~ The Paragons ~ Chapters 17 ~ 21 ~
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Chapter 17
It was a small, traditional classroom, comfortably fitting the five students and their teacher. As Jackhammer and O’Shay peered in through the glass door with the Headmaster alongside, there seemed nothing about this small band of youth that made them more special than any other class in any other school. In fact, the only thing that seemed to set them apart, on the surface, was their striking good looks and attentive behaviour.
“The professor’s name is Gyananakashu,” the Headmaster whispered so as not to disturb the lesson in progress. The teacher was a muscular, bald man and an engaging speaker despite his humourless intensity. “We call him Gyan for short. He has some psychic ability but rarely puts it to use.”
Jackhammer noted the comment with a knowing nod. People who didn’t refine their abilities were either cowards or incompetent as far as he was concerned.
“Think about it,” Gyan was saying to his pupils. “We live in a world so technologically advanced; so magnificent and efficient, that we’ve become terrified of everything natural. The human race puts more faith in bottles over breast feeding; paper money over the natural environment. But which is it that actually keeps us alive? Think about babies, who have been breast fed since the dawn of the human race, yet nowadays we have worldwide movements to actually ban it!
“More than the threat of nuclear holocaust, global terrorism, drug smuggling, kidnapping, domestic violence, murder, violence on television… what’s the one thing that terrifies people the most and serves as the greatest weapon? Think about it. What’s the one thing that causes the biggest reaction? The loudest outcry? The most organised protests? What’s the one thing that you, when you leave the confines of this school, what’s the one thing that you have to be prepared to face? Anyone?”
The class murmured in morbid fascination, but none of the students dared speak up.
The Headmaster used the break to continue: “You’ll have to work the students out for yourself. The two negro boys are Vis and Gill. Vis can make himself invisible. Gill can breathe underwater. The Asian lad is Hawk. He can fly. And the one with glasses is Brains. He chose his name well. It says it all. I assume none of the others are wearing glasses now. I certainly haven’t been informed of the fact. The last one is Simian – or Simmi as he prefers to be called. I don’t think there’s a wall he can’t scale or an obstacle he can’t climb.”
“And that’s The Brotherhood?” O’Shay clarified.
“For better or worse, that’s The Brotherhood.” The Headmaster barely masked the pride he felt for his best pupils.
Inside the classroom, the lesson continued.
“Let me tell you the answer, shall I?” Gyan sounded exasperated. He moved to sit on the front of his desk. The pupils all leaned forward in unison. “Sex.” He paused dramatically, letting the word sink in. “It doesn’t matter if it’s pornography, private, consensual, or gay sex. It’s the most natural act in the world, but people fear it, and use it – to dominate you; to extract information; to crush your spirit…”
“What about rape?” the one called Brians asked. “That’s acceptable to show on TV.”
“True,” the teacher nodded. “A very good point. Rape is acceptable. Why? The act itself is morally reprehensible. It scars its victims for life. And yet it gets less of an outcry than, say, two men kissing in a loving embrace. Why? Anyone?”
The class remained silent, until the student named Brains raised his hand again.
“Is it because the act itself supports the agenda of the fear-mongers? They allow visions of sexual violence on film because it supports their agenda to make sex seem dirty and wrong.”
“Very good,” the teacher applauded. “Of course, many of the writers and actors wouldn’t even know that’s what they’re doing, but a lot of our actions are driven by our subconscious. If a belief is strong enough, we can justify our action – or inaction – in ways that make perfect sense to ourself – although not to another clear thinking person.”
The class chuckled.
“He’s good,” Jackhammer observed.
“Wait ‘til you meet him,” the Headmaster smirked but wouldn’t let him in on the joke.
“And so, in light of this knowledge,” the teacher continued, “you are all at a level now where you need to face up to the fact that sex may be used against you. You cannot be afraid to face it; to use it; or if the need arises, to take it without weakening.
“In this hat I have all your names. As you leave, the first three to walk past me will draw from the hat. Your homework tonight will be to think of ways to use sex against your opponent. Each couple will be given a unique location.
When we resume tomorrow, you will go straight to your designated place and face each other. Each match will be filmed for grading later. Remember – humiliation and conquest is the key.”
Cries of protest erupted, drowned out by the shrill bell that signalled the end of the lesson. One by one, the student’s rose from their desk and collected their books.
“There’s an odd number of us, Sir,” one of them pointed out.
Gyan smiled malevolently. “…which means one of you will be facing me.”
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Chapter 18
Jackhammer stepped aside to let the students pass, feeling a twinge of excitement about their next lesson. They glanced casually at him as they passed, but their focus was engulfed by conversations about who they had to fight tomorrow and how easily there were going to whip the other’s arse.
“Telepathy is not one of my abilities, Mr Hammer, but since you think they’re so advanced, you’re welcome to help me adjudicate if you wish.”
Jackhammer looked up at the teacher who seemed unamused by his presence. Gyan approached them without extending a welcoming hand.
“The only reason these kids are being put through tomorrow’s ordeal is for you,“ he continued. “The lesson plan is deliberate to see if these kids will be up for the death sentence you seem intent of giving them.”
“They’re more than kids,” Jackhammer challenged. “How old is the youngest? 23?”
“Twenty.”
“Old enough. Win or lose tomorrow, you make them all ready. They’re our only hope.”
“Melodrama doesn’t suit you, Mr Hammer. Nor does your handbag.” Gyan shot a glance at O’Shay then pushed through them but Jackhammer wasn’t ready to let him leave yet. He caught Gyan by the arm and twirled him around.
“What’s your problem?” Jackhammer asked.
“Did he just insult me?” O’Shay smarted but no one responded
“I have nothing to say to you, Mr Hammer.”
“The name is Jackhammer.”
“And I’m sure you’ll be called many more things before this is over,” Gyan retorted, pulling his arm free. “Heroes are supposed to protect the people, not send them out to be killed. These students may be our best, but they’re far from ready to face an enemy like Seduction. How do you expect these boys to do what your entire League couldn’t?”
“This time we’ll be ready,” Jackhammer said, “We’ll go in prepared and with a plan. I know the League and their weaknesses. We’ll take them back with surprise on our side this time. The Brotherhood will be safe. I’ll be in charge and in front. They’ll just be there to offer distraction.”
“And so will I,’ Gyan said. “I may not have abilities like your’s, Mr Hammer, but I’ve dedicated my life to making sure these boys are protected. Don’t think for a minute that I won’t be there with them, right to the end.”
Oh that’ll be fun.” O’Shay rolled his eyes.
“That’s fine by me,” Jackhammer said. “Just as long as you remember who’s in charge and you do as I say, when I say it.”
Gyan said nothing and for a moment, Jackhammer felt a slight tingle in his head. He realised his mind had just been scanned.
“You’ve got yourself a deal,” Gyan said. “I don’t like this one iota, but you mean what you say. That’s all I can expect.”
Jackhammer refrained from grabbing Gyan around the throat, slamming him against the wall and telling him exactly what would happen if he ever scanned his mind without permission again. A smile flickered discretely across Jackhammer’s lips as he thought of the satisfaction that would bring. But having Gyan on side might help keep The Brotherhood focussed, and the extra manpower might also help when the heat was on. Gyan looked pretty strong for a Normal. If nothing else, he could pin O’Shay to the floor and keep him out of Jackhammer’s way. That in itself would be a Godsend.
The two men shook hands.
“Meet me here tomorrow after lunch and we’ll review the footage of the boy’s matches,” Gyan instructed.
“What about the one facing you? Don’t you think that’s a bit unfair?” O’Shay interjected. “I mean, getting fucked by your teacher… is that even legal?”
Gyan smiled. “There is always a reason behind my actions. You may be surprised by what that match will achieve.” And with that, he walked away, leaving O’Shay scratching his head.
“Well!” said the Headmaster. “Who’s fighting who? Tomorrow will tell. Isn’t the suspense enthralling! Shall we microwave some popcorn?”
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Chapter 19
Seduction circled the gymnasium, admiring the pumped physiques of the scantily clad men grunting and straining on the machinery. He was the Sultan of this harem of heroes, and they looked longingly at him as he walked by each of them, pausing briefly to watch them flex and glisten under the stark lighting.
With the exclusion of Crunch and Bounce, who were small time villains until Seduction made them great, all the men were fallen heroes. The League was no more. They belonged to him, and they worshipped him unreservedly. Only Jackhammer remained on the loose.
It bothered Seduction that he hadn’t been found, but he knew enough from the captured heroes that Jackhammer would have enacted the Omega Protocol by now, wiping their files and isolating the region from other heroes until the extent of the disaster was know. By the time any new superheroes came to the rescue, Seduction would have already used his enslaved band of super men to expand his army into an unstoppable force. Those who were no use to his goals would be destroyed. Those of value would be seduced and controlled.
He knew that Jackhammer wasn’t sitting idle since disappearing. He was forming his own army, however second rate, to retaliate. It wouldn’t be long before Jackhammer reappeared, full of determination and with his own band of would-be heroes, and while Seduction wasn’t afraid of any real threat, sometimes cunning and determination can provide an unexpected advantage. He had to be sure his own army was ready for their first big battle.
He willed each of them to push harder and smiled as they all immediately started pushing their limits even more.
Pretty boy Bounce was the weakest and youngest of all them, but the blond haired beauty had proved himself to be the most resourceful and faithful. He had defeated the powerfully muscular Quake, overpowering him in a one-on-one showdown and for his loyalty, Seduction had allowed Bounce to use Quake as his pet.
He watched them work out together. Quake lay on the ground with Bounce laying on top of him. He was using the rubber boy like an exercise band, pushing and pulling against the resistance of Bounce's stretching rubber body. He could see the thrill in Bounce’s face as the furry muscle of the Arabic stud exercised against him. Earlier, Quake has been providing the resistance while Bounce had worked out, and later, Bounce would relax with a gentle massage as he got Quake to vibrate gently against him.Seduction’s favourite, Jolt, was showing his prowess on the chest fly. As Jolt’s arms were pulled back by the weights and his chest thrust out, Seduction just wanted to lick that perfect torso one more time. And as Jolt pulled those weights forward again, the sweat trickling down his back beckoned to Seduction just as much.
Once the leader of the Superhero’s League, Jolt now served Seduction like all the others. It made Seduction horny just thinking about his dominance of the alpha male of the League. Whoever thought power was not an aphrodisiac had never truly been in control.
Jolt’s sidekick, Fever, was bench pressing above his weight. Young and slim and oh so hunky, there was little wonder why Jolt had chosen Fever to be by his side. If not for Jolt, Seduction would have a hard time putting any of the others above Fever when it came to getting his rocks off.
Seduction stepped one foot over Fever, straddling him. He clasped the barbell and applied a little more resistance for Fever to strain against. Fever took the challenge, and Seduction closed his eyes and rode Fever’s groin as he listened to the man grunt and strain.
Having amused himself momentarily, Seduction paused in front of Crunch, the bane of Jackhammer’s life and the only man who could match, if not outdo Jackhammer in strength. The smooth skinned musclegod was bathed in sweat. A gymnasium like this was useless to a man of muscle like him, so Crunch had loaded the weights rack and lifted it high above his head as he performed an endless series of deep squats.
Seduction could help but admire the ingenuity of the villain. Later he might will Crunch into holding himself in a Lat Pull Up while he sucked off the muscle-monster’s cock. Watching those muscles strain at such close quarters was one of the many benefits he was currently enjoying. They were in the eye of the storm but the main force was coming soon. They would be ready. And waiting. Until then, he had a tidal wave of testosterone with which to pass the time…
