|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2018 7:29 pm
 |
|
|
|
A luxurious mansion located along the outskirts of Gotham. . .
An approaching car pulling up along a private drive could be heard just over the sound of ambient music playing in the background. Car doors being shut soon followed along with the sound of footsteps being lead towards a tiled balcony looking over the bay. Night was falling as a veil of darkness began to settle and make its presence known over Gotham skies. The view from above was majestic, the ability to see the stars within city limits was unusual due to the smog normally seen by day. However, this place wasn't located in the heart of the city. Air quality around the property felt untouched, fresh, new, almost virgin in comparison to the tainted heaviness of pollution that coated an individuals lungs with a sludge substance that made it difficult to breathe on good days.
Lighting located along the balcony, was muted, only lit enough for conversation. With the set the stage for the visitor who was escorted quietly towards the back, the visitor would not have to wait long as for the host soon made their appearance by voice only. A foreign, sensual and thick accent flowed smoothly out in the open, undoubtedly catching the guests' attention. "Good evening, Dr. Johnathan Crane...please, make yourself comfortable, you are here as my guest not as my prisoner." A slender figure descended down the steps of a marble carved stairwell that spilled out onto the balcony. Dressed in a v-neckline evening gown, the material filled out every natural curve along her body in a dangerous manner. Her long hair looked like a long drape of silk covering her bare shoulders, as Talia al Ghul turned to face the good doctor whom was standing at arms length before her. With a simple hand gesture the guards who had escorted the doctor to this undisclosed location, appeared to disappear along the shadows. The guards were always aware of what was going on, never gone for too long.
Talia had an aura of calm surrounding her entire being, as she took the time to look the man over from head to toe. A visible approving smile appeared along those delicately painted lips, before she moved to circle the doctor briefly. "Tell me something good doctor. Do you like it here? There are no bars, no chains, no jumpsuits, no prison guards present to push and bully you around. I promise, you won't find any of that here." Talia moved like a gentle breeze that was welcoming around him. He may of thought she was playing a game with him. On the contrary, she wasn't. Stopping briefly, allowing their eyes to meet with one another before breaking eye contact long enough to stroll across the floor to where they could sit and chat.
Taking a seat along a high back chair located next to the modern couch beside her. The slit of her evening gown, split and spilled out along her legs as she moved to cross one leg over the other comfortably. The leather bound material along her legs appeared as if they had been painted on by hand. Using what she was wearing to her advantage. Talia was uncertain as to how Dr. Crane was around women who liked to use beauty as a weapon.
"I see many questions in your eyes...please speak, I want to hear your thoughts." Gesturing with her hand as an invitation for Dr. Crane to join her. He appeared thirsty, "Would you like something to drink, to sate thy appetite while we talk business?"
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2018 8:33 am
|
|
|
 |
 Crane had held his cards close to his heart ever since the mishap with the Joker. A mix of his ability to persuade along with his own personal use to Talia Al Ghul had rendered him in a more dignifying state than his former allies. He was not without his wits and had realised that the only reason he found himself in such a comfortable position in this whole predicament was that he was going to serve some sort of use to Talia. He did find her etiquette refreshing, as the mere mention of his title as a Doctor had shown that Talia was more than willing to be respectful, something which he was indeed willing to return.
The League of Assassins and more precisely, Talia, was a dangerous psychopath - but to stop at such would be a foolish generalisation. She had been hardened from birth by the iron fist of her father, Ra's Al Ghul. She was by design a weapon in all of her detail - even down to the way she dressed. Jonathan could find a respect within himself for her. The League follows the strength and tenacity of its leader, and in order to respect strength, you must fear it. There must be some part of you that curls up and wishes to never be on its bad side. This is what interested Crane the most about Talia. He had no desires of the flesh, just only what could make it quiver beyond belief.
Unmasked and unhooded ever since his capture, his black bangs fell down by his cheeks and tucked in behind his ears. On his right hand, he wore a gauntlet of syringes, which had been emptied of his fear toxin; courtesy of Black Mask. He stood with his long patchy leather coat draping down to his feet, with an empty bandolier crossing his chest. His left leg had a rusted leg brace holding it - unnecessary in its normal function, but Crane used it as a method to disturb his victims into thinking that there was something wrong with him.
Crane's listless blue eyes focused on her, "I am on grounds to feel honoured having received such hospitality from the Daughter of the Demon." His pursed lips curved into a smile. The dim lighting had them both shining through the darkness as if they were sentinels to ward it - or to herald it. "It is certainly a welcome change," Crane remarked, "But Arkham is much more suited to someone of my talents." He began with a monotonous tone and ended with a grim laugh. He followed her lead and took a seat opposite her in the lounge. Their eyes continued to meet but for a brief moment, as he took a short second to ponder her question. "There must be a certain irony here." His sardonic expression was broke with a short smile. He was, of course, referring to the fact that he now found himself on a couch with another person asking the questions in the chair - a role reversal for the psychiatrist. "A kind offer, but I would only do you a disservice to dull my senses in your presence." He said as he declined the offer of a drink. Scarecrow listened very carefully to each word she said. As Talia remarked on his eyes revealing that he had questions, he was surprised at the show of empathy. It was a display of intuition that rivalled a mothers. "Ah, Talia." He said with a sigh of relief, "Here you are in the wake of the destruction of a city. The cinders of despair still glow red, having not even had the time to settle." He leaned forward as a thin brow rose up in question, "The Demon left you Gotham. I would imagine to anyone in your position it would sting to return to where their father died." His lips began to curl as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath of the fresh air that Gotham had robbed him of for so long. "But you are not just anyone, Talia Al Ghul. You are one of the few people who knows only as well as I of the importance of fear." He glanced up towards her. She was a pragmatist in the truest sense. "My only wish is that we do not rob one and other of an intimate partnership. I want to know exactly what you're up to, and why?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2018 6:37 pm
|
|
|
|
Almost as if on cue the shadows surrounding Damian began to take shape, as individuals clad in black stepped out into the light. One particular individual moved past the others, walking with a commanding air towards the young man who had just helped a masked vigilante out from under rubble. A black and red duster lifted slightly in her barely-there-foot-steps being made among the rubble. One of the leaders' assassins, already had their bow drawn with arrow honed in on the individual that identified himself as, I am Azrael, the Angel of Death and Vengeance. Obviously the assassin was awaiting for this individual speaking towards Damian to say the wrong thing or movement. The lead assassin moved to center herself before the men she commanded, placing herself a good six feet away from where Damian and this man Azrael were located. Dark blue eyes were focused on the distance shared between himself and Damian. One might think this assassin a little too protective. Cautious was more along the lines, of how this female assassin was.
"Did Talia al Ghul send you?"
Breaking her silence, she spoke in an Arabic dialect only Damian would understand. <> Keeping her eyes locked on the man beside Damian, she did not need an excuse to remove him from existence. With part of her face being covered by a veil, it was very hard to see, let alone have the ability to read her expression. Nyssa meant business, she did not trust this person nor had reason too believe he was indeed on their side as the man claimed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2018 5:39 pm
|
|
|
|
With a lift of her finger, a servant emerged from the side bringing forth a silver tray with hot tea and two cups in case the doctor changed his mind in wanting something to drink. The servant made sure to pour a cup of hot tea, setting the cup and saucer for the mistress before bowing and taking their leave. Talia moved forwards to take up her cup of hot herbal tea and sip it idly as she listened to what Dr. Crane had to say. Keeping an open mind to the business setting before them. Also taking note to the comment he made in reference to her father. Her features appeared quite relaxed, as she enjoyed the hot tea. Setting the cup down along the tabletop her, before tsking slightly.
"No, darling this session is about what you want dear. I am here to provide the means to get you started off on the right foot per say. If this isn't..." Gesturing about the luxurious atmosphere they were located at. "Specifically what your tastes is. Then I will accommodate to what you desire. What expenses you require to get your office set up. Equipment, advertisement, pharmaceutical supplies, specimens... forgive me, I meant patients." Spoken with a smile. She was there to fund him, in and return she knew that any type of experimental medications he wanted to let loose. Would cause profits to soar, especially when it came to owning stock in the black market. Those unnamed affiliates that are willing to invest large amounts of money into products producing the affects they want in causing phobias not just in Gotham but around the world, for possible usage in warfare? They would pay a substantial amount of money for the perfect concoction that they were promised, the good doctor would produce. I want to know exactly what you're up to, and why?
Talia had no reason to lie as to what she wanted. "I have the ability to get a hold of new and experimental pharmaceutical drugs that have yet to be released to the public. Some of these medications are considered dangerous for consumption, but these drugs have not been tested on humans. Only lab rats. I would hope you would like to try your hand at administering some of these psychogenic medications. Experiment with them as you please and I would like to see results. There are many pharmaceutical companies that would like to have their drugs approved of and to be released a lot sooner than what the FDA is making them wait for. Too much red tape. These firms, are investing in this business arrangement and they are willing to pay top dollar for results. This would arrangement would benefit you and your private practice from here on out." Waiting for all of that bit of information to settle in his mind. Reaching down to pick up her cup of tea again, sipping politely. "I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2018 6:26 pm
|
|
|
|
Redirecting her line of sight away from Azrael over towards Damian she finally replied to his questions. Trading a native language for something casual for present parties. "No, she did not." Nyssa didn't flinch to the words Damian retaliated with. She was certain Damian would be stunned, albeit curious as to why she was there if her sister did not send her. Providing the subtle shake of her head to the sides in response to his questioning ploy. Nyssa had reasons of her own, especially since she had disassociated herself from her father for quite sometime. Nyssa's eyes focused on Damian, as it seemed she was looking into his soul. Searching his features to see if he was hiding truths of the situation at hand. He doesn't know everything. . . . Her facial features appeared less tense than they had been before. Glancing back over towards the man who was standing too close for comfort to Damian.
Is that why she can't even bring herself to face me herself? Squinting at Azrael as she looked the man over in thought. Responding to Damian's question, "I cannot speak for her, nor is it my place. She is her own person, Damian." Choosing her words wisely as well as her actions, or in actions thereof. Damian's body language spoke volumes with how he reacted with her presence, along with the league of assassins surrounding the vicinity from which they stood. "Whether you realize it or not, 'I' care about your well being." She spoke the truth. Even though she was not always able to come and assist him when he needed assistance the most. She was there now. Damian should know, that she was rarely away from Nanda Parbat, for too long depending on circumstances.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 11:35 am
|
|
|
|
Jonathan inhaled the scents of the herbal tea that began to aromanate the room. Smells both familiar and foreign revitalised him. He was quick to accept the offer of the tea, as he poured himself a cup to engage further in the discussion with Talia. With his hand, he briefly pushed his bangs out of his face as he leaned back.
Talia had certainly peaked his interest. Of course, her willingness to grant Crane what he wanted was more than enough to arouse suspicion, but then it became rather simple. The paradoxical anarchy of the League would benefit from his experiments on a larger systematic scale. The production of weapons would be far too tempting of a possibility for them not to take.
"I must say, Talia, you've given an offer far too tempting not to take. If I can leave in your capable hands of what I will need, then I would be more than happy to take your offer." His lips rested on an easy smile. Setting down his teacup, he got off the chair and paced towards the balcony with his arms held tightly behind his back. "--Perhaps, if I may be so bold, there is something you have that I have wanted for far..." His head drifted suddenly over his shoulder as his lifeless blue eyes looked down upon the Daughter of the Demon, "Far too long." Crane brushed his hands over the wall of the balcony. "I would be foolish to not realise that I am still at your mercy for my alliance with The Joker. I will reiterate that I have absolutely no loyalty to The Clown, and that my alliance with him was only a matter of convenience." It was almost in an instant that Crane changed. As the passion flared within him, he was quick to bring himself back in front of Talia, and leaning down towards her. "The Joker. He has a fascinating resistance to my toxin. If I were to have him as one of these promised... specimens... then the potential of my findings..." He was breaking into a deep laugh at the sheer thought of it, "--The benefits of our partnership would be without limit."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 8:04 pm
|
|
|
|
"Then why're you here?"
"Looking out for your well being, since your backup..." Trading a glance off in a direction of where he had originally arrived with others but they were not precisely present with them. Not including the party he just helped out from under the rubble. "Isn't exactly present." She wondered how was it that they were considered 'teammates' if none of them were present? Clarifying herself as she continued but back in Arabic for Damian's ears only, << I'm not saying that you cannot take care of yourself, Damian. Can you truly count on these people for backup? Especially when they appear to disagree with you? Cause an argument in front of others? Belittle and talk down to you as if you're not someone who's important and deserves a modicum of respect as the others? >> Nyssa had been provided information of a recorded conversation that had taken place not too long ago, between himself and another teammate. She didn't say this to upset him, she had a feeling that Damian wasn't being treated like he was part of the team. Part of the family. Reaching into her duster, removing what looked like a hand held recorder as she hit the play button and the message being spoken was clear as day. "The reason we're all like this in the first place is because of you and your grandfather. It's because of you that Gotham is vulnerable like this in the first place. The most heroic thing you could do is leave Gotham for good. All you've ever done is bring trouble here. Next time you're kidnapped, do us a favour. Don't bother coming back. We're better off without you." Punching the stop button after the conversation had ceased, her grip tightening around the device on the verge of crushing it. She had already heard the message earlier, upon hearing the message again she was seething in rage. However, she wasn't about to take her anger out on just anyone. She was ready to hunt the b*****d down who disrespected her nephew and put him in his place.
"He doesn't precisely sound like someone you can trust, let alone rely on." Nyssa al Ghul was beyond pissed, it wasn't just her tone that spoke volumes it was her body language that said it all. Reverting back to English. "He sounds like a real bread winner, doesn't he? If he truly cared about you, he wouldn't have said those things. Sounds to me like he's trying to gain something that isn't in his possession. What would that be perchance? A name? A title? Something that wasn't given to him on a silver platter?" Perhaps that person who belittled her nephew needed a lesson. To learn that respect is not given it is earned over time! The lesson would have to wait for the time being, Damian had requested earlier to be taken to his mother. Waiting for the information she shared with Damian to seep in before providing him a response to his question.
"You still wish to see your mother? Time is of the essence, let us depart this place in haste." Looking over towards her guard who still had an arrow trained on the one called Azrael. Speaking in a different dialect as she reached out to lower the arrow down, informing the assassin to disarm for the time being. But if Azrael were to cause harm upon her nephew, he had permission to assassinate him without hesitation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2018 10:58 am
|
|
|
|
"Roman Sionis, long time no see. See you got my voicemail," Damien remarked with a disgustingly wide grin across his face. He liked to get under people's skin.
"Black. Mask." Black Mask spat back.
"Oh right supervillain names. Never been a fan really. I prefer to strike fear with my own name. Has a flare to it, don'tcha think?" Damien made some hand gestures to further add to his point. Sionis simply stared blankly at him.
"Let's get on with this. Bane." There was no secret Black Mask had been quick to anger. But since being under Talia's tutelage had since learned to manage it better. However, it was quickly waning in the presence of Damien Darhk. Bane tossed the black bag in front of Damien's feet and a second containing his armor, weapons and other fun Deathstroke-y toys.
"Heyyy that's my dead best friend you're throwing around. Show some respect."
"Are you friggin kidding me?" he was cut off abruptly by a laugh. Damien couldn't help himself especially when it was so easy.
"What's that saying kids use nowadays? Keep Calm? Yeah that. It’s not him that I want.. well not only anyway. It was never him that I wanted. I also wanted a pit if you remember." Damien wagged a finger certain Black Mask was about to lie to him and say there were none. "I know about you and Talia al Ghul's lazarus pits and I thought I made myself very clear that I would take the vengeful Mr. Wilson off your hands and a pit to call my own in return for well you know...that insurance you asked for.."
Sionis let out a low growl. "Fine, just take him and make sure I never see him again. I'll send you the location--"
"No offense Mr. Sionis, I'm sorry, Mask, but I don’t trust you to keep your word. I'm going to need the location now. How else am I going to pet cemetery my best bud back to life while I'm here?"
"God dammit fine." Sionis annoyed, took out a map out of his suit pocket where all the pits created in Gotham were and read off the location aloud.
Satisfied, Damien would say, "It's been a pleasure doing business. We should do this again sometime." Darhk said, walking back to his vehicle, entering the backseat. Headlights pulled away and he was off. He was off to said pit to revive a certain one eyed Terminator.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2018 12:05 pm
|
|
|
|
Not like Huntress or Gordon were being of any assistance, Robin didn't feel the need to include or address them in his decision to go along with Nyssa. The two of them would only get in his way. No one understood his Mother like him save for maybe Grandfather or even Nyssa herself. Damian knew how to disarm this entire ordeal or so he hoped. Two nuisances would only cause more problems. "Hmph, about time." Damian said. She was right, all of the information provided was proof enough that he was clearly unwanted even when he was only attempting to do good. And it was true, Drake was jealous of him because of who he was. He was the rightful heir to Batman not some street orphan who Father felt bad for.
He turned, pulling out his grappling gun, staring out at the blown off side of the mansion that left a giant opening. Sirens were drawing near and soon enough this place would be crawling with officers from the GCPD. Without a care if Huntress or Gordon protested, Robin shot the gun, watching the hook land on a nearby roof and begin to pull him up. He shot up the line, his weight a non-issue, and safely landed on the roof. He landed down safely on his feet, and then looked back down onto them below much like they had done to him figuratively speaking. Nyssa was likely already at his side. "I assume you have some sort of transportation or are we travelling by foot?" he asked.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
