Note(s): another moment that has been overlooked. Have wanted to incorporate her a little more since she is someone Rachel does care about. However, being a regular human amongst heroes (people with powers) there was no moment that she fit on before (especially since she had been a minor for most of this story). And got tired of not dividing the time gaps like I have been trying to put when editing before adding the chapters. And hadn't meant for this chapter to be close to 5000 words but it got away from me
(chapter beginning)
"Caitlin!" The footsteps get louder before she appears. "Yes. What is it?" Holding the envelope out, she quickly grabs it. "Well, go on. You have been waiting for this moment for so long." Tearing it open, she unfolds the paper skimming it. As the silence stretches, "well?!" "I got in. I got in." Is barely heard, taking it from her. Her mom put her arm around her shoulder seeing her daughter is in shock and amazement. "Come on, let's go tell your dad."
(time gap)
Holding the cap in her hands, "we are so proud of you, baby. You have always been smarter than us. And now you are getting to go to the school that you have always dreamed of on a full ride. We still have the rest of the week to pack of your stuff. And then you will be on your way." Holding her hand to her mouth, "my baby is all grown up. You aren't a child anymore." Shaking her head, barely managing to keep her tears in as Caitlin does her best to reassure her.
(time gap)
The book is slammed shut as she looks up. "C'mon Caitlin, we are going out. You never come with us. All work and no play." "While I really do appreciate the offers, I am finally halfway through my thesis. And I also have tests I need to study for, I am going to have to pass." "College is also supposed to be about partying."
Opening the book and finding where she had been. "Sorry. Achieving my personal goals are more important and letting loose while getting drunk isn't one of them. And if I did, not only would I be letting myself down; I would be with my parents as well along with someone I look up to. There is no way I can quit right now or ever. Go have fun for me."
(time gap)
"Hitting the books again, come on, Cat; its like you don't have time for me anymore." Keeping the book open, her hand covering the section she had been covering. "I am sorry, what?!" Sighing, "this is what I mean. You do nothing but focus on your studies, we haven't been out nor do something in too long." "I would say I am sorry my curiosity is a problem for you but I won't. Its who I am."
"Well, having a woman smarter than me doesn't sit well." "Well, then there is the door." "That's it?!" "Yes, I am not going to dumb down just to make you feel better. You knew about this aspect of myself when we started dating, yet you chose to." "Well yeah, have you seen you?!" "I see. Clearly, I had been mistaken, how shallow." She puts her head back down ending the conversation, not noticing he leaves after a couple of minutes.
(time gap)
Once more holding a cap in her hands, her mom doesn't hide her emotions this time. Tears streaming down her face. "When did you stop being my little girl? It seems like you had just graduated high school as Valedictorian the other day. And now you are Summa Cum Laude, I know a lot of it was because of the inspiration she gave you that day."
Looking to her dad, "you know that isn't completely true. You and dad believed in me just as much, encouraging me to follow and cultivate my curiosity. Sure, I have always looked up to and inspire to be like her. But if I never had either of you to be there as well, who knows where I actually would have been?! She may have caused the root to take place, but you two fed it all this time." "She would be proud of you!" "Who knows we never really crossed paths after that one time; and she has been gone for years." "But she would be, if her actions that day were any indication."
She and her mom had been out enjoying an afternoon together. The screams still in the back of her mind, memories. It hadn't taken long before the mayhem had begun, the pushing and shoving as she felt the slack in her hand. Her mom no longer in sight. Looking around frantically for her mom, screaming out for her, the tears beginning to flow. Gazing up at a point, she sees a part of the building falling toward her just as she had appeared.
Having taken a hold of her, she automatically clung to her. "It will be okay. I promise." She sees that the fire appears out of nowhere, instantly demolishing the debris. The two almost immediately back on the ground, just as the faint noise begins. Stopping in front of the emergency personnel, "It's alright. She seems to have gotten separated from her mom."
Feeling the hold on her lightening, she grips her tighter. "it's okay. These two can take care of you. I need to go help my friends." "NO!" The child raises her voice, having clung even tighter to Rachel. "Aunt Red, we could really use your help." "I'll be there as soon as I can. I am occupied at the moment. You all have this anyway…" Warren goes flying through a window. "Or maybe not." "WARREN!"
"Paige, hold on. Phoenix." The entity materializes the next moment. "I am here." It is again resembling her. "You sure you can manage this?" "Of course, you are going to help us after all." "Okay, then. Paige?" "I got it." She raises Paige in the air, one arm out; while continuing to keep the other one around the still unsettled child.
The Phoenix's arm is out as Rachel keeps Paige hovering above it. "Whenever you are ready, Phoenix Rachel." Paige is hurtling through the air as Red tries to cushion her fall as much as possible. She knows Paige's abilities will only protect her from the fall only so much; being mindful of Paige Worthington's pregnancy. The Phoenix masquerading as her, turns to face her. One of its eyebrows raised, "Phoenix Rachel?" Red simply shrugs her shoulder at this.
The group surrounds them. The Phoenix is perching on her unoccupied arm as she is glancing over her everyone to make sure they are okay, for the most part. Paige is in Warren's arms. Rachel (her counterpart) is passed out in Cable's arms; as Lorna and Hope are levitating in the air supporting Alex. Kurt appears with Nate by his side; as Johnny releases his hold on Hank as they get close enough to the ground.
They hear the shout, turning toward it, just as the girl lets go of her. And starts running toward the person, who embraces her the next moment. Kurt, Hank and Johnny appear by her side with the others behind them. She doesn't miss the glance Nightcrawler gives her Rachel. They are about to leave when she feels the tug on her hand.
"Thank you!" "You're welcome, kid. What's your name?" "Caitlin." "Well, Caitlin. It was nice meeting you." "I want to be you when I grow up!" This brings a smile to her teammates who are still conscious, though Johnny takes it a step further. "Good luck with that. There is no one like Red!" The statement leaves Caitlin crestfallen; her mom appearing behind her, gripping her shoulder.
Red bends down in front of her as the Phoenix adjusts itself, crying out. "You have to ignore Johnny. He's a goofball. What he means is that you don't need superpowers to be a hero. It matters what is in here and here." She touches Caitlin's heart and head as she says this. "Thank you." Her mom says. "So, then why do some people think you are monsters?"
"Caitlin, you will learn as you get older that what we do and who we are or how we look isn't always accepted. It isn't evident but my niece and I have scars on our faces that we usually mask with one of our abilities. And you saw what all of them did, you and the rest of the crowd are safe, would a monster really do that?!" These two may look different from the rest of us, but they are some of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever met."
Hank and Nightcrawler remain quiet, though Kurt moves his tail in a circular motion. "So, you aren't scared of them at all?" "No." "Then I am not scared of them as well." "You seem to be a good kid, Caitlin. Just continue to do as your mom says; and who knows you can be a hero one day. There are many occupations that fill this role, so just continue working hard in school as well. And we may cross paths again one day."
The group turn to leave, Kurt and Hank remaining by her side. Before they leave Caitlin's vision, she sees Hank tell Red something as Kurt puts his hand on her shoulder. Red laughing is unmistakable. The others looking at her smiles on their faces, even Cable's. "Come on, Caitlin. Let's go home. You can tell your dad when we get home."
Barging through the door, running through the house. Stopping when she finds her dad, her mom behind her. "Dad, guess what?!" Looking to his wife, "she's excited. Well, gone on, tell him." "Part of a building almost fell on me and that is after mom and I lost each being pushed and shoved." Seeing that his mouth is open to speak, "but it's okay, see!
She showed up and protected me and her friends. I don't know her name but she was awesome! I want to be like her when I grow up. She said I don't need powers to be a hero, that there are other ways to be such." "Whoever she is, she isn't wrong. But you do have a power." "I do?!"
"Yes. Maybe not in the way you think, everyone has something that makes them special. Yours is your intelligence. Your curiosity has had you getting into everything since you were able to, even before you could walk. Trying to fix things every time you could, and we only held you back because we wanted you to have as much of a childhood as you could.
But at the same time, it may have stifled you too much. Just that we know even with average intelligence, people can be cruel. And didn't want you to be unnecessarily be bullied and tormented. Looks like your mom and I are going to have discuss and allow you to attend more advanced classes. This doesn't mean you are going to completely bypassing the social hierarchy your current level allows. We'll see how you will do with the classes we will allow. Its time for bed. We'll go talk to the school's administration tomorrow before we pick you up."
(time gap)
"…Cait?!" "Sorry, what?" "Never mind. Wherever you went must have really been important." "Sorry, I was just thinking the moment that got me started on this path." "Oh, do tell?!" "Its fine. I prefer to keep it to myself. Now what was it you had been saying?" Putting their hand around Caitlin's shoulder, "come on." The two moving forward down the corridor.
(time gap)
"You're leaving?!" "Yes, it's time. While I don't mind coming back and teaching, what I have worked all this time is within my grasp. Now I just have to go for it and hope that I nail it. It would be the biggest disappointment if I don't get it, nor even try. And maybe I will even get to…" "Well, I am going to miss you, Catie." "You still have my number, Nicole. This doesn't mean we have to stop being friends."
(time gap)
Staring at the building, she sighs. 'Okay. Breathe in and out. You've got this. Ignore the fact that it is the best opportunity you will no doubt ever have in your life. You have longed for this and to hopefully see her again. You studied so hard for this. Nothing like seeing your childhood hero again, along with others. Chickening out now isn't an option, you can't waste everything you have sacrificed for.'
"Hello?! How may I help you?!" Turning she sees a woman staring at her. "Yes, I have a 3'oclock appointment. My name is." She says as an afterthought. "Ms. Avery, yes. They are expecting you, though if they became sidetracked, I apologize. I will show you the way. Just follow my voice." "Um, okay?! Thank you…?!" "Just call me Roberta."
Entering the room, she is greeted by a scream. "JOHNATHON STORM, THAT WASN'T FUNNY!" Seeing The Human Torch flying through the air followed by another fiery entity. Holding its hand out, "give it back now!" The bite not mistaken. "We are working on something that is still proving to be problematic. Turning she sees Susan Richards coming her way followed by Ben Grimm who has Franklin and Valeria hanging off of him.
Her eyes widening at who is in the background. "But?!" Laughter springs forth. "That was just a hologram you saw." Reed, Johnny and Rachel are in the background, each with googles over their eyes. As a minor explosion goes off, coughing, "well, that definitely wasn't it. Maybe we should call it a day?!"
Seeing that Reed is about to object, "that may be a good idea, my dear husband. We have a visitor." The three turn, each taking their googles off, keeping them on their heads. "Well, hello there!" "Don't be a dirty old man, Johnathon Storm." He turns to Rachel. "Can't you see she is much younger than us. I swear, one of these days you're flirting is going to lead you to a world of hurt. Excluding the rift that had existed between you and Ben."
"Reed. I know you. Go and enjoy the rest of the day with your family. I would let you in on the interview but I know you will get lost. Susan, I wouldn't mind if you kidnapped your husband and brother from here. I will finish up. Caitlin Avery, come, you can keep me company." Rachel puts the googles back over her eyes before turning her back.
"Roberta, I am going to override his commands. If Reed tries to come back in here, deny him." "That's not fair, Rachel. I pay you. We are supposed to be partners." Smiling, "and as your partner, I am kicking you out. Go enjoy life and your family. We all know you don't do that enough." Hearing the continued protest, "but Susan, we were just on the cusp…"
Diving under the circuitry, "sorry, you had to see all that. He needs it sometimes. If we left him to his own devices, he would get lost in his own mind." A piece of machinery is thrown past her. "Ah, here it is. Rather than a usual interview, show me why you want this position, what you have learned and why we should choose you, Caitlin Avery?! And our history is no leeway. Your assessment begins now."
(time gap)
Finding her standing on the roof looking to the horizon before her. "I am not even going to pretend you know I am here. Nor that you don't know who I am at this point." "You're right. I knew the moment you had walked into the room." "I didn't even know you had come back."
"I have kept my identity hidden. Yes, our exploits may be for all to see, but I always made sure my face was masked, if telepathically. This planet knows me as Brimstone and that is how I would like it to stay for the time being." "Oh, but surely?!" "Now come Caitlin Avery, tell me everything?!" Seeing her expression, "yes, I could always take it from you. But I would rather ask, so come now, it has been a while after all."
(time gap)
Standing on the roof, she crosses her arms. As the wind from the aircraft moves her hair, her expression speaking volumes. "Come now, it will be alright. And you know even if it isn't, you know at this point, I couldn't turn a blind eye. And that is the sacrifice a hero makes, if I ever had another daughter, I should wish her to be like you, Caitlin." Rachel tells her just as Katherine, her siblings and cousins walk by.
Caitlin shakes her head. "I do know. I just for some reason…" Rachel pulls her in, hugging her before kissing her forehead. As more of the Summers and Rachel's inner circle appear. All making their way to the ship. Rachel moves backwards seeing the last of her kin situating themselves. The ship begins to take off, just as the trail of fire is by her side. Turning to her, "hey kid." "Mr. Storm."
The rest of the FF family stand on her other side. "Do you think she will be alright?" Johnny starts laughing, "who Rachel?! Of course, she always manages to come unscathed…You know she is proud of you, right?! You may not have any superhero abilities, but your mind hasn't stopped you from accepting your limitations. She will be back before we know it. There really is nothing to worry about, Rachel and returning are pretty much synonymous at this point."
(time gap)
Landing she quickly comes to the roof. "Cable, Alex," Looking to her friends and bosses before widening her gaze around, "where's Red?!" Remy begins lighting a cigarette. "She's gone again. I am sorry, Caitlin Avery, is it?!" Gabriel speaks. "No!" is whispered just as the door bangs open. "Hey, Roberta, told us they are back." Torus says with his cousins by his side. Ben and Susan walk up to them, "let's go inside. Your uncle and dad need to discuss things." "Oh, but where is?!" "Come inside. This is meant for you. We discuss it there."
Seeing all the morose on their faces, "And Katherine for that matter?" Alex looks to his brothers who nod.
"Clearly, I am the designate to give the information every time. My niece went a bender." "It's alright, Uncle Alex. My cousin fooled us all. She." Feeling the pressure on his shoulders, he turns to see Ted and Scott offering their support. 'Damn' She managed to us my power against us, her. So, I am to blame just as much."
Moving and having taken his hand before each has realized. Looking into his eyes, "William Kaplan, we both know that isn't true. From what I have seen and have been told, you are the furthest from what you did. A person can't be blamed if and when hijacked for whatever accompanies the actions, consequences that derive from it. You like I, like everyone here loved her too much for any ill intent to be taken seriously."
"She's right." "Scott?!" "My dad is right. You may not have known my aunt as well as we do, however she told us more than enough about you; to know that you came to know her well enough, Caitlin. We will take our leave now. We have delivered the news" Cable replies. "We will let you know when the memorial will be." Gabriel tells them. "That's it?!"
(time gap)
Putting the googles on her face, she turns on the blaze bringing it to the metal. "What are you doing?" "Go away. I am busy. I can't afford to be distracted. Now please go away!" Moving back a couple of steps, "sorry!" Before they are moving through the air, leaving a fiery blaze behind them. The footsteps approach, "you know he is just trying to be there for you. Though, his mom won't take it as well. And I am not exactly thrilled either, however, I get it. I have been around Reed enough to know the signs. If you are going to let my son down, do it now, before it is too late for him."
(time gap)
"Maybe I can help?" "I am good, thank you." "What are you doing?" "Working. Now if you could please go away." "What is that?" Carefully, pulling the piece out. "Carbon fiber. It got stuck. Now is it anything important? I have to keep my concentration." "Never mind." He is gone the next moment. "Can I help?" "No!" "Do you need help?" "I am good!"
"That looks interesting!" Sighing, she stops moving. Pulling the flame back, pushing her googles up. Turning to him, "Torus, what is it you need? You have been coming here every day." Seeing the door open to reveal the Richards offspring. Smiling, she waves to them. "Franklin, Valeria." Each noticing their cousin's expression, "Caitlin, Torus just wants to get to know you."
"You are doing it again, aren't you, Franklin?!" Staying quiet, "cousin, I can tell when you are communicating with someone. Your demeanor changes slightly." "What Torus really means is he thought you two were friends and was possibly hoping for more?!" "Valeria!" "What?! Its finally out there. Caitlin is like our dad and usually gets caught up in her work. So maybe, she hasn't picked up on your intentions?! Aunt Lyja is beginning to worry about you."
(time gap)
The chair is rotating as she continues to sit completely in it. Her hands on her knees, gazing into the surrounding atmosphere. 'Franklin and Valeria couldn't have been wrong. Not with their abilities and yet, I know I can be obtuse and oblivious when I get immersed in work. But I know surely, I couldn't have missed any of Torus's signals. Then there is Franklin himself, I won't lie that he isn't attractive. But then neither is Torus. Given who their parents are it is no surprise. Men are definitely confusing and romance can really suck to the point that sometimes it is useless and pointless.'
(time gap)
Putting her googles on, she is about to begin her study for the day as the knock appears. Turning holding the instrument in her hands, she sees Torus standing in the doorway. "Well, this is definitely new. You have never knocked before." "Yeah, well when all my other attempts have failed, I thought why not?! 'Here it is the moment of truth.' "Your previous conversation with Franklin and Valeria has made me realize something. Clearly, I failed to read the signs being given. I thought we were friends." "We are friends!"
Shaking her head, "maybe. But it isn't just that. And to say it is would just be a lie, at least on your side. Not that I haven't entertained the thought from time to time, just like I have with Franklin. However, I am willing to try. I just have never really thought about romantic relationships much thought. Even with the first one, I was in. And when he ended it, I wasn't bothered in the slightest." "Then his loss is my gain, and what an idiot letting you go. He definitely wasn't worthy of you, Cat.
And you do know that it is kind of pointless when it comes to Franklin. Besides the history that Rachel Grey supposedly has with him; and while you haven't really met her, Katie Powers basically has dibs on him. Not that either has much to do anything to rectify it, the looks however are definitely a different story." "I said a crush. Not wanting to walk down the aisle with him. Besides, I already said I am willing to give you a chance. The rest is up to you. Now if you could let me get back to work." She turns beginning her work without looking back, not seeing him smiling as he walks away.
(time gap)
"Torus, this is definitely a surprise." "Mr., Mrs. Avery, I was hoping to speak to both of you." Seeing their expressions, "and no, Cat doesn't know that I am here. I am hoping to keep it that way, at least until." "Of course, come in. We both knew it was only a matter of time. You two have been through a lot since you two met and have started your relationship. And that checking out on her was never a possibility for you. It has always been in your eyes when we have seen you look at her." "So that means that?!" "Yes, you have our blessing, and now the decision comes down to her."
"You know you can stop pacing now." "I am nervous." "Well, of course, you are. It always is. Even I went through that with your mom. Sure, I had thought she was someone else when we started. And while we may not have worked out. I will always care about her. She gave me you after all. And it was more on my part, I couldn't overlook her constant lies." "Oh, but what about?!" "That Johnny was more mature than I ever will be."
"Dad, that is an amount of maturity admitting your fault." "But I am not willing to change that part of me, so not really. Besides, this isn't about Lyja and I. This is about you and Caitlin. While the two of us had reservations about her concerning you at first. We have come to see she cares about you as much as you do her, then there should be no problem. Your relationship is already more solid than your mother's and I's. And while she still may say no, we and her parents highly doubt it so; there is nothing much you should really worry about."
(time gap)
"Wait!" "Caitlin Avery." Phoenix speaks. Bending down, trying to get her breath, holding her hand out. "I finished it." "Thank you, Cat." Torus reaches for it before kissing her cheek. "Yes, thank you Caitlin. This should definitely go a long way in helping them." Phoenix adds.
Breaking away from his family as she turns to theirs, the others following. "You have done good, Caitlin." Facing the scientist, she turns to look at the head of her family. "Mr. Storm?!" "Would think after all this it would be Johnny by now or even." "Johnny is right. But don't fear Caitlin." "Mr. Richards?!" Placing his hand on her shoulder, she looks to the blonde. "My brother is right. We'll find her and bring her back."
The moment is broken. "Aw man, I wish I could go." "I am going to need your help here, Ray. I will watch over Luna as well, Crystalia, Pietro." "I wish I could go too." Luna adds. "Not quite." Turning, "despite our current differences, you really didn't think you could pull this off and not have me find out?!"
Kathleen Pryce is standing there with The Eternals behind her. Helmets are being passed around. "Here, Uncle Gabriel. You are going to need this." "I assure you I won't child. You seem to forget I can survive space's climate. Which is where we are most likely going given that my sister needs help." Nate and Cable by him. Rachel is standing between her mom and Lorna. Alex holding Dane close. Caly'see by them. "Now is the time to back out?!" "Well okay then. Clarice you are going to be our anchor. The Greys are going to have to keep things open until we are through. Blink," Katya speaks. "Of course, we will be right behind you." Clarice responds.
The group stands in the middle as Rachel, Hope, Nate and Cable stand at a corner, with Jean by Clarice. As they begin to let their energy and power bleed into the other. Their hands and arms out, as a pillar of light encompasses all of them. Tying a piece of rope to the beam structure, "who knows how long they can hold the portal. We need to get in and out as quickly as possible. There is no time to sightsee."
"Wait before you go" Phoenix Wagner manifests miniature versions of herself in her original form. As they make their way to each of them. "This is the help I can provide. It will make sure you are all connected. Kathleen. Just in case, Caitlin's invention fails, since we don't know how far or even where any of you are going yet."
"Right." Kurt holds her and Ray closer. 'Be safe.' As the jet begins to hover in the energy parameter as Clarice's portal starts to suck it in. They are all gone the next moment. "Mom, I'm scared. What if they never come back?" "They will, Ray. They are survivors. And your aunt will be with them." Kurt answers. Phoenix grips his hand before squeezing it.
Luna spots it as Ray, Kurt and Phoenix gather around. Grabbing her hand, "Cate?! When did this happen?" "Months ago," "And you never bothered to say anything?! I thought we were friends?!" "We are Luna. We have just been busy this entire time. And now we have to concentrate on recovering Rachel again, wherever she happens to be." "That may be fair, child. However, that doesn't excuse not sharing your happiness with those who care about you. But just like us, Rachel wouldn't would never want you to put things on hold for her."