Sorry to keep you guys waiting. I've had a lack of inspiration lately and with exams coming up soon, actually this 31st and Feb 1st. So I'm so sorry, but there will no updates till then. Sorry:(

Chapter 8 - Mask

Martin lay on his bed watching the stars. Diana had fallen asleep on the couch inside his room two hours ago. Lately, M.O.M and Diana had been keeping him company, cheering him whenever he felt that anger would get the better of him. Martin closed his eyes, the sight of those wonderful stars fading into a blackness that only came when one would shut their eyes. He opened them again and sighed. He grabbed his crutches, wincing a little at the pain that ran up his side and walked out of the room. He was surprised when Diana didn't wake up at the sound of his crutches hitting the floor.

Martin walked the deserted hallways, unaware that a door was opening behind him. He made his way to a door that led to a rather large but cozy deck with steps that led to a pool in the back. It was too cold to take a swim but he really didn't feel like it. He leaned against the wooden banister, watching the stars. "All my life I've dreamed of working for an organization like the centre. I proved to my dad that I worked there when I helped him out but it wasn't enough." Martin let out a long sigh, "Am I that much of a burden to him? Do I really make doubt having me in the first place?" Martin leaned his chin against the banister, "What do I have to do to prove myself worthy of his praise?"

The wind swirled around him, making him shiver. He was wearing nothing but a pair of pajama pants. The muscles on his chest had tightened showing just how stong he was. He clentched a fist and let out another sigh and unclenched his fist, his anger ebbing away turning to disappointment in himself. "Who am I kidding? Nothing I ever do will be enough. Diana is the one who gets all the praise! Her and her stupid-" Martin stopped his sentence and felt guilt settle in the pit of his stomache, "No this isn't Diana's fault. It's mine. Mine for not doing just what dear old dad wanted me to. I bed he'd be proud if I became a doctor or lawyer.." Martin frowned, "Fat chance though. My grades wont let me do that."

Slowly he made his way down the stairs and walked toward the pool. He rolled up his pajama pants and put his feet into the cold water. He splashed it about for a few minutes then stopped and watched the water ripple and calm down again, into the smooth surface. The reflection was one that of a sad face. Martin smiled, imeadiatly finding the fake smile upon his face, a convinving look in his opinion.

"You know, that can only work so long." Martin jumped slightly irritating his injury. M.O.M's scattered reflection watched him. Martin smiled slightly but didn't look up. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"You scare a lot a people," M.O.M just smiled and sat down beside him, sticking her feet into the water. She understood that he was upset and angry, she knew he felt sad and disappointed.

"I don't get it," he looked up at the raven haired woman as her eyes danced with the light coming from the stars, "I don't get why-" he looked up at the stars his own eyes dancing, but not with the light. M.O.M watched the golden brown orbs flutter in between sorrow and confussion. "I do all of this...I've helped save the world countless times but it's...IT'S NEVER ENOUGH!" Martin scattered the reflection of the two again. "I don't get what I'm doing wrong? Why does he hate me so much?" He looked at the woman for the answers she could only take a stab at.

"He doesn't hate you," M.O.M replied, "He's just scared."

"Scared of what?" Martin was a lost little boy in that moment but all the childhood wonder had been replaced with new emotions gained over the years. He was desperate for an answer but knew that his boss didn't have all of them. "Scared of me?" M.O.M didn't know what to say and continued to watch Martin. The teen frowned and looked away again making it seem like he had aged sooner then he should have.

"We should get you back to your room before you get sick." Martin nodded but his body didn't seem to want to move. His body seemd to have frozen in place.

"I kinda figured, even if I was able to get Diana out of there, that I was going to die. Did you know that I wished for it to happen because then maybe, just maybe, my dad would say he loved me." M.O.M was shocked by this statement but said nothing knowing he wasn't finished. "Maybe he would show he cared and would say he was sorry even though I wouldn't be able to say it to him. I had to stay though..." he looked at M.O.M, "Diana needs me." He fell silent after that, his eyes dropping slightly as sleep was starting to take him into it's hold.

M.O.M helped him up and helped him up the stairs. By the time they reached Martin's room M.O.M was tired too. Martin had fallen asleep long ago and it made it difficult for her to make it to his room. She opened the door and put Martin in his bed and covered him up. In some way, he was like her little brother. No matter how stupid or tough he acted he was still a sensitive person on the inside. M.O.M ran a hand through her hair and retired to her own room to get some sleep.

Breakfast was a quiet afair in the morning. Martin sat between M.O.M and Diana, casting an uneasy glance at his father every now and then. He cleared his throat. "I'd...like to go see a movie tonight. Is that alright."

"I don't think so son. You're so weak and could get into trouble. You tend to attract it." Martin closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Yes sir." He rolled away, his head held straight up as he wheeled out of the dinning hall. M.O.M watched Martin for a moment before turning to the siblings father.

"I really don't see a problem with that. I think that getting out would be good for him." M.O.M spoke in a clear voice, "Besides, I'm sure Diana and I would be happy to come along." Diana nodded eagerly.

"No. I don't want him over excited. He might strain himself." M.O.M stood and walked toward the door.

"Like your not doing that to him yourself," Diana muttered as she ate the last of her food. Gerad Mystery stood and took his daughter by the arm.

"What did you say?" he asked, his voice low.

"Let go of her. She has done nothing but speak the truth." M.O.M replied, "You shelter your son but at the same time push him away. Can you honestly say he's been happy for the last year?" M.O.M struck a nerve in the man leaving him frozen to the spot. Diana and M.O.M left the kitchen quickly and caught up with Martin who was pulling on a grey t-shirt with a number ten on it decorating the front. He slipped on a black jean coat and looked at them.

"You ready to go?" Diana asked Martin. He was always the one who went against his dads word when things came to it. Martin quickly nodded and with help, walked out of the house in the crutches. Diana and M.O.M watched the surprised look in Martin's eyes when he saw Billy and Java standing there.

"Let's go!" Martin nodded, smiling a true smile. They helped him into the car and took off down the road. "Wow M.O.M," Billy commented, "You look nice when your wearing something like that." M.O.M had a simple black one piece dress on with a pair of long white pants benieth it. Her had was pulled behing her head and into a small pony tail. Diana wore a pair of jeans and a white long sleeved shirt, something simple.

By the time they got back from the movies it had gone way past an hour. Martin saw his father standing at the front door. His face was a mix of emotions.