Halloween Contest Fiction: Whose side am I on?

Thank you Alvidan for entering the Halloween fiction contest. Here is their story...

(Story prompt by Dan Peyton)

The elevator doors slid open and Director Nova stepped out into BADGE HQ. He hated that two mile ride down, but this was the most secure location on Earth. The headquarters of the most advanced base on the planet were surprisingly vacant, but this was normal. Most of the work conducted here was done by robots along with the most sophisticated AI system in the world.

After a short walk down the corridor, Nova came into a large room filled with computer consoles and a massive set of screens. Two robots worked at the consoles as the only crew today.

“Let’s check in on the teams.” He stated. “Call up the world maps, I want to see where these leagues are?”

“Understood Director.” The computer answered and the screens filled with maps of the world. Each map had the location of the various teams of superheroes that worked for BADGE. They organized themselves into leagues so they could fight crime locally as well as more easily respond to a call for international emergencies.

“Unit 10915, contact the leagues around the Detroit area. I want to know why the crime rate there has doubled this week.” The robot at the computer stopped moving and nothing happened, “10915 respond.” Nova approached the rigid robot.

Before he could find out what was wrong both robots stood up and started dancing around, their bodies acting like puppets on strings.

“What the hell is going on?” Nova struck a fighting stance.

Just then the computer monitors buzzed and the lights flickered. The screens began to run through map after map, and then it all became fuzz. The two dancing robots flung themselves at Nova. He was pummeled to the ground, pinned down. He shoved on them, unhurt but furious. “GET OFF OF ME!”

One turned it’s head all the way around and then cackled at him. In a high, cracking voice it screeched, “Having fun yet?” and then laughed.

Nova finally shoved them off of him and backed away, “Okay, that’s creepy.”

A green energy streamed out of the robots and formed a sinister looking Jack-o-lantern in the air. It laughed in that same horrible voice and then flew around the room, passing in and out of the computers like they weren’t there. When it went through something, the already crazy machine went even more haywire. Computers exploded, the lights shut down, and the fuzz on the main screens became the only light in the room.

Nova pulled out a communicator and pressed a switch, “Nova to...” suddenly that Jack-o-lantern flew right into his body and he felt it filling him. He lost control of his left arm, his head twitched erratically, and his mind was slowly fading as if he were falling asleep. It didn’t take much to realize this creature was taking over his body. He managed to hold that communicator up, “To...any...heroes who can hear...me. BADGE has been compromised….help...”

(Continuation by Alvidan)

The message about BADGE being compromised reached Timebender, who quickly headed towards the main compound. He used speed and flight to reach the area quickly, then he used his Ninja Training to enter quietly.

Something seems off, as soon as he enters his senses seem keener. He finds himself feeling as if he has not eaten in days. His nose scents things that set his mouth to watering, hot, salty, sweet...

He stalks the hall on digitigrade paws, his head a bare skull with long jaws under his helmet. his body seemingly made of rotting flesh.

He hears movement, but it is a walking metal form with orange glowing eyes. While that is easily disposed of, it is not the food he seeks.

He draws near to the closest prey, silently, preparing to pounce.

He stops himself, Wait, that is Crystal Fae, one of the good guys.

He realizes what has happened, it is the Seed of Potential, he has been switched with an analog...but one that has fallen to his supernatural form.

Great, I came here to fight invaders and now I AM one. I need to fight my own body, to master and control my ghastly urges, Timebender tells himself.

He stalks the halls all night, destroying robots to keep from attacking the other heroes who answered the call.

He sneaks up on Bleu Phoenix, Drift, The Closer, Power Bottom, and Jayk Fabulous...not making contact, but following his urges to stalk and hunt. It was difficult turning aside without harming any of the prey...as the hunting side of him insisted on considering them, but he was stronger than his analog and did not give in.

With the dawn, he reverts to human, but is left wondering, If that is my nature, whose side am I on?