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Chapter 9 - A Brush With Death

"I can actually get it back". Blake says as incredulous disbelief washes over him, seeing the screen before him give him something he's always wanted. Hope continues to emanate throughout him. 

"Not quite brother, it'll be a limb like ours. But it will be fully functional like any other, however it will take some time to learn." Zeus's giddy joy buzzing throughout the room.

"Thank you, Zeus". Clenching and unclenching his fist, his struggles are finally being repaid. Extending his index finger towards the future he presses yes.

[Electro Limb has been activated]

[Energy 40/50]

Immediately a surging sensation tears its way through his body, a feeling akin to pins and needles but more violent. Coalescing at the point of his stump. Green electricity starts to surge outward.

The phantom memories of his limb guiding the process along, the electricity starts to form outward an outline being made first. Coursing energy makes its way out of his stump forming the new limb. The bright green color of the electricity blinded him a little.

Clenching his new limb now, tears start to form on his eyes. The process of getting a new limb always loomed over Blake, the cost just being too much for his circumstances. So he went at it stubbornly without it.

"See it's just like your kind's limbs, with its own quirks". Zeus says, a little shocked.

"Its perfect Zeus" Each finger moving individually, the precision even better than his flesh. The signals of his nerves moving instantaneously throughout the newfound limb. Giving his body a sense of whiplash from the out of balance speed and motor functions. Static emits off the limb as he flexes it, childlike wonder fills his mind over the functionality.

"This is better than anything I could think of. It's seamless. Like I've always had it". Blake says in complete awe and disbelief looking at the curling fingers of electricity in front of him. 

"I didn't expect you to figure that out so quickly, your talented brother". Zeus says a little bewildered by Blakes fast adaptation. 

"Wait you cant see it?" Blake says pointing at the transparent screen, hovering in his vision.

"What do you mean brother"? Zeus asks, pointing his finger at his chin, his head emits sparks trying to understand.

'Wait, If Zeus cant see the system then who can. What the hell even is a system?' Thoughts course their way through his brain matter. Until the lightning enters his mind searing into him the memories of the event.

"Is this the gift dad meant"? Blake mutters, melancholy fills his voice, his dad still supporting him beyond the grave. Before his thoughts can cascade and unravel the door creaks open.

"Blake, you're awake, are you okay, are you in any pain". A familiar supportive voice comes crashing in like a ton of feathers. Almost immediately Zeus surges into Blakes chest hiding away.

"What about the arm genius"! Blake asks desperately as panic starts to fill his voice as his sister steps into his room.

Quickly wrapping the blanket over his new limb. Fruitlessly attempting to hide it from her. A buzzing sound fills the room. Before she can make heads or tails of it her eyes lock onto Blakes vitals, the only care she has at the moment.

[Would you like to deactivate electro limb]

[Y/N]

'Why didn't you say that sooner dammit. Irritation fills his expression, wiping his face with his hand he slams his fist on yes.' Blake rolls his eyes infuriated by the system. 

Immediately as if it were never there the electricity falls apart disappearing entirely. The blanket unravels and falls to the ground at the absence of a limb. Noticing Blake standing, her attention is finally broken by the relief.

"They said it would be much longer till you could stand"? Raven says tears filling her eyes as disbelief paints itself clear as day on her face. 

Not having any preparation for this situation his brain starts to short circuit finding a believable excuse for his sister. If I tell her she will think I'm crazy. Rapidly realizing the risk he would create for everyone alongside this, Blake decides to lie about it all.

I can't paint a target on myself, people would ask too many questions especially if all of sudden I gained a power. I can't let my sister fall into a crosshair from this.

"I guess it's ah the meds they've got me on, yeah". Blake stutters, the nervous delivery of this white lie disheartens Raven a little. I thought we could tell each other everything, echoes throughout her mind.

"What was with the lightning, The doctors said you were struck". Raven questions curiously trying to decipher what Blake might be hiding. 

"That ah, yeah i had an umbrella and i think it attracted some of it". Blake laughs awkwardly trying to change topics. Slowly his lies lose structure and fall apart under the lack of coherency.Understanding her brothers intention, she backs off on asking him.

'What happened to you Blake, why are you hiding this?' Raven asks herself, sadness permeating in her mind.

'I can't let her know, I can't let people find out about this. Someone will want to pick me apart and see how I tick. The idea of gaining a power like this is unheard of, if i fall into the wrong hands it could spell doom for not just me.' Blakes internal monologue fires through his synapses at the split second choices he's had to make.

"Why don't we drop this for now and head to burger shack? It's been a while since we ate out. My treat". Blake says with an innocent offer. 

"Blake, you haven't even been discharged yet and you're already thinking about treating us. You need to start looking out for yourself. I worry, you know, that one day I'll walk home and find out the news, like today." Raven tears up a little unable to meets Blakes gaze. 

"I understand sis". Blake sighs rubbing the back of his neck nervously at his sister's prodding concern.

"Before we go, I was doing some spring cleaning and I stumbled upon dads old journal. I know how much he means to you. So I want you to have it". Raven says knowing just how much Blake misses they're father. 

"Don't get yourself killed brother, there are people who worry about you, not just me". Raven says with a worry filled stare watching her brother stand from the hospital bed. 

"You have a knack for making friends. Someone went above and beyond for you. Thank them when you can". She says as the two of them head off to the confused receptionists.

"HOW CAN YOU EVEN WALK"! The doctor that treated him says as he catches Blake in the corner of his eye. His expectations for the boy keep getting shattered.

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