Killer Bee looked at everyone and said, "I've seen this kind of thing before. Sometimes, a good beating helps someone snap out of it and lets them release all that pent-up rage."
Ward got up from the ground, furious. He yelled, "You damn ninja, don't think you're the only ones with special powers!"
With that, Ward charged at Killer Bee, grabbing him and trying to slam him to the ground.
But in the blink of an eye, Killer Bee's body surged with lightning chakra, easily breaking free from Ward's hold.
Ward's hair stood on end as the lightning chakra coursed through his body. Killer Bee entered Lightning Release Mode, though it was still in a developing state, yet his speed was unmatched.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
One punch, two punches, three punches…
Killer Bee unleashed a rapid barrage of punches, leaving Ward dazed and bruised, his face swollen and battered.
With a final kick, Killer Bee sent Ward flying, smashing through the lab's reinforced door and tumbling down to the plane's loading ramp.
Whoosh!
Killer Bee appeared instantly in front of Ward, grabbing him by the throat.
"Ward, are you clear-headed now?" he asked.
Ward stood there in shock for a full three seconds before slowly saying, "I'm sorry."
Killer Bee responded, "Apologize to Fitz and Skye."
Lying on the ground, Ward looked toward Skye and Fitz in the lab and then said, "I'm sorry."
Simmons intervened, "Ward's behavior is due to the hormones, not his true self."
Killer Bee withdrew his chakra, nodding as he said, "I forgive you."
Then, Killer Bee's hands glowed with green chakra as he used healing techniques to restore Ward's injuries, especially his swollen face.
…
In the interrogation room-
Coulson sat across from Elliot Randolph and asked, "How did they find it?"
Elliot shook his head, replying, "How would I know?"
"Maybe they found some ancient texts, but that's got nothing to do with me."
"This is just an opportunity to uncover something god left behind from heaven."
Coulson countered, "That came from outer space, brought here by aliens."
"I've been alone with aliens before, and it didn't go well."
"That's why I'm especially sensitive to these kinds of cases."
Elliot replied, "That's all I know."
Coulson stood up and, before leaving the room, said, "Stay put."
…
Meanwhile-
Ward sat on the loading ramp, his body healed by Killer Bee, but memories of his childhood kept flooding his mind. The rage that Killer Bee had subdued still flared up occasionally.
Ward stood up and made his way to Coulson's office.
"Can we talk, sir?"
"Come in."
Ward approached Coulson and said, "I'm worried that my contact with the weapon has affected my ability to perform."
Coulson responded calmly, "Go on."
"You know my family history."
Coulson nodded, and Ward continued, "So, obviously, I never think about my childhood."
"I just don't." Ward spoke, his voice heavy with emotion, "There are memories I've long since buried, locked away tight."
"To do this job right, I need to be focused, sharp. I can't afford to be distracted."
"Especially not by things that happened a long time ago."
Coulson understood now, "You're saying touching the staff awakened some memories."
Ward nodded, "The most painful ones."
"For the first time, I felt hatred."
"That feeling won't go away, and I don't trust myself anymore."
"I lashed out at Skye, Fitz, and Simmons in the lab. Even though Killer Bee set me straight, I still feel…"
Coulson interrupted, "Ward, the fact that you're telling me this makes me feel like I can trust you."
Ward nodded again.
At that moment, Coulson gestured to the screen, which was showing the live feed from the interrogation room.
"But him… I can't get the professor to talk."
"You've got some pent-up anger, don't you? Maybe it's time to release some of it."
With that realization, both Ward and Coulson made their way to the observation area outside the interrogation room.
Coulson pulled out a knife and handed it to Ward.
Ward stared at the blade, momentarily taken aback.
"Is this really necessary?"
Coulson replied, "I suspect he's Asgardian. His behavior is just too unusual."
"Test him out."
Ward took the knife but hesitated, asking, "What if he gets hurt?"
Coulson smirked, "We'll have to rely on Killer Bee. His healing jutsu is pretty impressive."
Ward nodded and, without further hesitation, walked into the interrogation room, shutting the door behind him.
"You need to start talking."
Elliot Randolph, still composed, responded, "I already told Agent Coulson everything I know."
Ward stepped closer, staring intently at him, "You're lying."
"Tell me, what did that staff do to me?"
"How do I fix this?"
Elliot looked back at Ward and said, "I swear, I don't know."
Ward, expressionless, pulled out the knife and said, "Fine."
In the next instant, Ward lunged forward, thrusting the knife toward Elliot's shoulder.
But Elliot calmly caught the blade with his hand and, with minimal effort, bent it in half, leaving Ward unable to pull it away.
After twisting the knife, Elliot released it and let it drop.
Ward stood in stunned silence, looking at the twisted blade in his hand.
Monsters, all of them are monsters!
Just then, Coulson entered the room, having watched from the observation area.
Ward glanced over and said, "You were right. He's Asgardian."
Coulson chuckled, "Good thing, or this would've been pretty awkward."
He then closed the door behind him and sat across from Elliot.
"Maybe now we can have a proper conversation."
Realizing that his cover was blown, Elliot casually snapped the shackles on his wrists, placing them on the table.
"Alright, I'll admit, I'm curious. How did you figure it out?"
Coulson smiled, "Deduction."
"First, you're not the first Asgardian I've dealt with. You guys don't get scared or flustered when captured."
"Second, that Waterfield 44 pen? No way a college professor's salary could cover that."
"And finally, when I mentioned I had spent time alone with aliens, most people would've shown a bit more curiosity."