Beyond Human » Places

         

New York City...

Victor nodded as Daniel spoke even accepting his apologies. He finished his scotch by the time Daniel gave his spiel about robberies as he placed his glass on a nearby table.

"There's no greater banker you can trust than me." He flashed a charming grin and finished his scotch.

Victor revealed a grin of his own and felt confident in Daniel's words. "Excellent, I am quite glad that I can trust my money to your bank. Of course anyone who would provide scotch can't be all bad now can he?" He then chuckled. "Anyway publicity or not I feel that our business relationship will be successful. Now is there some forms or whatever that I must fill in order to make a deposit? After all this is the first time I have entered this bank. Normally my father would have pre-established paperwork handed down through the usual channels, but I guess he wanted me to become use to handling things personally." Victor spoke.

"Just some more of his grooming techniques for sure." He spoke offhandedly.


________

Chicago...

Speed. "I live life in the fast lane...well at least the fast lane was supposed to be on a race track." Randy thought to himself as he ran down the street to his home. "But now my life IS the fast lane, and every where is a race track. This is just too cool!" He thought as he blur passed the many cars and pedestrians of the city of Chicago as he ran into his apartment building. "Shit I hate close corners!" He thought as he hit the side of a wall coming in through the front door leaving another dent. "I really, really hope the landlord never solves the mystery of the broken wall." Randy thought as he heard the exciting muffled voice of the superintendent coming from down the hall. Randy booked it up the stairs in a blink of the eye as the superintendent arrives shouting, "I finally got ya you little-!?" He stopped as no sign of his criminal was found. "GODDAMMIT!" He shouted. Randy could only laugh.

Randy entered his room as he sat on his bed and took off a pair of neon green boots. "Oh wow, the Doc did it! He made shoes that don't melt every time I decide to take a jog." He spoke to himself as he looked down at the soles of the boot. They looked and even felt rubbery but where in fact altered to withstand intense friction. Randy placed them aside and busted out his cell phone and to tell the Doc the good news.

"Hello?" came a soft but also weathered voice over the phone. "Hey Doc it's me Randy. Hey I wanted to let you know that the boots they work!" He spoke rather excitedly. "Oh good." The Doc responded not nearly as enthusiastically, rather tired actually, but relieved nevertheless. "Yeah your a real miracle worker, now I don't got to worry about getting the stink of burnt rubber out of my clothes or my apartment." He spoke with a laugh. "That's nice, but I would have preferred to see so for myself instead of you telling me over the phone." The Doc spoke. "Yeah well, I told you before your lab just doesn't have enough leg room for me man, I needed more space, more distance, but at least they work." He spoke with carefree chuckle. "Yes, well, I don't like the idea of risking you being seen. I'm not quite sure how the world would react to a man who can run faster than any car in the streets." The Doc spoke with worry. "Hey don't worry Doc, the only thing people are gonna see is a blur, hardly anything that anyone would even care to notice." Randy spoke trying to reassure the Doc. "Perhaps, but you can never presume to know what anyone would do." The Doc spoke with caution.

"Yeah, yeah, well do you want me to come back?" Randy asked. "No...that's fine, take the rest of the day off, you can visit me tomorrow morning." The Doc replied. "Alright, see ya later Doc." He said as he ended the call. As Randy tossed the boots inside his closet he was beginning to situate himself on his bed, prepared to watch some television when he propped up suddenly realizing, "Hey! I wanted some coffee!" He then stood right up prepared to put on his shoes when, "Wait, it would look weird if I came strolling in with green boots on, hm...I better use my tennis shoes for this, besides the Starbucks I saw on the way is like a couple blocks from here...no big deal." He thought to himself as he tied on his shoes and ran out.

He quickly made his way down to the Starbucks stopping himself in an empty alleyway a few feet away from the Starbucks entrance. His feet felt a little hot but at least there was no fire or melting for that matter. He was about to enter when he saw quite the attractive lady step out. "Ooh, nice." He thought. Not too long after another man stepped out seemingly following after her. Randy didn't think much of it, beleving he was her boyfriend but that sour look made him think otherwise. It wasn't until he saw off the corner of his eye that both entered a nearby alleyway. "Could be trouble." He thought to himself. Randy didn't want to be caught spying but he wanted to make sure the hot chick doesn't get robbed. Besides whats good having superpowers if he doesn't get to use them to save chicks! He quickly decided that he would run across the street and up to the roof of the building on the opposite side. He did so but not without crashing into a janitor's closet within the building across from them "Aw man, I REALLY hate close corners." He thought to himself as he exited the closet and onto the roof.

He could see from across the way, the chick seems to be confronting the mugger. This might end badly. He decided to watch and wait, if they guy pulls out a knife or something he could run down and stop him before he can even get one stab in. At least, he hoped. He looked over to his shoulder to notice something green on it. "Huh? What the hell?" He thought as he peeled it off. It was a cloth towel or something. "Must be from that closet, oh well, I hope the janitor doesn't need it right now." He thought as he continued to watch.

         So you were a stripper?" Lolly huffed." Seriously, you're still stuck on that." She groaned. She didn't want to talk about it, and clearly he didn't want to talk about who ever it was she resembled. She groaned.

"I told you guys everything of importance. They usually don't put the juicy all in one file. Usually they put them in several different files. Especially with important info. My guess, probably with Hephaestus in one of his labs somewhere. Especially if it could help his pet Hercules. I have no clue of where it could be. I wasn't apart of science branch, so I don't have a ton of knowledge on it. He replied to Toxic and she sighed. "Figures..."


But there's one thing I don't understand, why do you care?" Troy asked Toxic and Lolly looked at him. She was curious to his answer. She didn't know what his connection was to Olympus, he told her that he merely wanted to us her to get rid of competition but she could smell the lie all over that. "I can get why Lollypop here wants Olympus taken down..." Lolly rolled her eyes as his nickname for her. It both annoyed her and amused her at the same time...she wasn't sure if she liked it or not. ... but something tells me you aren't doing this out of the goodness of your heart." Troy asked. Lolly snickered. "He'd have to have one." She commented folding her arms. "Why do you care about a order of assassins? What do you get out of this? Money? Power? A pony? What?" Lolly held back a snicker as Toxic spoke.

"Well, it started with revenge, but that ended a few years ago. Then money." Toxic said "By the time she came in..." He gestured to her and she frowned. "And I wanted a small threat to me removed. I honestly hoped that they were the origin of the nanites, but that would have made the plate just a little too clean. Oh, and now I am doing it because your sniper pal decided to stop in my territory, without calling ahead. Security in this district is tighter than an airport." He said and she arched an eyebrow. He was interested in her nanites, despite what he said, she read between the lines. What did he want with her nanites...?

"Oh, but what makes you fight?" He said and she groaned and moved between the two of them, and hand on each of their chests.. "Girls, you're both pretty...Can we get back to the matter at hand, like what in the good fuck are we gonna do about these fools?" She said gesturing to the file. "We need the other files but you say that they're in one of his labs, Do you have any idea where they might be?" She said to Troy and then turned to Toxic, still sat atop his desk. "and you, Can you get information about the guys called Hephaestus? I wanna pay him an after hours visit and Spare me the mythology, please."

         

"So you were a stripper?" Troy replied dodging Lolly's question. "I told you guys everything of importance. They usually don't put the juicy all in one file. Usually they put them in several different files. Especially with important info. My guess, probably with Hephaestus in one of his labs somewhere. Especially if it could help his pet Hercules. I have no clue of where it could be. I wasn't apart of science branch, so I don't have a ton of knowledge on it." Troy explained to Toxic.

"But there's one thing I don't understand, why do you care?" Troy asked Toxic. "I can get why Lollypop here wants Olympus taken down, but something tells me you aren't doing this out of the goodness of your heart." Troy asked as he studied his metal mask. "Why do you care about a order of assassins? What do you get out of this? Money? Power? A pony? What?"

         

There came a rider, one dressed in black as his custom-made chopper came roaring down the road. The rumbling coming from the extremely long tail pipes of the motorcycle, seemed to echo across the city streets, as puffs of fire and smoke where released in rhythmic intervals. The very emissions coming off the bike shrouded it in smoke, and obviously it looked like this man wasn't doing his part to help climate change. He pulled up to the side of the Tavern and parked his bike whose handlebars were no less small than the tailpipes. He cut of the motor as it died down along with the smoke. From their the designs are more easily seen, as several strange symbols are shown on the bike, many seem Satanic in origin such as pentagrams and the Leviathan Cross. This man didn't seem to be doing much to ward of evil. It seems he blatantly invites it.

He stepped off his bike, the man was dressed in a leather jacket that seemed to have a bull skull and pentagram etched in the back. He readjusted his hat as he took off his sunglasses. Which would seem rather odd to be wearing them at this hour. Still it looks like little bothers this man. Whose long hair is partially placed in a small ponytail while the rest flows on to his shoulders. He had a full beard but appears to keep it trimmed, making him not look like a complete beatnik. He then took out a cigarette and lit as he stood outside for a few puffs. He didn't seem to notice any fights or commotions coming from around the back of the building and instead walked in. He looked at the bar scene and it looked like a normal dive, there were some people that seemed too young to be in a bar. He didn't think he would find kids in here but so long as they don't give him shit he could care less.

He walked passed the tables and situated him self on a bar stool. He called over the barkeep with a Texas twang in his voice, "Hey a Jack Daniels over here hoss." Some bartender passed him a shot of whiskey as the man took to it like a water, downing it as quickly as he got it. He continued to smoke his cigarette as an ashtray was brought to him. "Mighty appreciate it hoss." He spoke as he tapped the butt smoke as ashes fell into the glass tray. He then called for another whiskey as he placed his jacket on the table. He wore a plain black shirt but it looked like he was wearing a chain necklace with a medallion of some odd symbol, down the sides of his arms where these intricate tattoos with some cool patterns. Although most people wouldn't think much about them but to Johnny they help serve a purpose. He seemed to be wearing rings on his fingers most of which screams metal head. In fact his whole body screams metal head except for the obvious cowboy styling. The man's finger nails seemed to be a bit longer than average and seemed to come to a point. It would be an odd sight considering this doesn't look like a man who would be caught dead in a beauty parlor. Another whiskey was given to him as the man took another swig before putting it away. He then sighed. "Long day?" asked the Bartender. "Heh, you could say somethin' like that." He chuckled as he snuffed out his cigarette. Little did they know that this man was being hunted...

         

That day was uneventful for the Founder of Rome. His senators brought him out for a sacrificial rite to the Gods upon Quirinal Hill. The King was rather tempestuous that day, he wasn't found of being disturbed but he had a routine military check anyway. He had been ignoring the Gods lately in his vanity, but Romulus believed himself to be a mighty King. One that no tribe or city-state could dare stand up to. He could conquer the Greeks if he wanted! He had built a mighty nation nearly overnight. He has fought in brutal battles and has come away on top. The Gods do smile upon him, otherwise they would have never made him what he is today.

He passed by the many subjects of his kingdom. Many bowed in respect or, for most, fear. Romulus has grown to be a brutal dictator, a man that many feared to be all-powerful. They were right to grovel and cower before him, he was all but unbeatable. Romulus's rule has gone on unchallenged, even his Senate had no control over him. They may say they help in laws and regulations but in the end, it was Romulus's word that bound all. Those that defied him where punished severely and even put to death. His army had been growing even giving worry to nearby nations but that was what he wanted. He wanted others to fear the might that is Romulus!

But...not everyone was too afraid to act. This rite for the Gods was all a diversion, to lead Romulus away from the people and his soldiers. To get him alone, as the Senators prepared to murder their once beloved King. "His death must come today!" The chanted the night before. "His tyranny must come to an end! For the people of Roma!" They cheered. The Senators were tired of being ignored and treated as nothing more than simple servants to Romulus's arrogance. They plotted. They decided to hide knives and daggers within the sleeves of their robes as they would assassinate the King from behind. They dipped the tips in a poison so the mighty King would be weakened. From their they would rip his body apart and toss them away like trash. That would have been the end of Romulus...if it weren't for a storm.

A dark and mysterious storm appeared as Romulus approached the hill. The storm was supernatural and it frightened the majority of his people away and even some of the Senators. Yet, there were some that braved the tempest, for their freedom they would say. They were desperate to end the tyrant and as Romulus stood distracted, it was the perfect moment to strike. As Romulus stared up into the sky, the eye of the storm appeared and with it came the face of Janus, God of Doorways. The Demigod King had no idea why the God has shown himself. Janus then opened his mouth as a whirlwind engulfed the tyrannical king, saving him from near death. "No! NO! NOOOOOOOO!!!" He shouted as his whole body lifted into the air. He watched as his Senators fled for their vary lives. "COME BACK! COME BACK YOU COWARDS!!!!" He shouted as he looked up above. He then closed his eyes as he braced for impact with the God. Janus then closed his mouth devouring the King of Rome in one bite.

The Senators returned to the people of Rome. They had to explain why their King has not returned. The Senators then lied. They claimed Romulus ascended and joined the Gods as one himself. And that was how the legend ended but in truth, it was only the beginning.

_________

Romulus swirled within a whirlwind as the King could not tell where he was going. It was dark and stormy but a light soon pierced his vision as this tunnel of wind came to an end. Over a nondescript piece of land in the middle of America, a storm has appeared and with it thunderous claps and raging winds. Romulus was spat out by the Janus's second face as the whirlwind brought the King crashing down in the middle of a field. Dressed in a robe and armor, Romulus picked himself up as he looked to the sky. "JANUS!" He shouted. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?" He demanded and answer from the God. The Face that Looks to the Future spoke, "Arrogant King, you dare to speak to one of your Gods in such a disrespectful tone?" Janus spoke slightly annoyed as his voice resounded across the field. Well, only to Romulus's ears that is. "I DO WHEN I AM SPIRITED AWAY! WHERE AM I!?" He shouted. "SILENCE!" Janus shouted as Romulus covered his ears.

"Is this proper behavior to show to one who had just saved your miserable life?" Janus asked. "Saved? Saved my Life!?" Romulus spat, greatly confused. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN SAVE MY LIFE!? I WAS IN NO DANGER!!" He shouted. "You were Romulus, your Senators conspired to take your life." "No...no they wouldn't!" "Yes, yes they would and they would have succeeded, if it were not for our intervention." Janus explained. "Surely you jest at my expense! My people are loyal to me, they would have never conceived of a plot to harm me!" Romulus shouted in disbelief. "I would never jest...you are blinded by your pride. You believed the people of Roma would be too afraid of your power to even attempt such a feat. It is obvious that you have underestimated the mortal's basic instincts." "No, no, no, my people loved me...how could they betray me?" Romulus spoke with a pained expression. "In honesty Romulus, it was you who betrayed them first." "What, how did I betray them!?" "Remember what you had promised your people? It was after your battle with your brother, you saw the devastation he caused and because of it, you promised to create a nation that would protect the people from such danger. You were courageous and hopeful, but most of all you had this overwhelming sense for protection...much like your Father was." Janus spoke almost lamentably.

"My father? You dare to speak of my dead father!?" Romulus snapped. "I dare to speak of anything simple, simple Romulus, you are not unlike a wolf howling at the moon." Janus spoke with a chuckle. "JANUS! I warn you! Continue to laugh at my expense and I WILL show you what a wolf can do!" He threatened. "Foolish Romulus, you dare to threaten a God?" "I fail to find why I should show gratitude to someone who would treat me like a child!" "Because you act like a child, Romulus! It is why you must be taught a lesson." "A lesson!? Who are you to teach me!?" "Aha! But it is not I who is the teacher but Jupiter himself!" Janus spoke proudly. "Jupiter? What does the King of the Gods want with me?" Romulus asked curious. "Our King has commanded me to bring you to the future, so that you may fulfill a great destiny and learn a great lesson." Janus explained. "What great dest-," He then paused shocked to hear what the God spoke, "What do you mean the future?" Romulus asked. "Ha ha ha! Not so certain of yourself or you? You will find out what I mean soon, but now is not the time. The Gods call me to council, consider lesson begun." Janus spoke as he started to disappear.

"No! WAIT! JANUS RETURN TO ME AT ONCE! I DEMAND ANSWERS! JANUS! JAAAAAAAANUUUUUUUUUS!" He shouted to the sky but the massive storm was receding. "JANUS, WHAT RIDDLES HAVE YOU SPOKEN!? JANUS!? JANUS!? DON'T ABANDON MMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" He shouted as he fell to his knees. What strange world has he been sent to, the Future? What did it mean and what great destiny is he supposed to fulfill? And also what great lesson is he to learn? He continued to shout the God's name as he wandered about the endless fields without aim.

         The sliding door shut closed as Lukas stepped outside, a shiver going down his spine as the outside air was considerably colder compared to the warmth of the psychiatric clinic he had just left. He snuck a cursory glance at his surroundings as he started walking along the street, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. He stuck his hands in the pockets of his overcoat in a futile attempt to warm his cold hands, which had been cold even during his session at the clinic. While not the reason for his visit, it was in fact one of numeral issues which accompanied it. Nay, it were the frequent night terrors that have made of him a chronic insomniac, and a frequent guest at his psychiatrist’s practice, much to his chagrin. “Had it really been three months already?” he mumbled; inaudible lamentations, for the people he passed in his brisk walk.

He was walking towards a coffee house, one he’d always visit on days like these. As he came closer to his destination, he looked behind him before turning a corner into a busy street and crossed it so as to enter a quaint little coffee house. The door opened with the tinkling of a bell, notifying the barista on shift that a customer came in. Recognising the customer as Lukas, a smile spread on the barista's face as he greeted him. “Hey Lukas, came for the usual?” he asked, which Lukas answered with a smile and a nod. “I’ll have to get through the day somehow. Besides, i’ll need the energy to do exercises when i get home.” The Barista gave him an incredulous look which he waved off. “It’s the truth! Look James, if i won’t i’ll get weak. And perhaps i’ll be able to fall asleep today.” “Just make sure you keep eating enough alright? You’ve been losing weight recently.” “Right… since when did you turn into my mom?” “Just looking after my customers is all. Wouldn’t want to miss out on that money you pump into the store!” James laughed as he got to working on Lukas’s “usual”.

A few minutes later, and James joined Lukas at the table he sat at, with his “usual”, a deadeye; or an “Al Pacino” as they would call it in the mid-atlantic, as well as biscotti, and Caramel Macchiato for himself. Taking a sip from his drink, Lukas needn't wait long before the high dose of caffeine started to kick in. They discussed many an inane topic enjoying each others company, until their drinks were drunk, and the platter with biscotti was empty. Lukas took this opportunity to look at his watch, and saw that it was nearing 5 o’clock. “I’d hate to be the one that leaves when it’s still fun, but i still have things to do, James. Could you get me a refill on the go?” Both men moved from the table to the counter, as James made him another dead-eye, while Lukas paid his bill. “So when is next time when you’ll stop by?” James asked as he handed him his refill. “Next Tuesday, if recall correctly.” “Well, visit whenever you want man, you know you’re always welcome.” “will do.” And with that, he left the cafe to catch the nearest cab.

He knew that the closest cab’s were a block away, so he made his way there at a leisurely pace, taking the time to drink his coffee. However, by the time he got there, the spots where the drivers and their cab’s usually took in space and tried to get the people that walked these streets to catch a ride, now did everything but, as there was no taxi in sight. Lukas scratched his head at this sight, as it was quite unusual to see a taxi stand so empty. He was about to call the cab companies number, when he spotted a taxi driving through the street, and making a stop right in front of him. The driver- a portly man with his hair slicked back, rolled down his window and told Lukas he needed a ride. He responded with a “That is certainly true.” While a bold statement from the cab driver, he was right. Not feeling like waiting for another cab to arrive, he stepped in, and gave him the directions to a park which was in walking distance from his apartment. “There is something odd about this guy…” Lukas thought after a while. During the whole ride, the cab persistently tried to hold a conversation for some reason, and was; much to his surprise starting to nod off. The last thing he said before falling asleep was that they had just passed the park they were supposed to stop at.

         Sorry, wrong place. :(

         

Shawn stood at the sidewalk corner lighting her cigarette. Woman was walking towards her and had a distasteful look on her face as Shawn took a drag. She simply smirked at the woman and blew the cloud of smoke directly into her face as she passed by before crossing the street.

To any on looker, it was obvious that Shawn wasn't from around here. She had no idea where she was really going and was just kind of wondering around aimlessly hoping for excitement since that's what she usually did as she went from city to city dealing with assholes and moving on to the next once she got bored.

Shawn somehow found herself in an alleyway at the back of what appeared to be some sort of restaurant building. Shawn heard voices as she drew closer but wasn't really paying attention until she flicked her cigarette onto the ground and looked back up in front of her to see a man attacking some silver haired woman. She watched him throw her up against the wall and Shawn called out to him to draw his attention towards her. "Hey fucker!"

A smirk spread across her face as smoke seemed to have come out of her palms and surround the air around them in a huge dark cloud covering all three of them. Shawn took the opportunity to grab the woman and bring her back into the restaurant through the back exit and lock the door behind them. She probably could have taken her and ran for it but she figured since the place was filled with people and he hopefully wouldn't be coming in.

"So was that dick weed your ex boyfriend or something?" Shawn spoke with a slight southern that definitely wasn't as heavy or as stereotypical as people thought someone from Kentucky would sound like(that was usually that southern part that had the stereotypical accent). "You sure have a great taste in men."

She looked around the room and saw two guys who looked liked they worked here and walked over to them. She waved for them to come over to see if they could be of any help.

         

Victor quickly answered his phone once it rang. He listened as Snow's Secretary told him to meet Daniel a 2 o'clock. "Alright I'll be there soon, in Brooklyn right? Alright, alright, yes I'll be there soon." He said as he hanged up the phone. Victor prepared himself as he called for a limo to take him there. As the driver pulled up, Victor stepped inside as he looked towards the bar. "Ah, I see you've restocked since last time." Victor mentioned. "Oh yes, I've made sure to remember to restock, I even got your favorite vodka in there." He spoke happily.

"It's too bad I am off to a meeting, otherwise I would make myself a drink. Of course if I show up to my own meeting with alcohol on my breath my father would certainly have kittens." He spoke with a sneer.

_____

Soon they came up to the drive way of Mr. Snow's building. The driver stepped out and opened the door for Victor. "Here we are sir, the offices of Mr. Daniel Snow." He spoke as he closed the car door behind Victor. "Yes, good." He spoke as he walked up to the front door for which the Driver opened as well. As Victor stepped he looked about the building for the Receptionist. Once he found her he walked up to her desk and spoke, "Hello. I am Victor Adrian Voight, I have an appointment to see Daniel Snow." He spoke down to the Receptionist. The office worker looked up and nod and as she then typed on her computer and discovered his appointment. "Yes, if you wait right here I will patch you in now." She then got a hold of Snow's Secretary as she told her that his 2 O'Clock is here. "Alright, now if you could please wait a moment some one will be down to escort you shortly." she spoke as she went back to work. Victor sat in the waiting room as he looked about the building.

A bunch of drones going through the daily grind. Some other people like him are waiting to talk to clerks about accounts and such. Some are waiting in line for withdrawals or deposits, but it was all standard order and not all that exciting. He was growing bored from the sights he saw and hoped his escort will arrive soon. Otherwise he may just go back into that limo to get something to drink.

         "Now let's hope that our friend is on our side."
Lolly shook her head. "Armed thugs, This guy doesn't look like that's gonna go over well,." She said nodding her thumb at the guard that exited. "They made me to get close to him, obviously, I'm his type." She said with a smirk, gesturing to her pretty face. It actually turned her stomach that she's have more use for her looks then the nanties. Hopefully this guy wasn't a creep. "He's more then likely not to shoot me on sight." She said." I mean, whose gonna say no to this face? You didn't." She grinned playfully. " Call off your goons, give me the location and I'll do the rest." She told him, leaning toward him, still seated on his desk.

         

It was the middle of the day in New York City as an extremely bored Victor Voight, looked out into the busy streets. He saw all of the insignificant masses hurrying from point a to point b. Their very behavior reminded him of drones to a bee colony, so, so, predictable. He hated it, but what he loved was that he was so different from all of them. All of them are so ordinary and he, so, much more than that. Being the son of a wealthy tycoon was one thing but having abilities no other human have...that was too delicious. Still, Victor is being treated like his apart of the useless rabble as his Father called him in. Probably going to give him an earful on how to become a businessman like himself, so that way he won't be turning over in his grave when Victor is running the show.

Most of the time he could only sigh and push him out of his mind. After all his father can't make things literally disappear into thin air now can he? Still he isn't going to suck up his old man that would be too...Shakespearean. Still it had it's allure as he was forced to sit here, taking time out of his day to speak with his father only to have him be on the phone with some big wig from whocaresville. He was a perfect combination of pestered and annoyed. His father hanged up the phone as the old, sternly man turned his gaze to his son. "Now Victor...remember what I said about connections?" He asked. The heir just sighed and rolled his shoulders. "Yeah it's not always what you know, but who you know and blah, blah, blah, cliché here and cliché there." Victor lazily recited.

His father slammed his fist down on the desk. "Now listen here boy! I am trying to tell you all the things you need to understand! I am giving you one last shot otherwise I am going to give this company to one of my best associates!" He was shouting without much provocation. Here he goes again with threatening to take this empire away from Victor. Something he wasn't going to let happen but he might as well let the man think he is still threatened by that. Even though Vic is fantasizing about hurtling his Dad's pick into oblivion, just to screw with him.

"Now listen here boy! I want you to start learning how to make connections and business deals. Recently I've been looking in to placing some of funds here in an American Bank, after all these confounded protesters whine that American companies are not placing their money back into America so they won't get taxed." He began to mumble some negative words about deadbeats and liberal propagandists. "So I hear you know of a very reputable banker correct?" His father asked.

Victor perked up as he actually had something of worth to add. "Why yes, I'm sure you heard of him, Daniel Snow." He spoke with a smile. "Oh...I don't know about that one, I've heard from some associates that some funds disappear, victims of some robbery or fraud or something." His father responded. "Well that doesn't happen always and they always catch the perps...trust me Dad, your money will be safe there...I can make sure of it!" He spoke, very confidently. "Well it's not all my money and this bank isn't run by the blasted Morgans!" He began to mumble some more. "Well what are you sitting around for? I've told you how to act during a business meeting, go set something up and if you do well I will reconsider giving you the company." He spoke as he dismissed him. Victor walked off as he heading for a nearby phone, he had the number for Mr. Snow's Secretary. He took the wireless phone and began to dial. After the ringtone ended he was greeted by a voice.

"Hello? Yes, this Victor Adrian Voight from Voight Enterprises, I would like to set up a meeting between Daniel Snow and myself. Yes the call is about a possible banking account, now I know normally I would just see a clerk but being such men of high standard, Mr. Voight much prefers that we speak directly to him. After all we got quite a bit of money and business to discuss." Victor spoke. It would seem he will be gaining a call later when Mr. Snow has a suitable date in mind. "Alright I understand, well here is my number to call me, "He spoke as he said the number, "And I will be waiting to hear back from him soon. Alright, yes, goodbye." He spoke as he hanged up the phone. Now all he could do was wait until he receives a response.

         

"It was late last night when I got call to come down to Queens. The Professor was told that a nice family has purchased a large piece of property. A piece of property they intended to clean out and dress up, making it into a bed and breakfast. Real family style type of living. Having that good ol' down home feel to a large and crowded place like New York City...yeah they could have made a nice niche. They even took a nice residential area of Queens to have their little B'n'B, away from the skyscrapers of New York but not too far off so people could head in to town in a half hour, depending on traffic of course."

"Me, I prefer to drive, which is what he prefers as well. I look towards the Professor an oddball to be sure, but a man that is respectful. Despite my being hesitant towards his...well practices, he does all he can to be helpful....even though he can be a bit much at times."

Father Myron Bynes drove the car up to the steps of what was an abandoned orphanage. It didn't look too abandoned with all of the construction being done to it. He looked it over and then turned off the vehicle. He looked over the vehicle as he got caught in thought.

He sighs, "I've never been a fan of this car. It was a Slugbug, you know one of those Volkswagens. I much prefer my Sedan but the Professor thinks this car is cool. The problem is he never learned how to drive, so when he bought it from that dealer he asked me if I could drive him around in it. It's been that way ever since. It's a bit small and I do like to have some elbow room but it doesn't matter, what matters is the Carsons."

The Father stepped out of the car as he went on ahead of the Professor who was getting ready. He knocked on the door as the lights from within flooded out onto the concrete steps. He was immediately great by the smiling faces of a husband and wife. They were around his age maybe slightly younger. The husband was tall with brown hair wearing a blue plaid shirt and khaki pants. The wife was a blonde wearing a red blouse and blue jeans.

"You must be...the Investigator here to help us right?" The man spoke as he and Myron shook hands. "Yes, we are so glad you could make it!." The wife spoke as she shook his hand.

They were so excited they hardly could give Myron time to explain himself. They helped him inside and closed the door behind him. Inside it looked like an old style home, with yellow wallpaper with some white and black designs, they looked like flower but very ornate flowers. There were picture and picture frames all about the walls. An half moon wall table was placed up to the right of him. It had one of those white, laced tablecloths on top of it with more picture frames and a blue marble vases filled with various flowers. Up above the high ceilings where some chandeliers they look to be made of glass to continue this old timey feel. He was brought to the next immediate room which was a dining room. They all sat down and started to talk about there little problem.

"We were so terrified about whether you would show up or not." spoke the wife. "Yes, you were highly recommended and when you spoke over the phone we weren't able to tell you the whole deal." The husband then spoke. "Oh before I forget would any of you like any coffee?" Mrs. Carson asked. "Yes please." answered Mr. Carson. She then look towards Myron.

"Oh please, none for me thanks." He spoke with a smile and a wave of his hand. She nodded and then went off to go make the coffee.

"Isn't she great?" He spoke with a smile and a nervous laugh. They were trying to through a facade of being a perfectly calm and normal family, but Myron could see that they are worried about what is going to happen. "Anyway, I won't go into the details without the wife but," he was soon caught off by the sounds of two kids. Two daughters to be exact. "Dad, we hear those strange sounds again." They came running one was about 9 and the other more like 7, blonde just like their mother. They seemed to be bothered by strange sounds coming out of their walls. "It's okay babies, the Father here is going to help make those noises stop." He spoke with a reassuring smile. "Really?" They ask all wide eyed. Then their mother stepped in.

"Of course he will but he can't work with you two bothering him." She spoke as she placed the coffee on the table. "I'm sorry mommy." The youngest one mumbled. "It's fine, it's fine, the Investigator didn't think anything of it." She spoke reassuring them. "What's an Inve, Inve, Inve-" The youngest try to say. "Someone that helps people figure out really hard problems." The father spoke. "Oh." The youngest spoke. "So is he also gonna make stuff stop moving on it's own too?" The oldest asked. "That too," Mrs. Carson answered, "But he can't do that with you two in the room."

As Mrs. Carson tried to hurry them off they were too scared to go to their bedroom. Mr. Carson suggest they go to their room and he will be up in a bit. The girls liked that option as they moved themselves to their parent's bedroom. Once they were gone the Carsons then turned their attention back to Myron. "Sorry, about that, but the girls-," Myron cut them off before they could finish.

"Look here, you don't have to be tough on my account. What is happening to you and your family isn't normal, so you don't have to act like it is." He spoke as the Carsons finally let down their guards. They began to cry and Myron isn't surprised by their reactions. Having a haunting is a draining and strenuous affliction for any family. He could tell that these people love their family very dearly and they want this to pass. He hoped he could help them but also they must know, he isn't alone.

"I do have to tell you to prepare yourselves." Myron continued. "And what I mean by that is...well, my partner is a bit different himself." Myron spoke. "You'll understand in a minute." Almost as if on a cue there was a knock on the door. "Always has to be theatrical." He thought to himself as he followed the Carsons to the door. Once they opened it in came the most brightly colored dress man they have seen. With a wide, child-like grin, and energy he breezed right into the home-like building.

"Greetings and Salutations everybody!" He spoke happily as he shook hands with both Carsons. He was wearing a bright blue trench coat, a purple fedora, circular sunglasses and a yellow scarf with blue polkadots. They were obviously taken aback by the Professor over-abundance of optimism. "Do you mind if I hang my clothing on the rack here." He asked as he pointed to the clothing rack on the wall. They nodded. "Goodie!" He spoke with a smile as he placed his fedora, trenchcoat, and scarf on the rack. Underneath that bright blue trenchcoat was a light yellow suit with a white buttoned up shirt, a black tie with golden circles in a unique design. He placed his glasses away as he stared about the home. "Ooh, now I remember when this style was all the rage for the modern household." He spoke more to himself than to the people in the room. He then cracked his knuckles upon which purple gloves rested. He then wandered about the hallways inspecting every angle of the house with a childlike interest.

"Um, yes, welcome to our Bed and Breakfast, well soon to be a Bed and Breakfast." Mr. Carson spoke. "Ah, great! Bed and Breakfasts, did you know that motels nearly destroyed this centuries old custom? Yeah, in fact the term Bed and Breakfast was used by the British? But their popularity declined as motels where being built. People considered Beds and Breakfasts as cheap lodgings for drifters and other people of low-income, but interest is being renewed," He trailed off sing-songly as he spotted the coffee. "Ooh!" He perked up as he entered the dinning room. "Folgers brand coffee, did you know that the brand was founded in San Francisco in mid-nineteenth century? The Folger family came from Norwich, England to Massachusetts Bay Colony in the early 1600s and," The Professor was cut off by Myron with a cough.

"Oh yes sorry, I've failed to introduce myself. I am Professor Extraordinarius, Paranormal Investigator Extraordinaire!" He announced with a bow. "Now what seems to be the trouble?" He asked never losing a single beat of his rhythm. The Carsons where more or less lost. "What he is trying to say is, we need to know the exact nature of your haunting." Myron spoke off to the side.

"Ah yes, well things have been moving on their own, being practically thrown across the room at the worst of times." Mr. Carson spoke as he described the day by day strange goings-ons. Both the Professor and the Father listened intently on their story apparently, it's been like this a month into their purchase of their property. They kept hearing various sounds like tapping on the walls, things being thrown down the hall, and curiously laughter! The worse of the haunting is when things of their were being flung around, an especially horrifying incident was when all of Mrs. Carson's dishes were destroyed! The plates, silverware, and glasses flew about and crashed into the walls! Also progress on renovations have halted do to paint cans falling and paint be splattered all over the workers. A unusual number of tripping has gone on as well, objects placed where they are not supposed to be, underfoot.

Extraordinarius then laughed a hardy laugh. Myron was scared that the Carsons would take offense. "I'm so, sorry, he isn't like this...usually." He spoke almost unsure if the Professor would act like this or not. "Oh, oh, please don't take offense, I've just deduced what exactly is haunting you!" He spoke almost sing-songly. The Carsons where floored, "You do?" They spoke in unison. "Oh yes, this was once the King County Orphanage correct?" The Professor asked. They nodded. "Well whose haunting your B&B are nothing more than a few mischievous rug rats that have yet to pass on." He spoke with a wave of his arm and a chuckle. They really didn't know how to respond to that, as they looked at him dumbfounded. "Well this is good news right? I mean at least it isn't a demon." He then laughed at a joke no one seemed to get.

"You sure it isn't a malevolent spirit of any sort?" Myron asked. "Well, it's all elementary my dear Watson!" "Here he goes again." Myron thought as he shuddered. "You see, when you walked into this house, tell me, how does the atmosphere feel in here?" Extraordinarius asked. "Well, it seems very homey." Myron responded. "Exactly!" He spoke as he turned his face lit up and with a finger in the air. "Not exactly the most, hospitable place for a demon to live. Also direct your attention to the various crucifixes in the room. I've noticed several even beyond this room, the Carsons must be quite devout, in fact the picture frame over there has a scripture instead of a picture! With such a kind and holy vibe the house is giving off, or trust me these people would have much more violent hauntings." Extraordinarius spoke. Myron could see his point and he even experienced the power a Demon has on a house, something he knew all to well. This house definitely didn't have it.

"We are gonna go about this building and we will help whatever spirits we fine pass over, is this satisfactory?" The Professor asked the Carsons. They nodded. "Alrighty then!" He spoke with a clap as he started to run about the home. The Father began to follow him until he was stopped by the Professor's hand on his chest. "Oh, and you may want to sit this one out Father, I don't think the children will react well to an disciplinarian like yourself." He spoke, almost whispering into his ear. He then patted him on the chest and ran off. Myron only gave a sigh of frustration as the Professor roamed about the building. The entire night was spent hearing strange noises, most of it coming from the Professor himself. The Carsons watched him as he made a lot of funny faces and raspberries. The man was practically jumping up and down and making a fool of himself. He rolled about the floor, banged against the walls, and well, it woke up the Carson kids who were laughing the whole time. Yet, the Professor got the response he wanted as some of the younger spirits revealed themselves. Apparently him acting like a clown made them laugh as well. "Ah there we go!" He spoke as he hoped to meet them.

He worked all through the night helping these spirits pass. The Carsons and Myron were asleep around the dinning room table. The Professor came and said aloud, "Alright! The job is done!" Everyone perked up nearly falling out of their seats. "You mean the spirits are gone?" Mr. Carson asked a bit speechless. "Yep, they are indeed!" He answered proud of himself. The family's spirits lifted themselves as they seemed to jump for joy. "How much do we owe you?" Mrs. Carson asked. "Oh no please." the Professor began. "Please we insist!" Mr. Carson added. "No, seeing your entire family lifted of a burden is all the payment I need." The Professor said as they thanked him again and again and again. The two Investigators left after their work was done.

Driving down the road Myron then spoke, "What took you so long?" Myron asked. "Well, as I said before, children are more scared than Adults are but they easily accept the fact they are dead. Adults always seem to deny the fact they are no longer living, even believing they are still alive. I guess children are just more perspective than the adult dead. But, some of the children where very adamant about staying. I spent most of the time getting them to open up to me and convince them that the afterlife is more fun than staying attached to that building." Extraordinarius spoke. "But did you know there was a medical ward and some of the children died there from Polio in the Fifties? But that isn't the worst of it, the Orphanage ran out of money, they couldn't keep up treatments." the Professor then sat back in his seat as he looked up to the ceiling in deep contemplation as he squinted his eyes and placed a hand on his chin. "How awful must it be to feel so betrayed at such an young age? Those children depended on others and they let them down, they didn't even put them through to another medical center they just, let them die." He spoke as he put his hands in the air and shook his head. "It's hard to make someone trust again, especially when those children had only themselves before they died, didn't even give them a head's up." He spoke as he trailed off.

Myron felt bad for them, to die without knowing why or when they were gonna die. It was a poor decision on the people who owned the Orphanage. He can only hope that they are now happier on the other side. "I say, I've got a great solution to raise our own spirits! Let us find something to eat!" the Professor declared. "Well it's a bit late for breakfast but we can get an early lunch." Myron suggested. "Excellent, um, how about we get Italian, that sounds good to me." the Professor suggest. "Sure." Myron spoke as they drove. The closest place for Italian and it, not being beyond their budget, the Olive Garden. It was closer to the apartment they were staying at in Brooklyn. Making it easier for them to stop by there and not worry about having to travel clear across the city for food. Besides, Myron was tired, he just wanted to eat and then go by the apartment and sleep.

         

David sat at his table drinking his coffee with his headphones in his ears. He listened to his music as he occasionally glanced over at the girl discretely hoping she wouldn't noticed him. He had her file pulled up on her phone and still couldn't believe. Sure she looked well toned but he could hardly believe that girl was capable of taking out one of Daniel's drug cartels. Whatever she was packing, he wanted some of that.

Just then, David's phone began to ring through his headphones and he answered. "Hey gorgeous, miss me already?" He could hear a giggle through the phone and David grinned in triumph. Lena is about his age and is an incredibly gorgeous red head that spends every opportunity he gets wooing. He doesn't really care if he has a shot or not he just enjoyed flirting with her.

"Daniel wants to make sure you've found the target and have yet to ruin the operation."

"Well you can tell him that I am on vacation."

"Nice try, do your job."

"What makes you think I'm not right now?" David hung up the phone and smirked as he took another sip of his coffee and noticed the girl getting up and walking past him as if she didn't even notice he was there. David looked behind him and watched her walk out of Starbucks but not before she made eye contact with him and smirked. Alex Pierce... What do you have planned... This was the first time he'd been so close to her in days and he knew better than to follow her. He was going to wait it out and see what she did.

         Prologue: Humanity and Beyond

The Universe....it's a big place out there. Within the infinite span of the cosmos is it really just fantasy, to think that there may other be forms of life? Well probability wise, it is illogical to believe that there isn't an indefinite amount of lifeforms and civilizations out there. In fact it is illogical just to believe that there is only one form of sentient life. Yet, who does believe in the illogical? Who is so vain or so ignorant to believe that their world is the only world with life on it? Humankind is. Yet, one shouldn't blame the Humans for this illogical conclusion, they have yet to see any proof otherwise....or have they?

Welcome to the Earth! A veritable paradise within the infinite span of the cosmos. It is here the Human Race calls home and it is here they remain, not always blissfully, unaware of the Universe surrounding them. They do say ignorance is bliss but denial is a whole different story. While the world at large does not believe in the fantastic or the Supernatural, thinking that this sort of thing is all fantasy! Although many are ignorant there are plenty more who have experienced these things and there are those who deny the proof. Many of the world's government and scientific communities deny these claims of the unthinkable, writing off those that believe as insane. Yet, when they are delivered absolute proof and they deny it, is that anymore sane? Many people from the shadows have worked to keep these people silent and have worked to seal away all evidence. Is it still just fantasy?...Or is the unimaginable real?

To the world these are all just wild speculation. But what if I told you that soon, what we believe to be unreal will become a thing of reality? What if the world was heading to some great apex that would spin the world on an entirely new axis? The truth of the matter is, that our world is changing. More and more, sightings of the fantastic are being reported more frequently, everything for UFO Sightings, to Monster Sightings, to reports of Humans doing Inhuman things. Is this all just speculation or is it cold hard proof? We are all heading for some great unknown and while the population will not understand and may even resist this change, they will not be alone. This change will bring great danger but it will bring great security as well. There are people out there right now. What looks to be ordinary Men and Women are actually far from ordinary. They work to understand themselves and the world around them. All the while preparing for a great change that will not only change the ordinary but the extraordinary as well.

And just who are these people you ask? Why they are you. Whoever you may be you have something special, something that this world desperately needs, even if it doesn't acknowledge that it needs you. Although the biggest question isn't who they are, they all very well know who they are, even if they are confused. No, the greatest question to ask is how they will change the world? Not every change is good and some change may be change for the worst. After all we are only Human and the unfortunate thing about Humanity, is their capacity to do great good but also do great evil. We have no idea who lead the charge for change but I can assure you, a struggle will ensue for the betterment of the planet. A struggle that will push all parties involved to the edge, but lets not be so dark shall we? This battle has yet to take place and the worst of it is still to come. No at this moment in time we look to the seeds of change. They are being planted as we speak.

As we speak, people from all over the world and even beyond are discovering more about themselves and the world. Yet none of them understand the gravity of it all. Many are still self-absorbed into their own worlds to consider they are stepping into a world far larger than their own. This is the story about these extraordinary beings and their trials and tribulations. This is a story about their growths, their highs and their lows. It is a story about discovery and it is a story about destiny. We now enter a world that still seems ordinary but underneath lies something quite the contrary. I welcome you to enter a world that is still Human as I ask you change it into something that is....Beyond Human.

_______________________

Chapter 1: The Beginning

Welcome to the beginning of a new world...no wait scratch that. Welcome to the end of the old world. Yes that is much better. Don't worry it's not the apocalypse or anything like that. No it's more like the end of an era...and trust me the times they are a changin'! As Bob Dylan would sing. Anyway before I ramble, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Andrew Benjamin Novus. You call me Andy for short, or if you prefer by my moniker, Professor Extraordinarius! Kind of a mouth full yes, but I like it! It perfectly describes my life. It has been nothing short of extraordinary! Still, I am no the focus, well, not the whole focus. The real focus is on the everyday accounts of a whole slew of other extraordinary people! My accounts are just one little jigsaw in the puzzle of life. No, you need every jigsaw to solve the puzzle, so without further ado, how about we work on making these jigsaws fit shall we? *He then hums happily*

Ah yes, quite a bit of jigsaws I see...well, this is going to make for one long puzzle. I think every should sit down....*he then whispers*...it's gonna be a long one. Anyway, how about I let the big guy tell you a story, I'm sure from his perspective he won't leave out any details. *He then perks up and then motions you closer so he can whisper* The reason why won't is because he hardly says anything, he lets the characters do the work. *He then chuckles as the Professor moves away* Anyway take it away big guy! *He then leans in close again* And by him I mean all of you. *He then winks as he pulls away*

* * *

The Earth, it still turns as it ever did. The plants are still growing, the animals are still surviving, and Humanity is still progressing. Idyllic and average. But that is all about to change....we now begin your story.