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, the sidewalk a sea of colorful Hawaiian shirts and sundresses, with tourists clutching oversized maps and locals weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. The scent of tropical flowers hung heavy in the air, mingling with the salty tang of the ocean breeze. Street vendors called out to people walking by, their voices adding to the din of car horns and distant music. Still, even with all the other distractions, Zeke couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as he usually did everytime he walked alongside Captain Atom, the man's stark white hair a stark contrast to his youthful appearance. I wonder if I'll ever get used to this.

The man wore a simple red polo, the shirt tight against his chest, even if he was slightly less muscular in his "normal" form. Below that, a simple black belt through the loops of a pair of white chino shirts with simple white sneakers. Beside him, Zeke was in an almost matching outfit, apart from the red being replaced with blue, a side effect of him and the Captain doing their clothes shopping together. Not like I mind.

Despite the fact that the Captain looked like he was in his mid-to-late twenties, Zeke knew very well 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, weaving between chattering tourists and hurried locals, 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. A group of giggling teenagers passed by, their eyes lingering on the Captain's impressive physique, and Zeke had to stifle a laugh at the oblivious look on his mentor's face.

"I never did thank you properly, did I?" Captain Atom said suddenly, his voice cutting through Zeke's thoughts and the noise of the crowd around him 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, scratching the back of his neck. "Nah, it was nothing," he said, trying to sound nonchalant as they both sidestepped a rude man walking the opposite way on the sidewalk. "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 as they paused to let a family with a stroller pass.

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

The Captain nodded at that. "More than anything, I'm proud to have you as my… protege. You didn't have to but you've more than proven yourself."

"Thanks, Captain," the thirteen-year-old nodded. "And by the way…"

The Captain slowed slightly, raising an eyebrow as he turned to face Zeke. "Hm?"

"You can call me your sidekick," Zeke emphasized the word as it left his lips. Still don't get why the other guys hate that word so much. Robin and Wally's rants on the term were uncommon but noticeable and even Aqualad's tension about it was noticeable. He didn't get it but he didn't get a lot about the guys sometimes. At least Miss Martian didn't seem to care.

Captain Atom smiled down at him, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'd be proud to call you my sidekick." The warmth in his voice was noticeable, Zeke smiling back. A moment later, the Captain's smile lowered slightly, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "However..."

Now it was Zeke's turn to raise an eyebrow. "Hm?"

"What have I said about calling me Nate, huh?" The Captain's tone was teasing, the humor in his voice almost hiding the actual request.

Ezekiel let out a slight noncommittal noise, shrugging slightly as he rolled the question around in his head. They made their way off the sidewalk and down to the beach, the concrete giving way to soft, warm sand. The unsteadiness beneath his feet was a distraction, each step sinking slightly, but not enough to derail his train of thought.

"I dunno, Cap," he started, choosing his words carefully. "I tried, you know, but it's a little hard. It just feels... disrespectful, I guess." He kicked at the sand, sending a small spray into the air.

The Captain let out a slight laugh, the sound mixing with the crash of nearby waves. He scratched his chin slightly as he spoke again, "Son, I think you've earned some informality. Besides..." His voice took on a more serious tone for a moment. "After this whole mess, I might not be a Captain for long."

"What?" Zeke's head snapped up so fast he nearly lost his balance on the shifting sand.

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The Captain chuckled again. "I have no doubt that my case already reached the highest ears in the country, what with a general being both a traitor as well as a monstrous metahuman and a smuggling ring being overturned with all the information about his co-conspirators."

Ezekiel nodded slowly at that. Yeah, that makes sense. With what his team found out, as well as all the evidence the Captain recovered from the General's car, it made perfect sense that the case wouldn't just end with Eiling. "So, they're giving you a promotion?"

Captain Atom nodded, his white hair catching the sunlight. "Well, I wouldn't be surprised. A loyal Captain being framed by a now-General, effectively sentenced to death, and still proudly serving his country?" The man shook his head slowly, a wry smile on his face. "I hate to admit it, but after the last four years of being handled by a public relations officer, I'm well aware of optics. Simply put, it would just look bad if I wasn't promoted for this, at the least."

"Wow…" Zeke stared up, frowning slightly as the bright Hawaiian sun hit his eyes. Reaching into his pocket, the teenager pulled out a pair of blue wraparound sunglasses and put them on before continuing, "...Not sure if I like the sound of Major Atom, though." Sounds way too close to that psycho Major Force.

The Captain shook his head, a slight smile on his face. "Not quite sure it'll stop there, son. I did say the highest ears in the nation." He paused for dramatic effect, his eyes twinkling. "How do you feel about General Atom?"

The thirteen-year-old's frown deepened, nose wrinkling in clear distaste. Ew. "Somehow, I like that even less."

The Captain's only response was to laugh, the sound loud and clear.

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, unintelligible 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 throw down 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 blonde girl in pigtails came running up to them, the girl looking no older than nine or ten. She cast a lonh glance at the white-haired Captain before then shifting back down to Zeke. A moment later, she marched up to him, a determined look on her face as she seemed to make up her mind on something.

"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 slight squeak escaping him as his eyes went wide.

"Amy!"

He stared at the girl in confusion, hands over his junk, the two standing nearly eye level as he bent over slightly in pain. "...why?"

"That's for getting my grandpa arrested."

> Observed: Amy Sue Allen

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> Amy Sue Allen Lv 5

> Tyke Bomb

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> Daughter of Margaret Adams-Allen and Colonel Richard Allen.

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> 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?