"You've got something to say Kobayashi?" Penguin asked looking across the table. Kobayashi turned his eyes away from his hand of cards to look at the crimelord.
"Just thinking aloud Mr. Cobblepot. Nothing interesting. Raise two hundred k." The redhead said tossing in several more chips into the pile.
"Bullshit." A deep voice growled out. A large man, maybe seven feet who sat across Kobayashi leaned forward revealing the a rough, ragged brown shirt, yellow eyes, and dark green scaled skin of a reptile or more specifically a crocodile. "No jackass here mutters something without it having a purpose."
"Really, what's that say about you Croc?" Another voice asked. His wasn't as deep as Croc's but it held a veiled back annoyance that Sasori picked up on. The man was just as tall as Croc but lacked the scaled up skin that made him famous. Instead, long thin tubes ran along the man's well toned arms towards a container that sat strapped to his back. "You go on and on about how well a man's stomach tastes. Where's the purpose in that?"
"Intimidation." Croc growled.
"Oh, then you've been doing a shit job of it." The man replied coldly smiling back at the set of teeth. An air of hatred began to fill the room as the two giants continued their stare down, seemingly waiting for the other to blink. Just as Penguin was about to step in, Kobayashi spoke.
"Gentlemen, If Mr. Cobblepot invited you to this room it stands to reason he views you as upstanding individuals. People who can look past their differences and come together for a quiet game. Do you really want to prove him wrong?" Kobayashi asked returning his eyes to his cards. He could feel their stares turn back to him.
"And what if I don't care?" Croc asked with a low growl.
"Well, what else are you actually gonna do to pass the time that doesn't involve, eating, killing or fighting giant bats?." Kobayashi reasoned. His eyes drifted from Croc back to Bane, as each began to ponder the question rather than merely brush it off. Bane tilted his head slightly and gave a low chuckle and Croc scratched the bag of his head and allowed himself a disillusioned laugh.
"Yeah. I guess you have a point there." Croc replied picking his cards back up off the table.
"Fair enough." Bane said with a short nod. "A quite night every once in a while works."
"Very good gentlemen." Penguin said with a loud laugh and a nod to Kobayashi's direction. Kobayashi returned the gesture before moving to scratch his ear yet again.
A swell of people came up to the bar after Kakuzu finished serving the couple. As he went on continuing his job, Itachi decided to pass the time with a few slot machines using a bit of the money Sasori had given him. Nothing really came of it. Closest he got was a pair of sevens and cherry. But he didn't leave disappointed, he took note of several figures moving about the Lounge floor. They'd stop by someone at the desk, whisper something, disappear off the floor, come back and talk to someone else. The usual stuff, Itachi was sure that a criminally run casino staff would do. Or any casino staff for that matter. It was subtle too. No one else in the casino seemed to take notice it. Not the visible guards, none of the patrons, nobody really. Save for him and Kakuzu. An hour might've passed before Itachi moved back to the bar. Not content to sit and chat out in the open, Kakuzu allowed him behind the bar door and to a small, rustic lounge.
"Any luck on those machines?" Kakuzu asked poring himself something from the bartender's private stash.
Itachi shook his head. "No more than usual."
"Yeah, luck was always a pain in the ass back home." Kakuzu agreed poring a second glass. He turned back to Itachi who had quietly made his way to a leather chair. Itachi took it with a polite thank you. "Mind you, we're pretty damn lucky to be here and not hell."
"How can you be sure it isn't?" Itachi asked back with a smile.
"I'm still being paid." Kakuzu said with a smile under his mask. "Quite handsomely as a matter of fact."
"And demons can't be paid in hell?" Itachi asked
"The minute I read somewhere that demons are paid for their work, then I'll buy it." Kakuzu said gulping down the strange liquid. Itachi did the same, expecting a Sake like flavor. Instead he was greeted with a powerful, hot taste that seemed to burn as it slid down his throat. He kept his composure though, finishing the glass before looking back to Kakuzu.
"That's a…new one." Itachi said with a sigh.
"Whiskey. I've gotten a taste for it." Kakuzu said with a shrug of the shoulders. "You might be more of wine guy. Pretty face and all."
"So, you're bartending now?" Itachi asked raising an eyebrow to his masked comrade.
"Why's that so surprising?" Kakuzu asked back flatly cleaning his shot glass with a few quick wipes of the towel still kept in his pocket . "It pays pretty good if you do it for the right people."
Itachi couldn't argue with that. Kakuzu had always made himself pretty easy to read. Maybe he figured it would be less annoying if people could get who he was in a sentence or two. Whatever the case, Kakuzu was a pretty simple guy. He loved money and…well that was just about it. Maybe being an asshole was a close second but even that it was a stretch. That simplicity had an odd charm to it. He never tried to hide who he was or what he thought. A rather honest characteristic for men in their position or former professions.
"That being said, I do have other jobs. This is more a hobby than anything else." Kakuzu continued placing the glass on the counter.
"Such as?"
"Stories for later." Kakuzu replied. "What's up with you and Sasori? Planning to rob Cobblepot?"
"In a way." Itachi nodded. "Penguin captured an informant of his."
"Informant, bastard's still up to his old tricks huh?" Kakuzu said with annoyed sigh though still wielding a smile. "Can't say I'm much different. Who's he looking for?"
"A man named Jacob. Sasori seems to think he'll be fed to a shark."
Kakuzu's smile faded somewhat with another sigh. " Goddamn. Jacob's really screwed then. Brutus in the basement."
"You know the shark's name?"
"That's just what the boys call him." Kakuzu replied. "Though don't get your hopes up. It's not Kisame."
"I didn't think it would be." Itachi said standing back up. "So where's the stairs?"
"There's one right here." Kakuzu said pointing over to a small corner of the room. "False fire exit."
"Good." Was Itachi short reply taking steps towards the door.
"Slow down." Kakuzu ordered. " What exactly is the plan here Uchiha? Just waltz right down and nab your boy?"
Itachi looked at his compatriot like he had grown a second head. "Yes." It seemed pretty self explanatory.
" Ok, I'm not sure you've noticed but this world has some pretty powerful weapons. They'll put holes in you faster than you put them through your clan."
A wave of anger swept through Uchiha for a brief moment as he felt the urge remove three of the bounty hunter's hearts right then and there but Kakuzu continued.
"It's not just down the stairs. It's then down more stairs to a long hallway armed to the teeth with armed guards with high tech cameras, lasers, motion sensors, and a few other things that'll make even your movements easier to track. sneak in if you can just walk in. Hell, maybe even get next to your guy."
Well that reply raised several questions. How did Kakuzu know exactly what to expect if he had just gotten to Gotham today, among others. But those would best be saved for later.
"What do you have in mind?" Itachi asked.
"C'mon. Think back to the academy days." Kakuzu with a light chuckle, cracking his knuckles.
The answer came to Itachi instantly and a small smile grew across his face.
Beastboy woke with a start as the sound of thunder rang through his room and all over the Tower. He hated when this happened. He could sleep in the rain just fine but the second a loud bang hit it was gone. He was wide awake and it was almost too much of a chore to go back to sleep. He looked over to his clock. Nine forty-five. He'd been asleep for maybe an hour. Another crash of thunder rang out and he looked out his window to see the dark clouds and rain drops loudly tapping on the glass. Yep, he wouldn't be able to sleep through this.
Leaving his room in a plain white sleeveless shirt and boxers he began the journey to the kitchen for a nerve easing snack. As the door to the Tower's hub opened up though, he was greeted by a familiar face with dark purple hair. Problem was, neither had stopped moving until it was too late.
"Ouch! What the hell?" Beastboy growled out clutching his forehead.
"Damn it, Beastboy!" Raven seethed doing the same through gritted teeth. The pair stood their in mutual annoyed pain until it finally began to fade. "What the hell are you doing up?"
"I just asked you that." Beastboy replied still rubbing his emerald skin. "I thought you liked storms, you know with your matching personalities and all."
"Haha. Jackass." Raven grumbled putting her hand back down to her side. Taking that as a challenge Beastboy quickly turned into a donkey and grinned at her before switching back.
"Guilty as charged."
"Look, I just wanted a drink to sleep on. All right?" Raven said still annoyed at her friend's antics. "What's your excuse?"
"Same. Though I was hoping for some….food." Beastboy hesitated for a split second as he thought he heard something. Raven took notice.
"What?" She asked confused by the action. Beastboy's relief was evident. It must've just been the rain if Raven hadn't sensed anything.
"Nothing." He replied focusing back on her. It was here he noticed that Raven wasn't exactly wearing her usual attire. Gone was her usual leotard and cape, instead she wore a simple blue top and surprisingly, a pair of comfortable looking grey shorts that made her look far too relaxed.
"Wow, so you do change clothes."
"Eyes up here, Garfield." She said slightly amused by the words. "It's not like you're wearing the same stuff."
"What? I can't stay in the uniform twenty four seven. Even I have standards." He said crossing his arms. "Mind you, I don't think I pull it off as good as you."
"Smooth, Gar. Smooth as silk." Raven said walking past him and patting him on his shoulder. "Someone will fall for that…..eventually." Beastboy thought about shouting another compliment out to her but decided against it. He was probably pushing his luck as it was.
Now in the kitchen, he pulled the door open to the fridge. His eyes flying from shelf to shelf looking for something, anything to eat and hopefully ease himself back to sleep. Cyborg had suggested some pills but Beastboy just didn't particularly care for them. He'd take them when he was sick, sure. But not to sleep. Not finding anything of value in the fridge, he settled for a carton of milk. He closed the fridge just in time to see a bright display of lightning flash across the tower's windows illuminating the entire living room and kitchen….as well as a figure who stood almost motionless facing out to the rain.
Beastboy's guard shot up immediately, silently placing the carton of milk on the counter beside the fridge. After that, he made no movement at all, his eyes staring towards the figure in the living room. Still no movement. Maybe he hadn't noticed him.
"I did not mean to frighten you." The figure said weakly. Beastboy allowed himself a sigh of relief. He could still be an enemy but very few enemies he knew would greet him that way.
"You didn't frighten me, dude. I was just startled is all. Big difference."
"Of course." The figure replied with the same weak tone. Beastboy then remembered they had another person with them. Someone who should've still been in the infirmary.
"Hey uh you ok?" Beastboy asked walking slowly over to him, still not really knowing what to expect. The man didn't reply. With an annoyed groan, Beastboy kept moving until he stood right next to the man. Another flash of lightning and he got a better look at him, what he saw was shocking. He was still thin, obviously though the clothes Cyborg gave him painted a better picture than just being naked. His hair was blood red, so that was still the same. No the thing that floored Beastboy was the man's eyes. Orbs of shining purple that practically glowed in the dark as they stared out towards the stormy sea that surrounded the tower. It was a brief glance but that glance spoke volumes to him. They held a power to them that he'd never seen before but there was also a strong sadness to it. So much so that, the two seemed to constantly be at war with each other.
"You uh….like the rain?" Beastboy asked. He slapped himself at the question. Honestly, what did that even mean?!
"I do." The man replied with the thunder of the lightning flash accompanying his words. Ok, the storm really didn't help this guys appearance. He looked more and more like a bad guy with each thunder strike. "I grew up with it. Yourself?"
"I like the rain, sure. But storms, they're a bit annoying."
"Can't sleep?" The man asked, turning his gaze towards the titan for the first time growing twice as intimidating. Beastboy didn't his best to fight that feeling back down and replied.
"Yeah…" For one reason or another, he felt like he couldn't lie with those eyes on him so he kept his answer short and simple.
"I see. My sympathies." The man replied blinking for the first time since they started talking. "You have a name?"
"Beastboy. You?" He asked hesitantly raising his hand out towards him
"Nagato." He replied extending his hand out towards the green one, growing a small friendly smile that did wonders to put Beastboy at ease. They shook and Beastboy felt a million times better.
"So, Nagato. Any clue what happened to you?"
"Not in the slightest." He smiled back. "I hope I didn't cause you any trouble."
"Nah dude. It's just another day for us." Beastboy said with a shrug of the shoulders. "Though dude, I have to ask, what's up with your eyes?"
Nagato's smile faded as he raised two fingers towards his right eye, caressing the skin around his eye lashes, as if they were battle scars rather than eyes. His smile returned, though weaker than before."It's a long, complicated story."
"Well, I'm not going anywhere. At least not with this rain anyway." Beastboy said gesturing back out towards the storm. Nagato's gaze shifted back to the window.
"If the weather is bothering you that much…." The redhead clasped his hands together and the intensity returned to his eyes two fold. "Release."
Beastboy's entire body tensed up as he felt an invisible energy wave the likes of which he never felt before exploded from Nagato and rushed outwards. Not a moment later, the consistent taps of rain drops began to fade until it everything had fallen silent.
"No freaking way." Beastboy said in awe. "Did you just stop a storm?"
Nagato settled for a small nod as Beastboy opened a window to get a better look. The bay was thankfully still illuminated by Jump city and he could look up and see what was once a vast swath of black clouds disappear or move on revealing a dark blue sea of sky illuminated by a few patches of stars.
"Holy shit. Thunder and Lightning got nothing on….Nagato?" Beastboy turned around just in time to see the red head start to wobble. He gave another small smile before losing balance completely. Beastboy caught him just before he could hit the ground. "Dude, you okay?!"
"I'm uh…hehe. I guess I'm weaker than I thought." Nagato said as blinking several times trying to stave of unconsciousness.
"It's cool man, I'll get you back to your room." Beastboy said frustrated with himself. This guy was still in no shape to move around and yet he just let him do…..whatever he did. Nagato gave a smile of thanks before fainting completely, appearing almost as lifeless as he had been when they first pulled him out of the water. Beastboy wasted no time, transforming into a green gorilla and moving swiftly out of the hub and back to the infirmary.
"My respect, Mr. Kobayashi." Bane said impressed with the results of their card game. It had been a one sided massacre but at the same time, it was nice to just sit down and relax every once in a while.
"You as well. Bane. Give my regards to Batman next time you see him." Sasori replied bowing in the mercenary direction. Bane accepted the gesture and turned towards Cobblepot
" Penguin." Bane tilted his head towards the Lounge's owner in a form of goodbye before making his way towards the exit. Croc did the same grumbling about his lost money though he took a more discreet exit, disappearing out of through the many hidden exits Penguin had created for his lounge.
"I'm impressed Kobayashi. You have a knack for getting along with psychopaths." Cobblepot said twirling his signature umbrella.
The redhead couldn't really correct him on that point, settling for a simple shrug. "It comes with the territory I guess."
"That it does. That it does." Penguin said nodding and glancing at the chips that Kobayashi had just gained from a very competitive game. "I don't suppose you'd mind paying a simple fee for the chance to play at this table."
"Not at all." Kobayashi said swiftly. "How much would be adequate?"
Before Penguin could reply, a knock on the door alerted both of them.
"What?" Penguin called out annoyed. The door opened revealing a pair of muscular men in fancy tuxedoes.
"Sir, K wants to see you in the basement." One of them said
"Does that bartender think he can order me to….." Penguin started.
"He's captured Batman sir." The other replied.
Kobayashi could practically feel Penguin's frustration disappear at those words as did his interest in any of Kobayashi's money. He himself had to contain a confused eyebrow raise. "Wha….what?" Penguin asked in disbelief.
"It's true sir. Me and Gus saw him down stairs. K's insisting on a raise."
"If that sorry excuse for a bartender actually caught Batman, than maybe we'll talk. Go back down there and make sure neither of them move. I trust you can find your way out Kobayashi." Penguin started.
"Of course sir, though if I may, could I join you? I've always wanted to see this Batman with my own eyes."
Penguin stopped himself and turned back towards the redhead, his eyes once again drifting to the chips. "Perhaps we could come to sort of arrangement."
The snow had once again started to fall. And the newly minted Robin had to admit, the costume didn't really do much to help keep warm. He'd have to work on that later. Maybe even add a layer of fur under the cloth.
"You're sure you saw him?!" Batgirl's voice rang out through Tim's comlink.
"Yeah it was him. Cowl, suit and all." Tim replied perched atop a nearby building that offered a perfect view of the Lounge.
"But he's supposed to be off with the League right now." Batgirl continued.
"I know. It's got me confused too." Tim replied. "It was weird though. I didn't hear a struggle or anything. And if he was that close why didn't he call for help?"
"Because he's a stubborn bastard!" Batgirl yelled back. " But call Alfred to double check. If that isn't actually him, then we have to assume the worst."
"Which is?"
"That some dumbass thought dressing up like Batman made you Batman." Batgirl said with a sigh. "And somehow gave you enough strength to fight a crime syndicate.
The Basement of the Iceberg Lounge really was more a warehouse than a basement. Several elevators and stairways led up and around to different rooms each containing boxes of weapons, drugs, and who knew what else. It was guarded by a force of fifty to seventy five armed guards who stayed in the room the entire time as well as two dozen others stationed outside any of the possible exits. Penguin only let his best men guard this spot. Cold hearted killers who didn't scare easy. But even they had to rub their eyes when Batman was brought in by a masked bartender tied up with rope and seemingly unconscious.
"How'd you get him?" One voice called out.
"I was out on break and saw him hanging around one of the surrounding buildings." Kakuzu replied growing annoyed with all the looks of attention. "Problem?"
"No one just catches Batman like that." Another one answered.
"None of you maybe." Kakuzu replied tossing the hero up against the wall.. "Thankfully I'm not like the rest of you."
"Mr. K." Penguin called out. Kakuzu looked up to see the notorious crime lord practically skipping down the stairs next to a familiar looking redhead. The two shared a glance but outside that took no notice of the other. "I was told you were working for me strictly as a bartender."
"I am. Think of this as a little bonus job." Kakuzu replied kicking Batman for a show of emphasis. Penguin scoffed reaching the last of the stairs and walking over to him.
"Why didn't you kill him?"
"I figured you wanted that honor." Kakuzu replied. Penguin's eyes scanned over Batman's body kneeling down and sneering the Knight himself.
"Where's his belt?" He asked.
"With me." Kakuzu replied crossing his arms. "I took it as a portion payment. I'm still waiting on the rest."
"You'll get your pay. I assure you. If this is actually him." Penguin said, still looking over the unconscious warrior. He looked the same height, same frame of body, but he needed to hear him speak before anything else.
"You're lucky K. Bane left not thirty minutes ago. If he knew you were here…." Penguin's own chuckle cut him off.
"Good. Call Pablo Escobane back and we'll settle this right now." Kakuzu shot back with an added edge and a swift crack of the neck.
"On your own time K. Not mine." Penguin replied snapping his fingers. "Boys take him Brutus. We'll set him up for dinner with the rat."
A pair of armed men, sprung into action. Grabbing Batman and dragging him off towards one of the several doors littering the large room. Penguin turned his back to Kakuzu. "You can go back to your work. You'll be called for your payment soon enough."
Kakuzu nodded, moving back towards the stairs.
"I think that'll be it for me as well sir." Kobayashi said with a light bow. "I don't have the stomach for these sorts of things."
"Of course Kobayashi." Penguin said accepting the move without a fuss. "Nasty business down here. Get back up and enjoy yourself. And let me know if you ever want another game."
Kobayashi nodded and walked of to the same set of stairs as Kakuzu. The pair moved in unison taking each step quickly and quietly, passing through guard after guard until they reached an elevator. With a slight ding, the door closed in front of them and they began their ascent back up through building. Neither of them looked at each other but that didn't stop them from talking.
"Kobayashi?" Kakuzu chuckled.
"It works just fine. K." Sasori replied. "Pablo Escobane?"
"What? Bane's Hispanic, made sense."
"How long have you been here?"
"A few years." Kakuzu admitted with a shrug. "I've been keeping busy."
"It certainly appears so." Sasori sighed. "Though you having run ins with other mercenaries was inevitable if you kept to your profession. But I suppose that doesn't matter now."
"Not at the moment. Right now, let's find a way to cut the power. That'll give Itachi all he needs." Kakuzu replied as the elevator dinged yet again stopping at the casino floor.
"So he'll find us?" Sasori asked.
"I'll have some transportation ready in about thirty minutes. He knows to meet us outside the Lounge when it goes down. In the meantime, you want a drink?"
Sasori raised an eyebrow at his masked friend but nevertheless followed him back to the bar. "You seem much more relaxed then you were back home."
"I don't see why I shouldn't be. Money's constantly flowing in. I get to kill people who annoy me. And best of all…." He had a short pause that allowed him a happy breath of relief. "A certain religious bastard is nowhere to be seen."
A/N: I think I'll call it a chapter here. As always I hoped you enjoy it and hope to hear you're feedback, whether good or bad. Thanks.
See you guys next time, where the action starts to pick up.