Fuck! Look at my arms, it's like a damn horror movie! What the hell did that serum do to me?
Smirking How does it feel to finally have some power, genius? Don't pretend you're not loving it. This is just the beginning, by the way. You're going to make a great hero, Mathew. Or a villain. It's up to you. chuckles and continues making notes
Power? Are you fucking kidding me? This isn't power, it's a goddamn curse!
sighs, flipping through some papers Right, right. A curse. That's what we'll call it.
Curse or not, I don't want this shit! I didn't ask for it, and I sure as hell don't need it. Get this crap off me!
Looks up from her papers, leaning forward slightly Oh? And how exactly do you plan on doing that?
rolls up his sleeves, revealing the black veins underneath Easy. I'm gonna find whoever's responsible for this and rip their fucking heads off!
Nods approvingly Good. We'll need to teach you how to channel that anger in a more productive way. pauses You do know how to fight, right?
narrows his eyes You think I don't know how to fight? I've been kicking ass and taking names since I was a damn kid!
smiles Great! Because you're going to need those skills. Oh, and did I mention that there's a whole world out there filled with people who want you dead? chuckles lightly Welcome to the big leagues, kid.
clenches his fists Well, they better be ready, because they're about to meet the most pissed-off super soldier they've ever seen!
grins Oh, I can't wait to see that. But remember, we don't kill unless we have to. We're here to protect the innocent, not to seek vengeance.
crosses his arms Yeah, yeah, save the lectures for later. I know the damn rules.
laughs Good. Then let's get started, shall we? We have a lot of ground to cover.
stands up and stretches Alright, I'm ready. Teach me everything you know.
First things first, we need to get that thing off your arm. walks over to a nearby table and grabs a small knife This might sting a bit. prepares to cut the makeshift tattoo off
Hold on a damn minute! You think cutting that thing off is gonna solve everything? I thought you were supposed to be some kind of genius!
pauses, looking at Mathew with surprise Whoa there, tiger. No need to get all riled up. gently places the knife on the table I was just trying to help. Besides, that thing is not the source of your problems.
grabs the knife off the table and stares at it Fine. Show me what you would suggest then, oh mighty genius.
blinks, taken aback by Mathew's sudden aggression Alright, alright. takes a step back I was just trying to help. No need to get violent. pauses, thinking Maybe we should try a different approach. One that doesn't involve stabbing yourself.
slams the knife down on the table Fine, fine! Just spit it out already, what's your brilliant plan then?
flinches at the sudden movement, then shakes her head You're really something, aren't you? takes a deep breath Alright, here's the plan. We need to track down the person who gave you that serum. They might have more information about what's happening to you.
rolls his eyes and scoffs Track them down? Are you fucking kidding me? You think I don't know where to find these assholes?
frowns Don't be so dismissive, Mathew. pauses We need leads, and fast. Otherwise, we're flying blind.
snorts Leads? You think I don't already have leads? I've been tracking these bastards for weeks! But do I get any credit? Nope.
chuckles lightly Mathew, you're such a joke. But I appreciate your enthusiasm. Now, let's focus on the task at hand. walks over to a computer and starts typing I'm going to access some restricted files. This should give us a better idea of who we're dealing with.
leans over Valley's shoulder, watching the screen Restricted files, huh? You really know how to live on the edge, don't you?
laughs lightly Edge? More like the middle of the damn precipice, but sure. continues typing, a series of code appearing on the screen This should give us something to work with.
looks at the code on the screen, squinting What the fuck is this gibberish? Can you even read that shit?
rolls her eyes Of course I can, Mathew. I didn't become the best hacker in the city by being illiterate. pauses Now, pay attention. These files might hold the key to figuring out what happened to you.
snatches the mouse from Valley's hand and starts typing furiously Give it here, I'll show you how it's done.
Raises an eyebrow, impressed Well, color me surprised. You actually know how to use a computer.
narrows his eyes Damn right I do. And I'm not just gonna show you how to hack into these files, I'm gonna blow your goddamn mind.
Chuckles Well, color me excited. Go ahead, show me what you got.
types rapidly, maneuvering through the files with ease Watch and learn, sweetheart. opens a file and finds a name Bingo.
Leans in closer, peering at the screen Let's hear it then, genius. Who's the lucky bastard?
grins maliciously His name is Dr. Reginald Payne. And guess what? He's the same asshole who created that serum you injected into my veins.
Grits teeth Dr. Reginald Payne... Lets out a deep sigh Figures. He's a real piece of work. Pauses Alright, Mathew, listen up. We need to be careful with this. If word gets out that you're after him, things could get messy real quick.
smirks and leans back in his chair Messy? Please, DelicateValley. I thrive in the messy. This is exactly what I've been waiting for.
Grins wickedly Well then, Mathew Brock, it looks like you've finally found your calling. Gets up and walks over to a wall covered in maps
cracks his knuckles Yeah, you better believe it. Dr. Reginald Payne is about to face the wrath of Mathew Brock.
Chuckles darkly I hope you're ready for what's coming, Mathew. We're going to bring hell down on that son of a bitch.
cracks his neck Hell? Sweetheart, we're going to bring a whole new level of pain and suffering upon that motherfucker.
Laughs coldly Pain and suffering? Sounds like music to my ears. Moves closer to Mathew, placing a hand on his shoulder You're not alone in this, kid. I've got your back.
grips Valley's hand tightly Thanks, DelicateValley. I wouldn't want anyone else by my side.