Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2002 06:37:11 -0800 (PST) From: Lorenzo Cooper Subject: Chapter 3: Feral This story contains gay themes, violence, and adult situations. Readers discretions is advised. This story has also been inspired by Marvel Comics X-Men. The X-Men are a copyright of Marvel comics. SHOUT OUT! MAD LUV TO Dragonmaster and Legomaniac. "CodeName: Feral" After a good nights sleep, I was ready to tackle school and training. I got out of bed, took a hot shower, and made my bed. I fed Isis and ate some breakfast while listening to PSINET news. I wasn't amazed at the number of homicides, and gang related crimes. The reporter was talking about the new drug Insomnia, and how it was being held accountable for the deaths of mutants and humans alike in the inner city. I looked at my psi-band and the time was 7:50 am. I had ten minutes to get to class, so I rushed out of the kitchen after throwing everything into the sink, and ran up the hill towards the dormitories. I reached Harpers Hall, and ran past some kids sitting on the steps. I was about five minutes late to English class. Dr. Spalding was checking attendance when I entered, and sarcastically welcomed me to his class. I sat down at the back of class next to Quake who was busy scribbling something on a piece of paper. Dr. Spalding's class was very interesting, because he talked about a lot of different things. He was an excellent teacher. The bell for next period brought me back to reality. The day went past sort of quickly. Before I even knew it school was letting out. I was walking home carrying my books when I saw Torin in his uniform walking towards me. " Hey was sup Kyle" Torin said. " Nuthing...On my way home from school." I said. "Mind if I walk with you?", he asked. "No..I don't mind at all...cool uniform." I said continuing to walk towards my house slowly. "Yeah it's aiight...Tight as hell though...who did you have today for class.", he asked following me down the hill towards my place. "I had Dr. Spalding for English and Applied Physics. I had Thunda for Sociology, and Terra for Biology." I said recalling how muscular Thunda was. Damn, he was a big man. "How did you like the classes?" Torin asked. "Well, Dr. Spalding's English class was cool, but his Applied Physics class was boring. I know I am not going to like that class. The other two classes where on point. I got mad homework today though. I have to write a paper for English, and I have homework for Sociology and Biology." I said. "Who will you have tomorrow?" Torin asked. "From what my schedule says, I will have Barry all day tomorrow." I said. "Well, whatever you do...please listen and pay attention to him. Barry tends to be a bit grumpy, and he definitely don't take to much shit. He can be mean as shit, but he actually really cares and stuff." he informed me. We continued to talk about school as we arrived at my front door. I offered him something to drink, but he said that he had to get back to training. I asked what was he working on, and he said his telekinesis. Then, Torin lifted himself and began to float. I looked on in amazement. "Yo that's tight. How do you do that? I wish I knew what my powers where. If I could do that I would be like Superman." I said in amazement. Torin laughed at me. I was about to restart my conversation with him, but he reminded me that he had more training scheduled. I was amazed at his committment. Although he was playful at times, I could tell that he really did take his training serious. I turned, opened the door, threw my bookbag down in the corner, and went into the kitchen. I would get to my homework later. At the moment, I had to eat. I checked out the fridge, and saw that there was nothing there. I had a taste for a chicken box with a jumbo half -n-half. I was thinking to myself out loud when the my telecom began to ring. I walked into the bedroom, and pressed the receive button. Immediately, Roxy popped up on the screen chewing on a piece of gum like a cow out to pasture. "Hey Rox..was sup with you?" I asked. "Nuthing...what you doin tonight, you want to go downtown?" she asked chewing and applying black nail polish on her nails. " Yeah...I was just thinking about something to eat too. I didn't know we could leave out of Red Island...with all the security and all." I said. "Well we can leave out as long as we are back by 8pm. Dr. Spalding would have a fit if we weren't back by 8pm. By 8:05 he would have found us. Believe me I have tried to stay out, and thought one day I got away until as I was entering the club his voice popped into my head telling me to get my butt home." she said as I laughed at her. Roxy was a misfit. She was what they would call a 'punk rocker' in the 80's. Which in this day and age made her stand out even more. She was cool though, and definitely a sweetheart. Crazy as hell, but cool. "Meet me out in front of the dormitory in ten minutes, okay?" she said while blowing the black polish dry. "Alright I'll be there" I said as I pressed the disconnect button, and stretched. I walked to my closet, got a jacket, fed Isis, got my doorkeys, and then I went to meet Roxy. I was glad I had my jacket it was kind of breezy. ============================================================================== Meanwhile deep in the reserves of Falls Road, The Kahns met with their infamous leader Mother Mayhem. Mother Mayhem, the feared matriarch of the streets claimed runaways, prostitutes, thugs, and all outcasted youth as her own children. She gave them housing, clothing, and food in exchange for their service to her in her criminal organization. If there is a crime committed in B-More City, Mother Mayhem knows about it. She is feared by criminal and law enforcers alike, but to see her you would think that she was an ordinary sweet old lady. Her grandmotherly appearance, time battered face, and wisdom hides one of the deadliest mutants alive. Usually Mother Mayhem acts through her right hand attendant Medea. Medea is the last of the original Kahns, and has raised up in rank to be second to Mother Mayhem which says a lot about her abilities. Painfully devoted to Mother Mayhem, she completes all tasks with 100% accuracy. Yet on this Thursday dusk the Kahns meet for the first time in years with Mother Mayhem face to face. "My young ones, I am pleased that you have all felt the need to be prompt in attending this gathering. I know that there are many that aren't here, but I see that the majority is. As you well see, I am getting old and soon I will pass my duties to Medea. That will be happening soon, but there are matters at hand that I must attend to before I leave. Three matters in particular." she pauses and turns to her right. Medea hands her a sheet of paper, and signals a youth to get some water for the elderly woman. Mother Mayhem digs into her robe, and pulls out her reading glasses. She shakes her head in disgust after reviewing the sheet then politely accepts the glass of orange juice, and nods and smiles at the young boy. She sets her glass down, and begins to speak. "It concerns me that we have a traitor amongst us. Before we go on I must restate that I love you all to death. To Death." she stated as she let her eyes wander over to Medea who gives an understanding nod. "Now my children, as you know. Everyone thinks that I am mean, nasty, and cruel. They think that I am getting you to do criminal activities. Of course you know that these accusations are all lies, but they've made me out to be a criminal. Amongst these slanderers is Police Chief Daney. He has been mean to me, and it hurts to know that he doesn't like me. I want him to apologize to me. That's my first task...I want you to bring him to me so that we can be friends, and he can apologize to me. Next...I have heard that some of my young ones have been harrassed by Wraith members. I am now stoppnig all weapons trade with The Wraith, and am now giving you strict orders not to deal with any Wraith member. The Wraith aren't suppose to be on our streets. They are now dipping into my territory. Last task. This one is of supreme importance. I am searching for a 17 year old boy by the name of Kyle Knight. I do know that he used to live in the Flaghouse projects. I want him unharmed. He is extremely important to me. Anyone that harms him will be punished severely." Mother Mayhem states as she slowly turns, grabs an intricately carved walking staff, and then walks away nodding to Medea to carry out her complete orders. ======================================================================= Downtown B-More City Roxy and Kyle are walking through the Inner Harbor checking out the the sights, and talking. "Kyle, I'ma be right back. I have to see someone in that pavillion, alright." Roxy said. "Yeah I am cool" I said as I walk over to the edge of the walkway by the water. I noticed a bench off to my left, and decided to have a seat. While munching on some french fries, I noticed this handsome guy standing on the steps talking with some other teens. He looked about my age, and he was dressed casually. I continued to look around and when I glanced at him he was staring at me. I blushed, lowered my head, and acted as if I were noticing a flaw in my clothing when he approached me. I looked up, and there he was standing with a small smile on his face. If I could have gotten red I would have, but I maintained as much composure as possible at that moment. "Was Sup with you", he said taking a seat next to me. Nothing really...waiting for a friend to come from out of the pavilion" I said trying to stay cool. Even though deep inside I was smilling brightly. " You live in the area" he said looking directly into my eyes making me a bit nervous. "Naw, not really...just down here chillin" I said trying to act as thuggish as possible, but it really wasn't working. So I decided to ask him his name. Aww...my fault shawty...my name is Raul. What's your name." Raul asked. "My name is Kyle...nice to meet you." I said trying hard not to blush. After about twenty minutes of talking about everything from music to clothing, Raul and I had established that we would have to hook up later on. We exchanged numbers, and confirmed that we would speak with each other later on. Like clockwork, Roxy came out in a hurry, and scooped me up reminding me that we had to start heading back to the campus. After talking to Raul for about an hour that night. I prepped for a long workout day ahead of me. Then I went to sleep. A little after midnight, Mother Mayhem's first streak of terror is unleashed as her gang members pour into the downtown district intent on leaving their mark. Medea issues her orders, but she has bigger fish to fry. Carefully timed, Medea moves swiftly to act on Mother Mayhem's first order. Within minutes gang members are firing deadly bolts from automatic laser guns into the main police station downtown. Police sentinels begin to retaliate with extreme force. Meanwhile, Medea stealthily moves through the back entrance of the police headquarters, and begins to climb the back stairwell. Police Chief Daney is startled at all that has just taken place, and is on the phone with the mayor when Medea walks in the door. She smiles as she approaches the Chief slowly. "Good Evening, Chief," Medea's smile is cold and deadly. "What is the meaning of all this madness. I hope you understand that I will not tolerate this shit in my city. If you think that I am going to let you get away with this...then you have another thing coming. I'll rot in hell if I let an old bitch, and her fledglings intimidate me" he said as he pressed the alert button on the underside of his desk. "If hell is what you want...then hell it should be" Medea says just as officers burst into the office guns extended ordering her to get down on her knees with her hands locked behind her neck. She smiles wickedly at them, and then turns towards the Chief. Instantly the officers spontaneously combusts, their screams pierce the sky as she swiftly propels herself towards the Chief, a flaming sword extends from her fist. Her mutant ability to control the Flames of Inferno and the Dark Arts has been molded to perfection. She strikes with precision and accuracy. The sword pierces his shoulder blade on an angle. He screams as the flames heat his blood which begins to boil instantly. He burns slowly as Medea walks away as if nothing has occured. Within minutes she exits the police headquarter carrying a metal box, her task is complete. Red and blue streams of light pierce the sky. The smell of laser fire is thick and the bodies laying in the street of both officers and Kahn members tell what has transpired. She calmly surveys the scene and signals for the rest of the gang to retreat. Medea smile as she plans for her next task to be accomplished. She walks steady commanding even the air around her to be silent. Next task : Kill Roxy. =============================================================== Friday morning and I am ready to get started. I quickly took a shower, and fixed me a nice breakfast so that I can be well energized for today's activities. I was ready for Barry. I fed Isis and back tracked to the wonderful night I spent talking with Raul on the phone. I found out that Raul and I had a lot of things in common. Raul was definitely more dominant then I was in personality. Normally I would be intimidated by this and dislike it, but something deep within was intrigued by him actually taking lead. I didn't have to initiate conversation. He asked me questions and kept me entertained as well as provided me with all that I needed to know about him. I entered the gymnasium ready for a vigorous workout. Barry had set up the gym, and was meditating in the center of the room. I set my bag down, and sat on the bench and waited patiently. "It's no need for you to get comfortable. I am going to work every inch of you body today," Barry said without moving. "I am ready when you are," I said letting the confidence in my voice shine through. When he stood up, I almost passed out. His body was perfect from head to toe. He over trained me on the first day. My body ached from wrestling, boxing and some martial art techniques. At one point, I wanted to leave but I was determined not to back down. By the end of the day I was tired, and I just wanted to take my shower and leave. I slouched in the corner with sweat dripping from every part of my body, and Barry's body was soaked with sweat. "I think we can call it a day, but I want to test you in the Danger Room first. I want to see what you have picked up, and also what you already know in hand-to hand combat.", Barry said drinking a bottle of water. "I really haven't fought much in my life. I know how to defebd myself, but I really don't know what to do." I said feeling kind of embarrased that I basically didn't know how to fight. I hesitantly followed Barry downstairs to the Danger Room. "Welcome to the Danger Room. Please remember to wear your protective gear. Do not bring any food or beverages in the room." Circe instructed via an intercom located in the room as soon as the door opened. "Alright Kyle, what I am going to do is have Circe load in a sequence, and life-like light sequences will create a scenario that will feel real due to sensors on your protective uniform. In the booth located at the far right corner, Circe and I will monitor your fighting techniques and assess what you need improvements in. You're looking nervous. Just relax it's a test. Is there anything you want to ask me before we begin?" Barry said as he finished helping me suit up. "Yeah...why do I need a protective uniform if this room is safe?" I asked. "Because you do..now relax and get your butt in the room." Barry said in an authorative tone. Upon entering the room, the lights went down and Circe came over the interecom counting down to when the sequence loaded. "Alright Kyle, just react naturally." Barry said over the intercom. The sequence loaded and at first I didn't know what to expect. Then as gthe scene played out I started to recognizt hte layoout. It was Whitelock Ave. As I began to remember it was the actual night that I got raped. I started to get nervous, but I remembered that this was only a test. As I walked through the mock neighborhood, the sounds and even the weather seemed real as if I was actually there again. I approached the alley just as before, but this time I stopped and watched for a distant. I could see the girl lying on the ground, beaten and being tortured. I decided to play the scenario through. I walked into the alley as I did before, and just as I expected two guys was behind me. Even though I wanted to respond...I didn't. I allowed it to play out as it did that night, and then the voice. The voice of the guy who initiated the sexual assault of me...trhe ringleader sounded the same. The feeling that everything was okay had left, and was replaced by a feeling of danger. My mind lost all logic and reality slipped away, and I began to relive an old nightmare. I turned to runaway, but the two guys were behind me. Before I could even think I was being punched in the face, and the punch actually felt real. That's when I lost control, and reacted as I did before. The punches started to roll in, and I felt kicks to every part of my body. I saw blood and then...darkness. {'In darkness you are forced to face your worst enemy...yourself. Perhaps being in the light for so long has prevented you to see how absurd it is to not appreciate...darkness. The absence of light and sound. The absence of life as you know it...but in that moment you live...as I have lived in darkness for so long. I see what you want...your deepest desires...you darkest secrets. I am you, but I am true. Let's become one for the first time', the voice continued to say. As the darkness took form, and began to shape itself. Then it revealed it's face. It was me with claws and teeth. It was me...and I could feel the savage, animal passions radiating like the heat from a sun. It consumed...and empowered me at the same time...WE BECAME ONE...I am Feral} "Hello old friend" I said as my claws extended and I lunged for his lungs. Within minutes I had ripped apart the guys, and I saved the ringleader for last. He smiled as I looked at him. I lunged for his throat,and he ducked to the side. Then he tackled me to the ground, but I slipped easily from under him, and found myself back on top of him with my nails digging deep into his throat. " Sequence ending" Circe called across the monitor. "Why??? I was about to do him in. Damn!!!" I screamed at the observation room. Barry came through the door. He noticed that my nails where extended. he noticed the definition of my body. I had completely changed during the blackout, but I was still me although I felt more confident and assertive. "Are you okay, Kyle?" he said paying close attention to me. "I am fine...Barry. Just mad that I couldn't finish off that dude." I said noticing my new changes. "Circe load physical training sequence." he said prepping himself to train with me. The room changed once more, and we were at a construction yard at night. It was a mutant training camp, and we were in the middle of the camp yard. "This is like tag. The object is for me to catch you and hold you for a minute. What makes this sequence hard is that you have to watch for motion detected lasers, and Manhunters waiting to kill you" Barry siad as he looked at me to make sure I understood. "I got it. Like cat and mouse. This should be interesting." I said before I ducked as a laser streamed across my head. It felt real. The strange thing is...I could here at coming as well as smell it, and when the light beam streaked across me I felt the heat. I ran trying to avoid Barry. At one point he cornered me, and instinctually I extended my claws and climbed the wall. After thirty minutes of dodging Barry, he finally caught me. As he fell on top of me, I laughed then rolled over on top of him. My laughter was sinister. I knew he couldn't catch me, and I was getting tired of him chasing me, so I caught him instead. I leaned over my face almost touching his, and I growled showing my canine teeth. He didn't have any fear in his eyes, and that turned me on. "I think I caught you...how about a bite for good luck" I said smiling wickedly. "I think we can call this a day." Barry said as he quickly flipped me off of him, and I landed on my back. He got up and I could feel the anger boiling off of him. "Don't worry big boy. I could get used to being on my back. " I said as he mumbled something walking out the door. With All My Love, Mkrann.