Gotham Square
The mercenary known as Deathstroke, had been recently seen on the news again. He had been quiet since the Bat had disappeared, but after some time, he rose back up to fight
He was at Gotham Square, on top of the highest building with a sniper rifle, lying prone on the ground as he was watching someone
The person he was watching was Black Mask. He had a perfect view of them and was ready to pull the shot if anything bad happened
He had beretta 50 caliber sniper with a adjustable scope, he needed this gun to have a kick, just incase something strong comes and bullets won't kill it
He wore his signature black and orange mask with one eye viable and the usual armor, he had a sword on his back along with a rifle. He made sure he had weapons to protect himself with, on him at all times
Two-Face's Hideout
Jervis poured himself another cup.
He sipped once, twice and then thrice; it wasn't enough.
The Mad Hatter added more of Dent's liquor into the teapot; much to his own risk.
One half of the hideout was covered in darkness, only the dim fires from red candles haunting the shadows. It was as if a portal to the netherworld had opened on that side.
Jervis sat in that corner of Hell. Not on a chair, but on the floor.
The other half was white and bright; heavenly sunlight would grace the room from a small window on the wall.
Jervis stared into it.
He flinched deeper into the darkness at any chatter. Every voice, no matter how young was definitely the police.
It was like Heaven and Hell were in a war in that room. From the windows to the walls, the battlefield of Good and Evil spanned every bit of space; including the soul of the lone occupant.
The Mad Hatter re-read the label on the bottle. He had probably done so over one hundred times. The letters were clear and they were legible.
He wrapped his hands over the sides of his head, squeezing at the scalp.
He sobbed.
Penguin was down for the raid tomorrow. Now, all Black Mask had to do was to see whether his other ally would be willing.
He knew that Harvey was acquainted with Bruce- didn't know how well, but certainly not as much as he was. His word could depend on a coin toss. Still it was worth a shot.
He heads into Two-Face's hideout hoping to find him. But all he saw was the Mad Hatter. Hopefully he'd have his hat screwed on right- or at least as much as possibly
"Jervis... good to see you. You seem to have a long face. Want to talk?"
The voices outside seemed to quiet down. Jervis relaxed; he had to get a grip on things.
That would have been the plan, until the door just opened on its own.
"H-Harvey?" He slid the nearly empty bottle to his side. "Oh..."
"Ah!"
He let out a tight gasp when he saw who had entered. It was that demon. He, too, was real all along.
Jervis looked up at the intruder. The Mad Hatter finally had a chance to speak with him. He wanted to say dozens of things, scream and shout and demand answers.
The only thing that weakly came out was:
"Who are you?"
Black Mask noticed Jervis was frightened
"Despite my appearance, you need not be frightened, Hatter. I helped break you out of that wretched prison, Arkham."
Jervis remained in the shadows. He kept a deep stare at the skull faced stranger.
"You...but..."
He looked at the mess he made with his tea. He regrettably wiped his finger along a pool of spilled alcohol.
"Harvey broke me out. How did you...and..."
He aggressively rubbed his hair, gritting his teeth. Like a flip of some neurological switch, he snapped his next question.
"How do you know my name?!"
He kept shouting at Black Mask. His voice trembled as what he wanted to say came out.
"I ask again, who are you?!"
Tears formed at the ends of Hatter's eyes. Was this figure the only imagined portion of his escape? How else could his name, not alias, be known? Unless, of course, it was his own guilt-ridden brain.
"You may refer to me as Black Mask. Yes I know, I have a very creative nom de guerre." Mask chuckled
"And I broke Harvey out, who in turn asked me to break you out. Very good friend that Harvey is."
Jervis furrowed his brow as he listened intently. A slight cock of the head expressed his bewilderment.
There was a silence.
The clanking of porcelain broke it; followed by The Mad Hatter's voice.
"Harvey is my only friend."
Jervis swallowed, his voice hoarse from his sore throat. Why did he cry so much?
"I do not remember him mentioning a man in a Black Mask."
The Mad Hatter tightened his knees to his chest, much like a frightened little boy. His timid gaze and puffed eyes only added to the childish demeanor of a troubled grown man.
It was a pitiful sight. Black Mask took no pleasure in seeing a man broken down like this. It's only fun when he starts off strong.
Still this weakened state meant he would be easy to manipulate
"Would you like to have more friends, Jervis? I can help you find more friends. If you work for my business- good honest, rewarding work for you."
Jervis listened.
He let the figment speak, let it try to convince him of its existence. Words would not do that.
Jervis took a bottle and leaned back, studying the man.
There was no response.
A glass bottle was merely lunged at Black Mask…
Black Mask caught the bottle in his hands. He had fast reflexes. Got trained from Deathstroke.
"Sorry Hatter. I don't drink on a work night. Now- you see. The glass is here. I'm real."
Jervis' brows arched.
Finally, he rose. His voice echoed through the room, bouncing around the walls.
"So perhaps it is not floating. Perhaps Harvey was looking back at you."
He wished Harvey was here; he made everything so much clearer as of late.
He stepped forward and continued, passing the line between the side of Hell and into Heaven.
"How do you know Harvey?"
Jervis Tetch stood tall and straight. He was a large man. His frame was husky with slight muscle definition, quite unlike the popular depictions of Lewis Carroll's Mad Hatter. He was something far less whimsical, far more dangerous.
"Arkham was the first time we met face-to-face-to-face. But I've been keeping tabs on him for a while. District attorney, who was scared and became a mobster, split between two personalities. Two personalities who were both genuine. I respect that."
He also knew Harvey was an associate of Bruce Wayne
The Mad Hatter let out a chuckle at Mask's little joke. Of course, to anyone else his laughter could have been of no real reason.
"You seem to know...almost everything there is about him, I see."
He put his hands behind his back.
"I respect Harvey too. Very much so."
He grinned devilishly. Only two? This man had never heard of that third, judgemental personality. This made Jervis more relieved; a figment of his mind would never have referred to Harvey as merely caught between two different men. He was a humble king whose castle was being hijacked by two wicked people.
Jervis tapped his chin, speaking in a kinder tone.
"I much prefer it when Harvey is around."
"Yes, Harvey is his more... personable side. But it would be wise to get on the good side of both- " Black Mask remembered Harvey's record at Arkham "I do suppose there is one more we have to worry about- one side that can't be reasoned with. But if we know, we can be prepared."
Jervis nodded in agreement.
"Mmm, quite. It can be difficult to reason with... Mr. Two-F-.."
He squinted at how Mask elaborated, the words he used. The more Jervis realized it, the more he tensed. The Black Mask spoke of The Judge.
The Mad Hatter began to pace with a hand behind his back, occasionally glancing at the intruder between sharp, defensive sentences, firing them across the room like arrows.
"T-There are only Two sides...Two...!"
Jervis continued with agitation. Did The Black Mask truly reference the third man? How? It made his heart race and his footsteps fall faster and harder.
He balled a fist in response. He was unaware of his obviously growing physical display of panic.
"Two sides, only two! St-stop it! You don't know that! How do you know what I know!"
"The correct question is 'How do I know what the doctors at Arkham know', Hatter" He stated. Getting prepared for a fight. He did not fear this delusional man. "And the answer is simple. I read the Arkham files."
Hatter likely needed more time to heal. He wouldn't be an asset at this time. Black Mask figured it would be best to walk out of here
"Well- Jervis, it was nice to see you again. But I am a very busy man and have to leave. Consider my job offer."
Jervis blinked a few times. He finally stopped pacing. How did this man know so much? How did he get access to the files? It started to make some sense, although that reality was more unnerving than a hallucination.
He flopped to his knees as the man announced his farewell. He looked at his hand, the healing scabs sore from his tight grip.
The Mad Hatter calmly responded, posing a question that came from the back most of his mind. He kept his gaze at his aching hand.
"When I first came to Harvey's door, what did he tell me that made me cry?"
He looked up at The Black Mask, awaiting an answer only Hatter himself could have known.
It was the final test.
Black Mask shrugged "All I know between you two are what I learned from news clippings, Arkham files, and the very limited personal interactions. I'm sure you two have your secrets."
The Mad Hatter chuckled.
"He said I was 'batshit crazy'. His words; not mine, Mr. Mask!"
Jervis looked around the hideout. The candles were starting to die; perhaps they were symbolic. It was time to end this corner sobbing.
Jervis continued, outstretching his arms like a proud ringmaster.
"And yet, here I am. Able to stay in his humble abode, all alone at that."
He gave the Black Mask a grin.
"Until you stepped in."
The Mad Hatter stood back up. He approached Black Mask, a dark vacancy in his glazed eyes. His eye twitched at the tattoo, like it was intentional.
"If he can give me a chance, then...what do I have to lose? I have nothing! And I cannot take less than nothing."
There was a silence.
"Now, honest work you say?"
He offered a shaking, wounded hand.
"If this is real or imagined, fact or fantasy, I do like the idea of the salaryman. To return to yesterday, ah, when I was a different person. To return to that day, in some way."
The Mad Hatter nudged his hand to encourage a deal. His lowered head made his smile retreat below his large nose.
"When yesterday comes, I shall futterwacken...vigorously!"
He laughed and laughed; for wherever he was going was a place like no place on earth. A land full of wonder, mystery, and danger. Some say, to survive it, you need to be as mad as a hatter.
Which, luckily, he was.
"I am very pleased to hear that Hatter. Now, I'll get the preparations ready. You will be sent the location of your new occupation. And- we can discuss any payments. Money is usually the first offer- but perhaps you have something else you would like?."
Jervis hummed. He did want a normal life. A nine to five, a nice big home, peace and quiet. He believed it was possible; things were only impossible because they were believed to be. However, normalcy in this time required one staple ingredient.
"I do like the sound of a comfortable wage. Money makes the world go 'round!"
He looked at his hand, still unshaken
"Awww, I'm crushed. You do not have confidence in this?"
He wiggled his fingers to draw attention to his ignored hand.
"What is a deal if it is not stamped by a handsh-"
Suddenly, he jerked it back.
"Ah ah ah! Wait! I also owned a theatre in old Gotham! It was my home."
He re-offered his hand, his tone more demanding.
"I want to own it...legally."
A simple theater? Perhaps his former base of operations. Regardless it would be small potatoes for Black Mask to obtain
"Of course Hatter. I'll get some of my lawyers to get the paperwork done for you."
He handed him some contact information
"Now, if you excuse me, I have more work to do. I hope to see you soon in the future, Jervis."
Black Mask began to leave Two-Face's hideout.
There was never a shake. Instead, to the Mad Hatter's surprise, a piece of paper was placed into his palm.
Jervis' eyes glanced down at what rested in his hand en lieu of a proper handshake.
His thumb brushed the paper. Its letters were legible; the feeling very real. He flicked it about his fingers, bending the edges.
"W-when..."
The Man in the Black Mask was gone.
"Bah!"
With an irritated scowl, The Mad Hatter propelled the paper with the force of a man fed up. It dashed to the right, landing near the flames of the red candles. And as physics would have it, it interacted like anything dry near a flame.
"A-Ah!"
Jervis' heart raced and his brow trembled at the realization that this was all, in fact, real.
"No, no, no, no!"
Jervis charged his way to the candles, slamming his arm into the small fire. It was put out immediately.
He lifted his wrist, pinching the partly charred paper. He panted as he squinted it at. Most of the address was still intact.
Like the Cheshire cat once said, 'every adventure requires one step.'
The Raccoon's Den
Black Mask headed to the Raccoon's den, a large nightclub and strip club that he secretly owned and used as a front for his operations. Such joints were ubiquitous around Gotham, nobody would blink an eye at the place.
Meanwhile he saw a text from an associate: "I heard Olive Garden will be serving tuna"
He would be expecting her soon. But first he waited for Deathstroke to enter the room.
After Deathstroke watched Black Mask and Mad Hatter talk it out, he dissembled the rifle and put it in a case, hiding the case somewhere on the roof and going down and walking back to the Racoon's Den.
It took him some time to arrive here, but it sure didn't hide it that he had arrived. Some people felt tense just by being in his presence, his signature black and orange mask, his armor and sword on his back along with a rifle attached to his side, he was ready for anything.
He soon walked over to Black mask and put his hands behind his back "I assume the talking went well... And that I will get my weekly pay today, otherwise you know what will happen if I don't get my money."
he said in a cold tone, looking black mask in the eyes. Deathstroke only cared about 3 things, his friends and family and money, he didn't get paid, someone was dying.
"You know me, Deathstroke. I would never refuse to handsomely pay someone with your talents." Black Mask carefully gave Deathstroke the briefcase with the money he asked.
"Yes, the talk went relatively well. He's still got a few screws loose but we were able to have a conversation."
"Onto our business. The Rogues are coalescing- I know that Catwoman and Scarecrow seem to have entered an unlikely alliance. Penguin is dealing with a Croc infestation that could get nasty. And I suspect Catwoman shall go after the Odessa Mob next. If they swear loyalty to me, that could also require your protection- which I certainly would be able to pay for. I doubt a Kitten will be much for you to handle. The Crocodile on the other hand will require more planning."
Deathstroke took the briefcase and opened it, inspecting the money before closing it and holding it in his hand as he let his arm fall to his side.
He listened to what Black Mask said "So I've heard... I can take care of the cat whenever it is needed, I have my weapons on hand and I'm always ready" he looked over his shoulder at some people, before slowly looking back at Black Mask.
"I've heard about the crocodile, skin is harder than kevlar, bullets won't do anything, even if they are armor piercing... My best bet would be the same 50 cal, would give enough force to tire him out... He can be as strong as he wants, but the bullet will make the body part I hit, lash back."
Deathstroke looked around before sighing "His mouth, it seems like a bad move and I don't know if it would work... But if I get the right timing and angle, I'd be able to shoot him right through the mouth, meaning rendering him useless for a period of time... Killing him is near impossible thanks to the regeneration."
He sighed and slightly growled, he was planning even though he shouldn't be, his hand went up to his mask as he let out a sigh.
"What about Huntress? Can't she take care of the cat instead of me.. It would just be a waste of my skills."
"I believe you of all people know that sending a mole into your enemies' organization is invaluable- I still need more information about her allies. I don't necessarily want her dead- yet. She has been a valuable tool- I have a few more uses for her before I'll ask you to kill her. But like most tools, there will be a time to dispose of her." Meanwhile a young adult, looking in their mid 20s began to walk towards the building.
Deathstroke listened to him "What am I supposed to do then? Buy the mob some time and drink tea and eat some crumpets with the cat?" he said in a fake British accent "I need more time if I want to stop her from attacking the Odessa mob.." he approached the bar and sit down on the stool as he spoke to him.
He was stuck thinking to himself. Holding his hand to his head "Is there anything else you need of me? Because I've been thinking of taking a break for tonight as you were my final employer for tonight." he said turning to him
His hand was on his pistol as his finger tapped the side of the holster, his eye watching Black Mask "also... Where are your goons? They usually follow you around."
"No... I'll let Catwoman do her thing, and wait for them to crawl to me- beg for my protection- and give me the cash I deserve."
He paused
"There is something else I want done. Penguin had promised me some goons- but I do fear the Croc already struck him. I already have a plan set to raid Wayne Manor. But while the goons are in the mansion, you and I will travel to the caves underneath. I believe what you will find will perhaps surprise you."
The young adult was let into the room, and the door shut.
"Sir- Deathstroke. I'm ready for duty."
"Annie..." Mask said softly "We both know your true face. You can cast the mask off."
Annie began to shrink down. Rather than being an adult woman, she had the appearance of a skinny young teenager with a bob cut, no older than 15.
"And I don't have my goons, because this meeting is between those who will show their true faces."
Deathstroke turned his back to the bar and leaned back on it "So you're waiting for them to come to you... Well good luck, hopefully Catwoman doesn't end all of them until they make it to you" he said as he turned his head to the person that walked in.
He already knew who it was and simply looked back at Black Mask, he listened to him and asked "Show our real faces? Currently. You and I have a mask on. And I doubt you'll be taking your mask off."
He took his mask off, placing it on the bar as he looked at black mask, he had an eyepatch over his dead eye "Also.. Why is Annie here? And why did she say that she's ready for duty? Did you tell her that she's going on a mission with me and you are telling me this now?"
He slowly walked over to black mask and looked him in the eyes "And I'm not gonna be surprised... You'll just find more money in the Wayne Manor, unless someone already looted it.." -
"It's not a Mask, Deathstroke. It's my true face." He said, waving his hand over his face "And your Mask isn't hiding your true face either."
"You've trained Annie. You know what an excellent fighter she is. And you know her special little gifts. But no- not with you specifically. She is always ready for duty- Isn't that right, my little Mudpie?" Mask said with genuine affection in his voice
Annie gave a little smile, knowing how proud her surrogate father was of her.
"As for Wayne Manor- and the caves- yes the money will be a plus. And hopefully that should be enough to motivate you to join the mission. But there are still some surprises to have."
"Whatever you say Black Mask, as long as I get my pay, I'm not gonna be complaining" he walked over to the bar and picked his helmet up, putting it back on as he turned to face the two
"I'm assuming you have something else planned here, considering you called me and Annie here.. Do I need to train her again? Do I need to help her increase her accuracy, strength, speed...what is it"
"And I swear. If you say she's just here because you wanted to see your 'sweet little mudpie' then I'm just gonna walk right out of the door and call it a night"
He slightly glanced at Annie as he crossed his arms "I hope you'd been cleaning your weapons and keeping them in top shape... If not, then I'll have my way of punishment to make sure you do clean them..." While Deathstroke was training Annie, he had been extremely strict and punishments were extremely rough, using electricity, water, and fire. Any element he could he used to teach her to be a good fighter and strong-willed.
He sat back down as he took his pistol, inspecting it and checking the chamber. In the chamber, there was a bullet, same for his rifle. It had a bullet.
So Black Mask... What else do you request of me" he said leaning back
A chill went up Annie's spine- well if she had a spine. She recalled Deathstroke's brutal methods. But it helped her become stronger- harder- more tough. And for that she would respect him.
"Her training will continue if you think it is necessary. But I believe she will be very useful in fighting the Croc and can possibly allow you to get the headshot. I might get her to scout the sewers, disguising herself as the rubble in the sewer- or one of Croc's goons- you may have taught her how to fight, but I taught her how to impersonate."
Deathstroke got up and pointed to Annie and shook his head "No, going in the sewers is one of the dumbest moves we can pull. That is Crocs territory, since he started his feud with Penguin, he has seen stealing weapons and armor from the GCPD, meaning... His people are more armored and armed than most of our soldiers.. As for the impersonation, she wouldn't make it too far. I'm not sure if they even speak English down there, if she goes, she is only going to end up killing those people... And the worst part is, Crocs a tracker... It doesn't matter if she hides her footprints or scent... He will find her, track her down to back here, might lose the first fight... Something I've seen is, every villain thinks he's dumb... He's not, when he loses a fight, he learns your weaknesses.''
Deathstroke his hand "Bad idea going as rubble as well.. Everything will be booby trapped to the teeth, I'm starting to think the sewer is more guarded than the GCPD" he started walking back and forth.
"If we are going to take Croc down... I'm gonna need a bolt action rifle, preferably with a lot of kick and iron sights... Pistols will be too weak, rifles too inaccurate".
He sighed and crossed his arms "We need a different way to find this freak... Which shouldn't be hard, he's a gigantic walking talking crocodile... For all we know, he could be right in your club, sitting by the bar and pretending to be human."
"Interesting observation. You seem to know quite a bit of this Croc fellow."
Perhaps Deathstroke had several fights with Killer Croc before, Mask thought.
"The weapons will not be an issue. I have a top-tier clandestine factory that will manufacture them for you. But if you do believe that Croc will not be hard to find, I suggest we begin. But I still request you take Annie with you- for the assist."
"He turned to her "You can put the Mask back on, Thespis."
Annie complied, and went back to the form she had before. Not Huntress, but definitely not Annie.
"I've... Met him before, to say kindly." Deathstroke said as he adjusted his gloves and sighed "Alright then... I'll take the kid with me, as long as she doesnt get in my way." Deathstroke would not hesitate to shoot right through her, as he knew her regenerating powers.
"Also... I suggest calling the crocodile... Killer Croc, that's how he's known throughout Gotham... And he had shown why, I can show many cases which are because of him. But now, I am out to search for this guy..." he said walking out of the room.
He didn't care if Annie followed him or not, he just wanted this day to be done, he hadn't gotten a full night of sleep and was quite exhausted.
Once he walked into the street, he walked into a alleway and push a trash bin away from a wall, revealing a small double door, opening it, he revealed multiple weapons.
He grabbed some wrist shooters, two extra pistols, another assault rifle and a shotgun. Afterwards he hid the guns away and pushed the trashcan back in the way, hiding it.
Streets Outside
Deathstroke started walking along the streets, keeping his eye out as he didn't have a clue where to start "Annie, do you have any idea where this guy could go..." he said slightly glancing at her
"You know better than to call me by my true name." She stated "Perhaps I should change into someone more... familiar?" She intended to turn into Tara Markov to troll him, but didn't want another electric shock. So instead, in the Shadows she shifted into another Teen Titans adversary, a Vietnamese woman "Call me Cheshire."
He glanced over to her, looked at her for a second before looking back straight "Alright then 'Cheshire'... Got any idea where this guy can be?"
Oh, if Annie turned into Tara, she would not just get an electric shock, but a burning and beating that she'd never would have been able to get from Deathstroke. It would completely infuriate him, and she knows how dangerous deathstroke is when he's angry
"If we do find him, I suggest you turn into someone like the Penguin... To get his attention and give me the opportunity to shoot... If he tries biting your head off, I'll slide in and kick you aside, sending a bullet right through the freaks mouth"
"It would be able to keep him at bay for a while. Not kill him.. He'd lose his speech and wouldn't be able to talk.. A good thing, but I don't think it would stop him... And before you even try telling me your plan, we are not going in the sewer, we are not poisoning the sewer, we are keeping our distance from it" He said glancing back at her.
"Got it," 'Chesire' stated. She would treat Deathstroke with the utmost seriousness.
"He could have visited Penguin's Safehouse after the Iceberg Lounge. We should check there, see if he left any marks."
"If it was Penguins safehouse. Then it definitely has no trail... The bodies would be gone. Same for the blood... Any destruction he'd done to the building would be patched up" he said as he looked up at one of the buildings and studied it.
"He has to be hiding someplace quiet... With less people and a lot of space..." He stopped as he started to think "I have some options in mind... He could be using ace chemicals as a hide out... The new construction site... Or the water outside of Gotham..."
He turned to Annie and put his hands behind his back "analise those 3 options and tell me, which one is the right one, I'll be taking note of your discussion
'Chesire' thought about it. She knew Gotham as much as Black Mask did.
"Ace Chemicals is highly polluted- it would not be an ideal location for Croc to settle in."
"As for the water outside- it would be out in the open, have no land- would be a very temporary resting location."
"The construction site makes sense. It has connections to the sewer, is inconspicuous, and has the framework for him to work in"
"Let's start fixing your problems... Croc lives in the sewers and people before have tried to gas him out with various gasses.. To no avail, so it's back in the picture..."
"The water- Croc doesn't need much air so he can stay under for who knows how long, he can have connections to the sewer thanks to the sewage pipes... Meaning all he needs is a place to lay low. And the water is perfect"
"The construction site. It would be risky for Croc to be there, as it is being a building being built. It would have some late night patrols to kick out the bums and early shifts in the morning... Making it a bad place for him.."
"Gases yes- but nothing like the toxins at Ace Chemicals. The city would never allow putting those in the sewer- would destroy the infrastructure of Gotham. If you think he is tough enough to withstand that wasteland then he is one tough cookie indeed. We will have to highly prepare ourselves if we want to visit there first."
"As for the water- the area would be too wide to scout out- And we'd be meeting him on his own turf- but besides the point he will be back on land, and it will be through the sewers, not the shore."
"Exactly... And he probably knows that the water is his strong suit.. Meaning he's using it as a for now hideout, which is a problem for all of us..." Deathstroke sighed and looked around the place, checking his watch "You know what, my work hours are done and I've been paid for this week... I am going home to sleep and get some rest and continue planning in my own space."
He turned. Walking the opposite direction of her "I suggest you go back to Black Mask, he might have some other orders for you..." he said as he checked his pistol and made sure it was loaded "I'll see you tomorrow maybe, depending if I'll have the will to come in tomorrow"
The Raccoon's Den
'Cheshire' walked back into the shadows and transformed back into Thespis and headed back to the club. She would have long days ahead of her.
She reported back to Black Mask. "Deathstroke believes that Croc is hiding in the waters around Gotham- and that trying to find him would be insanely futile. But he also suspected that Croc is at the new construction site and Ace chemicals."
Black Mask put his fingers together. "I will fly several spy drones in those areas. See if we can find him. Anything else you want to add?"
"...I hate him. I hate him so much!" Annie clenched her fists. "I know why he's here. But I can't get over it. How he- he hurt me."
Black Mask let out a sigh. "Annie, we've discussed this before. Besides if you think he's bad, just look at how he treats his kids. Man, he forced Rose to gouge out one of her eyes, and stabbed Joseph through the chest. You're pretty damn lucky compared to them?"
"So being burned, electrocuted, melted is called lucky?" Her voice began to tremble
"And yet- it did you good. You have precise control over your powers, but still know how to fight without blowing your cover. You have been trained in dozens of martial arts and weapons. If I didn't know you could handle him, I wouldn't have sent you to him. You're stronger than you realize."
The two embraced in a hug. Annie felt like she was going to cry, but no tears fell out.
Black Mask patted her on the head "Is something else bothering you?"
"Y-yes, when I was Huntress, I killed Mandragora- I didn't want to." She loosened her arms from his waist
"You've killed before- countless times. I've seen how deadly you could be firsthand."
"I looked him in the eye. He was terrified. I had to get deep into character."
"Yes, it was Helena who wanted him dead- you were wearing her mask. He killed her whole family, don't feel too sorry for him- and besides, you know why it had to be done. The same reason I had to kill poor Helena for you to fill your role-"
"You need to control crime. Nobody else recognizes the true face of Gotham like you do."
"That's right, my child. This job is a messy business, but I have faith that you have the willpower and determination to pull through. Do you need counseling? I can call my friend Jeremiah for another session." Breaking Arkham inmates is easy when the director is an associate of yours.
"N-no. I'm fine. I feel better talking with you. Thanks so much."
When it was over, Mask sent a message through his phone, to send spy drones to Ace Chemicals and the Construction site to see if Croc was hidden there.