Marcel Lewis

Life Before Merlow
Marcel Andreveich Lewis was born to a German father, Conrad Lewis, and a Russian mother, Katerina Petrova, who later took her husbands last name and now refers to herself as Katherine Lewis. He is a native of St. Petersberg, where his father had amassed considerable wealth, trading in commodities and establishing oil refineries across Russia. He spent his childhood years travelling with his parents and it was rare for them to spend more than a few months at home at a time. A chance trip to Merlow and Lake Herren on vacation appealed to Marcel's mother, who felt it was time to start giving her son firm roots. The decision was made to settle in Merlow when Marcel was ten years old.

A New Home
Despite their wealth and affluence, it didn't help Marcel make any new friends and he was often teased for his weight. A chance meeting with Daniel 'Storm' Marcus gave Marcel his first real friend, and ever since, the two have been extremely close. Due to the fact his parents would often travel, June Marcus offered to have Marcel during those periods, so his schooling would not be disrupted. Given June's reputation and social standing in the community, the Lewis's had no objection. Marcel enjoyed his time with the Marcus family, and quickly ingratiated himself into their lives, as a dutiful, respectful, and helpful member of the household.

Forget The Rest, Marcel's The Best
Marcel's confidence began to grow with the support of his new friends, Storm, Sarah, and Mike. His early teens saw him lose his baby fat and quickly turn into a fit athlete, raising his popularity with the help of his cheeky smirk, playful cockiness, and natural good looks. Where Storm had once been the most popular in the group, Marcel, along with Mike, were soon power players in the school. Marcel became a prominent athlete, with a promising future.

The Lewis Empire
Marcel's mother was born into a wealthy Russian dynasty, while his father built his own empire trading commodities and establishing oil refineries. Their marriage was as much about connecting wealth as it was for love. This is obvious in their matter of fact way of dealing with each other and the distant relationship they have with their son. The true level of wealth the Lewis family possess has often been something Marcel has tried to hide from his closest friends, feeling it would act as a point of division. However, Marcel has watched how his father has continued to build his wealth and as young as sixteen, began his own portfolio and share trading to establish his own financial empire.

Personality
Marcel can often come across as cocky and bubbly. He isn't afraid to smile and is extremely loyal to those he loves. As he has matured, he has become somewhat introverted and stoic, content to observe as much as interact. He can often be a man of few words, but those close to him usually understand him. He is determined and focused. When he puts his mind to something, he doesn't stop until he achieves his objectives.

Interests
Marcel has a keen interest in athletics in general, and is extremely active. He is also an avid reader and collector of books and maintains a large library at home in Merlow.

Family
Marcel has a cordial relationship with his family, but they are not particularly affectionate with one another. He has no siblings. He had a close relationship with June Marcus prior to her death, considering her a second mother as she spent many years caring for him while his parents travelled. He considers Mike the closest thing he has to a brother.

Dade Marcus
Dade Marcus was Marcel's first serious relationship with a male. Their relationship was hindered by Marcel's first attractions to Storm, as well as the long distance aspect since they did not start officially dating until Marcel left Merlow for Drake Sports Academy. Their relationship ended for the second and likely final time, when Dade realised Claire was pregnant.

Daniel 'Storm' Marcus
By far Marcel's greatest friend, he is also the love of Marcel's life. Marcel has an intense devotion and loyalty to Storm and that loyalty is returned in kind. Marcel has long harboured feelings for Storm, but it wasn't until Marcel was raped that Storm began to show the same feelings in return. Storm travelled to Drake and put all of Marcel's assailants in hospital, seriously injuring some, and if not for Marcel's intervention, he would have likely killed one. If also not for Marcel's intervention, Storm would have received jail time, but a few strings pulled and the victims agreement not to press charges as long as Marcel didn't for the rape, and such issues were avoided.

When Storm lost his Regionals title to Dade, he returned to Drake with Marcel. The two lived together and eventually on Storm's last night in Drake, made love. Some time later, after the Nationals Championship, which Storm successfully won, Marcel pressed the issue, claiming it was his turn. Storm agreed and ever since the two have been involved. Their relationship is intensely passionate, surprisingly devoid of drama, and extremely supportive. They have a silent understanding of each other built on years of friendship. Marcel's impact on Storm is obvious. He is calmer and more at peace with himself than he has ever been. Marcel has retained a sense of independence, but Storm's place in his life is without question what he treasures most.

When Lucas hurt himself, Marcel sent Storm back to Merlow to put some closure on his feelings for Lucas, one way or another. Despite Storm rekindling his friendship with Lucas, he ultimately returned to Marcel. The two remain a couple.

Departure from Merlow
Marcel announced his impending departure from Merlow on his sixteenth birthday party, which he shares with Storm. He'd been offered a position at Drake Sports Academy due to his athletics prowess. Without telling anyone, he'd accepted their proposal and only told his friends the night before he was due to leave. He did this as he didn't want a fuss made over his departure and hoped to simply leave.

His departure made him the first member of The Pack to leave Merlow on a permanent basis.

Drake Sports Academy
For the rest of Marcel's high school and early college life, he studied at Drake Sports Academy, in the city of Drake. A large, prestigious facility, Drake was widely regarded as the nation's best. Marcel found the adjustment difficult at first, as he was put against competition and trained on a level he never had been before. In typical Marcel fashion, he rose to the occasion, quickly becoming one of the best prospects Drake had and his future seemed bright.

Attack
Marcel's success at Drake drew the jealousy of several other students. Despite being more than capable of taking care of himself, Marcel was set up, drugged, beaten, and then raped by several individuals. To add to the brutality of this attack, he was deliberately stabbed in the leg, in order to derail his athletics career.

Storm's Revenge
Marcel did not immediately tell anyone of his attack, but when he finally told Storm, Storm travelled to Drake. He tracked down Marcel's attackers and assaulted them. All of Marcel's attackers required hospitalisation. Storm narrowly avoided legal prosecution after Marcel intervened and brokered a deal with his attackers. He agreed not to prosecute them if they agreed not to press charges against Storm. None of Marcel's attackers returned to Drake.

Impact On Sports Career
Marcel's promising future as an athlete was all but destroyed. He worked hard to rebuild himself, but could not longer be the athlete he wanted to be. He changed his focus to ironman and being a triathlete to compensate, still managing to compete fiercely, but his chances at entering an Olympic training program for running were ended.

Concept
Mainstream was originally designed as a starring vehicle for Marcel, and his main reason for being exited from Storm Front. The premise was to follow Marcel during his attempts to become a better athlete, and how he handled himself and his sexuality in a larger setting than Merlow. Three chapters were written before the exercise was discarded. They are tentatively planned for release at a later date as an Interludes series.

Release
Mainstream was finally released on October 2010, set to become the only story to span all three major entries in the StormVerse Chronicles.