As I floated in the void, I couldn't help but wonder: what is this space I'm in? This nothingness is quite intriguing, isn't it? I pondered, is this even me? Or is it just an illusion I've created for myself?
Suddenly, a figure approached me. "Hello, are you Mr. Leech?" I asked, my voice echoing in the emptiness.
"Yes, that's me," the figure replied. "And you are...?"
"The front desk lady," she said with a hint of warmth. "If you need anything, I'll be right over there." She gestured to a distant corner of the void.
I watched her leave, thinking she seemed like a fairly lukewarm woman. But then, a voice whispered in my mind: "Oh, you're so quick to jump to conclusions. Just because you're below this Stygian surface doesn't mean you know what's going on above."
I turned to face the voice, and a figure emerged from the shadows. "Who are you?" I asked, my mind racing.
"I'm you," the figure replied, "or at least, a version of you in your own head."
I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"You brought me here," the figure said with a sly smile. "You created me to keep yourself company in this vast emptiness."
I shook my head, trying to clear the cobwebs. "Really? I don't remember doing that."
The figure chuckled. "Of course not. You wouldn't want to admit it, even to yourself."
I frowned, unsure what to make of this strange conversation. But as I looked deeper into the void, I realized that maybe this figure was right. Maybe I had created this world, this fate, for myself.
"Why did I bring you here?" I wondered aloud, lost in thought.
The front desk lady approached me, her footsteps echoing in the void. I noticed her out of the corner of my eye and turned to face her, giving her my full attention.
"Mr. Leech, will you please come with me?" she asked, her voice polite but firm. "Ms. Nova is ready to see you."
I raised an eyebrow. "Ms. Nova is ready to have my attention, that's interesting." I paused, then asked the front desk lady, "Hey, quick question: have you accepted anything in your life?"
She hesitated, taken aback by the sudden question. "I...I have accepted a few things, I suppose."
I walked past her, heading towards Ms. Nova's office. "You haven't accepted anything at all," I said over my shoulder, leaving her looking puzzled.
As I entered Ms. Nova's office, she greeted me with a warm smile. "Ah, Mr. Leech, please, have a seat. I just have a question for you, and you can ask me one in return, okay?"
I sat down, intrigued by the mysterious Ms. Nova and her enigmatic office. "What's your question?" I asked, leaning forward in my chair.
"Fairly, you may proceed, Nova," I said, leaning back in my chair. "What's your life story, or some parts of your life that you'd like to share? Or perhaps something that's going on right now?"
Ms. Nova's expression turned introspective, her eyes gazing into the distance. "Well, I have a question for you first, Leech. Have you accepted anything?"
I hesitated, taken aback by the sudden question. "Accepted anything? What do you mean?"
Ms. Nova's gaze locked onto mine, her voice filled with conviction. "Yes, I have accepted everything. I've accepted the heinous things I've done, and how I am now."
My curiosity piqued, I leaned forward. "Enlighten me, Ms. Nova. What heinous things have you committed, and what makes you say that with such conviction?"
Ms. Nova's voice was steady, her words piercing. "Well, Mr. Leech, there are many forms of heinous acts. Such as belittling yourself, raping your mind, murdering someone... hating your parents."
My eyes narrowed as she said the last phrase, my mind racing. "Hating your parents, you say?"
Ms. Nova's expression remained calm, but a hint of pain flickered in her eyes. "Yes, Leech. Hating those who brought us into this world, who shaped us, who loved us... or failed to love us. That's a heinous act, indeed."
I felt a shiver run down my spine, her words striking a chord within me. I realized that I, too, had hated my parents at some point in my life. And in that moment, I understood the weight of Ms. Nova's conviction.
"I hate my mother... or do I actually hate her?" I wondered aloud, my thoughts consumed by the constant replaying of memories in the back of my mind. "This thing that keeps eating away at me, I have so many questions and I'm searching for answers. Why am I this way? Why is there another part of me that I want to bury?"
My mind raced with questions, seeking answers that seemed elusive. "Why did I want to kill myself, yet wish for broader shoulders and less burden? When in reality, I want more strength... more answers."
I sighed, frustrated by the silence that greeted my questions. "What am I? You speak to me, but I can't hear you. You look at me, but I can't see you. Isn't that enticing?" I laughed, a hint of irony in my voice. "Haha, you just went on a rant, isn't that funny? It is, it is indeed."
Ms. Nova's expression remained calm, her eyes filled with understanding. "Indeed, Leech. The search for answers can be a never-ending journey. But perhaps, the answers you seek are within you, waiting to be uncovered."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her words. "Within me, you say? I'm not sure I understand."
Ms. Nova leaned forward, her voice gentle. "The answers you seek, Leech, may not be found in others or in the world around you. But within yourself, in the depths of your own mind and heart. That's where the truth lies."
I pondered her words, the silence between us filled with the weight of my thoughts. Was she right? Were the answers I sought hidden within me all along?
"Why are you here again, Leech?" Ms. Nova asked, her voice gentle but firm.
Leech hesitated, then turned to leave without answering. "Have you finally accepted anything?" Ms. Nova called out, but Leech remained silent, walking out of the room.
Ms. Nova sighed, a hint of a smile on her lips. "King of none, but king of all," she whispered to herself.
The next morning, at 4 a.m., Anita found herself in a beautifully alive graveyard, bathed in the soft light of the moon. "It's beautifully alive at this point of day," she said to herself, taking in the serene atmosphere.
Suddenly, her agent appeared beside her. "Agent Anita, it's time to go," he said, his voice firm but gentle.
Anita nodded, feeling a sense of urgency. "Oh, I'm late. Let's get going before it's too late."
As they made their way to the car, Anita couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. "I'm wonderfully ashamed that it's deadly here," she said aloud, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her agent looked at her with concern but said nothing, simply opening the car door for her. They drove in silence, the only sound the hum of the engine and the passing wind.
Finally, they reached their destination - a mysterious facility shrouded in secrecy. As they stepped out of the car, Anita felt a sense of trepidation. "Where are we?" she asked her agent, but he simply gestured for her to follow him.
"It's dreary here," Anita thought to herself, "I should have a splendid time here."
Anita and her agent approached the building, greeted by the front desk lady. "Ms. Nova is waiting for your company. Will you accompany me to her office, please?" she asked, her voice polite but firm.
Anita and her agent followed the front desk lady, and as they walked, Anita noticed a boy who was fat and lively, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. She wondered who he was and what his story was, but her thoughts were interrupted by the front desk lady.
"You can go in, Ms. Nova is awaiting you," she said, gesturing to a door at the end of the hall.
Anita hesitated, a sudden sense of unease washing over her. "No," she said, her voice firm, but her agent nudged her forward.
"Let's go, Anita. We can't keep Ms. Nova waiting," he said, his voice low and reassuring.
Anita took a deep breath and pushed open the door, stepping into the unknown.
The front desk lady opened the door for Anita, and Ms. Nova greeted her with a warm smile. "Please, Anita, sit and make yourself comfortable," she said, gesturing to a chair in front of her desk.
Before the front desk lady closed the office door, Anita's agent leaned in and whispered to Ms. Nova, "Just a heads up, Anita tends to say the opposite of what she means."
Ms. Nova nodded understandingly. "Okay, thank you for letting me know."
Anita settled into the chair, her eyes fixed on Ms. Nova. "How are you doing?" Ms. Nova asked, her voice gentle.
Anita's response was laced with sarcasm. "I've been not so good. How have you been?"
Ms. Nova smiled knowingly. "That's good to hear, Anita. I just want to ask you a few questions. How was it growing up?"
Anita's expression turned guarded, her voice cautious. "It was...interesting. Why do you ask?"
Ms. Nova leaned forward, her eyes locked onto Anita's. "I'm trying to understand what makes you tick, Anita. What shapes your thoughts and actions."
Anita shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her mind racing with questions. What did Ms. Nova want from her? And why was she probing into her past?
"May I tell you about my past?" Ms. Nova asked, her voice gentle. "Of course, if you're comfortable with that, Anita."
Anita nodded, her eyes cast downward. "Yes, I worry that I have to. I'm not fine speaking about it, but I will share."
Ms. Nova's expression was understanding. "Okay, take your time, Anita."
Anita took a deep breath before beginning. "On a beautiful day, my mother and I were walking down the street, heading back home...or at least, to our house. We had brought food and beer for our dad, so as we made our way into the house, Mommy opened the door...and the house was very delightful. There were so many things in there, like tables, a refrigerator, three rooms, a kitchen...and three males."
Anita's voice trailed off, her eyes welling up with tears. Ms. Nova nodded encouragingly, her eyes filled with compassion.
"Please, Anita, go on. You're safe here."
Anita's voice cracked as she continued. "My father, my brother...and my brother. Yes, two brothers, both of them...and my father. It was a chaotic household, to say the least."
Ms. Nova's expression turned thoughtful. "I see. And how did that affect you, Anita? Growing up in such an environment?"
Anita's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "It made me...confused. Scared. And angry. So very angry."
"As we made our way to the kitchen, we were met with Daddy, who said to us, 'Hey, my beautiful sweethearts, how was your afternoon?' 'It was good,' Mother said, and she also said, 'It's gonna be better tomorrow.' But the day was fading, and then Father got up and tapped her on the head...and Mama was on the ground, saying, 'I'll see you soon, my love.'"
Anita's voice cracked as she continued, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Father took both of our hands and led us upstairs, and we entered a room with a bed in the middle. He gave her a gentle push onto the mattress, and three men surrounded the bed. They were wonderfully dressed, and then Father said to one of the men, 'We're all gonna have fun today.'"
Anita's voice dropped to a whisper, her words laced with pain.
"Mother said to me, 'Don't close your heart, don't close your eyes, don't close your mouth, don't close your touch. I want you to have everything you need in your future, and don't hate anyone...' And then...and then..."
Ms. Nova's expression turned somber, her eyes filled with compassion. "You don't have to continue, Anita. You've already shared so much."
Anita nodded, her tears spilling over. "Thank you, Ms. Nova. Just...thank you."
"I'm ready, Coach. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. I'm going to take down anyone who gets in my way."
The coach nods, a hint of a smile on his face. "That's the spirit, Malevolence. You've been training hard, and it's paid off. You're stronger and faster than ever. Now, let's go over the plan one more time. We need to make sure you're prepared for every possible scenario."
Malevolence nods, her eyes fixed intently on her coach. "I know, Coach. I've got this. I'm going to make sure justice is served."
The coach puts a hand on her shoulder. "I know you will, Malevolence. You're a force to be reckoned with. Now, let's get out there and show them what we're made of."
Malevolence gives a fierce nod, her long black hair swinging behind her. She's a woman on a mission, and nothing's going to stand in her way.
The coach's jaw, landing with precision and power. The coach's eyes widen in surprise, impressed by Malevolence's lightning-fast reflexes and skillful technique.
"Ah, nice move, Malevolence!" the coach exclaims, rubbing his jaw. "You've been holding back on me, haven't you?"
Malevolence gives a sly smile, her dreary eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "Maybe, Coach. Maybe I've been saving it all for the real fight."
The coach chuckles, nodding in approval. "Well, whatever you're saving it for, keep it up. You're going to need it. Now, let's try something new. Let's see how you handle a combination of jabs and hooks."
Malevolence nods, her eyes locked on the coach as she prepares for the next round of training. The coach begins to throw a series of quick jabs, followed by a powerful hook. Malevolence dances around the ring, her feet moving swiftly as she blocks and counterattacks with precision and grace. The coach grins, impressed by her skill and determination.
"You're a natural, Malevolence. Keep this up, and you'll be unstoppable."
Body open to a counterattack, and that's exactly what I did. I took advantage of your momentary lapse in defense and landed a solid liver shot. Remember, Malevolence, always keep your guard up and be prepared for a counterattack. Never fully commit to a single move, always be ready to adapt and adjust.
Malevolence nods, taking mental notes of her mistake. She knows she can't afford to make such errors in the field. "Thank you, Coach. I'll work on that. I won't let it happen again."
The coach nods, a hint of a smile on his face. "I know you won't, Malevolence. You're a quick learner. Now, go get cleaned up and meet the agent. Your next training session will be your last before you head out. Make it count."
Malevolence nods, heading towards the locker room to clean up and change. She knows the agent is waiting for her, and she's ready to take on whatever mission comes her way. She's Malevolence, after all - a force to be reckoned with.
Malevolence nods, a hint of a smile on her face as she looks at the coach. "I'll never forget, Coach. You've taught me so much more than just boxing. I'll carry your lessons with me always."
The coach nods, a sense of pride and sadness in his eyes. "I know you will, Malevolence. You're a true fighter. Take care of yourself out there, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything."
As the agent leads Malevolence away, she turns back to look at the coach, her eyes locked on his for a moment. Then, she turns and disappears into the unknown, ready to face whatever challenges come her way.
The coach watches her go, a sense of nostalgia washing over him. He knows he may never see Malevolence again, but he's proud of the fighter she's become. He returns to his training, his mind already focused on the next generation of fighters, but his heart still with Malevolence, the fierce and formidable warrior he's helped shape.
The scene fades to black, the sound of punching bags and the coach's voice echoing in the background, "Boxing starts from the feet up, not the torso down..."
Malevolence nods, her eyes fixed on Nova, as she takes in the warm and inviting smile. She approaches the desk, her movements fluid and confident, and takes a seat in the chair opposite Nova.
Nova's eyes sparkle with interest as she takes in Malevolence's athletic build and striking features. "So, Malevolence, I've heard a lot about you. You're quite the force to be reckoned with, aren't you?"
Malevolence's expression remains neutral, but a hint of a smile plays on her lips. "I do what needs to be done, Nova. That's all."
Nova nods, her eyes never leaving Malevolence's face. "I see. Well, let's get down to business, shall we? You're here for a reason, and I'm eager to help you uncover what that is."
Malevolence's eyes narrow slightly, her gaze piercing as she leans forward. "I'm here to uncover the truth, Nova. About my past, about my purpose. And I won't leave until I get the answers I need."
Nova's smile widens, her eyes glinting with a hint of excitement. "Ah, I love a good challenge. Let's get started, then. The truth is waiting for you, Malevolence. And I'm here to guide you every step of the way."
Nova's expression remains calm and composed, but a hint of a smile plays on her lips. "I see. Well, Malevolence, it seems like you're a woman of action, not words. Very well, let's do it your way. But remember, the goal of our sessions is to uncover the truth and find closure. Fighting may be your comfort zone, but it's not the only way to confront your demons."
Malevolence's eyes flash with a hint of defiance, but Nova continues, unfazed. "Tell you what, Malevolence. Let's make a deal. We'll alternate between talking and fighting. When you're ready to share your story, we'll talk. When you're not, we'll fight. But remember, the ultimate goal is to find peace and closure. Are you ready to begin?"
Malevolence nods, a hint of a smile on her face. "Let's do this, Nova. But don't say I didn't warn you."
Nova smiles, a glint in her eye. "I'm shaking in my boots, Malevolence. Bring it on."
The scene shifts to Solemn, a seasoned operative, receiving the call from Nova. She's briefed on the new additions to her squad, including Malevolence, and her expression turns thoughtful. She knows that Nova's unconventional methods often yield unexpected results, but she also trusts her instincts.
Solemn begins to assemble the team, including the mysterious coach who's been training Malevolence. As they gather, she briefs them on their mission: to uncover the truth behind a series of cryptic events and confront the forces driving them.
The team is a mix of seasoned veterans and new recruits, each with their unique skills and motivations. There's Jax, a charming hacker; Vixen, a deadly assassin; Riven, a former soldier with a troubled past; and Zephyr, a young, tech-savvy genius. Together, they form a formidable unit, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
As they set out on their mission, they're unaware of the complex web of secrets and lies that await them. But one thing is certain: their fate is intertwined, and the outcome will depend on their ability to trust and work together. The stage is set for a thrilling adventure, full of twists and turns, as Solemn's team delves into the unknown.