"So.. you're a mutant."
"Yeah, that's what my friends in Limbo said. You seem not surprised."
"Of course, I know that from the very beginning when I rescued you from that gambling den. You remember all of the people locked in those cells were mutants as well right?"
"Oh right! But why aren't you terrified? Based on the news I watched this morning, people are afraid of them."
"Well, I'm one of the people who aren't afraid of them. Besides, aren't we partners? Even if you wanted to hurt me, you can't.", Glenn said with a smirked.
"Hmph! I'm having an itch to wipe that smug on your face."
"You can try, hahaha. On the other hand, you've been shopping with Elle lately. What have you been buying so far?"
"Oh, nothing important. Just some clothes, gadgets and stuff. It's funny I remember the look on their faces when you told them It's me, hahahaha."
"Yeah, they both looked like they've seen a ghost. If I didn't show them a bit of your power, they still wouldn't be able to believe everything we've said. Damn, uncle John nagged at me so bad for letting someone do that to you."
"Not you fault, Glenn. I think that's the reason why I came with you in the first place. Somehow, I had this feeling that I'm always safe with you. That night was an exception because Belasco said he can't find me until that night when you went away for a couple of minutes."
"Must be the work of HIM. Tsk, it's still frustrating remembering that night. By the way, you've mentioned that you already took care of that bastard who took you, right? Does that mean you don't have to stick with me 24/7 to hide your presence?"
"Yeah but don't worry. You won't be able to get rid of me that easily."
"Not trying to get rid of you though. I need to work to make a living and sometimes, I need to go around the country to do that. It gives me some relief to know that you can take care of yourself on your own. Can't take you with me during work."
"I know what you mean. It's just a figure of speech but sure, you can go ahead do what you gotta do. I can take care of myself besides cooking and I'm sure don't mind if I order a delivery right?" Illyana rolled her eyes in response.
Glenn shrugged and went to the kitchen to get some snacks.
"By the way, you're 16 now right? You wanna get a driver's license?"
"Yup, but I don't need it."
"What do you mean?"
"I can go wherever I want to without driving a car."
Then Illyana disappeared in her seat, reappearing in the counter table in the kitchen instead.
"Oh yeah, I forgot. But don't you have an urge to drive one?"
"Maybe."
Then Glenn noticed the toy her pocket.
"Isn't that the toy I gave you that Christmas? I thought you don't play with that anymore since you're a teenager now."
"He's not just a toy, okay? His name is Lockheed." She replied in annoyed voice.
Glenn raised his hands in defeat.
"Okay okay, I'm not insinuating anything. Geez, rein in your temper young lady."
"Hmph! He's been with me all throughout my life and he's there when I needed someone the mo—ahh."
Illyana yelped in surprise when Glenn suddenly took her in his arms.
"You're not alone anymore, Yana. I'm here for you just like Lockheed. I'm sorry I've let that happen to you. Just know that we're here for you."
Illyana blushed and dived her head in his chest.
"I know.." she muttered.
She was enjoying that moment of getting pampered. Unfortunately, Glenn broke out the embrace awkwardly.
"Cough! So kid, you sure I could leave you alone?" Glenn asked once again just to avoid the awkward situation.
"Yeah and stop calling me kid. I'm almost at my legal age now."
"Sorry, I was just not used to it. It literally feels like yesterday when you are just this small and now.... you're this.. teenager. Man I feel like missed a big part of your life."
"Stop.. Stop.. Please or I'm gonna kick you anytime now if you speak one more word. Look, I know you feel guilty for what happened to me but it has already happened. Besides, aren't we have the time now. Stop whining. This is so not you when you broke into that gambling den looking cool."
"Tsk! You're ruining my drama performance. I could've tapped into my inner Daniel Day-Lewis performance and get an Oscar."
"Shut up! What about you?"
"What me?" Glenn was utterly confused of her sudden question.
"I mean, are you also a mutant?"
"Nah, I'm a hundred percent human."
"But how can you fly and run so fast?"
"I'm strong. That's just me kicking the air ten times in a second. Technically, I'm not flying. It's more like jumping on the air itself. It's the same principle when running."
"Can I learn it?"
"Sure! But you might not like the process of learning it. Took me sometime to do it with ease."
"Hmph..nevermind then. I can just teleport whenever I want anyway."
"Don't worry, with the meat you and I were eating, your body will gradually get stronger. You may eventually be able jump higher than you used to. I mean way higher."
"Really? I'm curious. What meat is that? It taste like tuna but the texture is like beef. It's weird but very delicious."
"I'll tell you when can jump around using legs from building to building. Hehe."
"Fine!"
Peri Peri Peri Peri Peri!
Glenn took out his den-den mushi to take the call but before he answered it. A blonde head with eyes shining appeared in front of his face.
"What's that? It's so cute~" Illyana asked with curiosity.
"This my work phone. Don't kill it, okay? It's a living creature. I have to take this call. Go wash the dishes please."
"Let me borrow it for a few minutes. I just want to observe it."
"Nope, I will give you your own transponder instead. You have to take care of it."
"Yay! Deal!"
Illyana jumped around and happily went to the kitchen to do the dishes. Seeing this, he couldn't help but chuckle while shaking his head.
Glenn returned his attention to his den-den mushi before answering the call. He didn't speak first but waited for the caller on the line to talk.
"'Handyman' this is 'Tailor', you've got yourself a new assignment. The client is green. It's an extraction from a wealthy billionaire. His daughter was kidnapped by a bunch of mutants."
"Location?"
"Queens, New York. I'll send you the details."
"Got it."
"By the way, this isn't exclusive. They wanna make sure their daughter is going to be rescued successfully. You might find yourself a teammate for this. They wanted to meet you in the flesh before you start the mission."
"Tsk! Another untrustful bastard eh.. It appears my reputation isn't quite known enough."
He heard Daisy chuckle on the other line.
"As long as they pay what was required, why not. Stop whining like a child. You know it was just your pride that's been hurt."
"Fine, as long they pay enough."
"Alright, I've sent all the details in your email."
"Thanks 'Tailor', Handyman over and out."
"You know this is a telephone right? Not a radio."
"Come on, don't ruin the fun."
"Hahaha, bye~"
——
Two days later
"Are you sure you're okay, alone?" Glenn asked worriedly.
"Yep, I'm fine. I can protect myself. Don't underestimate me."
"Fine, just teleport to uncle John's place if you need to escape. Or better yet, call me if there's anything you need help with. I've already given you your own transponder."
"Yeah yeah, stop nagging at me and get on with it."
"Okay, please don't use your ability if it isn't necessary. You can use it inside the penthouse but beyond that, restrain from using it. At least until I get back. Although you can easily escape, there's no need to invite trouble."
Illyana didn't reply and just gave him an annoyed look.
"I'll be going now. Take care, okay? I'll be back in a jiffy. Order anything you want."
Soon, Glenn was seen getting out of the yellow taxi next day morning in Long Island, New York. He as adorned with his usual style—a sleek professional black suit with a red tie. He wore some gloves that compliments his get up. He was about to meet his client and unknown partner in this mission.
After standing in front a huge gate, he was greeted by a middle age man that seems to be the butler of the mansion.
Then he was led by him inside until they reached a place with high ceiling where they received guests.
When he arrived, he saw a stern looking middle-aged man sitting in a sofa with wine in his hand. Beside him was a woman in her thirties with worried look on her face. Behind them stood a pale woman with neck length dark hair. She had a round dark mark in her left eye but it doesn't seem to resemble a birth mark. It's more like a faded tattoo. She wore a sleeveless leather vest which showcase the shape of her perfect tits. She also wore a matching leather pants with and high knee boots. She was geared up with pistols in tucked in her armpit hoslters and a knife strapped to her thick thighs. She looked excited when she saw Glenn walking inside with admiration clearly painted on her face.
In the mercenary circle, Glenn was quite well known with a hundred percent completion rate no matter the danger his mission involved in. Many mercenaries wanted to partner with him and so few with screw loose who wanted take him on. With the legendary Handyman himself involved, it was now guaranteed that the mission will be completed though her employers thought otherwise.
She kept her eyes locked towards Glenn while the latter move forward with confidence and unbridledly sat in front of the middle-aged couple.
Of course, Glenn already spotted Domino at the back but didn't comment on anything about her. He just kept his face stoic to maintain his image.
"I hope having me come here is worth of my time Mr. Eckerman. Otherwise, you can forget about hiring my services in the future. Mind if I smoke?" Glenn asked though he didn't wait for the permission and just lit up a cigarette. He puff a smoke without any care in the world.
The middle-aged man couldn't help but twitch his eyes, clearly annoyed of how the Handyman behaves in front of him.
Glenn noticed this and he flashed a mischievous smile.
"You're annoyed aren't you? So am I! This is clearly a waste of time. But what can you do about it, huh? You're the one who seeks my help not the other way around so rein your arrogance in front of me. I've clearly tolerated enough non-sense by coming here myself."
Before Mr. Eckerman even respond, one of his men who seems to be the head of his guard suddenly shouted in disdain.
"How dare you talk like that to my, boss! Do you know who are talki—ahhh."
Boom!
But before he completed his sentence, Glenn disappeared in front of them. They couldn't follow his movements and he just suddenly reappeared in that bodyguard's position. His posture was like he just kicked a ball in a soccer field. On the other hand, the bodyguard was long gone as all of them looked at the shattered window. Through it, they saw the mangled body of the bodyguard, splattered on the wall outside the mansion.
"I must say, your mansion was infested with mosquitoes buzzing around, huh. No need to thank me, I dealt with it for you. Oh just quick reminder, if your bodyguards doesn't removed their fingers on those triggers, you will lose a lot of your men today."
Mr. Eckerman along with his wife gulped nervously. He was now genuinely afraid and how ridiculous it is to test this man.
"Do what he says.. DO YOU ALL WANT TO DIE!!? DO WHAT THE MAN SAYS AND GET OUT OF THIS ROOM!!!"
All bodyguards shuddered and quickly left the room. They couldn't help but remember the feeling when Glenn looked at them as if they are just prey. It's like coming face to face with death itself.
"Wise decision Mr. Eckerman. Now that the flies are gone, let's get back to the topic, shall we? Tell me, is the demonstration enough for your taste or you still have any doubts? Do you want me to turn this mansion upside down before we get to the real business?" Glenn asked with a devilish smile on his face.