Al Capone lounged in his office, the low hum of jazz crackling from an ancient gramophone on the far corner of his desk. His feet were propped up, and a lit cigar smoldered between his fingers, tendrils of smoke curling lazily in the air. Al Capone reclined further into his velvet armchair, a glass of whiskey dangling loosely in the other hand.
The room reeked of power, its walls adorned with gilded frames and opulent decor. A paused security feed flickered silently on the screen behind him, capturing the image of Aiden's group locked in battle on the casino floor.
"Helluva show," Capone muttered, exhaling a plume of smoke. He tapped the ash into a crystal tray, his eyes lingering on the still frame of Aiden's determined expression. "Kids these days. Got a spark, I'll give 'em that."
The faint creak of the office door interrupted his musings. The Sentinel entered first, his imposing figure casting a long shadow across the polished floor. Behind him, Lila stepped cautiously into the room, her gaze darting to the paused screen.
"Stay behind me," the Sentinel ordered sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument. "And don't speak."
Lila's jaw tightened, but she nodded, falling into step behind him. Her gaze lingered for a moment on the paused image of Aiden on the screen, something flickering behind her eyes before she looked away.
Capone leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes glinting as he took in the duo. "Well, well, if it isn't the Core's favorite pet. What brings you to my humble establishment?" He gestured grandly to the room, his grin sharp as a knife.
The Sentinel remained stoic, his dark mist curling faintly around him. "Business," he said flatly. His voice carried the weight of a man who despised being here.
Capone's gaze shifted to Lila, lingering just long enough to make the Sentinel tense. "And who's this? Your… assistant?" His grin widened. "Cute."
The Sentinel's crimson eyes flared, his mist coiling more aggressively. "Don't," he warned, his tone low and dangerous.
Capone raised his hands in mock surrender, his smirk unbroken. "Relax, big guy. Just making conversation." He gestured toward the paused screen. "Caught your boy Aiden in action. Gotta say, this ones got potential this time. Shame he's not working for me."
Lila's eyes flicked to the screen again, but she kept her expression neutral, clenching her fists at her sides. The Sentinel, however, took a step forward, his tone clipped. "Enough games. I'm here to collect a favor."
Capone chuckled, taking another puff of his cigar. "Favor? Last I checked, those coins benefit all enforcers, not just you. So I think I would owe the Core a favor, not you."
"You owe me," the Sentinel growled, his voice steady but filled with simmering rage. "And I'm here to make good on it."
Capone swirled his drink, the amber liquid catching the light as he chuckled softly. His smirk faded slightly, though his tone remained casual. "Do I? Because from where I'm sitting, I've done you plenty of favors."
The Sentinel's crimson gaze burned brighter, his voice unwavering. "This isn't a request."
Capone leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Alright, I'll bite. What's the favor?"
The Sentinel's mist swirled, his presence darkening the room. "I want you to protect her," he said, nodding toward Lila. "Keep her safe. Hide her from the Core."
Capone's grin faltered, replaced by a calculating expression. He glanced between the Sentinel and Lila, his mind clearly working through the implications. "You're asking me to defy the Core? Hide someone from its eyes?" He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "That's not just a favor, Sentinel. That's suicide."
"You'll do it," the Sentinel said firmly. "Because you're the only one who can."
Capone's gaze flicked to Lila, studying her with renewed interest. "And what makes her so special, huh? Why risk all this for her?"
"That's none of your concern," the Sentinel growled.
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the room. Capone studied Lila, his sharp gaze peeling back her guarded exterior. Then he sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Fine," he said reluctantly. "But only because I've got a soft spot for lost causes."
Before the Sentinel could respond, Lila stepped forward, her voice trembling but resolute. "No."
Both men turned to her, surprised. She looked at the Sentinel, her expression conflicted. "I'm not staying here. I won't hide while you—" She stopped, biting her lip. "You can't just leave me."
The Sentinel turned sharply, his tone cold. "Lila—"
"I said no!" she snapped, her fists clenched at her sides. "You can't just leave me here like… like I'm some problem to be dealt with. I don't need your protection."
The Sentinel hesitated, his hand twitching toward his mask. Slowly, deliberately, he removed it, the mist dissipating to revealing his face. His features were sharp and weathered, his eyes heavy with pain and regret. "You need to stay here," he said softly, his voice stripped of its usual harshness. "You'll be safe."
Lila's breath caught, her gaze locked onto his face. She didn't understand why, but something about him felt achingly familiar. She wanted to argue, to demand answers, but the weight of his words silenced her. For a moment, they simply stared at each other.
The Sentinel replaced his mask, his voice regaining its edge. "Stay," he said one last time before turning and walking out. His heavy footsteps echoed in the room, and the door closed behind him with a finality that left Lila frozen in place.
As the door closed behind the Sentinel, Capone exhaled sharply, leaning back in his chair. He glanced at Lila, his smirk returning. "Well, kid," he said, pouring himself another glass of whiskey, "looks like you're my guest now. Don't worry—I've got plenty of room."
She didn't respond, her gaze fixed on the closed door.
Capone chuckled softly to himself, turning his attention back to the screen. The frozen image of Aiden remained, his blade raised mid-strike. "I knew those kids would be good for business," he muttered, tipping his glass toward the screen before taking a long sip.