114 CHAPTER 112

[Tom Hendricks POV] 

Tom stood in his sleek, modern kitchen, flipping pancakes with expert precision as the news played in the background. The screen flickered to show footage of his recent encounter with Sinestro, captured by daring bystanders wielding their smartphones. Tom leaned closer, his eyes fixed on the screen, a smirk forming on his lips.

"Damn, even with a mask on... I do look good on camera," he remarked, his voice tinged with amusement. He let out a short, self-assured cackle, relishing the attention his alter ego was receiving.

Gwen, his ever-present AI companion, interjected with a tone of curiosity. "Did you really have to kill Sinestro?"

Tom paused, considering the question for a moment before responding. "Not really, but I guess something about the guy just ticked me the wrong way. Sometimes a swift end is necessary."

As he continued watching the news, an interview with Superman caught his attention. The Man of Steel addressed the recent events, expressing concern over the enigmatic criminal now known as Ace. Superman declared that the Justice League was mobilizing to apprehend Ace before he spiraled out of control, potentially harming innocent civilians. Tom couldn't help but chuckle heartily at the announcement.

"Ace, really? They think I chose that symbol on my back to mimic the Ace of clubs from a deck of cards. How amusing," Tom mused aloud, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He turned to Gwen, who had become the voice of reason.

"To the world, you are now seen as a supervillain," Gwen reminded him.

Tom shrugged dismissively. "I never really cared about their opinions. Let them think what they want. My focus now is on warning the heroes about the impending Legion's Fort attack and coming up with counter measures myself."

"And how do you intend to do that?" Gwen inquired about his plan of action.

"Simple, I'll simply approach a hero and state my business. Whether they believe me or not is their choice. They won't be able to stop me if they attacked, so I'm not too concerned. But I'd prefer to avoid unnecessary fights, am not some gladiator who goes around beating up heroes. Perhaps someone like Batman would be more open to reason." Tom leaned back, his mind working through the possibilities.

Gwen expressed doubt. "There's no guarantee he'll listen to your warnings."

"I don't care if he does or not. I'm currently working on a device that will shield a select few from psychic attacks, maybe sell it on the black market when they start it up. I'll be prepared." Tom said to her as gave a confident grin. 

"You seem to always plan ahead," Gwen acknowledged.

"That's just who I am, Gwen. I learnt that from DC's most notorious opp, Reverse Flash. He was always one step ahead," Tom replied, his smirk widening. He set the table, eager to dig into his breakfast. Suddenly, a thought struck him.

"Oh, and Gwen, arrange a meeting between Ghost, the Outlaws, and the heads of each gang and mob family under me. I intend to use this upcoming crisis to our advantage."

"As you wish, sir," Gwen replied obediently. She began organizing the meeting, while Tom savored his meal, relishing the taste of both victory and anticipation.

Suddenly… A knock echoed through the silent living room of Tom's secluded residence, interrupting the tranquility of his morning routine. Perplexed, he wondered who could possibly be visiting him, as he rarely received any guests. Curiosity piqued, he approached the door, his eyes fixated on the security footage that displayed an unexpected image—a striking figure, Talia al Ghul, standing at his doorstep. 

"What the fuck does this bitch want?" Tom muttered under his breath, his irritation palpable. Despite his annoyance, he opened the door, preparing himself for the encounter with the daughter of the Demon's Head.

"How may I help you?" he asked curtly, a deep frown etched on his face.

Talia met his gaze, her eyes radiating a mix of intrigue and suppressed anger. "Good morning, Tom," she greeted him, her voice laced with a hint of both familiarity and resentment. "Don't look at me that way. If anyone should be mad, it should be me, considering what you did to me and my men last time."

Tom raised an eyebrow, his annoyance growing. "You ambushed me, and you think you have the right to be mad? You must have a few screws loose or something," he retorted, his voice laced with sarcasm. He couldn't help but feel a sense of irritation at their unexpected reunion.

Talia's lips curved into a wry smile as she spoke. "Well, that was then. Why don't we bury the past in a shallow grave and pretend like it was just a bad dream."

"A bad dream for you at least." Tom said with his gaze unflinching. 

"Come on now, are you still mad about that night?"

"I'm not mad at you, per se. Just a bit nettled because you interrupted breakfast," he admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of playful annoyance and intrigue.

"Oh, breakfast," Talia replied. "Mind if I come in?" she asked, her request almost casual, as if they were old acquaintances catching up over a cup of coffee.

Tom couldn't help but chuckle softly at the audacity of her request. "Sure, why not? Make yourself at home," he sarcastically replied as he gestured for her to enter.

As they stepped into his casually designed living space, the air crackled with tension and unspoken agendas. 

The room was filled with a tension that hung in the air as Tom and Talia sat at the dining table, partaking in the breakfast he had offered. The clinking of cutlery against plates punctuated the silence, creating a rhythm of anticipation.

Talia's voice broke the stillness, her words soft but filled with genuine gratitude. "Thank you," she murmured, a subtle nod accompanying her expression of appreciation, as she continued to eat the breakfast he had prepared.

Tom continued to consume his meal, his focus divided between his plate and the woman sitting across from him. He couldn't shake off his curiosity, prompting him to break the silence. "So, why are you here?" he asked, his tone holding a hint of guarded intrigue.

Talia paused, her gaze briefly meeting his before returning to her food. "Well, I came to apologize for ambushing you with a group of Assassins that night and to tell you why I did so."

A flicker of disinterest crossed Tom's face as he sighed softly. "Oh, so you're finally ready to talk," he muttered with a touch of disappointment. "You don't seem like you want to know why anymore, even though you were willing to beat the answer out of every assassin that night."

A momentary hint of frustration colored Talia's features. "Well, I kind of lost interest in that and moved on to other things that needed that energy. I can't let myself wonder for too long when I could put that time to good use. But since you're offering, I don't mind listening to your reason," Tom admitted.

Talia met his gaze, her eyes holding a mix of earnestness and intrigue. "Rumors had it that you were the one who had defeated the Joker, and I found it hard to believe that a kid like you could accomplish such a feat. So, my father had me test you."

A hint of a wry smile tugged at the corners of Tom's lips. "So, what was your answer?" he inquired, taking a sip of orange juice.

"It only led me to more questions rather than an answer," Talia confessed, her tone laced with both uncertainty and curiosity.

Tom's eyebrow arched in intrigue. "Okay... Questions like?" he probed, genuinely intrigued by her perspective.

Talia paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "Why is someone as strong as you trying so hard to keep a low profile and live an ordinary life?" she asked with confusion and genuine curiosity clearly audible in her voice.

A moment of contemplation passed before Tom replied, his expression remaining unreadable. "Well, that's my business, but if you really want an answer... I can't give you one because you already have it," he replied cryptically.

Talia's eyes widened in surprise. "Which is?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued by his response.

"I just want to live an ordinary life," Tom stated matter-of-factly, his voice holding a trace of conviction.

Talia couldn't contain her disbelief and burst into a short laughter. However, as she glanced at Tom's unreadable expression, her laughter faltered. "Wait, you aren't kidding," she realized, her voice laced with astonishment.

A flicker of intensity gleamed in Tom's eyes as he met her gaze, his voice steady and resolute. "Yup, that's your answer," he confirmed, leaving no room for doubt.

Talia's skepticism lingered, her voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. "You can't fool me. I saw the bloodlust in your eyes and the ecstasy you derived from your barbaric manner of killing. 

Tom's eyes hardened, a veil of seriousness descending upon him. "You think you saw bloodlust in my eyes that night," he said calmly, his voice tinged with a hint of darkness. "But you didn't see the whole picture. You saw a glimpse of who I could be, not who I am now."

Talia leaned forward, captivated by his words, her curiosity growing with each passing moment. "Then who are you now?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tom took a moment to collect his thoughts, his gaze focused yet distant, as if he were searching for the right words. "I am someone who is battling with darkness, who has danced on the edge of despair," he began. "But I have chosen to forge a different path, one that wouldn't lead me down that road. I strive to live an ordinary life not because I am devoid of darkness, but because I refuse to let it define me."

Talia's eyes widened as she listened intently, the pieces of the enigmatic puzzle that was Tom slowly coming together. "So, you seek redemption from your mistakes," she whispered, a mixture of awe and understanding in her voice.

Tom nodded, a hint of determination gleaming in his eyes. "Redemption, perhaps. But also a chance to rebuild, to create something new. I refuse to be bound by the expectations of others, by the titles they try to bestow upon me."

Talia remained silent, a newfound respect blossoming within her. She had expected a villain, a monster driven solely by darkness. But what she found before her was a complex individual, one who had walked through tribulations and emerged with a different purpose.

After a moment of contemplation, Talia's gaze met Tom's, her voice carrying a mix of sincerity and caution. "My father won't be satisfied with your answer," she warned. "He will want you to join our cause, to embrace the legacy of the League of Assassins."

A flicker of defiance flashed across Tom's face, his resolve unwavering. "Your father's cause may have its merits, but I have found my own path. I won't be swayed by his persuasion," he declared with a firm tone.

Talia studied him, admiration mingling with apprehension. She had come seeking answers and had discovered someone who defied her expectations. In that moment, she realized that their paths, though different, held a common thread—and might cross once again.

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