Slime-Cycle (Humble Beginnings)

31. The Fox who hid

Charlie adjusted his bag over his shoulder, walking down the alley on the east side of the island. No, not the alley he was shot in, but rather the alley in which his normal life ended. So, I guess that could mean either one of them, but this one led to a villian lair, so they were still pretty different.

He'd gotten called earlier today by an unknown number. It told him they had a job for him, so he reluctantly got his stuff together and made his way there.

Walking through the cold, dark alley, he stared ahead blankly, wondering what his mission might be this time.

He really couldn't think of anything it could be. I mean, most of his jobs so far have been assisting the Syndicate in their own jobs. And he doubted they'd trust him on his own. So he'd most likely be joining them in some kind of crime, he just didn't know what.

Turning the corner and walking up to that door again, he didnt see anyone outside this time. Last time the Martian had been acting as some kind of gaurd, but this time he was gone. Huh. Wonder where he went.

He stared at the 'closed' sign on the door. Remembering it had been the same when he came here last time, he assumed it was just a way to deter people who came snooping. So, grabbing the door handle, he pushed it open a crack. All the while, his heart beating in his ears.

"You're an idiot, Tommy." Icarus's voice spoke from inside.

Charlie paused, the door half way open and his heart skipping beats.

He was so fired. He stared at Icarus and Apollo through the cracked door, the two of them seeming to be talking about something in the small lounge in the center of the room. Arguing, even.

"Uuuhh..." he mumbled, staying there awkwardly for a moment, before freezing as icarus turned and stared at him.

"Slimecicle." He spat, sounding suprised.

"I-Icarus!" Charlie smiled shakily, shoving the door open all the way and stepping inside. "I didn't mean to interrupt, I-I didn't know you were- uh-"

Icarus scoffed, welcoming him with open arms. "Oh, don't fret, Charlie. We all make mistakes. I did call you here, anyways. We should have found somewhere more private to discuss.." he trailed off, shooting a glance back at Apollo, who seemed quite embarrassed.

Apollo seemed to give Icarus an odd glance, as well. Almost like one of confusion.

Charlie paused, his eyes wide with fear as he stared at icarus, the villian walking towards him. "Uh... yeah.." he stuttered, slightly confused by the friendly behaviour. "Uh, still, sorry.." he chuckled, trying to make extra sure he didn't piss anyone off.

"Really, don't worry." Icarus smiled. "Now, we have business to deal with." He spoke with a cheery tone as he wrapped his arm around Charlie's shoulder and pulled him along. Charlie yelped, shakily following along as they walked past the lounge and towards the bar.

"Now." He spoke, placing a hand down on a small pile of papers sat on the bar counter. He then looked over at Charlie. "As you know, we have a job for you."

Charlie nodded slowly.

"Well. Let me give you the rundown." He spoke, sliding the papers over to him. The villian straightened his posture, looking down at him as he adjusted his vampire like collar.

"This vigilante, finder, went missing on Monday." He began as Charlie began to flip through the papers. "Now, it's been two days, but he's typically out every night. And, last he was seen, he was by the docks."

Charlie paused on one of the papers, a picture of the vigilante printed on it. He glanced up at Icarus. "Wait.. -if you dont mind me asking... why do you care what happened to some random vigilante?" He asks hesitantly.