Chapter 32
June 29, 2010
The Gala was at Giovanni's yacht. I didn't know he had a yacht. But in retrospect, I was not surprised that he had one. Made sense. The fact that it was HUGE was the real surprise. The thing was less a boat and more of an island. Giovanni said it was 330-feet long. 330. Most yachts were 30 feet. A few were a hundred.
And I had my suspicions on how this thing had come about. It was luxurious, with soft chairs, hardwood flooring, and tons of extras. It also had walls that looked like they were made of armor plating. Like I said. Suspicious.
I also wasn't expecting it to be as big an event as it was. There were enough rich people there that the room had a higher net worth than a few small countries put together, but there were also a bunch of servers, security guys, and a few reporters.
That was the crowd that stood in front of Giovanni as he spoke at a podium, wearing a simple suit that still cost more than a modern car.
"-In my time in the business of medicine, I've discovered three things. First, it's profitable," he said with a chuckle. "Second, it's rewarding. Few things can make a man smile like knowing not only is his work beneficial to himself but thousands of times more beneficial for the world around him. And finally, it is a field that requires constant advancement. As a doctor once told me, when a student has been out of medical school for five years, everything he learned in the classroom has become obsolete. And my Potion is no exception. It has saved thousands of lives, allowing surgery to be done with little to no risk compared to the past. Now, thanks to the great work of my researchers, that wonder medicine has become obsolete!"
He raised a hand. A familiar red and orange spray bottle showed up on a projection screen behind him. "Super Potion! One of the most powerful healing chemicals ever made! At least double the power of my Potion! Now finally approved for sale and distribution, after extensive testing!"
There was an immediate buzz as people began talking quickly in disbelief, a few reporters putting down their drinks to quickly begin writing notes.
In truth, Giovanni was lying to them. Super Potion was a lot better than that.
"But, of course, I wouldn't have presented just an improvement. Rocket Unlimited isn't satisfied with simply improving products, not when we can innovate in new ways. Thus, we have created a trio of new medicines. Burn Heal, Antidote, and Ice Heal! I'd explain what they can do, but I suppose the names are a good indicator," he said smugly. "Antidote, in particular, has shown real promise in helping those who have undergone chemo-therapy recover from the more serious side-effects. Burn Heal will be available not only to medical personnel but is being sent free to fire departments across the world! And finally, Ice Heal is made to aid those affected by frostbite of multiple levels, helping preserve the flesh and prevent damage. Now that one has found some interesting parties in the avenue of cryonics. Personally, I'm not sure why people are so obsessed with freezing themselves for a thousand years, but It's nice to know I'm helping."
As the last image of his new products disappeared, Giovanni chuckled. "Any questions before I move on?"
A bunch of hands snapped up, some people shouting. Giovanni pointed at a reporter, an older woman with a black dress on.
"Mr. Giovanni, as revolutionary as these medicines would be if they work the way you've explained them-"
"I'm a man of my word," he lied with a smile.
"I'm sure you are," she also lied with a smile. "Aren't the names for them a little… ridiculous? Super Potion? Burn Heal? These all sound a little juvenile."
A little chuckle rose in the room. Giovanni joined in, not the least bit ashamed. "Yes, I do acknowledge that. But I would rather that I know exactly what something is supposed to do rather than list off some jumble of 20 odd letters. There are more technical chemical terms of course. But let us be honest here. Those are only going to be used by medical personnel anyway. For the people it benefits, these could all be called 'garbage tin'. I find, in the end, appearances do not matter as much as results, as my hiring practices should prove."
That little reminder of his latest whale-girl employee brought another chuckle from the audience.
"And if these products do not work as advertised?" A familiar sounding voice said from the back. I couldn't see the speaker, but Giovanni had a momentary scowl at the sight of him. "We all know these claims of yours are outlandish at best."
"I'm not the type of man to do foolish things," Giovanni sneered a little bit. "My medicine works. And in the coming weeks, they will prove to be quite effective."
"We'll see," the speaker said slowly.
"Yes," Giovanni continued. I took a moment to wonder who had been speaking before Giovanni continued. "Now, I have another announcement. In recent weeks, Rocket Unlimited has been negotiating with a new celebrity in Hawaii, someone who has been making waves in the islands. And I'm happy to say, negotiations have been completed. Allow me to introduce the newest business partner of the Rocket Unlimited team! Kahu Kiaʻi!"
That was my cue.
I stepped out from behind a curtain, looking around at the audience. People immediately started whispering aloud, trading stunned looks and staring at me en masse as I walked forward in full costume. I ignored it best as I could, just walking to join Giovanni as he continued hamming it up.
"Hawaii's new shining light, battling the underworld of our fine state, now backed by me in the fight against those who would harm the innocent," oh dear god, my eyes were starting to hurt from the strain of keeping them from rolling. "As much as the law allows me to aid this promising young hero, I will back him in all his endeavors. Starting with the merchandising deal we have entered!"
God, kill me now.
The projector behind me came alive. At the same time, around the room, doors opened. Guys in tuxes came out with carts. And on the carts were Pokemon.
Mudkip stuffed dolls. Mimikyu costumes for kids. Tyrunt and Gurdurr figures of varying types. But it wasn't just stuff for kids. There were some classy handbags, perfumes, a few suits on racks, things that were 'technically' for adults, that the rich snobs at the party might be inclined to respect.
"Exclusive to Rocket Unlimited, the Pokemon Merchandising line," Giovanni said smugly. "What you see here are exclusive prototypes, available only to those of you who are here today, and therefore worth quite a bit. Yours, free of charge," he said grandly. "Soon, stores across the island will begin selling these items, and 65 percent of all proceeds will go to funding hospitals and charities across the world."
As the buzz arose again in the room, someone raised a hand. Giovanni pointed him out.
"I'm sorry, but how can we tell that's the real Kahu?" the guy asked skeptically. "That you aren't just putting on a dog and pony show for cheap advertisement?"
Giovanni smirked, looking over at me. I sighed. "I'm real. Here, look."
With no ceremony, I pulled out a Pokeball and activated it. In a flash of light, a certain blue Pokemon came out with a flourish, back-flipping in the air before landing on all fours in front of me. "Mudkip!"
If the rest of the display had caused a stir, this one was like a hurricane. I think, on some level, those at the party had known I existed. But that was different from seeing a real Pokemon right in front of you.
As the mostly stunned audience watched Mudkip hop onto my shoulders, Giovanni whispered to me. "Could have used more flair."
"I'm not a flair kinda guy."
The rest of Giovanni's speech went well after that.
Once Giovanni was done, it was time to schmooze with the people.
"-A whole line, yes, made just for the discerning eye," Giovanni explained as I stood behind him, Floyd next to me. I held up a shrimp from a plate I'd gotten, and Mudkip chomped down on it happily, ignoring the dozens of eyes on him. "Of course, despite everything you may believe, the fashion industry is far harder to get into than the medical one, if not quite as lucrative.
His little audience laughed together with him. I looked over at Floyd, the former merc dressed to the nines. "How do you stand this?"
"I once stood in the rain of a tropical storm for 36 hours to get a shot on a military despot, with mosquitoes biting me every second of that time and no chance to use the bathroom," he replied calmly.
"Ah. Guess that makes this easier?"
"On the contrary. I was just thinking how happy I'd be to go back there."
Was that a joke? When I looked over at him, his face was stone-cold, not showing a hint of humor, but I still found myself grinning under my mask.
"Ah, Giovanni!" someone stepped out of the crowd. Floyd noticed him, his face hardening further. Those around Giovanni parted in front of the man in question. They shouldn't have. They were all spoiled rich folks, the type to step over orphans to get to the caviar without a hint of shame.
But they stepped aside for him. Maybe because he was on a different level when it came to being rich, and thus they stepped aside, like an Alpha effortlessly exerting his dominance. Maybe because, instinctively, they knew the truth, even if the appearance of him screamed something else.
I stared at him. He had a woman on each arm, both model-level beautiful, one with black hair and dancers form displayed by an elegant green dress, the other blonde and curvy with a white dress, both looking happy to be sharing the man between them.
And the man himself wore a black suit, his black hair slicked back. He was built like an athlete and carried himself with a confident but lazy demeanor, a dumb smile on his face. His eyes glittered. But… there was something else. Maybe I was imagining it, or maybe it was because I knew who he was, who he really was.
"Mr. Wayne," Giovanni said with a small smile. "I'd shake your hand, but I see they're occupied."
"Can ya blame me?" Bruce Wayne said without a hint of shame, hugging the girls at his side tighter to him as they giggled. The blonde gave me a wink, then blinked in surprise when Mudkip returned it. "But here, I'll sacrifice some time with Yelena here for a second."
He let go of the black-haired girl, reaching out and shaking Giovanni's hand. "Gotta say, Giovanni, you throw a hell of a shindig."
"Ah, in truth it was my party planner. Always best to delegate to the experts."
"Don't I know it," Wayne chuckled. He glanced at me, then at Mudkip, looking like any other fascinated rich kid. "Man, I thought Gotham had some weird types. So you're a superhero, huh?"
"That or a really amazing cosplayer," I said as best as I cou-
Okay look, I was geeking out internally, all right? It was Batman! Batman! Do I really need to explain why I had an internal moment of squealing as I stared at him? He wasn't my favorite hero or anything. In truth, I always thought DC added him to his stories way too often. But still.
I mentally pushed back as much of my shock as I could and thanked god the mask I was wearing covered my whole face. Probably didn't work on him, but it was better than nothing.
"Ha! That's funny," Bruce chuckled lightly. "Gotta say, I tried getting Batman to work for me, but the guy just kept refusing. What made you say yes?"
"I offered him enough money," Giovanni said snarkily.
"Is that so?" he gave me a look.
"I wish I could say I had the resources to take down a criminal syndicate on my own, but I don't," I shrugged. "And despite everything, at least he's doing something. I'd work with the cops if I could, but I'm at risk of being arrested."
"Really?" Bruce said as though he was surprised. "You aren't worried, Giovanni? I mean, not to make this awkward, but I'm pretty sure your bodyguard tried to kill me once."
The rich folk around us tried to pretend they hadn't been listening, but they clearly reacted to that. Floyd and Giovanni didn't flinch on the other hand.
"In my defense Wayne, there isn't a Gotham merc that hasn't been hired to kill you at least once," Floyd pointed out.
"That's a weak defense," Bruce and I said in unison, only to look at each other in surprise.
Giovanni chuckled. "Well, that's honestly why I hired him. If someone tries to assassinate me, having a former assassin just makes sense, does it not? Anyone who knows how to kill me also knows how to stop it. A rather valuable job skill for a bodyguard to bring to the table, wouldn't you say?"
Bruce raised an eyebrow at that before looking over at Floyd. "Well, Mr. Lawton, as long as you don't feel inclined to finish the job, I believe I can be a lot more comfortable at this party."
"If you want, I can pretend," Floyd said dryly. "I hear life or death situations make sex more fun."
Bruce smirked. Somehow, it was the most honest look he'd shown thus far. "Don't worry. I don't need the help."
The girls at his sides giggled. Bruce looked at me. "Good luck, Kahu. We'll all be watching your career with great interest."
"I'll do my best. If you need to reach out to me for anything, I'm available through Giovanni."
"Wonderful! Mr. Giovanni, I'll likely be reaching out to you about a mass order of your medicine. Do you have a card for your secretary?"
"No need for us to speak through intermediaries. Here, take this," Giovanni reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold-embossed card. "My personal number. Reach out to me and I'll make a deal with you."
"That's quite an offer," Bruce said, taking his card. "Considering the value of your product."
"Not at all. Your business has an excellent reputation, Mr. Wayne," Giovanni paused for a moment. "As CEO however, you have a less savory reputation. Meeting you now and seeing how you interact with others, makes me think there is something more to you than the rumors would have one believe, Mr. Wayne."
Bruce noticed. I could tell he did. He didn't flinch. But there was something in his eyes. "We all have reputations to live up to or live down to. Comes with being rich. You know something about that, don't you Giovanni?"
Giovanni smiled softly. "Yes. Yes, I suppose I do. Well, enjoy the party, Mr. Wayne."
The two of them eyed each other. For a moment, just a moment, I felt a chill in the air. The girls at Bruce's side watched them stare at each other with confusion. For a moment, I wondered if they would reach for their waists. Giovanni for a Pokeball, Bruce for a Batarang.
"Mudkip," the little blue guy on my shoulder said softly, looking at me.
I didn't move.
The tension stopped when Bruce nodded, then walked off, looking as lazy as ever. Giovanni looked over at me.
"I have never met that man," he said softly. "But I heard of him. Lawton spoke of his experiences with him. I expected a soft and lazy billionaire playboy. But you acted like he was more than that. And just now… I've met master trainers who had none of that presence."
"Solving that mystery would be a waste of time I think," I said with a shrug.
"Would it be a waste?" Giovanni looked intrigued. "If it wasn't for you, my impression of him would have remained the same. The way you acted combined with how he responded. I wonder… Mr. Lawton?"
"...I wasn't lying when I said a lot of mercs have gone after Bruce Wayne," Lawton said softly. "He should be an easy kill. Or at least, easier than most. He doesn't even have dedicated bodyguards. But something always happens to stop it. I thought he was just lucky. Hell, Batman makes any assassination attempt in that town a gamble. But still…"
God fucking damnit. I wanted to punch myself. I was so bad at this shit man. Now Giovanni and Lawton were trying to figure out one of the most important secrets in the world.
"Just tell me this, Kahu," Giovanni said. "If I enter a deal with that man, will I be cheated?"
I didn't hesitate. "Just look at his business history really. If you don't hurt innocent people, Bruce Wayne will do right by you. He doesn't cheat people for kicks. Tell you what, when we encounter a billionaire who might cheat you, I'll let you know."
"I appreciate you sharing your oddly deep knowledge of the billionaires of this world," Giovanni said with a smirk.
"Al spends a lot of time on the web," I said. Technically that was true.
"Bruce Wayne," Giovanni chuckled. "And here I thought this party would be boring."
Floyd stilled when he saw who was approaching us. "Well if you wanted interesting…"
I turned around. And I felt my hackles raise immediately.
He wore a suit much like Bruce and Giovanni's. His head, unlike their black manes, was entirely smooth, a bald dome the same tan as his skin. He had a calm look on his face, even as he seemed to OOZE presence. Those around us kept their distance, but all eyes were on us as he approached.
"Mr. Luthor," Giovanni said with the fakest smile I'd ever seen him show, holding out a hand to shake. "So glad you could come."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Lex Luthor said, chuckling. "I've been wanting to meet you for some time, and today felt like the best excuse to do so."
Behind him, a brown-haired woman with a suit and red tie kept close. She and Lawton shared a look. Then she looked at me, raking her eyes across my build, then rising back to eye Mudkip. Assessing the largest threats. Her eyes panned the room, sliding over Bruce without a second thought, stopping on one of the other guards, then coming back to us.
Well, this had to be Mercy Graves. Kinda shorter than I would have expected. Then again, I think only one version of her was an Amazoness like Wonder Woman. The rest were just badass.
I snapped my own gaze back onto Luthor.
"I should apologize for how I asked my questions earlier," Luthor said as he and Giovanni separated. "While I'm sure you are confident in your products, your claims are quite extravagant."
"Oh, I'm sure you were simply making sure of my honesty. After all, with how long your company has shown aggressive interest in my few interests in Metropolis' surrounding areas, you would want to make sure anything you could acquire from me had value."
Luthor chuckled. "Mr. Giovanni, are you accusing me of something nefarious?"
"Not at all, Mr. Luthor. Merely complimenting your strategy," Giovanni said simply.
"I see. Well, I will admit to having some small interest in your company," Luthor said, shifting his stance casually. "And I do understand why you decided to make it an Unlimited. Not opening up your firm to offering stocks is a bold move to keep absolute control of your work."
He paused for effect. "Not everyone has the confidence they can keep control of their company after all. It does take a certain strength to hold onto power in such circumstances."
Giovanni didn't rise to that dig. "I'm sure a lack of confidence could be a reason. In my case, I simply believe in my products and their abilities. I have no need for investors when I know the value of what I have to sell."
"And it is indeed valuable," Luthor agreed. His lips rose lazily. "It does make one wonder, how such things came about. To say that your product is revolutionary would be severely understating it. A chemical compound that can miraculously heal cuts, abrasions, can assist during surgeries to prevent death? It's almost supernatural."
"Ah, but can't one argue that all great advancements look supernatural to the weak-minded?" Giovanni laughed. "No, Mr. Luthor, my Potion and it's fellow medicines are all products of science, tried and true. After all, I'm sure the same has been said for some of your own products. Despite rumors they were derived from alien technology, we both know they were simply made by human ingenuity… Don't we?"
Both men smiled. I got the feeling they didn't like each other. Call it a hunch.
"Ah, but where are my manners," Luthor turned to look at me. "I've been ignoring your guests. Kahu Kiaʻi, was it?"
"That's what I've been called," I said to Lex flippin Luthor. "And this is Mudkip, my friend."
"Kiiiip," Mudkip was looking between Luthor and Mercy, cocking his head to the side. "Mudkip."
"So you are sapient," Luthor said, eyeing Mudkip. "How intriguing. But I had heard you had five?"
"The others are doing their own thing," I said. It wasn't a lie, but not the full truth either. Mudkip was the least problematic of all my Pokemon to bring. Alakazam was still a secret. Gurdurr and Tyrunt would both likely lose their tempers if some rich idiot tried to poke at them. If a rich idiot tried to look under Mimikyu's costume, well, problems would ensue. And finally, if a rich idiot tried to touch Slugma, he/she'd lose body parts to her heat.
Basically, my other Pokemon weren't here because I didn't trust the people at this party. Mudkip was the calmest and safest of my Pokemon, while still able to shatter concrete if some random villains attacked the party.
"I must ask, Giovanni, have you done any research on these creatures?" Luthor asked casually. "I'd be interested in their biology."
"I have," Giovanni said. "In fact, one might say I'm one of the foremost experts on the Earth on these beings. Sadly, I cannot share any of that due to a non-disclosure agreement with Kahu here."
"A shame. The applications for such powerful beings as you are great," he said to Mudkip with a complimentary smile. "As well as for you, Kahu Kiaʻi."
"Me?" I said, genuinely a little surprised.
"I hope you're being coy," Luthor said with a chuckle. "While you may not have the durability and strength of some of the more extreme examples, you've displayed some coveted abilities. Many scientists are still struggling to create stable forms of enhanced ability. Our current options are rather undesirable."
Luthor flipped out a pair of business cards, handing one to Giovanni and I. As we took them, he continued. "Mr. Giovanni, give me a call if you ever want to do business. I believe we can make quite a profit together. And Kahu. If you ever show up in Metropolis, look me up. There are a lot of opportunities for a man with your unique skills."
"What, like fighting Superman?" I said sarcastically before I could think better of it.
Mercy looked over at me, eyes widening just a bit. Luthor only chuckled. Despite that, I could see a hint of anger, the first bit of it, simmering in his eyes. "Now, why would I do that? Superman is a hero after all."
He turned and walked away. "Have a pleasant night, gentlemen."
Giovanni looked over at me, smirking. "Huh. I didn't realize he hated Superman. How did you?"
"A narcissistic multi-billionaire essentially buys a whole town, only to find out that the most beloved member of it is a super alien with insane power that refuses to work for him? It's not a stretch to imagine he dislikes him."
"So this is a billionaire you wouldn't recommend I do business with?" Giovanni said with some sarcasm.
I opened my mouth, then closed it as I thought. "...Lawton. You've run in similar circles. What do you think, can Giovanni trust him?"
"About as much as Emilio Barzini," he said.
"Not the most ringing endorsement," Giovanni mused. "I suppose I could look into it anyways. Depends on how profitable it would be."
He chuckled. "I must say, this was far more interesting than the last parties I held."
I looked over at Bruce. He was flirting with yet another woman, who was slowly getting pulled in with the other two he'd come in here with, and not seeming to mind much. "That's nice. I'm gonna get some air."
Giovanni waved lazily. I walked off, heading to the outside front of the boat. As I entered the open air, I reached out along the mental link still open to my Pokemon.
"Okay. Say it again."
"Robin is currently fighting the Silicon Dragons. Tyrunt and I are on the scene. What should we do?" Alakazam asked.
I thought about that, then nodded.
"You don't need me to tell you."
I could feel Alakazam's amusement. "No. You do not. This should be fun."
Author's Note: Soon, Robin's perspective on things. Then, July 4th, the events of the first episode, and the involvement of the Pokemon in it. Should be fun!
The next chapter of my other story, Dial, is currently up on my , and What's a Koopa will be up soon after! Please consider supporting me on there, and let me know what you thought of the current chapter/what you're excited for.
Because for me, it's Tyrunt meeting Robin and Bruce talking in private to Kahu.