The new guy was a beast. Literally.
Commander Stone stepped into the training room, his broad frame filling the doorway. "Alright, troops. Time to meet your new teammate. He's a bit of a wild card, but he'll be an asset to your little training squad."
The trio of sidekicks straightened up, eager to meet the newest addition to their ranks. Stone motioned to someone waiting in the hall. A tall, lanky figure steps into the room. He had messy brown hair, deep-set eyes, and a slightly awkward demeanour. His gaze sweeps over the room, taking in the training equipment and his new teammates with a hint of apprehension.
"This is Full Moon," Stone introduced, his deep voice filling the room. "And his powers are... well, let's just say they're a little unconventional."
Full Moon stepped forward, his gangly frame almost resembling a beanpole in the baggy tracksuit he wears. "Hey." he mumbled.
"Come on, Full Moon. Show 'em what you got," Stone's tone leaving no room for refusal.
Jake nodded, his jaw set with determination. The room falls silent as he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. At first, nothing happens. Then, with a low growl, his body begins to transform. His limbs lengthen, his bones cracking and rearranging themselves. Thick brown fur sprouts from his skin, covering his now muscular frame. His face elongates, his jaw becoming more pronounced, and sharp claws extend from his fingertips. In mere moments, he's transformed into a towering werewolf-like creature, standing over seven feet tall, a snarl of aggression baring his sharp teeth and rippling muscles.
"Holy shit," Jetstream whispered, he looked impressed. Zephyr had to look away, the body morphing display too much for her. As for Allison, an avid horror enthusiast, she thought it was so damn cool.
Commander Stone claps his hands, his stony features betraying a hint of approval. "There you have it, grunts. Now you've got a real monster on your team. Time to step up your game."
Full Moon, still in his werewolf form, opens his mouth to speak, but all that escapes is a deep, guttural growl.
"Don't worry, he can't talk in that form," Stone explains with a slight smirk. "But don't let that fool you. That thing in there is still a man."
Allison took a cautious step forward, her curiosity getting the better of her. "So, is this your true form, or did you get bitten by a werewolf or something? Can it only happen on full moons?"
Full Moon growled again, but Stone answered, "Whenever he wants. But he does have a knack for losing control during a full moon. Could be dangerous if you get on his bad side."
The team exchanged glances, could such a wild card really work in a team?
Commander Stone wasted no time putting the new team to the test. "Full Moon, Nightshade, front and centre." He pointed to the centre of the training room. "Let's see what you're both made of."
Full Moon offered a slight nod, his eyes never leaving Allison's. She felt a tingle of unease.
"Engage!" Commander Stone ordered.
Full Moon lunged, claws out, his movements surprisingly agile for his size. Allison dodged, reaching out with her telekinetic powers to grasp a nearby training dummy. She hurled it at her opponent, who effortlessly swatted it away with a powerful backhand. The force of his strike sent the dummy flying across the room, crashing into the wall with a thud.
Allison's eyes widened at the display of strength, but she refused to back down. She lunged forward, her purple telekinetic energy forming a shield around her fist as she threw a punch. Full Moon blocked with an open palm, the impact sending a jolt through Allison's arm. She felt the power in him, an unwavering force that seemed to radiate from his very core.
Full Moon countered with a swift kick, his clawed foot aiming for Allison's midsection. She drew on her powers, creating a telekinetic barrier that deflected the blow. The impact rattled her, but she refused to yield, lashing out with a combination of punches and kicks, each infused with her purple energy. Full Moon blocked and parried, his lupine form graceful despite its bulk.
In the next vicious exchange, Full Moon's claws caught the fabric of Allison's top. With a sharp tug, the crop top was pulled off, exposing breasts underneath.
With a shriek, Allison covered her breasts, her lapse in concentration allowing Full Moon to strike. His clawed hand connected with her exposed abdomen, the impact sending her staggering backwards. She stumbled, the wind knocked out of her, and fell to one knee.
"Enough!" Commander Stone's booming voice filled the room. "Full Moon takes the point. Now, rookie," he turned to Allison. "This is a prime example of why you need to stay focused, even when shit like this happens." He gestured to her bare chest, his expression stern. "In the heat of battle, you can't afford to let a little wardrobe malfunction throw you off your game. You have to adapt and keep fighting."
Allison's burned with embarrassment as she hid her breasts. "Yes, sir," she mumbled, her eyes downcast.
Commander Stone took a step towards her. His expression softening, "Come on, rookie, get up and dust yourself off. Don't let a bit of exposed skin hold you back."
Zephyr and Jetstream exchanged glances, unsure how to react to Stone's demand.
"I said, get up," Stone's voice held a hint of impatience. "You're a big girl now, aren't you? Part of being a hero is embracing the skin you're in. You can't go around covering up all the time. Especially when you're in the middle of a fight."
Allison's eyes widened at his words. Slowly, she rose to her feet. Her hands still covering her breasts.
"Now, let's see those tits," Stone's tone was casual, as if he were asking her to show him her new armour. "Let's get used to the idea that sometimes, your clothes might not be there to protect you. The bad guys sure as hell won't care."
A tense silence hung in the air. Allison hesitated.
"Don't make me ask again." Stone's voice was like steel.
Allison moved her hands away, exposing her breasts to the room. The cool air washed over her sensitive skin, and she fought the urge to cross her arms back over her chest.
"There we go," Stone nodded in approval. "Now, hold it right there for the next ten minutes. Everyone get a good look."
The room fell silent as Allison stood there, exposed. Her skin prickled with goose bumps as she felt the weight of their gazes. Jetstream's eyebrows raised, taking in the sight of her bare breasts. A smile crossing his lips, his appreciation evident. Full Moon, still in his lupine form, stood tall, his sharp eyes fixed on Allison, she sensed an animalistic hunger coming from him. Even Commander Stone seemed to regard her with a hint of approval, as if satisfied that she had overcome her initial reluctance.
For Allison, the seconds ticked by like hours. She felt vulnerable and humiliated, but she refused to let it show. She knew that this was a crucial part of her training—to be comfortable with her body and to not let her physical form hold her back, no matter the circumstance.
Zephyr, always empathetic, shifted uncomfortably. She wanted to offer words of support, but the steadfast look on Allison's face made her realise now wasn't the time.
Commander Stone finally broke the silence. "Alright, that's enough for today. Full Moon, you've made an impressive start. Nightshade, you've shown resilience and adaptability, but you need to be prepared for anything. And Jetstream, well, I don't need to tell you to keep your eyes on the prize."
As if waking from a trance, the sidekicks snapped back into focus. Jetstream cleared his throat, offering Allison a subtle thumbs-up, his eyes unable to look away. Full Moon had resumed his human form, his gangly frame now clothed in the baggy tracksuit once more.
Allison hurriedly pulled her top back on, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She wanted to flee, but she held her ground, straightening her back and offering a small nod to Commander Stone. "Thank you, sir." she said, grateful that the ordeal was over.
"You did good rookie. This kind of shit is important, and you passed the first test. Now get out of here, all of you. Report back tomorrow, ready for more."
As they filed out of the training room, Jetstream nudged Allison's shoulder, a playful grin on his face. "That was something else, Nightshade. Didn't know you had all that going on under your suit."
Full Moon lingered by the door, a shy smile on his face. "I got a little carried away. Sorry."
"It's fine," she muttered, waving off the apology. "It was just part of the training, right?"
Zephyr, always perceptive, linked arms with Allison as they made their way down the hall. "Well, that was certainly an interesting way to bond as a team."
They shared a laugh, the tension of the moment beginning to dissipate.