InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "Rhythm nation!"

Terry Mcginnis (batman2point0) wrote in parabolical,
@ 2009-09-24 00:51:00

Entry tags:

damien thorn, terry mcginnis/batman

Who: Batman and Damien
What: A warning and visit.
When: September 24th. Around 11pm.
Where: His office.
Warnings: potential violence.

Something had to be done. Damien managed to get to every member of his team, and Terry was sick of it. He knew he was no Bruce Wayne. King of intimidating message board threats, but in person the impressions he left weren't easily forgotten. He didn't consider himself part of the Justice League, it never was his thing. He did however consider them friends, and family. Damien hurt them. Bart and Virgil. The younger members. What kind of dreg was he picking on kids? Hurting them. It was time to step in. He probably should have told Bruce where he was going, what he was planning..but he could handle himself. He didn't need to inform him everywhere he went. So he wanted to think anyway Bruce probably had a much different opinion.

The sky was cloudy. Filled with rain. That annoyed him, he knew he'd have to wash the new plane off when he got home immediately or risk chipping the paint. Well okay, maybe he didn't have to worry so much but the new plane, much like a blackbird with some bat modifications was his baby. He spent more time with that plane in the last three days than he did in school where he should have been. It needed to be broken in! Really...It could fly above the clouds at mock speeds. He'd yet to try and break the sound barrier, but his last plane could. This one wouldn't be right if it couldn't do that AND break the others record. So far it flew amazingly. Turned on a dime, cut through the sky like a knife through hot butter. And it had an incredible surround sound. Rain obstructed his view. But not by much, he knew where he was going. Had it all mapped out ahead of time like any smart pilot. Speaking of pilots..he began to wonder about Zinda. She'd been all quiet lately, he wanted to show off his new toy.

That could all wait..his target was in sight. Damien's office. Game face time. The engine drew to a slow hover just beneath Damiens window as the shadows of the clouds conveniently provided him with cover. He'd done all his homework ahead of time. Knew his objective, more importantly knew his targets office number. The window behind Damien's desk was easy enough to get in undetected by security cameras that captured hallway activity. Taking the elevator would have just been stupid. Time for a classic window sneak old school, but it worked. The ledge of the building was big enough for Terry to stand on and jump silently to from the wing of his plane. Batman nudged the window open, letting in the rain and wind. He slid into the shadows Damien's body provided and was silent. The only part of him not obstructed by shadow was his eyes that emitted a soft eerie glow.

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sonofajackal
2009-09-24 12:04 pm UTC (link)

Damien was in his office, talking on the phone. There were several items on his desk. A few company files, blueprints for a new building, along with a phonebook and laptop. He said into the receiver, "Yes, Susan.. I just need a few other guards at the event at the end of the week. The caterers are taken care of. Not sure about the games.. might not be any. But there'll be food. And.. one other thing. I just emailed you a list of names of people who aren't welcome there. Just a few people that have been stalking and attacking me in public.. yes, them. I gave my full report on them. But there are papers filed, just did it today at the courthouse. So, the gathering will be peaceful without interference from annoying, naive simpletons-"

He stopped, hearing the window open. Feeling the slight breeze that came with it, and the scent of rain. It was a few moments later when he felt a presence in the room. He looked, his eyes scrutinizing every detail. It was dark in that part of the room. Shadows. Except.. for a pair of red, glinting eyes. "Uhh... excuse me, I seem to have yet another stalker. Yeah, figures. No, I'll make the call.. just stand by for now, okay? Yeah, probably is one of them. I don't know yet. You'd think with all the talk of me staying away, they'd do the same. Hmm, guess not. Ok, call me back."

He hung up then and stared at the eerie eyes that shone in the dark. He wasn't really amused at having an intruder. Entering the mind probably wouldn't work, chances were that he was wearing eye protection. Well, he had a micro camera in one of his shirt buttons. He'd have evidence if something went down. "Nice, hiding in the shadows. My father would completely approve of that. I know you aren't here for a job interview, since those are appointment only. But I wouldn't even hire you anyway. You have ten seconds to identify yourself and explain why you invaded my office... before I call security. Though technically, by law, you're supposed to meet my attorney first.."

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batman2point0
2009-09-25 06:08 am UTC (link)

Terry said nothing. The windy chill of the outdoor weather said it for him. For the longest time he was just silent. Sizing Damien up. Mentally attempting to analyze him. How was he able to get to Bart and Virgil? He seemed so normal. As titans and heroes they faced things larger than life..standing there half covered in shadows Batman tilted his head curiously. Sarcastically even as Damien continued to speak. Amusement in his features, mouth curved upward white teeth showing. The rest of his face was covered except for that smirk.

"I am Batman." He spoke once the smirk sobered into a thin line, barely visible until he stepped forward into the light. Black suit and a slightly different red bat visible in the softly lit office. It was Damien he didn't understand..He was just a guy. A cooperate drone. "I've been watching you Thorn. I don't like how you treat my team." He started. Moving forward toward him. Any trace of humor gone. Jaw set firmly. Black gloved hand reached out for the collar of Damien's shirt as the window pushed open behind them from a gust of wind and hit the wall beside it powerfully.

"I don't care how it happens, or what you have to do to get it done. But stay away from them. If they talk to you? Don't talk back. They come near you, walk the other way. If I hear you being involved with them in any way..I can make your life very difficult. I'll be in your shadow."

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sonofajackal
2009-09-25 07:03 am UTC (link)

"Batman..." Damien stared, looking at him. He didn't feel like Bruce.. he would have struck him first, he thought. And the voice was different. "Yeah, if you say so-" He was caught by surprise when the Bat grabbed him like that, held firmly by the dark glove. "You looked better in all black.. but red now too? Father approves." He wanted to scoff but listened instead. How he treated the team? That.. he wasn't sure how to respond to that. Batman coming into his office telling him to do things he was already doing.

"You want me to stay away.. as I have done.. yet here you are. Intruding. If I see you at my public gathering, any of you, security will be alerted. It IS done, junior. I filed for restraining orders today, so.. keep checking the mailbox. Bart, Virgil, Clark, Bruce, Terry, Tim... I do hope you're one of those names. They shouldn't be talking to me in the first place. And I was the one to walk away from Virgil. So, those files. Hopefully.. Bart won't trash my car, Virg won't shock me for being right, Clark won't spy on me from clouds, and Terry won't follow me into a bar and pretend to be completely out of it.... or.. write me a message behind Batman's back about it. To which I did not reply to. I wonder what Bruce would think. Not to mention, how you hypocrites seem to like talking to me when I make a normal post like everyone else did. At that... if you notice, I was dismissive and gave a farewell. It's weird, Bruce told me not to contact the.. but they love talking to me. Nice double standard. One more way that my father would love you guys."

He grabbed the hand, the wrist and tried to pry it off. After a bit of focus, and sweat on his brow, he managed to pull away from him. It was hard and arduous.. took a bit from him. "Don't touch me again. I won't talk to them. About them, maybe.. but not TO them. That means I won't warn you if there's danger.. like when I told Night about Bart's evil twin going to kill Clark. I won't tell you the next time Clark is infected by a Horseman and hurts Bart for calling him a pathetic farmboy and useless waste of power. I will avoid them.. as I have been doing already, not that you noticed. But if they keep stalking me, the firm will be involved. And the media. But I'm hoping you can keep your kids on a leash and not allow them to stalk me... or let me die, like one of you wanted.. that's what Static should have done. It would be better for everyone. But legally, I can press charges for trespassing right now. I'm thinking about it.. I wonder what the law would also say about underage drinking. I have proof to back it all that up.. and won't hesitate to use it if you people stalk me again. I'd also trust you people not to interfere with my deliveries to the shelters, or if I save a life on my own. The next time I'm near death, do what Static should have done: let me die when your friend advices as much."

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batman2point0
2009-09-25 07:36 am UTC (link)

Damien really did like to talk. It was pretty annoying. To annoy Terry with talking took a lot of skill. He hung out with Bart after all. Made his mark as the talkative Batman. But this? This was a whole new level of talking. What was that saying, give an inch they'll take a mile? Damien was really going at it. Running his mouth. Terry wondered briefly if he should have hit him first and threatened later. "Fashion advice from a dreg. I'll log that important information away for later." He quipped and couldn't stop himself from rolling his eyes. Of coarse it wasn't seen behind the glow, but probably felt anyways.

His grip was vice. The suit amplified his strength and agility times ten. He could accomplish so many more things as Batman than he could as Terry. This was one of them. Terry had fears and worries, Batman didn't. Emotions were stored in the back of his mind with other unimportant things, like the pile of homework sitting on his floor incomplete and the history test he had to memorize for tomorrow. In the suit nothing mattered but others. Batman stood for them. Stood for something important.

His gloved hand released and at the mention of blackmail his eyes narrowed. His hand balled into a fist and struck the other mans jaw something fierce.
"You should learn to think first before you speak. Might save you some teeth." For half a second Terry thought that could have been a potentially bad move, but Damien deserved it.

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sonofajackal
2009-09-25 08:28 am UTC (link)

"Yeah, you do that," Damien said defiantly to him, concerning fashion. "Just saying that if my father would approve of someone, that usually means something. Using fear, intimidation.. shadows. You'd make great demons. Maybe that's why one of you were at that demon bar. Speaking of which, the bartender will lose his license, if the Scourge didn't get them. One more evil threat I wanted stopped." So did that make him good? Maybe, maybe not. He decided not to think much on it.

So yes, maybe that was a bit snarky on his part. As he finished his little tirade, he was knocked back to the floor, on his back. As if on cue, for whatever odd reason.. the lights briefly flickered, and one of the windows developed a swift crack in the glass. His mouth was bleeding. He hated this, he truly did. He knew he talked a lot. He liked being right in others' eyes, but he also looked stupid... which was also all part of his plan. "Violence in exchange for words.. nice. And if a man strikes your cheek, turn to him the other also. My uncle said that."

He slowly rose to his feet, holding his jaw, his mouth. He stared hard into his eyes, as though to look into his soul. But.. he couldn't read him correctly, not with the eye protection on him. At best, he'd only serve to give off a sense of wary caution. "Trespassing, intruding, now assault and battery. But.. maybe you're right. I shouldn't talk. But we both know... I'm correct on every word of that. Not one of those was a lie. But I understand, you'd prefer to abuse me than be out there saving a life. That's on your hands."

He staggered briefly, then paused as his phone rang. He looked at it, and the intercome beeped. "Yes, Sue?"

The voice answered back, "Tom in accounting has those files you asked for, but the fax machine is down. What do you suggest, sir?"

Damien replied, "Oh.. well. Okay then, just have him try sending it as email attachments instead. I'll check it later." He pointed at the phone, and it hung up in response, the asnwer light coming off. He looked at Batman. "See? Now you're interfering with my work. I stand by what I said. Your people will cease the stalking, attacks and harassment in public. Or the firm will be involved.. but I'm hoping that you people will be honest enough to keep your word on staying away." He raised his hand, as though to gesture at the phone. "Maybe I should call security. You're still considered an intruder in my eyes... and we both know you aren't Bruce. You're a different soul." He knew that much, but unfortunately that was all he could discern. "You, just being here, violates the restraining order."

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batman2point0
2009-09-25 08:56 am UTC (link)

"Ever heard that expression two wrongs don't make a right?" Terry said. His arms folding over his chest as he stretched out his hand after it made satisfying contact with Damien's cheek. "Think on it." He said with a low sort of snarl. Part of him wished they had Arkham. People like Damien belonged there. People like the Joker. Like Harley. All deserved it. At least neither of the aforementioned had used innocent people as a mask.

The flickering lights caught his attention and he raised a curious eyebrow, though it was hidden behind the cowl. He looked up and then back down at the guy on the floor. The names mentioned their civilian I.D.'s. But code names? Who knew. Maybe there were loopholes there. "If you keep your part of the deal, you'll never have to see us again. Break it and.." his voice trailed off as he looked over at the phone and outstretched a hand as Damien practically interrupted him to point it out. A red and black batterang shot from his wrist and it severed the phone line. It sank into the desk and broke the wood. Terry started walking toward the window. "You have no idea who you're dealing with. I'm much worse than Bruce." He looked over his shoulder. His hand ran along the crack in the window idly. Was that there before?

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sonofajackal
2009-09-25 03:10 pm UTC (link)

"Ohh, I am definitely thinking on it," he said with a glare, "I'm thinking all sorts of things." Like how he could use even this to his advantage. He had a camera hidden on the wall clock. And one microscopic one in his shirt button. Batman had come here, intruding, and had struck him, and he himself appeared defensive. Surely, that could be used. Either on the nightly news, on Youtube for all to see, in a legal file for the firm, or maybe it will just simply sit dormant in a private record for himself.. something to look at to remind him that comic books pale in comparison to the reality of these heroes.

"I understand that there was another man who talked a lot, who aided the poor as I do. He was also insulted, threatened, and attacked.. and persecuted by ignorant and hypocritical souls. Except, he was not a CEO. But of course they didn't have corporations 2000 years ago." He paused, seemingly shocked. "Not Bruce.. I knew it! I could see. You're worse.. I hope that doesn't mean you'd kill.. like everyone else I knew. I do think I know who I'm dealing with. And even if I don't, it won't take me long to figure it out if I think on it. So we have a deal, then.. though I'm worried more about your side breaking it than myself. They have already broken it several times now. You know they did."

Damien was silent for a few minutes as he paced around the desk. It seemed he was deep in thought. He saw what the batarang did. He saw the damage, the severing of the phone line. He then looked at Batman seriously. And then smirked. "That's one more. Property destruction. Interfering with my work again." He turned his back to him, moving to casually sit down. He reached for the weapon, but the point got to his palm, and there was blood. One of the overhead light flashed, shutting off, then quickly turned on again. He grabbed once more, safely now, and tossed the weapon on the floor for Batman to take it. He was still silent, opening his wallet to look at the picture of his cousin yet again. It seemed like five or ten minutes since he'd spoken a word, looking through more files as though the Bat was absent. "You know? You're making me want to pass all this on to my lawyer.. definitely will need to replace this. This is great, you're here to say what I already to know, to order me to do what I did already. But no... a better way would be to forgive your actions to me, though most in my position never would. I know the truth of things your people don't.. I know, and that's all that matters. If you came for a fight, I refuse to give you one. Don't attend my event, interfere with my shelter drops, or stop my patrols against the undead. I think you should go home, sir.. go to your team and those who love you." Perhaps that would keep him on his feet, hearing unexpected words. Part of him disliked appearing weak and dumb to these people. But it was part of his plan. And he would go to any length to avoid them. The Justice League would never see him. Which was fine, since he had several anonymous followers, citizens among the populace around the city, that were literally his eyes and ears.

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batman2point0
2009-09-25 06:51 pm UTC (link)

Terry knew this would somehow come back to bite him. But as long as it made an impact and worked the effort wasn't wasted. He didn't always act like he cared about Bart or Virgil, hell any of them. But he did. Actions spoke louder than words. He didn't know how to verbalize how he felt toward them but from time to time he showed it. Words lost meaning if one used them enough.

" good job. You figured it out. Brilliant minds like yours should be working at NASA." he quipped sarcastically. His eyes narrowed dangerously. " we don't kill. The Justice League, Batman, or me." he added as he pushed open the window and touched a button on his arm. For a minute it let off an eerie red glow. His plane beneath the window hovered closer and he looked back at the batterang being returned to him. Damien was a strange dude. Terry couldn't read him but it didn't show. He was happy to have a full cowl, had he worn the nightwing suit scary might have been harder to pull off. Reaching for the weapon he stood on the window ledge. " Do whatever you want to me but leave my team alone." with that Terry jumped gracefully into the cockpit of the waiting craft and flew back into the night sky.

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sonofajackal
2009-09-26 12:43 am UTC (link)

Damien smirked, still looking at the photo in the wallet. "Ohh, I think I can reach much farther than NASA...." Cryptic, perhaps. But it would have to do. And if Batman thought it was foolish or lame, then that also worked in his favor. "You don't kill.. huh. Hope you're right. Because killing is wrong. Some may think that the act of allowing a death is akin to murder. So.... not even a thank you for warning Nightwing about that other guy not being the Bart you all know. Ok, got it. Nice."

As to the reference on killing, he might have been referring to how Bart had advised his friend to not help him, according to what Virgil had said. But Damien didn't clarify or explain. Let him figure it out if he wished. He felt no obligation to express what he knew as a fact now. He looked down at his hand, which the scar was not so bad. He turned, hearing that last part, and he was going. "Ahh, but I will do nothing to you. I should. But I won't.. because that is the right thing. A man who forgives, as I do to you now, would err by doing you a wrong." He wasn't sure if the Bat heard that. Probably didn't. He wouldn't hurt him; no, that would be obvious. He had other ideas... other ways to take action, within the law and internetz.

The man looked at his desk at the phone. It could be easily replaced, as would the desk. He glanced at the clock on the wall and smiled, pulling the cellphone from his pocket... he always had a backup in place. He chuckled to himself, wondering if the other Bat would have done a better job of casing the area before engaging him. Which sort of gave him a clue to who this Bat was. He dialed a number. "Did you guys get that? The picture clear?" He nodded. "Yes, alright. Good to hear. Listen, do me a favor... you make some copies of it when I arrive. I'll be on hand to supervise. Yes, of course.. I will be down shortly."

He hung up and went to the widow, fingers running lightly on the crack. Damn.. he'd need to replace this too. Possibly look into electrifying the area around the glass too, in case this happened again. He stared into the night sky. Perhaps it was time he called on his followers, made a meeting. Set his house in order. He began to speak, though talking to himself. "No... Terry. I won't hurt you physically, so all of you may live within your flawed perceptions if you wish. Continue to hate, blame or accept faulty motions about me. I'm still right. You may never admit it, but I know it. Others may know it too, soon enough. And there may come a time when I might have a solution or an answer to a predicament.... and I will not be there."

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