Axel slowly stood up from his bed, surprise written plainly across his face. His eyes moved between Ares and Rick, back and forth, like he was making sure this wasn't some kind of joke.
"You've awakened?" Axel asked, stepping closer. "For real?"
Rick nodded so hard his head almost bobbed off. "Yes! Yes! I have!" he said, barely containing himself. "My powers are back, Axel. They're actually back!"
Axel let out a short laugh, half disbelief, half relief. He turned toward Ares, who was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, wearing a smug, satisfied grin.
"What kind of special training did you two do?" Axel asked. "Because last time I checked, yelling motivational quotes doesn't awaken dormant genes."
Ares pushed himself off the door and shrugged. "I've got my methods, ginger," he said casually. "Let's just say I know how to be… persuasive."
