The days after the police coordination operation brought a new rhythm.
Marcus and Spoiler had proven they could work within institutional frameworks. Detective Montoya called them twice more that week with intelligence requests, establishing a functional working relationship.
"This is what sustainable vigilante work looks like," Spoiler said during their Thursday evening coordination meeting. "Not just us running around stopping random crimes. Actual strategic impact."
"Feels different," Marcus admitted. "More... official."
"That's because it is official. We're not just vigilantes anymore—we're assets. Resources the police can call on." Spoiler pulled up her tablet. "Speaking of which, Montoya has another operation she wants help with. Drug distribution network, Burnley area. Interested?"
"Always."
The operation Friday night was clean—eight suspects, coordinated takedown with GCPD tactical, no casualties. Marcus and Spoiler had refined their approach: fast initial strike, secure the scene, let police handle processing.
During the operation, Marcus copied another ability.
Click - from one of Montoya's tactical officers. Breach and entry techniques. How to efficiently clear rooms, manage angles, coordinate with team members during building entries.
That's useful. More tactical knowledge.
Ability count: 271.
"You're getting smoother," Spoiler observed after the operation. "Your movements during the breach were professional level."
"Good training. And experience." Marcus wasn't about to mention the copying. "You're a good teacher."
"I try." Spoiler closed her tablet. "Montoya wants to meet next week. Discuss longer-term coordination. She's impressed with our work."
"That's good, right?"
"Very good. Means we're building real institutional relationships. That's how you make lasting change—not just stopping crimes, but becoming part of the system that prevents them."
Saturday training at Ted Grant's gym brought unexpected news.
"You're moving different," Ted observed during their sparring session. "More tactical. Less street fighter, more operator."
"Is that bad?"
"It's progression. You're learning to fight like someone who does this professionally." Ted landed a combination that Marcus barely blocked. "But don't lose the fundamentals. All the tactical skills in the world don't help if your basics slip."
"Noted."
After the session, Ted pulled Marcus aside.
"You've been doing this for what, four months now?"
Marcus was surprised Ted was being direct. "About that. Why?"
"Because you've got that look. That intensity veterans get. Like you've seen real action." Ted's expression was serious. "Whatever you're doing out there, you're getting good at it. Maybe too good. Don't let the work consume you."
"I'm taking rest days. Managing it."
"Good. Keep managing it. Because I've seen fighters lose themselves in the work. They forget there's life outside the ring—or in your case, outside whatever fights you're getting into." Ted handed Marcus a water bottle. "You've got people who care about you. Don't forget that while you're busy being effective."
"I won't."
"See that you don't."
Sunday brought another coordination meeting with Spoiler.
"Okay, progress report," she said, pulling up her data. "Three months since we started coordinating. Let's look at results."
The statistics were impressive:
Crime in Crime Alley: down 31% overall
Violent crime specifically: down 42%
Response time to emergencies: improved by 55%
Major organization disruptions: 7 networks dismantled
Civilian casualty rate during interventions: 0.3% (one minor injury in three months)
"These are real numbers," Spoiler said. "Measurable impact. We're not just stopping individual crimes—we're actually making the neighborhood safer."
"That's what we've been working toward."
"And it's working. But..." Spoiler pulled up another screen. "We're also attracting more attention. The mystery watcher from last week? She's not the only one. I've spotted at least two other surveillance positions over the past few days."
"Multiple people watching us?"
"Multiple groups, probably. Different skill sets, different positioning. Professional observation from at least three separate sources." Spoiler's tone was serious. "We're being evaluated, Marcus. By multiple parties. That's concerning."
"Why? If they wanted to hurt us, they would have already."
"Or they're gathering information first. Figuring out our capabilities, our patterns, our weaknesses." Spoiler closed the tablet. "I don't know if they're friendly or hostile. But being watched by professionals is never completely safe."
"What should we do?"
"What we're doing. Stay effective. Stay careful. See who makes the first move." Spoiler looked at him. "But be aware, Revenant. Whatever attention we're attracting, it's significant. People with resources are interested in us. That could be good or bad."
That evening, Marcus logged his progress:
DATE: September 1
TOTAL ABILITIES: 271
THREE WEEKS SINCE POLICE COORDINATION:
Working relationship with Detective Montoya established. Three successful joint operations. Drug networks, theft rings, organized crime systematically dismantled. This is sustainable model—strategic, coordinated, institutional support.
EFFECTIVENESS: Crime Alley down 31% overall, 42% violent crime reduction. That's real impact. People are safer because of our work. That's what matters.
ABILITY GAINED: Breach and entry techniques (from tactical officer). More professional combat skills integrating. Combat effectiveness increasing with each operation.
SURVEILLANCE CONCERN: Spoiler spotted multiple observation positions. Different groups watching us professionally. Being evaluated by at least three separate parties. Unknown if friendly or hostile. Need to stay alert but can't let paranoia stop operations.
TED'S WARNING: Don't lose myself in the work. Remember life outside vigilante operations. Stay connected to people who care about me. That's important. Been better about staying in touch with Uncle Mike, hanging out with Sarah and Jackson. Need to maintain that balance.
PARTNERSHIP STATUS: Spoiler and I working seamlessly. Three months of coordination, complete trust established. She's not just partner—she's friend. That matters. Makes the work sustainable.
NEXT STEPS: Continue operations. Reach Phase 2 completion (280 abilities). Stay alert for whoever's watching us. Maintain balance between Marcus and Revenant.
He closed the app and called Uncle Mike, keeping his promise about staying in touch.
"Hey, kid. How's college?"
"Busy. Good busy. Just wanted to check in."
"Appreciate that. You staying safe? Being smart?"
"Yeah. Taking rest days. Working with my partner. Coordinating properly."
"Good. Your friends keeping you grounded?"
"Sarah and Jackson are great. Saw them yesterday, hanging out tomorrow." Marcus smiled. "I'm managing, Uncle Mike. Really."
"I believe you. Just keep managing. And Marcus?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm proud of you. Whatever you're doing out there, you're making a difference. I can tell. Just don't get yourself killed doing it."
"I won't. Promise."
Meanwhile - Undisclosed Location
Barbara Gordon reviewed the latest surveillance data with Kate Kane.
"They're operating at peak efficiency now," Barbara said, showing footage of Friday's operation. "Coordination with police is professional level. Success rate maintaining at 98%."
"When does Bruce want the enhanced threat assessment?" Kate asked.
"He's been waiting for the right opportunity. Something that tests their adaptability under real pressure." Barbara pulled up additional data. "Normal criminals they handle fine. But he wants to see how they deal with something more challenging before making final decisions."
"Think they're ready for it?"
"Reid's learning curve is remarkable, and Brown's tactical thinking is excellent." Barbara made notes. "If they can handle enhanced opposition, even with support, that tells us what we need to know."
"What about the League activity?"
"Still elevated. No direct action yet, but they're definitely preparing for something." Barbara's expression was concerned. "We need to move soon. If the League gets to these kids first..."
"They won't. We're closer." Kate checked her equipment. "I'm maintaining overwatch. If League operatives show up, we'll know immediately."
"Good. Because this window won't stay open long. Multiple parties interested in the same targets—someone's going to make a move soon."
Tuesday Evening - September 3
Marcus and Spoiler were on patrol when Spoiler's scanner picked up something unusual.
"Fire in the industrial district. Multiple buildings. Spreading fast." She pulled up the location. "That's... that's not normal fire spread. Something's wrong."
They moved toward the smoke, arriving at the industrial complex to find chaos.
Multiple buildings on fire. But the fire was wrong—too hot, too controlled, moving in patterns that natural fire wouldn't follow.
"This isn't accidental," Marcus said, his enhanced senses analyzing the scene. "Someone's controlling it."
"There!" Spoiler pointed to a figure on a nearby rooftop. Bulky suit with integrated flamethrower systems, moving between buildings and spreading fire with precision.
"Firefly," Spoiler said grimly. "Arsonist for hire. Enhanced equipment. This is going to be harder than our usual work."
Marcus watched Firefly launch another stream of fire at a warehouse. "So we're fighting a guy literally made of fire. Great. Always wanted to test my 'getting burned alive' resistance."
"Not funny."
"Little bit funny. Come on, 'Firefly'? He's practically begging for fire-related puns."
"Focus, Revenant."
"Focused. What's the plan?"
Spoiler calculated quickly. "Standard approach but smarter. I'll distract, you use your speed to disable his fuel systems. But if this goes bad, we retreat and call for backup."
"Agreed. Though retreating from fire is just 'running away.' Tactical retreating sounds better but it's the same thing."
"Can you be serious for five minutes?"
"Probably not, but I'll try."
They moved closer, using the smoke for cover.
Firefly was targeting a warehouse complex—expensive equipment inside based on the signage. Professional arson for hire, Marcus's cop intuition told him.
"Let's move before he burns down the whole district," Spoiler said.
"And before I run out of fire jokes. I've only got like three more."
Spoiler's distraction worked—a smoke grenade got Firefly's attention. Marcus used the moment to close distance with enhanced speed.
But Firefly was experienced. He anticipated the flanking maneuver and had already set up defensive fire patterns.
A burst of flame came directly at Marcus. He tried to dodge but the confined space limited his options. The flames hit him directly.
Marcus braced for pain—but it didn't come.
The fire washed over him, intense heat that should have burned, but his skin didn't blister. Didn't char. The flames felt warm, uncomfortable, but not agonizing.
Okay, that's new. And convenient.
Click.
The copy. He'd gotten close enough to Firefly to trigger it.
Fire resistance. Enhanced tolerance to heat and flames. Not immunity—he could still feel the heat, still knew the fire was dangerous—but his body could withstand temperatures that would incapacitate normal people.
Well, that's incredibly useful right now. Thank you, fire guy.
"Stay down!" Firefly commanded, apparently thinking his flames had done their job.
Instead, Marcus stood up, brushing embers off his jacket. "So, uh, that was supposed to hurt more, right? Because I'm feeling a strong 'warm summer day' vibe here."
"What the hell?" Firefly's voice showed genuine surprise.
"Yeah, I'm confused too. But I'm gonna roll with it." Marcus used his enhanced speed to close the remaining distance. "Sorry about your fuel line."
His enhanced strength made short work of the connection. Fuel leaked. Firefly's system went into emergency shutdown.
But Firefly wasn't done. Years of experience kicked in—he transitioned to backup systems, kept Marcus engaged with close combat techniques, using his armored suit's weight advantage.
"You're tougher than you look, kid," Firefly said, landing a heavy strike that knocked Marcus back. "But you're still amateur hour."
Spoiler engaged from another angle, landing several precise strikes. But Firefly adapted, managing both threats with professional efficiency.
He's good. Really good. The fire resistance helped but he's got too much experience.
They were locked in stalemate—Marcus couldn't be burned but couldn't get past Firefly's defenses, Spoiler couldn't break through his armor, and Firefly couldn't hurt them enough to escape cleanly.
Then a sound—high-powered rifle from distance.
The shot hit Firefly's backup fuel system with surgical precision. The rupture forced another emergency shutdown.
"Sniper!" Firefly scanned for the shooter.
Another shot hit his helmet's targeting array. Sparks flew.
Marcus used the distraction. Enhanced speed, fire resistance letting him ignore the residual flames, he got inside Firefly's guard and disabled the primary control system.
"Not worth it!" Firefly activated emergency thrusters and retreated rapidly, trailing smoke and sparks.
Marcus and Spoiler regrouped, breathing hard.
"Are you okay?" Spoiler asked immediately, looking at where the flames had hit Marcus. "That fire hit you directly—"
"I'm fine. Barely felt it." Marcus checked himself—no burns, no damage. "Don't know why but the fire didn't hurt me like it should have."
"Your enhancements include fire resistance too?" Spoiler's tone was surprised. "That's... that's really useful actually."
"Apparently. Lucky timing." Marcus looked around. "But we didn't win alone. Our mystery sniper helped. Again."
Spoiler scanned the rooftops. Marcus's enhanced vision caught a glimpse—red hair, tactical gear, already moving away.
"She keeps saving us," Spoiler said. "Whoever she is."
"Yeah. And I'm getting tired of not knowing who or why." Marcus watched the figure disappear. "But she's professional. Really professional."
"We should be grateful. Without her, Firefly would have escaped clean. Your fire resistance helped but he was experienced enough to adapt." Spoiler looked at the damage. "We're getting better, but there are still people out there who are better than us."
"Humbling thought."
"Necessary thought." Spoiler's tone was serious. "We held our own, but we needed help. That's not weakness—that's reality. And Marcus?"
"Yeah?"
"We're reaching the limits of what we can do alone. Firefly wasn't even a top-tier threat. There are worse things in Gotham."
Marcus knew she was right.
They'd survived because of his lucky copy and mysterious sniper support.
We're good. But are we good enough?
The question hung in the air as fire trucks arrived and they disappeared into the night.
Back at his apartment, Marcus logged the encounter:
DATE: September 3
TOTAL ABILITIES: 272
FIREFLY ENCOUNTER - REALITY CHECK:
Faced arsonist for hire with enhanced equipment and years of experience. We held our own but didn't win alone. Needed mystery sniper's intervention to force his retreat. That's humbling but honest.
ABILITY COPIED: Fire resistance (from Firefly). Enhanced tolerance to heat and flames. Not immunity—I can still feel heat, still know fire is dangerous—but I can withstand temperatures that would kill normal people. Walked through his flamethrower attack with minimal discomfort. This is MAJOR defensive upgrade. Fire is common in Gotham—arson, explosions, combat. Having resistance significantly improves survival odds.
CRITICAL MOMENT: The copy saved my life initially but wasn't enough to win. Firefly hit me with direct flames expecting me to go down. Instead I kept fighting. But his experience meant he adapted, kept me engaged despite the resistance. Would have stalemated or lost without sniper support.
MYSTERY SNIPER: Red-haired woman, tactical gear, professional-level marksmanship. Third time she's intervened to help us. Not just watching—actively protecting. WHO IS SHE? And why does she keep saving us without introducing herself?
SPOILER'S ASSESSMENT: We're reaching our limits. Firefly wasn't top-tier and we needed help. There are far worse threats in Gotham. We're effective at street level but enhanced opposition requires resources and support we don't have.
COVER STORY: Told Spoiler fire resistance is part of my enhancements. She accepted it. OpSec maintained on copying mechanism.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Four months of operations. 272 abilities including fire resistance. Advanced combat skills. Police coordination. Strategic thinking. All of it wasn't quite enough against experienced enhanced criminal. We're good—but not Batman level. Not even close.
NEXT STEPS: Continue operations at level we can handle. Figure out who mystery sniper is. Stay alert for whoever else is watching us. Maintain effectiveness while acknowledging we need support for bigger threats.
He closed the app and stared at his ceiling.
Fire resistance. That was huge.
But it also proved they had limits.
We survived because I copied the right ability and because someone else was watching our backs.
That's not sustainable. We need to figure out who's helping us and why.
Before we face something that fire resistance and sniper support can't fix.
Outside, Gotham's night continued.
And somewhere in that darkness, a red-haired woman watched over two vigilantes who had no idea how much attention they'd attracted.
Or how little time they had left before everything changed.
Kate Kane - Observation Post
Kate lowered her rifle, satisfied.
"Bruce, this is Kate. Just observed the enhanced threat assessment you wanted." She spoke into her encrypted comm. "Subjects engaged Firefly—arsonist for hire with professional equipment. Reid showed enhanced durability, walked through direct flame attacks. Brown showed tactical adaptability. They held their own but needed support to force the retreat."
Bruce Wayne's voice came through. "Your assessment?"
"They're ready. Good coordination, solid judgment under pressure, willing to acknowledge limits and work with support. Reid's enhancement suite is more extensive than we initially thought—he's got fire resistance now on top of the speed and strength."
"Interesting. That's a useful defensive ability." Bruce paused. "League activity status?"
"Still elevated. Multiple safe houses confirmed active. They're preparing for something but no direct action yet."
"Then we move. Oracle will make initial contact within forty-eight hours. Continue overwatch until then."
"Understood. What about recruitment approach?"
"We'll offer what they need—training, resources, support structure. They're reaching their limits operating independently. Tonight proved that." Bruce's tone was measured. "But Kate, be ready for complications. If the League is preparing something, our window may be shorter than we'd like."
"Copy that. I'll stay sharp."
Kate settled back into her position, watching the industrial district.
Two days.
Then everything would change for Gotham's newest vigilantes.
Whether they were ready or not.