Chapter 10: Golden Boy

'Hydra.' Will shouts within his head.

'Hydra....'

'Hydra!!!'

The boy's eyes opened, revealing himself staring at the mirror.

Leaning on the sink, looking at himself in silence.

His left eye is revealed to be a bland white pupil swallowed by darkness.

The boy's nails grind across the marble of the sink. His left eye slowly expands, pulsing.

'Queen Hydra!!!!!'

Knocking dismissed him from his trance. His vision snaps to the door.

"Will, what are you doing in there?" Gwen worried voice: pierce the door.

"Uh, looking at my reflection." The boy answered, looking around the sink.

"Oh...I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry?"

"Your parents are gonna see the new you, understand?" He missed his black leather glove. Max used to wear. "You think you'll still hang with us when they find out?" He picks up the glove and glances at his right hand, surrounded by dead veins.

"I understand my parents. Yet, you guys are my kind of people." It shimmers, only for him to slip on the black leather glove. "We can say I got something in my eye...And besides, others have conditions similar to the hand." He felt his smirk bounce.

"O-ok."

The boy exited from the door, seeing Gwen. She could only avoid her gaze.

"Are you and Benita alright? These past three days, you two seem mighty...how can I say it...helicopter parents."

"What do you mean?"

The RV shakes, causing the boy and Gwen to stumble, only for XLR8 to catch him.

"No need. To thank me." XLR8 said, folding her arms.

"Are you all alright?" Max looked to the head mirror to XLR8, concealing her face with her visor.

"We're fine." The boy noticed XLR8 sudden change of demeanor. XLR8 faced him before remaining quiet. He raised a brow. "What?"

"I'm sorry, that eye. Is eye-catching." XLR8 comments while Will covers it with his hand.

"MorningStar performing..." Max said under his breath while The RV drove past a Billboard of a blonde kid winking. "Cast audition?"

"The morning star is here!" Gwen gleamed, racing to the seat behind Max.

XLR8 dashed to the Passenger seat while Will stood between the speedster and her cousin, grinning ear to ear.

"Yes,-"

"Can we?! Please!!"

"Morning Star?" Will questioned, getting the girl's attention.

XLR8 times out while Gwen gazed at him before roaming her eyes over his shoulder in disgust.

"You're telling me. You've never heard of Micheal Morningstar?"

"Uhh." The boy gazed at Benita starting off. " A Singer?"

"TCK! He's an actor! He stars in 'Can't you believe it? Wash Ashore and Golden Boy!' He's the best there ever was!"

"You're a hardcore fan." Will comments.

"Why wouldn't I?" Gwen cock a brow.

"Well, for your sake." Max starts lighting his grip on the steering wheel before gripping it. "I'll consider it."

"AAH!!" Gwen shrieks, causing Benita and Will to wince. Gwen wraps her arms around Max. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

Max smiled while the boy noticed Benita walking to their sleeping Quarters.

...

Inside a hotel lobby, waiting in line. Leading to some hallway.

Will gazed about studying the environment.

"Is it me, or is this line made up of girls?" The boy questioned, getting looks from the cousins.

"You say it. Like it's a bad thing." Benita states, crossing her arms.

"Uh, excuse me." The boy hears a shy voice call out behind him. Will turns around, keeping his blind eye closed. "I need your opinion. Should I-"

"Not gonna happen." The cousins cut her off, guarding Will while the girl stared worriedly before exiting the line.

"Girls. It's fine." Will said.

"She could be trying to steal my ideas by getting close." Gwen folds her arms.

"She's. Bad news." Benita adds, squinting her eyes.

"You just met her!" Will raised his voice, getting looks from the girls in line.

"Gwen Tennyson." A young woman walked from the hall where the line stretched into. "Gwendolyn Tennyson." She called once more, getting Gwen to smirk.

"Here." Gwen exited the line getting the attention of the Announcer.

"Follow me." She said while Gwen nodded.

"I'm gonna blow these fishes out of water." She commented, getting glares from the girls.

...

MorningStar stares; patiently while Gwen sweats bullets.

"So, your Gwen." He says in a calming voice.

"Ye-" Gwen stands up straight. "I mean yes, sir!"

The Kid chuckles.

"Please, Mike or Micheal is fine." Gwen stared blankly at Micheal while he raised his brow. "Gwen?"

"HUH?! Sorry about that!"

"It's fine." He leans on the table with a charming smirk. "Today is your day. Gwen. Take your time." Gwen smiles.

--

Sitting on the lobby couch watching the line, Will brushed his hand on the cold black leather before his gut growled. The boy cringed while Benita remained focused on her watch.

"I'm hungry." The boy said under his breath before Benita glanced at him dumbfounded.

"What does it have to do with me?"

"If I moved. You're going to follow me."

"Will, this is me, And that is you. I honestly care less." She stared back at her watch while the boy studied her posture.

"Alright." He stands to his feet, sighing before heading for the hallway past the receptionist speaking with some guests.

He eyed the bland sand tan carpets dominated by circle patterns before a feeling in his gut told him to turn around.

The boy listened to see Benita a few feet away. The girl staggered to a stop.

"....Ben."

"I'm not following you. I'm just counting the steps you take. If you ask me, you're making it to a hundred." Benita gave a thumbs-up while Will rolled his eyes.

The boy hears a door open.

"Hey, is that the actor that played Ishiyama?"

"Where?!" She only noticed a man similar to Ishiyama, with grey hair coming out from his room on his phone, awkwardly snapping his eyes about. "Huh? That's not." She gazed back to Will's position. "NO. HE DIDN'T!" The boy was nowhere to be found.

...

Still pacing the hall, he noticed railings and stairs leading to an empty buffet room.

"I hope they're still serving breakfast." He climbed down the stairs. Noticing a blond girl stumbling through a row of white cloth tables with a silver tray in hand.

"Oh, no!" She stumbled before gaining her balance. "Ok, I think. Got this." Her plate shook like a leaf under her hand. The Blonde's sole focus causes her to trip on the chair leg. "AAH!!"

The boy's vision quickly closes the gap before Will catches her and the plate.

"You're alright?" The boy questioned while The blond nodded with a blush.

"Uh, huh." Will pulled her up, holding the tray with one hand.

"You seem you're new to this kind of work."

"You could tell." She sighs.

"Hey, don't get yourself down. Just because you're starting doesn't mean you're not learning." He hands her the silver tray. "When you walk, always land on the ball of your heel. Get better, balance that way."

"R-right!"

"Welp, good luck!" Will turns to leave.

"UM!" The boy turned back with a raised brow. "Y-you're name?"

"Will." She watches him leave.

--

"I am your light in that star! Never give up hope!" Gwen clenches her fist.

Micheal begins clapping.

"Bravo! Bravo!" He flashes his white teeth while Gwen slides her strand of hair behind her ear, looking away. "You're wonderful, Gwen! Are you open?" She looks up at him. "Because you're in." Gwen's smile lit the room.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" She shakes his hands. "I won't let you regret this!"

"I know you won't." He smirked. The door creaks, revealing the blond girl slowing, in her steps, with her legs and plate shaking. She stands stable. "Ah! I like you to meet my sister Jessica Morningstar." She set the tray down in front of Micheal, wiping sweat from her brow.

"It's nice to meet you." She shook hands with Gwen.

"It's a pleasure."

"Gwen. Here pulled her skit. Well." Micheal states while leaning on the table. "Actually, she was marvelous!" Gwen blush.

"I don't think. I'm all that great."

"Gwen, dear." Micheal offered his hand while Gwen took it. He brushes his thumb gently against hers. "Whoever told you that, you should ignore them. You have potential. And you executed." Jessica watches their hand.

--

Gwen falls face on her bed.

"EEEEEEEE!!!" She kicks her legs about while Benita and Will watch.

"I'm guessing it went great." The boy commented.

"More than great!" She sits up, turning to the two sitting across from her. "He asked me out!" Will blind eye pulsed.

"Seriously?" Benita cock a brow before shrugging. "This must be one of your dreams."

"Gwen. Don't go near him." The boy lowered his voice, getting Gwen and Benita to widen their eyes.

"What?! That's impossible, plus who gives you the right to control my life?!" Gwen argued.

"He just met you." Gwen's glare turned into a smile before she began laughing.

She claps before leaning toward the boy.

"No way! You're jealous!"

"I'm looking out for you."

"Really?"

"Yes." The room grew silent while Benita glanced at the two staring daggers at one other.

"Fine." She glares.

"Thanks." He exits the room.

"Uhm! Movie night?" She cleared the silence.

--

Walking down the halls of doors.

Will approached the elevator before pressing the lobby floor button. He noticed the elevator coming up.

He waited for the elevator before the door opened, releasing a ding.

Revealing Micheal. He goes to walk out, but Will rushes into him before pushing him against the wall.

"I don't know what you did. But. I'm going to ask you to leave Gwen alone." Micheal smirks.

"What happened to your eye? It must be hard seeing-"

Will punches the wall of the elevator. Causing it to shake the carrier. The lights flicker while his taken eye expands, breaking from the darkness. Until it stops. Micheal shivered. Noticing the dent Will caused by his head.

"Please." He said menacingly. "This is my day off." He gazed blankly while his taken eye remained expanded. "I'm tired of all the fighting."

The doors open while Will backs out. Keeping his eyes on him.

"Chow!" The doors close while he sighs. "If I have kids, I'm going to be the worst father...in a way." He shrugs.

...

Grabbing bacon, egg, and cheese bagel. Since they made them in this hotel. Will chow down, walking upstairs from the fancy diner room.

He takes the elevator but sees the back of Gwen from the window. On the poolside, dipping her legs in and seats on the curb: Outside.

The pool light showered the girl while the boy kept his gaze on her.

He looks at the bagel and Gwen. He eats it, approaching her.

The boy opened the metal glass door, releasing a creak.

Gwen turns back to see Will.

"What are you doing out here? It's getting dark." Will questioned.

"I just...I want time to think." She looks up at the full moon while Will joins her. "I'm sorry about earlier. It's confusing."

"What is?"

"Just, I like him. I know he's a celebrity, but I...I also like you." Will lay on his back on the concrete while Gwen joins him.

"Do you see the stars?" Gwen glances. "Each one presents life. It's created at the beginning of time, shine, shimmer, or..." He points while one of the stars disappears. "I don't like the guy because I'm jealous, yet I'm trying to protect you." He turns his head to Gwen while she does the same. "I rather you hate me and live without him than be with him and make the biggest mistake of your life. You're going to"

Gwen smashes her lips on his. The taste on her lips was a flavor of cherry.

"Oh wow..." The boy gazed daze."Gwen!" She climbs on his lap, looking down at him.

The moon reflects her beauty while her green eyes stare down at him.

"I've been waiting for this." She kisses him once more.

They held each other. Their heart pounds in their chest.

They held close.

Will sits up, knocking Gwen into the pool.

"Gwen! I didn't mean it!" She pokes her head from the water before whipping her wet hair aside.

"Jerk!" She splashes at Will.

"I said. I was sorry." He got on his hands and knee and reached his hand out. "Come grab my hand." She does so and pulls Will in.

"Oh! Shit!" He crashes into the pool.

"Payback sucks, doesn't-AAAAH!!!" Jaws rise between her legs while she crashes into the water on her back.

"HA! HA! HA!" Jaw chuckled. They continued playing.

Benita leaned on the railing, staring over the balcony and watching them with the pool light showering her.

...

"Well." Jaw shrinks into Will. "That was fin." Gwen begins drying her hair with a towel. "Coming along?" He took off his wet shirt while Gwen gazed up at him.

"I'll be there. Thanks." She nods with a warm smile while he nods.

Gwen looked up at the stars. The boy turned his back, entering the hotel. Heading for the elevator. He shakes his jeans while drying his wet brown hair with a white towel.

Will pressed the button before entering. He sighed happily, grinning ear to ear.

'You think that's wise?' A whisper filled his head. The boy's smile dropped. 'You will be disappointed.'

The doors opened as he paced from the elevator, only to hear something crash against metal.

His vision gazed at the doorless room with glass beside it containing an ice machine. Max came from hiding with a water bottle in hand.

Will paced to the room.

"Max." The boy said while Max gazed over his shoulder.

"Anthony." Max states before squinting his eyes. "Took a dip in the pool?"

"Gwen."

"Ah." He gazed back at the vending and soda machine while Will stood by his side, grabbing onto the towel hanging around his neck. "How are the girls?"

"Great. There are times, but they have a charm to them." He cracks a smile while Max notices.

"It seems you and Gwen did not only talk." He cracks a smirk causing Will to blush.

"Sorry." He stares at the blue carpet, causing Max to chuckle.

"There's nothing to be ashamed of, but I mind you. Gwen's father doesn't take kindly to dating." The boy raised his head, noticing Max fumbling with the dollars in hand while staring at the snack machine.

"Max, I have a question."

"Yes?"

"What's going on with you and Ben?" Max crushes the money in hand. "I'm sorry."

"No. It's fine." Max stared down at the boy before dropping to a knee. He sighs. "What I did in the past. It was for the greater good. Once we disbanded. I was foolish enough to think this was over." Max lost contact with the boy before gazing back at him. "I need you to be patient. I'm doing everything in my power to help you." The boy remained silent. "It's going to take some time to rekindle what Benita sees in me. All I ask of you is to look after her and Gwen." Max lightened his gaze. "As much as they need me, they also need you."

The boy lightened his gaze, remaining silent. Max stood to his feet.

"You better get washed up. You will catch a cold." He stared down at him with a soft smile.

"Right." Will nods before heading out.

----

The cry of an alarm filled his void before he slapped his hand on it, successfully turning it off.

"Hm." The boy groans, noticing the sun blocked by the dark blue curtains.

He gets up and stretches, seeing Benita and Gwen still sleeping.

He lightly smiled before entering the bathroom.

Washing his face. He felt refreshed. Someone exits from the entrance while Benita wakes up.

"Morning." She rubs her eyes.

"You too." He noticed Gwen left.

"Willy, I have a question."

"Shoot." He throws on his shirt.

"How much do you love us?"

"It's been a crazy adventure. If I wouldn't. Joined you, I would've been home eating all food."

"Seriously." Will looks back, seeing her tired stare with her bed hair.

"I...I just don't know how to answer that. Ben."

"But, last night." The boy staggered. "You and her...was that your first kiss?"

"Yes."

"Kat and you never..."

"No...We have been dating, but it was cheek kisses. Have you kissed anyone?" Benita stared down at the white sheets with a blush.

"You know this. Will."

"Do you want one?" Her eyes widen. "I don't like doing this, but that night."

"It's only fair. I don't want to leave you hanging." Benita shakes her head nervously. He sits on the edge of the bed and closes the door, facing her. "Ready?"

"...Yes." They leaned forward their lips grew inches.

The door creaks.

"HAAA!!!" They scream, falling out of bed.

"Hey, kids." Max's voice filled the room while he closed the door. "I got pizza...huh? What's wrong with you two?" Benita and Will's eyes swirl.

---

Gwen entered the same room that held the auction, but she heard yelling. She hid behind the stand poster.

Gwen peaks her head out to Jessica, trying to leave, only for Micheal to forcibly turn her around.

"You won't help me?!" Micheal raised his voice.

"No, Micheal! " Jessica shouts. Micheal's mouth was agape. "This is too much, and I won't stand it!" Micheal closes his mouth, staring into his sister's soul.

His face spasmed with twitches before biting his lip.

"Go." He said, pointing his open hand to the door where Gwen came out from. "I can't stop you now, can I?" Jessica remained standing on her guard. "Go. On."

Jessica turns to walk away.

Jessica flew across the room and crashed against the wall, glowing gold.

Micheal was releasing the same color with his hand reaching out.

Gwen recoil.

"I'll remind you. I put clothes on your back. I set food on the table! I MADE YOU!!! WHO YOU ARE!!!" He glared, approaching her trapped sister. "I should. Do you this favor and throw your ass back on the streets!"

"Tsk!" Micheal takes a deep breath before glaring up at Jess.

"We were born to do great things, but you shatter it like WE'RE NOT BLOOD!!" His hand twitches. "Woah, Mike. Calm down." He took a deep breath once more. "Help me once more. And this is the last I ask from you."

The door slammed shut behind Gwen revealing the Announcer from the auctions.

"Ah!" Gwen yelped, coming out of hiding.

"Gwen. Gwen. Gwen." He shakes his head. "You weren't supposed to see that." His eyes flared.

---

Will, Benita, and Max are enjoying pizza while watching television.

A teen reaches for the static book.

He grabs it.

"Huh?" The Manga shook. He drops it as it continues to static seeing the title before it shifts bland.

Beastars: The last humans among us

Heavy banging erupts from the door as three jolts to sudden action.

"GUYS!!! OPEN THE DOOR!!!" Max races to the door before swinging it open to reveal Gwen's petrified eyes. "We have to leave now!!!"

"Wait, wait, Gwen, I don't understand." Max goes to calm her down.

"Come. On." Will states, heading for the door. "Will hear her out later!" He raced out the door with Gwen while Benita and Max followed.

"Hey, what's the big idea?!" Benita questioned.

"GET DOWN!!!" Gwen shouts before they crash to the floor.

A metal trash can flew over their heads. Crashes through the window and onto a car that panic.

They stared down the hall to see Micheal slowly following while glowing.

---

Happy Camper Feat. Pien Feith- A Single Life (Soundcloud) -Repeat-

---

"Where you're going, Gwendolyn?" Micheal called down from the hall. "Just want to talk." People crack their doors to see Micheal walk by they, close their doors in panic.

"Go." Will orders widening his feet.

Gwen grabs his wrist.

"Come on!!! You won't win!!!" Gwen panicked.

The doors burst open. The lights cut off.

The visitor's supplies and room swirl the halls while Micheal's golden glow. Lit the way.

"Let's move it!" Max ordered.

They race into emergency steps, climbing down as fast as possible.

The Announcer burst down the door from the second floor and aimed her double-barrel shotgun.

Max grabs the railing. Leaps over the kids to kick the barrel, misguiding the shot. The gun roared while Max grabbed her arm hurls her onto the ground while the kids continued.

"I gotta get used to this." Max pops his back, taking the shell from the barrel from the groaning woman, and races after the kids.

...

Their heels clicked in the parking lot as they noticed the RV park by the hotel sign. They race to the RV. Gwen pulls the door, but it only jolts.

"Grandpa!!!" He raced after them. "COME ON!!! THROW THE KEYS!!!"

Will pins her against the RV causing it to shake. Will coldly stare, choking the life out of her.

"WILL!!! LET HER GO!!!!" Benita grasps the boy's hips, trying to pull him back.

Max increased his speed growing inches from the RV.

"W-will...Will." She strains while Will's face shakes. He flashes his teeth as his blind eye pulses rapidly.

A green light flashes.

Three Ditta jumps on his back, pulling him off her.

"WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?!!!" Ditta's roared, putting the boy in a headlock. They stumble from the RV while Max approaches Gwen on the ground coughing up a storm.

"Gwen!!! Slow down..." Max steps from her gaining the attention of Will and Ditta.

Gwen's skins flicker blue, yet it returns to Gwen once again.

Until...

Will growls while Max and Ditta's eyes widen.

Jessica looks up at him holding her bruised neck.

"Almost had it did you?" Micheal voiced.

He floats to the ground with Gwen: skin to bone, by his side.

"RAAAAAGH!!!" Enraged, Red Riot's strong burst blew Ditta's from him while Electricity flared. "AAAAAAAAAAGH!!!"

He leaps, creating webs on the ground.

Micheal lifts his hand with a smirk. Stopping Red riot in place.

"So, angry. How was that night?" He hurls him through the hotel. Red riot crashes and rolls onto the roof with a grunt. "Now to Plan B." He winks to Jessica.

Micheal leaps and floats to the roof with Gwen above them.

"HOW COULD YOU?!" Ditta roared.

Jessica stands with regret radiating from her.

Her clothes and skin flicker to blue while her hair turns amber. Jessica's yellow eyes glance at Ditta's.

"TSK!!! I'LL MAKE YOU REGRET IT!!!" Ditta's and Red riot boomed.

They charged at their opposing opponents.

Ditta 1 leaps while Jessica spins heels Diita away.

Another came, and she did the same.

Jessica corkscrew kicks, Ditta three away yet, Ditta four separate at the nick of time, and uppercuts Jessica.

Enraged, Red Riot breaks the roof and hurls a chunk at Micheal.

The chunk pause with Micheal glows, highlighting the edges.

(Enraged) Red Riot charges as the chunk hit him, creating a cloud.

Zero appeared from it with his claws inches from Micheal's face.

Two Ditta's were on Jessica, punching her until she front flips onto the concrete stunning the two.

Jessica kicks up while three more rush at her.

She uses her quick reflexes and agility to take them out while Max rushes.

Jessica dodges and uses his momentum against him.

Max falls on his face.

Zero blows a stream of ice while Micheal dodges, flying around like an airplane. Micheal rushes.

"That kiss was great, was it?" Micheal comments while Zero glares.

His head shifts to Echo Echo.

"AH!!" The sound wave hits. Micheal flew off from the roof onto the lot, covering his ears.

"Ah! eh!" His ears ring.

Jessica noticed.

"Help me defeat him." Ditta groans in pain, yet the fire in their eyes hasn't ceased. "Separate that girl from him. That's. How you beat him."

The Ditta looks up at Gwen, still floating.

"Will!!!" The Ditta cried while (Enraged) Red riot did a superhero landing and looked at Ditta. "Blast Off!!!" He leaps toward them and grabs a Ditta.

"Hey! Hey! WhYYYYY MEEEEEEE!!!!" Red Riot throws her like a football toward Gwen. Ditta tackles her, canceling Micheal's glow.

"NOOOO!!!" Micheal roared and reached his hand to stop them.

Grid grabs his wrist with Red riot's hand.

The speedster machine gun punches Micheal's face. And ends it with an uppercut.

Micheal falls on his back with a broken nose and bruises.

"The lesson of today." Grid starts before shifting to WIll. "Don't piss me off." Blood trickles down his nose while the other Ditta's managed to catch them.

Gwen's skin slowly grows healthy. She opens her eyes.

"Micheal!!" She glances at the unconscious Micheal.

A police siren roars while five-cars race down the street.

Max goes to tackle Jessica, but she rolls on his back and lands on her feet. She pulls the sewer drain and puts it to the side. Jessica looks up at Will, covering his bloody nose. Glaring into her soul.

"I'm truly sorry." She drops into the sewers while the police cruiser arrives.