06-11-2017, 11:47 AM
The sun started to set and Bruce made it just in time to the hospital. From a distance he watched the fruits of his labor unfold, both mother and son leaving the hospital. Even though he wasn't able to save the father as well, it was still a beautiful sight to behold. This is the reason why he picked up the cape and cowl, even here in this strange new dimension.
"You know, you could go over there and talk to them. I'm pretty sure they will be more than grateful." A familiar soft female voice said. Bruce turned around and noticed Sarah from the hospital stood mere feet away from him, offering him a kind smile. So far he managed to avoid both the nurse as the victim, unfortunately, he wasn't able to hide this time. "I haven’t seen you around much after that night, you looked rather upset when you left."
The incognito millionaire turned towards her, and put on his best 'Bruce' face, "Oh hello Sarah, I just wanted to check up on them. It's probably for the best if I stay away from them. How have you been?"
"Well you know how it is, treating sick people, rushing home, living life, all the exciting moments that make my life worthwhile. But, erm, Bruce, perhaps we could get a drink and talk?"
Even though Bruce didn't want to, he couldn't think of a good excuse to get out of it. The awkward silence that followed was painful, he had to say something, quick.
"I'm actually quite tired, and was hoping to get an early night sleep."
"This early? If I didn’t know any better I'd say you are trying to actively avoid me. I just wanted to talk to you about something important, it won't take long. There is a nice place just around the corner. " Bruce sighed, there was nothing he could think of to get out of it, "Very well, I will accompany you."
The blonde smiled as she grabbed his arm, "Great! Follow me." Sarah guided him to the establishment nearby.
Bruce sat down across the somewhat confident eying woman. The unusual smile she presented intrigued Bruce, it provided her with a certain level of mystery. The waitress came by to take their order, Sarah decided to go with one of the establishment's more exclusive cocktails. Bruce however went for a much safer drink, a combination of exotic fruits but without the added alcohol. The duo did not have to wait long before their beverages arrived, Sarah was the first to taste. There was something enchanting about the scene, Bruce watched as her seemingly soft lips touched the glass, allowing the liquid to enter her mouth, never breaking eye contact with her 'date'. The glass finds its way back to the table, the attractive blonde adjusts her posture and leans in with both elbows on the table. Almost as if she was preparing to show a winning poker hand.
"Well Mr. Wayne it seems you are just full of surprises aren't you? I didn't take you for the aggressive type."
Bruce did not expect something this forward, it was actually quite surprising that she sprung something like this onto him out of the blue.
"Whatever gave you that idea?"
Sarah leaned back into her chair, appearing quite casual, "For someone that dresses up in black armor and beats criminals to a pulp you're actually quite the good actor."
Bruce maintained his calm stature and played the same old game he has played so many times before. He's been so used to lying that it has become second nature to him, " I have read about this masked vigilante on the dataverse, but I can assure you Ms. Parov, it isn't me."
The femme fatale's voice switched in an instant, the formally soft seductive voice suddenly sounded a lot more cold, "Don't take me for a fool Mr. Wayne. I don't know what world you came from, or how gullible the people are there, but here people tend to notice these kind of things. You left my hospital angry, devoted, fearless..." He could feel her eyes penetrate his soul. It was obvious to Bruce this woman was intelligent, dedicated to finding the truth. The woman continued her unannounced interrogation, "After you left there were reports of an unknown masked prime, creating havoc in one of the lower tiers, leaving a trail of destruction and wounded criminals. These criminals just happened to be the same ones that kidnapped that woman's son. And you're telling me that is all just a coincidence?" Bruce attempted to get a word in, but the attempt was futile. the lioness was released from her cage, "And don't get me started about my analyses on the primes physique. Do you want me to explain how identical you are?"
Sarah's logic was solid, he was careless and now someone already figured out his identity. The question now was, what was her goal? Bruce leaned in and lowered his voice slightly, his tone became more serious, "And what if I am this vigilante? What's your game Sarah? Blackmail?"
The blonde scoffed, "Please, there is no reason for me to blackmail you. I hoped you thought better of me. It's like I said back in the hospital, this world could use more men like you. I don't intend to blackmail you Mr. Wayne, just to offer my help. As someone being around this world for some time, I can provide valuable insights. Who knows, you might even find more uses for me." Her former sweet tone of voice returned. She was either a brilliant con woman or she meant every single word she said. Bruce was at an impasse, having serious doubts whether she was telling the truth and how to deal with it.
Sarah followed up, again with sincerity covering each word, "Look Bruce, I figured out who you truly are and I haven't called the authorities on you, i truly am on your side. Let me help you. Just, tell me what you are looking for in this world." Her hands reached out towards his, Bruce's face didn't show a single emotion, his mind was racing, going over every scenario before giving Sarah the benefit of the doubt.
"I come from a world that is ruled by a superhuman dictator, ruling the planet with an iron fist. My allies and myself were in a battle when we attempted to send the dictator and his regime to another dimension, using one of our machines. Somehow it brought me to this universe, and I'm not sure if it did so for any of the others. I've been active around here, hoping the others, friend or foe, would show themselves. That way I know where I stand and perhaps start looking for a way back."
Sarah listened intensely to Bruce's tale. This was the second time he was truly honest with her. The connection she felt with the vigilante was true, it was the reason she decided to help him in the first place. After seeing his devotion and passion that one night in the hospital she had a feeling in her stomach that has never been there before. This was her chance to be part of something bigger, something that could make a difference. Luckily she knew a way to help Bruce.
"The Omniverse is a large place with many powerful primes. Being active in a single tier in Coruscant won't do you any good. If you truly want the others to notice you, if they are here, is to show yourself to the entire Omniverse."
Bruce took a sip from his drink whilst contemplating on Sarah's words. Even though she had a point it would also provide some serious risk.
"How would you suggest I'd go about doing something so reckless?"
With yet another somewhat teasing smile she nudged towards the screen on the wall. Once again, Karl Jak's voice was heard, the screen showed images of last year's competition of Dante's abyss, giving instructions where to sign up and when it would be broadcast throughout the verses.
"That? That's your answer?" Bruce said skeptically
"It's a well known tradition here in the Omniverse, it's being broadcast through every verse and many primes will attend. If you truly want to find your people, this is the best way to let them know you are out there."
The millionaire finished his drink and placed the empty glass next to hers. He was unfamiliar with any of this. Before making any radical decisions he had to talk to Alfred.
"I will give it some thought and talk it over with my...butler" Bruce noticed how strange it must have sounded to Sarah, but she did not comment on it. Instead she looked more at ease then before. "Perhaps, you could accompany me and meet him, explain the plan to him as well. I find his insights rather useful." Sarah nodded, " I'd love that Bruce."
Shortly after he paid for the drinks they left towards his penthouse.
"I'm pretty sure we had a little talk about bringing home strays master Wayne." The stern British accent that came with Alfred's voice was anything but subtle when Bruce entered the penthouse with his new found ally.
"Calm down Alfred, it's nothing like that. I would like you to meet Sarah Parov. She is the nurse that I met in the hospital."
" Ah, so she is the one. It's a pleasure Ms.Parov. My name is Alfred, I am master Wayne's personal caretaker." He said jokingly.
Bruce didn't respond to the joke, and walked up to his old friend, "We need to talk."
Bruce sat down with both Alfred and Sarah, explaining the entire situation to him. About the competition, Sarah's involvement and their future plans. After everything was said and done the older man sighed as he leaned back into his chair, "well Master Bruce, it seems you got quite the decision to make." The anything but helpful butler said to him. "Got any words of wisdom for me, old friend?"
Alfred got up from the chair, readjusted his attire and cleared his throat, "We know how this goes Master Wayne, i give you some brilliant piece of advice, you think it over, discard it and i get to say i told you so at the end." Bruce couldn't help but show the feintest of grins, a rare sight.
"I will have to think this over." The prime retreated to one of the rooms and closed the door behind him, leaving Alfred and Sarah with an uncomfortable situation. The woman didn't quite know where to look, eventually she attempted to break the silence with some small talk. Her lips opened up and got immediately interrupted by the butler's sass, "No need for pleasantries Ms. Parov, let's just wait in silence." So they did.
After a while the door reopened, from the room emerged the black armored vigilante known as Batman, it was quite obvious he made his decision.
"Very well master Wayne, I'll be sure to tape the whole thing. I might want to re-watch it later and tell you 'I told you so' ."
Sarah observed with her eyes wide open, this was the first time she actually saw what Batman looked like up close. Even though it was quite the intimidating look she felt safe, that there was nothing to worry about.
The altered voice of Batman was finally heard in the apartment, " I have to do this Alfred, this is the best way to find out if any of the others are out there. If that means putting myself in the spotlight, so be it. Sarah, you are welcome to stay here with Alfred." The blonde simply nodded.
"Yes, of course, Alfred will look after her. When you return Master Wayne, we will have that talk about strays again."
Batman nodded before exiting through the window, vanishing into the night.
" Will he be alright?"
"Miss, you have no idea how tenacious this man is, he will be fine."
"You know, you could go over there and talk to them. I'm pretty sure they will be more than grateful." A familiar soft female voice said. Bruce turned around and noticed Sarah from the hospital stood mere feet away from him, offering him a kind smile. So far he managed to avoid both the nurse as the victim, unfortunately, he wasn't able to hide this time. "I haven’t seen you around much after that night, you looked rather upset when you left."
The incognito millionaire turned towards her, and put on his best 'Bruce' face, "Oh hello Sarah, I just wanted to check up on them. It's probably for the best if I stay away from them. How have you been?"
"Well you know how it is, treating sick people, rushing home, living life, all the exciting moments that make my life worthwhile. But, erm, Bruce, perhaps we could get a drink and talk?"
Even though Bruce didn't want to, he couldn't think of a good excuse to get out of it. The awkward silence that followed was painful, he had to say something, quick.
"I'm actually quite tired, and was hoping to get an early night sleep."
"This early? If I didn’t know any better I'd say you are trying to actively avoid me. I just wanted to talk to you about something important, it won't take long. There is a nice place just around the corner. " Bruce sighed, there was nothing he could think of to get out of it, "Very well, I will accompany you."
The blonde smiled as she grabbed his arm, "Great! Follow me." Sarah guided him to the establishment nearby.
****
Bruce sat down across the somewhat confident eying woman. The unusual smile she presented intrigued Bruce, it provided her with a certain level of mystery. The waitress came by to take their order, Sarah decided to go with one of the establishment's more exclusive cocktails. Bruce however went for a much safer drink, a combination of exotic fruits but without the added alcohol. The duo did not have to wait long before their beverages arrived, Sarah was the first to taste. There was something enchanting about the scene, Bruce watched as her seemingly soft lips touched the glass, allowing the liquid to enter her mouth, never breaking eye contact with her 'date'. The glass finds its way back to the table, the attractive blonde adjusts her posture and leans in with both elbows on the table. Almost as if she was preparing to show a winning poker hand.
"Well Mr. Wayne it seems you are just full of surprises aren't you? I didn't take you for the aggressive type."
Bruce did not expect something this forward, it was actually quite surprising that she sprung something like this onto him out of the blue.
"Whatever gave you that idea?"
Sarah leaned back into her chair, appearing quite casual, "For someone that dresses up in black armor and beats criminals to a pulp you're actually quite the good actor."
Bruce maintained his calm stature and played the same old game he has played so many times before. He's been so used to lying that it has become second nature to him, " I have read about this masked vigilante on the dataverse, but I can assure you Ms. Parov, it isn't me."
The femme fatale's voice switched in an instant, the formally soft seductive voice suddenly sounded a lot more cold, "Don't take me for a fool Mr. Wayne. I don't know what world you came from, or how gullible the people are there, but here people tend to notice these kind of things. You left my hospital angry, devoted, fearless..." He could feel her eyes penetrate his soul. It was obvious to Bruce this woman was intelligent, dedicated to finding the truth. The woman continued her unannounced interrogation, "After you left there were reports of an unknown masked prime, creating havoc in one of the lower tiers, leaving a trail of destruction and wounded criminals. These criminals just happened to be the same ones that kidnapped that woman's son. And you're telling me that is all just a coincidence?" Bruce attempted to get a word in, but the attempt was futile. the lioness was released from her cage, "And don't get me started about my analyses on the primes physique. Do you want me to explain how identical you are?"
Sarah's logic was solid, he was careless and now someone already figured out his identity. The question now was, what was her goal? Bruce leaned in and lowered his voice slightly, his tone became more serious, "And what if I am this vigilante? What's your game Sarah? Blackmail?"
The blonde scoffed, "Please, there is no reason for me to blackmail you. I hoped you thought better of me. It's like I said back in the hospital, this world could use more men like you. I don't intend to blackmail you Mr. Wayne, just to offer my help. As someone being around this world for some time, I can provide valuable insights. Who knows, you might even find more uses for me." Her former sweet tone of voice returned. She was either a brilliant con woman or she meant every single word she said. Bruce was at an impasse, having serious doubts whether she was telling the truth and how to deal with it.
Sarah followed up, again with sincerity covering each word, "Look Bruce, I figured out who you truly are and I haven't called the authorities on you, i truly am on your side. Let me help you. Just, tell me what you are looking for in this world." Her hands reached out towards his, Bruce's face didn't show a single emotion, his mind was racing, going over every scenario before giving Sarah the benefit of the doubt.
"I come from a world that is ruled by a superhuman dictator, ruling the planet with an iron fist. My allies and myself were in a battle when we attempted to send the dictator and his regime to another dimension, using one of our machines. Somehow it brought me to this universe, and I'm not sure if it did so for any of the others. I've been active around here, hoping the others, friend or foe, would show themselves. That way I know where I stand and perhaps start looking for a way back."
Sarah listened intensely to Bruce's tale. This was the second time he was truly honest with her. The connection she felt with the vigilante was true, it was the reason she decided to help him in the first place. After seeing his devotion and passion that one night in the hospital she had a feeling in her stomach that has never been there before. This was her chance to be part of something bigger, something that could make a difference. Luckily she knew a way to help Bruce.
"The Omniverse is a large place with many powerful primes. Being active in a single tier in Coruscant won't do you any good. If you truly want the others to notice you, if they are here, is to show yourself to the entire Omniverse."
Bruce took a sip from his drink whilst contemplating on Sarah's words. Even though she had a point it would also provide some serious risk.
"How would you suggest I'd go about doing something so reckless?"
With yet another somewhat teasing smile she nudged towards the screen on the wall. Once again, Karl Jak's voice was heard, the screen showed images of last year's competition of Dante's abyss, giving instructions where to sign up and when it would be broadcast throughout the verses.
"That? That's your answer?" Bruce said skeptically
"It's a well known tradition here in the Omniverse, it's being broadcast through every verse and many primes will attend. If you truly want to find your people, this is the best way to let them know you are out there."
The millionaire finished his drink and placed the empty glass next to hers. He was unfamiliar with any of this. Before making any radical decisions he had to talk to Alfred.
"I will give it some thought and talk it over with my...butler" Bruce noticed how strange it must have sounded to Sarah, but she did not comment on it. Instead she looked more at ease then before. "Perhaps, you could accompany me and meet him, explain the plan to him as well. I find his insights rather useful." Sarah nodded, " I'd love that Bruce."
Shortly after he paid for the drinks they left towards his penthouse.
*****
"I'm pretty sure we had a little talk about bringing home strays master Wayne." The stern British accent that came with Alfred's voice was anything but subtle when Bruce entered the penthouse with his new found ally.
"Calm down Alfred, it's nothing like that. I would like you to meet Sarah Parov. She is the nurse that I met in the hospital."
" Ah, so she is the one. It's a pleasure Ms.Parov. My name is Alfred, I am master Wayne's personal caretaker." He said jokingly.
Bruce didn't respond to the joke, and walked up to his old friend, "We need to talk."
Bruce sat down with both Alfred and Sarah, explaining the entire situation to him. About the competition, Sarah's involvement and their future plans. After everything was said and done the older man sighed as he leaned back into his chair, "well Master Bruce, it seems you got quite the decision to make." The anything but helpful butler said to him. "Got any words of wisdom for me, old friend?"
Alfred got up from the chair, readjusted his attire and cleared his throat, "We know how this goes Master Wayne, i give you some brilliant piece of advice, you think it over, discard it and i get to say i told you so at the end." Bruce couldn't help but show the feintest of grins, a rare sight.
"I will have to think this over." The prime retreated to one of the rooms and closed the door behind him, leaving Alfred and Sarah with an uncomfortable situation. The woman didn't quite know where to look, eventually she attempted to break the silence with some small talk. Her lips opened up and got immediately interrupted by the butler's sass, "No need for pleasantries Ms. Parov, let's just wait in silence." So they did.
After a while the door reopened, from the room emerged the black armored vigilante known as Batman, it was quite obvious he made his decision.
"Very well master Wayne, I'll be sure to tape the whole thing. I might want to re-watch it later and tell you 'I told you so' ."
Sarah observed with her eyes wide open, this was the first time she actually saw what Batman looked like up close. Even though it was quite the intimidating look she felt safe, that there was nothing to worry about.
The altered voice of Batman was finally heard in the apartment, " I have to do this Alfred, this is the best way to find out if any of the others are out there. If that means putting myself in the spotlight, so be it. Sarah, you are welcome to stay here with Alfred." The blonde simply nodded.
"Yes, of course, Alfred will look after her. When you return Master Wayne, we will have that talk about strays again."
Batman nodded before exiting through the window, vanishing into the night.
" Will he be alright?"
"Miss, you have no idea how tenacious this man is, he will be fine."