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Post by Trailfoot on May 11, 2010 14:20:10 GMT -5
Barbara Gordon's Apartment
The news played on in the background, with Barbara Gordon barely paying attention to the discussion of moving stock markets and poll numbers in the Council race as she used a grabber-arm to pull the peanut butter off the upper shelf in the pantry.
...fire at Arkham Asylum...
Barbara blinked, spinning to turn her gaze on the television set.
Amanda Williams's Apartment
The fire apparently started in the outer yard, but spread quickly to the greenhouse and the upper dormitories. Unconfirmed reports say that, in the ensuing chaos, more than one inmate escaped, including...
Amanda grabbed her Outsiders communicator out of her pocket, slipping it into her ear. "Oracle, are you..."
The sound of shattering glass came across the communication link, and Amanda started toward the door before Barbara's voice came through. "Dropped the peanut butter... we're meeting at the headquarters. Get there now."
Hideout of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy
...The Scarecrow, Black Mask...
Ivy coughed, her organically-grown, barely managing to swallow her organically-grown, music-serenaded coffee. "Harl, suit up."
Harley Quinn turned to look at her friend. "Aw, Red... I wanted to watch the fire!"
"We've got to get out there, Harl. You heard who they just said."
"I didn't hear Mister J's name..."
Ivy sighed. "Black Mask, Harl. Remember him? Nearly shattered my spine the one time he and I have met, and he wants to destroy everything the Batman cares about. You know, Robin, Nightwing, the Commissioner, a certain woman of our acquaintance.."
Harley concentrated a moment, thinking past her madness. "You mean Kitty?"
Ivy sighed. "Yes, Harl, I mean Kitty. Who, as you'll recall, is the closest thing to a non-psycho friend we've got."
"But I like psychos!"
"As you'll recall, Harl, our psychotic friends haven't really done us much good. They haven't, say, found us an apartment we can actually afford, on my salary, in a relatively safe neighborhood - your hyenas notwithstanding - and gotten us a break on the rent by helping the landlord with his cats."
"I guess we should go make sure Kitty is safe, then..."
Ivy smirked. "And maybe, just maybe, get a little payback on Black Mask."
Selena Kyle's Apartment
It was there, plain as day. A tip from Tim Drake had sent Selena to the architectural files of Wayne Manor, and there she had found the portrait - the man who designed the hundred-fifty-year-old building for the Waynes, who had decided to locate it over the cave system that had become the Batcave, who had placed the hidden passages within it. His jaw, his hair.
Those intense, haunted eyes. The files called him Johnny Matches, but those eyes belonged to only one man - the same man who had left his sigil in nearly a dozen places in the plans, including the overall shape of the compound when combined with the underground routes used for smuggling slaves out of the South and to freedom in Canada.
Bruce Wayne. And Tim had put one other note in his letter to her.
"Kane Temporal. 8821 Kane Lane."
Barbara Gordon's Car
Barbara ran another stop sign on her way to the headquarters, still talking into her communicator. "Booster, need you at HQ now. Cancel the meeting with Gates; this is more important." Of course he didn't have the news on. She then tapped her communicator one more time, with a different rhythm. "Dick, this is Barbara. Watchtower teleporters still offline?"
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Post by Myridd on May 11, 2010 15:00:18 GMT -5
Selena Kyle's Apartment
Selena Kyle stared at the letter in her hands, fighting her trembling nerves. Its him... Without giving it another thought, she was on her feet and headed towards her closet. Her eyes quickly found her Catwoman suit, which had been forced to the back of her closet. This isn't for the team. This is for me. Catwoman is me. She thought to herself as she slipped off her silk robe and stepped into the suit. The leather felt hot on her skin, pleasant and familiar. Grabbing her whip, feeling it within her hands again, she smirked as she cracked it, enjoying the sound.
I'll find you Brucy. And bring you home. Gotham needs you... She paused for a moment, not even wanting to admit it to herself. I need you.
---
Owen Richard's house
Owen had been watching the news, and had headed out the door the moment he heard of the breakout. Unfortunately, he hadn't thought of meeting up with the others at the hideout, instead he was going straight into the thick of it.
Heading straight to Arkham itself.
Anita Richards sat on her son's couch, having heard him sprint out the door. Now she just watched the news, knowing that her only son was heading straight into the middle of it.
"Owen.. watch yourself." She said softly to herself, knowing full well he would return. He always had.
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Post by Trailfoot on May 14, 2010 21:32:21 GMT -5
As Owen made his way toward Arkham, it began to drizzle, and by the time he'd left the city proper it was pouring down rain. The stretch of woods between the edge of Gotham and the bridge to Arkham Island was a fifteen-minute drive in good conditions, and the rain was anything but a good condition.
Of course, neither was the next thing that came up - a huge wall of mud suddenly rising from the road in front of Owen, a mouth sprouting from it near the top, a deep, gravelly voice coming from the mouth. "Black Mask says he ain't to be disturbed."
Kane Temporal
The building was one large warehouse, mostly empty apart from a device. Tall, capsule-shaped, and made of chrome, the device could easily house three of Bane. Next to it was a control panel covered in arcane buttons and knobs. As Selena approached it, a quiet voice sounded from the rafters. "Red Robin was poking about here yesterday, and now I have Catwoman." A black streak, looking very much like Bruce for a moment, dropped to the floor, then the Batwoman rose to her full height and gazed at Catwoman. "The Time Pod is too heavy for even Gotham's greatest thief to steal, which means you must be here to use it. What could you want so badly that you'd risk stepping across time to find it? I'm certain it's no jade gato."
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Post by Myridd on May 14, 2010 21:46:36 GMT -5
Kane Temporal
"No. Its not a jade gato. Its even more precious than that." Selena said, somewhat wistfully as her slid a elegant finger along the control console of the time pod. "Something that was stolen away from Gotham, from me." She than shot a look at Batwoman, a look that spoke volumes. Nothing will stop be from getting to him. Nothing! "Something I fully intend to get back." Catwoman took a step back, cracking her whip as she did. "Try to stop me."
The Street to Arkham
Owen raised an eyebrow, took off his shoe, and hefted it through the mouth of the mud creature. "Well, if Black Mask is the one that started all this, than he's going to be displeased. I dare say he's about to be disturbed." He grinned slightly, showing his forming fangs. His hair turned shock red, and his gaze turned slightly more feral. With his transformation complete, he raised his Nth gun and aimed it at the hole he had made with the shoe. "Do you wanna be the one to tell him, or should I?"
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Post by Trailfoot on May 15, 2010 6:22:29 GMT -5
Kane Temporal
Batwoman lifted a hand. "I've no intention of stopping you. But you can't go unequipped, and you can't go alone." She glanced at the control console. "Make a mistake with setting that, and you'll find yourself a few million years back, at a time when this room was a mile under a glacier. The pod's safety features have yet to be implemented." She produced a small item resembling a silver television remote with two buttons and a screen. "And once you have gone back, you will need to know how to operate this and find a transport window back to the present. Given three months, I could teach you to operate the two devices, but I doubt you want to wait that long, which leaves you only one option."
She gestured to the pod. "You go with me."
The Forest
Clayface seemed to consider that a moment, before rising up, forming into a humanoid form. "You're the one that fought Croc and Bane, aren't you? I'll leave it to someone else to take the first shot at you." He turned to stomp away before pausing. "Stay away from the Asylum. Black Mask's people aren't there any more, but the Clown Prince stayed. I hear you can't be hurt, but if there's a man who can figure out a way past that, it's Joker, and even I wouldn't wish what he'd do to you if he figured one out on you."
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Post by Myridd on May 15, 2010 10:55:50 GMT -5
The Forest
Owen considered that, looking slightly confused. "All right. Well, if you're so keen on some other villain decking me first, care to give me directions? It'll save me and you a lot of useless time waitin' around." And I know better than to try to mess with Joker, though I admit it worries me some that Bane has been talking about me. Feels like I'm back in high school again, not a good feeling.
Kane Temporal
Catwoman cocked her head to the side smirking some as she put her whip back on her hip. "You want to come with me? Pardon me while I question your motives. Why would a crime fighter. ."Selena made quotations with her fingers as she said crime fighter. ". .want to accompany Gotham's greatest thief?"
She took a step towards Batwoman, leaning towards her so their faces were close. "Also, It makes me wonder how you know how to operate this. Its top secret Kane technology, and their security is nothing to be sneezed at."
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Post by Trailfoot on May 15, 2010 20:59:41 GMT -5
Kane Temporal
Batwoman stepped back as Catwoman advanced. "You said that what you wanted was important, and had been taken from Gotham. I also know that the Batman trusts you... that makes me more inclined to believe you. As for how I know how to operate the pod..." Batwoman smiled, an honest smile. "We all keep things behind our masks. I'm not asking you for the specifics of what you're looking for."
The Woods
Clayface grinned. "If you're feeling lucky, I saw Freeze, Livewire, and Firebug making their way south, toward the Wharf... I think Livewire's trying to get to the Gotham ferry. No clue where Deadshot is."
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Post by Myridd on May 15, 2010 21:11:16 GMT -5
Kane Temporal
Catwoman considered that. "Agreed. But you should know this first. Its not a what I am looking for. Its a who." She stepped back into the pod, waiting for Batwoman to join her. "Come on. We've got a lot of time to cover."
The Woods
Owen bowed, and tipped an imaginary hat at Clayface as he started to make his way south. Freeze, Livewire, Firebug. All elemental huh? 'Lectricity, ice, fire. Fun. He thought to himself without much enthusiasm. It was than he remembered the communicator in his ear. He pressed it as he was taking great leaps to the south. " Barb? Red. Yeah, I've got a lead on the escapees Freeze, Livewire, and Firebug. Headin' there now. You guys try to get some back up to round up the rest." He ended communication before she really had a chance to respond.
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Post by Trailfoot on May 16, 2010 5:40:30 GMT -5
Gotham City, 1862, Hamilton Warehouse
A short crackle of light revealed the two figures that had entered the time pod in 2010 - Catwoman and Batwoman. Batwoman made her way to the window. "At least I managed to land us here at night, instead of in the middle of a crowd of workers... street outside is abandoned too." She smiled to Catwoman. "Since I don't know who we're looking for, you'll have to lead the way."
Outsiders Headquarters, Now
Oracle threw her communicator onto the table. "No response from Supergirl or Bast. Reed's run off to fight Livewire, Freeze, and Firebug on his own." She sighed. "Seelie, I'm going to get a fix on Reed's communicator and relay it to you. Head toward Arkham; I'll get more detailed directions on the way. Booster, Torch, you've got Uptown... rendezvous with Black Canary and Dove at Lower Kane and make your way in. I've got a report of Scarecrow and Riot in the area. I'm dispatching the rest of the Birds downtown, and Red Robin and Batgirl are handling the warehouses." She folded her hands together. "These people fear the sunlight, and will go to ground at dawn. Tomorrow night, Batman and Robin will be back. Gotham will not burn tonight, Outsiders, and you will make sure of that." She lifted her communicator, then looked to Seelie. "When you get to Reed, let him know that I need his communicator turned on."
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Post by Myridd on May 16, 2010 14:09:34 GMT -5
Gotham City, 1862
Catwoman nodded, and quickly found a way to exit the warehouse. Hiding in the shadows, she quietly led Batwoman to the address of this Johnny Matches. She had had enough foresight to dig up a map of Gotham in 1862. She just hoped it was accurate.
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Post by Trailfoot on May 18, 2010 18:54:26 GMT -5
The Warehouse District
Batgirl dropped down onto the Lexcorp warehouse next to Tim, folding her hands together and leaning over the edge to look down. "I've got a report from Oracle... Grundy's making his way in our direction... if we start toward the river now we can intercept him before he hits the residences. You ready?"
Uptown
As Booster and Azure Torch landed, they saw a man making his way up the street. A moment later, a motorcycle stopped next to them, the leggy blonde Black Canary dismounting and pulling her helmet off. "Riot. Always seems to find his way to where he can do the most damage... and where fighting him causes the most collateral."
Dove, who had been riding behind Canary, shook her head. "Why would he want to do this? I don't understand Gotham at all."
Downtown
Lady Blackhawk had chosen a helicopter to deliver the team to the scene, and turned to face Huntress and Hawk in the back. "I'll be providing air support... word from O is we've got Hatter and Zsasz, though... not sure how much help I can be."
Arkham Woods
Seelie flew through the night, feeling more than looking for Reed. Why'd you pick me for this one, Oracle? I mean... I guess Owen and I make a good team, but awkward much? She found him, coming in for a landing nearby, concentrating a moment to replenish her reserves after her flight. "Oracle sent me... she says to turn your communicator on." She paused a moment. "She seemed worried about you. I know I was."
A moment later, they reached a clearing. Within, arguing amongst themselves, were Firebug, Livewire, and Victor Fries.
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Post by Myridd on May 18, 2010 21:38:19 GMT -5
The Warehouse District Tim landed behind Stephanie, a look of concentration on his face. "Aren't they buidling a new subdivision over by the river? I remember seeing construction. Maybe its more warehouses. Nevertheless, if we can corner him there, we'll be able to keep down the random destruction he does."
He glances over at Batgirl, and grins playfully. "Bet I can get to him before you do." And with that, Tim speds off, hopping from building to building. Though he was enjoying the race, he was making sure to keep an eye out for any other villains. And to make sure his feet didn't trip over themselves.
Uptown
Booster grinned when he saw Dove and Canary drive up. "Laa-aaaaadies! I feel so much safer with you at my side!" He flirts, knowing full well he stood no chance. But he wouldn't be Booster if he didn't.
Skeets bobbed, as if bowing to Dove and Canary.
"I can filter Oracle's orders through my loud speakers, if you would wish, Ms. Canary. So you can concentrate on. . . .How would you put it, sir?" Skeets asked, looking back at Booster Gold.
"Kick some Riot-ass. All of them! If he keeps making more! We'll kick those too!"
Walking home from her latest Selena's Kitten Club meeting, Claire was just a few blocks away from Riot, Booster, Canary, Torch, and Dove. Unaware of the impending doom.
Downtown
Huntress hopped out, swinging her staff slightly as she surveyed the scene. "Arkham is that way." She points with her staff. "Chances are they are coming from that way. Lets go. Keep an eye on us from the air. Let Oracle know if you lose sight of us." Huntress said to Lady Blackhawk before she started purposely moving in the direction of Arkham, and hopefully Hatter and the serial killer.
You'll think you're going to get the best of me, you punks. But no one gets the best of me.
Meanwhile, Jack Houston and Renee Montoya saw the helicopter land, and headed in that direction. When they came upon the landing site, Jack sighed in relief.
"A prison break on my first day of vacation, but at least there is some back up." He says, looking to Renee, than to Huntress and Lady Blackhawk.
". . Women. In tights. Oh god." Jack muttered, not pleased, but not for the reason most would expect. He has been having strange speed dating dreams that included every female caped crusader ever to step into Gotham. And those dreams always ended rather strangely and usually in a painful way.
He looked at Question, in her sensible clothes. "Why can't they wear pants, like you?"
Arkham Woods
Owen turned towards Seelie, his eyes redder than they usually were in this form. "Why did she send someone! I don't need to be babysat. The point of me going alone was to be alone!" He hastily turned on his communicator while he hissed softly at Seelie. "Barb? I mean, O? Red. Yeah, why did you send Seelie? She could be useful elsewhere. Here she's just a weakness. Something the enemies can exploit. " He sighs, motion to Seelie that he wasn't upset at her. Or at least he was trying. His hands were probably flopping about like dead fish as he spoke to Barbara. "A liability! I don't feel pain, it doesn't effect me. Do you not comprehend?? But Seelie does! What am I supposed to do if these three guys get a hold of her? I can't live with that!" I don't want it to be Amanda.. I can't let them hurt her. I'll protect her. But Barb. . where are you? Are YOU safe? Do you have someone to watch over you? I pray that you do.. Barbara. I. . . "Crap..." He muttered softly after his inner dialogue. " Anyway, I have some information. I ran into Clayface. He's the one who told me these three's location. I think this whole breakout is to try to break me. Which means its probably has everything to do with Bane. Keep an eye out for that monster. I don't want him breaking you Barb. Or you 'Manda." He said, speaking to both of them.
But if they hurt either of you... I can't promise how whole I'll be..
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Post by Trailfoot on May 19, 2010 2:21:48 GMT -5
Way Back Then
As Batwoman and Catwoman approached the home of Johnny Matches, the sound of a scuffle rose from one of the alleys, a thick Texan accent calling out, "Now you just see here, Grey Ghost! This town belongs to the Terra Team! We took on that Vigilante, and no newcomer up-start's gonna stop us!"
Batwoman started toward the alley, and when she and Selena arrived, there was a scene of panic - two men, twins with faces marked by long years in the sun, one holding a woman hostage with a revolver, the other pointing his gun at a tall, caped figure.
The caped figure stood six foot, two inches tall, garbed in grey, a wide-brimmed hat and a pair of goggles protecting his face. His cape was full-length, made of stitched-together trenchcoats, and he wore a grey shirt and pants. He carried no gun, but instead had a belt, holding various items in pouches. He spoke softly, his voice unmistakable - the one used by Bruce Wayne when in costume. "You're going to want to let the girl go, Walt. Wayne, put the gun down nice and slow."
Wayne shook his head. "Told you to back off!" He fired a shot at the Grey Ghost, but the caped figure was already moving, raising a hand to block the projectile and charging toward the twins.
Warehouses
Red Robin caught sight of Solomon Grundy with no sign of Batgirl anywhere, and started to swoop in for the initial attack, when the telltale pulse of Batgirl's motorcycle, the Ricochet, using its ejection feature went off, and Batgirl flew past, landing a solid kick to the monster's back. Grundy spun, swiping out with a powerful arm in an attack Batgirl was barely able to avoid. She smirked toward Red Robin, letting the act of being at ease facing this powerful beast drain away some of her fear. "Beat you. What were our stakes?"
Uptown
Claire turned a corner to see the beginning of a fight - Riot leapt forward, brandishing a pair of knives, just in time to take a hit from Black Canary's sonic attack. He split in two, continuing forward, one copy advancing on Booster and another on Canary.
Downtown
Question tossed a hidden grin to Huntress. "Huntress... why do you wear that?" She touched her own communicator. "Tot says Zsasz and Hatter in this district... we act fast, we've got the easiest job in town."
Hawk grinned. "I've heard Zsasz likes scars. I don't mind giving him a few myself." After getting coordinates from Oracle, he burst into motion, rushing off at a speed the others could barely keep up with.
Outsiders HQ
Oracle's voice came through on Reed's communicator. "We don't go alone, Reed. That's the biggest thing I've learned... if there's a choice, you never send someone alone. You can't be hurt, but you can be taken, and Seelie's powers and skills complement yours."
After a deep breath, Barbara opened up the communication to everyone - including tapping Question's communicator. "Reed's found reason to suspect that Bane is involved. If Bane is encountered, engage to contain but do not attempt takedown unless he makes a mistake. No single team is to attempt to take Bane until I can get you backup. Lady Blackhawk, be ready to retrieve people for transfer on report of Bane's appearance."
Barbara turned off the outgoing feed as she heard a sound upstairs. Grabbing her sticks, she turned her chair, moving toward the elevator. "Who's there?
Arkham Forest
Seelie leaned past Reed's shoulder, watching, as Freeze finally managed to win whatever argument they were involved with. "Wharf, then. We'll take a boat from there to Metropolis... without Superman, the pickings there will be easy... and I am in desperate need of resources."
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Post by Myridd on May 19, 2010 9:58:30 GMT -5
Way back in the day. . .
Selena didn't have time to express her joy, or even let the fact that Bruce was indeed alive and right in front of her register into her mind. Her whip lashed out as she looked at Batwoman. "Get the girl. Make sure she runs." As the whip wrapped around Wayne's gun hand, Catwoman gave it a tug and caused the man to face her.
"Bringing a gun to a fist fight just ain't allowed, pard'ner." She said with a sly smirk as she gave Wayne a mighty kick in the gut which caused his grip to lessen on the weapon. After giving the whip another tug, the gun went spiraling in the air, landing safely behind Selena.
"Seems like you boys like to pick on women. Lets see how you like this one." She purrs as she knees Wayne in the face as he is doubled over from the kick to the gut.
Warehouses
Red Robin couldn't help by chuckle. "You cheated! No motorcycles allowed!" He took a quick survey of his surroundings, and quickly came up with a plan. "Batgirl,I'll draw him in here." He motioned to an almost complete warehouse. "And when I tell you, hit that support beam." He pointed again and than swooped down, landing a kick solidly in Solomon Grundy's face.
"So you were born on a Monday, huh. Not to impressed." Tim said, as he landed smoothly, facing the zombie.
Uptown
Claire immediately ducked down behind a parked car, unsure of what to do. . . Tha. .that's Booster Gold. . . And Black Canary. . . Wait.. that guy just split himself in two? What the hell is going on?!"
Booster meanwhile had charged forward to land a solid blow to his Riot's face.
Downtown
Huntress smirked. "Its an excellent distration." She replied to Question before the group sped off after Hawk.
"Damn, I'm glad I joined the gym a few years back.. or this pace would of been likely to knock me out." Jack Houston muttered to himself, determined to keep up with the cape and cowl set.
Arkham Forest
As the three finished their conversation, Reed had stood and began charging his Nth gun. Firing a shot aimed at Freeze.
"Come on now, boys. The pickings here in Gotham are just fine. Why, I just found myself quite a haul, three nar'do wells ripe for the picking." Reed remarked when he had their attention.
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Post by Trailfoot on May 19, 2010 16:28:13 GMT -5
The Past
Wayne stumbled backward at Catwoman's assault, his gun falling to the ground. "Y'know, some more sportin' types wouldn't hit a girl..." He took a swing at Selena, connecting with her shoulder. "But me? I'm no sportin' type."
The Grey Ghost advanced on Walt as Batwoman grabbed the girl. "Run!" The girl nodded, starting out of the alley. Walt fired a shot at the Grey Ghost, who deflected it again before delivering a bone-rattling punch to Walt's jaw.
Then another gunshot sounded from the alley entrance. When Selena looked up to see what had happened. the woman who was fleeing was facing into the alley, her gun pointed in Grey Ghost's general direction, Batwoman's hand having come up just in time to throw her aim wild. Batwoman made a sound under her breath. "Seems we didn't have a victim... looks like she was bait, instead."
Warehouses
Grundy roared, taking another swipe at Red Robin, again barely missing - he was fast and immensely strong, but not particularly agile, each attack throwing him off-balance for a moment and allowing the next to be pre-judged. A single mistake, however, would lead to serious injury. "Solomon Grundy goin' take you down! Then Solomon Grundy get some pants!"
Arkham Forest
Freeze fired a blast of freezing energy, the two attacks neutralizing each other, then smirked a bit. "You would be part of the reason we were planning to leave. Do you really intend to continue to inflict us on Gotham?"
Firebug leapt forward. "I hear her can't be hurt... but maybe he burns." He fired off a blast from his flamethrower at Reed.
Livewire raised her hand, ready to join the attack, before Seelie floated up behind Reed. "You act as if you were full of certainty, yet all I feel from you is fear. And fear will take your momentum... rob you of strength..." Livewire turned her attention to Seelie, raising both hands to fire off a powerful bolt of lightning... but all that came out was a small spark, akin to when one is zapped by a car door handle. Seelie smirked. "It seems that you are grounded, Livewire."
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