On Apping into maskormenace

[thebatbutler]

Dearest Mundane,

I suppose we are past the stage where you might consider reason over tossing me into another one of your games. While I do agree that they certainly haven't been entirely horrific in the past, I can't say I'm looking forward to what you've planned for me this time around. However, I do appreciate your attempt to ensure that I'll have company in my new home and I most certainly look forward to seeing Master Bruce again.

Kindest regards,

Alfred Pennyworth

Comments

[jokester_not_joker]

Bruce seems like a nice guy. A bit of a downer, but he means well. Shame he isn't around in my universe.

[thebatbutler]

[Eyebrow.]

I'm sorry, sir. Do I know you?

[jokester_not_joker]

Not exactly. I'm the Jokester. Where I'm from I've got to deal with a menace to Gotham and fashion named Owlman.

I do know the Wayne family though. When a supervillain wants to mail your various organs to the police commissioner you tend to learn the guy's name. Commissioner Thomas Wayne is a good guy, but being a good guy in Gotham means you've got a target on you.

[thebatbutler]

I suppose it should be something of a comfort to note that Gotham itself never seems to change. [Sarcasm]

Although I must say that your version of the city seems to have some significant differences.

[jokester_not_joker]

Not just the city. The entire world is flipped from what you know. So it's even worse than you think. A guy with poor fashion choice and some fancy gadgets is one thing, but people like your Superman and Wonderwoman are on his side too.

[thebatbutler]

Ah. That is most unfortunate. I presume there are also those who fight against them?

[jokester_not_joker]

Along with myself there were three other people. Riddler, Threeface and my darling daughter Duela.

Didn't hear anything out of the other cities so I'm guessing if there were others they weren't feeling chatty.

[bodilesswarrior]

I'm sure you can handle it.

[thebatbutler]

As far as games go, this one certainly seems involve less... bodily harm than other options. However, it's more a question if we should have to simply "handle" whatever is thrown at us, Miss Barbara.

[bodilesswarrior]

Well, we could just sit here, but we know the rest of them are helpless without us.

[thebatbutler]

[Small smile.] Indeed. That's certainly an argument in favor of playing their games. It will be something of a relief to see them again.

[bodilesswarrior]

Who else is there?

[thebatbutler]

Master Richard is there. Although it seems he's... younger than you or I would remember.

[bodilesswarrior]

Ah. That's always tricky.

He might not even be from the same Gotham.

[thebatbutler]

Perhaps, but I won't care for him any less, even if that so. I'm fairly certain that the Bruce I shall be accompanying there is from a different Gotham, as well.

[bodilesswarrior]

Of course. [Her voice is softer, now.] Dick is Dick, Bruce is Bruce.

Might even end up having a better relationship.

[son_of_talia]

Pennyworth! You are not allowed to put yourself in danger. You mean too much to my father. Withdraw from this silly 'game' at once and inform your mun this is unacceptable.

[thebatbutler]

Your father will be accompanying me and I've found that my mun doesn't often take my wishes into consideration. If it's any consolation, Master Damian, the city I'll be... relocated to is less dangerous than some.

[son_of_talia]

Will you at least be armed with something? Every city is dangerous.

[thebatbutler]

No city is without it's dangers. Of course I wouldn't dream of stepping onto the streets ill-prepared. [Is that slight sarcasm?]

Although this particular city seems to have seen fit to provide its inhabitants with various powers, and I understand I'm to have some manner of accelerated healing. [Not that he'll be looking to get into any scrapes.]

[son_of_talia]

I don't care what powers you're given. [Damian gets extremely serious, his voice low and eyes intense.] Mother once said you're like a father to my Father. That you're his family. And that makes you my family.

So. [His shifts uncomfortably, gaze anywhere but on Alfred as he wrestles with being sentimental and being tough.] I need you to stay safe. For him. [God, this is hard. He's broken bones that were less hard to deal with than this.] ...please.

[thebatbutler]

[Alfred smiles softly at Damian. He understands that expressing emotion this openly doesn't come easily to the boy, but it's a mark of the progress they've made that he's able to at all. There's no hesitation when Alfred reaches out for Damian, lightly resting a hand on his shoulder.] I understand, young sir. I shall do my utmost to remain unscathed. For your father. And for your peace of mind as well.

[son_of_talia]

[He's trying to be more open, he really is, but it's like learning a foreign language - and he's Talia's son, he speaks several - without a teacher or a guidebook. This is all he can manage and he's grateful he's not being asked to do more. The tension in his shoulders lessens slightly at the touch. He's starting to get used to the presence of Pennyworth and Bruce in his life.]

What is this game like? Perhaps I could join you. There is safety in numbers, after all.

[And he might want to see his dad. Just a little. But he'll never admit to it. It's easier if he thinks of it as a strategic move.]

[thebatbutler]

Well. [Alfred squeezes Damian's shoulder before letting his hand drop.]

It's a city in a world that's much like our own, although it seems that those of us who are brought there from other places are given various powers upon our arrival. Your company there would be most welcome. [And it's true. There is safety in numbers, but it would also ease Alfred's mind to be able to look after his family members all in one place.]

Perhaps you should ask your mun to look over the game.

[ooc: He's so adorable and perfect. I just want to pinch his cheeks, which would be a bad idea, but still. Anyway. Game is here, if you're interested: maskormenace]

[son_of_talia]

I see. Does that mean Father has acquired powers, too? [That's a strange mental image, but he supposes in a city where powers are more common, it levels the playing field - not that his parents have ever needed powers to fight.]

I'll have my mun look into it. [Ask? Please, Alfred, do you know him?]


[[OOC: Totally looking into it.]]

[thebatbutler]

I suppose it does, although I confess that I have yet to ask him what they might be. Neither of us has currently made our way to the city. We simply made plans to meet up there. [Alfred isn't quite used to the idea of having powers himself, but at least they won't be anything that could accidentally cause harm to others.]