“…So what you’re saying is, what you told me earlier about that group of vigilantes… was a lie. Or rather, you obfuscated the truth. In reality, you do know how the vigilantes were altering the minds of the criminals. That’s why you knew they were framed.”
With a small grin, Jack continued.
“Thank you for telling me. The thing is… on the surface, this could be a lie. What you’re telling me is something that we, currently, have no way of proving to be true or not. After all, it would require a 21st century era smartphone to activate the ability. However…”
They pointed a finger at him, continuing.
“You contradicted yourself, undercutting your image and ego. Of course, this could be intentional, too – assuming you were that calculating that you intentionally set this up to soften my impression of you. Or, at least, to see you as less of a threat.”
Their smile returned, now softer, more friendly.
“Anyway… the point is, I trust you. Honestly, at this point, it’s better to do that than to worry about betrayal. I already have enough worries, you know? I’d like to have a friend on my side.”
“Since you told me… I’ll tell you. I’m not ordinary, either. Plus, I think I can prove it… see, after the death of my parents, something changed in me. For a time, I was in a pretty dark place… I did some stuff I never imagined I’d really do, but secretly wanted to. It just kept getting worse and worse until I… well, I did something bad.”
With an adjustment of their glasses, Jack continued.
“That landed me in a research facility. Turns out, some sort of spirit had overcome me, and apparently took total control. But I wasn’t gone. Not entirely. I realized that I had enough of being subjected to others’ desires, and wrested back control, along with the new powers it afforded.”
“The point is… I can shift into another form, in which I have heightened senses and abilities. Neat, huh?”
“Well that’s certainly a simpler ability to explain than mine. Honestly, thank you. I’ve never confided in anyone before and frankly it’s a little bit of a weight off my shoulders. If I were to talk about this back home I’d probably lose all credibility.”
“Actually one thing you said intrigued me. You said something about being spiritually restrained. My ability needs a catalyst to activate so I haven’t been able to determine if they’re still intact or not. Have you tested yours?”
