Additional Note: My writing skills have greatly improved since I started this fic so many years ago. Due to a few factors (work, real life, and a severe case of writers' block in this fandom) this fic kinda got left hanging and went untouched for over a year after the last part was posted. In 2004/05, I'd gone back from time to time to add a line here and there to the last chapter I was working on, but not much was done. Early in 2006, I decided to do an over-haul of this fic. There were some parts that I never really liked when I originally wrote them, and some things that, as was pointed out to me, just didn't make any sense (like how a land-locked state could have an ocean). Some parts have relatively minor changes, some when through a major rewrite. One big change, I've taken out the dates for the most part. I found them confusing and restricting at times. I think the story flows better without them. Also, Ive written a new Chapter 6. So what was Chapter 6 is now 7, 7 is now 8 and so on.
Many thanks to my new beta reader, Mary! She took up the challenge since my beta read who took over last year, Linda, has disappeared and I haven't been able to get in touch with her for since around October of '07.
Disclaimer: Recognizable characters are Marvel's. The Master and any non-recognizable are mine, so be nice and ask if you want to play with my toys :-)
Rating: I'm going with a PG rating for now, but that might change.
Archive: RedShades, anyone else just ask.
Feedback is welcomed wholeheartedly. Flamers will have a hose turned on 'em.
Dedication: This is for Ali Malik, 'cuz she asked for it.
Acknowledgments: Jubes, Sequoia, Dannell, and MistyBlueAngel for some betaing. There where a few others who gave me some help with this part, but for the life of me, I can't remember their names. Sorry! You know who you are so . . . thanks! Many thanks to my beta, Crystal Wimmer. She's the best!
~words~ Is telepathic talking
*words* Is someone's thoughts
Notes: This story is in response to a challenge sent by Ali Malik, to the RedShades mailing list, to write Scott dark. Reading the challenge, I started asking myself a few questions. What if Scott's brain damage had not only caused Scott to lose control of his powers, but also made them manifest earlier? What if someone with less honorable intentions had found Scott first? How different would Scott be? How would it affect how/when the other X-Men were recruited by Xavier? This story is my answer to those questions.
I've made a lot of changes in this story. The biggest ones are when Scott's powers first manifest, the order in which the X-Men are recruited, and the ages of the X-Men. You should be able to pick up on everything OK (I hope). If not, e-mail me and I'll answer any questions you may have. Now ... on with the fic!
One last thing ... This ain't Marvel's Scott. You have been warned. ::: Evil grin :::
Copyright 11/2000
Updated 3/25/08
Word Count: 2,514
Prologue
March 15th, 1985
"This one?" the man asked, pointing to a gauge. The little boy on his lap nodded. "That is called the Altimeter. It registers changes in atmospheric pressure accompanying changes in altitude," he told the boy. Then added, "Basically, it tells you how high you are." The man was Major Christopher "Corsair" Summers; the boy was his oldest son, Scott.
Scott listened intently as his father pointed out more instruments and explained each one's function. The first time his father had taken him flying, Scott knew he would someday join the Air Force and be a pilot like his dad. It had been his third birthday, and his father had arranged the flight as a special present. He'd fallen in love with flying on that day. It was like nothing he had ever experienced in his young life.
While most boys his age had posters of superheroes hanging on their walls, Scott had posters of planes and jets. Model aircraft hung crazily from his bedroom ceiling by strings; books about aircraft of every imaginable kind lined his bookcase shelves. Although Scott had learned to read when he was four, he didn't really understand most of what many of the books said. He loved them all anyway, especially the ones with pictures. He'd even dressed up as a pilot last Halloween. As time passed, his interest in flying grew. The boy jumped at every opportunity to go flying with his father.
"What about those," Scott asked, pointing to two levers side by side.
Christopher knew Scott had already memorized the name and function of almost every lever, gauge, and button on the plane. The boy simply loved to sit on his lap and have his father explain them all to him. To be honest, Chris enjoyed it just as much as his son did. "Well, those are the fuel release valves. If I need to dump the fuel from one of the engines, I pull one of those levers." He pointed to one, then the other, as he explained. "I pull that one for the right one, and that one for the left engine."
Without warning, the plane lurched forward.
"Shit," Chris cursed under his breath as he fought to control the plane. "Scott, get down," he told the boy on his lap.
Scott knew something was wrong. He immediately slid off his fathers lap as Christopher fought the control stick.
X X X X X X X X X X X X
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah.
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah.
The ants go marching one by one,
the little one stops to suck his thumb.
And they all go marching down
to the ground.
To get out of the rain,
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Two voices sang enthusiastically. A blonde-haired little boy, Alex Summers, bounced happily in his mother's, Kate's lap. He clapped enthusiastically as they sang, his voice rose louder with each boom.
The ants go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah.
The ants go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah.
The ants go marching two by two,
The little one stops to tie his shoe,
And they all go marching down
to the ground,
To get out of the rain,
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Kate tickled her son, who laughed and squirmed. Alex smiled up at his Mom.
The ants went march ...
The two began again, then suddenly stopped as the plane lurched forward. Kate grabbed her son and held him tightly.
"Mommy," Alex screamed, as the rear of the plane erupted in flames. He wrapped his small arms around his mother's neck and clung tightly to her as he sobbed uncontrollably into her shoulder.
"Shhh, it's OK, Alex. Mommy's here." Kate spoke soothingly to her youngest son as she rubbed the three-year-olds back. She knew just how to talk to the little boy to calm him down. His sobbing quieted and his grip loosened slightly. Another explosion wracked the plane, and Alex's grip tightened again. He screamed once more and his crying increased until he began to choke on his tears.
"Alex, Honey, calm down." She pushed the hysterical little boy away from her and held him at arms length. Kate knew how serious the situation was, but she also knew she had to keep calm and keep Alex calm. Kate felt her heart leap into her throat as she looked to the rear of the plane and saw the parachutes catch on fire. *No! No, not the 'chutes,* she thought in terror. She looked around frantically trying to locate the fire extinguisher. *Damn,* she cursed mentally as she realized she'd forgotten to replace it after their last flight. Chris had realized it was low and had asked her to replace it, but she'd gotten distracted and completely forgot.
She looked at Alex again. Tears streaked down the terrified boy's cheeks. "Listen to me, Alex," she began as calmly as she could. "Mommy has to get the parachutes before they burn. I need you to be very brave for me. Sit here, very still, while I get them. OK?"
Alex stared hesitantly at his mother. He didn't want her to go near the fire. He threw himself at her, tightly wrapping his arms around her neck. "No mommy. Don't go. The fire will get you. Don't go!" His crying got hysterical and his small chest hiccupped with the falling tears.
Kate squeezed him tightly then pushed him to arm's length again. *Oh, God, no,* she thought as a second chute caught on fire. She didnt have time for this. Kate knew she had to calm Alex down quickly and get to the chutes. "Alex, listen to me. I know you're scared, Baby, but Mommy has to get the parachutes or we will all be in very big trouble. Do you understand?" Kate prayed he would calm down long enough for her to get the two remaining chutes.
Alex stared at his mother as she spoke. He might still be a little kid, but he was old enough to know what "big trouble" meant. Alex nodded 'yes'. He hugged his mother again, briefly, and then let go.
Kate smiled at her son. "That's my brave boy." She touched his face gently as she sat him down, and strapped him into his seat then ran to the burning parachutes. She reached out for the chutes just as the third caught on fire. Kate grabbed it and the last one as well. She frantically tried to pat out the flames. She coughed as the thick smoke filled her lungs. Dropping to her knees, she crawled back over to Alex, checking the chute that had caught fire as she went. Fear gripped her heart as she realized she was too late. There was a huge hole in the 'chute pack, exposing the charred silk.
Kate looked up at Alex. She hugged him, trying to put on a brave smile. "Alex, I have to go talk to Daddy." She broke the hug and looked at him. "Don't move till I come back here, Okay?"
Terror filled eyes stared up at Kate. "Yes, Mommy." The little boy put his head on his knees and pulled his body into a tight ball.
Tears filled Kate's eyes as she looked at her little boy. He tries so hard to be like Scott, she thought. They're so much alike, but yet so different. She stood on shaky legs and walked into the cockpit.
X X X X X X X X X X X X
The cockpit door opened and Kate Summers walked in. She walked over to Scott and knelt beside him. "Go into the back and watch Alex, honey," she told her oldest son, pushing down the panic she felt to keep it out of her voice.
Scott nodded. He didn't want to leave, but he knew something was seriously wrong. Daddy rarely said bad words, and Mommy almost never came into the cockpit. "Okay, Mommy," he said as he left the cockpit.
Kate watched the boy leave, and then turned to her husband. "What happened, Chris?" she asked.
"I don't know."
"Can you land the plane?"
Chris grimaced and fought the controls as the plane pitched forward. He somehow managed to level it out again. "I don't think so. Get the parachutes ready."
"There's only one left. The others caught on fire." She hesitated a moment before continuing. Her voice was full of dread as she spoke again. "We'll have to put the last chute on Scott and tie Alex to him. It's the only way to get them both off."
Chris' heart plummeted. He nodded. "Get the boys ready. I'll be back there in a minute."
Kate stood and walked back to her boys. Scott was standing just beyond the cockpit door. He watched as his mother took the last parachute from where she'd set it beside Alex. She undid Alex's seatbelt and helped him out of his seat, then turned and knelt down in front of Scott and strapped him into the chute. "Daddy can't land the plane, so we will have to jump," she explained to them.
"What about you and Daddy?" Scott asked.
The acrid smell of smoke filled Kate's lungs. They were running out of time. "We'll be fine." She lied. "You and Alex have to go first. One of the 'chutes caught fire so I have to tie Alex to you, OK?" Her heart broke as Scott nodded yes. She could see the doubt in her son's eyes and was sure he knew she was lying. Scott had always been more perceptive than a child his age had a right to be.
X X X X X X X X X X X X
Christopher Summers desperately fought the control stick of the old plane, but to no avail. He wasn't sure what had caused the plane to catch on fire, but he knew it wasn't a mechanical problem. He had thoroughly checked the plane before takeoff. As he listened to Kate talk to Scott, he felt his heart sink. He knew there was no way he could land the plane safely. He dreaded what they would have to do. The idea of pushing his sons off the burning plane did not appeal to him in the slightest, but neither did knowing what would happen if they didn't get the boys off the plane. He finally gave up on the control stick. He looked around for something to wedge into the stick. He spotted Scott's baseball bat by the door and retrieved it. He quickly wedged the stick and, confident the plane wouldn't do a nosedive again, walked out of the cockpit. The plane was still dropping, but he'd managed to slow their rate of descent. Chris walked up behind his wife and gently put a hand on her shoulder.
X X X X X X X X X X X X
Kate looked up as her husband laid a hand on her shoulder, then looked back to Scott. She reached up and gently laid a hand to the side of Scott's face, then turned and walked over to her younger son. The small boy jumped into his mother's outstretched arms. "I'm scared, Mommy," he cried as he buried his face into his mother's shoulder.
"I know, Sweetie. I know," she told him, trying not to let her fear show in her voice.
Christopher knelt in front of his oldest son. "No more tears now, son," he said, as fresh tears began to roll slowly down Scott's face. "You're almost seven. You're a big boy now remember? And big boys don't cry." His voice was stern as he spoke.
Scott sniffled, wiped his tears with the sleeve of his coat, and nodded at his father. His face was now a mask of determination and courage that his heart didn't feel. "Yes, sir," Scott said. Then he stood as straight as he could and saluted his father as he had seen the older Summers salute his superior officer.
Christopher stood, returned his son's salute, and then knelt in front of the boy again. He smiled. He had known the ploy would work. Almost since the day he was born, Scott had demanded to be treated like a "big boy". He rarely wanted to be held, wanted to do everything for himself, and had even tried to walk before he'd learned to crawl. Christopher put his hands on Scott's small shoulders, looking straight into the little boy's eyes.
"Listen to me, Scott. I know you're scared and confused, but I need you to be brave for me. Your Mom is going to tie Alex to you, and I need you to hold on to him really, really tight. Don't let go. He's your little brother, Scott. He's just a little boy and not as tough as you. I'm counting on you to take care of him, to keep him safe. Understand?"
Chris loved both his sons equally, but he'd always been closer to Scott. Their shared love of flying created a closeness between the two that Chris didn't feel with his youngest son, who had absolutely no interest in flying. Alex was by no means a wuss, but he was closer to his mother than most boys were. He was also not as tough as Scott and was more likely to cry over things. Alex loved to be carried, especially by his mother, while Scott preferred to walk and was content to simply have his hand held.
Scott nodded as he looked into his father's eyes. "Yes." He could tell his father was struggling to hold back his tears, so he tried harder to maintain his composure. He gasped as Alex grabbed him tightly around his waist and his mother tied a rope around the boys, securing Alex to Scott. He saw his mother's tears start to fall as she and his father both knelt down to face him.
"Do you remember what to do, Scott," Christopher asked.
Scott nodded, "Yes, sir. After we jump I count to ten and then pull the cord."
"That's my boy," he said proudly, ruffling Scott's hair. Then he gently kissed the top of each boy's head.
"We love you, boys," Kate said, as the dam finally broke and the tears rolled freely down her cheeks.
"I love you too," the boys said in unison.
Christopher gave each boy a squeeze on his shoulder then pushed them both out of the plane before either boy could react. Tears began to roll slowly down his cheeks as he watched the boys fall. *God, please take care of them. Please don't let my boys die,* Chris prayed. Then he lost hope as he watched Scott open the parachute. It promptly caught fire, sending the little boys hurtling towards the ground.
Scott looked up at the plane, which was rapidly growing smaller. *Oh no,* he thought as he saw the 'chute catch fire. Then, suddenly, the plane erupted into a ball of flames and smoke. "Mommy, Daddy, NOOOO!" he cried out. He could no longer hold back his tears, and they rolled freely down his cheeks. He didn't care anymore. For once in his young life, Scott didn't want to be a "big boy" anymore. He just wanted to curl up in his Mommy's lap like he did when he was little and scared and have her hold him tight and tell him everything was going to be OK. He felt Alex's grip on him tighten.
Without warning, Scott's world erupted into pain; everything went black as he slammed into the hard ground.
TBC
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