Chapter 21: Overthinking
Rex stared at Phil, a little annoyed. "If I was going to give a blood sample anyway, why waste my time? You could've just asked me to fart, it would've saved us both the trouble!"
Coulson chuckled, a little embarrassed. "Before I knew more about you, I couldn't ask for a blood sample. Usually, when we ask for one, Aliens or Mutants get really agitated..."
"Alright, let's do this."
Rex extended his arm, rolling up his sleeve. "Lunch rush will start soon. I'd appreciate it if you left after this... unless you want to grab a bite."
Coulson didn't hesitate. He pulled a metal box from his briefcase, revealing a pistol-shaped blood collection device. He pointed it at Rex's arm and clicked the button, quickly and efficiently drawing blood.
Coulson carefully took the blood sample and stood up. "We'll send this to the lab. We'll be in touch after the results. Don't leave New York."
"Am I still a suspect?" Rex muttered, getting up and leading them to the door. "This way. Thanks for stopping by."
"Farewell."
Phil and Melinda exchanged a look as they walked out. Once they were away from the restaurant, Coulson asked, "May, what do you think about Rex Lee?"
"He's hiding something." Melinda sneered.
"Don't you think his Ki thing is real?" Phil smiled.
"Actually, the Ki thing might be real. He wouldn't have given blood so easily if he was an Alien or Mutant. But his attitude is suspicious. He's trying too hard to prove his innocence, like he has nothing to hide. I think he's hiding something important."
"So it was obvious? I thought I was the only one who noticed." Phil smiled.
"Coulson, seriously! His claims are crazy! Yes, there are legends about things like Ki, but it takes a lifetime to master. This kid is 19! He's already beyond human. In a few years, how strong will he be? And he just says he's practicing Kung Fu! Someone like him should have his own style!" Melinda squinted.
"Don't worry about it. Put your thoughts in the report and send it up the chain." Phil shrugged.
"I don't like him," May said, staring at the restaurant's banner. "I hate the look in his eyes."
"The 'I could beat you up in a second' look?" Phil grinned. "I don't need to remind you, he probably could! We don't know for sure, but from the injury reports, his punches are probably as strong as Captain America's!"
"That's what's driving me crazy! I want to shoot him and see if his defense is as good as Captain America's!"
"Let's not waste time. We'll get the test to the lab and see what we find."
"Okay, but bring a Special Forces team next time. That kid needs a good scare. I barely keep myself from pulling my gun around him!"
"..."
Rex paced, oblivious to Melinda's vengeful thoughts. "Those guys are like leeches. I'll never get away from them. But they don't know about the Dragon Balls!"
Rex took a deep breath, looking at the five-star tattoo on his hand. "At this rate, the Dragon Balls will be fully charged in two weeks. Then it's just a matter of finding them!"
"Boss?" Lorna entered, noticing Rex's agitation. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Rex said coldly. He glanced at the clock. "Why are you here so early?"
"It's because..."
Lorna smiled smugly and spread her arms. "Boss, look!"
Rex frowned, looking her up and down. "What do you want me to see? Did your 'assets' finally develop? I can't see them yet..."
Lorna's smile vanished. She looked down at her chest, then clenched her fists. "Bastard! What the hell are you talking about? I want you to see my Ki!"
"Telling me to 'look' for her Ki? After all I taught her about Ki sense?"
Rex activated Ki Sense, but found nothing. It was like she wasn't even there.
"Congratulations! You finally learned Ki Masking!" Rex said dryly. "It took you a whole week to learn such a simple skill? I don't know what you're so proud of."
"Haven't you had enough, Boss? I said you were weak a week ago. How long are you going to hold this grudge?"
"Who's holding a grudge? I'm just telling you the truth. You know how long it took me to learn this? Half an hour! HALF AN HOUR!"
"Bullshit!" Lorna scoffed. "I heard Sensei say you met Kame Sennin ten years ago. A decade of training, and you're still this weak? You must not have any talent at all!"