A Heart-to-Symbiote
| A Heart-to-Symbiote | |
|---|---|
| Date of Cutscene: | 05 July 2022 |
| Location: | Happy Harbor |
| Synopsis: | In the aftermath of Mania encountering Kyle, host and symbiote discuss something that's been a long time coming. See scene 11888, "Space Cop Meets Space Goo" for reference. |
| Cast of Characters: | Andi Benton |
"It's time we had a little talk. About everything." These were the words Andi Benton spoke to Mania, the Klyntar symbiote she'd been bonded to for approximately two years now.
In a darkened alley a few blocks from home in Happy Harbor, she wills the symbiote back inside before a cartoonish visage of Mania's head appears from over her shoulder. Akin to a caricature, its white eyes are downcast, the shape of the mouth sculpted into a frown. <Andi, there are things you should not concern yourself with...>
Andi's response is immediate. "Oh, is that right? You mean like things a Green Lantern from space would come after us for on sight and threaten to take us in? Why was he so surprised to see you bonded to me?" Her glare is unrelenting, and the symbiote actually shrinks back a little.
<Because, Andi..> the creature begins, only to pause before the young woman's eyes narrow. <..we..are usually..benevolent, but not..always.>
"Go on," is all Andi says, prompting more out of the reluctant Klyntar.
It dips in place. <We have no true culture. All we know is what we learn from our hosts. We have bonded to many creatures and races in the far reaches of space, usually to hosts that are not sentient. All we learn from them is instinct. And we amplify it. We make them stronger, tougher, more likely to survive. Sometimes...it has destroyed planets.>
Andi takes in a deep breath, lets it out a moment later. This was what she feared given Kyle Rayner's initial reaction to just seeing her. "So you're here to destroy Earth? Is that it? Is that what you've been getting me ready for? You know I don't want to kill anybody!" There is hurt in her own voice, her own emotions.
Immediately, Mania's objection is clear and direct. <No, Andi, no! It is not like that!>
"How many did you kill before we...?" She gestures between them.
<None! We were young! You are our first host! We have learned from you! You have given us purpose!> Mania claims.
Andi presses the matter. "Then why are you always trying to get me to give in and kill people? Chocolate isn't enough?"
Mania shrivels, then forms more distinctly again. <We do not mean it! We know it annoys you, and we like your reactions! They are always so strong! And we always get more chocolate afterward, so it is good for both of us! We are one! We help each other! We protect! Like the Spider-Man taught us! We have meaning together!>
Andi's anger threatens to bleed out, to affect the bond through their link, but somewhere along the way it simply...fizzles. She sighs, shutting her eyes as she rests her back against the alley wall. While it's possible Mania could simply be telling her what she wants to hear, it is a simple fact that she does feel more alive this way, more powerful, believing she can make a difference.
And, if this can help show someone like Kyle that his information about the Klyntar may be wrong, do they not owe it to themselves to prove it so?
Her silence goes on long enough that Mania creeps up a little higher, almost eye to eye. <Andi...?> it wonders.
"Shhh. Come here." Andi touches a finger to the spot its nose would be, then cups the manifestation of the symbiote closer. "You're..right. I still need you. We need each other. We've done a lot of good, but I have to be clear about something. There can't be any more secrets. We can't have someone coming after us for something we didn't do."
Mania cuddles closer, within and around Andi's hand, even nuzzling once amid a relieved expression taking shape again before it's once more replaced by a hint of worry.
<We are happy but we are also sad, because we must warn you about Knull and hope he never turns his attention to this planet.>
(Mania caricature inspired by: https://i.imgur.com/CAcw3u8.jpg)
