Raise Hell

Ben hated planes. Once he was in the air all was well, but takeoff and landing set his nerves through the roof. After all, most plane crashes occurred during those two crucial points. Honestly, once he was in the air he could just stay there, content to never touchdown again. But of course that was impractical and he would just close his eyes tight and white knuckle the arm rest as his current plane descended for landing at Pittsburgh International.

All told he was pretty damn glad to be home. The past few days of his business trip had been stressful if nothing else. What was supposed to be a meeting with a kindred spirit turned into a fight for his life and impromptu, back alley, exploratory surgery. To top it off Elysium had been destroyed and he'd had to pull more than a few strings to get the wreckage shipped back to PA discretely. After all of the ordeal and the hassle of that trip, he was just glad to be home.

Grabbing his military style backpack complete with digital camo and enough pouches to hide all sorts of goodies from the overhead he would throw it over his right shoulder and shuffle out of the plane with the rest of the people. He wore a pair of well kept waterproof hiking boots under dark jeans. Up above he had on a white undershirt beneath a blue striped button up with the sleeves rolled up, looking about as casual as he felt comfortable to in public. He would reach to each of his wrists once as he cleared into the terminal, doing a quick check to ensure that nothing in them had come detached or exposed that would raise suspicion from the TSA. Wouldn't that be just great he thought, smiling at the humor of it I go to all this trouble to keep my identity in check and get outed by a routine check at the airport.

But of course, their main concern was the people getting on the planes, so he had little doubt that he'd be getting into any trouble. Honestly he couldn't think of anything better. No more targets, no more missions or crazy people to deal with. Now that he was home, or at least back in the city, he could take a few days and recuperate from the whole vigilante situation. It was a breath of fresh air, one that he intended to enjoy. So as he walked through the airport he allowed himself to move lazily, taking in the advertisements and watching the various people going this way and that around him. "People watching" as it turned out was a favorite silent passtime of his, trying to figure out where they all were going and where they came from. He could get rather wrapped up in it.

And he must have, staring off into space aimlessly as a woman came barreling at him. The impact startled him out of his daze and knocked him slightly off of his footing. Catching himself he hurriedly looked to the woman giving a short but earnest Sorry, didn't see you there accompanied by an apologetic smile. Way to go asshole, just step right in that chick's way he scolded himself as his eyes actually took in who he was talking to. She was certainly attractive, there was no question about that as he got caught in her green eyes for felt like a second too long. Yea stare at her, that's not awkward or anything he snapped at himself, though in reality nothing out of place or strange had been done. There was something about her, he couldn't quite place it be he knew that he knew her from somewhere. What's her name, come on, think! This could be a nice normal social interaction, you say hi make some small talk and go on your merry way but nope, we're gonna-- Then as she pulled her hair away from her face it smacked him right in the face.

I'm sorry, you probably get this a lot he managed to get out, still going over in his head if he should even say anything. There's no way that's her, she's been gone for like what? a year? You're about to make a giant ass of yourself. Ignoring his self deprecating inner monologue he pressed on. But you look exactly like Tyuki Gold.

Ben watched in horror as the woman's face scrunched at his statement. Wow, not only was I wrong but I definitely just pissed her off with that. Smooth Ben, super smooth. Confrontations, specifically social ones were a weak spot of Ben's. Just the though of irritating or offending someone made him nervous and anxious, as though he had committed some sort of crime. And judging by the look on the woman's face, that's really what he'd felt like he'd done. At least she must know who Tyuki is he confirmed with himself as she looked to the ground otherwise you'd be standing here explaining who the hell Tyuki Gold is to some stranger.

That's right about when the woman confirmed Ben's initial suspicion. No freaking way he said excitedly before he could even think about what he was saying, bewildered shock on his face. What exactly were the odds that he bump into, or more accurately get bumped into, by the lead singer of a band he listened to who had been missing for the better part of a year in the airport of his home city. Pretty much slim to none.

Yea I guess that was a little rude of me he responded, snapping back out of his head. Extending his hand he'd grasp Tyuki's firmly. I'm Ben, Ben Renner.he said with a smile. Now this really was something, Ben was struggling to wrap his head around it. So his mouth seemed to move of its own accord, perhaps there was a short in his brain. After all, he was more than a little caught off guard at the moment.

The gurgling of her stomach drew his attention as he released her hand. Looking around himself he realized that they were standing in front of a little fast food pizza place. I guess that explains why you ran into me? He laughed, pointing a thumb back at the little stand staffed by underpaid and miserable looking young adults. His head turned once more, quickly to the pizza place then back to Tyuki. An idea was forming in his head, one that the little socially awkward voice in the back of his head was screaming about. You want to go get lunch with this woman? Now!? What if she says no? What if she says yes and then you run out of things to talk about? What if you don't an--This might be an odd question but how long are you gonna be in Pittsburgh? he cut off the little voice of anxiety. Sometimes in life, its better to just leap in and see what happens. Because if you've got some time there's an awesome local place not too far from here. I guarantee its better than airport pizza. He put on his most innocent and charming smile as he said this. It wasn't every day an opportunity like this presented itself, he'd be an idiot to not take a shot. At least that's what he kept telling himself to keep his nerves from getting the better of him.

A sly sassy grin grew across Ben's face as Tyuki asked if he was a fan. He just picked her out after a few moments after she'd been dead to the world for a year. Granted that could have meant he just watched news or was up to date on pop culture. Despite both of those being true, it was definitely not the reason that he had so quickly figured out who she was.

I am most definitely a fan he replied enthusiastically. The handful of concert tees from various shows of their's that he kept in rotation beneath his doctoral attire could attest to that. While that may or may not have scored him a few points with her, what it definitely wasn't going to do was boost his confidence about this as she grabbed his hand once more and informed him of her grape allergy. The comment pulled him out of what was almost an uncertain mental spiral and instead produced a sort of knowing laugh.

I wouldn't worry about coming in contact with any grapes where we're going. I doubt they've got anything as healthy as a grape there. Another chuckle escaped from him. It's a good thing you're hungry too. Portion control is not something they're concerned with. Maybe not the best lead off there genius the ever present anxiety itched at the back of his brain. Let's go stuff our faces full of gargantuan proportions. No one has ever looked more attractive then with a Primanti's sandwich shoved down their gullet. The sarcasm in his inner dialogue was less than appreciated but he had bigger concerns, like lying about what exactly he'd been doing on his little "business trip".

Leading Tyuki, her hand in hers, they strolled out of the terminal towards the airport parking lot as Ben spoke to answer her question. Well he began, trying to think of how best to frame this. Lying, though something he had become very good at throughout his life was none the less something that he hated doing. But anymore in life it seemed that was all he could do, especially around people he most wanted to be honest with. I was actually coming from a dental conference in LA. Which I suppose segues well into the fact that I'm a dentist, well a dental surgeon. None of this was overtly a lie. He had actually attended a dental conference while in LA, it just wasn't the true purpose behind his trip.

And what about you miss Tyuki? Ben said, with an excitable bounce to his words. What exactly made you drop off the face of the earth for a better part of a year? This was a very playful question. The reality was that he was very certain he wouldn't be finding out. Mostly because he assumed it was for personal reasons, not exactly the sort of events that one would reveal to a stranger upon first meeting them, especially as someone in the public spotlight. The thought crossed his mind they maybe the question was crossing some sort of line as he opened the door of his VW GOLF R. Not exactly the sexiest car ever, but it was an incredibly fun drive and Ben didn't see any reason to add any more flair or pageantry to his life. The Veil was more than enough.

Ben smiled through Tyuki's general enthusiasm for just about everything as he listened to her speak. She was just so damn full of life, like a joyous energy just overflowed from everything that she did and said. Damn he thought, actually taken aback a bit by just her bubbly personality. It was a serious breath of fresh air. So often he spent time worrying and paranoid, stuck down in his own head, droning over every minute wrong in himself and the world. That was certainly not where she was coming from and god he couldn't get enough of it. Her light was infectious, cementing the genuine smile on Ben's face.

But of course there is always a little cloud to hamper the sunlight. His almost intoxicated joy stopped as Tyuki responded to his inquiry about her disappearance. A hatred built in Ben as he heard what she had to say, that she had been in fight and had bones broken because of it.

Who would do something like that? he blurted out. This woman was a ray of sunshine, what kind of evil fuck would want to cause her harm. Unfortunately he knew, not who did it to her specifically but the sorts of people that looked to snuff out genuine happiness. They were the sorts of people he hunted as The Veil and a small dark part of him hoped that Tyuki would drop a name. Regardless of who they were, he could come up with something on them, some justification to hunt them down.

Stop it stop it! his inner monologue scolded, pulling him out of a dark downward smile. This is not Veil time, this is Ben time. You're taking her out, showing her a good time. Fucking enjoy it. Save the dark stuff for later. For now just...chill. For once he could find no argument for his conscious' words. He legitimately enjoyed being around Tyuki, no need to spoil that with his cynicism and paranoia.

Luckily he was good at multitasking, listening in to Tyuki's tale as he shifted through Pittsburgh traffic away from the airport and towards the city's strip district. Sounds like you did a little soul searching while you were gone. Regardless of what started it I hope you found whatever it was you were looking for. If nothing else it sounds like a killer vacation. Ben chuckled as he said this, a tiny bit envious of the life that she must lead to be able to take a trip like that. The sights the smell, the local cuisine. Speaking of...

Where are we going? he confirmed with the beauty in his passenger's seat as they entered the slightly dilapidated and ever busy strip. You are about to taste a Pittsburgh staple! Clearly he was excited, it shone through in his loose posture and the almost rehearsed, exaggerated tone to his words. I present to you... he drummed on the steering wheel as they rounded past the fish market and off to a little hole in the wall bar and restaurant at the edge of the strip with a neon red sign out front Primanti Brothers! His left arm shot out as if to present some grand monument as they pulled in front of it, his other hand moving to the shifter, putting them into reverse before taking a parking spot.

Come on he motioned excitedly as he quickly unbuckled from the car and leapt over to the passenger's side door to open it for Tyuki. Leaning on the door as she exited the vehicle Ben continued. So I'm not from "around here" around here, more like an hour or so away. But if I ever stopped in the city as a kid, my family would take me to one of these places. Reaching out for her hand, he'd eagerly lead her towards the door. You however get the pleasure of having your first Primanti sandwhich from the original place, the one that invented our delightful gluttonous pittsburgh style sandwich.

With a pep in his step he lead her inside the dingy, ill lit little place. It was only in this sort of place that true culinary genius could occur. He practically buzzed as they sat down at a little booth along a wall crowded with pictures of pittsburgh sports icons inside the place alongside presidents and other well known figures. And as a menu was sat down in front of them Ben practically glowed.

So these aren't your normal everyday sandwiches. he explained, flipping open a menu to find the list of meats for a primanti's sandwich smack dab in the middle. They stack these things high with as much deli meat as they can fit, then cram a big handful of coleslaw and fries on top and trap it all in between two thick slices of sourdough bread. It was almost like a commercial for the damn things as Ben spoke. The only thing you've gotta decide is what sort of meat you want and whether or not you're throwing an egg on it. Patiently he sat, awaiting her response, only realizing after he had stopped talking that he may have gotten a little too carried away about all of this.

A soft smile worked its way onto Ben's face as Tyuki ordered. Guess this wasn't such a bad idea after all he thought, once more mulling over the idea that he'd just brought this woman to a little dive as her introduction to his city. But clearly she'd taken to it, immediately ordering a sandwich and a side of fries. Yea you're not gonna need those he thought, ordering a pastrami sandwich with double meat and adding an egg. His stomach grumbles a little in anticipation of the mountain of meat and fries and coleslaw that would be arriving at their table in about 15 minutes. As their waitress left them, Tyuki produced a 20 note euro from her pocket. I'm pretty sure this place only starting taking cards a few years ago he chuckled theres no way they're gonna take that. But no worries, it's on me. He waved his hand once as he said this, attempting to stop any protest before leaning back in his seat with his arms crossed and an eyebrow cocked.

Did you think I was gonna make you pay? he asked earnestly, his inner dialogue already at it questioning his actions. Dude its not the freaking twenties, maybe she wanted to pay for her meal. Maybe you just offended her and her ability to take care of herself. Quieting the voice of doubt in his head Ben nodded a simple "yup" as Tyuki asked if he had grown up close to hear before patiently listening to her own background.

New York, Italy, Japan, she really had been all over the place and that had to have only been as a kid. Seems like you never really stopped traveling Ben replied, both in reference to her career and the year or so long disappearance. It was such a radically different lifestyle from his own it took a little to really wrap his head around it. Life as a kid had taken place within a 50 mile radius of home, he graduated from high school with people he'd known since he could barely speak and he lived in a typical 2.5 kids and a dog suburban family. Just another reason that this isn't gonna work the self deprecating voice chimed in right on que. Luckily his attention was quickly drawn away before he could start mentally beating himself up.

Tyuki was looking off in the distance at the walls of signed pictures from various celebrities and public figures who had visited this place. With a quick turn behind him Ben tried to gauge who she was looking at before turning back to her. It was only then that he noticed the faintest hint of shock on her face. One more double take and he confirmed that she was eyeing the corner of the wall that housed those that called themselves superheroes.

A little surprising to see they've got a superhero section right? I mean just the image of someone in spangly tights walking into this place to sign a picture makes me laugh. He turned once more, swinging his arm over the back of the booth to get a better look at the wall. Can't you just see it, someone like Atlas or one of The Talons strutting in here? They'd stick out like a sore thumb he laughed earnestly before turning back to his date. You could have asked me a million times and I never would have guessed this would be how today would go he thought without realizing the contented smile that had plastered itself on his face.

Yea I mean they would have to come in here to do itBen threw over his shoulder, eyes still scanning over the masked heroes in the pictures. And they get praised for that nonsense, hailed as heroes the inner monologue spit out with more than its usual contempt. If you walked in here all dressed up you'd have the cops called on you before you could blink...that or the lady behind the counter would just shoo...

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the crunch of metal and shattering of glass outside the restaurant. Fucking Pittsburgh drivers he rolled his eyes before turning back to Tyuki. But what he saw was not the typical car accident he had expected. A seven or so car pile up had formed outside the establishment, men in riot gear were already stepping out of the large van at the front of the crash. Before Ben even realized what was going on Tyuki was on her feet.

Get down! he tried to call out, reaching for her arm. But she was already on the move, bolting to the front of the store. Tyuki wait! he screamed out, his eyes tracing the line of the barrel of one of the assault rifle aiming into the glass of the diner's front facade. Get down! his inner voice echoed as he overturned the table in front of him and ducked behind it.

The next thing he knew he was on the ground the sounds of gunfire cracking above him. This is not how today was supposed to fucking go his inner monologue growled. Once more they were in agreement. Bursts of gunfire continued to ring out above occasionally sending shattered glass and wood fragments splintering over the makeshift barricade. Tyuki is out there, she ran straight into the gunfire. What in the hell was she thinking?! That thought was quickly replaced by another you know she's already dead right? Ben let out a scream as he clutched his hands to his head, the gunfire and his anger blending together to drown out his restless mind. Getting in his head now could get him killed. He needed a clear head, he needed a plan.

Timing out the bursts of gunfire he peaked around the table into the broken establishment. A body lay in the middle of the floor, an older man. A quick scan over the room seemed to show a few injuries but no one else killed. More importantly no Tyuki. No idea where she went, no idea where she'd even be going. At least I know she somehow made it out he thought, ducking back behind the table. I need to do the same.

Another burst of fire and Ben sprinted behind the bar and threw open the door to the kitchen. Gotta be an entrance for the employees, probably lets out in the back alley. I'll have cover there and a second to think. Maybe I can get to my car and...his mind reeled for a second and he cursed under his breath. Elysium was in pieces back home. No Elysium means no medical supplies, can't help anyone inside. He dashed through the kitchen, colliding with hanging cookwear and sending it careening to the floor. Bursting thought the back entrance his head went on a swivel. Car's still intact, good he thought, shooting a glance over to the bank. There was enough chaos going on that no one should be paying him much mind but he crouched low over toward the car just in case.

Throwing open the door he noted the busted out window. Must've been debris from the wreck he rationalized as he flung open the back door and tucked himself into the back seat. He peeked up once more to scan the surrounding buildings. Nothing but an alley cam, shouldn't see me cha... His thought was cut off as he lay eyes on the back of a woman in brilliant black and gold, white wings unfurling from her back.

"HEY! If you're going to shoot someone, shoot me!" she exclaimed towards the men entering the bank. Quite the distraction, thanks Ben thought to the vaguely familiar looking hero. All eyes would be on her, of that he had no doubt, giving him just enough time to get suited up himself.

Popping open the false bottom in the the trunk, the components that made up The Veil lay before him. It was an older suit, a backup in case of an emergency like this one but it would do just fine. With haste he donned the dark trench coat, lending just a moment to check his haltothane and smoke grenades. Boots came next, haphazrdly laced, then the gloves and finally his impact resistant gas mask. Taking in a deep breath, he'd reach up to the canisters and tighten them down, allowing them to filter his air. Show time.

Like a cat on the prowl he crawled from within the car and over the wreckage being sure to make as little sound as possible shutting the door. All eyes still on the golden clad hero The Veil would circle around to the front of the wreckage, all the while sneaking glances back at the winged woman. Oh yea cute, make goo goo eyes at the metahuman you know nothing about, that couldn't possibly end poorly. You forget about Tyuki already? He shook his head, trying to shake the nagging thoughts from it. Tyuki had bolted and she wasn't in the diner. For all he knew she got lucky and got out. But right now he had a bigger problem, stopping a group of thugs in riot gear and avoiding pissing off the unknown metahuman.

Reaching into his coat, Ben would produce a single halothane grenade and hurl it towards the entrance of the building. The thin veil of white smoke trailed behind it before it hit the ground spinning violently as it spewed its payload. Quickly he ducked back behind the cars, listening for movement from the armed men ahead of him. Please don't end up being one of the crazies he thought back to the intimidating winged figure, hoping beyond hope that she would prove to be an ally in this situation.