RISING SUN

Copyright August 24, 2012 by Rory V. Pascual

Author's Note: So sorry for the late update. I lost a writing client so I've been trying to find ways to augment my income. I found a potential job. I *might* write some articles for a coffee table book on the Freemasons here in the Philippines. If the meeting we're having this morning goes well today, I might even end up becoming editor of the book as well. So please do wish me luck and/or pray for me. I'll try to come up with the next chapter asap since Itokufox on Tumblr made me a delightful fanart to go with it.

If there are any typos or grammar errors, please do forgive them. I just want to get this one chapter out before I start work on the book.

Chapter 4

Judge Yuri Petrov was on the viewing roof of the Stern Bild International Airport's VIP Arrival building, leaning casually over the guard rail as he gazed at a large passenger airline taxiing onto the runway. Although he seemed calm on the outside, he was inwardly excited at the prospect of meeting their illustrious visitors. While he has spent most of his life living with Heroes—including his late, unlamented father (in his case, at least)—this is the very first time that he will actually meet superheroes of the caliber of the Avengers.

A sly grin went up Yuri's lips. He wondered if he will be given the opportunity to show off his powers as Lunatic. The prospect of going toe to toe with Iron Man was something that intrigued him.

The sound of footsteps and excited voices behind him drew the judge out of his musings. Although he considered Stern Bild's Heroes—with the notable exception of Barnaby Brooks Jr.—to be pretty unreliable when it comes to official Judicial Bureau matters, they were surprisingly early this time. But, as he turned to greet them, his smile turned into a scowl, seeing the small crowd that had gathered.

"I thought this was supposed to be kept low key. Even your company CEOs have agreed to private meetings at the Bureau," Yuri demanded from the happily chatting Heroes. He then pointed to the two people who were clearly not a part of the group. "So what are these guys doing here?"

Barnaby scratched his head helplessly. "Sorry about this, Judge Petrov. We were actually sneaking over here from the training center, but Ben and Doc Saito were already in the SUV. We certainly couldn't throw them out."

Ben Jackson smiled broadly. "Come on, Judge. Please make an exception, just this once. It's not every day we get to meet stalwarts in the scientific community like Tony Stark and Dr. Bruce Banner."

"I WANT TO GET MR. STARK'S INPUT REGARDING THE HERO SUITS!" Saito's voice was an ear-piercing shriek over the megaphone on top of his head.

Before Saito could make a move, Yuri snatched the megaphone. "For heaven's sake, you're going to embarrass all of us. And speaking of embarrassments…" He whirled around to point a finger straight at sheepishly grinning Kotetsu. "And what is a has-been Hero like you doing here?"

"Bunny-chan invited me," Kotetsu said, remembering to remove his trademark hat.

"Being a former Hero, I believe that he deserves the privilege of meeting the Avengers as well," Barnaby put in with a firm tone in his voice that meant he was not taking "no" for an answer. "We owe Kotetsu that much."

Yuri rolled his eyes in surrender. "What else can I do? But I want all of you to promise me that you'll behave."

He was immediately given a rousing chorus of "Yes, sir!" which only made him even more suspicious. "Come to think of it, I am wondering why all of you are here, and so punctual even."

"Why shouldn't we be here?" said Antonio in turn. "It's THE Avengers for crying out loud!" He flexed his brawny muscles. "I want to test my strength against the Hulk."

"I can't wait to see Tony again," Nathan declared excitedly, wriggling like a worm on a hook.

Shyly, Ivan revealed, "I want to meet Hawkeye. I had hoped he'll be coming as Ronin though."

"I have every intention of getting beauty tips from Black Widow," announced Karina determinedly.

Pao-Lin declared with bloodthirsty glee, "I want to see how my lightning power matches up against Thor's."

Although an interloper, Kotetsu could not stop himself from chiming in, "I'm dying to meet Captain America."

Keith nodded in wholehearted agreement, adding, "And get to make Capt. Roger's acquaintance."

Inwardly though, Kotetsu's real reason for tagging along was because he wanted to meet Loki's older brother, even if the younger god expressly forbade him from doing so.

"Thor's like Keith's dog John," Loki had said to him, cringing on the couch at the memories of Sky High's beloved Golden Retriever pouncing and licking him all over every time they went for coffee at the café. "He'll probably smell me on you."

Barnaby, on the other hand, just simply put in, "My reason for being here obviously covers everything that they have mentioned."

Yuri crossed his arms over his chest and glared at them from his sharp olive eyes. "Bullshit! The REAL reason why you're all here is because you want to see the helicarrier."

Everyone fell silent, the twinkle in their eyes confirming the truth to what the judge had just said.

"Well, I'm sorry to inform you, but the Avengers will not be arriving on the helicarrier. Remember, I said that their coming here is low key. Tony Stark is flying them all here on his private jet." He heard the noisy drone of a jet behind him. Sure enough, the white jet with the Stark Industries logo painted on the side was rolling up toward the Arrival building. "Speaking of which, here they are now."

Yuri could not help the grin that went up the corners of his lips as Stern Bild's Heroes slumped in disappointment, collective groans issuing from their mouths.

##########

It was Thor, who was looking out the window of the jet, who first noticed the despondent figures trudging out of the Arrival building. "They don't seem happy to see us."

Steve peered out as well. "It's understandable. They view us as competition after all."

"Nope," Tony said, shrugging, as he took his briefcase which was actually a portable armor. "They're disappointed that we didn't use the helicarrier to come here. I know I am. Would've wanted the opportunity to show off."

Bruce laughed as he pushed his glasses up his nose. "Seeing that we might possibly be dealing with The Sentry, Fury didn't want you using the new helicarrier as a bomb again. You should have seen the hissy fit he threw when negotiating for more money to have the new one built."

Natasha squeezed her way between them, lugging her own bags. With a smirk at Stark, she commented, "Maybe we should have let Tony pay for the building of the new helicarrier. He is, after all, our resident billionaire, playboy, philanthropist."

Before Tony could say anything, Clint hurried after the beautiful Russian, adding, "Fury would disagree with you on the 'philanthropist' bit. He only parts with a few of his millions when it would suit his image."

Scowling, Stark yelled after the mischievous Avenger, "Hey, Bird Boy! Hope you didn't lay an egg on my plush velvet plane seat."

As the Avengers descended from the jet, they were immediately approached by a handsome young man with flowing gray hair, dressed in a pristine gray suit. He raised his hand up to Tony. "Mr. Stark, I'm Judge Yuri Petrov from the Judicial Bureau. I'm honored to welcome you all here to Stern Bild and…"

"TOOOONNNYYYYYYYYYYY!"

Yuri was suddenly pushed to the side as Nathan flounced over and draped his long arms around the bemused Avenger.

Giving Tony a smack on a cheekbone, Nathan exclaimed, "Tony, Tony, Tony! You look marvelous as ever!" Tony flinched as he felt a lascivious hand cup his butt. Thor who was closest to Iron Man discreetly inched away, hiding behind a much smaller Hawkeye. "Ooh! And your butt is tighter than ever!"

Antonio was not sure whether he should be happy that his favorite molester was groping someone else's butt other than his own. "Nathan," he said with a warning grumble, "you don't want to get arrested for sexual harassment."

"Oh, don't worry!" Tony laughed, waving his hand reassuringly. "I'm used to it!"

Bruce was promptly accosted by Ben and Doc Saito who shook both of his hands briskly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you at last, Dr. Banner," Ben declared. "I've read many of your research papers on gamma radiation, and found them to be a mentally invigorating."

To everyone else, Doc Saito seemed to be mouthing something. But, surprisingly, Dr. Banner smiled and answered in turn, "Actually, both Tony and I are very interested to see your research and, perhaps, we could see the work that you have done on the Hero Suits."

Clint blinked at Bruce. "You understood what he said?"

"Why, yes!" Bruce said. "Didn't you?"

Clint shook his head and stuck a finger up his ear. "I really should get my ears checked." His eyes fell upon a twitching Ivan. "Hey, you're Origami Cyclone, Ivan, right?" He approached the boy and patted his back. "You and I are really going to get along just fine. You love martial arts as much as I do. You do know I also go by the alias of Ronin."

"Yes," Ivan replied softly, abashed by the lavish attention Hawkeye was giving him. "So, you like Japan too?"

"I LOVE IT!" Clint said enthusiastically. "Their anime rocks!" He then whispered conspiratorially, "Those girls in SailorMoon are downright sexy. The mini-skirts and their long legs that reach up to the sky."

Ivan grinned broadly, seeing that he was in the company of a fellow weeaboo. "I'd like to show you my anime collection then. You're gonna love it."

Clint gave him a wink. "That'll be great. In exchange, I'll give you some photobombing tips. Man, you and I are going to be in every picture while I'm here in Stern Bild."

Hearing the laughter from the two Heroes, Natasha could only roll her eyes. She then strode over to where a shy Karina was standing, extending a hand. "You must be Blue Rose. I've listened to all your songs on the way over here. You're very talented and, actually, very pretty in person."

Blushing, Karina shook the Black Widow's hand. "Please, Ms. Romanoff. Call me Karina. I'm really not that pretty, compared to you."

"Whoever said that to you is a liar, and I'm Nat or Tasha to you, okay? Don't worry, Karina. While I'm here, we girls should stick together. Speaking of girls, where's Pao-Lin?"

But Pao-Lin was already standing before Thor, her eyes twinkling in awe. Thor did not even have to guess who this pretty little girl was.

"You must be Pao-Lin," he greeted, getting down on one knee. Thor even took her hand and gave her fingertips a gallant kiss. "It is a great honor for me to meet you. You and I have something in common, it seems."

"Uhm…yes," Pao-Lin said, squirming in controlled delight. To demonstrate, she let tiny forks of lightning snake out from her hand and caress the Avenger's skin.

"Whoa!" Thor exclaimed, seeing those bright sparks. Even Mjolnir, slung at his hip, thrummed in response. "Are you sure you're not an Asgardian?"

"Nah, I'm pretty sure. I'm human through and through, except for the fact that I have the NEXT gene."

"I want you to tell me all about it then," Thor encouraged her.

It was Steve's turn to walk over to where Keith, Kotetsu and Barnaby were standing. "Mr. Goodman, Mr. Kaburagi, it's a pleasure to meet you in the flesh."

"No, the greater pleasure is ours, Capt. Rogers," Keith acknowledged with a shake of the Avenger's hand. "I'm hoping that we Heroes will learn a lot from you and your experiences."

"I don't really consider myself a good role model for heroes, but I'll help you in any way I can." Steve looked at Kotetsu. "I am so sorry about you losing your powers. Such a thing is unheard of outside of Stern Bild. It must have come as a devastating blow for you, considering how dedicated you are at being a Hero."

"I wouldn't lie to you that it did weigh heavily on me for awhile," Kotetsu said truthfully. "But, I got over it with time." He laid a hand on his lover's shoulder. "I have Barnaby to thank for that. Even when I became…normal, he always stood by me."

"We're partners," Barnaby confirmed. "Always have been, always will be."

"I'm happy to hear that. Despite all the troubles that we Avengers have had over the years, I like to think that we're kinda like a family as well." Steve then confessed, "I will admit, though, that I am glad that you are all here. I won't lie to you. If what we suspect is true, we're going to need your help. This won't be an easy mission."

"After the fiasco with Jake Martinez and Albert Maverick and our current battles with Ouroboros," Keith began solemnly, "we already know that we have to be prepared for the worst."

"Believe me, you haven't seen the worst," was all Steve could say cryptically.

Yuri clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Let's all head back to the Justice Tower. We can discuss everything in private there."

##########

An hour and a half later, the Avengers and the Heroes were assembled in the Justice Tower meeting room, watching a video file of the infamous Siege that SHIELD had compiled.

Noting how stiff Kotetsu sat in his chair beside him, Barnaby leaned over and whispered, "Are you all right, Kotetsu? You're looking rather pale."

Kotetsu gave his lover a reassuring smile. "No, I'm okay."

But, inside, he was shocked to the core of his being as he watched The Sentry literally rip poor Ares in half. He could not believe that this terrible being was the quiet, unassuming man whom he knew as Bob Reynolds. It took tremendous control on his part not to jump out of his chair and take the next train to Oriental Town. He was absolutely terrified that he had entrusted his own daughter into Bob's care. And then, there was Loki as well. Kotetsu was now certain that the being who had tried to molest the Asgardian was The Sentry. Already, his mind was whirling on what he was supposed to do.

Mercifully, the video ended, sparing Kotetsu of any more horrific images. But, as the lights were turned on, he could see that all the superheroes seated at the table were obviously shaken. It was all too apparent to him that even the Avengers had not fully recovered from the carnage.

It was Yuri who broke the uncomfortable silence. "So, this man…The Sentry…this is who we're going to be dealing with. And you're telling us that he could possibly be in Stern Bild right now?"

"We have yet to confirm it, that's why we're here," Steve answered, taking on the leader capacity for the Avengers. "The only thing we have to go on is Dr. Foster's data that a human-like figure was thrown off from the sun and the coordinates showed that it may have crashed here in the city."

"Seeing just how hungry for scoops our press here is, I'm surprised that there are no news of anything crashing here," Nathan put in. "I mean, if it is really The Sentry, he could've devastated the whole of Stern Bild."

"Nathan's right," Antonio agreed with his fellow Hero. "With that kind of power, I doubt if Stern Bild would still be standing right now."

"Actually, we don't even want to think of him as The Sentry," Tony interjected. "Bob Reynolds is a severe case of Dissociative Personality Disorder. Right now, we tend to call him more by his alter ego, The Void."

Bruce then continued. "Bob's psychiatric history makes for very complicated reading. Even I can't make heads or tails of it myself sometimes. And I actually consider him a good friend."

"Didn't he get any psychiatric help?" Keith inquired, truly intrigued.

"The Avengers have superheroes who are also psychologists and psychiatrists in their roster," Natasha revealed. "But I'm afraid they weren't of much help."

"Between his existing mental problems and Mastermind's manipulating his mind under the orders of Reynolds' archenemy The General, we should have seen that Bob was a lost cause," Clint remarked in reflection. "We should've done what he said. Kept him locked up in The Raft."

"Isn't that rather harsh?" Karina asked. "Call me naïve for saying so, but I don't think it was necessary to lock him up. The fact that he wanted you to lock him up in a cell is too obvious a cry for help to me."

Pao-Lin nodded in approval. "I have to agree with Blue Rose." She looked at Thor. "Sorry, but I can't get the image of Mr. Reynolds begging you to kill him out of my head. Something should've been done."

"I have thought about what happened that day many times," Thor confessed. "But, the anger always overwhelms me. He destroyed my home." He added with painful softness. "He killed my brother."

"I understand your pain, Thor," Barnaby reassured him. "I was exactly the same after my parents were murdered."

It was Tony who reluctantly admitted, "I hate to say this but we are also partly to blame for Bob's deterioration. We had need of his awesome power. Bob couldn't make his own decisions so we manipulated him to do what we wanted. Norman Osborn did the same, but it was much worse. Norman had been telling Bob that The Void did not exist. In the end, however, it was he who caused The Void to take full control when he had Bullseye murder Bob's wife Lindy."

"From what I've seen and heard so far, I think you've all made terrible mistakes in your dealings with Bob Reynolds," Kotetsu mused thoughtfully. "No wonder the man is so traumatized."

"What would you have had us do then?" Tony demanded.

Kotetsu looked the Avenger straight in the eyes. "I definitely would not have manipulated him into doing something that he clearly was reluctant to do. You stripped him of his choice to do good or evil. You wrested away that moral dilemma from him, made him morally impotent."

"You would want him to become evil, with that kind of power he wields?" Thor asked in shock.

"But at least it is his decision! Tell me honestly, Thor. Your brother Loki. I know for a fact that he is listed as a top level villain in SHIELD's files. But, can you tell me for certain that he was truly evil? Had he not been a good brother to you or a dedicated citizen of Asgard even for a few instances? Yes, you will probably argue with me that it was Loki who machinated the Seige by manipulating Norman Osborn, but did he not repent in the end? Did he not sacrifice himself to save you all, you in particular?"

Everyone fell silent at this point, unable to offer a rebuttal to the former Hero's arguments. Even Kotetsu could not believe that he had just defended the man whom he earlier feared might hurt his daughter.

"For an ex-Hero, you certainly have a lot to say, Mr. Kaburagi," Yuri commented sarcastically.

"I believe you know me well enough by now that I tend to speak my mind, Judge," Kotetsu reminded the younger man, just as strongly. "But if that is not allowed here, then I shall take myself and my opinions out of here."

"Please don't go, Mr. Kaburagi," Thor begged the mortal. "Your words, as painful as they may be, are most welcome here."

"Yeah, it's not every day that you get your shortcomings thrust in your face, but what the hell! It's a great wake-up call nonetheless," Tony said in agreement.

"I think, for now, we should concentrate on finding who it was that was ejected from the sun," Barnaby put in. "It could be wishful thinking on my part, but it may not be Bob Reynolds at all. Still, we should come up with a contingency plan in the event that it does turn out to be The Void."

"I agree with Barnaby," Steve put in in finality. "Let's not dwell too much on the 'What ifs' of the future. Let's just focus on investigating that crash and locate whatever or whoever it was that caused it."

"I'm fine with that," Clint agreed with the decision made, stretching his arms up above his head. "Maybe we can get a little sightseeing done too."

"Yeah," Natasha said smiling, realizing that her favorite partner was trying to steer the discussion to something less stressful to all. "I intend to go out shopping with Karina and Pao-Lin."

"Let's not forget that we're still on a mission, guys," Steve pointed reminded them.

"But it doesn't mean that we can't get a little fun in, right, Ivan?" Clint exchanged high fives with Ivan. Steve could only sigh, wondering if Hawkeye was going to be a good role model for the impressionable young Hero.

"Right now, I'm starved," Bruce said, taking off his glasses and rubbing his eyes. "Know of any great places to eat around here?"

"I know the perfect place!" Barnaby declared, beaming proudly. "Kotetsu, in fact, owns this delightful little café on the Bronze Stage. His garcon is also an excellent chef and patissier."

Kotetsu almost choked, realizing that his partner was talking about him and Apollon Café. Scratching his head sheepishly, he began, "Barnaby has a tendency to exaggerate. It's just a humble café serving simple dishes. I'm pretty sure that you would prefer something classier."

"What are you talking about?" Karina asked, her eyes flashing in irritation. "Your place is always packed with customers."

"Don't you dare say that Locke's cooking is bad or I'll shock you right in that chair," Pao-Lin added warningly.

"Locke?" Thor queried with a raise of his golden eyebrows.

"Kotetsu's garcon," Antonio said, his stomach emitting a low growl. "Great guy! Man, I just can't get enough of his rib eye steak!" He emphasized this by rubbing his belly.

If glares could kill, poor Antonio would probably have disintegrated at the bad looks that his best friend was throwing his way.

"It's settled then." Steve gave the arm rests of his chair a pat as he stood up. "Lead the way, Kotetsu."

Kotetsu was at a total loss on what to do. "I actually closed the café to be able to attend this meeting. But…if you insist…"

He was almost blown out of his seat by the unanimous reply of "WE INSIST!"

Kotetsu jumped up and headed straight for the door. "I'll go ahead and open the café then. Barnaby will be happy to take you there." Without saying another word, he ran outside, pulling out his cellphone and frantically dialing the number.

It took only one ring and Loki was already on the other end. "Apollon Café. This is Locke Serrure speaking. How may I help you?"

"Loki! It's me!" Kotetsu hissed, covering both his mouth and the phone with his hand as he dashed into the elevator.

"Oh, hi, Kotetsu! So how did the meeting with my dear brother and his fellow Avengers go?"

"You'll probably hear about it yourself! They're on their way to the café right now!"

"WHAT? Please don't tell me you recommended that they eat here!"

"Are you crazy? And risk a possible confrontation between you and your brother? It was Barnaby who invited them over."

There was silence on the other end. For a while, Kotetsu thought that Loki had already made his escape.

"Is it too late for me to request for a day off?" Loki, at last, asked hopefully.

"You know I can't cook as well as you do! I just learned to bake a strawberry cake from you!"

Loki breathed out a heavy sigh. Grumbling, he acquiesced, "Oh, all right! Just get over here fast. I'll…I'll think of something. I hope…"

"I'm so sorry about this, Loki."

"It was inevitable, but I didn't think it would be so soon after they have arrived."

"I'm sure things will be okay. Anyway, I'll be there in 30 minutes."

"No, I have faster way."

"Loki, you're not thinking—"

There was a sharp snap of fingers.

When the elevator doors opened at the lobby, there was no one inside.

TO BE CONTINUED…