Batman Beyond #4

[Mischief]

Batman Beyond
Issue #4: “Spellbound, Part Two”
Written by Cam
Cover by Jay Zirron
Variant Cover by Mischief
Edited by Mischief

As Terry was making his way back to the cave, Bruce radioed in.

Terry, come in.

“Bruce! I was just on my way back to the cave to talk to you. Look, something happened tonight.”

If you’re going to tell me you made it to third base with Dana, don’t bother, kid.

“I’m serious, Bruce! And what the hell is ‘third base’?”

Never mind. I figured out what you were hit with. The sphere contained a hypnotic suggestion that caused you to go ‘blind’ and ‘deaf.’

“I know. Tonight, I ran into the Joker that hit me with it and drilled him.”

Where did you see him?

“I saw him pass the window of the club where Dana and I were at. I tailed him to Dark Street, and then interrogated him. I assume he lives on Dark Street somewhere. Either that, or it’s just one of his haunts.”

Dark Street…

“Yeah. What? Something I should know?”

Forget it. Anyway, the point is, now you know what hit you. Did you find out how the Jokerz got their hands on that kind of technology?

“Yeah, and that’s where the problem comes in.”

And that would be?

“It’s complicated. I recorded the whole thing. Pull up the suits most recent video log and check it out. I’ll be there soon.”

Good thinking. See you when you get here.

As the line became silent, Terry’s worry grew.

This thing has been in planning for awhile. What if it’s too far along already? What if I can’t stop it? Shut it, McGinnis! You’ll do whatever the hell you have to to make sure you stop that psycho. You’re Batman now, dammit, so start acting like it!

*****

As soon as Terry made it back to the cave, Bruce called him over to the computer.

“I checked the log.” He said, as soon as Terry made it over.

“Yeah, and?”

“This doesn’t look good.”

“That’s all you have to say?”

“No. You said you suspect Ira Billings to be the man in the mask, right?”

“Right.”

“What makes you suspect it’s him?”

“After our last school psychologist got fired, all the kids from our school were sent to him for treatment. And since he’s based out of Gotham Community College, that would mean he’d see students there too.”

“That would explain why the missing persons range from teens to young adults.”

He leaned back, rubbing his chin.

“What is it? You picking up on something I’m not?” Terry asked, pulling off his mask.

“I think there’s more to this than meets the eye.”

“And what makes you think that?”

“Instinct.”

Terry sighed.

“Wish I had a cred for every time I heard you say that. I might even be half as rich as you by now.”

“Not on your life, kid.” Bruce replied with a grin. “Anyway.” He continued, wiping the grin from his face. “You’ll need to do some digging and find out exactly where and when this… whatever it is… is going to happen.”

“You thinking what I’m thinking?” Terry smiled.

“Probably. Only, in my mind, the idea is more-than-likely more well-refined.”

“Very funny. Anyways, I was thinking that I should check around school for some clues.”

“Good idea. And, when that doesn’t pan out, check Billings’ office and home. If he’s really in on this, you’re bound to find something there.”

“So you don’t think I’ll find anything at the school huh? Fifty creds says I do!”

“I’m already a billionaire, Terry. I don’t need to take your money.”

Terry’s tone became a bit more heated.

“One day, I swear I’m going to prove you wrong!”

Bruce’s tone remained cool.

“Maybe after I’m dead, but not a day before.”

“Whatever.”

Terry turned to leave.

“Good luck.”

He stopped a few feet away and turned back around. This time, his tone returning to level.

“Wait. There’s one more thing that’s been bugging me.”

“And that would be?”

“With all of these disappearances, why haven’t the police caught the connection to Billings?”

“My guess is: they haven’t looked into it.”

“But I thought you said Barbara was looking into it.”

“Yes, she was, until more important cases came up. At that point, she assigned it to other members of the force. None of them cared enough about the kids to really dig deep.”

“Well, why don’t you call Barbara and tell her.”

“What do you think I’m going to do as soon as you leave?”

“Oh… Gotcha. Good luck with that.”

“And good luck with finding anything at the school. Of course, any amount of luck won’t help you prove me wrong.”

“You get a real kick out of being right, don’t you.”

“Depends on what I’m right about. When I was right about Alfred’s chances of survival all those years ago…” He stopped cold.

“You still haven’t told me who the hell Alfred is.”

“Never mind. Just get going.”

“Fine but after this is done, I want some answers. It’s about Damn time I got them.”

“We’ll see. Just get going. Oh, and you may as well hang it up for the night. Go home and get some rest and we’ll pick up things in the morning.”

“You just want to let this whacko’s plan move further along?”

“He’s not going to make his move so soon. And you haven’t slept for the past two nights. Get some rest; you’re going to need it.

Terry turned to leave the cave.

*****

“What do you mean, you agree with him?!” Terry’s said, obviously annoyed.

He’d had a hard time getting to sleep last night and wasn’t in the mood to deal with anymore annoyances.

He had contacted Max shortly after leaving home that morning to get her thoughts on everything, and, after telling her about his conversation with Bruce, he was surprised to find that, for once, she actually agreed with Bruce. Which wouldn’t be so bad only, this time, it meant she was disagreeing with Terry.

I’m sorry Terry, but I really don’t think you’ll find anything there.

“Why not? I’m sure some of the teachers’ files could tell me something about the kids’ behavior after his sessions.”

Think about it Terry, he’s a psychologist! Meaning, he knows all the warning signs people would look for and, more-than-likely, took precautions against them.

“How?”

He could possibly have hypnotized them into showing better behavior; to fool the teachers and parents into thinking his treatment was working. At least for a little while, until he needed them.

“At which time a trigger was released and they blindly went running to him. That’s what you
were going to say right?”

You read my mind, Ter.

With a sigh, Terry finally gave in.

“Alright, fine. I doubt very seriously that both you and Bruce could be wrong about the same thing; at least not in a case like this. Guess I’ll just head strait to Billings’ office.”

Wouldn’t do that if I were you.

“Why the hell not? I thought that’s where you wanted me to check!”

Yes, and you should, just not now.

“And again I ask: Why. Not?”

Because it’s during office hours right now, you bonehead! Now is the perfect time to check his home and see if there’s anything there. Then, later tonight, if you couldn’t find anything at his place that helped, you can check his office.

Damn! Never fails, does it? She and Bruce both have a way of making me look like a complete moron.

“Oh, yeah… Thanks, Max. I’ll get on that.”

Anytime, McGinnis. She chuckled. Just start thinking these things through or eventually they’ll come back to bite you in the ass.

“I’m aware. Anyways, I’ve gotta go. I’m only about three blocks from his house now and I’ll need to go in quiet, just in case.”

Later, Ter!

*****

Damn it! Terry thought as he made his was to the bedroom of Ira Billings’ apartment. Over an hour and I still haven’t found anything connecting him to the disappearances. The only place I haven’t looked is his bedroom, but I doubt I’ll find anything important there.

He turned to leave, and then stopped in his tracks.

On second thought; better check it just in case.

He made his way to the bedroom.

He spent another twenty minutes picking through the bedroom, trying to find anything that might help link Billings to the disappearances around Gotham.

Great, another dead-end! But then, I don’t even see how Billings himself can find anything in this mess.

Billings’ bedroom was a complete mess. Underwear, paperwork, pens, staplers, and various other items were scattered across the bed and floor; Terry had even noticed a few pairs of women’s lingerie lying on and around the bed, all of them different sizes.

Well, the fact that they’re different sizes lets me know that he’s not the one wearing them… thank God! So now, the only other question is: does he have to pay or is this freely offered? Billings isn’t exactly the most attractive guy, but who knows what hypnosis could do to someone… maybe lower their standards a bit. Maybe I should pay that Joker I found on Dark Street another visit and see what he knows. Since I can’t seem to find anything to link Billings to the warehouse maybe I can at least link him to some crime. After all, prostitution is still against the law…for now.

Making one last sweep of the room, and still finding nothing, Terry left through the window.

*****

Terry, come in! Bruce’s voice came over the com, loud and clear… especially loud.

“Go ahead. But forgive me if I miss a few things since I’m pretty sure you just deafened me!”

Stop whining. I’ll adjust the volume on the frequency later. Did you find anything at Billings’ apartment?

“Weren’t you watching through the visual receptors?”

I may be old, but I’m not dead. Even I need get up from the computer to eat every now and then.

“Good point… Well, anyways, I couldn’t really find out anything, other than the fact that Billings seems to have a weakness for the ladies.”

Lingerie scattered across the floor?

“And how! Y’know, if I were a bit more lewd I might say something like, and I quote, ‘Dude gets more ass than a toilet seat.’, but of course, I’d never be that lewd.”

Terry cracked a smile.

Of course not, you’d never be that lewd. But let’s get down to business; you’re heading towards Dark Street, why not just head to Billings’ office now. He’s left for the day.

“I want to see if I can find that Joker I put the squeeze on the last night. I figure, if I couldn’t even find clues in Billings apartment, there’s little chance I’ll find any at his office either.”

Now you’re thinking like a detective.

“Wait, you knew, and you were just going to let me waist time by running to his office?”

No, I would have scolded you after you decided to go.

“You love to make people hate you, don’t you?”

It’s one of my gifts.

“I can attest to that.”

I’m sure you can. I’ll maintain visual contact, but I’m cutting comms for now. I haven’t had breakfast yet.

“I thought you said you’d already eaten.”

No. I left the computer to go get my food, then I brought it down here. I always eat in the cave.

“Fine. Batman out.”

*****

The sun was beginning to set as Terry flew over Dark Street for what seemed to be the millionth time. After searching and searching, he hadn’t been able to track down the Joker he’d interrogated the night before. Bruce had told him to be patient, and that sometimes all you could do to crack a case was to wait patiently for a lead to present itself.

Waiting and being patient may give Billings the time he needs to finish out his plans. Terry thought to himself.

“Damn! Guess I’ll just head for the offi..”

Suddenly, his vision blurred. The city was spinning. His senses were thrown into disarray as he tried to stay standing.

“W-What the h… hell?” He mumbled.

The sun began to fade from sight. The city began shifting, changing into something… different.

Suddenly, he was no longer on a Dark Street rooftop; he was in a small, dimly lit room. He tried to stand up but felt resistance.

Think my… It was a struggle to even think clearly. Think my arms and legs are tied down. Where the hell am I? Gotta… gott…got…

He blacked out.

A few minutes later he came to again, but his mind was still in a haze.

Blacked out, I guess. Can’t do that again. Gotta get free.

He struggled against the straps around his ankles and wrists.

“Don’t bother, Batman. With all the drugs we’ve pumped into you, there’s no way you’ll have the strength to break through those straps.” The man in the red and black suit stepped into the light. “You look… tired, Batman. Why don’t you rest?”

“H-how did you..”

“How did I get you here? Well, it’s quite simple really.” The man said with a deep throaty
chuckle. “To be honest, I was quite surprised to find you passed out in my floor when I got home. Yes, that’s right, Batman. You didn’t leave my apartment, you were dragged out. Everything you’ve seen since then has been an illusion.”

Terry tried again to break the straps…still nothing. The man continued on.

“You see, I was afraid that those brats might be traced back to me somehow, so I planted a little failsafe in my home, in case some nosy cop tried poking around, or something of the nature. It’s planted in my bedroom closet and triggers when the door is opened.”

Damn. Terry thought. Why did I have to check the bedroom?

His mind was starting to clear slightly.

The maniac continued to drivel on.

“It renders the recipient unconscious for hours upon hours; plenty of time for me to get home and make sure they forget whatever they saw. But, unfortunately, you won’t be so lucky. You see, I can’t really afford to have a Batman running loose, trying to halt my plans, so I’m afraid I’ll have to erase your short-term memory. Don’t worry, you won’t feel a thing. Now you just wait here while I get my orb.”

He got up and moved to the door. Before stepping out, he turned back to Terry.

“Oh, and if you’re wondering why you’re mask is still on your face, it’s because I’ve already looked; it was only fair, after all, you know who I am. But I want this to be my little secret, and no one elses. Sit tight, Mr. McGinnis.”

He stepped out and closed the door behind him.

Damn it! This maniac knows who I am. Gotta get out of here, gotta warn Bruce. This can all be traced back to him!

He pulled against the straps again.

Gotta…get…free…

It was no use; his muscles were still fatigued and, even with the suits help, he couldn’t break the bonds.

A moment later he heard footsteps.

Crap, here he comes! Gotta get out…

He continued pulling at the straps, giving it everything he had.

The door opened and, to Terry’s surprise, the Joker he’d interrogated the night before entered the room.

“Let me guess.” Terry growled. “You’ve come to pay me back, right?”

“Sssshhhhh!” The Joker said, pressing his finger against his lip. He continued in a hoarse whisper. “I’m busting you outta here!”

“Why the hell would you want to help me?” Terry lowered his voice to a whisper as well.

“Because I heard what they’re planning to do.”

“How did you hear?”

“I was sneaking back in to get some more of those little orb-things when I heard Spellbinder talking to someone in private. He told the other guy his plan and mentioned he had you back here.”

“So, he calls himself Spellbinder, huh? That’s good to know. Anyways, what did he say he was planning?”

“He’s gonna plant a huge bomb and wipeout Gotham City!”

“Why!?”

“How the hell should I know?!”

“Never mind, just loosen these things!”

The Joker quickly loosened the straps around Terry’s ankles and wrists then, helped him up out of the chair.

“Any ideas on how we get out of here?” The Joker asked.

“Wait, you mean, you don’t have a way out? Some rescue.”

“Hey, this wasn’t exactly planned!”

“Forget it, you go on ahead, I’ll wrap things up here.”

“You sure you can make it?”

“I’ll be fine, just go!”

“Okay, see ya!”

The Joker disappeared down the hallway.

Terry tried contacting Bruce, but couldn’t get a signal. He assumed Billings must have messed with the circuitry when he removed the mask. He decided to go it alone.

Alright Billings, this is it. I’m taking you down!

Terry made his way to the main room, where Spellbinder was giving another speech.

Guess he thought he’d give a pep talk before coming back to visit me.

“Billings!” He shouted.

Everyone looked up

“You’re not going to use these kids to destroy Gotham!”

The group gasped.

Spellbinder quickly covered himself.

“Don’t listen to him, he’s trying to warp your mind He’s a part of the system that shunned and abused you! He only wants to drag you back to your old homes and lives to make you suffer! Are you going to let that happen?”

“NO!!” half the crowd screamed.

The other half still seemed to be mulling over what they’d heard.

Great, there goes any shot I had at ending this the easy way. Forget subtleties, I’m gonna kick his ass!

Terry jetted through air strait at Spellbinder.

Just before he reached him, Spellbinder produced an orb in his hand. Terry was blinded by a bright flash.

As he regained his vision, he realized that there was no one there.

Damn! Not again!

He felt a blow to his back, knocking him to the floor. Then a series of kicks --at least they felt like kicks-- landed in his ribs, face, back, and, it felt like, everywhere else.

He lashed out blindly behind him and made contact with something. He heard an “oof!” follow.

Hey, this one’s different; I can hear him. Gotta use that to my advantage. Wait a sec, why aren’t some of the kids helping him? No time to think about that now.

He felt a sharp pain in his leg, then his arm.

“GRRRAAA” He yelled in pain.

He knew a knife when he felt, he been sliced by them enough during his years in the gang.

He stood up.

C’mon, McGinnis, the next one will probably kill you, be ready! He wants to end this quick, he’ll go for one of two places… just hope I pick the right one.

He gritted his teeth and prepared himself. He heard the rustling of air and reached up in front of his throat. He caught Spellbinder by the arm.

“Gotcha!”

He twisted Spellbinders wrist. He heard a yelp followed by the sound of the knife hitting the floor.

“Now drop the orb or I’ll break your wrist!”

He heard it smash on the floor just before his vision returned to normal.

Spellbinder was now on his knees, still in Terry’s grasp.

Terry looked at the crowd and saw why he hadn’t been attacked. Apparently, half of the crowd had sided with Terry and held back the rest of the crowd.

He heard a noise in the distance. As it came closer, Terry immediately recognized it. Sirens.

Guess that Joker punk called the cops… I’m glad he did.

The police entered the building, guns ready. They didn’t seem surprised to see Batman.

Barbara Gordon had all of the kids escorted home while the adults were taken into custody for questioning.

Terry still held Spellbinder by his wrist as she came to meet him. She whispered in his ear.

“I thought I told you to stay out of police business, McGinnis.”

“I’m not exactly known for following orders, Commisioner.” He smiled.

“Cut the comedy. Who’s this?” She said, noting Spellbinder.

“This is Spellbinder, also known as Ira Billings.”

“The Psychologist?”

“That’s the one.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

Terry jerked off Spellbinder’s mask, but to his surprise, it wasn’t Billings underneath.

“W-What!” Terry sputtered. “I thought for sure it was Billings! He even said so!”

“I am Ira Billings!” the man shouted.

Terry slugged him and knocked him out.

“Watch it, kid! The last thing I need is something like that for his lawyer to use.”

“I don’t get it…”

“Hold on.”

She pulled out her PDA, took a picture of the man and sent it to the database. A few minutes later she got what she needed; it turned out that Ira Billings had a brother, a very jealous brother who despised his own life. He’d tried to follow in Ira’s footsteps, but faced rejection in every forum his brother excelled in.

“So he was going to blow Gotham away because of rejection?” Terry asked.

“Looks that way, kid. We’ll take it from here. Give Bruce my best.”

“You got it.”

*****

Before heading back to the cave to have his transmitter fixed, Terry made a quick stop by Dark Street to see if he could find his “friend”. He finally stumbled across him, surprisingly, carrying a backpack.

“What’s with the pack?” Terry asked, landing in front of the Joker.

“After everything that happened tonight, I realized I’m wasting my life here. I’m spending my life as a Joker and not doing anything productive. When I heard Spellbinder tonight, talking about the bomb, it made me think. I don’t want to waste my life doing nothing. I think it’s time I made something of myself.”

“Glad to hear it. At least that maniac helped one person tonight. But consider this…”

“Nathan… My name is Nathan.”

“Well, consider this, Nathan. I’m still kind of new to this gig and I don’t have nearly the amount of resources my predecessor did. I need eyes and ears close to the gangs, giving me information when I need it. You interested?”

Nathan thought it over for a minute, rubbing his chin.

“Well, that means I’ll have to stay here on Dark Street, right?”

“No. I can have you moved somewhere else if you’d like, but I’ll still need you to hang with the Jokerz. You can even try a double life thing if you want, being Nathan during the day and… whatever it is the Jokerz call you, by night.”

“Hmmm…. Done! Except for that double life thing… think I’ll stick to just one if you don’t mind.”

“Fine by me. Find a place you want to live and meet me back here tomorrow.”

“Done… and… thanks, Bats!”

“See ya.”

Terry blasted off to the sky.

Everyone deserves a second chance. Just don’t know how I’m going to ask Bruce to pay for a new place…



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