Disclaimer: I DO NOT in any form or fashion OWN these characters, I REPEAT I DO NOT OWN THESE CHARACTERS, in fact ALL CREDIT goes to DC, They are the owners they own everything, NO MONEY is being exchanged I can assure, So PLEASE DO NOT SUE ME. I HAVE NO MONEY…..thanks….now on with the story.
Hey Readers it's me Nomad88 back with a brand new chapter. I'm glad everyone is enjoying this new and different take on the Batman mythos. My only hope is that you continue to Read. Review (Feedback is Golden) and of course ENJOY…..
Chapter 7: The Knightbreed
Streets of Neo-Gotham: 3:00 am
"Report…..how many" asked a figure in a black and purple costume with a dark green cape flowing behind him.
"There are 5 of them. They are currently stuffing the jewels into their bags and they are on the way out of the store"
"Alright let's follow them and head them off. This is the third Jewelry store these guys have hit this week. Tonight they're going down"
Jewelry Store
Inside one of Neo-Gothams most expensive jewelry stores were 5 guys with red masks on their faces. They had broken into the store and started grabbing every single available jewel that they could.
"Yo Chico, how we lookin on time"
"We got 3 minutes before the cops get here" replied Chico as he continued to grab jewel after jewel and stuff them into his red duffel bag.
"Alright guys we got 3 minutes lets wrap this up" yelled the leader, whose name was Fitz. Fitz also had a red duffel bag and he was stuffing jewels into his bag as well.
"LET'S GO!" shouted Fitz as he ran out of the store and to the Convertible that was parked outside of the store. The rest of his crew followed behind him and hopped into the car. Fitz started up the car and sped down the dark street.
"How much did we get" asked Fitz glancing to Chico who was in the passenger's seat.
"We hit the Jackpot Fitz, there's gotta be at least 50 million credits and that's just in my bag….WE'RE RICH!" shouted Chico high fiving one of his friends in the back seat. Suddenly a shadow formed over the speeding convertible. The five thieves looked up to see two figures in an form fitting black and purple costume heading straight for them.
"THE KNIGHTBREED!" Chico shouted as the two figures dropped onto the hood of the fast moving convertible. Fitz stared in shock at the knightbreed characters as they landed on the hood. They had on black and purple body suits, and they had black flowing capes and a sliver mouth guards that covered the lower half of their faces.
"SHAKE EM' FITZ!"
"I'M TRYIN YOU IDIOT!" Fitz yelled back as he made the car swerve all across the road trying to shake the two vigilantes off, but they kept their balance. One of the knightbreed characters pulled out a long blade. The blade then started to give off a electrical charge. He raised the blade and then stabbed it through the hood of the convertible. The electrical charge shorted out the engine making the convertible come to a sudden stop. The two Knightbreed vigilantes jumped off of the convertible and land a few feet away waiting for the thieves to get out of the dead convertible.
The five thieves looked at the two with fear in their eyes
"Holy shit Fitz what do we do….what do we do" whispered Chico
"First of all Chico you're gonna calm down" Fitz whispered back forcefully, "There are two of them and five of us….we can take them. Especially since I got this" said Fitz pulling out a gun.
"Are you fucking insane….this is the Knightbreed we're talking about. They've been known to leave guys like us Dead"
"I ain't afraid of them" replied Fitz staring at the two Knightbreed characters with their black capes blowing in the wind.
"THIEVES! This is your first and only warning get out of the car and get on your knees and accept your punishment"
"FUCK YOU!" shouted Fitz raising his gun and letting off a few rounds, one of the bullets grazed the arm of the second knightbreed character
"AGH!" he shouted grabbing his arm. The first Knightbreed had dodged the bullets, and pulled out several small knives and he threw them Fitz. The knives struck Fitz in the arm and in the neck.
"JESUS!" shouted Chico as he looked at Fitz who was grabbing his neck frantically trying to stop all of the blood that was gushing out. Chico quickly hopped over the side of the door and got down on his knees. The other three thieves jumped out of the convertible and tried to run away, but suddenly three arrows descended from the sky and struck each of the three running thugs in the chest. They fell to the ground dead. Chico looked at his three dead friends and then he looked up into the sky and he saw another Knightbreed figure gliding down to the ground but the only difference with this one was that he was wearing a dark green cape instead of the black, and he had long hair. The newcomer slowly walked over to Chico, who was trembling in his spot, and gave him the most menacing stare he could muster.
"Vanquish we had them" came the voice of the first Knightbreed character as he came running over.
"I know you did Cloak, but you passed your final test" replied Vanquish turning his piercing gaze to the Knightbreed named Cloak.
"Really"
"Yes"
"So, f-finally we're going to get the brand, we're full f-fledged Knightbreed now" asked the second Knightbreed character making his way over to the two, he was still holding his arm in pain, from the gun shot.
"No"
"But you just….." started Cloak
"I said that you Cloak. You have passed the test. You have taken your first kill, you didn't hesitate to kill your enemy and for that you have proven yourself worthy of being inducted into the Knightbreed family, but you Dagger. You haven't taken your first kill yet so you have not proved yourself"
"I-I….."
"In six months both of you have climbed the ranks of new recruit to potential Breed members quicker than anyone has ever seen, but this is how you prove to us that you are willing to commit yourself to something bigger. We are the Knightbreed, We are here to show these criminals that they are not safe, We are here to show them that we are the cure to the disease that they bring upon this city. We are the spirit of Gotham and an enemy that wishes to do harm to Gotham and it's inhabitants is our enemy…..and we kill our enemies…now Dagger, prove to us…prove your worth….become one of us, become the spirit of Gotham" said Vanquish pulling out a crossbow and handing it to Dagger. Dagger took the crossbow in his hands and looked at it and then at Chico who was looking back at him with wide eyes.
"I-I-I don't know about this…..I mean I'm all for beating this guy senseless, but killing him"
"Dagger what are you doing you can do this. How many times have you told me you wanted to kill…."
"I said I wanted to kill the guy who killed my Father" replied Dagger
"Terminal" responded Vanquish looking at Dagger
"…how did you…" he started
"Your name is Brian right…Brian Milwood right" Vanquish continued
"Vanquish are you crazy….you just.." started Cloak
"SHUT UP!" he roared turning his steely gaze to Cloak who fearfully took a step back. Vanquish then turned back to Dagger.
"You now have a Choice Brian. Either you can kill him and become apart of our Organization or…..you can quit, we will hold no ill will towards you for your choice, but I wonder Brian…..can you say the same for this lowlife right here. You can quit and not become a Knightbreed, but think about this, when this guy goes to that joke of a jail and gets out two days later, you have to wonder if he will hold any ill will against you"
"W-What"
"You were part of a group that helped to murder his friends and you sent him to jail, I wonder how long it would take for him to track you down…..I mean he already has your name, so it wouldn't be long before he tracked you down, then your mother and then your sister" said Vanquish.
"P-Please…I-I'm not gonna do that….I-I-I'm not a murder….Please….I-I've learned my lesson"
"Has he learned his lesson Brian…can you really trust the word of a thief"
Brian/Dagger turned to Chico and looked at him. He instantly had a flashback to when he was looking at his Father's dead body, and then he imagined it was his Mother and sister. He then gripped the crossbow tightly and slowly held it up towards Chico.
"NO! NO! PLEASE! HELP! HELP!" shouted Chico
"Shut up" said Vanquish kicking him
"DO IT DAGGER DO IT!" Cloak urged
"please" whispered Chico
"I'm Sorry" said Dagger as he pulled the trigger. The arrow released and imbedded itself deep into Chico's skull killing him. Dagger lowered his arm as he saw Chico hit the cold hard Neo-Gotham street.
"You have now proven yourself Dagger…..you are now one of us"
Cloak put his hand on Dagger's shoulder
"Good job buddy….that guy was a lowlife…." Started Cloak before Dagger knocked his hand off of his shoulder
"Shut up Evan" replied Dagger angrily. He turned to Vanquish and walked up to him.
"GET BENT!" he shouted shoving the crossbow into Vanquishes chest. He then quickly turned and ran down the street as fast as he could.
"DAGGER WAIT!" said Cloak attempting to go after his long time friend but a hand on his shoulder stopped him.
"Leave him be…People react to death in different ways. Some like you and me accept it and others like Dagger…have a hard time with it, but I promise you by tomorrow he will be back" said Vanquish confidently.
"How do you know" asked Cloak
"Because he pulled the trigger"
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHOOOOOOOOOOOO! Went the police sirens in the distance.
"Come we must go" said Vanquish as he heard the sirens. He quickly went over to the convertible and grabbed the duffel bags that were full of the jewels and tucked under his arm.
Vanquish and Cloak both pressed a button on their utility belts. Their blowing capes suddenly went stiff and then folded up into a small pack that was on their backs. Suddenly the packs gave a slow whirring until two small rocket boosters extended out. The boosters roared to life and propelled them into the dark Neo-Gotham sky.
That Morning 8:00 am: Neo-Gotham Hospital
"Yes sir how may I help you"
"Uh….yes, my name is Brian Milwood and I think I need some stitches" he said the nurse at the desk. The nurse looked at his arm that had a bandage wrapped around it and nodded her head.
"Wait just a moment"
Brian Milwood stood at 5'10 and he was currently 20years old. He short black hair, brown eyes and dark brown skin. Brian had a lean build and was wearing a blue sleeveless shirt with black pants; also he had a tattoo going across his left forearm. Brian went over to the waiting area and sat down. He let out a sigh and put his hands on his head.
"ERM!" he grunted feeling the pain from his arm and the bullet wound. He grabbed the wrapped wound and leaned back in his chair. He turned to the right where a TV was playing a news report.
TV
Tom: Good Morning Neo-Gotham, I'm Tom Monroe and with me as always is Kim Brooms…and we are bringing you the news Kim….
Kim: Thanks Tom our top story this morning the Jewel thieves that have been robbing several Jewelry stores were found Dead this morning, and from the arrows that were found in their bodies it's only safe to assume that the Knightbreed is responsible for these murders…..Tom"
Tom: How right you are Kim the Knightbreed must be responsible for these murders not just because of the arrows, but because they have been known to prowl that area of Neo-Gotham at night"
Kim: This is another murder five murders on the on the long list of murders that these violent vigilantes have wracked up over the years and the NGCPD is still at square one with catching them"
Tom: I tried to sit down and talk with Commissioner Barbara Gordon, but as usual she was evasive"
Tom: So Commissioner Gordon what can you tell me…."
Commissioner Gordon: The NGCPD is doing everything within its power to catch not only the Knightbreed, but the Jokerz as well, all that we ask of the People of Neo-Gotham is that if you have any information on either of these violent gangs please step forward…thank you" she interrupted.
Tom: With these growing attacks by the Knightbreed one has to wonder is the NGCPD doing everything in its power…..
Kim: What do you mean Tom
Tom: What I mean Kim is….are the police going to work with Batman again"
Kim: That is a good question Tom, but remember though its only a rumor with a few eye witnesses, is this truly the original Batman or is this the work of someone else"
Tom: How right you are Kim, but the question still stands, if this truly is Batman will the police work with him to rid the streets of these gangs like they used to do years ago
Kim: That is a good question Tom, but only time will tell…more news when we come back
Neo-Gotham Hospital
"Batman" said Brian with raised eyebrows
"Brian Milwood, the Doctor will see you now" the nurse called out. Brian stood up and followed the nurse to his room.
10 minutes later
"Thanks Doc" said Brian leaving the room with the Doctor behind him.
"No problem Mr. Milwood, but remember put that ointment on 2 times a day and be careful out there…..Gotham can be a pretty rough place especially on someone young like you"
"Thanks Doc I'll remember" replied Brain walking away.
As he was walking down the hallway he couldn't help but think out the news report and about last night. He had taken his first kill and all that he could think about was the frightened look on the face of the guy he murdered, sure he was a thief, but he deserved to be in jail not killed.
'You did what you had to' he thought to himself as he turned the corner, 'He knew your name…and you couldn't risk your family' he continued to think. Brian came to a stop after thinking about his family. About two and a half years ago his Father was a high ranking judge and he was the judge that was responsible for sentencing ruthless Jokerz leader Victor Tuelio. Victor's response to that was to send his hit squad after him. Brian was in his room when he heard someone breaking in. He saw six jokerz storm his house. Where they proceeded to beat his father, within an inch of his life. His Father tried to fight back but they overpowered him. Then something happened he would never forget. One of the Jokerz who resembled a zombie more than a Joker stepped forward with a gun. He aimed the gun and pulled the trigger and shot his Father in the head. Brian stayed hidden in his spot eyes glued to the whole scene, and then a name was spoken a name he would never forget.
"Terminal…let's go….cops will be here soon"
The one named Terminal put the gun back into his pocket and turned and left the house, without a word. Brian slowly stepped from his hiding spot and went over to his father, it was by sheer luck that his mother and sister were running late that night, because if they would have been there, then who knows what would have happened.
'They would be dead too' he thought, "I'll be damned if I let anything happen to them…He knew my name…I did the right thing" he said to himself quietly. Brian let out a sigh and turned to the left where he saw the hospital food court.
"I'm starving" he said to himself going towards the Hospital Cafeteria
Cafeteria
Brian walked to the end of the long line; and he looked at the menu and tried to decide on what he wanted.
"Get the Special" said a voice behind him. He looked behind himself and he saw a cute brown skin girl behind him looking at the menu as well. She was about his height, and his age, and she had pink hair. She was wearing a black shirt, blue jeans, and a brown jacket and she had a small bandage going across her eyebrow.
"And why should I do that"
"Because Today's breakfast special is Pancakes, scrambled eggs, grits, and a fruit cup, breakfast of champions"
"If you say so" Brian replied with a smile
"What not a fan of Pancakes"
"I've always liked Waffles better"
"Guy you don't know what you're missing" she said, "So what are you in for"
"What"
"You do know that you're in a hospital right, so what are you in for, you don't look sick"
"To be fair neither do you"
"My injuries are more internal now"
"A-Are you dying"
"No that's not what I meant"
"Oh"
"I-I…..I got jumped by some jokerz, they did a number on me but I'm all healed up now" she replied looking down.
"I'm sorry that happened to you"
"Yeah me too…..so what about you"
"Gunshot wound" replied Brian turning slightly and showing her the bandage on his arm.
"Oh my God….how did it happen"
Brian looked at her and her reaction and smiled.
"What"
"It's true what they say, the ladies love Gun shot wounds"
"Very funny Romeo"
"I got this by…." Started Brian before he paused for a second at looked into the girl's eyes, her, "I-I got this by a Jokerz gang member"
"R-Really"
"Yeah, three of them started up some trouble with me and my friend we were able to fight them off but one of them got off a lucky shot, nothing serious though, just a flesh wound" said Brian.
"You're lucky" she replied looking at his wound "Man I hate those damn Jokerz…something needs to be done about them"
"I….agree, something does need to be done"
"EXCUSE ME SIR WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE" said the breakfast lady. Brian the mystery girl were so busy talking to each other they didn't realize that the line had been moving and now he was at the front.
"Oh…Sorry about that, I'll uh…..I'll have the breakfast special please"
"3.50$" the breakfast lady responded
Brain handed her a credit and she took it and scanned it and handed it back to him. She then began to scoop his breakfast into a plate and then she handed him the plate.
"Thanks" he said while walking to a table and sitting down. A few seconds later the girl came and sat down at his table across from him.
"You know I never asked you what your name was"
"It's Brian"
"Brian what" she asked taking a bite of her breakfast
"Aren't you the curious one" replied Brian
"One of my many personality quirks"
Brian let out a small laugh, "its Milwood, Brian Milwood"
"I'm Max. Max Gibson"
"Is Max short for Maxine"
"Yes it is, but don't call me Maxine it's Max" she said looking him in the eyes
"Got it" he replied
"So Brian…where do you go to school" asked Max as she continued to eat her breakfast.
Powers Secret Lab
Derek Powers was laying on slab in his secret lab and he was still glowing that neon green color. He was staring up at a human shaped box, which was going to lower down on top on him.
"Are you ready Mr. Powers" asked a Scientist that came to stand next to him. The scientists in the lab where still in their radioactive protective suits, but they began to notice that as the days passed Derek's anger only grew more and more, and as they found out earlier that the angrier he got the more Radiation he produced, so they've been working around the clock trying to find a way to reverse the affects of the Radiation.
"Will this cure me" asked Derek
"We are confident that this solution will curve your Radiation output" the scientist responded.
"Good…..let's do this"
"Very well Mr. Powers…..let's begin" he said backing away and waving his hand. The scientist by the controls began to type into the computer and the human shaped box that hovered over Derek began to lower until it covered him completely.
"Beginning Radiations drain now"
The Machine whirred slightly and let out a giant draft of high pressure steam.
"Begin grafting skin"
The machine started to hum loudly and it gave a slight shuddered and then it went silent. The scientists looked at the control board, which read in big letters: Skin Successfully grafted 8 days remaining before next treatment.
"Alright let him out" said the lead scientist who was standing next to the machine. The human shaped box began to rise and there laying on the slab wasn't the neon glowing Derek Powers, but the normal tanned skin Derek Powers.
"Remarkable" said the scientist walking towards Derek. Suddenly Derek's eyes opened.
"Did it work" he asked
"Stand up and look for yourself Mr. Powers" replied the scientist. Derek slowly sat up and swung his legs over the side of the slab. He stood up and walked towards one of the reflective metal surfaces in the lab. Derek looked himself over and noticed that he wasn't glowing green and he didn't have any dark black spots from the nerve gas.
"Excellent work Doctor…..I'm cured" he said looking at his hands
"Uh…..Mr. Powers you're not cured"
Derek stopped looking at his hands and turned his gaze to the now trembling scientist
"What did you say" said Derek menacingly
"I-I said you're not cured"
"WHAT!" roared Derek lunging at the scientist and grabbing him by the scruff of his radiation protection suit.
"Sir Calm down….please listen to me. Yes it's true you're not cured, we tried everyway we know to reverse the radiation process, but regrettably it's permanent. You will forever be radioactive…..ack!" grunted the scientist feeling Derek's grip tightening around his throat
"NOOOO!"
"B-But We f-found a way around it"
"What"
"Your skin…..i-it's a new type of polymer that we've been working on. These suits that we are in are too bulky so we thought what if there was a synthetic skin that we could wear over our skin that would protect us from vast amounts of radiation…You are first person we've tried it on and so far it's keeping your radiation at bay"
"SO I'M YOUR FUCKING GUINEA PIG!"
"IT'S THE ONLY WAY YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO LEAVE! It's the only way Mr. Powers, but you must control your temper. The synthetic skin can only take so much radiation and every time you get angry you let off too much radiation. If you go above a certain level you'll eat through the skin, so please….calm down" said the scientist quickly.
Derek stared at the scientist with absolute rage in his eyes, but slowly and bit by bit he composed himself. He shoved the scientist to the ground. He straightened himself and then turned to the reflective surface again. Derek looked himself over once more before he narrowed his eyes.
"GET ME SOME CLOTHES! And get my limo Its time for me to get out of here" he shouted out.
"Mr. Powers" said the scientist on the ground
"What"
"You must return here in 8 days"
"Why"
"Because that's how long before the skin you are wearing now begins to break down, you need another coating of the synthetic skin"
Derek balled up his fist in anger but then he released it, "Fine Doctor…" he replied still staring at himself in the reflective surface.
Hamilton University 4:00pm: Main Office
"Hi I'm Terry McGinnis and I need a listing off all of my classes please"
"One moment" replied the lady behind the desk in the main office of Hamilton University. She typed into her computer and then a sheet came out of the printer. She took the sheet and handed it to Terry.
"Thanks"
"No problem Mr. McGinnis"
Terry took the paper and then walked out of the office and outside to the crowded campus of Hamilton University. Terry looked up from the sheet and at all of the College students that were roaming the campus. Some were on hover boards skating around, some were walking or running to their class and others were just lounging around enjoying the afternoon sun.
"Ah College….higher learning" said Terry maneuvering through the young adults. He looked down at the sheet in his hands and he noticed that all of his classes were done for the day, his last class ended at 3:45 pm. He looked at his watched at notice it was 4:05 pm.
"Well would you look at that I'm done for the day" he said folding up the sheet and putting it in his pocket. After doing that he grabbed his cell phone and flipped it open, and dialed a few numbers.
"Come on pick up"
"McGinnis what is it"
"I'm done for the day. Time for some training"
"No"
"Come on Old Man it's been two days since the incident I've learned my lesson"
"I know you learned your lesson, but right now I have some Wayne-Powers stuff to deal with"
"Fine I'll meet you…"
"No I can take care of this myself…you just focus on going to school which I know for a fact that you didn't go to any of your classes today McGinnis"
"How did…you know what nevermind sorry…I'll be there first thing tomorrow morning"
"I know" replied Bruce before disconnecting the line
"Of course he knows" said Terry closing the phone. He let out a sigh and started for the direction of his house. Since he didn't have to train he might as well get some sleep. As he was walking though, he glanced to the side and saw Dana coming out of the Library with a few books in her hands. She was walking down the steps when she tripped slightly and her books spilled out of her hands. Terry wasted no time in running over to her.
"Stupid Test, Stupid Books, Stupid Steps" grumbled Dana bending down and picking up her books. Just as she went for the last book another hand appeared and grabbed it.
"Advanced medical practices" Terry read out loud, "Hardly what you would can recreational reading Dana"
"Terry. What are you doing here" she replied grabbing the book and standing up.
"I go to school here now"
"Is that by choice" she asked tilting her head sideways
"You got me. Part of my probation I have to go to school"
"And you chose this University"
"I hear it's the best"
"Uh huh….goodbye Terry" said Dana brushing past him and walking away. Terry not one to be turned down so easily ran after her. Unknown to Terry, Carter was watching him from the entrance of the library.
"Wait hold on a second Dana. Why do you keep running away from me" asked Terry jogging up to her and standing in her path.
"Take a wild guess McGinnis"
"Okay how about this, you were lying when you said you don't have feelings for me" he said
"Or how about I just don't want to talk to you"
"That's not it"
"Yes it is"
"No it isn't Dana. I know you not over me and I'm damn sure not over you. So please just…just give me a second to explain everything and…." Started Terry before a loud shout interrupted him.
"DANA!" shouted Carter running up to the two of them.
"Carter!" said Dana in surprise.
"Hey" he replied coming to a stop he gave her a smile and then kissed her on the cheek right in front of Terry.
"Uh…..Carter" said Terry "We're kinda in a discussion so could you go over there" Terry said while pointing across the campus.
"Oh I'm Sorry I didn't realize, I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed our date the other day and I was hoping that you were free later on tonight"
"Oh….Carter I-I-I…." stuttered Dana before she looked at Terry and then back at Carter, "I-I…..I'm gonna be late for class….I'll talk to you guys later bye" she said quickly before running away from the both of them.
"DANA!" they both shouted out at the same time. Terry and Carter then looked at each other and they both narrowed their eyes.
"So…..you're Terry" started Carter sizing him up. Carter was slightly taller than him but they both had relatively the same build.
"I see Dana has mentioned me"
"Not in the way that you're thinking, she usually says your name with disgust"
"A misunderstanding that I'm going to clear up and when I do we can pick up where we left off"
"The only thing you'll be picking up McGinnis is your teeth if I see you with Dana again…..she's mine"
"First of all Carter was it…..Dana isn't anyone's property, she's free to make her own choices, and I know that she's gonna choose me do you know why….it's because she loves me just like I love her, and Carter if you ever threaten me again I'll break your fucking jaw"
Carter stepped closer until they were standing chest to chest with each other. Carter suddenly put a smile on his face and backed away.
"You watch yourself McGinnis. The streets of Neo-Gotham can be very dangerous at night" he said in a low voice.
"I will and you Carter….you might wanna do the same" Terry replied
Carter swiftly turned and stormed away from Terry. Terry watched him leave with narrow eyes and he began to wonder, just who the hell was this Carter guy.
Later that Nigh: TV News
Tom: "Good Evening Neo-Gotham it is now 10:00pm and we are bringing you the nightly news and with me as always is Kim Brooms"
Kim: "Thanks Tom, our top story tonight, Derek Powers has resurfaced and he brings with him an explanation for his absence for the past 5 weeks"
Tom: Was it a good one Kim
Kim: That is a good question Tom, why do you and the rest of Neo-Gotham decided for yourselves.
Kim: Thank you for joining me Mr. Powers
Derek: "It's my pleasure Kim, I'm sure you and everyone else has had some burning questions and here am I to answer them"
Kim: "First question are you in league with the Terrorist Organization named Kobra"
Derek: "Excellent Question Kim and the answer to that question is yes and no. Allow me to elaborate. For the better part of 2 years now I have been working in conjunction with US Government to help them entrap these insane terrorist. Long ago they approached me and wanted me to help them with something and I immediately did my patriotic duty in alerting those that deal with this sort of thing. They immediately advised me to play along, until the time was right to spring out our trap which is what happened five weeks ago. We laid the trap and Kobra took the bait"
Kim: Wow….why the disappearance"
Derek: A few of the Kobra terrorist got away and once it was learned they escaped, I was immediately put into protective custody until it was safe"
Kim: "That….that is quite the tale Mr. Powers, and we thank you for doing your patriotic duty in keep this country safe"
Derek: "It was my pleasure Kim and I would do it again in a heartbeat"
Kim: "One question though, can you give us specific names as to whom in the government….."
Derek: "Hahaha…..nice try Kim but you know I can't do that you know the deal National Security and all.
Kim: Worth a shot
Derek: I'm just glad all of this is behind me and now I can focus on my Company
Kim: Which brings us to the next point what do you think about Bruce Wayne coming back into the picture and trying to actively run the company again
Derek: I think Mr. Wayne just had a moment of panic in my disappearance, he's always been a bit untrustworthy of me so when he heard the worst his mind immediately went to "I knew Derek Powers was no good", but I assure you once I sit down and talk with him, he'll realize that Wayne-Powers is in good hands"
Batcave: Same Time
Bruce was sitting in the chair in front of the Bat computer watching the entire news report with narrow eyes.
"WHAT A BUNCH OF BULLSHIT!" Terry yelled out from his training spot. He was currently on the platform learning a new fighting style.
"Concentrate on what you're doing" Bruce replied not taking his eyes off of Derek's smiling face.
"How can I concentrate when the second man responsible for murdering my Dad is sitting there clearing his name" replied Terry copying a blocking move from the young Bruce, "I mean how the hell is he still alive anyway, I saw him take a whiff of that nerve gas and didn't that Douglas guy say the gas was fatal"
"He said it was fatal, unless you curbed the effects with large amounts of radiation, but the amount needed he would definitely be showing some signs, but he looks to be in perfect health" said Bruce studying Derek closely
"Maybe there was a secret cure or something"
"Or something" replied Bruce putting his hands together in thought.
Max's House
"Well this is me" said Max indicating the house behind her.
"You have a nice home Max" replied Brian
"It's alright, I wish we had a bigger one"
"I think it's fine"
"What's the old saying: The grass is always greener" she replied with a smile.
A small moment passed between the two, with both of them just looking at each other. Then slowly they, began to step closer to each other, they began to lean closer and their lips almost met in a kiss, but then Max's front door swished open and her Father stepped out of the house.
"MAXINE!"
Brian and Max quickly broke apart and turned to face her father.
"DAD! I'm kinda in the middle of something" she whispered a little forcefully, making Brian smile slightly.
"I don't care you were supposed to be home hours ago, where the hell have you been and who the hell are you"
"Uh…My name is Brian sir and I was just walking Max home"
"I hope that's all you were doing" replied Max's father
"Yes sir" he replied
"Get in here now Maxine"
Max gave a low growl in her throat and then turned back to Brian.
"Well…..I guess the moment's ruined huh"
"Yeah….for now. I'll see you later Max" said Brian taking a step back. Max smiled and turned and walked towards her house, where her father was waiting. Brian followed her with his eyes as she went into the house and the door swished closed behind her.
RING! went his cell phone. Brian fished inside his pocket for the phone then pulled it out.
"What"
"Brian it's me Evan where have you been, I've been looking for you all day"
Brian quickly walked away from Max's house before he said anything on the phone. He turned a corner and then put the cell phone back to his ear.
"Don't worry about where I've been….what the hell was that last night"
"What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean Evan"
"Brian this is what you wanted right, to be apart of the Knightbreed right"
"Yeah but you didn't tell me I had to kill people"
"But you wanted to bring criminals to justice right…this is justice. That guy learned the ultimate lesson you commit a crime and you forfeit your life, he'll hurt no one else, thanks to us…..thanks to you"
"Listen I didn't sign on for murdering petty thieves okay the only person I want or aspire to kill is Terminal….only him"
"And you will Brian and I'll help you, but in order to be a Knightbreed you have to make your first kill and you did…..I promise you the world is a better place without that guy….all that's left for us now is to receive our Mark….come on Brian I can't do this without you, we're a team remember best friends, brothers in arms….Cloak and Dagger. What kinda duo am I with only one person"
"Easy you're not" said Brian
"Exactly….I need you man"
"I don't want to kill anyone else"
"Alright look I'll make you a deal…from now on I'll do all of the dirty work when it comes down to it, but when we take on the jokerz I'll leave Terminal to you how does that sound"
"…fine. That sounds fine"
"Cool now come on I'm waiting outside of the place for you….it's time to get our Mark"
"Alright…..I'll be there in Ten" said Brian hanging up the phone. He put the phone inside his pocket and leaned against the stone wall that he walking past. He let out a long sigh and looked up into the crisp Gotham night sky
"I'm doing the right thing. Right Dad. I'm getting rid of the violent criminals that roam these streets. I'm protecting Mom and Kourtney…..right" he said out loud to himself, "I pray to God I am"
Brian got off of the wall and headed in the direction of his house to get his Knightbreed uniform.
Mama Roselli's Dry Cleaners
Standing in front of the seemingly ordinary dry cleaning place was a boy that looked to be about 21years old. He was tall about 6'0ft and he had short dyed blue hair. He had green eyes, tanned skin and a lean muscular build. The boy's name was Evan and he was standing outside waiting on his best friend since 3rd grade Brian. Looking down the street Evan saw Brian making his way towards him.
"Brian Buddy I'm glad you made it…..you had me worried there for a second" said Evan
"I almost didn't come, but…..I want Terminal….so let's do this"
"I promise buddy we'll get him" said Evan.
The two friends then proceed to enter the Dry cleaners.
Walking into the Dry Cleaners they saw many washer and dryers and several people of various genders, races and ages groups and they were all seemingly washing their clothes or watching the television, but in secret every person in the Dry Cleaners was apart of the Knightbreed and they were closely watching Evan and Brian as they entered.
"How may I help you" asked an elderly woman that was sitting in a chair next to the door.
"Yes ma'am can you direct me to the hall of justice" replied Evan
"Why of course dear" she said pointing to the back of the store
"Thank you" said Brain as he and Evan walked through the Dry Cleaners. After hearing the exchange between them and the old woman the disguised Knightbreed relaxed they had spoken the password.
Brian and Evan walked to the back of the store where there was a door. Brian knocked on the door three times and then it swished open to reveal a person in a Purple and Black body suit with a red cape and red mask standing in an elevator.
"Come you are expected"
Brian and Evan stepped onto the elevator. The door swished closed and the elevator began to descend. After a few minutes the elevator stopped and the doors opened. The three passengers stepped off and into an extremely large open area, where dozens of people were training. Some were sparring with each other, some were lifting weights and some were running. Everyone though was wearing the color scheme of purple and black and another color of their choosing. Brian and Evan walked through the training area that they themselves had once been through, six months prior.
"Cloak, Dagger…..we have been waiting for you" came Vanquish's voice from a balcony that was overlooking the training area. Vanquish jumped off the balcony and landed gracefully on the ground in front of them.
"Come the ceremony is awaiting. Vanquish swiftly turned his dark green cape blowing behind him and leading Brian and Evan towards a set of steps, that led deep into the Knightbreed underground training area.
The two friends followed Vanquish down the steps and into a lowly lit room. The room was filled with rows of full fledged Knightbreed vigilantes. The rows were parted in the center and they were all facing a thrown that had a woman sitting on it that was shrouded in darkness. They could tell it was a woman because of the two toned, bare slender legs that were folded and the knee high black boots that were on her feet. Vanquish led them down the center path and all the way up to the thrown.
"My Empress…..I present to you the newest recruits that have proven themselves worthy of carrying on the Knightbreed mission…..I present to you Cloak and Dagger" said Vanquish giving a slight bow and the stepping to the side. They squinted their eyes and tried to peer through the dark shroud to see the woman's face but the darkness was too thick.
"On your Knees" came the woman's strong yet alluring voice. Brian and Evan glanced at each other before slowly dropping to their knees. A silence passed throughout the entire room, no noise could be heard as the two sat on their knees waiting for the mysterious woman to say something.
"Vanquish has told me a great deal about the two of you" said the woman after a few tense moments, "He has said that you two are possibly the best recruits he has ever produced" she continued
"Is that what he said" asked Evan
"Yes. I'm curious though, why the name Cloak and Dagger, what is the significance behind this name" she asked
"Well….it's kinda a long story but….." started Evan
"Who are you" interrupted Brain. The silence that was in the room returned when Brian spoke those three words. The shrouded woman uncrossed her legs and stood up. She then walked forward and down the three steps that led up to her thrown. Stepping down the steps, she revealed herself to Brian and Evan and they both reacted the same way.
"Whoa" they both said at the same time.
The light revealed a beautiful woman that was about 5'11, with long jet black hair that went to her back, she had blue eyes, and a purple mask on her face. She was in skin tight sleeveless and legless black and purple body armor, which had a purple cape that flowed behind her. The woman had on black gloves and on her right wrist was a mini crossbow. The woman walked towards Brain and leaned down close to him.
"I have many names, but one name I like more than others has always been…Huntress"
"Huntress" Brian repeated looking at her
"Yes My name is Huntress, and I am the Empress of the Knightbreed. I started this organization for one reason and one reason only. To bring Justice to those that have been wronged. All of you that are here, those that are in training, have all been wronged, all have been hurt and have you received justice…..No you haven't, but you want Justice , and I can give it to you…the Knightbreed can give it to you, which is why you are here. You have stayed the coarse and finished your training and you have proven yourselves to be worthy of the uniforms that you wear and the names that you use to strike fear into the heart of criminals…..are you ready to receive your mark" asked Huntress with a piercing look at both Brian and Evan.
"Hell Yes...Empress Huntress I am ready" replied Evan without a second thought. Huntress nodded her head and then turned to Brian. Brian looked her in the eyes for a moment and then looked down at the ground.
'I'm protecting my family' he thought one final time before lifting his head up and staring into her eyes.
"I'm ready"
"Good…..hold out your arms" she said while waving her hand. From the side two Knightbreed affiliates brought in a medium sized iron pot that had burning hot coals inside and a metal rod sticking out. Huntress grabbed hold of the metal rod and pulled it out of the pot. The end of the metal rod had two letters carved at the end of it. The Letters were K and B. She brought the burning hot letters to Brian's arm first
"Do you swear allegiance to me and the Knightbreed. Do you swear to do what is necessary, to bring justice, law, and order to a lawless world. Do you swear to give your life for you fellow Knightbreed Comrades?"
"I do" said Brian
"I do too Huntress"
Huntress lowered the burning hot letters onto Brian's arm. He gave out a grunt in pain as he felt the letters being seared into his flesh. Taking the metal rod off of his arm Huntress dipped it back into the hot coals again and then did the same thing to Evan, while she did that Brian was looking at the two letters on his arm and at the commitment he just made.
"Cloak and Dagger…Welcome to the Knightbreed"
"KNIGHTBREED! KNIGHTBREED! KNIGHTBREED!" shouted out the others in the room. As the chanting grew louder, Brian glanced over at his friend Evan who was chanting as well and then looked at Huntress who had a giant smile on her face, her eyes closed and her hands raised in the air.
Across Town: Wayne Powers
Derek Powers stood looking at his reflection in the large window that overlooked Neo-Gotham city. He slowly reached up to his face and rubbed his hand across the synthetic skin. To him it felt weird he could feel the skin, but at the same time he couldn't feel it, he knew that the skin was on but he couldn't tell if it was hot or cold, it felt like his whole body was covered in a thin glove and in a sense that was true. Derek didn't have long to dwell on his new condition because at that moment the intercom on his desk began to beep.
BEEP!
"What is it" he said pressing the button
"Sir…uh….Mr. Wayne is here to see you"
"…..Send him in" he replied
Derek had been thinking about this moment since that Interview Wayne had done a few weeks ago.
Through the doors that led to his Office Bruce Wayne walked in, and as he was walking in his eyes locked with those of Derek Powers. Walking to the desk Bruce stood there staring at him with that stare that made most people want to take a step back in fear, but Derek stood there unafraid.
"Powers"
"Wayne how nice to see you, I'm surprise you were able to hobble out of that depressing Mansion of yours"
"And I'm surprised the US government hasn't arrested you yet"
"Didn't you hear my interview earlier; I was working with them to take down Kobra"
"You can cut the act Powers, I'm not like everyone else, you can't manipulate me I know when someone is lying and in that so called interview you gave every word out of your mouth was a lie" said Bruce with narrow eyes. Hearing Bruce's words caused Derek to become upset, he started to ball up his fist, but when he didn't that he felt a small pop. He glanced down at his left hand and saw a small crack and the color green was showing. Taking a deep breathe Derek forced himself to calm down.
"Bruce I think you must be mistaken I was telling the truth"
"You can cling to whatever lie you want Powers, but I know the truth….from now on I'm an active member of this company any decision you make from now on has to go through me, any type of money transaction or undercover mission has to be run by me first and if you don't like it, read the fine print of the contract we both signed years ago and you'll see that there is a clause in there that keeps me in the loop, I've never enforced it….. until now"
"I'll be sure to do that"
"I hope you do….see you tomorrow Powers" said Bruce abruptly turning and walking out of the office leaving Derek alone once again.
Derek's eyes remained glued to the door that Bruce had exited out of for a few moments, until he sat down in his chair. He put both hands together and leaned forward on his desk in thought. Glancing down at his desk he pressed a button and a secret slot on his desk opened up and inside this slot was a cell phone. He picked up the cell phone and began to dial a few numbers.
After a few rings someone answered the phone.
"Powers" came a sultry voice on the other end
"Inque"
"I'm guessing this isn't a social call, so….." she started
"Alright... you win; I'll pay you whatever you want to get rid of Wayne"
"Hahaha…I knew you would see it my way Powers. I'll be on the first flight to Gotham within the week" she said before she hung up the phone. Once the line was cut Derek hung up the phone and put it back into the secret slot. Leaning back in his chair he couldn't help but feel his anger begin to grow again. He was angry at the fact that Wayne was trying stick his nose in his business, and he was especially angry at the fact that he had to bend to the whims of someone like Inque. As his anger grew the he began to feel small pops going along his hand and arm. He held up his left hand again and saw that there were dozens of cracks going along his hand. Looking at the cracks and at the green glow he reached over with his right hand and began to rip off the synthetic skin that was on his left hand. He ripped and ripped until his true skin was showing. Derek balled his left hand into a fist and watched as his hand began to glow brighter and brighter until a neon green color illuminated the room. Looking at his glowing hand a smirk began to drift along his face.
"Perhaps this curse….is a blessing in disguise" he said to himself as his smirk grew into a smile.
End Chapter: Read and Review. Hey readers it's me again, back with the closing comments, I hope everyone enjoyed the latest chapter, that was filled with what I hope was shocking discoveries. I promise there are plenty more shocking moments coming up soon. I hope you readers out there continue to enjoy the story and I hope that you review as well, If you have any question feel free to ask me either in your review or just send me a message and I'll get back to you, ASAP…..this is Nomad88 saying until next time…..
Ps: Oh if you haven't checked out the newest chapter to Amazing Spider-man remember to head on over and check that story out and leave a review as well…..thanks
Next up: That Inque Situation
