Johnny: Chapter 1: Memories
Johnny Storm,19, has a past that no one knew about, not even Sue. What happens when an accident, that reverts Johnny back to his 5 year old self, reveals a secret well kept by Johnny? Warnings: AU, mentions of child abuse, 12 year gap btw Johnny and Sue.
Johnny
Chapter 1: Memories
“What feeling is so nice as a child's hand in yours? So small, so soft and warm, like a kitten huddling in the shelter of your clasp.” Marjorie Holmes
A little boy, who looked to be about the age of five, sat curled up in a ball against the corner in a dark room. As the boy saw a shadow near the door, his face filled with emotion, warring between hope that he would be let out and fear of what was most likely coming. Then the door opened, letting light shine through.
The boy, whose face is now revealed by the light, is decorated with bruises, clenched his eyes shut against the light he hasn’t been exposed to in five hours.
When the boy’s eyes had adjusted to the light, he opened them. Fear overtaking his beautiful, despite the bruises, face and his soulful, deep blue eyes, when he sees the murderous expression on the man, his foster father’s, face. The man grabbed the boy by his shirt collar and reared back his right hand…
Nineteen year old Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, woke up with a barely muffled scream. Taking a deep breath, Johnny sighed and tried to relax, running his fingers through his hair. Using the back of his hand to wipe the cold sweat off his face, he walked towards the only bathroom in the Baxter Building, walking as quietly as he could so he wouldn’t wake anyone.
Finally getting there, he used the cold water to rinse his face, and then braced himself against the sink. Damn it! Why couldn’t he just forget it? Why did it still affect him after all these years? Why did it always make him revert back to the scared, timid, little five year old kid? Why did it always leave him feeling helpless? It was over thirteen years ago, he should be over it by now, Damn it!
He felt sick, because that helpless five year old, the one locked in the dark room for hours on end, again and again, that was him, Johnny Storm. A part of Johnny Storm, a part that no one, not even his big sister, Sue, knew about. Johnny headed back to his room, and prayed like he’d done many times over the years. The times when he’d needed strength, courage, and will power, because through those torturous six months, God and the promise that his sister was safe and happy, had been the only things that had seen him through, day after day. Determined to never let his sister find out, to be strong enough for them, but especially her, so she never felt guilty, Johnny decided to get some sleep, laying down and clearing his head, like he’d learned years ago, and within a minute, he was out like a light.
…TBC…