Batman Beyond #3

[Mischief]

Batman Beyond
Issue #3: “Spellbound, Part One”
Written by Cam
Cover & Edited by Mischief
Variant Cover by Jayson Morriseau-Lussier

Batman looked out over Gotham from the roof of one of the many Wayne/Powers strewn throughout the city. He still remembered looking down on the city from this building for the first time; it was then that realized why Bruce had ordered these buildings to be built this tall, it gave Batman several great vantage points all throughout the city.

It had been just over five months since Terry had first donned the mantle of Batman. Sometimes he still wondered if he made the right choice… On the bright side, since he became Batman he had stopped smoking (he got tired of being winded after every fight with even simple thugs.) and he’d also dropped out of his old gang and started doing more to help his mother with the money he made working for Mr. Wayne. And, after about the second months or so, Bruce began allowing Terry to call him by his first name, a sign of trust that Terry didn’t take lightly. But on the other side of things, he rarely got any sleep, and his social-life was practically non-existent.

It still shocked him from time to time to think that so much could happen in only five months. Some strange new villains had turned up in Gotham for one; Inque: shapeshifter and mercenary-for-hire, Blight whose powers included: radiation manipulation and energy projection, Mad Stan: crazed madman obsessed with explosives, loathes any and all political figures, and that was just to name a few.

It still troubled him that he hadn’t been able to stop Inque from getting into the cave. She’d almost killed both he and Bruce; and if Bruce hadn’t been the type to prepare for everything, ‘almost’ would have been ‘definite’. After that, Terry swore he’d never make that mistake again.

And to top it all off, he still hadn’t been able to figure out who Blight really was-if he even had another identity-which only made sense since it would be pretty hard for a walking, talking nightlight to hide so efficiently twenty-four/seven without another identity to fall back on. Terry had almost dismissed the dual-identity theory, not seeing a way for a radioactive man to hide in human from, but with all the craziness he’d seen in the past few months, plus the wild stories Bruce had shared with him about his time as Batman, he didn’t rule anything out.

Yes, it had been a rough five months for Batman, but Batman wasn’t the only one who bore the strenuous months; Terry, in his civilian life, had had more than his fare share of problems as well. First, he and Dana had broken up… twice… then somehow managed to get back together again, although he was pretty sure she was about to break up with him again. He had also befriended Maxine “Max” Gibson, the first person outside of Bruce to know of Terry’s secret. He still remembered how mad Bruce was when he found out that Terry had told Max about Batman. He almost thought the old man might beat him to death with that cane of his right then and there. Nevertheless, Bruce had come to (almost) accept Max, so long as she stayed out of his affairs when ordered to do so.

The corners of his mouth stretched into a smile.

Max still hasn’t learned that lesson yet.

His thoughts were cut short as Bruce’s voice echoed through his cowl.

McGinnis, are you blind?!

“W-What, what is it?” He gave a start.

Look directly below you!

Terry looked down and saw what Bruce was talking about. A group of Jokerz were breaking into the Foxteca building across the street.

“What?! That’s the second time this week Jokerz have tried to raid a Foxteca building. Something doesn’t feel right.”

Agreed. Jokerz are usually more concerned with taking creds from people wandering the streets alone, taking on a security system like Foxteca’s for a few creds isn’t like them at all.

“Then maybe I should go and ask them what they’re up to.”

Good idea. Don’t bother asking politely though.

“Wasn’t planning to, Boss. Unless you consider pounding them all to a pulp to be ‘polite’”

Terry couldn’t see it, but he was pretty sure the old man had just cracked a smile.

Just get going, kid.

He jumped from the rooftop.

*****

As Terry landed on the ground, the Jokerz all turned around. They hadn’t managed to get into the building yet, but they’d already caused some damage. One of the Jokerz, dressed in a blue shirt with the sleeves ripped off and a yellow smiley-face spray-painted on the chest, spoke up. Terry guessed he was their leader.

“Well, looky look look, it’s Batman!” he chuckled. “Looks like we gotta wrap this up guys. Better luck next time, right?”

He moved to walk away, but Terry had moved front of hIm without notice.

“How the hell did you… Anyways, what’s the problem? We give up, we’re going home!”

“It doesn’t work like that.” Terry growled. “Breaking and entering is a crime in case you didn’t know.”

“Yeah, but we didn’t actually have the chance to get inside. So, technically, we didn’t ‘break in’”

Terry grabbed the punk by the collar.

“Look you little piece of slag, don’t try to reason your way out of this with some bogus logic. I’m taking you in, that’s that!”

The clown sighed.

“And I was hoping I could save this for later. Oh well.”

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a small, sphere-shaped object and threw it on the ground. Terry released his grip as the flash blinded him. By the time he regained his vision, they were gone.

“Wh-What the hell?”

McGinnis, what are you doing? Stop them!

“What do you mean? They’re gone, I don’t see them anywhere.”

They’re right in front of you; I can see them through the optical receptors in the cowl!

“I’m telling you, there’s nothing here!”

And I’m telling you there is! Can’t you at least hear them?!

“You’re losing it! I can’t see or hear anything but the wind!”

That’s it. There was a momentary pause, then Bruce spoke again. There. I’ve alerted the police, get back to the cave NOW!

“Alright, alright, I’m on my way!”

It’s official. The old man has lost it.

*****

Terry parked the Batmobile in its designated spot, got out, and made his way toward Bruce, still sitting at the computer as always.

“What was all that crazy talk back there, Bruce?” He asked, pulling his mask off.

“I should ask you the same thing, McGinnis. Come here and watch the log.”

Terry stood behind Bruce as he pulled up the cowl visual log, starting seconds before the flash. Terry watched in amazement as the recording played. After the flash, the Jokerz had just picked up where they left off, trying to ransack Foxteca.

“How come I couldn’t see them?!”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out. But first, what was all that about ‘crazy talk’?” He gave a slight smirk.

“Fine, fine. I guess I was the crazy one. But you can’t blame me, I mean, I couldn’t even hear them! Something must’ve screwed with my senses.”

“Yes. And something tells me this has something to do with the recent rash of disappearances throughout the city.”

“You mean all the teenagers and young adults that’ve gone missing? How do you figure?”

“Instinct.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot about your ‘famous’ instinct.”

“Cut the sarcasm, McGinnis. The question is, how are the two connected?”

“A good question. And while you try and answer it, I’ve got to go. Date with Dana.”

“You’d honestly rather make a date than figure out the cause of the disappearances, not to mention how you were stricken, essentially, blind and deaf?”

“Hey, as long as I can see and hear Dana tonight, I’ll be fine. Besides, as soon as you figure something out, you can call me. No big deal.”

Bruce let out a deep sigh.

“Kids. Now I know what Alfred had to put up with.”

“Alfred? Who’s Alfred?”

“Never mind. Just get going, I’ll try to sort this out myself. But you know the drill, be ready to go at any time.”

“Yeah yeah, I know the drill.”

He turned to leave the cave.

*****

“You’re late, McGinnis!” Dana said as Terry came running up to meet her at the club.

Her arms were crossed and she had a look on her face that told Terry he was in for it. He braced himself and started through the usual motions.

“Sorry, babe, I just…”

“Forget it.” Her face softened. “I’m just glad you’re here, let’s go inside.”

She grabbed his arm and pulled him through the door. After pulling him to one of the booths closest to the dance-floor, she sat down and pulled him in with her.

“The dance floor’s a little crowded right now. We’ll wait until a few people clear.” She said, leaning on his shoulder. “Right now, let’s talk.”

“Talk? About what?” He asked nervously.

What’s up with her? She’s usually mad when I’m late… Something’s weird.

“About us. You’re wondering why I’m not yelling at you, right?”

“Crossed my mind.”

“Well, it does hurt my feelings a little when you cancel on me all the time. But not so much now that I’ve figured out why.”

Oh, damn! He thought.

“W-What do you mean?”

“I’m not stupid Terry. This has been going on for over five months, don’t you think I see what’s going on?”

Terry sighed.

“Look, Dana, I wanted to tell you, but I just didn’t know how.”

She smiled and gave him a peck on the lips.

“Terry, I know losing your father was tough. You need a father figure in your life, and right now Mr. Wayne is all you have.”

“Oh…yeah, I guess you’re right.”

He breathed another sigh, this time though, it was one of relief. He put his arm around her.

“Well, babe, whadaya say we….” he trailed off.

From their table he could still see the window, and walking by across the street, was one of the Jokerz from the Foxteca break-in. To be specific, it was their leader.

Every damn time! he thought to himself.

“What is it, Terry?” Dana asked, snuggling up closer to him.

Of course! This would have to happen on a night when she’s in this kind of mood! Dammit dammit dammit!

“Babe… Look, I gotta go.”

“McGinnis!”

“I’m sorry! I just… remembered I have something I forgot to take care of.”

“Look, Terry, I understand your dedication to Mr. Wayne and all, but there are limits to my patience!.”

“I know. Believe me, I know! But this is something really important and..”

“Oh, so I’m not important!?”

“I didn’t say that it’s just..”

“Just what, Mc Ginnis?!”

“Just... Look I really have to go.”

As he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek she turned her head.

Great. Just freakin great!

He slid around to the other side of the booth, got up, and headed for the door.

*****

The Joker hummed a tune to himself as he walked down the damp, dark street, all alone.

This particular street had earned a unique name for itself. Due to its less than savory reputation; it had become know as “Dark Street”, and anyone in their right mind did their best to avoid it at all costs. Dark Street housed one of the largest drug and prostitution rackets in Gotham; the only people who lived in the area now were either people who thrived in that environment, or had fallen on hard times and had no other place to go. Some individuals were just unlucky enough to have been born there, usually the product of a prostitute, raped by an unsatisfied “client” who wanted their “money’s worth” and thought that ditching the condoms was the only way to get it. But even those who suffered that fate were privileged to a degree because they weren’t left in the closest garbage-can at birth to die alone.

But even with such a reputation, this punk wasn’t the least bit off-put by Dark Street, because he had been one of the “lucky ones” to have been raised here.

He heard a noise and quickly turned around to face his would-be attacker, only, when he finished turning, there was no one there. He called out into the night. If there was someone tailing him, he’d scare them off.

“Alright! Whoever you are, you’d best get the hell back to wherever it is you came from.” He pointed a finger to his chest. “Trust me; you don’t want a piece of this!”

“Oh, but I do.” A voice whispered from behind.

Before he could turn back around, he was being dragged up into the sky by the collar.

*****

Terry stood on the edge of the roof, holding the Joker over the street by the ankle.

“Alright, you scum.” Terry began. “You’re going to tell me what you hit me with earlier tonight and where you got it. Then you’re going to tell me why your gang has been targeting Foxteca. And, as an added bonus, you get to tell me what you know about the recent disappearances in Gotham.” He stopped for a second and waited for the Joker to respond, when he didn’t, Terry spoke again. “What? Didn’t you get all that, or do I need to repeat myself… using smaller words this time of course.”

The Joker finally spoke.

“What, am I supposed to be intimidated by this or something? Next time I’d pick a higher roof, this one’s only, like, twenty feet high!”

Terry smiled.

“Why do you think I picked it?”

The Joker’s eyes widened.

“Y-You w-w-wouldn’t.”

“Not if you tell me what I need to know.”

The Joker paused for a second, weighing his options, until Terry interrupted.

“Look, my arm is getting tired. You gonna help or not?”

“Okay! Okay! J-Just, please, don’t drop me.”

Terry cracked another smile.

“Good boy.”

*****

So they are connected. Terry thought as he landed next to the window of the old warehouse building.

It hadn’t taken him long to crack the Joker punk. In no time at all he was spilling his guts, telling Terry everything he needed to know. It turned out that the Jokerz had stolen the “spheres” from this warehouse, where a new group under the leadership of some wack-job in a red suit with black, spiral striping. The punk also said that the leader had an “eye in his hand” that caused anyone who stared into it to come under his power. The Jokerz had, apparently, snuck around the warehouse, took what they needed and left, playing with the spheres themselves until they figured out how they worked.

Wonder what the hell I’ll find in here.

He looked through the window and his eyes widened. The missing persons were all inside, some of them, he recognized as his classmates that had gone missing earlier in the week. The were all seemingly in some kind of trance as their leader -wearing the strange, red and black suit the Joker had described- spoke to them in a calm, almost entrancing voice.

“You’ve all done well.” He began. “Within the next week, I expect we shall be close to our goal. You’ve gathered almost all of the items we need; now we begin the next phase of the plan. As soon as we procure one last item, we will have the means to punish those who have wronged us! Your parents, your so-called friends, and your bosses; they have all wronged you in one way or another! Now it is time for them to pay the price for their crimes against you! Are you with me!?”

Everyone threw their fists in the air and began cheering wildly.

Terry turned away. He couldn’t bear to watch another second of it.

So, he’s collecting troubled kids, not to mention young men and women, and brainwashing them into doing whatever he wants. But what’s he using them for?

It took everything he had, but he looked through the window again. He looked around and saw a few more teens he hadn’t noticed before, unloading various machines and parts from large, metal crates.

Looks like I’ve gathered all the information I can from here for now. Time for me to go.

With no other purpose there, he left the warehouse.

*****

I don’t know, Terry. Max said with a sigh.

Terry had dialed her, hoping she might be able to help him find a connection between the students he had seen at the warehouse. He would have gone to Bruce for help, but since Bruce didn’t know any of the classmates, Terry figured Max was the person for the job.

All I can tell you is that they go, or rather, went to our school and all of them disappeared earlier this week. Not even their parents have heard from them since. Some of them were in gangs, but none of them belonging to the same one.

“So there’s nothing to connect them at all?”

Not that I can see. Sorry, Terry, wish I could be of more help.

It’s alright, Max, you did your… wait… All of these kids were considered ‘troubled’, right?”

Yeah.

“And who do the ‘troubled’ kids in a high school generally get sent to.”

The school psychologist!

“Bingo, kiddo.”

The only problem is, our school hasn’t had its own shrink for going on two years now. The last one got fired for…well…‘helping’ some of the male students get over their problems by spreading her legs.

“Yeah, so they started sending all of the kids from our school to Ira Billings at Gotham Community College. Supposedly he’s never failed a kid.”

How do you know that?

“I was ‘troubled’ once, remember?”

Oh yeah, I forgot. But you never went to see Mr. Billings, did you?

“No.”

So wait, you mean you went to see…”

“Yeah.”

Please don’t tell me you were one of those guys!

“Of course not!” He paused for a second. “But then, she never offered me…”

Terry!!!!

“I’m kidding! Anyways, can you check on them for me?”

Already done. Yup, looks like all of them were seeing Billings. What are you going to do now?

“Go inform Bruce and then kick Billings’ ass.”

Okay, feel free to cut the testosterone at any time there, tiger.

“Sorry. Thanks again, Max. I’ll let you get to back to bed now.”

Oh, sure, after you get me fully awake!

“Good night, Max.”

Night, Ter.

He cut the communication.

What kind of sick twisted bastard takes advantage of troubled kids like that? Bruce needs to know about this.

He blasted off for the cave.

To Be Continued…

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