Loads of love to you all for the awesome reviews and kudos/alerts/favs! So sorry it took so long to get this chapter out, after a week of brown nosing them clients, I had to catch up on actual work, yay~
Doing something different for this darker chapter, might be a bit WTF at first, but by the end it will hopefully make sense!
I tried to do as much research into canon as I could about Brian Xavier and Kurt Marko, but either I've been searching in the wrong wikis or there really isn't much written, so again I go with the handwaves ;)
Warnings: Child abuse, character death, gore
"Father, why they put mother into the hole?"
The small child with closely cut, deep auburn hair looked with both confusion and panic at the sight of his mother being trapped inside a box while she slept, and now being lowered into that deep dark hole in the ground. Yet there seemed to be some force making him too scared to speak too loudly, or act too distraught.
Marjorie... How could you leave me like this? Our son is so young. How could you leave me alone to raise him? I don't know what to do with him...
"Father, mother can't get out if they put the sand in. Please, please stop them father."
The toddler looked around him, imploring anyone with his lost blue eyes to help him save his mother, but no one answered. Faceless figures dressed all in black stood at a distance, perhaps mourning, perhaps not, it doesn't truly matter.
"S-stop it! Please! Mommy, wake up! ! Mommy! !"
The boy could no longer hold in his frustrations, and he ran up to the men in black clothing systematically shoveling the dirt into that hole to try stop their burying of his mother. Out of nowhere, a rough black sleeved arm grabs at the child, jerking the child away from his mother.
"You listen to me, Cain, and listen well. Your mother will not be waking up. She will not be coming home. It is just you and I now. You must do as I say and be a good boy for me. Do not disappoint me, ever."
"Y-yes, father..."
Marjorie... I will not disappoint you. Cain will grow up to be everything I wish I were.
"B-but I don't like it there, father! Please don't make me go back there!"
The small boy was crouched at his father's feet, pulling on the meticulously ironed suit leg, tears staining onto the gray fabric. His watery begging eyes had no effect on his father expect to irritate the man further.
"You will do as you're told. That school is one of the finest in the area. It is costing me a fortune to have you in attendance."
"They're mean and horrible there, father! I don't wanna go back! Please!"
Such weakness... Marjorie, I will do better. I will be tougher on him.
"Another word, and I shall send you away to a boarding school far from home."
The boy's shook with worry, his pleading eyes looked up but to no avail. Those suited legs then walked away, leaving the shivering child sitting alone on the wooden floor, head downcast in acceptance of his fate.
"Marko, meet Dr. Brian Xavier, I'm sure you've read all about him and his work in your field. We are extremely fortunate to have him join our research. Dr. Xavier, this is Dr. Kurt Marko with whom you shall be working closely with here in New Mexico."
A tall man with greasy jet black hair introduced a seemingly meek man wearing a well tailored suit and a pair of round glasses.
"An honor to meet you at last, Dr. Marko. I have read several of your papers, and I am more than excited to be working along side you."
Dr. Xavier was soft spoken in fitting with his appearance, however his firm, confident handshake reveals a hidden strength to him. The man was very well known throughout not just in the nuclear field but the entire scientific community for his intellect and his enormous family fortune. Any project he is connected to is almost guaranteed success and complete financial backing.
"An honor, Dr. Xavier."
Milbury and Mueller must have pulled out all the stops to have this one come on board. Xavier's papers are thorough, but not groundbreaking... If not for his wealth, where would he be? If I had his wealth...
"Dr. Marko, thank you for coming in on such short notice. I understand you are a very hard working and busy man."
The Dean's office was simply furnished, tidy to a fault, almost military in its bareness, not quite what one expected of one of the most prestigious and expensive schools around. The Dean himself was dressed in a crisply ironed and blindingly bleached shirt, buttoned up all the way. The man sat perfectly straight and his hands rested on his clean desk at right angles.
"I regret to have to tell you that Cain has been... disruptive in his classes. He is not getting along with the other children, oftentimes becoming aggressive or simply shutting down altogether. None of the teachers have been able to get through to him. In the last month alone, he has been asked to visit my office nearly a dozen times. How is he at home? Is he disciplined? The loss of his mother may still be taking a large toll on him. Perhaps, with your permission, our school counselor could set up a few sessions with hi-"
As the Dean continued, the man's face seemed to fade and a bitter sourness rose up to fill the air.
Such a disappointment... So much trouble... I must be tougher still.
"Yes, that would be fine. I will take... action at home too."
"Well, hullo there, who is this handsome young man?"
The woman was stunning. She wore a provocatively tight dress that oozed sensuality, large diamond earrings dazzled on her earlobes and she smelt of wealth and pampering. A woman of a different world to Marjorie.
"Cain, say hullo to Mrs..."
"Xavier."
The name rolled off the woman's tongue with velvety confidence.
Xavier... And his beautiful wife.
"My apologies, Madam Xavier. I had no idea. Thank you for hosting this lovely party. Dr. Kurt Marko at your service, and this is my son, Cain."
"A real pleasure to meet you, Dr. Marko, I have heard much about you from Brian, and my condolences about your wife. Please, do call me Sharon. And I'm very pleased to meet you too Cain. My son Charles is a few years your junior. He's somewhere around here... probably attached to Brian's limb.. can never get that boy to... Ah! There he is. Charles, come here!"
A little bubbly boy, with large piercing blue eyes, curly brown hair and rosy pink cheeks came bumbling towards his mother, red little lips spread wide in mirth. Much like his mother, the little boy radiated a shine about him, it was almost enchanting.
Xavier... And his precious son.
"Charles, this is Mr. Marko and his son, Cain. Mr. Marko is a good colleague of your papa, so you must be on your best behavior with them. Why don't you take Cain outside to play?"
The joy suddenly morphed into concern and worry the second those little bright blue eyes landed on the gloomy older boy, standing awkwardly straight beside his father in silence.
"But, mama..."
"What is it, Charles? You are to do as you are told and be good to our guests.."
The woman then knelt down and spoke into her son's ear roughly, a gesture quite otherworldly to her dainty polished physique.
"-none of that voices business-"
Charles chewed at his lips and looked downcast at the elaborate Persian rug. He seemed unwilling to look up again at their guests, and even cowered backward behind his mother's silk stocking covered legs.
"Cain, go play with Charles outside. Behave yourself, do not let me down."
A large hand tugged tightly at the gloomy boy, and the boy flinched before giving a short silent nod. He marched with reluctance towards the large glass doors that led out to the immaculately kept gardens and waited for the smaller boy to join him. The Xavier boy chewed at his lips and looked up at his mother again in the hopes of a change of heart, only to be pushed by a perfectly manicured hand towards the doors. As the boys walked outside, maintaining a good distance from each other, Sharon Xavier turned around and gave a sultry smile.
"Let me get you a drink and show you around."
Xavier... And his opulent home.
What makes him worthy?
"What have I said about disappointing me!?"
*Smack*
"Why do you never listen!?"
*Smack*
"Why do you continue to let me down!?"
*Smack, smack*
"Why," *Smack* "do you,' *Smack* "keep," *Smack* "failing me! ! ?"
"I-I'm So-sorry f-father! ! P-please stop! ! I-it hurts! Please! I'll b-be good! Please! !"
*SMACK!*
Cain's screaming had drowned out the sound of the leather belt snapping apart. A piece of leather flew into a framed picture of the Marko family, causing it to fall onto the ground, the glass cover shattering all over the floor.
...Marjorie!
"Now look what you've done! Go to your room and stay in there until I tell you otherwise. If I hear even a peep out of you, I will come in there and use a stick on you."
"Dr. Marko, is that you?"
A vision in red appeared. Sharon Xavier was decked out in an elegant and flowing dress suit with matching hat and gloves. Her jacket neckline was just low enough to allow a glimpse of the large pearl necklace that adorned her soft milky skin. Again, with the woman came a lingering floral with slightly citrous scent of sensuality and luxury.
"Madam Xavier, what a pleasant surprise."
"Oh please, do call me Sharon. Do you frequent these parts often?"
"Then please, call me Kurt. I am here on an errand, and I think I find myself a little lost."
"Well Kurt, perhaps I can show you the way, and afterward we can have us a nice round of tea. I know just the spot."
So different... A world apart from her... Such beauty and wealth.."I... would love to. Please, lead the way... Sharon."
"Dr. Xavier, I hear you've been invited to speak in front of a select committee for the military with other allied leaders in the field of nuclear science. Congratulations! This is quite an honor."
Xavier adjusted his glasses and maintained his sickeningly humble demeanor.
"Thank you, Dr. Milbury. Indeed, I am very excited. It will be an unprecedented opportunity to discuss the future of this field."
They were gathered in the break room, coffee and tea as well as an array of snacks at the ready. Milbury was now seen as the leader of the Black Womb Project. The exact details of the Project and the subjects they would be researching had not been specified at the outset, and only after signing several securely binding legal contracts were you allowed in on the site.
For the first few months, matters operated like a typical, well funded research and development project. However, when the fetuses and the bodies of babies turned up on their steel slab tables, the true nature of the project had finally revealed itself. They were here to conduct research into genetic mutations on humans, and to determine the causes. Then, live babies in post-natal holding tanks started to come in. Milbury had laughed and brushed off questions with replies like, "Don't you worry about that, Marko. It's all legal, and government sanctioned."
"I hear there is still serious effort in taking nuclear science into weapons development. Is that not too dangerous."
"Oh, you are much behind the times, Marko! The tensions in Europe are on going and escalating again, not to mention possible threats from the Far East. This country and our allies need to be able to defend itself."
"But the long-term effects of nuclear radiation without proper safety wear is unspeakable and probably uncontainable. Innocent people for generations are under threat."
"We'll just to have to make sure these weapons aren't deployed on our lands then!"
Milbury smirked, and began to light up his cigar.
"By the way, how are your sons? I have a favor to ask of you both."
Xavier readily agreed to Milbury's favor for them to bring in their children for testing, though it sounded more like an order.
"Marko? I understand if you're unwilling. I see the way you look at the subjects, but rest assured your son will not be treated like so."
The man inhaled deeply his cigar, but was noticeably irked by the lack of immediate assent. Xavier himself sat with that preposterous gentle smile on his face, as if he understood everything.
Xavier, you give me little choice.
"O-of course, when did you want us to bring them in?"
"Please father! They stick those needles in me all the time! It hurts, father! Please, no more! Please! I don't wanna go back there! I'll be good at school! I promise! ! No more trouble!"
The little boy, face distorted in agony and fear. He had clung himself tightly onto the door, unwilling to get into the car that will take him back to the glaring coolness of the laboratory.
Cain.. Useless, weak, pathetic... Just like me.
"Are you going to let Charles Xavier out perform you? He is half your age, for God's sake! He takes all the same tests with a smile. You will not embarrass me further."
"I hate it there! I hate you! !"
Why?
Why can't you see, Cain? I am harsh on you for your benefit. You must become a better man.
The boy's rage turned into resigned fear when he saw his father unbuckle his belt.
"Hullo, Charles. Nice to see you again. How are you?"
The boy seemed to be trying to hide himself behind the chair, his tiny hands clutched tightly at its wooden leg.
"Charles! That is no way to behave in front of a guest. Come here and say your greetings to Dr. Marko."
I wonder if the rumors are true...
Hullo Charles, you are a very special boy.
The toddler's startling blue eyes widened in utter horror, before he ran off out of the room.
A very special boy indeed...
"Dr. Xavier, your son is doing exceedingly well in our tests. How do you get him to behave so well? He is so eager to please, not even a whimper when his blood is drawn. And his brain function is extraordinary! He would be a prime specimen for the Project, and Ms. Mueller would be more than pleased if you could continue to bring him here."
Milbury has taken a real shine to the little Xavier boy, who in turn accepts everything without question to please his father.
Like a loyal dog. Only without reward. Why does he loves his father so unconditionally?
"Unfortunately, the same could not be said of your son, Marko... We will have no further use for him, no need to bring him back anymore."
Cain... Useless, weak.. Nobody.
Sweet little Charles... Special, gifted, powerful... Mutant.
"This is for your benefit, Cain. I am having to spend more time at... work. The school has wonderful housing. You will behave there. You will excel and you will make me proud. Do you understand me, boy?"
The boy knew now there was no use in crying or begging. He had learned that as long as he stayed quiet and did what his father wished, he would not be whipped or caned or locked in his room. He continued with his meal in silence, only to reply in a dead voice.
"Yes, father."
"We mustn't Kurt... I am married, and for all his faults, I still love Brian."
"H-hel-p me... Kur-t.. Pl-ease.. hel-p..."
Xavier's right leg was crushed under a massive steel slab, blood already pooled at the edge where his leg disappeared under. Nearly all of his left side had been severely burned by the hazardous chemicals contained in the hundreds of glass tubes that have exploded in the heat.
The pain he was under was no doubt beyond imagination. The chemicals were still slowly eating away at his flesh, some parts of his skin were fizzing in reaction to the chemicals, while other parts have formed large bulging blisters. His round glasses had been wrecked and pieces of glass had impaled into and around his left eye. His muscles spasmed uncontrollably and it was obvious the man was not going to make it much longer.
"H-h-hel... he-l.. h... he... huh..."
The sight of the dying man was gruesome, but oddly therapeutic. A sense of calm washed over while watching the life slowly flow out of the man eyes, his bodily twitches were further apart in occurrence, until without warning or fanfare it finally stopped. And the world moved on.
Good bye, Brian Xavier.
Sean woke in a start, throat so constricted he had to fight to breathe. He was drenched in sweat, his pajamas clung to him like a thick layer of irritating second skin. His heart was racing and his head felt like someone had been clubbing away at it.
It was a godsend he hadn't screamed during his nightmare and hurt someone. Not since the night of his manifestation has he screamed due to a nightmare. The next day his parents sent him away.
The dream he just had was eerily detailed and lifelike. More like memories. If he could only remember who it was about...
Charles!
Sean fell out of the bed, the blanket, heavy due to his sweat had tangled up in between his legs. As he stumbled towards Charles' room, he kept a hand wrapped tightly around his throat to force down his sonic scream. The image of the man, who must have been Charles' father, crushed under the debris and flames kept flashing over and over in his mind, making his head swell in pain.
Charles must still be unconscious and trapped within his nightmare. When he passed Ororo's room Sean knew at once knew he needed to get her out of Charles' range first. The young woman was severely claustrophobic, and there is no doubt the images Charles projected would be pure trauma for her.
"Ro! Where are you? Ororo!"
With a hand still around his neck, Sean strained himself to call out for her, but the bed was empty, and the room was in ruin. He then hears soft whimpering coming from a dark corner of the room. Ororo was curled tightly within herself, head ducked deeply between her knees. Her nails had left angry long red gashes all along her forearm, and they were now dug into her flesh.
"Ororo.. It's Sean. Everything is OK now. Shhh.. It's OK. Come on, let's go outside."
Ororo didn't react to Sean's voice, and when he tried to lift her off the ground, she started to scream in fear, revealing her ghostly white eyes. The breeze outside turned into strong gusts of wind, and lightening began to crackle in the low lying clouds. Sean had no choice but to just grab her and take her outside as soon as possible.
When he ran out of the room with Ororo still fighting in his grasp, he hears agonized screaming coming from what he guessed was Jean's room. Thankfully Hank and had already gotten to her, and was in the process of taking her outside too. Jean's tears have turned a reddish hue, and blood was dripping from her nose.
"It burns! ! Please, someone help! ! ! It burns! ! ! !"
"Alex and Scott are already outside! Scott managed to hold in his blasts with the glasses, but Alex blew out a wall.. I think Jean's telepathy have somehow magnified Charles' projections within her mind.. I'm going to run as far away as possible out of his range."
That only leaves Charles, Erik and Azazel unaccounted for. Raven, Angel, Emma and Janos were on assignment across the country, and Azazel was back to debrief Erik. As they neared the front door, they heard Erik yell from the direction of Charles' room.
"Azazel! Get everyone out of here, Jean and Ororo first! ! Then retrieve Emma, let her know what has happened, and drop her at the door, make sure she's in her diamond form. Do not come back in."
Erik had the helmet on, though it was obvious he had to struggle to get it on, what with the man grazes to his skin and tattered shirt. He shook Charles gently to try to wake him up, but got no response.
"Charles! Please wake up! Come on, maus! It's Erik! It's a nightmare! It's all just a very bad dream! Please wake up for me! Please, Charles!"
The boy remained comatose on the oversized bed, eyes opened a slither, his breathing so quick and slight, it almost seemed he wasn't breathing at all. Charles was deathly pale, and beads of sweat formed over his hairline. Erik had not felt this hopeless since the day his mother was shot.
Not a moment later, Emma ran into the room, looking more worried and flustered than he thought it possible of the woman.
"Azazel filled me in. I will wake him."
Even in her diamond form, Emma seemed not fully immune to the effects of Charles' telepathy. She was trembling, and Erik could hear the jarring noise of multiple little cracks forming all over her. She placed her hands on both sides of Charles' head, and closed her eyes in concentration.
Charles suddenly gasped and his breathing became deeper and slower. His eyes finally opened, but the child only stared up at nothing.
"..."
"Charles? Are you with us? It was just a very bad dream. Come back to us... Please, say something to me.. It's Erik..."
The distraught man whispered the final part into Charles' ear, who now laid stock still on the bed with wide unblinking eyes.
"..."
"Charles, come back to me..."
"Pa.. pa... gone..."
Finally, the boy closed his eyes as tears ran silently down his face.
Charles had regained his six year old memories today.
"You saw it?"
Emma had finally deemed it safe to come out of her diamond form. She used a finger to tenderly wipe away a tear drop falling down the sleeping boy's cheek. She didn't need to look at Erik or use her telepathy to know what he was asking.
"Black Womb... Experiments on mutant infants and fetuses."
"Find out if anyone associated with it is still alive, and take them to Hellfire. I want to personally deal with each and every one of them myself."
"And what if those who conducted the experiments were mutant?"
Erik painfully wanted to believe no mutant would do this, not to the future of their own kind, but after what he had suffered under Shaw, he knew a belief as naive as Charles' hope for peace.
"Those who hurt us, are against us."
Emma knew well when she should shut up, and pointing out how much that statement echoed Shaw was probably the last thing she could say right now. She does however, look at Erik with renewed faith, having been slightly worried this whole situation with Charles was making him soft and losing focus.
"...if you find any of those children still alive today, let them know we would be honored to have them join us."
Then again, there are moments when Erik Lehnsherr was the polar opposite of his so called mentor. He doesn't believe in coercing others to join in their cause. He believed those with strong enough faith would join voluntarily because their cause was right.