The girls walked into the mansion, chattering loudly. Ciema gasped and ducked as a projectile flew by.
A ninja star embedded itself in the door.
Immediately Laila and Jada went into fighting stances.
Mr. Mace stepped out, chuckling.
"Hardy har-har," Laila frowned. "You could've killed us man!"
"Agent Bowman wasn't the only one watching," Mr. Mace began. "T.I.F.F.A.N.Y. hacked the cameras. Jaiden saw everything. You're officially Amazons."
"What?" Jada gasped.
"That's so anti-climatic," Laila complained. "No fight to save our asses? Goddamn."
"Not everything needs to be dramatic," Ciema laughed. "Although...is he sure?"
"Yes," Mr. Mace smiled. "Tomorrow, you will all meet him."
Laila's mouth fell open. Jada smiled. "I'm excited to meet him. Uh...what perfume does he like?"
"He's our boss, Jada," Ciema shook her head. "You're not going on a date with him."
"All bosses need to be charmed," Jada winked.
"Come along," Mr. Mace smiled. "You all had a long day.
Elsewhere, in his room, Jaiden watched them on his screen. His fingers ran through Chi-Chi's fur.
"You like what you see?" T.I.F.F.A.N.Y. teased, popping up beside him.
Chi-Chi let out a low growl, but a scratch behind the ears calmed her.
"Yes, very much," he smiled in the dark.
-
Ciema yawned, her eyes blinking open. Her gaze met Jada's who loomed over her.
"What?" She whispered.
"Ah!" Jada yelled, jumping back. "Oh! Hey Ciema!"
"What are you doing in my room?" Ciema blinked.
"She got us looking ridiculous!" Laila stormed, wearing a bathrobe. She pointed at her green facial mask. Ciema noted her hair was tied in a towel.
"I can't believe this..." Ciema muttered.
"You girls wanna go to him ugly, fine," Jada said. "But I'm going looking my best!"
"Your best was a hoodie remember?" Ciema reminded her.
"I was gonna win him over with my personality," Jada grumbled.
"Sure..." Laila smirked, rolling her eyes. "Your personality."
"Oh crap," Ciema said aloud. "The bill."
"Fourteen thousand, eight hundred and thirty-five dollars isn't so bad," Laila remarked.
"That blue lingerie was twenty-eight dollars," Ciema glared. "So it's fourteen thousand, eight hundred and sixty-three dollars, Laila. He's never trusting us with a credit card again."
"He's rich, Ciema," Laila answered.
"That's a horrible answer," Jada said, smearing the cream on Ciema's face. "Now lay there for fifteen minutes."
"Not so hard," Ciema muttered.
"Man, we're finally meeting him," Jada grinned. "I've got butterflies in my stomach right now. What if he hates us?"
"Then we'd be kicked out," Ciema replied pragmatically.
"You're right," she said. Then she pouted. "This is gonna be the second time you meet him."
"Actually my third time," Ciema corrected.
"Don't rub it in," Jada said, a smile forming.
"I got us these," Laila returned suddenly, plopping their outfits on the bed.
It was blue, purple, and yellow floral blouses paired with blue jeans.
"Along with some block heels," Laila said proudly. "So that money wasn't wasted."
"Nope," Ciema shook her head. "It was wasted."
_________
Gingerly, they waited outside his study door. Jada rose and fell on her heels. Laila tapped her foot, a nervous habit. Ciema adjusted her spectacles.
Mr. Mace had gone into the study three minutes ago. And his delayed return only amplified their anxiety.
They jolted when the door opened. Mr. Mace slipped out. "Go in," he said. "And remember to smile. if you're nervous, he's nervous."
They laughed nervously before recomposing.
Mr. Mace's warm gaze washed over them. "I'm proud of you."
"Thanks, Mr. Mace," Jada smiled.
He stepped aside, pushing the door open. The girls walked in, unsure of what would happen.
"What version of Jaiden will we meet?" Ciema thought.
The door closed. The chair turned, revealing Jaiden Maximoff.
The girls yelped, stepping back. Shoulders tense. Breaths held in shock.
Jada screamed.
Laila turned to Jada and tapped on the head. "Not funny."
Jada rubbed her head. "Sorry."
He had red hair, styled short. His sharp blue eyes pierced them with a mysterious intensity. His face was triangular and youthful. His chin was dotted with a red stubble.
He wore a white collared shirt, slightly unbuttoned. His red suspenders were attached to brown trousers.
His hands were folded on his desk.
"Hello Amazons," he said, his British accent bled into every word.
"Hi," Jada waved awkwardly. She leaned to Laila. "Oh no, he's hot."
"I know," Laila replied. "Damn, he's hot."
Ciema flashed a glare before clearing her throat. "Hi, I'm Ciema Frederick."
"I know," he smiled.
"I'm Jada Guytan," Jada grinned.
Laila piped up. "And I'm Laila Edwards."
"I know that," he politely smiled.
The girls nodded, grins blooming on their faces.
"Shit," Laila muttered to herself.
Ciema noticed this wasn't the Jaiden she remembered. There was no scent of alcohol. His eyes were dry, composed.
It almost brought her to tears. Did he recompose himself for them?
"Why do you want to be Amazons?" He asked.
"To be honest, sir," Ciema smiled nervously. "We didn't know that existed until a week ago."
Jaiden raised a finger, gesturing them to come closer. Hesitantly, they took a step.
He raised his palm. They stopped in their tracks.
"First some boundaries," he began. He bent down and lifted up Chi-Chi. The Pomchi licked her muzzle and panted.
Jada smiled and sent a small wave at the dog.
"Chi-Chi is not your friend," Jaiden spoke, flashing a glance at Jada. "Don't treat her as such. And stop petting her."
Jada looked around, embarrassed.
"I'm kidding," he grinned. "I don't mind."
Jada sighed in relief.
"In public, Mr. Maximoff. On missions, Boss," he explained. "In private, Jaiden. You understand?"
"Yes...Jaiden," they replied slowly, Jada more eagerly.
"Good," he said, plucking out a wrapped lollipop from the bowl present. He tossed it to Jada who caught it.
"What?" Laila said, aloud.
"I didn't know we were getting candy," Ciema muttered.
"I like to surprise people," he said. "Anyway questions?"
Laila's hands shot up.
"Yes?" He pointed.
"Who was that ninja that attacked us?" Laila asked.
"That ninja was me, Laila," he replied.
Ciema blinked.
"Why the hell did you attack us for?" Laila snapped.
"We almost killed you," Jada gasped.
"No," Jaiden chuckled lightly. "You three weren't close to killing me."
"But how else was I to know you'd survive," he smiled.
"Yes Jaiden," Ciema muttered.
Jaiden tossed her a lollipop. Ciema caught it, a smile spread on her face. She quickly hid behind a demure nod.
"Now," he said, his tone serious. "Whose great idea was it to spend fourteen thousand, eight hundred and sixty-three dollars?"
Jada pointed at Laila. Laila turned, mouthing, "Betrayal."
Jaiden turned to Laila. "I told Jada not to buy that shit," Laila quickly answered.
"Don't lie, Laila," Ciema snapped. "You egged her on. 'Jaiden's a rich bastard.' 'This shit won't dent his bank account.' Remember that?"
Jaiden watching on, laughed. The girls, stunned, watched him in confusion.
He leaned back, petting Chi-Chi as he stopped laughing. He smiled at them.
"Better?" He asked. "Got that out of your system? No longer tense?"
"No," they said in unison.
"Good," he answered. He turned, leaning forward.
"Oh!" Jada perked up. "You did that to lighten the mood."
He nodded, rubbing Chi-Chi's head.
"You're not mad at us," Laila said, grinning.
"Oh I am," he replied. "I am. You're banned from my credit card till I allow you."
"Damn," Laila whispered.
"What about the FBI?" Ciema asked. "They know who we are. They've seen our faces."
"They aren't an issue," he said, his voice low. "They don't have the power to stop me. They know this."
Ciema stepped back, shocked.
"Now, Maximoff Inc. is a legitimate business," he continued. "It's the most powerful technological company in the world. Its rival Hexcorp is a quaint second. And it's Hexcorp that'll be your first mission."
"Hexcorp..." Ciema pondered. "I've heard of them."
"Who hasn't?" Jaiden said. "One of their employees, Aaron Spencer, has made an extraordinary device. It's decahedron in shape. A miniature but powerful bomb."
"What?" Laila blinked.
"And Aleen Leon, a powerful Mafiosa, has taken him hostage. She's using him to make the bombs."
"What?" Laila stared, stunned. She gripped hands tightly. "Someone like that's running around. And the FBI's tryna arrest us?"
"What do you want us to do?" Ciema asked.
"You're going to find out the plans," he explained. "Find Aleen and bring her to me."
He closed his fist tightly. Ciema noticed, and asked, "What will you do with her?"
"I'll deal with her," he sneered. "Any questions?"
"Yes," Laila said. "Why are you doing this, Jaiden?"
Jaiden stilled. He set Chi-Chi down and got up. Retrieving a glass and a bottle, he set it down. Ciema grimaced as he poured the liquid.
He took it and drank it quietly. Slamming the glass down, he swallowed and sat down. Chi-Chi ran to Jada's side, whimpering.
"My family was murdered," he replied.
"Oh," Laila said. "Sorry to hear that."
"It's alright," he laughed. "My family had moved from England and my father made dealings with the Esposito Family. He had some debts to pay, and failed to pay them. So they were paid in blood."
"My God," Jada gasped, hand covering her mouth.
"My father, my mother, my brother and my sister. All died," he said. He poured another glass and downed it. "Allen Mace, Mr. Mace, saved me. I owe him everything."
Jada approached his desk. "I'm really sorry to hear that."
"Yeah," he chuckled. "I turn to drink to cope with the losses. It's no excuse. If she could see me, she'd be ashamed."
"Your mother," Ciema asked softly.
"No," he answered.
The girls straightened, surprised.
"Now leave," he said, putting the bottle to his mouth. He drank a mouthful then slammed it back down.
"Jaiden?" Ciema asked, worried.
"Sorry, sorry," he said, shaking his head. "I know I disgust you. To think about it, drives me mad."
Laila grabbed Ciema's arm. "We'll go," she said, gesturing to Jada.
Jada turned, exiting with them. Jaiden took another drink.
-
Mr. Mace entered their room. The girls lifted their heads.
"Personal demons indeed," Laila shook her head. "T.I.F.F.A.N.Y. was right. He's battling something."
"Will his drinking impact us too?" Jada asked, her brows creased in worry.
"No," Mr. Mace said sympathetically. "He won't ever let his habit impact you three."
"Who's the she?" Ciema asked. "He didn't' finish before he dismissed us."
"Questions, questions," T.I.F.F.A.N.Y. popped in, a small smile. "Good work. You guys handled that."
"We need to curb that vice of his," Ciema muttered.
"Yeah, no heavy drinking," Jada replied, smugly. "Only on Sundays and Mondays."
"Guys..." Ciema frowned.
"Those are excellent tips," Mr. Mace said with a small smile. "Has he told you your mission?"
"Yeah," Laila said, sitting straight. "Some mafia chick is running around with powerful explosives, and we're the bad guys to the FBI?"
"Well Bowman, and her father before her, never approved Jaiden's work," Mr. Mace replied.
"I can't see why," Laila shrugged.
"Did he tell you your codenames?" T.I.F.F.A.N.Y. asked excitedly.
"No," Ciema smiled gently. "He drowned himself in alcohol before he could."
"Seriously?' The Ai pouted. "That's the best part."
"What are they?" Laila asked, curious.
"Can't tell you," she said. "Not authorized. He's supposed to tell you. Ah, he'll call you back later to tell I guess."
"Damn!" Laila pouted.
"Come girls," Mr. Mace urged. "I have something to show you."
-
Mr. Mace led them to the basement. It was different. Various weapons and vehicles laid around. The lights turned on with each step.
Laila, Jada, and Ciema marveled in amazement.
Mr. Mace then stopped, and pointed to three pedestals paired a briefcase.
"That holds you combat suits, gear and weapons," Mr. Mace explained.
"Hell yes!" Laila cheered.
"Indeed," the girls looked up to see Jaiden stepping out. He held a glass filled with whiskey.
"Woah," Jada said. Mr. Mace's eyebrows raised but he recomposed himself.
Ciema rushed forward. "Are you ok? Are you sober, Jaiden?"
Jaiden smiled at her. "The drink may control me, but it won't keep me from my work."
He pointed to Laila. "You are Hippolyta."
"You Ciema," he gestured. "You are Antiope."
He smiled at Jada. "And Jada. You're Penthesilea."
"I'm who?" Jada asked, mouth wide in confusion.
"You are my Amazons. You answer to me," he said, walking towards them. "And that's official."