Chapter 3
The one thing about SHIELD headquarters: it is always busy. Few agents were doing the missions allotted to them while the other agents without missions were training honing their skills, lab technicians were focused on keeping the systems up and running. A whirr of helicopters could be heard transporting goods and agents, the smell of saltwater maintaining a natural environment.
So, it was no strange for the agents to see the Agent Chase, one of the deadliest spies to come out of a helicopter with a folder in her hands. What was strange however was the smile in her face with some occasional glances at the folder.
No agent had ever seen her smile, except her times around her partner even those where during rare occasions.
However, no one except her partner will ask her the reason as they value their life.
When Annabeth walked across the bridge to the facility to meet the director, she can feel other agents looking at her curiously. She knew she was smiling a bit looking at the folder containing the details she collected during her investigation about Perseus Jackson aka Riptide.
Truth to be told she was excited when the Director gave her this mission. She was intrigued by this sea vigilante when he surfaced out of blue saving the ship full of innocents from those super villains. He is a mysterious vigilante.
At first, she thought him as a loose cannon on seeing him breaking bones and knocking the criminal's unconscious. But soon her opinion changed when she saw the footage of him stopping the tsunami in Japan which would have been one of the greatest disasters the country ever faced if it was not for him. She saw under how much strain he was in when he did that. He was one moment away from passing out but still he stopped it saving many lives.
When she went to Japan to investigate an old lady who was one of the few peoples who saw him stopping the tsunami, as no one was there for her to move her to a safe place. She said she was ready to die but then he came and stopped the tsunami. She said he was not a human, she described him as "Susanoo-no-Mikoto", the Japanese sea deity.
Annabeth merely raised her eyebrows assuming the old lady is exaggerating about the vigilante but still hearing this unnerved her. Before she would have scoffed on hearing a man called as a God. But after the Nepal Earthquake incident and the secret project by SHIELD she is not sure.
A week after that incident one of their scientists showed a CCTV footage of the incident.
The whole place is being destroyed by those violent earthquakes. Towers and apartments are falling. People are running and screaming for their loved ones. Among this commotion no one noticed a man in blue hoodie walking calmly as if the earthquake won't do anything to him.
He calmly bent down placing his hand for a minute nothing happened but at a sudden the earthquake stopped. This incident startled them. They had never seen someone stop an earthquake. It is the second time in a row they had seen someone stop a natural disaster.
They tried to identify the person and with the help of their technology they did only to be frozen in shock. Even their director who is famous for keeping his face emotionless looked startled. The person was wearing the mask of none other than Riptide.
Their scientists worked day and night to know more about other powers the vigilante may have. From how he controlled tsunami they concluded he may control water and cyclones even weather to some extent. They weren't sure about other powers he may have but whatever those powers are, he is surely a powerhouse.
This information worried all the Governments. A vigilante who has the power to control nature is more dangerous than Tempest.
They worked feverishly to find more about Riptide but fortunately thanks to their technology they worked out his identity which led her to investigate more about this vigilante. Despite what her superiors think about Riptide, she thinks him as a superhero like Tempest, and a few others.
She couldn't come to any conclusion other than this when she investigated the victims, he rescued from sea pirates or other the people who he had saved from the storm.
He may be a threat to the world with his powers, but still all what he did was nothing other than good.
Like she said to Mr. Grace she will do her best to convince her superiors. With these thoughts she entered the office of the director.
-BREAK-
"It's a wonder there are no cases "Jason exclaimed pacing across the living room of Valdez tower: the tallest tower in New York.
The living room itself is bigger than his apartment in San Francisco. It has been a week since he knew Percy is alive and had been working as a vigilante. It has been a week since he started to search every for Percy. He surfed the internet to find out about recent places Percy was spotted but he was not seen after he rescued a ship from Somali pirates two weeks ago.
So, he had asked Leo to find out the whereabouts of Percy. He didn't confess the identity of Riptide, he lied to him about how he gained some information about world government considering him as a criminal and how they are trying to neutralize him, so he said he wanted to warn him. Leo agreed to help but in exchange he said he wanted to meet him. He knew the reason why Leo wants to meet him. He is curious about Percy's powers, and he believes his powers comes from technology more advanced than him.
He also asked Hazel Levesque aka Circe and Beast aka Frank Zhang to help him to locate Percy. They are the vigilante duo of New Orleans. Hazel's powers are based on magic. Leo scoffed at first on hearing this but soon he believed her when she turned him into a frog.
Frank can shapeshift into any animals including extinct animals like dinosaur and even into dragon though he usually didn't turn into dragon not wanting to scare people. Frank can also speak with animals once he turned into one of them.
He attempted to speak with some marine animals only to be threatened by a whale which according to Frank said, "Screw you".
Hazel tried to find Percy's location by using magic, but it turned out to be another failure when she said he was being protected by some sort of magic which didn't allow her to track him.
"Can you blame them? That guy nearly closed every illegal marine company, stopped whaling, arrested the pirates. Of course, there will be no cases. Even the Dare enterprises though having legal oil platforms where planning to sell them on fear of Riptide. "Leo said drinking a sip of coffee from his mug leaning in the couch.
"So how can we find him? "Jason exclaimed dropping down on the couch tiredly.
"Jason, are you hiding something?" Frank asked the voicing the other two's doubt. At first, they believed what he told but now they are not sure about that. From his actions the three thought it must be some personal issues. But that raises the question how is that possible. Six months ago, he was as confused as them about the vigilante. Sure, they all tried to figure out about him but now Jason took it to a different level.
"What makes you think that?" Jason asked with a glare levelled at Frank.
"Over the week you nearly called me thousand times for this, you stressed yourself to tiredness. Other than this there is nothing fishy "Leo said with sarcasm dripping in his voice.
"Leo if Jason wanted to tell us he would have told us "Hazel scolded Leo even though she was intrigued by Jason's behaviour the past week. She trusts Jason's judgements that
"Don't tell me you are not curious "Leo retorted before turning to Jason "Jason, we trust you and believe you, but trust should be from both sides".
For a minute all four sat in tension which can be cut by a knife. Before Jason sighed tiredly "Remember when I told you about my friend Percy ".
The three nodded with confusion before Leo put all the pieces together.
"No way "He exclaimed dropping down the coffee mug.
Hazel and Frank startled by his reaction asked, "What do you mean?"
Leo ignored them and looked at Jason who was not surprised that Leo was the one who first realized it. "It fits now. That's why you are stressed all week" Jason nodded." But how-"
"Can someone tell what you two are speaking about?" Frank asked with annoyance.
Leo gave an exasperated sigh "Percy is Riptide".
Hazel gasped covering her mouth with her hand while Frank sat there open.
"How is he alive?" Leo asked before he can be interrupted by either of the two.
Jason told them everything, once he finished all three sat in silence processing what he said.
"So, let me get this straight" Leo started "Your best friend is alive. He is Riptide who maybe also the most powerful person and you also met Annabeth Chase".
The three looked at him dumbfounded by the last statement.
"What? She is hot" Leo said defensively.
"Don't you have a girlfriend" Frank pointed out.
"Oh man. Calypso will kill me if she knows this" Leo said with fear." Buford delete the video clip for last few minutes" Leo ordered his AI.
"Done Sir "The robotic voice of Buford echoed throughout the room making Leo to sigh in relief.
All three rolled their eyes at Leo's antiques.
Hazel walked towards Jason placing a hand on his shoulder she said gently "We will find your friend Jason"
"Yes, Jason, we will help you "Frank said sincerely.
"Yes man we are with you in this "Leo said with sincerity abandoning comedic personality for once.
"Thanks guys "Jason said gratefully thinking lucky to have friends like this.
The four were sitting peacefully thinking of any way to find Percy when they were interrupted by the robotic voice of Buford.
"Sir, you should see this "
A holographic screen appeared in the table present in the living room. It showed the image of the place Jason was too similar with.
"Huh?" Frank looked confused wondering what the AI wanted to show.
"See here "the AI said zooming a location.
The four looked at the zoomed area, the water in the area was moving fast and a column of water seemed to rise.
"What the hell is this?" Leo exclaimed looking at the image of a large monster revealed under the column of water.
It was a large serpentine monster of nearly 30-40 feet with purple scales, lamp-like yellow eyes and huge wings.
All the people present at the bridge screamed in fear running for their lives.
"No way even you can go there that fast "Hazel said in fear for those people looking at Jason who was still looking at the screen in shock.
"It will take me a few minutes "Jason said after snapping out of his shock.
Just before the monster could hit the bridge a blur of red and gold slam into the monster crashing it into water. They were surprised to see a woman with an Armor that vaguely looked in Greek style carrying a deadly sword on a hand and shield strapped to her back.
"Damn, she is hot" Leo whistled despite the situation.
Frank was too distracted by the situation to remind him about his girlfriend. But truth to be told Leo was not wrong.
She had beautiful face with brown hair cascading down her shoulder, yet she carried herself with confidence of a warrior.
When the monster started to raise again the woman slammed her sword at the eye of the monster with speed almost as equal as Jason causing it to scream in pain.
With a roar the monster split a green liquid from its mouth from which the woman easily defended herself by using her shield.
The woman hit her braces together creating a shockwave causing the monster to stumble again into water.
Startled by the turn of the events Jason rose from his position in the couch moving to balcony "She can't defeat it alone. She will need help".
"Go. We will be there as fast as we can "Hazel informed him.
Jason nodded gratefully before speeding off to save his city.
Once Jason left Frank looked between the remaining two and asked, "How can we get there before the city is destroyed?"
He immediately regretted asking as soon as he saw the maniac grin on Leo's face "Time to show my new baby".
-BREAK-
"So, what you are trying saying is Perseus Jackson is not a threat?" Mr. D the director of SHIELD asked looking from the folder.
Annabeth said with certainty "Yes sir. I think we should give him a chance like how he did with Tempest, Valdez and other vigilantes".
"And none of them have powers like Perseus" Mr. D retorted.
"Still, it wouldn't hurt to give him a chance".
Mr. D stood up from his chair, turning around and looked at the window before saying "The world contains 70 percent of water Agent Chase, and with the powers like he has what will happen if he becomes a threat?".
"I am sure your pet project can help you" Annabeth said sarcastically not happy about the secret project only a few classified SHIELD agents knew about.
Mr. D levelled her with a glare who met it without flinching.
Mr. D gave her a rare smile saying, "You are not the only one who believes he is not a threat Agent Chase".
"Huh" Annabeth said stupidly definitely not expecting this.
"Yes, Chase with his powers he would have already submerged continents, destroyed cities, toppled governments but he did nothing. He saved marine life, saved cities from disasters, rescued people from pirates. He is definitely not a threat" Mr. D explained.
"But still, it's better safe than sorry. Anyone with the potential of the hero can also become a villain".
"So why he is still in SHIELD wanted list?" Annabeth asked already knowing the answer.
"I may be the director of this organisation but still the council is full of paranoid leaders. I have to follow the orders given by them". Annabeth nodded confirming her theory.
"So does the council knows about Perseus Jackson being Riptide?" Annabeth asked concealing her worry for the vigilante.
"No" came the reply.
"But didn't you say you have to follow their orders" Annabeth asked slightly confused.
"They can't order me if they didn't know" Mr. D smartly answered.
"So, you want to join him for your other project" Annabeth realized.
"Yes, Agent Chase. We must find him fast and before the governments tried to handle this themselves".
"It's not like they can do anything against him "Annabeth said knowing very well no one can defeat him may be Tempest can but she is not sure enough.
"It will not be the only problem, Chase. He has become a public figure over time. Praetor News made him a superhero by giving him a name. People believe him and trust him. Even in UN many world countries didn't see him as a threat. He has the support of many countries across the globe. The council is the one who see him as a threat. If they tried to take this matter into their own hands it will create a conflict among the UN. It is the last thing we want. If SHIELD recruits him, I can convince them, he is under my supervision" Mr. D described his plan.
Annabeth was not surprised by this well-defined plan, Mr. D is one of the best strategists ever.
Suddenly the whole helicarrier is filled with blaring alarm sound with red light filled throughout the room indicating emergency.
When the two reached the control room all the agents present were looking at the screen which showed Tempest smashing his fist through a huge serpentine monster which stumbled the monster back , Inferno and Beast who had turned into dragon where unleashing jets of fire at the monster but it didn't seem to cause any damage to its thick scales, Circe was sending dozen of shadow warriors at the monster which didn't seem to faze it a bit and finally a new woman with a Greek Armor summoned huge lightning from the sky which seemed to cause some damage as it screamed in pain.
"Where is it happening?" Mr. D asked.
"San Francisco sir" Agent Underwood, his right-hand man replied.
Mr. D looked at the assembled agents and ordered "I want a group of fighter jets to attack that monster while other group should evacuate the monster".
When Annabeth turned to leave Mr. D called her "I hope you know your job Chase".
Annabeth nodded in affirmation what she should do.
When the agents left Grover Underwood asked, "Do you believe they can take this down?"
Mr. D not taking his eyes off the screen where the heroes were trying to push the monster into less populated area said" They should ".
-BREAK-
Jason panted trying to gain his breathe while the monster writhed in pain when the warrior woman stabbed its other eye blinding it.
Leo, Hazel, and Frank gathered around him, and they were not in better condition than him.
"How can we stop this?" Hazel asked the woman who flew near them.
"It's nearly impossible" The woman confessed with sad look in her face.
"What do you mean? There should be some way" Leo argued not wanting to back out.
"With our weapons there is no way" She explained. "In ancient times Lord Apollo decapitated this monster with his godly weapon. Without a weapon of God, we cannot defeat this creature ".
"Yeah, and I am a Death warder" Leo exclaimed sarcastically not believing in God.
"Not the time Leo "Jason snapped at the billionaire before turning to the warrior woman.
"There has to be some way" Jason insisted trying to find out some way to save his city while keeping an eye out for the monster if it returns.
"What about your sword?" Frank pointed out "You blinded it with that".
"My sword may have blinded it, but it still cannot penetrate its scales. Even without it eyes the monster has great sense of smell" The warrior woman said.
They saw fighter jets flying towards the monster shooting bullets and launching missiles which only seemed to annoy it.
The monster destroyed half of them within a few seconds. Luckily many agents escaped from their jets. They were saved by Circe who opened portals underneath them transporting them to a safer place though she exactly don't know where they are as she is not specialised in that magic.
"Great now the SHIELD. Are they seriously thinking they can shoot this thing down?" Leo said with exasperation.
They were interrupted by a loud roar and the other heroes were ready to attack again." Here it goes" Jason muttered cocking his fist back to throw a punch when the clouds above them started darken.
Everyone looked at the sky when a figure descended from the sky. Lightning started to crack in the sky when the figure raised his hands lightning cracked in the clouds. With a mighty yell he directed his hands at the monster hitting with a mighty lightning stronger than the warrior princess'.
This stumbled back the monster causing it to roar in pain.
"No way he can do that "The warrior princess whispered inaudibly in awe but still heard by Jason thanks to his super hearing. He doesn't understand what she meant but he let it slide focusing on the bigger fish in the net.
They all looked at Riptide who descended in front of them with a golden scale armour with a helmet showing only his eyes and his mouth.
"Look who showed up "The warrior woman raised an eyebrow placing her hands on her hips.
"Sorry I am late. I overslept "Riptide answered gaining dumbfounded looks from everyone.
If they are not facing a near undefeatable monster Jason would have laughed at that answer. It is a standard Percy answer.
"How? —You know what don't answer that "The warrior woman said shaking her head with a smile on her face.
"So do you have any idea how to stop Python?" She asked seriously.
"I do princess I do "Percy said with mirth in his eyes "I want you all to push it back into water".
"Even with your control over water you cannot defeat him without-" She was interrupted by Percy who said softly yet firmly "Believe me Reyna. I know what I am doing ".
He looked at the other four heroes for their confirmation.
"It's not like we have any other plan" Leo shrugged.
"Good. Then I need the heavy hitters to move it to water quickly" Riptide said.
"What are you going to do?" The warrior woman now known as Reyna asked with concern.
"Wait and see "Percy winked at her before flying near the coast, the monster which rose again tried to attack him, but he snuck behind it and disappeared into the water.
The monster got annoyed its prey has left so, it turned towards the other heroes and roared.
Reyna and Jason floated few feet above the ground and looked at each other. At the count of three they flew towards the Python which smelled them and swatted his hands but that was they needed as the duo ducked past its meaty hands and gripped its scaly wings, with their momentum they were able to drag back the monster but still it's not enough.
Jason yelled "Beast now ". Frank understanding turned himself into Argentinosaurus and slammed the monster with maximum force which was enough for them as the monster was forced back into water with huge splash.
Just as the monster was trying to steady itself huge hands formed out of water wrapping itself around its torso.
Out of nowhere Percy rose from water standing on its head with a beautiful six-foot golden trident in his hand.
"Holy Hera" Reyna gasped on seeing the trident of Poseidon in his hands.
With a huge roar Percy stabbed the trident in its head emitting a blind light. Once the light faded Jason saw the forty feet monster was being turned into ashes.
Percy landed in front of them only to lose his balance. Luckily Reyna caught him before he could hit the ground.
"You are not well "Reyna said with worry on seeing how pale the part of face not covered by helmet had become before a mischievous smile forming on her face "And I know how to cure you ".
Before Percy could object Reyna threw him into the water.
"Why did you do that?" Jason asked curiously.
She gave him a smirk.
At the second a jet of water rose from the water and landed in front of them revealing Percy in healthy condition.
"I bet you wanted to do that" Percy asked Reyna in a low voice.
"No, I wanted to run you with my sword "Reyna said with serious expression.
A nervous chuckle escaped Leo who heard this conversation not knowing if she was serious.
Both stared at each other for a second before bursting out with laughter.
"Whatever Princess" Percy said with a mocking smile.
"Don't tempt me Jackson "Reyna said with serious expression, but her eyes betrayed her.
"If you two have done flirting can anyone, explain what happened" Leo demanded before pointing at Reyna "You said only a so-called weapon of God will kill that creature" then he pointed to Percy "And you killed that creature with a golden fork ".
"That's something we ourselves want to know "A voice said behind them.
They turned behind to see a blonde agent walking towards them.
"Great now a SHIELD agent is what we need "Leo said snarkily eventhough he thinks Annabeth is hot, he dislikes SHIELD. Annabeth ignored him and looked at them "SHIELD would like to have a word with all of you ".
"Why so they can put us in some jail?" Leo snapped startling his friends. He is usually the funny guy, but they understood, he never liked SHIELD and its secrecy.
"No SHIELD will not do that. Only a fool will try to contain you all" Annabeth stated knowing it is true.
Frank uncertainly said, "I think there is no problem with this".
Hazel and Jason agreed with Frank. With reluctance Leo accepted to meet the annoying director.
All the heads turned towards the remaining two. Percy and Reyna looked at each other, a conversation seemed to pass between before they nodded.
Annabeth nodded gratefully before speaking in her communicator "Director they have accepted to meet you ".
As soon as she said that camouflaged helicarrier appeared above them.
Percy chuckled at Reyna's reaction on seeing the helicarrier. This was her first day in man's world and it resulted in a battle. He hoped he has enough time to show her around.
-BREAK-
The agents working in SHIELD have seen many strange things in their life, but none was stranger than a group of some of the most powerful beings walking among them.
"See they are all looking at me "Leo said flashing them what he thought as a charming grin at them.
"Still the same Valdez "Annabeth said smirking at the billionaire.
"At least I am not an attack dog for any organisation" Leo snarkily responded.
Annabeth rolled her eyes ignoring the billionaire leading them towards the conference room.
"What does it mean?" Reyna whispered to Percy not understanding the reference "I didn't see any attack dog here".
Percy whispered in back "You still have to learn about this world Princess".
Jason observed the duo, noticing the ease between them. They two behaved like they have been friends for years. They were like how he and Percy used to be before his supposed death.
He clenched his fist in anger wanting to punch the asshole for not informing him, but he knew he shouldn't create a scene here in the helicarrier, it will cause suspicions.
When the group reached the conference room two men were for them there.
One man looked in his mid thirties with brown curly hair and wore a kind smile while another one was bald with neatly trimmed beard with purple eyes and emotionless face.
It didn't take them long to figure who is the director.
"Hello D "Leo said with mocking tone.
"It's Mr. D for you Valdez" The director growled in annoyance.
The director cleared his throat asking them to sit before he started "I am very thankful you have all accepted my proposition to come here. Now I want you all to listen to me before interrupting" glaring at Leo who opened his mouth to say something.
"The monster you fought today is the same monster: Python defeated by the god Apollo in ancient times" Mr. D started "And no Valdez I am not kidding. This is not the first monster attack the world faced".
"What?" Frank curiously asked.
Mr. D nodded "Yes. Three months ago, we received strong energy signal in Indian Ocean at 2000 miles from the southern coast of India. We sent a team to investigate that and this what we found".
Agent Underwood show a video clip probably taken from the submarine camera.
"Holy hell "Hazel whispered seeing a monster appearing out of sudden.
A 30 feet long monster looking like a dragon with large teeth and blue scales captured the submarine within its teeth.
"Cetus "Reyna exclaimed looking at the creature.
"Huh "All the heroes except Percy looked at her with confusion.
"This monster was sent by Lord Poseidon to destroy Aethiopia when Queen Cassiopeia boasted her daughter Andromeda is more beautiful than nereids" Reyna explained.
"The same monster which Perseus managed to slay "Mr. D nodded in affirmation looking at Reyna curiously.
"There was no way any ordinary mortals could beat that monster. Perseus managed to defeat it only because he petrified it with Medusa's head "Reyna asked with worry for the people in the submarine.
"Then how did they survive?" Hazel asked curiously wondering how they escaped from a dangerous monster like this.
"They were saved "Mr. D confessed.
"By whom "Jason asked though he guessed it like others.
"By me "Percy said for the first time removing his helmet placing it on the table.
Everyone present there were surprised by his action.
"You know you are giving away your secret identity, right?" Agent Chase asked raising her eyebrows trying to hide her surprise.
"It's not like you haven't already found my secret identity and done some investigation Agent Chase "Percy stated with a wolfish grin on his face.
"You asked us here to assemble so you can recruit us if any global threat occurs "Percy continued enjoy the surprised look of the others.
"I appreciate your motive, but I don't want to become some government lap dog "Percy finished leaning back in his chair.
"I agree with Riptide" Leo said breaking the tension in the room "SHIELD tried to arrest every one of us present here before and now you want us to join your band. What a hypocrite?"
"You are some of the most powerful beings in the world. The government has every right to be afraid of you. How can we know you will not into a threat? "Mr. D retorted angrily.
"Then how do we not know SHIELD will shift its allegiance back to the American Government "Percy snapped his eyes glowing a bright green.
"This is a global organisation "Mr. D growled slightly unnerved by the man.
Percy stood up angrily slamming his fist on the table shattering it into pieces "Bullshit. Should I have to remind you how many dirty jobs this organisation did for the States in Shadows for years before it became a global one".
"So, I am very sorry if I don't want to join an organization with a shadowy past like this" Percy said sarcastically.
"Finally, someone who has sense" Leo said smirking at Percy who returned with his own.
"It's for your own safety Jackson. I don't consider you as a threat at least for now but still many big ones think you as a threat. I could convince them if you joined SHIELD "Mr. D warned him a last time.
"They can try "Percy shrugged not alarmed by the warning.
"Riptide can I speak to you for a minute?" Jason asked standing at the bridge after leaving the conference room disagreeing with director and his proposition for a team.
Riptide who has now concealed his face looked at Jason with curiosity "Sure".
"But not here "Jason said.
"You guys can keep your discussion at my tower "Leo said to which Percy agreed not knowing what is about to happen.
-BREAK-
"Why didn't you arrest him when you had him?" came the question.
The director of SHIELD gritted his teeth looking at the laptop in front of him "If SHIELD had arrested him just after he saved lives many countries will protest against that. It will cause a conflict among UN ".
"D is right "Another member of the council said.
A few moments of silence passed before a member said, "Then I think it's the time for Project Light".
All the members of the council nodded in agreement causing Mr. D to grit his teeth further in irritation. Only these fools will name "Project Light" for such a project.
"D. There is a slight change in the project "The head of the council stated.
Mr. D raised his eyebrows curiously. "The head of the "Project Light" will be him" The head said showing an image.
Mr. D's eyebrows shot upward on seeing the image of a well-known figure especially for getting his ass kicked by Tempest.
-BREAK-
When all heroes were assembled at the living room of Valdez towers Percy asked, "So what do you want to talk about?"
"This" Jason said, before anyone can blink, he punched Percy across the room.
Everyone gasped in shock, Reyna exclaimed "Percy" before rushing to Percy's side.
Percy got up with Reyna's help clutching his broken nose "What was that for?" asking with confusion thinking what he done to the angry hero.
Percy froze in shock when Jason tore of his mask revealing his identity to him.
Both the heroes stared at each other. Jason panted with anger; angry tears formed on his eyes "Now you know".
"Jay" Percy said softly with few happy tears in his eyes on seeing his best friend after years.