Part VIII: Corynorhinus (Finale)
(STARK LABS - Upper Manhattan - 11:00PM):
"Do you think we'll see anything tonight?" Iron Man, the armored alter ego of Tony Stark, asked as he peered at the star filled sky through the telescope of his observation. There had been reports of a meteor shower falling over Earth earlier and he didn't want to miss it.
Captain America strolled over to his friend with a perplexed expression. Why was Tony even concerned about something like a meteor shower? "Have any reports on New York?" The Captain said, changing the subject. Iron Man looked away from his telescope with an exasperated sigh following after him. "No. Wasp hasn't checked in since that freak storm cloud started up.
Nothing from the X-men or Archangel. Don't worry about it," Iron Man said dryly. Captain America had half the sense to knock Stark over the head with his recently polished shield, but the memory of their last "dispute" hung heavy in his mind. "How can you say 'don't worry about it' Stark? Ten civilians are dead along with more injured than I can count!"
Iron Man finally took his attention completely off the sky and focused on the Captain. "That's true, but worrying over something out of your control isn't going to help. We helped those we could, that's all we can do. We'll find who or whatever caused this and deal with it. Until then, wait for reconnaissance to return. Stop bothering me," The man folded his arms across his chest.
Captain American wanted to protest but he knew Iron Man was right in the end. There was point in worrying over something that wasn't in his control. A thunderous boom suddenly rang out in the sky above them. Iron Man and Captain America rushed over to the edge of the observation deck; The night sky was illuminated with a dizzying mixture of colors, both men stared at each other wearily.
The storm cloud must've started back up. "Alert anyone in range. I'm going to go check it out," Without waiting for an answer Iron Man took the sky. "Damn it, Stark, get back here!" The Captain cried. Iron Man did not respond. Cursing, Captain America took off toward the communication room.
Iron Man watched wearily as the sky began to warp. "Uh-oh," Iron Man muttered. The Fantasticar and the alien bird broke materialized through the portal they created. Iron Man watched as the two objects plummeted faster and faster out of the sky until the two collided with the ground, destroying several buildings in the process. Of course they didn't stop there, it slid across the ground like an airplane without proper breaks.
Iron Man flew after the giant creature as fast he could, his jets on maximum. He had to stop that thing before anyone else was harmed or left dead in its wake. Once he caught up with the creature he threw himself in front of it. His hands pressed against the nose of the invader, all off his thrusters were now on reverse trying to kill the momentum of the invader. "ARRGGH!" For lack of a better word it was harder than it looked. Iron Man saw no change in speed and a intersection was coming up fast on them. There was nothing he could do.
Iron Man kept his thrusters on reverse but lost off hope of preventing an even bigger disaster when his back hit an invisible wall. Iron Man cried out in pain falling to the ground, the bird creature's structure was crushed from the sudden stop. Reactivating his thrusters Iron Man pulled himself out of the fall and shot up above the chaos. He had half-expected the Invisible Woman to be hovering above him. Instead he spotted Jean Grey, her hands outstretched using her telekinesis. "Sorry for the late arrival. Traffic was a killer," She joked.
Iron Man simply shook his head glad for any help at all. Once the invader was unmoving Jean lowered her shields. Like clockwork, the Avengers and the X-Men arrived on the scene in the Blackbird. The jet landed in front of the fallen creature. Iron Man landed next to Jean with a sigh, his body ached worse than when he had a heart attack. "Got idea what this is?" He asked. Jean shook her head whipping the sweat from her face.
"No. This thing has no conscious, but I sensed another entity. Those rookies are inside too," Jean answered. Iron Man was clueless for a moment by what Grey meant by 'rookies' then it dawned on him who she meant.
"You don't mean - the Fantastic Four? Who came up with that name," Iron Man said, astonished. Jean nodded her head as her and Iron Man's teammates unloaded from the jet. "Yes, them. But there's one missing. Reed Richards," She said quietly turning to face metallic warrior. "Their leader? Can you sense him anywhere in New York?" Iron Man inquired. He grabbed the woman by the waist and began to descend toward the others.
Jean smiled in spite of herself. "I'd have to use cerbrebro for kind of search," Grey retorted humorously. "Fist thing's first. Let's take care of this mess then look for Dr. Richards."
The task of cleaning up the upper Manhattan side was no easy task as they knew before they started. It took about half an hour to cut through the thick hide of the bird-creature (with the use of Cyclops and Iron Man alike) to get Benjamin Grimm, Sue and Johnny Storm out their crushed flying vehicle. They were mostly unharmed from the crash itself thanks to Sue's shield, just shaken and bruised from being tossed about like rag dolls in their vessel. Naturally, Cyclops was questioned by Susan for the whereabouts of Reed.
Cyclops or the anyone else for that matter, couldn't give her the answer she was looking for. Jean assured the younger woman that they would look for him as soon as this mess was dealt with. "There's no point getting worked up until we know what's happened to him," Jean said (ignoring the winks from Johnny). Susan ignored the woman's last comment and wanted to leave. The X-men had no qualms over their leaving, however, they were stopped by an armed men under the command of S.H.I.E.L.D.
They had more than a few problems with S.H.I.E.L.D. upon their arrival. They wanted and did take Annihilus, his followers and into their vessel custody. Fury did so but not without complaint from Cyclops. Captain America had a minor problem with Fury's team just taking the invaders without a proper explanation as to why they even bothered to help them out now. They didn't seem too concerned when New York City was attacked by storm cloud and people were being killed by lightening or vanishing into thing air; According to the Wasp who had been transported to the Bronx area whilst in Manhattan.
Beast explained that there was probably a time-fluxuation in the space-time continuum caused by the storm cloud. Nick Fury (or "Patch-eyed" as Wolverine so aptly named him) explained their interference was on a need-to-know-basis and the lot of them would be informed when it was convenient. The Captain and Cyclops would've argued further but Storm separated the tiro before anything else could happen. They could do nothing but watch as Nick Fury's men took over the crash site. An hour later, Fury ordered the Avengers, X-men and Fantastic Four off the crash site on penalty of death if they refused to move.
"What a creep," Sue grumbled when the Blackbird was in the air. She watched her brother leaning in the chair on the left side of the jet behind Storm. She knew he was just trying to get the weather witch's attention like had tried with Dr. Grey. Storm ignored him by staring blankly the window. In the front Cyclops piloted the jet and Jean co-piloted. Wolverine sat in front of Ben who had been wedged in-between the chairs. "Yeah, well, that's the kind of people we've got working in the government," Ben chirped scratching his head.
"What do you think happened to good ol' Reed?" Johnny asked leaning forward in his chair. He gave a sniff of Storm's shoulder length hair. Storm gave off a warning, rasing her hand so that it was in front of the Human Torch's face. Her fingers crackled with electricity. Johnny leaned back in his chair quickly. Sue stared out the window beside her, the night sky above the city was illuminated by the stars, occasionally whips of clouds would pass her window. When Sue didn't answer, Johnny tried something else. "Maybe he got eaten by the bird thing. . .," He was promptly silenced by a force of Sue's offensive shield.
Johnny cried out as he pushed against the cool surface of the metallic wall and window. "Ow . . ," Johnny squeaked. Ben rolled his eyes, he rubbed his rocky eyelids with his fingers. He hoped they weren't going to do this the entire way to the Baxter Building. Jean turned her seat around to examine the silent blonde. "Susan, would you like to accompany us to Westchester or return to the Baxter Building?" Jean inquired softly. Susan turned head slowly to meet the telekinetic's green eyes. The expression on her face wasn't entirely a kind one, giving the impression that she was annoyed by the woman's presence. "The Baxter Building will be fine, thank you," Sue answered stiffly.
Jean nodded to Sue then nodded to her husband-to-be. Cyclops nodded back and steered the Blackbird in direction of B.B. Sue felt her stomach twist in knots when the jet gave a lurch, she forced back the bout of nausea that washed over her. "Just a little turbulence," Cyclops informed briefly. Johnny rolled his eyes uneasily as he grabbed the arms of his chair. Why did he get on this plane? He could've easily flown back to the Baxter Building! The trip back to the Baxter was a short one given the speed Cyclops was flying at in stealth mode. To Sue it was as though she closed her eyes and the next moment Cyclops was saying, "Destination reached. We're right above the Baxter Building."
Sue, Ben, and Johnny rose from their seats and proceeded down the stairs. Johnny actually flew down out of the jet glad to flaunt his power in front of Storm and Jean. Ben climbed some of the stairs then jumped, he landed on the roof with a small thud. Sue glanced at all the X-men. "Thanks for your help," She said. Jean sent a reassuring smile in the woman's direction. "We'll let you know if we find him. It shouldn't be long," Dr. Grey answered. Sue nodded, but not believingly. She hovered out of the jet down to the roof next to Ben.
Johnny came down a moment later as the Blackbird phased out of sight and the sound of its jets roaring off into the distance could be heard. Since lingered between the three teammates for the longest time. "Well - I'm glad to be out that hell hole. I dunno about you guys, but I'm seriously starving!" Johnny gave his sister a wack on the back. He ran off down the emergency exit stairs into the building. Sue gave a scoff.
"He's so simple-minded," She grumbled folding her arms across her chest. Ben shrugged his shoulders. "He takes after somebody," The Golem chuckled dryly, walking off. Sue lingered on the rooftop for a while longer, her blue-eyed gaze focused on the sky that seemed so far away now. Sue walked off the rooftop down into the building, trying to ignore the pain in her shoulder.
(Four weeks later):
Like most things there was little that surprised Reed Richards. He remembered he could say such things without hesitance and with confidence. Well, that was until the recent happenings to himself and the world. Ultimately caused by his own creation and curiosity. Sufficed to say, he was glad there was something in the world -or not of his world–- that surprised him. He just wished that the source of surprise wasn't linked to himself.
Reed stared down at his hands, he could see both of them now, no traces of his affliction in sight. Reed felt as though he should've been happy, but he wasn't. In fact he didn't feel anything. It was as if the nerves in his body died.
What did happen? He stared out into the distance, the environment was familiar to him. Alkali Lake, in Canada. Strange he would be in such a place since he had never actually traveled to Canada beyond a picture in the National Geographic. Staring down at himself, he realized he no longer wore his tattered uniform, but the clothing he had been wearing before he was torn away by the behemoth.
Blue dress shirt and jeans. Reed scratched his head in confusion, where was he anyway? Why was he so calm? Shouldn't he be panicking - over something? He moved slowly across the rocky terrain of the shore watching the water further out ripple in the wind. Reed walked a little further until he caught sight of the dam just across the lake, he found himself scratching his head again.
"Hmm? How do I get out of here?" He wondered aloud. The wind howled as though to answer question, there was no way Reed would understand blowing wind. He wasn't spiritually linked to the earth' or whatever those kind of people call themselves.
"Can't wake up?" Asked a voice. Reed turned abruptly startled. A woman with flaming red hair approached him dressed in a lab coat, a maroon turtleneck and matching knee length skirt. Her hair was pulled up in a pony tail and a pair of square glasses framed her face. Reed undoubtedly thought this was a figment of his imagination. After all she was skinnier than Sue and a had the look of a retired model about her; Defiantly the makings of a character he made up at thirteen years old. Folding his arms across his chest he stared her straight in the eye. "I'm not sure what you mean? 'Can't wake up'?" He repeated.
The redhead nodded her head in affirmative. She looked toward the dam with a perplexed expression then turned back Reed. "A result of strength not your own, your body ends up overcompensating and collapses. The planet disease," She said. Reed raised a single eyebrow in confusion. He figured he was unconscious from overtaxing his body.
But. . . "Planet disease? What's that?" He asked. Jean titled her head to the side smiling. "From what your other personality told me the Planet Disease is a defense of the Negative Zone. Its secondary defense in fact. I managed to eradicate the disease with a simple carbon dioxide supplement - Didn't he tell you this?" She asked.
Reed glared at the woman; Sure, Reed II had told him that whatever happened to him was a result of passing through the N-Zone, not that it was called Planet Disease. "I see," The woman's voice broke through his thoughts. "So he didn't tell you about that little detail." Reed stared at her through his narrowed gaze. Did she just read his thoughts or take his silence as 'no' to her question? He couldn't be sure, this was his mind -he thought- after all. "Where is Reed anyway?" Reed asked. Jean's eyes searched around the area as though she could actually spot the spiky orange haired teen.
"I'm not sure, I think he left soon after you became aware in your own mind. Oh!" The redhead's hand flew to her mouth her eyes widened behind her glasses. Reed sighed in dismay, he wished he could make this woman disappear.
"Where are my manners," She closed the distance between them and extended her hand. "My name is Jean Grey." Reed's eyebrows raised considerably this time. He blinked like a bewildered animal as he examined her from head to toe, Jean tried to contain her amusement as he did this. The mutant community's loudest voice against mutant registration. He shook her hand clumsily feeling like a giddy teenage boy. He didn't think Jean Grey was this pretty in person. Maybe its just my mind enhancing her beauty.
Jean raised her eyebrows this time. "I'm flattered by what you think of me, truly. However, I think we need to focus on waking you up," Jean said firmly, taking her hand out of his. Reed shoved his hands into his pants pockets his gaze shifting back to the lake surface. "So we're in my mind," He in more of a statement than a question. Jean nodded her head slowly almost apologetically he noticed. "You we bad shape when we found you. I was surprised really; With a body like yours, I assumed you'd be able to sustain minimal injuries depending on the nature of affliction," Jean said.
Reed shrugged his shoulders indifferently feeling mildly embarrassed. "Yeah, well, I'm still new to this body myself," He answered quietly. "Where did you find me exactly?" Jean blinked at his question. "Oddly enough in the Alkali Lake. Cerbrebro picked up two energy signatures but only found you," She explained briefly.
"Right now your below Charles Xavier's Mansion in the medical unit. I'm speaking to you through telepathy of course. You've been here for four weeks now since we found you." Reed nodded his head. Four weeks wasn't too bad a time of absence, he hoped Sue wasn't too angry with him. "And the others? How are they? How's Sue?" He asked eagerly. Jean raised a hand to silence him, her hand found its way to her forehead which she began to massage She had never been connected to a person for this long, the strain of her powers were began to get to her.
"Sue and the others are fine and back at the Baxter Building. They're worried about you. We haven't told them about you yet. I thought it would be best until we at least got you stable enough to get their hopes up," She said smiling.
"So I'm okay now?" Reed inquired. Jean nodded placing a hand on his shoulder. "Physically yes, you're the picture of recovering health. How do you feel mentally, emotionally?" Reed shrugged his shoulders, besides the shock of being in the presence of Jean Grey in his mind, Reed wasn't sure how he felt mentally or emotionally. He was unconscious, surely that counted for the lack of emotion he wasn't feeling. Jean seemed to understand and nodded her head. "Well, okay. I'll see if I can help along the process of your waking, but you have to do the rest yourself." Reed stared at her sideways. "The process is as simple as waking up from a nightmare or a dream," Jean simplified.
That sounded simple enough Reed thought shrugging her hand off his shoulder, he stepped away from Jean. He faced the lake. If they found him in that body of water maybe he could wake himself by going back in. Jean seemed to know what he was thinking and raised her hands so that they were facing the water. Reed grunted in surprise as a force very similar to Sue's shot past him impacting against the water. The water began to churn wildly, a moment later it parted to reveal the muddy ground. She was a regular female Moses.
Reed turned to steal a look at Jean who gestured to the lake with her green eyes. Reed was hesitant at first but took a step forward and soon began to walk until he reached the seabed, he sighed uneasily. In a normal dream things like being crushed wouldn't kill you, you'd just wake up.
But he was unconscious not dreaming, would the result be the same? He wondered. Jean watched Reed's tense back for a while wondering herself if what she was doing was the right way to wake him up. A second later she released the water from her physic hold, the water rushed up to meet Reed and swallowed him whole.
Jean Grey opened her eyes, she smiled at the metallic surfaces of the medical unit. The familiar beep of the heart monitor let her know her patient was still alive. She could feel his mind rouse back into consciousness, his hand was the first thing that moved. It pressed itself against his face proceeding to rub it. Jean decided to help along the waking process.
"Reed," It was the first time she called him by name. "Dr. Richards can you hear me?" Reed's eyes snapped open clearly dilated, he stared up at the red blur standing over him. He tired to swallow but his throat closed up, he coughed and pushed himself upright. His entire body exploded with pain that spread through his muscles. Reed gritted his teeth, he focused his attention on clearing his vision in spite of his pain. Jean stared down at the monitor, brain activity was erratic. She glanced at the man in beside her worriedly.
"Reed? Do you remember me?" She asked uneasily. Reed turned to meet her green eyed gaze, his face indicated he was confused for a moment. Soon his eyes blinked in recognition. "Jean - Dr. Jean Grey?" He said uncertainly. Jean smiled nodding her head. "Welcome back to the land of the living,"
Reed let out tired sigh, resting his chin against his chest. A stupid grin graced his chapped lips. He glanced at his arm, he could still see it like he had in the dream. The so-called Planet Disease was gone from his body. Reed relaxed as events of previous events came rushing back to him, he glanced at Jean again. She was busy removing the wires from his chest and arms. Did she actually hear what he thought about her. "About what I was thinking, miss Grey. . . ," Jean waved her at him. "Its all right. I get that kind of thing all the time Dr. Richards.
Their your thoughts; Technically I was invading your privacy by listening in on them," Jean said pushing her glasses up on her nose. Reed left little relieved by her words, he didn't feel as bad as would've if she were offended. Jean placed the wires aside and began to feel his skin. When she had first done this his skin was rough and peeling. According to her analysis of his blood, his system was deteriorating from long exposure to the disease and the Negative Zone's dying atmosphere. Now it was as soft as normal skin should be, not a trace of abnormality. This information was no easy task to retrieve— his skin refused to allow the needle to puncture it at first.
And a surgical blade didn't leave a mark when she tried to cut him. It took a little suggestive thought-probing to get his body to behave accordingly. She wondered why these kinds of symptoms didn't appear in the others since they ventured into the Negative-Zone as well. Reed swung his legs over the edge of the table and attempted to stand. He gripped the table at the first sign of weakness in his knees.
"Do you happen to have any normal clothes, I feel a little too exposed in just my boxers," Reed stated sheepishly. Jean looked toward the table across from her, Reed watched her brow crinkle as she concentrated on the object. A pair of pants and a gray hooded sweat jacket floated in his direction, Reed grabbed them out of the air. He sent a grateful smile in her direction, Jean bashfully gave him a smile in return. He pulled the pants over his legs careful not to fall over in the process, he slipped the jacket on last. Just as he opened his mouth to inquire about shoes, a pair of slippers floated over to him. Reed put them on and thanked Jean again.
She just waved it off unable to anymore of his thanks, he was a bit too polite, she noted. Reed watched her turn the medical machines off with her mind, while he did this he practiced taking small steps across the room. After she was done shutting down the machines Jean traveled over to the door where Reed was currently leaning against. "How are you feeling? Any dizziness, nausea?"
Reed shook his head stretching his hand past Jean's head. He grinned, he could still manipulate his body the way he wanted to. "Do you know the state of your internal system, Dr. Richards?" Jean wondered aloud. Reed retracted his arm in response. His thin lips pressed together as his brow creased in confusion. "No. Basically I assumed whatever happened to my internal system was the same as what happened to my skin, bones, and muscles so to speak," Reed countered, uneasily. "It should've, but its not that simple. Technically, if you body's internal system stayed the same then they would've torn from how many times you've elongated yourself. When I examined your X-Ray, I noticed that well, that your internal organs were missing."
When Jean paused Reed's face balanced, his swallowed roughly feeling dizzy all of a sudden. Jean placed her hands on both his arms to keep him steady. "Its not all bad, believe me. There are a lot of things that need some proper explaining, like your ability to breathe; You have no lungs. Naturally, you've still got a heart and bone structure. Its just the deeper internal systems.
In replacement for your intestines, you have a bacterial sack that breaks down anything you put in your body and stores it up like a battery. In truth you could go without food for a longer periods of time compared to the normal human being. It would be weeks before you started feeling hungry again," As Jean explained, Reed couldn't help but notice the gleam in her eyes was the same that Sue had described in his own when something fascinated him.
In truth he should've told Jean to stop, to prevent the eerie details of his new found body from coming out. Nevertheless there was a strange sort of closure that replaced his panic, like a burning question had been answered and laid to rest. "Are you sure your all right? You look like you could use a little more rest," Jean said. It was a more of a suggestion than a question. Reed shook his head swallowing roughly.
This was just too weird, weirder than anything! "I'm okay. I could use a little air though," Reed said. His eyes were hopeful, Jean quickly got the message. Follow me then. I'm sure your feeling more than a little cooped up, Jean's voice echoed in his head. Reed braced himself for a mild headache but the pain never came about.
My method of telepathy is different from your friend's. Unlike his, I don't need a connection to the body, just a entry way into the mind, Jean sent him another reassuring smile before pulling him away from the wall. Reed slowly removed his hand from her grasp and followed the redhead down the illuminated corridor toward the elevator. As they ventured through the corridors, Reed couldn't help to feel impressed; They certainly were a organized group of individuals, compared to himself.
Upon arrival to the top floor Reed was almost ran over by a stampeding group of children who paid little attention to him beyond brief glances. Reed figured Jean was used to this kind of behavior because she stepped aside before they had a chance to bump into her and walked ahead of Reed. He gave their retreating backs a linger glance then turned to catch up with the telepath when he collided with another body. Books went scattering everywhere on the ground before his feet. Rogue huffed in dismay as she bent down to pick the books up.
"S-sorry about that," Reed grumbled stepping back when his leg was tapped on. Rogue resumed a standing position when all her notebooks were in her possession once more. She scowled up at the man under the impression that he was a student when she realized that he was no face she was familiar with. In fact he was an adult and not a student! Reed side-stepped past the busty young woman preparing to leave when . . ."Hey, don't I know you?" Rogue's Southern tinged voice asked, tinged with mild excitement. Reed turned in response with a perplexed glint in his eyes. "Uh, no, you don't," He said hastily trying to leave.
Rogue followed after him trying to get a better look at his face. "Yeah I do. Your that guy that apart of the team in New York City. The fantastic four, right?" She inquired further. Reed halted in his steps, she was about inquisitive as his sister Libby. A little annoying as well. "Yes, that right. Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic. Whatever you wanna call me," He said offhandedly. Rogue shifted her weight from foot to foot as she stared at his face for what seemed like forever to the scientist. "I thought so. What are doing here?" Rogue inquired casually, holding her books tighter to her chest.
He's way cuter than Johnny Storm. Did he hear it come out of her mouth or her head? Reed narrowed his eyes, scratched his head pretending he didn't hear that. "I honestly don't know. I woke up here," He answered honestly. Rogue gave him a half-amused half-arid look. His hair did scream bed-hair, and his clothes were obviously not his own. "Did you get into a big fight or somethin'? Logan came back like that once, only he remembered how ended up in the med unit," Rogue laughed softly. There was certainly a story behind that one, Reed noted to himself.
Reed nodded his head trying to keep the boredom from showing on his face. He scratched his head again. "Something like that, yeah," He replied. Rogue nodded her head as well, her smile broadening. Oh gosh, he looks bored. Did I talk too much? I should really be getting to class. Storm's gonna be furious with me! Reed blinked again. He heard her voice again but her mouth didn't move an inch. He grinned as Rogue flashed the near same expression Jean had in his mind. Her arm shout out quicker than he could blink, her gloved fingers spread.
"I'm Rogue, nice to meet you Mr. Richards," She said. He titled his head to the side as he grasped her hand and shook it. "Rogue?" He repeated grinning. The brunette shrugged her shoulders shyly, the white streaked hair in the front cascading over her right eye. "Its Marie actually, but all my friends all me Rogue so its pretty much my actual name nowadays. Marie is name I use outside the Mansion," Her voice suddenly fell distant. She glanced up at him questionably. "You're a mutant, right? Gifted?" Enid had surely made that point clear enough. Reed nodded, used to the word mutant being associated with himself. Rogue took her time to get what she had to say out, she didn't want to offend him if she got her wording wrong.
When she looked up again she realized he was still standing in front of her. Reed's eyebrow raised curiously. Rogue looked down blushing furiously. He probably think's I'm a spaz or somethin', Rogue moaned without moving her lips again. On the contrary, Reed was a more of a spaz than she was, according to Johnny anyhow. He glared mentally at the memory. She looked up again, having gathered her composure.
"Well, if your like me, why isn't everyone treating you differently? They treat you guys like celebrities, but the rest of us like freaks. Diseases," Rogue said, a twinge of anger in her voice. Reed really didn't know how to answer that question; Other than Enid, no one he came in contact with ever treated him like a freak. If anything, Ben would probably have the answer for this girl's question.
He knew first hand how she felt. "I honestly don't know Rogue. My friend Ben Grimm (The Thing) could probably answer that better than I ever could," He answered. "People have always feared what they don't understand. They always will." Rogue's eyebrow twitched at the last comment. "Professor Xavier says that to us all the time," She said, a little disappointed.
Reed folded his arms across his chest. "He's smart man, your professor," He rebuked. "There's no absolute answer to a question like that. People are a strange being, they all have their opinions on this issue. That's what makes the question or answer somewhat of a un-absolute. You understand?" Rogue nodded her head. No, but if I think about it maybe I will.. She did it again. By then Reed had caught onto what was happening between them.
Dr. Richards, the professor wishes to see you in his office. Take a left down the hall, walk past two closed doors and you'll find an open one. We're there. Jean's voice echoed in Reed's mind barely giving Rogue's voice time to fade into the distance. Placing a hand on her should he gave it a squeeze. "Good. I hope you will," Reed answered before walking off. Rogue looked up from her feet in confusion, 'he hoped she would' what? She watched him go until he rounded the corner. Grinning like a school girl she ran down the hall in the opposite direction toward Storm's class. She was late enough as it was.
Reed spotted the open door Jean spoke of and entered the room. There he found two men standing across from each other behind a man in the wheel chair, Jean stood next to the professor. Reed stood in the middle of the floor with staring at the man he assumed was Professor Xavier. The man in the wheel chair moved forward, Reed grinned knowing his assumption was correct.
"Indeed. Hello, my name is Charles Xavier. I assume you know where you are?" He inquired. Reed nodded his head. "Westchester, New York. Your mansion for gifted youngsters," He replied. Xavier nodded his head. "This simply isn't my mansion. This is a home for all mutants –- like yourself Dr. Richards–- who have no safe place to go as you should know. How are you feeling?" Charles added.
Fine, considering that what happened to me, Reed thought wearily. He eyed the two men standing behind Jean and Xavier; They stances were less than welcoming and if he didn't know any better, they didn't like him. He had a strange feeling why, too. "Mr. Xavier, when do you think I can leave? Its not that I'm ungrateful for all you've done, but -."
You feel unwelcome? I wouldn't worry yourself about Wolverine or Cyclops. They're always like that when each other's company.
Erm, its not just that. My family's probably worried about me, Mr. Xavier. I've been gone four weeks.
Ah, yes, your absence. I am sure there are worried about you Mr. Richards. Is there no way can persuade you to stay on a day or two?
I'll leave tomorrow, if that's all right. There are a lot things I need to get straight in Manhattan. Mainly my head.
Its perfectly fine Mr. Richards. You've been through a terrible ordeal. One needs time to recover.
Reed nodded gratefully, his kept his eyes on the hardwood floor below him ignoring the hardened gazes of Logan and Scott. What did they have against him? "Dr. Richards," Charles' accented voice caused the man to look up. "Would you excuse us for a moment?" Reed's brown eyes darted to all four occupants of the room for a moment. Though he had no problem with excusing himself from the room, he couldn't help the surge of uneasiness and paranoia that welled inside his chest. With a curt nod he excused himself from the office, venturing down the hall though not too far. Jean walked over to the double doors and closed them softly. She turned so that she leaned slightly against the door, she glanced in Scott's general direction.
"Could you be a little more warmer to our guest?" Jean asked. Logan grunted in response and Cyclops shrugged with indifference. "Try telling saying that after you've been hit by him," Cyclops grumbled, his pride wounded. Men! Jean thought furiously. "How is our guest Jean?" Charles said smoothly. Jean nodded her head hesitantly to the headmaster's words. "He seems fine professor. As I predicted the energy I sensed wasn't his, though it was coming from him. Whatever took him over and attacked Logan and Scott upon their arrival to the Alkali Lake is subdued now.
The mental blocks I put up should keep it oblivious to Dr. Richards and it restrained. Though there might be remnants of his abilities left in his system for a while," Jean scratched the back of her leg with her left foot. "I would've felt better if you had done it Professor."
Charles waved his hand in a non-dismissive manner. If there was one thing Jean underestimated it was her own abilities. In truth, she was becoming stronger with her telepathy everyday, her powers and mental blocks nearly rivaled his own, though not by much. "I trust in your abilities, Jean. If you say it will hold it will hold. Now, where did this being come from?" He said hastily, resting his chin on the back of his hand. The redhead continued. "When I first entered Dr. Richards mind, 'he' was the first thing I saw. The other 'Reed'. I knew he was a foreign object, not belonging to any mental manifestation Dr. Richards created. When I asked he told me that he was the third defense for the Negative-Zone.
A entity that bonds itself with the invading object or being, creating a substitute vessel with the use of invader's DNA. The Planet Disease would be contracted by the invader and its structure would begin to break down. Electrical spasms, dry peeling skin and loss of solid form are the symptoms. Once that was done, it would return the invader back to its world and mentally connect with the invader, slowly taking over its body.
When the original mind is dominated the being uses it's body as a secondary vessel to destroy the invader's original planet before returning to the Negative Zone -with the host body- if the storm cloud failed," Jean finished. "The host body would decay further in the Negative Zone and die while the being that dominated it would return to its defensive manner, waiting for the next intruder."
"So its safe to assume, The 'Reed' attacking us wasn't the real Dr. Reed Richards?" Scott inquired curtly. Logan scoffed in disbelief. "He smelled like the Richards guy ta' me," Logan grumbled crunching down hard on his cigar. The memory of thousands of gallons of lake water lashing out at himself and Cyclops in a frantic manner in the hopes that it would hit them, made the feral mutant growl in anger.
Cyclops and himself had been looking around the area Jean had given them directions when the seemingly 'unconscious' Reed Richards came rising out of the water. With his eyes closed he was commanding the liquid to attack the two. Cyclops vaporized most of the oncoming water with this optic blasts but they had taken most of the brunt of Richard's attacks, being unable to move as fast as the water. They split up in hopes that they would tire the man down some, but Reed's attacks were a step ahead of them, landing ample blows on them with their every move. Effortless and non-taxing to him.
Finally Cyclops got the drop on him by narrowing the setting on his visor and shooting through the water, hitting his target square in the chest. Reed was initially stunned by the blast and rendered unconscious once more. Logan grumbled something else before turning his attention to the floor. Ignoring Logan's comment Jean nodded to Scott's question. "Yes, that's right. Whatever happened between the three of you was not Dr. Richard's intention," Jean said, fixing her glasses back onto her nose. Charles was all very intrigued by this new found information and at the same time concerned about the stability of Jean's mental blocks again the other Reed.
While he did not doubt Jean's powers, there was little he knew about Reed II and damage he could do to the world if he were escape his prison. Was it wise for them to let Dr. Richards out into the world unaware of what he held inside of him? Or would the real damage be done by telling him, thus causing the host to strain himself with worry? Both choices sounded bad, utterly complementing each other, but Charles decided to pick the first and not the latter. "Jean, I think its best that we send Dr. Richards on his way tomorrow as he requested," He said calmly.
"What!" All three of his 'students' looked at him as though he had grown two heads. "Professor you can't be serious. What happens if Jean's mental barrier fails and the other Reed gets out? We'll have a problem on our hands," Scott said, horror struck. "And judging by how the guy can toss lake water, I'm betting its not the only thing he can do," Logan joked dryly. Jean said nothing, she watched the professor awaiting his answer. "Technically, as long as the other Reed is blocked he can do nothing to cause trouble.
As Dr. Richards knows nothing of this matter for the time being, nothing can go wrong. Your objections are duly noted, but my decision is finale. Jean see if you can't find our guest a comfortable room to stay for the night," And that was all the professor would say on that subject. Logan and Scott left the room dejectedly paying no attention to Reed who resided against the wall staring down at his feet. Jean came out last closing the doors of the office, she turned prepared to look for Reed when she spotted him against the wall not too far from the office door itself.
Had he heard their conversation? She hoped not. "Dr. Richards?" Jean called hesitantly. Reed looked up from his feet in question, a groggy sort of look on his face. How long had he been standing here? Jean came up to him with an apologetic smile playing on her lips. "I'm sorry. I didn't expect to be so long," Jean said. Reed shrugged his shoulders. He was a guest and even though many hosts thought it rude to keep their 'guests' waiting, it was their house and whatever they had to talk about was obviously a little more pressing than finding a room for him to stay in. Not that was to say he didn't feel slightly shunted by how long she took. "Nothing to worry about.
And please, call me Reed. Dr. Richards makes me feel old. I've got these to do that for me," He pointed to the gray streaks in his curly brunette hair. "All right. Follow me, Reed," Jean said teasingly. Reed grinned and did as he was told. She lead him through the halls up the winding path of stairs down another hall where the adult bedrooms resided. He unconsciously dodged the teenagers as they rushed through the halls, though he almost fainted when one of them went right through him. Jean quickly explained to him that Kitty Pryde had the ability to walk through anything, sort of like a living ghost to a point. It still didn't help Reed rid the uneasy feeling that stuck with him afterward. Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime of walking, Jean lead him into a bedroom already prepared for sleeping in.
Reed looked around suspiciously; Either they were expecting him or this is how they left their bedrooms. With a wave her hand the lamps and track lights illuminated to life filling the dim room with light. Reed walked past her toward the bed, he sat down and gave it a pat. It seemed comfortable enough, he thought wearily. "You should be comfortable here. Are you hungry?" Jean asked. Reed shook his head, the only thing on his mind was sleeping. "Not at the moment, no. I think I'll just take a nap," He answered quietly. Jean stared at him surprised, he had just woken up and he was tired? Unconsciously she found herself probing his mind, the mental block was still in place.
A grunt from Reed indicated that he felt her buzzing about in his head. He glanced up at her with a annoyed look. "We're you just poking around in there?" Reed pointed to his head. Jean thought about lying but her better judgement got the better of her. "Yes, I thought something was wrong," Reed nodded his head, he laid on the mattress with a tired sigh. "Are you sure, you don't want to look around the mansion? Surely something will interest you?" Jean inquired, hoping to change his mind.
"M'tired, Sue," Reed slurred half-asleep already. Jean watched him uneasily; The deadpan look he had given her moments ago made her wonder if the other Reed was breaking through her defenses. He didn't seem like the kind of person to anger easily.
Then again, telepath's seem to bring out the uglier side of people, Jean mused. Reed's face seemed to twitch no sooner the thought completed itself. Jean barely noticed it as she placed his legs into the bed. She left the lights on in the bedroom, closing the door behind her she exhaled heavily. He was a strange character, not at all how people told her he was. Jean rubbed her face feeling a headache coming on, she ventured down the hall wondering where Scott had gone off to.
To everyone's surprise, Reed had stayed asleep until the very next day. Many of the children wondered where the strange man they had seen earlier had gone. Storm explained that he was sleeping in the guest room. Upon learning this, several of the children had peered into the room to see him, curious to know what he looked like standing still.
Others just wanted to see "Mr. Fantastic" cause they could disobey Jean's firm orders to leave him alone. Reed had barely been awake for any of the children's ventures into his temporary bedroom, though he had remembered hearing hushed whispers, girlish giggles, the phrase "oh gosh, he's cute!" repeated four times by different girls and his door closing more than six times. When the entire mansion was sleeping, Reed found himself waking every fifteen minutes from a nightmare he couldn't remember. When the next day had actually come Reed felt less rested than he had when he first awakened from his unconscious state.
Even worse he was feeling starved, like he hadn't eaten for weeks. He had managed to find his way to the kitchen with the help of his previous encounter - Rogue -. Reed ate three bowls of cereal before his stomach actually felt satisfied. Rogue gave him a short tour around the Mansion, most of them her favorite places. Half an hour later she had to meet her friends for "teenage activities" as she dubbed them. All the activity in this large building was making Reed feel over 40 and he was in his early thirties. Finally when it came to the subject of his leaving, Scott Summers (he knew better as Cyclops) offered to take him to New York in the Blackbird, their jet. It was the quickest way back to the city, plus a excellent way of being unnoticed by the public. Reed liked this idea. So, he prepared himself for the ride home accompanied by Logan, Ororo (Storm), Scott, and Jean.
His uniform was returned to him newly mended, he thanked Kitty for taking the time fix it. The only persons who bid him farewell were Rogue and the professor, he didn't mind. Though it was the first time Reed ever rode in a jet, it was certainly a smoother and quieter ride than he expected. The X-men were quiet too. How are you feeling? - It was Jean. He smiled. Like I have butterflies in my stomach. I think I'm getting jet-sick too, he joked. Jean shook her head as the Baxter Building came into view. She could feel relief spreading through her husband-to-be's mind, a small smile formed on his lips. I know you think otherwise, but it was nice to have another adult in the mansion.
Even if you were sleep all day yesterday, Jean relayed. Reed felt his cheeks burn slightly at the reassuring smile she was giving him. Er, thanks, Dr. Grey. He was just happy to be home and not in the mansion. The tension he was feeling from everyone was sufficating. The Blackbird lowered its invisible structure down to the rooftop, Reed sat up from his chair a little shaky on his legs. With a short wave good-bye Reed jumped out of the jet onto the rooftop. See you later miss Grey, he thought as the inside of the jet vanished from sight. He did not wait to find out if the Blackbird had left, he quickly made his way down the rooftop stairway into the Baxter Building.
Reed grinned like a teenager at the sight of the familiar hallway. He ran down the hall toward his apartment door, surprisingly it was unlocked. Slight worry clouded his excitement as he stepped into the apartment, on the floor resided Johnny, Sue's, and Ben's old shoes. He stepped out of his boots. "Hello? Ben? Sue?" Reed ventured down the hall into the living room, he was surprised to say the least to find his living room cleaner than he remembered leaving it. It wasn't just the living room either, as he ventured further into the apartment he realized everything was cleaned and put up in orderly manner. The items in the cupboards to the fridge were straighter than before (put up according to food or dishware). Becoming concerned about the whereabouts of his friends Reed traveled down the hall to the bedrooms.
He wondered where they were the first time he called out to them, he prayed that he wasn't in another universe as he grabbed Ben's door knob. Turning he peered inside the bedroom, there on the ground he found Ben snoring loudly. He wanted to rush into the bedroom and give his friend the biggest hug he could muster. He decided against when he realized Ben was wearing no pants.
Biting his lip he closed the door and ventured to Johnny's bedroom door. He was surprised to find, Johnny lying on the bed fast asleep as well. Reed left his door open and ventured into his bedroom, instead of Sue he found Enid lying on his bed wrapped in his sheets. His heart skipped a beat, what was Enid still doing here?
He pressed further into the bedroom almost scared to wake his sister. If he was going to start with anyone, Enid seemed like the right person to start with. He sat down on the edge of the bed going over in his head how he would wake her. While he doing this he was unaware of his blue eyes fluttering open.
Enid exhaled slowly rubbing her face, she pushed herself upright and glanced around the room sleepily. She wasn't even sure why she was here, she was supposed to be in - Enid's blue eyes fell on the stranger sitting next to her. Reed did a double take realizing that his sister was awake, he grinned. "Hey-" Enid let out a blood curdling scream, loud enough to blow his eardrums. Enid grabbed the pillow behind her and began to pummel the man before he could strike her (not that he was). Reed fell off the bed continuing to shield himself with his arms when she followed after him.
What a wicked left arm! Enid continued to attack Reed until she felt his hand grab the pillow and toss it aside, she prepared to scream again when his hand flew to her mouth. "Enid it's me! Reed! Your brother!" He cried. Reed could hear the footfalls of the others approaching his bedroom door as he watched his sister; Enid's eyes watered until they seemed like glittering blue diamonds.
Her brother, her bother, her brother! He was actually in front of her! He wasn't a figment of her imagination. Her blank face fell as she began to sob. Reed expected a hug from his sister, instead he got a slap on the face. He recoiled, hurt and surprised. Enid slapped him two more times on the same cheek before she launched herself upon him. Reed fell over on his back clutching Enid as strongly as she was holding him, her body trembled with sobs as her grip got tighter.
"You are my brother, right? Your not that — other guy that looked my brother?" She sobbed, laughing in spite of herself. Reed nodded quickly. "Yeah, I'm Reed. The kid that blew up his father's garage, Reed Richards," He answered. Enid hugged him tighter. Though he felt happier than he had in four weeks, Reed couldn't dismiss the fact that Enid had disowned him for his being a mutant. But he would leave it alone until she brought it up again and plead with Enid. Right now he wanted to hug his sister while he could.
"Enid, I thought I heard you screaming. What's wrong babe- Reed!" Johnny's astonished voice hardly startled the older man. He pushed himself up off the ground and looked up from behind his sister's blonde hair with a weak grin wondering if Johnny was going to pummel him. Johnny just stood where he was staring at the man he believed to be dead. The sandy blonde quickly pulled himself out of his shock then proceeded to fold his arms across his chest.
"I've got half a mind to kill you Richards. You had us thinking you were dead," He sneered pathetically. Reed pushed himself from the off the ground carrying Enid with him, she clung onto him for dear life. "I'm sorry about the entire thing, Johnny, really I am," Reed stated firmly, trying to keep Enid in his grasp. "I hadn't expected this —-." He trailed off, Ben and Sue were coming up behind Johnny, rubbing the sleep out of their eyes.
"What's the drama-queen crying' about—" Sue's words trailed off at the sight of Enid clutching her ex-boyfriend, who - for lack of a better word, looked better than he had the last time she saw him. A thousand things ran through her mind. More prominently the need to throttle Reed for making her worry. I can do that later. Sue rushed forward and threw her arms over Enid and pressed her lips against Reed's face.
Ben decided to be the composed one of the group along side Johnny. "I take it the X-Geeks found ya, egghead?" Ben asked."You are the real Reed right?"
Reed rolled his eyes irritably. "Yes, I am the Reed Richards of this day and age, not the doppelganger! The X-men in the Alkali Lake, surprisingly," He explained.
Ben and Johnny stared dumbly at the man struggling to stand correctly. Reed shrugged absentmindedly. "I don't remember ending up there, though," He admitted. "Enid, Sue, let go. I need to breathe." Johnny shot Ben a look who did the same in the return. Shaking their heads they moved forward and proceeded to remove the two females from Reed's body. It was surprisingly difficult for Johnny who was stuck with Enid, he had to pry her fingers loose from their entwined position before easily dragging her away.
Sue stepped back calmly before Ben had a chance to lay a finger on her. The scientist slumped falling onto his bed with a heavy sigh. "Thanks," He heaved, pressing his face against his hand. All four occupants of the Baxter Building were not sure if the Reed Richards in front of them was indeed the same man they had last seen in the N-Zone, in spite of his reassurances. "Reed," Enid started. "What happened to the glasses I gave you?" Enid folded her arms crossed angrily. Her glasses? Reed thought blankly scratching his head.
He pondered; The faint memory of Enid slipping a pair of glasses on his nose for identification played back in his head. They must've fallen off. "I think I lost them," He answered dumbly.
Enid kicked him in the shin, Reed recoiled again grabbing the lower part of his leg. She scoffed whipping her face with the back of her hand, just like him to loose something of hers. Sue stepped forward pushing his sister aside, Enid stumbled sideways falling over. "Do you remember what happened? Anything at all?" She asked. Reed's brow wrinkled, he explained what he could remember after he regained control of his body as the Fantasticar was bombarded by the I.D.M.'s shockwaves to when he awoke the medical unit of Xavier's mansion. ". . . They were nice for the most part. I got the feeling that Wolverine or Cyclops didn't like me. They were hiding something too I think. . .," Reed trailed off. "What happened with you guys?" Johnny and Ben exchanged glances then looked to Sue who did not return the glance.
Sue explained him in the finest detail what had occurred after he disappeared, Reed listened silently absorbing all the information. He scratched his head in exasperation, his mind was put at ease at the news that Annihilus had been captured by S.H.I.E.L.D. and the I.D.M. declared officially destroyed from an overload. "I don't think any of that matters right now," Sue said sternly. "What matters is that Reed is back. Safe and sound. We'll deal with the X-men and S.H.I.E.L.D. later." She placed a hand on her hip and the other on Reed's shoulder.
Reed glanced up at her with a questioning glance. He stood up with a sigh, not sure if he was suffering from jet-leg or sleep deprivation. Scratching his face he looked to where Enid had fallen only to find she was missing. His face fell further. "Where's Enid?" He blurted, alarmed. Johnny pointed the doorway.
"I saw her leave just a few minutes ago," Johnny responded. Reed pushed past his comrades, he moved hurriedly down the hall into the living room. Johnny watched his friend's retreating back for a minute then turned to face the grim face of his sister. "Should we go after him?" He inquired casually. Ben shook his head attempting to fold his arms. "Let him be kid.
This is something he's got to learn on his own," The man answered. Reed spotted Enid scrambling to tie her boots laces up, she hadn't even gotten the second boot on. "Where are you going?" Reed asked. Enid looked up from tying her shoe, she recovered quick enough to plaster a smile on her face. "Hey - Reed. Big brother," She squeaked out. Reed shoved his hands into his pants pocket dejectedly, he knew where this was going.
. . .Why isn't everyone treating you differently? They treat you guys like celebrities, but the rest of us like freaks. Diseases. Rogue's words echoed off the vacant halls of his mind, he watched his sister's movement. Like a scared rabbit waiting to leap to safety, away from the predator that hunted her. But Reed was no predator, he was her brother of flesh and blood. Even if she disowned him. Enid slipped her foot into her other boot brushing her hair out of her face, a defense mechanism that worked when she was seven years old, he didn't know any better. "You not leaving already, Enid. I just got back," Reed said, almost in a childish tone. Enid continued to dress herself for leaving the building.
Originally she had not intended to stay at the Baxter Building, but upon learning of the disappearance of her brother from Sue (who had returned moments after Enid was freed from time suspension) Enid was compelled to stay until he returned. "I've really got to get going. I promised Libby I'd visit before heading back to Canada," Enid said hurriedly. Reed watched her head for the front door, he thought of letting her go but the stubborn streak in him refused to do so until he got a straight answer. In three long strides he caught up with his sister and grabbed her arm.
Enid shrank away as if she had been hit, her eyes clenched shut in fear. Reed tired to ignore this as he said, "Why do you hate mutants so much?" Enid stared up at him blinking in puzzlement, she had expected that come out of his mouth. She shrugged his hand off her hand and leaned up against the wall casting her gaze down at the floor. Reed stood next to the door to ensure Enid didn't try to bail out before a proper explanation was given. "Do you remember that girl, Emma Frost?" She began hesitantly. Reed nodded; Emma Frost was something of a popular girl in Enid's high school during fifth grade, and was usually found recruiting new members for her group of followers just before graduation.
Reed faintly remembered his sister rambling about being selected to apart of Frosts' group, but paid no attention to it at the time. "Well, do you remember on your graduation day, when I didn't come? Emma had called me half hour before the ceremony, said she had something to show me. So I went to the back of the school -I'm not sure what I was thinking was going to happen- and the next thing I know, Emma's girls were on me. I tried, and tried to get off me but it couldn't move. Something was in my head, telling me not to move." Enid laughed dryly. "I didn't move! They clawed at me, kicked me-" Enid's voice seemed to trail off as a funny buzzing in his head formed and an image of several girls crouched on the ground, clawing, actually clawing, his sister with their unnaturally long nails, appeared in his head. Emma stood across from the chaos taking place before her, staring down at her reflection in her iced hand.
Frost called off her friends, all six girls stood up and their nails retracted to their normal state. One went as far as licking the trail of blood off her hand. They all hastily made their escape, sniggering as they went. Enid laid there trembling, her hands running across her scratched body unable to find the right spot to hold. Her entire body stung with pain. She pulled herself off the ground as though nothing had happened, her tears betrayed her outward behavior as she rushed off school grounds toward home. Reed was brought of his sister's thoughts by her voice. " . . .I remember Mom asking me what happened and telling her I fell through some bushes," Enid sniffled.
"I don't get it. Why'd she beat you up Enid?" Reed asked. Enid raised an eyebrow at her brother. "I told her that her powers were weird. I mean, who would want your body turning to ice? I thought the mind-power stuff was cool though. Emma, however, took my comment the wrong way," She brushed her hair out of her face in a way to compose herself again. "Anyway, I considered telling the principle, but Emma warned me that I would get a worse beating than at my graduation. So I didn't say anything. A lot of the mutants started making fun of me. Others just . . well, I didn't care what other mutants thought. At first hating them was just a defense mechanism at first, but then it turned out to be true the more I was around them." Enid flashed her brother a bitter smile. "I hated mutants, they were right about that.
I never thought it would happen to my brother of all people." Reed scowled. Silence lingered between the two for the longest time, neither of them willing to stare each other in the eye afterward. Reed blinked a few times to relieve the stinging behind his eyes, when he finally gazed at his sister he found himself enveloped in a affectionate hug; Funny, it didn't feel that way to him. Enid's arms felt as though they wanted to be anywhere but around him. Enid pressed her cheek against his, her lips close to his ear.
"So, now you know. I know it shouldn't change anything between us, but it does. I'm afraid of you, and I can't help it," Enid's voice trembled. Whether with anger or remorse Reed was not sure, he pushed himself away from his sister and watched her pick up her duffle bag she had left at front. Reed stared at his sister angrily. "You can help it. You just don't want to," He said in a eerily calm voice.
"No, I can't help hating them," Enid rebuked equally angry. That's your excuse? Reed wanted to say this to his sister but when he looked up she was out the door. He hardly flinched when the door slammed shut, he locked it with a forceful shove of the bolt and twist of the handle. Reed kicked the wall in an attempt to vent his frustration, he clenched his hands into fists trying to restrain from punching the wall as well. The loose strains of hair hanging against his forehead fluttered up from the rush of energy that swirled around Reed.
Reed's brown eyes flew open and a sudden force pulled away from his body. "Gah!" The brunette was thrown against the wall. His stomach twisted in knots, he hunched over clutching his stomach, it hurt like hell. There was a sudden cry of surprise from the others that pulled him out of his sorrow and anger.
Pushing away from the wall he rushed out of the hall into the living room. "What the-?" Reed looked about himself staring at the state of the living room. Everything was in the air! "Sue? Sue!" He called, noting how weak and broken his voice sounded to his ears. Prepared to venture down the hall when Sue, Johnny, and Ben came hovering into the living room with befuddled expressions on his face. "Sue, are you doing this?" He stammered. Sue swam her way out from between Johnny and Ben reaching for Reed, Reed grabbed her hand and attempted to pull her down. She refused to come down. "No! I was talking to Ben and Johnny when this happened!" She cried.
Reed looked about the room further perplexed, he closed his eyes his brow creasing. Sue watched him worriedly when she suddenly felt herself fall from out the air. she scream upon impact with the floor, followed by Ben and Johnny. Reed cringed when everything around him crashed to the ground in most of their respected positions. He was aghast, even frightened by what had just happened. Reed pulled a groaning Sue up from the floor, he looked away to inspect the living room once more. There were a lot of things out place, he was not favoring the splintered wood of the floor after Ben's landing, Johnny was simply lucky that he wasn't under Ben when the phenomena ended.
"Are you all alright?" He inquired quietly. Sue nodded her head slowly checking her chest for any bruises. Johnny crawled across the floor in a sort of drunken daze, his body felt like jell-O after his crash landing. "Peachy," The younger Storm squeaked. Ben raised a large thumb in his childhood friend's direction. "Just a little sore," Ben lied. Reed watched the three of them for a while uncertain of his status, lowering his head he released Sue's hand and ventured past her down the hall. Sluggishly he closed the bedroom door, nothing in his bedroom seemed affected by what happened.
Reed walked briskly past the bed onto the balcony. He pressed his hands against the cold concrete of the railing. Reed watched the world below zoom past him to their desired destinations, jobs, families and whatnot. Tears caressed his cheeks attempting to calm his soul in turmoil, Reed shook his head for no particular reason. What did he expect to accomplish trying to talk Enid? She obviously made her mind up on him and mutants alike. To her he wasn't her brother, but a mutant in his place.
Pushing upward he sat himself on the railing watching his legs bump against the columns beneath the rail. The cool city wind blew hard against his cheeks, he stared into space fighting sleep. His eyes were near closed when a rustling behind him caused him to open them. He whipped his face roughly then turned to inspect the origin of the sound. There was an sunken spot on his bed, Sue appeared moments later with a sympathetic expression on her face, an envelope clutched in her hand. Reed cast a weary look in her direction then returned to gazing out on the city.
"Hi Sue," Reed greeted. "I'm sorry about Enid, Reed," Sue answered, skipping right to the chase. Reed shrugged huffing. "Don't be. I'll get over it sooner or later," Reed pulled his legs from over the side of the balcony and walked back inside the bedroom, he sat on his bed with a heavy sigh. Sue leaned against his arm proceeding to flash the envelope in front of his face. Reed decided to humor the woman and attempted to snatch it from her grasp, Sue retracted her hand away in time, a small laugh escaped her. Reed's round brown eyes stared at her impatiently.
"What is it?" He nearly snapped. Sue shrugged her shoulders. "It came in the mail a week before today," Sue replied. "Its from your other sister, Libby." Reed paused in astonishment, Libby hadn't written to him in years since he left California, what could she possibly have to say to him now? Sue handed him the brown envelope and Reed hastily ripped it open, unfolding the bleach white paper he proceeded read.
'Dear Reed:
I'm sorry about what happened with Enid. How could she be so mean to you? I heard about the whole thing on the news (I even recorded the segment you guys were on!) and I can't see how she can be upset. Technically it wasn't your fault your atoms got fried. Anyhow, Mom and Dad aren't angry with you . . . wait, didn't I tell you this?-'
"Get to the point, Libby," Reed grumbled aloud.
"Huh?" Sue said. Reed shook his head absentmindedly. "Nothing. Libby's rambling." He answered.
'-Okay, moving on. Mom and Dad thought about coming to New York to visit you, but Dad started complaining about his back bothering him (again), so they couldn't come. I thought of coming to visit you but unfortunately I'm busy with school, so I can't make it. Arg! The real reason I'm writing this letter is because I don't want you to judge yourself because of our sister's opinion of you and mutants. And as a token of my and the folks appreciation toward you, we sent you surprise! Look in the envelope if you didn't tear it shreds! Keep up the good work Super-Bro.
Your sister,
Libby
oxoxoxoxoxoxoxo'
Reed half smiled half grumbled in annoyance as he picked up the envelope off the floor. Looking inside he spotted four small pieces of paper. Sue peered past his arm to inspect what he was staring so intently at. "How many sisters do you have, Reed?" She asked. Reed pulled his hand out of the envelope, the four pieces of paper clutched between the two fingers he had raised.
"Two, why?" He answered. Sue shrugged pulled the paper from between Reed's fingers, Reed made an attempt to retrieve them. Sue rolled across the bed onto the floor on the other side of the room. "Sue, quit playing around, give back those papers," He said irritably. Sue propped herself against the edge of the bed her elbows resting on the mattress. "Looks like four tickets to a party on a cruise to Liberty Island. First class!" Sue said in mock-surprise. Reed raised an eyebrow in question. "A cruise?" He said crawling across his bed to Sue.
Susan nodded her head pushing up from the floor, she sat next to Reed with a sigh placing her hand on his head. "Yeah, on the eight of July. Apparently we were made guests of honor, somehow or another," She mumbled, unexcited. Reed rolled his eyes. Leave it Libby, he thought wryly. Sue pulled herself up further on the bed with a satisfied grunt, she laid against Reed's back which promptly stiffened. Her chin propped itself on his shoulder. "Think we should go?" Her breath tickled his ear.
Reed shrugged his shoulders; He wasn't exactly in the best of moods to deal with a large group of people so soon. He laid flat on his bed, Sue adjusted herself on his back, wrapping her arms around his neck. "C'mon, Reed, you could use a little R and R. In fact, you deserve some of it!" Sue insisted, remembering Reed hadn't answered her question. Reed growled irritated. "I just back from a four week leave of absence. I don't remember anything during that time and my head doesn't exactly on right, so you'll forgive me if I'm not so eager join the world just yet," Reed's voice did not raise in volume, though Sue could tell he wasn't happy with her pestering. Raising from off his back she slid across the bed onto the floor, she straightened her blouse a couple times before turning attention to the scientist. Reed raised an eyebrow at her, not in the least sorry for what he had said.
"Okay, fine I'll leave you alone. Just try not to snap my head off again when your trying to get the message across," Sue told him crossly. She left the room quickly slamming the door behind her. Reed pushed himself into a sitting position with a sigh, his mind felt strangely calm after she left.
He knew Sue was trying her best to make him feel comfortable, he knew it. But his emotions were crossed like mixed signals; The anger he felt toward Enid, the relief of acceptance from Libby and his folks, and the simple fact that he was actually back on Earth and not in the N-Zone any longer, was a just a little emotionally overwhelming. He fell back on the bed with a loud sigh. What bothered him the most was the fact that he couldn't remember anything after blacking out on the Fantasticar, Jean had said he was submerged in the Alkali Lake in Canada, unconscious. He didn't remember falling into the lake much less going to Canada, especially over New York.
Reed rubbed his temples tiredly, he pressed his face against his sheets. Maybe I shouldn't worry about it, he thought closing his eyes. Moments later he lapsed into a fitful sleep. Six hours later he awakened to the cover of night, all was silent. Reed pushed himself up from the mattress feeling better. Glancing down at the beside table he spotted one of the tickets. Sue probably had the rest of them.
Climbing out of the bed he ventured out of his bedroom down the hall, the familiar sounds of Ben or Johnny's snoring was oddly absent. Reed passed through the living room finding it was empty. He entered his laboratory. The overhead lights came to life when he flipped the switch, the items on his desk were in perfect order, his pencils were in the holder instead of spread on the counters.
Most of the projects he had been tinkering with were placed on the largest counter in the room, Reed scratched his head in mock-surprise. He should've known Sue would've straightened this place up sooner or later. What better time than his absence? Shaking his head at the thought he headed over to the large object in the center of the floor, covered by a blanket. The machine that was built to return them to their normal-selves. The temptation of using it again to change himself back was strong. Reed reminded himself of Libby's words and began to step away when his bare foot pressed against something hard on the floor. "Ouch!" Reed raised his leg up to inspect the bottom of his left foot.
Sticking to its surface was a round metallic object, a gasket. He pulled the small object off the bottom of his foot and examined it with a curious glint in his eye. It shone under the track light like a glittering diamond. He looked up from the gasket to stare up at the balcony, the broken window hadn't been repaired yet. Shoving the gasket into his pocket Reed grinned ruefully raising his arms over his head. They extended over to the railing. His hands grasped the railing firmly and he hoisted himself from the ground. He landed on the platform the cool night air blew softly against his skin, Reed zipped his grey sweatshirt up further.
He carefully stepped over the glass scattered on the floor and peered out of the shattered window. New York during the night was certainly a special to behold, the gray atmosphere the city usually held during the day was gone and the lights illuminated their world. He supposed most people who lived here thought it magical or just a welcoming sight. He rubbed his nose at the smell of gasoline. "Enjoying the sight?" A voice asked. Reed spun around startled out his window gazing, Sue smiled proud of the reaction she wrought from the man before her. She was leaning against the railing with her hands on her hips. "Sue," He breathed, unconsciously placing a hand on his chest.
"Ben and Johnny are out with their respective dates, if your wondering about their absence. Did you sleep well?" She inquired. Reed nodded his head. "I feel better. My limbs aren't so achy," He answered turning his arm in a circular motion. Sue stared down at his feet curiously, he was clearing standing in a pile of glass but his feet barely seemed notice this. "Are you all right? I mean really, is something bothering you?" Sue asked. Reed shrugged his shoulders without hesitance. "You mean beyond the feeling of rejection? I feel great," Reed replied. Sue gave him a look that meant 'be serious.'
"What? I'm being serious, Sue. I just needed a nap, I had jet lag or something. I'm all right now," Reed insisted. Sue shrugged her shoulders titling her head a little to the side, her long hair fell against his face masking one eye. Removing her hand from her upper arm she offered her hand to Reed. The scientist blinked confused by the gesture though he placed his hand on hers. Sue held his hand tight, the actual fear of his vanishing crossed her mind when she left the room after their dispute. She rubbed her thumb against the side of his hand.
"Are you sure?" Sue insisted. "Yeah, why?" Reed answered a bit uncertain. Sue shrugged her shoulders, she shook her head at the same. "There's this feeling I have about you. Its - strange, there's something different about you. I just feel it my heart," Sue answered hesitantly. Reed just stared at her strangely, there was something different about him? Sue held her head low feeling horrible she said that to him. Reed placed his finger under her chin slowly he forced her to meet his gaze, Sue's blue eyes blinked wearily at him. "I'm still Reed to you, aren't I Sue?" Reed's voice was hesitant also.
"Reed . . ," Sue trailed off. The fear of being rejected by someone as close as his sisters was strong inside him now. Sue was quiet for a long time content with watching him in spite the worry etched on his features. After while Reed seemed to get the message, pulling his hand out of Sue's grasp he briskly proceeded across the platform, he made his way down the stairs without stomping.
Sue stared into space her mouth hanging agape, she spun around in time to catch Reed walking making a b-line toward the exit. Sue's legs sprang to life, she rushed down the stairs after Reed. "Wait, Reed!" He was half way through the living room when she caught up with him. Without thinking her hands were in front of her, Reed walked straight into an invisible wall blocking him from the hallway. Sue cringed inwardly at the loud bang Reed's body made when it hit the ground.
"I'm sorry Reed, I didn't mean to say that," She cried as she rushed to his side. Reed sat up rubbing his forehead trying to ignore the stinging behind his eyes. "It sure felt like you did," He mumbled trying to push himself off the ground. Sue grabbed him by the arm, slowly he stood up on his feet. "My head hurts now," Sue gave him her most apologetic look as she lead him to the couch.
Once situated on the couch Sue proceeded to examine his forehead, apart from the mild redness on the skin there was not a mark on it. Reed slouched against the back of couch staring into space, Sue saw this as her opportunity to speak. "Why'd you walk off like that?" She asked haughtily. Reed shrugged his shoulders still rubbing his forehead. "I took your silence as an answer to my question," Reed replied hotly. Sue tucked her hair behind her ear casting a angry glare in his direction. "Obviously the negative answer," She mumbled.
Reed just grunted. Sue sighed in dismay; In the few short hours Reed had been home Sue noted that he was easier to upset, like the lock he had set to keep his adittude in check was broken. He was jumping to conclusions instead of hearing her out. As much as she hated to admit it, Reed was acting like herself when she didn't want hear him out. "Your still you to me," She said quietly. Reed turned his gaze in her direction tempted to glare at her. "What?" He said pretending not to have heard her. Sue gave him an adamant look.
"I said your still - still Reed Richards to me. You're still the same guy I fell madly in love with in collage. The guy I'm still in love with," She exhaled. Reed blinked rubbing his throbbing forehead, feeling abashed. "Its like I said, don't take Enid's words to heart. Not everybody's like her," Sue said. At this Reed's eyes shifted he stared into empty space. Sue placed her hand atop of his, the flat of her fingers messaging the back of his hand. "Whether your human or gifted, your still the same guy to me. Please don't take my silence the wrong way. Your question of caught me off guard." Reed regarded Sue with a sideways glance. His anger melted away in mere seconds, taking with it all reason for his anger.
He seemed to slouch a little more into the couch as if he were trying to hide himself from the woman beside him. "I think an apology is in order," Sue chimed. "Sorry for the misunderstanding," Reed grunted. "Thank you," Sue replied grinning. Reed stood up from the couch allowing himself a stretch, his limbs were feeling achy again and the persistent need to move around was gnawing at him. Sue watched him with curious eyes until he turned her direction. "If I feel any better, I'll come with you on the cruise ship thing," Reed said. Sue raised an eyebrow at him a smile spread across her lips. She strode across the room with her arms at her side until she closed the gap between them. Reed titled his head to the side, his gaze also inquiring.
"What makes you think Ben, Johnny, or myself for that matter, are going?" Sue said draping her arms over his shoulders. Reed shrugged mock-absentmindedly. "The simple fact that three of the four tickets are missing from the table beside my bed," Reed answered coyly.
There was a twinkle in his eyes that Sue hadn't seen since before he found that blasted dimensional machine under his bed. Maybe she was wrong; Perhaps the difference in her former-boyfriend was missing the over-eagerness to examine something new. The change in him was most possibly caution, it was too early to say. "Fair enough," She giggled. She pulled him into a hug her arms enclosing around his neck. Reed gulped uncomfortably feeling awkward at first. There was no reason for such an emotion to rise. He had been hugging and kissing Sue more often than he would admit openly to Johnny who pestered him on the subject. Soon he relaxed her embrace and blew a few strands of hair out of his face, Sue's skin prickled.
"Hey, Reed," Sue whispered. "Hmm?" Was his only response. Sue pulled away from Reed long enough to catch the flash of brief disappointment run across his features. Sue's fingers gripped the sides of his arms as if preventing escape, Reed watched curiously. "Do you think we can start dating soon?" She said, her voice more casual than she wanted to come off. Reed shrugged. "I dunno. How soon do you wanna start dating again?" He asked.
Susan cocked her head to the side pondering his question carefully. A smile spread across her lips moments later. "July 8th, soon. But, you'd have to promise to show up," She said, chuckling. Hesitantly Reed leaned a little close her to her face, Sue mimicked his motion careful to keep her powers in check. "I think I can work with that," Reed answered with a chuckle of his own. Their lips brushed playfully against each other for one teasing moment before they finally proceeded into a kiss. Nothing in the world, as usual, mattered in that moment besides themselves.
Of course the two were careful to keep their emotions in check, the last thing they really wanted to do was become overwhelmed by their passion so early in the game. Sue's hands placed themselves on the side of the scientists face.
Reed's lips parted to allow himself a secret smile, his brown eyes blazed unnaturally, overjoyed. There were so many things in his head that wanted to bring him off the high he was on right now. Reed wouldn't allow it. For the moment he was happy again, the rest of the stuff he would work out gradually. And he would do it with Sue right beside him.
(END)