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Brutality watched on in silent rage as his mentor and her partner were humiliatingly treated, not simply as common criminals, but as toys! Jokes! Without even a modicum of respect shown towards his dearest friends!
He knew nothing of this Justice League other than they’re some big-time heroes. All Brutality could see were big time assholes! He withholds judgment in regard to The Flash; the crimson speedster having previous history with Batwoman as well as being vocally against her mistreatment by that gangrene SOB with the attitude.
Otherwise, The Justice League have landed themselves squarely on the top of Brutality’s shit list.
How dare they trap Batwoman and Robin in a giant birdcage!? How DARE they dismiss her skills, talents and achievements over her not having any superpowers? They weren’t jack shit themselves! Gangrene ain’t got nothing going for him without that weird-ass ring of his. Hawk Bitch isn’t any better considering without her wings, she’s as helpless as any other non-meta human. Mace or no mace! Apparently, Black Canary can scream. Big whoop. Take out her throat, job done. At least Batwoman is adaptable with equipment to suit any situation under the sun!
Brutality watches on, his fury rising even more with the appearance of the fifth league member and de-facto leader, some pretty little princess from nowhere special. His grip tightens over the brick in his hand. She especially pisses him off with her inaction to release his friends.
She was just standing there! Doing nothing despite having shown up before little Ms. Tweety bird, opting to watch from the shadows! She ain’t nothing special, too, Brutality concluded. He saw her before anyone else did yet she never noticed him on top of the short water tower right next to her!
A short while later, Brutality huffed as Batwoman and Robin were FINALLY released from Gangrene’s stupid green cage thanks to Black Canary’s efforts (and ONLY hers, fuck you very much Wonder Whore). She definitely gets points for that. Now he needs to figure out how he’s going to tear these dipshits apart while they’re distracted.
Hefting his brick, he quickly puts something together in his head.
Toss the brick at Gangrene’s head to stun him, at the same time jumping onto Hawk lady, taking out her chicken wings. Once she’s down, use gangrene as a human shield (He better not forget the ring). The Flash is definitely not gonna stand still the whole time, but luckily, Batwoman equipped Brutality with oil slick capsules. Thick, viscous and transparent, one or two on the ground would be enough to deal with the speedster when he tries to dash behind them, sending him skating off at full throttle. That just leaves Black Cana….
“Stand down, Brutality.”
Crap.
Of course Batwoman knew he was there (and he’d always be) and what he was thinking, and of course she wouldn’t want to draw first blood. What did Brutality honestly expect? Diplomacy is all well and good, but it’s not doing his temper any favors in this situation.
With a sigh, he stands back up and steps off the water tower, letting himself drop down unceremoniously, his suit automatically compensating for the harsh landing and allowing him to simply straighten back up as if he just simply hopped in place and not drop down from 15ft. (give or take).
His sudden appearance caught the Justice League by surprise. Brutality wasn’t impressed in the slightest. They’d better up their game if they want to match HIM, let alone Batwoman. Seriously, their (What did Bryce call it…?) unit cohesion, among other things, needs a lot of work if they’re gonna have any hope of succeeding in…whatever their agenda is. Gangrene and Chicken Head were definitely not happy.
“Woah, where’d you come from??” Gangr-err, Green Lantern said as he took an unconscious step back from the Crysis looking guy in the jacket and cargos.
“From the womb, just like you, Gangrene.” He replied, “Or an egg in your case, I suppose.” He added offhandedly to Hawk Girl. The Thanagarian glared at Brutality as he started pacing around opposite Batwoman and Robin, essentially sandwiching the League between the three of them.
He locks eyes with Wonder Woman and behind his visor, his scowl deepens.
“I definitely don’t like you.” He told her, shoulder checking her as he walked passed, letting her know where they stood. Her cool gaze didn’t change and Brutality would give her some props for that; her emotional control is pretty good.
Brutality’s pacing was abruptly halted by a green stop sign that appeared in his way.
“Now hold up! Who the hell are you and where do you get off talking smack to us!?” He heard the green jackass speak up as he marched up to him. Brutality turned around to face him head on. So long as Green Lantern doesn’t touch him, he’ll leave the League member be.
Brutality is praying that he touches him.
“We’re the good guys here! What gives you the right to talk shit to us!?” Lantern continued, emphasizing his point by poking Brutality in the chest.
Thank you, God!
With lightning quick reflexes, Brutality grabbed the offending hand in a near-bone-crushing grip and didn’t let go. Green Lantern eyes widened in surprise as he attempted to pull his hand out of the vice-like grip (power armor FTW).
“Hey, let go! I said let go, you little…whoa!” Lantern stumbled back as his hand was suddenly released, but just as he regained his footing, his suit dematerialized from around him, leaving Hal Jordan standing there in his air force flight suit in shock. Flash, Hawkgirl and Black Canary were left dumbfounded, Wonder Woman narrowed her eyes in displeasure, Robin was in a similar state as he watched on in intrigue and Batwoman was still and stoic as she watched on, absorbing all the information she could.
Batwoman knew that Brutality was not an instigator by any means. He only ever involves himself when provoked, by either actions taken towards him or by his moral compass. In this case, Brutality was provoked by Her and Robin’s capture. His loyalty to her was no secret in the bat clan and neither was the reason behind it. His emotional control is like Chinese bamboo, it can handle a lot of stress, but eventually, it does snap. Their unjustified capture had clearly sliced clean through that. He’s barely keeping it together and Green Lantern is only adding fuel to the fire.
Hal quickly checked his ring only to find it gone. What the hell!?
His eyes snapped back to Brutality who had been holding that hand just a moment ago and he sees him holding up Hal’s power ring, casually inspecting it.
“Ugly ring.” Said Brutality…Then flicked the ring over his shoulder, sending it sailing off the nearby edge of the roof they’ve all been standing on.
Hal wasted no time. He shot his hand out in front of him and a moment later the ring shot back up to the roof and onto his ring finger, immediately transforming him back into Green Lantern. He then leveled a glare at Brutality nearly as intense as one of Bryce’s patented bat-glares…which Brutality had built some resistance to.
“Oh you’re gonna pay for that you little shit.” Lantern said as he approached Brutality, ready to throw down with the disrespectful punk, but was blocked by The Flash.
“Dude, calm down! Relax!” he said, trying to placate his angry friend.
“Seriously?! He steals my ring and tosses it, and you’re telling ME to relax?!” Lantern replied flabbergasted.
“Yeah, because if you don’t, things are gonna get worse. Now go. Calm. Down!” Flash finally manages to pull Green Lantern away and then turns to address Brutality. “But seriously, bro. What you did was NOT cool-”
“Not cool?!” Brutality’s sudden retort grabbed everyone’s attention once more. Flash’s comment sent his temper flaring again.
“I’m sorry, but did I hurt his feelings?! GOOD! Because imagine how I felt when I arrived, seeing two of the most important people in my life trapped in a fucking bird cage by some castrated, overcompensating gangrene son-of-a-bitch who only did it to prove some bullshit point!” Brutality said, aiming his words at Green Lantern, who started looking a little like a deer caught in the headlights. Brutality’s tone could have scorched the sun, and he didn’t stop there as he shifted his gaze to Hawkgirl.
“Imagine how pissed I got, hearing all of my mentor’s skills, talents, abilities, intelligence and achievements dismissed so casually just because she didn’t have any superpowers!” He approached her as he spoke, and try as she might, the Thanagarian shamefully couldn’t help but take an unconscious step back and place her hand on her mace. “All you got are two wings and a mace sweetheart, and last I checked, you needed both wings to fly!” Stepping away from the winged warrior, Brutality then fixed his sights on Wonder Woman, his gaze murderous behind his visor. The Amazonian princess met his challenge head-on.
“Imagine how damn near MURDEROUS I was when the supposed leader, someone who was apparently known and loved internationally for being a true hero, saw all this injustice happening in front of her and didn’t do a damn thing to fix it.” Even Wonder Woman couldn’t help but feel a little guilty about that. Her curiosity got the better of her as she watched on, wanting to see how Batwoman would handle her situation. She was also a little frustrated with herself for not noticing Brutality hiding under their noses the whole time. None of this showed on her face though, keeping her emotions under control.
Before Brutality could continue his verbal rampage, a firm yet gentle, black-gloved hand on his chest stopped him in his tracks.
“I said, stand. Down. Don’t escalate the situation if you don’t need to, remember what I taught you.” Batwoman calmly scolded the already scalding Brutality, while the Justice League members watched on, some of them expecting a loud argument between the two Gotham vigilantes. However, once again, they were surprised (and some, relieved) as Brutality immediately heeded his mentor’s orders and took a step back with a humble dip of his head. Wonder Woman could tell he was still pissed, the measured breathing and stiff posture was evidence enough. However, what impressed her of the pair in front of her is that Brutality made no move to argue or undermine Batwoman. No mumbling, whining, attitude...only full cooperation. It’s clear that Batwoman’s will over the armored man is absolute.
Curious.
“Go cool off.”
And with that, the brutal storm had passed and everyone relaxed as Brutality went to stand by robin, stretching out to relieve the tension and residual temperament. Having taken position next to the youngest vigilante there, his friend leaned his way a little.
“You okay?” The Boy Wonder asked while keeping his eyes forward towards the meeting. Brutality sighed, tiredly.
“Not looking forward to the lecture when we get home.” he said dejectedly, pocketing his hands and accepting his fate.
“Then why didn’t you just let it go?” Robin raised an eyebrow.
“Seeing you two trapped in that cage…and gangrene’s running his mouth, the disrespect…it just got to me.” Brutality grumbled and it was Robin’s turn to sigh.
“Yeah, I get it.” He said as he placed a hand on his pseudo-brother’s shoulder, and he meant it, remembering a recent incident with a certain school bully.
**********************************
Well, at least they got an apology, even though Batwoman wasn’t interested in it, preferring to just get to the point and skip the pandering. Brutality managed to keep his mouth shut and his hands in his pockets the whole time, so at least he got to show batwoman that he can in fact keep his cool. He didn’t want to disappoint her with another screw up.
He nearly cracked up at their reaction to Bryce’s rejection. You can tell they were expecting her to say yes, but Gotham’s just full of surprises, eh? He loved how frustrated some of them got when Batwoman explained her completely well thought out and impossibly logical reasoning. Especially that green jackass. Asshole just had to go and bad mouth Gotham like that.
They were left unable to respond because everything she said hit the mark, which was what really hurt them. She was tactful and respectful in her wording but Brutality could hear it loud and clear.
They were nothing more than super-powered janitors.
Then the Justice League had left with their collective tail between their legs, save for Wonder Woman, who asked about Superman. That line of questioning had left a bad taste in Brutality’s mouth and it was pissing him off again. It didn’t help that this chick refused to take the hint and leave.
Now they’re trying to leave but Wonder Broad just won’t let it go. She walked after them as they headed to the roof edge to grapple out of there, but just as all three of them had there grappling guns out, Batwoman hesitated. Brutality looked towards her in masked concern.
“Go.” She whispered to them. Oh no.
Neither he nor Robin were happy about that order, but Robin followed through and took off as ordered. Brutality, on the other hand, hesitated. He glanced back at Wonder Woman, who stopped a respectful distance away, then back to his mentor.
“Are you sure?” He asked her, tossing a thumb back at the Amazonian princess behind them. Batwoman nodded.
“Fear not, for you have my word that she is in no danger.” Wonder Woman spoke up, taking a step closer. Brutality glared back.
“Now I think I’ll stay. Deal with it lady, I trust you less than I trust a hunk of fresh shit to not stink.” Calm yet venomous. Batwoman’s eyes narrowed as she was about to countermand that decision but Wonder Woman spoke up again.
“I must say, your loyalty to Batwoman is commendable…yet quite severe. I’m curious to know what she had done to earn such loyalty.” Wonder Woman finished by folding her arms loosely around her waist.
Batwoman stayed quiet while Brutality contemplated the Amazonian and her question before fully facing the Princess of Themyscira with his hands in his jacket pockets, giving her his complete, undivided attention.
He spoke with a voice laced in pure appreciation and adoration for the Dark Knight.
“When I needed help, Batwoman helped me. When I was at a low point, she pulled me back up. When I was nothing but a piece of rusted rebar, she’s now forging me into the finest blade. Back in the day, she had every reason to arrest me when she found me and she’d be correct to do so, but instead, she offered to take me under her wing. She gave me hot food to eat, a warm bed to sleep in, sophisticated training to improve my skills, friendship, respect and a real chance at a brighter future.”
“Superpowers don’t make you a hero. Going out there and helping people who need it; that’s what makes you a hero. Batwoman is out here every night doing her damnedest to stop crime, corruption and the like in order to improve the quality of life for everyone out here. Under that armor, she’s packing her fair share of scars. Each one a lesson she learned from to improve herself and, by extension, the rest of us. She does all this and more and never once asked for anything in return. She doesn’t want people to know just how fragile the stability they live in really is. She doesn’t want them to live in fear of that one thing that could shatter it all. She wants them to live peacefully. Happy and safe. Bumping back the things that go bump in the night and making sure they never bump again. That’s the truth behind the mask, behind the woman.”
“Now, she’s not perfect. Despite the picture I’m painting of her, she does have her quirks and shortcomings just like everyone else. The dubious existence of her sense of humor is a prime example. But no matter what issues she may or may not have, her heart is always in the right place. Always. And she always has the purest intentions, and I have yet to see otherwise.”
“That’s why if you ask me to pick a side, you’ll find me beside her before you even finish that thought. That’s why when she walks into battle, I’m right behind her. That’s why when some green jackass goes and traps her in a cage, I’m ready to tear his arms off to get her out!”
Brutality walks forward until he’s face to face with Wonder Woman.
“That’s why…you don’t deserve to have her join your organization. The Justice league is not worthy of her time.”
And with that, Brutality walks back to Batwoman who silently watches him, as stoic as ever.
She never ceases to impress him with her self-control.
Wonder Woman was just as quiet as she contemplated everything that she had just been told. A few moments later, a small fond smile appeared on her beautiful features.
“I have always believed that true loyalty can only be earned. To see it with such ferocity speaks volumes of Batwoman’s character. I can only hope to one day be worthy of such loyalty.”
In the end, Batwoman still sent him away, wanting to speak with the celebrity hero in private.
*****************************
Peter was back in the main lounge of Wayne Manor, the Brutality suit cleaned and put away, dressed in home garb, and slouching in one of the big armchairs with only the lamp beside him providing any light. It had been a hell of a night. He knows he should be in bed, getting some sleep, but too much was going through his mind concerning the events of that night. Mainly, he’s thinking about what Batwoman and Princess Yahoo (he had started calling her) had talked about in private. Jason said he would talk to Bryce in the morning in that regard so answers are coming, hopefully.
Yet still, his thoughts refuse to cease.
Bryce had, in fact, NOT chewed him out for his actions. That doesn’t mean he walked away scott-free. She saddled him with meditation exercises to help him improve his self-control. Peter smiled at that. She saw his flaw and instead of benching him for it, she instead gave him a way to iron that flaw out of him. The Jackass League really didn’t deserve her.
Outside the window, the faint traces of purple in the sky hint at the coming sunrise.
“You should be in bed master Peter.”
Turning his head, Peter sees Alfred at the lounge entrance, dressed in a robe over his pajamas and a comfy pair of slippers. He casually approached the 16-year-old with mild disapproval on his older features.
“Can’t sleep. Too much going through my head.” Peter mumbled loud enough for the beloved butler to hear him, letting his head fall back into the chair.
“I assume the Justice League are the main focus of these thoughts, sir?” Alfred asked as he came to a stop by the chair, hand resting on its back. Peter nodded.
“Yeah. They show up out of nowhere, treat Bryce and Jason like crap and then expect them to join up.”
“Yet Ms. Bryce had declined their offer and then they left.”
“We both know that’s not the end of it, Alfred. It’s never that simple.”
“Perhaps this time we shall be pleasantly surprised.”
“Before I left, Princess Yahoo asked Bryce about Superman. I could feel something was up and I didn’t like it.”
“Perhaps that may have been the reason for the private audience, sir.”
“It had to be. Bryce made it clear that she’s not interested.”
“It is possible she was also fishing for more information. As you implied, this is no small matter.”
“No it’s not and if worst comes to worst, then something really nasty is gonna hit the fan.”
“As it sits, Master Peter, whatever may be coming may still be a ways off. Therefor it isn’t worth driving yourself to an early grave fretting about the future. My advice, ask the lady of the house. She’s bound to know more and would possibly tell you more. But for now, I insist you go to bed and rest. You have school in a few hours.” He finished by placing both hands behind his back and straightening his spine, his tone of voice indicative of his true role as the true patriarch of Wayne Manor. Peter just rolled his eyes, but nonetheless, began making his way off his chair and out of the lounge.
“Alright, alright, I’m going, I’m going.” He replied, earning a small smile from his elder.
“Very good sir. Then I shall bid you goodnight.” Alfred replied with a small smug smile. Peter waved over his shoulder.
“Goodnight Alfred.”