American Comics: Multiverse of Madness

137. Conversation with Hawkeye.

"Now, are you willing to have a proper chat?" Alex said calmly, looking at the completely restrained old Barton.

Although Alex had anticipated this situation when he decided to find Hawkeye, he still felt a bit helpless when Barton attacked him without a word.

"Seriously, Barton, you really should control your temper. Do you think if I wanted to harm you, I'd bother having a conversation with you? It's understandable that you don't trust me, but believe me, I have no desire to harm you in front of your family."

This sad world had almost driven the old man crazy. Over the years, old Hawkeye had buried too many things in his heart, without confiding in anyone. Not to his ex-wife and daughter, not even to his only friend now, Logan.

He tried to act like a good father in front of his daughter, but inside, he felt unworthy, leading to overindulgence that turned Ashley into who she was now. He pretended to be carefree in front of Wolverine, Logan, repeatedly trying to pull Logan out of his past sorrows. But deep down, his real motive was to get Logan to take revenge on those criminals from the past.

Although he later confessed the truth about that day to his successor, Kate Bishop, it was too late. This old man, living for revenge, could no longer turn back.

"Well done, kid. I haven't seen a trick like this in years. Remind me again, who are you?" Old Barton tried to resist but failed. Although Alex's magic had turned the bow into a flexible rope, its material hadn't changed. There was no way Barton could break free from the alloy with his mortal body.

"I haven't introduced myself yet," Alex said, rubbing his temples. "Forget it. Tonya, Ultron, could you let me and Barton talk alone?"

"Sure, business hasn't been great lately anyway," Tonya agreed readily. She closed the large iron door of the repair shop, giving Barton a fierce look as she passed him, seemingly blaming him for causing trouble here.

Tonya and Ultron left one after the other, leaving the entire shop to Alex and old Barton. They knew these two had serious matters to discuss and, from Alex's abilities, it was clear they didn't want to be involved in this 'serious matter.'

"Alright, it's just us now, kid. Let me go," Barton said, his demeanor changing instantly once Tonya left.

"Not yet."

"Why not? I already believe you."

Barton was angry. Despite all these years, his skills hadn't declined, yet here he was, rendered powerless in an instant in this wasteland.

"Some things are better said this way. While you trust me, I don't trust you," Alex said, dragging a chair in front of Hawkeye and sitting down slowly.

"Why don't you trust me? I used to be a superhero!" Barton argued.

"And a supervillain," Alex retorted, leaving Barton speechless.

"Alright, alright, you win, sharp-tongued kid. What do you want to know?"

"No rush," Alex said, not immediately starting the conversation but slowly shifting his gaze behind Barton. "I said I wanted to talk to Barton alone."

"What?" Barton was puzzled for a moment, then quickly realized what Alex meant. Someone was eavesdropping behind him. "Who's there!?"

The previously calm Barton became agitated instantly. This was his ex-wife's shop, and if an enemy was eavesdropping here, Tonya and Ashley could be in danger. He couldn't allow that, so he struggled fiercely to see who was behind him.

The repair shop was silent except for Barton's struggle. Alex's words seemed to have sunk into the sea without causing any ripples.

This made Alex slightly displeased. He snapped his fingers, and the next second—

Crash!

Something dropped from a blind spot on the ceiling, crashing into the auto parts below with a metallic clang.

"I warned you, girl, my patience has limits."

The eavesdropper was none other than Barton's beloved daughter, Ashley. Alex had noticed her sneaking from the second floor to the ceiling but hadn't expected her to be this bold.

"Ashley? My little princess, is that you?" Barton instantly recognized his daughter's presence from Alex's words. His struggles became even more intense.

"Don't misunderstand, Ashley. This man is your dad's friend. We... uh, we're discussing some adult matters. Kid, let me down already!" Barton said urgently.

Ashley limped out from the auto parts pile. Despite her extraordinary physique, the fall had hurt her, but she made no sound, glaring at Alex with a mix of admiration and anger.

"Want to go another round?" Alex asked flatly.

"Let me down—Ashley, please go upstairs. Let Dad talk to him, okay? Be a good girl and go back!" Barton pleaded, but Ashley ignored him, fixating only on Alex.

Seeing the mix of admiration and a hint of murderous intent in her eyes, Alex remained expressionless for a long while before finally speaking.

"You heard your father. Go upstairs. I won't say it again."

Ashley paused, then limped up the stairs. Seeing this, Barton ceased his struggles. The atmosphere became silent, with only the sound of Ashley's steps on the stairs, ending with a faint door closing. After a while, Barton looked back at Alex.

"...That girl has never been so obedient. You're quite good with kids."

Alex rolled his eyes silently.

"It's your poor parenting!"

.......

20 advanced chapters on p@treaon
For advance chapters: /Uchiha_Itachi007 (replace @ with a)
138. The Villains' Information.
139. Hawkeye's Journey.
140. 'Dazzling Confusion' and 'Eye-Popping'.
141. Wasteland.
142. Regressed Civilization.