First Night [Action]

[cowledcrusader]

[In the middle of the previous night, a note will be left under the door of Clark Kent.  It reads as follows:]

Clark,

There are urgent matters to discuss.  Be on top of Community Housing 7 at midnight.

[The note is not signed and not dated.  Mysterious letter is mysterious.  The only question is whether or not Clark will meet him there at the appropriate time.   As for the rest of the night before then, Batman will keep tabs on Luceti.  He's looking for anyone in particular he might find useful.  If you want to be shadowed by this vigilante or speak with him feel free to be out and about minding your own business.  Don't worry about finding him.  He'll find you.

Be warned, he may not even stop to talk if he doesn't want to.  That's just how he is.]

Comments

[Action]

[cowledcrusader.livejournal.com]

[...He drew his weapons. He knows he's being tracked. But Leonardo doesn't know where he is quite yet. For now, Batman thumbs his utility belt and draws a batarang in case things go south. Otherwise, he won't move a muscle.]

[Action]

[thesevencodes.livejournal.com]

[The night air is thick and slow, and Leonardo counts the steady pulse that vibrates beneath his skin. Three beats, sword hilts turn in his palms. By seven, his body has moved into a defensive position. Eleven, and the silence screams in his ears. At fifteen, he speaks.]

What do you want from me?

[Action]

[cowledcrusader.livejournal.com]

[Right now, Batman knows he has the advantage. He'll inch slowly around through the darkness, looking to flank Leonardo and keep out of his line of vision. That batarang is still drawn and ready if he sees him, though.]

[Action]

[thesevencodes.livejournal.com]

[He doesn't, and is beginning to feel the immediate dangers in the situation. The cold weather and time spent immobile stars to chill the reptilian blood in his veins; his swords dip slightly, his stance falters, and his focus may appear slightly strained. If he doesn't draw this person out soon....]

Come out. [Forceful, but with a hint of dreaminess. If Batman didn't have enough of an advantage already, Mother Nature has dealed him one more hand.]

[Action]

[cowledcrusader.livejournal.com]

[Good. He's navigated behind him, and whoever this is has lost his composure. Now's the time. Thankfully, one of the things Batman is trained in is ventriloquism... so Leonardo will hear the voice coming from all around rather than just one place. Have Batman's trademark no-nonsense voice.]

Who are you hunting, ninja?

[He says the word "ninja" with an inflection to suggest he's familar with them.]

[Action]

[thesevencodes.livejournal.com]

[The sudden voice rips the cold right out of him, and he spins once with his swords held in the air. His eyes turn slowly across the distance as he measures the question within his mind.]

I'm not hunting anyone.

[Action]

[cowledcrusader.livejournal.com]

[...The intensity in his voice. It's not like Kyodai. No, the brutal honesty in the warrior's statement is pretty clear. Is that something of honor he detects? The voice will ring out again, less aggressive than before.]

Sheathe your weapons. There's no need for them.

[Action]

[thesevencodes.livejournal.com]

[He senses the lowered level of aggression, but isn't ready to let his guard down just yet.]

Show yourself first.

[Action]

[cowledcrusader.livejournal.com]

[He'll move out of the shadows enough that Leonardo should be able to see his outline. Currently, he's allowing his cape to drape all around him, concealing the batarang he is holding in case this ninja decides to try something. Batman appears stoic and unmoving, as if unintimidated by his foe, but not aggressive either.]

[Action]

[thesevencodes.livejournal.com]

[Leonardo does not sheathe his swords immediately. Instead he watches the steady outline of his stalker, trying to figure out why it seems so...familiar. It doesn't take him long to realize that Batman refuses to come any closer until he puts the weapons away - he fixes his eyes squarely on where the cape's gap would open up should the man move, and slowly sheathes his swords.]

Why are you following me?

[Action]

[cowledcrusader.livejournal.com]

[Before he opens his cape, he slides the batarang back into place in his belt. He'll draw a few steps closer, revealing more of his form.]

...Ninja rarely move through the shadows unless they intend to strike.

[Action]

[thesevencodes.livejournal.com]

[The shape and logo are unmistakable. For a moment, Leonardo considers the possibility that he's gone crazy - he's talking to Batman. But the taste of danger is heavy on his voice, and Leo is unwilling to risk the apparent lull in aggression.]

In my world, my kind shouldn't exist. I have to live in the shadows to survive. [Pause.] Using them as cover is just a habit - I'm not planning on attacking anyone.

[Action]

[cowledcrusader.livejournal.com]

[Batman regards his words carefully. Assuming he's telling the truth about his world, his skill would make sense. Of course, Batman's not willing to trust this... turtle man just yet. No aggressive gestures as yet.]

You have a name.

[Action]

[thesevencodes.livejournal.com]

Yes. [He dips into a bow, but it's very much guarded.] My name is Leonardo.

[Action]

[cowledcrusader.livejournal.com]

[...No stranger to Japanese culture, Batman gives a slow, but respectful nod in response.]

I'm Batman.