Batman Beyond "The Moon and The Bat"
Chapter 7: Death Rains Rush hour traffic consumed both the skyways and highways of Gotham as the sun began to set upon the city. Both hovercars and transports could be found all over, practically going bumper to bumper in most places. However, it wasn't usually this bad, even during the evening rush hour when people were trying to get home from their jobs in order to be with their families. Yet more so towards the center of the traffic, Gotham City Police had blocked off a small section of the highway, where medical personal and fire fighters worked frantically to rescue victims of a three car accident which had taken place just a little over a half and hour earlier. Rescue workers scurried about to somehow get the victims who where still trapped inside of they're cars out so they receive medical attention. Though there was a body lying nude in the street, holographic chalk lines were drawn around it. What was odd about it was that the body was nearly imbedded in the street. A coroner walked around the body taking pictures with a small device that allowed him to capture images on to a small disk that was about the size of the palm of his hand. "Hey buddy," a older police man called over to him. "What do you make of the naked skydiver?" He was a heavyset, middle aged man. Whose hairline had begun to recede and had begun to turn gray. "Well," the coroner replied, adjust the glasses that covered his brown eyes. "I really can't say on this one. Not every day that we get bodies that fall from the sky and have holes in them"
"Holes? How could someone fall from the sky naked and full of holes"
"See for yourself," The coroner pointed towards the body. Several and rather large bloody holes and been made in the torso and facial areas. The officer nearly leaped back in sheer horror, after all his years on the force. He'd thought that he had seen just about everything, but the sight of this poor person was beyond horror. The Coroner watched as the man's face turned a pasty white color, and then as he fainted, and hit the ground with a sickening thud.
"Hey pal, you ok?" The coroner asked as he kneeled down beside his friend, putting the device down at his side. "SOMEONE GET HIM SOME HELP!" The coroner called out to anyone who would listen. A medical attendant came over to the fallen officer's side and helped the fallen man onto a gurney. Some people who had began to crowd around the police lines watched in utter horror and sadness as the officer, along with the other victims, were either loaded into the backs of medical transports, or simply taken care of on the spot. VR camera crews were now arriving upon the haunting scene, hoping to get some footage of the wreckage for the six o'clock news. Dark clouds began to roll over head as this all transpired, blocking out the sun completely. Raindrops began to pour down upon the city below, it was almost as if the angels in heaven were grieving for the ones that have been lost over the past few weeks.
The path to 'Wayne Manor' seemed to be like a thousand-mile walk to Serena, as she leaned against a tree while she caught her breath. The dark clouds loomed over in the sky above her head. A storm was brewing and it looked as if she was going to be caught right in the middle of it.
"Oh this is just great," She complained. "First I manage to lose all of my stuff yesterday, and today I'm gonna get caught up in a freaking storm." Raindrops began to fall from the clouds that covered the evening sky. Her face began to turn a bright red color as a raindrop hit her nose lightly. Only to roll, and hit the dirt path that she stood upon. Serena growled in frustration, for her this was the last straw. She had lost her job, had nearly been killed by some would be wacko terrorist, and lost the one person whom she loved the most. All with in the course of a few short days. Though that didn't stop her from looking up at the massive old home that loomed before her. Even now it seemed to be ten times as creepy as it was when she first saw it only ten minutes ago when she first arrived at the front gate. The raindrops increased, and began to fall down harder than they had before. Her deep blue eyes went wide as she somewhat marveled at it's rather large size, though a lump formed in the back of her throat.
"Golly, this place is huge." Thunder and lighting crashed into the background and the rain beat down upon the ground. It was almost as if the heavens were angered and frightened at the same time. A bolt of lighting hurled from the sky and hit a nearby tree. Serena nearly jumped from the sound of it.
"EEPP!" The sound of all that pure power hitting the tree nearly gave Serena a heart attack. Panicking, she began to run the rest of the way to the house, leaving only a rather large dust cloud in her wake.
"And in local news. A dead body mysteriously fell from the sky today. Landing in the middle of the Gotham City highway system."
A pair of eyes watched the screen as the virtual reality newswoman began to relate the story to the public. An evil feminine laugh began to fill the small room. It was rather darkly lit room, with no furniture or fixings of such. Expect for a few chairs and the small table that the holounit was held upon. The room was part of a old warehouse that was located in the historic section of Gotham City. It was a convent place to hide for the city's street gangs and those who did not wish to be found by the police, or by the Batman. Yet for the occupant of this particular building, she could really care less.
"Perfect," a slight smile formed upon her soft ruby lips. An evil sparkle shined in her eyes, which were almost completely glazed over. Thus giving her the look of a dead person who has risen once more. The woman turned away from the unit, walking with such a careful manner, it would have a man hypnotized in moments. Her feminine form moved gracefully as she made her way across the floor. Even the horns that were upon the top of her head couldn't take away from her stunning looks. Another woman was there, chained to the wall, her mouth gagged by a strand of wiring. She also wore no clothes, and was thus completely in the nude. The restrained woman saw the shadowy figure walk towards her, and began to struggle against her chains, only causing them to dig deep into her skin, creating deep cuts that had begun to bleed. All around her the bodies of the woman that had been kidnapped hanged from their chains. All of them had been tortured before their deaths, it seemed that they're life energy was drained from their bodies. Their skin was now a ghostly white color, and they wall had suffered multiple wounds as they had died. She did not want to join their ranks, and even though she could not break free from her confines. Her struggles against them continued with no prevail.
"There's no way you can fight what is coming," that soft voice she'd heard for several days now rang through the hollow room. "You cannot fight your own destiny"
She continued to struggle, growing weaker each time. It'd been several days since she had eaten anything expect for being force fed a dirty rat. The shadowy figure of Omni emerged from the shadows, a tall woman, whose body looked it was twisted. Just like that of a snake. She moved closer, taking her time, as if she was taking her time. This frightened the woman to no ends, but by now. She was physical and emotional spent now. Easy prey she was now.
"You see, there's no hope for you pathetic life now," Omni spoke. An evil, menacing grin crossed the evil woman's lips. Omni sneered at her prey, exposing her deadly fangs that filled in for what would have been teeth. Her tongue licked her soft lips gently, as she lifted the woman's head up with her hand.
"It's Dinner time," a smiled formed as she began to blast the poor woman with black energy. Her screams filled the small warehouse, yet no one could help her.
"Scream all you want." She stopped now, seeing how badly the woman had been injured. Though the damage had been done. Blood flowed freely from the woman's open wounds upon her body. She smiled, licking the blood off of her victim, tasting what would become her's very soon.
"Tasty," she smiled, her eyes empty, as if she was nothing but complete darkness. Drawing the unfortunate victim's head close to her. Omni proceeded to sink her fangs deep into the woman's neck, drawing yet even more blood from her helpless victim. Dark magic began blasting the dying woman, as her life flowed from her body. She struggled against Omni, but ultimately it was of no use. Within just a few short moments her body became limp, and her skin began to turn a ghastly white. Omni released her grip upon the now dead carcass, and smiled to herself.
"You stupid bitch," she mocked the dead woman. "I told you that it was useless to resist my power." Turning her back to the now dead woman, her hunger for blood having been satisfied. For now at least. She turned her back to the now dead body, the sound of her footsteps against the cold wood floor filled the room.
The time has come, her eyes shined with a dark glow. Finally I have enough power to create an army of darkness. Her ruby lips curved into a wicked smile, as she closed her eyes. Dark power began to radiate from the depths of her black soul. Behind Omni, several of the bodies began to float in mid-air., and began to just hover there. She raised her arms up towards the sky, the bodies began to take on new forms. Their wounds began to wither and disappear, and then began to stand erect upon their own two feet, each spinning about for a few seconds as a black dress appeared upon each of the five. Their hair was now all black, along with facial features of monsters that belong in horror movies.
"Perfect," Omni spoke. Opening her eyes as the five stood before now. Each looked identical to the other, making it impossible to tell them apart. She opened her eyes slowly, that evil grin returning to her face. It was clear that she was satisfied with her new warriors.
"Now, " she commanded, "GO FORTH, and bring me the silver crystal." Her eyes gave them each an intense gaze. "You will attack the city, and destroy it if you must. That should be enough to lure Sailor Moon into the open." Her body shuttered at the mere though of that blonde-haired little twit. "And if that so called Batboy gets in the way," her voice took on a edgy and yet dangerous tone. The five listened to Omni's every word, each holding their dead gaze upon her. Their facial expressions remained unchanged, each only nodded their head slightly to acknowledge her commands. She lifted her arms up towards the sky, her extended fingers began to let lose with a barrage of evil energy. Tearing through the roof of the old building, giving her warriors an exit as the five ascended into the heavens.
Artemis looked out upon the city from the living room window as the rain beat down upon the city that was not too far away. He had been having been sensing an evil energy coming from the city, but he wasn't sure as to where exactly. Luna watched him intently, her head titled to one side, she'd sensed the same thing that he did, and while she'd been able to tell Bruce about it. Artemis had said nothing. The two were alone in the room, with Bruce down in the cave, and Terry off on patrol. The two had really not much else to do.
"This is very strange," Artemis spoke after a few minutes of nothing but complete silence "Luna, come take a look at this"
The other cat nodded her head, and hopped up on to the windowsill, beside Artemis. He pointed out towards the city, where dark beams of energy could be seen shooting out into the sky.
"Oh my," the fur upon her back began to stand upright. "We need to warn Mr. Wayne right away!" Luna turned to jump down, though she stopped. A creaking sound filled the hallway, causing both the heads of both cats to turn towards the hallway.
"It sounds like we have company Luna," Artemis explained as he jumped down from the windowsill, and ran out into the hallway. The noise grew louder, as the sound of the rain could be heard. The two cats stopped suddenly, now standing at the edge of the staircase that led to the main hallway. The door continued to open just as Luna's eyes began to widen, A shadow blanketed them both.
"Hello?" A voice rang out through the entryway, "Is anybody home?" A shadowy figure could be seen in the doorway, vaguely visible because of the heavy rain. Yet the sound of her voice was enough to make Luna's ears stick straight up into the air.
"SERENA!" The little black cat came down the stairs as fast as she could go, and into the arms of her owner. Serena knelt down and lifted Luna up into her arms. Though she wound screaming her head off in pain from her injuries and shock because Serena was so wet.
"Goodness sakes Serena!" Luna cried as she shook herself dry again. Though she spoke through gritted teeth as she tried not to show how much it really did hurt. "How long have you been out in this storm"
Serena blinked, she'd seen Luna hurt before though she didn't say anything about it "About half an hour," she explained. "During which I nearly got struck down by a bolt of lighting." Her eyes widened slightly as she saw Artemis walk up beside Luna to help her dry off.
"Artemis?" She looked at the white cat questioningly for a few moments, lowering herself down on to one knee. "What are you doing here"
Artemis looked up at Serena, their eyes meeting for a brief moment. "The same reason Luna came here, only the situation is more serious than we both thought." The sound of more footsteps could be heard now, then the sound of something was sliding across the floor. Serena jumped to her feet, grabbing Luna in the process.
"Artemis, where are you?" A voice rang out. Serena looked about for a moment, as if she couldn't believe this. That voice was so familiar, and since Artemis was here, that ment it could only be one other person besides the one who owned this house.
"Artemis?" The voice called again, the sound of something being pushed back into place was heard. "Where are you?" Mina walked into the entryway, and at once she caught sight of Serena standing there, holding Luna in her arms. The two stood there, as if neither one knew what exactly to say.
"Serena?" She spoke after nearly several moments of nothing but silence. "Is that really you?" Serena nodded in replay, not knowing what else to do. A soft smile came to her lips, as she put Luna down on the ground gently. Standing up she moved towards Mina, and the two friends gave each other a hug.
"Oh Serena, I'm glad your ok." Tears came to Mina's eyes as the two friends held each other close for what seamed like forever.
"I know, I'm here now." Serena replied. Luna and Artemis looked at the two reunited Sailor Soldiers and smiled privately to each other
"It's so good to see them together again, isn't it Artemis?" Luna whispered silently. Artemis nodded in replay as the two cats watched the little reunion that transpired before them.
The rain continued to beat down upon Gotham City, causing many citizens to either stay indoors, or carry umbrellas along with them. It was getting late, so not too many people were wondering about the city now. Expect those who wished to began causing trouble for the sleeping citizens of the city. Gangs took the streets at this hour, since there was no police to be seen.
A dark shadow streaked across the Gotham City skyline, like a tiger heading out into the jungle in search of its prey. Like an avenging arrow, the sleek Batmobile shot through the rainy night like a black dart. It's engines roaring at full speed, giving Gothimates a sense of hope and justice once more. Though on this night, something just wasn't right at all. Especially as beams of strange light flashed across the sky admits the rain. Batman made a mental note of this as he piloted the Batmobile through the narrow pathways in-between buildings.
"That's strange," he spoke through the communications link to the Batcave. "Never seen that before." He made reference to the strange beams of light that were flashing across the sky. "I'm going to check it out."
Bruce looked up at the Batcomputer's massive screen for a brief moment, then turned his gaze away.
"So do something about it." Was the only response he got from the elderly man, who looked like he needed a few more hours of sleep.
Batman shot Bruce a glared through the video link that kept the two in constant real time contact. "Right!" Sarcasm was practically oozing from the tomorrow knight. Veering the Batmobile through the city's highways, Batman couldn't help but wonder as to what in gods name could cause something like this. The batmobile shot through the city like an arrow, slicing through the darkness. "I don't like it," he muttered to himself. "Something just isn't right about this at all." Batman moved his arms, controlling the car with them. The batsuit was hooked into the special plugs in his chair's armrests. Only the one who wore the batsuit could actually drive the batmobile. Batman sighed to himself, and looked at the clock that was mounted upon the dashboard. 8:45. Damn- it I'm going to be late for my date with Dana again. He thought about his girlfriend, Dana Tan for a moment. They'd be going steady for over a year now, and Terry didn't want to ruin their relationship, Batman or no Batman.
"Do you sense that?" A raspy, yet slightly feminine voice spoke out of the shadows to her companions. "The Bat is near"
A face turned to look at her.
"Are you sure it's him?" another spoke up, looking over the ledge of the roof of which the yoma's stood upon. Well hidden by the shadows of the night, they had little to no trouble conducting their search of the city. The sound of a large vechile speeding past filled the air, as a bat-shaped hovercraft sped past the building. They all looked at each other, a smile spreading upon they're ghastly faces. Faces that only the dead has etched forever upon them.
"Come," the tallest of the five spoke up. "Let's have some fun with him, shall we?" A hideous grin came across her dead face. The other's looked at her, and nodded, turning to leap from the ledge of the roof as they took flight.
Batman steered the batmobile along the highway, moving his arms to maneuver the car along the streets. "Look's like everything's peaceful tonight, no sign of any trouble." He spoke into the two-way link that connected him to the Batcave. "I'm gonna head back." Light began to flash across the view screen that let him see outside of the cockpit area.
"What the?" was all that he could manage to say. For a moment, the flashes of light caused Batman to lose control of the car. Moving his arms frantically, he struggled to regain control of the Batmobile, nearly severing it off road. "That was close," Batman said with a sigh or relief. Turing his arms slight, he turned to get off of the highways. Revving the engines up, Batman smiled a bit. The roar of the Batmobile's engine sent fear into the hearts of those who did evil.
Something shot out at the fast moving Batmobile, it was fast and Batman barely had time to steer out of its range. The object wrapped itself around the side of the vechile, just as several more shot out. They too wrapped around the batmobile, preventing from attempting to escape.
"Someone doesn't like me much," Batman poured more power into the engine The objects pulled against him, causing the sides of the car to began to peel away. Metal grinding, and the sound of it twisting filled the Tomorrow Knight's ears. ."That can't be a good sound." Energy began to surround the strange tentacle like objects that were wrapped around the vechile. The Batmobile began to shake, rocking back and forth. Inside the cockpit area, control panels began exploding all around Batman.
"ARGH!" The sounds rang in his ears, acting quickly. Batman unplugged the batsuit from its plugs in the armrest. Hitting a small button on one of the armrest, the floor underneath opened up. Allowing him to slide out of the car. Fire spewed out of the cockpit just as Batman managed to slip out of the Batmobile just in time.
"This is not happening!" Batman told himself as he crawled out from underneath the car. Strands of black energy held it in place, bits and pieces of the Batmobile began to fly off in all directions. Batman ran, diving off the edge of the road. His red wings slid out from inside his suit, and the jet propulsion boots fired up. Up into the sky he soared, getting a glimpse of what had attacked him. Five strange creatures, each with tentacles instead of arms, that were wrapped tightly around the Batmobile, blasting it with strange bursts of energy. Suddenly, the car began to shake more violently. Batman shielded his eyes, as the light surrounding the car grew even brighter. An explosion ran out, destroying the Batmobile, Batman's eyes went wide as debris went flying all over the place.
"McGinnis, WHAT HAPPENED?" Bruce Wayne's voice came through the two-way link. "Answer me"
Batman touched a near invisible button on the side of his mask. "The car's been destroyed, and. Uh-oh." the creature's turned their heads a bit to see Batman hovering above the damage. The five rushed at him, their tentacles turning into what resembled human arms. They charged at it, moving so fast that they resembled nothing but a blur. Batman moved to get out the way, but they were all over him before he could even budge. Taking him down hard, he plummeted down towards the streets, one of the five held on to him. Flashing her fangs in front of Batman's face, preparing to bite down upon his exposed neck. He struggled to break free of her grip, using all of his might.
"Nice mouth, you eat with that thing?" Batman managed to wiggle his arm free, flicking his wrist to let a batarnag appear. He used the razor sharp edge to slash the creature across the face. The monster let go of Batman, grabbing its face while in pain. Seeing this chance, He fired up his jet boots, and flew away from the creature. If he were going to fight them, it would be on the ground. Landing upon a roof, Batman quickly turned about, another monster was rapidly approaching him. Yet it was met with a might kick to it's face as it got close enough to him. "Nice try, better luck next time" Hearing another creep up behind him. Batman raised his fist, smashing it into the mouth of another monster.
They began to get up again, Batman stood his ground, unafraid. "You stupid ignorant bastard." One of the monsters spoke up, a strange black substance oozing from her lip. "Do you have any idea that we could destroy you anytime we wish"
Batman smirked, then made a gesture with his hands that said, "bring it on". The five monsters surrounded him now. Taking their time. He touched the button that activated the link to the cave.
"This doesn't look good Wayne." He spoke, turning about so he could keep his eyes upon all of them.
"Switch on your vid-link" the elderly man replied calmly. "Maybe I can help you from here." The screen flickered on the batcomputer, showing Batman's postion. The expression upon Bruce's face changed from solemn to shock. "Watch your back," He spoke after a moment of thinking. "Keep your eyes, and ears open"
Batman turned about quickly, two more had sprung up behind him. "That's easy for you to say." The five surrounded him, moving in slowly. Like a pack of wolves seizing upon their prey. Batman flicked his wrist once, a pair of swirling bolas came into his hand. Twirling them around in his hand, Batman threw them at one of the monsters. It simply sidestepped the weapon, letting it falter to the ground.
"You think you're so tough." One of them spoke up. Batman titled his head slightly, folding his arms across his chest.
"You talk too much," Batman flashed them a nasty grin. The five just looked at each other, and shot out tentacles out at him. Moving too fast for him to evade, Batman found himself being wrapped up in their tentacles. Acting quickly the five blasted him with massive amounts of black magic, causing the Tomorrow Knight to scream out in pain. His suit began to tear away, revealing the wiring that was woven into the fabric.
"MCGINNIS"
The screen on the batcomputer flickered and wavered before flicking several times, then going blank. Bruce hit the computer's console, the sound of old bones hitting button's filled his ears.
"If I was still young enough," he repeated the same words that he said night after night since Terry had swiped the Batsuit. "Pitiful, to let yourself become this shell of a man." Bruce lowered his head in shame, losing himself in his thoughts. Yet after a moment, his head snapped up, he could feel that someone was near. Though he relaxed when he remember who it was. Yet the look upon his face remained the same.
"What is this place?" A voice new to him spoke a female voice.
"The Batcave," Mina, it couldn't be anyone else. Bruce had taken a liking to her after a while. Yet right now, was not the time.
"Batcave? You mean I was dragged all the way out here to see a cave of BATS?" The sound of footsteps became louder, but now Bruce just ignored it. He was too concerned for Terry's safety to even care about at the moment.
"Actually, it's more than just that." The first voice spoke again. Their silhouettes could be seen upon the cave wall. He looked up for a moment from the computer's console, so he could greet the two. Though the image of Terry being entangled by those, creatures remained fresh in his mind.
"ARGH. THIS HURTS"
The sound of Batman screaming in agony only gave the five creatures encouragement to continue their torture. They looked at each other, expressionless faces masked the joy that killing mortals gave them. Each of the five could sense that Batman was struggling to break free of their grasp. Dark energy surged from their combined powers. It created a barrier of magic so strong it was almost impossible to break. They could see the Batman's suit began to tear and give way. The exposed wiring underneath the suit's fabric was now exposed, what was left of it anyway. Sparks flying in every direction, the smell of burnt rubber filled the air.
"Got to get free somehow." Batman began to try and somehow worm his way out of their grasp. Though the blasts of dark magic were sent surging through the Bat-suit, causing the wiring inside of it to short out or explode. The suit was now in tatters, exposing the melted out and useless wiring and circuitry beneath the outer layer. Still, Batman continued to try and free himself. With the last of his strength, Batman flicked his right wrist. A batarang popped into his hand, extending it's small razor sharp wings. He threw the weapon at the creatures, then fell limp. The batarang hit each of the five, cutting their faces and causing them each to cry out in surprise rather than pain. Though it was just enough however, to cause them to drop Batman to the city below.
"He'll pay double for that!" one of the creatures cried out, diving down to try and catch the fallen tomorrow knight. Straining to gain every inch to get closer to catching him, but he was falling very fast. Suddenly, something swung from out of nowhere and grabbed the falling Batman. It was hard to see who or what it was, but all that the creatures knew was that it had to be destroyed as well. The remaining four began to follow their teammate in pursuit of the Bat, only to find that he had vanished into the night.
"Damn it! Where did they go?" one of the creatures screamed at her other partners. They just looked at each other and shrugged.
"Mistress Omni will not be very pleased with us for this." Spoke another one, they landed upon a rooftop. "The bat will surely recover and alert those Sailor bitches!"
"Too late for that one, stupid"
The five spun about, hearing a deep feminine voice coming from out of nowhere.
"Who are you?" The biggest of the five demanded. "Show yourself, or we'll destroy you right here, and right now!" The sound of her voice was filled with a bit too much glee at the thought of killing.
"I don't think you want that."
"Fine, have it your way." The five began to shoot out blasts of pure black energy all about. Hitting walls, cars, and even sky cams. Though they couldn't seem to hit the source of the voice, which was still no where to bee seen.
"DEAD SCREAM!" There was a flash a bright purple, and energy. The five creatures screamed out and pain, and then there was silence. The five were vaporized in the blast. A lone woman clad in a sailor suit with purple fuku and holding a staff in her hands looked down from the roof from which she stood. Long greenish purple hair that flowed from her head to her knees blew in the gentle night breeze. She looked down at spot where the five creatures once stood through violet colored eyes.
This is not good. The Sailor Solider thought to herself. This new enemy is very strong, that I can tell form what they did to that warrior. She brushed a few lose strands of hair aside with her gloved hand.
Batman moaned as his eyes began to open, his vision was slightly blurred and the room was not very well lit. He blinked a few times as his eyes adjusted themselves to the lighting. Though he quickly noticed that he was not wearing his mask, because it was lying along side the top half of his batsuit. "Ok, now where am I?" He asked out loud, the pain that he felt in his back was starting to subside a bit. Looking about, Terry began to wonder as to how he was able to survive that attack, and about how Mr.Wayne was going to react when he hears about the car being totaled. He felt along the wall with his hands, searching for a light switch or something that would turn on a light in the room. "Where am I?" He asked, once he hit a light switch. The lights came on, showing the insides of a small hotel room. "Ok Now this isn't making any sense.." Terry said to him self. He fell back onto the bed, still tired, and worn out form his battle. "must, call, Wayne." He said falling into a deep sleep.