Incandescence - Batman
By Lebnaniya

Disclaimer
I do not claim any rights to the Batman Beyond series in the animated format or the comic books. All copyright material belong to their respectable owners. The following story is entirely fictional and pays tribute to the amazing characters developed by said owners. As a fan, I am writing this out of respect to the owners as well as to elaborate on this couple because I don't think the series gave Terry and Ten a proper relationship and ending.

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At first, everyone in the limousine was having fun, everyone except for Terry who remained silent. Gradually though, each one of them began to fall silent as they noticed how far away they were going. No one said anything. Not even Jack whose entire demeanor changed as he realized how far away they were from the city. Finally, Jack looked over at Terry, giving him a questioning look. Terry shook his head, "Later," was all he said, as they continued their drive down the long narrow road ahead.

Finally, the limo pulled up to a halt in front of Wayne Manor as the entire group exited the limo. Terry led the way with Max and Ten behind him and Carter and Jack trailing up behind as the limo took off. Carter and Jack both looked behind them to see where it was going. It looked like it was going behind the mansion.

Now, standing at the front gates, Terry punched in the codes as the old gates squeaked as they moved open. Terry walked forward with the rest of his group trailing behind. Jack was looking from one side to the other, amazed at how huge the front yard was. It would take them at least eight minutes or so to reach the front doors of the manor. Walking up the gloomy path, the group couldn't help but feel uneasy with the uncomfortable silence that had settled between them. The only ones who seemed use to the scenery were Max and Terry. As they finally reached the gigantic double doors that would lead them inside the manor, Terry shuffled in his pockets, looking for the access card he would need to get in.

"Terry? What is this place?" Ten finally asked, as she looked around worriedly. Terry turned his head, just enough so she could see him since all the others were behind. He kept his voice calm, not wanting her to be afraid. "Home."

Ten frowned, knowing that Terry was not well. He was struggling with something. She was trying to understand what his motives were or what he was thinking but he was keeping himself in check, not giving any clues that she could pick up on. Ten looked briefly over to her side and noticed that Max was unusually quiet. Ten raised an eyebrow.

His identity was more important than anything; he wouldn't reveal it to them? Would he? Ten looked behind her at Jack and Carter who were staring up at the Manor. Ten's eyes widened as it dawned on her what Terry was about to do. Oh my God.

Terry then pushed the gigantic double doors open as he walked through; he then turned around and gestured for the rest of them to follow. As they all walked in, Terry tossed his back-pack over to the side, "You can toss your stuff there for the moment," Terry said, as he walked down to the left and made his way to the living room. One by one, the group put their things down where Terry had thrown his bag and they followed him to the room. Jack whistled as he realized just how huge the living room was. It had to be at least 30 by 50 if not more.

Everyone remained standing, not wanting to alter anything. It was a picture perfect living room with a nice fire in the fireplace. Terry finally spoke. "There's something I've been wanting to tell you guys for a long time," he started, as he began to pace. Finally he stopped. He remembered the decision he made that night when his mother was attacked. The Assassins Guild would be taken down with or without them and he had made up his mind this morning to never second guess himself.

"This is Wayne Manor," Terry said, as he gestured towards the grand painting on one of the walls in the living room. Ten, Jack and Carter moved forward, wanting to see the painting. Max remained behind, having already met the old man in person. Ten gaped at the painting, realizing for the first time that this was the Legendary Dark Knight that she had grown up hearing about. Terry's predecessor.

"Your boss right Terry?" Jack asked, clearly amused at where they were. Terry just nodded his head once before he walked up to them.

"You see...this man," Terry looked up at the painting, "He's legendary."

Max couldn't help herself as she smiled. She could always detect when Terry was talking fondly of someone or something and she could hear it now in his voice.

"Wayne is very old now. He doesn't look like the painting but he's done a lot for this city. Even in our textbooks he's mentioned in some of the political aspects as well as the architectural books."

The group remained silent, listening to Terry. They were all curious, even Max.

"This man has devoted himself to a cause. A very important cause that has changed this city and shaped it into the New Gotham that it is today. I am following in his footsteps."

Max and Ten both cast a glance at each other before watching and intent on catching every emotion running through Carter and Jack's facial features. Carter was calm and quite, studying Terry. Jack, on the other hand was just listening, he was completely oblivious as to what was going on. Jack would be easy to handle, he was Ten's brother and now that Ten was on Terry's side, she would be able to talk some sense into him or at least convince him to stay quiet about this entire situation, Max thought. It was Carter who worried her. He still has connections in the Jokerz Gang and he was still known on the streets as a formidable foe. If he decided to turn on Terry, then Bruce Wayne would also be on the chopping block.

Ten turned her gaze to Terry, watching him intently. When she discovered that he was Batman, she was furious. Furious at fate and destiny for playing with them like that. Furious at Terry for keeping it from her since they were instantly attracted and found a bond with each other. But moreover, she was furious with herself for being so vulnerable to his charm and unable to hate him. Even if he was Batman, she could never hate him. She loved him for who he was, Terry McGinnis, the man behind the mask. She always would. The question that rang through her head was whether Jack and Carter would be able to accept the fact that Batman, who put them in jail, the so-called Dark Knight was none other than their good friend Terry.

Terry cast his eyes down before he continued; he knew what he was doing but it was a lot harder than he thought. Looking back up, he turned his gaze towards the girls. Max was worried, he could tell. She was watching Carter and Jack and he could tell that she was concerned about their reaction. Ten was staring at him, her eyes piercing through his soul; he knew what she was thinking. He couldn't explain it himself how he knew. Just watching her, he knew she was thinking about everything that was going to happen as well as the possible outcomes.

Still keeping his eyes locked with Ten, he found the strength to continue. "I've been working for Bruce Wayne for a long time now. The job revolves around his company as well as the city. I protect the people of this city at night in one suit and by working at the corporate company in another suit during the day."

Now Jack was glaring at Terry. He knew something was definitely wrong. Carter wasn't himself and Jack noticed that since they were in the limo. The girls, including his sister, were acting very strangely, as if they were expecting some outburst of some sort. Terry was acting the weirdest in his opinion; bringing them to Wayne Manor...this old mansion was a historic emblem of Gotham City.

But, the most distressing thing for Jack was that there was something very dark and serious in Terry's eyes now that drove out all the recklessness and humor from Jack's personality.

"That's an unusual job Terry." Jack found himself saying, very slowly, as he analyzed the words Terry just spoke. From what it sounded, it was a lot like his position in the Royal Flush Gang.

Jack's eyes widened as he was getting hints at what Terry was saying. Carter turned his face to watch the flames lick at each other in the chimney. He did not know exactly what Terry was going to say, he had an idea about it but he brushed it off as soon as the thought occurred to him, telling himself that it was impossible. Terry was not that kind of person to get involved in something so dark. When he thought of this, he turned his gaze to look at Terry. Terry met his gaze with his determined aquamarine eyes, unwavering in his resolve. Carter frowned, his thoughts almost already confirmed.

"Maybe," Terry started, "It would be better if you see for yourselves exactly what I'm trying to say. Follow me." Terry then walked over to the Grand Father's Clock. The guys followed as Terry pushed the glass door aside and he pulled at one of the cords.

Suddenly, the clock moved by itself as it revealed a passageway leading down some dark stairs. From their position, it looked endless. But what made everything eerie was the fact that they could hear all different kinds of sounds like some type of animal and wings flapping. Max noticed how Carter and Jack were behaving. She really wanted them to understand and be on Terry's side. So she did what she thought was best and her judgment paid off. Max grabbed a hold of Carter's hand and squeezed it. Carter looked at her suspiciously before she gave it another squeeze before she moved first, still holding Carter's hand and leading him through the clock. Carter decided to play along as he followed Max down the long stairs.

Ten wrapped her arm around her big brother's and pulled him gently forward, following what Max just did with Carter as they descended the stairs. Terry was the last but he did not follow. As soon as the four of them walked through, Terry pulled another cord and the clock closed behind his friends. Max and Carter were already walking down so they didn't hear the clock close behind them, however, Ten and Jack had just walked through and had only taken a few steps when they heard it shut. Jack pulled his arm free from Ten as he ran back and tried to open the door but to no avail. "Damn it! What the hell is Terry doing?"

Ten walked back to her brother as she placed a hand on his arm, "Jack..."

"What?" Jack yelled, as he turned to look at his sister.

"We should stick with the others," Ten said slowly, as she looked over her shoulder and noticed that the figures of Max and Carter were getting father away.

"Look. Whatever it is Terry is trying to tell us, it's important. So let's go downstairs okay?" Ten then lifted her hand and cupped his cheek. "I know it'll be okay," she said, as she leaned forward and hugged him, before turning and following the others. Jack sighed. He didn't like not being in control of situations and he sure as hell didn't like the way things were going with Terry. He was worried because he had a bad feeling about everything. He hoped to God that Terry was just playing a prank or this was some serious messed up dream.

Carter had to duck twice as he let go of Max's hand. There were bats everywhere. Max was still by his side as Ten caught up with them, Jack walking reluctantly behind as they all stopped and surveyed their surroundings.

Bats were flying everywhere and to their surprise there was a huge computer screen in the middle of the cave. Surrounding the cave were glass cabinets with various suits of the old Batman as well as Robin and Batgirl and another suit that looked like the infamous Night Wing. All of them recognized the outfits having grown up watching and hearing about them on television. The other suits and gizmos around were unrecognizable. They obviously belonged to many others but they ranged from different masks, to costumes, to weapons, even on a pedestal there was a golden coin and next to it read "Two-Face" and underneath that it read "Lucky Coin."

The group then approached the big screen, but as they did, they heard a very dangerous snarl. Emerging from the darkness next to the big screen was a gigantic Grate Dane. It began to snarl and its fur ruffled as it saw the strangers approach. Max and Ten both recognized it as Ace but Carter and Jack backed up a bit as they realized just how dangerous the animal was.

"Down Ace." A very old and strict voice said from the only chair facing the enormous computer. Turning around in the chair as it squeaked, an old man was sitting there as he faced them.

"Welcome."

"Bruce Wayne I suppose?" Carter asked, as he studied the old man.

Bruce looked over to Carter and literally blinked once, confirming the introduction.

"Well, this sure as hell is a place to hang out durin' your retirement," Jack mused sarcastically. Ten elbowed him in the side and he had to move a couple of feet away because it hurt.

"What's this about," Jack finally asked, trying to sound more respectful.

"It's about the Legendary Dark Knight we all grew up hearing about," a voice said from behind them. All four of them turned around and saw Terry emerging from the dark. He looked a lot different and it was a bit scary, even for Max, to see him emerge from darkness itself.

"The Legendary Dark Knight? You mean..." Jack trailed off, as he realized what was coming. "No way. It can't be..." Jack then looked over at Bruce. "You were the..." then turning to look at Terry "...and you ARE..." Jack's face hardened in an instant as he began to realize the truth.

Carter glared at Terry but never said a word. He balled his fists but remained silent and steady. His black eyes were flashing with anger but Carter was very resilient and he controlled his emotions. Jack on the other hand was obviously taking this the worst.

"Wayne's family was massacred in a pointless act of violence by a villain known as the Joker. My father was murdered for greed and corruption that was a cover-up. To avenge them, we both chose a dangerous and dark path."

Terry then walked over so that he was standing right next to Bruce facing his friends. Just as he did, several bats flew overhead creating a gust of wind. The girls hugged themselves as the wind blew by while Carter and Jack looked up at the bats. Returning their gaze back to Terry, Carter and Jack waited for the inevitable. Bruce remained as statuesque as always. Finally, Terry spoke.

"I am Batman."

Ten closed her eyes, although she knew he already was. It was just that she never heard him confess it before and the weight of that confession fell heavy on her as well as the rest of the group.

Max was not surprised with his decision. She had a feeling deep down that he would be confessing his secret but she was more worried than anything else. She had grown very fond of their new group of friends and she personally didn't want to lose any of them.

"No. Ah don't believe it," Jack said, as he took a step back, away from Terry.

"It's true kid. If you can't handle it then get out. We don't need hysterics here," Bruce said, as he watched, detached from the tense emotion that was evident in the air. Bruce was never an emotional person and he wasn't going to get emotional for a bunch of kids anytime soon.

Jack turned and glared at Bruce. "So you're tellin' me that you were the Legendary Dark Knight. The Original Batman?" Jack asked, as he pushed his way through the others to stand right in front of Wayne.

"A little slow aren't you?" Bruce asked, clearly amused.

Jack lost his temper. He lunged forward, trying to grab Bruce's collar but Terry was swift and on him in seconds. Terry grabbed his arm and twisted it as he shoved Jack away from Bruce, causing him to land on the floor. Struggling to get back up from the impact, Jack glared at Terry, pissed off at the attack. "So you're the type of person to stab your friends in the back huh?"

Terry was hurt but he could care less at this point. "No. I'm the type of person to protect the ones I care for. You on the other hand were out of line."

"Don't tell me Ah'm out of line," Jack paused slightly here "...Batman." Terry raised his chin up, looking down on Jack. Jack just continued to dust himself off. He then looked at the girls who were both watching him, upset.

"Why the hell are you both lookin' at me like that?"

"Jack..." Ten tried to talk but he then turned on her. "You knew didn't you?" Ten blinked and took a step back, hurt at how he spoke at her and ashamed that she never did tell him.

"How could you Ten? You're my sister and Ah trusted you. You knew all this time didn't you? You're acting so casual for just discovering that your boyfriend is Batman. How long have you known?" Jack began to yell as he advanced on her.

Ten's eyes glimmered with tears as she lowered her gaze to stare at the floor. Terry was about to intervene and step between them but Carter beat him to it. Jack looked shocked as Carter placed himself between him and the girls, as if protecting them.

"The old man's right Jack. Get a hold of yourself."

"You too? After what you just found out?"

"I'm not excusing Terry, Jack, but I'm not over-reacting either."

"Whatever! You gonna let me out or do Ah have to make my own way through this place?" Jack asked, as he turned his back on the others and faced Terry. Terry took a step forward, he was about to show him the way out when Max spoke up, "I'll show you the way out." Max then made her way towards the stairs as Jack followed without a second look at his friends.

"Jack?" Ten called out to him, trying one last time to reach her big brother.

"Let him go. You cannot force him to stay. He must do so of his own free will." Ten looked over at Bruce. She was about to say something but then thought otherwise.

"Well then. I suggest you get what's left of your friends to their rooms and then come back down here," Bruce said, as he turned in his chair and then got back to work on the computer.

Terry then walked over to Carter and Ten as he gestured for them to follow him. They did not follow in the same direction that Max and Jack took with the stairs. Instead, Terry led them to an elevator in the far end of the cave that took them back to the main floor.

Back in the living room, Max pushed the clock open as she stepped aside and let Jack pass. She then made sure she closed the clock properly before turning towards Jack. He was already heading towards the corridor that would lead him to the front entrance. Max followed.

"You're making a mistake!" Max said, as Jack picked up his bag and unlocked the front doors.

"You think Ah give a shit? Ah don't need this bull." Jack then stopped, "How could he? How could you not tell us Max?"

"You think that what just happened was easy for him? Terry has been struggling this entire time because he loves you guys and you're just turning your back on him!"

Jack stopped in his tracks, just as he was about to open the doors. He began to chuckle a bit before he turned to look at Max.

"You know what Red? He was always talkin' about honesty and trust. Those things are so hard to build but so EASY to destroy. Guess he sure as hell showed us how true that was."

"You're just upset that he didn't tell you from the start. Well, how the hell do you expect him to do that when he was trying to trust you?"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Jack asked, clearly frustrated with the entire situation.

"Terry didn't tell you because he was trying to learn how to trust you. He's been alone more than half his life. You think it's easy for him to just trust anyone? His entire life he's been betrayed or hurt. How the hell can he just trust you on a whim? Even if you're his girlfriend's brother. And while I'm on that subject, Ten trusts him, why can't you? Did you see how you just hurt the only person you love down there? Didn't you see her face?"

"That's no excuse for him..."

"And it's no excuse for you! Damn-it Jack don't you see? His dad was murdered because of corruption within the system! He couldn't deal with it without taking action! He had to earn his living day by day since he was fourteen! Even before that, he struggled with gangs and problems! You were brought up with a Silver Spoon in your mouth! You grew up in Europe for goodness sake! He grew up in the streets! He couldn't tell you. He wouldn't tell you because he didn't want to destroy the one semblance he had of a normal life!" Max finally stopped, breathing hard.

Jack studied her a bit, before turning around. "Sorry Max. Ah didn't mean for you or anyone else to get hurt. Ah think Ah just need some time for myself now. Tell Ten Ah'm sorry," and with that, Jack opened the doors and walked out, shutting the doors behind him. Max walked forward and locked the doors. She thought that maybe if she spoke to him, she could convince him to stay, but she failed. She wanted to help Terry with this but it didn't work.

Walking towards one of the windows, she looked out and watched Jack's figure fade into the distance. "You just don't realize how much you're hurting him Jack," Max said, as she pulled herself away from the window. As if on cue, Terry emerged from one of the other rooms with Carter and Ten following behind him. Max looked at Terry, trying to get him to look at her, he did, but it was a look of indifference. Max pursed her lips but didn't say anything. She grabbed her bag when she saw that the others were gathering their things. Terry led them through the mansion upstairs, fixing them up with private rooms. He led Max to her room first and then led Ten to hers. After making sure both girls were alright, Terry then led Carter to another room that would be his sleeping quarters.

"You've been awfully quite Carter," Terry said, before they reached his door.

"I'm trying to process everything."

Terry rolled his eyes. Great! At least with Jack, I knew he was pissed off. But with Carter, I can't tell what the hells goin' through his head.

"Well?"

"Well what?" Carter asked. Again Terry rolled his eyes.

"Well, what are you thinking?"

"I think I need to sleep it over," Carter said, emphatically, before he entered his room and closed the door. Terry growled to himself as he walked back down the hallways that would lead him to the cave. Once back in the cave, Terry walked over to stand next to Bruce. Ace was still sitting towards the side of the computer, forever guarding his master.

"Anything new?" Terry asked, as he looked up at the screen.

"You're going to a party," Bruce said flatly.

"Say that again?" Terry asked, as he leaned closer. Bruce shifted in his seat, causing Terry to move back a bit.

"There's a convention to raise money for the Guild but it is being advertised differently. They are inviting some hot-shots and guess who's on the list?"

"You?"

"You're catching on kid."

"So what type of convention is this? Oh wait, I mean what type of party is this?"

"It's not just any type of convention Terry. It's a masquerade party with dirty business men."

"The ones like Derek Powers right?"

"Exactly."

"I thought you hated parties."

"That's why I said YOU were going," Bruce concluded, as he put the coordinates on a disk.

"So you want me to dress up for a masquerade party? You'd blend in easier," Terry joked, as he looked over at Bruce.

Bruce glared daggers at Terry at the comment and Terry took several steps backwards with his hands up.

"It's after tomorrow night," Bruce said, "You think you're up for it kid? It means that everything might go down in two more nights."

"It's been long overdue." Terry added, as he thought of everything the guild was responsible for.

"There is also a name on the list that leads me to think that this event is so important." Clicking on a file that was on his screen, Bruce pulled up a copy of the invitation with all the names. Bruce then scrolled up and it didn't take Terry long to notice 'James Hewitt,' as the individual hosting the entire thing.

"Damn. You're good." Terry commented as he looked at Bruce.

"I know," Bruce smiled, as he added the invitation list to the disk with the coordinates.

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Additional Notes
Terry has revealed his secret! At least he still has Carter, Ten and Max but poor Jack couldn't handle it…for now :P With that said, I wanted to present a WARNING to all of you regarding the next chapter. When I started this story, it was rated 'T' but I obviously changed the rating when I added a lemon/citrus flavored chapter (the next chapter) between Terry and Ten.

So there you have it. Terry has revealed his secret. At least he still has Carter, Ten and Max but poor Jack...he couldn't really handle it...at least for now :) Anyway, don't forget to read and review. I always look forward to comments by my readers.