http://x_rictor.livejournal.com/ (![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
x-rictor.livejournal.com) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
xp_logs2008-08-23 06:09 pm
x-rictor.livejournal.com) wrote in xp_logs2008-08-23 06:09 pm
Xbalanque - Changes
Meanwhile, back at the Misson, the girls discover the remaining vehicle has been sabotaged. Just as something very strange happens to Julio.
Julio had been in and out of consciousness all day. From the burning pain in his shoulder to the all over body ache that had grown increasingly worse as the day wore on, true restful sleep had been beyond him. His blackouts had been plagued by nightmares that he was being chased through a forest, not unlike the one that wound it's way around the lake back at the mansion. But now he floated muzzily in the space between sleep and wakefulness, the throbbing in his shoulder had subsided into bearable levels, and exhaustion kept him from truly drifting away. His eyelids fluttered, and a voice, so soft he could barely hear it, spoke into his ear.
Mine. Mine now.
Julio jerked awake, flinging off the sheet and sitting upright, looking around wildly. Upon seeing no one else, he put a hand to his pounding heart and tried to focus. He was in one of the spare rooms in the orphanage, the small lamp in the corner was giving off a greenish glow as twilight faded into dusk. It was just a dream, wasn't it? He made a face at himself, and swiped at his forehead. He and the sheets were soaked through with sweat. He made to kick away the rest of his sheets when a wave of pain ripped through him, and his skin burned like it was on fire. He hunched over and clutched at the mattress, staring at a space beyond the floor as he tried to ride it out. It felt like his whole body was spasming, leaving him unable to even draw air into his lungs.
When it finally released him he curled up into a ball, breathing heavily. Only to be wracked with another spasm a few moments later. He couldn't even cry out when the muscles in his throat contracted, cutting off his air. When it passed he slid off the bed, pressing his burning forehead to the cool tiles on the floor, concentrating on breathing in and out. He looked up, and squinted as the world swam in and out of focus. The adhesive tape binding the cotton bandages to his shoulder peeled away from his sweaty skin, exposing his injured shoulder to the cold night air. But instead of pain, it only felt oddly pleasant. Julio brushed his fingertips against it in confusion, before tearing away the rest of the bandage and letting it flutter to the floor. Where last night there had been been a mess of torn flesh, ripped tendons and pulped bone, now there was nothing underneath but smooth, brown skin. Even in his confused, feverish state, Julio knew that wasn't right.
Julio clumsily tried to free his legs from the tangle of bedsheets he had dragged with him to the floor, hands trembling so hard he could barely get a grip on them. The others... he had to find them, they would know what was going on. That thought was cut off by another wave of pain that pressed him to the ground. His fingers scratched at the tile as something cracked sharply in his back, eliciting a strangled gasp of pain.
What the fuck is to happening me?
It passed, leaving his blood pounding in his ears. "Bastante de esta mierda," he choked. With considerable effort, he pulled himself up on his elbows, wheezing. Then, with a wince, he eased himself up on his knees. He paused, waiting for another wave to strike. Nothing came, so he breathed a small sigh of relief. Using the wall for support, Julio was able to get onto his feet, but he almost fell over with the ensuing head rush. His heart was pounding in his chest, almost like it was about to explode, and he was so hot that he could feel the sweat pouring off of his back. His thoughts were fragmented, feverish. Outside, perhaps it would be better outside. Cooler, certainly. Yes, that was where he should go...
The pain slammed into him, knocking him back onto his knees. He felt two more cracks in his ribcage, and he gasped, falling over onto his side. There was also a stinging, burning pain in his hands, and his fingers uncurled of their own volition, the joints snapping straight. Julio stared at them, and tried to will them to move but they were locked and trembling, with the pain concentrating at his fingertips. As Julio watched in shock, things began to push their way out of the soft pads of flesh at the tops of his fingers, just behind the curve of his nails. Sharp tips of yellowed bone that curved inward, one dislodging his left thumbnail.
Everything slowed to a crawl then, holding his hand up to the light, seeing the claws slide into place, and hearing nothing but his own harsh breathing and the blood pounding in his ears. What is...? No. No. His fevered mind clicked, and he jerked himself upright in a burst of adrenaline. He still wasn't entirely sure what was happening, but he did know that whatever it was wasn't good. For the people in the building-- the kids-- He needed to be outside. Away from them. Now.
The jeep's engine should have roared into life. Instead, when Monet turned the key, it made a choking sound, followed by rattle and slid back into silence. "C'mon, c'mon." There wasn't even a rattle the next time. "Terry, I don't suppose you know anything about cars?"
"A bit here and there," Terry replied, moving around the Jeep to take Monet's place behind the wheel. She checked the usual suspects first, turning the key and getting the same sickly result as the other woman. "Oh that's not good." She jumped back out, pulling the lever to pop the hood, circling to the front of the Jeep.
Jane turned and peered out the back of the Jeep. They really needed to get out of here. "Not good as in somethings loose, or not good in, oh my gosh we better start praying there's an Advanced Auto Parts out here in the middle of the jungle?"
Terry glanced back at her. "Tell you in a second," she said before pushing the hood up, holding it above her head for a few seconds. She made a very irritated noise and let it drop again. "Sure, I don't suppose that either of you packed a suitcase full of spare parts for a Jeep?" Terry asked flatly as she wiped her hands off on her jeans.
The much-abused doorway to the orphanage swung open with a bang, and the tiny, hunched over figure of Dona Teresa emerged. Her head was high and she put her hands to her heart as she walked out into the courtyard. Her smile was wide, and manic. Something had very obviously happened...
"This can't be good," Jane murmured, and hopped out of the vehicle. "Is everything okay, Dona? Is Julio all right?" Jane leaned around the doorway, into the orphanage where she could head a series of loud thuds from Julio's room. "Oh, crap. Monet? Terry? There's something really wrong in here."
Terry followed closely after her, looking distressed. "He sounds like he's in pain." She increased her pace, moving past Jane, heading for Julio's door.
He was hunched over in the dark corner. His breathing was coming in quick, panicked gasps. Something in his back snapped with an audible crack, and he cried out in pain. He looked up at the girls, and it was almost immediately apparent that something was very wrong. He was drenched in sweat, and through his open, panting mouth they could see his canines had lengthened and sharpened, and the irises of his eyes had lightened fully from dark brown to gold, with his pupils reflecting yellow in the light from the hallway. He finally focused on them, and a look of naked panic crossed his face.
"No ...stay, gah..." his face twisted in pain, and clutched at his side. "S-Stay away," he pleaded.
"Honey, are you okay?" There was a distinct lack of okay, though, as far as Monet could see. She crouched down near him and held out her hand, like she would to a frightened kitten. "Come on, mate. Let's get you back to bed, before you.... Come on, bubba, there's a good boy."
What was wrong with them? What part of "stay back?" was so hard? He backed away from Monet, eyes wide, and a frightened rumble sounded in his chest. He caught himself and almost laughed.
Oh, that's not right either.
In a strange, sudden burst of speed, he bolted away from Monet, towards the door on the opposite end of the room. Outside, had to get outside-- He flung himself out the door and into the hallway, smacking into the wall before forcing himself onward. There was a waft of fresh air, coming from the ruined doorway. Almost there--
A final wave of pain ripped through him, knocking him down on all fours. There was a tight, twisting pain in his shoulders as they popped and dislocated, his bones and organs shifting themselves under his skin, and Julio gasped one last time, blackness overtaking him.
"Julio, wait!" Casting confused looks at the other two women, Jane ran back down the hall in time to see Julio collapse to the ground. The young man's body seemed to ripple, and she stifled a gasp as it morphed into a sinuous, black, feline shape.
Terry heard the low growl before she reached Jane's side and saw the cat turn and snarl. "Oh bloody hell. Not again." She grabbed Jane's arm and started pulling her back, step by slow step.
The creature ducked it's head and snarled louder, struggling to rid itself of what remained of Julio's clothing still tangling around it's legs. Julio's conscious mind had blacked out, leaving behind only confusion. And Instinct.
Instincts that saw a threat. Muscles bunched under fur, and it tensed, ready to spring.
Monet stepped in front of the other girls, confident she could take Julio, even if he ...was a giant jaguar monster. She wanted to sit in a corner and gibber, because, hey shapeshifting werewolf cat monsters weren't on her usual list of things to deal with. She could do that later, though. "Dude, you're a furry's dream date right now."
Terry pulled Jane back, letting the invulnerable one get between them and danger. Visions of the headless, torn corpse from the night before swam before her eyes and she swallowed hard. "Monet. Don't. Taunt. The werebeast."
The creature growled louder in response. It launched itself at Monet, claws useless against invulnerable skin.
Her shirt however, was another story.
Monet screamed and caught Julio in bear hug, rolling across the floor with him, trying to keep hold of him whilst not injuring him. Guys? If I keep on acting like a decoy, could you knock him out or make him run away while he's paying attention to me. Dogs hate high pitched noises, right Terry? And do your stuff, Jane!, sent Monet.
Jane dissolved into a cloud. #I am so sick of being shoved and kicked and pushed around today# she said, spreading across the ceiling. Each word was punctuated by ominous crackles of lightning. #This is NOT how you treat your friends who are trying to help you, Julio!#
High pitched noises, yes, but Terry was acutely aware that the creature currently destroying Monet's shirt and attempting to get those huge lethal jaws on her neck was still Julio. Deafening your teammates was discouraged. Terry had learned that lesson years ago. And in this small of a space, Terry wasn't going to risk a regular sonic lance. Monet might be invulnerable and Jane out of harm's way but the building itself had no such protection. "Julio, outside," she ordered, voice reverberating with the power of command. Backing the words was a tightly controlled scream, with the peculiar quality to it that was irresistible, that played on the confusion the cat was exhibiting and the natural instinct to listen to a leader, "Get outside!"
The creature tore itself away from Monet and flinched visibly. The noise in it's mind was not helping, and it shook it's head trying to rid itself of the sensation. Terry's voice penetrated the thick cloud of confusion and anger. The words weren't immediately understandable, but the intention was.
A swell of panic burst in it's mind. It ...he wanted to go outside. Ears flattened against his head, his eyes widened at the three girls in front of him. Familiar, they were familiar .... Don't. The hair rose on the back of his neck and he growled, ducking his head as the blackness threatened to swallow him again.
No. Outside. Go outside.
Fresh air beckoned him from the end of the hallway, and he turned towards it. Moving slowly, and then faster until he broke into an outright run, Julio disappeared out the door and into the night beyond.
Terry followed him as a slower pace, gesturing for Monet to precede her -- that's what invulnerable teammates were for -- hardly believing that this had really worked. And, when they reached the door to see Julio tearing off into the forest, wondering what the hell they were going to do now.
Monet followed Julio out and sighed, watching him vanish into the jungle. "How are we going to explain this one to Scott?"
Julio had been in and out of consciousness all day. From the burning pain in his shoulder to the all over body ache that had grown increasingly worse as the day wore on, true restful sleep had been beyond him. His blackouts had been plagued by nightmares that he was being chased through a forest, not unlike the one that wound it's way around the lake back at the mansion. But now he floated muzzily in the space between sleep and wakefulness, the throbbing in his shoulder had subsided into bearable levels, and exhaustion kept him from truly drifting away. His eyelids fluttered, and a voice, so soft he could barely hear it, spoke into his ear.
Mine. Mine now.
Julio jerked awake, flinging off the sheet and sitting upright, looking around wildly. Upon seeing no one else, he put a hand to his pounding heart and tried to focus. He was in one of the spare rooms in the orphanage, the small lamp in the corner was giving off a greenish glow as twilight faded into dusk. It was just a dream, wasn't it? He made a face at himself, and swiped at his forehead. He and the sheets were soaked through with sweat. He made to kick away the rest of his sheets when a wave of pain ripped through him, and his skin burned like it was on fire. He hunched over and clutched at the mattress, staring at a space beyond the floor as he tried to ride it out. It felt like his whole body was spasming, leaving him unable to even draw air into his lungs.
When it finally released him he curled up into a ball, breathing heavily. Only to be wracked with another spasm a few moments later. He couldn't even cry out when the muscles in his throat contracted, cutting off his air. When it passed he slid off the bed, pressing his burning forehead to the cool tiles on the floor, concentrating on breathing in and out. He looked up, and squinted as the world swam in and out of focus. The adhesive tape binding the cotton bandages to his shoulder peeled away from his sweaty skin, exposing his injured shoulder to the cold night air. But instead of pain, it only felt oddly pleasant. Julio brushed his fingertips against it in confusion, before tearing away the rest of the bandage and letting it flutter to the floor. Where last night there had been been a mess of torn flesh, ripped tendons and pulped bone, now there was nothing underneath but smooth, brown skin. Even in his confused, feverish state, Julio knew that wasn't right.
Julio clumsily tried to free his legs from the tangle of bedsheets he had dragged with him to the floor, hands trembling so hard he could barely get a grip on them. The others... he had to find them, they would know what was going on. That thought was cut off by another wave of pain that pressed him to the ground. His fingers scratched at the tile as something cracked sharply in his back, eliciting a strangled gasp of pain.
What the fuck is to happening me?
It passed, leaving his blood pounding in his ears. "Bastante de esta mierda," he choked. With considerable effort, he pulled himself up on his elbows, wheezing. Then, with a wince, he eased himself up on his knees. He paused, waiting for another wave to strike. Nothing came, so he breathed a small sigh of relief. Using the wall for support, Julio was able to get onto his feet, but he almost fell over with the ensuing head rush. His heart was pounding in his chest, almost like it was about to explode, and he was so hot that he could feel the sweat pouring off of his back. His thoughts were fragmented, feverish. Outside, perhaps it would be better outside. Cooler, certainly. Yes, that was where he should go...
The pain slammed into him, knocking him back onto his knees. He felt two more cracks in his ribcage, and he gasped, falling over onto his side. There was also a stinging, burning pain in his hands, and his fingers uncurled of their own volition, the joints snapping straight. Julio stared at them, and tried to will them to move but they were locked and trembling, with the pain concentrating at his fingertips. As Julio watched in shock, things began to push their way out of the soft pads of flesh at the tops of his fingers, just behind the curve of his nails. Sharp tips of yellowed bone that curved inward, one dislodging his left thumbnail.
Everything slowed to a crawl then, holding his hand up to the light, seeing the claws slide into place, and hearing nothing but his own harsh breathing and the blood pounding in his ears. What is...? No. No. His fevered mind clicked, and he jerked himself upright in a burst of adrenaline. He still wasn't entirely sure what was happening, but he did know that whatever it was wasn't good. For the people in the building-- the kids-- He needed to be outside. Away from them. Now.
The jeep's engine should have roared into life. Instead, when Monet turned the key, it made a choking sound, followed by rattle and slid back into silence. "C'mon, c'mon." There wasn't even a rattle the next time. "Terry, I don't suppose you know anything about cars?"
"A bit here and there," Terry replied, moving around the Jeep to take Monet's place behind the wheel. She checked the usual suspects first, turning the key and getting the same sickly result as the other woman. "Oh that's not good." She jumped back out, pulling the lever to pop the hood, circling to the front of the Jeep.
Jane turned and peered out the back of the Jeep. They really needed to get out of here. "Not good as in somethings loose, or not good in, oh my gosh we better start praying there's an Advanced Auto Parts out here in the middle of the jungle?"
Terry glanced back at her. "Tell you in a second," she said before pushing the hood up, holding it above her head for a few seconds. She made a very irritated noise and let it drop again. "Sure, I don't suppose that either of you packed a suitcase full of spare parts for a Jeep?" Terry asked flatly as she wiped her hands off on her jeans.
The much-abused doorway to the orphanage swung open with a bang, and the tiny, hunched over figure of Dona Teresa emerged. Her head was high and she put her hands to her heart as she walked out into the courtyard. Her smile was wide, and manic. Something had very obviously happened...
"This can't be good," Jane murmured, and hopped out of the vehicle. "Is everything okay, Dona? Is Julio all right?" Jane leaned around the doorway, into the orphanage where she could head a series of loud thuds from Julio's room. "Oh, crap. Monet? Terry? There's something really wrong in here."
Terry followed closely after her, looking distressed. "He sounds like he's in pain." She increased her pace, moving past Jane, heading for Julio's door.
He was hunched over in the dark corner. His breathing was coming in quick, panicked gasps. Something in his back snapped with an audible crack, and he cried out in pain. He looked up at the girls, and it was almost immediately apparent that something was very wrong. He was drenched in sweat, and through his open, panting mouth they could see his canines had lengthened and sharpened, and the irises of his eyes had lightened fully from dark brown to gold, with his pupils reflecting yellow in the light from the hallway. He finally focused on them, and a look of naked panic crossed his face.
"No ...stay, gah..." his face twisted in pain, and clutched at his side. "S-Stay away," he pleaded.
"Honey, are you okay?" There was a distinct lack of okay, though, as far as Monet could see. She crouched down near him and held out her hand, like she would to a frightened kitten. "Come on, mate. Let's get you back to bed, before you.... Come on, bubba, there's a good boy."
What was wrong with them? What part of "stay back?" was so hard? He backed away from Monet, eyes wide, and a frightened rumble sounded in his chest. He caught himself and almost laughed.
Oh, that's not right either.
In a strange, sudden burst of speed, he bolted away from Monet, towards the door on the opposite end of the room. Outside, had to get outside-- He flung himself out the door and into the hallway, smacking into the wall before forcing himself onward. There was a waft of fresh air, coming from the ruined doorway. Almost there--
A final wave of pain ripped through him, knocking him down on all fours. There was a tight, twisting pain in his shoulders as they popped and dislocated, his bones and organs shifting themselves under his skin, and Julio gasped one last time, blackness overtaking him.
"Julio, wait!" Casting confused looks at the other two women, Jane ran back down the hall in time to see Julio collapse to the ground. The young man's body seemed to ripple, and she stifled a gasp as it morphed into a sinuous, black, feline shape.
Terry heard the low growl before she reached Jane's side and saw the cat turn and snarl. "Oh bloody hell. Not again." She grabbed Jane's arm and started pulling her back, step by slow step.
The creature ducked it's head and snarled louder, struggling to rid itself of what remained of Julio's clothing still tangling around it's legs. Julio's conscious mind had blacked out, leaving behind only confusion. And Instinct.
Instincts that saw a threat. Muscles bunched under fur, and it tensed, ready to spring.
Monet stepped in front of the other girls, confident she could take Julio, even if he ...was a giant jaguar monster. She wanted to sit in a corner and gibber, because, hey shapeshifting werewolf cat monsters weren't on her usual list of things to deal with. She could do that later, though. "Dude, you're a furry's dream date right now."
Terry pulled Jane back, letting the invulnerable one get between them and danger. Visions of the headless, torn corpse from the night before swam before her eyes and she swallowed hard. "Monet. Don't. Taunt. The werebeast."
The creature growled louder in response. It launched itself at Monet, claws useless against invulnerable skin.
Her shirt however, was another story.
Monet screamed and caught Julio in bear hug, rolling across the floor with him, trying to keep hold of him whilst not injuring him. Guys? If I keep on acting like a decoy, could you knock him out or make him run away while he's paying attention to me. Dogs hate high pitched noises, right Terry? And do your stuff, Jane!, sent Monet.
Jane dissolved into a cloud. #I am so sick of being shoved and kicked and pushed around today# she said, spreading across the ceiling. Each word was punctuated by ominous crackles of lightning. #This is NOT how you treat your friends who are trying to help you, Julio!#
High pitched noises, yes, but Terry was acutely aware that the creature currently destroying Monet's shirt and attempting to get those huge lethal jaws on her neck was still Julio. Deafening your teammates was discouraged. Terry had learned that lesson years ago. And in this small of a space, Terry wasn't going to risk a regular sonic lance. Monet might be invulnerable and Jane out of harm's way but the building itself had no such protection. "Julio, outside," she ordered, voice reverberating with the power of command. Backing the words was a tightly controlled scream, with the peculiar quality to it that was irresistible, that played on the confusion the cat was exhibiting and the natural instinct to listen to a leader, "Get outside!"
The creature tore itself away from Monet and flinched visibly. The noise in it's mind was not helping, and it shook it's head trying to rid itself of the sensation. Terry's voice penetrated the thick cloud of confusion and anger. The words weren't immediately understandable, but the intention was.
A swell of panic burst in it's mind. It ...he wanted to go outside. Ears flattened against his head, his eyes widened at the three girls in front of him. Familiar, they were familiar .... Don't. The hair rose on the back of his neck and he growled, ducking his head as the blackness threatened to swallow him again.
No. Outside. Go outside.
Fresh air beckoned him from the end of the hallway, and he turned towards it. Moving slowly, and then faster until he broke into an outright run, Julio disappeared out the door and into the night beyond.
Terry followed him as a slower pace, gesturing for Monet to precede her -- that's what invulnerable teammates were for -- hardly believing that this had really worked. And, when they reached the door to see Julio tearing off into the forest, wondering what the hell they were going to do now.
Monet followed Julio out and sighed, watching him vanish into the jungle. "How are we going to explain this one to Scott?"