Rise or Fall
Chapter 337: Scattered Pieces
Chapters to Check: 302, 317, 319, 327, 328, 329, 334, 335 and 336.
NOTE: Hi, Fam! Hope everyone is making it through this dystopia in style. I know this one is shorter but worry not for two reasons. One, I just noticed that this chapter has put the RoF word count at over 2.6 million (…..) and two, 338, which has already been written, will be longer. Please enjoy and review!
Fluffy cheeks stuffed with oat hay, Bounty took in the slumbering multitude from the safe confines of his hatch. The majestic Xavier living room had, yet again, become the ideal location for a fort of ambitious Banshee proportions. The master builder himself laid on a stack of sheets on the floor with his long legs over the arm of the loveseat. Maya and Tommy stayed on either side of him. Hank reclined in a chair with Raven against his chest. Cordelia, Angel, and Samantha slept on top of several comforters. Alex, Frank, Scott, Becky, and Leon filled a makeshift cave made up of cushions with Trav and Kiki on top of the Eye Scream Team. Surrounded by a circular barrier of pillows, Brian, Mira, and Todd kipped securely between Joey and Cody. Grace tucked close to him, Midnight curled up by Samantha's head.
Crouched at the wide doorway, Erik double-checked the toddler gate he put into place earlier. It served as a blockade for potential wandering babies and kitten alike.
Tidying that living room is going to be horrendous and that is excluding the inevitable mounds of cat fur…
Standing, Erik returned knowingly, a chore you would gladly take on daily just to keep them this way.
As would you, the telepath countered.
The metal wielder nonchalantly sent back, I never claimed otherwise.
Charles then asked, are you alright with seeing to them tonight? Emma and I are absolutely zonked out.
Charles, Erik gave him a side look, go have sex with your wife.
Bless you, brother! The allegedly exhausted Professor scampered off for the stairs.
Erik lingered a few minutes longer in silent observation of the young ones before making a path for the lower level. He reached Eye Spy, finding the steadfast blonde in his regular chair.
"You're aware you have an early flight, aren't you? Also, that you're the pilot?"
"At ease, Magnet-Toe." Victor watched as the Poland native dropped into the spare seat. "Trick's coverin' Jed's place and Lo's swappin' out with me in an hour."
"Ah." Erik greatly suspected that the younger Howlett-Creed brother currently enjoyed some zonking out time with his own wife.
"What's on your mind?"
Erik cautioned glibly, "I don't think you want the honest answer to that question."
Taking him at his word for that, Victor moved on to, "You know I'm gonna take care of Scott, right? Keep him safe."
Eyes on the monitors, Erik responded plainly, "If I believed otherwise, you'd have heard as much long before now."
"Won't keep you from worryin' all the same," Victor knew.
"That will always be the case. For us." Erik easily detected the air of agreement his friend gave off.
IIIIIII
With what the morning had in store, Alana prepared a breakfast of various baked goods, coffee, tea, and milk for the early-risers. Logan and Kayla left first with Maya and the twins to get in as many errands as they could. Since Erik and Leon had to get the children off to their programs, the academy attendees along with Frank received time with Scott in the Mag Cave. Leon and Frank slipped him issues from their comic collections. Erik turned a blind eye to the fat bag of candy Becky, Cody, and Joey supplied for him.
When he got the chance to clutch Becky for a moment, Scott sent to her, you're absolutely sure you don't want to talk me out of this?
The girl returned, who said I don't want to talk you out of it? She felt his smile without seeing it.
"You two," Scott addressed the younger boys, "don't do anything stupid while I'm gone. Especially nothing Rebecca needs to bail you out of."
"We know," Joey said somewhat derisively. "She doesn't need to keep tabs on us every second."
Cody rolled his eyes. "Like I'm gonna be selfish enough not to save some stupid for when you get home."
"Just don't be coming back here reeking of west coast wussy," Frank jested.
"The lowest forms of humanity," remarked Leon.
Scott slapped hands with and shared a short hug with each of the older two.
When Joey's tetchiness about not being late became too apparent, Erik had to send him a reproachful look. Still, the tall elder got them moving along. He kept Scott under his arm all the way down to the garage. Frank went to go ride with Alana in the burgundy Cadillac on loan from Angel. With Leon in the passenger seat, Becky, Joey, and Cody filled the back of Erik's sedan. Erik relinquished Scott to the awaiting Charles before going to get behind his steering wheel.
Charles and Emma took Alex, Scott, Edna, Hank, Raven, Trav, Kiki, and Grace in the X-Van. Victor drove Cordelia's car, which also contained Angel, Samantha, and Midnight so the three girls could freely gab. Even though his younger brother did not voice it, by the way Tommy stared at the X-Van, Sean could tell he wanted to ride with Scott. The boy perked up slightly at joining Sean up front in addition to the two having the BMW all to themselves. Sean let him play whatever he wanted on the radio as well.
All too soon for a number of them, the three vehicles made it to the airbase. Sean helped Victor roll the cargo trailer that stored the elder's and Scott's motor machines towards the X-Jet. Scott walked between Charles and Emma with Alex directly behind him as the rest of them took their time approaching the innovative flying machine.
Samantha tried not to let the amount of fanfare heaped upon Scott get to her. She continuously reminded herself that everyone had become accustomed to her traveling back and forth while Scott had never journeyed anywhere without either the Xaviers or Erik. Cordelia making her purpose of wanting to see the leonine girl as well as Angel off helped a great deal.
Once they finally stood before the jet, the McCoys started to board first, knowing they would receive additional time with Scott on route to Illinois. After her children received their cheek kisses from Cordelia, Sean, and the instructors, Raven lingered for a time to step slightly out of view with Charles. Though the siblings knew they had absolutely no reason to hide their sentimentality from their surrounding loved ones, even short stretches away from each other caused certain distresses from their childhood to stir. Charles nestled against her mutated blonde hair while Raven only left her head on his shoulder for a few seconds, refusing to let Scott lose even one additional moment with her brother. When they strolled back over with stiff upper lips in place, Trav took his mother's hand and guided their way up the jet steps.
After hugging Cordelia, Angel and Samantha found themselves seized into the affectionate arms of the telepaths next. Charles also promised that both cats would return to a delectable horde of treats. Samantha wore an ear to ear smile as she, her sister, and Midnight boarded.
"Keep invaders out of my room," Scott requested of the youngest Cassidy. "Unless it's Em dropping off my good linens from the dryer."
"You betcha," Tommy grinned, getting a combination noogie/hug from the taller boy.
"No worries over all things east coast," assured Sean. "Just have a blast out there."
Scott peered up at the redhead. "Guess I won't be seeing you for a while. Turns out, you're a halfway decent leader."
Sean stated, "You're gonna be a better one," and they quietly pounded fists.
Charles knelt to his young Cyclops. Night or day, if you need us, telephone immediately.
You can come home at any time for any reason, Emma emphasized, looking into his face. We'll be more than happy to whisk you away.
Scott bobbed his head. Thanks, Em. Thanks, Charles. You guys didn't have to go along with this and I really appreciate it.
Have fun and behave yourself, instructed Charles. We love you, son.
We love you, sweetheart, reiterated Emma.
Scott sent an arm around each of them as he went into their joint embrace. I love you, too. Thank you.
When he looked up again, Scott saw the older Summers watching them. It would not have surprised the thirteen-year-old if his brother had somehow deciphered every unspoken word.
As soon as Scott stepped over, Alex gripped him by both shoulders. "Twerp, I swear, if you don't bring your scrawny butt back here in one piece…" He trailed at Scott throwing arms around him and sinking his face into his shirt.
They detached with Scott giving Alex a light punch to the bicep and the blonde thumping him on the stomach.
IIIIIII
Due to keeping vigilance over Jed's property for most of the night, Trick slept in through the mass migration to the airbase. With the knowledge that he would be unable to see Scott off, the intangible mutant had made a point the day before of conducting the lengthiest motor bike session yet for the Eye Scream Team. Trick only got to savor five hours of sleep before one Brian Xavier decided enough of that. Paternal instincts forcing him out of bed, the Irishman did not bother getting into a robe. Instead, he flew straight through the walls and managed to get to the screeching child without crashing into anything once he solidified himself.
At the expression on the sniffling tyke's face, the slightest ounce of aggravation drained from Trick. Standing in his crib, tears streamed from Brian's glistening blue eyes and he appeared clearly frightened and confused. Trick automatically knew he craved one of the other Xaviers or Erik. For a moment, he wondered if the one-year-old could somehow sense their absence. However, he did not have time to dwell on that theory as Brian's cries increased. Trick rushed to gather him and walked in a slow circle around the room while patting his back.
After the child relaxed enough, Trick took him to the changing table to free him from his heavily saturated diaper and wipe his face clean. The singer dressed him in a red and white shorts set with Stuart Little on the front of the shirt that he strongly suspected Erik purchased for him. Trick took them back to his own quarters and left Brian on his bed to play with Dickon so the man could change out of his pajamas. Once he had his own casual day outfit on, Trick next carried Brian to the kitchen for oatmeal and a sippy cup of milk. He went with leftover signature Alana Tolbert muffins and coffee for himself. Since it took Brian longer to finish, Trick started cleaning off the stove and counters from the morning hustle and bustle.
Out of the corner of his eye, he detected Brian's intent to use his spoon for a nefarious purpose. "Master Xavier…" A gleam shown in the small one's gaze. "Hurl one measly bit and it's back to bed for you." The man pointed upward for emphasis. At Brian's challenging look, Trick went over to his highchair to level eyes with him. "Eat your breakfast." Brian nibbled on the edge of the spoon. "Needs more honey?" Trick squirted in an additional dab and showed him how to stir. He ate another three spoonfuls then pushed it away.
Accepting that he had enough, Trick emptied the meager remains and took the tiny bowl, spoon, and cup to the dishwasher. After having his mouth and hands cleaned, Brian followed Trick through the main level, helping him wipe down as the adult continuously straightened up wherever needed. They even got the living room back into proper shape- after the plentiful enjoyment of having the remainder of the fort to themselves, of course.
IIIIIII
Instead of making his ire known at Hank's co-piloting privilege alongside Victor known, Scott opted to stealthily pass candies back and forth between Kiki and Trav. Raven noticed but pretended to occupy her attention with a magazine. With a caramel for his grandmother, Trav stared out of the window with her. Kiki soon joined Samantha and Angel in dozing off. Taking the empty seat next to Raven, Scott held out a milk chocolate Hershey.
"Much obliged, my good man." Coiling an arm around the boy, the shapeshifter gingerly played in his hair. "How're you doing, Sky-High?" At his apathetic shrug, Raven closed her magazine and spoke closer to his ear. "You know, you don't have to don the stoicism suit at all times. It's okay to feel weirded out about being away from home. It still happens to me."
Scott faced her. "Really?"
"Every time," Raven confirmed. "Despite all the changes we've been through these last few years, it's so bizarre not having Charles right nearby."
Scott stared down at his shoes. "I really hope I can hack this."
"Honey, it's not a mission," Raven said encouragingly. "Just try to have fun. Or come right back home. Either way works."
With a nod, the teen raised his head again to prop against her shoulder.
IIIIIII
When the others returned home to the content duo asleep on the couch in the, once again, pristine living room, Charles and Emma let them be. The true surprise came when Charles sought Alex out for a haircut. The plasma flinger instead suggested the Lubinsky Barbershop. Naturally, the telepath climbed right onboard the idea of supporting Erik and the Jewish businesses. When Tommy learned that part of that support included a visit to Mendel's Toy Store, he eagerly accepted the offer to accompany the Professor and his brother. The older Cassidy drove them into town in the BMW.
Both Sean and Alex believed that Charles really desired a distraction from awaiting a telephone update about Scott and the rest of the airborne. Sean could not help a small guilty ping in his chest. Such apprehension had to grip the gallant man whenever the redhead went out of his sight for long. Sean wondered how much sleep would be lost on the Professor's part over the two hundred-plus miles that would very soon divide them.
All sentiments lightened upon entry into the grooming establishment.
"On your toes, you bums," Gil decreed. "We have royalty among us; the brother of our esteemed new investor."
Eliot exclaimed, "Erik Lehnsherr's own brother! In that case, consider yourself mishpocha."
Tommy wondered, "What's miss-puke-ah?"
From behind the counter, Hirsh answered, "Mishpocha means family in Yiddish."
"Gentlemen, please," Charles spoke deferentially, sitting in the chair Gil indicated, "no special treatment. Consider me any ordinary customer."
"What special?" Eliot tied a cutting cloth around him. "Customers get the works. Family we get to treat like dirt." At the younger two snickering along with the Englishman, Eliot pointed out the taller one. "And what about you, hm? It'll take Moses in the flesh to part that Red Sea growing out of your head."
Amicably going along, Sean took the chair right next to Charles' and Gil got him situated.
Tommy's wide eyes quickly became occupied by the different semantic in addition to messianic décor on the walls and shelves of the shop.
"You've been to Temple services, too, haven't you?" Hirsh inquired.
"Huh?..." Tommy turned towards the man. "Oh, yes, sir."
"That's some fine hunk of silver you have there." Hirsh went around and knelt for a closer look at the boy's cross necklace.
"It's my favorite." Tommy then asked, "Are you all from Poland like Erik?"
"You hear that, fellas?" Gil said humorously. "We finally lost our accents."
Hirsh chuckled then clarified, "We hail from Germany."
"Oh." With all three men in short sleeves, Tommy noted something he vocalized before it could fully sink in. "You don't have tattoos, either."
"Thomas!" Charles hissed so severely he made their barbers jump.
Sean used both hands to cover his mortified face. "Oh, my G- I am so, so sorry."
The child in question stood suddenly mute and completely sheepish.
"Easy now," Gil placated. "No need to bowl the boy across the coals."
"That's right," Hirsh seconded then explained to Tommy, "You see, we're actually more fortunate than most because we made it to America before the worst of the war could touch us. The whole mishpocha; not a lot of families can say the same."
Though clearly impressed, Tommy merely nodded his understanding. He remained entirely wordless for the duration of their time in the barbershop.
Once Eliot finished with Charles, the Professor's almost shoulder-length tresses now came to the nape of his neck. The still lush top had been styled into a quiff with his unshaved morning fuzz smoothed into a thin stubble beard. With facial hair similar to the telepath's, Sean's ginger strands had been scaled down to a shag that allowed his blue irises to remain visible.
After taking in their reflections, Sean commented, "You've got a James-Dean-gone-Ivy-League vibe going."
"And the Beatles are putrid tramps next to you," Charles complimented.
"George, too?"
The Professor waved a disregarding hand. "That sorry excuse for a lead guitarist?"
Sean tilted to the side to tenderly bump heads with him.
Unfortunately for the youngest among them, the good-natured air did not continue once their business concluded.
After they walked a suitable distance away from the shop, Charles lowered to reach the lad's line of sight. "Thomas, even though the Lubinskys are gracious chaps, that remark was still very inappropriate."
"It just popped out," Tommy attempted to explain. "Really, Prof. I said it before I even thought about it."
Sean asserted, "That's been your excuse since you learned to talk."
Tommy rebutted by sticking out his tongue.
"Young men." Charles glanced disapprovingly between the two. At Sean tapering, he refocused on Tommy. "I know you meant no harm, but you can easily hurt or offend someone deeply if you are not careful. You must learn to control your own tongue. It also isn't polite to gawk at others as if they're museum exhibits."
Small form entirely lax, Tommy responded, "Yes, Professor. I'm sorry."
"You will do better in the future?" Charles emphasized the second word.
"Yes, sir."
"Good then." Charles patted his shoulder twice. "Now, let's be off. With the Sabbath coming tonight, we don't want the Mendels closing up shop on us."
Despite his residual indignity, Tommy's posture perked at that. With the store in walking distance, Sean let him ride on his shoulders all the way.
IIIIIII
Under the plentiful sunshine of midday, the Child of Light stilled in place, believing a mirage stood only a few yards away from him. In a pair of light jean shorts, sandals, and a striped turquoise and white tank top, the blue-eyed girl carried a plump wicker basket on her arm.
"Well, you gonna give me a hand or what, you big lug?"
"Jessie!" Jogging down two steps, Frank jumped the rest of the way to get to her, only to stop suddenly. "That is for me, right?"
Jessie eyed him sourly. "Three seconds away from slugging you…" When he immediately took the basket from her and plopped it on the ground in order to lift her, she wound her arms around his neck. "That's more like it." She dipped her chin, seemingly aiming for his lips then pressed their noses together. "Now, pick up that baklava I smuggled out for you."
Frank grudgingly lowered her to hoist the basket again, using his spare hand to clamp onto hers. "Not to question the gift horse goodies, but what are you doing around these parts, lady?"
"I recently realized my part of Westchester has one minor drawback." She tugged on her hand. "Not one Frank Lehnsherr to be had."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, but we are still fumigating the whole town from this weird lingering stench of Frank Tolbert…" Pausing when he did, Jessie realized his intentions and peered around their current setting. "Isn't this also your future campus?"
"With the way they've been begging me on bended knee to make that happen? I own the place." That affirmed, Frank gave her a lingering kiss.
After their lips finally parted, the two continued onward to a grassy spot under a shade tree. Jessie spread a blue and green checkered blanket then revealed the contents of the basket. In addition to the cinnamon-spiced baklava, she also brought tomatoes stuffed with cheese and rice, Athenian salad, chicken sandwiches, and bottled sweet teas.
Frank whistled. "Oookay, this is a far cry from bologna and animal crackers. You are way too good to me."
"Aren't I just?" Jessie gave him a smile and touched his wrist. "I know you're piled high with all this school pressure and with Scott heading out to the lesser of two coasts…"
Easily catching her meaning, a taken Frank responded, "Thank you."
Jessie kissed his jaw before they dug into the food.
As they unwrapped their plates, she inquired, "When are you officially Franklin Lehnsherr?"
"There's a form the judge signs after he approves us," Frank explained. "We'll be able to get everything changed right then and there; IDs, socials, whole nine yards."
Jessie then put forth, "Your mom is so cool for helping you with all this."
"I know," Frank uninhibitedly agreed.
"And your marine dad," she carefully brought up next, "he hasn't tried anything?"
Frank replied, "Even if he actually decides to fight back, my money's on Erik's one-two punch."
When their scrumptious spread dwindled down to the baklava, they used two forks to share the single-serving dish. They spent the remainder of their time to relax under the shade with Frank's back to the tree and Jessie against his chest.
Frank caressed fingers through her ponytail. "Confession. One only Scott's in on?"
Jessie peeked up at him. "Spill."
"I grouse a lot about this whole school thing, but my name's made it more worthwhile than before." Frank further elaborated with, "Erik never cared about ceremonies or anything like that when he went to college in Europe. Now, he's going to see me graduate from this elite program. I even hope to be chosen to give one of the speeches- the first Lehnsherr ever."
"Frank," Jessie sat up to give him a one-armed hug, "that's wonderful! I know you'll get it."
"Jess, thanks so much for sticking by me with all this stuff," Frank expressed. "We just started going out and I know this hasn't been the most romantic summer. I'm barely around between home and school and you can have any guy you wa—"
Pressing her lips to his firmly, Jessie did not retract for several seconds. "Sorry, what were you saying?"
The mesmerized boy uttered, "Somethin', somethin', blah, spoon…"
She tilted her head back when he leaned in for more. "I have to finish helping at the restaurant and you have to get back to class, Super Brain."
"Five more minutes?" Frank negotiated.
Accepting the bargain, Jessie made herself comfortable in his hold again.
IIIIIII
At the approaching male voices, the female New Yorker stood from where her upper body draped distractedly across the island.
"Erik. Hi, Leon."
While his son gave off a wave, Erik returned, "Alana," in their usual way on route for the second refrigerator. "We stopped by a surplus auto shop over in Greenwich Village." Two bottles of water seized, he brought one back over to Leon. "Any word on the others or are they all vacationing without us?"
Alana reported, "Frank got to school on time. Raven called; she, Hank, and the kids landed alright. Scott and the girls are fine. Sean, Charles, and Tommy are in town and Emma and Trick took Brian to the market with them."
Not missing her ridged mannerisms, the metal wielder lowered the water from his lips. "Care to unbury the lead, dear?"
With a sigh, Alana began, "There was another call just before you got in…"
Erik automatically concluded, "Phillip."
"No." The ginger woman shook her head, but still spoke no more promisingly. "Apparently, Liam Cassidy's job needs him back on the 28th. They want to come by for Tommy on the 27th."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "Tuesday."
"Barely four days from now?" Alana nodded the confirmation then made her way around to the still as steel man. "Erik?"
Evading her amiable touch, Erik crushed the plastic in his grip. Leon watched as the gush of water rained down his father's unyielding fist.