Rise or Fall

Chapter 323

Note: Your eyes do not deceive and even if they do, please enjoy and review!

Despite the moderately cool temperature of the rushing water, steam still seemed to radiate from the pair of bodies. The moisture's intensity hindered their vision throughout the cleansing process. Eyes shut on both, they stayed latched onto each other as if the sole survivors of a sinking ship. When they finally switched off the nozzle, the sliding open of the glass door ushered in momentarily brisk air on their damp skin.

Catching a glimpse of her husband reaching his hand out for something, Maya insisted, "Me first."
Immediately obliging, Sean wiped her face then covered her with the powder blue towel. "Are you cold?" The concern in his voice could not be missed as he took in her minute figure compared to his own.

"No." The lengthy towel practically a dress on her, Maya locked her gaze on him. "I just wanted to see you first."
"You're a regular con artist, Mrs. Cassidy," Sean accused with faux irritation.

"And you're quite the flatterer, Mr. Cassidy." With that, Maya hopped out of the tub onto the rug.

"Hey," Sean called after his wife as she fled on fuzzy slipper covered feet. "See, now, you're just being mean." He stepped out with less gusto due to his ankle. He got into his house shoes, but ignored his emerald towel entirely. "When I get my hands on you, you're going to be wet all over again."

Maya peeked in from the doorway. "I already am…" She dashed off into the sleep space of their honeymoon suite.

Disregarding the tenderness in his ankle, the highly motivated ginger shot after her.

IIIIIII

Between the gallant hound and enthused children whose heels he chased after, euphoria filled the fenced off backyard in abundance. When Mike, Trav, and Max toppled to the ground dramatically, Scout instantly took the opportunity to go after their cheeks with his tongue. Each maintaining an impenetrable grasp on the youngest Dukes child, Fred and Joey instructed Darlin' on basic swimming motions in her inflatable pool. Also in swimwear, Laci and Lily held hands as they darted back and forth through the sprinklers. At how briskly Tommy flung the Frisbee, Cody dashed over to the picnic table, mounted it, and jumped high enough to seize the flying disk before it could go over the fence.

Over by the grill, an impressed Rick remarked, "Kid, I don't know what you're made of, but I could use a keg or two of it when I'm on the road." Cody snickered and performed another flip to lower himself. Getting a closer look at him, Rick put down his spatula to take him by his slim wrist. "Dang, boy, I should've saved the charcoal and fixed the meat on you. Between that ten feet of hair and this sweatshirt, you're liable to sit up here and have heat stroke."

"It's all good, Uncle Rick." Cody withdrew his hand to smooth out his ponytail. "Summer babies were born to sizzle."

"You said it," Fred seconded.

When Laci came near him, Joey sent into her ear, "But spring babies are the hottest," instantly making her blush and giggle.

"Rick, girls!"
"Here we come, Aunt Jo," responded at the same time Lily returned, "Coming, Mama!"

"Hang on, lover! Mickey Mouse, come man this meat," Rick directed.

Eyes lighting up, Mike rushed over, "You got it, Daddy," and glowed as if receiving an enchanted scepter when the large man passed him the spatula.

"After you, ladies," Rick said cordially, letting Lily and Laci go through the backdoor first.

At the dog's interest in the Frisbee, Cody got into a game of tug-of-war with Scout.

With Joanne leading the procession and carrying the various buns, the four returned to the yard. Laci and Lily brought out bowls and different potato chips. The boys regarded Rick in admiration over the way he lugged the massive blue cooler as if handling nothing bigger than a beachball. With paper plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery already setup, he removed the coleslaw and tuna salad from the chilled container. Lily poured cheddar chips into a red bowl while Laci emptied a package of sour cream and onion into a purple one. Mike's grin somehow grew wider over Rick giving the thumbs-up about the finished patties and links.

Seeing his father ready to get ceremonial, Fred removed Darlin' from the pool. As he stood with her, the stout boy did not mind her getting his t-shirt drenched. Joey ushered Trav and Max towards the table as well.

Rick lined up various beverages along the table before addressing them all. "Well, folks, I might be shipping out tomorrow, but we are letting freedom ring today." The children broke into cheers. "Seeing as it's Independence Day, let's do this thing right." He reached for his icy six-pack. "Now, which of you are allowed a little shot at home?"

"Eh, why not?" Tommy shrugged. "I just had a little at my brother's wedding."

"Laci," Joanne touched a hand to the girl's shoulder, making her look up, "with all that medicine in your system, you stick to root beer before you wind up trying to plow us all down on your bicycle."

Laci exhaled in amusement.

"I'll take root beer, too," requested Joey.

"Alright, we got our designated drivers," Rick quipped. "How 'bout the rest of you boys?"

Trav shook his head firmly. "No, thank you. My daddy doesn't like it. He only has a little to be polite and he always puts in lots of water." The child immediately clarified, "I don't mean to be impolite, either."

"Easy, kiddo." Rick ruffled Trav's hair. "You couldn't be impolite if you tried and it's good you mind your old man."

Max's eyes darkened as he asserted, "I don't want any- I mean no, thank you. I don't like that stuff, either."

Only bothered by the oddly vacant manner in which the tyke spoke, Rick could tell Joanne noticed as well. They quietly chose not to press it.

"Not a problem, Max-a-million." Rick gave him and Trav the choice of juice boxes or sodas.

"Daddy," Lily tugged on his arm, "let me try some, please?"
Rick automatically refuted with, "Lily bud, you know I can't stand to see a lady sipping brewskis. Belching up all over the place- that's just sinful."
"Come on, baby," Joanne gestured for her. "Have a taste of wine with Mama."

This placated the little girl rapidly.

"Can I have a taste, too, Aunt Jo?" asked Cody. "Beer tastes too weird. My dad used to give it to me to get me to sleep."

Looking at her husband with a chortle, Joanne granted, "Sure, sweetie pie."

"Here, Junior." Rick handed him a pair of Heinekens. "Split these between you, Tom, and your brother. Sprinkle in some salt, lemon juice, and maybe a squirt of strawb- hm, come to think of it, that sounds good. Mix one up for Daddy, too."

Fred transferred Darlin' to their father's arms to receive the three bottles.

After everyone had a frosty beverage in their possession, Rick supported Darlin' on his hip while hoisting his cup high. "God bless America!... and wherever Cody's spaceship came from."

Amidst the laughter, Fred suggested, "My money's on Mars."

"Shows what you know," Cody countered. "I crawled outta Uranus."

While Joanne fought to keep from squirting her drink out of her nose, Rick reacted, "Little wiseacre. You're lucky my hands are full."

Max snickered along with the older children, but Trav and Lily faced each other in mutual confusion. Tail wagging and expression exultant, Scout watched the humans as he tore into his chunks of hamburger.

IIIIIII

"I still can't believe my mom is going to see Perry Como with Edna McCoy and the Cassidys."

Meredith followed her cousin up the steps. "Your new grandparents must have some serious pull to score them tickets to a dinner show, let alone on 4th of July."

"No, that part I can believe." Maya glanced over her shoulder at her. "Still can't buy Mom going out with humans to be amongst humans aka her least favorite species."

Amused, Meredith put forth, "Has the scientific community been wrong all these years? Is Aunt Laur capable of making- dear Christ- friends?"

"And I'm the first girl in my graduating class to land a husband… what is the world coming to?" With Flynn and Lydia at the mansion regaling wild yesteryear tales to the Eye Scream Team, Maya walked right into her presently deserted childhood bedroom. "Okay, Mer Bear, spill. Is everything okay with you and Greg?"

"Yeah, we're fine," Meredith assured. "We have to head back soon, but I needed to talk to you leaps and bounds away from Aunt Laur."

"I thought we already went over that yesterday." Maya sat on her bed against the headboard. "I'm waiting for the banks to open tomorrow to deposit the money order. Mom doesn't have a clue."

"Truer words were never spoken." To better illustrate her point, Meredith went into her purse to withdraw multiple worn envelopes. Unlike the plain one from yesterday, they sported a return address and indicated the recipient. "These are all from him."

A thunderstruck Maya brought a hand over her suddenly muted mouth. "… Lyall?"

Meredith nodded to the affirmative as she came to join her on the mattress. "Every single one. Birthdays and Christmases for the last few years… except this one." She tapped her polished fingernail against a square-shaped one.

Maya picked it up to view the date. "This is… this is only a week after…"

"He tried to contact you after Uncle Carter, Mye," Meredith informed. "He was only a few months into sobriety and he almost fell off the wagon again when your mom wouldn't even let you accept his calls. He started sending things to me and the boys around the same time and he managed to convince us you got everything, but refused to speak about it out loud. He was afraid he'd only make things worse if Mom found out Aunt Lauren was sending all your letters from him back. You know how they get at just the mention of him."

"He…" Maya struggled to speak as the pools in her eyes turned into tear streams. "He wanted to see me after… after Daddy?"

Meredith clutched her wrist sympathetically. "More than anything."

Maya shook her head in sheer bewilderment. "This can't… God, Mer…"

Leaving the letters at the foot of the bed, Meredith promptly crawled over to wrap the shorter, slimmer girl in her arms. "I'm sorry, Mye. I didn't bring all this up to upset you, I swear."

Clinging to her cousin's blouse, Maya attempted to reign in her crying, "Believe me," a layer of ice developed in her tone, "I don't blame you."

IIIIIII

A tempestuous burst of red ignited, followed by blue, purple, green, and yellow. Soon enough, colorful multitudes began erupting across the sky. Below at street level, the group of biking pre-teenagers followed the path of the overhead display. No matter how rapidly they rode, the seemingly sentient fireworks stayed ahead of them.

"Wait, you guys." Laci's voice made the boys come to an immediate stop. "Where'd Tommy go?"

Following her line of sight, Joey, Cody, and Fred also realized their lack of one rider.

Rounding the corner on the Stingray, the aforementioned youth wondered in jest, "What're you looking at, slowpokes?"

They all snapped their heads forward again with expressions showing various degrees of amusement.

"Oh, real funny, Virgenius," said a narrow-eyed Fred.

When Tommy darted off again, Cody exclaimed, "Hey, no fair usin' shortcuts, stink-butt," and sped to catch up.

"You guys watch—" Joey gazed on in mild annoyance as they barely made it through the greenlight. "… the road."

Once they received the proper walk signal, the remaining three picked up speed. It did not take long for them to meet up with their zealous comrades, who had managed to slow down long enough to wait on them. Together again, they resumed pedaling. As they proceeded towards the trails, Laci uttered a few random lyrics that caused the lads to somewhat absent-mindedly sing along with her.

Laci: I've got no strings to hold me down. To make me fret or make me frown

Joey: I had strings but now I'm free

All: There are no strings on me!

Men and women passing through distracted from their own conversations to watch and listen to the parade of youths ride by them. Children playing with sparklers, flying kites, and participating in other games grinned after them. On another block, an elderly man used a stepstool to reach for the flag on a signpost. When he attempted to adjust it, a twitch in his maneuvering caused the billowing fabric to abruptly plummet. As if appearing via teleportation, Cody caught the flag by its stem and handed it back without missing a lyric. The man voiced his thanks. His buoyant demeaner increased at each biking youngster taking the time to salute him along their way.

The tune caused them to arrive at their destination, literally, before they knew it. They left their individual two-wheelers upright on their kickstands. While the boys unleashed their pent up gusto by running all around the pond, Laci attempted to photograph whatever she could of the ongoing fireworks. Naturally, Fred, Joey, and Tommy tired out ahead of Cody, but he still opted to lay in the grass with them. Laci joined as well, propping her head on Joey's upper arm. They kept eyes on the sky with the colorful bursts reminiscent of a patchwork quilt blanketing them all.

Fred broke the amicable silence first by asking, "How long you here for now, Virgenius?"

"As long as my brother and Maya are at the mansion," Tommy answered to the best of his honesty. "A couple weeks if I'm lucky. Sean talked our parents into it."

"Wish they'd let you stick around for the rest of summer," Fred vexed. "Is Virginia more fun than here?"
Tommy released a scoff. "Yeah, right. Not even close."

"Sean and Smiley had us fix up our own room at their place," Cody brought up. "So, Tommy has to visit a ton more now. Bet they'd let us have boss sleepovers up in Syracuse. We'd just have to figure out a way to kidnap Laci. Probably through the attic like Rapunzel. We've already got the getaway horses."

They all snickered and Joey added, "Maybe Uncle Hank can whip us up some invisibility cloaks."

"I wish," Laci smiled at the mere thought.

"I wish everybody would quit having to go away all the time," came from a somber Fred.

Laci glanced his way with affectionate gray eyes. Cody, Joey, and Tommy shared looks that matched the bigger boy's sentiment.

Aware of their streetlight deadline, they did not linger for very long. As they started pedaling back, spirited conversation slowly resumed.

Spotting two of his siblings in distress in addition to their other pair of playmates made Fred ride ahead to reach their front yard. "What's going on, Mikey?"

Seated on his own bicycle like the other younger children, Mike reported dourly, "We can't find Scout any place."

"Mama thinks the fireworks scared him," inserted Lily, "but last year he just hid under the porch steps."

"Daddy's already circled the blocks," Mike continued. "He's inside with Ma and says to wait on him before we go looking again."
"Good idea. But here's a better one." With that, Cody turned, inhaled the air, and headed off.

Joey did not bother trying to slow him down and instead encouraged the rest to hurry along. A particularly troubled Trav did not even think to remind them about adult orders.

"We should split into two teams," Fred strategized. "Me and the little kids can—"

"No, stay together," Cody quickly vetoed, never glancing back. "This way."

"How the heck do you know?" Fred reasoned in exasperation.

"Trust me, Freddie," Joey spoke in reassurance, "nobody knows this nature oneness stuff like the Howlett-Creeds."

"What if we don't find him?" The threat of tears sounded in Lily's voice.

Trav blinked and gripped his handlebars tighter.

"Don't you worry, Lily," asserted Max boldly. "If we can't find Scout ourselves, my papi will get a whole great big Spanish armada to help us in five minutes."

"He's right, Lil'," Laci soothed. "We won't quit looking for anything."

Mike glanced up warily. "What if we go past the streetlights?"

"Then we go past 'em," Cody concluded dismissively.

When the leonine mutant started taking them through constant twists and turns with little warning, Tommy rang out, "Take it easy, Sherlock Howlett!"

Cody only countered, "Pump it up, people. We can't afford to snail."

"We can't afford for anybody to fall and get hurt," said Joey pointedly. "A lot good we are to Scout then."

Cody released a heavy sigh. "Yeah, I know." He eased into a more moderate pace.

Once a clump of trees came into view, Laci wondered, "Where are we?"

"Well, Joey?" Fred prompted. "You've lived here longest."

Instead of pointing out that he also resided furthest from town, Joey tried to assess the area. "I think this goes through New Salem Road. We haven't played here, but my family's gone by it in the car."

"This makes no sense," Fred insisted. "Scout's never gone off more than a couple blocks from home, even back in Texas. You seriously think he's in there, Cody?"

The investigative boy responded enigmatically, "Not on his own accord."

Instant horror appearing on the others' faces finally made Trav speak. "We have to go get him."

"We will." Fred maneuvered his bike horizontally to represent a blockade. "Mike, stay here with the knee-knockers."

Automatic bemoaning sprang from Trav, Max, and Lily.

"Please!"

"You can't tell us what to do!"

"He's my dog, too!"

Before Mike could say anything, a single knowing look from Fred ended Lily's protests, but began her pouting.

"Trav, wait here," stated Joey firmly. "I mean it."

"And you're supposed to listen to us," Tommy pointed out. "That's one of Erik's rules when you come with us… right?"

Sufficiently tapered, Trav crossed his arms in a huff.

"How 'bout this wise guy?" Fred indicated a still cheeky Max. "Or should I just pound him?"

Joey fielded that one with, "Frank and Sam got a later curfew so long as they're in a group. Wonder what Collin'll say if his big date's ruined by a phone call…"

Nearly whimpering at the very notion, Max quickly responded, "Uh, we'll just keep watch."

"Good plan," said Laci with a small smirk.

"Let's move," directed Cody. "I'll go in first."

"Nice try, small fry," Fred seized his arm in a second. "Ain't nobody getting mangled over my mutt but me."

Cody glared but still proposed, "Together?"

That Fred agreed to.

"Keep behind me, guys," Joey whispered to Laci and Tommy. "If something happens, I can blast without worrying about zapping either one of you. I don't care if Fred sees my powers."

The remaining boy and girl faced each other before nodding their understanding.

To ensure neither rushed ahead of the other, Fred and Cody maintained a mutual lock on each other's arms. Joey stayed in step with them. Bringing up the rear with Laci, Tommy peered all around their immediate surroundings. They found the woods on the other side to be lackluster and desiccated but otherwise vacant. After getting the reports from his eyes, ears, and nose, Cody looked back at Joey. The thin blonde recognized the "all clear" signal right away.

At Tommy's more disconcerting expression, Laci inquired, "You okay?"

The dark-haired lad walked to a trunk and pressed his right palm against its bark. "They seem so sick. Nothing like where we play."

Laci surmised, "These woods must not get enough water on these crazy hot days."

Looking over, Joey recalled, "I remember Uncle Hank saying the earth around here looked tampered with from the outside. Alex joked that frat guys watering the place with a keg will do that."

Cody's sharp hush resulted in their absolute silence. "I hear Scout."

"I can't…" Catching a glimpse of the ground beneath their sneakers, Fred grabbed Cody to step away. "Jesus Christ, tell me that's booze or something."

Without having to sniff the thick crimson residue, Cody determined, "Blood…" His ears alerted him to another whimper. "Scout!"

Ignoring the churn in his stomach, Fred rushed to stay on his heels.

Joey and Laci started to give chase until they both heard the thud.

"Tommy!" Laci dropped down beside him.

When the other boys halted to look back, Joey hollered, "We've got him. Get Scout!"

After some hesitation, Cody and Fred continued.

Laci carefully cradled Tommy's head in her lap.

Lowering next, Joey said, "Sure glad you had this on," as he unlatched the younger boy's zombie themed helmet. Laci ran comforting fingers through the exposed black hair. Joey tried to study his paling face. "Tom, what happened?"

"I…" Head in a swirl, Tommy struggled to concentrate on their faces. "I don't know, man. I just…"

"I think he's dehydrated." Laci then instructed, "Joey, my bag."

Joey moved around to unzip her backpack. Relieved at the twenty-one ounce bottle within, he removed it and its cap before presenting it to Tommy's lips. The ailing boy savored every drop of the cold water on his tongue. Thinking about how much he mirrored Brian in that moment, Joey could not help growing a faint smile.

Laci brought her palm to Tommy's forehead and declared, "He's too warm. We have to get him out of here."

"No," Tommy instantly protested. "Not without Scout. I'll be fine."

Joey started to say something as well until the hefty encroaching footsteps made him leap to his feet. He kept the other two shielded with arms spread and charged fingertips ready.

II

"Scout, Scout!" the male pair chorused.

"Whoa!" Cody skidded to a stop and shot out his left arm for Fred to do the same.

Upon gazing into the steep ditch they missed by hardly inches, Fred experienced vertigo, followed by joy when he also saw, "Scout!"

Beige, brown, and cream coat almost entirely soiled, the frightened dog tried to emerge from the shrubbery that sheltered him.

At his animal's struggle to even crawl, Fred knew, "He's got two paws busted. At least. Dang!" He glanced around for anything resembling suitable material. "Got to find some rope or something to get down—" He looked ahead again, only to see Cody land on his feet in the pit. The taller child's dropped jaw almost completed the same action.

"Easy, boy, easy," Cody coaxed and crouched. "I gotcha, Scout. Time to go home."

"Don't touch him!"

Cody's turn to appear in awe came about when he witnessed the adult skidding down the high dirt wall to get to them. "Uncle Rick?"

"Back away!" Practically ripping off his "All-American Dad" t-shirt. Rick stood in his tank top and jeans. Making cooing noises, he squatted to his dog's level and delicately wound the t-shirt around him. He trapped his front paws in doing so. With a gentle pat to Scout's head, Rick lifted him and shouted up to his son, "Get ready, Junior!"

Cody saw what the man had in mind when Rick headed over to a big boulder. He mounted it and raised Scout.

Fred leaned in and just managed to take the blanketed canine. "Alright! Gotcha, boy."

Cody ran to the oversized rock. "Uncle Rick—"

"Not. Now. We got to get back to Tommy." With those steel laced words spoken, Rick picked up Cody and boosted him next.

The dauntless child let off a wince. Not from any injuries sustained but from the severe slap he received on the seat of his pants. The strike motivated Cody's momentum to climb significantly faster.

IIIIIII

The magnificent luxury liner departed from Chelsea Piers to embark on its three-hour expedition. Sailing along the Hudson River, passengers enjoyed the awe-inspiring view of the Manhattan skyline. The four last-minute but ever so fortunate ticket recipients took in the sights together. In a navy blue A-line, scoop-neck dress gifted to her by Maya one Mother's Day, Lauren displayed the least obvious interest. She found true entertainment in watching the tourists gush as if their brochures had come to life before them. Despite not anticipating such an event, Edna had packed a few additional outfits as she always did for travel. She currently wore a V-neck flared dress with three-fourth sleeves. The scarlet fabric complimented her auburn hair and brown eyes exquisitely. The Cassidys also had the foresight for additional garments. However, Sean had been rather forthcoming in his objection to Liam's tan top with black pants. The redhead convinced him to go with an iron gray collared shirt from Sean's own collection. When it came to Doreen's black cap-sleeve pencil dress with red flower petals cascading down the skirt, Sean could not give the double thumbs-up fast enough.

When a trio of musicians all in matching white suits arrived on deck, they broke into jazz on their different horns. Euphoria coursing through him from the combination of sound and sunset, Liam captured Doreen's hand and made as if to flee with her. A beaming Edna and curious Lauren looked on as he brought her to the very middle of the deck. Utterly spellbound by her husband's spontaneity, Doreen followed his lead into a swing number. Her one-inch heels quickly became abandoned. When other couples got into the spirit, Edna rushed to retrieve Doreen's shoes and stand clear alongside Lauren. The Cassidys remained the pairing most ogled by those around them until their dance eventually concluded.

Doreen panted as she used her hand to fan herself. "You are a man possessed, Liam Cassidy. How are you standing on your own two feet? The reception was only yesterday."

"But this is today. To say nothing of tomorrow." Liam finger combed loose strands of red away from his wife's twinkling eyes. "We have a million tomorrows to look forward to and baby, I dare declare," he coiled his arms around her waist before elevating her, causing her to utter a delighted chirp, "our best is yet to come."

Fully entranced now, Doreen bowed her head and Liam raised his for their lips to meet.

Edna sunnily put forth, "And here I thought hearing Perry would make me melt on the spot. Those two are about to reduce me to a premature puddle."

Lauren sardonically jeered, "Get a room."

"Already booked," even from their distance, Liam overheard and zeroed in on the snide commenter, "at your place, remember?"

Lauren gaped in genuine stun at the comeback. When the fireworks ignited overhead, Edna greatly appreciated the distraction. It prevented her from doubling over in a fit of hysterical laughter.

IIIIIII

Upon receiving the call from Joanne, it took few minutes for Emma to gather the instructor assembly consisting of her husband, the McCoys, Erik, and Logan. Kayla stayed with their overheated and quite disagreeable twins. In the X-Van, Erik took the wheel. After stopping by the Dukes house to pick up Joanne and Darlin' then kept on until they reached the address of the Veterinary Emergency Center. Entering through the automatic doors as a unit, Joanne stormed ahead to the main desk.

"My husband Frederick Dukes- big guy with the kid army- just brought our dog in. Here." Daughter on her hip, the disgruntled woman slammed down the necessary paperwork. "That's Scout's rabies vaccination records, including his last one before we left Texas, going back four years. My husband is constantly on the road for work and can't keep up with every single medical appointment. But I am telling you that our dog is clean and if you so much as think about putting him down, I will rain down so much legal hell on this quack operation, you'll wind up in those woods hunting for your next meal."

Stepping forward, Charles peered over her shoulder to add, "My family concurs."

The older of the duo of weary-eyed receptionists replied, "One of our top specialists just arrived and is examining your dog as we speak. Your husband and children are around the corner in the waiting area." She picked up the documents. "I'll copy these for the doctor and return them to you promptly."

The younger woman next to her mentioned, "Your dog and kids are just the cutest."

"Appreciate it," Joanne said to the first woman and, "Thanks," to the other before taking Darlin' to seek out the others.

As the rest of the X-Men followed, Logan offered an earnest, "Thank you, ladies," to the two.

In the waiting area, Mike proved the first to spot, "Mama."

"Thank God," Joanne exhaled, sharing one-armed hugs with her three older children. "You about scared the daylights out of us vanishing like that."

Raven hardly had time to crouch as Trav bottled to cling to her embrace. Hank opened his arms for Max and picked up the equally quiet lad.

"Tom." Erik nearly flew to kneel beside where the boy still made a pillow of Laci's legs.

More of Tommy's color returned on simple sight of the man. "Erik."

"Careful," the metal wielder cautioned when the child attempted to sit up too quickly. "Hank?"

Giving Max over to Emma's comfort, the mutant physician hastened to look the youngest Cassidy over.

"Are you hurting anywhere?" Hank wanted to know. "What happened?"

Tommy answered, "I'm a lot better now. I pulled a Sean move and fell on my face. Laci and Joey filled me up on water and the nurses here gave us all huge cups of it."

"As far as I can tell," Hank gauged, "it appears to be nothing more than lightheadedness. With the blazing temperatures and high stress over Scout, we're fortunate they didn't all pass out."

"The weather may have been smoldering," Charles came over to give a strong squeeze to his son's shoulder, "but it seems our little ones kept cool heads out there."

Joey smiled and hugged his father's arm.

Logan piped up, "Any clue where my cool cat strayed off to?"
"Not so cool when our dad gets through with him." Fred pointed out the correct direction. "No screaming yet so I figured the old man just went ahead and ripped his head off."

II

Unnerved by the intense quiet, the youthful brown eyes followed the continuous pacing of the fuming adult feet. Daring enough to try to take in his face, Cody wondered if actual steam would expel from his ears.

"J- just help me grasp the logic here," Rick finally spoke, one hand supporting the icepack against his shoulder. "Where was your mind- assuming the Man Upstairs gave you one before sending you down the hatch- that you thought to plunge a good fifteen or twenty feet into the ground, go towards a scared dog who could've been nicked by a rabid raccoon for all you know, and, on the off chance you didn't break your neck, somehow scramble back to the surface, dog and all?"

"I, uh…" Countless thoughts bombarded Cody at once as he attempted to knit together anything close to a reasonable explanation under the circumstances. "I heal fast and think last?"

Stopping in his tracks, Rick sent him an incensed glower. "Don't be cute with me, boy. If I didn't need this bum arm to get it together by morning, your little summer baby butt'd be sizzling clear through your next birthday. I'd give you a swift kick in the tail if you weren't the eighth dwarf, Halfwit."

Cody's countenance and voice grew softly earnest. "Uncle Rick, I'm sorry and I swear I didn't mean to ruin the 4th or your last day home for a while. I was thinking out there, just not about my own neck. All I wanted was to get Scout back and not just for your family." Rick regarded him attentively. "It was only a few days ago that Trav and his sister found a mother cat completely ripped apart. She had two kittens, but we only got to keep the girl because the boy was really sick and died. Trav is crazy in love with dogs. No way was I gonna let him or Max see Scout like that. Same for Mike and Lily."
Expelling a lengthy breath, Rick proclaimed, "You're working my last nerve today, kid. Now, I can't even stay ticked at you like I want to. Look, Cody," the man looked directly at the youngster again, "I get it. The heart overruled the head on this one; I've been there. But what if you had really hurt yourself out there or worse? What good would you have been to Scout or any one of us again? Do you honestly think I'd have ever forgiven myself for letting that happen on my watch? Ever since we made this move, you've been one of the reasons my kids aren't left feeling like a bunch of redneck outsiders. I pushed karate on Mike. You're the one who got him to love it. Do you get where I'm coming from?"

Cody could only manage a nod at first. "Yes, sir. I am really sorry. And thanks a lot for coming in after me."

At that, Rick considered something else. "Just how did you make that dive without walking away with so much as a stubbed toe?"

"You're headed straight for the tub when we get home." Leaving his listening position, Logan rounded the corner to the secluded corridor. "Ya smell more like a rat than a cat."

"Dad," acknowledged Cody.

"You want to fill me in?" Logan honed in Rick's injured shoulder. "Your Mrs was a little skimpy on the details."

Rick came back with, "Short story? This kid of yours is an alien."

Logan regarded his son with faux firmness. "How many times do we need to have this conversation? You keep blowin' your cover and me and your ma are sendin' you straight back to Area 51." He then stilled to receive a mental message from Charles. "Let's see if there's any word on Scout."

The three males started the trek back to the waiting section and quickly rejoined their group.

"Doc Sullivan," Cody recognized the physician.

Logan brought up, "What happened to your no Sundays or holidays policy?"

Donned in a lab coat over his casual clothes, Jed explained, "Irrelevant for my on-call emergencies. I'm affiliated with this ER and have left directions with staff members to contact me for cases such as Scout's."

"I brought in his vaccination records," Joanne emphasized.

"Yes, ma'am," Jed confirmed, "and thank you for keeping those so up-to-date. Hey, kids," he looked into the faces of the different youths, "why don't you go visit with Scout? He's going stir crazy without you. Nurse Kelly will show you the way."

Elated outcries chorused from the bunch.

"Let's go, little duckies." After herding the Dukes siblings, Max, Trav, Laci, and Joey along, Raven accepted Darlin' from Joanne.

Erik opted to carry Tommy, stirring no complaint from the Irish lad.

As soon as the smaller ears disappeared through the double doors, Jed addressed the remaining adults. "This isn't about rabies. We found no bite marks and the small scratches Scout retained likely came from twigs and sharp rocks he came across trying to escape into the ditch. That's also how his back paws suffered those sprains."

"Hold on a minute," Rick chimed in. "Escape into? You're saying he didn't fall into that ditch?"

"More like using it for a hideout. On my way in, I stopped off to survey those woods." Jed then informed, "That blood out there has a commonality with the stains on Scout's coat and muzzle. It's human."

IIIIIII

When Perry Como broke into his next number of the rather melancholy Fooled By the Moon, the women exercised the minimal stealth they possessed to hasten for the powder room. Finding them all too much the picture of stunning cat burglars, Liam chomped on a breadstick and stalwartly safeguarded their table.

As soon as Lauren freed up a stall, Edna bolted from purse duty to dart into it. Lauren stood taken aback not by the Mid-westerner's rapid urgency but that she could move at such a speed unhindered by her heels. Granted, she also found many nostalgic similarities between Edna and those members of the high school Spirit Club. The ones with the exact same trendy hairstyle, colossal hostess grins, and whom through gym class and Home Economics baked goods maintained painted faces of incorruptible perfection. On the notion of makeup, Lauren carried the bare minimum in her bag and touched up her lips with a peach stick.

A tantalizing outcry signaled Doreen's departure from her stall. Expression entirely enraptured, her slick beehive had transformed into a fiery waterfall flowing down her back. Singing to music broadcasting from her own mind, she sauntered up to the left-hand sink to wash her hands.

"Oh, Lauren, how I envy you."

"Dor, doll," Lauren plopped her lipstick back into her purse, "consider your sherry officially cut off."

With a giggle, Doreen urged, "I'm serious. You're such a resilient, independent soul. My own parents constantly take jabs at how sidewalk-safe I've played it in comparison to my siblings. "Dutiful Dorie", never daring enough, and the like. Meanwhile, my big baby boy is labeled as too much of an oddball. "Not Enough" birthed "Too Much". Hmph, family; damned if you do, damned if you don't."

"Say that again," Lauren wholeheartedly seconded. "And that big baby boy of yours is any mother's dream come true. What does it matter if he gets a thrill out of ghost stories? A lot of kids out here don't know what it means to crack open a book at all."

"True, but it's more the ear-shattering scream they take issue with."

"They have the nerve to insult his singing, too?"

"Do be serious, Lauren," Doreen waved off. "I'm talking about his mutation. I mean, at least Edna and I have dealt with this in our children for many years. You must be the strongest woman alive to handle Maya mutating recently and so strangely."

Among the other heavily bewildered faces making use of the mirror, Lauren stared at her with a loss for words at first. "Doreen, what—"

All but breaking her stall door off its hinges, Edna wore a tight smile as she gestured outward with her head. "Come, girls. I'm sure Liam's wondering what's become of us." She made swift work of cleaning off her hands before linking arms to help Lauren guide Doreen out of the hygiene space.

In the hall, the redhead gasped sharply. "Oh, my God, that's right." She faced Lauren. "You don't know the children are mut—" Doreen abruptly groaned in agony.

Retracting her freshly manicured nails, Edna none-too-gently forced the verbose Virginian against an unpopulated wall. "Louder, Dor, I don't believe the coast guard heard you."

IIIIIII

With the bicycles secure at the Dukes' house overnight, the X-Men drove straight home with their lethargic lot. This included Laci due to her parents spending the 4th at a major corporate mingling event in the city. Raven had wanted Max with them, but to no one's surprise, he desired to go straight home to his own dog. As soon as they pulled into the garage, Emma wanted the outdoors cleansed from the fledglings. Erik, however, could not help wondering if Tommy should be examined. With the boy's coloring all the more brightened during the car ride, Hank suggested Erik keep him monitored for the duration of the night and check him by morning light. Raven wanted them fed first and foremost. Charles eased his sister's concern when he got a telepathic ping from Trick. The intangible mutant informed him that Alana and Holly had already placed ample leftovers to the side for them all.

Raven brought in Trav and Hank followed after collecting Laci. Logan suggested to the other men that they make sure their boys wash up separately to keep the tub from becoming war games between the Never Land pirates. With the children's need for nourishment in mind, Charles and Erik agreed to divide-and-cleanse.

After giving Kiki back to the McCoys, Sean met Erik on the second floor to inspect Tommy. Erik left the younger Cassidy with the older one while he sought out pajamas for the former. Despite the number of years that had gone by since Sean aided him in the bathroom, fatigue kept Tommy from protesting. Summoning much self-restraint, Sean did not quip about how precious he appeared in that moment.

Once all the children settled into comfortable nightwear, they enjoyed roast beef and minestrone soup around the kitchen table. Only Trav remained up in the McCoy suite for his meal.

At the ringing that shot throughout the eatery, Joey left his chair to pick up the extension. "Hello?" His worn-out state had no energy to give the full formal telephone greeting. Some glimmer of enthusiasm did penetrate him when he registered the caller. "Hey, Freddie." The others lowered their utensils with interest. "Is Scout okay?"

"He's good, glad to be home. Doc's got him doped up real good on these pain meds. We have to keep his paws heated and iced up," Fred detailed. "He should be golden in three weeks, at most. We're not letting him out alone anymore. One of us will be in the yard with him for exercise so he doesn't get lazy on us while he's healing up. After that, Ma and Dad want at least two of us together to take him on walks."

"That's probably best," Joey agreed. "Your parents aren't mad, are they?"

"Nah, they get all scary like that when they worry," Fred reassured. "Dad did have a few words for me for taking off from the yard while he was trying to phone around the neighborhood. But he said we did good keeping the little kids out of harm's way." A smile heard in Fred's voice. "He also said we better all be breathing when he gets home from his next job or he'll really tear us a new one."

"I bet," Joey laughed softly. They talked for another minute and after they hung up, Joey told the others, "Scout's doing good and the Dukes aren't ticked. I'm gonna go tell Trav." He stepped out with that.

Despite the positive report, Cody's shoulders still drooped a little. "I hope hearin' about Scout helps. Betcha anything Trav's just pickin' at his dinner."

"This'll cheer him up. Don't worry," said Laci confidently. "I'm so glad you didn't get in bigger trouble with Uncle Rick."

Cody replied, "Gettin' raked across the coals was still pretty lethal, but nothin' like his hand, even if he wouldn't have laid into me as rough as my dad."

As soon as he emptied his soup bowl, Tommy proposed, "Who's for seconds? Better yet, thirds."

Elated to witness his healthy appetite, Laci volunteered, "I'll get you some more." She took his bowl and retrieved an over mitt before approaching the tall pot on the stove.

IIIIIII

That evening's parlor participants included the Headmasters, Emma, Trick, and Logan. The other instructors had other priorities facing them presently and others did not want to intrude upon what they considered X-Men private time. With Erik not in the mood to play drink mix master, the group simply decided to share a couple of wine bottles. Due to their individual thought processes, they all wound up nursing their first glass.

When he spotted his wife, Logan acted right away to pour some for her. "Pups asleep?"
"For the time being." Kayla accepted the glass of maroon liquid from him.

A jovial Trick informed them, "Now, you have your wee cat on the prowl."

"Little Kitten," Charles addressed the boy benignly.

With one foot slightly dragging behind him, Cody entered fully. "Hi."

Logan asked, "You find those chocolate donuts your uncle put aside?"
"Yep, but I gave mine to Tommy," Cody responded. "Wouldn't be surprised if he wound up eatin' the tablecloth."

"A hearty appetite," Emma noted positively, lifting her glass heavenly. "Blessed be the small favors."
Erik honed in closely on his fledgling swordsmanship pupil. "What is it, chamud?"

"CoCo?" spoke a concerned Kayla.

"Listen, everybody," Cody walked closer towards the seating area, "you got to know, today was all on me. As soon as I caught Scout's scent, it's all I could think about. I know I'm the reason Tom got the wind knocked out of him like that. He and Joey were the ones who told me to slow it down a notch on our bikes before somebody really got hurt. I'd have charged in full force if Freddie didn't rein me in. His dad said my heart overruled my head, but it felt more like my head packed up and flew south altogether."

To the child's surprise, a quirky smile appeared on Erik. "I know that sensation well, dear boy; to the letter."

Trick raised a hand. "Preaching to the choir over here as well."

A silent Logan got up to pick up his son and did not speak until he got comfortable in his chair with him. "As hard as it is to believe, Cat, this wasn't you backtrackin' like a dumb kid."

"To the contrary," interjected Kayla, "either positive or negative, you took steps forward on the bridge."

"Most of the time, you're followin' orders in sessions," Logan further explained. "You goin' off like today was your alpha rearin' its thirsty head. You had a member missin' and you rounded up the rest of the pride to get him back."

In confusion, Cody reasoned, "But what about what you always say about cats bein' these big-time strategy experts?"
"Hey, just because your alpha wants to go on a test drive doesn't mean you're not still a kitten. You've still got a ways to go before this," Logan knocked on Cody's head then tapped his son's chest, "and this figure out the whole cooperation thing."

"And you're not alone there, sweetheart," assured Emma.

"Yeesh, this manhood junk is complicated," Cody groused lightly.

"Sing it to the angels, boyo," Trick sympathized.

"We know you were in a high tension situation and it is very mature of you to come to us now to claim responsibility." Charles leaned over to establish full eye contact with the lad. "Still, none of you should have ventured into parts unknown. And you certainly should have retreated the second you saw that blood on the ground."
"As for you bunny-hoppin' into that pit," raised Logan, "most of your crew knows you can walk away from that or worse, but the Dukes are out of the loop on that one."
Cody sighed at that reminder. "Talk about nearly blowin' our cover. Thing is, Trav was his most normal today. Y'know, playin' around, not worried about whatever since Queen and Prince. I couldn't let Scout be dead. I couldn't…"

Both parents started rubbing his back and Kayla said, "Shh, beloved. We know and we understand."

Cody looked between each elder. "Trav won't catch it, will he?"

"You needn't worry there," promised Charles. "Hank and Raven have your same priorities about his health and we all agree. We obviously are not finished with this discussion- consequences included- but that is for tomorrow after we've all properly rested."

"For now," said Emma, "know that we're only grateful to have you all safe and sound."

Cody gave off a nod. "Kay."

"Go on up to your brother and sister." Logan gently nudged him off his lap, giving his bottom a tender thump. "We'll be there before my shift starts."

Cody waited to receive his mother's kiss to his cheek then headed out to comply.

The rest of the room disbursed not long after. Going up the stairs, Erik reacted to the hand Charles pressed to his back with a quiet look of fondness. Before he began standard nightly protocols, the wizard of metal went by his suite. He stilled in the doorway, peering in on Maya conversing with a blanketed Tommy.

"It's still so mortifying to think about. Just as I get the hang of ice-skating, there I go- splat," she gestured wildly with her hands, "right into the pond. It was the absolute worst. You know, I never had any sort of phobia before that and I'm still freaked out by freezing water."

Tommy regarded her compassionately. "I'd be, too, seriously. That's when Wolverine plucked you out, right?"
"Yep. I don't remember how long we were in the water," Maya went on, "but I can still hear Raven screaming. I remember this huge splash and the next thing I knew, these rock-solid arms pulled me free from the ice. I was numb, but still so cold. The next thing I really remember is this strange warmth- good strange, I mean. When I saw Kayla looking back at me, for a split second I thought she was the angel assigned as, you know, my divine chauffer."

Erik kept his good-humor inward at the girl's colorful thought process.

"When I heard her say "you're going to be fine" I believed her right away. As I got better and despite all the nightmares, something felt different like… stronger about me, if that makes sense."
"No, I get it," Tommy affirmed. "Wish I felt stronger right about now instead of like a big retarded klutz."

"Hey," Maya feigned offense, "I resemble that remark, buddy." She tickled his sides.

Tommy giggled, worming about to avoid her fingers. "Maya? I'm really glad you're my sister now."
Not wanting to give into the brewing hot moisture that resulted from his statement, Maya leaned in to kiss his forehead. "Me, too. I love you."
"Love you," the blue-eyed boy returned.

Rising, Maya acknowledged the approaching Headmaster by getting on her tiptoes to peck his head as well. "Good night."

"Good night, Mrs. Cassidy," Erik said after the departing teen, catching a special smile from. Taking over at Tommy's bedside, he told him firmly, "I want you to wake me if you feel even the slightest bit ill tonight." He touched a hand to his stomach. "That includes tummy aches, oh notorious chocolate bandit."

With a content expression, Tommy replied, "Hear ya loud and clear, Daddy."

Erik tweaked his nose and got up to begin seeing about the other soon-to-be-sleepers.

IIIIIII

Merry Christmas Little Candy Girl,

To date, I'm exactly 180 days sober. The road's nowhere near over yet and neither am I.

I know this is your first Christmas without your daddy and I wish to God I could be with you right now. I know it's not much- not much at all- but I hope this little something sheds some light on your holiday. Tell your mother I love her. When she's done cussing me out, tell her again.

With love and New Year wishes,
Lyall

Out of the bathroom with desired ointments in his possession, Sean observed his wife's full figured sprawled stomach down on their wide bed. The suite illuminated solely by candles on both their nightstands magnified the radiance echoed off her bare form.

"That's from Christmas?" Getting on top of the covers with her, Sean noted the card she currently re-read.

Maya confirmed, "The first without Daddy. Look at this." She showed him the circle of silver she played with between her fingers. "He sent us dollar coins. Oh, and these." Maya then held up the square sheet of glittery stickers. "He used to call me and Meredith the Candy Girls. You know, M&M."

"That is cute." Sean started working the cocoa butter along her back and thighs.

Maya inhaled deeply at the tingling in her toes, but she still vexed, "I still can't believe Mom. I've always credited my parents for being up front with me. Never putting on airs to paint us as the perfect cookie-cutter Christians. How could she be this selfish? This cruel?"

"Keeping them from you was already out of line and sending back mail addressed to you was even worse," Sean concurred. "But it's not like she did it because she woke up wanting to be a controlling jerk. Good on Lyall for making an effort, but this guy is the reason for Lauren's issues. You saw me playing moonshine monitor to my relatives at the reception."

Maya came back with, "So, the eighteen-year-olds can bend over backwards for her, but she couldn't even come to me herself with the truth? Mer shouldn't have been forced into the middle and playing messenger."

"Yeah, you're right," Sean had to admit.

"Oh, hey, let me do your ankle." Maya reached for the cocoa butter.

"Or ooh, hey," Sean seized the jar, "you're going to keep still and suck up being taken care of. For the rest of your life."

"Honey, you don't—" The all too warning cuff to her highly exposed backend promptly resulted in her fulfilling her husband's stiffness mandate.