章節 208: CHAPTER 205
In the heart of Metropolis, the Justice League gathered at their headquarters, encircling a large table bathed in the ambient glow of overhead lights. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as the iconic heroes, each with their unique abilities, convened to address pressing matters and strategize solutions.
"It's almost nine o'clock," Superman's commanding voice cut through the air, his piercing gaze fixed on the entrance. "He would be here soon."
The Flash, ever the Irreverent speedster, leaned back in his chair, eyes darting toward the doorway. "I guess we should be expecting him to walk through that hallway. Might be just me, but I can't wait to watch his awkward entry and introduction."
"That's too bad; I've been here the whole time," a disembodied voice echoed, sending a chill through the room. "Jesus!" Flash reacted, looking around like there was some kind of ghost in the room. Wonder Woman, quick to react, demanded, "Show yourself," prompting the heroes to assume defensive stances.
Superman and Martian Manhunter used their heat vision, attempting to pierce the unseen veil. Batman, donned in ultraviolet goggles, found no advantage. "Listen for a heartbeat," Batman suggested to Superman, who strained but couldn't discern a sound. "He completely erased his presence," Martian Manhunter added.
"Show yourself, Ace, enough with the games," Batman's gruff tone cut through the tension.
"Chill out, Batsy, I'm here, aren't I?" a voice nonchalantly responded. Ace's figure slowly materialized at the far end of the table, confidently seated as if he'd been there all along.
"How did you do that?" Flash asked, for him he would have to phase faster than the human eye could see as his molecules temporarily become like the wind, all while standing still. But Ace cloaked himself with his defective field which deflected light particles of his surroundings, nullifying every sound from escaping his field as it also concealed his heat signature.
"It's all in the art of deception." Ace replied, clearly indicating he just made himself undetectable from their senses."
"How long have you been here?" Batman asked.
"For almost half an hour, really good speech by the way, I could almost feel the American spirit of patriotism." Ace commented on Superman's speech, while Batman gestured for everyone to take their seats.
"Why didn't you make yourself known when you arrived?" Aquaman asked.
"No particular reason, I just wanted to watch you heroes in your natural habitat, away from the cameras and in the absence of the media." Ace bluntly replied.
"I've noticed your powers are quite versatile, I'd really like to know it's basic nature." Batman said, directing his request to Ace as he did not want to waste an opportunity to figure out the true nature of Ace's powers.
"How about we just get right to the chase." Ace openly suggested, clearly aware of the true intent behind Batman's inquisition regarding his powers.
"There's no doubt you are one of the most powerful person's on the planet, why not use that power for good and help make the world a better place. For with great power comes…" Superman was abruptly interrupted by Ace.
"Don't give me that great responsibility crap, I refuse to be responsible for anything or duty which does not affect me directly." Ace said.
"So you'd rather roam around like a nuisance, wasting your potential on insignificant activities." Green Lantern chipped in.
"Yeah, I'd rather keep my freewill, roaming around without being restricted by any rule. If I find something unpleasant, I might just do something about it every once in a while...If I felt like it, that is." He said for all to hear.
"You need to pick a side, it's either you are the same side with the law or at the other side of it." Superman said, pressing Ace to pick.
"That's were you're wrong, Boy Scout." Ace replied. "You all act as if you only see the world through black and white lenses." Ace added, seating up as he continued.
"In this world where people only see black and white…. I see the Grey of things, that's why I choose to stand on the grey side of things, minding my business and not meddling unless necessary, or if I feel like it." He added.
"And what specifically do you mean by staying in the grey?" Manhunter asked.
"It means I'm not going to get involved with hero business, neither would I indulge in the crappy lifestyle of your so-called villains it'd be a waste of my time and an almost too-easy hobby." Ace clarified. "I'm just a dude who wants to live my life to the fullest and with all it's perks as I try to figure out this journey we all call life." Ace concluded.
"Then why you wear a mask? To evade the consequences of your wrong doings while at it?" Wonder Woman questioned.
"If my identity is revealed, I wouldn't be able to walk down the streets like a normal dude, would I now?" He defended.
"It's quite a shame because the Justice League could really use someone with your abilities, it would be a real tragedy to watch it waste away like that." Aquaman said, trying to envision the Justice League with someone like Ace who could go toe-to toe and hold his own against their major powerhouse.
"As from this moment onward, you're hereby forbidden from interfering with hero business, and would have to face the law if your actions are crime related."
"Absolutely not." Ace calmly objected. "As the name given to me suggests, a tyrant doesn't abide to rules but does as he pleases." Ace said.
"The reason I set up this meeting on this fine evening, is so I could clarify where we stand with each other. Our little team up against Darkseid doesn't make us buddies. If anyone of you lots dares to interfere with my business and attempts to apprehend me in the name of your so called justice, they would certainly regret doing so." Ace warned as he stood up from his seat.
"The laws are what keeps us civilized, a lawless man is comparable to an animal who acts on instincts." Batman stated.
"That's all I had to say to you all. Goodnight folks, and thanks for being present this fine evening." Ace quickly concluded before disappearing into thin air just as he had appeared earlier, not giving anyone a chance at trying to stop him from ending the meeting right there and then.
"Hey, don't just state your demands and disappear like that…" Flash said out loud but got no response. "He's gone isn't he?" Flash said with a hint of sarcasm, turning back to the others.
"Damn, that's one cool way to exit a room." Cyborg muttered, admiring how cool Ace powers actually was.
"Is it just me or did it seem like we offered him some terms and conditions, but he ended up making it one sided and dropped a list of demands instead." Green Lantern said as he mused at the turn of events. The Justice League usually has the upper hand in these cases but this time Ace managed to turn the table around and force his will unto them.
"We aren't letting him roam around doing as he pleases right?" Cyborg asked Batman.
"Of course we aren't, we just have to carefully tend to his case since he's unpredictable and very dangerous. Do well to stay clear of him." Batman replied, dismissing the meeting as they called it a night.
…
[Bruce Wayne's POV]
In the shadowed depths of the Batcave, Bruce Wayne, the enigmatic vigilante known as Batman, found himself haunted by whispers of a mysterious crime lord—dubbed "Ghost." Veiled in secrecy, Ghost had eluded Batman's relentless pursuit, remaining an enigma within the criminal underworld. Despite his vigilant efforts, the Dark Knight had been blindsided by the elusive figure's presence.
Silent and brooding, Bruce immersed himself in the dim glow of multiple monitors, each revealing fragments of intelligence he had meticulously gathered. The murmurings of the criminal elite provided mere whispers, leaving Batman grappling with the inscrutable identity of Ghost. His dedication to the pursuit of justice had consumed him, leading him to interrogate influential criminals, but their lips remained sealed, denying any knowledge of the crime lord.
Tonight, the atmosphere in the Batcave crackled with anticipation, a silent storm brewing beneath the surface. The air resonated with the distant echoes of Batgirl's arrival, the roar of her motorcycle announcing her return from the nocturnal patrol. Yet, Bruce's steely gaze remained fixated on the array of screens, his attention undiverted even as Alfred, the loyal butler, extended a courteous welcome to Barbara.
"Welcome back, Miss Barbara," Alfred intoned with a dignified grace.
"Thank you, Alfred," came Barbara's reply, her voice carrying the fatigue of a night spent thwarting criminal endeavors.
Observing the apparent tranquility, Bruce finally acknowledged her presence without diverting his gaze. "A calm night, I see."
Barbara, undeterred by his stoicism, offered insights into her night's exploits. "After stopping a sloppy attempted robbery, the rest of the night was pretty chill."
"Still nothing on this Ghost guy?" The mention of Ghost prompted Bruce's response, revealing the weight of his obsession.
"Nothing useful so far," he admitted, a subtle promise of resolution underlying his words.
As Barbara sought potential avenues, Bruce's mind hinted at a strategy involving Oswald Cobblepot, the infamous Penguin. A spark of determination flickered in his eyes as he considered the possibility of Penguin actually snitching.
"Oswald Cobblepot would give me information if it benefits him," Bruce mused, his tone implying a shared interest.
Barbara, ever perceptive, completed the thought. "Meaning you hope he also wishes to take down this Ghost guy as much as you do."
With a decisive resolve, Bruce stood, the ambient light glinting off the edges of his hanging cowl. "Seems like Penguin would be getting a little visit from the Bat tonight."
章節 209: CHAPTER 206
[Oswald Cobblepot's POV]
Wrapped in nothing but a towel, I emerged from my luxurious bath, the cold marble beneath my feet a stark contrast to the warmth I'd just experienced. The air in my opulent bedroom was thick with opulence, fitting for someone of my stature in Gotham's criminal underworld. As I entered, the dimly lit room felt odd; even with the lights on, an unusual darkness lingered.
"That's odd," I muttered, surveying the room cautiously, approaching the light switch. Click! Click! The lights stubbornly refused to comply, casting an eerie glow. Reaching into a small locker in my wardrobe, a voice dripping with menace, broke the silence.
"Looking for this?" The lights flickered back to life, revealing the unmistakable silhouette of Batman. In his hands, he held my own gun, an unsettling authority in his stance. "I think it's indeed impossible for you to make a proper entrance, Batman," I quipped, attempting to conceal the unease beneath my composed exterior.
Disregarding my banter, Batman methodically disassembled my gun, the metallic parts cascading onto the rug. Tension thickened as I reached for another weapon from my drawer but it was nowhere to be found, a silent standoff playing out in the dimly lit room.
"You've been discreet, Penguin, but not enough to escape my notice," Batman declared, his gaze unwavering. I draped myself in a luxurious night robe, maintaining my composure in the face of the caped crusader.
"I know I might and might not have done a lot of illegal deals lately, but do well to specify on which of them have you standing so rudely in my bedroom this late at night." I said as I wondered what he knew because I ensured to tighten every loose ends on my activities in the underground.
But he remained silent, just glaring my way as I wore my rob.
That brief moment my mind thought on a lot of things because I found a Batman with few words to be more scary than when he threatens to smash my face-in for information.
"You've been way more discreet with your illegal operations over the past few months, but not enough to keep from me." He replied, taking slowly steps towards me. "I know Ghost is an acquaintance of yours." He added, complete certainty in his tone.
"Who the hell is this Ghost fellow and why would you assume his an acquaintance of mine?" I replied, feigning ignorance because it was not gentlemanly to sell out a business partner just like that.
"Do not play dumb with me, I assure you am in no mood for games or cheesy remarks." He replied, following his words with a low but threatening growl.
"Could you be a bit more specific? It's possible he might have done business with me using a different name." I poked a little, grasping for what little clue I could get from him regarding his knowledge on Ghost. I knew the day Ghost get caught up with the Bat would eventually come.
"It's getting a lot harder to hold back my fist. We both know nothing passes by you in the underworld, I don't have a lot of patience so stop testing it or else I might stop holding back and interrogate you so harshly that you would desperately want to tell me what I want but I bet it would be difficult to speak with a crushed throat." He threatened, reminding me of his usually messy methods of getting inform.
He and I have an understanding which prevents him from being violent with me when it's uncalled for. Looking at the situation it was best I don't tempt him into using his usual methods, something I bet he's just itching to do.
"Okay, but not a word about my involvement if this gets out." I said, calmly taking a seat upon the edge of my bed as I light up my smoke pipe.
"Not much is known about him. All I know is that Ghost is one of the top crime lords in the underground, not only in Gotham City but is believed to have a vast network across major cities." I said, wanting to end it there but Batman was convinced I knew more than I let on.
"Go on." He insisted. I might be doing you a favor by putting him behind bars, if I were you I would start spilling."
Having Ghost get taken down would cause a major shift in the underground, leading to a more intense power squabble than we've ever seen, giving me the opportunity to acquire it all for myself.
"Apart from his quick rise among the ranks of the criminal underworld, he his known as a trusted broker who deals unlawful contracts and firearms in the black market. Dabbling in all forms of crimes except from human trafficking, he takes on numerous deals of which it either interests him, or is presented with an excellent pay."
"That's why no one really knows what exactly it is he does." Batman pointed out.
"Ever met him in person?" He asked.
"No one has, you have to be referred by someone he has worked with, they send him your request then he reaches out to you through encrypted mails."
"Show me." He demanded and I did according, handing him a computer I use for taking on deals, opening my chat room with Ghost.
"Continue spilling, I know there's more, reasons people are either too loyal or too scared to snitch on him." He demanded once more, plugging a drive into my computer.
"What are you doing?" I asked, pretending like the information on that system were actually valuable. Meanwhile I made it an habit to wipe clean every history regarding any completed deal.
"None of your business." He immediately cut me off. "I'm not currently interested in your shady activities, I know plenty already." Batman said to me without batting an eye my way, gesturing for me to answer him as he copied what he needed.
"Betraying him would result to a fate worse than death. He says death is a way of showing mercy, it's either a notorious mercenary shows up to kidnap you and deal you physical pain worst than death, or he takes his time in destroying his target emotionally, inflicting traumas that would break their mind and spirit." There are lots of rumors as to how he deals with traitors, and evidence to instill a kind of fear that shakes a person to their core.
"What evidence?" He asked, finally turning my way as he pulled out his drive then closed the laptop.
"It's not much of a concrete evidence but word in the underworld says what happened to Black Mask and his entire crime family was all he's doing. That's because Black Mask kept poking at him until one night his whole empire was brought down and even in death he was still humiliated. Such level of unpredictability and malicious creativity makes no one want to be on his bad side, in the end people fear what they do not understand and have no control over."
"That's all… For now!" He said as he walked by me, headed for my window.
"Goodbye, hope to never see you again." I replied to him. He turned around and stared me in the eyes without saying a word, the lights flickered for about two seconds and he was gone like some shadow ninja.
Closing my window and ensuring it was locked, a smile found it's way across my lips as I realized Batman just embarked on a possibly wild goose chase.
For my own amusement I left out a thing or two, especially one which could either lead to him getting himself tangled up in a web of confusion, leading himself down a rabbit hole if he kept chasing the shadows presented by the rumors rather than the light source casting the shadows.
Depending on the gang or family, Ghost was referred to by many names within the members as they work with him. Names such as Shadow master, Cipher Kingpin, Nocturnal Puppeteer, Obsidian Overlord. Leaving only the heads to know him by the name Ghost.
LAUGH
A laugh escaped me as it began to sound like some mythical legend in the world of crime. Of course Batman would have trouble finding anything about him, a lot of underdogs have worked with him without their knowledge of his identity as Ghost.
This was my chance to see if he was worthy of the power he had acquired. If he could keep this up without Batman tainting his clean records so far, then he had successfully lived up to his hype. But if it goes the other way around, just like quick sand everything he had manage to build for himself would crumble to dust.
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