Chapter 3. Easy? Yeah, Right...
Aaron walk through the dark road in silence. His baggy hoodie cape covered most of his figure as he try his best to remain stealthy by walking under the shadow whenever he could, he also open his sense to his surrounding, sharpening his eyes and ears to hear potential stalker that maybe following him if there one
It has been one week ever since his conversation with Catwoman. He admit, maybe talking with the cat lady is not his best decision, however among all criminals in Gotham that good, Catwoman is the most person who can be compared to Saint, one that certainly not wishing for chaos and only want to stealing
Thankfully, the conversation went just like he wish to. It seems Catwoman really good person... Well, not really, she always have hidden motive, even he can tell she hiding something from him and have ulterior motive
But it worth it... The information he get clearly worthy enough. If he succeed then that mean he can go out from this city in next few days, something that he has been trying for four months
"Well, I guess I could give some help to you..." Catwoman said, voice laced with hint of playfulness. Nikos obviously grinned under his mask, though his eyes remain same, making he express nothing but calmness "However, my help not free. Surely you know that?"
"I'm aware of that." Jaune responded to her with nod "But giving my status... I don't think I can pay you in form of money."
"You not need to worry about that." Catwoman snorted, she spin in her chair and allow one leg to extend forwrad, stretching her muscle "If it money I after I can get it by my own. No, let just say as payment you will owe me one." She said, rising one clawed finger as a gesture, before the rest of them followed "And if I found you try to betray me, trust me kiddo, you won't like the result."
"Not need to worry Catwoman, I have no intention to betray you." Nikos told her with firm look in his eyes "I maybe not Hero, but I have my own honor and code." And he also don't want Catwoman to sick Batman on him, he certainly sure she will do that if he try to backstab her
"Hmm, good, good." Catwoman chuckled, her claws retracted as she give Nikos wink "Tell me then, what you know about Falcone Family?"
Nikos narrowed his eyes, truthfully he doesn't remember about them much since they never play major role, or he never bother to see them. But he did know few things "Wasn't they supposed to be one of major criminal family in Gotham? Two-Face kill their head family if I recall."
"Hmm, yes, pretty much so." Catwoman nodded "Falcone family was one of the biggest criminal family that rule Gotham before Batman come. And when their head family killed, let just say the rest of them is not as competent as him
"And then there matter of Penguin, said what you wish about him, disgusting little piggy bird, scum, but that man is not stupid. He is businessman, and he is good one, he have his own way of thinking, and he manage to gather group of gang and take opportunity of Falcone family downfall
"Of course Penguin is not the only one, there Black Mask as well. That man is brutal but also smart, moreover he is rich, he also one of major gang controller in Gotham. He and Penguin is rival in term of business
"With their assault, it safe to say that Falcone family really take major damage. They all scattered around and try their best to rebuild their network back, but of course it not worked since the damage they take is too much for them. Eventually they become only minor in here, working under others to survive."
"How the mighty has fallen." Nikos said in bemusement, head shaking slightly at the story he heard "And I take it, Falcone family has connection with the place I would raid?"
"You can say so." Catwoman nodded in confirmation "Despite their numbers small, but they not powerless. They lose because their leader taken down, not debt, which mean they still have secret stash." Here she noted Nikos eyes gaining light of understanding "But not much in there, and you said you only need amount that necessary to get out from this city, correct?"
"Yes..." Nikos nodded to the cat lady "The numbers won't reach hundred, probably only dozens."
"Then this one will be good for you." Catwoman smirked slily to him. She give circle mark to the Gothan map and Nikos instantly recognize where is it. She then gone from her chair to desk nearby, after a moment of searching she back with picture in her hand and give it to Nikos "That the picture of the building."
Nikos stare at the warehouse, looked very old and abandoned. His eyes roamed to the environment around so he can recognize the specific location of the house "Do you have it interior picture?"
"No. I never went inside there. Even that picture originally not mine." Catwoman answered with shrug, making the boy frown under his mask
"If there money in here, a dozens of thousand dollar. Why no one try to steal from it?" Nikos asked with quirked eyebrow "I notice there few thugs in here and there." He pointed to the picture that show there few people who resting in wall around it, some stand directly in front of it while selling drug to someone "But I don't think they that dangerous..." He paused a bit before adding "Well maybe they are, I sure they not your normal thugs and they heavily armed but, there must be another reason right?"
Catwoman merely smirked, it seems this kid have quite mind to take notice of the bodyguard in there "Well, other than this is supposed to be secret stash and only few who know it." She emphasized the secret part "And the bodyguard is armed heavily, there one major factor why those who knew never act." She throw another picture to table, one that familiar to Nikos who has his eyes widen a bit at the photo "Because that house in Black Mask territory." She said bluntly
Nikos try his best to hide his grimace. There not need anymore explanation. To say Black Mask is downright brutal, sadistic and evil person could have considered a gross understatement. The man is merciless and not even going to batting an eye if his subordinate killed in front of him, heck, he even kill them himself if they proved to be incompetent
And if he knew some kind of group petty robbers try to make a mess in his territory... Well, the result won't be good for them.
"How Falcone family hide it in there I don't know. Maybe that place originally belong to them before Black Mask take it or others." Catwoman continued "And the second major reason is, it not worth it." She added "The money in there probably only dozens thousand dollar, no big crime like Penguin want to steal such small money. A dozens thousand dollar likely is something they get every week. Such small money is not worth it to risk facing Black Mask."
Nikos only silence as he stare at the picture. That actually make sense, other than this place is secret and only few who know it, the money in there also can't be considered big to people like them
"Well... I guess I better to go now then..." Nikos grunted as he stand
"You going now?" Catwoman asked
"You said Batman currently not here tonight. So it better to act tonight, Robin or Batgirl? I probably can handle them but Batman? That another story." Nikos explained
"Well..." Catwoman tap her chin with her finger "I guess you right, But I wouldn't go tonight if I were in your position, Black Mask currently near that area to talk with his dealer. If you cause ruckus in there, it won't be pretty for you."
Well, that pretty much blow away his chance tonight. He frown under his mask and rub his temple, so much for stealing and leave from here tomorrow
"I will give you extra, consider this as bonus for our first deal." Catwoman offered with sly smirk that clearly declaring she have ulterior motive "And in return, you will do the same when I pull your leg."
"Isn't it just same like I owing you two favor?" Nikos pointed dully, getting cheshire grin from her. The inheritor of Achilles power only can shake his head and held back sigh "What your extra?"
"I will tell you exactly when you can act." Catwoman offered "Just make sure you ready anytime."
That certainly not bad idea... Well, it better to take it rather than trying random day to sprung to act. Gods knew that would be very stupid and in Gotham, stupidity equal to potential death
"Very well..." Nikos accepted after moment of contemplating "I accept your offer." He said before he rise one hand "On one condition, you help me get out from this city." He exclaimed, at her narrowed eyebrow, he give knowing look "I have weapons in my arsenal that can be considered illegal. If I bring them openly to station, it would make cops come to me."
Miló and Akoúo̱is pretty much advanced weapons, one that can be considered rivaling Batman or LexCorp technology. Other than it will raise question when they found him carrying weapon, it also going to make higher people at Justice League caliber curious where he got them and few surely going to try steal it from him
Catwoman eyebrow narrowed hearing the demand, she let out hum while putting thoughtful face before slowly smirk adorn her face "Very well, I guess I can help you in that part." She purred as e her eyes roaming to the black-green haired boy "Now... We only have one thing to do."
Without warning, suddenly the cat burglar lashed out, her hand extended with speed that even make Nikos surprised. The boy barely able to dodge it as he bend back his body as fast as he could, and avoid being skewered
But Catwoman not done, the moment Nikos dodge her attack, she use the momentum of her missed strike to fuel her motion, she spun around in a full circle, and deliver spinning kick aimed toward Nikos face
The boy seeing this rising his hand, blocking the kick and he use his other hand to grab the woman extending leg before he throw Catwoman away to behind him. Quickly, he make jump forward to make distance between them and spin his body while pulling out Miló and Akoúo̱from his back
He skid in floor and glaring at Catwoman who stand with her bullwhip on her hand, giving him annoyed smirk. The boy slowly taking stance, Akoúo̱held firm in his left while Miló in it sword form poised at her
"Not bad..." Catwoman purred "You have good reflex." She complimented while rubbing her bullwhip
"Why?" Nikos asked simply, his voice is grim. Despite inwardly he panicked, he try his best to remain calm
"I'm not someone who do half thing." Catwoman answered simply "I won't send someone to their death, no. Kids, I will test you are you ready for this raid or not. If you are, then you can do whatever you wish but if not, forget about it and if you don't then it no longer my concern."
Hearing that Nikos can't help but blinked once, twice, before smile plastered under his mask and he make sure it known to the cat burglar as he curled his eyes to smile as well "You really are good person, you know that?" He spoke, his voice is sincere and there no any malice in there
Catwoman quirked her eyebrow, lip slowly curl to smirk as she snorted "Whatever you say boy, now." She lash her whip once, eliciting sound by doing that as she shoot the boy predatory grin "Let see how good are you..."
He still remember clearly just how outmatched he was... The only things that saved him from bleeding everywhere and have whip scar on his body is his superior strength and endurance
In term of skills, Catwoman truly outmatch him. And while true she fail to bring him down, but at same time he also can't. Despite his superior speed and reflex, but the cat burglar proved to be quite tough and also have very good skill, even if he far faster than her but he only manage to land few hits, and all of them also not clean strikes
He still have so much to learn...
'Today is the day.'
Catwoman already inform him that tonight it would be more safer -there no safe word in Gotham, if you not careful even the safest day can become the worse-. Batman and Robin currently out from Gotham, for what or why he doesn't want to know nor he care. The only one in this city currently is Batgirl, and like he said before, Gotham is big, Batgirl can't be at anywhere at same time
He had train so much in that spawn of week. Apparently Catwoman tell him one or two place where he could fix his fighting style, another abandoned warehouse that can be used and Aaron more than happy to use them
He has train his flexibility, he has train how to use his weapons more proper now due to have the real one and place to train, he learn how to use his surrounding to fight. But the most things that help him to improve is Achilles memory also help him a lot, how he wield spear, sword and shield properly, all of them that planted in his deep consciousness
Normally, Aaron way to train is to learn through Achilles dream. He memorize them before begin to copy his move, even if he fail many times but at least he learn. However when he reach the deep of his consciousness it feel... Strange...
Rather than observing how he fight, it almost like he take Achilles place, and allow the memories to guide his body. That sensation is strange actually and he found it uncomfortable. But since this possibly can his only raid, and the warehouse interior is unknown, he doesn't dare to take risk and use this method
It was then he notice he finally arrive, he can see the building from far as he hide in one alley, observing few huge thugs and few that use hood to conceal themselves surround the building, they act almost like normal thugs that usually hang around that area.
There one that conversing to some guy, he look like selling the guy some drug. There another one that sleeping in ground. There another one that simply smoking while leaning on lamp post near the house.
His eyes searching for another one but apparently he found none, deciding it enough information for now, he look to his surrounding to make sure it empty. And after that, he pull the mask Zelretch give
'Show time!'
With that, Aaron figure begin to become blur, it as if the space around him warped and become unstable, making him look like someone from hallucination. Then, slowly the space back to normal, and standing in there, is Nikos
Wordlessly, Nikos went out from his hiding place. He walk casually in road, all while make sure his hood hide his eyes that roaming to his targets
'The guard only three. So big chance there group of people inside. I have to take them out when they inside so they won't cause any ruckus.' He planned 'The sleeping one clearly the last, the one in front first. Then the one in lamp post is second. The distance between them only five meters... Not much.'
He move his hand to his back, gripping Akoúo̱ in preparation. He walk to the man that sell drug in front of the house. The man seems notice him as he turned to him, he didn't do anything but wait for Nikos to come
"Do you sell good stuff?" Nikos asked, pretending to be buyer
The man narrowed his eyes and give small grunt "Depend... I have anything. What you want?"
"Well..." Nikos drawled "I want..."
He not even finish his sentence as his hand that gripping Akoúo̱ moved faster than human eyes can perceive lashed out. It smashed roughly to the drug dealer/guard face directly, hard enough that Nikos can hear small 'crunch' from him and he send crashed to the wall
The guard who resting in lamp post seeing this quickly rise his gun from his jacket, however before he can shoot, a spinning Akoúo̱ smashed to his face, making his head bend back and smacked to the lamp post. For moment he see stars and loss focus, and before he can do anything Nikos already in front of him, grabbing his head once again and smash it to the lamp once more
Nikos not done, he knew the last one who sleeping now awake. And he instantly spun, his hand extended and Akoúo̱ that three foot away from him soar to his, grabbing it he throw it to the man who pull out his gun while try to stand. The shield smashed to the last guard hand, making him gasped in pain and dropping the shield, quickly Nikos flung forward and kick the man in temple, sending him to unconsciousness as well
The masked man allow himself to smirk as he stare down at the unconscious guard. He begin to look around and notice the area still empty, quickly he grab the unconscious body and drag him. He collect the other as well before dumping them to alley so no one can see them
It would be bad if someone see their unconscious body, especially if Batgirl happen to cross this area. He walked back to the warehouse, hand once again extended and Akoúo̱ flung toward him
Nikos stare at the shield with satisfaction. Say what you want about Zelretch, but despite being annoyance and asshole, that old Vampire certainly do amazing things. Apparently there Rune crafted in his version Akoúo̱ and Miló, they all connected somehow to leather gauntlet he current wear and by manipulating his Prana a bit, he can make them come to him. He can call Akoúo̱ and Miló from twenty meters away, so when he slipped when wielding them he not need to afraid he will be weaponless
Now, standing in warehouse directly, Nikos pull out Miló that have blunt edge, there no need to kill them in first place after all. Even Akoúo̱ also he modified by adding some steel to Akoúo̱ razor-sharp part so it become blunt and not able to cut someone
Apparently he not need to barge in as suddenly the door opened. He already run straight to it the moment he hear sound of the door opened, rising Akoúo̱, he smashed to the door, destroying it and sending whoever open it away
"What the?!"
Instantly, he greeted by group of guards, there ten of them and they all immediately stands when they see him, their weapons raised and unlike all thugs he encounter, they not using handgun, but the advanced one such as AK-47, AR-15, and submachine guns
They not say anything but firing at him the moment their eyes on him. However, at same time the moment Nikos already enter the warehouse, he already moved.
A man capable to run straight for 12 meters/s, and that is considered to be one of the best feat while bullets from modern rifle mostly 1200 meter/s. The difference between those two already very obvious, in any way, there no way man capable to outrun gun.
But Nikos is not Men
His body has been enhanced, surpassing any Human. He capable to flip car without much problem if he wish to, and his enchantment not just end in strength, but term of speed, endurance, reflex, and his perception as well. And while it true he not faster than bullets, but he clearly faster than the guards that wielding them
The moment they all rise their guns, Nikos already appear in middle of them, sending one of guards away once more with Akoúo̱ before he rise Miló and spun it, gracefully hitting few of them before he duck and sweep their legs, making they fall to the ground
The most important rule when fighting group of people wielding big and heavy guns, is to make sure you able to sneak in middle of them so they can't shoot you, or at least hesitate to since fear they would get each other
Nikos aware of this, he has seen many movies where one guy take group who wielding guns after all. And while it hard feat, but to him who faster than these people and possessing superior sense? Not at all
The group now split into two, with him in middle of them, each of them have three people left, four of them already taking down during his entrance and they all clearly not expect for him to move that fast as they aimed their guns to him but hesitate due to fear their shoots would hit each other
The hesitation cost them
Clicking the button on Miló, the sword turned to long staff and he charging to one group. Knowing he have little time before the one he left shot him, Nikos rather than wield it like staff, he use it as long pipe, and putting as much as strength possible in his grip before he swing it to them
Sounds of bone broken and crushed echoed as the staff hit one of the guard, and soon he flung forward, hitting the other two and make them crashed to the wall in painful manner
"Fuck!"
A curse from behind him instantly make he spun back, his legs kicking the floor of the house with force that enough to make small crater on it as he propel himself. He rise Akoúo̱ and blocking the barrage of bullets that launched to him, and once more crashed to the guy in middle, making him smacked to the wall. And gracefully, he ducked before extend Miló and spin, sweeping the last two in air before he stand and deliver downward hit to both of them, making them gasped as they planted to the floor with enough force to make it crack
Seeing the last two down, Nikos allow his body to take a rest for moment, however before he able to his sharp ear caught sound from behind. He instantly turned just in time to see one guy appear to manage to stand, his seems staggering and holding pain but he still able to shoot him
The bullets went to his head, to any men, it would mean instant death. But to Nikos who have his perception, reflex and sense far better than common man? No
Nikos just in time to tilt his face a bit, the bullet grazed the part of silver metallic in his mask but not harm him. Before he able to continue firing, Nikos flung Miló forward as strong as possible and click the trigger of the rifle on it, making it faster and stronger, hitting the man in abdomen before he able to continue firing, make him gasped as he hurled backward and crash to the wall, joining his peers
Summoning back Miló, Nikos keep his guard on as he observing everyone that down around him, making sure there won't be any ambush. After almost ten seconds and no one get up apparently enough to satisfy him as this time, he allow his shoulder to slump a bit and he let out small gasp of breath as if he only just remembered how to breathe
"Holy crap! I thought I was really going to die!"
And he did! Seriously, the last one he did not see it at all. While he sure he can tank off most bullets from handgun, but assault rifle or submachine gun is something else! That bullets almost went to his forehead! He almost die for Akasha sake!
Shaking his head, he observe his surrounding and notice the warehouse now is wrecked, it almost like some kind of tornado was in here second ago and flung everything apart to all directions.
"Well..." Nikos started, his eyes wide a bit at the sheer amount of deed he had done. Never in his life he dream he will able to cause things like this! "I guess handling the guards is done, now..." He pull out the lethal Miló, then walk to one guard, he recognize him as the first one he knock down and he also not hit him very hard "Oi, oi! Wake up!" He ordered as he shake him
The guard groaned in obvious pain, slowly his eyes flutter open and he blinked once. When he see Nikos his eyes widened and he about to move but the young man beat him as he throw him to wall, not strong enough to make him unconscious but enough to hurt him
"There secret stash of Falcone family in here. Where is it?" Nikos asked immediately, Miló pointed down to his face "And please don't say anything. I really looking for excuse to cut you." He added, making his voice as cruel as possible and curling his eyes to cruel smirk
"Fuck you! You freak! When I report this you-GAAGH!"
Miló pierce through his shoulder, enough to make it burst out through his muscle as the man let out shriek of pain. Nikos face turned to stony cold, he already expect things like this would happen, and while he dislike torture and found it cruel, but he have to move fast. The gun shots surely already attracting attention and he only have small time, he really don't want this night to be waste, not when chance to leave from here already in front of his grasp
He twist the sword, making it more painful as he glaring down at the man who let out another scream of pain "I'm not in mood to play, trust me. There still many of you, so it would be fine if you die. I can ask other." He said grimly, eyes narrowed sharply like predator
He give another twist and the man whimpering in pain once again, he stare at Nikos with wide and fearful eyes "Okay! Okay! I will tell you! Just stop! Gugh!" He croaked out in pain
"Talk." Nikos ordered coldly
"It on underground!" He said frantically "In the next room, behind some old lady painting there storage in there! Open it and you find the stash! Now let me go!"
Nikos did, and the guard let out painful whimper however before he can do anything, the dull part of Miló smashed to his head, rendering him back to lala-land. The young man let out grunt before he wipe the blood from Miló to the guard shirt and place it back to it place
He glanced to the room the guy pointed and walked to there, he pull out Miló that not lethal and grip Akoúo̱ just in case if something in there. Entering the room, he notice unlike where he come from, there no light in here, it was pure dark, and it filled with dirt and dust as well
Frowning at this, he begin to ram his pocket and pull out his phone. Turning on the flashlight, he begin searching for the painting and immediately he find it. He took the painting and put it down, but he granted by sight of plain wall. Narrowing his eyes, he knock at the wall and found it eliciting sound that like wood rather than cement and rock.
He focus his flashlight and find there small keyhole in there. Inwardly begin to frustrate at this, he pluck his finger, making full circle hole before he hook it and pull out the wooden wall
He grinned when find the stash, it look so old and also rusty. He notice there some kind of password should be entered to open it and quirked his eyebrow. Well, he certainly doesn't know how to open thing like this but...
Rising his fist, he clench it tightly before punching the stash as hard as he could. It worked as the old metal instantly bended under his strength, he. keep punching the storage until it corner loosened and it shape disfigured, making it easy for him to pluck it open
And the moment it open, Nikon immediately gawked
Money... A lot of it... The stash filled with pack of money! And the numbers is anything but small! He mean, the entire stash is really full with it! Granted, the stash not that big and the money pack is thin but still...
'Small? ... Yeah, right.' He thought dully with snort before he pull out money bag that Catwoman give to him, for moment he contemplating to not take all of them but since this is belong to criminal family. 'Better used by me than them.' He concluded as he begin to empty the stash, the Falcone family probably using this money trying to rebuild their position or doing more bad things. But him? He use it to get out from here and clearly not for bad things
After emptying the stash he give satisfied grunt. Well, this certainly very good haul, and for his first time too! He chuckled, now getting out from this city would be no longer problem! He had briefly seen that each of this money is 50$ and there probably ten or twenty in each pack! Which mean ten of them is enough to count it as ten thousand dollar, enough for him to leave from here and rent apartment for moment in outside
And there more than ten pack obviously, heck! It more than twenty!
'I don't know but it probably reach 100.000$. And this is clearly not small so...' Why there only few guards? 'Hmm... Maybe it because if they put too many people in here it will make this place suspicious.' That could be the answer, this is called secret stash for some reason after all, not some kind of bank that filled with security. If there too many guards, people will notice it
Well, not like he care though. All he give a shit about is he got the money, the security taken down, get the hell out from here, and problem solved!
As he come out from the warehouse while carrying the money, he can't help but chuckled. So easy! Ha! He never thought his raid will be so smooth! No Batman, Robin or Batgirl that try to stop him!
Though it maybe could be said because Catwoman information, Nikos must admit the cat burglar truly know when to move around here, as expected of someone that can be cnsidered as Batman level.
'Then again... It make me owe her favor... Two precisely.' He knew it going to bite him in the ass, owing favor to someone at Catwoman caliber is not wise move if he wish to spend normal days. But what else can he do?
He desperate, Barbara already put him under her radar and while true until now he manage to elude her but it just matter of time before he under Batman radar if he keep staying in here. His luck going to run out and if Batman take interest on him... It won't be long before his identity exposed
It better if when that time come he already leave from here. True he maybe going to tango with Batman in future due to Catwoman favor but at least Aaron Wilson won't be here anymore, he already gone and he sure Batman won't try to after him seeing he needed in Gotham
Dealing with Catwoman is not wise decision... But at least after this done he guaranteed to be able out from this place.
It was when he just come out from the house and entering the street that he hear sirens of police car from far, coming to his direction and he furrowed his eyebrow. It seems the police finally take notice, which mean he have to leave from here fast before Batgirl going to show up as well
He glanced to one house that near him, observing it height and it size before he decide he could make jump and reach the roof. Without wasting any time, he kick the ground propelling himself high enough that he surpass the building height before he landed unto it, making small crater on the place where he crashed
He ignore the damage he cause, quickly his eyes looking for another building and he found it. He run as fast as he could and jumped, covering the distance that about five meters between each houses.
Rolling his body so he not cause any necessary damage, he push himself to stand and resuming his pace, running to where the cops car come so they went different way but he make sure to stay away from the road so the cops won't caught sight of him
It was after almost one minute and he sure he can't hear the cops sirens anymore that he slow his pace, landing in the alley way. Nikos calm his breath that slight ragged, truthfully he not that tired but he haven't good control of his breath properly. When running or doing activity, it not only your body that need to be trained but you also must know how to breath
If you doesn't know how to control your breath, no matter how tough your body it will be easy to bring you down and even when you not supposed to be tired but you could since your body need oxygen no matter how strong you are
'Well... At least I'm done now.' Nikos grinned as he see the bag that full filled with money he stole. There more than enough for him to get out from this city and start decent life! Ha! He never thought it will be this easy!
Oh he just have to thought thing like that wasn't he?
"Grrr."
A growl that resemble animal voice come from behind him, prompting Nikos to freeze. Quickly, he turn around and inwardly cursing for dropping his guard easily, he should observe where he land first before he decide it safe place!
And his eyes widened when caught sight in front of him
Big... It the biggest man he ever see, heck he even doubt Superman this big! His skin is gray, but not just graye, rather it gray in sick color, almost like one that belong to decaying body, disgusting. Garbed in tattered outfit that reveal it big and muscular body, followed by pale white hair, the creature face set into ugly snarl as it glaring at him
For Nikos, he instantly recognize what this creature is. Only one undead that very famous in Gotham, one that possessing super strength that capable to rival Superman in some case
Solomon Grundy, Undead Monster of Slaughter Swamp
'Well... Fuck!'
Easy? Yeah, right... He just had to think that wasn't he?
Slowly, he take step back. Facing Solomon Grundy is really not a wise decision, unlike all villain, this thing is zombie. He doesn't feel pain nor he care to his body. The idea of facing the undead that formerly known as Cyrus Gold is just same like decide to poking Hulk from Marvel in eyes
A very stupid thing to do...
'How the hell he in here and until now not cause any ruckus?! Isn't he supposed to be... Go all rampage or things like that?!' He scream in his head
It was then he finally notice his surrounding that he not recognize the area currently he were in. Inwardly he let out another curse for being so stupid! He should knew to always observe where he going! What if he actually went to Wayne Manor?! Right now he probably near outside Gotham if Solomon is this close!
The moment he take step, Solomon let out another growl, his dead face set to snarl as his big eyes narrowed to Nikos who gulped
"Hi?" Nikos said nervously, rising one hand in greeting manner
That was clearly not smart decision, and he respone from the giant undead is obvious
"Grundy smash!" The zombie roared as he flung his massive fist to Nikos head. The black-green haired boy just in time to retract his head, dodging the fist that smashed to wall and instantly turn it to pile of rubble
"FUCK!"
Nikos immediately spin in his feet and begin to run as fast as he could, existing from the alley with enraged Grundy behind him who start to charging after the boy, all while roaring incoherently
The sudden appearance of Nikos and Grundy from the alley make people around them turned to their direction, and needless to say, when they caught sight of Grundy, they all begin to scream and run as well
Nikos inwardly groaned, great! Apparently he no longer in quite place! He begin to fasten his pace as the zombie apparently not slow like he thought, he was fast! Not at his league but he still able to keep up!
Grundy roared as he charged to the boy that run from him. He doesn't know why, but there something about the boy that make him... Pulled to him. It as if the boy have some kind of magnet that attract something inside the massive zombie
He flung many citizens that stand on his way, sending them all crashed lamp post, houses, and everything around the street, killing or broke their body in instant by doing that, all while keep pursuing Nikos who getting farther away due to their speed difference, which make Grundy frustrate further!
Grundy stop in his track, he bended his body down, crouching in his four limbs as he snarled. The ground beneath him cracked under the pressure he emitted, his muscle twitched with power before he lunged forward to Nikos, leaving nothing but large crater where he stand from the force of his strength
Nikos who seeing this had his eyes widened when he saw the zombie on his four's. The moment Grundy lunged, he already jumped, somersaulting in air and just few inches away from have Grundy massive fist grab him. He flipped in air, landing gracefully in ground and see Grundy face smashed to asphalt in the round roughly
'Why the hell he aftering me?! I mean wasn't he supposed to be brainless?! And I also didn't do anything to upset him!' Nikos thought with mixture of confusion and annoyance as he glaring at the zombie that push himself from the ground, appear to be unharmed by his rough landing
It no use, the zombie is focused on him and while he superior than the undead in term of speed, but he still able to follow him. This will only make more casualties and damage to this city, something that he disapproved
He may don't care what happen to this city and even won't batted an eye if someone got stolen in front of him. However letting someone death when he in front of him is something he really dislike. Especially it was him who lure Grundy to here, it his mistake and he will do damn well to fix it if he have the strength to do it
'I'm more worry about my money though.' He thought as he know the bag he currently carry could be thrown away during his fight or worse, destroyed, making the money to scatter everywhere and he had no intention to loss them, not at all!
Any further of his thought is halted as Grundy roared and charge at him. The zombie rise both his fists before slam it down with intent to crush Nikos to pulp. Nikos jumped and avoid the strike, clicking his tongue in distaste 'I guess I have no choice.' He pull his bag down and he pick Miló that have blunt edge, then he stab it to the bag. While it doesn't have sharp part, but even blunt object can used as piercing weapon with enough force
He ducked from another Grundy fist before he leapt away, making distance between them before he flung away Miló, switching it to it staff form and click the trigger, hurling the staff that carrying bag away and make it embedded to one of the building, deep enough to bury almost quarter of it and hold the bag in air
Nikos give satisfied nod, but before he can do anything, Grundy fist slammed to his face from behind, smacked his cheek and hurl him away strongly, creating small shockwave in air by doing that
The boy smashed to one of the house and for moment he see stars. He doesn't get chance to delve further in pain as his blurry eyes caught sight of Grundy charging to him. Trying his best to push away the pain, he jump away and just in time to avoide get rammed by the massive zombie who break through the rest of the house that he crash into
It was hurt! IT REALLY HURT! For the first time since he arrive in here, he feel pain! It almost like a edge of thick textbook smacked to him! If that punch hit him when he still normal... He would be dead by now!
He remove his tattered hoodie cape, the sharp Miló and Akoúo̱ drawn as he take stance and glaring to where the massive zombie crashed. He smack Miló to Akoúo̱, making the shield vibrate and released the steel that latched to it razor-sharp part, and he take deep breath to calm himself
Grundy soon burst through the hole, face set into snarl as he glowering to the boy who look at him with calm expression
'Solomon Grundy... Believed to capable went toe on toe with Superman IF he exposed to large amount of magic -or maybe electricity, that theory still never tested-, where he absorb them all somehow and empower himself. However if he not exposed to magic, his strength won't be that great. Granted he still able to crush man into pulp without much problem, but so do I.'
Grundy may doesn't feel pain, and he probably stronger than him. But Nikos knew he is faster than the zombie and obviously he more smart and skilled, the one in front of him maybe very dangerous to Batman due to his status as Human, but to him? Albeit he still dangerous but he not very dangerous...
'I going to be under Batman radar after this but... What the hell! I going to leave soon anyway!' He grumbled as he brace himself "Well?! What you waiting for?!" He yelled to the zombie
In response of his challenge, Grundy let out another roar "Grundy smash masked little runt!"
That declaration almost like a signal that drawn, at same time both of them charging to each other. The warrior holding his shield up with sharp glint in his eyes while the undead titan bellowed with absolute rage. The distance between them that about ten meters covered in less than second, with the undead raising his fist with intent to crush the warrior and the latter also cocking his shield
A powerful punch launched by Grundy the moment the distance between them covered, possessing strength that able to break man skull and crush building into rubble, and fast enough to make ripple in air
It never landed
Before that fist able to hit it target, the warrior shield already rammed to the massive undead titan abdomen, he plant his feets to the ground, putting as much as strength as he could in there before he push the zombie, hard enough to hurl the giant away as if giant hammer just flung to him, make him crashed few meters away to the street like a ragdoll from where they clash
'God damn it! He even heavier than car! Heck! He maybe heavier than tank!' With the wind that support him, followed by his weight and endurance, it just logical that Grundy heavier than normal. Heavy enough to make Nikos feel his arms strained for moment due to smashing him
It was solid hit actually, a hit that by nature going to destroy brick stone like it mere a twig, and it is a feat that can be accomplished by man. And yet, this one is not a man who delivered it, but a being that superior, such hit will more than enough to break most of men bones and killing them in instant by making carve in their chest
But it didn't work
As soon he fell, as soon he rise. The zombie push himself with his massive arm, standing firmly as if he never got hit by such force, his snarl expression now gone and replaced by pure murderous as he glowering at the warrior
"Masked runt hurt Grundy. Grundy kill!"
With that, the zombie grab bike that near him with one hand and rise it as if it some kind of stick, then he flung it toward Nikos who had his eyes widened at the incoming bike. Quickly the boy move his leg, dashed diagonally and mvoe away, avoiding the vehicle that crashed the place where he stand before
He rushed toward the zombie, Miló rised and Grundy rush toward him as well. When they near, the massive undead swing his fist, but once again Nikos dodge it, this time by slipping to the gap between Grundy legs. The boy quickly fix his position, he spin in ground and propel himself to stand, then give horizontal slash to the zombie back
Grundy growled before he spin, swinging his massive fist, only for Nikos ducked under his strike, the boy dashed to Grundy open side and slip through it while at same time deliver another cut to side of his stomach, make another sick green colored blood splat to the ground
This did nothing but annoy Grundy further, twice he has been attacked like this! He snarled as he spin his body again, however rather than try to aim Nikos, this time he swung his fist down to below, forcing Nikos to leapt back as his fist destroy portion of the ground
'This is not working...' Nikos frowned with distaste as he glaring at Grundy. He already give deep cut to them, in fact, he sure that should able slice building pillar like hot knife cutting butter, and yet it did nothing but give simple cut.
Undead creature like Grundy... He should cut off his head. But that clearly not going to be easy feat, it would be better if he shove grenade to his innard, unfortunately he doesn't have one now. And he also have to finish this fast, Batgirl probably on her way here and she must be aware Solomon Grundy has reawakened, which mean she going to call for Batman for help since he sure for all Batgirl skill, but she doesn't have power to bring down Grundy who far more durable than him and doesn't feel pain at all
...
He have plan... Though it will be risky but... Ah! Hell! Nothing going to be easy today! He already learn it the hard way! Better than taking risk than meeting Batman!
With plan in his head, he charged toward Grundy who also charged to him. The zombie let out roar as he make everything around him shake with every steps he take while Nikos show nothing but calmness as he grip Miló and Akoúo̱ in preparation and the distance between them once again soon getting covered
'Now!'
Four meters just before they clash, Akoúo̱ flung from Nikos hand and spin to Grundy. The zombie seeing this only rise one of his giant hand and knock away the shield, his other hand rised in preparation to pummel Nikos who now close to him
Then, Miló changed, it form expand into javelin and with quick, Nikos thrust it while at same time clicking the trigger of the gun, making it soar toward Grundy face with stronger force and-
SQUELCH! CRUNCH!
Time seems froze for them as two things happen simultaneously. The first is Miló that pierced Grundy eyes, deep enough to make it buried about three inches. And the second is, sound of Nikos bone that snapped when Grundy fist hit him on his side
Then the time resumed as Nikos flung away as if he were ragdoll that thrown by giant, making him crashed to house, again with much stronger force, followed by Grundy scream as he clutch his face that embedded with Miló
It was hurt, really hurt. He can feel few of his ribs just snapped when that punch hit him directly in chest. Even the air he inhale is so painful. And yet, he can't afford to fall now, he can't afford to stop! This is his only chance!
As soon he crashed, as soon he rose. Just by breathing is painful but he force it down with everything he have, he run forward, arm extended and instantly Akoúo̱ soar back to it owner hand. It not there for long as Nikos quickly throw it once more as strong as he could even if it feel some of his joint just dislocated
The shield spin, rotating in air with speed that surpassing bullet for moment and slice Grundy fingers that try to grab Miló to remove it, eliciting another growl of pain from the zombie and in instant, Nikos leapt forward
His hands instantly grip Miló, his legs planted to Grundy chest that open due to trying remove the spear from his face. And with roar, Nikos push the spear down. He click the gun trigger repeatedly while keep pushing the spear to Grundy face, making it slowly embedded to the zombie head deeper and deeper until finally burst through the creature head
Clicking the button, Miló shift into sword form and Nikos grip tightly, he spin his body, turning his back on the undead face, feet digging to the undead chest and with another roar he swung his sword upward while stomping the zombie body as footing ground. Sound of flesh sliced and wind cutted echoed in the area as the sword cut through zombie head into two, allowing it green sickly blood and brain spurt to everywhere
The giant zombie body fell down to the ground slowly, followed by Nikos who also landed in one knee. His breath heavier than normal, blood pour down from his forehead and wetting his upper face part and mask as he try his best to regain oxygen but at same time also enduring pain from his chest
Slowly, he push himself and turned, the zombie clearly dead now and won't bother him anymore, he sure of that. Solomon Grundy maybe able to survive having hole in his stomach, but having his face cleaved into two? Yeah, try to survive from that
He extend his hand, allowing Akoúo̱ to flung back to him and he grab it. He slowly hold his chest and hissed in pain as he staggering in his walk. God damn it! This will take a while to heal! He sure of that, even if he regenerate faster than Human but it mean he still going to stay in this city longer!
He then hear someone jump down and instantly turned, Miló and Akoúo̱ ready despite the pain and he granted by sight he not wish to see ever since he arrive in Gotham
Clad in dark outfit, with cowl that cover her face and a two pointed horns like bat, followed by it symbol and black cape, then pair of yellow gauntlet and leather boots, red hair that flowing gracefully by wind and belt wrapped around her waist is a Batgirl
"Easy there." Batgirl rise hands in non-threatening manner to him "I don't want to fight you." She said softly
Seeing this, Nikos lower his weapon and he put it to his back and give grunt, his right eye closed due to blood wetting over it "You late..." He responded
"I can see it pretty well." Batgirl remarked dryly, eyes roamed over Solomon Grundy fallen figure "You take down Solomon Grundy by yourself. You must be pretty good, that guy is monster." And she being honest, Grundy is pretty much a monster. Even Batman sometime need some help to bring down Grundy and he also forbid them to face the undead alone due to it too dangerous
"Lady Luck is with me tonight I guess." Nikos said dryly, that was blatant lie. Today supposed to be easy raid! And yet, it not at all! He expect maybe the worst he will be scratched by bullets or sore because get thrown grenade! Not have half of his right ribs snapped, concussion, joint dislocated and lung possibly pierced by his own bones!
"You hurt." Batgirl stated as she notice the man holding over his right chest "Look, let come with me, I will take you to place where I can treat you."
"No thank you, I can handle myself." Nikos grunted, trying his best to sound polite. He need to get out from here before Batman coming "Look, I know you try to help and I appreciate it but I'm in hurry now."
"You have your ribs broken." Batgirl said dully "And I bet now just by breathing you in World of pain." She pinch the bridge of her nose "Just come with me, you also going to need tell me exactly what happen in here and who are you?"
Nope, nope, nope! Not gonna happen!
"I'm sorry but I have to refuse, look! This is urgent matter and I have to go now!" Nikos groaned in obvious distaste and he noted Batgirl scowl a bit so he added "I don't want to be rude, but I want to be left alone now. Do you really cold enough to force someone that hurt to follow you just so you can interrogate him?!"
Batgirl grimaced at the way he said it, and Nikos admit he not take any pleasure at all from her face. It was low blow, but it necessary. He can't afford to be here longer than now, for all he knew Batman probably on his way here!
Though that won't work at all if with Batman, but Batgirl different. Unlike Bruce Wayne or Dick Grayson who follow his step, Barbara Gordon have family member that still living and she went through different experience from them. Among Robin, Batman and Batgirl, Nikos perfectly aware the latter is the most mellow one.
That's why he use low blow, to make Batgirl resign and relented, while maybe it true Batman won't force him to follow him but the man will plant some tracking device to him or try to follow him. But Batgirl won't, though it won't stop her for trying information about him
That's fine for now, giving how screwed up his situation now... There not need to cry over it, just follow the flow and make sure he pick the right choice to handling his current situation
"I'm not some kind of bad guy that try to ruin this city." Nikos continued at her silent "If I were, do you think I will stop this guy? You probably have many question for me but right now I don't have time. I have something private I need to do now, and if I'm not I really would like to talk to you." He said neutrally "I mean, who don't want to talk with Hero of this City? Better yet, who doesn't like Hero?" He asked
Batgirl face remain impassive but it cracked by small smile as she staring at Nikos, hand placed on her hips with bemusement "I can list many names."
"Not villains, they not counted. Seriously, they hate almost everybody." Nikos deadpanned before he shake his head "I really have to go now." He decide there no need anymore words and walk to where he throw his money bag and his other Miló, Gods, he going to need name for that one but it can be decided later
He pluck out the staff from the wall, twirling it and place it on his back as well while carrying his bag and begin to walk away. Gods, he really can use some rest now
"Wait, at least tell me your name." Batgirl demanded "You probably already know it but I'm Batgirl!" She introduce herself
This is certainly familiar for some reason, calling it de javu won't be exaggeration at all, thankfully this time he did not tripped. He turned to Batgirl, giving her look over his left gold colored eye "Nikos... Call me Nikos. We will talk when we meet next time." He said, turning his voice to be soft a bit before he walk away, going to the alley nearby. And as soon he out from her vision, he dashed as fast as he could to get away from the area
He knew lying to Batgirl now would be result got his ass kicked by her in future, but he not lying about everything. He never intent to ruin this city and he did have urgent matter to do, like hiding from Batman. And they really going to talk when they meet again, he just never said when
Batgirl allow herself to scowl further. She really tempted to follow this guy, Batman surely going to. However when that guy put it like that... He already stop Grundy before he can kill many people, albeit she sure there casualty but the number clearly reduced thanks to him.
At that time she was busy handling Tally Man in opposite side of the city, so it take a while for her to go here. She already
At least she can let him slip for now, however when she see him next time, there will be questions. She knew she will be chewed by Batman about this later but... Decide to not thought about it, she begin to looking around, observing the area and the damage. She already call Batman and he said he will come in three minutes, which mean it will be soon
"Better to start collecting what I can get about this guy." Batgirl murmured, at least she going to find something about him so when Batman try to chew her it won't be as bad as original
Wow... That was pretty intense one, wouldn't you all agree my friend? XD
Admit it! Nikos kind of kickass! Albeit he also get his ass kicked by Grundy! Ha! And now before you screaming about he too strong, you all should know he not. Taking group of guards who merely armed with heavy weapon won't be hard for someone that possessing Nikos abilities, there many weak villain capable to do that feat
And for Grundy, I'm sure few of you going to protest but it never mentioned that Grundy is very powerful! In case you not notice, his display of strength where he could rivaling Superman is only in few stories
And he clearly not possessing super skin that capable to tank damage like Hulk! No, he vulnerable, granted his skin is thicker and more sturdy but it not mean he can't be killed. And for all his power, Solomon Grundy is stupid. That's why Batman able to beat him without much problem sometime despite Grundy fierce strength and endurace
Nikos is good if you compare him to few in Young Justice, however comparing it to Batman league? Not a chance. In case you not see it, he screwed up this situation by not paying attention to his surrounding, granted it could be because Zelretch fault for sicking him to Grundy but it doesn't change he not paying attention to where he going
As for Batgirl, unlike Robin and Batman, we all can agree that Batgirl is someone who more soft than them since she spend most her childhood better than Batman and Robin, so she let Nikos go, however when she found out that Nikos stealing... Yeah, it won't be pretty I assure you...
Next chapter will be dealing with aftermath of Nikos fight! And how the guy try to go out from Gotham! This is it for now, I hope you love this chapter! Please give Favorite, Follow, and Review
Ja Ne! XD