C&C... more C&C!!!!!!
=====================================================================
============


                        Becoming the Knight (Part two)

Pacifica;

Miniature remote claws probed through the blackened insides of one of
Joker's expended pucks, tearing away layer after thin layer of
circuitry and control leads, searching for that one clue that could
break the mystery of his deadly beam.  Yuri; jacked into the controls
of the probes working on the puck, blinked her eyes.  The strain from
all of the enhanced magnification being fed into her neural senses
was beginning to hurt and she stopped her search, cutting the link.
"Tired?" asked Kelvin O'Donnell, sitting at the station beside her.
They were in one of O'Donnell's sterile laboratories, a plain gray
and white colored room with one half sectioned into the control area,
the rest filled with work surfaces and micro/macro/nano arms probes
extending down from the ceiling.  Yuri leaned back and heaved a great
sigh; hands shaking her hair back over the chair.  "Big time," she
answered.  "This Joker is extremely resourceful and talented even for
his time."
"I'll say.  I have to admit I like the way he's run his primary
wiring along the inside rim of this puck.  Makes data transfer quick
and easy, conserves space, and is energy efficient."
"Kelvin," said Yuri with some shock, "don't tell me you actually are
admiring his work."
He shrugged.  "It is good work, Yuri.  I have always wondered why
evil geniuses seem to come up with the best designs."
"It's not because of hard work and dedication."
Kelvin stopped his probing and sat back looking over at Yuri.  He
found her staring out quietly into space as if trying to solve the
wonders of the universe. Disconnecting from the console, he turned to
her.
"You're not quite here, are you, Yuri?" he asked.
Yuri's arms folded across her chest, fingers rubbing her forearms as
if trying to dispel a chill in the air.  Her outfit, the standard 3WA
silver-chrome top and bikini style briefs, could have been the
reason, but he knew better than that.
"It's Kei, isn't it," he guessed.
Kelvin was right, Yuri's thoughts had drifted back to her now wayward
partner; currently cavorting around with what everyone hoped would be
their salvation against Joker.  "What's it been?  Two days now.  I've
seen her only twice in that time."
"Twice?"
"And she's acting like a schoolgirl with her first boyfriend."
Kelvin knew perfectly well what she was referring to.  It brought
some tension to the back of his neck, a slight streak of jealousy,
but they weren't exactly a couple now so she was free to do as she
pleased.  Unfortunately this was a bad time to be falling in love,
especially to somebody that might not be around much longer if he had
his say in the matter.
"So, uh, has she said anything about Wayne?"
"She said she's made some progress, but I don't know to what degree."
"Then maybe we should stop this and go find out."
Dropping in unexpectedly might anger Kei, Yuri knew but they need to
know if Wayne was going to help them.  Sure his information disk gave
her a little more insight on Joker's methods, there still were holes
to be filled, gaps that only someone with first hand experience could
only fill.
Besides, catching them in the middle of a tryst was not what she
wanted to see, or be on the receiving end of a Kei tirade that would
follow.
Mercifully, she was spared answering by a beep from the commpanel.
Kelvin activated it and Bill Galet's image appeared.
"What's up, Bill," said Kelvin.
[Lots,] he answered.  His attention went to Yuri.  [Kei?]
"She's with Wayne, Billy."
[Call her please.]
"Can't.  Kei's blocked out her neural link."
Her answer did not please Bill very much.  His steel gray eyes
flashed briefly with fury then he reached off screen and the display
parted.  Yuri gasped as Peter Warren's image came into view.  The
Superintendent looked haggard, at least three days worth of growth on
his beard, thin hair mussed and out of place.  Deep wrinkles from
worry traced around the corner of his eyes and across his forehead,
the rest of his skin somewhat pale and ashen.
"Peter... you look terrible!" she said.
[Feel terrible,] he replied tiredly.
"Is Joker this much of a problem?" asked Kelvin.
[Joker... his crew is giving my people a hard time.  We still control
much of the city, mainly during the day, but the nights... madness.]
[Joker's gotten organized, Yuri.  I need to know the status on
Wayne.] Bill said.
"I-," Yuri's hesitation only darkened Bill's expression.  "-I don't
have one, Billy,"
[What do you mean?  Kei's had him for the past few days, and you don
know what your is doing?]
"She taking this personal, Bill," explained Kelvin, coming to Yuri's
defense.  "So much so that I think it's affecting her thinking."
"Kelvin!" snapped Yuri, but she knew he was right.
[Yuri,] said Bill in a forceful tone surprising her.  [Superintendent
Warren has requested that you and Kei return to Rosomer ASAP.  His
forces are stretched thin, and now there are ore pirates taking
advantage of the situation and are mounting raids on his outlying
moons.]
[As much as I would like to avoid it, I need your help,] added Peter.
"I know, Peter, but-."
Bill cut in.  [But what, Yuri?  Has Wayne given you anything that
will help us?]
"He gave us a data disk."
[And?]
"Well... it is of some use, but I think it would be better if we had
him along."
[Who are you talking about?] asked Peter.  [Does this 'Wayne' know
something about Joker?]
[I'll explain later, Superintendent,] answered Bill.  [Yuri, you and
Kei are leaving for Rosomer tonight.]
"Tonight?"
[Yes, tonight.  Is there a problem with that?]
"Not with me, but I don't think Kei is going to like it one bit."
Galet had never ever looked so annoyed to Yuri in the short time that
she knew him.  However, his entire body seemed to resonate with
anger, spilling over through the screen like water flowing over a
fall, and it was not a comfortable feeling at all.  His chin was
knotted tight, hands on the desk with fingers spread as he leaned
menacingly towards them.
[I don't care what Kei will like.  You both have a job to do and you
both need to get on it.  Clear?]
"Uh, clear, Chief Inspector," answered Yuri.
Galet sat back.  [Since Kei wants to be stubborn, then I'll break her
block and tell her the 'good' news.]  He started to reach for a
button on his desk, but Yuri called his name and he paused.
"Let me.  She'll take it better," she said.
He thought about it, and then Galet continued to reach across his
desk.
"Billy, please!" pleaded Yuri.
This time her charm got the better of him.  Bill looked at her
drawing back to tap his crossed fingers on his chin.  [Okay.
Tonight, understand?]
"We'll be gone before you wake up."
[Better be.  Superintendent, I'll talk to you later.]
[Sure, Chief Inspector.  I hope things will get better soon with the
Dir... I mean Lovely Angels return here.]
Bill gave him a knowing grin and both screens winked out.
"I've never seen Billy so uptight!" exclaimed Yuri.  She flopped back
in her seat and rubbed at the sudden pain in her head.
Kelvin, neutral after all that happened, waited for Yuri to settle
down before asking the obvious question that remained.  "So when are
you going to tell her?"
Grimacing, Yuri let a shudder course through her dreading the
upcoming encounter.  Kei's undoubtedly quick temper might send the
redhead into a whirlwind flurry straight to Bill's office and
un-winnable confrontation.  She was not ready for a new partner, no
sense in putting this off.
"I guess I should go and find her now," said Yuri, rising up from the
chair.
"Do you want me to come along?"
"No.  She might react worse if she sees you with me."
"Hmm.  Then should I place a guard at Bill's door, like say... M97?"
"That you might do," replied Yuri, heading for the door.  She
stopped, turning back with a smile.  "Better make it M97 and Shasti.
This might get uglier than normal."

* * * * *

Yuri's query of her partners whereabouts from the complex computer
located Kei down in one of the gymnasiums.  A short ride down, she
walked down the corridor stopping at the large paneglass window of
the gym.  Inside she spotted Kei seated on of the benches, clad in
lime green tights and matching headband, mopping up the rivulets of
sweat from around her face.  Her eyes, as well as the others in the
room, were locked on the uneven bars where Bruce Wayne was putting on
a dazzling show of skill and grace vaulting up over and under them
like they were nothing.
Admittedly, he was very good Yuri thought.  For such brawn he seemed
as agile as a cat, moving without effort or strain taking each level
over and over again.  Applause from Kei broke her stare and she
tapped on the glass.
Kei turned around, smiling cheerfully at Yuri with a wave.  Yuri
gestured for her to come out, and with reluctance she did.
"What is so important that you interrupt my afternoon eye candy?"
said Kei.
"Sorry, but I have to," answered Yuri.  "He is good though, isn't
he?"
Kei turned back to the glass gazing at Bruce.  Her thrill could be
plainly seen, and a brief flush of excitement flowed through her
body.
"Ooo, Kei, this man is so athletic!  He's exceptionally strong, moves
like a tiger on the hunt, is limber in more way than I can ever
remember.  It's like, it's like having-."
"The original Bruce Wayne around?" finished Yuri.
Something was up, Kei sensing it from the seriousness in Yuri's
voice.  Facing her again she asked, "What's up, Yuri?"
"Bills ordering us back to Rosomer."
Kei drew back staggered by the news.  Wha- when?"
"Tonight."
"No!" shouted Kei loud enough to briefly draw the attention of the
people inside the gym.
Yuri took Kei by her shoulders.  "Look, Kei!  We need to go back.
Peter called and-," she paused noticing that Wayne had stopped in mid
pivot, holding himself up eyeing the two.
"-Peter called," she continued, guiding Kei out of view, "and said
Joker is putting pressure on him, not to mention other problems under
his authority that need to be taken care of."
Kei could not believe this!  So close, so close to achieving success,
now was not the time to be called away.  "I've almost got him ready,
Yuri." She said.
Yuri feared as much.  Kei had gotten too attached to Wayne and now it
was affecting her thinking.  "So is he going to help us?" she asked.
Kei gave her a fearful look, walking back over to the edge of the
window.  Bruce had dismounted, working out with a few of the agents
on the speed bag.  She sadly drew back.
"He hasn't said yet, has he?" guessed Yuri.
"No," answered Kei, voice hushed and strained.
Through the years of friendship, Yuri had thought she'd knew all of
Kei's emotional moods, but this was new, something that went deeper
than ever before.  She moved up and hugged Kei close to her trying to
feel what was going through her heart and mind.
"Kei," she whispered lightly into one ear, "listen too me.  Don't get
caught up with this man.  You'll only hurt yourself."
Kei sniffled, fighting back tears behind short breaths and gulps of
air and then she said, "That's... that's easy for you to, to, to say,
Yuri.  You've got Dan when you need him.  Then there's Bill, even
with Carol around, but me?  I have no one."
"That's not true, Kei.  What about Kelvin?"
"Off and on, nothing steady.  Bruce?  He's different, and I can feel
a chemistry there between us."
Kei spun around startling Yuri.  She stared deep into her eyes as if
begging for relief from the confusion in her mind.
"Yuri.  Stall for me."
"Stall?  How am I going to do that?"
"Have you listed our departure time yet with control?"
"No."
A chance!
"Make it as late as possible."
"Come'on, Kei," Yuri said with a smirk, "Billy will see right through
that."
"Please, Yuri!" pleaded Kei.
Yuri consented, nodding her head.  "But!" she added, holding up a
finger.  "With or without Bruce Wayne, we leave."
"Yes, right, no matter what."
There was still some doubt in Yuri's mind, but she gave Kei a light
tap on the forehead, smiled and went to go prepare for their
departure.  Kei watched her for a moment then walked back over to the
window.  Her sights set upon Bruce, and she arched a brow.
"Time to force the issue," she muttered to herself.

* * * * *

A long hot shower rejuvenated Bruce Wayne, tingles of energy coursing
through him, heightening his senses.  It felt good, he thought while
drying off, more energy meant he would be able to keep up with Kei
and her and that human dynamo generator inside her.  He paused
thinking about the woman fondly, a smile coming to his face.
Wayne wanted to thank her for all the advances made in his
rehabilitation into this new world.  Doubts that troubled him,
uncertainties hindering him from being the complete man he was had
been eliminated by the single loving touch and compassion of a woman.
She meant a lot to him, words could not begin to describe how much,
but there was only one dark cloud that prevented him from truly
accepting things.
Robin, Dick... Jason.
Deaths, destructions...
Batman!
I am not!
He tensed, clenching his fist and leaned against the sink staring
down into the basin.  After a while, Bruce slowly gazed up to stare
at the reflection in the mirror.
"Bruce Wayne." He paused, breath coming in a slow heavy rhythm.
"Clone..."
Murders, innocents, savior!
Batman!
I cannot!
The door buzzer broke Bruce from his delirium.  It rang again then
Alfred faded into view.
[It is Miss Kei, Mahstah Bruce.  Shall I tell her you've just
cleansed and wish not to be disturbed?]
"Don't be silly, Alfred.  Let her in."
[Yes, sir.]
Wayne quickly put on some clothes and went out into the living room.
"Kei," he said happy to see her.  She sat on the edge of the couch
smiling back, but Bruce could see there was something on her mind.
She stood up and hugged him, rising up on her toes to place a warm
kiss on his lips.
"Is there more of that...?"  He stepped back noticing then Kei's
attire.  Her high collared, silver-chrome top appeared a size to
small, toned midriff, high cut bikini briefs, and bare legs accented
by the high top lace up boots was a sight to behold.  Words eluded
him, and then a slight cough from Alfred behind him broke his stupor.
"Uh, are we going swimming?" he asked.
"No, Bruce.  This is my standard 3WA uniform."
"This is standard?"
[I can guess the rate of colds in the organization is extremely
high,] quipped Alfred.
Kei appeared shocked by the holographs comment.  Bruce turned to his
butler.  "Do you want something, Alfred?"
[Yes, sir.  Shall I prepare another portion of dinner for Miss Kei?]
"I don't know.  Kei-."
"No, Alfred.  That will not be necessary."
Bruce did not expect that.  Her visit took on a dark tone, bad news
lurking in the wings.  He turned back around looking at her with
wonder.
"That Bad?" he asked.
Kei's bright smile faded.  She cut her eyes away from him, walking
over to the window.  As she gazed out across Pacifica's lit skyline,
she felt like she was about to loose a friend.  It all depended upon
Bruce and how he responded next.
"Bruce... we've got to talk."
"Oh?  Is it about you leaving?"
She spun around.  "How did you know-?"
"I read Yuri's lips before she moved you out of sight."
Kei laughed, amazed by Wayne and his uncanny skills.  Every day
something new, and that made this even harder.
"When are you leaving?" asked Bruce.
"Tonight."
"Oh."
He seemed saddened, Kei noticed.  It did not have to be this way!
"Well, whenever you return, I'll still be around."
Kei went over to him.  "That's what I want to talk about, Bruce."
Wayne understood then why she was there.  Rosomer, the Joker and his
crime spree.  They still wanted him to go there, still wanted him to
become...
No, I can't!
I'm not him!
Silently, Bruce turned away and sat down in his chair.  Kei followed
and knelt down before him.
"Bruce.  We need you," she said.
"You need the original, not me," he corrected her.
"But I've seen you, Bruce.  I've seen how you move, your agility,
your ability to remember things in detail, the way you present
yourself."
"All not mine."
Anger began to well up in Kei.  "No!" she cried, shooting to her
feet.  "Damn it, you are Bruce Wayne!  You are Batman!"
Bruce was up in an instant going eye to eye with her.  "No I am not!
I am a clone, Kei.  A carbon copy of a man who died centuries ago!"
Kei's lips bunched up, fury burning deep in her eyes.  "You can't
deny this, Bruce Wayne! You have got to see past all of this, this
self-pity and accept things as they are!"
Snarling angrily, Bruce moving briskly away from her towards the
window.  He tried to settle down, not wishing to argue with to one
person in this lifetime he had grown fond of.  Kei was not backing
down though, pushing the issue.
"Bruce!  We need you."  Her voice lowered, Kei sadly gazing at the
floor.  "I need you."
She needs me?
Warm arms wrapped around him, Kei resting her head against Bruce's
back.  He stood motionless, eyes clenched shut longing to turn and
embrace her, give in to his desires.
But how can she need me, he wondered?  Or is this a trick, some way
to manipulate my mind?  Can Kei be nothing but a pawn programmed to
love me until this is over?
It's not fair!
It's not right!
I'm not him!
I'm not Batman!
[Mahstah Wayne?] came Alfred's voice suddenly from across the room.
They both jumped from his unexpected appearance.  Kei back away from
Bruce as looked around.
[I thought I heard shouting,] explained Alfred, [Is there something
wrong?]
"No, Alfred.  Kei and I are just... not in agreement right now."
[Oh.]  Alfred's digital eyes cut over briefly to Kei.  [Lover's spat.
Can I get you anything, sir?]
"No... yes, yes, Alfred.  Fix me a drink."
[Brandy, sir?]
"That will be fine."
The holograph departed, and Bruce gazed back out the window again.
"Please, Kei.  Please understand my decision about this," he said,
feeling her stare upon his back.
"Understand?  I understand the Joker is killing people left and
right.  Yuri and I will get him in the long run, but it will be hard
without your knowledge and experience."
"My disk is not enough?"
"No.  We cannot replace what you know with notes."
His silence left Kei cold, dejected after all of what she thought was
progress in the clones thinking.  Alfred returned, a small tumbler of
Brandy in one hand.
[Mahstah, Bruce.]
Wayne took it and drew a swallow of the dark brown liquid.  He closed
his eyes allowing the warmth to pass through him, and then slowly
turned.  Kei's pleading face hurt him, but he could not do what she
asked.
Batman!
No, he's dead.  Long time ago!
Then who are you?
"I'm sorry, Kei.  I can't."
Her world crashed in around her.  Kei shuddered as emotional pain
tore at her insides.  It was futile she realized then, Bruce Wayne
set in his way.  Forcing aside her distress, she drew in a breath and
said, "Okay.  If that's the way you want it.  I will honor you
request."
"Thank you."
Please, Bruce, thought Kei's love struck mind, don't do this to us!
Don't do this to me!
Wayne's steady stare signaled an end to their conversation and much
more.  She tried to force a smile, but could not feeling the tears
that were beginning to well up in her eyes.  Kei went to the door,
suddenly stopping and looked around.
"You know, I guess you were right about not being Bruce Wayne," she
said.  "The Bruce Wayne I was told about would not turn his back on
anybody in their time of need."
Bruce's eyes narrowed at the barb.
"Sorry," apologized Kei.  "Guess I'll be going now."
Alfred waited until the door slid shut before switching his vision
over to a feed from the security cameras in the halls outside.  He
could see Kei hurriedly moving down the hall, one hand to her mouth,
and by the way her shoulders moved crying very hard.  A loud crash
brought him back to the living room.  Bruce had thrown the tumbler
into the far corner.  He stood leaning on the back of his chair, body
trembling, head hung low.
[Mahstah Wayne,] said the holograph, signaling for a cleaning droid
to come and clear the shattered glass.
Bruce looked sharply up.  "No, leave it!" he shouted, sweeping the
air before him with one arm.  The cleaning unit scuttled fearfully
away.
As the smell of brandy drifted about the air, Bruce sat down in the
chair and breathed a heavy sigh.  All of his energy had left him, and
he felt like he'd just lost the one true thing dear to his heart.
Such a short life and already it was turning sour on him.  His eyes
cut over to Alfred.
"So, do you think I'm wrong, Alfred?"
[About your decision, sir?]
"About everything."
The butler appeared to ponder a moment.  [Well, sir, I do think it
was wrong of you to break a completely good tumbler like you did, and
then run off my cleaning droid.  Tch, Tch, Tch, bad for the carpet.]
"I don't need your sarcastic wit, Alfred."
Alfred paused again.  [May I be candid, sir?]
"Of course, Alfred."
[May I asked, sir, why you requested me to reconstruct the likeness
of Alfred Pennyworth?]
Bruce thought then answered, "He was my friend.  A very close and
dear friend whom I could trust and turn to in... my time... of...
need."
He words felt like hot prods to the side, echoing mockingly in his
ears.
[Then, sir, might I suggest that when you were recalled, that the
people of this time held the same idea?]
Wayne could not answer him.
Trust!
A need?
His eyes darted around in their sockets as a deluge of thoughts
flooded his mind.  Memories of a time long past, of saving citizens
in Gotham City, foiling crimes, protecting the innocent.  Bruce
looked at Alfred's image with eyes wide.
[It is a hard and heavy mantle you have inherited, Bruce Wayne of the
Twenty-second century,] said Alfred, [but no matter what era, no
matter what planet or galaxy, the cause is still there.]
"What cause?"
Alfred arched a brow, smiling knowingly.  [The cause of justice.
Bruce Wayne believed in it, as did many others.  Now it is time for
you to pick up where he has left off and champion this so that others
may live without fear or oppression from those who would do them
harm.]
"But can I do it, Alfred!" said Bruce, slamming his fist down on the
armrest.  "Can I be what Bruce Wayne was?"
Alfred's smile never wavered.  [Miss Kei believed in you, dear boy,
and so do I.]
Belief?
Trust?
A purpose in life...
Silently, Bruce stood up.  He held up his hands and examined them as
if they were new to him.
[One hundred percent top stock, pure grade, highly recommended,]
joked Alfred.
Bruce looked at him.  He felt a new rush of energy flow through him,
and went over to the comlink on the wall.  "Galet," he spoke into the
computer mic.  Seconds later, Bill Galet answered the call.
<Bruce?>
"Galet... we need to talk."
<Okay.  I'll be right down.>
"No.  Give me a couple of hours and I'll come and see you."
<All right.  I'll wait right here.>
"Thank you."
There was so much to do, Bruce thought.  First, he needed to order a
few things from the complex's massive computer factory.
"Alfred, I'm going to need some help drawing up some designs."
Alfred, sweeping up the glass with a hand broom and dustpan, paused
from his task.  [Uh, if it does not anger you too much, I took the
liberty of making 'arrangements' already, sir.] he said.
Bruce beamed at the butler, thankful for his foresight.  "You were
always good to me, Alfred," he said.
[Of course sir.  It is my job.]  Alfred stood up and headed for the
kitchen door.  He stopped and turned.  [Will you need me anymore,
sir?]
"Not right now, Alfred."
[That's not what I meant, sir.]
Bruce caught on then.  "No," he reluctantly replied, "No, I think I
can handle things from here on out."
[Then I will be taking my leave, Mahstah Bruce.]
"Alfred," called Wayne before the holograph could disappear.
[Yes, sir?]
Bruce hesitated.  "I'm going to miss you," he finally said.
Alfred's hologram actually acted as if surprised.  His brows rose up
and with a gentle grin, replied, [I will miss you too, sir.  Good
luck, Bruce Wayne.]
Alfred faded away leaving Bruce alone with his thoughts.
"Thank you Alfred," he said looking up out the window at the night
sky.  "Thank you for everything..."

* * * * *

Kei and Yuri walked down the hall to Bill's office, unsure about the
sudden call for them to see him at this late an hour.  Their launch
was only half and hour away, and they both needed to get final preps
completed before then.
"What could Bill want us for now?" asked Yuri.
Kei remind silent.  In fact, for much of the evening she had been
quiet, speaking only when the need arose.  Yuri did not like what she
saw, and in her current state, it might just get her killed in the
long run.
"Kei, you have got to snap out of this," she said.
Kei's mind was a flurry of bitterness and lost hopes.  Images of her
argument with Bruce mingled with the pleasant memories they shared
together, clouding her senses.  To be free of this!  Too forget Bruce
Wayne and finish what they started on Rosomer.  She could have
downloaded the memories, but something held her back, telling her it
would not be right.
"Kei," called Yuri, breaking her train of thought.
She looked at her.  "Yuri, please.  I'm not really myself right now."
"You shouldn't have gotten so involved with Wayne," scolded her
partner.
A dark look filled Kei's eyes.  "Can we just drop it," she snapped.
"Yeah... sure, Kei.  I didn't mean anything by that."
They arrived at Bill's office and buzzed for entry.  The door slid
aside and the Angels went in.  The office was darker than they
remembered.  Bill sat behind his desk gazing with no emotion at them
as they approached.  They stopped before the desk waiting to hear
what he had to say.
"Sorry to stop you in mid-checks, ladies," he began.  His change of
addressing them made the girls worry.  Had they done something wrong;
Kei and Yuri traded looks.
Bill continued.  "Yuri, I, ah, wanted to apologize for my outburst
earlier today.  Totally uncalled for."
Yuri breathed a sigh of relief.  "That's alright, Billy," she
answered, "You have a lot to worry about right now."
"Hmm," grunted Bill.  His eyes cut over to Kei.  "Sorry about Wayne,"
he said to her.
"Why?  I was the one who failed."
Galet leaned back in his chair.  "Taking it awfully hard, Kei."
"I had high hopes, Bill.  Unfortunately, they were too high for me
too reach."
"Yes."
Galet scratched the side of his head, pondering what she said.  His
head went from side to side, looking back and forth between the two
before sitting up again.
"Well I hope it will not stop you from getting Joker."
"Not in the least bit," said Kei.
"Right.  However, I want you to take some additional help along."
"You're attaching another team to us?" asked Yuri.
"No... a specialist."
Kei arched a brow.  "Is he good with nukes?"
"No, not even close."
"Well then who is this specialist?"
"Is it Carson?" asked Yuri.  "Or maybe M97!"
"Ah, noooo."
Kei threw up her hands, losing patience with the game.  "Who is it,
Bill?"
"It's me," answered a deep, heavy voice from the shadows behind them.
The Angels turned around.
Out of the shadows loomed a dark form.  His black boots made measured
steps towards them, and then a long dark cape and cowl could be seen.
Yuri yelped in fright, suppressing the remainder of the cry with her
hands, but Kei's fright had given way to cheer as she recognized who
it was.
"Bruce!" she exclaimed, rushing towards him.
A gloved hand extended from beneath the cape stopping her advance.
His all white eyes narrowed slightly at her, and he said, "Not Bruce
Wayne."  The hand lowered, disappearing back inside the cape.
"I'm Batman."
No matter how or what he called himself, Kei was thrilled that he was
going along.  "Sure, sure, Batman.  We'll be happy to take you to
Rosomer with us, won't we, Yuri?"
Yuri still could not speak, still terrified by the startling
transformation standing before them.
Galet cleared his throat.  "It's about time for you three to be
going," he said.  "Better get a move on."
"Yes, right!" exclaimed Kei.  She had to hit Yuri on the arm to break
her stare to get her moving again.  She wanted to walk with Batman,
but he gestured towards the door.  "Ladies first," was all he said.
Kei giggled and rushed to catch up with Yuri.
Batman's gazed went back to Galet and they stared at each other for a
long moment.
"It will be done," Bill told him.
The Dark Knight nodded, and with a light hiss of his cape across the
floor, followed the Angels down the hall...


             .---Anime/Manga Fanfiction Mailing List----.
             | Administrators - ffml-admins@anifics.com |
             | Unsubscribing - ffml-request@anifics.com |
             |     Put 'unsubscribe' in the subject     |
             `---- http://ffml.anifics.com/faq.txt -----'