Upon entering the premises, Arias had his driver park in the reserved lot before starting the tour. A large part of the grounds was still under construction, but many buildings were already complete, with renovations nearly finished.
He wasn't trying to prove a point, so he kept the tour short, using it as an excuse to create a false sense of belief and trust from Terra.
As they roamed the empty futuristic-looking halls, Terra and Raven's eyes wandered around, impressed by what they were seeing. Arias didn't speak much during the tour—neither wanting to brag nor seem humble.
As they walked, Terra couldn't help but mutter, "This must've cost a fortune. Why do you go so far to help people?" She asked, still harboring a deep distrust toward people and their intentions, especially after Slade's revelation.
Raven also looked at Arias, expecting an answer. Arias paused and gave them a small smile.
"I told you before, Terra, I'm not a kind man. The world is currently experiencing an exponential growth in young super-humans. Many governments have already employed programs to secretly weaponize these children, grooming them to grow up as living weapons.
"If I just stand by and watch, won't I be inviting future enemies? But by doing this, I present these children a safe haven to grow and nurture their abilities, while also giving them the opportunity to choose what sort of life they want to lead and who they want to follow."
Terra could more or less understand the point Arias was trying to make.
"So by helping them, you better the chances of them being grateful to you and wanting to work with you, right?" she asked plainly.
With no memory of her past and only her life as a fighter and killer in training, Terra wasn't oblivious to how rough life could be… or how diabolical some minds were. Arias was a unique case—honest and open about how he saw the world. He didn't fear being judged, and that left her feeling like he was automatically more trustworthy than the average person.
Raven's thoughts remained a mystery as she watched Arias nod, admitting that Terra was right. "That's right. You have to understand one thing—in life, almost everyone cares only for themselves. It's human nature."
Terra couldn't help but agree. "I guess you're right. You're pretty wise, huh? Guess that comes with age," she remarked, meaning no harm.
However, Arias raised a brow in her direction. "I'm just frank about how I see the world. Also, my experience isn't much—I'm only 21, after all. Anyway, let's continue."
Arias proceeded to walk on, while Terra seemed shocked to hear his age. "You're only 21?!"
He didn't reply further and continued the tour. Raven followed slowly, her hoodie up, as if trying to remain inconspicuous.
Once the tour was finally over, Arias and the girls left the building. He planned to send them on their way so he could do a bit of digging, but before he could voice his thoughts, a familiar voice called out to him.
"Heya, Mr. M!" A cheerful Harley called out from afar, wearing her usual odd clothing but with some noticeable changes. All references to the Joker had been cleared, but the clown aesthetic remained—her attempt at saying she was her own person now. Judging by her tone, Arias assumed she was at least done mourning and looking forward.
The only real oddity was the construction hat she wore as she rushed over to Arias, waving her hand.
"Do I even want to know what you're doing here?" Arias furrowed his brows and asked, unsure of what she was up to.
Harley maintained a gleeful smile as she took off the hat and explained. "Well, I got all bored being cooped up inside, y'see? So I decided to go sightseeing. I remembered this place belongs to you while passing by, so I stopped to help. I'm an unofficial demolition expert, y'know. The guys were all friendly and welcoming."
Arias sighed, unable to argue with her little fantasy trip. "I'd be more surprised if they weren't, given your reputation… and attire," he commented, pointing at her none-too-modest outfit.
He didn't dislike it, nor did her going around in it bother him. Her lack of levelheadedness was just hard for him to process, no matter the occasion. She just didn't feel real.
Harley took Arias's words as compliments and began to pose for him in an inviting manner. "You know me, I'm a real fashion terrorist! By the way, who are these pouty dolls? They don't look like ya type," she bluntly commented, causing Terra to frown while Raven remained unfazed.
"Terra, meet Harley—one of the members of my Gotham Special Task Force. And Harley, meet Terra, my daughter," he flatly explained.
Harley looked at Terra with narrowed eyes before commenting, "I don't see a resemblance, Mr. M. Y'sure she's yours? Could be one of them 'are you the father' scams, y'know."
Not wanting to dive into deep explanations, Arias summarized, "She's adopted."
Finally understanding, Harley made an "Ohh" expression and nodded with a grin. "Kinky. You're into that 'what are you doing, step-bro' stuff, huh?"
Ignoring Harley's approving nod, Arias saw this as an opportunity to leave while also dumping a task onto Harley.
"Since you have so much time on your hands, do me a favor and finish giving Terra and her friend here a tour. Then take them shopping for clothes—I imagine they both lack them. Afterward, ask the driver to drop Terra's friend off at the Gotham Heights central registration area while you and Terra go home together."
Harley nodded with a mischievous smile, but Arias caught sight of it and warned, "And by clothing, I mean normal clothes, not whatever you're imagining."
Harley showed a surprised expression. "How'd you know what I was thinking? Are you one of them people who read minds just by seeing someone's face?"
Not wanting to lose brain cells trying to hold the conversation, Arias shook his head and began walking away. "Oh, and be sure to introduce Terra to Diana."
*I'm not in the mood to explain the essence of adoption to the Amazonian princess, who thinks stepfathers only appear after they kill a child's original father and take over the family.*
Arias rubbed his temple and walked off while Harley waved him away, then turned to the girls with a mischievous look.
"Time for a little girls' day out. What'd ya say?"