It's been years and he's made no progress whatsoever with what's left of his master's work, Elpis. It's been eating at him, subconsciously eroding at what's left of his patience leaving him a different man than the one he is familiar with. These thoughts slip into his head as smooth as silk, whispering into his ears telling him he is incapable of continuing Spencer's work, inadequate. It's been getting at him slowly but surely. These thoughts have brought forth an anger in him that he did not think he was capable of. He has always been composed, quiet, and reserved, always in control. Now he feels this newfound anger rearing its ugly face even when he doesn't mean for it to.

He finds himself at his desk reading one of his doctor's latest reports, yet he's been reading the same line over again for the past half hour "Results inconclusive, further research is required to determine a definitive outcome on the effects of the mutagen", "Results inconclusive-", "Results inconclusive-!", "RESULTS INCONCLUSIVE!"

His large hands slam against the desk as he breathes out a low snarl. He then straightens himself out, his hands finding their way up to his head to smooth out his unruly silvery black hair. He needs to control himself. He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, tuning into his surroundings. At the surface he can only hear the slow but steady ticking of the clock, if he listens further he can hear patients screaming in the distance, insanity creeping into the edges of their minds. It's a beautiful process, truly. Letting go of one's humanity is a blessing, and the least he can do to bestow upon his patients.

The sound of approaching footsteps snaps him out of his thoughts- his head tilts to look towards the door and then back at the clock. Who could it be? It's 12:48 AM, is it one of his doctors? A patient? A visitor? He takes a deep breath to calm himself as he looks back towards the door expectantly, his thick fingers drumming against the desk.