The Neon Viper hideout was dimly lit, with flickering bulbs casting eerie shadows across the walls. The room arsely furnished, with a worn-out couch, a couple of old tables, and a makeshift bar along one wall.

  'Cobra' Kasumi reed on the couch, her leg propped up on a table. She gazed listlessly out the window, her eyes fixed on the neon lights that fshed outside. She had spent the past few weeks recuperating from her injuries, fio the couch as she tried tairength.

  Her fight against that fug bitch Super had been a brutal one, and she had barely escaped with her life. She grimaced as she flexed her injured fingers, the wounds still healing. Her nanowires had been rendered useless, their fiments severed and frayed. She had salvaged what she could, but the damage was extensive, and she had no way of repairing them.

  With a sigh, she shifted in her seat, wing as a stab of pain shot through her leg.

  Kasumi could have won that fight if she hadn't fooled around and uimated the Super. She'd gotten careless when she shouldn't have. Now she aying the price for it. But she couldn't admit her failure to her hehey expected her to be strong. They looked up to her as their leader.

  She shouldn't have lost the Shiver. It was a major blow to her reputation and power within the slums. She had also lost over a third of her men during that raid, and most of them had either defected to rival gangs or were too terrified to show their faces around her anymore. Her operations were crippled, her territory reduced to a fra of its former size.

  The Neon Knights under 'Dazzle' Darby were emerging as the top dogs, taking over more and more of the Neon Night Market and pushing the Neon Vipers into a precarious position. Even now, she could hear the muffled voices of her remaining subordinates as they pheir terattack.

  Despite her best efforts, Kasumi had lost trol of the situation, and the prospect of losing more meo some pissing match over the market made her sick. What once was hers now slipped away, bit by bit, day after day. Like sand through her fingers. She hated being a spectator, watg everything unfold while she was id up on the couch, helpless and depe on others to protect what she had built from nothing. She hated not being in trol.

  Still, she couldn't do anything about it. Not in her current state. With a scowl, she reached fss of brandy sitting oable. She poured the tents into a gss, then tipped the bottle into her mouth, downing the burning liquid in one go. She threw the empty bottle aside a out a frustrated growl. "Fuck."

  Vaughn's footsteps echoed through the hideout as he ehe room, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of Kasumi on the couch. He cleared his throat and spoke, "Um, hey. Boss. The Mad Chemist wants to have a word with you." He gestured to the ptop resting oable beside the couch. "He's waiting on a call."

  Kasumi let out a sigh of frustration, then grabbed the devid flipped the s open. "Fug figures." She pressed the power button, and the s lit up, revealing the familiar mask of the Mad Chemist staring back at her. "Hey, doc," she grunted. "Been a while. Haven't seen you sihat stupid meeting. Why the sudden call?"

  "Greetings, Kasumi." The chemist's distorted voice echoed through the room. "I am calling to offer my dolences. I heard you suffered quite a humiliati at the hands of Axion, and that you lost the Shiver that I traded you. Quite the shame, indeed. So much potential, so much promise...gone in a fsh. Pity."

  Kasumi frowned, g her fist. "Doc, get to the point. I'm in no mood for bullshit right now. You're not the first person to rub salt into the wound, and I doubt you'll be the st."

  "Of course. My apologies." The masked figure shrugged. "As you may have guessed, I have a business proposition for you, something to help ease your mind during these troubled times." He spread his gloved hands. "I will provide you with another supply of Shiver and the formu to replicate the drug. Iurn, I simply need your assistan seg a facility to set up the produ line."

  Kasumi arched an eyebrow. "Huh. A produ line? Here in the slums? Are you nuts? You'd be better off setting up shop iropolis."

  The Mad Chemist chuckled, waving dismissively. "Nonsehe metropolis is too dangerous a pce for su endeavor. The risk of being discovered is too great and there are far more superheroes lurking about. The slums, however, offer a degree of freedom and flexibility not avaible elsewhere. It has its own unique culture, its own rules—the perfect pce for someone like me to do business. Also, I trust you. You know how the criminal underworld works."

  She quirked an eyebrow.

  Although she'd worked with him a few times before, she still had her reservations about the man. He wasly known for f alliaypically, the Mad Chemist operated alone, dug his schemes from the shadows while reaping the bes. She wondered what had ged to make him want to partner up. Was he aware of how dire her circumstances had bee?

  "What's in it for you, doc? How do I know you're n to screw me over?" Kasumi scoffed. "You expect me to believe that the infamous Mad Chemist needs someone like me to take such a big risk with no guarantee of a payoff?" She jabbed her fi the ptop. "Why would I want to put myself io you?"

  "Kasumi, please, do not misuand," he replied calmly. "This is an iment. We both stand to be from this arra. I trust you to carry out the task because I know you are capable of handling this, and more importantly, that you are driven by your desire to gain an advantage over the Neon Knights and expand your influence. So, what do you say?"

  He csped his hands together, tilting his head in a questioning manner. "Will you accept my generous offer, or are you tent with nguishing on your couch, drinking and wallowing in self-pity, as your rivals take over your turf?" He leaned closer, the bck slits of his mask gleaming in the light. "If not, then you may as well start pag ys and crawling back to your family in disgrace. Unless, of course, you prefer that I tact the Crimson Shadows to assist you."

  She scowled, her jaw ched as she listeo his taunting words. "Fine. Fuck you. Tell me what you need." She'd rather die than beg her brother for help. Having to rely on him to fix her problems would mean she'd never escape his shadow. Her pride wouldn't allow it. She'd rather rot in a ditch than go to him. Besides, she khe Crimson Shadows had no i in the slums.

  "Excellent! I have already located a suitable location for the facility. All I require from you is assistan acquiring the necessary supplies and equipment as well as serving as security for the operation."

  "How long will it take to set up?" she inquired.

  "About two months. By my estimates, I have the first batch ready within three months." He paused for a moment, tapping his thoughtfully. "Yes, I think that's the most realistic timetable we work with. Oh, and also..." He snapped his fingers, gesturing to the space beside the ptop. "I need you to do one more thing for me. Vaughn?"

  "Yeah?" Vaughn asked, stepping forward. "What do you want now?"

  "Oh, Vaughn. There you are. Yes, I have a little side job for you." He gave a slight nod. "The delivery of Kasumi's nanowire upgrades should be arriving in the Neon Night Market very soon. Make sure you secure those packages before any sgers or looters get their hands on them. I put a lot of time and effort into acquiring them, and I do not intend for them to fall into the wrong hands. Uood?"

  Vaughn smirked. "Yeah, I do that. No problem. If anyone dares to try, they'll get a taste of my bdes."

  Kasumi shot the stist a sidelong gnce, frowning. "Hey, don't volunteer my guy for anything, alright? I'm the oakes orders from, not you."

  The Mad Chemist shrugged, ign her ents. "Of course. Now, as soon as you recover, Kasumi, let us ence preparations. I am eager to begin produmediately. Oh, and please do try to stay alive. Your services are going to be required for the foreseeable future."

  "Just so you know, I'm doing this for the profit. Nothing more." She folded her arms across her chest, scowling at the image of the mad stist. "Don't get the wrong idea. This doesn't ge anythiween us. This is strictly business, got it? Don't try and pull any shit, or you'll regret it. Got it?"

  "Believe me, Kasumi, your aid is crucial." The Mad Chemist's toook on an ear note. "I assure you, my motives are sincere. I will share the profits with you fifty-fifty, and you may even learn a thing or two from me as well. Besides, I suspect you could use the funds and resources right about now." His ugh echoed through the room. "We both know how dangerous Axion is. Better to keep your enemies close, don't you agree?"

  She bit her lip and scowled, gring at the grinning mask on the s. "You think I'm afraid of that Super bitch?" she snapped.

  "Perhaps not, but you must cede that she has proven to be a threat." The Mad Chemist tilted his head to the side. "But speaking of Axion...what you tell me about her power?"

  That question had been nagging at the back of her mind ever sihe fight. There were no obvious signs of that bitch using any powers until that st moment when she somehow maneuvered through Kasumi's of wires mid-air, smashed the floor underh them, and thehat attack as they both fell.

  At that moment, Axion seemed faster and strohan most metahumans outside of the Ultimate Guardians. Still, Kasumi didn't witness anything else special beyond that.

  "I 't tell you much. She's fast and strong at certain moments, but not anything abnormal. I 't tell you what her power is. It's hard to pinpoint."

  Vaughn, who was still standing beside the couch, suddenly spoke. "When I fought her, I thought the same thing. But something weird happened whe right o me. Suddenly, I felt like I weighed a ton and I colpsed. She didn't even touch me, but she was clearly affeg my body somehow. Couldn't move a muscle. She knocked me ht afterward."

  Kasumi raised an eyebrow at Vaughn.

  This was o her. Was there a reason why that bitch didn't use that against her during their fight? Or was she holding back for some reason? The tter expnation seemed unlikely.

  The Mad Chemist hummed thoughtfully. "Iing. Very iing. I have a lot of questions about her capabilities, as well as her in. She's not listed in the official files of aahumans or superhero teams, which suggests she's a metahuman who es from a different region or one who was born in the slums."

  "A local, huh?" Kasumi snorted. "Figures. Some stupid bitch like that should, much less pose a problem for people like us." She ched her fists, a snarl esg her lips. "I'll tear her apart the ime we meet."

  "Perhaps." The Mad Chemist tapped a finger against his mask. "But as I said, I have questions about her that demand answers. So, I'll be pg a bounty for her capture. The angs should have already been notified by now, and you should be receiving a transmission shortly. You're wele to join since you certainly have a score to settle with her. However, I want her captured alive and well."

  Kasumi remained silent.

  The memory of the Super's power still haunted her. She remembered the thrill of fear aement when the girl dashed toward her. She recalled the pain of the impact when those booted feet collided with her abdomen. She still relived the excruciatiion of crashing through the side of the van, over and over.

  No...that shit ain't worth it. Not yet.

  "No, I'm not ied," she said. "Too much hassle and effort. I'll stay focused on business."

  "Oh? Very well." The Mad Chemist didn't seem particurly bothered by her decision. "The bounty will still be posted regardless. The offer is always open in case you ge your mind." He gave a theatrical bow, the camera shaking slightly. "Very well. I shall discuss the details with Vaughn. Until we meet again, dear Cobra."

  The s went bck.

  Vaughn lowered his head, avoiding eye tact with Kasumi. "Sorry, boss. The Dosisted on tag you directly."

  She waved a hand. "It's fine. Don't worry about it. How are you holding up?" She squi his bandaged fad his busted-up left eye.

  Vaughn flinched slightly, his fingers reag up to brush the swollen bruise around his left eye. He averted his gaze, a sheepish smile spreading across his battered face. "I, uh, well...the Super girl did a number on us. Buncha losses, some defes. Lotta crap going on. It's been a little tense around here, you know, but, we'll survive." He forced a ugh, attempting to lighten the mood.

  "Rex." Kasumi cracked a rare smile and beed with her hand. "C'mere. Sit."

  Vaughn stepped forward, moving closer to the couch, his eyebrows knitting together in fusion. "Huh?" His eyes flicked around the room nervously.

  "I said sit dow me look at it," she repeated. "There's no reason to act tough in front of me. We've known each other since forever, remember?" She patted the seat cushioo her.

  He stiffened his posture, his eyes widening slightly, before exhaling in a low voice, "Yes, ma'am." He k by the side of the couch, his shoulders slumping as he sank into the cushion. He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly and cast an uneasy g his leader.

  Kasumi shifted in her seat, the springs creaking as she turo face him. She pced her hand on his forehead and ied his bck eye, her eyes roaming over the bruises and scrapes scattered across his face.

  "Um, boss...won't your boyfrie jealous if you're toug guys like this?" Vaughn asked sheepishly.

  "Rex. He's not the jealous type. Besides, it's not like I'm here stroking your d—"

  "Got it! You don't have to say it like that. Shit..."

  "Hmm." She let out a thoughtful hum and poked his cheek, pressing her finger against the purple welt on his ski out a yelp, wing at the pain. "Yeah, that's gonna take a while to heal." She removed her hand and poi the faded scar on his brow. "Remember that one? From when I beat the hell outta ya?" She let out an amused chuckle.

  Vaughn coughed. "Uh, yeah. Yeah, I do. That was, um, a long time ago." His lips twitched upward into a crooked grin. "Good times..."

  "Really?" She quirked an eyebrow and grinned wryly. "The time I nearly killed you ts as a good memory for you?"

  "I mean..." He shrugged nonittally, ughing nervously as he struggled to e up with a response. "I, er...guess so, yeah?" His voice trailed off, uain.

  She chuckled and leaned back, shaking her head in disbelief. "Seriously, man." She stretched her arms out behind her and yawned, letting out a soft groan. "Man, this sucks ass. Life was so much easier befetting thrown out here." Kasumi kicked the empty gss lying oable, knog it over. The shattered fragments tumbled over the floorboards.

  Vaughn picked up the broken pieces and tossed them aside. "Well, hey, it could always be worse, right?" He shrugged, wiping the moisture from his palms on his pants. "Besides, I re we'll pull through, just like we always have."

  "If you say so." Kasumi crossed her arms over her chest, her lips curving into a sardonic half-smile. "Either way, we're not in a good situation. The gang's a mess. Our numbers aren't enough to hold a turf, but they're strong enough that angs won't try anything, so at least we've got that going for us."

  Vaughn snorted softly in amusement. "Well, you know what they say, survival of the fittest." He shook his head, his expression growing somber. "Some of the guys were talking about finding more recruits. Should be easy to find a bunch of greenhorns around, right?"

  Kasumi scowled, her firag absentminded patterns on the fabric of her leather pants. "Don't bother. They'll just get killed. Best to work with what we have right now. Besides, too many new people will lead to more problems. 't afford to keep an eye on everyone. Remember st time? I'd rather avoid dealing with that sort of drama again."

  Vaughn's brows furrowed as he rubbed his thoughtfully. "Mmm...that's true, I guess." He rubbed his h his knuckle. "We just gotta wait for the news about the Shiver and hope things die down before starting any new operations."

  "Yep." Kasumi folded her hands behind her head, leaning ba the couch, her eyelids drooping zily. "Anyways, I'm gon some sleep. Wake me up if anything happens."

  "Sure thing, boss." Vaughn nodded obediently. He rose to his feet, stretg his arms above his head as he walked towards the d'night."

  Her eyes drifted closed, and she rested her head against the cushioned backrest. She pulled her ko her chest, curling herself into a fetal position. The fabric rustled underh her as she settled into a more fortable position. A sigh escaped her lips as she tried to rex, ign the nagging worries pguihoughts. Eventually, her breaths became steady and her muscles loosened up as she fell asleep.