Note: Even though, technically consider What Lies Beneath over; this will cover the aftermath. And their search for Sean. And slight mention of when Katherine begins plotting from earlier chapters in this story. And the slightest of a scene from Kaleidoscope. But no parts will really be taken since showing a tad bit more of it, just a smidge. And will cover the moment, The Skrulls actually swapped with Rachel and some of the others. And may have given impression that ended abruptly but that is where the gap ends. And the earlier chapters pick up. And will be broken into two parts (too long again).
Sending a burst of energy, the group begin running faster. Barely missing it hitting their feet, "you all are being too slow." "Give us a break, Aunt Red, we just regained our bodies. We need to grasp what we lost." "That is the biggest load of bull$hit! Sure, the hiccup as resembling children is an issue. I have spent years with training all of you to where mastery over your abilities is beyond proficient. So, this lapse really should have meant nothing. Besides, having a new member, well, she needs to see how it is done. And for that, none of you better stop until I tell you. FASTER, NOW! Except for you, Kobik; I know you are new to this." The groans have another surge of energy missing them again.
"R'ch?!" "What is it, James?!" "I'm hu'nr." "Okay. But hold on, let's see what we can do about your stature. I am pretty sure you are tired of being like this." He nods his head at this statement; taking a hold of her hand, looking up at her hopefully. "Kobik, come here." The girl stops in front of her. "Can you change him back. And I can feel my effort waning when it comes to them, it is only a matter of time before."
"I should be able to. Do they know?!" "No. And I rather it remains a secret between us. Being able to protect them is everything to me. If I don't give this semblance off, they will have to cast me to the side. Then where will they, I be?!" "But you know that they wouldn't easily abandon you if that happened, I have seen it." "You might be right. But they would really have no choice. If I no longer have any abilities, what good am I?! How would I really be able to help them, just as myself?!"
"You are an excellent fighter even without your powers. I have been watching you this past week when it comes to training them. Even in your state, you are able to easily bring them to their knees; just by using their bodies against them." "You're right. But that would be all I have, if I get tossed around, I would be lucky if I have The Phoenix's strength to make sure I don't become a pancake.
But I am not the issue right now." "Okay. But your self-sacrificing nature is only going to get you so far." "Let me worry about that. You need to focus on being a kid for once." "But I, like the rest of them, care about you. You can't really expect." "Kobik, please, James is waiting." The two turn to the boy, who looks between them.
"What happened? What are you talking about?!" "Nothing, James. And clearly, whatever Kobik is doing seems to be working. The others fall over. "Well, I guess that means your training is over for today." "Rachel, what was that?" "I was just making sure, my reverting you all back to your original semblances would stick." "I am me!" The two turn to see James looking down, patting himself.
Smiling, "now what would you like to eat, James?" "That isn't important right now. My mom and dad." He is running out of the doors, before they can stop him. "Well come on, let's go." Raising his arm, "a little help here?!" Thomas says. The two begin walking out as well. "Guess, your next mission is to get out of this room." "AHH! You're still a slave driver as ever, Aunt Rachel!" "Don't you know it."
Catching herself against the wall, her hand supporting her as she goes through it. Landing face down on the other side, the energy around her crackling. "Rachel?!" The two get out of bed, partly dressed. "Tony?!' "I am not sure touching her would be the best thing. Rachel?!" Moaning in pain, her level of consciousness is still low. "We should go get someone who can help." "I'll go. You stay here, Pep. And don't touch her. "
Sitting up, everything begins swimming. "Easy there. You had us all worried." "Katya?!" "Yeah, they called me and some of the others when you were found unconscious." "What happened?" "Don't even pretend, how long did you really think you could hide this from us? If we weren't so concerned, you know we would be furious with you?! What possessed you to keep this a secret?!"
Turning her head, Katya picks up the thought through their link. "Now that is stupid, foolish and downright insulting. So, us finding out this way, prevents us from worrying and caring about you?! We have all decided to bench you. So don't even make an attempt to plead your case; Steven and Tony, Reed and Sue, Scott and The Professor will simply deny you. At least until you show that you are well enough."
Pulling on the wires, swinging her legs over the edge. "This is ridiculous! I am an adult. I can handle things myself." Kitty gets up, crossing the room before pressing a button. Taking a couple of steps before her body refuses to support her, she crumbles to the ground. Just as Wanda, Strange, William, Crystalia, Vision and Simon enter the room. Seeing her family in the hallway watching, "what is this?!"
"Child, if you continue be stubborn. Well then, we will play hardball as well." Looking up at the voice, "Erik?!" He is standing behind Lorna who is conversing with Alex. "So now I am a prisoner?!" "If it keeps you from doing something foolish and hurting yourself worse, then yes." "Rachel, please you have Katherine and the rest of us to think of." Sitting back on the bed, she crosses her arms. "So, If I don't have any abilities, I am no good to anyone?!"
"That isn't what we are saying and you know it. Just like caring and protecting us is important to you. You matter to us as well. And we know that if you can't be your independent, strong and loving self, well." Sighing before looking down, knowing they have a point. "Fine. I won't go anywhere. And yes, she is fine. She came with Crystalia, Luna and the rest of the Inhuman Royal Family. Thor also has said the healers in Asgard can help." "We'll worry about that later." "Okay. As long as you are sure you are fine. And no lying. We will find out again. And you know we will be tougher than now, if you resist."
