March 7, 2016
Tuesday
"Team please meet in the conference room," Dick's voice came out of numerous speakers all over the building. Once everyone was there, Dick started speaking, and Bart stopped listening. Than proceeded to walk away when they stared at him. A few days later, after the meeting, this happened.
Bart sat on the couch in the cave surrounded by three boxes of pizza. He was listening to music and couldn't hear the team barge in. Wally West yanked an earbud out of his cousin-once-removed's ear and angrily speed talked to him. Honestly, Bart thought it was more like shouting than talking, but that didn't matter.
"Um, what's up?"
"What's up? Like you don't know, 'A green and black blur that had an uncanny resemblance to Impulse'," The yellow-clad hero shouted, quoting the newspaper and dropping it into the smaller speedster's lap.
"What?" Bart asked, eyes wide, as he looked at a figure that looked just like him in a darker outfit with the exception of shorter blond hair. "How did he get here?" Bart thought, angrily and turned on the news. Sure enough, Bart's guess was right; he knew that the other boy had hijacked the news program. "So not crash…"
"I know you're watching, Impulse, that's what the public call you, isn't it? Well, guess what! You probably thought the new drugs and increase in violence was nothing! Wrong! It was my calling card. Did you really think he killed me? I will kill you, it's a promise, remember? If I don't, then I'll kill all your friends from this year. Do you really think you can save the world while skirting around the truth of our world. Never telling anyone the actual problem, In addition, all the lying, gosh, grandfather would be proud of you. Meet me, 5 minutes, get in your costume, you know where to go. Anyone comes, and I'll kill him or her. You know how to lose them; you're faster than even the Flash. I am still faster of course," He said, ending in an arrogant tone.
"Come on 'brother' let's go home," the blond said, voice laced with sarcasm, "I challenge you to come."
"Well, I'm sorry you all had to see this broadcast," Bart said, with a smile he was sure to make it looking nervous. He hoped they only caught on to a little bit of it since the boy in green and black talked so fast, faster than Bart normally talks. "Well, see you guys later."
"Hey, wait Bart, what did he mean save the world? kill you? brother? What's going on?" said Wally.
"I, uh, I'll tell you later. After all I haven't lost yet, so I probably won't now, right," Bart normally had a fake smile sealed on his face, but now genuine feelings had sprouted onto his face before he could stop it. "Actually, wait a second. I think I know how to do this," something had popped in the 14 year old's head, something dangerous. Impulsive; He did it anyway, he always does.
He started vibrating, as fast as he could go. He could feel his connection to the speedforce much more than any of the other speedsters. He ran in a small circle so fast that he blurred into three Bart's. One of which ran to wear his costume was, another raced to the computer, hacking into the mainframe pulling up a bunch of sites, the last stayed still standing in one place in front of the team. "So, I can tell this is a bad idea, but hey, you want to know so this could work. Besides, one of the men in the newscast looked like someone from my time, someone bad. So, ask away." The team could tell he was uneasy from all this. His act was shattering before him; he had done this so long he was proud of how well he hides his feelings and lied to them.
"What did he mean by save the world? The lying, Grandfather, Brother, dead, what was he talking about?" the team asked, well mainly the Flash and his nephew.
"Um, you see, - Augh!" He fell; it had only been 3 minutes since his clone-twin-thing (?) started fighting his 'brother'. Bart's eyes widened, he just felt himself die. He didn't even realize that he was on the ground until his face landed in a pile of his own blood that he retched up when he felt himself die. He looked over to the other clone; he was on the ground, too. "Um, sorry, well I lied about the world I live in, that's the reason I came back. I thought he was dead, I thought grandfather killed him," all heads turned to Barry Allen, "No, not that one, he died before I ever met him. Actually, I stopped him from dying, that's one of the reasons I came back."
"So, who's your other grandfather?" BB asked.
"I can't say it's a spoiler. Um, the rest of it is somewhat complicated. I didn't agree with grandfather, so he cloned me, we are the same age because, when we were younger I aged rapidly, and but the reach did something, fixed it." This song saved my life rang off an odd devise in his pocket. He pulled it out, revealing a makeshift phone. "Hey, could have used this 15 minutes ago, update?"
"Thadd is in your time, and we found out that there is a man from our time, went back when he was 16. Stole your prototype time machine, he'd be about 27 in your time. He has brown hair, a long face, and green eyes. He responds to Randall Flickson. Went back and inspired the anti-justice league. He planned it all. We still haven't found out why."
"Thanks, Dante. I've run into some trouble here; think you two could come back here. Time's always cool with bringing someone with him when he travels off."
"Cool, but they collared him. You were the one who knew how to take it off."
"There should be a sequence of numbers on it, what does it say?"
"T-MG573-52-12-7 Is the number what's it mean."
"Time-Metagene prototype 573-year 52-December-7th is what it means. Do you remember when they collared you it's the same type?"
"Yeah, I remember, thanks."
March 3, 2016
Friday
Bart woke from the strangely detailed and realistic dream. He stepped out the room and headed. He grabbed a bunch of random types of meat, chugging it in his mouth, and leaving back to his bedroom. He whipped out the strange cell phone from in the dream and called Dante. "Hey? Did you broadcast a premonition in my head?"
"Yeah, sorry, I was actually asleep at the time."
"Well, thanks, if that was the future, I needed a heads up. If he's coming, then I need to stop anyone from seeing him. It could put everything in danger. Well, bye, thanks," Bart said to Dante. Wally walked into room and looked confused to see the machine in Bart's hand.
"What's up," Wally asked, still glancing at the machine.
"I don't know if I should answer that," his voice oddly cold as he addressed his Wally's eyes softened, he nodded and left the room silently.
"What happened?" Wally asked confused.
"It's a spoiler, if any of them knew, there's a chance something could change in the future, like me never being born." Bart saw Wally's eyes widen, with a brief nod, he knew he had subdued Wally.
"Team, please meet in the conference room," Nightwing's voice came out of numerous speakers all over the building. Once everyone was there, Nightwing started speaking, this time Bart payed close attention. "Apparently, there is an outburst of crime, coming from a new, highly aggressive drug, called 'Inertia'." Bart's eyes almost widened. If he had payed attention before, he'd have realised. After all, Inertia was always what Thadd claimed was his 'SUPER-Name'. The memory made Bart smile.
"It seems to be manufactured quickly, only taking a few hours. People who take it rapidly gain meta abilities, that burn out just as fast as they were discovered. Their memory is still insanely clear and accurate, even with all the side effects. We have decided that someone, who has to be able to act, will have to work the streets. After we figure out who, we will give them a list of side-effects," Nightwing continued.
All the younger students wanted to do it; except Bart. All the older generation looked expectantly at Bart, waiting for him to join in with the younger members; who were pretending, more like failing, to act. Striking random poses and saying random dramatic things, they saw off TV. Kid Flash looked at Bart. His eyes seemed to say 'go on', to Bart this all seemed like a test. After a while, everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at him.
That's when his act started. He smirked like a street rat and said in a sickly sweet, teasing tone, "What never seen a kid living off the street? That's sad. I hear there's a lot in Gotham, why don't you go there if you want to gawk at one?" He walked away, smiled cheerfully, before racing to the kitchen and getting three sandwiches. They were impressed; they had never seen Bart so serious, or angry looking.
"So, who do you think it should be?" Wally asked Dick, he didn't know if he wanted it to be Bart or not.
"Bart's was the only one believable. So Bart, I guess. Alternatively, we could call in Static's group ask them about it. Which do you think?"
Bart walked in, "I want to do it. Someone from my past came back. I think this is how he's trying to get my attention."
"Who do you think came back from the future?" Dick asked.
"I don't want to spoil everything, this is the one spoil, that if anyone finds out, there is a chance I won't exist. Than, everything I changed would change back."
"Changed? What did you change on purpose?" Wally asked.
"Spoilers," Bart whispered; he knew if he told it might create a paradox. Every one he saved would die, just in a different way than they were supposed to.
"Okay, we are going to let you, but don't let them catch on. Also you have to tell us what you changed, soon," Wally said, and then went to calling Barry and Jay. Bart could hear the angry elders yelling at Wally for authorizing this. They clearly didn't want him doing something this dangerous. Bart breathed in a ragged breath, smirked, and speed out getting in costume and in place. His street costume consisted of an old, raggedy, green, jacket, a greasy grey shirt, and ripped jeans. His shoes were harder to pick out, so he ran as fast as he could in his oldest shoes. He wore them out completely. He packed a small bag with food, a notebook, and a pencil,; he put some pictures of his parents in there, too.
A story, he thought, he needs a story. He came up with it in a few minutes; it wasn't hard. His name was Ace Matthews; he was 15 and was an only child. He recently ran away from the orphanage that took him in after his parents died. The orphanage was unjust and practically starved the kids, and made them work for nothing in return. He'd been there until he was 9, and ran. It was simple to remember, especially with his photographic memory.
"You ready? We are thinking of having Wally go with you. If that's fine with you," Dick said. Bart narrowed his eyes. One eyebrow raised, a scowl on his face. A split second later, his face was void of anything but a dopey grin, and lies.
"Sure, he can come but, there's no guaranteeing his survival. Not with who came back," Bart said. Dick frowned.
"Who followed you here? Who is so terrible that you're actually forming a plan rather than being you're impulsive self?"
"Spoilers. If I told you, there's a chance I may not be born, and I rather enjoy not being erased from the space-time continuum."
"Is that a 'no' to Wally coming?"
"I'd prefer he didn't show…"
"He cares, he's just worried. It IS you're first solo mission." Bart smiled, a grin that twisted Dick's thoughts. The smile confused him. It was smug, and secretive. "It isn't your first solo mission, is it?" Bart shook his head.
"So, what am I to do, Nightwing?"
"Have you made a background?" Bart nodded. "What's your name?"
"Ace Matthews. Been on the run since 9, 15 now. That makes 7 years, orphan,ran from foster home. Presumed dead. Parents dead, car accident. I'm an only child, can you tell me what I need to do? Oh, and If you DO want to send someone with me, can you make it Tim? Or, Blue. We also need M'gann, for the link, she can shift, her costume would be easier. You need to be in range, so you can control the team. Also, I need to see an inhibitor collar," Bart rushed out. Nightwing thought it through, these where only suggestions, but they were smart. Well . "So?"
"You make a good plan, when you turn off the impulse. What's the collar for?"
"Me. You know how much a speedster eats? This will hold my metabolism on pause. Make me eat like a human, live like one. I'm gonna change it somewhat, though. It's program will be overridden when fear hormones, or stress glands that are active. It will also be smaller, less noticeable."
"This is genius, will you need help with that?"
"If I do, Tim knows his way around programs like this," Bart smirked. "So, I take it you approve?"
"Yes, but I have to wonder, is there a reason you'd rather have them than Wally?"
"I can swear them to secrecy, and make them leave me to my fate. I'm unsure how well it would settle with Wally West, of all people."
"This person who came back, is there a reason he's targeting YOU?"
"I'm… kinda like his brother? But, I'm not his brother. He will say I am, though. Also, don't let anyone watch the news Tuesday, please?"
"Why?"
"My friend sent me a premonition of that day. It went REALLY ugly for me."
"How so?"
"The guy who came back, thought I was ignoring him, when really I thought he was dead. So, he hacked the news, tried to kill some people, made us meet up. He also threatened to kill all my friends from this time. Glad, he didn't threaten Dante. That kid can BARELY take care of hims-." Bart's future phone rang. "Hey Dante.~"
"Don't say that! Don't tell DICK GRAYSON that I can't take care of myself! Or, that I'm a KID!"
"Tell him yourself, KID," Bart smirked. Something that he would be doing a lot undercover. With no reason for the act though, it unsettled Dick to some extent.
"Wait, what no! I can't talk to HIM! He's," Bart handed the phone to Dick.
"Here," Dick said. "So, why can't you talk to me? Something wrong with me?"
"Um, NO, no sir. I just don't want to spoil anything! Especially since I can hardly control them," Dante said. "Ummm, what point in time is it there? Anything weird happening in Gotham?"
"No, why?"
"I'm just curious, had a vision take place there."
"So, tell me about yourself? What's it like in the future?"
"Ummm, the future is different from the past," Dante tried. He was a terrible liar. "Not much happens here really. So what do you wanna know?"
"What's your name? Do I know you're parents?"
"Dante, and yes, you do know them. Or, rather WILL know them."
"How old are you, what's your LAST name?"
"I'm 13. My last name is Wayne,"
"REALLY! So, we are related? Sweet!"
"I don't know if you should go that far. Though, I'm not surprised about how you're acting. Mother and Father always said you were eccentric."
"So, are you Tim's kid?"
"Drake?" Dante said. Than he giggled. "No, sir. Sorry, the idea is kinda funny to me."
"Why would it be funny?"
"It's hard to explain, but you'll get it when I'm born. Trust me. Give it back to Bart now, please?"
"Hey, bro!~" Bart said. "So, any problems? How's Time?"
"He's cool. For the moment. Need a plan to keep him that way though. Like you're doing with Blue."
"When it happen?"
"3 days from now." Dick stared at Bart. He looked serious for a second. "Wanna know what he was doing straight before?" Bart grinned, mischievously.
"Hell yeah. What happen?"
"He was high. Running round like crazy! He brought back a DINOSAUR. I don't know how he even got it!"
"Wow. Wait? Why would you let TIME get HIGH? I mean, that NEVER ends well," Bart said. Dick's eyes widened. "So, here's the plan: You hid the shit. He's a better drunk than a druggie. Keep him in the warehouse. Don't let him use his power. 'Kay?"
"Yeah, I can do that."
"Well, bye?"
"Wait! I have a warning. You acknowledged him this time. He jumps you Saturday. 9:46. Get away from your group before than. OK? That is, if you don't want them to know." Bart knew that tone. It was a wondering and worrying tone. The same he'd use to ask if something was wrong.
"I'm grateful for the warning. I will be careful, don't worry, kay?" Bart said.
"If he knocks you out, he drags you 'Home'. So, try not to pass out." Bart grimaced. This would be difficult. He hated 'Home'. "Bye" Bart gave a quick 'Later', and hung up.
Wally walked in. "So, what was the answer? Also, Bart, what did you change?"
"Well, Bart doesn't want you to meet the person, so he said 'No' to your presence. He did, however, agree to Red Robin, Miss Martian, and Blue Beetle. He's had a good point as to why."
"Why not me? Do you not trust me?"
Bart said, "I trust you. I'm just not sure how you would react. Or, if you could even pull off, what I've got in mind."
"So, why them?"
"Telepathy, smarts, muscle. Need I go on?"
"Fine… Then answer me what you changed?"
"The day I came, the Flash was supposed to die. That's it for now. I came for a reason. Something else I need to change."
"What was it?"
"Spoilers!~" Bart's cheerful voice rang out too loud. Beast Boy came running in.
"There you are! So, I heard you got picked! What's it like? What's the plan? Are you excited for your first solo-mission?" Garfield said.
"About that… I don't want it to be a solo-mission. After all, someone's got to cover me on tomorrow," Bart raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"To see him. The person from my past. Hey, I've always wanted to get drunk at least ONCE before I die. Find anything that works on speedsters?"
"Die?"
"He came back to kill me, why not let him try. Besides, in a prophesy, he kinda did," Bart said.
"Prophesy? Kill you? Seriously, who the FUCK is targeting you?" Bart gave a confused and sad look.
"Two things: One, It doesn't matter who. Two, what's a fuck? We never had that word in the future," Bart said. Wally and Gar stared in shock. Dick facepalmed, of course Bart didn't know.
"You haven't heard it before? Ummm, you know the birds and the bees, right?"
"Ummm, what does they have to do with all of this? Birds are pretty, bees are painful," Bart said. Now it's Wally facepalming. He looked toward Dick.
"I'm not giving him 'The Talk'," Wally said.
"He doesn't need it at the moment. He probably knows better than to let strangers get near him," Dick said. Bart was confused, but went with it. "But, just incase, I want Beast Boy there too. With you at all times. Got it, Impulse?"
"WHAT! I told you what I had to do! You can't do this! I have to do this ALONE! I don't want him to die too," Bart said, his voice going decrescendo. He acted as if he KNEW he would die, no matter what, tomorrow.
"All the more reason to take Beast Boy with you. So YOU don't DIE," Dick said. Bart eyed him.
"Alright. I am not happy about this, though. I am the only one who hurts this person, got it?" Bart said. Gar nodded fearfully at the tone.
"Why?" Wally butted in.
"I thought he was dead once, shame on me. I will NOT go through that again. I do not care if he does hate me. Gr- Someone just tainted him into hating me. It was my own fault, I did not do as told, so this happened," Bart said.
"What didn't you do?" Wally asked.
"Kill my half brother," Bart said. It was fact in the past, or rather future, that he could not, would not hurt his family.
"Oh, ummm, wow. How'd you end up in that position?"
"Spoilers…" Bart dropped the subject. "So, Gar. You have to stay out of sight. Especially on Saturday. Okay?"
"Yes sir," Gar soluted.
"Awesome. Now, Dick. May you call in the others?"
"Sure." He pressed a button on his comm. "M'gann, Jaime, Robin? Please come to the training room? This is important. Pack some things and wear normal clothes." Almost 15 minutes later, they came bustling in.
"What's going on?" M'gann asked. Bart smirked, and stepped forward.
"It's your lucky day. I convinced Nightwing to let it be a team mission. So, you all will join Beast Boy and me on this. You will all have a part in this, as you all have something it needs," Bart said.
"Like what?" Tim said.
"Well,Tim you are the brains. M'gann can do a psychic link, and her powers can keep us all safer. Jaime, you are the strength,"
"What about you and Beast Boy?" Tim asked.
"I have a personal connection, this is better for me to re-meet who came back. BB here, well, Nightwing here, thinks I should NOT get myself killed. I mean I am pretty sure I'm gonna die anyways, if I lose. I hope I won't though. Otherwise BB is, well actually I don't know, might have nightmares. I'd hope he wouldn't look, or listen while I die though."
"Ummm, ese, wouldn't he try to help you?" Jaime said.
"I told him not to. This is MY fight. I really don't want him getting hurt or killed. Nor do I want the person who came back hurt, or killed."
"How are you gonna fight him without hurting him?" Miss Martian asked.
"I'll tell him the truth, hope he believes me. Hope he still cares. It's the best I can do," Bart said. It was a lie. He knew how that would end. If he couldn't get through, he'd run away. He knew it was slim to get through. After all, he was corrupted by the man who hate Bart, and the rest of the Allen family.
"And if that doesn't work, hermano?" Jaime said.
"I either die, or I run? Probably die," Bart said. The way he said it though was like he had thought it was obvious.
"Why do you say that?" Tim inquired.
"Spoilers."
"How would it be a spoiler if we are gonna meet him?"
"If you meet him you can't say his name, ever. Or, his connection to me. Saying it might erase me from existence," Bart said, thinking more of Thaddeus.
"Ok, we won't touch him. Or, help you, unless you ask," Tim said. Bart smiled at his friend.
"That is all I ask," Bart replied.
"So, ummm, mission briefing now?" Wally asked. He was agitated from the remarks of Bart dying, especially that he was the one saying them.
Nightwing told them the mission, and how to were to act like druggies.
An hour past, and they were on the streets. It was 12:47. They hung out in an ally. Tim had been hacking nearby building's security cameras to find where the sales take place. Bart was fiddling with the collar. He made it into a simple, black bracelet.
'Mind link up,' Miss M. said.
'Have you all thought up backgrounds, yet?' Bart asked. He wanted to make sure he didn't have too bad of a story.
'Yeah,' Tim said, earning the right of way. 'I am Oswald, never gives out last name. From gotham, street kid. Parents were alcoholics, so I ran. Most call me Oz.' Tim stopped fiddling around.
'I'm going to be Peter Tryon. Parents were too overbearing, hated it. Ran off and lost my way. Than joined up with you all.'
'I am Margret. I hated the name, and my neglectful parents, so I thought, if I was gonna be on my own, it was gonna be on my terms, people me M. You're next Bart.' They all glanced at him.
'Wait, what about me?' BB said.
'You won't need one, ese. Not unless you change outta fly form.' Jaime answered.
'Oh, you're right, I guess. So, Bart?'
'Ace Matthews. Parents died when 9, got moved to a terrible orphanage. Escaped, started living on my own, found you all. Simple as can be.'
A can was thrown down the alley, It held a note that said "Bart Allen~ I see you~" It had landed right by him. He didn't bother showing the team. His future phone rang softly. "Hey, Dante~"
"Not Dante, this time. Hey Bart, it's been a while."
"Hey,long time no hear~"
"Hey, look, I wasn't gonna call, but Dan ain't doin' too good. Ya see, he keeps mumbling 'Abort Mission' and 'Don't let Inertia kill you'. Is he back? Inertia, I mean."
"Yeah, but he's in the past, so don't worry."
"Ain't worried 'bout myself, man. Ya where creed when ya got back from where he was. Like batbud crazy~" Bart could hear the frown in his voice. "So, don't mess with 'im, please?"
"I gotta. Sorry. If I don't he'll kill someone else," Bart replied.
"Jus' don't die on us, kay? Ya where always the leader o' the group, ya know?"
"Yeah, but sorry. Dante is in charge now. The kid'll be great at it~"
"If you get yourself killed, I'm gonna go back to my drugs, 'ight?"
"No! You are not doing that again. Got it," Bart's words came out menacingly, and the group flinched.
"Than don't die, boss, not even to 'im."
"I'll try not to. No promises. Bye," Bart said. Time hung up. Bart opened his bag and threw in the phone. He took out the pencil, and paper, and started to draw.
'You okay,' BB asked.
'Fine, Why? It wasn't too big of a problem.'
'Will you tell us about it, hermano?' Jaime came in.
'Yeah. Time, one of my friends, was threatening me by saying, that if I let myself be killed, instead of fighting back, that he's going back to being a junkie. So not crash!~' They crowded around to watch him draw. Well, all except for Tim, who was back to hacking.
'Hey, I got something! On the corner of twenty-first and pine. Large group of people coming and going from the back alley. Those who leave suddenly can't control their powers, if they had any prior to it.' Tim said.
'Sounds like the right place, Tim. Is everyone ready?' Miss M said.
Three guys walked down the alley the group was in. The one in the middle had dyed green hair with black roots. He had poop colored brown eyes. He wore grey pants, a dark green shirt, and a leather jacket with a black hood. He had a menacing smirk on his face.
The man on the left wore a dark red, long sleeve turtle-neck shirt, with a black vest over it. He had a stocky frame and large muscles. He had an afro, a blonde afro. Bart, no, Ace smiled grimly at him.
The last man had the darkest in skin tone. He had a scar, that was white against brown skin. It was on his forehead, diagonally, and it went all the way to the cheek. A green tattoo that looked like a lightening bolt was horribly done over it. Whoever did it was no professional, and was rushed.
Looking back, all of them had one. The center had one on his hand. The one on the left had one on his neck, sticking out of the turtle-neck. All the tattoos had a black outlining.
"Hello, kids," the one in the center said. "My name is Greg Martin. The one with the afro is Craig, and on the other side is Jay. We will be your tormentors for the day, and you all are?"
"Runaways you'd be STUPID to mess with," Bart supplied. Greg grabbed Bart by the hair, pulling them face to face.
"I like ya kid. Ya got spite. 'Nough so I won't hurt yer friends," Greg said. "What's yer all's names?"
"I'm Ace Matthews. The girl is Margaret, we call her M. The paler boy is Oswald. We call him Oz. The last one is Peter. So, what are you planning?" Bart said.
"I'm thinkin' maybe, just maybe, you help us, we help you?" Bart smiled. The tattoos meant Inertia, he knew it.
"How do you know I can help you in anyway?"
"Passcode? If you know it, you can," Greg said. He was nervous, but he knew he had the right guy.
'I'll check for it now,' M'gann said.
'Don't bother, I know it,' Bart said.
"*sigh* Inertia, that's it, right?" Bart said. Greg nodded. "So, what do you need help with?"
"He put somethin' in us, a bomb maybe. He said you would know where he put it, an can get it out, or disabled." The shoulder over the heart. Close, but able to do without the victim dying. He took off the bracelet. Than he took his hand, and fased it through the man's shoulder, taking out the device. He stared wide-eyed. 'Ace' proceeded to do the same to the other two.
"Now what?"
"We take you to the dealings. You all get the info you want. Than we let you sleep for a while. After that, at 9:46 I take you to 'im. I don't know why he wants you though, Ace," Greg answered.
"I know what,"
"What?"
"He's going to kill me," 'Ace' said. Greg raised a brow.
"What? Ya ain't gonna fight back?"
"I… I don't want to. We… Well,he didn't always hate me. And I could NEVER hate him. Besides, a friend of mine showed me my death," Bart said. They looked at him like he was crazy.
"How is that possible?"
"Same way I got those out of you,"
"Not that! I figured that. How are you so calm that you're a DEADMAN WALKING!"
"Well, you see. I want to try to talk him out of killing me. Get him to forgive me, Killing me may make it up though, so I'm fine with it," 'Ace' smiled as the words came out of his mouth. Everyone stared at him like he was a freak.
"What did you do that he hates you for?"
Bart started whispering "I thought he was dead. I thought our gr- someone we are both acquaintances with killed him, because I couldn't kill o- my older brother." He had slipped. To a STRANGER out of everyone. At least the team couldn't hear.
"You're siblings?" He whispered. Bart nodded. Than he flinched.
"Kinda, I think of him as one, I don't think he does though. He was my clone," 'Ace' smiled.
"*Ahem* Now that the business has been talked about, you are to follow me. Are they with you, or did ya just meet?"
"With me," 'Ace' said. Greg lead the group to the corner of twenty-first and pine. The man selling the drugs took one look at the group. He knew why they were there. The man had a grey, scraggly beard, and cold green eyes. He had been in this business long enough to not care.
His brown hair was greying. His face was wrinkled. His nose was crooked. His oversized coat, that held all the drugs, was worn out. It had been stitched terribly, and looked like it was about to fall apart. He wore. one shoe, and his jeans were ripped. Yes, he had definitely lost all ability to care about this. "Ya here for da drugs? Ya look familiar to da boss man. Ya know 'im?" His voice was nasally, and gruff. It was low, like it hurt to be loud.
"Yeah, I know 'im. 'Is name is Inertia. By most anyways," 'Ace' said in his best 'been on the streets a while now?' accent.
"An' Bingo was 'is name, oh," The man said. He smiled, showing his yellow teeth, on the verge of turning brown. A few teeth were missing, all in all, this man's mouth was a mess. He had probably never been to the dentist, and wasn't about to start now. He stuck out his tongue, showing his lightning bolt. Bart almost laughed at that.
"So, how'd ya meet Inertia?"
"He hit me from behind, and when I woke, 'e gave me da choice. Work for 'im or e'll kill me. I chose work," The man said.
"So, what's you're name?" 'Ace' said.
"Lance, you?"
"'Ace'." 'Ace' then noticed a small, black dog. He smiled. "What's da dog's name?"
"Gatsby Crako," Lance smiled.
"After da great Gatsby?"
"Yeah, after I found 'im, an' saved 'im. Someone threw da book at me. I took it as a sign," Bart smiled.
'So, are we gonna steal some drugs? Buy some? That way we can analyse them?' Tim asked.
'I think we can get a free sample~' Bart said. "So, about the drugs? We have ta pay, don't we?"
"Nah, ya seem cool. 'Sides, if ya know da boss man, it's probably fine for ya ta get it for free," Lance said.
"Ah, really? Thanks man, ya rule!~" Bart said.
"Hey, so, there a reason them friends a yours are so quiet? It's kinda freaky."
"Eh, they're cool. Just a bit, well… They had a bad past, kinda kept 'em silent, I guess. After a while ya can get 'em ta talk."
"Are ya like, their boss man, or somethin'?"
"Nah, nah. We're all just friends, no one in charge a the others. If one was in charge, it'd be M, she's the oldest, after all. She's seventeen," Lance gave a look over the fake malnourished body with brown hair and dirty skin. She dressed in a leather jacket, white tank top, and black skinny jeans, with white boots. "She seems a little shy, huh?" Lance nodded.
"And, who are the others?"
"Well, This here," 'Ace' pointed to Tim, smirking, "Is Oz. He's a wizard at hacking. It's why we gave 'im the nickname," 'Ace' pointed to Jaime. "And this is-"
"I'm Peter," Jaime cut him off. The dealer smiled at the abruptness of Jaime. The tone of his voice was acidic, as if he didn't like the idea of the dealer knowing his name.
"Ya know, ya all look like ya been out here a while. Ya'll got trust in each other. Ya got a place ta sleep?"
"Yeah. We been crashing at an abandoned building, that's all I'm sayin'," Bart said.
"Ah, come on Ace, ya can trust me," The dealer grinned, trying to look friendly.
"Sorry, no can do. Heard that one before. Didn't end well," 'Ace' said.
"What happened?"
"That's a story for another day, my new friend," 'Ace' said. "Well we best take our leave," He said in a terrible british accent that sounded too phony to sound good. Lance laughed, and nodded,hoping to see 'Ace' again.
On the walk to the supposed abandoned building, Bart turned to Greg, and his followers. "Here's the deal, you are to wake me and bring me to Inertia tomorrow, and fulfill your promise to him. In return, don't be so rough when waking me," 'Ace' joked.
"You got it, kid. What about your friends? I wake 'em too, or not?"
"No. I don't want them to see the outcome. It's sure to be bloody," Bart said.
"What if they wanna help you?"
'Which we do, ese' Jaime said.
'No' Bart said. "It doesn't matter, I don't want Inertia hurt. And, my friends are a bit violent."
'Mind link going off' M'gann said. They got to the warehouse. It was cold, and damp, with fungus on one side of the building. They slept, tossing and turning. No one was void of the nightmares that night.