started for the house with him. Make that both of us…

II

While Victor steered the speed boat, Erik and Sean secured Tommy inside the harness. Cody and Joey sat watching eagerly, practically drooling for their own turns.

"I'm good already," Tommy insisted. "Let's go."

"I'll be the judge of that, young man," said Erik with reproachful warning in his eyes. "Now, you keep still."

"Yes, sir," the little boy complied at a rate fast enough to make Sean's eyebrow pop.

After Erik quadruple-checked the harness, he gave the official okay. He used his power to make him and the massive balloon airborne. Clutching the handles, Tommy gazed all around, completely mesmerized by the angle and rapid movement.

"Hold on tightly," Erik called up, barely blinking. "Speak up if you feel even a touch lightheaded."

"Got it," Tommy responded through his utter excitement.

Sean yelled, "And try not to barf while you're up there."

Tommy stuck his tongue out at that, only making Sean smirk.

IIIIIII

Entering the kitchen in a lime and peach sundress, Maya made a path for the refrigerator to deposit water bottles into her beach bag.

"Hey," she acknowledged when Leon walked in a moment later.

Leon maneuvered around her to snag a coke. "Our darkest day approaches…" At her confused expression, he elaborated, "Father's Day is almost here. Mutual misery again?"

Maya surprised him with, "What right do we have to that? Look, the day won't be easy to get through, but we still must face fact. Hanging out and talking was amazing last year, but for whatever reason, we've been bumped from Team Job to Team Lucky. We've seen people in real misery at the safe house. It's why it exists in the first place."

"Team Lucky," Leon quoted with a slight wry chuckle in his throat. "I guess that is the case. But there are two types of misery. It's true we don't qualify for the outward these days, but the inner is a whole other story. It's still in me and it always will be, but you have a chance. I'm going to make sure of it."

Maya shook her head in frustration. "No matter what I do, you and Melissa can never lose this delicate flower image of me."

"It's not about you being weak, Maya. It's about you deserving better. We both want you and Sean to have this obnoxious family wedding and live your stale but blissful Anglo-Saxon existence."

"… Why can't you come with us?" Maya wanted to know. "Leave the misery like the toxic pit it is, but never forget it's still out there. Help other people escape it."

Leon replied, "I can help them, but not myself. Things can improve, Maya, but who I was before that car bomb? I can't even remember."

Out of the corner of her eye, Maya spotted the small frame in the doorway. "Tommy."

Going over, the boy sent arms around her waist. "I thought we were going to the bookstore."

"We are." She touched his back tenderly. "I just wanted to make sure we don't dehydrate out there. Go remind Sean that I'm driving before Emma chops off his fingers."

"Gotcha." Tommy playfully bumped Leon on his way.

The older male visually followed the path of the ever-active youth.

IIIIIII

With most of his upper body in Erik's lap, Frank focused on Brian sitting on the playmat in the room he shared with the metal wielder. The tiny blonde child currently made Dickon converse with his lion and hippo plush toys in-between having them body slam each other. Frank could not hide his amusement yet wondered how the baby possibly carried the name Xavier. Erik finished cleaning around the inked shoulder and started applying the sensitivity cream around his boy's shoulders. He heard Frank murmur slightly and Erik rubbed his hair apologetically for the mild discomfort.

"I know Hank said there wasn't an infection," Erik screwed the lid back on the cream, "but I still want him to conduct blood tests on both of you."

"You know that's a done deal," Frank replied, all too aware of how their resident physician often became a drill sergeant over their minimalist of health issues.

"Now, we really need to get back to that other little conversation…" Erik formed a small smile at Frank rolling over to hide his face against his stomach. "So, am I to do all the talking? That works, actually."

Frank peeked up at him. "What do you want me to do, Dad?"

Picking him up to level their eyes, Erik brought him into a hug. "Stop growing so quickly." He kissed his temple. "But you do understand why I can't let you go away to school?"

"I'd go straight certified stupid on my own."

"My smart boy." Erik then asked in turn, "What do you want?"

"Well, now that classes are out, I still have another week to sign up for the program." Frank sat up, facing him again. "WU is one of the schools offering it."

Erik raised a suspicious eyebrow. "That isn't code for Syracuse, is it?"

"No, promise," Frank laughed. "Passing classes- that's nothing. But I feel like I can be on my toes better with Rae, Alex, and Lee backing me up."

"That would put Charles and the rest of us at ease also," Erik knew. "Still, I want you to be sure about this before we announce anything. Alright?"

Frank nodded and lowered to nestle against him again.

II

Glass of iced tea in hand, the Blackfoot woman clad in white tank top, soft brown pants, cream headscarf, and Logan's red checkered shirt neared her terrace. She stilled directly outside the open sliding glass door to observe the figure almost blurry to behold due to his rapid limb movement. Leg swinging at a continuous rate, he executed his tenth spin kick in a row. Landing on his bare feet, Leon pressed his soles against the floor. His hands went to his hips as he dipped his head and absorbed much-needed oxygen.

"And the reason you have yet to secure a black belt?"

Leon finally noticed the female elder. "Kayla, sorry. Wolverine said I could use the space to workout away from the kids running around."

"That's fine," Kayla assured somewhat dismissively before she returned to, "Now, answer my question, please."

"The mental disciplines of a black belt…" Leon shook his head at the mere thought. "I'm nowhere near there. Last night alone proved that."

"Leon," Kayla placed her glass on the patio table as she approached him, "I'm sorry about the bonfire. It's tradition for grand celebrations. I never considered it would affect your sleep."

"That wasn't your fault," Leon insisted. "And not even close to the reason my psyche is so out of sorts right now."

"Leon, what's going on?" Kayla's eyes darkened with concern. "You can tell me."

"The party…" As the words left his tongue, Leon found his own ears deceptive. "I loved it. Every second of it; being a part of it in even the smallest way. I've seen plenty of celebrations since joining the X-Men- the ultra-random, spontaneous Xavier wedding high on my favorites list- but Cody's Bridge Birthday was something else. I've always wagered on the odds being against me. But learning about your father, how he managed to achieve so much at a time when that wasn't even an option for colors."

"I've heard the tale of one Codiram Silverfox many times," Kayla recalled. "And it never fails to leave me in awe."

"For me, it's more… how do you process the positive?" Leon asked genuinely.

With a gentle smile, she cupped his cheek. "You don't process it, young one. You savor it." Kayla walked on to peer out over the balcony at the X-Kids below. "While you can."

Gaze locked on the orbs materializing in the blue-black sky above, Kiki claimed, "I never saw those before."

Scooping sand with her, Scott followed her eyes' path. "Kiki, what are you talking about?" He gave her stomach a little tickle, receiving a giggle from her. "You've seen plenty of stars back home."

"I didn't before." The girl faced him now. "Where I used to be. I only saw the sun a couple times, but no stars or parks or stores or any of the places kids on TV got to go. "

Scott eyed her solemnly. "It's weird, honey bunny. I wish I could remember everything from before I was your age, but I want you to forget all that."

Kiki inched closer to lean on him. "I'll help you remember new stuff; good stuff. We'll steal all of Uncle Charles' pictures."

Instant laughter emitted from Scott at that. "Yeah, that'll be a fun memory. Us nursing sore bums for a year." He hefted her onto his lap. "But I like your other idea. I'm going to make sure you have all good stuff to remember until all the bad gets chased away."

Giddy at first, Kiki then wondered gravely, "But what about you, Scottie?"

He smooched her cheek. "You are my good stuff." He raised his head as the older girl made her way to them. "And here comes the rest."

In denim shorts and a puce t-shirt depicting cartoon dolphins, Becky lowered in front of Scott. "They're still red and nasty looking, aren't they?"

With her curls bound in a spiral up-do, Scott took in her still healing and studded lobes. "I think the nasty's gone down a good ten percent." At her automatic sulk, he smirked and took her chin between his finger and thumb. "So, I have red eyes and you have red ears. Sounds like a winning combination to me."

Becky's displeasure faded and she brought her hand to his wrist.

A short distance away on the shore, Frank caught the baby turned roadrunner on his way out of the house. "Hold it, cutie. You got a license for those chubby little legs?"

"Mimi!" Cody jogged up with Todd propped on his hip. "What did I say about going AWOL?"

"Aw, but she's too cute for the Court Martial." Frank squeezed her before handing her over.

"And she knows it." Cody nuzzled cheeks with his sister.

Frank stared closely at the three. "You're really good with these little guys."

Cody looked back at him flatly. "I'm their big brother. That's kinda how it's supposed to be."

"I don't know how you guys make it look so easy," Frank said honestly. "I do better with Trav—"

"You mean the only one you bother with," Cody cut in pointedly. "And we both know it's all so you can stock up points with Raven."

"It is not," Frank protested vehemently. "You have no idea what Trav means to me. I spend most of my time scared that I'm going to let him down. I already messed up with you guys. I don't want any encores."

Cody eyed him for an extended moment. "Fact is, Frank, you're a great X-Man. When you're part of the team, you go all out. That's what grates me about you. You can be better, but you choose to be a jerk."

"I know!" The air stilled between them for several seconds before Frank followed up with a softer, "… I know. It's like… I try to be better and it's good for a while then… I hear things that my dad's said to me. Then I repeat them."

"My Grandpa John was a decent man and he took care of his family. But my dad promised himself he would be closer to his own kids. My Uncle Vic got saddled with the worst father there ever was… he was his first kill." Cody stood without surprise at the sizable shock that took over Frank's face. "I feel for a lot of people, Frank, but you don't even make my waitin' list. You're in charge of the man you want to be; nobody else." At the wind picking up, Cody held the twins closer. "Tub time, tots."

Frank stepped aside for him to carry them into the house then cast his pensive countenance upward.

IIIIIII

At the end of breakfast, the beach house became a whirlwind of hastened activity. The young ones scrambled to pack last items or everything they brought in the case of procrastinators. Raven organized a cleaning team to keep them from catching a fine over the house. The men loaded whatever they could into the cars while the other women readied the babies and smaller children.

Nearly tripping, Alex picked up another hardback. "For Christ's sake- Sean, did you leave anything for other people in that bookstore?"

"Yes." With a sullen expression, the redhead zipped up his overnight bag. "And don't remind me."

New birthday weaponry carefully stored in their carrier, Cody stored them in his rollaway case. He started out with it to see if his mother needed his assistance.

Alex spotted the colorful items on the desk. "Joey, I told you to put your art supplies away last night."

"I did, honest." Joey approached his brother somewhat squeamishly. "I just wanted to do a little after breakfast…"

Lowering at the knees to be nose-to-nose with him, Alex stated, "Clean in two minutes or your hands have an appointment with mine. And not for holding."

"Yes, big brother." The shorter blonde sped to obey.

Sean grabbed his guitar case and flung his other bag over his shoulder. "Let's move it, baby man."

"One sec!" Tommy continued filling his backpack.

His own bed made, Leon zeroed in on the one used by the Cassidys. "Looks like more of Sean's addictions jumped ship." He walked over to retrieve the stray books off the mattress then stiffened and gaped at the titles, The Day of the Bomb and Born Free and Equal.

"Oh, hey, those are mine." Tommy hopped up to collect them.

Leon handed them over with taken aback gaze set on the child.

"Wrap it up, guys." Satisfied with Joey's tidying of the desk, Alex ushered him and Bounty out ahead of him.

Glancing after them, Leon reacted to the tugging on his wrist. He went to one knee when the younger dark-haired male gestured for him to dip.

"Don't worry, Lee," Tommy whispered. "I'm gonna find out everything about the ones that hurt you and your family." Clutching his books, he used his right hand to touch the dangling silver cross at his neck. "I've already started praying about them."

Leon found his voice enough to whisper back, "That they'll change? Find God?"

"No." Tommy shook his head with a bit of an amused countenance at the notion. "So He'll let me kill them. Like He let Samson with the Philistines. Remember?" Leon's smooth features entirely rigid, he nodded once. "Everything's going to be okay now, Lee. You can be happy. And if anybody ever tries to make you miserable again," he ran his small fingers through Leon's mane of black strands, "I'll get rid of them, too."

"Tommy…"

"Let's go!" Grabbing his pair of bags by their handles, he darted for the doorway. "Hurry before Erik comes looking for us."

Rising, Leon gathered his own luggage and moved in something of a trance after the spirited child.