Initial Drip

[RandallBoggs]

Ha ha! Finally a new story! ^_^
Guess it could be considered the Christmas Present for the board ^_^
So far there is the first chapter that introduces a "character" that had actually made an "appearence" in one of my previous works ^_^ (Cookie to whomever finds WHERE ^_^)
But after that, a preview to what will come will be put up ^_^

So ladies and gentlemen. I give you the revamped and more experienced piece of gold that will answer may questions to the Monster World...Intial...Drip ^_^



[glow=red,2,300]Initial Drip[/glow]

"Intruder alert! Intruder alert!"
The red light from the emergency beams splashed their color, alterating the gray walls and pipes at consecutive intervals. The rectangular speaker in the corner gave another warning in it's light female voice, which was distressed to accomadate the situation.
"Stay where you are!". Two soldiers appeared from the corner ahead. Both were dressed in black suits, a visor and helmet covering their heads. Both had what could be described as assualt rifles, but their appearence seemed to be altered. But He didn't waste time with their look. Raising both of His weapons, the soldiers gasped in pain as bullets came forward. One was shot in the chest five times, enough force down to knock them to the floor. Another was rittled in the leg with three more. He didn't waste time finishing them off, just jumped over them.
Turning a corner, another two tried to stop his route. One found a bullet in the thigh, and the other was fortunate enough to get shot isn both arms. He stopped in front of one of them, grabbing a keycard attached to the soldier's, he started again, though having to swipe a whiplash across the carrier's face. Entering a four-way intersection, he spread his arms firing the odd silver guns in their respective directions, catching two more unexpecting soldiers in the gut. He continued foreward, the gray walls soon shifted to a blood crimson color. However, some of the color could very well be "blood crimson".
He didn't care about that at the moment. His pace slowed now. His features became more apparent, before being blurred and nearly transparent with his agility. He was more focused on completing the task at hand. Then again, it did cross his mind to let his appearence strike a subtle fear into the fodder that was appearing before him.
His scales were dark green, like an army garb. Across His back were black hinted ones, which formed an almost firey appearence, whose origin point went down His spine. Although mose of His body was covered in a black trench coat, which seemed to fit Him perfectly well. Unlike the others in this place, He had a tail, one that wasn't too long, but was broad enough to knock over anyone in His way. His stoud legs were rathy stubby, shorter than human, but not so much to be any kind of burden. The rest of His body was wrapped in the trench coat, save for His face and hands. His hands gripped strange weapons. They were silver guns with peculiar blades that stretched arms length, under the barrel, making melee strikes as deadly as bullets. Atop His head was a hat that resembled those of ganster type headwear. And below that hat was His egg-like head. His mouth was long, holding several sharp teeth. And His eyes were thin, showing an almost soulless appearence, even so far as to make His emerald eyes near invisible.
The rest was easy. As soon as He transversed a few halls, He found himself in front of a peculiar door. It was steal with metal poles hidden to the sides. It was more of a vault than a room it seemed. Looking at the keycard slide to the side, He slide the one He acquired latest. After a verification scan, the yellow light, set between a red and green one, switched to red. This was followed by a large, and somewhat depressing, gong.
He tilted His head, ears hearing the noise of clanging metal and the shuffle of boots. Turning back to the door, He pulled a small box with a thin slit, the size of a playing card, and placed it in the equal slit of the slide. As soon as it was attached, the device began working. Sighing, he turned, His back to the door, eyes observing the hallways into the small room. Two to the left, one on the right, and one ahead, with a turn, making it easier to spot. Raising His weapons, He closed his eyes, limiting most of his senses so that sound would be the most apparent. Even His breathing soon became silence.
"Get it!". What a fool.
He pulled His left weapon over, pulling the trigger. Then ahead with the other, firing four times. Then the left came again, swinging back to it's respective side and firing once more. The right weapon made the final blow just left of the hall ahead, firing more shots. After the moment of silence was broken by the successful beep of the keycard slide, He opened his eyes. Immobile, and probably dead, soldiers littered the start of the halls leading out of the room. He was thinking of taking pity on them at this moment, but figured not to start. These men had sold their souls, and those that they knew.
Turning, He grabbed the device as the door's poles began to retract back into the frame. The door then started forward slowly, and He backed up, waiting patiently for it to open. As soon as the space was sufficent, he headed inside.
Not much was hear. A computer to the left and right, metal framed and locked to the desks. A machine that could be mistaken, or not, for a life support device was in the upper right corner. Wires and cables from the machine and computers were hooked to the base of what He came for. A large tube of some sort, large enough to fit a full grown man inside.
The door shut behind Him. As He watched the tube, His tail was busy swiping off the keycard reader beside the door, crossing a few wires to make outside interferrance a forgotten suprise. When it was done, He came closer to the tube, looking to the side. A clipboard was to the side of one of the computers, a pen streak to the side showed the writer was urgent to get to a safe place. Picking it up, He observed the page. Most of it was unreadable, probably from a rush.


Subject: 387RM
Status: Stable
Condition: Deep intrusion of the forehead, no piercing of the skull or brain. Several small infractions over the spine, tail, and arms. Facial features bruised but no fractures. Internal condition stable. (Tests will be run annualy to secure confidence)
Schedule: Recovery/Slated for disection in three months.

Notes:
1. Subject's mental capability is growing. Disection of the cerebral cortex and brain sections will be handled extensively to discover metal capacity.
2. Subject's brain waves fluctuate during rain or abnormal weather. Tested with variables, the subject's brain waves show no change. Result being 387RM comphrends variable and unconctroled factors.


He set the clipboard down, finding a notebook to the side. Picking it up, he viewed the last page. Seemed to be observation notes from the researcher, or rather, his assistant.


January 23
After a few days of getting use to starring at it, I think I might be glowing blind. I recall looking at it one moment, then drank some of the coffee the boys unstairs made. But then when I looked back, I could have sworn the tube was empty. The wires were still hooked up, but that RM was gone. I thought I was working too late. I saw it was still there a moment later. Guess I should spread my vacation a bit sooner.

August 16
I was freaked out yesterday, had to leave the room to get some air. I had brought in a glass of white wine to share with Dr. Kosoto. That Japanese guy spoke well enough, and had a brilliant mind. I worked well with him, so I figured why not take a break. As I was pouring him a cup, the glass shattered. I thank to god that the computers were plated with metal or I would've lost my job. Kosoto told me the RM's brain waves had altered, but I didn't listen. Guess it was someone's way of telling me not to disobey company policy.

August 28
The soldiers brought in another one. Didn't know what it was. Just that it was coded 388DM. Was thinking of looking up what these codes meant. Couldn't find it out as I soon found out. Kosoto told me it was something I shouldn't worry about. I guess he was right. I think.

Setemper 3
The guards are getting edgier. Was thinking of bringing a picture of my wife in, though it was confiscated. What the heck was that gonna do to a reinforced tube or computer??

October 17
Halloween's coming up. A big haul for these guys, at least that's what Kosoto told me. I was thinking about RM as I was thinking on the matter. Wonder where these things came from. One of the policies was "Don't Ask Questions". I figured that that was more than enough to keep me from asking. These people are so serious. Guess that's why I like Kosoto. But I'm still unsure what they do. I've seen a few new "codes" come in, but 388RM was the one I focused on the most. They wouldn't allow access to the others. It's weird being hauled up down here. At least Kosoto made it easier. He's really interested in RM, saying that it shouldn't be disected.

October 25
Kosoto didn't come into work today. Some American guy like me came in to take his place. Rather young fella. Didn't talk to me. I asked the guards where the doctor was, but they didn't say anything. I later found out that Kosoto was found dead in the parking lot above ground. I'm getting edgy now....

November 1
The guards are weird now. On high alert. Again I asked, going against my thoughts of the policy, but I was worried now. Nobody told me anything. Most of the other scientists told me to stay in the room. What the heck is


It cut off there. He merely skimmed through it. The notes seemed to please Him. Turning back to the tube, He waited a moment. Then, He placed a palm on the glass. "My old friend...you've awakened" He said, the humming of the life support machine giving an almost musical melody. His face reflecting on the tube, matching with that of the one inside.
"It's time to go home...Randall" Trent announced, His voice proud and elightened.

[Veg]

Wow! I didn't see that coming! Great work Sean! ;D

[RandallBoggs]

Thankies ^_^

[RandallBoggs]

Now that bios are done for the current time....
Time for the first chapter!!! ^_^
The story's first...well as big as it may be..."volume" consists of several stories involved with one another. Cleverly connecting to the next person in line ^_^
So people know early, here's the story timestream for the first volume:
Kevin - Sullivan - Boo - Me - Randall - Trent

So starting off is Kevin's story ^_^ How is he involved with everyone? We'll find out ^_^ Enjoy ^_^

Initial Drip

A Year Earlier....

Part 1 The Rebellious Youth
Chapter 1 Model Behavior


"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!".
The crowd of varying creatures gathered around the event unfolding, each one bringing their uncertain opinions with them. There were a marvel of monsters. Ones with tentacles and long eyes. Some with a slug body and stubs for hands. A few with humanoid bodies, but with fur and made of different colors. And all of them drove their sights to the two in the center of the grassy clearing. One of the "students" was on the ground. His green furry body covered in a few grass stems. His face was covered in bruises, which was being added by the second. Nothing serious, but it was soon becoming it.
The other student was a long longer than the bruised one. It could be said this student would be hard to describe. Perhaps the simple way, would to use the racial slur "scaly". His scales were a purple color, though with more blue surrounding his tail. Up his back was a crimson, but shaded by the blue and purple, like stripe that spread out a bit to his sides. His four legs held down the student's legs. His lower hands held down his hands, while his upper fists launched at the other student's face. The reptile's blue eyes were slightly blocked by his curved front frond, his other two pointed with anger.
The crowd looking at the two gave worried chatter, wondering who was gonna stop it. Or, more likely, what the heck was going on. "Out of the way...out of the way!". A tall monster with four tentacles for legs and two for arms, dressed in a blue and white garb, came through the crowd. He had to adjust his glasses for the moment to see if he was really seeing two students fighting on academy grounds. A moment later two other professors of a different race came to his side. Then all three of them came over. One pried the reptillian student from his assualt, and another picking up the wounded furry.
The first professor that came shouted at the other students to go back to their dorms. After a few shrouded remarks, the crowd dispersed. By then the reptilian student had calmed down, running a hand across his fronds. The punched student was already being sent to the infirmery, leaving two of the professors to deal with him.
The tentacled monster shuddered his arms, then turned to the student. "Fighting on academy grounds again Waber!?"
The student, Waber, folded both sets of arms, looking down. "I'm...sorry..."
"SORRY!? You could have blugend a student to..." the professor started again.
"That is enough Harrison!"
They both looked at the other professor. This one was rather smaller...at least smaller than the student he was standing beside. If a human were to look at him....they'd say the professor was a regular owl. Only this one had colorful feathers, mixing a few white, black, and a few dark colors such as blue and red.
The tentacle professor shooks his head. "This is the last time you cover for him Vanner!" he shouted, turning and trotting off. Waber just placed all four hands into the pockets of his Academy issue uniform. It was blue with a white trim, and the crest of the Academy on the chest. He turned, looking at the professor. Prof. Vanner flapped his wings slightly, then settled them to his side.
Waber turned, holding his head down. "I'm sorry Professor Vanner..."
"Kevin..." Vanner said, stepping up and flapping, hovering at eye level to Kevin. "You truely have to work out those anger issues you have..."
"I know..."
"What was it this time?"
Kevin sighed, shaking his head. "Allot of things..."
"Such as?"
"I'd rather not say out here..." Kevin said.
Vanner placed one winged finger to his chin. "Very well...we'll talk in your room..."
*
"Currently James P. Sullivan's development in the new Laugh Energy propsal has had outstanding results. In such, Scare Co. is conducting a mass conversion to the more potent, and profitable, version of energy....". Allen scuffed, folding the paper to look at the comics. The past year had probably been the best money maker for media franchises. First the event of a human child stepping into the world. Then the announcment of Henry J. Waternoose the 3rd's involvement in human world kidnapping. And finally the meeting with Andrew Albedo that the conversion was to take place as soon as the tests concluded. And till recently, they did.
Allen side, setting the paper to the side. The black raptor turned onto his back again, placing his claws behind his head. Every newspaper the past couple of weeks have been filled with headlines about the Scare Industry. First two tragedies, now a new form of energy. Allen didn't pretend to understand what went on in Monstropolis, but he had to admit he was curious. Something didn't seem too right about all of this.
He nearly jumped out of his bed when the door opened. He calmed down when Kevin came in, ready to make a comment, but he shut his trap when Professor Vanner flapped in.
*
Allen sat up as Kevin came to the desk on the oppsite side, sitting down in the chair beside it. Professor Vanner came over to the top bunk, perching on the side of bed. Allen took a look between the twom then gave a soft chuckle before looking at Kevin. "Got into ANOTHER fight there Kev?" Allen asked, trying to hold back more laughter.
"Guy shouldn't have spoke" Kevin said, keeping his head up with an arm.
Vanner sighed, shaking his head. "And the reason for this insibordination?" Kevin sighed, placing his hands on his "lap". Vanner lowered an eye. "Boggs again?"
"Jeez Kev" Allen said, shaking his head. "Not the ideal role model if you keep getting in fights heh...". Vanner sighed, though the two didn't notice.
"Well what do you expect?" Kevin said, spreading his hands.
"We EXPECT you to be more diligent in keeping those emotions of yours in line" Vanner cut in, flapping his right wing once.
"I know I know..." Kevin said, lowering his head to fake shame. "It's just...Randall Boggs is the only one of us to be a Top Scarer...At leasst as far as I knew..."
"Till James P. Sullivan knocked him off the charts..." Allen pointed in, literally.
"Your a head teacher Mr. Vanner..." Kevin cut in, looking at his teacher. "You know anything about that?".
Vanner fluttered his wings. "Only Scream Census Counters know about it...". Kevin sighed, rolling his eyes into a narrow position. "However" Vanner started, getting both of their attention. "During the summer a year ago, I visited Mr. Waternoose at the factory...I happen to know him very well..."
"Friends?" Allen asked. Vanner shook his head.
"No not really...I know him merely by business and reputation". He fluttered again, blinking. "In any case I looked over the Scare Boards during our talk...didn't speak to anyone personally...but when I noticed the switch on board on Scare Floor F Mr. Waternoose commented that the points changed all the time"
"Total crap right?" Kevin said.
Vanner shrugged. "I suppose that adequetly puts it...I had come earlier that year to see how the qualified students before have come along...and noticed the drastic change in BOTH Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Boggs' points from the previous year"
"Wait a sec...he went here right Mr. Vanner?" Kevin asked.
"Yeah he has an award in the throphy room...two I think actually" Allen added, pondering which number it was.
Vanner nodded to them both. "Yes..."
"Then didn't you see him?" Kevin asked.
Vanner shook his head. "No...apparently he seemed rather tired...He was glad to see me but even for a brief moment...apparently he had other matters to attend to...Randall....Mr. Boggs has a rather...depressing history..."
"You mean like his disappearing brother" Allen asked, but retracted with a half-hearted grin when Kevin gave him the narrow eye.
"Yes" Vanner added. "Amoung other things..." he noted to himself.
"Well history or not...he's the reason I really wanted to become a Scarer..." Kevin admitted.
"And ANYBODY who is makin fun of him is a makin fun of you right?" Allen said with a bit of devinar in his voice.
"Preciscly" Kevin said, pointing at him.
Vanner's sigh broke the discussion from going any further. "Well....I hope this discussion has answered a few of your questions Mr. Waber..."
Kevin nodded. "Thanks doc..."
Vanner nodded. "I must be getting off to class....my students should be returning from lunch about now..." he informed, coming down from his perch and hovering.
"OH!" Allen started, leaning up. "About that science test last week..."
"Tomorrow Allen..." Vanner sighed, shutting the door behind him.
"...Aww dang" Allen sighed. "Kinda sucks not knowing the outcome huh Kev?...Kev?".
He turned around, seeing Kevin starring out the window. It was midday and the sun was slowing to set, making the green fields glow yellow and the space between the leaves on a tree gleaming gold. Kevin thought on that as he crossed his first set of arms and laid his head on them on the window ceil. For that split moment when the middle of the sun came to the horizon, a quarter of the world would be bathed in gold. Kevin thought to himself, seeing that it was true. The world was golden, precious...so valuable.
"Ah..." Kevin sighed. "Jeez I'm spacing out". Kevin turned, climbing the ladder to his bed.
"Ah so you finally comitted to sleeping half of the day?" Allen asked with a smile. Kevin stopped climbing.
"I'm gonna think on what Vanner said..." Kevin said, hopping into bed.
"O...K" Allen whispered, laying his back on his own bed. "I'd rather stick to good ole' Z's and sheep"
Kevin grinned with a smile at the comment, placing his hands behind his back and head, thinking till his eyes closed.
*

[RandallBoggs]

Chapter 2 A Higher Purpose
*
"Kev...Kev! WAKE UP!"
Kevin opened his eyes and nearly jumped with Allen overtop him. "ALLEN! What is it!?" Kevin shouted, not only for the early wake up call. "And get off!" he added, pushing Allen to the side, nearly falling off if his wings didnt' flutter him to the ladder.
Once he composed himself, and giving Kevin a rude glance, he continued. "The Headmaster announced a meeting in the auditorium...something big is going down"
"Huh?"
*
As soon as Kevin opened the door, students were rushing in the direction of the auditorium. Whatever the Headmaster had announced was getting the school in a fenzy. He saw a few professors go by, each one having a less than excited attitude. Along with Allen he continued on in the same direction, wondering what was going on.
*
Kevin was lucky to at least get to audiotorium with Allen quickly, given his wall climbing and Allen's wings. Seated in the middle of the giant room, the two watched as the variable students still poured in. The auditorium was large. The center row of seats spanning nearly a quarter, or half, of a football field. The second floor was also for students. To the left and right was a third floor for professors and teachers. Kevin pointed out to Allen that Professor Vanner was perched up on the left row.
*
Once the everyone was in the room, the doors shut, the mumbling started. Kevin felt someone tap his shoulder, making him look back. "Oh Cedric! Sorry man we were gonna grab you but we didn't know you were here or not".
Cedric rolled his eyes. The blue tentacle monster's eyes extended from his thin body on two serperate extensions. His tentacles laid out on the chair. "Well I believe we we all surprised by this..."
Having heard the familiar voice, Allen turned around. "Yeah what's this about?"
Cedric shrugged. "I don't know...but Professor Vanner seemed to think it was pretty important from the look on his face..."
"Hey Waber!". Kevin squinted his eyes and barred his teeth, half turning to see a familiar black figure grinning back at him several seats away. Kevin didn't reply, just listened to the arrogant voice of Damian Cheshire, his academy rival. The black Shadowshifter slowed his grin till it faded away. "What's going on Waber?" he called over.
Kevin was a little taken back with no ominous comment. He looked over at Allen and Cedric who only shrugged. "I don't! You?" he called back. Damian scuffed and gave the "I have no idea" stance.
"Whoa whoa...Headmaster Edmund!" Cedric called. Immediately Kevin stopped paying attention to Damian and prepared himself for what was to be stated...
*
Headmaster Edmund was a rather frail creature. He had a gold and silver cane he used to walk with. Most of his body was of some kind of bird. His gray hair stretched over his eyes, a gray-yellow beak peaking out from it. Even with the disruption of the hair, the Headmaster seemed to see just fine. His body was clad in a white and blue robe which covered most of him. Not many people saw what the Headmaster looked like.
Edmund was accompained by two officials, ones that Kevin recalled reading about or seeing on T.V. One was Veronica Kiro. She seemed to come from the feline family. She was slender and looked about either late 30s or early 40s. Her main color was a dark golden color with a white chest. Her claws were finely sharpened, her ears pointed. Some of her forehead fur looked like hair, drapping over her left eye. Kevin couldn't tell what her eye color was from how far he was.
A Top Scarer at Scare Masters. It was another scream collection facility, but it also dealt with several new testing features. She was pretty famous in her area and someone Damian admired. Kevin could see him shocked by her appearence. Kevin had to admit he himself was surprised she came HERE.
The other one...Kevin felt a little disturbed meeting him in person. Scare Co.'s official second Mon. Seemingly his entire body was covered in a black material. It seemed to be skin, but it seemed like black rubber of some sort. Even his claws on his feet were black. His body was covered in a black and white suit, which seemed out of fashion in terms of a meeting, but Kevin figured nobody would question this creature. His neck connected to an egg-shaped head. Two extensions stuck out like feelers from the back sides of his head. His mouth was gagged, the front curving down like a claw itself. And finally his eyes. A pupiless yellow orb...he seemed to show no emotion at all.
Andrew Albedo. The official assistance of Scare Co.'s owner and runner, also the head interviewer for the most important matters. Him being here meant that Kevin's thought of something simple was blown out of proportion.
*
"My dear students..." Edmund spoke into the microphone, his voice old and wise, like a grandfather. "Today is memorable day in the world of scareing...". Kevin edged in his seat a bit. Whatever this was, it was something big. "Sufficet to say...I am very proud of the progress you have all made in the year thus far...". The Headmaster sighed. Though Kevin had the weird feeling that the Headmawster intentionally did it in the mike. "But I am sorry to say...that that progress will have to be put on hold..."
The Headmasters words were followed by murmors from the whole class.
"As of this moment...Fangs Academy will hault it's activities at the end of the semester..."
"WHAT?!" Kevin yelled, though was overcome by the various other shouts.
"Can they do that!?" Allen yelled.
"What the heck...!?" Cedric added.
"Whos's say was this!!?". Kevin was surprised him and Damian agreed, but he wasn't complaining.
Kevin's anger slowly dwindled when he noticed the Headmaster wasn't happy with this decision either. He came to the conclusion that whomever made this decision was some big shot. And Veronica surely wasn't in that position. On cue Albedo spoke something to the Headmaster, and the Headmaster alone. The murmering slowed, but grunts of anger could still be heard.
After moments of the whisper, Headmaster Edmund stepped aside, giving and unknown sigh as Albedo took the podeum. Kevin prepared himself, holding back anger. He planned to be a Scarer like Randall Boggs and that's what he was going to be. No matter what any corporate blockhead said, he would get there.
"Future suppliers...". Kevin cringed. Only two words and Albedo seemed to have disolved the anger in the room. No...more like altered it into a cold dread. "As of right now...all Scream Training facilities are to be shut down to incorporate the new energy source..."
Kevin's eyes widened. "New energy? That laugh thing Sullivan thought up?" Cedric whispered to Kevin and Allen between the seats.
No one murmured as Albedo spoke. "This change is made heavily by those at Scare Co. but the efficentcy of the new source is now to be the acceptable one...". Albedo's eyelids closes for a brief moment, then opened. "Scareing will still remain if technical aspects become difficult...however at this time we will halt all operations within Scream Training...Scare Co. appreciates your understanding...".
As soon as the word "appreciate" cam up everyone started getting angry. Kevin, for once, didn't join in it. There was some cold soullessness in Albedo's voice that sent a shiver down his spine.
Albedo stepped aside, the Headmaster coming up. "I know that this is a depressing moment my pupils...but alas cannot be avoided...Fangs Academy will close down in preperation for the switch...". At this point Albedo gave the Headmaster a look, then slowly made his way off the side of the stage. "...but I hope that the Academy will one day reopen soon...and that I will see you again...". The whole room felt what the Headmaster was feeling. Kevin could tell the Headmaster had the heavy burden of making this announcement. Kevin looked up to the third floor. Vanner had that look on his face. The one that told him Vanner knew about this announcement....
"Ms. Kiro..." the Headmaster started, Veronica taking a step forward. "Has so graciously accepted an invitation to the Academy as a Scare Advisor to help you all adjust to what has occurred....".
That was bulk of the announcement. The Headmaster went on to describe his apology for what was happening. Kevin didn't care to listen. He knew that the Headmaster was a good Mon...it wasn't his fault with what was going on. Kevin sunk deeper into his seat, as much as he could with the body he had. The switch did not neccesarily mean that Scareing was gone. But at this time, Scareing would be haulted, leaving Laughing, or whatever they would call it, would now take center stage.
"Why is this happening? Don't they know that...." he thought, running his hands slowly up his fronds. "This can't be happening...taking Scareing from me...not again...not again!"
It seemed hopeless now that Scareing will come back. If Laugh energy was as potent as Sullivan said, then any Scarer will either have to start making little humans laugh...or pursue another career...
"Not again not again not again..."
"Kev?" Allen asked, seeing Kevin looking down like he was sick.
"What's with Kevin he ok?" Cedric asked, looking over.
"Kev?"
"Kevin you ok?"
"Hey where's Damian?"
*
Albedo stepped off the stage, pulling out a white cloth from the pocket of his suit, placing it on one of his claws, polishing it as he came to the exit door.
"Mr. Albedo..."
Albedo merely stopped, not taking his eyes off his claws. There was a shadow cast on the door. And in a few seconds a figure appeared, the surface of the shadow bursting out in black flames. After the moment passed, Damian appeared, claws barred allong with his razor teeth.
"Ah..." Albedo sighed, looking at the glint on his claws. "One of the most promising individuals...".
"Your not surprised?" Damian said. Usually his unique gift surprised people for the first time.
"Damian Cheshire..." Albedo started, tucking the cloth back into his suit. "...son of Enrique Chesire...promising scarers with the Shadow Walker ability...". "Your father however...was expelled from Fangs Academy due to several incidents in his youth...I am correct no?"
Damian barred his teeth. "Don't you dare say that you corporate nutcase! You bash my father and now take away my career!?"
"A mere set-back...it won't last long..."
Damian rased a brow. "Whaddaya mean "set back" huh?"
"None of your concern..."
"Then I'll make it my concern!!"
In a split second, Damian flew himself forward.
SLUCK!
"Ah....ha...ah....ah..."
"Funny..." Albedo started, flipping an antenna with his right claws. "...I always thought shadow's couldn't bleed..."
"Agh...gack..."
"Guess I was wrong..."
SLUCK! THUMP!
Damian fell to the floor. A large gash in his bottom left side.
Albedo drew up his other claws, covered in a dark red substance. "Hmm...". He looked back at Damian who was struggling from the crippling blow. "Oh now now Chesire...we wouldn't want you to disturb my agenda...more or less your professors...". He placed his hand over Damian's body. In a flash, Chesire disappeared. To be more precise, he seemed to sink into the shadow he was laying on.
Albedo took a moment....then took out his polishing cloth, wiping the vital fluid off his claws.
"Heh?". He stopped, his feelers moving slightly. He turned in the direction of the stage. He narrowed his yellow eyes, waiting for a moment. "I smell his scent...but he's not here...why come here...Boggs isn't here anymore...". After a moment, Albedo turned and headed out....
*

[RandallBoggs]

Alrighty....phew ^_^ With the new stories popping up here and there, I figure would be a good time to revive this one ^_^ I have managed several chapters but had held off. But anyhoos, lets take a look at what happens next ^_^
Oh, there is some language. Know it's not my stapple with stories, but I figure that I only use them when needed to enhance the story. Anyways, enjoy ^_^

Chapter 3 The Mysterious Benefactor
"Dammit!" Kevin yelled, flining a Monstropolis Horn paper against the wall, pages flying.
"KEVIN CALM DOWN!" Cedric yelled.
"YEAH!...Your ruining my bed dude..." Allen added, gritting his teeth. Kevin's breathing slowed but his teeth were still bared. "Ok that doesn't work...plan B...". He came over and placed his clawed hands on his shoulders. "Sorry about this Kev but your kinda wacked...". In a fluid motion, Allen sent a hand across Kevin's face, being very careful that his claws didn't even cause a scratch.
"D...OW!" Kevin yelled, taking a moment to realize the sharp pain and rubbing it with a pain. "You didn't have to do that!".
"Worked didn't it?" Allen asked, pointing a hand at Kevin and looking and Cedric, who only rolled his eyes. Allen sat down on his bed with a firm grin on his face.
"Ow...". Kevin sat down on chair, rubbing his cheek and narrowing his eyes at Allen.
"Alright...lets think rashionally about what happened here..." Cedric said, breathing out a tranquil sigh.
"Someone's taking our jobs before we even send in a resume..." Allen said, gesturing by lifting a finger.
"Eversince this new Laugh Energy was announced...things are getting all topsy tervy..."
"Thank that numbskull Sullivan" Kevin interrupted.
"Not to be a basher....but how does a scarer find something out like that?" Allen wondered.
"I heard that Monsters Inc. placed out a company play about what happened with the Human Child Incident..." Cedric said.
"That whole thing still makes me wonder..." Kevin said with suspecion.
"What da ya mean Kev?" Allen asked.
"Well think about it..." he started. "From what they said in the news Waternoose was kidnapping children...which he meant he KNEW they weren't toxic..."
"Yeah and about that whole toxic thing...what's all that about?"
Cedric shrugged. "There's somethin going on here....it all started with that incident..."
"Isn't that...that about the time Randall Boggs disappeared?" Allen asked.
The room fell silent for a second, filled with the thoughts going through Kevin's head. "Your...right...this is all connected...his disappearence...this switch...this toxic thing all of it...". "Whatever's going on I wanna find out" he added, getting to his feet.
"Whoa whoa whoa...we're just trainees Kev...and with the Academy closing..." Cedric started, calculating then numbers. "In a week or two if I recall then we officially have no jobs..."
"Not like we know how to do other stuff...." Allen put in.
"We're not letting some eyeless corporate suit tell us we can't grab our dreams..." Kevin said proudly, cracking his knuckles.
"So what are you going to do?" Cedric asked.
They all seemed to think for a moment, till Kevin broke it, rather quickly. "With this switch going on they still need to think of how to train these...comedians...I'm unsure about how they handle it...but it might give us a window of oppurtunity to get into the factory as employees..."
"Uhh...in english please...your sounding like Cedric..." Allen said, getting a glance from his friend.
"Look...Monsters Inc. is where this all started...their going to be desperate for employees in this switch...with over a thousand workers needed we're going to get in there and we won't have to deal with training till they come up with it..."
"So your saying we're gonna be like...undercover...?" Cedric asked.
"Kinda..." Kevin said, sitting down again with the "here's my plan" gesture with his hands. "We'll go through the rest of the semester and get into the factory....if they don't take Scarers anymore then we'll just take other jobs there or be comedians...". "Cedric" he started, pointing at him. "You wanted to be one of the engineers right?"
"Well...yeah...assitant if I can..."
"Then you practically still have a job there...and me and Allen will wing it when we get there..."
Allen chuckled. "Wow Kev...heh...you got that glint in your eye again"
"Oh crap..." Cedric sighed. "Not the glint..."
"Alright" Kevin said, standing up. "That's the plan guys! We're gonna figure this out and we're gonna end this cover-up!" he announced, placing his front left foot on the chair in a victorious stance.
"Cover-up?" Cedric asked. For a moment the three thought about it. Kevin was just choosing any old word to be memorial...but for some reason it seemed....to fit....
*
Later that night, Kevin was still awake, writing on a piece of paper. Allen was in his bed, breathing without snoring. Kevin's source of light was a lamp to the side of the desk. After the discussion that morning, Kevin visited Vanner, who had apologized for not telling them what was going to happen to the Academy. However Vanner was firm in writing a letter to Monsters Inc. to reccomend him, Allen, and Cedric, as well as to make himself a reference for them. Kevin didn't complain.
After seeing the rest of their teachers, Allen retired for the day. Kevin, on the other hand, didn't feel like sleeping. He looked over the paper on his desk, making a list of what to do once Fangs Academy closed.
"Got to make the plan perfect...no flaws...I'm not letting it happen one more time..." he thought. Running a hand through his fronds. It was nearing 3 AM and he was losing his strength to stay up. "Ugh...". He placed the pen to the side, rubbing his eyes and looking over at Allen. The raptor was sound asleep. At least he had a roommate that didn't snore. Kevin grinned at that thought, till he remembered something as he turned his head.
Slowly turning it back, he noticed what was out of place. At the door, at the bottom of it, was a small golden mass. He rubbed his eye again and focused, it was...and folder package. Curious, Kevin got out of the chair and went over, picking it up. He looked at the front and back. Both blank. He didn't know if it was for Allen, but figured finding out was better. Strange, didn't recall seeing it slide under. Slowly tearing the flap he opened it. From the feeling, a few things were in it. He took out whatever was inside one at a time.
First was a keycard of somekind. It was blue and white. There was no face or name. Putting it in his lower hand, he pulled out another item. This one was an engraved card, like one that salesmen give out. This one had only one sentence "Trust No One". On the back of it was a code of some sort reading "193185113". Kevin was getting confused at the moment, but continued. Next was a cylinder object with a opposite-funnel top and two switchs on the side. He looked it over second, then pointed it at the bathroom door and pressed the green switch. A thin green light emerged. Flipping the blue one, a blue light came out. He guessed it was some sort of lazer pointer. But was wondering since those lights were red. Another item was a rather rather large coin. Didn't seem to be out of the ordinary. Didn't seem to be of any use in terms of money. Next was a black ball. It was cold to the touch, like it was made out of metal. And the final item was some piece of wood that seemed to be broken off from something.
Kevin had no idea what all it was, just placed it back in and grabbed the papers that were set up against the side. Six in all. One was a thin brochure of some kind with the words "Put That Thing Back Where It Came From Or So Help Me" and the familiar words "by Mike Waowski" on the front. "Monsters Inc. company play?" Kevin whispered. With Monsters Inc. involved, Kevin suddenly became interested in who this deliver was and why they sent such things.
Two seemed to be of some human child's Scareing File. Kevin recalled seeing the paperwork. He and Allen had a preparing class that included what the files looked like. These seemed to be of a little girl of about 3 or 4 years old. These seemed to be photocopies. And a scrap piece of paper with the words "Snake Eyes Appartments".
One was a small map of some sort. It looked like the outskirts of Monstropolis, but still close. One location was marked with a circle in red ink. A few other faint markings as well.
And finally one that seemed to, to a point, answer his questions. It was a letter.

Dear Mr. Waber,

You are embarking on a perilous journey from which you have been placed since your birth. A promising future lies ahead if you are successful in your quest to find the truths of this world. Your experiences will be both enligthening and devistating. The alteration of your intended goals is merely the beginning. I advise you to keep your friends Allen Bledge and Cedric Denton close. You'll need them to live through the experiences that will come in time. Soon you'll come to the crossroads of meeting others like you. And, in time, you soon will find what your looking for. As well as more than you would imagine.
I look forward to see you in person Mr. Waber. And if not, in another life.
Sincerly,
Your Benefactor,

David Trenton Sephire

P.S. I suggest you keep these items close in the near future. They might come in handy.

Kevin thought for a moment. He never did find out who funded his acceptance into the academy. But he never heard of this David Sephire person at all. Kevin tucked everything back into the folder and went back to the desk, sitting down to think. Whomever this person was, they claimed to have helped him a great deal. And with what they said and given, intended to still do so. Whomever it was knew about what he was planning also. Kevin didn't know what this person was all about...but the intented use of what was given to him remained clear.
Playing along...Kevin brought out the brochure and started to read.
*



All the materials, including those we see in the next chapter, come up in different places later in the story ^_^ Think "Paycheck" ^_^

[Malic]

I was about to make a comment on the movie reference but you beat me to it yourself. Is the person sending the message himself in the future? Or is it someone who can see in to the future?

Also, good story so far.

[RandallBoggs]

Well no, not someone from the future, though they probably have better insight for what's to come ^_^