章節 3: CHAPTER 2
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[Star City. January 13, 15:30 PDT.]
I became a hero, kinda.
I was a sidekick, working with my sister Dinah.
It was Batman's idea surprisingly, I really didn't want to do it perse, nor did Dinah want me to, but he convinced her, saying I needed a purpose, a reason to not let my emotions, my power consume me, and that living in isolation would do that eventually.
I didn't know how to feel about that.
But in a way, I understood his reasoning, he was trying to avoid letting me fall into the dark pit known as depression, by giving me a fulfilling purpose.
Funny how things play out.
After he convinced Dinah, well, as I said before, I became her sidekick.
Black Bolt.
I picked the name in honor of the man that shared in a distant universe the same burden as me.
It felt right.
As for what I was doing, well, Dinah was keeping me out of danger's path, my training was yet to be completed, and while I was almost sure I could avoid talking or making any type of sound.
Precautions had to be made.
Especially considering I can level a city with a whisper.
Anyway, my life now basically consisted of helping Dinah with minor crimes, like robberies and such, and going back to the soundproof bunker to continue with my training.
So far I could break bones and not utter a sound, most of the time, according to Batman at least, he didn't actually break my bones, or Dinah, in her own words would've castrated him with a pencil. So, instead of breaking my bones, Batman brought a small device that he made that made me feel the pain of breaking a bone or two, by sending direct signals to my brain that basically emulated the feeling perfectly.
No idea why Batman had such a device.
But I really didn't care.
As for Dinah, well, she wasn't exactly happy about this training method, but after some dialog with her, I convinced her to let me do it, I needed this.
I needed to be able to control any type of vocal reflex, regardless of the situation, which lamentably included pain.
"You are making remarkable progress," Batman nodded in approval as he approached me, getting compliments from him was always weird.
~Well I try~ I smiled ever so lightly.
"I know it must be hard, and that no one can really relate to your situation, but know that you are doing what is right," Batman replied, his disturbingly cold gaze on me. Even when being friendly the man was unnerving.
~I guess~ I nodded.
"My new sidekick is coming later today to meet with you," Batman added, and I could almost swear I felt fondness on his tone, "He knows about your unique condition, so don't worry about explaining much."
I eyed Batman and gave him a look that said, why?
"You need to socialize with people close to your age," Batman replied, reading my look. "You live in a soundproof military-grade cave, you only go out to help Black Canary every now and then, and the only people you talk to are Green Arrow, Black Canary, Martian Manhunter, and me, all adults, that is not healthy." if only you knew how old I really was Bruce.
~Well, you are the boss here.~ I sighed, I mean, he was paying for the majority of the shit I used, including the soundproofed military base, that although was not strong enough to stop me, was resilient enough to tank a whisper, at least according to his calculations, and he was Batman, so I believed him.
"Needless to say, I'm not ordering you to meet with Robin," Batman added. "But I think you need to socialize with people your age." people my age, funny.
~When is he arriving?~ I suppose meeting Robin can't be that bad.
"He's already here," Batman scowled looking towards a corner in the base.
"How did you even know?!" And there is Robin.
"I told you to wait." Batman glared at the kid as he came into view.
"I was excited to meet him." Robin chuckled, scratching the back of his head.
~Hey~ I waved.
With a smile, Robin approached me and started to move his hands, ~I'm~ pause, ~learning~ long pause, ~Sign language~
I had to fight the urge to chuckle right there, not a good start. ~Batman, do you happen to know where is my notepad?~ I asked the dark knight.
"No, but I have one here," Batman replied, pulling a notepad from his belt, god that thing really does have everything. "Here's a pen." I definitely want one of those for X-MAS, I wonder if Dinah can make it happen.
-Hi there- I wrote.
"Sorry, I just started learning… like two days ago." Robin smiled shyly.
-It's cool, we can use the notepad for now, at least until you understand what I say without it.- I wrote, that I really didn't care if people talked with me using sign language, but them understanding was always helpful.
"I'll leave you two alone," Batman said, walking out of the room.
-So, is this a batplaydate?- I wrote, making Robin chuckle.
"I suppose in a way." Robin snorted.
-So, my name is Black Bolt, I'm twelve years old, and well… I live here.- I wrote making conversation.
"I'm nine," Robin began, "I live with Batman, and my codename is Robin."
-So what, sidekick squad?- I grinned.
"Oh god, that sounds awful." He laughed. "But sure, why not, sidekick squad!" he added, high-fiving me.
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[Gotham City. February 21, 16:30 CT. 2008]
Robin was a good kid.
A bit too energetic for my taste, but a good kid nonetheless, very smart too, the little bastard learned sign language, fluently, in less than one month.
A feat that took me almost a year to complete.
I guess that's why he was considered a genius.
As for Batman, well, he was especially interested in me making connections with his protege, which is why, I was currently on Gotham, helping them with some minor crimes.
This was a big step for the Dark Knight, if there was someone in the superhero business that was, territorial, it was him, so needless to say I was surprised when he invited me to help in Gotham for a bit.
And even more, surprised when Dinah allowed me to go.
So, with that said and done, I went to Gotham, though I have to admit, I was a bit reluctant to go on this business trip so to speak.
Because the Joker terrified me.
Which is funny, with my powers I could solo him with ease, but still, if there was one villain that creeped me out, it was him. He was utterly crazy, and that scared me a bit.
Anyway, working with Batman was a bit different than working with Dinah or Oliver, Batman was an odd character so to speak, ever silent, and at the same time, very communicative.
He had looks and grunts for every scenario.
One look, could mean anything between, go there, to wait here.
It was a confusing time for me.
Robin helped though, whenever I didn't understand one of Batman's grunts or silent glares, he would translate them for me.
As Robin jokingly put it, the Batman GLARE language was a thing.
"It was fun, maybe Batman will let you come to Gotham more often." Robin smiled, as we tied a few robbers that had tried to rob a bank.
~It was.~ I nodded, slapping one of the robbers that was trying to bite me.
~Well, let's go.~ Robin grinned.
---------------------------------------------
[Gotham City. February 22, 16:30 CT.
Batman POV]
David Lance, code name. Black Bolt.
David Lance shows all the signs of a clinically depressed person, his isolation, and lack of normal human stimuli are slowly but surely weighing him down.
But the biggest chain of them all are his powers. His powers and the constant threat they represent are an impossibly large looming shadow above his head, above everyone's head.
A new plan had to be created, for the worst-case scenario. Security level. Omega, password Delta Charlie 27 51939, new contingency plan, under the file Agamemnon Contingency.
Should Black Bolt become a threat, we need to be prepared for the worst. Contingency file, Codename The Silent End.
If Black Bolt ever becomes a threat to the planet, the following protocols will need to be enacted to ensure our survival.
Black Bolt's power differ a lot from Black Canary's powers, medical tests show his powers are directly connected to the left hemisphere of the brain, connecting directly to the speech zone of the brain. Results for containment are inconclusive, further testing is required, though results show that tear gas if administered quickly enough, should cut off his ability to speak and scream, and should this not be enough adding a well-timed blow to the trachea should do the trick. Alternatively should this not work, the best way to disable his powers would be to distract him. His sister is an excellent blind spot, as is his fear of killing everyone. Taking hostages is also a good distraction, particularly if he knows them, should this prove to be ineffective, battle relocation is essential, while his powers are dangerous he himself is a human with minor superstrength, relocating the battle to an enclosed zone should limit the use of his powers out of fear of killing himself, recommendation, underground location.
The Silent End, file closed.
"Black Bolt left," Robin said, as he entered the Bat cave.
"I know," I replied, turning the pc off.
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[Star City. March 13, 12:30 PDT.
Dinah Lance - Black Canary POV ]
I loved my brother. How could I not? In more than one way, he was my world, mine to protect, after all, that was my job as his big sister.
And that was exactly why it hurt me to know I had no way to help him, not really.
His powers were beyond anything we have ever seen in our family. Minor superstrength, minor superspeed, minor super stamina, and minor superhuman durability.
Batman's theory suggests his powers mutated from our family line, creating something entirely new, and dangerous.
His sonic scream was leagues above my own, and simulations suggest he could level cities with but a word.
I could see he was depressed.
Isolation was drowning him in a sea of despair, and the looming shadow of danger that his powers represented only helped to cement his own self-loathing.
He would say no, that he wasn't sad or anything, but I knew better.
Which is why I had accepted when Batman told me to put him under my wing, that helping others would break him out of his own shell of misery, and give him a purpose.
I was happy with this because it worked.
He was getting better, helping others, forgetting for a moment the weight he had on his shoulders.
Many start on this career because they need to help others, he started because he needed to help himself.
Just like Batman.
Heck, Batman with all of his cold disturbing demeanor was actually trying to help him, he was even arranging playdates with his sidekick Robin.
"Dinah, so… I was thinking," Oliver said, snapping me out of my long reverie.
"Yes, I would love to go out with you," I replied with a smile.
"How did you… never mind," Oliver chuckled with a blush.
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[Star City. March 13, 01:30 PDT.
Oliver Queen - Green Arrow POV]
David Lance was a good kid, with more weight on his shoulders than any kid or adult for that matter should have.
I don't know what would I do if I had the power to destroy a city by simply talking. I really wished I could help him more, but even the Bat was at a loss with how to suppress his powers.
Even the inhibitor collars didn't work on him, though according to the Bat it's because we don't have enough data on his powers to actually code a collar to work on him.
It broke my heart when I told him about the collar, and the chance he could speak again, because for a moment he seemed hopeful, and then, it didn't work.
That day, I failed him and I lost my third arrow cave.
I wonder if this is how Supes feels all the time, so much power on the tip of his hands, one wrong move, he could kill those who he's trying to save, perhaps I should introduce the two of them, perhaps they would relate to one another.
If I was in his shoes, I would like to know someone who can relate to me.
"Oliver, I am the woman and I am already ready!" Dinah shouted.
"I'm almost done!" I shouted back.
"You said that thirty minutes ago!" Dinah sighed in annoyance.
"I want to look pretty okay?" Why can she understand?! My elegant mustache needs some work, delicate work, after all, perfection takes time.
章節 4: CHAPTER 3
If you want to read up to 20 chapters ahead go to https://www.patreón.com/cornbringer
Discord invite: https://discord.gg/XHduApz
Enjoy!
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[Star City. January 13, 09:30 PDT.
David Lance POV]
"Aren't you excited?" Dinah asked with a wide smile as she drove to the community college.
I nodded.
Today was my week off.
Off training.
Off fighting crime.
Off all hero-related things.
What was I to do during this week?
Well, I was to take an art course in the community college of Star City.
I liked Art, I wasn't particularly good at it, but I enjoyed it. It helped me breathe so to speak when things became overwhelming, it was an escape for me, like games for some, or food.
"My little baby is growing up," Dinah teased.
I sighed, rolling my eyes.
"Don't roll your eyes at me, mister, as your older sister, I have every right to annoy the heck out of you," Dinah grinned, playfully slapping my arm.
~I suppose you do,~ I smiled.
"Maybe you can draw something for me, to have at the shop," Dinah smiled, probably imagining this course would turn me into DaVinci or something.
~Sure, why not?~ I nodded, smiling at the thought.
"Here we are, Star City community college!" Dinah announced in a dramatic manner.
~You need to stop hanging out with Oliver so much,~ I deadpanned.
"I… maybe," Dinah chuckled, "I guess his drama Queen antics are rubbing off on me,"
I blinked, was… was that a pun?!
"I'm sorry," Dinah chuckled once again, kissing my forehead, "No more puns for today, that's a Lance promise,"
~Is that a thing?~ I asked, tilting my head to the side.
"No, but I'm trying to make it a thing," Dinah grinned, "Now go, and become the best artist you can be,"
~It's just a course,~ I signed.
"I said what I said, now go," Dinah chuckled, pushing me out of the car, "Now remember, if something happens, call me, or Oliver, and we will come to your aid no matter what."
I nodded, showing her my phone for accentuation.
"Good," Dinah nodded, "I'll be here to pick you up at six!" she added.
—---------------------------------------------------------------------
[Star City. January 13, 12:30 PDT.]
All I wanted was to have a nice freaking class of peaceful art.
But nooooo.
The universe said, fuck you, and your art kid, enjoy this owl-looking motherfucker.
"Hello, little bird,"
How did my art class go to hell?
Well, I have no idea.
Everything was going great, during class I was having the time of my freaking life painting a fruit bowl with some of the exported acrylic paint Dinah had ordered for me, then during the scheduled break, I went to college's rooftop to avoid being disturbed as I ate a foot-long sub I had bought beforehand at a gas station with Dinah prior coming here, and the next thing I know is, well a man with an owl mask tried to dart me as I was about to take the first bite of my sub.
I dodged, of course, thank Oliver and his arrows for that, but still, here I was, looking at a man with an owl mask.
Which meant one thing, the Talons of the owl court were after me, why? Well, I had a few ideas as to why my power was probably my safest bet.
"Come with me if you want to live, little owlet," The Talon offered, extending his hand.
I stared at the man and called my sister.
From that point on, all I had to do was buy some time.
"Bad call, little owlet," The Talon sighed, knives drawn.
Grabbing my bag, I flung it to the Talon, who kicked the bag out of his way with shocking finesse, as he threw a few knives my way.
Seeing this, I rolled to the side, avoiding the projectiles as I made my way towards him.
At the same time, the Talon looked at me and chuckled, hurling his remaining knives at me with incredible speed.
However, I ducked under his projectiles just in time to avoid them. Then, when I was close to the Talon, I threw a hard punch to his jaw, putting all my weight into it. The blow pushed the Talon back, and I followed with a kick to his legs.
Chuckling, the Talon retaliated by slashing my chest with his claw, drawing some blood.
In pain, I jumped a few steps back.
"Minor superstrength, good to know," The Talon stated, cracking his neck, his right hand covered in my blood. "Also, high tolerance to pain, kudos to you owlet,"
I frowned.
"We have been waiting since your time in Gotham, for you to be unprotected little owlet," The Talon began, "Which surprisingly took us a lot of time… if it wasn't Batman, it was Black Canary or Green Arrow, but now... You are all alone,"
Since Gotham, they had kept tabs on me since then? But why? I did nothing out of the ordinary.
The Talon chuckled, "Oh well, let us continue before your sister arrives, don't you think?"
I had two options, fight and possibly be captured, or run, and endanger everyone in this building.
Fighting it is.
"Good," The Talon nodded in approval, pulling a new weapon into view, a sword, one unnaturally large. "Let's continue," he added, raising the sword above his head, as he swung it down at me.
Seeing this, I jumped back once again, narrowly dodging the sword, as I hurled one of my pocket knives at him with all my strength, however, the Talon didn't move, simply catching the knife with a single move of his hand.
His reflexes were too fucking good.
"Keep trying owlet," The Talon chuckled, tossing my knife back at me, I however didn't catch it, selecting to avoid the projectile that lodged into the ground.
Then, as the Talon was about to take a step forward an arrow landed on his feet.
"How about I try?" That voice… Oliver.
"It seems the cavalry arrived a bit early," The Talon spat, looking at Green Arrow.
"Are you okay kiddo?" Green Arrow asked.
I nodded, looking at my bloodied chest.
"Well, if you are here, the little canary is not too far, so, that's my cue," The Talon sighed, "Bye bye~" and with that said, the Talon threw a smoke bomb into the ground, vanishing into God knows where.
"Well, your sister is gonna kill me," Oliver sighed, as the smoke cleared.
I blinked and looked at him, giving him a look that said, why?
"I told her to relax, to give you some space, and this happened," Oliver groaned, "She might even try to shave my mustache!"
I deadpanned.
"Sorry, sorry," Oliver sighed, walking towards me, a frown on his face, "We need to treat that wound,"
I nodded, it was hurting, and considering I fought an assassin, it was best to avoid.
"David!" And there comes momma bird, hehe. Fuck! The puns are spreading!
~Hey,~ I waved at her, looking down.
"Who did this?" Dinah growled, anger seething out of her.
"I don't know," Oliver replied, "He… was a new one,"
~He had an owl mask, and came from Gotham,~ I signed.
"I will have a trip to Gotham then," Dinah muttered darkly.
"Batman won't like that," Oliver chuckled.
"I don't care," Dinah shot back.
—-----------------------------------------------------------
[Gotham City. January 19, 12:30 CT.
Dick Grayson POV]
Someone from Gotham had tried to hunt David, someone I didn't know about, according to Black Canary's chat with Batman, they were from here, and I knew everyone from here, but not them.
I found that puzzling.
So, it was up to me to see why, after all, Batman was otherwise too busy with other cases.
Which is why I was currently inside an empty apartment looking for some clues, according to Batman's servers and the information inside them, here I would find more about what had happened, and why.
"You can come in now," I sighed out loud to the seemingly empty apartment. "And before you say anything, I'm sorry,"
Batman who I knew was here, entered through the window of the apartment, his suit blending with the night outside, "What are you doing, Dick,"
"They tried to attack my friend, and I want to know why," I replied, avoiding his piercing gaze.
"You are not ready" Batman scowled.
"Then you've been training me in what? Monkey training?!" I shot back, realizing the tone I was using a bit too late.
Batman scowled even harder, beyond clear physical restrictions, "I will assume that was an ill attempt at humor. I trust you, Dick, I do, but these people, and what they represent are too much for you to handle, especially alone,"
"I'm sorry, I'm just angry they attacked my friend, is that bad?" I sighed, slumping down.
"No, that makes you human," Batman replied, putting his hand on my shoulder.
"So who did this?" I asked with a sigh, taking a seat on a nearby chair.
Batman replied, "They call themselves the court of owls,"
"The court of owls?" I asked, frowning. That sounded lame.
Batman nodded, "They rarely operate outside Gotham, and more than not, they avoid league related activities, this was a calculated risk, they knew who he was, and to who he was connected, and yet they risked it all, something doesn't feel right,"
"His powers?" I muttered, that had to be it, if they knew about his powers, they would want to weaponize him, a nuke at their hands but better.
Batman shook his head, "Too soon to say, but I'm not ruling anything out,"
"I see," I mumbled.
"Go home," Batman added, going back to his scowling mode.
I nodded with a tired sigh, "Fine,"
"And for the record, you are grounded," Batman said, walking towards the window, his cape sweeping the floor.
"I figured," I replied with a groan, following him.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Gotham City. January 14, 9:30 CT.
1 Day After The Attack.
Talon POV]
Our mission to capture David Lance had failed miserably. We had been unprepared for the quick response time of his caretakers and David's own personal skill in combat.
The kid was leagues away from being a threat, but even then, he had managed to stall me, dodging my first strike, and the following, buying the time required for him to avoid capture.
A remarkable feat.
"You failed," The parliament speaker said as I nodded.
No need to sugarcoat it.
I had failed on my assignment.
"So, it was a fruitless effort," The parliament sighed.
I nodded.
Now that the league undoubtedly knew about our attempt by now. Meaning from this point on any attempts on getting the kid would be impossible.
The League would be on him, protecting him.
"We will need to relocate," The parliament speaker sighed, "We need to lay low for a while."
"What about the kid?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
"We will leave that for now," The parliament speaker replied, "As of now, any attempt on his life, would and could mean our downfall, the court must hide in the shadows."
I nodded, smiling under my mask, the little owlet had escaped out talons, kudos to him.
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