Justice Avengers: A Black Day in Hub City

Two Face stopped a moment when the door of the limo opened and he saw yet another person he had never seen before waiting. He turned to face Morgan, and snapped.

   Alright, what the fuck is going on!? How many fucking people are you fucking bringing into this shit!?   

"We were under the impression that this arrangement was between us. The more people you bring into our plans, the more likely things are to mess up somehow."

   And it means we have to share shit with more people!    He flipped his coin.    You know what, fuck this, we don't need this shit, not with this new offer we got from the Maggia. Go to fucking hell.    Two Face turned around and started walking away.

Rooftop

Hisako stood there for a second, paralized like a deer in headlights, looking over the foul-smelling bandaged man. Come on, snap out of! she commanded her paralized body He's right there! snap out of it She swallowed and holstered the gun, pulling out a stun-gun instead "I-I'll have to take you with me, please do not resist capture" she said in a shaky voice

Harm crossed his arms as the smoke colored the air between them. “Will has been having a very stressful day, so Harm is going to skip the preamble. Harm is going to assume that the it knows about Harm and knows what Harm wants. It must know that Harm has no interest in doing something like rule the Maggia, Harm in turn is going to assume that someone of its abilities is not stupid, so it is not about to try and intimidate Harm into doing something Harm does not want to do. So Harm is going to assume that it is that it is in possession of something that it considers to be a suitable bargaining chip.” Harm walked forward and stepped onto the hilt of his sword, resting his forearms on his raised knee.

“Harm will be the first to admit that Harm wants a great many things. Harm wants the soul of the being currently sequestered in the walls of the city’s penitentiary. Harm wants the head of the demigod currently attempting to clean up the American Midwest. Harm particularly wants to deal with a world that isn’t so ruled by the unending green tide of the consumer market. But more than anything else right now, Harm wants to make a deal with someone who then subsequently does what they promised to do.” Harm stared the illusion down. “Does it claim to be that someone?”

What, you think *my* costume looks funny? Have you seen yourself in a mirror? You look like a cyberpunk pirate! Anarky thought about Deadshot, but didn't say aloud, only smiled under his mask.

He mentally checked what he had read in the prisoner's file: Name- Floyd Lawton. Expert marksman. Victim of parental abuse as a child; accidentally killed his own brother while trying to shoot his father. Killer for hire, always keeps his end of the bargain as long as the money holds. Has a daughter that knows nothing about him; only person he cares about. Has a death wish.

It was because of these facts that Anarky had chosen to speak to him. He needed allies, if he wanted to ever escape from under Waller's thumb, and he felt that Deadshot could become one.

"Relax, I'm not an ARGUS agent" he said to the man, as he approached the table. "In fact, I'm on the same boat as you. They grabbed me, told me to work for them, or else." He then sat across from him. "I'm called Anarky. They want me to work on intel, or something. It's what I do" he said with some pride.

Then he leaned forward. "You're Deadshot, right? I've heard about you. Like I said, I gather intel. They say you never miss, as long as the money's good."

A beat. "I'm not sure if they told you, but: there's a war coming, tonight, on Hub City's streets. So big, it's got the government scared. Oh, they won't admit it, but why do you think they are forming this team all of a sudden? They want us to win it for them." He gave another pause to let it sink in. "And they are willing to pay for it. Lots of money. Heck, if you play your cards right, you could get an amnesty. It's not much of a choice, since they'll probably stuff us in prison if we don't agree. But hey, it's the best option right now, don't you think?"

edited 16th Oct '14 3:51:05 PM by Sijo

Vandal sighed, snapping his fingers, and the choffeur, showing a kind of strength that one would not expect from a human, let alone a choffeur, suddenly pushed Two-Face into the limousine. "Please, Mr. Dent. Listen to reason instead of that coin you carry around. Or else you would have missed my amazing offer."

He smiled to Silvermane. "Hello, Mr. Manfredi. How are things going with the family? The mob family, that is." Vandal took a sip of his champagne glass. "Now, I asked for my friend Le Fay to bring you here, not... whatever that is." He nodded at Yelena. "So consider me letting her stay here a gift. Can we hurry up? The meeting is about to start."

When Anarky said his name, Deadshot chuckled, and he made sure that Anarky heard his chuckle. But the mention of amnesty actually got him to shut up. "The best option is I break free of these chains and put a bullet on the head of everyone on this building." He said, mimicking a hand gun and 'shooting' at Anarky. "Why the heck would I want to work with you? A team drags me down. That's why I work alone."

Chesire hummed in Bullseye's ear, caressing his cheek. "Say. There's a gun shop not that far. Belongs to one of the families that runs the city. How's about we..." She ran her fingers through his hands. "... break into the place and carve a name for ourselves?"

At that moment, one of the masked freaks that had been watching the meeting walked up to the two. "Chesire, Bullseye." He spoke, matter of factly. "Please accompany me." He put a piece of paper on the table with two words: NSA and Lian.

Chesire almost jumped off her seat and grabbed the man by his throat. "Who are you and what do you—" She growled, before remembering that they were being watched by Maggia goons. Letting go of the man, she put one hand on her hip. "The hell do you want."

"I simply want both of you to follow me. The reasons as to why will become clear once we leave this building."

The bandaged man sighed and shook his head. "Wrong answer." He said, rapidly pulling a pistol out of his trenchcoat and firing three shots at Hisako. He would have fired more, if it wasn't for Karima stepping into the roof.

"STOP OR I'LL—" She began, but when she saw the bullets, her finger pulled the trigger as fast as possible. The bandaged man did the same, hitting her on the leg and forcing Karima to hide behind a venting unit. With one of the cops injured and the other (presumably) also injured, the man ran towards the edge of the rooftop and jumped off it, landing on the rooftop of the building next door, making his escape.

"I don't know." Vandal said, reaching into his jacket and pulling out a set of keys marked Hub City Penitentiary Security. He threw the keys at the table, watching as they slid over to Harm's side. "Do I?"

Two face glared at Savage.    And who the fuck do you think you are?   

"You're going to have a difficult time topping the offer we just got done hearing"

   Speaking of, we need to get back to our place and fucking prepare shit. We do not have time for any more of Dent's goddamn deal brokering.   

Terra got into the limousine and found a seat beside Silvermane. She crossed her arms and frowned, unhappy at the turn of events. It seemed like Two-Face was leaving until Savage just up and pushed him in.

edited 17th Oct '14 3:06:52 PM by GameGuruGG

"I'm sure Le Fay can introduce me." Vandal said, smiling at Morgan.

edited 17th Oct '14 4:03:14 PM by TheBigBean

Slade raised an eyebrow beneath his mask. "For your sake, I'll believe what you're saying." Then he turned back to Bucky, whispering. " Breathe in and breathe out. Once you feel the effects of the anesthetic washing off you, act as if they're still working. Wait for my signal, and we'll escape. And then back to the woman. "Why do you want us?"

Argus HQ

"Oh, come on. If you could break out of here on your own, you would have done so by now" Anarky chuckled right back. "The sooner you admit that, the sooner you will be freed."

"Besides, remember what I said about rewards. If you don't collaborate, odds are you'll spend many, many years away from anyone you might care about" the young man added, knowing this would remind the mercenary of his daughter.

"As for your style of operating, nobody said we had to do it *as a team*. I'm sure they brought you here for your sniper talents, they would not waste you by sticking you in a visible group. Only one way to find out, though."

Anarky then got off the chair. "Listen, time is running short. Either come along and get a reward or refuse and rot in jail, I don't care. Just make up your mind soon."

He then turned around, waiting for Deadshot's reaction.

Anarky's speech got Deadshot's attention again, and when he stood up, the merc let out a loud groan, banging his fist against the table. "Fine!" He yelled. "I'll do it. I'm on the team. What's the name of this shindig, anyway?"

"We have an offer for both of you. Actually, Director Waller calls it an order. We will employ your services for the benefit of the government." The woman replied. "In return, you will both be rewarded handsomely with whatever you desire. Money, power... memories... lost relatives?"

edited 17th Oct '14 4:05:29 PM by TheBigBean

Bucky listened to Slade's orders, taking a moment to process them, but the faintest bob of his head-could have been a nod, could have just been a woozy wobble from being drugged-was what he offered.

Until the woman spoke of what was wanted of them.

Orders. Services. The benefit of the government.

Your work has been a gift to mankind...

Likely to the surprise of everyone in the van, rather than staying put in his seat and remaining mostly out of it, Bucky screamed, scrabbling at the mask and goggles on his face to rip them away, revealing an expression of sheer, unadulterated panic...then grabbing at anything around him with the full force behind the metal arm and his own enhanced strength, actually starting to tear at the straps keeping him in the chair with the apparent intent on destroying anything in a haste to get the hell out of the van.

"Никогда не возвращаясь! Никогда hе никогда снова!"^* Never going back! Not ever ever again!

" Shit. "

Slade knew this was coming. It wasn't the first time it happened, no... in fact, it was, what, the fifth? Sixth? He had dealt with it before. Got a few wounds from it. Which was why Bucky needed to be controlled. Shoving any agents aside (and out of the van), he forcibly put himself in front of his apprentice. One hand on his shoulder placing his arm in front of his neck, forcing him to look at his face.

And then, he broke one of the most important rules of his relationship with Bucky- never take his mask outside. He reached the back of his head and loosened the strap of his mask. With a single move, it fell to the ground, Slade's greying hair stuck to his forehead thanks to his sweat, no eyepatch covering the missing eye. "Look at me." He spoke calmly as he placed a hand on Bucky's neck, trying to comfort him forcibly. "Look at me. You are safe. You are not in danger. Repeat it. Repeat it!" He ordered. "You are safe. You are not in danger. Look at my eye, goddamnit, at my eye. " There was almost no space between the two. "You are safe. You are not in danger. You are safe. Where are you? Tell me where you are. Are you in danger? You're not in danger. Look in my eyes and tell me: you are safe, and you are not in danger."

ARGUS HQ

"Hell if I know" Anarky responded to Deadshot's question. "Does it matter? It's not like the public is going to know anyway" he added with an undertone of disgust to his voice. "Ask Waller. I'm sure she'll fill you in all the other details you need to know." He continued walking towards the exit, but then said, "We'll be deployed soon, that much I know. See you then."

Morgan Lefay, like Tara wasn't exactly thrilled either of the turn of events "I assure you I still have the perfect reward for your time. In the meantime I am sure you will be pleased to get to know the mayor players. Our "mutual friend Mr Vandal Savage is an immortal like I am, and just like you I am dying to know his real plans. You will need more than mere mercenaries and goons, if you want victory to be truly yours." Lefay told Silvermane and Two face

Bucky's panic was having none of Slade's attempts to calm him at first, grabbing and scrabbling at the other man's arm holding him back as he continued to scream in a mixture of languages. But when Slade's mask came away, the sound stopped, and Bucky stared at his face, gasping for air, seeming unable to comprehend before finally it seemed to sink in.

"I...I am not in danger..." He swallowed hard, still trying to get his breath back. "I am not in danger. I am safe and I am not in danger...I...I am still here...I am in Hub City...I am not in danger..."

This slow mantra broke with a shudder and a whimper. "I don't want to go back...please..."

Two Face's eyes rolled as he heard the guy in the suit was another magic user. He mumbled to himself for a moment, most of it inaudible, but one could catch the last few words.    ...fucking magic users.   

"So let's get this over with, as he said, we really don't have time for this. What's this deal you want to make?"

The Race

Domino walked with Tangle to the location of the race, noting how the area somehow managed to look run down compared to the rest of Hub City. That took talent to accomplish. As if to off set the boarded up stores and run down building, there was a line of suped up cars. A lot of the racers looked to be younger than the mutant did, causing a chuckle to come from her. Looks like some things never change.

Tangle approached a young man named Reyes with an all black car that immediately caught her eye. This was clearly a car far above the boy's station in life. She felt it would be much more fitting for someone like herself. She waved to Reyes as Tangle introduced her to him and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

A smile spread across Domino's face as Tangle whispered into her ear. She didn't give any sign that she agreed with his plan, but as soon as he finished talking she walked up to the car next to Reyes. The woman let out a low whistle as she ran a hand over the corner of the hood of the car. "Its been a while since I've seen a pair of wheels as nice as this. I'm a bit of a gear head myself, do you think you could tell me more about it?" Domino asked. She turned around and leaned back on to the car, hoping that he would fall for the bait. Now to see what Tangle did while she distracted Robbie.

The Rooftop

Hisako would see the gun and immediately dive to avoid the incomming fire. She ignores the bandit for a second and rushes to Karima's side. "are you alright, partner?" she looks at her leg "oh... I... what should I do!?" she said still in panic from the gunshots

"Sure thing." Deadshot said, giving Anarky a thumbs up. But when the teen left the room, the thumbs up turned into a bird being flipped. " Dipshit. "

"Impressive job." Waller commented, nodding towards the other cell. "Ready for your next patient? Name's Roscharch. Have you seen her handiwork from New York?"

"Are we all in? Good." Vandal said, motioning to the driver's cabin, as the vehicle started moving. "I represent a group of individuals interested in moving humanity towards a brighter future. And from that description alone, you can guess why we'd be interested in this competition. Whoever wins the Maggia war has control over the biggest empire of this country. Enough power to overthrow governments. The reason why we have collected all of you is because we want you to represent us in this race. Win the war for us, and you'll have a place by our side... and high atop whatever future we create together."

The woman watched intentedly as Slade calmed Bucky down. "Post traumatic stress disorder?" She asked, staring at Bucky like he was a fish in tank, ready to be experimented on. "What caused it?"

"Ah, fuck, shit shit fuck." Karima groaned as she covered the wounded area. "Forget me, I-I can handle this. I can fucking handle this!" She swatted Hisako's hand away in case she tried to get closer. "Go get that guy. Go get that assassin fucker!"

Domino's questions prompted Reyes to stutter and blush. "It's a low-rider, you see." He began, moving to the front of the car, as Tangle quietly reached into his pocket, pulling out a sharp object, getting to work on the front door. "The engine on this, it's not souped up, I can show it to you if you like— hey!"

Reyes yelled out when Tangle opened the door successfully, sliding into the driver's seat and opening the passenger seat. "Keys are inside!" Tangle yelled to Domino, and Reyes realized what this was all about, trying to run to the driver's seat as fast as possible.

Silvermane took a cigar out of his breast pocket, rolling down his window and taking a few puffs. He wasn't too impressed with whoever the hell this new guy was. Every asswipe with a goatee and a cigar jacket thinks they're hot shit because they have a British accent and talk about advancing humanity. Silvermane'd seen thirty years of the same bit.

"One problem, stretch." He said, cigar held between his teeth, though he took it out when he continued. "If you know about this game, then you know the rules. It only ends with one person left standing."

"A fair point, Mr. Manfredi. However, the Maggia did not count for individuals with access to abilities that the human mind cannot comprehend, did they?" Vandal asked, putting a cigar up to his lips- it was the cigar Silvio had just lit up, the one that had just disappeared from his hands. "Trust me, immortality is just one of the things that I can do."

Silvermane did a double take at his missing cigar, genuinely shocked for once. Then, when he heard the beard-o rambling about immortality, he shook his head.

"All right, lemme off." He muttered. "I already got one pal that's unkillable, I made a deal with an alien this morning, and I'm a friggin' robot. I am not falling any deeper into the Rabbit Hole than this. So, thanks, but no thanks, Wanderin' Jew."

   How the fuck did we get involved in this shit?   

"I really don't know anymore." Two Face turned to Savage. "And as for you, the last person who came to us making grand promises of world domination is currently sitting right next to us. We've yet to see if she's going to follow through on it, but the odds are looking slimmer by the second."

   So what the fuck makes you any more reliable? How do we know you'll follow through on your end of the bargain?   

Garfield groaned as he crashed onto a rooftop, gravel spraying dramatically as he did so. Accepting defeat, he offered no resistance as the agents finally reached the roof and instead started scheming internally.