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Chapter III: Horsepower

Chimera.

The Chimera.

Leader of the Gene Stealers and undisputed all around supervillain that had been the source of all the Originals and their Gens in the past year that Caleb had to deal with. The bane of Caleb's existence and the single person that he could blame for almost everything that had gone wrong with his life.

And he was here.

Caleb wasn't sure whether he should be scared, angry or confused.

To date, Chimera had never made an appearance before, always remaining in the shadows and just being mentioned by name by other Gene Stealers. Now he had taken to the field. It was a bold move akin to pushing the queen out into the middle of the battlefield in a game of chess. There was no arguing that Chimera was the strongest of the Gene Stealers but if he were to get captured…

Caleb growled, fangs bared as a pack of ghostly hyenas appeared behind him, ready to pounce at his command. Chimera scoffed at him, his features hidden in a constant black blur. Whether it was magical or some sort device, Caleb wasn't sure. Those big, black wings were incredibly intimidating, however.

“You're not nearly as strong with your weapon as you ought to be."

“What do you know!?" Caleb shouted and thrust his paws forward. Bones erupted from either side of Chimera, shooting towards him. The Gene Stealer Leader just held up Jacob and Caleb was forced to stop his assault. “Coward!" he sneered. “Hiding behind a hostage!"

Again, Chimera let out a deep, rumbling laugh of derision. He ignored Caleb's accusations and turned Jacob to face him. “I was worried when you made your appearance. You were not part of the plan. Arsenal should be facing the Genesians and the Gene Stealers at the same time, not delegating it to some wannabe superhero with admittedly incredible powers but a childish mind."

Jacob flashed him a shaky grin even though he currently had the scaly tendril wrapped around his neck and just barely keeping himself from being suffocated. “So glad I threw a wrench in your masterplan."

“Hardly. You just forced me to adapt and that is what the Gene Stealers do best."

Chimera lifted Jacob into the air and –

SMASH!

“Jake!" Caleb cried. Even he had to wince as Chimera lifted the black wolf back into the air and slammed him hard against the tank beneath them. There was a sickening crunch with the first impact. Chimera just lifted him into the air once more before bringing him down again and again until a dent started to form in the tanks armour plating.. Jacob, unconscious and bleeding, was unceremoniously hurled into a nearby building, crashing through the walls and out of view.

“Shit…" Caleb growled. His eyes darted back towards Chimera, fists balled in anger. “You'll pay for that!"

“Perhaps someday," answered Chimera arrogantly. “But not today. Today, I seek to remind the world that the Gene Stealers are still very much alive and well and Arsenal, the Elemental Alliance and the fools that stopped the Genesians are little more than stepping stones to our ultimate goal."

“And what would that be?"

The mysterious Gene Stealer laughed softly. “If you think that you will get me on a monologue about my ultimate plan…" Chimera shut his one eye and let out another soft chuckle. “You will need to earn that right. For now…"

Another tentacle sprang up from deep within the darkness of his coat, seizing Ronald Price around the waist and pulling him up in front of the Gene Stealer.

Caleb too a step forward. “Hey! Let him go!"

Again, he was ignored and Chimera turned his gaze towards the supervillain. “Ronald Price. Once a multibillionaire tycoon, presidential candidate and now turned into a right wing supervillain extremist. You've had some rather colourful things to say about me and my Gene Stealers haven't you?" Chimera drew the struggling human closer until they were almost nose to nose. “Now is your chance to say it to my face."

To his credit, Price didn't back down.

“You and your kind are just filling this country of ours with filthy, smelly furs! You're terrorists! That's all you are! Terrorists! You're raping our citizens of their identity! You're turning them into freaks! I swear, if it takes every last penny I have, I will make you pay for all the good, hard-working, red-blooded American lives you've taken!"

Even Caleb had to groan halfway through the tirade.

“A somewhat noble and amusing sentiment," Chimera said. “But I doubt many people will take you seriously after you've become a 'freak' yourself."

Price's eyes went wide and he seized Chimera's tentacle. “You wouldn't dare!"

“Let him go!" Caleb roared. The bone spikes around Chimera lurched forward again but stopped before they could do any damage. As annoying and infuriating Price could be, he didn't want to risk the supervillain's life. He had killed before and that hadn't left a very good impression on him.

“Trust me, Price. I would dare very much." Chimera's blue eye narrowed on the villain.

Price's tubby body suddenly went rigid, his arms dropping away from where they desperately tried to pry Chimera's tentacle away from his waist. They arched back, stretching to the limit of their lengths. Wide, flabby legs contained within gaudy slacks twitched and was wracked with spasms. Price let out a terrified scream but even as he did so, his eyes rolled into the back of his head, his jaw fell open slack and a tent began forming on his pants.

Fear crept through Caleb's veins, turning them into ice and freezing his muscles in place. As Chimera silently worked Caleb felt powerless as the human in his grip twisted and warped into a new shape. Price however was crying out in a mixture of pain and lust as his very being was being overwritten. The sudden reality of what was happening soon began to dawn on Caleb. This was the awesome power Chimera held. Just a look and the Gene Stealer could mutate anyone.

Perhaps… even him, an Outsider.

Price's hunched over, his hands seizing Chimera's tentacle for support. Two large protrusions began poking up from his suit just behind his shoulder blades. They squirmed and twisted, stretching the red, white and blue fabric as they continued to grow. A cry left Price's lips but it wasn't the cry of one in pain, it was a cry of primal arousal and raw power.

Rrrrrip!

Caleb staggered back as two, big, brown wings suddenly exploded from the supervillain's back, spreading broadly and even rivalling Chimera's own black appendages.

“What the…?" Weapons Master began, staggering back in shock. “What is he turning into…?" High above, he saw news helicopters hovering, catching the entire scene… and how he was paralysed to do anything.

Price's hand twisted into claws. Hard, yellow scales pushed out of his skin, consuming his palms and fingers. Vicious black talons erupted from his fingertips, raking across Chimera's flesh but incapable of drawing blood on the Gene Stealer Lord's flesh. His forearms bulged, biceps surging outwards and stretching the remnants of his suit. The supervillains potbelly began bubbling away, all that mass being used to feed the spontaneous muscle growth occurring all over his body. His shoulders broadened and thickened as muscles and nerves connected to the strong back muscles that supported those huge, brown wings. His chest ballooned out, pectorals clearly seen through his suit. One by one, his suit's buttons flew off, shooting past the impassive Chimera until –

Rrrrrip!

Price's pecs burst from their confines, buttons flying everywhere. Thick, brown feathers covered his perfectly defined torso including a wall of abdominal muscles. His arms shredded through the sleeves of his suit and driven by primal instinct, he used his new talons to tear them off his body, revealing more brown feathers covering his skin. Price threw his head back, thrashing it back and forth, roaring. His talons ripped through his gaudy tie, tossing it aside. The tie seemed to act like the last barrier between his head and the rest of his body. The moment it was tossed aside, feathers began springing up from his flesh, this time, they were white.

Caleb's jaw dropped as he watched Price's lips harden, transforming into a flexible but still skull-crushing, golden beak. The beak thrust forward, consuming the majority of his face while the white feathers spread all over his features. His hair dropped from his skull, leaving him utterly bald save for the coat of white feathers.

Price began kicking out wildly. Each lash caused his thighs and calves to surge with new strength. There was no denying he was enjoying the transformation either as he also thrust his hips. His quads burst from the confines of his slacks, covered in brown feathers and ripped like a bodybuilder's. With the slacks loosened, his dick was free to burst free, coming out as a big, bright, pointed member supported by two, heavy, feathery balls. Black talons rocketed out from his polished, black shoes, taloned feet akin to a bird's shredding the rest of the black leather into nothing. His meaty calves discarded the last bit of clothing from his body. The mighty bald eagle spread his wings, letting out a tarrying screech while his dick blasted out the last bits of humanity out of him. The seed splattered against Chimera who just stood there, uncaring.

The Gene Stealer released Price, the supervillain-turned-eagle collapsed to his claws and knees, panting heavily.

“Holy shit…" Caleb whispered, backing away in terror.

“This is the power you are competing against, Weapons Master," Chimera rumbled. The young wolf froze upon realising that Chimera's gaze was upon him, that transformative gaze. “All the Original Serums come from my power. They do exactly what I can do with their advantage being that they can be administered without my presence. Should I wish, I can transform all of West California Island, indeed the world into Gene Stealers!"

For emphasis the villain spread his wings and arms wide. His gaze lifted to catch the camera of a hovering news copter. “You are all saved from that fate because I decree it so. Know this, all of you, I am showing mercy. Superhero, supervillain, family man, housewife, child, teenager of elderly, I do not come to you now and twist your genes because I simply do not wish to do so." He raised a fist at the camera. “You portray the Gene Stealers as villains, attempt to elevate us to the rank of supervillains. You will not leave us in peace to our experiments. Very well then. Consider this our entrance into the world of supervillainy."

Behind him, a shimmering blue oval of light appeared and through it, Dragon Knight could be seen as well as the other Gene Stealers, Shark Tamer, Wendigo and Spider Queen.

“Fear!" Chimera declared. “I can come into your homes, your workplaces and even your own secret sanctuaries at any time I wish. You are not safe. None of you are. Your government cannot save you. Your superheroes cannot protect you. Not even the mighty supervillains will be able to give you salvation. Take this message and spread it far and wide!"

Chimera turned his back to the camera, stepping through the shimmering portal. He glanced over his shoulder and spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.

“The Gene Stealers have arrived."

Another pair of brown wings suddenly blocked Caleb's view of the portal.

Price had gotten up. “You sonofabitch!"

The portal quickly closed as the bald eagle lunged forward, talons extended. The massive avian spun around, regarding his huge clawed hands and muscular physique, eyes wide in confusion and fear.

“Urgh…" Jacob said, striding up beside Caleb and rubbing the back of his head. “What did I miss? Who's the guy with delicious looking drumsticks?"

“That…" Caleb swallowed. “That would be Ronald Price… Chimera… Chimera…"

Price's eyes lifted towards them, eyes blazing in fury. “Chimera made a mistake. He just gave me the power to take what I want!" A manic smile crossed his beak and he flexed his huge, thick arms and spread his mighty wings. “I always had the mind and heart of a true patriot! But now I have the body of one! This is what America's leader should look like! I AM AMERICA!"

Jacob grimaced. “So… America is an overly sexualised bodybuilding fur with immense genitalia? Huh… Yeah, that sounds about right."

“Mock me if you will!" laughed Price. “But now I am unstoppable!"

“Price!" Caleb shouted, stepping forward. “Listen to me! Chimera's powers aren't meant to work on normal people without superpowers! They only work on Outsiders! If what he said is true and the Original Serums work exactly the same as his powers then –"

The eagle suddenly launched into the air and came crashing back down in front of his tank, causing the asphalt beneath him to crack and shatter. Caleb didn't realise just how big the guy was until he got a good look at the massive 8'8'' eagle. With an enormous wingspan as well, he was simply titanic!

“I am not Ronald Price." The muscled self-styled epitome of America flexed once more. “I am the Patriot!"

“And now he's given himself a supervillain name…" Jacob sighed. “Wonderful." He tapped Caleb's shoulder lightly. “Hey listen, will it be considered unpatriotic of me to kick the ass of a bald eagle?"

Caleb ignored him and took another step forward. “Listen to me, Price. I know it feels good now. Trust me. I've been in your shoes. The power. The strength. The arousal. It's intoxicating, I know. But you didn't have any powers. You weren't an Outsider or a super! Your body is going to start tearing itself up soon! You need to calm down and let us help you!"

The Patriot's eyes darted towards him, a dark smile on his beak. “Trying to talk me out of doing what's right for America, are you? Typical filthy, stinking fur. I am going to spread my message all over these glorious United States! And then, the world!"

“Get down!" Jacob suddenly shouted. He tackled Caleb to the ground as the Patriot flared his wings. Brown feathers swept out from his wings, launching in all directions. Stiff as steel, they embedded themselves into walls, concrete and even the armour of the fallen soldiers around him.

“You're hurting your own people!" Caleb cried.

Price smirked at him. “Am I?"

Loud groans and lusty cries rose all around them. Caleb got up in horror. Members of Price's little private army began tearing off their armour. One man threw down his helmet and let out an unholy screech, his lips thrusting forward into a golden beak. Brown wings blasted out from their backs, hands and feet turning into claws.

“This… this is bad," Jacob muttered. He flicked his wrists and two, yellow daggers appeared in his paws.

“Don't hurt them!" Caleb insisted. “They've become infected but there are still people under there!"

“People, who a minute ago, were trying to shoot us."

The bald eagles spread their wings and rose into the air, screeching and circling them in a tight flock, massive muscled bodies and broad wings nearly blocking out the sun.

“Focus on the big guy," Caleb ordered. “Price is the only Original here and he's got a superpower, whatever it is. The sooner we take him out, the sooner he can't figure out what it is."

“You mean the whole 'hurling blade-like feathers' isn't his superpower."

Caleb swept his arms upwards and a dome of bone spikes immediately sprang up around them. Just in time. Another swarm of feathers battered against the barrier, one even slicing right through and embedding itself in the asphalt beside Caleb's right foot.

“Somehow, I doubt it," the Outsider said. “They can all do that."

“Alright then," began Jacob, flipping his daggers in his paws. “I'll ground the bastards. Use your bones and hyenas to hold them down and cover my back. We take care of Price afterwards. Agreed?"

“Agreed."

“On three?"

Caleb curled is paws into fists. “One."

Crackling golden lightning danced around Jacob's paws, originating from his daggers. “Two."

Jacob let out a roar. Golden bolts erupted from him and shattered the bone barrier, sending electrified shards of ivory scattering in all directions. “Three!"

With so many eagles in the air, they couldn't efficiently dodge the storm of lightning-charged bones. Several of them were struck, their bodies wracked with spasms as the lightning paralysed their limbs. They toppled to the ground where a cage of bone was awaiting them. The bones curled around their bodies, holding perfectly in place. Some managed to recover just a few feet from the air. Ghostly hyenas quickly tackled them to the ground before the same bone cages sprang up and held them down.

Jacob spun and hurled his daggers at more of the eagles. They stabbed into wings and muscled flesh, a rope of electricity cascading from his paws. He pulled them down with his immense strength, sending them crashing down for Caleb to restrain.

“How's that for some shock and awe!?" Caleb cried with a grin. Blade-like feathers came raining down at them and he quickly swung his arms through the air, bones springing up from the ground and blocking the attack.

An idea sprang to mind and he plucked one such feather from his barrier. It began to glow blue, emitting smaller, ethereal feathers. He hurled the glowing plume back at the circling eagles where it immediately exploded into a shower of glowing, white feathers. The quills did nothing more than just land on the muscled avians and disappear. The flying bodybuilders laughed… and laughed… and laughed until they were clutching their sides. Their laughter escalated until they dropped from the sky, rolling on the floor laughing so hard that they could barely breathe.

“Huh… Feathered Laugh Bomb," Caleb stated, watching as the eagles fell unconscious, occasionally bursting out into fits of giggles. He wondered if there was some irony that he was wearing his Gnoll-based weapon and just caused several fathered eagles to collapse due to overzealous laughter.

“I like Tickle Torture," Jacob said, pressing his back against Caleb's. “Duck."

He did as he was told and Jacob threw his daggers in opposite directions, catching two eagles. He pull at the electrified lines, slamming the birds together in an almost cartoonish collision. Caleb pinned them to the ground with some bones.

“You two think you're so good!?" the Patriot cried, hovering in front of them. “A super and an Outsider!?" He jabbed a talon accusingly at Jacob. “It's supers like you that steal jobs from hard-working Americans! You're born with natural talent! You don't have to work as hard as everyone else and you're the ones that rake in all the money, get all the top jobs and stomp on what makes America the greatest country in the world!"

Then he spun towards Caleb.

“And Outsiders like you pollute our streets! You're half-breeds! Evidence of traitorous non-supers rolling in bed with the musclebound freaks in spandex! As far as I am concerned, you should all be deported! In fact, that's the first thing I'll do once I'm done with all of you! I'm going to kick out every single Outsider and super from this country!"

Neither of the two wolves were affected by his ranting.

Jacob scoffed at the eagle. “I find it funny that he can still spout right-winged rhetoric even when he is transforming humans into bodybuilding bald eagles."

“And all while sporting an erection," Caleb added.

“You two shut up!" the Patriot cried, sweeping his feathers forward.

A wall of bone quickly blocked the projectiles.

“I'll distract him," Jacob said. “Try and get him to the ground. You know Gene Stealers best. Find some way of disabling him."

Caleb gave the black wolf a thumbs up and nodded.

Jacob suddenly sprang up from behind the barrier right in view of the Patriot. “Hey Patriot! What's your stance on Martian immigrants?"

“Martians!?" roared the eagle, his eyes blazing with fury. “Those backwater, hairy, zealous whackjobs!? The only reason they come to our planet is to sabotage us and bomb our embassies! If they had fucking flying saucers, they'd invade! Mark my words! They'll blow up the White House before long!"

Caleb darted from his bone barrier, circling around the Patriot and ducking behind fallen cars and other barriers he had erected. As the eagle continued to rant, he drew closer and closer to the ground.

“But Mars was initially colonised by Americans," Jacob argued. “All Martians are descendants of Americans."

“And that's why they should be fucking grateful to us, not blowing us up! It was a mistake of our government to allow them to secede! Those bleeding-heart liberals gave away a prime resource and now those Americans have devolved into red-skinned, alcoholic, pagans who worship some bullshit Face of Mars as their god! We know there is only one God! His Son came down to Earth twice to prove it!"

Caleb bolted for the dilapidated tank, just below the Patriot.

“Right and Jesus' second coming was as a wolf, like me. How can you condone furs when the very God that you believe in sent down his Son as a fur to encourage peace between our two races?"

“I'm not saying Jesus was wrong only that he was forced to compromise because of the furs. That's the influence of dirty furs like you! You dickwads even caused our God to lower himself to your level! Well, I say we shouldn't have to compromise! America should take the first step to elevating our God back to his rightful position, to his rightful throne as the one and only God! The God of Humanity!" The Patriot's claws touched the tank's armour and Caleb grinned. “We are his chosen people! Humans!"

Caleb climbed up to the tank and rose up behind the Patriot. His fist became encased in a thick, heavy layer of iron-like bone.

“Hey Price!"

The eagle turned –

WHAM!

The supervillain's eyes rolled into the back of his head as Caleb's fist slammed right into his cheek, a crack even appearing against his beak. The avian crumbled to the ground, bounding off the top of the tank and landing with a crunch and a flop on the ground. He was alive but unconscious. Getting a killer body didn't mean he knew how to fight.

Caleb massaged his knuckles ominously.

“Stars and stripes forever, bitch."

*******

The media frenzy was insane.

Chimera.

The Chimera had made his first ever public appearance and basically declared war on the entire world. Cameras, microphones and reporters were shoving themselves down Caleb's throat, trying to get a quote from him and demanding an explanation. More than one demanded to know why he hadn't stopped Chimera, why he hadn't done more to stop countless people from being transformed or why he had caused so much collateral damage. Jacob's words echoed in his mind. No matter how much good he did, people were always going to criticise him.

Before he could say anything incriminating, he called an end to the impromptu news conference and left, Jacob on his tail. Rhiannon informed him to rendezvous back at the Facility and he didn't think twice about bringing Jacob with him.

Once back in the safety of his home base, he could feel the chill in the air and the sense of dread that hung over everyone's heads.

“Chimera is active," David concluded, a deep frown on his face. He didn't even say anything about Jacob's presence in the Facility. “And he turned a man into an Original in minutes and that Original infected dozens of others. With Dragon Knight's ability to open portals anywhere, he could strike all over the globe and cause outbreaks faster than we can stop them…"

Bren crossed his arms and nodded. “I never imagined Chimera could hold so much power. I always thought the Original serums were artificially created not that they were distilled from Chimera himself…" He lifted a finger and ran it in circles absently through the air. “I always thought the ability came from Spider Queen…"

“Did anyone else notice that Chimera's features were indiscernible?" Lars asked. “In all the videos, of him, his face and body was kind of… blurred."

“That was what he was like in battle too," Caleb chimed in. “It was like he was wearing a sort of Optic Jammer or something."

Rhiannon let out a thoughtful noise. “I sensed some magical interference when reviewing the recordings. He might have some mystic wards around him which would explain why he cannot be tracked by the gods…"

Theories quickly flew around on Chimera's origins and his motivations. They all agreed that he had now placed the Gene Stealers in the public spotlight. Bren had a newsfeed going where countless politicians and debate forums were up and running their mouths on the Gene Stealer threat. Even right-wing members were up in arms about them.

Caleb left the majority of his team to argue and bicker. He headed into the western most room, Elliot's room. The smell of cheesy snacks and furious masturbating was in the air. Countless collectables were mounted on shelves on the walls. Complex scale models littered the floor of fantasy settings alongside discarded candy wrappers and packages for salted snacks. A large monitor dominated the far wall alongside smaller monitors flanking them.

Elliot the super-genius orca Outsider of Arsenal sat in his swivel chair, wearing pants.

Elliot with pants was always bad news.

“Hey Elliot," he began.

“Muscles," grunted the orca, using his nickname for Caleb. “Hell of a fight out there with Chimera. If it wasn't for the walking armoury, you would've had your tail handed to you."

“So the media keeps reminding me." He stood beside their resident genius and tech expert. “What's going to happen to Price?"

“We're shipping Uncle Sam's horny canary to the same facility we sent Lenny. You remember. The guy that can punch you and send you into a coma that you'll never wake up from?"

“Not cool bro," Caleb growled.

“Yeah, yeah. I know. Sorry." Elliot sighed softly. “Just… this is Chimera we're talking about. He's actually the first of the original five Gene Stealers that we've seen in person." He turned back towards his screen where there were images of Chimera from various angles. “Or this could've just been a thrall. Thing is, we've never actually seen Chimera. Just heard about him. Maybe this isn't even Chimera and just another supervillain or Genesian that're trying to frame the Gene Stealers. Point is, how can we be sure that he is Chimera?"

Caleb shrugged and let out a soft grunt. “He changed Price right before our eyes and the bastard was working with Dragon Knight and his portals. Seemed pretty convincing to me."

The tubby orca's shoulders sagged. “I know. I guess I'm just a little bit in denial right now. I mean, Chimera showing up just proves shit just got really real. First the Genesians and now this? Everyone has kicked up their game." He flashed Caleb a piercing stare with his brown eyes, wagging a finger at him. “And don't you dare tell me that we just need to up our game too."

The wolf laughed softly and lifted his paws into the air. “Okay, fine. No sport-related pep talks." He leaned towards the monitors. “Think you can find some way to keep us from his mutating eye? I would rather not start sprouting wings and feathers if and when I go up against him."

“I'll need to figure out exactly how he transforms people," Elliot answered. “All the other Gene Stealers have a vector in which they infect others. Gnoll was through his laugh, Minos was through visual stimuli, Ursa was through touch. The 'prime Gene Stealers' infect differently. Spider Queen lays 'eggs' in you, Shark Tamer infects through organ transplants, you turn into a Wendigo by eating his infected meat and Dragon Knight practically hypnotises you. But Chimera…?"

Elliot shook his head. “It's hard to pinpoint and if the other Original strains came from him, then we have next to nothing to go on."

Caleb patted his shoulder encouragingly. “I know you'll come up of something. In the meantime, I'll try to stay away from his tentacles and claws."

“Try to stay alive, Muscles. We can cure you if you're turned into an Original."

Elliot particularly pointed at where he currently kept the Original Serum that Shark Tamer had given him. Caleb ran his paw over the compartment against his thigh and sighed. It still weighed heavily on his mind. Chimera really was upping his game. The world was pressuring him to be more active, to stop attacks like this.

And he had the means…

“I'll try, Elliot."

He turned and left for the atrium once more. Jacob had left and Caleb felt a little guilty that he wasn't there to offer the wolf a ride. Rhiannon was arguing with David on how they would approach the media. David insisted that they need to stay aloof from the media's accusations that they weren't doing anything while Rhiannon suggested leaving dead horse heads on their beds while they slept.

Lars met him with a big hug and it was good to feel the Doberman's strong arms around his body.

“That was some fucked up shit…" said the burly canine. “Chimera… Fuck. And you managed to make it out of there!"

“Not that I actually fought Chimera. Just one of his rejects again." Caleb hiked a thumb over his shoulder back in Elliot's direction. “Apparently, we're shipping Price where we kept Lenny. His body is unstable, after all. It'll tear itself apart unless he gets help."

“Serves the asshole right. Price is a real pain and really boils my blood." Lars let out a ferocious growl. “I know he's a villain and I shouldn't be listening to the bullshit he spits out… Makes me ashamed to be a Republican…"

Caleb pulled back in surprise. “Wait… You're a Republican!?"

“Uh… Well. Not hard core Republican but I do believe in a lot of their ideals. I mean free market capitalism, national defence and deregulation of what you have to admit has become an extremely constricted market. I mean, we're a capitalist country for crying out loud! How are we meant to be a capitalist country if we don't uphold the ideals of capitalism?" Lars shook his head furiously. “But I don't agree with his more extreme measures like kicking out furs and shit." He held Caleb out at arm's length. “Wait… You're not a hard core liberal are you?"

The wolf shook his head. “Nah. I only just came of legal age to vote, remember? I don't swing either way. I mean, my dad is sort of conservative, as you know. My mom works for the senator who is a liberal so I kind of grew up with them avoiding political discussions around the kids. You know, to keep from polarising us. Then again, with dad's Aura, I think he would've pissed off mom if he started shouting about stuff…"

Lars sighed in relief. “Oh good. Because it's not like I'm 100% behind everything the Republicans are doing. Just I vote red."

He gave his boyfriend a quizzical look. “Wait… You're just a couple of months older than me and the next election is next year. How can you vote?"

The bulky Doberman blinked for a few moments then shrugged. “Oh right! Totally forgot! See, supers have to vote the moment they get their powers. Something about personal liability. We have the power and are thus responsible for using it. Throwing our support behind one party or another as early as possible emulates that even if we don't entirely understand the political process."

“And why did you forget about that fact?"

“Because I kind of thought of you as a super as well. I really forgot you're an Outsider."

Caleb's heart melted at that moment and he grinned at the hunky Doberman. “I could tear off your pants and fuck you on the floor right now."

A lewd look crossed Lars' eyes and he waggled his eyebrows at Caleb, licking his lips a little. “I might just take you up on that offer."

There, Caleb reeled back. Their normal exchange of sexual advances normally ended with both of them awkwardly changing the subject the moment one of them even hinted at sex. The most they ever did was cuddle and kiss. But Lars actually… He actually advanced!

Caleb's mind began to scream at him.

“Uh… Really?" he chuckled.

Lars' features softened and he wrapped his big paws around Caleb's waist. “Look… When you were out there with Chimera and I was being held up by Price's other goons and fucking traffic, I realised that life is too short. I could've lost you like I lost you when you went bull or hyena. Or when I went bear. I'm going to take every opportunity to be with you."

Caleb's throat began to close and he found his tongue started feeling fuzzy like he hadn't drunk any water for hours. All he could do was to bring them back to the status quo. “Dude, that is so gay," he laughed.

“Maybe. But it's the truth. I love you, Cale. Always have." The Doberman suddenly pulled Caleb towards him, their crotches bumping against one another. “And tonight, I am going to show you just how much." Lars leaned forward, his breath wafting over Caleb's ears and his tongue slowly curling outwards, inching closer and closer to Caleb's inner ear, just brushing against the fur and…

“Tonight?" Caleb exclaimed, in a panic. “Tonight's not good."

Lars stopped… and pulled back gave him a puzzled and slightly hurt look. “Huh? Why not?"

Why not indeed? Caleb's mind raced for an excuse. On the one paw, he should just confess that he was scared of messing things up with Lars. They had so much fun together. What if things ended like with him and Lance? Yes, they parted amicably but what if they hated each other like when Lars and Ben broke up? He had never done anything with Lars yet and he was frightened of what would happen if he didn't perform. Both of them were jocks and there was going to be a testosterone charged battle for who would be on top and Caleb, who had always been a top, was terrified of having Lars' big, juicy, super dick in his ass and possibly splitting him in half.

He could see the headlines now.

'Weapons Master Split Open by Super-Hot Sex with Boyfriend'.

Thinking of headlines gave him an idea.

“Because of the photoshoot!" he said.

“Photoshoot?"

“Yeah! The GUYS Christmas special edition. Didn't Hal call you?"

Lars scratched the back of his head. “Uh… No. I guess not… It's tonight?"

“Yeah. It's where I was going to after I dropped off Jake."

His boyfriend gave him a sour look. “You're calling him 'Jake' now?"

“He doesn't seem to mind. Besides, he's not such a bad guy. He did help me stop the Patriot, you know. And he had his ass handed to him by Chimera as well."

“I suppose…" Lars seemed a little disgruntled but at the same time, his thoughts were off sex. “So the shoot is tonight? Your dad didn't tell us about it."

“I guess there was just so much going on that he forgot. I only really heard about it yesterday."

“True…"

Caleb pulled out his phone and waved it a little. “Tell you what? Why don't I give Hal a call to see if it's still on? Then we can all head there together. He'd probably be thrilled to have an exclusive interview with us right after that big fight."

At least he hoped.

Lars agreed and told Caleb he'd get something for the mild injuries the wolf had suffered, leaving the atrium while David, Rhiannon and Bren were poring over a newsfeed and arguing loudly. Caleb waited for him to leave before letting out a sigh and turning towards his phone. His eyes looked past his phone for a second and he let out a cry.

“Wolf Christ, Mary! What the hell!?" he exclaimed.

“Just what the hell do you think you're doing?" she hissed. “You just blatantly lied to your boyfriend. If you want this relationship to go anywhere, you'll man up and tell him you're scared of screwing things up between you two!"

He growled at her. “Fuck off, Mary. This doesn't concern you. Besides, aren't you too busy being sulky and growly while pissing off the Hound of Destruction?" He flicked his ears at her. “What the hell has been bothering you anyway?"

“Nothing," she answered sharply. “We're talking about you. You realise nothing good can come out of this, right? And it's never going to work."

“Hal loves me. An exclusive interview from Arsenal after such a big reveal is perfect."

“But a photoshoot? You realise that takes weeks, even months to plan, right?"

“He can do it."

“It's past sundown! Everyone's probably gone home!"

“We live in a world were supervillains attack on a regular basis. People live at work because it's safer."

Mary sighed and rubbed her temples. “Okay, as much as I thrive on your personal dramas and I relish watching you twist in the wind, I like Lars. He's a good friend and a hell of a singer. We've already planned next year's play and he's agreed to try out again."

Caleb narrowed his eyes at her and gave her an exasperated sigh. “What? Couldn't get enough of your adoring fans after Les Miserables?"

Mary's mood darkened and she averted her gaze. “It's part of being me apparently."

“Huh?"

“Nothing," she said, waving away his question. “Look, just be honest with Lars, okay? I'm sure he'll understand. You were both dancing around the intimacy thing. He knows better than anyone what you're going through."

He snorted and dialled Hal's number. “That's rich considering he just wanted to bone me here on the atrium floor. Now shoo. Go bother someone else." Mary rolled her eyes and wandered over to the where the rest of the team were watching Bren's feed.

Caleb silently prayed for Hal to pick up…

Click.

“Weapons Master? Holy shit! Are you alright? I just saw the news!"

“Yeah, I know. I'm fine. Hey, I just had an idea. What do you think about having an exclusive interview and Christmas themed photoshoot with Arsenal? I think that we need to clear a few things and make sure everyone doesn't forget the Christmas spirit."

Hal, his vulpine contact in the gay-themed GUYS magazine was silent for a long moment.

“Caleb, that is brilliant but it's basically Christmas week. We really don't have the resources to get a photoshoot set up on such short notice."

“Yeah, I know but the media is tearing us to shreds out there especially with Chimera making an appearance. I figure the sooner we can make an official statement and remind everyone that we aren't bashing America because we beat up several crazy bald eagles. We don't want people to hide in fear because of what Chimera said and to enjoy the holidays."

“Bold statement. We've already got our Christmas issue ready for print… But let me see if I can pull some strings."

“Great! How's tonight?"

“Tonight!? Are you insane!?"

“It has to be tonight." He couldn't come up with a reason and hoped Hal would just take it at face value. The vulpine growled on the other side of the phone.

“You know what? You're right. But I have one stipulation."

“I promise Madman won't make your readership collectively orgasm with his lewd poses."

“Okay, two stipulations."

Caleb's heart began to sink. “What's the other?"

“You bring in Legion."

******

Somehow, Caleb thought that Hal had hoped asking Legion to join the photoshoot would derail Caleb's determination for the photoshoot. But if anything, both men were miracle workers. Hal managed to call up his boss and arranged a photoshoot for later in the week, Friday evening in fact just before the weekend. Caleb convinced Lars that given all that had happened, Hal had agreed to move the photoshoot to give them all time to attend to 'hero business'. Lars understood and the news was spread. Mary just gave Caleb dirty looks. Jacob was more than happy to do the photoshoot given that he would be getting some extra cash for it and that he that night off due to two superhero attacks in rapid succession.

As Caleb, was slumping down into bed after his mother dotted over him, he wondered if there was any value to actually coming out to everyone as Weapons Master but then reconsidered it. He had too many people that could get hurt or hunted down by his enemies if they knew who he was.

Before he went to sleep, he got a text from Mary.

'Good boy.'

At least she was getting back to her usual nosy self.

He drifted off into slumber at about eleven in the evening. In his dreams, he was lying and basking in the afterglow of sex next to Lars, a blissful look on both of their faces as they just cuddled next to one another, cum soaking their fur and hopelessly in love. He wasn't at all bothered that he had skipped the sex scene. That Lars told him that he rocked the hunky Doberman's world was enough.

Then he was torn from his dreamland by a gentle shaking.

He mumbled and swatted the furry arm away. But it came back and shook him again with a soft, “Hey Caleb, wake up."

Still very tired from the previous evening's excitement, Caleb cracked his eyes open. Leon's features came into view. His weariness took over and he just rolled over so his back was to Leon.

“Just do what you gotta do to get off. Don't wake me."

“What…? No, Caleb. You said you'd drive me to the academy."

Slowly, the cogs in Caleb's mind were starting to work again. “Oh… right…" He groaned and sat up, rubbing his eyes. “What time is it?"

“Just a little after five."

He glanced at Leon incredulously. “Why the fuck would you wake up at this hour?"

Leon shrugged at him with a cheeky smile. “I know. I was like that too but it's part of the discipline. Got to get up early. Will you be okay?"

The guilt of lying to Lars weighed down on him and he didn't want to complicate things any further. So he nodded and groggily got to his feet. He yanked his alarm clock from the socket and tossed it onto his bed. “Let me just wash up, get dressed and then we can go."

His burly brother pointed at the clock questioningly. “Why'd you take out your alarm clock?"

“Because it'll go off at seven."

“Can't you just… I don't know… Disable the alarm?"

Caleb shuffled over to his closet for some clothing. “Can't. It's stuck."

“And you can't buy a new one?"

“Can't. It's actually a weapon. If I don't stop it by the third alarm blare, it sets of a big EMP blast. Knocks out all electronics in a three block radius."

Leon flinched away from the alarm clock. “And you just keep it here?"

“In case of emergencies," Caleb yawned and headed to the bathroom.

The shower woke him up somewhat but it was the smell of cooking bacon and breakfast burgers that got him racing down the stairs, tail wagging. The sight of Lillian Hale fully dressed and ready to go to work confused him, however.

“Hey mom," he began. “You're up early."

She turned to him and for the first time, he noticed the bags that were under her eyes. “Morning honey. Breakfast is almost ready. And don't worry. I drugged your father. He's be out at least until you and Leon have gone to the academy."

“Drugged him? But he's a super. Any drugs you give him would probably get metabolised really quickly."

“Sex is a drug."

Caleb took a second moment to process that. “Oh! Ew! Gawd, mom! TMI! Gah!" He flailed his limbs through the air and stuck out his tongue. “I think I need another shower!"

Lillian chuckled softly and beckoned him to take a seat. “Your father simply cannot resist me in the morning. His morning wood is… well, you get the picture."

“I get the picture, the psychological scarring and the hellish nightmares." Caleb shook his head, clutching his temples with his paws. “But thanks for keeping dad down. I didn't want to have to deal with him trapping me in my room so I can't drive Leon to school."

He never thought he'd utter that sentence in his entire life.

“Don't worry honey. I understand." She let out a soft yawn. “Besides, I need to head off as well. The senator wants the mayor of West California Island to make an official statement and I've got a drafted speech ready for him. Chimera's declaration has everyone on edge and overnight, supervillains have made their own statements."

“Supervillains?"

“It's like a never ending turf war with them," Lillian said with a sigh and a shake of her head. “More often than not, they're fighting one another for who gets what piece of land or the hide of a superhero. It's probably the only reason why superheroes tend to triumph. They know how to work together while supervillains don't." She leaned against the kitchen counter. “Overnight, Disaster Doctor officially declared that if Chimera set foot on his land of Caldamoor, he would 'know the fury of Disaster'."

“That guy," Caleb mumbled, rolling his eyes. “I don't see why we let him even have an embassy in New York. Seriously, he's a notorious supervillain but because he rules his own country filled with 'Disaster Destroyers', he's got diplomatic immunity and we can't touch him? What the hell!?"

“Politics, Caleb. Be glad you don't have to deal with it." The oven let out a soft ding and Lillian pulled out a whole rack of cheese. chive and prosciutto muffins out. The scent made Caleb's mouth water and he eagerly grabbed one, ignoring the fact that it was still steaming hot.

Leon came in a moment later and picked one up as well. “Come on, Cale. We gotta go."

“But I've only had one muffin!"

“You can have more when you get back. Let's beat the traffic."

Groaning, Caleb finished off his muffin and hurried out the door after his brother. Again, they jumped onto Ballistic and within moments, they were heading off towards the Academy in relative silence. Caleb switched on the radio and instantly regretted.

G.G. Guinness was on a rant.

“Pathetic. That is the one word I have to describe the efforts our so called 'protectors' made in defending us against a misguided and horribly mutated Ronald Price but also the terrifying force that is Chimera. As we saw last night, our island's supposed up-and-coming rising star, Weapons Master, was nothing more than a snivelling coward against Chimera. If you look at the footage closely, you can see his tail actually tucking between his legs."

“I did not!" Caleb snarled. Though he couldn't be 100% sure. It was a very terrifying moment.

“And what of this upstart, 'Legion'? So easily tossed aside. It seems that his efforts against Megaton were just a fluke. Nothing more than beginner's luck. Well his luck has run out. Neither of these so-called 'heroes' could do anything against Chimera or the Patriot."

“We stopped them, you fucker!"

“Not only that, but thousands of dollars' worth of collateral damage has been inflicted on our fair town! Need I remind you as well that those tanks cost millions of dollars to build? Couldn't they have at least captured it and saved our military some money? Let's not forget the damage the rest of Arsenal did against Price's army! They are here to 'protect us' but the way I see it, we need protecting from them!"

“You sonofa…"

“And what of the Elemental Alliance_? Where were they in all this? Their official statement was that they were 'busy with other pressing matters and were scrambling any available resources at the time to aid_ Arsenal_' but this reporter has learned that this is not the case. The_ Elemental Tower fell prey to a lockdown enforced by Price. Yes, a supervillain managed to hack into our city's greatest eyesore and shut it down."

Caleb couldn't be too mad at that statement. The idea of those assholes as the Tower getting locked in their own little palace because of a supervillain that likely bought his way to the heinous crime was a little hilarious. Only a little because Lance was likely trapped within the Tower as well.

“So where do we really stand, folks? Between incompetent 'superheroes' and yellow-bellied Outsiders, we really have no defence against these attacks! I say we stop putting these freaks on pedestals, stop spending our money to support their year-round Halloween party and start defending ourselves from these attacks!"

“He really doesn't have an inside voice, does he?" Leon asked through the communicator.

Caleb laughed a little. “The smallest dogs have the loudest barks," he answered. “Only way they can ever be noticed." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly just in time to pull up next to the academy. “I'm okay though. I can deal with this."

Leon pulled off his helmet and his features brightened as a squad car came hovering overhead and landed in front of them. Only local law enforcement and emergency services were allowed to have hovercars for the simple reason that it allowed them to bypass traffic and get to locations needing their help far easier. The doors swung open and a pair of thick, meaty arms dropped a high-tech wheelchair beside the car. A tall – or would be tall – man with a strong, upper body and a chinstrap beard emerged from the car, pulling himself onto the wheelchair. His short-cropped, spiked blonde hair was complimented by his bright green eyes. Craggy features showed a bit of age but perhaps it was more due to his strong, square jaw that made him look like he was permanently frowning. His nose looked like it had been broken several times.

“Lieutenant Matlock!" Leon exclaimed, hopping off Ballistic so quickly that he nearly unbalanced Caleb.

The lieutenant looked up with surprise in his eyes. “Private Hale." His voice was light and friendly despite his hard features. “I'm rather surprised to see you here so early. Did your father not catch you in time?"

Leon hiked his thumb at Caleb. “No sir! my brother agreed to drive me here. I might just be coming in on time these days."

A derisive laugh emerged from the lieutenant. “Prove to me this isn't a fluke, Hale, and we shall see." He checked his watch. “Though it is still fairly early. I usually come here, park my cruiser, and then go to the corner coffee store for the age old tradition all police officers partake in. Why don't you and your brother join me?"

Leon's tail wagged excitedly. “We'd be delighted."

Caleb got the distinct impression that this Lieutenant Matlock was someone that Leon really wanted to impress. Besides, he was up for some donuts and coffee. With a shrug, he parked Ballistic, set down his helmet and followed Leon and Matlock to the street corner where there was a large coffee shop aptly named 'To Percolate and Serve'. There were several other groups of officers there and it was clear this was the preferred hangout for island's men and women in uniform.

“I'll get you your usual, sir," Leon said eagerly. “You two find us a booth. Caleb, what'll you have?"

“Grab me a warm chilli chocolate latte with an energy shot and vanilla protein powder."

Leon didn't even blink at the bizarre order and headed towards the counter.

“Hoping to be big like your brother?" Matlock asked. He pushed the little control on his wheelchair's arm and it hovered towards an empty booth.

“Nah, just wanted to see how far I could piss off Leon," Caleb admitted as he sat down in the red, cushiony seats. “I don't know if you know this about him, but he was a real asshole to me when I was growing up."

“Oh I got that, yes," Matlock chuckled, crossing his powerful arms. “See, the first time your brother came under my tutelage, he aimed to make sure everyone knew he was the biggest, toughest bastard of the new recruits. He had the size, of course, but his arrogance and machismo attitude had no place on the force. After some disciplinary action, he actually mellowed out a bit."

Caleb's eyebrows rose. “Wait… You got Leon to mellow out?" He laughed softly. “Wow, thank you."

Matlock gave him a curious stare. “What for?"

“Well, you got Leon off my back. Sure he's still pretty aggressive especially towards our dad but at least he's not making my life a living hell anymore."

The lieutenant gave him a soft smile. “Ah. Well I believe your brother really just needed direction and purpose in his life. He always thought that muscle and brawn would get him his dream job by making sure that anyone else gunning for the job backed down before even applying. I showed him that there is more to life than raw strength."

Teaching Leon such an important lesson in a matter of weeks was a miracle so Caleb just had to ask, “How?"

“By challenging him to one-on-one combat."

Caleb was dumbfounded. “Wait? You?" He appraised the lieutenant again. “I'm sorry sir, sir… He wasn't the one that put you in that wheelchair, was he?"

Matlock laughed, throwing his head back. “Ah that's refreshing. Most people just assume that I couldn't hold my own against the greenhorns because I'm in a wheelchair. You're the first one to actually think so ill of the one they're asking about that you thought they put me in this." Matlock patted his armrest. “No son. I was put into this chair when I was working as a detective. Worked a case against corrupt officials in the city. Particularly against a nasty city official who sent an assassin against me. Sliced my spine."

“Couldn't you just undergo corrective gene therapy or surgery? I know this guy on the football team who became a paraplegic but he had reconstructive surgery that hooked up his nerves again and he was good as new. It was expensive as hell, though."

The wheelchair-bound lieutenant smiled wanly at him. “I bear my wounds with pride, son." He patted his armrests again. “Some think that this thing is a handicap. I think of it as my medal. I gave up use of my legs for the pursuit of justice. Admittedly the assassin got away but I got the evidence I needed against the official and I brought him down. I believe the asshole had to flee town. Changed his name and everything."

“But he wasn't imprisoned…"

“All prison is these days are expensive day care centres. We don't work to rehabilitate our criminals. In my opinion, if that fuckward fled this town, then it's one less man in power that can ruin our good city. And if he wants to make a better life for himself, he deserves that chance. Just as long as he doesn't do it in my town."

Caleb flicked his ears forward. “That's pretty lenient of you. Very superhero-like. They let a lot of villains go on the idea that they'll repent."

“I'm no superhero son." Matlock's eyes lifted and he beamed, waving past Caleb. “Ah, there's my protégé now. Reggie! Over here!"

And here Caleb thought that Leon was Matlock's best and brightest student though that did explain why Leon was trying to butter up the lieutenant. He couldn't wait to see exactly who Leon was competing against for Matlock's favour. He turned… and his jaw dropped.

The biggest horse he had ever seen came striding into the coffee shop, having to actually duck beneath the doorway built to accommodate furs up to 8 feet tall to get into the store. The equine was like a walking bodybuilding advertisement and possibly pornographic cliché. Dressed in the blue of the West Cali police but only just barely, every muscle on the equine's body was clearly defined, pressed up against his short, black fur and about ready to burst from the fabric of his shirt. His pectorals were so big that they were stretching his shirt to the point where the buttons were still straining. Unlike the other officers or trainees, he had to wear shorts despite the cold, snowy winter and the blue contrasted against the thick, tree-trunk thighs that led down to massive calves and broad, skull-crushing hooves. Strands of platinum blonde fur covered his wrists and ankles, defining him as a Clydesdale.

The spectacular specimen of horse stepped up to Matlock and saluted. “Morning sir."

Just seeing those muscles in movement…

Caleb fished out his phone, turned it towards Officer Reeves – based on his name tag – and snapped a picture. Both Matlock and Reggie gave him curious stares.

“I'm sorry," he said. “But you just made the list."

“The list?" Reggie rumbled, his voice so deep that it was nearly inaudible.

“Yeah. The list of guys I'm allowed to cheat on. Sorry I can't put you on the 'guys I'd invite into a threesome with my boyfriend'. I don't think any bed would be able to hold all three of us."

Reggie blinked his cornflower blue eyes several times. “Wow… That's… very forward of you."

“Hot, burly guys drain all the blood from my brain."

Matlock laughed and beckoned for Reggie to sit down. “Reggie, this is Leon Hale's younger brother." He glanced over at Caleb. “I actually didn't get your name…?"

“Caleb. Caleb Hale." He held out his paw. “Pleased to meet both of you."

It was funny that Matlock actually had a firm, powerful handshake while Reggie had a gentle one. And really soft palms as well. He must use some pretty good fur conditioner. Reggie sat down beside Caleb, towering over him at an incredible 8'9''. Thankfully, there was no awkwardness about Caleb shamelessly hitting on the Clydesdale. In fact, Reggie leaned over and peered down at Caleb's phone.

“So who else is on the list?"

“Oh… Uh…" Caleb's cheeks began to burn. “Well… Jack Hughes…"

“The latest Wolverine? Oh yeah. I could totally get into that. Nice hairy chest." Reggie ran a hand down his huge pectorals. “Wish I could grow chest hair but it just isn't in my genetics."

Caleb whimpered as big, sausage-like fingers ran over the curves of those huge, perfectly sculpted mountains.

“Anyone else…"

“Can't talk. Drooling."

Matlock laughed heartily, slapping the table. “Reggie, quit teasing the pup!"

Reggie beamed and set his arms on the table, showing off his huge forearms and massive biceps. “Alright, lieutenant." He winked at Caleb. “Come on, Hale. Get your head out of your ass."

Caleb shook his head and set his phone on the table. He couldn't put it into his pocket as his pants as he didn't want to draw anyone's attention towards his groin. Thankfully, Leon appeared a moment later with three cups of steaming hot liquid. His oldest brother scowled at Reggie, however, and Caleb could see the jealousy in Leon's eyes.

For a while, Leon had been the biggest in the family, not necessarily the strongest, but certainly the biggest. Then Lance bulked up and became Feral Fang. Remembering what Matlock said about Leon trying to tell everyone that he was the biggest, toughest guy of the new recruits, he realised it was likely because of Reggie.

“Reginald," Leon growled.

It seemed that Leon also shared their father's penchant for using formal names to spite people.

“Leon," Reggie said with a smug smile. “You never told me you had a little brother. Is he hoping to join the force as well?"

“Me?" Caleb stammered. “I don't think I'd last."

“You seem fit. Why not?"

“Blood loss."

For a second Reggie looked confused and then Matlock began laughing again, actually starting to tear up. Leon looked furious but Caleb couldn't placate his brother; he was just openly staring at the huge horse in front of him. In the back of his mind, Caleb kept wondering if what they said about horses was true.

“What're you doing here?" Leon snarled, his ears back and tail stiffened in a sign of aggression.

“I always come here for coffee with the lieutenant," Reggie answered casually. “It's sort of become our tradition. If you came to the academy early more often, maybe you could join us."

“Why you –"

Matlock pressed a hand against Leon's chest. “Now come on, boys. Let's not look unprofessional in our young citizen's eyes." He nodded at Caleb and plucked his coffee from Leon's tray, handing the one for Caleb to the young wolf. “How was your workout today, Reggie?"

“Awesome chief," the equine said, grinning and showing his perfectly straight teeth. “Pumped my chest to the max!"

“You go to the gym?" Leon asked, barely containing his hostility. “Don't you get enough of a workout at the academy?"

“Well, yeah but I like to warm myself up before hitting the books and running the obstacle course. I go to this gym near where I live, conveniently called 'Horsepower'. You should try it sometime, Leon. You might eventually get as big as me. They give out free supplements as well."

“Can a gym even afford to do that?"

“Well, the stuff tastes like shit and it's really only for the first few months after membership then you need to get the premium membership to keep getting it but you know, it works." He flexed his bicep for emphasis and Caleb just went braindead at that moment, his entire world focusing on that huge mound of muscle tensing and relaxing in slow motion.

Leon seized his arm and forced it down. “Will you stop that!? You're making a scene."

Reggie didn't reply and just shrugged his equally massive shoulders. Leon sat down with a huff, sipping his coffee.

“So," Matlock began, changing the subject, “what do you think of the appearance of Chimera last night?"

Leon's eyes immediately darted to Caleb who snapped back into attention. This was the moment he couldn't afford to be distracted.

“Kind of scary," Reggie answered. “I've read to dossiers on him and his lackey, Dragon Knight. If you think about it, given that he can basically appear anywhere at any one time and then transform anyone in seconds, we could be talking about a global pandemic here. The fact that he hasn't struck yet proves that he's up to something. But if he doesn't strike soon, people will just dismiss him as a big blowhard."

“It's not for us to worry," Leon grunted. “Arsenal will take care of him."

His brother's faith in him was rather heart-warming and it broke the spell of Reggie's tremendous, muscular physique.

“Arsenal just seems to be a bunch of kids to me," Matlock said grimly. “Sure, they have Feral Steel but ultimately, they're inexperienced. Chimera is an honest-to-god supervillain. There were doubts that he ever existed and the links to the recent Gene Stealer attacks but now…" He lifted a hand through the air. “I admit, I didn't believe Arsenal about the Gene Stealers being a 'bigger threat' and just thought the past attacks were coincidences but now… Honestly, I don't think they're strong enough to take down Chimera."

“What would make them stronger?" Caleb asked.

“They and the Elemental Alliance need to put aside their petty differences and work together," Matlock said firmly. “They both want the same thing and it's damn politics that's getting in their way. Feral Steel already sided with the Outsiders. Why can't the rest of the Alliance? And the media needs to get off their back and let them work."

The lieutenant sighed and leaned back in his chair. “But that's always been the problem with free media. They can get news out there, for sure, but sometimes, they get in the way. I remember this investigation a while back. We had some evidence against Francis Dalton when he was just a city official that he was involved with the mob, particularly the murder of a political rival. But the media was tipped off before we could get to the crime scene and they trampled over everything, snapping pictures, taking pieces of evidence and basically ruining the crime scene. It was bullshit."

Matlock ran a hand down his face with a sigh. “I'm still convinced Dalton is dirty but with the scene ruined, we couldn't get the jury out on him."

“Hard to think anyone with a criminal conviction could ever become mayor…" Reggie mumbled.

“He was convicted and acquitted. As far as the law is concerned, he didn't do it. Add to that the fact that the media spat out inconsistent stories and the public is confused about what's real and what's not. They're judging Dalton by the good he's doing for the city which is fair enough but that doesn't excuse him for what he's done in the past."

Matlock sighed again and forced a grin in Caleb's direction. “Anyway, kiddo. Sorry to bring down the mood. Shouldn't you be heading to school?"

Suddenly feeling like a very, very young pup, Caleb grinned bashfully and started to get up. “Yeah. Thanks for the coffee. I need to go." His cheeks burned as he turned to Reggie who was blocking his way. “Erm… excuse me…"

Reggie had pull out of the booth to let him pass and Caleb managed to tear his eyes away from the hulking equine long enough to bid his brother a farewell and headed back home. Note before he texted Lars, however, with the picture he snapped of Reginald Reeves.

Lars reply?

'Holy shit! I need to sink my teeth into that! Please tell me he isn't a Gene Stealer!'

Caleb snickered and texted back, informing Lars that Reggie was just a trainee cop on the same level as Leon.

Lars replied with a dick pic, at full mast naturally.

Caleb was considering going into the toilets and snapping a picture of his own erection when recalled his own reservations about going the 'next step' with Lars. Was sending his boyfriend a dick pic in return practically inviting Lars to fuck him? He didn't have to think on it too hard as at that moment his phone buzzed. It was a call from Ben.

“Huh…" He answered it. “Ben, hey. Haven't seen you around in a while."

“Yeah, sorry about that. With the Genesians running around and now Chimera's announcement, my dad decided to bump up the werewolf Christmas to Thursday. Do you think you and your family can still make it?"

Caleb held his phone out at arm's length for a moment before pressing it to his ear again. “Um… I suppose so. We don't have anything else then, I think. All my exams are done…"

“Oh right. Remind me to double check that the officials I bribed have gotten me the right scores."

“You…" He had to remind himself that Ben was part of the Alpha Pack which was a criminal organisation. “Right. Well, what have you been up to? You weren't there yesterday when we fought the Patriot."

“Busy. As you can imagine, getting all the werewolves to hurry up and come over here takes a hell of a lot especially with all the shit that's going on." Ben sounded tired and exasperated. “Been running around like crazy trying to keep them in line. I swear, I think I've got friction burn."

Naturally, a werewolf's way of 'subduing' someone was to plough them until they submitted.

“I think I've got some cream that'll help with that…"

“I'm good. Trust me. I heal fast. Anyway, so yes or no? Can you make it on Thursday?"

It almost sounded like Ben didn't want them to go… That only sparked more worry with him and he felt the need to come to his friend's rescue.

“Yeah. We'll be there."

Ben sighed. Whether or not it was one of relief or exasperation, Caleb couldn't tell. “Okay. Cool. I'll add your family to the list. Thanks Caleb. See you Thursday evening."

Click.

Caleb looked at his phone worriedly.

“Why do I have the terrible feeling things are about to get a whole lot more complicated?"

******

The gym was very quiet. It was the middle of the night after all but even the 24 hour gym known as 4 Fitness saw very little business nearing midnight. It was during this time that Xavier von Dark preferred to make his trips to the gym. Like clockwork, the little known and self-styled 'supervillain' frequented the gym for the simple reason that his current residence was at the penthouse of a hotel across the street and it was where he managed his own little 'criminal empire'. That was a term used loosely, of course. Xavier hadn't really 'broken out' into West California Island as of yet and was just recruiting street thugs, likely preparing for some big heist.

But he was stepping on people's toes as result.

Less thugs on the street meant that there were less thugs for the established crime bosses under their thumbs. Whether he knew it or not, Xavier had been taking manpower from the likes of Keymaster and Red Revenant. Though those crime bosses were predominantly present on the east coast, their presence and influence was still felt on the west. And they were pissed that this spoiled, foreign blue blood was trying to muscle in on what was essentially their turf.

That was where Ulysses Fu came in.

For weeks, the Japanese assassin had been watching and observing his prey. He knew what the 'prince' ate, his habits and could even predict when the tall, athletically built man would shit if necessary. The perfect time to strike would present itself and it was this evening when Xavier did his pathetic thirty minute workout before hitting the sauna for another thirty minutes. In the sauna was the only time his guards would not be with him.

With that in mind, Ulysses did his best to appear like a normal gym goer. He signed up for a gym membership and made it known that he would always come in thirty minutes before Xavier, entering the shower fifteen minutes before Xavier himself. After two weeks of the ritual, he was finally ready.

With a gym bag slung over his shoulder, he wandered up to the counter, flashed his card and then chugged down a protein shake he had prepared himself prior to coming here. He was very particular of what he put into his body. His lean, flexible physique was built and hones from years of being a professional assassin. The protein powder he had purchased came from another gym appropriately named 'Horsepower' due to the large number of equines that frequented it. It was also the place Xavier bought his own supplements which provided a wonderful excuse to spy on his mark.

With his shake consumed, he began a light workout, nothing too strenuous as he didn't want to overwork himself. If a hasty escape was necessary, he couldn't afford to be exhausted. Thirty minutes later, right on cue, Xavier von Dark stepped into the gym flanked by his four personal bodyguards, all human this evening. Xavier himself was a human, tall, athletically built and with slicked back blonde hair to show his prominent widow's peak. His skin was a pale colour, almost porcelain really. His dark eyes were always sharp but filled with an air of arrogance that would be his downfall.

Ulysses spent a fifteen more minutes on the treadmill, quietly watching Xavier from the corner of his eye. There were only a few other people in the gym. Two guys spotting one another on the bench press, three guys grunting and huffing in front of the mirrors and the guy manning the counter looking incredibly bored. It fascinated Ulysses how, this late at night, there were only men in the gym.

He compartmentalised that observation for the moment and turned towards the sauna. Thankfully, there was no one in the wooden room clouded by steam. That gave him the opportunity to quickly start setting up. Being a 24-hour gym made it hard for him to sneak any equipment in but over the past few days, every time he frequented the sauna, he placed one little item that would help him assassinate Xavier behind a loose panel on the wall, a panel he had created meticulously over his stay.

Now, he loosened the panel and quickly assembled the silent injector. This evening, he had brought with him a powerful neural toxin that would completely paralyse his mark, eventually leading cardiac arrest and death. It was also nearly undetectable and would take a very long time before cause of death could be discerned.

Tonight, Xavier von Dark died.

With the injector assembled, Ulysses sat back down in the sauna and waited patiently, letting the steam surround him and calm his nerves. Sweat glistened off his smooth skin and caused his short, dark brown hair to become matted and stick to his skull. The various tattoos that covered his arms shone in the dim light.

Fifteen minutes exactly from when he entered, the door sprang open.

His heart froze and then abruptly began beating rapidly in his chest.

Xavier von Dark entered, naturally. But so did his four bodyguards.

The would-be-criminal mastermind sat down fairly close to Ulysses and let out a sigh. The bodyguards sat down in tactical positions. One was fairly close to the door. Another parked himself opposite to Ulysses and a third was right next to Ulysses while the last was parked behind the assassin.

This was not good.

“Ah, nothing but a good relaxing steam after an exhausting workout, wouldn't you agree friend?" Xavier began with a distinct European accent.

Ulysses had to be careful and decided to play along… for the moment. “Yes. It is quite relaxing. It soothes sore muscles."

“You know what else soothes sore muscles?" Xavier nodded towards one of his men and the assassin tensed. The man reached behind the towel wrapped around his waist… and pulled out a canteen which he gave to Xavier. “Some good old fashion alcohol."

The assassin did not relax and watched his mark take a swing of the brew. An inebriated mark would be easier to take down… in theory.

“Would you like some?" Xavier asked, offering him the drink.

“No thank you. I do not drink."

“No. Go ahead. I insist."

The bodyguards glared at him. They were big, burly bruisers but he Ulysses had no doubt he could take them down one by one but he was still outnumbered. An assassin was not one to gamble. Those that gambled tended to lose their mark or worse.

“Maybe just a sip," Ulysses granted and picked up the canteen. He sniffed it, detecting a strong scent of alcohol. It would be easy to hide some sort of poison inside but he had just seen Xavier take a swing. Still dubious, he took a sip himself. It was a curious taste. While the alcoholic tang was there, there was also a distinct sweetness and a savoury taste like he was tasting the juices of a well-rounded steak.

“A curious blend," he admitted, handing the canteen back. Xavier took another swing and handed it to his guards. “What is it?"

“Something my superior cooked up. Nothing else like it."

There, Ulysses frowned. His reports didn't say that Xavier had a 'superior'. Everything he knew about the guy indicated that he worked alone and was driven by his own ambitions. The idea that he was working for someone… The assassin suddenly had another very big reason to be afraid.

“Your boss must be very generous to make you something so special and unique."

“Oh yes. He is quite generous. I mean, he generously gave me the top suite of the nearby hotel. Paid for my membership for this place and even told me all about you, Ulysses Fu."

The assassin was partway up to his feet when one of the big guards seized his shoulder and pushed him back to down. Another seized his wrist and pulled the silent injector away.

Clever bastards.

“You see, Mr. Fu," said Xavier. “My benefactor was quite interested in you. A professional assassin. Dozens of kills under your belt. I believe you make a point of tattooing the name of your victims on your body once you've confirmed the kill. Very impressive."

“Not quite as impressive as when I kill you and collect my bounty."

Xavier laughed softly. “Was the one who put the bounty on my head called 'Horseshoe'?"

There, Ulysses froze. His heart was racing and blood was pumping through his veins at an accelerated rate. He thought fast, eyes scanning the area for a way out. It didn't help that the steam in the room obscured his vision and caused him to sweat profusely.

“Because he is also my benefactor." The aristocrat grinned at him, a made look in his eyes. “You see, my dear assassin, you've been set up. All the while, you thought you were hunting me when in reality, we were hunting you."

“And who is this 'we'?" Fu demanded.

“Why, the Gene Stealers of course."

Ulysses' eyes widened and he stared down at his shaking hands. The heat coming off his body, it wasn't natural and definitely not just from the sauna around them. Each pulsation of his heart was stronger than the last and he could feel it radiating out of his body like someone was striking a drum deep in his chest. Worse, he could feel it flooding towards his dick.

“Ah yes, you should be feeling the effects right about now," Xavier said, licking his lips. He ran a hand down his towel, massaging his own dick. “I sure am."

“You would infect yourself?" Ulysses snarled.

“Why, of course. It was promised to me by Trojan, after all." Xavier stood up, letting the towel drop. The assassin's eyes widened as, right before his eyes, the man's already impressive erect 6 inch dick began growing, throbbing and thickening. “What you need to understand about the Gene Stealers, my dear assassin, is that they are well established. They aren't just some group that's popped up overnight and just building their criminal network now. No, they already have agents everywhere_._ Some of them have been working with them for a while now, all with the promise of eventually becoming an Original."

Xavier pressed a hand against his chest. As he did so, his pectorals bulged and grew, a sound like bubbling, viscous liquid rising throughout the sauna. “Now, Originals can only be made from Outsiders without serious repercussions but the rest of us can be turned into Generation 2s. Effectively, superheroes."

Ulysses groaned, squeezing his eyes shut. The sensations all over his body were intensifying, the beat of the drum growing stronger and stronger. Each beat was pushing the limits of his skin and muscles further and further away from his bones. Strength was being pumped through his veins and new lines were being cut through his tattooed arms as those very same veins pushed up against his flesh.

“Why?" he groaned. “Why do this to me? If you think I will ally myself with you…"

The villain and Gene Stealer lackey laughed softly. Xavier's spine began to stretch and he shamelessly groped his ballooning balls. One of his other guards stepped forward, face flush with lust. The towel dropped off the man's waist and he rubbed his throbbing 8 inch dick against Xavier's thickening thighs. The guard lapped at the villain's neck, the sight both horrifying and arousing Ulysses.

“This is revenge, my dear assassin," chuckled Xavier. “Revenge for all those people you've slain and all the wrong you've done."

The changing assassin grunted and he hunched forward. The mutating hands of the guards behind him kept him from toppling off the edge of the seat. He caught sight of his feet. His toenails began to blacken and thicken. The gaps between his toes began shrinking, his flesh melding together. Bone snapped against each other and fused, all the mass being used to increase the size of his foot As his toenails merged into one, they grew, encompassing the entire edge of his foot and hardening further into a distinct hoof.

Realising what he was becoming, he snapped his gaze back up at Xavier who was already halfway through his transformation. The athletic form of the villain had ballooned out into hulking bodybuilder proportions and he stood on the tips of his toes just in time for those very toes to harden and transform into solid, diamond-crushing hooves. A soft, white pelt began growing all over his legs, chest and arms while his platinum blonde hair became more golden in colour and spread down his back.

“Revenge!?" Ulysses growled. The constant thrumming was building at the back of his face, pushing his features forward. It felt like someone was trying to wrench every tooth from his mouth. But he held back, waiting for his moment. His dick betrayed him however. An enormous tent formed against towel and one of the guards immediately tore it off.

The assassin's eyes widened as his prick grew to a tremendous foot long schlong as thick as a beer can. The pinkish colour of a human member turned into a brighter, more flesh colour. The flesh began to turn dark above halfway down, first coming in as splotches and then solidifying into a solid shade the closer it got to his balls. The mushroom topped helmet warped and flattened, the glands obtaining lumpy ridges like someone had braided the flesh around the flat, equine head. A menial ring formed about halfway up his dick even as it continued to grow to a monumental fourteen inches.

Xavier laughed at his transformation, pointing at the tremendous member and orange-sized balls. Dark fur spread out from Ulysses' balls, spreading down his legs even as they thickened into powerful limbs capable of carrying his weight easily at high speeds.

“Yes, my friend! Revenge!"

“You will be hunted, just like me!" Fu snapped angrily. That loss of control was a mistake as it only stimulated the change down his legs. His thighs lost all fat, each one transforming into four perfectly crafted lengths of ripped muscle pressing up against short, dark fur. Bone snapped and grew and a sense of relief washed over him like he was stretching his legs for the first time after a long coma. The feeling of blood rushing through his limbs was intoxicating and he let out a lusty moan, his cock pouring with precum.

“My master will come for me, you fool," Xavier retorted, his shoulder broadening into thick, meaty orbs. A slanting bridge of muscle connected his shoulder to his neck, nearly making it seem like he didn't have a neck at all. All around him, the other guards were transforming though the one holding Ulysses down still had his grip firmly around the assassin's shoulder. Whether it was out of incredible self-control or just a side-effect of the lust-filled transformation was debatable.

“You on the other hand," Xavier continued with a snicker. His face elongated, his golden hair spreading down his back into a lustrous mane. His nostrils expanded, pushing out to the tip of his long face. Cheeks and jawlines reconstructed into a long, equine face. Xavier shamelessly seized his dick, not a sixteen inch equine monster, perfectly black unlike Ulysses' mottled cock. He let out a loud nicker and threw back his head, eyes shut in pleasure. A mound of flesh began growing on his forehead and within moments, it breached the skin. There was no blood but the spiralling, silvery horn was hard to mistake as it grew out of his forehead.

Xavier let out a loud whinny, stamping his hooves excitedly on the ground and causing the wood to break. His cock exploded, shooting hot cum straight at Ulysses' face. The assassin was taken aback by the blast, his mouth gasping open in shock. The torrent of seed blasted down his throat and he instinctively swallowed. Primal instincts took over and he wrenched himself free of the guard.

Xavier's mutant seed gave the transformation more power and Ulysses roared as it surged through his body like molten fire through his veins. His slim torso surged outwards, already firm, defined pectorals swelling into tremendous discs of pure muscle. Abdominal muscles already lean and flexible from years of being an assassin hardened into a hard wall of brick, his lats flaring out on either side of him to give him an unmistakable 'V' shaped torso. Veins rolled up throughout his entire back, pumping the corruptive power throughout every muscle there until each one was pressed up against his skin. Even as his dark brown fur spread all over his back and torso, each muscle was clearly defined.

Ulysses Fu fell to his hands and knees, gnashing his teeth together in an effort to keep a desperate hold on his humanity. But every fibre of his being was telling him give in to the beast, to seize his cock and cum so powerfully that the human in him was knocked out and all that was left was the raving, sex-crazed beast. He fought it off, desperately trying to keep the transformation from his head, his brain.

But no matter how much he fought, it kept spreading. While it slowed, he could feel the veins, the constant beating of his mighty heart, pumping the horse through his shoulders, causing them to gush outwards into hard, bowling balls. His right arm, still human for the moment, pulled away from supporting his weight and began inching towards his dick.

“N – N – No…" he groaned.

“It's a losing battle, Ulysses," laughed Xavier. “Give in. You know you want to."

Fu shut his eyes, focusing all his effort on fighting his hand from seizing his dick. But it was like trying to wake from sleep paralysis. He mentally screamed and rattled against the powerful cages of his body but his arm just kept moving. The brown fur swept over his bicep, filling them with muscle and mass until both bicep and triceps were plump as watermelons squashed together so tightly that the divide between them could cut diamond. His elbow practically let out a loud, mechanical creak as his forearms became swollen with muscle, hands twitching and growing. Inch by inch, he could feel his fingers coming closer and closer to his dick until…

“FUUUUUUCK!"

He fully seized his cock and damned himself.

Hot seed came blasting out of his powerful, equine dick, pouring out in such a powerful rush that his hips were actually slammed backwards. With the floodgates broken, the fur spread all over his features, cutting off his cry as his face shot forward into that of an equine's. His short, black hair spread halfway down his back just as a long, wispy black tail thrashed out behind him. The loud throbbing continued, pounding in his ears even as Xavier laughed in triumph.

Ulysses Fu let out another roar the moment his features were complete, cock sending out another powerful blast that soaked the floor around him. The steam room suddenly became awash with the scent of his scent as well as those of the guards and Xavier as they too finished their transformation. The distinct smell of horse was in the air even with the thick steam around them.

Just when the assassin though the rush of pleasure was enough, another powerful blast came bubbling out of his balls and he let out another thunderous cry, throwing his head back. His scream came out as a lusty whinny. All the strength left his limbs and he collapsed into a pool of his own cum with a loud splash.

He panted, mighty chest heaving.

Xavier's laughter turned into a derisive chuckle. “So much for the great assassin. Didn't even make it to a Gen 2. Shark Tamer would be disappointed."

From the corner of his eye, he could Xavier's guards were overcome with lust. They were crashing through the wooden seats and slamming one another against the walls, fucking each other wildly. It seemed that Xavier had somehow managed to maintain his discipline… and become unique. He maintained his personality.

And though the sexual haze threatened to drag Ulysses into the mire of lust, he fought it off.

A deep, rumbling growl rose from his chest… and he slowly pulled himself up from the ground, each heavy pant coming easier than the last. Xavier's confidence began to waver as the tremendous equine rising up to be just a little shorter than Xavier's own 9'9''. A thick smoke began to rise out from the assassin's lips and nose.

Fu's fingers clenched into fists.

“He would be very disappointed in you indeed."

******

'Waiting for You' played.

Caleb shoved the last mouthful of gravy-soaked chicken Kiev into his muzzle before reaching into his pocket and fishing out his phone. Just as he did so, David and Lance's phones both rang. Worried looks crossed the expressions of the other Hales on the table. Leon leaned towards his youngest brother, ears perked and desperate to hear what he could. Lillian paled while Abby folded her paws in silent prayer.

“Bren?"

“Emergency as this place called 4 Fitness_. It's located at Hiloring Heights_. Sending you the coordinates now."

“Hiloring Heights?" Leon exclaimed. “That's near the police academy!"

“I'm on my way," Caleb said, tucking his phone away. “Dad, you ready?"

“Give me a second," David said, quickly shovelling a few more bites of chicken into his muzzle. Too full to respond, he gave Caleb a thumbs up and they both rushed to the door. Lance began making his own calls as he was technically not allowed to act unless the Elemental Alliance gave him the go ahead. He'd have to serve as their backup.

Within moments, Caleb was back in his Weapons Master outfit and David was dressed as Feral Steel. Caleb was off rocketing down the streets on Ballistic and David was flying overhead.

“Shit…" Caleb muttered.

“What's wrong, son?" David asked.

“Hiloring Heights is at least thirty minutes away from us. Who knows what kind of damage they can do until then."

Moments later, Mary was zooming down the street in her sleek, black convertible. “I've already asked Bren to clear the roads for us," she said. “Police are working on it. Ben is on his way and Bren and Madman are halfway there but Caleb's right. Thirty minutes is a long time."

“I've got an idea," David answered. “Seatbelts kids."

Before Caleb could mention that Ballistic didn't have any seatbelts, the entire motorcycle suddenly lifted off the ground, the tires squealing for a moment as it skidded across the ground. Mary cried out in shock behind him. They were suddenly soaring through the air, suspended by David's incredible power to control all forms of metal.

“Hold on!" David shouted.

With Feral Steel leading, the three of them suddenly bolted through the air, faster than they would have on the ground. Without the winding roads and traffic, they managed to get to Hiloring Heights in a good ten minutes.

And it was hell.

David set down the two Outsiders a good distance away from the raging mess of fire and twisted metal. Cars were overturned, some embedded into nearby buildings. Hiloring Heights, like most of the northern section of the Island, was built more for the rich and opulent. The buildings were very modern, sleek and often unique. During the day, they shone like gems and when the sun set, the glimmered like the night sky. Now, everything was a mess with smashed windows, bizarre modern art statues shattered and broken and buildings that could be considered architectural marvels on the verge of collapse.

“This is going to cost the city a hell of a lot…" Caleb muttered, pulling off his helmet. He tapped a button on the dashboard of Ballistic and a dazzling array of light spilled out of the bike. The lights coalesced to form a silvery gladius and a shield, both of which he held tightly.

Mary stepped up beside him. “I hope we don't have to foot the bill."

A loud crash filled the air and a huge, hulking form came shooting out from behind some debris. The creature came crashing to the ground, creating a crater around him. The beast was no doubt a Gen-level Gene Stealer… only he was an equine.

“Guess we know what the next strain is going to be!" David exclaimed. “Hold it right there, buddy!" Iron bars suddenly erupted from the ground around the horse, linking up to form an impenetrable lattice.

A feral cry erupted from the wild beast, his enormous dick waving wildly through the air and splattering precum everywhere. Thick, acrid smoke began rising out from the battlefield just beyond the wall of debris. Loud 'neighs', nickers and whinnies.

David growled and swept his paws out on either side. All the crumpled cars were lifted into the air and gently lowered to the side of the streets where they would no longer block them. Beyond was a rather curious scene.

Two massive equines, taller than even Reggie Reeves, stood opposite to one another, cocks erect, massive bodies bunching with strength and squaring off against one another. Other equines were slumped on around them, unconscious. The darker horse, one standing slightly shorter than the other, had thick, acrid smoke rising from his lips, hovering above him like a cloud. The other equine was a…

“Oh my god, it's a unicorn…" Mary said bluntly. “The Gene Stealers made a unicorn."

“Probably just another Gen 2," Caleb growled. “Though admittedly, if he started vomiting gold and shitting rainbows, I'd be convinced."

The two horses glanced over at them, both snarling.

“Stay out of this, Arsenal!" the smoking horse snarled. “Don't get in my way!"

The unicorn smirked, crossing his massive arms smugly. “Awww, what's wrong, Smokestack? Afraid you can't handle a couple of kids and an old, grey wolf?"

David's ears folded back. “Hey… I'm not that old…"

“Quiet you!" Smokestack snapped back. “I came for your head! Horse, human or anything else in between, I will claim the bounty on your head!"

“Dissent in the ranks?" Mary wondered aloud. “This is new…"

“Not really," Caleb responded. “Remember how Minos actually went against most of the Gene Stealers' plans and almost exposed them? Maybe we're seeing another Minos."

Unicorn bowed theatrically towards Smokestack. “You are most welcome to try, my friend," he said with a distinct European accent. “But you are clearly outmatched. I've trained to possess a form like this. You, however, are sluggish and slow. You don't even know how to use your powers correctly!"

Smokestack's eyes narrowed and the grey cloud around him began to thicken, spreading quickly until the entire street was covered in the acrid smoke. Caleb covered his muzzle and coughed.

“Part being an assassin is adapting to any situation. And you will find that even as a horse…"

There was a suddenly cry and the smoke was blasted away by a gust of wind. Caleb jerked back Smokestack suddenly pierced Unicorn's ass with his enormous two-foot long dick.

“I can still come at you from behind!"

Caleb leaned towards Mary. “Was that… Was that a pun?"

She shrugged in response. “I have no idea."

Unicorn just grinned, his own massive member twitching in pleasure and spraying precum onto the ground. “Clever. You are certainly getting the hang of that body of yours and your primal instincts."

The alabaster equine let out a cry as Smokestack shoved his dick further into him.

“I will tear your ass wide open before I claim the bounty on your head!" Smokestack shouted.

Caleb hiked a thumb over his shoulder. “Did anyone else want let these two duke it out and go grab a burger instead? I'm still hungry."

“You're a wolf and a Hale, Caleb," David said. “You're always hungry. And you know we can't do that." He crouched slightly, fangs bared. “Come on. Let's stop them before they cause any more damage."

Suddenly, the horn on Unicorn's head suddenly launched off his forehead, fire erupting from its base like a rocket. It quickly swerved through the air and made a beeline for Smokestack. The startled equine was forced to pull out of Unicorn, the latter horse letting out a cry of ecstasy. The rocket missed him and collided with a nearby building resulting in a –

Boom!

… thunderous explosion.

Unicorn grinned and scrambled to his feet. His horn regrew in just a second and another rocket launched half a second later. Smokestack let out a startled cry and ducked and weaved as rocket after rocket came shooting towards him.

Caleb saw his chance.

He swung the blade of Branding Iron and two enormous, diamond Minotaurs wielding sharp axes appeared beside him. The crystal constructs charged and bowled over Unicorn. Despite being made of diamond, the two seemingly organic creatures were very heavy.

Smokestack dodged the last missile and spun, turning to make his escape. David suddenly seized Mary's wrist and hurled her over the equine. The dark horse ground to a halt as Blade Babe spun into view, two swords flashing in the air and drawing bloody gashes across his face. The Gen 2 Stealer let out a cry, clutching his face and staggering back.

“Out of my way!" he screamed, black smoke exploded out of his muzzle, blasting straight into her face and blinding her.

WHAM!

A powerful fist slammed into Mary's abdomen and sent her flying into the air, over five storeys into the sky.

Thwump!

She slammed into something big and furry, strong, powerful arms covered in blood-red fur holding her tightly.

Ben Connors AKA Blood Wolf of the Alpha Pack landed on the ground, Mary in his arms.

“Thanks for the save," she panted, rubbing her stomach. “That guy hits like a truck…"

“Noted," growled the enormous werewolf. “Nubby and the clone are on their way. What are we dealing with?"

Mary pointed at Smokestack who was slowly emerging from his dome of smoke, looking mad as hell. “Both Gen 2s, I think. That one can produce a lot of smoke and that –"

BOOM!

Just as she pointed at Unicorn, the two Minotaurs holding him down erupted into flame. The Gene Stealer jumped to his hoofed feet nimbly, a confident smirk on his face.

Ben's eyebrows rose. “Holy crap he's a Unicorn."

“Yeah, Caleb already made the joke that he'll believe the guy is a real unicorn if he can vomit gold and shit rainbows."

“Actual unicorns don't do that."

Mary turned to him incredulously. “There are actual unicorns?"

“Yeah. Surprisingly look the same as our explosive guy there." Ben's eyes widened suddenly and he threw himself at Mary, covering her with his body. “Duck!"

BOOM! BOOM!

The explosions rocked the street.

“Ben! Mary!" Caleb shouted but as the explosion cleared, he could still see Ben's mighty form hunched over his friend. A few explosive unicorn horns wouldn't be able to stop Blood Wolf. But when a thick, black smoke began surrounding the two, that was when he began to worry.

He heard the sound of bones crackling and shifted his gaze to Unicorn, the massive Gene Stealer striding towards them.

“I always wanted to test my might against the legendary Weapons Master."

“You'll have to deal with us both," David snarled, raising a fist.

Unicorn's eyes narrowed as a cocky smirk crossed his features. “No. No I won't."

Huge hands suddenly grabbed David's shoulders and yanked him back. Caleb spun in time to see four massive equines dragging David a good distance away, throwing punches and stomping with their diamond-hard hooves.

“Dad!"

“Worry about yourself, pup," Unicorn boomed ominously. “Trojan told me just to get the assassin infected and wreck up the place a little." He grinned, flashing his teeth at Caleb. “It was all to send this message, Weapons Master." His voice dropped low, dangerous, threatening and dripping with malice. “You've changed nothing. Your friend, Legion and his team have changed nothing. Our plans continue to be on track. Soon, supers themselves will fall to us with or without you using the serum we gave you. This…" He spread his arms wide, indicating the destruction around them. “… is just the beginning. We're here, amongst you, and there is nothing you can do to stop what is coming."

Caleb snarled, fangs bared. “Like hell there is!"

He swung his sword upwards. Diamond shards came shooting up from the ground like spikey pillars, racing towards Unicorn at high speeds. The Gene Stealer easily sidestepped the blow, letting out a derisive snort as he watched his reflection in the blade-like crystal. He even took a second to admiring his own reflection.

A mistake on his part.

Caleb was suddenly upon him, shield forward.

WHAM!

Unicorn staggered back. Even with his super strength, he was still pushed a whole ten feet back. He peered up past the shield… only to see an enormous bull standing there, wielding sword and shield.

“Nothing is set in stone!" Caleb roared in his bull form. “My destiny is mine to make!" He gave Unicorn another powerful bash with his shield, his thick arm even bigger than the equine's. Though not as tall, he was far stockier. As Unicorn staggered back, he swung his blade at the Gene Stealer. Speed as his greatest disadvantage, however, and Unicorn managed to sweep backwards out of reach before his blade could make contact.

Unicorn laughed at him. “Is that all you can do, boy!?"

He lowered his head, pointing the horn straight at Caleb. Multiple horns came rocketing out of his skull. Caleb brought up his shield and grit his teeth together.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM

Explosion after explosion slammed into his shield, shoving him back a foot with each step. The barrage was relentless and Caleb could feel his arm starting to go numb with each blast. His peeled open his eyes, searching for a way out…

… and found 40 bound dumbbell lying beside his foot, likely a spare from the nearby gym.

With a nod, he summoned four diamond Minotaurs who immediately launched themselves at Unicorn. The Gene Stealer levelled his rockets at them, shattering each of them one by one. That moment of distraction was all Caleb needed. He hurled the gladius in his hands straight at Unicorn and dove for the discarded gym weight.

“Please be something good…" he pleaded and the weight became encased in a shimmering blue light.

Unicorn just barely dodged the flying blade but even then, it sliced through his left flank, leaving a faint stinging sensation. That only made him laugh. Such a pathetic attack, certainly one from a desperate Weapons Master.

“You're desperate, boy! You –" His face fell. “Oh…"

Suddenly, Unicorn found himself staring a projectile swinging towards him.

CLANG!

The bolas slammed right into Unicorn's head, striking his forehead and sending stars dancing in front of his eyes. They quickly wrapped over his body, the ropes sending the big, black weights slamming into his body over and over again, causing bruising. Their immense weight caused him to topple over.

On the other side of the battlefield, Ben snarled as the black cloud around them thickened, obscuring is vision.

“You will not get between me and my mark!" Smokestack sneered. “How can you hit what you cannot see?"

Blood Wolf snorted. “I don't need my eyes to know where you are."

He suddenly whirled around –

Thud.

And caught the equine's fist in one, massive paw. The smoke around them immediately dissipated, revealing Smokestack's stunned expression and Ben's snarl.

“I can tell where you are based on your blood."

Red jets suddenly exploded all up Smokestack's arms. His veins just ruptured, blood spurting everywhere and showering Mary. The equine roared in agony and fell to his knees, clutching his injured arm. Ben pressed a finger against the equine's forehead.

“Don't mess with the Blood Wolf."

The Gene Stealer's eyes suddenly rolled into the back of his head and he toppled backwards.

“Ben!" Mary shouted.

“I didn't kill him," grunted the werewolf. “Just knocked him unconscious." He lifted his muzzle just in time to see Feral Steel, covered in horse cum, knock off all the horses surrounding him with massive pillars of metal rising from the ground.

“We're just about done here," he grunted.

Caleb met Ben, Mary and his dad in front of Unicorn, the white Gene Stealer screaming and raging.

“Me kill you! Me smash!" shouted the horned equine. “Me fuck! Fuck you all! Fuck!"

Mary inclined her head slightly to the side. “Did… Did he just lose some IQ points?"

All eyes went to Caleb who just shrugged. “Don't look at me. I grabbed a pair of dumbbells and turned them into bolas. Maybe it's the whole 'dumb' thing. Anyone that gets hit with them loses intelligence."

“I smart!" cried Unicorn incredulously. “I smarter than all of you! I no dumb!"

Ben just grinned and snickered.

“Heh… _Dumb_bells."