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Post by Glippernip on Nov 8, 2007 14:22:28 GMT -5
Batman Beyond #12 Kings & Knights Part 2: Full House Written by Daniel Dyer Edited by Joel Sawyer _______________________________________________________ Batman!” yells King, not removing his sword from Huntress’s neck. “You’ve heard of me?” quips the Bat. “I’ve heard of an upstart taking up the mantle of the Bat in Gotham,” Kings replies. “I suppose that would be you.” “Keep him talking,” Terry hears through his cowl communicator. “Oh, now you talk to me,” whispers Terry. “Not. Now,” is all Oracle says. Terry, once more focusing on King, says, “Oh, wait, I know you. Wasn’t there once fast food joint named after you?” questions Terry. “Burger King?” King raises his sword to the Bat, ready to blast, when Huntress kicks up, kicking the electric sword from his hands, allowing Batman to catch it. “We make quite a team, huh?” Batman asks Huntress. Huntress doesn’t answer, only turning to King. “Where’s Queen and Jack?” “Making off with the charitable donations,” replies King, grinning. Terry lands on the roof. “What about Ten?” “Huh?” Huntress turns in shock. “Right here,” comes a voice from behind. As Terry turns, he receives a black and white boot to the face. Ten, a petite young girl, in a uniform matching the others, white on one side, black on the other, with ten spades on the front, touches down on the roof, sweep kicking Huntress. As Ten gets to King, she whistles, calling her hover card, hopping on it and flying off with King. Terry, getting to his feet, blasts off after the duo. That’s when Jack finally shows himself, flinging razor sharp playing cards at the Bat. Terry barely avoids, thinking, These guys are playing for keeps. He regains his composure and notices Jack gone. Touching back down next to Huntress, Terry says, “Well, at least we got the android. Maybe it can provide clues.”
“Not likely,” Huntress says, pointing over the roof’s ledge. “Gone.” “Must have been why Jack or Queen were missing through most of the action.” Huntress turns to Terry. “So, how’d you know about Ten?” “I’m following the legacy of a great detective, remember?” Terry states. “Gotta live up to that.”
***
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Post by Glippernip on Nov 8, 2007 14:29:43 GMT -5
An old warehouse on the pier: Ten touches down with King, followed by Jack. Queen stands beside the motionless Ace, waiting for them to return. King steps from Ten’s card and turns on her. “Ten, I thought we were clear.” “But...” “You have a responsibility to this family.” “What about my responsibility to myself?” “The responsibility to the whole is far greater than the responsibility to the singular.” Jack cuts in. “Meaning, my dear sis, do what Daddy says.” “Jack!” Queen yells. “Sorry, Mum,” Jack apologizes, bowing. “Twon’t happen again.” Ten, feeling defeated, simply turns to walk away. ***
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Post by Glippernip on Nov 8, 2007 14:31:11 GMT -5
“...heard reports that the Royal Flush Gang had been sighted outside of Gotham,” Terry says, following an unmasked Huntress into what appears to be an abandoned warehouse. In reality it’s Helena’s base of operations. Terry has changed into street clothes, the Bat suit in his duffel bag. “I figured I’d read up on them.” “Good Boy Wonder,” Helena says condescendingly. Terry, throwing down his duffel bag, bursts out, “What’s wrong with you, lady? If you didn’t think I was ‘worthy’, then why did you train me?!” “I did it as a favor to Oracle,” Helena answers. “You were right earlier. You are following the legacy of a great man. A man that no other could live up to.” There is silence between the two for several minutes and then, “I know why you’re here, Terry. I’m trusted with many secrets, and some of which I can’t share with you.” “Come on,” Terry says, “what if you were in my position? Jumping through hoops.” “I am sorry, Terry,” Helena tells him, “but it’s not my secret to tell.” Terry, without a word, grabs his bag and turns to leave. “Terry...” “I got places to be.” And with that, Terry’s out the door, dialing his cell. “Melanie, hi, it’s Terry.” ***
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Post by Glippernip on Nov 8, 2007 14:33:40 GMT -5
Terry, leaning against a wall at the bus depot, waits. He hasn’t been waiting long. He chose the bus station because, frankly, it’s the only place he knows in New Bludhaven (plus it’s where they met). “Terry,” Melanie calls as she approaches. “Hey, Melanie,” he responds. “I was surprised to hear from you so soon.” “I needed a distraction from my life,” Terry explains. “I hear that.” ***
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Post by Glippernip on Nov 8, 2007 14:34:48 GMT -5
“Helena,” Oracle starts, “you think I should tell him, don’t you?” “I can see his side, is all,” responds Helena. “You trust him with Gotham, but not with your identity.” “It’s not that simply. If he were to let it slip...” “Come off it, Barbara,” Helena says. “This isn’t about you being afraid he’ll tell someone. It’s about control. You want to control the kid.” “That’s a little...” “...unfair?” questions Helena. “Tough. You are acting just like... him.” To that, Oracle doesn’t have a rebuttal. ***
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Post by Glippernip on Nov 8, 2007 14:35:46 GMT -5
“My family moves around a lot,” Melanie says, walking beside Terry along the sidewalk.
“Must be tough, huh?”
“You get used to it,” she answers. “What about you?”
“I’m from Gotham. I’m a lifer.”
“Hard city.”
“Yeah,” Terry says. “Cost my dad his life.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she says, touching his arm.
“”It was a few months back. It was Jokerz.”
Melanie gasps, but not from what Terry says. From an alleyway, a man pulls Melanie away from Terry and holds a knife to her throat.
“Melanie!”
“Watch it, hero,” the man says, “or your lady friend gets it.
Continued..
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