Now comes the "Beauty and the Beast" stuff. I'd also written several chunks of this chapter in advance, though they needed serious polishing.

The figure lifted its head to reveal a toothy, minty-green smile. It was only there for an instant, for when the lights next went out, the figure was gone. And she was alone in the dark.

No. Not really. As she stepped further into the hallway, she could feel the creature's spinetingling presence.

"I-I know you're there," she said.

Her voice was shaky. Not just because of the dark atmosphere, but the fact that she'd just run a marathon of deathtraps. She had a feeling that had merely been a warm-up.

Don't let it show that you're intimidated. Remembering her own advice to her colleague the other day, she shook her head and tried to keep up her brave front.

"Show yourself!"

There was a low cackle echoing throughout the darkness. "I can smell your fear. No use trying to hide it."

Lita stopped and looked about for the source of the voice. It seemed to be coming from all directions. It sent a chill through her, but she wasn't going to give this creature the satisfaction of frightening her. Taking a deep breath, she straightened up.

"I am afraid," she said firmly. "But fear is what makes me brave."

"Good answer," the voice said, sounding pleased. "You aren't a complete idiot, it would seem."

Lita wasn't liking this guy already. "Alright, I made it past your stupid little obstacle course. Now where's my father?" She let the blade slide out of its hilt, cradling it between her fingers. "Take me to him. Now."

The voice chuckled. "You think you're in any position to be making demands? Foolish girl. Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?"

"Of course I do," she said flatly. "Everyone knows who you are."

Suddenly, she felt a cool breeze on the back of her neck. Stiffening, Lita realized it was someone's breath. Not warm like most breaths, but cold as ice.

He was standing right behind her.

"Then say the name!" he hissed in her ear.

His voice was like venom. It had her frozen in place. Lita's heartbeat sped fast enough to defy all traffic laws. She knew what this monster was capable of. He could kill her with a mere snap of his fingers. To him, her life was a weak burning candle he could snuff out. Or worse. He could snap her in two, but still have her live long enough to feel the pain. He could make her suffering last as long as he wanted it to.

This thought reminded her that he could do the same to her father. If he was still alive, he was probably suffering unimaginable pain. His life was all that mattered to her.

So, taking in a deep breath and narrowing her eyes, she took a step away from the creature.

"Black Hat," she said, clenching her fists. "But I don't care who you are." Whipping out her knife, she turned to face him at last. "You took my father from me! And I'm not leaving here until you keep your promise and take me to him!"

The silence that followed allowed her time to fully take in the figure standing before her in the dim light from the windows. Black Hat hadn't changed since she'd seen him as a child. He still towered over her, though not as much. Her head came up to his chin, and she looked up at him bravely into his one, intimidating, colorless eye.

Black Hat was stunned. The human had her glaring eyes locked with his. Her nostrils were flaring with anger as she tried to keep her breath under control. She was clearly trying to hide her fear, as the knife was shaking in her hand.

She had a dark appearance. She almost blended as well into the shadows as he did, with her black hair and clothing. But her bright blue eyes shone through it all, burning with fury and fear.

Black Hat relaxed and gave her one of his signature toothy grins. This girl had spirit, but she was no threat.

Lita cried out as something snapped around her wrist, forcing her to drop her knife. She looked down at what appeared to be a black tentacle constricting around her arm! She lifted her gaze back towards Black Hat and saw that the tentacle was coming from his back!

"Very few beings," he said in a low tone, pulling her closer, "have dared to speak to me so boldly," his face was just an inch from hers, "and lived to tell the tale!"

Lita squeaked as the tendril tightened around her wrist. Any tighter, and it could break. Her mask of bravado had fallen away, but she didn't break eye contact with the monster holding her.

"The only reason you've lasted this long, Miss Gris," Black Hat said, the corners of his mouth turning up further so that the sharp points of his teeth were visible, "is because I found your performance out on my lawn quite…impressive." His one dark eyelid drooped halfway over its iris. "But my attention can only be held for so long."

Normally, she would get out of this sort of hold by wrenching her arm through her attacker's thumb. Except his tentacle had no thumbs! No weak spots! She had to think fast. Her life and her father's depended on it.

"N-Now, hold on!" she said, cursing herself for stammering. "W-We had a deal!" She narrowed her eyes again. "You said if I rang your doorbell, you'd take me to see my father! A-And everyone says, as villainous as you are, you never go back on a promise!"

Black Hat's lips fell over his teeth, but he did not drop the eerie smile. Lita's eyes hurt as she tried to win the staring contest with his one eye. Did this guy even blink?

"You're right, Miss Gris," he said in an amused tone. "Black Hat never goes back on a promise."

The tentacle slithered out of its hold and Lita cradled her arm, sighing in relief. The tentacle then rose back up, holding her blade out to her. Confused, Lita let the knife fall into her hand. The lights then turned back on, letting her see the villain in full.

Funny. He didn't look as intimidating in the light. Ignore the sinister smile and nose-less face, and he was just an ordinary man in a trench coat, top hat and spats. Although it was the same outfit he'd worn fifteen years ago, as an adult, she couldn't help but find the classic attire almost…dashing.

Lita shook the thought from her head. He was still a villain, after all. One holding her father captive.

"Come," he said, placing his hand on her waist, making her stiffen at his cold touch.

How could a gloved hand feel so cold?

She gasped as she was suddenly pulled to his side, their bodies pressed firmly together.

"Keep close," he whispered teasingly into her ear. "And no funny business. After all, I didn't say anything about seeing your father…alive."

She didn't dare ask if he meant her father or her.

As he led her down the hallway, she struggled to keep her brave face. While everything was less nerve-racking in the light, a new feeling was emerging within her.

Disgust. Disgust in the way he was touching her. Her nose crinkled as his bony fingers slid slowly up and down her waist as they walked. Thankfully, they didn't go anywhere below the hip. At least he had some decency.

She tried not to look at him, but instead focused her attention on the décor. They passed by paintings portraying Black Hat in outfits from different periods. In each portrait, he was grinning creepily, and the eyes seemed to follow her.

The real Black Hat felt her shiver in his hold and followed her gaze with his one eye. "Lifelike, aren't they? Although," he said, tipping his hat to the side, "they pale in comparison to the original."

Lita couldn't help but roll her eyes. Someone had an ego.

"I have one commissioned every decade or so," he said as they passed by the one of him dressed as a cowboy on horseback.

"Exactly how old are you?" she asked, genuinely curious.

Black Hat chuckled. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Uh…yeah. That's why I asked." They came to the portrait of him in a Victorian robe. "You must be…what? A hundred? Two hundred? Really must give me the name of your plastic surgeon."

He frowned, finding this sudden candidness of hers…odd. He was used to uneasiness from others, especially during first encounters. When Flug had arrived, he'd been an awkward pile of cowardice. When Dementia had arrived, she'd been in a deranged fog. When 5.0.5. had arrived…well, he'd hugged him, but then had quickly learned Black Hat was a being to be feared.

This girl…he couldn't figure her out. First, she had commanded him. Then, she had threatened him. Now, she was…bantering with him? How could someone be so…well-adjusted around him?

Perhaps it was an act. Yes, that was it. All part of her front to make her appear unafraid. He would've been fully convinced if she didn't reek of fear. It was…admirable, he would admit. Cute, even.

Yet unnerving, because she wasn't as unnerved as she should be. He had to make her uncomfortable somehow, or else he might have to be forced to make…casual conversation.

Realizing his hand was still on her waist, he got an idea. Smirking, his slid his hand down a little further, resting on her thigh.

"Hey!" she cried out, slapping his hand. "Don't get fresh with me, scumbag!"

Black Hat retracted his hand, grinning in spite of her reaction. Normally, he would've vaporized her for striking him, if it hadn't been a result of her discomfort, as had been his intention. He hadn't really meant to do anything. Villain as he was, he was still a gentleman. Besides, carnal indulgences were beneath him. Though he had enjoyed watching her…fiery response.

"I must say, Miss Gris," he said, moving his hand to her shoulder. "You're certainly making my evening…entertaining."

She scowled at his hand, but didn't do anything this time, thinking she'd already pushed her luck enough. At least the shoulder was better than her waist.

"I didn't come here to entertain you," Lita said he led her to an old-fashioned elevator.

"Of course," Black Hat said, pressing the button to open up the rickety, old cage. "Have patience, my dear. Your father isn't far." He scoffed. "Assuming my doctor hasn't…gone overboard in my absence."

Once the electric currents had finished passing through him, Ricardo panted in exhaustion. The electrodes on his forehead, chest and arms were burning, his brain felt like it was buzzing and his heart was beating rapidly.

"So, Mr. Gris," Flug said, casually writing notes on his clipboard, "how did that last one make you feel?"

Ricardo only whimpered in response.

"Interesting." After jotting something down, he placed his rubbered fingers on the shock machine's dial. "Let's see what happens when we turn the voltage up by five."

"Please…" Ricardo wheezed. "No…more…"

"Oh, relax, Mr. Gris. This won't be enough to kill you." He gave him a blank look through his goggles. "We don't want that happening just yet."

Ricardo shut his eyes, preparing for the next shock. His life flashed before him. Oh, how he'd wasted it all, especially the last five years. He regretted leaning on Lita for so long, forcing her to make adult decisions at such a young age. She had never reprimanded him for it, but he still wished he could have been the father she deserved.

On the bright side, he might be reunited with Linda soon. Assuming he ended up in the same place. And at least his daughter was safe. Surely Black Hat would have no reason to bother her with him gone. Ricardo just wished he could see her face one last time.

Just then, the airlock door opened up. "Papi?"

Thinking he must be imagining things, Ricardo opened his eyes. "Lita?"

His daughter stood in the doorway, Black Hat's arm around her. For a moment, Ricardo felt a rush of anger. If that bastard dared touch her…

"You have five minutes," Black Hat whispered to her in a growl. "Make them count."

"Papi!" Lita cried, breaking away from the villain to rush over to her father.

Flug looked up from his clipboard in confusion. "What the…?"

She took Ricardo's pudgy face in her hands. "Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"

"Lita, what are you doing here?" her father asked, fearing for her safety. "You can't be here!"

"I couldn't just—"

"Excuse me!" Flug said, placing a hand on his hip as he marched up behind the woman. "You can't just barge in here and—"

"Now, now, Flug," Black Hat said, waving his hand dismissively as he walked up to his side. "Let them have their little father-daughter moment."

The scientist looked at him, perplexed. "W-Why, sir?"

"Miss Gris and I made a little bargain," Black Hat whispered before turning to Lita. "Four minutes and twenty seconds."

Once Lita had noticed the electrodes sticking to her father's skin, she darted her eyes at the villains. "What have you done to him?!"

Black Hat glanced at Flug. "What did you do to him? He's shaking like a maraca!"

"Oh, nothing much yet," Flug said with a shrug. "Just sent about fifty volts throughout his body." He checked his notes. "As expected, his heartrate accelerated by about twenty bpm."

Lita couldn't believe they were talking about this so nonchalantly. "Let him go! He didn't do anything to you!"

They both turned to the woman. Flug gulped, knowing what his boss did to people who dared to command him. But the only emotion Black Hat expressed was amusement as he grinned at her.

"So," he said, glancing at Ricardo, "you didn't tell your daughter about our little…arrangement?"

"What's he talking about?" Lita asked her father.

Black Hat folded his arms behind his back. "You wish to tell her, or shall I?"

"Leave her out of this!" Ricardo pleaded. "This is between you and me!"

"Very well, then," Black Hat said, turning to the girl. "Your father borrowed a large sum of money from me. While he's been making steady payments over the last fifteen years—with the exception of the last three months—he has yet to pay in full. Not to mention the months of protection fees he's missed."

Suddenly understanding what those one hundred thousand pesos had been for, Lita looked at her father in a mixture of disbelief and fury. "You…you took out a loan…from Black Hat?!"

"I had to!" Ricardo said, his eyes watering.

"Good god, Papi!" She smacked herself in the forehead. "Why? What were you thinking?!What could you possibly have needed all that money for?!"

Locking gaze with her, he whispered, "Your…your mother…the cancer, but…the treatment didn't work and…the funeral costs…"

Lita's anger quickly disappeared. Of course. He'd done it to save her mother. For that, she couldn't blame him.

"You…" She looked down at her feet. "You could've told me. I…I would've brought in more! I wouldn't have stopped…" She sniffed. "It's my fault you never paid him back."

"No, mija," Ricardo said, wishing he could embrace her. "I should've told you, but I didn't want you to worry." He sighed. "Now…it seems I've dug my own grave."

Lita glared back at her father's captor. "What's a few pesos to you? Aren't you the richest man on the island?"

"Technically," Flug said, adjusting his goggles, "Mr. Black Hat is the richest being within a two-hundred-lightyear radius."

She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the scientist.

"Very true," Black Hat said proudly. "However, it is not a matter of money, but of principle." His eye narrowed at Ricardo. "I do not tolerate broken deals, no matter how small. Which reminds me," he said glancing back at Lita, "you have one more minute."

"Lita," Ricardo said hoarsely, "go."

She turned to him, struggling to hold back her tears. "Papi…I can't just leave you here. Do…do you have any idea what I went through to get to you?"

"And I couldn't be prouder," he said with a small smile. "Your mother would be proud too, of the woman you've become. But you must go now, while he's giving you the chance."

"Smartest thing he's said all night," Black Hat grumbled.

"But Papi—" Lita started to say.

"Go!" Ricardo shouted. "Go. Live your life."

She blinked. "Live my life? Papi, you are my life!"

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she let her few escaped tears fall onto his shoulder.

"Everything…" she whispered, "everything I ever did…since mom…has been for you."

Ricardo's smile faded. "And look at how I've repaid you for that. Now…now it's my turn to make the sacrifice."

Whimpering, she shook her head. "I won't let you!"

Black Hat gagged at their disgusting display of affection. Flug, meanwhile, was trying to hide his own tears from his boss. This visitation had to end now before things got too mushy.

"Time's up," Black Hat said, lashing out a tentacle.

Lita yelped as she was suddenly wrenched away from her father. She reached out to him in desperation.

"I said you'd see him," Black Hat said, dropping her to the floor. "Now you've seen him. Wipe away those pathetic tears and I'll escort you out."

That was enough to snap whatever had been holding the young woman together. Any anger she'd had towards her father's mistake was now directed at the monster holding him captive. He was to blame, not her father.

Not caring about the consequences, Lita sprung up and whipped out her blade, pointing it at Black Hat's neck. Squeaking in shock, Flug dropped his clipboard and backed into the equipment table.

"I'm not leaving without my father!"

"What are you, crazy?!" Flug exclaimed, glancing anxiously between the girl and the demon.

"Unless I get what is owed to me," Black Hat said, unfazed by her threat, "your father is not going anywhere."

Lita paused to think. "How much does he owe you? Maybe I can pay it!"

He smirked, deciding to humor her. "Flug?"

"Oh, uh," Dr. Flug said, picking up his tablet. "W-With interest increasing over the last fifteen years, and the amount of missed protection payments, Mr. Gris owes us…" He swiped his screen. "Five hundred thousand pesos."

Lita looked over to her father. "Five hundred thousand pesos?!"

"I was desperate!" he cried. "And after the mortgage payments and electric bills—"

"We'll talk about this later!" She turned back to Black Hat. "Let him go, now! Or I'll slice you open and gut you like a fish!"

Flug stared at the girl in disbelief. "Do you have a death wish?!"

He was sure his boss was going to slash her throat or something. Instead, Black Hat merely shook his head and laughed.

"I've destroyed hundreds of heroes who dared challenge me," he said, leaning towards her. "Heroes with abilities that far surpassed yours." His grin turned into a frown, accompanied by a scowl. "So, what makes you think," he said, batting her knife away with a tentacle, as if it were a pesky fly, "you stand a chance," Lita backed away as he seemed to grow in size, his teeth sticking out over his bottom lip, "against ME?"

Everything in the room seemed to flash red as he said that last word, the image of a red skull reflecting in Black Hat's monocle. Shrieking, Flug hid behind his tablet. Lita resisted the urge to do the same as she stared up at the demonic being.

She knew what she had done was stupid. Who had she been kidding? She couldn't fight this thing! Not even with all her martial arts knowledge!

There had to be another way to save her father. But how?

"Our deal was," Black Hat growled, his voice even deeper now as several tentacles sprouted up from behind him, "you ring my doorbell, you see your father. You've seen him, so I suggest you leave while I'm still feeling…charitable."

Wait. Deal. That was it.

She'd been approaching this the wrong way, threatening him. Instead of thinking like a thug, she should've been thinking like a salesperson. Without the chipper attitude.

"Y-You like making deals!" Lita said, squaring her shoulders. "What if I offered you something better than five hundred thousand pesos?"

Black Hat laughed, sounding like Godzilla watching a sitcom. "And what could you, a meek little mortal, possibly offer me that's worth more than money?"

Lita glanced at her father, fearing for what she was about to do. It was completely reckless, but she knew one thing was for certain.

With her father gone, she'd have nothing left to live for.

So, facing the demon, her eyebrows laced together in determination, she clenched her fists and spoke boldly, "My life. In exchange for my father's."

"Lita, no!" her father shouted.

Black Hat went silent. Flug cautiously lowered his tablet in time to see his boss shrink back to his normal form. He stared at the young woman, stroking his chin in thought. Then, placing both hands behind his back, he began circling her.

Lita remained still as she felt his one eye inspect her from all angles. She held back a squeal in her throat when he suddenly grabbed her upper arm, seeming to feel it up. Out of instinct, she slapped his hand and backed away. That probably wasn't smart. And yet, he didn't appear angry. Instead, he grinned toothily, his half-lidded gaze fixated on her.

Black Hat was intrigued with this girl. She had a fire in her very few possessed. Not only had she made it past his impossible security system with barely a scratch, but she was brave enough to stand up to him. Foolish, but brave. And from what he'd felt from her arm, she didn't lack in physical strength either.

He wondered if she'd be as good a thief as her father had once been.

But, business man that he was, he mustn't appear too interested. Straightening up, he refolded his hands behind his back.

"And what makes you more valuable than your pathetic wretch of a father here?" Black Hat said, tilting his head towards the man on the table. "What's to stop me from killing you both?"

Lita gulped. Of course, he wasn't the sort of creature to jump into a deal without some sort of negotiation. And he had a point. Even if she took her father's place, there was still the matter of protection money. And she knew her father wouldn't be able to make any future payments. Black Hat could find some other excuse to kill him.

If she could convince him that this was enough, better than what he'd wanted in the first place…

"D-Death," she said, her lip trembling, "is too…merciful a punishment." Clearing her throat, she tried to sound more professional. "Once a person's dead, their problems are all over. But…if you take away the thing that person loves most," she locked eyes with her father's, which were filled with tears, "he'll suffer…the rest of his life…without her."

She attempted to hold back her own tears, thinking of how agonizing her life would be without her father.

Black Hat was pleased with her answer. This girl thinks almost like a villain. But he wasn't done bargaining yet.

"You make a fair point," he said, folding his arms across his chest. "Though if that were the case, death might be too merciful for you too."

Shoot, he called my bluff. Lita had to think of something else.

"Then don't kill me!" she said rapidly. "Do what you like with me! Imprison me! Torture me! Chop off my freaking hands, anything!"

"Anything?" Black Hat said with a gleeful growl, his monocle gleaming.

Oh man, shouldn't have said that. But it was true. She would do anything. After all, what point was there if she just went back home without her father? She had no job. It might be ages before she found another one. Unless she went back to stealing again…

Wait. That was it.

"I'll steal for you!" she blurted out.

"You?" Flug said, his tablet completely lowered now. "Steal?"

"You saw how I dodged your dumb lasers and buzz-saws," Lita said, taking a bold step towards Black Hat. "I can get past any security system. Jewelry store, museum, bank. Take your pick."

Of course, she was exaggerating a little, but Black Hat was leaning forward in interest. She almost had him.

"Just tell me what you want and I can get it for you." She crossed her arms, matching his stance. "Don't believe me? Look up my prison records. I'll bring in even more money than what my father owes you."

"Now you're speaking my language!" Black Hat exclaimed, pressing his fingertips together. "Alright then, Miss Gris." He moved to her side, placing his arm around her and gripping her shoulder tightly. "Let's discuss the terms of your…employment."

With a snap of his fingers, a glowing contract appeared floating before them. Lita skimmed through the text. Hereby surrender my soul…so party of the first part…all eternity…yada, yada, yada…

"Feel free to read it through," Black Hat said, making a black dip pen appear in his free hand. "But to put it simply, you work for me, your father lives."

She glared sideways at him. "How do I know you won't just have some 'accident' happen to him afterwards? Or something else happens because he's not paying for your 'protection?'"

Bah! Clever girl. With a groan, Black Hat snapped his fingers, making a slight revision to the text.

"There," he said flatly. "As long as your father lives, you work for me. Therefore, should he perish by my hand, or any other's, our contract will be null and void."

"Lita, don't do this!" Ricardo cried. "Don't throw your life away for me! I'm old! I've lived my life!"

These cries only solidified her decision. Without reading the rest of the contract, Lita reached for the pen in Black Hat's hand. His grin widening, he snatched her wrist and pressed the pen's point deep into her fingertip. Lita yelped as the skin was broken and blood dripped from her finger, onto the contract. Her signature then magically appeared, as red as her blood.

Black Hat cackled in triumph as the contract rolled up neatly and poofed into thin air. "Welcome to Black Hat Organization."

"Lita…" Ricardo said in disbelief.

He didn't get to finish his thought as Black Hat's tentacles swiftly unlocked his restraints and wrapped around his body.

"Flug!" Black Hat barked to the scientist, who responded with a nervous salute. "Take our latest recruit to one of the spare bedrooms." The rest he said under his breath. "The least lethal one."

"Lita!" Ricardo cried as he was carried out the door. "Not my daughter! Please, spare her!"

But she couldn't look at him. If she did, more than one tear would be escaping from her eye. She wiped the lone one away before anyone could see it. Her father's cries were silenced as Black Hat slammed the large metal door behind him.

Other inspiration comes from Dracula and Lisa's first meeting in the "Castlevania" Netflix series. Hope Black Hat wasn't OOC here. While he does have a temper, I imagine when it comes to business and making deals he shows some restraint. All his clients would end up dead otherwise.