Disclaimer: I DO NOT in any form or fashion OWN theses CHARACTERS. I repeat I DO NOT OWN these CHARACTERS. In fact while we're on the subject ALL CREDIT goes directly to DC and the people who created these characters which isn't me once again. So, having said that Please Please DO NOT SUE ME. I still do not have any Money so suing me will be pointless. So now that we've gotten that out of the way it's onto the story.
Hello all and welcome back to another chapter in my Batman Beyond bridging story. I hope everyone enjoyed the first chapter because we are diving head first right into the next chapter. I know that the first chapter was a bit short but again this 'story' isn't really meant to have long and involved chapters. This 'story' is meant to introduce a few characters, motivation and scenarios that will tie directly into Batman Beyond Volume 2. The first chapter saw the introduction of the Mob Bosses who will eventually cross paths with Batman in a big way but again I really won't get into it in depth until Vol 2 which is coming…eventually. LOL! Anyway that's enough of me talking let's get on with the story but before I go I would like to say Read, REVIEW (A Writer's main source of Motivation) and of course ENJOY!
Chapter 2: Damian Wayne Revealed
Wayne Manor- 12:40pm- Two Months into Batman's Return
Standing in the lavish and refurbished living room of Wayne Manor was Damian Wayne; and he was stoically looking at the large bronzed portrait of his father, the late, Bruce Wayne. The portrait however suddenly lurched forward and his stoic expression turned to one of frustration.
"Yinn, McGinnis….hold the damn thing still." Damian snapped while releasing a sigh.
A few feet away from Damian was Terry McGinnis and Yinn and they were holding said portrait of Bruce Wayne, or at least attempting to hold the bronzed monstrosity.
"Hey! This thing is heavy as hell." Terry snapped back in a strained voice," I wish you would make up your damn mind about where you want this thing."
"I'm inclined to agree Master Wayne." Yinn chimed in the same strained voice, "This portrait is quite…heavy."
"Both of you sound like women." Damian grumbled under his breath, "Alright fine…move it a little bit to the left."
Terry and Yinn huffed as they both moved a few steps to the left; the giant portrait of Bruce was now next to a portrait of Thomas and Martha Wayne.
"God it's just a picture…ergh…. pick a place already." Terry groaned in exertion.
"It's not a picture it's a portrait; there is a difference, have some class about you McGinnis. Now be quiet."
Damian shook his head and he continued to eye the position of the portrait with a critical eye until he noticed that the portrait of his father was a bit too close to his grandparents and he didn't like the way their smiling faces clashed with Bruce's serious expression, "You know what I think it was good where it was….go back to the right."
"Alright SCREW THIS!" Terry suddenly shouted, he grumbled loudly and then simultaneously he and Yinn set the heavy portrait down on the ground and leaned it against the wall.
"McGinnis what are you doing?" Damian asked in an annoyed tone.
"What's it look like; I'm taking a break." He said before folding his arms across his chest.
"Pick that portrait back up." Damian demanded.
"Nope."
"Goddamn it McGinnis…Yinn help me out here."
Yinn adjusted the black and silver Chinese vest he was wearing and he looked at Terry.
"A 30minute break does sound nice doesn't it Master McGinnis."
"That it does Yinn, come on let's see what's in the kitchen, and Yinn it's just Terry."
Yinn and Terry both swiftly turned and proceeded to make their way towards the Kitchen leaving a flabbergasted Damian Wayne in their wake.
"Not you too Yinn" he said but his words fell upon deaf ears, "FINE I DON"T NEED EITHER OF YOU! TAKE YOUR STUPID BREAK!"
Damian scoffed and let a sneer cross his lips, but his seething was interrupted when he saw Ace walk into view and then lay down in front of the portrait of his father. Ace let out a few whines and upon hearing it Damian walked over to him. He kneeled down and gently rubbed Ace on the head.
"It's true what they say boy….good help is so hard to find"
Ace let out another whine and kept his eyes staring forward, Damian noticed how sad Ace sounded and he followed the dog's gaze to the portrait.
"I….miss him too, I guess." he said softly as he continued to rub Ace's head. Damian stared at the portrait and he let his eyes hone in on Bruce's serious blue eyes. The intense stare upon Bruce's face was captured well because it was a stare that Damian knew all too well. It had been about two months since his father died and he had chosen to stay in Gotham and take the reigns of the Batman Legacy. Despite the fact that he wasn't the one wearing the cape and cowl and prowling the streets of Neo-Gotham City, the legacy was very much in his hands. Damian continued to stare at the portrait but he was soon brought out of his stare by Ace perking up. The black dog sat up and turned towards the door right as the door bell rang.
DING!
"YINN!" Damian shouted out, "THE DOOR!"
"HE'S ON BREAK, GET IT YOUR DAMN SELF!" came Terry's voice from the kitchen.
"I'm going to kill him….I just know it" Damian said to Ace in a deadpan voice.
DING! DING!
Damian grumbled to himself again as he stood up and made his way to the door but to his surprise Ace was walking with him.
Damian reached the front and he grasped the handle and he opened the door. When the doors opened Damian sucked in a breath and his eyes widen a bit because standing in the doorway was the young and beautiful reporter Veronica Vale.
'Wow' Damian thought to himself because this was the first time in a long while that he had been stunned by a woman's beauty. He let his eyes quickly roam over her 5'9 slim yet curvy build that was covered by a light green jacket, a white button down shirt and a tight black shirt, her long smooth legs, her straight medium length strawberry red hair, her olive tone skin complexion, thin lips that was lightly covered with a pink lipstick shade and finally her big beautiful green eyes.
While Damian was letting his eyes gloss over Veronica she was doing the same thing to him. She had seen him on TV briefly in the past two months and she had gotten several glances of him when trying to approach him when he was coming out of Wayne-Powers but this was her official first time seeing him up close and personal and it was an understatement to say that she was attracted to him.
'Oh my God' she thought to herself as she looked at him. She let her green eyes roam over his 6'3 lean yet powerful build that was covered in a tailored thin black turtle neck shirt, and tailored grey pants. She then looked at his short slicked back dark hair that had a few gray hairs on the side but it only added to his appeal; her eyes then traveled to his bluish-grey eyes, fair skin tone and strong jaw.
Veronica noticed that she was staring a bit too hard and she quickly composed herself and cleared her throat a bit.
"Good Afternoon" she said.
Damian let a charming smile grace his lips as he stepped a bit further outside of the Mansion.
"Good afternoon indeed" he replied smoothly before holding out his hand "Hello, I'm….."
"Damian Wayne, I know." She replied while taking his hand and shaking it, "It's a pleasure to meet you….I'm Veronica Vale."
Damian brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it tenderly which only brought a smile to her lips.
"The pleasure is absolutely all mine Ms. Vale. Is there any relation to Vicki Vale, the legendary reporter?" he asked while reluctantly letting go of her baby soft hand.
"Yes. Vicki Vale is my Aunt." She answered.
Damian looked her over once again but this time it wasn't with a lustful eye but a critical one. He narrowed his eyes a bit and he could definitely make out a resemblance to Vicki in Veronica.
"Yes, I can see the family resemblance. Your family is blessed with very good genes."
"Well, we're not the only ones"
Damian and Veronica both let out a chuckle.
"So, Ms. Vale."
"Call me Veronica."
"Veronica. What do I owe for the pleasure of this visit?"
"An exclusive story. Your story…..Damian Wayne revealed, for all of Neo-Gotham to see."
"So you haven't just inherited your Aunt's good looks but her thrill for getting the story. You're a reporter aren't you?"
"I am."
"Well then Veronica I regrettably must inform you that I don't do exclusives, just like I've told all the other reporters."
"Why not?" she asked.
"Because I'm shy." He answered coyly.
"Somehow I doubt that." Veronica responded, "Please Mr. Wayne..."
"Call me Damian"
"Damian; all of Neo-Gotham is waiting to hear your story."
"I bet." He said dryly "I've already made the announcement as to who I am and I've hashed out the details with the investors and trustees at Wayne-Powers…which is soon to be Wayne Enterprises again and exclusively run by me and I've already talked to Derek Power's proxy…his son Paxton. So, the way I see it Veronica I've already revealed myself to those who matter."
Veronica tilted her head to the side a bit and pursed her lips together, she allowed his words to mull over in her mind a bit before she retorted.
"Interesting choice of words…"
"What?"
"You said that you revealed yourself to the ones that mattered, so what you're saying is that the rest of Neo-Gotham….doesn't matter. The same people who spend their lives making your family and company wealthy by buying and using your products in their daily lives. Are you talking about those same people because in my opinion they matter greatly." She said the smile on her face dropping a bit.
"…that's….that's not what I meant."
"Then what did you mean?" she asked.
Damian heaved a sigh and folded his arms across his chest.
"I simply mean that the people of Neo-Gotham have better things to worry about than me." He answered calmly.
"And that's where you're wrong Damian. The Wayne Family….Your father in particular has been the backbone of this city for decades; he has done countless things for the betterment of Gotham and…."
"I'm well aware of my father's contributions Veronica…no need for a history lesson." He interrupted.
"I wasn't planning on giving one…I'm just saying that the people deserve to know if Bruce Wayne's son, is a chip off of the old block."
Damian heaved a sigh and then tilted his head up to the sky.
"Can't they just take a leap of faith and assume I am."
Veronica let out a chuckle.
"Did you really believe that you can make an announcement like you being Bruce Wayne's son and then just quietly slip back into the background?"
"A man can hope can't he." He said while turning his gaze back to her.
Veronica looked at him and his handsome face before she looked over her shoulder and at the city of Neo-Gotham that was behind her. Since Wayne Manor was located on what could be considered the outskirts of town it gave her a nice view of the vast futuristic city in the distance. She looked at the towering and gothic like skyscrapers in the distance as well as a few noticeable flying cars.
"You know…there are some mummers floating about." She said while still looking at the city.
"Oh." said Damain "Please…do tell. What are the mummers saying?"
"They're saying that you're a con artist and a liar and that you murdered Bruce Wayne and you're trying to steal his legacy." She replied while turning back to him, but to her surprise there wasn't a look of disgust or shock upon his face but one of amusement. She continued to look on as a smile graced his lips followed by a laugh.
"Did I say something funny?" she asked with curiosity.
"It's just funny because if that's all that they are saying about me then I'm really in no rush to do any interviews." He replied in an amused tone.
"You don't care?"
"I have a thick skin Veronica….so no."
"What if the mummers are true?" she asked.
Damian looked at her and he raised an eyebrow. Veronica shifted in her spot and looked him dead in the face.
"Are you really Bruce Wayne's long lost son?"
"I don't know about long lost but yes….I am his son."
Veronica took a minute and she studied the features of his face searching for any sign of him to be lying but despite all of her training and skills she couldn't for the life of her tell if he was lying but even though she couldn't see, she could feel that his statement was true….maybe not the whole truth but true enough.
"I believe you." She said while biting her lip a bit.
"That's good to know" he said with a smile.
"But others won't though…especially considering there are a number of inconsistencies with you."
"Inconsistencies?" he repeated.
"After you first announced yourself at your father's funeral…..I as I'm sure like everyone else started to do research but…..but let's just say I have special access to certain files and before that Funeral a birth certificate for Damian Wayne didn't exist…..anywhere. It was as if it just appeared and made to look like it had been in the system."
Damian stared at her with a blank look upon her face. Veronica looked at the look on his face and she could feel that she had shocked him with that tid bit of information; she gave it a second to sink in before she started to again.
"And not only that your social security number had a previous owner before suddenly being given to yo…"
"Why are you telling me this?" Damian interrupted.
Veronica thought about his question for moment.
"I don't know, usually I would've exposed these inconsistencies but I just…..I just wanted to hear your side of things first, I wanted to hear your story because a good reporter covers all the bases."
Damian shifted in his spot again and she shifted in her's as well, the two of them stood in silence for a moment as her words continued to hang in the air. Damian for a second thought that she was trying to intimidate him with this information but he quickly threw that notion out of the window. He knew what intimidation felt like and she didn't give off the vibe of someone that was trying intimidate him, just a curious woman who's trying to solve a puzzle. Unfortunately the puzzle she was trying to put together was one he wasn't willing to have put together just yet.
"Well Veronica, I thank you for stopping by and trying to lend some friendly advice but….."
Veronica let a small smile grace her lips while she reached into the jacket she was wearing. She pulled out white card and she held it out to him.
"When you changer your mind I hope you give me a call." She said.
Damian took the business card and he briefly read it over.
"I'll give you a call Veronica, but it'll be about a first date, not my exclusive."
She smiled at him and started to turn.
"Either way, I'll be looking forward to our future conversations." She said, "Oh. And one last thing."
"Yes."
"If I managed to find those inconsistencies…..then others aren't too far behind. If I were you I'd get my story out there before someone who's not as willing to be a good reporter as I am post their finding. Good-bye Damian."
Damian watched as Veronica Vale turned and started down the winding path that led away from Wayne Manor. The smile that was on his face dropped as she moved farther and farther away. He replayed the conversation over in his mind and he could help let out a frustrated sigh.
"F***" he grumbled to himself.
Damian turned around and walked back into the Mansion.
Inside
Damian closed the door and he leaned against it for a second still thinking about the woman that just left; suddenly he heard someone release a sigh. Damian turned to the left and he saw Yinn looking out of the window.
"How long have you been there?" Damian demanded.
"Long enough to know that whatever is going through your mind about that woman is probably not a good idea….especially considering Ms. Rose is coming."
At the mention of Rose Damian closed his eyes tightly and tilted his head up so he was staring at the ceiling.
"F****!" he shouted.
Yinn could only chuckle.
"I didn't forget about Rose coming…..it's just that with her here I'm going to have to get Waller to forge her some documents as well. No, No screw Waller, I'll have to do this myself. The woman that just left….her name is Veronica Vale and she just informed me that there are some inconsistencies with my birth certificates and social security numbers and all that other nonsense."
"I thought you had Ms. Amanda Waller take care of that."
"Obviously she botched the job, damn her and her old age. So now I have to worry about Veronica sniffing around plus any other reporter that comes knocking."
"You could always ask them out a date…it seems to have worked on Ms. Vale." said Yinn. Damian gave him a glare.
"Could this day get any worse?" he asked.
Just then Terry walked in with half a sandwich in his hands and his mouth full of food.
"So, who was…. that…. at the door?"Terry asked between bites.
Damian turned to him and gave him a hard stare.
"McGINNIS USE A GODDAMN PLATE! YOU'RE DROPPING CRUMBS ON AN 10 THOUSAND CREDIT CARPET!" Damian snapped before stomping forward and towards the old grandfather clock.
He opened the clock and he pulled down on the hanging gold lever inside and the grandfather clock slid back and revealed the entrance to the bat-cave. Damian made his way down the steps all the while mumbling and grumbling to himself.
"Jeez….what crawled up his ass?" Terry asked while looking at Yinn who was still chuckling to himself.
"Let's just say that things are going to get a lot more interesting around here Master McGinnis." Yinn replied in an amused tone while walking towards the entrance of the Bat-Cave.
Terry looked at him as he disappeared down the winding steps; he then shrugged his shoulders before turning and going back into the kitchen to finish his meal.
Ace watched as everyone left the living room leaving him all alone. The black dog turned its head towards the forgotten portrait of Bruce and he slowly made his way back over to it; he tilted his head up and looked at his master and he let out another sad whine. Ace walked around in a circle for a moment before lying back down in front of the portrait and staring at his former owner with sad eyes.
End chapter: Read and Review: Hey readers it's me Nomad88 back again with the closing comments. I hope everyone is enjoying the story or interludes rather, and I hope what I was saying before is starting to make sense and now you all can kinda see what I'm gonna bring to the table in Volume 2. This whole bridging story is all about setting up the action for the sequel while at the same time offering up a little more insight to a few characters….which is gonna happen within the next few chapters. So stay tuned I might be dedicating a chapter to your favorite character LOL! Anyway my loyal readers again I thank you for sticking with me as I do this bridging story and I really hope that none of you will be disappointed. If any of you have any questions for me or comments please leave it in the review or just send me a PM and I'll get back to you ASAP. This is Nomad88 saying Later….
Next Up: I Married Batgirl
