Legacy Mutation (Book Eight)

Chapter 59: Going Back

Dean groans as he pushes himself to his feet, propping his crutches under his arms. He hobbles out to the living room, wincing every now and then. Mitch and Copeland are playing video games side by side, Dakota and Asher are looking at a book, their shoulders touching as they gasp and point at different spots in almost unison. Venus and Blake sit on the couch, Blake attempting to braid his friend's hair.

"Guys?" Dean calls.

"Wassup Fearless?" Copeland calls over her shoulder. She presses a button. "Shell! I thought I had that!"

"You ain't got nothing around me, Co," Mitch teases, poking his tongue out at his hotheaded cousin.

Dean almost smiles at the silliness, but a stab of pain in his wings makes the movement cease. He sighs heavily, hobbling forwards some more.

"We need to go back to school," he continues.

Asher and Dakota's heads snap upwards in a scary sort of unison.

"Really?" Dakota asks, sounding skeptical.

"That didn't go well last time we tried," Asher points out as he flashes a nervous smile.

"That was months ago. I want to go back, because I have two teams to look out for; you guys, and my football team." The boy's face falls with sadness for a second, but he covers it with a stern scowl. "I...I may not be able to play, but that doesn't mean I'm not their captain anymore. I can still lead them."

"Please, enthral us with another pep talk," Copeland drones.

"Oh shush. We're going back. Tomorrow morning, we conquer those hallways again."

Venus sits up, not minding the sloppy mess of a braid her brunette curls have become.

"I'm gonna go," she decides. She looks to her mute friend. "You in, Blake?"

He swallows, but nods. "Okay..." he whispers, one of the first words he's said in months. "I'll try."

🍕🐢🍕🐢🍕🐢🍕🐢🍕

"If anyone makes jokes about cripples, cripple them," Casey advises.

Dean scowls, Copeland shooting her uncle a glare. April sighs, a small smile on her face as she glances at her husband.

"Remind me why you're walking us to school?" Mitch asks.

"Simple. We want to," April answers.

"What she said," Casey agrees readily.

Blake hugs his mom's arm, sighing a little. "I'm scared."

Casey looks at his son, hating how he's become quiet and timid. He misses his spontaneous little boy with the goofy grins and quick comebacks. A determined frown settles on the hockey player's face.

"No need to be scared, Blake. You can kick school's butt, just don't let anyone bring you down," he encourages, pumping his fist.

"Pep Talks 101," Copeland mutters.

"Instructor; Casey Jones," Dakota seconds.

"And with special guest; Hamato Dean," Mitch finishes.

The three teens laugh and fist bump. Casey and Dean shoot them both glares.

"You kids are really sarcastic, you know that?" Casey comments.

"We've been told, and we take great pride in it!" Mitch announces. "Hey Dean! Dean!"

Dean ignores him. The blond boy bounces up to his cousin and tries harder, throwing an arm carefully over Dean's shoulder.

"Hey, why'd the Kraang cross the road?" he asks.