A/U: Reddit Monthly Prompt Challenge - Bildungsroman.

Vanessa was awaken by the loud ringing of her phone on top her bedside drawer. Still half asleep she rolled on the bed she shared with her husband, towards the ringing that woke her. The bed was empty and cold. He still hadn't come home from the laboratory they worked at. It was unlike him to be there so late.

The dim light from the phone guided her and she quickly picked it up to check the caller. It was coming from the lab's pediatric department. It must be urgent she thought. "Vanessa Reynolds," she answered with a groggy voice.

"Hun, it's me," it was her husband, Robert Reynolds, who she married five years ago and have been together since they were in medical school. "We can't find Vincent. We've searched everywhere," her husband replied frantically. It was the first time they had a missing child but there were no signs of anyone leaving the floor after the kids were put to sleep. They were sure that he was still somewhere inside the building.

There was panic creeping up on her. Vincent was no older than five or six years old. They weren't sure of his age because he was abandoned as a baby. He was left inside a cardboard box lined with blankets to keep him warm, in front of the laboratory entrance, instead of the hospital that was half a mile down the road. There was only a note from his parents saying how sorry they were to leave him but that they weren't capable of raising him and hoped that someone would give their special baby Vincent a loving home.

No one knew how the parents were able to get pass the numerous gates leading to the building but after checking all the surveillance videos the box appeared out of nowhere. One second it wasn't there and the next it was. The video was sent to forensics to check if the video had been altered or tampered but there were no evidence to suggest that it was. They tried slowing it down frame by frame but all they could see was two shadow like figure in one frame and nothing more.

Since that unfaithful day, Vincent was kept inside of the lab after finding out how special he was and why he was abandoned. When he was around two years old a nurse was panicked when he was not in his crib but was instead hanging on the old sprinkler pipes that was attached to the ten feet ceiling. Since then there were more incidents that involved the young boy. If he escaped the building who knows what could happen to him and that's what worried her the most.

Vanessa quickly reached for the lamp on top the bedside drawer and sat up. "What do you mean you can't find him? He should have been asleep by now." She couldn't believe that this was happening. It seemed like a nightmare she was ready to wake from.

"He was there but now he's not!" Robert's panic was rising every second the child went missing. "We even checked with security if anyone left the building. No doors have been opened since the patients were put into their rooms. He's usually following you when you're doing your rounds, is there any room in particular he likes to hide?"

"Not that I can think off. He follows me and asks all sorts of questions but nothing unusual for a kid his age," Vanessa replied, while trying to think of where he could be at this time but her mind was blank with fear.

"Can you come in and help look? It's important we find him before he escapes the facility."

"I'll be there as soon as I can," Vanessa answered before hanging up. Wasting no time she got up from the bed and out of the bedroom to her daughter's room that was across from theirs. Without thinking she turned on the light in the bedroom and walked over to the bed where her daughter was sleeping peacefully. "Cat, sweetie," her mother cooed to wake her young daughter up. "Sweetie," she repeated while gently stroking her daughter's shoulder length brunette hair.

Little Catherine was suddenly awaken from her sleep which wasn't unusual. Her parents always made sure she was awake on time to eat breakfast and have enough time to get ready for daycare. What was unusual was that it was still dark outside and that it was before 3 in the morning. Usually they would let her sleep until 7 am, giving her enough time to eat breakfast while watching cartoons then a rush to get her washed up and changed for the day.

Catherine stirred as she woke and opened her green eyes. She was greeted by the bright light and the panic stricken face of her mother. "Mommy," she wondered if it was a dream.

"Sweetie, we have to go to my work. I'm sorry to wake you up so early but it's very important. Can you go to the bathroom and wash up by yourself? Mommy needs to pack up a few things."

"Yes mommy," Catherine nodded her head as she wiped the sleep off her eyes.

"Is there anything you want me to pack for you?"

"My favorite book and don't forget Bunny," her tired voice answered as she slowly sat up in her bed that was covered in a teddy bears bed sheets and blanket that matched her stuffed bear she named Bunny. It was an Easter gift from her grandmother, who recently passed away and ever since she took Bunny everywhere she went.

Young Catherine did her best to do things herself. She had already been potty trained almost a year ago and knew how to always wash her hands with soap. Washing her face was always a messy task with water splashing everywhere but she still did it her own without asking for help as she saw her mom moving from room to room and putting everything she could think of that they would need in case the search for Vincent took longer than anticipated. Vanessa packed the two things her daughter asked for, a change of clothes, snacks and a few juice box. It was the first time they had to leave home in a rush without any warning. She never prepared for this moment and she was too panicked about the missing boy to be able to think properly so she hoped it would be enough to keep her daughter busy for a few hours.

BATB

In her panicked rush, Vanessa didn't think to change either of their clothes and just threw on coats over their pajamas. With the way they were dressed it looked as if she had been biding her time to escape an abusive home, which she wasn't. Thankfully it was still dark and none of her neighbors were awake. She didn't have time to explain about the emergency at work or single second to spare.

Vanessa tucked in her daughter in her car seat and didn't think much about anything else except for getting to the work as quickly and safely. While she drove with worry on her mind, young Catherine had fallen asleep on the way and was back in dreamland. It wasn't too far from where they lived and with fewer cars than usual on the road it took her less than twenty minutes to get to the compound where the laboratory was located which was heavily secured.

The first security checkpoint recognized her car and license plate through the video feed from the camera that was set up a hundred yards away. After a baby was dropped off in front of the lab without any detection, the agency added extra cameras and security around the compound. The security officer waved her towards the gate and she complied as usual. When her car came close she rolled down the window and was instantly greeted by the cold air.

"Evening, Dr. Reynolds. It's quite late," his voice didn't give away any feeling of drowsiness even though it was past 3 am. All of the members of the security team were highly trained agents and had to be aware at all times.

"Yes it us but there's an emergency in the lab. I brought my daughter along with me," Vanessa answered with urgency and pointed to the backseat where her daughter was still peacefully asleep.

"I heard about the situation but I need you to sign her in as well. Anyone entering the compound has to be accounted for," the security officer replied and handed her the digital clipboard for entry. The sound of his voice was authoritative and calm given the situation.

"Of course. Has there been any update?" She asked while she scanned her thumb then index fingerprint to check in and added her daughter's name as a guest which she had never done before. Usually her or her husband would drop off their daughter at the main hospital's daycare which was currently close and was not due to open until 7 am.

"No, ma'am. I was just told that people would be coming in. I'll let the security team know you've arrived and to open the gate to the lab driveway. Don't want little miss to be walking around in this cold night."

"Thanks, officer Lumière," Vanessa replied and waited for the gate to open before closing her window. She waved her hand as she drove pass the officer.

The road was illuminated making it easy to see the path that she only drove through during daytime. Vanessa drove her car from one security checkpoint to another that was put in place in case intruders made it through the first gate. All of the security teams were given instructions by officer Lumière to not disturb the sleeping child in the backseat. They only stopped the doctor a few seconds to scan her prints and let her be on the way. The last security officer directed her towards the front of the building instead of the underground parking that was used by all staff.

Vanessa drove slowly on the unfamiliar path that led to the front of the building. As soon as she arrived within view there was another security booth. The officer waved her over pass his booth and onto the driveway to get her as close as possible to the building entrance. She parked her car next to him and he waited for the car door to be opened.

"Do you need help, Dr. Reynolds? I was told you had your daughter," he greeted her in a low voice, barely above a whisper to not wake the sleeping child. Most of the security team members had family of their own and knew not what to do when a child was sleeping.

"Is it okay if I leave my car here? I'm in a rush."

"Yes ma'am. I was told to let you in. They're waiting for you inside."

Without another word, Vanessa got out of the car and opened the rear passenger door. She carefully got her daughter out without waking her even with all the chaos in her mind, carried her with her right arm and picked up the bag with her left hand. It was something she had done multiple times since Catherine was born. The officer quietly offered his assistance by taking the bag from her hand and walked beside them up the small flight of steps to the building entrance. He scanned his badge to unlock the door. When they entered they were immediately greeted by one of the building security team and he took the bag from the hand of the first officer, who had to go back to his post. It was all done with quiet precision.

Another officer stood behind the lobby desk, who simply nodded his head towards the doctor, who was occupied with her daughter. They walked towards the elevators and the officer scanned his badge before pressing the elevator button. It took less than a minute to arrive and when the doors slid open, they were greeted by her husband, Director Reynolds. He was the head of the lab along with two others, who ran their own departments. The security, officer Cogsworth, handed the backpack to the director and left the three alone in the elevator. He returned to his post in the lobby and carried on with his duties.

Director Reynolds scanned his card and pressed the button for the third floor, to the pediatric department. "Sorry you had to come in so late," he greeted his wife with an exhausted look on his face and carefully took his daughter from her arms. His daughter stirred and hugged him with her small arms.

"Still no sign of him?" Vanessa asked with concern. She tried not to show it but she was worried about the missing boy. Since day one she had been his primary doctor and treated him as she would her daughter. His past of being abandoned broke her heart and she did her best to provide not just a shelter but to be a guardian that had his best interest. Every passing day she worried about him when he showed more and more of his abilities that no child should possess.

The director shook his head. "We just know that he hasn't left the floor. None of the exit doors were open and the elevator hasn't been used until now. Security team has been keeping an eye on all surveillance. We've checked every room, ceilings and every nook and cranny we can think off," his voice became louder with each word as the frustration began to settle.

"Daddy," Catherine raised her head from his shoulder and was attacked by the bright lights of the elevator. She turned her head to her left and saw her mother standing beside them. In her father's arm, she was much smaller, who stood at about six feet. She shared her father's green eyes and light complexion but her mother's small face and nose.

"I'm sorry sweetie," the director spoke softly, unlike eatlier and rubbed her back to soothe her. Before he could say anything else the elevator stopped then the doors slid open. They were greeted by a pair of guards who simply acknowledged the director and the doctor but didn't say a word as they walked out of the elevator and into the hallway.

The lights in the hall that were usually off at this time were turned on but dimmed to not disturb the other patients who were asleep in their rooms. Besides them and the guards no one else was in sight as they walked through the corridor. They looked inside the rooms through the small windows on the closed door as they walked pass.

"Daddy, where are we?" Her small voice didn't make much of a noise in the quiet hall.

"Where at mommy and daddy's work. We just need to find someone then we'll be going home too," the director answered as they turned the corner to another hall that was filled with exam rooms and offices of the three doctors. All of the doors to the exam rooms were locked and the doctors office was mostly glass that had blinds for privacy.

Halfway through the hallway Catherine turned to her mother who was still quietly walking beside them as she looked through the cracks of the blinds to peek at the offices. "Mommy, a little boy is following us."

Vanessa quickly turned around and fell to her knees when she recognized the young boy with spiky brunette hair dressed in his favorite Batman pajamas walking behind them. "Oh, Vincent," she threw her arms around his small frame. The moment felt like a mother being reunited with her missing son though she had no right to feel that way. "Where have you been?"

"I couldn't sleep," he answered. "I wanted to play but everyone was sleeping."

"Come on, let's take him back to his room," director Reynolds chimed in with a sense of relief now that they've found him or in actuality he found them.

"You can play with the other kids tomorrow but first you have to go to sleep," Dr. Reynolds assured him as she released him from her hug and held his hand to walk back to his room. "Where have you been hiding?"

"I wasn't hiding. I was running with everyone when they were going around and around. I stopped here because I heard her talking," Vincent turned and pointed at Catherine, who was still in her father's arm. "I wanted to play."

Vanessa stopped and kneeled so that she was eye level with him. "Have you been running all this time?"

Vincent nodded. "I came out of my room when nurse Potts came in to check on me but everyone was already sleeping. I tried going back to my room but it was locked."

"Why didn't you ask one of the nurses or the director to help you?"

"I couldn't stop running even when I tried. Then I heard her voice," he slowly looked up to the little girl once more. "I don't know. I just stopped running."

"It's okay. You're not in trouble but we do have to get you back to bed." Her voice was soft and full of concern. This was the first time she had heard of this issue with him.

The young boy didn't say another word. He was tired from all the running around that he had no control over. This was all new to him. He ran so much that he passed everyone numerous times in the hallway without them noticing and almost bumped into the two guards standing in front of the elevator. Suddenly he heard her voice and he was able to stop. Why? He was too young to understand.

Director Reynolds used his badge to open Vincent's room which automatically turned on the light but the setting during night time was dim. "I have to talk to the staff and let them know we found him," he gave his daughter a kiss on the forehead and handed her to his wife along with the bag. "You two can leave when he falls aslseep. I'll probably have to stay here all night." As the director he had a huge task ahead of him. He needed to inform the nurses and security team about tonight's wild event. They also had to place new procedures so that nothing like this happened again and the sooner the better, for everyone especially Vincent. It would probably take all night and morning.

Vincent didn't complain or put up a fuss about going to sleep. Soon as his door was opened he ran to his bed and laid down without being told so. He was just too tired. "Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?"

"Mommy, you can read him a book," Catherine added enthusiastically. She loved it when her parents read her stories. "Where's Bunny?"

"Is that okay with you, Vincent?"

The little boy's face lit up. He felt like the little kid that he was. Usually the nurses just told him it was bed time and turned off the lights in his room. He knew he wasn't like other kids who had parents to visit them and read them stories whenever they wanted. The closest thing he had were the nurses and doctors but it was mostly about running tests on him. When he wasn't in exam rooms or the doctor's office he was with a tutor who spent hours with him on various school subjects so he wouldn't fall behind in case he was able to go to school with his peers but that was looking less and less likely.

Vanessa pulled up a chair beside his bed and placed Catherine on her lap. She dug through the bag and pulled out her daughter's favorite book and teddy bear.

"Bunny!" Catherine smiled and hugged her bear with all her might.

"It's a bear," Vincent stated.

"His name is Bunny!" Catherine pouted.

"Okay," he shrugged and looked at Vanessa, who was holding the book.

"It's okay, sweetie," she said to the both of them and started to read the book. The two kids remained quiet as she read and almost immediately they fell asleep to the soothing sound of her voice.

BATB

Following the incident the facility was under extreme lockdown and only a select few had access to the pediatric floor. The children who were recovering from rare diseases thanks to experimental drugs were transferred to the main hospital and the others were moved to the floor below with other patients except for one. Vincent was kept alone except for one nurse, director, doctor and a guard standing in front of the elevator at all times. They only changed shifts twice a day and no more than five staff were allowed on the floor at a time.

Most of Vincent's days were spent in exam rooms. When he was done with tests he spent hours with his tutor via video conference. He felt lonely most of the time and had no one to play with. His daily routine tormented the young boy, who didn't know how to control his emotions. Some days he was sad when he missed the other kids he use to play with and his cries made a thunderous sound in the quiet halls. Other days he was angry that he was constantly attached to wires and pricked with needles that he would lash out and throw everything against the walls, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

They hoped that things would be better for the young boy if he didn't have distractions around but instead he seemed to have gain more strength. As the days turned into weeks they had difficulties keeping him in his room. At night he would pull on the door until it opened and he ran around until he passed out.

The days slowly passed for him and the only thing that brightened up the young boy's life was seeing his primary doctor. She was the only one who treated him like a child instead of an experiment but those moments were far and few. They only let Dr. Reynolds exam him once or twice a week to check on his health. Physically he was fine but mentally, it was taking a toll on his young mind.

Dr. Reynolds pleaded with the director as a concerned staff but he brushed her off. His reply was short and dismissive. The director replied that it was only a phase and it would pass in time but things got worse for Vincent. His abilities and power were progressing much faster than they anticipated and could barely keep up with him. Yet there still was no sense of urgency or hint of concern from the director and that shocked the doctor, who saw her husband in a different light.

What if it was their daughter? Vanessa tried to plead as a mother when he didn't listen to her as a doctor but that didn't work and only caused a rift in their peaceful home. Their once happy family was no longer just on the fray but was on the verge of collapsing on the foundation they built together. As medical students they were united by the virtue of wanting to save lives and now he was abandoning that for reasons unknown to her. In just weeks she could no longer recognize the man she fell in love with.

When they were both at home, which was a rare occurrence since the incident with Vincent, they argued until it turned into yelling which scared their daughter who hid in her room. Her husband was unrecognizable and was always talking only as her supervisor. He refused to believe that what he was doing was undeniably wrong and that treating such a young child as an experiment rather than a human being was morally incomprehensible. The truth was that he was the monster and not the little boy who was under their care. It broke her heart, not just for her family but for the young boy who didn't have any.

Due to this, young Catherine didn't see her father often and when she did it was only for a few minutes. He would only come home to get a fresh set of clothing to last about a week. In between picking clothes and putting the dirty ones in the laundry he would check in on his daughter, who was excited to see him. At first it brought a smile on her face to see her father, who she missed. They'd talk about what happened since she last saw him, which was several days ago. Exactly how many, she wasn't sure as she didn't memorize the days yet but that didn't matter to her as long as she was able to see him. Little did she know that it would be her last memories of her father.

Soon after their talk was done and he returned to his task, the normally quiet house was filled with angry words that neither of her parents could take back. Hours passed until it got quiet again. Her bedroom door would open and it was her father coming in to give her a kiss goodbye until finally one day he just stopped coming home and she never saw him again.

About three months after the incident in the labortory, a huge shock came to Vanessa when suddenly the hospital daycare told her that she had only a week to find a new place for her daughter. In disbelief, she took Catherine back into the car and drove further down to the compound only to be denied entry. Another security team came with one of the director's she worked for and handed her a termination notice with a huge severance package. They hoped in good faith that she would not talk about her work inside the compound but it sounded more like a threat especially with the security team standing beside the director with guns at their waist. For her daughter's sake she had no choice but to comply and agreed to sign the contract of termination. For her silence, they'd support her financially for the next five years. She took the large envelope that also had a list of recommendation for hospitals across the country. If she decided to pick one, they would ensure her employment as well.

Still in shock, Vanessa tried calling her husband but all of her calls and text went unanswered. Days passed when she finally received a call from her husband's lawyer. All contact would now only be through him. Seperation. Divorce. Her husband didn't ask for custody and she could keep all of their assets. There was no room for bargaining. It was already settled for her. At least financially they had nothing to worry about. With their savings which was now all hers and the payout from the organization, she didn't have to work another day but she was still a doctor and wanted to save lives.

For the next few weeks it was just the two of them. Vanessa tried to accept that her marriage was over but when she looked at her daughter all the pain she tried to hide became unbearable. She did her best to explain to her daughter but it was difficult when the little girl cried for her daddy. They stayed at the house hoping that perhaps her husband would have a change of heart but it never happened. The weeks turned to months until half the year passed and she was served with divorce papers. All hoped was lost and she finally decided to move on with their lives.

BATB

Vanessa and her daughter moved across the country to New York city with the help of the organization. They sold the house, packed their belongings and had a security team drive the truck to a townhouse they found for the single mother and daughter. Their new home was only a couple of blocks from the hospital Vanessa worked in. The laboratory staff had highly recommended her and she was hired immediately. It all happened within a week but it was a change she was looking forward to.

Vanessa worked in the pediatric department, which only reminded her of what she left behind but had no choice. Catherine went to a private school that was set up secretly by her father, who watched his family from afar. It was all he could do after causing them so much pain. He had gone too far and was easily tempted by all the power his position held. He lost sight of everything important and lost his family.

As the months passed and turned into two years, Catherine eventually stopped asking for her father, who she remembered less and less. The mother and daughter became closer than ever. They only had each other to rely on especially when Catherine began to have trouble in school. As she grew older her features became more distinct. Her mother was of Chinese descent and her father's family was Dutch and Polish. Though she had pale complexion and green iris like her father, her oval shaped eyes and small nose were just like her mother's. Some of her classmates made fun of her because she looked different but there was Tess, who befriended her and always stuck up for her. They were best friends ever since.

When Catherine was in third grade her mother remarried Thomas Chandler, a doctor who worked in the same hospital. It was a small gathering in the courthouse and a reception followed in their favorite restaurant that most hospital staff frequented. In less than a year after the marriage, Catherine became an older sister and the family outgrew the small townhouse. They moved to Kensington and lived a relatively normal life.

The age gap between the two sisters didn't hinder their relationship. Heather, the youngest, looked up to her sister and copied everything she did. They were both good at schoolwork and enjoyed the piano classes their mother made them take. Heather stuck with it even after Catherine had to drop it because her schedule was packed with schoolwork.

Before Catherine entered high school she already had her mind made up about her future. She wanted to be a doctor like her parents. While she was busy getting A's in all of her classes she also joined school clubs that would help her achieve her dreams of going to medical school. She eventually graduated high school in the top 5 ranking and was glad she didn't have to give a speech.

As a surprise graduation gift Vanessa planned a day of outing for her eldest daughter. They spent the whole day in Manhattan doing things Catherine had put off since her load work was too much. To start the day they went to a spa for a much needed massage followed by a manicure and pedicure. After the relaxing morning they had lunch to fill their empty stomach then explored Time Square on foot before the finale of the night. Catherine was most excited to watch Wicked. The show surpassed her expectations and couldn't help but admire the huge production. The whole day made her happy but that moment of happiness was short lived.

On the drive home a car rear ended them causing Vanessa to hit the shoulder wall. They were shaken from the accident but nothing major just dents and scratches on the car. While waiting for police to arrive and exchanging information with the other driver, the mother and daughter were caught off guard. Catherine was on the phone with her father when the passenger window was smashed and she was dragged out of the car. Her mother was easily overtaken and silenced with a large hand over her mouth and they were dragged between the wall and the car, away from the view of passing cars. As Catherine struggled with her attacker, Vanessa was shot in front of her daughter.

As sudden as the attack was, so was the end of their horrifying moment. A hero came out of nowhere to save the wounded women. With eyes inflamed, like embers in the dark of the night and with a thunderous roar that ripped fear through his enemies, he violently went after the two men without hesitation. Catherine merely caught a glimpse of the assailants flailing in the air before passing out from her injuries.

Vanessa tried with all her life to hang on as she watched the assailants fall lifeless to the ground and covered in their own blood. "Help,"she whispered.

The tall and dark figure fell to his knees in front of her blood covered body. "Doctor," his voice was hoarse and breath short from his own violent attack. "Doctor," he repeated as his shaky hands that just pummeled his enemies carefully lifted her fragile body next to her daughter. "You're going to be okay," his voice was far from calm.

Vanessa met the eyes of the man who was visibly shaking. His brown eyes looked familiar. It was one she had laid eyes on long ago. He had grown up and that made her happy to know that he was still alive. She never once stopped thinking of the young boy and always wondered if he was safe. "Vincent."

"It's me, Vincent," he answered.

"Take care of Catherine," her voice trailed off and her eyes closed as she succumbed to her gunshot wound.

The police arrived too late. Four bodies laid on the ground but only one survivor. She was rushed to the hospital and the rest were put into body bags. The highway was closed for hours as they investigated but there were no cameras around and no witness came forward.

Catherine was hospitalized for a day for her injuries. No organs were damaged just a few cuts and bruises. She was lucky they said but that's not how she felt. Her body ached everywhere but it was her heart that needed mending.

The days leading to her mother's funeral was a blur. She couldn't explain how the assailants were killed, no matter how many times detectives asked. All she could see was her mother being shot. She didn't want to remember but that night haunted her every time she tried to sleep.

During the funeral a stranger with silver hair and green eyes approached her. "I never stopped loving you and your mother." She was too stunned to say anything. By the time the shock wore off he had walked away and was met by another wearing a long, black coat and dark pants. He was far yet there was something oddly familiar about him. It wasn't until he turned away that she realized she had been staring and he the same.

Days later Catherine asked her father, Thomas, if her mother ever talked about the past. Only that she had been married before and there were only a handful of pictures from Catherine's childhood. The stranger was her father, who abandoned her. Vanessa was too afraid of what the orginazation would do and never dared to mention anything related to her past.

BATB

Catherine realized that nothing was ever set in stone no matter how hard she tried. Her parents married then divorced. Although her mother found love again her life was cut short and murdered. When Catherine wanted to be a doctor to save lives she didn't know her life would change course and how quickly life could change. As a detective she was still able to save lives and was able to give victim's family the closure she longed for. She remained hopeful that someday she would catch the people behind her mother's murder.

End.