As they continued to fight against the alien invasion, both Renegade and Wonder Woman learned more information about each other, which greatly pleased them both.
"How many contracts do you complete per week?"
"At least one a day. On days when I don't have any particular commitments, I can get three to five a day."
"Wow. It is truly something surprising and admirable."
"Thank you! I take my job seriously. Sexual orientation?"
"Bisexual. Your?"
"Heterosexual. Any hobbies in particular that don't involve being a superhero or an ambassador?"
"Not exactly. Color of your eyes?"
"Very intelligent and clever of you but unfortunately for you I have two shades of different colors because, based on my emotions, my eyes change from their original color to a totally different shade, so you will have to rephrase your question better, even if I hope you don't ask it to me again so that when you find out it will be a surprise."
"Okay, I accept it but I better find out as soon as possible."
"We'll see."
"I demand the right to ask a substitute question, though."
"Right granted. Go ahead, Princess."
"You know, I've been thinking for a while and I came to the conclusion that maybe it was you who helped the Justice League against the Injustice League and shot Wotan, saving the lives of us heroes. Am I wrong?"
"No. And to avoid you asking another question: yes, I was the figure you spotted and glimpsed."
"I would have bet on it. Then I thank you infinitely once again, Renegade, for your help which was fundamental to the survival of the Justice League. We would not be here alive today if it were not for you, young warrior. I will never forget your help."
"Too kind, Princess. Justice League best friends after Batman and Superman?"
"Hawkgirl, Black Canary and Flash, although in recent years being friends with Batman has become one of the most complicated things in the world."
"I can imagine."
"Do you have any siblings?"
"Two brothers and two younger sisters, although I am a father figure to two of them."
"W-Wow. I didn't expect it. It's really sweet. Your infinite and unconditional love for them can be seen a mile away."
"Thank you! I would literally do anything for them. Do you have a favorite band?"
"Not really, no. Do you have some sort of extended family or something?"
"Yes. The League of Assassins."
"Wait, what?"
"Since Talia became the Demon Head, the League has become more united, cohesive and more like a family. Assassins have greater margins of freedom and can even express emotions, which was intolerable and unthinkable when Ra's was still alive. Just know that in recent years the League of Assassins has gone from being a terrorist criminal organization to more neutral, morally ambiguous and grayer ground. Thanks to Talia and her contacts I have put an end to countless lives of bastards and numerous mafias, including the Red Sharks."
"Then I dare say it's a good thing."
"It absolutely is. Are you more of a TV series or film type?"
"I honestly don't spend much time in front of the television."
"It's a shame. It absolutely needs to be remedied. You have to recover the great world masterpieces both in terms of films and TV series."
"If you mean me to recover them with you, honestly the idea isn't as unwelcome and unpleasant as I might have thought. Favorite food?"
"Italian too. Toughest enemy the Justice League has ever faced?"
"Darkseid and Doomsday without a doubt. When you sent me a bouquet of gerberas, did it have a specific hidden message that you wanted to communicate to me?"
"Good intuition, Princess. Through the language of flowers I wanted to communicate to you that I have immense esteem, respect and admiration for you because you, unlike other heroes, represent a symbol of hope, justice and determination not only as Wonder Woman but also in your civil identity. You are simply the best at both of your identities."
"Thank you so much for your wonderful words, Renegade. You are the first ever to tell me such things and for that I thank you very much. I want to make sure you know that your methods are totally effective and there is countless evidence to prove it and I am on your side in this matter, so keep going and don't let anyone stop you, young warrior."
"I had no intention of stopping under any circumstances. Thank you, Princess. It is truly an honor for me to have your approval and blessing, so to speak. Are you by any chance single, Princess?"
"Still with this question?"
"Just to get to know each other better, of course." pause. "And possibly make your romantic partner regret being born if they ever break your heart."
"You won't have to worry because I've been single for many years and I'm perfectly fine with that." pause and, in a casual voice that masked real hesitation: "Are you single, young warrior?"
"…I-I admit t-that you surprised me a lot with this question, P-Princess." a clearing of the throat. "The answer is yes, anyway."
"Good."
"Good."
Both the anti-hero and the super-heroine were very happy to have learned so many things about each other and, in Renegade's case, Wonder Woman had revealed personal information to him that often not even her teammates knew.
Renegade had asked her if she was single, despite him knowing the answer for a few days courtesy of Zatanna, just for being the little shit he was.
That and also because there was always the remote possibility that Diana had gotten together with someone in the last few days.
Although it didn't matter since Dick knew it was more likely that it would start raining flying pigs than him having a chance with Wonder Woman but those are trivial details.
Although he was shocked and taken aback to say the least when the demigoddess asked him the same question as him and in that moment, even if for a very brief moment, he felt something similar to hope warm his chest and then disappear with the same speed than when it appeared.
Diana had almost certainly asked him that question just to know something more about him and nothing else.
In any case, they both continued to fight the horde of aliens, exchanging a few more questions and answers, until they realized that they had finally finished killing everyone around them.
"It's finally over. I didn't think there were so many." Renegade stated placing his swords back on his back and crossing them in an X as he glanced at the carnage of aliens and what was left of their limbs around them.
"You're right." Wonder Woman nodded and also placed her sword on her back. She gave him a small smile. "It must be said that we fought very well together side by side."
The anti-hero smiled and nodded back. "True. We form an excellent team to say the least and our moves complement each other." he pointed out, getting another nod from her. "Who knows, maybe one day we will fight side by side again." he said, extending a hand in her direction, his smile slightly wider than before.
The demigoddess's blue eyes twinkled at his words and she shook his hand with a strong, firm grip, not surprised when he returned hers in kind. "It will be an honor for me to fight alongside you again, young warrior. I really enjoyed this experience in which we also laughed and joked together. I hope something like this happens again."
"It was an honor for me too, Princess."
The two continued to smile at each other for a few seconds before they realized that their hands were still joined. They immediately pulled away and their smiles became more awkward and they giggled nervously.
The Talon cleared his throat, already missing the warmth of her hand. "I should go. Maybe before-"
"Wonder Wom- RENEGADE?"
"Never mind." the mercenary muttered and after exchanging a look both he and the super-heroine turned, staring at the shocked and surprised faces of the entire Justice League. "Hey guys. How is it going?" he greeted them casually as if they were all old friends.
"What the hell are you doing here, Renegade?" Green Arrow asked in shock, asking aloud the question all the heroes were wondering.
Before he could respond -perhaps with a joke- Wonder Woman took a step forward and stood protectively at Renegade's side, shooting a glare harder then steel at the rest of her teammates. "He is with me. He helped me fight the horde of aliens that had surrounded me."
Once again Dick was genuinely moved by how Diana did not hesitate to defend him and stand protectively at his side, even challenging her own friends.
Even if he didn't really need it but her gesture was always infinitely appreciated.
The heroes who were present during the whole thing about Klarion and the other sorcerers' spell groaned. "Not again." Aquaman muttered.
In contrast everyone else had comically shocked and horrified looks at how someone of Wonder Woman's caliber was fiercely protecting the world's second most dangerous mercenary.
In this regard, the acrobat's gaze shifted precisely to the latter. "There are some heroes I haven't had the pleasure of kicking ass yet." he sent them a shark-like grin and chuckled his creepy laugh, satisfied when he saw them visibly shiver and ignoring Diana's fondly exasperated gaze fixed on him.
The heroes in question were Green Lanterns John Stewart and Guy Gardner, Captain Atom, Plastic Man, Firestorm, Vixen, Booster Gold, Icon and Blue Beetle -Ted Kord- who exchanged uneasy glances.
"You can't seriously think about literally taking down the entire Justice League, man." Booster Gold snorted, a cocky smirk on his face.
Renegade stared at him impassively and, raising an arm, began typing on his holographic glove without ever taking his eyes off the hero in yellow who began to fidget nervously. A few seconds later Booster Gold's suit began to emit sparks and deafening noises and the man screamed.
"What the hell did you do?"
"I have temporarily blocked your suit for 24 hours. Now you're essentially a regular guy, dude. And already your team has one less hero." the mercenary stated smugly, chuckling at the shocked looks of the other heroes.
At that moment Wonder Woman didn't know whether to strangle him with her own hands -apparently his death wouldn't be permanent- or not: he wasn't helping her at all in keeping him away from the JL.
Renegade is also the person with the least self-preservation instincts I know, damn him.
Blue Beetle growled. "Man, that's not cool."
Renegade waved a hand dismissively in his direction, irritating him. "If I were you, I would also pay attention to your suit since, by chance, I have gadgets with electrical and sound attacks that could, obviously always by chance, interrupt the functioning of your suit." he stated in a casual tone but the threat in the background was very clear.
Ted Kord sent him a glare but remained silent.
"How about me? I am literally indestructible." Plastic Man challenged him, lengthening his head and arms in multiple directions, as if to emphasize his point.
"I am inclined to test your theory by freezing yourself and then breaking the ice into several parts, thus destroying your body as well." the Talon laughed at Plastic Man's look of pure panic as he withdrew his body parts. "I am joking." he paused. "Maybe." he then glanced in the general direction of the heroes he had just met. "The only one of you who would be truly difficult to take down would be Captain Atom. Unfortunately for you, dude, my armor is made of materials that can easily withstand blows from the likes of Superman and Wonder Woman and I already have some plan in mind to take you down."
For these reasons Dick infinitely loved Promethium chain mail which covered most of his armor: this material not only made his armor very strong and durable but was even capable of absorbing energy such as Superman's heat vision, any form of energy or radiation emitted by Captain Atom and more. And his swords were also constructed from Promethium chain mail which would therefore allow him to absorb energy as well.
Apparently only magic was capable of hitting him effectively despite the Promethium chain mail, even though magic was one of the most common forms of energies but at the same time it was highly irrational.
The remaining part of his armor was made up of Nth Metal -the same material as the Hawk's armor and maces- which made him stronger, faster, more agile and durable and even increased his healing factor.
"Do you really think you can take me down?" Captain Atom snorted derisively, giving him an arrogant look. "I could crush you-"
"All I have to do is literally deflect a certain amount of energy and hit you with it to be able to send you forward or backward in time." Renegade pointed out casually before nodding towards his swords attached to his back. "And, since my swords are capable of piercing any material and skin, except Superman's for obvious reasons, I really want to try it on you if you have the balls, Tin Man."
Captain Atom spluttered incoherently and growled while some of his teammates laughed. "You little-"
"Enough of this bullshit." Hal spoke up, getting everyone's attention. "I have no intention of getting my ass kicked for the third time by a fucking seventeen year old. My pride wouldn't survive this time."
Dick let out an amused and surprised laugh as he saw the founding members plus the others he had faced in the two fights against the League nod without any objection. The "new" heroes stared at the more experienced ones with shocked and amazed looks.
"Are you seriously going to let go of the world's second deadliest mercenary?" John Stewart asked sharply, disappointment coloring his tone of voice. "It's definitely not like you."
"Look man. Not for anything else but you were pretty lucky you didn't get your ass kicked by that guy even once, let alone twice." Flash began, pointing a finger in the direction of the mercenary who was watching the scene with amusement. "Renegade hits hard. Like, really hard. And despite this he always held back a lot."
Hawkgirl groaned. "That boy has my respect and esteem." she admitted and Renegade moved his eyes to her figure in utter shock. "He accomplished things I never thought were possible. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he managed to kick literally all the heroes' ass by himself for a third time."
And that's why Hawkgirl has always been one of my favorites.
"Plus we're all tired after hours of fighting these aliens." Black Canary pointed out helpfully.
"Renegade will be tired too." Vixen retorted, crossing her arms.
"Not so much actually. I can continue to fight for weeks without eating or drinking or sleeping without being affected at all." Renegade admitted with a casual shrug. "I've already experienced it more times than you can even think of."
Predictably all the heroes stared at him in shock and horror. However Wonder Woman looked at him with a sad look. "It's because of your particular abilities, right?" she asked softly, ignoring the eyes focused on her head for her tone being so caring towards the young assassin.
The Talon smiled sadly at her, merely nodding.
"It doesn't matter, we still have to try to bring it down." Firestorm growled as flames began to surround his hands.
"No. Renegade is a good person." Zatanna growled back at him, shocking Firestorm. "He saved my life and I won't do anything to hurt him."
The anti-hero smiled, genuinely moved by the sorceress' words. "Thanks, Zee."
Zatanna smiled at the nickname Renegade for her that she liked so much and sent him a wave.
"For heaven's sake!" all eyes fell on Guy who had his lips curled down in disgust. "You're all a bunch of pussies! You seriously can't be scared to death of a fucking kid!" he growled.
The heroes who had had the (dis)pleasure of fighting Renegade exchanged a look and all came to the same silent plan. "Why don't you step up and face him if you're so brave and fearless?" Hal urged with a mischievous smile.
"Good idea! So I can finally prove my true worth to all of you!" Guy preened, missing the other Green Lantern's sarcasm.
He began walking towards the young assassin and Wonder Woman let out a dangerous growl at him. "Don't come another step closer or you'll regret it, Gardner!"
Renegade, who had easily guessed the heroes' train of thought, placed a calming and comforting hand on the demigoddess's arm. "Don't worry, Princess. Leave it to me."
The "new" heroes were shocked when Wonder Woman, instead of breaking his arm for even daring to touch her -which she would have done to most of them- sent him a small smile after a few seconds, simply nodding.
Unfortunately for the anti-hero and super-heroine their little moment was ruined by Guy's annoying voice. "After I easily destroy this insolent and pathetic little boy you will fall into my arms and we can finally fuck, Princess." he sneered, ignoring the sighs and annoyed looks from the other heroes at his arrogant and rude attitude.
The next thing he knew was the cold of a blade pointed at his throat cutting his skin slightly, a small trickle of blood starting to trickle down. "Call me Princess again and there will be nothing left of you but crushed limbs." Wonder Woman growled coldly, pushing the blade further forward on his neck.
The Green Lantern swallowed in fear and could do nothing but nod.
"It's never a good idea to call her Princess." Hal whispered, having personally experienced the Amazon's icy and furious gaze both times he had called her that.
Zatanna nudged Black Canary lightly. "Only Renegade can call her Princess and get away with it." she whispered.
The blonde gave her an amused look, her eyes shining with awareness. "I noticed it too." she giggled softly.
The princess of Themyscira stared hard at Guy for a few more seconds before pulling her sword away from him and moving to the side, sending a look to Renegade that conveyed a silent message.
Kick his ass.
Renegade looked back with a smirk.
With much pleasure.
The mercenary smirked at Guy and stood still with his arms at his sides, his stance casual and nonchalant, clearly not taking the man too seriously. "Come on, asshole. Let's see what you can do."
"I'll beat you to a pulp." Guy growled, cracking his knuckles and throwing a quick punch towards his opponent.
The anti-hero easily blocked Guy's punch and his hand tightened with all his strength around the Green Lantern's fist which gave way with a crunch of bones. Renegade with one fluid movement broke his wrist and immediately after with a kick broke his arm in the space of a few milliseconds. The crunch of breaking bones clearly rang out in the air, followed by Guy's cry of pain, which was silenced with a ferocious punch to the face. The hero fell backwards to the ground and never moved again.
Silence reigned for a while, which was soon broken by Renegade's laughter. "Really? Is that all? I didn't even put all my physical strength into that punch. Man, that was so pathetic I can't even count it as a fight." he snorted, smiling when most of the heroes laughed. He turned to Wonder Woman who was staring at him with an amused, satisfied and pleased twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes. "You know, you should punch him every time he pisses you off. It's really therapeutic."
The Amazon laughed. "I'll consider it."
"Just one punch." Barry snorted. "All his arrogance… and he was knocked down with a single punch."
Green Arrow nodded. "What an idiot."
"Now that I've taken down the biggest asshole and son of a bitch of the League, do I have a pass or do I have to kick your ass too?"
The heroes exchanged a look and all came to the same conclusion. "You can go." Superman finally stated with a slight smile on his lips.
All eyes focused on Batman who hadn't said any words. He shrugged indifferently. "Just this once since you have humiliated and put Guy in his place."
I never thought that Bruce would let me go for once. Eh, he must hate Guy's guts too.
"Then see you next time. Heroes." the Talon's masked eyes moved to Wonder Woman and he smiled at her. "Princess."
The demigoddess smiled back. "Young warrior."
Renegade threw smoke bombs at the ground and smoke soon filled the area, forcing the heroes to cough.
"Will you ever stop, dude? It is not needed!" Green Arrow shouted once again into thin air between coughs.
As the smoke cleared the heroes quickly realized something.
"Where is Guy's body?"
For a few seconds there was an awkward silence during which the heroes looked at each other uncertainly.
"Renegade won't kill him, right?"
Shazam shook his head. "Renegade does not kill heroes or innocents." he answered Vixen's question. He hesitated and cast a dubious look at Wonder Woman. "Right?"
The Amazon shrugged indifferently, an amused and playful glint in her eyes. "I wouldn't mind if I never had to deal with Guy again."
Her response didn't reassure the rest of the team at all.
Diana was extremely confused and surprised when, the next time she unfortunately met Guy a few days later on the Watchtower, she received an apology from him with his solemn promise that he will never speak to her again except on League matters.
Guy didn't have any visible wounds but Diana noticed his face paler and more gaunt than usual, his figure a little thinner, his hair disheveled but above all his eyes surrounded by heavy dark circles -as if he hadn't slept for a long time- which showed his current emotional state deeply paranoid, scared to death, tormented and traumatized.
The Amazon knew that Renegade was responsible for Guy's sudden change in attitude and was not at all surprised that the mercenary was a skilled master of psychological and emotional torture and Guy was living proof of this.
She should thank him properly as soon as possible, she thought.
Seeing Guy completely change direction every time he saw her was just hilarious and satisfying.
Once again I thank you deeply, Renegade.
Dick drummed his fingers on the bed, his eyes moving lazily throughout his bedroom.
During the trip back to New York on the plane, the late Flying Grayson mentally retraced all his interactions with Wonder Woman -from the first since they officially met to the last- and, after he came to a realization disconcerting and surprising, he almost lost control of the plane and was forced to put it on autopilot all the way to the city.
Not because he -wouldn't- have died if he had crashed but because otherwise Slade would have forced him to pay him back for the plane with his own money, especially if he had discovered the reason for the crash.
With a pained and desperate groan the Talon covered his face with his hands, feeling a heavy blush cover his pale face.
Sandra had been right this whole time.
Dick was in love with Wonder Woman.
Damn. Fucking Hell. I'm so fucking screwed, fuck.
"Tell me, director."
"I'll get straight to the point of this call. You have to stop Renegade. It doesn't matter by what means and at what price. We can't let Renegade continue to do whatever the fuck he want not only on American soil but around the world. He must be stopped once and for all."
"Do you still want him alive?"
"This time it's different. It's indifferent. If you manage to capture him alive, he will be transferred not to Belle Reve but to a maximum security A.R.G.U.S. facility and he'll become a member of Task Force X. If he gets killed instead, well, we definitely won't mourn him. He has become a real thorn in our side to the point that he has millions of supporters on his side in his cause of killing criminals around the world and we can't afford that. He must be eliminated."
"Understood."
"Once again you have all the resources you need."
"Thank you, Mrs. Bordeaux."
"One last thing."
"Tell me, director."
"You've been trying to capture Renegade ever since he appeared seven years ago. I know this has become personal for you and I also know that he represents an extreme classified threat and that we don't even know his civilian identity but this time don't fail. I received a call from the President of the US a little while ago and he personally stated that Renegade must be stopped at all costs, no matter the consequences."
"Received. I will do my best to neutralize Renegade."
"Good. We will talk later."
"Goodbye, director."
Amanda Waller put her phone aside and swiveled in her swivel chair in her office at Belle Reve Penitentiary. She grabbed a dart from her desk and threw it.
The dart stuck perfectly into the head of the target with Renegade's face fixed on the wall.
The woman smiled creepily.
"This time I will eliminate you permanently, Renegade. Even if it's the last thing I do."