Note: am going to put parts from two Kaleidoscope chapters here, since they will wind up connecting in this arc. Kaleidoscope chapter 31 and 32. And Kobik's influence wears off for a moment when it comes to James.
"So, what is the plan? He has been able to seize control. And we are about to be forced into hiding? Thor, Castle, Vision and Wanda have disappeared. So there go a few of our heavy hitters and best defense." "We aren't completely defenseless though, Tony." "Rachel is right. And we are going to need all the help we can get." "I will see what I can do. In the meantime, what is the game plan? Rick Jones has been taken as a prisoner. We know Bruce can't be very happy about this; wherever he is?!"
"We are going to have to break into teams…" "And have we gotten any closer to the issue with the children, Bucky?!" "No. But with how things are we can definitely use any help we can get. Surely, The Phoenix?!" "I guess. It wouldn't hurt. I will go to Strange's study. There is more than enough room. Gather the children and meet me there." Rachel is gone the next moment.
Hovering in the air, sitting in the lotus position; her eyes meet theirs as they enter. "Bucky says you can undo everything?!" "I should be able to with The Phoenix." Putting her hands on her knees, "have them form a circle around me. And no matter what you see, there is no reason to be scared, okay?" "O'k, R'cl." Her eyes begin blazing, flames reflecting in them. A circle of fire surrounding them; before it moves toward her, engulfing her.
Streams of fire stretching out, wrapping around each of the children. Not giving them enough time to react properly with surprise and fear. Each appearing in their adolescent form once more as the flames recede. Except for, "James?!" "R'gr!" "Rachel, what happened?!" The teens patting themselves. As Rachel falls backward, Barton catching her. "Easy there, Red." "I don't know. But clearly whatever affected them, took a stronger hold on James. This might take longer than expected. But we are going to have to worry about that later."
The explosion is the only warning. Everyone begins scattering. "RACHEL, THE CHILDREN AND SHARON. We will handle the rest. HURRY!" Masking herself, she quickly makes her way to where the younger generation is, bursting through the doors. "Rachel?!" "Sharon, James, everyone we have to get out of here now!" "And just where do you think you can run to?!" Seeing their rogue captain, each takes the defense.
William's hands beginning glowing blue. As Mariah, Ted and Thomas are back-to-back, the rest of their team creating a barrier in front of The Rogers and Rachel. "All of you are making this harder than necessary. Just give up and give me my wife and child; and I will give all of you clemency." The pole comes crashing down, noticing it at the last second; he is able to dive out of the way. Though it takes his team down.
"That was a very nice effort, Sean. But you are going to have to try harder. Surely, your mom taught you better than that." "She happens to be right here." Reaching deep inside his mind, he falls to the floor; believing it has caved beneath him. "That will only hold him so long. Sean, we will hold them off. Get them out of here." "But Mom?!"
"You'll be fine. You may lack telepathy. But I have taught you more than enough about telekinesis. He can never get his hand on them." Looking to his friends and family, locking eyes with Mariah. All his emotions on display. "Me too! Now go, your mom is right." "Don't worry, cousin. We will protect her." William and Thomas say. Seeing that their comrades share the same sentiment; he lightly pushes Sharon; taking James in his arms; as they are moving rapidly through the air the next moment.
Peeking out from behind the wall, "Sean, I don't understand. If you aren't telepathic, how are we going to evade them?!" "Because, my mom upon realizing this, had me fine tune my ability. To the point that I can do more than just move objects around me. I can manipulate specific things as well, like cameras, and their inner components. So, they will only what I wish them to see. Though, we will still have to be careful. With him in control, he no doubt has eyes and ears everywhere. James, are you okay?!" The boy nods hesitantly in his mom's arms.
The blonde woman puts her son on the ground in Sean. I am trusting you, to keep my son safe. Like your mom wanted; it is only a matter of time before his father finds him. We could have only hidden so long. But with this, I can no doubt, buy you two more time." Sean picks up the boy before placing him in the hidden alcove; before facing her.
"Sharon, this is your last chance. My mother may have failed to see what was going to happen; things clearly have changed from the events she had been given to see. But she is doing all she can to keep everyone safe and hidden; without raising suspicion; along with the others. You still have an opportunity to protect James and get yourselves to those who have managed to avoid Captain America and his army of Hydra, wherever they are now after that ambush."
"I can't do that. What kind of example would I be setting to James if I did?! Saving ourselves but letting our friends fall. I may have been forced the first time; and It is enough, he has managed to get a hold of Vision, Wanda and Thor. Besides, I am being a good parent; I can't subject my child to such things that his father has been exhibiting." Sharon's head sinks down somewhat.
"None of this is your fault, Sharon. There is no way you could have known." "How long have the two of us been together, known each other; and I never once picked up on this?!" "I should have known; all those years should have had me see he was hiding something. I can't believe how stupid I was." "Then we are all dumb, some have known him far longer than you have, yet they fell for his ruse. But then it is classic Hydra. Just whatever you do now, try not to get caught. And if you get the chance, please tell Mariah, that I am sorry. And that I love her." She squeezes his hand, "I will. Thank you."
"No, Se'n, wh'r 'r y'u g'ng?" "I need to go check things. Plus, we are going to need to eat. I have to go find something for us. Stay here. I won't be long." Seeing the fear in his friend's eyes. "I promise." "B't my m'my a'd d'dy w't a'y." "Well, I am here. I am not going anywhere. I will do everything I can to protect and keep you safe." Putting the boy in the cabinet, he closes the doors.
"Yes…This are the coordinates. My mom told me that she is trusting you…I don't know how much longer we can hold up…And I better cut the line now…" Picking up the bag, he glances around, making sure the coast is clear. 'Hopefully, they get here in time. And I didn't wind up painting a big red on our backs.' Making it just past the front doors when he hears the ruckus behind him. Glancing he sees he has been spotted, quickly making his way to James. 'I should have more than enough time to hide him elsewhere.'
"James, whatever you do stay there and don't make a sound." He whispers just as the doors are broken down. He stands in front of the (cabinet) door. The soldiers walk in, moving as the star-spangled man makes his way to the front. "Hello, Sean. It's been a while. Where are they?" "I wish I could say the same. And as you can see, they split, it's just me."
"We both know that isn't true. One of my operatives saw her leave, without our son. She managed to escape the vicinity, though not before leading us a wild goose chase. So, I had them double around and keep an eye on this perimeter. And lo and behold, it was only a matter of time before we spotted you. So, again, where are they?"
The energy around him starts crackling, as things start moving. The building starts shaking as the thunder is heard in the distance. Just as the Vision appears through the wall, with Wanda's hand in his as the two touch the ground. Sean moves back as much as he can. The Machine goes down just as part of the wall disappears, to reveal the god of thunder. Not that it holds the android, Sean screams as the bolts of lightning hit him. The telekinetic charge amplifying Thor's attack.
"Well, that was definitely anti-climactic, Mindbender. And here I thought you had more of your mother's prowess; as well as being taught to have the same fortitude. But then your mother is special even among those who are just as gifted as she. Take him. My son couldn't have gotten far; Wanda, Vision, search for me. Thor and the rest of you gather Sean and follow me."
The door bursts open, as the child rushes forward. "NO! Dad, why are you doing this?!" Steven Rogers stops moving, "leave us. Thor, stay." He bends down. "James, I am trying to make things right. There has been enough fighting and wars; shouldn't be it be time for peace?!" "Well, yes, but." "You will understand when you are older about what I am trying to accomplish." "By taking away people having the right to choose for themselves?!"
Steven stands back, "Thor." "Don't even think of laying a hand on the kid!" They turn to see a man wearing similar garb to the Captain's; with a woman who is wearing a blue and white spider suit. James keeping quiet at seeing them again. "It's been a while, Walker." "We have to make this quick, Julia." "As if I would let that happen; you aren't taking my son anywhere." "Kid, you might want to close your eyes" the woman says, just as a flash of light appears blinding all those in the room, except the android.
Rogers stands, "find them." "Captain, that really isn't necessary. I was able to track the general direction of their movement. It is now only a matter of time before we find them again. Besides, we have him. She will definitely come for him. We still have time to find Sharon" Vision informs him. Steven stands there for a moment, looking at Sean. "Thor, take him. Wanda, come with me. Try to find them then, Vision."
