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.

317. Chapter 317 IQ to the Rescue

Rise or Fall

Chapter 317

NOTE: No good tidings to share this time, dear Fam. Instead, I beseech you with an urgent prayer and well-wishing request for Fam member, Chrissysmiles. Early last week, her family suffered a tremendous, unexpected, and absolutely senseless loss in their little dog, Al, who was hit by a car. Most especially place in your hearts and heads her oldest daughter, Becky and Becky's beau, Christian, Al's humans, who only got to be with him hardly over a year. Thank you for any and all prayers and support for Chrissysmiles during this difficult and completely unfair time. Be careful and be blessed, my Fam.

Through divine intervention, Samantha found herself risen from bed ahead of the eternal sleeping beauty a yard to her right. Specifically, the divine creation known as Midnight whispered sweet purrs while nuzzling his human-mutant life-mate. Cat cradled in her hold, Samantha attempted to perk as she journeyed downstairs to refill his food and water dishes. Once the handsome beast proved sufficiently satisfied with her mere mortal efforts, she returned to the second level to see to her own needs.

Using her fingers to rid her eyes of remaining slumber residue, the girl had to act swiftly to stay upright. The additional weight that pounced her from behind offered her a squeeze before gripping her shoulders to flip himself in front of her.

"Cool reflexes, Calico," Cody crossed his arms impertinently, "for a mutated sloth."

When the younger fledgling sprinted off, Samantha growled, "Cat," before giving him chase.

As soon as he happened upon the nearest available terrace, Cody redirected his rapid form to leap over its edge.

"Wooooo!" he fervently cried out, snagging a tree branch. "Can't catch this, Callie."

"Oh yeah?" Easily imitating his maneuvers, she stood on a separate wooden limb. "Any carnivore can catch up to weaseling game like you. We just like playing with our food first."

"Hey," Cody reacted indignantly. "The only game I see around here is you." He looked to think again. "More like smell. You'd be ripped to shreds in the wild with that morning breath."

"Says the one who's rotten to the core," Samantha retorted.

Sticking his tongue out, Cody let himself drop. Samantha jumped down as well. Landing first, Cody bent forward at the waist and spread both his arms to pick up speed. Samantha stayed crouched near to the ground as she galloped on all fours. Her momentum gained and she took the opportunity to spring at him. Though Cody tried tremendously to evade her grasp, she managed to yank him down by his ankles.

With the boy pinned beneath her, Samantha started to deliver a victorious outburst until his open mouth drowned out hers. As the unexpected sound heightened, she inched away from him by a considerable distance. Clamping a hand over his lips, Cody peered at her not in triumph but in floored mystification.

IIIIIII

Fulfilling the request for his presence, Victor rendezvoused with the rest in the lab. Logan, Kayla, the Headmasters, and Samantha all stood around the table while Hank conducted Cody's vocal examination.

"What's happenin', Mite?" the Security Head inquired as he made a path for his nephew.

"Uncle Vic." Already jubilant, Cody brightened further. "You'll never believe it. Listen, listen."

"Cody—"

Before Hank could speak the full caution, the brazen boy cast his gaze heavenly and unleashed the robust rumble. Grin never leaving his face, he eyed the animalistic elder for his reaction.

Victor stood with his normally even countenance quite astounded. "You gotta be… when did this start?"

"Like twenty minutes ago," Cody estimated. "Me and Sam were sparrin' and I didn't even mean to, but next thing I know—" He belted out another for emphasis.

"CoCo," Kayla piped up, "you have to watch where you're aiming that."

With some meager meekness returning to him, Cody replied, "Right, Ma, sorry."

"You believe this kid, Vic?" Logan messed his son's hair with satisfaction in his mannerisms. "Next time we turn our heads, he'll have Barry White's base."

Victor put forth reflectively, "I was nearly sixteen before I let loose a roar even close to that."

Overwhelming giddiness coated Cody at the men's words.

Samantha felt the need to point out, "I could roar at thirteen."

"You ladies do mature faster than us blokes," Charles mentioned benignly.

"You're the strongest case of a female with our powerset," Logan told her. "When those cu—" He remembered the company of women and children. "Science fanatics got yours unlocked, I got to thinkin' maybe you girls get ahead like actual lionesses. To hunt prey and take care of the cubs."

"That's my thinking as well," Erik seconded. "Either that or our little niece is simply ahead of the curb."

Samantha aimed her appreciative visage at the Poland native.

"Yeah, but mine's louder 'cause I'm a boy," Cody boasted, exchanging faces of mockery with the blonde kitten.

"Kids," interjected Kayla pointedly, getting the pair settled.

Cody's exhilaration remained tenfold as he bounded off the table to land in front of the mirror Hank kept near the weight and measurement scales. "I just don't believe it. "Claws, fur," he uninhibitedly removed his top to expose the forest of black strands, "now my roar finally kicked in."

"Shirt on, Mite." At how robust the order came out, Victor eased and reminded, "You see these ladies in here."

A wordless Erik glanced his way.

Keeping an eyeroll at bay, Cody slipped the tee back on, but continued admiring his reflection. "This is the best manhood journey ever. I'll make alpha yet."

"Let's not get carried away, Cody." Hank approached and looked into the mirror with him. "I want to make sure there aren't a few setbacks to accompany this unexpected growth spurt." He patted the boy's shoulder. "You still have some time to go before joining us alphas."

"Us?" A genuinely puzzled Cody raised his head to view the resident physician. "Seriously, Hank? You think you're an alpha like Dad and Uncle Vic just because you're big and help them train us? You're twice my age and you just figured out self-healin', what, two years ago? Pretty sure Scott has better night vision than you do. You're nowhere near alpha."

For the second time in under an hour, he caused enlargement in Samantha's eyes.

"Cody, that is enough," reproached Kayla.

Logan gave him a notorious look. "You want to stay on top of the world or keep flappin' those lips so you can spend the rest of the day in your room?"

"Sorry," Cody said yet again.

With Emma's mind leading them, she and Adrienne's entry dissipated all tension with their brand of Frost air.

"There you two are." Adrienne peered between Samantha and Victor.

"Hey, guess what," Cody perked on sight of the lovely pair. "I learned to roar. Just a little while ago."

Emma touched on that first. "Did you?"

"… Kudos, dear." The redheaded sister then asked her blonde beau, "I take it, such a thing is a first-tooth-esque milestone in your mutated jungle?"

Victor came back with, "Closer to takin' the trainin' wheels off the bike."

"Ah, I see. What accomplished nephews I've inherited." Adrienne then promptly pressed on with, "Now, come, come, come. Angel's own magnificent feat is just ahead of us."

"Coming," Samantha sighed softly, trailing after Victor.

As the rest of his workspace emptied, Hank determined, "I need to get going myself."

Left with the young scientist, Logan put forth, "My boy can match my mouth when he wants to… but he's not wrong, Hank." The male in question eyed him inquisitively. "You have serious catchin' up to do."

Hank released an incredulous exhale. "Meaning what exactly? You find me developmentally delayed?"

"Bullseye," Logan confirmed forthrightly. "Fact is, it's not your fault, kid. You grew up in a whole other time and place from me and Vic; galaxies apart. Way back when Charles and Erik came lookin' the first time, maybe if I'd heard 'em out for ten seconds, we could've been here for you a lot sooner."

"Logan, please," Hank scoffed. "You may be here for my son, but let's not pretend I've ever been on your pet list." He continuously locked gazes with the Veteran. "Now, if you'll excuse me…" Hank started up his staircase.

Logan watched him for a brief moment before taking his own leave.

IIIIIII

Behind the wheel of her Cadillac, the tinted windows kept the plentiful sunlight out of Adrienne's eyes. The blue irises proved as striking as the black cocktail dress with equally dark hosiery that adorned her curvaceous form. A mauve floral print decorated the front of the sleeveless garment. Next to her, Victor wore gray pants with a tangerine dress shirt. His lustrous hair flapped in the air provided by his half-lowered window. The back contained the mutually quiet teen girls. Also lacking sleeves, Samantha had on a watermelon dress. Angel sat with folded hands in a specially tailored fuchsia bodycon number. The sleeves reached her wrists and the skirt hugged her lower thighs. They both sported similarly curled hairstyles like Adrienne, who kept her fiery strands swept to one side.

Finally fed up with the creaking glass, Angel clenched her teeth as she demanded, "Can you quit playing with that thing?"

Samantha rolled her eyes, but let the window be. "Sorry for trying to stay awake."

Angel said in aggravation, "You should have brought one of your dolls."

"Thought I had you for that," Samantha shot back.

"Hey, hey," Victor slapped at his door for additional emphasis, "you're both a couple of dolls and I don't mean G.I. Joes. Now, knock it off."

"Hm," hummed Adrienne slyly. "Really, lover, these two aren't even the preliminaries to a true sibling squabble, especially contained in a moving vehicle together. It's not of true concern until one calls the other a deformed broomstick in retaliation to "mutated swine" with Father questioning the logic behind the X chromosome."

"Brothers just duke it out," Victor reminisced in turn.

Angel sunk into laughter. "This chick called Em a deformed broomstick."

Jovial air waved through the entire vehicle after that.

A sparkle igniting in her pupils due to the upcoming sight, Samantha poked her head between the front seats. "Angie, look…"

"Do not stick your head all the way out," Adrienne admonished. "These people needn't mistake you for Lassie."

"Okay." Peering through her window, Angel quickly became entranced by the abundance of pink and orange.

The color duo practically painted the sky with countless balloons, banners, and other suspended décor.

"Surreal sorbet," commented Adrienne and Victor followed up with, "Dreamsicle on quaaludes."

"I know. Isn't it cool?" grinned Samantha.

As they preceded inside, the equally festive dressed coeds helped guide the cars into the designated visitors' lot.

"Hello, we're so glad to have you."

"Thank you for accepting our invitation."

"Hi! It's really great to—" The baffled young woman watched Victor exit the Cadillac first. "…. You're a dad. Hey, girlies," she waved about, "we have another dad attendee." She indicated the floral necklace in her possession. "Do you mind…?"

Victor bowed his head for her to easier adorn him with it. "Much obliged, sweets."

When he maneuvered to get the doors of the female riders open for them, many appeared to cease activity upon seeing, "Angela Salvadore?"

"The model?"

"You really came!"

"… Hi," the now bashful Angel waved feebly.

A short Hispanic girl with shoulder-length hair placed one of the necklaces on her. "We are so glad you're here. Did you like your gift basket?"

"For sure, thanks…" Angel eyed her closely. "Camille?"

"Perchance to dream," she answered in verse. "No, I'm House VP, Valentina Flores- Val. That's Madam President."

Through the multitude of participants, Angel followed her pointer finger. It directed her line of sight to a tall ultra-slim figure with a stream of dark hair down her back. A pale peach skirt suit and apricot blouse decorated the mahogany skin. When her gaze went to the parking lot, she acknowledged the gathered with an all the more radiant smile.

IIIIIII

Porcelain pot refilled, Julie returned it to the silver server with the rest of her set on the coffee table. Raven brought in and placed the assortment of blueberry and banana nut muffins alongside it. The visiting males expressed their gratitude before helping themselves to the offering.

"Better keep that away from Lee," Alex half-joked, bobbing his head towards the warm pot.

"Are my ears buzzing?" Leon made his way back from the rear of the house.

"Are you feeling alright?" Clint asked him. "Thought you got lost for a second there."

"Oh, fine," Leon assured dismissively, sitting between Hank and Alex on the sofa again. "I love coffee, but I can never make it see eye to eye with my bladder."

"That's why I have to limit myself to two cups for that commute into work," Clint sympathized. "The Crusades weren't half as agonizing."

"That reminds me, Clint," Alex put forth, "can I get a few business cards from you before we go?"

"Of course," an immediately flattered Clint. "I have a stash in my den. How many do you need?"

Alex determined, "A dozen or two would be great actually. A lot of the guys around campus like to grease their folks for wheels after they make the grade. In fact, I know some who are aiming for the Dean's List as a contingency for their own ride. I figured you could cut them a great deal and show their parents they've done research beyond a radio hookup."

"That's more astute reasoning than I ever drummed up in my junior year of college," Clint commended.

"Seems you had your own claim to fame during that time." Hank placed attention on and got up to go to the group photograph on the mantle, set outside of Cornell University. "Big Reds- nice."

"That's from sophomore year." Rising, Clint went to stand beside him as a nostalgia spell got the better of him. "Before I finally figured out my major and had to buckle down big time. Even in high school, I lived and breathed football."

"Tell me about it," Hank said heartily.

With affectionate annoyance, Julie remarked, "You men," then faced Raven. "What do you say we leave these athletic specimens in their natural habitat?"

"Right behind you." Raven followed the gracious hostess back into the kitchen.

Receiving the look from his twin, Alex cued Hank with, "Hate to interrupt, guys, but it's about time we get down to why we're here."

"My daughter loves drawing angels." Clint retook his seat in the armchair across from the mansion dwellers. "Who knew she had a whole fleet on her side?"

"She's worth it," asserted Alex. "Even if she weren't my little brother's best friend, Laci's an amazing kid. The whole family loves having her over."

"I know," Clint replied wistfully. "She's come so far out of her shell since she met Joey. Honestly never thought I'd see the day."

"Then, you understand why it would be a catastrophic detriment to not allow her to take part in this summer session with him," Leon concluded candidly. "Far more than a major opportunity to develop as an artist, attending it will be all the indication you need about her future prospects. Finding out whether or not she can survive in an environment a distance from home and her general comfort zone. It would certainly relieve many of your concerns regarding her adulthood."

Clint came back with, "Somehow, we didn't think we'd be shipping her out at all of eleven years old. Julie and I knew nothing about this and as phenomenal an honor as it is, it's too soon to expect her to handle such a stressful situation so far from us."

"I must disagree," Hank staunchly countered. "And I'm speaking as one of her physicians. Due to her early health issues, her physicality suffered for it. Besides the side effects of multiple medications, she's quite small for a girl her age. Now, having friends and getting the chance to play outside with them, has made such a difference. She can run faster without getting winded so quickly, her skin is better adjusted to the sun, and with her appetite improved, the weight gain may be marginal, but it's been effective in keeping her from shivering as badly in the cold."

"There's a lot more to consider here, too," Alex spoke next. "All the prescriptions in the world can't boost her spirit. Laci needs something to work towards. Outside of her art, she's basically only living to stay alive."

"An existence approximately one tier above death," stated Leon.

Hank glanced at him briefly.

Clint said, "Look, fellas, it's pretty crystal clear that this move and meeting all of you has been good for Laci. But the way you two are talking," he directed at Alex and Leon, "your brains are set to undergrad. You have your textbooks in your head and they've got you analyzing all over the place."

"Leon's been studying the various fields of psychology well before sending out college apps," Alex informed the older man. "True, I haven't been studying physical therapy nearly as long, but I've spent the best years of my life as a children's caregiver. From newborns to middle schoolers with all kinds of health issues, in and out."

Hank mentioned pointedly, "There's a reason you're comfortable with Laci spending so much time at our place." He rethought that. "More like multiple reasons, considering our vast array of credentials. And weren't you recently honored as one of the youngest to receive your salesmanship award? How many seasoned sellers took well to being so usurped?"

Clint started to part his lips until he found himself short on rapid-fire rebuttals.

II

"Everything from scratch, right down to the marmalade and jams." Sheer rhapsody radiated from Raven's features. "Waking up to that brunch spread on Casual Saturday- I was convinced I'd detoured into Heaven during the night."

At the small square-shaped table facing her, Julie said in awe, "Two brothers who can not only navigate the kitchen but actually create in it. Clint can hardly reheat soup."

Raven tilted her head towards the living room. "You pretty much just described my twin in there. With kids? God's gift of greatness. In the kitchen? Human wrecking ball."

After an airy laugh, Julie grew somber. "I really want Laci to take part in this program. Clint's just so on edge about too many things. He lost the most sleep during all those health scares."

"I understand how he feels," Raven assured genuinely. "We needed all hands on deck with a few toes thrown in when Brian was born prematurely. It almost took everything out of Em. Sometimes even I'm left to wonder how we survived that whole thing."

"You're blessed with the most magnificent support system, Raven," Julie stated. "Our friends and relatives helped where they could, but shifts in that hospital and her at-home care fell on us."

"That was then," Raven reminded plainly. "In the here and now, Laci has that support system. I would do anything for that girl."

Though appreciation showed on her countenance, Julie could not help a weak smile. "Which is why your house is home. I've noticed for a long time that this place is only her refuel station. And God help me, I don't blame her or you."

"Julie," Raven spoke tenderly, reaching over to lay her palm on the other woman's clasped hands.

"It feels like we deceived her," Julie went on. "Telling her day after day that once the worst was behind us, she would get to enjoy every moment for all its worth. Instead, it's like she's still a patient. Only with more free-range space."

Raven responded kindly, "It doesn't have to be that way. Not anymore."

"No, it doesn't," Julie softly concurred, half addressing herself.

When the visit came to a close, the Carmichaels escorted the group to the door. They voiced their promise of consideration as the X-Men gave their affable farewells. Clint also remembered to supply Alex with the requested cards. The semi-formal attired quad started for where they left the Lincoln parked in the additional space in the long driveway. Alex made quick work of loosening his tie and Raven let her mutated blonde locks fall free from her pinned up-do.

"How'd you guys do?" the shapeshifter asked the masculine trio.

"Clint was a one-man debate team," Hank reported, stepping ahead to open his wife's side door, "but I think we got our point across more than he cares to admit." He peered Alex's way. "Inspired thinking with the business cards."

"My twin the schmoozer," remarked Raven playfully.

Alex claimed glibly, "College and New Salem are ruining me." He slipped into the back with Leon, behind Raven's seat. "The football bit was a nice touch, too."

Hank situated himself on the driver's side. "If you think WU is ruining you, the Ivy League practically offers a minor in the art of the ego stroke."

"Goes a long way towards explaining the pill popping. At least four different types of painkillers." Leon released his ponytail to finger-comb his silky strands. "Not to mention the wine collection nestled away in the attic."

The rest promptly giving him their gazes, Hank questioned, "And you're able to substantiate these claims how…?"

Alex eyed the younger boychick knowingly. "So, you did get lost on the way to the bathroom."

Leon reacted with a brisk shake of his hair.

"Ever so cavalier, Lee." Getting the ignition active, Hank regarded him using the rearview mirror. "It's enough you play Loki to get under your professors' skin plus whatever little favors Melissa goads you into," Hank caught the brief but apparent surprise that flashed across Leon's features at the latter, "but your powers do not entitle you to rifle through others' privacy so needlessly." He eased them onto the road. "It would be a different story altogether if we believed Laci to be suffering mistreatment under her parents."

"Isn't she?" raised Alex. "I wasn't BSing what I said in there. Being alive is not reason enough to live. You're the one who put art lessons for Joe in Charles' head. You supported Scott's baseball bid way more than I did."

"Not to mention, sizing up Frank for that shipping crate to Harvard," interjected Leon.

Raven's eyes shifted back to yellow with flecks of amber visible. "AKA the event that need not be referenced- ever again."

The males complied in a unison feat.

Nudging Leon's foot with his own, Alex received his attention. "Hank is right, by the way. As beyond cool as your level of espionage is, you have to make better judgment calls on when and where to use it."

Leon confirmed his comprehension with, "Roger that."

"I do appreciate that you were thinking of her," Raven added. "And it's no surprise that Clint- maybe he and Julie both- are going the medicinal route to deal with the stress, but I don't think that much is for us to worry about. If either of them was intentionally harming her, Laci would have said something already. To Joey, if no one else."

Leon pressed, "You're sure of that?"

"Yes, I am," Raven came back with matter-of-factly with her gaze on her husband then on the summer scenery they passed.

IIIIIII

When the event preliminaries got underway, it turned out that the only eight new students made up the actual invitees. The rest of the assembly consisted of their family members, mainly mothers, aunts, and a couple grandmothers. Four of the House members participated as well. Adrienne moved amongst the high-heeled matrons, her eyes fixed and expression cryptic. As did Camille's mother, Aurelia Cartwright, who stood tall and of almost exact shape as her daughter. Her raven hair in a mid-neck bob framed her face and her skin tone resembled caramel. The only men present, Victor brought up the rear alongside Camille's father, Braxton Cartwright, whose height nearly matched his own. Camille most clearly received her deeper brown features from him with her coming off as his female clone in that regard. He sported a short-boxed beard and wore tan trousers with a polo in salmon.

Samantha took note of the clearest sore thumb as well as only other under-eighteen-year-old present, Calvin Cartwright. Camille's brother looked most like Aurelia, though dressed similarly to Braxton.

As Camille and Val led the precession across the campus, Angel noted the demographics that failed to match her original mental pictures. Specifically, Samantha and Victor plus four others proved the only fair-heads present with a mother and daughter comprising two. The other six RSVPs included a shapely girl with clear Dominican accent, Italian, French, a black girl who styled her hair in a beehive and another with micro braids flowing, and a Jordanian whose cinnamon brown waves bounced in a high ponytail. Around the massive library, the spirited guides brought them down a block.

"Now, it's not quite Barbie's Malibu condo at the moment," admitted Val. "It's safe, but several areas are closed off with our expansion project underway."

"Expansion project?" questioned one elderly lady.

Camille elaborated with, "As the recipients of last year's Daughters of Doyle Grant, contributions from our alumni family, plus our sponsorship from Fisk Industries, we were approved for an add-on of fifteen hundred square feet."

This ignited enthused chatter, which dissipated into utter stillness when they at last reached the Dutch Colonial house. With a wide front porch, blooming garden, columns and paneling painted in carnation, the apricot roof topped it. A hot pink picket fence surrounded it. The bronze "Shahrazad House" plaque hung from the right-hand center column.

Camille confessed, "I know it's not quite on par with the Omega House, certainly not Alpha's fortress…"

Several of the girls gaped at the modesty.

"Are you kidding?"

"This place is gorgeous!"

"Give me five minutes to pack."

Squeezing Angel's arm, Samantha pointed out the peonies in bloom. "Almost as pretty as Uncle Logan's."

"I know," Angel replied with shared glee.

However, the excitement proved short-lived over the multiple motherly hushes. Begrudging decorum overtook the youths.

"Yes," commented one of the women, "your house is quite adorable, really."

"Nothing like Barbie, hm?" another echoed the prior sentiment. "From the looks of it, I would assume Mattel is handling your renovations."

"Let us hope so," Adrienne remarked shrewdly, bringing smiles to Angel and Samantha again.

Eyes darting between every naysayer, Aurelia watched her daughter's cheerful countenance fade not even marginally.

"We all know curb appeal is a meager means of getting the foot in the door," Camille stated. She and Val headed through the short gate. "As for the heart of the home…"

Val twisted the knob and held the pearl pink door open with a cordial, "Ladies."

"And Daddy/baby brother humans," Camille tacked on.

Victor observed the quiet fondness exchanged in hers and Braxton's glances. Calvin sent her a put-upon sneer.

When the majority of them entered, the men deliberately lingered in place until Camille and Val went ahead of them. Calvin ventured forth next.

Zeroing in on something, Victor pointed across the street at an odd blue and orange property. "That their sister sorority, I take it?"

With a shake of his head, Braxton informed, "That's Homer House- their brother fraternity."

"A frat house?" Victor simplified with disdain instantly evident. "Just skippin' distance from the girls? What, there's no room across campus? Across state lines even?"

"Don't I wish?" Braxton commiserated. "But rest assured that my daughter doesn't play around with enforcing the code of conduct on every one of her members. SHS is her life."

The older male let that suffice for the time being and they caught up with the rest shortly.

From parlor onward, the neon sorority colors almost made the elegant light fixtures obsolete. Victor did note the various framed images on the walls that depicted different scenes from literature, mainly 1001 Arabian Nights. They could not explore the interior in its entirety due to many areas, including the kitchen, blocked for expansion. They soon arrived in the largest common space, the party room. Four sofas- two fuchsia and two ginger- formed a square in the middle of the room for everyone to sit intimately. Though Victor and Braxton continued standing, Val and Camille did not. They and their members also encouraged any who wished to share their couches.

Val started things with, "Before we get the garden party underway, we're sure you're all wondering why we sought you out so far ahead of Rush Week. So far ahead of any of you picking out your dorm room bedding, to be honest."

Camille inserted, "You all have such incredible honors and resumes among you. Full-ride scholarship wins, lifelong abroad studies, distinguished performing and fine arts awards, working as full-time as legally allowable while never dropping below a 3.0 all four years of high school, pursuing college despite already thriving in your dream career," Angel brought her gaze slightly higher, "and other feats we can't begin to list."

"If it seems as if we find you bankable and want to piggyback your accomplishments all to bolster our sorority," Val's expression did not change as she concluded, "it's only because we find you bankable and want to piggyback your accomplishments all to bolster our sorority."

Victor snorted and Braxton chuckled deeply, but not due to the blunt words. The reactions resulted from the differing taken aback faces from the older women. Several of them came off as if experiencing the concept of forthrightness for the very first time.

"Before we conclude later today, I have to press upon you that we are not representatives of the atypical "Greek" campus life," Camille asserted. "We don't go back countless generations, trying to sell elitist nepotism under the guise of tradition and American values. In actuality, we don't even have a full decade under our belt. We're a fortunate fulfilled promise by Dean Stavros, who has spent his career uplifting society's marginalized. Don't be mistaken, however. Unlike the Omegas and Alphas, this House does not waste time on politics and war games with our schoolmates."

"For those of you unfamiliar with the Shahrazad of legend," Val spoke again, "she's the narrator as well as primary heroine in 1001 Arabian Nights. As the tale goes, the first wife of King Shahryar was unfaithful to him. He spiraled into madness when he heard of this. He not only killed her, but decided to marry a different," aware of certain adolescent ears present, she carefully worded, "'woman of virtue' daily and kill the previous day's wife to make sure none had the chance to be unfaithful to him again. Shahrazad was one of the many selected. When Shahryar overheard her telling a story to her sister, he became so captivated by it that he extended Shahrazad's life another day to be able to hear another story. Things went on this way for one thousand and one days, but when Shahrazad finally ran out of stories, Shahryar realized he loved her and she went on to rule with him as queen."

Camille brought up, "You may be wondering why we refer to her as the primary heroine or a heroine at all. She's only narrating the actual stories after all. In doing so, she also saved her own life, that of other women in the future, and helped the king through his mental torment. And she did all that simply by telling stories that she picked up from years of studying history, legends, philosophy, and poetry. She saved so many not by picking up a sword or loading a firearm but by being kind, witty, and supremely intelligent. This is why, after years of many women being denied so much as the privilege of knowing how to spell their names, we're proud to call ourselves the Shahrazad House. If we're going to reach out, fist-a-cuffs in the street won't cut it. We have to be the example of the cross-cultural unity we want society to uphold." Her smile grew slightly puckish. "All without ruining our fabulous manicures."

Val tacked on, "Manicure/Pedicure Night being among our bi-weekly events, incidentally."

IIIIIII

Despite mutual confusion at the robust sound effect, the flock did not investigate their surroundings. They rushed upward for the refuge of the sky.

Outfitted in one of the homemade summer rompers that gave her wings room to spread, a displeased Kiki flapped the feline's way. "Don't hurt them."

Glancing at the girl, Cody glibly reassured, "Relax, Tinkerbell. Roaring can't hurt anybody." He smirked. "It just turns their bellies yellow."

At that, Cordelia landed between them from where she scaled a tree in her hardened glittery state. "Watch it, charmer, some of us are yellow all over." She dissolved into her flesh form. "Or are you just miffed that gold is worth more than silver?"

"But not as shiny," Cody came back with importantly.

The Bostonian snapped her fingers. "Drat, got me there."

Now inspired, Cody beseeched eagerly, "Glim, Glim, go gold again. I want to see if my roar holds up against you precious dirt mutants."

Giving him a flat look, she corrected, "Precious Earth, Lord Litterbox."

"Yeah, yeah, same difference," he dismissed. "You game or what?"

"Always." Resuming her gold, she faced the flying fledgling. "See to it he doesn't cheat, Little Gorge."

"Got it, Goldie Gorge," Kiki dutifully accepted.

Radar seemingly activated, Scott gazed over from his own activity. "You better be careful, Silver. If you so much as whisper that puny meow of yours into her ear, you'll be the one recoiling."

"Gimme a little more credit than that," Cody shouted back, "One-eyed Wonder!"

"May I ask why you're screaming insults clear across the neighborhood, Codicat Howlett?"

Shoulders instantaneously stiffening at the masculine English accent, Cody inwardly rebuked his senses for failing him, "Charles, no, I di—" as he turned to see only one member of the Telepathic Triad. Irritation taking the place of his apprehension, Cody seethed, "Real cheap trick, Rat-Becca."

The curly haired girl nonchalantly countered, "For a real cheap shot, Cody-rat."

The other bi-racial child stomped his foot once when he knew, "Walked right into that one…"

Attached to Frank's back, Trav howled laughter unreservedly. "Prodigious, Bec."

The word choice amplified Frank's own highly visible amusement.

Though she could not see his full face, Becky sensed the wink Scott sent her.

"Less showmen, more X-Men, please," decreed Cordelia, regaining Cody's attention "Let's see what that roar really has in store, hm?"

Cheered, Cody gave the golden being a head-start before sprinting after her.

Kiki stayed a few inches up and behind his head as she trailed them. Spotting another aerial figure out of the corner of her eye, she redirected her line of sight to one of the second floor terraces. Relishing in the best full view of the backyard while keeping his position obscure, the metal wielder gave her the hush signal. Kiki kept his confidence and stared ahead again.

One knee bent and both arms spread, Erik reacted to a chuckle and had no need to turn around to learn who echoed it. "It seems we have a scourge of rats upon us. What a blessing we have in Midnight."

"Blessings would be your field of expertise," Charles responded puckishly. "Between that beard and your arms stretched out that way, I thought for a moment you'd leaped straight off the library's Resurrection painting."

Eyes narrowing, Erik dryly noted, "There's that telepathic wit going around today." He descended and spoke again after touching feet to floor. "The library, eh? Because between that hair and those ears, I thought for a moment you'd lost your cloven feet on your way out of the wardrobe."

Charles gave off a good-natured shake of his head. "In all honesty, you wer—" Realization firmly settling in, he eyed the older Headmaster accusatorily. "Did you just call me Mr. Tumnus?"

"Yes." At Charles' fist none-too-gently greeting his shoulder, Erik popped an eyebrow. "Did you just hit me?"

"Yes."

"Good man."

Returning to his previous statement, Charles said, "You aren't the airborne mutant I was hoping to find out here. Alana told me Trick went for a flight early this morning. I only hope he hasn't strained his lungs by now. Victor mentioned he wasn't feeling altogether well last night."

"Trick's been away for well over a year, Charles," Erik reminded, "globe-trotting at that. I'm sure he knows best his power limitations by now. I also wouldn't be surprised if he's still doing a little wound licking from yesterday."

"I really wish you would have put a stop to that scooter fiasco before it started."

Erik countered, "So I could be the ogre in Trick's pathetic bribery ploy? He made that bed, Charles. It was his to lie in. He knew better."

"Yes, he did," Charles formidably agreed. "Though, after seeing Scott so upset, I realized the error on my part. I was much too eager to have Trick and Alana back here as if nothing happened."

"I think we all shared that mentality to an extent," Erik sympathized.

Charles then wondered, "How are you handling all of this with Alana?"

Erik replied with, "I'm afloat on a raft in the middle of the Atlantic without provisions. Surrounded by water of which I can't drink a single drop; thirst worsening by the day."

Charles regarded him forlornly. "I'm sorry."

The disapproving metal wielder insisted, "You have to stop doing that, Charles. Shielding me like in the kitchen earlier. And don't bother claiming it was out of concern for the children's virgin ears."

"I did not intend to make you appear delicate, brother." Charles urged. "Least of all, in front of them."

"That's not what I mean." Erik further clarified, "Whatever I've had to endure doesn't eclipse the kids' pain, especially when they're finally ready to open up. My lot look to me with such admiration, but I never want to see them set foot on the path I took. Alex came all too close after Darwin and Frank cannot accept his own goodness. Leon doesn't have our aggressive anger, but emotions in general are still a struggle for him. Becky… despite how hard she tries to focus on the others…"

"She feels dirt laced with her blood," Charles supplied. "Emma and I have felt it, too."

Erik crossed his arms and spoke in vexation. "So much is happening at once. They're all growing far too rapidly."

Charles said wryly, "In more ways than we realize."

Erik started to touch on that until he absorbed the change in expression on the telepath. "Charles?"

Jollity resuming on his face, Charles reported, "That was Emma. Seems we can add your little mouse to our rat pack."

Erik peered down at the other fledglings once more before joining his brother to see about his nephew.

II

Finding their own X-Kid bounty, Raven stepped out ahead of male posse from a side door. "Groovy cuties, there you are."

Sandwiched between the two cousins on one of the stone benches, Laci brightened on sight of her. "That dress is so pretty, Aunt Raven."

Touching the hem of the turquoise peplum number, the shapeshifter mentioned, "Your mom said the same thing."

Laci wondered, "Did you see her in town?"

"Yep," answered Alex with tie and jacket removed from his person. "Coincidentally, right smack in your living room. What are the odds?"

Becky eyed them curiously while Joey and Laci uttered a unison, "Huh?"

Hands in his pants pocket, Hank elaborated for the children. "We just got back from seeing your parents."

"Lee, too," Alex inserted.

Hank went on with, "We went over the details of your award with them. They needed to be made aware what an immense opportunity this is. How it's best for your overall health."

"You did?" reacted a wide-eyed Joey.

"Really?" Laci's delight tempered all too quickly. "What did they say?"

"You know your dad, 24/7 business man," Raven said cheerily. "He has to haggle in his head a little first. We're dealing with it, Gorge. Don't worry."

"Ohh, thank you!" Laci hurried up to fling arms around the older female.

Becky went around to Hank. "You guys are amazing, Big Bear."

Joey practically tackled Alex. "The best!" Leaning on his brother's front, he glanced to his right. "Thanks, Aunt Raven, Uncle Hank."

Making Becky giggle as he hoisted her high, Hank nonchalantly asserted, "We mere science guys may not know a great deal about art, but we know what we like. Or love as the case may be."

Joey regarded him with quiet contentment.

"Oh, Original Gorge." With a mildly weary bundle in her possession, Cordelia presented the child to her. "Right on time. Someone's all flapped out."

"Hi, baby." Accepting her daughter, Raven rocked her against her shoulder. "Were you flying? Did you have fun?"

Kiki nodded along tiredly and Hank looked over his wife's shoulder to coo at her.

"Hey, Babe Ruth," Alex acknowledged the younger Summers as the Eye Scream Team, Cody, and Trav neared them by engaging in a foot race, "you up to throw a few or do you just want to keep collecting dust on that pitching arm?"

Scott scoffed, "More like leave you in the dust- as always. You in, Frank?"

Before the city native could answer, Trav pulled on him eagerly. "Me, too, man."

"You two, huh?" Frank replied glibly. "Here I thought I'd get to use you as the trophy. Don't you want to live in my room on the dresser?"

"Okay!" Trav readily agreed.

Raven sent Frank a special smile as she said, "You should've seen that coming." She gave a menacing countenance to the rest. "Do nothing until I'm done securing the Baby Gorge."

"We have to change, anyway," Alex reminded, "especially you, Madam First Lady."

"Details, details," Raven waved off, carrying her daughter inside.

"Come on, pain," Scott spoke invitationally, "you can help us grab the gear."

Trav narrowed his eyes. "You just want me to lug stuff."

"Yeah, what a pack mule you are," said Scott sardonically, heading towards the back door. "You might be able to handle two whole baseballs."

"Hey, watch the quips, Summers." Frank lifted Trav higher to prop him on his shoulders. "You're dealing with a mutant ninja here."

Hank enjoyed the inner warmth produced by his now gleeful cub. He gave a toss to Trav's hair on route for the indoors.

II

When the etiquette-approved gentle knocking- concepts Leon imagined designed by an ancient llama atop Mt. Fuji- he wrapped more forcefully on the wood.

At last, he petitioned as loudly as his detached voice could muster, "Tommy?"

Leon heard some maneuvering within and the creek then shutting of the closet door followed by, "One sec, Lee." After multiple seconds, he opened the door of his currently shared sleep space. "Hey, man, what's up?"

"Peanuts and crackerjacks, I'd presume." Leon made clearer his response with, "Alex and I are recruiting for baseball out back. And by recruiting we of course mean, don't force us to toss you in the tarp."

"Cool."

Not sure whether he meant the upcoming game or threat of kidnapping, Leon watched the energetic vessel rush to get into his sneakers.

II

What began as a petition for assistance with Brian grew into the stalwart Headmasters succumbing to the enraptured prey of the infantile trio. The boys seemed convinced that their mothers would entirely dissipate if the women placed them down and journeyed a few yards across the suite. Mira nonchalantly peered between watching Kayla and Emma prepare snacks and studying Charles' almost hypnotizing irises.

The girl pointed to Erik then tapped his knee to receive his eyes. In a chair near to Charles' in the Howlett sitting area, Erik currently entertained Todd and Brian with mock ferocious faces. As soon as he turned his head to see what the teeny lady wished of him, the wizard of metal stayed still for the curious vessel. Mira gazed at him for a prolonged time, looked to Charles, then to Erik again. She dragged her minute palms down each side of his face and appeared to enjoy the feeling of his facial hair. Erik kissed her hands, enjoying her resulting delight.

Catching their interaction, Kayla mentioned, "Logan's been trying to take them outside daily." She and Emma brought the fruit assortment over to the small table, where she took her husband's worn chair. "Getting them used to the natural surroundings, opening up their senses as much as possible. He always had more time with Cody for such things, but I still consider our mutated colony the upgraded lifestyle." She scooped Todd's food while Erik continued holding him after transferring Brian back to Emma.

With Mira content to be fed by him, Charles asserted warmly "We are in a privileged position in every sense of the word. We place such an emphasis on the children's learning, but I wonder how aware they are of what they've taught us along the way."

"What they've taught you two perhaps," Emma corrected then indicated herself along with her brother-in-law. "Us, they gut-remodeled."

"From Status: Condemned," seconded Erik, bouncing Todd on his thigh a bit.

At Brian dropping the spoon he attempted to grasp, Emma reacted with a gentle, "Be careful, darling," as she reached for it.

"Wait, love," Charles abruptly directed.

Emma started to question the protest until she saw Brian making a move for the fallen utensil. When he managed to grab hold of it in his fist, he brought it to the table.

After dragging both sides of it across a napkin, he held it up for her. "Here, Mama."

Charles and Erik regarded him in pride. Both Kayla and Emma looked as if the one-year-old had been handed the Nobel Peace Prize.

II

After lying with Kiki for a few minutes, Hank gingerly enclosed her in a stuffed animal barrier before taking his silent leave. He returned to his own quarters where he began swapping out his suit for blue and yellow X-fitness attire.

From the closet, he heard, "She fly away okay?"

"Yes," Hank situated his massive feet in his custom athletic shoes, "but she promised not to drift above the clouds." He looked in the direction of her voice. "How are you still changing? Are you even aware you're a shapeshifter?"

"Materializing clothes requires needlessly expended energy, dear," she reminded.

Hank came back with, "If you needed help disrobing, you have me on-call, Buxom Bear."

"You're going delusional on me, hubby. You think undressing each other will get us outside any time this year?"

"Who said anything about outside?" Hank replied coyly.

"Seducer." The blue woman finally stepped out.

Upon sight of her in jeans that clung to her body and his Harvard t-shirt hanging loosely from it, Hank countered, "Look who's talking."

"Hey, I have to try. You seduce by existing." Raven worked her way onto his lap and wound her legs around his middle to face him. "Are you feeling better? You had snarl echo going on earlier."

"I respect the four of us as a team, but Leon is still the youngest instructor. He has to learn that he cannot misuse his powers so wantonly."

"Agreed." Raven used her thumbs to stroke his temples. "But I mean before we left the Carmichaels. Is Logan still in your head?"

Hank developed an acrimonious countenance. "Were that ever the case, my brain cells would have depleted long ago."

"Yeesh, how do you really feel?" Raven inched in to connect their brows. "But really, babe, this isn't exactly news to you. The whole reason you tracked Victor down up in Canada was to train under him. Even he said you needed to catch up."

"Logan is not Vic. In any case, I never thought that meant two kittens would charge ahead of me."

"You were raised differently from Sam and the Howlett-Creeds."

"So, my parents are to blame?" Hank spoke indignantly, making Raven pull back slightly. "For bringing me up in the suburbs instead of the backwater of rural Illinois or for not letting me fall victim to experimentation at the plant? Or is this simply what I deserve for spending so much time trying to develop a cure?"

"Hank, we're not playing the blame-game here," Raven emphasized firmly. "We both know there's an untamed beast inside of you. You have to accept the fact that even with your level of brilliance, you're not going to be the scholar in every area. And being a novice in one area doesn't take away your mastery in all the others. It's the same thing we're trying to get across to Trav."

"That is completely different," Hank insisted. "I'm his father, Raven. I'm supposed to shoulder more."

"More than enough already in your case," she stated vehemently.

Hank tiredly requested, "May we please go out and play now?"

"Until the streetlights come on," Raven determined, "or Erik commands we cease merriment." She burrowed her yellows eyes into his blue nearly enough to produce green. "This discussion isn't over."

"As if I assumed otherwise." Standing suddenly, Hank made her release a chirp as he gracefully maneuvered to keep her in his clutch.

Provocative gazes locked on one another, Raven kept her arms secured around his neck as he transported her from their wing.

IIIIIII

The lunch portion of the event came in the form of delicatessen catering. They used a section of the backyard cleared for space and safety from the renovation. A variety of sandwiches, side dishes, and beverages covered the lined picnic benches.

"We wanted to bring a few spirits for the occasion," Aurelia mentioned. "However, WU is a dry campus and those of us over twenty-one are to be the example."

"Not the exception," Camille concluded.

Victor leaned Adrienne's way to send, "Sounds like my kind of shindig," into her ear and she eyed him furtively.

Throughout the meal, the environment mainly stayed demure until the occasional enthused swell reached the surface. Samantha made it a game in her head of how quickly the amicable chatter got drowned out. Either any number of cleared throats cut in or matron chiming in with questions they deemed more relevant. Camille and Val did their best to keep up with the inquiries that came at them almost like intangible bullets.

When the dessert offering came up, Victor had to load his mouth with additional salad to combat laughter. Half the women accepted the sliced cake offerings "to be polite" while others made a point of only eating half. One made a comment that the numerous youths had the fortune of enjoying such sinful sweets without consequence. Having managed to land seats beside each other, Samantha and Calvin exchanged highly humored visages.

"Oh, Mother," Camille recollected suddenly, "your presentation."

"Yes, I nearly forgot." Looking around at the other guardians, Aurelia put forth, "If you please, ladies, let us take our tea to the living room. I wanted to discuss campus and house safety along with a few other policies. Whether your girls choose to pledge or not, you'll be greater informed than any parent awaiting orientation."

Seeing the proposal clearly intrigued the group, Val ushered, "Go on, go on. We'll see to the table."

Several of the attendees piped up their desire to assist.

After gathering their dessert plates, Aurelia gathered the tea service and led their return into the glitzy house.

As soon as the horde left their sight, Braxton insisted, "Don't you ladies get so much as a crumb on those sharp outfits. Let the gents handle this."

"Least we can do," supported Victor. "Why don't you dolls go all out and crack a smile or somethin'? Maybe even a giggle."

The chants of, "Yes, yes, yes," instantly ignited.

"Cal," Braxton began stacking plates, "start bagging this trash."

Though it only reflected on his face, Samantha detected the boy's insides ready to detonate at the order.

A self-satisfied Camille said, "Thank you, Daddy," before turning to her invitees, "my room or bust."

Samantha went over to take her sister's wrist and tell her, "I'm going to help out here."

"Okay, cool." Angel blew a kiss in Victor's direction, "Thanks, Daddy," then scuttled off with the rest of the fervent bunch.

Samantha followed Calvin over to where the cleaning supplies had been left in a bucket. Getting the necessary plastic sack out of it, his brow intensely furrowed at the selection for rubber gloves. Trailing his gaze, Samantha gave him a sympathetic smile.

Donning the pink accessories for her own hands, she offered, "if you keep it open, I'll dunk."

Surprised, Calvin still readily agreed, "Okay."

With the men mostly done clearing the dishes, Samantha took to seizing and sinking the used napkins and various rubbish. Calvin had to move at far swifter a pace than he anticipated to hold the bag and keep up with her stellar reflexes. Victor watched them for a fond moment as he headed along with Braxton to clean the dishes. With the kitchen blocked off, they used the sink in one of the main level powder rooms.

Done almost all too soon with ridding the space of trash, Samantha rushed back to the bucket. Digging through, she found a container of disposable gloves towards the bottom.

Showing them to him along with the soap container, the blonde challenged, "Cleaning race. Bet I'll beat you."

"Oh, yeah?" Calvin raised an eyebrow. "What's the bet?"

Samantha needed hardly a second to select, "A Kennedy half-dollar."

Calvin gaped at first. "You have one?"

She tilted her head toward the house. "In my purse."

"Ah, cool, but I don't have a Kennedy." Getting an idea, he proposed, "But I'll up the ante with sixty cents."

Samantha shook her head. "Just fifty cents. Kennedy's coin is big, but he's not worth more than two Washingtons."

"Try running that one by my school," Calvin replied half-jokingly.

Samantha carried the supplies over. "What grade are you in?"

"Finally, on top of Everest." The boy tugged on a pair of the transparent gloves. "Eighth. How 'bout you?"

"Tenth," Samantha said along with, "so, you're the same age as my brother."

"This half's mine." Calvin indicated which side of the soiled tables he wanted. "You have a brother, too? How'd he get out of this thing?"

"He didn't have to," Samantha answered plainly, spritzing her side of the wood with the strawberry-scented product. "Angel wouldn't even think about bringing one of the boys in our family here. They'd be hacking hairballs with all this pink."'

Calvin dragged his scrubbing pad across the firm surface. "Guess it's pretty rough on you. You have to wear that toxic cotton-candy all day."

"That's most days for me." Staying in motion with him, Samantha lifted her head. "Pink's my favorite color."

The grammar-schooler raised his own incredulous eyes. "You mean they don't have a gun on you to keep you in that dress?"

"No," Samantha laughed lightly. "Where'd you get that idea?"

"You…" Calvin searched for a way to properly detail his meaning. "You're a lot cooler than some of these uptight foxes around here. Thought you might be into sports and stuff."

"I am," Samantha informed. "Sledding, snowboarding, basketball, volleyball, rollerblading- my uncle's going to teach me ice hockey in a few months. My horse just learned a new jump."

"You have a horse?" Calvin nearly exclaimed, following it up with, "Ice hockey? My folks wouldn't let me mess around with that if I begged them. Lucky."

"Sometimes," Samantha shrugged.

Calvin appeared instantly confused. "Huh?"

"My family's the greatest," Samantha spoke with a trace of reluctance, "but there are times it feels like what's important to me is just goofy kid stuff, but everything with Angel is the biggest deal. She's a model, her face is everywhere, she won Prom Queen and she was only in our school one year."

Calvin let off a snicker. "No wonder my sister was stalking her with fruit baskets. They sound tic for tac, except Cam won Homecoming senior year."

"Don't get me started on our boyfriends," the older teen went on. "Angel and Ben are half an hour late and everybody figures it's car trouble. If Collin gets me home five minutes late, there's a police helicopter and signal light on us before we even reach the house." When he sunk into a deep guffaw, a mildly offended Samantha flicked soapy residue his way. "It's not funny. That's why I'm gonna beat you."

"Oh, man!" reacted Calvin as he rushed to keep up with her. However, he could only look on as she practically danced along the lineup of tables. "Dang." He squeezed his scrubber in anguish over the defeat. "That's what I get for getting into a cleaning contest with a girl."

Samantha crossed her arms. "Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah," Calvin imitated, digging into his pants pocket for the correct coins. "Here, bet's a bet."

Considering something, Samantha put forth. "Better idea. Hurry up and finish so we can spend my winnings at that ice cream place across from campus."

"That's a done deal," Calvin accepted, rapidly devoting focus to bringing sheen to the wood before him.

II

While the majority of their group circled Aurelius with a number of questions, Adrienne leafed through the distributed reading material. A wry smile quirked at her lips at how quaintly PTA the otherwise strong attempt came across. She stood aware of the safety precautions she herself had already taken to keep her own girls from joining the morgue's masses. The redhead easily imagined the sea of fainting spells that would undoubtedly result if those among her heard so much as an inkling of the details involved.

Positioned at the left-hand wall from the entryway, a mother and grandmother studied a rich oil painting framed there. Mesmerizing shades of green, blue, and purple made up the colorful streams enveloping the unknown figure who so captivated them.

"Aphrodite. Without a doubt."

The senior woman remained skeptical and contended, "No, no, just look at the sorrowful brush strokes intertwined with nature. This has to be Demeter's grief without Persephone."

"Sorrowful brush strokes," the other lady practically scoffed. "That narrows down Ancient Greece considerably, doesn't it?"

"Neither one of you is all that far off." Victor made his way into the living room, eyes on the piece in question while the women studied his mannerisms. "She is a beautiful lady, but not Aphrodite. That's Andromeda; a little more obscure, not to mention mortal." He felt Adrienne step up behind him, quietly taking his upper arm as he spoke. "Cepheus and Cassiopeia- king and queen of Aethiopia if I'm remembering that right- that's their daughter. Unlike Demeter, those two caused their own sorrow, saying their daughter is beautiful above all else. That didn't sit too well with Poseidon, so he was ready to give Aethiopia the Atlantis treatment. But the king and queen worked it out with him… by tying Andromeda up to sacrifice to a sea monster. Good thing Perseus happened to be in the neighborhood, carrying Medusa's head around and all. He turned the monster's head to stone with it and wound up marrying Andromeda. You know, they had nine kids together?"

Both sporting taken aback countenances, the younger woman realized, "Andromeda, yes, of course." She faced the broad-shouldered male. "Tell me, Mr…"

"Creed," Adrienne supplied for her.

"Mr. Creed," she properly addressed, "is WU your alma mater as well?"

Still staring at the painting, Victor answered, "No, ma'am."

The older lady with her asked, "Where did you attend school?"

The tall blonde turned to her. "Nowhere, ma'am."

The two appeared initially amused by the droll response until not even a trace of humor seeped through his rugged features.

From the doorway, however, Braxton experienced the jest to a sizable degree.

At his son appearing with fair-haired lass in tow, he asked, "Did you finish straightening up out there?"

"Yes, sir." Calvin remembered to indicate his comrade. "Both of us."

Samantha's line of sight went to her own family. "May we go for ice cream? Please, it's just across from campus."

"On me," Braxton declared, squeezing Calvin's shoulder tenderly. "A treat for the cleaning crew."

Both youths grinned widely.

"I'll go, too," Victor determined.

Adrienne nodded and accepted a brief kiss from him as they went.

"It's better they come along," Calvin smirked. "Wouldn't want your boyfriend to hear you're out on the town with a real Saturday night special."

Braxton gave a small thump to the top of his boy's head, casting his eyes heavenly.

A softly giggling Samantha received Victor's arm and she promptly leaned against his side.

IIIIIII

Much to the surprise of no one involved, the mutants and allies had transformed America's favorite pastime into X-ball. Raven, Hank, Alex, and Leon encouraged power usage and improvisation, a necessity due to their limited number of players. They also emphasized that fouls gone too far would result in penalties bleaker than benching. Those on the field consisted of the four instructors, Scott, Frank, Cordelia, Cody, Tommy, Trav, and after hearing of the mutation allowance, a not-so-begrudging Joey. Laci waved yellow and blue pompoms with Becky.

Logan came home from his agricultural supply run to discover the antics. He joined his wife, the Headmasters, Emma, and Alana on the stone benches as spectators. Well aware of his brother's sorority soiree, Logan wondered the reason behind Trick's absence. He could not ponder it for long due to his son catching his eye. In his bowed waist position, Cody covered the makeshift bases in a hastened feat. His impressive speed became immediately overshadowed by his celebratory toe tapping and rhythmic thrusting of his midsection.

Scott slapped his palm against his own face in mild dismay and Frank shook his head. Every female gave into laughter with Laci nearly dropping her pompoms.

"My seasoned swordsman, everyone," Erik declared wittily.

Charles contradicted his brother with, "You mean my graceful little kitten."

"My everything," came from a happily smug Kayla.

Logan asserted, "And this is what happens when you give your baby moonshine to knock him out."

"Yes," Alana piped up, "they wind up smarter than you."

Tommy stepped up to take his turn at pitching. He brought his arm as far back as it could go before releasing the ball. The small white sphere completely dissolved, only to reformulate in Leon's grasp. He nonchalantly flicked it over his shoulder. As if he developed unanticipated telekinesis, Alex caught the ivory projectile in his glove. Scott felt a wave of years gone familiarity watching him.

"Hey, Joey, you're…" The shades adorned mutant peered around their vast grounds. "Where'd he go?"

When she spotted her nephew returning with a tire iron, Raven quipped, "Apparently, to rip off a Ferrari."

"I swiped a blue one for you, Auntie," Joey said charmingly then jogged over to Logan. "Can I use it real quick, please?"

Charles nearly parted lips to correct his son's grammar, but opted to let him be more athletic than academic. For the duration of the game, anyway.

Recognizing the spare tool he kept in the shed, Logan granted the request with, "Be careful with that thing. I'd hate to see another pair of baby blue eyes poked out."

"Thanks." Joey hurried to the designated batting spot.

Frank took to the pitching position now. "Keep your head up."

"Gee, thanks for telling me," Joey scoffed. "Here I thought we were shooting marbles."

Going against his automatic desire for an eye roll, Frank let the ball loose with grand gusto.

With a swing of the tire iron coupled with a dose of his mutation, the electrical impulses rocketed the ball monumentally high.

Cody released an impressed whistle. Tommy and Laci appeared equally dazzled.

Joey dropped the tire iron to begin his sprint.

Hank shouted, "Don't get lax on me! Pump those legs, blondie!"

Raven regarded her husband in utmost delight.

Becky and Laci swayed their pompoms vigorously.

When her son leaped onto the final base several seconds shy of his standard runtime, Emma commended, well played, blondie.

Message received, Joey gazed across to his mother. Thanks a billion, blondie.

Cordelia stared upward, barely making out the tiny dot's descension. "Missiles firing, guys and gorges- or the ball is coming, one or the other."

"What do you say to meet in the middle?" Hank suggested.

Deducing his meaning quickly, Cordy encased herself in gold. She sped at Hank, who hoisted her off the ground as if rehearsing for Swan Lake. Making an organic catapult of himself, he launched her towards the clouds. As her glittery form momentarily reflected against the sun, her onlookers stood in awe of the glorious sparkle effect. She managed to clasp the ball between her hands then lent herself to gravity's will.

Once her feet dropped stylishly onto terra firma, Scott brought up, "You're aware we have spare balls, right?"

Cordelia's flesh resurfaced. "Your point, Captain Heartthrob?"

Scott smirked a little and received her toss.

Trav eagerly made his way to the plate, but resisted Frank's attempt at helping him adjust the bat. "I can do it. I've helped Scottie practice loads of times."

"Let him do it," Hank strongly reiterated.

Frank backed away at the dual orders from the McCoy males.

Helping Laci forget herself enough to bounce in place repeatedly, Becky hollered, "Yay, Cubby!"

Hank clapped his hands twice. "You've got this nailed, son."

Alex pumped a fist and Leon emphasized, "No stronger grip this side of the Milky Way."

That much proved true as Trav's secretion kept the bat practically cemented to his hands. However, it did next to nothing in helping him make contact with Scott's swift pitch.

Acting as catcher, Frank proclaimed, "Strike one."

"T-R-A-V, T-R-A-V," Becky and Laci sang out with the former concluding, "Gooooo, Cubby!"

Raven fought to stay quiet and not ooze over her little boy.

To the other adults, Alana wondered, "Why is Scott, of all people, going up against the seven-year-old? He just retired after an undefeated season."

"And you just answered your own question," Erik informed her.

Trav nearly went down at the way the second throw completely zipped by him.

"Strike two," Frank determined.

"Wow, Trav's doing great out there." At the questioning expression from Cody, Joey insisted, "He is to me. I fell on my face a thousand times when they tried to show me how to play."

Tommy stepped a pace forward to urge, "Don't sweat those practice swings, Trav. You still have a wish left. Now, make a shooting star out of that crummy ball."

Smile as well as resolve in place, Trav re-focused on the older X-Boy before him. They engaged in intensive staring until Scott shot his third pitch. They all watched Trav seemingly transform into the Tasmanian Devil by twirling around unrelentingly. Frank inched further back to avoid the blurry bat. The ball collided with the wood this time and though it touched the middle, the momentum repelled it some yards away.

When the child did not bother dropping the bat before he dashed off, the chorus of, "That's my boy," ignited a glare-off between Hank, Erik, and Logan.

"My boy," Raven openly taunted, making a path for the short speedster in question. "Pooh Bear!"

At the final base, Trav returned, "Mommy," and let go of the bat to raise his arms to her.

Raven lifted him to hug then decided to carry him over to share with his father.

Lightheadedness caught up with Cordelia and she headed for the elders.

The telepaths opened up space for her between them.

Emma brought soothing fingers into her sister's hair. "Your inner euphoria-adrenaline cocktail finally ran dry, hm? Do you want to rest for a while? I'll bring you some tea."

Cordelia shook her head. "No, it's just a little dizziness. I'll be fine in a sec."

Charles saw something less than promising about her features. "Are you sure you're feeling alright, love? Training drills can hardly knock the wind out of you this way."

"It's…" Cordelia considered her words. "It's more inside than out. Like I've been outrunning the truth. It really snuck up on me just now."

"What truth, Baby Sis?" Emma inquired delicately, though she already had an inkling.

"As numbered as these days are, I never want to pull away," the teenager articulated. "I want to be right here, absorbing X-Kid antics and anxieties alike exactly the same as when I first came here…" She repeated three of her words somewhat vacantly. "Exactly the same… have I progressed at all from when I was sixteen?"

Before Charles could field the question, Emma responded, "Of course you have, you blind, thick-headed nuisance child."

Alleged thick-head shooting up, Cordelia set her with narrowed eyes. "Thanks for that, tiny tits."

When he entertained his first reaction of enthused snickering, Charles countered his wife's ensuing displeasure with, "You did start it, darling."

Emma shook her head with put-upon annoyance. "Forever on each other's side, you two. Getting back to you," she and Cordelia met eyes again, "Leaving Boston to come here, however, varied our opinions are on that, was an act of mental survival on your part. Going back now shows you're capable of making informed decisions without the desperate need to escape. You determined what was best for you and even our family as a whole."

Charles chimed in with, "That's the reason why, while your frequent immediate presence will be missed, the void won't be terribly pained."

Turning to him, Cordelia gently deduced, "Like Sean and Maya."

"Yes," Charles admitted softly, "but we're talking about you. Father and Chris are not only family but our greatest allies. Their place in Boston is merely an extension of us. After the chaos and heartache of last year at this time, it was our safe harbor. It is still your home, exactly as this mansion will always be."
Emma stated, "You do not have to wean yourself off this family, Cor. So many changes are happening all at once it seems around here. Bask in every day you can."

Her face lightening, the girl glanced between them. "Thanks, guys."

Charles requested good-naturedly, "Only do us both a favor and try to keep Glimmer's awe-inspiring theatrics to a very bare minimum."

Giving him a small smile, Cordelia silently laid her head on his shoulder.

Coach Hank bowed out in favor of Dr. McCoy when the signs of lethargy became highly apparent. He called for a timeout and with assistance from Leon and Alex, went inside to gather dehydration solutions from the kitchen.

Laci experienced a breath of surreal air when she stood with more stamina than the normally tip-top champions of health around her. Granted, she also knew she did not go through the extreme pep drills of the actual Jaguar cheerleaders, it still proved refreshingly odd. To no surprise whatsoever, Cody still jumped about with growing mane bouncing. Positioned a few yards from Joey, Erik observed his nephew with keen eyes. He tried to see if the yellow-haired fledgling could use a low electrical energy wave to hover Logan's tire iron over without his magnetism having to take over. The sight appeared reminiscent of teaching Brian to walk on wobbly knees. Naturally, Laci had no plans to share that little musing with Joey.

Coming to stand next to her, Tommy's already wide smile somehow expanded as he beheld the feats of the mansion dwellers. "I bet I could live longer than Cody's folks and never meet anybody half as amazing as these guys. I love doing swords with Erik, but can you picture being like them? I'd be all over that in a heartbeat."

"If I could be like them for even a minute," the staunch girl came back with, "my heart can stop beating,"

Tommy eyed her directly, but aberrantly kept his lips together.

"Hey," Alex's voice signaled his return along with others via the back door, "cruising the kitchen and check out the blazing babes we found."

Walking out behind Leon and Hank, who aided Alex in transporting the loaded cooler, a bright-faced Samantha greeted the gathered with, "Hi, guys."

Changed into shorts and a tank top like her sister, Angel proclaimed, "Free fudge, ya freaks," while carrying a hefty bakery box.

At the stampede of fledglings that resulted, Kayla intervened with, "Let's not trample the nice girl offering, people."

"A small piece each," Emma pointedly insisted. "I don't want any spoiled appetites during dinner."

"Or rotting teeth," Hank added. "Brush and floss tonight- yes, I will be able to tell."

Erik inserted, "Not a single complaint about tonight's vegetable selection nor a crumb left on your plates."

"You hear that, guys?" Frank asserted cheerfully. "It's every other night of our lives!"

To that, Scott felt the need to pump his fist with an utterance of, "Huzzah!"

"Huzzah!"

It came as no surprise when the little ones imitated the gesture and word, but Charles noticed his enthused sister also doing so.

An air of adorability emitting from the blue woman, Raven batted her eyelashes.

Having stepped inside during X-ball intermission, Alana arrived in the back doorway to address the younger female redhead. "Laci, honey, your folks are on the phone."

"Figures." The rapture on her face faded and the fudge soured on her tongue. Laci slammed the remainder of her piece against her napkin. "Probably heard me cheering and want me on bedrest for five to six months."

"Hey." Raven maneuvered in haste to go to her. "Your mom knows we're bringing you back after dinner. They're probably just double-checking your med count." Leaning into her ear in confidence, she promised, "We'll deal with it."

Joining hands and lacing fingers with the shapeshifter, Laci's posture relaxed a bit.

On their way into the house, they passed an exiting Victor, Adrienne, and fledgling assortment. Victor walked with Mira and Todd nestled against his shirt front. Adrienne supported Brian on her hip while Kiki held her hand.

Hank made an immediate path for his daughter. "Aw, did you just get up, Baby Bear?"

Adrienne released the tot to her father's stout arms. "Shortly before they did, I'd estimate." She pried her necklace from Brian's grasp, but let him play with her now free fingers.

Victor told his brother and sister-in-law, "We were just checkin' in and heard her readin' Seuss to them on your bed. They hardly noticed us comin' in."

"Figures," Logan reacted grudgingly. "Maya's just about the only one who likes my Grinch voice."

All other conversation ceased sharply the next second. A boisterous screech gave the initial impression that a female banshee had found her way to the X-Men.

Practically leaping back out to the yard, Laci did not slow until her jubilant gray eyes leveled with Joey's mystified blue. "I'm going- I can go, we can go!"

"We're going?" Even as he uttered the words, Joey could hardly fathom their validity. "They really said you can go? To Jones-Broderick?"

"Yes, yes, yes!"

Joey then wanted to know, "Did aliens swap out your dad's brain?"

Laci giddily replied, "God, I hope so!" With another intense squeal, she flung her arms around his neck.

Shouting in triumph himself, Joey felt weightless in the embrace.

"Whoa, Joe," cautioned Alex, "Planet Earth needs you. Do you copy?"

Joey realized that they currently walked on air due to hovering nearly three feet above ground. Suddenly naked without his disk, Joey used his limited control over the atmosphere's electro-magnetism to safely descend. Laci remained entirely enchanted throughout.

As the artistic pair found themselves surrounded by those distributing kudos for hugs, a highly pleased Raven came over to Hank. The animalistic mutant let Kiki stand to join the well-wishers. He noticed Alex on his right, who let the rest go to Joey for the time-being while he looked on with inimitable adoration.

After dissolving, Leon reformed between Hank and Alex. "Hm, success- bizarre concept but productive outing, IQ."

"IQ?" the other three echoed in bemusement.

"Instructor Quad. What," Leon faced Alex, "you think only you and Sean can cook up these monikers?"