AN: hello peeps. Last chapter was a bit short huh? But I knew it would be too long if I added in the next day. Got a lot to get through with this one, Ryuji has his work cut out for him *wink wink nudge nudge* ;3

FEEDBACK:

Guest: You know it bud. All personas will glady tear off all of Bat-mite's limbs. With whatever appendages they can.

Firem78910: Yeah I figured people would learn more Mishima. It was a lot of fun to just mess around with them rapping. I'll probably do it again for another shorter chapter. Also, yep Ryuji is his corrupted self burn to the ground. But with struggle comes strength in character, and with that comes even more of a badass Skull.

Guest: I'm glad you like Constatine's future inclusion, I did a lot of research in the tome of the DC wiki for similarities. And there will be references to SMT and the like seriously when I started this fic I didn't expect the similarities to be so close.

Guest: Thanks friend. You know I didn't plan for White Rabbit to have such an attachment to Crow, but with her bare bones wiki I had to do something to make her different from Catwoman. I agree about them looking good together, that evil chemistry of theirs is explosive.

Guest: Aw~ thanks friend. :3

Colossal the Omega: Welcome to the fic friend :3 You are correct in think I like an explanation and your words were indeed heard. You make such good points!

Okay first off, while the 7 sins will be featured in this fic, every reflection doesn't count as one. Rather I want to build off of the Rogues gallery so they can face all of them with some breathing room. Dante's Inferno is a good suggestion though and I'll take it to heart. But the Pts need to face their own sins outside of the regularly scheduled program. They need more pushing, they need more power.

Second, I understand your desire for the PTs not to be forced into doing these things, but as time goes on the actions of the two will put them together. Batman does not like the idea of metas in Gotham, Akira, even forced, can't let the society of the town stand. It goes against everything he believes in. I actually am a big fan of Black' Victor Cachat's One PiecexJustice League story. I love it to bits, but the reason for Batmite's inclusion was to give the PTs more of a push to get running. A solid goal.

Third, Yes...it is too easy. The PTs do need to face more of a challenge in the fic. That's what Constantine is there for. It's an interesting setup you've suggested though, with the cafe being robbed only to swoop in and have the PTs save them.

Fourth, Your right...HOW COULD I BE SO BLIND! Of course the PTs would change the nighttime rules...I need to add that in…

Fifth, in regards to the Joker (clown one). You are right to assume he'll be the last. But you also bring up some important points. He would wage war on the PTs over jealousy, he would rather die than change. In regards to his crimes I'll have to add more of a bite to them to make him more of a threat.

I guess you would be right in thinking Joker has no treasure. He likes chaos for chaos sake. And his palace would have to be the ultimate joke in that it has no point whatsoever. A chance to torture the PTs even more than they already have. Oh the ideas~.

But by the time I'm done Akira will beat Joker. He has to….to prove his point, to be able to get the power to crush Bat-mite beneath his heel. I'll make good on the promise Bat-mite made. By year's end Akira will scare Batman more than the Joker...By taking the madman down.

Thank you so much for this feedback~. I always enjoy a good discussion over points like this.

Enjoy!

IMPORTANT TO ALL WORD SKIPPERS

I know I said this before but. There will be especially graphic scenes in this chapter. Torture, mutilation, death, and rape will be in this one friends. BEWARB!

NANANANANANANANANANANANANANANANA

May 9th Early Morning

Cloudy

Chinatown, Cafe Leblanc

Akira awoke to his phone chiming, he barely looked at it before declining it. He shuffled in his sleeping bag hoping in vain to catch a few more precious minutes of sleep. The sweet blackness of rest was on the horizon, when the phone rang again.

"*groan* Akira...I'll destroy you if you keep making noise." Futaba threw a pillow at him from the futon. It hit Morgana instead, sending him yowling in a fight or flight response.

"*hiss* INTRUDER! SHOW YOURSELF!" Mona screamed.

"SHUDDUP!" Futaba yelled, furious.

"*sigh* So much for sleep." Akira got out his bag groggily, and picked up the phone.

"Yeah?" Akira asked groggily.

"It's me." Akechi answered.

"What is it, Akechi?" Akira sighed.

"Oh? Did I awake you? Too bad. I have a way through Sionis' little door. Why don't you take your role in this seriously and wake up." Akechi growled.

"White got under your skin again didn't she?" Akira smirked.

"Fuck you. Fuck all of you. I half hope Black Mask kills us all so I don't have to deal with all this bullshit!" Akechi raged on.

Morgana giggled at Akechi's tone.

"Aw man I wish I was there. Sounds like White got to him more than usual. What's the matter with pancake boy? Can't take a little flirting?" Morgana teased.

Akechi seethed on the other line, hearing the cat's joke.

"Just get your asses over to the mill. I need to vent out all this rage, or I'll get arrested for murder. We wouldn't want that, now would we?" Akechi hung up.

"Hehehe. Akechi needs to learn how to jerk it. It'd be a better way of dealing with his rage." Morgana giggled.

"KITTY! Now all I can see is Crow doing that! UGH! I'm up." Futaba raged as she threw off her blankets dramatically.

Akira got his clothes and went down to the bathroom to change. He washed his face to wake up. When he exited and turned to the cafe Makoto was doing financials and Haru was helping Sojiro cook and prep for the day.

"Morning." Sojiro nodded.

"Ah! Akira good morning. Here's your bowl. Is Futaba up yet?" Haru asked, sweetly.

"Yeah, for better or worse." Akira joked.

"Did you see Vale's report last night?" Makoto asked.

"She really went off on you guys." Sojiro sweated.

"Well to be fair, I would question the very things she did. If I didn't know all I knew of course." Makoto sighed.

"At least she tells the truth. Sally Summers is such a suck up. I can see through her fake grin a mile away." Sojiro scoffed.

"It's a shame, she was a decent reporter back when Ryder was on. I wonder why they fired him. Akechi didn't tell me." Haru said.

"Something about his big mouth. I only encountered him a little but, I think he said something he shouldn't have to the studio. It's all for the best though. You could tell on screen that he hated his job." Makoto said.

"Good as always Haru." Akira complimented, Haru smiled sweetly in response.

"Is everyone good to go? Akechi seemed pissed, and you know Ryuji is gonna tease him." Futaba asked, as she went downstairs.

"Hey, eat first. You know how much you need your nutrients." Sojiro chided.

"I'll take mine to go. I kind of want to see the fight." Futaba grinned.

"Aw man, I hope Skull saves room for me. Crow always has a stick up his ass. It's so fun to finally be able get back at him." Mona said, finishing breakfast.

"Let's go. I wonder how Akechi managed to get a deal with Black Mask. White said they had to ditch the communicators so they wouldn't be suspicious." Akira said.

"I'm already suspicious enough of what those two do behind the scenes if ya know what I'm saying." Morgana wiggled his eyebrows as he jumped into Akira's bag.

"White Rabbit sure has her work cut out for her. That is if she really is serious through all her flirting." Haru sighed.

NANANANANANANANANANANANANANANANANA

May 9th Morning

Cloudy

Industrial District, Steel Mill

The group all met up in the same alleyway, Akechi had his face tense as he waited. Ryuji out of character wasn't ragging on him. He stood far off rubbing his shoulder in apprehension.

"There you are, finally." Akechi said.

"So...How'd your little date go? Ya get the goods?" Morgana teased.

Akechi flipped out a signed check and showed it to him.

"Not the goods you were hoping for." Akechi smirked.

"Good work, what's up with Ryuji, though?" Morgana asked.

"Didn't care, didn't ask. I'm going in, I need a quick vent before dealing with more on this bullshit." Akechi tapped his phone and disappeared.

"*sigh* I'll watch him and make sure he doesn't get killed." Mona said disappearing as well.

"Ryuji has been quiet all day. I'm worried about him. I asked what was wrong but he just said he was thinking about things" Ann said looking over at him.

"I saw him toss and turn all night. I don't think he got much sleep." Yusuke said.

"I'll talk to him. One on one. The rest of you guys go ahead." Akira said.

The team nodded and departed. Akira walked up and put a hand on Ryuji's shoulder.

"What's biting you man?" Akira asked, concerned.

"It's nothin'" Ryuji kicked the ground.

"Don't give me that bullshit. Spill." Akira pressed.

"*sigh* You know, I was thinkin'. What happens when we beat up Bat-mite?" Ryuji asked.

"What do you mean?" Akira asked.

"We are dead in our world Akira. It's so messed up but...can we even go back?" Ryuji asked.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there." Akira answered confidently.

"That's...That's not it. You remember how I said Black Mask repeated exactly what Captain Kidd said all that time ago? I...I looked into the guy's eyes Akira. I looked into the rage underneath, the need to be respected. And...I...understood." Ryuji sighed.

"I know you did, it's ok man." Akira nodded.

"Is it? It's ok that I understand, with no tragic backstory bullshit why a guy like him does what he does?! What if...I'm no better? What if...I don't know…" Ryuji sighed.

"Bat-mite's getting in your head man. You need to focus. Look at the real picture." Akira said.

"What do you mean?" Ryuji asked.

"Think. He brought us here not just to fight Batman, but to mess with us. Mentally. He can't kill us, he needs us too much. But a little torment is free game." Akira explained.

"Torment? What more do I have to lose. He took the only family I knew, the only adult I respected. And killed her. He paralyzed me and made me watch my mother die. What more could that bastard hope to take from me?!" Ryuji yelled, tears streaming down his face.

Akira hugged him tightly, comforting his close friend as he grieved.

"Your soul. I've figured it out. He wants to corrupt you, make you truly break in your mind. All so he can be entertained." Akira said darkly.

"Akira...I've never felt so much hate. Kamoshida...Shido...Yaldaboath...don't hold a candle to this. I want him dead...but...If we kill him are we any better?" Ryuji asked.

"There are worse fates than death Ryuji. And I plan to make Bat-mite suffer. Are you with me?" Akira asked, letting him go and holding out his hand.

"To the death man. Always." Ryuji clasped Akira's hand, wiping some tears from his eyes.

"I don't know what we'll see in there Ryuji. But… I want you to know that the team will be there for you. I will be there for you. You won't fight yourself alone. Never." Akira promised.

"*sniff* Thanks Akira. You're the best friend I could ever ask for." Ryuji said.

"That's my line. You good?" Akira asked.

"Yeah...ready as I'll ever be." Ryuji said.

The two friends entered the palace. Ryuji's resolve strengthened.

NANANANANANANANANANANANANANANANANANANANA

May 9th Morning

Cloudy

Wayne Tower

"Sir he hasn't answered any of my calls." Alfred said.

"Try later in the day Alfred. Knowing John he had another night of drowning his sorrows away." Bruce said darkly. He should have known better. Constantine was always hard to get a hold of. Either he's fighting some grand battle for the fate of the world or he's trying to forget what he has seen in his past. A lot of people have died, came back, and have died again due to the battles John fought.

If this is indeed the case a checkup is in order, but first.

Bruce made triple sure that all doors were locked, and closed the windows with standard blast shield doors.

"Call Zatanna." Bruce said to the computer, the number dialed and a hologram showed itself.

"Bruce? What is it?" Zatanna asked.

"I need to get in contact with Constantine. Is he preoccupied with something big?" Bruce asked

"*sigh* We aren't in contact Bruce. Last mission we had a major argument and uh…" Zatanna said.

"Don't worry about it. I'll find him myself." Bruce got up and put the call on his phone.

"Last I heard he was drinking in some pub in Liverpool. But can't you just find someone else. I'm preoccupied but perhaps Raven…" Zantanna tried.

"Raven is good but I need someone with experience. No one has as much as John. He'll help me one way or another." Bruce said, grabbing his coat.

"Happy hunting then." Zatanna sighed and hung up.

"Denise cancel my appointments. I need to meet with a former business partner." Bruce said.

"Yes ." Denise nodded.

I slap that bottle right on Constantine's head if I need to. This is too important for him to play hard to get. Bruce thought as he made his way to the manor to prepare a search for the occult detective.

NANANANANANANANANANANANA

May 9th Midday

Cloudy

Black Mask's Palace

"Listen. Follow my lead." Crow said as he turned the corner to the guard of the door.

"Please provide your contract to Black Mask." The shadow said politely.

"I believe this is enough." Crow handed it the check.

"Crow and White Rabbit, ah yes the all rounder White Rabbit's partnership is much appreciated." The shadow said.

"So I'm good to go through?" Crow pressed.

"You are but who are the rest of these kids?" The shadow asked suspiciously.

"These are my lackeys. Don't worry about them, they're very secretive." Crow smiled.

"They better be lover boy. Or else we'll have to kill them for being a rat." The shadow narrowed it's eyes.

"I'll kill them for you for such an act. I take my hires very seriously." Crow smirked.

"Very well. Anyone White Rabbit trusts, we trust. Go on through." The shadow opened the door and thieves walked through it. The door leads into a massive lounge area with brown and white tiled floors. A large skull fountain blazed hot fire out of its eyes. Lava streamed slowly out of its mouth. Tables were set out throughout the area shadows passed them by not paying them much mind.

"WELCOME TO THE BLACK MASK ENTERPRISES INVESTORS MEETING! I HOPE ALL OF US LEAD LONG AND FULFILLING PARTNERSHIPS" Sionis roared out. The Phantom Thieves were finally in the thick of the palace.

MIRROR CHARIOT RANK 2/10

SKILL ACQUIRED: Dirty Dealings

You are now able to make deals with gangs and evildoers. Be careful though not to get betrayed.

"If you would like to begin the tour please follow the signs. We have either the armory or the pharmacy to start with. Enjoy the buffet friends, we have a wide assortment of protein filled meals to keep you going." Sionis said.

"This is definitely Skull's palace. There are no vegetables in sight." Queen said.

"HEY!" Skull cried.

"Where should we go first?" Noir asked.

"I say the armory. I have a feeling something good can be found there." Mona grinned.

"There you have it. Let's go." Joker said walking forwards. Skull, Crow, and Queen took the front with him. With an armory came an army after all.

They entered the hall for the armory. The tiles were the same, but windows lined the walls showing white rooms with conveyor belts of robots making weapons. The weapons varied greatly from knives to guns.

"Our manufacturers in China make great and cheap weaponry for the thug on the go. I even have a team of nerds who were asked nicely to be here. Isn't that right doc?" Sionis asked the trembling doctor in chains on the monitors.

"Y-yes sir" The cognition said.

"Good man. Keep talkin' like that and I could maybe squeeze in a visit with your wife and kids. Sound fair?" Sionis asked.

"Thank you sir. I'll do my best." the scientist said.

"As you all know our main competitor is Wayne. Bastard is always one step ahead of the curve. But he doesn't have what we have. People willing to work for cheap." Black Mask pointed a finger to his head, as if he was a genius.

The thieves walked into a grand black and gold room. It was filled with cars, helicopters, and boats. They were all lighted dramatically like at a car dealership.

"Thanks to the kind policemen of Gotham we've acquired quite a bit of goods over the years. Always pays to have the pigs invested in your business." Sionis said.

"I sense a will seed nearby. Keep alert." Mona said.

"This baby is my proudest achievement out of all of em' though." Black Mask said on the monitor. Fog rolled the room, a podium with a shielded case made itself known.

"Ladies and gents. Say hello to my little friend." Black Mask said joyfully. The case opened dramatically blinding the team with the display. When they regained their sight a massive shotgun showed of its beauty.

"Daaammmn." Skull drooled.

"This baby will for sure make a dent in Wayne's patented super armor. Try it out, keep it. I have plenty more at my disposal." Black Mask said, pleased at Skull's amazement.

Skull picked it up easily. It was a heavy little shit. But he couldn't wait to try it out.

"HEY UGLY!" Skull shouted, pointing at a shadow. It pointed to itself in confusion.

"SAY GOODNIGHT!" Skull unleashed his payload on the shadow defeating it in a massive lightning explosion.

"Hell yeah! That baby sure packs a punch. Like that electric charge in the thing. Super sci- fi no idea how it works. Still cool as shit though. I call it the Tarantino, on account of it blowing fuckers into a pulp." Black Mask laughed.

"Hell yeah dude. Just...YES!" Skull looked like a kid with a new toy.

"Uh, is Skull-senpai ok? He has a scary look in his eye." Violet sweated.

"He's always like this with new guns, don't worry about it." Mona said.\

GUN ACQUIRED: The Tarantino

Damage: 500

Accuracy: 98

"Enjoy it champ. I can tell by that look in your eye you will." Black Mask laughed before signing off the monitor.

Skull shook at that. He looked at the gun and felt bittersweet at his enjoyment. Joker put a hand on his shoulder as if knowing.

"A badass gun is a badass gun." Joker said.

"Y-yeah… Thanks man." Ryuji said,

"I sense the will seed is this way. You good to continue Skull?" Mona asked, concerned.

"Let's just get this over with." Skull sighed.

The thieves found the door behind a fake wall, the shallow sound it made when Mona knocked it was a dead give away.

"Noir? Want to do the honors?" Mona grinned.

"Of course, stand back everyone~" Noir aimed her launcher at the wall and blew it to kingdom come. The debris flew everywhere revealing the door to the will seed.

"That was a bit of overkill, wasn't it?" Violet sweated.

"Let Noir have her fun. I would love to do the same." Panther chirped.

"Let's go." Joker cut the vines holding the door and tried to open the door. Only for it to be locked. Joker raised an eyebrow at the handle. This never happened with the other will seed doors. Static glitched out of the door, Joker backed away narrowing his eyes. Bat-mite crawled through the static dramatically, trying to be scary.

"SEVEN DAYS!, hehehehe jk." Bat-mite laughed.

"What is this Bat-mite? Another new rule?" Crow pressed.

"Yes actually. I told you this is a mirror palace so things are a bit different regarding will seeds. Now Skull can only get the skull. At least this round." Bat-mite grinned evilly towards Skull, who jumped at the statement.

"WHAT?! WHY?!" Skull screamed out angry.

"It's time to see the dark reflections of your soul Ryuji...The question is can you take the torment your leader does on a normal basis?" Bat-mite asked challengingly.

"You little…" Skull gritted.

"Save your insults and threats for after my fun. We've barely scratched the surface. You think it's just supposed to be a few little lines and a cool gun? No…" Bat-mite scowled at Skull.

"What if I don't want to? What if I kick your ass instead?" Skull stomped his foot forward in challenge.

Bat-mite rolled his eyes at this. Out appeared a wheel with slots for Takemi, Yoshida, Kawakami, and Sojiro. The whole team shook at the implications. Bat-mite smiled.

"Step up then...You may not know the doc or the politician that well but...How would it feel to kill one of your teachers? Or even *gasp* your coffee dad?!" Bat-mite teased.

"NOO! YOU CAN'T KILL SOJIRO! NOT HIM!" Oracle cried desperately, tears beginning to appear on her face. She couldn't handle losing him as well as her mother.

"Please spare me. It's too fun seeing you cry~" Bat-mite smirked at the girl.

"OKAY! Okay...I'll do it. No more killing." Skull screamed out defeated.

"Aw~ How sweet. So willing to sacrifice yourself for others. I'm going to enjoy this. Go in. Alone. And look into the corrupted soul of yourself. Joker can't be broken, lord knows I've tried. But...you, I wonder what has to be done for you to snap." Bat-mite grinned wickedly before turning back to the static, taking his wheel with him. He looked at the wheel and spun it. The wheel turned and turned until it landed on Sojiro. Blood pooled around his photo, the man in the picture decaying, maggots crawled out of his dead body. Bat-mite snapped playfully defeated.

"Darn...that would have been a sight to see, eh?" Bat-mite smirked, before walking into the static with the wheel. Leaving the thieves to shiver at the close call they avoided.

"Bastard." Panther hissed. She and Haru went over to comfort Oracle, having a textbook panic attack. Skull went over to her and put a hand on her shoulder.

"I'd never do anything to put him at risk. I view him as my dad too." Skull looked into her eyes and it comforted her.

"I don't like the idea of you going in alone Skull. He clearly means to torment you." Fox said.

"What choice do I have? You saw it Fox. The wheel. The dead photo. No...never." Skull walked up to the door and took a deep breath. He grabbed the handle and Joker put a hand on his shoulder. He looked over to his best friend.

"No matter what you see, what you feel. What he does...Know we're here for you." Joker said firmly.

Skull smiled. "It's about time I make it even for you giving yourself up at the casino."

"You already did Skull. Tenfold." Joker smiled.

"*sigh* Here goes nothing." Skull turned the handle and the door opened easily. He saw a glowing red skull. With his mask on it, he heard the echoes of Sionis' soul. They sounded so familiar. So relatable...so tempting.

"Ah~ Are you ready Ryuji? Place your hand on the skull. And we'll start." Bat-mite echoed through the hall.

Skull walked slowly to the skull. He looked at it intensely, the familiar skull mask pulsing with energy.

"What else could you possibly try? You already took her away from me." Skull whispered, tears forming.

"*chuckles* you'll see…" Bat-mite teased.

Skull did a deep breath to calm his nerves. He picked up the skull with renewed determination. The red energy seeped into his soul. He could feel Black Mask inside the energy with the soul gathered and a memory showed itself. The room changed and morphed into a giant mansion hall. Pain throbbed through his injured leg. He felt a swift punch hit him square in the jaw. He flew backward against the wall.

"ARRGH! The hell…" Ryuji gritted out as he looked around. His clothes were different, a different school uniform was stained with blood.

"DON'T USE THAT LANGUAGE IN MY PRESENCE ROMAN! WHY DID YOU DO IT?! WHY DID YOU ATTACK THAT TEACHER?!" A figure made itself known. It was Roman's father...no...static formed around his face. The face of Ryuji's father made itself known.

"D-dad? You...piece of shi! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" Ryuji shouted to the man only to be pummeled over and over.

"DO NOT TALK TO ME LIKE THAT! ANSWER ME!" His father kicked him square in the stomach. Ryuji coughed out blood on the fancy tile. His mom walked up to the man and put a hand on his shoulder. She looked down in disappointment.

"Answer him dear. I can't believe you would do such a thing." She shook her head.

"Mom… mom. It wasn't my fault. He got me riled up, called you all types of horrible things...I couldn't take it." Ryuji confessed, tears falling off his cheeks. His mind falling into the memory.

"BULLSHIT! You were always a thug Roman! Why can't you be like Wayne! So proper! So obedient! I've let you join track! I let you dye your stupid hair! AND HOW. DO. YOU. THANK. ME?!" His father shouted. Each pause was met with a hard punch.

"Seriously Roman. Just tell your father the truth. There's no way an upstanding gentleman like Kamoshida would do such things. You however…" She narrowed her eyes at the prone boy.

"Mom…*cough cough* please...I'm telling the truth...I swear it" The boy clenched her leg in a begging way. She would always be understanding, always try to listen to him. She kicked his hand away disgusted.

"NO! No more Roman. I've tried everything for you. And you keep letting me down. It's time for you to learn proper etiquette like that Wayne boy. Poor soul is a shining example even with his parent's untimely deaths." She spat on the boy.

Roman broke inside that day. His eye twitched a little at his mother's declaration.

"That's right boy. I'm going to teach you some manners. And you're going to take it...like a man."

Roman's father said slipping on brass knuckles. The pain was unbearable, the whippings, the smashing into furniture. It solidified Roman's hate towards Wayne, his parents, everyone in the world. The next day Roman walked up to Wayne needing something, ANYTHING to work all his rage out on. Roman slammed Wayne on the pavement.

"AHH! Roman...what do you want? What is this?" Bruce gritted out, darkly.

"I'm tired. Tired of being held to an impossible standard. HOW THE FUCK ARE YOU SO PERFECT?! You stand here with your nose down towards me. You aren't better than me!" Roman shouted.

"Who says that? What's up with all those bruises?" Bruce asked, confused. Static filled Bruce's body. Akira replaced the millionaire.

"SHUT YOUR MOUTH! YOU THINK YOU CAN HIDE BEHIND YOUR PARENT'S DEATH?! BEHIND THAT BITCH KAMOSHIDA!? I'LL KILL YOU!" Roman yelled out at Wayne. Wayne's face hardened at his words and he got up.

"DON'T TALK ABOUT MY PARENTS THAT WAY!" Bruce punched Roman hard, his rage getting the better of him.

"Break it up you two. NOW!" Kamoshida walked between the two.

"Kamoshida...GET OUT OF MY WAYYY!" Roman tackled the man and unleashed a fury of punches upon the man. Roman was quickly overpowered by the giant mass of muscle in Kamoshida.

"Still haven't learned, have you? YOU ARE NOTHING BUT TRASH!" Kamoshida punched Roman down onto the ground. He noticed the mass of bruises and smiled.

"Daddy teaching you lessons again Roman? Too much of a bitch to stop him? Well know this...you're finished. I bet a cell in juvie will suit you just fine." Kamoshida spit on him.

"I will kill you. I WILL KILL YOU ALL!" Roman shouted before getting knocked out by Kamoshida.

"Are you alright Bruce?" Kamoshida asked.

"It's nothing." Bruce said emotionally. He hated Kamoshida too, but needed proof of his assault of girls to ever hope to bring him down.

"Good. Would hate to lose my star player. This trash doesn't deserve to be here. Will you testify against him?" Kamoshida asked, fully planning on locking Roman up for a long time.

Bruce looked down at Roman. He felt no empathy. He was still young, yet to learn the importance of stepping in others shoes from his training during his twenties. He glared down at the unconscious Roman and felt no remorse.

"Yes." Bruce answered.

Roman woke up in a cell. A trail awaiting him. He saw his father stand outside the cell.

"You're dead to me." His father gritted, signaling the police to go away and open the cell. He stepped in and broke every bone in his son's body.

During the assault, Roman made a vow. A promise. If society hated him...he would burn it to the ground.

"Dad…" Roman groaned out, his face a pulp. His father looked down emotionless at his beaten son.

"I…*cough* hehehe i Will kill you...you hear me? I WILL KILL YOU!" Roman screamed.

"You're too much of a wimp to take me down boy. You'll never see the light of day ever again. You'll rot knowing you've failed." His father walked away leaving his son.

Roman couldn't afford a lawyer. The one provided was paid off by Kamoshida to give Roman hell. The coach played the judge and jury like a fiddle. Painting Roman as some sort of monster, a wild and violent animal that needed to be caged. All eyes glared down on the teen, his body wrapped up completely in casts and bandages from his father's beatings. No one dared to question where they came from, no one cared to see the child so broken and soulless.

Ryuji was on the wild ride of Roman's trail. His anger at the situation was boundless. He couldn't say a word though as he was the backseat to this memory only in control at the very start. What hurt the most was Akira taking the stand. He knew it was an illusion, a trick to think Akira has cast him away to the hounds of society. But...it still hurt.

The judge sentenced him to five years in Blackgate Penitentiary. Roman was tried as an adult as he was 17. He barely said a word in the trail. He begged to take the stand to defend himself but was denied by his own lawyer, the prosecution, and the judge. The only reason his lawyer pleaded not guilty was to get a longer sentence.

"The jury has spoken Mr. Sionis. 5 years no parole. Use that time to quell those violent tendencies of yours." The judge gritted out.

Roman was thrown into his cell, the police taking a few swings at the boy as well, with Kamoshida and his father paying them to teach them a lesson they were happy to oblige.

"Hey T-bone. Fresh meat." An officer laughed as Roman was thrown into the cell. He couldn't even get up, all the wounds were so painful. No meds were given or prescribed. The only thing Roman had left in him was hate.

"Welcome to Blackgate little boy. I'll enjoy our time together~" T-bone smirked as he got up and put the boy into position.

"No...NO!" Roman struggled as he fought the huge man.

"SHUT UP! THIS IS BLACKGATE, NOT DADDY'S MANSION. YOU'RE MY BITCH NOW!" T-Bone slammed Romans head into the toilet, drowning the boy. He kept slamming and slamming until the boy was unconscious. Roman woke up with a splash of water, his whole body ached even worse.

"WAKE UP lover~" Roman looked down to see his entire lower half even more bruised. He put the pieces together.

"Say a word. Dead." T-bone growled.

"Like anyone would believe me anyway." Roman whispered. His mind completely snapped that day. He swore vengeance, he would not let society kill him. He bided his time, the living hell of Blackgate was filled with regular beatings by both inmates and cops. Eventually though it passed, as the payments slowed to a stop, the cops and thugs laid off slightly. Enough for Roman to heal. Now 18 years old, he had a plan in mind now. Kill all of this scum, get power, get respect, no matter what it takes. T-bone never layed off the boy, every couple of nights Roman would suffer the forced sex of another man. But with each passing day, he got stronger, each training day filled with back-breaking lifts and cardio. Roman had managed to get into shape by 20. His bones always ached but he pushed through it as he sharpened his shiv.

He was ready to start his plan…

"Hey lover ready for an encore?" T-bone asked as Roman walked in his cell. Roman responded with multiple stabs in the man's gut.

"AGGGHH! STOOPPP!" T-bone cried, but Roman grinned at the screams.

"WHOSE. THE. BITCH. NOW!" Roman screamed in fury as he kept stabbing and stabbing. The sweet smell of blood filled his nose as T-bone's body lost it's life. But Roman kept stabbing in the man's body, revealing in the organs that spilled out. He only stopped when the cops tackled him and tranqed him. He woke up in solitary, he smiled evilly. This was just the beginning. A month passed and he was let out. He went on a rampage on anyone who laid a hand on him. He slowly earned his way into the Falcone gang. The bloodlust of the man interested the leader in the prison. A couple of kills later, he was the lead of the Falcone gang in the prison. He ran a tight ship with inside trading amongst the inmates, the respect earned felt good. During his five year stay, he was only visited by one man. Falcone himself.

Roman entered the visitor center and picked up the phone.

"What do ya want? Mad I killed one of your lackeys?" Roman laughed.

"Quite the opposite. I wish to provide you work. I've seen what you did to ol' T-bone. To all the others. You're ruthless. I like ruthless. What say I pull some strings and uncage the bull?" Falcone grinned.

Roman smiled at that. He could finally start his true plan.

The 21 year old Roman Sionis walked out of Blackgate a changed man, a convicted man. No parole, no parole, no questions. The cops were just as corrupt as when he first got in all those years ago. The first night out, Falcone arranged his job, management on multiple caches. He agreed on one condition. Kamoshida's address.

NANANANANANANANANANANANANANANANA

Ryuji felt the gun in hand as he burst into the bastard's place. Kamoshida was in the middle of love making with a roofied teenager.

"AHHH! What the hell?!" Kamoshida screamed.

"Remember me?" Roman grinned wickedly, he slammed the brunt of the shotgun into Kamoshida's head. He called his new crew in and dragged him out. He took a look at the girl and saw an opportunity. A buyer would take her for sure.

Kamoshida woke up in a warehouse bound in a chair. He looked at Roman and thought he looked familiar. Roman smiled at him and got up from sitting in a backwards chair.

"I'm surprised, Kamoshida. All that respect and ya got to force yourself on girls? Ya got a micro dick or somethin'?" Roman grinned.

"Who the fuck are you?! Do you know who I am?!" Kamoshida raged, he struggled against his bindings.

"Don't talk to Boss that way!" A random thug punched Kamoshida in the gut.

"Easy, easy boys. I want to enjoy this." Roman pulled out a knife and walked up to Kamoshida, he ran the knife across his face.

"Funny ya don't remember me. I remember you...how many beatings did ya manage to pay with that salary of yours?" Roman asked.

"R-Roman? Roman Sionis...I thought you were dead." Kamoshida trembled at the implications.

"You wish. Five years is up ya bastard. How 'bout this? I'll start with an EYE FOR AN EYE!" Roman pulled out a pistol and shot Kamoshida's leg multiple times. He cried out in agony at the bullets.

"AGGGGHH! You...piece of TRASH. I ALWAYS KNEW YOU WERE NOTHING BUT SCUM. NO ONE DESERVES TO BE ABOVE ME!" Kamoshida cried out in fury.

"Five fingers for five years." Roman cut all the fingers off of Kamoshida's right hand.

"NOOO! MY CAREER!" Kamoshida cried out in pain looking at his hand.

"What do we say~?" Roman teased the man.

"FUCK YOU! You're DEAD! I should have put a better hit on you, you FUCK! I SHOULD HAVE DONE IT IN PERSON!" Kamoshida screamed.

"All this and he's still talkin' trash. Hand me my baby." Roman snapped his fingers to his men. He aimed his shotgun at Kamoshida's groin.

"W-wait! Let's talk about this Roman. I-I'm sure there's something I can give you. Like uh...um." Kamoshida sweated out nervously.

"There's the spot. Can't rape without the little guy, can you?" Roman grinned.

"L-listen. You hate me I get it. B-but I...I got connections...money...Say the word and-" Roman shushed Kamoshida.

"The only thing I want from ya...is your screams." Roman pulled the trigger point blank in the dick. Kamoshida's sweet screams filled the room, blood from the mutilated man pooled around his feet.

"AAAHHH. AH AH AHAAAAHHH!" Kamoshida screamed.

Roman reloaded the gun and pressed it against the sobbing man's head.

"How's that leg doin' bastard?" Roman growled

BANG

Kamoshida's body sagged. Lifeless.

"Uh...W-what now boss?" A thug asked nervously. Roman glared at him.

"Let the sharks eat em'. Anyone says a word to the cops about this...dead." Roman said simply.

He poured gas on the body, and lit a match. He watched the body burn in glee. Revenge felt so sweet. Respect felt so sweet. This was the start of something big.

"Did it feel good Ryuji? Feeling all of that pain? That fury? What if instead of fighting...you just killed him? It would have been so much easier." Bat-mite walked up to Roman.

"I...I" Ryuji gained control over the older man, the memory deconstructing.

"Think. You've sacrificed yourself for this team and for what? For them to berate you on the regular. Calling you an idiot and casting you aside. You were always a thug Ryuji. Why not act the part?" Bat-mite grinned. Time rewinded to before the torture session started. Kamoshida screams all kinds of curses about him and his family. Ryuji held the shotgun to his head.

"You're mother was a whore. You scum. Begging for daddy to beat her to a pulp. She gave birth to a useless waste that constantly disappoints her. Shot me bitch. SHOT ME AND KNOW YOU WILL NEVER BE ABOVE ME!" Kamoshida shouted, pressing his head against the barrel. It was so tempting. Tears of rage streamed down Ryuji's face, his finger itched for the trigger.

"No...no...NOOOOO!" Lighting crackled all around him, the energy of William fueling his resolve. Roman clawed at his face ripping his flesh off around it, blood streamed down his face. Yellow energy bursted all around the room from his figure. The skulled mask, Ryuji's mask appeared on his face.

"You...you think I'm that stupid don't you? That I'd fall for such BULLSHIT! Never. NEVER! YOU'RE JUST LIKE KAMOSHIDA! TOYING AND DESTROYING LIVES WITH NO REMORSE! I WILL BREAK YOU! I'LL MAKE YOU REGRET EVERYTHING YOU"VE EVER DONE! ARGGGGGGGHHHH!" Roman's form changed violently into Ryuji's, the walls around him cracking from his power. The will seed shook violently in his hand. He slammed it against the wall, destroying it and the torment was over. Skull rushed over to the grinning Bat-mite and pinned him against the wall, holding the imp with one hand around his throat.

"Bravo, blondie. But this is only the first ,test,test." Static enveloped the mite, his glitching words were followed by his glitching form disappearing.

"ARRRGGGG!" Skull punched the wall of the room, the impact left a massive crater. The room crumbled all around him, the door a splintered mess with the rest of the gang going inside.

"S-Skull are you alright?" Noir asked, nervous.

"Give him space. His power is off the charts." Mona said.

Joker ignored Mona and walked up to his friend. Skull looked at his leader, his friend and calmed greatly. Skull rushed Joker into a tight hug.

"I'll never betray you...never" Skull sobbed.

Joker patted him on the back and returned the hug. "Same" he said simply.

"Just what happened in there? Readings were all over the place." Oracle asked.

"Just...give him a minute. He clearly needs it." Panther said, joining the hug.

NANANANANANANANANANANANANANANA

The gang found a safe room and Skull told the whole experience to the group.

"Skull...I know how much your mother's opinion meant to you. I'm sorry you had to suffer that." Panther said, tears streaming down her face. She quickly hugged Skull in tears.

"Kamoshida was in this world too. That's...I don't know what think of all the things you've felt." Queen said, rubbing Skull's back.

"I know we argue a lot. But...You're not useless, never think you are. You are integral to the team." Mona confessed.

"Woah...I never thought I'd see the day." Skull smiled, trying to lighten the mood.

"SHUT UP! I'M TRYING TO MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER!" Morgana hissed.

"Are you okay to continue?" Fox asked, concerned.

"Y-yeah. You know...It's weird. I felt every emotion Sionis did, every punch inflicted upon him. Dad, Kamoshida, even….T-bone...but...I never felt more power coursin' through me. It's like William is on energy drinks or something" Skull smiled.

"I think he meant more on the mental side of things." Joker said.

"Oh,yeah…. Best way to look at it is...um...It's me but not...ya know?" Skull scratched his head trying to explain.

"Not in the slightest." Queen said.

"Uhhh...It's like...shit...I'm more ready to change his heart knowing how close to my own life he had...that make sense?" Skull asked.

"I guess. If you're sure you're okay. I don't want to force you." Joker said,

"Nah...I'm good for a bit longer. Takes more than that to take me down." Skull winked and gave a thumbs up.

"Ok. I guess the Pharmacy is next. Nothing more in this area." Joker sighed.

The thieves went out of the safe room, forming a concerned circle around Skull. He appreciated the gesture, it's small stuff like that that keeps him running. His friends would never let him be corrupted by Bat-mite's games.

NANANANANANANANANANANANANANANANA

May 9th Midday

Cloudy

Liverpool, England

A man that goes by the name Jack Shaw roamed the streets of Liverpool going pub to pub showing a picture of a blond man. He was led into a seedy back alley apartment he pounded on the door.

"PISS OFF!" A man shouted behind the door.

"Quite a game last night eh? Clouds rolled in too soon yeah?" Jack asked, riding his graying brown hair.

The door's multiple locks were moved and John Constantine peeked through the door.

"The fuck are you? How ya know the code word?" John demanded. Jack barged in shoving John inside and slamming the door.

"OI! The hell is this?!" John stumbled and slurred.

"I searched all of England for you to return to your roots John? I'm disappointed." Jack took off his fake face revealing Bruce Wayne.

"Aw fuck no. YA MISSION IMPOSSIBLED ME?! Whatever this is fuck off ya cunt!" John yelled at Bruce furious.

"Calm yourself Constantine. I have something even you can't stand." Bruce pulled out a file and laid it on John's desk.

"FUCK OFF! Let a man drown his sorrows in a pub." John slurred.

"I will drag you to Gotham if I have to. I don't know what happened between you and Zatanna, but this is bigger than some petty bullshit." Bruce growled out.

"It's her fault the plan got botched. Yet everyone blames me… that bitch...UGHH!" John clutched his head with the amount of booze affecting him.

"One look. That's all I need to convince you. Lives are at state, young lives." Bruce pulled out the Hatter's calling card and held it out to John.

The energy it gave off was the lingerings of magic. A kind he wasn't fully aware of. He quickly snatched the card and rubbed his fingers on it. Something...was off for sure with it.

"Hmph. The fuck is this...a cold trail that's what! You're gonna need more than some fancy card to convince me Batsy Boy." John threw the card on his desk, and pulled out a fag and lit it with his lighter.

"I can tell by the excitement in your eyes John. You have no idea where this leads, do you?" Bruce asked.

"Like I said trail's too cold. Can't track it." John puffed out smoke.

"But I have your attention?" Bruce asked firmly.

"My curiosity. Like a weird new flavor of soda." John retorted.

"I have more." Bruce played the clip of his battle with the Phantom Thieves. The control of their bodies taken from them. John stood slack jawed at the sight.

"Bloody hell...shit...SHIT! Nope don't need to know...walkin' away." John turned away from the horrible sight.

"Constantine. You'd let children like this beg for mercy? Cry, sob for help? Don't tell me this god doesn't interest you." Bruce pressed.

"They probably deserved it. Yeah...yeah that's it. Brats didn't know what they were getting into making a deal with a devil." John tried averting his eyes from the display.

"Look them in the eye when you leave them to die." Bruce growled, violently turning John around to face the video. John cursed and swore as he watched the tape. The orange haired slim girl hit him the hardest. The pleading, the clear panic in her voice turning into hysterical laughter broke his resolve.

"Fuck me, FUCK ME! UGGH FINE! Just...just turn it off. I get it." John groaned.

"Good. Are we in agreement?" Bruce demanded.

"It's not like you to invite me to your turf Bruce. These kids must have hit you hard." John pulled out a flash and drank it all, trying to numb the sympathy.

"They know my identity John." Bruce admitted.

"PFFFFFT! *cough* *cough* WHAA?! HOW?!" John coughed out his alcohol in shock.

"I have no idea. My hunch is on the god but...something doesn't feel right." Bruce narrowed his eyes at the file.

"Damn...this is...HILARIOUS! Oh lord above this bloody hysterical. A group of kids unmasked the bat?! HAHAHA! Fuck me…" John laughed as Bruce glared at him.

"Will you help me with this matter?" Bruce pressed.

John coughed out his laughter as he opened up a portal.

"Yeah...why the hell not? Not everyday do I laugh so hard. Let's go." John chuckled to himself stepping into the portal, Bruce quietly followed. They ended up back at Batcave.

"So? Am I sleeping here or whatever?" John asked.

"I have a hotel room arranged for an indefinite stay. I need to get to the bottom of this fast before the first Joker strikes." Bruce said.

"Right. I reckon I'll search 'round this Hatter hideout. Trail will be cold but might lead to something. Might have to wait for 'em to show up again for me to get a good lead." Constantine pondered, sobered from the good laugh he had.

"I'll put the word in with GCPD to tell you of any movement from them. You're probably correct but better safe than sorry." Batman handed the file to Constantine and he flipped through it fast, he got the gist of it.

"Gotta say Bats I'm itching to meet your new little rouges. Wish me luck." John opened a portal into the city and left Bruce alone to try and ease his headache.

"How did the hunt go sir?" Alfred walked up to Bruce.

"I managed to recruit him. But I already regret it." Bruce groaned.

"I'm sure Mr. Constantine won't be too much trouble. A case like this will surely keep him occupied." Alfred said.

"I hope so Alfred, I really do." Bruce sighed.

NANANANANANANANANANANANANANANANANA

May 9th Midday

Cloudy

Black Mask's Palace

The thieves made their way through the Pharmacy. It was much different than the armory, a much more white tiled room with sterile robots making all sorts of drugs. Cognition was bare to the underwear while working to keep watch for stealing. Their face masks their only true protection.

"Welcome to the magic mind factory. All kinds of goods are made here, We have multiple shops set up all of Gotham, workers work day and night to make sure to supply our quality product." Black Mask said.

The thieves arrived at a desk and a man approached the table and smiled politely.

"This is Sherman Fine, my main man for all things real estate. He'll take you on the rest of the tour." Black Mask said.

"Please call me the Broker. Everyone does. Let's get on with the show shall we?" Broker asked, a giant teleprompter slid out from under the tiles. A large map in the city made itself known. The gang looked in awe at the amount of places under Black Mask's control.

"I work in the real estate business. Anything you need, warehouses, torture chambers, hide outs, and even places great for riddle trophies. I'm your man, my card." Broker handed Joker his card his name and number on it. They'll have to look into all of that later.

MIRROR CHARIOT RANK 3/10

SKILL ACQUIRED: Prime Real Estate.

You now have the contact information of the Broker

"Do you perhaps...have a printed map we can use to view the great businesses?" Crow smirked.

"Oh, but of course~ Anything for interested investors." Broker said handed him a detailed map of all of Black Mask's businesses.

"Thank you." Crow smirked evilly.

"There is no business like a gang setup. You need the perfect spot and the perfect papers. I can supply thoset for a fee. Keep your mouth shut about it and we won't have a problem." The Broker adjusted his shades.

"Of course. Is there anything else for you to show us? This is all so exciting." Crow lied.

Broker smiled and looked around carefully. He leaned in and whispered "Follow me"

The gang was led back into the lobby, Broker fished something out of his pocket. A button that he pressed. The large lava spewing skull fountain broke apart carefully, revealing a staircase that led upward into darkness.

"The real goods are up here. But you must do some more work for the Mask if you want to go down. Can't have people we don't trust, after all." The skull returned back into its form and the lobby turned back to normal.

"Earn some trust lover boy. Right now no one respects you." Broker laughed before walking away.

The thieves made their way into a nearby safe room.

"Dammit. How are we gonna do that?" Skull asked.

"Black Mask's deal was fairly simple. Just do what White does." Crow said.

"What exactly does that entail though? How much do you have to do in order to earn his respect?"" Queen asked.

The gang was silent for a moment before Mona had an idea.

"What if...we sabotage his caches. We have a map and taking charge of damage control could work." Mona said.

"That could work." Fox said.

"I don't like this. It would mean holding off on the palace for now. We need to strike while the iron's hot." Queen said.

"We have plenty of names to go after in Mementos for the time being. But we'll need to split ourselves up to cover ground. Selina would be a great help with the caches Fox and Panther will help her with that. Crow gets White to spill her guts about the Broker. Why didn't she tell you about it sooner when she knows we need more territory around town? Get in deep with Black Mask and suck up hard." Mona said.

"And the rest of us?" Queen asked.

"Mementos throughout the day. We have a hundred names so far in the city to take down. Do as many as you can without hurting yourselves, a slow earning of respect for the Phantom Thieves is very important to what we are doing."

"I have a lead on a bunch of names in Bristol. I wanted Joker to talk with him first though." Skull said.

"We go tonight, call him up." Joker said.

"Oh! I finished the secret mike for Barbara. Mona you'll have to put it somewhere discrete." Oracle said.

"Thank you. Everyone clear on what we're doing? Good. Hopefully this buildup won't take long with how unstable Black Mask is, who knows what he will do if we are found out." Mona said.

"We'll manage, we always do." Joker said firmly. The plan was set, they will earn the respect of the public one way or another.

NANANANANANANANANANNANANANANANA

May 9th Early Evening

Rain

Diamond District, Red Rose club

Constantine walked under the police tape to check out the Mad Hatter's hideout. Every piece of furniture was overturned.

"Bloody hell. *groan*" Constantine said carefully maneuvering around the furniture trying to get a read on something inside of here. He looked high and low around the whole place, nothing was out of the ordinary.

"These guys were good. Too good. There must be a slip up somewhere." Constantine crashed on the moldy couch and ran a hand through his blond hair.

Okay...Okay think. If I were them what would I do? Forget the complex shit they managed to do. Focus on basic stealth spells. Constantine opened back up the file and looked at all the pictures, and listened to the interrogation recording, taking a long drag of his fag.

He puffed out a large amount of smoke and found the one line Tetch said.

"I-I have no idea what they did. All I got was a card through the door, saying they would make me confess." The recording played back.

The card. Right. John got up and inspected the door, he got a familiar energy out of it. As well as something new, something small, but very powerful.

"A familiar maybe? It can't be that much bigger than a normal ass cat?" John asked, putting a tracking spell on the energy. As he thought the trail was very faded and blurred. Energy is like fingerprints, they can disappear easily.

John got a rough estimate of two paths. One led into a tiny grate back into the building, confirming his suspicions about a small creature. He even found some strands of cat hair in the vent. It was shedding season after all. Batman will be pleased with this, it explains how no one saw them.

"Bruce I have something." John called.

"What is it?" Bruce asked.

"Cat hair." John joked.

"Be serious about this Constantine." Bruce growled.

"I am mate. Something ain't right 'bout this cat. Definitely supernatural in someway. It bleeds out energy with a tiny amount of fur. Something...hopeful, cheerful, I'm catchin' a bit of snark and horny." John said.

"Anything else. Somewhere it went perhaps?" Bruce pressed.

"Got two paths. One inside, probably went in to confirm the location and make sure Hatter gets the card. How did a cat manage to lockpick a grate with no thumbs? That's the real magic at play." John snorted walking along the path across the street into an alleyway he stopped suddenly as sense massive energy lingering around here.

"Constantine?" Bruce asked.

"What did they say they did again?" John asked, rubbing his hands on the cold ground..

"Change distorted desires. Steal the hearts of those who are corrupted." Bruce answered.

"This here is a portal mate. A fading one to a destroyed dimension. Looks like you were right to call me." John said, feeling the rubble in his fingers.

"A portal to where?" Bruce pressed.

"Hmm….it's so complex to say. This is for sure some kind of trip into the mind, but….Even a fixed mind can be traveled into. This method….once they are finished they better make damn sure of it. This is nothing like I've seen before….The destruction of the location makes tracking their means impossible. Like robbing a bank, and destroying the getaway car. And they said it came naturally to these kids?" Constantine asked.

"They said a god gave it to them. To Joker at least. If it's the same good I don't know. If it was...this has been planned out for years." Bruce said, darkly.

"These kids are playin' dirty Bruce. I can sense the power they had in their souls...like gods aiding them in their struggles. We need to take them down before they kill someone in their hubris." John said, darkly.

"Why do you think I called you here? Can you find some other way to track them?" Bruce pressed.

Constantine took a puff of smoke before he answered.

"Only lead is the cat. But it'll take weeks sortin' through all of the strays in this city. The trail is washed out good from decay. You're gonna have to wait it out for their next move, then they're locked up." Constantine said.

"Good." Bruce said.

"What happens then Bruce? These kids are clearly a danger without the big god in play." John asked.

"They mean the best intentions, but they are too unstable, too much of a risk. One alone can bring down a building. Imagine all of them together." Bruce growled.

"What about your little sidekick team?" Constantine asked.

"No. With the force brainwashing confirmed they need to be subdued. They changed a man against his will John. They work with known wanted people. Catwoman I trust...White Rabbit? No. The leader told me himself when he apologized. He wants a war, he needs to start a war. The best way to stop this is to go up to the top and bring the god down. But I doubt it'll be that easy. They are trying to destroy everything I've built. I won't let them." Bruce said, darkly. He hung up finishing the discussion.

Constantine stood in silence looking down at where the portal was. It wasn't even a portal, it was more of a teleport. If what the things the kids say are true, how many other children were forced into a battle they wanted no part in.

Like the League is any better, those titans of theirs are more like cannon fodder than real heroes. Constantine sighed, seems everything he's ever a part of is shady in some way.

The man pulled out his flask and took a sip, walking away in the rain. These kids are not winning this...no way. The god in control will kill them, or Bruce will lock them up forever. This is way past sympathy. Like it or not these kids are a threat to big players, John figured with their little war declaration….they'll be dead by the end of the year. Beaten, caged, and begging for an out that will never come.

NANANANNANANANANANANANANANANANANA

May 9th Evening
Rain

Chinatown, Clocktower

The plan was simple. Get ears into the Clocktower. Futaba wanted to have a flash drive that had all of the data Batman had. Morgana responded that it was much too risky, it was hard enough setting up the mike in a good place hard to see.

Morgana searched the apartment high and low. If he remembered correctly, everything seems to pop in the walls at night. The shelves were close but would be muted by the flooring. The walls were too far away to hear anything. It was a puzzle for sure.

"*giggle* You're such a curious kitty. Don't you know how the saying goes?" Barbara scooped him up in her arms and cuddled him. Morgana sighed but played along. This girl is very sweet, but she's also kinda needy.

"I bet you're confused by how this place changes is that it? Can't tell ya~ Secret." Barbara booped him on the nose. Morgana huffed at the assault. Barbara chuckled at him but seemed to be downtrodden.

"It's nice to have someone to listen to me. Bruce is so stubborn, Cass is so cold. Dad can never know any of this...Maybe before all this happened...but now? *sigh* I want to tell him everything so bad. But… I don't think his heart could take the betrayal Morgana." Barbara wiped some tears out of her eyes, Morgana mewled in concern and licked her face.

"*chuckle* look at me sulking. Just like all those years ago. Tim would be disappointed. But I think he would like you." Barbara pet Morgana gently and he purred. This girl really needs an outlet…

"Well I guess being Batman's hacker is your outlet. Who is Tim though?" Morgana tilted his head in confusion.

"*giggle* You're so emotive Morgana~ I suppose you wouldn't know him. He's an old friend. A bit younger than me but not much…." Morgana looked up at her in a demanding but concerned tone.

"I...I guess...one little phone call wouldn't hurt. We have a while until our job begins." Barbara did the change over to her apartment, closing it off to the world. She dialed up the Titans Tower all the way across the country in California.

NANANANANANANANANANANANANANANANA

May 9th, Evening

Sunny

Jump City, Titan Tower

Kid Flash hated his shift for watch. Everyone took a shift for it, but it was so boring.

This is so unfair. I'm the fastest dude alive behind Flash. Yet I gotta do this every other week. Ughh….

He tapped his foot impatiently, creating a small crater from the speed. He paddled his paddle ball faster than the eye could comprehend. He stopped when he got a call in from Gotham.

Shit...SHIT! Batman must be doing his monthly random check in. Don't panic. DON'T PANIC!

Wally rushed to clean the room to make it more professional. He rushed to the bathroom to tidy up his uniform. He was out of gel…

"DAMMIT DICK! SHARE THE GOOD SHIT!" Wally shouted.

"Dick is in Bludhaven right now...sadly." Starfire popped in the door and smiled politely.

"HIS DAD'S ON THE PHONE AND I LOOK LIKE SHIT! Wait….*spits*" Wally spits in his hand and runs it through his red hair. It will do...He snapped both his fingers and pointed to his reflection.

"Lookin' good." Wally tried to psych himself up.

"DUDE! YOU SAID BATMAN IS CALLIN' ?!" Beast Boy slammed in panic.

"BATMAN?! LET ME IN! I NEED TO LOOK PROFESSIONAL!" Wonder Girl pushed Kid Flash out and slammed the door.

"HEY! It was occupied! He's callin' right now, what can ya hope to do in the next five seconds? You're not me ya know." Wally barked.

"I GOTTA DO DO THING MAN! Last time he upped our classes. I CAN'T HANDLE ANYMORE!" Cassandra shouted through the door.

"Please be quiet. I'm trying to meditate." Raven floated up to the group, angry.

"RAE! GET TIM HE'LL KNOW WHAT TO DO!" Beast Boy shouted at her.

"He's not here. He's doing recon in the city." Raven said calmly.

"SHIT! ONLY OTHER ONE WHO CALMS HIM IS KAL! AND HE'S ALL THE WAY IN FUCKING ATLANTIS!" Wally shouted.

"Perhaps Damian? He's his son too, yes?" Starfire suggested.

"What's he gonna do, growl? He's barely said a word since he's got here. Where's Kurt and Megan?! They're calm enough." Wally tried.

"They're on a date. Probably sucking face already!" Wonder Girl busted through the door.

"I'll go get Damian. He's our on shot!" Wally dashed off and brought Damian in a flash. Damian was cursing at him furious.

"THE FUCK IS THIS!? LET ME GO FUCKER!" Damian struggled in Wally's arms.

"We're dead." Beast Boy whimpered.

"Quick answer it, answer it!" Wonder Girl cried. She can't take more of a load at school. The only thing she was good at was History.

"TELL ME WHAT'S GOING ON FIRST IDIOT!" Damian shouted back.

"It's Batman! He does random check-ups every month! SAY IT'S ALL COOL!" Wally shook his shoulders.

"FUCK NO! I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY TO THE MAN WHO DITCHED ME WITH SUCH LOSERS! I'M LEAVING!" In a puff of smoke Damian was gone.

"OI! COME BACK HERE YA RUNT!" Wally shouted everywhere. Looking all around to find him.

"Oh for the love of...I'll answer it." Raven said, massaging her forehead.

"Yeah...yeah! That'll work! Two doom and glooms talkin'. GREAT PLAN!" Kid Flash smirked happily, only to be blasted out of the room by one of Raven's spells. He rushed back in a split second.

"Not cool." He growled.

"Shut up dude! Answer it QUICK!" Beast Boy shouted at Rae.

"*sigh*" Raven took a calming breath and picked up the call. "This is Titan Tower reporting for duty." She stood straight towards the camera and everyone else did the same.

"Uhhhh." Morgana meowed at the scene.

"Hey guys. Um, at ease?" Barbara sweated.

"IDIOT IT'S JUST BARB! YA GOT US ALL WORKED UP FOR NOTHING!" Cass pounded Wally's forehead.

"OW! Hey give me a break! I saw the word "BAT" and panicked!" Wally shouted.

"You can read as fast as you run dude. COME ON!" Beast Boy shouted.

"Like you're any better." Raven snorted.

"WHAT DID I DO?!" Beast Boy screamed.

"Um, is Tim in there somewhere? I need to speak with him." Barbara asked.

"Jeez… ya think we were a demon or something? You were all so pale." Morgana cringed.

"Aw man even the cat is talkin' trash. I'm out." Beast Boy left the room dejected.

"Uh….what?" Morgana said, confused.

"Aw kitty~ did you say something mean to Beast Boy. Be careful he can understand all animals." Barbara laughed.

"WHAT?!" Morgana yowled.

"Barbara it's so good to see you~ What is this call for?" Starfire asked delightedly.

"I just...um needed to talk to Tim about something. About Batman." The whole room was silent at that.

"Private, got it. Transferring you over. I'll change the contact to say "Oracle" So this won't happen again." Raven said typing.

"You still have me listed as Batgirl? It's been a good two years." Barbara asked.

"Sorry. Guess it just kind of slipped. We still call you Batgirl here sometimes too." Raven said.

"You really must visit Barbara. It's been too long~ I would go to Gotham myself. But...you know how Batman feels about metas or aliens with great power." Starfire frowned.

"I'd love that. But you know how it is. One bad guy is replaced with two and all that." Barbara said.

"Nice to see ya Barb but...I gotta do recon. Wally come on" Cass dragged Wally out of the room leaving Starfire and Raven alone.

"She's gonna beat me up. But I know she cares." Wally grinning racing into the city.

"HEYY! YOU STILL HAVE WATCH TONIGHT! YOU'RE NOT GETTING OUT OF IT!" Raven raged chasing after him with Wonder Girl following.

Starfire put her hands together and smiled sweetly at the disorder of her family.

"Same old, same old huh Star?" Oracle smiled.

"Yes. You however don't look that happy. Did something happen? Starfire noticed the puffiness of Barbara's and she grew concerned.

"Batman is always going to be Batman. Can you patch me through to Tim? I'm sure he needs to hear about all that is happening here." Barbara said.

"*sigh* Of course. I'm always here if you need something...I like your new kitty by the way...Farewell." Starfire patched Barbara to Red Robin's communicator.

The little jingle of the Titan song rang through as she was put on hold. Tim's masked face showed itself.

"Hey Barb. What gives me the pleasure." Tim said.

"Hey Tim. Oh...Hang on. You need to pee Morgana? Go on. I'm fine." Morgana took this time to get down and search the area for a good place for the bug.

"Have a new friend? I feel betrayed." Tim said sarcastically.

"Oh he's just a cat, some nice kid lets me watch. Which brings me to why I'm doing it." Barbara said.

"You don't look good Barb. What's Bruce got you doing now?" Tim asked, concerned.

"Have you heard the news about the Phantom Thieves?" Barbara asked.

"Bits and pieces. Robin won't stop obsessing over them. He feels like he failed to catch them." Tim said.

"Bruce has Constantine helping him. We're compromised, Tim. They know about Bruce's identity. We think it was their hacker. We're lucky if that's the case. She's amazing for her age."

Morgana stopped suddenly and listened in. This is new information, just who is Constantine?

"I saw the pictures. Looks like a nasty guy is at the head of this. But that's not what worries you is it?" Tim asked.

"Bruce is mad. Madder than I've seen him in a while. These kids are too dangerous to be kept running around in Gotham. I worry...just how far he'll go to capture them." Barbara said.

"I see. But if this "god" is stopped they'll turn themselves in right?" Tim asked.

Barbara shook her head. Morgana shook his head.

"I really, really doubt it. Despite their hopes for peace, they opened a can of worms they can't close. It's been confirmed they do indeed use magic to force the will of a person. I was told by Bruce himself. These kids should they ever be captured would wind up in Blackgate at best." Barbara said.

"You said it yourself Barbara the change was forced." Tim said simply.

"But what if we used it? We do things like this all the time and don't bat an eye. Massively illegal things for justice. To help the world. Is peace truly off the table?" Barbara cried.

"...Ok I get what you're saying. Let me come to Bruce and talk to him. I think even he can let emotions get the best of him. I think these kids have managed to get him scared with their talents. If we get him to calm down...maybe after a good and long talk in a cell….maybe then they can sway him. Otherwise...no." Red Robin sighed.

"That's all I can ask. I feel like you and Morgana are my only way to vent. Thank you. You're the only one who could possibly do this. Dick would just start an argument with him." Barbara sighed.

"Anything for you Barb. I'll come in tomorrow morning. I'm sure Bruce will enjoy the distraction from his day job." Tim smirked.

"Thank you seriously." Barbara sighed.

"I gotta go. Take care tonight Barb." Tim said.

"You too. Bye." Barbara said, hanging up.

NANANANANANANANANANANA

Morgana kept his cool in her lap but inside he was panicking. Batman won't back down from the city. He should have figured as much.

I need to find somewhere to bug this place. I'm starting to feel that the wheelchair is the best. bet. Morgana shook his head. That would be found in a metal detector, no, no, no.

"It's almost time kitty. Could you hold the fort while I tinkle?" Barbara set the cat down. Morgana widened his eyes at the chance. With her gone he can install it right into the desk and hide it well!

"Meow~" Morgana purred with an evil sparkle in his eye.

"I'll be back." Barbara rolled away. Morgana got to work on the desk, changing into his meta form. Absolute silence is needed. If Barbara heard one word out of his mouth, she could then understand him in cat form.

He took out a screwdriver and opened a panel in the great desk. He pulled the drive out of one of his pouches and got to work setting it up. He was sweating at the pressure of this.

Come on. Come on! Morgana fiddled with the wires, careful not to destroy anything. He managed to set the bug in a very hidden spot when…

FLUSH

Shit! SHIT! Morgana quickly put everything back in its proper place. He heard the bathroom door open the moment he was done.

"Hold the fort well kitty~?" Barbara smiled at the cat.

"Meow" Morgana purred, back in his cat form.

Mission accomplished. Now all he needed was info on this Constantine guy and he's golden.

MIRROR HERMIT RANK 2/10

SKILL ACQUIRED: The bedside bug

All calls and conversations in the Clocktower can now be heard.

Morgana sighed in relief in Barbara's lap. He was rewarded with good sushi and headpats. A perfect reward.

NANANANANANANANANANANANA

May 9th, Evening

Rain

Coventry, My Alibi Nightclub

Jack Ryder waited at the club. He promised the competitor of his last news station a big scoop in return for a job and they were getting impatient. He took a sip of booze to calm his nerves.

"Waiting for my little Crow eh? He called. He should be here soon." White leaned over the bar table and smiled smugly.

"He better be. I need something fast." Ryder said.

"You're lucky then Ryder. I have a big scoop indeed." Akechi walked up behind them and startled Ryder.

"SHIT! Fucking little...what is it. It better be good, I need to get a job if you want to keep our arrangement.

"There's been a change of plans. PIGTAILS!" Akechi shouted.

"WHAT?!" Pigtails shouted back, and walked over.

"Arrange a room for us please." Akechi said.

"Oh, don't worry Pigtails. I'll take care of this one." White smiled and winked at Akechi.

"Whatever, do your shady shit in the back." Pigtails huffed and walked away.

The three entered a private billiards room. Everyone cleared out at a snap of White Rabbit's finger.

"So what is? A new card? Please be a new card!" Ryder begged.

"Black Mask doesn't respect us enough yet to make a move. Penguin has mercs all over the city looking for us. No...we have something different in mind." Akechi said.

"What's that? It'd better be good." Ryder demanded.

Akechi pulled out a list of names and laid it on the table.

"We're taking down multiple corrupt cops found by Queen. Should make for a good scandal." Akechi said.

"That's it? Kid people already know the cops are corrupt! You need big names! OTHER ROUGES LIKE HATTER!" Ryder screamed.

"Who do you suggest? This is a whole squad of men abusing the system." Akechi narrowed his eyes.

"I know a couple of easy targets." White Rabbit said.

"Yeah, who's that?" Ryder asked.

"We need to start small. We only have so much access to so much power right now." Akechi said.

"How does that work?" Ryder asked. Akechi narrowed his eyes at Ryder and he shut up.

"I know a few stragglers that are working on tiny things. Condiment King is planning a heist from a food plant. "

"No one takes him seriously. He's less popular than Hatter." Ryder said.

"Kite-man is out there somewhere. He's more behind the scene but a good catch." White shrugged.

"The ex-engineer is not enough idiot ,come on." Ryder said.

"Random fires are starting to go up. Firefly could be back in town." White suggested, growing impatient at Ryder's prodding.

"You're grasping. Is that all?" Akechi demanded.

"Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum have escaped lock up as well as the Unicorn. They are forming a Wonderland gang. But I doubt you want to fixate on the leavings of Hatter." She huffed.

"You're holding back something more. OUT WITH IT!" Akechi screamed.

"Fine. Rumors of rumors are talking of a payphone killer. The MO is that of Victor Zsasz, known serial killer. Another open case like it going around is Professor Pyg. The Ventriloquist and Scarface are on the outskirts of Gotham building up members, Maxie Zues is as well. If that's not enough going after penguin's mercs like KGBeast or Prometheus would anger Penguin but help greatly. We could take down Walrus maybe, but that would make Black Mask suspicious. Zebra Man, Polka-dot Man, Calendar Man, Cluemaster, Riddler. Blockbuster. An Urban myth has it another big bat was found flying in the sky, shoot it down and work whatever the fuck you do on it!" White snapped.

"Victor Zsaz? That would be big! HUGE! He could tide things over for sure. Confirm it's him and we're golden." Ryder smiled.

"What's so different about him?" Akechi asked.

"The intensity. Gruesome stuff man. He cuts marks in the skin for every kill. The bodies stood in perfect stances mimicking alive people. It's disgusting, but people would eat up his takedown. Maybe with Professor Pyg as well in tow it would be enough." Ryder said.

"What about all of them?" Akechi asked.

"ALL OF THEM?!" White cried.

"Well as many as we can. I doubt we will get them all with our low power. But a good chuck. I'll tell you the details later Ryder all of the names by tomorrow by nightfall." Akechi said.

"Works for me." Ryder smirked.

MIRROR DEVIL RANK 2/10

SKILL ACQUIRED: Newsletter

With the coming heist Ryder will have a good reach over Gotham's media again.

"Good. Get out of here I'll be in contact." Akechi said. Ryder left, leaving the two "lovers" alone.

"That scowl doesn't suit you Akechi. What is it now?" White Rabbit frowned.

Akechi threw the Broker's card on the table. White Rabbit stared at it, not impressed.

"What? I know Broker sure, what of it?" White Rabbit asked.

"Why is it that it took what felt like an interrogation for you to spill?" Akechi growled.

"Listen kid, you're paying me good but not enough to upset everyone in Gotham. I've done a lot for the Phantom Thieves if you want more, pay more." White Rabbit said simply.

Akechi pulled a gun on her, patience had run out.

"Aw Crow~ not again." White pouted.

"How much money does it take for you not to betray us later on?" Akechi narrowed his eyes.

White Rabbit smirked at that.

"Millions upon millions sugar daddy. Got the dough?" White Rabbit asked.

"I knew I couldn't trust a slut like you." Akechi growled.

"I'm just trying to survive in this hellhole. Gotham is my home, but all of the chaos comes at a price. A high price. I won't give names or locations, but as of now...I know you can't afford me much longer. What happens by the end of this month? With all of this frivolous paying you're bound to go broke by then."

"Then why didn't you mention the Broker to help us with business?" Akechi asked.

"Look, we are even as of now. Nothing personal, it's just business. You want me that bad Crow~? Let's say a wager. 8-ball, every ball in the pocket is a question asked. You better answer my questions or I walk." White smirked.

"I could kill you right now instead and save us the hassle and the money." Akechi said.

"Go ahead shoot me. I gave you the gala, I gave you Roman. How much more do I have to give I wonder? Shoot me down here...Batman catches you by June. End of story." White smiled.

Akechi growled at her statement but she was right. Akechi has seen the recordings Futaba had of their battle with him. Obvious signs of holding back. Batman was showing pity that night, and Akechi knew they blew through that with the gala. He lowered the gun.

"Fine." Akechi growled.

"There he is. I'm feeling generous if you win you get another freebie. If you lose...double the cash. A million dollars a month for my services, with the inclusion of the premium either way~." White winked.

"I don't want to sleep with you White." Akechi growled.

"Get your head out the gutter Crow~ Premium is more than sex. It's the inclusion of my betrayal. To all of the Rogues, no matter how big they are. I'll sing like a little bird. Your sweet partner in crime. I've been all around Akechi, I smell a move a mile away." White grinned.

"And yet you still needed saving." Akechi retorted.

White frowned at that and set up the pool table.

"Ladies first." She said and did the starting shot . She sank the 15 easily. Akechi scowled at that.

"Guess I'm stripes. Let's start simple. What's your name?" White smiled.

"What does it matter?" Akechi deflected.

"I can leave if you want me to." White teased.

"Goro Akechi." Akechi said simply.

"Goro. Gooorrrooo. I think it's cute, it fits you." She got in position and set up for her next winning shot, giving a freebie for Akechi. White was very confident in her abilities.

Akechi smirked.

Perfect.

He analyzed the table and found a good in. No underestimating for him, he went in with his left hand. And he made a technical shot sinking the 3 and 5 ball.

"First question. What are the full names and descriptions for all of the Rogues mentioned earlier?" Akechi said, careful with his phrasing.

"*sigh* Whatever. Condiment King's real name is Mitchell Mayo. Yes really, he's a standard robber but only robs places related to his obsession to condiments. He has this weird gun that shoots out everything you could ever put on a burger. You said small I give you small. No one takes him seriously.

Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum is Deever Tweed and Dumfree Tweed. Which names like those it's no wonder why they turned to crime. They are in cahoots with the Unicorn aka Skitch Benson. They were all guns for hire before Hatter got his hands on them. I guess the brainwashing didn't fade on them. They probably will carry out Hatter's old plan. Capture, hypnotize, expand. Might want to stop them before they find Panther again.

The Ventriloquist is as described. Arnold Wesker stole a doll from a guy he killed at Blackgate and named him Scarface. A gimmick maybe. The guy is terrified of the doll. Every goon believes his tale that the doll is cursed somehow. I think he just had DID. Standard mobster otherwise.

Maxie Zues is short for Maximilian Zues. Another crazy mobster who believes he's a god. His gang is a bunch of cultists who worship him. Very weird shit.

Victor Zsasz has already been discussed. You'll have to prove it's him though, a lot of copycats are out there like Professor Pig aka Lazlo Valentin. While a totally different MO involving castration on both parts and lobotomy to make people "perfect" the reason he's called a copycat is because he's too similar to Zsasz. They compete constantly over who's the best serial killer. Catch one or both preferably I tire of them.

Kite man is barely a threat. Charles Brown Sr. is an engineer for hire for bad people. Builds a couple weapons here and there and sails away on that kite of his. Last I heard he works for Joker. He also helps prisoners escape with a hefty sum in return.

Firefly aka Garfield Lynns is a wild card. All of the fumes he smoke must make him mad, or the great borderline fourth degree burns. He's Gotham's resident pyromaniac. Bring him down and suddenly half the fire stations will be shut down.

Calendar Man, Julian Gregory Day will probably strike tonight. With it being Mother's Day and all he'll strike a classic mother. You take him down while the news is hot and you'll be rewarded with a good amount of fame."

"You'd let an innocent family suffer huh?" Akechi asked.

"Let me finish please. It's survival of the fittest out there. Cops are all over town because of it. Batman is probably knocking his lights out. Anyway...

"Polka dot man aka Abner Krill is a blind artist gone mad. He strikes museums and ruins paintings so everyone sees what he sees. Spots.

Jake Brown is a mad scientist who manages to gain what he calls "magnetic" powers. He uses it for crime of course. Though I don't understand where the zebra suit comes in. Maybe a sexual thing.

Moe Blum aka the Walrus is Black Mask's right hand man. Take him down and….just don't take him down we're on thin ice with Black Mask already.

You've already met Riddle or Edward Nigma. Cluemaster is his competition. Arthur Brown was a failedTV host desperate for fame so he started leaving riddles everywhere and tried to find out Batman's identity. Didn't work and he's still trying, but he still leaves death traps all over town.

Blockbuster or Mark Desmond has been spotted with government types. I think he's a member of the Sucicide Squad. A team where the feds force you to do their bidding by "offering" less of a sentence. The story goes they put a bomb in your head and if you give lip. BOOM! They kill you. You want to weed out corruption, there's your ticket. I'd hate to find out who's in charge of that though.

KGBeast is old school KGB. The old man still is kicking with all that cyber shit he's got on him though. He and Prometheus are Penguin's top dogs. Taking down one or both of them would start even more war than you already did. His name is Anatoli Knyazev.

Finally Prometheus is a straight up cop killer. Does it for vengeance because his parents were gunned down by some cops. He's a merc but prioritizes the slaying of cops. Want to get close to the GCPD, he's your ticket in.

Happy?" White Rabbit finished.

Akechi wrote down all of that with maximum efficiency.

"Alright next question." Akechi smirked.

"Come on give a girl time to breathe after all that." White Rabbit scowled.

"You said we would be captured within a month. Elaborate." Akechi demanded.

"Only one tip per ball! Okay...you know how you took out the Bat's jet. Bad move, it'll be back infinitely stronger and surveying all over Gotham for you. You are much too open about your travel. He will catch you again." White said.

"And how do we fix that?" Akechi asked.

"Ah, ah, ah. One tip per ball~ Your move. Miss it for my health." White groaned.

Akechi answered with sinking the 7.

"Fuck you seriously." White growled.

"How do we remain unseen." Akechi asked.

"The best way is the sewer. It stinks to all hell but it's unused due to the danger." White said simply.

Akechi raised an eyebrow at that but White smirked staying silent.

He set up a shot but was interrupted by her.

"Goro~ pretty please. I just want to know more about you Goro. Is this any way to treat a lady?" She leaned over the table, showing her massive cleavage. Akechi was not impressed.

"It takes more than a body to distract me. Stop trying to cheat." Akechi retorted.

"Ah~ but...you're so good Gorooo~ Just a little question. No tricks, no nothing." White Rabbit slid over to help and rubbed herself on him. Akechi hated that he was blushing due to it. He slammed his gun on the table and silenced her.

"Shut up and play far. Keep those hands to yourself. Who do you think I am, Skull?" Akechi snapped at her and took a furious shot. The power in it was too much missing the pocket.

"FUCK YOU YOU ABSOLUTE THOT! DO OVER!" Akechi shouted.

"All's fair in love and war Goro. Learning new slang from the customers? It doesn't suit you at all." White took a shot and sank 9 and 10. She smiled smugly.

"Now to get even. You guys aren't really from Japan are you? Something rubbed me the wrong way at the sudden appearance of the cafe. Spill." She said.

Akechi growled in response.

"Down boy. Spill~" She joked.

"Different worlds. Magic." Akechi choked out, keeping it as simple as he could.

"Makes sense. I've met a few magic users in Gotham before. Not as handsome as you though. What were you exactly...before all this?" White asked.

"Why the fuck do you want to know?" Akechi scowled at her.

"I lie about a ton of this. What I didn't lie about was that you intrigued me. Come on~ I won't judge." She teased.

"I was a child detective." Akechi said.

"Liar~. I can read your face you know. You think I can't notice a half-truth when I see one?" White smiled.

"No more." Akechi scowled. The fury in his eyes sent shivers down her spine.

"*chuckle* That's quite a look you have there, Goro. Fine every ball is more about you." White said lining up the shot. She got serious with the game. Goro is amazing at this, she should have chosen a different game. Too late to back out now though, her pride won't allow it. She tried to sink in a ball but missed it by a hair. She cursed at her failure.

Akechi managed to get the 2 in.

"Money. We need more, suggestions?" Akechi asked.

"Not curious about the danger in the sewer?" White smirked.

"I'll find out soon. After I win." Akechi retorted.

"*scoff* Whatever. Broker is expensive. The only way to get money around here is to steal it. Launder it through the cafe of yours and profit." White said.

"Cafe is a no go. It needs to stay clean." Akechi said.

"That little shop then. Maple and Cinnamon could help you set up a jazz club at your place. The money will go there. The sisters will get out of the club and owe you. Win-win." White smiled.

"We need more than just that, We need to expand across the city." Akechi pressed.

"It's a start. Maybe open a bakery or Azuki and Coconuts. They always wanted to open one." White said.

"Why do you care so much about them?" Akechi demanded.

"Sink another ball and waste it on that stupid question." White smirked.

Akechi sank another ball, the one.

"If you vouch for them so much how do we recruit them?" Akechi asked.

"Easy, Chocola and Vanilla. The two youngest. Sweet, young, naive. Azuki told me once that they're brains aren't all there. I think it's the experiments they never talk about. Chocola can barely read, speak, or do complex thinking. Vanilla is the better but still dumb, she watches over her twin sister. Make them happy and you're in with the cat sisters. Something clean, simple, and able to keep their attention." White Rabbit said.

"The cafe will do for now. I'll talk to the team about it. They love a sob story, hell I bet their appearances will sway half of them." Akechi said.

He sunk in the 2l and smirked. White groaned.

"You must really hate talking about yourself." White Rabbit said.

"It's more of a saving money thing. What's in the sewer?" He asked.

"Killer Croc, sorry Waylon Jones. He claimed it as his turf long ago. He has a birth defect, a massive one that makes him a reptile. The effects are freaky, terrifying, dangerous. He offers bodyguarding to anyone who pays in return for food. Be careful though, when mad he won't hesitate to eat you down to the bone." White Rabbit said.

"When I get this, I know that you're coming with me to talk him down." Akechi smirked and did so.

"This is ridiculous. I only got one question in. How can you be this good?" White asked.

"Skill. Now will you do it?" Akechi smirked.

"Fine. We'll neatly rob a whole meat supply in order to feed him for a while." White Rabbit sighed.

"No… I think the money saved from your freebie will help greatly." Akechi smirked as he sunk the 8-ball.

"Fine. Be that way. I just wanted some backstory that's all." White Rabbit huffed.

"I'll reveal mine when you reveal yours." Akechi retorted.

"Oh, Goro. You don't want to know me. Just enjoy the chase." White Rabbit grinned.

MIRROR TEMPERANCE RANK 4/10

SKILL ACQUIRED: Premium Package

White Rabbit is now betraying all of Gotham for some dough. Well after this freebie of course.

"I should tell the gang to lookout for any murder scenes. Tomorrow night the city will see how strong the Phantom Thieves can be." Akechi said.

"*Sigh* next month will be triple the next time. This is getting a bit too hot." White Rabbit said.

"Like you can beat me at anything." Akechi snarked.

"You're a real sore winner ya know that?" White retorted.

"We take down as many as we can. The petty thrive and the Kite man goes down first. I'll have the team survey the town for Zsasz and Pyg. I'll have one of them try to find Day and stop him, we can't afford a loss when it's so easily avoidable. All the gang leaders will be next. The Walrus will go down as well, Black Mask will start panicking but we'll step in and take his spot. That will earn us the respect to continue the heist forward. Along with the multiple heist we're pulling tonight. We're going to hit Mask hard tonight. The mercs might be too strong for us to take down at the moment though." Akechi said.

"*sigh* It's going to be a long night." White sighed.

"Get ready White. The Phantom Thieves hit hard and mercilessly. By tomorrow chaos will fill the streets". Akechi smirked.

NANANANANANANANANANANANA

AN: You know...it's weird but, I always liked Marvel more as a kid. Spider-Man was my bread and butter. Still is. But then Arkham Asylum and the Dark Knight came out, it blew me away and the rest was history. I just hope the new games and movies live up to them.

Next chapter will be a big Mementos run. The Pts are going to strike another massive punch into the soul of Gotham. Batman and Constantine will struggle to pick up the pieces in the morning. But with the occult detective I wonder how long the PTs will hide in the shadows. Morgana can't contact them about him, or he'll blow his cover after all, but the bug will help a bit.

Stay Tuned~