" Anything that's human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone."
-Fred Rogers
(MTF Facility, Paris, France: 1:40 PM)
" Captain Rogers, Am I gonna meet more people who have the same problems like me? " Amnon asked with concern and felt hesitant to share his experiences. " I don't think they will like to hear it. Besides, it's too complicated for me to tell and they would judge me for…"
Elder Steve Rogers sincerely smiled and heard of the young pink Kree man's dilemma and gently patted his left shoulder. Amnon sighed and felt uncomfortable to disclose.
" Amnon, if you're not ready to tell your story, Dr. Schnee and I will respect that and give time for you to express on the next scheduled sessions, " the former Avenger assured. " Now, all you have to do is to listen to anyone's testimony and vent. Then, we have some advice and answers for them. So, at least you have an idea how the group therapy works. Well, you have to introduce yourself and be nice to everybody, Understand? "
" Yes, sir, " Amnon nodded.
" By the way, today's Group Therapy is in English. So, you won't be bothered speaking in French. "
" Apparently, I'm used to communicating in French. Do some of the people here have that session? "
" Hmmm, Dr. Bastille has her open sessions to newcomers every Saturday morning and closed sessions for the Core Group in the afternoon. "
" So, what's a core group? "
" It's a scheduled session for the French MTF personnel and some Rebel Forces members. I believe she's too busy handling them. Sometimes, I sit in her group and observe. "
" Hmmm, I see. That's understandable. "
" Anyways, you'll be joining the open session, " Elder Rogers reminded and guided the young Kree man into the room.
Amnon was surprised to see a group of people sitting on a chair as they were arranged in a large circle. He saw five men and three women along with an African-American man in his late fifties. Elder Rogers smiled at them and assisted the Kree to have a seat on a vacant chair in between the Indian twins. The bearded one sternly glared at him while his younger bespectacled twin was smiling. The others were pleased to see him. Then, a grey haired Remnite Inhuman gave him a slight smile.
" Hello, everyone, " the former Avenger broke his silence. " I invited a newcomer who's willing to join our session. " Then, he turned to the African-American therapist and said, " Dr. Schnee, he's here to observe the session. "
" Well, thank you, Cap," Dr. Schnee smiled back, turned to the pink Kree, and asked. " Thank you for coming, what's your name, son? "
" Amnon…" he answered and shyly smiled, refusing to mention his Kree name. " Amnon Joseph Danvers-Montmartre. It's nice to meet you all. "
Upon hearing the middle surname Danvers, some of them frowned at him while the others were intrigued. Elder Steve Rogers widened his eyes to his surprise, not realizing Carol has a son from another father. Amnon felt uncomfortable and heavily sighed when the other people were irately glaring and murmuring at him. Dr. Schnee and Elder Rogers noticed the blonde humanoid alien's apprehension.
" Everyone, let's give Amnon a warm welcome, " Elder Rogers reminded, calling their attention. " He's just new here and comes to listen. Just be nice to him. He needs our help, but eventually he will be telling his story to us. "
" Son of Carol Danvers?! " a scarlet haired old lady with a Scottish accent scoffed and scrutinizingly eyed Amnon from head to toe. " How come that wild and mad star goddess has a child?! "
" That remains a mystery, Rahne, " another woman with raven hair answered.
" I hope he's not a jerk and a failure like his mother, " an elderly man with red glasses sternly spoke and crossed his arms. " I felt pity for this poor kid. "
The middle-aged Remnite-French woman with dark hair felt sorry for Amnon and heard the three mutants laughing at him. She looked at the Kree and remained silent. Amnon never wanted to hear harsh words about his mother when his eyebrows met closer and angrily clenched his fists. Elder Steve Rogers eyed at the mutant man and facepalmed to his embarrassment.
" That's enough, Scott, " Dr. Schnee seriously called him out and reminded. " We are not here to degrade Amnon or his family members. Remember, we are here to help him whatever he has in mind. Everyone here should be respecting and helping each other. This is our main goal to get yourselves recovered for such trauma. "
The three elderly mutants remained silent as Amnon sighed in relief. The others waited for the two therapists' instructions for this session. Elder Steve Rogers turned to the young Kree man and thought of another question for him when he cleared his throat.
" Well, can you tell us briefly about yourself and what's your goal in joining this group therapy? " he asked.
" I have been travelling around the world as I like to experience and meet different people and see such fascinating sights with interesting cultures. I enjoy cooking, baking, reading books, and writing journals. I'm actually both a Rebel Forces member and an MTF trooper in training, " Amnon replied. " My goal for joining here is to overcome my prolonged nightmares and trauma before and during the Kree-Lizard invasion. Then, at the same time, I'm willing to listen to your issues and help you. "
" Interesting to hear yours and Good job, Amnon, " Dr. Schnee smiled and turned to the others. " Now, for the rest of you, you need to introduce yourselves to him. "
Everyone felt compelled and grimaced to speak up as Elder Rogers smirked and said, " What's the matter? Are you feeling bad to let him know about yourselves? You've spent a month under our wing. Now, come on before I pick somebody to speak to. "
A bespectacled Indian man in his early thirties just stood up from his seat and walked in the middle of the circle. He was facing Amnon and giving him a friendly grin.
" Hello, my name is Arnav Patel. I have come all the way from India with my twin brother Chandresh, " he introduced himself. '' Just like you, Amnon, we are also victims of this prolonged global misfortune. Someday, we want to hear your story and hope to assist you. Don't worry, I wont judge your past experiences and present struggles. We have those and there's nothing wrong with telling anybody how you feel and think. Eventually, we will recover and return to our normal lives as we'll become close friends and another extended family after this invasion. "
Amnon sincerely smiled back at Arnav as the Indian man gently poked his bearded brother feeling annoyed. The pink Kree chuckled at them when Elder Steve Rogers cleared his throat to call another volunteer.
" Fine, Arnav, Fine! Why do you always pick me as the next person?! Next time, I will kill you! " the older twin spat, unwillingly stood up and blandly spoke at the Kree. " Hello, I'm Chandresh Patel, Arnav's brother. I have nothing to talk about myself. I hope you will like this group session. Please ignore my brother's annoying and talkative behaviour. "
" Thank you, Chandresh, " Dr. Schnee replied. " Next. "
A short grey haired man stood up from his seat, slightly smiled, and greeted the blonde newcomer, " My name's Uldrin Vanasoul. Originally, I'm from Remnant, but I was brought to Europe as a slave along with my siblings. I spent time taking down lives as the tyrant's former slayer. Something had changed my mind when I saw a Kree-Lizard hybrid man and his pet cat saved my life. Apparently, my sister, Lenia and I had never seen them again. I hope I will express my gratitude to that man and ask for help to find my sister who has been missing for years. "
Amnon remained non-speaking at the moment and recalled that time when he and Yuri the Flerken had encountered the Inhuman siblings back in Troyes. He wanted to speak up and reveal himself to Uldrin, but he was contemplating doing so. If he would tell the Inhuman who he was, Uldrin would not believe him, since Amnon had a new body.
" I'm sorry for what happened to your sister, " the pink Kree broke his silence and empathized. " I hope I can help you, but I do have some long-term issues. Perhaps, we should support each other throughout this session. "
" Thank you, " Uldrin nodded.
" All right, who's next? " Elder Rogers called out the next volunteer, which happened to be a dark-haired Remnite-French woman. She seemed to be the same age as Eumeralla Hughes-Knightfall, looked at Amnon with concern, and cleared her throat.
" My name's Samara Ironwood-Allard, " she calmly introduced herself. " Daughter of the late Remnite President James Ironwood and a Kree exile, Lauri-Ell. My mother had spoken to me about Captain Marvel who was my aunt. She told me that Auntie Carol has been missing in action for five decades after my country was in shambles. I was just a little child at that time. I never knew what happened to my father when my mother brought me to Marseilles. There, I grew up, met my late husband, Pierre, and had children. It was ten years ago when Pierre ended up fighting in Paris during the Moulin Rouge Mutiny. '' Samara silently wept and took her handkerchief, wiping her face and continuing, " My older children and I greatly mourned for him. Days later, I suffered from crippling depression as my son Charles brought me here to meet Dr. Schnee and his associate, Mr. Rogers. "
" I'm sorry to hear that, Samara, " Amnon sadly replied.
" Look, cousin. You don't need to apologize. If you need my help and someone to talk to, I'm here. "
" Thanks. "
" I'm glad you found a relative here, Amnon, " Dr. Schnee smiled and turned to the remaining three. " Anyone else? "
An elderly scarlet haired woman cleared her throat and stood up. Her bright emerald eyes dimmed in anger upon hearing Amnon as the son of Carol Danvers. The other two companions refused to speak up and introduced themselves like the others did. The young pink Kree nervously gulped and never expected such tensions in meeting the three mutants.
" My name's Rahne Sinclair, " she sternly spoke. " My two companions have come all the way from Krakoa where we have been hiding from the invaders for several years. My sons Ethan and Tier joined the Rebel Forces when they reached twenty-one. I took care of my two friends Lila Cheney and Scott Summers, they have exiled from America and lost their loved ones in this tumultuous period. "
" I'm sorry, I didn't know all of these, " Amnon sadly sighed.
" Your mum should be helping us, Lad?! Where the hell was she after that incident in Remnant?! You should bring your mother here and…"
Amnon widened his eyes in horror and heard the old lady mutant's angry outbursts. He never realized what his mother had done in the past five decades. The two therapists noticed Rahne being irate and thought of calming her down.
" Rahne, enough of this, " Elder Rogers called her out as the Scottish lady sat down and indignantly glared at the Kree.
" Everyone, we're here to welcome Amnon in this session, not making him upset which his mother had done in the past, " Dr. Schnee reminded them. " We are here to help solve problems, not harshly lashing out at one another. Understand? "
The three mutants remained silent and frowning when Amnon sighed in relief. He was waiting for any instructions from the two therapists. Attending this activity was making him both interested and offended, however he had to seek help before his dreaded nightmares would succumb him into his failure and despair. Dr. Schnee looked at the group and thought of starting the session.
" All right, people, " the African-American doctor cleared his throat and looked at them. " So, I think it's Uldrin's turn to begin with this session. So, how are you feeling this week? "
Uldrin was being called as he heard the question when everyone turned their attention to him, Amnon remained silent and waited for the grey haired Inhuman to speak. Uldrin leaned his back on the chair and clasped his both hands.
" Well, I started to focus on writing my thoughts when you and Mr. Rogers asked me last week, " he calmly answered. " I was able to scribble and vent out my frustrations and loneliness in those months after Lenia disappeared. "
" That's good news that you're able to follow our instructions, " Elder Rogers smiled and commented. " Anything else to share? "
" Well…" Uldrin hesitantly paused and deeply thought, taking a long time for him to speak.
" I think we should give Uldrin some time to compose his thoughts, Dr. Schnee, Mr. Rogers, " Samara looked at him with concern and suggested the two therapists. " He's taking much time to tell more. "
" Shall we move to the next, Oswald? " the former Avenger asked.
" Yes, Sir, " Dr. Schnee nodded and turned to the Inhuman. " Uldrin, I think you should reserve your thoughts. "
" N-No, w-wait! " Uldrin agitatedly broke his silence as he was ready to speak. " I have been trying to cheer up myself and keep up as much as I can. Still, those words have been clouding my mind. I'm so afraid of the days to come. What if the Kree and the Lizards will take and turn me into a slave again! What if they will kill me if I never follow their orders! What if Lenia's gone for good! I still don't know what to do! I'm so scared if I don't do something! "
" I'm so sorry to hear that, Uldrin, " Lila sadly spoke to empathize. " I felt the same way in those early years of the Kree-Lizard invasion. We lost some good people along the way. I was so very anxious about losing my singing career, my friends and family back in England and Krakoa. I experienced that same downward spiral and thought of surviving and fighting those brutes. "
" You're an Inhuman from Remnant, right?! " Scott or Cyclops indignantly stressed and shrugged. " You're so damn pathetic and cowardly that you have been exposed to a Kree Terrigen crystal and broke that solid cocoon. You could have used your freakin' powers or semblance in your terms! Then, you should do something to save yourself and your sister from those freaks! "
" Technically, I agree with him, " Chandresh instantly interjected.
" You guys don't understand, do you?! " Uldrin clenched his fists and bitterly wept. " I just never knew what happened that time before reaching to Belgium! I suddenly got unconscious by something else! I couldn't remember anything when I woke up and then my sister was gone! I spent tirelessly searching for her! "
" You're just lame and absurd! " Scott retorted.
" Will you stop calling me that?! "
" I'm just saying that, because you can't defend yourself and search for her! "
Amnon and the others couldn't bear the bitter exchange of harsh words between Uldrin Vanasoul and Scott Summers. On the other hand, Chandresh remained silent and yawned when he used to argue with his twin brother. Elder Rogers and Dr. Schnee exchanged glances and knew what to do, even though they remained calm in the middle of the heated argument.
" We think this is enough for today, " Dr. Schnee seriously spoke and called them out. " This is really not helping if you two keep arguing. "
" Let's all continue this next week, " Elder Rogers added. " Thank you for your time. "
Scott and Uldrin instantly ceased their intense rambling when Amnon felt sorry for that Inhuman who he had met around six to seven years ago. The others stood up from their seats and left the room. Their session abruptly ended when they were muttering and discussing what happened. The pink Kree felt disappointed in attending today's session and remained sitting as he noticed the therapist and elderly moderator were talking. He was waiting and contemplating to speak up to them as he thought of joining or not joining for next week's session. Amnon instantly stood up and left the room when Elder Steve Rogers finished talking to his colleague and followed him.
" Amnon, I'm so terribly sorry about what happened, " the elder sincerely said. " We have never expected this to happen. I guess you can still sit in until next week? "
" Sir, honestly, I'm really turned-off, but I still seek help with you and Dr. Schnee, " Amnon replied.
" You mean you also had some traumatic experiences before and during this invasion? "
" Yeah…" the pink Kree instantly nodded. " I could have shared mine, but Uldrin had his chance to speak, until that man with red glasses had an intense lash-out with him. "
" You mean Scott? " Elder Rogers looked at the mutant with concern and sighed, turning to Amnon.
" What's with him? "
" Scott or Cyclops suffered from depression and PTSD after his wife's demise back in New York fifty years ago, " Rogers explained. " I was there when the Kree and Lizards had made their invasion. Jean Grey-Summers was cornered by the invaders when they brutally killed her. "
" I'm so sorry to hear that, " Amnon sadly bowed his head and replied. " He must have been grieving too much. "
" Indeed, he is. If you meet him again, you have to listen to him first, before you say anything. "
" Yes, sir. "
" I'll see you next week. Give my regards to your mother. "
Amnon nodded and saluted the former Avenger in his greeting. He walked into the hallway and noticed the bearded Inhuman who was slowly and sadly walking alone. He thought of walking with him home as Uldrin turned his head and noticed the pink Kree coming behind him.
" Oh, hey there, " Uldrin slightly smiled. " I didn't know you are following me. "
" Well, I'm thinking if I could join you in walking and have a chat, " Amnon replied. " I just felt sorry for you earlier. "
" Oh no, it's okay. I'm fine now. I got used to Scott being a jerk to the other people in the group for two weeks when I joined Dr. Schnee and Mr. Rogers' Sunday Therapy. I just realized we have a lot of issues with different degrees. "
" True, " the pink Kree nodded and asked. " Before you get here, have you thought about taking your life? "
Uldrin was none-speaking when he heard the question. He was recalling those days in his despair and distress which he never wanted to mention to anybody. Amnon looked at him with concern.
" Yes, that's the time I was in Belgium after her disappearance. I became so desperate and hopeless to find Lenia , " the grey haired Inhuman seriously broke his silence. " I tried to make myself invisible several times, but it didn't work. Then, that night I found a Kree pistol lying on the ground and thought of shooting myself in the head, but someone prevented me. It was Steve Rogers and his lot who talked and brought me here to meet Dr. Schnee. "
" It's nice that they prevented you from doing it, " Amnon nodded.
" You know what, I wish Svet the Lizard and his pet were here with us. He could have helped me in finding Lenia and saved her, " Uldrin replied. " But I don't know where he is now. "
Amnon deeply thought of saving him and Lenia from six years ago and heavily sighed, hearing of his previous form as a Kree-682 hybrid. He was contemplating revealing himself which he wanted to do. Uldrin noticed the pink Kree's silence and curiously raised his eyebrows.
" Amnon, are you okay? "
" Nothing, Uldrin, " he dryly chuckled and then assured. " I just don't know where he is either, but I'm sure someone like him can find her alive, so you two will reunite and remain in your peaceful lives, even if this situation is too bleak. "
" I hope so, " Uldrin slightly smiled and nodded.
(Few Hours Later)
After eating supper and washing the dishes with his parents, Amnon instantly sat down on the couch and deeply thought of joining in the next week's session since he wanted to share his experiences during the invasion. He leaned his back on the sofa and took a deep breath. His parents were talking as they noticed him resting.
" Aren't you supposed to get some sleep into your room? " Carol reminded him. " Your training will be tomorrow. "
" Well, I'm just waiting for you to talk about what happened, " Amnon answered and smiled.
" So, have you decided to join that session next week? " Methu-Selah curiously asked.
" At first, It was interesting to hear those people's issues, but I got disappointed when someone argues with another person. I'm willing to attend next week. Perhaps, I need to see a doctor and meet him. "
" So, you told me one of your friends suggested that to you, " Carol interjected.
" Yeah, I still remember that, " Amnon nodded. " I finally met Elder Steve Rogers for the first time! He's still alive. Then, some of the mutants, too. "
Carol was surprised to hear of her son's statements as she recalled those familiar heroes from fifty years ago when the Kree-Lizard invasion had begun. She was fighting alongside them in New York before she got assigned to Remnant. Carol saw Captain Rogers and the others back then when her beloved boyfriend had passed away. She was still remaining silent and heavily sighing. Methu-Selah and his son noticed her long silence and exchanged glances.
" Carol? " the Kree Eternal snapped his fingers to catch her attention when she startled and Amnon giggled at her.
" Oh, Methie! Stop doing your mind-reading tricks on me! " she wryly smiled and chuckled. Then, she turned to her son, " You too, Kid! You guys are staring at me like that?! What's wrong with you? "
" Mom, it's just Captain Rogers giving his warm regards to you. Then, the three mutants were a bit tense to hear your name. Was there anything wrong before? " Amnon replied and asked. " Have you done something to them? "
" Kid, it's a long story, " Carol sighed. " Maybe, I will be explaining that to you soon. "
" Right, " he nodded and turned to his father. " So, Master. I have a question for you, too. How come the Inhumans and mutants are having a bad blood for each other? "
Methu-Selah directly eyed Amnon and calmly replied, " Son, you have clearly understood that the Inhumans were by-products of the Kree experimentation by their DNA and through terrigenesis. For the mutants, they have their own special gene in order to acquire their special powers by other means. Both of them have the same powers, but they have been subject to such social tensions in the past. "
" What does that mean? "
" Before this prolonged invasion, the two overpowered Terran races had a dispute and competition for being a superior humanoid race, " he continued. " Mutants deemed the Inhumans a threat on the planet. Then, the Inhumans labelled the mutants as savages and hatred between the two races is like an angry cat and dog fight on your terms. That's why I avoided seeing them confronting each other for a couple of centuries during my stay on this planet. I hope their damned unending onslaught will be sorted. "
" That's a very complicated issue, " Amnon commented. " It explains why Mr. Summers hated Uldrin with a burning passion earlier. "
" Did you say Uldrin? "
" Yes, master. I assume you have met him before along with his other three siblings. I met them around six to seven years ago in Troyes. The other two were swallowed by Yuri. Lenia and Uldrin decided to be free afterwards. They mentioned you to me. "
Carol smiled and turned to her boyfriend as the Kree Eternal deeply thought and smiled, remembering the two Inhuman siblings which he had spared and taken care of in the earlier years of the invasion.
" Uldrin and Lenia, those two were under my wing before, " Methu-Selah said and sighed. " I failed in sparing them, but luckily you met them. "
" Master, I'm not so sure if I could reveal myself to him in my previous body. I don't know how he will react when he finds out. "
" Son, the truth has to be revealed whether he accepts you or not. Just let him realize what you have done for him by next week. "
" Did you see it coming beforehand? "
" Indeed, yes. Just remember to focus on your psychotherapy, first. Understand? "
" Yes, sir, " Amnon nodded and yawned, covering his mouth with his right hand and stretching his left arm.
" It's getting late for some chit-chat. You need some shut eye and count some sheep, not asking us to draw sheep, " Carol noticed her son and joked, gently slapping his back." Bon matan, monsieur Montmartre. "
Amnon instantly stood up from the couch and chuckled in reply," Bon matan, monsieur et madame. "
Methu-Selah and Carol watched their son going upstairs and coming into his room for his slumber. The couple exchanged glances and understood about Amnon's initiative to see a therapist for his unending trauma. They knew it was necessary for him to cope up with his life.
" It's about time that our son has to see a specialist, " Carol smiled and gently held her boyfriend's left hand, leaning her head on his shoulder. " He has been longing for years to get his sanity away from those nightmares. "
" I believe Amnon can conquer his prolonged trauma with our help and anybody else, " the Kree Eternal smiled back at her. " His spirit of resilience and courage has led him to what he is now. "
" I take it, you have been searching and watching him wherever he has gone after he escaped that horrid Foundation facility aftershock more than five decades ago. "
" Our son never deserved to be treated that way, Carol. Did you know what differs him from the ruthless SCP-682 aside from being a Kree-hybrid? "
" Amnon has the heart of an angel, " she instantly answered. " I noticed that when I took care of him in Rouen around two to three years ago. From his previous monstrous form, I can sense such honesty and gentleness in him until now. He has inherited those traits from you, but those harsh days were troubling for him to cope up with. "
" He has a lot to learn and develop when the right time comes, " Methu-Selah assured and teased her. " By the way, you owe our boy some answers to his question, earlier. I answered his other queries. "
" I told him it's a long story, Methie. He's gonna wait for my tell all from the past. That's it! " she chuckled and kissed the Kree Eternal's right cheek. " Besides, it will take a lot of time to comprehend about those earlier years. "
" Have it your way, Car-Ell, " he blushed and passionately kissed her back, embracing her body.
(Uldrin Vanasoul belongs toKnightfall077)