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ADRIEN
Why the long face, John?

Plumley, his expression suddenly twisting with hatred, says nothing. Adrien folds his arms, puzzled.

ADRIEN
Aren’t you going to at least say hello?

PLUMLEY
Screw you, Adrien.

Plumley assumes his fighting position. Adrien crouches low and smiles.

ADRIEN
As you wish…old friend.

The last words drop slowly from Adrien’s mouth as he closes his eyes. There is a sudden tension in the arena as Adrien breathes in the energies of the M-Verse. The lab coats in the Command Room observe the energy output of the portal far more intently than they had with everyone else. 

The competitors watch in awe as the portal shimmers with black and purple energy. They’ve all seen him on TV, but seeing him live is different. It's much more intimidating.

Adrien’s fists are surrounded in purple flames that matches the colors of the portal. He runs at Plumley, his speeding body bursting with intense heat. Plumley tightens up, raising his arms front and bracing himself for impact.