Mick hated being on assignment in Gotham. Probably as much as Bruce hated him being here. It was much more compounded thanks to the lecture Mick had just been given thanks to the trio's involvement in the recent 0-8-4 event. Bruce was livid, more aliens, more super powered individuals, and Mick was just dragging the Batfamily into his super-powered struggles.
Bruce was right, as much as Mick hated to admit to it. Dick and Barbara were in quite a lot of danger in New Mexico. No one could've predicted a powerful alien wrecking force named Zod leveling a town, a super powered man calling himself Green Lantern, and a woman calling herself Captain Marvel jumping in to fight the armored monstrosity while Mick, and the Batfamily dealt with an Asgaurdian named Thor, who despite his wild demeanor, he joined in the battle, holding off Zod until Superman and Supergirl arrived and trapped Zod in the Phantom Zone before pulling the usual vanishing act. All of that in the span of twenty four hours was taking its toll on him, physically and mentally.
Recluse's job tonight was to watch to be a guardian for a prisoner transport heading to Arkham Asylum. A place that terrified Mick beyond measure. Supposedly a place to reform villains, Whiplash, better known as Ivan Vanko, was being sent here instead of the raft due to his lack of powers. SHIELD was taking no chances after Vanko's latest attack on a Morocco raceway where Iron Man intervened. Thankfully that kept Mick from being lectured by Agent Coulson, who was still neck deep in paperwork.
It was far too late into the night to bother trying to sleep, even if he tried, he'd end up missing his flight back home. He simply shrugged it off. He'd follow Bruce's orders, no patrolling Gotham, get in and get out. He didn't say anything about finding a perch and watching the sun rise.
Mick swung through the city finding a row of tall buildings, the higher he went, the less street noise he heard. He ended up finding a nice perch with a good view of the Atlantic Ocean. Behind him were what he assumed were apartments, several of them. He only guessed that because every so often a new light would come on, then a frantic shadow would do a similar motion, hopping around as they changed clothes, bouncing around, some would peek out the windows. Mick simply laid on the roof's edge enjoying the seabreeze.
He shot up quickly when he heard something thump, he looked around to see a woman his age, flowing silvery hair. She wore a black leather, tight, bodysuit with white trim and white fur around her hands and on her boots, and a pair of black, round, cat eye lens glasses. The two locked eyes, the woman slightly more concerned than Recluse was.
"Let me guess, the Bigman is making sure I'm not going back on my deal," Recluse's words seemed to have the woman concerned.
"Yeah," the woman nodded slowly, giving Recluse the side eye, then looked around him at the apartment complex as if she were looking for something.
"What does he call you?" Recluse sat back down in the side of the building.
"Black Cat," she replied, as Mick turned to her and looked curiously.
"Huh," he grunted. "I thought once you joined his group you were contractually obligated to be bat themed." Black Cat chuckled as she sat down beside him, unusually close for a stranger.
"You know an awful lot about Batman's team for someone wearing a spider emblem. You wouldn't by chance be affiliated with a certain wall crawler from New York City, would you?" The woman asked, clearly making herself much more comfortable next to Mick than Mick knew what to do with.
"Nope," Recluse said as he looked up at the darkened sky. "I've heard about him though. I'd like to meet him one day."
"He's a pretty smooth talker," the woman said, leaning her head toward Mick. His heart began to race, unsure how to handle this woman's flirty mannerisms and tone. "Ladies all over the city are racing to see what's behind that mask."
"Huh," Mick moved his hand as Black Cat's fingers laid over his.
"What about you?" Black Cat asked as she placed a hand on Recluse's thigh. His eyes widened as his mind reeled. This woman had no bounds. Whatever game she was playing, Mick was no match.
"I'm Recluse," Mick gulped, causing the woman to smirk. Her eyes darted from him, back to the building behind them, then back at him. "I'm only here for tonight, after that, I'll be out of here, just like your boss wants."
"And why is that?" She asked seductively, leaning into him, his mind spinning, smelling the scent of her floral perfume.
"You know how it is; he's adamantly against anyone with powers," Recluse grunted. "Especially now."
"So that's your secret?" Black Cat brushed the fur on her cuff against Recluse's cheek as he hung his head, trying not to be drawn in by her beauty and her flirtatious ways.
"That I'm inhuman? Yeah," Recluse sighed. "Not like I asked to be either. Just happened one day, while on a field trip to LuthorCorp. Got bit by a spider that had apparently been tainted by Terregin. Was kicked out of school, shipped off to Xavier's and treated like a second class citizen by everyone that claimed to be doing this because they loved me."
"Sounds like some pretty tough love," Black Cat said as she looked affectionately at Recluse. "I guess if you can spill a few secrets, I can too. My father was a criminal, one of the greatest thieves until he tried to turn his life around after he met my mother and they had me. Turns out, his boss didn't take his resignation really well. Long story short, a family friend took me in after all of that, and she started training me."
"So you don't work with Batman?" Recluse asked as Black Cat slowly shook her head, her eyes fluttering which made Mick grateful he never called Bruce by name, despite coming close a few times.
"Nope, I'm more of a cat girl," she said, running her hand across his cheek, drawing him into her allure, despite his futile resistance. "And I believe that's my cue to leave." She said, then kissed his forehead as she stood up.
"Can I see you again Cat?" Recluse asked, unsure why he would ask something so stupid, knowing he wasn't coming back to Gotham without major conflict from Bruce.
"Maybe I'll see you around, Recluse," she said with a coquettish tone and wink. She then jumped off the edge of the building, as Mick scrambled, seeing a grapple line shoot from the top of her wrist where the fur was.
He looked around, unsure of what the sign the Black Cat was talking about, then looked toward the ocean behind him seeing the thin line of the dawn breaking. Black Cat, I wonder if Nightwing knows anything about her? I guess I'll text him when I get to the airport.
Mick felt uneasy as he opened the door to his apartment. A quick glance around and he saw nothing out of place, but he couldn't shake the feeling. Once the door closed he flicked his wrists and electricity sparked around his hands, ready to face whatever may be haunting him.
"Put it away," a deep, masculine voice came from the shadows of the hallway.
"Seriously?" Mick watched as Bruce revealed himself, dressed in his business attire rather than the Batman attire he expected. "Didn't you yell at me enough in Gotham?"
"I'm not here to chide you," Bruce said calmly. "I have a few questions for you."
"Go ahead," Mick said, dropping his bag.
"Did you know that woman you were talking to?" Bruce asked as Mick looked at him with disdain.
"I knew you'd spy on me," Mick groaned. "You couldn't just take my word that I'd leave just like you wanted?"
"Stop acting like some angsty child and answer the question," Bruce was much more firm than anyone Mick dealt with.
"No, I don't know her. I thought she was one of yours," Mick sneered.
"Did you tell her anything?" Bruce asked, his eyes narrowing.
"No," Mick said defensively. "I didn't recognize her, so I stayed vague about everything."
"Did you check your phone or pockets after she left?" Mick looked at Bruce quite puzzled. "Just answer the question."
"No," Mick said looking down at his bag. Bruce then reached for the bag, Mick knowing there was no stopping him. Whatever hunch Bruce had meant he was probably correct.
Bruce then pulled a small diamond ring out of Mick's pocket, as well as a silver necklace. Neither of which he'd ever seen before. He also looked at the front and back of Mick's phone, up at Mick, then back down at the phone. Mick opened his mouth to tell him the password, but clearly it didn't matter. Bruce was already in it. It infuriated Mick to no end how good Bruce was at reading everyone.
"I don't see anything on here, so you might be safe," Bruce tossed the phone to Mick. "That woman however is a petty thief. She's been seen working with another thief known as Catwoman. She was setting you up to be her fall guy, clearly unaware that you're SHIELD and could bypass airport security."
"Figures," Mick moaned. "She couldn't actually be a nice lady."
"That's what happens when you're too trusting," Bruce scolded. "By the way, imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but you're going to get them killed if you keep acting like a child instead of a mentor."
"What?" Mick looked at Bruce as he walked toward the door.
"I get that you want to be a part of what I'm doing, but you have to understand it takes more than a desire," Bruce said with his hand on the doorknob. "It takes discipline and compassion, along with a strong sense of justice. Sometimes you have to do what's right in the long term even if it hurts in the moment."
"Don't act like you care now," Mick retorted. "We both know you did what you did because you hate people like me." Bruce left before Mick finished his sentence. "That's not compassion, it's the opposite." Mick slumped to the ground, feeling more broken and dejected than he had the whole trip back.
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Clark walked into the Daily Planet, it was the first time in a few days he'd been back. He knew Lois would be upset that he'd been gone so long, mostly due to not checking in. He couldn't take any chances though. He'd been working with Kara, who was now going by the name Kara Kent and living on the farm with his mother, Martha, in Smallville. He'd also been deeply concerned with these threats that Jor-El spoke of. Especially now that the prediction of Zod had come true. Did that mean threats like the Chitauri, Skrulls, or worse could be real too? Maybe he should try to reach out and build an actual team to face down threats like that?
"Look who it is!" Jimmy Olsen, a younger, red headed reporter with freckles began heckling Clark. "Long time no see, Buddy!"
Clark simply smiled at Jimmy. "We had some family issues come up back home."
"Everything is okay now though, right?" Jimmy asked as Clark nodded as he adjusted his fake glasses as the light put a glare over Jimmy. "That's good. Maybe you can calm down this feud between Jonah and Lois?"
"Oh boy," Clark said with a chuckle. "I make no promises."
"Thanks Big Guy," Jimmy nudged Clark's arm as he started toward his cubicle.
"I wouldn't," Sam looked at Clark as he walked up to Perry's door, both hearing the yelling match between Lois and Jonah. "They've been arguing about how to frame our coverage of the New Mexico incident."
"What do you mean?" Clark asked as Sam shook her head and looked at the ground.
"Jonah is blaming Superman for being a beacon that draws 'super-freaks' out and causes mass destruction," Sam explained. "His words, not mine. Lois is arguing Superman and those others should be called heroes for stepping in and fighting that monster. What's weird is that Jonah loves guys like Tony Stark who actively invite anyone to throw on armor and be a hero, it just doesn't make sense."
Clark chuckled. "Thanks for the heads up. I think I'll try and jump on the grenade."
"You should be careful doing that," Sam smiled at him. "Never know when Lois might actually pull out a real one."
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"JARVIS, compile the images of the New Mexico incident," Tony said as he tweaked his armor in the basement of his Malibu mansion.
"Sir, many of the images are considered unreliable, some even Classified," JARVIS responded.
"I didn't ask. Just compile them," Tony barked.
"Yes, Sir," JARVIS replied.
Several images appeared on Tony's hollow desk, showing several the dark armored person; blasting lasers from his eyes, holding a man in a black and green bodysuit by the throat, punching a rather attractive blonde woman in a green body suit, some kid with a black bodysuit using webs to pull a redheaded girl in a blue body away from the beast of a man's swing. His doorbell rang, causing the images to be distorted, and Tony grew frustrated.
"Sir, Agent Coulson from SHIELD is here to speak with you," JARVIS stated.
"Can you send him away?" Tony asked, trying to look over the grainy footage and images.
"He's very insistent that you speak with him. He says Director Fury sent him," JARVIS said to Tony's annoyance.
"Fine, lock up down here, save all of those pictures," Tony tossed his tools aside and made his way up the glass staircase.
"Agent, Couslon, wasn't it?" Tony opened the door to see Coulson standing there, seemingly annoyed that it took this long to answer the door.
"Yes," Coulson replied, stone faced. "Director Fury wanted you to have this file."
"A file?" Tony looked a little surprised.
"Don't worry, I didn't want to bring you in on this either," Coulson handed the file to Tony who opened it, looking quite confused.
"Project AVENGERS?" Tony looked back at Coulson who was clearly distressed. "So your boss wants me to help protect the world?
"Not exactly," Coulson said as Tony raised his brow. "He'd like you to be a consultant. We all agree you're a bit too self centered to be on the team."
"Not much for mincing words are you, Agent Coulson?" Tony asked as Coulson shook his head. "Do I get to know who the other consultants are?"
"Look that file over and get back with us," Coulson said with a grin. "Have a good evening Mr. Stark."
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Jenn stretched as she stepped out of the room, onto the balcony looking out at the shimmering water and the deck that was slowly coming alive with the cruise ships passengers. She was so happy her best friends were able to come on the cruise. "Turn off those lights," Steph grumbled, as a pillow hit Jenn's calves.
"I'll get right on that," Jenn laughed as she pulled the curtains closed behind her.
She felt so free being out here. She wasn't weighed down by her family name, she could be anyone she wanted to be. Last night she pretended to be a shy British girl, and danced the night away without a care in the world. Today she'd be spending time on the top deck with Steph sunbathing, so that Alex wouldn't find them. It wasn't like she had anything against him, but opposite. His angst, his recklessness, it always had a way of pulling her focus. It infuriated her. Made it worse when he was constantly throwing himself at any girl who would look at him. Stupid boys. Why couldn't he be more like Jake, who always seemed so calm and collected?
"Hungry!" Steph murmured, another pillow crashed into Jenn. "Need food and Coffee!"
"I'm not going down there for you again," Jenn pulled the curtain back as Steph hissed at the light shining in her face.
"Why do you hate me so much?" Steph grumbled, pulling her blanket over her head.
"Come on, you might see that cute mystery boy again," Jenn threw the pillows at Steph, who seemed to perk up.
"Why didn't you lead with that?" Steph jumped out of bed, fumbling her hands through her hair. "Ugh! Why do you leave the room such a mess?" Steph moaned looking at clothes strewn across the floor.
"Those are yours," Jenn rolled her eyes, as Steph reached for a jacket that was dangling off the table.
"Then you'll help me clean your mess when we get back?" Steph slid into her jacket.
"Sure," Jenn chuckled.
"You're awesome," Steph hugged her friend as Jenn opened the door for her.
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Bruce walked into a secret room in the cave, the door sliding shut behind him. He looked at the row of vials sitting on the table in the center of the room. His eyes then went to the computer screen, several tests run, each with the bright red letters "failed" behind it. He ran his hands over his face, and exhaled. He looked to his right, and there was a small uniform, looking to be able to fit a slim thirteen year old. It had a red mask, a black bodysuit, a red cape, red boots, and a red C in a small circle on the right side of the chest. Cardinal. The outfit he once planned to give to the young Mick Bellouve before his unfortunate accident.
He looked at the vials, each one containing the young man's blood. So many times he tried to see if there was a cure for his genetic disease. Surely becoming Inhuman could be reversed. If your powers were dormant until Terragenesis, then surely there could be a trigger that would cause them to return to dormancy? He looked at the stack of letters that sat by the suit, remembering the heartbreak and the betrayal the young boy felt. Never once did Bruce foresee Mick's parents turning their back on their child.
Bruce shook the regretful thoughts from his mind. Now wasn't the time for that. Now he needed to figure out how to protect the people he cared about. He needed to figure out how to handle this ever growing threat of mutants and enhanced individuals. His first priority was figuring out this Superman, what makes him tick, and how he managed to make this Zod person disappear.
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Night had fallen, and with it, Mick perched on the edge of the Hightower. His hair blew in the wind, thunder rumbling in the distance. He looked down at his wristband, hoping to see something on the scanner, but the city was relatively quiet. Mick scoffed at the thought of criminals being afraid of a little stormy weather. An alert went off, potential break in. Didn't seem too far away from where he was either. He jumped, the rush of the fall from twenty stories sent adrenaline through his system. With a quick flick of his wrists, and quick grab of the strings, he was swinging.
He carefully followed the GPS to the building, landing on the roof to see the access door still closed. None of the windows seemed broken when he swung around the building, the doorman was still in position, so it made Mick wonder how a breakin could've occurred. It also helped that the police hadn't arrived, so he had a chance to sort it out.
Rich kids getting bored, but surely they know everyone in this place has silent security systems? He thought to himself. He pulled a small pen-like gadget from his belt, holding it over the lock, then a beam of light shot into the keyhole. After a few moments, a small key formed, to which Mick opened the surprisingly heavy door. That was one of the perks of working with SHIELD.
He slowly made his way down, careful to keep his hood over his head, not drawing any extra attention. Thankfully the alarm was a higher number, so he wouldn't be going too deep into the complex. It didn't take long before Mick noticed the one door, slightly off. To most, they wouldn't have picked out that it was any different, but the door was just enough and an off angle. Mick clicked his lockpick once again, this time, in his left hand, his right with his Chelcrea-saber drawn and ready to ignite.
He crept in, quiet, the entire place was dark. He clicked a few buttons on his wristband then held up his left arm, and an infra-red pulse shot out. The layout of the room slowly traced on his goggles, giving him an idea of the layout. He walked through the room, watching carefully as he passed furniture, to make sure his scan didn't miss someone hiding on the floor. It was only once he reached the hallway that he noticed a flashlight coming from one of the bedrooms. His grip tightened on the hilt of his weapon, his focus zeroing in as well.
As he peeked his head into the room he caught an alluring aroma. He knew this scent, but couldn't trace why. It almost reminded him of the same perfume Samantha Lane was wearing during that interview, but he wasn't exactly sure. He reached for the door, and was met by a swift kick. He staggered backwards, bouncing off the wall. He moved forward, igniting his blade only to have a large cloth thrown at him, he caught it with his blade, throwing it aside, seeing someone with silvery hair running past. He flicked both wrists, the two webs collided with the assailant, catching their legs, and tripping them.
He ran through the hall as a bolas flew at his feet. Some quick thinking and a well timed web had him running on the wall. His assailant freed themselves as he emerged from the hall. He blocked a quick strike from a staff with his blade. Several more strikes, leaving Mick on the defense, as they danced around the dark room, clearly the criminal had a solid understanding of the layout, using it as quite an advantage using various movable furniture to trip Mick up as they made their way across the room while toying with him with their own weapon. The flash of light had Mick recoiling, as his goggles had to adjust, he then heard them slip out the door. He cursed under his breath before giving chase.
He caught up as he burst through the door, seeing her jumping from the roof. Her black leather suit, her platinum blonde hair. Black Cat. He wasn't about to let her escape this time. She was going to answer a few questions. He jumped down, and was quick after her. Her grappling wasn't a match for his practiced web swinging, he webbed her, then caught her mid swing.
The two landed on a roof, Blackcat looked quite amused to be in Mick's arms, which only made this feel like she wanted him to catch her. What kind of game was she playing with him? And how come she was so good at it?
"You sure know how to sweep a girl off her feet," Black Cat smiled seductively.
"Why are you here?" Mick asked, as he laid her on the roof.
"Guess I just wanted to see you again," she taunted, Mick's eyes looking at the satchel on her belt.
"There's better ways to find me," Mick grunted. "And what's in there?"
"Oh just something the good Senator would hate to have released to the public," she said flirtingly.
"I can't stand the man either, but stealing to ruin him isn't the way to shut him down," Mick said firmly.
"But going and doing interviews and trying to promote your heroism is?" she said as Mick looked quite stunned. "I do my homework too. I was a little sad to see you returned my gifts."
"How," Mick looked confused as Black Cat smiled. "Surely you had to think it wouldn't clear customs."
"Why? Because someone told you it was stolen?" Black Cat raised her brows.
"I don't owe you an explanation," Mick said, slightly flustered by being drawn into this woman again.
"What if I told you that was actually something of mine, and I wanted you to try and find me?" Black Cat asked, Mick looking back at her feeling slightly regretful. "You know, like a game of cat and mouse. To see if you were as interested as I was."
Mick's heart raced. Another thing Bruce had almost taken from him. Resentment swept through him like a wildfire. He turned around, igniting the blade and carefully cutting Black Cat free. "Don't blame me. Blame my old handler. He saw us and tried to tell me you were toying with me, the whole thing was an act."
"Do I look like the kind of girl who would do something like that?" Black Cat asked, placing her hand on Mick's face. His mind swirled, he truly didn't know anything. He didn't know her, she didn't know him, but why would she lie? Bruce could've easily been telling him that to keep him from coming back to Gotham and looking for her. He didn't have much time to think before Blackcat moved in and kissed him. The passion behind it had him caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Suddenly chasing her down for breaking into the Senator's penthouse didn't matter. He could forgive that. He'd protect her from it if it meant he had someone who cared about him. Surely he could convince her to join the Outcasts and give up thievery?
She released him as he staggered around, still drunk on passion. "I've got to make this delivery," she said with a smile. "I'll be in touch though," she said with a wink.
Mick didn't even question how. He didn't question why he didn't move to stop her. He simply stood there in awe of her. The buzzing on his wrist pulled him from his trance.
I need you to report to NYC, there's a nasty situation developing. I already contacted Agent Brent, so your whole team is on route as well. - Coulson