Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2001 13:19:19 -0700 (PDT) From: Author James Subject: Tales of a Real Dark Knight Chapter 40 Disclaimer: This story, though maybe not in this chapter but in subsequent chapters, will have celebrities in it. I have no knowledge of their sexuality and this is not intended to imply their sexuality. This is all from my own mind. Scary!! People actually get a glimpse into my mind!!! Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Angel and all related characters created by Joss Whedon. Copyright 20th Century Fox. Batman, and all related characters created by Bob Kane. Copyright DC Comics and Warner Bros. X-MEN, and all related characters created by Stan Lee. Copyright Marvel Comics and 20th Century Fox. Star Trek and all related characters created by Gene Roddenberry. Copyright Paramount Studios. I don't know for sure if I will use all the above elements, but just in case, I have myself covered. In this story, which has been floating around in my head most of my life, you will find many universes merging, as the above copyrights reveal. I hope you all enjoy this. I appreciate any feedback that you may want to give. This story doesn't deal so much with sex, sex, sex, but more of my feelings that I struggled with and am starting to come to terms with. Part of his background is mine. I do hope that you enjoy it!!! Any emails you send, please tell me what chapter you are commenting on. Thanks. jmsotc@yahoo.com Chapter 40 Wool in Sheep's Clothing The following day was uneventful. Work went well. I talked with several kids about some problems they were having. I had hoped David or Justin would come in, but they did not. When I was finished, I went and got something to drink and headed off to school. When I arrived at school, I found the gang standing outside, though Brian was not among them. "Hey, everyone." "Hi, Eric." "Where's Brian?" "Haven't seen him all day," Alan said. "Who knows what's going on. It's probably his mom. She is so cold toward him going to school." Alan looked down at his watch. "Come on. Class is about to start. And Dr. Israel is supposed to have a great lecture today." We all headed off toward class. Dr. Israel came out and stood before us. "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I hope all of you slept well." I noticed him look over at Hunter and pause for a brief moment, then continue. Hunter must not have done something the way it was supposed to be done. "Today I would like to discuss with you all kinds of mutations. We are going to discuss the pros and cons of each mutation and, hopefully, come to an understanding if they benefit society or harm it in some way. "First, let's list several mutations so that each of you can begin to weigh the pros and cons." Dr. Israel went over to the chalkboard and began writing. Some of the more obvious mutations that he considered were blindness, deafness, and paralysis. Anything that differed from the norm that someone was born with is what he considered a mutation. It's good to know that he was doing what he could to help cure these disabilities even though those who had them were by no means handicapped. If anything, most of those who had a disability showed the rest of humanity how to treat one another, as human beings. Dr. Israel did not stop with physical disabilities that were visual. He continued on to include ADHD, ADD, mental retardation and...homosexuality? Hmm, this was going to be interesting. I hope it didn't get too heated. He must have had a good reason to put that on the board. He probably wanted to put it up there and help dispel the myths that homosexuality was an aberrant behavior and that those born gay had no choice in the matter. I looked forward to his dissertation. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have witnessed in the past few weeks, some of the dangers of mutation. Look at what happened at Potter Incorporated. There is a perfect display of three people born different from society duking it out in one of our buildings downtown. I wonder how many less casualties there would have been if they were all normal. "Last night, there was a situation involving mutants at CyberTech Industries. Here are some photographs taken of the building." Dr. Israel held up the pictures for us to see. "How did he get pictures of the crime scene so fast?" I said under my breath. "He was no where near the building." "Look at the damage done by mutants. These are just extreme examples of the plague of aberrancy in the gene pool. Less violent but no less dangerous aberrance can be seen in children born with ADD, ADHD, and homosexuality." Hunter's hand immediately went up. Dr. Israel gave him a rather mean look and his hand slowly shrunk. What a weird manifestation, I thought. "What could be so wrong about ADD? You probably ask yourself. What about ADHD and homosexuality? Each can play a certain part in the effects of society. The chemicals used to help a child with ADD and ADHD are stimulants. Surprisingly in children stimulants help the child focus and increase their attention span. But what about those who still take it after puberty? What about those who take it into their adult life and beyond? They would still be getting the stimulants, which our laws condemn taking. Where would that leave them? Hyper, angry adults ready to lash out at the world who makes excuses for them and drugs them up with illegal chemicals." In my mind I was thinking Dr. Israel was going way off track. But I just sat and listened and waited. "Now we come to homosexuality. 'What could the harm be in a man loving another man, or a woman loving another woman?' Their behavior teaches others that it's 'okay to be gay'. Well, it's not. It slowly destroys the inborn concepts of love, marriage and procreation. In a sense, it destroys family." I could feel my blood boiling. What in God's name was this guy saying? Let me take that back. He sure wasn't saying this in God's name. "The homosexual believes they have love. It's only lust they feel. And lust is wrong. Lust makes people do dangerous, selfish acts. Lust has helped perpetuate the spread of AIDS. Lust has caused others to murder with weapons. In short homosexuality is nothing but a fancy word for same-sex lust." "But, Dr. Israel," Alan said, "what about the use of needles in drug use? Recent studies show that is the biggest cause in the spread of the AIDS virus." "The drug use goes back to the ADD, ADHD discussion I just had, Mr. Shreck. Or are you not paying attention?" "Um..." "Getting back to the discussion if you will. Through careful examination and study, I have found several of the genes that are responsible for these mutations. Using this information, I have devised a machine that will help rid us of these aberrant mutations. "Hunter, if you will please come up here and demonstrate." Everyone looked over at Hunter. His palms were sweaty and he looked nervous. He didn't want to do it. But it was almost as if he could not resist Dr. Israel's request. I kept thinking, don't do it, Hunter, don't do it. Unfortunately, I'm not telepathic. Hunter moved up to the machine and sat down. Dr. Israel strapped him in then turned to the class. "Ladies and gentlemen. Hunter is gay, as some of you may know. He has been in my care for a long time and slowly we've made progress. Today, before your very eyes, we will demonstrate to you the effectiveness of my treatments." Dr. Israel turned on the machine and Hunter began to tremble ever so slightly. After a moment or two, Dr. Israel turned off the machine. Hunter still trembled. Once the shaking stopped, Dr. Israel removed the straps from him and helped him stand. "How do you feel, Hunter? Do you have any more desires?" Hunter shook his head as if he were a zombie. "No, Dr. Israel. No more desires." "See the effectiveness of my treatment!" Several of the kids clapped and cheered. I was not one of them. I had been through a lot of self-hatred and self-denial to know the effects of this kind of treatment. There is no way to change one's orientation because it's in us. It makes us who we are. It gives us the drive to do and become productive citizens. It gives us our special way to love and be loved. It guides our ideals, our mores, and causes us to look deeper into each individual. Granted there are those who are superficial in the gay community. It's in every community. But the few should not be the judging factor of the majority. Hunter seemed to have a blank look on his face. It worried me. Is that what his device did? Turn people into zombies? I would never subject myself to that kind of treatment. It wasn't what God wanted for me. He would never want His children to go through anything like that. If He had a problem with my sexuality, I would have either never been born gay or He would have changed me when I asked for a miracle. Instead He helped me accept my sexuality and come out to my family. I know in whom I have believed and He has been with me every step of the way. This is not His work. "Now that you have seen the effectiveness of my machine, I will be happy to answer any questions that any of you may have." Someone raised their hand. "Yes?" "Dr. Israel, will this device permanently change any person born with a physical defect or is it limited to homosexuals?" "Right now, homosexuals. But I'm continuing my work to include all other deformities." "Is this permanent?" another student asked. "Yes, it is. Right, Hunter? You haven't felt any evil desires since we started have you?" Hunter just looked away and shook his head 'no'. He was hurt inside. I was very scared for him. I wanted to run to him and envelop him in my arms and give him security and safety. I wanted to reassure him everything would be fine. I couldn't. But there was something I could do. "Dr. Israel..." "Yes, Mr. McCoy?" "Doctor, isn't it possible that homosexuality is not really so wrong? Maybe its just nature's way of providing a species control?" "I never thought of that before, but I find it highly unlikely." "Doctor, isn't it possible that homosexuality is not wrong? Maybe, just maybe other gay people truly fall in love with those of the same sex and are not out for lust-filled nights?" "Of all the gay people I've met, Mr. McCoy, none of them had the same morals as you or I." I could feel myself smiling at Dr. Israel. He automatically assumed that I was straight simply because of my morals. What a prejudicial statement to make. It unnerved me. I prepared myself to announce to the whole class my sexual orientation. "Dr. Israel, I find your demeanor a bit cold for my taste." Everyone turned to see Mrs. Freeze's son standing in the doorway. "Who are you?" Dr. Israel asked. "Your cruelty has turned me cold. My name is Freeze. Remember it well. It will be the last sensation you will feel." Freeze pointed his arm at Israel and a beam emanated from all around his wrist enveloping his hand. It hit Dr. Israel and froze him solid. The rest of the class screamed and took off. I wish I had brought my Bat-suit for something like this. Too bad I didn't. What was I going to do? Part of me didn't care that Dr. Israel was frozen solid. At least his outside matched his attitude and heart on the inside. But still I couldn't allow him to die, not like that. Once everyone cleared the classroom in a panic, I went over to Dr. Israel's frozen body and touched his head. I concentrated as hard as I could. I felt the ice slowly melt. Ironic, the first time I learn to use my mutation when I want to, I use it to save the life of a man who has found a "cure" for homosexuality. Of all people in this world, it would only happen to me. The ice melted and he began to breathe again. "Thank you, Eric. How did you do that?" "Simple, Doctor. I'm a mutant." I turned and walked toward the entrance. "But what about the rest of me?" "The fire department is on their way. You will survive." Besides, I need to catch up with our young abominable snowman. I think I recognized his voice, which scared me even more. I got out into the hallway and asked which direction Freeze went. Someone pointed out the direction and I followed. It was rather interesting because everyone was going the opposite way. I followed him out the back of the building and off the campus. He traveled for several blocks and stayed as much away from main traffic as possible. Freeze ended at an old ice cream factory. I jumped up to the fire escape and climbed into a window. Once inside I made my way around the floor until I could get myself oriented to where certain things were and where Freeze was. "Where have you been, boy?" I heard his mother ask. "At the school." "What did you do there?" "I froze a teacher, okay?" "Very good. I knew I could teach you to be cold." I heard young Freeze tromp away from his mom. Where was he going, though? I ran down the hall as quietly as I could and hid around the corner. I heard footsteps up stairs and a door open. Looking around the corner I saw Freeze stand in the hallway and slowly remove his helmet. "My God. It's Brian! I thought it was him from his voice but I couldn't be sure. I wonder why he's doing this?" I watched as Brian walked close to the corner behind which I hid. He stopped and turned, entering a room. I had to try and talk to him. I needed to help him. I listened for the door to close and I came out from my hiding place. Staying crouched down, I tried the doorknob. Slowly it turned and the door opened. I crept in hoping he wouldn't see me. I crawled in and looked around. I closed the door as soon as I was clear and looked around. I decided to be brave and stood up. The room was very interesting to behold. Brian's room contained tons of books. So many I could not count them. They were all organized and some were opened and spread throughout the room. A bed sat in the corner with the covers made neat and orderly. I heard rummaging around in a connecting room and realized that Brian must have been taking off his Freeze suit. I decided to confront him so I sat down in a nearby chair. When Brian came out he didn't notice me, not at first. When he did he said, "Hey, Eric." Pausing he turned and looked back at me, eyes wide. "Eric? Eric! What are you doing here?" "I followed you. What's going on here, Brian?" "If you followed me, you obviously know what's going on. My mom's a criminal. A thief." "I know that. I'm wondering what's going on here, with you. This building is not in the greatest of shapes and yet your room is the one room that has any sign of life, of organization, and purpose. So I'm asking you, what's going on here?" "Eric, leave. Before she comes up here and finds you here. You don't know what will happen if she finds you." "Tell me. I want to know. Has she done something to you?" "What do you mean?" "Why do you do this? Why do you help her with her schemes? You aren't the type to harm anyone. Is she forcing you to do this?" "Eric, I do what I do because I love my mom." "Lover her so much you are willing to go to jail for her? Brian, that's not love, at least on her part. That's selfishness. If she wants to be a criminal, that's her problem. She shouldn't force it on you." "Like I said, I do this because I choose to." "I won't accept that. Not from you, Brian. You're too smart for this. Let me help you." "I don't want nor do I need your help. Get out." I stood and looked at Brian. I couldn't believe my ears. There was more to his story but I wasn't getting anywhere to help him. "Fair enough. I'll see you tomorrow at school." I walked to the door and turned back. "I can't believe you are one hundred percent behind this. It was you who moved my stuff out of the library, wasn't it?" I could see the answer in his eyes. He was. Deep down, he didn't want any problems. He wanted to be a normal college student. But his mother was keeping him from it. "See you around, Brian." I left the door open. I wanted him to see that I didn't want the door shut on our relationship. It was not going to end by my choice. Only he could close that door completely. I went back to school only to find the school still in a bit of chaos from what Brian did earlier. I saw Alan, Hailey and George standing together. I wasn't going to tell them Brian's secret. It wasn't right. "Eric! Are you okay?" Hailey said with concern. "I'm fine." "Where were you?" "I was trying to follow the ice guy." "Any luck?" "No." It wasn't technically a lie. I refused to openly lie to anyone. That is one thing I prided myself in was not lying. Just so long as no one got too close in their line of questioning I would be fine. I decided to change the subject. "Is Dr. Israel okay?" "Yeah. He claims that he was able to break out of the ice. If you ask me, someone had to help him. Probably one of those mutants he talks against so much." I looked around and realized Hunter was nowhere in sight. "Have any of you seen Hunter since the incident?" The all responded negatively. I looked around and tried to remember which direction I saw him go. It was toward the gym, and that's where I headed. When I entered the corridor, I heard music playing, Backstreet Boys, to be precise. I recognized the song... "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely". So many word for the broken heart It's hard to see in a crimson love So hard to breathe Walk with me, and maybe Nights of light so soon become Wild and free I could feel the sun Your every wish will be done They tell me... Show me the meaning of being lonely Is this the feeling I need to walk with Tell me why I can't be there where you are There's something missing in my heart This song, though very good, is also sad. I remember listening to this when I first came to terms with my sexuality. It was such a struggle for me. I knew I was gay. I finally had realized that I would never be straight. Was there no hope? This song I often played over and over. I love the song. The words spoke to my heart so many times. I wondered if I was the only gay man who believed in having a relationship not based entirely on sex. Plus, I still had some homophobia and self-hatred to work out. At times I sang this song to myself. I know, it sounds crazy. That's all I could do, though. Often times I played this song when I contemplated suicide. I eventually came to terms with it and am now much better. I overcame those desires. Thankfully I had God to help me instead of a crackpot like Dr. Israel. I suddenly became very afraid. If I had had someone like Israel as my psychotherapist, I would have committed suicide. "Hunter!" I ran as fast as I could to the source of the music. I found the door but it was locked. I pounded on the door. "Hunter! Open up! It's Eric! I want to help you!" No answer. I became panicky and, as I became so, I felt my mutant power go into action. I held my hand up to the door and, like in Aaron's apartment, the door exploded. I ran in to the most horrible sight I had ever witnessed. Hunter was hanging from a rope attached to the ceiling. There's nowhere to run I have no place to go Surrender my heart, body and soul How can it be you're asking me to feel The things you never show To Be Continued... Dr. Israel turns out to be anti-gay. Who saw that one coming? Eric looked up to him so, if you recall. Now his drive to "cure" has turned into a drive that kills. But is Hunter dead completely? Perhaps there is still time for Eric to get help. And what about Brian being the son of Mrs. Freeze? What do you think about that? As always, I would love to hear from you.