My Brother's Keeper: Rise of Halo (Closed)

So some ground work had been set into place. Information gathered. Intel stored. It was time to have a conversation with his best friend's husband. Zell Atterrius. Andrew knew a few things about the guy. He made his brother happy. He was filthy stinking rich. He created some powerful kin and the guy was reliable. The last part being the most important piece. In a war against a god the best ability any of them had was reliability. None the less, he knew where to find the guy. Sneaking across an international boarder was surprisingly easy when you have super powers, and on the other side there isn't a dictator trying to have you murdered.

Excalibur City. There was slight breeze. The streets alive with pedestrians. Soldiers looking  bit bored. He did his homework on the place. It was one heck of an economy. Poverty almost non existent if not already. The streets were eerily clean. Compared to New York, LA, Chicago. This place didn't even have a cigarette butt on the ground. "Must be nice" the hero grinned at the thought of one day seeing a planet that looked like this.  A little boy with his mother tripped over Andrew's foot and was grabbed and stood up before he could hit the ground.

"You alright bud?"
"Are you PHOENIX?!"
"What? No I get that all the time." Patriot said scratching his head and chuckling while trying to convince the kid and keep em' quiet.
The mother looked at him with one of those up and downs. Before she rolled her eyes she thanked the man for helping her son and went about her business.
She totally knew.

Luckily Andrew decided to play it smart. He was going to the Gene-Tek building and requesting a meeting with Zell. Somehow he didn't believe a red white and blue crime fighting get up would relay...professionalism in the work place. This wasn't a photo op this was business.

He heard his phone go off twice. One a text from Anna asking when she was getting that drink.
The other from Sean teasing him about Anna.
"How about I get over one heart break before setting myself up for another."He put his phone back in his suit pants. A gray suit, black button up, grey tie. Black dress shoes. Uncomfortable almost. However, it was a longshot and it could help.

After making his way down to the tallest building he took a deep breath. "Here goes...everything?"

He walked in the front door, right to receptionist. Wow this building was massive. The whole city was certainly interesting architecture. This no different.
"Excuse me Miss? My name is Andrew Pettiglio. I'm trying to meet with Mr. Zell Atterrius. I don't know if he's expecting me but please tell him that Mr. Collin is a very close friend of mine and uh, this is pretty important."

"Sir. Mr. Atterrius is a ve...Did you just say Andrew Pettiglio? Like The Patriot, Phoenix. Andrew Pettiglio?"
"Miss I'm the Andrew Pettiglio that really needs to speak with Zell. Can you please inform him I'm here?"

She picked up a phone a punched some numbers in, Andrew stared at her. He really liked her necklace. Then he turned away to look around the building.
"Mr.Pettiglio is...oh is that so. Well. Ok."

"Turns out he knows you're here, please just wait a few moments."

This guy was something else. Another buzz on his phone. It was Anna again, this time it was a photo of her in a Patriot T shirt.
"Well no matter how busy you are, I'm always cheering for you!"
He sent her back a thank you with a big smile emoji. He let her know he'd be back in New York this weekend. They'd for sure catch up then.

He then put his phone away once more before hearing someone call his name.

The sun was shining bright this morning as he walked through the halls of the large building. His eyes seemed to be focused directly ahead, though the occasional flick to the left or right broke up his rather monotonous march throughout the building. As he stepped through the crowds of people he had two people following in tow. The one was Niall, flipping through a bunch of papers as he was continuing to spout off a ton of information regarding some of the new findings in the latest gene that had been isolated from “Patient Zero”. It was all information he had been privy to since he opened his eyes at 3am, but in grace he allowed his friend to feel  like he was helpful in doing his job. The second one following him was a woman, whom served as his secretary, occasionally interjecting to say about what appointments he had.

Attempting to remain civil when you were under constant pressure to preform was something that many people couldn’t handle. It didn’t come easy to Zell, that much was for sure. But after all these years he had learned to take it in stride. He walked past people, smiling and nodding, as others said good morning and said their acknowledgements to the CEO he smiled, waved and seemed to brush past in his hurried state. Today was a day of importance, but he couldn’t remember quite why. Hemoved with a purpose, with a fervor but for some reason it escaped him. Why was today important?

Being severed from the remainder of himself was such a blessing at times, but it never failed to irritate him how much he forgot when he wasn’t omniversally connected throughout all of space and time. Events had a way of creeping up, and while he once KNEW it was important, now in the dry and bland nine to five it didn’t seem to be all that pressing. As he approached the elevator he smiled at the person standing there and holding his coffee. Niall quickly reached out to grab it and stepped onto the elevator as well. The person stood there, smiling as the door began to close, suddenly Zell’s eyebrow furrowed and he cocked his head to the side.

”Is THAT literally his job?” The elevator doors had closed and the carriage began to lift up gracefully up the enduraglas elevator. He turned to look at his Secretary, and then to Niall. Neither one of them seemed to give an answer. ”PLEASE tell me you people didn’t put someone on payroll for the sole purpose of greeting me with coffee...” another moment of silence. His eyes rolled as he shook his head and tapped his lavender sunglasses by the frame, pushing them up the bridge of his nose.

”I believe he’s an intern, sir.” Vira said rather sheepishly before clearing her throat. The sigh that escaped her employer was one that caused her to wince.

”Right, well...I don’t recall fetching my coffee is the purpose of his internship. He’s here to learn about what we do here in the laboratories. So if we could somehow arrange it so that he can spend more time doing what he’s supposed to and less time doing what you’re supposed to that would be great.” He said. There wasn’t a hint of malice in his tone at all, simply what sounded to be some level of irritation or even disappointment. The woman let out a nervous gulp and nodded her head. Zell’s eyes shifted for a moment as his mind seemed to mull upon what he had said, trying to contemplate the nature of the person he had been talking to. “Vira, on a second thought. Cancel the coffee. It’s not your job to do that. I can get my own coffee, you people are starting to spoil me.” He said with a chuckle as the long elevator ride reached the end. With a calming chime the doors opened and Zell stepped out and into the main receptionary for his private office.

”Okay Mr.Atterrius, you’ve got your meeting with Mr.Williams in ten minutes, and following that you have a...Phoenix?” Vira said as she made her way to her desk, looking over her organizer. She looked to him almost as if looking for confirmation. He looked to her and shrugged before taking a sip of the coffee that was handed to him.

”Oh uhm. I just wanted to let you know that D4M14 is scheduled for vitality check today.” Niall said as he smiled widely, as if he were quite proud to inform Zell of this. Zell looked at him and nodded, but after a moment an enthusiastic nod just led to the patronizing “mhm-mhm” noises of affirmation. Finally ending with…

“Wow. Gee that’s great but uh what is a D4M14?” He asked, earning a look of confusion from his childhood friend.

”You uh-you authorized a commission for a breed. Two people that weren’t otherwise compatible…” He offered, but upon reading the confusion on Zell’s face, he felt defeated.

”Niall I’ve never approved a commission for a genobreed. We are still at least four years from making that a public service. The government is being difficult….Do you have a paper trail?” He asked, quickly asking to see a paper trail after seeing the look of fear and horror on Niall’s face. Niall seemed to stammer around it before shaking his head.

”N-no sir. You sent a message that it was priority so the paperwork and clearances could wait until later...it had a 68% genetic match with your thumbprint...” The point was almost disputed, but the elevator began to chime once more. Zell let out a small sigh, realizing that this situation would need to be tabled. He knew full well that tabeling it would be the very mistake they would make in the movies, the kind that would come back to bite him. But then he almost immediately decided that life was boring and he could use some excitement.

”Uhm. Okay. I’ll look into it later. For now keep it in stasis. NO ONE wakes it, no one does a vitality check, no one does an electroencephalogram. Everything is on pause, got it?” He asked as the elevator door opened, revealing three men in suits, the two walked in and stepped off to the side, allowing the third to walk forward, hair slicked up an spiked in a signature look, eyeglasses resting on his face with a chiseled jaw and a new scar across his left cheek. ”Director Williams, punctual as always. Please, come in.”

Of course the discussion would go for hours and dominate most of the morning. Zell sat in his large leather chair, leaning backwards as he sat across a large round and perfectly polished cherry wood table. The small sphere embedded into the pristine white ceiling and the gold painted trim across the walls gave off an immaculate and almost surreal feeling. The sphere would flicker occasionally and project interactive holograms and pulled information from Zell’s glasses, fixating wherever his retina closed in. The discussion was more of the same, sadly. The Agency was once again asking for his help, akin to an old washed up political candidate. Unfortunately The Agency was still a formidable power, still keeping to the shadows.

“Sir, I hate to intrude, however your next appointment is here. I’ve told them that you were expecting them, and so they should be up here soon.” The meeting seemed to drag on forever, that was until suddenly a computerized voice filled the room. It caused one of the suited men to shift, a hand on their gun. The Director put his hand up and tried to set the man back at ease, while Zell himself didn’t even move, just smiled. The Patriot, Andre Pettiglio. Zell wasn’t sure why he remembered this meeting, but for some reason the meeting was important. He let out a small chuckle as he clapped his hands together.

Andrew was just about finished looking at his phone when there was a voice that called out to him. Vira had been instructed to come down and meet him personally, and escort him to the upper offices. She smiled as she held a few books within her arms, her pencil suit an off color of white with a pink tinge to her blouse.

”Mr.Pettiglio, it’s a pleasure to meet you. If you’d please follow me. Mr.Atterrius has been looking forward to this for weeks!” She said with a smile, trying to hold together her professionalism in the presence of a well renowned American hero. Phoenix was to America what Zell was to Canada, and to have both of them in the same place was something that seemed to be quite exciting. Once in the elevator she brushed her black hair off to the side slightly and pressed the top button. It wasn’t long before the elevator opened and she escorted the Hero over to the large double doors as they automatically began to open and a warmth seemed to radiate from the room.

”We would like to request your Blueprints for the Apex Project. In four weeks you managed to save your husband from death’s door and transform him into the most dangerous technological cyborg the world had ever seen. Even Gadget was impressed. If our intel is correct, and Subject Tarot is to be believed then this spells disaster for the human race. Apocalyptic levels like that of The Dark Traveler...” The request coming form Jamison was halted as he felt the shift in atmosphere, the warmth subtly leaving the room. He turned in his chair slightly to look and see whom had entered. A small smile seemed to cross his face. ”The Phoenix returns...I’m glad to see that the likes of Gravitas and his thugs didn’t keep you down.” He said with a chuckle before looking back to Zell and begrudgingly clearing his throat as he released control of the situation.

”I will consider the option. Thank you, Jamison.” With that the Director smiled and turned to walk away. As he walked away the two other men in suits began to gather themselves. As the Director and the other Agent walked, the one lingered for a moment longer. ”The Agency will never serve the purpose you have for them, Matthew.” The agent seemed to snarl a little before it turned to a smirk and then a shake of the head, the Agent leaving, brushing past Andrew.

”Well. It’s taken long enough. Please, come in and have a seat. Can I offer you anything to drink, or eat?” Zell asked, attempting to make the most civil impression given the ending of his previous meeting.

The beautiful woman called his name and he looked in her direction. "Oh please, call me Andrew. Mr.Pettiglio was my dad." he smiled and taking her hand and shaking it. She was stunning. "I'm guessing by the badge you're Miss Vira?" he smiled once more before letting go of her hand and following her to the elevator.

"This place is pretty insane. Do you even know how many people work here? I counted like 50 just glancing around. Not all as pretty as you though." he said giggling. "Smooth you moron. Sean says try and get back out there and you drop a one liner on his husbands secretary? Stick to your heroism numb nuts."

The lady smiled and moves her hair back clearly not too bothered. The door opened. Of course another door. The office heat snuck out and inside it appeared Zell had a friend. Andrew looked over at Vira.
"This looks uh...confrontational."

He knew all about the Apex these men in suits were talking about. It was his brother. Sean. He looked around the office and by goodness what a view. Zell really had it made. "Are all of his meetings like this one Miss Lee? If so I should've brought index cards." he giggled quietly to the lady.

"Oh I'm not The Phoenix anymore sir, I go by The Patriot or just Andrew Pettiglio is fine. Rebranding for a better tomorrow y'know? I'm not entirely sure who Gravitas is but if you mean one of Alba's boys then no. They didn't finish the job so to speak. However I grew a lot from the experience."

The men in suits seemed to wrap up their conversation. One lingered. Grinned at Zell's comment and then brushed passed Andrew. "Pardon me." the hero excused himself, turning slightly not to bump the man. He didn't want to even sneeze the wrong way in Canada. Not after last time.

"Mr. Zell Atterrius. We finally have a one on one. You've only been married to my best friend and birthed children together, I suppose I owe you two some gifts. I'm sorry for my absences in such important life events but well. I guess I don't really know where to tell you I was. Not to be cryptic but I honestly don't even know the answer and honestly I don't mind that."

He politely declined the food but gladly took some water.
"I appreciate you taking this meeting, It's not every day I have to go out searching for a response team. With the Talons gone and Halo in it's infancy I need all the help I can get."

Andrew took a moment and explained the Deity situation. Not info dumping on the kind man's desk but he gave him the gist of why he was here. "I have more answers to any questions you may have. Sorry about your home again. I did all I could to protect it. Anyways. Besides hiring women who are irresponsibly beautiful to be your secretary, think you can clear some time? I know you're a busy man." Andrew knocked a sip of water back. It was the most refreshing he ever had on this earth.

Vira couldn’t help but bite her lip, trying not to laugh at the comment regarding index cards. She did NOT want to be the one to explain to Zell why that was hilarious.  ”Please, call me Vira, but trust me this is the LEAST confrontational meeting they’ve had.” Vira said under her breath, attempting to whisper to Andrew with some amount of reserve, a slight smile on her face as Director Williams eventually excused himself. She nodded to him and watched as Zell said his piece to his and Sean’s old friend Matthew. He turned to walk past and almost ran directly into Andrew, who stepped to the side and politely allowed the man through.  

Ah, my fault. Sorry. Matthew replied to Andrew, as he gave a slight grimace at his own clumsiness. He had no qualms with the one who had once called himself Phoenix, in fact if anything Matthew had some respect for him, especially since he seemed to stand for all the right things in this world. His motivations were unclear, but for now the results couldn’t be argued, no matter what The Agency tried to tell him.

Andrew began speaking to Zell, Vira quickly stepped away to retrieve some of the septum-filtered water that Zell typically drank, offering it to him before looking to Zell, who gave a mile and then a wave of his hand, saying goodbye to the woman as she departed and closed the door behind her. Andrew began talking, and it was clear he was attempting to make himself sound formal, well presented. The effort was appreciated but all it did was make Zell smile. He even thanked Zell for his time, which caused him to shift and nod his head a little rapidly.

” Yeah-uhm... yeah it’s good to meet you too. I don’t really uh...think that gifts are...okay no-Look okay first we need to nip this in the bud. You don’t need to seem put together, you don’t need to seem professional and you sure as Hell don’t need to pretend to be something you’re not. You don’t need to apologize for being who you are or making the sacrifices you make.” Zell said as he chuckled, leaning back as he put his hand on the desk, eyes peering at Andrew through the slightly purple hues of the stolen shades. His posture relaxed a lot since Jamison had left the room, and he seemed to swivel in the chair left to right a little. Despite only having turned 18 this year, Zell seemed to hold the confidence of  a man who lived several lifetimes, and  scrutiny that was unmatched.

”Seriously though, cut it out. “You’ve birthed children together” seriously. Who talks like that? No one, people in bad fanfictions, that’s who. You can’t offend me, you can’t disrespect me. Just talk to me like I’m literally the only other guy in the room...not only because I am, but because this whole “walking on egg-shells” schtick is more hassle than it’s worth. You died, you came back. You went underground and did some training, then when Lucius came back from the dead as well you resurfaced.” Zell spoke mouthfuls at a time, it even seemed like he was just dominating the conversation at this point, but that was perhaps just his intrigue in the situation. His interest in this subject was still there. He knew the general context of everything that was happening here. But his mind, his memories were no longer the all-encompassing or all-knowing thoughts he once had. Andrew then immediately transitioned into saying that he had more answers, if Zell had questions, and then apologized for the destruction of his home...which Zell took...surprisingly well.

”Don’t worry about the house. A house is a building. My family are my home, and trust me...it’ll take a Deity to even scratch that…” He said under his breath with a slight chuckle, remembering the info he got from Sean, and the last supposed destruction of many innocent lives to his son’s hand. ”Uhm, actually yeah. I do have a question. Like “Why are you here?” I predicted this meeting but I’m not uh...not all the way informed as I would like to be. I know SOME things from previous predictions and algorithms but it’s all conjecture and In fact the only person who probably knows more than conjecture and theory is you. All I know is that someone calling themselves God or Deity is getting a little big for their britches, and they have an inner circle of champions and an outer sphere of lesser captains. Numbers of importance benign 4 and 7. Just the ballpark from what I can recall from….a while ago.” He said as he began to drift off, his eyes rolling to the side for a moment before he suddenly snapped back to Andrew with a small smile, leaning forward and planting his elbows.

”Sorry, you talk and I listen. All ears.” Zell said with a chuckle as he made a locking motion by his mouth and then seemed to listen intently.

"I'll call you whatever you want if you promise I don't have to remember any of the equations on the board." Andrew jested to Vira once more nodding to his left and quietly making her giggle.


After the woman gave him some water he shot her a wink and thanked her. Zell jumped right into it.
"Well. Straight shooter. Look dude honestly I didn't know what to expect walkin' in here. I hate suits. I prefer my red white and blues. Obviously I couldn't walk down the street dressed as Patriot. Bit flamboyant. So glad I can cut the business meeting mentality. I'm a super hero not a defense attorney"

Andrew stood up and took off his jacket, loosened up his tie, and rolled up his sleeves.
"God that's better."
Anyways he had to get back to the point at hand.

"That's an awful lot for just a ballpark from a while ago. You're practically in the dugout Zell. You are smart, I'll fill in the blanks. Deity is beginning what I'm considering to be an apocalypse. I read scripture of such a man when I was training after Rise pulled their stunt on us. However, I didn't think it would come to fruition. Let alone now. The bastard wants me and Sean to join his cause. He attacked New York the other day and one thing lead to another, your house blah blah."

Andrew stood up and clapped his hands. A table of ice formed in front of him. Pieces shaped. "The sacred seven are his champions. So to speak. Each one powerful in their own right. They fight dirty and know where and how to make you go with one arm behind your back."
Four more pieces formed inside the circle of seven.
"The Chosen four are stronger than those 7. From my data it would likely take someone as strong as Lucius Alba, and not to be vain but, myself teaming up to stop one."
He then put a cross in the center of all of them.
"Deity has a large group of people who pray to him like a god. It's clear from the attack on myself the other day. He's not of this world. I know that much. He gets a world's power from ending it. I can't let that happen for a number of reasons and I know neither can you."

Andrew clenched his fist and the table vanished.
"Why am I here? To get your help. Look. Sean, Tyuki, Myself. We're a tough trio. I know you're a tough bastard yourself. As much as I enjoy this building I didn't come for the delicious water and beautiful secretary my friend. I need ya. I know you love this planet.
So do I. So now that we're both standing on home plate. What do you suggest?"he sat back down and waited for Zell to speak.

"Sorry. That was a lot at once."

Zell watched, listening intently as Andrew spoke. He smirked as he had made the statement that he was a hero and not a defense attorney. Thank God for that. He thought, though he immediately began to kick himself mentally. He was attempting to be a nicer person and NOT let these invasive, negative thoughts creep in. It was difficult because even when he LIKED people they were just sarcastic and snippy thoughts that made him feel like an asshole. He would honor his word though, and listen with fervor as Andrew explained a little about this deity and the “apocalyptic” happenings that had begun, and the attempt to get Sean to join his cause. Immediately Zell’s eye twitched behind the purple hued shades.

”Oh trust me. The scripture’s well tread ground.” he muttered under his breath, referring to the Bible he kept in his desk at the house, the one that had been incinerated by the onslaught of damages to his house. He couldn’t help but feel almost sleighted, not by Andrew. The poor guy had done everything he could. He felt slighted by Mike, who went out of his way to burn the Bible and blame it on the Archer. Didn’t need to be the goddamn Archon to tell the difference between FIRE burns and Ethereal energy burns. His attention was suddenly grabbed as Andrew stood up and manifested a table of ice right before the both of them. Zell’s eyebrow raised and he held up his finger as if he were about to speak, but decided against it. He promised to listen...

Seven pieces shaped, it appeared to be seven pawns from the looks of it...however each one seemed to be a bit more ornate than sheer pawns. The seven pawn-like pieces loomed for a moment, the chill fighting against the warm air with a silent hiss of frost flowing from them. The next manifestations were far greater in size and in shape, each one unique and different. Zell winked one eye for a moment, his lenses capturing the details for him to examine later. The cosmic spectrum wouldn’t allow for mistakes, and you’d be surprised how the universe loves to hand clues to those who know how to read it.

Andrew’s whole explanation came to an end with him explaining the concept of how this deity seemed to gain power from ending worlds, to which he sighed. He just lost his voice and was severed from the Archon Energy because of a being that did JUST this. The Black Beast was lying in wait, he knew it. This whole thing was getting out of hand. Why would his son take his powers away if this was….no. He couldn’t think about that. He was going to get jaded and his throat would start to hurt again. Andrew then clenched his fist and suddenly the ice construct faded. Zell smirked, looking over Phoenix. So he had truly changed...even if not by much. It was still progress, and he could work with that.

”Not at all, in fact it’s actually not enough. I think I’ll take you up on those questions now. Maybe you’ll have some answers to help fill in the gaps.” Zell said as cleared his throat and leaned forward. He focused his eyes and seemed to have an uncharacteristically stern look. ”Why now? Why not earlier, before your demise to Derssler or whatever it was? Why does he want you and Sean? For what purpose did he select THIS display of power. Furthermore I think it’s worth asking...where are you collecting this data from? Who are you getting it from, how is this observed? And finally….why bring this to me? Why not your Realm walking mentor, or your Technomatter teacher?”

  "There's a ton of options that are better suited than myself. My son, for one. I'm entirely willing to help you, but I'm at a loss for what exactly you want me to do." He said with a slight sigh, trying to capture what exactly was expected of him.

How the hell did this kid know so much? It was known to approximately zero people that he spent time under the tutelage of Vexus. Andrew narrowed his eyes and cocked his head. Giving a look of confusion. Zell was clearly not used to being cordial but this wasn't a time for manors, who's how's or why's. "Yes thank god I'm not an attorney. That life seems pretty boring." Andrew took a swig of his water and stared at it, almost studying it, and forming ice cubes inside of it to chill it more.

"Demise is a polite way of saying I got played like an idiot and I don't intend to do that twice. I'm not here because you have some cool power that I think can kill a god. I'm here because my brother loves you and trusts you. more than anyone in the world. I need people to be RELIABLE. I need your brain, resources, I may be a master tactician but you and I both know you're playing chess in a world of checkers. Zell. We neeed you."

He drank the water once more enjoying it, New York needed a Genetek water supply.

"As far as Elena Marie. If I COULD contact her, I would. She isn't the easiest of people to hunt down man. We need all hands on deck. It's ugly ahead. I'd rather avoid keeping kids out of this no matter their power. I was once a kid who had to fight a horrific evil. Somethings you don't come back from entirely.
Zell you're far from at a loss. I want you to shake my hand and join this battle. We plan together. Make moves. Counter moves. We play smart."

He was dumping a lot out.

"Why now? That I don't know. Scriptures I read with our technomatter teacher in question spoke of an Archon, A mage, An Old Hero Returning, and A hero becoming a beacon." I can assume I know who two of those are. Which of those two heroes I fit for this asshole I'm not sure. Sean is clearly the mage. I need to find the archon and the other hero.

The sun outside didn't compliment the attitude. He could see the jerkoffs in the suits getting in their limo down on the street.

"The storm is coming. So my friend, let's try and enjoy some simple pleasure until we have another apocalypse. Also your secretary is the most beautiful woman I've seen since being in Canada. I'm not normally one to blurt that shit out but if this is our last stand I already lost the woman I loved with my entire soul."

"I rambled. I'm sorry. Long made short. I need..."
Andrew waived his arms around as if to say THIS
"And you don't want the world to end. We have love for the same man...differently. But we have shit to protect. You in?"

Andrew seemed to agree that him as an attorney would be a poor choice for his particular talents. He was normally brazen and ran head first, but this Patriot only affirmed what Zell had taken note of. He had identified parts of himself that were problematic. It was hidden in his words, laced there but posed in just the way that showed just the right amount of self awareness. “...would be boring.” Zell smirked at this as he attempted to imagine how a trial would go with a bored Patriot, prior to Rise. His attention quickly snapped back as Andrew began to further share information.

”While that’s true, you don’t need to-ooh. Sorry.” Zell said, about to cut Andrew off before he suddenly realized that he had promised earlier that he wouldn’t interrupt. He listened as Andrew spoke out about contacting Elena Marie and his inability to reach her. That was to be expected, she never made it easy for anyone to page her, even someone tied to her very existence and capabilities. Zell nodded and gave a little hum. Andrew then announced that it would get ugly ahead and that they needed all hands on deck, to which Zell agreed.

"...I'd rather avoid keeping kids out of this no matter their power.” Zell stopped nodding, he couldn’t stop his eyebrows from furrowing a little as his eyes shifted slightly to the side, then flicked back to Patriot. But you-wait. You'd rather avoid keeping them from fighting? You want to bring the children to fight? I mean you JUST said all hands. Now all hands I get it...but I assumed that you didn't mean for children... He thought to himself as he listened to the man explain his position. It quickly became clear what Patriot was intending to say, leaving Zell chuckling at himself. OH! No he must mean to avoid having the children there. Okay. Phew. I can imagine ME thinking this but to hear him say that is messed. Up to think he would say that. Oh man, That's a relief... but yeah-no. If it comes to the fate of the universe and everyone inside of it, we can spare one or two children getting some psychological trauma. Some of these kids are just insane levels of power. Even if they just sideline it for us. Some of those children have enough power to turn the tides? He DOES realize that death is worse than psychological trauma, right? Oh wait..he’s a demimortal. His brain resolved itself for a moment before he smiled and nodded.

”Absolutely, I understand it completely. My childhood hasn’t been the easiest either.” He said with a kind smile. I’m pretty sure I am still a child in some countries...FOCUS! He stopped his mind from wandering again, his eyes fixating as his ears picked up a very specific frequency. Where he was swaying left to right in his comfy swivel chair he was now still as he nodded, mind clear and focused as Andrew spoke a name which made his insides retch. His upper lip twitched as he heard the name roll form Andrew’s tongue, like a beast ready to jump. It would seem like disdain for the prophecy in general as Zell rolled his eyes and continued nodding. Not attempting to be disrespectful of Patriot, but fighting a small annoyance that would seem to have been sourced within the prophetic scriptures they had found.

You don’t know which one you fit for this asshole, but you know that you need to find the other one...and you need Archon. Zell’s brain seemed to rumble in irritation, but his face didn’t change at all. His air and aura were still pleasant, his smile seemed to dim only slightly as he tapped his forehead with his middle finger. He could see Andrew’s eyes shift for a moment, looking to the one window. Both of the men seemed to get into the vehicle, the one lingering for a moment before turning and looking up at the building. He couldn’t see anyone with human eyes, but he could feel like he was being watched. He seemed to shrug it off after a moment as he entered the vehicle and drove off.

“Alright. I’m in.” Zell said after a small chuckle, Andrew having blurted out a very different and off-topic subject on his mind. Stress does strange things to some people. Like the homeless kid that felt the need to take his shirt off every time he got scared. That was...a very strange and unintuitive response to fear. Nigh-omniscience was the only way he was able to figure that one out. ”Miss Lee is a wonderful secretary and a brilliant mind. She’s also got a lot on her plate between this job and college...as long as she shows up to work on time...”

Zell was looking different now, his finger tapping was like he was annoyed. But everything seemed fine. It had to be in something Andrew said. The hero assumed it was the fact the mage was based on his husband and what spouse wants that? None the less the hero decided to fire off some final questions for them moment.

"Zell. We gotta find this Archon and we have to figure out which piece of the puzzle I am and which one we gotta' collect. I'm going to give you a few minutes to think about it. I'm going to step outside your door and have a chat with Ms.Vira. Also, I'm going to grab some more of your water. This stuff is amazing. Come grab me when you've come to a conclusion and based off the man I know you are that won't be too terrible long." Andrew made his way towards the door. Right before it opened he turned back to Zell with a heroic smile.

"Regardless of who this prophecy is about, I'm really glad you're on our side. God knows we've beat the impossible before. We'll do it again."

The big doors opened and he waked out. Loosening his tie a bit more. Taking a big sigh and stretching. He turned to the secretary.
"He's not as bad as they make him out to be." Patriot smiled placing his wrists on her desk, bending a little bit, as to stretch out some knots.
"I need to be upfront. You are easily the most beautiful woman I've seen in a long time. I'm never this forward but... can I buy you dinner tonight? Worst comes to worst you got free food. Best case scenario you have a great time and still got free food." the hero chuckled once again scratching his head and realizing he had not been in the flirting scene in a while. He really hoped he didn't butcher it.

He watched as Patriot made his case for needing to discover this identity of Archon, or at least where they played in the puzzle. Zell’s mind flashed with an image from the last time he had heard the cult’s prayers, just moments before The Black Beast entered reality, and HE slipped in almost undetected. Their Agents were still present here, ensuring that this place did not fall into the dissent of chaos and madness. It succeeded as well… Matthew’s resolve was found thanks to Silus and that Charlatan fellow. He refused to fall into the darkness, yet he was oh so willing to integrate it. It resulted in The Agency becoming a viable option for him, and now they held the only being alive that Archon had promised to never use his voice on.

Andrew said he would let Zell get to thinking about it, as he went to talk with Vira. Zell smirked slightly and nodded. Andrew then made a slight mistake in saying that if Zell was the man Andrew knew he was. Andrew was out of the room, speaking to Vira as the doors automatically closed behind him. Zell felt his heart stop. The smile on his face as Andrew walked out the door was still plastered to his face, though the internal agony was still present. It was a compliment, and Zell knew that but the dead and lifeless gaze he felt peering through the windows… he had to actively resist the desire to stand and flip the table. It was a compliment, and Andrew was a good guy. He tried to keep this in mind but the words echoed in his very, empty and hollowed soul.

”Zodiac...Emergency Protocol: Sigma Armada Maladict Heritage Alpha Ignatius Nirvana.” Zell said as a faint ringing could be heard in the room. To Zell it was subtle but the sound proof doors were designed to keep out even the greatest of superhuman sensory from anyone outside of it. He heard the words and knew exactly where this was heading.

Understood. T-Minus 24 hours until Multiversal alteration. I will ensure the restoration of all damage and alteration to reality done by the designated target upon the inciting event. I will not fail you. The computerized voice began to shift and alter from a plane and ordinary more masculine tone to a grating and hoarse voice, one that was identifiable as Zodiac’s tone. The voice then went silent as it’s entire being had left the Gene-tech Servers and all collectively began to enact Zell’s contingency plan.

”Oh no! Deity is attacking!” Zell said in a slightly higher pitched voice, almost mockingly it would seem to someone who didn’t know his sense of humor. “Oh my! The Dark Prince is changing reality!” He then quickly took his glass and looked over to the door. “We need to find Archon, he can help us!” He said, but then his voice turned to more of a grumble as he finished it off with “No dad, you’re a liar. You sent me on a red herring to find Archon but you’re Archon. I’m smart enough to control molecules and harness the power of entropy, but understanding that lying is essential is beyond me. Now sit here and pretend to be shocked when I lie to everyone about being a fragment of The Black Beast because it’s better for everyone. But we’re totally not the same.”

Vira turned her head from her computer, fingers still tapping at the keyboard as he announced that Zell wasn’t as bad as people had made him out to be. She laughed a little before nodding and then tilting her head to the side. She was practically obligated to not exactly disagree with good publicity for her boss.

”He’s alright, yeah. He wants to help people more than anything, and he’s sacrificed everything he had to build the S.T.A.R.K Corps and get rid of the rampant homelessness. He’s a hero on and off the field. But he’s also a sardonic piece of work with daddy issues and a stubborn streak for the ages.” She replied about Zell, her mind flashing back to some of the less glorious times of the heroic escapades of SosenRyu. She smiled slightly and shook her head as Andrew seemed to stretch on her desk and work on loosening up. That’s when he laid it out there…

”I’m sorry...what?” She was stunned for a moment, her eyes closed and she shook her head slightly, as if she wasn’t entirely certain what she had heard. But a smile crept on her face as she seemed to scoff with a little bit of disbelief, rather than disgust. She blinked for a moment as she rapidly began to think of the offer she thought she had just received from Patriot. He continued to explain that even in the worst case scenario she was getting free food, but even then that wasn’t her hang up. She just didn’t actually believe that someone had just asked her out. Someone even remotely famous at that.

”I-uh...sure. Yeah, absolutely. I wasn’t really.” She began to think through her mind. She just agreed to go tonight but hadn’t even thought over her schedule, or even checked to see if she was available, or if she was on patrol. She began to stammer and stutter as she looked over her desk to her planner, quickly eyeing it over. The door to the meeting room opened as Zell stepped out. ”I’m off at 7? If that works.”

”Ew... you’re both adorable, and really out of practice.” Zell said, seeming to stare right at Vira, he tilted his head to the side. Then in an obvious and monotone voice he spoke. ”Vira isn’t feeling well. So she’s taking an early day. Around 4pm. I’m going to be outfitting my exosuit because tomorrow we’re going to Beirut. There’s a cult there that worships a being they call “Archon” so that’s out play.

”I-uh...Great?” Vira said, looking confused at Zell, as she had not been in the meeting itself to understand what they were doing or why. She then looked to Patriot with a slight smile but a look of utter confusion. ”I’ll see you at 5?”

Andrew laughed from the soul when Vira let out the daddy issues comment. A guy like Zell you'd never know. Brilliant. Buttoned up. Married to his best friend?
Daddy issues weren't what came to mind. The cynic part seemed true. It did come across like Zell could have moments of mocking one with grim intent.  Like that suited man earlier.

Andrew danced back in forth in his head as he watched the beautiful woman not sure how to respond and he was hoping she didn't say no. It had been literal years since he asked someone on a date. If he were to be honest fighting a dragon with fire was almost more natural. He thought for a moment all those years ago. Back when he was just a college kid fighting crime at night. Jeez what a journey it had been.

She agreed to get dinner with him. There was absolutely no doubt he knew his face was gleaming and if that wasn't enough to embarrass him then Zell's comments certainly were.

"Well, I guess you aren't feeling well then. So I guess at five I wouldn't see you at that nice Italian place I noticed about five blocks south of here near the water fountain? I suppose I'll have to get a table for one." he smiled at her in the way a kid gets his first kiss.

"Oh tomorrow we're going to Lebanon? That's...interesting. I've been dealing with a different cult but I did ask you for direction and you're leading. So the capital it is in the morning. It was a pleasure meeting you Miss Vira. I hope you feel better. Could I please grab your phone number and I'll shoot you some pick me up's around five?" he grinned once more before obtaining her number and shooting her a quick text with his name and a smile.

As he walked to the elevator he waived at Zell. "I'll shoot you a text in the AM when I'm on my way over. Sean provided it to me."

With that he was gone with two hours to kill. He buttoned up his suit and called the restaurant to make a reservation for the two at 5. He sat on a bench near the water fountain. This city captivated Andrew. A group on teenagers stared at the hero. They had a look like of 'should we talk to him' across their faces. One had on a Talons t shirt that looked worn out. "Ironic" Andrew laughed to himself quietly before checking his phone and noticing time had flown by. He walked into the store next to the restaurant, very dapper clothes.

As he browsed he remembered Sean's advice. He bought a very clean grey button up that would show off his arms well, a black vest, a pair of black slacks and a new grey and purple tie. He had to try a little here. He slipped on his new dress shoes and brought his old clothes to the hotel, conveniently located about 3 minutes away. Checking in, he dropped them on the bed, and made his way to the restaurant. Making sure to grab a flower on his way. It was a beautiful light blue one he wouldn't know the name of but it caught his eye.    

He checked in with the host and waited in the lobby for Vira to arrive. Once she did he would take her hand and kiss it like an old fashioned gentleman and hand her the flower. "I haven't been this nervous since Sean threatened to call Anna and set up a blind date."However he was equally excited. The clock struck five. "Ok, game time Pettiglio."

The young woman couldn’t help but smile in response. Part of it had to do with the simple fact of biology and the natural response to smiling in return to someone. The other part was the genuinity of the smile itself, it was particularly infectious. The other part was just the realization that she was going to go on a date, for the first time in three years. She didn’t even hear the part about the Italian restaurant, simply that it would be some time around 5. She nodded and cleared her throat.

”Yeah, absolutely that sounds great!” She said, Zell watched the two in their moment with one eyebrow arched and cringing internally. It took a LOT to make an intellectual man sympathetically embarrassed. These two were like a trainwreck, you couldn’t stop watching them no matter how badly you wanted to. Andrew immediately confirmed what Zell had said, about heading out in the morning, even feeling the need to flex his intellectual muscles of geography.

”The pleasure was mine….”Vira happily gave her phone number over to Andrew, dictating it out as he typed it down. He sent her a quick message, to which she added him to her contacts and replied with her name.

”Sounds gre-wait Sean did what?” Zell started as he waved at Andrew with a slight smile, one hand tucked into his pocket. Then the words actually registered that Sean had given his number away. By the time he had asked, the elevator doors had closed and Andrew had JUST been cut off from sight. He stared at the doors for a moment before he looked to Vira. After a moment of silence the dead of time was broken by the woman.

”What...Just happened?” She asked with a wide smile and a look of intense confusion on her face.

”It was like a train-wreck. But rather than 8 dead and 12 in critical condition, we ended up with finding an affordable cure for cancer.” Zell said with an almost dull and droning voice, a slight chuckle. He gave a sigh and shrugged as he walkedc over to the chess board by the waiting room. He quickly arranged the pieces a certain way, then the magnetic locks unhinged, revealing a hidden doorway from a newly unlatched bookcase.

”You...already cured cancer?” Vira interjected, slightly confused by the statement.

”Affordable. Still working with Master’s Pharm to make that happen but...well.” Zell corrected her as he seemed to walk over towards the bookcase before stepping in. ”Oh uhm. Vira, make sure that you switch patrol duty for tonight. S.T.A.R.K is separate from work. K, Thanks Byyyyye.” He said as he disappeared the bookcase latching behind him, the chess pieces all reorganizing themselves back to their original spaces.

”Damnit...” She said as she quickly began reaching for the phone, hoping that A was still awake.

****************

Vira was off work at 5, and thankfully A was able to take over her patrol for her tonight. She quickly slipped into the emergency shelter room and began to shift through some of the clothes she had left there, unsure of where or what she was to wear. She felt a bit rushed and decided quickly on a typical slip-dress with a shawl and an overthrow. She then took her S.T.A.R.K bracelet and ensured its attachment. Quickly letting her hair down and touching up with some eyeliner and gloss, she made her way out the front of the company.

By the time she made it to the restaurant she stepped into the lobby, she smiled slightly as she saw the man in a new suit, looking over the tie which caught her eyes first. The charcoal and purple colors eliciting a curious response for a moment. She felt her hand lift as Andrew kissed it, she seemed to snap to for a moment as she chuckled, having the most blue flowers handed to her.

”Chivalry is far from dead it seems... ” She looked over the flowers and smiled widely. ”Delphinium and Larkspur. The Delphinium is the name AND the genus, but the species is elatum. So consider me elated to get these.” She said with a smile as she nodded her head, thankful for her gift. ”So you’re fashionable, and you’ve got a great taste in flowers. Let’s hope you’ve got good luck with restaurants.” She said as she seemed to extend an arm, allowing him to loop and lead her forward into the fine establishment.

"Woah, you look absolutely lovely." Andrew smiled as his date arrived and he exchanged flowers and a kiss on her hand.
"I actually know nothing about flowers to be honest." he laughed scratching the back of his head a little nervous. "But... I thought they were pretty like your smile so I figured they belonged with you." his eyes light with kindness and sincerity.

He hooked under her arm and they approached the table. He let go to pull her chair out for her, and held her hand gently while she took a seat as to continue being the gentleman he was. He let go and made his was to the other side of the table. "So I have to be honest, I just recently learned a lick of fashion. Normally I used to wear jeans and a t shirt of some kind. Truthfully Zell's husband taught me how to spruce it up a bit." he giggled fixing his tie a little bit.

"I typically get really lucky with Italian restaurants. If they speak Italian I'm usually sold a little more. I like mom and pop joints. Reminds me of my nana."

The waiter walked by the two of them and lit a candle that really illuminated her beautiful face and set the mood much better. "So aside from being a flower enthusiast and working at... that monster of a building. Tell me a little bit about the Vira that isn't a Genetech executive." he looked attentively. She had his full attention and he wanted to make sure she knew it. Andrew folded his hands together and smiled with interest. Still that look of kindness never leaving his eyes.

”Well, for someone with no fashion sense, you’ve impressed me.” She said, though before there was much to a response the host quickly saw them to their table, it was quite a meticulous and rather wonderful display to see. There was a maroon able cloth stretched upon a rounded and compact table. It wasn’t the large thing one would see in a standard restaurant, this one was more compact and smaller. The maroon cloth was accented quite well with perfectly polished and hand carved rosewood. The silver candelabra was beautifully accented with several lit candles of red wax. The chairs had been perfectly thematic as well, the cushions on them were covered in a fine maroon cloth, the wood itself of the same and sturdy wood.

Vira was shocked when Andrew seemed to assist her with sitting into the chair, proving once again that the way of a gentleman was not so far dead in this world. She recalled the last time she had a date several years ago and it was truly nothing like this. Granted back then she, herself was but a small and simplistic child. She smiled at Andrew and whispered a “Thank You” as she sat down, running her hands over the bottom part of her dress to pad away any wrinkles. She looked to Andrew as a smile when he sat down.

“Well I suppose if I can trust anyone to find a good Italian restaurant, it’s someone with a surname of “Pettiglio” it seems.” She said with a slight chuckle. The waiter came around and lit the candles, allowing Vira to catch sight of the flames with a small smile. She seemed to keep a perfect posture as she looked over to Andrew, who asked her to share more about herself.

“Well there’s not much to tell really. I’m in school for Business management and Genetic microbiology. That’s actually how I know about the flowers. I hate to say it but there’s really not too much to Vira, other than the fact I’m the secretary to a Gene-Tech executive. The most exciting thing I can think of is that my brother is a con-artist out in Mississippi somewhere and his brother is my employer.” She said with a simple shrug. Her smile was genuine, but at that moment her overall exhaustion seemed to slip through. She finally took a deep breath and shook her head. “Trust me, my life is one massive web of ‘What in the heck?’ if there ever was one.”

The waiter arrived at that moment, asking if there was anything in which he could retrieve for them at this time, suggesting that they start with something to drink. His apparel was similar to that of a butler, though seemed to have less of a coat and more of a vestment of some king. There was a tri-colored cloth draped over his forearm as he pulled out a pen and pressed it to his black book.

”I’ll have a water with lime.” She said with a smile, she looked back to Andrew to see what he would be ordering to drink. Once the waiter had their drink orders down they would retreat into the dimly lit areas around them, fading away into the background. “Well I have a question for you too. I’d like to know a little more about you...specifically the same thing you asked me. Who are you? Sure I’ve heard of Phoenix, but who are you?” She seemed interested, not in the way a prying reporter was interested. She seemed actually enthralled by the concept of a hero that lived a rather normal life and somehow managed to maintain himself as such a gentleman.

The Patriot couldn't help but let a grin crack about her fashion statement. He was a bit impressed with himself to be honest. He owed Sean a burger. Make that two. He mentally took note. "Well even if I wasn't as Italian as I am, that yelp app told me it was pretty good." he winked playfully.

Listening to her tale he almost felt sad. This woman so smart, clever and beautiful called herself not much. "I think being related to Zell might make for one heck of a story, but let's save that one for another time. You aren't just a secretary. Your smile is literally lighting up this room. You told me the genus and species of flowers that my silly brain just went 'they pretty', I can relate to the one long what the heck. Your inhale after a long day told me all I needed to know about that one."
Andrew spoke kindly and gently. His voice while complimenting her trying to raise her up.  

Andrew looked at the waiter and smiled
"Avremo un ordine di una bottiglia del tuo vino rosso preferito, per favore. Oh and I'll also take a water with lime as well that sounds refreshing." he said as the man spoke back to him in Italian letting him know their red wine would be right out with the waters.

"I figured this was a special enough occasion to crack a bottle of red wine. I told him to pick his favorite. I trust his taste." Andrew said turning back and looking At Vira.

He shifted in his chair slightly and smoothed his pants down. "You want to know about me? Well I'm a bit of an open book. I'll tell you though since you asked nicely." he said with that kindness still lingering in his eyes.

"So my mom and dad are..." his eyes changed for the first time from kindness to pain. He cleared his throat a bit. Catching himself. "My um. My mom and dad were your average middle class Bostonians. My dad ran a painting business and my mom was a nurse for old people. I had a younger sister too. Dad and My Pa were big on respect and being a gentleman. Old school Italians. The Talons kinda became my family, and as most people saw I blew up over New York when we were invaded, trying to hold that family together." He looked deep in her eyes, the pain subsiding seeing the kindness she had in hers.

"I like to think if my old man were still here he'd want me to be the kind of guy holding doors, and pulling out chairs for a lady kind enough to share dinner with me." he smiled.

"I hope I'm making him proud, y'know, up there. I went to NYU on a football scholarship and majored in psychology. Lastly, the Phoenix isn't who I am anymore. I recently took the moniker The Patriot, but if Phoenix is easier to remember I won't be mad, seems Zell fills your head with enough info as it is."
He chuckled as their wine arived.

"So sorry Mr.Jones I left the ring in the kitchen. I'll be right back."
Vira clearly heard that. Andrew laughed and put his hand on the man's shoulder.
"I'm not Mr.Jones, please make sure you don't bring me some guy's most important night in a box, Guiseppe." The waiter laughed at his mistake and looked at Vira almost shrugging. "Well thank you, the wine is on the house for your kindness." The man was off quickly and dropped fresh bread between them and placed menus.

"Excuse the hectic night, our GM is out sick."
"It's not a problem friend. I just don't want this beautiful lady thinking I'm Mr.Jones, or I'm proposing to her on a first date" he jested with Guiseppe.
"Ah, well I hope the date is fantastic."
He was off again.

"So...that certainly would've been awkward." Andrew smiled. The candle had gone out as the waiter was rushing. He took care of it. Staring at the wick his beautiful white fire began to dance atop the wax with the golden sparkles flickering like small heartbeats. It made her eyes even more captivating.

He continued to keep his eye contact. "Con artist brother and related to Zell Atterrius. That's got to be interesting... and again certainly a ball of what the heck." he smiled bright again. The light catching his own eyes making them pop a bit. His square jaw more pronounced as the candle flickered. "It's not always saving the day though. Since you asked who Phoenix is. I've had my share of whoopings and lessons. Some cuz of my own arrogance when I was younger. Some because some people truly just want to watch the world burn. I just want to make it a little bit better than when I got here."