Journey Home: Road to Redemption Pt 9

*Away from the prying eyes and ears of the entrance hall, the trio had returned to the dormitories, where they could not only deal with their physical needs, such as sating their hunger after a long day’s work, but they would also be able to speak about the curious incident with Madam Pouvell without the possibility of being overheard by just anyone - at least, not without warning.

Knowing that, even if he wanted to press for information, Dae-Hyun wouldn’t tell them until he was fully prepared, Lorenzo set about making them tea while they waited for their meal, before lounging on one of the table seats, waiting for the agent to begin with his explanations. Although he had made sure to send a faint pulse of electricity through the room, just in case there was any spy equipment trained on them. Not enough to cause problems beyond a static shock for the occupants, but it would at least short out only bugs.

Sensing nothing, Lorenzo turned back to the others*

Lorenzo: *Shrugs* We’re free to talk, if you want.

Dae-Hyun: *Sigh* It's not as if I know much myself, beyond what you all already know and being more than confident that who we just witnessed was, indeed, not our lady. But saying that… One would need physical evidence of that sort of thing. That being the case, then I can press the issue to the group I was referring to earlier - again, the group is anonymous… That boy might now how to contact him, though, once I have definitive proof. Then I… no, we can proceed forward.

Lorenzo: I know I made that warning before, but I hadn’t thought the possibility would be quite so soon….Still, you’re right. My warnings and something slightly out of character doesn’t constitute as ‘proof’. Still, do you have a plan for that? Unfortunately, I can hardly help much, considering my temporary ‘Level’ here, but I suppose I can help out somehow if there’s some use for me in that regard beyond giving my testimony on my suspicions from Phoenix.

Dae-Hyun: It’s a start, but it’s not enough. A verbal account could be seen as superficial without physical evidence backing it. If we just had something - anything - to prove the real Madam’s location...

Esta: What about the Communicators? Don’t the newest models have tracking devices?

Dae-Hyun: Our models do, but not our Lady’s. She left before they were issued, remember?

Esta: Damn, that was the only thing I could think of… Wait, what if we called her and-

Dae-Hyun: Call our Lady? You’re kidding right?

Esta: What so wrong with that? If one of us called her and she doesn't answer, then we’ll surely catch her out and even if we don't get the impostor, then her communicator should bounce of any local cell towers, right?

Dae-Hyun: Cute plan, but did you forget these are company issued communicators? They don’t use cell towers. But you kind of have the right idea. If we can catch her out, then we might have some solid ground. Or at least a foundation to build our case.

Esta: I'm assuming we all know the implications here, the fact that we're even looking into this may hurt our credibility as agents. If we don't have a air tight case against this imposer, then, well, I don't think I need to say what will happen to us. Just getting the evidence on this case…. We could be throwing our lives away just on a hunch. Are you both ready for that?

Lorenzo: *Cocked eyebrow* You do realise I essentially already threw away my career, right? Not to mention that I have a habit of not dying when I should do. Tell you what, how about I do the calling? That way, if it does all come back on us, it’s easy to pin the blame on me, either as being that paranoid insane bastard that we’ve somewhat established, or just that I’m still a traitor. If nothing else, it would keep the heat off you guys, and it’s not like I was planning to stay here permanently anyway.

*He sits back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully*

Lorenzo: When I say ‘calling’ here as well, I don’t even necessarily mean tracking her signal down either. True it won’t give us concrete evidence. However, if the real one wasn’t the one we have here….well, then she would be able to confirm she is not in the building. And from there, we can at least begin some form of strategy to get the evidence of an imposer.

*A fourth presence could be felt in the room for a moment just as Lorenzo spoke. The blood drained from his face shortly after as two familiar hands seemed to wrap around his waist and an oh so familiar stubbled man rubbed his face against Lorenzo*

Zeus: What ‘cha talkin ‘bout, my cute 'Renze?

*Snarling, Lorenzo yanked himself away from the god, practically bristling as his chair clattered to the floor*

Lorenzo: About how I’m going to stick this teaspoon right through your eye if you keep touching me like that, old man!

*blinking for a few seconds, Zeus continued to snuggled agent Lorenzo*

Zeus: Nawww, you're even cuter when you're angry, you know that? Your nose still scrunches up like it did when you were still a small thing in my arms... well, you're still small, but after all this time, you're still as cute as ever. *Kisses top of Lorenzo's head*

*With a satisfied sigh, Zeus sits down on a chair next to Lorenzo, petting his hair all the while. Lorenzo, however, yanked his head away and snatched up the spoon, a slightly wild look in his eyes as the urge to go through with his treat practically burned through him. As it was, he managed to reign it in enough to smack the man over the knuckles instead*

Lorenzo: *Through gritted teeth* Don’t….touch….me...Or are you that braindead you already forgot about that.

*Snatching up his chair, he righted it once more with a flick of his wrist and sat down, though he kept the chair as far from the god as he could get without physically rounding the table, knowing Zeus would just see it as some dumb game instead. He did, however, keep the tablespoon in his hand, staring at it considerately, wondering if he should start to sharpen it in a threatening manner, or if keeping it blunt and attempting to gouge bits out of the man would cause him more pain that way.*

Zeus: I’m assuming the evidence you want is this, right? *Pulls out a photo of Madam Pouvell arriving at and Airport on his phone*

Lorenzo: If you already knew, why even bother with the inane question. Fucking bastard….

Zeus: *Wink* Its called ‘trying to blend into company’, my darling boy.

Lorenzo: You can blend into the floor under my shoe for all I care. If you’re done being an idiot, then…. He glanced at the photograph* So, we know that It’s either Madam Pouvell there or the impostor. We can probably assume it’s Pouvell, but….well, you know what they say about assuming things.

Zeus: That it makes an Ass out of YOU and me… That would be the case if I were not with her though the whole flight and only left after she was heading to the location point. Besides, it’s not hard to tell a HERO from other beings... well, if you're a god, that is.  *Dark eyes and smirk* Besides, who said I’m going to just give you this golden goose? I thought I taught you better than that, Lorenzie: nothing in life comes free. So, what exactly are you going to give me in order to get this golden goose? Hmmm~?

Lorenzo: I’d want to give you a few sharp metal objects through your skull. But you have something in mind, I’m sure. Talk. What do you want? And if it’s me being a ‘good son’ then you can fuck off.

Zeus: Oh my, my! What a vulgar tongue you have, sweet boy. Papa's gonna have to teach you some manners.

*Esta’s eyes began to sparkle, looking over the exchange*

Zeus: *Dark Chuckle* Oh, what I want is simple. As a matter of fact, it's rather easy.

Lorenzo: Just. Talk. What do you want already?

Zuse: *Resting hands on arm on the table and another arm open wide* I want you to sit on my lap, snuggle up to me and give me a big ol’ kiss on the cheek, all while saying ‘Papa, I LOVE YOU’, like you you used to when you were little. That's all I want *blows kiss*

*Lorenzo is silent for a long moment, however, there was definitely a dark aura that had sprung up around him, even if his eyes were currently hidden by hair. Finally, the spoon ended up flying straight at the god’s face instead. True, said god could dodge it easily, but the slightly crazed grin on the demi-god’s lips was hardly reassuring*

Lorenzo: No way in fucking hell, you pedophilic, insestual excuse for a zap bug!

*That said, he stormed towards the doors, not prepared to spend even a second longer in Zeus’ presence. Chasing after him, Dae-Hyun grabbed his shoulders*

Dae-Hyun: Dude, listen, just do it. Our golden goose is within reach! Just grit your teeth and do it, it's for the sake of the world man.

Zuse: *Sing song tone* Oh Lorenzey!~ I'm waiting! You know how impulsive I can be. What if I decide to delete it 'coz you won't grant me this simple request? What will you do then?

Dae-Hyun: NO! Don't do anything rash, sir, he c-coming! *Whisper* Dude, take one for the team here! I’m begging you!

Lorenzo: *Shaking his head, eyes filled with both a hint of madness, but a deep despair* I can’t. I can’t….I won’t, I...I can’t….*His hands moved to his face, limbs trembling.* Y-you can’t make me….C…..don’t….I….I don’t want to, C. Don’t….

Dae-Hyun: *Whisper* I’m sorry, man, there's no other way around this one. I’ll personally adhere to one of your requests after this, so please, man though it  *Puts both hands on Lorenzo’s shoulders* I believe in you.

*Lorenzo’s laugh had a slight hysterical edge to it*

Lorenzo: You shouldn’t. You really shouldn’t.

*Dropping his head into his hands, he breathed for a moment, before finally nodding. Slowly he made his way to the god’s side, even if his eyes seemed fairly dead and sat on the god’s knee, before giving him a kiss on the cheek*

Lorenzo: I love you…...dad……

Lorenzo [Inner thoughts]: I’d love to murder you and cut off your balls for this, asshole!

Zuse: *Grinning slightly and faking an exasperated sigh* You were supposed to snuggle up to me and call me ‘PAPA’, buuuut I guess it’s a start.

*Holding Lorenzo close for a moment, the god unlocks the his communicator, a slideshow of images documenting Lorenzo’s growth into manhood seemed to be his desktop image. Noticing this, Lorenzo blushed faintly, both in embarrassment and anger, before looking in another direction. He heard the god snap his fingers and all three of the Agents’ communicators pinged at once.*

Zuse: There, all done. *Kissed Lorenzo's hair* Now you can go if you want to or stay… it’s up to you… I’ve had my rations of you… And I won't ask for more, for now at least. *Sad smile*

*As if burned, Lorenzo was out and away from the god’s arms as far as he could physically get himself, pressing his back against the wall, face hidden by his hair once again*

Lorenzo: Good. Get out. Now.

*The god lingered for a moment before looking up at Lorenzo. His eyes seemed to harbor a great sadness, but he seemed to smile and spoke in an upbeat tone. As if trying to hide bad news from a child, the tone, though cheerful, had a note of melancholy to it.*

Zeus: Alright, little bolt, I’m off. It was truly enjoyable spending time with you once more. I even have a new video to add to my WONDERFUL~ collection! *Plays the part were Lorenzo says he loves his father. Before dematerializing in a flask of light*

Zeus [inner thought]: I just wish... that I would be graced with sincere words of love before I perish. I wonder, in my next incarnation, will you be able to love me again?  Or will you deny me once more?

Precious:  You’ll never give up, will you, old man?

Zeus: Never. Not until my last breath… and thereafter.

*Meanwhile, back in the room, Lorenzo had thrown the closest object he could get his hands on - a plate - at the place the god had previously been in, causing the porcelain to explode where it smashed against the now empty chair. His entire body was shaking with suppressed emotion as he slid down the wall, hugging himself and refusing to look at anyone else in the room. He felt a little betrayed that he had been forced to go through with Zeus’ request, though there was that confusing part of a young, lost child that both longed for and was repulsed by his own father’s embrace. Even so, he couldn’t bring himself to acknowledge the others in the room for now, the tiny lucid part of him knowing if he did, he would do or say many things he would regret*

Dae-Hyun: Thanks man… I know it must have been tough, but… thanks….

*Both Esta and Dae-Hyun decide to drop the matter and calm down for the moment. Dae-Hyun began to work on piling the evidence to support their case, while Esta would join him at a later time - she was concerned over the broken China. Cautiously she reached out for the broken piece. As soon as she did, however, a small fragment seemed to slice her skin. Recoiling at the sharp sting in her finger, she pulled back her hand.*

Esta: Well, that was stupid. *Sigh* I guess there's no helping it. I wonder, should I just bin it or try fixing it? It would be hard, but I should at least try. Shame really, but I’ll do my best. It will never be the same, but….It's better that leaving it in shards like this. God, it's gonna take me forever…. *Sigh.*

*She gathered the shards quickly, before placing them in a box, then setting them on one of the shelf. Making haste, she returned to Dae-Hyun’s side to aid with the research plan, leaving behind Lorenzo, who seemed to have overheard her ramblings. Though the words  were not directed at him, it seemed to have some sort of effect on him, alongside the necklace rhythmic light that helped to calm him down considerably.

Taking a few deep breaths, Lorenzo finally managed to stop the trembling of his limbs, resting his head back against the wall as he looked down at his hands now resting over his knees. While he knew Esta had been talking about the plate, he knew, in a way, those same words could be about his relationship with Zeus as well. He couldn’t help but scowl halfheartedly. Of course, every conversation lately seemed to be one he could link to his father, but at the same time, he had literally been back days. That was hardly long enough for him to work through his many issues and just get back to how things were - or rather, how Zeus wanted them to be. Being hugged and touched like he was the boy he once had been still felt as though he was touching acid. He likely could, eventually, learn to get along with him, but he just couldn’t go as fast as everyone else wanted him to. That was the main problem, why it affected him so much. He simply couldn’t give Zeus what he wanted. Zeus was impulsive, impatient. And, true, Lorenzo knew the god didn’t have long before his rebirth, but Lorenzo couldn’t force this, either

Sighing, he smacked the back of his head against the wall once again and stood up tiredly, not wanting to look at the others. True, they were looking into the impostor situation, but Lorenzo wasn’t even sure he could work with them and talk to them without snapping, even if he knew it was for a good cause that Dae-Hyun asked for his cooperation. He was sure, however, that the agent would have sense enough not to draw Lorenzo’s ire, however. At least he hoped so. He would rather not lash out because of his own issues.

For now, even if he wanted to just curl up and deny any interactions with other living people for a while, the impostor situation was a little more important. As such, he moved back to the table and instead began to study the picture, looking for the little differences between the real Pouvell and the impostor*

*Looking through the reflection of his computer screen, Dae-Hyun had been paying closes to the situation deciding it was for the best he decides to distance Lorenzo from any further activity for the moment.*

Dae-Hyun: Lorenzo….enough...take the rest of the week off. Don't think about anything else apart from the students. That's the only task I'm giving you. So DO NOT touch this case until I give you permission. Understood?

*Far from the base, a jet marked with the Pandora logo began to settle on the private runway, the roar of the engine finally beginning to slow to a dull hum as the jet came to a full stop. It took a few moments, but a portable stairway was brought up to the side of the jet to allow the occupants to the ground once again. With stairs in place, the doors opened, and two people began to make their way down, one stern faced, the other gripped by exasperated annoyance*

Little Flower: UUUUGH! Understood! I get it! Will you leave me alone, Violet!

Violet: It is because it is you that one must repeat oneself!  Are you Sure you understand exactly what it is I am asking of you?

Little Flower: I got it. Can I at least get a drink by MYSELF without you hovering over me!!!!

[END]