As we carefully exited the cargo hold and sneaked onto the tarmac, the cool morning air hit us like a refreshing wave.

'This alone was worth the fucking cramped flight. I've missed that sweet scent of freedom and the even sweeter scent of bloodthirsty capitalism.'

It was good to be on American soil after years away. The flight had been a long one, spent planning for the future and continuously failing to wake Dawn. Unfortunately, regardless of the hours I spent trying, nothing even made her move, and it started to look more unnatural the longer she slept.

'I'll have The Legend review all the documents and files to see if something can help her. Knowing the Russians, they probably fucked around and did this to her."

Pushing those worrisome thoughts aside, I embraced my return and looked around for any recognisable landmarks, quickly seeing a sign that made me almost laugh. We had landed in the one airport named after a man I had killed.

'You just can't write this stuff.'

Whilst I knew the plane I took was bound for America. It seems we were lucky enough to have hopped on one that arrived in a secluded section of JFK airport, far from the crowds and the bright lights of the main terminal.

~Have we landed, Sir?~ Jamie suddenly questioned with a slight yawn as he and Pixie poked their heads out of my jacket.

"Yes, we have, bud," I replied with a smirk as I scratched his ear before frowning when I remembered the current year. "Unfortunately, all of my hard-earned shit is probably in the hands of my spineless family or those cowards at Vaught. Don't worry, I'll get it all back soon enough, but for now, you and Pixie must stay inside my coat pocket as I find a way to get to the city and see an old acquaintance."

Without any complaints, Jamie snuggled back into my chest, and Pixie followed suit whilst chirping contently in the hamster's small arms.

I closed my coat to secure them but left a small opening for Jamie to witness the sights.

'I'm sure the little fella is interested to see my soon-to-be kingdom.'

With the animals comfortable and Dawn worryingly still unconscious in my arms, I exited the airport by casually jumping over the surrounding fences.

'I can't be leaping everywhere. Some form of transport is needed.'

Despite tormenting myself over Dawn's situation, my 10 hours on a plane were productive, as it gave me plenty of time to realise that my current appearance and company would draw too much public attention. Whilst I did not fear an all-out fight, I had a specific strategy planned that could net me incredible influence when I finally returned to take what was rightfully mine. Additionally, meeting a certain captain underpants was not something I wanted to deal with at the moment. In fact, I was still conflicted about suddenly being both a father and grandfather. Sure, I probably had thousands of little shits running around, but the new me was a little less self-absorbed and was struggling with the news.

I shook my head to ignore that thought process and focused on the first step in my return to power, getting to a secure location without attracting trouble.

That crossed walking and public transport off my list of options.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

'I guess it's time for a little grand theft auto.'

It took me only a few minutes to find the airport parking structure. Unfortunately, a flaw in my plan instantly became obvious. Whilst there were numerous cars I could pick from, I had no fucking idea how to hot-wire a vehicle.

'Fuck, I guess I'll have to steal someone's keys as they arrive or leave.'

In such a busy airport, I didn't have to wait long for a car to come near the dimly lit blind spot I had chosen as the crime scene.

As if fate had willed it, the next vehicle to turn the corner was a beautiful black 1967 Chevy Impala with only one occupant inside. Without me understanding why, something primal took over me, and I suddenly had an immense desire to own and take care of that stunning example of American engineering.

'I'm keeping this beauty.'

While the 6ft 4 middle-aged driver with shoulder-length hair parked the car and smoothly exited, I placed Dawn on the ground and made my way over to quickly and quietly incapacitate him.

With a burst of speed, I very efficiently covered his mouth, grabbed him by the throat and dragged him quickly behind his car for concealment, his stylish Ray-Ban's dropping out of his hands in the process.

"Sorry about this, buddy, you have something I need, and I don't have the time to ask nicely," I whispered into his ear as he began to lose consciousness from the pressure on his neck. "Don't worry, you might wake up feeling a bit out of it, but you should be on your feet in no time."

With my impeccable technique, the man was unconscious in seconds. Once his body slacked and he fell limp, I quickly searched his pockets and found his phone, wallet and car keys.

"Jared, is it? I appreciate the cash and phone. You didn't have to be so giving," I said to the guy as I read his ID and grabbed his phone, turning it to his face to unlock it. For a moment, I was sure I recognised him, but for some odd reason, I could not place it.

My head started to hurt the more I tried to focus on it, so I ignored the lingering feeling that I knew the man. With my focus back on the prize, I took out all the money from his wallet and then dropped the wallet on his prone body. Happy with my "gifts", I began walking away but stopped as that feeling intensified along with the headache.

With a small sigh, I assumed it was my guilt talking, and I removed some of Victor's expensive jewellery from my ring and left it in Jared's coat pocket. "This should more than cover the cost of the car, so don't get any bright ideas."

Having finalised the transaction, I walked towards Dawn, slipped her over my shoulder and then strolled towards the sleek vehicle waiting to drive me into the sunset, not forgetting to swipe the Ray-Ban's off the floor on my way over.

'These should hide my fucked up eyes for now.'

Once in front of my new car, I gently traced my hands along its metallic frame.

"You are mine now, Baby. Give me some time, and I'll make you forget all about him," I whispered tenderly as I grabbed the key and gently pushed it into the lock.

With a twist and a click, I opened the door and sat snugly in the comfortable black leather driver seat that contrasted perfectly with the beige interior.

Slumping down in relaxation, I carefully placed Dawn on the passenger side and put on her seatbelt. I took a moment to appreciate the comfort and sighed in satisfaction at the relief provided to my ass.

'All I need is to be alone, have some chicks, drugs and a cold one to make this perfect.'

It had been nearly 40 years since this body had a comfortable throne, and I was enjoying it.

I stretched out and began closing my eyes before snapping myself awake at the idiocy of my ill-timed nap.

'I can take as long as I want to relax when we are out of immediate danger.'

Rubbing my eyes clear, I once again checked that Dawn was buckled in safely, and then with a smirk on my face, I put on the Ray-Ban's, closed the door and smoothly wrapped each hand around the cold black leather steering wheel.

"Damn, you feel even better than I could have imagined," I said as my right hand started the car and then shifted the gear into drive. The whole Impala began to vibrate with the engine's power, widening my smile. "Woo. Listen to her purr. You ever heard anything so sweet?"

~...Are you ok, Sir?~ Jamie interrupted in response to my odd behaviour.

"Fuck!!...Yeah, I'm alright. Ignore me," I said sheepishly after jumping in surprise, feeling incredibly embarrassed that he had witnessed such an intimate moment. "I'm just relieved we got the transport we needed. Go back to sleep."

~If you say so, Sir~ Jamie responded, his voice conveying his lack of belief. ~If you don't require my services, I shall continue to rest, Master Ben.~

'I have no idea why I love this car, but I am not complaining.'

I gave the hamster a slight nod and a pat on the head. Then with a massive smile, I began humming a tune that felt weirdly perfect for the situation whilst I drove the Impala out of the car park and into the rays of the morning sun.

🎵 ...Carry on, my wayward son. There'll be peace when you are done... 🎵

My mood having been uplifted, I used the phone's Vaught-maps to navigate past any tolls to lower Manhattan, and my mind began to wander back to that small village we had left behind in Russia.

I had fought and defeated Ana, but I had also discovered that an organisation besides Vaught was experimenting on humans and creating supes. It made me wonder what other secrets were out there in the world.

I also laughed when I remembered the small gift I left them.

'I hope they brought some wet wipes.'