Chapter 28

Author's Note:

Hello, Author-san here. Some of y'all have been wondering why I introduced Tyrone right? Welp buckle up because you're about to find out.

Enjoy the story 😁

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The moment they arrived at Reggie's base, Tyrone, now back in his wheelchair, felt a rush of emotions he hadn't expected. The walls of the hidden lab hummed with energy, and the advanced technology surrounding them was mind-blowing—proof of Reggie's ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Reggie led Tyrone through the base, explaining each piece of equipment and every detail of the lab with a level of excitement Tyrone hadn't seen in him since their childhood. Tyrone listened intently, a smile never leaving his face, as he realized the sheer magnitude of what Reggie had created.

As they reached the secret lab, Reggie paused, his expression turning serious. "I've been analyzing the components of Compound V and Temp V, trying to figure out how to enhance them while eliminating their side effects," he explained. "It's not just about power, Ty. It's about control—control over who we are and what we might become. It's about unlocking our hidden potential."

Tyrone's eyes narrowed as he absorbed Reggie's words. He knew what Reggie was getting at, and it sent a shiver down his spine. "So let me get this straight, you're talking about something called Project Power, right? Pills that could give us either temporary or permanent abilities without the risk of losing ourselves?"

Reggie nodded, his tone tinged with approval. "Exactly. I've already made progress, but there's still a long way to go. The pills I'm working on—let's just say that they're inspired by a concept, but with key improvements. If we get this right, we could change the whole power game."

Tyrone's mind raced as he considered the implications. A part of him was excited, thrilled by the idea of gaining powers without the fear of losing control. But another part of him was cautious, wary of the dangers that could come with such a breakthrough. 'Is this worth it? Even if I succeed, will I lose my soul in the process?'

"And what about me?" Tyrone asked, his voice steady but laced with tension. "What happens to me if I take one of those pills?"

Reggie hesitated for a moment before answering, his gaze unwavering. "I'm not going to lie to you, Ty. There's a risk—there's always a risk. But I'm doing everything I can to minimize it. If you're willing to trust me, I'll make sure you come out of this stronger than ever."

Tyrone met Reggie's gaze, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew the risks, knew the dangers that lay ahead. But he also knew that this was his chance—his chance to reclaim his life, to fight for something greater than himself. And Yahweh be his witness, he wasn't about to back down now.

"Alright, Reggie," Tyrone said, his voice filled with determination. "Let's do this."

Reggie nodded, a smile spreading across his face as he placed a hand on Tyrone's shoulder. "Welcome aboard, brother." As if on cue, both of their stomachs growled, and they burst into laughter.

Reggie led Tyrone deeper into the base, guiding him to the cafeteria. After selecting a variety of foods for himself and grabbing a couple of burgers, fries, and sodas for them both, they sat down to eat. Suddenly, a pair of hands covered Reggie's eyes. "Guess who?" a voice sang playfully.

Smiling, Reggie held the hands as he answered, "My one and only, the very apple of my eye, and the one I love most of all."

Charlotte transitioned her hands from covering his eyes to hugging his neck, kissing his cheek. "One of these days, Reggie...ugh, never mind. I love you too." Turning to Tyrone, she spoke, her eyes reflecting pain at seeing a once-lively man now downtrodden. "Glad to see you again, Tyrone. We were really broken when we heard about what happened to you. How are you holding up?"

Gently smiling at Charlotte, Tyrone replied, "Despite what happened, I'm grateful to Yahweh—it could have been worse. I'm paralyzed, not dead, and I'm not in a coma. This is just a trial of my faith in God. Even if your father and mother abandon you, our Heavenly Father won't. So, yes, I'll be okay."

Charlotte joined them at the table, her concern still evident. "Reggie, the people you brought—can they be trusted? One of them is a wildcard, that brute British or Australian fellow, and the woman with them has been trying to get in contact with you."

Reggie listened, then answered calmly, "I understand your concern, Lolla. Trust me when I say that those people? They want nothing more than to take down the corruption that's called VOUGHT. That doesn't mean I trust them completely, though. There's an old saying: keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

Reggie looked at Tyrone and asked, "Are you ready, my brother?"

Tyrone responded with a silent nod. Reggie took him to a containment area he had made—so strong that diamond would be like a wet napkin compared to it. The containment unit was large, round, and could only be opened from the outside by SPADE itself. Inside, it was equipped with the necessities: a chair, table, bed, and toilet.

Leading him to the center of the containment, Reggie squatted in front of Tyrone. "I'll be here for you, brother. Don't worry. Nothing will happen—" he pulled out a blue pill, "—twist the pill and swallow it. Then we wait and see."

Tyrone looked deeply into Reggie's eyes, taking his hands. "Whatever happens shall be the will of God. I'm scared, Reggie, but I'm willing to do whatever my Lord commands. I hope you'll believe in Him as I do, Reg. Now, give it to me."

He took the pill, his hands shaking. With a shaky inhale and exhale, he calmed himself, twisting the pill to make it glow blue. Reggie stood up and phased out of the containment unit as it locked down. "I'm here, brother. I'm not going anywhere, I promise," Reggie assured him.

Tyrone's hesitation was evident as his hands continued to tremble. To calm himself, he recited a verse that brought him comfort:

"Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours

now and forever. Amen."

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The tension in the air was thick as Tyrone whispered the final words of the Lord's Prayer, his voice steadying as the familiar verse brought him some semblance of peace. He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of the pill in his hand, knowing that everything was about to change.

Reggie watched from outside the containment chamber, his expression a mix of concern and hope. He had faith in the work he had done, but he knew that nothing was ever certain when it came to the unknown. He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for putting his childhood friend in this situation, even if it was Tyrone's choice. But this was the only way—Tyrone had made that clear, and Reggie had vowed to stand by him no matter what.

Inside the chamber, Tyrone took a deep breath, his grip tightening around the glowing pill. The luminescent blue light cast an eerie glow across his face, highlighting the determination etched in his features. This was his moment of truth, the turning point that could either give him a new lease on life or lead him down a path of no return.

With one final look at Reggie, who stood like a sentinel outside the containment, Tyrone twisted the pill between his fingers. The glow intensified, and with a resolute exhale, he brought the pill to his lips and swallowed it.

For a heartbeat, nothing happened. Tyrone stood still, waiting, his body tense with anticipation. Then, suddenly, a wave of energy surged through him, his entire being jolting as if struck by lightning. His eyes widened in shock as his veins began to glow, the blue light from the pill spreading through his body like wildfire.

Reggie's breath caught in his throat as he watched, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. This was the critical moment—if something went wrong, there would be nothing he could do to stop it.

Tyrone's muscles began to ripple, his body straining against the surge of power coursing through him. He gritted his teeth, groaning as his mind was fighting to stay in control as the energy threatened to overwhelm him. The pain was intense, but Tyrone held on, his faith anchoring him as he weathered the agonizing storm.

And then, as quickly as it began, the pain started to subside. Tyrone gasped for breath, his body trembling as the glow dimmed, settling into a more controlled, stable light. He felt… different, stronger, as if the very fabric of his being had been altered. Slowly, he opened his eyes, blinking against the brightness, and looked down at himself.

His legs, once paralyzed and useless, were twitching, the muscles spasming as if waking from a long slumber. With a mixture of fear and hope, Tyrone reached down and touched his legs, feeling the warmth and life returning to them.

From outside, Reggie watched in awe as Tyrone slowly moved his legs, the first tentative signs of mobility since the accident. His heart soared—this was it, the breakthrough they had hoped for.

Tyrone, still shaky and unsure, pushed himself to sit up straight in the chair, his mind racing with the realization of what had just happened. He felt the power within him, coiled like a spring, waiting to be unleashed. But he also felt a sense of control, a balance that kept the power in check. It was exactly as Reggie had promised.

Finally, Tyrone looked up at Reggie, his eyes glistening with tears of relief and gratitude. "I can feel it, Reggie," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I can feel my legs,man. I can feel… everything."

Reggie smiled, a genuine, wide smile that reflected his own relief. "Told you, Ty. We're just getting started. Welcome back, brother."

Tyrone took a deep, steadying breath as he began to flex his legs, the movement weak but growing stronger with each passing second. He could hardly believe it—after all these weeks, he was starting to regain what he had lost.

But just as he was about to take his first steps, an overwhelming surge of energy coursed through him. His entire body stiffened, and he let out a guttural cry as he was forced to his knees, hands clutching at the floor. The ground beneath him seemed to tremble as the energy within him reached its peak.

Reggie's eyes widened as he saw Tyrone's body start to change. Muscles bulged, skin hardened, and a deep, primal growl emanated from Tyrone's throat. His teeth lengthened into sharp fangs, and his hands twisted into sharp claws as his body grew in size, towering above what was once a mere mortal frame.

The transformation was rapid and intense, like watching a beast break free from its chains. Tyrone's back arched as spikes began to protrude along his spine, and his skin took on a rough, armored texture, resembling the scales of a mighty creature. His eyes glowed a fierce, otherworldly yellow, filled with the power and rage of the beast he had become.

Reggie stood frozen in shock as his friend, now standing over thirteen feet tall, roared with a voice that shook the very walls of the containment unit. This was not just a return to physical power—it was a metamorphosis into something far more dangerous.

Tyrone, or the creature that had once been Tyrone, panted heavily as the transformation completed, his massive frame heaving with the exertion. But despite the monstrous exterior, there was still a glimmer of recognition in those feral eyes. The beast turned its gaze to Reggie, and for a moment, there was silence between them.

Then, in a voice that was both Tyrone's and something far more different and powerful, the creature spoke. "Reg?… I'm… still here."

Reggie swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. "Ty…?" he asked hesitantly, searching for any sign of his friend within the beast.

The creature nodded slowly, the rage in its eyes subsiding slightly. "It's me, Reggie. I'm still me… but I'm… more?"

Reggie released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding, relief washing over him. "Good… that's good, Ty. You're still you."

Tyrone, now transformed into what looked like a mix of a fearsome Lycanthrope and Hulk just with scales, Tyrone flexed his massive hands, testing the new power that coursed through him. He could feel the strength, the raw, primal energy that now filled every fiber of his being. But he could also feel the complete control, that very balance that allowed him to master this incredible power rather than be consumed by it.

He looked down at Reggie, the towering figure of the Lycanthrope casting a long shadow over his friend. "Thank you, Reggie," he said, his voice a deep rumble that echoed in the chamber. "Thank you for giving me this chance."

Reggie nodded, a mixture of awe and pride in his expression. "You earned it, brother. We'll figure this out together."

Tyrone smiled—a toothy, ferocious grin that was both terrifying and reassuring. "Let's get to work then," he rumbled, his voice filled with determination. "There's a lot of payback to be done."

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