A/N: The conclusion to the "Wake Up, Dead Man..." arc. This might be a little out of place next to the past 2 chapters (but wait a minute, all three were in different places in mind, body, and soul). It's not too hard to guess the Lazarus Pit is being used but consider the effects of it... not to mention, from here on out, a major aspect of Gar's persona has changed (and not for the best I'll tell you). The chapter takes some liberties (because I'm not too familiar with Talia) but I'm working on the notion that she's working for her father's goal, a little motivation there. Needed a LOT of Pantera for the last half of this chapter. Here you go, the conclusion.
Wake Up, Dead Man...
Under the cover of night, Garfield Logan finds himself escaping the city's largest hospital with a woman whom he hasn't met in his life. To make it stranger is how easily she manages to sneak him out, a fact attributed to the men working under her orders. Beneath a stretcher, covered by a sheet, Talia and another assistant (in scrubs) push Gar out of the ward and into the elevator. Inside, they're joined by another man from a few floors down. Perhaps to his joy, Gar discovers that the man is carrying a bag with a familiar trench coat inside of it. With luck he'll still have all his weapons to his use.
Through the lobby, a bit crowded even in the late night, they proceed towards the garage elevators with no apparent alarm at Gar's disappearance.,,' In fact, the first time the alarm is raised, Talia and her men have converged on the basement floor, the stretcher thus abandoned and Gar funneled into the back of a black van. As the police cars come flooding in, the van makes it's way out.
The ride to his unknown destination is filled with a combination of worry and anticipation. Not that the four Middle-Eastern men in the van glaring at him isn't a concern for worry but it's his lack of transforming ability that has him most disturbed. Even with his coat around his shoulders, the knives still in their place, he's in no condition for a fight right now and they probably know that.
"I'm surprised you survived your fight with the Baptist." That smooth, charming voice could disarm a man if he wasn't careful.
"For three minutes, I didn't". Gar's definitely being careful, that's for sure.
Taking a seat beside the green vagrant, the other henchmen keeping their eyes trained on him in case he does something stupid, Talia brushes her hair out of her face. "You must be really good if you lived through it. You're not a normal metahuman, are you?"
Glancing back, eyes meeting her own with a stare of boredom, he points to his throat. If she's gonna keep asking questions, she should learn she's not gonna get any spoken answers.
"Don't worry about that. We have a way of fixing it without drilling into your airway." The zippo snapping open, the flame sputters from time to time as the vigilante listens to the woman continue. "You refused surgery to install a speech device... I must say you're even stubborn or a fool."
What he'd do to be able to tell her a thing or two. All he can gesture with is simple body language. Pointing to each of the crew, himself, and her... rushing his hands about, then pointing outside with a shrug.. it seems he wants to know..
"Where we're going, yes?"
The lighter snapping shut, Gar nods and slides it back into his pocket... There will be time later for venting his rage.
A foreboding smile on her face, she warns "A place where we're going to run into opposition. You see what we need to fix you is something that's been stolen from us. If we can't get to it, we can't heal your wounds."
A shrugging nod, I get it, Gar spins his hand to hurry it up.
"Patience, you'll see when we get there. In the meantime, I hope you can handle a ride on a boat. It's too dangerous taking a helicopter where we're going."
The stars look so beautiful at night when you're away from the city. Not a cloud in the sky, no other souls but them on the craft heading west. Six strangers look forward, only one looks up at the sky... How many other planets out there have life just like this? As twisted and strange, bizarre and obscene as this planet Earth, how many more could there be just in his vision alone? The few trips through space he'd been on with the Titans showed only a snippet of the whole galaxy... Could there be a world up there with no sorrow or pain?
...
By now the others must be in a frenzy. Who knows how well the security cameras were covered up but these people look legitimate. The Titans might put the blame on the gangs that injured him in the first place... Or maybe the mayor would simply announce that Gar "vanished without a trace" to escape the heat. As for the gangs, would they continue to hunt for him? Maybe a rival group kidnapped him and gave him a cement shoe fitting on the Pacific late one night. Then again, maybe these people in the boat with him aren't here to save his ass and only that.
... Would she look for him? Strange thoughts about his.. now officially "ex-partner" on the Titans. Neither Cyborg, Starfire, or even Robin came to visit him during his stay (probably the Boy Wonder keeping a P.R. clamp to isolate themselves from "gang-related matters"). While Robin would probably spin the news away from his current roster, she might actually give a damn.
... Had he gone too far with all of this like Robin and the mayor said? Was it the attack on the garage that got them spooked or the fight with Baptist? Maybe so but it wouldn't explain how worried they seemed about civilian causalities. Jinx was, technically, an indirect victim and Kristine's death had yet to be solved... By being "Watchman", was he putting other people in jeopardy, people he didn't even know about? Robin can play three steps ahead of the game but why the extreme measures? Why pressure the mayor to evict him from the team publicly? That was never his style, even for a situation like this. So many questions, so little time, and so many words impossible to speak...
... No way to play with the lighter tonight, the wind from the surf and wind is too great. He has to make due with twirling a small four-inch knife between his fingers. To hell with the passengers think, he's not going to fight with a pie knife.. unless he's provoked.
"Mistress, we're approaching our destination."
"Good. Come in from the West, we don't want to attract attention." Looking back at Gar from her seat, she informs the mute. "Welcome to the Farallon Islands. I bet no one in your entire city even realizes they exist even though we're only twenty miles from the mainland. For years the government has claimed these islands were a nuclear waste dump as well as an animal refuge." Noticing the look of confusion from that last statement, she clarifies. "What they don't report on the internet or to the public is that it's actually a research base for black op groups within the government. Have you ever heard of a group called Cadmus?"
A shake of the head although the name might be familiar.
"Don't worry about it then, the least you know the better. They set up a base here for a long time to study the natural... elements produced from within the Earth. It's one of the few places on Earth that produce these elements. It would be a waste to let these greedy dogs use it for their benefit, right?"
What the hell has Garfield Logan gotten himself into this time?
The landing requires having to wade a few feet onto the dark beach lest the boat get caught on the craggy rocks marking the "beach". If the beach wasn't a pleasant landing, the long walk across open terrain towards the east-side of the island is even less fun. The large hills blot out the light coming from the distant city, shadows against a shadowy sky like icebergs on the sea. Even as a lighthouse spins to guide potential ships, the ambiance of the island doesn't conduct itself to a peaceful getaway.
Whispering, she warns him to keep the noise down. "Be aware that even though there's only a small force on the island, they won't allow us to trespass willingly. They will be shooting to kill. Do whatever is necessary to make it through, understand?"
Yeah, a great thing to tell a mute who's nervous as all hell.. Walking through a dark island, technically on a government base, with six Middle Eastern-looking spies, and no sane way to get this all done without trouble. The Universe really has it out for Garfield Logan tonight, doesn't it?
The "base" isn't more than a few houses on the surface. Then again, looks can be deceiving as where they're heading seems to take them towards a cave not far from base. Whispering words to each other, the five henchmen stay at the rear to guard the entrance while Talia and Gar precede into the depths. Luckily for the vagrant his enhanced vision allows him to guide them in the dark. So far he doesn't see anything out of the ordinary, no lights or personnel in the distance.
"Do you see anything?"
"Yeah, I see a ton of bats, Jimmy Hoffa, and a guy in a chainsaw mask.." Keep it to himself, nevermind the painful throbbing in his throat BEGGING to be spoken about. A simple shake of the head will have to do even if she can't see him that well.
Their walk comes to a head some distance down the tunnel. Exiting the passage, a vast cave presents itself with a greenish, bubbling pool in the middle. For the first time since Gar's fight with Baptist, the young man feels a very human chill run up his spine.
"Lazarus Pits, an unknown element bubbling from the Earth's crust that allows rejuvenation and healing of injured or dead creatures. Spend a few minutes in there and your wounds will be healed and you'll regain the ability to speak once again."
Shock wearing off quickly, he's past the obvious and now needs to know the coast. Her eyes widening a bit in surprise, Gar takes her hand and uses his pointer finger to spell out the words in her palm "W-H-Y-?"
"Clever way to communicate. You were chosen partly due to your injury. Had you not lost your voice, you might not have been considered for this. My father doesn't approve of your kind's weak methods of dealing with crime but he despises having simple mortals tamper with the pits in this manner." Gar's questioning stare demands further explanation. "Imagine if your government discovered a way to make the Lazarus effect an instrument of war? They could heal their dead soldiers, use them in a never-ending battle that would eventually destroy the Earth. This is not the natural path that the planet is meant for. Therefore we must deny them every chance to use this to create disaster for the entire race."
Nodding at first, the deeper mystery needs clarification. Pointing at himself, Gar begs the question as he spells it out in her hand "A-N-D M-Y P-A-R-T-?"
"In order to save this planet, people must be willing to do what is necessary. Obviously we cannot continue on this dangerous route or soon man will destroy the planet and all humankind. While many, including the Justice League, disapprove of using lethal force, you appear to bend the rules. Your stand on drugs and crime in Jump City is the first honest attempt at dealing with the real cancer of society. Humanity will be saved by removing human filth, not by fighting "masks". And I believe you are a firm believer that nature is more important than greed, correct? These are traits my father believes could make you a vital asset in our goal of cleaning up this Earth, restoring it to the natural state it once enjoyed."
...
Wow... That's a lot to lay on someone who's moments away from being dumped into a vat of.. God knows what! This woman and her father want Gar to become healed so he can launch a bloody war to kill the corruption of humanity so he can save the Earth? Tall order for someone who's only twenty years old...
"Miss Talia!" the voice of one of her guards yells down the shaft. "They've spotted us! We need your help!"
Gritting her teeth, she curses their luck. So close... "Gar, listen to me. The Lazarus Pit can help restore your health but if you stay in there too long, you'll begin to revert to a younger age. Only stay in there until your current wounds are healed and then get out... Don't stay in there for more than ten minutes, understand?"
Just agree with the damn woman, it's not going to help.. Especially not with the sound of automatic gunfire ringing in throughout the tunnel entrance. Two-finger salute, the vagrant turns towards the pit... Just like a hot tub, just like a hot tub..
Eyes bristling, his hands and legs trembling, the moment of truth is filled with hesitation... What will happen when he dives in? Will his body be ripped apart or will it feel like one of his transformations?... Why is he hesitating? If the world's depending on him, WHAT IS HE AFRAID OF? Eyes closing tight, looking away, the green vagrant falls into the pit with arms spread outward.. Ten minutes before chicken's done.
...Little does he realize that, in the rush to get back to her men, Talia has forgotten about the most dangerous effect from the Lazarus Pit... One that an emotionally unstable Garfield Logan might not be ready for.
Normally for trained assassins working under the mastermind Ra's al-Ghul, guns wouldn't be the first choice for self-defense. However, when working covertly against armed soldiers, deception through their choice of weapons might be better than giving themselves away by using swords and throwing stars. And it's no wonder they called Talia back; the base was hiding most of it's troops it would appear. Instead of the usual twenty-man security team they'd been warned about, it appears that number is underestimated by a large margin. Instead of a score of men, fifty now fire their weapons towards the front of the cave with full intent to murdering each one of them.
"We just need to hold out for another few minutes. It won't take long for the pit to heal his wounds. When he comes to the surface, we'll make a run for the boat!"
...
Things really aren't going too well.. Even as they try to avoid incoming M4 Carbine shots, a jeep with a mounted .50calibur MG starts to rake the walls around their position. Dead to rights with the enemy closing in... The surprise comes when the shooting halts for a moment.
"This is your last warning. Come out with your hands up and you'll live. You're surrounded, no where to go, so let's make this clean ok?"
A glance at each one of her henchmen confirms that this fight is a fight to the death. Gar will have to make it home without them, the plan's gone horribly wrong. None of the men will give up without a fight, despite their running low on ammunition.
"Alright, you've had your chance. Kill them."
This isn't the most fitting end to such a long life.. Perhaps God will have an appropriate place for her in the next life... The fools have no idea.. Once she dies, the Apocalypse will come about by the hand of the Demon himself..
...
But as the roar bellows outward from the cave, much louder than any dinosaur or air raid they've ever heard, not a person continues to shoot. Even the security details halt their attack at the sound; a roar howling in despair, grief, and more importantly with rage.
"Was that him?" one of her men asks, shaking in his shoes.
No time to answer as bats, swarms by the millions, gorge forth from the depths of the cave. Talia, her men, and the soldiers all swat at the air as they fill the area like a living storm. Screeching, flapping, some of them black but, eerily, most of them are green in color.
"What the fuck is this?" a soldier shouts, firing his gun into the air at the ever-moving horde.
...
Between those in the cave and those closing in, the bats pull down from the sky and start to funnel into a shape. Arms of bats burst outward from the shape, followed by two legs and a head. The soldiers quake with fear as the shape's head forms bright, gleaming green eyes. Radiating like floodlights, no pupils to be seen, the pit of hell in animal form. Face longer than his human shape, almost Crocodile in appearance, it stares ahead as green hair blows behind. Almost to his lower back, it's thick and a sight to behold. As the bats finally converge totally into this form, the form of Garfield Logan stands with a torn, ragged coat, predator's grin, and the eyes of a monster gazing upon all who would dare get in his way.
Guns raised at this new appearance, the soldiers demand his surrender even as Talia's group huddles in the cave, perhaps out of fear of this new side of the Watchman.
"Get down on the ground and put your hands on your head!"
If one looks close enough, they might see a long scar running up his throat that the Lazarus Pit seems to have left behind. Mouth opening, savoring the sight as he licks his teeth, his reply is hoarse, scratchy even. "Dogs."
"What...?" that answer isn't what the Captain was expecting to hear.
Hand raised towards the sky now, the growly voice of the Watchman beckons something sight-unseen. Looking up as well, the soldiers stand horrified as Watchman snaps his hands towards them, mouth wide like an animal snapping down on it's prey's neck.
...
More bats, this time much more than the incredible amount seen prior, descend onto the troops. The entire island's population perhaps, all diving and screeching, making a menace to the boys in green. Kicking into overdrive, Watchman throws himself at the men, grabbing some by the throat with his mouth, ripping their bodies apart and throwing them to the wayside. Blood everywhere, bullets are fired once again... smoke and noise, screeching, roars and shrieks of terror... The mass of green and black tears through men like a shark through meat, killing each with no quarter asked, certainly none given.
Through it all, Talia stands with eyes wide open, a hand to her mouth. This is the monster rumored to dwell in the heart of "Beast Boy" Gar Logan? A "Beast" that manifests through his rage? One that fought the demon Trigon and nearly killed the entire Teen Titans a few years ago? No... this is different.. They said he was primal in those forms, never humanoid.. He didn't kill, he didn't use animals to aid his attack... This is something far worse, something far more dangerous.. Could Ra's al-Ghul have planned to dispense this form of vengeance upon the human race?
With the screams dying down, literally, Watchman stands finally amidst a pile of broken corpses, bloody bodies that, moments prior, sought his death. Red liquid dripping from his face, the glowing-eyed monster looks to Talia and her men. Breathing hard, it watches for a moment before bringing the swarm of bats down upon them...
...
And as soon as they came, they pass by and fly into the cave, back to their natural home. With the threat passing, six people turn their eyes back to Watchman... to find nothing but a bloody field. The object of their plan having vanished as quickly as he'd dispatched the bats on each of them.
A/N2: Thus the end comes with a mystery. The same form he's manifested in the hospital returns again (seriously, check my deviantart for a picture of this Gar). It's nothing permanent but it's something that he'll be using in this saga. By the way, for those of you who might enjoy this, the next arc (untilted for now) will be the first arc I've done where Gar will not be featured AND will not ba supporting character. For the next 6-8 chapters, he'll be gone (I'll explain by the end of that arc all your questions about this chapter but let's just say the first Act of "Redux" is over... now comes Act 2).
Trivia:
- A small reference to "The Near-Apocalypse of 2009" was thrown in there.
- Gar might be a little Alucard-ish in this form...
- The Farallon Islands are a real set of islands off San Fran, a former nuclear waste dump and now serves as an animal refuge.
Rhetorical:
And to think these 3 chapters were over four months in planning. No Gar in the next 6-8 chaps, huh? Hmm.. that'll brighten up my day.