Chapter Three Hundred Thirteen

Author's Word: Hey and Happy July, Fam! Let's have some good news as a change of pace. I moved into a new bigger place last month and my family's completely recovered from the extreme stress and physical turmoil involved (and by completely I of course mean we're at 70% or so). I hope everything's good with all of you and yes, I will get around to doing some actor likenesses for the other X-Men. Happy 4th in advance to my fellow Americans with blessing wishes for the entire fam worldwide yet universally at home here in Rise or Fall. Now, please enjoy and review!

On hurried little feet, Trav made it to where the Birthday X-Boy conversed with the female pair. Despite his haste to acquire the refreshments, Trav's mutation aided him in keeping the plastic cups attached to his palms.

"Here you go, Jessie." He presented her with the multi-berry blend juice and gave the other to the adult woman. "I got one for you, too, Miss Lannie."

"Thanks, Trav," a touched Jessie accepted.

"Thank you, sweetie," Alana said of her first underage drink since the festivities began.

Leaning against the wall behind Jessie's folding chair, Frank sent the younger boy a wink. Trav glowed in contentment then scuttled off when Raven beckoned him.

Jessie joked, "I could get used to the boys here," as she sipped.

Arms folded and his right foot propped against the wall behind her, Frank stated, "They're already used to you, trust me."

Alana smiled between the pair. "I see the whispers are true. You are beautiful. Please, let me get another look at that dress."

"Thank you." Standing with her cup, Jessie did a short turn in the cream garment. "A little help from the big sister." Retaking her seat, she pointed out her butterfly hairclip. "And a little thievery from the kid sister."

Alana's face showed amused delight. "I'm the middle of three girls, too."

"Really?" Jessie looked over her shoulder and spoke covertly. "We're a contagion."

"We better head for quarantine," Frank suggested slyly. "Mom can drive us."

Giving her unjustly humorous son a brief look, Alana spoke to the new face again. "I must admit, I envy how close you are. My younger sister hasn't visited New York in nearly four years. My older sister still lives here, but let's just say my brother-in-law and I aren't each other's favorite company." Alana saw Frank mouth something that, while vulgar, she could not deny its validity.

"I'm really sorry to hear that," Jessie responded empathically. "Even before they got married, my sister's husband is the only brother I've ever had."

Seated yards over in a folding chair, a simmering Carmen felt an arm work its way over her shoulders.

Tony squatted beside her. "You okay?"

Carmen glowered in irritation, trying not to make her stare obvious. "His mother says hello to us but couldn't wait to chitchat with that t—"

"Carm." Hands in his pants pockets, Mondo made his way over to them. "Do not start this little girl hair-pulling mess." He indicated Jessie with a slight side glance. "Yeah, she's for sure fine. So what? That's all Frank's looking at. She's nowhere near our level."

Bothered, Tony reacted to that claim. "Not cool. Mondo. You don't even know her."

An unmoved Mondo replied, "I know Carm's got all these girls beat in beauty and brains."

Experiencing warmth in her eyes and chest, Carmen touched his arm appreciatively. "Thank you, Mon-Man."

Mondo casually tacked on, "Now, if you just quit letting your kinfolk trip you up so you can actually make something of yourself."

Carmen directed a narrowed gaze at him.

"Hey, guys," Collin acknowledged with his arm coiled at Samantha's waist.

Tony resumed his regular height. "There you two are."

Carmen teased, "Wondered where you snuck off to…"

With an impish giggle, Samantha took notice of the latest arrival. "Be right back." Redhead in tow, she started that way. "Hi, Jessie."

The named girl looked up. "Oh, Sam, sorry. I know I saw you when I first came in."

"Don't worry about it. I want you to meet somebody." Samantha smiled brightly as she touched a hand to the male at her side. "This is Collin Murphy, my boyfriend. Collin, this is Jessica Jarvis and Frank's mom, Mrs. Tolbert."

Frank came around, "My friend first, FYI," and bumped shoulders with Collin, only getting a satisfied expression from him.

Collin somewhat cumbersomely exchanged pleasantries with Alana and Jessie.

When the boys received a moment to privately converse, Collin commended the X-Man's choice of female companions. "Nice work, twinkles."

With a wicked gleam, Frank teased, "Not getting a secret crush on her, too, are you?"

Forming a face most displeased, Collin countered, "No, but secretly?" Aware of adult ears not too far away, he mouthed, "You're an ass."

Frank whispered in turn, "That's no secret."

IIIIIII

The bold fuchsia bunny slippers appeared animated by the dainty yet extremely rapid-paced mutated feet propelling them. Full bowl of salted, buttery treat in her grasp, the girl in multi-color lounge pants and lilac tank top crept like a cat burglar back into the room.

Initially looking to the television set, Brenda vexed, "Tell me I did not miss Eartha Kitt's song." Facing ahead, she now frowned deeply upon noticing the younger girl stretched on her side with her back facing the screen. "Annie?"

Brenda left the popcorn on the desk. When she approached close enough, she peered over Anne's silent form to see the album she listlessly flipped through. She came to a page that depicted the ecstatic small boy and girl as they dug through an enormous Easter basket. Getting on the bed next, Brenda laid directly behind her.

She brought an arm around Anne and pressed cheeks with her, studying the pictures. "Wish they were in color. Those little spring clothes are too cute."

"They are in color." Anne went to another page. "Every time I shut my eyes, that's all I see… every last detail."

"Anne?" Brenda drew her a little closer. You can tell me you know. Everything.

Back still turned, Anne sat up. Do you mean that? Really mean it?

Brenda's mental tone reflected a smile. Is that question really coming from Madam Mind-Reader herself?

Though far from appeased, Anne softly requested, "Can we just watch TV? Please, Bren?"

With a positive nod, the older female Acolyte went to retrieve their popcorn. Shutting her album, Anne maneuvered to slide it between her mattresses.

IIIIIII

When the number of overheated bodies moved most of the festivities out back, the recent graduates formed a circle of patio seats. Maya reacted to the appearance of her fiancé, now in an unbuttoned shirt and shorts with his round sunglasses on. She raised one arm to welcome his kiss along her neck and giggled when he raised her briskly. Her chair now confiscated by his body, Maya found the best possible consolation in taking over his lap space.

Cordelia quipped, "The Presley impersonator graces us with his presence."

"Consider it my gift to you." Giving her a wink under his shades, Sean came back with, "No one requires more grace than you, Cor."

Lounging alongside her, Fabian interjected, "Be sure to tell that one to your amigos at the tattoo parlor. Maybe the next time you desecrate yourself, they'll throw in a serving of gonorrhea at no additional charge."

"Maybe so," Sean countered with matter-of-fact bravado.

Arm around Angel, Ben piped up, "You want to talk desecration?" He spoke to Sean. "Try setting foot in Temple with that thing uncovered."

Sean reasoned, "I haven't reached that level of insanity, Benjy."

"Ugh!" Tossing her head back, Angel nestled at Ben's side. "I can't believe I have to go without my roll posse in a couple months."

"Nuts, right?" Ben looked at her then the rest. "It was like five minutes ago that I was the new guy with the weird family. Now, it feels like we went through all four years together."

Among the resulting solemn faces, Fabian suggested, "Maybe the other years don't matter."

"They don't," came from Cordelia. "Seriously, you guys, what good did we get out of our lives before here?"

"The good that came had nothing to do with North Salem or Westchester High," stated Maya fervidly. "That came from all of you. When you were brought here to me. I can't believe my life before; who I was before."

"Who I was before," Angel echoed, her expression haunted.

"Who… effin' cares?" asserted Sean, making all their heads raise. "As far as I'm concerned, all that past crap can go hike into Dante's tenth circle. Whoever the heck we were." He folded and extended his knuckles. "'65 Seniors?"

All brought their fists together and proclaimed in chorus, "'65 Seniors!"

II

After finding her way to a half bathroom not far from the dining room, Carmen held the heart-shaped silver piece that matched the bracelet already dangling off her wrist.

"Hey," she looked to the doorway to see who filled it, "need a hand?"

Carmen smiled and pushed her hair out of the way. "You bet."

Stepping up behind her, Frank secured the clasp at her neck. "Icing on the cake."

She gave him a grateful and somewhat blushing glance. "I can't believe Sam's mom." She touched the heart emblem. "These gift bags alone probably cost about a hundred parties at home. If we were in Queens with all this uproar, you know the cops would've been raided."

"Yeah, to fix them a plate." Frank delighted in her laugh then brought up, "You find a summer gig yet?"

Departing the hygiene space with him, Carmen replied cheerfully, "Yep. I'm going to be a mother's helper for two families. The second one doesn't start until August, but they're taking me on their reunion in Hershey Park."

"Ohh, man, lucky." At Carmen's expression and mere glimpse at the décor and splendor around them, Frank conceded, "… Yeah, I'll shut up."

Carmen shook her head in jest.

Outside, they rejoined their table at which Mondo, Tony, Collin, Jessie, Whitney, and Samantha assembled with a few of the X-Elders nearby.

"Carm." Tony slid over the remaining contents of her gift bag.

"Thanks, Tiger." Carmen used the braided straps to carry it like a handbag. "I don't even like leaving my stuff with security in the bargain basement."

"Basement nothing." Mondo stroked the face of his sports watch. "This stuff is straight penthouse."

Collin stacked his silver half-dollars. "My brother's gonna be clamoring for one of these before I even get through the door."

Tony determined, "I'm giving two each to my sisters. My dad already has a Kennedy coin and if I twist my mom's arm into accepting one, she's dropping it straight into the collection plate."

Carmen tried not to roll her eyes. "I can hear my mom now, all 'mucho dinero, mija. Share with your hermanas y los sabrinos."

"Uh," protested Mondo. "You better stash that cash and tell them, 'no dinero, familio'."

"He's right," Jessie seconded. "If you want to share, that's up to you. Don't let them guilt-trip you."

Carmen gazed at her with amazed amiability.

"Oh, Mon." Turning from his wife, Hank went around to the boy's chair. "I spoke with the heads of financing and student housing. After a bit of nostalgic repertoire and haggling, they agreed to give you top priority among the newcomers."

Mondo responded, "Good thing. Because Yale would've been more than happy to."

"A fact I also made perfectly clear," Hank said wryly. "Under contingency of your vowed stellar performance by the end of the program."

"That goes without saying," Mondo understood, high-fiving the alumnus. "Thanks for looking out, Doc McCoy. First thing in the morning, I'm back on the books." He gave that a second thought. "Though after all these sweets, I might as well put on some java and go for an all-nighter."

"Books?" Frank sat in sheer bafflement. "All-nighters? Is there an entry quiz I don't know about?"

Mondo turned to him incredulously. "You haven't started studying? Tell me you're playing with me right now."

"Mon, we just stopped studying," Tony mentioned. "We've only been out of school a couple weeks."

"And our program starts next week. If you two had the combined sense God gave a turtle," Mondo eyed him next, "you'd be signed up and both of you," he pointed out Tony as well as Frank, "would be coming to conquer the Crimson Ivy right with me."

"I'll be in crimson," Frank informed cheekily. "And gold at WU."

Mondo countered, "If you're after gold, you won't find it digging in a sandbox."

"The great debaters." Approaching with Erik not far behind, Charles commended, "You're spirited approach to this program is quite admirable, Mr. Thompson."

Carmen insisted, "We don't all have to graduate overnight."

"Yeah, Mon," Tony agreed. "I respect what you guys are doing, but college isn't the only reason we took the risk of getting on that bus all year. I don't think we're done with what we were called to do. Not all of us."

Mondo shifted from humored countenance to all-out guffaw. "Tiger, man, when are you going to be off this freedom fighter kick? We got bussed in so they could stack their grants and we can put Prestigious High on our college apps. This is not Selma."

"It doesn't matter why they wanted us here," Tony contended. "We got our feet in the door. We've already started making a difference."

Mondo refuted that with, "Just because the principal agreed to your little poster project after the tagging? Because Angel got prom queen? They just wanted good PR; that's it, that's all. If you want to make a difference, the playing nice bit won't cut it. Forget black and white. Only way you get anywhere out here is with the long green. Make enough money to own these a-holes."

"Throwing money around won't stop the vandalism and bombings, Mondo," Tony reasoned. "If we keep at it, there won't be bussing by the time we have kids. Just the mention of segregation will be a relic."

"If you keep at it, you're never going to have any kids," Mondo asserted bluntly. "Go ahead and play hero. Say hi to Kennedy and Malcolm X when you get to the morgue."

Among the gaping expressions that ensued, Hank put a firm hand on the one who caused the stun wave. "Mondo, you are entitled to your opinion, but that was callous."

Mondo looked at his teacher again. "I didn't mean it like that, Doc McCoy. I apologize."

"Me, too," Tony felt the need to second. "We get carried away."

Carmen used her fist to lazily uphold her cheek as she mentioned, "You should hear them in history class. I don't know how these freaks stay friends."

Mondo claimed, "He's my shoulder angel."

Erik said wryly, "Never leave home without one," giving Charles a side glance.

"You boys and your politics." A bored Samantha got to her feet. "Let's play volleyball. Come on, Whitney."

Though the selected girl stood, she cautioned, "Okay, but I can't be held responsible for crashing into the net or whacking an unsuspecting bystander in the face."

With only a smile, Samantha took her wrist, "Let's get the ball from the shed. Carm, Jess, get the girls together," and scampered across the lawn.

"Way to leave us out," Collin shouted after her with faux dejection.

Samantha only peered back to wink at him.

"Oh, I'm so in." Raven made haste to set up the net.

Hank vowed to the remaining girls, "I'll safeguard your valuables, ladies," and accepted their gift bags.

When Carmen and Jessie took off next, Frank bolted up and declared, "Forget this. Boys for basketball."

From where he chased insects with the other youngsters, Tommy seemed to teleport over. "Alright!"

"The basketball whisperer, ladies and gentlemen." Frank playfully rolled his eyes then set about gathering other daring athletes.

II

Clutching the receiver as if in possession of enemy secrets, sweet relief passed through Joey at the youthful feminine tone. "Laci, finally."

Seated on the side of her bed, the freckled face said, "I got the feeling that was you calling and hanging up."

"Sorry about that," the boy apologized. "I wasn't trying to be a jerk, but your mom picked up both times."

"Don't be sorry," reassured Laci. "My dad acts like it's an unpardonable sin for anyone to even think about calling when he has his business associates over for dinner. Like the whole town is supposed to know his schmooze schedule."

"Are they still over there?"

With a flat face and tone, Laci confirmed, "Yep. Mom's grabbing dessert so I slipped away. Oh, my God, Joey, these guys are so boring. All they do is pass the chardonnay around and laugh their fat guts off at those stupid office stories. When they remember that I'm in the room, I beg and beg for the Murphy boys' invisible powers. They ask if I like school, do I take violin or piano, and when I mention art they forget me again and go on about their holidays in Paris and all the magnificent museums."

"I hate when adults do that," Joey commiserated. "I loved when my grandpa brought Dr. Octavious over. When he asked about my art, he actually wanted to know. We even got into the renaissance painters until Uncle Hank made it boring again."

Laci released a giggle. "That was funnier than all their jokes combined. Can't wait for them to leave."

"I am a swordfighter now," Joey brought up. "Want me to come jab 'em in their big fat guts?"

"Yes." Laci added grudgingly, "But I don't want you to go to jail."

"Me, either. Uncle Erik would bust through the bars in three seconds and spank me for three hours."

"Oh, no. I wouldn't wish that on…" Laci considered it. "Okay, I do wish that on a lot of people, but you not for anything."

To that, Joey declared, "You're the best."

Contentment levels higher than they had been since sunrise, Laci asked, "How's your party?"

"It's not my party," Joey automatically corrected. "It's Frank's party. If it was my party it'd be you, me, my cousins, and the Dukes, not a bunch of stupid loud high school kids. I've never even seen most of these kids over here before."

"I'd only want to be there to hide out with you," Laci said. "All those people would make my skin crawl."

"Tell me about it," Joey strongly concurred. "Gimme your party, my renaissance party, or us in Fred's backyard any day. Cody's was a big important ceremony and it was still just the family. I don't know why Frank likes to show off to people who aren't even his friends."

"Hm," Laci considered, "sounds like my dad. But at least he gets money for being nice to his jerks."

Voice becoming distinctly somber, Joey wondered, "Do you think you'll talk to him tonight? After his friends leave?"

Laci let go of a sigh that concluded with a whimper. "I have to see. Maybe if tonight keeps going well for him. I just… I just want to feel like a winner a little bit longer. Before this gets taken away from me, too."

"It feels like something has been taken," Joey put forth woefully. "I was so pumped to tell. Even before we sent in anything and I figured I'd lose. It's like I still did."

"… All because of me," Laci deduced. "I'm sorry, Joey. I'm sorry I'm like this."

"Laci, it's not you," Joey insisted. "It's not your fault your folks flip out over everything. It's not just them, either. I—"

"Lacinda," Clint bellowed, "we have guests and Mom's pies waiting! Can't promise how long that last part will last!"

Cringing at her given name, Laci sighed into the mouthpiece. "And back to boring."

"Same here," replied the equally dry-toned boy. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"The only reason I won't try to scoop my brain out with my mom's good silver."

After they verbally parted, Joey crawled out from under his father's desk. With the leg room so ample, he often entertained fancies of it as his personal clubhouse. Joey also frequently wondered why Charles' legs needed such space since they were not overly long and licorice resembling like Erik's or Scott's. He returned the phone to its correct position and started from the study. Before he could step a single toe out, his startled blue eyes discovered pairs of green and brown directly outside the right French door.

"Aw, man," Joey moaned. "They're seriously looking for me?"

"No." Dropping her crossed arms, Becky prodded him fully inside again. "I am."

"And me, too." Cody followed them in and stealthily closed the door.

Joey looked at him. "Thought you were busy showing Sean how to play guitar."

Cody let off a snort. "Everybody went to cool off after Jessie showed up and heated up the joint."

Becky gave him the briefest side glance before returning full attention to the blonde. "I know you got in trouble with Uncle Charles and Papa yesterday. Auntie Em told me how much art you had to work on, so I didn't want to make you talk."

"You sure?" Joey asked challengingly. "Figured you didn't want to take a whole minute away from fussing over Frank."

Cody initially frowned with surprise, only for his eyes to enlarge as Becky's darkened.

"Yes, I fussed over him," Becky stated matter-of-factly. "The same way I do at your birthday. I don't remember Frank ever acting up on a special occasion for you. He didn't say one single word to you about ruining the dinner he and his mom made and you were still rude to him this morning. On his birthday. What is the matter with you, Charles Joey?"

Cody inwardly winced at the frustrated girl's rebuke. Though his tongue refused to verbalize it, he could not find disagreement with the words. Still, he went around to send his arm over the crestfallen one's shoulders.

"I'm sorry, Becky," Joey said in a hush. "I didn't mean that, but I did mean it when I apologized to Frank earlier, I swear. I just… I just got off the phone with Laci and…"

Becky's face filled with woe. "Did you guys have a fight? …Did you break up?"

"No," Joey instantly denied.

"Thank God," Cody spoke with relief, not presently ready to watch the world around them crumble into pieces. "Look, man, I wasn't crazy about the Eye Scream Team gush fest, either, but you know how adults get. My ma just had to blast my reading at the table. Scott and Frank didn't wanna talk about all that achievement jive, either."

"And we all loved your portrait of Aunt Raven before they even handed out the prizes," Becky pointed out. "I'm not crazy about Trick being here, but I know he really was impressed by how far you've come."

"I know. We talked all that out already," Joey told them. "Frank and Scott didn't do anything to me, either. I was just in a really lousy mood yesterday."

"Wait a minute." Growing suspicious, Cody considered something. "You, Laci…" He maneuvered to face and keep unwavering eyes on the younger boy. "You heard back about the contest, didn't you?" Joey nodded admittedly and Cody's irises became fiery. "No, no way did you lose. I'll betcha the whole thing's a crooked load of—"

"Cody," interjected Becky sharply. She regarded Joey with a gentler knowing expression. "You won, didn't you?" At another nod, she concluded sadly, "Laci lost?"

Joey finally informed, "We both won. Only ones in the class, too."

"What?" burst from Cody, studying his friend's face for any sign of jest. "Both? You're serious?"

With a minimal glint of a smile, Joey confirmed, "Both. We walked in on Miss Kendall putting our names up."

It took the entirety of Becky's self-restraint not to shriek with elation as she flung arms around him. "Oh, my God, Joey, I knew it!" She squeezed him closely. "I just knew you'd make it."

"Yeah, man!" Cody rushed to join them and headbutt Joey's shoulder. "That's what you were so whacked about. You finally got the big news; right at Frank's birthday. It's got to be drivin' you nuts keepin' this tight-lipped."

Becky let go of Joey to stroke his cheek. "I know I've been busy, but you still should have told us."

"I know," Joey replied apologetically. "I wanted to, but I could barely think straight yesterday."

"Hey, we know now," Cody dismissed positively. "Stay put and I'll grab your folks. Your ma'll understand all about yesterday."

"No," Joey promptly shot down, dashing over to block his path, taking the other two aback. "I don't want to let anybody else know yet. I'm waiting on Laci to tell her parents first. Please, don't say anything."

"No deal. Until I say one more thing." Cody clapped his shoulder. "Congrats to the millionth power, buddy!... Even though I knew it from the get-go."

Becky sent him a false look of annoyance. "Right, because I was so in doubt. By the way," she turned to the blonde, "make sure you ask Walt Disney for Adriana Caselotti's autograph." She thought again. "His, too, if you remember."

Joey peered between them, forming a genuine grin.

IIIIIII

By the time the impromptu sporting events concluded, the participating youngsters, as well as their spectators, panted with sweat. Despite their heavy perspiration, Samantha, Whitney, Carmen, and Jessie still jumped up and down with glee over defeating Raven's team. The shapeshifter captain gave off a narrow-eyed look that clearly vowed, 'we shall meet again'. Emma, Adrienne, and Kayla ushered the girls inside to freshen up before their departures. On her way into the house to assist, Alana exchanged a high-five with Frank.

While they waited for the fairer sex to be out of the bathrooms, the adolescent males remained outdoors with refreshments. Tony chugged his water then hastened to find any available sink before he dared get back into his party shirt.

Watching his rapid leave, Mondo commented, "Bet you anything he packed deodorant again. And cologne."

Laughing a little, Frank reminded, "You know how his folks get about his clothes. Especially going to school all the way out here."

"He'll assimilate soon enough." Mondo snagged the basketball to work on his dribble. "Like you."

As if a joke leaped straight over his head without so much as grazing his brain, Frank responded with an indignant, "Huh?"

"When you said party, I was thinking our crew and maybe a chunk of the kids in our grade." With a hard bounce to it, Mondo caught and held the ball as he spoke. "Figured we'd watch some TV, put on a couple records, get a little door prize or something. I didn't expect a whole lot of roaming randoms with a few wondering why we're not using the servant's entrance."

"It was a wildfire scenario," Frank reasoned. "Sam wanted her friends to come, Angel and Cordy wanted their boyfriends, some of Scott's teammates—"

"And you just conveniently had bags with at least fifty bucks worth of "goodies" for every one of them," Mondo interjected skeptically. "That was a nicer show than the band."

"Hey, all that loot wasn't even my idea," Frank insisted. "Raven and the women planned most of this. Mon, come on. You're making me out to be one of these preppy pricks."

"Man, if I thought that, I wouldn't be over here right now," Mondo said simply. "Look, I don't really have any beef with these kids. Half of them would hitchhike with strangers under the condition that they have to ride in the trunk, but that's their retarded parents' problem. But I do see where you get that lazy attitude of yours."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Frank, you demolished everybody on that test," Mondo emphasized. "Ninth and tenth grade. Wherever you want to go next, everything you want in the world is right in front of you and couldn't care less. But why should you? Look around." Mondo gestured at their surroundings. "You already have it made."

At the abrupt toss of the ball, a floored Frank could not act swiftly enough to catch it.

IIIIIII

Upon entering the studio and observing the ivory-tickling fingers, Charles piped up, "The three-hour performance didn't suffice for the day, best mate?"

The somewhat mesmerized Irishman replied, "Mere exercise for the vocals, best mate. Besides," he struck a few more keys, "I can't begin to count the hours I've spent away from this particular instrument."

In clear agreement, Charles features showed his pleasure over the yesteryear melody.

Indicating the teenager who escorted them in, Emma brought up, "Seanie told us you want our audience, maestro."

"You heard right, Lady Xavier." Trick ceased playing to face the couple. "I couldn't get Joey's trek through insanity out of my head, so I recruited Sean for a bit of amateur sleuthing earlier."

Sean picked it up with, "We knew the kids around here would clam up if they knew anything, especially Cody. So, we went down to the center for the Q&A."

Hands going to her hips, Emma looked from guitarist to lead singer. "Were you two up watching Perry Mason?"

"Kiss Me Deadly." Sean then promptly insisted, "Maya wanted to watch it."

Charles bobbed his head in understanding. "Ah. Now, what's this about Joey?"

"He's going to be ticked, but since I'm like three years behind on big brother-ing," strolling towards the piano, Sean veered and announced, "Joey and Laci got into the Jones-Broderick Academy summer session!"

"What?" chorused from the Xaviers.

"Broderick," Charles named for attempted recollection. "That was among the schools I researched for Joey's art lessons. It's one of the finest on the east coast."

Emma asked, "Where is it?"

"Roughly ten minutes from Manhattan," Trick answered her. "Little under two hours from us."

Charles said, "You can see why sending Joey such a distance at that time was unthinkable."

"Of course," Emma affirmed. "But he's in a vastly difference place now. His art lessons and mainstream schooling have proven how in control he is. Charles," she grasped her husband's wrists with both hands and implored, "we at least have to consider it."

"Absolutely," Charles concurred. "It cannot be denied what an opportunity this is. And to think, he made it entirely on his own." Charles' satisfaction faded as another thought developed. "But why on Earth are we just learning about any of this?"

Sean raised an eyebrow. "Are you serious with that question?" The telepaths looked his way. "Joey hasn't spent the last three years with his eyes and ears covered. He's seen how good news in this family can turn tragic in a millisecond. Baseball and engagements that aren't about Hank and Raven ring any bells?"

"Sean, we've been through all of that," Charles reminded, clearly in no mood for rehashing. "This is a different circumstance. Hank and I believed art lessons to be beneficial in the first place and we've only ever supported any contest Joey's entered."

Sean waved that off with, "Yeah, so long as he doesn't stray too far from your line of sight, right? Joey can't even ride his bike beyond the Dukes' house. No way does he know how to sell you on him taking classes that far from home. I'll bet anything Laci's parents are in the dark, too."

"Pains me to agree, Charlie," Trick's tone confirmed his sincerity, "but 'tis true. If responsible, grade school leader Scott had to sneak his way onto the local baseball team, what chance did little regressed Joey have of gaining your permission?"

Emma's eyes went to her husband, absorbing the compunction radiating off him with their every word.

"Charles," Sean stepped over to stand directly in front of him, "we'll never be able to repay what you and Erik have done for us. Three years with you trumped a lifetime with my parents. But we have to credit Trick, Kayla, Wolves, and Victor, too. We would never have seen our other untapped potential if not for them, especially Maya and me."

In earnest, Charles told him, "I wanted to give you the world, not seclude you from it; hinder you."

"I know, Dad," Sean said with equal genuineness. "But there are times we wish you- and definitely Erik- would hear us out before you conclude you know best."

"As with trust, that is another two-way street, love," Emma chimed in, receiving focus from all three males. "While I've always tried to advocate for you children to have more freedom, hearing the word 'no' doesn't justify sneaking about as you wish. And it's as far-gone from displaying adulthood as you could possibly venture."

"Madam is correct, laddie," seconded Trick.

"As are you," Emma granted the teenager.

Sean gave off a dutiful nod then mentioned, "Miss Kendall wants to see you both at the center tomorrow around ten. Could you let the Carmichaels know?"

"I'll call Julie first thing in the morning," Emma determined. "I know she's had all she can take after entertaining this evening."

In jest, Trick pointed out, "And what of you after the locust swarm of practically every teen in town?"

Emma said wryly, "Compared to certain other forces of chaos to invade our home, this gathering was most welcomed. Especially seeing Frank devouring every moment of it."

"Yes." Charles also tacked on, "And thank God he's a full year away from turning sixteen..."

II

With a twist of the doorknob, the X-Man stepped inside his quarters. As soon as he did so, the brooding female stationed at the window quickly whipped her head in his direction. Brown eyes poorly concealing her satisfaction, her cherry lips matched the A-line dress that went to her knees.

"Actually using the door," Melissa remarked. "How archaic."

"A necessity of residual normals lurking about." Leon walked to the bed and laid back lazily with his eyes going to the ceiling. "Must be an Irish kid thing. When we were living in the apartment house, Sean's eighteenth birthday party was princely, too, but not to this degree."

Melissa put forth, "Always the case for us, isn't it? Drop our powers altogether and we'll still never fit with them. Believe me, I'm a former member."

Leon exhaled through his nostrils glibly. "You torched your normalcy membership the second you became interested in me."

"Pot and kettle forever." Nearing him, Melissa revealed the envelope behind her back and let it fall on top of his belly.

Leon looked between her and the message before rising. He removed and peered through the informative materials inside.

"Oh, my God…" Leon imitated enlargement with his pupils, "… I was wondering how you knew what archaic means."

Melissa grabbed a pillow and bopped his head twice. "Thanks, nerd."

Unphased, Leon raised the envelope. "How long have you had this?"

"How do you know it didn't come today?" At his still, unblinking expression, Melissa confessed, "Monday, okay? Nerve enough to finally open it came today." She plopped beside him on the mattress. "You mad?"

"Like I wouldn't have done the same if we swapped shoes," Leon answered frankly. "Besides, we both know your nerves didn't hit the panic button over the idea of letting me down."

Unable to rebut that, Melissa wordlessly traced the pattern on the pillowcase with her finger.

IIIIIII

Before he fully reached the second floor, Collin detected the unmistakable laughter of the other carrottop. Going into his quarters, he opened the door of the jack-and-jill bathroom. He peered in and his own face split into a grin. With the number of spare towels used to soak up the excess water, the floor appeared made up of a multi-color rug. While Estevan bundled a squirming Jack, Max stood wound in a beige towel.

"Hey, burrito boy," Collin greeted.

Twisting as best he could to face his brother, Max returned, "Hey, barf boy."

"I've endured quests that forced me to stay awake for seventy-two hours at a time yet not one more exhausting than attempting to bathe this little nuisance." Estevan rubbed the damp hairs of Jack's muzzle and received a lick from the now contrite animal.

"It's better than leaving them alone, trust me," assured Collin. "Bath time for these two always means surfing Niagara Falls."

"Yes, I believe someone was seeking out Atlantis tonight." Estevan spared a hand to ruffle Max's damp hair.

When the beaming child finally noticed what his brother carried, he wanted to know, "What'd ya get? What'd ya get?"

"Uh-uh." Collin raised the bag high over his head. "Get your pajamas on and I'll show you. Maybe even give you something…"

To that, Max complied, "Okay."

When the short ginger freed his arms, Estevan situated the dog in them. "Go on, mis bebes. Papi y hermano mayor will be right along."

"Si, Papi," Max replied then carried Jack into their room.

"Now, tell me," Left with the remaining youth, Estevan began straightening up the toiletries around the tub, "how was Frank Tolbert's little fiesta?" At the lack of response, he gazed over to see the teenager gawking. "Mijo?"

At the dignified Spaniard tidying in rolled up sleeves and sopping shirt, Collin managed to snap out of his incredulous trance. "Oh, it was good, but nothing little about it. Seriously, Frank's transferring and he's still going to have BMoC status at school. You know, Big Man on Campus."

The eye roll could be heard in the elder's voice as he said, "Gracias, nino. Ingles terms have been so difficult to navigate since my arrival on Ellis Island only yesterday." Collin released a little snort. "I see you enjoyed yourself."

"Yeah, sure," Collin shrugged in a thinly veiled show of indifference.

Estevan next asked, "What was the best part? The food, giveaways, or painstakingly maintaining a façade of ordinariness for the comfort of the mediocre?"

Not entirely surprised by the accusatory question, Collin answered apathetically, "Nothing we don't already have to do in school, anyway."

"And the X-Men are all too eager to continue the farce in their own home."

Collin defended simply, "Not the vibe I get over there. They always seem on guard, especially Doc McCoy. Sometimes I wonder if he's always reminding us about containment because he thinks they'll get us or he's worried he'll slaughter them in front of us."

A clearly intrigued Estevan said, "Sometimes a rancorous precedent must be set to correct the foolhardy."

Collin then recalled, "I can't believe Frank's mom is so cool. She's all good about mutants."

"Hm. Hurry along to say goodnight to your brother," Estevan directed. "It's already past his bedtime. Before you go to sleep, get these towels into the hamper for the maid."

"Si, sir." Heading for his desk, Collin placed his bag on it and fished for a coin. Thinking again, he removed one more before making a path for Max's room.

IIIIIII

Dwindled to his one remaining party guest, no semblance of complaint cluttered the mind of the optical mutant. Hip to hip on one of the property's stone benches, the male and female adolescents had witnessed the beginning and ending of sunset. The small outdoor lights provided them with illumination. Some of the beams reflected against Jessie's dress and hairclip, creating a dazzling effect around her form.

An awed Frank studied every inch of the black and white cap in his possession. "Yankees." Scanning the inside caused his eyes to bulge. "Ralph Terry… 1960? Okay, before I stick this in a safety deposit box to keep it from Scott," he looked at her, "who'd you have to bump off for this thing? Do you need help sanding down your fingerprints?"

With a highly humored visage, Jessie replied, "My dad's buddy," then explained, "He owns a sporting goods store in the Bronx. Would it take away my allure to know he cut me a great deal?"

Frank informed, "Taking away allure from you would be like taking a curl away from my sister. You've got plenty to spare, trust me." He looked at the hat again. "Man, Jess, I can't believe you found this. I have an autographed ball from Ralph Terry upstairs."

Jessie appeared fascinated by her fingernails. "1960, right?"

Frank eyed her with even greater amazement. "You remembered that? I mentioned it for, what, five seconds in passing?" She shrugged coyly. Frank reached to grasp her cheek and she faced him again. "Thank you, Jessie."

Touching her right hand to his left knee, she said in turn, "Happy birthday, Frank."

Almost dropping his cap as he moved to bring arms around her, Frank captured her willing lips. Though secure in his grasp, Jessie grabbed and held tightly as if she feared melting into a puddle in his sturdy arms.

At the unanticipated light flashing, Frank inwardly panicked and withdrew. "Jess."

Confused by his pulling away and startled way of speaking her name, Jessie glanced over at the pair of nearing headlights. "My family's timing is not even a little bit funny."

Frank only experienced relief.

"Daddy," Jessie addressed the one who stepped out of the vehicle.

"Sorry," Nik started for them, "mile long line to fill a tank around here."

As they stood, Frank assured, "No complaints here."

"Yeah, I'll bet." Nik gave a mock punch to his jaw. "Happy birthday, brain boy, but this gift," he gestured at his daughter, "is strictly rental."

"That's me, the human tuxedo," Jessie quipped.

"Well, hello." Alana stepped out of the house with Erik directly behind her.

The Headmaster spoke with, "I don't believe we've been introduced. I'm Erik Lehnsherr. This is Alana Tolbert."

Nik shook with each of them. "Nik Jarvis. Now, let me see." He attempted to get his terminology correct. "School dad and mega mom, right?"

"Yes," confirmed Alana, "though the jury's still out on the mega part."

Jessie gave a side hug to Frank, "Not the way he tells it," getting a smile from the boy.

"Oh, sweetie," Alana remembered, handing Jessie the gift bag, "you nearly forgot this."

Appearing briefly mortified over her absentee mind, Jessie responded, "Thank you, thank you, Mrs. Tolbert."

"Thank you for coming," Alana replied. "I know I came out of the clear blue sky, but I am glad we got to meet."

"So am I," Jessie concurred cheerfully. "Tonight was amazing."

Erik said to Nik, "You have a delightful daughter."

"Thanks and two more at home. Just don't ask me how they wound up that way. Actually, I'm glad I caught you folks." Going into his pocket, Nik retrieved two vouchers from his wallet. "If you're in our neck of the woods, stop by the restaurant. Dinner's on the house."

"Thank you," Alana accepted them and Erik bobbed his head appreciatively.

Placing attention back on the male of the hour, Jessie told him, "I'll call you later- so you know we got home okay."

Frank nonchalantly replied, "You have the new number. Now, I just need to get around to memorizing it."

Jessie took the cap from him to don his head with it. She bid the adults farewell before going to her father. Nik kept an arm around her as he guided her over to the passenger's side to open her door. The remaining three watched the Cadillac depart the property.

Alana tugged on the bill of Frank's cap. "Come on, Kid Casanova."

Frank linked arms with his mother and tilted his head to snuggle against her shoulder. Erik used his powers to spread the doors apart for them as he brought up the rear.

IIIIIII

The distress radiating from both their boys alerted the telepathic couple before their eyes and ears were made aware. They picked up their pace and arrived in the nursery. Joey walked in a lethargic circle while trying to maintain a gentle hand on the rather disagreeable Brian's quivering back.

"Aw, lamb." Going to one knee, Charles touched Brian's hair. "Did the barrage of teenagers and their raging thoughts drive you to near madness also?" When the whining moans increased in volume, the Professor fought a grin at the amused blondes around him. "Taking after your Aunt Raven I see."

Joey put forth, "I think he wants you, Mum."

"Really?" Emma calmly went to collect the one-year-old. "I think," she settled in the rocking chair with him, "Brian's been so upset these past two nights because his big brother's been."

"Sorry, Mum," Joey said meekly. "I don't know what I was thinking acting like that in front of him."

"That isn't what Mummy means, little one." Charles tugged over one of the plush cushions they kept in the room whenever someone wanted to play with Brian on the rug. Making a seat of it for himself, he reeled in his older boy to hold in his lap. "Brian's X-gene may still be inactive, but that doesn't stop him from being in tune with us. Me, Mummy, Uncle Erik, and certainly you."

With Brian calmly suckling her thumb, Emma explained, "He senses how overwhelmed and bogged down you've been feeling. I only hate that your father and I had to be told the real reason."

An equally sorrowful Charles said, "We should not have allowed ourselves to become as distracted as we've been."

Though his face showed some lingering uncertainty, Joey's eyes displayed something between apprehension and relief. "… You know about the contest?"

Emma responded with, "And its unsurprising winners." Cautious of her infantile armload, she lowered to the rug. "Miss Kendall requested to meet with us as well as the Carmichaels tomorrow."

"Did she call you?"

"No. It was actually your guardian ghouls who sought her out today." At Joey's clear puzzlement, Charles clarified with a humorous glint in his eyes, "Banshee and Specter. They were worried about you and decided to do some investigating. You mustn't be angry with them or Miss Kendall. They only acted out of care and concern for you."

"They did?" Joey attempted to absorb that.

"Yes, they did." Emma then inquired, "Why did you leave us in the dark this way, Treasure? I understand perhaps not wanting to mention the competition until after the results, but why in the world didn't you tell us such good news yesterday?"

Charles wanted to know, "Why did you misbehave instead?"

Joey brought his knees towards his chest. "I didn't… I didn't know what to do. I was waiting on Laci to tell her folks, Frank's mom is here, I couldn't say anything so close to his birthday, then Trick brought up my last contest…" He bowed his head in frustrated fatigue. "I don't know…"

Emma immediately pressed lips to his temple to soothe him. Be calm, my darling. Come now…

This conversation is obviously far from over, but right now, we'd best get these two back to bed, Charles determined, not wanting either of them riled again. He stood first to help his wife to her feet while she clutched their one-year-old to her chest.

Yes, our bed. Emma turned to Joey. I think Brian would like all of us tonight.

Me, too, Mum. Before Joey could rise to his feet, he found himself lifted by his father.

Winding his legs around the man's middle, Joey instinctively nestled his cheek near his neck. In the master suite, the telepaths situated their fledgling pair between them on the grand bed. Though he tried to concentrate on Brian by giving his brother his pinky to squeeze, Joey's eyes stayed on Charles. The man in motion turned off the lights of his reading lamp and Emma's vanity mirror. As soon as he joined them under the summer linens, Joey rolled over to get in close to him.

Arm going around him, Charles experienced the child's internal tremors. Stay with Mummy and Brian. I'll warm some milk for you.

Joey only clung tighter. No, Daddy. I just want to sleep. Help me. Please?

Lay still, my Charles. Once his son complied with the instruction, the elder Xavier offered a massage to the negatively charged head. Joey grew more comfortable against him and his eyelids closed.

Charles linked with Emma's offered hand, creating a locked barrier over their boys.

IIIIIII

With her third refill on coffee, the almost robotic woman resumed scanning through the plethora of materials sprawled on the living room coffee table. So much of it bled together that even with the aide of caffeine, the pictures and ancient text swirled before her.

"Lannie?"

Fingers at her throbbing temples, the voice made Alana peer up at the ash blonde. "Trick. Are you two still at it?"

"Our suffering will begin come early light," Trick replied cheerfully, "but it's not everyday Seanie and I get to compose together without hefty long-distance charges." Noticing what held her interests currently, he knelt for a better look. "Speaking of the wee Banshee, I see you've gotten into his genre of choice."

"Just when you think we've seen it all globetrotting." Alana gave off a dismayed shake of her head. "I know teenagers are hard to decode, but I don't understand how such a sweet boy finds a shred of entertainment in this depravity."

"Mere battle gear for the boyo." Trick spotted her book on Owen Ignacio and picked it up for indication. "How he helped Frank come out on top against this blighter. If we'd only been here for that- eat your hearts out, Moses and Aaron."

A woeful Alana kept her head propped by her fist as she brought up, "And when Aaron leaves?" The simple question gave pause to Trick. "There is a galaxy of things already to take in concerning mutation, but… Trick, this is leagues above metaphysics and biology."

"How can that possibly surprise you?" Trick came back with. He squatted at the coffee table. "Such forces have been in place long before and well-after us, Lannie. A mutant warzone may seem on a grander scale, but it's no different than the divinity I hear in a gifted vocalist or the wickedness in those who scorn my family."

"I grew up Catholic, too, Trick. But what if Frank is unprepared without Sean? For this," she sent her fingernails across the sketch of the Shadow with contempt, "or the next sicko?"

"Frank's proven his power potential in ways he himself never imagined," Trick reminded her. "He's had to go without Sean before, but that's never left him alone. Such a concept is nonexistent within the X-Men." He reacted to her lingering, wordless gaze. "What?"

"Charles wasn't speaking figuratively during that toast," Alana surmised. "You are home, aren't you?"

Trick countered, "Aren't you?" When she faced forward in thought, Trick noticed an open textbook. He removed the loose papers partially covering it. As soon as he received full view of the pages, he gasped and nearly fell back as the images looked to lunge at him. "Ah!"

Alana turned and developed alarm at his paling features. "Trick, what's wrong?" She grabbed him by both shoulders. "Trick?"

The hazel eyes blinked, taking in her far more pleasant face. "Right then, these late nights are catching up on me. Better tell Sean we need to wrap it up." He gripped the edge of the table to get to his feet. "Don't mull over this for too much longer. This stuff… be watchful of how much you allow inside."

Alana watched him with equal thoughtfulness. "Right. Night, honey."

Trick blew her a kiss as he strolled from her sight. On route back to the music studio, he had to press a stabilizing hand against the wall every so often.

IIIIIII

Charles. Charles?

Heavy irises revealing themselves to the abundance of daylight, the telepath returned, Baby Blue?

Can you meet us in the lab in a few minutes?

Straightaway.

Charles moved with gentle haste, not wanting to jar the other three still lingering in slumber. He eyed them with a loving gaze before collecting clothes. In and out of the attached bathroom, he took his leave of the suite.

As soon as the French doors closed again, Joey's eyelids peeled apart.

II

Positioned horizontally on the exam table, the newly turned fifteen-year-old stayed as stiff as he could. Hank worked over him under Raven and Erik's vigilance. The English Headmaster joined them promptly.

He started to deliver a jovial greeting until he noticed the one on the table. "Frank." He made a beeline for him and laid a hand across his forehead. "Are you alright?"

At ease at the Professor's touch, Frank replied somewhat humorously, "Trying to figure that out myself."

Erik explained, "He had some sleep trouble late last night."

Raven kept her palms on the boy's right wrist. "We're making sure nothing happens like after he turned thirteen."

Understanding in full, Charles finger-combed Frank's hair as he spoke to him. "While I agree with the precaution, remember that was two years ago and you haven't suffered similar growing pains. Including when you made fourteen."

"You saw what happened last night," Raven strongly reminded. "In front of all those guests. I'm glad Cody was able to joke away that little preview of July 4th."

"Yes," concurred Charles. "Blocking the memories of an entire sea of rampaging hormones was not my ideal Plan A."

Guilt building on his face, Frank lifted his head a bit. "I went way too overboard with all those kids, didn't I?"

"Hey," Raven caressed his cheek to get his attention, "you know how word gets around. We might as well have rented out Central Park for our wedding." She exchanged a quick smile with Hank. "You can't help being the keeper of cool for all of New York."

Though Frank found some cheer listening to the shapeshifter, he still vexed, "But one of the other X-Kids could've had a reaction." He threw his head back in weariness. "Just had to go showboating…"

"Frank," Hank addressed pointedly, "lie back."

Erik seconded that with a light slap to the doleful teen's thigh. "Stop that fidgeting." When his son laid flat again, Erik pinched his chin. "And that fretting while you're at it." He inched in to speak less firmly. "This past year, you made a number of poor choices for which you paid the penalties. However, not one of those instances defined you nor can any take away from all your growth. Though we both know I find these circus festivities entirely wanton, you deserved enjoying your birthday to the fullest."

As the corners of his mouth turned upward, Frank whispered, "Thanks, Dad."

"Alana," Raven and Charles jointly acknowledged the activity at the entrance of the lab.

"Mom," reacted Frank and Erik glanced over.

The redhead with a robe on over her nightwear wondered, "Is rising with the chickens a standard custom of cozy, quaint towns or is this one of those X-Men quirks?"

"You still have much about us to unravel," Erik responded cryptically.

Raven gave her a more valid response with, "We're just making sure the Lovebug doesn't sprout extra limbs on us. Trying to rule out antennae, too. Happy Friday, by the way."

Frank urged, "I just wanted to be on the safe side because of my eyes. Seriously, it's nothing. I'm fi—" His lips locked as soon as his mother got within proximity to grip them between her fingers.

"Alright, I'll be the first to admit eighteen months is a long time, so let's go ahead and clear up this outbreak of amnesia you're suffering." Releasing his lips, Alana leaned forward to set eyes with her offspring. "I may be distressed but I am no damsel for you to shield. Withholding information for your safety and the safety of the other mutants, understandable. Withholding information because you're afraid of shattering my heart and what's left of my mind? Ends now. I'm your mother- not your sister, not your girlfriend or one of those other teeny boppers trying to get their hooks into you- your mother. I take care of you, not the other way around. Clear?"

Frank nodded vigorously. "And loud. I didn't mean anything, Mom."

"Tell me something I don't know." Alana sent affectionate fingers through his hair then turned to the medical professional present. "Or better yet, you should. How are his eyes? When did you last run blood on him?"

"Earlier this week." Hank explained, "I wanted all ducks lined up before his program begins. I found nothing of suspect and even some improvement thanks to his candy consumption decreasing by all of ten percent."

"High school wrecks the cost of living," Frank quipped. "Babes are expensive."

Raven and Erik shook their heads while Charles stood in amusement.

Giving the teenager's pupils another scan with his miniature flashlight, Hank asked, "Have colors seemed at all muted to you? How long does your blurred vision take to clear in the morning?"

"Nope, everything's brighter from sun absorption. Like I'm solar-powered or something," Frank detailed. "In the morning, it's all clear after I wipe off all that crust gunk with my sleeve. I thought it was okay since I haven't had any flukes. Until last night."

"We can't say if that was a fluke or not." Hank stood straight, leaving his flashlight in his breast pocket. "It could've been a sign of continued development. Still, let's keep eye exams weekly just in case."

Raven put forth, "What if it's my powers?" Her suggestion gained the room's gaze. "His light goes from zero to haywire around me."

"What?" Frank shot up on the table again. "Rae, that's not what happens. You make it sound like I'm allergic to you. Even if I was, I wouldn't care if my nose perma-clogged and my throat swelled shut."

Though euphoria filled by the statement, Raven remained unappeased. "That doesn't change the fact that something happens to you near me."

"But we know it is not something detrimental," Charles reasoned. "It defies all logic that your powers would have any sort of adverse effect on his. Your reflexes and shape-changing are offensive and restricted to your own body. Frank's are combination offense and defense; not to mention sporadic and sun-fueled like Scott's."

"That's what we know." Now, Erik received their undivided attention. "The other source powering him is beyond our understanding."

"Nothing new to medical science," Hank claimed. "I'll decipher it all one day, but what is for sure is the correlation between Raven and Frank's mutation rising to the occasion. The greatest display thus far was at the plant. Raven wasn't in his immediate vicinity, but we all know I wasn't at the front of his mind during that mission." He looked at the boy in question. "A fact I greatly respect, by the way." Frank sent him a little smirk.

Following the plethora of theories, Alana asked, "Is there anything else we can do for certainty?"

"Charles," Frank petitioned.

Gingerly taking the youth's head between his hands, the telepath directed, "Relax."

Frank laid his hands over the man's and closed his eyes while the others stayed in quiet observance.

Charles made his way inside the adolescent psyche. He found himself first within then promptly whisked through fog that morphed into brilliant beams of light and energy. Taken upward by sudden levitation, Charles reached for the overhead but oddly intangible ceiling. From above, another appendage- slimmer and defter- extended with beseeching fingers. Charles managed to make contact with it and looked on with mesmerized eyes as the second hand altered itself. It changed into cerulean for hardly two seconds before becoming olive, fair, tanned, and more shades than the Professor could keep track. A rumble of cloudless thunder echoed all around.

Aseel…

What? Charles then fully audibly demanded, "Answer me!"

"Charles," came from his siblings and Raven hurried to latch onto his arm.

Frank flinched somewhat. "… Charles?"

In the lab and physical realm again, Charles repositioned his palms on Frank's cheeks in a tender touch. "I'm sorry, Frankie. I got all too literally carried away." He gave his forehead a peck. "You're fine, Child of Light."

Frank still asked, "What were you talking about 'answer me'?"

Charles told him, "I heard something in your mind."

Alana wanted to know, "What?"

"Aseel," Charles voiced the single word.

With a raised eyebrow, Raven peered up at Hank, who stood with a similarly bewildered countenance.

"Good." At their continued mystified states, Erik further clarified, "Aseel. It means goodness."

Facing Charles sardonically, Frank asserted, "What'd you do, detour through my head and make a wrong turn into Scott's?"