Post by thekillingjoke on Jul 30, 2011 14:50:43 GMT -5
Batman #3
By Cornelius Spunkwater
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Wayne Manor - 2115
Kase and Talia go into the mansion and hear faint pounding from someplace downstairs. The only light is the flare Kase threw in beforehand. The light is red around the hall and Kase tries a light on the wall but it is dead. Talia keeps her shotgun drawn and waits by the front door wide open. They listen for some other sound but hear nothing. Kase walks further into the mansion and lights another flare and keeps it on hand. Talia walks beside him and they check rooms along the first floor. They find nothing and ascend the staircase. They check the rooms on this floor too but find nothing and at the end is a closed door. Kase opens it and it is the master bedroom. The flare throws red light over sheets and curtains and he scans the room.
Do you see anything? Talia asks.
No. The vampire Wayne toys with us. We may not find him unless he wants us to. Stay with me Talia.
Kase crosses to the bathroom door and opens it. He looks inside and holds the flare within. Talia turns toward the window and looks at the night sky. Beside her Wayne steals her shotgun away and takes her by her jacket and heaves her toward the window and she crashes through the frame and glass and lands on the balcony against the stone railing. Glass rains around her and she lies facedown and stunned.
Wayne breaks the shotgun over his knee and it shatters in so many pieces. He stands tall before Kase who holds the flare and looks Kase in the eye.
Texas – 1904
It’s nighttime in the west and in the saloon some men sit around a table playing poker and they are unshaven and they smell of sweat and whiskey. A few other men sit at the bar while the bartender pours whiskey and tequila. The piano player is tired and he sits at the bar with the customers and the bartender gives him a shot of whiskey. The piano player thanks him and downs the glass and makes a pained face like a man who’s had too much whiskey in his life. One of the poker players lays down his cards and has a full house.
Son of a bitch, one says.
You’re a goddamned cheat, says another.
Shut the hell up Joe. He ain’t no cheat.
Goddamned right I ain’t, the winner says and gathers his winnings.
The saloon doors swing open and the lights sway and James Gordon walks inside and looks around. A few men at the poker table glance up but no one cares. Gordon goes to the bar and sits.
What’ll it be sheriff? The bartender asks.
Just whiskey thanks, Gordon says.
Any news about that Deacon Blackfire?
There ain’t shit. Him and his cult just kidnap anyone they think is sinful and eats em. Sometimes they throw the bodies near town. An nobody notices cause it’s always drunks or whores or gamblers. You know. People who aren't churchgoin types.
Nothing?
Not yet. And I ain’t too inclined to go after em less they kill someone important.
You’re a hell of a sheriff, Gordon.
Don’t I know it, Gordon says and drinks his whiskey. He looks to the staircase at the other side of the saloon where women wait at the top for men who need a place to stay and a warm body beside them.
Someone comes through the saloon doors but Gordon doesn’t look. The barkeep fills his glass and he takes another swig. Gordon sees the man who came through the door. The man has pale skin and he wears a black duster. He crosses the saloon for the staircase and upstairs one of the whores comes to him and they go to a room together.
Another? The barkeep asks him.
No. Who the hell was that?
Who?
That fella who went upstairs. I’ve never seen him round here before.
Him? Hell, I dunno. I don’t ask no questions bout anyone who wants a room here. If they got money then I give it to em.
Is he ever in here any other time of the day?
Don’t reckon so. Maybe I’m rememberin wrong.
Maybe ye are. Maybe ye ain’t.
What do you reckon sheriff?
Reckon I might go upstairs a moment if ye don’t mind.
Fine by me.
Gimme another drink first.
The barkeep fills his glass and Gordon drinks it fast. He takes a breath and wipes his lips and crosses the saloon.
Germany 2090
A woman tackles Kase and they fall to the floor. She has dark features and she bears her fangs but somehow he struggles with her and keeps her at bay. He pushes her off and stands. In the other room a baby cries. The woman has the bloodlust in her eye and she charges. Kase punches her in the mouth and takes her head and brings it down and slams his knee in her mouth. Two of the fangs along with her human teeth break off and she falls face down on the floor and screams.
Melisande, stop this please. I do not want to hurt you. We can get you help somehow. Just stop this for God’s sake.
She lunges at him again and pushes him into the kitchen. Her blood spills from her mouth onto his clothes and he hits her again. She shoves him and he slams against a cupboard. He’s dazed but he kicks her away and takes a serrated knife from the drawer beside him. When she sits up, he kicks her back and gets on top of her and stabs the knife into her heart. She screams with the pain and spasms but otherwise she’s paralyzed.
Kase stands and catches his breath and watches her a while. She looks at him with the same bloodlust and hate as before and he knows she’s not his wife anymore. He goes to a rack with many blades and removes a cleaver. Beside her he kneels far enough so she can’t do anything. She looks toward him and snaps her jaws. It makes him want to cry but he doesn’t and he brings the cleaver across her neck. The blood splatters on him and the floor. She still wants his blood. He brings the cleaver down again.
Wayne Manor – 2115
Kase draws his katana and slashes and the blade strikes the wall and leaves a sizeable cut. Wayne strafes quickly and Kase is too slow. He kicks the sword from Kase’s hands and it hits the door frame nearby and punches him so hard it forces him through a closet door that splinters apart with the force. For a while Kase doesn’t move and Wayne takes him by his jacket and lifts him off his feet and pins him on the wall. On the balcony Talia struggles to her feet and Wayne hears her coming.
Don’t come any further or I’ll kill him, Wayne says.
I’m not doing anything, Talia says. I’m right here. Please don’t hurt him.
Don’t hurt him. Why not? You want to hurt me.
I know. I’m sorry. Please don’t hurt him.
Is this your father?
Yes.
I killed my father a long time ago.
You’re a monster.
It’s not as simple as you think.
It never is when you murder someone.
Maybe not. But I’m not the monster you think I am.
Then let my father go.
I will. But I can’t have him returning.
What do you mean?
Wayne takes Kase’s right arm and breaks it off at the elbow and tosses the arm aside. He screams and then Talia screams too and she runs at Wayne but he swings back and strikes her across the face and she falls hard on the floor. Kase’s arm spurts blood and he tries to squeeze the wound but it doesn’t help. Wayne takes him and pulls him forward and bites his neck and releases him and Kase falls back dazed. Wayne bites his wrist and a little blood flows and he holds it out to him.
Drink my blood or you’ll die, Wayne says.
I’d rather die than drink it, Kase says.
That may be. But do you want to leave your daughter alone? Alone with me?
Kase looks at the wrist a while and sweat beads on his face and the pain overwhelms him. He looks with disgust at Wayne and accepts the offering and sucks the blood from Wayne’s wrist. For almost a minute Kase drinks and retches, then Wayne deprives him and lifts Kase onto his feet and laughs and says:
Now you’re like me. A fitting end for your kind.
I hate you, Kase says and spits in Wayne’s face.
You’ll live, but your daughter stays here. Get out of my home and never come back or I’ll kill you.
He walks toward the window with Kase and throws him over the balcony and he falls on the rocks and into the waters below. Talia is too dazed to know what’s happening. Wayne stands and watches the waters a while to see if Kase surfaces but he sees nothing and faces Talia. He goes to her and she’s still lying facedown. On the floor Kase’s arm still lies lifeless and Wayne takes it and drains what blood is left in it into his mouth and throws it outside. He does the same with the shotgun and sword and breaks them both in two before being rid of them.
He goes to Talia and kneels down and removes her weapons and discards them too. With the excitement ended he can see her finally and her hair is red. Her skin seems so soft and pale. He wipes his lips clean and rolls her over and looks at her face. It startles him.
What are you doing here? He asks.
Texas – 1904
Gordon bangs on the door halfway down the hall on the second floor of the saloon and dressed up whores look at him on either side and he looks at one of them and smiles, then faces the door. He looks at his boots and knocks again. He hears a girl scream inside and pounds on the door and works the knob and shouts: What the hell’s going on in there?
The door opens and a pale man naked from the waist up looks at Gordon who stands with his hands on his belt. The man’s eyes are distant and he looks like he’s never seen the sun.
Something you need sheriff? The man asks.
The hell’s goin on in there?
Nothing. Just having us a good time is all.
Doesn’t sound t’me like whoever ye’re with is havin such a good time.
Doesn’t it? The man asks and lets the door swings open and there’s a whore sitting on the bed covering herself with sheets. She looks down at the floor and glances up at Gordon who scratches his head.
What’s your name son? Gordon asks.
Bruce Wayne.
You don’t sound like ye’re from these parts, Mr. Wayne.
I’m not.
Where ye from?
Does it matter?
Depends what ye did fore ye came here.
Every man’s done a few things he’s not proud of.
I reckon that’s so.
Is there something you need sheriff?
No. Nothin I need. I just like to meet folks that come through here. Look em in the eye and give em a warm welcome.
I’m not looking for any trouble.
Well that’s good Wayne. But ye stay here long enough and it’ll find ye.
Night sheriff.
Night.
Wayne shuts the door and Gordon looks to the whores by the staircase and walks toward them and he walks by one and says: Night ma’am, and another whore asks: Are you sure you don’t wanna say a while sheriff?.
No ma’am, I gotta go home and rest.
He keeps down the stairs and the men below are still playing poker and drinking whiskey and tequila. He passes by them without saying a word and leaves the saloon and outside the wind blows. He rolls himself a cigarette and lights it. There’s nobody around and he steps off the saloon porch toward his horse. The horse snuffs and Gordon says: Yep I know. Just hold on a minute.
Gordon looks up and someone jumps off the saloon deck and he moves back. The man lands on the ground and rolls. He stands up holding a hatchet and Gordon pulls his revolver. He aims but another man moves from the side and swings another hatchet that barely misses his face. The first man kicks Gordon’s gun away and they push him to the dirt.
There’s a couple of explosions then and blood splatters on Gordon’s face and the men fall on top of him. He pushes them off and groans and stands up to catch his breath. He looks up and Wayne stands on the deck looking down and holsters his gun.
You should be careful out here sheriff. It’s dangerous at night.
Right. Thanks for the help Wayne.
You’re welcome.
Ye’re a good shot. You oughta come by the jailhouse sometime tomorrow.
You going to be there after sunset?
I dunno. Maybe. Why?
I like to sleep during the day.
All right then. Tomorrow night.
Gordon mounts his horse and goes home. He looks back at Wayne but he’s gone and he just hears the sounds of the saloon as the horse clops slowly toward home and he wonders if there’s any other men out tonight, but he goes on and looks up and down and between buildings and sees nothing, and all is safe.
Wayne Manor - 2115
Kase rises from the waters and braces himself with one arm on the rocks. He feels weak and the waters push against him. He looks toward the sky where Wayne Manor seems to wait even though he can barely see its silhouette against the night sky. He hangs his head down. The waters push him again and he can’t hold on any longer. His hand slips and he is pushed against rock formations to the side and then carried away.
Germany 2090
Kase goes upstairs to little Talia’s bedroom and takes her wrapped in blankets and kisses her. She coos and rests her arms on him and he tells her: We have to go Talia. He carries her downstairs and on the floor is a body covered by rags and Talia doesn’t notice. He stops and sets Talia down and lights the rags aflame, then takes Talia up and leaves the house and shuts the door. The family car is parked in the driveway and Kase fastens Talia in the baby seat in the back and takes the driver’s seat. He looks back to her and says: Everything’s going to be all right Talia. He starts the car and they leave.
Wayne Manor 2115
Talia opens her eyes and she looks at a ceiling. She is lying in a bed stripped of her clothes and wearing a nightgown. She turns to her side and finds a lamp and turns it on. There’s a computer desk and a desktop on one side and a walk-in closet across from the foot of her bed. She calls for her father but there’s no answer and she goes to the door. It’s locked and she keeps trying in vain. Soon she gives up and sits in the chair in one corner of the room.
Locks slide and the door opens and Alfred holds a tray of toast and juice and stands in the passage. He comes into the room and sets the tray down and looks at her. His face is haggard and his hair is unkempt. She stays seated and he says to her:
I didn’t know if you were hungry so I took the liberty of bringing a light meal.
I’m not particularly hungry.
Well. I’ll leave it in case you change your mind.
Where am I? She asks.
You’re in the guest bedroom in Wayne Manor. After the Master personally escorted your father off the premises, he saw to it you were changed and placed here.
Escorted. What does that mean?
He gave no details about the matter.
I see. Are you the one who called for us?
Yes miss.
My name’s Talia.
Alfred. Talia, the Master would like to see you downstairs when you’re finished eating. If you decide to that is.
Right. Why hasn’t he killed me?
I’ve been wondering the same thing for about thirty years now.
She says nothing and Alfred says: I’ll leave you to your meal now, and he leaves the room without closing the door. She looks at the toast covered in jam and takes a piece and then takes the glass of orange juice and sits down again. She eats slowly and looks toward the door.
Texas 1904
It’s nighttime in the town and Gordon sits in his chair at the jailhouse and picks his teeth with a toothpick. He props his feet on his desk and rolls himself a cigarette. There’s a prisoner in one of the jail cells. He smells of sweat and he has a month’s worth of beard growth. Gordon lights his cigarette and puffs at it and the prisoner smells the smoke and stands up and says: How bout rollin me up one o those?
Gordon inhales and blows a steady stream toward the ceiling and looks over at the prisoner and says: Yeah sure. I’ll give ya a smoke fore I hang your sorry ass in the next couple days. How’s that?
Yer a sum bitch sheriff. Can’t even find enough humanity to share yer smokes.
Humanity. Boy, the hell do you know bout humanity? You killed a whore and spread er guts out on the walls o your house like ye were decoratin or something.
She deserved it sheriff. She was a sinner and lovin all that sin she did and God punishes sinners. He don’t stand fer people full of sin an lovin it. I was jus carryin out the Lord’s work was all.
I reckon the Bible says everyone’s a sinner Isaiah. Ye gonna punish yaself?
It ain’t like that. It’s different.
Always is when it’s your ass on the choppin block stead of theirs.
I’m gonna kill you sheriff. An if I don’t somebody will.
Isaiah, why don’t you just shut the hell up? I’m gonna hang ye so high nobody’s gonna cut ye down and bury ye.
There’s a knock on the door behind Gordon and he turns around and Wayne stands there in all his clothes and the duster hangs around his legs and hides his guns. Isaiah eyes Wayne like he’s a ghost. Wayne shoots a glance at him and says: Something you want friend? and Isaiah hangs his head down and retreats to the back of his cell.
Well look who showed up, Gordon says and draws the rest of his cigarette and flicks the butt outside the door.
Yeah. Here I am, Wayne says.
Ye want me to roll you a cigarette?
No thanks. I don’t care for them too much.
Hmm. Suit yeself.
Gordon gets up and goes to a gun cabinet beside his desk to retrieve a shotgun and he closes the cabinet and locks it. He loads it up with shells and puts more shells on his belt.
Where are we going? Wayne asks.
We’re goin huntin, Gordon says and steps outside the jailhouse where a deputy sits on the porch sleeping with his hat in his lap and Gordon shakes his shoulder. The deputy stirs and looks at Gordon with glassy eyes and Gordon says: Jose, get yeself in there and keep an eye on things. Ye hear?
All right sheriff. I will keep an eye.
All right. Don’t let im give you any shit. An anyone comes by here lookin funny you shoot im. Ye hear?
You have nothing to worry about sheriff. I will shoot any man who comes here looking funny, just like you say.
Good man. Let’s go Wayne.
They loose their horses and mount them and ride out of town a few hundred yards. It’s dark but Gordon has a lantern strapped to the side of his horse and he looks for something. Wayne doesn’t say anything for a while but they go through the dirt and dry desert bushes and cacti. His horse snorts and they both slow to a trot and Wayne watches the cliffs yonder and asks Gordon:
So what’re we looking for if you don’t mind me asking.
Well. You remember those men from last night who damn near killed me.
Yeah. I remember. I’m the one who shot them dead.
Right. Well someone came by earlier and told me a few of em set up camp about a mile west of town. You an me are gonna see if we can find em and if we do we’re gonna kill most of em.
Most of them?
Yeah. We gotta keep one and ask him hard bout some things.
Hold on now sheriff. What do I get if I help you with this?
You’ll be my deputy. Jose’s nice but I need a man who can shoot like you.
What if I don’t care much for the idea of being a deputy.
Maybe I oughta keep an eye on ye and see what ye’re really up to around town an why ye came here. Sides, you wanna be gainfully employed don’t ye?
I suppose it’s not such a bad offer. I think I’m warming up to the idea.
I spose so, Wayne, Gordon says and ahead he sees a glow yonder and says: Hush up now. Reckon I see somethin.
They slow their horses down and dismount and Gordon puts out the lantern on his horse. Wayne kneels down in the desert brush and Gordon follows and their dusters flow over the ground and rustle dirt and dry plants. Gordon holds his shotgun ready and Wayne takes out his six-shooter and says: We’ll be lucky if they didn’t see your lantern.
And Gordon says: I don’t hear any commotion. We’ll be all right.
How do I know which one not to shoot?
Hell. Just don’t shoot the one who looks like he knows somethin.
Wayne squats and quickly moves around to one side of the camp unseen and Gordon says: Damn that boy’s fast. He looks the camp over and waves Gordon to go and Gordon moves toward the side opposite and keeps his distance.
In the camp five men eat beans and some roasted meat. They’re all skinny and look like they haven’t eaten in days and one of the smaller men pulls some meat off whatever’s roasting and eats it and takes some beans to go with it. He drinks from a canteen and passes it around. All these men have Bibles beside them like they’ve been talking about the Word of God even though they’re silent and experience no joy from it. Gordon looks a little closer at the strange meat and can’t make it out but Wayne can see fine and he knows immediately what it is.
Gordon nods at Wayne and they raise their guns and Gordon shouts: Drop your weapons and reach for the sky or we’ll kill ye.
One of the bigger men grabs a hatchet and stands up and Gordon shoots him in the chest. The spread covers him with holes and he falls down and his neck bleeds out. Another man goes for a hatchet and Wayne shoots him in the head while he’s bent over and the shot blows out part of the side of his head so the flesh hangs off in flaps and he falls facedown over the weapons and his head pours blood near the fire. Wayne shoots another man in the forehead and the bullet blows out the back of his skull and he falls to his knees and then on his side and bleeds out. Blood pours like water from a pitcher and there’s the scent of spent gunpowder mingled with burnt flesh. There’s two men left and Gordon shoots another in the face and the skin and bone explode in pieces and not much is left of this man’s features.
The last man sprints into the desert but Wayne takes aim and shoots him in the knee and blows out his kneecap. The man screams and rolls forward and starts to cry. Wayne holsters his weapon and Gordon lowers his shotgun and looks at the man far off and starts for him. Wayne follows.
Nice shootin deputy, Gordon says.
Likewise sheriff.
They come upon the man and look down at him and Gordon asks: Ye think he’ll put up a fight anymore?
No, I don’t think he’s gonna.
Gordon whistles for his horse and Wayne calls for his and both the horses come. From a pack on his horse Gordon takes a length of rope out and hogties the man and the man screams when Gordon handles his leg and Gordon says: Shut up.
Want me to help you get him on your horse? Wayne asks.
Yeah. Help me out here.
They take the man and lift him onto Gordon’s horse and Gordon catches his breath while the man moans. Then Gordon mounts his horse and rides toward town and Wayne mounts his horse and does the same. Behind them all the camp lies dead and neither of them look back.
By Cornelius Spunkwater
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Wayne Manor - 2115
Kase and Talia go into the mansion and hear faint pounding from someplace downstairs. The only light is the flare Kase threw in beforehand. The light is red around the hall and Kase tries a light on the wall but it is dead. Talia keeps her shotgun drawn and waits by the front door wide open. They listen for some other sound but hear nothing. Kase walks further into the mansion and lights another flare and keeps it on hand. Talia walks beside him and they check rooms along the first floor. They find nothing and ascend the staircase. They check the rooms on this floor too but find nothing and at the end is a closed door. Kase opens it and it is the master bedroom. The flare throws red light over sheets and curtains and he scans the room.
Do you see anything? Talia asks.
No. The vampire Wayne toys with us. We may not find him unless he wants us to. Stay with me Talia.
Kase crosses to the bathroom door and opens it. He looks inside and holds the flare within. Talia turns toward the window and looks at the night sky. Beside her Wayne steals her shotgun away and takes her by her jacket and heaves her toward the window and she crashes through the frame and glass and lands on the balcony against the stone railing. Glass rains around her and she lies facedown and stunned.
Wayne breaks the shotgun over his knee and it shatters in so many pieces. He stands tall before Kase who holds the flare and looks Kase in the eye.
- - -
Texas – 1904
It’s nighttime in the west and in the saloon some men sit around a table playing poker and they are unshaven and they smell of sweat and whiskey. A few other men sit at the bar while the bartender pours whiskey and tequila. The piano player is tired and he sits at the bar with the customers and the bartender gives him a shot of whiskey. The piano player thanks him and downs the glass and makes a pained face like a man who’s had too much whiskey in his life. One of the poker players lays down his cards and has a full house.
Son of a bitch, one says.
You’re a goddamned cheat, says another.
Shut the hell up Joe. He ain’t no cheat.
Goddamned right I ain’t, the winner says and gathers his winnings.
The saloon doors swing open and the lights sway and James Gordon walks inside and looks around. A few men at the poker table glance up but no one cares. Gordon goes to the bar and sits.
What’ll it be sheriff? The bartender asks.
Just whiskey thanks, Gordon says.
Any news about that Deacon Blackfire?
There ain’t shit. Him and his cult just kidnap anyone they think is sinful and eats em. Sometimes they throw the bodies near town. An nobody notices cause it’s always drunks or whores or gamblers. You know. People who aren't churchgoin types.
Nothing?
Not yet. And I ain’t too inclined to go after em less they kill someone important.
You’re a hell of a sheriff, Gordon.
Don’t I know it, Gordon says and drinks his whiskey. He looks to the staircase at the other side of the saloon where women wait at the top for men who need a place to stay and a warm body beside them.
Someone comes through the saloon doors but Gordon doesn’t look. The barkeep fills his glass and he takes another swig. Gordon sees the man who came through the door. The man has pale skin and he wears a black duster. He crosses the saloon for the staircase and upstairs one of the whores comes to him and they go to a room together.
Another? The barkeep asks him.
No. Who the hell was that?
Who?
That fella who went upstairs. I’ve never seen him round here before.
Him? Hell, I dunno. I don’t ask no questions bout anyone who wants a room here. If they got money then I give it to em.
Is he ever in here any other time of the day?
Don’t reckon so. Maybe I’m rememberin wrong.
Maybe ye are. Maybe ye ain’t.
What do you reckon sheriff?
Reckon I might go upstairs a moment if ye don’t mind.
Fine by me.
Gimme another drink first.
The barkeep fills his glass and Gordon drinks it fast. He takes a breath and wipes his lips and crosses the saloon.
- - -
Germany 2090
A woman tackles Kase and they fall to the floor. She has dark features and she bears her fangs but somehow he struggles with her and keeps her at bay. He pushes her off and stands. In the other room a baby cries. The woman has the bloodlust in her eye and she charges. Kase punches her in the mouth and takes her head and brings it down and slams his knee in her mouth. Two of the fangs along with her human teeth break off and she falls face down on the floor and screams.
Melisande, stop this please. I do not want to hurt you. We can get you help somehow. Just stop this for God’s sake.
She lunges at him again and pushes him into the kitchen. Her blood spills from her mouth onto his clothes and he hits her again. She shoves him and he slams against a cupboard. He’s dazed but he kicks her away and takes a serrated knife from the drawer beside him. When she sits up, he kicks her back and gets on top of her and stabs the knife into her heart. She screams with the pain and spasms but otherwise she’s paralyzed.
Kase stands and catches his breath and watches her a while. She looks at him with the same bloodlust and hate as before and he knows she’s not his wife anymore. He goes to a rack with many blades and removes a cleaver. Beside her he kneels far enough so she can’t do anything. She looks toward him and snaps her jaws. It makes him want to cry but he doesn’t and he brings the cleaver across her neck. The blood splatters on him and the floor. She still wants his blood. He brings the cleaver down again.
- - -
Wayne Manor – 2115
Kase draws his katana and slashes and the blade strikes the wall and leaves a sizeable cut. Wayne strafes quickly and Kase is too slow. He kicks the sword from Kase’s hands and it hits the door frame nearby and punches him so hard it forces him through a closet door that splinters apart with the force. For a while Kase doesn’t move and Wayne takes him by his jacket and lifts him off his feet and pins him on the wall. On the balcony Talia struggles to her feet and Wayne hears her coming.
Don’t come any further or I’ll kill him, Wayne says.
I’m not doing anything, Talia says. I’m right here. Please don’t hurt him.
Don’t hurt him. Why not? You want to hurt me.
I know. I’m sorry. Please don’t hurt him.
Is this your father?
Yes.
I killed my father a long time ago.
You’re a monster.
It’s not as simple as you think.
It never is when you murder someone.
Maybe not. But I’m not the monster you think I am.
Then let my father go.
I will. But I can’t have him returning.
What do you mean?
Wayne takes Kase’s right arm and breaks it off at the elbow and tosses the arm aside. He screams and then Talia screams too and she runs at Wayne but he swings back and strikes her across the face and she falls hard on the floor. Kase’s arm spurts blood and he tries to squeeze the wound but it doesn’t help. Wayne takes him and pulls him forward and bites his neck and releases him and Kase falls back dazed. Wayne bites his wrist and a little blood flows and he holds it out to him.
Drink my blood or you’ll die, Wayne says.
I’d rather die than drink it, Kase says.
That may be. But do you want to leave your daughter alone? Alone with me?
Kase looks at the wrist a while and sweat beads on his face and the pain overwhelms him. He looks with disgust at Wayne and accepts the offering and sucks the blood from Wayne’s wrist. For almost a minute Kase drinks and retches, then Wayne deprives him and lifts Kase onto his feet and laughs and says:
Now you’re like me. A fitting end for your kind.
I hate you, Kase says and spits in Wayne’s face.
You’ll live, but your daughter stays here. Get out of my home and never come back or I’ll kill you.
He walks toward the window with Kase and throws him over the balcony and he falls on the rocks and into the waters below. Talia is too dazed to know what’s happening. Wayne stands and watches the waters a while to see if Kase surfaces but he sees nothing and faces Talia. He goes to her and she’s still lying facedown. On the floor Kase’s arm still lies lifeless and Wayne takes it and drains what blood is left in it into his mouth and throws it outside. He does the same with the shotgun and sword and breaks them both in two before being rid of them.
He goes to Talia and kneels down and removes her weapons and discards them too. With the excitement ended he can see her finally and her hair is red. Her skin seems so soft and pale. He wipes his lips clean and rolls her over and looks at her face. It startles him.
What are you doing here? He asks.
- - -
Texas – 1904
Gordon bangs on the door halfway down the hall on the second floor of the saloon and dressed up whores look at him on either side and he looks at one of them and smiles, then faces the door. He looks at his boots and knocks again. He hears a girl scream inside and pounds on the door and works the knob and shouts: What the hell’s going on in there?
The door opens and a pale man naked from the waist up looks at Gordon who stands with his hands on his belt. The man’s eyes are distant and he looks like he’s never seen the sun.
Something you need sheriff? The man asks.
The hell’s goin on in there?
Nothing. Just having us a good time is all.
Doesn’t sound t’me like whoever ye’re with is havin such a good time.
Doesn’t it? The man asks and lets the door swings open and there’s a whore sitting on the bed covering herself with sheets. She looks down at the floor and glances up at Gordon who scratches his head.
What’s your name son? Gordon asks.
Bruce Wayne.
You don’t sound like ye’re from these parts, Mr. Wayne.
I’m not.
Where ye from?
Does it matter?
Depends what ye did fore ye came here.
Every man’s done a few things he’s not proud of.
I reckon that’s so.
Is there something you need sheriff?
No. Nothin I need. I just like to meet folks that come through here. Look em in the eye and give em a warm welcome.
I’m not looking for any trouble.
Well that’s good Wayne. But ye stay here long enough and it’ll find ye.
Night sheriff.
Night.
Wayne shuts the door and Gordon looks to the whores by the staircase and walks toward them and he walks by one and says: Night ma’am, and another whore asks: Are you sure you don’t wanna say a while sheriff?.
No ma’am, I gotta go home and rest.
He keeps down the stairs and the men below are still playing poker and drinking whiskey and tequila. He passes by them without saying a word and leaves the saloon and outside the wind blows. He rolls himself a cigarette and lights it. There’s nobody around and he steps off the saloon porch toward his horse. The horse snuffs and Gordon says: Yep I know. Just hold on a minute.
Gordon looks up and someone jumps off the saloon deck and he moves back. The man lands on the ground and rolls. He stands up holding a hatchet and Gordon pulls his revolver. He aims but another man moves from the side and swings another hatchet that barely misses his face. The first man kicks Gordon’s gun away and they push him to the dirt.
There’s a couple of explosions then and blood splatters on Gordon’s face and the men fall on top of him. He pushes them off and groans and stands up to catch his breath. He looks up and Wayne stands on the deck looking down and holsters his gun.
You should be careful out here sheriff. It’s dangerous at night.
Right. Thanks for the help Wayne.
You’re welcome.
Ye’re a good shot. You oughta come by the jailhouse sometime tomorrow.
You going to be there after sunset?
I dunno. Maybe. Why?
I like to sleep during the day.
All right then. Tomorrow night.
Gordon mounts his horse and goes home. He looks back at Wayne but he’s gone and he just hears the sounds of the saloon as the horse clops slowly toward home and he wonders if there’s any other men out tonight, but he goes on and looks up and down and between buildings and sees nothing, and all is safe.
- - -
Wayne Manor - 2115
Kase rises from the waters and braces himself with one arm on the rocks. He feels weak and the waters push against him. He looks toward the sky where Wayne Manor seems to wait even though he can barely see its silhouette against the night sky. He hangs his head down. The waters push him again and he can’t hold on any longer. His hand slips and he is pushed against rock formations to the side and then carried away.
- - -
Germany 2090
Kase goes upstairs to little Talia’s bedroom and takes her wrapped in blankets and kisses her. She coos and rests her arms on him and he tells her: We have to go Talia. He carries her downstairs and on the floor is a body covered by rags and Talia doesn’t notice. He stops and sets Talia down and lights the rags aflame, then takes Talia up and leaves the house and shuts the door. The family car is parked in the driveway and Kase fastens Talia in the baby seat in the back and takes the driver’s seat. He looks back to her and says: Everything’s going to be all right Talia. He starts the car and they leave.
- - -
Wayne Manor 2115
Talia opens her eyes and she looks at a ceiling. She is lying in a bed stripped of her clothes and wearing a nightgown. She turns to her side and finds a lamp and turns it on. There’s a computer desk and a desktop on one side and a walk-in closet across from the foot of her bed. She calls for her father but there’s no answer and she goes to the door. It’s locked and she keeps trying in vain. Soon she gives up and sits in the chair in one corner of the room.
Locks slide and the door opens and Alfred holds a tray of toast and juice and stands in the passage. He comes into the room and sets the tray down and looks at her. His face is haggard and his hair is unkempt. She stays seated and he says to her:
I didn’t know if you were hungry so I took the liberty of bringing a light meal.
I’m not particularly hungry.
Well. I’ll leave it in case you change your mind.
Where am I? She asks.
You’re in the guest bedroom in Wayne Manor. After the Master personally escorted your father off the premises, he saw to it you were changed and placed here.
Escorted. What does that mean?
He gave no details about the matter.
I see. Are you the one who called for us?
Yes miss.
My name’s Talia.
Alfred. Talia, the Master would like to see you downstairs when you’re finished eating. If you decide to that is.
Right. Why hasn’t he killed me?
I’ve been wondering the same thing for about thirty years now.
She says nothing and Alfred says: I’ll leave you to your meal now, and he leaves the room without closing the door. She looks at the toast covered in jam and takes a piece and then takes the glass of orange juice and sits down again. She eats slowly and looks toward the door.
- - -
Texas 1904
It’s nighttime in the town and Gordon sits in his chair at the jailhouse and picks his teeth with a toothpick. He props his feet on his desk and rolls himself a cigarette. There’s a prisoner in one of the jail cells. He smells of sweat and he has a month’s worth of beard growth. Gordon lights his cigarette and puffs at it and the prisoner smells the smoke and stands up and says: How bout rollin me up one o those?
Gordon inhales and blows a steady stream toward the ceiling and looks over at the prisoner and says: Yeah sure. I’ll give ya a smoke fore I hang your sorry ass in the next couple days. How’s that?
Yer a sum bitch sheriff. Can’t even find enough humanity to share yer smokes.
Humanity. Boy, the hell do you know bout humanity? You killed a whore and spread er guts out on the walls o your house like ye were decoratin or something.
She deserved it sheriff. She was a sinner and lovin all that sin she did and God punishes sinners. He don’t stand fer people full of sin an lovin it. I was jus carryin out the Lord’s work was all.
I reckon the Bible says everyone’s a sinner Isaiah. Ye gonna punish yaself?
It ain’t like that. It’s different.
Always is when it’s your ass on the choppin block stead of theirs.
I’m gonna kill you sheriff. An if I don’t somebody will.
Isaiah, why don’t you just shut the hell up? I’m gonna hang ye so high nobody’s gonna cut ye down and bury ye.
There’s a knock on the door behind Gordon and he turns around and Wayne stands there in all his clothes and the duster hangs around his legs and hides his guns. Isaiah eyes Wayne like he’s a ghost. Wayne shoots a glance at him and says: Something you want friend? and Isaiah hangs his head down and retreats to the back of his cell.
Well look who showed up, Gordon says and draws the rest of his cigarette and flicks the butt outside the door.
Yeah. Here I am, Wayne says.
Ye want me to roll you a cigarette?
No thanks. I don’t care for them too much.
Hmm. Suit yeself.
Gordon gets up and goes to a gun cabinet beside his desk to retrieve a shotgun and he closes the cabinet and locks it. He loads it up with shells and puts more shells on his belt.
Where are we going? Wayne asks.
We’re goin huntin, Gordon says and steps outside the jailhouse where a deputy sits on the porch sleeping with his hat in his lap and Gordon shakes his shoulder. The deputy stirs and looks at Gordon with glassy eyes and Gordon says: Jose, get yeself in there and keep an eye on things. Ye hear?
All right sheriff. I will keep an eye.
All right. Don’t let im give you any shit. An anyone comes by here lookin funny you shoot im. Ye hear?
You have nothing to worry about sheriff. I will shoot any man who comes here looking funny, just like you say.
Good man. Let’s go Wayne.
They loose their horses and mount them and ride out of town a few hundred yards. It’s dark but Gordon has a lantern strapped to the side of his horse and he looks for something. Wayne doesn’t say anything for a while but they go through the dirt and dry desert bushes and cacti. His horse snorts and they both slow to a trot and Wayne watches the cliffs yonder and asks Gordon:
So what’re we looking for if you don’t mind me asking.
Well. You remember those men from last night who damn near killed me.
Yeah. I remember. I’m the one who shot them dead.
Right. Well someone came by earlier and told me a few of em set up camp about a mile west of town. You an me are gonna see if we can find em and if we do we’re gonna kill most of em.
Most of them?
Yeah. We gotta keep one and ask him hard bout some things.
Hold on now sheriff. What do I get if I help you with this?
You’ll be my deputy. Jose’s nice but I need a man who can shoot like you.
What if I don’t care much for the idea of being a deputy.
Maybe I oughta keep an eye on ye and see what ye’re really up to around town an why ye came here. Sides, you wanna be gainfully employed don’t ye?
I suppose it’s not such a bad offer. I think I’m warming up to the idea.
I spose so, Wayne, Gordon says and ahead he sees a glow yonder and says: Hush up now. Reckon I see somethin.
They slow their horses down and dismount and Gordon puts out the lantern on his horse. Wayne kneels down in the desert brush and Gordon follows and their dusters flow over the ground and rustle dirt and dry plants. Gordon holds his shotgun ready and Wayne takes out his six-shooter and says: We’ll be lucky if they didn’t see your lantern.
And Gordon says: I don’t hear any commotion. We’ll be all right.
How do I know which one not to shoot?
Hell. Just don’t shoot the one who looks like he knows somethin.
Wayne squats and quickly moves around to one side of the camp unseen and Gordon says: Damn that boy’s fast. He looks the camp over and waves Gordon to go and Gordon moves toward the side opposite and keeps his distance.
In the camp five men eat beans and some roasted meat. They’re all skinny and look like they haven’t eaten in days and one of the smaller men pulls some meat off whatever’s roasting and eats it and takes some beans to go with it. He drinks from a canteen and passes it around. All these men have Bibles beside them like they’ve been talking about the Word of God even though they’re silent and experience no joy from it. Gordon looks a little closer at the strange meat and can’t make it out but Wayne can see fine and he knows immediately what it is.
Gordon nods at Wayne and they raise their guns and Gordon shouts: Drop your weapons and reach for the sky or we’ll kill ye.
One of the bigger men grabs a hatchet and stands up and Gordon shoots him in the chest. The spread covers him with holes and he falls down and his neck bleeds out. Another man goes for a hatchet and Wayne shoots him in the head while he’s bent over and the shot blows out part of the side of his head so the flesh hangs off in flaps and he falls facedown over the weapons and his head pours blood near the fire. Wayne shoots another man in the forehead and the bullet blows out the back of his skull and he falls to his knees and then on his side and bleeds out. Blood pours like water from a pitcher and there’s the scent of spent gunpowder mingled with burnt flesh. There’s two men left and Gordon shoots another in the face and the skin and bone explode in pieces and not much is left of this man’s features.
The last man sprints into the desert but Wayne takes aim and shoots him in the knee and blows out his kneecap. The man screams and rolls forward and starts to cry. Wayne holsters his weapon and Gordon lowers his shotgun and looks at the man far off and starts for him. Wayne follows.
Nice shootin deputy, Gordon says.
Likewise sheriff.
They come upon the man and look down at him and Gordon asks: Ye think he’ll put up a fight anymore?
No, I don’t think he’s gonna.
Gordon whistles for his horse and Wayne calls for his and both the horses come. From a pack on his horse Gordon takes a length of rope out and hogties the man and the man screams when Gordon handles his leg and Gordon says: Shut up.
Want me to help you get him on your horse? Wayne asks.
Yeah. Help me out here.
They take the man and lift him onto Gordon’s horse and Gordon catches his breath while the man moans. Then Gordon mounts his horse and rides toward town and Wayne mounts his horse and does the same. Behind them all the camp lies dead and neither of them look back.