The Rebel League

Chapter 2- Suiting up

"You wanna answer me now?" Joel asked, leaning back in his black, metal chair.

Orange light reflected off his face from the lanterns that hung in rows across the ceiling. We were the only ones in the restaurant other than a few old couples. Joel stared at me blankly, obviously wanting an answer.

"Well, I've been thinking about it and we have two options." I said.

Joel gestured for me to continue.

"We can either go to Tuggerah and find Estella or search for a new recruit." I said.

Joel nodded his head in deep thought. "I didn't know you knew other criminals, Harley. Tell me who you have in mind."

I began to describe a boy named Tristan who I had known for a few years now. He had some sort of animalistic power that he couldn't show to me at the time, but promised to in the future.

"He's wanted to join The Crime Lords since I told him about it a couple yea-"

Joel cut me off mid sentence. "You told him about it!?"

I shushed him and pushed him back into his chair. "Yes, I did."

I sat back down too. "Anyway, he has been trained in martial arts so he can put up a tough fight and he has powers."

Joel tilted his head to the side. "What's that supposed to mean?"

I shrugged my shoulders, wanting to know the answer to that question myself.

Before I could answer, a waitress with flowing blonde hair and blue eyes approached our table. "Can I take your order?"

"Ah yea I'll have the chicken schnitzel, please." I said.

She scribbled on a little notepad and turned to Joel, who looked up from the menu and smiled stupidly.

"I'll have the T-bone steak." He said, stretching in an attempt to reveal his muscles.

The waitress scribbled his order down and walked away. When she was gone I chuckled but tried to cover it with my hand. Joel noticed my hand movement and glared at me, which only made me laugh more.

"What?" He asked leaning closer.

"Isn't she a little old for you?" I answered, still laughing.

His face turned a bright shade of red and stayed that way. "I wasn't trying to..."

He stopped when I raised an eyebrow at him.

"It doesn't matter anyway," he said, "we have more important things to think about."

I nodded and began to twirl the knife that was sitting on the table. Suddenly, an idea popped into my head.

"Wanna see if my skills are still ok?" I whispered to Joel.

As soon as he saw the knife he shook his head but I ignored it. There were not many people around us and they were all busy with other things so I stood up, took aim, and threw the knife, shattering a window.

"Nice aiming." Joel mocked.

I sat down quickly before anyone noticed. The waitress came back with a confused expression and gave us our meals. I chewed quietly on my chicken while watching the staff crowd around the broken window.

Joel took a bite of his T-bone and said with a mouthful of food, "I think we should get new costumes, and new weapons."

My eyes widened and I looked at Joel with happiness. It was a perfect idea! We rarely got the opportunity to get new equipment or many new clothes for that matter while we were in The Crime Lords. We could only scab off guards or assassinated targets. This was the perfect time.

"We'll go after lunch. I said.

"Almost there." I called back to Joel, who was staggering along the footpath a few metres behind me. If I remember correctly, the costume shop where my nan used to work is up here, I thought, It's sure to have the clothes and weapons that we need.

"Why do you walk so fast?" The annoying voice behind me kept complaining.

I sighed. Archers.

We turned a corner, walked along a narrow street and finally arrived at the driveway of the costume store.

"We're here." I gestured widely with my arms.

Joel sighed with relief. "What's so damn special about this shop then?"

I whirled around to face him, smiling. "You'll see Joel, you'll see."

I opened the door and was almost blinded with colour. The walls and floor were lined with many varieties of costumes and weapons. The ceiling was at least fifteen feet above our heads.

"Woah!" I yelled.

A bright red and black ladybug costume caught my eye next to me. I ran my fingers along the fabric, it was like cotton candy.

"Um, Harley." Joel said, putting hand on my shoulder. "I hate to break it to you, I really do, but a ladybug might not be the best appearance for you."

I rolled my eyes without turning around and continued through the shop. One-pieces, hats, masks, capes, everything you needed regarding costumes could be found hanging on racks all around me.

"This is perfect." I said. "Joel what do you think? Seen anything you like?"

Joel didn't seem to hear me. He was too busy gazing at a number of different bows on the other side of the store. He picked one up and ran his fingers along the string, smiling with one side of his mouth.

"Harley? Is that you? Oh it's been so long!" A female voice called from behind me.

I turned around to see my nan's next door neighbour, Tracy, who also just happened to own the costume store.

"Oh, hi Tracy! How are you?" I asked, trying to be polite but mentally diving into a nearby gun display.

"I'm very well." She replied, hugging me. "What about you? What have you been up to lately?"

Joel had returned to my side by this time and turned away when she asked the question.

"Oh, Tracey, this is my best friend Joel." I said, trying to change the subject to a less dangerous topic.

Tracy introduced herself to Joel and offered us both some food or water, which we declined. I couldn't possibly eat if my stomach was doing backflips, which had started happening upon entering the store.

"What can I do for you?" She asked, rubbing her hands together.

"Well, actually, um, you see...." I couldn't say it.

If I'd told her we were criminals she would've called the police or something. I tried to think of something else to say but Joel cut in.

"We're criminals that need knew costumes and weapons." He blurted out.

I gave him a 'seriously' stare but was shocked with Tracy's response.

"Hmm, hang on, what was it. Oh it's right there. Was it ... Acrobolt? And Green Arrow?"

I almost backflipped up to roof!

"H-how did you-" I stuttered.

She began to laugh like I was the crazy one. "Oh, your nan told me a about you and your little group. She was told by your mother. I knew as soon as Judy told me that I'd see you soon enough. Only took you about five years."

I couldn't believe my ears! Mum had spilled about The Crime Lords! Oh well, I can deal with that later, I thought.

"Well, here we are!" I said, almost breathless. "So, any recommendations?"

Tracy smiled from ear to ear and rubbed her hands together. "I think I have just the thing for you dear."

"Great." I said, eager to try on something new for a change. "Suit me up!"