Chapter 5: Chapter 5
CHAPTER 5
May 15th, 1999
3rd Person POV
Restlessly, Brendan tossed and turned in his bed, his mind ensnared by the haunting tendrils of a vivid and terrifying dream. As he descended deeper into slumber's clutches, he found himself thrust into a nightmarish realm, a twisted reflection of the reality that lurked within the darkest recesses of his subconscious.
Within this macabre dream sequence, Brendan stood in a dimly lit room, the very same one from the Bella Luna Taverna, a malevolent chill suffusing the air. Before him, securely bound to a worn wooden chair, sat an elderly man, his features obscured by the enigmatic interplay of dancing shadows. Brendan's heart pounded, a volatile mixture of dread and confusion surging through his veins, as he realized that this man was none other than Christian Burch, the person he had tormented in the waking world.
His hands moved of their own accord, wielding a variety of implements that served only to inflict pain upon the helpless figure, accompanied by piercing screams and cascading tears. But his hands persisted, unyielding, as the dream wove its tapestry of torment. With each passing moment, the boundaries of reality blurred, and the elderly man's visage twisted, transforming into the spectral countenance of Brendan's father—a ghostly apparition from his troubled past. Eyes, once filled with warmth and love, now bored into Brendan's very soul, brimming with accusation and an insatiable thirst for answers.
"Why, Brendan? Why did you let it happen?" his father's voice reverberated through the chamber, a haunting symphony of disappointment and anguish. The room seemed to constrict, its oppressive walls pressing against Brendan's consciousness, ensnaring him within the confines of a nightmarish interrogation.
A cold sheen of sweat adorned Brendan's forehead as guilt cascaded over him like a relentless tide, a burden he had long suppressed but could no longer evade. The questions from his father, saturated with pain and despair, pierced through his defenses, rending his fragile psyche apart at its very seams.
Growing louder with each syllable, his father's voice dripped with accusation. "Did you not possess a choice? Could you not have walked away? What became of the values I instilled in you?"
Brendan's voice quivered, the weight of his struggle palpable, as he endeavored to formulate a response—a feeble attempt to elucidate the convoluted web of circumstances that had ensnared him on this treacherous path. "Father, I... I had no choice. Survival was paramount. Self-preservation demanded it."
His father's ethereal form shook with a measured sorrow, his voice heavy with lamentation. "Survival at the expense of your very soul, Brendan? Is this the man you have become? Is this the legacy you wish to leave behind?"
The gravity of his father's words shattered Brendan's spirit, propelling him deeper into the abyss of his guilt. The room contracted further, constricting him with an oppressive presence that suffocated his every breath. Shadows twisted and contorted, casting eerie silhouettes that danced with malevolence along the walls.
Brendan released a guttural cry, his voice an agonized symphony of anguish and desperation. " I am sorry I am sorry I am sorry I am sorry ...."
Yet his pleas fell upon deaf ears as the dream world devoured him, enveloping his being within all-consuming darkness. Brendan's nightmare endured an unyielding reminder of the consequences borne from his choices, the relentless guilt that plagued him, and the indelible mark it etched upon his soul.
As he jolted awake, his body drenched in perspiration, Brendan clutched his chest, his heart still racing from the harrowing ordeal. The unanswered questions echoed through his mind, an incessant reminder of his actions and the haunting specter of guilt that clung to him with tenacity, refusing to relent.
Brendan's POVs
I groggily opened my eyes, the remnants of the haunting dream still clinging to my thoughts. Determined to shake off its grip, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and slowly pushed myself upright. With each step, I could feel the weight of the nightmare dissipating, replaced by a newfound resolve.
I made my way to the bathroom, the cool tiles beneath my feet providing a welcome contrast to the turmoil that had plagued me moments ago. I leaned over the sink, splashing cold water on my face, hoping to wash away the remnants of the unsettling dream. As the water trickled down, I took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of clarity enveloping me.
Next, I reached for my toothbrush, squeezing a dollop of toothpaste onto its bristles. The rhythmic back-and-forth motion of brushing helped ground me in the present moment. As I stared at my reflection in the mirror, I saw a determination flicker in my eyes—a silent promise to confront the ghosts that haunted me.
Feeling a need to cleanse not just my mind but my body as well, I turned on the faucet and filled the bathtub. The sound of water cascading into the tub was soothing, a symphony of renewal. I stepped into the warm embrace of the water, allowing it to envelop me, washing away the remnants of the nightmare and the weight of my guilt.
After indulging in a rejuvenating bath to wash away the weariness of the night, I meticulously dressed in my chosen attire, ready for the challenges that awaited me. Making my way downstairs, the aroma of brewing coffee greeted my senses as I ventured toward the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, I retrieved a carton of eggs, their shells shining like pale moonlight in the soft glow of the overhead lights. With practiced ease, I cracked the eggs and began whisking them into a fluffy mixture, savoring the anticipation of a well-made omelet.
The sizzle of the cooking eggs filled the air as I expertly maneuvered the spatula, folding the ingredients into a delicious symphony of flavors. The savory aroma permeated the room, mingling with the tantalizing scent of freshly brewed coffee. After savoring every bite of the hearty omelet, I couldn't resist the urge to peruse the morning newspaper, seeking to stay connected with the ever-changing world outside.
Descending further into the depths of my basement, a hidden sanctuary brimming with knowledge and possibilities, my gaze fell upon a sprawling board adorned with a mosaic of newspaper clippings. Each cutting represented a peculiar event that had unfolded in the city since my arrival, a testament to the strange and dangerous underbelly of Gotham, these included reports about someone turning in criminals with broken bones, and some reports about a bald serial killer arrested by the GCPD around the new year which was probably the calendar man. Before being arrested he killed around 8 people so he probably didn't have the gag and joke personality from his earlier iterations, A report about a Psychology professor named Crane killing one of his students and getting sent to Arkham Asylum after getting an insanity plea deal, An article about a certain doctor fries getting an award for his on cryogenics by Gotham science society, A image of councilman Rupert Thorne inaugurating a new wing of Gotham international airport and finally today's article about a new serial killer in town who left his victims corpses in lifelike poses, and carving a tally-mark into his flesh for each kill.
These reports highlighted the fact that slowly but surely the freaks were coming out of the shadows and into the light, Gotham was in for a rude awakening. Nevertheless, the big ones were still missing and that meant I had some more time before things started going haywire.
Adjacent to the newspaper-laden board, my tech desk stood as a shrine to my relentless pursuit of knowledge. Shelves groaned under the weight of books from various scientific disciplines, a testament to the breadth of my research. From particle physics to electromagnetism, from biochemistry to acoustics, these volumes held the secrets to unlocking the mysteries that plagued my mind.
These past few months I have been working as Toni's errand boy he gave me small-time jobs like tailing certain people, collecting money from people who defaulted on repayments, getting cut from the neighborhoods under Falcone territory, working at the whorehouse as a guard and more. I like the current arrangement we had I got decent money and didn't have to pay no interest on the loan and the monthly installed got cut from my " wage" or whatever small-time criminals like me got for working for the mob but I knew things weren't going to be as quiet in future but that was for future me to worry about.
Another benefit of working small jobs as I got plenty of time to myself, Time that I used to keep learning and improving myself. This new body and mind were a lot different than my last one that's including shockers mind, it processed and learned things at a much much faster rate than the last one mind you I wasn't dumb by any estimate but now I understand the difference between a genius and a prodigy.
Simply put I could learn more, do more, and think more in less time just taking my knowledge about electrochemistry which was at an 8th-grader level three months ago and now I could probably give a college student specializing in it a run for his money though I probably wasn't at any level to compete or would be anytime soon at a level of Luthor, Ray Palmer or Michael Holt or others but given time I could reach it.
After I got done with my investigative board I headed towards my tech desk, it was filled with various trinkets and blueprints I kept designing in my free time but my main focus was on recreating the shocker suit which had proven to be a daunting challenge, one that constantly reminded me of the vast differences between the Marvel universe and the grim reality of Gotham City.
I had meticulously studied the blueprints of the suit I had witnessed in Shocker's memory. Every intricate detail, every component, had been etched into my mind. But what I hadn't anticipated was the fundamental disparity in vibrational frequencies between the two universes. In the Marvel universe, the shocker suit harnessed intermolecular vibrations with ease. But here, in this gritty realm, the vibrational polarity was entirely different. It was as if the very fabric of this universe rejected my attempts to recreate the technology. The consequences of this discrepancy had been painfully evident during my first robbery. As the heist unfolded, I activated the shocker gauntlets, expecting to wield their destructive power with finesse. However, the moment I discharged their energy, the recoil was catastrophic. The vibrational mismatch sent shockwaves of intense force coursing through my body, threatening to tear me apart. It was a grim reminder of the consequences of meddling with forces beyond my understanding.
Since that fateful night, I had been tirelessly experimenting, desperate to find a solution. My nights were spent studying the principles of intermolecular vibrations and the physics of this universe. I delved into the fields of electronics, engineering, and quantum mechanics, hoping to bridge the gap between these two disparate realms. A few prototypes littered my workbench, each a testament to my determination and the repeated failures that had plagued my progress. The materials I used were carefully selected, combining high-grade alloys with cutting-edge circuitry. Yet, no matter how meticulous my craftsmanship, the crux of the matter, the resident vibration frequency was elusive to me still. Finding this frequency would be done quite easily if I had access to something like the bat computer but beggars can't be choosers and I had to work with what I had.
To my advantage the suit wasn't the only piece of technology that I could cook up at this moment, I took a box from one of the drawers in the desk which contained my remade vibro-gloves, these were smaller versions that can fit around my wrist and couldn't be seen if I was wearing any clothes that covered my arms, also these couldn't create building-shattering shock waves like shocker's until I found a solution for the suit but would work well enough that they can create small bursts strong enough to dent a few meters of steel and could deal with the local criminal element, this time though I wasn't taking any chances and laced the gloves full of damping specialized damping coils to prevent any recoil.
I discovered another innovation gifted to me by the remnants of Shocker's memories—the formula for a remarkable material known as plasti-thene. This rubbery substance possessed a unique microstructure, capable of absorbing a wide range of shocks and damages without succumbing to harm. The concept had originated from a chance encounter at the Bar with No Name, where the disgruntled doctor Octopus had unwittingly blurted out the formula during his tirade against the Leader who had made the material to contain and capture the Hulk, doc ock considered himself above the leader at an intellectual level and proceeded to tell everyone around how the stuff was made how he could make something better, other supervillains just ignored his rant but herman wrote down the formula and method in case he ever needed to deal with the spider but never actually got around to make it due to his lack of expertise in chemistry.
With a touch of ingenuity and a few alterations to the formula, I transformed the original foamy version into a sleeker, fiber-based cloth. The process involved layering graphene, obtained surprisingly affordably through Gotham's black market, atop a flexible base. Mixing this with Polyurethane shape memory plastic and allowing it to settle over several days produced the remarkable plasti-thene. Its composition of overlapping microstructures imbued it with unparalleled durability, while its carbon base lent it an inherent resilience against most forms of impact.
As I marveled at the immense potential held within the plasti-thene fabric, a revelation struck me—I had the power to revolutionize safety gear. This material, with its extraordinary combination of flexibility and resilience, could protect individuals in even the most hazardous environments. It was an innovation that transcended mere personal use, hinting at a future where governments and law enforcement agencies worldwide could benefit from its formidable properties I could probably market and sell it as super armor around the world when super-villains start coming out of the woodwork every other Monday and make a pretty penny but that was something for another time.
It is sleek enough that I wear it all time under my clothes and although it restricts my movements a little it's better than getting shot and bleeding out behind a motel or something.
After I was done tweaking around my stuff I took a look at the clock it was around late afternoon and time for me to leave for my meeting with toni. I arranged the stuff around the house and locked my basement and door to my house and left for the docks where I would meet toni.
As I stepped out of my humble abode, the morning rays bathed the neighborhood in a golden hue. The scent of dew-kissed grass and blooming flowers mingled in the air, creating an atmosphere of serenity. I embarked on my journey towards the main road, each step a deliberate movement towards the outside world.
Suddenly, a feminine voice pierced through the tranquility, luring my attention back to my home. I turned, my eyes falling upon the graceful figure of Millie Cromwell, my neighbor and former high school companion. Millie's presence was like a breath of fresh air, her auburn locks cascading down her shoulders in gentle waves that mirrored the ebb and flow of her vivacity. Her brown eyes, aglow with curiosity, held an indescribable allure, drawing me closer with their magnetic charm. Millie possessed an hourglass figure that effortlessly commanded attention, a testament to her youthful vitality and understated confidence.
"Danny!" Her melodic voice rang out, resonating deep within my being. "Long time no see! How have you been?"
Millie's genuine concern for my well-being never failed to warm the chambers of my heart. In the halls of our high school, we had forged an unbreakable bond, navigating the maze of adolescence and delving into the depths of knowledge side by side. While I embarked on a path intertwined with shadows and uncertainty, Millie pursued her passion for botany at the esteemed Gotham University, immersing herself in the marvels of nature's creations.
A grin etched itself across my face as I bridged the distance between us, relishing the opportunity to share my recent endeavors. "Millie, it truly has been far too long! last few month's have been different to the say the least, I was kinda in a slump for while but now things have taken a turn for the better. In fact, I've landed a new job downtown, and it's proving quite lucrative."
Curiosity danced in her eyes as she leaned in slightly, her delicate fragrance—a symphony of floral notes entwined with the invigorating breeze from the nearby river—enveloping my senses. "Ah, a fancy new job, Danny, and yet you kept me in the dark? I am wounded," she quipped, playfully feigning offense while sporting a mischievous smile.
I chuckled lightly, basking in the camaraderie we shared. "Oh, Millie, fancy or not, it's just a desk job where others toil around me. Nothing to write home about, unlike a certain someone with a full scholarship to GU. How has your college life been?"
A spark ignited in her eyes, and she unleashed a torrent of excitement, regaling me with tales of renowned professors and cutting-edge equipment generously donated by Wayne Tech. Her fervor for her chosen field was palpable, breathing life into her words. I found myself captivated by her unwavering passion, a reminder of the untapped potential within each of us to make a positive impact on the world.
"You know," she interjected, a slight blush gracing her cheeks, "I tend to ramble on, don't I?" Millie playfully facepalmed herself, a gesture that only enhanced her endearing charm. I couldn't help but chuckle, my gaze fixed on her radiant presence. "Well, Millie, maybe you should keep yourself more 'planted' in the conversation," I quipped, unable to resist the lure of a pun.
Her pout betrayed a mock indignation. "Oh, Danny, your plant puns never cease to amuse. But I must remind you that the work we do holds great importance. When I'm rich and famous, receiving my Nobel Prize, you won't be on my list of acknowledgments," she retorted with a twinkle in her eye.
Laughing wholeheartedly, I replied, "Ah, yes, keep your awards, Einstein. I'll be content knowing I made you smile." Our banter flowed effortlessly, a testament to the deep connection we shared.
Suddenly, a hint of concern clouded Millie's features, her brow furrowing. She leaned in closer, her voice laced with genuine worry. "Hey, Danny, I've been meaning to ask... Are you alright? Ever since your dad passed away, you vanished from school, and I haven't seen you around with the gang at Jimmy's. Alex, Collin, and Dean still ask about you. You aren't in any trouble, are you?"
Her heartfelt concern struck a chord within me, and I reassured her with sincerity. "You needn't worry, Millie. I assure you, I am fine. There were some debts I needed to settle, which prompted my departure from school. But now, with this job, everything is falling back into place."
A flicker of relief washed over her features, though her loyalty remained unwavering. "Remember, if anything's ever wrong, you can confide in me. That's what friends are for."
I nodded appreciatively, a glimmer of gratitude in my eyes with me tipping my non-existent hat. "Of course, my lady. Your friendship is a treasured anchor in this unpredictable world." With a final wave, Millie retreated to the sanctuary of her home, leaving me with a renewed sense of purpose and a lingering warmth in my heart.
As I resumed my journey toward the docks, Millie's presence echoed within me like a fragrant blossom, a reminder of the beauty that thrived beyond the shadows of Gotham. In her genuine concern and unwavering support, I found solace. And with her spirit dancing in my thoughts, I ventured forth.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
yash_giri
yash_giri A/N : so Brendan is keeping tabs on gothams finest class of criminals, slowly but surely things are happening behind the scenes, like wise his intellect is still growing, any guesses why ?, shocker's memory again comes in clutch and we meet a potential love interest, so how was this chapter ? do tell me if you liked it or not and if you have any ideas related to the fic you can share them with me :)
Your powerstone would be appreciated ;)
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