Gotham

[The Regal Rper]

Cruising through Gotham at night in the past would've been a dangerous act and a foolish one as well in the city's earlier years. But thanks to certain  vigilantes, that was no longer a real problem. Alphus sat in the back passenger seat of his Camaro, watching post light after post light slowly drift by as Wilfred drove him through what could be classified as the "squalid" parts of Gotham. Though in general that was far from it. The buildings here did look gruff and grim but to Alphus who had seen it all before and much worse since becoming Tim's protege this wasn't anything really new. 


Lifting a circular device out of the inner pocket of his coat, Alphus let his thumb rest on a white spot and watched as his transportable projector came to life. A face came to emerge, followed by bits and pieces of information that he scrolled through leisurely. Brian Hall. AKA Condor. "Age 27. Father: Hawkman or Carter Hall. Another member of the league that married Hawkgirl years before it was disbanded. From what information says he hasn't talked to his father in years. Relationship on his mother, Tina Roland is unknown. He's been in the league for quite some time now. His fears include, rousing thunderstorms and lightning. Not to mention he appears to be stubborn and also has an alcoholic addiction." There was a moment of silence. The only thing making any sound was the engine of the car as Wilfred drove onward, staunchly looking forward and keeping a wise eye out for anything suspicious.


"It says here, the battle of Alcatraz shook him greatly," Alphus continued. The object in his hand shut off and he began stuffing the mini-projector into his pocket. "From what the files say, he nearly died." As he spoke Alphus pushed a button behind Wilfred's chair and then fed the data stick he'd been keeping within his trouser pocket into a slot that sucked the device up. The sound of crunching and crackling lights went off within as the device that carried everything about Condor was completely obliterated.


"And if I may say, it is certainly a miracle he even survived dear master." Wilfred spoke in humble tones. Tones of sincerity and honesty. Alphus himself merely kept silent and continued watching the abandoned alleyways and buildings they passed for any signs he may see. Wilfred was right, it was indeed a miracle. Meta-humans while dangers as we are, were also extraordinary in their own aspects.  The two drove in silence for awhile. Minutes going by, till Alphus voice gently uttered a "Stop here." The car did as such, immediately coming to a slow stop, before Alphus exited and began taking his coat off. "Keep the car running Wilfred, I'll be back with our guest shortly."


Moving towards the abandoned building that used to be a small time newspaper business, Alphus entered the building and began making his way for Brian. If the destitute he had payed were right, he'd find the former League member here.


@Crono

 

[Crono]

Brian sat with his back against a wall of the abandoned building that at one point would have been loud and busy, filled with people bustling about, but now was deathly quiet and empty. The mans head rested against the wall and his knees were propped up with his arms resting on them, his head was pounding from the aftermath of his drunken endeavors combined with the showdown in the alleyway. The large wings were almost a pillow, cushioning his back and head from the discomfort of the wall. There was a small shudder throughout his body as he startled slightly, stopping himself from slipping to sleep. This was followed by a small grunt, one hand reaching up to wipe at his cheek where he felt a small stinging sensation.


"Lucky shot prick." Brian mumbled, wiping at the dried blood along the side of his face. During the alley brawl the man with the knife had managed to draw blood with it, just before Brian had caved his face in. Or it felt like it, he hadn't really stuck around after the three stopped getting up, he didn't expect any of them to be dead or anything of the sort though...hospitalized maybe. Admittedly he was sore and still nauseous even, they'd gotten a few licks in. As easy as it would have been to just fall asleep with the alcohol running through his veins, the excitement had gotten his blood and adrenaline flowing and now he was barely even buzzed, which only served to piss him off. 


Brian's ears picked up the sound of footfall's in the building, stepping on the assorted bits of wood chippings and glass that covered the floor throughout the building. Inwardly he groaned, wondering if one of the guys he'd left in the alley had gotten up and followed him without his noticing. Maybe it was someone looking for a place to sleep just as he was, but Brian wasn't about to share tonight. "Beat it, buildings occupied!" He called out, much to his regret as his headache didn't agree with the noise, but it had to be loud enough for the stranger to hear and hopefully take off at the warning. 


@The Regal Rper

 

[The Regal Rper]

Needless to say as Alphus looked about he wasn't at all surprised Brian had chosen a place like this. Clearly he desired solitude and complete isolation from anyone or everyone, and judging from the cobwebs that littered the ceilings, joists and occasional pathways, he was sure this place had long received its last visitor at best a decade ago. It was the archetype of depression, or at the very least clearly showed Alphus that he was in for quite a struggle with this fellow. Going up a staircase and rounding a corner through what probably would have been the busiest part of this rundown establishment Alphus made sure he pushed aside any lose wires in his path. It wasn't long as he went down this foyer that he found someone addressing him.


Hearing Brian telling him to leave was something he'd necessarily been expecting. Frankly he would've been surprised if the stranger, soon to be ally if things went well, hadn't demanded he leave this... humble abode. Regardless Alphus continued a steady and slow pace towards the silhouette he could see no more than a few feet away. The sound of glass crunching beneath his Longwings as he continued towards Brian, making sure his presence was known not in hostility but gave more of a friendly vibe.  


"Mr. Brian I presume?" Alphus asked, more of a rhetorical statement then an actual question. "May I ask what you are doing all alone in this decrepit building?"  The light sound of his footsteps growing near till his question was finished. And Alphus came to a stop.


[SIZE= 14px]@Crono[/SIZE]

 

[Loony_Bin]

Freddy inspected the suit, taking in everything from the look to as many features that he could find without actually stepping into the suit. He held out the suit in front of him, almost cracking a smile at the thought of spray painting the mask red, but he knew that would defeat the purpose of the costume. The hood brought to much drama at the moment so making connections between this character and the Red Hood was defiantly not a good idea at the moment. He put the suit to the side for a moment, leaning back on his couch and staring up at the ceiling for just a moment, taking in any sort of peace he could get for the moment. He then stood up with a sigh, he was again already, and there was still daylight out. Although it wasn't something he typically did, he figured he could afford to head back to bed to rest until night time. So he put the suit away, stuffed it into a far hidden corner of the room, and headed to his bedroom, resting up for the night that was to come...


@Sir Les Paul (Sorry if this one is a bit empty, just trying to get back into the flow of things right now.Not sure if you want to act out what happens exactly next, I know you threw around the idea of skipping over maybe a week or so, it's up to you)

 

[Crono]

Brian quickly found his warning ignored as the footsteps only proceeded to get closer until the other person entered the room he was sat in. This only served to agitate him further, opening his eyes and staring at the form that was only getting closer, though non-threateningly. His eyes flicked over the young man whom was clearly not looking for a place to sleep based on his clothing, his eyes took in certain details before the other man opened his mouth to speak. Hearing his name spoken caught Brian off guard momentarily, the fact that someone he didn't know knew his name and where to find him. Not just the building but the fact that he'd been tracked to Gotham in general was a slightly amusing thought, this meant someone had done their homework. 


A smirk crossed his face, "Mr. Brian huh? Now who goes around talking like that?" Brian propped forwards slowly before pushing himself up to stand, his wings spreading with a small flap to help with that process. If need be there was a window behind and to his right for an escape route, this man wouldn't be the first to try and hunt down former league members after the disbandment and he wouldn't have been the first to run into Brian. There was a reason he'd left Star City over a year ago after-all, after being hunted and attacked by some maniac he decided on a change of scenery and moved off to Gotham. "Oh you know, thought I might hang out here on vacation for a few days." As if being homeless and living in an abandoned building wasn't obvious enough.


"Better question is who the hell wants to know?" He was glaring at this man who'd just waltzed up to him. And while Brian was standing up, he was still slouching some with poor posture.


@The Regal Rper

 

[The Regal Rper]

Alphus didn't say a word to Brian's slight mock of his introduction earlier. It was understandable, given his current state from the alcohol, as well as the clear signs he could faintly tell from the little light that poured in through shattered windows and from the entrance he'd entered from. Brian had been in some sort of fight. For a moment Alphus allowed his "blue" eyes to scan Brian. It was clear that he wasn't in any real state to put a fight if he intended on knocking the newcomer out. Albeit it was very clear the former League member could easily escape if he tried anything that seemed to be threatening or prove to be to Brian's disadvantage.


When his ears returned to the current situation Alphus caught the question clearly. "Who the hell wants to know?" There were many answers this trespasser that had just waltzed into Brian's own comfort zone could give. But many of them, if not in fact all, would be the wrong ones to answer with. If Alphus got straight to the point of things, Brian would leave or at least distract him enough so the meta could escape. If he saw Tim was worried about him -something Alphus didn't doubt at all to be honest- Brian would scoff, there'd be an argument and the result would be the same, he'd leave. Any answer he'd give would result in Brian leaving if he mentioned anyone related to the ULJ as far as he could deduce based off those files. And judging from how he stood, he was on his guard as well. After seconds of silence Alphus raised both his hands up in a sign of defeat and slowly moved towards one of the shattered windows that allowed moonlight to pool through.


As he slowly stepped towards the wall, Alphus intoned in a gentle manner "My name is Alphus..." a brief pause lasting less than a second, "Alphus Durn." Kneeling down and batting away some dust with his hand before sitting with his back against the wall and light shining on only a portion of his body, Alphus spoke through the veil of darkness that still hid his face since he'd entered. "I mean no harm, I'd just like to talk." He patted a section of the floor not to far away from himself. "Please, Mr.Brian. Sit?" 


@Crono

 

[Crono]

Brian's eyes never left Alphus as the other man moved away, then finally attempting an introduction and giving his name. Durn, the name sounded a little familiar, but it was like a distant memory that Brian could never catch hold of. Deciding to ignore it he himself started to move a little, more towards one of the parallel windows to the one Alphus had stopped by momentarily. There was too much inconsistency with this night in particular for Brian, and it put him on edge, he'd become such a creature of habit over time. 


Alphus was a little more visible in the light from the window, and Brian had taken notice. "I'll stand. If you want to talk, then talk." Brian had started to pace back and forth slowly like an restless animal, not taking his eyes from Alphus' form. He started to rub at his disheveled and grown out facial hair as an added quirk of being uncomfortable with the whole situation. "You're here for a reason, so how about we get to the damn point." Patience was never Brian's strong suit, and that never changed. 


@The Regal Rper

 

[The Regal Rper]

"We'll get there. Don't worry, Mr.Brian. But before we get to my reason being here, why don't we get to the reason you're here first. A trade of sorts if you don't mind. First of all, what happened to you? You look like you were in a fight from the blood on you. Are you hurt?" The tone still steady but this time one that hinted at awareness of Brian's situation. "Getting into fights in Gotham is never a good idea you know. Even if things have changed over the years, gangs are still" his hand aimlessly waved around, "everywhere." He let a second of silence pass with those words before continuing, shifting a little at where he sat trying to get comfy on the rather dusty ground.


"You sure you won't take a seat Mr.Brian? I assure you-" both hands went into the light not to far away to Brian's left direction. "I mean no harm whatsoever." Again Alphus made it clear in his voice, he didn't want to fight. Just to talk. Like two strangers getting to know one another, which was essentially what they were.


@Crono

 

[Crono]

A trade?  The fact that this man felt he had much to bargain with as far as giving Brian a reason to stay and listen threw him a little. Maybe there was some curiosity as to what this man wanted exactly and how he knew Brian's whereabouts and name, but that was about it. "I'm here because I choose to be." A huff escaping his lips, "I'm fine, the other guys not so much. I don't go looking for fights," he shrugged his shoulders and extended his wings out a little, "they go looking for me. Most of us Meta's can take a beating right?" 


This man was going to lengths to try and make Brian feel more at ease, he might be a drunk but he wasn't stupid. He did however halt his pacing, coming to a stop facing towards Alphus. Brian was silent, it was a clear resolution that he had no intention of taking a seat and that now it was Alphus's turn to talk. "Your turn to spill Durn, why are you here?"


@The Regal Rper

 

[The Regal Rper]

There was a pause before Alphus spoke again. "You're right. We meta-humans can take a beating, doesn't mean because we can then we should. Now in regards to your question," he shifted himself once more, allowing a leg to extend itself a little. "I'm honestly here to meet you. Granted that may be partially tied with the duty I was given, but it isn't essential for my reason in coming here. I came here to meet you, Mr. Brian." Alphus repeated; stressed really. He had to make it clear that he wasn't here to talk to Condor.


He was here to talk to the pariah he'd been hearing whispers through Gotham's streets. Brian Hall.


Alphus let what he said sink in for a second, then spoke again. "Tell me Mr. Brian have you eaten at all in the past 24 hours?"


@Crono

 

[Bone2pick]

Three Months Earlier


The conference room smelled of robust coffee.  The espresso machine in the corner had been brewing since the first employees arrived at a quarter after seven; it was just past ten now.  Orville had a steaming untouched cup resting on a coster beside him, but it would have to wait.  The woman perched on the leather armchair across from him demanded his full attention.  


She had introduced herself as Bastet when she was escorted into the conference room.  Orville noticed her attempt to conceal her age lines and guessed she was in her early forties.  Her hair, likely dyed, was silky black and pulled tightly away from her face.  Once seated she straightened her midnight blue handkerchief dress and settled her large handbag across her lap.  


"You can change your name but you can't change your blood."


She mentioned his name again.  It's the only reason she was brought back to speak with him.  As soon as his men's suit store—O.L. Fields—opened its doors for business Bastet had sauntered in.  When she asked one of the salesmen if she could speak with the owner, the well instructed employee replied that Orville wouldn't be in the store today.  But Bastet knew better, and she dropped the right name—an old dead name that Orville's family had tried to bury long ago.


"I have the same name that was printed on my birth certificate the day I was born."


"It was a lie then, and it remains a lie today."  


Orville shifted uncomfortably but relaxed after locking eyes with Bastet.  Despite her words her expression was free of condemnation.  All of her mannerisms smacked of a cat and mouse game, and she was obviously set to play the cat.  Orville thumbed his college ring.


"What difference is it to you?"  


Pleased with his question she smiled and unfastened her handbag.  With both hands she  carefully revealed a brass and ivory jewelry box.  She took a moment to pet the container and then she gently placed it down on the table in front of her. 


"Inside this box, Mr. Fields, is an heirloom—an artifact that needs to be reunited with it's bloodline."


Orville furrowed his manicured brow and peered down at the ornate jewelry box.  He could see his own reflection clearly in its polished trimmings.  His finely tailored steel gray suit looked just as debonair painted in brass.  He swiveled his armchair back to Bastet.


"It's bloodline?  You're beginning to sound mystical."


"I ought to, I'm a mystic."


He shook his head and sighed, but her smile continued to grow.   


"Do you believe in the occult Orville?"


It wasn't a question he was prepared for.  In his hesitation she began to search his face for the truth, which agitated him. "I'm rather agnostic about all of it."


She nodded and reached out to tap her glossy fingernails across the jewelry box.  Then she pushed it closer to him. "You won't be for long... Inside this box is a foci."


"Come again?" Orville scooted to the edge of his seat.  


"A foci, a material link to the spirit realm.  This one is yours Orville, it's your birthright."


He reached for the box but stopped short; his fingers flexed apprehensively in midair.  Then he snatched his hand back to stroke his tie as he chuckled. "Ah, I see where this is going now. You're selling me something."


Bastet lifted herself gracefully out of her armchair and shook her head. "It's not mine to sell, I'm merely delivering it.  And for that I've already been compensated."


"By whom?"


She peeked at her cellphone and then tossed it back into her handbag.  Then she leaned forward until their eyes were level.  That's when he caught the scent of her perfume—the espresso had overwhelmed it until then.  Her next words were a breathy whisper.


"You're not ready for that answer today, but you will be.  Until we meet again."  


With that she sauntered out of the conference room.  Orville didn't bother to say goodbye.  He waited a few minutes before he stood up and addressed the jewelry box.  The lid was lifted and his artifact was revealed: a green glass monocle affixed with a silver chain.

 

[Crono]

"You do what you're good at, just happens that taking a beating is what I'm good at. Been doing it my whole life, how else do you think I ended up here? You get beaten enough and eventually you learn to stay down." Going along this line of thought he'd moved to lean against the nearby wall, next to the window. The fact that Alphus had referred to himself as Meta didn't go unnoticed on Brian however, even over the headache which had only heightened with Alphus' disturbance. 


Alphus's last question caused Brian's nose to crinkle, and as much as he would have liked to tell a truth that he'd eaten not long ago the fact was he couldn't because he hadn't. Brian doubted the peanuts at the bar counted. His stomach however betrayed him, just at the thought of food. Causing Brian to glare at the man across the room, "I'm not looking for a handout, and I don't need your pity." 


"So let me get this straight, you're here to chat? Look pal if you're here looking to get information on the old Justice League out of me then you are barking up the wrong tree because that ship sailed long ago."


@The Regal Rper

 

[The Regal Rper]

Listening to Brian speak, Alphus didn't bother to say anything further in regards to the beating the meta had taken, nor did he go any more to speak about it. Instead he watched Brian's reaction to his last question, that being if he'd eaten.


Faintly hearing his stomach grumble confirmed his earlier assumption, Brian's next response wasn't difficult to really predict. Instead of speaking up at the possible chance to dissuade him that Alphus was doing this out of pity or some other feeling of sympathy Alphus just listened to the older man. It was only till Brian finished did he speak.


"Mr. Brian," Alphus began as he slowly began to rise. "I assure you. I did not come here to give you food out of pity or sympathy. There are others in a worse state than you in these streets and if I placed emotion on everything I did, I'd be either a very simple man to manipulate or one who didn't know how to keep himself in check, when need be." He finished that statement with a pat on his pants, particles of dust soon floating through the moonlight that shined from the window next to him.


"Besides, if I had really pitied you Mr. Brian I would have brought alcohol and a gift basket." It may have sounded like a sardonic statement but it was in fact the truth. Alphus didn't pity Brian, because from what he could tell from Brian's posture; how he moved and talked. The former League member was as tough as he'd thought. Even if recent transgressions had made him seem less than he was actually worth.


"And if I wanted to talk to you about the League? I wouldn't have called you by name when I walked in here, Mr. Brian; I would have called you Condor."


"But as I said," now moving to lean his back against the wall as Brian had, Alphus continued. "I do not care about the League right now. They were never my main priority if it hadn't been for a close friend asking me a favor. Nor do I intend to force you to go anywhere. I'm not here for Condor. I'm here to talk to you, Mr. Brian. And considering the fact neither of us have eaten in awhile, would you like to go get something to eat? Perhaps continue this conversation elsewhere."


@Crono

 

[Crono]

Brian was still wary, the fact that someone he didn't know was here to talk to him about himself was just lost on him. Alphus wasn't here out of sympathy, and he wasn't here for the former league member Condor. Those had been the main causes for anyone to speak to him the last few years, a few concerned family or friends had managed to find him as well as one or two of the League's enemies, this was why he stayed away from anyone who came looking. "Fair enough..." He'd muttered, continuing to listen to what Alphus had to say.


"Maybe you hadn't noticed but I'm not exactly dressed for the occasion." Brian pushed off the wall and raised his arms a little as if to show off the fact that he was in a dirty trench coat, and couldn't remember the last time he'd actually cleaned himself. Not counting the occasional dip into the freezing cold Gotham Bay to rinse off. "We'd be turned away from just about every place around, I would know." Not that this was him agreeing to get something to eat, but more a runaround excuse as to why he shouldn't. "Turns out any hero benefits wash away the moment you stop being one. People are quick to forget what you once did for them."


@The Regal Rper

 

[The Regal Rper]

"Such is the way of man, I'm afraid." Although the way he said it implied more than just a witty comeback. In some ways Alphus could understand Brian's reluctance and reasoning. Sometimes the ones you help, aren't necessarily the ones that will return the favor when the tables are turned and the odds are against you.


"It's sad but true. Humans. Meta-humans we're all volatile in our own ways. Regardless Mr. Brian if it is maintaining appearance that deters you then I would be honored to have you return home with me for a warm meal. That is of course, if you are willing?" He let the question hang in the air without saying anything further.


@Crono

 

[Bone2pick]

Two Weeks Earlier


Cigar and cigarette smoke filled the suite with a dirty haze.  The sliding glass balcony door was wide open but the polluted air couldn't be cycled fast enough.  Every grumpy face around the poker table had something they were puffing on.  Spanish guitar notes, courtesy of Juan the door guard, did little to liven the mood as he strummed an acoustic six string from his stool.  The monthly high stakes poker game in the penthouse of the historic Olive Tree hotel was always a tense affair.  


Every invited player (and make no mistake, an invitation was required) was connected on some level to one of Gotham's organized crime syndicates.  Tonight there was Sergio Diaz, a Columbian captain; Ray "The Diceman" Carrozza, an Italian soldier; Donnie Heung, a triad enforcer, and half a dozen other made men.  Needless to say the top brass over at Gotham PD would love to have the present company behind bars, but they'd need a swat team or two to bring them all in, because these players would never come quietly.  


The game had only been going a few hours before the guitar strumming door guard was smashed off his stool onto the floor.  Every head in the suite turned to find Juan crumpled and unconscious draped over his instrument.  Sergio—Juan's captain—cursed and leapt up to check on his downed soldier.  That's when another player started screaming that he had saw someone: a man with a cape and cane lurking Juan.  But no one was there now.


And then, despite the suite not having one, a clock began to chime.  A sputtering hollow chime that sounded like the machine was gasping for breath. The first few seemed to come from the bar near the balcony.  The next ones crept closer.  Weapons were drawn and cocked.  Next, footprints—without a visible body above them—pressed into the green felt of the poker table.  They stalked towards the center and the chandelier above their heads lurched and began to swing.


"For whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee."


The voice—an unseen man's voice—was unnatural; a haunting echo trailed his every word.  Finally the monster revealed himself: atop the table was a corpse costumed in a cape, a tattered Victorian suit, a top hat, and a glowing monocle. He squeezed a cruel looking cane in one hand and clutched a mangled antique clock in the other.  His ghoulish lips were spread into a grin as he stared down at the terrified mobsters.  Then he let the clock crash on the table, for it chimed no more.  It was midnight in Gotham.    


Pistols barked and banged but hit nothing.  He had shifted into an apparition—an ethereal version of his horrible self.  Then he was gone, even his footprints.  Ray Carrozza was the first to flee and the first to die.  The monster reappeared beside Ray armed with a burly handgun and put two bullets into The Diceman's ribs.  He vanished again before Ray's body hit the tile floor.  


"You can throw your life away, or you can buy mercy.  My price is every dollar you walked in with."


Not one of the ruthless bunch gave a second thought about fighting the ghost; they coughed every last quarter up.  And while each man emptied his pockets their phantasmal tormentor howled with laughter.  


"I've come back to Gotham cads... Gentleman Ghost has finally returned."

 

[Crono]

Brian rolled his eyes, "Maintaining an appearance is the last thing on my mind. But most establishments that involve food tend to turn anyone as dirty or homeless as I am away rather than let them eat inside. I've always used back entrances or drive-thru's to pay for my food, last time I walked into a fast food place for a meal the GCPD was called to escort me back out. Didn't even get to finish my damn cheeseburger, whether the employee's had done it or another customer who knows. It's not my wings that they don't like, it's my lack of hygiene and self-sustainability." 


"This where you lure me to your super secret underground lair and conduct tests on me?" He was joking even if his tone didn't give off that vibe. Brian shrugged before starting towards the exit in the room but paused and turned back to look at Alphus. "You said you're here to meet me, but you still haven't explained why." Brian held his hand up with only his index finger point, "And that's the only reason I'm agreeing to this field trip of yours." He wanted to know what Alphus's end game was, if it involved knowing Brian so much. The man suspected that even if he ran that Alphus would likely track him down again, if he was worth the trouble of being tracked down once.


@The Regal Rper

 

[The Regal Rper]

Alphus shrugged as he moved away from the wall and began heading towards the exit. "I suppose curiosity would be the best way to put it.You know what they say: "curiosity is the lust of the mind", right?" There was a sense of amusement in how he asked it. Slowly walking forward, both hands now in his pockets as he past Brian. "Even as a child I always let my curiosity get the better of me when it very well had no business handling certain forms of information." A small smile touched his lips for a brief second before he continued speaking in that stolid tone of his. "Plus, I've heard quite a bit of rumor about you on Gotham's streets. You may be good at keeping low, but knowing the right people and getting them to talk is something you'll find I'm good at. Besides, Sir Tim spoke well of you and I never make assumptions till I've learnt everything I can about whom or what I'm researching. Conjectures and speculations, sure. Assumptions, not so much." 


"So, what kind of wine would you like with your meal?" Alphus asked, switching subjects. It was more of a joke than an actual question but it came off as a frank statement.


@Crono

 

[Crono]

Brian merely grunted at the other mans reply as they exited the ruined building, "If you find me that interesting you really need to get a life. And if you plan to get me drunk, wine is a poor excuse of a way to do it." Once in the side alley and Alphus mentioned Sir Tim, Brian's pace slowed a little as he worked his brain over. A stranger comes knocking and knows his name, and his secret identity, which isn't really so secret when it came to the wings. But the stranger seemed to be from Gotham, as well as knew a Tim who happened to speak of Brian himself. Even in his state it didn't take Brian long to connect the dots, dots that most people would have probably connected much sooner and quicker. Especially considering Gotham was basically Tim's city, and Brian never pretended that the bat family didn't know of the former league members presence in it.


It was like a light-bulb going off in his head and Brian's face showed that he was having a realization clearly, "Fucking Drake, of course he'd have some sort of hand in this. Honestly surprised he hasn't kicked the bucket yet." Now the man was starting to have a little bit of second thoughts on all this, but kept going along with his pace returning. The view of Wilfred waiting by a vehicle and holding the door for them caused him to scoff, "Why am I not surprised? Let me guess, you're loaded." At this point every bone in his body was telling him to spread those wings and fly, get out before this goes any further. But again he felt the need to know why a wealthy man like Alphus Durn had such curiosity for a homeless Brian Hall, and honestly he sort of hoped Tim would be wherever they were going so he could get a few things off his chest before he did actually take off. So against his better judgement, which to be fair is almost non-existent these days, he proceeded into the vehicle. 


@The Regal Rper

 

[The Regal Rper]

"It was a joke,"Alphus humbly stated. He allowed Brian to take the lead, keeping a close eye on his reaction. He had intentionally mentioned  Tim's name to see how it would affect the former League member. Once Brian's pace began to slow, so did his.


It may have taken a few seconds longer but he knew realization would come smashing down. And when it did Alphus baited in silence as to see whether the results he wanted would yield fruition. If they didn't well he'd have to adapt and figure something else out. Luckily for him however there was no need for a contingency. Brian made the decision he was sure he'd make. Without offering a response to any of his previous statements Alphus decided to take the front, beside Wilfred after the door had been closed.


Without a word save for a "Welcome back Sir and dear guest" Wilfred entered and soon enough the car started with a pleasant hum. Pushing a button near the radio system there was a clink and metallic crink as the roof came undone and retracted into the back- adapting just enough to make things viable for Brian's wings. A second later they were back on the road, travelling in silence. 


Alphus caught the small smile that touched the butler's lips before he retained the loyal mask of a trained butler. Within fifteen minutes they were passing through the iron gates of Durn Manor driving through the winding road that led to the large estate. The car's engine died, after a accidental honk bellowed through @Sir Les Paul, they entered the parking lot and took an empty space beside six different vehicles. 


After Wilfred had opened Brian's door (meeting him halfway), he took up the left side of Alphus who was waiting in front of a catwalk that led to the main entrance. Both stood, waiting for Brian to follow.


@Crono

 

[Sir Les Paul]

The building Alphus found Brian in wasn't up to code nor did it have proper security installed. In short, once Alphus entered, Tim lost visual. But, he still heard audio. Alphus had the makings of a gentler hero, which wasn't a bad thing. With thugs like Freddrick Todd on the street, someone like Alphus could make an impact in a far more positive way. It was rough, though. Alphus still had quite a bit to learn. At heart, Brian was still a good guy. Hidden behind a dozen shades of intoxicated gray, but Brian was still a hero... somewhere. Against a real threat, Alphus and his wordplay might not necessarily have came out on top. 


Tim looked down to the two as they entered the main entrance. Once he saw both of them back in the cameras and even entering the vehicle with Wilfred, he began preparing for his return. He had to actually make a few extended phone calls. The Durns were prestigious, but still nowhere near that of the Wayne name. Tim had to actually do some secretarial work to get some clothes suited for Brian and his extra appendages as well as call up further assistance to prepare a room and make sure a shower was large enough for the meta-human. A few times, Tim had the thought of just how inconvenient wings had to be. It was a thought that had crossed his mind a few times before, primarily in his youth. Even Tim saw Hawkgirl and had to think of what those wings might be like... anyway. Even Tim had considered wings an inconvenience, so he had prepared for them.


"I thought I'd be in a casket the next time you actually showed up to see me, featherbreath," Tim said, snickering from above the iron rails.


@The Regal Rper @Crono

 

[Crono]

Brian had stayed quiet the whole ride over, something he hadn't fully expected but Alphus hadn't said a peep. Instead he'd just sat staring out of where a window would have once been, but was rolled down just like the top of the car had been. A part of him grateful for the extra room, most vehicles always felt so cramped with his wings. As they'd started pulling up to the entrance he wasn't surprised to see that he'd been correct in his earlier assumption, Durn was indeed loaded. The large manor was one of few in Gotham, and Brian only a brief moment of looking at it as he stepped out of the car before moving on.


Just before he'd met up with Wilfred and Alphus he heard the voice from above, eyes looking up and making out Tim Drake in an instant. "Featherbreath?" Was the only word muttered before his wings expanded outwards, flexing as they prepared for flight. Brian's knees bent only slightly for extra lift and the wings gave one large flow before he shot up into the air, coming to a hover just in front of Tim with a more or less un-amused look. "I can always come back in a week or so when you'll be in that casket if you want." The man's head tipped to the side a little, wings that had been flapping to keep him afloat flapped harder so that he flew up and over Tim before coming down behind the older man. Brian had made liftoff look effortless, however the landing with his back to Tim came with a small awkward stumble that he recovered quickly from.


"Let's get something straight," He'd started with an angry tone, turning around to face Tim once more with his wings folding inwards to line up with his back more. "You want me off your streets you could have come tell me that yourself, instead of sending a lackey to manipulate me back here." Brian's hand pointed out back at where Alphus and Wilfred had been before he'd lifted off. "Not like there aren't plenty of other shit towns to go wallow in." Brian didn't feel he was jumping to conclusion, he felt he'd reached the conclusion. That Tim Drake had finally had enough of another dirt speck in his pretty little town and legacy and had decided it was time to get rid of it. 


@The Regal Rper


@Sir Les Paul

 

[The Regal Rper]

Alphus had been expecting this. In fact it was the very reason he'd decided bringing Brian over was for the better. There needed to be some sort of confrontation, especially given Brian's history with the previous League. So it wasn't much of a surprise when he noticed Tim expectantly  waiting, only to watch Brian take off to confront the older man, no doubt from the comment previously made. Turning to Wilfred, Alphus gave but a simple nod to him that he was excused to make sure that everything was set and arranged for their new guest.


Wilfred gave but a simple bow as he went to see to Tim's arrangements. Alphus took to the catwalk and soon enough joined the two up on the lanai. He didn't say a word, but simple waited by the doorway only to see if his presence may be needed. Not that it was, but more that he just wanted to hear what was to transpire.


@Sir Les Paul @Crono

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Tim could have bet money on the way Brian would respond. But then, no one in the League would bet against Tim anyway. 

"I'm in my eighties," Tim replied to Brian in a calm mellow, tone, "do you think I'm going to break my back picking up litter on the street?" Tim was speaking rhetorically, of course. Alphus hadn't seen this side of Tim. Sarcastic. Almost funny, even. A dry humor with a definitive hint of insult. As a matter of fact, this type of humor is likely exactly what one might expect from the Tim Drake. Unless they knew him in his youth, but no one did. Tim grew up a whole different man. A changed man. The only person to put down the cowl longer than him was Terry McGinnis. Tim stepped back off the rail, allowing the stumbling birdman to land a little more safely.

"Now, you could either come up with some witty one-liners and continue to piss'n'moan about how you're all too aware of what we want to do," Tim told Brian in a fairly matter-of-fact tone; the type of tone you could probably only get out of someone of his age. "Or, could let Wilfred escort you to the shower in upper guest bathe. I'm pretty sure its meant for couples, but I'm pretty sure those will fit. Oh, and I had some of those custom shirts brought in from when you were in the League. The ones with the tailored holes for your wings. No idea what your size is, but Wilfred will get you a decent set of slacks," Tim went on, explaining the alternative to the whole drunken argument that Brian was sure to spurt off. 

"I'm having salmon, personally," Tim said before turning his back to Brian. It was an odd gesture, but the point was clear: Tim wasn't just about to go off and demand Brian talk about rejoining the League or his life up until this point - or anything serious for that matter. Tim was focused on dinner. The old man began to walk off with a fairly proud stride once he made his last comment. 


@The Regal Rper @Crono

 

[Bone2pick]

One Week Earlier
 


The fiber optic sight at the tip of his Smith & Wesson was zeroed in on center mass.  Orville, with both hands wrapped firmly around his weapon, stared down at the bright red dot.  He remembered to exhale before squeezing through his cylinder.   


The boom of the mighty .357 magnum was hushed by his foam earplugs.  After the eighth shot was fired Orville thumbed the cylinder release and slapped the expended shells out.  Then he snatched a waiting speed loader off the table and pushed a fresh set of rounds in.  He finished his reload with a rehearsed flick of his wrist to swing the cylinder back in place.


Orville aimed and emptied his pistol into the target for a second time.  After the final round was fired he removed his earplugs and checked to make sure he was empty.  The paper silhouette was conveying back for inspection when he heard a pair of boots clicking across the range floor.


"Was that two wheels?" 


The question came from Leslie Riddle—the owner of the gun range, and more importantly, Orville's most trusted ally and confidant.  Orville nodded as he studied the tattered target. 


"Nice groups."


"I loosened the trigger."


Leslie nodded and then slipped a hand under his blazer.  He retrieved four manila envelopes which he tapped against Orville's chest.


"Everyone's here."


Before he collected the envelopes Orville holstered his gun and combed his fingers through his wavy hair.  His red locks almost touched his shoulders; it was time for a trip to the barber.  Together they strolled through the empty range (it was after hours) and into the lobby of the gun store.  


Out in the lobby's center, four familiar faces were huddled around a wooden high top table.  As expected there was Ira Hodge, Andre Poole, Harvey David House, and Gene Berger—Orville and Leslie's old fraternity brothers from Vanderbilt.  In college the bunch developed an addiction to bamboozling their way through their academic responsibilities.  After graduation those same cravings clung to them during their various business endeavours throughout Gotham. 


"Gentlemen, thank you for being on time.  You know how I hate to be kept waiting."


Leslie, who had walked behind the nearest display case, called back to Orville.


"You mean you don't subscribe to the fashionably late theory?"


The bunch chuckled.  Orville grinned and approached the high top.


"Not in business Leslie; time is money.  And speaking of money..."  He tossed the envelopes onto the table.  Each one had a name scribbled across it.  "You can all walk out of here with twenty thousand dollars in cash—your sign in bonus—today.  And that's just a taste of what's to come." 


The four men took a moment to search for their own envelope, but once found no one dared to pocket their bonus; the terms of the offer needed to be heard. When they looked back to Orville he was rotating his emerald monocle between his thumb and index finger. 


"You've all seen this.  I've shown everyone in this room some of the things that I, and I alone, can do with it."


Leslie made his way over to the bunch with a bottle of bourbon and half a dozen shot glasses. Orville began to slowly orbit the table.


"I had schemes brewing before, but when this came into my life it changed everything... Boys, the powers that be have been fighting for control of Gotham for decades, and I've just been handed the key to the city... Make no mistake, I'm not afraid to use it.  And I'll sink anyone down to the mucky bottom of the Gotham River who dares to get in my way."


Orville exhaled gently over the artifact, polished it against the bicep of his sports coat, and then dropped it back into his breast pocket. A sliver of it's silver chain still peeked out.


"You can take the money and get in on the ground floor of a revolution, or you can walk... I can always think of another way to invest the twenty grand."


Everyone laughed.  


"So, what's it going to be gentlemen?"


No one hesitated, they were all in.  Leslie, with an enormous smile, poured out six shots.  Orville shook his head in amusement.  


"Why am I not surprised?"


They toasted and tossed back their drinks with glee.  Orville was relieved he wouldn't have to murder any of his present company.  He licked his lips clean and then cleared his throat.


"Consider those who've come before us: Catwoman, Bane, Mr. Freeze... Each one has an alias, as do I.  Your first assignment is to come up with your own."