Chapter 130: Bonus Chapter

Upon entering the premises, Arias had his driver park in the reserved parking lot before starting his tour of the place.

A huge part of the grounds we're still being constructed but they were equally many complete buildings and renovations.

He really wasn't trying to prove a point so he kept the tour short, using it as an excuse to create a false sense of belief and trust from Terra.

While they roamed the empty futuristic looking halls, Terra's and Raven's eyes wandered around, impressed by what they were seeing.

Arias didn't speak much during the tour, not wanting to brag but also not wanting to seem humble.

As they were walking, Terra couldn't help but mutter. "This must've cost a fortune. Why do you go so far to help people?" She asked, having a deep distrust towards people and their intention, especially after Slade's revelation to her.

Raven also looked at Arias as if expecting an answer. Arias though paused and gave them a small smile.

"I told you before Terra, I'm not a kind man. The world is currently experiencing an exponential growth in the appearance of young super-humans. Many governments have already employed programs to secretly weaponize these children and have them grow up to be living weapons."

"If I just stand by and watch, won't I be inviting future enemies? But by doing this, I present the children a safe haven to grow and nature their abilities while also having the opportunity to chose what sort of life they want to lead and whom they want to follow."

Terra could more or less understand the point Arias was trying to put across.

"So by helping them, you better the chances of them being grateful to you and wanting to work with you, right?" She asked plainly.

With no memory of her past and only that of her life as fighter and killer in training, Terra wasn't oblivious to how rough life can be… or how diabolical some minds were.

Arias was a unique case that she felt was honest and didn't lie about how he saw the world or did things. He didn't fear being judged and that left her feeling like he was automatically more trustworthy than the average person.

Raven's thoughts remained a mystery as she watched Arias nod and admit that Terra was right. "That's right. You have to understand one thing, in life, almost everyone cares only for themselves. It's humans nature."

Terra couldn't help but agree. "I guess you're right. You're pretty wise huh? Guess that comes with age." She implied out loud, meaning no harm by it.

However Arias did raise a brow in her direction. "I'm just frank as to how I see the world. Also, my experience isn't much, I am only 21 after all. Anyway let's continue."

Arias proceeded to continue walking while Terra seemed shocked to hear his age. "You're only 21?!"

He didn't reply further and just continued the tour while Raven followed slowly. He didn't pay much focus to her as she wasn't his main goal and neither did she ask anything, she simply followed behind with her hoodie up, as if she were trying to remain inconspicuous.

Once the tour was finally over, Arias and the girls left the building. He now planned on sending them on their way so he could do a bit of digging but a familiar voice called out to him before he could even voice his thoughts.

"Heya Mr. M!" A cheerful Harley called out from afar, wearing her usual odd clothing but with some very noticeable changes.

Basically all references to the joker had been cleared but the clown aesthetic remained. It was like her attempt at saying she was her own person now.

And judging by her tone of voice, Arias could assume she was at least done mourning and looking.

The only real oddity was the construction hat she had on as she rushed over to Arias while waving her hand.

"Do I even want to know what you're doing here?" Arias furrowed his brows and asked, not the least bit sure what she was up to.

Harley maintained a gleeful smile as she took off the hat and explained. "Well I got all bored being cooped up inside you see? So I decided to go around sight seeing, I remembered this place belongs to you while passing by so I stopped by to help. I'm an unofficial demolition expert you know. The guys were all friendly and welcoming."

Arias just sighed, unable to argue with her little fantasy trip. "I'd be more surprised if they weren't given your reputation… and attire." He commented while pointing her none too modest outfit.

He didn't dislike it nor did her going around in it bother him. Her lack of levelheadedness was just hard for him to process no matter the occasion.

She just didn't feel real.

Harley took Arias's words as compliments and began to pose for him in an invitative manner. "You know me, I'm a real fashion terrorist! By the way, who are these pouty dolls? They don't look like ya type." She bluntly commented, causing Terra to frown while Raven wasn't affected.

"Terra, meet Harley, one of the members of my Gotham Special Task Force. And Harley, meet, Terra, my daughter." He flatly explained.

Harley looked at Terra with narrowed eyes before commenting. "I don't see a resemblance Mr. M, y'sure she's yours? Could be one of them are you the father scams y'know."

Not wanting to go into deep explanations, Arias summarized. "She's adopted."

Finally understanding, Harley made and "Ohh" expression and nodded while grinning. "Kinky. You're into that what are you doing step-bro stuff huh."

Ignoring Harley's approving nod, Arias saw this an opportunity to leave while also dumping a task onto Harley.

"By the way, since you have so much time on your hands, do me a favor and finish giving Terra and her friend here a tour then take them shopping for clothes, I imagine they both lack them. Afterward ask the driver to drop Terra's friend off at the Gotham Heights central registration area while you and Terra and go home together."

Harley nodded with a mischievous smile but Arias caught sight of it and warned. "And by clothing I mean normal clothes, not whatever you're imagining."

Harley showed a surprised expression. "How'd you know what I was thinking? Is you one of them people who read minds just seeing someone's face?"

Not wanting to lose brain cells trying to hold the conversation, Arias just shook his head and began walking away. "Oh and be sure to introduce Terra to Diana."

'I'm not in the mood to explain the essence of adoption to the Amazonian princess who thinks step fathers appear only after they kill a child's original father and take over the family.'

Arias rubbed his temple and walked away while Harley waved him away before showing the girls a mischievous look.

"Time for a little girls day out. What'd ya say?"

A/N: Here's the bonus. Now empty your pockets of them stones