Emergence 2.13e (Patreon)

Emergence 2.13e

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HONOLULU

August 14, 11:16 HST

The sun was high in the sky, its warm rays casting a golden glow over the bustling streets of Waikiki. The sound of crashing waves mingled with the chatter of tourists and locals alike and even with all the other distractions, Zeke couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as he walked alongside Captain Atom, the man's stark white hair a stark contrast to his youthful appearance.

Despite the fact that the Captain looked like he was in his mid-to-late twenties, Zeke knew that he was much older than that. The thought was a bit mind-boggling, but then again, so was pretty much everything about the Captain. The man was a walking, talking science experiment, a living “atom bomb” like he said last night.

As they made their way down the crowded sidewalk, Zeke couldn't help but feel a bit out of place, walking alongside one of the most powerful beings on the planet, on their way to meet the man's family.

"I never did thank you properly, did I?" Captain Atom said suddenly, his voice cutting through Zeke's thoughts like a knife. "For everything you did, I mean. Going after Eiling, getting the evidence to clear my name... I owe you a debt that I can never repay. You and your team."

Zeke felt heat creep up his neck, and he quickly shook his head. "Nah, it was nothing," he said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I mean, I'm just glad you got your anger out."

The Captain's face reddened slightly, a blush looking rather odd on the man's chiseled features. "That was rather much from me, I apologize," he said, his tone sincere.

"Nothing to apologize for, Cap," Zeke added, a grin spreading across his face. "He deserved it."

As they neared the gazebo at the end of the beach, Zeke couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. He had never met the Captain's family before, and he wasn't quite sure what to expect. 

His question was answered a moment later when a figure came running towards them, a woman with medium-length blonde hair and glasses. Before the Captain could say anything to the teary-eyed woman, she threw her arms around him and sobbed into his chest, intelligible words leaving her mouth.

Zeke watched as Captain Atom slowly blinked, carefully wrapping his arms around the woman as a soft smile spread across his face. "It's okay, Peggy. I missed you too," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Zeke felt a slight smile tug at the corners of his mouth at the sight of it, both for the heart-warming reunion and the fact that he had never seen the Captain look so unsure of himself.

His attention was soon distracted as another figure slowly walked up to them. Zeke's eyes widened as he took in the man's appearance, a blue military dress uniform with medals and a US Air Force badge on his chest. The man looked like an almost perfect copy of the Captain, with the same square jaw and piercing eyes, only with red hair instead of Nate's current white, and with slightly more wrinkles and a sharper chin.

The two men shared a tense look as the newcomer came to a stop, the air between them thick with unspoken words. "...Captain Atom," the man said, his voice flat and emotionless.

"Captain Eiling," the Captain replied, his tone equally terse even as he continued to hug a crying Peggy.

A moment passed in silence, the tension between the two men palpable. Zeke held his breath, wondering if he was about to witness a throwdown right there on the beach. But then, to his surprise, the other man's face spread into a slight smile. "I'd prefer if you called me Adams... Dad," he said, his voice softening.

"I'd be happy to... son," the Captain replied, a smile of his own spreading across his face.

Zeke let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, relief washing over him. He was happy to stay silent and watch the reunion unfold, a small smile on his own face.

His moment of peace was short-lived, however, as a 9-year-old blonde girl in pigtails came running up to them. She cast a glance at the white-haired Captain and then back down to Zeke before stepping up to him, a determined look on her face.

"Hi," Zeke said, a friendly smile on his face as he looked down at the girl. "I'm Ze-"

His words were cut off abruptly as the girl's fist connected with his groin, a blinding pain shooting through his body like a bolt of lightning. Zeke's eyes widened in shock and agony, his mouth opening in a silent scream as he doubled over, clutching at his crotch.

"That's for getting my grandpa arrested," the girl said, her voice dripping with venom as she glared down at him.

Observed: Amy Sue Allen

Amy Sue Allen Lv 5

Tyke Bomb

Daughter of Margaret Adams-Allen and Colonel Richard Allen. 

Despite not being related by blood, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, especially if that tree is a corrupt sociopathic military general obsessed with strength and winning. Amy, at just 9 years old, shows a disturbing delight in doling out her own brand of juvenile justice. 

Playground tyrant today, who knows tomorrow?