It was another ordinary day at Horizon Labs, with students arriving for field trips, scientists diligently at work, and a constant flow of people coming and going. However, little did anyone suspect that this day would mark a significant turning point in the history of Horizon.
As a first-time visitor to Horizon Labs, I marveled at the vast size of the facility, comprised of seven distinct laboratories. During the guided tour, my attention was drawn to an unusual sight—a section cordoned off by a sign that read:
Warning! Restricted Area - Authorized Personnel Only!
Curiosity compelled me to explore further, despite being fully aware of the prohibition. Seizing a moment when the coast was clear, I discreetly slipped past the designated boundaries. But what I encountered within those forbidden confines left no doubt as to why they were restricted. The air hung heavy with a chilling stench of death. Amidst the macabre surroundings, my gaze fell upon a solitary jar. Intrigued, I approached and examined its label, which simply read:
Project P11ls3 Type 1.
Without hesitation, I carefully concealed the jar within my backpack and made my exit from the area.
Once safely home, I attempted a closer examination of the jar and its contents, only to witness a startling phenomenon. The fluid within began to move of its own accord, causing the jar to topple and shatter. It was at that moment that something beyond comprehension spoke to me—telepathically.
"Thank you for freeing me. Now, allow me to repay you," it uttered before flowing onto my skin. The searing pain that initially accompanied this mysterious encounter gradually subsided, leaving behind a reddish-brown fluid covering my entire body, with patches of pallid white where my eyes used to be.
"I am Pulse, created from pieces of other symbiotes. My abilities are venomous bite, shape-shifting into a Spider-Man/Venom-like form depending on my mood, hair that can turn into web-like weapons, the ability to spit acid, manipulate matter, and control tendrils that emerge from my back. I can also fuse with electronics, unleash electricity-based attacks, and possess a variety of weapons, both blunt and bladed. Additionally, I possess immortality, chemokinesis—a knack for manipulating chemicals, limited telepathy, excellent cloaking abilities through pheromones, and the power to replicate myself. Furthermore, I can cure all physical conditions.
These abilities stem from my origins, which incorporate components from symbiotes such as Venom, Carnage, All-Black, Sleeper, Scorn, Riot, Payback, Phage, Agony, Scream, Toxin, Mayhem, and others. The scientists added the last enhancements.
While I have strengths, including immunity to sonic attacks and fire through modifications, expertise in heart-related matters, and being the strongest when it comes to pulse-based abilities, I do have weaknesses. If my host becomes unconscious or dies, I must find another host, electricity is also a vulnerability. Also chocolate, I just love that stuff."
As Pulse was explaining all of this, someone knocked on my door. Glancing at the clock, it read noon. Pulse quickly transformed into a form that resembled clothing, blending seamlessly with my appearance. I answered the door to find Sana, my girlfriend, standing there.
"Hey, Henry! Want to go on that picnic now? Wow, you look more handsome than the last time we talked," Sana asked with a warm smile.
Pulse, ever watchful and protective, immediately chimed in within my thoughts, "This woman, Sana, do you want me to eliminate her? She seems to be bothering you."
"No! Absolutely not! She's my girlfriend, Pulse. You can't just harm or kill people because they annoy you," I replied to Pulse silently. With a smile, I said to Sana aloud, "Sure, let's go on that picnic."
"You like chocolate now, huh? Last I remember, you couldn't stand the taste," Sana commented, surprised, as she observed me devouring everything chocolate in sight. From chocolate bars to cake, candy, and cookies, and even indulging in a Triple-Chocolate Trifle and Chocolate Soufflés, there was no limit to my chocolate-consuming frenzy.
Confused and overwhelmed by my sudden craving, I turned to Pulse seeking an explanation. "Why am I eating so much chocolate? And why does it taste unbelievably good?" I questioned, my voice tinged with both awe and confusion.
Pulse, always ready with answers, responded matter-of-factly, "As symbiotes, we require energy, which we can obtain from either consuming chocolate or feeding on human brain tissue. Considering the circumstances, I opted for chocolate, as I assumed you would prefer that over the alternative."
His logic was sound, and I found myself in agreement. Without further hesitation, I continued devouring the chocolate delicacies before me, embracing the newfound pleasure they brought.
"Try not to eat too much, or you'll make yourself sick," Sana's concerned voice interjected, worried about my eating habits.
"I feel better than ever, actually, so…" I replied, undeterred, and continued indulging in the chocolate. Surprisingly, I realized that I wasn't even experiencing the usual negative effects of consuming excessive amounts of sugar, like cavities or feeling sick.
"Henry, I'm genuinely concerned about your excessive chocolate consumption. I think it's best if we consult a doctor about this," Sana expressed, starting to dial the doctor's office.
Hearing Sana's intentions, panic set in within Pulse, and he urgently exclaimed, "Quick, stop her!" In a split second, I reached out and grabbed her shoulder, trying to prevent her from making the call.
"Henry, let go of me!" Sana demanded, struggling and dropping her phone in the process.
Regret filled my voice as I apologized, realizing the extent of the situation, "I'm sorry about this, Sana," I uttered as Pulse began to envelop me.
Fear gripped Sana as she witnessed the transformation, stammering, "W-w-w-what are y-y-you?!"
"We are Pulse," we replied in unison, poised to attack. But before we could execute our intentions, Sana swiftly threw a handful of chocolate at me.
"Chocolate!!" we shouted instinctively, momentarily distracted from our initial purpose. We dove after the chocolate she had thrown, devouring it with undeniable enthusiasm. Sana, seizing the opportunity, took off running.
Suddenly, Spider-Man arrived on the scene, surveying the chaotic environment. In awe, he addressed us, "Woah, this place is a mess, and woah, what are you?"
"We are Pulse, Spider-Man. Leave if you know what's good for you," we warned, prepared to defend ourselves.
"No way, chocolate monster. I have to stop you," Spider-Man declared with determination, immediately shooting webs in our direction.