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Chapter IX: With my Bare Hands

"Argh!"

Caleb dropped to one knee. Crude Claw began emitting a brilliant blue light. Ethereal feathers jumped from the weapon and drizzled the ground before vanishing a few moments later. The reach of the blue glow extended further up his sore arms until they reached his shoulders and crossed his torso. He felt the tightness of some armour wrapping around his chest as the glow vanished.

Taking a deep breath, he counted to ten just to calm himself a little. A loud bubbling emerged from his left and right and one glance in either direction confirmed his suspicions. Two pools of jet black oil had appeared on either side of the training ring. Each one was bubbling softly. Moments later, the black shape of an inky bear with exaggerated arms and claws emerged from the pool.

"So it seems that in the initial stages, your persistent weaponry is just like all your other weapons." Elliot typed away at a portable console from where he sat beside the ring. David was hovering behind him, arms crossed and nodding. "Powers and physical based. The ability to summon 'minions' to your side seems to vary depending on the weapon but it seems like a consistent ability across all of them."

Caleb grunted and shakily got to his feet. Rhiannon leaned against the ropes of the ring opposite to him, smiling innocently. Unlike him, she was uninjured. Fighting against the Hound of Destruction, no matter how limited her powers may be, was still a challenge.

"That's enough with those kiddy gloves," Elliot said. "Let's move on."

A soft whimper escaped Caleb as he unlatched the arm guards that Crude Claw had become. There was definitely a bear theme going on with the weapon. What appeared like the stuffed upper heads of feral bears acted as shoulder pads to his jet-black chest armour that was anatomically flattering. He unlatched the bladed gauntlets and removed the armour. He moved towards Bren who willingly took the weapon away.

"Can't we call it a day, dad?" he asked, stretching his back with a groan. Rhia was not gentle.

"You know we can't," David responded with a wave of his paw. "Knowing that the Gene Stealers are fully capable of transforming supers into Originals but that they just choose not to means we all have to train harder, grow stronger. Lars and Mary were here all day the past two days doing what you're doing now."

"Yeah but it's Crossover..."

"And you know we can't so much as step inside your mother's house without having our tails ripped off."

Both Hales shuddered.

That morning, Caleb hadn't been woken by his alarm. He had been woken by his mother tearing down his door, ripping him from his bed and shoving him into the shower with a wooden spoon in one paw. When he spent more than five minutes in the shower just trying to wake up, she barged in again and began scrubbing him with a sponge like he was still a pup. The entire family was kicked out of the house by seven. When it came to big family feasts and holidays, Lillian Hale was a dictator. Birthdays were more pleasant as she usually got catering and the kids were old enough not to expect five star food. But when it came to major holidays...

"How's Lance, by the way?" he asked. "He didn't look so good this morning..."

"Your mother got him with the egg beater," David replied. "He wouldn't tell me where but I think Cory was staying over and that says a lot. Leon had already left and I suspect your brother wouldn't want to be in the same room as his twin and his boyfriend."

Leon had made Caleb swear not to tell anyone that for the past week and a half, he had dropped out of school and undergoing boot camp training with the local police force. That meant Leon was bunking in the police barracks which was located on a small, isolated segment off the south-eastern coast of the Island. He occasionally dropped by just to keep up the charade that he was sleeping in some bimbo's house but in reality, he was hard at work to become a police officer. Caleb was both proud and a little worried. The attack on the West Marrington Police Station a few months ago by Minos was still fairly fresh in his mind.

Still, if that was what Leon wanted to do...

"Can we cut it with the Crossover chatter?" Elliot snapped. "We've still got the rest of the day, gramps."

"I'm just forty-nine!"

"That's old by the standards of a thousand years ago."

David gave the orca a light whack behind the head. "But by 31st Century standards, I'm still in the prime of my life. Especially for furs." He folded his arms again while Elliot gave him a foul look. "But you're right. Caleb, put on Funny Bone and transform!"

Caleb folded his ears back and whined. "Really? Do I have to?"

"No whining! Come on! We want to gather data on how long it'll take until you reach the weapon's critical point."

He groaned and turned, hoping that the walk to the Armoury to grab Funny Bone would at least give him some rest. Sadly, Bren had already fetched the weapon and was pushing it onto the ring. Every second he got to rest was a blessing as he had been in the Facility since they had been kicked out and been on the receiving end of Rhiannon's brutal, unpredictable fighting style. Not to mention her illusions.

Reaching down for Funny Bone, he asked Bren, "So what're you going to do for Crossover?"

"Same thing I do every year," answered the tiger. "Go to the _Buckshot_on the Californian Mainland."

Caleb balked. That sounded like a strip club. He couldn't fathom the rigid, all-business-like Bren going to a strip club. It would break reality entirely.

"Don't jump to conclusions," Bren said, leaping onto the ring and gesturing for him to turn around. The amalgamation of all the world's best spies and some fictional ones began helping Caleb put on the hyena-themed weapon. "It's a firing range. Open during all major holidays because Buck, the guy that runs the place, doesn't think there's any better way to celebrate than shooting some virtual bad guy right between the eyes."

"Should I be worried?" Caleb asked as the weight of Funny Bone_fell around his shoulders. His skin prickled at the memory of the agony he had felt when he had pushed _Funny Bone to its limits.

"I have the memories and experiences of all the world's greatest spies, most wanted assassins and military generals. I know how to show restraint and I am always loyal to my friends, my team and my country. That I just so happen to spend my time off shooting people has no relevance." Bren clamped the last parts of Funny Bone onto Caleb. "In short, yes, you should be worried. I hate being interrupted during my time off."

Caleb couldn't help but smile at that comment. Bren noticed and asked what was up with the smirk. "I dunno. In all the time I've known you, that's the first time I've actually seen you show some personality apart from Mr-FBI-Man."

Bren shrugged, slipping back out of the ring. "Not having to uphold some code and having some form of freedom is liberating. I feel I can spread my wings a little."

"Still not coming to Crossover dinner?"

"And be mauled by your cousins? No sir."

A shrill whistle brought his attention back to Rhiannon who was waving on the other side of the ring. "Come on, Halestorm, let's see the lighter side of your personality! Laugh a little!"

Her jokes were just as painful as her punches.

Caleb closed his eyes, reaching into Funny Bone's power. His muscles instantly bunched up and he was forced to hunch forward a little as the change affected his posture. The beast writhing deep within him banged at the cages of his body, pushing to break free. Its claws railed against his arms. Biceps bulged and caused the panels of Funny Bone to suddenly stand erect to allow him space to grow. A deep growl emerged from his throat, mirroring the beast's savage cry for freedom. His throat broadened as the added weight to his form pulled him forward onto his paws and knees.

The taste of freedom for the beast was intoxicating and it wanted more. It threw itself against his back, lengthening his spine and building the already impressive muscles there. Its hunch pushed up against his skin, making it his own. The black and white fur was absorbed into the beast's brown, spotted pelt. Freedom was within its grasp and it came with a deep desire to fuck. Caleb's growl turned into a groan as his cock began to plump up and his balls sagged in his uniform's pants. His clothing needed more prompting before it could stretch out and neither he nor the beast wanted their balls to be crushed against the fabric. They both willingly pushed up against his pants, him controlling the limb while the beast pushed its form through his flesh to build it into the massive thighs capable of squeezing the life of a man between them.

With his uniform finally stretching and freedom all but assured, Caleb rose to his feet, rising to the full height of his hyena form and shook his shaggy mane. He took a second to compose himself and the few seconds he needed for his mind to ignore the throbbing ache in his pants.

"One minute forty-seven seconds," David announced, shaking his head. "You need to make that faster, Caleb. Even a minute is a death sentence on the field."

Caleb grunted, the exhaustion of the change and the prior training session with Rhiannon taking its toll on him. How he wished he had regenerative powers. Even though he changed forms, that didn't completely heal the damage dealt to him before he changed. The same aching muscles were just bigger now, making sure the pain was a little more intense.

He lifted his paws...

"No, no," Rhiannon shouted, leaping away from the ropes of the ring. She danced across the ring, slipping up beside him with one paw on his watermelon-sized biceps.

"Going to teach me how to stand and punch now?" he growled.

"Far from it." She gently pulled his arms down to keep him away from the typical boxer's stance. "I'm going to teach you the Power Pole Fighting Style."

He immediately stepped away from her, lifting his arms up in self-defence. "You're going to teach me how to fight with my dick!?"

"What!?" she exclaimed. "No!" Then she scratched her chin absently. "Though admittedly now that I think of it, I can see how you can make that assumption... I do wonder how people come up with these names." She waved a paw absently. "Anyway, the Power Pole Style was developed in ancient Varimourne. A little country back in the old world of furs that was placed smack dab in the middle of other hostile countries. They had very little resources and next to no defences save for the thick forests that surrounded them. Metal was hard to come by so they really couldn't build themselves any armour. Their only source of defence was basically strapping sharp rocks onto long sticks."

Rhiannon then stepped in front of Caleb, one arm curled behind her back and the other lifted as she gave her history lecture. "The Varimournians tried fighting with such crude weaponry but, faced with the superior technology of their enemies, they were quickly falling. Then, a particularly stubborn soldier who lost his leg in the war was unwilling to just lie down and die while his country was destroyed. Even with a crutch, he went out onto the battlefield. Legend has it, that he was surrounded by twenty Valesmen all with swords and shields and he just had his crutch. When they came at him, he hit them with his crutch and swung on it like it was a pole, defeating each and every one of them. He was eventually shot down and killed but the surviving soldiers drew inspiration from his act and developed the Power Pole Fighting Style."

The Hound of Destruction held out a paw. A shimmering rod of light emerged from the ring floor beside her just about as tall as she was. "This Fighting Style focuses on building momentum and using the pole to the best of its abilities. Such a weapon can't exactly deal a lot of damage but it can slip in places where shields can't protect..." She angled the rod towards Caleb's crotch. "It has a longer range than swords." She spun, swinging the pole wide. Caleb had to duck to avoid getting hit. Then she stuck the pole into the ground, using her building momentum to swing around it and send her flying towards the opposite side of the ring where she bounced off the ropes and somersaulted deftly back to the ground. "And can be used both as a means of escape and attack."

Impressed as he was, Caleb couldn't help but shake his head. "I know I've taken combat training but I've never been as nimble as Mary. I don't think I could go about swinging my weight like that. Plus..." He gestured at the pole Rhiannon held. "I don't think something that flimsy could hold this stud." He made a show of flexing his biceps.

Rhia rolled her eyes. "Power Pole isn't about using a thin pole. It's about balance." She swung the pole absently through the air, spinning it in her paw. "Mobility. And strength." She jerked her chin at Caleb. "Funny Bone_originally came from a club before it evolved. I think to help prevent the paralysing pain of having the weapon reach its limit, you need to start _conserving your abilities instead of just throwing them around like a crazy person." She stepped up beside him and jammed her weapon into the ground. "Destruction is as much about conservation as it is about... well... destruction."=i7

A long, shard of white bone erupted from beside Caleb. It looked far too thin for him so he summoned more bones to wrap around it, making it look like a large, club about twenty inches in diameter at the top and then slowly tapering to a point around the guard. It didn't look menacing enough so he added a few spikes along its length. "How do you figure?"

Rhiannon jabbed her staff forward, keeping both paws on it while keeping her body in line with the weapon. A perfect line could be traced from the end of the pole, down her arm and from one shoulder to the other. "Overkill is nice but when you have a finite amount of ammunition, do you _really_want to be spending all of it destroying something that is already dead? You would leave yourself exposed to other foes."

Somehow, that felt like a jab at him. He quickly thrust his own club forward, mirroring her.

"No. See how my body is standing on its side?" she said. "The idea is to make yourself as small a target as possible. With my body in line with my weapon, an enemy standing right in front of behind me has a smaller target."

"Oh... right..." Caleb awkwardly moved his ten foot body to the side. "But what about guys coming from the left or right?"

Rhiannon grinned at him. "That's where the fighting style really shines. Remember, it's about mobility, balance and strength." She suddenly lashed her staff forward as if there was an enemy coming at her from her flanks. "Since my body is on its side, I can easily move my arm to any enemy in this arc." To prove her point, she swung her arm back and forth to show about a 100 degree angle from the limits of her arm and across her chest. "But if someone is coming from behind, there is always escape."

She became a white blur as she jammed her staff into the ring and scrambled up its vertical length. Rhiannon was suddenly standing on the very tip of the seven foot pole on one leg, showing perfect balance. Caleb took a second to gawk at the amazing feat. The Hound suddenly leapt off the pole, and somersaulted. Her paw snatched the pole from beneath her and as she came back upright, she brought it crashing down against the ring, coming within an inch of Caleb.

In his mind, Caleb imagined some generic bad guy trying to strike Rhia from behind before she would scramble up her pole and deliver that crushing and surprising overhead move that would cave in the man's skull.

"Yikes..." he said.

"You bet your sweet ass 'yikes'," Rhiannon chuckled. She rose. "This style works for all body types but naturally you have to have a pole that suits you." Nodding at Caleb's club, she said, "That's good for supporting your weight but I doubt you'll be doing flips and somersaults like me. Your key will be building momentum. Remember, your body is as much a weapon as the club. Use it."

Rhiannon was brutal as ever but he took her teaching to heart. Combat training had taught Caleb how to react and had developed his reflexes but it was built for his strong, much smaller lupine body that was geared towards running long distances and making spectacular catches. As a big, lumbering hyena, it was of little use. Rhiannon taught him how to use his reflexes to become spatially aware and use the momentum he developed by swinging the club to direct his blows at the enemy.

Just like her, he was slamming his club into the ground and swinging around it to clear the area around him. When his feet touched the floor, he gripped his club and brought it swinging around for a crushing blow. But even after he made impact, he would continue with the movement, letting his big body swing _over_the club and his feet smash into an imaginary foe.

At three o'clock Rhiannon began summoning illusions for him to fight. They came at him from various directions and at irregular intervals. Moving his four and a half hundred pound body of muscle through the air was always hard but the moment he picked up momentum, he was unstoppable.

At four-thirty, David joined the fray by giving him a few metal walls to constrain his movements. If he couldn't build momentum, then the fighting style was useless, right?

Wrong.

Rhiannon told and showed him how momentum could be built from anywhere. She made a show of running towards one of the walls, scrambling up its length for a second before leaping off and slamming her staff at imaginary foes around her. Caleb wasn't as nimble but he did manage to smash his club into the wall, embedding it deep into the frame and then swinging up around it like it was a monkey bar. That got the momentum going.

At five-thirty, David clapped his paws. "Okay Caleb, that's enough."

Like a pup being told it was time to pack up his toys just as he was starting to have fun, Caleb huffed loudly and gave his father a sour look. Admittedly, he hadn't even noticed the time go by.

"Don't give me that look," David said with a shake of his head. "You know your mother will have both of our hides if we're late." He gestured for Caleb to follow him. "Now come on. Change back."

Elliot pouted. "Ignoring the fact that we totally missed the idea of this training session..." He gave Caleb a nod. "I suppose you did just use a minimal amount of Funny Bone's power... so at the very least Muscles there learned how to conserve his power instead of writhing in agonising pain."

Caleb was reminded of their match against the Leviathans. Conservation of strength would certainly have worked for them there. That train of thought brought his eyes towards Rhiannon who was absently twirling her staff.

"Was this part of some lesson plan?" he asked.

"What do you mean?" she answered.

He let the bone club sink back into the ground, disappearing to only god knows where. "Did you build the whole idea of teaching me this fighting style from what happened against Zigzag Zapper about a week and a half ago _and_how we lost against the Leviathans?"

Rhiannon leaned against the ropes of the ring again, giving him a coy smile. "Come now, Caleb. Do you really think a significantly hampered demigoddess like myself could possibly have that much foresight?"

On that note, he had to bob his head from side to side. "Yeah, I suppose not..."

"You didn't answer his question!" Elliot shouted. "Muscles, you really _are_stupid. She didn't actually say whether or not this was some sort of enlightening life lesson! She just made you make your own conclusions so that she didn't have to answer!"

Caleb's rounded ears perked and he glanced back at Rhiannon. The Hound was giving him that same coy smile though this time, her eyes were half-lidded and expecting.

"I think I already got my answer."

******

Crossover was the celebration of the day when the furs first came to Earth and helped obliterate the zombie plague of the Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse. It was a time where families could come together, enjoy the first snow of the season, prepare feasts and commemorate the spirit of unity, hope and camaraderie that had borne a world populated by fur and human alike.

Of course, while that theme was ultimately upheld, in the Hale household, it was just like any other family gathering; loud, crowded and noisy.

By the time Caleb had returned home, family vans and cars had clogged up the street. The sounds of about two dozen wolves chattering while their pups scrambled around, howling and yapping could be heard before he even stepped into the garage. When he entered, the kitchen was packed with his relatives, everyone setting down their contributions to the meal or helping his mom with whatever she had cooked up.

His Uncle Steven was the first to greet him, wrapping his big arms around Caleb and lifting him off the ground with a big cry. Jolly Uncle Steve laughed, his large belly shaking as he quickly pulled Caleb to where the majority of the family was gathered, loudly announcing that the 'man of the hour' had arrived. Apparently, they had all heard that he had 'gone gay' and were glad that he had finally found someone. The fact that Lars was already there and was surrounded by his various uncles and aunties being interrogated about their relationship only proved that fact. Apparently, they were up to the point where the possibility of kids was brought up. Caleb thanked his lucky stars that they hadn't gone to the point where the experimental procedure for gay couples - or even a single would-be-parent - could have an egg and/or sperm synthesized from their DNA and then childbirth simulated through either temporary physical mutations or intravenous impregnation.

Caleb rescued Lars from the ring of predatory relatives before anyone started talking about wolf-Doberman pups.

The Doberman clung to him. "I've been around your family for about a year but this is the first time I feel like they're going to eat me," he muttered.

"That's my family," Caleb answered with a shrug. "We only ever get to see one another a few times a year but when that time comes, they want to catch up on what they missed. Just wait until someone else brings up something colossal."

When his Aunt Belinda mentioned that she was bringing over the rest of her family, the Hales split into two groups, one demanding to know when they were due to arrive and the other crowding around Caleb and Lars, asking how they had met. Caleb gave some polite and truthful answers. Wolves could tell when their prey was nervous. They were like this when he grew that extra foot and packed on the muscle, all of them eager to know his workout schedule or whatever else had promoted him to becoming a footballer when he had been such a scrawny nerd.

Naturally, all avenues of conversation began to die after everyone had asked a question or two. Some other Hale brought up something else of interest and the wolves went off to sniff out the latest gossip.

Lars let out the breath he was holding. "God... Do I have this to look forward to whenever I come over for a major holiday?"

"Major holidays, birthdays and basically any celebration my mom decides to throw a big party over." He nudged Lars lightly. "You better be grateful that my Uncle Sandy and his boyfriends Mark and Kyle haven't arrived yet. You just _know_they're going to try inviting us into a five-some."

His boyfriend winced. "They... are...? We haven't even..."

"Aw, come on. They say that the best way to try a new experience is with someone. The more the better." Caleb laughed at his boyfriend's wide-eyed stare. "I'm joking. Come on. Let's go see if my mom needs some help."

Lillian was just finishing up with the main meal and didn't need any assistance. His portly Uncle Steve was there with her, assisting while chatting to his brother, David. When Caleb arrived, David beamed proudly and wrapped an arm around his son's shoulders.

"Hell of a game against the Leviathans, Caleb," Steve said with a big toothy grin.

"Too bad we lost," Caleb said. "But I know how to play better next time."

"Atta boy." Steve gave David a nod. "You raised him well, Dave. And no real guidance from mom or dad."

David's smile was a little tight around the edges. "How are they, by the way?"

Steve rolled his eyes. He reached up to a cupboard and plucked some small bowls for the light chicken and asparagus soup that would serve as their pre-dinner appetisers. "You should know. They're really into that West Naturalist Church that's been around for a while. Still anti-super as always."

The West Naturalist Church was just one of the small cult-like gatherings that had spawned at the dawn of the supers. Prejudice against supers was really the only thing that put them on the map. Their outspoken leader had been shamed and kicked out of their organisation earlier in the year for reasons unknown and many speculated it was because he too was a super.

"Cults like that will always be around," David grunted, trying to keep himself from snarling. "I heard there were a few marines who bought the house opposite to their main location of gathering and painted the walls in the colours of the local superhero group."

Steve snickered. He spooned some soup from the big pot onto the bowls and handed them to the three men around him. "They did. Mom and dad were royally pissed." His features softened a little. "How did your talk with them go by the way?"

Caleb lifted his gaze to his father while he gently tipped the bowl towards his muzzle. The soup was delicious. Salty and light with just the hint of chicken and the freshness of asparagus. He really enjoyed how his mother had cracked an egg into the brew so that there were thin, silky wisps of eggs floating around delicately in the clear mix.

"As well as you'd expect," David grunted. He took a moment to sip some soup, likely to keep himself from making a scene. "Mom played the benevolent, forgiving parent that 'just wants to be a family again'. She kept spouting that bullshit about supers being unnatural and how I can be 'treated' if I just prayed hard enough." David growled loudly. "I was halfway tempted to encase her permanently in metal just to see how far her prayers will get her."

Steve, who had lived with the problems between his older brother and his parents all his life, just gave David a gentle smile. "And Dad?"

"What do you think? After I said I couldn't stop being who I am, he blows up and tells me to get out." David growled as he set his bowl down and picked up the tray that Steve had been piling on with soup-filled bowls. "I'm going to serve this to the rest of the family."

With that, he marched off with a huff.

Caleb waited until his dad was in the other room before saying, "My dad went to see grandpa and grandma?"

Sighing loudly, Steve could only offer a sad nod. "He did. Not sure what got into him. But one day, he just shows up at the front door and tells mom and dad that he wants to talk. I didn't hear much of it but when your dad and grandpa started yelling at one another... well... It's hard not to overhear them. I'm just glad I didn't get dragged into it this time."

One of the other 'hot topics' between David and his parents was the fact that Steve was effectively David's replacement. In those three years when David Hale sailed off to Australia to be gay and a super, his parents had borne another child - Steven Hale. Steven was just five years older than Abby and could effectively be considered a peer to her. Naturally, David hadn't taken to being 'replaced' so well and had resented Steven for a while. But it was hard to be ever angry at the happy, good-natured wolf. One would think someone who was dotted on and provided for constantly would be spoiled and arrogant but Steven Hale was not like that. Caleb loved his uncle. He was always so likeable. And he kept things simple.

"So... uh..." Lars began, flicking an ear towards the lounge room where David was serving up soup. "Uncle Steve... You... uh... know...?"

"About David's powers?" Steven nodded. "Of course. No one else knows, of course." He lowered his voice and winked at them both. "I know about _Arsenal_too. Your dad likes talking to me about it when your mom isn't around. I think he gets his kicks over us chatting behind my parents' backs. But your secret is safe with me." He handed the two boys trays. "Now why don't we all serve up some soup. Dinner should be ready soon."

Caleb thanked his uncle started heading off towards the lounge while Lars was right behind him. They served the soup to everyone there before carrying them out into the backyard. Lance was already there with Cory, naturally being swamped with his own questions. They were both tending to the barbeque while some of the teenaged Hales and their fathers were using the basketball court. Snow had yet to come in yet despite getting late in the year. It meant they could happily fit everyone outdoors though it also meant no snowmen and snowball fights. Most of the females were indoors while the guys hung out here, drinking beers. A small tent had been erected beside the court for those who wanted to eat outdoors of sorts as they didn't have enough space for all the guests to be eating inside. It was a good thing it hadn't quite started snowing just yet. Leon's shout from the court as he performed a spectacular dunk heralded his presence and Caleb was glad to see his eldest brother having fun.

Once their trays of soup were done, Caleb returned to the kitchen, Lars just a step behind him.

The doorbell rang at that moment and Caleb hurried to get it.

When he pulled it open, his eyebrows shot up.

Mary regarded him with an extremely strained smile, Ashton's arm wrapped around her waist. The tiger was beaming brightly and dressed as dapper as ever; a bright, brown vest, a collared shirt and dress shoes. He almost looked like a father from the 1980s. All he was missing was a tie and a pipe. It was, however, the presence of the Hound of Destruction hovering behind them that was the source of Mary's barely contained fury.

"Mary! Ash!" His eyes lifted to Rhiannon. "Rhia..."

"I'm here to devour the gutted corpse of a plump holiday bird that has had its feathers plucked, flesh seasoned, head chopped off, basted continuously for hours in its own juices then a plethora of breadcrumbs, spices and nuts stuffed up its ass and finally roasted to the point where its soul is screaming is actually enjoying the burning hell that it's in because it's cooler," Rhiannon replied and pushed past Mary and Caleb into the house.

"Huh?" Caleb asked after her.

Mary's eyes blazed with fury. "She means the turkey. She's here to eat the turkey."

Caleb's face fell as Rhiannon made his way towards his niece and nephew, Samantha and Maximus who were lion-wolf cubs, little more than ten years of age. "Oh hell..."

Mary stormed past him and intercepted Rhiannon.

Ashton sighed loudly, shaking his head. "And I'm here to get _extremely_inebriated, spout out nonsense, apparently, and hopefully pass off most of the night in a drunken stupor." He regarded Caleb with a wry smile. "You don't mind, do you?"

"If I didn't have to worry about various secrets I want to keep, I'd join you."

"Point. May I come in?"

Caleb was stunned for a second at Ashton's question. He thought it was implied. "Erm... yeah, sure. You're not a vampire, are you?"

The British tiger broke his eloquent way of speaking with a crude, "Huh?"

"You know vampires can't come in without being invited right?"

Ashton rolled his eyes. "It's just manners to ask to come in. There are exceptions and what not but come now, Caleb. I am entering your home in the throes of a party. One must be polite." He gave Caleb a light swat. "You Americans are so crude."

"So says the guy that went all bull in my bedroom and practically tried to rape me, my sister and mom."

Speaking of Abby, she was enjoying the limelight. Constant attention from her coming nuptials basically made her glow. Arthur had been cut off and isolated by the much taller wolves. The poor otter looked like he was about to get eaten. It didn't help that Uncle Sandy and his boyfriends - who had arrived while Caleb was distributing soup - were already planning Arthur's bachelor party and that was something coming from a man who was in a polygamous relationship. None of their classmates could save them either as they all stood back, watching in awe as the wolves circled their prey.

Caleb was just about to close the door when he heard the gentle humming of wheels on the asphalt. A big, black limousine rolled up across the driveway and Caleb couldn't help but shake his head as Ben stepped out, still dressed in a rather raggedly nerd clothing. He held a big, squat, cylindrical case that Caleb guessed was another turkey. When two other servants emerged from the limo carrying another two cases, Caleb smacked his own forehead and laughed.

"You really didn't have to, you know," he said.

"Come on, it's Crossover!" Ben replied. "Besides, I know how you wolves get. One turkey will not be enough."

"My mom already made three."

"Well here's three more!"

He could only thank Ben and let the werewolf and good friend in. He heard his mother squeal in delight. She had been worried that there wouldn't be enough food but with Ben's contribution, there would certainly be more than enough to feed the Hale clan. Of course, she insisted that it wasn't necessary but the relief in her voice was evident.

Caleb glanced down the street one more time, hoping to see some car lights at the very least. He dropped his gaze.

"I guess they aren't coming," he murmured.

He shut the door and put on his biggest, brightest smile and returned to the party.

Another like snack of some slices of toasted brioche with a mixture of cucumber, tomatoes, slices of prosciutto and some cheese were served just to make sure all the guests didn't go hungry. Of course that only made everyone hungrier.

At seven thirty, Lillian Hale called them all for dinner and there was a venerable stampede of wolves rushing towards the dining room. The feast she had prepared was simply amazing. All six turkeys had been arranged in a glorious, golden circle at the centre of the table around a centre piece of edible flowers - the kind that was made of marzipan and moulded to look like realistic foliage. Baked potatoes perfectly seasoned were strewn about for easy access while two glazed hams were there, right for the taking. Various types of fish were either smoked, poached or fried and just for the kids, there was some fries as well, both of the potato kind and sweet potato kind. Naturally, there was also some salad, corn and fresh fruit for those who wanted something on the healthier side.

Caleb stood next to his family in the golden light of the candles as the lights were dimmed. Little Maximus loudly said that he couldn't see so he went down, picked up the little lion-wolf and propped him on his broad shoulders. Maximus let out a loud 'yay' before he was hushed.

"Every year, on this day," David said solemnly, "we remember the day that furs crossed over to this world. Millions died as they fled from the alien forces that threatened our species. Millions also died on Earth as four consecutive disasters ravaged the land and drove them nearly to extinction. We remember those that perished but at the same time, we celebrate the acceptance of the humans who welcomed the furs seeking refuge into their world and the kindness of the furs who helped rebuild the world that we now inhabit.

"Today, more than every other day, we are grateful for being with one another." David smiled at his wife, closing his big paw around hers. Lillian smiled back and gently rested her head against his shoulder. "Being on this world that we have all contributed to. We have all made our mark on this world and we will continue to do so. We live and share this world of ours.

"Let us remember the kindness of the humans and the generosity of the furs. And let us commemorate their unity."

David then clapped his paws. "Now, the words I'm sure you're all eager to hear. Let's eat!"

Those were the magical words. Caleb had to keep himself for lunging for a turkey leg as he had to play the host and grab a stack of plates and hand them out. It broke his heart as he watched the food vanishing before his very eyes onto the plates of his relatives and then down their muzzles. Of course there was more than enough food for everyone but lupine instincts sort of emasculated him since he didn't get first helping. Neither did David but that wasn't the issue.

When the last plate was left for him, he grabbed himself as much as he could carry and strode over to Lars who was sitting at the foot of the stairs with his own modest size of food. He parked himself on the stair just below Lars as neither of their bulks could sit side by side.

"Want some?" Lars asked, holding out a turkey leg. With six turkeys that meant there was only twelve legs in total. To grab one must've felt like wielding a sceptre of power.

"I got my own ," Caleb said, gesturing at the stack of chicken wings he had. It wasn't quite the same but still poultry.

"I got two."

Caleb glanced at his boyfriend who was wielding them both in his paws. He beamed and took one. "You're the best!"

"I know you love gnawing on the bone."

"So do you!"

Lars bent down and gently kissed Caleb's cheek. "Yeah I do."

Caleb quivered where he sat and he had to make sure his plate was stable on his lap before his rising boner could dislodge it. He chomped on the turkey leg, smiling at Lars even as he practically mauled it. Though Lars was less savage than Caleb in attacking his meal, they both finished their legs at approximately the same time.

That's when the doorbell rang.

Perking his ears, Caleb set his foot down and stood up to get it. He wondered if it would be one of their neighbours complaining about the noise though he couldn't imagine they were the only ones throwing a party. Just by a quick glance out the window, he saw the Madisons across the street were throwing a bigger celebration. They had spotlights on their front lawn.

When he pulled the door open, his eyes lit up.

"You made it!" he exclaimed, spreading his arms wide. "Oh my god!"

"Sorry we're late," Gabe replied, brushing one big paw against the back of his neck. "There was a bit of traffic. Plus it was hard to find a place to park with all the cars on the street."

"Yeah, it's a big family." Caleb grinned at Miguel and Ignacio who were already looking a lot healthier in two weeks than they had since the last time he had seen them. Miguel was starting to fill out with plenty of muscle, looking like quite the stud while Ignacio was getting a bit of a belly himself, but still looking very healthy. Behind the two boys carrying containers full of tacos, a surly Lenny managed a faint smile.

"Come in!" Caleb said, stepping aside. "Sorry we started ahead of you guys. We're wolves. We got hungry."

"It's alright," Gabe chuckled. "We brought my famous tacos."

"Awesome!" Caleb gently grabbed Gabe's arm, his paw unable to wrap around the panda's thick bicep, and pulled him towards the dining room. Since the three Ramos each carried a stack of tacos, Caleb had Gabe put one on the dining table while he asked Lars to guide Izzy and Migs out into the tent out back to put the food there.

"Anything I can do to help?" Lenny asked.

"Just enjoy yourself! Have some food!"

Lenny offered a brief smile but looked a little awkward as he was the only one hovering around the food at the time. Everyone else was chatting and eating. Caleb left him for the moment and pulled Gabe to the kitchen where his father and mother was.

"Mom! Dad! This is Gabe. He's my boss at Hero Taco."

David's eyes sparked for a moment but he gave Gabe a big, broad smile and shook his paw. "Hey there. Welcome."

"Thanks for having us," Gabe replied, beaming similarly. "You have a lovely home."

"We make do," Lillian responded. "I heard that your sons just came out of a coma. Are they here?"

Caleb let the adults chat amongst themselves while he quickly moved back to the dining room where Lenny was eyeing the food hungrily. He grabbed a plate for himself and offered another to Lenny. As soon as he started piling on the food on his plate, Lenny took that as a cue and did the same. He only left when Lenny had finished. And they both moved back towards the stairs. Rhiannon had taken up post by leaning against the banister with her own plate in her paws. Caleb sat down beneath Lars and picked up his original plate.

"You got another plate?" Lenny asked.

"You looked kind of lost at the table," Caleb said with a grin. "Besides, you can't have too much food!"

His co-worker's eyes dropped a little. "Yeah... Yeah, I guess not."

They ate, talked and laughed. Lenny came out of his shell when offered a beer, talking about his plans to become an artist, move to New York and make it big on the art scene. When Lars mentioned that Caleb was an artist himself, Lenny let out a laugh. On his boyfriend's insistence, Caleb went up to his room, took out one of his more tame portfolios and showed it to Lenny.

"You're really good. Proportions are amazing." Lenny said with a nod. "Ever thought of making art your career?"

Caleb shook his head. "Honestly? I don't know. My mom wants me to get a big job as a lawyer or a doctor. My dad wants me to go into football or something similarly. I dunno. I've still got three years of high school."

Lenny let out a soft smile as he turned a page. "I knew I was going to be an artist the moment I first picked up a pen and began drawing. My parents just didn't take too kindly to that. You're lucky to have parents who don't care what you become."

"They do care. Just not right now. I bet come my senior year, that's when they'll start piling on the pressure."

"Better that they do than wait until you announce you want to become an artist and then kick you out for it."

Lars inclined his head. "You were kicked out of home? For wanting to become an artist?"

Lenny nodded and handed Caleb's portfolio back to him. "Yup. Been making it on my own. Going to a community college with the pay that Gabe provides."

Inspiration suddenly struck Caleb. "You know, Lars was kicked out of his parents' place for erm... supporting_Arsenal_."

Lenny jerked back and glanced at Lars in shock. "Really? Just for liking the Outsiders? Just for that?"

Lars briefly gave Caleb a puzzling look as if to ask him where he was going with this conversation. "Yeah. Got an apartment in the city. Putting myself through high school and junk. I do odd jobs here and there for pay but yeah, that's how it is."

"That's rough..." Shaking his head, Lenny said.

"Why don't you two move in together?" Caleb suggested.

Both of them stared at him in shock and, in unison, exclaimed, "What?"

"Think about it," he continued. "You're both in a similar situation. Parents kicked you out. Having to support yourselves. I know Lars' place is just a one bedroom apartment but maybe you can both find a two bedroom place and move in. You'd only have to pay for half the rent and it'll be easier on your pockets!"

Lenny rubbed his shoulder absently. "I dunno..."

"Give it some thought."

Lars and Lenny began talking about the prospect. It took a little bit of time but eventually, Lars began warming over to the idea. No doubt the thoughts of being a super under Arsenal and keeping his secret would severely hamper his peace with Lenny but the thought of saving some money was awfully tempting, Caleb could see it in his boyfriend's eyes.

Caleb left them both to talk and wandered over to the table for his third helping.

"Hey, Caleb!"

His expression soured as the very drunk Ashton wandered over, a beer can in one paw. "I have a question," said the surprisingly well-spoken tiger. "Most of the family here is on your mother's side, right?"

"Yes..." Caleb replied warily.

"So why the hell are they still called 'the Hale clan' or 'Hale Family' when only your father's brother is here? Oh, isn't your Aunty Belinda your dad's dad's sister? I suppose that counts. But she's married so she's not technically a Hale. Shouldn't they be... I dunno... What's your mother's maiden name?"

"Jacobson. It's my middle name actually."

Ashton's eyes widened. "Oh... Caleb Jacobson Hale?" The tiger slapped his forehead and let out a laugh. "Oh my god! Of course! The protagonist always has to have a 'J' in their name!"

He shook his head at the tiger. "Oh-kay then... Where's Mary and why isn't she keeping you from being insane?"

Shrugging, Ashton took another sip from his beer and wandered away without answering. That only left Caleb worry. If Mary wasn't watching over Ashton, there was only one other thing she could possibly be doing: reigning in Rhiannon.

Caleb searched the house but couldn't find either of them. He then went into the backyard. Nothing. Deciding to go a little feral, he sniffed the air, searching for their scent. Mary's sweet, honey-like scent led him to the rear of the backyard, behind the tent.

"Think about it," Rhiannon said softly. "Your mother..."

"I don't want to hear it," Mary snapped sharply. "It's impossible."

"If you need confirmation -"

"I don't. And Caleb, I know you're there."

Of course she did. He sighed softly and wandered around the corner to where the two were standing. Mary was leaning against the fence, her arms crossed defensively. Clearly, Rhiannon had her on the ropes this time around.

"Can't I leave you two alone without either of you tearing each other's throats out?" he asked.

"Apparently not," Mary grumbled. "Your mother is about to bring out dessert. You want a slice of pumpkin pie?"

"Hell yeah!"

"I'll get us some," Mary huffed and pushed past Rhiannon, leaving the two alone.

When she was gone, Caleb gave Rhiannon a tired look. "What did you say to her that made her so pissy?"

The seriousness in Rhiannon's face and the fact that she didn't have that sadistic gleam in her eyes worried him. "It's not for me to say."

Those words worried him all the more.

Lillian Hale called them all in for dessert. Having learned from the supremely rich chocolate cake from Caleb's birthday, she had decided to go for something a little lighter with several pumpkin pies, a cheesecake and some cupcakes for the kids. Caleb took one of the twenty pies for himself with a heavy helping of whipped cream and carried it over to his own little corner at the stairs. He was surprised to find that Migs and Izzy were already there.

Feeling a little selfish, he strode up to them and offered them each a third.

"How're you two liking the party?" he asked.

"It's great," laughed Migs. "Haven't had a party in three years."

It was a good sign that they could laugh at their experience. "You didn't even have a 'welcome back from a coma' party?"

"All of our dad's relatives are still down in Mexico," Izzy answered. "We'll be going down there in two weeks after dad reopens his restaurant. They called him crazy for wanting to move up here. To open his own restaurant no less." He laughed through a mouthful of pumpkin pie. "I remember the one time we went down there to my Aunty Carla's place, she had this massive three storey home built into a mountain. Three times as big as this place. It was a mansion by American standards."

Caleb had to laugh at that. Mexico really had quite the boom in popularity and finances in recent decades. It became one of the shining beacons in western society especially with their ground breaking terraforming technology that turned the vast deserts into lush forests. It was that sort of technology that allowed them to be the first to colonise the moon.

"Your dad must have been crazy to leave paradise like that," he said. "But I'm kind of glad he did. He's been awesome to me. You guys are really lucky."

Migs nodded. "Yeah. We're just glad to be back and that he's eased up a little. You should've seen him before..."

"He told me. He was apparently a lot like my dad. Strict, high standards, kind of a control freak and a little bit of a hard ass. Oh and he always smiles and tell you what he's doing is 'for your own good'." He deepened his voice in a mockery of his father's for the last four words.

"That's him!" Migs laughed, pointing at Caleb. "How'd you deal?"

Thinking about taking that interview with Hank, setting up that meeting with GUYS and taking a job at Hero Taco, he didn't see much difference between what he did and what Migs and Izzy had done. "I did some pretty crazy things. I think I still might do some crazy things. But I've accepted that he can be right sometimes. Doesn't mean I won't stop pushing back just... I'll think before I push back. Maybe."

Izzy lowered his eyes at his half-eaten pie. "Sort of makes me wish we had done that before the accident. I never wanted to hurt dad like that..."

"Nothing can be done about it now. What's happened has happened. Don't live in regret." He smiled. "Your dad taught me that."

"Yeah, he really has changed," Migs answered with a chuckle. "Still... Can't help but feel I've missed an opportunity. I was going to join the military before I went under and after three and a half years, that offer is long gone." He nudged his brother with an elbow. "Izzy was going to go into mechanical engineering. Last year of his degree."

"It'd be hard to pick up from where I left off." Izzy rubbed the back of his head. "Not entirely sure if I remember half of the things that I learned... But at least dad is offering us work at his place." He beamed at Caleb. "I guess we'll be co-workers!"

His voice dripping with half-hearted sarcasm, Caleb said, "Lenny will just love that."

They all shared a laugh at Lenny's expense and chatted for a little bit longer. When all the food was cleared and Lillian began packing some containers for the guests to take home any leftovers, Caleb headed towards the kitchen to assist. As it turns out, Lenny was already lending a hand and he wasn't needed. He asked his mother where Gabe and his father were. He got the surprising answer of 'They're in the garage'.

Fearing that his father had decided to confront Gabe on his role in Caleb's rebellious streak, he immediately bolted towards the garage. It was with much relief that the two men were leaning against the family van, facing Ballistic and speaking to one another in civil tones. Since it wasn't the first conversation he had eavesdropped on, Caleb hung back by the door, ears angled towards the two.

"Sounds like you two have a lot in common," Gabe said softly.

"Like looking into the past," David answered, taking a sip from his beer. "You know, when I got my first part time job, I didn't tell my parents either. They went nuclear when they found out and kicked me out of the house."

That 'part time job' was likely David's short lived career as a rising superhero before he transferred over to Australia. One glance over his shoulder back through the kitchen and Caleb could just see Lars still chatting with Lenny at the foot of the stairs. So many people had been kicked out of home because of something as natural as being a super, following their beliefs or choosing their own paths. He realised just how lucky he was in comparison. Perhaps in some alternate world, he would've been kicked out for lying to his father and being Weapons Master and this Hale Family Crossover dinner would be a few heads less.

"You should talk to one of my employees," Gabe chuckled. "Lenny got kicked out of his parents' place just for wanting to pursue art."

David let out a soft sigh. "Caleb is quite the artist himself. I know I keep pressuring him to perform at football and I keep hinting that I want him to be the next great football star but honestly, I don't care what he chooses for his career. Well, as long as it isn't an international crime lord or, god knows, someone like that Chimera asshole that's been terrorising our island."

Gabe was silent for a few moments. "I know what you mean. I realised that too late when I nearly lost my sons. I held on to them too tightly and they wriggled free. I was suffocating them." He clapped David's shoulder and squeezed it firmly. "Take it from me, David, don't make the mistake I made. Caleb will always be your son. But he can't be what you want him to be. He has to make his own path in life. Try to forge that path for him and he'll go in the opposite direction."

A soft chuckle left his father's lips. "I know. Still, with all the shit that's out there, I can't help but be a little overprotective. I love all my kids but Caleb more than them all. He's always been a miracle. From the moment I found him in that alleyway..."

Gabe looked startled. "Found him...? You mean he's adopted?"

"Yup." David took a moment to sip his beer. "His parents just dumped him in the alley for the rats to feed on. Furless and looking like he was fresh out of the womb. Poor guy... We couldn't just leave him."

Gabe's eyes lowered. "Wow... I never would've guessed. You look so much alike."

Chuckling softly, David said, "Like I said. He's been our little miracle."

"I know what you mean." Gabe closed his eyes briefly and Caleb was surprised to find a tear there. "He... He's the reason I can support my sons now. You know he actually got Madman to come to my restaurant and endorse it? However he did it, I can finally afford to renovate the place. And I don't know whether or not it's a touch of that miracle you said but... He was there when my sons woke up. I like to believe that he's the reason why."

"Spectacular things do tend to happen around him," David agreed. "And _to_him. Did you know he was actually a short, scrawny kid a little bit over a year ago?"

"What? You're kidding."

"No! Really. Look." David reached into his pocket for his wallet. "See that kid there? The one that looks like he's too small for his fur?"

Caleb winced and that attracted the attention of the adults. Cover blown, he coughed and stepped into the garage. "Dad... Don't show my boss that picture."

"Aw come on," David said with a grin. "Your boss ought to know that you took steroids and bulked up like crazy."

"I did not! I was just a late bloomer!"

Gabe laughed heartily, maybe a little drunk but it was good to see him smiling and laughing. David gave the panda a pat on the shoulder before excusing himself. But before he left, he held out his paw towards the burly chef.

"Thanks for looking after my son. Promise me you'll watch over him."

There was a moment of hesitation on Gabe's part, likely stunned at the request. It certainly wasn't something to ask a near-complete stranger. His hesitation was brushed aside with a big smile and he took David's paw.

"I promise."

David lifted his beer lightly in a little salute after their shake and left.

When the door shut, Gabe said, "Hell of a dad you have there, Caleb."

"You're one hell of a dad too," Caleb responded. "Your sons really appreciate the fact that you've lightened up a little."

"They have, have they?" Gabe chuckled. "Well, they're still just two weeks out of a coma. The rose tinted glasses are still on. Wait until I get them into the restaurant!"

"It does sound like I'll have a few new co-workers." Folding his arms, Caleb said, "Does that mean I'll generally be getting less shifts?"

Gabe laughed. "Are you kidding? We're adding a second floor. I'll need you on the ground and Lenny on top. We've got to have at least one senior member of staff with the rookies!"

"What? You're not going to let either of your sons in the kitchen?"

"The last time Izzy tried to make my taco recipe, he stuffed it with sugar which he thought was salt. When Migs tried, he burnt everything." Gabe shook his head. "No, sir. Not letting them into my kitchen."

They both let out a hearty laugh. Stories about what Izzy and Migs were like when they were younger were told. Caleb listened intently, eager to learn more about his future co-workers. He didn't dare mention what or where they would go now that their futures that had been set three years ago were no longer on the table. Tempted as he was to ask what would happen when Gabe took his family down to Mexico, he instead remained silent and decided that those problems were for the future, not right now. Right now, it was Crossover and it was a time to celebrate unity and family.

"I'm really glad you came, Gabe," Caleb said. "I know my dad will kill me for saying this but... you've really been like a dad to me these past few weeks. I dunno if he told you but, I sort of took the job with you just to be away from him."

Gabe's eyes gleamed. "I know. It was obvious when he told me about how he's been pushing you and how you've been countering him with passive-aggressive counterattacks. Not directly against his orders and he can't actually tell you not to do them because they make sense."

Caleb blushed and rubbed the back of his neck as it was starting to prickle with embarrassment. "Heh... Yeah, that sort of sums it up."

"Wanna know a secret?"

"That's what your sons did?"

The big, burly panda shook his head. "No. In actual fact, your father wanted you to react the way Izzy and Migs did. He wanted you to openly defy him." Gabe jabbed Caleb's chest lightly. "He's moulding you into a man who can stand on his own two feet. Someone who is strong and independent but still has a good head on his shoulders. He wants you to be the kind of person that isn't afraid to say 'no' but at the same time, knows when to say 'yes'."

Thinking back at the various exercises and levels of interference his father had inflicted on him, Caleb had to wonder if what Gabe said was true. David _had_started throwing him into the defensive line in football and testing his patience with all the morning exercises and training... But he had always thought it was all in an attempt to make him stronger. "Are you sure?"

Gabe chuckled softly and nodded. "He didn't say so himself but take it from another father of strong-willed sons. There are only two reasons why a parent would go to extreme lengths like he or I did. It's either because they're overprotective or because they want their child to be able to say 'no' to their parents, to become independent." Holding a paw against his broad chest, Gabe said, "I'm the first type and I would recognise others who are the same. Your dad..." He shook his head. "Your dad isn't like that."

Caleb dropped his gaze. "Oh... so he must be pretty disappointed in me then, huh?"

That brought a laugh from Gabe. "I seriously doubt that, Caleb. I think he's never been prouder." The panda tapped the side of his head. "When a parent tightens the leash, they know it'll lead to resentment and they're always afraid that it'll push their kids apart. But what you've shown, the way you're fighting back but still keeping firm to your bonds as a son, it shows your dad that you know what he's doing isn't right but you still love him enough to keep his feelings into consideration."

Gabe nodded slowly. "I don't think he's ever been prouder."

Caleb couldn't help the smile on his muzzle. "Thanks Gabe..."

"Just calling them as I seem them," answered his boss, lifting his beer lightly. "And speaking of which... There's something I've been meaning to tell you..."

Ears perked, Caleb asked. "Oh? What's that?"

Gabe's mood quickly deteriorated. The glimmer in his eyes faded and he suddenly couldn't meet Caleb's gaze. He didn't speak for a long moment and all they could hear was the noise and chatter from the kitchen as the Hales began calling it a night.

"Gabe?"

The panda broke his trance and smile. "You know what? Let's save it for when you get back to work. It's Crossover. No need to bring down this happy day."

"Um... If you say so."

******

Being in a warm home, surrounded by people who were smiling, laughing and eating... It reminded Lenny a lot of being back in the restaurant. But at the same time, it was different. Very different. There was an air of comfort, friendship and acceptance in that house. From the conversations being flying around, no one cared that Uncle Sandy constantly had threesomes with his two boyfriends or that Lance liked to do it with his boyfriend in risky locations. Cousin Nathan was vying to be a photographer and he was given encouragement and offers to fly with family members to other places around the globe to get good pictures for his portfolio. Porsha was going to be a nun and the extremely accepting Uncle Owen who was already a fully-fledged priest gave her an honest opinion of the pros and cons.

The Hales - and Jacobsons as Ashton pointed out continuously - were a very accepting people.

They were a family.

Lenny always had the opinion that wolves tended to be a little bit racist and isolationist; anyone not part of their 'pack' was not accepted. But they had greeted Lenny, Gabe and his sons, Caleb's friends, Abigail's classmates and whoever else decided to come with open arms.

He briefly entertained the thought that maybe the Hales would adopt him like they had adopted Caleb. Leaving that house gave him a sense of longing and at the same time anger. Why couldn't his parents have been that accepting? Why was he given the short end of the stick? Did he have to be a big, buff high school football star to have the perfect family? It stung even more when Caleb showed off his drawing skills. Nowhere near as expressionistic as Lenny's - Caleb just drew figures with no message behind them - but he was definitely an amazing artist.

Caleb Hale seemed to have it all...

A paw clapped his shoulder.

"You okay there, son?" Gabe asked.

They sat in the back of Migs' car, an old, red cruiser that he apparently loved. Gabe had kept it for three years, never touching it. Migs had been ecstatic to get it back and in order to get readjusted to the world around him, he was driving them. Old decorations from before when they had dropped into a coma was still in the car including the fuzzy dice hanging from the rear view mirrors, the tiny Mexican flag on the dashboard and the few weights he had underneath his seat.

Izzy sat in the passenger's seat, a tablet in his hands and absently screening through whatever the internet had provided for the past three years.

"Yeah, just thinking," Lenny responded, keeping his eyes out the window. "The Hales are great. Caleb is really lucky."

Gabe laughed softly. "Oh I don't know. It was a party. They all had to be happy and joyful. Beneath the surface, there's problems there. Not enough to break the mood of Crossover, but they're there."

"Really? Could've had me fooled."

Again, his boss laughed gently. "Well, think about it this way. Can you imagine the pressure Lillian Hale was on with all that preparation? I don't know if you saw but three of the turkeys weren't hers but she looked so relieved when people cut into them." Gabe began ticking off the reasons with his fingers. "Belinda is having a bit of Visa trouble with bringing her family over. Henry and Talia have their kids in their teenaged years so one is a hardcore goth, the other is depressed and the third sleeps around a lot, at least they suspect. David - Caleb's father - is fretting over the futures of his sons. Abigail - Caleb's sister - is completely oblivious to the fact that Arthur - her fiancé - got an offer to move to Australia and Arthur is trying to work up the courage to ask her before the wedding."

Lenny gave the culinary inclined panda a startled look. "How do you know all this?"

"I work a restaurant," Gabe laughed and wiggled his ears. "I know how to listen. Something that you should know how to do being my waiter."

"I listen. I don't eavesdrop."

The bright smile lit up the entire car and Gabe's broad shoulder bumped Lenny lightly. Another pang of jealousy hit the young aspiring artist. Gabe had always put on a fake, brave smile for him and at the restaurant. Not once had Lenny ever seen the panda genuinely smile like that; a smile that just made him look so cuddly and welcoming ignoring the fact that he was packed with muscle and could crush a man's head with his bare paws. Not once... until Caleb Hale came around.

Gabe smiled so brightly when Madman had come in... and from what he heard, Caleb had been there when Izzy and Migs had woken up.

Maybe Caleb Hale was better for Gabe and his family than Lenny ever could be.

"You're thinking of quitting, aren't you?" Gabe accused. Lenny's eyebrows rose more in shock than anything else. "You're free to leave. But it'd be hard to get away from your family."

Lenny groaned and once again turned away from the panda to stare out at the city beyond the window. They were coming close to his apartment so he was grateful at least that he wouldn't have to endure the old 'we're family' speech. During his high school years, he had some casual jobs here and there. Any place he stayed on with for more than six months started calling him 'part of the family'. It was all a ploy to instil some sense of loyalty from him, to make sure he didn't suddenly quit. Funny thing about that though, he had always been fired. Never quit.

That just further cemented the fact in his mind that every family he has ever had has always kicked him out.

What would make Gabe any different especially when he had someone like Caleb by his side?

"You can quit the restaurant but I expect you to pull your weight around the house," Gabe continued.

Now he was just getting cryptic. "What?"

"You know. Clean up the place. Fix the garden. Go shopping. All of us will be at work while you won't have to be at school except for two or three days a week."

"It's community college taking one art class," Lenny grumbled. "I only have one day I need to be at a school."

"And that's the other thing. You're not going to community college. You're going to a full-blown art college."

This pep talk was just getting more and more confusing. Lenny turned to the panda whose eyes were glistening with mirth. Some part of him wanted to punch that smile off his face but he could never do that to Gabe. "You're not making any sense. What are you talking about?"

Gabe reached underneath Izzy's seat and took out an important looking document. "I'm talking about the fact that these are adoption papers. Working with me just isn't going to cut it anymore. You need a stable home, a loving family and a fresh start." He thrust the papers into Lenny's hands. "I'm giving you that chance."

Lenny's eyes went wide like saucers. He practically tore open the folder the documents were kept in, his eyes greedily devouring the official-sounding jargon littering the pages. It looked all legitimate; notarised and even had the stamp of the West California Island mayor's office on it. Pre-signed by Gabe.

All he needed to do was sign his name... and he'd officially be a Ramos.

"I... I..."

"And don't say you can't," countered Gabe, lifting a finger at him. "Lenny, these past few years, you've been like a son to me. You've been there by my side through it all. You've listened to me gripe, helped me get up on my feet whenever I fell and done more for the restaurant than you could have ever imagined. We've helped each other grow. I can't just let you turn your back on that and disappear into the world. Not when I know what you're going through."

Gabe patted Lenny's shoulders as the car came to a halt. "So here... I'm giving you a chance to become part of my family for real. We'll help each other. Right boys?"

Migs and Izzy, who were already well aware of the situation, both smiled and gave a loud 'right'.

"So I want you to go to your place," Gabe said, "give it some thought and then come to my house tomorrow with your answer. Got that?"

Mute with shock and trying to fight his tears, Lenny could only nod. He was numb all the way as he opened the car door and staggered up to his apartment complex. Watching that red cruiser go was like feeling an enormous weight lift from his chest. He could breathe again. Breathing meant he had oxygen for his brain and that meant he could think again.

Adoption!

Not only that, a true future! Not just this crummy existence living month by month, purposefully avoiding looking at his bank account for fear of what it might hold. An actual future!

"Damn, I need a fucking pen..." he grumbled.

He hit the call button for the elevator but when it didn't come fast enough, he bolted up the stairs, all five floors to his apartment. His hands were shaking as he jammed the keys into the lock and burst into his studio apartment.

Lenny charged towards his desk which was crammed in the corner, completely ignoring the fact that there were three other people jammed into the small space. Only when the door shut behind him without his aid did he straighten and detect the distinct musk of sex in the air. From the corner of his eye, he spied an enormous figure looming in the bathroom, unable to fit through the door due to his enormous size.

The lights flicked on.

That figure was an enormous, muscular ursine wearing only a black jockstrap to contain his massive genitals. Large, black spikes rose from his back. Memory clicked at that moment and Lenny spun around. Another bear sat at the base of his bed, causing the entire mattress to creak beneath his weight and he was beaming at Lenny menacingly. The third and by far the biggest blocked the door.

"Leonard Merryman," the biggest bear boomed. "We've been waiting for you."

"Oh shit..." Lenny murmured. He flung up the pen he was holding, his hands shaking with fear. The bears just laughed at him.

"My name is Richard Hammerstein. But you can call me Grizzly. These are my sons, Othello and Odin." The bear sitting on his bed waved while the one hovering in his bathroom grunted.

"Y - You're going to turn me into a Gene Stealer, aren't you...?" Lenny stammered. "Wh - Why!? What have I ever done to you?"

Grizzly laughed. "No, Leonard, we're not going to turn you into a Gene Stealer. We're here to take you to someone who just wants to talk." The big bear stepped to the side, the large spikes on his back knocking over Lenny's lone television and sending it crashing to the ground. He opened the door... but instead of the apartment hallway beyond, there was a shimmering, blue portal. "After you."

"And if I refuse?" Lenny retorted.

A huge paw fell on his shoulder, nearly consuming his entire upper arm. "You don't really have a choice," rumbled Othello.

Lenny was shoved towards the portal, quaking with fear. What little self-control he had was used to keep his bladder intact. Somehow, he still managed to hold onto the adoption papers. He kept imagining Gabe, Izzy and Migs... his family. He would never betray them and he just kept reminding himself, trying to prepare himself for the transformation that he knew was coming. He told himself that if he just held onto the thoughts of his family, he would not turn into a beast.

At least he hoped.

He passed through the portal, feeling a tiny tingling throughout his entire body as he crossed the boundaries of time and space for the briefest of moments and emerged into another location. Tubes filled with strange, green liquid bubbled all around him, twisting in convoluted patterns and coming together in strange, bizarre shapes. Smaller laboratory tables littered the area, each one with a hologram hovering over it showing a certain type of fur. He saw a massive equine, a canine of some sort with what looked like horns jutting from just between his ears, a lion with a thick, golden mane that melded almost perfectly into his tawny fur, a muscular seal swimming deftly through water, a stag with horns that had to have more than ten prongs and even a huge looking whale that looked like he was towering over countless skyscrapers. Amongst them, however, were the previous strains of Gene Stealers. He saw the hyena based Gnoll and the brutish Minos. Then there was the current strain, the big, muscular Ursa... but... the image shown looked like...

Lenny approached the table, looking at the enormous hologram of the panda standing proudly with his thick cock erect. "Gabe...?"

"That's right. Gabriel Ramos."

A hunched shark wandered over, coming to stand beside Lenny. Eyes wide, the waiter staggered away from the sharp-toothed man.

"Also known as Ursa," Shark Tamer said. "He possesses the power to infect others and transform them into bears such as himself through the transference of a special viral agent passed through touch. After he gives the mental signal for them to activate, the agent immediately works to change that person into what we refer to as 'Generation 3s'; Non-Original people capable of passing on their superpowers to others they infect."

Lenny could feel Gabe's paw on his shoulder and resisted the urge to brush at it for fear of the virus on him.

"Not to worry," the Gene Stealer's geneticist said. "Unlike the others, Gabriel is more than capable of controlling when and where he expels his virus. It took some training for Grizzly and his cubs to control theirs. I seriously doubt you have been infected. But we could run tests if you would like."

For some reason, that was little comfort. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I have an offer for you," answered Shark Tamer, flashing his enormous teeth at Lenny. "One far better than the adoption option that Gabriel has offered you."

Lenny instinctively hugged the papers to his chest making the Gene Stealer chuckle.

"Tell me, Leonard," Shark Tamer continued. "How much can you truly trust Gabriel after he has played a part in the Gene Stealer outbreak recently? Not just take part but willingly been the source of the infection?"

"He must have a reason..."

"Oh he did." Shark Tamer nodded his pointed head several times. "It was to save his sons." The Gene Stealer strode up to the table. A holographic keyboard sprang up for him to access and he began tapping away. The screen showing Gabe's intimidating form was replaced by the image of a man on his knees sobbing at the foot of Izzy and Migs' beds. "Did you know that Gabriel was, in fact, human before he was transformed? That's him there."

Lenny couldn't believe his eyes. The man kneeling at the base of foot of the bed looked nothing like Gabriel. He was skinny with hair that was ragged and long. Still the same black with greying temples as always but it wasn't the clean, youthful cut he had now. He didn't believe it.

"That's impossible. You're just trying to trick me for... for whatever it is that you want!"

Shark Tame let out a low chuckle. "Not even when you see this?"

The scene changed. 'Gabriel' was lying down on a metal table, strapped down. Shark Tamer hovered beside him, holding a syringe.

"Your powers are quite astounding, you know," said the geneticist. "The power to enhance any object you touch, making it more powerful, stronger. Such power is of great value to us. It could be used to help stabilise our Generations."

"I don't care," Gabe muttered, his voice actually sounding a little higher than his deep, bass. "You said that if I do this, you'll help my sons get better."

"Of course, of course," answered Shark Tamer soothingly. "Modern medicine has come very far but there are still boundaries that people are unwilling to cross."

"And you promise they won't get hurt?"

"No harm will come to them." Shark Tamer lowered the syringe against Gabe's arm. "In fact, they will feel better than they have ever felt before. If my theory is correct."

Gabe tried to sit up but could do little more than lift his head slightly. "Theory!?"

"I have never attempted to bring anyone back from a coma before. However, you can rest assured at my capabilities as a doctor. Now sit back, relax and enjoy."

"Enjoy?"

Shark Tamer pushed the plunger on the syringe, pushing the fluid into Gabe's arm. The human's eyes widened and for a moment, he looked like he was in incredible pain. Then, a strange glazed expression crossed his features and his eye lid fluttered. His hips began to buck wildly into the air. Loud groaning escaped him and it sounded like he was having one hell of an orgasm.

Lenny blushed as Gabe's cock began to form a pronounced tent in his pants, a pronounced wet spot appearing against the tan fabric. Gabe's feet which were left bare began to throb, his toes curling and uncurling with every buck of his hips. Toenails began go blacken and harden, growing to become sharp, black claws that pushed out ahead of the rest of his digits. Thick, black fur sprang up all over his foot, avoiding the locations where black, leathery pads sprang out and provided support. The bones along his foot grew and stretched, muscles growing and expanding until whatever shoe size he previously had would never have fit him.

"One would think the rapid growth of muscle and bones would be painful," Shark Tamer chuckled. "Agonisingly so. But the brilliance of the serum is that it overwrites neural signals. It actually changes the messages being sent and interpreted as pain to pleasure to the point where it causes sexual arousal."

Complementing the grinning geneticist's words, Gabe let out a loud moan, giving one more buck of his hips. His calves tore through the restraints holding him, thick, big, black logs of meat looking just about the same size as his thighs. The ridiculous proportions didn't last too long as the growth rolled up Gabe's quads. Every muscle group along his leg bulged and pushed out past his pants, leaving him with no clothing on his lower body. His cock slapped loudly against his chest while the thick veins on his enormous, tree trunk thighs were covered in layers of black fur. What restraints held him back were torn asunder. Gabe used the newfound freedom to press his enormous feet against the metal slab, giving him more leverage to prop his cock up and buck his hips.

"I don't quite understand why the change started with his feet to be honest," Shark Tamer admitted. "My own transformation started with my teeth. Spider Queen, who already had morphing abilities of her own, began with her abdomen. Wendigo's started at the site of injection, his arm. For Dragon Knight, it was his back when his wings came in. Gnoll's initial change began with his throat and Minos had his hands change first." The grinning shark shook his head in wonder. "I cannot help but wonder if it was all to Chimera's design or if the site of change has some significance to the person."

Taunting Gabe's constant arousal, the transformation began seeping up his arms. His hands suddenly went rigid, twitching occasionally. His long, thin fingers began to thicken into the big, meaty sausages they were now. Calluses build over years of handling knives and accidentally cutting himself turned into thick, leathery pads on his paws or were covered by the black fur that started from the back of his hand before spreading all over his forearms. The same black claws sprang from the tips of his fingers. Already thick forearms attributed to being a chef ballooned out, surging into thick, veiny instruments of raw strength with thick, cut definitions between each muscle only occasionally bridged by massive veins. Gabe let out a thunderous shout as he ripped his arms free of their restraints, his biceps becoming the enormous bowling balls they were now.

"It has been my observation that once the change spreads to over 50% of the body, the subject is all but consumed by it and any restraint they may have had is lost," Shark Tamer said. "The same can be said for all Originals and their subsequent Generations. I've done neural scans and of subjects changing and I that is the point when subconscious and consciousness merge. I wish I could run tests to verify if that is indeed the point where baseline superpowers develop but most of the time, the subject is too consumed in orgasmic bliss to have any rational thought."

Gabe let out another shout but this one was tainted by the beast he was becoming, deep, resounding and feral. With his huge paws, he seized the restraints on his head, tearing it away so that he could finally lift his head and gaze with wide eyes at the change spreading all over his body. The growth ballooned his shoulders and started to spread across his chest. The thin, flat chest surged outwards, straining the leather straps holding him there. Lenny could hear the leather groan in protest as twin mounds of muscle tore Gabe's shirt apart to reveal the massive, corded valley covered in thick, black fur on his chest. When the straps finally snapped free, his shirt fell away to reveal the cut abdominals covered in contrasting white fur.

"Quite frankly, I do not understand why for an Original, the genitals are always the last to change," Shark Tamer said. "I suppose there is some primal desire to make the pleasure last longer thus some form of control is exerted over the transformation. Or perhaps it is somewhat symbolic as that final orgasm is the breakdown of the barriers between man and beast."

And Gabe was orgasming, rapidly. Thick wads of cum were exploding from his cock, never once dwindling in size. In fact, it seemed that as more of the fur that covered Gabe's body and thick muscles built his torso into the V shape that he now bore, he only seemed to expel more and more of his seminal fluids. Cheeks burning in embarrassment, Lenny watched as Gabe's human features twisted and stretched into the soft, gentle features of the panda that he was now. But that gentleness was gone. His black eyes were simply feral and he snapped and gnashed with sharp fangs. His huge paws reached for his big, rump, pulling his legs up and drawing his cock closer and closer to his extended lips. Gabe's human cock lost all semblance of its former self as it became big, bright and pink, thicker than Lenny's forearm. The panda's big, furry balls jostled with each orgasm, his stubby tail wagging in unadulterated bliss. The fourteen inch, veiny member landed securely in Gabe's muzzle. Cum sprayed out from between Gabe's lips but the panda looked barely sentient as he lapped at his own cock, drinking in his seed with half-lidded eyes.

"I... That can't be real..." Lenny muttered. "Gabe... Gabe isn't like that... He isn't! I've known him for two years and the strain has only started recently!"

Shark Tamer threw his head back and laughed. "Naturally because we didn't let him begin until recently. Science requires experiments on different levels. Gnoll and Minos where part of the batch that were recently changed. They possessed incredible control over their abilities both on the transformative and superpowered levels but nowhere near any of the original Gene Stealers. Their Generations were also significantly weaker. Gnoll could only create Generation 2s after significant emotional stimulation. Minos' emotional state allowed him to create Generation 2s from the onset. But Gabriel, who was driven by the status of his sons and had time to become accustomed to his abilities was able to create Generations 3s."

"Well... Well..." Lenny stammered, looking for holes in Shark Tamer's explanation. "What about Migs and Izzy? They surely must've known that their dad wasn't a panda! And don't give me that old bullshit about retrograde amnesia or something! They're going to go to Mexico to see their family in a couple of weeks! Surely they'll know!"

There, Shark Tamer let out another laugh accompanied by the Grizzly Trio behind him.

"Do you honestly believe that Gabriel is going to reunite with his family?" answered the shark. "Think about it. Really think about it. What purpose does he have for having proposed to adopt you now of all times and then see his family weeks after his sons woke up and just as his restaurant is about to have a grand reopening? His restaurant would have to be open for two weeks before closing again." Shark Tamer fixed him with his big, black, beady eyes. "Think about it, Leonard. Why?"

He didn't need to... He already knew the answer. "He's going to skip town..."

"Exactly! I knew you were intelligent!" Shark Tamer threw his webbed hands up and laughed. "I believe his plan is to take you and his sons out of West California Island, away from our reach, tell you the truth and start a new life elsewhere. But rest assured, we can get to him whenever we want. Our reach extends far beyond the island."

"So... So what's keeping me form just going with him!?" demanded Lenny. "I want a fresh start!"

"No you don't."

The blunt statement struck the young man like a hammer.

"What you want, is revenge." The Gene Stealer tapped his chin absently. "Or, perhaps not revenge. Perhaps you want to stroke your ego. You want to go back to your parents a success. You want to show them that you did make it big _without_their help. You want to show Caleb Hale that he may be living the good life now but you will have it better. More over..." Shark Tamer's grin broadened. "You now want to show Gabe that you don't need his charity."

It hurt... but after knowing the truth, what Shark Tamer said hit home.

"You've lived your entire life relying on others," the Gene Stealer said, folding his hands behind his back. "You've relied on your parents to support you until they kicked you out. You've relied on Gabe to keep giving you a steady job even though you know he had a failing business. You even relied on Caleb Hale to feed you during Crossover." Straightening, Shark Tamer said, "No. What you want is the ability to stand on your own two feet without the help of anyone. You want to prove them wrong. You want to show them all that you are stronger than what you appear to be. You don't need their help."

Lenny's fists were shaking and he was scrunching up the paper in his hands. "And you can give that to me...?"

"Oh no. Gabriel can give it to you. He has the means." Shark Tamer turned back towards the screen. It showed a profile of Miguel and Ignacio. "You see, the cure I gave Gabriel to wake his sons was, in fact, a diluted version of the Ursa Strain virus that Gabriel produces. They have to take pills containing the same formula daily so that they can recover fully."

"But won't that...?"

The dark chuckle was answer enough. "Indeed. Generation 3s possess the same baseline superpowers as any other Generation, Original or super. I've exploited this fact to allow those two to recover from their coma. They need to take it daily to return to their full strength however, in the daily dose that they are taking, it will not change them. Should they ever overdose, even slightly however..." The villain's grin grew broader.

"So you want me to take all their pills?"

"Oh no. Of course not." Shark Tamer turned back to Lenny, his eyes gleaming. "You see, Original Serums merely grant the infection vector, form and baseline superpowers. It cannot grant anyone else superpowers unless they are emotional charged. What I want you to do is twofold." Shark Tamer held up two fingers. "And Gabriel already has the means to execute them both."

******

The doorbell rang.

Migs looked up while Izzy grunted beneath him. His younger brother propped the bench press bar on its supports and sat up, wiping his brow free of sweat. The two brothers waited for a moment as they peered at the door from their indoor gym in their dad's home. The large, single floor house was situated on the beachfront near Threshold Boulevard, close enough to the restaurant to be walking distance. They didn't have a beach side view but they still had lots of sunshine. It amazed Migs that his dad had managed to keep the house so clean all these years though his dad had admitted that if he couldn't pay the hospital bills, he was planning to get the two moved into this house.

The doorbell rang again.

"I'll get it," Migs said, patting his brother on the shoulder. "You get rid of that belly."

Izzy stuck his tongue out at him and picked up the two dumbbells sitting next to the bench. Ever since they had recovered, they were both hitting the gym hard, trying to build the muscles that had atrophied over the years. It amazed them both the progress they had made in two weeks. The pills his dad insisted they take every day apparently helped with their recovery.

For the third time, the doorbell rang.

Then it rang a fourth and fifth time in rapid succession.

"Okay! Okay! I'm coming!" Migs shouted. Then, under his breath, he added, "Asshole."

Pulled the door open.

Lenny suddenly barged in past him, panting heavily and looking dishevelled. "Is Gabe here?"

"What?" Migs asked, confused. "No. He went to the store to pick up some groceries. He was going to throw you a surprise party when you accepted our adoption offer." He then broke into a grin. "Guess it isn't much of a surprise now." When Lenny shot him a panicked look, Migs' mirth faded. "What's wrong?"

"Gabe is a Gene Stealer!"

Migs had heard of the Gene Stealers. They were the talk of the town and in bad way. Apparently, they transformed people into a certain type of fur, effectively raping their identities and turning them into insane, horny beasts with superpowers. The latest 'strain' was a bear strain apparently. "What?"

"Gabe is Ursa!" Lenny shook his head, gripping his temples. "He's the source of the latest outbreak!"

"Okay..." Migs began, regarding his would-be-brother dubiously. "Why don't you take a seat? You look like you haven't slept all night."

"I haven't!" exclaimed Lenny, charging into adjacent room where Izzy was just finishing his set. "I was kidnapped by Grizzly and taken to Shark Tamer who told me all about your dad!" He sat down on one of the benches, breathing very quickly. "Your dad was human! Then he was turned into a panda as part of the infection!"

Izzy set the bar back and sat up, frowning at Lenny. "Um... You'd think we'd remember if our dad was human or not." He flexed his pumped arms, already looking bigger. "I think I got some of bear in me!"

Migs rolled his eyes. Yes Izzy would make for one hell of a muscle gut guy if he kept at it but Izzy preferred to be ripped, lean and big. "Right." He turned back to Lenny, concern in his eyes. "Are you sure you weren't just having a dream?"

"I'll prove it!" Lenny exclaimed, leaping to his feet. "Where's your dad's room?"

Shrugging, Migs took Lenny to the master bedroom. Naturally, there was a fur king sized bed there as normal king sized beds just wouldn't fit furs of his dad's size. The moment they stepped inside, Lenny immediately stormed towards the bed and dove underneath it. There was some shuffling and then he re-emerged with a metal case in his hands, a code lock keeping the case shut.

"That our dad's," Izzy said, nodding towards the case. "He keeps all his memorabilia in there."

"And other things," Lenny said, eyeing the keypad warily. "If what Shark Tamer said is right... then the code is..." He tapped at the keyboard and hit 'Enter'. The keypad buzzed. The box popped open. It looked like Lenny was in as much doubt as the rest of them. Migs found his throat dry especially when Lenny turned the case towards them and gave it to Izzy. "Please... look in there. There should be two syringes filled with green liquid."

Izzy did not have to look far. The moment he opened it... there they were...

"What...?" began the youngest Ramos.

Lenny looked like his heart was breaking. "Those are the Original Serums given to your dad by Shark Tamer... to be used on you both."

"What!?" Migs exclaimed. "He wouldn't -"

Shaking his head, Lenny said, "He wouldn't. But that's the problem. Shark Tamer let me go as a warning. Your dad was part of this strain. He was the source of this strain. That trip to Mexico? He was planning to use it to tell us the truth and skip town." Lenny's eyes filled with pity. "I get why he did it. I understand that he wanted you to back. But the Gene Stealers will hold this over his head!"

Migs didn't need an introduction to blackmail. When he was having his rebellious streak, he had often blackmailed - or attempted to - blackmail his dad into letting them do something dangerous. It was petty things like going onto the antigravity ride at theme parks when Gabe said it was too dangerous and Migs would counter with Gabe having gone on it himself when he was younger. It never worked but he still tried.

"What do they want...?" he murmured.

"Your dad has dropped out of the Gene Stealers," Lenny answered, managing a shaky smile. "He's no longer part of them. But Shark Tamer will keep forcing him to do things for them. We can try to get away but they'll find us. When Shark Tamer finds out he hasn't used those serums on you two, he's going to demand something... more. He's go to threaten you guys. All of us."

Now he understood. Somehow, the Gene Stealers had learned of Lenny's upcoming adoption and how much Gabe cared about him. They had kidnapped the poor guy and set him back as way of a warning; they knew about the people he cared about and they will threaten them until Gabe did what they wanted.

And it would never end.

"Dad..." Migs murmured. He snatched the serums from the box.

"What are you doing!?" exclaimed Izzy.

Staring at the serums, Migs said, "I'm going to use these. I'll be as strong as dad. I don't know what it'll do to me but if we can use it to help him defend himself and the rest of the family" - he looked directly at Lenny - "then I will."

"Not alone you won't," snapped Izzy, taking one of the serums. "We'll help him protect himself together."

"Wait!" Lenny shouted, holding up his hands. He took the serums from both of them. "These are Original Serums. They will only give you the power to change others, baseline superpowers and the bear form. They won't give you superpowers. You won't be doing any protecting. You'll just put yourself in danger."

"Then what do you suggest!?" Migs snapped. "I'm not just going to let my dad get blackmailed over something he did to save us!"

Lenny pursed his lips. "Well... You know the pills you've been taking? They're apparently derived from your dad's infection abilities. It gives you temporary supernatural regeneration. That's how you've been able to build so much muscle and even come out of your coma."

The Ramos sons exchanged glances.

"So are you saying that if we take more than one of them per day...?"

"It might give you the superpowers you need to protect your dad," Lenny responded. His eyes dropped. "I... I don't know what the Gene Stealers are planning but, Grizzly is planning to attack the Twin Bridges. Isolate West California Island and keep your dad from leaving with us. It's meant to happen today..."

Migs turned and hurried back towards the gym. "Then we don't have much time." The pills were kept in a small canister beside the shelf where they kept their protein shakes. They were divided into two, one for himself and the other for Izzy. "Come on, let's go to the Bridges. We need to stop them before they destroy the place."

Lenny hiked his thumb over his shoulder. "I'll see if I can find Gabe. Which shopping centre is it?"

Izzy was already putting on a jacket. "It should be the one about four or five blocks away. Just keep going down this street. You'll find it. If he's not there, try the restaurant!"

******

The day after Crossover usually meant one thing; leftovers.

Though Lillian Hale made a habit of sending people off with as much leftovers as she could manage, there was also some for the immediate family. Breakfast that morning - after his morning run and exercise - consisted entirely of some reheated baked potatoes, slices of turkey and whatever else hadn't been ravaged by the Hales and their guests.

Caleb sat down at the breakfast table with the rest of his family, sore from his morning workout and feeling a little sick at the same time. After the coma-inducing dinner they had the previous night and then the rigorous morning routine his father placed upon them, he was constantly fighting the urge not to throw up. Thankfully, as it was a weekend, he wasn't under any pressure to stay in bed. Though he suspected his dad would have some crazy training routine arranged from him.

The food, while mouth-watering, didn't help. He was a little jealous of how his father and brother easily devoured their meal with the usual Hale vigour on the account of their superpowers likely preventing any sort of nausea.

Still, he was loathed to show any weakness and ate just a tad slower than everyone else.

"Hey dad," Leon said abruptly. "I dropped out of college and enrolled in police academy."

David, who had been sipping his morning coffee at the time, choked and spat the contents of his muzzle all over Abby. The recently engaged let out a loud cry as the hot fluids soaked into her fur.

Caleb had a muzzle full of turkey at that point and he almost spat it in shock at Lance his mother who sat across from him. He somehow managed direct the volley onto his plate before giving Leon a stunned look.

"You what!?" David roared, shaking the whole house.

"I want to make a difference," Leon responded, paws balled into fists. "Lance is out fighting supervillains. You're training Arsenal. Caleb is part of Arsenal. Abby is a lawyer and mom is helping run this state."

"But a police officer!?" David blurted. "Now of all times when people are being turned into crazy, superpowered psychos!? Do you know how many police officers get infected!? You're putting yourself in danger!"

Leon remained adamant and kept his head held up high. "I won't be able to help people if they're not in danger."

David growled at his son, ears folded back and hackled raised. He picked up a spoon specifically so that he could bend it in his paw in a sign of strength. "That's just stupid!"

"Do you want to know what's even stupider!?" shouted Leon. "I've got a dad that's a renowned superhero, a twin brother that's his protégé and an adopted younger brother who is an Outsider! All of you are working to save this city and I'm stuck here, at home, studying to be a personal trainer! How do you think that makes me feel!?"

David slowly got up, his looming form still intimidating despite Leon and Lance being about his size when it came to muscle. The two were actually slightly taller than David but he was still their dad which added an extra foot or two. "It makes you feel that in a family of people with powers, you're left out and it's your hope that if you can be a police officer and get infected by a Gene Stealer, you'll get a power just like them."

Caleb jerked his head back towards Leon, mentally wondering if that was the case. Leon seemed to genuinely want to help people. Surely he wasn't so selfish as to put himself in danger to get powers just so that he could be on the same level as the other males of the family. He wasn't that shallow... was he?

"I don't want powers," Leon growled. The way he glanced around the table as if he was checking to see if anyone believed him wasn't very convincing though. "I just want to be more than the guy that became a personal trainer when compared to you, Lance or Caleb."

Abby sat back down with an exaggerated sigh. "If it makes you feel any better, it's not like I or mom have any powers."

"But you're girls," Leon replied. "You wouldn't understand."

"Oh I understand perfectly," Abby retorted. "It's your puny, testosterone poisoned mind is all about being macho and not looking weak in comparison to your siblings. You feel emasculated because when it comes down to you, it's not like you can pick on Caleb anymore or lead Lance around anymore. Suddenly, you're on the bottom rung of the guys."

"Abby..." Lillian began.

"No mom," she responded, lifting a paw and also rising out of her seat. "Leon needs to hear this." Her eyes darted back to the eldest of the twins. "You've been at the top of the ladder for far too long and now that everyone is moving on, growing stronger and becoming better, you're scared that your status is being usurped."

"I'm not that shallow!" Leon shouted.

"Yes you are," Abby countered. "Why else couldn't you be content with being a personal trainer or professional bodybuilder? That's all you've ever wanted to be since high school. Suddenly, when the status quo changes and it isn't enough to have the biggest body and biggest cock, you change your goals to 'helping people'. And yes, I saw you and Lance measuring each other. FYI, Caleb is catching up. I think every time he changes, it adds like an inch or an inch and a half to his cock size."

"Abby!" Lillian and Caleb cried in unison.

Ignoring them both, Abby continued, "It's always been my dream to be a lawyer. I'm going to stick to that. I'm happy for my brothers who are out there saving people but I'm not going to grow jealous over their abilities and stick with my own."

Leon slammed his paw on the table. "I'm not jealous!"

"Yes you are!"Abby folded her arms. "You can spout some garbage at me that dreams change and whatever but I know what you're thinking. I can see it in your eyes. Don't think I haven't noticed the jealous stares you throw Lance whenever he comes out of morning training pumped, stinking and sweaty. And those motorcycle lessons you got just so you can drive Ballistic, _pretending_you're Caleb? Yeah, I saw through that too. You're jealous of them. And it's keeping you from being who you want to be. You're building your life after them. Not your own."

Leon was about to retort when several phones began ringing. Caleb was glad that it wasn't 'Waiting for You' but the fact that David and Lance's phones both rang as well was far from encouraging.

Caleb plucked his phone and answered it.

"Caleb! Thank god you picked up! You've got to come help!"

"Lenny?" he responded. "What's wrong?"

"I... I'm here at the restaurant..." Lenny was sobbing. "G - Gabe is here too but... but they have him."

David and Lance were both wearing stunned expressions on their faces and they were talking hurriedly into their phones. "They? They who?"

"G - Gene Stealers... Sh - Shark Tamer kidnapped me... as a warning to Gabe. I... I tried to warn him but... But... oh god... They caught us... He... He says to come here or he'll... If you don't come within the hour... He's... He's going to... Oh god..."

"Why me?" Caleb asked shakily.

"B - Because he says you're Weapons Master... Please, Caleb... I don't want to..."

The line went dead.

His father and Lance were both watching him closely.

"Lenny has just been captured by Shark Tamer," he announced, immediately rising out of his seat. "He told me to come alone to Hero Taco."

Lance waved his phone lightly. "Grizzly has just reappeared with his sons at the Twin Bridges along with two others with new powers we haven't encountered before. They're tearing up the bridges. There are hundreds of people on them.

"I'm sending Lars to accompany you," David said, quickly navigating his phone. "Go save Lenny. Catch up with us at the Twin Bridges when you can."

******

"It's a massacre here, Tom. Grizzly and his sons are chasing down civilians trapped on the bridges and infecting in the most humiliating way possible. Grizzly is all alone on the North Bridge while his sons, Odin and Othello, are on the South. To make matters worse, there are two new Gene Stealers of the bear strain making their way towards them..."

Caleb's heart was pumping in his chest. The radio chatter over his helmet all spoke of the attack on the Twin Bridges, the only land-based commercial passage to the Californian mainland. There were still ferries available but if the bridges were taken down, the Island would effectively be isolated. It would mean the residents of the island would be trapped with several Gene Stealers plus the Original wherever he may be.

Then there were these two unknown Gene Stealers...

What were their powers? Where did they come from?

Caleb pushed it all out of his mind as he roared down the heavily packed streets towards Threshold Boulevard. People had stopped in the middle of the street to crowd around televisions in shop windows or gaze up at the jumbo screens hanging over buildings. Many no doubt wondered why Weapons Master was shooting off in the opposite direction of the disaster but he didn't pay them any mind.

Gabe and Lenny were in trouble.

"God, they're destroying everything!" exclaimed the reporter in Caleb's ear. "One of the new Gene Stealers seems to be able to convert anything he touches into... into gelatine. Wait! Here comes the Elemental Alliance! It looks like Feral Fang is coming with his own group."

"What of the other Gene Stealer, Trisha?" demanded the host. "Where is he? What is his powers?"

"He seems to be controlling some golden, sticky fluid... It's everywhere. People are getting stuck to it. They can't escape."

A blur of blue flames suddenly came into Caleb's vision. Lars tapped one ear and Caleb immediately switched frequencies.

"Shark Tamer, huh?"

"Shake Tamer," Caleb confirmed. "One of the big five. If he's anywhere near as important as Dragon Knight, then we could severely hamper their efforts if we defeat him here."

"Doesn't it worry you that they know who you are? They captured Lenny and told him that you were Weapons Master..."

"I think they already knew who I was." Caleb thought back to the time he and the rest of his friends had taken a small break in the mountains of Canada. They had been attacked by Minos' goons. Shark Tamer had then called Caleb on his phone. How he got that number was never revealed. "I guess it's only now that they decided to act on it."

Lars was silent for a long while as zoomed onto Threshold Boulevard which was mostly abandoned at this time in the morning. Those that were on the streets were hurrying off in another direction, likely to their own homes. Caleb parked Ballistic in front of Hero Taco. The normally clear windows were blocked by dozens of upturned tables and chairs. It was impossible to see inside.

As he got off Ballistic and took off his helmet, he considered which weapon to bring. Putting either Lenny or Gabe at risk of infection and at Shark Tamer's mercy wasn't an option. He couldn't go in there and look armed to the teeth. Besides, there were plenty of things in the restaurant that he could grab and quickly turn into a weapon to defend himself.

"Need me to go in with you?" Lars asked, coming to land beside him.

"I'm about to face one of the longest running Gene Stealers in history," Caleb responded with a shaky smile. "If I wasn't such a macho man, I'd ask you to carry me in there."

Lars gave him a light nudge forward, smiling very softly. He too was nervous. They both knew the Gene Stealers were more than capable of infecting supers and Outsiders. They just chose not to. Caleb was running the scenarios of either him or Lars becoming infected through his mind, wondering if he would still be able to hold onto his sanity after becoming... whatever it was that they would turn him into.

Drawing on his reserved of courage and focusing only on keeping Gabe and Lenny safe. He took a deep breath, counted to ten... and pushed open the door. The soft ringing of the chimes made him wince and the darkness of the restaurant sent a chill down his spine. Only soft rays of light sprayed through the cracks in the barricade, letting him see the small particles of dust that caught the light. None of the lights were on save for the one in the kitchen which cast an ominous glow into the dining area.

There was a solitary figure seated on a chair in front of the kitchen. By his size and build, it was definitely Lenny.

"Lenny?" he began softly.

"You came." The fear and sobbing was gone from Lenny's voice. There was a dark, sinister edge to his words. "You know, I didn't want to believe it. After all I was told, about Gabe being the Original, how he sold out the city just so that he could get his sons back and how he had planned to skip town with us, never to return... I honestly thought that what Shark Tamer told me about you was a lie. I hoped it was a lie. Because if that was a lie then I wouldn't have reason to trust him."

Caleb stopped his approach. Something was definitely wrong. Gabe was nowhere to be seen. Neither was Shark Tamer. "What did Shark Tamer tell you?"

Lenny suddenly got up. He was unrestrained. The light from the miniscule breaks in the window showed the fury on his face. "That you're Weapons Master! That Gabe - our Gabe - is the Original, is Ursa! Those people that changed? They all came to this restaurant! That runner that became the first? That dad and two kids that infected the bowling alley? And that idiot who infected a whole building!? They all ate here! And it was all because of Gabe!"

"What...?"

"Put it all together, Outsider," Lenny snarled. "Gabe has been keeping a big secret from us. He's changed those people so that he could get some cure for his sons from Shark Tamer. Dozens of lives could very well be ruined because of what he did." Lenny lifted two fingers. "Just for his two sons."

There was a glint of something metal in Lenny's other hand and Caleb flinched at the sight of the dart gun; the same kind that had originally turned him into a hyena.

"Now Gabe wants to leave town, leave this all behind without doing anything about the damage he's caused. And you know the best part?" Lenny laughed bitterly as he shook his head. "He isn't even going to get away with it." Waving a hand around the restaurant, Lenny said, "Gabe is a loose end for the Gene Stealers. They can't have him running around rogue. Someday, his conscience will get the better of him and he's going to come clean. The Gene Stealers can't have that."

Suddenly, the absence of Gabe made horrifying sense. "What did you do?" Caleb growled.

"What I had to do," came the dark answer, "so that I could stand on my own two feet without the need for charity." He lifted the dart gun directly at Caleb. They were just about fifteen feet away. There was no way he would be able to dodge that. "I convinced both Izzy and Migs to overdose on the pills their dad gave them to keep growing strong. They're really just diluted versions of Gabe's virus that turns people into bears. If they follow their instructions and just take one a day, they'll get temporary regeneration for the day, just enough to get their bodies up to the same level they were at before they went under. Maybe even more if they keep working out like I saw them doing. But if the overdose..."

Caleb's eyes widened.

"Those two new Gene Stealers..."

"That's right," Lenny chuckled, a sinister smile on his face. "And you saw how people are like right after they first change. They're wild. Uncontrollable. So when they go off to stop Grizzly from destroying the bridges, chances are, they'll end up destroying it themselves. That'll make them public enemy number one."

"Why?" Lars demanded. "Why would you destroy everything Gabe has worked for? Didn't he give you a job? Didn't he help you get back on your own two feet?"

"I was his fucking charity case!" Lenny shouted. "I was practically his substitute son while his real sons were down and out! Now he wants to take me away, keep me safe? Please. Shark Tamer already showed that he can make Gabe's life a living hell. No way am I going to live that life. I am not going to live my life on the run. I am going to take the opportunity that Gabe was given and do with it what he should have done!"

Caleb was slowly inching towards the refrigerator of drinks. Lenny's eyes were on Lars but when they switched back, Caleb stopped moving. "You're saying that Gabe sold out the city for his sons. You're going to sell out the city for your own selfish needs. How is that any better?"

"It's not," Lenny sneered. "But at least I won't be telling people that I care about them and while keeping secrets from them." His eyes narrowed dangerously. "Just like how you kept the fact that you're Weapons Master a secret from me!"

"How is that even relevant!?" Caleb shouted. "Okay, Gabe is the cause of the mayhem that has occurred and I have a beef with him but on some level, he was doing it for his sons. Me, I barely even know you! We've working with each other three or four days out of the week for less than a month and I invited you to Crossover. All of the sudden I'm expected to just blurt out that I'm Weapons Master?"

Shaking his head, Lenny said, "You don't get it, do you? You should feel angrier than anyone! He betrayed you!"

The truth of Lenny's words stung. More than anything, he wanted to believe that Lenny was lying or had been tricked by Shark Tamer. Gabe was not that kind of person. He was a devoted father, yes, but surely he wouldn't go to the lengths of forcibly transforming others as part of experiments for the Gene Stealers. He spoke about regret and not letting it rule your life and using it to make yourself stronger. This couldn't be what he meant.

Caleb chose to believe that Lenny was just deluded.

"You know what? I do feel pissed but that's not going to change the fact that we're here, right now and you're feeling betrayed." He held up his paws. "I get that. But there's no taking back what's happened."

Lenny offered him a smile that was far from encouraging. "You're right. There is no taking it back. We can only use it to make ourselves stronger."

That silvery dark gun suddenly turned away from Caleb, its muzzle pointed directly at Lenny's other arm. Caleb gave a shout and Lars was already moving but both of them were too late. There was a soft poof and a thud. Lenny's scrawny arm recoiled from the impact and the shot. A triumphant grin was plastered on his face even as Lars collided with him and sent him crashing against the wall.

"What have you done!?" Lars bellowed.

"Made myself stronger," growled Lenny, his eyes wide. "So that no one will ever_have to take pity on me ever again and make me their goddamn charity case!" His gaze flicked over to Caleb. "And there's something you should have learned about me by now Hale..." Lars suddenly went rigid, his eyes wide in horror. "I _always carry a spare."

Lenny let out a booming laugh as his body began to convulse. Lars dropped him to the ground as the Doberman staggered away from him. Like Lenny, his eyes were wide but instead of triumph, they were filled with horror.

"Caleb..." Lars began. He turned on the spot, his paws wrapped around his stomach... where another dart was implanted.

The shock of the situation dawned on Caleb far too quickly and all he could muster was, "No..."

Lars suddenly doubled over, letting out a loud grunt. There was pain on his features. He fell to his knees, clutching his chest. His grunt exploded into a loud cry of agony, a start contrast to Lenny's deepening laughter. Caleb was too paralysed to even move towards his boyfriend. It was like being at the photo shoot all over again and he was just watching himself from the corner of the room, frozen and with a look of shock on his face.

Another shout erupted from Lars but it was different from the previous cry. One look at the struggling Doberman's face and Caleb could see the conflict in the creases of his brow and the gnashing of his fangs. He remembered what the transformation felt like, both of them. It was amazing, orgasmic. Every fibre of his being wanted to let go, cut loose and either laugh like a maniac or charge at the walls like an out of control eighteen wheeler. It was a beast he had to struggle with every time he equipped one of his persistent weapons and changed. For Lars, it was his first time changing and he was struggling valiantly against the primal instincts that were rising deep within him and taking over.

Lars pulled his paws away from his stomach, having to catch his weight on the floor. The impact smashed the tiles beneath him to bits. Right before Caleb's eyes, the short, black fur that covered his body began to lengthen, thicken and become more ragged. Big, veiny paws built over years of holding a football grew bigger, thicker and more savage. Claws that had to be clipped due to football regulations lengthened into big, black scythes capable of tearing a man in half. Already thick forearms surged outwards, straining against Lars' uniform until they tore through, leaving shreds on the floor.

"Run!" Lars howled. "Run Caleb! Run!" His last cry turned into a lustful howl and his newly transformed paws went straight for his crotch, his cock already big and plump from the change. He bucked his hips lewdly, each jolt causing his chest to become bigger and bigger, pulling his shirt apart right down the middle. The thick, brown fur that sprang up was a contrast to the black that covered the rest of his body. As he fell onto his rear, his back arched in a mix of pain and pleasure, the thick, brown hairs spread all the way down his abdominals, seemingly spearheading the growth and tearing the rest of his shirt down the middle, exposing his hard, cut abdominals that only grew and grew and grew to the until each, single muscle was the size of Caleb's fists.

Lars desperately tore at his pants, his enlarged claws exposing his thick, black, erect cock. A loud series of whimpering escaped him as the changes began scrawling up his neck, adding width and mass to it. His beautiful, enchanting voice became lost in a series of animalistic grunts and growls. The long muzzle of a Doberman twisted into the broad shape of an ursine, his canine features broadening, perked ears rounding off into a rounder shape. The same thick, ragged fur covered his features. He gave Caleb one last desperate look, his soft brown eyes pleading for Caleb to leave.

That one last look triggered the strength Caleb needed to move. He pulled himself from his frozen state, tearing away at the invisible manacles that held him down and fell to his knees beside Lars. The transforming Doberman swatted at him. A massive arm as thick as Caleb's leg slammed into the wolf's chest. With barely any restraint, Caleb took the full brunt of Lars' superpowers. He curled up against Lars' arms in an almost cartoonish fashion. The wall collided with his back, all his breath rushing out from his lungs with a splash of blood.

Lars' legs lashed out. His right bulged out, momentarily stiffening as it exploded out of his pants. His left followed after. Lars' eyes were closed shut but it was no longer in agony, all forms of resistance were gone and his lips were curled to let out pleasured moans. He rolled onto his stomach, propping himself up on his forearms and knees. His massive paw seized his cock.

With one last roar he arched his back. Cum erupted from his huge, fourteen inch cock, the thick, veiny, black member about as thick as a beer can. The flood of white, sticky fluids splashed up against the thick fur on his chest. Lars licked his lips, letting out a soft humming noise as he collapsed onto his side and rubbed the cum deep into his thick chest fur. When his paws touched his big, pink, erect nipples, he let out another moan and his cock jerked in response, dropping another thick wad of cum onto the floor.

"Lars...?" Caleb whimpered, barely able to breathe. It felt like he had a few broken ribs. He glanced around briefly. Lenny was gone, thankfully. Where he had gone, he could only speculate but he had better have run _really_far. "Lars... tell me you're in there..."

The big, black and brown bear groggily rose to his feet, the floor creaking beneath his massive weight. Lars had to be at least six hundred pounds of pure, ursine muscle. He was a god amongst bears. At his eleven foot height, he towered even over Caleb's hyena and bull forms. Those deep, black eyes fell on Caleb, regarding him... curiously.

"Lars...?"

The bear roared at him, shaking the entire restaurant with his voice alone. Caleb whimpered and before he knew it, he was being thrown onto his stomach, huge claws tearing at his pants and ripping into his hide. He felt the heat radiating from Lars' cock hovering over his back, the wads of precum falling onto his shirt and soaking into his exposed fur.

"No... Not like this," he begged. "Lars... Not like this!"

The bear just roared, silencing him. Caleb instinctively curled his tail over his rump. A massive paw seized it and yanked it away angrily.

"Lars..."

WHAM!

Suddenly, the bear was flung back, crashing through the kitchen door. There was a loud clattering of metal pants and pots. Big paws seized Caleb's arms and pulled him to his feet. In the darkness and through the bleary veil of his teary eyes, he couldn't see who his rescuer was.

All he knew was that whoever it was, held him against his strong chest...

... and told him that it would be alright.

"Everything will be alright, son. Everything will be alright. I got you."