Chapter Sixteen

(Uptown, Unknown road - Gotham City)

"Thank you, thank you so much." The man wearing ripped clothes and no shoes expressed his gratitude to Jayden repeatedly.

"It's alright, no need for thanks. Just make sure to come by my shop sometime, and I'll make sure you look presentable for any potential job opportunities." Jayden replied with a kind smile. This homeless person was the last individual Jayden had helped tonight.

Jayden hadn't always been this way. In the past, he was the type of guy to ignore the homeless and those struggling with addiction on the streets.

He believed that they had somehow brought their misfortune upon themselves, and therefore, he felt no sympathy for them. But with this mindset, he had forgotten an essential principle of being human: sympathy, compassion, and kindness.

It was his uncle Jamie who had taught him the value of these qualities. Jayden recalled the saying his uncle would often repeat: "Kindness begets kindness."

His uncle explained that this saying meant that when you are kind to others, it often leads to a chain reaction of more kindness.

By showing kindness and compassion, you inspire others to do the same. Kindness has a ripple effect, spreading positive energy and fostering a cycle of goodwill.

This saying reflected a fundamental aspect of human nature, emphasizing the power and influence of our actions.

Acts of kindness have the potential to create a positive impact not only on individuals but also on the broader community and society as a whole.

When people experience kindness, they feel appreciated, valued, and inspired to extend kindness to others in return.

Jayden vividly remembered an example from his uncle's own experience.

There was a client named Sarah who would visit the shop intermittently. Initially guarded and hesitant to interact, Sarah seemed burdened by her own fears and insecurities. However, his uncle Jamie observed this and decided to make a difference.

"I listened," his uncle continued. "I listened to her concerns and experiences. I offered her words of encouragement and created a warm, welcoming atmosphere where she could relax."

Eventually, Jayden learned that Sarah had not only lost her job but also her home. She was left with nowhere to go. Jamie had offered to let her stay at the shop, but she declined. However, he made a small gesture to help her during her struggle by offering complimentary haircuts.

Sarah was shocked and moved by his Uncle Jamie's kindness. It rekindled her spirit and motivated her to persevere.

With newfound determination, she didn't give up. Sarah carried the kindness she had received forward and continued working hard to rebuild her life.

In an unexpected turn of events, Sarah ended up saving a wealthy individual's life.

Grateful for her bravery, the millionaire took an interest in Sarah's situation. Deeply touched, they helped her secure a well-paying job. Through that job, Sarah founded her own charity, positively impacting the lives of millions who faced similar struggles.

Jayden was astonished. "Wait a minute, charity...Sarah... is that the same Sarah who founded the Salvation Army, the multimillionaire?"

His uncle Jamie chuckled. "Yep, that's the one." He replied while rinsing his clippers. He then knelt at eye level with Jayden.

"The flutter of a butterfly's wings can cause a hurricane on the other side of the world... Never forget that, Jayden."

Jayden laughed, reminiscing about the lessons his uncle had imparted. He promised himself that he would always remember those valuable teachings.

As Jayden made his way back home, his pet Raven, perched on his shoulder suddenly tensed and started hissing. It was an unusual behaviour for her.

"What's wrong, Raven? What's got you all worked up?" Jayden inquired.

Jayden's question was soon answered as he heard the sound of rapid footsteps approaching from an alleyway.

Instinctively, he raised his guard and plucked a few hairs from his head, fashioning them into makeshift needles. He prepared himself for a potential threat, but what emerged from the alleyway was not what he had expected.

' Is that a...hyena.'

"A hyena? What is a hyena doing in the middle of Gotham City?" Jayden thought to himself, baffled by the sight before him. Normally, hyenas would be found in zoos or wildlife reserves, not roaming the streets.

Raven continued to hiss, but not at the hyena. Her focus was on a truck that had just driven past the alley, and she clearly sensed danger from it. Without hesitation, the hyena sought refuge behind Jayden, as if it were seeking his protection.

Jayden found himself at a loss for words, unsure of how to react.

' Hey, aren't you the dangerous animal, why are you hiding behind me for.'

" Ahh, there's nowhere else to run you little annoying fucker...oui kid get out the way, our little pet has run away as you can see so could you move."

One of the goons said in a threatening tone. Jayden stayed silent, he looked behind him only to see the hyena looking at him, its head tilted down showing it wasn't a threat and it started producing high-pitched whines, and yelps.

Clearly, these guys weren't this hyena's owners, and if they were it didn't seem to like the idea of going back with them.

Jayden sighed before smiling, he took his hand and softly petted the hyena." These guys are bothering you aren't they, don't worry I won't let them take you."

"Hey, kid, get out of the way, we need to take it back home." One of the goons barked, his tone threatening. His hand moved closer to his waistband, suggesting he might be reaching for a Weapon.

"Sorry, guys, but I can't let you take this hyena back." Jayden said calmly, his voice tinged with determination. He reached out a hand and gently petted the hyena, reassuring it. "It seems like this little guy is in distress, and I won't abandon it."

As the goons realized that Jayden wasn't backing down, they decided to escalate the situation.

One of them lunged forward, attempting to grab Jayden. With lightning-fast reflexes, Jayden skillfully dodged the attack and countered with a swift kick, knocking the assailant off balance.

Drawing upon his unique abilities, Jayden concentrated his focus. His power to transmute hair into objects surged through him, and he swiftly transformed a few strands of hair into some makeshift tools. He utilized them with precision, creating a distraction by hurling a smoke bomb at the remaining goons.

Amidst the confusion, Jayden's swift movements and expert combat skills allowed him to neutralize the threat swiftly.

Not only had Jayden been training to be a licensed barber, but knowing that his first shop was going to be in Gotham he had trained in martial arts as well.

It especially helped when you're body was stronger than that of a peak human. That was also one of the gifts he realised he had, even without working out or training his body, he would get stronger the longer he lived.

Using a hair-turned-rope, he disarmed one of the goons and swiftly subdued him with a well-placed strike. The other goons, disoriented by the smoke bomb, struggled to regain their bearings.

Jayden managed to easily knock all the goons out, and with a technique that he had learned from a guru in the Himalayas, he pointed a hair needle at a certain pressure point in the goon's body that would give that person short-term memory loss from up to two hours.

That way Jayden wouldn't have to worry about these goons coming to find him if they did try.

....

(Gotham City, Abandoned industrial complex - Outskirts of the city)

Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and Catwoman were still on the hunt for Harley's stolen hyena. They stormed into an abandoned warehouse where they suspected the punks who took the hyena might be hiding.

Harley, with her signature mallet in hand, had a mischievous grin on her face.

Poison Ivy, surrounded by her entourage of vines, looked ready to unleash her plant-based powers. Catwoman, known for her stealth and agility, moved silently alongside them.

As they approached a group of trembling punks, Selina's phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw that it was a call from Jayden.

Curiosity piqued, she excused herself for a moment, stepping away from the scene to answer the call.

"Hey, Tiger! What's up?" Selina greeted, trying to maintain her usual cool demeanour.

Ivy who was eavesdropping on Selina's conversation, lifted a brow.' Tiger? She's never called Batman that before.'

"Hey, Selina! Listen, I know this might sound strange, but do you happen to know if any zoos have reported a missing hyena recently?" Jayden asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

Selina furrowed her brow, pondering the question. "Hmm, I'm not sure. Why do you ask?"

Jayden hesitated for a moment before replying." Well, I found a lost hyena wandering around near my place. I thought it might be someone's pet or something. It's pretty friendly, surprisingly." He said while Selina could hear the cackle of a hyena from the other side.

Suddenly, Selina's eyes widened as realization struck her. She covered her mouth to stifle a laugh." Tiger, that hyena you found... It might just be the one we're looking for! Don't worry about it. I'll take care of everything."

Jayden seemed puzzled. "Wait, what? How do you know about it?"

Selina chuckled softly. "Let's just say I have my ways. Thanks for letting me know. I'll come pick it up from you soon."

After hanging up, Selina returned to the warehouse, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. She approached Harley and Ivy, who were still intimidating the trembling punks.

"Hey, ladies! I think I've got some good news. It seems our missing hyena has found itself a guardian angel. My friend just stumbled across Lou." Selina revealed, a mischievous grin matching Harley's own.

Harley's eyes lit up, and she let out a delighted laugh. "Well, ain't that a funny twist of fate! Looks like we're about to have a reunion with our furry friend!"

....

( Gotham City, Uptown - Harley Quinn's hideout!)

As Jayden eagerly followed the hyena, oblivious to the fact that he was being led straight to Harley Quinn's warehouse, a mix of excitement and curiosity filled his mind.

The hyena, with an uncanny sense of direction, weaved through the city streets until they reached their destination.

Entering the warehouse, Jayden glanced around, his eyes widening at the sight of the vibrant chaos within. He found himself surrounded by playful yet menacing decor, from colourful graffiti to oversized mallets hanging on the walls.

Jayden suddenly felt shivers through his spine.' I don't know why but I feel like I should get out of here, right now.' Jayden immediately followed his instincts and walked away from the warehouse, but not before saying goodbye to Lou.

A few moments later, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and Selina Kyle, dressed in their iconic attires, burst into the warehouse. As they entered, their eyes scanned the room until they spotted the hyena, happily wagging its tail as it approached Harley.

Harley's eyes widened with joy, and a wide grin spread across her face." LOU! Oh, I missed you so much, ya crazy furball!"

The hyena bounded towards Harley, its excitement mirroring hers. It jumped into her arms, licking her face with affectionate slobber, causing Harley to burst into a fit of laughter.

Selina and Ivy exchanged smiles, witnessing the heartwarming reunion. They understood the unique bond between Harley and her pet in that moment.

Though looking around, Selina wondered where Jayden had run off to. 'Maybe he got scared when he realised whose pet he had.'

Harley didn't have the best reputation out there, so that wouldn't surprise her. But for some reason, she didn't get that vibe from Jayden, he didn't seem like the type to get scared easily.

" So, who's this Tiger you were speaking to before." Selinas' expression faltered upon hearing the sudden question from Poison Ivy.

" I guess you could say...we're friends." Selina said mischievously.

" Ohhh! And what happened to you and Batman then, I thought you had that little thing going on.."

"..."

" Not anymore, and probably not ever..."

"Well thats enough about my love life, since Harley got her pet back I'm heading home."

Selina said before leaving the warehouse. Ivy soon did the same while Harley continued to play with her two precious babies, Bou and Lou.