The Witch's magic pulsed from her body in waves, seeping through the iron armor to where Hong Fei sat. He could feel the ghostly touch of her fingers—gentle, precise, and chilling as winter air.
"Sir," she murmured, "shall I sever your oxygen exchange with the outside world?"
Hong Fei didn't blink.
"Shut up."
Her appearance should have been terrifying—the hollow eyes, the unnatural pallor—but Hong Fei found himself staring at the sharp angles of her face with something like fascination. There was a grotesque elegance to her. The realization unsettled him. He met her gaze and asked flatly, "Finished groping me yet?"
Her fingers didn't stop moving. Hong Fei smirked inwardly. Touch all you want. Your turn won't be half as gentle.
"I know about your brother."
The Witch's hand stilled mid-caress. Her pupils sharpened like knife points.
"I know where he is. I'll get him out for you."
The Witch's mouth opened, releasing a sound that would've curdled blood. Hong Fei didn't understand a word. He pushed upright on the bed's edge, letting her arm slide onto his shoulder as he turned to face her directly.
"English, if you can. Don't tell me you hijacked Dr. June's body without learning the damn language."
A flicker of surprise crossed the Witch's face—clearly, she wasn't used to humans talking back. When she spoke again, the voice was still a nightmare scraped from the bottom of a grave, but at least intelligible.
"Human. You're... different."
"Skip the flattery. You think just because everyone else pisses themselves at the sight of you, fear's the default setting?"
The Witch's lips twisted into a stiff mockery of a smile.
"Isn't it?"
"You know Superman? Caught glimpses through June's eyes?"
Her neck creaked as she tilted her head.
"Not human."
"But he lives here. You really think if he knew what you're planning, he wouldn't fly over and punch your head clean off?"
The smile vanished. She pressed her palm to the back of his helmet, stroking the metal as she leaned in until their faces were centimeters apart. Her whisper was a spider's crawl.
"What do you want?"
The armor's ocular lights brightened.
"You."
Her hand slid down to his throat.
"Which part?"
"Everything."
"Greedy creature."
"Greed's why we're not the weaklings you remember. Call it original sin or rocket fuel—either way, it moves mountains."
The Witch caught his chin between thumb and forefinger.
"And why should I care?"
"I'll find your brother. Get your heart back. You weren't meant to take orders from common cattle. They should be kneeling to you."
"Clever little human."
"Less talking."
She didn't bristle at the command. She extended her other hand, cupped the iron armor's face with both palms, and rose slightly to straddle one of his legs. Her nose brushed cold against the helmet, their gazes locked like crosshairs.
"Why aren't you afraid?"
Hong Fei didn't flinch.
"Two weeks ago? I'd have pissed myself. Now?"
He let the silence stretch.
"Now we talk."
"Why?"
The Witch coiled against the iron armor like a serpent, the thin metal chains along her body chiming softly.
Hong Fei slid an arm around her narrow waist and shoved her onto the bed, pinning her down. She stiffened beneath him, genuinely startled. His gaze dropped—not bad at all.
"Because a week ago, even if I let you use both hands, you'd still be the one hanging from my grip."
A sudden breeze stirred as she dissolved into black mist, reforming at the bed's edge. Her expression hardened.
"I want results."
Hong Fei stood.
"I'll help you find your brother. We both know where your heart is—but now's not the time to take it back."
The Witch tilted her head down, lifting her eyes to reveal too much white.
"That woman won't give me time."
He smirked.
"Relax. Before I came, I made sure she'd be busy. Why do you think Dr. June's confined today?"
"Also, lift your chin. That creepy stare doesn't scare me—just makes you look deranged."
She jerked her head up, then immediately ducked it again. Defiance etched into her posture.
"Come back when you have what I need."
Hong Fei shook his head.
"I'll get both items. But you'll owe me."
"I don't get opportunities."
"I'll have Dr. June give you one."
"You can convince her?"
"Drop the interrogation tone."
The Witch hesitated.
"What do you want?"
"Not yet. I'll contact Dr. June. When it's time, she'll call you."
"Fine."
She agreed, then bared her teeth.
"Don't lie to me."
Hong Fei nodded.
The Witch's form shuddered—then Dr. June gasped as control snapped back to her. Before she could cry out, Hong Fei clamped a hand over her mouth. Her panic faded the instant she saw the iron armor.
He helped her lie back, tucking the sheets around her.
"What did you… discuss with her?"
"Made a deal. She'll protect you if needed."
"Protect?"
Dr. June laughed bitterly.
"If she didn't exist, I wouldn't be trapped like this."
Hong Fei softened his voice.
"There's always another side. Yes, Amanda Waller has you locked up because of her. But that power? It could be turned into something good."
"Good?"
"You know Batman. Superman. The Flash."
"Batman's in Gotham. Superman fought aliens last month. The Flash is… Central City's hero."
"Right. They're super. So are the villains in Arkham. 'Super' just means beyond ordinary. And you're already there."
Dr. June blinked at him.
He leaned closer.
"Two souls mean two knowledge systems. Two ways of living. The body's shared—why not the power? You already share a body, and you can also share power. The essence of power isn't good or evil—only how it's used. Since the Witch appeared, she hasn't burned villages or cursed children. Yet humans exploited her weakness, controlled her, never caring how it hurt you in the process."
The Witch isn't as benign as she appears. Just because she hasn't targeted ordinary people doesn't mean she's kindhearted. Her goals run deeper—she wants her heart back, yes, but she also seeks to amass enough power to deliver a devastating blow to this world. She bides her time in silence, waiting for the moment to strike with a move that will leave everyone reeling. And Dr. June has no idea.
Hong Fei leaned forward, his tone measured.
"Right now, you and the Witch are two sides of the same coin. Amanda Waller doesn't just want to control her—she'll use every trick in the book, direct or indirect, to control you too."
Dr. June pressed her lips together, her gaze flickering with unease.
"Right now, the Witch's heart is in her hands," Hong Fei continued. "Taking risks could harm both of you, so you'll have to stay put for now. But eventually, I'll get both you and the Witch out of here."
"What for?"
Dr. June interrupted, her voice sharp.
"I don't know you. I don't even know how you know me. So why are you doing this?"
"Two reasons," Hong Fei replied calmly. "One's simple, the other's complex. Which do you want to hear?"
"Both."
"Fair enough. The simple reason is that the Witch's power can help me, so I'm here."
Dr. June tightened her grip on the blanket, her expression guarded.
"And the complex reason?"
"I don't care for people like Amanda Waller," Hong Fei said, his voice hardening.
"And I don't much like the state of this world either. It needs changing. When I saw you, though, I was puzzled. Amanda may hold the Witch's heart and control your fate, but that's no reason for you to lose your spirit entirely. People need to resist. Your eyes tell me you've accepted resignation—why is that?"
Dr. June bit her lip, her silence stretching.
Hong Fei sighed. "Let me guess. Someone told you the Witch is evil. Maybe they planted seeds of fear, subtle or direct, so you're too afraid to summon her when you're alone."
Dr. June's eyes snapped back to him, wide and startled.
"I'm right, aren't I?" Hong Fei said, nodding.
"Yes," she admitted softly. "But... she truly is terrifying."
"Aside from her appearance, what has she actually done to you?"
Dr. June opened her mouth, then hesitated, unable to answer.
"Dr. June, you're a scientist. Don't let others' whispers cloud your judgment. Remember who you are—an archaeologist. Approach this with that same spirit, and you might uncover truths no one else has."
With that, Hong Fei stood.
"Take my advice or leave it. And I'd prefer it if you didn't mention my visit. If they find out on their own, though, don't lie. The Witch has already agreed to my terms. When the time's right, I'll contact you, and I hope you'll help summon her. Goodbye, Dr. June."
As he turned to leave, Dr. June's hand shot out, grasping the edge of his armor. He glanced back, and she quickly withdrew her hand, tucking it beneath the blanket.
"I... will you come again?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Hong Fei smiled faintly. "I will."
This wasn't some grand romance—Dr. June hadn't even seen his face. But in her desperation, he'd become her lifeline, a glimmer of hope in her captivity. No one enjoys being imprisoned, monitored, or used. Her resignation was real, but so was her capacity to resist if given the chance. Hong Fei was that chance.
If she were even smarter, she might be able to use this as a basis to manipulate both Amanda Waller and Hong Fei in turn, securing her freedom in the process. It would depend on her wisdom and decisiveness. Given the stakes—her safety and liberty—Hong Fei wouldn't mind if she turned out to be a shrewd, calculating woman.
Hong Fei grabbed a motorcycle off the street and roared back toward New York, the wind whipping through his hair.
Arthur greeted him with a respectful nod.
"Sir, congratulations."
"Right back at you," Hong Fei shot back with a grin, revving the engine before tearing down the highway.
In one day and two nights, he had successively arrived in Louisiana, Gotham City, Central City, and Washington D.C. Threats, smooth talk, and the occasional fist had done the trick—now he had everything lined up for the first phase. Next stop? Becoming the most dashing cop in New York, hell, maybe even the whole damn country. Officer Hong was about to make his grand entrance.