[Black Mask's POV]
I sat in my opulent office, surrounded by the trappings of power. The Black Mask, the master of organized crime in Gotham City, and yet here I was, seething with anger and frustration. My staff members cowered before me, unable to meet my fiery gaze.
Someone was stealing my business partners right from under my nose, slowly but surely taking over the criminal underworld in Gotham. How dare they challenge my authority? How dare they encroach upon my territories without my permission? The audacity!
I slammed my fist down on the desk, the sound reverberating through the room. "Tell me! Who is responsible for this treachery? Who is the one worming their way into my empire?" My voice was laced with fury, the anger boiling inside me threatening to consume everything in its path.
Silence filled the room as my subordinates exchanged nervous glances, none of them daring to speak. They were all afraid, afraid of the consequences of crossing me. But their fear only fueled my rage further.
Certain territories had already been claimed by this enigmatic figure, someone I did not yet know. But one thing I did know was that if anyone dared to disrupt the business in those territories, they would have to face the wrath of Deathstroke. I wondered who this adversary had at their disposal. Which other dangerous mercenaries had aligned themselves with this shadowy figure?
My eyes narrowed as I plotted my next move. "We will fight for those territories," I declared, my voice dripping with determination. "Let's see if this coward dares to show themselves when we take the fight to them, when we disrupt their clandestine operations. They've chosen to operate from the shadows, but they will soon learn that I am not one to be underestimated."
I paced back and forth, the anger fueling my steps, my mind ablaze with thoughts of vengeance. I would hunt down this usurper, expose them, and make them pay for daring to challenge the Black Mask. No one steals from me and gets away with it. No one.
The room was filled with an eerie silence, broken only by my heavy breathing. My staff members dared not make a sound, the tension hanging in the air like a thick fog. They knew that I was a force to be reckoned with, a force that could bring destruction upon anyone foolish enough to cross me.
With a final glare at my quivering subordinates, I made my way to the large window overlooking the city. The night sky was my backdrop, the cityscape my canvas. And I would paint it with the blood of those who dared challenge my reign.
…
These days, an insatiable desire gnaws at my core, compelling me to reveal the true extent of my power to this world. While heroes delude themselves into believing they hold dominion, villains squander their time chasing after futile goals and insignificant schemes.
As the hours turn into days, I can feel my powers surging, surpassing their previous limitations. There's a part of me that yearns to dominate this universe, both as Ghost and as Ace. I hunger to seize control of the criminal underworld, keeping heroes and anyone foolish enough to stand in my way at bay.
If I focus on honing my powers even further, they will transcend the bounds of mere vectors, ascending into something extraordinary. I could manipulate reality itself, defying the laws that govern this realm. Perhaps it's because I am an anomaly in this world, but they say power has a way of driving one mad. I comprehend their words all too well. Without restraint and complete control over my thoughts, I may find myself transforming into someone akin to Thanos, conquering worlds for sport. And truth be told, maybe that isn't such a terrible idea after all.
But what am I saying? Am I genuinely contemplating the audacious notion of challenging this world, of dominating both the heroes, villains, and the criminal underbelly? Could I become the embodiment of a new sense of justice, reshaping this messed-up DC universe?
*Sigh*
There goes my initial intention of leading a quiet and peaceful life. I suppose with all this power, that was nothing more than a pipe dream.
For the freest person is one who can do as they please, whenever they please, without fear of the Justice League or any other heroes this world has to offer standing in their way.
Nevertheless, there must be an end to this war before revealing my power as Ace and striking fear into the hearts of those who kill for their own twisted amusement, as well as the hearts of the public.
Some may perceive me as a villain, hungry for world domination. Yet those with fortitude would view me as a harbinger of a new and improved justice, reshaping this world to the best of my abilities.
When I first awoke in this universe, my intentions were far more modest. All I desired was a quiet existence, operating in the shadows and displaying my power only when absolutely necessary. But now, an insidious urge to conquer stirs within me, as if another personality claws at the surface of my mind.
Each time I don the mask as Ace, my darker side attempts to take hold, eager to be set free.
I won't deceive myself—there's a perverse satisfaction coursing through me when I snuff out the life of someone like Sinestro or Joker in our previous encounter. I am uncertain whether it is the power I have been bestowed with that alters my perspectives and values, but I must keep that dark side under control. It yearns to unleash my full potential, and the consequences would be catastrophic for anyone unfortunate enough to stand in my way.
"Are you alright, Master Tom?" Gwen, my ever-loyal AI, inquired, sensing the depth of my contemplation.
"Rest easy, Gwen. I was merely pondering something."
"You seem troubled," she remarked.
"There's no need to worry Gwen. It's inconsequential. I simply require some time to meditate and delve deeper into my powers. Mute all calls and notifications until further notice," I commanded. I needed to meditate, to forge a profound connection with my powers, in order to comprehend their rapid growth and maintain mastery over my darker side. I made my way to my chamber, assuming a monk-like position, eyes closed, breaths measured. And so, I began.
I delved deep into my subconscious, exploring the possibilities that lay within my grasp. I held my hands a small width apart and summoned a sphere of condensed air, infusing it with electricity. This deadly combination would be unleashed upon a target, causing the sphere to explode within their body. A direct hit would shatter their internal organs, rendering them utterly helpless. The survival rate was so slim that it would be a miracle for an average human to endure such an assault.
A wry smirk tugged at the corner of my lips—effortlessly ending a life without leaving a trace. As Ace, I would require such capabilities for the delicate tasks that demanded absolute stealth. How fortunate that I possessed just the tool for that.
Moreover, I could effortlessly nullify sound around me, granting me absolute silence. By preventing sound waves from reaching me, I would become impervious to the noise of gunshots or any auditory distractions. Sound, as it traveled through the air, caused vibrational ripples before reaching our ears. But by intercepting those sound waves, I could revel in complete silence.
"What if I reversed it, Gwen? What if I nullified sound with every interaction I had?" I muttered, lost in thought. "Gwen, let me know if you hear anything," I commanded.
"As you wish, sir," she replied, ever efficient.
Expanding my field of influence, I rose from my seat and approached my desk. I struck it with force, yet there was no sound—completely muted. "Did you hear anything?" I queried, curious if the experience differed for a computer-based security system.
"No, sir. There was no discernible sound produced when you struck the desk."
"Damn, an ability assassins would kill for," I mused aloud. At this point, my limitations were bound solely by my imagination. As long as I could conceive an action that adhered to the principles of reality, my mind could calculate the appropriate vectors, granting me the desired outcome.
Then again, I could easily strip the air from someone's lungs, creating a vacuum around their head and rendering them incapable of breathing. A formidable technique indeed.
Furthermore, I needed to strengthen my mental fortitude to undertake certain acts without suffering the debilitating side effects. Thus far, I have yet to engage in a battle that truly tested my mettle.
"Gwen, have the emails from every mob family in attendance at that meeting arrived yet?"
"Yes, sir. Would you like me to read them aloud?"
"No need, Gwen. I will peruse them later. Quietly, sift through and retain those discussing firearms, drugs, illegal car racing, prostitution, and other nefarious crimes. However, delete any pertaining to human trafficking or the harvesting of organs and body parts."
"This world may be a jungle, but I refuse to associate myself with animals so blinded by greed that they sell their souls to the devil, eradicating their very humanity for the sake of lining their pockets."
"Sir, there seems to be someone at the door," Gwen informed me, her awareness surpassing the ring of the bell.
"Who is it this time? Please don't tell me it's Talia or the Bat again," I asked, raising an eyebrow. The presence of visitors felt peculiar, considering my usual solitude.
"The individual at the door is recognized as Leonard Snart, a.k.a. Captain Cold," she replied before the doorbell even chimed.
'Leo?' I thought to myself, wondering why he was here. Though I was happy he was, it felt very unusual. I walked over to the door and looked at the side screen only to see Leo looking directly at the camera and gave a subtle wave.
"Hey Tom, been a while." The first words that left his mouth the moment I opened the door.
"Why didn't you call before coming?" I asked Leo as I led him inside, gesturing for him to take a seat.
"And ruin the surprise? Nah, I don't think so," he casually replied, settling into the chair. "I've gotta say, this is some nice crib, kid," Leo commented, admiring the interior design of my place.
"What if I had a girl over?" I quipped.
"Come on, kid, we both know you don't bother with that. So far, you've lived your life with goals and fixations, almost like you've already enjoyed all the pleasures the world has to offer in a previous life.
That's something we need to change."
Leo wasn't far from the truth. The old me had indulged in clubbing and womanizing, but now it all felt mundane and time-wasting. While I had considered going out for a night of fun and a few one-night stands with strangers, I never made time for it. Ironically, time was one thing I currently had in abundance—a lame excuse indeed.
"You're not someone who moves without an actual motive, Leo. So, tell me, what are you really doing here?"
"Alright, alright, you've got me," Leo said with a playfully defeated tone, raising his hands in surrender. "I got into some trouble back in Central City and needed a place to lay low for a while. Where else could I go except coming to you?"
"I don't know, maybe one of your many hideouts," I remarked sarcastically. "True, but I prefer it here. It would be a win-win for both of us. Don't you get lonely living by yourself?"
"Actually, I don't. I like the comfort that comes with my solitude. And if I need someone to talk to, I have my AI."
"An AI?" Leo's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Yup, say hello, Gwen," I commanded.
"Hello Mr. Snart." Gwen's voice reverberated through a speaker, leaving Leo momentarily shocked. His hand instinctively reached for his coat, as if he were reaching for his gun in case of danger.
"Calm down, Leo," I said, chuckling. "You should have seen yourself just now. You're one paranoid dude."
"You've got it wrong. I was reaching for my handkerchief," he attempted to play it cool, trying to hide the fact that he was startled and had immediately gone into battle stance because of an AI, showcasing just how paranoid he had become. It was a pleasing sight to me because he often had a calm and relaxed demeanor.
"Yeah, yeah," I sarcastically waved it off, while Leo placed his coat on the edge of my couch.
"I knew you were smart, but I didn't know you could get yourself a personal AI. Damn, kid," Leo remarked casually as he opened my fridge and leaned in to examine its contents. "You're out of beer? The only things left are orange juice and non-alcoholic soft drinks and a few groceries. You've got to be kidding me," he muttered, closing the fridge and turning to see me in the living room, not paying mind to his comments.
"Did you hear what I just said? You're out of beer! For Mick, it would be a fucking nightmare."
"That's why you aren't Mick. Come on now, let's go get some drinks. The bill's on you," I said, reaching out my hand towards the coat rack.
"The bill's on me? Coming from the guy who's loaded and pays me too well for each job I do for him," Leo replied, walking over to the couch to retrieve his coat. He was stunned when he saw my jacket fly into my hand as if summoned.
"How did you do that?" He asked as he made short glances between my hand, the ceiling, and the coat rack.
"With my mind, or do you see a rope attached to it?" I replied him, stating the obvious as I wore my jacket.
"Since when did you have powers?" Leo asked, surprise creeping onto his face, though he did his best to remain calm. Let's just say he wasn't very good at hiding it.
"I've always had powers; I just never used them around people," I said, walking over to the door. "I had my suspicions after our encounter with the speedsters the other night, but I shrugged it off. Tell me more, show me what you can do."
"Relax, Leo. Let's talk about it over our drinks."
"One question. Why didn't you use them during any of our earlier heists and just acted like a kid too smart for his age?"
"Simple. They weren't needed for the jobs. And you know I never intended to get involved with our heists."
"Then why didn't you mention to me that you had powers?"
"Same reason you didn't tell me that you were Captain Cold." I gave a swift come back.
"Okay, I get it. So, what do you use your powers for? Just grabbing things at home? If so, that's pretty lame," Leo teased, bursting into mocking laughter.
"If I told you, you wouldn't be laughing anymore."
"What do you mean by that?" Leo's expression shifted to one of curiosity, raising an eyebrow.
"Do you know that new guy who's been in the news lately?"
"Oh, that Ace guy who killed the Joker? That guy was insane, my kind of insane. Although he draws a lot of attention to himself but he gets things done and does it with flare. What about him?"
"Hold your suspense, and let's go get some drinks," I replied with a mischievous grin spreading across my lips.
"Don't tell me you know him. Even the heroes don't know what to do with him," Leo said, his excitement building.
"Something like that. Come on, let's go already"
"Okay, okay, I'm coming," Leo said, donning his coat. We left the house, and with a tap on my watch, the garage door opened, revealing a sleek black car with gold accents that perfectly complemented the dark color. It automatically made its way to the driveway.
"That's your ride?" Leo asked, whistling dramatically.
"Who else would it be but mine? Come on, hop in," I replied, as both doors opened, inviting Leo and me inside. We got in, and I drove us to a really nice bar.
…
As Leo and I stepped out of the sleek black vehicle, the neon lights of the Gotham City bar illuminated the dimly lit street. The sound of chatter and laughter spilled out onto the sidewalk, blending with the distant sounds of the bustling city. We made our way through the door, and immediately the unmistakable smell of alcohol filled the air, accompanied by the energetic atmosphere of the bar.
Leo glanced around, taking in the interior design with a discerning eye. The walls were adorned with vintage posters and photographs, creating a nostalgic ambiance. The bar itself was made of polished wood, reflecting the warm glow of the overhead lights. We found a table in a corner, affording us a clear view of the entire room.
Leo leaned back in his chair and spoke, "Although we met at a bar, we never really got to have a drink." He signaled the bartender, catching his attention.
The bartender approached us, a bottle in hand, and placed two glasses on the table. He expertly poured the drinks, then turned to leave. But before he could walk away, Leo held his hand, stopping him in his tracks. "Why don't you leave the bottle? It's gonna be a long night," Leo said with a hint of a warning in his voice.
The bartender hesitated for a moment, then nodded and left the bottle on the table before returning to the counter. Leo and I took our first sips, savoring the taste as the cool liquid slid down our throats.
"Now, about that uproar Lex is about to start up. How can I fully take advantage of it? Personally, I mean," Leo asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
I leaned forward, contemplating his question. "It's easy, Leo. The heroes and the police will be too busy trying to control the chaos. Who would be left to protect the banks, museums, industries, and other places holding valuables?"
Leo smirked, catching on to my plan. "Lowly guards who don't stand a chance," he replied, his confidence evident.
"Exactly," I affirmed. "And you have connections, men you could make a contract with, even if it's just for a week. You could sweep through different cities, hitting the targets without interference. Although I wouldn't advise doing it in Central City."
Leo's face contorted into confusion. "Why? Central City is my home, I like it there."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "That's the thing about you guys. You villains are so fixated on robbing a city that has superheroes guarding it when you could just head over to a city with a weak-ass police force. The Flash could stop your guys in Central City and still have enough time and energy to get back to the battlefield without breaking a sweat."
Leo shrugged, undeterred. "That's the fun of it, bro. Doing what I want when I want."
"Well, suit yourself, but don't let the thrill of the chase cost you too much. Have your limits, and that should be the police, not the certain heroes."
One thing I have come to realize about the DC verse is that the villains keep attempting to commit crimes in cities with really effective superheroes, and without an actual solid plan. They would go ahead with their absurd heists when they know the chances of success was really slim.
"Ghost has become quite a big name in the criminal underground, not just in Gotham. He's considered one of the most trusted brokers. Considering how paranoid those guys are, that's saying a lot," Leo mentioned, his voice lowering slightly to ensure our conversation remained discreet.
I nodded, swirling the liquid in my glass thoughtfully. "Yeah, I'm just doing what I do. And I would pick trust over love at any time. To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved."
Leo raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Man, that's deep," he remarked as he gave slow consecutive nodds. "I asked you about how you use your powers, then you suddenly brought up that Ace guy. Don't tell me it's what I've been thinking on our way here."
I met his gaze, my expression serious. "Yeah, about him... That was actually me."
Leo's disbelief was palpable as he stared at me, his eyes wide with shock. "I've had my suspicions for the past hour, but I can't hold this back right now. What the fuck!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.
Want more chapters? Kindly visit my to read ahead./Maverick_DaSupreme