Episode 10: Stories of the Living and Stories of the Dead
"We need you to get us in contact with Red Hood," Matt said to Alfred.
Alfred was resting in a chair. Carrie brought him some tea. They were out on the veranda. This was late in the afternoon after school.
"Why is that?" Alfred asked: after blowing on his tea to cool it and taking a generous sip.
"We have a candidate we believe should take over for him and carry on his legacy," Carrie said, taking a seat beside Alfred while Matt stood beside him on the other side of his chair.
"I'm unsure Red Hood is a legacy he wants carried forward," Alfred said. "That mantle came with a lot of anger, rage, hurt, and sorrow. It's a dangerous mantle: comes with blood and corpses."
"If you won't talk to him for us," Carrie began.
"Can you at least put us in contact with him, so we can ask?" Matt finished.
"When you say us," Alfred said, "do you mean Matt and Carrie or Robin and Batgirl?"
Matt looked to Carrie.
"Would he meet with us in person?" Carrie asked. "Show us who he really is?"
"He could be persuaded," Alfred said.
"Then Carrie and Matt will meet him," Carrie said, then spoke to Matt. "I'm under the impression he already knows who we are."
"He worked with the old team," Matt said. "So, I think he does too."
"This is a chance to find out who he is," Carrie said. "Since nobody will tell us." She turned back toward Alfred. "But really, I'm hoping meeting in person conveys that we trust him, so he should trust us that Dak is someone he should meet, train, and guide."
Alfred pondered this.
"I'll set something up," Alfred said. "When it's time, I'll send you both the location of this meeting."
"Thank you Alfred," Carrie said.
"Thanks Alfred," Matt said.
Thinking of Dak, the relationship forged between Jason and Damian, Alfred thought too this would be a good course of action for Dak and Jason.
~~~
Bruce and Selina laid in bed together. Selina was snuggled close to Bruce. She had his broad arms wrapped around her. She always felt safe with him. She had such love for him; she couldn't properly express it. He changed her life, and even though she had never said those words to him exactly he had said that to her.
"You're changing my life…" That's what he would say. Every time they had to work together. Every time he had to save her. Every time she had to save him. Eventually it graduated to "I trust you."
As smart and sly as she thought herself to be, his words having a different meaning never dawned on her. "I'm falling in love with you." "I love you."
"I wanted to apologize," Bruce said. Of course he knew she was awake.
"Apologize for what?" Selina asked, already knowing as she turned to face him.
They both slept nude. Their heads shared the same pillow. They were entangled with each other.
Selina could see in his eyes he didn't know where to start. This man could do almost anything he put his mind too, but when it came to being vulnerable with the people he loved and couldn't stand to lose he became paralyzed. Anything he said or tried to express? It was thought he thought it would tarnish the relationship. Kill it. Good thing in that regard she was always a step ahead of him.
"You have nothing to apologize for," Selina said. "We both had lives before we met. Nothing that came before us will change us, change our relationship. Besides, when Andrea came to visit, you told me you had history. I had an idea she was hiding something, we both did. You thought she still had feelings for you, which she did. I thought it might be a child. It was."
"Why didn't you talk to me about your theory?" Bruce asked.
"Were you that surprised?" Selina countered.
"No," Bruce said. "I would've asked, but she disappeared again as fast she came. Didn't feel right not to talk her about it in person. I should've."
"That's the past," Selina said. "Every woman has her secrets. Every person makes their mistakes. Your son is beautiful, and he seems to have a good heart like his father and a penchant for taking justice into his own hands."
"You spoke with him last night?" Bruce asked.
"I spoke with him, his partner, Aponi, their parents," Selina said. "This is while you were in contact with Terry and Clark."
"How'd you know I spoke with Clark?" Bruce asked.
"You said you would speak with him," Selina said. "Also, you're only on the phone for significant amounts of time with those two." She laughed softly. "Alfred likes to wait until you're in person to have long conversations."
"What did you learn?" Bruce asked.
"They're dedicated to this land and their people," Selina said. "Carlito views this family as his second family. Aponi has a gift. That's clear. She knows things about people. I can't explain it. Takoda has quite the eye and I dare say heart for your boy. Takoda is a fighter, and when some tribesmen talked about Carlito for being an outsider after first arriving Eliwai said Takoda was quick to put them in their place with his fists. Lenne said that's how she knew he felt something for Carlito. That and he'd follow Carlito everywhere."
"Let me guess Carlito was oblivious," Bruce said.
"Seems like he has the Wayne blind spot," Selina said. "We're on the same page about the siblings. They're metahumans. Based on how close they are, I believe Takoda and Aponi are helping Carlito be the Phantasm: in some way."
"Carlito knows that Omen is a member of the tribe," Bruce said. "We should try to find out Omen's identity, and maybe at the same time find out how Takoda and Aponi are involved."
"You and I will meet with the parents," Selina said. "We'll go out: a double date. The last we did that was with Clark and Lois. Hopefully this time will be just as fun." She laughed, and Bruce couldn't help laugh with her.
Bruce rolled on top of her, looked deeply into her eyes, and kissed her. Then, he headed downward under the comforter.
"We'll learn their gifts," Selina said. She grabbed his head, trying not to laugh.
"Then confront the siblings about their actions," Bruce said. He raised his head. "We'll go through Carlito first. I don't want him to be upset. That would be unnecessary." Selina nodded.
"Until then," Selina said.
Bruce smirked before he returned under the covers, and Selina threw her head back in fits of laughter and ecstasy.
~~~
Jason and Greta stood on their balcony together. The moon was full. They both had meetings and people to which they had to attend to. Jason held Greta around her waist as she held to the railing of their balcony.
"You've been busy lately," Greta said. "Haven't been spending much time with your work in the garage as much as before."
Jason nodded.
"The Jokerz have been taking on extra work," Jason said. "It's mostly legit but still shady. Some of them took jobs as enforcers, extra security. Wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the fact they ended up working for Powers Technology."
"Did Red Hood have to make an appearance?" Greta asked.
"Not yet," Jason said. "This worked out in Batman's favor. They're in position to gather information. Powers himself I'm under the impression is still trying to literally save his skin. He's been doing research and experimentation both here in Gotham and in Red Clay: a desert area and community close to a reservation in Arizona. He's been studying his powers, radiation, radioactivity, and the composition of his powers along with his body. He's been traveling back and forth between the two locations, transporting waste and materials. No one is sure where he is now."
"He's in hiding," Greta said. "Omen is after him."
"Omen is after him," Jason said, "but I don't think Blight knows that yet. How would he?"
"I speak for the dead," Greta said and turned around to face Jason, "but I'm not the only one. Omen had allies here, has had them for a while. They work on his behalf. They sent him a message. Blight isn't scared, but he wants to make sure when he faces Omen he'll have the upper hand."
"They can't tell you where he is," Jason said.
Greta shook her head.
"They can't or won't," Greta said. "I'm not sure. The words don't come." She put her hand to his face. "While I speak with Batman, Z.C., and Voltage, where will you be?"
"Gotham Cemetery," Jason said. "Alfred asked me for a favor."
"And you can't turn him down," Greta said. She smiled. Her smile lit a fire in Jason, but that fire couldn't be unleashed until after they finished the work they had.
"He wants me to consider my successor," Jason said. "He wants me to consider the candidate that's been brought to his attention. I'm going to put the candidate to the test."
"Do you even have criteria for the candidate to pass?" Greta asked.
"I never told anyone this," Jason said, "but it's been on the back of my mind for some years now. My successor has to be of action. And has to have…" He didn't want to give her the answer.
"Proper rage," Greta answered for him.
"I'm going to have several of the boys put him through his paces," Jason said. "I'll see how it all pans out."
Greta nodded.
Jason gave her a deep, rough, kiss.
"You don't have to wait up for me," Jason said.
"But I will anyway," Greta said.
Jason left the balcony. Greta waited.
Z.C. teleported onto the balcony.
Volt struck down onto the balcony.
Batman dropped in onto the balcony: between Z.C. and Volt.
"Auntie!" Z.C. exclaimed. "You're looking beautiful. I'll have to tell mom. Well, I won't, because I'm not supposed to be here, but Batman needs your help." He put his hand up and whispered a comment loudly. "Don't tell her you saw me." He continued with his explanation of their appearance. "I'm here to facilitate a discussion on the disturbances happening amongst the living and the dead. You know because if Batman doesn't have the facts Gotham might be in real trouble." He whispered loudly again. "Trouble that would probably be too much for him to face alone."
Volt laughed and faced Batman.
Batman frowned and shook his head.
~~~
Bruce, Selina, Eliwai, and Lenne were on their double date. Eliwai and Lenne were hesitant to go at first, but Aponi insisted. Even the Elder and his wife, she told them, need to take care of themselves if they plan to continuously take care of others. The double date became a hike into the mountains to have a picnic at sunset. Aponi planned to take care of their parents' rounds with the tribe, and Takoda would handle the administrative tasks with the reservation and resort. Carlito prepared the picnic basket before he would go out into the land and do some field work for the book he was writing for the Red Clay Raven Tribe.
Selina had slunk into the kitchen when Lenne was seemingly alone. However, she hadn't taken Lenne off guard. Selina posed the question. Aponi appeared out of nowhere and answered for the couple.
Selina and Lenne were walking ahead of the men. Lenne was leading the way.
Eliwai and Bruce were in the back with Eliwai carrying a massive picnic basket as if it were a bag of feathers.
"We weren't trying to take you two from your work," Selina said. "You two are just gorgeous, and we wanted to get to know you better. Also, my husband and I thought we should get to know each other better, stay in contact, so nothing like what's happening now happens again."
"You're a sweetheart and pretty honest," Lenne said. "But unlike Bruce, you're the sly one. The way you came onto me earlier gave you away."
Selina chuckled.
"Aren't you an observant one," Selina said. "I didn't plan to beat around the bush. I find that rather dull and boring. I'm curious by nature, and I have quite a few questions for you."
"Shoot," Lenne said. "We've got nothing to hide, but I'm sure you two do."
Selina chuckled again.
"Your children are metahumans, right?" Selina questioned her.
"My children were blessed with gifts from The Creator to help take care of our land and people," Lenne said. "Just like Bruce didn't know about Powers Technology he didn't know he had a son until recently, did he?" Selina didn't say anything. "You didn't think you were the only one who would ask questions, did you?"
"I don't mind answering any question you have," Selina said, "but if you have questions about my husband you'll have to ask him directly."
"Very well," Lenne said. "Why does it matter to you whether my children have gifts? Do yours?"
"My children do have gifts," Selina said, "but they're not metahumans. It matters because they might be putting themselves in danger."
"They're old enough to take care of themselves," Lenne said. "They can make their own choices. Aponi is a shaman: our tribe's medicine woman. She knows things. It can be off putting to some."
"It isn't to me," Selina said. "Gotham is full of talented, eccentric women, including myself. I find her intriguing. I'm glad to have met her. I think her and my daughter could be good friends."
"You'll have to bring your daughter here some time," Lenne said.
"I will," Selina said. "I have a son too."
"Takoda is a spiritualist," Lenne explained about her son. "He's our tribe's medium. He keeps us connected to our ancestors, our loved ones who have been lost."
"I'm guessing he's the one who was in contact with the previous Elder, his grandfather," Selina surmised. "That's partially how you all learned of the trouble you've been facing."
"Yes," Lenne said. "Takoda, Aponi, and Carlito have been instrumental in getting the word out and trying to save us."
"I have to ask," Selina said. "Why are you being so forthcoming?"
"In our culture," Lenne said, "death is not the end. The living look after the dead, and the dead continue to look after the living. The dead find ways to communicate with us. I know we can trust you because it was expressed to us that we could. This has been coupled with your own actions and Carlito vouching for you both."
Lenne and Selina reached the end of a cliff, looking out at a magnificent view when they arrived.
"I wonder how much you know," Selina said: without giving Lenne her attention.
"I think our children are supposed to become greater than us," Lenne said: without giving Selina her attention. "I trust mine to do what is right. I support what they do no matter how things might turn out."
~~~ Meanwhile
Eliwai and Bruce followed their wives, having a conversation of their own.
Bruce didn't tend to be much of a talker, but he had learned decades ago that when quiet others would fill the silence. Eliwai did that, and unlike with most people Bruce appreciated what he said and found some of it even enlightening.
"I admit I didn't expect you to come to our aid so fast," Eliwai said. "My father he used to have such a trusting heart, but after watching so many of our people die, after watching parts of our land get twisted up and stolen, and after getting sick himself… He went to his grave telling me not to trust those white devils. He didn't mean all…He just meant the savages: the ones with savage hearts."
"I understood," Bruce said. "You don't have to explain him."
"My mother warned him," Eliwai said. "She tended to be right about such things. His mindset began to pollute the people and land. She told him the spirits would take him if he carried on. Eventually, they did. You see, he was the tribal elder, now I am, and as the tribal elder were the most connected to the land and people. We become like druids with an impact, an influence, on nature itself and the nature of humankind."
That grants you certain gifts, Bruce thought, which is why your children are metahumans. You are one as well.
"I consider myself a bad son," Eliwai said. "I was in my own world when all this was happening. I was out in the world. I knew I would have to take over for my father. I didn't expect it to be so soon."
"This wasn't your fault," Bruce said. "This was Derek Powers."
"If I could get my hands on him," Eliwai said. "Maybe I could end my people's suffering."
For a moment, the idea of Eliwai being Omen crossed Bruce's mind. Eliwai was a metahuman, and he did have plenty of motive to kill those involved in the case. However, Bruce's instincts told him Eliwai wasn't a killer. Even hearing his words now about reaching Powers, he didn't get a sense of malice: only frustration and a desire to end this man-made plague.
"It's better you don't get your hands on him," Bruce said. Eliwai gave him a questioning look. "Derek Powers has powers of his own, and they're in direct opposition to yours. When he's not terrorizing the business world, he sheds his artificial skin and threatens everything else as the criminal Blight, using radioactive energy and radiation to burn and destroy everything he sees and touches."
"My father was right," Eliwai said. "He said Derek was not only a bad man he was an evil in this world. He told me I wasn't strong enough to face him. I thought he meant because of my character, but he meant if I brought Blight's wrath upon me he would probably scorch the earth: wiping us and our land from existence."
"He'll be brought to justice," Bruce said. "He's got too many people working against for him not to be."
"I'm grateful for that," Eliwai said, "but I hate the idea that I can't show my children and my people that I can protect them and save them. Right now, my children are doing more than me."
"You're wrong," Bruce said, stopping them from walking although they were a few feet away from their wives who were at the cliff's edge. "Your father was a pillar to you. You are a pillar to them. They couldn't be who they are, wouldn't be, without you and your wife. I've raised quite few kids, and the transition to adulthood was hardest on me. Because it relies on trusting them. Believing that while some times they will still need you other times they won't. The fact that your people are still here, your land is still here." Bruce gestured to the landscape, and he and Eliwai took it in together. "It's proof neither Derek nor Blight has won. We won't let him."
Eliwai nodded with a broad grin. He patted Bruce on his shoulder.
"You must've been sent to keep me inspired," Eliwai said. "With my father at my side in spirit guiding me and you at my side in person advising me, I can agree."
The wives were settled on a blanket, and the husbands nodded together before they went and joined them with the food.
Before Bruce sat down and got comfortable, he texted Terry. Eliwai had given him a thread to follow to track down Derek. Derek also had a son, who would probably give up Derek's location in a heartbeat if it meant he got to gain control of everything Derek had obtained. Paxton. And as it stood, Paxton was at least a better businessman if not quite a better person. He was the lesser of two evils.
~~~
"So Auntie," Z.C. said. "You got anything for Batman here?"
Greta smiled. She let it fade. She brought her finger to her lips. She spoke one word. "Secret."
A moment later, an ethereal being appeared beside Greta: James Gordon.
Greta brought her finger from her lips, turned toward James, and spoke with him.
"Batman would like to know the trouble in store for him," Greta said. "I thought you might want to speak with him as you did me."
"I'm thankful for the opportunity you've given me to continue to look after my city, my people, especially my daughter and grandson," James said.
"Think nothing of it," Greta said.
James walked up toward Batman.
Volt couldn't believe his eyes. He rubbed them to make sure he wasn't seeing things. Z.C. elbowed him while he laughed.
"Told you," Z.C. said. He suddenly got more serious but in a genial way. "The world of supers is all right, but the world of the supernatural blows your mind every time."
"I know you're not my Batman," James said. "You tell him Jim said hello. That I look forward to reminiscing with him when he gets up here. He's got time though."
"You got it," Batman said. "Commissioner Gordon. Sir."
James let out a hearty chuckle. He had his hands tucked in his trench coat.
"I'm not commissioner anymore," James said. "That honor goes to my grandson now. He's doing a fine job. You let him know. Even though it's a hard job, challenge job, he's doing a fine job."
"Yes sir," Batman said.
"If you can," James said, "I don't know how, but let Barbara know I'm looking after her and her family."
"Yes sir," Batman said: with understanding knowing James missed them.
"I don't have a lot to tell you," James began. "Only that this Omen isn't living but he also isn't dead. He does have a goal in mind, but once he accomplishes it if he manages to accomplish it I've got reason to believe he'll raise spirits of the dead to help him reform all of Gotham."
"Once he finds out Derek is Blight," Batman said, thinking over James' words, "he'll probably have to bring in the reinforcements."
"I feel you skipped over an obvious question," Volt said, drawing James and Batman's attention. "How can Omen be alive and dead?"
"That's why I can't identify him for you," James said, explaining to them but specifically Batman. "He's not in this world or the next."
"No worries," Z.C. said. "If that's the case, I'll track him down. I'll call in a few favors. If worse comes to worse, I might even call on my ole dad."
James couldn't help but smile.
"You aren't my Batman," James said. "He wouldn't call in support unless he truly had to: as a last resort. I'm glad his world expanded. I'm glad you bring a different skill set and different experience to the role. Gotham will get a few more decades yet with you at the helm."
"Thank you sir," Batman said. "He might not have said this, but you were a beacon for him from the first night you both met. You continued to be until you died. You still are."
"He told me at my headstone," James said. "Make sure he knows I heard him. And as much as it was an honor for him, it was an honor for me."
Batman nodded his head.
James started to fade away. He gave a slight wave, and he was gone.
"Thank you Greta," Batman said. "That meant more than you can know."
"I'm just happy that I could help in some way," Greta said.
"I'll get on finding out who's splitting time between both worlds," Z.C. said. "My guess is he's tethered to someone, but that wouldn't explain how he's not dead."
"Once I hear his voice," Batman said. "I should be able to learn his identity. I was thinking the same thing Zachariah."
"Hey," Z.C. called out.
"Wasn't sure if we're friends are not yet," Batman said.
"We are," Z.C. said. "Don't call me Zachariah. I really only let me mom call me that." He looked around. "And I'm sure she has a spell going that she can monitor me if my name is said out loud."
Volt and Greta couldn't help laugh.
"Volt," Batman said. "We haven't been able to get a clear picture of him, but do you think you, your dad, or the Justice League could get me an image of who we might be dealing with?"
"I'm all over it," Volt said.
Batman received Bruce's message. He read it when it came up on his screen. He understood. That's who he would see next.
Have Phantasm meet me atop the Belfry in an hour. Batman sent his reply.
After he checked on Dana again, Batman and Phantasm would get properly introduced and then pay Paxton Powers a visit.
