Ch.5: Calm Before the Storm
Again I don't own any of these characters or worlds.
Gem Count: power, space
Team: Link, Batman, Sheik, and Vega
The night is breezy and cool, the moon is bright and the stars are out. Link couldn't remember when last he'd been up this late and yawns as silently as he can as he creeps behind Batman up to the closed drawbridge of the Hyrule Marketplace walls. However getting over is no real problem, Link uses his hook shot and Batman his grappler; he wonder's how Vega got over as he reaches the top and climbs over and leaps quickly to the nearest roof. Batman leads and Link follows him across the roof to where they can both clearly see Vega sleeping silently as if he were dead on the next roof over.
They leap to the next roof and silently sneak to where Vega lies unmoving.
"I knew we would find you here…Vega" Batman says in low voice.
"I knew I'd be followed…heavy foot, I see you've replaced your former sidekick with this ranch-boy, you must be very fond of kids." Vega replies in a low mocking tone, his voice like a hissing snake but without any emotion spite nor regret, just a neutrality that came with doing one's business, like a chore of the day.
"You truly are a snake Vega" Hisses Link.
"Be thankful boy that I have no care for your life either way or you would already have felt my fangs" Vega replies.
"Your fangs to my blade, the mongoose to the snake" Link retorts bravely.
"Well then mongoose, strike and we shall see" Vega remains as he was.
"I would if…if not for the fact that we need your help on this quest." Link recovers himself from his anger like smothering the fire in his mind with the wisdom of his adventures.
"Where did you go tonight Vega…what deeds have you done?" Link asks in a suspicious and worried tone, noticing the dried blood on the serpent's claws. For a moment there is a long pause and then Vega sighs and sits up, but not like any normal person would, he sort of just sits up, no effort at all goes into it. He opens his eyes and looks into Link's eyes and then drags out the bottle of wine.
"Shopping, want a drink?" Vega finally says and Link can almost see him smiling under his mask. "Don't worry it didn't cost very much, he'll hardly miss it."
"He? Who is "he" Vega!?" Link asks angrily and exasperated. "Tell me!!" Link breaks the silence. He then unsheathes his sword and bears his shield in one motion. "Tell me snake before I force it from you!!"
"Stop it both of you, a fight right here and now would do more damage than justice Link, we will find out soon enough what happened. Vega I swear to god that you will get yours in the end…if you survive long enough I will take you down myself but right now Link is right we need you to carry out this mission what do require in order to help us?" Batman breaks in sternly holding Link back and speaking to Vega.
"Ill grant you my service on three conditions: first I get to keep a gem, Second no one may lecture, advise or hold me back from doing what I will and third, I want your oath that you will not attempt to bind me or arrest me now, during or after my service has been needed. On these conditions you have my word that I will not harm any of my teammates unless attacked in which case I will defend myself." Says Vega confidently.
"Ill give you the last two of your conditions…but as for the gem you may keep one…if you can." Batman emphasizes the last three words with very stern look.
"I…I…I will agree to those same conditions…but I swear if you even try to betray us, you will not live to regret it." Link swears.
"That is all I ask, now we must go." Vega stands and starts off but before he can leave Link asks him a question.
"Whom may I ask that you stained your claws upon to purchase that wine?"
"Don't worry boy, it's no one you will miss." Vega replies still with his back to them and then leaps away. After exchanging looks Batman and Link follow.
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