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Chapter IX: The Final Stretch

“Get away!" Caleb cried.

Arsenal scattered as thick, black, live wires came shooting out of the ground and lunged towards his teammates. There was nothing he could do to stop himself. It was if invisible strings were embedded deep into his very muscles and his bones. He couldn't move, he couldn't act and all he could do as his body moved outside of his own will was watch. Just as Arsenal scattered he cracked his whip again, sending the wires off into all different directions chasing his friends and family down with little hesitation. The forces that compelled him had complete control over him, they made him send everything he had at them and made him believe that he wanted to do it. There was nothing he could do to stop himself.

Behind him, Trojan laughed darkly. “You feel it, don't you Weapons Master? That overwhelming urge to do exactly as I say."

He snorted in defiance but even that came out faintly as he cracked Thunder Wire. The wires began collecting and weaving together into his electrified steed underneath him, easily lifting him up into the air. A dozen other wild, wire horses came jumping out of the ground behind forming a wall of electrified stallions with glowing, yellow eyes.

“Caleb, you're stronger than this!" David shouted. “You're a fighter, son! Fight it!"

Caleb squeezed his eyes shut. “D – D – Dad! Please! S – s – stop me!"

Again Trojan laughed. “While Chimera does want to preserve personalities as much as possible, he does recognize that some people need to be bent a little to fit in his plan. Its why he includes such a powerful compulsion into each Gene Stealer formula. If I so much as order to you believe exactly what I believe, it will slowly erode at your thoughts, your very heart. I could even tell you to love me and slowly you will believe it."

WHAM!

The sickening noise of bone snapping was like a splash of water that woke Caleb and loosened his bindings. He turned to find Leon's fist embedded against Trojan's cheek. There was a momentary pause in the chaos around him, silence ruling as Trojan's eyes were wide in surprise and Leon's equine face was contorted in anger. Trojan however was still bigger and he only staggered a step from the move.

Leon snorted and took a step back, crouched in a fighting position while Trojan gently rubbed the area where he had been struck.

“Impressive," rumbled the equine Original. “I didn't even see you there. Your speed also seems to be dramatically increased." A cocky smirk crossed his features. “So, finally coming into your full powers, eh?"

“You think my power is super speed?" Leon said with a heavy snort before he spat at the ground. In that brief moment where Caleb's eyes followed that wad of spit fly towards the polished floor, he totally missed Leon bolting for Trojan. The Original seemed similarly distracted by that fleck of spit as well because he never saw Leon until the monochrome horse's fist was embedded deep into his gut. “I always thought that people kept ignoring me because I wasn't special. Turns out, they were ignoring me because I was."

“Leon! Get away from him!" Madman shouted. “If he touches you, he'll steal your mass!"

Trojan's dark grin appeared and he immediately seized Leon's wrist. Thick veins began crawling down his arm, worming their way towards Leon's arm. “Weapons Master, Draft Horse, keep everyone off my back. I'll take care of this would-be-stallion."

Caleb's head snapped forward almost painfully, his eyes wide in terror. “Oh hell…" he whimpered. He cracked Thunder Wire and his horde of horses stampeded towards Arsenal, him at the lead and Reggie right behind him. They crashed right through the front of the gym, driving the team back into the streets. He was blinded briefly as a group of helicopters hovering outside all shone their spotlights directly onto him during his destructive exit. Caleb felt his heart sink as he saw the groups of reporters and cameras gathered outside, all of them with wide-eyed and shocked expressions. This was going to hurt his image a lot.

The herd of wire horses were stopped by an enormous metal wall. Its surface crackled for a moment as the energy ran through the metal and down into the ground. Caleb thanked his lucky stars that that West California had built their roads to re-direct live electricity to grounded sources. Otherwise the entire crowd below would have been given a devastating shock.

Once the wires had run out of energy they collapsed onto the ground, writhing around like a swamp of leaches before going limp. Draft Horse waved his hands through the air and suddenly the barrier topped over, with Ben making a massive dent into the wall with David pounced on top of him as they engaged in a brutal melee. Up in the air Lars and Madman clashed, fireballs launching from Lars while Madman snarled and snapped, throwing cars and chunks of sidewalk into the air trying to knock him out of the sky. Bren was caught between them, first getting singed by Lars and then squished by Madman. Interestingly, when Madman picked up the chunk of asphalt had crushed Bren he took the limp tigers corpse and threw him across the battlefield against Ben who snapped him in two and then hurled both pieces at David. Feral Steel swatted the charred pieces aside dismissively.

They were caught in Reggie's illusion.

“Finish them off," Reggie chuckled softly. “Now. While they're helpless. And don't you dare give them a word of warning."

Caleb whimpered, his muzzle clamped shut. He lifted Thunder Wire, his mind railing against these powerful mental chains that forced him to fight against his will. It was all he could do not to bring it down but slowly Trojan and this virus that had been implanted in him were winning. He was going to kill his dad, his boyfriend and his friends!

Crack!

Pain erupted from his wrist and he gasped as he looked upon the wicked black whip that held back his hand. Its entire surface looked like it was engulfed with seething, blackish-purple flames while its material was made entirely out of a flexible metal that reminded him of a starry night sky. His eyes went towards the owner of the whip.

Jacob stood right beside Mary and he was wearing his silver gauntlet… that weapon that gave him psionic powers even greater than Mary's.

“Jake…! Blade!" he gasped.

Draft Horse frowned at them. “What? My illusion is flawless."

“Yeah but that kind of shit plays on your mind," Jacob said, tapping his temple with a finger. “I've been around long enough to know when my mind is being messed with. Blade Babe's psychic powers also help her in this regard."

“Psychics…" the dark horse snorted. “Fine. We'll take care of you both! Weapons Master! Kill them!"

Caleb's heart froze at the thought of 'kill' even though his body instantly wrenched his arm free of Jacob's whip and cracked Thunder Wire through the air. A swarm of black wires sprang up from the ground and rushed towards the black wolf.

“Blade Babe," Jacob said calmly. “Smack Draft Horse around. Get him to drop the illusion. I'll cover you."

“Don't need to tell me twice!" she shouted and darted forward straight towards the swarm of wires.

“Blade! No!" Caleb cried.

Ka-crack!

Jacob swung his whip through the air. A ragged, black scar through space appeared in front of him. From the darkness, fiery meteorites came shooting out and collided with Caleb's wires. A salvo of explosions erupted from the impact of the two opposing forces, momentarily barring Caleb's vision. He felt something dart past him.

“Don't worry. We'll get you out of this," Mary said telepathically. “Just need to keep the others from killing one another first!"

Relief seeped through his veins.

“Thank you."

Ka-crack!

There was another snap of a whip and all the flames and smoke peeled away from Jacob like they feared him. The black wolf's eyes were closed.

“You know," Legion said, a small smile on his face. “I had an eerie feeling that we'd get a little bit of fan service here." He opened his eyes. “Don't worry, I'm just really buying time and keeping you distracted until Mary can dropkick Draft Horse and we can all subdue you." He stood at the ready, his whip held behind him. “Doesn't mean I'll go easy on you though."

“Don't hold back!" Caleb cried, sensing his body already moving. “I can't control myself." He kicked his steed and suddenly, the wire horse was charging forward, a cloud of electricity snapping around him.

“Of course," Jacob whispered softly. “Nebula, you're up."

Then he tossed his whip to the left, diving to the right.

Caleb had only seen this once before and he had to fight to remember exactly what it meant. The black whip suddenly lashed out and seized the left leg of his steed. At the same time, an ethereal, white whip snapped out from his right, wrapping around the other leg. His horse was yanked right out from underneath him and he was hurled through the air. Out of self-preservation and instinct, he commanded a pillar of wires to spring up from the ground and catch him. He landed in the pile with a whump and a sigh.

On the ground, there was a tall, lithe woman dressed in tight-fitting, black armour made of some sort of scaly material. Her flesh was completely black save for silvery tattoos that crawled over her body in strange, arcane patterns. Her eyes were strange in that they had no pupils and simply reflected to cosmos. She held the black whip and Jacob held a copy of the weapon. Although his was a ghostly white and emanated a strange power.

He remembered Rhiannon's awe at the word 'Realmbreaker'.

Before he could even think, his body was moving, charging forward and snapping his electrified whip through the air. There was a crackle and sizzle as all three of them snapped their weapons through the air. The dark woman, Nebula, somersaulted backwards, swinging her weapon over her shoulder until she was a wheel of scintillating energies. Jacob mirrored her moves exactly, the two of them suddenly resembling spinning spiral galaxies.

Defying all logic, the two came zooming towards him like two buzzsaws. Wires immediately launched from the ground and hurled Caleb away. The two cut right through the pillar of electric cords with ease. They stopped a short distance away but didn't attack. They really were stalling for time.

He was relieved.

But some part of him realised that he couldn't win like this. His weapon still had its limits and he would lose eventually.

“Oh no…" he began, realising what he was about to do. “Oh no!" He couldn't get more of a warning out due to Reggie's command.

Spears of wires shot towards the sky, hurtling towards the news copters. Wire steeds erupted from the ground and rushed for the police line. He could see the horrified looks of the reporters and policemen; that look asking him why he would do such a thing.

Jacob and Nebula shot into action, working in perfect synch. They darted towards the rushing cords, snapping their whips and creating more tears in the air. Eerie black flames erupted from the dark wound, blasting the wires and cutting them where they stood. Their whips collected the remaining wires in a pile and slammed them to the ground, rendering them useless.

But they were distracted and that meant –

Wires shot from the ground and slapped into the backs of the two, bolts of electricity shooting through their bodies. Jacob and Nebula let out a cry and they both fell to their knees. Caleb's body wasn't about to let them get up and immediately restrained them in a bunch of wires, lifting them up into the air and slowly constricting them.

“I'm so sorry!" Caleb whimpered. “I don't have control!"

Jacob just gave him a grin. “Don't worry about it. Time's already up."

Two hands gently pressed against his temples.

“Caleb. I'm here," came Mary's soothing voice. “Jacob, you ready?"

“Yep."

Suddenly, all the wires around Jacob turned to dust, just blowing in the winter wind and dropping him to the ground. Nebula vanished in a flash of light, her whip included. Jacob now held a small, grey knife and strode straight past Caleb who found his body entirely frozen in place. He followed the wolf until he was out of view.

“Mary? What's happening?"

“I've locked your mind and body away from one another. You're frozen for now. Don't worry, we've got a way to fix this."

“The others? My dad? Lars?"

“Exhausted from fighting one another but they're okay."

Reggie was suddenly dumped in front of him by Jacob. The black wolf seized the huge equine by his luscious made and lifted his bloodied face to look straight at Caleb.

“Now," the No One growled. “You're going to order Weapons Master to use his power on himself so that he turns back into his normal form."

“You think that'll remove the compulsion from him?" Reggie snorted. “He's basically part of a thrall to Trojan! He'll never be the same! He'll always be under our command!"

“You think so, huh?" Jacob leaned down, his muzzle hovering over Reggie's ear. “Pandemonium. Bedlam. Anarchy. Tumult. Stranger. Ring a bell?"

The equine's eyes went wide in terror. “How did you…?"

“You want to find out?"

WHAM!

Jacob slammed Reggie's face right into the concrete. Even Mary had to wince as the wolf pulled the horse's blooded face back up.

“Do as I say. Don't make me say 'please'."

“Or what?" Reggie snarled.

Jacob smirked and suddenly hurled Reggie to the ground so that the horse was on his back. He slammed his foot against Reggie's crotch, an ear-shattering crunch heralding the snapping of bone.

“Pelvis!"

The wolf slammed a fist against Reggie's chest, ribs shattering.

“Lungs!"

He brought his open palms slamming against Reggie's ears with a loud –

Clap!

“Ears!"

Showing no mercy at all, Jacob grabbed the screaming Reggie's wrists and –

SNAP!

Pulled his arms right out of their sockets.

“Arms!"

BAM!

Another stomp this time into Reggie's gut, cutting off all screaming in exchange of bloodied spluttering.

“Stomach!"

Then, with agonising slowness, Jacob seized the sides of Reggie's head, his clawed thumbs angled right over the horse's eyes.

“Eyes."

Caleb shut his eyes.

“Okay! Okay!" screamed the Gene Stealer. “Weapons Master! Use your powers on yourself! Change yourself back into a wolf!"

Mary instantly released him and an ethereal blue glow surrounded him. Those strings that were binding him suddenly felt like they were being loosened. More than that, he could feel Mary's presence right there with him, tracing those lines with her psychic powers and plucking them off one by one, snapping them. There was a bit of pain as they lashed against his body; ironically like whips snapping at his flesh but he could feel Jacob's own psychic abilities dulling the pain for him. Each wire that snapped was set him free weights rising from his shoulders and limbs.

A soft sigh escaped his lips and he slumped forward, falling to his knees.

As the light faded, he found himself once more in his original form, a wolf. Maybe he was just a little bigger in many ways from the transformation but he was back. When he wiggled his fingers, his toes and even his nose, it was because he wanted to.

“Now, Draft Horse," Jacob growled threateningly. “Tell Weapons Master to kill me."

“Wh – what!?" the equine stammered.

“Do I have to say 'please'?"

Reggie shut his eyes. Even though his wounds were starting to heal, it was clear the pain was still very fresh in his mind. “Weapons Master! Kill, this man!"

Caleb lifted his gaze, waiting for his body to react against his own will.

The only thing that happened was that his tail was wagging in joy. “Fuck no."

Jacob smiled, a look of relief on his face.

WHAM!

Then his fist collided with Reggie's face and the equine was out cold.

Caleb beamed and looked to Mary, who was smiling down at him. “Thank you." Tears of joy streamed down his face. “Thank you so much…"

“It's what teammates are for," Jacob said, offering him his paw. “Right?"

He took the offered paw and rose to his feet. “Yeah."

There was a deafening crash.

They turned towards the gym and Trojan slowly stormed out, looking bigger than before and Leon looked so small, almost shrivelled compared to what he was before.

“Leon…" Jacob whispered, striding forward.

“Bastard!" David came charging out from the left, fist raised and a thousand metal spikes hurtling through the air beside him. Trojan caught the movement and easily tossed the unconscious Leon straight at him. David halted in mid-air and collided with his son. The two went down in the heap, the metal spikes falling to the ground with a clatter.

Madman gave his own roar and charged forward, Ben and Lars right behind him. He and Ben stood side by side and hurled punches straight at the towering stallion. Trojan caught their fists, a smirk on his face. But the two were likewise smirking. Even as thick veins began crawling down Trojan's arms, Ben activated his powers.

Blood blasted out of Trojan's arm, his veins erupting violently. Strangely, the Original didn't seem fazed by it at all and continued to grip the two tightly. Ben gagged and Madman tried to yank his fist away from the equine. Right before their eyes, both of them began to shrink, their mass absorbed by Trojan and making the already massive Gene Stealer even bigger.

“Here's a little fun fact about my power," Trojan said. “Mass transfer also means I can change my mass!" He pulled his fists back, relieving Ben and Madman of his grip. His arms suddenly bulged, the rest of his body compressing a little until his fists were nearly as a big as his torso and his forearms were like barrels.

WHAM!

Both Ben and Madman were hurled back, crashing into buildings across the street.

Bolts of flame came showering down from above, peppering Trojan. Lars gave a titanic roar and flung both paws forward, a torrent of hot, blue flames blasting out and consuming the horse. There was just a short laugh before Trojan came shooting out of the flames, vaulting through the air and colliding with Lars in mid-air. Trojan caught the Doberman in a tight bear hug and he landed squarely on his feet. Lars thrashed and blasted flames straight into Trojan's face. Then he noticed all the burnt flesh on the equine healing rapidly.

“What the…?"

“Mass transference," the massive Original said. “Even charred and singed flesh is still organic flesh and I have contact with it. No matter how much damage you deal to me, I can just reconfigure my mass and fix myself. You're out of your league."

Trojan let go of Lars briefly but only to seize his arm and send him flying right to where Ben and Madman were just recovering.

Caleb's watched as every injury on Trojan began to heal and close. Even the bloody wounds that Ben had inflicted had vanished within a matter of seconds. “He's practically immortal…"

“He can still be beaten!" Mary announced. “Jacob!"

“You got it," answered Legion and they both charged forward. Jacob thrust his silver gauntlet forward while Mary gave Trojan a death stare.

The large equine staggered forward, momentarily gripping his temples. Slowly, his eyes turned towards the two and a dark grin crossed his features.

“Oh. A psychic attack, eh? Impressive. Let's see if you can keep it up."

Even with pained, lumbering steps, the huge horse began stomping forward towards the two. Both psychics grit their teeth together, battering Trojan with the full force of a psychic assault but somehow, Trojan was able to resist and just kept closing the gap between them, his grossly enlarged fists lifted over his head.

He was going to crush them!

Caleb had to think fast. He didn't trust himself to go back into full horse and Ballistic was too far. Desperately, he looked around for anything he could use as a weapon.

Anything.

Then he found it.

The Original loomed over Jacob and Mary, his fists clasped over his head and a grin of triumph on his face.

“Trojan!"

He stopped and for the first time, his confident grin wavered.

“Stop," Caleb growled threateningly. His arm was wrapped tightly around Reggie's throat, his paw pressed against the side of the barely conscious horse's face.

“Or what, pup?" Trojan challenged. “Exactly what will you do?"

“Or I'll turn Reggie, all of Reggie into a weapon."

There, everyone on the battlefield froze and spun towards him.

“You're bluffing," Trojan accused. There was a slight break in his voice, his confidence clearly shaken. “You don't have what it takes to take a life."

“The way I see it," Caleb retorted. “I'm not taking his life. I'm turning his life around. He's going to be used as a force of good instead of an instrument of your schemes! Think about that."

Trojan lowered his engorged arms. His mass began redistributing itself, his body returning to the right proportions. His entire form even began shrinking a little until he was back to his usual eight foot height. Caleb could only guess that his body was far denser. That mass had to go somewhere.

“What are your terms?" asked the Original.

Caleb tightened his grip around Draft Horse's neck. “You get Reggie. Then we part ways. Never come back to West California Island ever again."

“Caleb! What are you thinking!?" David demanded. He was cradling Leon on his lap. “This is the asshole that's caused us so much grief! He destabilised the government of our home! He turned your brother into a beast! Turned you against us! We should take him in!"

“We should snap his neck is what we should do," Ben growled, slowly extracting himself from the wall. “Just let me drink one bit of his blood and I can control every part of his body!"

“No, listen to him," Mary said softly. “I know I undid the compulsion that drove Caleb against us but we don't know what other tricks Trojan might have. We don't know the full extent of his power. He might even be able to change his blood somehow! Worse, he might have other Original Serums that he could use to turn us against Caleb. We're at the disadvantage here."

“It seems that I'll be getting the raw end of that deal," Trojan said smugly. “Yes, I would very much like Reggie back and leaving here with my life and no further scuffle is acceptable. But never returning? Now what that doesn't seem really fair, does it?"

“You smug bastard!" Lars snarled, blue flames slashing out between his fangs. “I should –"

Jacob made a slicing gesture through the air. He reached into the pocket of his jeans and held up a tiny, golden ring. On the four cardinal points of the jewellery were four gems. One was black, another white, a third grey and the last was perfectly clear like a diamond.

The Original regarded it… and his eyes widened. “Where did you get that?"

“Take that to Chimera," Jacob said, ignoring his question entirely. Trojan plucked it from his fingers. “That's what you get for never returning to the Island ever again. Deal?"

Trojan regarded the ring on his palm. Slowly, he nodded. “Very well."

He stomped over to Caleb who slowly released Reggie. The partially conscious Draft Horse murmured an apology but Trojan just soothed him with a few words. He hoisted the equally large horse's arm over his shoulders, his eyes locking straight with Caleb.

“You have interesting company, Weapons Master," he rumbled. “I wonder if you truly are an enemy."

Caleb didn't respond.

Trojan turned… and disappeared back into the gym.

******

“I've done all my scans," Elliot said, swivelling around in his new hovering chair back in the Cornucopia. “From all appearances, Muscles is back to his usual idiot self. Had he been under the compulsion for much longer, it would've inflicted severe psychological damage until he was basically a clone of Trojan but thanks to Barbie and the Roman over there, he's good."

They all stood in Elliot's brand new room consisting of an enormous, spherical chamber made entirely of curved screens. Elliot's bed and collection of garbage seemed so small in the room.

Jacob lifted his eyebrows. “The Roman huh?"

“Because everything about you is Roman mythology. Legions. AEGIS."

“Are you sure you're not thinking Greek?"

Caleb sighed with relief as he regarded his paws. “That was hell… I couldn't control myself. It was like I was looking through my own eyes but just had no control over my own paws."

Lars hugged him tightly, nearly squeezing the air out of his lungs. “Fuck… I'm so sorry I couldn't help, Cale. Draft Horse… his illusions were so convincing…"

“I should've been able to break through it," David snarled. “I had psychic training!"

“Not enough to beat my skills, Mr. Hale," Mary said smugly. “Especially given how strong I've become. And if you couldn't beat me, then Reggie's powers would've been impossible for you to break through." She bit her lower lip. “There's still a lot I have to learn even if I did see through the illusions…"

“Only because Jacob helped you," Ben rumbled. He glanced towards the black wolf. “Seems like we should be thanking you for a lot of shit."

“I was just the distraction," Jacob said with a shrug. He nodded towards Mary. “She was the one that saved Caleb."

“Don't be so modest. The way you say 'please' is pretty fucking awesome."

“It was brutal, that's what it was," David growled. “The entire world was watching. They think you're some sort of bipolar lunatic with crazy powers! And now that you're associated with us…" He sighed, scrunching up his face as he fought down the rage. When he opened his eyes again, they were back to his usual blue. “But I guess it's nowhere near as bad with what happened with Caleb… Though since Caleb did defeat you, we could spin it to say that we've got you under control. I guess…"

Caleb was pretty sure Jacob had been holding back. His friend was there as distraction not as a real fighter. Had they been going all out… Well, he had to wonder. If he wasn't mentally resisting the compulsion, if Jacob really had been his enemy and the No One was going all out… who would win?

“Don't worry, Dad," he said. “I'm sure we can figure it out. Right now, Trojan is gone."

“Can we trust him on that, though?"

“We can trust him," Caleb said. “I know Trojan spent the better part of the past week lying to us and manipulating us but something about the way he spoke to me when we met up…" He shrugged. “I don't know. It just made me think we could actually trust him."

Bren shook his head in disagreement. “You're being naïve, Caleb. He's a criminal. It was a bad idea to let him go like that."

Another voice came through to the room. “No. It wasn't."

They all turned as Leon stumbled into the room. In the past few hours, thanks to some gene treatment and his overactive regeneration, he had retained his mass that had been stolen by Trojan. Still in his equine form, however, he looked dejected and troubled.

“Trojan would've wiped the floor clean with you guys," he said. “He could control his mass in any way, shape or form. He could morph his entire body. Then he could steal your muscle mass as he needed. He already stole so much of mine and remember, I regenerated wildly. He could've used me as a source of infinite strength…"

“He tossed you aside," Bren said. “You were in David's arms. If Ben had sunk his fangs into him…"

“I don't think Matlock charged into the battle with just Caleb as his trump card," Leon said. “Did you see how he played the whole thing out? He revealed Caleb at the very start and turned him against us. If he really wanted Caleb to be part of their group, he would've either turned him and then ran off or used Reggie to trap everyone in illusions, turn Caleb and then finished us all off." Leon shook his head. “No… It was sloppy. And given how Matlock's been, how he's always been a step ahead, it just seemed… stupid of him to play things out like that."

Now that he thought about it, Caleb did see a few flaws in how Trojan had approached their encounter. If he had truly been the objective, there were other ways to capture him. Given Reggie's powers as well, the battle seemed entirely unnecessary.

“I think threatening Reggie like that is what forced Matlock to abandon his plan," Leon said.

“He didn't seem at all fazed when Caleb was back to his normal self," Jacob admitted. “Hell, he didn't even try to order him about again. He certainly didn't seem to care."

They exchanged glanced, silence ruling the chamber for a long moment.

“So…" Rhiannon began, breaking the quiet. “The question is… exactly what did he want?"

“It doesn't matter right now," Leon said, stepping forward. “They injected me with an Original Serum as well. I can't be sure if the compulsion is there like with Caleb. But I need to be cured. I need this shit out of my system."

David regarded his eldest son gravely. “You realise, of course, that you're now Gen 4, right Leon? You're basically on the same level as Lars."

“I don't care," Leon said, shaking his head. “I'm not joining Arsenal. I'm not going to be a super."

That stunned the rest of the group.

“Leon…" Caleb murmured.

“I've lived my life thinking I'm not a super and devoted myself to making a difference without my powers," Leon said. His eyes locked with Jacob's. “I have the power to change the world but I don't have to use my abilities to do it. I'll make my mark on the world my way."

David looked proud at his eldest son, his chest puffing out. “And that's the sort of attitude that would truly make you a super."

“Yeah, whatever." Leon held out his hand. “Cale, would you do the honours?"

Caleb pulled the cowboy hat from his head and rested it squarely between Leon's ears.

“I'd be happy to, bro."

******

Arsenal left and were heading home. That just left Rhiannon and Elliot on the Cornucopia since they really had nowhere else to be. They stood in the chamber with Jacob. Moments later, Director Rage came through the door.

“The team looks better," the Director of AEGIS said. “Leon certainly looks more lupine."

“It was his decision," Rhiannon said. She nodded towards Elliot. “How's the tracking device?"

Elliot swung his tubby little hands through the air and the screens all over his chamber displayed a map of the world. There was a big, red blip somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. “Working like a charm." He swung around in his chair, regarding Jacob with a grin. “Can't believe you got Trojan to just pick it up so easily."

The No One smiled. “I told you it was a good idea to forge it like that."

“The Emblem of the Ring, eh?" Elliot turned back towards his screens. “I'll do as much research as I can on them but so far, I've come up with just scraps."

“I'll search divine knowledge as well," Rhiannon offered. “It is possible that if the Ring is supposedly the fundamental force in our multiverse, then even the gods cannot see their actions." She glanced at both Jacob and Nate Rage. “Are you sure Chimera is part of the Ring?"

“Part of, in cahoots or opposed," Rage answered. “We're not entirely sure but what we do know thanks to Trojan's reaction to the ring that Jacob gave him is that they are well aware of the existence of the Ring. Perhaps even using their power to some extent. Regardless…

Elliot nodded and turned back towards the trio, hiking a thumb over his shoulder. He was grinning broadly. “We now know exactly where the Gene Stealers are based."

Rhiannon let out a thoughtful noise. “Hey… isn't that where…?"

“Yes," Rage finished for her. “It is. That is where Thelkosia used to be. That is where the Gene Wars began."

******

It was a long time coming but at long last, Jacob Reaper had come over to the Hale household for dinner. Unlike the other wolves, he ate politely and sparingly mostly because he had another appointment in a couple of hours that he really needed to rush off too and he needed his wits about him. After the heaping desert that consisted entirely of an enormous Christmas pudding that Lillian had put together, the entire family and their guest retreated to the lounge room where they sat down and watched the news.

The media was preying on Caleb turning on his own team and endangering others, as was expected. Caleb's cheeks burned as replays of his attack were flashed over and over again on screen. They had given up trying to find a channel that wasn't blasting the news. Speculations were flying like flies in the air.

“What if Weapons Master goes out of control again?"

“What if Trojan comes back?"

“Are the Gene Stealers so powerful that even Arsenal can't beat them?"

It made him sick.

“I should probably get going," Jacob said, rising to his feet.

“Oh but you just got here!" Lillian exclaimed. She really liked having him around. Charming as always and not to mention he helped around the kitchen and helped wash the dishes while everyone else watched what was on the news bought her some brownie points.

“Sorry, Mrs. Hale but I really –"

The news suddenly erupted with activity.

“This just in folks. We have an urgent announcement from a US military official."

They all turned back towards the screen where a man wearing an army general's uniform appeared on screen against a backdrop of the American flag. His dark skin and white hair formed a rather stark contrast and there was a sense of triumph in his dark eyes.

“People of West California Island. My name is General Vernon Washington of the United States Army."

Everyone was instantly on edge.

This was the guy who had started the Genesian project.

“It has come to the attention of not only the military but also the President that your island has become the epicentre of what can effectively be called a second Gene War. The security of these United States as well as the world could very well lie in the balance of your home." He beamed warmly towards the screen. “Now, the higher ups want me to invoke martial law on your island."

“Martial Law!?" Lance exclaimed, leaping to his feet. “That's bullshit! They can't do that!"

“The Alliance won't stand for it," agreed David. “Under martial law, no supers are allowed to be active either… It'd be an all-out brawl between supers and the military with our island as the battlegrounds"

“But I know such an action will induce a horrible sentiment to you and your children. So instead, I have decided to throw my hat into the running as your next mayor."

For a long moment, no one moved.

Then, one by one they turned towards Lillian.

“In times of trouble, you need a strong hand to guide the resources and people to a future where everyone is safe, your borders are secure and indeed, your homes can feel like your home again. I will assure you now that there will be no conscription notices, no mandatory military training and certainly no changes to gun policies. There will be no curfews and no other changes to how you live your life. Just be aware that under my leadership, we will have a greater fighting force to defend ourselves from renegade supers and these Gene Stealers so that you can sleep well at night. Yes there will be a military presence but it will not be invasive to your everyday lives.

“But all of this will only occur if I am elected mayor. The choice is in your hands, people of West California Island. Safety or uncertainty."

The message dropped out and suddenly they were back to the news anchors who were already speculating on Washington's announcement.

“He's good," Lillian murmured softly. “He preyed on everyone's insecurities. On their children. He didn't directly attack the Elemental Alliance either or Arsenal. And giving the people the 'choice' to elect him or not and thus put these safety precautions into place? He's pretending like the people really have the power here."

Caleb glanced at his mother worriedly. “You think he'll fix the election so that he wins regardless?"

“He can try," David grunted. He rested a paw on Lillian's shoulder. “The Alpha Pack promised their support to you and I'm sure they'll try to do their own 'fixing'. In the meantime, I'll see if I can pull the Alliance into helping as well."

“Do they still trust you given that you're a werewolf now?"

His dad offered him a sheepish grin. “What they don't know won't hurt them."

That felt like something that would bite them in the ass later. When he exchanged glances with Jacob, they both knew that would be the case. But neither of them spoke up. This was David's choice after all. Then there was Lance who was smack dab in the middle of the Elemental Alliance. Revealing David to be a werewolf could compromise his career as a super.

“Washington is playing his hand," Jacob said, breaking the momentary silence. “But he's trying to get people to support him even though he already has the support of the government. Whatever he plans for the Genesians, it might just get accelerated now that he'll actually get support. What's worse is that he is wrapped under Chimera's thumb and doesn't know it." He leaned back in his chair, arms folded. “He thinks he's a third party but in reality, he's just another of Chimera's pawns. That makes him far more dangerous."

“I thought the third party was you guys?" Lance rumbled. “I mean dad said –"

“Jacob is now part of Arsenal," David interrupted sharply though it was clear he was blushing beneath his fur. “He saved your brother, helped us in many ways and even brought a whole goddamn group of righteous mercenaries into our fold. If anything, I say Washington can bring it because we've got a goddamn starship in our back pocket!"

Jacob glanced away and scratching his cheek ruffs absently. “A starship with a bunker buster particle cannon that can level the city at a moment's notice…"

Feral Steel whirled around to face him. “What!?"

“Nothing!" The blonde wolf sprang to his feet and dusted off his paws. “Well, I really have to go. Don't want to be late!" He beamed at the Hales and gave a bow towards Lillian. “A pleasure, all. We really have to do this again sometime."

Caleb got to his feet. “I'll see you out."

He followed his new friend and ally towards the door as the rest of the family watched the news. They were mostly out of earshot range but Caleb still stepped outside with Legion. The frigid night was decked with layers of snow. A storm was coming apparently and it would carry with it a few inches of snow. It was a good thing Caleb was on holidays. Driving Ballistic to school in this weather would've been dangerous.

“You sure you'll be okay?" he asked. “You don't need me to drive you?"

“I'll be fine," Jacob said, waving a paw absently through the air. “Trust me. I can handle myself." He winked at Caleb. “Be sure to tune in."

“Oh trust me, we're all going to be watching," he laughed. But that laughter was short lived and he gave his fellow wolf a grave smile. “Hey… I was thinking…"

Jacob perked his ears at him. “Hmmm?"

“When we were fighting, you had your whip and I had mine. You knew how to use your weapon a hell of a lot better than me. I mean, I just cracked it all over the place and kind of… you know, summoned wires and shit. But you didn't always rely on your powers. You know how to control the whip, use it as a weapon instead of a conduit for your powers…"

“They weren't my powers, Caleb, remember? My power here is the inability to feel pain. If I were using my real powers…"

Caleb chucked softly, giving Legion a nod. “Yeah, I know. But my point is… I make all these weapons but I have no idea how to use them. I…" He trailed off for a moment. “… never mind. I'll tell you next time I see you. It'll take too long to explain. I just wanted to ask… if you'll train me."

Jacob's blonde eyebrows rose. “Train you huh?"

“Yeah. You know how to use your weapons more than I do. I know Rhiannon has been trying to train me but sometimes, it's hard to take her seriously. You have a wide variety of weapons and you know how to use them. I think I'd be better off learning from you." He lifted his gaze as the dark clouds hovering over the Island. “I can't help but feel something big is coming and… Honestly, I feel really unprepared. After what happened with Trojan and the past week… How we kept getting attacked, Chimera popping up out of nowhere and the mayor changing… I felt like we were just along for the ride and reacting to shit. We were constantly on Trojan's back foot, trailing behind and he was always a step ahead."

Caleb shook his head firmly. “I don't want to feel that helpless again. I'm sick of just being part of Chimera's plans. I want to fight back for once and not just defend." He held out his paw towards Jacob. “So what do you say? Train me?"

A thoughtful smile crossed the black wolf's features. He reached out and gripped Caleb's paw with his own, closing the fingers to a fist. “It takes a big man to admit when he needs practice. But I think I know someone who is far better equipped to training you."

“Really? Who?"

There, Jacob grinned. “Let's just say she is an expert in the art of… diplomacy."

Caleb was left with a chill down his spine as the No One headed down the street, breaking into a run before picking up speed and heading to his next appointment. No rest for the weary. Caleb could feel the weight of the world just around the corner. He hadn't been lying when he said that he felt like something big was coming. Chimera's end game was approaching fast and dealing with Trojan made him realised just how little he knew and how much of a disadvantage they were in.

“It's time to change that," he told himself.

“Caleb!" David was standing at the doorway. “Are you coming in, son?" His father stepped out into the snow beside him. “Something wrong?"

Caleb took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Can we go into the backyard dad? I got something to tell you."

David gave him a puzzled look but nodded in silence. They headed to the back of the Hale home, a large normally grassy area now covered in snow. There was a large concrete platform where the boys used to play basketball. During the winter, old hockey goals were set up and they would play small little matches. But with everyone moving on with their lives, they rarely had time to indulge in such simplicities. Despite this, there was a set of three brand new hockey sticks resting on the ground.

Caleb went over to where the hockey sticks stood and picked one up.

“You got new hockey sticks, son?" David asked, a grin crawling onto his face. “You wanna have a match like old times?"

“That'd be nice," he admitted. “But that's not why I bought these." He glanced upwards at the sky. “Let's just wait for the others."

“Others?"

Moments later, Mary came leaping over the fence. Lars and Ben descended from the sky, Lars in a streak of blue flames and Ben using his powerful legs as a werewolf. Once the core members of Arsenal were gathered, all eyes went to Caleb.

“Hey guys," he greeted with a shaky smile. “I called all of you here because…"

“You're not retiring, are you?" Ben growled, fangs bared. “Look, you went nuts. I get it. Happens to the best of us. Hell, when I first became a werewolf –"

“It's not that," Caleb interrupted, flipping the hockey stick in his paws. “Mary, remember how when I first got my powers, I once used them on a hockey stick kind of like this? Ended up that I could shoot pucks made of ice at people. Then a little afterwards, I got a whole set of hockey armour with it?"

“I do," she replied.

“Well…"

The stick in Caleb's paw suddenly began encased in bright, blue-white light. The ethereal feathers that sprang from it, however, didn't just drop to the ground. They spun in the air, circling the weapon in a very distinct pattern. A moment later, when the light vanished, the stick had turned into a weapon of pure ice. He swung it at the far back fence. A disc of ice shot out of the weapon and crashed into the wooden wall.

“Okay, Nice Cale," Lars said. “But…?"

Caleb handed the weapon to Mary who already knew what he was hinting at. He picked the two remaining hockey sticks, flipping them both in his paws. “Check these out. Different designs. Different manufacturers. One is made of wood, the other aluminium."

“And…?"

“This."

He channelled his powers through both the hockey sticks and within moments, they were both made completely in ice. Again, he swung them at the far fall and again, pucks of ice were hurled at the fence, making considerable dents in them. Ben's eyes widened in shock though both Lars and David regarded him with confusion. David caught on just a step behind Ben.

“Jesus Wolf Christ…" David whispered.

“What?" Lars demanded. “What am I missing?"

“Caleb…" Ben whispered softly. “You can control what you change things into now, can't you?"

Caleb regarded the two weapons in his paws… and nodded slowly. “After I turned back from my Trojan form, I could feel things were different. It's like a saw the world a little more… clearly. There were links I'd never seen before. I can manipulate those links. Like before, when I channelled my power through something, I'd just randomly reach out and find a connection to a weapon of sorts and that's what it'd turn into. But now, I can see those links and I can pick and choose. I can't tell what's at the end of most of them but those that I've tried before, I know…"

David let out a loud 'whoop of joy. “Caleb, that's great! The randomness of you powers have always been your weakness but now –"

“That's not it, Mr. Hale," Mary said darkly.

Feral Steel's expression dropped. “Huh? Then what is?"

Caleb turned to his father, a dark expression on his face. “It's just like Leon said. It didn't seem like Trojan was after me or… at least he had no intention of capturing me. What if…" He swallowed hard. “What if his plan all along was to accelerate my powers? What if this…" He gestured at himself. “… is what he wanted. Dad…" He swallowed hard. “Trojan said that a Gen 5 is basically the ability to not only control your physical shape but also your powers. Chimera can change anyone into anything he wants… but my powers…"

David's eyes widened in terror. “Your powers can turn anything into a weapon… You can grant anything superpowers…"

“And you can change your shape," Lars finished softly. “Caleb… Are you saying…?"

Caleb locked gazes with his boyfriend, fear in his eyes. “That I could be the Gen 5."

******

Guinness was looking extremely smug from where he sat. Hair was perfectly styled, suit pressed clean and every strand was in place. This was his show after all and it would be one hell of a show. He glanced towards Jacob who was dressed in a pair of dusty, brown khakis and a white shirt with a strange emblem on it, three chain links interlocking together to form a triangle. It didn't matter what the upstart wore. The lion was going to grill Weapons Master live on air and he simply could not wait. But he couldn't help but taunt the other wolf. Enticing yet another attack live on air would be just too delicious.

“One minute, Mr. Guinness," announced a stagehand.

He gave the man a nod and strode over the Legion.

“I don't think we've ever had the pleasure, Mr. Legion," he said, holding out his paw. “G.G. Guinness. I'm sure you've heard of me."

“How could I not?" Jacob responded, shaking his paw. “You've caused quite the stir. Then again, contrarians always do."

The proud feline laughed softly. “Don't hate me, my boy. I only ask the questions that everyone has on their minds."

“You read minds now? Well, that certainly explains the strong grip you have. You can let go now, by the way."

Guinness realised he was clutching the wolf's paw a little too tightly and let go. “I assure you, I am no super. Unlike yourself. It must feel so demeaning to lower yourself to the level of a bunch of Outsider and Outsider-sympathisers. Tell me, did Weapons Master actually ask you to join or was his announcement that you're part of Arsenal just to put you in a spot in front of the public so that you would have no choice but to say yes? I mean it would be understandable for an up and coming superhero trying to make it big."

Jacob closed his eyes briefly and let out a short laugh. “You know, I find it incredibly hilarious how people treat supers as celebrities that are obligated to save people and compare one from another like they're trading cards." He glanced towards Guinness, a strange passive-aggressive smile on his muzzle. “I wonder, Mr. Guinness, would you prefer for a wannabe superhero with no experience or stage presence to come and save you and succeed or an established, popular and photogenic super to try and fail?"

Thankfully, the stagehand announced they were on in five seconds. He didn't want to have Reaper on stage with him. The man had a tongue on him and the wit to back it up. Plus he was still an unknown and Guinness had prepared his barrage for Weapons Master.

“Sadly, I'll have to postpone my answer," Guinness said, turning his back away from Reaper. “I have to interview Weapons Master now."

“Oh no. You're interviewing me."

His eyes widened and he flung around in surprise. “What?"

“Mr. Guinness!" shouted the stagehand.

Guinness put on his biggest smile, quickly thought up of what he would say upon his entrance and strode out onto the stage. They normally didn't have a studio audience but given that this was a momentous occasion and the recent defeat of Trojan, he wanted people there to physically see him humiliate the figurehead of Arsenal. But now…

The audience applauded as he strode onto the set; a simple setting consisting of two couches sitting opposite one another against a backdrop of the wintery West California Island skyline. He waved and beamed, keeping his cool as he took up position at centre stage.

“Thank you! Thank you!" he greeted. “We have an incredible show planned for you tonight." He held up his paws in anticipation of the boos and jeers. “Now I know you're all eagerly anticipating Weapon Master's appearance but sadly, he couldn't make it. Likely licking his wounds after the sound thrashing he got from Trojan who, let us remember, got him to turn on his own comrades!"

Then came the boos and the hisses.

“But today –"

“Actually."

He froze as Legion strode onto stage casually. The wolf stepped up beside him and rested an arm against his shoulder, leaning against him as if they were the best of friends.

“If you recall, GG, Weapons Master said either he or a representative of Arsenal would be happy to talk to you. And seeing as I'm a member of Arsenal…" He waved at himself, his voice suddenly going low and filled with danger; a challenge. “Here I am."

The audience fell silent. There was so much tension in the air someone could have cut it with a knife.

“I don't think –" Guinness began.

“You don't you remember?" interrupted Jacob. “Well then let's play it back." He turned towards some arbitrary location and waved a finger around in circles. “Can we get a play back of that? What? No? Oh good thing I have it on my phone then."

Guinness just froze, eyes wide in shock as Jacob – still leaning on him – pulled out his phone and held it up for everyone to see. There, on the screen, was a video pulled from the Channel 17 website of Weapons Master and Guinness standing at the docks in the aftermath of a recent battle against a plant-based villain.

“Mighty words," the Guinness on screen boomed. “Words that echoed your earlier statement made today through a gay interest magazine. A pity that you couldn't call a press conference to make your statement known to the wider public and had to rely on a specialist outlet to let the world know how you feel. Then again, I suppose we can't expect that much from hard, working-class heroes such as yourself, right?"

There was a pause. Then Weapons Master spoke, the camera zooming in on him.

“You're absolutely right, Mr. Guinness. There is a lot I and Arsenal have to say but we simply do not have the time nor do we trust anyone else with our thoughts than GUYS magazine. But if you are willing, I or another member of Arsenal would be happy to come to your show and discuss current events."

Jacob paused the feed and turned towards Guinness, a smug look on his face. “Now I don't know about you, GG, but to me that sounds exactly like what I just said."

Guinness stared daggers at him and the wolf immediately retreated, holding up his paws. “Oh! I'm sorry. You're absolutely right." For a second the lion breathed a little easy. “I said a representative of Arsenal. Weapons Master said 'another member'. I think. Let's play it back again just to make sure."

The host twitched in agitation as that clip was once again played for the audience who was captivated. The loudmouthed, aggressive, primetime anchor of his own show was frozen in anger as Jacob Reaper humiliated him again.

“Right, see? He said another member. My bad folks!" Jacob grinned and lifted his paw towards the audience and cameras. “My bad! Still a member though and I'm totally here to answer anyone's questions and provide insight into Arsenal."

Jacob took up the seat on the left hand side of the stage, the right to the audience and traditionally the seat for the host. He patted the leathery armrests, crossed one leg over the other and then grinned at Guinness. “Well, come on GG. I'm sure you have a lot of questions for me."

Guinness fought a smile but it only looked like a snarl. With the grace of a true feline, he sat down opposite to Reaper and readied himself. If anything, he could think on his feet.

“So why was Arsenal incompetent this time around with The Gene Stealers, Legion? Three attacks in rapid succession and one from Chimera no less and more than anything, Arsenal seemed to be constantly tailing behind."

A sharp, jabbing attack. It was sure to strike a fire and disarm this irritatingly casual wolf.

Then Jacob Reaper laughed.

“Trust me, Arsenal was basically running around like a chicken with their head cut off." He glanced off to the audience. “No offense to any chickens out there." Glancing back towards Guinness, he said, “But really, who wouldn't? I mean goddamn Chimera came out of nowhere and attacked Roland Price. Hell, he turned Price into a bald eagle right there in front of everyone! He made a Gene Stealer! If I were you, I'd be pissing my pants."

Guinness reeled back in surprise. “So you're telling us to be scared?"

That was a bad move. Now he had been disarmed and he realised too late that gave Reaper the chance to go on the offensive.

“Of course! I'm scared. Everyone else at Arsenal is scared." Legion exclaimed. “Chimera has demonstrated his power right in front of us and we've seen firsthand just what kind of devastation a Gene Stealer can cause with Honey Bear and Gummy Bear. The only people who shouldn't be scared are those already in league with the Gene Stealers." He glanced towards Guinness with an innocent look. “Are you scared, GG?"

It was a trap but he could turn it around.

“Of course I'm scared," Guinness retaliated. “Who wouldn't be when our only line of defence are bungling teams like Arsenal? If we have to put our trust in clueless idiots who couldn't even identify that our own mayor was a Gene Stealer, then who can we trust?"

“We can't trust anyone," answered Legion with a shrug. “And yet we do because that's what mortals do. People say we're all monsters inside but we like to believe in the good in people."

Now he had him.

Trying not to grin so viciously, Guinness said, “The good in people? How can we trust in the good in people when at a second's thought, a Gene Stealer could turn us into raving lunatics that'll hurt our friends, our family and destroy our very way of living? Tell me that, Legion!"

But Reaper was just starting at him with this benevolent smile that made Guinness feel like he was walking right into a trap. “If you can't trust your common man, then I pity you GG. I mean, let's take Honey Bear and Gummy Bear as an example. They destroyed a good portion of WCI and yet they're running one of the most successful Mexican restaurants on the Island." He turned towards the camera. “Seriously folks, try out Hero Taco. The tacos for heroes!" He glanced back towards Guinness and gave him a dismissive wave. “That's not really their slogan. I'm just making this up on the fly."

Guinness was still confident he was winning. Reaper had deflected the question but before he could open his muzzle, the super continued.

“You know, GG, speaking of not trusting your fellow man, how can we not trust you?" Reaper rubbed his chin thoughtfully, looking up into the air. “I seem to recall at one point you telling us that with Arsenal being as incompetent as they are, we might as we be handing ourselves to the Gene Stealers. I mean, if you ask me, that sounds like exactly the kind of thing a Gene Stealer would say."

The lion went rigid in his seat. “What!?"

Again, another big mistake. Now he was on the defensive again.

“Do we have that on tape?" Jacob said, glancing off to the studio audience. “I honestly don't have it unfortunately."

The news anchor breathed a moment of relief then –

“Oh what's that? It's not actually something he vocally said? It's on Chatter? Oh that's right!" Jacob clapped his paws and fished out his phone again. “Give me a second, I'm going to find it."

Guinness' eyes widened as Jacob spent a whole two minutes on live air searching Chatter for that damning conversation. Already, he could see that very Chatter conversation on screen for audiences to see.

'Ladies and gentlemen, I give you <Arsenal_WM>. So insecure about his own sexuality despite coming out to the nation that he needs to accuse others of being homosexual to feel comfortable. Or perhaps he was flirting with me and enjoying the idea of someone being dominant. Someone with a penis that big surely can't be a top. No one would dare open themselves up to someone who is effectively a Gene Stealer themselves.'

“Found it!" Jacob exclaimed, holding up his phone. “Oh! You guys found it already." He grinned at the stage crew and gave them a charming smile like he was idly swatting at his best friends. “You guys should've told me." He glanced towards Guinness, hiking a thumb at the crew. “Great production crew you have there, GG. Really professional."

He coughed.

“Anyway, like I was saying." He leaned closer. “Do you want to be saved from the fate of being a Gene Stealer, GG?"

“I beg your pardon!?"

Reaper shrugged. “Seems to me either you're up for everyone taking up arms against the Gene Stealers or letting yourself get turned into one. Now I know you're a smart man. You're all up for this marvellous diplomatic country of ours. Proud to be American. We have a justice system that you uphold. That's why you always tout that superheroes should not hide behind masks."

He clicked his fingers. “Oh that reminds me. I really should take this off."

He reached for his face and dug his claws into his forehead. A blood curdling scream erupted from the wolf as he doubled over in agony, clutching his face. Everyone was instantly on their feet, even Guinness.

“Holy shit!" cried the host.

Suddenly, Reaper was sitting back up, a big grin on his face. "Got you."

Guinness just stared in terror.

“See GG, everyone wears a mask," Legion said. “Whether or not it's a face mask with optic jammers, magical clothing that scrambles your appearance to others or just an emotional mask, we all wear masks. No one can ever truly know who you are except you. Not even those supers or Outsiders with psychic powers. So since you're someone who advocates the removal of masks and honesty, Arsenal thought it was appropriate for me to step out here and speak with you. Not because they like their masks but because they're protecting those that they love. I mean, no one ever said that only one person needs to wear a mask, right? The mask Weapons Master wears protects him and his family. Same with Flare Blue, Blade Babe and the others."

He leaned back into his chair, waving the comment away. “So let's do away with the masks. And get back to the topic at hand."

Guinness glanced off to the audience and his hear plummeted. Even in the darkness of the stands, Reaper's stunt had them all captivated. They were hanging on his every word.

He had lost.

No matter how much he yelled or ranted, he couldn't win them back.

Not now.

“If everyone were to take up arms against the Gene Stealers, there'd be anarchy on the streets. We don't know who to trust. We're all scared. If we start turning on one another, accusing one another of being a Gene Stealer without any proof, we'd be tearing one another apart."

Wait! There was a weakness in his argument.

The lion's heart skipped a beat.

He could still win this.

“The best we can do is believe in the good within each and every person, believe that they'll do the right thing especially those with powers like Arsenal or the Elemental Alliance," Reaper said. The audience was devouring his every word, many of them nodding in acknowledgement. “We may not all be gifted with great powers but together, we are all strong. Even just a little nudge, a word of encouragement or a hug could help someone who would turn to the Gene Stealers see that what is effectively a brutal step towards transhumanism isn't the way to the future. We have our own paths to take. Don't let it be Chimeras."

Guinness didn't let the words sink in.

Instead, he just began to applaud. A slow, sarcastic clap.

The tension in the air began to rise again.

“Beautiful words from a hypocrite," he said smugly. He waited for Reaper to get angry but the wolf didn't respond. Again, he got that horrible sinking feeling that he was being played but he was too far gone now. “You talk about trusting people and not going around accusing everyone of not being a Gene Stealer and yet, not a few moments ago you were implying that I was a Gene Stealer. How can you advocate trust when you, yourself cannot trust the man who welcomed you into his own stage to have your say to the nation."

There was a glint in Reaper's eyes and the smile he wore made Guinness' heart plummet.

“I said you shouldn't go accusing people without proof."

The lion never felt more scared in his life and he actually felt like he was shrinking as Reaper got off his seat.

“For one thing…"

Suddenly, Reaper had him in a tight headlock. “Who the hell has a perfectly grey mane like this!?" Laughed the wolf, giving Guinness a painful noogie. “I mean, look at this folks! It's perfectly grey except…" He let out a theatrical grasp. “Is that…? Roooooooooooots!"

From the corner of his eye, Guinness could see the cameras zooming in on his head where Reaper had pulled apart his luscious, perfectly styled mane to reveal the deep, brown roots beneath the grey mane. That hit hard. His image was ruined. He had painted himself as this wise, down-to-earth man but revealing that he dyed his hair grey reworked that image. Now he was a vain, perhaps even arrogant, windbag!

With all his strength, he wrenched himself away from Reaper, panting and with claws out.

Reaper just stood there, calmly, his sapphire blue eyes regarding Guinness and a knowing smirk on his face. “And would you look at that," he said dangerously. “The esteemed GG Guinness actually managed to wrestle himself free of a super. Now what kind of person would be able to do that?"

Guinness realised his mistake too late.

He had lost.

Badly.

But then the final blow came.

“By the way, GG, you must have an amazing dentist. I remember Weapons Master knocking out a tooth of yours and yet, there is it." Legion grinned, flashing his teeth and tapping his left fang. “All white, perfect and unmarred. Can I get his number?"

With a snarl, the lion snorted, spun and stormed off the stage.

The audience was deathly silent.

“And remember folks!" Reaper said, turning straight towards them. “This is all live! No edits! No rehearsals! How can I prove it's live?"

The host spun around, eyes wide.

“What's he going to do now?" he growled

Reaper grinned broadly.

“S_hit-fuck-titty-cunt-dick-pussy-cock-motherfucking-asshole-prick-damn-bitch-crap-bastard-piss-douche-slut-buggeryfuck-douche-bloodyfaggot-nutsack-wanker-whore-hai yeung-bakayarou-jiguko e ike kono ama-verpiss dich!"_ Reaper took a breath. “And finally, suck my dick, America! Suck. My. Dick."

Whether it was out of sheer shock or just the size of the super's balls, the crowd just jumped to their feet and cheered. He did just utter a huge string of swear words live on air nonstop.

Even Guinness had to be impressed.

Reaper grinned broadly and waved at the crowd with both paws.

“G'night everybody!"

******

“Well… this is certainly unexpected."

Shark Tamer sat at his console reading the report he had been given by agents at the field. It had just been a few days after Trojan's 'defeat' and the news was… not exactly very pleasant.

“What's wrong?" Dragon Knight grunted. The big, black, winged reptile stood behind him, arms crossed. “Has Lord Chimera still not come out of his chamber?"

“No. Ever since Trojan returned with the Emblem of the Ring, he has been locked in the Geneheart."

“I understand his worry," the dragon rumbled. “That Reaper is… concerning. How he knew of the Ring…"

“It's Reaper who concerns me the most," agreed Shark Tamer, missing his trademark grin. “After his appearance on Guinness' show, he has gained an incredible amount of popularity. Channel 17 has actually reached out to him for a weekly talk show. Guinness is losing one of his time slots."

“I bet the kitty cat isn't to pleased about that."

Shark Tamer shuffled through the papers. Though he could easily have it on his tablet, he much preferred the feel of actual paper between his webbed fingers. “No he did not. I have reports from Gnoll as well that Reaper has taken to training Mary Brightwater in the psychic arts and her powers are growing exponentially. Apparently, there is another like him called 'Gwen' who is now training Weapons Master."

“Like him?" Dragon Knight let out a long, concerned hum. “Yes… I can see why Lord Chimera would be concerned."

A soft skittering brought their attention to the ceiling. Spider Queen slowly dropped on a silky thread between them, her elegant, poised stature looking deceptively fragile.

“I wouldn't worry too much about Lord Chimera," she said confidently. “His plans are flawless. The mere fact that he exists proves that we will succeed."

“I suppose it does," Shark Tamer chuckled, his grin appearing. As quickly as it came, that grin faded. “But that is what has me concerned about Legion and Gwen. I do not think Lord Chimera counted on them. He said so himself."

“I doesn't matter," grunted Dragon Knight. “The plan proceeds as planned." His eyes narrowed dangerously. “This will all come to a head at the day of the wedding. That is when the endgame, the turning point, comes into fruition. And now, with the latest addition to the Gene Stealers, all our pieces will be in place."

Both Shark Tamer and Spider Queen grinned.

There was a loud boom from behind them and all three Gene Stealers turned as the big doors into Shark Tamer's lab sprang open. Trojan's hulking form came striding into the chamber. There was another figure behind him.

“Gentlemen. Lady," boomed Matlock, clapping his massive hand onto the wolf's shoulder. “May I introduce you our next Gene Stealer, our very own Gen 4."

He beamed down at the powerfully built lupine.

“Fenrir AKA… Leon Hale."