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Devil Seed

By

Gemma the Ice Wolf

2

Somewhere in the city of Los Angeles

7:30am Monday

"So chief, what's the deal? Why do I have to go here?"

Aaron was driving down the busy city streets while trying to make sense of his new situation. Already he was starting to regret ever allowing the council to decide on his identification. It wasn't that he objected to it but, what the file said threw him for a loop. Now he was talking to the chief over the car's speaker phone.

"It's the only one for miles," said the chief. "and besides that area is where the two sightings were made. I can't stress enough how imperative it is for you to confirm the sightings before we start scanning the city and give the green light for extermination procedures."

"Yeah, I know that but, why here? I mean I'm hardly going to fit in. I'll be lucky if I don't get into any fights right off the bat!"

"I'm sorry but you land right in their jurisdiction so there's no choice in the matter. Don't worry though, if things get too out of hand we'll get you transferred immediately. Until then try to live with it. You may even like it there."

Aaron sighed.

"I'm not making any promises chief, but I'll try."

"Good. Now don't worry about everything else for right now. We'll keep Lisa posted on everything. Should any emergencies arise (heaven forbid), she'll come to get you immediately."

"Well, I guess I can't say that it's going to be an uneventful day."

"That's the spirit."

And with that the chief hung up. Aaron tapped a button on the console next to the steering wheel. This was going to be the oddest day he would ever have.

Garrison High School

8:00am Monday

Mia was feeling a bit down trodden. Since yesterday afternoon all she could think of was the boy in the mall and who he was. He was human but truthfully she could care less by this point. Even Tracy was doing her best to find out anything she could about him. The rumor mongers (which mainly consisted of cheerleaders) were one of the lead sources and even they hadn't heard of him. Mia's heart was in a very fragile state at this point. All she could do was hope that she hadn't missed her only chance.

As the two of them were heading to their lockers they were met half way by a bat. This particular bat was slightly shorter than either of the girls but his build was quite athletic. He was wearing a black shirt, blue jeans, and a pair of sneakers. He waved when he saw them coming in his direction.

"Hey you two," he said in a sly tone. "how are things?"

Tracy smiled at him.

"Hey Gary, I'm doing fine but Mia has a problem."

Gary turned to Mia and saw her sullen expression.

"Oh? What is it that has our princess in such a sad mood?"

Tracy giggled.

"Guy trouble. Unfortunately there really isn't much anyone can do at this point. We'll just have to see what we can dig up after school."

Gary thought for a moment.

"Well, I don't have any plans this afternoon. Want me to give you a hand?"

Tracy grinned.

"Thanks Gary, that's very sweet of you."

"I just can't stand to see a lady in distress."

The three of them continued to their lockers to retrieve their books before heading to class.

"So have you guys heard the latest?" Gary asked.

Tracy slammed her locker shut.

"Nope. Can't say I have."

Gary cleared his throat.

"Apparently we're getting a new transfer student."

Tracy rolled her eyes.

"Big deal. We're always getting new transfer students."

"Not like this one."

Tracy wrapped an arm around his neck.

"Okay so spill it already. What's so different about this one."

"Well I happened to overhear a conversation between Mr. Larson and the Superintendent. According to them our new classmate is a...human."

"Say what?" Tracy shouted.

"Keep it down will ya? Sheesh! That's what I heard. I find it hard to believe myself."

Tracy let go of Gary's neck and started down the hall to their first class. Gary and Mia followed.

"Well if it's true I'm already worried about the talk that'll be going on. Not to mention our neighborhood jocks will be all over them."

Gary nodded.

"Boy does this bring back memories. Remember the last human that attended here."

"Yeah, Danny Carter." said Tracy. "Poor guy was constantly ridiculed by the football team, not to mention he really didn't have any friends. It wasn't until his family decided to move up north that he got away from it all. I wonder how he's doing now?"

The bell started to ring just as they walked into their first class. All three of them had world history in the morning. It was Gary's favorite class because he could get a good hours sleep. Mr. Philips was the absolute worst lecturer in the entire school and everyone knew this. By the time his class was over the students would walk out even more drowsy than when they came in. Today was going to be a little different. As soon as everyone had taken their seats, Mr. Philips came in. Mr. Philips was an old bobcat with a masters degree in teaching (or so he would say). He was about seventy and his age was showing. A few of his whiskers had gone crooked and his ears were balding. He wore a white button shirt with red tie, black pants and shoes. Old fashioned but, tidy. He had never missed a day of work in his life.

"Alright everybody, settle down." he said in a mild tone. "We have a new student starting with us today, and while some of you are prone to cause trouble for him, let's at least try to make him feel welcome."

He turned his attention to the door.

"Mr. Secord, would you please come in?"

Several of the students were aghast as they saw their new classmate. He was at least five foot ten, blue eyes, and semi short brown hair that curved into a forelock over his right eye. He was wearing a black leather jacket, a green shirt with a dragon painted on, black jeans, and steel toed boots. Mia's heart skipped a beat seeing him. Gary noticed this and nudged Tracy who was also a bit shocked.

"Hey Trace," he whispered. "What's with Mia."

Tracy leaned over to him without turning her head.

"That's the guy from the mall. The one that Mia's got a crush on."

"Are you serious?"

Tracy put a finger to her lips.

The human cleared his throat, noting the blank stares he was getting. If he were in a jungle he'd be expecting them to start prodding with their spears.

"Hello." he said with a warm smile. "My name is Aaron Secord. I'm glad to be here."

Mr. Philips sat down at his desk.

"Does anyone have any questions they'd like to ask him?"

Nobody so much as coughed.

"Alright then. Mr. Secord if you would take a seat, we can begin."

Aaron moved down one of the aisles of desks and sat down. Gary leaned over to Tracy again.

"I wonder why he's attending here." he whispered. "I mean this isn't a private school but still, I am a little curious."

Tracy shook her head.

"Your guess is as good as mine. Right now I don't want to think about it. Why don't you take your nap?"

"That's the best idea I've heard all morning."

He placed his wings on the desk and laid his head down. Within moments he was asleep. Tracy grinned at the sight of him.

"Sweet dreams, Gary."

Garrison High School

12:05pm Monday

After all four of the morning classes were over the majority of the student body started for the cafeteria. More and more everybody was catching a glimpse of the new human that was attending. Aaron chuckled to himself knowing full well what was bound to happen before the day was out. He'd keep his guard up but that was all he would want to do. He didn't want a school suspension or worse on the first day. The chief would blow a fuse. Whatever was going to happen, he was expecting it. He wasn't going to begrudge anybody for it but, if push came to shove it would change his mood that day.

After putting his notebook and science book in his locker he headed down the hall and up a flight of stairs. Reaching the top he spotted a sign that pointed to the cafeteria. One thing was for certain, he had to at least try the fine cuisine that was called cafeteria food once before making plans to eat out five times a week. When he got there he was actually surprised by the sight. The space was about four hundred feet by four hundred feet. It was about the size of the one in the Guild headquarters in Seattle.

"Very impressive." he thought to himself.

The line wasn't very long and there were numerous options he hadn't anticipated on. Either this was the real deal or he had somehow stepped into the Twilight Zone. Getting a tray he grabbed a couple slices of pizza, an apple and a coke. Now all he had to do was find a place to sit. Knowing that he would probably receive some resentment from his peers, he opted for an empty table at the far back.

Mia was overjoyed seeing the same boy from the mall. She could hardly believe it. Now she had to talk to him. That would be easier said than done. She and Tracy were on their way to the cafeteria when Mia struck up a conversation.

"I just can't believe it!" she said ecstatically. "I mean there he was right in our first class!"

Tracy gave a quick chuckle.

"Yeah. Now all you need to do is lay out the bait to entice him and keep the line slack until you get a bite. That's when you reel him in."

"What's all this about fishing now?"

Gary had just come up from behind the girls, adjusting his shirt. Obviously he had just come from the restroom.

"I certainly hope you washed those wings before you came out of there." said Tracy as she eyed him.

Gary lifted his wings.

"Are you kidding? You know what kind of reputation I'd get if I started doing that?"

Tracy shrugged.

"One that says you're a clean person?"

Mia looked at the two of them and shook her head.

"Come on, all this talking is making me hungry."

The three of them walked into the cafeteria talking and laughing. They picked up their trays at the door and went in their separate directions. Mia went over to the small deli. She was a little skeptic about what they might have been serving today. It was just as she feared. Chicken salad was the order of the day. Which meant either getting in one of the longer lines or gagging down the sandwich. Her stomach growled. That made the decision for her. She took a sandwich and a diet soda and met with Gary and Tracy in front of the tables. The two of them were engaged in conversation when she arrived. Tracy grinned at her.

"Say Mia, who is that over there?"

She pointed out to the back of the cafeteria where a lone figure sat. Mia knew who it was immediately. She felt her heart jump.

"It's him." she muttered.

Tracy and Gary both watched her intently but she didn't budge.

"Well?" asked Gary. "Aren't you going go over there to talk to him? Or maybe I should."

He started heading in Aaron's direction. Tracy caught him by the back of his shirt collar.

"Oh no. She already has enough problems without one of us butting in. Mia just go talk to the guy. Don't worry, we're here for you. We'll sit at one of the tables nearby."

Mia took a deep breath and slowly started down the aisles. Gary and Tracy followed close behind. Ever since yesterday she had wondered about him, and now she was so close. She stopped just a few feet away. Her friends sat down two tables away. Mia looked back at them. The two of them waved her to go on. Stepping forward she slowly made her way to the other side of the table.

"Um...e-excuse me?"

Aaron looked up. In front of him was a female red panda holding a tray in her paws. She was wearing a green and white t-shirt, khaki shorts, and blue sneakers. Her fur had a fine sheen to it. Evidence that she must brush it regularly.

"D-do you... mind i-if I... sit here?" she stammered.

Aaron gave an enthusiastic nod while chewing on some pizza. He didn't say a word till after he swallowed.

"Absolutely! Have a seat! Not exactly fun sitting by myself."

She set her tray on the table and sat down.

"So tell me," Aaron continued. "Was that the first time you've ever had someone snatch your purse like that?"

The girl looked at him puzzled for a moment. Then it seemed to sink in. Her expression changed to one of surprise.

"So you do recognize me?" she said.

Aaron nodded.

"I never forget a pretty face."

She started to blush.

"Your name... it's... Aaron...right?

Aaron smiled.

"That's right. What's yours?"

She took a deep breath before answering.

"My name...is...Mia."

Aaron's smile grew wider.

"Well Mia, it's a pleasure to meet you...again."

Mia paused for a minute trying to come up with something to say. Her gaze moved from Aaron to Gary and Tracy then back to Aaron.

"Um... so how do you like it here so far?"

Aaron took a swallow from his coke before he answered.

"Well, so far I can't complain. At least I'm not taking Chinese algebra any more."

Mia was suddenly perplexed.

"You took Chinese Algebra?"

"Yeah. When I was still living in Hong Kong. Boy is it different over there."

"How did you end up in Hong Kong?"

"Well, to make a long story short, my mom works for a pharmaceutical company. She got a new position that required her to live in Hong Kong while she worked with the Chinese branch. Naturally I was against it but what choice did I have? So I spent five months there at a high school in Hong Kong. I didn't have to much trouble since we had a translator working with us which made things a lot easier. After that my mom was given another position here in L.A. so we moved again and...what on earth is that?"

He pointed to the ugly looking sandwich that Mia hadn't touched yet.

"Chicken salad. I was going to eat it but I don't think I can stomach it. It isn't one of the schools delicacies."

"Well, you better eat something."

He picked up his plate and handed it to Mia.

"Here, at least the pizza is half way decent."

She looked at the pizza and then at Aaron.

"Are you sure?"

Aaron nodded.

"Heck yeah. I can live off one slice of pizza for hours. Besides, I also have an apple. I'll survive."

She took the plate and set it on her tray. As she started biting into the pizza she looked up to see Aaron watching her with a smile on his face. He then started to bite into the apple. Mia swallowed and continued the conversation.

"So what does your dad do?"

Aaron swallowed and shook his head.

"My father died ten years ago I'm afraid."

Mia gasped.

"Oh no. I...I'm so sorry. I didn't mean anything by it."

She turned away from him.

"You must think something awful of me now."

"What for? You didn't know. You asked me a perfectly logical question. It's not your fault, and no I don't think ill of you for it."

Mia turned back to him.

"Really?"

Aaron nodded. For just a moment they both gazed at each other trying to come up with something to say. Nothing came to either of them. Unfortunately their moment was disrupted by a group of jocks making their entrance. Four of them including a tiger, a fox, a panther, and a black bear. All four of them were wearing blue jeans, tennis shoes, and their letterman jackets. The tiger stood at six foot two, the fox at five foot seven, the panther at five foot ten, and the bear at six foot nine. As they came in they started laughing hysterically. Apparently they thought something was funny, or so Aaron assumed. His eyes kept watch on them. Mia did the same. The four jocks made their way around the line punching someone in the arm or slapping them in the back of the head.

"They're part of the football team." Mia started. "I almost dated Bruce over there."

Aaron looked back to her.

"Which one is he?"

"The tiger. He asked me out when we were freshmen. Not seeing anyone at the time I said yes. About an hour later I saw him beating up on a lemur. I swore that I would never let myself go out with someone like that. So I did the only thing I could do. I stood him up."

"How'd he take it?"

"Well, naturally it pissed him off. Ever since then though he still bothers me."

Aaron was surprised by this.

"Have you told anybody?"

"Yes, but every time he just gets a slap on the wrist and continues to play on the team. Sometimes when I see him I wish I could just disappear."

Aaron took another glance at him.

"He doesn't look all that tough to me. I bet even you could take him."

Mia leaned over the table.

"If you're planning on fighting him, forget it! He's the toughest member of the team. Even his friends are afraid of him."

"Mia, you seem to forget that I broke a guys leg yesterday. Don't worry, I won't fight him unless he provokes it. That or he decides to bother you. Which would be an even bigger mistake."

Now the jocks were heading in their direction now. As they started getting closer Mia took a deep breath and exhaled. All she could do was avoid eye contact with Bruce, although that rarely ever helped.

"Aaron, you have to promise me that you won't do anything too horrible to him."

Aaron nodded.

"I don't think I really have a choice. It wouldn't look too good if I got suspended on the first day."

All of a sudden it got quiet. No one was saying a word as the four jocks came up to them. Aaron didn't even turn around.

"I believe we have company."

"Well, well, well, what do we have here." said Bruce trying to sound menacing. "I heard we had a human in our school."

"Go away Bruce, you're not welcome near me."

Bruce turned his attention to Mia.

"Oh come on baby, we just want to give him a proper initiation. There's no harm in that right?"

The other three jocks started laughing.

"I mean it Bruce. You leave him alone."

"Shut up. What is he, your boyfriend or something?"

She glared at him. Bruce just grinned. He took a seat next to Aaron and put an arm around him.

"Say buddy, I can't help but notice that you're hangin' around with my girl. I don't like that. How are we going to resolve this problem?

Aaron's eyes shifted to Bruce, then back to Mia.

"Are you his girl?" he asked Mia.

Mia simply shook her head. Aaron then turned his attention to Bruce.

"She says she isn't. That means you're lying to me. I don't like liars. You know what I do to liars?"

Bruce shook his head with a smile.

"No. Enlighten me."

Aaron picked up the now half eaten apple from the table.

"I stick a cork in their mouths."

And with that Aaron shoved the apple into Bruce's mouth, impaling it to his upper fangs. Bruce fell backward onto the floor. The other three were there in an instant helping him up. Aaron looked back to Mia who was completely shocked by what she had just seen.

"Shall we go?" he asked.

Mia nodded and the two of them stood up. They picked up their trays and took them to the dishwasher on the opposite side of the table. Just as they were leaving Bruce managed to spit out the apple and stormed after them. He grabbed Aaron by the shoulder forcing him to turn around. He then grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. Everyone in the cafeteria sat silently afraid of what was about to happen. Someone had just stood up to Bruce. Now he was in for it.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't pummel you into the pavement!"

Aaron reached up and grabbed Bruce's paw and twisted it around forcing him to let go of his collar. In seconds Bruce was down on one knee writhing in pain.

"You give me one good reason why I shouldn't just pull your whole arm out of it's socket."

He squeezed Bruce's paw.

"Hey, come on! Let go!"

He squeezed his paw a little harder now.

"You just stay quiet and listen good."

Aaron looked up to the rest of the jocks who were to afraid to move at this point.

"This goes for you three as well. From now on the only reason you'll come in here is to eat and nothing more. You're gonna start leaving the others alone. Especially the ones that can't defend themselves. I'll be keeping tabs on you and if I hear that you so much as breathed on someone I'll snap your arms like twigs. You got that."

"Yes." Bruce said weakly.

The other three nodded. Aaron released his grip.

"Good."

He then turned and headed out of the cafeteria with Mia walking beside him.

Meanwhile Tracy and Gary were still trying to make sense of what they had just witnessed. The two of them watched as Aaron and Mia walked out.

"Oh my god!" Tracy started. "Did he just do what I think he did?"

Gary shook his head.

"I can't believe it either. That was incredible."

"Think we should follow them."

"Absolutely!"

The two of them got up took their trays to the dishwasher and walked out of the cafeteria staying close behind Aaron and Mia.

Garrison High School

3:30pm Monday

The rest of the day was rather uneventful although after the short altercation between Aaron and Bruce all the students started warming up to Aaron. Whenever he walked down the hall someone would always say "Hey, great work teaching Bruce a lesson." or "Way to go. Glad to see someone finally put Bruce in his place." The thing was Aaron wasn't doing it for thanks. He was just doing his civic duty as an expert intimidator to make even the biggest bully cower in fear. He didn't think this would be the end of it though. Not by a long shot. He knew better. When Bruce finally licked his wounds he'd be back for more, and Aaron would more than happy to oblige in giving it to him. Of this he was certain.

Mia and Aaron spent the last three of their classes together. The two of them got to know each other a little better during study hall. To Mia, this could only be the best day in school she ever had. During study hall she was even able to introduce Aaron to Gary and Tracy. Now that all of them were acquainted they spent the remainder of the class just talking about whatever was of good topic. Once the final bell rang everyone stormed out into the halls, to their lockers, and out the doors. Aaron, Mia, Tracy, and Gary walked together out to the parking lot. Gary and Tracy gave their goodbyes before they took off in Gary's mini cooper. Now Aaron and Mia were by themselves.

"So," Aaron started. "You need a ride home?"

"Well since Gary and Tracy already took off without me. I'd say yes.

Aaron shook his head and laughed.

"Okay. You know, I can't help but think that they set us up."

Mia nodded with a laugh.

"You may be right. Those two never quit."

They walked across the parking lot to Aaron's car.

"So I take it this isn't the first time they've done this then?"

Mia shook her head.

"I'm afraid so. They do this to me all the time. Set me up with a hot guy, then run when they get the first..."

She stopped when she realized what she had just said. She looked at Aaron who started to grin. She blushed.

"Did I just say that out loud?"

Aaron burst out laughing.

"Trust me Mia, you're not the first girl in the world to call me hot. I've learned to take it as a compliment. So don't be embarrassed."

She breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's just that sometimes I tend to run at the mouth."

"Don't worry about it."

The two of them climbed into his car and closed the doors. It was actually rather cozy for a two seater. Aaron started the ignition and turned on the radio. Reaching under the overhead visor he took out a CD and slid it into the console.

"I hope you don't mind Alice Cooper." he said.

"I've never really heard any of her songs."

Aaron laughed at this as he pulled out of the parking space and headed for the street.

"What's so funny?" Mia asked.

"Alice Cooper is a guy."

Mia's face turned beet red.

"Oh my god."

"Don't worry. You're not the first to make that mistake."

Aaron signaled left and pulled out into the street. On the way home they just listened to the music while Mia gave him directions to her house. They finally reached a large neighborhood with trees lined up and down the streets. As they headed down Mia pointed out where her house was. Aaron pulled his car into a cul-de-sac and up the empty driveway of Mia's house.

"Well," said Aaron. "Here we are."

"Thanks for the ride." said Mia. "I really appreciate it."

Aaron held a hand up.

"Hey, no problem. Glad to help."

"If you don't mind me asking, could I have your phone number?"

Aaron smiled.

"Sure. I can give you my cell number."

Mia took out her cell phone and dialed in his numbers.

"It's two, nine, seven, six, nine, eight, five."

"Okay, shall I give you mine?"

"I wouldn't worry about it. I have caller ID so I can just get the number from there."

Mia nodded.

"Okay."

She picked up her backpack and opened the door.

"Would you like to come in for a while?"

Aaron gave a quick sigh.

"Sadly I'll have to take a rain check but, I'll come by in the morning to pick you up before school."

"Okay. I'll see you later then."

She stepped out of the car and closed the door. Aaron slowly backed his car out of the driveway. When Mia turned around to wave goodbye to him she was puzzled to see his car pull into another driveway across the street. The engine stopped and Aaron stepped out. As he was heading up to the porch he turned around to see Mia looking at him from across the street.

"Well what do you know. We're neighbors!" he shouted to her.

Mia just shook her head with a laugh as she watched him go inside.

"What a guy." she told herself.

Inside, Aaron walked past the living room flopping his backpack onto the couch and into the kitchen. Going strait for the fridge he took out a Pepsi and walked back to the living room and up a staircase. At the top he headed down the left hall and walked to the door at the very end. When he opened it he stepped inside. The room was draped with computers and other high tech gadgets some of which even Aaron didn't know what they did. Propping himself on a table he turned to where a woman was typing away at a keyboard.

"So Lisa, any clues yet?" he asked.

Lisa turned around. She was a human woman in her early forties and stood around five foot six with short blonde hair and blue eyes. She was wearing a pair of glasses, a white lab coat over a red long sleeved shirt, a black skirt that went just below her knees, and a pair of black high heels.

"As a matter of fact we have." she said. "Take a look at this."

She turned back to the computer and brought up a list on the monitor. Aaron hopped down from the table and walked up to the computer.

"In the last few hours we've received ten unconfirmed reports of a creature running loose in this area. The descriptions have been relatively vague but we're almost certain that it is a carrier."

Aaron started reading down the list.

"Long claws, multiple eyes, large teeth, long pointed tail, drool. Sounds like a B-movie. Okay so now what? I go and investigate."

Lisa sighed.

"I'm afraid that's all you can do for now. If it's just one or two you should be able to handle it but if you find a nest nearby we'll have to wait until the rest of the team shows up."

"Any word on them?"

Lisa adjusted her glasses.

"Cain has just completed his mission and we've received word that Terry is on his way right now. He should be here by Wednesday."

"What about Spike?"

"We haven't received word on his progress yet."

Aaron went back to the table and sat down. Taking the Pepsi he popped the top and took a drink.

"Well then, looks like I'll have to deal with this little matter myself for now."