Tests and Promises by kasey5782
"Warren…Son get up". Warren Worthington the Third heard his father's voice through the fog of the painkillers he had been on since that horrible night in the bathroom.
"Dad? What's going on?" Warren mumbled half asleep.
"I've arranged for some people to look at your back. Hurry up and take a shower" explained the elder Worthington.
"PEOPLE!? What people?" shot up now wide awake.
"Don't worry. I've paid these men enough hush money to put their childrens' children through college. Everything will be alright. Trust me."
Though his father's words gave the twelve year old little comfort, Warren did as he was told regardless enduring the pain of a hot shower on his still raw back.
The rest of the morning was a blur. Getting dressed, getting in the limo, greeting the scientists… all these things were done on autopilot. Next thing he was aware of, Warren was being stripped of his shirt, shoes and socks and laid on his stomach on an examination table. Warren faught to remain calm as he was surrounded by scientists poking at his tender back with cold hands and colder instruments.
"Dad?!" called Warren as he tried to sit up.
"Shhh…It's alright son" his father told him. "Just calm down and let the doctors do what they need to do."
Warren tried not to hyperventilate as he was gently pushed back down to lay flat and took comfort in the feel of his father stroking his hair. The day seemed to go on and on as Warren was forced to endure endless poking and prodding to his tender back, x-rays, vision tests, lung capacity tests…the list went on and on.
"Well Mr. Worthington, it seems your son's mutation goes beyond just the wings. His eyes…his lungs…bones…his entire body is adapted for flight and probably has been since birth. We're simply seeing his mutation reaching its final stage" said one of the scientists in aww as Warren Worthington Jr. was helping his son into his shirt.
Warren looked at the floor as his father and the scientists continued to talk about him like he wasn't even in the room. He started violently as his father's hand came to rest upon his shoulder.
"Thank you gentlemen. I'm sure you understand the need to keep this confidential. You've already been warned about what will happen if you don't. Come along Warren."
The young man had no doubt his father would destroy these men if they blabbed and allowed himself to be led back to the limo. He couldn't wait to get back home where it was safe. He had heard about what people did to mutants and couldn't help but be frightened despite his father's reassurances.
"Are you alright Warren?" asked his father and Warren couldn't think of anything to say so he just shrugged. "I swear I'm going to find a way to help you. I've already discussed it with the doctors. As the wings grow, we'll keep them tied down as flat as we can until I can find a way to cure you. Do you understand what I'm saying? Everything is going to be okay."
Warren just shrugged. He wanted to believe his father. He really did but as he continued to stare at the sky, he secretly wondered what it would be like to soar among the clouds. He silently vowed to try it atleast once when his wings grew to their full span. He felt conflicted about his "condition", as his father had put it, but knew there was no stopping his father once his mind was stuck on an idea. He just hoped the elder Worthington wouldn't take this "cure" too far.