2> "Jade" - .50 cal Military Grade Sniper Rifle
Ammo: 18 Rounds (Regular Cartridge)
32x scope

3> One pair low light goggles

4> A camoflauge tarp ( urban print)

5> Binoculars

6> A telescope

7> A black duffle bag (backpack style)

Two years ago, he was on special duty in the jungles of Southeast Asia. He usually filled the role of sniper, but on this occasion was given the responsibility of leading a team of soldiers through the jungle on a "training exercise". Their mission was to navigate their way through the jungle paths, passing several checkpoints, and eventually make their way to the rendezvous point. This was a survival mission, and they had little supplies, and no communications equipment.

On the second day of the mission, they started losing men. The first few disappeared without the others really knowing what happened…one minute they were all there, the next…gone. As their attacker became more frenzied and less bashful, they realized a tiger was attacking their unit. By the end of the day, they had lost everybody except four, and by the next morning, Alfonse was running by himself for the checkpoint. He thought they had wounded the tiger, but it kept coming. He couldn’t figure out how an animal such as that could sustain the attacks they had unleashed.

Within the hour, Alfonse knew he was finished…the beast’s growls were present all around him. It was as if the animal was now playing with him…Alfonse was its prey, and it was now a game of cat and mouse. He decided running was pointless, dropped his gear, and stood ready for what was surely to be his final fight. With knife in one hand and his pistol in the other, he waited for the tiger to attack. He heard it before the impact happened, but it was too late, his body was pierced by the animal’s long, ivory teeth. The bones in his arm were snapped as the tiger shook him about. As a reaction, and what he thought would surely be his final act, he drove the knife deep into the chest of the already wounded beast. It struck true, and proved fatal for the tiger.

Alfonse slumped to the ground with a tourniquet about his arm. He eventually made his way to the rendezvous point. The pilot of the helicopter seemed almost surprised that he, or anybody, was actually there to meet him. It was a few days since the attack had occurred, but his wounds were still serious. Alfonse was taken back to the base, and was put into the care of the hospital staff. His wounds were bound, and his fractured arm was put into a cast. He was given painkillers and sedatives to help with his sleeping.

When he next awoke, he was in a different room…different facility? The staff wouldn’t answer his questions, and he was restrained on the bed for reasons unknown to him, so he couldn’t look around. His arms, legs, torso, and even head were strapped down to the frame of the bed. He yelled for help, and thought he was delusional…it sounded like a roar, which he knew couldn’t be real. A flurry of emotions went through his mind as he wondered what could have happened to him for his mind to fail him as it had obviously done.

He remained strapped to the bed for what could have been days or weeks or maybe even months…the room had no windows, and the staff didn’t talk to him. He felt very strange…something was wrong…something was different with his body. He didn’t know if his mind had completely failed him, or if he had contracted some sort of disease. Alfonse had abandoned calling for help and even attempting to communicate only after a few days…his will was broken.

He was constantly monitored, and had tests conducted on him almost consistently throughout the day. One day, he was given an injection, and as he felt himself start to doze off to sleep, he wondered to himself what was in store for him next…he quietly hoped for death. Nightmares filled his dreams, as he survived what seemed to be endless sleep. He dreamt of experiments being performed on his body…but not his body…it was different…twisted…grotesque…bestial.

Alfonse awoke in a steel cage. His head was numb and groggy. The room was full of people in white lab coats all running around to different computers, monitors, and machines. The cage was in the center of this room, as was constructed of bars larger than he had ever seen on a cage before. Thoughts began to whiz through his mind…"why are they treating me like an animal?". His question was answered all too soon as he noticed first his hands. What used to be dark tanned skin was now covered with dense tan colored fur, and darker brown tiger-type stripes. In horror, he began to look down at the rest of his body. His whole body was covered with the same fur as his hands. His feet were cat-like, his legs were much more powerful looking, and he even had a tail. At the ends of his fingers were very large, sharp, retractable claws. As he felt his face, he could feel the sensitive whiskers, large fangs, and cat-like ears.

Just when he didn’t think he could be broken any further, he collapsed in his cell and began to weep. The cries of his men were still sharp in his ears. The fear of being chased by that beast still haunted his dreams. The excruciating pain of its teeth tearing through his arm still registered in his mind. Now, this…whatever he was…whatever he had become. He was now an animal…nothing more than a bizarre creature in a cage…a freak at the mercy of this team of scientists.

After several hours had passed, one of the scientists approached the cage. A line of yellow and black tape ringed the perimeter of the cage just five feet out, and the man stopped before he crossed its path. He gave a cruel smile as he stopped, and said, "I don’t want to get too close…you’ve already injured a few of our team with those claws you have developed".

During the conversation that followed, Alfonse learned that his men and him were part of a test for a new addition to the military’s forces. Scientists were able to use gene therapy and radiation treatments on animals to give them greater abilities. The tiger was their first successful result, and they decided to test it on Alfonse and his men. The scientist explained how they were sad to hear of its death, but were pleased to know that somehow Alfonse had mutated into what he had become. Somehow, he had mutated into something akin to a tiger…with all of its powers. He also learned that he had been in captivity for nearly a year.

Alfonse began to cry as he learned of his demise. He was told that he was too great a flight risk, so would spend the rest of his life in this cage. He was to be experimented on so they could figure out how to create more soldiers to be just like him…only controllable. This was too much for him…he hit the bottom as the last bit of will left his mind and body. Then, something came alive in him…energy welled up from within…a rage…a new spirit. Alfonse let forth a yell like he had done long before in his bed…it was again a roar, but this time, it was powerful. The cage door was blown off its massive hinges. As it flew through the air, it caught the scientist and several others. Their frail bodies were crushed as it slammed them into the far wall of the laboratory.

Instincts took over his thoughts as he sprung from the cage. The others in the room were fleeing in terror, as they thought this beast would never be able to break from his prison. As he entered the main corridor, troops were already starting to mass to prevent his escape. Alfonse started to sprint as he headed towards the wall of soldiers, holding their riot shields and batons. As he neared their position, a powerful leap allowed him to plow though the men as if they weren’t even there. The fresh morning air hit his nostrils as he broke out of the medical facility. He was happy to see the morning sun again, but now, it seemed to cause him a bit of pain.

He was in the middle of some sort of military compound. At the edge of the cluster of buildings were dense trees…his senses told him that this was his best bet for escape. Even though he surprised the base with his escape, and had a head start, the soldiers immediately gave chase. Alfonse’s heart was pounding as adrenaline flooded into his system. He easily cleared the height of the perimeter fence, and began to sprint through the trees. He could hear the sounds of the troops all around him, as they were being dropped into the woods from helicopters above. Within minutes, he knew he was surrounded. Running was probably not an option, as these soldiers were armed with rifles. Hiding was now his last chance. Alfonse found a small cluster of shrubs and dove within.

Minutes later, a squad of soldiers passed by his location. As they inspected the contents of his hiding position, Alfonse knew they looked right at him, yet they passed on by. He was perplexed that he was not found, until he noticed his fur. Where it had been brown before, it was now a deep shade of green. His body had somehow changed color to match that of his surroundings. A smile crossed his face as he began to think that perhaps this new change was not a curse, but a benefit!

As the soldiers continued to search, they fanned out, which gave him the opening he needed. Alfonse dashed through their lines, and made his way into the city. He quickly recognized several landmarks, and knew he was in Washington D.C. Though he didn’t know the city well, he did know where the bad parts were. He knew the police and military would be searching for him, so he figured that would be the best place to hide.

Living on the street was not new to Alfonse. He had stolen to survive before, and he had no problem with doing that once again. He started committing petty crimes to find food and valuables he could fence. He found people interested in buying from him, and he conducted his transactions from darkness so they wouldn’t see his true identity.

One night, a gang of punks surrounded him as he was heading out for another night of escapades. They told him that they were part of the Iron Five Gang, and he was working on their turf. They recommended to him that he stop or he would be stopped. A guttural laugh escaped his lips as this threat was issued. They joined in with his laughter as they told him that was his final mistake. As the ring of men closed about Alfonse, he stepped into the light, and his visage came into view. Terrified, they fled.

Several days later, a note was waiting for Alfonse when he returned to the place where he slept during the day. The note indicated that the Iron Five Gang would like to speak with him about an opportunity to join with them. Interested in finding a place where he could fit in, Alfonse went to the address they indicated the next night. He always worked at night, as the sun seemed to cause him some problems.

Even though the man at the door was terrified at the sight of him, he motioned for Alfonse to come inside. He was led downstairs, and after walking through a series of doors and passageways, he entered into a final dimly lit room. At the opposite end of the room, a large man sat at a table. There were others, heavily armed, standing behind him. He told Alfonse his name was Jamal, and he was the leader of the Iron Five Gang. He invited Alfonse to sit and speak with him about the gang’s operations, and their need to increase their capabilities.

After a few hours of discussion, Jamal explained that there were five trials that Alfonse must pass. The trials were a series of crimes that had to be successfully committed. This initiation was familiar to him, so he agreed. Over a period of several days, the tests were passed, and Alfonse became a member. Much like the military, he quickly escalated the ranks of the gang, and even brought in a significant amount of discipline to their organization. Their activities were better executed through the development of complete plans, with well thought out backup plans and escape routes.

That was six months ago, and that brings us to the present day…