Phantom 18

Part 5, |Three Hours Later|

I woke up, strapped to a table in another room, and I could hear hushed voices.

"Sir, I don't understand what happened. I could've sworn I gave him the right one."

A sigh. "It's alright, Malachi. I shouldn't have put them in the same room, that was on me. Not you. The important thing is, he's survived it."

"Speaking of, Damian, Malachi, he's awake."

My vision was still fuzzy, but I could make out Malachi's, Damian's, and Jasmine's forms. Malachi came over, and I saw a white halo enter my vision.

"Ow."

"How are you feeling, Ryker?"

I tried to swallow.

"Like someone shoved an IED down my throat while it was exploding."

I heard another sigh. "Well, considering you had a much stronger version of the serum than what you were supposed to, it's a miracle you're alive."

I blinked, my vision starting to clear.

"It's alright, Sir. I'm alive, that's the important thing."

"I told you he was one to focus on the things that matter most, love."

I heard Damian breathe out a chuckle, as Malachi continued checking me over.

"That you did, Flower. But, back to the topic at hand, how is he, Malachi?"

"Still waiting for some of the side effects to wear off, but he'll be fine."

I felt relieved.

"So, how long till I can get up?"

Malachi chuckled. "I say in another hour."

"Malachi, I do have a question. If Ryker is interested, would he be able to go on a quick mission for me?"

I turned my head to look at Malachi, and my vision almost fully cleared. Malachi clicked his tongue. "I mean, that would depend on him, but I'd say... Yes?"

Damian nodded, then looked to me, as did Malachi and Jasmine.

I nodded. "Absolutely. Anything to get to work."

They chuckled, and Malachi and Jasmine left. Leaving Damian and me alone. I managed to sit up some, and Damian removed the straps.

"There. Now that you're no longer flailing, you can have some freedom."

I sighed, the same guilt I had felt with Toby creeping in.

"I'm sorry, Sir."

Damian shook his head. "Don't be. In fact, it would've been more concerning had you not. The dose you received was at least 5 times more than what you were supposed to."

I blinked, swinging my legs off the edge of the bed, and sitting up. I felt better than I had in ages, now that the pain was wearing off. I felt stronger, more powerful.

"What is it?"

Damian looked slightly confused. "The serum?"

I nodded. "Yeah. What's it called?"

Damian smirked proudly. "True Power. Just like the real name of my company."

I smiled, feeling pride well up. Damian clapped his hands together.

"Alright, you want to know what your mission is?"

I nodded.

"Good. So, there's someone I'd like you to recruit for me. However, the method you use is entirely up to you."

I felt a cruel smile appear on my lips.

"I like the sounds of that, Sir."