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Merc's Metamorphs

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Chapter 21: Ngalyod's Grasp

Merc rarely ever spent time doing nothing-- whenever he was in his Metamorph form he was normally teleporting places, jumping around, fighting bad guys, or any other number of activities that would help him burn off energy and create a useful physical outlet for his energy. That night, however, Merc sat on the edge of his bed, hefty Kangacobra frame creating a huge indent in the mattress as he positioned himself with his foot paws pressed against the carpet, talons resting on either knee, and his head lowered slightly as he focused on his breathing.

Christopher sat across from him in the desk chair, speaking softly. "Breathe in... slowly... for a count of three..."

Merc did as was requested, eyes closed, listening to the sound of his Metamorph body filling with his breath. He did as Christopher had instructed him on multiple occasions, feeling the way his body responded to the extra volume in his lungs; he noticed the way the elastic skin between the scales of his hide stretched to allow more room in his chest-- it was a stark contrast to the parts of him that were covered in fur.

His boyfriend continued. "Now hold the breath for three seconds..."

Rather than count, Merc let Christopher do it for him, hearing the sound of his own heartbeat in his ears, the thrum of blood coursing through his body, but also the more distant sound from Christopher. Merc's kangaroo-like ears were much more sensitive than Frank's Human ones, but he rarely ever used them. In the moment, however, it felt almost a foregone conclusion, and he felt himself more connected to his senses.

Cy spoke again "And breath out... slowly.... two.... three... and... open your eyes."

Merc did as directed, his breath returning to normal once the exercise had concluded. Christopher was seated right in front of him, eyes gazing upward into Merc's. The Kangaroo licked his muzzle as he stared down at the Human. "Nothing's changed... you're still handsome."

His boyfriend offered a courteous smile, but his tone suggested that he wasn't riled by the statement. "How I am isn't as important as how you're doing, Merc. Do you feel more centered? More relaxed?"

The Kangacobra flicked an ear, chewing on his tongue as he reset his social expectations; he should have expected Christopher to be direct and business-focused. "Yeah... I guess. I mean... I don't particularly want to throw or hit anything anymore, so I suppose we could call that a success."

Cy got up and moved around to the Metamorph's right, taking a seat on the mattress beside him; Merc's weight meant that the Human ended up sliding right up against him. Not one to let such an opportunity pass him by, the Kangacobra reached out an arm and wrapped it around his boyfriend. Merc watched as Christopher reached up and cradled his gloved talon in his much smaller Human hands, then asked "Tell me more about Ngalyod's Grasp."

In response, Christopher ran his digits across the fingerless black leather glove. "Not much is known about it... but it IS an old artifact that seems to pop in and out of history, making changes wherever it goes."

Merc grunted. "Well.. it made me a Metamorph... and the guys too... and now you too... and it's altering my form right now without me meaning to so... yeah-- safe to say it's definitely making changes."

Cy offered a noncommittal 'hmm', but whether it was in agreement or otherwise, it wasn't possible for the Kangacobra to tell. Continuing to inspect it, the human stated "There are different versions of the story of the glove-- some say it is a dark relic, while others argue that it reflects the inner soul."

The Metamorph issued another grunt. "So... on the inside I'm a huge kangaroo cobra hybrid killing machine? Wow... that's not something you'd expect to see on a fortune cookie message, now is it?"

Christopher lets out an exasperated sigh. "Merc... you went to the trouble of asking me about your glove, and now you are going to spend the time offering snappy one liners and so-so inspired quips?"

Merc responded with feigned pain, pressing his left talon to his chest. "Only 'so-so'? You WOUND me."

Cy rolled his eyes, finally letting go of the gloved talon. "Merc... I can't guarantee that Ngalyod's Grasp isn't doing something to you. I know you are loathed to be separated from it, but, if you start feeling any amount of discomfort or pain, I would think that it may be best if--"

The Metamorph's instincts had constantly been held at bay ever since they first entered into the room; Christopher's scent had been driving him crazy and, with his boyfriend so close, Merc took hold of the Human and pressed his muzzle to the end of Cy's lips, letting out a soft hiss of enjoyment when he felt the fleshy warmth of Christopher's mouth press against his scales, and his boyfriend's willing response.

Merc didn't disengage before his long, forked tongue had a chance to slip through Christopher's lips, teasing at the Human's tongue. Once he did pull back, however, he saw Cy's expression ALMOST manage to return to neutral (aside from the blush on his cheeks), and his neutral tone held just a hint too much enjoyment for it to have what was probably the desired non-plused tone. "Did you get it out of your system, Merc?"

The Metamorph grinned wide-- when he was a Kangacobra his smile was many times larger than that of his Human form. "I wouldn't mind getting into YOUR 'system'."

Merc was surprised when Cy stood up and began disrobing. "You know how fragile Humans are, Merc... I trust you'll be careful?"

Smiling even wider, Merc bobbed his head. "If I had a middle name, 'Careful' would be it. I'll be a perfect gentleman, Cy."

Christopher leveled a firm gaze at Merc, which was nowhere near as imposing as the Human probably hoped it would be (the drawback of being shorter than the Metamorph even when Merc was seated and Cy was standing). Setting his shirt carefully on the nightstand, he turned to regard the Metamorph as he spoke. "And just ONE penis, Merc... I don't think I'd be able to handle both of them."

Merc let out another hiss, a little more worked up as he saw his boyfriend'd bare chest: smooth and perfect, lightly toned, with some muscle definition. The Metamorph reached out and slipped a claw from either talon into the waistband of Christopher's pants and, with barely any effort, tore out both sides, leaving the slacks to fall to the ground. "Oh, Cy... I don't give a damn... I don't HAVE to be inside you... I just want to be WITH you. I want to feel you against my scales and fur."

Although Christopher made the attempt to look angry at the destruction of his pants, Merc could tell from his heartbeat, his scent, and the quirk of the edge of his lip that Cy was turned on by the wanton display of strength. His next words were playfully provocative. "So you're saying you DON'T want to have sex with me?"

Merc showed a little fang as he snarled at the thought. "I said I don't HAVE to, but you can sure as hell bet that I WANT to." He leaned forward, winking at his boyfriend. "Even if I only get to stick one into you."

Cy smirked. "How romantic."

Although Merc was given full reign over his boyfriend's body, and despite his earlier impatience when it came to undressing Christopher, the Kangacobra was more than happy enough to take it slow, locking eyes with Cy before pulling him into another deep kiss. Merc's lips were not well suited to kissing a Human but he was more than happy enough to make up for it with his tongue, flicking it into Christopher's mouth, sensually caressing the young man's tongue before pressing it even further; the fact that Cy didn't' gag on it was a major turn on for Merc and he pulled away, his scales flushing in excitement.

He wasted few words as he directed his boyfriend. "Lay down."

Christopher complied readily and Merc slid down onto the floor, kneeling beside the bed as he pulled the Human closer to the edge of the mattress, resting Cy's legs on either of his shoulders as he leaned forward. It didn't take long for the Asian student to realize what Merc had in mind. "Merc, I haven't--"

His objection was halted the moment the Kangacobra's muzzle pressed up against Cy's opening, and his long, muscular tongue forced its way in. Christopher's body went taut, his back arching as his insides were invaded by the Metamorph's strong, slippery appendage. Merc prided himself on the skill with which he used it, and he resolved to make a good showing; Chrstopher certainly didn't object.

The Kangacobra rested his talons on the Human's abdomen, slowly forcing him back down to the bed, and wriggled his tongue in deeper, swirling it around, thoroughly working Christopher's insides, not just to stimulate him, but to also loosen him up; Merc had promised to be gentle, but he knew he'd have a lot more luck if the Human's inner muscles were relaxed enough to take him. The Metamorph's dual members were already aching with eagerness but, fortunately, it didn't take very long before his boyfriend was ready.

Rising up, Merc licked his muzzle, relishing the Human's taste as he loomed over Chrstopher's bare body. "I think you're ready, Cy."

Looking up at the Metamorph, the Asian student responded with a faint nod, and then a hesitant smile. "Just so long as you're gentle."

The Metamorph smiled. "I wouldn't hurt you, Cy... I love you."

He didn't realize what he'd said until he saw the surprised expression on the Human's face. Merc immediately felt self-conscious, pulling back in response to his own words, but Christopher's hand reached out and grabbed his talon. "Say it again?"

Merc scowled, attempting to shake the Human's hands off of his gloved talon, but Christopher held firm. Feeling even more put on the spot, the Kangacobra pulled his arm back, but all he did was pull his boyfriend into his hips. Sighing, the Metamorph grumbled "I said I love you... dick."

Cy smiled warmly. "I love you too, Merc."

Tingling flowing through his entire body, dancing between his scales and causing his fur to stand on end, Merc wasted no time pressings his muzzle to Christopher's lips, using one talon to hold the Human in place as his other maneuvered one of his cocks up against the Human's entrance. Rather than thrusting, Merc was surprised when it was Cy who made the move, pushing his hips forward against the Metamorph's, taking the tip of the Kangacobra's member into him; the move got a hissing growl from Merc.

It was a passionate moment as Merc jointly fought against his body's desire to rut the tight, hot space, but he had to keep his wits around him, moving carefully and purposefully to avoid hurting his Human boyfriend. In the end, his attention to his every movement was both frustrating and all-enveloping, pleasurable in a way he'd never known since he could register each end every little movement of his partner.

Merc was, in fact, astounded when he felt Christopher's body nearing its release before the Metamorph was approaching his own; his mind was blown when he felt the Human's insides clench down around his member, spasming as the Asian student cried out, his seed spilling all over his abdomen as Merc continued thrusting into him. The Kangacobra lost himself a moment later as the sensations of Cy's insides milking him eliminated his resolve, and he groaned out his own release, feeling both of his members shudder and quiver; one jetted ropes of his cum into the Human while the other spilled copious amounts of Kangacobra seed onto the mattress, his entire body shuddering from the power of the release.

Panting, Merc flopped onto the mattress, turning to the side as he did so he wouldn't fall onto his lover. Wrapping his arms around Christopher, the Metamorph pulled the Human onto his chest, nuzzling the top of his head. "I wasn't too rough on you, was I, Cy?"

Christopher was still panting, but he managed to shake his head. A moment later he could answer with his voice. "No... that was just right."

Smiling, Merc used a talon to raise Cy's head so the could kiss; it was such a strange thing to kiss a Human that way, but the Kangacobra found himself really enjoying it. "Mmm.... you were 'just right' too.

Christopher's next words caught the Metamorph by surprise. "Your eyes... they're not red anymore."

Christopher offered a mild-but-genuine smile, reaching for his cell phone which was resting on Frank's desk. Turning it on, he hit the selfie camera and held it out to Merc. The Kangacobra accepted it and looked at himself; exactly as Cy had said, the Metamorph's eyes had returned to their normal color. He ran a talon across his face, holding the cell even closer as he examined his features, paying more attention to what he saw than what he was feeling. He didn't know how he knew, but Merc was able to feel that he was changing back, and he'd never before seen it happen.

His boyfriend took the phone back out of Frank's hand and set it back on the desk before returning to embracing him. "Welcome back, Frank."

Smiling, Frank laid back down, letting Christopher rest his head on him. "Any idea what happened?"

Letting out a contented sigh, the Asian student rested a hand on Frank's abdomen as he spoke. "It is impossible to say for sure, but I am confident it has something to do with the glove... I believe you had something eating away at you from the inside and Ngalyod's Grasp could tell that you were in distress, and forced your Metamorph form upon you as a defense mechanism despite the fact that you were not in any actual danger."

Frank nodded, gently rubbing Cy's back. "But... I'm not in my Metamorph form anymore."

Christopher snuggled a little closer. "It's because you finally overcame what was bothering you."

Smiling warmly, Frank sat up, leaning forward so he could kiss his boyfriend. "WE overcame it... not sure I coulda done it without you, Cy."

The Asian student offered a warm smile in return, but it passed quickly. "This time, perhaps... but, Frank... we do not know for certain what other side effects and unspoken powers Ngalyod's Grasp has."

Frank inched closer to his boyfriend. "It's alright. We'll figure it out together."

The reassurance didn't seem to help. "Frank... you do not need the glove right now. Could you, perhaps... take it off? Please? For me? Just for a little while."

Letting out a deep breath, Frank couldn't argue giving his lover at least that much. "Alright... for tonight I guess I can go glove free."

It was easier said than done; within thirty seconds of trying, Frank realized that it was not coming off-- he would have had an easier time trying to pull out his teeth. Despite his ineffective attempt, Christopher didn't seem particularly troubled. His statement confirmed it. "Ah... just as I thought."

Frank was confused. "Whadda you mean? If you thought it was stuck why did you--?"

Christopher held up a finger. "Frank... we should find out more information. By now you must realize this is not normal."

Nodding, Frank agreed. "Right... but nobody else seems to know a thing about this glove. If YOU don't have the answers what chance do we have?"

His boyfriend didn't spend much time thinking up a plan. "It will take some time, but I have no doubt that I can conduct more research on the topic... but, with the inevitability of you needing to continue using your Metamorph form, I suppose it is a matter of at least some urgency, so we should look for a faster way of getting answers."

"Probably, but I don't have the slightest thought of where to begin You got any ideas?"

Christopher nodded slowly. "I think tomorrow I should go talk to the Chessmaster... and maybe introduce you."

* * * * *

Despite his busy mind, Frank managed to find sleep with surprising swiftness; he credited it to having Christopher with him. In the morning they dressed quickly and, with one more quick kiss, the two emerged into the living room; Chance and Juan were already there. Although both gave him some grief for locking himself away in his room it was friend, and he could tell that they were glad he was feeling better. They gave both him and Cy good morning hugs and the four of them sat down for breakfast.

Christopher wasted no time starting a Q&A with them about the previous night. They were both able to confirm that they had NOT changed into their Metamorph forms, at which point both he and Frank had to explain why it was even a question. Both were surprised to hear that Frank had changed into Merc but the rest of them remained unaffected. Frank followed Cy's lead and didn't specifically mention their concern about Ngalyod's Grasp, but Christopher did say that he wanted to explore it more closely to see if he could learn more.

Chance was quick to agree that more experimenting was needed, but Juan, as usual, preached caution, suggesting that they monitor the situation and not push things. Christopher sided with Juan and, with two against one, Frank was also happy to agree; inwardly, he hoped that he would get a chance to meet the Chessmaster and get some questions answered. Either way, the discussion would have to wait since they all had classes. The four left the apartment together, exchanging hugs, kisses, and promises to meet up for lunch.

Frank made his way toward his Poly Sci class, perfectly content to be accompanied by Christopher; since his boyfriend was teacher's aide, getting to walk together was just an added bonus. Cy stopped just short of the classroom. "Appearances are important, Frank-- as a teacher's aide I probably shouldn't be seen with you in such a capacity. I hope you understand."

There was a time Frank would have been offended by what he would have seen as a 'brush off' but he'd matured a lot since then and he realized the prudence. "Nah... I get it. See you inside."

Smiling demurely, Christopher leaned forward and gave him a gentle kiss. "I can't wait."

Poly Sci, as usual, was filled with talking students having their various personal discussions before the class even started. The vast majority of the teens and early twenty-somethings were almost all extroverted, which means there were dozens of conversations going on and Frank wouldn't have been able to have understood even half of them if he'd wanted. Focused on his own thoughts, he simply took a seat and let everyone else continue on with their various forms of socialization. It wasn't long before Professor Marlowe arrived. The moment he stepped up to the podium and cleared his throat silence prevailed and all side conversations stopped in an instant.

Class deviated from the standard syllabus that morning as the Professor brought up a different topic for discussion. "This morning we are going to be discussing the events from earlier this week- specifically the Net-Negative Metamorphs, their activities within the city, and the steps taken by Legendary Unlimited to curb their crimes."

Frank would have expected for such a declaration to upset him but he was put off-guard by identifying Legendary Unlimited as the force intervening and not Merc's Metamorphs. Although he still felt his palm itching beneath his glove he still found it somehow easier to maintain his composure and sit through the discussion, including students who questioned if it wasn't actually Merc's Metamorphs who had intervened. Frank was pleased when the professor insisted that it was Legendary Unlimited.

Professor Monroe was surprisingly 'gentle' with the discussion. His lecture was focused on jurisdictional control, lines of communication, and operational norms as it related to powered individuals. To say that Oswald Monroe seemed to be taking the side of the Metamorphs would have been a dramatic understatement; as the lecture continued he spared no unkind words for what happened with the loss of life, even going so far as to directly state that, in his mind, General Glory was the one entirely responsible for Torpedo being killed.

The statement raised no small amount of objections from the class, which is precisely what Frank presumed it was supposed to do since Professor Monroe immediately took a break from his lecture and started forming small partnerships among the students to create some discussion groups. Frank's group, fortunately, included two other students who were pro-Metamorph and they were quick to pick up and run with the narrative proposed by their instructor.

Frank didn't comment too much, far more content to just listen to what the other students had to say; he was far too close to the topic and his contribution was to say that powered individuals often seemed to overstep boundaries, which led his discussion group partners to presume that he agreed with them. He did, of course, but his reasons were far more personal than anything they might have presumed.

Professor Monroe called everyone back to attention and had all of the students return to their seats for the final portion of the lecture. Before he returned to his monologue, however, he had all of the discussion groups report in one at a time. Frank was honestly surprised that the vast majority (all but two) teams confirmed that they also believed that Legendary Unlimited and General Glory had overstepped their rights when it came to enforcement. Although that didn't change the fact that Torpedo had died, it really did help Frank feel a little better.

The final part of the lecture really caught Frank's attention. Professor Monroe adjusted his glasses, raising his voice as he looked around the room. "So... let's presume that Merc's Metamorphs decided that they wanted to file an official complaint. How would they go about registering a grievance with Legendary Unlimited?"

Frank couldn't recall the last time in his life he was so ready to take notes. The next ten minutes covered a whirlwind of information as the Professor began explaining how a Metamorph group affected by Legendary overreach could strike back against the offending party. Further, he also explained how everyday men and women could file complaints in the event that a powered hero caused them significant and provable harm. By the time that portion of the lecture was complete, Frank had filled two pages of notebook paper.

With only a handful of minutes left in class, Professor Monroe continued. "Now that we've established the method for a formal complaint and, considering the fact that the news reports have placed the peace keeping action square on the shoulders of Merc's Metamorphs, can anyone tell me how Merc and his team can file an Abjection to Assignment?"

When nobody raised their hand to answer, the Professor clarified his question. "Can anyone tell me what an Abjection to Assignment? Considering you have your text books, and presuming page 442 hasn't been removed, this should be a question anyone can answer..."

One of the students in the front row spoke up. "If a Powered group is provided credit for a completed assignment they have the ability to challenge the declaration and release themselves from official credit."

Professor Monroe nodded. "Very good, Bryce. And, presuming Merc's Metamorphs didn't want to take credit for the policing action yesterday, how would they go about placing the death of Marcus Hillsdale, aka, Torpedo?"

A female student in the front row spoke up. "But that was a successful intervention, Professor. Why would Merc and his team NOT want credit for it?"

The instructor turned to face her. "We've spent some time discussing the different Powered groups, and Merc's Metamorphs has a particular trait that is consistent throughout all of their operations... do you recall what it is, Ms. Jacobs?"

The girl, Samantha, if Frank remembered correctly answered. "Merc's Metamorphs doesn't kill anyone. But if--"

Professor Monroe held up a hand to stop her. "You are very correct, Samantha, but you should stop right there. Merc's Metamorphs does NOT kill; end of story. The death yesterday was because of General Glory's intervention. I would fully expect that Merc or one of his team members will file an Abjection to Assignment because they'll want their record to remain. Metamorphs have a difficult time making a name for themselves and something like this shouldn't be allowed to tarnish what they work so hard to build."

The lecture essentially concluded there since it was the top of the hour. The Professor gave a quick farewell to the students and began packing up his lecture materials as the students filed out. Frank gathered up his own notes, eyeing the numerous helpful directions he'd picked up during the lecture and, as he began stowing his belongings, he was surprised when Christopher came over. "Would you be willing to wait for a minute please?"

The request was in Cy's 'formal tone' and so Frank matched it. "No problem, Christopher. Do you need something?"

The Asian student smiled, glancing toward the door as the last of the other students made their way out. Speaking in a quiet tone, Christopher replied "I think it's time to introduce you to the Chessmaster. He said he's willing to meet you."

Frank paused. "As in... today?"

Cy smiled. "As in, right now."

Professor Monroe, who had moved to the door to see the rest of the students out, let it close before turning to regard the two of them. "I hope the lecture today gave you the information you needed to clear your name, Merc."

Christopher spoke up in Frank's defense. "When he's in his Human form, he prefers 'Frank', Chessmaster."