A helicopter landed at Nanda Parbat, and from it Renegade descended. He advanced, waved to the guards standing at the main entrance of the castle, and they bowed respectfully. Dick gave a small smile and entered the castle. Shortly after he entered, he saw a small blur running toward him and he let out an exaggerated and dramatic grunt as he lifted it into the air.

"You're getting so big, sweetheart!" exclaimed Dick, taking his child in his arms and smiling sweetly at him.

"Baba!" the green eyes of Damian Al Ghul-Wayne lit up and the acrobat's heart warmed lovingly. "I've missed you." he murmured resting his head on his chest where the major's heartbeat should have been audible if that had been possible.

"I've missed you too, sweetheart." Dick gently cradled the five-year-old and tenderly kissed the top of his head. He jerked his head up as he heard a series of quiet footsteps approaching and relaxed when he saw some ninjas assassins respectfully kneeling when they saw him.

"Mr. Renegade. We are sorry for the prince's abrupt reception." one of them spoke.

"Please stand up. And don't worry. It is one of the best welcomes I could have received." he reassured them, his lips rising a few inches in an amused smile.

Since Talia had become the new Demon Head some six years ago through the coup against her father, Renegade had quickly become the best assassin available to the League of Assassins and easily occupied the top spot in the organization's elite ranks, second of course only to Talia herself.

After all, over the years, the League of Assassins had recruited Renegade for hundreds of missions and contracts and the young mercenary had obviously completed all of them, without exception, thus earning both the reputation as the best assassin in the League and the first place in the elite ranks. Talia had ordered her men that they should pay respect to Renegade and carry out his every order as if it were her own, despite the fact that Dick had told her repeatedly that it was not necessary.

Unfortunately, his aunt could be very stubborn and in the end she prevailed. However, Dick noticed that the ninja assassins gave him respect not only because it was ordained by their leader but also and especially because they admired a deep and genuine respect for him to the point that they treated him like family.

In fact, since Talia assumed control of the League, it has become much more united and cohesive than when it was run by Ra's and she had allowed her men far more flexible margins of freedom than the previous Demon Head allowed them. Thus the organization became more like a family whose members were finally treated more like real people than as pawns.

Sure, a family of highly trained ninja assassins, but still a family.

Talia was doing an amazing job as a leader, certainly better than her father, besides the fact that she was simultaneously a fantastic mother of an equally fantastic child.

Dick looked around and easily spotted a little girl hiding in a dark corner. He smiled at her and motioned for her to approach. Cassandra Cain came out of the corner and with quick but silent steps ran toward the acrobat. The Talon snorted in amusement when her sudden appearance caused the ninja assassins, who were clearly not expecting Lady Shiva's daughter, to wince imperceptibly.

Dick gently ruffled her hair and placed a tender kiss on her forehead, smiling when he saw her sweet brown eyes light up like a Christmas tree.

I've missed you so much, Dad.

"Sorry, sweetheart, I've been a little busy lately." the acrobat explained to her, feeling a little guilty about not having time for his children.

Obviously Cass must have noticed his guilt because she shook her head, starting to sign quickly.

It's not your fault. I love you, Dad.

Dick smiled sweetly at her and placed another tender kiss on her forehead. Cass bounced excitedly on the spot and snuggled into his side, briefly enjoying the warmth, before circling him and climbing onto his back. The acrobat shifted Damian onto one arm as he pulled the other back, easily holding Cass's weight, and smiled sweetly when she wrapped her tiny but deadly arms around his neck.

The mercenary returned his gaze to the ninjas and noticed their lips lifted a few inches, a simple action and small display of affection they could never afford with Ra's. "I assume Talia is waiting for me at the throne room."

"Yes, sir."

Renegade gave them a nod of thanks and headed for the throne room, meanwhile bouncing his children playfully and enjoying their joyful giggles that were music to his ears. The anti-hero thanked the ninja assassins who opened the doors to the throne room for him -since both his hands were rather busy and he did not want to risk kicking them in- and entered.

The gaze of everyone present focused on the newcomer. Talia's green eyes softened as soon as they saw him. "Richard. It's good to see you again."

"It is for me too, Aunt Talia. You know, I'd love to give you a hug but I'm a little busy at the moment." he joked.

Talia's lips lifted in amusement and she watched with warmth in her eyes as her nephew carried Dami and Cass in his arms and on his back. "Then it's good to postpone it." she said, knowing full well that Dick was a very tactile and affectionate person.

From the bright smile she received in return, she knew that later her nephew would hug her properly.

"We're here too, you know?" remarked Cheshire, crossing her arms but the twinkle in her eyes betrayed her.

"Really? I thought you were just servants. My mistake." stated Dick rhetorically sending an arrogant smirk to the other two women present.

Lady Shiva fixed him with a look both impassive and affectionate, her heart melting at seeing her daughter so relaxed and at ease with her nephew. "Brat."

Dick sent his older sister and aunt a playful wink before turning to Talia again. "You have gathered the three biggest brass of the League of Assassins. I am curious about our mission."

Indeed, while the first place in the elite ranks of the League of Assassins was occupied by Renegade, the second and third places were occupied by Lady Shiva and Cheshire, respectively, both of whom completed a great many contracts for the League. Of course, there was also Deathstroke The Terminator but Slade preferred to remain independent, although it was not uncommon for him too to work for the League but he was still more of a lone wolf.

Talia's gaze immediately changed from relaxed to serious. "I learned about a dangerous Russian mafia organization that is very powerful and influential internationally. It deals not only in trafficking drugs and people but sells weapons and very confidential and sensitive information concerning the Department of Defense, Department of State and Department of Homeland Security of the United States to terrorist organizations or states that are enemies of America."

The three experienced assassins stiffened. "This is bad. Very bad." Jade muttered, frowning. "These are practically the three most important Departments for the security of the United States nationally and for international and diplomatic relations with other nations."

Sandra crossed her arms, her eyes harder than steel. "How do the Russians possess such information? Are we dealing with one or more traitors or do they possess very experienced hacks or spies?"

"I can't answer your question." the Demon Head answered honestly, as displeased as her friends were. "All I know is that this Russian mafia supplies the enemies of the U.S. not only with weapons but more importantly with important and vital information for the security of American soil. And if terrorist organizations and states that are enemies to America were to ally with each other with all the information that the Russian mafia sells to them-"

"We will risk another 9/11, probably much worse with many more casualties." Dick guessed in a low, somber voice, noting distractedly that in the meantime Damian had fallen asleep.

"That's right." Talia sent him a nod, her eyes narrowing into slits. "This Russian mafia I am telling you about is wanted by the Russian national authorities but has always managed to evade them, proving their competence. It calls itself Красные акулы, which in English means-"

"Red Sharks."

All eyes fell on Dick who sent them an innocent smile.

"I should have guessed you knew Russian too." huffed Sandra with a smile. "You're fluent in what? Eight languages?"

"More than fifteen languages." Dick paused, chuckling to himself at the incredulous stares. "Excluding sign language and Morse code."

"I call that showing off. Exhibitionist." murmured Jade as she rolled her eyes.

"I know, I'm just great." the acrobat strutted with mock arrogance, chuckling when Cass rested her chin comfortably on top of his head nodding. "See? Cass thinks so, too."

"Believe it."

Talia watched the little debate between brother and sister with an amused glint in her green eyes and when it ended she continued, returning to serious mode. "The Red Sharks are composed of dangerous, ruthless, cruel people focused solely on their own personal benefits and gains. They have no morals and are notorious for performing atrocious and immoral acts, even on children. They pose a great threat not only to America but also to the Russian environment in which they live. I would not be surprised if their influence also extends to the politics of Russian cities that favor their business and other spheres.

"And that's where you come in. That's why I contacted you. You three are my best assassins and among the best in the world." the cold gaze of Talia Al Ghul met three faces filled with determination. "I want the Red Sharks to cease to exist. I want the death of every member of this Russian mafia and the complete destruction of their empire. They are among the worst scum of the world and I want them all dead. We would be doing both America and Russia a favor with the annihilation of the Red Sharks.

"However, I will understand if you do not feel up to this mission and I will not think less of you if you back out. You are not at all forced to accept and put your lives in extreme danger: each of you has loved ones to return to." said Talia, looking specifically at the two children held by Dick.

Renegade was the first to give her an answer. "I accept." he gave a cold smile, briefly reminding the others why getting on his bad side was suicide. "The Red Sharks won't be the first mafia I've taken down permanently and they definitely won't be the last."

"I also want to know how many mafias have you taken down?" asked Cheshire sarcastically. "Don't answer that." she added quickly seeing him open his mouth.

"I accept too." Lady Shiva nodded, determination and confidence coloring her tone of voice.

All eyes were on Jade who pretended to think about it. "I have nothing to do and I'm sure it will be a unique and fun experience, so I accept."

Talia's gaze softened and she fixed them all with a grateful look. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will transfer three millions dollars to one of your many bank accounts shortly." she said, getting three equally annoyed groans.

Dick, Jade and Sandra repeatedly explained to Talia that she did not have to pay them every time she recruited them and that they would gladly carry out missions and contracts for the League of Assassins for free. Unfortunately, Talia is very stubborn and paid them each time, much to their displeasure, and they gave up on convincing her otherwise.

Three millions dollars was definitely the highest payment they had ever received on a missions for the League and this was clearly an indication of how dangerous the mission was but the three main executioners of the League of Assassins were not deterred.

"Well, we can focus later on the details of the mission." the Talon began, drawing attention. "We have quite a bit of free time to make full use of." he said, nodding to Damian asleep in his arms and Cass who had merely been playing with her father figure's hair.

"You're right. I'm going to spend my free time with Artemis and my mother." nodded Jade who, after saying goodbye to Sandra and Talia and hugging her younger brother, left.

Dick reflected internally and decided that he would spend a few hours with his aunts and children and the next few hours with his father, Wintergreen, Joey, Rose and probably Adeline if she was not busy at work. He nodded to himself about his plan.

It would certainly have been an interesting and exciting mission.

Diana Prince sighed once she returned home from her work. She loosened her ponytail as she headed into the living room, absentmindedly resting her glasses on a shelf. She froze as soon as she stepped into the living room, her brain failing to register what her eyes were showing her.

The Amazon blinked and rubbed her eyes, briefly fearing that the meeting with the UN had drained so much of her energy that she was imagining things that were not actually there.

Unfortunately, this was not the case and the fucking huge bouquet of flowers above the table was still there, as if that was where it belonged.

Wary, the princess of Themyscira approached it very cautiously, as if the flowers might explode at any moment. She immediately noticed a note, written not by hand but digitally printed, and took it.

Dear Princess,

I am sorry that I completely humiliated you and your friends by kicking your ass. In my defense it was self-defense and for that I forgive you all since I like to think of myself as magnanimous and kind. If it's any consolation, it was the most exciting and adrenaline-fueled battle of my entire life: I hope there will be a round 2 someday, although I don't hope so for you.

To my immense displeasure when you receive this gift of mine I will have already left for a top secret mission, otherwise I would have asked you for a date or something. In any case I hope to see you again soon, beautiful Princess: take care of yourself.

From your not so secret admirer,

Renegade.

PS: You really are a badass, Princess. I really admire you for that!

Diana's jaw and eyes were wide open as soon as she had finished reading the note that at the end even contained instructions on how to take care of the bouquet. Her shocked gaze shifted with robotic movements to the bouquet of flowers that consisted of a bunch of gerberas.

The most beautiful bouquet of gerberas Diana had ever seen, she reluctantly admitted. The bouquet contained gerberas of various colors: red, yellow, orange, white, purple and pink.

The first thing Diana did was to check for any bugs, recorders or such things in the bouquet but there was nothing there: only beautiful flowers.

The demigoddess silently cursed when she realized that Renegade not only knew her civilian identity but now even knew where she lived and, consequently, he knew her current civilian life.

She wearily ran a hand over her face, mentally wondering what the hell she was supposed to do.

Her gaze fell again on the bouquet of gerberas so colorful and beautiful.

Her brain ordered her to throw those flowers to the trash but her heart pointed out that it would be a waste and a real shame to throw away such a bouquet of gerberas that any woman would kill to receive.

Diana couldn't help but notice how that is the most beautiful bouquet anyone has ever given her and the fact that the giver was the current second deadliest mercenary in the world made her burst into a short hysterical laugh.

How my love life is reduced, or rather say the lack of it.

She made the final decision to keep the bouquet of gerberas both because it gave more color to the house, making it more welcoming and pretty, and also because it would be a real shame to throw away such a natural spectacle.

Diana hoped with all her heart that it would not become a habit on Renegade's part to send her bouquets of flowers, otherwise in great probability she would go mad.

Batman got out of his vehicle with a grunt because of bruised ribs, having just returned to the cave from the usual patrol, and was paralyzed on the spot when there was a bouquet of flowers next to his technologically advanced computer. He stiffened and his eyes darted from one side of the cave to the other, shifting into a fighting stance.

Whoever sent those flowers was definitely not an ally since Alfred would return the next day from England, Leslie, Selina and Lucius were not the type to send him flowers nor would they have the motive to do so, and his teammates were too afraid of him to do anything of the sort.

When Gotham's vigilante could not detect any physical threat in the cave, he cautiously walked toward the bouquet of flowers and stayed at a safe distance from it, knowing that if he got too close he might be hit by fear gas, the Joker Venom or something else.

He was simply too paranoid to approach without precautions, which is why he put on his rebreather. As he approached he was not affected by any gas or poison and next he checked for any bugs and recorders but there was no trace of them. Only finally did he pick up the note atatccated to the flowers.

Hey Bats!

You know, it must have been a really hard blow to your ego to have been kicked in the ass by a guy who is not even of legal drinking age twice, including once with your Justice League buddies! Poor Bats: don't brood over it too much because it gives you even more wrinkles and gray hair, okay? LOL

Sorry, not sorry for stabbing you. Hope your shoulders are healing well. If there is ever a next time I suggest you leave me alone, if only to spare you and the other heroes further total humiliation. However even though I couldn't stay too long -and by the way, don't waste your time with the Batcave cameras: I hacked them all- I suggest you add some color to the cave: dude, it's too sad this place! The bats are really cool, though. As a grade I give the cave a 7 and a half for encouragement: there are many ways to improve this place.

From your best friend who can kick your ass even blindfolded and with his hands tied behind his back,

Renegade.

PS: I left you a gift and I don't need thanks for that. You're welcome. Turn around and take a look at your backup costumes.

The Caped Crusader turned around and opened his eyes wide when he saw all his costumes painted in the most varied and garish colors -yellow, brown, purple, pink-and covered with glitter from head to toe.

He was so taken by such horror that only hours later he'll realize that Renegade knew his civilian identity, leading to further cursing and further frustrating and futile attempts to find out something about the mercenary.

"That son of a bitch!"