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.

326. Ch326 Where the Butterflies Soar Freely

Rise or Fall

Chapter 326

Note: After an undoubtedly blissful holiday weekend had by many, whooooo's up for Fun with Formatting?... Look, be glad I'm not Charles or there'd be a pop quiz involved.

Flashbacks: "XXXXX" indicate entering and exiting a flashback. "XXX" shows a slightly longer passage of time within the flashback. "X" is a shorter and/or overlapping indicator passage of time.

Present: "IIIIIII" are used to show longer passages of time and/or entirely different locations in our current time. As of this post, RoF is in July 1965 FYI. "II" indicates much shorter passages of time and/or overlapping within the same general location.
Telepathic Plane: "OOO" and "O" are entry/exit and location shifts in the mental world, as seen in Chapter 319.
Scripted: This format is the newest, really self-explanatory, and first seen in Chapter 322.

Also, a reminder to consult "Chapters to Check" below for dialogue, certain concepts, and mainly names you don't immediately recognize or immediately recall. If none of the chapters listed contain your reference, it's safe to assume it's a whole new name or concept.

Alrighty, class is officially dismissed for enjoyment and review!

Chapters to Check: 4, 60, 124, 140, 179, 180, 239.

Residual throbs having subsided, more aching ensued due to the catastrophic sounds that filled the entire second story. The discombobulated verbalization shot at him like arrows firing at every angle. Lifting his head from the floor, Leon peeped through the long black strands that hindered most of his vision. What he did manage to see came off as flashes of black and gray flickering in and out.

"Lee? Lee?" Tommy lightly patted his cheek while clutching him. "Are you okay?"

Height differences mattering not, Cody brought the young instructor's arm around him to assist him in standing. He raised his free wrist to summon familial backup via his communicator.

When Tommy bent to pick up Leon's fallen Swiss army knife, Charles' razor sharp, "Don't touch that," made him recoil immediately. Removing a handkerchief from his robe to wrap the handle in, Charles gathered the blood coated blade. He told Leon, "This has to be sterilized." At Leon only responding with a feeble nod, Charles instructed the boys, "Get him to his room."

Acting as the distressed one's crutches, Cody and Tommy carefully guided Leon into his quarters.

Looking into the nursery, instant alarm coursed through Joey. "Where's Brian?"

Veering around at his son's panicked tone, Charles soothed, "He and the twins are out with your mother and Kayla." He hastened into the nearest bathroom to secure Leon's knife inside a spare trash bag.

Among those crouched around her husband, Raven forced Becky and Trav to keep away from Hank's wound. The shapeshifter looked away at Laci's rushed footsteps. Seeing her with the balled up pillowcase, Raven interceded her intention. She took the wadded linen from her to apply it to Hank's bleeding back. Edna laid her hands over her daughter-in-law's to increase the pressure application. Ushering Laci toward them, Becky held her hand while keeping Trav hugged to her side.

They all gasped when Hank went from strained breathing to so suddenly passing out on the floor.

"He's only sleeping," Charles assured, lowering his hand from his temple.

The next several minutes blurred for most of them as next moves happened so rapidly. The brothers Howlett-Creed bounded up to the second floor with Samantha and Scott not far behind. With the others so distraught, Charles briefed his security team on the situation. Considering the call they received from Cody, the security men pieced together what had occurred rather easily.

Terror filling Becky upon seeing Logan's firearm, she stepped over to stand in front of Hank with her arms spread defensively. "I swear to God, if you even think about hurting my brother—"

Logan cut into her tirade with, "I'd need five or six shots just to give him a bellyache." He displayed the unusual gun. "Tranquilizers."

Becky's posture softened.

Scott wanted to know, "Where's Kiki?"

"She's okay," Cordelia guaranteed. "Nate has her."

Requiring no further information, Scott made an accelerated path in that direction. "Nate, open up." The petitioned youth did so quickly. With the door barely ajar, Scott impetuously hurried by him. "Kiki?"

As soon as the shades adorned face glanced into the closet, Kiki shot at him. Scott embraced and scooped her right up.

When he felt the frightful tremors pulsing through her tiny frame, Scott struggled to keep his anger hidden for her sake. "Shhhhh," he began pacing the room with her, caressing her back, "Scottie's gotcha, sunshine. You're safe."

Nate watched the pair in genuine awe of the way the younger boy soothed her with such simplistic capability. Going to sit on his bed, Nate let off a small groan.

Scott honed in on him straight away. "Hey, you okay?"

Putting on a smile, Nate rubbed his right arm. "If you ignore the fact that I have the same grace as a smashed Dumbo, I'm fine."
The humor distracted Scott not for a moment. "Vic said you were in the room with him. He did this to you, didn't he?"

"It was an accident, Scott," Nate emphasized. "It's the sickness. He thought I wanted to harm Kiki."
"And if not for you, he'd have done it himself," the X-Boy deduced, fury steadily rising.

"No, he wouldn't have," Nate argued, trying to remain calm. "He was too sick to know what he was doing. He didn't even recognize me."

Awareness of the one in his arms settling in, the unconvinced Scott opted not to continue the heated debate.

II

When Maya arrived at the site of the disturbance with medical supplies, including an abundance of latex gloves, all eyes and thoughts remained on Hank. Off to the side with the rest, Joey and Laci stood between Cordelia and Charles. With the two so shaken, Samantha tried holding Becky and Trav as closely to her as she could. Maya maintained an expression that matched the Professor's composure as she cleansed Hank's wound and brought a complete stop to the bleeding. Once the clove oil numbed the flesh surrounding the penetrated area, Edna- who had the most stable fingers at the moment- began sewing the damage closed.

Trav's churning stomach did not worsen over the needle since his grandmother wielded it, but the yearn to comfort his father made him tear from Samantha's grasp. "Don't worry, Daddy. You're going to be okay."

"Travis." Charles seized and hastily reeled in his small nephew. When the tyke squirmed vigorously, Charles set him with a deeply disapproving look. "Stop- Travis! What did I just—" Trav attempted to kick and total reprimand took over the man's voice. "So help me, young man, I will spank your bare bum!"

Laci's startled reaction to that magnified at Raven whipping her head back to retort, "Worry about your own ass if you yell at my son like that again." Disregarding her brother's resulting face and the reactions from the fledglings, Raven ushered Trav over to contain him in her lap.

After the stitching, Logan helped to carefully situate Hank into Victor's arms to carry.

While he allowed Edna to walk alongside the stout blonde, Logan blocked the other family members who attempted to follow.

Deadly scowl forming, Raven demanded, "What do you think you're doing?"

"Sorry to say, Mrs. McCoy," Logan responded with genuine regret, "but you and the kids need to stay back."

Raven instantly dismissed, "Like hell," then appeared ready to inflict her wrath when the Veteran continued to hinder her path.

Logan sported a visage of apologetic patience. "Mop the floor with me if it'll make you feel better, but the fact remains the same. The only ones who can consistently get through your hubby's Beast brain are his mother and Vic."
"That is not true," Becky protested, going to stand beside Raven. "Hank loved having us in the infirmary with him yesterday."

Logan placed his gaze on her to remind simply, "Yesterday ain't today, curls. He's so sick, he barely knows who's on his side anymore. Just like he did with Kiki, Hank could easily get it in his head that we're a threat to you kids." He spoke directly to Raven again, cautious of his words with adolescent ears everywhere. "If he gets around you, there's no tellin' how ravenous he'll become. Sorry, ladies, but by order of security, the basement's off-limits."

A genial spoken Charles seconded, "Logan has my full support, Raven and I know Erik will agree. You know our fretting at Hank's bedside and riling him all the more will only make matters worse. We have our own concerns up here."

While Raven reluctantly backed down, Joey went to Becky. He hugged her arm, practically absorbing the furious quivers coursing through her.

The gathered X-Men disbursed after that. All too aware of what could negatively result from even a spec of Hank's fluids, Charles commanded his fledglings to bathe. He also instructed them to discard the clothing they presently wore into their hampers so he could launder everything downstairs. Cordelia and Maya hung back to get the floor sanitized. With Joey at his heels, he looked in on Cody, Tommy, and Leon to give them the same order. The telepath's worry went right to Leon, who wordlessly nodded his understanding. At the man's vexation, Tommy promised to stick close to Leon.

Cody made a path for the Xaviers. "If you plan on washin' in the basement, I'm goin' with you. In case Beast wakes up on the hissy side of the bed again."

Feeling somewhat lighthearted for the first time that morning, Charles replied, "Hank is subdued for the time being, but the backup is appreciated. However," he grew somber again, "should another outburst arise, you are not to physically engage him. Evasive maneuvers only, understood?"

"Pfffft, I'm nowhere near that stupid," Cody promptly reassured. "I know he'd smoosh me like a housefly with his pinky alone. I just don't like the way he was lookin' at you."

"Me, either," Joey piped up.

Easily sensing the apprehension in the lads, Charles determined, "Let's all clean up and rendezvous in approximately twenty minutes. Spit-spot, lambs."

Rushing with his best friend, Cody quipped, "We're lucky to get fifteen minutes from my dad and Erik."

"I know," Joey said with a small droplet of humor.

While Tommy went to retrieve clothes to use Leon's shower, Charles kept vigilance over his stiffened nephew.

II

After gaining access to Nate's room, Raven collected Kiki, thanked Nate, and gave the boys the hygiene instructions. Scott and Nate complied without question. With her daughter attached to her hip, Raven gripped Trav's hand as they started up to their suite. Logan caught up with them on the steps.

The Veteran humbly requested, "A word, please, Mrs. McCoy."

Raven lowered Kiki and directed Trav, "Take your sister upstairs, Cubby."

Before the tykes could depart, Logan got to one knee to address Trav. "Your Uncle Charles' wasn't kiddin'. Your dad'll be okay, but we have our own work to do, especially you. While Hank's laid up, he's countin' on you to look after your ma and sister, understand?"

A new light appearing in Trav's eyes, he nodded vigorously. "Yes, sir." He glanced up. "Yes, Mommy."

Raven gave her children a sliver of a smile. She watched them continue the ascension to their floor before turning less than amicable eyes on the security man.

Even with no words from the shapeshifter, Logan put forth, "I know good and well I'm on your hit list right now, but I also know some part of you sees where I'm comin' from. I'm seasoned in more areas than I'd like to be, includin' what's goin' on with Hank. I may not know the ins and outs of this disease, but the symptoms are too familiar. Havin' you within reach without bein' able to touch you will unlock a primal madness he can't control. Whatever Kiki saw him do will be nothin' in comparison. He'll be anything but the man you married."

The words penetrating her bolshie exterior, Raven released a heavy sigh. "You're right; my brother's right. Doesn't make any of this comforting."

"Comfort already took the first train smokin' out of here, blue," Logan stated bluntly. "At least you know Hank's in good hands. For the time bein', your number one priority has to be the kids."

No trace of an argument in that regard, Raven softly said, "Thanks, Logan."

The man bobbed his head deferentially before the female mutant resumed the path to her wing.

IIIIIII

Second cup of the morning filled to capacity, the woman in pale blue hospital attire almost burnt herself before she could take a sip. Upon turning away from her coffee maker, she found the alarmingly stealthy figure, whose entire demeanor embodied a furious fox.

"Good God," Lauren placed her mug on the nearest counter, attempting to wind down from the unpleasant surprise, "what—"

"What," Kayla drowned her out caustically, "did you say to her?"

Lauren eyed her superficially. "As big a treat as it is whenever you choose to barge into my home tossing around accusations, I have to get to work. But we can still do lunch. I'm free on the 31st of February."

When she attempted to brush by her, Kayla captured her arm in a steel grip. "You're the piece of work- to paraphrase my husband. How fortunate for you that he has such high respect for women. Unlike my better half, however, it gives me great pleasure to spell out what an unfeeling, disingenuous, self-centered harridan you really are."

"Disingenuous?" Lauren echoed disbelievingly. "You pretended to be a schoolteacher for the better part of two years when all the while, you were grooming and manipulating my daughter into this warped freak show."

Kayla set her with an arched eyebrow. "Your daughter?"

"Yes, my daughter," Lauren reiterated icily. "A fact you can't seem to wrap around that pretty little pretentious head of yours. I brought Maya up for sixteen years before you people darkened our doorway."

The Indian woman promptly came back with, "And I've spent the last two years righting what your ludicrous ineptitude has done to that sweet girl. That did not start off as some hostile takeover plan targeted at you. It came about after my husband I saved her up in Canada."

Now, Lauren raised an eyebrow. "Saved her?"

"She fell into an unstable ice pond while she was skating. Logan retrieved her and I healed her. But, of course, you know nothing about that incident." Kayla developed a contemptuous grin. "Even after a brush with death, you're the last one she'd ever confide in."

Initially too floored to verbalize, Lauren retorted, "And you just soak in that satisfaction, don't you? How superior you are by contrast? You looked down on me long before any of this came out. Despite having everything, you can't resist pouring salt in the wound. Tell me, oh sophisticated educator, who's the real pathetic one in this scenario?"

Expression not altering by even a twitch, Kayla redirected her line of sight towards the icebox. "Maya had to be, what, four or five here?" She viewed a photograph kept in place by a banana shaped magnet.

With the brisk shift in topics, Lauren said in utter exasperation, "Is your head on straight underneath all that hair?" Still, she faced the picture in question of the small girl gazing at a blanketed infant in her arms. "Six–year-old short stack. That's her with the Davison boy; little gnat was hardly thirty-six hours old."

Kayla then brought up, "You met them on your trip Burton Island, didn't you?"

"Heading home from it. We were halfway back, so naturally, insane downpour was inevitable. At the very least, it happened when we stopped for gas, so were right by a motel. We got all dried off, had dinner, got Maya tucked into bed between us…" She narrowed her eyes as her voice grew even drier. "Come two AM, we wake up to screaming, thinking the place is on fire. The whole motel was woken up to this crazed kid pounding on the doors, begging for help because his wife was in labor and all the roads were flooded. Couple of twenty-year-olds with a kid coming almost a month early. The two of them didn't know how to get the cap off a bottle of Tylenol, let alone childbirth. Carter took the boy- Andy- to round up whatever supplies the motel staff had while we went to his wife, Karen. Sweet girl but scared out of her wits. Maya held hands with her and kept her calm. Three hours of our lives later, Andrew Junior was kind enough to grace us with his presence." Lauren appeared thoughtful. "Last heard from them a year or two ago."

When Kayla finally spoke again, she revealed, "That's one of Maya's favorite memories. Granted, her version always comes off more enchanting, but the part that always stands out for me is knowing that was the moment she knew she wanted to become a nurse."

The women met eyes again.

II

In the living room, Emma sat in amusement while next to her, Lydia and Doreen cooed at the baby trio. Brian wore an expression that almost completely mimicked his mother's. Todd appeared to question the sanity of the older two women. A bright-eyed Mira peered all around the unfamiliar surroundings.

Liam shook his head from an armrest. "So precious before they learn to form complete sentences." He mildly gaped when Brian looked directly at him with a steadily widening grin.

"So, dear," Flynn piped up, standing next to Emma's spot on the couch, "what brings you here this fine morn'? Are you backup or referee?"

Emma answered him with, "The spirit's mood will determine mine."

Not missing the rising voices emitting from the kitchen, Liam remarked deprecatingly, "And the Estrogen World Series continues…"

"Which reminds me," Emma faced the woman to her left, "do you perhaps require a nice padded room, where you can be of no danger to yourself or, more importantly, our extraordinary children?"

Doreen released a deep sigh. "Please, I implore you, not another tirade. I more than realize my profound foolishness."

"You'll hear no tirade from me," Emma assured serenely. "One more slip of the tongue, however and you'll be imploring for the mercy of my words."

Before anyone could reply to that, the other two and highly unreadable females made their way into the common space.

Lauren paused her pace at the sight of the strollers. "You honestly brought your babies with you to this suburban standoff?"

"They needed the fresh air," Emma waved off, studying the nurse. "My, how unscathed you are."

"We're done here," Kayla informed.

"Very good." Rising, Emma went to stand beside her fellow X-Woman as she spoke to the room. "The state of your individual relationships with Sean and Maya is of irrelevance to me. Being a threat to them, no matter how unintentional, is a different matter altogether. Mutation is privileged information. A privilege I will revoke from each and every one of you should you let sheer stupidity take the wheel again." One hand going to her hip, Emma placed her locked gaze on Lauren. "I do not care how unsettled this bombshell has left you. I couldn't be more indifferent towards you in general, if I'm being honest. Can you keep your wits about you like an actual parent or should I lobotomize you now? I'm comfortable with either option."

Lauren glared heavily. "Save the threats, you trust fund floosy. No matter how furious I am, there's no chance in all hell of me selling out my daughter."

Before Kayla could pounce on the insult, Emma said, "And with that understanding, we're off to the park." She went to grip her son's handlebars. "Say "good day", Brian."

"Goooo," the blonde tot rang out as his mother wheeled him towards the front door.

When Kayla took her twins' shared stroller, Todd gave off a short wave and Mira looked to brighten in wonder of what awaited them next.

On their way from the Patterson house, Kayla reacted to the younger woman's abruptly sharp gasp. "Em?" Keeping one hand on her stroller, she gripped Emma's shoulder with the other. "Are you alright?" She attempted to study her features. "What is it?"

Brian twisted in his seat to try to view his mother. "Mama."

The rock-solid Bostonian quickly collected herself. "Home, now."

IIIIIII

Despite the laundry room being in an entirely separate corridor from the medical area, Charles' blonde and raven-haired fledglings stayed all but sewed to his hips. Sedated or not, Hank's current state left Professor X vexed but not at all daunted about his own well-being. Still, he indulged the lads' protector roles. Silver Cat kept his resiliently puckish exterior on display, but even during his and Hank's earlier faceoff, the educator sensed his trepidation had not completely faded from seeing the Beast's unbridled rage aimed the Professor's way. All three had on their thickest training suits, complete with gloves and boots, but Professor X silently noted Silver Cat's waist belt. Specifically, how it lacked the youth's prized Bridge Birthday dagger. Unsurprisingly, Eel's thoughts proved scattered and uneasy. The blonde unconsciously twiddled his fingers as if prepping them for the far too real possibility of having to unleash his sparks.

Naturally, neither boy could register Professor X's emotions due to the telepath maintaining his jovial but steadfastly paternal armor. Inwardly, he despised how his little ones could not obtain true sanctuary in their own home so soon after the abduction and retrieval of the Dukes' dog. The Headmaster wanted to watch them play with their new toys in the recreation room, not witness their adventurous games trickling into reality. After they got the washer loaded, the English elder experienced some sincere good-humor when his little kitten pawed him from behind. Understanding the peppy boy's intent, he crouched so Silver Cat could attach himself to the man's back. The youngster developed a big grin when the Professor sprang up and maneuvered with him so agilely. It also reminded Silver Cat that unlike Magneto's imperial cape, Professor X's military inspired X-Men uniform amounted to more than mere masculine stylishness.

With Silver Cat still clamped to him, Charles brushed his thumb across the youngster's knuckles. "Did these make an uninvited appearance during your recent unsanctioned mission?"

Instantly realizing he referred to the pursuit of Scout, Silver Cat responded, "Huh, they didn't actually. Lucky for me, I have our sessions. A crazy jump is one thing, but no way could I explain away bustin' out the killer cat claws."

Exhaling pleasantly, Professor X stated, "No luck about it, little kitten. You've taken our mental training to heart since day one." Sensing something else suddenly, he sent his stare in his wordless son's direction. "Are you still with us, Eel?" When the boy did not so much as blink, he addressed him as, "Charles."

Finally turning his head from where he gawked blankly at the doorway, Eel dutifully answered, "Professor Daddy?"

The man's tone carried a gentle strength. "How are you feeling, son?"

Eel absently reminded him, "You can look," tapping the top of his own head.

"Hey," protested Silver Cat, "what's with the tight lips? I wanna know, too."

Eel claimed, "Neither one of you will like it. Pretty sure you'll hate it."

Professor X prompted him to go on with, "Leave the mind reading to me, my Charles."

Exhaling softly, Eel recalled downheartedly, "When that knife flew into Uncle Hank and everybody just flipped out… for a quick second, I wondered… um," he fidgeted in his chair, "if it, maybe, felt good."

When Eel drooped his eyes to ground level, Professor X let Silver Cat plummet to his feet. He approached his son. Kneeling to him, the elder Xavier brought his palm to Eel's knee. The gentle squeeze he applied gave Eel the nudge to lift his head.

Professor X gazed back at him with a visage of compassion. "You mean when the blade went through your uncle's skin?"

Eel nodded and when Silver Cat took the chair right next to his and slipped a shielding arm around him, the blonde spoke again. "But now, I just feel sick. Seeing Uncle Hank's blood… Aunt Raven's face…"

"Joey, no! Stop that!"

The shudder Silver Cat felt from Eel only made him hang onto him closer. The bi-racial boy also noticed the twin gazes shared between the Xaviers as they appeared of one mind. Silver Cat opted not to comment.

Professor X finally put forth, "What happened to Hank has taken a toll on the entire family. This morning in particular brought back more than a few unwanted memories. Son," he intertwined their gloved fingers, "don't feel ashamed or condemn yourself for thoughts you know you have no control over. More than that, don't feel you have to keep these things to yourself; not ever. I know you know that." Professor X moved his hand from Eel's knee to tweak his nose between two fingers. "Yes?"

"Yes, Dad," Eel affirmed, managing a tiny smile as well.

Shortly after, Professor X transferred the clothes to the dryer and told them a story while he worked. Paraphrasing the medieval literature easily kept the lads' attention and partially distracted the telepath from his own tension. Both youths stilled entirely when the man's expression changed so drastically.

Upon receiving Scott's urgent mental petition, a single tilt of Professor X's head informed the boys they had to move. On the second floor, they made it outside of Leon's suite, where the Headmaster ordered them to keep their distance. On either side of the bed, the suited up Cyclops tried to keep a hold on Leon's left arm while Calico and Tommy wrestled with the right. Grunting frantically, Leon thrashed about.

Glancing back, Calico beseeched, "Uncle Charles, do something! I'm scared I'll snap his wrist."

"It's alright, Cali," Professor X mollified assertively, all but leaping over to his agitated nephew. "Kitten, help Cyclops!"

Silver Cat sped around to the older X-Boy's side. He used both arms to weigh Leon down at his bicep.

Getting on the mattress, Charles locked benign blue eyes with the frightened brown. "Leon, it's going to be alright. You must calm your mind so I can ensure no real damage has been done."

Leon shook his head fervently. "No! Stay out!"

"Please, Lee," the Professor further implored.

Not used to Leon's voice reaching such decibels, the other five youths present all shuddered as he hollered, "Dad! Dad, help! Mom!"

At the clear delirium he exhibited, Cyclops eyed him with adoring sympathy. Calico inhaled deeply to restrain her emotions. Silver Cat and Eel exchanged similar helpless looks. Tommy only focused on clutching Leon as if the timorous mutant would float away if he loosened his grip even marginally.

Reacting to the light but rapid footsteps behind him, Eel veered around and acknowledged, "Mum."

Emma tapped her blue-eyed boy's shoulder without missing a step in getting to her prime target. "Leon."

The petitioned one rushed into an upright position in the bed, his eyes almost flooding with saltwater. "Mom…"

Yes, sweetheart. As soon as Charles opened up more space on the mattress, Emma lowered to tug him straight into her arms. Everything's going to be alright. Her hand dragged up and down his sweaty back with delicacy. Hush now.

Leon buried his face in her shoulder and released a strained sob.

IIIIIII

When the dryer came to a stop, the only sound within the lower level came from Hank's heart rate monitor. With additional numbing aid and morphine, the stout mutant laid on his back without his sewed wound aggravating him. An IV provided him with fluids, but they did not trust giving him additional iron without Erik's assessment. He fluttered in and out of a sleep state, always frightened until the sight, sound, and scents of his mother and Sabretooth eased the rage produced by his ailment.

Edna walked back into the infirmary after refilling both their iced tea glasses. She saw Sabretooth stationed in the same position by Hank's bed. He clutched the younger man at the wrist while sending recitation into his ear. Though he could not feel the feline mutant's fur through the thick X-Suit, Sabretooth kept Hank's palm against his chest for him to experience the rumbling purrs. Edna wore one of the fetching jumpsuits also, not bothering to hide her admiration over her son's design ingenuity. She also delighted in ironic memories of the little boy who once detested clothes shopping. Borrowed from Kayla's collection, Edna's royal blue turtleneck suit came with gloves and boots in forest green.

When Sabretooth spoke his last verse, Edna recognized it. "Isn't that from Hamlet?"

"Act Five, Scene Two," Sabretooth confirmed. "The Barb's a little overrated for my taste, but good luck convincin' these Ivy Leaguers like this sweet prince of yours." He sent a full hand of fingers through Hank's dark brown locks.

"You're well beyond Shakespeare," Edna noted. "Your literary memory puts the old ivies to shame."

"It's kind of you to think so, but it was never my intention," Sabretooth told her. "Books are about escapism for me, not enrichment. My greatest inheritance, next to that yappin' brother of mine, is my ste- our father's home library."

Edna listened to him fixedly then came back with, "When I was in school, extracurricular activities for most kids meant part-time jobs for the boys while we herded our younger siblings at home."

Sabretooth regarded her with mutual veneration. "Is that why you let him fly from the nest when he did?" He gazed down fondly at Hank. "Bet his wings could hardly flap."

Edna nearly gave into hysterical laughter right on the floor tiles at that statement. "My Henry would sooner forge his own pair with wax and feathers than waste a moment of productivity waiting for wings to sprout."

"With every last probability and configuration factored in to keep him from hurlin' straight into the sun."

The impressed woman praised him with, "You are, indeed, well-versed in my boy."

Sabretooth kept his eyes on the young one in question to mask his differing view of that comment.

XXXXX

Even as the massive but covert structure came into view, the engrossed green irises never peered away from the quickly filling lavender pages. The partial turn needed to enter the parking garage likewise failed to make the tiny hand miss a stroke with the magenta, strawberry-scented pen. The child only fidgeted every so often without looking away, mainly to ensure the comfort of the stuffed critter tucked under her right arm.

Since the road no longer dominated his line of sight, the sandy blonde gave his daughter a side glance. "Is Teddy helping you with your homework?"

Attention continued undivided, she automatically corrected, "Dickon, Daddy."

"Begging your pardon, did "Dickon" happen to remind you to bring your homework, at least?"
"Mmhmm." Becky indicated her floral messenger bag.

Satisfied for the time being, Gavin pulled into his regular spot and shut off the engine. As soon as the black Pontiac stopped, Becky happily removed her wool coat, having already done so to her scarf and gloves during the ride. Wearing burgundy leggings and a knee-length cream sweater, the only outdoor accessory to remain on her person consisted of the hat that matched her leggings. She slipped her messenger bag across her shoulders again before exiting the vehicle. Gavin waited for his little lady to finish making her slick black boots shine with her travel brush and polish. When that same lady re-attached herself to her notebook, he opted for the faster option of picking her up along with his briefcase. Taking her hand so she could walk would only invoke the image of a shepherd herding a fanciful snail.

Before they reached the elevator, Becky found herself holding back a sigh when they had to pause to greet two colleagues who just had to make tracks for her father. After the men shook hands, Becky raised her head to smile and verbally acknowledge them.

"We must stop meeting this way, Miss Douglas."

When Becky did not grasp his humor, the other man chuckled and clarified, "We last saw you at the Christmas party. Hiding that pretty face behind a book when not scouting for sweets."

"Oh, I remember," Becky responded, trying to give off an amicable air. "It's nice to see you both again as well."

"Speaking of bookworms," Gavin said as another gentleman came their way. Even with a backpack clearly loaded beyond capacity, he maneuvered with no greater difficulty than transporting a throw pillow. "Hank, how's the dissertation coming along?"

The tall young man in a crimson sweater reported, "I was up until four instead of six. Admittedly, I did get distracted once or twice brainstorming the specs for an interceptor aircraft with dual daylight and nocturnal capability."

One of the agent's remarked good-naturedly, "Most kids chase castles in the sky. McCoy here is too busy building them."

Noticing the absolutely silent head of curls in Norton's hold, Hank's fatigue tinted features perked. "Well, hello there. What's your name, sweetie?"

She slowly parted her lips to respond ,"B-B-Becca," igniting chortles in the middle-aged men, but her real reaction went to her pen plummeting from her lax hand.

Before it could come within an inch of the concrete ground, Hank's long arm shot forth to seize the unique writing utensil.

Round face aglow, Becky almost squealed when he handed it back, mainly due to their fingers briefly touching. "Thank you!"

"Oh, any time," amity filled Hank's blue irises, "Becca."

IIIIIII

Fingers clutching the medieval princess plush toy, the thin rigid frame did not reanimate until familiar arms coiled around her from behind. Both figures stood in denim pants, brazenly swimming in bulky Harvard sweatshirts.

Resting her chin on the younger female's shoulder, Raven wondered, "Where are you, Becca?"

"Right here with you," the girl replied plainly.

"Falsehoods afoot," Raven mock accused. "You couldn't be further away from here, Gorge. I know because I'm floating in the abyss across from you. Thing is, we're both needed on Earth."

"And we need Hank," Becky countered frankly.

` "Good thing we still have him," Raven countered pointedly. "And not that I don't appreciate your constructive cleanliness, but have you eaten anything substantial?"

Placing the doll on the correct shelf, Becky answered, "Toast and juice."

"Recently?"

"I had a couple of candy bars when I felt lightheaded. About a half hour ago."

"Beats an empty stomach," Raven determined tiredly.

When she next picked up Trav's toy stethoscope, Becky veered around angrily. "Why do we have to stay up here?"

Raven spoke patiently. "Becca, we have been ov—"

"Who is Logan to keep him from us?" Becky rationalized. "If he even knew Hank, he'd know he would never hurt us. This is our house and Logan can't—"

Now, the shapeshifter cut her off with greater firmness. "No, no, no, back that train of thought right up, Becca. We're both upset and rightfully, but we are not doing the bratty princess bit; either of us. Logan is not the bad guy here. He, Victor, and Charles are right. They need to help Hank and we're needed up here." Instantly appalled by the thirteen-year-old's crossed arms and dismissive side turn, Raven promptly seized her attention again.

Becky jumped at the two heavy swats sent across the seat of her jeans. "Rae!" Appalled disbelief made up her countenance.

The disguised blonde matched her displeased gaze. "Goody, you remember who I am. I have never brushed you off like that, so don't aim any of that passive aggressive crap my way, got it?"

A sheen rapidly building in the already darkened green eyes, Becky's voice dropped several notches. "I'm sorry, Raven… what am I doing?"

Raven immediately drew her in towards her chest. "Same thing I am." She played with a handful of her poorly washed curls. "Trying not to drown, despite feeling more like a goldfish than a shark."

"Papa's a shark." Squeezing her shoulder, Becky whispered, "I feel like the bait."

"Likewise," Raven admitted.

They released each other after another minute. Raven headed for the bedroom while Becky resumed straightening up the play space. Gathering more paper towels and cleanser, the young telepath started dusting the framed artwork she and Hank selected back during the room's overhaul. At gentle mewing by her ankle, Becky spared a hand to scoop up Grace and prop her on her shoulder.

II

Once she had the radio going, Raven settled on her large bed. She fell into a nice rhythm of sorting her children's clothes while summer's greatest hits prevented any alone time with her own mind. When an abrupt crash drowned out the welcomed sound, Raven dropped the tiny t-shirt she folded and rushed to investigate the noise. In the common room, she walked in on a squared off Kiki and Trav. However, Laci using napkins to clean the mound of dripping oatmeal off the wall really caught the woman's eye.

"What just happened?"

Laci glanced back urgently. "She wasn't hungry."

Trav simultaneously chimed in, "Kiki threw her whole bowl at the wall."

Seeing the discarded dish in question on the floor, Raven directed, "Laci, stop," then zeroed in on her daughter. "Kiki, did you do that?" When she only received a deeper scowl, Raven's understanding tone got replaced by a steely one. "Clean up this mess right now then go straight to the corner." She pointed out the designated one in hers and Hank's room.

An unmoved Kiki shouted, "No!"

Eyebrow popping to near ceiling proportions, Raven gauged her child for potential possession. "Excuse me? It's been a long day already, so I know I didn't hear you correctly, Kyra."

"I said no!" the small girl reiterated. "No!" She snatched up a porcelain knickknack and flung it hard enough to smash into another wall.

Trav lost all words as he and Laci both could only gape incredulously.

Camel's back sufficiently broken, Raven's last ounce of patience went into her decision not to embarrass her petulant daughter entirely. She instead marched towards her and grabbed her by the hand. A growl that outfoxed her husband's almost escaped the shapeshifter when Kiki dropped into a stubborn sitting position on the floor. Not bothering with further orders for fear of what anger fueled words would shoot from her mouth, Raven yanked her up by her waist.

"No!" Kiki screeched. "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!"

As soon as they made it back to her bedroom, Raven closed the doors to the common and play areas. Kiki kept chanting, even as her mother deposited her in the middle of the bed. She kicked, rolled, and writhed, quickly forming heated tears. Staying alongside the mattress to ensure the four-year-old did not harm herself, Raven remained quiet until the wild movements ceased a few minutes later. Through teary eyes, Kiki dared a glance at her mother.

"Are you all done now?" Raven asked her calmly. "Or do you want to keep it up and be in even bigger trouble?"

Kiki whimpered into a pillow. "… I want Daddy."

Chest tightening, Raven maintained her sternness. "You know your father is sick, Kyra Elizabeth. The whole family is upset, but you do not get to throw horrible fits and talk back to me any way you please. If your father had seen that, your little bum would be roast red."

"M'sorry, Mommy…"

Raven watched her forlornly. "And if you'd said that instead of throwing a bigger tantrum, your quiet time would be almost over. Now, it's a spanking then a timeout nap. I'll clean the mess, but you're apologizing to Laci and your brother as soon as you wake up, okay?"

"'Kay," Kiki responded in a minute voice.

Before her resolve could waiver, Raven took a seat on the mattress. "Kyra."

The summons prompted the brown-eyed girl to latch onto the hand her mother extended. Raven gently tugged her across her lap, using the mattress to keep her comfortable. With another of Hank's long-sleeve shirts almost swallowing her bitty frame whole, Raven had to roll up the base of the material. She lowered the soft pants and underwear together before giving her daughter the first smack.

It did not surprise her how rapidly Kiki resumed crying, though it made the task even more of a loathsome chore. Inhaling and exhaling on her own part, Raven continued landing solid smacks, not wanting a repeat of this particular possession any time soon. She decided it done with twelve all around the small bottom. Leaving her only in her underwear and her father's shirt, Raven left the pants among the rest of the clothes as she lifted her little girl to cradle. Kiki immediately latched on, weeping against her mother's front. With a sniff of her own, Raven mustered up enough voice to sing softly to her.

Towards the end of the familiar tune, Kiki uttered through hitched breaths, "M-my fault."

"Shhh, baby, it's alright now," Raven soothed, cleaning her cheek with her fingers.

"No…" Kiki shook her head. "I-I made…" At Raven rubbing her back, she gathered her words better. "I made Daddy sick, Mommy; made him hurt Nate."

What remained of her heart shattered into even smaller fragments as Raven swiftly refuted, "No, no, you did not." She established clear eye contact with her youngest child so she could see the benign seriousness in the woman's expression. "No, you shouldn't have gone to see Daddy without Mommy's permission, but you did not make Daddy hurt Nate. The bad people who were mean to the doggy hurt Daddy and Nate."

Kiki appeared to slowly comprehend. "Like the bad people from Grandpa's work?"

"Yes," Raven confirmed wholeheartedly. "Exactly like them. And we're going to get them the same way, too," she spoke with fiery resolution, "Your daddy is going to get better and we're going to be okay, baby. I promise you."

Kiki reached up to knead her mother's currently blonde hair. "I love you, Mommy."

Raven gave her the strongest hug she dared and kissed her head twice. "I love you, my little Gorge."

Five minutes or so later, Becky peeked in to see them stretched out on the bed together. Rae? She carried Grace in her clutch.

Raven carefully rolled over to face her without jarring her sleeping tyke. We're all good, Bec. Could you stay with her, though? I need to check on the other kids.

Becky nodded and placed Grace on the mattress before taking over the shapeshifter's spot. She brought Kiki in as near to her as she could, absorbing the younger girl's warm exhales of air. Scrambling to the very top of the pillows, Grace nestled in slightly above the human females.

II

After basting himself in rubbing alcohol for the third time since penetration, Nate sucked in air through his nostrils to keep from howling over the sting. He acted swiftly to completely tidy the sink area. Though the two-piece restrooms went hardly used, he chose not to chance things and cleansed the area of his sweat. He sent his blood-dabbed tissues down the toilet, proving immensely grateful when clogging did not result. Long sleeves and gloves in proper place once more, he started up for the second floor

Taking up a chair at the small table in Leon's suite, Emma sat only a few feet away from the bedside of the room's primary resident. His countenance appearing at its most content for the first time in hours, Leon slumbered on his side with a thin blanket covering him. At the foot of the bed, the steadfast Tommy sat cross-legged, absorbed in one of his literary finds from Delaware. Despite the questionable title, Emma chose not to comment, determining intensely thought-provoking reading material to be the least of problems among her male youths currently. It seemed to keep the boy peacefully occupied while quietly remaining at Leon's side.

Emma heard the light creaking followed by, Em?

Peering in the direction of who called for her, the blonde telepath laughed internally at the English lad's choice of light X-suit with pristine white gloves.

When Nate only eyed her in confusion, Emma sent into his mind, there are times I believe you to be my only blood sibling.

Nate responded with the brightest smile she had seen that day. The whole floor's immaculate again and Wolverine says he'll have the broken furniture repaired in no time. Did you need anything else?

Without looking at him, Emma answered with an outstretched hand. Nate took the prompting along with the appendage. He brought the other chair closer to join her at the table.

II

At the first opportunity to take a short leave of the lower level, the leonine mutant left his thicker suit in the infirmary. After a brief wash-up, he got into a clean set of black and brown X-themed workout gear. When he got to the second floor corridor that primarily housed himself along with his brother's brood, the security man came to a stop right outside his wide open quarters. He took in the visual of the fledgling Cyclops gazing everywhere in all too similar fashion of a shell-shocked soldier.

Unsurprisingly, the boy proved not lost in thought enough to miss the larger male's manifestation. "Hey."

"Hey," Sabretooth returned evenly, entering fully. "Do I need to stick up some yellow tape or somethin'? What're you doin' in the crime scene, Shades?"

"Relax," the thirteen-year-old dismissed, indicating his gloved hands and booted feet, "all bases covered. Not like I planned on getting touchy feely with anything." He looked to the far left at the fragmented chunks of the formerly solid wood. "Can't believe Beast did all this in a split second."

"Eh," Sabretooth shrugged, leaning on the edge of his seldom used desk. He folded his arms. "A few odds and ends are chump change compared to the dough that's gone into fixin' the real demolitions this place has seen. Replacin' that chandelier in the dinin' room cost more than most people's livin' room sets."

"I'm not talking about the money, Coach," Cyclops spoke with irritation. "It's the fact that no matter how much Hank keeps it together, inside he's capable of all this."

Sabretooth's expression remained unflustered. "Boy, you did not move in here last week. Any one of us is capable of this and hell-o worse. Our normals included, especially after Kid Cassidy's fire. And I'm pretty sure puttin' in a new door won't take any more time than plasterin' Trick's wall after a little one-eyed wonder blasted a big honkin' chunk out of it."
"Not little," Cyclops refuted to himself before audibly countering, "That's not the same thing and you know it. I was trying to take out a threat against Joey."

"Yeah, you are." Sabretooth avoided smirking at the slightly sheepish look the young teen developed briefly. "And it was a threat you perceived. One that turned out to be a false alarm. Hank perceived a threat against his daughter. The same little girl you'd nuke the nation to keep safe." He noticed Cyclops' depleting bluster as he continued. "What's really eatin' you here, Shades?"

Constantly marveled at the older male's seemingly cerebral x-ray vision, Cyclops let off a small sapped sigh. "I get Nate being too happy-go-lucky to hold a grudge, but can't you see where I'm coming from? You have loads more control over your powers than Hank- than most of us, but you still worry about losing it. How are you not more freaked that Hank might?"

After a few seconds, Sabretooth came back with, "Don't presume, son," Cyclops eyed him with spiked concentration, "least of all with me. These thoughts invadin' your head have a permanent address in mine. No matter how freaked I get, I keep the procedure of workin' towards the favorable outcome before leapin' into the worst case scenario."

Cyclops crossed his arms pensively. "Your "worst case" is my "most likely"."

Rising, Sabretooth approached to clap his shoulder and peer down into the ruby quartz lenses that gazed up at him. "I swear, kiddo, that inner skeptic of yours somehow relieves and bugs the mess out of me at the same time."

"Isn't that your life with me in general?" the Eye Screamer quipped.

Sabretooth delivered a faux punch to the harmlessly sassy mouth. "On the one hand, I'm glad you're not even a tenth as blissfully ignorant as kids even older than you are. On the other hand, I just want to turn back the clock on every experience that made you this way too young."

"But that's just it, Coach," Cyclops urged. "Most of this isn't about my experiences. It's all this stuff I heard and saw in foster care. Not just how evil adults can get, but kids too scared or brainwashed to speak up or fight back. People just want to put their fingers in their ears and pretend they don't have total sickos in their friends and family out of some warped loyalty. Look, I love all you guys, but I'd trounce you in a heartbeat if any of you went over the deep end."

"Quit bein' boss when I'm makin' a point." Sabretooth dipped slightly to strengthen their eye contact. "I hear you, son, loud and clear. But you have to remember, pickin' one extreme or the other doesn't work. Don't buy into the hogwash that this world is some sort of beautiful playground, but don't get so fixated on the dark elements that you bypass judge and jury to cut straight to execution."

After a drawn out, "Yeeeah," Cyclops decided, "I guess I hear you, too. So, with you and Wolverine all tied up, you'll probably need a couple of highly motivated guys for those after-midnight foot patrols. Guys with epic light vision and chunk blast capability even."

With a snort, Sabretooth stood and began guiding him into the hall. "Me and the Headmasters will get back to you on that."

Cyclops looked up hopefully. "When?"

Sabretooth slipped an arm around his thin frame. "When we're tuckin' you Eye Screamers in tonight."

The leonine mutant reveled in the discontented pout he produced. He drew the unamused fledgling in closer to his side.

IIIIIII

Two loaded garbage bags in tow, the tall, stout frame maneuvered through the narrow screened-in exit door. After getting the bags into the dumpster with one strong swing, he shut the door and leaned against it. Going through his jeans, he dug out the Camel pack. An unforeseen force applying significant pressure to his chest caused him to drop and scatter the cigarettes.

Seeing who had him pinned against the door, he spat, "What the fuck, Cassidy?"

"So, you do remember me," Sean surmised offhandedly. "Took a while for you to jog in my memory, though, like most of the kids who weren't on stage at graduation. Where is your Tweedledum these days, Jerry Berry?"
"Clay headed to boot camp as soon as we got our diplomas." Jerry struggled against the other teen. "What is your problem? I thought we already settled that score."

"Yeah, well, now there's another one on the table," Sean informed him grimly, "and as usual, you're about to come up snake-eyes. Tell me about your special club."

The brief trepidation that appeared on Jerry's face became washed out by his seething countenance. "What are you talking about?" A strained groan shot from his lips when he felt the fist clout his spine.

"Do not screw around with me," Sean warned lethally. "This is well beyond you and me. If you don't start giving me some real answers, you'll be the one needing intensive care."

"Go ahead," Jerry challenged. "The second somebody waltzes out that door, the cops are coming, and you'll be crooning from inside a cell. Last chance. Get the hell away from my store."

An unmoved Sean scoffed. "You mean your dad's store?"

"Who I doubt wants the Salem Swine Patrol on his premises."

Briskly turning his head towards the right at the new voice, Jerry's jaw plummeted. "Where…" His eyes darted around in confusion. "Where'd you come from?"

"Blazing brimstone- at least, according to my parents." Trick then proposed, "What's say we gents have a nice sit-down and discuss these," the metal symbols between his fingers gleamed under the sun's rays, "among other things."

Initially dumbstruck, Jerry shook his head stubbornly. "We don't accept Canadian money here."

Gripping the pieces inside his formed fist, Trick said unfavorably, "You know, there's only so long this "good cop" routine will entertain me, so let's stop with the BS and bullocks. Your da specializes in sporting goods as well as novelties, right?" He opened his hand to display the symbols again. "Customized novelties?"

"Look, I quit that clique months ago," Jerry claimed. "If they still keep a few knickknacks I may or may not have hooked 'em up with, it's got nothing to do with me."

"Until the cops look into it," Sean asserted. "Imagine the neighbors up-in-arms over a secret society right here in our cozy little town, recruiting high-schoolers for nothing resembling good citizenship awards. I'm sure they'll be really curious to find out where they get their team merchandise."

Trick hummed thoughtfully. "Lord only knows how your da will react to his store being at the center of such a scandal…"

"No! Look…" Jerry sighed in defeat. "Listen to me, you guys do not want to get mixed up with this. I'm serious."

"Too late for that," informed Sean resentfully. "It's one thing to be a dick towards me, but they hurt my big brother- all bets are off. What the hell are they doing to these animals?"
"… The fuck?" Jerry reacted incredulously. "What are you snorting, Cassidy? I don't know what they're into these days, but I never messed with any animals. I have a German Shepherd at home for Christ's sake!"

"Then, for Jerry's sake," Sean gave him another shove, "tell us what you do know. Everything."

Coming to lean nonchalantly by the door, "Also," Trick pinched Jerry's chin roughly, "be aware that if you speak to or try to warn anyone about us, you will have your real answer as to where I came from. More importantly, what I can do. Without leaving a trace of blood, hair, or fingerprint behind. Would you care for a demonstration?" Trick's lips quirked at the frantic headshake. "Good lad."

Sean pitilessly slapped Jerry across the back of the head and only ordered, "Spill," through his loud wince.

IIIIIII

Before he caught sight of the incoming young X-Women, the blue-eyed Veteran detected their varied perfumed scents. Though she walked in her gold form, Glimmer still wore her full body black jumpsuit. With her yellow hair in a high ponytail, Calico had on her pink and gray one. Midnight sauntered alongside her. Moving in the middle, the shortest girl stood out the most. Maya's suit consisted of mostly ivory material with azure lining and medical accessories. Her taser sat in its holster on her waist belt.

Crossing his arms, Wolverine regarded them augustly. "You dolls mind tellin' me who gave you clearance to set foot down here?"

Calico tilted her head Midnight's way.

Wolverine countered, "He's only assistant management."

Maya stepped forward to tell him, "You have to grant us clearance. I know I don't have a health degree to my name yet, but I've worked under Hank's guidance for two years now. My powers decrease the likelihood of cross-contamination if we have more incidents. Plus I can handle all the squeamish aspects of the medical ward in general."

"I don't dig squeamish so much," Glimmer admitted forthrightly, "but this bulletproof bod is ready to lend some extra muscle."

After the Bostonian spoke, Wolverine placed his gaze on his niece. "You've seen what this has done to Hank. If you get infected…"

"I know not to engage him unless absolutely necessary. Just like with the dog," Calico responded assuredly. "You and Sabretooth can't stay on your feet forever and I'm better off as animalistic backup than Cody. Extra males will just provoke him."

From her, Wolverine turned his attention to the newlywed again. "You happen to clear this with your husband first?"

"Of course," Maya replied. "Feel free to double-check that as soon as gets back from head hunting."

Letting off a light scoff, Glimmer's hands went to her hips. "How did he out-dibbs me for that mission?"

Before any of them could speak again, they along with Midnight reacted to the hurried footsteps.

Tugging her second glove on securely, Alana wanted to know, "How is he?"

"Stable," Wolverine reported. "Edna's got the full details for you. We need Magneto to test his iron."

Alana nodded her understanding. "He'll be down after he looks in on Leon."

Wolverine bobbed his head in turn before addressing the girls again. "Tranq-gun trainin' in two minutes."

While the highly keen Calico, Midnight, and Glimmer followed right after him, Maya loitered, glancing the late arrival up and down. "Got lost on the twenty-five minutes between here and Westchester University, did you?"

Alana looked back at her with a trace of put upon delight. "Tell me, dear, is the sass part of your new power set or does it just come and go based on Howlett earshot range?"

Maya appeared ready to refute until she heard the echoing summons of, "Pagin' Nurse Smiley!" She kept her lips together and went after the others.

Activating her own power set of eye-roll-resistance, Alana proceeded for the infirmary.

II

When Nate laid his head on the table, his growing listlessness proved contagious. Tommy closed his book to tuck himself under Leon's arm. Her own eyelids hooded, Emma coursed fingers through Nate's hair as he dozed off. New activity at the door captured hers and Tommy's attention at once.

"Daddy's back."

Though the boy addressed him softly, Erik still gently hushed his excitement. He made a direct path for the bed and picked Tommy straight up when he reached for him. Taking a seat on the mattress, the returned Headmaster held Tommy in his lap and sent his other arm across Leon's back. Warmth pooled in his chest when the young man inched nearer to him with his eyes still shut.

The entire room stayed in absolute silence until Erik initiated the telepathic exchange. What happened?

Emma asked in turn, did you speak to Charles?

He only told me to get to him immediately. Erik had been left staggered by his brother's unusual terseness.

Erik… this morning, while Kayla and I were out, Hank became uncontrollably feral. He attacked him. Emma's touch grew more defensive over Nate. He even antagonized Charles. She went on through his arching eyebrows. The display awoke buried terror in Leon and he… he and Becky were so riled…

Erik's mental tone became curtly demanding. What? Happened? To my children, Emma?

Despite his inability to hear the two adults, Tommy raised a hand towards Erik's face. He rubbed his jaw as if he could smooth away the stony expression. Erik breathed in and out for a moment and offered the child reassurance with a small peck to his palm.

Accepting the man's apologetic glance with a kind look of her own, Emma continued.Leon sent his Swiss army knife into Hank. When Rebecca saw that, she lost herself and activated Leon's pain receptors. He did suffer convulsions, but telepathic scans did not pick up any long-term damage since Charles was there to stop Becky from taking her anguish too far. Leon only needs rest now.

Trying to digest it all, Erik next asked,what if it had gone too far?

From my experience, extensive telepathic probing can lead to memory loss, nervous system and sensory damage, exaggerated paranoia, comatose or worse.

Except for his arms around his boys, Erik went entirely rigid.

"Lee?" Tommy leaned over to look into his face.

Both elders moved in closer when vague murmuring emitted from Leon. "… Dad?"

A smile slid across Erik's hardened face. "Yes, boychick, I'm here."

Groggy with eyelids hardly cracked, Leon gripped the man's sleeve beseechingly. "Hank, Becky… I'm sorry, Dad…"

Erik cupped his cheek with a forceful shush. "No, boychick, no. You and your sister are not the ones at fault. I should have been here." He dipped to kiss him at his hairline. "Have you had anything to eat?"

When Leon appeared uncertain, Tommy answered, "Lots of water and a little soup. He doesn't have to get one of those IVs, does he? They're so gross."

Marveled over such innocent concern, Erik squeezed the little boy adoringly. "No needles necessary."

XXXXX

The coffee brown walls and décor that made up her father's private office did extremely little in providing the girl with a sense of awe-inspiring sanctuary. The lack of windows most especially did not help. At the very least, the secluded workspace aided her while journaling. It also offered some much wanted peace from the periodic bombardment of projected thoughts. For reasons she could not begin to explain, the cluttered adult minds that made up the CIA facility had the tendency to flood her head. Thus far, only daydreaming and tuning out the elder dominated world seemed to combat it. Not that their world could hold her interest, anyway except digging for specific information she deemed important or planting her influence here and there. Something she decided would be necessary as soon as her father received a break from his current meeting. She wanted to wait in the staff lounge, the facility's bountiful horde for all snacks of the sweet and salty variety.

So wrapped up in academic procrastination, the girl did not detect entry into the office until a sizable frame filled the doorway. A gleeful spark coursed through her eyes when they saw the glasses adorned face.

He spoke first with, "Hi, Becca. I hope I'm not intruding."

Becky immediately shook her head. "Oh, no, not at all."

Hank gave her a smile as he placed his backpack on the desk. "Normally, I'm right at home in the labs, but I'm constantly interrupted during my downtime." With her currently occupying the large swivel seat behind the desk, he brought one of the regular wooden chairs over to sit on her left side. "Fortunately, your dad is kind enough to let me study in here whenever I like."

The little girl recalled, "Daddy says you're going to be a doctor."

The young man developed a countenance of appreciative amusement. "Because he tends to have more faith in me than I have in myself, but yes, that is the end goal. He also says you're a member of Winter Baby Blues."

Becky cheerfully confirmed, "I'll be eight in two weeks."

"And I'm officially eighteen."

That information resulted in the enlargement of her pupils. "You can be a doctor at eighteen?"

Hank responded, "We'll both know come May." He noticed the soft toy that occupied the chair with the ultra slim girl. "The luckiest creatures on Earth this time of year."

Becky redirected her sight downward towards her right. "You mean Dickon?"

"Brown bears can hibernate anywhere from four to seven months without food, water, or even a bathroom break."

Becky gaped in intrigue.

When given the chance to check in half an hour later, Gavin looked into then paused outside his office. An enthused Becky followed every word of Hank's multiplication table memorization method.

IIIIIII

The brooding metal wielder's reaction to the descending footsteps plunged into disappointment when an older female mutant than the one he petitioned joined him in the lab.

"Where is Becky?"

"Well, look who found his way home via the mulberry bush." Slanting her head to one side, Raven formed a depreciating grin. "I'm doing just swell. You know, besides having to maintain a galaxy's distance from my husband because one whiff of me could push him over the edge. Our baby girl is mad as hell on top of feeling guilty. Whatever prayers I have left go to hoping I won't have to tube feed my anxiety prone son. Let's not forget my mother-in-law, too busy acting as our support pillar to take care of herself right now. Oh and Becca's been hyper cleaning to get away from her own mind. Maybe that tidbit will actually matter to you." She caught her breath, turbulent eyes flashing yellow.

Almost autonomously, Erik's arms opened. "I'm sorry, sister."

"… You ass." With that, Raven seized the offered affection and uninhibitedly exhaled wearily against his shirt front.

Erik patted her back through her mutated golden locks and faintly reiterated, "I'm sorry," his gaze aimed at the ceiling.

The simultaneous choruses of, "Mommy," mixed with, "Aunt Raven," penetrated the quiet atmosphere in the lab.

The siblings separated as the trio of children raced down.

Ahead of the McCoys, Laci informed frenziedly. "We can't wake up Becky."

Face going pale for a second time that day, Erik flew up through the opening. Raven and the little ones ran not too far behind him.

The contents of Erik's chest plummeted into his belly upon witnessing his daughter's shaky moaning. "Anya!" He landed on the bed and wasted no time gathering the volatile vessel, wild movements and all. "Wake up, baby." Unsure of how he maintained any form of calm, Erik touched foreheads with her. Wake up, Anya. Open your eyes for Papa.

Tables, lamps, paintings, and jaunty knickknacks flew in too many directions to witness all of their collisions. Upon crashing into walls, fireplaces, and even the ceiling, the furniture pieces depleted into unrecognizable jagged chunks on the floor. At the center of the demolition, the seemingly unmovable figure's quaking shoulders and palpitating chest made the man into a minotaur. The deepest of the dread came when his stare landed on the only other but vastly smaller sentient being present. Taking not a step to approach, the barbarous vessel's pupils blackened until they became even darker than his hair. From his no longer visible eyes, ambers erupted. The flames spread until they engulfed but failed to consume him. Instead, he unleashed the fires, trapping all around him in smoke thicker than tar.

Seemingly snatched from the trance, the teenage telepath's initial coughing rapidly transformed into a shriek.

Simply relieved to see her green irises, Erik held her as closely as he dared. When Laci, Trav, and Kiki wanted to climb up as well, Erik spared a hand to usher them. Trav zeroed in on Grace crammed inside one of Hank's slippers. He gently hoisted the ball of fluff to join them on the mattress.

Over her shoulder, Raven discovered- unbeknownst to her- Becky's telepathic firefighter. "Charles, what…?"

Lowering his hand from his temple, the Professor explained, "She was bombarded by a memory that was not her own nor intentionally sought by her. The foreign images sent her young mind into a panic."

"Thank you, Uncle Charles," Becky said in a hush as Erik's thumb cleared away the few tears she released.

Professor X matter-of-factly stated, "At your disposal, Princess." He sent the rest of the youngsters a wide smile. "And how are the rest of my little ones? You've all been a bit too quiet for my liking."

"Good," Laci said with the most zest.

"Okay," Trav shrugged.

Kiki dragged her finger back and forth across the bedspread for Grace to stalk.

Going to kneel at the foot of the bed, the male telepath captured the calico's attention by clicking his tongue. "It seems one of my princesses isn't speaking to me, Gracie." She nuzzled into his stroking hand, despite the glove. "Perhaps you can tell me why."

Hint taken, Kiki kept her head down as she quietly informed, "I got in trouble."

The Professor displayed continued neutrality. "Oh, I see. May I ask the reason why?"

"Just throwing some stuff," Trav rapidly fielded due to Erik's very strong opinion on wasted food. "She said sorry."

Laci added, "She misses her dad is all."

Professor X used his right hand to take both of Kiki's. "I certainly understand that." The small girl placed brown eyes on him. "Yes, tantrums are very naughty, but bursts of anger and fear happen. Often before many of us even realize what we're doing. In the heat of a single moment, we can say or do wretched things to each other. Things that hurt much more when they come from the people we love. And once we dry our eyes and, hopefully, clear our heads, we have to decide if a moment's pain is enough to tear down a long-time love."

A mute atmosphere resulted from there until Trav questioned, "What if it's both? Can you be really mad and really love somebody at the same time?"

A unison, "Yes," sounded from all three Xavier-Lehnsherr siblings and Laci could not help giggling.

IIIIIII

Greeted by the replenishing sunlight once again, the zealous youth grabbed and slid down the short metal railing. At the base of the university front steps, he spotted a familiar vehicle, but not his father's sedan. Jogging towards the BMW, Frank peered through the lowered windows to see Trick and Alex with Sean.

"What's up?" Enthusiasm bubbled up inside the fifteen-year-old. "You got a gig, Sean? Where at?"

"Home," the ginger replied from the driver's seat. "Pronto."

A frown quickly took over Frank's features. "Why? Are Dad and my mom okay? What about-"

"At ease, Frankenstein," Alex cut into the rapidly building apprehension. "Everybody's breathing, but we do need to get back."

Trick added, "Preferably, with that big brain of yours."

Temporarily placated, Frank joined Alex in the backseat. When Sean started the car again, Alex began catching the younger boychick up on their dwelling's recent happenings.

IIIIIII

Once attired in the maroon, iron laced bodysuit that aesthetically amplified his mutant persona, the Polish Headmaster made the trek to the lower level. With Edna and Victor temporarily relieved and Logan instructing, he discovered solely Alana working in the infirmary.

The duteous nurse brought over the vitals chart for his viewing. "I don't have the readings on the blood Charles preserved from the knife, but he has been fluctuating between low 90s to 104 body temperatures. The others have done their best, but his nutritional intake and BP are disconcerting. I realize the delirium is taking a toll, but those crazed rages spike his body temperature far too quickly. Hank must get a handle on them. Going back and forth to combat hypothermia and fever could easily cause his body to revolt on itself."

Magneto dipped his chin ponderously. "Understood."

Supplies in his possession, the wizard of metal set about getting to his own tasks.

Minutes later, Hank's eyelids cracked and momentary tranquility flooded him until his senses reported alleged repulsion and peril. Snapping his head to the right with teeth bared, he snarled and jerked in the direction of the mutant elder. Hank's ire intensified at his inability to raise any of his limps.

Keeping control of the steel manacles attached to the indignant one's wrists and ankles, Magneto stood surrounded in an air of insouciance. "Good day to you as well, young man. Are we more cooperative after our nap?" At the severe growl he received, Magneto gave off a cluck with his tongue. "Unfortunate. Alana?" He looked across the way at the woman among them. "Would you give us a moment, please?"

Nodding her understanding, Alana took her leave of the pair.

Facing his fellow X-Man again, Magneto laid a gloved palm on top of Hank's heated forehead. "Now, here's what we're going to do, my visceral vessel of brilliance," he flashed him a shark grin, "I'm unhappy with your current prognosis, so I'm going to supplement that with additional iron, replace your IV, and see about getting some more substantial food into you. All I need from you is your compliance and continued effort to get well. That isn't asking very much, is it?"

Drops of saliva spewed from Hank's mouth as his irate reactions continued. The bare minimum of humor erased from his expression, Magneto leaned over him with absolute censure radiating from his furrowed brow down to his firmly planted boots.

Hank lowly warned, "I will rip—"

"You will shut your mouth," Magneto asserted bitingly. "I know how ill, hurting, and confused you are, and I wish I could remove it all from you this instant. However, you already know that my sympathy for you will not sway me from keeping you in line. As difficult as it is, you must stifle these furious urges, not only for your own wellness but that of your family's. If you are unable to do that while I'm trying to help you, you will be reminded that Sabretooth is not the only one capable of taking you in hand in this state." That proclaimed, Magneto summoned another tool from his boxed arsenal. He seized the long strip of leather by its buckle and folded it without turning away from the, now, wide-eyed young man before him. "You are going to eat. You are going to be calm when your IVs are inserted and do nothing to disturb them while they're in your arms. If I have to whip you into submission first, so be it. Do not force me, Hank." Tenderness seeped into his tone now. "Please."

Though he seethed and turned his head away, Hank stilled and his protests reduced to mere grumbling.

Satisfied with the relative agreeability, Magneto kept his mutated control on the manacles and belt. With both hands free, he primarily busied himself with Hank's equipment; externally, anyway. Inside, the anguish unjustly thrust upon all of his fledglings governed the bulk of his thought process.

IIIIIII

"Now, I can personally attest to the tedium academia can bring," Hank clicked off the light, "but falling asleep during a test? I'm going to conclude that there's a bigger problem here."

Leon glided both hands through his hair. "I had trouble sleeping last night." He looked upon the doctor with ease. "Erik spanked me for… Napoleon."

Hank let off a kind chuckle. "Ah, I understand. I'm also sure you had a lot on your mind after the fact. However, I can't have you falling behind in class." He placed a hand on the younger male's shoulder. "You get some rest and I'll sign a doctor's note for you. That should suffice for a re-test."

Leon formed a small smile. "Thanks, Hank."

"Think nothing of it."

Unkempt hair dangling, skin abnormally insipid, and eyes practically caving into their sockets glowered back at him in the swirling moisture.

"Alright, tell me what you need from me."

"I… is there… ugh…" Leon turned away, walking off a few paces.

"Leon." Hank stepped up behind him, leaving hands on his shoulders. "Lee, it's okay. I swear you can tell me whatever it is. And it will stay between us."

Finally but slowly veering back, Leon brought his head up slightly, though a portion of his hair masked him a bit. "Is there any… is there any way I can be more like Alex and Jam? When we watch the girls at school, they are just full-blown on. With me, I know they're gorgeous and everything, but it kind of stops…" Leon rubbed the middle section of his stomach. "But I'm pretty sure it goes down further for them."

Hank gave him a kind smile and tapped the spot by Leon's bellybutton as well. "Where the butterflies soar freely."

"Something like that, I guess." Leon quieted for a moment. "Is there anything I can do about it? I've tried reading up on it, but there's not a lot of material out about it."

"Leon," Hank eyed him directly, "you can't be like Alex and Jam because you are not them."

"But this isn't normal for guys my age."

"Lots of things are not normal for us," Hank reminded him. "And women are not here solely as toys for our objectification. If Melissa is willing to go out with you, after all she's endured, then that says a great deal about how you must make her feel. Clearly, she already likes what she sees."

"Go ahead." Startled, Leon redirected his vision from the sink to the doorway. The peeved blonde leaned there with arms folded. "Do us all a favor and stick your fucked up head all the way under."

Leon struggled to part his lips. "Lex…"

"What the hell was I thinking? Bringing you into my house?" Alex threw up his hands in exasperation. "Into my family. Every time I turn around, I'm stuck taking care of your screw-ups. You may have been a tolerable enough minion to entertain me around campus, but now? I should have just let you freeze to death that night."

Leon stepped back in trepidation as Alex's skin and skeleton melted and reformed. A curvaceous physique of blue scales and bright red hair took his place.

"Who's the ugly one now, Lee?" Raven sneered, striding towards him menacingly. "Stay away from my children. You're disgusting. As soon as my husband is able, he's going to beat you into oblivion and I'm going to savor every second of it."

When she suddenly shrank in stature and green eyes replaced her yellow, Leon's breathing hitched.

"… How could you? I loved you." Sorrow laced Becky's tone far more than anger. "Hank loved you so much. He respected you; trusted you, even though you've only ever given him reasons to hate you. And you," she now screamed, "buried a knife in his back!"

"No, no," Leon quivered fearfully. "Not him, never Hank. It was Jared. He—"

"You rang, Simba?" Experiencing slow, jagged chills throughout his entire nervous system, Leon saw his bathroom vacant again until his gaze settled on the mirror above his sink. "Aw, did your mighty whiteys finally grow tired of you? You can always run away from home. It's nothing you haven't done before."

Some control over his senses regained, Leon countered tartly, "I didn't run away from home. You need a home to do that. I walked away from you. Enjoy this reenactment." He left his bathroom.

As soon as he reached his bed, he heard, "So, Simba's grown a pair." Leon veered around, where his cousin now filled his full-length mirror. "Of titties, anyway. We both know you're deficient everywhere else."

"Don't call me Simba," Leon ordered acidly, encroaching on the mirror, "Jared." He looked on as the older Asian clapped sardonically.

"Bravo. It took me years to become a full-blown certified asshole. But you," Jared smiled callously, "little genius that you are, pulled it off in under a minute. You promised to help your little nephew and wound up making his emotional problems a hundred times worse. Raven's been there supporting you, defending you, and you repay her by spitting in her face that you've already insulted. And your kid sister?" Jared chuckled disparagingly. "You're as good as dead in those pretty eyes of hers. Erik may have pity for you now, but if forced to choose between you and Becky? Oh, Leon, the abandoned boychick. Well, at least you still have your girlfriend. That is, until you end up at the bottom of a swamp for breathing near her. Unless she comes to her senses and finds herself a guy who's actually autonomic—"

Twin fists colliding with the mirror dissolved the reflection.

"Whoa!" Tommy returned to the suite in time to witness it fall forward off the wall. As soon as it met the floor, a multitude of glass fragments scattered. "What the h- dude!" With a gallop in his step, Tommy grabbed Leon's wrist. He experienced a churn in his stomach at the tiny but plentiful shards embedded in the fingers. "Lee," raising his head, saddened desperation filled Tommy's voice and face, "what did you do?... Why?"

Reality dawning on him, Leon claimed, "I lost my temper… real bad. Listen," he looked at the boy pleadingly, "I have a first-aid kit under my sink. Please don't—"

"Leon?"

Eyes magnifying, the young instructor mouthed, "Don't tell," before fleeing into his bathroom.

"What's going on in—" a juice suckling Brian on her hip, Emma opened the door wider. She zeroed in on the mess and immediately demanded, "What happened? Where's Leon?"

"Making his hair all froufrou." Tommy used his thumb to point out the closed bathroom. "He's using the mirror in there since I had to go and wreck his favorite one." When the woman eyed him expectantly and Brian curiously, Tommy folded his hands behind his back guiltily. "I was trying to pull off one of his kicks." He arched his head in the direction of the Bruce Lee poster. "I guess I got a tiny bit too close to the mirror 'cause, well… it looks way easier when Cody does it."
Emma next wanted to know, "Did you hurt yourself?"
"No, no, I'm good," Tommy reassured with a flap of his arms. "I'm really sorry, Mama Emma. I'm gonna get Lee a new one. I'll clean up."

With a light sigh, Emma said, "Don't worry about a replacement. Just be more attentive when you're playing. I've had all I can take with injuries on you boys for the next decade or two. Here, take Brian up to the Howletts with the others." After Tommy had the baby secured, she hardened into her diamond form. "I'll see to this glass with fewer hazards."

"Yes, ma'am." Placing Brian on his shoulders, Tommy carried him out into the hall, releasing his bated breath.

While seeking out the short broom and dustpan Melissa kept propped next to her dresser, Emma sent to Leon, my deepest sympathies for the loss of your good mirror, but how are you feeling otherwise?

From the bathroom, Leon returned, I'm almost positive the mourning period has passed. Some relief came to him when he fished out his spare black Vapor gloves.

Emma delighted in hearing even the faintest trace of humor echo off him. We'll replace it with an infinitely superior model. Does that help?

Entirely. Leon forcefully blocked out any and all acknowledgements of pain while he doused his fingers in anti-septic. Thanks, Mom! He stared blankly at the fusion of blood and water rushing down the drain.

Classification: Internal Use