Chapter one - Testing the youth.
The Summer sun was a burning yet beautiful bright light as it shone along the campus grounds. It was the First year for Macy Del, Jack Mandela and for the Madeline Twins, but they had one friend in whom history has woven himself into their world. Komodo Walten, their greatest friend and to some a rival.
Macy Del was nothing but a girl, but she had that attitude which made you think of a stubborn and friendly guy. She was wearing green shorts that reach her shins with a matching green sweater with intricate curves. She was slender and tall in height reaching a whopping height of six feet and three inches. She was massive for her age, being a sixteen year old and always looking down at people with a cheerful and friendly smile that made anyone's days. With white shoes and fingerless gloves she stood with her hips swaying back and forth like she was waiting for someone. Her blond smooth hair and green eyes with a tint of red glowed like it was the morning, always filled with excitement.
She was standing in front of a massive university gate door being sixty-seven feet in height and one-hundred feet in width, it was, to her point of view, an unneeded door for such a well known university. She heard a step behind her and turned with a wide grin of delight. "Jack! You sure are early today!" She said in a loud, friendly and teasing voice pointing a finger at a man wearing mostly grey clothing except for a long brown trench coat with two golden buttons.
"Yea, but not as early as you that's for sure." Jack paused for a moment then continued. "Hmm, I would have thought the twins would be here. That's odd,"Jack remarked with a soft chuckle of superiority raising a fist in the air in triumph. Jack Mandela was a tall figure of a height of six feet and five inches. Despite the warm weather he still wears that big, heavy brown drench coat with a tie around the waist. Wearing mostly grey clothing other than his shoes, that are black, you'd expect that type of man to be plain or boring however Jack was the exact opposite. He was fun, friendly, cautious around strangers as he should, caring and gentle when around Macy. However the one person he didn't like seeing was Komodo. To Jack he was a thorn in his side. He knew about Komodo because Macy was always talking about him, which is why the jealousy seed took its hold on him many years ago back in the seventh grade along with the Madeline twins. He didn't like Komodo as he was very over possessive and protective of Macy, so he tried to keep his distance away from Komodo as much as he could. Jack wouldn't say his name for it brought back a painful and deep memory which he had pushed away from himself years earlier. "Do you think we'll see him? Maybe at the library, I mean he could be anywhere in this maze like school?" Jack said reluctantly trying to appease Macy and making a gesture towards the gates and beyond aimed at the university. Macy made a mocking gesture in a teasing-like manner, "He gave me a note of where his apartment is so stop worrying you big ape." She laughed poking at Jack's red, embarrassed cheeks. "But at this time he should be only arriving and not in class." She continued checking her phone. "5:30pm." She muttered softly glancing around hopefully. She caught site of two figures waving their arms and she called to them with a loud bellow unfitting for a woman, "Amy! Jake! Over here!" The two figures, Amy and Jake, were the Madeline Twins. Jake a broad shouldered and muscular man and with Amy being a soft, gentle and kind soul. Jake walked up to Jack and they both clasped their hands together making an echoing sound throughout the neighborhood. It even woke up the dogs. "No sign of Komodo, eh?" Jake said with a frown as his eyes lock onto Jacks passing a secret message only they knew about. Amy chuckled softly at the two boys. Her soft gentle smile always brought a grin to the group whenever they saw it. She wore: blue jeans with tattered marks, a very pretty brown sweater and a jacket tied to her waist.
Amy knew, along with Macy, Komodo from a childhood age and the thought of seeing him again after two years was a delight surprise. Amy was the youngest of the group and the smallest. Coming at a height of five feet and seven inches she was small in comparison to the others. She was about seventeen in age like the rest of them, but Komodo wasn't. Komodo was 19 in age, so he was two years older than the rest of them.
Jake turned to Amy with a soft smile playing at his Lips. He deeply cared for Amy which rivaled Jacks over protectiveness for Macy. Jake was about six feet and six inches, having a massive build and tall frame he was a walking giant. He was like an iron wall layered with bricks and stone. He had the same problem like Jack; over protectiveness and jealousy that took seed in both their hearts. He wore a yellow and orange jacket with a red shirt, black trousers and white blue striped shoes.
They all heard the sound of footsteps behind them and they turned in one fluid motion like a set of cogs rotating. There standing taller than all of them, was Komodo Walten. His black attired clothing along with his shoes and white, diamond shaped mask with one rectangular eye hole, long black rough hair and a small hat made of wool sat on his head. He also wore a long black buttoned up drench coat that reached his ankles and a smooth, silk like ski mask covering his face under the mask. The smell of burning flesh and ash polluted the air with the large emanating aura of steam coming off Komodo's body. The one eye feature that stood out to Amy and Macy was the one Red, bloodshot eye that stared at them like kindness and care that seem like it could wove a torn blanket together.
The appearance made Jack and Jake's jaw clench tightly but it quickly faded as the two girls turned back at them with smiles of permission. The boys both nodded their heads reluctantly and the girls spend up to Komodo who embraced them with bear like strength that is lifted them off the ground as he spun them around in a circle making them yelp in delight. After a few seconds Komodo set them back down on the ground with gentleness and perfection making sure they didn't trip on the gravel like floor. "Komodo! It's so good to see again!" Macy screamed with excitement and joy while jumping in the air. Amy laughed loudly at the site, a rare spectacle for her around group but shone more around Komodo. Komodo made a deep, rasp-like and sweet chuckle that caught the attention of Macy who had stopped bouncing up and down. "What was that, Komodo? That didn't sound like a chuckle?" Macy asked cautiously, reaching out a hand to touch the mask that Komodo quickly stopped in advance. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it, little sister." Komodo replied calmly in a deep, rough and quiet voice. He patted Macy's shoulder gently and she noticed the long black glove on his hand that steamed out a fog-like smoke with the faint sound of sizzling. "Odd? He never wore gloves; not even in winter." Macy thought to herself mildly searching her brain for a memory but failing miserably. She shrug off the feeling and went back to reality. "Oh, of course, brother Komodo. I guess." Macy replied respectfully. Komodo leaned down towards Amy and gave her and warm yet nervous hug has he felt the weight of Jack and Jake's keen gaze. Amy was, of course, delighted by the hug and embraced it like a champ. But deep down Amy knew she didn't deserve such a prize for a long memory stored in back of her brain made her almost cry where she stood. Amy was madly in love with Komodo and wanted to always be around him, but she had to keep that a secret from Jake as she feared that might ruin their brother and sister relationship or worse making a strain on Her and Komodo's relationship, no that it was already on a thread. And then that memory arose from the depths of the pit.
Back when they were young children and Komodo was smooth skinned and fresh. His parents had a died a painless death and his siblings had vanished into thin air leaving him and only him the last one standing. At the time she was young and immature, though that doesn't make it right, she had unfortunately manipulated a distraught, innocent boy into passing a line that should never be crossed. She hated herself for doing such a heinous act and wanted to ask forgiveness from Komodo and apologize to him as well. Jake, Macy and Jack had no idea of this information, but she would tell it eventually when the time is right.
Amy jolted out of her train of thought by the slight poke of Macy who was wondering what Amy was thinking. "Whatcha thinking Ames? I know you're thinking of something." Macy mused with a playful chuckle still poking Amy with a teasing interest. Macy has a hunch that Amy loved Komodo, but Komodo was nothing but an open book case full of mysteries. While Macy and Amy bickered with each other Komodo walked over to Jack and Jake. It was like the world went still and words never formed. Jack stared up at Komodo with Anger, jealousy, regret and guilt. He would feel Komodo's hatful gaze that, if looks could kill, could strangle him with one hand. Jake felt it too and his body slightly trembled in fear, but he stood his ground keeping his jaw clenched and firm. Komodo patted their shoulders and chuckle kindly. "Rest easy friends, just enjoy with what you have left." Komodo spoke in a quiet and gentle voice that confused the two boys. The two boys exchanged glances at each other wonder what Komodo meant by that statement. They were expecting a hatful remark or just plain ignoring them all together, but this kind and honest response from a person whom they hated for years felt heavy and bitter in their mouths. "Maybe he's trying to get back at us after all these years by being nice?" Jake whispered under his breath at Jack who nodded in agreement.
Komodo glanced at them keenly after hearing what they dare say behind his back, but he ignored the whisper and continued on towards the gates of the school. He coughed slightly and spitting out blood from under his mask that leaked like water out of a facet. This caught the attention of Jack and he walked over to Komodo who had quickly cleaned the stain. "You good?" Jack asked with reluctant concern trying to glance over Komodo's shoulder and failing. "I'm fine, thanks." Komodo rasped back with a slightly nod turning around and glancing at Jack. They both stared at each other like swords clashing together in battle that was quickly stopped by Amy's question. "Oooo! Are there uniforms we have to wear! Like you know, standard school uniforms?" Amy asked Komodo with a bright smile that broke Komodo's serious stare and making him chuckle. "Yes, there are standard school uniforms. It's actually what I'm wearing right now." He replied kindly gesturing towards his clothing attire with a finger gushed out steam. "Because of this everlasting Winter the school decided to give this type of clothing for new and old students." Komodo continued. He then turned back around grabbing onto the gates handles and pulling them back with smooth elegance. "Welcome, to the Special Forces university!" He then shouted loudly making him cough again but not spilling blood. Although the statement was genuine it still made everyone chuckle at how cringe it was. "That was pretty cringe, Komodo not gonna lie." Jake said in mock tears and applause trying to not laugh. Jack, however, laughed so hard he also started coughing.
After many giggle and laughs later the group composed themselves and gathered together in a circle. "Alright what should our group name be?" Macy asked curiously giving a sideway glance at Komodo. "Maybe you have something in mind?" She continued gesturing towards Komodo who eyeballed her with mock disbelief. "Why ask me? I don't even know what name to think of?" Komodo replied firmly shaking his head with a shrug. "What about…hmmm…ah hah! B.E.A.S.T Gang." Jack said with a smile raising his fist up in the air and giving a slight smirk of superiority towards Komodo who didn't acknowledge the existence of the smirk. "What does it mean?" Jake asked. Curious as to what the word meant in each syllable. Jack, however didn't think that far ahead and slumped down in frustration. "B stands for best, E stands for Elite, A stands for Are, S stands for Superior and T stands for Taskmasters." Komodo suggested kindly patting Jack on the back for his own good suggestion. Amy squealed in agreement and hugged Komodo from behind, making Jake's hands clenched at his sides in protectiveness. He almost walked towards Komodo until Macy yelped in surprise making their heads turn in favor. Macy was held by a 6'7 man whose face was shadowed by the hoodie he wore. He had a knife that was sheathed in his pocket making Komodo slightly lower his guard. "Giving me all your money or this chick goes bye-" but before he could fully finish that sentence Macy had pivoted her body to where her leg was right in between the man's leg. She then bent forward and using her leg to help keep the man on her back. Grabbed his arms and swung him hard onto the ground. The group looked down at the man with many of them having different expressions. Jake had a face that asked, "What made you think that was a good idea?" Jack's face was just filled with disgust and Amy's had a smile that would send any child or adult running away. Komodo couldn't show his expression as he wore a mask. Macy, ass the tomboy she was, laughed loudly in pride at her skills placing her hands on her hips and raising her head up with a smirk. "Alright that's enough, Gerald. You can go to class now as you got only 5 minutes left." A voice rang out from the school. This made Komodo instantly stand to attention in salute. "Commander Kudos!" Komodo bellowed loudly with a rasp but coughed in the process.
Kudos was the head coach of the university and very serious almost never laughing or even smiling, but to most of the other students who went to the school longer than Komodo were surprised when Kudos smiled at Komodo on the first day of his debut.
Kudos walked towards the group of five and giving a small salute in return to Komodo. "Scavenger Komodo. Release." He said in a firm and respectful tone. Komodo obeyed and stopped saluting, making Kudos's mouth twitch into a smile that instantly disappeared when his eyes landed on the four new comers. "So, these are the friends you were talking about." He asked calmly in his deep, authoritative and booming voice turning towards Komodo with a slightly raised eyebrow. "Yes, sir. These are my friends." Komodo replied in kind to Kudos. Komodo knew where this was going as he had to do the same thing when he first came. A battle against Kudos himself. Kudos checked his watch. 5:50. Ten minutes left until his class started, but Kudos didn't care. He wanted to test these four and see what they are capable of. He wondered if they held the same level of power like Komodo did when he first arrived. "Ahem. Well new recruits. This will be your first and only test right now so be prepared." Kudos said in a serious tone that weighed heavily on the four of them. Jack cracked his knuckles ready for a fight and so did Jake who was smiling. Macy breathed in and then out walking forward to join the two boys in a line. Amy put on gloves with metal knuckles and also joined in the line. This made Kudos extremely excited and almost bursted out laughing. "They sure came prepared, huh Komodo." He said glancing at Komodo with a knowing smirk. Kudos was by no means a short man as he was two inches taller than Komodo and had way broader shoulders, but he also move with impeccable speed for his size as he leaned back then leaned forward and shooting across the ground. Jack only saw a blur of movement before Kudos was in front of him with a punch aimed at his face. Jack leaned back using his knees to bend himself backward and narrowly dodging the attack. Kudos knew this trick and pivoted his body and redirecting the punch down towards Jack. Jake blocked the powerful punch absorbing the impact that could have shattered his bones. Then Macy came and jumped onto Kudos's back and then Amy step forward giving a strong right hook to Kudos who blocked it with ease. But Amy wasn't done. She then push Kudos just enough to make him stumble a little, but that was the all the time Macy needed as she had jumped off of Kudos's back and flipped in the air to bring down her left leg onto Kudos's head. Kudos smiled softly with amusement. "Great team work." He thought to himself as he grabbed Macy's' leg and pulled her down to the ground with e a resound thud. Jack then came with amazing speed and had flipped himself forward to pivot his body to where both his legs were up in the air. He then used his legs to swing down with incredible force onto Kudos's arms. The attack almost worked but Kudos had blocked it by moving along with the attack then spreading out his arms half way. Kudos then heard a whistle sound coming from his right side and he instantly raised his hand and caught a sharpened stick that narrowly hit Kudos. "How clever. This teamwork with incredible." Kudos remarked to himself as he snapped the stick and sprinted behind Jake, who had thrown the stick, and used his momentum to trip him by sweeping the ground. Kudos then did a full 360 with the sweep and stood up in the process as he gave a powerful kick to Jake's side making him cough and almost lose consciousness. Jack came from behind and tried to give Kudos a flurry of punches, but Kudos easily sidestepped them. Kudos caught one of the punches and kicked Jacks leg making him trip on himself and fall forward and getting a clean smooth uppercut to the jaw sending him backwards. "They lasted longer than expected. Although Komodo lasted forty times longer, but I'll give it to them. Ten minutes is up." He shouted at Komodo who had just then checked his watch and nodded in agreement as the timer on the watch beeped loudly.
The entire group collapsed onto the ground in exhaustion and pain. Macy nodded in thanks at Komodo as he had helped them by sending them a letter telling them about what would happen. Jack, on the floor patting, thought how much better they did than Komodo. He didn't realize that Komodo had gotten a score a lot higher than theirs, that was actually an unfortunate understatement. "You all lasted pretty well. Good job to you all and welcome to the Special Forces University." Kudos said has he walked away back towards the university entrance. "Komodo show them wear to get their uniforms and where the dorms are will ya." Kudos ordered with a playful smile turning back to Komodo as he entered the school. "Then meet up at the center so that class can start." He continued with a chuckle as he walked into the school and out of sight.
Silence filled the outside. Nobody spoke a word and probably because they weren't able to as they were panting hard, this excludes Komodo as he didn't join in. Then Macy broke the silence. "So, are we going or not?" She asked nudging Komodo in the side with a friendly smile. Komodo didn't feel the nudging but he could tell something had put pressure on his ribs. He chuckled softly, the same deep, raspy and gentle tone still catching Macy and the rest off guard. "Follow me if you're so excited." Komodo said as he started to walk off, the steam emanating from his body falters slightly with the movement. Jack clenched his fist and screamed silently in triumph and so did Jake. They both thought they had gotten a higher score than Komodo, but that was wrong. "Come on boys!" Macy called to them from the entrance of the University, waving her arms in a gesture to follow. This made the two boys scrambled their way towards the entrance.
The university was large, but large was not the word, no, it was massive. The entire place was basically as wide as an entire town! Students bustled about wearing the same attired Komodo wore. The walls of the university were plain grey, white and brown with a tiny tint of black and the floor was squared and made of metal with the same colors. Komodo walked with a fluid grace avoiding students and other teachers walking about in squads or small groups. He pointed out how many doors and hidden rooms there were inside the school showing the four new students a map of the school itself and pointing at four different sides. "The north is where we train with weapons like katanas, great-swords and therefore." Komodo said as he pointed north. He then slid his finger down towards the south side of the school. "The south is where we learn basic skills, tactics and techniques plus basic school work." He continued. He smiled under his mask as he saw Macy smile with excitement. He then continued sliding his finger sideways point at the west. "The west is the lunch hall and military camp training grounds and the east is where we train with guns. The sleeping quarters are in the middle of the middle which is where we are right now." He chuckle softly gesturing around him and above him. The sleeping quarters were massive in height. Floors above floors and rooms above rooms the place with like a mall. The floors were like metal fences with the railings being made of iron. The rooms were like hotel rooms. A queen sized bed, a counter with a TV on top, a small table you can eat at or work at, bathrooms and closets. "You do have the option to decorate it though, but I wouldn't recommend it as the cleaners have a tendency to throw away the decorative stuff." Komodo said in a have hearted and thoughtful statement pointing to a group of cleaners taking out decorative objects and putting them into a large cart with a sign that read "Disposable Items Inc." "So the 'apartment' that you spoke of was… this?" Jake asked in a commanding tone but with a hint of humor.