“How is it that we managed to do something that is literally god damn impossible, possible?” David deadpanned... as he and Jason stared at the amount of boxes they had stolen from the Aryans.

“I don’t know,” Jason shrugged. “You tell me.”

“...You’re the one who caused this fucking gamechanging shit, Cell. YOU tell me.”

He and Jason were staring at the humongous, stolen pile of boxes stacked neatly after they piled the rest of the stuff into their transport and went to one of their hidden cache houses.

Needless to say, the space was becoming a bit… tighter that they had to seperate another several stacks to another cache house hidden beyond the outskirts of the town.

“The amount of guns here is enough to make a damn army…”

“But do we really need lots of them? I mean, it's not like we need too many of these unless we sell surplus to them…”

“Point. But having some spares wouldn't hurt. And besides, these are more than enough to fit our boys with the good stuff.”

“That doesn't mean shit for dick if the others don’t have the same training as we do, David bro.” Thug #4 commented from the side.

“Quality before Quantity yo.” Quipped Thug #6 as they counted the boxes.

David glared at them, shutting them up before turning back to Jason. “So we're giving the rest to the East Green?”

“Kinda the whole thing for the deal, man.” He shrugged without care.

“...If you say so.” David relented. “So long as it doesn't put the Red Serpents to harm, I don’t care.”

“You care about the gang that much?” Jason commented, raising an unnoticeable brow at the odd concern from the man.

“Seems odd for someone like you,” David shrugged. “aside from being in the gang with them… I don’t want to see them die.”

“No no, I totally understand.” Jason said seriously, something that the Red Serpent’s right-hand man was surprised about. “They trust you and you trust them. A sense of comradeship. People who know you despite your tendencies and weirdness that one would put up, those things don’t matter. What matters is your friend’s there for you, and you being there for them.”

“. . .”

“Well… Wow.” Spoke the stunned Thug #2 who along with the others stared at him in bewilderment.

“Never thought you’d see him so… I don’t know, what's the word?”

“Shocked? Surprised? Unexpected?” Thug #3 added.

“Why not all of the above?” Quipped Thug #5.

“Should we be surprised?” Questioned Thug #6 as he glanced at his shocked comrades confused. “I mean, we only met him for a literal three days time period. Who knows if he actually acts like this.”

“Considering how he behaves most of the time, he should be a dumbass.” Deadpanned Thud #1.

“Exactly!” Jason exclaimed, making the other thugs jump in surprise from the sudden speak up from him, pride swelling his chest. “And I’m proud to be me!”

“I pity the time you decide to be what you want to be.”

“Oh please, what could possibly make you worry about me?”

“. . .” They all looked at him with blank expressions before one of the thugs turned to David and said;

“...Hey David.” Thug #1 called out. “Can we say it?”

The right-hand man gave a moment of thought before giving the permission to the man.

“Frankly, Cell.-”

“””Everything.”””

Next Morning. . .

The Red Serpents managed to transfer some of the excess assets from the warehouse just in time before morning came and with the East Green arriving. Acquiring too many would draw in suspicion.

Jason stood outside the warehouse to meet with the coming employer of the East Green, perhaps meeting back with the Negotiator of the gan- I mean organization.

It was probably around an hour later that they arrived, in a bunch of cars too. Armored. They were ready.

It was to his satisfaction to see their reaction when they saw him standing in front of the entrance of the warehouse still in his Spec Ops attire, bloodied.

The East Green got out of their cars and immediately spread out and searched the area and made a perimeter. Providing overwatch and protection for their Negotiator.

Hansel got out of the car and examined the surroundings, searching for any skeptical piece as he approached Jason.

He did see bullet marks and bullet cases on the ground, no doubt there was indeed a fire fight in this area. And the fact that the man’s appearance was bloody and looked like he went through an intense fight added some truth there.

He also wore military grade equipment, which was something unexpected. But nothing that is too worrisome. However…

‘He’s dangerous…’ Hansel thought.

“...You did this alone?” Hansel asked.

He shook his head. “I had 6 guys assisting me on this. Doing it solo would make things messy. Having some people assisting would make it less so.”

“I see…” He nodded. “Although, I can't help but remember before you said you worked alone…?”

“I do, but they are just people that I ask from time to time for help like this. They are more like co-workers that I work with from time to time…”

‘A merc hiring a merc… Amusing.’ He thought. “And where are they?” Looking around, he couldn’t see anyone else but him when they arrived. Unless they are inside the warehouse, he wouldn't know.

Jason shrugged. “Let them be on their way after I gave them their pay, no sense in keeping them here still when the job’s done.”

David had all of the Red Serpents vacate the warehouse immediately just before dawn broke.

Hansel almost let his expression showing ‘are you stupid?’. “Is that wise, Mr Stown?”

“I can handle myself fine…” He waved the thought dismissively. “Oh and just to inform you ahead; some of the boxes are damaged but we checked the goods and all of them are undamaged. We already took the initiative and piled the bodies in that truck over there,” Pointing to a truck with its load covered with tarp. He did in fact notice some blood stains underneath. “ready to go for one of your guys to dump wherever the bodies should be.”

“A job well done I suppose.”

“Maybe, but best for you to check the goods for yourself. See what you can think of it.”

Hansel nodded as he followed Jason into the warehouse, with some of his men behind him.

Inside, it indeed looked like a fight happened. There was debris, bullet marks and cases everywhere. He ignored the fight that transpired here and focused on the one thing he was supposed to check.

The weapon crates.

He noticed that some of the crates were marked with bullet holes. It would be a bad thing to have a damaged item to provide on their asset and group.

“It appears that the goods are damaged, Mr Stown.”

“Ahh, but that is only on the outside.” Stown smirked, as if he expected such a reaction. He went to a nearby damaged crate with its top partially opened. “The inside however, is undamaged.”

Skeptical of the man’s word, he went closer and he noticed that the goods looked like they were still in a good condition.

He motioned one of his men to check the contents and pulled out an M4. He examined it in every angle and mechanisms on the weapon’s components.

After examining it thoroughly, he deemed it still in good condition.

“The crates are surprisingly resilient against bullets. That or their aim is just bad enough for us to get lucky that the goods wouldn't get damaged.” Stown smirked.

“It is… fortunate.” Hansel nodded in satisfaction and slight hidden relief. Should the weapons be damaged, then they can only meet half the criteria needed to resupply their organization..

“Jobs done then, yes?”

“Yes,” He nodded. “And the payment is ready to be received.”

The payment he wanted was… unexpected. He expected the man to ask for a high reward for such a dangerous job, but what he was conditioned on was half a million and a room in a high-suite apartment.

There are several high-end complexes around the city, and he chose one that is not too far from the distance that they could observe his movements, but not too close that he would notice it.

The way he thinks, acts and talks can easily fool a lesser man, but he is not one of them. Based on his own experience, he had dealt with people like him. And they are surely not to be underestimated.

The successful mission was proof that this man is a man of his word. Dangerous and proven.

“...And if I don’t mind asking, do you know the… source of the coin?” As he inquired, he sensed that his men tensed up in preparation. It was a contingency that he had planned in case Cell decides to kill them should he ask about the coin.

He had the rest of his men to secure the perimeter to not only protect from any outside attacks, but also to stop the single potential threat (which is Jason) from escaping.

There was a theory he had in mind that this man was some kind of a meta-human.

Stown tilted his head in slight confusion why they persisted in asking for the coin, but didn’t say anything for a good long moment that before any of them could get the tension higher, he smiled.

“Again, and unfortunately, I cannot tell you that.” He said, and before Hansel felt disappointed, he continued. “However, I can deal you in more coins on one simple condition.”

“Do tell.” He smiled.

“I’ll give 2, 5 coins max. Whenever I feel like giving.”

Hansel’s smile faltered. “What do you mean by that, Mr Cell?”

Stown shrugged. “I know how you managed to find out the value of those coins, sir.” He stiffened up. “And only I know where to acquire said coins. Even if you eliminate me and the factor of those coins and the source of it will disappear. And from your interest in those coins, just made my point even clearer.”

He underestimated this man. This was not something that he should have known. Aside from those appraisers, only he and Boss knew about the value of those coins. A single coin can turn tables from minor issues without using too much of their resources and time to recollect their original point.

The coins were just a little boost to their finances, but it was a massive one for one simple thing in a transaction exchange of its value.

Killing him is out of the option. Torturing, he had been thinking on that aspect, but he convinced his Boss that it would be difficult to capture him alive without the possibility of killing himself.

“And the sweat I notice from you, it seems that you were thinking of killing me…” His eyes seem to darken.

“Hahaha, of course not. Although, one would be foolish to not think of defending one’s self in case someone; in this case the example would be you, to go rogue and attack us.” He swallowed his fear and spoke through with whatever confidence he could muster to hide his nervousness… Though based on his words, it seemed that it was in vain.

“...Point taken.” Stown shrugged. “I don’t condone betrayal or treachery unless circumstances conceive it otherwise.”

‘Did… Did he just mean that he will betray anyone unless the situation depends on which side would benefit him!?’

Stown grinned. “If you have any jobs for me to accomplish right now, tell me.”

“Right now… There is none at the moment. But when there is, I’ll be sure to inform you.”

Stown hummed. “Then may our business continue to prosper.” He held out a hand.

Hansel looked at it for a second before taking a grasp and shook it.

“May it continue so.”

“-And then I just walk away from the warehouse without any care, feeling like a badass.” Jason, or rather in this case; Cell, ended his story proudly.

…But that doesn't go with his present audience, who find it rather… Unbelievable.

“””…”””

“Not gonna lie, there are many discrepancies that I sense in that story.” Thug #4 deadpanned.

“Ditto here.” Thug #2 commented.

“Literally all of us are thinking the same thing.” Side glanced Thug #6.

They all murmured in hush before David shouted at them to be quiet. Boss just sighed and grumbled in an almost desperate misery of sorrow and disbelief.

“I’d be tired of being shocked and surprised by all this shit, but… Why did you need help from my men in taking the warehouse when you could have done it yourself?” Boss glared at Cell, who was unfazed. “I don’t want my men to get hurt on such stupid task!”

“To make the scene more believable, I guess.” Cell shrugged. “None of them knew that I have powers, or a ‘meta-human’,” He mentally rolled eyes on that. “in that case. And it grants me an advantage over them. Having them to know that I have got contacts for a team to assist me, they now know and will act cautious since they think I act alone. And also, none of your men would die because they wore the gear I brought for them. And I willed for them to not to die.”

“That would have… make some sense I guess…” Boss said slowly.

The man, while a outright dumb-head, has some points. The East Green don’t know or suspect that he is a meta-human, but not to know what ability he has.

And it is absolutely dangerous against anyone who tries to attack him. The power to reflect an attack back to the attacker? Sounds like having an absolute protection of Destiny itself.

“...Sounds kinda sketchy if you ask me.” Thug #1 said.

“Considering the world we live in has Villains and Heroes, and also Aliens if you are including, better to just think weirdly.” Cell replied.

“...He has a point.” Thug #5 agreed. “And we get to keep those cool gear!”

“Oh yeah, I ain’t gonna go out without a vest in me tonight!” One of the thugs grinned.

“Without those, we would have died for sure. I can't dodge for shit.” Thug #3 nodded in agreement.

“You need to weigh down, fatass.”

“Oi, you sonofabitch-!”

“Settle down!” David shouted in annoyance. “Bicker that shit somewhere else.”

“And they were interested when you gave them a gold coin?”

“Yep,” Cell materialized a coin in his pocket and handed it over to the Boss. “this made them curious.”

“Hmmm…” He examined the said coin. It felt heavy, but not too much that he couldn’t carry it. It is larger than the usual coins he had seen. The art of the coin is antique-looking, yet cleanly modern. One side is a woman’s face with the letters underneath saying “YGGDRASIL” and the other is some kind of a hectic design that he couldn’t tell.

And the number… “Since 2125…”

He guessed the date was when it was made but 2125? He couldn’t put the possibility that this man is from the future, it seems too far-fetched and the ideal thought is unbelievable.

He’d think that it's some kind of a date format that he hadn't known of.

“It's just a gold coin though.” Thug #2 commented.

“Is it real though?” One of the thugs asked. “Might be gilded.”

He thought of that possibility. So he bought a knife from his pocket. And before he was about to put a scratch on it, he paused before looking at the man sitting in front of him.

“Uh… You don’t mind me checking this, do you?”

Cell shrugged. “Eh, check if you want. I don’t mind.”

Permission granted, he proceeded to scratch the coin. No scratch. Putting in more force than usual, there was still no scratch!

He stabbed the coin, putting more force into it before checking it again. Still no scratch!

“Hmmm…” He checked the coin closely once more to check any hidden damages that he didn’t initially notice, and found none.

“Mind if I keep this and have this checked?”

“Didn't you just check it?” Cell raised a brow.

He nodded. “I do, but I wanted to make sure that this isn't fake. Having this appraised properly would determine how much this is worth.”

‘And why the East Green seems determined to ask where this came from too…’ He thought.

“Just don’t come to me begging or whatever for more, because that shit comes in limited supply.” Which was, of course, a lie.

Jason’s inventory was hoarded as fuck with whatever junk he has on him for simple distractions to throw against his enemy. Including massive stacks of various potions.

And he is richer than whoever currently thought he isn't.

Throwing equipment at enemies can be a good distraction if one knows what they are doing.

“Anyways,” Cell spoke up, bringing attention to him. “I’ll still be in contact with you guys. In case of anything.”

“You’ll still be in contact with us? Why?” David asked curiosity.

Why indeed. He already has the favor of the East Green, although slightly suspicious of him but would it matter for someone able to deflect anything that comes to harm him back to the attackers?

And the said gang/company can bring more benefits to this dumbass than them the Red Serpents. Provoking the man would only bring more harm to his gang, worse case scenario; destruction of the Red Serpents.

“Why? Well…” Cell took his time to ponder, thinking of what words to say. “You guys, at first, are kinda assholes-”

“Gee, thanks” One of the thugs spoke up before getting slapped in the back of the head.

“-though a few bad eggs wouldn't tarnish your rep… Somehow. And while I don’t like how you treat the people, you guys don’t seem that bad to me.” He shrugged. “A simple fix on your attitude towards the people, no stealing or robbing and whatever, the usual to the people.”

“...I do not know what's going on in your mind but… we're not saints.” Boss said slowly, bringing in the voice for most of them who looked like they misheard his words.

“And you're not exactly assholes either, unless you intentionally want to be.” He said.

“Well… How do you want us to be then?”

“Eh, just be assholes only to your enemies. Not everyone in this town is an asshole unless you fucked them over. Do only unto others who do unto you.” He shrugged. “Do that, and I might not have to destroy y'all asses because I see some of you robbing some people down the road.”

That caused shivers down their spine. They don’t have any doubts that this man can legibly kill them without any effort. Hell, just by attacking him would only cause them to die! Killing themselves by their own bullet!

Leaving them no choice but to follow the man’s words.

“Now, who wants some beer? Because drinks’ on me!”

The whole building roared in joy.

Jason eyed the view outside his suite as he took a small sip from a glass of whiskey.

He checked up on the suite condo that Hansel had gratefully given him the location of his new sleeping place. It is a lot better than the old one, and by a lot.

Rich people back in his world, or he would rather call them “scumbag pussy whiners who earn by stealing”, were able to have a liveable home. For people like him, they can only get a small condo that couldn’t fit much into it. Much less add in stuff that he couldn’t afford because everything else was too expensive. And he didn’t care but surviving that fucked-up dead world with nothing but scraps.

At that time he couldn’t afford to buy anything but nutrient-pastes, rarely he could buy meat, and the affordable ones were just cheap clone copies that didn’t do shit to the real thing.

But he wouldn't care to remember that shitty past of his because it’s in the past! Now he is in the present; basking in the sunlight, laying down on his chair like a baller, and living like a king!

Hell, not even those scumbag rich people back in his world couldn’t even go out and breathe in fresh air! While he had every opportunity to do so!

Ahhhh, such a rewarding scenario for him to be in.

Right now, there was nothing much for him to do aside from doing small jobs from both gangs.

A simple raid there, a simple raid here, and few small good reminders to some thugs of the Red Serpents to not fuck over anyone in town unless they got provoked.

The Boss of the Red Serpents had done their surest efforts to not have anyone stupid enough to fuck up on a simple order.

Though he couldn’t ring out the gang because of a few bad eggs not listening to the hatching wishes of their mother hen.

Same goes to the East Green, although he only went doing some body-guarding stuff to some VIPs in case something bad happens. Although he wore a ballistic mask to conceal his identity, and also the fact that it is bullet-proof. And a bullet-proof vest that he can wear under his jacket to protect his shirt.

He’s been losing too much clothes due to gunshots. His pants are close first.

Very few meetings went badly, but those incidents were quickly put down and only minor casualties ended due to his intervention.

Every meeting that went wrong, there are only few casualties but no deaths on their side whenever Stown is around.

It brought much respect to the members of East Green’s thanks to him for them being able to survive through such situations.

*Ring* *Ring*

Picking up the phone, he answered. “Aye?”

“Hello Mr Stown, I pray that you are not busy at the moment?” It was Hansel.

“Hansel… Something that you need?”

Not clearing his throat, he sounded slurred and growling. Hansel mistook this as a wrong time to call and felt nervous, but he had no choice due to unavoidable circumstances.

“We have another assignment for you.”

“Same thing again?”

“No, this is different. We want you to acquire someone.”

Now this is new… “...Oh~?” He hummed in interest.

“I will only give more until you either accept or-”

“A yes for me, Mr Hansel.” He sat up straight in attention. “What is there for me to know?”

“...A scientist, Dr. Serling Roquette. Went missing about a week ago. Rumor caught up in our ears that she was making some kind of a weapon for what we were guessing are the League of Shadows. We want to know exactly what it was she was making.”

‘League of Shadows? Sounds like a dope ninja guild name.’ He hummed in amusement.

“And what causes this to have her rescued exactly?” He inquired. “Wanting to get the blueprints to whatever weapon she is making and profit off of it?”

“No,” Hansel said surprisingly. “Our Boss preferred to know the details of; what, how, and why she is making it.”

“So alive it is then.” He assumed.

“Preferably, yes.”

“Any idea where I should start?”

“Last she was seen was around a coastal town called ‘Happy Harbor’.”

“Can I bring some guys with me?”

“Yes and no. Either way, it's by your decision.”

“Heheheh… I’ll see what I can do.” Ending the call, he gulped down the last of his drink and exhaled in satisfaction.

As he went back inside, he stopped realizing something…

“...Where the hell is Happy Harbo- arghh, I’ll just google map it.” He grumbled.

It wasn’t long until he arrived at the edge of the town. It was big, but nothing too crowded for his tastes, but nowhere too empty that would be compared to a deserted ghost town from the old movies he saw back in his world.

Though the trip was long enough to arrive at night time. It proved beneficial to him anyways. Means that there are less people to get involved in a crossfire should it happen.

And he found himself in the worst predicament ever. He had no idea how or where to find this doctor. He had no set of skills capable of locating the woman.

He is a fighter for god's sakes! Just give him a target to defend and pummel against and he will win! Not a puzzle damn game that would hurt his brain more too often!

Second handed thoughts came to his brain in regret.

“Happy Harbor eh? Man, it's been awhile…”

Oh, he must have forgotten that he brought someone with him to this place. Someone who knows their way around the local town.

“You’ve been here before?”

“Somewhere around… 10 years ago.” Mark said as he eyed around the town and recalled in nostalgia. “Place didn’t seem to change.”

“Eh, maybe it did. We don’t know, and besides we got a job to do anyway.”

“Yeah.” Mark stretched his limbs from stiffness, cracking his joints. “And our search is too damn large. Chances are that she’s gone by now.”

“Hmmm… Should we split up?” He suggested. He has no skills or spells on recon, something that he is regretting in a situation like this. He depended on his other teammates.

“Risky, but makes our job faster.” Mark agreed. “And nice of you to hand out your equipment to the gang, we can do our job better with efficiency.” He said as he wore an comm earpiece.

Due to the nature of their job, they can only go so low profile. Bringing too much would bring attention, conflicting their search.

Mark wore a jacket that hid under it a MP5 and Glock 17, and a light vest and jointed pads.

Jason wore a hooded coat, and provided with the ballistic mask he wore, it made him look like a menacing giant. That and he also blended in with the darkness of the night.

“So… where should we start?”

Jason was about to open his mouth before sounds of… battle entered his ears. He went quiet in order to hear if he wasn’t hearing things…

A crash… Shouts… They sounded familiar…

“Looks like we don’t need to search all over town for them.” He cracked his knuckles before walking towards the direction of the sound.

“Huh? Wait, you sure you know where you're going?” Mark said confused as he followed close behind him.

“Maybe, but chance is chance. Besides, who knows if I’m lucky on this.” He grinned.

. . .

“Alright, I’d say I’m lucky on this one.”

They reached the harbor and heard sounds of crash and thuds on a large building. Seeing a destroyed car, it's quite certain that they may have located the doctor. And someone is looking for them as well.

“Should we rush in?” Jason inquired.

“Risky, but we need to know who we're up against. I’m not keen on fighting against the League of Shadows if they are really here…” Mark said nervously as he racked his MP5 and put on a mask. “And besides, why can't you? I mean, no one can kill your dumb ass. I doubt even meta humans can.”

“Eh, we're on this. And I wanted to know your opinion before we go in with guns blazing.”

“Touching,” Mark chuckled humorously.

As he was about to reply, he saw someone coming out of the building.

A woman based on their figure, thick black fluffy hair with a white mask resembling a cat with red stripes and a wide grin. She wore a dark green outfit that was similar to what ninjas wore.

Her appearance was… All he can say was-

“Not bad.” Jason commented.

“She interest you, bud?” Mark grinned in amusement.

“Can't say, but you can't disagree that she is quite stunning.”

Mark chuckled humorously. “Agreed, only if she isn't trying to kill you that is.”

“And… huh? Did Green Arrow turn into a girl?” He commented as he noticed another woman in green wielding an arrow and was aiming for the woman who seemed to be running towards… the internet cafe?

Jason had done more extensive research on this world, going through the known Heroes and their powers. As well as Villains and their doings.

All in all, he does not like how the Heroes keep on letting Villains go when they have the chance to stop them once and for all. But then with the thought of the “Heroes don’t kill” mindset, oof.

It's like the corporate cycle of control all over again in his world.

“Wanna take the chances that our target is in the internet cafe?” Jason hummed.

“Bet you 20 dollars on that.” Mark grinned. “And why do you speak so seriously?”

He shrugged. “Dunno, maybe bring some shit together or something. You’d sound like, you're on point no?”

“Point.”

They then saw the kimono woman getting knocked out by some smoke in the arrow, the female Green Arrow came to check in on her before getting jumped by her.

She knocked the female Green Arrow unconscious before moving into the vents of the building.

Jason chuckled. “She didn’t expect that.”

“No shit, but we better move in before she kills our man.”

“Woman, Mark. Our job was to find the-”

“Alright! Let's just go in damn it!” He grumbled in annoyance as he followed Jason, who was chuckling as they moved into the building.

. . .

*Thud!*

Aqualad fell down to the ground, incapacitated.

“There, limit tested...” Cheshire then looks at the scared doctor, slowly backing up. “Now doctor, time for my appointment~”

Pathetically, she tried to run but Cheshire simply walked up to her, grabbed her by the collar and was about to eliminate her if not for the small glance towards the computer with a file finished…

She hummed almost in disappointment that she couldn’t kill the doctor, her target was right in front of her and yet with strict orders it was taken away from her.

She couldn’t kill her yet…

“So you finished the virus… Eliminating the reason for your... elimination.” She brought the blade closer to the doctor’s face… slowly. “Though not the entertainment value~”

Chesire then throws the doctor down to the ground. “Lucky for you my orders were clear, you live to program another day. After all, Doctor, the Shadows may find another use for you…”

“Huh, so we don’t need to kill you then.” Spoke a deep voice.

Chesire turned around to see a very tall man in a hooded coat, the only thing that was noticeable of him was the greyish featureless mask.

She jumped backwards, expecting an incoming attack, only for there to be none…?

“Calm your claws kitty cat, ain't here to hurt ya.”

She snorted. “Many times I’ve heard people saying that, and many times they fail.”

The man tilted his head. “What exactly do you mean, kitty girl? I’m only here for the doctor.”

“...They sent someone to deal with her?” Chesire glanced at the doctor who was pretty confused and scared at the new arrival and situation. “Don’t try to fool me that you work for the Shadows.”

“No, no he doesn't.” Spoke another new voice coming from the back. A man wearing black mask, wielding a gun pointed towards Chesire. Finger on the trigger. “I suggest you leave and don’t come back here, woman.”

“...”

Chesire was put in an unprecedented situation, being brought to a heavy disadvantage as there are two unknowns coming in. Their purpose, uncertain, but from what the tall man spoke of, they were coming in for the doctor.

But her purpose around her is already voided as the doctor was able to upload the virus anyways. And killing her is a needed avoidance that her employers preferred having her alive than dead.

She silently dropped a smoke bomb underneath her feet before escaping out through the vents.

. . .

“Huh… You know, if she’d just asked, I could just let her out through the front door.”

“Hah! Doubt so. They wouldn't expect that. Hell, they’d think it’s a trap.” Mark said humorously. “In their line of work, they would take a risk.”

“True, true… But still, manners are important for one’s life.”

“Don’t bullshit me on that one, where the hell would your manners be?” Mark grumbled in annoyance before returning his attention to the two people in the room other than him and his… overpowered companion. “Oi, you. You alright?”

“Yea… I’m alright… Thanks for the save.”

“What about that Atlantean over there?” Mark motioned at the waking Aquadlad, groaning.

“W-Where's… the assassin?” Aqualad inquired as he was being assisted up by Serling.

“Went up and gone,” Spoken Mark as he lowered his gun, but fingers still near the trigger at the ready. “situation’s pretty much handled.”

“I see… We appreciate your arrival, but may I ask who you are?” Aqualad asked as he pulled out the darts stuck onto his body, grunting in minor pain in each pull.

“We’re nobody important, just some pair of bystanders seeing some people in trouble needing help.”

“...Somehow I don’t believe you.” Doctor Serling commented.

“No shit, duh?” Jason replied. “And besides, we’re here for madam over here,” He gestured to Doctor Serling. “been looking for her since she disappeared.”

“And what do you want with her?” Artemis inquired, still having her bow and arrow aimed at the man.

“Hey guys-” Wally said, arriving in a flash (ahah) before noticing Mark and Jason. “whoah, um, who are these two?” He turned to his comrades, looking for answers. Miss Martian arrives along with the captured villains.

“No one important kid, just on orders looking for Doc Serling!” Jason grinned. The teen heroes then had their guards up.

“You were looking for her? Well too bad, we are not gonna let you!” Wally smirked as he readied for a fight. Same goes for others.

“...Are we about to fight?” Jason asked dumbly. “Hey dude,” He called out to Mark, who was really on the edge on thumbing his MP5 up. “are we fighting them?”

“No! Can we just handle the situation without provoking anyone damn it!?” Mark groaned in frustration. “I get that you’re literally unkillable but really? Can we just… not? Not for today? I just want to get this over with.”

“Hahahahahaha!” Jason barked a laugh so loud that it made everyone flinch from the volume and almost got jumped in surprise. “Ok ok, understandable.” He said, still chuckling from whatever private joke he laughed over in his head. “But yeah, we're here to look for her and ask some questions.”

“Questions? What sort?” Artemis inquired, still guarded by them.

“Eh, just rumors about her being taken by the League of Shadows.” He shrugged. “Basically just confirming some stuff etc… I mean, it's just a couple of questions and then we bail out of your sight. If you want, we can just ask questions right here right now, if that’s ok madam of there?” He looked at the doctor, who looked quite conflicted in making a decision.

The doctor gave a slow nod.

“Lets begin,” He immediately whipped out a notepad and pen from his coat and readied himself to write notes. The swift movement made them tense up. “You were abducted how long ago?”

“Um… About a month ago.”

“Ok ok…” He wrote that down. It was already something he knew, but asking it again wouldn't seem to hurt. “By the League of Shadows yes?”

“Yeah. They had me forced to make something for them.”

“I see… What kind may I ask?”

“You’re really talking to this guy?” Wally asked.

“Shush!” He exclaimed at the speedster, who almost jumped in surprise. “the interview is ongoing! Playing 21 questions here!” He turned his attention back to the doctor. “So what did you make for them? And its purpose?”

“...I call it the ‘FOG’. Bunch of nanobots that can destroy anything in its path and steal data…” She looked like she was about to say more but she paused. “…Yeah, basically that.”

Jason noticed this pause. Suspicious, but he didn’t mind. And so he continued.

“I see… Kinda obvious that you are not going to say much to what I ask,” She flinched. “So, can you recreate it again?”

“What makes you think I would?”

Jason shrugged. “A yes or no question. It depends on your answer, and it would depend on how I would tell you on that.”

“...No, I can't.” He answered.

“Cant, or won't?” He inquired.

“Both.” She glared onto the man’s eyeholes.

“...Alright.” He said before noting it down and closed his notepad. “Thanks for your cooperation, we're off.”

They all blinked, including the villains, looking a bit confused and surprised at the man.. Mark just simply sighed in annoyance.

“Wait, that’s it?”

“Yeah, that’s it… I mean, were you expecting something else?” He tilted his head at the side, much to the disbelief of everyone at present.

“Well… Yeah, but… Just asking those questions? Really?”

“Not gonna lie, but that was quite dumb.” Hook gave his 2 cents, with Black Spider nodding with his words.

“Well sorry for having your expectations blown away to whatever it is you had in your imagination in your head!” He exclaimed exasperated. “And it’s not like I’m distracting you all just for my friend in the building over there grabbing a clear shot to kill the doctor here! DO IT NOW!” He shouted to the building window behind him.

“What!?” They all exclaimed in surprise, but before any of them could do anything, Jason quickly added.

“Just kidding.” He laughed, much to their shocked faces of annoyance and confusion. “Hahahaha, oh man. Your faces were funny to look at.”

“It's not funny man!” Wally said irritably.

“I agree, it is certainly not a way to joke about.” Aqualad frowned.

“But that was a good idea no doubt,” Hook commented. “distract everyone to get a clear target.”

“Almost had us believing you on that.” Black Spider added.

“Found it funny you two?” He looked at the two tied up villains being floated by Miss Martian.

“No, kinda dark to be honest.”

“But it is effective ain’t it? Eh?” He smirked.

“I’ll give you that… whoever you are.”

“I'm Nobody… Literally.” He shrugged. “But anyways, thanks for your entertainment and cooperation, we’ll be off.” He said as he walked away from the team.

“About damn time done goofing around…” Mark grumbled as he walked towards where they parked their ride.

“Hey, you can't just walk off like that-!” Wally was stopped by Aqualad who shook his head. “What gives?”

“We don’t have any reason to stop them.” Aqualad informed.

“How so? They are suspicious by the way they look, even one of them has a gun!”

“Oh, and before I forget!” The tall man stopped and shouted back at them. “Doctor Serling! The Boss of the Negotiator sends his regards to you!” And then he left...

“!”

“’Negotiator’? Who do you think he meant?” Wally inquired to no one specifically.

“Someone you know, doc?” Artemis turned to the doctor mentioned.

“Yeah… Someone that I had deals with…” She looked away. “It's something that I can't talk about.”

. . .

“...That was literally it?” Mark said, currently driving through the barren roads back home.

“Hmm?” Jason grunted as he looked on his phone. “About the whole situation?”

“Yeah, just asked some questions and we're done?”

“What was it you were expecting, Mark?” He looked at the man.

“Knowing you, that the situation would go down to shit…” He grunted. “But somehow, we managed it…”

Jason shrugged. “Were basically told to find the woman, ask her some questions, and if it didn’t meet what the contract expected her to say, then the situation would turn into a long run. Besides, wouldn't we want that now do we? So by asking her simple sounding questions, I can grasp the idea of what she has things on planned, or whether she is lying or not.”

“...I still cannot understand how you are smart and dumb at the same time. And I cant believe to know whether you are just simply bullshitting right now or not.”

“Smart stupidity is acquired through sheer force of hopelessness, Mark.” He said, smirking. “It's an ability that someone like me can get through.”

“Oh? And can I get that as well?” He joked.

“If you are willing to be castrated, tortured, experimented on, molested, and dealing with horrific shit that most people would tend to kill themselves after the end of the day, yeah. You can.”

“. . .”

“...I’m joking about that by the way.”

“Sometimes I can't tell if you are by this point.” He deadpanned.

“Eh, get used to it dude.” He shrugged before looking back down on his phone.