childhood friends to enemies to lovers with powers sprinkled in//oxo//closed

That look on the villain's face was something he's seen before. Memories flashed in his mind for a second, if only Atticus could make out the reason why. Capturing it with his own eyes on someone else felt surreal. Not even low unorganized robbers appear to be lost, drained, or hint at any bit of regret. Yet here he is standing in front of a villain, not to mention a serial killer, having this odd expression for a brief moment. Worst of the strange allure had yet to come though.

Being scared of Phantom himself is only going to make things worse. Alienating the idea that this villain is a human has to be a way to help. Showing any signs of dismay is just going to end up with more snickers. The laughter rang in his ears drowning out the thumps coming from his heart. Hearing it once was enough for him.

Cautiously, Atticus pulled out the sword. He was not sure whether or not he'll use it on this demon, but it can get the message across faster. Phantom calling him a righteous hero only made him roll his eyes; the entire city doesn't even know who Adonais, even the people on Super Watch too. Besides, he is only doing what he has to which is using what saved his life to save others.

"They're not mine, or am I my own; they're Nova City's. Making them live in fear will only result in more heroes to take down freaks like you.", he stated,"And not everyone is able to possess the humility the model superhero should have, but it does not mean their right to live should be taken away from them. Nor does it mean they're beasts too."

Glancing over the top of Phantom, he stared over into downtown. Lights were still shining bright as cars were honking. The officers and agents were down below still working. All the fire that had been burning in Atticus's eyes disintegrated as he looked back at Phantom. "I am able to stand here in front of you due to my own accords. You're only here still because your soul leeches off of others believing it's necessary."

The grip around the ruby handle of the sword only got tighter. He bit on his bottom lip in a desperate attempt to hold back any objections. All the words spilling out of Phantom were just dumbfounding to begin with. Pitiful is the first word Atticus would describe it, pitiful, odious, and just simply sinful. And the gosh-nerve-wrecking laugh again. He hates it!

Mister Chen along with others were still down there. With eleven dead in the course of two months, the useless police do not have a single suspect. Eventually they will leave again having so much evidence yet not a new idea. If only there was a way to help nudge them in a direction…

Having your back facing an enemy is lethal in its own right, so was also leaving them without a single scratch too. Mumbling a small prayer his father taught him, he walked to the farther side of the rooftop. Facing Phantom, he gave him a simple smile then bolted over jumping to onto the edge of the other building.

Right as Atticus was very close to the other, he kicked him down to the ground of the rooftop. His sword made a metal cling sound as it clashed against the scythe. With both his foot and the sword, he pressed down harder. The soft smile he had before was still there, it rested on top of all the anger that had returned. "PHANTOM, YOU SON OF A BITCH!", Atticus screamed before whispering in the villain's ear,"Till next time."

Sheathing his sword again, he bolted over to the stairs running down as swift as possible. That exit was not something he had planned nor did he want it. Escaping before the villain is something he frowns down upon. Doing it himself hurts his own pride a bit. Atticus panted as he hid behind the brick wall for a couple of moments. When the coast was clear, he got on his motorbike and drove away.

Driving back home was a nightmare. Scenes that occurred just minutes ago kept replaying in his head over and over again. Atticus still felt the pain in his heart as it pounded against him. So much had happened in the last three hours that it's going to give him a headache in the morning.

Heading from the west side over to Julius Avenue takes about twenty minutes. At each red light, he would take something off. First was the mask which he tucked into a pocket. Next, he'd unhook the sword's holder from his belt, placing it inside the trench coat before buttoning that up. The rest of the transformation process would happen once he'd get to the parking garage close to home.

Atticus dragged himself into the apartment hoping everyone was sound asleep. As he took off his shoes, he noticed the television was still on. Holding a strap from his swimming bad, he crept over to see what was on. Same old same old; news about the Swinging Serial Killer, now known to him as Phantom.

Sighing, he shook his head then headed over to his room. The emergency phone buzzed as Atticus closed the door. Dropping the bag, he took out the phone making sure all the new photos were transferred over to his actual one. Ever since becoming Adonais, having just one phone was impossible. The fear of missing a distress call or any useful bits of information floated around him for weeks till managing to get an old one.

Out of nowhere, Phantom's face appeared in his mind again. Don’t lie to me because you don’t know them like I do… Atticus groaned as he flopped onto his bed grabbing the laptop going onto Super Watch. In the search handle, he typed 'Phantom' waiting for results to load. "Who are you?", he mumbled to himself.

Weird. Even though this Phantom monster has his full attention still, there is barely any articles let alone any posts about him. Scarcely anything to help him. Only thing that caught his interest was one post with a picture of the villain from three weeks ago. A silver warning, potential danger. That's it.

Atticus pondered whether or not he should make his own post with what he found tonight. He basically is doing the job of a federal investigation agent as well as five local police station ones too on top of being a "hero". Calling himself that felt weird despite doing this for over a year now. People might start to focus on him now, it is not too far off to call Phantom his enemy even though they just met.

Thank the lord tomorrow was a free Saturday. No babysitting, no having to go to a swim meet, no boxing classes, nothing; just a day off. Definitely will have perfect weather for just a plain wander around the park. He'll have to stop at the cemetery first, though it should not be a problem for him. The memorial is going to be full of people, he'll just wear all black and visit it later on in the day.

Tomorrow. Next morning, he will make the post. Afterwards, he will figure out why this villain gives him an unfamiliar feeling or why it feels like he knows him. Atticus glanced up at the pictures on the wall. One was of his family at when he was born, another was him with the swim team, and the last one was with his old friend, Silas.

Staring at the picture only made him feel nostalgic and bittersweet. He cannot even recall the last time he's seen Silas. It's been since freshman year of high school. And even then, Atticus could not point out the reason why they sort of drifted apart. Maybe one day they'll meet each other again, he hoped as he started to fall asleep, maybe.

Waking up felt like he was being pulled out of a shell. Atticus felt the usual withdrawal he always feels the morning after a fight. Piece by piece every part of what happened last night replayed in his dream; he was just basically reliving it.

Groaning, he pulled himself out of bed ready to start another day. He put on a black sweater which was starting to get tight on him and some grey jeans that were already an inch above his ankles. To top it all off, Atticus placed his black lily flower pin over his heart. Wearing the pin was his own way to pay respects to the fallen superheroes. Phantom's words swirled around him as he lightly touched it. They might've not been the heroes they should've been, but they still possessed their powers.

Atticus decided to change plans by going to the grocery store first. The tylenol he takes for his shoulder pain is completely gone. He had to put the strap from his swimming bag onto the left shoulder instead. Strolling over to the store was not that hard, it was just two blocks away from home. He went inside only getting the medicine and some things to for breakfast before heading to check out.

All the check out lines were long for it being ten in the morning. Sighing, he ambled over to the one that appeared to have the least amount of people waiting. It was hard to move his arms without risking of dropping something. His mom complains how he always forgets to pick up a basket at the entrance. Atticus tried to reach over for one of the newspapers before the bottle of medicine dropped then rolled ahead of person in front of him. The stupid thing wasn't close enough for him to reach, damn it. Softly, he tapped the guy with the gray hoodie's shoulder. "Excuse me? Sir?", he called out. He wondered if the guy could hear him, it sounded like the other was listening to music.

Atticus flinched a little himself almost bumping into the person that was behind him. Turning around, he gave a head bow before looking back at the guy ahead. His cheeks flushed red as he gave an apologetic beam. The aura the guy had was threatening yet mysterious at the same time. He couldn't help being tensed up while smiling. "I'm very sorry, please forgive me.", he apologized then gestured to the medicine bottle,"I was wondering if you could pick up that for me."

This man in front of him doesn't seem to be as old as he thought. Atticus is only assuming the guy is around the same age as him despite looking a bit youthful, although people think he is twenty-five sometimes. Not to mention, the guy is slender and smaller than him too. What struck his curiosity was the way the young man stood, how he carried himself. A lot of people have a sluggish posture, but this one was all too familiar.

His hand clenched the newspaper as he just stared at the other. Does he know him? Did they go to school together? In a way this man does look like Mister Chen; they have the same eyes. No, that cannot be, Silas lives his grandparents now in Havenbrook. Right? In his mind, he shrugged; guess it doesn't hurt to ask. "Also, did you go to East Nova Elementary by any chance? Misses Castell's kindergarten class?" Atticus might be reeling in what happened last night still; could be. Meeting this person is more than just a coincidence, he's sure of it.

No it has to be Silas. He was right about the Swinging Serial Killer, why wouldn't he be right about his childhood friend? Yes it has been almost four years since they last talked to each other, and part of that is his own fault, but come on. Atticus has to be right, he can feel it in his heart too. The way it's pounding again while his face felt warm, they're signs.

Under his breath, he mumbled a thank you. Atticus placed the medicine bottle on top of the little cereal box to keep it from falling again. His hand reached out again then stopped. If this really is Silas, then how come he is acting so differently? This is not the hopeful quiet boy that he knew not so long ago. The two of them were always laughing and smiling spending time together. Now he is standing behind seeing a storm cloud over the guy's head.

At least, he could try to talk him more. Any extra time to talk to this guy would be helpful. He'll have to be very cautious though. Bringing up Mister Chen or his younger brother or anything related to the matter might drive him away. Small steps. Very small baby steps. Atticus reached out again lightly tapping the young man's shoulder again. "One more question, are you in a rush? I'd love to take you to this new cafe to show my gratitude. Please? I'll pay."

Atticus just squeezed the things in his arms tighter, he didn't want to jump or break anything just by accidentally colliding with something. "Thank you!", he gushed. The gleam in his eyes shined with excitement. Oh thank destiny for this to happen. It totally is Silas and now they're going to go the cafe just a block over. Luckily something good is happening today; he couldn't help but get his hopes up a level.

Staying on his toes, he waited for Silas to pay for this things so he could the same next. The excitement inside him gave a very bubbly energetic feeling. Every inch of him just was very happy. It is lucky to able to feel better after the horrendous events from last night. Phantom had come across his mind for a mere second, but he just pushed it away, now is not the time to dwell on the villain.

Funny how Phantom had come up in his mind just he thought more about Silas. No, there is no way that they two are the same. It's been awhile, but Atticus knows that Silas would never do such a thing. He always wanted to be hero, can't be. As he picked up the plastic grocery bag, he shook his head. A cup of coffee or hot chocolate will help clear his thoughts.

The smile on his face was still there, only he just made it brighter. He tied the handles of the bag to the strap of the swimming one. Atticus just gave his old friend a thumbs up, not sure what else to say. Words just kept incessantly building on top of each other.

Giving a lively nod, he motioned for Silas to walk beside him. Atticus had been waiting to go to this cafe ever since there was an article about it opening. The distance from there to the grocery store and park were not that bad. Atticus remembered that it could've opened up a while ago if it weren't for the that villain to kill Grayson, the third victim, two buildings away. When that happened, he tried to avoid going or wanting to go there. A chill was sent down his spine just thinking about it. Going there now seems perfectly safe though; plus, it'd be a great opportunity to rekindle his relationship with Silas.

Busy and confused, that surely how he's been. With Phantom running around killing heroes and now just meeting his former-close friend, Atticus think his brain might explode at any minute. Staring down at the sidewalk, he just kept smiling. Lying is something that always made him feel icky, including breaking the pinkie promises he makes with the kid he babysits. He cannot lie while also not telling the truth too.

"Really has been awhile. I'm still the same, tired and always on the run.", he giggled,"How about you? I can see that you look very good-looking after all this time." For a couple of seconds, he glimpsed over at the old friend. It's amazing how time flies by, how it changes people. Gazing at Silas, he could still see the little boy he came best friends with years ago.

Atticus rushed over once they got close to the cafe. He opened the door beckoning for Silas to come in. The air outside smelled like a mixture of coffee and cars. A really weird mix, but something that he didn't really mind.

Atticus gazed down at his feet at the returned regard. He wouldn't necessarily consider himself handsome, he just doesn't look like the baby he used to be. On the other hand, Silas still had that adorable smile like the one in the picture. Come to think of it, he might have that specific one on his phone.

Oh right, he completely forgot about becoming an official hero despite no one having a clue about it. Honestly Atticus just dove right into it being lucky enough to make it out of every trail and tribulation in one piece. It has been over a whole year yet no one has said anything to him at all. Funny how he already has an enemy too. People on Super Watch don't really talk about Adonais either.

"Not so sure yet, I've done plenty of training and weightlifting though. Hopefully soon, this Swinging Serial Killer needs to be caught. I hate seeing them getting away with it,", Atticus sighed as he stared ahead at the menu. There was a table for two besides the window, maybe they should claim it before anyone else does. "Do you want to sit over there? I can get our order then come over." Changing the subject might've not been the most appropriate thing to do. Talking about hero stuff will be much better when they sit down.

"Alright, please give me a moment.", he chirped before heading over to the line. It appeared to go by pretty fast unlike the ones at the grocery store. Atticus normally drank long black since it was the one that his stepdad and mom would always buy. Personally he's more into espressos and loves whipped cream. He ordered two espresso con pannas hoping that it would be okay.

It was not long till Nova City realized they had a serial killer; the first one in over three decades. The police department had to call in federal agents to help them cause it was so bizarre from the start. Atticus begun to watch the case very carefully from afar. Four weeks ago, they gave the killer the nickname "Swinging Serial Killer" after figuring out the weapon used to kill was a scythe. Sadly that is the only thing those stupid feds and cops could ever get. When news about the fourth murder came up, he decided to get Adonais involved.

The dinging sound from the bell startled him. Impressive, he thought he'd have to wait for the drinks. Atticus picked them both up then proceeded to slowly walked over to the table. "This is a medium espresso con pannas with extra cream. I hope it's good.", he grinned while setting the cup down. He placed his down then sat down letting out a short yawn.

"So so.", Atticus whispered giving a reassuring smile then proceeded to take a sip,"You look like you could use a shot of espresso too." The drink helped giving him an extra boost in energy; he's going to need every drop he can get just in case anything happens. Sleeping on his bad shoulder did not help with the stress from that night. All it has been is sitting behind his desk waiting for the emergency phone to go off. Sleeping would only mean a higher risk of missing a distress call. Looking back at it, he could have slept in another hour or so, but then he would've missed crossing paths with Silas.

Adjusting his sweater, he sat up straight in the seat. The wide grin on his face rested in contrast to the dimming light in his eyes. Enough about him though, Atticus has so many questions to ask. At the same time, he doesn't not knowing where to begin. It's not like he is interrogating his friend, what kind of random reunion would that be?

"Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine; I can handle it. My hands might be full with studying, swimming, training, and babysitting, but it won't make me exhausted." Hell, he can run around Nova City five times in a row yet you will still not find him collapsing from fatigue. Atticus stared out the window as he took another sip. He saw Silas grinning in the corner of his eye. It was hard to hold back a bigger smile that formed on his face."What've you been up to Silas? Are you still training too?"

Leaning close to the table, he used his free hand taking a hold of Silas's hand. Atticus's bottom lip puffed out as he frowned. Breakups are tough to get through, even for a "hero" like himself. He wished he could've been there for Silas to comfort him or cheer him up. His friend seemed to be okay now, perhaps they can plan another get together sometime. "I'm sure you were better off without them, it's alright.", Atticus nodded while rubbing the top part of Silas's hand before letting go. Thank the spirits, Silas was doing okay.

He remembered how the two of them would always talk about being a superhero duo. After the accident, it seemed like the possibility of being one was making things brighter again. They were still younger then although they still are now. Atticus is not sure if that will ever happen. Understandable to take a year off, the training requirements are insane. What's even more crazier is how half of it wasn't a trouble to him. To pass the tests, you have to be mentally and emotionally fit too; that's why Nova City and all the others only have so many.

Atticus leaned back in the seat laughing at what Silas had said about him being busy. "Classic Atticus.", he chortled,"Well, what else would I do? I cannot lay back and waste what my parents given me."

"True, your relaxation and quietness complimented my abundance of energy. You're the yin to my yang even after all these years we haven't seen each other." Atticus did not say anything else for the next few moments. Gazing around, he managed to see Silas blink multiple times in just a matter of seconds. Was something wrong? Asking whether or not he was okay might just end up with a vague response. Of course it is not any of his business per say, but Atticus was always concerned with what was on Silas's mind; it'd take days for him to open up.

He got up from his seat to get some napkins. Rushing over, he had to twist and turn to not pump into anyone. Worst thing that could happen is him having to pay for anything broken. Atticus pulled out twelve napkins then sat them down next to Silas's cup. Moments ago it appeared his friend needed them. Something could've been in his eye or maybe Atticus brought something up as they talked.

Rummaging through his bag, he pulled out a little notebook and a pen. He ripped a corner of a page off writing his number on it sliding the paper across the table. Not sure where to the conversation next, he found a way to maintain it in the future. "If the espresso is too much, I have a bottle of water. It's fine." , he stated while putting the small notepad away. Again Atticus had to adjust himself in the seat before sitting up against it again. A light shade of pink formed on his cheeks as he maintained a simple smile.

"No don't be, I probably will end up doing the same soon. Real toughness is showing your true self and emotions. I know you, you have some power.", Atticus insisted,"It's always a pleasure to be with you, I do not mind helping if needed." He slowly leaned over to wipe the tear off forgetting about the napkins he had brought over. Picking one up, he shook his head dabbing it near the corner of his eyes.

An ache started to settle in his chest again. It was too ambiguous to figure out whether or not it's cause of his cheeks blushing or what. He tried to smooth it not trying to make a fuss. The bottle of tylenol sat in the plastic bag. Medication cannot help with this one. What is it now? Nothing seemed out of the blue besides the sounds of shots; oh. Now he felt bad he's going to have come up with a lie and run out of there. Seriously, Atticus has been waiting for the moment to reconnect with his friend only for it be interrupted because of something.

Pulling the cup of coffee to the edge of the table, he kept his eyes averted away. Suddenly his phone went off making loud vibrations. Atticus made the cup of coffee spill on his shoes as he shot up from the chair. Goddamnit. Not enough time for him to clean it up, this makes him feel so guilty right now. "Silas, I'm so sorry. My mom is having some sort of emergency at work; just, please, call me later. I hope I didn't bother you or cause any convenience. Stay safe! Bye!"

Atticus picked up his bag then darted over to the back of the building through the exit. The notification popped up revealing that it was a bank robbery down the street. Shutting it, he fully unzipped the bag becoming Adonais in a matter of seconds dashing off.