《In DC with the Pet Pet Fruit.》


 Chapter 1: Free.

    (Holl''s P.O.V)

    Breath fills my lungs.

    My eyes blink open. Where am I?

    And why is it so cold?

    Did I forget to close the cabin window again?

    I got up, my hand landing on a pool of wetness.

    I looked down at it. There was a pool of stagnant water under me. A puddle. And the scent of rain permeated the area.

    I turned my gaze up.

    This is most definitely not my bedroom.

    Above me, jutting off into the gloomy and dark sky, were tall buildings, skyscrapers of enormous size constructed with a gothic aesthetic.

    Gargoyles sat on spires at the edges of the buildings, adding to the terror the gloomy skies and the flashing lightning in them cast over the city.

    At least I assume it''s a city.

    So...

    This can''t be normal.

    The first thing my mind landed on when I thought of any possible reason I was not inside my thin blanket in the cabin of our small boat, was... reincarnation.

    I was a sailor.

    Having grown up off the coast of Tijuana, life hadn''t exactly been smooth sailing.

    After high school, my ailing Dad needed money for his treatment, so I decided to abandon all prospects of college and focus on the family business, fishing.

    The money wasn''t bad. We kept up with his medication but... business wasn''t exactly booming either.

    But that was usually very dependent on the seasons. And even in the good seasons, fishing was hard business.

    Very hard. It was just me and him doing all the work.

    But he dutifully taught me all he knew and so between the two of us, we made it work somehow.

    Last night I remember drinking with him after another unsuccessful day out at sea.

    He''d lamented that the only reason his wife, my mother, had left was because of me.

    It''s fitting to note that my Dad and I didn''t have...the best of relationships.

    After that, all I remember was excusing myself with the same fire in my belly I always had whenever he blamed me for fucking his life up.

    Then I stumbled into my bed and then...

    Nothing.

    And now I was here.

    In a concrete jungle when all my life, I''d spent time out in the open. The Sandy beaches, the wide expanse of the Ocean.

    The salty breeze...

    A wide grin threatened to split my face in two.

    "Finally."

    My deep voice reverberated out across the Alley.

    "I''m Free."

    Truthfully speaking, I didn''t miss any of that.

    Life in a backwater village off the coast of Mexico was hard, so Fuck that.

    To me, this was true freedom.

    Yes, I was in a stinking alleyway, soaked with rain from the recent downpour.

    And yes, dammit! I was cold and hungry.

    But...

    "Fuck yeah!!"

    I yelled to the gloomy sky, lightning flashing in the clouds above me.

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    "Hahaha!!!!"

    My chest deflated as I finally said what I wouldn''t have before,

    "I hope you die at sea you miserable old fuck!!"

    I roared, laughter bubbling out of me.

    "You destroyed my dreams!!! I hope the last thing you think of when water fills up your lungs and you drown...is just how much of a pathetic and weak man you were!"

    I concluded, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.

    Fuck that old loser of a Father. Old man never gave me a break...

    "Shut up you fucking weirdo."

    A voice reached me from a bundle of clothes lying next to a dumpster.

    I blinked.

    Huh, seems like in my elation, I might have woken someone up.

    A homeless person.

    From the build, they looked to be about my size. And they had a really nice raincoat...

    And I was soaked.

    Another savage smile split across my face.

    10 minutes later, I was walking on the sidewalk, a grey raincoat over my wet clothes.

    It wasn''t ideal but the homeless guy''s other clothes stank too much so I didn''t ''borrow'' them from him.

    He should be grateful I only took the raincoat.

    Still...I needed to get some warm clothes before I caught a cold. My body was used to harsh weather but I had seen a common cold take more than one fisherman down.

    But before even that, I had to solve the question of where I was and how to deal with my hunger problem.

    I should have just asked the homeless guy which city this was. But I''d forgotten to do that.

    So down I walked the sidewalk, and for a city, people were scarce. Traffic was low too.

    I''d only ever been to a city once.

    My hometown, Tijuana was a hub of culture and life. And crowds of people from all over, would fill the streets.

    That was coincidentally the last place I ever saw my mother.

    We went for a family outing as three, but came back home as two. She''d left us.

    The next day, my father and I would arrive at our modest home on the outskirts of the city, which was more like a shack...and her absence would not be felt.

    He never explained why she left.

    I never asked either.

    Why would I? Since birth, I''d understood something crucial no... love was lost between my parents and I.

    They were devoid of any human emotion.

    Like...dolls.

    And so I realized,

    You''re in it alone.

    And then you die.

    But that''s besides the point.

    On that single trip to the city, crowds of people had shoved and pushed on each other as they went about their daily lives.

    Clearly this was not the case here.

    Though to be honest, it was in the evening so maybe most people were already in their homes.

    Safe in the comfort of warmth and food.

    My belly rumbled.

    I shivered as a cold breeze blew past me. Looking up, the clouds were ominously flashing with lightning.

    "It''s going to rain again soon."

    I said to myself.

    I needed to find shelter. But how am I supposed to do that when I don''t even know where I am? And asking people that kind of question would only make me look crazy.

    I breathed in, smelling the scent of sea water in the air.

    So, a city near a large mass of water.

    Most probably an ocean. So a coastal city. Good to know. Maybe there were some spots in the docks I could use.

    Abandoned or moored boats. The amount of people who left their fancy sail boats unlocked was more than you would expect.

    Besides, that would be familiar territory.

    But getting there was another issue.

    My stomach rumbled once more.

    I rummaged through my pockets once more, no money. And the Homeless guy had had none I could ''borrow''.

    I hadn''t carried anything except for my pen-knife, which was secured in the pocket of my jean shorts.

    But that wasn''t going to help with the food problem or the cold.

    Not to mention the looks I was getting from the people walking on the sidewalk. Most kept a wide berth.

    Some stared at me strangely. As if they had never seen a tall gangly teen dressed in a long rain coat, shorts and sandals before.

    Huh,

    Guess I can''t blame them.

    A few minutes passed, and I found myself leaving the commercial sector of the city, only to enter a part that was in one word, dilapidated.

    The stretch of buildings were a collection of peeling off paint, shattered glass windows, graffiti and Gang signs spray painted on the walls of boarded off buildings.

    A few restaurants that didn''t look as if they would pass inspection, lined up the blocks along with some closed stores and other businesses.

    The final thing that stood out were the Gang members hanging around in the street.

    Some looked me over before ignoring me. Not surprising as I didn''t look any different from the bundles of human garbage sleeping on the street.

    Seriously why were there do many homeless people?

    I was cautious as I walked, hand wrapped around the handle of my pen-knife.

    I could handle myself well. But I was wary of fighting without knowing exactly where this was.

    But my luck eventually dried out, as 2 gang members blocked my way.

    I stopped, face impassive as we stared at each other. I didn''t even bother to study them. Why? To me they were no different from low lives.

    "We don''t want your kind here."

    The first said with a snarl meant to be intimidating, rotten teeth in display.

    I said nothing, only action I took was surveying my scene. Could I fuck them up and get away with it?

    No.

    Their friends were watching the interaction curiously. Any other person who passed by us did it quickly. Clearly no one wanted to be caught up in whatever this was.

    "Hey, you heard me Hombre?"

    Gang member 1 got impatient at my silence, grabbing me by the collar of my rain coat.

    I stared down at him, the height difference becoming apparent. I was 6''4, the guy was 5''8 at best, only packed with more muscles.

    That didn''t matter. He would bleed like the rest.

    "Let go."

    I warned, eyes full of apathy.

    "Or what?"

    Gang Member 2 finally spoke up. The rest began to slowly approach, creating a circle around me, sealing off any exits.

    "This is our turf son."

    1,2...8.

    8 of them.

    Okay, maybe I can take down a few but not all of them. I had the option of stepping back, apologizing and hoping that they wouldn''t fuck me up too much.

    I also had the option of killing them.

    "You bastards really wanna do this huh?"

    I must have looked like the Devil as I smiled at them.

    "I''ve never killed anyone before. I wonder...how it feels."

    They stared at one another, a little wary. Gang member 1 reached into his pants...only for a kick to get planted on his face by a descending form.

    It was sudden. It was quick.

    And goddamn did she have an ass under that cape.

    And I guess this confirms what I suspected all along. I was in another world. To be specific, I was in DC. And this was Gotham.

    Why else would Batgirl of all people come to my rescue?

 Chapter 2: The Batfamily

    (General P.O.V)

    "Batgirl, what''s your position?"

    Batman''s voice came through the comms.

    The wind blew past her as she increased her speed.

    "East End, still no signs of Joker''s goons."

    The superheroine answered, her feet slapping the roof of the building she was on, fast approaching the edge of the building.

    The next building over was an old residential complex that had been closed down by the city government due to the rampant crime on this sector.

    "Keep looking. He''s bound to make an appearance soon. And knowing him, it will be explosive."

    Batman''s deep voice reached her before the line went dead.

    Batgirl grit her teeth in irritation.

    The Joker had recently escaped Arkham Asylum, leaving behind a trail of destruction that had needed to be dealt with.

    From the gruesome murders of the guards to the rest of the escapees running wild in Gotham, Batgirl and by extension the rest of the Bat family hadn''t had an easy weak.

    Not to mention, the Joker had gone on to steal an experimental star Labs invention that could be used to cause mass destruction.

    Batman had remained tight-lipped on what that invention was specifically but the fact he had Superman scouting other parts of the city for the Crime Prince of crime, spoke volumes.

    Batman was famous for not allowing other heroes to work on his turf.

    But even with Superman''s help, there wasn''t much to uncover.

    According to a few goons that Batman interrogated, the Joker was planning on using the invention to teach the city of Gotham a lesson on true Devastation.

    That... Obviously couldn''t be a good thing.

    Even if Batman didn''t disclose any more details to Dick and her.

    She made the jump, her tight body curling upon itself as she sprang out, feet landing silently on the rooftop before she rolled, and then continued on.

    "Hey Barbs, I''ve heard some chatter coming in through the police comms. Suspicious activity happening south of you. One guy reports he saw lightning strike the ground and a guy suddenly appear out of nowhere."

    Robin or as he liked to be called these days, Nightwing spoke to her.

    "Do you think it''s the Joker?"

    Batgirl asked, changing directions, her cape flaring behind her.

    "I don''t know. If it is, wait for back up. Don''t engage him by yourself."

    Nightwing ordered.

    Batgirl said nothing. They both knew she wouldn''t hesitate jumping in if someone''s life was in danger. And knowing Joker...that would most likely be the case.

    "You hear me Barbara?"

    Nightwing insisted.

    Batgirl rolled her eyes.

    "Yes. I heard you the first time. I''m coming up on the spot, will keep you informed."

    Then she ended the transmission.

    Using her grappling gun, she shot a zip line and crossed the street, a dark shadow unseen by those on the ground.

    And then she arrived. Perched on the roof of a 4 storey building, it didn''t take long for Batgirl to find the ''suspicious activity.''

    She narrowed her eyes.

    "Well, you''re not the Joker."

    She muttered to herself.

    *******

    (HOll''s P.O.V)

    The only thing going on in my mind was just how tight that costume over Batgirl was.

    Comic books and Manga had been the escape from my monotonous life.

    And DC material in particular had always been interesting to me. It was one of the few things that got me excited.

    Especially the women.

    And looking at her pert little butt, the slim waist and that modest chest...I had to admit the real deal was better than anything pictures on a page could provide.

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    You don''t understand just how different Comic book pretty actually is...until you see it first hand.

    She was the hottest thing I''d ever seen. Even with the mask.

    I gulped.

    I wanna bend her down and fuck her brains out.

    "You!"

    A female voice called out.

    Looking up, I met Batgirl''s eyes underneath the mask.

    "Were you just checking out my ass?"

    "Yeah."

    I nodded without an ounce of shame.

    "Can I touch it?"

    "Whaat?"

    She looked scandalized.

    "Ew. You- how can you say something like that?! I don''t even know you."

    "True."

    I replied.

    She made a good point. I stretched out my hand and with goon Number 1 and 2 helping themselves off the ground, introduced myself to Batgirl.

    "The name is Holl."

    Batgirl looked at the hand and then quicker than I expected, she had me in zip-ties.

    I blinked, staring at my bound wrists. What the fuck just happened?

    "I saw what you did back there. You stole that Raincoat from the Homeless guy."

    She said.

    "That''s a crime. You''re going to jail buddy."

    I frowned. She saw me?

    And Jail?

    How troublesome.

    If I was brought in, they would discover I wasn''t an American citizen and I would probably be booted off to this world''s version of Tijuana.

    Not a bad life. I could fish and feed myself there.

    However...this was my new beginning. I wasn''t going to let anyone steal it from me.

    Injecting urgency into my tone, I looked behind Batgirl and widened my eyes.

    "Behind you!!"

    Batgirl immediately whirled around, arms held before her for protection against the perceived attack. O

    nly it was a false alarm, giving me enough time to use the Pen-knife I had in my palm to slice through the zip ties.

    By the time she figured out the deceit, I was already leaping towards her, a cold light flashing within my eyes.

    The blade of my pen-knife slid into her belly, parting skin and into the flesh. Hot blood gushed out.

    We established eye contact. She stared at me with shock plastered across her face. Her eyes creasing as the pain finally hit. She groaned trying to detach herself but I held her close.

    "W-why?"

    She stammered out.

    "I didn''t want to do this."

    I told her. And it was the honest truth. Killing someone so hot...what a crime.

    I pulled out the knife, blood gushing out of the wound before plunging it back...

    Or I would have if something heavy didn''t strike me on my ribcage. I felt my chest almost deform. And breathing instantly became hard.

    I was thrown away, rag-dolling across the ground.

    My body slammed onto the concrete on the side walk before I landed in the middle of the street, eyes seeing black spots.

    "Batgirl! Are you okay??"

    A voice asked in urgent need.

    I ignored it in favor of taking stock of my body. My hand was still wrapped around the handle of my pen-knife. I ran it down my chest, feeling the lingering pain on my ribs but... nothing felt broken.

    Which was unusual, as that kick was from Batman.

    Huh, I guess I was tougher than I looked. Or Batman had taken it easy on me.

    Which if we take into account the fact that I had just tried to kill one of his side-kicks was less probable.

    Now that my eyes could see a bit clearer, I moved them from the gloomy sky overhead, to my surroundings.

    Batman hovered over Batgirl''s bleeding form, staunching the blood flow. I could feel the violent urge in him to do me harm even from the distance.

    Fortunately, he was more focused on keeping her alive than coming after me.

    Good. That means I can slip away and come up with a plan on how to deal with this mess.

    A few people were watching the whole thing happen and I could already hear sirens sound from the left.

    I got to my feet.

    I couldn''t fight Batman and win. The only reason I managed to land a blow on Batgirl was because she let her guard down.

    Time to make an escape. Too bad about her cute ass though.

    Before I could turn around, something hard clamped on my shoulder.

    "Do you have any idea what you''ve done?"

    A cold voice asked from behind me. I turned around to look and...

    Superman was staring at me. Unamused. Unfriendly.

    Fuck.

    This just got complicated.

    "Tell me something Kryptonian...do you bleed?"

    I spun around in a swift motion, the blade of my pen-knife shattering into tiny pieces as I stabbed it into his left eye.

    The Man of Steel stared at me unimpressed.

    "You are in so much trouble son. Come quietly or else."

    He gave an ultimatum, stepping closer to me.

    Damn, while we were the same height...this guy was massive. Blue eyes, black hair and the most shredded torso I have ever seen. No underwear over his costume either.

    New 52 Superman maybe?

    "I can''t do that."

    I backed away, looking for a way to escape.

    "You have nowhere to flee." He said.

    "I can react at light speeds. You have nowhere to hide, I can see through anything."

    He made a good point. Maybe giving up was the way to go?

    That thought lasted a single instant before fate itself intervened and saved me.

    The ground beneath the street exploded into a massive eruption of tarmac, concrete and metal.

    I felt my body get bombarded by pieces of rock. By pulling the Raincoat closer to my body I was able to stop the dust from reaching my eyes and obscuring the surroundings.

    This was my chance to escape.

    Clearly I had gotten in way over my head.

    I can''t go against these guys without a power or some kind of golden Finger.

    (General P.O.V)

    One instant Superman was about to apprehend the criminal responsible for stabbing Batgirl, then the next he was protecting said criminal from the worst of the explosion by standing before him.

    Superman could feel the boy scurry away, not that he was going to get very far.

    That said, a more immediate matter took precedence. Their initial mission.

    "Batman, I know what the Joker did with the Shock crystals. The entire street has caved in."

    And true enough, a groove ran down where the street had been. Screams and cries of shock and pain were already sounding out from the people in cars that had fallen in.

    "He''s placed the crystals throughout the Tunnels under Gotham."

    Batman guessed just ad the Bat-Wing hovered above them.

    Nightwing came down on a rope.

    "Batgirl!!"

    He yelled, pushing past Batman to get to her side.

    Cradling her body, Nightwing turned to his mentor.

    "What the fuck happened Bruce?"

    He asked gritting his teeth.

    "The Job." Batman answered, looking away.

    "Get her to the hospital. I''ll be there shortly after we''ve dealt with this."

    Nightwing said nothing as Batman walked away to join Superman at the edge of the collapsed street.

    Rain begun to fall.

    "Now that I know where to look, the shock Crystals have been placed in various places across the tunnels."

    Superman informed the Dark Knight, his x-ray piercing through the ground to see in greater detail.

    "Due to the nature of the explosion...he must be near. You handle the rest of the shock Crystals and I''ll find him."

    Batman came up with a plan, turning around to walk away.

    "Wait, Bruce. What about ''him''?"

    Superman inquired.

    The Dark Knight stopped in place.

    By ''him'' Batman knew exactly who he was talking about.

    "We save the city first. The Joker is a much bigger threat than a common thug."

    Batman answered, eyes hard.

    "Once this is done. I''ll find Barbara''s attacker."

    He promised.

    Superman watched him slink away, realizing that although Batman didn''t show it...he was furious.

    And although he said he would find the culprit... Superman realized he hadn''t said anything about bringing him in.

 Chapter 3: First Pet?

    (HOll''s P.O.V)

    The plan wasn''t to hide out in the sewer.

    I''m ashamed to say that I had tripped on the debris after the explosion had happened, leading to me falling inside the collapsed tunnel with arms flaring wildly.

    Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, I had landed on the sludge of sewage.

    The rain coat helped keep my shirt dry but...my shorts were drenched. Not to mention, I''d lost a slipper in the murky water.

    All said, I was not in a happy mood.

    It was dark.

    Barely any light reached me down here.

    Still, I''d escaped and that was all that mattered.

    That said, what a close call. Maybe I should lay low and not bring any more attention to myself. That means no Killing off heroes or high profile individuals.

    Anyone else that went against me was fair game though.

    The sound of flowing water reached my ears as I jumped over the collapsed concrete and pieces of stone that had made up the walls of the tunnel.

    The sudden and unexpected explosion that had destroyed the street seemed to have come from underground.

    Someone must have planted a bomb or used some kind of power on the tunnel systems.

    Taking into account the kind of crazies running around Gotham, it wasn''t too surprising.

    The explosion had helped me flee the scene. No matter the strange energy roiling within me, there was no way I was going to win against Supes.

    Not without knowing what I could do.

    So that timely interruption had saved my hide.

    An hour or so had passed since then. A few turns had taken me away from the collapsed section of the tunnels.

    It was like a maze down here. A maze I was navigating without a source of light.

    The same problems I had started of with, also remained. I was hungry and I was cold.

    And the damp environment wasn''t helping much.

    I stopped in place as I arrived at the first intersection.

    To reach here, I had taken a few more turns but looking back the way I had come...one thing was apparent, I was lost.

    The only thing to do was go further in.

    Turning back now would place me in their hands. Knowing Batman, he was going to track me down soon without me actively trying to fuck myself over.

    "This won''t do...I need to get far away from here. Maybe even the city."

    I muttered to myself.

    Judging by my position at the intersection, it would be better to follow the direction of the sewer flow.

    The sewage would most likely lead to a drainage and I could use that to leave the tunnel systems.

    Ok. I dipped a finger into the murk.

    I was taking the left then.

    My feet barely made a sound as I kept on walking, rats and other manner of rodents scurrying under me.

    My eyes had also adjusted a little and I was able to avoid tripping on the wet pavement filled with garbage and other waste I didn''t want to think about.

    Jeez, this was almost bad as a storm out at sea. Almost, because nothing beat that. The raging water, the heavy winds, the rumbling sky...it was..

    Wait.

    I just heard something.

    I stopped in place, listening keenly.

    Yeah...the roar of water reached my ears. That must be the drainage. I hurried up, following the sound as a blue light begun pulsing to my front.

    The light illuminated the surroundings enough that I found myself in a wide cavern.

    It was a massive waterfall of sewage, going down into the dark depths, farther than the eye could see.

    Fortunately, a long rusted ladder was also bolted onto the wall, providing a way up and out of the tunnels.

    The light seemed to come from something on the ceiling. A bulb? No, it was some sort of...rock crystal?

    Could that be what had caused the collapse of the street behind me? There was no way to know. And I wasn''t going to stick around and find out.

    I readied myself. The Ladder was directly before me, just over the wide hole where the water flowed out of sight.

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    I could make the jump. The distance was only a few meters. Gotta be careful though, missing the ladder was a death sentence. I had no idea how deep the drainage was.

    I tried to pull on the elusive power within me for assistance. But even after an hour of interacting with it, I was yet to see any success.

    "Fuck it."

    I backed away, got into a running stance and then took off! The burst of speed was actually surprising. I wasn''t weak by any means. And in highschool I had ran track. But this...this was something else.

    My body was different in a fundamental level.

    I was going to make it. I reached the edge and then-

    "Oof!"

    Breath escaped me.

    Something rough had grabbed me by the back of my neck. A hand. It''s texture scaly and hard.

    "Where the fuck do you think you going?!"

    A loud roar reached my ears, blowing my hair to the front of my face. Hot breath landed on my neck.

    I couldn''t even turn around to see what it was due to the vice grip it had on me.

    Oh yeah...I just remembered something.

    One of Batman''s rogue gallery made the sewers his home.

    I was roughly pulled and unceremoniously thrown back the way I came.

    My body slammed into the sewage, the dirty water almost filling my mouth if it wasn''t for my timely intervention.

    Breaking through the surface of the murk, I was angry for the first time since getting here.

    I coughed, pulling myself to the edge. My shorts were wet and so was my shirt. The rain coat had weighed me down so I had lose it. And the other slipper was gone as well.

    Steps sounded out behind me, just as I got to my feet.

    I spun around and immediately ducked a long scaly claw that landed onto the wall behind, tearing through the concrete and throwing up dust and pieces of shrapnel.

    Before I could roll away like I had intended, my chest was caught in between the wall and a large arm.

    "Cough!"

    Breath left my lungs at the blow.

    Inhaling heavily, I finally looked up at what or who was attacking me.

    Killer Croc''s face appeared before me. His mouth opened, revealing long sharp teeth that gleamed even in the darkness.

    Then he roared, his bad breath blowing right into my face. Spit landed on my cheeks as I closed my eyes, turning my face to the side.

    "You Joker goons shouldn''t have come here!! What the fuck are those crystals?!! You destroyed my home!"

    His deep voice rumbled out, beady red eyes scrunched up in fury.

    His face was pretty expressive for a reptile.

    "You must have me mistaken bro. I don''t know what you''re talking about."

    I answered, feeling the pressure on my chest intensify as the fucker pressed me onto the wall even more.

    "You''re lying!!"

    He shot back.

    Fuck, I might lose a rib if I don''t do something.

    "Is- is this how you treat your guests, Waylon?"

    Calling his name made him pause.

    "How do you know that name? Huh? How do you know me? You know what? It doesn''t matter. That crazy clown put you up to this, didn''t he? What does he want with me?! I told them all to leave me alone!"

    Killer Croc opened his large mouth, revealing the sharp teeth once more.

    "Guess I''ll have to send a more convincing argument. What do you say, your head?"

    Oh shit. That plan had back fired miserably.

    Batman you asshole, if you followed me down here, now''s the time to intervene before I-

    "Aarrghhh!!!"

    I couldn''t hold in the howl of pain as Killer Croc''s teeth sank into my shoulder.

    He was a cannibal right?

    Dammit, I could die here. My vision swam as the teeth sank in deeper. Fuck this, I turned within myself, pulling on that same strange power within me.

    This time, it surged forth eagerly. As if having a target to be used on was a prerequisite, a requirement.

    A green slimy light escaped my palm landing on Killer Croc''s neck.

    However instead of decapitating him or blasting him back or anything just as violent as what he''d done to me,

    Killer Croc stumbled back, the green energy creating a jell like collar around his neck.

    "What...?"

    He muttered, reaching up and trying to pull the collar off.

    And suddenly I was flooded with a strange awareness. I knew what his body could do. How much he could lift, his jaw strength, the durability of his scales and the potential I could unearth out of him.

    I sank to my knees, hit by a sudden bout of weakness. Blood poured down my shoulder in rivulets and my breath came out harshly.

    That said, nothing could hide the smirk of success on my face. Why? Because I''d figured what power this was.

    I now knew what I could do. I could control people. Killer Croc''s entire body was under my control. All because of the green jelly like collar around his neck.

    Something that no matter what he did would never be taken off unless I was killed or decided to take it off myself.

    It was the power of the...Pet Pet Fruit.

    I just...knew I was right. This particular Paramecia devil fruit was eaten by a guy called Breed in a popular anime in my world.

    One piece.

    And it was strong enough to control even the body of the main character who had an ability called Conquerers Haki, something that could dominate the will of others.

    And now the power was mine.

    "What is this??!"

    Killer Croc demanded, trying to tear off the collar with his brute strength.

    Veins surged out across his skin. But no matter how much power he applied...he couldn''t get it off.

    I couldn''t help it, a few chuckles escaped me as I slid down the wall, applying pressure onto my bleeding shoulder.

    Red eyes glared my way.

    "You."

    The mutated human said, stomping my way, sharp claws gleaming dangerously.

    "What did you do to me? What is this thing on my neck? Get it off or-"

    "Shut it."

    I ordered, enjoying the expression on his face as he found himself clamping his mouth shut.

    "Jump."

    I gave another order.

    Killer croc complied, jumping up and almost reaching the ceiling.

    "Jump again, but this time land in a superhero stance."

    He jumped and executed it perfectly.

    "Do a moonwalk."

    He pulled off a smooth moonwalk that would have put Michael Jackson to shame. Big guy had moves.

    But big guy had also injured me badly. With a sadistic grin, I decided on a little revenge.

    "Dunk your face into the sewage."

    Waylon''s face was fuming as he did so, sinking to his knees, helpless to refuse my orders.

    He dunked his face into the water, staying there for as long as I deemed it necessary.

    I got to my feet unsteadily, feeling the blood loss and hunger take effect.

    "Get up."

    I commanded after a few seconds and Killer Croc raised his face out of the water.

    The defiance in his gaze said everything I needed to know.

    If he ever got free...I was finished. Emphasis on the word ''if.''

    I needed to get out of here, and because I couldn''t climb the ladder in my current situation, that only left one option.

    I cleared my throat.

    "You will not directly, or indirectly ever seek to do me harm. You will not betray me. You will hide away all details about my abilities. You will tell me all relevant information and actively seek to protect me from any threats, whether I see them coming or not. Basically,"

    I smiled, adding,

    "You will dedicate your entire life to me. I know I cannot control your mind...(yet) or your consciousness, so I won''t try. Follow my orders and I''ll be good to you. Disobey and dunking your face into shit filled water will be the least of your worries. Nod if you understand."

    His entire body was trembling in rage. Our eyes clashing in mid air. Schadenfreude in mine and hatred in his.

    Then, tentatively...he nodded his head.

    A wide smile split across my face.

    "Good. Now Carry me out of this place to somewhere safe. Clean my wounds and get me some food...pet."

    I gave one final order, struggling to stay awake.

    If I passed out, I was as good as dead.

    That was one of the lesser known weaknesses of Paramecia devil fruits.

    Most would lose effect once the user was knocked unconscious. I didn''t know if the same applied to the Pet Pet Fruit and I didn''t want to find out.

 Chapter 4: Dr. Leslie Thompkins.

    (General P.O.V)

    Heavy rain was already pouring by the time Dr. Leslie was done with the last of the patients.

    By then it was already 8 p.m.

    There were a few who would have to stay the night before she determined whether to release them or not.

    The alternative being to refer the ones in critical condition to Wayne Hospital for more medical care.

    Unfortunately, hers was just a small Clinic.

    Not to mention one in the worst part of the city, East End.

    Despite being a master healer in every sense of the word, there wasn''t a whole lot she could do with the equipment she had here.

    Not when Gotham was a cell pool of human degeneracy who wouldn''t hesitate to steal anything valuable.

    What she did was already considered a miracle. Especially with the kind of injuries and health issues some people came in with.

    Goons and henchmen, gang members, homeless folks or even Gothamites who couldn''t afford better health treatment.

    Dr.Leslie</a> would treat them all, saving most of their lives in the process. Those who paid were welcome. Those who couldn''t afford it were also welcome.

    ******

    A small screen at the corner of her office was playing the evening news.

    "...and in a shocking twist of events, Metropolis own Billionaire Lex Luthor, is running for president. Luthor..."

    "Bang! bang!"

    The news was interrupted by a loud knock.

    Someone was at the backdoor.

    Dr.Leslie</a> looked up from where she was going through medical reports, removing her glasses and wiping them on her black dress..

    "What is it now?"

    The white haired 50 year old woman grumbled, getting up from her seat.

    Her steps made little noise as she left her office, closing the door behind her.

    "Lena?"

    She called out to her assistant, "Man the counter. I might be busy in a second."

    Dr.Leslie</a> instructed, rinsing her hands in the sink before wearing her doctor''s coat.

    "Okay Dr.Leslie</a>."

    Lena, a brown skinned young woman answered from the front of the clinic.

    Another loud and impatient knock sounded out.

    "So impatient."

    Dr.Leslie</a> shook her head, her bob of white hair following the motion.

    "I said I''m coming."

    She cleared the distance to the back exit and without even checking to see who it was, she opened the door.

    A cold breeze buffeted her, ruffling her clothes and hair just as a lightning strike from the sky illuminated the large figure infront of her.

    Green scales, a face only a mother could love and hard yellow eyes devoid of any traces of kindness met her own.

    Killer Croc. But to her he was,

    "Waylon."

    Dr.Leslie</a> muttered, a little surprised to see the usually elusive reptilian man before her.

    While Killer Croc was one of Batman''s most dangerous foes, what most didn''t know was that Waylon wanted to be left alone.

    Any shenanigans he was caught up in was either because someone else, usually one of the other Rogue''s gallery, had pulled him in or he had no choice.

    "Dr.Leslie</a>... I need your help. I hope it''s not a bad time."

    Killer Croc said, his deep voice rumbling softly.

    Raindrops pelted his body. The dark trench coat he wore was soaked in and so were the rest of his clothes.

    ''He must have walked here while it was still raining,'' she suspected.

    Dr.Leslie</a> was universally loved and accepted. Even Killer Croc had been on the receiving end of her kindness and care.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    "No, it''s not."

    The doctor replied with a small smile.

    "I was just about to have dinner. Care to join me?"

    "Food? That sounds so good. I could eat an entire whale."

    A different voice stated. Male.

    And it came from Croc''s back.

    Following that, was a stomach rumble that wouldn''t be out of place in a cartoon.

    That''s when Dr.Leslie</a> noticed the figure Waylon was carrying over his shoulder. A human bundle.

    She also noticed the suspicious green jelly-like collar on Killer Croc''s neck.

    Now, Dr.Leslie</a> was anything but dumb. She had lived in Gotham for many years. She had a sense for these things.

    Something was off. But despite that, she was also not someone prone to jumping to conclusions.

    "Who''s your friend?"

    She inquired from Killer Croc, studying the Mutated former Soldier''s expression.

    A look of rage flashed across Croc''s face before it was quickly gone.

    Immediately, Dr.Leslie</a> was put on high alert. She narrowed her eyes. Something was definitely up.

    Before Croc could answer, the stranger took the initiative, patting Croc on the shoulder.

    "Let me down, you big oaf. We''ve already arrived and contrary to what you might think... your back ain''t comfortable."

    Croc complied while grinding his teeth.

    He lowered his body slightly so that the stranger landed unsteadily on the ground. Their feet barely managing to keep them upright.

    A groan escaped them.

    The doctor took that opportunity to study the stranger.

    A boy?

    Dressed in a stained blue t-shirt and similarly dirty shorts, his physique and face could only belong to a teenager.

    Maybe 17 or 18. Not more than 19.

    Although he was tall for his age. And lean muscled too.

    So, not someone new to physical activities.

    He was also breathing harshly and seemed to be favoring his left shoulder, holding the right as if in pain.

    ''He''s injured.''

    Dr.Leslie</a> observed.

    The boy walked forward, approaching her while doing his best not to sway on his feet.

    The flickering light above the back door illuminated more of his features.

    Brown skinned, black hair... Latino descent. But it was his eyes that gave her pause.

    Dr.Leslie</a> found herself unknowingly backing up a step. Those eyes were colder than ice. Even as he smiled genially at her.

    The smile did not reach his eyes. It was the fakest thing she had ever seen.

    "Sorry for the intrusion Doctor."

    His voice was steady.

    "But Croc here said you were the only one in Gotham who could treat me without asking a bunch of questions."

    The boy said, thrusting out a bloody hand for her to shake.

    ''Doesn''t he notice the blood on his palm?''

    The doctor thought in surprise.

    ''Or maybe he does but just doesn''t care.''

    "The name''s Holl."

    The boy introduced himself.

    Dr.Leslie</a> swallowed, a resolute look appearing on her face.

    "Yes. I can treat you. But you will have to answer a few of my questions first."

    She gave an ultimatum.

    Holl stared at her for a few more seconds. Then he dropped his hand, losing the smile on his face.

    He turned to Killer Croc.

    "I thought you told me she wouldn''t be a nuisance?"

    Croc said nothing, the only reaction he gave was the slight trembling of his body.

    He couldn''t met Dr.Leslie</a>''s gaze, instead opting to look away.

    The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife.

    Dr.Leslie</a> secretly reached into her doctor''s coat, palming a small buzzer like device.

    All she had to do was press it and then-

    "Oh well."

    Holl gave a one shouldered shrug.

    A green jello shot out of his hand hand, landing on Dr.Leslie</a>''s neck before she could react and press the buzzer.

    "Freeze."

    Holl said with a sigh. Dr.Leslie</a> found her body movements locked in place.

    On her neck was the same jelly like collar that Killer Croc had.

    "I don''t have time for this."

    Holl said, stopping right before her immobilized form.

    This close and her nose prickled at the stench of rotten garbage and sewer water coming off him.

    Icy eyes met her own.

    "Treat my injuries and I''ll be out of you hair okay? I promise to be on my best behavior."

    Dr.Leslie</a> found herself nodding without wanting to. She tried to say something but her jaw was clamped shut, her voice locked in her throat.

    So she settled for a hateful glare.

    Holl''s smile increased at the expression.

    "And before you think of sabotaging my treatment, remember the Hippocratic oath, Doctor."

    He leaned in close to her ear, voice hardening.

    "But most importantly, remember who''s in control. With that collar own, you''re mine to command. I can make you slit your own throat. Understand?"

    Her eyes widened. Then she jerked her head in a nod.

    "Good."

    Holl said,

    "Now lead the way Doctor."

    Turning on her heel, Doctor Leslie did as she was told.

    "Guard the door." Holl instructed his first pet, while staring at the Doctor''s retreating back.

    "If anything suspicious happens, get me and let''s bail."

    The teen stepped through the door, closing the door behind him with a click.

    (Bat-cave)

    Robin''s fingers flew across the console.

    He was pouring through the city''s surveillance system, trying to track down the bastard who had put Barbs in the hospital.

    He couldn''t let him get away with it. Barbara had already suffered enough.

    "You haven''t taken a break since we came from patrol."

    A voice reached his ears from behind.

    Stephanie. Otherwise known as Spoiler, also his girlfriend.

    "Yeah? So, Neither as Batman. He''s out there looking for the Joker and his goons. Someone needs to find this guy."

    Tim Drake, Batman''s third Robin told her.

    He out of all his other Proteges had a knack for detective work. In that field he was Batman''s best student.

    Spoiler sighed, removing the hood of her costume to reveal a gorgeous face with blue eyes, full lips and a sharp chin. Strands of blonde hair fell across her face.

    She walked forward and wrapped her hands around Tim.

    "I know."

    She said, softly Kissing him on the neck.

    "And if there''s anyone who can find him, it''s you. I''m here if you need any help."

    Tim went bright red as a tomato.

    "Ah...thanks Steph."

    Spoiler giggled at how flustered he got.

    "Actually, there is something..."

    Robin cleared his throat, getting back to work.

    He pointed at a section on the map of Gotham displayed on the Batcomputer.

    "This section of East End... doesn''t have street cameras. But I can triangulate the surveillance footage on the outskirts and create a sort of net our target cannot escape from. We will find him if he''s there."

    "Okay. What do you need me to do?"

    Stephanie agreed.

    "I believe he must have escaped through the tunnels during the commotion. I need you to check out a few places he might be hiding. There''s a few abandoned buildings across Alleytown and Crime Alley. He couldn''t have gotten far. Not after taking an explosion like that."

    Stephanie nodded with determination, pulling her hood up.

    "I''ll use my bike. Gimme 5 minutes and I''ll be on the scene."

    "Steph, wait up."

    Tim called after her.

    "Take Cassie with you. She''s been cooped up in the mansion for too long."

    Stephanie frowned.

    "You think Bruce will be fine with that?"

    Tim nodded.

    "Yeah, Dick talked to him. He''s fine as long as one of us is with her. Oh and be careful,"

    He added in a serious tone.

    "This guy...I have a feeling he''s not like the rest."

    Spoiler smiled underneath her face mask.

    "Don''t worry, between Cassie and I, there''s nothing we can''t handle."

 Chapter 5: Strong Body part 1.

    (Holl''s P.O.V)

    My gaze swept around curiously as I followed Dr.Leslie</a> through the hall and into the medical examination room.

    "I can''t help but notice the paint on the walls is peeling off."

    I spoke, sparking a conversation.

    She threw me a weird look over her shoulder.

    "I could re-do it in an hour, say for about 100 dollars? Assuming you pay for the paint and supplies."

    I offered. I needed to find a way to make money for my expenses. This was a new world after all.

    And although I hated my father, I had learned the value of work from a young age.

    The stern woman frowned at me as if I was devoid of common sense.

    Then without saying a word, she proceeded through the door infront of us, leaving me alone in the hallway.

    "Your loss."

    I shrugged at her back, then immediately winced as the injury on my shoulder flared up.

    Frowning down at the wound, I pushed through the door.

    The first thing that stood out to me, was how clean the room on the other side was.

    The walls were painted a light blue and with the warm lighting on the ceiling, compounded to make the room comfortable and welcoming.

    Dr.Leslie</a> pointed to a small compartment at the end of the room.

    "You can wash your hands and face in the sink inside. Leave your bloody clothes in there as well, there''s a patient''s gown you can wear."

    I looked down at myself, the clothes I was wearing were soaked with sewer water and blood.

    The message was clear, ''I don''t want you ruining my clinic with your grime.''

    Without a word, I complied, walking inside the compartment and pulling the curtain behind me.

    Within it was a generic mirror, a small shower space, a toilet and a sink.

    One look at the mirror and I couldn''t recognize myself.

    It was essentially still me but...for starters I was a little bit taller.

    My peak height had been 6''1, which was kinda tall for an 18 year old but now I was more like 6''3. Almost as tall as my mom had been.

    And my face...

    I grabbed a nearby towel and dunked it under the sink until it was soaked. Then I used my uninjured hand to gently wipe away the grime and dirt covering my skin.

    Okay. That''s not normal.

    I went from a decent 5 to a 8. And the reason why it wasn''t more was due to the scar above my left brow. A scar I''d gotten from tugging on the sails of our boat too fast.

    A sudden breeze had pushed the Boom my way, leading to a whack on my forehead that had resulted in furious bleeding and more than a few stitches.

    But now, the scar was hardly noticeable. The wild mane of hair on my forehead also served to cover it up.

    Below the hair, were my brown eyes. Usually dull, they now shone with a strange light. Flecks of green light seemed to sparkle from within.

    The full extent of my change became even more apparent on my jawline; shifting cords of muscles that led to a sharp chin.

    It''s like coming to this world had dialled up my attractiveness. Not bad...

    Inspection of my face done, I turned to the injury on my shoulder. Removing the shirt was a bit tricky as it was stuck to the caked blood around the wound.

    I winced a little as it came off, landing on the clean linoleum floor with a wet splat.

    Unexpectedly, the injury wasn''t bleeding as much anymore.

    I ran a hand over it, realizing the pain wasn''t as bad as before either.

    Infact, it seemed to have...scabbed over a little. The flesh was still raw and very red but...I felt as if I could move my hand again.

    My reflection blinked at me.

    I was more attractive and could heal faster?

    How strange...

    (General P.O.V)

    (A few Blocks from Dr.Leslie</a>''s clinic.)

    "Anything?"

    Robin''s voice came through the comms.

    "For the millionth time, no. I''ll call you if we find something."

    Spoiler replied, annoyed.

    "Okay okay, don''t be mad."

    Tim soothed.

    Spoiler shook her head while smiling under her mask. This dummy.

    "I''m not mad. Just...Cassie is on the rooftops and I''m following her through the street on my bike. If we see something suspicious, you''ll be the first to know."

    "Alright."

    Tim sighed over the transmission.

    "Just be careful, East End is not the safest of places."

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    "You don''t have to tell me that."

    She cut the call, rolling her eyes at his slightly overbearing attitude.

    Revving the engine, Spoiler pulled out of the Alley she had briefly stopped in.

    She lowered the visor of her helmet before cutting down the street, a shadow following her closely on the rooftops of the buildings around her.

    (A few minutes later)

    Spoiler was munching on a cheeseburger in frustration, her feet dangling over the edge of a rooftop.

    "I just don''t get it."

    She mumbled with her mouth full.

    "I know he''s worked up over this whole Barbara thing but...does he have to be so bossy?"

    The blonde girl complained to her friend.

    Cassandra Cain or Cassie to her friends nibbled on her food without saying a word.

    Not that it stopped Spoiler from rambling on.

    Gotham in the night was different from the day. The city lights served to give the usually dark and moody atmosphere a touch of beauty.

    A low mist hang close to the ground with a chilly wind sweeping through the air, carrying with it the smell of rain.

    The two had scoured the entirety of Crime Alley but had come up with nothing. So Spoiler had suggested they take a break.

    They grabbed a few snacks and were enjoying the view before them, until the earpiece on her ear buzzed.

    She clicked on it immediately.

    "Yeah?"

    Tim''s voice came through, hurried.

    "Something happened with the Joker. He''s planted explosives not only through the tunnels but under Gotham Stadium too. Batman needs all hands on deck, so I''m going."

    He urgently informed her.

    Spoiler was immediately on her feet.

    "Oh no, there''s a game tonight, right?"

    "Yeah. "

    Robin replied grimly,

    "Look, you''re on Cassie duty. Stay safe and I''ll talk to you later."

    He added before the comms went silent.

    Spoiler sighed, staring at the direction of the Stadium. She wished she was there...helping.

    She wanted some action after the unsuccessful search.

    Maybe Robin was wrong and the guy they were after was already gone. Maybe she was wasting her time here when she could be saving lives.

    ''No. I am helping...''

    She thought to herself, shaking her head to remind herself that hanging out with Cassie was just as important.

    Cassie needed their focus and attention due to her condition.

    She was getting better at understanding people but it was a slow going process. She would revert to thinking like an assassin because that''s all she''d been taught.

    Her father''s training had really messed her up. And if there was anyone who could understand having a bad guy for family, it was Spoiler herself.

    Her father was after all the villain Clue Master, the main inspiration to her becoming a hero.

    She had started off wanting to ''Spoil'' his evil plans and now, 1 year later she was more. A hero.

    And heroes are supposed to be there for their friends.

    Spoiler turned to face her friend with a wide smile.

    "Guess it''s just us two. No annoying boyfriend telling us what to do or where to go."

    Cassie cocked her head in confusion. She blinked, trying to read the other girl''s intentions.

    Her shoulders were pulled back, exposing her torso for lethal strikes. Her legs were close together, meaning her footing could be destabilized quickly.

    And her body was unguarded. Cassie tagged 18 places she could strike that would kill the more exuberant girl.

    But she wasn''t going to. Because Stephanie was a...friend?

    Heedless to her thought process, Spoiler slung an arm over Cassie''s shoulder. The latter tensed upon the contact.

    "And it just so happens that I have an idea."

    Spoiler said,

    "There''s a friend of the family who lives here, maybe we should stop by and say hi."

    (Holl''s P.O.V)

    The sting of antiseptic on my injury had me clenching my jaws together.

    Dr.Leslie</a> wasn''t rough by any means, (she couldn''t be even if she wanted) but the burn was nothing to scoff at.

    She slapped my chest lightly.

    "Stop hunching your back."

    I complied, suspecting she was taking out her frustration at being enslaved on me.

    She grabbed a few surgical equipment on the tray next to the bed I was seated on and then begun the meticulous work of stitching me up.

    "How strange, the wound seems to have already begun healing by itself."

    Dr.Leslie</a> said, staring at me in question.

    "Beats me...maybe Croc''s teeth didn''t sink in too deep."

    There was no way I was going to reveal to anyone the rest of my powers. Especially her. She wouldn''t hesitate telling Batman everything about me.

    Let them think the only thing I could do was enslave people.

    "I wonder how that happened in the first place. While Waylon has... violent tendencies, they''re usually reserved for those who get on his bad side."

    She commented.

    "Guess I was unlucky then."

    I answered.

    I winced as she sank the needle a bit too deep. I narrowed my eyes at her. Yeah, she was doing it on purpose.

    "Do you always deflect?"

    Dr.Leslie</a> inquired.

    "No. I just don''t like it when people butt in on my business."

    I told her, grabbing her wrist.

    "Be careful with your hands Doctor. I''m a patient not a doll."

    Our sights clashed in mid-air. She tugged her hand away and I let her go.

    "And I''m a person. Not a slave."

    The doctor added.

    Touche''.

    With that she continued stitching me up without a word. Once she was done, she wrapped a clean bandage over the injury.

    My stomach decided to loudly proclaim it''s desire for sustenance. Dr.Leslie</a> pretended she hadn''t heard it.

    Bless your heart lady.

    But I need food.

    "Get me something to eat."

    I ordered through the Pet Pet collar, not really in the mood for the whole polite thing.

    I felt as if I was being devoured from the inside by my hunger.

    This had to be the side effect of my enhanced healing. It made sense that I would need food to support that bodily function.

    Dr.Leslie</a> said nothing, except for the slight thinning of her lips. Not that I cared. After everything that had happened, no goodwill was lost between us.

    "Don''t put anything in the food."

    I commanded, before she could exit through the door. I didn''t trust her. How could I when I literally had her as my slave?

    "And also, do not inform anyone from the Bat-family or the GCPD that a certain someone stopped by your clinic. You don''t want this place becoming a battleground, do you?"

    I questioned.

    She jerked her head in a nod and left the room.

    ''Good, I now have some time to myself. Maybe I can figure out what''s with this ability...''

    I thought, pulling on the green energy roiling within me.

    ******

    A few minutes later, someone else entered the examination room, a tray in her hands.

    I hadn''t learned much about my Devil Fruit powers during that brief respite, but I had a few ideas on the limits of what I could do.

    The new arrival was a girl a few years older than I was. She had black hair and round glasses over a heart shaped face.

    Cute.

    Especially when she blushed red upon noticing I was shirtless.

    "Oh I''m sorry, Dr.Leslie</a> didn''t inform me you were half naked."

    She said in a flustered tone.

    "You work in a clinic, I''m sure it''s not your first time seeing someone without their clothes on."

    I responded, hopping off the bed and grabbing the tray from her hands.

    I couldn''t wait any longer, I was too hungry.

    Spaghetti and meatballs? Oh hell yeah. Without another second wasted, I dug in, shoving the fork with a meatball at the end in my mouth, basically inhaling the food.

    It was hot and delicious. More like a home cooked meal than anything.

    2 minutes later, the plate was licked clean and empty.

    "Here."

    The girl, who I had forgotten was even in the room offered me a glass of water. I gulped it down before handing over the empty glass.

    "That was the best meal I''ve ever had."

    I sighed in delight, falling onto the bed with my belly jutting out slightly.

    I felt like myself again.

    The girl giggled.

    "Thanks. I love cooking. Especially for the patients who stop by at the clinic. They say it reminds them of a home cooked meal."

    I looked up at her.

    "Thanks."

    "Don''t mention it."

    She replied.

    That food was so good...I felt like sleeping. My entire body buzzed slightly, my eyelids growing heavy.

    "You know... working at a place like this, things are rarely safe." She started.

    "The clinic has been attacked more times than we could count. We live in Gotham after all. And Crime Alley is just the worst. But we always pull through..."

    She spoke up, her tone undergoing a change.

    I feel so heavy.

    Too heavy infact.

    My fingers gripped the sheet under me as I tried to push myself up.

    A pair of hands landed on my shoulder, shoving me back onto the bed.

    I followed the hands and the girl...she had a strange expression on her face.

    "You think we would be scared of you? We have faced supervillains before. You''re not the first asshole to take advantage..."

    My vision was getting blurry.

    What did they do?

    Did they drug the food? No, impossible. My orders through the slave collar were absolute.

    Then how?

    Wait, Dr.Leslie</a>. She must have applied an anaesthetic when she was stitching me up.

    Fuck. I''m about to pass out.

    If that happens, Croc will waste no time in coming in to kill me.

    That was the main weakness of Paramecias. Once the devil fruit user goes unconscious, the effects of their devil fruit disappear.

 Chapter 6: Strong Body part 2.

    (Holl''s P.O.V)

    My head was spinning.

    That bitch...she must have applied something to the tools she used to stitch up my injury.

    "You brought this on yourself."

    The girl told me smugly.

    Heh, I sure did. No lie there.

    "The anaesthetic will wear out in a few hours. But by then...you will be in jail."

    She continued.

    Her voice, it was so annoying.

    I swiped out blindly, almost connecting with and clipping her on the face. She staggered fearfully, knocking down the tray of surgical tools next to the bed.

    The tools made a noise as they clattered to the floor.

    I missed.

    My jaw clenched in anger. Anger at myself. I should have tightened the restrictions on Dr.Leslie</a>. I wouldn''t have been in this state if I had.

    The orders I gave were not to harm me. But, as a doctor...she could simply bypass that order by believing that me being unconscious would allow my body to rest and heal up more efficiently.

    In other words she could trick herself into drugging me and handing me over to the cops.

    I think we established why that was a no go.

    Lesson learned.

    The commands I give are not all encompassing. The fruit was not all powerful. It had loop holes someone could exploit.

    Well then, I''ll just have to fix those inherent weaknesses and then we''ll see who can stand up to me.

    But first, I had to solve the more immediate problem in my hands. I was passing out. Standing on my feet was a nasty chore.

    My knees were already locking up. And my muscles...

    Oh shit. If I do pass out, I''m fucked. Croc wouldn''t hesitate coming after me.

    I can''t let that happen.

    I needed to get out of here, or prevent myself from passing out.

    "There''s- there''s no use fighting it."

    The girl said in a wavering voice. She sounded so far away now.

    I jerked my head towards her direction, my eyes promising payback once I made it out of here.

    Because I was going to make it out.

    I raised a hand, aiming for the Girl''s neck. All I had to do was enslave her my Pet Pet Fruit. A few commands and I could be out of this mess.

    My hands trembled and like a noodle they lost strength, limply falling out from beneath me. I lost feeling in my fingers.

    The girl rose to her feet unsteadily,

    "Dr. Leslie- She gave you enough of a dosage to take out a fully grown man. Just- just sleep!"

    Fully grown man, huh? I wasn''t quite there yet. But, maybe with my stronger body, I could fight this.

    Okay, what are my options.

    I can''t move. My limbs are as heavy as lead.

    I could still activate my powers but that wasn''t going to help if I couldn''t aim my hand to unleash their effects.

    And they also weren''t going to last forever. Not when the darkness was creeping in at the edges of my vision.

    I had to do something now. before-

    The worst case scenario happened.

    Crash! Boom!

    Then,

    "Lena, run!!!"

    Dr. Leslie screamed in terror from the other side of the door.

    A second later the entire entrance was blown apart by an enraged Killer Croc, murder in his eyes.

    Plaster and wooden chips flew out into the room.

    Croc landed on the floor next to the girl who was screaming her ass off upon seeing him.

    His chest rumbled, a growl escaping his wide jaw, filled with sharp teeth.

    His target?

    Me.

    And the Pet pet slave band on his neck was gone. Meaning he wasn''t under my control anymore.

    Croc brought a hand to rub his neck.

    "Surprised to see me...hombre?"

    He asked with dark glee.

    Is it because I was Latino? That''s what the hombre joke was for. I''ll have to kick your ass for that.

    I looked within me, trying to reach out to my devil fruit power. Croc grabbed that opportunity to jump my way, grabbing me up by the limbs.

    "I know what you''re trying to do. And no way, am I letting you activate that fucked up ability."

    He chuckled with a crazed look.

    "There''s nowhere to escape kid. Now you''re mine!"

    He roared, letting my hands go, before slamming me by the neck onto the wall of the room.

    Air escaped my chest and I blanked out slightly.

    More pain brought me back, this time coming from my jaw and cheek. A tooth dislodged itself from my mouth owing to the back hand Croc delivered to my face.

    Fuck. He has me outmatched in all physical aspects. And I can''t use my pet pet abilities on him without aiming.

    "You need to concentrate to use your abilities, right?"

    He inquired, leaning into my ear.

    "All I have to do is keep disrupting that focus and there will be nothing you can do."

    "You turned me into a slave, boy. And now it''s time to pay."

    The wide jaws widened before clamping on my ear and promptly biting it off.

    Motherfucker!

    The flash of agony woke me up. I clenched my teeth so hard I thought they were going to break.

    The pain cut through the Anaesthetic, giving me clarity. One of my hands was free.

    Croc was holding onto the other while using his right hand to press my neck onto the wall behind.

    I quickly brought up the free hand.

    But instead of activating the Pet Pet slave band and using it on Croc, I touched my neck and applied the slave collar directly. On. Myself.

    "Huh?"

    Croc''s yellow eyes blinked as he noticed the emerald light glowing from my neck.

    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    I closed my eyes, feeling my connection with the slave band.

    In One Piece, the original wielder of the Pet Pet Fruit could use the Devil fruit''s ability on himself.

    By commanding his body to grow stronger in relation to his opponent, he was able to last a few seconds against the main character before being crushed.

    And the main character, Luffy was at the very least comparable to Superman. At least the new 52 version. Which still meant very powerful.

    By scaling the feats he performed and the villains he fought, I could assume Breed, the Original Wielder of the Pet Pet Fruit, could exert a lot of power. Something akin to Superhuman.

    I ignored the pain on the side of my head, where an ear was missing, and commanded my body.

    "Use the energy of the food I just ate to burn out the anaesthetic and fight against Killer Croc."

    The slave bad pulsed green before it completely turned scarlet.

    Waves of strength started pouring forth into me from somewhere.

    Croc managed to catch the tail end of the statement and predictably he didn''t react well.

    He pulled his hand back,

    "There ain''t gonna be a fight. I''ll tear you limb from limb!"

    The wall behind my head received a new decoration, a massive hole caused by his hand plunging right through the concrete.

    I grabbed his wrist, feeling a strange sense of strength surge through my muscles.

    Then I squeezed, shattering the bone and making him clench his teeth in pain.

    Crunch!

    He said nothing, only stepping back and lashing out with his good hand.

    I raised a hand but instead of blocking it myself, my hair which had somehow grown much longer, rose up in a shield of sorts around my body, blocking the attack.

    We stared at each other. Me, with a growing grin and him with growing anger.

    "There ain''t no way I''m letting you win."

    Croc pulled on the hand I was holding forcefully, tugging my body up, then he stepped in, lifted me and smashed me back first onto the ground.

    He raised his boot to stomp on my fallen form but I rolled away easily.

    My body sang with so much wonderful strength it was crazy. For starters where had the long ass hair come from? It reminded me of Jiraiya''s Needle Jizo.

    A jutsu the toad sage from Naruto could use, to send sharp strands of hair in the shape of needles at his enemies.

    A shadow appeared above me, the bed.

    Croc had it lifted with one hand, the other limp by his side. He brought the whole thing falling down on top of me.

    I hopped away, clearing a few meters and landing on the upper corner of the room, using my fingers to tear through the walls and hold myself in place.

    I was breathing a bit too fast. I was also sweating a lot.

    The bed made a loud sound as it smashed onto the floor.

    Croc sniffed before turning to where I was.

    "How long can you keep this up for? I heard the girl...you have been drugged. That''s why you lost control!"

    He grabbed the monitor and threw it my way. My hair rose up without my command and smacked it away.

    How curious. There was a lot more to this Devil Fruit that I had initially thought.

    On the matter of Croc, he was right.

    I couldn''t keep this up for long. But, I didn''t need to. Not anymore.

    My breathing evened out. I stopped sweating.

    I released my hold on the wall and landed on the floor.

    Finally...my body had finished flushing out the anaesthetic. I rolled my shoulders, hopping on my feet a little. I was back. Not to a hundred percent but...I was back.

    All the while Croc was staring at me strangely. He blinked at the collar on my neck.

    "I understand now. You used your ability on yourself. Smart but not smart enough, you should have ran away when you had the-"

    Bam!

    My punch smashed onto his face with impunity.

    "Shut up and fight me."

    I told him with a wide smile on my face.

    Man, punching him had felt therapeutic.

    The force from my punch was enough to lift his body up and smash him right through the entrance he had created earlier.

    I stretched my body, feeling the muscles of my hands and legs flex. Okay, lets break him apart.

    I lunged through the entrance and into the hallway.

    Croc met me in the air, jaws wide and ready to take a bite out of me. My hair folded around my form into a protective barrier.

    The impact produced a shockwave that rippled out through the hallway.

    His jaws clamped on my hair barrier but following instinct I hardened the individual strands into spikes that pierced into his mouth.

    Blood sprayed out of his mouth as he quickly created distance between us.

    My leg shot out before he could go anywhere, landing on his hasty hand block.

    The strength behind the blow was enough to push him into the air and he ended up smacking onto the ceiling.

    As he was falling, I slashed out with my own claw. The fingernails on both of my hands could also extend just like my hair. And they were very hard and sharp.

    I connected on the first strike, then my hands turned into a blur as I unleashed hundreds of slashes.

    The coat he was wearing was reduced to strips of fabric as my finger nails contended with the scales of his forearm.

    Sparks appeared at the point of contact and the pressure wave this time pushed the both of us back.

    Croc lowered his hands, breathing heavily. Blood was falling down his chin just like it was pouring down the side of my head.

    I could tell he was wary of me now. His bleeding forearms, courtesy of my nails were a testament of my lethal power.

    As if coming to a decision, he reached for his coat and removed it.

    "Only one of us will leave here alive."

    He stated, revealing his muscular bound physique.

    He was huge, with cords of muscles shifting powerfully under a thick layer of scales.

    I narrowed my eyes. I was still injured and the more time I spent here the likelier the cops would arrive. They weren''t the main problem.

    The Bat family and other do gooders were. I didn''t forget what I had done to Batgirl. I wonder if she survived?

    Still, this was a fight I couldn''t abandon. Croc dared attack me, I couldn''t forgive that. In this world, reputation was everything.

    "Fine. But don''t beg for mercy as I kill you."

    I finally responded, closing my hand into a fist.

    (General P.O.V)

    Spoiler spotted the smoke blocks away. Following the smoke was a loud explosion that could be heard for miles.

    Despite the commotion, this wasn''t a strange occurrence in Gotham. What stood out to her, was the direction the smoke was rising from.

    "It can''t be..."

    She gunned the motorcycle''s engine, accelerating further along the street.

    Bringing her fingers to her lips, she released a loud whistle that resonated sharply across the entire block. It was a call.

    Barely a few seconds later, a thump sounded out from the back of her bike. Cassie had arrived.

    Spoiler leaned into the handle, changing the gears and twisting the handle to ride even faster.

    "I don''t know what''s going on but there''s a fire infront us. I really hope it''s not coming from where I think it is..."

    She spoke, informing the ever silent girl.

    Upon reaching an intersection, Spoiler jerked the bike to the side.

    This was the street Dr.Leslie</a>''clinic was located on.

    Oh no.

    The entire front of the clinic was destroyed. Outside, on the sidewalk watching the burning building, was a black haired woman crying over a familiar form.

    Spoiler''s face was horrified as she jumped off the bike, running towards the pair.

    "Dr.Leslie</a>!!"

    "They just...started fighting and she got injured and she''s bleeding and oh my god there''s so much blood..."

    The girl, Lena if Spoiler remembered correctly, was frantically trying to stop the bleeding.

    "What happened? Who did this?!"

    Spoiler demanded, pressing on her comms to call for help.

    Lena shook her head, tears falling down her cheeks.

    "Him! The boy she tried to help. He''s fighting Wayl- Killer Croc inside the Clinic. I...barely got out of there with Dr.Leslie</a>."

    "911, what''s your emergency?"

    The Dispatcher''s voice came through the Earpiece on Spoiler.

    "We need paramedics and firefighters down in Crime Alley, East-End. A clinic is on fire, one person is gravely injured and there is a superhuman fight going on."

    Spoiler rattled off quickly.

    The Dispatcher took a few seconds to answer.

    "Got it. Miss I have to ask, are you safe?"

    "Yeah."

    Spoiler nodded.

    "I''m outside the clinic with the owner. She''s the one badly injured."

    The Dispatcher latched on to that.

    "What''s her condition? Is she breathing? And where is she bleeding from?"

    "There''s a nasty gash across her belly. I''m applying pressure on the wound." Lena answered while sniffling.

    Spoiler placed her wrist under Dr.Leslie</a>''s nose.

    "She''s breathing shallowly."

    "Okay. Paramedics are on the way. Keep her alive for as long as you can."

    The Dispatcher instructed.

    Spoiler cut the transmission, tapping on her earpiece to open up a different channel.

    "I just heard Dispatch. Are you and Cassie alright!?"

    Robin immediately asked.

    "Yeah. We are. But Dr.Leslie</a>''s clinic is on fire. And she''s hurt, badly."

    Spoiler told him.

    Robin went silent for a while. Spoiler could hear his harsh breathing. He must have been in a fight.

    "Sorry. Joker''s villain buddies got the drop on us. Dick and I just finished dealing with Clayface. About Dr.Leslie</a>...Im sorry Steph."

    Tim''s voice grew subdued at the end.

    "Spoiler, we heard something about a fight. Can you identify the ones involved."

    Nightwing inquired.

    "Killer Croc and an unknown Meta."

    Spoiler said, tapping the side of her visor to scan the clinic.

    Her vision changed to thermal imaging. In the high heat, the difference in temperature allowed her to see two figures engaged in battle.

    "They''re tearing up the inside of the clinic as we speak."

    She told them, tracking the two low heat signatures duking it out.

    "They''re still fighting huh?" Nightwing mused.

    "Okay, you and Cassie evacuate any civilians around. Keep your distance and wait for back up."

    "You can''t be serious!"

    Spoiler vehemently opposed. Cassie, standing next to her, gave a sharp nod of agreement.

    "You expect us to stay back and let the fight continue? The whole block could be gone by the time you guys get here!"

    "Exactly!"

    Tim interjected.

    "Going in alone will only get you killed faster. You and Cassie should-"

    Spoiler cut the call with a sigh.

    She closed her eyes, kneading her temples before a resolute look fell on her face.

    "The cops will be here any second. I can already hear the sirens."

    She said, addressing Lena

    "Stay here and keep an eye on the doctor."

    Lena nodded,

    "What about the two of you?"

    Cassie punched her fists together. Spoiler reached to her back and removed a collapsible Bo Staff.

    "Us? We''re going in to kick some-"

    The Store front''s metal frame exploded as something was thrown out through it.

    Croc''s body collided with Spoiler''s bike, throwing it up into the air to smash against the back mirror of a car parked on the sidewalk.

    "My bike!!"

    Spoiler shrieked.

    "Mmmmh!!"

    Cassie shook her by the shoulders to grab her attention.

    "My bike Cassie!!"

    Spoiler grabbed her head in disbelief.

    "Out of the way!"

    Killer Croc yelled, punching the ground under Cassie and Spoiler.

    Lena screamed out in fear, shielding Dr.Leslie</a>''s body with hers.

    Cassie, having already seen the attack coming, had pushed Spoiler away. Both girls rolled on the ground before coming up, ready to fight.

    But Croc ignored them, his gaze was on the clinic. Or rather, the figure that walked out of it in a slow gait.

    "What happened to tearing me limb from limb?"

    Holl asked, kicking away the half bent store door and slamming it onto the pavement.

    He walked through the fire, unharmed despite the huge mane of black hair swaying behind his back.

    Perhaps the thing that stood out the most was his body. It was gaunt and malnourished. As if he hadn''t eaten in weeks.

    Turns out this was the effect of using the Pet Pet Fruit on a body that although strong, wasn''t strong enough.

    To achieve the power Holl had needed to flush out the drugs and also fight Killer Croc, his body had pulled on all the body''s resources and energy.

    As a consequence, he now resembled a skeleton.

 Chapter 7: Blow For Blow! Holls Seimei Kikan!

    Chapter 7: Blow for Blow! Holl''s Seimei Kikan.

    (Holl''s P.O.V)

    I know what this is.

    The power in my limbs.

    The lengthening of my hair into an untamable mane behind me. My skinny hands with veins jutting out proudly across the skin.

    The reason why my nails look more like claws, the points ending in a thin edge, sharp and durable enough to shred metal apart.

    Seimei Kikan. Otherwise known as Life Return.

    The ability to manipulate your own body cells, resulting in healing injuries and enhancing physical abilities.

    I breathed in, careful not to take my mind off my must stronger opponent. Even in such a situation, my mind couldn''t help but latch onto what this new state could do.

    I could exert control over my hair. I could move individual strands if I wanted.

    And my nails- clutching my hands into fists made my palms bleed. The nails penetrated through the skin easily.

    With this ability, you could turn your own body into a living weapon.

    Now, while it sounds overpowered, it was pretty limiting in what you could do with it.

    Or rather, the only one to display the ability had only managed to control his hair and increase the rate of his digestion.

    Kumadori of Cp9.

    That wasn''t important thing.

    It was the implications of my body awakening this ability that stood out to me. The Pet Pet Fruit had elevated my strength to almost Killer Croc''s.

    No normal body could survive that kind of stress.

    It was biologically impossible. Yet here I was, looking like bootleg Jiraiya. Only where his hair was white, mine was black.

    I had a suspicion why the Pet Pet fruit had allowed me to awaken Seimei Kikan. And now my theory felt more justified.

    Somehow my biology had been changed. I now had a body similar to a person from One Piece. And if I was right, then armed with the Pet Pet Fruit and the various skills and abilities I could train to master...

    I could own this world.

    ******

    Flakes of white dried paint rained down on us in the hallway.

    Croc and I watched each other keenly. Him with his yellow eyes narrowed and me with a small smirk on my face.

    "I''ve gone up against Gods and Monsters. Survived bullets and explosions that could rip apart a whole building."

    He declared, spreading his hands out.

    "What do you hope to achieve when you look so malnourished? I bet a breeze could knock you over."

    Oh boy was he going to be surprised. My hands glowed green as I activated my pet pet fruit ability.

    Croc widened his eyes, grabbing a framed picture of Dr.Leslie</a> from the wall to block the slave band.

    A snicker left me. He had fallen for the ploy. I pushed off my feet, dashing forward at the fastest speed I could manage.

    My clawed hard pierced through the doctor''s smiling face on the picture, as it headed towards Croc''s neck.

    The mutate backed away quicker than I expected and something fast shot towards me from the left.

    His tail.

    He''s experienced.

    In comparison, I had only engaged in a few streets fights with the hoodlums back in my village. I wasn''t trained in martial arts or fighting.

    But I could scrap.

    Knowing I was too close to him to dodge the strike, I braced for impact and grabbed the tail.

    The strength in the muscles of his tail was incredible, enough to smash me to the walls.

    Breath left my lungs but I kept my grip on the tail, using my hair to cushion the impact from my back.

    He pulled back the limb and I went with the motion, pivoting with his momentum in the narrow hall and then heaving his entire body up by the tail.

    I released a roar the same instant I released him.

    Croc''s body sailed down the length of the hallway, his form blasting through the reception, smashing into the furniture and equipment.

    Papers flew everywhere, glass shattered, a pipe broke, starting to spray water all over the room, quickly spreading across the debris filled floor.

    Croc shook his head, unsteadily getting to his feet not even the least bit hurt, only disoriented.

    He snarled my way,

    "Not bad. But you will have to try harder than-"

    A massive explosion rippled out from the small kitchen adjacent to the reception area.

    I felt the surge of heat even before noticing the fire, and in quick thinking, rolled around the corner, using my hair to create a barrier around me.

    The heat wave passed and for a few seconds all I could hear over my own breathing was the roar of flames as everything begun to burn.

    Fortunately, I was unharmed.

    I stared around the corner, hoping to spot my opponent. He had been closer to the explosion than I had been. Which meant he was most likely hurt.

    Good. I could take advantage of this and put him down for good.

    Not sparing a single thought about the fact everything was on fire, I dashed down the hallway towards where Croc was.

    There.

    He was trying to get to his feet while coughing. But other than that, his scales had protected his body.

    Increasing my speed, I grabbed a chunk of the sink that had been torn off the wall by the explosion, spun and without a single warning, I planted the whole thing on Croc''s face.

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    The porcelain shattered, a few pieces bouncing off my skin but leaving red scratches behind.

    Surprisingly enough, Croc only stumbled a single step backwards.

    Those scales...I wonder if I could do something like that. Harden my skin so much that damage was reduced.

    I didn''t have scales but what I did have was a mane of wild hair, which I had only been using for defense like he did.

    But Seimei Kikan was meant for more than defense.

    Knowing that a normal attack wouldn''t cut it, I controlled the strands of my black hair, coiling them tightly around my hand.

    Then I pulled the hand back just as Croc was regaining his senses.

    Bam!

    My fist, covered in tough strands of hair, landed on his chest. To be precise, the solar plexus. Croc''s eyes widened as he was forced to take in a deep breath, breathing in the smoke around us.

    He fell to his knees but I was already moving. This time I wrapped the hair strands around my shin, and with all the power within my body, I kicked the bastard on his chest.

    His body shot out like a bullet, breaking through the glass door and leaving the metal frames bent. I heard him smack onto the pavement and crash through something.

    Someone on the outside yelled something about a bike.

    My hair retracted, hanging behind me loosely.

    I walked out with a serious expression on my face.

    "What happened to tearing me limb from limb?"

    Bastard had sounded so confident when he said it. He had actually thought he could kill me.

    I kicked the remains of the door away, tearing the hinges off. The cold night air buffeted me, slightly cooling my sweaty skin.

    I could hear sirens from afar coming our way. There were also onlookers but I paid them no mind. My attention was on the reptilian man struggling to get to his feet.

    "I''ve had so many chances to bring you back under my control Croc. Wonder why I haven''t?"

    I asked.

    My teeth showed, lips stretching out into a nasty smile. My friends always called me a maniac when I got like this. And all of them knew what would follow.

    You see, I always ensured to pay back any wrongs done to me.

    Ruthlessly.

    Tenfold.

    "It''s easy."

    I stopped a few feet away from him, my hands glowing green. Croc watched my hand warily, stepping back.

    "Consider your services terminated. I don''t need a pet like you that can''t learn tricks. I''m going to kill you Waylon. I''m going to kill and enjoy it."

    He gulped, most likely understanding how serious I was.

    A few small pellets fell on the ground between us, bursting into grey smoke that covered the surroundings.

    Fuck. What now?

    "Cassie let''s go."

    Someone whispered and before I knew it, a shadow jumped through the smoke. Following that, strong legs locked around my neck faster than I could react. Even in this state.

    Then the world turned on it''s head as I was flipped. I pulled my hair around me, protecting my head and shoulders, just before landing heavily on the sidewalk.

    I rolled with the momentum, already determining that the Bat family was on scene. It couldn''t be anyone else.

    I heard Croc roar through the smoke just as I got to my feet. The shadow jumped through the smoke once more. But this time I managed to capture its trajectory.

    Gripping the shaft of a street light beside me, I tried to pull it out and failed. So I flexed my nails, tearing through the metal. Then I grabbed it and swung the severed shaft like a bat.

    The shadow elegantly kicked off it, flipping in the air, over my body, then coming at me from my back. It''s steps were silent but the recent downpour gave it away. There were puddles of water everywhere.

    I strengthened my hair, making it as hard as I could.

    Still the kick that landed on the small of my back, pushed me to the front, and then something was ensnaring my feet, causing me to fall on my face.

    Ok. This is dumb.

    I slashed the ropes on my feet, standing up, my ears peeled to capture the shadow''s movement. She was too sneaky and small for me to properly see.

    Yes, I had already determined her gender but it mattered little. The second I got my hands on her, she was going to pay for kicking me.

    The dust was already settling, letting me see how far down the street we were. Croc seemed to be fighting with someone too.

    Another girl dressed in purple and wielding a Bo staff. My own attacker had seemingly disappeared into nothing.

    I turned my head around, covering 360 degrees.

    "No trace of her. She must have ran away."

    I laughed out loud, turning my attention to Croc and Bo Staff girl.

    Further down the street from them, a few blue and red lights appeared. The cops were here. I should escape. But not before taking out Croc.

    I bent down and dashed towards the two. Luckily he was occupied by who he was fighting. And damn she was skilled. Almost as skilled as my opponent.

    But for all her skills, all she could do was simply keep him occupied. I had no complaints with that. Infact, it was perfect. He had his back to me, presenting the perfect target.

    My fingers flexed, budging with veins as I wielded my palm into a knife shape.

    One thrust and I would pierce through his scales and tear apart his heart. The Bo Staff girl saw me advancing to them and immediately disengaged, saying something to Croc.

    He started turning around but it was too late. I had him.

    And then the shadow that had been running on the rooftop of the building next to the clinic, decided it was time to intervene.

    My hidden opponent jumped at me, from the corner of my eyes, finally revealing herself.

    Good. Just like I''d planned. She thought I hadn''t noticed her but I had, only choosing to act oblivious to catch her off guard.

    I halted, using the strong toenails on my feet to slow down my speed.

    With a smooth pivot, I changed my target, turning to face my swift opponent 2 seconds away from digging her knee into my face.

    She was younger than me. With black hair cut to her neck and had Asian features. At least her eyes were. She was wearing a half mask that covered her lower face.

    A green jelly like substance shot out of my hands.

    The pet pet fruit slave band coiled around her neck. And just like that, I had a pet.

    "No!!!"

    The other girl screamed.

    My opponent landed on the ground next to me, splashing the water from a small puddle.

    She stared at the slave band curiously. Trying to get it off but failing.

    "You''re mine to control now...pet."

    I informed her of her new fate. It was only fitting that-

    Whoosh!

    The sole of her foot passed inches infront of my face. I had only dodged that through luck. She was very swift. And flexible as well.

    Controlling her body through her hands, she twisted her hips to deliver a multitude of fast kicks at my face.

    I jumped back a few feet, escaping her barrage.

    "Stop!"

    I ordered but nothing worked, she pushed of her hands, transitioning into a cartwheel while approaching me.

    My hair flared up, covering my thin form like a turtle''s shell, receiving the double heel kicks easily.

    The strands creeped over her kegs before she could jump away.

    A punch to my cheek was blocked by the hair, so was a chop to neck. How ruthless. The strands of black hair climbed up her body, restraining her.

    "Stop fighting me and list-" as I was saying this, Croc was down for the count and unbeknownst to me, another nuisance was headed my way.

    "Let her go!!"

    The Bo staff roared through the air, aimed at my unprotected ankles. Prehensile tendrils of hair pushed me into the air, enabling me to jump away and evade her attack.

    "Whoa, calm down or I squeeze your friend here into pulp."

    I warned, tightening my hold on the Asian girl and making her groan.

    Only then did Bo Staff girl notice that her friend''s body was entirely covered by my hair.

    "If you hurt her-"

    She started, body trembling with rage.

    "I will if you don''t answer a few of my questions."

    I promised, injecting as much weight into my words to show I meant it.

    Bo Staff girl clenched her teeth, glaring at me with everything she had. Aaw, how cute. She''s like a cat.

    I squeezed my captive and this time she let out a small cry.

    "Okay okay! Just don''t hurt her!"

    Bo Staff finally decided to comply. Now was that hard really?

    "Okay, my first question, are you part of the Bat family?"

    My question made her blink. But she answered nonetheless.

    "Yes. My name is Spoiler and that''s...Orphan."

    Oh I see. This little girl is Cassandra Cain, the daughter of the greatest martial artist in the world, Lady Shiva.

    What rotten luck. I also know why my slave band did not activate, Cassandra Cain could not understand human speech. Her mother or father, I can''t remember who, raised her to only learn one language.

    The language of combat.

    She could read my body movements and actions but not understand my words or orders.

    I couldn''t control her if she couldn''t understand me.

    Fuck. Yet another weakness of the Pet Pet fruit. No worries, something told me I was going to enjoy finding ways to break the power.

    "Okay, second question, how''s Barbs doing?"

    This time I asked while laughing.

    It was priceless seeing the shocked expression on her face. Whether it was because I knew Batgirl''s real name or...the other thing, who''s to say.

    But when she narrowed her eyes, holding her Bo Staff tight in both hands, I knew she recognized me.

    "It was you..."

    Bo Staff- Spoiler bit out hatefully.

    "You''re the one that stabbed her, you bastard."

    She angrily accused.

    "Guilty as charged."

    I shrugged nonchalantly. But my body was tense. Waiting.

    Waiting for her to get emotional, to rush in and get closer to me. And then I would make her my Pet. The ability didn''t work on Orphan but it was a sure bet against Spoiler.

    The cops were already very close and I only had a short time to make good on my promise. Croc was defenseless. All I had to do was get to him.

    "She didn''t see it coming. Barbara, I mean."

    I laughed some more like an anime villain.

    "One minute she''s acting all mighty, then the next, the bitch is bleeding on the ground before me."

    Predictably,

    "I will kill you!"

    Spoiler yells, dashing my way at full speed.

    Yes...

    Get closer. Get closer and you''re mine.

    A firm hand landed on my shoulder.

    "I''m only going to ask you once Son. Let go of the girl and stand down."

    Fuck.

    Fuuuuuuccckkk.

    I looked behind me and DeJa vu hit me like a 12 wheeler.

    Superman was floating in the air behind me. And he was not happy.

 Chapter 8: Holls Unique Mindset.

    Chapter 8: Holl''s Unique Mindset.

    A/N: The current iteration of the Justice League is from Young Justice Season 3: The Outsiders.

    (Holl''s P.O.V)

    Superman''s face was as hard as granite while staring down at me (literally). Dude was like 6''7 to my 6''3.

    Jacked as all hell too.

    I tried to step back but the vice grip on my shoulder was too much to contend with.

    What to do now...

    I don''t think this guy will let me escape like before. The only feasible plan was to put him under the influence of my pet pet fruit. Yeah let''s do that.

    "Careful! He can control you!"

    Spoiler yelled from behind us. Tch, that little bitch.

    Superman narrowed his eyes at the green gel swirling around my palm, his hand shooting out and grabbing my wrist the very instant Spoiler had warned him.

    It was faster than I could track with my eyes.

    Oh well...

    My other hand lashed out, the sharp nails slashing him across the face, producing sparks from the contact.

    He didn''t even blink. Nor was he hurt. Only the frown on his face increased.

    On my part, the nails shattered, two of my fingers bending the wrong way.

    I swallowed the pain, forcefully exerting what little control my budding Seimei Kikan gave me to unbend them with a crack.

    "You are the boy from before."

    The Kryptonian guessed, the stern but accomadating expression on his face shifting to cold and distant, the second he recognized me.

    "You''ve caused enough trouble young man."

    The Man of Steel spoke, tightening both grips on me. Waves of pain surged out from my right hand and shoulder.

    "Stand. Down. I won''t ask a third time."

    His eyes glowed a sinister red, the air around his eyes visibly and audibly humming.

    Fuck. His strength blew mine out of the water. There was literally no way I could compete with him. It was like pushing against a mountain.

    My legs shook, knees almost touching the ground. Damn...this bastard is really giving me no chance.

    Okay, second plan. I looked up, eyes burning with a fervent light. I always liked a challenge. This was like fighting against the sea once more.

    The similarities were almost too much. I think it spoke on how crazy this world was if a single man had the capability to cause as much destruction as a force of nature.

    It left my heart pumping wildly at the thought of what I could achieve with time and effort.

    Heat rushed across my body...a thin trail of sweat flowing down the left side of my face... And the burn in my muscles...

    I felt more alive than I had ever been before.

    This is where I was supposed to be. This Insane world of Monsters...was where I fit in.

    Our eyes made contact. I noticed the surprise in his gaze, before he hid it away quickly.

    "You should really let me go. I''m not into dudes."

    I cheekily told him.

    "Oh really? And why would I do that?"

    He smiled without any warmth.

    "You stabbed Batgirl and now I find you here- in the middle of all this chaos."

    He cast his gaze around. The clinic was still burning, though with the firetrucks that were pulling up, it wouldn''t stay that way for long.

    The cops had already arrived a few seconds ago. And I''m guessing Spoiler and Cassie were busy helping them secure Killer Croc. He could shred metal with his bare hands. Restraining someone like that needed their full focus.

    That meant...a lot of targets. Targets that werent paying attention to us because they trusted Supes to contain me.

    And to be fair, his eyes never left my own, watching me like a hawk.

    Let''s see how long that was going to last.

    My hair flared up behind me, the strands dancing on a non-existent wind.

    I grinned up at him, finally answering his question.

    "Because if you don''t, I''m gonna do worse than stabbing Batgirl. I''m gonna kill everyone here, Superman. Except for you of course, your durability will probably let you survive. Everyone else though?"

    My grin could be called disgusting as I added,

    "Not likely."

    The smile disappeared from his face.

    The strands dancing at my back hardened.

    "You see the hair behind me? It''s not for show. I can form needles from the strands and shoot them out. You get me?"

    I chuckled, as realization dawned upon him.

    "Don''t."

    He shook his head.

    But I didn''t give him a chance, immediately releasing the attack onto my surroundings.

    The hair strands shot out, almost as fast as bullets, as hard as metal and as thin as a hair follicle.

    There are on average about 100000 hair strands in a human body.

    And hair is formed by creating new cells at the base of the Derma, the layer of skin below the Epidermis. The new cells are then cut off from nourishment, hence hardening into Keratin.

    Which eventually forms a hair follicle.

    My head alone had ten times the number of follicles. My body having consumed itself to create more. So Superman didn''t have a few thousand thin and sharp projectiles to contend with.

    It was more like in the hundreds of thousands.

    And most of them had their trajectory aimed for Spoiler, Cassandra Cain and the police.

    There was a sudden blast of wind around the two of us, the big blue Boy Scout disappearing from my vision. I instantly found myself freed. Glad that worked.

    However, I didn''t stick around to see the effects of my ruse. That didn''t mean I couldn''t hear the sounds the needles made as they devastated the surroundings.

    Glass shattered, car alarms started blaring out loudly and shouts of surprise reached my ears. But it didn''t sound as if anyone was hurt.

    Superman''s work now doubt.

    Putting in all my body''s energy into running, I escaped down the sidewalk, planning to leave the streets as they were too open.

    As I ran, I thought.

    Croc was still alive. That was something that bothered me. Usually when someone pissed me off, I made them disappear. It had created a certain reputation around me.

    And now my perfect ''fuck up anyone who messes with you'' streak has come to an end.

    Fine, he gets to live to see another day. But the next time we see each other...

    "He''s getting away!"

    Someone spoiled.

    Probably Spoiler. That little bitch.

    I increased my speed even more, depleting more of my body''s protein content.

    Fortunately, the gods of the seas, (a totally real thing, trust me) were looking out for me. I was approaching the end of the street. The home stretch.

    I tore off the patient''s gown I was wearing, revealing a pair of blue slacks I''d grabbed from the clinic.

    My shoulder wasn''t as raw as before. During the entire fight, I had been using Seimei Kikan to enhance my healing and now I could move my arms without feeling like screaming.

    A shadow passed overhead.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    At the end of the street, Superman appeared from the gray sky, descending onto the ground, hands crossed and obstructing my path.

    My feet slid as I changed direction immediately, cutting down a narrow corridor in between a boarded off building and a large residential complex.

    Before me was a chainlink fence. Without slowing down, I extended the strands of my hair into ropes that grabbed onto the metal, helping me leap and clear the whole thing.

    I landed on the other side softly...

    Or so I thought. Reality was, I found myself held above the ground by the nape of my neck.

    On instict, my hair hardened into spikes that I released behind me and into the surrounding area.

    This time I was privy to the destruction the attack caused. The needle like strands tore into whatever lay on their path. The walls of the buildings at my sides...

    And even the ground.

    They worked on everything except for...you guessed it, the man of steel. The needles shattered on his body.

    "That could have really hurt someone you know."

    Supes said, sounding almost disappointed in me.

    "I think we''ve already established I don''t care."

    I responded, hardening my hair into strands and releasing another wave of hair projectiles.

    "You know that won''t work."

    Superman sighed.

    "It didn''t work before it won''t now."

    "Doesn''t hurt to keep on trying. I could get lucky."

    Plus, I didn''t have any other attack. Call me optimistic but I was still confident I could escape. I just needed to find a-

    Snap.

    Huh?

    "Those are power dampening cuffs."

    The Kryptonian told me as my hands were forcefully handcuffed behind me.

    "They should deal with your ability to control others. That said, whatever it is you''ve done to your body seems like the result of an ability, not it''s effect, so the cuffs won''t work to change you back."

    We started descending to the ground where Cop cars were waiting.

    "I thought you''d struggle more."

    My captor said, curiously staring at me.

    I merely shrugged.

    So what if my escape was short lived. It wasn''t unexpected. I knew Supes could easily catch up to me. There was no logic in struggling anymore.

    Or even trying to run away from him.

    Now was the time for strategizing...and patience.

    "That ability enhancing your physical strength."

    He begun,

    "You need to deactivate it before your body goes into shock. You can''t handle being in that state for too long."

    He said, likely using X-ray vision to look into my biology.

    He was right too.

    I was already starting to shiver. My body was also very cold.

    And my joints were locking up, mouth as dry as cotton and my vision was growing blurrier by the second.

    I had to release it. But the second I did, I knew I was going to pass out. Only my pet pet fruit''s ability was keeping me going.

    Deactivating it was not something I could do without making sure I would be safe for the next 10 hours. Ag least.

    Giving me enough time to rest.

    We reached the ground, Spoiler and mini Lady Shiva (Cassie) approaching the two of us.

    Spoiler and I made eye contact. She kept on walking towards us without slowing down.

    "Spoiler... "

    Superman started but she ignored him, planting her knee into my belly. Or she would have, if I didn''t cover that part with a coating of hair.

    Unfortunately,I still felt the impact of the blow. All of the strength of a peak human.

    "You bastard! That was for what you did to Batgirl!"

    She spat.

    Cassandra pulled her back.

    "That was reckless Spoiler. You could have seriously hurt your knee had he hardened his hair like he''s fond of doing."

    The Man of Steel cautioned her, adding,

    "You''re lucky."

    Yeah. She was really lucky I had decided on coming in silently. Totally not because I had no way to flee or anything like that and hence saw no point to conflict.

    I only fought when I was left with no choice or it benefitted me.

    "Where''s Killer Croc?"

    Superman asked, while I straightened up after Spoiler''s knee strike.

    Speaking of,

    My hair could have easily defended that before. Seems like I was hitting my limit in the form.

    "We''ve secured him in the S.W.A.T truck. He couldn''t fit in any of the police cars."

    She answered, throwing me the stink eye.

    "Put him there as well."

    Superman said, pushing me forward.

    Spoiler raised her eyebrows at him.

    "Are you sure? They were fighting each other when we got here."

    "No please by all means... Put me in the same vehicle with someone that tried to kill me."

    I rolled my eyes.

    Spoiler stared at me without an ounce of pity.

    "I don''t think anyone would mind if he succeeded."

    Ouch. I''m hurt.

    Cassie dug her elbow into the taller girl.

    "Ow, what did you do that for? He''s annoying."

    The latter complained.

    I was a little surprised. Not at the fact that Cassie came to my defense (I had that effect on women and girls. Perks of being a handsome devil) but at the fact that she could understand Spoiler.

    Could I have been wrong about her past? No. She had most likely read Spoiler''s body language and sensed her hostility.

    "No one is killing anyone."

    Superman affirmed.

    "If you can''t put them together then I will personally fly him to a containment cell. He''s too dangerous for the police to handle. Watch him as I make a call."

    Superman decided.

    "Behave."

    He muttered to me, squeezing my injured shoulder enough to hurt but not harm.

    I hissed through my teeth, glaring at him.

    "You''re supposed to be the good guys."

    I pointed out.

    "We are. But we also get mad when someone hurts those we care about."

    He shot back coldly.

    Someone''s still mad about the whole Batgirl-stabbing situation.

    Seriously though, it wasn''t like I had killed her. Last I heard, she was still alive.

    "Fair enough."

    I acquisced.

    He stared me for a few more seconds before walking a few steps away, close enough to matter if I tried to do anything.

    "Now then..."

    I said turning to the two superheroines.

    "Mind loosening these cuffs, girls. They''re really tight."

    I gave them my most charming smile.

    "Die."

    Spoiler merely replied, only to get an elbow shove from her companion.

    "Will you stop doing that?"

    The Bo Staff wielder told the shorter girl, incensed.

    "Why are you defending him?"

    Oh my dear Spoiler, she''s not defending me, she''s defending you. From getting annoyed by me.

    That''s right! It was time to activate plan C! Be a sore loser.

    "So what was your name again? Spoiler right? You really couldn''t come up with something better?"

    I grinned.

    "Ugh! See! Annoying!!"

    She yelled, ready to jump me only for the shorter girl to hold her back.

    "I mean you have so many options you could have gone with. Calling yourself Spoiler and expecting no one to call you out on it is just dumb."

    I shrugged, leaning on the wall of the building behind me.

    "That''s it!" Spoiler begun, twirling her Bo Staff.

    "I''m going to-"

    Before she could finish...the entire ground shook.

    Pink Light bloomed from the west which was the direction of Midtown, the center of Gotham City.

    The light turned out to be a huge explosion that could be heard even from our distance.

    It was unlike anything I''d ever experienced before. That said, the pink light resembled the light from this afternoon''s explosion.

    Though the detonation at that time had been much smaller. Strong enough to provide me with cover to escape though.

    Was there a connection?

    It could also explain what Supes was doing in Gotham.

    Following the bloom of the explosion, was a massive pressure wave that blasted out, reaching us fairly quickly. The burst of air pushed me back.

    From the corner of my eye, I watched Superman take off towards the devastation, leaving behind a sonic boom.

    I couldn''t believe it.

    The Gods of the seas really are looking out for me! Not really the time but...I told you so!

    This means I could escape. I don''t know what was going on in the city but this was my chance to bail out.

    Everyone''s attention was on the explosion and I couldn''t see Spoiler or Cassandra anywhere. I was free. I could sneak away.

    My eyes landed on the S.W.A.T truck very conveniently packed close to me.

    The majority of the cops were jumping into their cars and pulling out, no doubt driving towards the explosion.

    The coast was clear.

    A smile spread out across my face...

    Here I Come Waylon...

    (General P. O. V)

    (A few hours later)

    (10:00 P.M)

    The late night news bulletin opened up with the Newscaster''s grave expression.

    She sat upright, dressed in a black and white pantsuit. Her make up and hair was immaculate yet from her red eyes, one would notice that she was barely keeping it together.

    Swallowing hard, she begun,

    "Good Evening to you Gotham. Our top story today-"

    She stopped, closing her eyes before taking a deep breath.

    "The Joker''s uncontrollable rampage has struck a blow that will be felt for years to come."

    She continued, voice more steady. "After placing explosives throughout the Gotham City Stadium, authorities were too late to stop him, ending in the death of 2100 people and 16181 gravely injured ones from the 50,000 fans gathered to watch the game. One of the casualties was- my younger brother..."

    The Newscaster looked down, knuckles tightened on top of the table. Sucking in another deep breath, she turned her face to the camera, now composed.

    "It is truly appalling that they can let that...Lunatic walk around, destroying the lives of others."

    She stood up abandoning all traces of professionalism, a hateful expression on her otherwise beautiful face.

    "Where were the police when this was happening? Where was Counter terrorism? Wherebwasthe Justice league? Where was...Batman or even Superman! Witnesses say they saw him flying through the city. Someone even snapped a picture of him in East End."

    "And even if those reports were wrong, Metropolis is literally across the bridge!! Where does our taxpayer fund go to when basic safety is an issue!?"

    She smacked the table.

    "We can''t even leave our homes past 8 o''clock! Not to mention, now we have Human Traffickers kidnapping our children for Metahuman experiments!"

    "The New UN Secretary-General even promised a solution to the capewearing vigilantes and the Monsters they fight. Only for nothing to change. The latter are still imprisoned in the same Rehabilitation Centers they routinely break out of!"

    "What is the point of it?! This. Is. Stupid! And it only increases the suffering of the common man! You and I and our families! We lose when they fight! We are the butt of the Joke! Don''t you see it??!"

    She was breathing heavily at the end.

    Slowly, she calmed herself down.

    Gently, the Newscaster sat down.

    "I apologize for my blow up. We''ve all had enough and now I feel the impact of a biased justice system personally."

    She touched a pendant hanging from her neck.

    "My younger brother, Jake was a fan of the Gotham Knights, and now he''s dead."

    The news transmission paused on her hollow look.

    "This is terrible."

    Green Arrow shook his head, staring at the Newscaster''s face on the Holographic Projection above the table.

    "They''re blaming us."

    "That''s what your concern is? That they''re blaming us?"

    Black Canary glared at him.

    "Not the tragedy of lost lives?"

    The Archer had the grace to look ashamed.

    "That''s an understatement. Even calling it a tragedy does not fully encompass how fucked up the whole thing is."

    Jefferson Pierce, Black Lightning said from his seat, crossing his hands together.

    "And blaming us? Why shouldn''t they? We''re the goddamn Justice League and people died on our watch."

    The Justice League was gathered in the Watchtower. Almost all the members were present, including the ones Offworld like Wonder Woman and her team (Green Lantern Stewart, Martian Manhunter, Ice and Adam Strange).

    The Offworld team was in space on a mission; following up on the case of metahuman children being trafficked to other parts of the galaxy.

    They were present through Holo Projections.

    "How could this happen? How could anyone cause so much suffering? Some of the people who died I knew personally."

    Zatanna said sadly, staring at the Newscaster''s face.

    "I know her. Allie. Her brother Jake and I went to summer camp together. I can''t believe...he''s gone."

    It made sense she would be affected, seeing as she called Gotham her home.

    "We lost something as well."

    Aquaman pitched in.

    "The public trust in us is dead. Reviving it will not be easy."

    "You want to blame someone, blame the Joker. That crazy son of a bitch finally did it. He massacred all those people for shits and giggles."

    Plastic Man spoke up in a rare moment of seriousness.

    "Regardless, what matters now is how we can fix this."

    The Flash said.

    No one responded. The mood in the Meeting Hall was subdued.

    Flash looked around,

    "Come on you guys...this is what we do. We fight even when we don''t have the will to."

    "This time...It''s different Flash."

    Batman eventually spoke up.

    All eyes focused on him.

    Batman got up from his seat.

    "Wait..."

    Zatanna grabbed his hand, looking up at him with a strange look on her face.

    Batman said nothing, only gently pulling his hand away.

    "Different how Bruce? I know you blame yourself for what happened but...you can''t give up. None of us can. Not now."

    The Flash insisted.

    Instead of responding, Batman reached for his cowl and in one smooth motion, removed it.

    Silence.

    "It''s different because for Starters, I''m not Bruce."

    Nightwing, the first Robin revealed to the Justice League, most of whom were shocked into silence.

    "Explain."

    Wonder Woman ordered, eyes narrowed.

    "As of today... I''ll be taking over Batman''s responsibilities. As for the reason..."

    He went silent, jaw clenching, teeth grinding.

    "Bruce was badly hurt during the fight with the Joker who used a new strain of Joker gas that we''ve never encountered before. As we speak, Bruce Wayne, the Batman, is in a coma."

    *********

    A/N: Where''s Superman?

 Chapter 9: Riots

    (General P.O.V)

    (1 Day Later)

    The city was burning.

    Rioters filled the street, breaking into stores and business establishments with wanton abandon.

    They left a trail of destruction behind them, moving as a wave of angry protestors. Some of them were the relatives of those who had been killed during Joker''s bombing.

    A small part of the group was in it for the excitement. They reveled in the chaos and were the first to vandalize, set fire to the vehicles on the side walks and to pillage whatever they could.

    Most of them however, were regular civilians. Gothamites who had had enough and had taken it upon themselves to save their city.

    They held up signs that said, ''Justice for Gotham!'' and ''Enough is enough''. These signs were the most common in the sea of banners and cardboard plaques.

    They even included morbid signs like,

    ''Electric Chair for the Clown!'' and ''Kill that Bastard Joker!!''

    A few specific signs also trashed the Justice league and heroes like Batman.

    ''Down with the Justice League'' and ''Batman sucks'' were the more pleasant of the batch.

    Standing on the head of a Gargoyle spire on the Wayne Tower, looking out into the city, was a figure dressed in yellow, green, red and black.

    Batman''s partner, the Boy Wonder.

    "Robin, do you copy?"

    Nightwing''s voice came through Tim''s Ear-piece.

    The third Robin, arguably the most tech savvy of the rest sighed, the glare of the fires happening across the city highlighting his mask clad face.

    He brought his fingers up and answered the transmission,

    "It''s pandemonium out here. The cops are trying their best but they cant halt the mob''s progress. We might need to get involved."

    "Negative."

    Nightwing immediately refused.

    "The Mayor''s office is considering Curfew. And reinforcements from the National Guard will be arriving soon."

    ''That means things will get even more heated.'' Tim thought, however he didn''t say it out loud, choosing to instead follow the order.

    "Copy that."

    Robin nodded.

    "I''ll link up with Stephanie and Cassie."

    "About that...Any luck tracking down Killer Croc and that other guy?"

    Nightwing inquired, a barely noticeable growl at the end of his statement.

    "Oh you mean, Maestro?"

    Tim asked.

    "Maestro?"

    Upon Nightwing''s confused response, Robin allowed a brief smile to appear. His fingers danced across his wrist computer.

    "Yeah. Came up with it myself. He can control people so it was either Maestro or...people controller?"

    Tim replied.

    "Ah...right. Maestro seems fitting."

    Nightwing agreed, albeit reluctantly. While a good detective, Tim wasn''t the best with names.

    "I''m sending you a few shots I managed to recover from the footage in Doctor Leslie''s clinic."

    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Tim informed him.

    Most of it had been too difficult to salvage but with Tim''s expertise, difficult didn''t mean impossible.

    "Got it."

    Nightwing confirmed, receiving the files.

    "Weird hair..." He commented,

    "What with his body? He looks-"

    "Starved? Malnourished? I thought so too but from the way he''s standing upright..."

    Robin trailed off.

    "He doesn''t look weak from starvation at all."

    Nightwing completed.

    "He''s dangerous."

    "And sneaky too."

    Robin added with a frown.

    "The Swat Truck he stole was found abandoned on the outskirts of Gotham. Get this... 1 mile away from Somerset."

    "Mmh...you think there''s a reason he''s headed there?"

    Nightwing questioned in a curious tone.

    "Yeah. According to Steph, He has the ability to control people by shooting out a green substance that wraps around a target''s neck. That''s how he was able to control Killer Croc."

    Tim explained, pausing slightly to let it sink in.

    As always, Nightwing was quick on the uptake.

    "I see, so you think he has Croc back under his control and is most likely headed towards Somerset. I''m guessing Slaughter Swamp...Are you saying what I think you''re saying?"

    Tim looked up. The sky was filled with smoke and the whining of siren sounds.

    "Yeah. I think he''s going to try amd enslave Solomon Grundy."

    "Fuck."

    Was all Nightwing had to say.

    "We don''t have time for this..."

    "Are you still dealing with-"

    Tim begun, only for Nightwing to cut him off.

    "Yes. This is the third meeting with Government officials and the UN secretary-general in the past 1 day."

    Nightwing sighed.

    "So what''s the verdict? Will they listen to reason and allow "It''s" Construction?"

    Tim questioned.

    The It in question was a proposed project. A Super Max prison constructed deep in the ocean that could house supervillains.

    The prison had a nullifying effect on all Metahuman powers. And breaking out was virtually impossible.

    The Prison became necessary after the events of ''Joker''s rampage'', as the media were calling it.

    And The Premier members of the League had been involved in talks with not only the US government,but the UN charter as well.

    Unfortunately things were slow going. Not everyone trusted the League. Chief among them being... Politicians.

    "Luthor is tightening the leash on what the League can do. He''s using International laws to restrain our activities world wide. This Joker thing just gave him more ammunition to attack us with."

    Nightwing explained,

    "There have been talks of resigning from some of the League members."

    "What?!" Tim was surprised.

    "Things are that bad?"

    "Yeah. Look, gather the rest and let''s meet up at the Hospital. I''ll tell you more there."

    Nightwing told Tim, before the transmission was cut off.

    Tim sighed once again. With Batman and Batgirl out of commission, it fell to them to make sure everything went smoothly. That Gotham was kept safe.

    He stood up, the wind ruffling the cape behind him. Somehow despite it being daytime, Gotham seemed darker than ever.

    (Holl''s P.O.V)

    I rolled my shoulder.

    It was a bit stiff but that was it. After a hearty meal of steak and potatoes, my healing had been enhanced even more.

    Even my ear had stopped bleeding, though it was still painful.

    But the food alone, despite my upgraded metabolism,wasn''t enough to get me back to peak form. That was going to take rest and time.

    I''m getting ahead of myself,

    So the second I jumped into the Swat truck, I wasted no time punching it and driving off.

    I''d ensured to keep away from any busy streets or roads with cameras.

    The truck belonged to the Authorities, so apart from standing out, they had to have been tracking it down.

    The only reason I even made it of East End was because of the large explosion that happened in the stadium.

    It provided perfect cover for me to escape. Thank you Joker. I''ll make sure to buy you a drink if we ever meet.

    A few hours later, parked in a discreet alleyway, I managed to rest a little. Undoing my transformation was not possible. I had to be far away from Gotham by the time that happened. Far away and safe.

    Reason being, I would most likely be knocked out the second I reverted to my normal form.

    There was also the thing with Croc. He had been silent behind the truck, unaware that I was the one driving it.

    It would only be a few hours later, in the sweltering heat that he begun to bang on the walls of the vehicle, inquiring where I was taking him and why we weren''t there yet.

    By that time I''d managed to grab some food from a diner.

    The owner tried to pull a shotgun on me upon spotting my form, going as far as to call me a freak. How rude...There was also the matter of me not paying for my food but I digress.

    Several miles away from Gotham, I stopped the truck at an intersection and got out.

    "Why''d we stop?"

    Croc questioned from within the cabin.

    "Hey! Can you hear me?! Where are you Assholes taking me?! I didn''t do nothing!"

    I placed a hand on the side of the vehicle, raking my nails across and shredding the metal.

    Sparks were produced from the contact.

    "Oh Waylon...guess who''s coming for you..."

    I said in a sing song voice.

    Upon hearing my voice, the truck started shaking as the prisoner within begun to desperately bang the walls in a desperate attempt to escape.

    Oh my, I feel like blushing at the terror I could inflict on someone like him.

    I arrived at the back of the Truck, snapping the lock off by slashing it with my nails.

    "Argggghh!!"

    A large body sailed out of the truck, jaw opened, teeth barred and ready to rip me to shreds.

    But I wasn''t helpless. Yes, I had kept this state going on longer than I was supposed to. My body was also breaking down. There was a pain deep in my bones from micro-fractures.

    However, I wasn''t helpless. I still had more energy to spare. The food I''d had was sustaining me for now. And that was all I needed.

    My hair shot out like multiple snakes, coiling around his limbs and clamping his open jaws shut. I hadn''t been idle the past half a day.

    My control over my hair had grown exponentially. I had started practicing by controlling the Steering wheel only using coiled hair strands in the shape of hands.

    From there, I substituted my legs on the pedals for more hair constructs, leaning back and enjoying the brief rest while my hair drove the Truck.

 Chapter 10: Born On A Monday

    (Holl''s P.O.V)

    I had to keep myself from being bored, so I dove into the practice even more.

    Further experiments showed me I could make the strands thicker and heavier for attacks that could pack a punch.

    Or thinner and sharper, for attacks that could slice apart almost anything. A few cacti hanging out by the road, just minding their business, had found that out the hard way.

    A single sharp hair strand had sliced through the top halves easily by merely waving it through the window.

    So no matter what Croc had in his arsenal, I was prepared.

    The massive Reptilian Man struggled against the tendrils of hair around his body.

    "Well well, Pet. This is surprising. So many want to see us part ways."

    I chuckled, enjoying the mix of anger and terror in his eyes.

    "Including you...but you forgot one thing..."

    I brought him closer, left hand glowing with the power of the Pet Pet fruit.

    "You can''t escape me."

    Eyes wide, he started shaking his head and mumbling through his closed mouth. I released the tendril around his jaw, allowing him to speak.

    "You fuckimg Bastard! I''ll rip you-"

    The tendril coiled around his jaw once more.

    I shook my head.

    "Tut tut, calling each other names? I''m disappointed in you,Waylon."

    The fury in his eyes increased, his body visibily trembling in anger.

    "What? Seems like you have more to say..."

    I told him, bringing him closer to me.

    Then my nails slashed out, taking off his ear in one clean slice. Croc''s face twisted in agony, red blood pouring down the side of his head and staining my hair.

    His eyes redenned, tears welling up before he blinked them away. And then he was back to staring at me with murderous rage.

    "That''s payback for biting my ear off."

    I smirked.

    "You should be grateful I did it cleanly Waylon, you certainly didn''t offer the same courtesy."

    My words seemed to set him off even more.

    With another flash of my sharpened nails, I sliced off his other ear. The pain hit him even more unexpectedly.

    "And that''s payback for..."

    I trailed off with a shrug.

    "Nothing. I just wanted to do it."

    The way he was looking at me changed. Now his eyes reflected a familiar emotion, fear. Sweet sweet fear... Oh how I''ve missed seeing you in the eyes of my enemies...

    And targets.

    A perfect hand formed from my hair extended towards him, holding two things on its palms. His severed ears.

    "I''ll keep these as souvenir, maybe even use them to clone more of you. Croc Pets. Hope you don''t mind."

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    I said, relishing the horror in his eyes.

    "Huh? Why the horrified look? I thought I did you a favor? The only other option was to cut off your limbs or dick, maybe the balls. And while I''m an asshole that just seemed unreasonably cruel. However..."

    His body trembled in terror as I tightened my hair around him. He was durable enough that his body could take it. It was mostly to inflict pain.

    "I find myself at an impasse..."

    I continued.

    "Despite what you think...Croc, I Won''t kill you. No no no. That would be a waste of such a strong pet."

    The smile on my face disappeared.

    "But what use is a strong pet that can''t be trained?"

    He visibly gulped.

    My left hand rose up, the power of thpet pet fruit swirling around my palm.

    I had tried to channel it through my hair during the experiments, but either my control wasn''t there yet...or it couldn''t be done.

    I was banking on the former. Nothing was impossible.

    Croc begun to struggle even more. But with the tight hold I had on him, there was no way he was getting away.

    The Slave Collar wrapped around his neck easily.

    A dizzy spell hit me out of nowhere, but I subtly wove my hair into a think stand behind me that held me up.

    Seems like I couldn''t use the Pet Pet Fruit''s ability while I was weakened and hurt. It made sense, Devil Fruits were most likely powered by stamina.

    Croc begun buckling even more, trying to get at me. He dislocated his left hand but still tried to get closer.

    Desperation welled up in him. He knew one order and it was over for him.

    Then I let him go.

    He fell to the ground, landing on his knees and hands. For a second he blinked in confusion, then he dashed forward with hatred burning in his eyes.

    "I''ll-"

    "Stop."

    The order halted him in his tracks. 2 inches from his tail plunging through my neck.

    I brushed the limb away, walking forward before stopping beside him.

    "I promised I won''t kill you...but that doesn''t mean you won''t die today..."

    Chuckling again... I gave him his last order and then walked off, leaving him stunned, rooted to one place.

    "Goodbye...pet."

    Now then, I turned my gaze to the road.

    It stretched out before me, a sign at the intersection showing some directions and the distance to the next City over.

    Somerset was a few miles away to the right. Just 10 miles to Slaughter Swamp State park.

    And Metropolis, Delaware was 56 miles to the left. The Big Blue Boy Scout''s home. I have a bone to pick with him. But was it worth it? He could crush me like a bug as I was right now.

    I heard the Swat Truck behind me roar to life. Then it cut down the right road, headed towards Somerset.

    Mmh...

    Now, what does a man have to do to hitch a ride?

    (Half a day later)

    (General P.O.V)

    "How''s he doing doctor?"

    Dick asked.

    Behind him was his younger adopted brother.

    Tim was dressed in a leather jacket and sunglasses, almost the same clothes Dick was wearing.

    Only the former''s jacket was black to Dick''s brown.

    "He''s...stable but his condition hasn''t improved."

    The doctor, a middle aged man with gray hair all over his head, informed him.

    They were walking to a private ward. The one Bruce Wayne, billionaire and head of Wayne Enterprises was being kept under medical watch.

    "The test results came back from Star labs. Whatever the joker exposed him to...its adapting to anything we give him. The next option is an experimental procedure using-"

    "Nanites."

    Tim cut in.

    The doctor stared at him in mild surprise.

    "I''m kinda smart."

    Tim shrugged.

    "Ah yes."

    The doctor nodded before proceeding om through the door.

    Once the two were alone Dick stared at Tim, head cocked to the side.

    "Sorry."

    The younger man said.

    "It''s fine. Let''s just get through this and check on Barbara next." Dick sighed.

    "We need to be out there searching for Maestro. Someone with his abilities is dangerous."

    They pushed through the door and lying on the bed with all types of machines hooked to him was Bruce.

    And seated on a chair next to the bed, a trail of drool falling down his chin, was a bespectacled man in a gray suit.

    "Clark?"

    Nightwing raised an eye brow.

    (Later on)

    A police tape covered the entire length of the Swamp.

    The whole marshlands were crawling with Gotham P.D and park rangers.

    "It''s unlike anything I''ve ever seen before."

    Commissioner Gordon informed Batman(Nightwing) and Robin as he led them towards the crime scene.

    "And trust me, I''ve seen a lot."

    Most of the officers gave them a wide berth, though Batman could tell they didn''t necessarily want them there. The hostility coming off them was telling enough.

    "What''s that smell?"

    Robin asked, covering his hand with his mouth.

    "Look down."

    Batman disclosed.

    Upon doing so, Robin was taken aback. Blood and bodily fluids pooled the already muddy and wet marshland.

    Flies and other insects buzzed around, attracted by the scent of blood.

    And then came the limbs.

    "Crocodiles."

    Commissioner Gordon revealed.

    "They tried to attack him but...he ripped them apart. Look at the tracks, he didn''t even stop. Like his only goal was to keep on walking."

    A few steps in and the corpses begun to appear. Several Crocodiles torn apart by what could only be an animal.

    "Killer Croc did this?"

    Robin muttered.

    "As far as we could tell."

    Commissioner Gordon said, eventually coming to a stop.

    "But then Croc met his match."

    On the ground before them...torn apart even more gruesomely than the Crocodiles, was Killer Croc. His body would have been unrecognizable if it wasn''t for his scaly skin.

    His head was crushed into pulp, brain juices amd blood leaking out. His hands and feet were ripped off his body and half of his Torso had been chomped on by huge teeth.

    "Grundy."

    Batman stated.

    Deep into the Marsh, a deep voice chanted,

    "Born on a Monday...

    ********

    Who can guess the Order Holl gave to Croc?

 Chapter 11: Metropolis

    (General P.O.V)

    Lexcorp.

    The leading corporation in all manner of technology. Their R and D department was only matched by Wayne Industries.

    And only in broader terms. While Wayne industries hired more capable people, Lexcorp was banked by Lex Luthor''s brilliance. Arguably one of the smartest if not the smartest person on Earth.

    It was telling that even after all he''d done against superman, he still had a very profitable, public business.

    Lexcorp was also worth more. Though the reason for that was military contracts that Wayne Industries refused to bid for.

    That did not diminish Lex''s capabilities and brilliant business acumen. He was cutthroat and enigmatic. Merciless and greedy.

    The perfect businessman...who dabbled in villainy on the side.

    The natural follow up to that would be...why?

    He had everything he could ever want. He had power in all its forms. He was the UN Secretary-General, the CEO of his own company and the tech at his disposal put him on anyone''s level, if he so wished.

    The answer was simple.

    He absolutely, completely hated Superman.

    His hatred was so strong it bordered on obsession.

    ******

    The Limo pulled up at the entrance of Lexcorp.

    A blonde haired woman got out of the Driver''s seat and promptly opened the door for the boss.

    Lex got out, adjusting his tie. Cameras flashed across his face, and questions from the press milling around the entrance bombarded him.

    There had to be dozens of reporters. The only thing keeping them at bay were the highly trained security guards Lexcorp had in their employ.

    While anyone else would have been out of their depth, Lex looked like a fish in water. Nay, a shark.

    He plastered on a smile, waving a hand at the rowdy crowd.

    "All right, settle down."

    Once they did, he pointed out one of them, a relatively young reporter with red hair.

    "Let''s start with you. Your question?"

    The young reporter gulped, a determined look on his face.

    "Brett, Channel 2. Mr.Secretary</a>, what do you have to say about the allegations directed at you undermining the League''s humanitarian efforts?"

    The reporter asked in a slightly quivering voice.

    "This is your first interview, right Brett?"

    Lex asked, the same friendly smile on his face.

    "Y-yes sir. Started just a couple months ago."

    Brett replied.

    "Oh, your Seniors must be riding you pretty hard."

    Lex chuckled slightly.

    A few scattered laughs sounded from the crowd. Even Brett smiled, scratching his head.

    "Yeah they kinda are sir. Especially about this. I didn''t think they would let me have the opportunity, afraid I would mess it up."

    "They were right."

    Lex replied, the smile on his face slipping off.

    "Huh?"

    Brett had a confused expression on his face.

    "You could have literally asked me about anything else. The new line of Humvees we''re releasing this weekend,

    perhaps. Veritable tanks that can traverse any environment, from a desert to a swamp to the ocean."

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    His words were sharp and cutting.

    Brett''s face grew pale.

    "Or how about the particle accelerator that is entering the final experimental stage of its development? We could have infinite energy right in our grasp. Or how about the charity fund we''ve raised?"

    Lex looked at the camera.

    "2 billion to bolster the equipment our Law Enforcement and soldiers use."

    "You want me to go on?"

    Lex asked, the sneer on his face directed at the young reporter.

    "Because there is more you could have asked. Instead, all you want to know are my thoughts about allegations directed at me by a group of grown men and women playing dressup. Preposterous."

    Lex concluded, adjusting his suit and walking away.

    The laughter this time was louder than before.

    "No more questions."

    Mercy Graves told the Reporters clamoring for more juicy news.

    "Mercy, I own channel 2 right?"

    Lex asked his bodyguard/assistant.

    "You will in the next 10- no, 5 minutes."

    Mercy informed him.

    "Good."

    Lex responded with a satisfied smirk.

    "That''s why I value you Mercy. Always so Reliable."

    The ride up the Elevator was done in silence, up until the top most floor.

    Once in his office, Lex adjusted his tie, pouring himself a drink. A glass of Pappy Van Winkle.

    "Mercy, could you please give us some privacy?"

    Lex said.

    Mercy approached a portrait of Lex and pressed a button on the side. The glass windows were immediately sealed by lead shutters and the whole room was disconnected from the world.

    Everything ran on Lex''s personal top of the line networks.

    "Was. All. Aaaal..ThaT necesse-ses-sary?"

    The other occupant in the room asked. He spoke in a jerky voice.

    "You have no idea how much you''re underestimating the Bat and the alien."

    Lex replied, turning around to stare at the source of the strange voice.

    "Now report, Worm."

    "We. DO-Do-Dooo Not. Like that teeeerrm. Call. Call Me Misterrr Mind."

    A man dressed in a black sweater, with huge spectacles and neat brown hair said.

    He was fairly handsome but one side of his face drooped, the skin loose and gray.

    "Th-iis. Host is...Faaaailling me. I-I need a NNNnnee-"

    "Almost there, soldier on Mister Mind."

    Lex mocked.

    "It''s only two words. Say it with me New. Body."

    "You--Mock. Me."

    The man replied.

    "Of course I am."

    Lex replied, rolling his eyes.

    "Now tell me what you''re doing here. You were supposed to be tailing Superman."

    "S-ssomething. Came up. A n-new Metahuman."

    Mister Mind replied.

    Lex looked up, now interested.

    "A new Metahuman? The fact that you personally came to see me, means they''re no ordinary Metahuman. What can he do? Tell me everything."

    He demanded.

    "Ooooo-kay."

    Mister mind responded in the same jerky way.

    Lex sighed, face twisted in a frown.

    "Never mind. Just send the memories straight to my head."

    Mister Mind complied and Lex felt a brief pressure as foreign memories poured into his mind. He grabbee the edge of his mahogany table, a conniving smirk on his face.

    The memories were brief. Mister Mind had been tracking the Man of Steel'' mental activity from afar when the latter stumbled upon a boy. A boy that could control people.

    Naturally Mister Mind had understood his value and when Superman left for the stadium after the massive explosion, Mister Mind knew he couldn''t let the Metahuman fall in the hands of the authorities.

    So he used his telepathy to control the minds of Spoiler, Cassie and all the cops present, making them temporarily forget about Holl.

    That brief respite had allowed Holl to escape. And now he was headed for Metropolis.

    "Well done Mister Mind. Well done indeed."

    Lex chuckled.

    He finally had a way to deal with the only member of the League without major weaknesses to exploit, Wonder-Woman.

    Batman was down. Next to follow...

    "Mercy, make a call to our Underwater friend. It''s time for phase 2."

    Holl had no idea what he had just stumbled into. A scheme, one to take down the Justice League members. And Luthor had decided our clueless MC was useful to him.

    "Let me make one thing clear."

    Luthor cleared his throat.

    "Superman is still your top priority."

    Luthor turned to face him.

    "While this new information is admittedly valuable, leave your mission parameters again and I''ll squash you, understand?"

    "U-unders.Toodd</a>. About Aa Ne-new Host. Th-this body is Failing-failing me. PleeeeeAaase Lut.Hor</a>. I-I am StILl Us-UsEFul."

    Mister Mind stuttered.

    Luthor sneered at him. Then the sneer was gone as if it hadn''t been there in the first place.

    Lex adjusted his tie.

    "But of course, my Dear Worm."

    His tone was sugary sweet.

    "I''ll get you a new body. In fact, the Metahuman you spoke of...should be a perfect host."

    A glint shone in his eyes.

    "His body seems resilient from your memories. And if you took control of him, you would have his abilities at your disposal. He should be arriving in Metropolis soon. How convenient."

    (Holl''s P.O.V)

    Metropolis.

    Ahhh...the city of tomorrow.

    And what a beautiful place it was. Even I could admit that and I much preferred the open seas, ocean water spraying on my face as I fought for dominance of the boat with the Ocean Gods.

    Ahh...good times.

    "H-hey m-man...can I please go?"

    The truck driver asked with a pitiful expression.

    He''d refused to give me a ride when he''d spotted me on the side of the road, going as far as to flip me the bird. What a dick.

    Naturally I invited myself into his truck, attaching my halr to the back of the trailer, before crawling to the front and ripping the passenger door open. His face had been funny to watch when I jumped in.

    Then he pulled a shotgun from behind his seat. Before he could whirl his fat belly around, I had snatched the gun and broke it with my hair.

    After weaving my hair into a sharp sickle and placing it under his neck, he got the message and kept driving.

    I also headed up eating his lunch, 2 large burgers and fries. Not bad but I hated the greasiness. The good thing was the food provided more energy to work with.

    My body was already locking up from exhaustion.

    "Yeah whatever. You did give me a ride after all."

    I shrugged, turning to leave.

    "Oh thanks man."

    I heard him say behind me.

    Dickhead. Have fun driving with 5 flat tires. Was it petty? Yeah. Did I care?

    Actually, I did... Coz I fucking enjoyed it.

    I walked down the sidewalk relishing the sweet sounds of his despair coming from my back. Muhahahahaha.

    Man, I''m mean. But I''m only mean to those who are mean to me.

    Repeat that.

    I''m only mean to those who are mean to me. ''It''s going to be my motto from now on,'' I decided while walking down the street.

 Chapter 12: Desire To Conquer Metropolis.

    (Holl''s P.O.V)

    Very quickly, the difference between Gotham and Metropolis became apparent. The streets of Metropolis bustled with life. The people had smiles on their faces and were generally happier.

    Most of all it didn''t stink!

    I mean I was used to bad smells. Try fishing for a living. And while Gotham was more my style...(though I wasn''t a fan of cities really) Metropolis was just...that beautiful.

    I couldn''t wait to conquer it or whatever... Depends on whether I get bored of terrorizing Superman or I get too strong for Earth and just...leave.

    More fun to be had in the rest of the Universe. After all it was a big world. But until then,

    "Metropolis, say hello to Holl Hernandez, the Future Badest badass of all badasesses!"

    "Mommy, that guy looks weird. "

    A little kid cried out, pointing at me.

    Oh come on Kid. Now you''re gonna make me adhere to my own creed, seconds after making it.

    Fine. Remember, I''m only mean to those who are mean to me.

    I swiped his ice cream.

    "Shameless."

    "How rude."

    "He stole from a child."

    "Mmmh... Chocolate. My favorite. Hahaha."

    I laughed continuing down the sidewalk like a boss.

    Only to stop on my tracks and survey the area.

    The skies were clear and the sun was shining brightly. Huh...for a minute there I thought Big Blue would swoop in from out of nowhere and hound me for stealing from a kid.

    But there was nothing in the sky. No plane or bird or man. Haha. I told you...the gods of the oceans have my back.

    "Man, nothing can ruin this day for me. Life is absolutely fucking amazing."

    I said out loud, maybe if I was intentionally asking for it...

    Yet...nothing happened again! It''s oficial... I''m fucking this place up.

    All I have to do now is get some shut eye and I''ll be good as new tomorrow. I wonder how many pets I can tame here.

    Not only that, I wondered how stronger I could get.

    My Pet Pet fruit''s main ability was alright but Killer Croc had shown me how...unreliable Pets could be.

    It was better to rely on myself. I could be my own Pet. Pets were companions right? I was my own companion and I never said No to myself.

    Even if my Mother and Father did...I never had. One time she refused me cake. Just some. And it was a little piece. Not even enough to harm me but she said no...

    So I trashed her entire plate collection.

    Gah, my parents were so annoying at times. With mom''s incessant nagging and Dad''s blaming...

    Anyway...this was a fresh start. I should behave like it. Which means new clothes, new place and...money.

    Not in that order but I considered each of these things important. Especially the money. That''s because I needed an identity, (god knows where I will find someone to do that)

    Remind me again why I came here?

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    I mean even compared to Gotham, Metropolis was riskier.

    Oh, I know!

    I''m a fucking psychopath who does what he wants when he wants.

    Bad for health? Yes. Very Much Yes!

    But...this time it was more than that. Metropolis also presented a challenge to conquer.

    Truly speaking I had no fucking clue why I actually chose to stop here. I could have passed through.

    Dickhead''s next stop was Washington.

    They didn''t have a mainstay hero like Superman or Batman.

    And that was the problem. In other words it was boring.

    Oh wait! I immediately halted.

    Washington was Wonder-Woman''s city right? I remember reading or watching something like that...

    Oh fuck. How could I forget that? Maybe If I was quick enough...

    I whirled around...shit, Dickhead was already gone. That was fast.

    Oh well. Growing stronger until I eventually bring Metropolis to heel should prove to be just as fun.

    Terrorizing Superman wasn''t the same as messing with Wonder Woman but I had a bone to pick with the Man of Steel, so that took precedence over Amazonian Pussy.

    But I swear to the Ocean Gods, I''m plunging my dick in that Themysciran booty one day.

    As for my issue with Superman?

    He made killing Croc...a little harder.

    Hahahaha...

    Is it a stretch? Probably.

    Do I care?

    "Excuse me, are you the one causing public unrest around here? Imma need to see your I.D."

    Huh...

    What the?

    "Where did you come from?"

    Two cops had just appeared out of nowhere. The one speaking had blonde hair and sunglasses. With the slight derision on his face, he looked like a dick.

    His partner was African American and almost as tall as me. His eyes were keen and observant. He was trained. It was in the way he held himself up.

    His partner sighed.

    "A few reports came in of suspicious activity around this area. Could you please identify yourself and your business in Metropolis?"

    "Oh hello officers. my name''s Holl. Am I being arrested?"

    I asked.

    They stared at each other in a strange way. Did I say something wrong?

    "Ah...no, Holl."

    TheBlonde Cop smiled nastily.

    "Typically you have to commit a crime to get arrested. We''re just having a conversation. It all depends on your cooperation."

    Cooperation huh? So if I don''t, I''m going straight to a cell. Good to know.

    "Why''s he smiling like that?"

    His partner asked him, taking a step back.

    "I''m smiling?"

    I so fucking was.

    "Maybe it''s because I got...this?"

    I pulled out a gun from out of nowhere.

    "Shit! That''s my gun!"

    The blonde cop cried out.

    "Drop the weapon! Now! Drop it and put your hands above your head."

    His partner pulled out his weapon, aiming it my way.

    Screams sounded out, the crowd that had been slowly gathering scattering away.

    "Okay. Okay. Geez. Don''t shoot."

    I dropped the gun and put my hands above my head.

    "I''m sorry officer I couldn''t help it, it was just there...begging to grabbed."

    My shrug and the innocent look on my face only made the Blond Cop''s tackle all the more painful.

    But I allowed it to happen because, I''d just secured myself a roof over my head. At least for tonight.

    My body was afew minutes away from shutting down. There was no time to find a place to rest.

    I was only keeping myself standing by reinforcing my body with the hair strands coiled around my arms and legs.

    No wonder someone called the cops, I looked like Big Foot if he was malnourished.

    "Call it in."

    The Blonde Cop told his partner, cuffing my hands behind my back. Then he banged my head on the bumper.

    "You''re in trouble now pal. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."

    And I''m going to skin you alive tomorrow.

    I was quickly ushered into the backseat and from there it was straight to the station. And hopefully into an empty cell.

    Yay.

    "You were pretty chatty before, what''s keeping you silent now?"

    The Blonde Cop taunted as the car pulled away.

    "And what''s with the red thing on your neck? You into some weird sex stuff."

    "Leave him alone. Let''s just get through our shift and go home. I doubt we''re of any actual use, with all the heroes running around Metropolis."

    ''Really? It wasn''t just Superman? I''m going to enjoy my time here.''

    "Oh come on, we caught a bad guy."

    The Blonde Cop protested.

    "That''s a good thing. The freak''s not bothering folks now."

    "It''s called sleight of hand."

    His partner rolled his eyes. I saw it through the rear view mirror.

    "And besides, with the way you leave yourself open, a child could swipe your weapon."

    "Swipe? Pft what are you... Dora the explorer?"

    The blonde Cop mocked.

    His laugh sounded like a pig''s. How appropriate.

    "You can be so childish at times."

    His partner told him.

    I agreed, the bastard had slammed my head on the bumper of the cop car, and now I was bleeding.

    The fact that a small bump like that could make me bleed just showed how bad of a state I was in.

    My vision was blurry to the point I couldn''t make out anything. Only shapes and faded colors.

    My tongue couldn''t move so speaking was out of the question. And I was steadily losing my hearing.

    We reached the station and I only half heard the conversation as I was being booked.

    "...doesn''t have anything on him. Not an I.D or a driver''s license."

    "Maybe he''s homeless...?"

    "...likely. Just put him in any of the empty cells."

    Someone shoved me forward and I almost teetered and fell, but managed to grab a hold of myself.

    It was The Blonde Cop.

    My revenge will be cruel and long.

    Lastly, I heard the metal bars lock behind me, securing me within the cell. It was a typical one. The only difference being I was the only one in it.

    There was a long bench along the wall calling out to me. So I dragged my tired body to it and dropped down, immediately undoing the red pet pet collar on my neck.

    The pain hit instantly. And I immediately passed out.

 Chapter 13: Monster Part 1.

    (General P.O.V)

    It was a beautiful day at it''s end. The sun was about to set over the horizon, sending rays of burnt red sunlight across the entire city.

    The rays were reflected off the skyscrapers, compounding the beauty aspect and creating a lovely atmosphere.

    People walked, played and sat on the benches in City Park, enjoying the peaceful evening.

    But of course, in a city like Metropolis, it was a given that peace wouldn''t last very long.

    BOOOOMM!!!

    Supergirl''s body tore through a massive billboard advertising some inane product. Her body smashed through the trees on the park, digging a groove on the ground covered by soft grass.

    Instantly, people started screaming in wild panic, running away from the area of the park that had suddenly turned detrimental to their health.

    Sparks of blue electricity washed down the Kryptonian''s fallen form, remnants of an attack. She growled, eyes lighting up scarlet as she got to her feet.

    The target of her ire blasted apart the billboard, shredding the metal out of her way as she floated forward, unaided in her flight.

    "Hahahaha what''s wrong Supergirl? Can''t take a little...lightning?"

    Livewire gloated, looking down at the Kryptonian.

    Supergirl''s response was to send ocular beams of solar energy at her. Livewire widened her eyes.

    "Shit."

    The Supervillain clapped her hands together, producing a thick beam of lightning that collided with the laser vision.

    There was an explosion of power, both attacks fluxxing in the air and producing tendrils of wild energy.

    Bam!

    Supergirl crashed into Livewire at subsonic speeds.

    "What are you up to Livewire!? You don''t normally stick around to fight."

    She asked the Supervillainess, plunging both of them through a bus parked on the sidewalk.

    People had already evacuated, everyone running for their lives, far away from the fight.

    "Maybe I just decided payback was due."

    Livewire responded with a nasty smile, releasing a wide burst of power that threw off Supergirl.

    "After all, I have a bone to pick with you Kryptonians! You''ve messed with my Operations way too many times!!"

    She stretched out her hands, sending forth another blast of lightning at the girl of steel.

    Krakkooomm!

    A few blocks away, Superboy blocked a punch by catching it with his open palm, negating the impact.

    His attention was not in the fight he was having with another Supervillain, A muscular red skinned man with white cornrows called Brick.

    Instead, his focus was on Supergirl and Livewire''s battle. With his superhearing he could keep track of them and the destruction they were wreaking across the city.

    "Don''t ignore me boy!"

    Brick yelled.

    After failing to remove his fist from Superboy''s grip, he sent a highly telegraphed left hook flying forward.

    Superboy casually grabbed the hand, lifted Brick over his shoulder and promptly smacked him onto the ground behind him.

    The ground cracked, and Brick was left there groaning in pain.

    "Stay here. Try to escape and I''ll come after you."

    Superboy warned, turning to leave. He knew the cops were about to arrive, giving Brick no chance to flee.

    The half Kryptonian/half human ran forward, taking a leap and soaring through the air, thoughts swirling in his brain.

    Something about the attack bothered him.

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    It was too coordinated for starters. It wasn''t strange seeing two villains, especially Superman''s working together.

    But they usually had a motive behind the team up.

    However, this time Livewire and Brick didn''t try to rob a bank or a jewelry store.

    They just attacked him and Supergirl while the two were on patrol.

    And that bothered Superboy more than he cared to admit. It stunk of a scheme.

    Especially given Superman''s recent absence.

    The Man of Steel was still out there, saving the world where he was needed. But he''d left Metropolis in Connor and Kara''s hands.

    ''Something''s up.''

    Superboy thought to himself, jumping off a roof and sailing towards the battle.

    Unbeknownst to the half Kryptonian, the spot where he''d left Brick...was empty.

    The supervillain had escaped or rather, he''d been rescued.

    All that was left behind were wisps of smoke.

    (Holl''s P.O.V)

    Boom!!

    Krakoooom!!

    What''s all that commotion? Did I fall asleep and we ended up getting caught in a storm?

    Ugh, the old man will be so annoyed.

    Crash!

    Okay, that''s not a sound a boat should make. We might really be in trouble.

    I slowly came to groggily. My mind felt fuzzy and thinking straight was a task in and of itself.

    "Fuck...this. Agh..."

    I groaned, biting my lip hard enough to taste blood, giving me some clarity.

    I placed my hands under my body and tried to get up from my bed, just as another tremor rocked the boa-

    Huh?

    The flat and somewhat hard surface I was lying on trembled, almost throwing me off it and onto the ground.

    Dust rained down from the ceiling, getting into my eyes.

    Jesus! Fuck that''s annoying.

    And this is clearly not The Encanto. The Encanto didn''t have a concrete floor. Nor did it have cell bars.

    My father named our sail boat The Encanto for good blessings from the Ocean Gods. It was a stupid name. The Ocean Gods cared not for sentiments. I prayed to them but they were assholes.

    Another loud crash, this one terribly near, brought my attention back to what was happening.

    And with that, a rush of memories poured into mind. I remembered everything. 3 days ago, I''d found myself in the DC Universe. And things hadn''t been easy from then. Fun yes, easy? Nooo.

    I''d stabbed Batgirl before she could bring me in for stealing, met Superman and Batman, escaped them, gone up against Croc, made him a pet, killed him though I was injured in the process and lastly made my way to Metropolis.

    All in the space of 3 fucking days. Some MC''s stayed months or years in DC without going through the shit I had.

    Once in the City of Tomorrow, I''d decided to use the police station as a resting point due to my grave injuries. Even standing up had been an issue. I was pretty banged up.

    Speaking of,

    I rolled my shoulder, there was still some stiffness there but at least it wasn''t painful.

    As for the rest of my body, I was missing a large chunk of my ear,( the cops hadn''t noticed it due to my long ass hair) but thankfully it had stopped bleeding. I might have to get it checked out though.

    Fuck Killer Croc. That bastard.

    He must be dead by now but I was slightly regretful that I didn''t do it with my two hands.

    My limbs felt weak though.

    The stunt I had pulled to enhance my physical parameters had used my protein reserves as fuel, so I was even thinner than before.

    Fuck this. I wasn''t back to a 100%. My body still needed sleep.

    I was supposed to be getting some rest in preparation for beginning my plans for world domination afterall...

    So, who. The. Fuck. Thought it was a good idea to wake me Up!!?

    Now in a terribly terrible mood, I got up ready to rip apart whoever was making all that commotion and noise.

    "Finally up, huh?"

    A voice reached my ears.

    I looked around the dim cell, eventually spotting a masked figure seated on the floor near the entrance to the cell.

    He was cloaked in shadows, his features hidden behind a red mask. The sense I got from him...was danger. Especially with the handle of a blade peeking from his shoulder.

    "Who the fuck are you?"

    I questioned, noticing that the cell was open, the bars slashed apart by some sort of sharp weapon.

    I was willing to bet it was the same weapon strapped to his back.

    It was also deathly silent in the station. The cell I was in was the furthest from the main lobby and the front desk area, but it wasn''t far away that I couldn''t hear anything.

    Even the cells to my left were deathly quiet. Like a graveyard.

    What was going on?

    The Black cop had separated me from the rest. I suspect the long hair made them suspect I was some sort of metahuman.

    Speaking of long hair...it was still there, hanging behind me like a thick coat slung over my head. I flexed, and strangely I could control the strands as easily as breathing.

    I checked my neck, there was no pet pet collar.

    How strange.

    Was this an effect of the pet pet fruit? I needed more information but if it was, then it meant this fruit that many others would have thought useless, was actually more powerful than it seemed.

    "Good."

    The figure said, jumping to his feet.

    "We can go now."

    Only then did I get a full look at him. His mask wasn''t red like I''d initially thought.

    Instead, it was orange and black, both colors separated right at the middle of the mask, from head to chin. The mask concealed one eye while leaving the other piercing and vigilant.

    The color scheme was shared across his full costume: a body armor, one that seamlessly blended lightweight yet impenetrable materials.

    It consisted of a series of metallic plates adorning his chest and arms, not merely for aesthetic appeal but for defense.

    It also hugged his frame with a precision that spoke of meticulous craftsmanship.

    And turns out the sword peeking from his shoulder had a partner. But that was far from the only arsenal he carried.

    The grip of what looked like a high-caliber pistol, was holstered on his thigh.

    I want something like that. Holy shit that looks cool. Yes, I liked guns, who doesn''t?

    It was clear this guy was a consumate killer. A professional of the highest order. A very useful individual. More resourceful than Killer croc I bet.

    "The name''s not important."

    He told me while I studied him.

    "What is, is that I''m here to burst you out."

    His voice was deep and powerful. Confident.

    Burst me out? Oh really? How convinient for me. Seems like the Ocean Gods are still on my side. I wonder how long that was going to last.

    Maybe I should sacrifice something to them soon.

    I sat back on the bench, crossing my feet and folding my hands on my chest.

    Truth be told, I could have escaped by myself anytime I wanted, right after gutting the blonde cop of course. Buuuut...this smells like an adventure.

    I wonder who sent him to break me out. Well...there was a way to find out.

    My eyes lit up in glee and anticipation.

    "I beg to differ. The name is veeery important, Deathstroke the Terminator."

    He didn''t look surprised that I knew who he was. Although his shoulders tensed a little.

    Hidden behind my right hand, the left one started glowing green.

 Chapter 14: Monster part 2

    (General P.O.V)

    The steady beep of the blood pressure monitor droned on in the room, a rhythmic sound that matched Bruce Wayne''s inhales and exhales.

    "I can''t stand that grin on your face."

    The other occupant in the room said, referring to the wide crazed smirk on Bruce''s face. His skin had grown slightly pale and sallow as well.

    All in all, his condition hadn''t improved in the slightest.

    Seated on the chair next to the bed was Nightwing, Batman''s cowl hanging off his neck.

    "The doctor says you''re stable but no medication has worked thus far. I''m worried."

    He''d been visiting Batman for the last two days, ever since the ''Joker''s Rampage'' as the media was calling it.

    "Things aren''t good out there. People don''t trust us as much anymore..."

    He trailed off, his earpiece buzzing with an incoming transmission.

    Clearing his throat, he tapped receive.

    "Yeah."

    Nightwing listened for a bit before his face grew hard.

    "I''ll be there in a few."

    He promised, cutting off the transmission.

    With a sigh, the Boy-Wonder looked at his adopted father.

    "The Gangs have been getting confident since the...incident. I have Stephanie and Tim keeping tabs on the big players though. So don''t worry, we can handle it."

    He blinked his tired eyes, tearing them away from the unnatural smile on Bruce''s face.

    Another sigh escaped him. A yawn following close behind. It was clear he hadn''t been getting enough sleep. The bags under his bloodshot eyes was indication enough.

    And despite being just as hardboiled as his adopted father, Dick''s weakness was his family. He would do anything to protect them.

    Which is why, the feeling of uselessness weighed down on his shoulders. He couldn''t help Bruce through this, so he pushed himself extra hard.

    He did what Bruce had trained them to do.

    Had Barbara been there, she would have scolded him for stretching himself thin. And for not getting enough rest.

    But there wasn''t time for that.

    The Joker was still out there and so was Maestro. The former was smart enough to lay low after the atrocity he had committed.

    The latter on the other hand had left Gotham. He was most likely indirectly responsible for Killer Croc''s brutal death too.

    Nightwing thought it was for the best.

    He didn''t know what he would do to either of them if he caught them. They had tried to take away two of his most precious people.

    He didn''t think he could control himself.

    Fighting crime non-stop was a way to cope. To unleash his anger in a controlled environment. Who cared if he punched out a robber''s teeth?

    Not to mention, with Batman out of commission, it fell upon him to handle the responsibility.

    He reached for Bruce''s hand, grasping his palm tightly with his fingers.

    "Wake up...Dad. Please."

    He pleaded not even noticing or caring that tears had started falling down his cheeks.

    "We need you. I- need you."

    (Metropolis)

    Superboy finally arrived where the Supergirl vs Livewire fight was happening.

    And just in time too, as a banged up car was flying in his general direction, headed towards a store front where some civilians were hiding.

    Connor intercepted it easily, not the least bothered by the weight. He''d grown stronger over the years.

    He lowered the car down, before placing it gently on the ground next to him.

    Livewire was distracted with Supergirl, so Superboy took that chance and rushed forward, hand pulled back to deliver a powerful strike.

    The two combatants noticed him as he was mere inches away from colliding with the Supervillainess.

    Then Livewire fell into a pool of Shadows.

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    (Few blocks away from the Police Station)

    Livewire stumbled out of a shadow frantically gazing around, still on edge. Her most recent memory was Superman junior about to punch her.

    "Wait...What...?"

    She muttered in confusion. Her surroundings had changed and she was now on a rooftop.

    "There''s no time."

    A soft voice reached her ears.

    Behind her, cloaked in shadows and darkness was Shade. And next to him, leaning on the side of a water tank on the roof, was Brick.

    "Send me back!" Livewire demanded, stalking forward.

    "I can take that little bitch and..."

    "No, this was a rescue mission."

    Shade refused, creating another portal, this one on the side of the wall.

    "We''re getting Deathstroke and leaving. Now."

    Livewire narrowed her eyes at the portal creator. Sparks started dancing across her eyes.

    "You don''t tell me what to do."

    She growled, low and menacing.

    "No one tells me what to-"

    "Oh wow, so this is Metropolis in the evening?"

    An unfamiliar voice stated, cutting off Livewire''s next words.

    Following the voice, a bare foot leg emerged from the portal on the wall, right before the three Supervillain''s eyes.

    The three of them stepped back warily. The owner of the leg fully crossed over.

    ''He''s tall,'' That was the first thing Livewire thought.

    The second thing she wondered about was his long hair. It danced in the breeze behind him, almost touching the ground.

    He had a bandage around his shoulder and a part of his ear seemed to have been bitten off.

    He was also...their rescue target.

    Livewire stared at Shade from the corner of her eyes, something told her not tear her eyes off the target.

    ''Shade must have connected the portal to the police cell. This has made our work easier but...I can''t shake off the feeling that something isn''t right.''

    She thought.

    Sure enough, the portal was connected to a particular cell in the police station.

    Holl''s cell.

    Speaking of him, Holl was in turn studying Livewire, Shade and Brick with sharp discerning eyes.

    "You''re with Slade right?"

    He asked, a small smile on his face.

    Livewire found herself nodding. She couldn''t help it. This guy...was different from the normal crooks or goons she was used to.

    She felt like she was trying to find common ground with a cold blooded monster.

    "Good."

    Holl nodded in satisfaction.

    "I''m lucky. I got a new useful pet and a few more options to pick from."

    Livewire finally understood why the target of their rescue bothered her.

    It was in his eyes. He would smile or muse thoughtfully but the way he looked at them never changed.

    He stared at them as if they were prey.

    "Gotta get the Portal creator first."

    Holl muttered to himself, audible to the others.

    Then he perked up as if he''d remembered something.

    "Oi, Slade. Are you coming or what?"

    He asked casually, looking at the portal behind him.

    With the Monster''s attention elsewhere,

    Livewire''s instincts screamed at her to run. To escape because something was wrong. Sparks appeared around her form.

    All she had to do was tramsmit herself through the power lines and she could be on the other side of the city in a Flash.

    Okay. It was decided.

    She threw a look at Brick and Slade, finding them similarly on guard, though they didn''t seem to know why.

    Too bad she couldn''t escape with them. This ability only worked on her. Okay, it''s now or nev-

    "Hey."

    The target''s voice reached her ears.

    "You''re thinking of doing something dumb, aren''t ya?"

    Her heart leaped to her throat.

    She froze, not even daring to move.

    His Eyes, they were staring straight at her, through her, looking right into the deepest rawest recess of her mind.

    The place she hid her insecurities.

    Livewire found herself frantically shaking her head in denial.

    The monster, smiled instead.

    "Slaade, why don''t you show them why that''s a bad idea?"

    Livewire hadn''t even noticed that Deathstroke had emerged through the portal.

    "Deathstroke? What''s going on?"

    Brick, who was only now sensing that things were off, questioned.

    "And what''s that on your neck?"

    Instead of answering, Deathstroke grabbed his gun, aimed it and pulled the trigger, promptly blowing Brick''s brains across the roof. The sound was deafening and unexpected.

    "Aaaah!!"

    A scream tore out of Livewire. She couldn''t believe what she was seeing.

    Brick...was dead, his body laid out on the roof, blood already pooling around his corpse.

    That had came out of nowhere. Who the fuck were they dealing with?

    "That was so fucking cool."

    Holl stated, clapping in glee.

    "Now turn the gun towards the girl and shoot her if she doesn''t tell me what makes her useful."

    The order was delivered so casually again. How could anyone talk about death like that?

    "Wai-"

    Livewire begun.

    "Wrong answer."

    Holl said, aiming a finger gun right at her face.

    "Pew pew pew."

    Another bullet left Slade''s gun. Livewire''s life flashed before her eyes. There was no way she was going to survive this.

    Deathstroke''s bullets were special. Hard enough to penetrate any energy barrier and with a wide range of effects.

    A portal swirled into existence before her. The bullet entered it, disappearing in it''s depths.

    "Livewire! Snap out of it!"

    Shade frantically yelled at her.

    Livewire was rooted in the same spot. Death had come so close...

    "The mission is FUBAR. Remember the briefing? The target has an ability to control people! He does it shooting out a sort of gel that wraps around their neck. Look at Slade, he has it. Meaning..."

    "He''s under my control."

    Holl interjected with a grin.

    "And so are you, portal guy."

    "Huh?"

    Shade muttered in confusion.

    "He- he got you."

    Livewire told him, a shaky finger pointed at Shade''s neck.

    The latter stared down at himself- and balked.

    Around his neck, was a green collar.

    Shade looked up,

    "You- you knew I would try to save her and took advantage of that brief moment to use your power on me?"

    The portal creator questioned, already knowing the answer.

    Holl''s smile widened.

    "Not really. I had every intention of killing her. I don''t need powerful but untrainable pets. You actually saved her, so props to you my guy."

    This guy...

    ''Fuck it.''

    Livewire decided angrily.

    A surge of electric energy covered her hands.

    "You bastard! I''m taking you down!!!"

    She yelled, uncaring of what would happen to her.

    A huge blast of blue lightning was unleashed from her palms.

    "Shade."

    Holl called out.

    A portal appeared before Livewire, swallowing the lightning.

    Another portal manifested behind her, right next to her shoulder. A green substance shot out, wrapping around her neck and bringing her under Holl''s control.

    Livewire''s attack ceased. She found her body rendered immobile.

    "Now then."

    Holl clapped his hands together.

    "A few things to note."

    He said, walking up to the two while stepping on Brick''s dead body.

    "Just like I told Slade. This is not slavery. It''s...you guys helping me achieve my dreams, as my pets. Hahahaha."

    The laughter that escaped him was slightly unhinged.

    Then his tone turned serious.

    "You are not to do me harm indirectly or directly. You are to ovey my orders without question. You are never to betray me, lie to me, or sell me out."

    He addressed the two of them.

    With each word, Livewire felt the commands take root. Her body locked up whenever she thought of harming him. Even if it was a single hair on his head.

    "With that out of the way, let''s go thank the person who sent you to bail me out. Maybe they can make a good and resourceful pet."

    Holl said, happy that his plans to fuck up everything were going swimmingly.

 Chapter 15: Monster part 3.

    (General P.O.V)

    Sweet orchestral music quietly played in the background, filling the room with a gentle and accomadating air.

    "You wanna know something crazy."

    Lex called out from the kitchen, where he was frying a steak on the pan.

    One would think he had a personal chef to take care of such menial tasks, but Luthor was a man of many talents, according to him at least.

    He had built the company from the ground up. Occasionally cooking for himself was nothing in comparison.

    Besides, this way he could make it how he wanted. It was all about controlling the flame. And Luthor got off on any kind of control.

    "We live in a society convinced that an Alien is God and that grown men and women in bright costumes flying around and punching people is...acceptable. It sickens me."

    He scoffed, turning the steak over.

    The other side of the meat was seared in the melting knob of butter, producing an aroma that pervaded the entire room.

    "How can they put their trust in that...thing? It''s not even human."

    He frowned in disgust, taking a sip from the wine glass on the countertop.

    "Xenophobic? You could say so."

    He shrugged, smacking his lips at the taste.

    "Mercy, would you be a dear and fetch something a little more aged?"

    He instructed his assistant, who was standing off to the side.

    "Right away sir."

    Mercy gave a compliant nod before leaving.

    Luthor returned to the steak.

    "As I was saying, unacceptable. To save Humanity''s potential, tough measures are required. And due to the nature of the enemy, tough measures and delicate plans."

    He grabbed a few stalks of thyme and placed them above the steak. A cup of freshly peeled garlic bulbs sat on the kitchen counter.

    Lex grabbed some and arranged them on the sides of the steak, then he slightly decreased the heat to a low setting.

    "Humanity does not need a baby sitter. And even if it did, it shouldn''t be an alien from space. One with the power to enforce his rule if he so wished."

    He said, completely turning off the heat before plating the steak.

    Then he turned around, carrying the plate towards a table with two chairs. One of them was occupied.

    "That''s where I come in."

    Lex said with a smile, setting the plate on the table, removing the chef''s apron and taking the unoccupied seat.

    Worldlessly, he secured a napkin on his neck, grabbed a fork and knife, then immediately tore into the steak.

    "Mmh slightly charred at the bottom."

    He commented whilst chewing.

    Directly opposite him, a gagged Joker was hogtied to the second chair.

    A gagged and very much dead Joker.

    The left side of his head was caved in afterall.

    Brain matter was visible through his skull, which seemed to have been bludgeoned by an extreme force.

    Dried blood covered his bleached face. However, the most disturbing thing was the wide grin on the Crown Prince of crime''s face. Something that contrasted greatly with his dull eyes.

    "Still, you did keep your end of the bargain. You took the Detective out of the game. Just as planned."

    Lex took a second bite.

    The fork and knife made little noise as he cut another piece of the steak and brought it to his mouth. Things went on like that for a couple more minutes.

    "However...your laughing gas had something else in it, right? A slow acting poison. One of the Kryptonite variety..."

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    Bam! The knife was suddenly burried through the steak. The force was so immense it pierced through the ceramic plate and the table too.

    "Superman is mine to kill!! Who gave you permission to go after him! Who gave you permission to poison him?!!"

    Luthor said in fury, getting up and grabbing the Joker''s corpse by its green and matted hair.

    "You deranged fuck. How dare you!? Do you have any idea what you have cost me?!"

    He slammed the joker''s face on to the table, splashing blood across his face, napkin and the steak.

    "I had plans for him! Plans essential to taking the entire League out in one fell swoop!"

    The joker''s teeth were left on the table.

    "I could have dealt with Batman anytime I wanted but I never shat on your lawn, did I? I never stole your fun! But you just had. To. Be. A. Headache."

    Luthor slammed the Corpse''s head on the table a few more times before stopping, slightly out of breath.

    He sat down, glaring at the plate before him.

    "My steak is now ruined."

    He waved a hand.

    "Get him out of my sight."

    Behind the Joker''s Corpse was Superman. Or rather...a Superman. For starters, the S on his costume was flipped upside down into a stylized Z.

    His skin was pale gray and cracked in places. The eyes glowed a bright blue and he was using a finger to pick his nose.

    "Whatever ya says boss Lex."

    Bizarro replied, staring at the Steak on Luthor''s plate.

    "Is you gonna finish that mayhaps?"

    Luthor smiled tightly.

    "Help yourself."

    "Oh yay!"

    The Superman clone grabbed the remains of the steak and swallowed it whole without even chewing.

    "Mmh, yummy!"

    Luthor sighed.

    "Are you forgetting something?"

    "Huhhh??"

    Bizarro scratched his head in confusion.

    "I don''t know. Bizarro forgets a lot."

    "The Clown''s body. What is it still doing here? "

    Luthor reminded, the smile slipping off his face.

    "Get rid of it. Now."

    "No worry boss Lex!"

    Bizarro said with a wide smile, full of grey teeth.

    "This be a job for Superman!"

    Bizarro grabbed the chair with the Corpse, about to carry it away, when a dark portal swirled into existence inside.the</a> room.

    Both occupants turned to face the portal.

    Something sailed through. Bizarro disappeared and appeared in a burst of speed, covering Lex''s front.

    Brick''s body slammed on the Clone''s chest and something broke on the former. The spine of the dead Supervillain folded in half.

    Bizarro held up the dead body by the neck, displaying it to Luthor.

    "Well."

    Luthor said with a smile, loosening his tie.

    "Isn''t this interesting."

    "You think so?"

    A voice asked, just as its owner crossed over into room.

    "Coz that was my first thought too. How strange."

    Holl smirked, barefeet landing on the high quality wooden floor. Immediately, the Pet Pet fruit owner whistled as he gazed around.

    "Now this...is fancy."

    The whole pent house was decked oyr in lavishness. The lights glowed a gentle gold, the furniture was easily worth hundreds of thousands and the appliances on the kitchen adjacent to the dining area, were fit to cook for presidents and kings.

    "Should Bizarro squash long hair dude boss Lex?"

    Bizarro asked, flexing his huge arms like a bodybuilder.

    "Just says the word. Bizarro gots the Powaaah!"

    "Nah huh huh."

    Holl wagged a finger.

    "We wouldn''t want to try anything too hasty now. Trust me."

    He snapped a finger and a vase set on a small table near the window, shattered into pieces.

    Behind Holl, the shooter stepped out, Deathstroke. Following behind him were Livewire and Shade.

    "My buddy Slade here as his gun trained on Luthor''s body buddy."

    Holl said, passing by Bizarro as he approached Luthor. He patted the Superman clone on the shoulder.

    "Be careful not to get your boss''s brains painted across this fancy place."

    Behind Holl, Bizarro turned around, lifting both his hands to the air.

    "Not if Bizarro squashes you first, long hair."

    Holl whistled again, this time low and sharp. The Superman clone stiffened.

    Around it''s neck was a green gel in the shape of a collar. Holl had placed it there when he had passed by Bizarro.

    The more he experimented with his power, the effective they became. Now by imbuing intent into the collar as he placed it on a target, he could activate different orders by making specific sounds like whistling.

    He''d gotten the idea from Yondu, a guy from Marvel, who could similarly control a small dagger by whistling.

    He hadn''t had time to practice it. But it worked on the first try, to which Holl was glad. Truly, no devil fruit was useless. Only the wielder.

    Luthor stared at Bizarro and the team behind Holl. The very same one he had hired to go and rescue the latter.

    "You''re...Maestro, I presume."

    Lex spoke up, wiping his hands with the Napkin.

    "I am impressed. And I don''t get impressed easily."

    Holl stared at the chair with the Joker''s body. His eyes widened a fraction.

    "I''m impressed too. If that''s who I think it is."

    "A shortsighted business partner."

    Luthor answered, just as Mercy returned.

    The assistant read the room in an instant, pausing before the door.

    "It''s okay Mercy. Did you find it?"

    Luthor called out.

    Worldlessly, Mercy carried the bottle in her hands to Luthor.

    "A Chateau Cheval Blanc."

    The assistant said, popping open the cork.

    "Good. This is perfect for the occasion."

    Luthor commented, taking a whiff of the wine in his glass.

    There was a crash as Holl kicked the chair with the Joker away. The seat and the body smacked onto a portrait of Lex and slid to the floor in a shower of shattered glass.

    "I''m inviting myself for a taste of that wine Mr.Billionaire</a>. Hope you don''t mind."

    Holl smiled.

    The hair behind him hardened and changed into the shape of a chair. Next four thick strands of hair bit into the floor, offering stability. Holl leaned back with a sigh, at his back, his four new pets surrounded his body.

    "Mercy, could you get our guest his own glass?"

    Luthor commanded, hands steepled across the table.

    He turned to Holl, giving a brief once over.

    "So, I sent them to rescue you but you killed one and took control of the rest? Smart. I would have done the same in your position if I had your power. Maybe not kill Brick, though. He was useful."

    "Not to me."

    Holl shrugged.

    "He was a hothead musclebrain. And I''ve had my fill of those."

    "An incident in Gotham perhaps?"

    Luthor guessed.

    "Is that why you came to Metropolis?"

    "Naaah. I came to Metropolis to shake things up a little. I have...unfinished business with a certain Boy Scout."

    Holl replied, not noticing the sour expression on Luthor''s face.

    Or if he did, he chose to ignore it.

    "I see, you want to enslave him too, I suppose?"

    Luthor questioned bluntly, secretly signing to Mercy. The latter stiffened slightly in preparation.

    The wrong answer and Holl would find himself in a situation similar to the Joker.

 Monster Final Part.

    Chapter 16 Monster Final Part.

    (General P.O.V)

    Holl leaned back on his seat, staring at the ceiling. He blew air through his teeth in contemplation.

    "Not really. No. I admit it would be fun to make the Man of Steel my Pet but I want something else..."

    A smile worked it''s way onto his face.

    "I want to see him despair as he loses the most important thing. Though he doesn''t even realize what it is..."

    Luthor''s smile came back.

    "Please, continue. What is the most important thing to him? Family? His powers? The Justice League?"

    Holl shook his head.

    "Family belongs to the man behind the cape. And the League are hardened veterans. Powers? He''s lost them many times before, doesn''t seem to put him down. No, to really male other hurt, I''ll go for something else. The People''s Trust."

    Luthor blinked before great peals of laughter escaped him. Wiping a tear away, he clapped his eyes.

    "How different. I thought your ability to enslave made you unique, but your mind...you''re unabashedly evil."

    "And yet you do not seem afraid of me."

    Holl stated, lifting a hand which begun to glow green.

    Mercy arrived with the glass and poured the wine for Holl.

    Luthor chuckled.

    "Why would I be? A smart man would understand I would be of more use as a friend than an enemy."

    Holl''s eyes briefly landed on the Joker''s body.

    "Can''t argue with that."

    He shrugged, taking a large mouthful of the wine.

    "Crass."

    Mercy mumbled under her breath in disgust.

    "Wine is meant to be savored Maestro. That''s where the pleasure lies."

    Luthor informed him, slightly irritated.

    "I don''t know about all that but could I get something to eat? I''m hungry."

    Holl waved a hand in dismissal.

    "It''s been a stressful few days, you see."

    "Business first. Then your needs will be personally catered for by my assistant."

    Luthor offered.

    "Isn''t that right Mercy?"

    "Ooohh, I don''t think she''ll like that order, Lexxie."

    Holl giggled.

    Immediately, a barrel was placed below Holl''s neck. The barrel belonged to no typical gun. Instead, Mercy''s hand had unfolded into a high tech energy weapon.

    "It''s Lex to you."

    The blonde assistant bitingly said to Holl.

    "And the next time you disrespect him, I won''t care what price I have to pay. You will die."

    "Mercy, stand down. That''s no way to treat our guest. Besides, I''m sure Mr. Maestro here understands the unique position he''s in."

    Luthor interjected.

    Mercy and Holl watched each other. One with anger on her face and the latter with a casual smile that said he was enjoying irritating the deadly woman.

    "Mmph!"

    The energy weapon retracted and Mercy stepped back.

    Holl turned his focus back to Luthor.

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    "And what unique position would that be?"

    Luthor spread out his hands, gesturing around them.

    "You invited yourself into my home, right after killing one of my men and enslaving the rest. Yet, you''re still alive."

    "Because I''m strong."

    Holl shrugged.

    "I impose myself because Strength is the determiner. It levels the playing field. I don''t care about your billions, Luthor. If I wanted them, I could simply bring you under my control."

    "That''s it."

    Mercy aimed her hand at Holl, unleashing an energy blast his way.

    Holl''s hair weaved together into a powerful shield, one that blocked the attack but threw him back.

    Holl flipped in mid air, landing a few feet behind his Pets. His feet skidded on the mat before stopping.

    The Pet Pet user looked up with a scary light in his eyes.

    "So that''s it? You want to fight?"

    Luthor raised a palm and Mercy who was seconds away from following up on her attack stopped.

    "Arrogance won''t get you far in this business, Maestro."

    Luthor addressed Holl.

    "And what business would that be?"

    Holl inquired, frowning at his slightly charred hair. He might have underestimated Luthor''s Assistant. She was actually decently powerful.

    He sent a lecherous grin her way. He couldn''t help it. Strong women turned him on. Mercy looked away in disgust.

    Luthor got off his seat, approaching Holl without worry.

    "You stabbed Batgirl, tangled with the man of steel and I''m guessing are responsible for killer Croc''s untimely demise. He was ripped apart limb from limb."

    "You have the pictures? I''m still mad at that asshole."

    Holl stated, rolling his shoulders.

    "Hahahaha. You truly are despicable."

    Luthor shook his head.

    "And from what I''ve seen of you, that''s a compliment."

    Bizarro, Livewire and Shade stepped up to block Luthor''s way.

    Deathstroke on the other hand was focused on Mercy.

    "How quick your loyalties have changed."

    Luthor commented.

    "Are your wills so dominated that you cannot recognize who I am, Bizarro, Livewire, Shade...even you Slade?"

    Holl who was behind his pets smiled seeing this. Then he snapped his fingers and the Pet''s ceased blocking Luthor''s path.

    "A little prerequisite I add to my Pet''s collars. They can only speak when I give them permission to."

    Holl informed the Supervillain.

    Luthor''s lips thinned. Then with great effort, the smile returned.

    "I''ll make you an offer. Release Slade and Bizarro over to me. Now. And I won''t kill you. You can keep the other two."

    "How generous of you Lexxie."

    Another blast of blue energy was unleashed by Mercy at Holl.

    Bizarro appeared before the blast with Superspeed, blocking it with his chest.

    "But if you expect me to give up this Tank right here, then you''re expecting too much from me."

    Holl said with a grin.

    Luthor narrowed his eyes, stopping before Bizarro while locking his hands behind him.

    "What do you think will happen if I decide you''re more trouble than you''re worth?"

    Luthor questioned, no longer smiling. No longer pretending to remotely be civil.

    "I''ll ask you the same thing."

    Holl shot back, Bizarro stepping out of his way. Both men squared off, eyes locked in a battle of wills.

    "I have an army."

    Luthor told him.

    "An army and a mind more powerful than a thousand Supermen."

    He stepped closer.

    "In fact, I can create those Supermen and send them after you. Relentless machines with only destruction in their programming and you as the main target."

    The smile on Holl''s face widened.

    "Bring it on."

    Luthor studied the younger man''s unflinching expression. He really meant it. And the smile, it reminded him of someone. Someone he had just killed for messing with his plans.

    Which should have made things much easier and his decision clear. Just kill the guy.

    But.

    He relented. Maybe it was the boy''s fearlessness. Or maybe it was his desire to remain undaunted in the face of one of the World''s most dangerous Supervillains.

    It was telling that even after all Luthor had done, no one had arrested him.

    He truly had power in it''s full form and if he so wished, there was nowhere this little upstart could hide from him.

    But.

    He relented.

    Maybe it was his age. So young and yet so dangerous. He had hurt someone close to the Dark Knight yet he wasn''t in the hospital with all of his limbs and bones broken.

    Or maybe it was similarities to the Clown. The same shamelessness. The same grin. But where the Joker was schemes with unwinable odds and a chaotic streak, this Kid actually had power.

    It was in the way he stood. Like an animal, 2 seconds away from pouncing.

    And that was it.

    Who was he kidding? Luthor knew talent when he spotted one. And this kid''s potential was great. With sufficient training and guidance, he could achieve anything.

    The ability to Enslave people was something he wouldn''t mind having. And if he wanted, he could take it.

    He was Lex Luthor when all was said and done.

    But. His business side had always helped him make the best investments. And this was the riskiest but potentially best investment he had come across.

    So Luthor lost the anger, a thoughtful expression coming into his face.

    "Tell me something Kid. What''s your dream?"

    Luthor questioned.

    The arrogant smirk on Holl''s face grew smaller. He narrowed his eyes. The strands of his hair seemed to dance in a non-existent breeze behind him.

    "My dream? Why? Why do you want to know."

    "Humor me."

    Luthor replied, naked interest in his eyes.

    "My dream...huh, never had anyone ask me that..."

    Holl commented.

    "It''s simple really."

    A sudden pressure pressed down on everyone in the chamber. Something tangible and heavy. The Will of a King.

    "I want to do anything I want."

    Holl declared.

    The pressure persisted for a while, before it disappeared.

    Luthor blinked in surprise. Mercy''s lips were slightly parted as she stared at Holl.

    This guy...

    The dream sounded stupidly basic and simple yet...neither of them could find flaws in it.

    "To do anything you want huh?"

    Luthor muttered, memories of his entire life playing through his mind. All he had achieved. All he had created. The milestones broken...

    By all indications, he was an impressive man and a great Businessman who had achieved all his dreams.

    But for that brief second, he had felt inferior. His dreams had felt inferior. For how could one be so...unrestrained in their desires?

    Maybe that was what set Maestro apart.

    Luthor shook his head.

    "I don''t know about all that. But I can promise you one thing. I can make you into what you''re really meant for. I can make you a real Monster."

    Then he held out a hand for Holl to shake.

    The Pet Pet user stared at the hand.

    "Okay then Lexxie. Show me what you got."

    Holl shook the hand, sealing the deal.

 Chapter 17: 2 Weeks Later part 1.

    (General P.O.V)

    Across Batman''s room, Barbara Gordon aka the Batgirl, was fuming in anger while staring at the iPad screen lying on her lap.

    She swiped through the images displayed, in horror. The screen showed the aftermath of the fire in Dr.Leslie</a>''s clinic.

    Over half of the building was unsalvageble by the time the Fire trucks arrived.

    Despite the clinic housing the barest minimum for professional health care, the medical equipment that had been destroyed due to Maestro, was by no means cheap.

    "That bastard...stabbed me and then destroyed Dr. Leslie''s clinic."

    Batgirl snarled.

    "I won''t forgive him. It''s his fault I wasn''t there to help Bruce when he needed me."

    The I-pad screen cracked due to how hard she holding it. Commissioner Gordon, her father, sighed.

    "Barbara please. Take it easy. Your stitches will come off if you strain yourself too much."

    Batgirl unfortunately was too lost in her anger to properly listen.

    "Okay. I''m taking this back."

    He gently pried the device out of her hands.

    "Clearly it was a mistake to show you those images so soon. It''s only been 2 weeks. I should have held onto them until you were properly healed."

    Barbara allowed it. She wasn''t fully recovered and just like her dad said, she could undo her stitches if she wasn''t careful.

    Barbara weakly laid back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The steady drone of the life monitor was a distant symphony in the background, as she sank into her thoughts.

    "Maestro."

    She uttered his name hatefully.

    "I''ll make you pay."

    She promised, a hard glint in her eyes.

    (Holl''s P.O.V)

    (A Penthouse In Metropolis)

    "Achooo!"

    That sneeze came out of nowhere. Must be a cutie somewhere talking about me.

    Then again, there were cuties here too.

    Or rather instead of calling them cute, they would be better described as mature women. Women with the right shape and size.

    I like a girl with a big ass and an even bigger attitude. Something a certain blonde haired bodyguard had in spades.

    "Ugh, you''re thinking disgusting thoughts again, aren''t you?"

    One of my pets, Livewire commented, hovering above me.

    She was holding a tray with an half empty bottle of wine in a bucket of ice. Good stuff too, trust me, I could vouch for it.

    On the subject of treating her like a servant, well that''s because she was one.

    Luthor had Mercy, a cyborg assistant.

    I had Livewire, a metahuman capable of channeling electric energy through her body.

    Clearly the disparity in power was welcomed. The stronger my pets were the stronger I became as a result.

    And the black and white waiter uniform she wore clad to her figure rather well. She didn''t have Mercy''s cum dump butt but she wasn''t bad looking by any means.

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    The only thing that put me off was her died hair; which was different shades of Torquise and light green.

    Of course getting her to wear said uniform had required a command through the Pet Pet collar. But all things considered, I think she was slowly warming up to our whole arrangement.

    Others? Not so much. But we''ll get into that later.

    I didn''t want to ruin my afternoon, with unpleasant thoughts.

    I lowered the glasses I was wearing and followed her eye sight. The electro supervillain was staring straight at my junk.

    My thoughts of Mercy and her shapely ass had the unfortunate effect of waking up Junior Holl.

    Not that I was ashamed or anything.

    "Take a picture, it lasts longer. Or would you rather just...touch it?"

    I chuckled, enjoying the slight hatred in her eyes, following my shameless statement.

    She was about to say something rude but ultimately decided against it, swallowing her words.

    And that''s why Livewire couldn''t stand up to Mercy. The latter had fire and attitude, in comparison, Livewire had already accepted her fate of being my pet.

    There was little fight in her anymore.

    I leaned back onto the pool chair, tilting the glasses back onto my eyes.

    A contented sigh escaped me.

    To be honest, I had nothing to complain about. I had healed up (a chunk of my ear was still missing though).

    And had an awesome view of Metropolis from this Penthouse that Luthor gifted me. In light of our agreement to co-operate.

    It was slightly boring though, not gonna lie.

    I''d been cooped up here for the last 2 weeks and excitement was severly lacking in my life.

    And to think the first 3 days in DC had been so interesting and eventful.

    Speaking of which, I wonder how Batgirl is doing. She certainly had that fire in her. The next time we meet, I bet we were going to have fun.

    I wonder if she''ll underestimate me this time.

    There was also the blonde cop...I promised him retribution after all. And with the Ocean Gods as my witness, I always keep my promise.

    It was just a matter of when.

    The strands of my hair extended, holding out a glass to Livewire.

    "If you''re not going to suck me off, at least top up the glass for me."

    Was I a dick? I think I was but who cares, long as I got to enjoy myself I''ll be the biggest dick in history. Muhahahahaha! Okay that''s enough.

    With clenched jaws, my Electro pet obeyed, filling the wine glass to the halfway point. The liquid sloshed as I brought it to my lips and took a sip.

    "Ahhh, that really hits the spot."

    I sighed in happiness.

    "I might get used to this lifestyle if I''m not too careful."

    That said, I hadn''t been idle those two weeks. My time had mostly been spent in the Lab with Luthor''s scientists doing research on my powers.

    I was put through different tests on a daily basis. For starters, they would have me enslave various animals.

    And once they were under my control, the scientists would try to remove the collar.

    Usually very gruesomely. The tests proved very productive as I learned more about my abilities.

    One might wonder why I accepted it.

    Truth is, I was curious what science would say about something like a devil fruit.

    Was it a bundle of programmed energy that upon eating would awaken a specific ability in someone? Maybe.

    The thing is...while we learned a lot about my limits and effects, the source of the abilities eluded us.

    The speculation was that my powers were a never seen before mutation of the Metahuman gene.

    There was no conclusive data to support this theory however.

    Ultimately trying to decipher why my abilities worked failed. So from the start of the second week, we ultimately focused on combat and other applications.

    "What''s the time Pet?"

    I questioned.

    Livewire glanced at the watch on her wrist.

    "2:50. It''s almost time."

    Good. I got up from the chair and stretched my body, the sound of joints popping and bones cracking was just as satisfying to hear, as it was to feel.

    "Shade?"

    I called out to my shadow.

    "Get your ass out of here."

    My shadow rippled and out of it emerged Shade, the supervillain who could create portals through shadows.

    The green collar on his neck stood out like a sore thumb when paired up with the black and grey costume he favored.

    "You called Master Holl?"

    He bowed to me.

    I like Shade. Livewire is kind of a bitch but Shade is cool. Shade is chill.

    "Yeah. It''s time to pay a visit to the good doctor. After that, dear old Lexxie and I will need to have a long discussion. So let''s go."

    I informed h, stepping onto the shadow.

    "Oh and Pikachu, I almost forgot. I''ll need you in the training room later. There''s a new move I wanna try."

    I told Livewire.

    Color drained from my Pet''s face as she backed away in terror.

    Before I could inquire what made her so terrified, the darkness swallowed both Shade and I.

    It was only for an instant. I blinked and found myself on the hall leading to Sub-level 14: The Anomaly Division of Cadmus.

    Directly teleporting in was impossible as this lab housed some very important stuff.

    Strange experiments, Alien artefacts, mystical and phantasmal creatures in containment fields and of course an entire section dedicated to Krypton and Superman.

    That''s where Lexxie kept most of his Kryptonite reserves.

    "What was that about? She looked scared out of her mind at the thought of training."

    I frowned, trying to understand Livewire''s reaction.

    "Ah, she must be nervous about fighting you, Master. You do get carried away sometimes."

    Shade responded.

    I stared at him in confusion.

    "But it''s a spar. I don''t see you having a problem with it."

    I pointed out.

    "Oh, maybe it''s different for her? You are...intense whenever you fight. Even if it''s a spar, your opponent feels a real threat of death. Its like you might snap any moment."

    He explained making me snort,

    "Someone''s awfully chatty today."

    Shade immediately got on one knee.

    "Apologies Master. I merely wanted to offer my insight."

    "Nah, it''s cool."

    I waved it away.

    "I allowed you guys free speech because at the end of the day, a pet that can talk is fucking hilarious!"

    I couldn''t stop the laughter that bubbled out of me at his dumbfounded look.

    Yes. Shade. That''s what you guys are to me. Just pets.

    He stayed silent the rest of the way.

 Chapter 18: 2 Weeks Later Final part.

    (Holl''s P.O.V)

    Soon enough, we were standing before the entrance to Sub-level 14. Shade silently sunk into my shadow, where he always stayed, awaiting my orders.

    I was about to do the biometric scan when the entrance hissed, retracting onto the wall.

    In front of me stood none other than Slade Wilson aka Deathstroke. His costume seemed to have undergone a few alterations.

    The black plates were switched out for a grayer material that seemed to subtly bend light and blend the costume into the surroundings.

    He didn''t have his helmet on, one eye was hidden behind an eye patch while the other was narrowed my way with hate.

    So much hate I knew he would never forgive me for enslaving him and making him my pet.

    Without a word, he passed by me.

    But of course being the petty bastard I was, this was too good a chance to pass up.

    "You upgraded your costume huh? Too bad you don''t have the collar on your neck anymore. Green would be compatible with the new suit, don''t you think?"

    He stopped right beside me. From the corner of my eyes, I saw his fingers twitch.

    Yeah...do it. It''s been long since I felt alive. Sink into your anger and attack. Then Luthor won''t have anything to say when I put you under my control again.

    "Ah Holl! There you are!"

    A new voice reached my eyes from the front, interrupting us.

    Ugh.

    The source was a balding middle aged man dressed in a lab coat.

    I put on a fake smile.

    "Dr.Armstrong</a>, how are you doing this fine aftern-"

    "Yes yes, spare me the niceties boy."

    Armstrong interrupted pulling me into the lab.

    "There''s a new product I need you to test."

    I didn''t look back but I knew Slade''s eyes (or eye) were focused on me. Too bad he didn''t react to my taunt. Giving him up had been the only point of contention between Lex and I.

    Such a valuable Pet.

    Tsk. This partnership better be worth it Luthor. Or else, you''re the one in danger of becoming a Pet. Having a genius Pet on retainer would no doubt be beneficial to my plans.

    The first thing I always focused on whenever I entered Sub-level 14 was the giant globe in the middle of the room.

    A replica of the planet overlayed with a projection that displayed real time Anomalous zones.

    That sounds just like it means.

    Apparently Luthor was a collector of some kind. The man had his eyes on anything and everything that could give him a leg up on his competition or...on Superman.

    The giant globe was not even the most outstanding object in the chamber.

    The division was full of mad scientists doing mad scientists things.

    One guy had created a flamethrower that could shoot out Lava and was demonstrating it on a pannel of metal.

    The metal didn''t stand a chance.

    Another was prodding a giant Gorilla in a cage with a cattle prod. The Gorilla slammed it''s forearms onto the bars, making the whole cage shake but still remain undamaged.

    Damn, what kind of metal was the cage made out of? That Gorilla was the size of Grodd. Over 7 feet tall.

    Mmh. I wouldn''t mind having a giant Gorilla as a pet. Maybe I could talk to Lex about it.

    Our arrangement while not as fleshed out as I would have liked, ensured I could request for Pets.

    Luthor''s people would then do everything in their power to procure them for me. The prerequisite being, I would have to help out whenever Luthor requested.

    Knowing him, the missions would be fun enough to interest me.

    A win-win situation.

    Finally, Armstrong and I arrived at the furthest part of the chamber. The doctor had been talking throughout our walk but the Ocean Gods know I didn''t hear a single word. Too lost in my thoughts.

    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    "...that''s when I asked Luthor, why not take advantage of the crystal''s capabilities and create an untraceable, untrackable and undefendable weapon?"

    He said excitedly.

    "And that''s when I finally came up with batch 78. A sonic bio virus that can be transmitted through the air and kill off the targets before they know they''re dead! Brilliant, don''t you think?"

    The Good Doctor was staring at me with anticipation, awaiting my input.

    "Umm..."

    I scratched my head.

    "Sorry could you repeat that again? Like all of it?"

    Doctor Armstrong removed his glasses, wiped them on his lab coat before putting them on and hitting me with a nasty glare.

    "You were not even listening to my genius application of the shock crystals?! How rude!"

    "Come on doc."

    I rolled my eyes.

    "We both know you like the sound of your own voice so get to talking. I''ll listen this time, I promise."

    The scientists Luthor hired were...eccentric to say the least.

    By eccentric I mean, sadistic fucks who wouldn''t hesitate to cut you up just to find out how you tick.

    Fortunately, the doctor complied and I finally got the gist of it.

    There were these pink crystals that contained sonic energy compressed to a tremendous extent.

    Once shattered, they would produce a pressure wave strong enough to collapse a tunnel or crush a car. And that was just a small piece.

    I immediately recognized them. They''d been placed throughout Gotham''s underground tunnel system. I had these babies to thank for my escape.

    It seems Luthor was the source of them. Why am I not surprised?

    Armstrong had taken the crystals and modified them into some sort of superweapon that could disintegrate bio-mass to nothing.

    Unfortunately it only seemed to work on children as of now.

    Their metabolism was weaker than an adult''s, making them susceptible to the Sonic Virus.

    That''s where I came in. Armstrong wanted to text the virus on my hair.

    "We''ve already ran tests that show each individual strand of your hair, has the tensile strength of a steel wire."

    Armstrong explained, leading me to the target zone. An area where I would stand and let him blast me with different weapons to find out the true limits of my long ass hair.

    Over the week, we found out a few things.

    The durability would increase as long as I had a large serving of protein rich food within a period of 24 hours.

    When hungry or starving, the hair strands would be a bit weaker but still deadly.

    Like the difference between a sharp knife and a blunt one.

    Another thing was my control. It was steadily growing. My body seemed to have a minor adaptive ability. At least in regards to my hair.

    Whenever Armstrong brought out something sufficiently powerful that could injure me, any destroyed strands would grow back, a little bit stronger.

    And lastly, if I applied the Pet Pet fruit''s ability on myself, everything about my hair would be enhanced to crazy levels.

    The tensile strength would bypass steel and become almost as dense as tungsten.

    Taking into account the melting point of Tungsten was 6192��F (3422��C), I had an effective shield against heat. Not to mention it''s extreme durability would defend me from almost anything.

    "Okay, ready?"

    Armstrong asked from where he was standing, a strange gun in his hands.

    """ They''re doing it again. """

    """ Do you think he''ll survive this time?"""

    """ Nothing Armstrong has thrown his way has seemed to work."""

    """ Ten bucks says he dies."""

    """ You''re on."""

    A few scientists were speculating amongst themselves, their attention fixated on Armstrong and I.

    This had been a routine for the past few days.

    Everytime Armstrong had a ''product'' he wanted to test, I was mostly the only one dumb and crazy enough to accept the challenge.

    Naturally that earned me a certain reputation as someone who enjoyed pain. I...didn''t know what to think about that.

    "Don''t mind those fools."

    Armstrong shooed them away.

    I gave him the go ahead by molding a thumbs up with my hair.

    Then I applied the Pet Pet collar on myself. Better safe than sorry.

    I felt a rush of power invade my entire body. Everything was enhanced as my physique broke from the Human category and became something else.

    Super.

    Every breath I took carried with it smells and scents that I could easily differentiate. Things that would be undetectable to a normal human nose.

    My eyes could see the lice on the Gorilla''s fur from dozens of feet away.

    My skin could sense the shift of air molecules in the room instinctively. And my mind...I could think even more clearly.

    The best part was not looking like a skeleton.

    As well fed as I was, my body could support the transformation easily. At least for a few minutes before I startes shrivelling up.

    "A word of caution."

    Doctor Armstrong said with a cruel smile.

    "This might hurt or possibly kill you."

    "This is payback for ignoring you on our way here, isn''t it?"

    I questioned with a raised brow.

    Armstrong didn''t even bother to lie.

    "Hold on to your horses, dear boy."

    He simply replied before pulling the trigger.

    ******

    "You look terrible."

    Mercy said upon seeing me. Shade had teleported me to Lexcorp from the lab.

    To be specific, the reception area leading to Luthor''s office.

    And wouldn''t you know, the first person I meet while covered in bruises and welts was the one most likely to poke fun at me.

    "Armstrong."

    I simply responded.

    Strangely enough Mercy winced.

    "Yeah...I know the good doctor. He''s-"

    "Fun?"

    "Crazy."

    Both of us said at the same time.

    Mercy stared at me as if I''d grown a second head.

    "Only you would think getting almost blown apart with a sonic gun is ''fun''."

    She shook her head, turning around and walking towards Luthor''s office.

    I followed behind her, admiring her fit body. Everything about her spelled ''consumate professional''. It was bringing all my secretary fantasies to the fore front of my mind.

    "So...you''ve been watching me huh?"

    I asked, catching up to her.

    "Security is part of my duties around here. I watch over everything."

    She replied curtly.

    "That wasn''t a denial."

    I shot back.

    "Get your mind out of the gutter Holl."

    She said, looking back at me with raised eyebrows.

    "It''s never gonna happen."

    "I wouldnt be so sure about that Mercy. I can be quite convincing."

    I chuckled, enjoying her irritated expression.

    "Die."

    She finally bit out, pushing through the door.

    Luthor''s oppulent office was revealed to me. Bastard had a better view than my Penthouse.

    "Maestro! How kind of you to join me."

    Lex greeted, seated behind his ebony desk.

    He was wearing a well fitted suit with a red tie. His bald head seemed to reflect light from the overhead pannels.

    He walked around the desk and offered a hand for me to shake. I complied and took the seat directly opposite him.

    Mercy went to stand by his side.

    "I saw some of your requests."

    Luthor begun.

    "If you don''t mind me asking, what is Kairoseki and what do you need ocean water for?"

    Good. If Luthor didn''t recognize the word Kairoseki, which meant sea prism stone, it likely meant it didn''t exist.

    That was one weakness to my devil fruit avoided. Now I just need to test if I could be weakened by sea water.

    So far, I hadn''t lost the ability to swim. Which would have been a bummer given the massive pool in my penthouse.

    The sea water was mostly to make sure that I was exempt from the two major weaknesses shared by all devil fruits.

 Chapter 19: Crashing A Party.

    (Holl''s P.O.V)

    Luthor and I wrapped up our meeting pretty quickly.

    Turns out, he had a conference to attend.

    As the UN General Secretary, he had duties beyond world domination and simply annoying Superman.

    Speaking of, the Man of Steel was missing. I had Shade on the look out for the Boy Scout across the whole of Metropolis but he was yet to turn up anything.

    For two whole weeks.

    I came all this way to his city just to mess with him and he wasn''t even around.

    What a bad host you are, Kalel. Or is it Kal-el.

    Well whatever his name was, he was doing a terrible job at being Metropolis'' chief protector.

    Superboy and Supergirl were manning the fort in his stead so to speak.

    And while I hadn''t planned on screwing with them, my patience for Superman was wearing thin.

    I needed to do something.

    Something big.

    How else will I bring more evil and chaos into the world?

    How else shall I be recognized as a menace to society?

    This was my second chance to live how I wanted. And I wanted Metropolis to suffer. Why?

    That''s an easy answer.

    Because I was bored. Awful thing, boredom.

    "Boss, I''m in position."

    Livewire''s voice came through the device in my ear, courtesy of Lex-corp.

    This ear piece had a massive range and could even work omin surveillance proof locations, or so Mercy has said.

    Owing to my boredom, and as the first step to dominating Metropolis, my pets and I were crashing a certain party hosted by the mayor.

    It was supposed to be a charity event to fund some pointless city project.

    Too bad my arrival was about to ruin everyone''s night.

    "Perfect," I replied to Shade, a delighted smile playing on my lips.

    This was going to be my official introduction onto the scene. Hence it had to be grand and impressive. Nothing less than a massive impact.

    "Shade, you ready?"

    I tapped the earpiece, sending the transmission through.

    At the sametime, my gaze swept down, admiring the expansive manicured grounds spread out below me.

    Imposing wrought-iron gates opened up into a sweeping driveway, lined with towering trees that guided the guests toward the entrance to the most impressive Mansion I had ever laod my eyes on.

    Man, the Mayor was loaded.

    "Yes my master."

    The doom and gloom Supervillain replied to my query.

    "I''m inside the kitchen, awaiting your orders."

    "Well then, let''s appear in style."

    I stated fixing the bow tie on my neck. Yes I was in a rather dashing suit, descending towards a skylight.

    It was bound to be a splashing entrance.

    Behind me, flapping gently in the air was a pair of wings constructed from weaving my hair together.

    This was my newest application of Seimei Kikan. Although the wings were only strong enough to glide, with time I knew I would achieve true flight.

    A dozen or so feet above the skylight, my momentum increased as I came crashing through the glass.

    (General P.O.V)

    Lois Lane moved through the crowd of greedy and arrogant politicians.

    Her label of them was accurate��they represented the Upper Class, ruling over Metropolis with a hunger for power and wealth.

    Most of them were self serving individuals who wouldn''t hesitate to stab you in the back to advance their social standing.

    Ans these same politicians, wary of Superman''s challenge to traditional governance and concerns about accountability, found themselves disliking him for his selfless nature.

    It was frankly nauseating, if you asked Lois. But in line with human nature she supposed.

    Which is why Superman was too good for this rotten world.

    And which is why she did her best to study people and their motivations. To learn more about human nature.

    Not just because of her job but also because she thought she could protect him from his real weakness�� Humanity.

    Her ability to understand people earned her praise and many awards for sharing stories that occasionally made a big impact.

    And that was what she was here to do today.

    The deputy mayor had been shying away from the limelight due to a sex harrasment scandal.

    Lois wasn''t after that. She was instead following up on a lead about missing children.

    The mayor was involved somehow, being a key figure in endorsing a wellness center for troubled teens. The same place where those taken in would never be seen again.

    She had to uncover his role and discover the whereabouts of the abducted children.

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    "Lane, is that you?"

    A faux-saccharine voice reached her ears.

    Lois allowed a disgusted look to flash through her face before turning around with a happy smile on her face.

    "Vickii. I didn''t think I would see you here."

    She greeted the taller, brown haired woman dressed in a dress that had to cost in the tens of thousands.

    Vicki Vale, the editor in chief of for Gotham Gazette. A gorgeous reporter who Lois had history with.

    And not the good kind.

    During Lois internship, the Daily Planet had tried to hire Vicki to write a piece on the then new Superman.

    Considering all the good her husband had done, Lois was furious when Vicki''s article turned out to be biased and painted Superman as something to be feared.

    An enemy of earth.

    Suffice it to say, they weren''t friends. Not strictly enemies either. They knew the value of each other. A good reporter had good connections.

    "How many years has it been?" Vicki asked, a sardonic grin playing on her lips.

    "About two years, I guess."

    She answered for herself before Lois could respond.

    "You look stressed Lane. And are those wrinkles I see? Perry still riding you hard huh?"

    "I take it you mean, do I find joy in crafting real news and reporting actual events?" Lois retorted with a sharp edge.

    "Well, yes. And you, Vicki? Still hanging on in Gotham? Writing fake celebrity news and propaganda? Surprised they haven''t shown you the door yet."

    "Hahaha," the other woman laughed.

    "See, Lane, that''s what I love about you. You''ve got moxie. And fire me? Hah! As if! Letting me go would be like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs."

    She rattled off,

    before narrowing her gaze at Lois.

    "I''m actually glad we ran into each other Lane. Maybe you could help me out with my new assignment."

    Despite her better judgement, Lois found herself asking,

    "What case?

    Before she could get an answer, the lights within the ball room went out, plunging the chamber in darkness.

    Lois tensed, her hand going for the Pepper Spray in her handbag.

    "What is going on?"

    Just as the question left Vicki''s lips, the sound of shattering glass echoed through the room as something crashed through the ceiling, abruptly destroying the calm atmosphere.

    Panic ensued.

    Screams pierced the air, and people frantically scattered, eager to put as much distance as possible between themselves and the crash.

    Most gathered in tight groups, seeking safety in numbers, far from the impact zone.

    Fortunately, Lois was near the entrance. As the crowd rushed past her, she only stepped back a few paces, keeping her eyes fixed on the center of the chamber.

    The lights flickered back on, revealing a few new additions to the party.

    Lois easily recognized two figures that were flanking a third.

    The third one gave her pause.

    "That''s Livewire and Shade. Supervillains that Superman regularly fights."

    Still, she informed her fellow reporter who nodded.

    By the time, the Villain rose from his crouch,

    Lois had reached into her handbag and pressed a small button.

    The device released a unique frequency that only a select few in the whole city could hear.

    Good. That meant help was on its way. In the meantime...

    "I suggest you don''t draw attention to yourself."

    Lois whispered to Vicki, slowly backing away by using the crowd.

    "Livewire is known to be particularly trigger happy. Although I don''t recognize the man with them."

    "I do."

    Vicki revealed in a low excited murmur, ducking right after Lois.

    "He''s my assignment. His name is Maestro. He left quite a mess back in Gotham."

    "And I''m going to interview him."

    Vicki added in a slightly cocky tone.

    Maestro? That name stood out to Lois.

    Then in a flash, she recognized it.

    He was there during the ''Joker''s rampage''...and right after then...Clark fell sick.

    Lois took a shuddering breath, cutting off that train of thought before she could sink into a depressive state.

    It was why she was working. To keep her mind off things.

    That said, she hadn''t been expecting the first major thing to happen this night to remind her of Clark.

    Then again, anything goes in Metropolis.

    "I-"

    Lois begun.

    "Shh. It''s starting."

    Vicki silenced her.

    They couldn''t afford to draw attention. Lois, aware of this, halted in her tracks. All eyes shifted to the gate crasher, providing Lois with a crucial moment to catch a clear glimpse of Maestro.

    "He''s...young."

    She muttered.

    Closer to the middle of the ball-room and with all attention on him, Maestro begun his speech.

    "Good evening Elites of Metropolis. So sorry for dropping in unannounced."

    Maestro said before continuing,

    "But I couldn''t miss this for anything."

    The space around them had been emptied swiftly, with nearly everyone huddling as far away as possible.

    Through the crowds, several men in black suites poured in wielding guns.

    ''The Mayors'' bodyguards. More like Lap dogs.'' Maestro thought with a derisive snort.

    "Freeze!"

    The lead bodyguard yelled, gun pointed at the three.

    A chuckle escaped Maestro. He stepped forward, unafraid of the instruments of death pointed his way.

    "Why the hostility, Mr. Mayor?"

    He adressed, the Mayor.

    A portly, stereotypical politician shielded by his guards.

    Though visibly trembling, he attempted to feign bravery, his rotund face betraying a false sense of courage.

    Maestro found it funny.

    "You have no idea who you''re messing with! Guards! Arrest him!"

    The Mayor ordered with misplaced bravado.

    Maestro msnapped a finger and in a move that Lois couldn''t visibly follow, the long mop of hair behind the Villain shot out like snakes.

    Tendrils of hair snagged the feet of each bodyguard, before pulling all of them up into the air.

    The strands wound around each, constricting their bodies and restricting their movements.

    A fresh wave of panic hit the room and people started trampling over each other In a bid to escape through the entrance to the chamber.

    "Oh Shade?"

    Maestro crooned out to his Minion.

    With a wave of Shade''s hands, shadows pooled on the edges of the room, including the entrance.

    Next it was Maestro''s turn.

    Hair strands twisted and formed menacing tentacles, shooting through Maestro''s shadow and emerging from the depths of Shade''s portals around the ballroom.

    The crowd halted, finding the path in front of them blocked by menacing Tentacles ominously waving in the air.

    "What''s the rush? Enjoy the party a little longer."

    Maestro''s voice echoed through the room, the bodies of the guards still suspended in the air above.

    "What do you want?!"

    The Mayor asked in a shaky voice.

    Maestro smiled.

    Another tentacle snaked through the air, stopping inches in front of the Mayor, before the tip of the tentacle tapped his chest.

    "Right to the heart of the matter, Mr. Mayor. I like that. I like that veeeerrry much."

    The 50 year old, Army veteran Mayor whimpered.

    A shadow was cast over the chamber.

    Maestro''s body rose into the air, high enough to touch the chandelier. His body was supported by two strong hair tentacles.

    This was an idea he got from a certain Spider-man villain called Doc Oc. And Maestro found himself loving it. Having 8 limbs or more was better than four. It helped so much with movement.

    "To answer your question, my good man."

    Maestro replied to the Mayor, looming over the scared man.

    "I want...everything."

    The Supervillain increased the volume of his words, addressing the whole room.

    "Empty your purses and wallets into your shadows. That''s right! It''s an episode of the X Files, the weird shit, don''t question it."

    He moved with a certain grace, spinning and dipping in the air while monologing.

    Lois ignored most of it. She had a golden opportunity here. With Maestro distracting everyone, she wouldn''t pass up the chance to take a look through the Mayor''s office.

    That''s when her heel accidentally scuffed the side of a stand with a vase on top.

    The stand tilted, and the vase came crashing down.

    Every eye turned her way. The sound especially noisy in the quiet chamber.

    A dark chuckle sounded out.

    (Holl''s P.O.V)

    This is it.

    I''m living and loving it.

    Here I am, terrorizing these so called ''upper class''.

    And silmutenously robbing them of their ill earned money. At least...I suspect it is.

    Then again, I wasn''t simply doing this for the money...it was about the chaos.

    The freedom I could exercise willy nilly. The expressions of my emotions the way I wanted. How I wanted and when.

    No dad breathing down my neck. Here I was free from familial obligations.

    I could do whatever I wanted, be whatever I wanted.

    And right now, I wanted to be a Supervillain. And so supervillain I shall!

    "But most of all, ladies and gentlemen!"

    I roared, thousands of strands of hair rippling in the air behind me.

    The result were gusts of wind that blew out into the audience, causing screams and another fresh wave of panic, all in time for my coup de Grace.

    "I want. Your. Lives!"

    I declared, cackling like a mad man.

    I Like to imagine Lightning struck somewhere in an ominous climatic fashion.

    Only for the reign of fear to be broken by the sound of a...vase breaking.

    I turned to face the fool foolish enough to ruin the Atmosphere.

    A terrified, gorgeous milf stared back at me.

    She didn''t fool me in the slightest, the glint in her eyes was the same that I saw in Mercy''s. This was a woman with will.

    "Seems like we have a volunteer."

    I said, a wide smile designed to creep even the devil out, on my face.

    She gulped but refused to yield, meeting my gaze head on.

    Well now...isn''t this interesting.

    Let''s play with her a little.

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    Check out the story below, while waiting for Jon Kent''s Update:-

    Yamamoto Template: Marvel Edition.

    A/N: This is a Commissioned chapter.

    Chapter 1: Meat Grilling in Jotunheim.

    -Jotunheim-

    The Nine realms were planes of existences located in the branches of Yggdrasil, the Sacred tree of Life and Death.

    Of these realms, Jotunheim was special. A plane of desolate cold and icy wind, normal life would struggle to survive even a minute there.

    But for the Frost Giants, Jotunheim was home.

    -King Laufey''s Palace-

    The king of The Frost Giants, Laufey, yawned as he tried to remain awake during the court meeting.

    "...annual price of Elven Turnips from Alfheim is up by 0.1%, the Dwarves have sent a complaint involving an invoice for the shipment of warhammers, Asgardian delegates request an audience regarding an unprovoked attack..."

    "Never."

    Laufey said icily, his red eyes glowing with hatred.

    "Odin''s ilk will only step inside my Palace over my cold dead carcass."

    "Moving on."

    The Royal Chancellor cleared his throat, about to continue when, a strange scent reached Laufey''s nose. He instantly sat up.

    "What is that smell?"

    The King''s voice boomed across the throne room.

    Sniffing the air, he turned his head to the direction of his 4 Royal guards. Behind the queen''s throne, one of them was acting suspiciously- his face red despite his bluish skin, and his cheeks stuffed.

    "Is that you Jeffery? What are you hiding behind your back? Show me your hands."

    King Laufey commanded.

    Jeffery, looking hesitant at first, brought his hands forward, revealing a slightly sizzling chunk of meat with a large bite on it. The meat visibly dripped with oil, producing a delicious smell that instantly filled the chamber.

    A chorus of gulps could be heard across the room.

    "What''s that?"

    King Laufey asked, eyes focused on the chunk of roasted meat, trying and failing to hide his dripping saliva.

    ''It looks and smells better than what the Palace chefs produce...''

    "Me lunch Sire."

    Jeffery answered, grip tightening on the bone as he held the meat close to him. It was hard to miss the King''s hungry stare.

    "I forgot me packed lunch at home, so I got this from the new grill stall outside the city."

    Jeffery figured telling them where he got the meat would dissuade anyone wanting a piece.

    Instantly, murmurs begun to rise out of the Royal courtiers,

    ''Grill stall?''

    ''First time I''m hearing about it...''

    ''I''ve heard rumors from the common Frost folk...

    ''Outside the city he says?, perhaps I''ll check it out after this boring meeting is over...''

    "Silence!"

    King Laufey declared, and the whole chamber went quiet.

    "The Queen shall take over proceedings. In the meantime, Jeffery will lead me to this, ''grill stall'' where I will personally investigate the...eh security risk. It could be an invasion plan from those Asgardians."

    Only a fool couldn''t read between the lines and see the words for what they were: an excuse. But only a bigger fool would call out the king for it.

    They saluted him as he left the throne room, his guards walking behind.

    Once outside, Laufey turned to Jeffery who was halfway about to bite off a chunk.

    "Oh and Jeffery, you shall hand over the meat as evidence."

    -0-

    The true nature of Ygdrassil is open to interpretation. But as such concepts are rooted in belief, if the vast majority call it a Tree, then it was in essence, a Tree.

    And naturally, a tree is home to many wild critters such as squirrels and birds. Thus the same held true for Ygdrassil.

    -0-

    A giant squirrel the size of a cow, scurried across the rib cage of a massive skeleton belonging to a Frost Behemoth.

    This giant squirrel was known as a Ratatoskr, a species of rodents that made Ygdrassil their home. They could traverse through the branches, jumping from one Realm to another with ease.

    Right now, Ratatoskr was sniffing the air, following the delicious smell of roasting meat it had caught a wiff of, to a makeshift shack below the Frost Behemoth''s skeleton.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    It stopped, a strange tune reaching its ears. Focusing it''s sights on the direction of the shack, it''s eyes fell on a tall black man standing outside infront of what looked like a kiln.

    The man was shirtless, showing off a shredded physique. His hair was completely silver in color, tied up in a single knot at the back of his head. And his chin was covered in a fuzzy beard ending with three braids.

    Folded around his waist, was a white haori which reached his knees. And below, he wore fuzzy boots secured to his feet and shins by a dull red string that gave off a bloody smell.

    Lastly, his hands held a long brown stick, with which he was stocking the coals within the Kiln while whistling.

    The coals were made of bone. Jotunheim lacked any sort of vegetation you see. Nothing could grow on the rocky valleys and high barren plateaus. It truly was a wasteland, populated by predators that preyed on each other for food.

    ''Mmmh, the stones have melted by now.''

    Ziker thought, opening the top of the kiln to reveal a thick Stone pot containing glowing molten rock.

    Unafraid of the heat, Ziker grabbed the large pot wider than his shoulders and easily set it on the ground.

    ''I still haven''t gotten used to this.''

    He thought, staring at his palms.

    The heat of the stone pot should have melted the skin off a normal human''s bones. But he was no longer normal.

    No, Ziker was something else. A Soul Reaper. And not just any Soul Reaper. The walking stick on the ground jumped to his hand at his urging.

    He held all the Powers and knowledge of The Captain Commander of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto Genryusai.

    And the walking stick in his hand, was actually Ryujin Jakka, the Zanpakuto of one of, if not the Strongest Soul Reaper in the Bleach World.

    With a thought, his immense Reiatsu rippled out, spreading across more than a kilometer before stopping. And that wasn''t even his limit, he could go further but didn''t see the need to.

    -0-

    A few hundred meters from Ziker, King Laufey and his group instantly found themselves on their knees. The sensation was akin to the weight of entire worlds pressing down on their shoulders.

    Laufey''s head trembled as he tried to lift it and failed. Right as they were about to pass out and possibly die, the weight suddenly disappeared.

    Breathing heavily, with terror in his eyes, Laufey looked to the front, at the direction of a Frost Behemoth Skeleton.

    ''W-what was that? Not even Odin has ever given off s-such a presence.''

    Past said Skeleton, in the direction opposite Laufey''s group, Ziker''s explosion of Reiatsu had not got unnoticed by another set of individuals.

    "B-brother...we should t-turn back..."

    Loki said in a strained voice, stumbling to his feet.

    He, Thor and the Warriors Four had just arrived in Jotunheim a few seconds prior. Their intention was to investigate how a few Frost Giants were able to sneak past Heimdall and infiltrate Asgard.

    Thor led the charge, giving them full confidence as they arrived in Laufey''s domain by way of the Bifrost.

    But that confidence had been shattered by the unexpected presence that had overwhelmed their souls.

    "L-Loki is right, my Prince."

    Fandral echoed, looking shaken as he leaned on Volstagg.

    "Coming to Jotunheim was a bad idea in the first place. W- we could start a-"

    "Silence."

    Thor cut him off, hand tightened around his Hammer.

    "No son of Odin would be cowered by simple trickery."

    He turned around and stared at his companions.

    "Laufey is aware of our presence and seeks to scare us back to Asgard. I shall not be swayed until he gives me a proper answer. We continue."

    With that, he started walking forward, leaving the other 4 to look on.

    "This is reckless."

    Loki told the rest.

    "We should head back while we still have a chance. With or without Thor."

    The Warriors 3 shared looks with conflicted expressions. That heavy presence had left them utterly terrified.

    Without a word, Sif got off the rock she was sitting on, adjusting her sword before following after Thor.

    The Warriors 3 did the same, passing by Loki. The latter gave an exasperated sigh and joined them.

    "Don''t blame me if we all horribly die."

    -0-

    ''Wheew, the cooking grate came out alright.''

    Ziker thought, setting up the metal grill he had forged with his bare hands.

    First he melted some heavy stones, then using Yamamoto''s knowledge Spells, he extracted the iron particulates from the molten solution with a (Bakudo 72: Expulsion), a kido spell that could expel energy. It was mostly used to cleanse an area affected by a Hollow''s presence.

    There were no hollows in Jotunheim though, and Ziker was yet to see a soul in need of his Soul Reaper services, so the high level Bakudo 72 found itself used in such a way.

    "Hadou 4. Byakurai."

    Ziker chanted in a deep voice.

    A blue spark launched off the tip of his Cane, hitting the dry bones on the grill, creating a fire. With a wave of his hand, a burst of air blew out the flame, leaving behind glowing coals.

    ''Now I just need to go out and hunt before the morning rush swamps me...''

    The thought passed through his mind, as his focus shifted to his back.

    Hung above the entrance of his shack was a dead Ratatoskr, skinned and disected- ready to be grilled. This thing had been lying in wait to attack him but his Reiatsu had killed it.

    ''I doubt it will be enough to feed those hungry Frost Giants.''

    Ziker rubbed his beard.

    With a thought, a strange game like panel appeared in midair. He was the only one who could see it.

    ::---------------------------------::

    (Mission System: Marvel Edition)

    Active Mission:- Open up a grill stall and serve 5000 Frost Giants. These guys are terrible cooks, give them a taste of Roast Heaven.

    4821/5000 Frost Giants served.

    Reward: Portal to Earth.

    ::--------------------------------::

    "Things would be much easier if I didn''t have to worry about these strange missions."

    He mused.

    Fortunately, he was 179 happy customers away from completing the mission and leaving this godforsaken Wasteland.

    "Better get to it."

    He muttered, securing the Captain''s Haori onto his body. In its Cane form, Ryujin Jakka had no belt to strap a sheath on, so he slung it over his shoulder and walked out.

    Unbeknownst to Ziker, the two groups affected by his monstrous presence, had ignored their soul''s yearning for self preservation and made it all the way to the front of the Frost Behemoth''s Ribs. Basically, the gate.

    As a result, the Frost Giants and Asgardians, bitter enemies, run into each other. Tensions instantly begun rising.

    "So, the sons of Odin dare to tread upon my land once more."

    came the booming voice of Laufey. He stood flanked by ten of his personal guards, each as imposing and menacing as the king himself.

    Thor stepped forward, Mjolnir in hand, and a smirk on his lips. "Laufey, still skulking in the shadows of your own realm, I see. We come in peace, but I wouldn''t expect you to understand such things."

    Laufey''s eyes narrowed, a low growl rumbling in his chest.

    "The presence of Asgardians on Jotunheim soil is an act of war."

    Thor laughed, the sound echoing off the icy cliffs.

    "War? You speak of war when it was your own people who started this. Coward! You send your lackeys to Asgard to do what you fear to do yourself!"

    "Careful...brother..."

    Loki whispered to Thor.

    Ice begun to gather in the Frost Giant''s hand, creating blades.

    Sif pulled out her sword halfway,

    "We are not here to fight, but we will defend ourselves if necessary."

    She warned, sensing the hostility.

    At that, Thor''s tone turned mocking,

    "Defend ourselves? Laufey, your realm is as cold and lifeless as your heart. I could melt it all away with a single stroke of Mjolnir."

    "I see. Death it is."

    Laufey responded, the two glaring at one another.

    Just as Laufey raised his hand to signal an attack, a strange, unexpected movement caught everyone''s attention.

    From the ribcage of the Frost Behemoth skeleton beside them, a man emerged, casually brushing off the frost from his clothes.

    He swept his gaze out at the two groups, judged the situation and held up a hand, signaling for attention,

    "Don''t mind me, just passing through. Hey Jeff."

    The absurdity of the situation left both sides momentarily stunned. One of the frost giants, a massive figure known as Jeffery, waved back,

    "Hey Ziker, off to a hunt? Good luck. Oh and check out the Eastside today, there might be a herd of��"

    "Quiet!"

    Laufey roared, his rage directed at Jeffery. The latter cowered, admonished.

    "And you, human, you are going nowhere. I have had enough of trespassers! You and the Asgardians will die here, so says Laufey, King of Jotunheim."

    Ziker stopped and turned to Laufey, his expression unbothered.

    "King Laufey, right? Look, I don''t have time for this. Just passing through."

    Laufey''s eyes blazed with anger, but before he could respond, Thor stepped forward, Mjolnir in hand, and lightning crackled around him.

    "Stand down, Laufey. This conflict is between us."

    The air grew colder, the tension thickening as Laufey''s guards readied their weapons.

    Ziker could have walked away. Should have walked away. However,

    ::---------------------------------::

    (Emergency Mission issued!)

    -Beat Up both groups and send an invoice to Odin for Disciplining his son for him.

    Reward: Ryujin Jakka''s Shikai form.

    ::--------------------------------::

    Well, they were about to fight in front of his stall and that was bad for business. Surely removing them by force wasn''t too excessive, right?

    Plus, the Reward was too important to ignore. While he had all of Yamamoto''s powers, that was with the exception of two things- Ryujin Jakka''s Shikai and Bankai.

 Royal Road Ban

    If you''re wondering why I''m no longer active on RoyalRoadl, it''s completely my fault.

    RoyalRoadl has strict rules when it comes to Lemon/Smut. Son of the Savage unfortunately had one which got me banned from even uploading my new fics here, which include:-

    -A GhostRider Self Insert in DC(29 chapters)(real Title- Times Up, Joker) If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    -Son of the Savage(62 chapters)(They removed it from the site)

    -Jon Kent SI: Made of Steel(35 chapters)

    -Hercules'' Demi-god Twin(16 chapters)

    -James Bond in WW2(MCU X DC Crossover) (14 chapters)

    -Anodite Magic in Percy Jackson(15 chapters)

    -*New* Killing Batman(1 chapter)

    Check out all these works on my Patreon.com/Saintbarbido or Scribblehub under the same name.

    To commission a Fanfic/Original Idea, contact me on Patreon or here. The rates are:-

    100 chapters:- 250

    50 chapters:-150

    10-20 chapters:-75