Utopia

Computer problems prevented me from posting this yesterday but thankfully they're now resolved.

The inspiration for this one may be kind of obvious but hopefully it's still enjoyable. It's not the best I've written but it's one of the few I've finished so it deserves to be posted.

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.

“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.”

“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 21^st 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.

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.

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.

“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!”

“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.

“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.