Ashton’s plan had worked more perfectly than he had expected. The associates at SI had taken one look at the evidence he had provided and placed MysteriousMaskz on the wanted list of potential villains the government needed to take out before they became something. It was a list Ashton checked every day just to make sure he was never on it.

His phone buzzed, breaking his focus. It was another text from Summer with even more concerning content than the others he had yet to reply to.

“My parents want to speak with you. I told them everything.”

Everything? As in everything that had happened or everything from SI? Ashton wasn’t exactly sure what heroes were and were not allowed to disclose, since they barely knew anything. Just to make sure, he decided to ask.

“You didn’t break any non-disclosure contracts, did you?”

“No?” she sent back. It was quickly followed by a second text. “We want to brainstorm plans for what to do now that I have stolen property on my hands.”

That kind of everything. It wasn’t a bad idea. With Mr. Aster’s support it would be easier to move and it would take away the pressure of lying.

“I’ll be right over.”

Ashton closed down his computer and immediately got in his car. There was no point in putting it off, and apparently they felt the same. The moment he entered the house, they dragged him to the living room and got right into it.

“Before we begin, I need to know something very important,” Mr. Aster said, “Is there anything SI is preventing you from telling us?”

“Yes,” Ashton answered honestly. There was no point in hiding it.

“Is it something that will put my daughter in danger for not knowing?” he checked.

“No,” Ashton replied. In fact, she would probably be in more danger if she did know it. Either way, revealing it was not an option.

“Do you really believe SI would try to destroy us if my daughter simply returns that suit?” Mr. Aster demanded.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Ashton thought back to all of the meetings he had attended. Unfortunately, RefRain hadn’t been the only target of their ire. Just the most famous one, and the one that could be tracked back to them. “Definitely. They are in a tricky position right now and will eliminate even the slightest threat. They are not against Summer being a real, hero, though. They gave me orders to assist her if she ever fought a villain and make sure she wins no matter what.”

“Wins,” he repeated the word with distaste, “And you believe that this Ned character will also leave her alone if she wins?”

“I do, but I have put a plan into action to take him out of the picture,” Ashton assured.

“Good. Please delay this as much as you can. Summer isn’t ready yet. I need some time to find a better way of dealing with this, if I can.”

“I will do what I can,” Ashton promised, “But the things I can do are limited.”

“In that case, I have something else I would like to ask,” her father said, his tone and gaze more serious than ever, “I heard you work closely with the CEO. Is there any way you can arrange a meeting between us?”

“Arrange a meeting?” Summer broke in, “What are you planning to do?”

“Whatever I can,” Mr. Aster replied, not breaking eye contact with Ashton as he answered.

Ashton sighed. While it was technically possible, Mr. Wyndart always did whatever he wanted. It was hard to say if that trait would make this easier or harder to achieve. “I can only ask,” he warned, “And even if you meet him, there is no guarantee he will listen.”

“I understand.” The gaze that met Ashton’s was resolute and unbreakable. There was no point in trying to convince him further.

“What about me?” Summer broke in, “Should I go too?”

“No,” Ashton and Mr. Aster said in unison. They shared a glance, acknowledging the other’s desire to protect Summer.

The subject in question pouted but did not press further, allowing them to plan what they could for Mr. Aster’s potential meeting with the CEO of Superhuman Industries.

==========

MysteriousMaskz looked through the list once again, just to be sure. There it was, his name on the bottom. How had this happened? Even if SI didn’t like the things he was saying, it wasn’t enough for him to be labeled as a potential threat. Something else must have been discovered. Maskz worked his magic and managed to dig into the reason why he was on the list. He had to break through several security clearances, but he found it.

Suspicion of sending messages threatening SI’s destruction to a high ranking officer of SI. Ashton? Shadow Phoenix? How dare they use him like this again! To even pry into his personal messages! Unless, could this be his punishment for failing to set up their meeting in a timely manner?

Yes, that made sense. Maskz relaxed a bit. SI was just as useless and foolish as it had always been, and his idol had proved once more why he was the best. For someone with such untapped potential to be trapped in such a boring world was a travesty, and one Maskz was more determined than ever to fix. There was no time to waste. He would prepare the world that Shadow Phoenix belonged in, even if it meant watching things unfold from behind the bars of a prison cell.

This list was a message, Maskz was certain. Shadow Pheonix wanted him to step forward and show him the perks and power of true villainy. No major villain ever appeared at the beginning of a tale, after all. He was certain he was the cunning type as well. Why else would he go so far as to date his greatest foe?

Maskz forced all of his scrambled thoughts into gear and reached for one of his many toys. This one resembled a walkie talkie, but smaller and more metallic. This toy had a pair, one he had made sure was smuggled to his whistle blower. Collin, the poor fool.

“Maskz?” he asked the moment he sent a signal, “Thank goodness. I can’t handle prison anymore. Get me out of here, just like you promised!”

“I never promised to rescue you,” Maskz corrected, “but don’t worry. You will become a martyr who died for a worthy cause.”

“Died?! Wha-”

The connection cut off into frantic static. Hopefully Shadow Phoenix would enjoy his thoughtful present. Now, to tie off all of the loose ends.