Masked.

The aftermath of my missions have left me feeling drained, my powers more unstable than ever. The blue radiation around me has intensified, casting an eerie glow that seems to mock the chaos I caused. I can't stop thinking about how my transformation is advancing so rapidly, how my skin feels like it's morphing into something grotesque, and how my spine juts out painfully with each movement.

I can feel myself growing a tail.

I'm in the V8 medical wing, trying to calm myself, but the gnawing discomfort from my protruding spine and claws is relentless. I watch as the team assembles in the briefing room, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and grim determination. I know they're discussing the recent mission and the intel we gathered, but I can't shake the feeling that something is terribly wrong.

My reflection in the mirror is a constant reminder of my struggle. The jagged edges of my skin and the glowing blue radiation make me look like a monster. I clench my fists, the claws extending and retracting with a life of their own. It's a stark contrast to the controlled hero I once was.

I manage to pull myself together and head to the briefing room, where the team is already deep in discussion. Titan is at the front, his imposing figure and metallic suit commanding attention. I take a seat, trying to ignore the pain and focus on the meeting.

The briefing room is tense. Titan stands at the head of the table, flanked by Thorne and the other team members. The large screen displays data from the recent mission, highlighting key findings and potential threats.

"We've uncovered valuable information," Titan announces, his voice steady. "Ernesh's plans are more extensive than we anticipated. He's gearing up for a large-scale operation, and we need to act quickly to counter it."

Aria, Flint, and Lumina listen intently. The information is crucial, but the atmosphere is fraught with unease, particularly with Rhan's recent outburst during the mission.

"There's something else we need to address," Titan continues, his tone shifting. "Recent events have raised concerns about our approach. We need to discuss how we handle our most powerful assets."

The room falls silent, the weight of Titan's words hanging heavily in the air. Rhan shifts uncomfortably in his seat, his blue radiation casting an unsettling glow around him.

Thorne steps forward, his expression serious. "We need to be honest about the risks. Velocity's powers are becoming increasingly unstable, and we must address this before it jeopardizes our operations."

The conversation feels like a knife twisting in my gut. They're talking about me as if I'm a liability. I try to stay composed, but the radiation around me pulses with agitation, and I can feel my spine's protrusions digging into my clothes, the sharp edges making it difficult to sit still.

"I'm managing," I protest. "I can control it."

Thorne's gaze softens. "We need to be cautious. Your powers are growing stronger, but they're also becoming more volatile. We need to ensure that you're stable before we can deploy you on further missions."

The room is silent, the team's eyes shifting between me and Titan. There's a palpable tension, and it feels like the weight of their scrutiny is crushing me.

...

As the meeting progresses, Titan's demeanor shifts subtly. His eyes, usually calm and controlled, now hold a glint of something darker. He addresses the team with a cold precision, his words clipped and calculated.

"Velocity's instability is a concern, but it's also an opportunity," Titan says, his voice carrying a hidden edge. "We need to use every advantage we have. If Velocity's powers can be harnessed properly, they could give us a significant edge."

The team members exchange uneasy glances. Titan's words suggest a more ruthless approach than they are accustomed to, and the tension in the room rises.

"Remember," Titan continues, "our primary goal is to neutralize Ernesh and prevent his plans from coming to fruition. Everything else is secondary."

I can feel the shift in Titan's tone, and it unsettles me. It's as if he's revealing a side of himself that was previously hidden. The once-clear lines between right and wrong are blurring, and I can't help but feel that I'm being manipulated.

I leave the briefing room feeling even more isolated. The shadows cast by my radiation seem to follow me, and the pain from my protruding spine is a constant reminder of how much I'm changing. I need to understand what's happening to me and why Titan's actions seem so off.

...

...

In the aftermath of the meeting, the team disperses, each member lost in their own thoughts. Titan remains behind, his expression hidden behind the mask of his suit. Thorne approaches him, their conversation hushed but intense.

"We need to discuss your approach," Thorne says, his voice stern. "The team is unsettled, and if you continue down this path, it could undermine everything we're working for."

Titan's response is clipped, his eyes hard. "We do what needs to be done. If Velocity's instability becomes a problem, we'll handle it. But our mission remains unchanged."

The conversation ends, and Titan's gaze turns towards the screen displaying data on Ernesh's operations. His mind is clearly focused on the larger goal, but his methods and motivations remain shrouded in secrecy.