Harley led Hisoka through Gotham's grimy streets, her boots splashing through puddles of rainwater and who-knows-what. She glanced over her shoulder, smirking. "Y'know, for a guy who likes games, you sure are quiet."
Hisoka trailed behind, scanning the darkness. "I prefer to focus when the stakes are high."
The stench was overwhelming, the air thick with the smell of decay and stagnant water. Hisoka didn't mind. He had faced worse in his life. What he was looking for was something far more interesting: a challenge.
A sudden splash echoed through the tunnels. Hisoka tensed. "He's close."
"No kiddin'. Big guy's got a nose for intruders. One time, some goons tried sneaking in to rob him. They found pieces of 'em floatin' downstream." She chuckled. "You sure you wanna play with him, sugar?"
It didn't take long for Croc to find him. The first sign was a low growl, echoing through the tunnels like a warning. Hisoka stopped, his grin widening as he felt the presence of something massive moving in the shadows. Then, with a roar, Croc lunged.
Hisoka dodged, his movements fluid and precise. Croc's claws slashed through the air, missing him by inches. The monster snarled, his yellow eyes gleaming in the dim light. "You're brave, comin' down here. Or stupid."
Croc charged again, his massive frame barreling toward Hisoka like a freight train. Hisoka leapt to the side, his Bungee Gum stretching out to latch onto the wall. He swung around, landing behind Croc and sending a flurry of cards flying. They struck Croc's back, slicing through his thick hide, but the monster barely flinched.
"Tickles," Croc growled, turning to face him. "You'll have to do better than that."
Hisoka's grin widened. "Oh, I plan to."
---
The fight was brutal, a clash of strength and cunning. Croc's raw power was unmatched, his claws and teeth tearing through the air with deadly precision. But Hisoka was faster, his movements unpredictable and his attacks relentless. He used the environment to his advantage, leaping off walls and swinging from pipes, always staying one step ahead.
Croc roared, lunging forward, claws slicing through the space where Hisoka had just stood. The hunter twisted midair, planting his foot against the slimy tunnel wall and pushing off, flipping over Croc's head. He landed behind him, flicking a razor-sharp card toward the beast's exposed back.
The card struck, drawing blood, but Croc barely flinched. He whirled around, tail whipping through the air. Hisoka ducked, the force of the blow shattering a nearby pipe, sending a spray of scalding steam into the darkness.
"You fight funny," Croc growled, eyes gleaming in the dim light.
Hisoka licked his lips. "I fight to win."
Croc charged again, the tunnel trembling under his weight. Hisoka sprang upward, gripping a rusted pipe and swinging out of reach. Croc's claws tore through the concrete where he'd been standing, chunks of debris crashing into the water below.
Perched on the pipe, Hisoka tilted his head. "You're tougher than you look." His voice was almost playful. "But strength alone won't be enough."
Croc snarled, swiping at the pipe. It groaned under the pressure, cracking apart. Hisoka dropped, landing lightly on the balls of his feet. Bungee Gum snapped out, latching onto Croc's arm. The beast roared, yanking hard, dragging Hisoka forward. He twisted midair, using the momentum to land a spinning kick to Croc's jaw. The impact echoed through the tunnels, but Croc barely stumbled.
"Tough crowd," Hisoka mused.
Croc lunged again, jaws snapping shut inches from Hisoka's neck. The magician slipped away, twisting through the air and landing behind him once more. Hisoka flicked another card, aiming for Croc's leg. It struck true, but the monster only growled, the wound barely slowing him.
Croc didn't tire, didn't falter. His endurance was as monstrous as his appearance. Hisoka wasn't trying to win—not yet. He was testing Croc, probing for weaknesses, learning his patterns.
Finally, after what felt like hours, Hisoka leapt back, putting some distance between them. He rested a hand on his hip, breathing hard. "You're stronger than I expected," he admitted, his voice tinged with admiration. "But strength alone won't be enough to defeat me."
Croc's eyes narrowed, his breathing heavy but steady. "You talk too much."
Hisoka's grin turned feral. "Then let's end this."
---
The fight ended in a stalemate, both combatants too evenly matched to claim victory. Croc's strength and endurance were unmatched, but Hisoka's speed and cunning kept him one step ahead. As the dust settled, the two stood facing each other, their respect for one another unspoken but clear.
Croc wiped blood from his mouth, eyes narrowing as he sized Hisoka up. "You're not like the others. You fight for pleasure... You sick pervert."
Hisoka tilted his head, his grin widening. "And you're not just a brute. I can see why they fear you."
Croc's lip curled. "What do you want?"
Hisoka spread his arms wide, the dark tunnel echoing his soft chuckle. "Fun."
Croc studied him for a long moment, his breathing steadying. Finally, he gave a slow nod. "Then we'll meet again."
Hisoka bowed theatrically, laughter bubbling from his throat. "I look forward to it."
As Hisoka turned to leave, Croc melted into the shadows, his massive form vanishing into the murky depths. The tunnels grew quiet, the only sound the distant drip of water echoing off the walls.
Hisoka emerged into the night air, finding Harley waiting for him under a flickering streetlamp. Her grin widened when she saw him. "Well? How'd it go?"
Hisoka's eyes glittered. "Better than I expected. This city... it's full of surprises."
Harley linked her arm with his, leaning in close. "Y'know, you're crazy, right? Most people run the other way when Croc shows up."
Hisoka chuckled, wiping grime from his face. "Crazy enough to come back for more."
Harley giggled, her laughter echoing through the empty streets. "I think I'm startin' to like you, sugar."
As they disappeared into the shadows, Hisoka's laughter joined hers, mingling with the night air. The game was far from over, These monsters are far too entertaining to kill, Hisoka's mind was being consumed by the possibilities. The fun he could have, the THRILL of the battles he could have...It is euphoric.
---
"Hey Harley!" he said
"Yes Sugar?" she replied.
"Who shall we go see next?"
Her eyes sparked with joy and excitement and said "I have an idea!"