章節 125: CHAPTER 123
"Why didn't you call before coming?" I asked Leo as I led him inside, gesturing for him to take a seat.
"And ruin the surprise? Nah, I don't think so," he casually replied, settling into the chair. "I've gotta say, this is some nice crib, kid," Leo commented, admiring the interior design of my place.
"What if I had a girl over?" I quipped.
"Come on, kid, we both know you don't bother with that. So far, you've lived your life with goals and fixations, almost like you've already enjoyed all the pleasures the world has to offer in a previous life.
That's something we need to change."
Leo wasn't far from the truth. The old me had indulged in clubbing and womanizing, but now it all felt mundane and time-wasting. While I had considered going out for a night of fun and a few one-night stands with strangers, I never made time for it. Ironically, time was one thing I currently had in abundance—a lame excuse indeed.
"You're not someone who moves without an actual motive, Leo. So, tell me, what are you really doing here?"
"Alright, alright, you've got me," Leo said with a playfully defeated tone, raising his hands in surrender. "I got into some trouble back in Central City and needed a place to lay low for a while. Where else could I go except coming to you?"
"I don't know, maybe one of your many hideouts," I remarked sarcastically. "True, but I prefer it here. It would be a win-win for both of us. Don't you get lonely living by yourself?"
"Actually, I don't. I like the comfort that comes with my solitude. And if I need someone to talk to, I have my AI."
"An AI?" Leo's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Yup, say hello, Gwen," I commanded.
"Hello Mr. Snart." Gwen's voice reverberated through a speaker, leaving Leo momentarily shocked. His hand instinctively reached for his coat, as if he were reaching for his gun in case of danger.
"Calm down, Leo," I said, chuckling. "You should have seen yourself just now. You're one paranoid dude."
"You've got it wrong. I was reaching for my handkerchief," he attempted to play it cool, trying to hide the fact that he was startled and had immediately gone into battle stance because of an AI, showcasing just how paranoid he had become. It was a pleasing sight to me because he often had a calm and relaxed demeanor.
"Yeah, yeah," I sarcastically waved it off, while Leo placed his coat on the edge of my couch.
"I knew you were smart, but I didn't know you could get yourself a personal AI. Damn, kid," Leo remarked casually as he opened my fridge and leaned in to examine its contents. "You're out of beer? The only things left are orange juice and non-alcoholic soft drinks and a few groceries. You've got to be kidding me," he muttered, closing the fridge and turning to see me in the living room, not paying mind to his comments.
"Did you hear what I just said? You're out of beer! For Mick, it would be a fucking nightmare."
"That's why you aren't Mick. Come on now, let's go get some drinks. The bill's on you," I said, reaching out my hand towards the coat rack.
"The bill's on me? Coming from the guy who's loaded and pays me too well for each job I do for him," Leo replied, walking over to the couch to retrieve his coat. He was stunned when he saw my jacket fly into my hand as if summoned.
"How did you do that?" He asked as he made short glances between my hand, the ceiling, and the coat rack.
"With my mind, or do you see a rope attached to it?" I replied him, stating the obvious as I wore my jacket.
"Since when did you have powers?" Leo asked, surprise creeping onto his face, though he did his best to remain calm. Let's just say he wasn't very good at hiding it.
"I've always had powers; I just never used them around people," I said, walking over to the door. "I had my suspicions after our encounter with the speedsters the other night, but I shrugged it off. Tell me more, show me what you can do."
"Relax, Leo. Let's talk about it over our drinks."
"One question. Why didn't you use them during any of our earlier heists and just acted like a kid too smart for his age?"
"Simple. They weren't needed for the jobs. And you know I never intended to get involved with our heists."
"Then why didn't you mention to me that you had powers?"
"Same reason you didn't tell me that you were Captain Cold." I gave a swift come back.
"Okay, I get it. So, what do you use your powers for? Just grabbing things at home? If so, that's pretty lame," Leo teased, bursting into mocking laughter.
"If I told you, you wouldn't be laughing anymore."
"What do you mean by that?" Leo's expression shifted to one of curiosity, raising an eyebrow.
"Do you know that new guy who's been in the news lately?"
"Oh, that Ace guy who killed the Joker? That guy was insane, my kind of insane. Although he draws a lot of attention to himself but he gets things done and does it with flare. What about him?"
"Hold your suspense, and let's go get some drinks," I replied with a mischievous grin spreading across my lips.
"Don't tell me you know him. Even the heroes don't know what to do with him," Leo said, his excitement building.
"Something like that. Come on, let's go already"
"Okay, okay, I'm coming," Leo said, donning his coat. We left the house, and with a tap on my watch, the garage door opened, revealing a sleek black car with gold accents that perfectly complemented the dark color. It automatically made its way to the driveway.
"That's your ride?" Leo asked, whistling dramatically.
"Who else would it be but mine? Come on, hop in," I replied, as both doors opened, inviting Leo and me inside. We got in, and I drove us to a really nice bar.
…
As Leo and I stepped out of the sleek black vehicle, the neon lights of the Gotham City bar illuminated the dimly lit street. The sound of chatter and laughter spilled out onto the sidewalk, blending with the distant sounds of the bustling city. We made our way through the door, and immediately the unmistakable smell of alcohol filled the air, accompanied by the energetic atmosphere of the bar.
Leo glanced around, taking in the interior design with a discerning eye. The walls were adorned with vintage posters and photographs, creating a nostalgic ambiance. The bar itself was made of polished wood, reflecting the warm glow of the overhead lights. We found a table in a corner, affording us a clear view of the entire room.
Leo leaned back in his chair and spoke, "Although we met at a bar, we never really got to have a drink." He signaled the bartender, catching his attention.
The bartender approached us, a bottle in hand, and placed two glasses on the table. He expertly poured the drinks, then turned to leave. But before he could walk away, Leo held his hand, stopping him in his tracks. "Why don't you leave the bottle? It's gonna be a long night," Leo said with a hint of a warning in his voice.
The bartender hesitated for a moment, then nodded and left the bottle on the table before returning to the counter. Leo and I took our first sips, savoring the taste as the cool liquid slid down our throats.
"Now, about that uproar Lex is about to start up. How can I fully take advantage of it? Personally, I mean," Leo asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
I leaned forward, contemplating his question. "It's easy, Leo. The heroes and the police will be too busy trying to control the chaos. Who would be left to protect the banks, museums, industries, and other places holding valuables?"
Leo smirked, catching on to my plan. "Lowly guards who don't stand a chance," he replied, his confidence evident.
"Exactly," I affirmed. "And you have connections, men you could make a contract with, even if it's just for a week. You could sweep through different cities, hitting the targets without interference. Although I wouldn't advise doing it in Central City."
Leo's face contorted into confusion. "Why? Central City is my home, I like it there."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "That's the thing about you guys. You villains are so fixated on robbing a city that has superheroes guarding it when you could just head over to a city with a weak-ass police force. The Flash could stop your guys in Central City and still have enough time and energy to get back to the battlefield without breaking a sweat."
Leo shrugged, undeterred. "That's the fun of it, bro. Doing what I want when I want."
"Well, suit yourself, but don't let the thrill of the chase cost you too much. Have your limits, and that should be the police, not the certain heroes."
One thing I have come to realize about the DC verse is that the villains keep attempting to commit crimes in cities with really effective superheroes, and without an actual solid plan. They would go ahead with their absurd heists when they know the chances of success was really slim.
"Ghost has become quite a big name in the criminal underground, not just in Gotham. He's considered one of the most trusted brokers. Considering how paranoid those guys are, that's saying a lot," Leo mentioned, his voice lowering slightly to ensure our conversation remained discreet.
I nodded, swirling the liquid in my glass thoughtfully. "Yeah, I'm just doing what I do. And I would pick trust over love at any time. To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved."
Leo raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Man, that's deep," he remarked as he gave slow consecutive nodds. "I asked you about how you use your powers, then you suddenly brought up that Ace guy. Don't tell me it's what I've been thinking on our way here."
I met his gaze, my expression serious. "Yeah, about him... That was actually me."
Leo's disbelief was palpable as he stared at me, his eyes wide with shock. "I've had my suspicions for the past hour, but I can't possibly hold this back right now. What the fuck!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.
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章節 126: CHAPTER 124
"What? You're Ace?" Leo whispered, leaning in to keep our conversation discreet.
"Yeah, it's me. I know you've got questions, so fire away," I replied, acknowledging his curiosity.
Leo gave me a suspicious look, raising an eyebrow before asking, "First off, are you a metahuman?"
"To be honest, I'm not sure."
"What do you mean you are not sure?" He asked.
"A few months after the accident that took my family and my memories, I discovered I had powers. But there wasn't any mention of my being a metahuman in the records my family doctor kept of me."
Leo seemed perplexed. "So, you're saying you might not be a metahuman, but you have powers?"
"That's right. It's a bit confusing, but that's how it is," I explained, unsure myself of the nature of my abilities.
Leo nodded, trying to process the information. "Well, that's weird and awesome at the same time."
"I know you don't act without a reason. So, why the name Ace?" he inquired, his eyes filled with suspicion.
"I didn't choose that name willingly. It was just a persona I needed for certain personal jobs. Even if people didn't know what they stole, they witnessed the operation. So, Ace was a way for me to handle those situations and have a little fun while testing my powers," I responded. "After the incident with Sinestro, they started calling me Ace."
Leo looked at me, surprised. "You're not the same kid I met in Central City a few years ago. You've changed. You used to prefer staying in the shadows, and now you're wearing the big boy pants even the big boys are scared of. I'm proud of you, kid. You're growing."
"Thanks, Leo. The essence of being human is to evolve. Mentally, physically, spiritually—we should always strive to grow. If we're not evolving, then something's wrong," I philosophized.
"Don't go all professor mode on me right now. I'm too drunk for that," Leo interjected, trying to lighten the mood.
We shared a laugh before continuing our conversation. "Considering how you took down Sinestro and Joker, just how strong are you?" Leo asked, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.
"Strong enough to do as I please," I replied cryptically.
Leo's eyes widened at my response. "Are you strong enough to take out the Justice League? Or at least battle a few of them?"
"I'd say I'm strong enough to take out more than ninety percent of the League," I admitted, revealing the extent of my powers.
Leo was taken aback. "Wow. With that kind of power, we could do whatever we want without worrying about the heroes or the cops. Some people already see you as a villain, so why not give them what they want and live a free life as a villain?"
"It's true that the media labels me as a menace, but that doesn't mean I have to act the way they expect me to. Having the power to do anything doesn't mean resorting to a life of crime and being hunted by every hero and the police. They might even call in national security. Right now, I'm the freest person in the world, and I want to live a life of freedom without bounds or limitations," I explained, expressing my desire for a clearer path then taking my last sip of the drink before gesturing for us to leave the bar. We paid our tab and walked towards the car.
However, I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching us. I glanced back discreetly, noticing a figure at the far end corner of the bar. I decided not to alarm Leo and dismissed it as a potential mugger.
"What's wrong? Why are you looking around like that?" Leo asked, concerned.
"It's nothing. Just thought someone might be watching, but it's probably nothing to worry about. Could just be a random guy." I shrugged it off.
Leo hesitated for a moment before letting it go. We got into the car, and I drove through the busy streets of Gotham. The moon's reflection on the windshield added an ethereal glow to the night as the city lights illuminated the road.
"Wanna grab a bite before heading home?" I suggested to the tipsy Leo. "You had as much to drink as I did, and yet you're still sober enough to drive."
Leo glanced out the window and then back at me. "Maybe it's another quirk that comes with your powers." We both chuckled at the thought.
*Beep*
"Sir, it seems you have someone tailing you," Gwen reported through the car's speakers.
"What? Where are they?" Leo asked, glancing at the side mirror and scanning the surroundings.
"They're on a black motorcycle, keeping a certain distance from your vehicle. I've been tracking their movements since you left the bar," Gwen explained, her voice calm and collected.
"Okay, hack into the city's surveillance cameras and give me a live video feed of our stalker," I commanded. The dashboard screen displayed a figure clad in a brown leather biker's jacket, black combat trousers, heavy boots, and a black helmet covering their entire head.
"Looks... friendly." Leo sarcastically remarked as we both focused on the screen, observing the mysterious stalker. "Well, it seems we can't head straight back to your place," Leo commented, voicing his concern.
A mischievous smile crept onto my face. This unexpected encounter could add some excitement to our night. "No, we can't. How about we take a little detour?"
Leo's curiosity was piqued. "Sounds good to me."
"Gwen, search for an abandoned location nearby where we can confront our stalker," I instructed, maintaining our current speed to avoid alerting our pursuer.
"There's a construction site nearby. You could lure them there," Gwen suggested.
"Perfect," I said, activating the car's autopilot. "Take us there, but eject Leo and me a few blocks away. Then park the car ahead."
Leo looked at me, bewildered. "Wait, what? Tom, what are you saying? I'm too tipsy for this."
I reassured him, gripping his coat and making sure he met my gaze. "Do you trust me, Leo?"
He paused for a moment, considering his answer. "I'm not sober enough to trust anyone without a plan. But when it comes down to it, I trust you."
A countdown echoed through the car's speakers. "Five... Four..."
"Look at me, Leo," I said, pulling his attention back to me. "No matter what happens, stay calm. This might be the most fun you've had in months." I said to him with a smirk on my face.
"Three... Two..."
Leo's expression turned serious, his eyes focused. "Okay, I'm ready."
"One... Ejecting... Now," Gwen concluded the countdown. The car's roof slid open, and our seats propelled us into the cool night air.
Leo surprised me with his composure. He didn't scream or panic, just what I expected from his demeanor. As we floated mid-air, I used my telekinetic powers to stabilize us, and a smile broke through his usually cold exterior. Flying seemed to awaken a hidden joy within him.
Gradually, I guided us towards a nearby building, concealing our presence. From our vantage point,we watched as the stalker approached the car, realizing we weren't inside.
Leo instinctively reached for his gun, ready to defend himself if necessary. Sensing his readiness, I gently guided him a few paces behind me, still concealed from the stalker's line of sight.
"Hello, stranger," I greeted, using my powers to remove the stalker's helmet with a wave of my hand. Beneath it was someone I wasn't expecting to run into so soon, I still had to carefully arrange our meeting and win him over to the side of the Outlaws. But here he was, standing there with his trademark red mask covering his head like a skull-tight helmet. He wore a brown leather biker's jacket, wielded a set of twin semi-automatic pistols, and had a combat knife strapped to his side.
He turned around to see Leo and I standing behind him, with Leo already pointing his cold gun at him. He immediately reached behind him and pulled out a grapple gun, pointing it at a construction beam up above and shot it in an instant.
"I guess we have no choice but to ice this sucker," he said, aiming his gun at Red Hood. "Wait, don't attack him yet," I interjected, gesturing for Leo to lower his guard.
"You are a long way from home, Leonard Snart, or should I say… Captain Cold. We already have our own ice guy; we do not need another," Jason said as he looked down on Leo and I from the elevated spot. "And you kid, what are you doing with a man like him? Is he your uncle or something?"
"Hell no." Leo immediately defended while I tried my best not to laugh at that statement. "You know he is a criminal right? You shouldn't be hanging out with him unless you have a good reason to do so." Jason added. I guess getting killed and being brought back from the dead did nothing to reduce his pride but increased it some more.
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