Author's note: Rating has gone up just to be safe. It's been some time since my last update. Please keep the feedback coming. It does encourage me! Another word, just to let you know at this point that Magneto's character is basically planted into Sky High history. Let's just say he has had some dealings with some other villains before. This will be useful later on.

Disclaimer: all characters belonging to Sky High and Xmen are not mine. I am only borrowing them. Please don't sue me. I'm not making money out of it.


Chapter 9 – A desperate Will

It was 8:30pm on Josie's watch.

She was still in her costume, her hair like a velvety curtain billowing with the chilly wind. She placed one hand on Steve's shoulder as he watched the casualty and the dead being loaded in an ambulance and the criminal being led away.

"Come on Steve," she said. "We've done all we can do on this mission. Let's go visit our son. He needs us now after that incident."

Steve nodded. "You're right."

But she did know see the tears that had formed in his eyes but did not fall down his face.

---

8:45pm.

Will's parents sat by their son who has now fallen asleep.

The soft warm glow from the bedside lamp lit his serene face. At least it was serene on the surface. But the emotional turmoil brewing underneath could not be seen.

"I never thought our son would be injured so bad - so unexpectedly. He was so strong…" said Josie. Then gave small sad laugh. "I remember how he ripped apart our door more than once… Oh Steve, I love him so much. I wouldn't want anything to happen to him."

"And I love him too," said Steve. "Come on now Josie. I think we have to go."

Wrapping his arms around her, they both headed out the door. As much as they love their son, they could not protect him from everything in the world.

---

It was the next day. Wednesday.

The children were running around everywhere. Some sitting in groups to talk. Others pretending to be heroes and villains.

Ron Wilson was used to the noisy lunches. He actually enjoyed being with children. Otherwise, he wouldn't bother becoming a bus driver and helping them receive an education.

"Hey Ron, how are you?" came a female voice. Confident.

She's so beautiful. Wonderful figure, large dark brown eyes that absorbed Ron. Shiny soft shoulder length hair.

Ron Wilson couldn't help but smile.

"Well, I'm fine. Yeah. Fine!" he said. "And you?"

"I'm fine. Thanks for asking," she said. "You know, I was wondering if you're free tonight?"

"Um… of course!" What else could he say?

"Want to come to have dinner with me by the Paper Lantern?"

"Sure!" he said. "Sure." He was going on a date! And he was excited!

With a flick of her dark hair, she smiled, planted a juicy kiss on his cheek and left, leaving some teens staring.

---

The electric digital clock displayed the red glowing digits. 12:36pm.

Will felt a heavy weight on his mid-torso. Using both his hands, he tried to sit up.

"Warren?" said Will, his voice sounding hoarse. He narrowed his eyes. Slowly… slowly… his vision was like an adjusting lens, the picture slowly emerging with clarity.

"Will, you okay?" came an inquiring, deep but caring voice of Warren.

What do you mean? Will thought bitterly. Okay physically or okay mentally? I'm probably not okay for either of those…

But Will didn't reply.

Why did he have to remember now? Of all instances, why can't he just forget about what happened? Pretend it didn't happen?

He didn't want to break down in front of Warren either. He had already cried in front of the doctor. That was enough.

But deep down, he knewit could happen if – if he felt like he had failed his friends again...

After all, he had responsibility – he was like a leader to the group. And he couldn't help his friends. He had even hurt Warren while trying to win Save the Citizen.

Hurt Warren. Made a cut in his head…

He should have done better! He should have won the game!

Feeling a movement in his diaphragm – a sob threatening to emerge – he immediately shielded his eyes from his friend with the back of his hand, covering his face.

"I want you to get out of here," Will whispered. "Get. Out."

Warren frowned.

"Do it!" Will said louder.

"Well, where am I meant to go Will?" Warren said aloud. Slightly angry.

"Will!" said Layla as she, Zach, Ethan and Magenta came rushing in, all cheerful, oblivious to what had happened just moments before.

"You're awake!" said Ethan. "Welcome back."

"I see that Will Stronghold has bunch of visitors," rose the influential voice of Principal Powers. She appeared on his right. "I am glad that you are feeling bett-"

Then she stopped.

Will was sitting up in bed, but his head was buried by the white blankets covering his legs. He was hugging his knees. Obviously very upset. He wiped the back of his hand across his face as he lifted his head and it became wet from the pouring tears.

Then confronting the group with a distraught face, he screamed, "I want you to all get out! Get out! I don't want you to see me like this!"

Layla was shocked. Tears began to fill her eyes, "Will… I've…"

"You too Layla," came the raspy choked voice.

The group was silent. Then Nurse Spex came, herding the group towards the door. "I think you all better let Will and Warren rest."

"'Bye Will," said Layla as she gave a tiny wave. The other also said their goodbyes.

"Mr. Peace, a word with you outside?" said the Principal and her head made a movement towards the door. Warren nodded, patted the knee of his crying friend, and stepped out.

"Mr. Peace, you will need to catch up on any missed work. You are in senior year. The last year of Sky High. It is important," said Principal Powers, sighing. "And look, you are Will's friend. I hope that you will make him feel better."

Then looking into his eyes, placing her hand briefly on the fiery teenager's shoulder, she said, "I believe in you."

It took Warren a moment to respond, "Uh, thanks ma'am."

Principal Powers gave a beaming smile and released him.

---

Warren sat in his bed as he observed his friend. Will seems to have fallen asleep. Exhaustion from the crying must have took its toll on his body.

Warren hasn't been able to connect to his friend. Will just seems withdrawn. Warren wasn't able to reach him.

If I can't reach him – who could? He thought.

Then something white – caught the corner of his eye.

Warren's fingers touched it. It was made of paper. A bird.

Origami, Warren thought. The art of paper folding.

He couldn't help but smile. The smile even reaching to his eyes.

Who gave it to me? Was it – Jubilee?

Then his smiled faded.

Searching his heart, he realized, his feelings about her were mixed. He wasn't quite… sure whether he loved her the boyfriend-girlfriend way.

He'd never really had a girlfriend. Freeze girl? It was one thing to dance with her. But he didn't love her.

The initial heart-pounding and sweating – they were all just symptoms of a crush. He thought of it more critically. He didn't know if it would last – long term.

But at least he'll thank her…

Then a cheerful but purposeful doctor strolled in.

Warren slipped the bird underneath his pillow.

"Hello Warren," he said.

"Who are you?" said Warren, slightly suspicious. He had never seen Michael before.

"Dr. Michael Manning. New doctor working in Sky High. There was an emergency. So I came and helped out," he said. It was a brief but quick introduction.

"Oh right," said Warren. "So are you a hero too?"

He laughed. And he sat down on his bed. "No Warren. Actually I'm not. Just a normal human. I'm not… well what you'd call a mutant."

Curious, Warren said. "You mean people like me right? So you aren't scared that somebody like me could burn you to ashes and you have no power to defend yourself?"

"No," he said more seriously. "Well, I believe in the good in humanity. I accept that possibility. But it's no going to stop me from helping people. If someone needed it, and I can do the job. I'm happy to."

He patted Warren's leg. Then his warm hand reached for Warren's shoulder.

The heat radiate through his body, calming him. Being a pyrokinetic, he was familiar with it. It was incredible and he didn't expect it. But he felt the care and compassion flow to his heart in just that one touch.

"Rest," said he. "You'll be able to go home this afternoon."