Who: Phobia and Fitz What: A walk in the rain When: December 22 Where: Cabin in the woods
Phobia decided this coming weekend would suck. He didn’t need to decide that to know it was going to be true. His birthday was Saturday and then it was Christmas Eve then Christmas. Christmas itself may not be too bad with Ashe there but Daryn was coming too and he hoped the booze would still come as promised. He could drink until the holiday was just lights and friends. Friend. Could he call Daryn a friend? Coworker? He was sure he was thinking too much.
He was walking. It was about to rain and Phobia had no umbrella. He pulled his hood up around his face and he fumbled with his phone to put on a playlist, shove it back into his pocket and try to pretend that the rain wasn’t just going to add to his mood. As he crossed the street, he spotted a cat standing under a tree. Fitz? Or some other random cat. He crossed over to the cat, waiting to see if that cat would look at him. As if that would be a clue but it was better than nothing.
The orange cat raised its back let and scratched behind its ear, the tag reading ‘Oliver’ jingling with the movement of his collar. The cat was not the same that Phobia saw on his mission, that cat was Mew and it was a bobtail Egyptian Manx. The orange cat has a slightly more youthful face and noticed the brooding boy approach. Letting out a ‘meow’ it stretched before trotting down the street toward the wood, pausing to glance back and meow at Phobia in a ‘you coming?’ manner.
Phobia almost missed the meow because of his music. It was good timing that the song been ending and the next one had a slow beginning. Phobia watched the cat head down the street and paused to look back at him. Fucking hell. This better be Fitz wish something interesting to say because following a cat into the woods, in the rain? Felt like the beginning of a horror movie. Actually, wait. That thought brought him comfort. If anyone could survive a horror movie, it was him. He slid his hands into his pocket and followed the cat towards the woods.
The cat slowed a little as they entered the woods, there were no cameras in the woods, but being too close to the edge was still risky. The cat looked up to the young man, there was a reason only a few people knew about him, and most of them were telepaths. Talking with telepaths while keeping your secret was easier. At least Evie could get to where he was. It wasn't too long before they'd reached a small abandoned cabin, there were a couple around the island. Most were hard to spot from the trails. They were old and dilapidated but reasonably structurally sound. As they arrived the cat jumped up to the railing and scrambled with skill up the support post to the roof and disappeared.
A few moments later the front door was opened by a brown haired man in his thirties, a man Phobia had only met briefly during their infiltration mission. As always his clothes were layered ‘thrift store hobo chic’ but oddly cleaner than you'd expect. He also appeared slightly malnourished but was also in good shape. Full of contradictions, Fitz was. His blue eyes, full of curiosity and something much sadder glanced from Phobia to the floor. “It's safe here, and dry.”
Phobia definitely could not shake the feeling that he had entered a horror movie. It was raining now and they were in the woods and now the cat was leading him to an abandoned looking cabin, that was hidden by the trees. This is where horror movies were made. These were the scenes where the serial killer/ monster/ ghost came out and killed everyone. Insert shaking camera here and he was an actor in Blair Witch. The music pounding in his ears didn’t help the feeling of a horror movie. Still he followed and watch as the cat jumped up the railing and disappeared. He closed his eyes for a moment. No distinct fears were washing over him, except Fitz’ and that told Phobia they were alone.
When the door opened, Phobia pressed pause on his music so he could hear Fitz when he spoke. Phobia stepped up on the porch, ignoring the creaking of the wood under him.
“This is where you stay?” Phobia asked, surprising himself with not coming up with something more sarcastic but he supposed if this was where Fitz lived, this was more of a need for pity than Phobia’s usual approach.
Fitz glances around and arched a brow. “No. My place… it's a bit harder to find.” Which made him feel safe but isolated at the same time considering he couldn't have people over. “But this place is ignored by the guards… no cameras.” He moved into the cabin, it had a few bits of furniture and those who knew, knew they could find some no perishables in the kitchen and there was a hidden trunk with blankets and some basic supplies. “Thanks for the other night.” He said. Fitz had managed to scratch the guard who had come upon him but Phobia had covered Remy's escape and allowed him to bolt without being followed.
“You mean this place isn’t?” Phobia replied, following Fitz in. He looked around the place, thinking that Fitz must live deeper in the woods. As much as he hated being around people sometimes, he didn’t think living in the woods would be any fun at all. He crossed his arms in front of himself, leaning against a wall.
He shrugged at the thanks and replied, “Wasn’t that why I was there? Who isn’t afraid of the dark?” Which meant Phobia could become amazing cover for things and it had helped Remy and Fitz get out. Phobia did not think twice about doing that for his teammates; there was a job to do and it was his duty to help out.
“Let's just say I could never have you over for dinner.” Fitz commented with a smirk. “And yea, but thanks nonetheless. It's one thing to know someone has your back and another to see it. Even soldiers thank each other for a save.” Which he knew from experience. He known his squad had each other covered, but appreciation was always spread when someone got the guy shooting at you. “And seeing as it was our first mission together.” His first -real- mission within the faction. “Glad Remy chose you.”
Phobia wasn’t exactly sure what to make of Fitz’s thanking him and complimenting him. People just weren’t nice around him. Yes, he knew it was his attitude that pushed people away and he also knew it was a side effect of his power, that feeling of unease because of the tickling of their fear. There were some that were used to him, like Ashe, but they were very few and far between.
“That’s fine. I’m not a huge fan of cat food anyway,” Phobia replied with a shrug, “Or fish in general.” He looked down for a moment and nodded, “I’m glad for the chance to have worked with you. You’re good at what you do.”
“Training. And determination.” It was one reason he could brush off Phobia’s aura effect. He was used to being scared, a lot and working through it. The fear before breaching an enemy building. The fear of knowing every day living on an island you could get found out and who knew what they would do with you. “And I'm not a can of cat food either. Now the meals your roommate makes me.” Fitz smirked a very feline pride like smirk.
“Determination does only so much,” Phobia said. Training helped more. Or maybe a bit of luck got them through the mission. It wasn’t like Phobia had any military training but he must be doing well enough. Phobia smiled softly at the mention of Ashe and said, “You should see the treats he made for Christmas. Not exactly cat safe.”
“Bet they were wonderful. It is a downside of no one knowing about me. Don't get many sweets.” Except the one time Evie brought him cookies. “But at least people stopped questioning the ‘to go’ bags.” Fitz shrugged. “Food is food, and when you don't get a stipend from the powers that be you take what you can get.” Maybe it was all the time he spent as a cat that made Phobia not so bad. Despite his better judgement, and he would deny it any day, he did tend to have feline habits and follow some feline instincts when shifted.
“I’m sure if you came over, Ashe would keep feeding you. Or someone may accidentally on purpose leave stuff out,” Phobia said with a shrug, not wanting to admit that he would leave things out for Fitz. That wasn’t his thing.
“Or maybe you can get someone to adopt you and then you can live on kibble,” Phobia smirked. Maybe he was deflecting. He didn’t want to show that he felt a bit bad for Fitz and living on his own as he was.
He laughed a little. “V feeds me regularly, without knowing who I am. It's all really healthy and not very flavorful, but food is food.” Fitz made a face. “Almost wish I could live off kibble, would make things easier.” He didn't need pity, his life was by choice. Granted that choice has solidified his life into what it was then, but it had been his choice.
“And I bet so tasty,” Phobia replied. He tilted his head and asked, “So how long can you stay in your kitty shape before you have to go back to normal?” He wasn’t sure why he asked but he assumed that if Fitz couldn’t keep eating kibble then he couldn’t stay in kitty form forever. Which meant wherever Fitz stayed, it was people sized. Or he was just overthinking.
“In theory? I have no idea. A long time.” Fitz said, it was true, before he found his hidey-hole he'd been a cat for five days, he'd been practically starving of course. “But my metabolism needs more than my cat form can intake so I need to have at least one meal a day as… me to keep healthy.” Or something as he looked in shape but underfed. “Hence the brown bag meals.” It had taken him months of whining at a full bowl of food, and him having to try to ‘drag a plate away’ before someone realized what he wanted. Then word spread from there.
Phobia nodded, feeling bad for Fitz. Not that he would say that outloud. It also made him angry. This was something that had been brewing for a long time and the government did nothing. Then the meltdown happened and not only did people die, it ruined lives in other ways and their solution? Was to throw people on this island and what? Hoped they died off? Why didn’t they just shoot them all? No. Of course not. Let’s just torture them in other ways.
“Or you could get a fake ID card and see if anyone notices,” Phobia said. He knew that wasn’t an option either.
“I will admit I have been tempted to steal one just to not have to awkwardly shoplift.” He chuckled. “But that would possibly put someone else in jeopardy. Besides, it's good they don't know what I look like.” Fitz was semi worried that if they did find out about him but decided not to kill or jail him they might force enlist him due to his military record. “If Daryn decides differently… I'll follow her guidance.” He shrugged slightly. “I mean some stuff is changing already, I mean with you in the circle now.”
“Why not see if Violet can make you one?” Phobia asked, “Couldn’t she infuse it with all the proper coding, etc and make it look legit?” Maybe it wouldn’t be for everyday use but enough to get away with things or eat or something. He shrugged. What did he know? Fitz probably already thought of this. Phobia smiled when Fitz said he was in the circle, “I think I had to be, with the mission and all. I don’t think it would have worked well if we just had a cat helping us.”
“Yea, it’s a possibility, so long as no one decides to verify it. Even with as good as she is, I’m in the system. A quick facial rec or fingerprint analysis and my cover is blown.” Yea, Fitz was very paranoid about the whole thing. But the things he’d seen, the amount of people he’d seen taken… he had good reason to be. “And I’m not sure if I want her to try to delete my past.” Fitz moved over to one of the pillars and leaned against it. He felt a little fidgety, not only in human form but being on the ground so long, exposed. He looked at the young man, so much more in control now. “You were quite impressive, on the mission. You’re controls gotten a lot better.”
“That’s why you use the card only when necessary,” Phobia replied. He shrugged, “Or you keep relying on others.” It was something Phobia struggled with. Maybe something about his mother dying or his father disappearing. He nodded when Fitz mentioned his past. That was something he could understand. He didn’t want his past removed either.
Phobia smirked at the statement, “I had to learn. Either that or live with spiders in my clothing all the time,” he paused, “Did you see me before?” When he first came to the island, it was rough. Emotionally rough but it was also hard with his powers. He had a terrible time keeping himself and not losing his mind in the fears. He fought hard to learn how to control himself and how to only let go when needed, like at the mission. Letting go was like breathing again after holding your breath for a long time. He wanted more missions.
Fitz nodded. “I see most people. They don’t always notice the strays, or they do and talk to them when no one else is around. It’s why I’m so good at what I do.” He didn’t sound braggy about it. He was proud of his work, but in the same way he’d been proud to serve. Helping others made it worthwhile and was the point of the job. “I remember you looking so lost, confused and angry.” He said, glancing from the floor to Phobia and back. “I’m glad you got help, and found a home.”
Phobia tried to remember if he saw any cats. He didn’t like to think of that time. It seemed when he got control of his powers, he also learnt control of his emotions. Or enough to learn to shove them down. Emotions was not the key to survival here.
Phobia smirked again and said, “I’m still angry.” He didn’t understand why more people weren’t. He nodded, “You are good at what you do and we need to keep using you. We need to get more information.”
Fitz nodded. “I want to find out more about those who have disappeared. I’m hoping Violet can track down some information.” He’d promised Evie he’d try to help find her sister. “Though right now I’m personally keeping my distance from the guards for a while.” He admitted. “Remember the guard I scratched before your darkness?” He rubbed his head slightly at the memory. “He kinda kicked me into a wall. I’m ok, but wasn’t the nicest thing to happen. So for a while I’m sticking to residents in my rotation.” Fitz knew better than to reveal all of what happened. “But if Violet can get us some solid intel…” His brow furrowed slightly. “Something I’m curious about, with your power… does your whole body actually change or is it just an illusion we see?”
“I wonder if they have another prison on this island,” Phobia mused out loud. The disappeared were important. Maybe he could look more into it. If there was a way to look into it. He nodded when Fitz told him about the guards. He frowned and looked him over, “You were kicked into a wall? You look fine.” Either he wasn’t kicked too hard or, well, Phobia had no other thoughts to the matter.
“Change,” Phobia answered, “That’s how I get to flick spiders and other creepy insects at people.”
“Concussion and a couple broken ribs, but I had help.” Fitz shrugged. “You know, you might be good at gathering intel then as well. Maybe, when you’re changed are you conscious of your surroundings and stuff? Like could you tap into someone’s fear of like rats or mice and use that to get into some of the more secured areas?” Fitz mused. He had a lot of ideas of where to find information, but it was always a matter of access and while a cat could get into a lot of places, there were some that were harder. “And how does the effect work? Like big fears, little fears does it matter? How about proximity, how far from someone do you have to be and do they have to see you to make it work?” He grimaced and waved a hand. “I’m sorry.” He apologized, realizing he’d basically begun to grill the kid.
Help? Phobia didn’t ask. He wanted to know but he also thought if Fitz wanted to tell him more, he would. Fitz did look pretty good for a couple of broken ribs. He wondered if there were any Faction members with healing abilities. He recrossed his arms in front of him as Fitz asked him questions.
“Basically as soon as I meet a person, I know their fears,” Phobia said, his voice a bit flatter than normal, “Sometimes it’s a long list and other times it’s only a few things. Like losing control of their power,” he hinted to one of Fitz’ fears, “Bigger fears give more power but any size fear works. Shadows and darkness are usually easiest because everyone feels nervous in the dark. It’s the fear of the unknown and shadows are definitely that.” He rarely talked so much about his powers. He assumed Fitz was going somewhere with this questions.
“No, they don’t need to see me at all, that’s why I was able to turn to shadows with the guards but I need to sense them. I suppose there is a distance range but I’ve never tested it out to see how close to someone I need to be. Especially on the island, there are always people around.” That was his problem before. They were always there, always too close, always hitting them with their fears. Though right now? The town was too far for Phobia to pick anything up other than Fitz, “What are you thinking? What do you need?”
“We’d have to run it by Daryn first of course.” Fitz said. “But there’s places on the island that we don’t have access to. Places that are closed off, locked or ‘authorized personnel only’. We didn’t find a lot of intel in the barracks, which makes sense. Guards and ‘foot soldiers’ rarely are privy to sensitive information. But what if we could get into some of the officers quarters, or the directors office?” He asked, maybe with a little hope in his voice. “Maybe install a program to help Violet get past the firewalls and have better access to the system. What if we could get in and change people’s status’? Change their powers to hide the ones that get us an advantage? There’s so many possibilities.” There was a time where he’d been tempted to try to transfer to a ranger team, or other elite force when he was still serving. That was before he’d experienced what he did overseas, lost too many people and his belief in what they were doing. But the strategic mind that would have gotten him accepted was still there- especially active without mundane aspects of life to distract him. “What if we knew what they knew when they did, new arrivals, reports… what if we know who was going to be disappeared before it happened?”
“What you need is a double agent,” Phobia replied, “Someone who can be in those places and no one thinks twice about if they are caught.” However, that required trusting an agent long enough to make them an agent of the Faction and Phobia could not think of anything more stupid than trusting someone who worked for the government. He could see what Fitz was getting at.
“Or you need someone who can appear to be someone else and get that information,” Phobia said. Shadows would work to get him in but he wasn’t an agent and if he was caught, he’d be the one disappeared and while he wasn’t afraid of that, he was afraid of not being able to do more for the Faction after.
Fitz scratched behind his ear absently as he thought. “Can you manifest the fear of a person?” He asked.
“If there is someone afraid of that person, yes,” Phobia paused. It was easiest to turn into an object or a person but he could represent an idea. He remembered one time he lost control at home and turned into Ashe’s fear of not being able to stand up for himself. Phobia became Ashe, beaten and broken, powerless. Phobia had, thankfully, been in his room alone, thankfully sparing Ashe from seeing that. He could show that ability to Fitz. He took a deep breath, allowing the fears of Fitz wash over him. He was afraid of being a cat forever and not back to Fitz. Phobia did not think as he let the power fun through him and he turned into a cat. He mewed pitfully and shook his paw, it trying to turn a hand for a second it did but then turned back into a paw. Forever a kitty.
An itch that couldn’t be scratched crept over his back as he watched the reflection of himself shown back to him. It made him think of all the times it took great effort to become himself again, the pain he felt when changing and how easy it was to change back into a fuzzy four legged creature. As if something wanted him to stay, thus making it harder to be… him. Fitz turned his back on Phobia a moment as he caught his breath, not even realizing he’d lost it. “I-I get it.” He swallowed hard.
Phobia took control back and returned to himself. He couldn’t help but give a little shake once he returned to human form. Yup, he decided, he did not like becoming a cat. He almost went up to Fitz, when he was a cat, and demanded pets. Argh.
Instead he smirked and said, “I’m the most terrifying thing on this island and it doesn’t help us get any information. Unless we can find the one agent who is afraid of spilling secrets.” Which that? Would be extremely helpful. He leaned against the wall again. “We should talk to Daryn and Remy. See if you are onto something. Maybe we need bugs in the offices.”
“Or who’s afraid of their boss.” Fitz said, taking a moment before he turned around, trying to shake the feeling he had and circle back to his original point.
Phobia assumed that Fitz was still probably feeling spooked. He had that effect on people, that general unease that crept against their skin. He was the boogeyman. Phobia smirked and said, “That would be helpful too. We may need to get a little closer to some agents and see if we can spook them into talking.”
“And what a better way of getting someone to talk than make them think they’re talking to their boss.” He responded. “We’d have to be careful of course. Get some intel on his schedule, we don’t want to have him caught on camera in two places at once, or ask something that might come up in conversation later.” Fitz shrugged slightly. “It’s an idea at least. But Daryn would have to sign off on any actual plan.”
“It’s a plan that would need a lot of intel before we could pull it off,” Phobia said. They needed a lot of information and that would take time. Phobia sometimes wished they could just all band together and cause the biggest problems ever but he knew it wasn’t possible. Maybe one day.
“I can talk to Daryn, unless you want to. Though I’m not sure if she’ll give you any milk,” Phobia replied with a smirk.
Fitz’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Go ahead. It's your power that's being used.” Fitz knew he should probably vie for some credit for ideas, prove he could do more, but honestly he didn't feel the need. Even among the Faction he kept out of the spotlight, only a few even knowing who he was… so best to let someone else take the lead on an idea. “You should take lead.”
“I’ll let you know what she says,” Phobia answered. It wasn’t a bad idea. They needed to work out the kinks. It would be so much easier to be a man on the inside but with his abilities? There was no way he would ever be a man on the inside. They needed a friend on the outside first and that was downright impossible. At least for now. One day that would change.
“Sounds like the rains letting up.” He said with a tilt of his head, very catlike. “Should be safe to get back without getting drenched.” He smiled, his pointed canines visible. “Glad we could talk.” He was really glad his idea had been received well.
Phobia looked outside the window. It still looked gloomy but, yes, it seemed like their conversation was at an end. He had things to investigate and Fitz probably probably needed to bath himself and Phobia did not want to watch Fitz lick himself.
“Going to lead the way? I don’t want to get lost in the woods,” Phobia asked.
“I can do that.” He said with a nod. Fitz took a step forward and in an instant the man was no longer there but a small orange cat in his place. He took a moment to stretch, allowing the feel of four legs and a tail to come over him again. He tried not to think about the image Phobia had given him and at the first remembrance of that image the orange cat changed to a grey and white cat instead. He then trotted to the door and listened carefully before looking up at the man with a brief nod that it was safe to open.