“I’m trying to figure out how we are the least problematic villains in this city,” Veronica passed Victor his breakfast. “What do you mean?” Victor practically inhaled his breakfast. Veronica put her hand on his, “As much as I wouldn't mind giving you mouth to mouth, slow down, Vic.” Victor smirked, “Oh yeah?” “Down, boy. I barely made it out here to cook breakfast,” Veronica scolded. “But—” “No, buts. The last time you chose to eat me and not real food, you almost passed out in the getaway car,” Veronica sighed. “Worth it,” Victor muttered. “Anyway,” Veronica continued, “we have all robbed a bank, burned down buildings, committed murder-- some of the dumb broads here were prosties.” Victor nodded as he was chewing his pancakes. “Yet, you're all somehow gentlemen,” Veronica looked up at the ceiling. “What do you mean?” “Well, the boss could have finally stopped being more irritable than usual and gotten off with Lisa the other day. He stopped because they were both too lit for it,” Veronica continued, “Most people would have just done it without thinking about consequences, especially with how drunk they were, according to Charles.” Victor continued eating breakfast. “Victor, you and I have been in this as a family business for generations now,” Veronica began, “the boss... He isn't like us, though.” “Veronica, it was apparent to me the boss wasn't like us when he stepped out from behind this very building that used to be a real dump,” Victor replied. “Right! He seems like the type of guy who should be curing cancer or something, not doing this. I was floored when he busted the prostitution rings in this city and managed to make it a clean and safe profession,” Veronica marveled, “though still illegal.” “Yeah, that struck me as odd, but if he wants prostitutes to feel safe and get clean, who are we to stop him,” Victor shrugged. “He practically monopolized the drug game in this city. Not one dealer is allowed to deal to anyone underage, or he puts a bullet between their eyes himself,” Veronica continued, “we make anonymous donations to after-school programs, and on top of that, Lector finally got his GED. I mean, Lector barely passed, but he passed.” “The youth are our future,” Victor waved a pancake-filled fork before putting it in his mouth, “and the boss just explained everything using examples Lector understands. Not that generic crap they put in textbooks.” “We also have medical, dental, vision, and a retirement plan,” Veronica shook her head in awe. “Even criminals got to stay healthy, Veronica,” Victor crossed his arms. “Victor!” “Okay! Okay! Yeah, the boss is a nice guy. It took him half a year to stop puking after we put targets down...” “I was starting to wonder if he was cut out for this in month six,” Veronica sighed. “Veronica, listen. The boss may deserve more humanitarian awards than any hero, but he decided to walk this path of darkness for one reason or another. We are still a menace to society. We still rob banks. We still do black market deals with the underground. We still burn buildings and bodies to ash. Everyone has their demons, Veronica,” Victor finished his orange juice. “I guess, Victor,” Veronica pushed her eggs around her plate before smiling, “You are also the least problematic guy I've dated.” “Well, the mob has a code of conduct my pops followed to the letter. Even to his last day, he didn't let the organization deteriorate to the point that we forgot how to use our manners. ‘Always let your targets finish their meals before you start cutting off fingers,’ he would say. Another thing he would always say was, ‘Vic, find you a good dame, and keep her happy. A man should know peace in his home, and a good dame’ll do that for you if she wants for nothin,’” Victor explained. Veronica nodded, “He was a smart man.” “It’s not that I don't get where you're coming from about the boss. It's just... It's like what Old Lady Lesura used to say, ‘If someone believes so strongly about something, it's best not to try and change their minds,’” Victor leaned down and kissed Veronica goodbye before heading out. Veronica knew Victor was right. It didn't make her feel any less sad for Chaos somehow. This is a new feeling for her. — “Good morning, boss! Ack!” Victor walked into the board room only to be whacked in the face by a banana nut muffin. Chaos was the one who chucked it at him. “The boss baked us muffins today, Vic!” Lector was happily eating his. “Can’t have you all passing out because you skipped breakfast,” Chaos muttered. “That was one time,” Victor began before Chaos started glaring, “Okay! Okay, it was multiple times, but Veronica has been making sure I eat breakfast now.” “Well, keep it as a mid-morning snack. You guys are going to need the energy,” Chaos sighed. “Today is the annual meeting for the underground,” Charles explained, “We need to be on point. Disaster, Inc. has been looking for reasons to shake us down and take this city.” “Not to mention the other organizations who have been hungry to try and recruit people from our crew, and those who used to run the drug game,” Chaos noted. “Do you all have your badges?” Charles asked. They all pulled what looked like a plain business card from their breast pockets. “Cool. Lector will take our measurements, and we are all getting new suits for the occasion,” Charles stated, and they all nodded. “All right! Let’s roll,” Chaos led the charge. — The event took place in a skyscraper in the middle of town. There were a lot of unsavory characters, most in luxurious attire. There were organizations from around the world in attendance. The meeting was more or less a networking event followed by auction. Any organization leader who missed this annual meeting ran the risk of the absolute destruction and absolution of their assets, crew, and reputation. “Konban wa, Creator Chaos-san,” a man approached Chaos greeting him in Japanese. Chaos bowed his head, “Konban wa, Saito-san.” They shared small talk in Japanese, checking on each other’s well-being, and doing some backdoor deals that happened at these events. Another man clapped Chaos on the back, “Privet, Chaos.” “Privet, Mikhail,” Chaos returned the greeting and continued his conversation with the man in Russian. “You know, you all could simply speak English. It’s not that the language is unknown to you all.” “Master Disaster, it’s better to entertain our foreign guests in their mother tongue. That’s how you build strong relationships. You’d know that if you didn’t have your head up your ass,” Chaos continued in English. “Whatever, you’re just a showoff,” Master Disaster stuck his nose in the air. An Arab man extended his right hand to Chaos. “Marhaba, Chaos,” he said. “Marhaban bik, Ahmed!” Chaos replied, also extending his right hand to shake. Ahmed wrapped an arm around Chaos, commenting on how rude Master Disaster’s comment was in Arabic. “Ouchatiruka, Ahmed,” Chaos replied, and they laughed as they caught up from last year’s event. “That’s our boss. He can make friends anywhere,” Lector noted, eating some hors d’oeurves. “No one here is your friend, Lector, don’t forget that,” Victor whispered to him. “What about Lisa?” Lector asked. “What about her, Lector?” Charles asked. Lector pointed, “She’s over there.” All of them almost lost their poker faces. “Do you think the boss noticed yet?” Victor tried to act as if nothing were out of the ordinary. “He just did,” Charles sighed. Lisa was near the podium arranging flowers around the auction area. Chaos strode over and tapped her on the shoulder. “Good evening, Mr. Chaos,” Lisa bowed, “I hope that you are enjoying the event!” Chaos blushed, clearing his throat, “What exactly are you doing here? And why are you talking like that?” Lisa blinked, “Charleston Avenue has always made the flower arrangements for this gala. I thought you knew that, sir.” “Do you know what exactly this gala is?” Chaos grabbed her arm and walked outside, the earshot of any prying ears. “Of course! It’s in the ledger as the annual meeting and fundraising event for international businessmen and women,” Lisa nodded. “Lisa, that’s—“ “Exactly what this is! Now have fun with your colleagues, Mr. Chaos, sir. I need to finish this arrangement and leave before it starts. Pretend I’m not even here,” Lisa bowed again and strode over to finish working. “Lisa,” Chaos groaned as he trotted after her. “You may want to stop blushing like that, Chaos. Your colleagues may think something is amiss, sir,” Lisa said, then whispered, “if any commentary is made on that, you have permission to grab me inappropriately if you need to save face.” “Lisa, what are you—“ Chaos began. Mikhail came up and wrapped an arm around Chaos, speaking in Russian. “I see you have your eye on our flower girl here,” he said. Lisa bowed, greeting the man in Russian, “I apologize if I am causing any disturbance to you gentlemen as you enjoy your evening.” “Ah! You speak Russian,” the man said in English, wrapping an arm around Lisa, “I see why you have taken an interest in this one, Chaos.” “You gentlemen are too kind,” Lisa smiled up at him. The man practically swallowed her up. Chaos’s face twitched. “She may be short for my taste, but your assets outshine your lack of height, no?” The Russian guy squeezed Lisa’s behind. “I’m glad my behind is to your satisfaction, sir” Lisa smiled at him. “And modest!” He clapped Lisa on the back, “Well, Chaos, my friend. You saw this one first, so I won’t try to steal her from you… unless you want me to.” “I appreciate the offer, sir,” Lisa kept smiling. “I understand. Creator Chaos is a younger, livelier man,” he laughed, waving as he walked off, “I look forward to having more conversations with you later, Chaos, my friend.” Chaos’s face was contorted into a half-smile as he waved. “Lisa, what the hell was that?” Chaos turned to her. “Just being polite to a ranking member and representative of the Russian organization today, sir” Lisa kept up her polite smile. “Lisa, you need to get out of here. It’s not safe—” Chaos continued but was cut off by a gentleman from the Chinese mob. Lisa greeted him in Mandarin and apologized for her delay in finishing the flowers as she bowed. “Chaos, Lisa is lovely, but the deal is she has to be out of here before we start,” the man warned. Lisa did not lift her head. “Always so formal and respectful, Lisa,” the man laughed, slapping her butt, “relax a little!” Lisa stood up and laughed politely, “Apologies, Mr. Zhao.” “No problem! Chaos finish flirting with her so she can finish. Our flower girl is very prized, but because of Madam Lesura’s reputation, she is off-limits as long as she is gone before we start the ceremony,” he clapped Chaos on the back and walked away. Lisa stepped closer to him and whispered, “Wrap your arms around me and grab my ass while you do it.” “Wha—“ “Chaos, I do not have time for your questions,” she whispered as she slipped into his arms, creating the appearance that he grabbed her. “I appreciate your concern, Spencer, but the longer I entertain you, the more danger I am in. I don’t particularly want to end up on the auction block today. Now slap my ass and walk away. We will talk later,” Lisa instructed. Chaos went to follow her directions. “Do it like you mean it so the group five feet from us will look this way. Hurry,” Lisa commanded. Chaos smacked her butt so hard it startled the group five feet away causing her to jump and blush. “Oh, Mr. Chaos,” she covered her face blushing, “so sweet yet extremely inappropriate! I am simply not that kind of girl!” Lisa turned back to finish her arrangements as Chaos walked away. Chaos was reeling and angry. If it weren’t for the ranks of the men that put their hands on Lisa, he would kill them both… slowly. “It’s okay, Chaos,” another guy approached Chaos, swirling wine in his glass, “she is the most neutral person you’ll ever meet. At least on the face of it. Our arrangements look better than the hero galas on TV.” “I see…” “She has the most interesting pedigree if I say so myself,” he continued. “How so?” “Well, Madam Lesura is revered here,” he sipped his wine, “and that should be the end of the questions you ask about our flower girl. Normally, I don’t care one way or another if a colleague is taken out, but I like you, Creator Chaos, which is why I am issuing this warning.” “So, you’re conveniently leaving out the part about the assassins, Claude? You must not care that much,” an older man approached. “Assassins?” Chaos whispered. “I won’t give too many details about Madam Lesura herself, but a sweet little rabbit like that gets to stroll in and out of this filthy den of wild and hungry beasts unharmed. Now, why do you think that is?” Chaos thought about it and then shook his head, “I can’t think of why, Mr. Mateo.” “Every organization, possibly including your own, has someone that is in Madam Lesura’s pocket, even from the grave,” Claude swirled his wine some more, “I’m sure she even has one or two watching her in her day to day life.” “The reason why there is this one contingency on her leaving before we start is to prevent any one of these people from revealing themselves to protect her,” Mateo continued, “just, so you know, there have been eyes on each one of you since you approached.” “Well, they don’t have to worry about her because the dangerous little flower is mine,” Chaos declared, “and I’ll keep her out of harm's way no matter what the cost, even though she makes it so damn difficult sometimes…” The two men raised their eyebrows, and Chaos turned a deep shade of red. “I mean— that is to say,” Chaos stammered. Mateo roared with laughter, “You, Creator Chaos, are an interesting one. I mean, aside from your name. We are all using aliases here, but you Americans have to have the wildest names.” Claude rolled his eyes, “Wild name or not, I hope you understand how foolish that was. Though I don’t think you understand how foolish it is for someone in our profession to care about anyone.” “Don’t mind him,” Mateo waved. “I mean, he has a point, but not everything has to be a tragedy.” “Ugh… whatever. Just watch your back,” Claude rolled his eyes. With that, the two men walked off. “Boss! Why was Lisa here? What’s going on?” Charles trotted up, followed by Victor and Lector. “We will have to talk about this later,” Chaos whispered to them, scanning the room. Mateo was right. Eyes were trailing him throughout the room. “Sure thing, boss!” Lector nodded. “Here’s hoping they have that government issue firearm we came here for,” Victor sighed. They did. It was pretty steep, but they won it. “Happy early birthday, Lector,” Chaos presented Lector with the weapon. “For me, boss? Really?” Lector looked over the weapon, “this scope hasn’t even been released for military use yet! Thank you! Thank you, boss!” Lector gave Chaos a big hug. Charles and Victor laughed, patting Lector on the back. “Happy early birthday!” They both said. Chaos pat him on the head, “No problem, Lector, but let’s save the hugs for later, yeah?” Lector was wiping tears from his eyes, “Sure thing, boss.” “This is exactly what makes your organization borderline vigilante. No one remembers their lackey's birthdays!” Master Disaster sighed. “Actually, we celebrated one of my lackey's birthdays last week,” Mikhail piped up. “We have planned a party for one of ours next week,” Zhao nodded. Claude agreed, “Though I would be careful. Disaster has a point.” “Between Madam Lesura not smuggling drugs in through the flower arrangements and your stomp on drug trades with minors, the market is dangerously thin, and some of your work encroached on our lines through that city,” one of the cartel leaders piped in. “If you want to smuggle drugs through my city, Martin, shove them up your orifices and leave the women and children out of it,” Chaos squinted his eyes. “You little shit head,” Martin pulled a knife, but Lector cocked his new birthday gift. “Now, now,” Zhao and the rest of the Chinese mafia hosting the event stepped in, “we all took a truce entering this building. This includes turning in outside weapons. Because of the commotion you Americans cause, the representation is going down, which is sad because we all agreed to hold these galas here… on American soil. Easier to blend in, but as a reminder, if your organization is banned from this gala, it’s as good as dead.” “Apologies,” Martin handed over his knife, “watch your backs, Chaos Corps. The truce only lasts as long as it takes us to return to our bases safely.” “Yeah, yeah,” Chaos waved him off. “Word of advice,” Mikhail put his arm around Chaos, “try not to make enemies of people in organization as big as the cartel. Your organization is infant by comparison. The Bratva like you well enough, so we have your back for a price. If you do anything else foolish like engage them any further, though, you’re on your own.” “Understood,” Chaos sighed, slipping him some of the drugs manufactured by Chaos Corps. “This stock looks extra clean,” he blinked, “you are genius!” “Charles has had everyone’s share of the stock delivered to the drop points via drone,” Chaos announced, “I have samples of the product you all received here. Yes, I even have the stock promised to the cartel. Remember this is a Chaos Corps proprietary blend and will not have any effect on anyone under the age of 21.” “God, you’re such a Boy Scout, Chaos,” Master Disaster scoffed. “Am I? Or am I keeping all of your potential members healthy until they are old enough to have proper physical and mental development? I think we can agree that older members who are prepared for the game make fewer errors in judgment.” “I will admit, I have been busted a lot less since these have hit the streets and upped the minimum age for my organization,” Saito nodded. Chaos had a smug look on his face, “See?” “I guess I can’t even be mad either,” Martin conceded, “but leave our prostitutes alone at least.” Before Chaos could speak, Charles whispered, “I know some of this shit doesn’t sit right with you, boss, but concessions have to be made. Our Russian friend was right. We do not want to make enemies of the cartel.” Chaos clenched his jaw, “Okay, but I’ll still provide you with my guy that got mine medical insurance.” “Of course,” Martin smiled, “not sure why you care so much about these bitches, but it’s a small price to pay. If they stay healthy, I can see our profit margins increasing.” “They aren’t prop—“ Chaos began, but Charles pinched him, “I mean, yeah, keeping bitches healthy does make them able to work more.” Martin wrapped his arm around Chaos, “You know, you really rubbed me the wrong way at first, but I now see why these foreign assholes like you so much.” “These foreign assholes see the value of a criminal who at least has half a brain,” Mikhail rolled his eyes. “Creator Chaos seems to have a whole one,” Ahmed agreed. — Chaos collapsed in the backseat of the car. “That— was exhausting,” he ran his fingers through his hair. “I can imagine. Between Lisa and the various messes you threatened us not to create, I’m sure you’re wiped,” Charles glared at Chaos as he started the car. “I’m sorry, guys,” Chaos sighed. “It’s okay, boss. If it came down to it, I’d follow you past the gates of hell up satan’s ass crack if I had to. I’m sure the other guys feel the same,” Victor nodded from the front seat. “Yeah!” Lector sniffled, still happy about his birthday gift. Charles nodded, “I have since we were kids, and I’ll still go too.” “Well, hopefully, my leadership doesn’t make it come to that. Thanks, guys,” Chaos gave a small smile. — Charles decided to stop by the shop on the way back so that Chaos could check on Lisa. “Spencer!” She hugged him, “How did it go? Did you make new friends?” “They aren’t my—“ he began but stopped when he saw her bright smile, “you could say that.” “That’s good! I know my arrangements aren’t as good as grandma’s, but I guess it became a big enough tradition they still like me to come,” Lisa chuckled, then rubbed her butt, “I just wish they went a little easier on their love taps though.” Chaos thought to himself, “She must not know about the drug smuggling. In many ways, she’s smart when it comes to dealing with the highest and lowest of society. However, it seems in some matters this Madam Lesura wanted to keep her granddaughter oblivious.” “You know you don’t have to go. You know what that was,” Chaos looked down, knowing he contributed to what will probably bruise later. “I know. It’s just kind of nice to see grandma’s friends all together,” Lisa smiled, “It makes me feel like she’s still here in a way. Did they still do that moment of silence in her honor?” “They did,” Chaos nodded, still not sure who exactly Lisa’s grandmother is to have such a reach in the underground. “That makes me happy to hear! Were you also able to get Lector his birthday gift? I know my contribution wasn’t much, but I hope he liked whatever it was that you bought him,” Lisa smiled. Lector excitedly pointed at his new rifle, “Thank you, Lisa!” “Lector put that thing down,” Charles reprimanded. “Sorry, Charles.” “I couldn’t imagine a more perfect gift for Lector. I hope he also received my arrangement in celebration of passing his GED,” Lisa asked. “He got it—“ “Thank you, Lisa!” “Anytime, Lector,” Lisa smiled and waved. “Lector will you be quiet and let the boss talk to his girlfriend,” Charles reprimanded. “She’s not my girl—“ Chaos began indignantly but stopped himself when Lisa tilted her head to the side, “I mean. I haven’t officially asked you out yet or anything. We only went on that one date.” “I like that you said ‘yet.’ That makes me happy,” Lisa’s face lit up. “Yeah, well,” Chaos scratched the back of his neck. “It would certainly be more appropriate for us to be dating before you soberly had sex with me, right?” Lisa gave him that smirk that ruffled his feathers. “You— remembered I said that,” Chaos was taken aback. “Of course, I do, Spencer. How could I forget a handsome gentleman respectfully declined to have sex with me because he wants to remember exactly what we did to each other,” Lisa was enjoying this moment. “Will— will you stop saying the word ‘sex?’” Chaos put a hand to his face trying to push specific imagery from his mind. “Too formal? Would you prefer if I said fu—“ Lisa finished the word in the palm of Chaos’s hand. “You’re actively trying to kill me now, aren’t you?” Chaos panted. “Of course not!” Lisa rubbed her cheek into his hand as she held it before giving him a smoldering look, “Just don’t keep me waiting too long, man with two eyes.” Chaos was pretty sure his heart skipped several beats, “You’re being really forward today.” “Narrowly missing being put up on the black market made me feel a bit of a rush, I suppose,” Lisa looked him dead in the eyes. Chaos brushed strands of hair from her face before caressing her cheek, “I’m so sorry, Lisa. I- I didn’t know. Though I would have fought every one of those bastards to my last breath to keep that from happening.” Lisa kissed his palm, “You mean it?” Chaos turned a shade of red not yet invented before withdrawing his hand, “O-of course! Well, I mean— that is to say—“ “You’re so cute,” Lisa smiled brightly before kissing him on the cheek, “Thank you for coming to check on me.” “It was— no big deal,” Chaos returned the smile. He had many more questions, but Lisa looked pretty tired, “Good night, Lisa!” “Good night, Spencer!” Chaos waited to head back to the car until he heard the door click. He bumped into someone when he turned around. “Ben! What are you doing here?” Chaos smiled until he felt something cold trained on his heart. “I want to make something perfectly clear,” Ben said in an uncharacteristically cold voice, “since you didn’t know, I’ll let it slide. However, if you put Lisa in that position next year, I will not hesitate to put a bullet between your eyes. Are we clear?” “Crystal,” Chaos’s face was cold, “But I meant what I said.” Ben scoffed, “I kind of agree with Claude. You can be foolish…” “Wait! You were there?” “Believe it or not, I’m everywhere,” Ben shrugged. Chaos got irritable, “That doesn’t mean you watch her even when—“ “Down, boy. I’m her guardian, not a pervert,” Ben glared, “though it’s been a nuisance because she does a few private things more often now that you’re around. She used to do that stuff on a schedule.” “Really? She does that?” Ben blinked, “For a supposedly woke villain, you sure are naive. Lots of women do that. It’s healthy.” “I know that, Ben,” Chaos rolled his eyes, “I just never thought— you know— she would think of me…” “Ugh… will you just ask her out already? This is becoming painful to watch. At the end of the day, you’re some awkward boy-next-door who needs to figure out how the hell to get past first base. I know you are a genius, but I hope there’s room in that brain for some knowledge on your way around a woman,” Ben lectured. Chaos shouted, “Of course, I know my way around women! I just forget how to do things when I’m with her— like breathing. She’s so— disarming.” “Yes, yes. Lisa is a charming woman. A little reckless and a pain in the ass to try to keep watch over, but charming. Wipe that look off of your face. She’s more like a sister than anything,” Ben poked Chaos with the gun. “You cannot be the same guy that hangs around the shop.” “I’m the same guy. The happy-go-lucky Ben Wilson you see daily is the real me... Mostly,” Ben shrugged. “Wait, did you say Wilson?” “Even you put on a mask when you go to work, right? It’s becoming glaringly obvious that the Creator Chaos we see is a very well-crafted persona. But that's all he is, a persona. Which begs the question, ‘Who hurt you, boy-next-door?’” “I don’t like what you’re getting at here, Ben,” Chaos squinted his eyes. “Well, I don't like having to stand watch while this awkward R-rated after-school special plays out. And unfortunately, I still have to be there when this escalates to triple X territory,” Ben groaned then snickered, “I hope I didn’t just give you performance anxiety, boy-next-door.” “You may have the gun to my chest, but don't push me, Ben,” Chaos warned, “This is the first year I’ve seen her… or at least truly noticed her.” “The last couple of years, she’s been sick, so I had to go,” Ben shrugged. Chaos grabbed Ben’s shoulders in a panic, “Lisa’s sick?” “Calm down, you idiot. I almost pulled the trigger. It would just be a common cold. That’s all,” Ben put the gun away. He felt Chaos got the point. Ben wasn’t there to kill Chaos. If that were his intention, he would not approach him directly. Chaos hugged Ben, “You’re such a good friend.” “Now you’re just being weird,” Ben rolled his eyes but hugged him back, “but I don’t hate the fact that you’re the one she likes. For an alleged villain, you’re pretty dependable.” “Not alleged. I am one, Ben,” Chaos glared. “Don’t get me wrong. You’re no hero by any stretch of the word, but evil? I don’t think so,” Ben shrugged, smirking. A puppy walked up and stood up against Chaos’s leg panting and wagging its tail. “What’s wrong, little guy? Are you lost?” Chaos picked him up. The puppy licked his face, and Chaos chuckled. “This shit is what we are all talking about. Being who you say you are, you should have kicked it or something,” Ben pointed out. “He’s more like that puppy, not that pack of monsters we spent the evening with... And yet he fits in... Barely,” Ben thought as he shook his head. Chaos and the dog looked at Ben misty-eyed, “What kind of person would hurt an innocent little puppy?” Ben facepalmed, “An evil one, dude! A villain?” “Ahmed would be offended by that assumption. He loves dogs. I wonder if I can’t find the owner before Ahmed flies out if he wouldn’t like to take this little guy. He’s had a rough go of it with his uncle dying,” Chaos cuddled the puppy who barked happily. “I give up,” Ben grimaced. Ben knew he’d hate Chaos if he actually kicked the dog, but the dog proved his point. The puppy jumped down and ran home when it heard the shop door open. “Oh! Ben! What are you doing out here so late?” Lisa popped out of the shop. Ben’s face returned to its normal happy-go-lucky state, “I was just checking to make sure you made it from the event okay!” “You’re so reliable,” Lisa smiled as she grabbed something she had forgotten from the van. “Of course, Lisa! I’ll always be here to keep an eye on you,” Ben glanced at Chaos. “You both are so sweet. I’m so glad you get along so well, too!” Lisa smiled brightly. Ben pinched Chaos. “We sure do, Lisa. Ben is a standup guy, that’s for sure,” Chaos smiled and nodded, wrapping an arm around Ben. “He seems to overact as well,” Ben grimaced internally, “for someone who just threatened to kill him, he’s really friendly with me. And he accused Lisa of being oblivious to danger… unless I’m not a threat… no, no. That can’t be right.” “Good night, you two!” Lisa disappeared into the shop. “Good night, Lisa!” They both replied at the same time. When Chaos turned to face him, Ben had vanished as if he were never there. This left Chaos with even more questions than answers. This exchange also prompted a conversation in which Charles had to talk Chaos out of getting a face tattoo.