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Phoenix didn't own a car. Usually, it didn't affect them that much; most times, they needed to get anywhere far away, the Agency was there with its variety of vehicles. They definitely adored it when they were given a car or were pushed back into their van (they had lived in that thing for weeks; they deserved it).
But it certainly wasn't fun when Phoenix got dropped off at one of the more... remote Agency buildings. They were always tasked with finding their own way home, no matter the time of day. Usually, Phoenix arrived when the sun was at its zenith. But, much to their displeasure, it was currently the middle of the night.
They messed with their jacket, pulling it tighter to their chest as the wind blew through them. They wished, more than ever, that some relentlessly kind stranger would pick them up from the side of the road like some reverse form of hitchhiking. But the roads were empty— no one wanted to be out at such a time. They couldn't even rely on the bus, as the service had already ended for the night.
They ducked their head, focusing on their footsteps and ensuring that they didn't step on any of the cracks. It felt childish, but Phoenix couldn't help but feel a sense of endearment as they walked. Sighing, they pressed forward, guided by the soft streetlights.
Phoenix whipped their head up as they heard a car rumbling in the distance. They flicked around, looking for the source. It wasn't hard to spot, the headlights easily cutting through the darkness. They paused where they stood before attempting to look as pathetic as possible, untucking their shirt and ruffling their hair. They really wanted to get out of here; the night air was starting to get on their nerves.
The car screeched to a stop in front of them, a small smile crossing their face. They scuffed their feet against the concrete as the driver's door opened with a click. They didn't notice the fist aimed at their head, didn't take notice of the syringe held in the other.
They stumbled back dazed, hands clutching at their nose as blood sluggishly seeped out. Snarling, they snapped their gaze toward their assailant, eyes widening in horror as they met a pair that was all too familiar.
"Good to see you again, Phoenix," Juniper cooed, pressing forward. His face was a mess of scar tissue and Lichtenberg patterns, a reminder of their last encounter. His smile held a manic and desperate glee as he stepped forward.
Phoenix ducked under another punch— they were more prepared this time. Juniper pressed on, unfaltered, as he continued his assault.
"You're coming with me," he said, sticking something sharp into their neck. Phoenix swatted a hand at him, only resulting in knocking something that was stuck inside them. A moment passed before something hot seeped through their veins. Juniper merely chuckled as Phoenix felt their body slow, eyelids becoming heavy and neck drooping.
Juniper slowly eased them into the ground as their legs slowly gave way, whispering something to them as their vision faded.
Phoenix awoke to the sound of muffled talking. Their head ached steadily, a pressure forming behind their closed eyes. Their arms were bound tightly behind their back, their legs secured to what felt like a chair. They tried wiggling their fingers, but to no avail, the appendages were bound far too tightly to each other.
They reluctantly peeled their eyes open, watching as Juniper paced back and forth. He held something tightly in his hands, mouth moving far too fast as he continued to rant beneath his breath.
Juniper's head snapped up suddenly, eyes locking on to theirs. He smiled— all teeth— before walking toward them. He looked more manic than before, eyes glinting in the dimmed light.
"I'm so glad you've finally joined us!" Juniper said, tapping them on the nose. Phoenix flinched back at the sudden touch, neck banging against the back of the chair. Juniper paid no mind, instead reaching to clasp their face in his hands. His eyes wrinkled at the corners— his expression thoughtful.
Why were they here? They asked themself. Phoenix didn't think the actor held any grudges against them; they weren't the ones who tried to kill him, after all. They simply were the one who, uh... was the catalyst, they supposed. So they understood a little bit of ill-intent but not enough to warrant a kidnapping.
"Yes, yes," he muttered before pulling back. "Zor's gonna come running right back to me once they know that I've caught the illusive Phoenix."
Phoenix's mind stalled for a second, processing the information. He— Juniper wanted them to prove a point..? It made sense, as much as they loathed to admit it. They were somewhat of a middle ground. Juniper was obviously bitter towards his betrayal, given the fact that he kept rubbing his hand against the mottled scar on his face.
The actor still remained mobile, moving to the opposite end of the room. He bent over a discarded laptop, messing with the keys, barely glancing back at them. Phoenix squinted, attempting to see what he was doing. But Juniper remained firmly planted in front of the screen, blocking any potential information. Phoenix sighed, angling their head to look at the popcorn ceiling above them.
A slight humming echoed throughout the cramped room, Juniper messing with something before letting out a sound of triumph. They lazily looked over again, squinting as they caught sight of a camera. They raised an eyebrow in question.
Juniper didn't grace them with a response, simply clicking a few final keys before stepping in front of the camera, a wide grin on his face.
"Hello!" he announced, sticking his arms out wide. "John Juniper here. You may have thought me dead, but I'm still here and with a special guest, no less. Phoenix? Why don't you introduce yourself?"
They didn't respond, glaring into the back of Juniper's head.
"Well," he laughed, something sinister lacing his voice, "I think it's time to give them a show they'll never forget."