Chapter 75

The mission to Bialya had been a failure on almost every level. The ‘mission’ if you could even call it that, had only been completed technically. Everything else surrounding it however was just a fiasco.

The mission was supposed to be quiet. Stealthy, even. This also failed on multiple levels. The first being that we had been caught off guard and split apart by an enemy telepath. The second being the numerous damages against the Bialya military personnel. The third being my meeting with the apparent ruler of Bialya, a woman who goes by Queen Bee.

And of course, who could forget the great explosion of the main base of operations where the strange energy signatures had been coming from.

Thankfully everything wasn’t as bad as it could be.

The casualties that had resulted from my own…’excursion’, weren’t reported on. Nor was any other destruction that resulted against their own military. Like Galatea flattening a tank. The only thing that came up was the fact that there had been an ‘incident’ in a testing facility.

They were covering it up all on their own. A fact that I was thankful for, even if it was for their own benefit.

Bialya wasn’t exactly in the most peaceful of situations with the countries sharing it's borders. Especially that of Qurac and Turkey. So seeming weak from an attack wasn’t exactly a good idea.

Not to mention the can of worms that would result if they even attempted to accuse the Titans of being the ones to assault them. Not only would they need undeniable proof of the fact, but they’d also need to give a reason why the Titans, a organization that hadn’t really moved outside of the west coast of the United States, was there.

And that was only just the surface of the problems they would have. Even if they were to solve all of those problems, it still wouldn’t be enough.

…That wasn’t to say that we got off scot free. The experience seemed to have scarred Beast Boy. He wasn’t keen on explaining himself, but I had an inkling due to context clues.

Then there was the Justice League. Our failure to keep things under wraps undermined the relationship between us and them. While I did want to break things off with them, I still wanted there to be a healthy relationship there…

Though perhaps something like this was for the best. At the very least, they won’t be annoyingly asking us to do small jobs that they couldn’t be bothered to do themselves.

Honestly…strange energy readings from the middle east? Who gave a fuck? What were they even expecting to find?

But of course, none of that was important enough to be shared with us. If such information existed in the first place, at least.

And then there was perhaps the biggest most devastating change of them all. Galatea.

Even if I hadn’t lost my memories, something like that was bound to happen eventually. Though I’d have much rather had Kori’s explicit permission before said event.

She had already approved a relationship between Galatea and I previously, but even so. It was rather important that she be notified beforehand of these things than after. Despite what she might say to the contrary.

Unfortunately, talking about this to her seemed to be a mistake, as Starfire was rather happy for Galatea. Which she seemed to take as permission  to continue where she had left off with me. Star showed interest in making it a threesome, but Galatea wasn’t exactly interested in sharing a bed with another girl.

Though that didn’t stop her from having sloppy seconds. Well, it didn’t stop either of them really.

Which was kind of a problem.

While I was indeed very lucky to have sex with two extremely hot aliens, they both demanded quite a lot from me. It wasn’t exactly a problem with either individually, but when they took turns right after the other?

My body was having trouble keeping up. On multiple levels…

Not that it seemed to really dissuade either of them. If anything, I think they quite enjoyed wearing me out.

A quick solution would be to simply tell them I was no longer in the mood or something along those lines. But that would obviously run the risk of either one of them taking offense. Especially if it was after I slept with the other.

I also couldn’t deny that there was a more primal side  that balked whenever I even so much as thought about complaining. Railing two extremely attractive and powerful women wasn’t something I would ever really turn down.

What man could?

A side effect of me spending more time than expected on the other side of the world was that Jinx had been left to stew inside her chamber. Longer than I had originally planned to do.

When we returned, one of the first things I did was check up on her. The gas running through her chamber was still in its experimental phase, and was mostly meant to be a type of hallucinogenic. Though it also came with the added benefit of being a stimulant. That is, it would increase the overall energy in a person.

I wasn’t afraid of her breaking out. The cells were more than equipped to hold much stronger individuals than her. No, what I was afraid of was of the combined prolonged effects of the stimulant and hallucinogenic. If both were constantly funneled to her…

Then that means she likely wouldn’t get even a minute of sleep while constantly under the effects of the hallucinogenic. And from what I’ve seen so far, her hallucinations seem to be the most vivid and startling of her little group.

I was indeed a bad person. But that didn’t really mean I was willing to torture someone to the point of their mind snapping. I wanted information, not to lobotomize her.

Though even if you did, it wasn’t as if any great harm would be done. She did attempt to kill you twice. Not to mention the other Titans…

I ignored the childlike voice that echoed in the back of mind as I finally entered the cell block. Entering the correct keys before approaching Jinx’s cell.

She sat off to the side. Staring upwards at the four lights that covered her cell with a dumbfounded look on her face. Drool dripped down from her mouth and had formed a wet surface on both her clothes, and the floor below. Her pink eyes were hazy, making her pupils hard to make out.

She didn’t so much as move as I observed her. After a few seconds I made sure to turn off the gas before stepping in the cell. More for her safety than my own.

I sighed a bit in relief as she jolted from the noise of her cell opening up. Giving me an extremely weak glare as I approached. The fact that she still had some amount of spirit left spoke well of her mind.

Honestly…if she hadn’t gone against the Titans explicitly…

Hmm…

Well, we’ll see how it goes.

“How are you doing, Jinx?”

I asked. Walking over and examining the insides of her cell without looking over to her.

Not that I was particularly interested in her cell. Though in studying it did give me a level of insight of what she had been up to since I had been gone. Though it was mostly rather boring knowledge anyway.

The main point in doing this was twofold. To destroy her sense of self, as well as to agitate her. Not being treated with much respect was something a prideful person like herself would take offense to.

Yet the next words that came out of her mouth lacked any real venom in it.

“…Water…”

I was a bad person, but I wasn’t a complete monster. Her cell always had access to enough clean water and food to last her several months, even if I had disappeared. The main reason she was thirsty would likely be that she couldn’t get it herself.

Still, to ask me of all people for help…

She was more effected by the gas than she first seemed.

I agree.

It took little effort to acquiesce to Jinx’s request. Taking a small styrofoam cup from the side of her room before filling it with water. Jinx’s eyes lit up with relief as I walked back towards her.

I’d be lying if I said the thought of suddenly pulling it away at the last second didn’t cross my mind. The thought was without any real malice towards her. Mostly just sadistic pleasure.

That does sound quite entertaining! Please do.

I simply gave her the water. Which she began to drink quite greedily.

Aw, spoilsport…

For a moment it seemed like Jinx was going to cough and spit out some of the water. Only for her to simply pause and continue on. Tossing the small styrofoam cup away after she was done.

She definitely looked a good bit better after the fact. Though her obvious exhaustion was also pretty evident. The dark bags under her eyes and the fact that you couldn’t tell if she was pitifully trying to look annoyed, or if she was trying to plead with her face were pretty compelling.

“What…do you want?”

Ah a full sentence this time. Instead of answering, I simply peered down at her. Watching her as she blinked blearily before yawning. The gas had been shut off, and it was now leaving her system.

It wouldn’t be long before she fell asleep.

“You’re impressive, you know? Your team members, they aren’t nearly as formidable or resilient. I can see why you were chosen to lead.”

Her eyes narrowed in response. Searching my face for any tells in order to gauge how much I really knew, and how much I was simply guessing.

It hadn’t been a lie when I said she was impressive. Not many would remain loyal, even if it was mostly due to fear. The fact of the matter was most would crumble before even getting into this position.

Which likely included her entourage.

“I’m not…saying anything…”

I smirked at that.

“About what? H.I.V.E.? Or are you referring to the headmaster and staff members?”

Her eyes widen in horror and disbelief at that. Squirming around in a panic before meeting my eyes once again. Interesting…it seems she doesn’t remember.

You can use that.

Indeed.

I knelt next to the panicked girl studying her frame as she digested my words with trepidation and fear. From that reaction either she feared that she was the one who spoke and didn’t remember it, or that it didn’t matter who spoke on the team. They’d all be punished.

“Oh yes. I already know all about them. Everyone talked weeks ago. Everyone…but you.”

She was disturbed by that. When I offhandedly mentioned that she’s been here for weeks, she seemed somewhat startled. But when I mentioned that she was the only one who didn’t talk…

She looked proud.

“…Why are we still here, then?”

“To compare and contrast notes, naturally. And if any of you had been found lying…well…I think you can guess. Though in truth you’re here for another reason.”

I continued to speak as my hand grasped the side of her cheek. Forcing her to look up at me. A smile was no longer on my features. Instead, a more natural frown took its place.

“I’m interested in you.”

She grimaced with disgust before trying to remove my hand from her face, and badly failing. I rolled my eyes before removing it myself.

“Not like that. Tell me, are you interested in getting stronger?”

She seemed to calm down, before looking at me questioningly after my inquiry. Despite her confusion, it was obvious she was interested in what I had to say.

Not that loyal after all, huh.

“And I don’t mean in whatever stupid shit they’re teaching you at H.I.V.E. I mean your actual powers.”

It was something I heavily doubt they’d offer. Such a thing would require no small amount of expense, talent, and time to research. Not to mention it would actively go against what they actually want from these people.

If I had to guess, those like Jinx would be like merchandise to them. Making her more capable wasn’t out of the question, but giving them large bumps in power was. The stronger they were, the more likely they’d be able to break away after all.

But if they did offer something like that, then obviously Jinx wouldn’t be very impressed. Though I would still gain the knowledge that they do in fact have the power to do such things. Which would be valuable information in of itself.

Jinx didn’t immediately respond. Instead searching my face for any signs of deceit. The exhaustion and gas took quite a toll on her, as she didn’t even seem to be able to control her expressions. Making it quite obvious that she was very interested initially, before becoming suspicious.

“Liar…”

I hummed at that. Her choice in words was more than enough to give me the info I wanted. The promise of power was more than enticing for her. But she needed proof if I was going to reel her in.

“Oh, but I’m not. How about this then. I’ll give you your freedom, a boost to your reputation with H.I.V.E., and a way to make yourself stronger. Truly stronger. In exchange you tell me everything I want to know, and we can become…collaborators.”

Jinx eyed me suspiciously.

“…Collaborators?”

I smiled slightly before waving my hand.

“You help me, and I’ll continue to help you. Of course, at any time you’d be free to walk away and cut the collaboration short. I won’t stop you. Rat me out to whoever you please. But if you don’t, then we can continue to support each other behind the scenes.”

She was smart. Even half awake she realized that I wouldn’t give her such a massively beneficial agreement for nothing. Obviously, there was something more to it.

And that I wasn’t exactly going to explain to her what.

But she didn’t immediately deny it. Which meant she was thinking about it. Not that there was much doubt that she wouldn’t. I mean in the first place; she was a villain. First and foremost. If she didn’t have such a self-serving mindset, she wouldn’t be here in the first place.

Which was completely fine. I didn’t dislike people with that sort of way of thinking. It was rather close to my way of thinking, after all.

Being greedy and self-serving was only natural. It was what it meant to be human.

Ooh, I like that! I think I’ll hang that quote on a wall in here…

…It was disturbing to consider that there might be an actual house inside my head.

“…and…you’ll let…me go?”

Vulnerability was written on her face. She was cracking.

“Of course.”

“…And the…others?”

I smiled in a comforting way, but obviously that was a failure considering how she reacted. Fair enough. I should be glad that I didn’t come off as desperate.

“They’d be freed to leave with you. After I rub it in how frustrated I was that I couldn’t break you, of course.”

A gleam in her eye appeared. Jinx watched my hand warily as I held it out to her halfway. Hmm, it was rather understandable considering that my hand was pretty much the most threatening part of me.

Something that we shared in common, now that I think about it.

Her own hand raised up gingerly. Her eyes attempted to blink the sleep out of them but was obviously fighting a losing battle. Even still, she watched my expression like a hawk as she slowly traveled towards my hand.

Just as she was a fingers length away, she paused. Awaiting my reaction to her doing so, before pulling her hand back just a bit. Doubt setting in her eyes.

Truthfully, I wasn’t sure what I should do in the situation. Besides the obvious, I mean. My emotions were controlled and obscured, but what exactly did she want me to do was another question.

Should I reach out? To grasp her hand in order to get rid of her doubts but in doing seem desperate? Should I not move and continue to wait and see what she does? Or should I slowly take my own hand away? Withdrawing my own offer and potentially end negotiations myself?

After a few seconds of deliberating, I made my choice.

Lifting my head up slightly with narrowed eyes, I moved my hand back. Just a miniscule amount, but still notably for Jinx. Whose eyes widened before frowning deeper.

Her hand then suddenly reached out and grasped my own.

“It’s…”