A Martin Mystery & X-Men Evolution Story

Gecko

Chapter 1

Changes

Have you ever felt you were different from other people? Thought you don't fit in with groups at school? Maybe you felt out of place for certain reasons that you couldn't explain or understand. Be it bullies, personal or mental problems, issues with friends or family, whatever it was there are reasons for one to feel a certain disappointment with themselves.

For one person in particular, she was feeling as though she should crawl in a hole and stay there until the end of time. Call that crazy but people can feel that way. Her life was crumbling before her eyes like an ice berg clashing into pieces as it falls into the water. Slipping through her fingers like sand on a beach. Fading away like fog over time when the sun comes out. What was once a solid foundation is now in a wreckage thanks to poor location. The balance has been corrupted. The scales are tipping more on one side then the other.

There are many different ways to describe ones situation and the mood that bests describes how they feel at the exact moment. Perhaps the ways I explained just now are a bit much but how else would one describe? When someone is feeling that the world is against them how does one describe their mood? Its not that I'm trying to make it sound depressing. It is this case the person whose emotional mood I am trying to describe is between sorrow and depression. But I am getting ahead of myself. The story hasn't even begun and here I am ranting on about depression and sorrow. Let's start over from the beginning and take it from there.

~Torrington Academy - 12:15 pm~

Torrington Academy, a high academic school where great minds come to obtain a higher education before going off into the working world. The minds of the young, soaking up information like a sponge. Absorbing everything they learned throughout the day through memory and in their notebooks. Afterwards they take that information, study, take tests, get graded and repeat. That's just school stuff. Who wants to get into all that boring stuff? No, this isn't what are story is about. Our story is about a couple of teenager, a caveman, an alien and a group of mutants. Yes it is an odd group but it'll grow into something amazing overtime. Allow me to give you guys the short version of a tale as old as time. (I know that sounded corny just bare with it.)

Here's the short version of a long detailed story.

Martin Mystery and Diana Lombard, two teenagers who work for "The Center" under the watchful eye of M.O.M. who oversees their investigations of paranormal activities with the aid of their friends Java the Caveman and Billy, the alien. Together the group have taken on countless aliens, vampires, sea creatures, ghosts, warlocks, etc. They have been on too many missions to count but every one of them they came out victorious. There wasn't anything these guys couldn't do. No matter what the outcome. No matter the unexpected twist. No matter if one or most of them were possessed by an evil spirit. No matter if they didn't always see eye-to-eye. They were a great paranormal team.

Sadly though, things couldn't always stay the way they were. After a downfall evaluation, Diana switched sides and worked for another paranormal agency known as the CIHL. That was run by a woman named Octavia Paine who hired Diana to come work for her. Using temptation and some sweet talk she brought Diana over to work for her. Soon she began to Outwit Martin at his own game. Catching his monsters, rubbing in his face that she was beating him at his own game and putting her skills to good use, or so she thought.

Turns out Diana was working for an organization who only wanted to obtain each captured monster/creature for their skills and powers too create the most powerful creature that would be under their control. By the time Diana discovered the truth it was too late to walk away. She was place in a chamber where she under went a mutation change. Had she not gotten a message out to Martin to come save her, her mind would probably have been lost. After discovering Octavia's true intentions the siblings teamed up once again. Returning to "The Center" to take on the Ultimate Creature and Octavia. They won the battle of course and got Diana back to her normal non-lizard self.

After that things started to return to normal, or did it? Diana and Martin may have be working together again but that didn't mean they were on good terms. Diana's betrayal ticked off Martin more than she thought. At first he didn't show his anger. Kept it to himself. Keeping quiet and doing his own thing. Didn't bother Diana as much as he usually did, least not at the time. After a week he began to do small things like trip her when she stepped out of class or pull a prank like whoopie cushions on her chair or fake spiders on her shoulder. After two weeks of these childish pranks Martin decided to kick it up a notch.

One day during lunch period when Diana was just getting her lunch from Java. He was serving spaghetti and meatballs that day with a small Cesar salad on the side. Billy was in line with her getting his own lunch. After doing his time running the Center while M.O.M. was away he was back at Torrington in his human form with his friends. While back he and Java noticed Martin's behavior towards Diana and grew concerned that he was still upset with her after the incident at the Center. Little did they know Martin was about to conduct his greatest prank on Diana. Thanking Java, Diana walked over to where her friend Jenny was sitting and waiting. As she made her way over that was when shit hit the fan. Martin activated his latest prank. With the push of a button he released a net that was holding over a hundred water balloons filled with pain inside onto the exact spot Diana stood. (Do not ask me how he did it but I will say he has been working late into the night to pull this off.) She didn't have enough time to react. It happened in the blink of an eye. Diana soon found herself covered in paint. Along with the floor surrounding her and her tray of food that she dropped when the heavy force of paint balloons fell onto her.

By the time the show was over Diana was on her knees covered in dripping paint. It was all over, her hair, her clothes, she looked like a drenched rat who came out of the sewers ending up in a paint spillage. By the time it was over the whole cafeteria was silent. Diana let out a couple heavy coughs before regaining her breathe. That balloon attack came at her like a ton a bricks. An unexpected ton of weight that came crushing down on her. It could had been worse and it was about to be for the silence in the cafeteria was soon replaced with the sound of laughter. Upon lifting her head up from the ground to see everyone laughing at her. Well okay that's not entirely true. Some of the teens in the room looked down on Diana with pity. She didn't deserve this. She didn't deserve to be humiliated. Diana didn't know what to feel or how to react. At that very moment she had mixed feelings. Then Martin popped out from his hiding spot laughing his head off, pointing at her. Diana took notice of the remote in his hand. It didn't take her long to put two-and-two together. At that moment Diana wanted to do one of two choices. Beat up Martin until he was in too much pain to leave his bed for a good couple weeks; or breakdown in tears and run out of the cafeteria back to her dorm room.

She could have done both but instead she did something unexpected. Jenny, Java and Billy wwere coming over to help Diana up and take her to the nurse's office but Diana stopped them. She wasn't going to have anyone help her out of pity. She would get up on her own two feet, walk out of the cafeteria with what little dignity she had left back to her dorm. Ignoring the laughter, the looks, the humiliation. She sent Martin a quick death glare before walking out. She could still hear the laughter as she walked down the corridors to the stairs. Leaving painted footprints behind with each step she took. She was beyond furious with Martin. Humiliating her like that in front of everyone and for what?

It was a good thing she was a civilized person or there would be hell to pay. For now, the best thing Diana could do was go to her room, wash up and then figure out how to get back at Martin. Walking to her room, Diana rubbed her head despise the soaked paint. No point in worrying about that since she was covered in paint from head-to-toe. The pressure of all those balloons falling on her left an uncomfortably strong headache. One that was growing worse as she drew closer to her room. Perhaps all the rage that was building up within her was having an affect on her mind? It wasn't until she took a shower to wash off the paint that her headache begin to disappear. Had to be all the pressure. What Martin did back there was unacceptable. To humiliate her in front of everyone like that was the last straw. She would not forgive him so easily nor would she acknowledge his presence.

Martin did not deserve to be forgiven so easily for his sick joke. How could he do this to her? Why did he do this? Martin had been known for his stupidity but this was beyond that. He had a sick sense of humor when it came to jokes. He was always known for playing sick jokes but now he'd gone too far. How she would get back at him for this stunt would take time but she would get back at him. Turning the nozzle to the left Diana shut the water off. Taking a few moments to collect her thoughts before leaving the shower. Towel wrapped around her body as she left the bathroom to get dressed. She didn't have much time to relax. Lunch period would be over soon meaning Diana would have to go to her next class. Which meant she would have to face everyone. Which meant she would face the laughter all over again. To hear the laughter. To have all eyes locked on her. Did she dare face Deja vu? Twice in one day in a short period of time.

She couldn't do it but she couldn't miss class either. Sitting on her bed Diana hung her head down. Running fingers through her hair the tears began to fall from her eyes. Dropping onto the wooden floor beneath her feet. As the tears continued to shed a small puddle was made in between Diana's feet. It couldn't be helped. The tears were coming out non-stop. Her feelings were hurt thanks to Martin's cruel joke. He had no idea how much of an effect this was having on Diana's heart. Even if Diana told Martin he wouldn't listen, he didn't care. Apparently he was still ticked off about what happened with Octavia, her ultimate creature and Diana's betrayal. She could not understand why he was still holding onto a grudge. It wasn't like Diana was the only one to make mistakes. Martin had a list of mistakes that rolled out the door that he'd done. You don't see her holding a grudge against him.

The tears continued to fall from her eyes. Growing faster the more she thought of what happened. It was times like this Diana wished she could make herself invisible, crawl into a hole and stay there for the next millennium. That may be overthinking the situation. On the other hand what was wrong with wanted to just disappear? If only for a while. Long. Short. What difference did it make? Did it even matter if she disappeared after today? No I do not mean Diana was thinking about killing herself. Goodness no, never! No, it's just after today's incident she was thinking about leaving Torrington to transfer to another school. It wouldn't be forever or maybe it would. Even if this whole thing blew over who's to say Martin wouldn't try something like this again? He will say one thing but actually mean something different. There were several times Diana almost wanted to whack Martin on his head or bop him, like whack-a-mole. The boy crawled under her skin like a parasite that didn't want to go. No matter how many times she tried to pick, scratch and poke the sucker he would stick to her like glue. This time Martin brought an irritating itch to Diana's body that could not be easily scratched. The only thing Diana wanted more than anything was to release herself of that itch.

Where would she go? She couldn't stay in her room forever. It would had been nice but she knew better than that. This whole thing was enough to make Diana scream. Martin had crossed the line with that paint balloon surprise. Did he even care that she almost got injured because of all that pressure falling on top of her? Course he didn't. He was laughing his guts out when he saw the success of his prank.

"Ugh! Martin Mystery...You...You...You...JERK!" Diana's anger had built up causing her to throw a fist at the wall. She didn't know what she was doing until she opened her eyes to see the damage she'd done.

Somehow instead of causing pain to shot to her hand, she made a hole in the wall with her fist in it. Shock overcame her. Who knew Diana had such a strong punch in her? More importantly since when was she so strong? Slowly she pulled her fist out of the hole. Bits of wood and concrete fell to the floor and in the wall. Diana's eyes moved from the hole to her fist to the wall again and then her fist once more. There wasn't a scratch on her. She was baffled, confused, surprised, all the above. There was no explination to how she broke through the wall with a punch. Backing away to get a better look at her handy work, Diana took a few deep breathes to help clear her head and heart. Which she didn't know was pounding like a drum. As soon as her heart settled down Diana tried to figure out how she made that hole in the wall and why her fist didn't maintain any damage.

Her thoughts were cut short when a knocking came at the door. Quickly Diana grabbed something to cover the hole in the wall before going to answer the door. Outside her door were Jenny, Java and Billy. All three had concerned looks on their faces.

"Diana are you okay? You took off from the cafeteria after that paint balloon surprise explosion." Said Jenny. "Do you want to talk about what happened at all?"

"I...I don't wanna talk about it right now Jenny." Said Diana trying to avoid bringing up what happened. The only thing she wanted was to be left alone to collect her thoughts. "Look I appreciate you and the boys coming to check up on me but really I just need some alone time."

"Diana sure she okay?" Asked Java. "Martin's joke wasn't funny."

"I agree, Martin went too far this time. You sure you don't need us to keep you company or be your listening ears?" Asked Billy.

"We could go see the principle. Tell him what happened so he punishes Martin for that dirty prank." Began Jenny getting serious. "I mean what the hell was he thinking? You could had gotten seriously injured or worse. I know Martin likes to pull pranks but that was beyond a normal prank."

"Really Jenny you don't have to d-Ugh!" Diana was beginning to speak when a surge of pain ran through her head. She grabbed her head, closed her eyes waiting for the pain to pass.

"Diana okay? Want Java to take to nurse?" Asked a concerned Java.

"No, no its probably no-Ah!" Diana began only to have her sentence cut short by another surge of pain.

Concerned, the trio tried reaching out to Diana. Only to be turned away rather quickly.

"I-I need to be alone. Go to class without me. I will join you later, go!"

She slammed the door on the trio and slide down to the floor holding her head. Sweat began to develop on her head. Dripping slowly from her forehead down her face. Like drops of water from a leaf. She wasn't sweating a lot but she was sweating. If her head wasn't in so much pain she would get up and walk into the bathroom. The pain started to subside but only for a moment. The pain grew more intense. Diana gripped onto handful of hair as she tried to get through the pain without screaming at the top of her lungs.

She closed her eyes and waited for the pain to just disappear but it just kept coming. It was coming at her like a paintball gun that was aimed at her head then went off repeatedly. She wanted to move but could not. Not without setting off the pain. All she could do was sit it out until the pain finally died down.

For the longest time Diana sat on the floor. Back against the door, hands gripping her hair. Pain attacking her head non-stop. There was no end to it. This day could not get any worse. Suddenly, it stopped, the pain came to a sudden halt. It didn't make much sense. A second ago Diana's head was throbbing in pain the next it disappeared. As soon as Diana realized the pain was gone she released her grip on her hair. Slowly lowering her hands down to the floor giving herself a chance to breathe a sigh of relief. She stayed where she was for a short while before getting up on her feet to walk into the bathroom. Whatever was going on with her body wasn't something she could handle right now. Her afternoon was already going down hill thanks to Martin and now her body was against her. Diana could not catch a break.

Reaching the bathroom Diana sat down on the toilet, leaned forward, taking deep breathes and closed her eyes. Letting her mind wander off as the pain subsided. For what felt like the longest time, Diana stayed where she was in the bathroom. It killed her to be skipping one of her classes but that didn't matter. Her personal health issues were keeping her back for reasons she could not explain. It could have been something normal. Maybe her mind was playing tricks on her after that prank fiasco? It could be possible. Perhaps she just needed to take some time for herself? Lay down on the bed until her mind became clear. Maybe take a nap? What did she have to lose?

(Several Hours Later)

Several hours had gone by since Diana had fallen asleep. She could not remember when she had fallen asleep or what time but when she had woken up and looked out the window the sun had disappeared from the sky. Who would have thought a simple nap would last longer than she anticipated. Suppose it didn't matter now. What was done was done. Might as well get up and collect the homework she missed from her classes. That is to say she would have to sneak off without drawing attention from anyone. Or should I say everyone. After the cafeteria incident Diana did not want t draw attention to herself. Her best option was too wear a disguise. There had t be something in her closet she could put together, or she could just wear her bad girl outfit again. No, Martin, Java, and Billy would recognize her. But what choice did she have? Her school work was important. She was going to have to take a chance with her disguise and take it from there.

Getting changed Diana was thinking all about the afternoon's events. The memory played over and over in her head like a broken record. To think all those minor pranks weeks earlier were leading up to this. Diana didn't understand it. Why was Martin so ticked off with her? It wasn't like he didn't mess things up or doom the world with his stupidity. He had done all that several times. True Diana was mad with his at the beginning but she did not do anything like Martin did to her. What was his problem? Did he not remember all the times she had to rescue his hind or save the world? Did Mom not recall any of those moments? Diana had worked her fingers to the bone and this was the thanks she got? What was the point of doing good if all her hard work was pushed aside to humiliate her? Why did Mom show those videos of her screwing up when she had done so much more then that? Why did Martin have to be such a jerk and prank her like that? Why she still part of an organization that didn't appreciate her?

It wasn't the appreciation that Diana cared for. I mean a tad bit sure but what she wanted the most was for everyone to see her for being a great Center agent. It wasn't about the fame and glory or getting a compliment once in a while. What mattered was being known as a hard working agent who put everything into saving the world and stopping any aliens or monsters who wanted to take over the planet. Why was it so difficult for Mom, Martin or anyone to realize that?

Before she could put on her boots and head out the door, Diana felt the familiar jolt of pain come rushing to her head again. Only this time it ran throughout her entire body. It wasn't so much like last time with the feeling of a load of bricks falling onto her but rather more of a jolt of electricity. Diana could feel her body giving out as she fell off her bed. She couldn't move as her body went into a state of shock. She began to spaz. Her body was shaking like a blender. Almost as if she were having a seizure. She wanted to scream but her throat dried out and her tongue felt numb. All she could do was lay on the floor until her body calmed down. Hopefully she wouldn't suffer this insane shock much longer. Her body spaz for the longest time when in reality it was only a couple minutes. The shaking seized as did the pain. Soon her body calmed down. Taking a couple deep breathes Diana collected herself from the floor into a sitting position next to the bed. She broke down in tears. Something was clearly wrong with her but she had no idea what. Diana didn't know it yet but she was going through a much larger change in her body. One that would change her inside and out.

The next current events to happen occurred all at once. Just as Diana was starting to calm down another sudden pulse of pain shot throughout her body. She let out a yelp then fell on her knees. Using one hand to grip her stomach as the changes began. Within moments Diana was feeling a surge of electricity before she passed out. It wasn't until early in the morning around three when Diana woke up. Alone on her bedroom floor. Taking a few seconds to collect herself, Diana sat up giving her head a light rub. Memories of last night were a blur until she went too the bathroom to splash water to wake herself up.

Took no more than a few seconds to see that the changes overnight had done a number on her. If she hadn't remembered what time it was she might have woken up everyone in school. All Diana could do was cover her mouth and stare at the face looking back at her in the mirror. Her own reflection. A reflection of a face she once recognized had changed into something she thought she would never see again. It was Deja Vu. Her skin was green, she eyes looked much like a cats and let us not forget the long reptilian tail moving behind her. Yes, Diana had become a mutant, again.

"No...No it can't be. I-I can't be..." She leans closer getting a better look at her reflection. She studied her reflection in the mirror. Taking time to examine her facial features. Was this her face? Was this now her face that was green as a cucumber? (Maybe more apple color but that doesn't matter.) "No...I have to be dreaming. This can't be my face." Diana gave her left arm a hard pinch in hopes of waking herself up but it never came. Just a slight pain in the spot she pinched herself.

This was no dream nor did it feel like another trick from Martin. Diana had turned back to her mutant form. How this happened or why it was happening was beyond her knowledge. What mattered now was getting herself back to normal. She could go too the Center. M.O.M could change her back to normal; but what if it couldn't be done? Diana was cured before and yet here she was looking back at her previous mutant state. Which meant she wasn't fully cured. That time in that slime chamber must have changed her DNA more than realized. This could be a permanent change. The thought of that worried Diana. Her anxiety was inching up the more she thought about it. How was she going to get cured or explain how this happened?

There wasn't anything she could do now. All she could do was sleep on it and make a plan early in the morning before class. After today's event's it was best to have another sick day. Stay far away from people, especially Martin and her other friends. They didn't need to know about this. Not yet anyway. She would tell them but she did not know how. For now, sleep was her only requirement. Tomorrow was another day and with a new day there would hopefully be a new hope.

End of Chapter 1

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