Rise or Fall
Chapter 327: Poaching Makes Strange Bedfellows
Note: Before any reading enjoyment takes place, every Fam member from every country RoF has ever graced, shout with me now, … GO, MARION, GO! GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT AND BELIEVE IN EVERYTHING YOU ARE! ALL OUR LOVE AND BEST BLESSED WISHES TO YOU!
Chapters to Check: 138, 140, 158, 290, 319, 320, and 323.
(An inexplicable atmosphere composed entirely of white vapor with steaks of dazzling emerald. Four masculine figures and two feminine slowly fade in. With the women secure in the middle, the shortest of the arrivals nonchalantly takes the lead)
Silver Cat: Step right up, grand madams, this way. Stick with your buddy, flash photography is both allowed and greatly encouraged, no line/no wait for restrooms…
(The enthralled women gaze around the extraordinary environment with expressions ranging from fancifully frightened to infinitely inquisitive)
Edna: (Looking around at the titan-esque creatures. Two marching on either side of them, bookending her and Alana. The third one brings up the rear) And these… robust gentlemen are…?
Silver Cat: (Offhandedly) These guys? Don't worry about them, Auntie Edna. The gargoyles are Trick's entourage.
Alana: That explains my lack of blood-curdling scream. And here I thought I was stumbling off the sanity wagon again…
Black Gargoyle: (Standing the nearest to her, his voice is a deeply resonating baritone) It is an honor to safeguard you, oldest comrade and kinswoman to the Specter.
(Initially taken aback, Alana beams)
Silver Gargoyle: (Closest to Edna, speaks with a slightly lighter tone in an accent reminiscent of urban New York) If we're a little too much for you dolls—
Edna: Oh, no, no, no. (Peers up at the creature whose height can dwarf her son's) You'll have to excuse us. We're still adjusting to the ways of the Romans, so to speak.
(The group comes to a halt when the Xaviers materialize before them. Emma has on her ivory caped uniform and Charles his militaristic Professor X garb. From their individual bodies emitted the white and green auras that made up the environment)
Professor X: Delighted to have you ladies joining us.
Emma: Please excuse the accommodations. We haven't had the time of late to revamp the interior design.
Edna: You must be joking. Charles, Emma (stares all around again), it's breathtaking.
Alana: I do have to admit, I keep expecting to run into St. Peter any moment now.
(A plum gloved hand pops out at her through the misty shroud, causing her to gasp and flinch. She then hears the hardy chuckle)
Magneto: (Appears in full, wearing his orchid and maroon armored suit without his helmet) Now, really, if this was the afterlife, do you really think you and I would be in the same line?
Alana: (Highly unamused, she still accepts his hand) We'll be in the same line. Which, I can't say.
(The others look on as the mist thins and Raven, Alex, Sean, Trick, Victor, Kayla, and Logan appear. They all sport their most garish, signature X-Men uniforms. Blonde, flesh colored Mystique in her black strapless one-piece. Havok in black and cobalt with his circular energy dispenser on the chest. Banshee's shamrock and yellow. Specter's white and black without his fear-inducing mask. Sabretooth's tan and brown, complete with his long coat. Kayla's forest green medieval huntress suit with her hooded sapphire cape. Wolverine in his near-sleeveless black with pumpkin orange trim and cowl mask)
Silver Cat: (Resumes his spirited host voice as he addresses Edna and Alana again) Alright, ladies, be sure to visit our gift shop on the way out and enjoy your stay here in (voice rises grandly as he raises his arms) the Telepathic Plane!... And ooh, ooh, look at the boss stuff I can do here. (He leaps several feet and somersaults, spinning until he morphs into a gray and marigold cat)
(Edna reacts with wide but excited eyes while Alana's expression is humored but unsurprised)
Havok: (Shakes his head) That cat ain't kosher.
Banshee: (Leans on him) Too much ham.
Wolverine: Any chance we can take him home that way?
Professor X: (Clears his throat) That will be all, Codicat and as always, your services are greatly appreciated.
Silver Cat: (Literally strutting on air in his satisfied feline form) Any time, Uncle Prof.
Gold Gargoyle: (Steps forward from the back, standing before Trick in adulation. Speaks in an eloquent conglomeration of the British Isles) Do you require anything further of us, Supreme Specter?
Specter: (Somewhat edgy around them but manages to relax into an at ease state) We should be as good as you are golden, mate, but why don't you distract the wee ones for a spell? Just be sure to put your best faces forward.
Gold Gargoyle: (Bows his head) As you would have it, Child of Fright.
Silver Cat: Later, gators. C'mon, fellas. (Maneuvers himself to walk on all-fours between the three gargoyles) Cool cats out.
Silver Gargoyle: Hi-ho, Silver, my guy.
(The four departing figures fade from sight)
Sabretooth: (Sees Edna's captivated face) This place is really somethin' else, eh?
Kayla: To think (Frees her long ebony hair as she pulls back her hood), human advancement once amounted to reaching your fortieth birthday.
Alana: (Goes towards Specter) I still don't get your oogley boogley crew. Did you make them or pick them up on a shopping spree through Middle-Earth? (At Banshee and Havok's surprised reactions) Yes, I know that reference.
Specter: (Getting back to her inquiry) I didn't make them… intentionally. If anything, they're imaginary mates who invite themselves over.
Edna: You're such a visionary, Patrick. They're so detailed and very charming.
Mystique: (Looks at her with uncertainty) Too bad they're hideous.
Edna: (Casually) Exquisite, I'd say.
Magneto: (Stony seriousness) Let's kindly focus on the matters at hand. (With a sweep of his cape, moves to stand alongside Professor X)
IIIIIII
Rolling around on top of her still-made bed, the discontent girl jabbed spitefully at her headboard with fuzzy sock covered feet.
"First thing tomorrow is the cardiologist, then some dopey heart health seminar my mom signed us up for, then casual perusing through Saks… just 'cause. Ugh, I hate this!"
"Yeah, tell me about it." Swirling in his father's executive chair, Joey gripped his receiver. "Me and Dad like Macy's, but just try dragging Mum out of Gimbels."
"No, I mean it, Joey," Laci said in exasperation. "I feel so bad for Becky, Aunt Raven- everybody- but I can't talk to anybody about it. My parents wouldn't even bother to ask how Uncle Hank's doing. They'll just treat him like a walking plague trying to get me."
Joey sighed at that. "I know. I'm really sorry about all this crazy stuff with my family, Laci."
"Don't be sorry," Laci immediately reassured. "I'll take your family's kind of crazy over ours any day. I mean, I love my mom and dad, but I wish they'd quit doing nothing but being scared over every little thing. The only good part about the hospital was no matter how much my mom cried, my dad never even flinched. Now, that I'm better… I don't think we'll ever be like we were."
"If that's true, that's his fault, not yours," Joey stated matter-of-factly. "You're the one who got better."
The orange-tinted ginger smiled into her mouthpiece, as if she could transmit the facial reaction to him. "Thanks, Joey. I swear, you're as tough as he used to be."
Joey could've fallen off the chair as he laughed in disbelief. "Yeah, riiight."
"Joey!" Cody bellowed, eager footsteps making a path for the study. "Look who's here."
"Got to go, Laci," Joey spoke again. "If I can't sneak back down here tonight, I'll call you tomorrow. Alex doesn't want anybody in his office until he cleans in there. I guess that man-funk Mum and Becky hate set in again."
"Ew, okay. I'll get my mom to agree to an early dinner while we're out tomorrow. That way, we'll have more phone time when I get home."
After Joey confirmed his understanding, they said good night and he returned the receiver to the base. Bouncing up from the seat, he departed his father's study to see the latest source of his best friend's hyperactivity.
II
Despite the gravity that began their day and dominated its atmosphere for the most part, a special rush of vigor from sources unknown coursed through the dark-haired pair. A low hum from the younger one rapidly developed into a content duet between them. Decorative gel fragrances of raspberry, peach, and green apple wafted throughout the majestic McCoy en suite. Vanilla bubble bath gave the warm water in the massive tub a milky hue. Becky sang into her shampoo bottle while Kiki used the handle of her mother's back scrubber as a microphone.
All the pretty girls with their long flowing curls
All the cutie girls with their jazzy pigtails
Check these dudes cruisin' for the bluest eyes in town
But my baby's warm brown are the fly-est all around
Terse pounding yanked them out of their euphoric sanctum and redirected heir gazes towards the door, Becky inhaled sharply as a piercing chill sliced through the tranquil heat that surrounded them.
The penetrating salty scent of his own fresh tears hit him the second he felt himself snatched from his coveted slumber. The odor quickly fell to the wayside when his ears fully realized the clatter that had dragged him from his dream state in the first place. Tossing his covers off, he rushed out of bed. Before he could peek into the hall at the disturbance, it headed for him faster. Terror surged through his small body as the banging sounded capable of reducing his door to rubble at any moment. Nearly taking a tumble, he dashed over to his desk and shoved it with all of his panic-induced might until it barricaded his entrance. It could not, however, keep away the ensuing shouts of profanity.
When the deleterious sounds only continued with extreme vigor, he took time enough to grab his plush lion before sliding underneath the bed. He trembled, clutching the soft toy inflexibly. His lips too frightened to speak, the chant of "stay away, stay away, stay away" echoed in his head.
"Stay away!"
"Becca?"
"No, stay away! Just stay away!"
"Becca," Kiki pulled on her frantic cousin's arm, "Becca, it's just Travvy."
Plummeting back into the present, Becky clamped onto Kiki as she granted, "Come in, cubby, sorry."
With that, the little boy in blue Donald Duck bathrobe scuttled inside. "I forgot my ship." He opened one of the cabinet doors of the lengthy vanity and retrieved the plastic tub toy. "Got it, Frankie!" He hastened right back out, shutting the door after himself once more.
OOO
(The adults stand in something of a U-Shaped formation with Professor X and Magneto at the head)
Mystique: (Some discomfort evident, raises her voice a bit) How's Leon?
(Havok quietly glances at her)
Emma: Much better after some real food and rest. Tommy's been so attentive to him (Expression remains warm while her blue irises grow icy) and Melissa will be by later.
Havok: What about Becky and the super shrimptoids?
Mystique: They've… we've had each other. There's also been some sleep trouble, but who didn't see that coming?
Professor X: (Does not miss the flicker of guilt that crosses Magneto's features) I think it's best to suppress the children's memories from this morning. (All eyes go to the male telepath, who addresses his sister and brother) With your consents, of course.
Wolverine: Hey, I know I'm among the old-fangled and I don't mean to butt in too far here, but we can't jab an eraser into these kids' heads for every bad thing they see. If they can't naturally process, that'll mess 'em up worse in the long run.
Emma: We agree. Believe me, if we gave into the temptation of our powers every time, we wouldn't be up to the hour of ungodly pleading Brian back to bed. But this involves their health. Trav is too young to be doing battle with anxiety as it is.
Mystique: (Appears thoughtful) Just help them sleep. Please. (When Magneto nods as well, Professor X bobs his own head in understanding) Hank?
(A noticeably disenchanted air stirs from them all)
Alana: Erik managed to get his iron levels up to par, so his temperature's been consistent and, thankfully, normal. Still, his blood pressure's been yoyo-ing.
Havok: (More wryly than humorous) Guess we finally have that in common.
Edna: Erik's had the most success in getting him to eat.
Magneto: (Displeasure reverberates in his tone) I don't accept kudos for mediocre improvement. He's barely at the caloric intake for an ordinary mammoth athlete, let alone one feeding a rabid beast. Sustaining him isn't enough.
Mystique: Today has been the worst of it thus far. We- (forms brief remorseful face) you guys can sustain him now and gradually build his caloric intake. I know he needs the food, but too much too soon will make the nausea even worse than last night.
Magneto: And aiming for too little will be too late. We know the vaccine is worthless. If we do not supply enough energy to his healing factor, his muddled immune system will go into shock; organ failure, nervous system shutdown.
Wolverine: Even if we're able to buy some time with this thing, the longer it takes to kick Hank's healin' factor into high gear, the harder it'll be to reverse the rabies. If his system doesn't shutdown, we'll have exactly two options left. Watch the kid suffer through cripplin' pain or—
Professor X: Wolverine (tone becomes more amicable), let us not stray from topic, please.
Wolverine: (Faces him with raised eyebrows) Did you tune out for the last ten minutes or so, (pointedly) Professor? This is the topic, like it or not.
Professor X: (Speaks with a fiery calm, his green glow increasing) Our mission objective is to get Henry back on his feet, keep this family out of the bowels of insanity, and track down the perpetrators behind all of this. Absolutely nothing within that objective involves pulling the metaphorical plug on my 23-year-old brother-in-law. Because crippled is what this household will be without that kid.
(A cutting silence settles in. Emma moves in closer to her husband, as if to absorb part of his anguish. Kayla likewise inches closer to Wolverine. Havok and Banshee glance at each other furtively. Edna grips Mystique's wrist, both a mix of weary yet strengthened by Charles. Sabretooth and Specter stay neutral)
Magneto: (As if absolutely nothing happened since he last spoke) We cannot afford to treat Hank like a recovering anorexic. We may be on this plane, but I will not delude you. (He looked between the women present, mainly the McCoys) If we must, Sabretooth and I will force our will on Hank, no matter how harsh we have to be with him. Either back us up or lose lower level clearance.
Alana: Understood.
Edna: Anything. My son will not succumb to this.
Mystique: (Nods her agreement, speaks vehemently) Do not waste time polling us. Do whatever you have to. If it were for any one of us, not even sleep could hold Hank back.
Professor X: (Nods with full support before looking towards the younger mutants present) Where did your second lead take you?
IIIIIII
Once they both had mostly dry and adequately combed hair again, a hand-in-hand Becky and Kiki journeyed with intrigue towards the second floor. Outside the area that housed the Howlett-Creeds, Becky received the answer as to what led a number of the other youngsters to that location. Kiki first appeared apprehensive until she realized the enthusiasm echoing from her brother. Everyone's eyes glued upward, Trav, Nate, Joey, Cody, and a formerly glum Tommy stared giddily at the trio of fliers in gold, silver, and black. Frank blinked with his mouth open yet stood uncharacteristically mute. Gaze narrowed behind his shades, Scott watched dubiously.
"Hello." Becky and Kiki simultaneously jumped at the airy but unexpected voice that formed beside them. Then, they caught sight of the apologetic figure with skin of brilliant sky blue, long loosely curled hair in fuchsia, and eyes like honey drops. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."
Scott quickly whipped his head over. "Rebecca, Kiki." He and Frank dashed over to them.
Unable to help the smile that came to him over the new arrival, Frank asked casually, "Who are you?"
The children watched the other three gargoyles retract their wings and land near her.
"The Specter sent you as well," the black one deduced.
She nodded. "He thought my presence might be beneficial."
Cody walked directly towards her, looking up to peer into her face. "This may sound nuts—"
"Because the rest of this makes all kinds of sense," Scott interjected snidely.
Cody continued with, "But you sorta remind me of my mama."
"And mine," Frank realized. "Raven for sure."
"Mum, too," added Joey.
"I take that as immense compliment, young X-Men," she replied. "You see, I am the embodiment of every female human to positively affect the Specter's life. Your mothers have impacted him considerably, unlike his own."
Becky's eyes glistened with sympathy.
The gold gargoyle mentioned, "The Specter wanted us to appear in a form that would make you all comfortable. Are we suitable?"
The silver gargoyle brought his talon hands to his hips. "Easy on the eyes or do we still need intensive care from that ugly stick?"
Not even Scott could resist laughing along with the other fledglings.
Smooth and radiant in their colors, the three males stood nearly seven feet tall. They donned variations of medieval armor in platinum. The curvy female's armor came accented in magenta. The gold gargoyle had shoulder-length black hair, the silver one had a white two-foot ponytail, while the black one had a slick bald head. They came off fairly humanoid with their four-fingered talons and exaggerated but colorful eyes being the most alien about them.
"You guys are far out," lauded Tommy.
"Incredible," Nate seconded. "I can't believe you're right from Trick's daydreams. Mutation is too ace!"
A soft spoken Becky ventured, "What are your names?"
Joey informed despondently, "They don't have any. I think it's a gargoyle thing."
"We come from the Specter and are of him," the gold gargoyle further explained. "We exist because he does and in service to him. We do not matter in our own right."
"Nuh uh," Trav immediately shot down. "That's like saying Trick doesn't matter."
"The little guy's right," Frank supported.
"Let us name you." Joey somewhat haughtily tacked on, "It's an X-Men thing," making Becky genuinely tickled.
The creatures looked amongst themselves and faced the youngsters with kind humor about them.
The black one determined, "If it pleases those so dear to the Specter, we gladly accept your names."
The silver gargoyle crossed his arms, "And they better be good," and winked.
"Hmm," Joey studied the one who stood closest to him, eying him up and down. "You're all gold and shiny…"
"So, Glimmer Guy," Frank quipped.
The fledgling artist sent him an eye roll then put forth, "I was thinking Midas."
An impressed Nate asserted, "Nice one, Joey."
"The king from Grecian lore." The newly dubbed Midas bowed his head. "I thank you, Specter's cherish pupil."
Joey instantly appeared over the moon.
Cody gazed up at the sole female a little sheepishly. "Um… Blue Jay." He played with a handful of his growing mane. "Too goofy?"
"It's pretty," proclaimed Kiki.
"I agree," said Blue Jay with equal approval. "Thank you, young cat."
Frank smirked a little. "Only fits. We like our blue bombshells named after birds around here." He glanced towards the silver one. "And I've got one for you."
"Lay it on me, city slicker."
Frank pumped his fist high as he announced, "Iron Claw!"
Becky and Kiki shook their heads at the highly favorable reactions from the boys.
"That's just dynamite, Child of Light." Iron Claw met Frank in a fist pound.
Becky walked over to the ebony and quietest gargoyle. "What about you?"
"Lodestone." At the others all looking his way, Nate enlightened, "It's a black gem; crystal."
A chuckle rumbled in the last gargoyle's chest. "Lodestone. With my deepest thanks, mutants' ally."
Tommy then wondered, "So, if all of you come from Trick, how come you sound so different?"
"They're like a mixed bag from Trick's mind," Becky tried to explain. "He didn't sit there and design every little thing about them like one of Joey's drawings. They're more like projections. What he thought about without thinking about it."
"As Charles puts it," Nate elaborated more, "the mind sees infinitely more than the eye."
Scott released a slight grumble from the back of his throat. "I wouldn't put "mind" and "infinite" in the same sentence. Pretty sure the kitchen sink can hold more information."
Lodestone stepped forward. "You are skeptical beyond your years, young Cyclops."
Becky started to jump on that until Tommy chimed in, "He has reasons beyond his years, too."
Scott ruffled the younger boy's hair from behind.
"I meant no offense," Lodestone assured. "My concerns reflect the Specter's."
From that, Scott wanted to know, "Does he really think about us when he's gone? And I don't mean every other blue moon or so."
"Does he think about you?" Iron Claw currently performed a handstand that immensely amused Kiki and Trav. "When isn't he thinking about you rugrats? Right up there with his own daughter."
Blue Jay turned to a mildly surprised Scott. "Please do not think ill of the Specter's love and concern for you. He, too, has much darkness in his past."
Scott started to say something else until activity at the stairs captured all their attention. Cody grinned expectantly.
II
Peering brown eyes into the medical chamber, the younger animalistic mutant took in the one presently attached to his bed. With Erik's custom manacles still strapped to his wrists and ankles, the easily excited ailing scientist stayed magnetized to his cot. They kept his wild movements at bay without the constriction paining his limbs terribly. Maya already maneuvered around the space, clipboard in hand and nonchalantly jotting down her close friend's most recent readings.
When Maya brought over a container of chilled water, Calico offered, "I can do that."
Noticing the other young X-Woman, Maya easily agreed and placed the plastic basin on the little table next to Hank's bed. Calico approached and with her gloves protecting her from the frigid intensity, she dipped her hands into the water and wrung out the towel inside. Starting with his forehead, she underwent dabbing away the latest buildup of perspiration.
At the low growls, Maya composedly crouched to place both her palms over Hank's right wrist manacle. She spoke a few quotes to him in a tranquil tone his strong ears could easily register.
Completely bungling the first part of a line from Walt Whitman, Maya stuck her tongue out comically. "And Victor is a ba-jillion times better at this than I am…"
Calico exhaled in jest then petitioned importantly, "Maya," when she noticed the brief but distinct benign quirk of Hank's lips.
Maya slowly moved one hand to caress his fingers. "You are still in there, big buddy." She turned to Calico. "After this, are you and Glim up for one more session for the night?"
"Sure." Calico pointed to where a glittering gold arm currently guarding the hall formed a thumbs-up
OOO
(In a Superman inspired stance of raising one fist, Banshee rockets high without the aid of his underarm wings. He hovers in place, twirling both arms. He causes the atmosphere to blacken, but the Xaviers' white and green auras maintain the environment's sense of safety. Specter flies up to join him and makes a massive map image of all fifty states. Below, the others take it in as if gazing upon a painted ceiling)
Havok: (Begins speaking while looking on with the rest) First thing, those dudes that sicced Lassie's step-cousins on you guys?
Sabretooth: You mean these bozos? (With a snap of his fingers, a transparent but visible 3D image of the masked black figure springs up, spinning in a slow 360 directly under Specter and Banshee)
Professor X: (Noticeably impressed) Well crafted, boss.
Sabretooth: Guess I'm finally catchin' on (smirks), mate.
Havok: Yeah (he pointed at the image summoned by Sabretooth), those supremacist knockoffs. They're bad, but they're flies buzzing around the dumpster on this food chain. They'd have wound up messing their pants if they weren't out on a stroll with Fido that night. But the dog's got to be a loaner from their higher-ups.
Mystique: How do you figure that?
Havok: (Faces her) From what Vic and Hank said, no fighting prowess, they're obviously not rocking the X gene unless wielding awesome power just slipped their minds. These are the same idiots who didn't carry so much as a butter knife for a weapon.
Banshee: Me and Maya- one of our friends was with these guys before her family got their spiritual heads together. She didn't get into any animal stuff, but she thinks it sounds right up their alley. She quit for reasons I won't disclose, but yeah, apparently this clique can get dangerously depraved. They're still just minions, though. They have a few members in their twenties, but they mostly recruit high schoolers, going as young as thirteen.
Alana: And these "higher-ups" have kept a lid on this in this corn-fed county?
Specter: Don't let your jaw drop, Lannie. You know how it goes. The cleaner the community, the dirtier the secrets. They recruit the lowest rung on the ladder. Troubled home lives, abysmal grade point averages, invisible to the extent that not a brow would raise if they disappeared entirely. (He creates animated images of forlorn, weeping stick figures) I tell you (releases wry laughter), I'd have been raw meat to these wolves.
(Animated wolves run through, leaping at the stick figures, causing them all to disappear in an angry flash of red)
Banshee: And it's not just here. (Waving his hand again, he made multiple gleaming dots attach to the New York image) They have membership across most of the state. They shuffle between the districts, never selecting too many from a single neighborhood. In order to fend off word-of-mouth and suspicion. And these kids aren't approached strictly by adults in their own area, either.
Havok: That jacka- Jerry kid and his main running buddy were in on it, but they were considered an upper tier. They were pretty popular jerks, but they had the rebel-without-a-crap thing going and their parents' businesses were valuable resources.
Banshee: (Looks at Magneto) Those symbols you found in the park are the group's different insignias. Custom made at Jerry's dad's store. Behind his back.
Magneto: Hm, an impressive display of ego or a blood oath in disguise?
Wolverine: A way to keep 'em under their thumbs if the kids try to bail out or talk. A secret club is one thing, but fishin' slain teens out of the Hudson will get the whispers buzzin'. Finkin' to their folks is their second best incentive.
Sabretooth: This sort of hustle sounds all too familiar.
Kayla: As enlightening as this trek into white collar crime is, how does it tie into animal slaughter and experimentation?
Banshee: Jerry told us that the lower level kids are basically well-groomed errand boys. In their minds, they're part of some secret grand order they can advance in when they're really getting played like fiddles. They use them to loot and pull off heists. There are scientific groups on the network as well. Jerry never knew anything about animals, but he knew they smuggled in chemicals, electronics, and the like, so puppies and kitties ripe to experiment on isn't such a leap in logic.
Professor X: I have no doubt they're behind the thefts Dr. Sullivan mentioned at the clinic.
Mystique: But what about the ones they killed? I can buy the ones buried in the park as "lab waste", but ones like Queen were completely brutalized.
Banshee: (Not altogether comfortable) Yeah, what I said about the depravity? We're running on the theory that for all the animals they capture, whoever they're working for let them keep a few to "play with". Maybe even treated it like some kind of initiation.
(Varying degrees of repulsion result across the gathered)
Emma: If this were entirely about acquiring test subjects off-the-books, it would be far less complicated to strike a deal with crooked breeders. They're certainly not using all of the abductees as guard dogs for their junior blood knights. What are they doing with the rest of these mutated creatures?
Professor X: (Shares a decisive look with Magneto before staring up again) That is what we're counting on you to find out. Banshee(the teenager returns to ground level before him), keep heading this investigation. (He glanced quickly at Specter and Havok as well) Whatever resources you require. (Focuses on Banshee again) The rest of us will need to keep focus on the little ones, but consider us your telepathic standby.
Banshee: (Dutifully) Yes, sir.
Professor X: (Receives a reading before informing) Samantha says Hank's distress is up.
Edna: I better go.
Wolverine: I'm with you.
Magneto: (Referring to himself and Sabretooth) Let us know immediately if we're needed.
Kayla: I should get back to the children.
Emma: (Leaves her spot beside her husband) I'll guide you out.
Alana: I'll head back, too. (Goes after Emma and the others) You big burly men can handle the war games.
(By Emma's lead, the four walk until they fade)
(As talking resumes, Magneto and Havok inadvertently meet eyes. Something seems to pass between them, though both remain wordless)
IIIIIII
So enthralled by the clownish antics of the being in front of her, the teenager jumped and held tighter to the twins when their mother unexpectedly stirred and stood from the bed.
"Kay; Angel," the dark-haired females simultaneously acknowledged each other.
"Mama's back." Cody glanced over cheerfully from where he straightened up at the changing table.
"Queen Fox," the gargoyle acknowledged pleasantly.
"Ah," Kayla fully took in his slightly less daunting appearance, "we've already met, yes?"
"Yep," he confirmed, "except the kids call me Iron Claw now."
"Very fitting." Kayla crouched by the rocking chair and greeted Mira and Todd before placing her gaze on Angel. "I thought you and Adrienne were still in Jamestown."
"She had to fly to take care of something in San Fran," Angel explained. "I had my car, so I decided to head home for a few days." Her expression became apologetic. "I'd have gotten here sooner, but I stopped by Ben's. I didn't know we were feet-first in a fresh batch of crazy."
Kayla raised a hand in a 'cease' motion. "No, you don't get to be sorry for taking a few hours to be a carefree grad. I actually remember those days."
"When the century was young and so were you, right?" Iron Claw piped up. Presented with the woman's narrowed eyes of impending doom, he waved his talons in surrender. "Just ribbing ya, Mrs. H."
Kayla shook her head lightheartedly. "Patrick's Iron Clown, front and center."
Angel laughed faintly while the twins giggled exuberantly.
Kayla caught sight of her fleeing little figure of snickers. "And where are you headed in such a hurry, CoCo?"
"Be right back," Cody sent over his shoulder as he continued out of the suite.
II
Positioned on a weight bench with tail swaying ardently, the cat safeguarded the still but breathing one directly behind him. Midnight kept his keen vision on the sprightlier humans, serving as his entertainment.
In the center of the gym, Maya lifted her head at the solid gold mutant that rapidly descended from the ceiling. Extending her arms, Maya slowed her to avoid impact, but the force pushed her far back. She planted her boot covered feet against the mat beneath to stay upright. Landing not far from her, Glimmer used the additional space to go into a spin kick. Maya's telekinetic energy kept that move at bay but proved unprepared for Glimmer's fist next. Leaning back to avoid the blow, Maya arched against a treadmill. Using her hands again, Glimmer gripped and hurled her by the shoulders. Nearly reaching the ceiling, Maya's limbs flailed for a moment before she managed to summon a punching bag. Its chain swung toward her and Maya grabbed onto it like a rope and wrapped her legs around it.
From an assortment of equipment, the third lass sprang high. Instead of her claws, Calico wielded a dart gun. The makeshift weapon replicated the size and weight of a pistol. Maya attempted to swing, but the first fired dart still impacted her shoulder. Covering the touched area with one hand as if to prevent blood loss, Maya dropped and let herself fall on her good shoulder. She stayed low and tried to drag herself over to where they'd left the emergency kit. When more darts made a direct path for the thin body, the gold one jumped out to block them.
"Great move, Glim." The startled trio looked towards Midnight's bench simultaneously, where the instructor spoke while caressing him. "Ya probably saved her life." He faced Calico's direction. "'Cause you sure were about to end it."
Despite the praise, Glimmer placed hands on her hips. "How long have you been back on the mortal coil?"
"Little while," Wolverine replied vaguely.
Accepting Glimmer's hand up, Maya deduced knowingly, "You were watching the whole time."
The man smirked slightly. "Long enough to get a load of your teleki-fu. But don't go medical amateur on me, Nurse Smiley. Hank didn't put in them cargo pockets for you to store your lipstick. You're supposed to have supplies on you already."
Maya explained, "I was trying to keep myself as light as I could."
Wolverine scoffed good-naturedly. "You're already one missed sandwich away from floatin' over to Pluto." He put his attention on Calico again. "Good grip on that gun and zero slip on the trigger. But save the Calamity Jane stunts for after you've had more than three whole lessons."
Calico looked back at him in puzzlement. "Calamity Jane?"
The elder scrubbed a hand down his face. "And my father-in-law took such pride in his American education…"
II
While Frank resumed work on a project in the lab, Nate borrowed a couple of medical hardbacks and vanished into research. Tommy went to accept a phone call from his parents. Joey collected Brian and went to the McCoy suite with Becky, Kiki, Trav, and Scott, who promised to keep vigilance at least until Raven returned. Kiki and Trav tapered off surprisingly quickly on their parents' bed. Scott sat backwards on Raven's vanity bench. Beside him, Joey held Brian as they could not turn away from the quiet fluttering of Blue Jay, Midas, and Lodestone.
Head propped by his hand, Scott threw out rhetorically, "How did six years of bazooka eyeballs not prepare me for maximum weirdness?"
"It seems you humans are wise to say truth is stranger than fiction," Blue Jay suggested unobtrusively.
Through the thoughtful gazes, Midas asserted, "We'd best summon Iron Claw and get back to the Specter."
"Wait," Joey reacted, prompting Brian to repeat the word. "Will we see you guys again?"
"Undoubtedly," Lodestone faced the blonde brothers, "Michelangelo's protégé."
Joey beamed. "Thanks."
"Thank the Specter," Lodestone informed simply.
With the other two on either side of him, Midas bid them, "Farewell, fledglings," before the three disappeared in a blink.
"I'll admit they're, like, freaky cool," Scott said, "but let's watch what we say around them. They're probably Trick's personal tape recorders, too. Adults don't need to know every little thing."
Becky and Joey agreed.
Bursting in, Cody declared, "There you guys—" A slight stir from Kiki and Trav sent a chorus of shushes his way. He darted his eyes sheepishly, "Sorry," and lowered his tone. "But listen, Becky," he made his way to her side of the bed, "I don't think we should wait anymore to tell about auditions."
Becky searched his face for genuine leave of senses. "You can't be serious. How can you even be thinking about that with all this madness with Hank?"
"That's what I'm getting at," Cody urged. "Everybody's been so down in the dumps it's about time we got some good news. If we thought Hank was happy about Joey's art award, imagine when he hears his kid sister knocked an audition out of the park at the same fancy pants school."
"Oookay, as bizarre as this is, he's got a point, Rebecca," Scott admitted.
"I think so, too," supported Joey. "Besides, me and Laci are so over keeping good stuff under wraps. Sure, adults don't need to know everything, but we don't need to hide everything, either."
"Right on, blonde bud." Cody then went on with, "and my ma just got back from their big mind meetin' , so you just need to contact Em—"
"No," the girl shot down gravely. All the males regarded her in clear confusion and she sighed sadly. "I can't… I can't even look at Auntie Em right now."
"What?" came from Scott and Joey in unison.
Becky almost made the conversation telepathic but the present weary state of her mind quickly vetoed that plan. She instead gestured out with her head and left the bed to go into the next room. As they followed her, Joey stopped to place Brian between Kiki and Trav. The one-year-old's resulting fussing ceased as soon as it began when all four older children sent him impatient glowers. He settled for a light whine and scowling.
Once inside the McCoy common room, Becky emphasized, "You know how close Auntie Em and Leon are. She knows what I did to him. She didn't even come see me earlier. Uncle Charles and Papa did."
"Rebecca," Scott took her by the shoulders, "Leon's convulsions were so bad, they brought Em home. We saw him, too." He indicated the other two boys. "We had to hold him down. Emma was probably too riled to be away from him."
"If she felt it, she blames me just as much as he does," Becky claimed. She eyed Scott closely. "You do, too, don't you? Admit it, Scott."
"I would if I did," he responded matter-of-factly. "Pretend I know you a tiny bit, Rebecca. I almost didn't believe it when I heard what happened. You never use your powers that way. Leon had to shake you up really badly."
"Shake me up?" she repeated incredulously. "Sean's favorite movies shake me up, Scott. After saying good night to my calm but still sick brother, I woke up just in time to see him stabbed in the back."
"Uh, hello," with a whistle and raised hand, Cody gained the room's eyes, "my big sister sliced up my face and cut my ma's hand. Yeah, crazy crap happens when our powers go nuts. That doesn't mean we chuck each other out like litterbox turds." He watched Grace step out from under the coffee table and picked her up. "Right, baby?"
Joey brought up, "I electrocuted you when we first met."
"Oh, yeah." Cody formed a smile at the anecdote. "That was great."
Somehow keeping his eyes from rolling repeatedly, Scott spoke directly to Becky again. "Look, I get you being upset. I really do. But Lee didn't sneak up one night and stab Hank in his sleep in cold blood."
"Becky, he's right." Joey came to stand on her left side. "You didn't see everything. Uncle Hank was so out of control, I thought I was still dreaming for a sec."
"Yeah," Cody supported strongly. "He was gonna lose it on Charles- Charles. He couldn't even put the telepathic snooze on him until Lee made him go down."
"He's sick…" Tears pooled in Becky's eyes.
"Hey." Scott gripped her shaky hands now. "Rebecca, calm down. We know. You're okay. Hank's okay."
Joey threw arms around her in a side hug.
Marginally placated, Becky still said brokenly, "They'll send Hank away…"
This time, all three boys exclaimed, "What," even making her flinch at their gusto.
Becky confessed, "I can't get that out of my mind. Not since what happened with Frank at the beach house."
Scott spoke compassionately, "I get what you're feeling. All these people around us, but you can't stop being scared of losing your original brother. Your first family, right?" Becky nodded earnestly and he bobbed his head back at her. "We won't let that happen. But Rebecca, throwing Lee out into the cold? That's not you. That's not Hank. That's as anti-Bear as it gets. Remember what Leon's done for us as an instructor. Remember last year in Connecticut," he urged her. Remember our place...
When the swarm of memories did attempt to surface, Becky constructed a wall in her psyche to fend them off. "Scott! Just… stop, okay? Hank matters to me, not Leon."
Scott stared in displeasure. "Go ahead and keep trying to convince yourself of that. I still know you."
"Scott," Joey gripped his arm, "don't fight. Just drop it right now, okay?"
The oldest child present declared, "I'll be with the little people," and went back to the bedroom.
Becky's increased vexation gained some levity when Cody brought the purring Grace to her.
IIIIIII
After a lengthy embrace that still ended all too soon, the recently wedded couple made lingering eye contact.
"Mom, Dad, and the grandparents asked about going out for breakfast in the morning," Sean brought up. "And Tommy actually wants to go. Also, figured we'd better flash a few smiles so my folks don't think something big is going down. I know they'll cave at just the thought and I try to take him back early. But I already let them know you might not…"
Without the conclusion of that sentence, Maya praised, "Good call."
"You sure you don't want to get out for a little while? Your mom's not even trying to come."
"Believe it or not, the air down here is much fresher," Maya said honestly. "There's too much going on for me to even try to put on my best face here. Besides, the last time I saw Liam, I telekinetically slammed a door in his face."
An unmoved Sean came back with, "And I'm still the kid who busted every window in his bedroom for claims of parental unfairness."
Smiling uninhibitedly, Maya said, "Yeah, you win. I guess I'll have to work to top you…"
He eyed her in mock offense. "You used that wording on purpose."
With a twitch of her eyebrows, she confirmed, "Mmhmm."
A shower fresh Cordelia made her way back into the sleep bunker with a noise of irritation leaving the back of her throat. "Sign up for Beast Basement Detail and still, there's no escape from this cavity-inducing Cassidy cuteness."
Maya countered, "And the Frost is at its nippiest without the spice of Spain."
"Me-ow," came from Sean tantalizingly.
As if led by the body of silky black fur, Samantha stepped in with curiosity peaked. "What's going on in here?"
"Nothing," the older teens hastily denied.
Unconvinced, the leonine pair nonetheless let it drop and went to Samantha's claimed cot to begin their nightly grooming regiment.
II
"Dad?"
The simple petitioned proved sufficient enough to tear the elder's ponderous gaze from the aged text before him. He lifted his head to meet the younger pair of blue irises; so much brighter and propitious compared to his own.
"Boychick?"
"All little people accounted for and Melissa has Lee," Alex related. "If you're doing a couple hours down in Eye Spy, I'm with you. I want to look in on Hank, anyway."
"Yes," Erik arched back in his seat a bit, "with everything surrounding your siblings, we really haven't had the chance to talk of late."
"And Frank thinks he disappears in the crowd," the blonde quipped. "Cool. Meet you in ten."
"Alexander."
Before he could make a full turn, the enigmatically summoned one reversed motion instantly. "Yes, sir?"
Still reclined, Erik regarded him acutely. "Did you have sex with Holly?"
Arms stiffening, Alex still replied, "Yes, sir," humbly.
Erik's expression did not alter. "Was she the first?"
"Yes, sir," he repeated.
Eye's never darting away from his son, Erik next asked, "Did you take any sort of precautions?"
"No, sir," Alex answered candidly.
The metal wielder cocked his head slightly. "Was that your intent?"
"I…" The youth trailed contemplatively, but soon responded, "... have to get back to you there. Is there anything else, sir?"
"Not at the moment." Rising to his full height, Erik maneuvered around his desk until he stood in close enough proximity to draw him into a secure hold. Exhaling through his nostrils, Alex found himself clasping at his father's shirt material as he nestled right in. When they did separate, Erik prodded him towards the double doors. "Nine minutes, boychick."
Experiencing some alleviation in his weighed muscles, the young instructor swiftly prepped for the night ahead.
IIIIIII
Even when only a few minutes of rest passed between mutated bursts, the determined vessel of intangibility pressed onward. No matter how exhausted he wound up, the adrenaline and bravado of floating through the atmosphere remained his preferred option. The times to slow down and rebuild strength left him vulnerable. Not to whatever forces potentially lurked away from the streetlamps but the internal ones that targeted him like a mob with torches blazing.
Location at last in sight, Leon shifted inside through the rear bay window. Steadying himself for a moment, the quickest glance around confirmed his landing in the sought after office. Able to move again, for the most part, he clicked on the long green desk lamp. One of the rarities without his, now abhorrent, knife, Leon spotted a mail opener on the desk. Sucking in a pained breath due to his afflicted appendages, he managed to unlock the tall filing cabinet with it.
When he abruptly received additional illumination from the fluorescent fixtures over his head, he felt as if plunged into an Antarctic pool. The chill intensified at the voice from behind him.
"Modern technology is nothing short of a marvel, isn't it? My little godson rigged up this silent alarm system for me. Hope the camera caught your good side, assuming you possess such a thing." When the prowling figure appeared ready to initiate movement, the older male commanded in an even but forceful tone, "Easy now. I think there's been enough stupid for one evening."
Veering at a careful pace, Leon's shoulders twitched when he found himself mere yards from the barrel of a shotgun. Déjà vu activated phantom pains in his abdomen, though his posture stayed rigid.
Receiving a surprise of his own, Jed's pupils expanded. "You're from the Xavier house. Leon?" Upon seeing the young one legitimately staggered, he smirked knowingly. "Even in passing, you're a hard face to forget. I studied for eight months on safari in Africa and no lion I got up close and personal with could hold a candle to that mane of yours. Tell me, is your name purely coincidental or are your parents supremely clairvoyant?"
Leon stared at him derisively. "If they were, they wouldn't be dead, would they?"
Several silent seconds passed before Jed spoke again. "C'mere, son." He crooked two fingers at him.
IIIIIII
Although convinced not to fly straight there, the same persuasion tactics failed to keep the wizard of metal from hovering his sedan slightly above the road. His passenger and sister-in-law, in rushed attire of blue jeans and the first blouse Charles handed her, cared not in the least. She finger-combed her hair into a ponytail in a weak attempt to distract her nerves. Due to his lower level duties when the call came in, Erik had dashed in and out of the shower for sanitation. Barely toweled off, he had thrown on fresh sweatpants and his blue-sleeved Jaguars shirt. Not until they got within two blocks of their destination did he return his vehicle to proper street levels. When he came to a stop in the middle of the road, Emma had to turn on the flashers for him before hurrying out herself.
Having reacted to the sound of the engine, the middle-aged man stepped out from his transparent front door and presented his hand. "Mr. Lehnsherr."
Emma's fingernails in his back kept Erik from going with his initial desire to push past the physician. "Dr. Sullivan."
As they shook, Jed acknowledged, "Mrs. Xavier," he broadened the entryway to give her first access, "I can't tell you how much I wish we were meeting under vastly brighter circumstances. Certainly a less inconvenient hour."
"That makes all of us, Doctor," she responded before zeroing in on the one in the chair in front of the long reception desk. "Leon." Emma made haste for his side. "Are you alright?"
More than aware of her arrival, the brown eyes stayed fixated on his shoes.
"Look at your aunt," Erik ordered, approaching next. "And answer her."
Raising his head none too quickly, Leon whispered, "I'm fine."
"He's anything but," Jed rapidly refuted.
"We are so sorry about this." Emma faced the doctor. "We cannot thank you enough for phoning us instead of the authorities. We'll leave a blank check for any damages caused by this bout of absurd rebellion."
"I appreciate the offer, Mrs. Xavier, but there is no chalking this up to common tomfoolery," Jed informed grimly. "Look at his hands." Before Leon could protest, Erik and Emma each seized a wrist. They both gazed in shock on the freshly dressed wounds. "I saw the bleeding as soon as we got off the phone. I estimate those cuts to be six to eight hours old, but he didn't even notice them reopening. Fortunately, only his knuckles required stitching."
Blue eyes also sharp, Erik peered directly into Leon's face. "How did this happen?"
"… My mirror earlier. I got mad and I punched it." Leon speedily turned to Emma. "I begged Tommy not to say anything. Don't blame him."
Jed put forth, "As difficult as this is to accept, your boy is clearly a danger to himself and as tonight proved, others as well. I believe he's part of the group poaching and mutilating animals."
Emma instantly contested, "He has absolutely nothing to do with that."
"Mrs. Xavier," Jed spoke patiently, "I hesitated to bring the police into this because you're loyal clients and reputable members of the community. But how else do you explain your nephew breaking and entering specifically to ransack my patient files? More importantly," he crossed his arms, "does someone care to explain how a kid with two shredded hands managed to break into my office with no signs of forced entry? Or should I simply review my footage?"
"We took in the kitten of one of those mutilated animals," Leon piped up with abnormally clear ire. "And my brother was bitten and poisoned by another. I thought you were in on it or, at least, knew more. That's the only reason I was after your files."
"A venture you took on at two o'clock in the morning without a word to anyone," Erik berated, depleting his son's bravado significantly.
"Wait a minute." Jed attempted to get a grip on the information piled on top of him. "His brother was poisoned? With what? By what?"
The X-Men elders exchanged a quick look before Emma answered, "A bizarre strand of rabies. From a dog."
"A genetically altered dog?" At their looks, Jed proposed, "Perhaps we do need to compare notes. I've given you folks the benefit of the doubt. I'll share with you what I've gathered, but I'm going to need a little trust and cooperation on your parts."
Emma, Erik cued.
At the signaling, Emma froze the veterinarian in place. "He's telling the truth. About everything."
"So, pin a medal on him and purge his mind of us," Erik said dismissively. "Take the research he has while I find and eliminate whatever footage he has of Leon."
"He could help us." Emma then emphasized, "Help Hank. As ludicrous as it sounds, we need to lower the veil on this one." Ready and well aware of his most reasonable disputes, she reminded, "Should his motives tread into degenerate territory, purging his memories will be the merciful outcome."
Leon mutedly darted eyes back and forth between them.
Breathing in pensively, Erik's every expel of air seemed inflamed. After mulling it over for shorter a time than he preferred, the metal wielder gave his consent. They resumed position before Emma reanimated Jed. While she went with him to gather his things, Erik hung back to examine his errant roamer's hands.
A large surge of trepidation coursed through Leon that toppled that of having a firearm trained on him.
"Melissa knows nothing about any of this, does she? She certainly didn't stop by tonight." At Leon's resulting countenance, Erik stated plainly, "She never would have let you come here alone. Injured would have been out of the question altogether."
"She's…" Leon bit his lip. "Acolyte-ing. Dad, I—"
Erik gestured for silence with his palm, "Home," and focused on the harmed appendages.
After conducting a final sweep of his clinic, Jed returned to Emma in his office. "I left word with one of my nurses to swing by an hour earlier. I didn't mention tonight's happenings." He added to his already loaded leather messenger bag, "Not that I'm not giddy as a schoolgirl to detail why and how the spirit compels me to follow our unbalanced intruder home."
Mutant energy entirely spent, Emma borrowed his telephone to update her husband.
IIIIIII
In the seldom-of-late deserted infirmary, the screeching of the machinery periodically broke any semblance of repose to be felt in the disheartening room. Arms crossed and eyes closed gave the drowsy neophyte the appearance of a meditative sage. Though he zoned out here and there, the noise of the monitors kept real dozing off from occurring. The confounded sounds unearthed unwanted memories of Alex's own prolonged medical recoveries. Even hearing Hank's occasional growls and disjointed muttering came off less unsettling for him. They provided the blonde with more substantial proof of the blue-eyed Beast's steadfast breath and heartbeat than any manmade machine could.
When her ear registered the thumping increasing tremendously beyond the chiseled flesh, she lifted her head from his chest. "Stud?" Heavy concern laced her hushed tone. "Are you alright? Do you need your meds?"
Back of his head propped on his sofa's armrest, his spellbound sapphire eyes absorbed the wealth of warmth and solace offered by her hazel. "N-no." He spoke fretfully as he tightened jittery arms around her bare form. "Don't go. J-just you. I just need you."
The ginger's smile somehow secreted more joyous heat than her eyes. "Good thing I'm yours." Bowing her head, she pressed her soft lips to the center of his chest.
The strong yet soothing hand on his shoulder jarred the young instructor from his latest zoning ramble. Shaking his head to gain better clarity, Alex looked back at Victor. They bumped fists before the security man relieved him.
Left alone with the wordlessly fuming Beast, Victor released him from his wrist manacles with the key Erik forged. Removing his shirt to expose his fur, the elder helped him sit up and flex his arms a bit. Victor then got in behind him to help him drink from the thirty-two ounce bottle of vitamin water. When Hank wound up spitting out his first long sip, Victor growled at him reproachfully and prompted him to have more. The second time, Hank turned his head away and Victor caught a glimpse of resentment beyond the sickly anger.
The frequent shift changes likely bothered him. The logical Hank would fully understand that Edna nor Victor himself had the same going power of a machine and required spots of rest here and there. However, that version of Hank did not have control at the moment. With a heavy heart, Victor applied four forceful smacks to his thigh. The faint wince Hank released shot Victor's self-loathing straight up, but he resolved himself to the more important task at hand. Hank drank compliantly now and some of his tension dissipated when Victor's purring started.
II
Trick joined Charles in the parlor while the latter diligently awaited the return of his wife and brother with his impetuous nephew. Trick poured them each a glass of wine, which they both mostly nursed. Only when Charles received the signal of his toddler in anguish did they leave the room to hasten to the second floor. The crying amplified by the time they reached the top step.
In the nursery, Charles quickly learned that a markedly soiled diaper had jolted his poor baby from sleep. Trick volunteered to strip the crib and see to the linens so the Professor could concentrate on Brian. After voicing his appreciation to his best mate, Charles went to the changing table and proceeded to relieve his red-faced tot of the overflowing diaper and one-piece pajamas. Misery still reflected in Brian's face, though his tears calmed to sniffles. Charles cooed and spoke kindly to him as he gathered him into his arms again.
Once they made it to the master bathroom, the telepath allowed his son to play in his basket of toys while he prepared the tub. The bath toys would no doubt get Brian too riled to return to sleep immediately, but that did not even register among Charles' most pressing concerns. When the soapy water reached the correct amount and temperature, he gently placed Brian in it, permitting him to bring his miniature plastic sea creatures with him. He did not receive much time to play due to Charles making fast work of cleansing him. However, being allowed to hang onto his shark toy kept him from throwing a fit. After unstopping the tub, Charles collected Brian into a towel and carried him to the bedroom.
With his son hugged to his chest, the elder Xavier managed to gather a diaper and fresh summer pajamas from the extras he and Emma kept in their suite. Sprawled on his back on the massive bed, Brian made his shark swim on air while his father moisturized and clothed him. Know he would not be tucked in again so easily, Charles found himself wanting to keep the warm little vessel close to him regardless. He brought him down to the parlor and got them both comfortable under a thin throw in his chess chair.
When Trick came back slightly under an hour later, he reported, "Circus sheets are performing the tumbling act in the dryer."
"Thanks, mate," Charles responded with a light exhale.
Trick waved it off and sent his fingers through Brian's hair with delicacy.
Another few minutes went by before Charles next detected his returning family members and forewarned guest. With Trick right behind them, they all met up towards the front of the house. Brian's cheeks glowed at the sight of his mother and uncle. Charles and Trick each shook hands with Jed. Well aware of Erik's feelings on the stranger in their home- with or without his powers or the older Headmaster's stormy countenance- Charles expressed thanks to the doctor for his collaboration. He also sent Erik additional confirmation of the genuineness Emma had already perceived within him. To no surprise nor disappointment, the metal wielder remained guarded.
After applying an amicable clap to Leon's shoulder, Trick escorted Jed towards the lower level. Erik opted to go with them, but not before ordering Leon straight to his room to await him.
"Yes, sir," came the barely audible response.
When Charles handed Brian to Emma, Leon assumed the benevolent Professor wanted arms free for a hug coupled with affectionate words. Instead, the man used one hand to grip Leon's arm and the other to swat his backside. The single strike made Leon's eyes appear at their most alert in hours.
No sympathy arrived until Charles honed in on his injured hands. "Did you do this to yourself?" He presented the question with compassion over accusatory.
"Not on purpose," Leon replied feebly.
Charles discovered the earnestness then provided a short embrace before directing him to comply with his father's previous order. Posture sagging, Leon started the trek up to the second level. Bringing an arm over Emma's shoulders, Charles drew her in, taking a moment to enjoy the close proximity of his wife and baby.
As ludicrous as the notion of sleep is after tonight, you must rest, darling.
I know. I just want another look at Leon's hands first. Dr. Sullivan tended to them well, but still…
Yes, yes. Charles knew without detail. I'll get the lamb here settled in our bed, he smooched Brian's belly as Emma transferred him back to his grasp, not that he'll so much as shut his eyes until you're in the room.
Yes, yes, Emma parroted, giving each of them a soft kiss.
II
Despite his overhead light providing his quarters with plenty of illumination, Leon, yet again, only found ground level interesting enough to stare at. He did peer up when lighter footsteps than he anticipated preceded Emma's arrival in the room. Going to sit beside him on the bed, she placed the first-aid kit she carried on the mattress for the time being. Starting with the right hand, she slowly peeled back the butterfly bandages.
"They feel fine now, Mom." One frigid frown from her ended his already weak protest.
When she received full view of the multiple red gashes that practically decorated the fingers and penetrated the knuckles, Emma winced internally. Outwardly, no reaction showed, but she dreaded imagining what the marks must have looked like when they secreted enough blood to penetrate gloves.
"What made you livid to the point of taking your frustration out on your mirror when you have two gyms' worth of punching bags?" Emma inquired calmly, approving of the doctor's stitch job.
Leon replied with the only answer he had. "Jared."
Re-applying the bandages, she eyed him even more questioningly. "Jared?"
"These hallucinations," Leon recalled somewhat distantly. "He was in my mirror and he wouldn't stop taunting me about Hank. I just wanted him to shut up. I've always wanted him to just shut up." He peered at her directly. "I do not practice self-harm, Aunt Em. Self-medicating I'll concede, but this isn't the same as Joey, I swear."
"That's one relief." Both glanced up to discover the wizard of metal in the doorway. He had lightly damp hair and wore a different sweat outfit due to his second brief shower spritz of the night.
Leon asked him, "Does the vet check out?"
Erik did not even try to withhold his snort. "Little boy, that is oceans from where your concerns should be focused at the moment."
At those particularly pointed words, Leon quieted while Erik observed Emma redressing his cuts. Though he trained his vision on his Bruce Lee poster, Leon suspected a telepathic conversation taking place between the mutant elders.
"Leon," Erik's stern petition made him instantly whip his head in their direction, "none of us are in any condition to get into this debacle properly. As relieved as we are to have you home safe and sound," his countenance clouded over heavily, "I promise you that your aunt and I will have much more to say in the morning."
"About all of these foolhardy choices of yours," Emma added emphatically. "And how we will proceed forward."
Unsure of what to make of that last statement, Leon merely nodded slowly. "Yes, ma'am."
With a peck to his forehead, Emma shut the door as she took her leave.
Alone with his father, Leon wondered how his room's environment could feel daunting yet fortifying in simultaneous fashion.
Not making the most marginal effort to cease the tension that emitted from his son, Erik informed him, "You can expect a sound spanking along with the rest of your punishment later today. Right now, let's first, get you ready for bed. Are your hands hurting you at all? Do you need me to dress you?"
Leon flexed his fingers and determined, "I'm okay."
Getting to his feet, he went to his dresser and picked the first t-shirt and soft pants he saw. He went into his bathroom to change clothes and it did take him a bit longer than usual, but not to any excruciating degree. When he stepped into his room again, Erik turned on the night table lamp and used his powers to flick off the main light.
Leon recognized Erik's current position on the side of the bed and moved to lie across his open lap without prompting. With his upper body and legs comfortable on the mattress, Leon felt his pajama bottoms tugged down to his thighs. Erik gave him the initial smack and Leon immediately tensed. Not due to extreme force but out of bewilderment. As he received similar strikes, he found it not painful enough to be punishment. At the same time, they came off sharper than the pats his father occasionally gave him to combat sleeplessness and anxiety. Erik kept a firm arm around him as well, despite Leon's lack of struggle.
The youth released a groan when the heat built. Erik did not scold him and if not for his iron hand, Leon would not even know the silent man was still present. The only sound in the room came from the strong palm slapping the boxer clad behind. Leon soon experienced a different source of heat, located behind his eyes. Entirely trapped in place, he did the only thing he could beyond grunts and moans. Sinking his face into his covers, he let his tears stream freely. After the crying started, Erik abruptly stopped and brought his pants up for him. He massaged his son's back for a couple of minutes before hoisting him to cradle.
Erik formed a smile when Leon threw an arm around his neck. He kissed him at his hairline twice and played in his long hair calmingly. It did not surprise him when Leon's crying grew harder. That had been the older male's motive, after all. His son could be too much in personal danger when his rather perplexing emotions went without relief. While as athletically inclined as the rest of his boychicks, Leon almost never let his rage reach the surface as easily as they and Erik himself could. He believed that he did not dabble in self-harm, but Erik did not want a smashed mirror to stir the inspiration there.
Moving multiple strands away from Leon's right ear, Erik whispered, "I love you, boychick," getting his shirt soaked with new tears.
It took several minutes for the crying to slow and for the young body to grow completely lax. Careful of his hands, he placed Leon on his stomach on the bed. Erik switched off the lamp and stayed stationed right beside him.
IIIIIII
Television all but muted to prevent waking the three youngsters filling her bed, the restless shapeshifter stared at the set. She did not need the constant footage of President Johnson to piece together the gist of the absurdly early news. As if the newspapers did not provide enough buzz over his Immigration and Nationality Act. Frank filled her in on the discussions about it around WU. Raven did not know whether to find amusement or pity in herself that the fifteen-year-old stayed better in touch with current events than she seemed to have time to. Her interest did peak when a reminder about a secondary broadcast of Dr. King's July 4th Atlanta sermon appeared on the screen.
"Mommy!"
Jumping at the chorus from her children, Raven sped from the couch and into her main quarters. "Trav," seeing only her son initially, she jumped over the bed to him, "baby, what's wrong?"
"It's Becca." Trav pointed into the bathroom, where Kiki attempted to console a distraught Becky.
Knees hugged to her chest and squatting on the floor, the curly-haired girl rocked in place. As if easing her way over to a sleepwalker, Raven approached with caution. She pressed on through Becky's wretched outcry.
Shaking harder, her round face seemed to lose its coloring as she shrieked, "Stay away from him!"
"I cannot leave work for these pathetic little scuffles you want to get into! Try thinking about anybody other than yourself. You think I want this?" The force of infuriation gestured wildly at himself. God! I'm sick of this." He ceased his incensed pacing suddenly. "And I'm sick of this damn hair." He forcibly yanked on the boy by the ends of his ever growing strands."
"Ah!" It legitimately shocked the seven-year-old when his neck did not snap clean off. "Stop it!"
"Hold still!" The wooden hand fished through the drawer for scissors.
Vision going to a stray cutting knife at the center of the table, the utensil disappeared instantaneously and reformed in the child's hand. Twisting to the side as best he could, he sent the blade into the larger male's arm.
The moment he yelled with all intensity and released his grip, the boy charge from the kitchen.
"You little shit!"
O
Fists hammering with force enough to rattle the plaster, all the humming and chanting he could muster did not drown out the hellish noise. When the young teenager dared open his eyes, he took in a sight that appeared as far removed from the underworld as he could imagine.
Before he could so much as formulate words, she indicated what he gripped in his right hand. "Can I see?"
In a mystified state, his hold loosened and she took the opportunity to grab the tool. "Thanks, I'll bring it back."
When she crawled out, he found his voice enough to vehemently warn, "Don't go out there!"
Becky only reiterated, "I said, I'll bring it right," as she hurried to the desk. Pushing it out of the way, she stood in front of the door brazenly. As soon as it flung open, she swallowed her trepidation, "He's ours now," and displayed the sharp end of the weapon. "Stay away from us."
All at once, the disfigured apparition came undone. Becky swiftly turned her head from the desecration of the already repulsive skin and limbs. In a flash of bright white, the terror and it's source vanished and the surroundings stabilized.
Becky veered around and delighted in seeing the boy emerge from beneath his bed. "Leon."
Maddening fear now replaced with wonderment, he questioned imploringly, "Wha- who are you?"
As if he had merely forgotten her favorite color, she reminded, "I'm your sister, dork." She then remembered, "Oh, here. This is yours," and held out the Swiss army knife.
Reaction difficult to describe beyond quizzical, he took the memento to fold and pocket.
Perceiving another manifestation, Becky spun on her heel. The brunette pair witnessed a vertical incision give way to another rush of white. The slit widened until the feminine figure emerged, her surrounding essence like an ivory flame.
"Mommy," Leon identified elatedly.
Once Emma's arms divided, the duo raced to be enveloped by her. "Honestly, what have I said about dragon slaying past your bedtimes?"