Nox sits in a laboratory watching intently as several scientist work with a series of beakers and burners.

“Distillation, the process of isolating a chemical to its baser properties.”

Nox’s eyes lock on a red liquid reducing on a burner, its steam being caught and transferred to another beaker.

“The thing is that isolation can cause things to be more… volatile, more reactive as they slip the bonds that have kept them… stable.”

A smirk appears upon the eyes of the Chemist as a thought crosses his mind obviously tickling his fancy.

“You could say that about people too. The human condition is a fascinating thing. When you’re distilled to your baser instincts, cut off from the what’s made you the person you are, forcing a drastic change. You become violent, volatile; explosive dare I say?”

Nox chuckles as he watches the steam drip away from the compound before him.

“Isn’t that right, James? You’ve been distilled to your very nature as the fire has torn the very components from you that have made your world what it is. Everything that kept you grounded and stable has been burned away. All that remains is an angst filled young man who bloodies those who’ve attempted to help.”

The vial of red liquid before him distilled its base Nox picks it up and swirls the crimson liquid and swirls it like a sommelier checking his creation.

“Your mother dead in the home you thought was supposed to keep you safe, now a weaponized memory. Making you feel broken, desiring revenge to the point that you drove your father into the mouth of danger, his death now a stain on your hands. Reality setting in that you’re alone. Crying out for something that will never return. Everything that held you together, that stabilized you, gone.”

Nox tips the vial slightly, allowing the claret-colored liquid to fall on the table before him and it begins to smolder.

“Here you sit exposed to the elements, unstable, lashing out, a smoldering fire, actively trying to keep people from stifling your embers. You want to grow. You want to become the inferno that is growing inside yourself. Wanting to burn yourself from within. So, James, allow me stoke those flames.”

Nox let’s out a near cackle of laughter.

“Because my… son, what you don’t realize is, I’m the one who’s made you what you are today. Who ordered the fire lit? Who took your mother from you? Who motivated you to bring your father to death’s doorstep? Who put your father in the ground? It all comes back to me, and this week I extend my hand to lovely Eclipse while you stand next to a mere ghost in the Machine, essentially alone. We’ll do what must be done, and take away the last gift your father gave you in the form of those Tag Team Titles and watch as you breathe it in and…”

Nox chucks the vial at a wall and everyone drops to the ground as it shatters, exploding against the surface leaving behind an empty hole.