Terry awoke to stark white, brightly lit surroundings. He lay in the middle of a small, hot, empty room. All four limbs were cuffed with connected tethers running to the distant walls so that movement was restricted. Pale green coveralls replaced the batsuit that had been on his body. Groggy from the after-effects of the drug he had been given, Terry's moves were awkward as he sat up. He yanked at the holds on his arms, testing the strength of the lines. Without the added power of the suit to pull free or access to the tools in the utility belt he would have to do a little creative thinking to free himself.
He stood, his gaze sweeping the room's interior for tools or information that would help aid in his escape.
She came strolling into the room, the same four guards in step behind her. Her bearing remained regal, the patented bored expression on her face. She stood calmly before Terry and said nothing though her black eyes were alight with interest. Terry spoke flippantly,
"You sure have lousy guest etiquette. The least you could have done is provide a blanket."
"I have brought you here for a purpose."
"Let me guess. You want me to instruct you on proper manner and etiquette. Lesson number one-
ask people to be your guest instead of kidnapping them. They might want to come on their own. Lesson number two- don't knock them out just when the conversation is starting to go somewhere and number three- provide appropriate accommodations. It'll make your guests feel more welcome."
A sardonic grin was her only response before she made a gesture to the guards, who immediately went to the four points on the walls that secured his limbs. In unison,all four pulled the tethers tighter. Terry stayed relaxed as his arms and legs were stretched to an uncomfortable limit.
"Hey." he protested mildly. "I know how to do stretching excercises on my own. I really don't need the help."
The four purple-uniformed guards returned to stand beside their boss, two on each side of her. Their faces were completely expressionless, eyes always cast downwards. Terry made an exaggerated effort to peer into their faces.
"Looks like you guys could use some coffee. Nothing like a little caffeine to perk a body up and put a friendly smile on your faces."
His unnecessary chatter had no effect on any of them. Challenging her studious gaze with a questioning one of his own did not get a response either. He decided to ignore her.
After a minute she did respond saying blithely, "You and your younger brother share many of the same physical features. Since it is not your mother you resemble, then perhaps it is your deceased father who has contributed the dark looks to his sons."
Terry quelled the alarm rising inside, making sure it did not show itself physically. If she was threatening.... His face brightened with a knowing smile. "Yeah, me and my brother and two sisters hear that a lot from relatives on my Dad's side, but then the folks on my Mom's side say we all look like her. Guess it depends on what point of view you're look'in from."
Her brows furrowed slightly "You have only one sibling."
"I have three. Jake's the youngest. Then there's Nan and Gert and me, the oldest. Whoever told you about me must have gotten wrong information." For the first time his nameless foe looked puzzled. She lifted her left hand to touch at her ear and cocked her head at an angle, her attention wandering away from him for a number of seconds. Unknown to Terry, an electronically sent voice was whispering in her hidden ear piece.
{"He seeks to confuse. He is afraid for those you have spoken of."}
"Ah, yes." She nodded, speaking out to nothing but air, then focused on him once more. "You should have no fear that I will use my knowledge of your loved ones to hurt you. They are innocent and not needed in what I have planned for you."
"Well that's a relief." The lie rolled smoothly from his mouth. "So- what do you have planned for me?"
"I wish only that you see and admit the truth."
"Would that be my brand of truth or yours?"
"There is only one truth, just as there is only one Batman."
"I'd rather talk about manners and etiquette."
{"He's curious." }
She continued. "Other than having to possibly endure your inept interference, I have no quarrel with you boy."
{"He doesn't like that term."}
"Glad you're not mad at me. So is this how you treat people you like? And just for the record, when have I ever gotten in your way?"
"I do what I choose to do regardless of the wishes or wisdom of those around me."
"Good for you."
{"He feels you are- conceited."}
"I know your teacher. He is old now and tries to continue to live his past glories through you."
"I've had a lot of teachers and they were all old. Anyone in particular you're referring to?"
{"He's fighting worry- surprise."}
"I can understand that. But he must see by now that you are incapable of fulfilling even a portion of what he once was."
{"He resents and yet I sense... deep doubts. He will speak..." }
"I'm sure whoever he is he'd be flattered by your opinion of him. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion and as inflated as your ego is I bet you've got thousands of 'em."
Terry was surprised when a much heavier hand made a new mark across his face. The blow forced his head to move despite his determined efforts to keep it still. He blinked as lights sparkled against blackness and he heard the calm, amused voice speaking to the one who was doing the hitting.
"Leave his mouth untouched. His words are his only defense and he uses them with skill. It amuses me to hear what he has to say."
{"He is angry. Beware. His will is stiffening."}
"Perhaps that is why your teacher continues to bother with you. He finds you amusing. A distraction from the aches of old age and the knowledge that his life is nearing its end."
{"His doubts come stronger, but the will hardens as well. He will speak."}
"Not fair. I amuse you, but you bore me to tears." Another blow from an even harder hand sent Terry's senses reeling and the taste of blood in his mouth.
"How unfortunate that words cannot shield you from the pain."
{"Yes, he feels pain... from the doubts. How did you know?"}
"In fact, the words I say to you now will cause you more pain even without a physical touch." She lifted
the bound man's head gently beneath the chin and stared into his defiant eyes, saying with assurance.
"You are no Batman."
A soft groan sounded from her earpeice.
{"Pain. You have pierced a tender wound ." }
She displayed a satisfied smile.
Stubbornly Terry raised his chin higher to escape the cold hand touching it and said nothing. The way she spoke those words pricked at his already faltering confidence. Having been stripped of all his power so
quickly and easily left him wondering again at his own ablilities. There was more to Batman than a high-tech suit of armor. There was more to him...
"So easily those particular words hurt you. So much that you can no longer speak."
{"Do not do this to him... he will speak..."}
"I'm not in the entertainment business. Find someone else to amuse your sadistic sense of humor."
"Perhaps you should reconsider your career options. I find you quite entertaining. More so than your teacher ever was. Always so serious. He could never savor the moment like you appear capable of."
"Who are you?"
"You need to ask?" Her soft reprimand bothered Terry. She smiled again. "He-- would know."
"I don't know who you're talking about."
"Nor would he deny the obvious." She stepped back. "Don't ever lie to me again boy." Her regal nod began the beatings. The blows were directed by her monotone explanations. "Such a pretty face for one considered so dangerous. No wonder you cover it. Who would consider such a countenance threatening?"
His face stung from the hit, ears rang.
"Let me tell you other reasons why you could never be him. A fine speciman of a man he was. Heart and lungs set within a deep chest with a capacity your puny frame will never achieve."
Bony ribs and muscle bruised as they were hammered with precise blows. He endured with gritted teeth.
"You don't have the intestinal fortitude to be Batman. Soft. Everywhere you are softer than he."
Another well aimed punch to his middle left Terry trying unsuccessfully to double over in reflex against the restraints that held his limbs rigid. He sucked in a breath as soon as he was able and rasped angrily.
"You don't know anything about me."
"I know what you are not." She smiled serenely. "And I know what you strive futilely to be. A hopeless goal for someone of your caliber. Why do you even try?"
"Your words and whatever you do to me won't change the fact that I am Batman."
"Who says you are Batman?" she sneered. "Has he ever called you that?"
Terry stared hard at her, remaining mute.
She scowled in impatience then looked outward at nothing commanding harshly. "Do it!"
{"I will not."}
"You refuse me?"
{"No master. But why must we do this?"}
"Do not question."
Her black-eyed, penetrating gaze rested on him once more, a knowing grin curled her lips. "You didn't answer my question. Has your teacher ever acknowledged you as successor?"
Ignoring her question, he wondered instead at her behaviour. Who was she talking to? Herself? Was she looney? Suddenly it became difficult for Terry to continue his current train of thought. Matching her gaze was no longer possible. An inexplicable feeling of shame intruded. His mind dwelled on her question and left him wondering at the answer. Had Bruce ever called him Batman? He could not recall a time. Does he even think of me as Batman? Or will I always be one of the 'kids' he took in who would never reach the pinnacle of greatness he achieved?
Stop it McGinnis! You're not going to let a nameless, insane woman tell you who and what you are. You're Batman. You've proven it again and again. Bruce has never doubted you like you're doubting yourself. He believes in you. Why else would he keep on working with you?
If he didn't think I had it in me he never would let me come this far.
The feel of a booted foot slammed into his back. Terry arched away from the hurt and concentrated on keeping any unbidden utterences to a minimum. A studied blow used to cause pain and minor injury. They were not trying to kill him. At least not right away. The object seemed to be to just give him a sound thrashing. Why, he could only guess. Bruce would probably have ten reasons why going through his head while being beaten like this. Hell- The Batman probably would have gotten himself out of this mess long before now, but all he seemed to be able to do is try to take it in as manly a manner as possible and not let the doubts of his own worth weaken him even more. He focused on her as she began speaking again, that know-it-all smirk on her beautiful face sickening him for some reason. Where had he seen it before? Was he supposed to know her?
"Let us both pretend you are Batman. Tell me why you would take on such an unthankful task? How
often has Gotham rewarded you for your efforts?"
Terry's first unspoken thoughts of defiance and off-the-cuff retorts faded in an onslaught of ambiguity.
Why am I doing this? What does Gotham mean to me? Is Max right? Are the ideals Batman strives for impossible to achieve? Am I making a difference here? Would the people of this city be any worse off if Batman was no more?
He shook his head, desperate to dispel the negative thoughts. They were his thoughts, yes, but they were never so strong. Anyone questions themselves from time to time, but not like this. She was doing something to him. Hypnotizing -- using some kind of mind game he was unaware of. He growled into her face. "No... I'm not playing your game!"
The sharp jab into his guts set them on fire. A groan escaped. Bile rose threateningly. He gasped for breath, controlling it.
"Who is the one playing a game here pretty boy?" She gripped his chin, yanking his head up. "What gall
you have to even try imitating the legend."
{"Master... please... " }
"What does it matter to you?" Terry grated through a burning throat. "You one of his biggest fans or something?" He managed a gurgling chuckle. "Must be older than you look to think you know what the original Batman was like." Her expression twisted into a distinctive look triggering something in Terry's memory that went along with the last words he had just spoken. He did know her somehow....
{"He is beginning to recognize --"}
A quick wave of her hand and another power-packed body blow from her minions sent the train of thought flying from memory's grasp. Pain filled every awareness. He struggled to remain standing on his own and not sag completely against the supports that bound him. By the time he became aware of his surroundings once more, his five antagonists had left the room.
He stood, his gaze sweeping the room's interior for tools or information that would help aid in his escape.
She came strolling into the room, the same four guards in step behind her. Her bearing remained regal, the patented bored expression on her face. She stood calmly before Terry and said nothing though her black eyes were alight with interest. Terry spoke flippantly,
"You sure have lousy guest etiquette. The least you could have done is provide a blanket."
"I have brought you here for a purpose."
"Let me guess. You want me to instruct you on proper manner and etiquette. Lesson number one-
ask people to be your guest instead of kidnapping them. They might want to come on their own. Lesson number two- don't knock them out just when the conversation is starting to go somewhere and number three- provide appropriate accommodations. It'll make your guests feel more welcome."
A sardonic grin was her only response before she made a gesture to the guards, who immediately went to the four points on the walls that secured his limbs. In unison,all four pulled the tethers tighter. Terry stayed relaxed as his arms and legs were stretched to an uncomfortable limit.
"Hey." he protested mildly. "I know how to do stretching excercises on my own. I really don't need the help."
The four purple-uniformed guards returned to stand beside their boss, two on each side of her. Their faces were completely expressionless, eyes always cast downwards. Terry made an exaggerated effort to peer into their faces.
"Looks like you guys could use some coffee. Nothing like a little caffeine to perk a body up and put a friendly smile on your faces."
His unnecessary chatter had no effect on any of them. Challenging her studious gaze with a questioning one of his own did not get a response either. He decided to ignore her.
After a minute she did respond saying blithely, "You and your younger brother share many of the same physical features. Since it is not your mother you resemble, then perhaps it is your deceased father who has contributed the dark looks to his sons."
Terry quelled the alarm rising inside, making sure it did not show itself physically. If she was threatening.... His face brightened with a knowing smile. "Yeah, me and my brother and two sisters hear that a lot from relatives on my Dad's side, but then the folks on my Mom's side say we all look like her. Guess it depends on what point of view you're look'in from."
Her brows furrowed slightly "You have only one sibling."
"I have three. Jake's the youngest. Then there's Nan and Gert and me, the oldest. Whoever told you about me must have gotten wrong information." For the first time his nameless foe looked puzzled. She lifted her left hand to touch at her ear and cocked her head at an angle, her attention wandering away from him for a number of seconds. Unknown to Terry, an electronically sent voice was whispering in her hidden ear piece.
{"He seeks to confuse. He is afraid for those you have spoken of."}
"Ah, yes." She nodded, speaking out to nothing but air, then focused on him once more. "You should have no fear that I will use my knowledge of your loved ones to hurt you. They are innocent and not needed in what I have planned for you."
"Well that's a relief." The lie rolled smoothly from his mouth. "So- what do you have planned for me?"
"I wish only that you see and admit the truth."
"Would that be my brand of truth or yours?"
"There is only one truth, just as there is only one Batman."
"I'd rather talk about manners and etiquette."
{"He's curious." }
She continued. "Other than having to possibly endure your inept interference, I have no quarrel with you boy."
{"He doesn't like that term."}
"Glad you're not mad at me. So is this how you treat people you like? And just for the record, when have I ever gotten in your way?"
"I do what I choose to do regardless of the wishes or wisdom of those around me."
"Good for you."
{"He feels you are- conceited."}
"I know your teacher. He is old now and tries to continue to live his past glories through you."
"I've had a lot of teachers and they were all old. Anyone in particular you're referring to?"
{"He's fighting worry- surprise."}
"I can understand that. But he must see by now that you are incapable of fulfilling even a portion of what he once was."
{"He resents and yet I sense... deep doubts. He will speak..." }
"I'm sure whoever he is he'd be flattered by your opinion of him. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion and as inflated as your ego is I bet you've got thousands of 'em."
Terry was surprised when a much heavier hand made a new mark across his face. The blow forced his head to move despite his determined efforts to keep it still. He blinked as lights sparkled against blackness and he heard the calm, amused voice speaking to the one who was doing the hitting.
"Leave his mouth untouched. His words are his only defense and he uses them with skill. It amuses me to hear what he has to say."
{"He is angry. Beware. His will is stiffening."}
"Perhaps that is why your teacher continues to bother with you. He finds you amusing. A distraction from the aches of old age and the knowledge that his life is nearing its end."
{"His doubts come stronger, but the will hardens as well. He will speak."}
"Not fair. I amuse you, but you bore me to tears." Another blow from an even harder hand sent Terry's senses reeling and the taste of blood in his mouth.
"How unfortunate that words cannot shield you from the pain."
{"Yes, he feels pain... from the doubts. How did you know?"}
"In fact, the words I say to you now will cause you more pain even without a physical touch." She lifted
the bound man's head gently beneath the chin and stared into his defiant eyes, saying with assurance.
"You are no Batman."
A soft groan sounded from her earpeice.
{"Pain. You have pierced a tender wound ." }
She displayed a satisfied smile.
Stubbornly Terry raised his chin higher to escape the cold hand touching it and said nothing. The way she spoke those words pricked at his already faltering confidence. Having been stripped of all his power so
quickly and easily left him wondering again at his own ablilities. There was more to Batman than a high-tech suit of armor. There was more to him...
"So easily those particular words hurt you. So much that you can no longer speak."
{"Do not do this to him... he will speak..."}
"I'm not in the entertainment business. Find someone else to amuse your sadistic sense of humor."
"Perhaps you should reconsider your career options. I find you quite entertaining. More so than your teacher ever was. Always so serious. He could never savor the moment like you appear capable of."
"Who are you?"
"You need to ask?" Her soft reprimand bothered Terry. She smiled again. "He-- would know."
"I don't know who you're talking about."
"Nor would he deny the obvious." She stepped back. "Don't ever lie to me again boy." Her regal nod began the beatings. The blows were directed by her monotone explanations. "Such a pretty face for one considered so dangerous. No wonder you cover it. Who would consider such a countenance threatening?"
His face stung from the hit, ears rang.
"Let me tell you other reasons why you could never be him. A fine speciman of a man he was. Heart and lungs set within a deep chest with a capacity your puny frame will never achieve."
Bony ribs and muscle bruised as they were hammered with precise blows. He endured with gritted teeth.
"You don't have the intestinal fortitude to be Batman. Soft. Everywhere you are softer than he."
Another well aimed punch to his middle left Terry trying unsuccessfully to double over in reflex against the restraints that held his limbs rigid. He sucked in a breath as soon as he was able and rasped angrily.
"You don't know anything about me."
"I know what you are not." She smiled serenely. "And I know what you strive futilely to be. A hopeless goal for someone of your caliber. Why do you even try?"
"Your words and whatever you do to me won't change the fact that I am Batman."
"Who says you are Batman?" she sneered. "Has he ever called you that?"
Terry stared hard at her, remaining mute.
She scowled in impatience then looked outward at nothing commanding harshly. "Do it!"
{"I will not."}
"You refuse me?"
{"No master. But why must we do this?"}
"Do not question."
Her black-eyed, penetrating gaze rested on him once more, a knowing grin curled her lips. "You didn't answer my question. Has your teacher ever acknowledged you as successor?"
Ignoring her question, he wondered instead at her behaviour. Who was she talking to? Herself? Was she looney? Suddenly it became difficult for Terry to continue his current train of thought. Matching her gaze was no longer possible. An inexplicable feeling of shame intruded. His mind dwelled on her question and left him wondering at the answer. Had Bruce ever called him Batman? He could not recall a time. Does he even think of me as Batman? Or will I always be one of the 'kids' he took in who would never reach the pinnacle of greatness he achieved?
Stop it McGinnis! You're not going to let a nameless, insane woman tell you who and what you are. You're Batman. You've proven it again and again. Bruce has never doubted you like you're doubting yourself. He believes in you. Why else would he keep on working with you?
If he didn't think I had it in me he never would let me come this far.
The feel of a booted foot slammed into his back. Terry arched away from the hurt and concentrated on keeping any unbidden utterences to a minimum. A studied blow used to cause pain and minor injury. They were not trying to kill him. At least not right away. The object seemed to be to just give him a sound thrashing. Why, he could only guess. Bruce would probably have ten reasons why going through his head while being beaten like this. Hell- The Batman probably would have gotten himself out of this mess long before now, but all he seemed to be able to do is try to take it in as manly a manner as possible and not let the doubts of his own worth weaken him even more. He focused on her as she began speaking again, that know-it-all smirk on her beautiful face sickening him for some reason. Where had he seen it before? Was he supposed to know her?
"Let us both pretend you are Batman. Tell me why you would take on such an unthankful task? How
often has Gotham rewarded you for your efforts?"
Terry's first unspoken thoughts of defiance and off-the-cuff retorts faded in an onslaught of ambiguity.
Why am I doing this? What does Gotham mean to me? Is Max right? Are the ideals Batman strives for impossible to achieve? Am I making a difference here? Would the people of this city be any worse off if Batman was no more?
He shook his head, desperate to dispel the negative thoughts. They were his thoughts, yes, but they were never so strong. Anyone questions themselves from time to time, but not like this. She was doing something to him. Hypnotizing -- using some kind of mind game he was unaware of. He growled into her face. "No... I'm not playing your game!"
The sharp jab into his guts set them on fire. A groan escaped. Bile rose threateningly. He gasped for breath, controlling it.
"Who is the one playing a game here pretty boy?" She gripped his chin, yanking his head up. "What gall
you have to even try imitating the legend."
{"Master... please... " }
"What does it matter to you?" Terry grated through a burning throat. "You one of his biggest fans or something?" He managed a gurgling chuckle. "Must be older than you look to think you know what the original Batman was like." Her expression twisted into a distinctive look triggering something in Terry's memory that went along with the last words he had just spoken. He did know her somehow....
{"He is beginning to recognize --"}
A quick wave of her hand and another power-packed body blow from her minions sent the train of thought flying from memory's grasp. Pain filled every awareness. He struggled to remain standing on his own and not sag completely against the supports that bound him. By the time he became aware of his surroundings once more, his five antagonists had left the room.