Velocity: Shattered Icons

Unmasked

The city lights below flicker as I stand alone on the rooftop, a sense of detachment enveloping me. I've been avoiding everyone, hiding from my own reflection. The changes in my body are impossible to ignore now. My hands have turned into claws, my spine juts out more prominently with each passing day, and my tail, though still forming, slithers behind me with a life of its own. The radiation is a deep, unsettling blue, casting eerie shadows and making me appear like a ghost from some nightmare.

I'm haunted by my reflection. The protruding spine, the jagged skin, and the tail that seems to writhe with a mind of its own—all of it marks the gradual loss of my humanity. I'm caught between the urge to embrace these changes and the fear of what they mean. I need answers, but more than that, I need control.

Tonight, Titan's meeting is a stark reminder of the tension simmering beneath the surface. The team is gathering, and I can't shake the feeling that everything is spiraling out of control.

Inside V8 headquarters, Titan stands at the head of the briefing room, his stern demeanor cutting through the low murmur of conversation among the team members. His gaze is cold and unyielding as he addresses the group.

"Listen up," Titan's voice commands attention. "We've got a critical mission tonight. We need to neutralize Ernesh before his plans come to fruition. I expect everyone to be on their game."

Aria, Flint, and Lumina nod, their faces showing a mixture of determination and concern. The atmosphere is tense, with everyone acutely aware of the stakes involved. Titan's focus is solely on the mission, but there's an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with Rhan's recent behavior.

In a secluded corner of the room, Rhan stands apart, his body barely contained within his uniform. The changes in his appearance are becoming more pronounced, with his skin taking on a jagged texture, his spine protruding sharply, and his tail visibly extending from his lower back. The blue radiation that emanates from him creates an almost ethereal glow, marking him as a figure of increasing concern.

Titan's eyes lock onto me, and I can't avoid the inevitable confrontation. He strides towards me, his expression a mix of frustration and authority.

"Velocity," Titan's voice cuts through the room, and I flinch at the tone. "You've been slacking off. You're becoming a liability, and it's affecting the team. What the hell do you think you're doing?"

I try to steady my voice, but the growing pressure in my chest makes it difficult. "I'm doing my best, Titan. My powers are...they're out of control."

Titan's eyes narrow, and he takes a step closer, his presence imposing. "Your best isn't good enough. You're a danger to everyone around you. I can't afford to have you dragging us down."

The tension in the room escalates as Titan's reprimand continues. His demeanor is unforgiving, his frustration evident. The team members exchange uneasy glances, sensing that the situation is reaching a breaking point.

Aria, Flint, and Lumina watch from a distance, their concern growing as they realize the gravity of Titan's words. They can see Rhan's struggle, but Titan's focus remains on discipline rather than empathy.

I try to argue, but the words get caught in my throat. The reality of the situation hits me hard. "I'm trying to control it, but it's not easy. I need—"

Titan cuts me off, his voice growing colder. "You need to get your act together, or you'll be a bigger problem than Ernesh."

I can see the harsh determination in his eyes, and it makes my blood run cold. Before I can respond, Titan's expression shifts, and he turns abruptly, his mind clearly made up.

Titan's decision is swift and ruthless. He leaves the briefing room, his face set in a grim line. The team members are left in stunned silence, the weight of his actions hanging heavily in the air.