Tales of the Youth League/Friend?
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
Contents |
FRIEND?
Part 1
By Psi Elixer
"No, I don't believe you. You have to be lying! Veronica, Dex...tell me he's lying," Charlie, or Psi Elixer as he's called while in costume, said.
"Sorry, Charlie. I'm afraid not," Veronica said.
Twenty minutes earlier...
Psi Elixer had just entered the base using the teleport pad. He immediately noticed that something was off. Kid Psyche was sitting on the front desk. He had known the boy for a while now and knew that when he was on duty, he was serious unless Charlie was in the base. If Psi and Psyche were together, then the two were normally playing video games or pursuing other activities, but even then Psyche was attentive to his duties.
"Hey Dex, is something wrong?" Charlie inquired.
"Actually, Veronica and I would like to have our little meeting with you and Cryoshock now. It's the perfect time because everyone else is away."
"Right, I still wish you guys would just tell me what this is all about," Charlie said, a hint of annoyance in his voice. Kid Psyche led him into the library where Veronica Volt and who he assumed was Cryoshock Kid were waiting. He had never seen the boy before.
What he saw before him was quite a shock. His skin was very deeply tanned. He wore what appeared to be his bleach blond hair up in spikes. His clothing was tight, black spandex bottoms and an even tighter black top with horizontal slits going up the front. But the most startling things were his brown eyes. They were Charlie's own brown eyes; the eyes that his mother had told him reminded her of his father.
He tried to scan Cryoshock's mind, but found it was blocked. He recognized this energy blocking him and started to say something, but before he could, he felt the energy entering his mind. Not this time Charlie. The energy behind the words was familiar and comforting, but the emotions weren't. Dex is worried about something, he thought. Then Cryoshock spoke for the first time.
"Before you try to scan my mind..."
"To late for that," Kid Psyche said. Things didn't make sense. What were they hiding, and why did Dex just tell on him? The two had been reading minds together since they met.
"Look, I just want to tell you something." He took a deep breath and began his rant. "I'm a clone of several different people. One of those people was your father. The rest of the people who I was created from were your father's old teammates. Well, all except for the King of Clubs. You're on the team with his son, Jak of Hearts. He wasn't chosen because his power came from training. I was created by Arachnos to be the ultimate villain. The thing is, I don't want to be a villain. My first mission was supposed to be to kill you and anyone else who might share my DNA. But I've broken free from Arachnos. You can scan my mind if you don't believe me."
And Psi Elixer did just that. He went through every memory he could find. Cryoshock let him read him mind like an open book. Cryoshock honestly believed every word he was saying. Then Psi found something. It was the smallest block he had ever felt. Other telepaths wouldn't have noticed it, but he was searching so carefully... It was probably nothing. Traumatic experiences could cause these kinds of blocks, and living within the confines of Arachnos, Psi was sure he had suffered some.
"No, I don't believe you. You have to be lying! Veronica, Dex...tell me he's lying," Charlie said.
"Sorry, Charlie. I'm afraid not," Veronica said. It was the first time she'd spoken since he'd arrived.
"I need to be alone. I need time to think." Charlie said, making his way towards the teleporter. And I mean alone! he thought in Kid Psyche's direction. He stepped on the teleporter and was soon standing in Atlas Park. He began to fly to the top of the statue of Atlas. Once there, he sat on the globe and began trying to figure out what just happened.
Later that night...
Cryo was lying in bed when he was suddenly awoken.
Experiment, wake up. You know your duty.
"Yes, Lord Recluse." Cryoshock said, moving to the teleporter and exiting the base.
It was past midnight and Charlie still sat on the statue of Atlas holding the globe. "Do you mind if I join you? You shouldn't be out here alone this late." Charlie turned to see Cryoshock hovering just a short distance behind him.
"I really just want to be alone, but if..." Charlie had a sudden realization. "Wait! Even if you are a flyer, you haven't been granted Security Level Six yet. You have to at least have that before they let you..." Just then, a field of electricity surrounded him. His comm. gave a squeal. So that's what Veronica's always complaining about, he thought. Veronica! Dex! Anybody! I need help now. Cryoshock's gone rogue! He was then struck in the chest by a bolt of ice. Dex, I need you now! he thought.
Part 2
By Kid Psyche
Veronica! Dex! Anybody! I need help now. Cryoshock's gone rogue! The telepathic call jolted Kid Psyche awake from where he had fallen asleep watching a sci-fi marathon. He’d been trying to stay awake, waiting on Psi Elixer to call him. He’d been worried when his friend had left earlier in emotional turmoil demanding some privacy.
Charlie?! he thought to his friend. There was no response. Maybe I was dreaming, he thought as he waited for an answer.
Dex, I need you now! Charlie’s mental voice echoed in Dexter’s head. The urgency in Psi Elixer’s tone was unmistakable. Kid Psyche bolted from his chair and flew through the door of his room in the Youth League’s headquarters. He speed down the hall as fast as he could, narrowly avoiding the wall as he took the corner too fast. He heard Veronica Volt call out to him, but in his haste he ignored her, and flew directly into the shimmering column of light that marked the boundary of the base’s teleportation portal.
He emerged in the chill night air of Atlas Park. Sensing his friend nearby, he looked around to get his bearings…there, atop the statue of Atlas! Leaping into the air, he flew toward the globe held high above the park in the statue’s hands. The cold wind bit into his flesh, reminding him that he had run out still dressed for bed. Sweat pants and bare feet where scant insulation against the chilly evening air.
Back at ground level, Veronica Volt emerged from the base portal and shouted to Kid Psyche. She saw him flying rapidly for the top of the Atlas statue. Porting ahead of him, she looked down to see Cryoshock Kid and Psi Elixer facing off on the globe. She tried to project an electric field around Cryoshock but was to far away. She teleported closer and tried again. Sensing her intentions, Cryoshock dodged to the side and she missed again. He raised his hand to point at her and a super cold blast stabbed forth, striking her soundly. She fell to her knees and tried to scramble for a handhold to stop from falling off the statue.
Taking advantage of the momentary distraction, Psi Elixer fired a powerful mental blast at Cryoshock Kid, who was rocked back on his heels. Cryoshock turned to face him and glared at his “brother”. Twin bolts of fire leapt from his eyes and struck Charlie in the chest, igniting his costume and burning him badly. Psi Elixer screamed as the flame washed over him.
Finally arriving at the scene, Kid Psyche swept toward his injured friend. Landing, he quickly focused his mental energies around his partner, healing the serious wounds almost instantly. Seeing the two of them together, Cryoshock snarled and unleashed another blast of cold that struck Kid Psyche, knocking him from his feet. Psi Elixer made a desperate lunge and caught hold of Kid Psyche’s hand before he could topple from the statue.
Behind Cryoshock, Veronica Volt jumped up into the air and hovered. As her target turned to face her, she teleported behind him; hoping to catch him by surprise. He saw her plans in her mind even as she formed them and launched a blast of cold where he knew she’d appear. The blast caught her squarely in the chest and she was hurled backward to tumble over the curve of the giant globe where she began to fall helplessly toward the ground below.
With the cold night air rushing past her, Veronica felt a moment of panic. She knew she couldn’t hover and there was no time to form a jump point in her mind. Struggling to maintain consciousness, she saw the ground rushing toward her. She tried to scream but the wind whipped the sound from her. Suddenly, two powerful arms grabbed her and stopped her fall. She looked up into the handsome face of Fyre Prism as he angled his flight path back toward the ground. She managed to gasp, “My hero”, before she blacked out. Fyre Prism landed and gently set her on the ground beneath the statue. He glared up toward the fight above him and with a determined look, took to the sky again, rocketing upward. High atop the globe, Cryoshock Kid and Psi Elixer faced off again as Kid Psyche struggled to stand.
Part 3
By Veronica Volt
"Lord Recluse has ordered me to eliminate any who would be able to stop him," Cryoshock said. "I share the DNA of your father and his old team, but that's only the beginning. I have access to a whole range of powers." As he said this, he began juggling spheres of several different types of energy, five in all. Charlie recognized every last one of them: Ice, fire, electricity, radiation, and dark energy.
"Well you can just forget about that. The Youth League will stop you," Kid Psyche said, struggling to his feet.
Cryoshock began laughing. "You...Stop me! If it wasn't for the fact that my dear 'brother' joined you, you wouldn't even be worth my time. But now, I get to kill every last one of you." He began laughing again.
Charlie felt a strong energy forcing its way into his mind. Unlike earlier with Kid Psyche, this energy was harsh and uncaring. Charlie could feel every thought he'd every had, every feeling he'd ever experienced, come rushing to the surface of his mind.
And I think I'll start with him, the energy thought.
Charlie watched as Cryoshock brought a hand level with Dexter's chest. His hand began to glow with red energy. Not waiting to find out what Cryoshock was doing, he rushed towards Kid Psyche and tackled him off the statue of Atlas. As they began to fall, Charlie felt a stream of extreme heat scorch his back. He tried to hover to slow their descent, but he was in to much pain.
He felt some resistance as Kid Psyche began to hover, but it was to late to save both of them. Charlie weighed to much for weakened hero. Charlie pushed off of Dex and watched him stabilize for a few seconds before continuing to fall.
Charlie watched in fear for a second before Fyre caught Dex. He pulled the teen out of the air into his arms and began to head towards the unconscious body of Veronica.
Well, at least he'll be okay... Charlie thought, giving in to the inevitable impact. The impact never happened. Charlie fell safely into the arms of a black haired teen.
"I've got you. Just relax. Leave the rest to us," he said. The boy placed him next to the unconscious forms of Veronica and Dex. It wasn't until he looked up that he realized who had caught him.
"Jak, it's to dangerous. Don't do it." But it was too late. Fyre had already grabbed Jak's wrist and was pulling him towards the top of the statue. He crawled over to Dex and Veronica and placed a hand on each of their stomachs. Let us be okay, he thought as a green glow covered all three. Please. We need to help them. We need to all be okay.
Veronica let out a soft groan as she sat up. She looked around and saw flashes of electricity filling the air above the statue. She then looked down and saw the prone form of Dexter with Charlie kneeling over him. There was a long burn mark stretched along Charlie's spine. It was healing very slowly. At the rate it was healing, it might actually have left a scar. Veronica remembered both Psi and Psyche telling her it was easier to heal others than it was to heal themselves.
The green glow surrounding the two boys doubled in intensity. The burn started healing faster. She looked at Dexter's face and saw that his eyes were open.
"Guys, take care of each other. I'm gonna go help." Veronica said.
Understood! Kid Psyche thought.
Right! Psi Elixer added. Even in his telepathy, Veronica could feel the pain he was suffering from the burn.
Kid Psyche looked at her. Don't worry...He'll be fine. Veronica flew towards the raging battle.
"I can't believe you took that hit for me..." Dex said. Charlie finally allowed himself time to think instead of just react. It was then that he realized that his hand was resting on Dex's bare stomach.
Charlie blushed and removed his hand. "Well, I had to do something." He laid flat on his stomach. It hurt to much for him to do anything else. Dexter sat up and started tracing a finger lightly down Charlie's spine. As he moved his finger, a bright green glow surrounded it. The burn was instantly removed from Charlie's skin. Charlie blushed again and said "Thanks. Now let's go get him!"
Part 4
By Lin Yao Wei
What was that!?
Lin shot upright in her bed trying to get her bearings. Light filtered from the hallway into the darkness through the small gap beneath her bedroom door. She was unaccustomed to telepathic communication, but knew what she was feeling..
Something.. someone in my head?!.. panic.. fear... Charlie!
From down the hall she heard a commotion. Someone was rushing through the base. She shook her head trying to throw off the grogginess of sleep after her abrupt awakening. With a sudden determination she threw off her covers and jumped out of bed. She was going to find out what was going on.
A soft flapping noise followed Lin as she dashed through the Youth League base. The white bunny slippers she wore were not intended to be sprinted in, and the novelty floppy ears were not making things easy. She caught a quick glimpse of Veronica, just as she ran into the base teleporter. Wow V's in a hurry! What's going on?
Her bewilderment was replaced with a sudden understanding as she ran by the monitors in the teleporter room. Looking up at the screen on the wall that displayed Atlas Park, she could make out several figures on the very top of the huge globe on Atlas's back. It was Charlie, and someone who looked like Charlie, but still somehow very different. The sight of this second figure sent a chill down Lin's spine, as just then his arm extended and Charlie was engulfed in a field of crackling electricity.
"No! Psi!" Lin shouted and watched in horror as a stream of visible cold struck Charlie in the Chest. Three seconds later she had kicked off her slippers, and was running into the teleporter, heading for Atlas Park.
Lin was at full sprint as she rounded City Hall and the colossal statue of Atlas came into view. The scene before her spurred her into an even faster pace. Charlie was on the ground, Dex next to him, and they both looked hurt. Dex looked up at her, sensing her rapid approach and reading the concern on her mind.
We'll be fine, Lin.. Go help the others against Cryoshock, he thought to the young girl who by this time was nearly at the foot of the statue.
She craned her neck skywards and could make out flashes of light, flame, ice, and crackling electricity emanating from the top of the globe that now towered above her. She knew it was Veronica and Fyre Prism, and that the battle was raging fiercely against the boy she had seen on the monitor. So, his name is Cryoshock, she mused.
She took to the air straight upwards, and stopping in mid-flight high enough to survey the situation before her. Veronica and Fyre were locked in a deadly dance with the strange boy in black. Bolts of electricity arced through the night, returned by volleys of ice and flame. Cryoshock, though not without effort, almost seemed to be toying with her two friends, keeping them in a position of defense and counter-attack.
Lin had not yet been seen by her new enemy, and descended quickly behind him. Taking the position of the Eagle, she unleashed a sharp kick into Cryo's back, sending him sprawling forwards. He tumbled to his feet and spun around furiously to face the new attacker.
Cryo's look of anger melted into a fit of maniacal laughter as he saw the young Asian girl standing before him, still dressed in her pink bunny-covered pajamas, and holding a combat stance.
"Oh come now... look at you, aren't you adorable.." Cryo taunted. He slowly backed away and circled around the top of the globe, so as to keep an eye on Veronica and Fyre's movements.
"Hah you are only a child! but.. you did manage to attack me unaware." He muttered and eyed Lin with some curiosity.
Lin glared at Cryo and switched combat stances, a sweeping motion of several steps and wide arm movements, arriving in a lowered wide-legged position with an open palm outstretched that could only be interpreted as an invitation to make his move.
"Very well," Cryo snorted and simultaneously unleashed a torrent of glowing energy at the young girl.
Lin launched into the air, spinning horizontally as the deadly beam projected through the space she had been standing just a moment before. She felt a wave of searing heat as it shot by, missing her by less than an inch.
Adopting the stance of a crane, she propelled herself forwards, extending a kick aimed of Cryo's chest. He deftly sidestepped and latched onto her leg as it flew past, applying leverage to her momentum to throw her off-balance and hurling off the side of the huge statue.
Moments later she re-emerged over the horizon of the stone globe, and landed next to Veronica and Fyre, taking her position in a combat formation with her friends.
"Pity you're a flier" Cryo remarked, as he turned to face the three team-mates, now facing him with a new look of resolve and grim determination.
Part 5
By Psi Elixer
Charlie and Dexter stood up, ready to start the fight anew. While standing, Charlie ripped off his charred shirt. "Guess I'm gonna have to get a new one," he said, throwing the mangled article to the ground. Charlie grabbed Dexter's wrist and the two of the teleported to the top of the statue. When they got to the top, thy saw the battle as it progressed.
Cryoshock was held immobile by both Veronica and Nick. They had their electricity wrapped like chains around him. Lin and Jak were relentless in their assault, but nothing seemed to phase Cryo. That's whey Charlie noticed the glow around the clone.
"He's not feeling any of it. He's got an invulnerability field around him. Just how many powers does he have?" Charlie screamed. He'd become furious at this guy the second he'd tried to hurt Dexter.
"I've got and idea, but it'll only give us one shot," Dexter said. "Lin, come here. Charlie, block our minds from Cryo."
Charlie had never heard Dex sound so serious.
Alright. It's done. Charlie responded.
Okay. I'm going to focus all of my energy into one concentrated blast. That's the reason we only have one shot. It should be enough to stun Cryo and bring down his field for a few seconds, but I won't have enough energy left to stand. Once I've done that Charlie, I need you to teleport Lin directly behind Cryo. Lin, once you're there, kick Cryo in the back of the neck. That should paralyzed him until we can get him to a power-dampening cell.
Are you sure you'll be okay? Charlie asked. That's a lot of energy. Don't risk your safety!
I won't be doing anything different that you just did. Dex replied. Before Charlie could object any more, he saw a pinkish-purple bead appear in front of Dexter's forehead. He watched as the energy flew though the air. It struck it's mark. Charlie immediately concentrated on Lin and the area behind Cryo. Lin was already halfway into a kick before she was teleported. She too, struck her mark.
A wave of pure energy shot out of Cryo in a nova. Lin and Jak were to close to react and Dexter was in the process of falling to his knees. Veronica and Nick both managed to put enough of their energy in front of them to block most of the powerful wave. Charlie put his hands in front of his chest to try to block most of the impact. He watched as the energy stopped in front of him. Even the three that managed to block were struck with enough force to be thrown off the statue.
Veronica grabbed Lin, then disappeared and reappeared oh the ground. Nick dove at full speed towards the limp form of Jak. The older teen caught him and continued towards the ground. Charlie was on a direct path with Dex. He had to make it in time. He caught up to the boy, grabbed him around the waist, and focused hard on the ground.
While focusing, Charlie turned so he would be under Dex upon impact. The two boys landed hard on the ground, but Nick was there to pull Dex off of Charlie.
"Don't worry Charlie, they'll be fine. We have to finish this now," he said, gently setting Dexter on the ground next to Jak and Lin.
Veronica Volt, Psi Elixer, and Fyre Prism flew in close formation to the top of the statue of Atlas. Each was prepared to continue the battle if needed, but all hoped it wasn't necessary. Upon reaching the top, they saw the form of Cryoshock disappear. Charlie felt his mental imprint leave Atlas. In fact, if left the area that Charlie could scan without the help of another psychic. "He's gone. Let's go make sure the others are okay," Charlie said, starting his descent.
The trio flew down to their friends. "I can heal Lin and Jak, but I can't don anything about Dex. He used all his energy. He just needs to rest," Charlie said, reaching down and placing a hand on the other two. A green glow surrounded all three and the two fighters opened their eyes. Lin Began to sit up.
"What happened?" Jak asked.
"Don't worry about it. He's gone for now." Nick said.
"Yeah." Veronica agreed. "Let's go home."
Charlie knelt and picked up Dexter. He then turned and began walking towards the base portal.
Part 6
By Psi Elixer
Later that night...
Charlie sat on a couch in the library wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt. The events of just hours earlier made it impossible for him to sleep. He felt a hand on his shoulder. In his exhaustion, he hadn't sensed another person enter the room.
"Can't sleep either, I see," said Jak.
Charlie turned and saw the sixteen year old standing in just a pair of boxers. He had a very sculpted body. Charlie didn't think he would be able to find an ounce of fat on him.
"You know, it's not nice to stare," Jak said.
"Sorry..." Charlie said. A slight blush had crept into his skin.
"It's okay, just don't try to make me like Dexter."
"What? I don't understand what you mean." Charlie said, confused.
"Please!" Jak said, disbelief in his voice. "I've seen the way you look at him. It doesn't take a telepath to see that. Veronica sees it too. That's part of the reason she turned you down. You think of him as more than a friend, don't you?"
"I...I..." Charlie stuttered.
"It's okay. It's kinda cute. But I will tell you something...You should tell him. Don't worry about what might happen. Trust me, it'll be worse if you don't." Jak said, turning to walk away. "He's awake now, by the way. Go see him." Then the boy disappeared around the corner.
Charlie stood up and walked towards Dex's door. He prayed that Jak was right.
Opening the door, he saw Dexter getting out of bed. When Charlie had brought him in, Nick had taken him to his room. It appeared as though he had taken Dex's dirty, torn sweats off of him, because the boy now stood in just boxers.
"Oops!" Charlie said, blushing again.
"Huh?" Dexter said, then looked down. He quickly crossed the room to his dresser. He pulled out a pair of shorts and slipped them on.
"Um...I really need to talk to you," Charlie said. "The first time we met, I felt something in your personality. I instantly liked you. Then you suggested I join The Youth League and I couldn't believe my luck...I was going to get to spend more time with you. Then I saw you out of uniform. I couldn't explain it, but I felt attracted to you." Charlie stopped talking. He tried to judge Dexter's reaction without prying into his mind.
Dex looked at him. A smile spread slowly over his face. "I've felt the same way. I just didn't know how to tell you..." Dex said, "...or if I should." Dexter sat down on his bed. Charlie crossed the room and joined Dex.
"So what do we do now?" Charlie asked.
"I don't know," Dex replied. "I'm gonna get some rest. I'm still really tired."
"Oh, alright," Charlie said, standing to leave.
"You...You can sleep in here tonight...if you want."
Charlie blushed. "O..Okay."
The two boys slid into bed. Charlie had his back to Dexter. Dex wrapped an arm around the younger boy's waist and pulled him closer. He desperately wished he could protect Charlie from everything that had happened in such a short time. But for now, both boys were too tired to do anything other than sleep.
Friend? was started early in March 2006 and completed within a couple of days. It marks the first appearance of Cryoshock Kid and leads to an epic confrontation in the story I Stand Alone.
Cryoshock Kid was created by Psi Elixer’s player.
