"I really don't want the rest of them Reed. I know that sounds like a lie, but I really just want you. You are responsible for all the problems and I would love to just…well, kill you." Victor explained softly, his piercing blue eyes burrowing deep into Reed's. Victor had broken into the Baxter building and subdued Reed in the middle of the night. "I already know that your alone in here…Let me think, Ben and Alicia are off enjoying time together…." Watching Reed's look of surprise as he continued, "Your fiancé is off at a conference and Johnny is at a BMX tournament. I have you all to myself." Victor laughed.
Pinned to the bed unable to stretch Reed was helpless to listen to Victor crow over his victory. "What exactly do you want Victor?" Reed asked mildly.
Victor smiled behind the mask, "You…You see if it wasn't for you, I would be with Sue right now enjoying my health instead of being Von Doom…And torturing you." He said, zapping Reed with a volt of electricity. Reed writhed in pain and tried to keep himself from crying out. "Now, I need you to focus because what I'm about to say now is very important." He mocked watching Reed fight back the pain. Standing from the edge of the bed he moved to the television and flicked it on. The image flickered and then on four different screens was Sue, Ben and Alicia, and lastly Johnny, fear flickered in Reed's chest as he realized his family was being watched.
"Now, here is your lesson…You agree to my terms and I will leave your family alone….Disagree and I will make sure that all of them have accidents…Maybe fatal." Victor explained, watching Reed. Pushing a button on a remote he watched Reed watching Sue as she came close to getting run down by a rampant taxi cab. She sat dazed on the curb as pedestrians gathered around to make sure she was alright. "Accidents happen all the time Reed."
Reed didn't realize that tears were running down his face as he watched Sue stand unsteadily and walk off. "You leave my family alone!" He hissed struggling against the bonds.
Victor laughed, "Come now Reed, like I've been saying…I have no interest in the rest of the fantastic four family...Only you." Pausing he came and sat next to Reed again, "Leave with me…All your belongings, leave a note for the rest of them saying that you couldn't take the pressure and disappear with me….forever." Victor explained, touching Reed's helpless face. Reed tried to stretch and break from Victor's grasp only to find his powers not working, fearful eyes found Victor's smiling ones. "Oh, I found a way to disarm your powers…think of it as an obedience collar…To keep you in line. I placed it on you while you slept…Its on a remote that I only have the key for, and if you try to remove it…it will kill you." Victor laughed, touching the thick piece of metal around Reed's neck. Fearful Reed realized that he was helpless to Victor.
Johnny arrived back at the pad tired, hungry and ready for a little peace and quiet. He had enjoyed the week at a BMX tournament with the crowds and lights he actually looked forward to having his family home for a bit. Throwing down his duffle bag in his room he went in search of Reed. Checking the lab he didn't see any sign of his brother in law. "Reed!" Johnny called into the silent house. A trickle of fear shivered up his spine as he quietly walked into Reed's room only to find it cleaned out of clothes and personal belongings. "Reed? Are you in here?" Johnny asked again, looking at the bathroom devoid of any personal belongings. A note on the dresser drew Johnny's attention as he scanned the note.
Sue,
I am sorry for this but I realize that I'm not ready for the next step…I have to have some time to think about this. I've left the Baxter building to you three because it has become the sort of head quarters for the Fantastic 3. I have changed the deed to reflect this…I really am sorry Sue. I hope in time you can forgive me.
R. Richards
Stunned Johnny read through the note again, not really believing what he was reading. Behind him a gruff voice sounded and Johnny jumped a mile, "Hey Johnny where's Reed?" Ben asked, looking at Johnny's white face.
Johnny took a breath trying to calm his racing heart, "He's gone. He left a note for Sue…He isn't coming back." He said handing the note over to Ben who read it and then read it again for good measure.
"We can't let Sue see this…Not yet." Ben said quietly, looking up at Johnny, "It would break her heart…She flies in tomorrow and in that time we can check on the deed and everything…We can make sure before we tell her." He explained. Johnny nodded stiffly, anger burned in his heart at the thought of what his sister would be coming home to.
Going to the bank Ben and Johnny were greeted by the bank manager who explained that Reed had come alone and signed over the deed to the Baxter building. "He was alright." The manager explained, "He was saying that he was going to take off for awhile and take some time to think."
Ben nodded briefly to the manager and they quickly left. Walking back home Johnny finally spoke, "I don't think that I can ever forgive him for this." He muttered.
Ben tried to say something in defense of his friend but stopped as his thoughts turned to Alicia. He could never walk away from her, cold feet nothing…She was his heart. A cold pit in his stomach as he tried to imagine life without Alicia and the feeling of emptiness intensified, "I know the feeling kid." He said softly.
Sue came in early and happily headed up to her and Reed's home. The conference had gone wonderful except for that rogue taxi. She was looking forward to Reed's embrace. Johnny and Ben sat on the couch waiting for her, a grim look on both of their faces. "Something wrong, boys?" She asked, setting down her stuff and taking a step towards them.
Ben glanced at Johnny who stepped forward, black shades pulled over his eyes as he embraced his sister. "Um, Sue I think that you need to set down." He started gently.
Sue cried for two days after they told her. The Baxter building turned into a dark and silent place as both Johnny and Ben tried to consol Sue.
Weeks passed and Sue got better with the help of the rest of the family. Alicia moved in with Ben mostly to help and give Sue help. They got better together and learned to regroup.
Reed shuttered against the dirt wall as cold crept up his spine, his body weak and his strength leaving him quickly he knew that he wouldn't last very much longer. The cell was just dirt well dug deeper into the ground than most and with much less room at the bottom. Reed reached out and felt the other side of his prison a mere five feet away. He had always been a little claustrophobic from a young age and this confinement wasn't helping. Leaning back against the dirt he closed his eyes and tried to remember home trying to get his heart from pounding out of his chest at the confined space. The sound of Sue's voice as she came home, Johnny's laughter as he teased Ben. The metal collar around his neck prevented him from stretching out and just escaping, Victor had laughed as he watched Reed lay helpless on the ground before him. He had been captive for over a month and his reserves were draining away quickly. Looking up at the night sky wishing he could see his family one last time before he died.
One Month later:
Johnny headed out of the Baxter building into the sun light; he was feeling happy for once. Sue was getting better and even dating again, although the men were few that would go out with a super hero. She seemed to be getting over Reed okay and that pleased Johnny. Walking around the corner to the parking garage he noticed a group of military standing around his car. A bad feeling crept up his spine as he kept walking oblivious to the fact that they had all turned and were now staring at him. "Can I help you?" Johnny asked looking over their faces.
An older gentleman stepped forward, his face hard as he looked over Johnny, "I am assuming your Johnny Storm?" The man asked, "Would you happen to know the whereabouts of a Mr. Reed Richards if you please."
The name alone set Johnny's blood on fire as he coolly smiled at the general, "I'm afraid he isn't here…Hasn't been with us for two months now and we don't care to know for that matter." He explained trying to move past them to get to his car.
"We know that he is in grave danger and need your help." The general persisted stepping in front of Johnny.
Johnny looked up at the man, "Yeah, if my sister ever gets a hold of him I'm sure she will kill him…But I think you have to wait until then to arrest her." Johnny said easily.
"Not Sue Mr. Storm…I'm talking about Von Doom." The general explained.
Johnny stopped, "Von Doom is gone…" He protested, "We sent him packing." But the general shook his head, "Three days ago nuclear weapons were stolen from our base in Richland…We have tapes of Reed being controlled by Von Doom if you don't believe me."
Making sure Sue was out of the house the general and his attaché were ushered into the living room. "Make this fast." Johnny demanded. The general placed the DVD into the player.
Instantly the screen was filled with Reed using his abilities to slid through doors and made his way through the base. "I don't see Victor." Johnny said, turning to the general.
"Just wait." And within moments Von Doom appeared larger than life following Reed as they walked through the base towards the nuclear weapons. "We believe that Reed is being controlled because of this." The room opened up to the housing site for the bombs. Reed hesitated looking pale and out of breath, he glanced at Victor before shaking his head. It was clear that Reed refused because Victor quickly zapped him and continued to fry him for a good minute or so. They were battling and Reed was losing, he kept shaking his head as Victor screamed at him to do something. "This continues until Victor…" The general said stopping the video.
Johnny looked up at him, "Until what?" A lump had formed in his throat at the thought of Reed being controlled by Victor. Even angry at Reed, Johnny knew the kind of pain Victor could inflict on someone.
The general hesitated, "It looks like…Reed fought until Victor beat him and took the nuclear bombs and Reed back to his hideout. I stopped the tape because it's…violent." Johnny took a moment to digest the information and slowly nodded his thanks he didn't think that he could see that violence, "So, any idea where this might be, the hideout?"
The general shook his head, "I was hoping that you might have some clue…Victor was a powerful man and was able to make his money disappear…I believe he has false hideouts and such to ensure his protection. I was hoping to have the help from the fantastic four."
Johnny hesitated, even if Victor had Reed who was to say that he wasn't caught until after he abandoned his sister. He was supposed to be the leader and here he was running away. "I'll help you…I can convince Ben too…But my sister stays out of this."
Ben was quickly called and the situation explained, as he watched the video Ben felt a cold chill as the general stopped the tape, "Its better if you don't see the rest." He explained.
"So, you need our help to find Von Doom?" Ben asked, staring at the still picture on the screen.
"We think that he is holding Mr. Richards hostage either two places…We can't get in or I was hoping that you might just have better luck." The general explained.
Ben nodded, mulling over the information. "Johnny, what do you say?"
"I don't know big guy…I have a hard time with all of this where my sister is concerned." Johnny explained. Ben accepted this with a nod.
After a moment Ben turned to the general, "I'm very sorry general…I understand but loyalty to Sue is more important. Reed has made a decision to leave us and we will stand by his decision and not interfere."
The general nodded his face falling. Turning to his attaché he dismissed them and then walked over to Johnny and Ben, "Thank you for your time…I won't be bothering you again." He said quietly.
Reed lay on the floor, blood pouring from multiple wounds as they seeped into the dirt floor. He had betrayed them, and didn't expect them to come. They were fiercely loyal to Sue and he was too otherwise he wouldn't be in this situation. The whip marks were bleeding the worst, and he had to roll on his abused stomach to ensure that dirt didn't infect his back. Victor had built a chain that attached to his neck collar held his wrists at his ribs. Holding them now overhead he was able to get into a less uncomfortable spot on the floor. Victor had crowed over the fact that nobody was coming to rescue him, kicking him and hurting him without measure. Reed had known this was coming and prepared for it, accepting the blows as a sort of punishment himself. "I rule the world now Reed…You are just my lap dog." Victor explained, forcing Reed to prostrate in front of him. The nuclear weapons were just a start to Victor's war, and if Reed could manage to stop him from the inside he might just buy people enough time to stop Victor, however it would mean his death. Leaning into the floor Reed closed his eyes and let his blood pour into the ground thinking that soon he wouldn't know the feel of the Earth again. The night air cooled him and with just pants on it caused him to shiver and cough.
Sue knew that Ben and Johnny were hiding something, and she was determined to find out what it was. For days they had been walking on eggshells, watching her come and go. Normally Sue would ignore it however it was Alicia that finally told them to knock it off. "Ben, if you don't tell me I swear I will hurt you…"She said angrily storming into the living room. Ben glanced at Johnny and Sue threw a telepathic wall at Ben knocking him to the ground. "I want answers the both of you!"
Johnny came forward helping Ben to his feet. "Victor has stolen some nuclear weapons and the government needed our help with finding them." He said shortly. "They think…" Glancing at Ben he noticed Sue was preparing for another blast. Holding up his hands he ward it off, "That Reed was involved…"
Sue's eyes went hard at the mention of Reed's name as she stared down the two men in front of her, "Why would they think that Reed was involved?" She asked.
Ben came forward this time, "Because Sue, they have a tape of Reed being controlled by Victor…"
Sue's mouth opened and closed as she tried to digest this information he head hurting with a headache as she fought for more answers, "So, how long have you known about this?" She demanded.
"Two weeks." Johnny confessed.
Sue couldn't believe her ears, "You kept this a secret?!" She screeched. "I am not somebody who needs to be protected by the likes of you!"
Ben stepped forward, "Suzie please…" But Sue lashed out and hit Ben on the head. Shaking it off he tried again, "He hurt you Sue…He hurt everyone by what he did to you! I can't see you do that again!" He barked fury in his voice.
Sue stopped with her assault and stared at them, realizing that he had hurt them as well. Alicia stepped forward stepping carefully into the living room and sought Ben. Finding him she placed her hand on his heart and turned to Sue, "Listen to me Sue, we all hurt with what Reed did…But you need to get him back and then you can throw things at him…Right now, he needs you." She spoke softly.
Realizing that she was right Sue nodded, "Fine, let's get this done."
Heading to the Northwest Sue, Ben and Johnny realized that this was their first battle without Reed. A sense of dread filled the cockpit as they piled into the plane. Ben hesitated giving Alicia one last passionate kiss before sliding in behind Johnny. "Alright, let's get this show on the road." He muttered.
"They are coming Reed. You have failed in your plans and now I will get to kill all of the Fantastic Four." Victor laughed, watching Reed helpless on the ground writhing in pain. "It's a pity though; I had enough good times with you."
Reed managed to lift his head; the room began to swim and his sight blurred, "You…promised." He coughed, laying his head on the cool concrete.
"Yes, I did…But well Reed…I'm a bad guy…I promise a lot of things and then go back on my word." Victor laughed, "You really are naive."
Ben asked, looking around the compound. The forest around them was completely silent. "Anyone feel like this is way too easy?"
Sue nodded, keeping her eyes peeled for danger. Johnny kept an eye on his family as they walked through the abandoned compound. "Listen, do you hear something?" Sue asked, stopping.
Ben and Johnny looked at each other, "Yeah, its coming from over here." Ben said finally. Walking into a large storage room a dark figure lay on the ground barely moving. Sue started towards it but was stopped by Ben, "This is too easy, remember Sue." He whispered.
Sue nodded, "We still have to know." She whispered back, pushing Ben's arm away and heading for the figure. Sue leaned down and brushed back the black hair from the figure. To her horror she discovered it was Reed. "Reed! Oh God, its Reed!" Sue called, turning him onto his back. Reed groaned but otherwise remained unconscious.
"He's hurt bad Sue…"Johnny breathed, looking down at the assortment of cuts and bruises that lay on Reed's body.
Sue felt for a pulse and finding one took a deep shuttering breath, "He's alive…We have to get him out of here now."
"That won't be necessary…" A voice called from the shadows. Everyone turned to face Victor sitting before them looking regal. "I believe that Reed needs his beauty sleep." He joked.
Reed had been almost unconscious, but at the sound of Sue's voice fought back the darkness and opened his eyes. Sue knelt beside him, not facing him but Doom and Reed breathed in her sight. His eyes started to roll back, and the edges of his vision began to blur. Reed fought harder to stay awake, grabbing a hold of Sue's arm to help him sit up. Sue jumped when she felt the hand but quickly felt relief when she realized it was Reed. "Help me up…"He whispered, his voice ragged with pain.
Shaking her head she tried to keep him laying down, his eyes were clear and then glazed. "Reed, your hurt…You need to lie still." She whispered pushing against him. Reed shook his head, "I…Stand…with…you." He said finally, gasping.
Sue hesitated, knowing that he was in pain and probably not in the best shape to fight, but the look of determination crossed his face and she knew that she was beat. Grabbing a hold of his arm she gently pulled him to his feet. Ben and Johnny both stood at his sides, Sue stood in front of him. Reed stared down at Victor, "You lose Vic." He said softly, standing and pulling away from Sue.
Victor laughed, "Always the optimist huh Reed?"
Reed felt pain shudder through his body as he stood with his team. "I'm sorry guys…I couldn't tell you…" He said to his family, "I couldn't think of anything else to do."
Johnny watched Reed grow even paler as he fought to stand with his family. A fine sheen of sweat covered his brow and his arms trembled. Taking a step closer he put a hand out to Reed, "We will deal with you later….I think now we just need to get you home."
Reed shook his head, "Victor has to be stopped…He has nukes…" He panted, still trying to keep upright.
Ben and Johnny nodded, "Alright, then we do this as a team." Ben said, looking at Reed's face.
Reed nodded understanding that he was leading them for maybe the last time.
"Oh look the Fantastic Four!" Victor laughed watching them regroup and face him down. Shooting electricity from his hands Victor managed to knock Reed to the ground as Ben and Johnny ducked out of the way and Sue disappeared. "One down three left."
Johnny tried a frontal assault and kept Victor's attention on him as Ben raced up behind him to knock him to the ground. Sue managed to throw up a containment force field around Victor. "Kid, let's get hot!" Ben yelled to Johnny.
Victor turned to Johnny as he started to flame on; raising his hand he knocked Ben out of the way and then aimed for Johnny. Suddenly Reed was on his feet racing towards Victor and tackling him to the ground before he could aim. Punching him in the face Reed subdued him for a moment before Victor threw Reed with a lightning bolt of electricity against the wall. "You will learn Reed!" As he held him against the wall burning him the rest of the team regrouped.
Reed cried out and struggled to escape, lights exploding behind his eyes as all he could feel was the pain.
Ben jumped to his feet and sprinted up to Victor's back knocking him to the ground. Reed slid down the wall and lay still.
"That wasn't nice!" Victor hissed, deciding to cut his losses he turned and ran down the hall.
Johnny and Ben started to go after him but Sue's cry stopped them. "Johnny, he's not breathing!" She cried, feeling for a pulse but finding none she started compressions.
Ben looked at Johnny, "We will fight him another day…Now we have to help Reed." He said softly turning back to his wounded teammate.
Johnny took over compressions as Sue breathed for him and for tense moments it seemed like it wasn't working. Tears slowly slid down Sue's face as she continued to breath, "Please Reed….Please!" She cried softly. Johnny stepped up the compressions, his mind blank as he moved on instinct.
Finally after moments that seemed like hours Reed's body jerked and gasped for air. Startled, the trio sat back and watched Reed struggle to breath for a few seconds. "Ben, you think you can carry him?" Johnny asked, "We need to get him to a hospital. Sue, come on!" He ordered, pulling Sue to her feet.
Ben grabbed Reed and headed for the flyer, with the others in tow. As they lifted off Johnny took over watching Reed as Ben piloted to the nearest hospital. Sue remained still as she held onto Reed's slim body.
For two days Reed was in intensive care unit, a tube down his throat to help him breathe while his ribs and the internal damage was healing. "It looks like an array of torture was used on him…I am hoping for a good prognosis but…The cardiologist says that his heart was most likely permanently damaged." The doctor explained, "He will have a long recovery but will never fully heal and he will not be able to be part of the Fantastic four again."
Sue held her breath at that; Reed was the leader…How the Fantastic Four could ever continue without him. Johnny felt the world shift and sat down in one of the waiting chairs. Ben felt the tears trickle down his cheeks as he looked away from the doctor. Reed was never going to fight with them again. The stunned news got worse when the doctors told them about the collar Doom was using to control Reed. "It can't be removed…At least not by anyone here…It has a built in mechanism that will kill Reed if they try to remove it. For now, he's powerless."
Days passed, and Sue kept a steady watch on Reed as he recovered. The breathing tube was removed several days after and his color returned each day. Ben and Johnny flew home to pack some things for Sue and to have a moment to talk. Arriving at the Baxter Building they sat down in the living room and stared out the window, silently.
"This feels weird…Not having Reed anymore." Johnny started, "He, he means a lot to me and I can't imagine…"
"He will be fine…He will get better. Reed is a lot tougher than he looks son." Ben comforted, "I don't think that it will be as bad as what the doctor's say."
Within a week Reed awoke, still groggy from the drugs and looked around. Sue had curled up with a blanket on a chair in front of the window. Dawn was just creeping over the distant mountains and the sky was a crystal blue. It took Reed's breath away and he watched her until a nurse came in. She started to talk but Reed shook his head, "Please don't wake her up." He whispered his voice harsh. The nurse nodded and took his vitals and then walked away.
Ben stood in the doorway, watching Reed watch Sue and smiled smugly to himself. They pretended to not need each other, and sometimes they fought like cats and dogs….however, Reed was forever in love with Sue. The moment lasted for about 15 minutes before Ben noticed that Reed was struggling to keep his eyes open. Fighting hard Reed tried to hold onto the moment but in the end his ravaged body won and he slowly sunk back into the darkness. Ben shook his head, watching Reed fight every step of the way and knew that no matter what he would still is the leader of the group. Sue woke up and looked around, her eyes blurred from sleep, "Ben?" She asked, pulling the blanket off her body.
Ben just smiled, "Its okay Sue…He woke up for a minute but fell back asleep." He explained.
Weeks passed and with it Reed's recovery. As soon as Reed was able he started physical therapy. It was painful to watch Reed struggle to move his limbs, and helplessly they watched the same fire of determination hold Reed through some of the worst moments. When the doctors finally released Reed a month had passed, and he was still very weak.
Back at the Baxter Building Reed's lab had been downsized in order for the physical therapy equipment to be move in. Every day Reed worked with his physical therapist and Sue watched as he slowly regained his life. Walking was the most challenging and Reed being stubborn and bullheaded pushed to get out of the wheelchair. Ben fought with Reed to take it easy, "Listen, you just got out of the hospital…Your still incredibly weak." Ben reasoned.
Reed looked up from his wheelchair, his dark eyes flashing with anger, "No, I can do this…I have to do this." He yelled.
"Give yourself time your just getting your strength back…" Ben tried, but Reed shook his head.
"I don't want to be here! I don't want this….I don't want anyone to have to cut my damn food or help me shower! I have had enough." Reed yelled hitting his armrests hard.
Ben nodded, silent in understanding. He would rather someone have pulled the plug than let him waste away in a wheelchair. Even Johnny came to help with some of the training, and Reed pushed his anger down at the thought of someone else helping him with everyday chores.
Tension was high as they sat at the dinner table with Reed parked at the head of the table. Exhausted from pushing himself through physical therapy he looked over the meal and grimaced. Everything on the table was something he would have to cut, grabbing his fork and knife he gently started into his first task. All eyes fell on his attempts to cut the chicken, to him even the light utensils felt like lead weights. "This looks delicious Sue." He said smiling putting on false bravo to make it through dinner.
Sue looked up guiltily, she hadn't thought about what she was cooking only that she was cooking. "I'm sorry Reed…I'll cut that for you." She started.
"No! No, I want you to enjoy your dinner…I can do this." He said confidently, still struggling to cut his meat.
Sue started to move, "NO!" Reed yelled not looking up at Sue, "I WILL NOT BE HELPED!" He shouted, focusing on the trying to get the knife to saw into the chicken. Johnny looked down at his plate, a lump of emotion had formed and he had to focus on something else. Sue stopped, frozen halfway out of her seat her face blank. Ben reached over and pulled Sue back into her seat, "Fine Reed…You have this." He said softly, grabbing his utensils he started into his meal motioning for Sue and Johnny to do the same.
Reed had made progress, slowly he began to cut his chicken and then with trembling effort raise that piece to his mouth. Dinner was quiet that evening and as soon as the dishes were done Sue went to talk to Reed on the balcony. The cool breeze touched Sue's face and instantly she worried, "Reed, its getting cold out here….Maybe you should come inside."
Reed had his back to her, staring out into the city lights. "No."
Sue walked over and knelt beside him, "Would you like if I brought you a jacket?" She asked hopefully.
Reed said nothing for a minute and then turned to her, "No more Sue."
Frowning, Sue looked at Reed's haggard face, "Are you tired?"
"Sue, I can't marry you…And I can't be here….Not like this." Reed began, looking back at the city, "I am no longer the man you loved…I don't want you to marry me because I'm a cripple."
Sue felt tears prickle at her eyes and moved so that he was now looking at her, "I'm marrying you because I love you….You are the man you were…" She said defiantly.
Reed shook his head, "I don't want you to have to deal with my heart and my body…I can't imagine anyone wanting to do this…more or less you." He protested, "I am backing down…I won't let you spend the rest of your life looking after me like some child."
Sue shook her head in confusion, "So the part in the vows that says "In sickness and health" doesn't apply to you? The great Reed Richards?" She spat, feeling the bubble of anger burst.
Reed turned, "No! That should be for when were old and have had our children…Not now, I'm no good to you now!" Slapping the wheelchair again he looked at her, "Come on…You three are the face of the fantastic four….and I'm some cripple that has to watch you from the sidelines."
"So it's because we get to go out and risk our lives that you're leaving me? Fine, I quit…I can get a normal job and be a normal person." She explained.
Reed winced, "Sue, please…I can't…"
"Fine, you have had enough so have I…Get your own damn ass into bed!" She spat and walked away.
Reed sighed, feeling tired just from a small yelling match with Sue. He would never be the same man; the doctors had told him that. He would never be part of the fantastic four…Victor had won he had defeated him. Rolling his chair back inside and made it to his room and stopped. Sue was probably asleep, and he didn't want to wake her up if he came in and tried to get into bed. Deciding it was best if he slept in his chair he rolled himself into the living room and reached for a blanket.
"You'll be sorry." A voice called, startling Reed. Looking around the dark room he spotted Alicia sitting in one of the chairs. "Do you know how stiff you will be in the morning if you do that?" She asked quietly.
Reed felt a bubble of anger, "I don't want to wake Sue up…" He said angrily.
Alicia just peered at him, "Reed, what are you angry about?" She asked gently,
Stopping Reed for a moment.
"I just want to be normal again…" He said wearily, "I want to go back in time and…" Hesitating he looked up at Alicia.
"You know you haven't talked about what happened with anyone…" She asked. Listening to Reed's breathing increase she had her answer, "Because you're scared it will happen again…Or that they won't understand?"
Reed wheeled closer to Alicia, "I don't want either to happen…I'm afraid that if I tell someone that they might just not understand….."
"You are carrying all this anger…but it isn't at anyone here. Your family is just trying to help and you are punishing us because you want it to be Doom." Alicia guessed. "If he were here now you would want to kill him for what he took away from you. Tell me how it happened Reed, I promise it won't go any further than me unless you want it too."
Reed stared dejectedly out the windows, town alive with lights and sounds with life, while he sat up here a cripple. "Remember when you guys left…I woke up one evening and Doom was sitting right there leaning over me…I, I was so scared that I couldn't move at first and then I couldn't move because he had me pinned. He had placed a metal collar around my neck…" He continued to tell her the rest, leaving nothing out. It took several hours and Alicia had cried when told about the torture. Morning had started to rise over the tops of the buildings when he finished and Alicia sat still listening.
Afterward Alicia was quiet, and the heart that pounded in Reed's chest sounded like he had ran three miles. Swallowing hard he turned to her, "I don't know if you understand…but, I did this for love. I did this for my family and if I had to go back in time I would do it again…Doom hates me, and I am fine with that focused on just me." He explained quietly.
Alicia nodded, quiet for a minute, and then spoke, "But what about your family…What do they get?" Confused Reed looked sharply at her, "I don't…understand?"
"By doing this you are refusing there ability to help you…They can't stand up for you because you are dealing with this…They don't have any recourse except to sit idly by….And let me tell you Ben doesn't do that well and neither do I. You are my family now and I love you all. If I can't help you, then I feel helpless."
Reed thought about that for a minute, he had denied them any recourse for action and forced them to just sit and watch. "I guess…I hadn't thought about that."
Alicia smiled to herself, "The great Reed Richards?" She said gently, "I understand that I'm new to this family…But you have to let them in…To heal yourself you need them."
Nodding Reed looked up at Alicia, "Thank You for being here and being part of this family."
Alicia smiled, "Go to bed Reed, tomorrow you will have an opportunity to tell them."
Reed managed a few hours of sleep, his mind still mulling over what Alicia had spoken of. The next morning the breakfast table was silent, Reed fought to eat and continued to struggle. Alicia and Ben talked quietly about their plans for the day, trying to ignore Reed's struggle. Alicia finally sighed, "Reed, would you like some help?" The whole table paused, and Reed started to say no. Alicia sat quietly listening to Reed breath, and knew that he was debating.
Finally Reed relented, "Um, yeah…I think that I do." He said quietly. Johnny glanced at Sue and then stood and moved over to Reed's plate eager to help. "If you can cut up the meat I can take it from there."
Johnny quickly cut up the meat and pushed the plate back to Reed who smiled gratefully, "Thanks." Sue smiled feeling a sense of relief that the tension in the house was disappearing.
In the middle of a bite Reed looked up and cleared his throat, "I would…like to talk to you….about some things." He bushed, "I just, I need to tell you what happened and why…To make sense to me and to make you understand."
TBC…..