Computer problems prevented me from posting this yesterday but thankfully they're now resolved.
Utopia
Alicia ran to rescue the front door from the battering it was
receiving. She pulled it open ad a young ma fell forward into the
hall. Alicia hit the alarm button beside the door and was shortly
joined by Shelley, Helena and Dr Williams.
“Well!” Shelley said, as Helena bent down to examine the patient,
“I've heard of people falling at your feet, but this is
ridiculous!” Helena felt for a pulse.
“He's alive.” she said, “But his body temperature and blood
pressure are way above normal. His breathing's erratic too.”
“Let's see if I can help.” Alicia said. She placed a hand on the
man's forehead. The bead of sweat on his skin disappeared and his
breathing slowed to a steady rhythm as his body temperature lowered
to a safe level.
“We have to get him to the lab and fast.” Helena said. Dr.
Williams looked across at Alicia. She formed an 'o' with her mouth
and blew. The young man rose several feet and lay suspended in
mid-air. Helen sped on ahead to prepare for their visitor, dragging
Shelley behind her to help set up the equipment. The Dr. and Alicia
made their way slowly down to them with the young man floating ahead
of them. Alicia blew open the last pair of doors leading to the lab
and the Dr. brought the man to rest on the illuminated operations
table. He and Alicia then turned and left the room leaving Shelley
and Helena to work in peace.
It took five long minutes before they succeeded in gaining any sort
of response from the young man. He leapt up on the operations table,
grabbed hold of Helena and spun around so his back was facing the
wall. His thick, black fingernails digging into Helena's neck.
“Ok.” he said, “Three questions. Who are you? Where am I? And
what the hell are you doing to me?” Helena struggled to answer as
his claws tightened round her beck. She couldn't see his face and.
from the terrified expression on Shelley's, she didn't think she
wanted to.
“I'm Helena.” she gasped, “You're inside the Williams Graduate
Academy and we were just trying to save your life!” While the man
contemplated this information, Helena elbowed him in the stomach,
smashed into his face with the back of her hand and spun away from
him the minute he let go. As he was stopping, coughing and choking,
trying to recover from the sudden attack, Shelley lined him up for a
shot. Helena caught hold of her wrist to stop her.
“Wait.” she said, “Let's see what he has to say.” she looked
across at the young man who was still bent double.
“What's your name?” she asked. The man looked up at her and Helen
realised for the first time that his eyes were a brilliant
lemon-green.
“Jackson.” he said. He stood up and the two girls prepared to
defend themselves but he made no move to attack. “Steve Jackson.”
They stood staring at him, unsure what to do next. Steve held out his
hand to then. Helena noticed, with some interest, that his eyes had
dulled down to a rich emerald colour.
“And you are?” Helena took his hand, noting that his fingernails
were now a normal pale pink.
“Helena Silvers.” she said, “But I'm generally known as Speed.”
Steve looked surprised by this but made nothing of it. He turned to
Shelley.
“I'm Shelley De Carlos.” she said, “I'm called Lightning.”
She held out her hand to him.
“Why's that?” Steve asked. He took her hand and received a short,
sharp electric shock.
“That's why.” she said. The lb doors flew open again and Dr
Williams and Alicia re-entered the room.
“This is Alicia Young.” Helen said.
“Alicia.” Steve shook hands.
“Call me Blizzard.” Alicia said.
“And this,” Shelley said, “Is Dr. James Williams.” The Dr.
smiled at his guest and offered his hand.
“What's your nickname?” Steve asked. He stared at the Dr.'s thick
brown beard, “Fuzzy?” the Dr. lowered is hand.
“May I ask what you are doing here, sir?” he asked. Steve's
aggressive demeanour left him. His strong shoulders sagged and he
looked visibly depressed.
“I was trying to get away from Dr. Morton.” he noticed Alicia's
shocked reaction and turned to see Dr Williams looking distinctly
perturbed.
“You know him?”
“You could say that.” Shelley answered.
“Alexei and I have a long history.” the Dr. replied.
“I was just desperate to get away from him and those freaks of
his.” There was a pause. Steve failed to see the increase in Dr.
Williams' perturbed expression.
“Did he do anything to you?” he asked, finally.
“What do you mean – 'do something to me'?” There was a pause -
this time more intense.
“Get back on the table.” Dr. Williams ordered. Shelley and Helena
made to assist him.
“Hey! Wait a minute!” Steve said, knocking them away, “What's
going on?”
“Don't argue!” Alicia replied, “Just do it!”
“No!” Steve said, the yellow tint back in his eyes and his
fingernails sharpened, “Why should I?”
“Dr. Morton's freaks are all man-made.” Dr. Williams explained.
“And I fear you may be a new addition.” Steve was completely
taken aback by this and Helena, quick as a flash, whipped out an
anaesthetic needle and stuck it in his arm. Steve blacked out.
He came round to find himself flat on his back with the Dr. and the
girls standing over him.
“Congratulations.” Dr. Williams said, “You're very lucky/”
“What? You mean I'm clear?” Steve asked, a look of hope in his
eyes.
“No. You're alive.” the Dr. replied, “Many humanly modified
mutants do not survive.” Steve sat bolt upright, a look of terror
replacing the hope.
“Shh.” Helena said, soothingly, laying him back down on the
table. “It's okay. You're among friends.” They smiled down at
them.
“What?” Steve said, “You mean... y-you're all
mutants?”
“Regrettably, yes.” Dr Williams said, “I, myself, am a natural evolution, blessed, or cursed, however you wish to see it, with the power of telepathic thought allowing me to read, and occasionally control, other people's minds. My young friends here were unfortunate enough to be caught in a nuclear accident and therefore suffer from radioactive mutation. The blunder was covered and they received no compensation. The radiation is now gone but their bodies will never be the same again.” Steve looked around him, taking in his metallic surroundings.
“Regrettably, yes.” Dr Williams said, “I, myself, am a natural evolution, blessed, or cursed, however you wish to see it, with the power of telepathic thought allowing me to read, and occasionally control, other people's minds. My young friends here were unfortunate enough to be caught in a nuclear accident and therefore suffer from radioactive mutation. The blunder was covered and they received no compensation. The radiation is now gone but their bodies will never be the same again.” Steve looked around him, taking in his metallic surroundings.
“What about...” he stuttered, “What about this place?”
“Dr. Williams set up this academy for special skill training to
provide sanctuary for mutants who society is still unwilling to
accept.” said Shelley, “You were lucky you stumbled across it.”
“And Dr. Morton?” Steve spluttered, “Is he a....”
“He is an evolution, like myself,” Dr. Williams explained, “with
the gift of telekinetic through enabling him to move things with his
mind.” He went on to explain, “Alexei, Cerebrus as he prefers to
be know, was born in Russia in 1901, to a poor peasant family.”
“Woah!” Steve said, “Did you say 1901?”
“I did.” The Dr. replied.
“But he doesn't look any older than you.”
“That is due to Alexei's first creation – a time machine.”
“That is due to Alexei's first creation – a time machine.”
“Yeah, right!” Steve said, “Time travel's impossible!”
“Not impossible.” Helena replied, “Nothing's impossible. It's
just extremely difficult.”
“Though poor, Alexei's extraordinary intelligence was undeniable,
even from an early age.” the Dr. continued, “However, this did
not stop him suffering terrible abuse at the hand of his father who
was a dreadful alcoholic. It is perhaps the extreme stress from this
which caused his mutation.”
“Both his parents were killed in the riots of the Russian
revolution and Alexei found himself alone in a hostile world.”
Alicia said, “He tried to make a journey through time to find a
future world where people would maybe accept his amazing gift. He
survived the trip but the attitude of 21st century America
towards mutants was no different and his machine blew up the minute
he stepped out of it, giving him no way back. Outraged, he decided to
create his own race of people. During the next few years he would
subject may people to horrific and torturous experiments. His latest
victim appears to be you.”
“So how many others survived?” Steve asked.
“Only three others besides yourself.” Shelley said. “All of who
are now loyal servants to their creator.”
“And they all live in that freak factory of his?” Dr. Williams
nodded. Steve sat up, but slower this time, and slid off the table.
He looked dazed.
“I need some time alone.” he said.
“Certainly.” the Dr. replied, solemnly, “You may stay with us.”
He turned to the girls. “Take him up to Room 7.” The girls
swiftly obeyed.
Steve lay back on the bed in Room 7. His dark green eyes were the
only part of his face which showed any sign of emotion. Many thoughts
were running through his mind and none of them were pleasant.
He was a mutant! He couldn’t believe it. It would mean a lot of
changes in his life. If he still had a life. Which he doubted. Who
would want to know a mutant? He couldn't think of any of his friends
who would accept his new identity.
“Some friends!” he said, as he turned over onto his front.
What was his gift anyway? What was the mystical power that had been
bestowed on him? Whatever it was, he didn't want it. Maybe he didn't
have a gift. Maybe he was just a genetically modified freak. Oh, how
he hated Dr. Morton, or Cerebrus, or whatever it was he was called.
He hated him! He just wanted to...! he slammed his palm into the bed
and his fingernails went straight through the quilt! He pulled them
out and looked at them. They were long, black and sharp. Thick brown
fur was sprouting in the palm of his hand and up his am. Steve calmed
his mind and his arm returned to normal. Stunned, Steve got up off
the bed and went over to the mirror which hung over the chest of
drawers. He let the thoughts of Dr. Morton enter his head and, as his
anger rose, Steve was alarmed to see several changes occur in his
face. His eyes changed to a bright yellow and his nose became black
and leathery. His teeth turned into fangs and his ears grew furrier,
rounder and moved up onto the top of his head. His cry of anguish
sounded more like a roar. Helena sped into the room, followed a few
seconds later by the others who themselves facing a creature which
half-resembled a grizzly bear and half-resembled Steve.
“Man!” Shelley said, “You're an animal!” A look of pain and
distress radiated out through the fur. Steve tried to ask for help
but all that emitted from his throat was a dull roar. Dr. Williams
stepped forward and placed a hand on Steve's forehead.
“Listen to me.” said a voice in Steve's mind. The bear looked up
into the Dr.'s eyes and saw a look of intense concentration on his
face. The voice continued, “You are going to be fine.” it said,
“Your mutation is controlled by emotion. Simply calm down and you
will return to normal.” Steve struggled to soothe his mind,
thinking of all the things that made him happy, and slowly but surely
began to change back to his usual human self. When the last trace of
fur had disappeared, he collapsed to the ground in exhaustion. Alicia
and Helena rushed to assist him.
“Why me?” he asked, quietly, almost to himself, as they sat him
up, leaning him back against the bed. When he received no response he
asked again in a louder voice, “Why did he choose me?”
“We will probably never know the answer to that.” the Dr.
replied. “Cerebrus may have had a reason, he may not. We have no
reason to wish to know that.” Steve glared up at him through his
eyebrows.
“I do.” he said, softly. Dr Williams had no answer for this.
“I strongly advise that you do not go looking for trouble. It will
only put you back in his hands and at his mercy.” Steve was amazed
as this was just what he had been thinking. Then he remembered the
Dr.'s gift. He pulled himself awkwardly to his feet and shook of
Helena and Alicia who were doing their best to try to help him.
“So what am I supposed to do now?” Steve asked, “Just accept it
and get on with my life?”
“That's all you can do.” Alicia said.
“That's right.” Shelley added. “But you can't go back to your
old life. You'd only face prosecution and prejudice.” This new
information had a profound effect on Steve. In fact, he looked
completely devastated. The Dr. stepped forward.
“You are quite welcome to make your home here.” he said. “It is
unlikely that will be able to find anywhere else to stay.” Steve
tried to say thank you but the words got stuck in his throat.
“We'll leave you to think things through in peace.” said Helena.
She turned round and left the room. The others followed suit. Steve
sat down heavily on the bed and felt a sharp twinge in his chest. He
put his hand to it and felt something and square under his t-shirt.
He reached inside and pulled out a polaroid photograph of a young
woman. She was very beautiful with long dark hair and. Although it
wasn't clear in the photo, crystal blue eyes. Her ruby red lips were
smiling out at him. She was dressed in a long black shirt and a red
top top with a black silk shirt on top. Steve ran his fingers down
the photograph.
“Oh, Maria.” he sighed. He lay down on the bed, holding the photo
high above him so that the girl was smiling down at him. He felt a
pain in his chest far greater than anything Dr. Morton could do to
him. He stared helplessly up at the girl he would never see and again
for who he would do anything just to be with.
He was still staring at her when Alicia brought him some dinner.
“Hi Steve.” she said, “Y'alright?” Steve grunted in reply.
Alicia put the tray down and went over to the bed. She put her head
in line with Steve’s in order to see the photograph.
“Pretty girl.” she said, “Girlfriend?” Steve shook his head.
“Fiancée.”
“Oh, Steve!” Alicia said, sympathetically, “I'm sorry.”
“I haven't even got the ring.” Steve said. Alicia could see he
was close to tears. “Morton must have taken it off before he
operated on me.” Alicia looked up at the photo again.
“How long have you known her?” she asked.
“Most of my life.” Steve answered, “We were childhood
sweethearts. She used to call me her 'Animal' and she was my
'Kitten'. That's why I got this.” Steve rolled up his sleeve to
reveal what Alicia was able to distinguish as a tattoo in the shape
of a small, white kitten. Steve was trying hard not to cry. Alicia's
heart was breaking just as she was sure Steve's already had. “And
now,” he continued, “I'll never see her again.” Alicia racked
her brain for something that would make Steve feel better. Suddenly,
she had a brainwave.
“Why don't you write her a letter?” she suggested. Steve looked
up at her. The skin around his eyes was red and puffy.
“A letter?” he repeated.
“Yeah.” Alicia replied. “Don't just abandon her. Let her know
how you feel and give some explanation as to why you can't come back.
It doesn't have to be the truth but don't make it too fanciful.” A
huge smile spread across Steve's face.
“That's a great idea.” he said, “Thanks Alicia. Sorry,
Blizzard.” Alicia smiled back. Steve leapt up to get paper and pen
and Alicia left him to his devices.
Steve spent the rest of the evening, and most of the night, working
on the letter, pouring his heart out onto paper, and cam down the
next morning with it tucked into his back pocket. The girls greeted
him warily as he sat down at the grand table in the dining room.
“Feeling better, Mr. Jackson?” Dr. William inquired. Steve looked
across at Alicia.
“Much better.” he said, smiling. Alicia looked awkwardly away.
“Do you have anything in mind for today, Steve?” Helena asked.
Steve turned to her.
“I have no idea what there is to do.” he replied.
“Oh, there's loads!” Shelley interjected, “You'll be spoilt for
choice!”
“Well, perhaps one of you would consider giving me a tour.” Steve
said, looking round at them.
“I'll do it!” Alicia said, enthusiastically.
“Then it's settled.” Dr. Williams said.
The breakfast bowls and plates were cleared away and Alicia and Steve
left the room together, talking animatedly.
“There's something going on there.” Shelley said, staring after
them.
“I doubt it.” the Dr. replied, “I sense that Mr. Jackson is
suffering extremely at this sudden and dramatic change in his life. I
feel he must get over his past before he moves on to the
future.”
“Well, at least Alicia's taking his mind off it.” Helena said.
“Well, at least Alicia's taking his mind off it.” Helena said.
They went about their various business. For the two girls this meant
searching the building for Alicia and Steve so that they could spy on
them. They eventually found Alicia, alone, wandering aimlessly around
the gardens. Puzzled by the absence of Steve, they went over to her.
“Hey!” Shelley said, “Where's the brown beast?”
“Oh he's just across the road.” Alicia replied.
“What?!” Helena and Shelley said together, horrified at Alicia's
answer. Alicia seemed oblivious.
“Yeah, he had a... letter... to... post.” Alicia's speech slowed
as she realised her mistake. They charged towards the front gates.
Steve slipped the stamped and addressed envelope through the mouth of
the letterbox.
“Goodbye Maria.” he said. Before he knew what was happening, he
was grabbed from behind by a pair of thick, muscular arms and lifted
two feet off the ground. As he was struggling and kicking, he saw
someone walk in front of him and stand looking up at him. The man was
about four feet tall with greyish-brown hair and rich, dark eyes. His
face was wrinkled with age and his smiled was anything but pleasant.
“Hello again, Mr. Jackson.” he said. Steve wriggled and twisted
around in a futile attempt to escape. “Now, now, Mr. Jackson.”
Cerebrus said again, “Let's not make this too difficult.”
“You!” Steve yelled as he writhed around.” I'll KILL you!”
every time he emphasised a word his whole body took a jump towards
his transformation.
“Calm down, Mr. Jackson.” Cerebrus repeated, “For your own
sake.”
“No!” Steve growled, “I'm gonna KILL you! I'm gonna KILL you!” he barely felt the needle as it entered his neck, so great was his anger. But he did notice the tide of unconsciousness wash over hi. He fell limp and presented no further problem as they carried him back to Morton's laboratory.
“No!” Steve growled, “I'm gonna KILL you! I'm gonna KILL you!” he barely felt the needle as it entered his neck, so great was his anger. But he did notice the tide of unconsciousness wash over hi. He fell limp and presented no further problem as they carried him back to Morton's laboratory.
The girls rushed to the red pillar-box at the end of the street.
“Nothing.” Shelley said as they looked all around some signed of
Steve.
“Hey, wait a minute.” Helena bent down and picked up a hypodermic
syringe from beside the kerb. They all stared sat at each other.
“This does not look good.”
“It most certainly does not.” said a voice from behind. They turned to see Dr. Williams striding towards them.
“It most certainly does not.” said a voice from behind. They turned to see Dr. Williams striding towards them.
“Dr. Williams!” Alicia exclaimed, “How did you...” The Dr.
glared at her.
“Never mind.” she said. Dr Williams took over.
“Apparently, Mr. Jackson has once again fallen into the hands of
Cerebrus. What he wants to do with him is uncertain but what we do
know is that it is unlikely that he wishes to be anywhere near Morton
Laboratories.”
“So let's go get him back!” Alicia yelled, charging off down the
road. Shelley caught hold of her and dragged her back.
“Are you mad?” she said, “You can't just go charging into a
place like that!”
“Yeah!” Helena said, “Hat were you thinking?” Alicia tugged
herself out of Shelley's grasp.
“All right!” she said, “I'm sorry, ok?”
“Enough bickering!” Dr. Williams interjected. “Arguing won't
get us anywhere! We meed to be planned and organised. Now listen
carefully – this is what we'll do.”
Steve’s eyelids flickered open and the heavy dull pain, inside his
head, immediately intensified. As he struggled against the pain, he
fought hard to see things around him more clearly. His eyes flicked
yellow and everything came into focus. He found himself in a large
metal room. Bound vertically to a flat platform and surrounded by
various all too familiar objects. Over in the corner was a young ma
with ginger-blond hair, crouched down low to the ground. He seemed to
be holding a ball of fire, examining it as it flickered and wavered,
casting shadows over certain areas of the room. The solid metal door
suddenly slid open and Cerebrus walked in, followed by a tall
muscular man.
“How's he doing, Tools?” Cerebrus asked. Steve heard footsteps
behind him and then saw another man step in front of him. He was of
medium height and build with greyish-blond hair and a face which,
though young, was also slightly wrinkled. He wore a dirty grey
t-shirt underneath a dirtier pair of green overalls. He was wiping
his had on an oily rag. In response to Cerebrus' question, he reached
up and tapped the side of Steve's face with the back of his hand.
Steve jerked his head away.
“He'll live.” the man said. Cerebrus took a step closer to his
captive. Steve glared at his through his thick eyebrows.
“Welcome back, Mr. Jackson.” he said, calmly.
“Go to hell!” Steve replied.
“Now! Now!” Cerebrus said “Let's not get too aerated. I mean
now harm against you, Mr. Jackson.”
“No harm?!” Steve interrupted, “You've got to be joking!”
“No harm?!” Steve interrupted, “You've got to be joking!”
“Not at all.” Cerebrus was unphased by Steve’s anger. “I am
trying to help you. To help humanity. To help them realise the
mistake they are making in alienating mutants from their society. We
are not hideous freaks. We have emotions, the same as everyone else.
As you have recently learnt. We need to educate the whole world.
Teach them not to be so pompous and arrogant. I will create a world
where there is no pride, no prejudice. A world where everyone is the
same. I will create my perfect world. I will create my Utopia!”
“You're mad.” Steve said, Cerebrus turned on him.
“We shall see.” he replied, “History may choose to look at
things a little differently.” He turned away. Steve cast another
glance around the room. The shiny metal objects surrounding him began
to look rather threatening.
“So what do you want with me?” he asked. “You've had your fun
with me. I'm a mutant. End of story.”
“Not quite.” Cerebrus swivelled on his heel so that he once again
faced Steve. “You see, each of my friends here, “ He indicated
the three other men in the room, “were created by accident. They
are all 'safe' mutations in that they will not die from the
alteration treatment they received but I have no sufficient evidence
to prove this. You are different. I made extensive records of my
experiments on you. Your subsequent escape after coming round from
the anaesthetic simply prevented me from discovering the result of my
tests on your body. I will now be able to do this. As you are still
alive, I can assume you are a 'safe' mutation and, once I have the
information I require, I will be able to apply to the government for
a grant to continue my work.”
*Steve's eyes had become a bright luminous yellow while Cerebrus
had been talking. “You're completely mad.” Steve said, “The
government will never agree to that.”
“You'd think so, wouldn't you?” Cerebrus answered, “But you'd
be surprised what they'll agree to. The Millennium Dome for example.”
He turned to the tray beside him and one of the devices – the one
that Steve liked the look of the least - lifted itself up in the air
and flew into Cerebrus' hand. “I advise you to keep as still as
possible, M. Jackson.” Cerebrus said, “Because this... is really
going to hurt.” Steve’s anger boiled and he let out a roar that
filled the room. He wrenched his right arm free by bursting the
hinges of the metal clasp which held his hand down.
“Samson!” Cerebrus barked. The muscular man strode forward,
grabbed Steve's wrist and slammed it back against the board.
“Tools.” Cerebrus called. Tools turned to him. “Why don't you
lead the way.” Tools smiled. He held up his right arm and Steve was
shocked to see his hand retreat inside his arm and be replaced with
something that Steve could have sworn was worse than the one Cerebrus
was holding. The tiny many now began to advance on Steve. He flicked
his wrist and the tool started buzzing, the sharpest elements of it
vibrating furiously. He moved it close and close to Steve's face.
Steve jerked his head away from the weapon trying to distance himself
from it as much as he could. The thing was five centimetres away.
Four... Three... Two... One... There was a tremendous crash from
above, causing Tools to stop what he was doing. The darkened skylight
in the ceiling of the room had shattered into a million pieces,
sending shards of glass showering down on the people below. Cerebrus
raised an arm to protect his face from the glass. The shards were
immediately followed by Blizzard, Speed and Lightning.
“Thank God.” Steve breathed. Samson stared at the girls.
“Where's the other one?” he asked, dumbly. Dr. Williams dropped
from the skylight to land in the middle of the trio. Cerebrus lowered
his arm.
“James.” he said.
“Hello Alexei.” Dr. Williams replied.
“What are you doing here? You have no right to trespass on my
property!”
“Oh, on the contrary.” Dr. Williams said, “I have every right
if the life of a citizen is in danger and I believe it is.”
Cerebrus looked across at Steve.
“What? Him?” he said, “Well, if you want him, you're going to
have to fight for him.” He clapped his hands and retreated to the
back of the room. His minions sprang forward. The girls did likewise.
There was a moment's hesitation. Blizzard smiled.
“Bring it on.” she said. Steve watched as the two sides charged
towards each other and clashed in the centre of the room. All their
powers now came into play. They were soon divided into three battling
pairs. Blizzard fought the fireball boy, Lightning took on Tools,
while Samson kept Speed busy. Dr. Williams dodged in and out of the
melee trying to avoid the various weapons. Dr. Morton, meanwhile,
walked serenely around the edge of the fighting arena; observing but
refusing to participate in the chaos. Samson blundered about,
swinging his massive fists, which rarely hit their target. Speed
zigged and zagged around the numerous attacks, giving as good as she
sot.
“Come on.” she coaxed, “Is that all you've got.” Blizzard
ducked as a bright dart of fire flew over her, narrowly missed the
top of her head.
“Nice try, Inferno.” she said. The boy didn't answer. “But not
good enough.” he went for her. She dodged him, slapped her cold
hand down on the back of his head, causing him to fall to the floor.
He rolled over, jumped up and they were off again. Lightning and
Tools were doing a lot but to no effect. Every attacked was either
being fended off or avoided. Cerebrus called out to his adversary.
“James.” Dr. Williams ducked as Samson's huge fist came swinging
through the air and dodged a swipe from the hammer which now
protruded from Tools' right arm in place of the menacing device. He
caught Cerebrus' eye for a brief second to let him know he was
listening.
“Doesn't this seem too much?”
“I agree.” the Dr. replied, “And the sooner you let Mr. Jackson
go the sooner we can end this.” Cerebrus' response was of a notably
colder tone.
“My dealings with Mr. Jackson are none of your business.”
“On the contrary,” Dr. Williams said, twisting out of the way of
a fireball which whizzed past his left cheek, slightly singeing his
thick brown beard. “If you insist on endangering Mr. Jackson's life
and the life of every other person on this planet, then it most
certainly is my business.” Cerebrus took a while before answering.
“You must know you can't win.” As he spoke, Samson flew across
the room, hit by one of Lightning's bolts intended for Tools. He
slammed into the wall and slide to the floor in a heap.
“One down.” Dr. Williams said. Cerebrus attempted a small smile
“But still three to go.” he said. He stood staring at his enemy
for an abnormally long time and it was only when the Dr. looked
behind him to the see one of Blizzard's discarded ice-balls aimed
straight at his head that he realised what he was up to. He ducked
the ice-ball just in time for it to shoot straight over him and into
Tools' leg, causing a brief laps in his concentration but not
affecting the flow of the battle. Speed, who was now without an
opponent, was dodging round the room – trying to find somewhere she
could be of some help, but without success.
“Don't waste your time, James.” Cerebrus called. “You know this
is useless.”
“Really?” Dr. Williams called back, “Well, I don't think so. I
make the odds 4-3.” A thick layer of ice formed around Blizzard's
fist and she slammed it into Inferno's face, sending him skidding
across the floor towards the outer wall where he lay, unconscious.
“Make that 4-2.” Dr. Williams said. Both Speed and Blizzard now
circled around Tools and Lightning, dodging here and there as they
tried to get into the fray, giving Dr. Williams just as much to avoid
as he'd had when they were fighting. He dodged one of Speed’s
attempted attacked and felt a searing pain down the back of his right
leg. The four-inch wide blade which now protruded from Tools' arm had
sliced straight into it, severing the tendon and injuring his other
leg in the process. Dr. Williams fell to the ground. With a roar that
filled the whole room, one of Steve's paws broke free of its arm
restraint as he took a swipe at Tools, sending him flying three feet
up in the air to land in a heap at the side of the room. Cerebrus
advanced on his enemy.
“Well, well, James.” he said, “It seems you've been reduced to
grovelling for my mercy. What a pity. See you in hell, James.”
Suddenly, all the muscles in Cerebrus' body seized up as he was
struck by one of Lightning's bolts. In the split second that the
lightning stooped, Speed pounced – twisting Cerebrus' arms behind
his back and forcing him down on to his knees. Blizzard then formed a
pair of rudimentary ice handcuffs around his wrists while Speed
helped Dr. Williams up. Blizzard rushed over to the bear that Steve
had become and freed him by freezing the locks until they broke. With
two massive strides Steve had reached Cerebrus and with a swipe he
knocked Cerebrus out cold just as Dr. Williams fell limp at Speed's
side.
When the Dr. came to, he was lying on the same flat operating table
that Steve had occupied before. Various wires looped away from his
body. Standing over him was Helena, looking concerned.
“Hello Dr..” she said, “How are you feeling?”
“Ok.” Dr. Williams replied, “I think.” Helena moved down to
the Dr.'s legs and squeezed his foot.
“Can you feel this?” she asked.
“No.” the Dr. replied. Helena moved back up to his head. “And
I've got a shrewd idea that I'm supposed to.” Helena looked at him.
“Why do you think that?”
“Because you know you haven’t given me any anaesthetic.”
“How did you-” Helena began. Then she remembered the Dr.'s power
and smiled. “Well, yes,” she said, “You see, when Tools sliced
through your leg, he did severe damage and it's left you...”
“Paralysed.” the Dr. finished her sentence. Helena looked
straight at him. There were tears in here eyes now.
“I'm so sorry.” she said. Dr. Williams put his hand on her own.
“It's all right.” he said, softly. “I'm sure you did everything
you could.” Helena smiled down at him.
“How are Alicia and Shelley?” Helen's look changed to one of
surprise.
“Surely you don't have to ask.”
“No.” the Dr. replied, “But I want to hear you say it.”
“They're fine.” Helena answered, “We all got out just before
the whole place went up. Dr. Morton had a remote control on him which
set off a time bomb when he hit the ground.” The Dr. nodded as if
in agreement. There was a brief pause before he said,
“What about Mr. Jackson?” Helena turned to look out of the
one-way glass window in the side of the room. Dr Williams turned his
head as well. Steve was standing outside, looking all around him,
evidently waiting for something. After a few minutes, a young,
beautiful woman with log dark hair and rich red lips appeared. Steve
looked delighted to see her and after a few brief words he pulled her
towards him and hugged her as tight as he could.
“His fiancée replied to his letter.” Helena explained, “She
insisted on seeing him again, even if it was just for one last
time.”
“Last time?” the Dr. said, interested.
“Last time?” the Dr. said, interested.
“Yes.” Helena answered, “Well, he's dangerous, isn’t he? You
saw what he can do.”
“Not if he's properly cared for in the right environment.” Dr.
Williams said, “And there might even be the chance of a cure.”
Helena looked out of the window again. Steve looked back at the
Academy, spoke quickly to Maria and then began to lead her towards
the entrance.
“Looks like you've got a visitor.” Helena looked down at the
patient. “You can tell him the good news. Let's get you up.” she
helped the Dr. up into a sitting position just before the automatic
door slid open and Steve and his fiancée entered the room.
“Dr Williams,” Steve said, “I'd like you to meet Maria, my
fiancée.” Dr. Williams smiled at the young girl.
“Pleased to meet you, Maria.”
“And you, Dr. Williams.” Maria replied. Her voice had a hint of
Spanish accent.
“Dr Williams.” Dr. Williams turned to Steve. His face had a
concerned expression and when he spoke
it was with a slightly worried tone. He looked briefly at Maria
before continuing. “I... we have been talking and... er... we were
wondering... if it would be possible for Maria...to... er... to come
and live in the academy. We're aware of the possible dangers.” he
said quickly, eager to put anxious minds at rest. “But we'd at
least like to give it a try.” There was a pause. “Well?”
“I don't see a problem with that.” Dr. Williams said. He looked
up at Helena. “Do you?”
“Not at all.” Helena replied, “In fact,” she went on, casting
excited look in the Dr.'s direction, “The Dr. and I have been
discussing your case, Steve. And we think that there may be the
possibility for a cure. There's a chance that Cerebrus' records
weren't destroyed in the blast. Do you want to try to see if we can?”
Steve and Maria exchanged thoughtful glances.
“No.” Steve said. Helena looked taken aback. Dr. William looked
satisfied, as if he'd been proved right. “I know I've got to accept
what's happened. Put my past behind and get on with my life. I don't
want to put myself through any more than I need to and I don't need
to try to find a cure.” Maria smiled sympathetically up at him and
placed a hand on the white kitten tattoo on his arm. Steve encased
her hand in his own. There was quite a long silence as no-one wanted
to say anything before they heard a voice outside the door.
“Dr. Williams?” It was Blizzard. “Are you awake?” the door
slid open to reveal Shelley and Alicia standing in the doorway.
“Hey!” Shelley said, bounding into the room, “What's up, doc?”
Dr. Williams ignored her pathetic attempt at wit.
“It seems,” he said, “That we have a nice boarder at the
academy. I'd like you all to meet – Maria.” Maria was greeted
warmly by each of the girls.
“Hey!” Shelley said, “This calls for a celebration! I'll go and
get cracking!” She flew from the room.
“Oh I don't want anything.” Maria said, nervously.
“Just let her get on with it.” Alicia advised, “She loves
parties.” Maria nodded in understanding and moved over to Steve,
who hugged her tight.
“Well,” Helena interrupted, “If everyone's finished, could you
please leave the room and let me look after the patient.” Steve,
Maria and Alicia all turned and left the room. Helena turned to Dr.
Williams.
“You know,” she said, “If Steve's going to be one of us, he's
going to have to have a nickname.”
“I believe he already has one.” Dr. Williams replied, “A
nickname given to him by his fiancée.” He turned his head and
reached out for something on the bedside table. “Could you pass me
my glass?” Helena obeyed and picked up her own glass at the same
time.
“Today,” Dr. Williams said, “We make a toast to the newest
member of our team.” He raised his glass and said, “To Animal.”
Helena smiled and copied his actions, their glasses clinking
together.
“To Animal.” she said.
