event 001

[equi_nox]

[ Those at the top of Lux Spire may notice things creeping in the shade of plants. These shadows are tiny, reaching the size of rats and no bigger, but take all shapes and formations. Small they may be, but fearless and curious: some of them might snicker and whisper amongst themselves as you pass, while others skitter away underfoot. They seem unwilling to go near the fountain.

Elsewhere, the shadows may reach the size of a cat, and are a little more aggressive. The darkness doesn't seem to be taking kindly to this new cure introduced to the city, and while not ready to launch a full scale attack, they seem to be causing a nuisance to the local citizens in retaliation. As annoyed as they are, these people don't seem too happy to see newcomers - though no one will explain why. ]

Comments

[batdweeb]

[Once they're face to face, Bruce takes a moment to assess Aaron's appearance, though he still doesn't recognize him from anywhere in particular.]

[Bruce smiles.]

So, you recognize me.

[Which, unless this world has some variation of Bruce Wayne running around...]

I'm going to take a guess and say you're not from around here.

[exuviiated]

No, I'm not. I was one of the people who was zapped into this place.
[He's glad that he isn't recognized. He doesn't think he'd be able to handle it if he was. Just Riddler was bad enough.]
[He pushes that aside to grin.]
This is really weird, isn't it?

[batdweeb]

[But of course- after all, why would Gotham's wealthiest CEO recognize a random college student?]

[Bruce shakes his head- he's still smiling amiably, but there's a definite rueful edge to it.]

This whole week's been weird. I'm not sure if this has everything else beat or not.

[He gestures at the chair across from Aaron's.]

Mind if I join you?

[exuviiated]

[He looks over at the chair, almost as if he hadn't even noticed it was there.]
[Yep, he's been totally out of it in almost every single way lately.]
Yeah, no problem. Their caramel macchiato's really good.
[A pointed sip. Sweet, sweet caffeine, the only constant in his life.]

[batdweeb]

[And lo, there is now a six foot tall gentleman sitting across from Aaron.]

Thanks, but I'll have to pass this time. I left my wallet back home.

[If Aaron's not entirely out of it, he might note Bruce looks a little plainly dressed, for a billionaire. And his hair's a little mussed.]

So, you know my name. What's yours?

[exuviiated]

My name is Aaron Barnett, but I respond to pretty much everything.
[Up to, and including, hey, you, shorty, and Griffin. And many more!]
Alright. The coffee's really good, though, and not horribly expensive. I could spot you a few bucks--?
[Shrug. Never thought he'd be offering a millionaire money for coffee, but his life had been... kind of crazy.]
[He smiles, fingers curling around the thick styrofoam of the cup.]

[batdweeb]

I'll just stick with Aaron.

[Another pleasant little smile.]

It's fine.

[Being offered money feels weird and it takes Bruce a moment to add:]

Thanks.

I actually can't stay more than a few minutes, since there's a meeting I'll need to get to.

[exuviiated]

Yeah, that's what I figured.
[It feels really, really strange to be casually chatting with Bruce Wayne.]
[And at the mention of a meeting, he perks up.]
A meeting? What's it for? Is it for some-- stuff about here or how to get back?
[A pause.]
And can I come?

[batdweeb]

[Bruce cups his chin in one hand, looking thoughtfully at Aaron.]

It's a meeting with some of the others who got dragged into this world. And yes, the plan is to try and figure out what we're doing here, and hopefully if there's a way back.

I'd be happy to take you with me. The more the merrier, right?

[Actually Bruce thinks it'd be better to leave out certain people (i.e. Riddler) but Aaron seems harmless.]

[exuviiated]

[Oh, if only Bruce knew about the seemingly harmless Aaron!]
[It might change his outlook. Actually, it might not.]
Oh, yes, I'd love to go. Where is it?
[And here come the questions.]
Just so I know where to go, and when. Do you know anyone else who's going to be there?

[batdweeb]

[If only, indeed!]

At the top of the tower.

[Bruce tilts his head, and gestures with one hand towards the Lux Spire. Yeah, they're just meeting at the top of the TALLEST, MOST VISIBLE STRUCTURE IN FREESIA no big]

There's a young woman named Bette Kane. She's another Gothamite. I don't know for sure who else'll show up, but I'm betting we'll see at least a few of the faces from the network.

[Bruce carefully doesn't mention the whole cousin-from-another-dimension thing. He's still not sure what to think of that little detail and it's not like Aaron needs to know about it, right?]

[exuviiated]

[It's probably best if he doesn't. Aaron is stressed and confused enough, no matter what debonaire and casual demeanor he presents.]
Sounds fair. I-- that really looks tall. Are we going to have to climb the entire way?
[His binder was going to get soaked with sweat. He was going to get soaked with sweat.]
[...he should stop whining. Nobody likes a whiner.]
That's good. So, is there a set time or do we just go over whenever?

[batdweeb]

There's probably an elevator.

['Probably.']

[Hopefully Bruce won't have to carry Aaron if there isn't.]

No set time, although we should probably go soon. I don't want to make Bette wait forever.

[exuviiated]

I'd be alright with going now if you are.
[It never hurts to jump head-first into an unfamiliar and uncomfortable situation!]
[Right.]

[batdweeb]

It's not as if we have anywhere else to go.
[Despite the depressing of that statement, Bruce says it in a surprisingly cheerful tone.]

[He pushes his chair back and gets to his feet, and waits for Aaron to accompany him.]

[exuviiated]

[Aaron rises to his feet soon enough after, tossing his empty cup with surprising accuracy into the trash can a few feet away.]
Sadly. Maybe we'll find a way out.
[Best not to get hopes up, though.]