Authors Note: This isn't really like the first chapter. I'm just going to put Evan's departure through the eyes of the FCA members. I had no idea that he was leaving, and when I found out --- I wanted to do a little tribute to him. So, here it is. Long live Evan Daniels!

Linda J - I've actually put Sabretooth in this chapter. I was going to in the first one, but in the interests of keeping it as short as possible, I had to edit his involvement out. Still, there's plenty of Victor goodness in this chapter to make up for it ---

FCA - Fellowship of Christian Athletes? Hmm --- wouldn't it be interesting if they mistook the meaning of the posters ---?

*Young athlete wearing a tee-shirt with the slogan 'Open your heart to the big J.C' enters the room and looks around*: "Hey, is this the FCA meeting?"

*Beast (in full furry glory) smiles*: "Sure thing friend, step right on in-- --"

*Athlete runs away screaming*

*Beast looks puzzled*: "Was it something I said?"







The FCA were gathered, as before, in an empty classroom. Nobody spoke. The silence weighed around them, heavy an intangible, as they waited. Outside, dusk fell over Bayville, sky stained a hazy lavender as the sun sank below the tree line.

Slowly, the hands on the clock moved. It was now twenty past five.

Sam sighed. "He's not coming, is he?" It wasn't a question - it was a statement of fact.

Jubilation Lee looked over to him. "He might," she murmered softly.

The young mutant shook his head, heavy strand of blonde hair falling over his eyes. "Dang it, its been twenty minutes. If he was gonna show, he would have done it already."

The group fell back into uneasy quiet. The all watched the show - they knew why they were here. The week before had been the first ever showing on 'X-Tream Measures' ---- the episode where Evan had left. It had been a shock for everyone. Evan Daniels --- the Spyke man --- X Men team member and leader of the FCA --- gone. Maybe forever.

It hit them all pretty hard.

Beyond the classroom door there was the hollow echo of footsteps along the corridor. The gathered mutants looked up hopefully as the figure stepped into the room. It was, however, only Freddy.

He looked around at the kids, disappointment quickly washing over his features. "No Evan?" he asked breathlessly as he sunk into the empty chair next to Rahne.

Charles Xavier, sitting opposite, sighed and lowered his head. "No, I am afraid not."

"Why were ye so late derlin'?" Rahne frowned and slipped her hand into Fred's.

He shrugged his massive shoulders. "Pietro didn't take the news so good," he admitted wearily.

The red-haired girl watched him sympathetically. "Hows he holdin' up?"

"Not so well. It took an entire bottle of aspirins just to slow him down enough so that we could understand what he was saying." He grimaced with the memory. "He's locked himself in the bathroom when I left. Lance and Todd were trying to talk him out when I left."

A low groan sounded from the corner. "Just what the world needs," Magneto sneered bitterly, "More fuel for Pietro angst stories."

Charles shot his old friend a warning glance. "Erik----"

There was a quiet sniffing from the crowd of New Recruits. Wedged between Armara and Roberto, Jamie sobbed softly into the sleeve of his sweater, tears streaming down his cheeks. Armara had her arms around him in a sisterly hug. She looked up.

"Jamie's still kind of upset about what they did to Evan," she explained quietly.

There was a muffled hiccup. "Poor E-Evan," he whimpered. "Poor, p-poor Evan."

The young princess rested her cheek against his head and rocked him as though he were a baby. "Shhh --- It'll be alright," she murmured, soothing his tousled hair. "The scriptwriters might make him come back after a while. Remember what they did with Boom-boom?"

Jean spoke up. "Yeah, gee, thanks for sending her back Fred," she said, scowling angrily at the Brotherhood mutant as she spoke. "Just what the Institute needed - Tabitha Smith hogging the shower every morning."

Freddy snorted. "Hey, she's your problem now."

"Yeah, don' we know it." Roberto shuddered. "Dat chica is *nasty*. She used my leg razor to shave her under-arms and bikini-line."

There was a sudden horse wailing from Jamie. Armara glared at the gathered kids.

"Will you guys shut up already," she hissed, "Jamie's upset enough without having to listen to you guys bitch."

There was a guilty pause, then a general murmur of agreement, muttered apologies from those who had spoken. Evan's sudden departure had affected them all deeply --- everyone was on edge. A tense moment of silence passed.

Finally, it was Jean that spoke. Running a hand through her long scarlet hair, he lowered her gaze respectfully to the floor. "Armara's right. Evan has gone --- we shouldn't bicker between ourselves. That's not what he would have wanted." She thought for a moment, forehead creased in a frown of thought. She glanced quickly up at Roberto. "Wait --- you shave your legs?"

The Brazilian boy blinked in surprise. "Of course. Haven't you noticed how soft and silky smooth they are?"

Jubilation Lee swiftly raised a hand. "I have."

There was a low growl of frustration. Magneto stood from his chair, cape billowing, and began stalking angrily across the room. His gloved hands curled unconsciously into fists. "Evan Daniels must not be allowed to leave the show. He has not yet realized his full potential."

Charles nodded patiently. "Yes, I know. But there is nothing that we can do, Erik. If the scriptwriters decide that Spyke should leave the X Men, then we are powerless to do anything against it."

"But to join the Morlocks?!" Magneto cried, staring at his old friend in disbelief, "Why?! He could have joined the Brotherhood. That way they could have continued with his character development while still removing him from the Xavier Institute." He gave an embittered sneer and continued pacing. "You know that they will effectively abandon him in those tunnels. He has been sentenced to cartoon oblivion."

"Erik, please. Try to calm yourself---"

With a horse scream of frustration, Magneto brought a fist down on a nearby desk. There was a shrill splintering of wood as the table shattered. The younger X Men recoiled in fear.

"You don't understand!" He bellowed, "How could you understand?! You don't know what its like --- to be upstaged by your own son! To see fan fiction after fan fiction devoted to Pietro! It tears me apart! Evan was the only one who knew what it was like to live in Quicksilver's shadow. If he leaves I will be alone. Truly alone. I can't live like that."

Glaring at them all with unbridled rage, the evil mutant suddenly seemed to weaken. His caped shoulders sagged, shadow falling over his features as he lowered his head. With a low groan, he pressed his hands against his forehead, screwing his eyes tightly shut. A single bitter tear slid down his pale cheek.

"God I hate Pietro," he murmured, voice oddly strangled.

Charles wheeled himself to his friend's side. "This is not Pietro's fault. You must stop torturing yourself like this."

Magneto stared up at him with red-rimmed eyes. "I will personally hunt down the scriptwriter who got rid of Evan," he hissed, "And I will feed his mutilated carcass to Sabretooth."

The bald headed man watched him uneasily. "Why don't we take this one step at a time, hm? It may yet be that this is only a temporary arrangement. Perhaps the writers are planning to bring him back at a later date, with a story line that will held to develop him as a character. We cannot judge them too harshly - after all, it was they that created him."

There was a quiet snuffling. Jamie looked up from Armara's arms, wiping his running nose with his sleeve. "D-do you really thing s-so?"

The Professor smiled gently. "Of course."

Erik snorted, but chose not to comment.

There was a considering quiet as the FCA took a moment to think about Evan Daniels, and what had occurred to him since joining the X Men three seasons ago. He had had it tough right from the beginning. Unlike all of the other characters, he was completely original. He had no comic history --- no ready-made fan base to fall back on --- every episode for him had been a struggle. His origin story had been overshadowed by the inclusion of Pietro --- something which he had never been able to shake off --- and his mutant powers lacked the 'wow factor' showmanship of teleportation or optic blasts. Aside from his rivalry with Quicksilver and his family connections with Storm, the writers didn't make any attempt to give him any relationships with any of the other characters. He had no friends --- no crush --- he simply hung out at the Institute, annoying the other characters.

And it wasn't that he wasn't an interesting character. In many ways, Evan was more true to life than any of the other mutants. He was a typical teenager. He could be rebellious, quick to anger, even bordering on the selfish sometimes --- but his heart was in the right place, and he always came through when it mattered.

The problem was that the writers only ever focused on him if he was in some kind of trouble - when he was failing school --- when he was in trouble at the Institute. It was like somewhere along the line, they decided to make him into the 'moral of the story' kid. He was metamorphed into a stereotypical angry black teen, when his character went so much deeper than that. Unfortunately, those depths were - largely - ignored, and Evan grew more resented by the fans as the seasons progressed.

When Doctor McCoy went through his transformation into the Beast, who was it who helped him through it? Responsible Scott? Lovable Kurt? Troubled- yet-ever-popular Rogue? No, it was Evan. Evan might not be a model pupil, but when the going got tough, he stuck it out. He was brave and loya, and he stook up for what he believed in. He deserved a lot more respect than he got.

People just never gave him that chance.

Pulling everyone from their thoughts, there was a soft tapping on the door. Everyone looked up hopefully.

Hank McCoy stuck his head around the door. "Is this the FCA meeting?" he asked, blue eyes scanning the gathered mutants.

The kids sagged, a little disappointed. They had been hoping that it was Evan. Charles, looking around at the disheartened looks on their faces, turned quickly to Hank, mustering what he hoped was an encouraging smile.

"OF course, please, pull up a chair."

The blue furred man paused in the doorway, brow contorted uncertainly. "I err --- I brought along an acquaintance of mind." He hesitated. "Does that matter?"

Charles tilted his head. "As Evan once said - the more the merrier."

Still, the Beast looked uncomfortable. "He's a little anti-social. He's unsure of whether he'll be welcomed."

Jean arched an eyebrow to the Institute Instructor. "Mr McCoy, Blob's sitting over there holding hands with Rahne and Magneto's the one blubbering in the corner. Trust me, I think that we can handle your friend."

Hank frowned, then glanced at the silver haired mutant hurriedly drying his eyes on the hem of his cape. He looked bemused for a moment, then simply shrugged.

"Okay dokey."

He moved gorilla-like, into the room, balancing his body weight on his heavy knuckles. From the space he had occupied in the doorway, a menacing shadow emerged. Tall and fierce, long hair dirty and unkept, he took a long stride forward. It was Sabretooth, and in his hands he held a present.

Magneto gave a slight nod in greeting. "Victor."

Sabretooth returned the gesture. "Erik."

There was a slight pause as they all stared incredulously at the two man- beasts in their midst.

"So---" Hank swung his arms distractedly. "No Evan?"

A blond haired boy dressed in well-worn denims slowly shook his head. "'Friad not," Sam told him truthfully, "We don't even know if he's gonna show."

Sabretooth blinked, then lowered his head. "Oh."

Jean watched him for a long moment. "Is that a problem - em, sir?"

The long-time enemy of Wolverine looked down in disappointment, brown eyes staring sadly at he gift in his clawed hands. "Well, gee, I brought the little guy a present. I figured he'd be here."

"You?!" Magneto gave a hard laugh. "You have brought a present for Evan Daniels?" He shook his head and sneered. "I never had you down as the fatherly type."

There was a low growl from the back of the newcomer's throat. "And why wouldn't I be?"

Before Erik could say anything further, Charles quickly cut in.

"What he means to say," he explained, careful not to offend anyone - especially not the titan like figure before him. "Is that it just seems a little --- unusual. You have never displayed any interests in Evan's welfare, indeed, you have attempted to harm him on several occasions." He spread his palms helplessly. "You can see why we are a little curious about the sudden change in attitude."

Sabretooth sniffed and gave a slight shrug. "Just wanted to show the kid my support. I might not be his best friend or nothing, but I know what its like to be ignored."

"What do you mean?"

A dusky flush darkened his cheeks. "You know --- with people not liking you and stuff. There scriptwriters, they talk a load of bull-shi-" he paused and looked around at the innocent expression on the faces of the New Recruits. He cleared his throat, deciding not to tell them *exactly* what he thought of the shows writers. "Well, let's put it this way. The only thing that the scriptwriters use me for is the occasional fight scene, and even then I only have three functions - growl, grunt, and/or roar." He shook his head. "It can't be that hard to think of real lines, can it? Maybe they could give me some interests outside of killing Wolverine too --- you know, give me some depth. I'd like that."

Roberto frowned doubtfully. "Outside interests?"

"You know. Fast cars, classical literature, stamp collecting --- I don't care. I just want people to realize that I have a life besides obsessing over Logan and screwing Mystique."

Magneto raised his head, eyes flashing. "What?"

Sabretooth took a step backwards, clawed hand running over the nape of his neck. "I-I don't ---- you know, with Mystique. Well, not anymore anyways." He blinked and shook his shaggy head. "That's not the point. What I mean to say is that I know what its like getting a raw deal from writers - script or fan. I just wanted Evan to know that."

He sighed and shrugged, nothing more to say. Hank rested a hand on his shoulder and steered him gently towards a chair. The gathered kids moved respectfully to make room for them.

Jubilation Lee leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. She gave Victor a small smile of encouragement. "So what present did you get him?"

Sabretooth sat down in a chair, coat billowing over a seat. "It's an alarm clock. You know - the kind where you get radio." He blushed a little. "I figured that they might not have 'em down in the Morlock tunnels --- and I know how he likes his musical an' all." He flashed a rueful look in Erik's direction. "I would have gotten him something bigger, but I ain't getting paid much at the moment."

A small red haired girl beamed her approval. "It's a verrry nice gift, Mr Sabretooth." Rahne told him earnestly. "Evan'l love it wheen he comes."

The man looked sadly down at the present, picking idly at the bow. "*If* he comes."

Beast nodded certainly. "He will. If I know one thing about Evan Daniels, its that he doesn't give up on friends." A meditative look crossed over his features. "After all," he mused quietly, "That's the only reason why I'm not chained up in a cell right now. I owe him that."

Jamie had stopped crying and was resting against Armara. His face was pale and blotched with red, but he seemed to have calmed down. "I hope that he's okay," he murmured, more to himself than anyone.

Sam forced himself into a cheery grin. "Hey, buck up kido. This is the Spyke-man we're talkin' about He's probably having a whale of a time down in those tunnels! His own space --- no one on his back all the time --- plenty of room for skateboarding---" he trailed into silence, hoping that he had spoken with more optimism than he felt.

There was a short quiet.

Freddy looked shyly around the group. "I-I wrote a poem earlier --- about how I feel an' all. Its probably no good, but I'd like to share it with you guys --- if you don't mind, I mean."

Charles smiled and gave a slight nod of the head. "Of course."

There were murmurings of encouragement throughout the group. Fred Dukes nodded slowly and retrieved a crumpled piece of paper from his dungaree pocket. Clearing his throat nervously, he began to read -

"Erm --- 'Ode to Evan Daniels', by Freddy.

I watched the show and I read the review.

But something about it just doesn't ring true.

Even thinking about it makes me get mad.

The friend I never knew I had.



The writers got tierd, that's what they're sayin'.

Morlcoks or not, I don't think they're playin'.

They got rid of Evan and that's too bad.

The friend I never knew I had.



The FCA will soon be forgotten.

His 'boards still outside, been left to go rotten.

Pietro is heartbroken - its really sad.

The friend I never knew I had.



Goodbye Evan Daniels, I feel I should kiss ya.

I don't think I will thought I'm sure gonna miss ya.

I hope that this Morlock things only a fad.

The friend I never knew I had."



The large mutant stopped reading and looked away, covering his eyes with his hand. Heavy sobs made his shoulders quake with unhappiness. Rahne stood and wrapped her arms around his neck, planting a soft kiss on his forehead.

"Och, Fred. That werr really nice."

The gathered group gave his there applause. It was a sad time for everyone, but they were all here to support one another. That was what Evan had originally wanted, and - with or without him - that's what they were going to do.

"Aww dude --- you made me cry!"

There was a unified intake of breathe as everyone looked up in surprise, all turning to the sound of a familiar voice ----

"Evan!" Jamie squeaked, bounding from Armara's arms and rushing to greet the bleached blonde boy. He threw himself at Evan's waist, gripping him tightly in a hug. "You came back!"

Evan grinned. "Of course I came back, dummy! You think I'd leave without saying goodbye to my buds?" He gave a small yelp as he was suddenly crushed by half a dozen pressing bodies. The New Recruits weren't shy about their emotions. Even Jean was in on it, pushing her way forward to give him a warm kiss.

Charles wheeled his way forward, shaking his head good naturedly. "Alright, alright. Give the boy some room." The crowd parted like the waves before Moses and Evan beamed down at his long-time mentor. "It is good to see you return to us, Evan."

Storm's young nephew shrugged, smile fading a little at the edges. "I got them to drop me off on the way past. I couldn't go without saying goodbye to you guys."

"Goodbye?" The Professor frowned. "But I thought---"

Evan shook his head resolutely. "This is the way its got to be."

A stunned moment of quiet met this revelation. Then, suddenly, Jamie wailed and tightened his grip. "No! You can't go!" Armara tried to pull him away but he wouldn't release his hold. He buried his face in Evan's white vest, eyes shut tightly.

The mahogany-skinned boy placed his hand on his head. "Come one little dude, you can't come with me."

The youngest X-Man looked up. "I could! I could be a Morlock! I'd be a real good one, I promise!" he pleaded hopefully.

Evan sighed. "No one *wants* to be a Morlock --- believe me. Stick with the Institute for a while, huh? Who knows?" He gave a tired smile. "One day, they might even give you an episode of your own. You might get a fan page on the internet! Isn't that worth hanging around for?"

A shadow fell over him. He looked up and found himself staring into the glittering eyes of Magneto. The elder mutant had removed his helmet.

"I will avenge you, Evan Daniels," he assured him quietly. "Of that you can be certain. The writer responsible for this outrage is destined to pay a terrible price --- I promise."

Evan paused, uncertain what to say.

"Err--- thanks man."







A crowd was gathered outside the school. They were all there for one reason --- to say goodbye.

Evan stood at their centre. He wished that he had had more time to get to know them all better. He hadn't known that there time together would be so short.

Sabretooth solemnly handed him a present. Wrapped in birthday wrapper and topped with a garishly jaunty bow, it looked odd sitting in the man's taloned hands. Nevertheless, he accepted it gratefully.

"It's a clock radio - you know, for while you're down in the tunnels," Victor explained.

Evan smiled. "Gee, thanks."

Victor paused hesitantly for a moment, then leaned forward to ruffle the boy's hair. "I'm sure gonna miss beating the crap out of ya, kid."

Beast was next. Over the past months, Hank had become a good friend to Evan. It was going to be tough to leave him. He had taught him a lot --- and not just about Shakespeare either.

"Parting brings such sweet sorrow," the blue furred man mused sadly.

He sniffed and looked away. "Nah. Give it a couple of days and you'll have your hands so full with those guys," he gabbed a thumb in the direction of the New Recruits, "That you won't even have time to think about me."

"Perhaps. Even so --- remember to continue with your studies. And write to us?"

"Sure thing. Take care of Aunty O for me, kay? Don't let her blitz the Institute when she gets PMS."

Hank gave a soft laugh. "Evan, I think I leant my lesson last time. As soon as I see that she's starting to stress, I'm shifting my hide out of there."

Evan moved quickly through the kids, receiving hugs, kisses, and respectful high-fives. He's never gotten this kind of appreciation before. Maybe if he had, things might have turned out different.

He paused before Magneto. The elder mutant watched him closely, breeze flowing through his short hair.

The boy gave a weak smile. "Try not to kill Pietro while I'm away, huh?"

Erik slowly shook his head. "I can make no promises."

Evan scuffed his sneakers on the concrete, looking away. "Yeah --- that's what I thought."

Now there was only the Professor. Evan moved towards him, opening his mouth to seak, when a sudden sound cut him short. A nondescript white van purred through the school gates, pulling up a short distance away. Two men sat in the cab - both mid-thirties, both dressed in hula-shirts and sunglasses. Neither made any move to get out of the van. A sudden flicker of light flashed into existence as one of them lit a cigarette.

Despite herself, Rahne shivered. "Whoe are thoes meen? FBI?"

There was a quiet growl from Magneto. "No, worse," he hissed darkly. "Scriptwriters."

Evan sighed. "That means that I don't have much time." He turned to the Professor. "I've got to go. I just wanted to thank you --- you know, for everything."

Charles closed his eyes sorrowfully. "I only wish that it could have ended differently."

"Yeah. Me too."

"One day, people will realize what a great character you are ---- I promise you."

Storm's young nephew stared up at the sky. The stars were beginning to come out and a pale sliver of moon hung low on the horizon. He thought back to the beginning, when he had fist come to Bayville. He had hated it. Now, at that moment, he would have given anything if it meant that he could stay.

Funny how things turned out.

A cool autumn zephyr ran over his exposed skin, making it tingle pleasantly. He wondered how long it would be before he saw the sky again.

"What's the point?" he murmured thoughtfully. "It's already too late."

Without saying another word, he began to walk resolutely towards the van. One of the scriptwriters jumped out of the cab, opening the doors in the back in readiness. Inside was shadowy and indistinct - void-like --- just like his future. Maybe he would return one day. Maybe he wouldn't. Either way, he was powerless to do anything about it.

He was only a cartoon after all.

Standing in the van, he watched as the scriptwriter slammed the back doors shut on him. The hollow band rebounded in his ears for a moment, and then there was nothing but a pitiless silence. He stared sadly out of the grimy windows to the crowd that had gathered to see him off. The FCA - Forgotten Characters Anonymous. He wondered whether they would eventually succumb to his fate. He hoped not. They deserved better.

*He* deserved better.

The van pulled away, taking Evan away from Bayville.







The group stood in silence, watching the white vehicle disappear into the gathering darkness. Nobody spoke - what was there to say? Evan Daniels was gone; a vital part of the Evo history had been erased. And why? Because people had never given him a chance.

Slowly the younger mutants began to drift away. In pairs and threesomes, they walked in a mournful quiet. Time passed, and after a while, only two mutants remained.

"Maybe its for the best," Charles mused quietly. "The fans would have never accepted him."

Erik stirred. "That was not his fault."

"No. It wasn't."

"It could happen to anyone of us, you know. You, me --- Lance, Kitty, Kurt ---- they could write us off at a mere whim."

Charles thought for a moment, fingers steepled under his chin. "No, not Kurt. They would not dare incite the wrath of the fan girls. Kurt will remain at the Institute a long time, I fear."

There was another silence.

Magneto sighed. "Still, perhaps this has not been in vain." He looked across to his old friend, thoughtful smile playing sadly on his mouth. "I have just taken part in a fan fiction that does not incorporate Pietro angst as a central plot line." He stared up at the stars. "Perhaps I am finally free of his curse---"

The night was still and unmoving. Then, from the distance came a low whistle of wind. In perfect timing, a flash of silver streaked across their vision. Pietro Maximoff skidded to a halt --- almost running headlong into his father in the process.

Magneto stared down at him in stunned disbelief. Then, slowly, a look of barely concealed rage crossed over his features. His hands curled into fists, teeth gritted in frustration. He gave a low howl. "Why?! Why do you do this to me?! All I wanted was one fan fiction to myself --- just one!" He looked at his son in utter despair. "Why must you torture me like this?!"

Pietro wasn't listening. He looked up at his father, eyes wild and staring. "Evan? Wheres Evan?" He glanced quickly at the deserted road. "Don't tell me he's gone already?! Hecan'thavegonealready!"

Charles shook his head. "I'm afraid he left a quarter of an hour ago. We don't know where they took him. I am sorry, but you are too late."

Pietro stared at him in disbelief. "B-b-but I'm Quicksilver! I'm the fasted mutant alive! I'veneverbeenlateforanythinginmylife!"

"I am truly sorry, but there is nothing that you can do." Charles took a deep breath. "He has been written out."

Pietro paused, not seeming to understand. His dark eyes shimmered unnaturally. It might have just been the aspirins --- or maybe something deeper. It was hard to tell.

"But --- but what about Evitro?" he murmured quietly.

Magneto opened his mouth to speak, but the snide comment about his son's sexuality was left unsaid. He looked down at Pietro. He might have overshadowed both his father AND Evan in fan fiction --- but that didn't mean that he didn't care about them. In his own way.

Magneto gave a weary sigh and placed his hand on his son's lithe shoulder. Gently steering him away from the school, the two began to walk slowly towards the gates. Charles watched them in considering silence.

"Son, you are young, and have yet to learn of the evils of the world that we live in. Let me tell you the truth about scriptwriters---"



End.