Solace Ch.30

Titan stood up and outstretched his arms as the group of four walked forward. I could see three of them looked pretty cautious about being in Titan’s penthouse, while one looked utterly unaffected.

My eyes narrowed at the leader of the group, his metallic body crafted by his own genius put dark thoughts as I looked at him.

Robot… of all the villains in this universe, he was without a doubt one of the most terrifying to go against, surpassing even the threat of the Viltrumites. I had spent so much time when I was younger wondering if I should just kill him the first chance I get before he becomes a problem but ultimately I’ve decided against it. Mainly because I know he wasn’t a villain at heart but instead it was thanks to his situation.

Locked in a world for hundreds of years with your girlfriend and running things there with full authority before returning to Earth and being sidelined and cast away by his woman… it doesn’t justify what he did in the end but I could see why it happened. Robot is a good person, one that can be a good ally in the future—but I’d be stupid if I didn’t keep my eye on him. The last thing I should do is grow close to him. If I see a sliver of the Robot I know exists in the future, I’ll kill him without a moment of hesitation.

“Looks like everyone’s here.” Titan eyed the team with a smug grin. “Welcome to my penthouse.”

“Holy shit this place is awesome!” The red haired man with tan skin shouted as his eyes scanned the place.

“Rex, don’t be… you for like thirty minutes.” A black haired Asian girl facepalmed while Rex frowned at her and pointed an accusatory finger.

“Don’t do this right now, Kate! The people love me, even criminals! No offense to the large black man.”

“I take more offense to the large black man comment more than anything.” Titan deadpanned while Rex shrugged.

“You know we can just ditch him right? He doesn’t need to be a part of the team.” Another black-haired Asian said although unlike the girl, this one was a man. They both wore practically identical suits as well and even their faces looked similar. Being a twin oughta do that though.

“Unfortunately Multi-Paul, Rex-Splode provides our team with a satisfactory amount of combat potential. Without him our team’s efficiency may decrease up to twenty seven percent.” Robot explained with his usual dead tone.

“Ha! I’m more useful than any of you!” Rex grinned and pumped his fist as the group walked closer to us. When they did Rex paused and his eyes locked onto Eve. “Holy shit you’re hot!”

Eve blinked in surprise at the sudden compliment and before she could even react he had rushed over and taken her hands in his.

“I mean you’re really hot! What’s a girl like you doing in a place like this?!”

“My facial scans have concluded that this girl is the hero Atom Eve.”

“Holy shit I thought you looked familiar!” Rex grinned and his grin only grew wider as Eve pulled her hands away from his grasp. “You’re a damn dime piece!”

“One that’s taken.” Eve crossed her arms under her bust and frowned at Rex who blinked at her words.

“Oh come on sweet cheeks, I’m Rex-Splode… you know me! Powerful, handsome, a—no, the fire bombastic hero! What jackass out there could possibly compare.”

“Me.”

Rex looked up at my hulking form before he looked at his team then back at me. Then he started laughing so much that I was genuinely curious about what he found so funny. Even if we both didn’t have powers, a guy as big as me would eat this fuck for breakfast, so what the hell’s so funny?

“Him?! You got a damn normie as your boyfriend?! Come on Eve babes, you can do better, but I promise you I’m the best you’ll get.”

“First off, ew.” Eve shivered for a moment before she raised her fingers. “Second, never call me that again, and third, this “normie” would drag you across the city without getting so much as a scratch on him.”

“Oh I bet he would.” Kate smirked slyly as she watched from a few steps back. Eve took her attention off of Rex to look at the Asian girl with wide eyes before they narrowed dangerously.

“Let us calm down, animosity has gotten the better of us.” Robot said before he walked forward. “Rex, behave.”

“You’re not my fucking mom, I do what I want! So leave me the hell alone you tin fuck!” Rex pointed at Robot and I nearly chuckled at his sudden outburst. He may be an asshole, but he’d make a damn good jester.

“Robot, this is why I should be the leader. Personally, I’m not taking that level of disrespect.” Multi-Paul held his hands up in a ‘I’m just saying’ manner.

“Like hell you wouldn’t! I’ll fuck you up then this bag of spare parts wrapped in tin foil!” Rex challenged and Paul’s face grew more serious.

“Oh? I’d love to see you try.” Paul cracked his knuckles and just before Rex stomped his way over to the Asian man, Titan coughed into his hand.

“Not in my crib you ain’t.” Titan put his foot down and side-eyed Isotope who looked ready to deal with anyone that got out of hand.

“And now this guy’s talking!” Rex rolled his eyes. “Who cares what we do to your nice house bought with drug money, you’re lucky I don’t wheel your ass over to the station myself!”

“Believe me, I’m not someone you want to fuck with.” Titan warned while Rex shrugged.

“I’m sure you believe that, but you gotta see it from my point of view. Every dumbass villain I come across warns me that they’re hot shit only for me to shove a hot ball of fire up their shitter. I do what I want and if you get in my way I’ll take you down, that simple.”

“Wow… you’re actually this insufferable.” Eve blinked in genuine surprise. “I thought the rumors about you were just rumors but I see now I was mistaken.”

“Yup baby, the rumors are true, all of them.” Rex winked and I decided that now would be a good time to step in.

“Alright this shit is never gonna end.” I ran my hand over my face and pointed at the Teen Team. “You all, sit.”

“Why the hell should I listen to you?” Rex argued and now his dicky behavior was starting to piss me off.

“Because I’m the reason you’re all here in the first place.” I clenched my fists. I felt a hand on my arm and looked to see it was Eve who was staring up at me with concerned green eyes. She could tell I was pissed.

“You’re Solace.” Kate whispered but it was loud enough for everyone around to hear.

“I am. Sit.” I demanded again. A few seconds after I told them, I watched them all move to the couch, even Rex who had been an annoyance this whole time actually gave in and listened to my demand. I was honestly a little disappointed. I wanted him to give a little fight so I could knock the dickhead out of him.

“I’m surprised he went along with that.” Eve got on her tiptoes and whispered in my ear and I had to agree with her. I expected Rex to give some fight.

“Hopefully he’s not this difficult forever.” I whispered back. I wanted to hope that he would be a reasonable person tonight but I know better than to go wishing on shooting stars. Only time will change this guy into a somewhat good person.

“Didn’t expect Solace to reveal his civilian identity.” Multi-Paul looked up at me from his seat with narrowed eyes. “Trying to gain our trust?”

“Don’t I have it now?” I asked as I took a seat across from them. Eve sat beside me as we stared down the Teen Team.

“The fuck you do!” Rex shouted and I resisted the urge to massage my temples. This guy was going to make me crash out in the future, I just knew it. Hopefully not tonight though or else my plans would go out the window.

“That depends.” Paul spoke again and I began to understand he was practically the leader here even though Robot was the actual leader.

“On what?” I leaned forward.

“What kind of man you are, and what you want from us.” Kate answered with a wink which made me raise a brow.

“This may sound upsetting to you, Solace, but we have no idea what your intentions are.” Robot spoke. “You are working with criminals on a regular basis and occasionally deal with villains and henchmen lethally. In terms of heroes, you are far from the most trusting.”

Though his words made me wince internally I actually respected Robot for coming out and giving me his true thoughts with no added bullshit.

“That’s understandable.” I nodded slowly as my lips twitched downward. “You all are rather righteous heroes in the game for all the right reasons. I’m not surprised that you have some reservations when it comes to me.”

“There ain’t nobody that wants to take you out jackass, unless we’re talking about my fists!” Rex grinned smugly and clenched one of his fists. I tilted my head in confusion as the rest of his team facepalmed. Then the realization hit me. Did he think I meant “reservations” as in dinner reservations?

Either he was just making a stupid joke or he’s dumber than I thought. Either way his interruption was unnecessary so I decided to be the bigger man and just move past it without giving him the comeback he so desperately craved.

“With that being said.” I coughed into my hand and didn’t miss the way the bottom half of Rex’s face twitched. “I may be working with Titan and his gang which could be perceived as aiding villains, but I do it because it’s the best way to solve the problems this city has.”

“I do not believe that is true but I am always willing to learn.” Robot placed his hands on his lap as his cold green eyes stared into mine.

“The people in this city are better off with someone who actually cares about the lives of those under them in power.” I started slowly and looked at each person I was trying to convince. “A city this big like Chicago is always going to have organized crime. Stopping crime on a higher level would involve changing the rules the government has set in place, which would make us the villains anyway.” I glanced at Robot and he remained unmoving. I was pretty much referring to an alternate version of him that I refused to allow to enter this world.

“Get to the point.” Rex grumbled and for his troubles he earned glares from the Asian twins.

“How the hell can he get to the point when you’re interrupting him?” Kate frowned disapprovingly while Paul just placed a hand on his sister’s shoulder.

“Kate… how many times do I have to tell you? Never try to change stupid. It never learns.”

“Who the hell are you calling stupid you cheeky fuck!” Rex stood up and Paul just chuckled mirthlessly before ignoring his existence completely. It seems his team learned that ignoring him was the best way to deal with him long before me. I was curious about how much these two fought on a daily basis.

“I’m going to continue now.” I said after clearing my throat and Kate offered a smile while Rex relaxed. “My point is that this city is going to have someone in charge. If no one is then gangs will fight for control and the crime rate will grow. Titan is a large improvement on the last crime boss who ran this city, I’m sure you know.” I started and most everyone excluding Rex and Robot nodded after some thought. “Beyond the crime rate decreasing, he uses some of his funds to the shelters around the city and has his boys patrolling around to make sure no unnecessary fights break out. Titan ain’t no saint and I will never claim that, but he’s the best crime lord we can ask for and his connections run deep enough that they help me do my work.”

The group went silent as they processed my words and while they thought them over I glanced at Eve. My girlfriend seemed to be in thought as well which made an involuntary smile slip onto my face. Eve would most likely never truly trust or respect Titan, but if she could see the benefit of his resources and having him around then that was good enough for me.

A war against the strongest race in the known universe was brewing for our lonely planet and the last thing we needed was stupid fights on Earth.

“What kind of resources are we talking about?” Paul spoke up first and as I looked at him I saw a greed in his eyes that was so clear and easy to discern.

“Information, backup, and monetary value.” I explained easily as I sat up straight and crossed my leg over the other. I could see a potential business partner when one showed themselves so clearly.

“Monetary value?” Paul raised an interested brow as he scooted forward.

“Multi-Paul, we are heroes. We do not work for monetary gain.” Robot interjected.

“Speak for yourself you damn washing machine.” Rex rubbed his palms together. “How much money are we talking about?!”

“That depends on the work.” I answered. I typically was paid by Titan whenever I wanted money instead of a salary or doing favors for him and usually whenever I asked for a certain amount of money I got it with no questions asked. That being said I was more than willing to work with Paul and Rex if they were motivated by a little bit of green. “Are you both interested”

“Maybe we are, maybe we aren’t.” Paul crossed his arms with a small knowing smile.

“Yeah, what he said!” Rex pointed at his teammate before he crossed his arms and looked away.

“You both are making a mistake.” Robot said warningly and Paul just waved him off.

“It’s ours to make, back off.”

Robot didn’t say another word after that.

“So… you called us here about some help you needed. What’s that about?” Kate spoke up after being quiet for a while. I blinked and realized that our conversation may have gotten side tracked from the original reason I invited them here. I had almost forgotten about it.

“Ah right.” I facepalmed. “Forgive me. What I needed from you all was your help in taking down a rival gang that has made their way into the city.”

“A rival gang? I thought the whole reason you backed Titan was so gangs didn’t cause fights and raise the crime rate.” Paul raised a brow.

“Don’t get things twisted.” Titan spoke up for the first time as all eyes turned to him sitting at the side of all of us. “We’ve done a pretty good job about keeping little fights with other gangs and alliances lowkey. But this group came outta nowhere and they ain’t no joke. One of us gotta go down, I’m just making sure it ain’t me.” Titan leaned back in his seat uncaringly.

“Basically what he said.” I shrugged. “People have moved into the city and set up shop. Crime rates have been going up the moment they’ve arrived which means they’re causing trouble. They need to go down before they sink their roots deeper.”

“And why should we help you? We could easily stand on the sidelines and watch you destroy each other.” Paul asked and I quickly understood what kind of person he was. His greed was clear as day, and I could tell he wanted something for helping us.

“Because you can expect compensation.” I leaned forward with a grin. “The finer details can be worked out with Titan later. As for the rest of you, you can figure out what you want as well.”

“Money does not interest me.” Robot said before standing up. “If that is all, our team will depart and weigh out our options.” He waited for a few seconds before the rest of his team stood up (with varying levels of enthusiasm) and began walking out.

“Robot.” I called out and watched as the man and his team stopped. The metallic man turned back to look at me and I understood that this closing statement could decide whether they sided with us or disregarded the offer completely. “Without your help there will be a war and people will die. I’ve seen your team work, I’ve seen you save lives. You don’t want unnecessary casualties any more than me, but if you choose to walk away from this fight, you may absolve yourself from conflict… but the deaths of innocents… the blood that soaks the streets. It’ll be on your hands, just as much as mine.”

Robot stared at me for a long while before he turned away and kept walking out and his team followed him without any more words. I may have overdone it by putting the weight of innocent deaths on his shoulders but I felt it was the right thing to do. Robot, while smart, doesn’t really comprehend morality and relationships. He’s a hero to save lives and by putting potential deaths in his head, he’s more inclined to help out… hopefully.

— Samantha Eve Wilkins (Atom Eve) —

Eve found herself locked eyes with Dupli-Kate who was grinning at her as she walked away. Her boyfriend who was also watching probably didn’t see or understand the looks she was giving him, but Eve knew those looks all too well. She had seen those same looks whenever she caught Beth looking at Darius years ago, or whenever her friends had a crush and they didn’t mind making a move to get what they wanted.

Kate was definitely checking out Darius and just the thought of that bitch coming at her man was enough for Eve to be untrusting!

As the Teen Team disappeared behind the elevator door, Eve looked up her boyfriend and best friend in the whole world. He was lost in thought, completely in his own world, and though it seemed unreasonable, she wondered if he was thinking about Kate. The thought of it hurt her heart but she quickly shook those thoughts out of his head. Ever since they had gotten together, Darius had been everything she had hoped for and more. Their amazing and deep friendship had grown into something more romantic and they shared kisses and hugs on demand. It was a smooth shift, smoother than she expected but she was deeply thankful for it.

Darius wouldn’t betray her, she understood that, but she couldn’t help but feel concerned for their future when such a threat had shown itself.

“That went better than I thought.” Darius finally spoke and his words earned the laughter of Titan and Isotope.

“You think?” Titan crossed his arms with a wide grin.

“I’m pretty sure.” Darius’ lips tugged as he closed his eyes. “Honestly I didn’t expect them to accept the meeting, much less listen to what we had to say.”

“Then you got more than you wanted.” Isotope chuckled and grabbed a bottle of fine wine. And seeing the bottle realized that Darius and Titan were most likely going to talk for a while. It was getting late and Eve had schoolwork to get done on top of the bad thoughts she had on her mind so she stood up and looked down at her boyfriend.

“That’s enough for me, I have work to do.” She said and watched as Darius stood up with slightly wide eyes.

“Going already? Are you sure Eve?”

Eve stayed quiet and nodded. She wasn’t sure of anything but she needed to get out and take her mind off of today.

“Alright… do you want me to walk you?”

“No, don't worry, I’ll just fly.” Eve smiled and placed a soft kiss on her boyfriend’s cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow okay?”

“Yeah… if you say so.” Darius frowned down at her but grabbed her shoulders all the same and greedily took her lips. She found herself leaning into the kiss as she embraced his large body. For a moment something swelled deep inside of her. It was fleeting, but something was there.

She pouted when Darius pulled away and the jerk chuckled in her face!

“Text me when you get home. I want to talk to you later so don’t go falling asleep on me.”

“Okay…” Eve promised before she made her way to the elevator. Darius watched her until the door closed and she began descending.

A weight grew in her chest as she realized that she didn’t want to be apart from him right now… but she already left the penthouse. A part of her wanted to tell Darius about everything that was swirling through her mind and have him embrace and coddle her just like he always did in the past but she knew he was busy and her concerns had no real merit. How do you tell your boyfriend that you’re worried about some girl you both just met?

As Eve walked through the lobby and outside she couldn’t help but clench her fists. The feelings in her heart made no sense! She’s Atom Eve, one of the strongest heroes around! She shouldn’t be lost in nonexistent drama!

As that thought crossed her mind she flew off in the direction of her house. On the way she suppressed the jealous thoughts that built in her head.

Upon arriving, she walked in and was immediately greeted by her mother who was sweeping the floor.

“Oh, hello Samatha!”

Eve paused at the sight of her mother. The woman looked brighter than usual, which Eve had to admit was a good change recently. It was obvious Darius’ dad did something to hers, and while she hated Lucan for it, she knew that the positive change her mother was experiencing was a product of her father’s shift in attitude.

Whereas before he was controlling, loud, and generally obnoxious, now he was much more quiet and reserved.

“Hi mom… where’s dad?” Eve asked curiously. Even though he had been so hurtful to her over the years, she still loved him. Biological father or not.

“On the couch.” She answered without looking up again and Eve slowly made her way into the living room. When she got in she saw her dad sitting on the couch watching tv.

As Eve grew closer she realized that he wasn't even watching it, he was staring at it. The man’s eyes were glazed over as if he wasn’t fully here.

“Dad.” Eve spoke softly and watched as he slowly looked toward her.

“Samantha… you’re back so late.” He blinked at her and rubbed his face. His stubble had grown into an unkept beard and the hair on the top of his head had grown out more, though his bald spot didn’t which made him look homeless.

“I am, sorry about that.” Eve apologized as she sat down beside him. “When school ended, Darius and I went somewhere.”

“Oh a date?” Her mother asked as she made her way over and took a seat between the two.

“Yeah…” Eve trailed off. Though her parents knew about her hero's life, she didn’t want to worry them by mentioning she spent the day in a villain's penthouse.

“That’s great our daughter is growing up so fast! How was it?” Her mother asked as she brushed some stray strands of hair out of Eve’s face.

Eve’s mind flashed back to Kate and before she could catch herself, the word left her mouth.

“Troublesome.”

“Troublesome?” The older woman repeated with her face scrunched in confusion. “How so?”

Eve contemplated whether venting to her mom was the right thing to do but ultimately decided she didn’t really have anything to lose.

“There was this girl…” Eve trailed off.

“A girl… ah, I see what you mean, Dear.” She nodded in understanding.

“You do?” Eve blinked with genuine surprise. She didn’t mean any offense to her father, but she hadn’t considered that women besides her mom could be attracted to him…

“Of course I do!” Her mother laughed and slapped her knee. “Back when we were young and dumb, it took everything in me to keep your father held down!” Betsy admitted with a reminiscentreminscient smile. “Your father was quite the player so that didn’t make it any easier.”

Eve looked at the so-called “player” and she couldn’t picture the man being anything like the older woman was saying. Since Eve’s childhood, her dad was overweight, balding, and possessed a horrible personality and way of doing things. How he managed to pick up her mom had been an unsolved mystery for her entire life, much less multiple women.

“So how did you keep him…” Eve questioned slowly, deciding to play along.

“Well, your father wanted certain things in a woman that I was willing to give him.” The woman smiled fondly. Eve already had an inkling of the things her mother was talking about, mainly free reign over her body and eternal servitude to fit her father’s sexist and power- hungry mentality. If it took Darius that much to stay with her, then he wouldn’t be the man she had thought he was… no, he’d be more like his father.

“I see, thanks mom.” Eve gave the woman a shaky smile. Though her words didn’t really help at all, the fact that she was trying was enough.

The family of three sat in somewhat comfortable silence as they all watched the TVtv. Her dad still hadn’t said a word besides his initial greeting.

Eve tapped on her thighs and stole glances at the homeless-looking man. She wanted to talk to him, to ask him what really happened that day. Eve already knew that Lucan had done something extreme since it had led to a prickly and loud man like her dad becoming a quiet husk.

“Dad…” Eve spoke up and her mother immediately looked at her with slightly wide eyes. Her mother’s reaction surprised her for a moment but right now she wasn’t focused on her. The man didn’t answer but his eyes did peep away from the tv to look into her green eyes.

Eve swallowed down her spit, along with some nerves, and she reached out to gently place her hand on his arm.

“You’ve been… different for a while now.”

“Samantha, I don’t believe now is the time to talk about such things.” Her mother chimed in quickly. Eve blinked at her and she could see her body shaking. Was she nervous?

“If not now then when, Mom?” Eve frowned and her mother looked at her husband, then back at Eve, and finally relented.

“Dad, what happened, what made you change so much?” Eve asked again and her father just looked at the ground and kept his gaze there. Seconds passed and she got no response, so she pressed harder. “What did Mr. Johnson-*”

“Don’t say his name!” Her dad suddenly shouted, sending a wave of fear through her body as he stood up and looked down at her with crazed eyes filled with fear. “I won’t tell you, I won’t tell anyone! He won’t let me!”

His words caught Eve off guard.

“What do you mean by “won’t let you?”” Eve stood up as well and prodded a bit. Her dad was clearly distressed but she needed answers!

“Stop… just stop!” He shouted at her, then he suddenly paused and took a fearful step back as his eyes lit up in realization. “He put you up to this… didn’t he?!”

Eve’s eyes widened the accusation but it was too late to deny it, he had already accepted his split second realization as fact.

“Why didn’t I see it sooner!” The man’s eyes grew even more crazed as he grabbed the sides of his head and his breathing began to quicken. “That monster said you were important! That I couldn’t intrude! It all makes sense now! You’re working for that monster and you’re fucking his demon son!”

“Dad, what are you talking about?!” Eve screamed, she couldn’t believe the accusations he was throwing her way.

“Adam, please calm down.” Her mom tried to reach out and ease him back on the bed but he lashed out, pushing her away and sending her flying to the ground.

“Mom!” Eve shouted as her mom’s head slammed against the carpeted floor. Her eyes shot back to her dad and she saw he was glaring daggers at her, he looked like he had completely lost his mind!

“I won’t go! I won’t let you get me killed!” He shouted and charged Eve. The hero momentarily froze. She had gotten into plenty of fights but never had she had to fight her own dad!

“Enough!” Eve shouted and formed a large shield in front of her. Her dad ran into the shield and Eve blasted it backward, sending him flying and hitting the wall.

As he fell to the ground, Eve looked at her mom to see the woman had already gotten back up and looked just fine, then with tears in the corners of her eyes, Eve held her hand downward, pointed at her dad as he looked up at her.

“I have tried for years to be a good daughter for the two of you, and this is how I’m repaid?! You deliver upon me baseless accusations and insult both me and my boyfriend! I don’t work for that man, and Darius is nothing like his dad! But my words won’t even stick, will they? They never have and it’s been years! I defy you to actually respect me, your daughter, for once in your life!” Eve shouted but her words came out clear as day and she made sure to drag each word so he could understand the weight of her emotions.

Eve looked at her mom, then took one last look at her dad before she sped out of the house and wasted no time flying into the air.

Once she was high above the world and the cold air hit her face and blew through her hair, she finally broke down. Loud sobs escaped her lips and streams of tears filled her eyes, blinding her.

Over and over the scene of what just happened replayed in her mind, and each time it did, the more she felt her heart break.

Eve kept flying until she stopped in the air and looked down. Darius’ house…

A moment of silent indecision passed before Eve turned away and began flying in another direction. She couldn’t talk to him… not right now, and chances were he wasn’t even home yet.

Eve flew over to the only other person in the world that she knew could console her.

She touched down in a walkway that led up to porch steps. On the right side of her was a garden, and on the left was a hammock and a dog house. Eve didn’t waste any time and walked up the steps. She knocked on the door and waited impatiently. While she waited, she wiped her tears away, even as more pooled in.

“Coming.” A soft voice called from within which immediately calmed Eve’s heart a bit. She had been worried that the person she had come to see wouldn’t be here.

The door opened and Eve locked eyes with her biological mother. Polly, upon realizing it was Eve, smiled, but that smile quickly faded when she saw Eve’s state.

“Come inside.” Polly said gently and placed a hand on Eve’s shoulder to lead her in.

— Chapter End —

Beta Readers: @Dragonboy1, Forzarismo