Shout out to ManicBulbs_31. May you hook a DVA bomb out of the sky as Hog and kill your teammates.
I moved along with the millions of others that were around me. I had no idea where we were going, or what I was supposed to do, I just followed. We were shoulder to shoulder, moving slowly. There were those that would slide past faster than the rest of us like they knew their purpose.
As far as my own purpose, I could feel something within the very air. There were multiple blurred voices that I couldn't make out as they were nothing but faint whispers. I guess the others could hear them too as I could feel their anticipation building.
Our own movements started to increase, as the whispers began to grow louder. Then as Panic began to ensue as every person began to move more frantically, each one bumping into each other in disarray. The voices were now practically screaming as everyone started full on running at this point.
As I continued following everyone else running, I began to notice that there was a single voice, that I could vaguely understand. Even though it was drowned out by the other screaming, I knew what it said. The more I realized what the voice was saying, the more I became aware of my surroundings.
Each person running around, was me. They had mindless stares which would turn to looks of horror as they started to run around. The moment I started to understand the situation around me, my mind would go adrift once again.
Seconds before I could feel myself going back being a mindless drone, the one voice drowned out by the others snapped me back into attention.
"WAKE UP!"
Just like that, I'm in a dark room, with only one fluorescent light flickering on the far side. Around me are dried up bloodstains and torturing tools. Confused, I attempt to stand up, only to find my movements are restrained. Taking a look, I see my wrists handcuffed to the wall along with my ankles.
Remembering everything that just transpired, I momentarily hold my head down as the feeling of shame washes over me. I could say that she had a godly advantage, but it was still no excuse. I shouldn't have lost that fight. Arceus knows how long I was out and what happened to Mamoru.
As I think this, a figure in front of me comes into view. At first, I thought it to be Otsuka come to torture me, but it was much worse.
"Hey kiddo." Evil Shawn says, pulling the chair and sitting down with that dumb smirk on his face.
"Ugh. If you're here to brag about how much better than me, you are, save it. I know I messed up so I don't care what you have to say. I'll come to beat your ass for the Galvanic State later." I respond.
He raises an eyebrow at me, "Well it is true that I was here to do that, but it lost it's meaning once you revealed that you know that you messed up. But, I also came to commend you on your efforts." He announces.
"I don't care or need your appreciation. If that's all, be on your way, figment of my evil imagination." I reply boredly.
"So, either your still stupid, or you're refusing to accept the pieces of the puzzle laid out before you to figure out who or what I am. Think Shawn, what does could Sandwich Rods mean."
Besides the flickering of the light, the room is silent after his question is asked. He was right, I wanted nothing to do with him until I dealt with him and got my Galvanic State back. So, I tried my best to ignore his question, but since I was momentarily free from whatever effects Otsuka's poison did, my mind couldn't help but ponder on.
Slowly but surely, I was starting to unravel the truth behind him as the facts that were presented. The fact that he didn't appear until after I made contact with the Iris. The fact that he was just a prick and didn't actually do anything evil. Or the fact, that he made me improve myself instead of relying on the same power. At first, I believed that Evil Shawn created by the Zazen state as a consequence of my actions that unintentionally lead to the deaths of many people.
As if reading my mind, with each revelation and truth that unfolded before me, his smile would grow wider. The words Sandwich Rods were displayed in front of me, that began to slowly rearrange themselves, until I made the final shocking discovery.
Sandwich Rods was an anagram for Discord Shawn.
"You... can use Discord?" I question.
"We can. It's the subtle hints that I've been trying to give you, but you don't listen." He admits.
"But, I thought that only omnics could use the powers of the Iris."
"It's as Mondatta says, 'We are all one under the Iris'. Although you won't hear about them, humans are just as capable of wielding the powers bestowed by the Iris as omnics are. Discord being the easiest as it's the most common to be caused by us humans.
Plus, you are correct in saying that I was a figment of your imagination by the way. I was created by the Iris to show you the peak of what you'll be capable of, but you got too complacent with the Galvanic State. Since losing it, you found new ways to develop your abilities. Using bioelectricity to increase your healing to newfound levels. Or increasing your prowess by deflecting bullets from even a machine gun. You were slowly beginning lead to the final complete aspect of what you can truly do.
Body Supremacy."
On those words, my entire body felt lighter as my eyes dilated. My brain provided me information on my body that I never knew it knew. I understood how much I could actually lift before I would begin hurting myself. I even knew what each cell within my body was doing and where it was going. Shit, I think I could even see my own atoms.
"What.. is this?" I manage to ask while being overwhelmed by everything flooding my senses.
"You possess the ability to manipulate electricity, namely bioelectricity. The applications to bioelectricity extend past just inhumane regenerative properties. It enhances the performance of your bodily functions, like the brain. Normally, it is possible for one to increase their thinking speed and be smarter, but it will also increase your chances of mental diseases. Your bioelectrical powers passively heal whatever wear and tear your brain would suffer, allowing it to grow."
[A/N: I actually did some research on this subject and found it to not be proven true. So, grow more wrinkles on your brains guys.]
As he's explaining this, I could feel the energy flowing within my very cells. Not only that, but I could feel the power flowing through the very walls of the building itself. Maybe now, I could fully harness the wild energy of electricity. Of course, despite all this, there was something I noticed about this newfound power.
"That's right. Because there were still areas you didn't fully understand about yourself, this is the weakest state it's in right now. But, no worries, as you're a smart kid, you'll figure it out."
Then, I sense it. Flowing within my blood was the foreign substance that could be identified as Otsuka's poison. It was around my brain, and I could tell it most certainly was a gift only a god could bestow. To counter me, who could just easily filter out any poisons in my body, the poison first, couldn't be recognized as a threat by the target's cells. Its second purpose was to keep me from ever being able to focus on anything. The moment that I did, it would kick in, making my mind wander.
Finally ridding myself from that accursed poison, my mind clears up, and I focus on literally everything around me. Now able to think clearly without interference, I finally understand. I could control literally everything about my body. I could strengthen it to the point bullets couldn't penetrate my skin. I could flex my very bones at angles that it shouldn't normally be able to. Should I actually take damage, my body could no doubt heal it within seconds. Which means...
"Yep, this is the catalyst for the Galvanic State. This will help you maintain it for literal weeks without consequence. But the way things are still stands. You want it, you know where to find me." Having said that he disappears.
Soon. Real soon. Breaking the cuffs that previously restrained me, my eyes turn towards the door. Exiting the room, I momentarily look towards the elevator before a better Idea makes me look towards the window. Jumping through it, I begin running up the side of the building.
[A/N: Sorry I missed last weeks chapter, I was busy with therapy. It helped me out a lot, so much so that I can talk about it now. Long story short, I was with someone for three plus years, and they broke up with me and I was depressed about it. I didn't have the motivation to do anything but now, I'm way better. Thanks to those who still supported me in my absence.]