Let's get down to business.

[no_more_hiding]

Getting settled and training to stop Shaw is a daunting challenge. Fortunately, Hank loves a challenge. Alex's powers continue to be unstable (though Hank has a few ideas on apparatuses to help), Sean's hyper-sonic vocal cords are a wealth of possibilities, and even Erik is seeming to experiment with his abilities. Though he steadfastly refuses to let Hank help, adamant that he has had enough experimentation performed upon him. Still, he is working with Charles, which is better than nothing.

Hank has also seen Raven exercising her abilities or even walking about in her blue form; which still makes Hank anxious, though there is a certain beauty to it. She's also been lifting weights, running, and anything else she can think of to get stronger. Sometimes she and Hank find time to practice together but all to often Erik seems to arrive or already be there. Well, sometimes it is Alex, Sean, or Charles, but more often than not, it is Erik.

Hank is working on his physical state as well. Running every morning with Charles, and racing in the afternoons, as well as talking books and ideas. Despite the C.I.A. physical requirements, Charles always seems to win these races though. If only Hank could find some shoes that would be comfortable for him to run in.

Comments

[balancingminds]

"I'm fine, Hank. I want to see all that you can do. Don't hold yourself back. I trust you."

[no_more_hiding]

"Okay," Hank says with a deep, steadying breath. He shifts his feet to get a good grip and sets himself to run again. He thinks to let Charles call the start again but then decides against it.

"Ready...set...GO!" He says, giving Charles plenty of warning. On 'Go' he doesn't so much as start into the run as leap into it.

[balancingminds]

When Hank sets off, Charles laughs as he races after him. Its a joy to see how Hank is using his body in all the ways that are possible.

[no_more_hiding]

The path they race on has always been clear but it is bracketed by shrubs and trees, which ends up tempting Hank in odd ways. He springs to the left, off the path and starts vaulting over the shrubs as he runs; at first losing speed but soon enough he gets his pace down and gets his lead back.

[balancingminds]

"Yes, see what you can do!" Charles yells after him as he laughs.

[no_more_hiding]

Hank keeps going and even adds in a few flips from trees; though he slips on one landing and has to pick himself back up.

By the time Charles makes to the finish, Hank is panting a little and has a proud smile.

[balancingminds]

"Didn't that feel good? That's what happens when you stretch yourself."

[no_more_hiding]

"It did," Hank says with an enthusiastic nod before turning serious. "I'm so used to hiding, I hardly know what my body is capable of. I think...I know I need to find out and before we meet Shaw and his people. We all do."

[balancingminds]

"Yes and I'm here to help. Don't be held back by your old ideas of what's possible,"

This is what he's been wanting to do, helping other mutants like Hank find their strengths and flourish.

[no_more_hiding]

"Less 'what's possible' and more 'don't be noticed' I fear," Hank replies with an awkward smile. "I imagine Alex and Sean, not to mention Raven, have a similar mind set. We need to get used to being allowed to be who we are now, even if we can't be that all the time."

[balancingminds]

"Yes, that's my dream that someday the don't be noticed isn't even part of the equation. Here no one has to hide which is a beginning."

[no_more_hiding]

"I think," Hank says nervously, "that if I am anything to go on, there will be a lot of personal adjusting. Mutants...We all learn to hide ourselves, but those of use with physical mutations more so. Why don't we go get some lunch and we can discuss this some more. I wonder if some psychology practices might not be worth looking into."

[balancingminds]

"Yes, I can actually recommend some books to you. I've began reading psychology books as soon as I realized how it could help me understand my own mutation. Its also about education, teaching how to use what's there and how to enjoy it. This is a beginning but one I feel hopeful about,"

He says as he walks inside to figure out what comes next today. The various futures he's come across in Milliways worry him, but he's already seen a difference in Hank, Raven and especially Alex.