(Twisted Fates) The Phantom

Chapter 9: A Fresh Perspective

Brian's House
4:33PM

Luke ascended the porch steps, the creaking of wood beneath his weight punctuating the stillness. He knocked on the door, the echo resonating through the quiet neighborhood.

Moments later, Brian swung the door open, his face reflecting a mix of concern and anticipation.

"Luke, come on in. We've got a lot to talk about."

Luke steps in the house- a very familiar place. This was the place to be on the weekends before Luke got the job at Miller Enterprises.

"Q should be here soon. We'll get the genius perspective on everything." Brian said.

"Sounds good to me." Luke replied.

"Oh wait- shit! I just remembered, I need to grab something from the store before it closes. I'll be back in no time. Make yourself at home, Luke. You know the place. There's some food in the kitchen if you get hungry."

Brian throws on his coat and slides on his shoes before leaving. Brian soon headed out, leaving Luke alone in the quiet living room.

Luke, as curious as ever, looks around the house. It's been forever since he was here.

He walked over to see a picture of Brian and his mother. He picked up the picture which was in frame on the table.

"That woman was amazing, so kind and gentle. She loved Brian more than anything, and treated me like family." Luke smiled before putting it down.

Luke walked around a little bit more, he eventually found himself in Brian's room. There was posters everywhere of his favorite bands. Over in the corner was his guitar and a songbook.

Luke got a bit too curious and looked inside his closet, hiding was an odd costume- it looked lightly armored, it would easily hide an identity. This isn't based of a character- this is original. Luke didn't bother to touch anything else- he just closes the door and walks out.

"You saw nothing Luke... you saw nothing."

Q entered the room, his eyes widening in curiosity as he spotted Luke.

"Luke! Didn't expect you to be here. What's going on?"

Luke gestured towards the couch, inviting Q to join him.

"Waiting for Brian to get back now, you are the man I needed to talk to. The Plague Doctor, he outmatched me quite a bit. Had a whole army in one area at once, they were all carrying guns and wearing armor. I was almost caught by them- I didn't even try to fight them, I would've died then and there." Luke explained.

"Well, I see. Sounds to me like you need upgrade in your suit. You are still rocking that old one right?" Q asked.

"Yeah, I am. It's not much, I have a picture of it."

"Don't need one, what I do need however, is you to answer this question for me." Q says walking into the kitchen.

"What would that question be?" Luke asked.

"You want me to make you a better suit?" Q asked, taking a flask out of his pocket.

Luke nodded, a sense of determination in his eyes.

"Absolutely, Q. If it means having an edge against threats like The Plague Doctor, count me in. I need every advantage I can get."