1. Fallen Phoenix

Chapter 17: Out Of The Loop.

Anastasia looked up from her reading in the arm chair in front of the fireplace to see Phoenix's shape fracture into view. He unfolded his wings from around his body, revealing another female in his arms. Her wings were maroon and sleek. She wore a red t-shirt and black jeans with a pair of black high-tops. Under her left arm was a computer, her right around Phoenix's waist.

Anastasia stood up calmly from the chair anger slightly hidden on her face. Both Phoenix and the new female turned, looking over at Anastasia as she walked towards them. Anastasia set the book she had been reading down somewhat hard on the glass rose table. Her stride held a snap in it as her wings flinched every now and again.

"Where's Rachael, Anastasia?"

"In her room reading. Why?"

"Was gonna ask her a question."

"Um Phoenix, who is this?"

"My computer."

"I didn't ask what she was holding, I asked who she was."

"Yes, I know, she's the incarnation of my computer's A.I."

"So, she's a robot?"

Just then Rachael walked into the room and gave the new female said to be Phoenix's computer a hug.

"It's been a long time, Ali."

"How've you been, Rachael?"

"Good, good, you?"

"Great. Like my body?"

"Is that what you've been working on?"

"Yep, it's fully cel."

"Wow, I wouldn't have known if you hadn't told me."

"So, you have an extra storage closet I can keep this clunky old box of mine in?"

"Ha ha ha, that's not going in a closet, Ali. We got a space all setup just for it."

"Awe, you spoil me."

Anastasia's frustration erupted.

"Why is it I'm always the last one to find out about anything around here!?!"

Phoenix faded back into view behind her.

"Because most of what happens here goes without being said."

"When did you fade out, Phoenix?"

"Same time Rachael came in. You just missed it."

Ali followed Rachael out of the room, still carrying her terminal under her arm.

"Phoenix, you can be so annoying at times, you know that?"

"I can?"

"Yes, you expect everyone to know everything about what's going on here."

"Ask more questions. You'll get more answers."

"OK, you want a question? Then what is in that room that neither I nor Rachael are allowed to go in?"

"That's my art studio."

"So, why can't we go in there?"

"I have some paintings I'd like to keep private."

"Why don't I have my own room yet?"

"Would you like one?"

"Duh"

Phoenix rested his head on Anastasia's shoulder as he waved his right hand in the air in front of her. A large square of orange lines formed in the air reflecting the floor plan of the penthouse. It displayed Phoenix's room, Rachael's room, the living room between them, even the stairs to the roof that were next to the bathroom she used. It also included a shadowed box that marked Phoenix's studio.