Disclaimer: I do not own anything!
Note: This takes place a little bit forward into the future.
Chapter 7: Second Chance (Shinedown)
Barely a few months into the criminal outfit, the young super-criminal known as the Music Meister had learned all of the tricks of the trade. Already, he had gathered a few minions from Gotham's underground neighborhoods, put them in costumes, and called them the Ensemble. He ruled this gang with one simple rule: "If I have to sing my orders to get you to obey them, you don't get to share the profits."
In a very short while, a hideout was set up at one of Gotham's old abandoned theaters. A few isolated robberies all around the general area, leaving nothing to connect to their boss, and already he was starting to have a decent life. Of course, if he were ever to be caught, he knew they would put him under much more secure conditions than there were at Arkham. It was, however, a risk he had accepted. So life in the shadows continued, seemingly without remorse…
…but one day, three months after his escape from Arkham Asylum, one of the Ensemble carried in a mysterious letter-addressed from his mother! When he opened it, it said:
Dear Cliff;
The reason you haven't heard from me for so long is because I've been in jail.
They connected the money you stole to me, and charged me with laundering stolen property.
Just when I thought all hope was lost, though, Bruce Wayne came to the rescue!
His lawyers claimed that I had no knowledge that my son was giving me stolen property, and the police believed them.
What I still can't come to terms with, however, is the fact that my own son has turned into a criminal.
Please, for my sake ,just give up this life of crime while you still can!
Ms. Meisters.
The Music Meister sat down in the boarded-up box-office, and refused to let anyone in for nearly a day. Then, he made up his mind, and recorded a message over a popular song from his personal music library. Putting it on a CD, he mailed it to the police dept. with this note attatched:
To police:
Please deliver to Ms. Meisters. I do not know her current address.
THIS IS NOT A BOMB!
The Music Meister.
Before they did, the police checked it to see if it was some kind of hypnotic device, but when they put the CD into the player, they heard this:
Hey Mom. It's me, Cliff. Or at least, that's what you call me. I now go by the name 'Music Meister.'
My eyes are open wide;
By the way, I made it through the day.
I watch the world outside;
By the way, I'm leaving out today.
I got your letter, and I'm sorry to say, I can't just 'give up' this life.
I just saw Haley's Comet, she waved,
Said 'Why are you always running in place?'
Even the man in the moon disappeared
Somewhere in the stratosphere!
When you think about it, this is kind of your greatest desire: That I get ahead in the world through my song.
Tell my mother, tell my father,
I've done the best I can
To make them realize this is my life;
I hope they understand-
So here's my plan: I'm going to be out of the house for a little while.
I'm not angry, I'm just saying…
Spend some time off from worrying about me for a change. It'll do you good.
Sometimes goodbye is a second chance.
I owe it to my grandmother, these powers I have. You may not believe it, but she could have actually been a siren.
Please don't cry one tear for me,
I'm not afraid of what I have to say.
Regardless of whether or not she was, I still have powers that can be used either intentionally, or accidentally.
This is my one and only voice,
So listen close; it's only for today.
I'm choosing intentionally.
I just saw Haley's Comet, she waved,
Said 'Why are you always running in place?'
Even the man in the moon disappeared
Somewhere in the stratosphere!
As for the money, I wanted us to have a better life. I was sick and tired of being called 'poor' by the bullies at my school, so I had them get some for me.
Tell my mother, tell my father,
I've done the best I can
To make them realize this is my life;
I hope they understand-
I'm sorry I didn't foresee the prospect of you going to jail when I committed the act.
I'm not angry, I'm just saying…
And that's another reason I'm leaving you. I don't want you caught in the crossfire again.
Sometimes goodbye is a second chance!
Here is my chance!
This is my chance!
Don't worry, though; I will not be gone forever.
Tell my mother, tell my father,
I've done the best I can
To make them realize this is my life;
I hope they understand-
I will tire of the criminal lifestyle eventually, or I will lose my powers. When that happens, I will return.
I'm not angry, I'm just saying…
However, until that day, I suggest you focus on the aspects of your life that don't involve me for a change.
Sometimes goodbye is a second chance.
Maybe you could re-marry, rediscover the happiness you used to have with Dad. Obviously, I won't be there to stop you.
Sometimes goodbye is a second chance!
Please take this advice, mom. It's just like the song I've recorded this over says:
Sometimes goodbye is a second chance.
Sometimes goodbye is a second chance.
Sincerely,
Cliff Meisters, the Music Meister.
And with that, the CD stopped. The police did wind up delivering the musical letter to Ms. Meisters.
After she spent a day's worth of time listening to her son's last words, (and crying half that time,) she did follow the advice Cliff gave her. Very soon, she became Mrs. Meisters once again, married to a very successful (and loving) factory worker.
And all the while, the Music Meister became a prominent figure in the crime fields of Gotham, plotting his revenge against Batman like the rest of them.
And here is the last chapter in the main story! I consider this the culmination of the main story, as every bit of story from the previous chapters is in here.
Now, who wants me to put up the BONUS chapter? Lots of LOLZ!
