Incandescence - Kobra
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.

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

"I swear I'm always lookin' for everyone and no one's ever lookin' for me!" Max vented out-loud as she stormed from one corner of the manor to the next. She had been looking for Terry since she woke up, wanting to talk to him about their next move. She was tempted to go search in the batcave but unpleasant memories of that old man resonated in her mind and she quickly dismissed that thought.

Ace was with her but the Great Dane was as quiet as ever. They continued their way throughout the mansion and Max was half tempted to order the dog to sniff Terry out when she was startled by the thunder outside. Max approached the window and pulled the curtains aside, as she looked outside into the gardens and to the sky above. It was just starting to pour. She laughed a bit as she realized just how unpredictable things were when suddenly, the two double doors gave a loud bang as Terry and Ten came running in, laughing and drenched from the rain outside. They both then closed the doors behind them, still laughing as they embraced each other, maneuvering their heads so that they were about to kiss.

"AHEM!" Max involuntarily found her hands on her hips.

Terry and Ten pulled away from each other, having failed to notice Max in the corner where the window was. She was glaring daggers at them like a mother does to two children who have been caught doing something naughty.

"Uh...hey Max!" Terry greeted, as he ventured to look her in the face.

Regrettably, he did and was met with a very stern look of disapproval. "Where the hell have you been?"

"I'm just going to go change…" Ten said, as she kissed Terry on the cheek and ran as quickly as she could to her room. Terry wished he could go change with her, dirty thoughts crossing his mind but he had to pull away from those as he stared at Max. She huffed before turning around and stomping off into another lobby.

"Max? What's wrong?" Terry asked, as he followed.

"Nothing. Nothing what-so-ever!"

"You're a bad liar you know that?"

Max spun around. "Terry! I've been looking for SOMEONE to talk to all morning and I found NOBODY!"

"I'm here now," Terry teased, as he grabbed her hand.

"Yeah? What good is that NOW?"

"You of all people know how bad I am at keeping appointments."

Max smiled at this before she pulled her hand free and made her way to sit down on the living room sofa. Terry sat on an opposite seat facing her. "So what's bothering you Max?"

"Nothing. Just wanted some company."

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

The day was still raining as Havoc watched the city below him. He was bored. He was counting down the hours to the Masquerade party and his blood was boiling with excitement. Xander watched and studied Havoc, never once saying a word. He was disappointed that their last attack on Terry failed, but Havoc was going to have his fun one way or another and Xander was not about to try and oppose the man who saved his life.

"Xander?"

Xander looked up towards Havoc, the man having just walked away from the windows to sit down beside him. "When I restored your body and told you about the guild and my plans, why did you join?"

"My reasons for joining this guild were for revenge and revenge only. I'm not interested in ruling Gotham the way you plan to. So there is no need to get suspicious of my motives after everything is said and done. True it is a metropolis now and is going to be even more powerful within the years to come, but, my dreams were all destroyed when Batman interfered. He is why I'm here," Xander said, as he walked to the far window on the opposite side of the double doors and watched the city.

"So he was the reason why I found you in that condition?" Havoc asked.

"No…but he was responsible for it. The person who killed me in my reptilian form was my master. Master Kairi. She died. When my reptilian form died, I was transformed back into my human form, unfortunately, my genetics are really messed up because of Batman's interference and I will never be able to conduct tests or transformations again, using my body, because it could prove fatal. While everyone else gets spliced and are genetically enhanced, I must remain in this fragile, useless human form, waiting for death." Glaring outside, Xander closed his eyes as he tried to remain calm. Just thinking about Batman's interference and reducing him to such a vulnerable human being drove him crazy.

Havoc came to stand next to him before he, too, watched the city below him. "I found you in the ruble when I heard that the Kobra Institute was destroyed. I was shocked to hear that Batman was responsible for bringing your entire institution down. It was difficult to comprehend that one man could change an entire city. I found myself wanting to take over Gotham. You don't know how much pleasure it gives me to think about controlling the life and fate of someone such as Terry McGinnis."

"I still find it hard to believe that he is Batman."

"I know. But, I also hear he has a beautiful jewel in his possession and I'm not talking about Incandescence."

An evil grin spread on Xander's features as he remembered his Queen. "I think I will be very happy to have her back…" Xander said, as he pulled out a cigarette from his pocket. He offered one to Havoc, who graciously accepted. After lighting their cigarettes, they both looked off into the distance, watching the New Metropolis with many promises and possibilities.

Preparations were being made for the Masquerade party. Xander watched in anticipation. He wanted to confront Batman but from what Havoc said earlier, he had a certain red-headed friend known as Maxine Gibson who was still with him. A desire burned and ached as he remembered the only person who ever beat him in anything. He wanted to see her…he wanted to see her face as he would be the one to destroy Batman before her eyes. He wanted to see her squirm and struggle, knowing it was futile as he would ruin everything around her, just like how she and Batman did to his dreams and empire.

"Maxine Gibson," Xander said her name out loud, cherishing the sound of her name. He closed his eyes as he imagined and envisioned many ways to hurt this young woman. But, if he really wanted to hurt Batman, it would be better to make those close to him suffer. Xander opened his eyes again, this time with satisfaction. He knew that his chance for revenge would come soon.

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

Bruce typed away viciously at the computer screen as he analyzed the blueprints of the location. He was invited to a Masquerade party and it smelled dirty. No doubt it was a trap, the invitation coming from J. Hewitt himself. However, Bruce was taking no liberties with the information he had as he studied over and over the printouts of the building.

There was no doubt in his mind that this building was their headquarters and Bruce was determined to protect Terry no matter what. He would have to make sure that the entire building was inspected over and over until he felt secure enough to let Terry carry out his mission.

Another thing that was bothering Bruce was seeing the name "X. Kobra" on the list of the invited. Obviously, when he showed the invitation to Terry, the boy had failed to notice the name since he only scanned the invitation for Bruce's last name. Bruce was also doing a background check on every individual invited to the party and he had soon discovered that many of the individuals were coming from Europe with gifts. No doubt they would be the important sponsors of the entire party and for Havoc's future plans.

I would need to get Barbara involved in this as well, Bruce thought, as he leaned back in his seat staring at the names on his screen. In order to bring those foreigners to justice, Barbara would absolutely have to get involved and bring charges against them, once they had solid evidence.

If Havoc is successful with the party and manages to involve and fund the guild with enough money, then the city will be in serious danger because it will be managed by city scum and criminals.

Bruce clicked on the print screen key before the entire list of names began to print. I'll have that red-headed friend of his gather the evidence. She'll have to figure out who is who with the names I've provided for her, she'll have to take pictures of them for identification and get their transfers in the form of bribery and smuggling. Hard evidence that could be proven in a court of law.

Bruce then closed his eyes as he pictured the events unfolding. Terry and his friends would go to the party in disguise. There, little-miss-red-head and Terry's girlfriend will take care of the list once they've gotten through to the fifth floor. The Wanna-be-Joker will help Terry find Havoc and hopefully take him down. But above all else, they would have to remain in pairs for protection.

Pulling himself up and gathering the documents, Wayne looked at the papers one last time before he left the batcave. He made sure Xander's name wasn't on the list, a small voice from his heart hoped above all else that it wasn't true. His sensei had died trying to correct the mistake of training Xander and having her die taking him down, Bruce's stubborn resolve refused to accept the idea of that vile boy still living while she died.

As Bruce made his way into the living room through the Grand Father's clock, he heard the voice of just the person he was looking for.

"Wayne." Bruce remained silent as Terry approached him. "What's that?" Terry asked, nodding his head in the direction of the papers Bruce was carrying.

"Homework," Bruce grinned, as he handed them to Terry.

"I'm not going to argue with you Wayne but my friends are staying with me on this."

Bruce ignored him again, "Where are those damn kids when you need them?" Bruce asked, irritated, as he scanned his living room and began walking towards the "other" living room. Terry smiled, mildly amused at Bruce's referral to his friends as "kids."

That means he's taking a liking to them...I hope.

Bruce made his way to the other side of the manor where the "other" living room was. There, sitting on the sofas were Max and Ten along with Ace, sleeping by their feet. However, as soon as Bruce walked in the door, the Great Dane's head shot up and he leapt gracefully from his position and was by his master's side in seconds.

"Hey girls!" Terry greeted, as he closed the doors behind him. "We need to talk." Max smiled but Ten lowered her face. She didn't want to talk to Wayne just yet, not after what just happened this morning.

"Where's Carter?" Max asked, as she looked over Terry's shoulder, thinking he would have been with him.

"He's not here?"

Max shook her head no, as Bruce took his seat.

"I'll be back in a sec. I'll go find him," Terry said, before he ran out the doors, leaving Max and Ten exchanging worried looks as Bruce glared at the two.

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

Still sprawled on the sofa, Carter flipped through the channels. He was thinking about his conversation with Blade. He missed her. He liked her and wanted to spend some time with her but knew he wouldn't be content unless everything was resolved first. He thought long and hard about Wayne and Terry and about himself. He, too, had grown up in Gotham City. Although he came from a wealthy family, he was always alone and in pain. No one understood. He'd always been the top of his class, beating everyone else and putting them in their places. He was always in charge and managed to stay on top of everyone, just what his family wanted from him; but as the days and years went by, he grew to hate his life and his family. It was by chance that he encountered a Jokerz gang and when they attacked, he had beat them too. But this time, he felt a thrill, a rush at letting loose and giving into his hatred. He had no one to answer to but himself and he enjoyed that freedom. He had contemplated joining them, and when he finally made the decision to, they welcomed him with open arms, not caring about his past or his future. They just cared about him to lead them to victory on their raids and adventures.

He spent a long time thinking about his costume when he decided to join. He wanted it to be a reflection of what he felt. The black hair and black skull make-up was a better reflection of his inner turmoil. The mummified top was an excellent depiction of the straps he felt, tied and bound but he was breaking free, demanding the true respect he wanted instead of being a dog to his family's orders.

It didn't help that his family was obsessed with perfection and even though he scored high on the GATT they didn't care. They just wanted to uphold the family name whether or not that included the happiness of their children in having a normal life. Not that he was making an excuse but Carter had enough. He chose to join the Jokerz Gang because they showed him respect whether or not he was perfect. He felt a part of some group and was able to hurt and intimidate others just like how his family dealt their harsh attitude towards him.

Eventually, he got so obsessed with defeating Max, that he went so far as to try to kill her. Now that he thought about it, it was pretty stupid to try and kill someone just because they got better scores. The world was bigger and more interesting than being so stuck up on grades. He even felt bad about it even before he met up with Terry and Max in college, but he wouldn't tell them. They trusted him enough already; besides! he didn't want to bring back bad memories.

Though, thinking back on the time they've spent together, Carter smiled as he recalled how they all changed within the last few months.

Yeah, we've changed.

Carter tilted his head as he thought about Terry. Terry and Ten were an item and only God knew where Jack was. So that left him to take care of Ten until he got back, not that she needed taking care of but as his thoughts drifted once again to Terry, he couldn't help but feel bad.

At first he was upset that Terry turned out to be Batman, but another part of him felt drawn to him. They both couldn't deal with their worlds; whether they needed an outlet or an escape they both chose paths that were different from the usual routine. Carter would always be Terminal, there was no way he could strip that from himself. Unlike Ten, who was forced to create an identity as her cover, Terminal was created out of necessity. The emotions he felt when dressed up as Terminal, it helped him realize who he really was. Terminal was no longer causing chaos and destruction but he was there gathering information and being able to blend in with the wicked and extract whatever information he needed. And Carter knew he needed that sense of empowerment because he was never wanted throughout his entire life. Aside from his costume and his identity as Terminal, the only other person who made him feel alive was Blade and she accepted him the way he was. He had spent the last two hours - Thanks Wayne for covering that bill - talking to Blade over the phone. He had explained that he was indeed involved but he was doing it for a reason.

And that was to protect her.

When he met Jack, he felt relieved that there were others like him. Others who made the mistake of joining the wrong group of people and now were trying to make things better. In fact, things did get better. The city was treating him kindly and he had a stable job that paid decently, that was until both he and Jack quit. They quit in order to protect the ones they cared for and that's why Carter would see through to it that the part of him that was Terminal would carry out the mission of destroying the guild.

Bored with the television, Carter picked up the remotes, intent on turning off the screen and heading out just as Terry walked through the door.

"Finally!" Terry said, as he plopped down next to Carter. Carter turned off the television and used the other remote to close the TV set when he looked over at Terry.

"I've been lookin' for you this whole time. Wayne wants to talk to us about tomorrow night."

Carter remained silent as he contemplated this. So the old man is finally accepting us huh?

"What's wrong?" Terry asked, as he realized Carter was staring. Again, Carter was silent.

"So, how you handlin' this?" Terry finally asked, venturing to ask something for the sake of conversation; trying to get Carter to open up.

"You being Batman or the Assassins Guild?"

"Both," Terry responded truthfully.

"The Assassins Guild is just another walk in the park. You on the other hand, I don't know," Carter lied. He knew the guild would be tough, and he didn't want Terry to know that he was fine with him being Batman. Let him feel guilty, that way I can get away with things, Carter thought, as a smile crept upon his features.

Terry noticed the smile but refused to comment, instead, he asked, "Any hard feelings?"

"Lots," Carter sniggered, as he looked over at Terry.

Terry couldn't help himself as an evil grin spread upon his face before he got up. "Come on Terminal, we'd better get back or the girls are goin' to kill me for leavin' them alone with Bruce."

Carter involuntarily shivered as he recalled just how upset those two could get. He could still recall those painful pillow smacks he received for just having a dream. What Terry just did, leaving them alone with that bitter old man would cost him dearly if the girls lost their patience.

"Let's go!" Carter said, getting up as the two of them made their way to the others.

As Terry and Carter strolled down the long halls, both preoccupied in their own ideas, the voice of Max's laughter led them to the room where the rest of the group remained. Entering through the doorway, Terry walked straight through and took a seat next to Bruce, who was quietly watching the flames dance in his chimney with an irritated look on his face. Obviously, the girls were so uncomfortable being alone with him that they decided to play with the dog. Terry could only imagine how awkward it must have been for them to resort to Ace.

Max and Ten were both smiling and laughing while they played with Ace and scratched his belly. Once the guys came in though, they got up and sat on different seats, making a circle. Carter found it suitable to sit down next to Ten, since he felt most comfortable with her.

Clearing his throat, Bruce decided he would start now that everyone was there. It brought back memories of the league but he brushed those memories aside. "Make sure you get that on a disk," Bruce nodded towards the papers he gave Terry, "...and make sure your red-headed friend here keeps it with her."

Max, already use to the insults just blinked and turned her head to the side. The fact that he even acknowledged her meant that he was accepting her, at least, she hoped as much.

Terry nodded his head as Bruce continued, "The objective is to weed out the members of the Assassins Guild. Clearly, this masquerade party is to get endorsements and funding for the guild, but not all of them are members. What I need you to do," Bruce said, as he pointed at Max and Ten, "...is to go through the list on those papers and when you're there, you need to catch them making the endorsements to the guild. You will know if they're involved wih the guild if they put down Havoc's direct name and not to the treasury of Gotham City. So if there is anything made out to Havoc or any other individual there, I need copies of that as well as V.C's."

"Video Captures?" Max asked, a little confused.

"You will need to distinguish who are the ignorant fools attending the party versus the ones who are going there for a purpose to fund the guild. I'll need you to try and take recordings of their conversations that tie them to the guild. The more evidence we have against these big shot sponsors, the more time they'll spend in prison. So I need the names on that list to be identified. I need those names to get a match on a V.C. with their image, and I need the computer files that show the deposits."

"You," Bruce said, while pointing at Carter, "...will assist Terry in finding Havoc, the leader of the Assassins Guild. You will both have to keep an eye out as well for Curaré. And needless to say there will be other members of the guild protecting their headquarters."

"Terry?"

"Yeah?"

"You will be the sole person responsible for taking down Havoc. He," once again, Bruce pointed at Terminal, "...will be with you but I want you to take him down. That also includes the concept of him being brought down dead or alive."

Terry blinked before casting his gaze to the ground. Bruce never in his life ever insisted on taking someone down so hard that he would have to kill them. Why now?

"Wayne…I…"

"Can you handle it or not?" Bruce started to raise his voice. Terry thought about this for a moment. He had fought many villains before and defeated them many times. In some circumstances, those psychos lost their lives in accidents or by their own hand, but now, in order to protect the innocent, he would have to lose a part of him by taking someone else's life, if it came to that.

Am I ready to do that? Terry closed his eyes as images and promises flooded his mind. He recalled the horrific events of the nightclub when he and his friends went out. He recalled the many lives of innocent business men and women that were killed because they were important individuals who influenced the city. The attack on Barbara Gordon and her husband. The state he was in when he ran to Max's house for a safe haven from the cops. Those stupid special agents who were after the Royal Flush Gang as well as Terminal for getting involved. The day Dana almost got hurt on the rooftop. The day Matt was thrown off the building and the most recent attacks on his mother and the promise he made to Matt to forever protect him from harm.

Abruptly, Terry stood up and walked off heading towards the doors, his emotions running wild. Before he left though, Terry turned around and looked at Bruce who was calmly watching him. "You bet your ass I'm ready," and with that, Terry walked out.

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

Additional Notes
Hell yeah! Finally, another chapter complete. Just to remind you guys that although this chapter was a bit slow, the other chapters that follow are all going to be adventurous considering that I'm wrapping up this entire story. Please don't forget to read and review! Thanks!