-Mutants-

[spideysgirl]

As the flames rose to lick the ceiling, the sprinklers sprung to life and Charm was drenched in minutes. The water fell in quick torrents, adding to the obscurity caused by the hazing smoke and clouding her vision. Looking left and right quickly, all she could make sight of was Zane's collapsed form. He lay very still and didn't show signs of breathing, but Charm wasn't completely sure that even a high voltage shock was enough to stop the mammoth-like man. Torque seemed to have vanished into the smog, and she could only just make out the form of a man standing near to the stage, silhouetted by the dying blaze. Wiping the water from her eyes as it slid down her face, she still couldn't tell who it was, and so, was wary to approach. She stepped toward the stage cautiously, remembering that the only way out now would be through the backdoors. The fire had finally begun to abate, but the rain only seemed to become worse, pummelling the top of her head relentlessly as she neared the stage. A feeling as though a weight had lifted from her shoulders accompanied the thought that she would successfully make it to freedom at last, when, suddenly, a hand grabbed her arm and whipped her about.

She gasped as she found herself staring into the maddened eyes of Manic, blood oozing from his side where the metal bar had hit him, but, now that he had regained his footing and had found her, the injury seemed to bother him very little. She tried to turn and run, shoving him forcefully but he refused to loosen his grip on her. She screamed as he wrapped his arms around her, pressing her to his drenched chest as she felt the air become charged and tight, as though someone had taken in a very large breath. She screamed as the wave of Manic's power rolled smoothly over her, brushing against her face like a tender touch and rushing into her ears. Her eyes grew wide and rolled back as the blow took affect, causing her to lose complete control of her own powers and bringing on the feeling that her skull had been cleaved in two. Illusions and sounds of all sorts sprang up throughout the room, the hollow wood setting used during their show flickering into existence, accompanied by a high shriek, before disappating, a young girl laying sprawled across the floor at her feet, spattered with blood with a gaping hole in her chest, disappearing to be replaced by a large figure garbed head to toe in a thick, black body suit, sucking greedily at a gas mask as it weilded a lethal gun, its laser targetting accurately through the smoke. Countless other visions appeared and faded, each causing her scream to become louder to the point at which it was deafening.

Torque, upon seeing Zane collapse and the man set fire to the stage while still holding the steel pole aloft, had lifted himself higher in the air. As the room filled with the thick haze, he remained only just above it as he dodged between the sprinkler heads as he made for the stage. He spotted Cozmo there, ears pricked for sound and weapon held at the ready. Submerging himself into the clouds, Torque hit the ground lightly and started toward the man, firing a gust of wind powerfully at him in attempt to throw Cozmo off before he could react. As he made to strike again, he felt faint tendrils of Manic's power trickle past him, weakened to nothing due to the distance, but it was the shrill cry that made Torque clap his hands to his ears. Wincing at the unnaturally high pitch, he gazed through narrowed eyes as the sound burned into his mind, making it extremely difficult to concentrate on anything else.

[odduckoasis]

Hoping to use the water as a way to send his charge to shock the others as they were in contact with the floor, Cozmo stopped as he saw the girl approach, wanting to warn her, but finding it too late as the other grabbed her from behind. Because he was in close range, as she started to lose control of her powers because of the actions of Manic, Cozmo also pressed his hands to his ears, though it was of little use from the sound, collapsing to his knees, the metal bar next to him on the floor. He tried to see if he could do anything concentrate on anything, but he was finding it harder to even remember what was going on- only that the screaming was deafening and painful even.

Managing to open his eyes a moment, Cozmo caught sight of the man clutching the girl, making her scream and lose control. He had to make a decision before he passed out and even though he knew it might get the girl too, he had to take the risk. So quickly, he let go of his ears and slamming his hands to the floor, screaming at the sound and the pain, he let his electric shock go out over the water, electrifying everything that was in contact with the floor except himself. He wasn't sure how strong of a jolt it was as he wasn't concentrating that well so it could've been weak or strong, he wasn't even sure- he could barely even hear his own thoughts any more.

{sorry for the delay... xD;; I didn't see this change over to a 2nd page. lol. My bad.}

[spideysgirl]

{No worries n_n}

As the electricity raced through the water pooled on the floor, Torque was the first to be hit. Being the nearest to Cozmo, he recieved the brunt of the force. Kneeled on the ground with both hands clapped over his ears, he had no time to react as the joltage snaked into his legs, causing him to shake violently. Eyes rolled back to reveal the whites, he howled with pain, fangs bared with agony as his body shook with the voltage.

Though Manic and Charm were a bit farther away, the shock had hardly diminished by the time it reached them. The sensation of metal spikes being driven into every particle of their being seized them violently as the electricty coursed through them. Manic, eyes wide with pain, drove his fingers harshly into Charm's sides as the tortuous volt tightened every muscle in his body. A sharp crackling noise reverberated throughout the wet auditorium, just audible beneath Charm's fading scream.

As Manic's power over her faded, she could only just make out two figures through her bleary eyes- that of Cozmo bent with both palms firmly upon the ground, and Torque slumped beside him. Her head felt as though it were to explode, the rest of her body growing numb as the initial shock subsided. Unconscious, Manic sank to his knees, and Charm had no strength to resist or break his slack grip. His heavy, limp body pushed her forward, water splattering as they solidly collided with the ground. Though her tolerance had been seemingly higher than the other two- perhaps because she was the only one not wearing steel-tipped boots- she struggled to stay conscious. Gaze flickering, she couldn't bring herself to crawl from beneath Manic, leaving her trapped. Struggling to free an arm, she reached for Cozmo, silently pleading with him to help her. Features contorted with pain and exhaustion, she emitted a strangled sob before going limp, her cheek hitting the flooded floor as her eyes flicked shut.

[odduckoasis]

Upon seeing the effects the electric shock gave, Cozmo lifted his hands and leaned back against the stage he had fallen by. Everyone of them was down, the shock having knocked them out cold- hopefully for awhile. He wasn't sure if he'd electrified them to the point of needing CPR, but really, he didn't care. But then he saw the girl. She didn't deserve this, but he couldn't have helped it- it was all or him. Selfishly, he chose to save his own skin rather than die- but she would have apparently died as well. After a moment of recovery, the water still pouring down and the darkened auditorium looking creepy and foreboding, Cozmo got to his feet gingerly, testing his weight on his injured ankle and limped over to where Charm was pinned beneath Manic. His ankle was swollen and hurting, but bringing his good foot up, ignoring the pain, he shoved Manic until he rolled over and off of her and then knelt down, checking her for a pulse. Finding one, he sighed in relief and grabbed her under her arms, pulling her up and then grabbed her into his grip, hoisting her into his arm. "Well, I don't know what the hell that was all about, but apparently they don't like you much- and really hate me..." he stated to no one as they were all knocked out. He had no clue of course about any of the other circumstances regarding this girl- such as her sister or anything, but at the moment, his only thought was to get out of there. If they were dead, so be it- if they were only knocked out, he didn't want to wait around to see how long it would be until they woke up- especially that really big guy.

He limped up the asile, almost falling again as he did so, the ground wet and not having use of both feet completely, he made his way out into the hall. When he got past the doors, still holding Charm, he leaned back against the wall, taking a breath. The combination of holding her and favoring one leg took a lot of energy. He looked at her as he caught his breath, wondering if she was knocked out badly. Glancing around, he tried to think of the best way to go when he heard something outside. Sirens. He wasn't sure if he should be happy or not. He wouldn't be able to make it out without them seeing him. But both she and her needed medical attention. So, limping down the hall further- he found a bench along one wall and laid her down, sitting down next to her and simply waited.

[spideysgirl]

Sirens. Faint at first, the rhythmic sound approached quickly, stirring Zane gently. The auditorium, being dimly lit and later in the evening, appeared to be nothing more than pitch smeared with lighter grey figures and shapes. The room swam for a moment, causing him to squeeze his eyes shut tightly as he sidled onto one elbow, then the other. His breath came in sharp rasps as he steadied himself, his bulk threatening to unbalance and hit the floor once more. Despite the downpour that was continuing to drench the room, though the flames had long be extinguished, Zane felt as though every hair were standing on end, and the foul scent of fried fur reached his nose as he took notice of his groundings. Wincing as he rose, minding his tender side, he heaved himself to his feet. Squinting into the darkness, he couldn't make out the forms of anyone else. Where had the others gone? What had happened? Grunting with exertion, he manuevered from the row of chairs he had smashed in his fall and made his way down the center aisle and toward the stage. At a slow gate, his foot came in contact with something soft and mildly warm. Blinking the water from his eyes, he bowed his head to have a better look, eyes widening as he realized who it was. Torque, either unconscious or dead, was crumbled at his feet. Some distance away, Zane could just make out Manic in a similar state. He checked Torque grimly for a pulse, shoving his fingers roughly against his neck and feeling a small weight lift from him upon feeling the steady beat. Heaving the limp man over one shoulder, he checked Manic likewise. He was in a considerably worse state than Torque, as his pulse was faint and infrequent, but he was still alive. Barking as a sharp pain lanced through his side, he pulled Manic onto his free shoulder and, being as large as he was, stepped onto the stage and barrelled through the back door. Knowing that the cops would be around soon, he was clever enough to realize that they couldn't easily be found at this scene. Conveniently, their scheduled driver was parked just outside of the building. Tearing open the backdoor and pushing both Torque and Manic inside, he groaned in irritation once he realized that the driver himself had abandoned the car, perhaps in the confusion of the crowd from the disaster that had taken place inside. Slamming the backdoor and squeezing himself into the tight front seat, stooping his head and bending his legs uncomfortably, he revved up the car and sped off, retrieving the small cell phone from his pants pocket. Satisfied to find it in working order, he punched a number and the screen read 'Calling Plague...' as the tone trilled.

[odduckoasis]

The sirens came to the building, stopping, the firefighters entering, there still being some haze in the halls. Once Cozmo and Charm were discovered, not being hard to spot as they were right there in the hallway. Cozmo found he was far more worn out than he first thought and was found asleep on the bench, sitting next to Charm. Because it was a fire and didn't have any signs of foul play, they just checked the two and got the paramedics in, taking them both out on stretchers- keeping their heads stable. Cozmo awoke inside the ambulance, a little alarmed at first, but then deciding it was alright, he just laid there and waited to be wheeled into the emergency room once they reached the hospital. He wondered how the girl was doing and also if they'd found the other three in the auditorium. He really didn't want to think about seeing them in the hospital too. He could just imagine what sort of havoc they'd end up reeking.

After awhile longer, Cozmo had been able to dry off, though undesirably dressed in a hospital gown and had a brace put on his ankle. It wasn't broken, but nearly had been. He had a couple of broken ribs as well, but there was nothing that could be done about those- as they would heal on their own. He was bruised and battered- but alive. When he was good enough, he asked to go see the girl he'd been found with and went to her room where she was hooked up to an IV, the heart monitor and some oxygen. They had discovered some electrical shock had caused her to pass out- and were keeping a close eye on her. Cozmo felt bad with having to knock her out as well, he sat down in the chair by her bed and just watched her. He could have left, with or without the hospitals permission- but he really didn't feel comfortable leaving without first knowing she was going to be alright.

[spideysgirl]

"She's suffered some head trauma as well," a nurse was informing Cozmo, her eyes flicking over the results they had gotten on Charm upon her clipboard. Adjusting her glasses, she continued. "The last patient we had who reportedly had had the same symptoms had lost control of his car and driven into an electrical plant. I honestly don't see how anything to this degree could have happened, as the paramedics informed us that they found you all at a closed circuit auditorium. But, the police'll want to talk with you about that later, and we're more concerned with her well being. She was bordering on comatic tendencies, but she seems to be coming back to us now. Her heart rate as steadied and her breathing has checked as regular. With any luck, she'll be waking up soon." The woman honestly didn't know if anything she had said had meant anything to Cozmo, or if it had even penetrated him, as he still carried a slightly dazed look about him. "I recommend sleep. For both of you," she advised, pausing to place a hand on Cozmo's shoulder and offering a comforting smile before leaving the room quietly.

It was some hours later that Charm showed signs of awakening. She shifted in the bed, eyes flickering open. She frowned slightly, almost as though she thought herself still dreaming. The last thing she remembered was Manic grabbing her from behind and.. so much pain.. But how had she ended up here? She gazed around the room, her eyes tracing the consistant lines of the heart monitor, the tube running from her arm to the IV stand, the glass doors across from her, where she could make out dark figures passing in the hall beyond, the man sitting in the chair near her bed. Wait- who was he? He obviously wasn't one of her captors, and he did seem vaguely familiar.

[odduckoasis]

Cozmo had understood plenty that the nurse had told him- glad to know she had not been hurt so badly that he'd sent her into a coma. But upon hearing that the police would be asking him some questions, he didn't want to explain. So for awhile he started to think of explinations that make sense. But it didn't take long for him to lose concentration and while waiting for her to awaken, Cozmo soon fell asleep in that same chair, having shifted over to the side in the chair, one leg hanging over the edge, one arm propped up on the back with his head resting there. Some time during his falling asleep and before Charm had awoken, a nurse and brought a blanket in for him an covered him, not forcing him to go back to his own bed- yet. He mostly had propped up his bad ankle because it was hurting. He didn't even stir as Charm awoke, since she didn't move really and the steady beat of the heart monitor didn't change.

However, he did awaken when he heard a couple others enter the room, coming to check on Charm as she'd awoken. They were more up on those things than he was. Shifting, moaning in protest some, he started and sat up straight, having forgotten a moment where he was. He then just turned, propping his ankle up on his knee and looked at the bandages, touching his slightly swollen ankle slightly. At least the pain killers helped some. He looked back to the bed and waited for the nurses to do what they came in to do, checking on her and doing their routine.
"How's the ankle?" one asked, having spied Cozmo touching it.
"Fine. Tender, but fine." Cozmo replied, nodding again and put his foot back on the floor.
With another nod of acceptance, the nurses left for the time being, though they would return to check up on Charm further.

Cozmo looked over at her again, watching her carefully. "Hey..." he said, not sure if she had much awareness, hoping he hadn't caused brain damage.

[spideysgirl]

She smiled faintly as the nurses crowded around her, checking her vitals and offering her comforting words, pleased to see that she had awaken. As they observed how her wounds were healing, Charm realized that there was a bandage wrapped just about her hairline, another winded thickly about her middle. They cautioned her to take it easy for the time being, as too much stress may overexert her. She quietly assured them that she wouldn't. Looking after them as they filed out of the room, she watched as one stopped shortly to converse briefly with the man lounged in the chair beside her bed, covered for the most part by a hospital blanket, but with one leg propped so that an ankle brace was visible. She noticed that he was wearing a hospital gown as well. She quickly tried to work out who he was, seeing as he was concerned enough about her to keep her company. Her brow creased gently as she tried to recall exactly what had happened. The sparks.. People panicking.. Zane coming after her, and someone knocking him over.. Yes, there had been a man there, and he had tried to take Torque, Manic and Zane single-handedly. Though he probably wouldn't have messed with the trio if he had known the powers their wrath entailed, she was still warmed by the sensation of gratitude she felt toward this man. Fair enough, they were square as she had been the one to pass him the metal pole, but.. He could have just as easily left her behind, and she still would've been in the other mutants' control.

Her lips curved in a wider smile as she took him in completely. Auburn hair gelled into a fauxhawk, he had brilliant orange fur and dark brown eyes that seemed impossible to read. "Hi.. I.. I can't believe you knocked out Zane," she began, face alight with soft excitement and awe. "I mean, I've been around the guy awhile, and it takes -a lot- to get through his thick skin."

[odduckoasis]

His usual hair-do wasn't as perfect as normal, since the water had soaked it good. But some time during his stay here, he had managed to comb it- with his fingers, but comb non-the-less into a better looking style. The gel had helped keep it there. At least he felt he didn't need a shower any time soon since he'd spent practically probably a half hour or more under the fire alarm sprinklers. In any case, when Charm turned to him and spoke, he just smiled a little, shrugging humbly. "Electrocution can take out any size... that pole you got to me was quite helpful though. I would say I hope he's not dead, but... I'm not sure that would be the right thing to hope. How're you feeling?" he asked curiously, adjusting himself in his chair, leaning forward a little.

He wasn't sure if she remembered what had happened with him and the final moment with all the water and such, but he did hope that she would understand why he had to do it even though it effected her as well. Luckily for her though, Manic took the bulk of the shock.

[spideysgirl]

Whether or not to his benefit, she couldn't recall anything past the pressure of Manic encircling his arms about her from behind and holding her tight, her memory spattered with moments of blackness or unwanted memories that had surfaced for what ever reasons.

"I suppose that's true, but we can always keep our figners crossed," she commented with a warm smile. Shifting onto her elbows, she gingerly pushed herself into a sitting position so she didn't have to look at Cozmo from down her nose. "I feel.. okay, I think." She noted that her neck was a bit tender, but that was to be expected given the fact that Zane had nearly strangled her. The reasonable scrapes and bruises were accounted for, and she did have an odd, numbed feeling that stung vaguely down her legs, but she attributed that to what ever the hospital may have her on and thought nothing more of it.

"I think I have you to thank for that. Without your help, I'd be worse off than dead. It was stupid of me to try to get away from them again, but.. That doesn't matter right now. I really can't thank you enough for stopping Zane, and for helping me get out of there in one piece." She watched him admiringly, brushing a strand of colored hair from her eyes as she spoke.

[odduckoasis]

Glancing to the door a moment and then back to her again, Cozmo leaned forward slightly, looking at the girl better. "What, exactly was that all about? I mean, I didn't mean to ruin anything or cause such a problem- their reaction was... way more than what I expected. But... why were you escaping?" he wondered, not really understand why the big one- had freaked out like he did. It was like he had such a temper that anything would set him off. Of course, Cozmo got why he got mad at himself- he'd electrocuted the guy, so he had reason to be pissed off. However, so pissed that he and his friends were willing to kill him- that was extreme. Cozmo was glad though of her help and that he was able to take them all out. At this moment as well, he was glad that she hadn't asked what had happened. He wasn't sure how much she'd appreciate knowing that he'd knocked her out too, even if she only got the transfer through Manic. But at the time he'd done so, he didn't have full control of how great a shock he'd sent- since her siren screams was causing his concentration to be lost. All in all though, looking back- this was quite an interesting turn of events.

[spideysgirl]

Charm paused for a moment, listening to the constant chirps of the heart monitor as she considered whether it would be best- or safe- to tell him the truth. Deciding that there wasn't any harm in it, as far as she could see, she proceeded.

"It's kind of a long story.. To shorten it and keep it brief, my younger sister and I were kidnapped shortly after my parents found out that I was a mutant. We were picked up by both men you met back at the concert, Zane, Torque and Manic, along with a woman named Plague. They blindfolded and gagged us, saying that we wouldn't be hurt if we did as they told us. Apparently they had gotten wind of my powers- I honestly can't say how for sure- and thought they could use me as an easy way to make money. It worked for a while as we did smaller concerts and started drawing in crowds. I'm guessing they grew confident with the thought that I was too afraid of what may happen if I tried to escape that they slackened their watch on me. They were still observant enough, and always reminded me that they were watching and loved to bother me, but they weren't constantly hovering over my shoulders anymore. This was our first big show. I was just waiting for the opportunity to get away from them. The sparking equipment and panicked crowd were all the initiative I needed to slip away, but I hadn't thought Zane had been watching so closely." She sighed and looked down at her hands which lay cupped upon her lap. "Zane's always been more violent than he actually needs to be, but as soon as he saw his meal ticket running away, he acted instinctively. Not that I can say a jolt of electricity would have helped him to calm down any." She glanced up at Cozmo and smiled. "After that.. I don't really know where to go from here. I know they won't kill my sister if they have any hopes of getting me back under their control, but I also know that they'll come looking for me as soon as they've restored themselves. I have to figure out how to help Sonja away from them, but I don't have anywhere to go. Once I told my parents I was a mutant, they reacted with such utter disgust that I was forced to leave. They plainly told me that I was no longer a part of their family, and that whatever happened to me would be of no flaw upon their conscious." Her shoulders sagged at this recollection, sorrow emitted from that particular memory as she suddenly realized that she no longer had a home to return to. Honestly, what else could she do but wait for Torque to find her and face their wrath?

[odduckoasis]

Cozmo listened quietly as she explained briefly of the situation and how they still had her little sister in their hold and would probably use her to get this girl back into their trap. "Sounds like they're a little messed up." Cozmo commented with a smile as well, having heard and seen similar things happening where other mutants will hurt their kind for their own gain. "Well, looks like we're going to have to figure out a way to get your sister out of there... I'm sorry to hear about your parents. I know how you feel though. My mom doesn't know about me, but from how I've heard her speak, she'd disown me if she found out." he shook his head, recalling the way his mother would go on about how the mutants were going to cause the fall of the country and their interference was just making things worse. Cozmo's irritation at his mother going off on how she felt actually ended up causing some electrical shortages in the home. When that happened, Cozmo never told her and did his best to learn to control his powers. But also, because of the way his mother talked and how he did not have a father figure, he went out and just caused problems with his powers- having 'fun' and basically doing anything his mother was complaining that mutants did. They were a menace and he was proving the fact by his rebellion. Once he was old enough, he moved out and he hasn't been back since.

"Oh, I almost forgot... my name is Cozmo..." he leaned over in his chair, holding his hand out to her. He wasn't sure if he was able to help her more, but at least she should know his name and he wanted to know hers.

[spideysgirl]

Her ears pricked as he mentioned "we", and she wondered if he actually meant to offer his help or if it was merely a slip of the tongue. She nodded gently in consolation, understanding what it felt like to listen to your parents' rant about the 'mutant menace' and the terrible havoc the 'X-race' was wreaking on the nation, all the while knowing you're a part of that race. Knowing that there's nothing you could do to change that, or to change their minds. It had been easy for her to keep her abilities concealed at first. It had required that she stop singing in the shower or humming while she was attending to her chores around the house, but it hadn't seemed that big of a loss to maintain her parents' respect and love. Though she had thought she had a considerable amount of control over her powers, she soon found herself waking in the middle of the night surrounded by all sorts of nightmarish illusions that seemed to have poured from her mouth while she was asleep- as though they had begun to pile up and had been waiting for the first opportunity to be released from the walls of her mind and imagination. It was difficult to explain how a meat locker cast in a sickening red light and filled with hanging corpses had appeared in her closet. She had no idea why her dreams were always so twisted and gruesome, but she had quickly learned that small songs or whistles when she was alone were good enough to relieve her of any night haunts for a week or so. Still, once her parents put two and two together, her condition was obvious. Knowing she couldn't avoid the subject any longer, she approached them about her powers and was met with revulsion and disgust. They claimed that she was diseased and ordered her from the house, demanding that she never return or contact them in anyway. With nothing but a bag full of clothing and personal items, she had nothing else to call her own. She had never had the chance to find somewhere to stay, as she had been kidnapped almost immediately after she had stepped a block away from the house.

She snapped back to the present, realizing that the man had just introduced herself and was offering his hand to her. Her lips curled with a smile as she clasped the outstretched hand with her good one. "I'm Charm, and I'm very glad to have met you, Cozmo." As she eased back into her pillows, she nodded toward the blanket covering him and the ankle brace tightened around his propped leg. "Were you hurt badly? I'd have expected that it would've been you stuck in the bed rather than me after a brush with Zane and Torque."