Amara started to come around after what seemed a few hours after the battle. First to return was her hearing. She could hear Johnny arguing with Reed but she couldn't make out what the argument was about. Slowly her sight came back. She opened her eyes and blinked a few times, trying to get used to the bright lights if the infirmary.
"And where were you, Mr Fantastic?" Johnny asked spitefully. "I didn't see you rushing over to help your darling cousin!"
"Johnny we've been through this," Sue replied calmly. "No one could have seen it coming. It happened to quickly." Amara watched as Johnny shook his head and sat down heavily on the seat next to her bed. She looked around at Reed, who looked defeated, and at Sue who looked worried. She slowly sat up and winced, all her muscles felt like they were on fire.
"Amara, you're awake!" Johnny said happily, his face lit up. Reed immediately went to her side.
"Do you feel sick or dizzy?" He asked. Amara shook her head and regretted it instantly.
"No, but ever time I move I get sharp pains in my muscles. They feel like they're on fire." She replied. Reed nodded and put the back of his hand on her forehead.
"Well you don't have a temperature. Try using your telekinesis." Amara focused on a nearby pillow and tried to move it with her mind.
"Ahh!" She said. Her skull felt as if it was cracking open. She put her head in her hands and sat there not moving.
"Amara, what's wrong?" Johnny asked, sounding concerned. Amara lifted her head up and Johnny felt his heart breaking. She was crying.
"It hurt;" She replied weakly. "It felt like my brain was on fire."
"That must be the intent of the dart, to immobilize not only your muscles, but your powers. Sue, can you help me run some tests?" Sue nodded and followed her fiancé out of the room.
"Lets just hope the Masks, or even Doom, attack before you can use your powers." Ben said from by the door.
"What do you mean?" Johnny asked.
"Well as far as I can tell Amara is the only one who has a chance against the Masks, they seem to be immune to our powers. They can block my punches, avoid Reed, repel your flame attacks and Sue's force field goes through them. I'm guessing that Doom didn't expect Amara when he built the Masks. Now he knows Amara can beat his followers, and protect us, he must want to get rid of her." Ben explained.
"I think he needs her." Johnny replied thoughtfully. "The dart knocked you out, and now it's preventing you from moving or using your powers. It didn't kill you." Amara opened her mouth to disagree, but her words fell unformed. It all made perfect sense to her. Doom killed HER parents. Not directly but he ordered it. The Masks said they were looking for HER in the mall. And they threw darts at HER every time they fought.
"I suppose…" She started. "But why me? I'm not special. Just 'cos he didn't expect me to have powers. I'm less powerful than all of you. Why would he want me?"
"Well I can think of a few reasons…" Johnny said, trying to lighten the mood. Ben shot him a look.
"We need to find that out, soon." Ben replied. "But let's assume it's not for a good reason."
"No surprise there." Amara said.
"You need to get some rest Amara. Get your strength back up. I will need to run some tests in an hour or so. Just to find out the extent of the dart virus." Reed said, as he walked back into the room. Amara nodded slightly and smiled as Johnny kissed her head lightly. "Johnny I need you to go to Dooms office. There may be clues as to what he wants with Amara." Johnny mock saluted and strode out of the infirmary. "Ben, if you can guard the building for a bit, just until Amara's powers are back." Ben nodded and walked out. "Sue will stay with you while I test your blood work."
"Ok," Amara replied shortly. She watched Reed walk out and after a few minutes Sue walk in.
"How are you really feeling?" Sue asked her.
"I feel exhausted and drained, but physically I'm ok, as long as I don't move." Amara replied honestly.
"I still can't believe the same man I fell in love with all those years ago is causing so much havoc." Sue said and Amara could see the pain in her eyes.
"Susie, Doom isn't the man you fell in love with. Victor is. Yes he was power mad back then, but now he is tainted by his power. I think it drove him crazy; it's twisted his views on what's right and wrong. Please don't blame yourself, you couldn't have foreseen this, let alone prevent it." Amara replied, she knew her words were blunt, but she felt Sue needed to hear them.
"I guess you're right," Sue replied slowly. "Thanks 'Mara. I guess I should let you rest, Reed will kill me otherwise." She hugged Amara and left the room after saying she would be back soon.