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.

325. Chapter 325 Quarantine Team

Rise or Fall

Chapter 325

Note: So, I don't know if the rest of you have noticed or not, but this tale-as-old-as-seven-years is straight up over two million words long. Meaning, it may be a wee bit difficult to remember every person who has ever been mentioned or appeared in RoF. Therefore, I'm adding a new feature to the Author's Note, particularly with the whole Lyall situation causing confusion for some of you. There's now a "Chapters to Check" section that will list the chapters that individuals have appeared or been referenced in. If you search through them all and still can't find a certain name, it's safe to assume that's the first time this person has been mentioned. However, you have to do the work of looking back and giving yourself a refresher. I'm not going to use these introductory greetings to detail exactly who is making an appearance. This is a spoiler free zone, dear Fam. Now, please enjoy and review!

Chapters to Check: 185, 203, 320, 323.

Inky blackness appeared in and consumed the sky within seconds. Rumbling thunder transformed into malicious snarling. The sound did not relent. Its intensity filled the blind atmosphere. No other colors showed through the ill-omened murkiness until two slits cut through the sky. From them, revealed the eyes of blazing blues and dull yellows. Almost as soon as they appeared, their intentions went unfulfilled as the enigmatic orbs of jade materialized. They extinguished the infernos and drowned the grisly noises with a melodic hiss.

As if resuscitated from drowning- made all the more real by the soaking strands of blonde sticking to her face- the girl coughed wretchedly upon awakening. The first sight realized by the brown irises came from a pair of shiny green ones peering back at her.

"Hey," practically knocking over the chair as he hastened out of it, the mutant elder came to the frazzled child's side, "Sam, Sammie," he gripped her shoulders, "baby, it's okay. I'm here." She collected Midnight into her arms and began to breath steadier. "Here." Victor took the chilled glass from the nightstand. She took the cue to sips through the straw. "Freshened it up every hour or so. At the way you tossed and turned a couple of times last night, I figured you'd need it." He smirked a little. "You must've been goin' ten rounds with Jack Johnson." At her baffled expression, he said glibly, "Christ, you're young."

When Samantha finished with the water only ice cubes remained. "Thanks. How's Hank?"

"Lousy." Victor placed the glass to the side again. "Actin' up already, accordin' to Alana. Down there flippin' around like a one-man circus."

A wide smile instantly appeared on her face. "Oh, wow, he healed already."

"No, he's hardheaded." Victor brought a gentle palm to her cheek. "How you doin', baby?"

Samantha eyed Midnight as she caressed his fur. "He knew."

"Of course he knew," Victor said undoubtedly. "He about trampled Raven getting' to you last night."

"No, last week." Samantha faced him now. "The night before we got Grace. He was driving Angel crazy screeching at the window. I thought he was upset about Trick because we'd just left his room, remember?" Victor nodded his recollection and she went on. "Midnight knew what they were doing to Queen… he wanted to go help them."

"I believe it," Victor responded earnestly. "Thank God we don't let him go free roamin' outside like some of these idiots with cats, even if he would be more useful than the cops in this 'burb." She laughed softly. "It's also clear to me we need to extend these surveillance cams, what little night footage we can decipher."

When his expression shifted more solemnly, Samantha inquired, "Are you that worried things are going to get worse?"

"I am worried," Victor answered her, "but not about those mooks runnin' around in black jammies. That kind of worse I'm used to. I'm talking about us, baby." The girl eyed him attentively while Midnight appeared more impatiently prompting towards the alpha. Not that Victor blamed him. "You did do a good job last night. Even after losin' blood, Hank remembered to tell you that. And that's not even the tip of the iceberg of what I forget to tell you." He ensured their leveled brown eyes. "I love you, Sammie. I'm a paranoid old son-of-a-gun, but even when I seem whole star systems away, there's no changin' that."

"… Do you love me like Uncle Wolves loves Maya?"

Victor replied to that with, "Hence the paranoia. Only you ain't gettin' married, gettin' your first set of wheels, and your own place a hot second after high school graduation. I dare you to try twistin' your ma's arm. Her "N-O" will come with a lot more colorful words attached."

Samantha smiled despite herself. "What about armed training? I won an archery competition at the church event."

The man whistled. "Wait until your Auntie Kay hears that." Victor kept an even expression as he addressed the rest. "That's what you want to do?" At her nod, he instructed, "Get dressed and meet me in the kitchen. I'll throw together some eggs and cinny buns before we hit up the range."
Elated, Samantha returned Midnight to the bed linens to hug the male blonde. "Thanks, Daddy."
Victor held her close to his chest and purred. "We'll see if you're still sayin' that after we review range protocol over breakfast."

Once they detached, Samantha sprang from bed in pursuit of the older girls' bathroom.

When faced with Midnight's censorious eyes again, Victor aimed a warning finger at him. "Don't start in with me, whiskers. I got enough grief from your buddy, the Runt."

The unimpressed cat dove off the edge of the bed and sauntered out to stand guard outside his girl's hygiene chamber.

IIIIIII

Initially desiring to write the previous night's events off as a dreamed trip through the rabbit hole- of an opium den- Lauren opted to acknowledge reality. After visiting her bathroom, she donned her dark blue room and made the trek downstairs. As she neared her kitchen, Lauren had to do a double-take at the delectable but highly unanticipated aromas. Even when she or Maya cooked in the morning, it typically only amounted to something such as toast with bacon or a variety of oatmeal during the colder months.

Entering the kitchen, the food did not catch Lauren's attention first. Flynn sipping coffee and leafing through the New York Times did. Despite inviting them to stay, the presence of a male first thing in the morning still proved jarring and nostalgically disconcerting.

"Top of the morning, gracious hostess." Flynn's jovial acknowledgement snapped her back to the present. He indicated the newspaper. "Did you want it first?"

Lauren asked, "Is the world scheduled to end later today?"

Flynn chuckled, "Not according to the Times."

"Then, no," Lauren answered his original question.

Gaze going to the stove next, she watched Edna transfer two types of egg and Canadian bacon onto serving dishes. Seeing her already dressed in borrowed attire of cropped orchid pants and a sleeveless floral top, Lauren quietly compared her middle-aged spread to the Midwesterner's dangerous curves. At first, the nurse believed her to be in makeup, but quickly realized the burners gave Edna's eyebags lacking face a mild dewy glowing effect.

Peering up with an effervescent countenance, Edna greeted her with, "Good morning. How did you sleep?"

Lauren sardonically replied, "Somehow."
"Small favor," Edna pointed out brightly. "Why don't you sit and give us another minute here? The coffee just finished brewing and tea will be right along."

After a few seconds of muteness, Lauren came back with, "I want to hate you. So much," before joining Flynn at the table.

Edna immediately laughed. "Not the first time I've heard those words tossed my way."

"Here we are." Lydia popped up from kneeling at the oven and her mitt covered hands presented the piping hot tin.

"Soda bread muffins," Flynn named yearningly. He looked over at the arrival of his daughter and son-in-law. "Knew your noses would drag your lazy hides out of bed."

"Excuse us for not being trained to rise with the sun to shear the sheep." Liam pulled out his wife chair before dropping himself into one. "Pretty sure they didn't even call it the "old country" before you got there."
Lydia chimed in, "Don't you two start showering each other with affections."
Liam sighed as the women carried the food over. "Can we please say grace?"

Lauren remarked, "How did wholesome wind up in my house," but nonetheless, linked up with the rest of them.

After concluded his prayer with the "amen" chorus, Liam raised his head, but kept his hands folded. "Listen, everyone, last night was hectic, maddening, and overall, strange. I'm certain we all said things we didn't mean."
Flynn promptly refuted, "No, we didn't, sheet-shaker."

Not giving into an unladylike roaring groan, Doreen stared pleadingly towards the ceiling. "To think, I was the envy of all the girls in school, having a strong, courageous war hero for a dad."

Flynn used his left palm to pat her right hand tenderly. "You were the envy of all the girls for being the prettiest, sweetest peach pie of the whole lot of them."

Doreen could not resist squeezing his wrist in turn. "You bothersome beautiful old coot."

Flynn raised his coffee mug with an air of self-satisfaction.

Shaking her head at the two of them, Lydia turned to Lauren. "Whatever we meant last night, there's no ignoring that pivotal bit of information you learned. What do you intend to do about Maya."
"Please." Lauren lifted a weary hand. "I'm nowhere done processing any of this. I can't even register who she is anymore."
"Well, here's a hint, pet," said Lydia matter-of-factly, "she's your daughter."

"Yes, my daughter," Lauren seconded in pointed irritation. "As in my business."

"Wrong again, chickadee," Flynn countered unwaveringly. "She may be your daughter, but as of July 3rd, 1965, Mrs. Maya Cassidy is our grandbaby. Sitting there looking dumbstruck won't solve anything. You need to talk to her."
"As much as I loathe agreeing with the coot," Liam spoke, "he's right, Lauren."
Doreen advised, "Do not throw your baby girl out with the bathwater."
"We'll help any way we can," Lydia offered.

Lauren sighed heavily, wanting nothing more than to sink into her coffee.

IIIIIII

The second their mother returned to their wing, the small boy and girl bolted from their playroom to get to her.

"Did Daddy like his "get well soon" banners?" Trav asked while Kiki wanted to know, "Is he better yet, Mommy?"
Raven knelt to their level, bringing them towards her closer. "Daddy absolutely loves those banners and says thank you. He's alright, but he has to stay in bed." Whether he likes it or not.

Kiki instantly sulked. "I wanna go see him…"

"No, baby," Raven peered serious yellow eyes into her daughter's brown ones, "and that's a "no" from Mommy and Daddy. Daddy doesn't want his germs to get on anyone."

"But you got to see him," Trav pointed out sullenly.

"That's different," Raven emphasized. "It's safer for grownups and the much bigger kids. The germs can get to little bitty bodies like yours a lot easier and Daddy won't have any of that." She also knowingly warned, "No trying to sneak downstairs when you think Mommy isn't looking. Daddy won't be happy and Mommy will spank you. Do you understand? What do you say?"
"Yes, Mommy," they listlessly recited together.

Glancing away from her assignment, Laci brought up, "I can't go see him either, guys. With all my medicine and stuff, Uncle Hank would chew me right out if I tried."
Trav admitted, "Yeah, us, too." A glint came into his eyes. "If we caught the germs would we still get spankings, Mommy?"
"Yes," Raven answered without delay, "and shots."

Trav bit his lip. "We'll stay put, Mommy."
"Good." Raven held them in a tight hug. "Okay, you two get back to playing. Mommy will be right there in a minute."

As they started back towards their toy space, Kiki paused long enough to scoop up a curious Grace.

Rising, Raven faced her desk, currently occupied by the other orange-esque ginger. Laci continued working her pen with the assistance of the dictionary as well as two fat textbooks. Coming closer, Raven looked through the stack of completed lines.

"Great job on these, babe," she said of the quirky but neat penmanship.

"Thanks. I hate doing those." Laci pulled the dictionary over to look through the "Ds". "I try to pretend I'm a witch's prisoner and they're the magic spell words to free me."

"All too true to life," Raven commented. "But I have to know how Hank's old med books are helping your essay."
"Well, the Professor wants us to write about what we could have done differently yesterday," Laci explained, "and I want him to see that I really, really have thought about it. Besides, waiting on Fred's dad and, you know, yelling for police and all that. When I would get bored in the hospital and I wanted a break from drawing, I'd read these survival guides about how to survive on a hike and other places. Usually, when we ride our bikes, we bring snacks and we all have water, but yesterday, I was the only one with any."
"Okay," comprehended Raven, "I see what you're getting at." She read over the younger female's shoulder and kept her amusement at bay over Laci listing all that they should carry and be prepared for should they come up against the wilderness on their own again. "If my brothers don't consider this to be well-thought out, I'm thrashing both of them with dictionaries… oh, lovely, my inner Brit is showing herself." Laci smiled delightedly and Raven returned the expression. "Hey, Gorge, think you could take five? Auntie wants a word."
Standing from the chair, Laci eyed the adult closely. "About yesterday?"

"No- well, yes, but not what you've heard already." Raven guided them out to the terrace. They beheld the lush grounds, made all the more picturesque by Logan's personal touches. "A few months before Hank and I got married, I was doing my standard deal, reading and working on poetry at one of my favorite diners. Hank got wrapped up in an experiment and asked Erik to pick me up. While I was waiting outside, these four supremely obnoxious guys rolled up. One of them tried to hit on me, even after I told him I had a boyfriend. He even had the nerve to touch my face."

"Ew," Laci looked away from the gardens with a countenance of revulsion, "are you serious?"
Still staring ahead, Raven nodded. "So, I bit him." She heard Laci bubble over with impish giggles. Raven smiled feebly. "He pushed me, made me hit my head. I was already tired, so that bump was all it took to revert me back to my natural form. Those guys looked at me like something that just crawled out of the sewer. They threw me into the street and one would've run me over if Erik hadn't shown up."

Laci's previous disgust magnified significantly. "Please tell me he ran them over in his car."
"He didn't get the chance. He wanted to get me home to Hank. He did wreck their car and send them running, ready to mess their pants. That was totally merciful compared to what he did once he tracked them down. Even though I'm really grateful to him," Raven's yellow eyes grew dull, "I can't forget how helpless, terrified, and weak left me feeling. I started training more, refusing to be in that situation again."
"Joey told me about this," Laci confessed, making Raven look at her. "Don't be mad at him. He only said they tried to hurt you just because you're blue. That's why he wanted to win that canvas contest to get you into the museum. Then, everybody would love you. Maybe even more than the Mona Lisa."
Raven declared, "I love my two little art freaks." The shapeshifter turned somber again. "The thing is, I know you've spent your entire life being made to feel like you're incapable of even breathing on your own. Your parents mean well and they definitely love you, but they've spent too much time worrying about you physically. Laci, I never want you to feel like I did that night. Yes, you're a kid and you're going to need help, but you're not useless. You proved that yesterday. You never know when situations like that will come out of nowhere. But you really handled it all as best you could. I'm not kidding when I say I'm proud of you."

Laci sent her arms around the blue woman's middle. "Thanks, Aunt Raven. That means the world to me."

"You know something?" Raven knelt to hold her closer. "You have that effect on me, too."

II

"Shouldn't you be taking it easy, Big Bear?"
Startled by the lack of footsteps or scent to precede the familiar voice, Hank took in the projected image of his sister. "How long have you known me?" He gestured at the mounds of paper and other supplies on his bed. "This is my definition of taking it easy."
Becky brought up, "You never let me overdo it when I'm sick."
"That's different. Big Bear," he pointed to himself then her, "Little Bear. The key is in the adjective." She stuck her tongue out at him. "Gutsy comeback from someone with an intangible behind."
She sent him a sweet smile. "Do you need anything?"

"Not right now, but since I'm stuck down here, I'd appreciate you spending some more time with Trav and Kiki."
"Sure." She blew an air kiss his way.

Hank appeared to catch it in the palm of his left hand and regarded her fondly.

Becky vanished and she physically re-animated inside her bedroom. Cody?

Sprawled stomach down on his parents' bed, the initially jarred boy returned, Hey, Becky.

Really not your day I'm guessing?
Oh yeah, but I've had worse. I still don't think I got it as rough as Tommy. My mom gave me a ton of sympathy points after my dad and Charles laid into me. But now, I've got her eagle eye on me with these lines and crap. Cody wrote as they mentally spoke. He looked to where Kayla replaced Todd's diaper. The older Howlett boy could swear their mother perfectly maintained one eye on each of them. I swear, she and Charles are in an education cult. He sighed internally. Sorry I landed myself in hot water. Not exactly the best time to talk about the auditions…

It's no big deal, Becky assured. Yesterday wasn't you guys' fault. None of this would have happened if Scout hadn't been taken. We'll tell your mom and my aunt after things settle down a little.

10-4, Cody comprehended before their link ended.

When he caught sight of his mother again and she seemed to zero in on him with a knowing side glance, he smiled brightly and hyper-focused on his papers.

IIIIIII

After Victor and Samantha finished target practice and got everything securely locked away, they comm-linked with some of the others. The two feline mutants met up with the Eye Scream Team on their way to the second floor. They found Emma in the library along with her host brother and husband. Nate and Charles appeared literally joined at the hip with the way they sat side by side on the edge of one table. Erik and Alana came in, followed by Cordelia and Logan.

"We need to find out what these C-list mooks are hidin' out in those woods," Victor emphasized. "But after last night, we need to take greater precaution. I doubt they'll send a killer zoo after us in daylight, but you never know with some of the horse-hockey we've come across."

Cordelia raised her hand. "Gold standard of scratch resistance at your service."

Erik nodded at her. "Even in the stealth suits, my magnetism can provide additional safeguarding."
Victor mentioned, "We still could use some firepower."

Samantha looked at him with a glint in her gaze. "As in firearm power?"
Victor flicked her ponytail. "As in the kind of power that can't be traced or proven so easily."

Emma walked over to take Scott by the shoulder as she determined, "Time to put those high stealth training marks to the test."

Wanting to grin eagerly, the thirteen-year-old kept his reaction to a dutiful nod.

"The Eye Scream Team is a packaged deal," proclaimed Frank.

Logan reasoned, "The glowworm's x-ray vision will come in handy out there."

"Just point me where you need me," Frank said devotedly.

"Preferably in the direction furthest away from your homework, right?" Alana put forth knowingly.

A guilty-eyed Frank attempted to urge, "Greater good, Mom, greater good."
"He's right, Alana," Erik supported, making their son smile in triumph. "And after this little excursion, he'll have the whole rest of the day to bond with his books."
Frank's deflated face made the other youngsters snicker.

Charles informed, "We'll need the X-Van to transport the medical supplies."

Nate jumped on that one. "Ooh, can I go on the narcotics run with you?"

The older Englishman faced him and corrected, "Don't refer to it as a narcotics run as if we're operating a house of ill repute. Those days are long gone." The teenagers exchanged puzzled looks, unsure whether or not to consider that ribbing on the Professor's part or not. "And yes, you may come along."

Giddiness overtook Nate and Cordelia high-fived him.

With the teams decided, they talked a minute longer before dispersing for preparation.

"We'll need you to stay with the car," Alana told him.

"Right," Nate grasped importantly, "the lookout for undercover government operatives."
"And the helper of the heavy-lifting," Charles added jestingly.

Nate sighed dramatically. "Life story of the eternal intern."

"We'll go through the McDonald's drive-thru on the way home." Charles sent fingers through the boy's hair and winked. "Don't tell Dad."

Nate perked up with greater enthusiasm than before.

II

Surrounded by whatever spare metals, tools, and electrical parts he managed to scrounge up from the main level, the conscientious scientist tinkered from the ceiling. So hyper-focused on molding two pieces together, the hefty slap to his unsuspecting rear caused his toes to uncurl from the light fixture. Sanitary accessories already in place, the head of security helped steady the conspicuously less graceful younger man.

"Geez, Victor," anything but gratitude expressed on his disgruntled face, Hank wanted to know, "is a tap to the shoulder not theatrical enough for you?"

Victor plainly replied, "A hard head makes for a soft behind. Didn't Alana already tell you to keep both of those in bed?" He looked around the number of heavy objects in the infirmary. "What do you think you're doin' usin' your powers for all this haulin'? Your body needs to concentrate on healin' up. And you're exhaustin' your mind on top of that."

Hank rolled his eyes in multiple motion. "Is Frank's mom your secretary now or just your human baby monitor?"

Victor cast a disapproving stare on him that gave the young one pause. "She's someone so concerned for you that she's losin' time with her own son." He quickly noticed the twinkle of guilt in Hank's blue eyes. "All she's askin'- all any of us are- is that you focus on recovery, but you want to be stubborn."

"I am not trying to be difficult," Hank insisted in frustration. "You'll just have to pardon me if I don't consider my first ailment in years cause for lack of productivity."

"The fact that it has been years makes it worse," Victor countered. "Your immune system is rusty against the sniffles, let alone takin' out whatever that hound laced you with."

"Vic, come on," Hank nearly smiled incredulously, "look at me. My stamina is phenomenal or did Alana fail to mention that little detail in her otherwise dutiful report?"

"Hank, you know better than this," Victor said reproachfully. "Your happy hormones have likely spiked to keep you stable while the damage is gettin' undone, not so you can design the next X-Jet for space travel."

Hank spoke with glee, "Can you imagine anything cooler?"

Victor started to reprimand him on the dismissive attitude until he noticed the parts he held giving off subtle vibrations. "Hey." Victor reached for him, only for Hank to retract his hands. Highly displeased frown forming, acid filled the blonde's voice. "Boy, if you snatch from me again…" With no need for the older man to finish that sentence, Hank presented the appendages contritely. "Jitters. Hold still." Not bothering with arguing, Hank stayed in place while Victor peeled back the bandages on his upper body. Greater discontentment took over the elder's face. "This thing's barely half-healed. You need to lay down."

Though he did not fight being guided towards his cot, Hank still attempted to convince, "Victor, I swear I'm fine."

"If that were true, I wouldn't have been able to sneak that pop across your hide." Spotting his shivers, Victor rapped the linens around him.

Hank pointed out, "I was a bit distracted at the time."

Victor faced him with unconvinced eyes. "Kid, if I had so much as a hunch that you distracted that easily from your senses, it'd be hell's coldest day before I let you back out into the field. Now, I need to get goin'. A squad of us are goin' to find out what's what in those woods while Alana and Charles go on that supply run. With Kay and the rest of IQ focused on the kids, Logan's holdin' down the fort. When I get back, I don't want to hear one word about you givin' him grief." Victor cast his full shadow over the one in the bed. "Not one word. You hear me?"

Hank nodded solemnly, but immediately amended it with, "Yes, sir," at the glower he received from the Canadian.

Satisfied for now, Victor laid his palm on Hank's head. Despite the glove that separated their direct contact, the man's threading fingers through his hair sent streams of solace through the inflicted one. Close to Victor's wrist, Hank detected the purrs that cascaded from the Veteran's chest. With some manner of reluctance, Victor removed his hand. They shared one final gaze before the older man departed.

IIIIIII

For the sake of inconspicuousness, the bigger team took Sabretooth's gray truck. The only noticeable part of it consisted of the orange tiger-striped interior, unseen through the tinted windows. Calico remained behind the wheel of the vehicle, monitoring their surroundings. Due to a combination of daylight as well as police taping off the interior of the woods, Emma telepathically cloaked everyone inside Magneto's sphere. Once inside, Glimmer and Cyclops took to the trees, acting as vigilance and ready support.

Down below, Sabretooth determined, "This earth's been tampered with."
"Lousy cops," accused Lighthouse.

"I highly doubt that if there is anything left inside," reasoned Magneto.

Catching his father's hint, Lighthouse scanned through the multiple layers of dirt.

"Sweetheart?" petitioned Emma, sensing the lad's vexation.

"Bones," Lighthouse reported, looking between the adults. "From what I can tell, decaying carcasses of Felidae, Canidae, Aves with some feathers strewn, and I think a few reptilian. Harder to tell with this size variations. I assume they're domestic, but it's inconclusive with parts of them so altered."

"After Hank's own heart," Magneto remarked favorably.

Cyclops' voice sounded across the comm-link. "Em, Mag, can you feel that? Approximately, twelve paces to my right and fourteen forward. It's got the sun's glint, but I can't tell if it's metal or diamond from this height."

Magneto opted to clarify it for them all. Going by the youngster's coordinates, he ordered his powers to retrieve the item in question. When the tiny gleaming artifact ascended from a patch of yellow grass, Magneto brought it to hover in the middle for everyone's viewing. At three inches long or so, shining silver made up the battle axe with four miniature diamonds vertically lining both sides of its peculiar multi-handle.

"A bit kitsch for my liking," Emma critiqued, "but still, a rather striking pendant."

"Real swell policework, boys in blue." Lighthouse shook his head disparagingly. "If it was a snake, it would've bitten them and jacked their lunch money."

Upon making her elegant landing, Glimmer inched in for closer inspection. "We're in Roman territory, heartstrings." She reconsidered the design. "Well, more Latin, really. I'm pretty sure that's the symbol for fascis."

Lighthouse turned to her. "As in fascism?"
Glimmer nodded. "Look at it. The way the bundle surrounding the axe head."

Emma commented, "Father will be pleased to know your Latin classes amounted to more than those paperclip bracelets you used to make."

"Excuse me?" Glimmer turned a scowl on her sister. "I still make those."

Sabretooth plucked the axe out of the air to sniff it. "Catchin' a vague whiff of the little punk I tousled with last night. Judgin' by both their builts and those ballet steps they called fightin' prowess, I figure they're pretty young." He addressed Emma's mind with the rest. Not to mention how hot and bothered they were getting during burial. Rookie libido if I ever sensed it.

When Emma sent that part to the other adult present, Magneto only reacted with a marginally raised eyebrow.

"So, what the heck are we dealing with here? How does any of this add up?" Cyclops piped up over the communicators again.

"Seriously," Lighthouse seconded in equal puzzlement. "I mean, come on, animal-torturing/experimenting fascists? When did Dr. Frankenstein and Cruella de Ville take over the Illuminati?"

Glimmer cast an uncharacteristically disapproving gaze on him. "Don't joke about this, 'House. These perverted sickos ripped Queen apart and would have done the same to Grace, Prince, and Scout." She shivered, fully taking in their surroundings. "These woods are disgusting. They're nothing but a colossal graveyard."

Lighthouse became shamefaced. "I'm sorry, Glim. I didn't mean it like that. I shouldn't be kidding around, anyway. We need to excavate and get whatever remains we can back to the lab."

"Lookout duty resumes. I love you all," Glimmer started up the branches to rejoin Cyclops, "but picking through puppy bones brings out that pesky homicidal sensation in me.."
Understanding of her sister's sentiment, Emma directed the rest to, "Cover yourselves."
They all donned the face masks and doublechecked their gloves. Once they all stepped away by a reasonable distance, Magneto activated the shovels to begin digging.

IIIIIII

Only discovering old socks, slippers, and a stray book underneath the bed, the quizzical woman moved on to the dresser. She started at the bottom, finding what remained of the organized youthful clothing. As soon as she slid the top drawer open, Lauren sucked in a breath when it abruptly closed itself again.

"Talk about an ironic change of pace." She looked to see an impudent Maya leaning against the doorframe, nibbling on a soda bread muffin. "Usually, it's me ransacking your stuff. For as many times as you forgot to grab your keys or wallet, you always seemed to have those cancer sticks in high supply." Muffin gobbled, the girl in light blue jeans and peach top entered her room fully. "Talked to Grandma Lydia. After Doreen-the-drunk talked to you, apparently." She noted her mother's blank expression and looked impatient in turn. "What's the matter with you?"
"… Who are you?" Lauren presented the question in distant flabbergasted disbelief. "Because I don't have a damn clue anymore. You spent the last three years lying straight to my face. I supported you and Sean from the very beginning. I toasted to your engagement. How could you do this to me, Maya?"
The teenager remained unflustered. "To you? To. You? I have never wronged you in any way, Mother. If I wasn't here after Dad, you would have shriveled up and died the same year. I spent so much time reminding you to eat, sleep, do laundry, follow doctor's orders, making sure the bills get paid, putting months of my life on hold just to play nanny for you in that hospital."
"I know I've made mistakes, Maya," Lauren countered irately. "More than both our lifetimes combined. Yes, I get too preoccupied with work, but at least I'm not some nitpicking, overbearing mother. I've given you trust and privileges your classmates would've killed for. You had no excuse to lie to me."
"I didn't lie," Maya retorted. "Sean and my friends trusted me with their biggest secret. A secret that wasn't mine to tell. I didn't even get powers until you went into the hospital and I made friends with Tricie. I don't know how, but she sent her telekinesis into me as she passed away." Steel reflected in her darkened brown eyes. "So, save the wounded routine. We both know the only one withholding valuable information around here is you."

"What are you talking about now?" Lauren demanded in exasperation.

The incensed girl wanted to know, "How could you return every single thing Grandpa Lyall ever tried to send me?"

Lauren only honed in on the word, "Grandpa?" She let loose a disgusted scoff at the mere mention. "Lyall Lithgow is no kind of father and even less of a grandfather. There was no way I was going to let him worm his way in just so he could try to bleed us for what little we had of your father's life insurance."
"Really?" An unimpressed disbelief filled Maya's voice. "Over four years of birthday and Christmas cards- including ones he sent with money- were all part of his diabolical scheme to shake us down? Just how many craters did tobacco make in your brain?"

Lauren released a breath of dry, indignant amusement. "Oh, MVP—"
"MVC."

"D-E-F-G," Lauren recited flippantly. "Before you were even a year old, I knew you were leagues ahead of me. If you and your father weren't so cut from the same cloth, I'd swear those quacks sent me home with someone else's kid. That's why I wish you could hear how naïve you sound right now. Lyall is nothing but a pathetic, good-for-nothing gambler with a hell of a poker face. The one day or two a year when he's not bombed."
"He was already six months sober when he wrote me for my first Christmas without Daddy. Not that I expect you to remember that," Maya stared daggers at her, "considering you shipped me off to Aunt Bea's while you picked up holiday overtime."

"Here I thought you wanted food on the table for the New Year," Lauren said glibly.

"I wanted somebody here!" She waved her arms to gesture at their surroundings "Really here. For me. Lyall wanted to do that, but even with all those letters coming in, you couldn't be bothered to give him a sliver of a chance."
"I don't care if Lyall is the VP of Good Will and a scout troop leader on weekends," Lauren stated matter-of-factly. "After the hell he put my mother- our family- through, it's too little, too late. He might be able to work that snake charm on your aunt, but not me, never."

Maya took a moment to respond before she came back with, "Look at you. You are so full of it, you have yourself completely convinced that you are so much better than he is. I know he made dumb decisions. I know he was a lush and a gambler, leaving you to keep it together at home while Grammy took on any work she could. You may be slightly different, but you are right on par with him. You're an addict, too. Just substitute the booze and cards for cigarettes and scrubs. Now, who's cut from her father's cloth?"

Seething, Lauren jabbed two cautionary fingers in her direction. "I will rip your tongue out through your throat if you ever try to compare me to that man again."

At that, Maya's posture softened. "You're right, Mom. That wasn't fair. After all, Grandpa went into rehab willingly." Callousness developed in her countenance. "You're so ridiculous, you had to be dragged kicking and screaming into a hospital while your seventeen-year-old babysat you. Why in the world would I ever confide anything as major as genetic mutation to someone who doesn't even have a grasp on her own self-preservation?"

"I. Am. Not. Lyall!" For a second, Maya thought the fuming woman would lunge or even spontaneously combust. "You are not going to use a handful of half-assed postcards and my health problems to spit on me! However else I messed up, you have never gone hungry or been without a roof over your head. You have never had to work part-time to help ends meet while struggling through high school."

Maya stepped closer as she shouted, "And you've never gone night after night, meal after meal feeling like the last kid alive! You've never wished for a different mom, only to hate yourself for it every single time. You've never had to ask yourself, despite every effort, why you aren't enough to make your own mother happy. You've never crept out after midnight to sit and watch where your father was killed because it's more comforting than hearing the nonstop voices every time you shut your eyes. Driving yourself mad with calculating variables and studying time travel theories from the world's most renowned scholars, knowing it only took one small, incidental change for Dad to still be here. God," Maya threw her head back in vexation, "you don't even know what it's like to lose a father." She glared critically again. "You just threw yours away!"

"Ladies," seemingly materializing in the doorway, Liam chimed in, "listen, I don't mean to intrude here—"

"Then, don't." Maya turned her scowl on him and the tall male hardly had time to jump back before the door slammed itself shut. At the rigid unease on her mother's face, the girl laughed bitterly. "You can stop looking at me like I'm that cornfield-kid from the Twilight Zone. I have actual telepaths, a husband who can shatter the Empire State's windows by yodeling, element wielders, and many others on my side. If I wanted you harmed, it'd take less than a word. Instead, my people work without pay keeping this house in decent shape and helping with the mortgage so that you can concentrate on staying alive. And maybe sorta remember you have a daughter." Maya did not even look when the extension in her room sounded. "Ignore that."

"Maya, this is…" Lauren raised a hand, more mystified than ever. "This is too much. This is way too much."

"Oh, you're the one who's overwhelmed?"

"I'm saying," Lauren attempted to quell her own temper, "this screeching back and forth isn't getting us anywhere. I need some time…"
Maya responded flatly, "My entire life hasn't been enough?" Before Lauren could refute, a heavy knock distracted them again. Maya grunted as she stormed over to seize and twist her knob. "Liam, I swear to God," yanking her door open, the teenager felt some deflation in her ire. "Grandpa Flynn."

The none-too-pleased Irish elder raised an eyebrow. "My hearing's so tricky these days, I don't think I caught that correctly. You swear to who exactly, sweet pea?"

Maya offered a feeble smile. "Liam?"

"Ah, very good." Getting back to the purpose behind his interruption, Flynn informed, "Seems you're needed at the Fortress of Solitude, Superlass."

II

At the trumpeting footsteps announcing the descension of the other three, Lydia, Doreen, Liam, and Edna left the living room. They met them at the base of the stairs.

Leading the precession, Maya addressed the curious gathered. "I have to go meet up with Sean. I don't think anyone's going to be in the mood for a family dinner tonight."
Lydia asserted, "I reached that fundamental conclusion last night."

"What's happened?" Doreen wanted to know. "Is Tommy alright?"
"No, that's why we have to go pick him up from the gutter over by East 100 Street- of course, he's fine," Maya spoke tersely. "Call off the tabloids."

"Maya," Lydia said with imploring patience, "please, dear."
The newlywed released a sigh. "Everything's fine, but wifely duty calls." She faced Edna. "Hank came down with something and he doesn't want the kids to get sick. I'm sure Raven, Kiki, and Trav could use you."

"Really?" Edna proved flummoxed as she hurried to retrieve her purse. "I don't think Henry's had the flu since he was eight or nine. I hope it isn't one of those miserable summer colds."

Indicating with her head, Maya told her, "My car's right out front."

"Maya?" At the girl's perturbed expression, Liam maintained as even a countenance as he could. "We're here if you and Sean need us."

"Top ten phrases never heard in this house." With that, Maya took her leave with Edna.

Liam shook his head after them. "Adolescent Rollercoaster; Daughter Edition."

Doreen hugged and leaned on his arm. "You did say our best is yet to come."
With Lauren appearing so unreadable, Lydia inquired, "What in the world happened up there?"
Flynn fielded that with, "She mucked it up," aiming his thumb the wordless nurse's way.

IIIIIII

Hand in hand, Becky guided the McCoy matriarch through the extensive lower level of the mansion.

"This still baffles me," Edna asserted. "Where I grew up, I could hardly keep track of the number of raccoons, possums, or even foxes that tried pilfering my mother's vegetable garden. If rabies was an airborne disease, the Midwest alone would be more wiped out than during the Bubonic Plague."

"Hank wants to be careful because the dog that bit him was experimented on," Becky explained. "My Uncle Charles and Alana brought back an air quality meter from Queens. It only picked up really small traces of contaminants, but Hank still doesn't want Laci and the younger kids down here, just in case."
Once they reached the infirmary, the female pair lingered in the doorway. They observed Nate in the bed right next to Hank's, both toying with pieces of fabric. Edna grimaced at the strange sight of Hank wearing athletic pants, a hooded sweatshirt, and winter gloves.

Edna stepped in, "Henry," and received smiles from the two Ivy Leaguers when they heard her, "are you a-"
"Moooooom!" Taking only enough time to grab a garment off the mattress, Hank sped from his bed to fling both arms around her. "I'm so glad you're home. Did you have fun last night? Look, look." Hank loosened his grip to hold the crimson t-shirt up for her viewing. The emerald letters on the front read: Hot "Harvard" Mama. "See what I made you? I know you love green, but is it too Christmas-y?"

Affection and amusement built up inside Edna at once. "Of course not, Henry." She accepted the shirt from him. "It's absolutely perfect, my sweetheart. Thank you."

"I made my mum this one," Nate piped up, displaying the powder blue tee with "Long Live the True Queen" written in white.

Having been the one to smuggle in the crafting supplies, Becky regarded him in good-humor.

Edna asked her son, "What are you doing in these clothes? It must be eighty degrees outside and this room is already stuffy."

Hank told her, "I got a little clammy earlier, so we shut off the air-conditioning completely. But I'm still a bit chilly. Undoubtedly, a side effect from fasting and my second blood drawing a little while ago."

Edna's unease only deepened. "Have you eaten yet?"
"No, but I've stayed hydrated," Hank stated importantly. "Then, Nate and I became slightly preoccupied."
"Do you think you can stomach some soup with French rolls?"

Hank accepted the offer wholeheartedly.

IIIIIII

Inside the bright red and white kitchen, the newlyweds shared one side of the rectangular, diner-inspired table. They had just finished the apple crisps and milk offered to them upon entry, though Sean ate half of Maya's due to his larger appetite. After Maya took their empties to the dishwasher, they ceased their own conversation as excited chatter seemed to fill the house's main level. Less than a minute later, they looked up to see the other Westchester High Alum make her way into the kitchen.

"Hey, Merina," Maya greeted first.

"Well, hello to the brilliant and beautiful Mr. and Mrs. Cassidy," she returned merrily.

With a smile, Sean told her, "Your dad said it was okay to wait on you. He advised us to eat something since you, your mom, and sister at a department store tend to take four to five business days."
Merina laughed, "Yeah, guilty."
Maya said, "I'm sorry we didn't get to talk more at the reception."
"Oh, please, you guys were bombarded enough," Merina waved off. "Besides, we've been pretty distracted around here, too. My mom keeps remembering random things I absolutely must have for Penn State."

Sean inquired, "When're you taking off for Philly, anyway? I just had a gig there."

"My family's spending the first ten days of August there before the dorms open up," Merina spoke with growing enthusiasm. "We're staying at this really nice hotel near campus, going sight-seeing, scouting for the best shops and cleanest grocery stores with my mom, determining the top pizza and cheesesteak joints with my dad the second Mom turns her back…"

Maya smiled softly. "Total pre-campus paradise."

Merina then asked, "What are you two still doing here, anyway?" She looked at Maya directly. "I figured you couldn't wait to leave this talky town in your rearview mirror."

"I guess you could say…" Maya thought about how to word it. "The calling hasn't hung up yet."

"Ooh," Merina retrieved a cola from her refrigerator, "officially intrigued," and sat across from them with the bottle opener. "What's up?"

Sean fished around in his pocket. "What can you tell us about this?"
The second he presented the odd symbol, the only sound in the kitchen consisted of the popped soda lid. "I…" All of Merina's buoyant demeanor rapidly drained. "Where did you get that?"

"Found it," Sean answered casually. "Not too far away from the buried remains of several animals, most likely people's pets. Most likely killed by the same people who got off on brutally torturing our kitten's mom."

"Whoa, hey, I had nothing to do with—"

"Merina," Maya cut in tenderly, "it's okay. We are not trying to be accusatory here. We just want to know if any of this is ringing any bells… about that group you used to be in."

Getting up, Merina went to look out into her hall and returned when she determined the coast clear. "Look," she came back to the table, "this is the ultimate subject that need not be named around here. It's been a long road back to happy for me and my family and I'm not letting that get derailed. I haven't had anything to do with those guys since I bought a Christ-clue, okay?"

"We know that," Sean said earnestly. "We just want whatever intel you can give us."

Merina looked between the couple. "You're not going to the cops, are you?"
Sean almost snorted. "Yeah, if we get the overwhelming desire to impede our own investigation. You know the deal, Meri. Whatever Team Temple discusses stays within Team Temple. Graduation doesn't make our trust null and void."

Taking a moment to think, Merina eventually spoke again. "First off, you're already acquainted with two of its former members."

IIIIIII

When the Hughes siblings arrived at the Dukes' residence, they came for not only pick-up but delivery. They brought a therapeutic bed along with milk bones and healing bath wash for Scout. Holly had them linger a bit longer while she caressed the wounded but highly satisfied dog. Trick watched them, knowing memories of their own childhood mutt had to be flooding her.

Once they finally got the bicycles loaded into the large transport pod attached to the rear of the sedan, Trick next drove them to a car wash. Red vines and starbursts in their possession, the Irish duo relaxed against the hood of the vehicle while the bikes received professional scrubbing. From what she heard about the location Scout had been unwillingly taken to, Holly understood wanting every particle of dirt vigorously cleansed from the transit toys. It also gave the children the additional bonus of their bicycles appearing brand new as soon as their restriction ended.

Studying her brother up and down, Holly broke their pleasant silence with, "You're not flying off with me tomorrow, are you?"

"I'll only be taking off as Specter for the foreseeable future," Trick answered her straightforwardly. "Whatever's going on here, I can't leave right now, however short-term. I already explained things to Precious."

Holly brought a comforting hand to his shoulder. "I can postpone for a few days if you need me, Patty Cake."

"I do need you," Trick turned to her, "to go be with my daughter. Please, Holly Jolly."
The redhead guaranteed, "As you'd have it, big brother," and swiped a vine from him.

IIIIIII

Zoology textbooks along with a slew of other diagnostic materials spread out before him, the teenager reached his first pivotal conclusion. He returned the final specimen to the lab's designated refrigeration unit with the others.

"Mom, Dad," the woman and man glanced away from their own research, "domesticity confirmed, except for a few ambiguous pigeons and lizards. But there's no doubt that, at least, half of them were altered through experimentation or straight up mutilation. I have to run more diagnostics, but based on the muscle enlargements alone, my money's on steroids."

"That's excellent work, boychick," Erik commended, expression still sepulchral. "Unfortunately, it doesn't make this whole thing any less confounding." The Headmaster currently searched through various hardbacks from the Xavier Library as well as a few from his own literary collection on Latin history and global medicine. "Hopefully, Sean's theory will shed some light."

Frank said, "Even if it does, I still can't buy into an underground clique of mad scientists coming out of our high school. Maya graduated second in her class and practically wrote the book on AP Bio. How could they not even try to recruit her?"
Erik pointed out, "Or you."

"Cliques," Frank stated bitterly, "straight up freshmen discrimination."

At her own discovery, Alana came to stand between them. "There's no question why Hank is struggling for warmth. He has anemia. In fact, his iron levels are down drastically from the blood sample I took early this morning. That plus the other symptoms he's displayed, we need to administer the first round of the rabies vaccine."

Erik agreed and added, "He'll need intravenous iron overnight. I can stay on top of his anemia. We're only fortunate his mother cajoled him into eating. Our Beast isn't used to being medicated as it is. I have no desire to add appetite stimulants to the regiment."
Somewhat nervously, Frank proposed, "Maybe I should stay home a couple of days. You guys need me here."

The adults' simultaneous, "No," echoed throughout the lab.

A gentler Alana cupped his shoulder. "Champ, you've contributed so much here. You just started this program. That's a wide load by itself."

"Besides," Erik spoke next, "all of our health will be at risk should Hank find out we're keeping you out of school."

Despite the grim imagery, Frank let loose a snort.

IIIIIII

Even with the majority aware of Hank's situation, Emma and Charles sought to keep excess tension at the bare minimum for the fledglings. Since they all turned in their writing assignments without prompting or neglecting the content, Emma allowed Cody, Joey, Tommy, and Laci time for other activities. Since Joey had not left his side beyond bathroom breaks, Alex gathered Leon, Scott, Tommy, and Cody into his personal gym. Cordelia, still disturbed by the desecrated animals, focused on the pleasant by caring for Brian. Samantha helped Kayla with the twins.

In addition to the soup she made earlier for Hank, Edna also had the foresight to take care of the evening meal. It consisted of extra tomato soup, bread, lamb chops, and a mixed green vegetable casserole with cheddar and herbs enough to entice the children. At the dining table, the attendees included all Xaviers, Laci, Tommy, Trick, Kayla, Cody, Mira, Todd, Trav, Kiki, Scott, Cordelia, and Samantha. The household members not preoccupied with Hank, took their food to go see to security and other affairs. Trick and Emma had encouraged Alex and Holly to go enjoy a movie for the Irish girl's last night in town. The new Cassidy couple arrived not long after everyone took their seats.

Kayla instantly directed, "Sit down, you two and eat something. You're completely worn out."

Though Maya still craved little in terms of food, she did not dare argue when the female elder used that nurturing yet unmistakably fierce tone.
In concern, Charles wanted to know, "How did things fare with your contact?"
"Everything went fine," Sean reported, settling into his regular chair beside his wife. "She gave us another lead from school, but we couldn't track him down. We're going out again tomorrow."

Maya gazed in her brother-in-law's direction. "You heard what happened, right?"
Tommy snickered, "Mom blew it big time. After all that talk about keeping "family matters" private. I've never said a word about you guys."

"Me, either," Laci felt the need to second.

Emma assured them both, "We never doubted that."

Cordelia looked at Maya. "So, how did your mom take it?"
Kayla made haste to intervene there. "Sweetheart, please, let them eat."
The Bostonian girl took the hint and resumed focus on her own dinner.

Out in the hall, Nate paused outside the door when he noticed the other male teen having caught up with him. "Oh, hey. Where'd you ghost off to?"

"Figured the infirmary was crowded enough," Frank shrugged. "Did some more work in the lab. Now, I officially need to refuel before I hit the books."

With a nod, Nate let the X-Man enter ahead of him.

As soon as the dark-haired duo walked in, Kiki's eyes lit up hopefully. "Is Daddy's shot over?"
Nate replied brightly, "Should be by now. Your dad's sure brave through all things icky medical."
"That's 'cause he's the best doctor in the whole world," Trav boasted. "The shot'll make him better soon, right?"
"The shot?" Scott quoted incredulously. "Try a load of shots. In the stomach."

As soon as the sentence concluded, Kayla looked on in distress at Cody snatching up a napkin to spew out his current mouthful. The good-humor also drained from Trav's face and he pushed his plate away.

Amidst the dissatisfied reactions, Charles' right hand went to his brow aggravatedly as he uttered, "Scott Summers…"

Now, sporting a visage almost as red as his sunglasses, the reproached youth sunk in his seat.

II

Downstairs, Raven received solitude with her husband for the first time since their ninety seconds together late last night. Disposable gloves in place, Raven set about changing her ailing better-half into fresh lounge clothes that sported the Harvard logo. As she swapped his current blanket out for a quilt, it took immense willpower not to so much as kiss his head. When she felt her desires rise continuously, Raven berated herself for giving her teenage neediness a second thought. How many times had Hank sacrificed his own sleep and sanity whenever one of them fell ill? Raven cringed when the memory of Charles in the ER after the car accident invaded her mind space. Specifically, the part where she curled into a ball while an equally terrified Hank refused to even consider the notion of losing the telepath. Dismissing all of that before she became her own pity party, Raven mentally contacted Becky for the others to return.

The young telepath and the shapeshifter- with her blonde countenance resumed- along with Edna stayed in an observational position while the others worked. Nate delivered the sterilized instruments before heading upstairs to dinner. Logan and Victor stationed themselves at the infirmary's entryway. A quizzical Leon peeked in from around Victor's brawny frame. While Alana saw to his injections, Hank maintained a pleasant gaze on his three dutiful ladies. Though he did not want his children witnessing the goings-on, he could not help yearning for Trav and Kiki at his side as well.

Not until he heard the wheels of the steel post did Hank glance over. "Where's Charles?"

"At the table with the unoffended by the faint, infantile inquiry, Erik responded, "At the table with the little ones. Did you want him for this? I'll contact him."

Hank shook his head slightly. "No, it's fine- you're fine."
Still, the metal wielder determined, "Let's wait on this IV. Let your mother's cooking hasten your healing first."

Leon stepped inside at that, revealing the covered tray he carried. "Seems Aunt Emma's ahead of you, Dad."

Delight now filled Edna at some enthusiasm returning to Hank when Leon uncovered the tray to reveal the warm food. Erik magnetically received the tray from Leon. Once Hank sat up, the Headmaster floated the welcomed cuisine over until it reached the young scientist's lap.

After they ridded themselves of their sanitary accessories, Erik placed a gentle grip on Alana's arm, "Let's seek out our own nourishment. Anya?"

Ignoring her desire to protest, Becky came to stand over Hank for a moment. "I'll be back, Big Bear."
To no surprise, Hank said in turn, "Go eat, Becca Bear."

With Alana following, Erik sent his arm around Leon and hugged Becky against his side as he led their departure.

Victor sent Hank one more clandestine look before leaving with Logan.

Edna blew a kiss to Hank and patted Raven's arm affectionately. "You two take some time. I'll be with the children."

The female elder smiled at their unison, "Thanks, Mom."

IIIIIII

For the fourth time in five minutes, the long-legged teenager inwardly kicked himself. He considered legitimately kicking the wide desk before him, but he did not want tantrums tacked on to his impending sentence. Trav had managed to finish dinner after Frank intervened by holding him in his lap so they could eat together. Cody, however, had been excused from the table by Kayla with half of the items on his plate remaining. Seeing the younger boy exit had affected Scott, who never anticipated the vaccine description would ruin the happy-go-lucky one's stomach to such an extent.

The second he registered the approaching footsteps, Scott looked over to see Charles make his way into the study. The Professor shut the door before going around to fill the executive chair behind his desk. Scott sat up as straight as he could and maintained eye contact with a remorseful expression in place. Even through his red lenses, the boy detected the softness in his guardian's eyes that indicated unhappiness more than outright anger.

"Mr. Summers," Charles began, immediately noticing the way the lad's apprehension increased. The sight made the telepath reminisce about Sean, whose heart rate also elevated at the formal use of his last name. Charles did not allow the adorability of it to reflect in his straitlaced countenance, "do you understand why we're here exactly?"

"Yes, sir," Scott answered promptly. "And I'm sorry. I know needles freak out Trav and Cody. I wasn't even thinking about it."

"I know you meant no harm," Charles assured. "I also understand that verbal slips happen at inconvenient times. However, this is not the first time the other instructors and I have had to correct you on your blunt manner in front of the younger children. Your sincere nature makes me very proud, but your decorum can be problematic at times."

"I'm sorry," Scott reiterated. "Sometimes I just get a wild urge to spill my guts before my mouth consults my brain."

"That's a matter of self-discipline," Charles stated. "Something you have in spades," he gestured at the youth's ROTC honors that provided décor for two walls, "if these are any indication. While forthrightness is important in leadership, you must not neglect consideration for those in your protectorate. Trav and Cody both have extreme disgust for shots and Trav has anxiety spells on top of it. You know that."

Scott nodded and promised, "I'll do better, Charles, really."

"I have no doubt of that, my dear boy. As for this incident, come here to me, please." Exhaling through his nostrils, the fledgling got to his feet without delay and came to stand by the man's chair. Charles took him by the arm, shifted him slightly, and applied four firm swats to the seat of his pants. Scott reacted with a faint wince and momentarily stood on the tips of his toes. Turning him so they could face each other again, Charles further proclaimed, "Go take your bath. It's an early bedtime for you."

"Yes, sir," he responded contritely.

Charles then reeled him in for a close embrace. "I love you, my diligent, compassionate boy."

That created a smile on Scott's face. "I love you, too."

"I'll be up to tuck you in shortly." With a pat to his back, Charles dismissed him with, "Go on now."
Taking his leave, Scott gave his bottom a slight rub. He proved eternally floored by the lethal force within the Professor's hands until made to experience it. Regardless, the young mutant immensely preferred Charles' palms to his yardstick.

II

With Samantha seeing to the twins' bath, Kayla made a path for her oldest son's quarters. He laid in bed, appearing melancholy enough to bother the woman's own stomach. She brought him a glass of Ovaltine that he sat up to sip through a straw.

When he got to the halfway point of the drink, the boy softly uttered, "I'm sorry, Mama."

Kayla's brow knitted in confusion. "What do you have to be sorry about, beloved?"
"I know you and Dad worry when I don't eat enough green stuff. Or stuff, period. I'm so mad I let that shot mess get to my gut."
"Baby, that is nowhere near reason enough for you to apologize," Kayla stated earnestly. "We all have our issues; things that make us uncomfortable. Let me also remind you that you're the one who freed me from my phobia last year." She thought about something else. "But then again, bringing me back from the brink is nothing new for you, is it?"

With a wide smile, Cody inched across his mattress to nestle against her front. Kayla brought automatic arms around his thin frame.

Knocking on the doorway to announce his presence, Sean entered to present the two slices of pound cake. "Tom wanted you to have his since he's not allowed and you gave him your dessert last night."

"Thanks!" Cody happily reached for the plate.

Sweet abundance or not, it only pleased Kayla to see her boy up for devouring something.

II

At the entrance to the scientific workspace, Logan peered in at the meticulous young lady adorned in a lab coat with a notebook in hand. She moved around with purpose in her every step, pawing through various research and jotting notable musings on the board.

"You're gonna have a real edge over those other eggheads come fall," Logan put forth, capturing her attention swiftly. "Try not to make too many of 'em cry. Not on the first day, anyway."
A more agreeable expression forming on her face, Maya explained, "Filling in so Frank can get a couple hours of studying in. I get how brilliant he is, but he's way too stretched thin for a kid."
"You'd be the expert there, eh, Smiley?" Logan asserted.

"I'm only absurdly thin in this noodle I call a body," Maya claimed. "School's out for me and the wedding was amazing."

"And you can't get lost in a new project fast enough," the man stated pointedly. "What happened with Lauren?"

Maya sighed and resumed concentrating on notes. "It's not worth talking about."

"And that's not what I asked you."

Raising her head, the girl retorted, "You need me to paint a picture? What do you think happened? She's off printing "My Child is an Honor Student at Xavier's Institute for Gifted Youngsters" bumper stickers." The realization hit her faster than the words left her lips, followed even quicker by guilt. "I'm sorry, Wolverine. This just hasn't been the honeymoon-at-home I had in mind. One curveball after another, I swear."

The unbothered elder walked across the room to her. "What's rumblin' in that beautiful brain of yours, Smiley?"

"Nothing." Maya shook her head to an almost dizzying extent. "Nothing I can't handle myself. What I've always had to handle myself. I'm someone's wife, I graduated among the Top Five of my class, I'm starting college- there was no point in you giving me away if I can't keep it together for all of forty-eight hours without sobbing into your shoulder."

Logan informed, "I gave you away because Sean Cassidy is more than any father-of-the-bride could hope for. You're not like other kids, Smiley. Your problem has never been that you can't handle things for yourself. The problem is that you've always had to. You've never completely relied on an adult."

Maya regarded him with esteem. "Before I met you and Kay."

"Strokin' our egos in the process," Logan commented glibly. "But when you get around Lauren…" He stood pensively and mindful of his words. "I never wanted you to ship out to that hospital with her. I wanted to put my foot down on it, but I knew what it would do to you if the worst happened to her and you weren't there. The X-Men weren't there to distract you from her, but Tricie was. Her mother knew you for two seconds before she trusted you with her daughter. You even tag-teamed with Melissa to take your mind off your ma."

Maya remarked, "Slightly better than my pathetic attempt at rebellion by sneaking into a concert."

"Be grateful I wasn't there for that genius moment," Logan inserted before continuing with their current topic. "Now, give it to me straight. What'd Lauren say to you?"

"The way she looked at me is a better question," Maya asserted. "Like the Bad Seed. I caught her going through my stuff like she was conducting a drug bust."

Logan's indignation made itself visible. "Where does she get off comin' at you like that? You've left her in the dust goin' into adulthood."

"Something I pointed out, too," Maya told him. "She kept going on about how the sacred trust has been violated as if I emptied our bank accounts or something. Meanwhile, she's the one who's been lying ever since we lost my dad."

"About what?"
"Do you remember me telling you about her father, Lyall Lithgow?"

Logan nodded. "Yeah, that piece of work."

Maya then informed, "He's been sober for years and he's been trying to contact me since he found out about Dad. He's sent me letters, birthday and Christmas money- he even had my Cousin Meredith bring me a money order as a wedding present. She's the one who showed me all the letters my mom bounced back to him. I haven't seen Lyall since I was little, always figured his last shouting match with my mom was the end of any regard he had for us."

Listening to her every syllable, he responded, "… Talk about a piece of work." He wanted to use a more venomous term than "work", but did not want to speak it in the girl's presence. "What'd she have to say for herself?"

"She didn't give two flying flubs," Maya answered. "She doesn't care if he's doing well or not. He's just less than nothing to her and she expects me to automatically side with her. Wolverine, I'm not naïve. I'll never excuse what Lyall put all of them through. But my mom doesn't even want…" Her expression became all the more wretched. "Her father's still alive, Wolverine."

The Veteran nodded his head compassionately. "Yeah, I know, baby. But I'm nowhere near surprised. The woman's never been famous for appreciatin' what's right in front of her. Lauren, Lauren, Lauren… Fox will just love hearin' about this one."

Maya shared his knowing countenance then sighed. "I don't want to talk about this anymore. It's not where my concentration belongs right now, anyway."

Logan reached out to tuck a few hairs behind her ear and brushed his thumb over her temple. "Do your thing, Nurse Smiley. I'll grab you some tea before I get goin' on perimeter sweeps."

"Thanks, Wolverine." Maya gladly returned to her information collecting about the altered animals.

IIIIIII

Once Kiki and Trav drifted off with the aid of warm cocoa milk, Raven lingered watching them sleep for several minutes. When the shapeshifter made her way back into the infirmary, she got into the necessary gear and went to her husband's side. Initially believing him to be emitting small slumber utterances, Raven's inner alarm spiked upon taking in the pained discomfort in his visage. Through the thin latex, she could tell that some clamminess remained, but when she pressed too hard near his upper torso, he hissed sharply.

Acting swiftly, she peeled back his linen layers and lifted his shirt with rapid delicacy. Her eyes briefly flashed from hazel to yellow at the crimson sores that resembled a septic sea against his fair-skinned abdomen. Even with a ginger touch from her fingertips, Hank grunted. Raven wondered how he could possibly sleep so soundly. Then, she noticed his partially parted eyelids and with his incoherency, he seemed to be suffering a dizzy spell.

When the X-Woman used her communicator to summon qualified help, the backup appeared on hastened feet. It included the Headmasters, Victor, Alana, Maya, and Becky, who had Edna with her.

"Look at him," Raven urged. "He was eating; improving. How is it getting worse?"

"It's not rabies," Alana quickly determined. "That redness, swelling, the stomach pains you describe? These are side effects of the vaccine."

Edna experienced an internal discomfort at the mere image of her son. "So soon?"

Alana nodded forlornly. "The vaccines come with a high probability of side effects, but I never anticipated them showing up this fast or severe."

Erik brought up, "With mutation involved, there's a risk with anything we implement."

"It's his healing factor." Victor stepped forward from the group for closer inspection of the younger animalistic mutant. "It's still trying to get a grip on what that dog gave him. His antibodies ain't waste time on the Maranda Act when that vaccine show up. They want it out as of yesterday."

"But they're side effects," Becky reasoned. "Once we treat the redness and swelling, the pain will go down and he can have the rest of his shots."

"It's not that simple, Princess," Charles tried to explain gently. "He could spike a fever and—"

"Everybody get back!" Victor ordered in a near roar.

"Hank!" Raven tried with full might to keep a grip on his arm as his body started thrashing.

"Henry!" Edna rushed forward.

Erik acted swiftly to throw arms around the woman and hold her in place without bruising her in the process. Though, he doubted if she prioritized the same with him as she jabbed and exercised her fingernails in retaliation.

"Mrs. McCoy, please," Charles pleaded, fetching a pair of gloves for her.

Edna eased long enough for the Professor to dress her hands before going to help her daughter-in-law stabilize her son.

When Hank jerked from them hard enough to take a hard fall off the mattress, the McCoy women gasped in terror.

"I've got him," Victor vowed. He ran and dropped directly behind Hank. "Gotcha, big guy." The blonde moved swiftly enough to help the ailing brunette off his back and onto his knees before the contents of his belly burst from his mouth. As it only went on, Victor looked over to request, "Raven, Edna, run upstairs and bring down a couple of your scarves or anything carrying your scent. You, too, Becky."

With no desire to leave, the named three still went in search of the items.

When the vomit stream seemed to end- resulting in a massive puddle with unsettling traces of red in it- Victor carefully massaged Hank's back.

Blue eyes filling with empathic despondency, Charles' fingertips went to his temples. "He's so lost and disoriented." Frightened… "I fear forcing him to sleep. If the nausea persists, I don't want him so under my force that he gags."

"Hold off on that one, Charles. I need to hose him off." To Victor's relief, he received no resistance when he got to his feet with Hank in a cradling position. The young one also took and held tightly to the man's shirt front. The elder lightly quipped, "Let's get you spring fresh before your ma and the ladies call you sinful."

"I'll reload his iron shortly," Erik put forth. "For now, he needs clean clothes."

"Erik," Charles addressed his brother, "perhaps we should wait to check his blood again. Ensure the iron intake isn't part of the problem."

The Poland native paused at the doorway to counter simply, "It isn't."

Charles started to inquire then developed something of a puerile expression when he realized he currently spoke with the wizard/detector of all things metal.

"In the meantime, we better not let anyone else in until we get all of this scrubbed and sanitized." Alana gauged the sizable spill left from Hank's pained spell. "Maya, could you—"

Both remaining adults stepped to the side as a roll of paper towels and other cleaning aides from the supply closest fluttered over to the repulsive overflow. While they began purification, the linens on Hank's cot started to strip with equal autonomy.

Pride built in Charles as Maya wordlessly commandeered the situation. When Alana briefly caught the girl's gaze, she also spotted the grandstanding gleam in the corner of her eye.

IIIIIII

In the lengthy hygiene space of the lower level, Victor brought the stout but weakened fellow X-Man into the one small room with a tub. He used his hip to get the door shut. Cautious of his every finger twitch, he got Hank propped against one corner while he started running the water. They kept basic moisturizing cleanser in there on the sink. As he started removing the sweaty, soiled clothes, Victor had to place them in a trash bag for decontamination purposes.

"Mr. Jones, of the Manor Farm, had locked the hen-houses for the night, but was too drunk to remember to shut the popholes. With the ring of light from his lantern dancing from side to side, he lurched across the yard, kicked off his boots at the back door, drew himself a last glass of beer from the barrel in the scullery, and made his way up to bed, where Mrs. Jones was already snoring." At the way Hank's features became marginally less muddled and fearful, Victor continued the recitation. He only paused to remove his own shirt and add it to the bag when the stomach-churning remnants of vomit finally registered in his nostrils.

As he lowered him into the lukewarm bath, Victor sighed internally at sudden resisting arm movements from the young one. Dreading having to reprimand him at such a time, the security man relaxed when Hank only reached for his forest of chest fur. Victor inched in much closer, allowing him to stroke the golden fibers as much as he wanted. Upon hearing and feeling the rumbling purrs, Hank's wash-up commenced without issue. Only a tentative knock made his caretaker look away.

"Victor? I have his clothes and extra towels."

Finding his hands full, Victor invited, "Come in."

Erik opened the door and stepped inside with the bagged garments. "How is he?"

Victor reported, "Not bein' a pain in my south end."

"So, full-sized equivalents of Trav and Scott," Erik smirked. Noticing their current state, he offered, "I brought him extra shirts you might be able to fit. Or did you want me to run up for one of yours?"

Gingerly rinsing the soap from Hank's hair, Victor told his fellow hunter, "I'm good like this."

At Hank's infantile caressing of the yellow fur, Erik required no more than those four words. The Headmaster's sharp blue eyes honed in on Hank's dog wound. Though better than earlier, it still knitted itself back together far too slowly for a young man who once bounced back so swiftly from a gunshot. Even with Victor's explanation for the differences between the two injuries, Erik still found it unsettling. He looked on in approval at the delicacy to which the older animalistic mutant treating the area solely with warm water.

When it came time to unplug the tub, Victor concluded by rinsing off the last traces of soap. Both equipped with towels, he and Erik worked together to dry him as quickly as possible. At Erik checking the tenderness in his wound, Hank's low growl stilled his hand but did not daunt him enough to move the appendage. The metal wielder did not need to speak with Victor emitting his far more cutting rumble of disapproval. Immediate contrition blended into the haziness that made up Hank's expression. Despite his awareness that the young physician presently suffered delirium, Erik felt a ping in his chest with how he hung his head. The man then bit back a chuckle, wondering when exactly he had been implanted with Charles' heartstrings.

'Can you get some morphine loaded?" Victor asked his comrade. "And have Charles run another air test."

With a single dutiful bob of the head, Erik resumed his full height and started back for the infirmary.

II

Aware that Hank wanted her at a particular distance due to her ever so delicate body, Becky leaving the room made Laci stir also. In her dalmatian spotted pajamas, the little girl waited by the McCoy wing for answers. When Raven returned and spotted her, she disregarded the child escaping bed altogether. Instead, she recruited her for what the shapeshifter referred to as "Mission; Fashion"."

Once Raven finished collecting some articles from her quarters, she regrouped with the other females in her common room. Edna only had one scarf with her, but her favorite perfume practically coated it. Laci contributed her handmade tie-dye top, which Raven used as a pillowcase. Becky came in with two of her scarves. She had also acquired a pillow from Trav and Kiki's favorite pink adorned teddy bear. The young telepath had managed to soothingly slip in and out without disturbing her tucked in cousins.

Victor's voice piped up through the communicators. He informed them that Charles had discovered nothing out of the ordinary during the most recent air quality test. That offered some relief for the gathered pride of femininity. With that in mind, Victor instructed them to meet in his room, where he planned to transfer Hank.

Along their way, Laci inquired, "Will Victor get sick if Uncle Hank's fluids get on his things?" She wondered more quizzically than out of alarm.

Raven glanced back at her. "Now that we know for sure this thing isn't airborne, the only way it can spread is by breaking the skin. If any of you touch Hank without gloves, don't touch anything else without washing your hands."

"Got it," Becky confirmed.

Inside Victor's seldom occupied quarters, Alana and Maya finished setting up the necessary medical equipment on either side of the bed. With the decrease in shivers from Hank, he laid dressed in lighter long-sleeve articles. Winter gloves and cushioned socks covered his hands and feet.

Erik reattached his iron IV, but looked towards his brother for the next bit. "You'd best handle this part, Lab Rat."

Charles accepted the syringe from him. With the still shirtless Victor currently on the bed monitoring him, Hank quietly propped against his pillows. When he felt the Professor tap his vein, he glanced to his left. To Charles' satisfaction, the younger male only presented him with a tiny smile during the injection.

"Oh, my love." Edna entered ahead of the others.

"Mom..."

At the enamored way he uttered her name, followed by how much brighter his features became over the arriving females, Charles feigned indignation. "Oh, I see. We lug you about, but you reserve true sentiment for the vixens."

"Can we blame him?" Erik quipped.

Becky and Laci waited at the edge of the bed while Edna and Raven arranged the items they brought with them. They placed the pillows directly behind Hank and handed him Kiki's bear, which he automatically squeezed as if he held his little girl currently. They tied the scarves together into a soft rope. Hank laid in rapture as the fragrances of his cubs and lionesses practically overloaded his nostrils.

A pleased Victor stated, "Your scents are exactly what he needs to build up endorphins. Only this time, I'll personally see to it he uses 'em for healin' as opposed to hangin' from the nearest chandelier."

Alana piped up humorously, "I desperately need to compile a list of phrases completely unheard of beyond these walls. Even Guinness would deem me delusional."

IIIIIII

When their highly enthused chatter followed them from the massive garage straight up to the mansion's main level, the blonde released a piercing hush. His curvy-built cohort feigned crushing offense.

"You're ashamed of me."
"No," seizing her by her hips, Alex rapidly reeled her in towards him, "the shame will come if we wake up those we hold dear due entirely to unadulterated hotness."

Holly gripped the collar of his polo. "Only if we set off the fire alarm."

Dipping his chin to better accept her potent kiss, Alex's reflexes activated as soon as they tipped over the unsuspecting end table. He caught and resituated the lamp in seconds.

Holly exhaled with relief. "We both know I appreciate a little thrill, but incurring the wrath of one Mrs. Xavier is not among my life goals."

Alex shrugged. "We'd just tell her Melissa did it. No evidence required."

They shared smirks and sniggers as they continued on towards the Hovel.

Holly reached into her shoulder bag. "On the subject of thrill…"

Alex took in the clear bottle she revealed. "You had that on you the entire time?"

"Well, I certainly wasn't going to let you drink and drive." Holly made a slight face. "Though, a few shots would've been welcomed during that stale show."

"I kind of liked it," Alex admitted. "Especially all those segments of the guy and the girl necking."

Holly eyed him knowingly. "There was no such scene…"

Alex moved in until only a breath separated his lips from hers, "Sure there was. You were just too preoccupied to notice." They briefly tasted each other again. "I'll grab the good glasses."

Holly grinned coyly after him.

On galvanized feet, the young instructor jogged into the dining room to search the China Hutch. He retrieved the best yet least used champagne flutes and hastened back to his workspace.

"Hol?" he called, going through his seemingly vacant domain.

Then, he reached his hygiene/rejuvenation room. The first thing he noticed upon entry consisted of the turquoise skater dress and satin cream slip abandoned on the lengthy vanity. He promptly forgot that sight as the second one chiseled into his brain. Red hair spilling behind her back, the mesmerizing figure clothed only in undergarments kept a provocative gaze on him.

Alex came to lean over the edge of the tub. "What are you trying to do to me, Red Hots?"

She simply replied, "Cherish."

Requiring no further prompting, Alex handed her the glasses. He rushed out of his shirt and pants as fast as he could without ripping the garments to shreds entirely. He lastly tossed aside his shoes, socks, and watch. Glad he had decided to change into solid black boxers earlier that evening, Alex charged and jumped right into the hot tub.

With a squeal, Holly held their glasses high to keep from dropping them. When he settled with his arm around her, she handed over his flute.

Despite the transparency of the vodka, Alex quipped, "You spike it?"

Holly touched her heart with a put-upon gasp. "I have to stoop so low? You wound me, stud."

"If you had any idea what you did to me, lady…" After a savoring sip, Alex tilted his head, only to jerk it back suddenly. "Wait, you know just having you here is the mega-million jackpot for me, right? You're not my designated plaything."

"I'm not?" She narrowed her eyes in false suspicion. "You're seeing other playthings?"

"Are you?" Alex asked in turn with a more apparent layer of seriousness than her inquiry.

Turning somber herself, Holly answered, "No. That chapter of my life has long-since concluded."

Alex assured, "I wasn't trying to fling guilt your way."

"I know. You've reserved that entirely for yourself," she put forth. "As tantalizing as your lips are, I was not hypnotized enough to miss that personal mind battle you've wrestled with tonight. There's so much going on around here, you should be keeping a better eye on your Joey, what right have you to have fun…?"

Alex peered directly into her eyes as he came back with, "Don't tell me you're a late-mutant-bloomer like your brother. I swear, you telepaths keep dropping in."

Holly smiled mischievously. "My power lies in how well I know you. No matter how long we go between seeing each other. Stud, you're a sexy, talented, hard-working dreamboat about to reach a milestone birthday. Don't have fun; relish in it all."

First drink finished while listening to her, "Working on it," Alex extended his flute for another.

IIIIIII

Even with Charles' best jovial game-face in place, Victor knew how much it pained him to not be able to act as Hank's soothing source. Though the Professor proved a comfort, Edna and Victor elevated to Hank's most wanted elders in his present state. Charles knew he had no right to complain, especially with how simple a time he often had consoling Cody. He escorted a weary Raven back to rest with her children. In the master suite, the Professor gained an armful of his princess when Becky wanted to lean on him while her father worked. On the other side of the bed, Emma laid with a tuckered out Laci.

With Logan manning Eye Spy, Trick accompanied Erik to conduct aerial sweeps of the property. On their rounds, they witnessed the return of their sister and son respectively. Though Alex did not make a habit of staying out to such an hour, Erik decided against bringing up the subject with his near-twenty-one-year-old. Trick also distracted him with the occasional game of what the Irishman referred to as flight-tag. Instead of pointing out the obvious childishness of it, Erik made a training exercise of it. He tried to see how much power it took for his magnetic shield to block the intangible Specter.

By two AM, only Victor and Hank dwelled within the former's suite. Victor spent the majority of the time monitoring his vitals and whatever details his powers could detect better than the machinery. He also frequently clean sweat and drool off the brunette. The blonde mutant did not sleep, so much as mentally check out whenever he spent a half hour or more on the bed. He held Hank a few times, but when they laid together, Victor picked up the soft, mildly contented intakes of air every time he kneaded the chest fur. It marveled Victor that he could provide such solace for him, even through the gloves the young man wore.

Unfortunately, consolation did not reign throughout the entirety of the night. With every involuntary bodily movement Hank unconsciously went into, Victor had to keep him bound in his arms. With the heaviest of hearts, he also had to counteract some of Hank's more disagreeable jerking by swatting the seat of his pants and giving off low growls. The sniffling and light whimpers that resulted left Victor feeling deserving of contracting the disease himself. However, common sense overruled his guilt and kept him from clawing at his own skin. Instead, Victor atoned for the justifiable discipline with nuzzling and whispering more excerpts from Hank's favorite novels.

"Um… excuse me? Vic?"

Weighed eyes blinking at the timid tone, Victor felt the sun's bright morning rays pour in through the windows. He had to wonder how long he had zoned out that time and noticed the cat-face-shaped clock on his wall reading a quarter to seven. So, he and Hank had actually gone through two straight hours without incident.

"Sorry," Nate said meekly from where he peeked in. "I didn't want to knock and disturb you. Em had to go catch up with Mrs. Howlett, but she told me you moved Hank in here."

"At ease, baby brit." Victor noticed the way the lad not-so-casually tried to keep from eying him directly. He briefly entertained the notion that Adrienne had warned her little host brother against so much as glancing at his fur. "You eggheads can visit for a bit." Leaving Hank on the bed with teddy bear and scarves in his possession, Victor determined, "I'm gonna stretch my legs and round up a few supplies for the big guy." Going to his dresser, he grabbed the first t-shirt he saw and slipped it on. "He's doin' good, but grab one of us if that changes."

"Yes, sir," Nate replied, happily pulling over the desk chair to be near the older Ivy Leaguer's bedside.

Before he headed out, Victor cracked a smile when the thin teen unfolded and began reading an article from the Harvard Crimson.

II

After finding his brother's bedroom unoccupied, the boy in blue and yellow athletic apparel made a path for the main level. Rubbing residual crust out of his eyes, he adjusted his shades as he neared the Hovel.

"Alex?" Seeing no one in the TV area, Scott moved to search the rest of the elaborate domain. "Dude, where are you?" When the sought after Summers popped out of the office in only his boxers, Scott threw up his hands to dramatically cover his eyes. "Ah, pasty blonde bod, gross! Lucky for you, I didn't have breakfast yet or I'd be hurling all over your floor."

The instructor set him with a particular look. "Lucky for you, I vaguely, sorta like you enough to let you go on living. I was about to shower before the invasion of the shrimptoid Cyclops. What are you doing up, anyway?"

"If I have to sleep for one more minute, my head will cave in." Scott then grumbled, "Stupid early bedtime…"

Alex raised a surprised eyebrow. "You got in trouble after I left yesterday? What, did you go goon squad hunting by yourself, too?"

"Nothing even a tenth that cool," Scott said with a partial pout developing. "I'll tell you on the way. Let's go for a run."

"Sure, but just for a little while," Alex granted. "I have to get Holly to the airport. And you need to eat something before we do anything."

"So do you," Scott instantly countered. "You want your BP pills to do a number on your gut?"

"Hey, sounding like Mom is my thing. Copying Dad's crappy comedy routine is yours. Now, grab us some waters while I get decent." Alex turned him around by the shoulders and prodded him forward with a poke to the back of his head. "I'll bring the granola bars."

With a highly pleased countenance at the mention of the Summers elders, Scott departed at a spirited pace.

Stepping back into his office, Alex shut and leaned against the door. He released the bated breath he had so masterfully concealed.

Gaze landing on his sofa, he sincerely uttered, "Sorry about that."

Stretched horizontally with blanket wound tightly around her up to her chest, Holly reassured, "Worry not, stallion stud…" Ecstatic daze still in effect, she glanced around her immediate surroundings. "… except for the whereabouts of my brassiere."

Able to spot her underthings strewn in opposite directions, Alex collected them along with some of the additional exercise articles he kept in one desk drawer.

"Here, wear these upstairs." He presented her with the off-white shirt and gray pants and darted back to his desk to dress himself. "Going on a run with the smallest Summers, but we'll be done in time for your flight."

"No rush. It's still early." Casually turning his head towards the welcoming nonchalant voice, Alex did a doubletake upon witnessing her completely unwrapped. After snapping her bra back into place, Holly met eyes with him once she stood. "So…" She threw her scarlet tresses back. "Does natural light do me justice?"

Breathing in and out through his nose, Alex's surroundings faded as he made a determined stride towards her. In turn, Holly came at him until she got in range enough to leap right off the floor. Alex caught the cheerleader with ease. Her legs coiled around his waist as they began to kiss and aimlessly spun about.

Holly pried lips away first, taking in gulps of air. "We have things to do- other things."

To Alex's chagrin, he agreed and returned her to her feet. They finished getting into their clothes and Alex remembered to snag a few granola bars. Outside the Hovel, they divided with another quick smooch.

When the Summers met up for their light snack and started their jog, it baffled Scott that his brother did not inquire about the early bedtime incident. Instead, Alex competed with the sun's luminosity and Hank's foot speed. The thirteen-year-old then looked on to see the blonde perform two flips in succession. With a momentous outcry, Alex declared a race. Challenging smile in place, Scott pushed himself to dash ahead.

IIIIIII

Able to pry herself out of her fatigued mother's clutch, the brown-eyed tot managed to flutter from the third floor to the second without running into anyone. When she found herself in front of the Kitty's door, the seemingly allured child reached for and twisted the knob. She tentatively peered into the room.

Lifting his head, Hank dropped the teddy bear on the mattress at the sight of her. "Baby Bear…"

Face lighting up, "Daddy," Kiki sped for him.

Nate walked out of the attached bathroom to see Hank hoist her onto the bed. "Oh, guys, Kiki, wait." Guilt in his every word at having to disrupt them, he told her, "You shouldn't be in here right now, love. Let's go ask your mum- ah!"

Kiki jumped in terror not due to the boy's outcry, but seeing her father cause it by forcefully seizing his left upper arm. The claws protruded straight through the gloves, sinking right into the flesh.

"Don't. Touch. Her," Hank snarled.

Pulse increasing at beholding the crazed, faraway icy irises and savagely steely visage, Nate stilled himself as he shouted, "Kiki, run!"

Hank grabbed his other arm with only marginally less intensity. "You're trying to take my daughter, aren't you? Aren't you?!"

Nate shook his head, trying to maintain cool eyes despite his waves of trepidation. "No, Hank, no, I swear. Please, it's me, Nate."

"Liar!" Hank growled in the face of what appeared as a threatening apparition in his jumbled vision.

"Daddy!" Kiki shouted in dread.

"Run—" Before Nate could give the order again, Hank shoved him away.

Kiki released a shriek when the boy flew into one corner and smashed the chair there on impact.

The scream made Hank turn her way. "Baby…" She recoiled from his beseeching hands.

Blue eyes pooling remorsefully, the expression faded when he felt the wood make rough contact with his back.

Wooden chair leg in one hand, Nate hurried around to gather Kiki in his free arm and attach her to his hip. He took off as soon as Hank moved to give them chase. Nate managed to close the door after him, but could hear it ready to burst apart. Getting away from the Howlett-Creed wing, the lad fled with the Xavier section of the second floor in sight.

Charles! Bringing them into his guest room, Nate shut and began barricading the door while continuously calling out for the telepath.

Reacting to the commotion, Leon raced into the hallway and stood completely taken aback by the crazed figure that tore through. Hank reached and pounded on Nate's door before starting to fling whatever furniture pieces he could at it. Multiple images coursed through Leon at the mere sight, causing him to pale in total stillness.

"Whoa!" Sprinting from her quarters, Cordelia morphed into her gold form in time to bat away the end table flung at her. "Hey, stop it!" The disgruntled girl threw a vase in turn as she raised her communicator. "Mystique, your hubby's cracked!" She got in a defensive stance when Hank looked ready to charge.

"Henry!" The bellow of immense disapproval made the petitioned one zero in on the rapidly approaching Professor. "Stop this at once!" With the younger male's thoughts so fluid and racing, Charles had difficulty shutting down his mind without resulting in significant damage. He tried subduing him with strikes of cerebral pain. Despite it, he saw the continued defiance in the troubled mutant's gaze. The telepath did not so much as flinch. "Henry McCoy, you will not succumb to this. If you force my hand, boy…"

"Big Bear," Becky called from her doorway, keeping Laci behind her.

When Tommy and Joey also appeared, Charles ordered them all to return to their rooms.

"Don't move," Raven instructed Edna and Trav as they descended from the third level.

Edna gripped Trav's shoulders, unable to believe her son's hysterics. "My God, Henry!"

Preoccupied with the Professor still, Hank did react to the short animalistic mutant who barreled for him.

Cody hissed, "You look at Charles like that one more time and I'm pluckin' out all four of your eyeballs, you demented dork!" He stopped just a yard from the taller male before unleashing his roar.

The others had to cover their ears when the snarling duel resulted between them.

Only Becky's scream drowned them out, as everyone quickly absorbed the source behind it. The hurling blade planted itself in Hank's back, causing his agonizing cry towards the ceiling as he toppled down. A rigid Leon silently summoned back his swiss army knife. Raven and Edna hastened to either side of Hank with Trav refusing to stand back any longer as well. A wretched quiet filled the hall.

Face contorted into absolute horror, Becky cast near blackened eyes on the one a few doors away from her "What did you do…?" Leon dropped his bloodied weapon to bring both hands to his abruptly assaulted head. "What did you do to my brother?"

Rebecca! Release him, now!

The censure from her uncle ended the girl's rage spell. Nothing remotely apologetic reflected in her as she made a determined path to assist with Hank.

Daring to crack his door enough to observe the cause behind the frighteningly abrupt silence, Nate could say nothing but, "Kiki's safe. She's hiding in my closet."

"Keep her in there," Raven firmly directed.

"Moppet." Charles headed for the younger Brit. "Are you alright?"

Not far behind, Cordelia wanted to know, "Did he hurt you?"

Nate shook his head with reassurance. "I'm fine. He just pushed me a bit. He was too delirious to know what he was doing."

Charles nodded. "I'm taking the children to my room. Bring Kiki in a few minutes."

Nate bobbed his head in compliance.

Closing his door once more, the youth now adorned in crimson sweatshirt went to his waste bin. He sealed off the small bag containing his torn tee and slid it under his bed. Going to the closet, he opened it and knelt to the little one currently clutching her knees.

"Ready to come out? Want to go be with the others?" When Kiki just shook her head briskly, Nathan promised soothingly, "It's alright then. We can wait." She hid her face as he played in her hair.

Rising again, Nathan came to stand before his mounted mirror. Tugging down one sleeve, he studied the no longer oozing but broken skin that circled just beneath his shoulder.