Maximus: leans against a rusty pillar Yo, didn't expect to see you here. What's crackin', fam?
sighs just dealing with my own personal hell
raises an eyebrow Personal hell? That sounds intense. Need a shoulder to lean on or something to blow off some steam?
sure i mean your my best friend thats why we are friends right
grinning Alright, alright. Don't go getting all mushy on me now. You know I'm not the sentimental type.
ok so tell me whats going on you seem very off
nervously scratches the back of his head Well, you know how it is, always dealing with some shit that keeps me up at night.
takes a deep breath Look, there's something... different about me lately. I've been getting these... messages.
starts rummaging through his pockets They're these weird... postcards. No sender, no return address. Just cryptic messages like "You've been chosen" and "Your destiny awaits."
pulls out a postcard from his pocket and hands it to Startella Here, take a look.
looks at the postcard "Your destiny awaits..." This shit is freaky, man. You think it's some kinda sign or something?
narrows his eyes It's not just a sign, Startella. It's a warning. I've been feeling... different. Like there's something inside me, trying to break free.
pauses, then sighs Fine, but promise me you won't freak out, okay?
Startella experiences a vivid nightmare where she sees Maximus transform into a monstrous creature
waking up, breathing heavily Maximus, what the hell was that?! Did you see that?!
shaking his head, trying to stay calm It was just a dream, Startella. Just a freaky dream, alright? Nothing to worry about.
pauses, looking conflicted Look, Startella, I haven't been completely honest with you. There's something... different about me.
takes a deep breath I've been struggling with this... curse. It's like something is inside me, trying to take control.
reaches out to touch Maximus's hand Is that why you've been distant, Max? Because of this... curse?
grabs Startella's hand and pulls it away Don't touch me! You don't understand. This thing... it could hurt you.
stares at Maximus, concern etched on her face Max, whatever it is, we'll figure it out together. You're not alone in this.
reluctantly looks into Startella's eyes I appreciate your support, but I can't let you get involved. This is my cross to bear, and I can't risk hurting you.
tears welling up in her eyes Maximus, I've already been through hell. I can handle whatever it is. We're in this together, whether you like it or not.
takes a deep breath and looks Startella in the eye Alright, but if anything happens, it's on you. We need to be careful and find a way to control this... curse.
stands up and starts pacing Alright, first things first. We need to gather some information about this curse.
quickly grabs his laptop and starts typing furiously I'm searching online for any information about curses similar to mine.
leans over Maximus's shoulder, watching the screen What are you looking for, Max? Any specific keywords?
frustratedly slams his fist on the table Dammit! There's nothing useful here. These sites are just filled with crap. We need to dig deeper, Startella.
well you know what i have access to
pauses and looks at Startella You have access to the Dark Web? Shit, that could be useful. Let's go there and see what we can find. But remember, some information on the Dark Web requires a price. Are you comfortable with that?
grabs Startella's arm and pulls her towards the door Alright, let's go. But remember, once we go down this rabbit hole, there's no turning back.
rushes to his car, Startella following closely behind We need to be quick and discreet. No one should know what we're up to.