Test of Might

Test of Might is the seventeenth episode of the series, Mutant Drake.

Plot
On the road, traveling away, the sky is seen mildly bright with a shade of orange, indicating that its sometime in the afternoon, with a few clouds overhead. As the view lowers, trees are now seen, standing by the side of the road with many leaves at their feet. The road, itself, is broken up but still mostly together, with grass growing from between its cracks. The news van is seen passing through the area, driving along the road.

Inside the van, Drake is seen laying on the bench, in the back, looking up the van's ceiling, thoughtfully. The view then pans towards the front of the van, showing John, driving, and Kate, with her eyes closed, leaning towards the window. John's eyes shift back and forth as he drives, looking out at the road ahead of him.

Drake, calling from the back: John.

John, driving: Yeah?

Drake is seen, still looking up at the ceiling.

Drake: How much more until we get there?

John, unseen: Shouldn't be that long now. Should be up ahead, actually.

The scene then cuts to the outside, where the van is seen pulling up to a small space in front of a facility. The van then comes to a stop in front of the view, showing off the front bumper, as the van lights cut off. The driver's side door then swings open with John stepping out, onto the ground, and making his way around the front of the van, to the passenger side door. John stops in front of the door and looks in through the window, seeing Kate, still with her eyes closed, leaning towards it. John taps on the window, softly, which seems to awake Kate. She opens her eyes and looks around slightly, groggy-like. She then sees John through the window who gives a little wave with his hand, smiling slightly. Kate stretches in the car and opens the door, causing John to move out of the way as the door opens.

Kate, getting out of the car: What's going on?

John, as the sound of a door closing is heard: We're here.

Drake is then seen moving into the view, looking up at the facility. He's wearing his new suit, with the googles on but the hood is lowered. There is a logo on the front of the building reading "Aerospace Innovations" but some of the letters are damaged and hard to make out. The facility, itself, is similar to the previous Aerospace Innovations building except this one appears more abandoned. Drake is still seen looking up at the building while John is seen talking to Kate in the background, closing the passenger side door as well. Drake then goes inside. Inside the facility, the lobby is seen but it appeared more wrecked and overrun than the previous building.

Drake, calling out: You both might want to see this.

Drake continues looking around, walking forwards until he steps on something that makes a crunching sound. He looks down and sees a shattered sign with the Aerospace Innovations logo "AI" printed on it. John then rushes in and looks around.

John: Wow. They really changed the place up.

Kate walks inside, looking around, as well.

Kate: Looks like someone ransacked the place.

Drake picks up a small object from the ground, between some of the glass fragments, and looks at it. It looks similar to a black, curved nail belonging to an animal. Drake then looks up, gets up then proceeds to move to the back of the facility. From within a small area, a muffled pounding is heard, getting louder and louder, until the wall busts down, showing off the lobby. Drake then makes his way inside with his axe form activated. He turns down the hallway, deactivating his form. When he makes it to the end of the hall, unlike the previous facility, there is no elevator. Drake then stands there, practically stunned. John and Kate then follow and see Drake standing there.

Drake: It's gone.

Kate: What's gone?

John: The elevator leading to their base...

Kate, turning to Drake: Well, maybe it's somewhere else. This isn't the same facility, guys.

Drake: Kate, that was our only lead. If- If we can't find their base, then it might not even be here.

John: (sighs) I'll get my tablet. I can do a scan of the building, see if there's any signs of activity that we could intercept.

Kate: Yeah, that sounds like a plan.

John then proceeds out of the hallway. Drake continues staring at the blank wall while Kate moves towards Drake.

Kate: Hey... We'll find him, alright?

Drake: Yeah... I know we will, Kate. It's just- this was our only lead.

Kate: So we'll find a new one.

Drake: You make it sound easy. If it's anything like the last time, it's going to take a while and I'm not sure if Owens has that time.

Kate looks down, as if trying to think of something. A creaking noise is then heard from above. Drake and Kate look up.

Kate: Did you hea-

Drake: Sh.

Silence. The noises continue, sounding similar to someone walking above them.

Drake: Something's here.

Kate: Maybe it's John.

Drake, heading out, putting his hood up: Maybe it's not.

Drake then leaves the area and looks up. He sees some stairs leading to the second floor. Drake then decides to climb the stairs and enter a room, he looks around and sees furniture knocked over, more broken glass and broken machinery. Drake readies himself and he continues through the dark room. In the corner, there is a oddly shaped figure. Drake then grunts and tackles the figure.

Drake, grabbing the figure: What are you up to?!

A growling sound is then heard. Drake looks up as a much larger figure rises up, which knocks over some furniture blocking the windows. As the light bleeds into the room, the figure that Drake has in his grasp, is actually a tail which is connected to the larger figure, a large, furry Mutant with claws, sharp teeth and wide eyes. Its fur is black mixed with white. The Mutant looks down at Drake, its mouth unhinges, releasing a roar, showing off its rows of teeth.

Title Sequence

The lobby of Aerospace Innovations is seen, with Drake being thrown through the wall of the second floor and onto the glass on the lobby floor. He curls to the side, in pain, from the impact. The Mutant then busts through the opening in the wall, roaring out at Drake. It then pounces down on him, pinning him down. Drake then throws his legs up, kicking at the Mutant in its stomach, pushing it off of him. Drake then gets up as the Mutant circles around. Drake joins in the circle, attempting to intimidate the Mutant, only for it to growl at him. Drake strikes the Mutant in its nose twice only for it to respond in smacking Drake across the room, crashing into some knocked over chairs. Kate then runs out of the back of the facility.

Kate: Hey, what's going-

Kate then stops as the Mutant turns to her, snarling intensively. Kate backs up slowly as the Mutant continues to advance towards her. It then stops and prepares to pounce only for Drake to tackle it with his ax forms ready.

Drake, tackling the Mutant: RAH!

The two then crash through the window, shattering the glass, and escaping into the front of the facility. The Mutant shakes it head, knocking some pieces of glass off. It then continues to snarl down at Drake who is seen kneeling in front of the facility. He looks up, bearing his teeth. He then charges for the Mutant who attempts to strike him down with his claws but Drake dodges the strike and swings his ax at the Mutant's side, pushing it over with the ax's side rather than its sharp front edge. The Mutant tumbles over, crawling at the road in order to remain upright. The two stare each other down until the ground shakes slightly. Drake looks around as the ground shakes a short moment later. The Mutant looks up, sniffing the air, as if sensing something, as the ground shakes once again. The shaking then stops momentarily only for a humanoid figure crashes between Drake and the Mutant from above, creating a small dust cloud upon impact. Drake is thrown back, onto the ground. He looks up as the dust settles and sees a man standing there in an armored suit. His boots are black, his leggings are of a dark green color with black sides, his top is yellow, sleeve-less but there are straps around his arm. He is also wearing black finger-less gloves and a helmet, showing only his eyes and mouth. The Mutant gets up and strikes at this person only for him to grab the Mutant's arm, struggling slightly but managing to throw it over. Drake jumps out of the way as the Mutant is hurled in his direction, crashing into the news van. The Mutant then lays on the floor, against the van. Drake then gets up, looking at the van, then turns quickly to the man who dusts his hands off.

Man: And that's- (putting his hands on his hips) is how it's done.

He looks up and sees Drake, looking at him.

Man: Oh hey. Didn't you see you there. Well, I mean I did see you fight that badger. At least, I think it's a badger. It could be a badger or something badger-y.

Drake, sounding impatient: Who are you?

Man: Who am I? (chuckle) I'm a superhero.

TBA

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Drake: What?

Man: Well, I'm trying to be a superhero. (noticing Drake's suit) But it seems like I'm not the only one.

Drake, looking down at his suit: I'm not a hero.

Man: If you say so. Besides, I think I handled that much better than you and your ax arms.

Drake: By throwing it into a van?

Man: Van? What are you-

He looks up and sees the Mutant leaning against the news van.

Man, to himself: Aw man... That's the second time this week.

Drake: You want to tell me what the heck you're doing here?

Man: I was going to ask thing. Just less profane. I train here sometimes. And since these monsters like to hang around here, for some reason, it's the perfect place to test my abilities in the open. Now why are you here?

Drake: That's none of your business.

Man: So you're going to be like that? Fine, Mister Hooded Guy. But you seriously don't know what you're- wait. Hooded? You're not- no... The Mutant from New York. You're the Vigilante, aren't you?

Drake doesn't respond.

Man: I don't know why you're here but I do know that you've been causing nothing but trouble in your city and I'm not going to let that happen here. I hope we can settle this peacefully, Vigilante.

Drake then stands ready.

Man: I guess not.

Drake then charges for the man with his ax form but the man stops Drake's arm from completing the strike. Drake looks down at his arm then looks up at the man who smirks. Drake then attacks using his other arm but the man grabs that too.

Man: That'll be enough of that.

Drake: You think so?

Drake then deactivates his ax form, escaping from the man's grasp. The man looks at his own hands, confused, only to be punched in the face repeatedly by Drake. The man stumbles back as Drake takes his hits, he shakes his head only for Drake to swing in with his other arm, knocking the man on the ground. The man holds his nose and shakes his head again while groaning slightly.

Drake, readying his fists: Get up.

The man looks up at Drake.

Man: Sure thing.

The man then puts his hand on the ground while looking up at Drake. Small pebbles around his hand start to move as the ground vibrates softly. A look on concentration is seen beneath the man's helmet. He then releases his grasp and launches straight for Drake, leaping into the air with him. Above the facility and the trees, a city can seen in the distance which Drake looks at while looking around at their current height. Gravity then takes its turn as they both drop to the ground, the man, still grabbing Drake, leaning him to the ground until they impact with it, leaving behind another dust cloud. As the dust dissipates, Drake is seen lying on the ground with the man standing over him. Kate then runs out of the facility and sees this.

Kate: What's going on?

The man then turns and sees Kate. He looks surprised.

Man, to himself: No, no, no. I'm not ready for this...

Drake groans as he tries to pick himself up. The man looks down at Drake.

Man: This isn't over, Vigilante. Consider this a warning.

The man then walks towards the news van and grabs the Mutant Badger, struggling slightly to pick it up with both hands. When he manages to, he turns to Kate, still confused by the current situation.

Man: You might want to get somewhere safe... and I'm sorry about your van, miss.

The man then leaps, launching through the air, with the Mutant in hand. Kate looks up and sees the man soaring through the skies. She then looks down and sees Drake barely getting up on his own. She goes over to him and tries to help him.

Kate: Hey. Hey. Are you okay? What happened?

Drake: He happened. (groans while holding side)

The scene then cuts over to the inside of the news van with John patching Drake up with some bandages. The suit is currently in its display so Drake is wearing just his shirt along with his casual attire. Kate is also in the back of the van, looking at the process.

John: How does that feel?

Drake: Better...

John: You should heal up soon but, even with your fast healing, it could take a while. That must have been some Mutant you fought. It wasn't a- one of those things, right?

Drake: No. It was a guy. He said he was a hero of a city or something like that.

John: Like a real superhero?

Drake: There's no such thing as heroes, John. He's just a man trying to be something he isn't.

Kate: Well he has powers. Maybe he's just trying to use them. Maybe to help people.

John: Well he didn't help Drake.

Drake: He recogonized me as the Vigilante. Said our fight was a warning, that he doesn't want the trouble I started in New York to go over to his city.

John: The only city nearby is Philadelphia. That's probably wear he hangs his suit up. Speaking of which, you wouldn't happen to remember any specific details about the suit he was wearing, right? I might be able to make your suit just as durable as his.

Drake: That's not the important thing right now, John. What really matters is stopping this guy from hurting anyone.

Kate: What about Owens?

Drake: Kate, you saw the facility. Owens isn't here. Besides, this other guy said he's been here before. He might know something we don't.

John: And even if we were to go looking for Owens, we can't. Whatever you two were doing messed up the van.

Kate: Can you fix it?

John: Probably, I don't know. It was a miracle to even get it all upgraded in the first place, and in one day too? Yeesh! Yeah, I can probably get this thing fixed. I mean I'm no automechanic but yeah. It'll probably take me some time.

Drake: Okay, just try and hurry it up. We need to stop this guy but we need to find Owens too. While you're doing that, me and Kate-

Kate, playfully correcting: Kate and I.

Drake, slightly annoyed: Kate and I will go to Philadelphia and find this Mutant.

John: Since they're not like Mutant Mutants, we could call them something else like In-Mutants or Meta-Mutants.

Drake: We can talk about that later.

Kate: You should take the kit, Drake.

Drake: ...Fine.

John: I've been meaning to ask. What exactly is the kit? Is it like a secret weapon you've been working on?

Drake: Something like that.

The scene then cuts to the city, overhead, where the buildings stand tall and the clouds pass by. The barriers are visible around the edges of the city including gateways blocking off the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers.

Inside the city, people are seen passing by casually. Among the crowd is Kate, with her red satchel and Drake, in his alter ego disguise, looking slightly more refined than before. The glasses appear to suit him better and he's wearing a buttoned shirt. The rest remains more-or-less the same. While they are both walking forwards, Kate seems distracted by the city while Drake is still attempting to adjust his glasses.

Kate, trying not to sound excited: Drake, wow. I can't believe we're actually in another city!

Drake, adjusting his glasses: Yeah... me too.

Kate, stopping and turning to Drake: This is going to be great. Especially for my story.

Drake, still attempting to adjust his glasses: What about the Mutant guy?

Kate: It's called multi-tasking, Drake. As a reporter, you need to be able to master that skill. Like feeling excited about this new opportunity and- (fixes Drakes glasses for him) helping you.

Drake: Thanks... (looks around) This place is... bright.

Kate: It's probably the glasses.

Drake: About those. Do I really need- this?

Kate: Yeah. Drake, we've been over this.

Drake: Yeah, yeah. I get it but I meant the shirt, Kate. What is this?

Kate: It's reporter-y, Drake.

Drake: I like my shirt.

Kate: Well reporters don't wear that shirt.

Drake: Good thing I'm not a reporter.

Kate: Well you are to the public especially around me. Well, reporter-in-training...in training. You're my protege. (smiles)

Kate walks off, looking around at the new city.

Drake, confused: What's a protege?

Drake follows after Kate, as a bike rider drives by on a red bicycle. The scene then cuts over to a small park. Drake and Kate are seen sitting at a small table while Kate is checking her phone.

Drake: What are you doing?

Kate: Just checking up some Central News stuff.

Drake: I think your putting your job before the mission, Kate.

Kate stops then looks up at Drake.

Kate: Drake, the only reason I'm out here is because of my job. Without doing it, being here wouldn't make much sense, now would it?

Drake: So you're here just because of your job?

Kate: That's not what I meant.

Drake: No, I get it. You have your things to do.

Kate: Right... Well, I did also check the news while you were finding us a table.

Kate removes a newspaper from her satchel, its name being "National News" and its main headline being "Barrier Expansion Still Considered?". Kate points to a smaller topic at the bottom of the front cover reading "New Vigilante in Philly! See pg 4" with a small image of a humanoid figure, however the image is blurry.

Kate: Apparently, he's been around for a weeks, stopping small crimes but causing damages to the city as well.

Drake: Doesn't say much except that he lives here. Guess we're just going to have to catch him when he's out. As long as you're not too busy.

Kate, seeing something: Actually, I might have already found my story.

Drake gets up slightly and sees the article that Kate is reading in the paper, showing an image of a building in the city along with the heading "Party at Murphy Tower". The scene then transitions to the actual building, later on. The sky is also darker, getting close to evening.

Inside, there are various people dressed in suits and dresses, along with people in tuxedos serving drinks and small foods to the guests. Music is playing, very upbeat and of the pop genre. The elevator then dings and as the doors open, Drake and Kate step out along with a couple of other guests who make their way into the party. Kate has an eager expression on her face.

Drake, noticing: You have that look again.

Kate: Sorry. (after a short moment of trying to cover it) Okay, I'm not sorry. I'm just so-

Drake: Excited? You said that for the past few hours.

Kate: Drake, you have no idea what's it like to be somewhere else for a change. To experience this.

Drake: Yeah, I do. But it doesn't make me feel excited, it makes me feel- different.

Kate: I didn't realize.

Drake: Yeah, well, I got used to it.

Kate: You should probably hang around here. Maybe get something to eat.

Drake turns to her, about to say something.

Kate, stopping him: And no, it's not poisonous.

Drake: Fine.

Drake then walks off towards a counter. Kate looks around, seeing some guests talking with each other, she moves throughout the room. Kate then finds herself at a railing with shows a lower level accessible by stairs and a stage in front of a small area which the guests are using as a dance floor. A man then makes his way to the stage, he is wearing a tuxedo. His hair is slicked back, brown and he has a five o' clock shadow. His eyes are also brown. He moves up a microphone stand, tapping against which releases some type of feedback, catching the peoples' attention.

Man, voice echoing across the floor via microphone: Ladies and Gentlemen, it's about time to introduce the host of this party so he can begin his discussion for the future of his company. Now, without further ado, please welcome Mr. Murphy.

Most of the guests clap and cheer while others stand, waiting or appearing unamused and uninterested. The man in the tuxedo moves away from the microphone stand as a teenage boy in a dark navy suit steps onto the stage, waving at the guests, smiling. Kate leans against the railing, interested.

Mr. Murphy: Hello everyone. I just would like to say, thank you for attending this party. It shows me how many of the amazing citizens of this city are interested in what my company and I have planned for this city and how we are prepared to change in order to suit the greater good.

The clapping continues as if in agreement and respect for what the boy is saying.

Mr. Murphy, continuing: Murphy Industries has been a strong-standing company for years, well before the barriers were put in place. And while I and a few of us may not know what life was like before then, my parents did. They hoped that this company would be able to supply the people with resources to help them live a better life and that is exactly what I want to continue. However, production has been cut short because of regulations to the business and while this has set us back for a while, it won't stop me. But in the meantime, while I may not be able to support the people through my company, I will still lend my hand by donating to 10 million dollars to the Citizen Aid Services.

The guests clap louder than before.

Mr. Murphy: Now before we get our party on, I would just like to bring up something that I've been thinking about saying for quite some time now and that the people of our fair city should probably know before they end up hearing it from somebody else. I'm-

He then sees Kate on the railing, looking down at him.

Mr. Murphy, after a short moment: Uh- (clears throat) I'm hoping that you all have a great time here tonight. (smiles)

The music then resumes as Mr. Murphy moves off the stage, talking to the man in the tuxedo from earlier. Kate continues leaning on the railing, looking out at Mr. Murphy, while the rest of the guests presume their activities from earlier. Drake goes over to Kate, with a tray of small sandwiches. He takes one and eats it.

Drake, with food in his mouth: Hey.

Kate turns to Drake. She looks down at the tray.

Kate: That's a lot of sandwiches.

Drake, eating one more: Sandwiches... Yeah, they're sandwiches.

Kate: Mhm... I didn't know they gave plates like that to guests.

Drake: They didn't give it to me. One of those guys put it down so I took it.

Kate: ...Okay no. (taking the tray)

Drake: Kate. What are you doing? Kate, my sandwiches. Kate-

Kate: No. You can't do stuff like that at a party.

Drake: I never been to a party before.

Kate: Which is why you're going to follow me and do what I do, just to play it safe.

Kate then proceeds downstairs, followed by Drake. Kate is then seen approaching a group of guests.

Drake: What are you going to do?

Kate: Interview them. It would probably be better if you question some guests also.

Drake: How do I do that? Should I just interrogate them instead?

Kate: No! (calming down) No, don't do that. Just introduce yourself by giving your name and the company's name, and ask them questions about a topic you're interested in. And use your full name.

Drake: My name is Drake, Kate.

Kate: No I mean like a last name. Just make one up and don't use mine. My dad will freak if people thought we were related.

Kate turns to the group of guests. Drake watches from a close distance.

Kate, introducing herself: Hi, I'm Kate Wilson with Central News. What's your stance on Mr. Murphy's donation to the CAS?

Guest: Well, I certainly think it's-

Her voice trails off as Drake turns around, looking at the guests. He then walks away. The scene cuts over to the balcony of the building. Mr. Murphy is seen leaning against the edge, looking out at the city.

Voice: Quite the view, isn't it?

Mr. Murphy turns around and sees a man approach him. This man is wearing a dark purple coat over a white suit with matching pants. His hair is black, neat and he also has a goatee. His eyes are green.

Mr. Murphy: Mr. Reeves. I didn't expect you to be joining my event.

Mr. Reeves: But of course. I, along with everyone here, was interested in what you had to say especially about your company.

Mr. Murphy: If this is about your proposal then we can discuss it some other time. This party is pleasure not business.

Mr. Reeves: Business... is what I pride myself on. Besides, why make a notion about your company at a party for pleasure only?

Mr. Murphy: I just wanted the people to know that I'm still trying to do something.

Mr. Reeves: You wouldn't be in such a predicament if you would let our companies merge, Mr. Murphy.

Mr. Murphy: Again with this? Is this about funding because if you need funding-

Mr. Reeves: I'll have you know funding is not an issue of mine.

Mr. Murphy: Then what could you possibly want with my company? I know that your stocks are depleting despite your ability to produce.

Mr. Reeves: This isn't about what I what. I'm just trying to help you and your company suceed. With our companies merged, you can produce through me and both our stocks will rise. That is the only thing you should be concerning you. All you have to do is agree to my terms. It's as easy as that.

Voice: Mr. Murphy.

Mr. Murphy and Reeves turn around and see Drake approaching them.

Mr. Reeves: Didn't anyone teach you any manners? We were in the middle of some very important business.

Mr. Murphy: Actually I don't believe we were. Party for pleasure, remember, Mr. Reeves? You can talk to my partners about your proposal.

Mr. Reeves: Very well then...

Mr. Reeves then leaves the area, pushing past guests including Kate.

Drake: Mr. Murphy. Drake- (thinks for a short moment) Reed... Central News.

Mr. Murphy: Central News, you said? I haven't heard of that one.

Drake: It's uh- not from around here.

Mr. Murphy: Right... So, what's your question, Drake?

Drake: What's your stance on the new Vigilante in the city?

Mr. Murphy: (dry chuckle) Vigilante?

Drake: Guy in the helmet.

Mr. Murphy: Yeah. Well, he hasn't been around for too long, right? Maybe he's doing could just pass over.

Drake: It's been a few weeks, hasn't it?

Mr. Murphy: You're the news guy. You tell me.

Drake: It's your city and I'm asking the questions.

Mr. Murphy: Okay, I think this interview is over.

Kate, approaching Drake: Drake, what are you doing?

Drake: I'm interviewing-

Kate: No (chuckles at Mr. Murphy) I meant everyone but him.

Mr. Murphy: Do you two know each other?

Kate: Yeah, he's my uh- protege.

Mr. Murphy: I take it you're a journalist.

Kate: Reporter-in-training.

Mr. Murphy: Isn't that the same thing?

Kate: Look, so, whatever he said, I just wanna say, that doesn't represent the company, at all.

Mr. Murphy: Then maybe you should.

Kate: Me? Mr. Murphy, I-

Mr. Murphy: Call me Emmett.

Kate: Uh, yeah sure. Um- Thank you, Emmett. I'm Kate. Kate Wilson.

A beeping is heard. Emmett looks down and sees his watch, its alarm activated.

Kate: Is there something wrong?

Emmett: Yes. Well- no, not really I just- I have to go. Maybe we can save this interview for tomorrow.

Kate: Oh um- yeah, of course.

Emmett: Where are you staying so I can pick you up.

Kate: I'll uh- come to you.

Emmett: Oh... alright. Does 11:45 work out for you?

Kate: I'll be there. (smiles)

Emmett smiles back and makes his way inside the building. He passes by Mr. Reeves, who glares at Emmett, climbing the stairs. Across the room, a camera is seen aiming for Mr. Reeves. After the shot is taken, the camera lowers and the figure holding the camera walks out of the view. Following Emmett, he proceeds into a room, closing the door behind him. Inside the room, it is dark. Emmett moves to a cabient with some type of electronic lock. He inputs a code and the door unlocks. He opens the cabinet door, revealing a vial inside filled with turquoise-colored liquid. He takes the vial and drinks it. His breathing becomes heavy then stabilizes after a short moment. He then sighs in relief. The scene then cuts to later. It is currently night, with the view showing the outside of Murphy Tower. However, the scene cuts to the lower sections of the building, where lab equipment is seen.

Characters

 * Drake
 * Kate
 * John
 * Emmett Murphy (First Appearance)
 * Anton Reeves (First Appearance)

Forms Used

 * Acidic Thorns (x3)

Trivia
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