"This is for all the victims you've willingly caused with your fucking drugs, asshole."
Renegade's hand closed into a fist around the man's neck and it gave way under his superhuman strength with a loud crunch of broken bones, blood splattering down the mercenary's mask. The acrobat threw the man's corpse to the ground and ran a gloved hand over his mask, partially removing the blood, and watched the completed work with satisfaction.
He had just killed all the components of a dangerous drug trafficking ring, responsible for more than hundreds of deaths on the streets of Boston in little more than a single week, and the main culprit was the last man Dick had killed, that is, the leader of the criminal gang now exterminated. Their secret base consisted of a basement of a completely abandoned building that was formerly a retirement home for the elderly.
The assassin took some photos of the corpses of the drug-dealing gang and sent them to his client. Renegade looked at the boxes full of drugs and raised his holographic glove, intent on sending the coordinates to the nearest police station for them to confiscate it to prevent more deaths. However, he did not even have time to start typing that suddenly part of the ceiling collapsed behind him, forcing him to turn around sharply.
What he saw made his eyes go wide, effectively caught off guard this time.
Because there before him projecting an threatening aura was much of the Justice League: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Hawkgirl, and Zatanna.
Batman stepped forward and looked around. Noticing the sea of corpses surrounding them he frowned heavily and pointed his menacing white eyes at the figure of the young assassin. "Give up, Renegade. You don't stand a chance against all of us."
Okay, this could be a big problem.
Renegade straightened his back and sent them a smirk that conveyed a confidence and sense of security that he didn't quite feel. "Damn, all the big shots just for me. I admit to being moved."
"Turn yourself in for all your crimes, Renegade." spoke Martian Manhunter solemnly, probably sensing his true feelings. "This cannot end any other way."
Before the Talon could say anything his attention fell on Superman who opened his eyes wide, a look of horror on his face. "What's the matter, Supes?"
"You don't have a heartbeat!"
Horror and shock showed on the faces of the other heroes and most of them stared at Renegade as if he were a monster.
Which was quite offensive, thank you very much.
The assassin crossed his arms and stared at the Man of Steel, frowning and a visibly disappointed look despite his mask. "Literally there are more alien and non-human life forms in this room and you find it shocking that a guy doesn't have a heartbeat? Seriously?"
"He is not wrong." Zatanna pointed out, amusement coloring her tone of voice.
Some heroes snorted in amusement. Embarrassment crossed the face of Superman who looked away guiltily. Batman emitted a growl. "That's enough. Renegade, give up and come with us."
"Spooky is right. You can't think you have a chance against almost the entire Justice League." Green Lantern snorted. "Do us all a favor and surrender peacefully so none of us get tired and we're all happy and content."
Renegade narrowed his gaze, his eyes flitting from one member of the JL to another. He knew all their weaknesses and was certain he could use them effectively against them. He had been trained by the best assassins in the world and knew he had a chance against them.
Still as Hal said, it was almost the whole League against one murderous meta-human. And Dick could not even fight at his 100% against heroes.
Fighting at 100% of his ability meant fighting to kill, to brutally destroy and annihilate and behead and maim and kill the heroes was the last thing he wanted. So it was obvious that Dick would have to hold back a lot.
Contacting Deathstroke was out of the question. He did not want to jeopardize their cover story in case the Light learned of his fight against the heroes and possible help from the more experienced mercenary. Sure, they were currently in a poor dungeon but he did not want to take unnecessary risks in any case.
Running away was not even an option. Not because he would not be able to -rather, it would probably have been the wisest and easiest choice to make- but because he was trained to always be the predator and never the prey.
And finally, when would Dick ever choose the easiest option?
Moreover, this was a good opportunity to prove himself and test his skills. If he had been able to take down the Justice League on his own by holding back a lot- very difficult but not impossible- hats off to him. If, on the other hand, they were going to capture him, well, he was confident enough in his own abilities to be able to escape from whatever prison they were going to lock him up in.
It seems that the choice has been made.
Mentally preparing himself, Renegade sent them a shark-like grin and cracked his knuckles. "Bring it on, heroes."
"Are you fucking crazy?" hissed Green Arrow shocked. "Kid, do you have any self-preservation instincts?"
Slade has always asked and the answer will always be the same.
"Instinct of self-preservation? What is it? Is it edible?" Renegade joked.
His words caused some confusion and perplexity in the heroes and without wasting further time the young mercenary launched into the fight, which thus began.