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The Good Life: Bet (ch. 63) (Arcane Start)
🕑 Added 2024-09-13 14:47:46 +0000 UTCIt was always fascinating to watch Law work, Robin decided as he grinned at Asami, who wore a polite and practiced smile of her own that couldn’t quite hide her intentions. Throughout her colorful life, she had encountered all sorts of villains -- the grand schemers, the thoughtless thugs, and the opportunity seizers. Law, somehow, embodied a bit like all three at once. An agent of chaos, as Yoruichi called him. It was rather fitting.
“There are other issues that have been brought to my attention,” Asami continued, adopting a business-like facade before she placed a pill bottle on the table. It was marked with a piece of scotch tape with a single word written on it. Joy. “These pills have begun circulating amongst Nuka-World. At first, I thought it was merely another drug created in this world, so imagine my surprise when I discovered the source came from the Institute.”
Law’s smile didn’t waver as he cocked an eyebrow, “I’m guessing that it’s not the presence of super anti-depressants in this festering shit hole of a planet that you have an issue with.” An idle remark, but one that told Robin that he had expected this conversation. Out of the corner of her eye, Robin saw Rumi stiffen, so she hadn’t been informed. Had Asami simply neglected to tell her, or was it intentional?
“It’s how they’re created,” Asami agreed in an even tone that didn’t quite match how her hands clenched together. She didn’t say much more. There was little more than needed to be said. It was a conversation that they all saw coming, but it was only a question of when. And it seemed the answer to that was after Asami felt assured that pressing Law wouldn’t impact the refugees. She feared that Law would hurt them to hurt her.
A reasonable, but misguided fear. Law barely registered the existence of the refugees to begin with.
Interestingly, it was Taylor who responded. “Then your issue isn’t an issue. Joy has become… instrumental in regards to some of the less than enjoyable jobs that are required for the sustaining of the settlement, and the ingredients have been ethically sourced -- it’s a nine to five job that you volunteer for.”
Mirth danced in Law’s eyes, “I can think of worse jobs than busting nuts for eight hours a day.” Robin hummed noncommittally, idly taking note of the reference that Taylor had made. It hadn’t been the wisest decision to bring some of their most key members to El Dorado, however enjoyable it might have been. As such, they were behind the times. From the sounds of it, Taylor had been rather… aggressive, with the utilization of Joy amongst the locals.
Robin would have to see it with her own eyes, but given Taylor’s actions leading up to her taking control of Nuka-World, she suspected that she would have little to correct. It was a cruel thing that Law did to the girl, but in the end, he only watered a seed that was already inside of her.
“I suppose it’s merely coincidence that nearly everyone that was exposed to the prototype has consistently volunteered for the… ‘job,’” Asami said, her gaze sliding to Robin, who met it evenly. The precursor for Joy was a drop of the pleasure fluid that Law had extracted from Popclaw and Victoria added to a water vapor that was then inhaled.
It started as a way to keep the people that returned with the most stuff from Law’s homeworld in line, but when Curie discovered the substance, it quickly became more.
“It’s not addictive, if that’s what you’re insinuating,” Robin replied, “There are no withdrawal symptoms. The addiction stems from those who wish to simply… turn their brains off for a time. To experience mindless pleasure rather than harsh realities.” The words were factual, but not strictly true. She understood the appeal of a drug like Joy rather well -- in her lowest moments, she could all too easily imagine herself taking a handful of the pills to waste away.
The issue stemmed from the fact that once you had a taste of paradise, you wanted another. You would chase it endlessly and no low was too low to stoop if it meant getting another taste. There was more to addiction than chemicals.
“If that’s the case, then you won’t take any issue with me conducting my own analysis,” Asami replied, neither asking for permission nor making a request. She was being rather bold. She could sense the simmering irritation behind them -- the latest addition to their group. Sukuna Ryomen. Robin had few doubts that if it was up to him he would have killed Asami already, and he only held himself back because Law was playing along with this game of theirs.
“Feel free,” Law dismissed the issue out of hand, seemingly uncaring. Robin knew him better than that, though. Asami didn't, however, and she seemed to relax ever so slightly at Law's easy confidence. “Anything else on the agenda or can we get this show on the road?”
“We'll need to establish a stable connection to the New World first and foremost,” Asami started. “We should have enough reserved power to make the jump and sustain a connection. Building up the infrastructure could take a few weeks in El Dorado.” There was a hinting tone in her voice but nothing else.
“Or, we could make a big jump from one of our Dias’. Do what we've been doing -- send a small team to act as boots on the ground, set up an Anchor and meet you all halfway,” Law offered with a tilt of his head.
“And I imagine you'll volunteer to be on this team?” Asami questioned, though it was a mere formality at this point. Law was someone who craved something new and interesting at all times, and she genuinely couldn't imagine him passing up a chance to be the first to experience a new world, no matter how many he visited.
“Forever and always,” Law agreed easily, and she knew he was silently coming to the same conclusion that she had -- Asami wanted Law out of the way. For what reason? The possibilities were many, but the end result was rather obvious.
“In that case, I believe I will be joining you this time,” Asami decided, and that caught Law's half of the room by surprise, though all of them hid it. The very last thing that Robin expected was for Asami to willingly put herself in close contact with Law. Her preferred distance from him seemed to be on different worlds. “The situation in this world is well in hand at this point. And, provided that this jump is what we hope it is… then my expertise would be valuable.”
Law tilted his head, wearing a cutting smile. “Don't gotta sell me on it. Sounds fun,” he decided, curious and cautious in equal measures about what exactly Asami's play was. In any case, Law was delighted. Asami was taking action once more, getting personally involved rather than acting through a proxy like Rumi. “Sounds like we have a plan then. One you've had in your back pocket for a while. I'm guessing that we have enough of a charge to make the jump now?”
“We will in a few days, after we make contact with El Dorado,” Asami replied and Law hummed in response.
“I'll see you in a few days then,” Law decided, and without any visible action, Robin suddenly found herself standing outside of the portal leading to Law's homeworld. His expression settled on one of amusement before he shot Robin a knowing grin.
This game of theirs was going to end in disaster, Robin knew. Asami was intelligent. Brilliant in a way that no one else was -- Robin liked to think of herself as academically gifted, but she knew that she could never manage what Asami had accomplished. Law was content to let it all play out so that he could laugh at the flames, but… he was in serious danger of underestimating what Asami was capable of.
“What was the point of any of that?” Sukuna questioned, sounding annoyed as he directed his glare at Law in particular. The two were entirely too much alike, Robin thought, watching as Law clapped him on the shoulder. But they also couldn't be more different in nature.
Sukuna Ryomen was a sadist. Malicious. Compassion and empathy weren't things he was capable of. Even now, as he joined Law, Robin knew that he was one particularly bored day from trying to kill him. He would only join them as long as he thought following Law was more entertaining than fighting against him.
Law was chaos made manifest. When he saw someone in need of help, he was every bit as likely to reach down a hand as he was to kick them while they were down. The world itself was subject to his whims and his idea of fun. Yet, he was still capable of genuine connection, such as what they shared. He was capable of true empathy, something that not many could boast, but only if he had any respect for you. And, as seen with Homelander, that didn't necessarily protect you from his sense of humor.
“I'll explain it on the way. For now, let's get you caught up on things,” Law said, tossing her and Taylor a wink before the two of them vanished.
Taylor seemed disappointed, making Robin chuckle, “I wouldn't mind an update myself,” She remarked lightly.
“Of course,” Taylor replied stiffly. She really was quite adorable in her own way, and Robin could all too easily recognize herself in Taylor. The posture, the formal way of speaking, the costume… It reminded her of darker days, when she was a teenager trying to become a player rather than a pawn. Little things to make others take her more seriously, but the end result was rather much like Taylor -- a young woman trying to appear more intimidating than she was.
Though, Robin supposed that could just be because she’d seen Taylor's starting point. The people around them eyed Taylor with evident fear, wary of catching her direct attention. The reason why was obvious enough when one man who had stopped to stare at Robin dropped to his knees, screaming in agony.
“I'm sure you've done wonderfully, Taylor. Law wouldn't have chosen you otherwise,” Robin quickly reassured. “I just want an update on your progress, as it seems that we'll be gone for another length of time.”
“Where would you like me to start?” Taylor questioned, easily deferring to Robin. She really was too cute for her own good.
“Wherever you think best,” Robin said reassuringly, only to realize that she had stressed Taylor out. She was indecisive for the briefest of moment before she schooled her expression and offered a small curt nod. Robin could almost see her leaning into the mask that she had crafted for herself -- Skitter. The most terrible villain in the Wasteland. Adorable.
The tour of Nuka-World began and Robin swiftly noticed some changes, namely that many of the… rough edges cultivated by Cinder had been smoothed over.
“The Gulch has been restructured. Almost entirely,” Taylor said as they arrived at the first of the parks they would be visiting. The cowboy theme still rang strong, with wild west-themed buildings, but the lawlessness of the park had faded.
Robin saw giant ants crawling over the wreckage of one of the rollercoasters, chewing at the rusted metal and cutting off sections to be carried off and recycled. It was a project that was nearing its end, by the looks of things.
“Good,” Robin replied, seeing that the brothels had been restructured. Perhaps not as much as anyone would like, but any change was better than what Cinder had enabled. Caps still exchanged hands, women still plyed the oldest trade in back rooms, but no longer were there women in stockades with a sign over their heads asking for a handful of caps. “I see you’ve gotten creative with your insects.”
“The Institute has been helping a lot. I currently have them working on relay insects to expand my range,” Taylor admitted. “With the failed recon into the Capital Wasteland, I’ve decided a more… direct approach is necessary.” She was underselling herself, Robin knew. Her wish list from the Nuka-Gen-Replicator was a long and thorough one. Ranging from mites that delivered paralytic venom to butterflies that could spread poisonous powder with a fluttering of their wings. To insects with more utilitarian purposes, such as the ants she was looking at that would help recycle this dead land.
“They’re quite lovely,” Robin noted, looking up at one in particular. A butterfly with a spiral mouth filled with needle teeth, colorful and vibrant wings, and a stinger. “And an excellent deterrent, I imagine. Everyone knows that they are perfectly controlled by you, so if anything should happen to you…” The insects would lose their handler and act on baser instincts. If memory served, those instincts were hyper-aggression.
The Institute had the foresight to make them lack breeding instincts. Many of the species that Taylor had developed had the potential to become some of the most dangerous creatures in the Wasteland.
“It helps,” Taylor admitted stiffly. She really wasn’t used to praise, the poor thing. Robin just gave her a slight smile as the tour continued. The changes here were more minute in comparison to the slaver’s paradise that Cinder had cultivated. The Galactic Zone was filled with people seeking progress through various projects -- such as one group Robin saw that seemed to be testing the effectiveness of a grub that consumed radiation and discussing a potential timeline to undo the damage done to the Glowing Sea.
There were other changes that Robin noticed. The dulled eyes and aimless smiles of people walking around -- those that were on Joy were rather easy to spot, especially when they were covered in grime from working in the muck between the areas, dealing with sewage treatment and everything else.
“How long do you expect to be gone?” Taylor suddenly asked as they moved on. Her concerns were evident.
The truth of the matter was that Law had lost all interest in this world. When they moved on, Robin didn't expect him to come back beyond the briefest of visits, and only then to check in on Taylor. “Difficult to say,” Robin replied, seeing a brief look of disappointment flicker over her expression. “I would assume a month, perhaps two. But, depending on how things go… the most likely case will be that Law puts down roots in the next world.”
Provided that it had what he desired, of course.
“Don't worry,” Robin reassured Taylor as they walked. “I'm sure Law will visit you before he takes off once more.” At that, Taylor's face flushed but she managed to beat it back down. It got a chuckle from Robin, “If I were you, my goal would be to quickly reach a point of sustainability in this world. Deal with the known threats, harvest everything worth taking, and establish your rule. I expect that your… expertise will be needed in the future.”
Taylor didn't understand what she meant by that, Robin knew, as they walked the park. The gangs and crews had been thoroughly reshaped or done away with entirely. The lines that once divided them were eroded in short order, replaced with a more unified force. Yet, Robin noticed that traces still remained -- such as Cito, the man raised by apes that Law had met, who had been out in charge of the Safari Adventure, and the Disciples, who Taylor kept on a short leash to act as her rabid dog.
“You don't want Cinder to be back in charge,” Taylpr seemed to realize, making the connection that Robin had led her to. “Why?”
To that, Robin could only chuckle, “Cinder is someone that will always overreach beyond her means.” Robin knew her type entirely too well. For now, she amused Law but it was so soon after her punishment and she was already strutting around like a peacock, secure in her assumed position of Law's left hand. There hadn't been a single lesson learned from her failure, and it was only a matter of time before history repeated itself. “Law is building something -- a web of connected worlds. Some will be prosperous, others will be like this one. I'd much rather someone who knows what they're doing be in the role that Cinder imagines herself in.”
Taylor paused for a moment, considering that. “What’s my timeline?”
Robin simply chuckled, “I would say you have a few years yet.”
Even Law's patience would wear thin eventually, and Robin was already preparing for Cinder to slip in the coming jump.
…
Officially speaking, it was the third time that they had used the Dias, though in reality it was the fourth. As such, the process was rapidly becoming familiar for everyone involved.
Robin was uncertain if Asami was truly ignorant of their detour and Sukuna's origins or if she was merely pretending to gain an advantage.
In any case, the process was streamlined -- decontamination, processing, and only then would they make the jump.
“This is a trial run,” Sukuna warned, looking at Law. “If this is boring, you'll pay for it with your life.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Law replied dismissively with a sweeping gesture. “I'm feeling lucky, though. This is the big jump that I've been waiting for,” he said as everyone followed behind them. The team was larger than what Robin would prefer, especially with so many… strong personalities.
Asami was accompanied by Rumi, she saw as the bulkhead door opened to reveal the two preparing the world selection. Meanwhile, on Law's side of things, he was bringing herself, Sukuna, and Yoruichi. Cinder lingered in El Dorado at the moment, maintaining Law's interests there. Or, rather, keeping tabs on Nora and Chel. She, unfortunately, would be joining them when the connection was eventually made.
The world selection was rather pointedly made without any of Law's input. Robin watched the process on the screen -- it was a World Line beyond the one they had found El Dorado in, or Sukuna's world. The thinking was that it would take them further away from the histories of these worlds. Robin herself had no idea if that was correct or not.
It was an interesting notion, Robin had to admit. That one of the specs on the screen, each representing a world, was her homeworld. Law had made the offer to one day return and satisfy her curiosity in regards to the Void Century… But Robin was still uncertain if she would take him up on that offer.
“This one is going to eat up a lot of power,” Asami warned. “Preparing an emergency jump is too costly -- it'd be a three month wait before we could make another jump. Instead, we're going to be stuck there with no way back for a month to conserve power.” The further they went, the more greater the energy demands became. Based on the projections that Robin had seen through Cate giving her a copy under the table, even if they utilized every functioning nuclear power plant on Law's Earth, they still wouldn't have enough to sustain a portal to this new World Line.
It spoke to how efficient Law's way of sustaining the portals was. To not only reach the same World Line as El Dorado, but to reach a world further down that line with a portal that sustained itself for hours.
“We're golden,” Law said, giving her a thumbs up, knowing that this was a last call. “We ready to go?” He said, looking at the portal that had already been activated. There was a hum of anticipation in him as he gazed into a new world once more, the portal only revealing a dark cavernous wall. That, and a machine that had been sent on to the other side of the portal to collect samples.
Given the energy requirements, they were making sure that they could survive even a day in this new world before they made the trip. She loved Law but, Robin had to admit, she was rather fond of Asami's habit of looking before she jumped.
“There are exotic contaminants unlike anything we've encountered before, but a quick analysis indicates that they aren't inherently dangerous. The immuno-stims should be able to handle it,” Asami said, taking a step back from the glass divider that allowed her to look into the lab. “We're as ready as we can be.”
“Then let's get this show on the road!” Law said, happily skipping forward towards the portal. He was the first one through, passing the robot that retreated back to Fallout, and he let out a content hum with his boots on the ground of a new world. On Robin's part, she reflected on how mundane the action felt as she soon joined him on the other side. The very first time she had stepped through the Dias, there was an underlying sense of apprehension. Uncertainty. As well as a certain weight behind the action given the circumstances.
One by one, they stepped through the portal, revealing that they were in a cave. Artificial, Robin quickly deduced given the uniform structure of it. A mineshaft that had been abandoned at some point, indicating that there were people here. Of some kind, at least.
Rather unceremoniously, the portal closed behind them, leaving them stranded in the new world. Sukuna looked around, his expression difficult to read, but Robin's impression was that he was less than impressed.
“Your findings?” Asami prompted Law, who started walking towards a light at the end of the tunnel.
“We landed somewhere interesting,” Law replied, a grin in his voice as he gestured for them all to hurry up. Robin pretended that she didn't notice Rumi and Asami sharing a glance while she in turn shared one with Yoruichi. Yoruichi just offered a knowing grin, skipping after Law as he reached the end of the tunnel.
What was on the other side was less interesting than what was above it. Robin looked up, seeing that the light at the end of the tunnel didn't come from the sun, but rather from the glow of neon. Or some other kind of artificial light that the buildings above gave off as an artificial web of bridges hung overhead.
“It's an underground city,” Law said, and there was an excited thrill in his voice. The buildings were embedded in the walls, or connected to a string of bridges -- there were layers to them, molding against the natural formations of the earth. From where Robin stood, she couldn't see the sky. Nor could she tell how far down they were.
“So we noticed,” Rumi replied as they walked. Robin couldn't identify the architecture. Not quite, at least. “It's also a slum,” she added, gazing out at the area around them. Or, rather, at the trash heap that had obviously been dropped from those above. Given that the stench wasn’t hitting them, Robin knew Law was protecting them from it.
The area was dark, and the glow from above only gave enough light to cast long dark shadows. Even still, Robin knew that Rumi was right. In the darkness, in the garbage pit that seemed to be at the center of a web of caverns, there were eyes on them – Their arrival hadn't gone unnoticed. One such set of eyes caught her attention as they found a rough hewn path leading up to the city above.
Humanoid, but only barely. A face misshapen with lumps and where the unnaturally pale flesh was almost sagging off his body. Veins marked with a pinkish purple hue glowed under the thin flesh. Whoever they were, they were dressed in rags that were roughly stitched together. They retreated into the shadows, avoiding her gaze, but still she felt their eyes on them.
“Hm. Every ladder has its bottom rung,” Sukuna noted, sounding pleased as they continued up. The lowest layer of the city itself was a cobbled together slum, put together with the trash that those above discarded. The people looked no better off than those living in squalor below, peering at them through boarded up windows and dark corners, fearful that they were here to take the little that they had.
Asami’s lips were thinning as Law confidently led them through a maze of narrow streets and natural bridges. Rumi wasn't much better -- up until this point, as far as they knew, the worlds that they had visited had lacked such… structure. A post-apocalyptic world, and another set before humanity had industrialized. The world order was whatever they imposed, in the end. Which, in hindsight, might explain why Asami desired to join them on this trip. To prevent Law from being the one to make that decision unopposed.
Law led them to an archaic mining lift that looked to have seen its best days the better part of a century ago. “All aboard,” he said, opening the lift up.
“Can't you just use your power for this one?” Asami remarked, not liking the look of it even as she got on.
“Yeah, but then we’d miss out on the local culture,” Law replied, push a lever to release a break and with a loud screeching groan, the lift started to rise. “It's the journey that's important, Asami. Not the destination.”
“I'm not sure I like the look of this destination,” Rumi replied. “From the sound of it, this whole place sucks- What did you just do to my hearing!?” Rumi demanded, shooting a sharp glare at Law.
“No spoilers,” Law said, his tone chiding. Rumi went to kick him in the back of the knee, only for Law to side step it, making her tsk under her breath while he grinned.
The reason why was evident enough as the lift reached its destination, taking them into the heart of the city. They arrived in what appeared to be a central elevator of sorts, with a half dozen lifts arranged in a circle, but the dome that housed them lacked any walls, letting them gaze out at a sight like no other.
It was the strangest mix of architecture -- almost Victorian in nature, only made out of glass and steel. A large split in the sky above revealed the city was nestled inside of a canyon, and a rather large one shaped like a semi circle. Large spires equal to any skyscraper she had seen were seemingly floating on the spaces between the cavern walls, connected by bridges. Buildings covered the walls, connected by tunnels and alleys, with several of them pouring out a grayish fog that hovered in the air, giving everything an ethereal look.
“Finally,” Law breathed, continuing on with a pep in his step. “This is what I've been looking for,” he added, drinking it all in. The sights, and the people, Robin soon learned as she saw a large fishman behind a stall serving what looked to be fish to people seated at the counter. He was tall, closer to seven feet tall, blue scales, large yellow eyes, with gills around his neck.
“I'll admit, this was worth the wait,” Sukuna agreed next to him. He was also looking at the fishman, though in a very different manner. It would seem that his cannibalistic tendencies weren't at all exaggerated.
“Told ya,” Law said, joining the flow of foot traffic as they ventured into the city itself. Their appearance earned them some side glances, but Robin recognized the looks -- measuring, trying to tell how much they had to take, or if they were a mark worth a risk. Sukuna, more than any other, acted as a strong deterrent. “Let's try the local cuisine.”
“I think there would be better uses of our time,” Asami remarked as Law and Sukuna ventured to the stall run by the fishman. “We need to learn of the local politics first and foremost. Just because we arrived here first doesn't mean we need to stay.”
“I'm not entirely sure about that,” Robin said, watching as Law purchased a bowl full of grub looking creatures. “All things considered, every time we arrive at a new world, we find ourselves in a position of… opportunity.” Before Nuka-World, near El Dorado, and then close to the location of one of Sukuna's fingers. Perhaps it was simply luck and Law finding opportunity, but all things considered…
Asami made a noise in the back of her throat while Yoruichi scrunched up her nose as Law tossed one of the grubs into his mouth and chewed. “Juicy. A little sweet? That's not bad,” he gave his verdict, holding the bowl out to Sukuna, who took one. He ate one as well, though he didn't seem to enjoy it as much as Law.
Yoruichi ventured over to try it, and as she did so, Asami glanced her way. “What opportunity are you seeing here?”
Poor Asami. She really was too good. “In a land of the desperate, you'll always find opportunity,” Robin replied, continuing onward. The people of the city were varied, but rough. Even Rumi and Sukuna didn't truly stand out. The area below were the absolute dregs of society, but in this Undercity, the people were still rough. Hardened by hard living. This wasn't the kind of place where the weak could thrive, meaning that strength or cunning were respected above all else.
It reminded her of pirate havens in her her homeworld. Perhaps a bit more structured and developed, but the core was still the same. In another life, she would have sought out a major player and made herself of value to them, using their influence as a shield while getting what use out of them that she could before betraying them. To that end, it was a rather simple task spotting the local powers. Gang tags, colored flags that adorned peoples clothing, and so on.
There didn't seem to be any policing elements, Robin noted as they continued on, exploring the city in an aimless way. A few locations in particular seemed to hold some significance -- a nightclub named The Last Drop, for example. It would take a few days, but Robin felt confident that she could map out the local gang structure easily enough.
However, when they found another grand lift up, Robin learned that there was more at play.
The second lift brought them out of the undercity to an overcity. It was still run down, but not nearly as bad as the undercity was. There were still thugs that lurked in the shadows of alleys, looking for an easy mark, but they found none with them. More importantly, in a straight shot, Robin saw a bridge leading to what Robin could only describe as another city built directly on top of the Undercity.
A city that couldn't be more different in nature. Tall golden and marble spires, clean streets, and the people she saw in the distance were dressed finely. Clean.
She also noticed that there was a large contingent of guards dressed in blue, carrying beat sticks, guarding the bridge. They didn't stop people from approaching, but based on their harsh expressions, they certainly discouraged people from the Undercity from trying to cross.
“That sure feels like a metaphor for something. Late stage capitalism, maybe,” Law noted and, without warning, they were all on the other side of the bridge. “Tech is more advanced on this side. Less modern, but more… steam and gear-tech,” he added, looking up as a blimp sailed overhead as they walked the clean streets. The two cities, despite being built on top of one another, truly couldn't be more different.
They stood out more here, but none approached. The glances were different -- here, people judged them and found them wanting. Too poor, or too different. It was hard to tell.
“I think this is it,” Law added, teleporting them once more so they stood at the top of a building, giving them a fine view of an immense spire that was under construction. It was the largest building in the city twice over as it neared completion.
“This is it?” Asami echoed, unconvinced. “We've barely seen anything. And this feels well outside of your usual modus operandi. You usually immediately take over whatever locals you find.”
Law nodded easily, looking out at the city with eyes filled with anticipation. Excitement. “That's because there's nothing stopping me from doing exactly that. Unless you're encouraging me to take this city over?” He asked, sending her a cheeky grin.
She frowned in response, “Don't be ridiculous. I'm just trying to make sense of whatever plan you've seemed to have come up with.”
“It's not that complicated. Actually, it should be an old hat for you, I think,” Law said, holding his hands out wide with a grin slowly consuming his face. “We don't dominate. We infiltrate.”
Robin and Yoruichi immediately shared a glance before Yoruichi broke down in laughter while Robin chuckled. Law immediately looked put out, so she offered a gentle smile, “Law, you and subtlety don't exactly mix.”
Now he was pouting while Asami was giving him a measuring look. “I can be subtle,” he defended himself, making Yoruichi howl with laughter at the mere thought. “I totally can! Robin, you were there -- for a whole month, I did nothing but scope out gangs back in New York!”
That much was true. However… “I was under the impression that was due to a lack of ability on your part. You weren't nearly as proficient with your powers then as you are now.” Back then, Robin could never have imagined how powerful Law would end up becoming when she had watched him struggle to swap places with something a foot away that was around his size.
Law pouted harder but it was Asami that spoke, “What exactly did you have in mind?”
“Dunno yet. But, since these two don't believe in me, I'm aiming to infiltrate high society. We have the Fallout tech, so that could be our in. And you could play bleeding heart to the downtrodden in the Undercity.” Law ventured, crossing his arms over his chest while Asami narrowed her eyes. This time, Rumi joined in on Yoruichi's laughter.
“You? Joining high society? Yeah fucking right,” Rumi dismissed the idea out of hand. Rather pointedly.
They were playing Law, Robin recognized. And she knew Law recognized it too.
“Bet,” he replied, cocking his chin at Rumi. And Robin could see Rumi's mind flash back to the result of their last bet. Law was playing Rumi as much as she was trying to play him.
“You can't be violent,” Asami was the one to agree for them both. “You can't steal hearts either. Agree to that, and I'll help you with this infiltration idea of yours.” By that, she meant she wanted to restrict Law's actions. Keep a close eye on him and maintain a degree of leverage over him to keep him honest to the bet.
Law tilted his head, “Fine with me. Usual stakes for you, Rumi?” Meaning that Law was once again betting his own life. Against his impulse control.
Robin felt her hackles rise as Rumi seemed pensive. “Works for us. What do you get if you win?” She said, crossing her arms and, to that, Law smiled a deadly smile.
“If I win, then this world's mine.” He said the words without hesitation. A declaration of intent, one that Asami understood all too well.
She almost backed out of the bet right there, Robin saw. But, for whatever reason she might have, she decided to nod her head in acceptance.
“I accept that wager.”
