pslplz | KBP

Omi never would have imagined he'd come back to this place voluntarily.

The memories are still fresh in his mind, and no small part of him wonders if this isn't just a huge mistake of overconfidence, waltzing back here as though with full expectation of keeping his freedom. He's prepared for it, though, and has a much stronger mouth dart this time as a failsafe.

In a rare exception to his standard practice, he doesn't carry his waist darts. This time, it would be more of a liability. He can't use them against the Justice League, and having them on his person will only create evidence for them should they turn this visit into an arrest.

Thus with every appearance of a typical schoolkid, he strides into the lobby and, with an assertiveness far more characteristic of Bombay than Omi, informs the receptionist that he needs to talk to Bruce Wayne.

And, at the awkward hesitation she shows getting such a bold request from this high school nobody, adds, "Tell him it's Omi Tsukiyono... He'll know who I am."

Two weeks since that afternoon coffee. Omi hasn't heard anything else from Batman or Robin. Nothing else from Kritiker either, for that matter. The latter silence was even stranger; the Kanazawa mission was their most recent one. It seemed ages ago now, and Omi isn't sure if the lack of missions is a relief or if it's only compounding his anxiety.

It's only when Birman finally does drop by with a tape that he's certain it had been a relief. While it lasted, anyway. His chest feels uncomfortable and heavy as he follows the others inside and Birman dims the lights for the video.

It opens to a shot of an industrial building from the outside.

"The private arms race has intensified in recent years. Production of weapons for profit does not cease in government work."

The video changes to pictures of the interior: stockpiles of parts and shells.

"In this secret production facility, a profiteer is developing a dangerous biochemical weapon to be sold to terrorist organizations for use against the general public."

A series of corpses flashes across the screen.

"The chemical interacts with the small blood vessels in the lungs following inhalation, causing an acidic burn that ruptures the lining and produces immediate hemorrhaging. The victims asphyxiate on their own blood."

The video changes to a still of Bruce Wayne. Omi freezes and pales.

"The American businessman Bruce Wayne owns the technology for producing the weapon. To stop the sale of it into evil hands requires eliminating the source."

Omi's stomach churns. This can't be real. It can't. It can't.

"White hunters of the night: deny this dark beast his tomorrow!"

The lights come back on. Birman passes Aya a folder with some documents inside. The redhead clinically flips it open to browse while Birman offers further explanation.

"WayneTech's official records report the building sold late last year. However, we believe the real estate sale was a money launder for the contract work to design and create these weapons, and that the project remains under Bruce Wayne's management."

A pause. Birman carefully folds her arms.

"Is everyone in?"

Bruce Wayne. Batman! Their target was Batman!

This had to be a mistake. Kritiker couldn't know that was who they were talking about offing!

Sensing the impending answer from Aya, Omi cuts him off.

"Wait!"

Birman's brows crease with concern.

"Bombay.. this can't wait. A transaction is scheduled within the next 72 hours."

"That's enough time. I just... I need to check something."

Birman closes her eyes. "Be careful, won't you? He's using you."

Aya's gaze narrows. He says nothing. Omi meanwhile averts his eyes. "I know he is..."

He doesn't wait for further protest. He dashes to the door and runs out.

God. What is he going to do?

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