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.

329. Chapter 329 Keepers' Quest

Rise or Fall

Chapter 329: Keepers' Quest

Chapters to Check: 34, 106, 117, 140, 158, 211, 304, 320, 323, 327, 328

In Adoring Appreciation of the Keepers of Creation

Tiger "TJ" Junior

Nestle

Bobby
Jane
Ruby

The intense flashes of scarlet and ice blue coming off the top of the squad car directed immediate attention to the yellow tape blocking off access to the Craftsman property. When the other two vehicles pulled in, Jed and Sean tore out of the Camaro while Erik, Victor, Charles, and Trick filed out of the X-Van. The ruckus induced by the bathrobe adorned on-lookers and approaching members of authority went completely deaf to him when Jed caught sight of the black hound galloping towards him.

"Bruiser!" Jed dropped to one knee, opening his arms to the incoming anxious body of warm fur.

Between the chaos from the different minds and the waves of distress echoing off Jed, Charles planted the same mental suggestion in all of the residents. In a simultaneous feat, the crowd quieted and parted to return to their own homes. The police, who also seemed highly satisfied at the departures, did not question their abrupt loss of interest.

After seeing the dog's reaction, the leading officer, a bearded middle-aged man with a name tag reading "Sgt. Hoffman", came upon the physician. "I take it you're the owner."

A clean-shaven man, slightly younger than Charles and Trick, quickly stepped up beside him. "Good evening, Dr. Sullivan. Remember me, Doug Webber? You patched up my Pug's leg about four months back?"

With only the slightest nod of acknowledgement, Jed stood to make a path for his house. "What happened? What did they take? Sandy!"

Bruiser followed him, but when the assortment of mansion dwellers attempted to do likewise, Officer Hoffman blocked them with arms spread. "And you are?"

Jed paused to answer pointedly, "With me," before continuing through his open front door.

Charles experienced marginal relief when the uniformed man stood aside, not in the mood to make additional use of his mutation.

Erik ventured forward first and Victor went after Charles, Trick, and Sean. As soon as they stepped into the entryway, they absorbed the sights of overturned end tables and broken décor. The extensive disarray went all the way into the living room, where Bruiser stayed in the proximity of his investigating human. Apparently indifferent to the stoned picture window, flipped furniture, missing or shattered objects, Jed searched fervently through the disheveled space.

"Sandy?" Releasing a whistle, the veterinarian hopped to his feet again. "Sandy!" He whistled twice, moving to shove over his already toppled loveseat. "Sandy! Here, boy!"

"Doc!" Officer Webber jogged in and towards the frantic man. "Whoever did this wasn't counting on that silent alarm of yours. They didn't get a chance to do any damage to your second floor or basement. We found your cats and the rabbits hiding out upstairs."

"And Sandy?" Jed looked to him in urgency. "My yellow Lab?"

"Sir," Sgt. Hoffman came through then, "I'm sorry, but it appears your other dog was among the valuables stolen. They must not have had the manpower to snatch him up, too." He gestured at Bruiser. "Don't worry. We'll give you a copy of the report for your insurance company."

"I know this is difficult," his partner spoke with delicacy, "but do you have any idea who could have done this? Any reason to believe this was anything more than a botched burglary?"

Closing his eyes resignedly, Jed inhaled and exhaled softly twice. "No. Your guess is as good as mine."

Hoffman brought up, "Your secretary told us you were working over at the Xavier Mansion?"

"Yes, I'm Charles Xavier," the Professor piped up, making the older officer's head turn. "Dr. Sullivan is our family veterinarian. The only one we trust with our horses especially."

Fortunately, that interjection did not lead to further probing. After a few more questions, the officers offered well-wishes and took their leave.

A scoff sounded from Sean. "I knew this stupid kid was bad news, but this…"

"How do you want to handle the Barros boy?" Erik asked straightforwardly.

"Please, not now," Jed requested with only a sliver of patience in supply. "I- I have to check on the others."

"None of you can stay here tonight." When the worn man headed by them, Charles gently took his arm. "Pack whatever you need and come back with us. Please, Doctor."

Unable to conduct any profound pondering at the moment, Jed nodded absently.

Rising briskly after nosing the floor and furniture, Victor's eyes blackened before he departed in haste.

"Vic!" Erik shot after him with Trick not far behind.

"For Christ's sake," Charles nearly growled, facing Sean. "Help Dr. Sullivan gather his animals. We'll meet you at home."

"Yes, sir," the redheaded teen complied.

With that, the telepath took off in an enthused sprint to catch up with the other X-Males.

II

A roar of absolute indignation building bit by bit within him, the frenzied mutant used all-fours to jump across the rooftops like stepping stones in a valley. When he reached the end of another, he had to come to a sudden halt when the intangible figure arose to hinder his path.

With temper abnormally evident, Victor got up to tower over him. "What do you think you're doin', kid?"

"Odd." The heated brown eyes peered back to see Erik nonchalantly coming in for a landing. "We were wondering the exact same thing about you."

Trick answered the previous question with, "And we "think" we're doing exactly what you would if one of us ran off like a gobsmacked horse's arse. No solo roaring rampages, remember? Or have our policies so radically changed in my absence?"

"Look, you want to help?" Victor glanced between them in irritation. "Stay in comm-link and, more importantly, stay out of my way."

"That's out of the question." Charles made his way up via the fire escape. "You're upset and rightfully so." He came to stand beside Erik. "But you have no idea how many of these altered animals they have at their disposal. You saw with your own eyes what they did to Hank."

"Taking foolhardy risks will not absolve you of the guilt you feel," Erik stated knowingly. He received an automatic growl from the leonine mutant but waivered none whatsoever. "You blame yourself. You wish you- the disposable one- had been bitten instead. Exactly what I would be thinking in your place. Well, you'll have to pardon me if I hypocritically have little concern for your self-loathing right now. Thus far this week, I've had to take off into the dark of night to pick up my profusely bleeding brother-in-law then my son. Selfishly, I don't want to add my best friend to the list."

Whatever splinter of stubbornness Victor held onto after that dissipated at Trick's shoulder touch and imploring countenance. "…You're with me, Spec." To the Headmasters, the security man directed, "You two are our eyes in the sky."

That settled, Victor moved to the next building with Trick's transparent body staying in pace with him. After enclosing Charles inside his electro-magnetic sphere with him, Erik launched them upward.

IIIIIII

Once he finished updating Maya, Sean gave her their ETA and returned the receiver to the extension on the night table. He then placed his attention on the rabbit duo, Hopper and Jumper, who enjoyed a light snack inside their metal travel hutch. Sean went back and forth between them and making cooing noises at the quad of cats. They shared the two carriers in pairs. The queens, Candy and Cupcake, nestled together while their wide-eyed brothers, Crumb and Chip, regarded the strange human with interest. According to Jed, while he named the dogs, his niece did so for all the others.

Considering the night's events, it had surprised as well as relieved Sean when they finally calmed down after Jed managed to coax them out from under the bed. The man had admitted to being less panic-stricken where it concerned the felines due to the extraordinary difficulty that came with trying to catch the cunning, agile creatures. It proved all the more arduous within an organized colony such as theirs. After retrieving his toiletries, Jed walked out of the attached bathroom with Bruiser still at his heels.

Giving the black head a cherished rub, Jed finished loading his duffle bag. "Sandy…" He gave off a light but lugubrious shake of his head. "I'll bet you anything that gallant son-of-a-gun rushed in headfirst to protect the rest."

"Sounds like certain X-Brothers of mine." Sean offered a kind smile. "I know Charles and the guys will do everything they can to find Sandy."

"I almost hope they don't, if you can believe that," Jed admitted. "Better that than discovering an abomination that's anything but Sandy anymore."

Sean could only look on in quiet sympathy as the two set about collecting the contained critters for transport.

IIIIIII

Sandal covered feet stepping onto the rear deck, the lean gold-haired frame maneuvered out of the emerald silk robe without needing to put down his goblet. Clad in a black speedo, he kicked off his shoes before lowering into the invigorating Jacuzzi. After switching on the bubble feature, he took a savoring swig of merlot. Realizing he forgot about his outdoor lamp, he swam across and reached up to yank on the fixture's dangling cord. His general area properly brightened, he felt the contents of his chest plummet along with his wine glass when he beheld the other blonde lounging in the water. One with an entirely see-through physique.

Despite making no actual contact with the moisture, Trick uttered, "Ah. Nice and cool on such a muggy night. So, mind sharing the sherry there, mate?" At the pale facing and gagging expression, the Irishman deduced, "Huh, didn't know it was BYOB."

Releasing a terrified outcry, the other male leaped out of the water and would have collided with his sliding glass door had he not left it open. His slick feet caused him to slip on his kitchen tile and tumble over a chair. Horror getting him to upright himself quickly, he dashed for the telephone on the counter, only for it to float away from his touch.

"I never claimed to be an expert on American law enforcement." He watched as the eloquent metal wielder hovered above him. "But I'm almost certain they have no Paranormal Department."

Releasing several sharp swears, he fled once more. He almost fell again when he made it to the wide archway of his front room.

"Mind-blowing, isn't it?" The Englishman filled the recliner, facing him with fingers laced. "Oh, not the fact that my best mate's a ghost and my older brother's a wizard. I mean that you can afford a two-bedroom condominium, in Scarsdale of all places, on a university dropout's salary. Well done… Alan Leary, yes?"

Before he could retreat once more, the terrified male reversed into a larger blonde directly behind him.

With a growl, Victor ordered, "Cover up, ya GQ reject."

Getting into the robe flung at him, Alan warily backed away until he eased onto his sofa. "What the hell with the smoke and mirrors?" Erik and Trick entered after Victor. All three surrounded Charles. "I thought this initiation phase was over already. What more do you want?"

"Something I can acquire with or without leaving your mental capacity intact." Charles' amicable face hardened significantly. "Information."

Coming over, Victor grabbed Alan by a fistful of his robe material. "Where's the pooch?"

"What—" Alan grunted at the severe shake he experienced next.

"Really not the time to play coy, boyo," Trick advised, sitting on one arm of Charles' chair. "See, you're the only member of your ragtag band we were able to sniff out for certain. That presents a problem- for you."

"Return to us the yellow Labrador in the same healthy condition in which you abducted him," setting Alan with a menacing glower, Erik went on, "along with whatever other details we deem useful and this will be your lucky night… relatively speaking."

"Hey, get a good look at me." Alan exaggerated wildly at his thin frame. "You think I'm the muscle? I never even heard of that Sullivan guy before tonight. He ticked somebody off, the big guys got the word, I played lookout. I swear I don't know where they took that dog. Last I saw, he was alive and yapping."

Victor turned to Charles, who confirmed, "He's telling the truth... to an extent. As for the rest, Mr. Leary," he focused on their unwilling host, "we're quite curious to hear more about the "word" your associates received. Specifically, who sent it in the first place."

When Alan bit his lip, Victor snarled in his face.

Through his trembling, Alan egged, "Go ahead, do your worst. If you're willing to kill me, you'll do it either way it goes. No way am I running the risk of pissing my guys off."

Charles released a put upon sigh. "As incorrigible as the little ones at bedtime." He began to rise. "Stern Professor it is."

Miniscule bravado swiftly dissolving as the all too placid Brit loomed, Alan wanted to know, "What are you about to do?"

Nothing you're going to remember…

IIIIIII

Completely absorbed in the samples before him, the physician did not notice the re-entry into the lab until the feminine voice caught him off-guard.

"Jed?"

"Hm?" Lifting his head up, the man raised the goggles from his eyes to the top of his head. "Edna." He blinked a few times, as if getting reintroduced to reality. "Sorry, didn't hear you there." He happily took the chilled refill from her. "Thank you. I'm still left to question how Logan obtained the recipe for ambrosia, but I honestly can't even pretend to care right now."

Edna smiled as he took a substantial sip. "I'm hoping the rest of your breakfast wasn't lackluster by comparison."

Jed showed her the contents of the plate, now only consisting of tiny particles. "For a guy who started the day with no semblance of an appetite, that stellar omelet of yours awoke the wolf in me."

"You're in good company then." Edna dipped slightly to caress the fur under Bruiser's collar, seemingly entrancing the canine.

"I hope Hank doesn't mind him in here." Jed peered down adoringly. "This guy's been joined at my hip since last night."

"You're putting everything you have into finding a solution for him," Edna felt the need to remind. "One word of complaint out of him over his sacred workspace and I'll have a real earful for him."

Jed chuckled for the first time in hours. "Workspace?" He whistled in awe at the equipment that filled the sizable room. "When I was his age, my private office consisted of whatever section of the basement not piled high with my mother's heirlooms." His gaze settled on the framed photograph of all five McCoys in front of the Christmas tree. "I'm sure there aren't words for how proud this kid makes you."

"No, not nearly enough," Edna admitted, "but that's been the case since he took his first breath." She headed out a moment later, passing Nate on the way. Edna stilled upon seeing the flecks of red about his eyes. "Are you feeling alright, sweetheart?"

With a smile, Nate remained in place for her to feel his forehead. "Yes, ma'am. Up late; research and all."

"It's only a quarter after five. You couldn't have gotten more than a couple hours of sleep." Aware that she herself as well as Jed could say the same, the woman did not deem that substantially relevant. "Go on back to bed, dear. I'll bring you some milk."

"I had a little last night, but I'm too restless." Nate bit his lip. "Please don't tell Em and Charles. I'll try to get twenty winks in later."

"Everywhere I turn in this house, the brilliant are their own undoing." Edna shook her head fondly, though her tone carried mild firmness. "Just don't make a habit out of it."

"Yes, ma'am," Nate repeated after her.

"You're Emma and Cordelia's little…" Jed searched for the term. "… foreign exchange brother, right?"

With an air of amusement, the boy corrected, "Host brother, sir. I'm interning with their older brother and staying with their father while I'm going to Harvard."

Jed toyed with his goggles, gauging the lad. "And how old are you, Mister…?"

"Ohns- Nate, please. I'm almost sixteen."

The older man gawked at the ceiling satirically. "Why have I done nothing with my life?"

Nate's jokey quality slowly faded as he broached the next subject. "Cordy says you might have a cure for Hank. Is it really possible?"

"While I appreciate your sister believing me a contender for the Nobel Peace Prize," Jed spoke glibly, "a cure to eradicate this disease on sight requires greater skill and time than I possess. But if all goes well, this antidote will give this nasty contaminant the raw beating it deserves for Hank's immune system to do the rest."

Taking that in, Nate next wondered, "What if they've infected others as well? What if the infected spread it to other people without knowing it?"

"In all honesty, I doubt that could pose a serious threat any time soon. Hank's situation is a case of getting caught in the crossfire. He's suffering so much because that bite from Bandit was practically the equivalent of having a beaker of the disease poured right into him. Constant person-to-person contact would likely dilute its effectiveness." Jed continued thoughtfully, "However, were such an issue to arise, the vaccine I'm making for Hank would have to be modified to accommodate the infected one's tissue."

"Ah, I see." Nate hoped his visage reflected nothing more than casual fascination. "Do you need any help? Hank lets me work on my clunky tech projects whenever I visit."

"And as talented as you likely are, we're talking about a whole other area of science," Jed stated matter-of-factly. "Machines can go back to the drawing board. Man doesn't have that luxury. Are you prepared to follow my instructions to the letter?"

Nate stopped himself from nodding eagerly and properly replied, "Yes, sir, absolutely."

After another swallow of tea, Jed jovially commanded, "Get those hands sanitized, strap on some safety gear, and pull up a stool."

Inwardly gripping his decorum as tightly as he could, Nate formed a massive grin on his way to the lab's wide double sink.

IIIIIII

On the second level of the two-story garage complex, the United Kingdom natives gained access once Trick phased through the heavy steel door. After getting the three locks unlatched, he opened the door for Charles with a chivalrous spreading of his arm. Exhaling in jest at his cordial comrade, the Professor stepped inside and went directly to the lineup of cages. The various colored felines, including the ones allegedly in deep slumber, sprang up with attentiveness. Two glared with territorial bravado while others recoiled with furious hisses.

So used to the cats in his own household doing little more than staring, pouncing tiresome summer insects, and nuzzling, Charles assured them all, "These wanks will not touch you again, loves."

Peered through the cage bars, Trick quipped, "If I'd known we were going to a cathouse, I'd have taken some extra cash with me."

Directly below them on the main floor, the mutated hunters happened upon their own desired bounty. The contained canines consisted of a collie, a Saint Bernard, two bulldogs, and various mutts. Beyond the disheartening confinement, every cage had food and water bowls. None of the dogs appeared obviously wounded or otherwise harmed beyond reasonable trepidation.

"I see they handle their new inventory with care," Erik noted with a bitter bite in his tone.

"Sandy?" Almost the same second he petitioned the name, Victor received a barking response. He rushed to and crouched beside the cage of the Labrador with fur as honey wheat as his own. "Hey, pal." Victor regarded the animal with relief. "Don't worry. We're friends of Jed." Sandy's weighed brown eyes seemed to develop some luster at that. "We're gettin' you all out of here."

Both X-Men leaped to their full heights when the garage entrance rolled open and the fluorescent lights switched on. Coming to stand side by side, Victor and Erik found themselves faced with five other men. The quintet of brawny strangers gave off the impression of adhering to a strict steroid and raw meat diet.

At their ensemble of jeans with flannel and/or t-shirts, Victor brought up, "No nifty black suits, huh? Or is it Casual Thursday?"

The man in the middle, tallest and possibly leading the bunch, stepped forward. "We don't go for teeny-bopper threads. Now, you two have three seconds to tell us who sent you before—" He jumped upon having his key ring snatched right out of his pants pocket by an invisible force.

"Hey!" Another reacted likewise when his were yanked off his belt loop.

"Well, this is convenient." Erik pocketed the two sets of dangling metals. "We were hoping you'd have the keys to those spacious vans we spotted out front. I could've transported us by air if necessary, but I'd rather not stir airsickness in the poor beasts." His face darkened. "You've traumatized them enough."

The first man squared shoulders against the metal wielder, commenting on the apparent telekinesis. "You'll need a whole lot more than sweet tricks if you think you're waltzing out of here with our big score."

Victor casually proposed, "We'll do you one better."

The one addressing them spun around to witness his cohorts abruptly topple to the cement ground. They went down as if rolled over by an invisible, boulder-sized bowling ball.

"Sweet Trick." The one Victor named materialized behind the thieves. The telepath appeared next. "Sweet Chuck."

"Eh-eh-eh," the Professor chided with a wag of his index finger when the head of the gang attempted to reach inside his vest. "Before you try in vain to whip out that, undoubtedly, intimidatingly pointy implement, it would behoove you to remember that a little nudging is generous on our part. We could have taken you down by shattering your collective fibulas- look that up on your own time- but I don't think any of us want excessive attention brought to this matter, yes?"

Trick squatted to speak to the fallen males. "With a little cooperation, we can all walk away on our own two feet. However, do anything to aggravate my best mate's already fatigued mental state and you'll leave us with no choice but to turn the interrogation over to these two burly blokes." His gaze went to the no-nonsense emitting Victor and Erik. "Keep in mind that we only need your heads unharmed. Everything else is fair game."

At the resulting acquiescence, a sufficiently satisfied Charles got to work.

IIIIIII

Black tresses adequately conditioned, de-frizzed, and styled into bouncy curls, the enigmatic child maneuvered through the extensive space beneath her home. She tipped along on white tennis shoes. Sky blue cropped pants covered in a pattern of daisies with a sheer mauve fashion scarf for a belt and a taffy top with an unbuttoned ivory shrug adorned the rest of the petite frame. To her elation, the lower level appeared mostly empty. Not that she would be discovered by the naked eye if her mental will had anything to say about it. Glancing into the infirmary tentatively, Becky honed in on her sleeping brother and dozing off sister-in-law. Snagging a pair of the disposable gloves on her way over, she quietly positioned herself on Hank's right on his mattress.

I trust you know the whereabouts of your niece and nephew…

Becky's sheepish green eyes fluttered over to the cot next to them. With Scott and Aunt Edna.

Ah. Sitting up, Raven instinctively resumed her blonde camouflage, lost during the height of her lethargy. Any word from our manly mutants?

Uncle Charles called Auntie Em way earlier, Becky recalled. She said they were leaving Scarsdale and headed for New Jersey.

Jersey? Raven's eyebrow ascended. Hasn't this family suffered enough?

Instantaneously reacting to the fingers that suddenly made contact with her gloved hand, Becky turned to Hank expectantly.

The stout male's eyes remained closed as he groggily asked, "What are you doing, Little Bear?"

Despite his inability to see her at the moment, Becky automatically developed a guiltless expression. "Taking initiative? I know I should've projected instead, but—"

"You don't need to see me this way," Hank cut in. "Stop worrying over nothing and get upstairs."

Becky promptly reminded him, "You've seen me with the chicken pox and diarrhea."

"I've also showered in your vomit," Hank added dismissively. "Now, go." He cracked his eyelids when he felt her cradle his hand between both of hers. "Becca…"

The girl shook her head. "You have to get better so you can chew me out."

"She's got you there, baby," Raven supported.

Hank merely stated, "You two; ever co-conspirators."

After a short spell of amicable silence between the three, Becky falteringly put forth, "So, I got a job…"

"What?" chorused the unsuspecting McCoys.

Becky twisted a curl around her finger. "Kind of, sort of, not on purpose… completely. See, the academy where Joey and Laci won their art competition- we were just walking around, checking things out. I saw these fliers for auditions the theatre department was having and it sounded really cool, but I decided to forget about it because we were so busy with the wedding and I didn't think I'd make it, anyway. But Cody kept hounding me about it and even said he'd audition with me, so we did. I thought we'd have to come back to see the cast list, but it turns out Zeke- he's the director- wants to add members- me and Cody- to his troop, but they have this off-campus studio, too and kids get paid for those shows. We had no idea."

After an exchange of unreadable faces with her husband, Raven released a squeal and managed not to throttle the smaller female as she tossed arms around. "Oh, my God, Gorge!"

Contentment accented Hank's presently pale features. "That's absolutely amazing, Becca Bear."

"We are so proud of you." An adoring Raven pulled back to view the round face. "You and Cody. And seriously, paid? Leave it to you to unintentionally stumble into employment."

"How much are they offering?" Hank questioned authoritatively. "What are the terms? Have Charles and Emma contacted the attorney's office yet?"

"Guys, guys, wait," though merrily taken aback by their enthusiasm, Becky further informed, "no one else knows yet. We have a problem."

Raven's concern laced her voice. "Look, I know how Erik can be and he's going to scrutinize every detail of this, but no way is he going to balk at having more X-Kids on site while Joey's in that program."

"That's not it." Becky then explained, "They check psychiatric history to make sure they're not signing on kids with anorexia or anything. We don't have to worry about that, but we… we do need a recent physical."

"Then, there is no problem, Becca," Hank said matter-of-factly. "I am not too under the weather to write my own name. I'll have Alana conduct your physicals and I'll sign off on them."

Green eyes made luminous, Becky grinned. "I have no clue what I'd do without you, Big Bear."

To that, Hank replied, "Yet another problem you don't have."

IIIIIII

Experiencing the warmth and radiance of daylight for the first time in a great many hours, the blonde elder exited the mansion through a rear side door. Zealous canine yapping and lively giggles resonated clear across the gigantic backyard. At the center of it all, Bruiser dashed back and forth with the youthful assortment of Trav, Kiki, Joey, Cody, Tommy, Samantha, Scott, and Cordelia. He spotted Edna standing a short distance away and keenly observing the merriment.

"So, this is where the big black brute wandered off to." Hands in the pockets of his faded blue jeans, Jed strolled towards her. "You know, between these ragamuffins and all that gourmet cuisine Logan's been dishing out to my cats, I'm pretty sure only the rabbits will want to go home with me at this point. And that's still a strong maybe."

Edna gave him a smile before watching the fledglings again. "This is the happiest I've seen Kiki and Travis since my Henry's been ill."

"Those are some stellar grandkids you have there, ma'am," Jed complimented, looking on as Trav rolled in the grass with Bruiser. "Most kids at their ages can't get enough of pulling tails, yanking on ears, extracting their teeth- a situation brought to my office more than once, I'll have you know."

Edna grew reflective at that. "I still remember my mother turning the garden hose on some neighbor boys who thought it would be fun to capture and drown the cat and her kittens who lived in our shed. My sister and I were so upset by the very idea, our father practically chased those idiots to Missouri, swinging his rake like Excalibur."

Jed could not contain his snort at the vivid imagery the recollection inspired.

When she received a light nudge from her niece, Cordelia faced Samantha inquisitively. The leonine mutant lass shrugged a shoulder in the direction of the nattering elders across the way. The Frost females formed twin surreptitious visages. Samantha's gaze then became hindered by the unforeseen palm that clamped over her eyes. She used both elbows to jab Scott and veered to scowl at him stormily.

Even as she gave him chase, the cheeky boy goaded, "Stay on your guard next time!"

Not altogether interested in the reason behind their conflict, Cody darted after them. Getting ahead, he unleashed his roar. Even at the minor pitch he exercised, he still caused brief apprehension in the older two. He also caused them cooperation, as they charged after him instead.

"Oh, weeee ones, guess who followed us home."

Registering Trick's melodic voice, the youngsters stopped at once. A panting Bruiser jumped about excitedly before rushing to greet the returning mansion dwellers' precious cargo.

Striding alongside Charles, Trick crouched and released the armload of soft, animated yellow.

"… Sandy…" Lingering in mistrust of his own eyes, it took a gentle prod from Edna to propel Jed forward. "Sandy!"

The recovered Labrador barked affectionately with his brother, both surrounded by the ecstatic litter of human mammals. On well-worked legs and with foggy eyes, Trick and Charles hung back to take it all in. At his name along with the sight and scent of the other incoming adult human, Sandy sprang from the group to make a path for him. Bruiser hurried to keep up.

"My God," pupils glistening and chest igniting with jubilance, Jed dropped to his knees, "Sandy!" Embracing both his dogs at once, the physician became a slobbery, rapturous mess within seconds.

IIIIIII

As soon as Erik and Victor arrived home, Alex, Leon, Becky, and Tommy quickly latched onto the former. Angel, Samantha, Scott, and Cody did likewise with the latter, resulting in harmonious purrs from him. When Erik asked about Frank's present location, Alana came along to assure him that their shared son had gotten off to school fine that morning. She found no need, in that particular moment, to mention the louder than usual bemoaning on the insistent little X-Man's part. Heading for the parlor, Erik carried Tommy on his hip. His spare hand clutched Becky's, who also held onto Leon's wrist. Despite his quippy promises of feeling swell, Angel and Samantha massaged Victor's taut arms and shoulders, easing him into a spot on a couch. With Logan providing iced tea refills, Scott acquired two additional glasses for the hunters. Cordelia supplied Charles with Hank's custom telepath tonic while Emma rubbed his temples for him. On one sofa, Kayla kept a doting arm around Trick.

Charles wondered, "Where's Nate?"

"Likely still tucked away with the lab books. He was up early helping Dr. Sullivan," Cordelia answered, her delight in her host brother's efforts evident.

When Sean and Raven came in, Samantha and Maya departed with Logan for the basement. Cordelia opted to come down after she heard more about recent events. Edna asked Raven to take note while she and Alana headed for the kitchen to get some non-takeout lunch started. Jed asked the little ones to keep his herd company upstairs. With all of their X-Dads secured, Cody, Joey, Tommy, Trav, and Kiki required minimal convincing to fulfill the man's request. Jed also reminded them not to leave all of the species alone together due to Bounty, Hopper, and Jumper not being designed for the, otherwise friendly, dogs' roughhousing. Charles and Emma enjoyed a surge of amusement when they heard Joey mention wanting to conduct peace negotiations between "Master Midnight" and their foreign fluffy guests.

To keep from exhausting Charles' mind any further, Erik went into the deeper details of their outing made rescue mission. Besides, the telepath had more than done his part by acquiring the vast information. Sandy and the other abductees had not been laced with anything due to the organization's procedure of holding onto and establishing a healthy rapport with them. That lasted for at least a week before transferring them over to be purchased for scientific study. The organization could not afford losing favor with their buyers should their purloined goods "expire" prematurely.

After Charles scanned and wiped the minds of the underlings at the garage complex, the majority of their time away from the house had gone to taking each individual dog home. Trick remarked humorously about feeling like a combination of St. Nicholas and a primary school prankster, due to ringing doorbells and vanishing from sight as soon as the residents opened the door to their missing mongrel. Since they only had addresses for two of the cats, Victor and Erik had gone in search of a no-kill shelter for the rest while Trick and Charles headed back with Sandy.

Once Erik finished relating it all, Jed let off a thunderstruck air. "Forty-eight hours ago- had I heard any of this just forty-eight hours ago, I would have been left to wonder exactly how all of you escaped Bellevue."

Without having to look at him, Alex sensed his brother ready to comment and clamped down on Leon's shoulder tightly.

Victor informed, "And the crazy's nowhere near done yet, Doc."

Squatting in ponder beside Charles' chess chair, Sean brought his gaze up when he felt the Englishman's fingers in his forest of red hair.

After their blue eyes met, Charles declared, "That's where you come in."

IIIIIII

The coveted design feature of the Xavier Mansion guestrooms being the size equivalent of the average house's master suite proved specifically convenient in Jed's case. Once Becky and Scott joined them, the room comfortably housed seven human fledglings, two dogs, six cats, and three rabbits. For the Sullivan cats alone, two jumbo litterboxes had been set up in the affixed bathroom. While they could share water dishes easily, the cats' food bowls sat on top of the dresser while the dogs' kibble lined along the wall beneath the widest window. Since Logan provided the cats with cooked meals, their bowls had to be elevated to prevent temptation on Sandy and Bruiser's parts. Though he had not expected the barking boarders, Logan promised something of delicious decadence for his canine brethren's dinner.

While Bruiser engaged in mock boxing matches with Tommy and Cody, a famished Sandy devoured kibble. Trav crouched near the golden-haired hound. With Logan's earlier warning about not messing with the dogs' heads at mealtime, the little boy rubbed Sandy's right side periodically. Kiki cradled the pure white Jumper while the spotted Bounty and Hopper mingled in Joey's lap. Done with their fiery hissing contest, for the time being, the visiting toms currently maintained a respectful distance from the imposing Midnight's position on the bed. Crumb and Chip perched on a windowsill, blanketed by the sun's rays. All the adult felines had initially gravitated towards the delicate Grace. However, Midnight only allowed the queens to come within proximity of his charge without chilling growls and bared fangs resulting. Cupcake and Candy took turns grooming Midnight's black coat while only he himself tended to Grace's fur. On the mattress with them, Becky regarded all the creatures with fondness. Thoughts of yesteryear filling her, seeing Bounty so at ease with the others reminded her of her uncle while Midnight wholly emulated her papa.

"I hope Dr. Sullivan doesn't have to go back home yet," Trav put forth, receiving a lick on his palm from Sandy. "I wish they could all stay here with us."

"Yeah, just picture it," Cody said fancifully, "our own furry force. The X-Mutts."

Upper body dangling off the side of the bed, Scott quipped, "Very virtuoso, hairball."

Cody came back with, "Hey, man, quit showin' off your Charles'-Kid-Chatter."

Scott shook his head lightheartedly.

On route towards the lab, Jed stopped to catch a glimpse inside his quarters. The interior greeted him with the pleasing tableau of his herd so gaily immersed amongst the juvenile mansion dwellers.

As Bruiser and Sandy hastened for the man, Becky, somewhat self-consciously, rushed to sit up straight on the mattress. Scott, likewise, drew himself into a proper upright position at the elder's presence.

Eying the young teens in benign amusement, Jed encouraged, "Please, as you were. You've all made us feel so at home, no need to put on any airs on my account." He knelt to be tickled by his dogs' wet noses.

"Do you want them on their leashes?" Joey asked. "We were going to take them out to do their business, especially Sandy."

"He went Wolfman on that kibble," Tommy described whimsically.

"Poor fella probably had no appetite earlier." To combat the swell of ire he felt rising at the mere thought, Jed rapidly distracted himself by clucking at his yellow Labrador. "You know, I think Sandy's been out and about enough for one day. This guy, too." He petted Bruiser. Trav," the addressed child hopped to attention, "you probably know the ins and outs of your dad's lab better than the whole bunch of us. Think you could round up some extra newspaper for these guys to go on? If they make too big a mess, the tab's on me."

"Sure, Dr. Sullivan," Trav agreed brightly. "Come on, Kikiko."

Taking her brother's offered hand, Kiki transferred Jumper over to Tommy's hold. At Jed's indication, Bruiser and Sandy trotted after the two tykes.

Scott stood with a stretch. "We better get clean before lunch." He noticed the abundance of fur stuck to their outfits. "And swap clothes…"

Releasing a snort, Jed resumed height. "And the dry-cleaning bills are on me, too. Becky," the green-eyed girl peered up at him, "could you let Mrs. McCoy know I'd prefer to work through lunch?"

Becky's features permeated with gratitude. "Of course. We'll bring something up for you."

After the troop of youths, along with Midnight and Grace- Bounty lingered among his long-ear comrades, Jed closed the door and sprawled on the bed. He spent ten minutes in tranquility with his herd, absorbing every purr, nuzzle, and touch of their soft coats. Once he replenished their water bowls, the dutiful veterinarian secured them inside his room again. He walked the short distance to the well-stocked lab.

Nate, with the Labradors watching him with enthused interest, waved and pointed to the stacks of already soiled newspapers. The McCoy tots had situated them on the far opposite side of their father's workspace and away from anything remotely considered off-limits. Highly appreciative of the direction following of such little ones, Jed re-attached his safety gear and picked right up where they left off.

The adult and adolescent duo worked meticulously under the former's staunch but clear direction. The physician quietly admired not only the British teen's compliance but mechanical capability. A few of Nate's robotic tinker toys aided in the paramount necessity of strict sterilization of the vaccine components. When they reached a step in the process that allowed them a short standstill, Jed lifted his goggles and immediately noticed Nate's face and general posture. Beyond the chirpy exterior, the listlessness could not be overlooked.

"Kiddo, you are maxed out," the older male expressed. "You better head down and grab a bite."

Peeking out through his own safety lenses, Nate reasoned, "I can eat up here with you. That's better for focus and sanitation, besides."

"Fine points, Professor," Jed titled in half-jest, "but I do believe you've done more than enough for now. Go eat with your family."

Nate then admitted, "If I go down, Em and Cor will fuss all over me like Mrs. McCoy this morning."

"Mr. Ohnn," Jed spoke with a distinct decibel of sternness, "I won't risk the well-being of one Harvard scholar in the process of trying to save another. Now, if you don't want to hear it from your sisters, go lie down- as you told Mrs. McCoy you would today- and eat after you've rested." When the lad seemed ready to refute yet again, the man sharply brought up, "Those are my instructions, Mr. Ohnn- to the letter."

Argument dissolving into nothingness on his tongue, Nate detached from his stool contritely. "Yes, Doctor. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get cross."

"More crazed than cross." Jed gave a hearty squeeze to the youth's shoulder when he came his way. "An almost unavoidable pitfall in the innovative genius package. As much as you care for Hank, you cannot help him by neglecting yourself."

"Yes, sir," Nate nodded. "I know."

Their heads along with the dogs' turned in simultaneous fashion as the vaporous mutant solidified only a few feet away from them. "Sorry." Leon carried a packed tray with him. "Didn't want to interrupt."

After the flabbergasted awe of the feat subsided, Jed asserted blankly, "So… I see that breaking and entering charge would've been a tough sell."

The more delighted Nate said, "Way wicked, right?"

"My thoughts precisely," Jed responded wryly.

Leon told Nate, "One's for you," of the meals he brought in.

"Thanks, I'll have it to go." On his way out, Nate accepted the plate and perked over the glass of Ovaltine.

While Jed peeled off his gloves and went to clean his hands up to the elbows, Leon placed the remainder of the tray on the nearest table. After drying off, Jed went over to better view the edible contents. The sustenance included a stuffed grilled chicken wrap, a bowl of chopped mixed fruits with a side of plain yogurt, and wild rice with broccoli.

"Clairvoyance abounds." At the questioningly look from the younger male, Jed's lips quirked. "I don't eat red meat." Leon nodded his comprehension. "I take it this is part of your assigned atonement from your aunt?"

"I… wanted to do something." Unable to grip anything forcefully without irritating his injuries, Leon's flowing hair barely kept his eyes uncovered as he struggled to verbalize. "I'm- I… I'm sorry."

Countenance more concerned than critical, Jed coached, "Easy, son." He did not dare establish even the slightest physical contact with the flustered youth as he had with Nate mere moments ago. He instead tried to keep their eyes level, hoping his visage reflected placidity. "Don't force yourself to say something you don't mean. It's not worth lying to us both and distressing yourself this way."

"I do mean it," Leon stated with a layer of incredulity. "I just don't know how to… it wasn't personal. I wasn't trying to attack you like the ones who vandalized your house."

"Leon," Jed addressed him with a brisk tenderness, "I know that. I never lumped you together with that gang. I understand that you only acted so irrationally for Hank's sake. It doesn't excuse your risky behavior or complete absence of self-preservation, but I have no condemnation for you."

"Thank you, but not for that- not just for that." Finding his mouth all too unreliable, Leon presented his recovering appendages. "I never thanked you for this. I didn't want to feel an ounce of appreciation towards you. You were up to something- or you were supposed to be." He stilled when he realized the stealthy canine duo sniffing and pawing him. "What are they doing?"

"You're upset," the veterinarian reminded plainly. "That sentiment doesn't jive with them so well."

Leon managed not to retract his hand when Sandy licked it. "How can they still stand being around people?"

"Persevering selflessness. But lucky us got these neat opposable thumbs," Jed quipped. "Well, lucky me, anyway. That little gift of yours can't be categorized anywhere outside of blessing."

Leon dismissed that notion with, "If you're up for trading genetic perks, give me a call."

Jed quietly searched him from head to toe, forming an indecipherable expression. "I don't accept fanfare for the most basic act of recognizing another human being in harm's way. You want to make up for the other night, my boy?" Leon stepped out of the way so the man could go around to a seat at the table. "Don't waste your second chance. And I do not merely mean my letting you off the hook." Jed looked at his food as he gave off a light wave of his fingers. "Now, scoot before the cavalry comes looking for you. Again."

Continued mute, Leon accepted a little more nosing from the dogs before deciding to make his exit using the doors now.

IIIIIII

From half a block away inside the X-Van, Logan and Alex kept keen vigilance on the casually attired younger X-Men. Sean looked back at the vehicle, giving off a positive nod when his group of four went through the gate and lost visual. As soon as they reached the front door, they conducted a brief communicator test. Their six-way link confirmed, Cordelia stepped forward to ring the bell twice. A twinge of deja vu encompassed the atmosphere when the door opened to the taken aback boy on the other side.

"What are you doing here?" Bert demanded in a hiss.

An even-tempered Frank only called out, "Mr. Ratcliff!"

The summoned man appeared behind his nephew quickly, sleeves rolled up and a dish towel draped over his shoulder. "Frank, Cordelia." Of the other youths, he amicably wondered, "And who do we have- my, is this the Prom Queen herself?"

"Guilty," Angel confirmed demurely.

"This is Sean," Frank introduced. "We're Xavier Brothers." At Cordelia's lighthearted nudge, he added, "and Sisters."

With a smile, Raul ushered Bert out of the way and opened the door wide. "Please, come on in." He led the way through the hallway, leaving Bert to shut and lock the door after their guests. "Kelly, sweetie." In the kitchen, the apron adorned girl glanced over from creating at the stove. "It seems your brother is a bigger man on campus than he lets on. Even the high school Prom Queen wants to see how you're doing."

Making hurried work of tucking away sweaty stray hairs. "Cordelia, hi- hi, everybody."

Blue eyes sorrowful, Cordelia asked, "How are you today?"

Folding her arms, Kelly considered the question. "Bett- reasonably functional."

"Enough not to subject her poor unsuspecting little brother to my cooking." Raul slipped an arm around his niece. "We're between housekeepers at the moment, so she's walking me through the art of fettuccini alfredo. We have plenty if you kids want to join us."

Frank told him, "I don't think any of us have much of an appetite."

Cordelia then asked the residents, "Did you hear what happened to Dr. Sullivan?"

Vitriol filled Kelly's face. "An absolute disgrace."

"I'd like to get my hands on whatever little punks would pull a sick prank like that," Raul expressed, forming an aggravated fist.

From the kitchen door, an entirely wordless Bert hugged himself and attempted to ease his building tremors.

"That should be easy enough, Mr. Ratcliff," Sean chimed up, his fair-skinned features scathingly rigid. "Considering the fact that said punks are on your payroll."

Bert's jaw drop while Kelly reacted with a stupefied, "What?"

"Kelly, it's true," Cordelia urged. "Your uncle is one of the benefactors of the gang that burglarized Dr. Sullivan's house and abducted his dog. The same ones who killed Bandit."

Utterly taken aback, Kelly shook her head in disbelief. "Oh, my God- how dare you? How dare you come into my uncle's home- our home- hurling these twisted accusations?"

Raul tightened his hold on her as he set the other young people with a dark glower. "I want you all out of here, now. And tell Charles Xavier that he can expect a call from my attorneys if one more word of this slander is spoken."

"Kelly, the proof is upstairs in Bert's bed," Frank informed. "When we were over here, I found a huge stash of drugs inside his bottom mattress. Way more dope than any kid can acquire on his own."

As soon as his sister's pleading eyes landed on him for confirmation, Bert bowed his head shamefacedly.

Kelly beseeched dreadfully, "Bert, no…"

"That's where this is coming from? I can't say I'm altogether surprised." After glaring at his nephew, Raul looked into Kelly's face and assured, "Don't you worry. Lots of troubled kids go through this. We'll get him whatever help he needs, I promise."

"What he needs is to get away from you," Frank snapped.

Cordelia addressed Kelly before Raul could speak again. "Please, think about it. Think about what happened to Dr. Sullivan, only hours after we came here with the news about Bandit. Why would Bert intentionally hurt him when Dr. Sullivan cares for him so much? Since your uncle knew the condition he had to have found Bandit in, he sent out his goonies to keep him quiet."

At the growing gaze of mistrust Kelly looked at him with, Raul appeared floored. "I know you're not taking the word of a pack of instigating brats over mine. Kelly, this is ridiculous. I've been your only father since your dad died. Your only parent since your mother- my sister- passed."

"And you made sure to remind Bert of that every chance you got." Angel made a path for the boy in question. "He roped you into this gang, gave your dog up as sacrificial dues, and used you as his own dope warehouse. He threatened to put you and Kelly out- or worse- if you didn't listen. Didn't he, honey?"

Mustering up some semblance of a voice, Bert whispered, "Kel…"
With the simultaneous sensations of dry throat and intense nausea hitting her at once, Kelly broke from Raul's grasp, "God… God, no." Still in oven mitts, she clutched the stove handle to keep from stumbling.

"Kelly." At no response from her, Raul started for the doorway. "Herbert." A side by side Sean and Frank prevented him from taking another step.

Cordelia went to shield the doorway, where Angel drew Bert into a secure hug.

Raul fumed, "If all of you don't get the hell out of my house—"

"What?" Frank cut off. "What'll you do, call the fuzz? Great, you do that while we get the media over. I'm sure any one of them would have the firsthand exclusive on "R&R: Drug Depot"."

"No one will believe your nephew got that whole stash on his own," Sean reiterated. "Even if you do try to pin it on him, your family name and business won't be mud. No, it'll be cased in cold hard tar forever. You'll be retirement age before any of this blows over."

Looking between the young faces, Raul broke into a snicker. "Yeah, okay, whatever you raggedy rugrats think you know about me, you have not a damn clue the kind of people you're dealing with. You just walked into something you will not be walking out—" The entire room jumped back in terror at the deafening scream the man expelled upon being abruptly showered in boiling water.

Entirely empty pot in her possession and despite her shuddering state, Kelly proceeded to wield the metal container by its handle. "You used my baby brother! Dumped drugs in him!" She whacked Raul's chest, followed by his stomach. "You," she went after both kneecaps, "killed," twice, "our dog!"

When a viciously maimed Raul finally collapsed, Sean intervened by gently seizing the incensed young woman's forearms.

With wide, unblinking eyes, Bert clung closer to Angel.

"Kelly, stop," Frank spoke delicately, "we need him a little bit alive."

Exhaling heavily, Kelly dropped the pot, letting it land on her uncle's back, who promptly cried out again. "You," she stood over him, "are going to transfer every dime you have into my account. Keep your shitty business and stocks, but you are going to disappear from our lives. If I so much as hear about you being within a hundred miles of here, I will do everything in my power to send your reputation down the gutter hole you crawled out of."

Going to one knee, Sean nonchalantly added, "And whatever power she lacks, I can assure you, the Xaviers have in tenfold spades. They're already well aware of this, so if anything, anything happens to us, Kelly, Bert, or Dr. Sullivan, that will be your John Hancock on your own death certificate. There is no one you can turn to, nowhere you can go."

"We have the locations and schematics of every property you own," Cordelia informed. "Including the ones off the books. Like your boathouse off the coast of Long Island."

"Or your "lady friends" scattered across the state," said Sean pointedly. "Not to mention, your relatives in Jersey and Connecticut. You could try skipping out on your private plane, but I wouldn't recommend it." In a hushed voice, he told him, "Technical difficulties."

Body paralyzed with simultaneous fear and agony, Raul vowed, "Anything- anything!"

"Make that," the ginger's expression grew all the more brutal, "everything…"

IIIIIII

After finishing his food and getting in a three hour nap, Nate used the bathroom before going right to the lab to continue assisting the doctor. Glad to see the genius youth no longer resembled the walking dead, Jed happily welcomed his aid once more. Nate did whatever asked for him until the dinner hour loomed. While the teenager did not notice it, he left without argument to clean up and change into an ironed shirt. When Kiki, Trav, and Joey came through, Jed allowed them to take Sandy and Bruiser downstairs for the personal feast Logan promised them.

Once alone, Jed did all he could at that point and reviewed his guidebooks and extremely detailed research notes. He had done so during his every free second, he felt he could recite them in his slumber. At least in theory, considering how frequently he dismissed the idea of laying head to pillow. Even before recent outlandish events, sleep seemed to elude him more and more due to the poaching occurrences. He grunted when his blurry vision became more than he could blink away and he pinched the bridge of his nose in sheer exasperation.

"What are you doing in here?" In his tunnel vision, Jed had not heard the auburn-haired woman's entry.

With a mildly sheepish rub of his neck, the man replied, "Mastering the hypocrisy of lecturing adolescent boys on bad habits I practice on the regular."

Tray in hand, Edna responded jokily, "Are you sure you're not a parent?"

"No," Jed said with a thoughtful hum, "but bringing up cats is probably better prep for raising teenagers than whatever these schools offer in home economics." He smiled softly at her light laughter then noticed the two servings she had with her. "I sent Nate down to eat fifteen minutes ago."
"Oh, I know." Edna began arranging things on the table Jed previously used. "But you already isolated yourself at lunch. I don't want you to have your dinner alone like some felon."

"If anyone is used to the solo supper, it's me," Jed claimed. "I appreciate it, Edna, but all I ask is that my herd gets fed."

"Cody and Logan have already seen to that." She eyed him knowingly. "I, too, have become well-acquainted with the solo supper. And we both know it's a bummer."

"Too true," Jed could not help chuckling. "My thanks for your company."

Edna stated, "Nowhere near the amount of thanks I have for all you're doing."

While the genuine assertion gave Jed a much needed inner boost, he continued politely dismissive as he shrugged out of his white coat and other gear. At the table, neatly made up with two formal places and silverware in proper position, Jed sat across from her. They conducted a quick grace before breaking bread- wheat rolls, specifically. To the physician's pleasure, lemon glazed salmon served as the main course with sides of mashed potatoes and green beans, and bakery donuts. With the new brew reserved for Hank until Logan could restock, they enjoyed glasses of mixed berry iced tea all the same.

After they finished, Jed carried their empties down to the dishwasher. Edna convinced him to walk off the hearty meal as well as take in some much needed fresh air. Jed wasted not a breath arguing with her, quickly becoming enthralled by the vibrant green grounds that made up the estate. The sun beginning its descent gave the entire area a rich peach and goldenrod hue.

"I tried full-blown vegetarianism when I got to college," Jed recollected during their stride. "Between activities, seeking out internships, the part-time job I attempted to hide from my parents, on top of a rigorous academic schedule, I was borderline malnourished by my first spring break."

Edna gazed upward in good-natured dismay. "How are you forward-thinking scientific geniuses so painfully backwards when it comes to self-care?"

"As colossal as our egos already are, we need to have a reduction in brain mass somewhere to keep from imploding," Jed jested. "For the record, I did improve after that. Cutting out beef and pork has given me the healthiest coronary reports in my family."

An awestricken Edna remarked favorably, "That's almost unheard of, even in men a decade or more your junior."

"So my astonished associates at the Mayo Clinic tell me. Doesn't exactly make me a big hit at barbeques and certainly not Superbowl Sunday. Meanwhile, I already have my trunk unloaded while most of them struggle with one bag of ice."

Amused, Edna said, "I hope they manage to leave enough room for the crow you'll inevitably be feeding them. Is it strictly health reasons or do the animals factor in?"

Jed explained, "It started off as the latter with the former becoming a bonus after I learned a little thing called balance."

"An area in which you could still stand improvement."

"When you're right, you're right," Jed admitted. "I suppose bachelorhood has made losing myself in my work habitual."

"It's nothing I haven't seen before," Edna put forth fondly. "I thought my Norton was the model worker, but dear Christ, not even he could prepare me for our Henry. Would you believe his eye condition stems from not only learning to read too early- doctor's words, not mine- but also to frequently?"

Managing not to laugh, Jed could not contain his grin. "Here I thought that was a myth. Granted, with everything I've come to learn about your rather extraordinary family, I think I owe my niece an apology for doubting her stance that unicorns are simply hiding in secret valleys beyond the waterfalls."

Edna let off an entertained exhale before growing somberly thoughtful. "I don't think Norton ever completely forgave himself for the nuclear plant causing Henry's mutation. It hit him even harder when he found out about so many of the other employees' children being infected. Some nowhere near as fortunate as our baby."

"Neither of you could have predicted what happened," Jed reasoned. "The Industrial Revolution led to the loss and disfigurement of countless children. Progress never comes without a catch. If Hank is any indication, I'm sure Norton did his best for his family."

Comforted, Edna recalled, "They had their disputes, especially towards the end, but he always tried to be a good father and husband. Even when work stretched him to the limit, he did his best to keep up with every science fair, game days, even just throwing the ball together after dinner."

When they wound up in front of the barn, Jed stopped to lean against the exterior wall. "You know, I really do envy your Norton. Not just for that incredible kid and adorable grandkids you have in there," he arched his head to indicate the enormous house, "but his marriage with you."

Facing him, Edna wondered, "How on Earth are you single exactly?"

"The million dollar question in my family," Jed stated drolly. "Don't get me wrong. I've had a serious girl here and there, but you'll find that few women have your patient strength." At her quizzical countenance, he better elaborated. "I think it was a general assumption that I would be the easily settled type. Oldest boy, I already had my father's clinic as good as inherited, but even as a kid, I never wanted the PhD to be the prestigious weekend golf guy. My father was a good man and I appreciate everything he did for us, but my veterinary passion burned brighter than his. Right down to the smallest turtle, I seemed to forge a bond with all of our patients. When the chance to study zoology abroad came along, it wasn't something I could pass up. Even when I finally took over things here, I became committed to the ER, generating capital here while volunteering at low-income clinics in the city."

Following his every word, Edna claimed coyly, "Your commonalities with my McCoy men just went from uncanny to eerie."

With a wide smile, Jed said, "Most women can't get behind such ambition. I know I shoulder a lot of the blame there and I do harbor some regrets for closing off that part of myself. I never had a family of my own- of the human variety, anyway. I always had my endless accomplishments, awards, and host of grateful clients to elevate me." He spoke penitently then. "Now, look at the damage that's caused."

Edna shook her head in protest. "You must stop blaming yourself for the actions of such low-lives. You can't defend Norton's work in one breath and castigate your own in the next. You're here." She brought a hand to the right sleeve of his t-shirt. "Doing all you can; more than."

Jed quietly told her, "Nothing I've done or will do will mean anything if I can't save your son."

"That you could honestly feel that way means absolutely everything to me," Edna came back with.

Face minimally brightening, Jed put forth, "So, Midwest gal, I take it you know a little something about horseflesh?"

The woman scoffed uninhibitedly. "A little something? I was younger than Kiki when I rode my first pony. You ever so sophisticated New-Yorkers don't and your ostentatious steeds."

Jed gaped at her with a put upon offense. "I beg your pardon, madam."

"You're showmen," Edna continued to rib. "not horsemen."

"That's a tantalizing challenge if I ever heard one." With that, he guided them into the barn. He let Xander sniff his hand before stroking him. "You could use the workout, buddy."

"I'd say that's unanimous." Edna went to free Hazelnut from her stall. "Isn't that right, lovely?"

Preferred steeds selected, they saddled and led them out into the remaining sunlight before mounting them. They started off in a steady trot until both riders picked up speed until the horses went into full gallops. Blades of grass along with multiple bird flocks soared out of the way of the zealous hooves. Splashed by the lingering sunset as they dashed through the eastern grounds, Edna laughed spiritedly. Golden blonde hair whipping in the wind, Jed let loose an exhilarated howl. Xander and Hazelnut neck and neck, they eventually eased into a slow stop atop a mound blooming in white daisies. Catching their breaths, Edna and Jed took in their glorious surroundings.

Jed broke the serene silence first with, "What do you say? Still but a showman?"

"Always one exception, isn't there?" Edna responded beguilingly.

A grin slid across the blue-eyed male's face. "I'll say."

IIIIIII

Sleep far removed from her most pressing tasks, Kayla went through her basket of mending. To no surprise, the clothing assorted mostly consisted of Cody's play articles, including at least two of Logan's old shirts. Lighted by the tall corner lamp in the sitting area, she stole frequent glimpses of her slumbering offspring without a single error in her needlework.

"We're back, Queen Fox." Angel used the faintest pitch she could as her petite frame stepped into the suite ahead of the Veteran.

"Oh, finally." Leaving the jeans she sought to patch on top of the basket, Kayla left the chair to pull the girl into an embrace. "The boys filled us in."

Angel leaned on her shoulder. "We got the Barros kids to the safe house okay. We ate while we were there."

"That's two reliefs." Kayla then brought up, "Victor and Sammie eagerly await you…"

"Yes, ma'am." Angel received a cheek kiss from the woman and waved at the small snoozing Howletts. "Night-night, babycakes." She walked out by Logan, who made a path for his wife.

Their greeting smooch proved short-lived as Cody rolled over on the bed. "Daddy…"

With the twins secured inside the circle of pillows beside him, Logan warned, "You wake your brother and I break your hide." Still, he went over to finger comb Cody's growing mane until the boy drifted off again.

Taking Logan's arm, Kayla brought them into their bathroom and switched on the light. While Logan recalled the evening to her, she gathered the salts, soaps, and scented candles for their shared soak.

II

For a second night, the metal wielder's bed and borrowed cot filled to capacity with the lineup of Trav, Frank, Leon, Becky resting on Leon, Kiki latched onto Scott, and Grace curled up on Alex where his chest thumped the loudest. With the stress of the day, Frank laid stomach down on Erik. Not as simple a feat as it once was with the continuously growing boy, but the safe solace in Erik's arms seemed to likewise increase over the years.

When he heard his sister-in-law's petition in his mind, the Jewish Headmaster maneuvered skillfully to lower Frank onto his pillow. He watched as the young teen clutched the plush fabric. Erik smiled at the little sniff Frank absorbed, knowing how much his brood adored his aftershave and colognes.

II

Beyond the point of readiness to permanently shed the gloves that safeguarded yet blocked their direct touch, the McCoy couple gripped hands on Hank's cot. After seeing Angel secure in the mansion once more, Victor sent her to join Samantha, Cordelia, Maya, and Midnight in the bunker. A softly conversing Emma and Alana reacted to Erik's entry as he came to stand between the two women. Under Edna's emboldening gaze- so much more assured than his own somnolent one- Jed stepped forward with the filled syringe.

Raven felt but did not react to the constriction Hank placed on her hand. She had long sensed the tremors of pain he so tried to mask. With Jed's treatment in mind, Alana and Hank had agreed on backing off with other medications, including morphine. It left him in a mentally clouded state with only his wife's unrelenting grip anchoring him.

"Alright, Dr. McCoy," an approaching Jed addressed, "I'll make a deal with you. After this, you get back on your feet and your women folk won't knock me off mine."

The remark provided the slightest breeze of levity in the medical space.

Erik and Victor stood at the ready to act in case the brazen Beast reared its head. Acting in place of her telepathically overtaxed husband, Emma provided another welcomed familial touch to Raven's taut shoulders. At the needle's insertion into Hank's right arm muscle, her husband's low growl caused Raven to suck in a breath. All present eased off when he exhibited no harsher reactions.

Alleviated to some degree, Edna touched the older doctor's back soothingly. "It's over, Jed."

In an equally hushed tone, he replied, "I only hope not."

After a permissive glance from her sister-in-law, Emma stretched one arm forward. You did so well, Hank. Leave all else to us.

As the heavy eyelids shut and calmness spread throughout his pale features, Raven raised his covered hand to peck twice.

IIIIIII

Infinitely more invigorated than he could claim to be twenty-four hours ago, the Professor took the time to soak in the sunrays offered through his grand windows. He managed not to linger too long next to his blonde better-half. Charles did nestle with her for a minute, musing that they seemed so much like tag-team telepaths, one allowing the other to replenish. He could not bring himself to entertain thoughts about not having Emma in his corner for such things since he would not force similar responsibility on his princess protégé. While Charles maintained Becky's capability to stand in his position someday, he preferred not to continue the disdain chain of tiny telepath turned overnight elder.

After he managed to detach from Emma, Charles visited their bedroom before making a path for their toddler. In the partially open nursery, he felt and saw his two little blonde boys playing some variation of patty-cake through the crib bars.

"Dada," Brian waved.

Before Joey could fully turn around, he found himself affectionately seized by their father. What started as a contented laugh became an all-out giggle when Charles simultaneously tickled his belly and smooched by his ear.

"Daddy?"

"Present," Charles replied drolly. "What mischief are you lads into at this hour."

"Me and the guys—" Joey cut himself off, adjusting his wording as his inner English gentleman came to the forefront. "The other kids and I have to feed all the animals and put down clean newspapers for the dogs."

"Ah, yes, of course." Charles' expression and tone made clear his satisfaction. "I'm thrilled to see you little ones helping with Dr. Sullivan's family. After so much unpleasantness, we want them to feel comfortable and welcomed here."

Joey simply pointed out, "He's helping our family, too, after all." An uncertain curiosity crossed the boy's features. "Dad, did you thrash those prats who took Sandy?"

"Charles," the elder Xavier chided pointedly, "do not say prat. Say sod- sparingly. And to answer your question, not to the extent they deserved, but their whimpering easily drowned out that of the pups'." They both reacted to the enthusiastic squeal from Brian. Charles shook his head humorously. "Why can't you take to toilet training with such keen interest?" With a fond pat to Joey's back, the telepath instructed, "I'll take care of this little terror. You go see to the rest of the Ark."

Joey briefly squeezed hands with Brian before departing the nursery.

Even with his youngest son's standard squirming, Charles required less than fifteen minutes to get his bottom wiped and soaked diaper swapped. For a day outfit, the Englishman decided on navy shorts and, with a certain other Headmaster in mind, a pale blue t-shirt depicting a shark charging through cartoonish waves. After getting his sandals clipped on, Charles carried him along with Dickon to the master suite. He silently left the baby and bear with a still sleeping Emma.

During his second trip to the bathroom, Charles did his hair and rid his face of overnight stubble. He stepped out in his own casual attire and experienced a rush of euphoria when he saw Brian stroking Emma's hair so delicately.

II

Scrumptious culinary fragrances emitted in and out of the resplendent mansion kitchen. Muffin varieties of banana-nut, raisin, raspberry, and apple-cinnamon topped the island. Platters of scones and vanilla hot-cross buns sat on the counter nearest the stove. The table contained the most recently removed items from the stove, rolls of sausage-mushroom-cheddar and turkey with Swiss cheese. Maya arranged a tea service for the morning meditators while Angel filled plates for herself and Kayla. Done with their outdoor sprint, Samantha and Cordelia ate wholeheartedly at the island.

"Are you still at it?" the masculine pitch announced Jed's arrival in the eatery. With the four girls that now inhabited the space with Edna, he acknowledged, "Good morning, ladies."

"Good morning, Dr. Sullivan," Maya and Angel returned in unison.

After they swallowed their ample mouthfuls, the Frost females echoed them.

"And hello to you, too, boss." Jed squatted to rub a feasting Midnight before making his way over to the one powering the stove. "You've been baking like a banshee for hours." He looked towards the table. "No pun intended, Mrs. Cassidy."

Maya smiled brightly.

Edna claimed, "It's a lot more productive boiling a pot than watching my son like one. It helps that this house stays better stocked than any army bunker." She noted his attire of a harvest gold dress shirt, dark gray pants, and a cerulean tie. "You're heading into work now?"

Amidst the worried faces of the youths, Angel voiced, "Already?"

"Just for a few hours," Jed placated. "Several clients have expressed concern over the break-in and I want to maintain some sense of normalcy for them. As well as show the likes of Raul Ratcliff and "Associates" that I won't be so easily browbeaten."

"Please try not to take on too much at once," Edna requested, reaching up to adjust his tie. "You've done enough of that around here."

Jed faced her again with a slight smirk. "I'd assert the obvious "pot and kettle" analogy if I didn't need to trouble you for coffee to-go."

Edna pointed to another countertop. "You're all set."

Glancing over at the folded brown paper bag next to an insulated thermos, Jed proclaimed, "You are a living jewel, madam."

"Young ladies," the Professor's abrupt tone made the heavily engrossed X-Girls jump, "is there a good reason you're gawking that way?"

Samantha and Cordelia immediately refocused on their breakfast.

Angel lifted her sufficiently packed tray. "Let me get this upstairs with my spacy self."

"Yeah," Maya lifted the tea service, "my guys are waiting."

Both scuttled by Charles, who supported a blissfully entertained Brian on his hip.

II

Made more alert than she felt by realizing Erik's voice lacing with Alana's, Raven inwardly dug in her heels to keep her blue scales at bay. Sitting upright on the cot next to Hank's, the shapeshifter released a gasp at another male shadow washing over her.

"Sorry." Leon moved back multiple paces.

When Erik and Alana ceased speaking to look over, Raven gazed back in reassurance.

Leon tried to speak again. "I didn't mean—"

"Where are the kids?"

He told her, "Eating with the mini mammals." Leon glance landed on Hank, watching his chest rise and deflate consistently. "No change?"

"No averse reactions at the very least. Can you try to hang down here today?" Raven got to her feet, facing him. "I want time with the kids."

After a blink, Leon nodded. "Sure, anything. Go ahead."

When the older WU attendee headed in his direction, started to step aside until she gently seized her. Raven reeled him into the solidest hug she could muster that morning. She soon felt his tentative arms reciprocate. They lingered that way for a full ten seconds Raven finally left the infirmary. Kneeling to Hank's bed, Leon studied his heartrate monitor for an extensive moment. Eventually, he carefully nudged his way to rest his head on Hank's stomach with his long, stout arm draped over Leon's upper back.

IIIIIII

With Frank's morning mood of late, Sean opted to drive him to school before he got in earshot of any top tier adults. After they pulled in front of the university, Sean also spent a moment to mollify the city boy. He urged him to keep his head together for the more important matters they still had to see to. Taking the points to heart, Frank unwound, vowing that could be counted on. Once they bid farewell for the time being, Sean went back to Maya and Tommy in the car.

Once they reached their second destination, seemingly too soon, Sean wondered if another pep talk would be necessary. However, pleasant expression in place, Maya got out of the passenger's side. She kept hands joined with Tommy when he playfully grabbed hold of her like a spoil of war. They waited for Sean to properly park the BMW before making a path for the front door. Maya did not get a chance to remove her keys from her purse as the door opened to the eager Walshs on the other side.

"Yeesh, people," Sean addressed their grandparents, "thought we were gonna bolt that easily?"

"Why not?" Flynn shrugged. "That's been our yearn since the wedding."

Shaking her head in jest, Lydia ushered them inside with cheek kisses. "Have you had breakfast yet?"

"Only ten pounds or so worth of baked goods," Maya answered, "courtesy of Edna McCoy."

A most satisfied Tommy put forth, "I didn't think anybody cooked with apple-cinnamon past December."

"Only because the holidays leaves most people apple-ed out," Lydia told him.

Seeing his parents in the Patterson living room, "Mom," Tommy hastened to hug Doreen.

When Sean went right to her as well, Liam folded his arms in embellished insult. "Hello, offspring, thrilled to see you. Say, you boys wouldn't be in need of cash, would you? A liver donor, perhaps?"

Tommy peered over with intrigue. "How much cash?" He squeaked when Liam yanked him over by his t-shirt for a noogie."

Sean clapped their father's shoulder. "Mornin', old man."

"Hey, can the old cracks," Flynn spoke from where he leaned on the armrest of Lydia's chosen chair. "If he's old, I'm—"

"Antiquated," Liam inserted. "Yes, we're aware."

As her sons snickered, Doreen stared heavenly in dismay. "All my men under one roof. I am ever so privileged."

Maya's attention went to Lauren, who dragged in a large worn but worn suitcase. "Finally unburied this thing."

"So, you're shipping the rest of my things off to storage as opposed to purifying them with fire. Gee whiz," Maya tilted her head with a faux giddy expression, "thanks, Mom."

Noticing her, Lauren came back with, "I see a few days apart has given you some fresh perspective, sunshine."

"Maya," Liam rang out before his daughter-in-law could fire a retort, "please. We're only asking for a little effort," he turned to Lauren next, "or a lot in some cases."

"Is that possible?" Approaching, Sean ventured, "With me, anyway? What do you think of me now?"

Veering to face the young man, Lauren responded, "I may be floored and pissed as sin, but I'm not some raging bigot, Sean. Whatever else you are, I know you're still the best son-in-law I could've asked for."

"Thank you," Sean smiled a little. "And I understand what you're feeling. I knew this subject was never going to be easy to get into, but Maya kept quiet out of loyalty to us. When she got powers herself, it was so random and she couldn't control them. You were still in the hospital then you were recovering. Letting you in on any of this would've done more harm than good."

Lauren eyed him blankly for a few seconds. "Oh, sure. All things make sense coming out of your mouth." Facing the far less appeased eighteen-year-old, the woman sighed. "Can I see you in the kitchen?"

Maya flapped her arms with tired apathy but followed.

At the suitcase Lauren left behind, Sean asked the remainder of the room, "What's going on?"

"We're blowing this popsicle stand, Seanie," Flynn informed grandly. "Come tomorrow, the whole bunch of us are taking flight. Your mother-in-law included."

"Cool." Tommy immediately rethought that. "Do I have to go?"

"Absolutely not," Liam answered.

Doreen added tenderly, "Unless you'd prefer to be with Mommy and D—"

"No way!" Tommy jumped in place multiple times. "Yes, yes, yes! Wait until I tell the guys!"

"As we all recover from this overwhelming shock," Lydia quipped.

"Seriously, you guys are taking off into parts unknown?" Sean looked directly at his father. "In Grandpa's Old Gloria?"

"H—" Letting loose a strained cough to drown out the swear ready to hurl from his throat, Liam amended, "Hidy-ho no. I won't be that foolhardy until I'm on three mashed meals a day."

"I'm afraid Old Gloria's cross-country days are behind her," Flynn said remorsefully. "That's alright. I haven't taken out the timeshare plane in ages."

Doreen remarked, "Because, naturally, he only saw the death machine fit for the family."

Flynn avowed, "Only the best for my brood."

II

Arms still crossed with a raised eyebrow to complete the incredulous stance, Maya appeared to struggle with comprehension. "You're taking a vacation?"

Wiping off the nearby countertop, Lauren brought up, "I did take one last year, you know."

Maya shot that down with, "Because nothing beats the view from a hospital bed."

Disregarding that, Lauren next said, "Not like I got a heck of a lot of choices in the matter. Your Grandpa Fascist in there," she used the dishtowel to gesture towards the living room, "made a few phone calls to my job. Now, upper management is shaking in their hundred dollar boots that they could be sued for compensation unless I'm allowed paid sabbatical after what happened to me last year. And allegedly, certain affiliates of Uncle Sam are in the mood to conduct spontaneous audits at certain medical care facilities."

Leaning against the sink with an expression of good-humor and reverence, Maya lightly cheered, "Grandpa Flynn for-the-win. Still, I'm amazed you're going."

Lauren shrugged, going to deposit the towel in the sink. "Some people can't take no for an answer."

Maya knowingly countered, "Or you legitimately like them, but you'd rather walk across hot coals than admit it. Every time I think I see some small fragment of a feeling human being in you, you have to swallow it whole again. Every time."

The older female started to say something until she saw the newlywed retrieve her checkbook from her purse. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Sean and I agreed to keep the dowry money in my account." Maya filled out a sheet as she spoke. "So, take this back and enjoy your little tri- Hey!" She reacted to her suddenly seized pen.

Lauren shook her head firmly, waving the black writing utensil. "No, no, forget it. I don't care what little issues are going on between on. Consider me no better than toilet give. But I won't stand here and let you disregard your father. His money went into that, too. It's one of very few things I've been able to do right since that cowardly SOB plowed into him and never looked back."

Total quiet stretched over them, only the sounds of their own breathing filling the space.

When presented with the pen, Maya placed it along with the checkbook back inside her purse. "I never meant…"

"Regardless of anything," Lauren interjected, not unkindly, "the only contingency I had for that money is that you use it to make sure you don't wind up trapped in a hopeless situation. No secret stops you from being my daughter. Though it's been years since I've been worthy of being your mother. More than this mutation business, more than Lyle…" At Maya's puzzled eyes, Lauren confessed, "I read some of your journals. I was up half the night and couldn't get through all of them."

Instead of the anticipated hostility the older female predicted, Maya only gave off indifference. "It's not like they were hidden. Pretty sure they're just the last things I packed from my bookshelves."

"You had all those nights you couldn't feel safe in your own bed," Lauren spoke with staggered compunction. "Even in the dead of winter. How did you get by me every morning? Outfit neat, hair putting mine to shame, practically skipping out the door to school with the prettiest smile the world's ever seen…"

Having asked the same question of herself more than once, the teenager tried to formulate a thoughtful response. "… You know how, no matter how many years you've been on the job, it's impossible not to consider life and death on a daily basis?" Lauren gave her a nod. "Every times death invades my mind- which is a lot, by the way- I try to focus on life. Not just continuing to go about my day to day routine. I mean, thinking about what I can do to improve the quality of life. I don't want to waste time playing games with the most pompous of men in medical school when I can do good sooner as a nurse. I know that's a big part of why I fell for Sean. It's so hard for mutants to trust outsiders, but they encouraged him to tell me. That's an amazing honor for me. Just the idea that I could be a sign of hope for anyone…"

When her daughter finished talking, Lauren exhaled blithely. "A sign of hope. MVP-C, as insanely bright as you are, you have these blue moon moments of being even denser than I am. Honey, you've always been that hope. For me and your dad. My density showed itself in how I took that for granted. That's another reason I'm taking this trip. To better process everything with you and finally straighten out my own head without using work to block it all out."

To that, Maya asked, "How long will you be gone?"

"As vague as the Walshs are being," Lauren considered, "I'm guessing the rest of July is booked at the very least."

Maya nodded. "I'll talk to the Howletts and the others about keeping up with the lawn and…" She trailed at her brother-in-law poking his head in, hesitancy all over his face. "Tommy, what's wrong?"

"You got way too quiet in here." Zipping out, Tommy broadcasted, "Kay, nobody got choked," to the rest of the inquisitive dwelling.

IIIIIII

Done wiping clean the teeny-weeny lips, the young woman did not shift eyes away from the delicate bundle when a knock sounded at her door.

"Come on in." When the visitor accepted the invitation, Kelly finally looked up. She rapidly became ecstatic to see the other brunette, also with arms loaded. "Cordelia, hi! Hang on, let me help you."

The Bostonian immediately shook her head. "No, your cargo is infinitely more valuable than mine." She went to the night table, where she placed the clear vase containing a massive floral bouquet. "I can't stay long, but I wanted to see how you were doing." She then promptly lowered to peer into the face of the small vessel. "Hello, Ramona, pretty girl."

Kelly grinned ear to ear over the baby. "I'm keeping an eye on her while her parents and some of the kids show Bert around. I can't believe how nice the people here have been to us. I've heard so many wicked wives tales about these so-called underground shelters."

Cordelia asserted, "I'm pretty sure a lot of those tales are told to keep certain wives crammed in their cages. Besides, the benefactors for this one will never stand for it deteriorating into a grimy human kennel. How's Bert handling everything so far?"

Kelly replied, "He has all these experienced people he can talk to. Some who have come back from their own addictions." Dejection pooled in her eyes. "I want to be there for him- I really do- but after trying to keep it together for so long, I'm hardly holding myself together. I keep crying myself to sleep over Bandit and now, what's left of our family…"

Cordelia listened with an earnest visage in place. "I hate what Ratcliff did to you- I hate him, if I'm being honest. I won't act like anything in this world can make up for Bandit and Bert, but he's getting his where it hurts. You're getting his money and he can't legally retaliate without giving himself and the organization away. And until this is over, you and your brother are safe."

"… This really is ludicrous, isn't it?" Kelly smiled ironically. "I was completely in the dark about my own brother and uncle. Meanwhile, a group of random strangers not only figured everything out in a snap but wound up championing for me like no one has in years."

"I get you in that regard more than you know, believe me," Cordelia commiserated.

"You've been the most wonderful of all. I can't thank you enough, Cordelia." Rising, Kelly got Ramona settled in her bassinette before going to properly admire the bouquet. "These are gorgeous." She felt the petals of one of the multi-colored buds. "What kind are they?"

Cordelia glanced over from cooing at Ramona. "Chrysanthemums."

IIIIIII

By a quarter to nine, twilight completely engulfed the New Jersey landscape. The miniature exterior lights that outlined the property in addition to the oval-shaped pool switched on automatically. Four Cadillac Coupe de Villes in various colors pulled into the attached garage. So colossal, the parking domain could easily pass for a luxury home in its own right. The drivers consisted of three women in their late twenties and a marginally older male. Tall, blonde, and thin Carla stepped out of a white Coupe. Janet, bronze skin and pixie style hair of rich brown, drove the red model. They shared a quick glance before both watched Alisa, raven hair in a long ponytail, emerge from the steel gray car. All three in a semi-casual pants suit, they acknowledged one another none-too-affably before taking the time to notice the man among them. Gelled brown hair and wearing a white sport coat, black pants, and a blue dress shirt, Damonio sat on the edge of his tan vehicle. He regarded the lady trio with cheekily enticed deprecation that not one of them bothered to comment on beyond an eye roll.

Two unmarked buses arrived shortly after. The wordless figures who donned the veiled dark attire made up the passengers. After they filed out, the bus operators, Pablo and Keith, both middle-aged with robustly rock-hard physiques and dressed in worn denim articles, stepped off lastly. Neither appeared at all enchanted with having their evenings so brusquely usurped to chauffer a mass of greenhorns. From above, the last arrival came in the form of a Learjet 24. It landed on the designated pad atop the garage. The pilot, Pierre, opted to remain aboard his craft after delivering the three slightly higher ranking black-dressed individuals, Thadd, Katrina, and Jaden.

Unreservedly commandeering the gathering, Alisa allowed Thadd to select the dark-hoods he wanted to take through the thick of trees behind the house. The smaller number would accompany the plain-clothes. None of the underlings or their three regulators gave off any indication of disappointment about going with Jaden, Thadd, and Katrina, clearly feverish to begin their latest rousing forum. Their older superiors watched them depart with an air of regaled condescension at their juvenile theatrics. Alisa continued to surprise no one as she headed their group's route towards the stone and brick manor.

Despite the multitude of opulent light fixtures, they entered and proceeded through a very dimly lit main level. At the end of the two-story entryway, they discovered he who summoned them. Not bothering with so much as a glimpse of acknowledgement, he stayed with his back turned and preparing himself a drink at the wet bar.

Hands in his pants pockets, Damonio raised an affronted eyebrow. "No, Raul, it was no trouble at all to drop my life for a two-hour commute through Friday traffic. I'm just aching for a splash of vodka, but please, don't put yourself out."

"What is going on, Raul?" Carla wanted to know, fists on her hips. "I have to be back in Manhattan by morning."

"And what's with the doom and gloom?" Janet glanced around at the meager illumination. "We have this crew for that." She bobbed her head towards the black-hoods. "Turn these lights up."

"Don't touch them," Raul briskly commanded, causing them all to flinch.

Coming up directly behind him, Alisa offered an appeasing caress to his shoulders then had to form an unreadable mask when he automatically shrugged her off. "Raul, I don't understand. Talk to—"

"Are they eighteen and older?" the ill-mannered host demanded of the dark-hoods. "All of them?"

"Yes, relax," Alisa reassured, attempting to keep the exasperation out of her voice. "I made sure of it."

"Consenting comrades only, eh?" Damonio leaned against the closest wall, a provocative visage developing. "And Friday night is officially looking up."

Keith rapidly refuted, "Maybe in your fucked up world."

"And you can both shut up in mine," Alisa snapped at them before turning back to the male that captivated her. "Raul, come on." She took him by the arm. "Why—" The second she beheld a prevue of his front, she backed up with a piercing gasp and disturbed eyes.

When Raul turned in full, all of them exhibited similar reactions to the repulsive bruised and burnt portions of his flesh.

"What the hell happened to you, Ratcliff?" Pablo snatched off the shades he wore.

Attempting to maintain his composure, Raul revealed, "There's been a breach on our end. That's why I wanted you down here out of the blue."

"What?" exclaimed Alisa. "Who?"

"Not who." Voice rising, Raul snidely suggested, "Clean your ears out, skank. I said," greater immense stun overtook the room as his skin dissolved into that of a black clad, scaled feminine physique, "blue."

Deaf to the horrorstruck reactions she already knew too well, Mystique delivered a callous kick to the female before her.

Though she made rough contact with the hardwood floors, Alisa's expression only displayed enthrallment. "Oh, my God… this new shit's the high of my life." Eyes darkening, she modishly returned to her feet and charged for the shapeshifter.

Upon collision, Mystique instinctively grappled with her until they both went down, shocked by the brunette's resilient strength. When Alisa seemed to gain the upper hand, a minor plasma blast batted her off the redhead.

Right fist extended, Havok emerged from the archway that connected to the rest of the first floor. His attempt to check on his WU twin became impeded when Alisa's comrades led the dark-hoods into an accelerated full-fledged assault. Carla and Janet rushed with agile swiftness. With Damonio at the center of the burly Keith and Pablo, the males maneuvered as if ignited by cannibalistic vehemence. Flipping over the second level railing, a gleaming Glimmer landed on the Keith. Though she toppled him, he bounced back in a single breath. Havok's plasma shots received assistance in the form of electrical energy spurts. With his diamond-coated mother riding shotgun, Eel cut through the air on his disk.

When Becky rematerialized from her illusionary cloak, she undid and let her cape drop. Left in her violet and taffy bodysuit, she quickly linked up with Mystique. Palms all but glued together, the pair employed synchronized kicks on the black-hoods. Leading the pugilistic tactic, Mystique focused on knocking down assailants larger than herself while ensuring Becky only came into contact with the lean built. They stayed strictly focused on the dark-hoods, who despite possessing skilled fighting prowess, did not come with half the persistent recovery as the plain-clothed.

Emma dropped her diamond defense to establish communication with the younger X-Men. Eel stay high while Havok covers us below. Keep your firepower moderate. They're intoxicated and we cannot be certain how much they can take from us. Still, our first and last priorities are our own.

Gotcha, Mum, Eel returned while Havok confirmed, loud and clear, Em.

With that, Emma hardened her skin and plummeted from the metal disk to aid her sister. In the same vein as Mystique and Becky, she and Glimmer swiftly became a rhythmic battle duo against those around them.

So intent to keep their adversaries from taking any of the X-Women by surprise, Eel did not notice the enforcer launching himself upward.

"Sorry, kid," Damonio sneered to himself, "no minors… tonight."

As if the very air whispered to him, Havok zeroed in on his attempt straight away. He fired a heavy blast that went over a taken aback Eel's head. The shot hit its target and shredded the sport coat before flinging him into a wall only inches beneath the ceiling. He made a sizable dent in the plaster then dropped to his belly on the polished hardwoods. Though he continued breathing, he showed no signs of rising again at all soon.

II

A vast assembly of dark-hoods gathered in a hodgepodge across an open field within the back woods. With Katrina and Jaden stiffly positioned on either side of them, Thadd made his bumptious address from atop a stump. Gazing upon his multitude, his avid voice required no amplifier. Minutes into reviewing the strategy for their next surreptitious undertakings, Thadd steadily lost the attention of his fervent cohorts. Before any of the older three could express reprimand for the impertinence, the front-runners' volumes declined as the evening breeze developed into an intense gust.

When the atmosphere inexplicably obscured to the extent that they became blind to each other, their puzzled murmuring transformed into frantic chatter. They all silenced equally quickly once a division of clouds revealed a full moon in the blue-black sky. Additional stars sprouted as well and theirs along with the moon's intensified silver radiance provided marginal extra illumination for better sight while keeping their environment abnormally shrouded.

"Calm down," Katrina espoused to the unsure all around her. "This has to be another test."

"They went all-out on this one," Jaden marveled.

Thadd clucked his tongue dismissively. "If they're that determined to keep us on our toes, they could at least go for better than these B-movie effects."

At hurried footsteps, several of them spotted a blurred racing figure darting past a pair of tulip trees. Others veered in the eastern direction where more runners could be heard beyond the numerous spruces.

"Games are a-go," Thadd spoke hungrily. "Triplication formation! Kat, take a group west. Jaden, the east. My crew has the south." He did not bother with the north, which would only lead to the house.

Factions decided, the dark-hoods broke off into their designated directions.

II

"Base to X-Jet, do you read?"

With the Professor and Specter in a unified semi-unconscious state, the mobile Maya answered the camouflaged aircraft's radio system. "X-Jet to Base," she added the airborne Magneto. Angel, and Lighthouse- Banshee, currently attached to each other, to the link, not wanting to interrupt the active X-Men, "read you loud and clear."

"Valiant?" Magneto identified. "Is that you, young man?"

"Affirmative, Uncle Magneto," the boy confirmed diligently. "I'm on Special Forces for the Allies."

"Special Forces?" Angel parroted, trying not to giggle.

"He means I trust these gizmos in his hands much more than I do ours," Edna chimed in, seated at the Eye Spy console with Trav in her lap.

"Really, Allies?" Magneto's Headmaster tone surfaced. "Did we or did we not go over this mere hours ago?"

From where she sat next to them, Alana dryly replied, "You mean that three-minute tutorial we received on this Twilight Zone technology before you bolted out of here? It's a wonder we're not field experts… What's happening? Where's Frank?"

"Lighthouse, Mother," the teen in question corrected.

"Lighthouse," she impatiently amended, "are you okay?"

Trav took over to properly state, "Allies requesting status report."

"Point Man to Base," Banshee responded candidly. "Mission officially underway. Air-Squad has eyes in the sky. In-Squad has infiltrated Axis Base. Out-Squad has begun preliminary mirage maneuver against enforcers."

"Copy that." Looking between the trio of elders around him, Trav translated, "That means they just started the mission, Banshee, Angie, and Uncle Magneto are watching high up 'cause they can fly, Mommy's squad is beating up the bad guys in the house, and the Wolfy/Kitty squad are pranking 'em with Uncle X and Specter."

"Thanks for that, sport." Standing behind Edna's chair with his arms folded, Jed tacked on glibly, "Also, remind me to turn over all twenty-one of my Eagle merit badges to you."

Maya's voice came over the line again. "X-Jet to Allies, we'll keep you posted."

"Thank you," chorused the adults.

"Acknowledged." After the transmission ended, Trav twisted his neck to better view Edna. "Grandma, could you type if I dictate the comm-link notes? We're 'sposed to keep reports, but I can't type so well."

"Consider me your Gal Friday." Edna gently nudged him to stand.

Alana slid the portable typewriter over to her.

"Thanks, Grandma." Trav squatted to rummage under the console table, laughing when a vigilant Bruiser rubbed his wet nose against his cheek. "Here's the dictionary if you need it." He placed the fat book next to the typewriter, missing Edna and Jed's exchange of amused gazes.

Out of the corner of her eye, Edna picked up on Alana's vexed posture. The older woman offered her hand a supportive pat.

Bruiser lifted his head to lay it in the ginger lady's lap.

Entering with an iced tea service, Tommy began distributing glasses.

II

After relieving the fussy ten-month-old from her weighty diaper, Jam gingerly collected the, now beaming, vessel from the changing table. In a clean diaper and fresh strawberry themed/scented pajama set, Mira gripped his shirt in one fist and used her other hand to feel his light five o'clock shadow. Jam wondered how she could look comforted by the scratchy hairs then quickly remembered the canine-esque male who fathered her. When she grew more lax in his hold, Jam returned the baby to her crib between her bear and doll. A few feet away where Brian and Todd shared the latter's crib, he saw the boys still playing with their stuffed animals, albeit a lot less energized. Jam determined that he preferred them avoiding bedtime together over warring with each other.

Going towards the terrace, "Leon Osaka, you better not be taking a plunge out here," Jam stepped out onto it and spotted his contemplative comrade. "Okay, good."
Eyes still on the sky, Leon informed, "Two stories are fairly nonsensible to carry that out. Trying to end it at this distance is way more likely to result in ravaged ligaments than anything."

"… I have no clue if that comforts me or not." Jam came to stand to his right, giving him a slight hip bump. "Crisis averted with Miss Mira."

"I gathered. Are you sure you're not the instructor?"

In partial good-humor, Jam came back with, "Nope, just a big brother. Subtract the awe-inspiring powers and I guess it's the same thing."

Leon then put forth, "So, is Devon still into the kickboxing thing?"

"Yep and that's enough pleasantries for you." With that, Jam pulled on the pensive one's flowing hair. "Over here, now."

Instant compliance freed his silky strands. Leon docilely followed him to the side-by-side outdoor chairs.

Disregarding the brown eyes that always seemed more weighed with woe than his own, Jam began, "Look, I know your dad and Lex must've laid into you, plus the Xaviers, and as soon as he's up for it, we both know where Hank will be planting those ginormous feet of his. Well, I guess this just isn't your week," Jam's expression reflected no benevolence, "because now, it's my turn." He then detected something in the younger male's face. "What was that?"

Leon's eyes darted in confusion. "I didn't say—"

"I'm talking about that look just now," Jam clarified suspiciously. "I saw that surprise. What, you didn't see this coming? Or, knowing you, you figured I wouldn't care, right?"

With a double blink, Leon stated sardonically, "To think, there was a time when my rigid apathy was my true power…"

"Save the clowning, Lee," Jam ordered. "How could you think, for one second, I wouldn't care about you risking your fool neck to the point I'm summoned over here to keep tabs on you? You think I spent more than an hour getting over here on a Friday because I'm that bored?"

"Jam, it's not that I don't think you care," Leon attempted to explain. "I just don't know why you bother. Lex and Raven are worth it, but I offer you absolutely nothing."

Using a raised palm to silence him, Jam took a moment to breathe in and out twice. "Almost every muscle in my body is ready to smack you dead in the mouth, but I'm not going to do that. In fact, I don't think I'm all that capable of that. Not with you."

"Why?" Leon questioned with genuine curiosity.

"Because you're Leon," Jam stated plainly. "Our little Leon; the baby. Look, all-nighters, family drama, hateful BS, clique culture, big-boob bug ladies, vehicular assault- whatever the issue, we get through it all together. Yeah, your issues mean we have to keep closer tabs on you. So? You've been constant and loyal to us, too, despite all that. I bother because you're worth it, Lee."

Quiet took over their atmosphere after that. When Jam clapped his shoulder, Leon felt the dissolution of any lingering strain, experienced on his part, between them.

"Uh, chaps?" The WU pair reacted to the ill-at-ease Ivy Leaguer in the terrace entryway.

"What's up, Doctor Who?" inquired Jam.

"You haven't seen the cats, have you?" Nate regarded them hopefully. "As in Cupcake, Cookie, Crumb, and Chip?"

Jam's eyebrow arched. "Why?"

"I could've sworn I shut Dr. Sullivan's door, but…"

Rising, Leon remarked, "Just when you thought this night couldn't get any more interesting…"

With a dismissive hum of, "Mmhmm," Jam got up as well. "Don't think I'm done with you yet."

Before his hair could suffer further on his behalf, Leon shifted the rest of the way into the Howlett suite.

IIIIIII

Within minutes, the manor's elegant first story resembled the seismic aftermath of west coast proportions. Emma and Eel kept the rear den secured, where the defeated dark-hoods laid immobilized against the Persian carpet by the latter mutant's electrical cling. Other than bruises and sprains, only Damonio sustained significant injury. Arranged on a sofa, he suffered multiple broken bones. With his high fading, taking his bravado and pain resistance with it, Emma mercifully placed him in a moderate coma.

On the balcony above the foyer, a perturbed Havok and Glimmer watched another set of antique chairs they flung only deter their pursuers for a second. The image of humanoid bulls, Pablo and Keith charged towards the double staircases.

"Talk to me, Hav'," Banshee sounded via communicator. "You guys have been too quiet."

Havok came back with, "Yeah, sorry about that, chief. Most of the inner Axis is down, but me and Glim are stuck between a juggernaut and a hulk place."

"Two of these bruisers are too tweaked to quit." Glimmer went into a fighting position. "And their thoughts are racing too much for Em and Becky to subdue."

When their opponents got within proximity of them, Glimmer double-kicked Pablo in the chest. Havok shot Keith with twin plasma blasts. The collisions unrestrainedly pitched both of them to the floor again.

Genuinely amazed not to see them jump right back up once more, Glimmer insisted, "That couldn't have done it. They didn't even flinch when we threw the dining table at them."

Havok, on the other hand, easily recognized the tell-tale signs of the specific distress the older men gave off. While Glimmer gracefully jumped over the balcony, he coolly descended the left staircase.

II

At last, able to retreat her position, the slim body crawled from the cabinets beneath and tore from the kitchen. Side door exit in her sight, her pace came to a sharp halt as the passageway not only faded, but transformed along with everything else around her. Pitch black engulfed her with split-second lightning flashes allowing her to occasionally see. She took off her hooded mask, unveiling hair as dark as her attire, honey brown skin, and petrified coffee-tinted eyes. One flash displayed another figure so briefly, she believed it to be a hallucination. Until another flare of silver light revealed the ire-filled emerald irises directly before her.

"What do you want?" the dark-hood demanded, dizziness intensifying from her narcotic ingestion alone. "I don't mean anything. I'm nobody on their food chain."

"You're right. Well," Becky amended upon rethinking, "mostly. You are nobody, but you do mean something. In fact, you're half the reason I came. Do you remember earlier this week? July 4th night?" Her satisfaction grew at the growing fright on the older teenager's face. "What's wrong?" Becky feigned concerned. "Not so big and bad without your drugged-up Dino?"

Shaking her head in uneasy disbelief, she urged, "Those guys came after us- out of nowhere! We were scar—"

"That you got caught burying dead animals," Becky interjected unsympathetically. "I swear, you really are lucky." Her petite foot swung forward, booting her foe in the stomach. The dark-hood rapidly went down, clutching the pained area with both hands. "I can't do everything I want to you," Becky squatted, "because I don't want to get in trouble with my uncle. Now, tell me who you were with that night. Who sent that dog after my brother? Believe me, you don't want me to find out my…" She detected the imposing presence, but did not turn around as she advised, "You really need to back away from me, lady."

Not heeding the eerily calm child, Janet did not receive the chance to wield the chair leg she gripped as a swift kick sent her flying straight over the teenagers. After watching her collision with the side door, Becky finally peered back.

"Hey, Rae."

The blue woman focused on the cowering dark-hood. "Answer my sister's question because, unlike her, I'm more than willing to risk her uncle's wrath…"

II

Vision blurring in and out, once they regained some level of clarity, Pablo and Keith took in the image of four of the bizarre infiltrators. In her flesh form, Emma leisurely in a chair from the den. Eel stood between her and a cross-armed Havok. Beside the plasma flinger, Glimmer scowled scathingly with fists on her glittery hips.

"You know," Havok spoke, "high BP is already lethal, but throw in do-it-yourself drugs, violent tempers, and the pathetic patsy lifestyle?" He imitated a wincing sound. "Yeah, that's your basic recipe for cardiac arrest."

"Please," Keith bowed his head with a cough, "you gotta help us…"

"We'll do whatever you tell us, ma'am," Pablo beseeched the blonde lady.

"Oh, dear man," Emma smirked venomously, "I can't tell you how many times I've heard that line. Fortunately for you, there's a simple solution. Calm and behave yourselves and medical assistance is only a breath away. Hopefully, not your lasts."

As they eased off, Emma touched her temples to debilitate their movements and place less stress on their chest area.

In clear dread, Eel asked, do I have to help them, Mum?

You're not to touch them, Treasure, Emma firmly assured.

With that, Havok activated his communicator. "Banshee, we need to borrow your Mrs and the gurneys."

"Acknowledged," both Cassidys responded.

"Maya," Havok addressed next, "bring the defibrillator with you."

II

The sea of Spruces and other native vegetation left the eastern team feeling trapped in a combination maze and wild goose chase. Regardless, they trekked onward by Jaden's obstinate lead. He also made a mental note to mangle Thadd should the whole thing be some unfunny chicanery on his part.

When they seemed to come across another clump of trees they had already passed through, one of the males groaned, "What the hell is this, Jaden?"

"We're going to fail at this rate."

"We can't fail! Not after—"

Jaden shushed them cuttingly. "Keep talking that pansy shit and I'll flunk and dump you. Now, let me think."

"Oh, now you want to plug in your brain?" The group did not receive long to question the whereabouts of the new voice as the short body in a gray, orange-striped bodysuit descended from parts unknown. Landing modishly on his feet, his smirk only widened at their magnified shock he detected beyond their veils. "Where was all this brilliance before you waltzed out in that getup? Let me guess- you put the masks on first, right?"

Jaden let off a dismissive exhale. "Big jokes coming from the missing munchkin. What do you think you're doing here, anyway, kid? It's eighteen-and-over night. As in, over eighteen inches."

"Not a player, bub," Silver Cat said matter-of-factly. "I'm the prize." With a shake of his black mane, he heard several gasps as the three tiny slits on the back of his gloves gave way to bone claws. "See if you can catch this cat!" With that, he rocketed up and disappeared into the leafy thick of trees.

Excitement bubbling over among the young adults, they all took off after their evening prey.

II

Searching through the southern region with significantly less of nature's hindrances to slow them, Thadd's group maneuvered at a hastened pace. They reached a broad lea that seemed brighter than everywhere else they passed with the strange moonlight sparkling against the brook. However, for Thadd and the others who sported a Y-chromosome, the only radiance they noticed came in the forms of three maidens. Inches from the water, Calico, Angel, and Glimmer danced with unrestrained rhythm. At the center of the trio, Angel spotted their audience and coaxed them over with a wriggle of her finger. As soon as Thadd and other interested young men stood directly before them, the teenagers performed simultaneous spins that morphed them into the male Gargoyles.

"Yeah, sorry, Casanovas," Iron Claw taunted amidst the panicked crowd. "Looks like another date with your digits."

From behind, the pink kitten and blue adolescent Cyclops swung in. With both pairs of their booted feet forward, they cut straight through the dark-hoods by plowing down the middle ones. The, dropped to their feet where the Gargoyles vanished. Calico retracted her grappling hook.

"This is no initiation," Thadd deduced threateningly. "Whatever you are, you just made the mistake of your pitiful lives crossing over into our turf."

"Just repaying the favor, Scarecrow," an unmoved Cyclops came back with. "After all, you waltzed into ours first."

"You, especially, according to my cousin," Calico added portentously. "Thought something was familiar about your funk."

Cyclops informed gravely, "The mistake of your life was sending that poor dog you messed up after our family. How do any of you get off on something as sick as slaughtering animals?"

"Who gets off on slaughtering?" Thadd countered in an all too lighthearted tone. He peeled back his hood, showing the icy eyes attached to the pale skin. "No, the tender part's in torturing the rejects. Ever tied two cats together by their tales. Just the screams—" An outcry of his own expelled from his throat when he found himself tasting dirt and his ankles bound.

The stunned dark-hoods watched as the wielder of the nunchakus emerged from the shrubbery and shadows. "Bub," seizing a fistful of Thadd's shirt, Wolverine hoisted him high, "you just wrote a check your jugular can't cash." At the captured one's followers going into a charge, the black and orange adorned elder shared an annoyed look with his two fledglings. He addressed Thadd, "Stay put," and let him plummet again before going into combat with a heated growl.

Powered by her wings of vigor, Angel swept through the area. Her eyes appeared as serpentine potent as the mutated saliva she spewed. All dark-hoods hit with the burning substance had to throw off their masks. With a solid grip still in place around Lighthouse's waist, Banshee's shrieked signaled his presence alongside Angel. He caused pain in the earlobes of the uncovered dark-hoods while Lighthouse's optical sheen temporarily prevented their sight.

Gaining some height from a crouched Cyclops' shoulders, Calico locked hands with Angel. The older sister kept a tight hold on the younger's forearms as Calico administered chest and chin kicks against their opponents.

On the ground, Cyclops made use of his extremely lean physique to evade strikes aimed at him. He performed somersaults and other crouch maneuvers while knocking the encroachers' feet out from under them. When four tried to pile on him at once, he prepared to activate his optic blast. However, the pinning of both his arms prevented him from touching his visor. With a snarl, Wolverine tore through. The mutant elder snatched off and tossed them with as much force as he dared without causing irreversible harm. Helping Cyclops to his feet, the Veteran's nose and ears alerted him to even more arrivals.

II

"Jesus," one dark-hood utter after several minutes of sprinting, "where'd that Asian-Puerto Rican-whatever kid go? Hey!" He reacted to a clump of leaves raining down on him.

"I swear," dangling from a makeshift vine as they all peered up, Silver Cat claimed, "you pure-bloods are lousy guessers. Everybody knows I'm Hawaiian and Martian."

Letting himself drop, Silver Cat used one of their upper bodies to leap onto another's shoulders. From there, he jumped from figure to figure as if maneuvering between logs in rushing water. When he bounced a final time, he seized a tall branch and continued on that way until he found himself reduced to a tree with branches too high in the sky. Attempting to reach the top of the trunk, anyway, his claws lacked the strength to dig in deeply enough, though they did not break. Despite his struggling, he eventually slid completely down the bark. The ravenous dark-hoods made fast work of surrounding him from every possible angle.

Jaden sneered, "I see you're not flappin' your cat trap anymore."

Silver Cat's incoherent utterances of fear very quickly evolved into a roar.

As soon as they all recoiled, Silver Cat attempted to shirk them.

"Hey!" a girl managed to snag hold of his arm. "Yeah, nice try." She frowned when he formed an even more audacious smirk. "What's that cheesy smile about?"

To the surprise of all of his encroachers, Silver Cat put forth, "Really hope a change of undies came with those sissy outfits."

Before anyone could comprehend his meaning, she had to let go of him to mimic the rest in shielding her ears. The incensed roar sent shivers of dread through them like a piercing arctic wind. When Silver Cat added to the battle cry, a number of the dark-hoods gave into sobbing.

When the sound ended, relief did not follow it as they opened their eyes to the fearsome long-haired blonde towering over them.

"Hoods off- now!" The command resulted in near instantaneous face reveals. He assessed the male to female ratio, finding more of the former. "Don't you so much as inhale too loudly without my say-so. I won't harm you girls, but those croc tears ain't squat next to what I am willin' to do. As for you punks," he startled them all with his blackened pupils, "don't. Fuckin'. Try me."

Six of the males either too brazen and/or shaken decided to play the odds of the Sabretooth being unable to catch all of them. They hurried to their feet so rapidly they nearly fell over again. A few dared glance back, amazed but elated to see the large man not giving them chase. When the one in front stopped suddenly, the other five watched him go down. Discharge weapon firmly in her grasp, a striking woman faced them. An emerald suit and her own hooded cape in sapphire adorned her curvaceous body.

"He's alive," Kayla informed his petrified cohorts. "These arrows are meant to induce sleep, not death… depending on the archer."

IIIIIII

When the search for the four Sullivan felines proved more difficult than any needle in a haystack, the young men brought Jed in. Edna assisted, leaving Trav and Tommy with a troubled Alana in Eye Spy.

"I am so sorry, Dr. Sullivan," Nate fretted. "I thought for sure I shut your door after feeding them."

"Nate, do not work yourself up," Jed soothed as they wandered through the third floor. "My cat children are nothing if not crafty."

Jam looked between a vase and a house plant. "I just hope we find them before the Professor gets back."

Yellow hound staying in step with her, the small figure journeyed from the recreation room, across to the stairs, and continued down. The dog and girl pair did not slow their pace until they made it to the basement. Unfolding her wings, she fluttered the rest of the way through the hall and around the corridor, they slipped into the infirmary. As if keeping watch, Sandy remained close to the doorway.

In under a second, Kiki's swelled brown eyes zeroed in on the one filling every crevice of her thought capacity. Laid in the cot in his light pajamas with needles in his arm, no glasses covered the handsome fair-skinned face, tinted with traces of peach in his cheeks. After coming in for a landing directly at his bedside, she tucked away her wings once more. She studied his appearance for a lingering moment before reaching for his jaw. Wearing the gloves that went with her green and purple X-Men training outfit she currently donned, Kiki touched the side of his face with delicacy. Her hand then went to his bandaged area. Careful not to hurt her father as she peeled back the tape, astonishment followed by euphoria filled her young face. Only a single fading mark indicated any sort of wound had ever been there.

When the man's eyelids cracked open, Sandy went from a sitting position to all fours. He eyed the humans intently.

"Daddy?" Kiki petitioned soft but imploringly.

"… Baby Bear," his lips parted. Despite the tea cup being watered down by the ice cubes, Kiki took the container off the little table to bring the straw close. As he sipped, Hank realized relief beyond his dry throat. "Baby, help… where's your mother?"

At his struggle to sit up, Kiki glanced around until she spotted the key dangling from a tall distance above. Taking flight again, she plucked the keyring off its hook and returned to her feet with it. After a bit of difficulty, she managed to get her father's limbs freed from all four manacles. With both her small hands firmly attached to his, Hank managed to go from bed to standing at his full height.

The burst of zeal that coursed through him halted when they stepped out, only to be greeted by Bruiser. Trepidation at the black creature overwhelmed Hank enough to cover Kiki and Sandy as he unleashed a vicious snarl. While Kiki tried to reassure all being well, Bruiser whimpered. He bowed his head as he went to his belly. The helpless gesture caused Hank to soften even faster than he had hardened. When he received the signal to come closer, Bruiser did so by crawling. Hank bent, rewarding him with a rub between his floppy ears.

II

Back where Leon and Jam had begun, the Howlett suite, the five pressed on with their search efforts. They hardly had the chance to begin as Jed quickly found three of his four curled up and lined along the bottom of the cribs.

Edna beamed an entertained Jed's way.

"Protecting Logan's values," Leon surmised. "Should have known."

"If every single one of you is done mysteriously disappearing on me," Jed said half-humorously, "mind telling me where Cupcake is?"

"Oh, dear," Edna looked towards the open terrace. "I hope she didn't get out here."

Jam followed her to look while Nate guided the way towards the attached bathroom. As soon as they stepped in, the final missing cat strolled from the shower with damp paws.

"There you are, madam," Jed addressed affectionately.

At the next feline to depart from the shower, Nate acknowledged, "Oh, hi, Midnight- Midnight? Where were they…?"

Jed promptly proposed, "Who wants to look in on the bunny boys?"

Leon raised an eyebrow. "That's the animal you select to change this particular subject?"

The utterance of, "My God," distracted Jed from remarking on that.

"Edna?" the physician called as the three of them rushed out to the terrace.

Jam and Edna stared over the balcony, barely blinking. When the others gathered around them, they also witnessed the activity going on down among the fireflies. With Sandy and Bruiser barking and circling them, Hank lightly whirled in place with Kiki and Trav propped on his shoulders. Not too far away, Tommy bounced about excitedly.

"Hank!" Nate shouted.

When the McCoys looked up, Kiki and Trav waved in place of their father's preoccupied limbs.

After a spell of hesitation, Leon wound an arm around Edna and shifted them to ground level. Jed, Jam, and Nate stayed looking on ecstatically.

Too focused on her son to register the fantastic mutant feat, Edna made a beeline for him. "Henry!"

Placing his children down, Hank opened his arms for the hug his mother practically rammed him with. "Mom…"

Once Hank moved slightly to the side, Leon received an adequate view of his back, where he found the stab puncture non-existent.

"Leon." Flinching at his voice, the younger X-Man's desire for penance overtook the one that told him to flee for the hills. Entire form contrite, Leon softly breathed in and out as he approached. The frown Hank developed lowered. Taking him by his wrists, Hank glanced up to demand, "What happened to your hands?"

Shoulders shuddering and verbalization inconceivable presently, Leon closed the minimal distance between them by burying his face in Hank's neck.

II

Muttering a slew of words far-removed from the realm of ladylike, the stressed New Yorker attempted to work the radio with similar accuracy to the grade-school operators.

"Base to X-Jet. Hello, Allies here. Can you even hear me right now?"

"At that pitch," Magneto piped up, "I'm certain the actual allied nations can hear you, dear."

"What a comedian," Alana remarked sardonically. "Here I always thought mortician was more up your alley. What is going on?"

"I'm securing the area so that the Triad can regroup for their part while Maya and Kayla tend to the wounded." While speaking, a hovering Magneto currently maintained a massive electromagnetic sphere around the X-Jet as well as a sizable portion of the land that surrounded it. "We've quelled a number of their rank, but this is not over yet."

Having suspected as much, Alana did her best to suppress a fretful exhale.

II

Katrina's westbound syndicate wound up moving at the slowest pace due to the general noiseless vacuity of the land they covered. They avoided sprinting so that the combined rushed footsteps and inevitable heavy breathing did not make them deaf to anything. The strategy bore fruit when they picked up on extreme commotion. Racing towards the southern region, they discovered the clearing as well as the conflict within it.

"Thadd!" Katrina shouted in the direction of the constrained. Indignation echoing off her, she commanded her sycophants, "Get them!"

The Axis' reinforcements not only doubled the opponents for the X-Men but the newcomers machinated more formidably. Their lack of overexertion coupled with their hostility and augmented adrenaline made the enhancements in their systems exceedingly puissant. Banshee, Lighthouse, and Angel went to ground level to join Wolverine, Cyclops, and Calico in hand-to-hand.

"Angie!" Calico made a beeline for where three dark-hoods tried to take advantage of her sister's petite stature.

While the masks prevented him from deafening them, Banshee used his scream to knock as many as he could off their feet. The mutated screech could do nothing to keep them from springing up again straightaway.

Lighthouse acquired a lengthy tree limb, "Wolves," and pitched it his mentor's way.

The Veteran caught the thick branch with ease and made a makeshift boa staff of it. Spinning it so speedily that it blurred, he struck down every dark-hood that came at him.

An attack from behind sent Lighthouse into the grass. Before a wide foot could come down on his skull, the optical/luminescent mutant received shielding. Lighthouse's insides clenched at Banshee locking eyes with him and trying to maintain a composed expression while absorbing every blow. Another figure in black alleviated the Point Man by delivering ruthless roundhouse kicks. Her viciousness automatically switched off when Glimmer's arduous presence assisted. It gave the redheaded X-Woman the chance to apply tender touches to the younger X-Men. Lighthouse's core shined at the blue hand of Mystique helping him rise.

Wanting nothing more than to sink fangs and claws into the foes, Calico kept the narcotics in them that would only poison her grudgingly in mind. She and Angel decked as many as they could, fixated on taking out the ones advancing on Cyclops.

Twin red beams freed the thirteen-year-old mutant and sent two dark-hoods barreling into some of their cohorts. Cyclops's lips quirked in satisfaction at the swiftly incoming blondes.

"Cyke!" Havok jumped off the disk to get to him sooner.

Cyclops accepted his hand with the assurance of, "I'm good. Slick timing, bros."

"Cyke, hop on," Eel directed exigently.

With a boost from Havok's cupped hands, Cyclops sprang over Eel to land behind him on the disk. They unleashed spurts of electricity and plasma while Havok did the same to keep the sneak attacks off the others. Eel elevated them a few yards higher for a better bird's eyes view and improved aim.

In a flash too brief to measure, the silver disk seemingly vanished from beneath them. Neither rider could absorb the metal circle being shot a significant distance from them. They along with a witnessing Havok's chest plummeted hastily. Cyclops did not cry out until the freefall force unlocked his hand from Eel's.

II

Insides contorting at his daughter's abrupt agonizing scream, Magneto almost dissipated the barrier. "Anya!"

"Hold on." Maya left the injured she currently worked on to Kayla's care so that she could zip aboard the X-Jet. "What happened?"

Professor X and Emma stoically kept the distraught Becky between them as she exclaimed the terror the image brought all three of them. With Trick crouched in his own concentration, the Xaviers adamantly willed for the safety of their boys.

II

So relieved when the ascending Angel grabbed the short blonde, Cyclops barely registered Sabretooth's mightily leaping form securing him. The alpha held resolutely to the fledgling as they landed in the water. Sabretooth had them on shore again in a second, his attention still entirely on the youth cradled in his arms. An all the more livid Glimmer, Mystique, Wolverine, and Calico continued the fight so that Angel, Lighthouse, Havok carrying Eel, and Banshee could gather around the doused X-Men.

Charging with a roar, Silver Cat hatefully informed, "You mother-suckers are done!"

Gladly bringing his son atop his shoulders, Wolverine led them in a high-low punching assault.

Purrs emitting, Sabretooth urged, "Son," he nuzzled his face, "come on, son."

Cyclops' state of shock subsided when he spotted, "Eel."

Havok went to his knees so they could partake in a four-way embrace.

"What are you doing, Kat?" Thadd demanded upon witnessing her remove her mask.

Light brown hair and glossed eyes on display, Katrina tried to venture forward. "Are they okay?"

"Back up!" Banshee ordered, keeping her blocked alongside Lighthouse.

"No, I quit." Katrina dropped her mask altogether. "I'm so sorry."

At the noise overhead, "Son of a bitch," burst from Angel.

Carla and Alysa on either side of him, Pierre's laser firing plane came into view.

"You!" Finding the source of his brothers' mishap, Havok jumped to his feet, sending unrelenting loops of plasma into the air.

"Havok!" Banshee hurried over to grab him by the arms. "You'll bring it down hard!"

Shooting him a narrow-eyed stare, Havok retorted, "No shit, Seanie!"

"On top of all of us," Banshee emphasized. "Assuming that arsenal onboard doesn't blow first."

Havok none-too-happily ceased fire. "Then, what's the plan, huh?"

"Get the kids back to the jet," Sabretooth ordered.

"What?" Cyclops snatched away when Angel reached for him. "No, I'm fine. Not even bruised."

"And I aim to keep it that way," said Sabretooth matter-of-factly.

The ruffled boy further sputtered, "No, Dad—"

"Do as I say," Sabretooth now growled, placing him upright.

"You've given your all, Cyke," Banshee told him. "Go, we've got it."

At a shared look, Angel launched into the sky. After gaining some elevation from Lighthouse and Havok's cupped hands, Banshee shrieked and spread his underarm wings to help her hinder the crazed pilot.

"Midas," Eel reacted to the Gargoyles materializing, "guys."

"We can secure the children to the jet," said Lodestone, "but we cannot commandeer that aircraft."

Iron Claw remarked, "The Specter's a pro at a lot of instruments, but nothing of the aviation persuasion."

"Just get them out of here," commanded Havok.

"You clear out, too, Cat," instructed Wolverine, lowering his boy.

Before the kitten mutant could bulk, Iron Claw went to him. "Move it, Silver. You've got a prof to protect."

"Right," Silver Cat latched onto his back, "step on it, Claw."

"Easy, young maestro." Midas dipped to help Eel onto him.

Lodestone presented his hand to a fuming Cyclops. "The Triad wails for you."

Exhaling heatedly through his nostrils, Cyclops joined with the remaining Gargoyle.

As soon as the extensions of Specter took off with the designated youths, the resolve in the other X-Men intensified.

"Guys," Katrina beseeched her comrades, "you saw what they did. They almost killed those kids."

Looking between one another, four of them mimicked her prior action of mask removal and abandonment. Two ran away while the other two followed Katrina to where the other detainees lingered. She ignored Thadd's endless hostile glares.

For the rest that dared continue with the conflict, Sabretooth bounded over to both assist and keep Calico at his side. Wolverine also united with the leonine mutants. Close to Mystique and Glimmer's position, Havok exercised non-lethal plasma punches that did not offer the leniency of his former attacks.

Lighthouse could hardly concentrate due to witnessing how much Angel and Banshee struggled to keep the plane's shots away from them. He knew Banshee could not shatter the windows without igniting real damage from the wind vacuum at that height. The city boy worried Magneto's electromagnetism would also cause too many fatalities. Taking in a sharp breath, Lighthouse went entirely still. Like a radiant stream, the vibrancy rushed through his insides until it manifested externally.

Mystique punched and tossed any dark-hood that tried to keep her from making a path for him. "Frankie!"

Banshee directed Angel to go to the rest of the team before rerouting his own course for the glowing one.

As soon as the other Irish male touched down beside him, Lighthouse linked arms with both the redheads. His sheen magnified, taking the sight of the non-surrendered dark-hoods despite their masks. In another flash, the trio disappeared and found themselves inside the enemy aircraft. Lighthouse prevented Carla and Alysa's reactionary counterattack by reducing them to a blind, shrieking state.

With a single look from the blue woman, Pierre promptly relinquished his position to her. Banshee took the chair next to hers to act as Mystique's co-pilot.

II

Cyclops' unpleasant mood immediately retracted to the backburner at Becky flinging her arms around them as soon as he and Eel set foot on the X-Jet. Emma's doting hold captured them next. She ushered them to where Professor X awaited them in a pair of seats. The adult telepaths held their boys in their laps as they silently soothed their shaken minds. Specter came to kneel by them and blissfully accepted Eel's outstretched hand. The sandy blonde smiled when he felt Silver Cat attached himself to his back.

Magneto lowered the protection sphere once more when the commandeered buses, driven by the brothers Howlett-Creed rode up. Members of the X-Men, the surrendered dark-hoods, and the detainees poured out from them. Calico sprinted off her transport and onto the jet, continuing until Eel and Cyclops came into view. The latter had to brace himself for another set of female arms enveloping him.

Havok led Glimmer, Angel, inside while Sabretooth and Wolverine regulated the latest bunch needing treatment from Kayla and Maya. Havok hung back, letting the X-Women go ahead of him. He made his presence known to his brothers with a thumbs-up and encouraging head bob. Not until a slenderer hand established contact with his left wrist did he realize his own trembling in that region. Peering down into Becky's empathetic eyes, the young instructor instantaneously offered her a squeeze and confident visage.

At the sound arriving from above, the full team exited the jet. Cyclops and Eel stayed linked between the fortified Professor X and Emma. Once outside, the X-Men huddled together, watching the Learjet 24 execute its descent. Magneto's barrier prevented the escalation of wind from affecting them. The wizard of metal dissolved it so that Wolverine and Sabretooth could collect the final three of the conquered Axis. When the next trio departed the plane via teleportation, Magneto started for them until the eruption of brightness gave him pause. With a wide range of facial reactions, the gathered silently witnessed the phenomenal transformation.

IIIIIII

Sandy stationed himself at the foot of the conjoined cots, Bruiser at the head, and the smaller black vessel of Midnight nestled on top of him. Hank delicately tucked the thin blanket over the dozing lineup of Tommy, Kiki, and Trav.

Kneading his shoulders, Edna whispered, "We're going to head back. Are you sure you don't need to lie down again, dear?"

Seated on the side of the right cot by Trav, Hank continued gazing at the fledglings as he answered in a hush, "We're fine. I'll be along in a moment unless I get tired. Promise, Mom."

Edna smiled contentedly, going to where Jed stood by the doorway."

When Hank transferred over to the cot he laid on, Leon inched close enough to lay his head in his lap.

"You gentlemen stay on your guard," the physician addressed the animals.

Threading fingers through Leon's hair, Hank spared a glance his way. "Thank you again, Doctor."

Jed regarded him favorably before departing the bunker with Edna.

In Eye Spy, Alana appeared ready to bubble over with tears, joy, or most likely, a combination of the two at the latest update from the X-Jet. Sharing one of the hallway benches with Jam, Nate somewhat indolently toyed with the parts to one of his gadgets. Jam suspected the young teen of fighting lethargy but chose not to spotlight him over it. When the two elders made their way back to the security room, Edna retook her swivel chair.

Standing reflectively, Jed glanced between each of them then seized their attention with, "How do you do it? All of you. How do you live with being part of a select few entrusted with knowledge that could cataclysmically rock the world of science and human society alike? Having your loved ones smack dab in the heart of it?"
"Are you kidding?" Nate responded with a sudden hyper surge. "I have no idea how I lived before."

"It's what you call a bizarre blessing," Alana described. "Definitely maximized my respect for the Virgin Mary. I was also somewhat braced for this because of my best friend. His sister and I are among the few Trick trusted with these powers he initially believed to be demonic."

Jed asked her, "Is there any correlation between him and Frank? As someone who subscribes to a higher power, that isn't something I can file under coincidence."

"I've had too many sleepless nights wondering the same thing," Alana confided. "Honestly, considering how in the dark Frank himself is, I think we all have to file this under beyond-our-mortal-minds."

The veterinarian replied, "That I'll give credibility to."

"As terrifying as it is, Jed," Edna spoke, "there is neither a reset nor a reject bin in parenthood. I've had to relearn that in recent years and it's still a frequent personal reminder. My children and grandchildren's lives are more valuable than my own."

Jed quickly turned to her. "You don't have to tell me that, Edna. In this short but eventful time together, I've seen your unrelenting resolve and dedication to your family."

"Feedback is always appreciated, especially from a reputable source," Edna responded fondly.

Giving each other side glances, the other three in the room had to purse their lips to keep their comically massive grins at bay.

"You, young man," Jed bit back a smirk when his address gave Jam the temporary countenance of a guilty urchin, "You attend Westchester U with Raven and the others?"

"Yes, sir. Best friends practically since Week One of freshman year. I only got clued into the secret a few months ago, though when my guys and I went away for spring break."

"I see," Jed followed. "I take it thrill and independence from home inspired them to open up to you."

"Actually," Jam countered offhandedly, "they pretty much had no choice after a crazy bug mutant lady kidnapped Sean, hurt Lee, and tried to bring the locust plague of Egypt on our vacation spot."

Making a mental memo to inquire deeper about that later, Jed noted, "That's quite a great deal to take in stride, son."

"In that moment," Jam expressed, "as insane as it was, I think we were all about surviving that situation together. Then, when Leon- big surprise- snuck out to help Alex and Hank get Sean back, all I thought about was going after him so I could ring his little reckless neck. Later on, it sort of hit me that they could've been headless Pluto people and I still would've only cared about keeping my friends safe." He shrugged one shoulder lightly. "I don't know. Alex, Leon, and I, even with our backgrounds being all over the map from each other, it still feels like we're the same on a different level other people wouldn't understand."

With a nod, Jed said, "I believe I hear you loud and clear." The man then flinched at Leon's impromptu manifestation with Hank next to him. "Someone want to install a doorbell on this kid?"

"That's alright, Doc," Jam claimed. "We're getting him fitted for a leash and harness."

An unfazed Leon informed, "They're home."

IIIIIII

Irritation and stinging mildly distracted by the antics on the black and white sitcom, he returned the enormous jar of aloe vera to the refrigerator. After tossing four ibuprofen into his mouth, he poured a glass of Pinot Noir. Before it could touch his lips, the goblet plucked and flew from his grasp. He veered around to the sight of a teenage girl in an odd X-themed green and blue ensemble.

"At least hold off on suicide until you're no longer useful." She walked to the sink, poured out the wine, and rinsed the goblet before refilling it with chilled water.

Deprecatingly taking the clear drink from her, Raul guzzled half of it to swallow the pills. "Suicide is out of the question for me. Not due to any desire to go on. I just don't see God okaying such a merciful option."

"I've felt that way," Maya stated truthfully.

Raul eyed her up and down. "Another member of the Freaky Friends Foundation, I assume?"

"Yes, I know uniforms in color must blow your mind." Maya started out of the kitchen.

Following her out of the kitchen after clicking off his portable television, Raul developed a dry countenance when they reached his living room. Banshee filled a chair with the brothers Howlett-Creed on either side of him. Maya sat down on the right-hand armrest.

"You seriously have a bachelor pad above a private hospital," Banshee put forth dubiously. "Good thing for your crony crew, I guess."

"We just dropped them off," Maya informed. "They won't remember any of us, but the induced terror of tonight replaying in their heads for the next week or two will be more than enough incentive for them to cancel their memberships. Though, I suspect that the aftermath of that drug will do more harm than we inflicted."

"Do you suspect I care?" Raul retorted. "Point is, I put my ass on the line giving you that intel. Can we finally call it even?"

"That was a possibility." Banshee's face and demeanor grew aggressive. "If not for the fact that Pilot Pepe Le Pew thought it would be sporting to shoot my brothers out of the sky.

"Hey, I had nothing to do with that," Raul insisted.

To his surprise, Sabretooth said, "We know."

Wolverine added, "If we didn't, we'd have you six-feet deep by now."

"Even if you killed me, it wouldn't change a thing," Raul spoke frankly. "I may have my connections, but you're out of your minds if you think I can single-handedly bring down this faction."

"Who's giving you that much credit?" Banshee refuted. "We just want you and yours miles always from Westchester. And no more kid recruits, new or current. If we find out you people are still going after them, Kelly and Bert, poaching, or so much as look at Jed Sullivan the wrong way, we're coming for you." He highlighted his point by aiming both his index fingers at the burnt, scarred male.

Teeth gritting, Raul replied, "I get the picture, kid."

"Show some gratitude," Maya rebuked. "If word got out about what you did to your own family dog, that alone would mean the end of your clients. Even after you transfer all your cash over to Kelly, you get to keep your business, stocks, bonds, and the list goes on. After Kelly deep fried you, your special friends will think you were attacked like the rest. You won't even be suspected as the informant."

"The transfer will clear by Monday and their folks' life insurance is safe in a trust until Kelly makes twenty-one." Raul further urged, "Whatever you sideshows think of me, I love my sister's kids. You think our parents had half a brain to put a red cent away for us? You think we had a Charles Xavier footing our bills? And if you think the Xaviers kept their blood blue by walking the straight and narrow, I legitimately pity your ignorance."

Banshee moved to take Maya's hand. "We're done here, honey."

As the X-Men began their departure, Sabretooth took a moment to speak to Raul again. "Thanks for the new wings, by the way. Our boys are goin' to get a real kick out of trainin' on that Learjet."

Only desiring his solitude, Raul said nothing in turn.

While the animalistic mutants went down to the vehicular transport, the Cassidys left via the fire escape. Atop the eight-story building, Maya's arms instinctively wound around him when he lifted her light frame to carry. Blue eyes fixated on his wife's brown, Banshee launched them a mile high. He soared across the night sky without having to part his lips for anything besides kisses.

IIIIIII

From the gentlest of breathing to the occasional engine resembling snore, slumber sounds filled the wide air-conditioned space as much as the bodies that emitted them. In single as well as conjoined cots, the sleepers sprawled in combinations of Charles-Joey-Brian-Scott-Emma, Alex-Becky-Frank-Erik, Trick-Leon-Jam, Raven-Hank, Sandy-Trav-Kiki-Tommy-Bruiser, Angel-Midnight-Samantha, Cordelia-Nate, Sean-Maya, and Logan-Todd-Cody-Mira-Kayla.

Eyelids separating, Hank fished around until he felt his solid case. Once he cleared the overnight crust buildup and slipped on his glasses, his visual reward consisted of the female mutant at his side. For the briefest moment and for more than one reason, he wondered if he still resided in the realm of dreams. In the place of his once cobalt-skinned, perma-bob-haired wife laid a sleek cerulean figure with long ginger tresses that blanketed her upper body. As soon as he received a glimpse of her unaltered yellow eyes, he believed their reality.

After a few blinks, Raven whispered, "Am I still sleeping?"

In an equally hushed tone, Hank confided, "I was just wondering the same. I can handle any dream with unsettling images, but the ones with you next to me became the real nightmares every time I woke up without you."

Though they dared not link lips yet, Raven laced fingers with him. "Last night was my first real rest in days."

Hank clung tighter to her hand as he admitted, "It was the first one this week I knew I'd live through."

Stirred by her cat's tail giving her the appearance of a mustache, Samantha sat up with a light moan. She stretched her arms and tried to resist laughing out loud over Midnight's wet nose and extensive nuzzling. Managing to worm her way off the bed without jarring her sister, she stepped into her Sleeping Beauty slippers to trek across the cold floor. She made a path for the only one in day clothes, stationed in a chair by the entrance.

Leonine instincts ever keen to any and all movement, Victor fully opened his hooded eyes. His higher awareness of the fledglings prevented his claws from extending. Victor uncrossed his arms and lowered his legs from where he propped them on a folding table. When the blonde girl got in close enough proximity, she pounced gingerly into his lap. His arms locked her in and purrs resonated from them both when she laid her head on his chest.

Minutes later, light squirming alerted Bruiser and Sandy. The Labradors sat up with attentive eyes directed at the Virginian lad.

Previous night's events not immediately present in his mind, Tommy worriedly petitioned, "Daddy?"

The same second Erik sprang up to reassure, "I'm here, boychick," a wail erupted from Todd.

As the other Howletts groaned, Logan softly growled, "Pup!... all it takes is the word "Daddy" to set you off."

To no one's shock yet to all's mutual frustration, Mira and Brian promptly joined the infantile complaint chorus.

Charles tossed an arm over his eyes. "Must not lobotomize babes, must not lobotomize babes…"

Burrowing deeper into his pillow, Jam piped up, "If that's Lee, it's your turn, Lex…"

"Can't, board meeting later…" Alex claimed with eyes still shut. "Where's the darling, anyway?"

"Swallowed whole by this sea of black silk," Trick jested, pleased when Leon did not protest the Irishman finger combing his hair.

During the mild rise in activity that resulted, Tommy opted to go to Erik while Kiki and Trav sought out their parents as well. The dogs divided their duties by Bruiser following Tommy and Sandy going with the McCoys. Logan wound a light blanket around Kayla so she could discreetly feed the twins. Cody rolled closer to Logan.

When Joey appeared ready to help with Brian, Charles gave his bottom a gentle pat. Stay with Mummy and Scottie. The Professor got up with Brian for diaper inspection. Joey giggled lightly when Scott maneuvered to reposition him between him and Emma. The female telepath extended her arms to their furthest to envelope them both.

"Good morning, yee weary warriors."

The chipper tone spurred Frank from bed. "Mom."

Entering the bunker completely, Alana met him partway. Taking him by the shoulders, she, yet again, had to fully absorb the teenager before her.

"I know." With a grin, Frank ran fingers through his full head of rich copper. "Totally looking into a mirror, right?"

In Cherished Memory of the Keepers in the Kingdom

Gerbully: Beloved Comrade (1998-2000)

Tiger: Unparalleled Father/Brother/Soulmate (1999-2015)
Red: Mighty Father/Brother/ Guardian (2001-2017)
Lily: Unforgettable Daughter/Sister/Defender (2010-2015)
Princess Mellie: Treasured Daughter/Sister/Mate (2010-2019)

For it's out of the darkness
That we learn to see
And out of the silence
That songs come to be

And all that we dream of
Awaits patently
There. Is. Life!