Next Steps

As Kian Mathis surveyed the expanding network he'd built, he knew it was time to start thinking bigger. Gotham was only the beginning. Now he wanted a power base that stretched beyond the city's limits, one that had influence in all corners of the world. But to build a foundation that strong, he needed strategic minds and lethal allies. Malcolm Merlyn and Nyssa al Ghul were exactly that: skilled, connected, and uniquely suited to advancing his goals.

In his private quarters, he called his most trusted associates—Red Hood, Deadshot, and Deathstroke—to discuss the possibilities. Each of them had proven their loyalty and effectiveness, making them invaluable confidants for the kind of expansion Kian envisioned.

Deadshot was the first to arrive, leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed. Deathstroke entered next, his gaze focused, scanning the room as if expecting a threat at any moment. Lastly, Jason—the Red Hood—strolled in, his face covered in his signature red helmet, but Kian could still sense the intrigue beneath.

Kian started without delay, his tone sharp and direct. "Thank you all for coming. I've been considering potential recruits to expand our influence outside of Gotham. But I wanted your perspectives on them before I made any moves."

He looked directly at Jason, Deadshot, and Deathstroke in turn. "Tell me what you think about bringing Malcolm Merlyn and Nyssa al Ghul into our fold."

Deadshot raised an eyebrow, considering the names. "Malcolm Merlyn, huh? That's ambitious. He's got a reputation for being ruthless and incredibly strategic. But he's also got ties to the League of Assassins. Are you sure he'd align with us?"

"That's what I want your opinion on," Kian replied, nodding at Deadshot's quick assessment. "Merlyn's resources could be invaluable. He's connected, and he knows how to operate in the shadows. And as for his allegiance… well, we have ways to ensure loyalty."

Deathstroke seemed intrigued, a slight smirk crossing his face. "Merlyn's a survivor. He's adaptable, even if he doesn't play nice with others. I'd say he's an asset worth pursuing, but we'll have to watch him closely. He's not a man who stays loyal unless it's in his interest."

Jason, silent until now, finally spoke. "Nyssa's a whole different story. She's sharp, skilled, and she's not afraid to take down anyone who gets in her way. But the League is a part of her identity, even if she's had her issues with it. Nyssa's not someone who follows orders blindly. She's got her own code."

Kian considered their feedback, leaning back in his chair. Each of them had raised valid points, and he valued their insights. Merlyn and Nyssa represented power, resources, and connections he couldn't ignore, but they also carried with them a certain level of risk.

"Jason," Kian continued, turning to him. "Do you think Nyssa would see value in joining us? Or do you think she'd try to use us for her own goals?"

Jason paused, crossing his arms. "Nyssa's driven by her own sense of justice—she's got loyalty, but it's complicated. She might join us, but only if she sees us as a way to accomplish her own objectives. We'd have to make sure our goals align."

Deadshot leaned forward, tapping his fingers thoughtfully. "I'm with Red Hood on that. Merlyn's easier to sway with power and influence; Nyssa's gonna need something else—maybe an assurance that we're about something bigger than Gotham's underworld."

Kian nodded, absorbing their perspectives. "If I can bring them on board, they'll be invaluable. We need people who understand strategy, people who can help us expand to other cities, who know how to manipulate and control without drawing too much attention."

Deathstroke gave a short nod. "Then we make it worth their while. You're building something far more organized and formidable than any one city could contain. People like Merlyn and Nyssa know that power only works when it's expansive."

Jason crossed his arms, his stance more skeptical. "It's risky, though. Merlyn's loyalty is as thin as paper when it doesn't suit him, and Nyssa… she's unpredictable."

Kian acknowledged the concern. "That's why I need your help to bring them in, should we decide to do so. Merlyn may respect power, but he needs to see the benefits of aligning with us. Nyssa's respect might take longer to earn, but if we present this as a chance for her to shape the world on her own terms, she might find reason to stay."

Deadshot let out a low chuckle. "Just gotta make sure she doesn't put a knife in our backs. Loyalty like hers doesn't come easy."

"I'm aware," Kian replied, meeting Deadshot's gaze with a steely determination. "But if I'm going to reshape more than just Gotham, I'll need allies who can help us reach new heights."

Deathstroke leaned forward, his tone shifting to something a bit more intense. "If you're serious about this, I'd suggest setting up a meeting. Get a sense of where they stand, what they want. But be prepared—they'll test us before they trust us."

"I'm counting on it," Kian replied. "That's why I wanted your input. I need you all to be prepared, should they agree to join us. Merlyn and Nyssa are powerful in their own right, but together, with us, they'd be unstoppable."

Jason nodded slowly. "Fine. But let's be clear: we don't owe them anything, and we don't bend over backward for them. They play by our rules or they're out."

Kian smirked, appreciating Jason's unwavering loyalty. "Of course. This is our operation, our cause. They'll have to earn their place."

Deadshot shrugged, his smile a bit more devil-may-care. "Then let's do it. If they're half as dangerous as they say, I'd rather have them with us than against us."

The decision seemed to be made, at least in theory. Kian felt the weight of it as he took in the room. His allies knew the stakes and were prepared to go to any lengths necessary to solidify their power. But the introductions, the recruitment—these were delicate moves that could make or break their growing empire.

Meanwhile, in an unmarked high-rise on the far side of Gotham, Malcolm Merlyn reclined in his office, sipping a glass of wine as he scanned the latest reports on Gotham's shifting underworld. He'd heard whispers of Kian Mathis, this new player reshaping the city's criminal network with swift precision. Mathis's methods intrigued him—he was no ordinary thug or power-hungry criminal. Mathis was strategic, cold, almost clinical. A man who understood power.

Merlyn's phone buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts. He glanced at the screen to find a cryptic message from one of his informants: "Mathis might be reaching out soon. Be ready."

A grin crept across Merlyn's face. "Interesting," he muttered. A man like Mathis wasn't likely to reach out unless he saw value in an alliance. And for all Merlyn's independent ambitions, he understood the importance of strong partnerships when the time called for them.

Elsewhere, Nyssa al Ghul trained in an underground facility, her movements swift and precise as she worked through her exercises. She had heard of Kian Mathis and was intrigued by his approach—one that combined ruthlessness with a vision beyond just crime. For years, Nyssa had sought a path separate from her father's League of Assassins. Now, here was a man who might offer a path that aligned with her own ideals.

As she finished her training, an assistant entered, a note in hand. "A contact in Gotham has informed me that Kian Mathis may be reaching out soon."

Nyssa raised an eyebrow, but didn't let her emotions show. "Very well. Prepare a message in response. I want to know what he seeks before I consider any form of alliance."

Back in Gotham, Kian's core team had dispersed, each one ready to take on the next phase of his plan. Kian sat alone for a moment, contemplating the move he was about to make. His empire was expanding, yes, but each new ally brought with them new risks, new complications. He needed Malcolm Merlyn's resources and Nyssa al Ghul's lethal skill set, but he was prepared to cut ties if they threatened his goals.

Reaching for his secure device, he composed two messages. The first was to Merlyn, the second to Nyssa. Each invitation was carefully worded, designed to appeal to their ambitions without compromising his own position. He didn't promise loyalty, only opportunity—enough to intrigue them, but with just enough distance to keep his own motives secure.

Once the messages were sent, Kian leaned back, waiting for the response that would determine the future of his growing network. He knew these were not partnerships to enter into lightly, but they were necessary. And as always, he would control the narrative, directing every move, no matter how unpredictable the pieces on the board.

Far from the shadows of Gotham, Black Mask watched with simmering resentment as his own influence continued to slip. Kian's rise and this talk of alliances had not gone unnoticed, and he knew it was only a matter of time before Gotham's underworld was entirely out of his hands.

He clenched his fist, his mind swirling with the rage he tried to keep in check. It was time to decide—to go to war or to surrender his reign.