Max, CJ and Miss Sue retired for the night. Each one of them was was exhausted in their own way. Max's body was still adjusting to its new form and he was steal healing from his fire rage state, Miss Sue was exhausted from working extra shifts all week and CJ was a little tired from dealing with children all day and worrying about his friend. The next day, Miss Sue got t relax because none of the jobs she worked allowed her to work on Sundays. CJ and Max had breakfast and then headed to the warehouse. On their way, they found Sue who was also on her way.
" Hey Sue, what are you doing up so early?" Max asked.
" Phoenix sent me a message. Didn't you guys get one?"
"We don't have phones yet."
"Ok for Max I understand but CJ? I thought you you were rich. Can't you buy yourself a phone?"
"Sue my friend, you do not know the kind of parents I have. Any about the message Phoenix sent."
"Oh yeah. He wants us to head over and help him with the teens we 'rescued' yesterday."
" I forgot about them. Let's go." A few minutes passed and the teens got to the warehouse. Rin and Phoenix were standing, waiting for the others to show up.
" Morning. Ready do be judges today."
"For what?" Max asked.
" For the try-outs of course. Remember most of the kids we brought back are mutants so there's bound to be a couple of strong ones. "
" As usual, our leader is going to be a part of this. He and I will be the first two judges. Decide between yourselves who will be the third."
CJ, Rin and Sue stared at each other before they each yelled, "I'll be the third."
" Reasons? "
" I've been Max's friends the longest and I know a strong mutant when I see one. "
" Oh please CJ. I've been his friend the longest. Besides, we fought side by side against those green beasts. You two were just standing as you left Harvey to do everything. "
" It's cool Max. I don't want to be a judge anymore. Let your friends decide. I'm cool with whatever decision you make...leader." Rin casually replied.
Max eventually chose CJ because he truly was his first friend. Sue and Rin were going to act more less like coordinators. Phoenix drove Max and his friends to his mansion. It was about the same size as CJ's but it was more classy. It had eight floors and a large compound, surrounded by a huge brick wall. The compound was filled with hedges that were shaped in Phoenix's likeness. The middle of the compound had a huge statue of Phoenix made of marble, a very hard substance to come by in this day.
" What's with all of this?" Max asked.
" Can't I use my money to love myself."Phoenix grinned. Phoenix led the teens, who were wearing their masks, to his backyard which was much more bigger than the front. It looked to be around thirty acres with beautiful flowers on every corner. Unfortunately for Phoenix, the teens they 'rescued' had slightly damaged the backyard. There were craters, scorch marks and burning bushes around the yard.
" My compound. MY COMPOUND (inhales deeply) NOOOOOOOO." Phoenix cried. The rescued teens felt a little sad for him but then they got back to what they were doing. Phoenix placed two of his fingers around his lips and whistled loudly.
" Listen up. Today three of you will get a chance to become official members of the Cold Flame Gang."
" Who are they?" One of the teens yelled from the back. Phoenix stepped aside and Max, the fireman, stood in front for all the world to see.
"It's the fireman."
"He's real. I thought that was CGI."
" Finally, a chance to become something great."
" Alright listen up," Max yelled with his unnatural deepened voice. " My friends have decided to take in three of you to became official members of our gangs inner circle. The rest of you will become outside members, that is if you agree to join us. The lucky three will be judged and selected by me, the 'fireman.' "
" Why should we listen to you?"
" Yeah. How do we know your not some adult that want free child labour?" Max expected some of the teens to show resentment to him and his gang so as a way to gain their trust, he took off his Max, showing his red fiery hair and young face.
" Just like you I am a teen. My father was killed by three gangsters belonging to the Grey Cobra's gang. With your help, we will become the biggest and greatest gang in the world and what makes it even better....IT'S RUN BY KIDS." There were cheers going on after Max's motivational speech and he kind of felt good.
" Someone's enjoying being leader." CJ said.
" Hey, someone has to lead, am I right." Max replied. A few minutes passed and the try outs begun. Max, Phoenix and CJ had one hundred twenty eight teens to judge so their day was going to be long.
The first kid to step up was a thirteen year old boy with a rather small frame but large hands. CJ was a little skeptical about him so he told the kid to take it easy. Insulted by CJ's remark, the boy got in a fighting stance and prepared his presentation. Just like Harvey, his arms started to stretch out. They became longer but thinner as they stretched out more. The body swung them up and down several times but there was nothing impressive about him.
" Thank you young man. Please move over to the right." Phoenix said. The young boy kicked the soil under his feet out of frustration and did as Phoenix told. The second person to come up was another boy who looked to be older than Max. He was much bigger than all of the cold flame gang members and he was wearing a sleeveless shirt. He had brown hair, light brown skin and a small beard that grew under his nose. The boy bowed to each one of the judges first before he show cased his skills. After the bow, he stepped back a little and spread out his arms and feet. Nothing happened at first but then, his flesh started falling off.
" Oh crap. This is bringing back some serious deja vu right now." CJ said in a disgusted tone. The boy ignored CJ and continued with his presentation. The missing patches of his skin were being replaced by hard, bone-looking spikes. The bone spikes covered his body like a suit of armor, making him look dangerous but cool at the same time. His head also grew out two arched bones at his forehead, making him look like some mythological beast.
" Fantastic skill young man. Please move over to the left." The boy cheered quietly and moved over, letting the other participant to join in. The next participant was a black teenage girl with shining blue eyes, black hair locks and a cocky smile on her beautiful face. CJ couldn't help but stare at the girl who looked to be around her age. Max stomped on CJ's foot before saying, " Please show us your skill so that we can get on with this."
" Oh I know you'll be blown away by this." The girl moved back a little and knelt with one fist on the ground and her head looking down. She lifted her head quickly and stared directly into Max's eyes. Her blue eyes were glowing much brighter and her arms started lighting up.
*Ding*
[ Advanced Fire Mutant Detected]
A. Make her join your gang.
B. Challenge her to a friendly duel and see whoever is stronger.
C. Kill her before she becomes too strong.