Monster Within (Part 1) L.A. Presents: Spider-Man

A taxi tries to make it's way through the bustling and ever so crowded streets of New York. The backseat passenger of the taxicab looks out of his window at his new environment as he passes through the city. The taxi finally meets it's destination and comes to a stop. The passenger then looks out of the window at the apartment and looks surprised. Darnell-You sure this is the right place? Driver-Yes sir, this is the address I was given. There was only one address I was given sir, besides me picking you up at the airport by Ms. Williams. Darnell-If you say so, playa. Darnell gets out of the taxi and begins taking his luggage out of the trunk. He walks back over to the driver and takes out his wallet but the driver motions him to stop. Driver-No need sir, Ms. Williams has already taken care of your fare. Darnell-Oh, cool. Thanks. Driver-No problem The driver waves and drives off. Darnell turns around and stops as he sees a beautiful familiar face. She begins running until she tackle hugs him to the ground. Rachel-Darnell! You are finally here! Darnell-You know, usually I love it when a woman tackles me like this but I think those walking pedestrians might find this a little distracting, cutie. Rachel giggles as she stands up and helps Darnell up to his feet. Darnell-It is really good to see you Rachel, it has been awhile. How long has it been again? Rachel-Two and a half years silly! If not for internet and Instant Messenger, it might have been even longer not communicating with you. Darnell-True, but it feels good to see you again. A bellboy arrives outside to carry Darnell's luggage. Darnell's jaw drops at the sight of this situation. Darnell-Wow..........you have a butler!? Rachel-Not really, this apartment provides the services. This is what happens when you are one of the youngest and smartest scientists in the country. Darnell-I know, I know. You told me when you visited me two years ago. Rachel-Maybe, but my paycheck has also increased since then. Darnell laughs as he and Rachel walk to the elevator. The doors open and they walk in. The elevator door closes and Rachel turns around to speak to Darnell. Rachel-I am happy you made that decision Darnell. Darnell-What decis............Oh! Well, I really appreciate this and I thank you very much Rachel. Rachel winks at Darnell and points to her head. The bellboy gives both of them an uncomfortable look as the elevator stops and they all walk out. Darnell looks around at how well groomed the apartment's hallways are decorated as they arrive at Rachel's apartment. Darnell-Thanks, but I can take my own bags from here. Bellboy-As you wish, sir. Darnell and Rachel walk into the apartment and Darnell gives another unexpected look. Darnell-Damn girl! Do you get paid in checks or does that bellboy just bring you three heavy money bags a week!? This place looks like some kind of reality show apartment! Like the Real World or something! Rachel-Hmmm..........I have not had any of those bags in awhile now. I believe he has been ditching my pay. Darnell laughs as both of them sit next to each other on the couch. Darnell-So, I see your mutant abilities have gotten stronger, eh? Rachel looks at Darnell and smiles at him very innocently. Rachel-Well, enhanced sounds more appropriate. I can telepathically read thoughts or put images or visions into people’s minds making them think that they are seeing something that they are really not. I have also somehow gained more intelligence due to my mutation and I am now a telekinetic. A television remote floats past Darnell into Rachel’s hands. Darnell-I figured you gained more control and power. Especially when you read my mind in the elevator. Do you still get headaches after using your powers too much? Rachel-Nope, once my other abilities surfaced the headaches stopped. Darnell-Funny that I never asked about your powers over Messenger. Rachel-I would not have told you anyway, seems that info about mutants are being leaked everywhere and hate groups are becoming more vicious. Rachel turns on the television with the remote and begins changing the channels until arriving on the news. T.V.-Today near Time Square, a thirteen year old mutant was beaten severely while waiting for a bus. Witnesses say that the group of suspects were following him until he stopped at the bus stop. This mutant also revealed to the school he was attending that he was a mutant. Darnell gives a angry stare at the T.V. as Rachel turns it off. Rachel- See, nothing changes. People fear what they do not understand Darnell-Yeah, I know. Darnell walks over to the outside balcony and stares at the wonderful and hypnotizing view of the city. Darnell-This is a great view, Rachel. It reminds me of downtown L.A. Rachel-That is true. I was going to visit, but I have been so busy at Miles Tech that I have not had time for a vacation. Hey, me and one of the scientist at Miles Tech is going out tonight to eat. You want to join us? Darnell-Not really, the flight here really sucked and I need to rest in a bed for a day, at least. Rachel-Oh, ok. Oh, and do not worry about me reading your mind again, I only did that once. I am happy that you did decide to stay with me here in New York though instead of staying back home in L.A. Darnell-Thanks again for the offer, Rachel. I just feel really lost there and it feels really awesome to be around a very good friend again. Rachel-No problem D, always willing to help out my best friends. If you want to put your belongings up, that hall over there will lead you into your room. Darnell-Cool, cool. I am going to turn in for the day, I am really exhausted. You have fun tonight and don’t worry about me. Rachel-I will bring you back a happy meal or something. Darnell-Very funny smartass. Good night or day or whatever. Rachel-Get some rest. Darnell walks down the hall into a room which was to him about the size of a huge living room. He throws his luggage towards the closet and flops on the bed. He turns on his back and gives a sigh of relief. He then quickly shuts his eyes and goes to sleep. A few hours later, Rachel is dressed and ready for her dinner guest to arrive. Her doorbell rings and she opens the door. Joshua-Wow………you look great. Rachel-Thank you, but I already knew that. Come on in. Joshua walks in and then kisses Rachel. Joshua-So, is Darnell here? Rachel-Yes he is, but he is sleeping. He told me he was exhausted and he went to bed. Joshua-I understand that, I once flew from California to New York and I thought I was going to freak out. Hmmmm, as a matter of fact I think I did freak out once or twice. Rachel-So silly. You ready to go? Joshua-Yep, I made the reservations and I am ready to go. You going to let Darnell know you are gone? Rachel-No, I do not want to wake him. Joshua and Rachel exit the apartment and close the door. They make there way out of the apartment complex and walk towards Joshua’s car. In a few short minutes, they arrive at the restaurant and walk towards there table. They both sit down and begin chatting. Joshua-So tell me, how does it feel to be around him again? Rachel-Well, it feels good to see him smile again and to have him around. I know he feels lonely back home. I did not even have to read his mind to tell either. His feelings were so strong that I could feel it. Joshua-I understand. Him, being here with you, should really get him back into full gear. Rachel-I hope so, he has not really been himself since……….well………a certain incident happened. Joshua-Really? What happened? Rachel-Do not tell him that I told you this okay? Or I will have you thinking that you are a rabid dog with one leg for three months. Joshua-Sounds like fun, but I will obey anyway. Rachel-Well, Darnell lived next door to a brother and sister that were foster kids all of their lives. They were the same age as Darnell and me and they went to our high school. We all hung out and got along very well. I only knew them for a short time though because I graduated early and left for college. Her name was Tiffany Walker and his name was Edward Walker. Tiffany was a beautiful girl and had a heavenly personality. She was nice to everyone she knew and never seemed too angry or mean to anyone. Edward was totally different. He was involved with drugs, and gangs. He only looked out for himself and Tiffany. Yet somehow, me and Darnell seemed to have gotten on Edward’s good side. Anyway sometime after I left, Darnell and Tiffany began falling for each other and did not tell Edward because they knew he would be furious. Somehow, word got back to Edward that Darnell and Tiffany were seeing each other and he went berserk. He began doing serious crimes like murdering people for money. Tiffany tried to get him too stop and he went crazy and tried to kidnap her. Darnell happened to be on his way to see her when he heard the argument from outside. He burst into the house and tried to fight Edward from pointing the gun at Tiffany. They struggled and fell to the floor with both of their hands on the gun until it went off and shot Tiffany in the chest. She died instantly right there in front of her Darnell and Edward. By that time, the police had arrived because other neighbors had called them due to all of the commotion. Edward was the owner of the gun and because of his bad record, was sentenced to life imprisonment. Darnell never forgave himself for Tiffany’s death and it has showed for the past couple of years. Joshua-That is terrible. So Darnell still blames himself for her death? Rachel-Yes, and nobody can convince him otherwise. Too many people have tried. Edward even vowed during his trial that he would have revenge on Darnell for his sister’s death. Joshua-Well, I think you did the right thing by inviting him to live with you here in New York. It will get him away from that atmosphere and he will be in touch with a good friend to rely on. Joshua holds Rachel’s hands. Rachel-Thanks Josh, you are really great. Hey, wouldn’t it be great if Darnell got to see some of the experiments that we have done tomorrow? Joshua-Sounds like a good idea to me. It will give him a chance to see all the hard work you have been doing the past couple of years. Rachel-Great, I will ask him tomorrow. No wonder you are my boyfriend, so smart just like me. Then again, maybe not that smart. Joshua-*laughs* Well, can I get you to kiss me again? Rachel-Maybe later, do not want to spoil my appetite. The next day, Darnell and Rachel ride together in her Mercedes-Benz to Miles Tech Labs. Darnell continues to look around at the sights of New York. Darnell-You know, I could get used to this Rachel…………I mean the Mercedes and all. Rachel-Hmmm, you could be my servant and I could manage to get you a spiffy little two-door cardboard box. Darnell-No thanks playa, I already had a valet job before and they provided go carts. Rachel arrives at Miles Tech Labs at a security post and hands the guard her identification card. The guard runs it through the computer scanner and then gives her the card back. He lets up the security fence and lets her pass. She turns to a corner parking lot where a few cars are parked. She parks the car and they both get out and walk towards the elevator. Darnell-This seems a little too much like Mission Impossible to me. Rachel-That card has my eye color, weight, height, blood type, and any other type of genetic description of my physiology. If I was not that person on the card, we would have never made it into this parking lot. Darnell-Great, should I run like hell now or later? Rachel-Try later…..then again, after you see some of the subjects we have been working on, you might not want to leave. The elevator door opens and Joshua is standing there waiting for them. Joshua-Ah, you guys are finally here. Hello Darnell, my name is Joshua Beck. Darnell-So, you are Josh, Rachel’s tamer. I have to say that you are doing a poor job. She is still a savage beast. Joshua laughs and then points and laughs at Rachel. Joshua-You know what Darnell, I like you already. I tried using tranquilizers but they do not seem to work on her. Rachel-Ha ha ha ha, very funny you two. The elevator begins to descend but Darnell notices no floor levels on the panel. Darnell-How many levels are in this lab? Oh and exactly what are you guys going to show me? Rachel-Well, we can not tell you about how many levels there are. As for your second question, we are going to show you some technology and genetic experiments. Lucky for you Darnell, I am a Board member of this Lab otherwise you would not be able to be here. Darnell-Great, aren’t I the lucky one? The elevator stops and the doors open. There is a sight of many scientists attending different experiment stations and bright lights illuminate the lab. Rachel-Let me show you something over here Darnell…….. They all walk over to a table where what appears to be a black watch is resting on a plastic arm. Rachel grabs the watch and gives it to Darnell. Rachel-Go ahead and try it on. Darnell puts on the watch. Darnell-Oh, I get it………….this watch is suppose to make me look more sophisticated right? Rachel-Now, place your finger onto the screen. Darnell presses the watch’s screen and it begins lighting up wildly and then dies down. Rachel-Now Darnell, what kind of pants do you like to wear in the winter? Darnell gives her a uncertain look. Darnell-Well, black jeans of course. The watch lights up again and Darnell now is wearing black jeans. Darnell-Damn! I think I love this watch! Joshua-These watches are of course one of a kind. They download your fingerprints so that only you can use them and use laser and nanotechnology to provide clothes. Darnell-Wow! Who came up with this idea? Oh, and how do I get my other pants back? Rachel-Well, me and Josh came up with this little equation. As far as your pants, just touch the screen again for your other pants. Darnell touches the screen again and a bright light flashes and his original pants appear again. As he is amazed by this device, another scientist walks up behind Darnell. Eric-Hello Dr. Williams and Dr. Beck, who is this? Joshua-This is Rachel’s long time friend Darnell. We invited him here today to look at some of the experiments we have been conducting. Darnell reaches to shake Eric’s hands but he does not do the same. Darnell gives him a cold stare and Eric responds back with another cold stare. Eric-You know we have rules and regulations about having visitors in these facilities Dr. Williams and Dr. Beck. Rachel-Yes, I know that Dr. Croft, but I am a board member and I made some of those rules. Eric gives a sarcastic smile and directs his attention back towards Darnell. Darnell-So Dr. Croft, what is it that you specialize in? Eric-Genetic enhancements. As a matter of fact, I just got done with a few subjects. Would you, Dr. Williams and Dr. Beck like to see what I have finished? Rachel and Joshua give each other a suspicious stare and then agree to Dr. Croft’s proposal. Darnell also agrees and they all walk through the room to another elevator. Darnell never lets up from his stare at Dr. Croft and maintains silence as Eric, Rachel and Joshua continue the conversation about an exhibit that will occur in a few days, at Miles Museum. Eric-So Darnell, how long have you known Dr. Williams? Darnell-We grew up together in California. I have known her since I was fourteen. Eric-Well, you two must have a lot of history. You did not go to college like Rachel? Rachel and Joshua look at each other as they watch Darnell give a very open angry and fierce look. Darnell-Since you are very well interested in my history or well being……..why don’t you tell me where you bought those ridiculous looking glasses so I can get a pair, to wear, at my new Jackass show. Eric laughs lowly as the elevator stops. Rachel and Joshua laugh at Darnell’s remarks. They all walk out of the elevator to Eric’s research laboratory and then Eric pulls out a card. He slides the card into an electrical slot in front of a door and it opens after a few short seconds. All of them walk in and the sounds of animals yelling in the background fill the lab. Eric directs the others to some cages as they watch. Eric-These are my latest specimens. I have successfully been able to manipulate genes and characteristics of certain animals into one totally new animal. Like this one…….. Eric pulls out a remote device and presses a button. A metal cover pulls away from one of the cages and it reveals a small rabbit. Darnell-Wow…….that is amazing. You made an actual replica of Bugs Bunny. Suddenly, the rabbit is endowed with a hard plate shell but maintains it’s rabbit like features. Eric-It has both rabbit, armadillo, and turtle DNA. Not only does it have a hard shell, but can also swim and breathe underwater. Eric gives a sly smile and then presses another button. A smaller glass container rises and reveals a small black and red spider. Joshua-What about that little arachnid Dr. Croft? Eric-Well, this little one is my pride and joy. The spider has reptilian DNA but I have treated it with radiation also. It has great strength, stronger webbing, and other new characteristics that I have not seen yet. Rachel gives Eric a stale glance and begins to speak. Rachel-You know we have policies about these experiments Dr. Croft. If these animals were hurt or jeopardized in anyway…….. Eric-I assure you Dr. Williams that these specimens have had nothing but the best of care and no harm has come to them. Darnell continues staring at the spider and at one point looks as if he was hypnotized. Darnell-Ummm, I think that spider is looking at me!? Joshua-Must be your pretty eyes Darnell. Darnell-Yep, nobody can resist the eyes of this playa. While Darnell, Rachel and Joshua observe more animals, Dr. Croft secretly presses a button on the remote device and the top of the spider glass cage opens and it crawls out. Eric-Well, I must get back to work now, it was nice of all of you to drop by and I will see all of you soon. Darnell-I hope not. Rachel and Joshua bid Dr. Croft farewell as they exit his door but crawling out of the door is the spider and it follows directly behind Darnell. The door closes and Dr. Croft gives a very evil stare. Eric-Finally, I will see a human test subject…………. Before Rachel, Darnell, and Josh enter the elevator to return to their previous laboratory, the spider slowly creeps up onto Darnell’s pants leg. Darnell-Did you read his mind Rachel? Rachel-I do not read people’s minds unless ask to, Darnell. It is not fair to pry into people’s privacy like that. Darnell-I know, but I do not believe he is being totally honest about his accusations. Rachel-I did feel that he was hiding and plotting something though. Though I still choose not to invade a person’s mind no matter what the situation is. Joshua-Yeah, I will keep an eye on him when he is around. You know something though Darnell, he never invites anybody to see what he is working on in his lab. It is strange that today he invites all three of us. Rachel-Strange indeed. The elevator door opens and they return to the experiment station that the watch was placed. Slowly creeping up Darnell’s back, the spider draws closer towards his head. Darnell-What do you guys call this watch anyway? Joshua-We call them DV’s. That stands for Digital Visualizers. Darnell-Nice. So when do you think they will………. ARGGGGGGHHH!! Darnell grabs the back of his neck and falls to his knees. Joshua tries to help him to stand but the pain Darnell feels has him rendered to the floor. Rachel notices the spider jump off from Darnell’s neck and she uses her powers to lift the spider into mid air. Darnell-It…….burns………..my neck…….burns……… Joshua-Stay calm Darnell! Rachel what is that!? Rachel-It looks like the spider that was in Dr. Croft’s lab! As Rachel’s powers keep the spider levitated in mid air, the spider suddenly goes limp and dies. Rachel-Damn it, it just died! Joshua, get Darnell to my car and take him to Miles Tech Hospital where we can try to help him! I am going back to Eric’s lab! Joshua-Ok, but just hurry up! It feels like Darnell’s skin is on fire! Joshua helps Darnell to his feet as he tries to help him to the elevator as quick as possible. Rachel takes another elevator to Eric’s lab. Her eves begin illuminating in a strange blue aura as her powers become stronger. The elevator stops and she is no longer standing on her feet but hovering as she flies through the air towards Dr. Croft’s lab entrance. She stares at the door and it bursts open as she focuses her telekinetic powers at it. She hovers through the air as she is surprised that all the animal specimens are gone and there is nothing left but a computer. She hovers down to the floor and starts up the computer. She opens a file saved under “enhanced.doc” and her eyes regain their original appearance and her mouth drops open. She begins reading a journal on all results from the specimen testing and notices that Dr. Croft was preparing to move on to human testing. Elsewhere, Joshua finally begins exiting the elevator still helping Darnell into the parking lot when Darnell lets out a terrible agonizing scream. He drops to his knees and tells Joshua to stay back. Joshua tries to get closer when he notices Darnell’s eyes have completely started to glow red. Darnell grabs his head and four arms explode out from under his sides. He continues yelling while swinging his six arms and begins growing. Black fur begins surfacing from his skin and he bursts out of his shirt. Joshua now terrified at what he is witnessing steps away from Darnell. As the terrible screaming stops, the creature before Joshua stands up at least 15 feet tall. It turns around and Joshua soul seems to melt at the horrifying sight. A huge man spider creature with six arms, multiple glowing red eyes and standing on two legs like a man. The creature begins walking towards Joshua snarling and drooling from it’s mouth revealing razor sharp fangs. Joshua-Darnell……….get back!! The creature ignores him as it still approaches him as if not knowing who Darnell is. Joshua-I am warning you…….stay back!! Suddenly, Joshua ignites into flames and the creature stops at the sight of a flaming body in front of it. Joshua-I am not going to hurt you, but if you don’t stop, I am going to have you burn you. TO BE CONTINUED……………