Fading in and out of consciousness, I hear smidges of conversations. Vivienne sounds incensed about something, arguing with the doctor.

“You will fix him, or else,” she said.

“You are not in any position to threaten me. I hold all the cards,” the doctor replied.

“We can figure out the payment after you save his life.”

“Did I miss the sign outside that says free healthcare? Oh yeah, there isn’t one because I’m not running a fucking charity.”

I hear the sound of an impact and then a clang. I’m in too much pain to see what caused it.

“Just do your job,” Vivienne said.

A prick in my arm followed by warmth means the IV is inserted. Some cocktail of chemicals and sedatives flows into me as I drift back to sleep.

----------------------------------------

My head hurts less when I wake up for what I assume is the second time. My mouth is like sandpaper; it’s so dry. My entire body is tingling, and my brain feels like it’s covered in pins. Everything feels weird.

“How’s he holding up?” Vivienne asked.

“His vitals are steady, and the transfusion was successful. I had to use several irreplaceable pieces from my collection. This will cost you and your boss a lot of money. You can’t just purchase Tinkertech; you have to trade for it. Some of those Tinkerers might be dead, and I’ll have no way of getting more,” the doctor said.

“We can figure out compensation once Nobody is awake. I’ll wait outside until he’s awake,” Vivienne replied as she left the room.

Their voices turn to quiet gibberish as I fall back to sleep. I’m not out of the woods yet.

----------------------------------------

When I rejoin the land of the conscious, I’ve made significant progress toward recovery. My fingers stir as I fidget in place. There’s no pain or stiffness, so the doctor’s words were correct. He pulled out all the stops. Your compliance will be rewarded handsomely. Depending on the time, I’ll be able to make my meeting with Maria. Carefully, I open my eyes and see the operating room. The metal tray to my left is covered in strange empty syringes, bloody cutting instruments, and oddly shaped vials. What was in the vials? Why are they shaped like that? Did he use all of that on me? How bad were my injuries if I needed all that?

My legs swing around as I sit up on the table. My shirt and pants were completely removed during my medically induced nap. The only articles they left on were my boxers, socks, and helmet. My body looks thinner and resembles my state after my stay at the BNA facility. I’ve lost quite a bit of mass. My eyes wander the room, and every tiny detail draws my focus. The boxes and machinery I mostly ignored during my first visit seem much more fascinating. Is this curiosity? Oh, Erisate, thank you for this wonderful gift. It’s like a nagging urge to explore. No, nagging is the wrong word. It’s like a dog pawing at you for attention. It’s a pleasant thing, not an annoyance. The recognition of Erisate’s present transitions into Murmur’s addition to my personality puzzle: joy. I’m happy that I survived.

“I’m awake,” I called, rotating my jaw inside my helmet. “Doctor, please come in. Vivienne, you too.”

The doctor comes in wearing another eccentric outfit. A black fishnet shirt that shows off his torso, with only black electrical tape to cover his nipples. He’s got a thick black choker on with a single gold ring attached to it. Zebra-striped harem pants that match his ripped labcoat and thigh-high black latex boots complete the man’s loud ensemble. I cannot deny his skills, regardless of the way he dresses. Vivienne follows behind him and is carrying my clothes. Even more for her to incinerate to get rid of the DNA evidence, I’m running through outfits too quickly.

“Damn, doc fixed you up, huh? No scarring or stitches, Nobody. But are you thinner now?” Vivienne asked.

“He is. I was forced to use a couple of different drugs to hasten his recovery process. When combined, they accelerate your body’s natural healing effect by devouring your body’s excess fats and sugars. Then I put a synthetic skin patch on the inside of the giant gaping wound you had. It’ll hold your skin together and then eventually dissolve. That’s how you ended up with no scarring. Heads up, when it does dissolve, your piss will be neon green for a bit. You’ll be weaker for a few weeks and need to increase your caloric intake by a significant margin as you recuperate. Whatever you’ve been doing that’s landed you on my operating table twice in two days must stop. The stuff I used isn’t exactly top-of-the-line. In exchange for the rapid healing, you’ll feel fatigued. That’s my professional opinion. I also gave you several hemogenerative and osteorestorative serums. You do have a concussion, but it isn’t anything serious,” he said.

“I’ll take your advice under consideration. You certainly spared no expense,” I replied.

“I didn’t. Your compatriot told me you would more than graciously compensate me because the cost of what I spent on you is in the seven-digit range. I’m no philanthropist out to help people in need. If you can’t pay me, you can’t leave, Mr Nobody,” he threatened. Mechanical arms drop down out of the ceiling with various armaments on them, complete with laser sights. Quickly, Vivienne and I have a dozen lasers focused on us. That is not good. I don’t have a million dollars lying around, and I can’t kill him without upsetting the local criminal community. There’s no telling who he knows or what kind of nasty surprises he has here.

“Get the lasers off of us before things go any further. You don’t have enough artillery to put me down,” Vivienne said.

“Everybody relax. V, he’s right. He’s entitled to secure his property in any way he sees fit. The man is running a business and requires payment for services rendered.” I’m going to need to take a risk. “Instead of money, I’d like to make you an offer,” I said.

“What kind of offer do you have that you think is worth over a million dollars?” He asked.

“You’re obsessed with Tinkerers and the wonders they create. It’s probably why you opened this clinic in the first place—all to get closer to the object of your obsession, trading medical care for fantastical creations. What about instead of constantly hoarding Tinkertech and doing everything you can to collect it, you can be the one to make it? I can give you the one thing you’ve always wanted. I can make you a Tinkerer.” I don’t have to tell them everything, but giving out a bit of information won’t harm me too much.

“Bullshit. There’s no way to make someone a Tinkerer. And if there were, it wouldn’t come from you two broke bitches,” he spat.

“Seems like you didn’t learn your lesson earlier,” Vivienne said before she raised her hand to him. “You will treat us with respect, or I will rip your fake arm off and beat you to death with it.”

Without even communicating it to her, Vivienne has perfectly played the role of Bad Cop. She does compliment my style as Nobody. I’ve decided, after everything that’s happened, that Vivienne will be my lieutenant.

“It still sounds like unbelievable horse piss. How would you even accomplish this miracle, mystery man?” He said sarcastically.

Despite his remarks, I can see a manic look in his eyes through his goggles.

“I can’t tell you. Also, I think me fulfilling your lifelong dream is actually worth far more than the surgery you performed,” I stated.

“What would you want in return?”

“You will work for me for the foreseeable future. I will pay you well, and in return, you will operate and heal anyone I bring to you.”

“You want me to join you as what, your personal doctor?” He asked incredulously. “And why should I believe your claims? You have no proof.”

I’ve got him hooked. “Are you familiar with the Cowl named Constrictor?

“Yes, I’ve met the lizard before. I’ve asked repeatedly for some of his blood, and he always says no,” the doctor pouted.

“V, please ask Isaiah to come in here.”

She leaves, and the lasers quickly move to only point at me. She returns with Isaiah, still carrying the Rorschach bag. “Did you need me, Nobody?” Isaiah asked.

“Doctor, meet the man formerly known as Constrictor. Ask him anything you’d like in order to verify he’s who I claim he is,” I said confidently.

The doctor pays no mind to Isaiah’s personal space, poking and pinching his bare chest. “What was the first thing I asked you when we met?”

Isaiah’s handsome smile morphs into an angry snarl. “You asked me whether I had two dicks like a snake or one like a fucking crocodile.”

Isaiah’s statement causes Vivienne to laugh hysterically, and the doctor grins. The doctor continues to prod Isaiah like he’s a farm animal. Is he checking to see whether we’re faking it somehow?

“Alright, my curiosity is piqued. What have you done to him?”

“Trade secret,” I said.

“Am I to assume that your method removed his ability from him and that you’re alluding to knowing how to put an ability in someone?”

“How very astute of you, doctor. Yes, the method is very open-ended, you could say,” I answered.

He mulls it over as the four of us stand in silence. I’m offering your greatest desire, fulfilling your dreams in exchange for working for me. It’s a fair trade, doctor. It’s slightly weighted in my favor, but it's a solid gain for you. Are his emotions clouding his judgment? The last thing I want to do is tell these three what my ability actually is. Once I know them better and can trust them, then maybe. The doctor says something, but I miss it because of my introspection.

“You’ve got me by the balls, mystery man. You’re like one of those old tales they tell kids of demons granting wishes in exchange for a hidden cost. It’s got me wondering what this deal of yours will cost me in the long run.”

“I’m no demon, just a highly motivated individual. A rising tide lifts all boats, and my aspirations are lunar level. So tell me, doctor, will you tie your boat to me or anchor at the shore?” I asked him.

“I would do anything to become a Tinkerer, but you already knew that. You’re presenting this as a choice, but it isn’t really. Well, I guess I’m all in aboard the SS Catastrophe. So when do I get to become a Tinkerer?”

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“That depends on how motivated you can be. I don’t currently have access to what will allow you to become a Tinkerer, but I should have it within a week,” I replied.

“I’ll join you for exactly seven days, and if I’m not a Tinkerer by the end of it, I’ll have to get money from you in another way. I could cut you open, remove and sell your organs, all while keeping you alive.” He snaps his fingers, and the lasers retreat into the ceiling. I offer him my hand, and he shakes it.

“I’ve been calling and thinking of you as the doctor, but that should change if you are to work with me. Do you have something you’d like to be called?”

“I can think of more than a few things I’d like you to call me, but I’ll settle for Kai,” He said with a sly smile.

“Well, Kai, you’ll learn that I am a man of my word. I do require something from you now, however. It isn’t related to your profession. I would like you to testify that you saw Santiago Skull murder a cowl named Murmur,” I said.

“Murmur, that’s the dominatrix woman that Mr. Skull stomped out in my parking lot, isn’t it?”

“Exactly. Isaiah, please release Rorschach,” I said.

Isaiah takes his bag and shakes Rorschach out of it. She falls onto the floor, jolting awake. She rubs her head and looks around until her eyes fall on me. Despite my lack of clothes, I adjust my posture to radiate confidence and purpose. Take a look at your new master, Rorschach.

“Where the fuck am I? Where are the others? What did you do?” Her rapid questions come through gritted teeth.

“They’re all dead, Rorschach,” I responded.

“You killed them just like you killed Murmur, you monster,” Rorschach said.

“He didn’t kill them, Rorschach, I did,” said Isaiah.

“And who the fuck are you?”

“Isaiah Jules, formerly known as Constrictor. In the one who killed Veritas, Erisate, and Rushdown. Nobody didn’t tell me to; it was all me,” Isaiah said.

“Why’d you betray us?”

“Relax, we weren’t family or even friends. It’s not like we used our real names or hung out. We were nothing more than a low-level crew. Don’t act like our group formed out of anything other than convenience and self-preservation,” he said coldly.

“You’re right about the others, but not Murmur. Murmur, Kristina was my best friend. And I can never forgive the man who killed her. Never,” Rorschach said.

“If I may interject, Ms. Rorschach, your tattoos are rad as hell. Also, Nobody is not the man who killed Murmur. It was done by someone who shares your baldness, love of ink, and good bone structure,” Kai said.

I’m sure he’s internally laughing at his comparison between Santiago and Rorschach.

“Spit it out, asshole. Are you saying that sleazy Skull killed my friend?”

Yeah, he killed her outside this building and left with her body. Shame too. She had that whole dommy mommy thing going on, and so many Cowls have no pizzazz. I mean, look at this guy. He's trouncing around like a goth astronaut,” Kai said, pointing at me.

Boom. Kai doesn’t even see Vivienne move; she’s so fast. Two nearly simultaneous hits: her hitting him and him hitting the floor. Maybe he thought she was joking or that I would continue to tolerate such disrespect. Respect is important in the workplace, and I demand professionalism from my employees. I crouch beside Kai while he cradles his head.

“If you’re going to work for me, then understand that this is a job. You wouldn’t be rude to your boss at an office job, right? Well, think of this like an office job, except if you run your mouth off to me, V will put you through a wall. You will call me Nobody, but you will never treat me like one. I can be likable, friendly, and even fun by some standards, but do not for a single second forget that I am in charge,” I said.

I clasp his hand and help him up to his feet. He looks at me with an uncharacteristically serious face, searching for something but finding nothing. If he activates the lasers, Vivienne will kill him. It would be a loss, but not one I’m unprepared for. Don’t test me, Kai. He stares into my helmet’s blank face, searching for something. No matter your contingencies, none of that matters if Vivienne kills you. Kai’s face resumes its usual grin after nodding once. Whatever he saw in my helmet is tempering him. He’s grown used to controlling everything, which won’t fly with me. These four will be molded into my pillars. Vivienne is clearly desperate for structure and direction. Isaiah owes me for freeing him. I will gift Rorschach her revenge and Kai his greatest desire. Then, all four will belong to me.

“As Kai said, I’m not the one who killed your friend, but we now share a common enemy. You want to avenge Kristina, and I must teach Santiago a lesson. Why don’t we work together to accomplish this?”

Appear magnanimous and welcoming. I’m offering you a lifeline, Rorschach, and the solution to what ails you. I’ll steer you into a head-on collision with Santiago Skull and make you murder him, then give you a place amongst my growing band of monsters. The gears start to turn in her head as she considers my proposition. She’s used to working in a group to accomplish her tasks, and we make for a very appealing replacement. It doesn’t take long for her to agree, though.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to get my revenge, even if it means partnering with a killer like you,” she said angrily.

Despite her words, that was the softest she’s spoken to me since meeting her. People like her are the easiest to manipulate. If you know a person’s desires, you can control them. Rorschach, Isaiah, Vivienne, and Kai will be Nobody’s version of Marcus, Aubrey, Jean-Luc, and Maria. As I finish the final touches on who Nobody will become, they will be my shields and blades.

“A start to a wonderful friendship, I’m sure. Do you know where Santiago’s base of operations is?” I asked.

“As far as I know, he and his gang operate out of Broekam Boulevard. They have the whole street under their control.” Isaiah answered.

“The first move is to figure out their numbers. Rorschach, I hear that’s your specialty. I want exact numbers on combatants, noncombatants, weapons, and Neuvohumans if they have any. Keep the whole street under surveillance for the next five days. Once you’ve done that, we’ll attack.”

“And what will the rest of you be doing?” She asked.

“If you needed to know, I’d tell you,” I replied.

Rorschach looks around at us and takes the hint to leave the room. Until I can verify your loyalty, you get nothing. With her out of earshot, I can instruct the other three on what needs to be done.

“We’re going to need a place to operate out of. It must be soundproof or, at the very least, far enough away from people that no one will stumble upon us. I’m open to any suggestions,” I said.

“I’d say we could do whatever you’re planning here, except that many people know about my clinic. And while we’re talking about it, what are you planning?” Kai asked.

“Once you’ve fully agreed to join us, you can know my plans. I’ll be in touch within the week to honor my end of our bargain. And when I’ve given you all you’ve ever wanted, you’ll help me get everything I want. Isaiah, I hope you’ll be staying with us in a more permanent role. Technically, our agreement has ended, and I would not blame you if you decide to leave,” I said.

“I’m with you until I die, Nobody. I’m not going anywhere,” Isaiah responded.

“Ooo, what a romantic thing to say. You’ve got my heart beating out of my chest at your declaration,” Kai joked.

His words break up the seriousness of the discussion, and Vivienne and Isaiah join in laughing. The three odd people all share a moment I can’t relate to. A sense of camaraderie and fellowship is within my grasp yet out of reach. I’ll kill and take from anyone and everyone who stands between me and the human condition. I want that closeness, that sense of connection that others can feel.

“Enough fun. We have a lot to get done in the coming days. What time is it anyway?” I asked.

Kai looks at his watch. “It’s almost seven a.m.”

“Then let’s call this meeting adjourned.”

I grab my clothes from Vivienne and get dressed. My shirt looks bigger on me; Kai wasn’t kidding about the serums eating away at me. I feel well-rested after being unconscious for most of the night and morning. Now, I have to go home and fix my Maria problem. I exit the operating room with the others.

“Isaiah, Rorschach, and Kai exchange numbers with V. I’ll contact you through her. Time to go, V,” I said.

“You got it, Nobody,” Vivienne said.

I grab my boots and step outside the clinic to the sun. Being outside in the sunlight with my helmet on is an odd feeling. Even though Isaiah and Rorschach came with us to the clinic, they can figure out their own way back. I have to return home, plan for my immediate future, and set up the database. I open the door to the backseat and get in while I wait for Vivienne. I see the four of them talking through the tinted glass before she joins me in the vehicle. We’re off down the road, but I wait until fifteen minutes pass before transforming the helmet. Vivienne already knows, but I don’t want anyone else to know who I am. The ventilation in my helmet is superb, but having it on for almost twelve hours has dampened my face and hair with sweat. A shower is in my immediate future. I want to be presentable when I meet Maria. Without the mask, I need to manipulate my face while speaking to Vivienne.

“Have you ever thought about doing more than minor protection gigs?”

“You’re referring to whatever you’ve got planned? Honestly, no, I’ve spent most of my life just kinda wandering from job to job and hoping I get to fight stronger opponents,” she answered.

“Yes. I have loftier goals than just minor squabbles with minor criminals. I want to build an organization from the ground up that’ll allow us more freedom in our personal lives—creating something with staying power. It would offer healthcare and a salary that is traceable.”

“Are you joking? We’re Cowls; we don’t get benefits. We’re criminals, not a company,” she said while laughing.

“That’s the problem right there. Stop thinking like a common criminal. Tell me, what’s the difference between a politician and a bank robber?” I asked.

“You’re asking me philosophical questions?”

“Humor me.”

“Okay. One makes the law, and the other breaks it?” She answered.

“You aren’t wrong, but not the answer I have in mind. It’s about working within the law, not against it. When a politician commits a crime, they have the money and resources needed to reduce the verdict to something minuscule, if not outright negate any consequences. But it’s not just that; they have favors to call in, strings to pull to adjust charges, and friends among the population of Capes. The problem with Cowls is that, at most, they have gangs that a single person leads, and the whole gang relies upon them. The whole thing collapses if the person at the top gets arrested or killed. They burn bright and fast but barely leave a mark on the world and are forgotten in a few years. Only a few Cowls, like Onslaught, Noxus, Morrigan La Fae, Atticus, Whore of Babylon, and Mr. Magnificent, have accomplished things no other Cowl has ever done. They will live forever in the annals of history,” I said.

“Great speech, but what was the point of it?” She replied.

“The point is that without backing or overwhelming force, a Cowl is doomed from the start. There’s nothing like the Heroes’ Union or the BNA for us. I aim to change that, to create something that will survive past me and leave a lasting mark on the world. Now, are you interested?”

I’m channeling every public speaker, government spokesperson, and cult leader I’ve ever seen footage of. Exuding absolute confidence and oozing charisma, I must tether her to myself and my cause. She knows too much about me for her to continue to live without joining me. Whatever it takes, she will join or die.

“You are fucking crazy, but my curiosity is piqued. I’m used to dudes talking a big game, but why do I feel like it’s not bullshit from you? What gives you the balls to compare yourselves to those monsters?”

“You’ve seen what I can do, and it wouldn’t take a genius to make a small logical leap to the answer. I’m positive you have an inkling of what my power is,” I said, leaving the answer unsaid. She can probably guess that I can also give powers based on my deal with Kai.

“I do, but it isn’t possible. It would make you a tier four, if not a five. I mean, Capes and Cowls alike would want you dead if they ever found out about your ability. If it is what I think it is,” she added.

I’m enjoying this dance around the truth we’re having. “Assume that you are correct, will you join me? I believe we make a good team, and I can guarantee that you’ll have plenty of strong people to fight,” I said.

For five minutes, the only sound in the car is the AC.

“You’ve been straight with me, and that’s a big plus. I’m interested in seeing if you can really make that plan happen. And clearly, you’re going to keep making enemies. Fuck it, I’m in. So what’s next for us?” Vivienne asked.

“I want to go over everything that happened after we left Kitt’s house. How do you think tonight went, Vivienne?” Asking this question isn’t just to make me seem like less of a tyrant but because she may have noticed something I didn’t.

“Kinda good. Kinda shit. The good is that we didn’t die, we got the database and three potential allies. The shit being that we got jumped, you got hurt again, and I know you aren’t happy that Isaiah killed those two before you could do your thing.” She has figured it out. “I should’ve been paying more attention to our surroundings. Those five could never have beaten us if we saw them coming. It was my fault, Nobody,” Vivienne said.

“Your assessment is pretty spot on. I don’t fault Isaiah since he’s operating with incomplete information. Also, you can call me Eryk when the helmet is off. You’ve more than earned that right,” I said cheerily. I am a disease that will slowly infect Vivienne until she believes we aren’t just boss and minion. She’ll grow to regard me as her closest friend and cherish me forever.

“You sure, Eryk? I thought you were the type to be all sir, yes sir,” she said.

“We’re not working right now, so you can be a little looser. Tonight, we both messed up. That’s why I want to recruit those three. I’ll be honest with you, I don’t trust Kai or Rorschach. It will take time before I can bring them into the fold. But I’m curious about your thoughts about all of them,” I said.

“Isaiah is the best of the bunch. He’s got some stuff from being a lizard person for years, but he’s tough and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Kai doesn’t take anything seriously and needs to watch his mouth. It’s a lesson I don’t mind teaching him. Rorschach is a stunner with an attitude problem, an unwilling accomplice at best, and she really doesn't like you. She’ll be useful in the short term, but she might be a problem in the long term. I’ve been on crews with hotheads like her, and it never lasts. I get that her power is extremely useful, but I’m sure we could find someone better,” Vivienne said.

That was well thought out and reasoned. I’ll have to alter the box I had placed her in. She’s far more capable and observant than I originally thought. She’s able to see through all of them so astutely. Whatever Vivienne’s past is, it’s caused her to crave validation. I’ll take over the job of giving it to her.

“You’ve got a real eye for people, V. I’m going to give Rorscach a chance; she’ll either meet my expectations, or we’ll get rid of her. I hope you won’t let her looks get in the way of that,” I said.

“Eryk, if a pretty face could make me hold my punches, I’d never get into any fights. She’s not my type anyway; I like nice girls. If it comes to it, I’ll rock her shit,” Vivienne responded.

I laugh at her proclamation. Vivienne is so straightforward, an almost polar opposite of myself. I’m a plotter, a schemer, a liar, and a blank canvas. Vivienne is honest, transparent, and a fully completed painting of a person. She might be less of a pillar and more of a foundation for my plans. I don’t respond, instead looking at the scenery passing by. Vivienne senses my lack of interest in the conversation and puts on some music. Despite her appearance and love of violence, K-pop comes through the speakers of her SUV. She’s trying to sing along quietly but can’t hide her enthusiasm. By the time we arrive at my house, the music has wormed its way into my brain.

“I’ll text you instructions for the others,” I said as I hopped out of her car, the music reverberating in my head.

Daniel’s car isn’t in the driveway; my red truck is the lone occupant. My father must be back to work already; it isn’t like he has hobbies. I unlock the front door and enter the empty house. Soon, I’ll leave this place and probably never come back. Daniel helped me pick out an apartment off campus that I’ll move into when I leave for college. My stomach yells at me as I take my boots off. I make a beeline for the kitchen cabinets, searching for any kind of sustenance. Potato chips, unsweetened peanut butter, and half a loaf of bread are my haul. I fold the pieces of bread and fill them with the chips and peanut butter, creating a bastardized taco. My hunger feels unsatiable, and I eat eight of them before stopping to chug glass after glass of water.

Now that I’m finally full, I can text Maria to ask when she wants to meet. She immediately responds, and I have three hours before she arrives. I need to gaslight her so completely that she never questions me again. My surgery will work to my advantage, and I can say I’ve been depressed since Marcus’ death. I’ll tell her I haven’t been eating and wasting away lying in bed. Shift the blame onto my cruel girlfriend for not supporting me in my time of need. Once she’s feeling terrible on the back foot, I’ll reel her back in and lovebomb her. I climb the stairs to my room and hide my Cowl stuff, including the bloody clothes. I forgot to have Vivienne burn these. I change into some loose pajamas and get into bed. My damp, disheveled hair will only add to the look I’m aiming for. I just need to channel Aubrey’s sad energy when Maria gets here. It’s perfect.