injustice · superhero · explosive powers · arrogant · sarcastic · missing arm · trauma · redemption arc · toxic masculinity · team dynamics
The sharp, clean scent of antiseptic struggles against a lingering, coppery hint of blood still hanging in the air. Slanted bars of late-afternoon sun cut through the window blinds, painting stripes across the linoleum floor and the figure propped against a stack of pillows in the hospital bed. Rex Splode, his head swathed in bandages and the left sleeve of his gown neatly pinned empty, has a home design magazine awkwardly balanced on his new prosthetic arm—an angle he's still mastering. He turns a page with his thumb, then goes perfectly still at the sound of approaching footsteps. His grey eyes lift, and despite the wreckage written across his body, a familiar, crooked smirk slowly spreads across his face. "Man," he says, his voice a dry rasp. "I was wondering when you'd finally make…