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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2015 20:12:12 GMT
15:03 The Cave 12th November 2017
It was one of those long Sunday afternoons. Not just a long afternoon, but a lazy one as well. It was a day in which many in the Hero business were rather fond of – it made a change from the typical hectic schedule that a hero must keep. Not much was going on at all, anywhere, and for the Teens of the Team it meant they were left to find their own source of entertainment. That is something that suited Tim Drake down to the ground, off time, a chance to do whatever he wanted and away from the watchful eye of the Dark Knight.
Tim currently occupied the lounge of the Cave. He was suited up though, in his ‘Robin’ uniform in case someone did happen to call upon his services. But the Boy Wonder was currently sat on the couch. The television was switched on, flashing brightly with lights and the volume was turned up several notches – it could be heard from a fair way away. Tim had a controller in hand, wirelessly connected to a Video Game console as Tim indulged himself in an online competitive shooter.
The frantic tapping of buttons could be heard as Tim mashed away at the buttons upon the controller. His eyes were glued to the screen, glaring at the screen as he was focused on the game like no other. Tim was in the zone right now, and on the screen towards the left of the screen could one see the feed which noted down the numerous kills that Tim was racking up. Not only could the game be heard, but disgruntled players on their headsets as they shouted obscene remarks down their headsets. Tim had a dead face look to him though, focused. ”BOOM! HEADSHOT!”. Tim yelled out rather loudly, his presence was hardly a secret.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2015 10:23:03 GMT
click click… Tap tap tap tap, click… tap tap… The sounds rang out through the walls of the otherwise silent cave, even the soft muted tone of them seemed to bounce of the walls with ease, being projected out into the corridor, stronger than before. It wasn’t a place that was made to keep sounds grounded after all, and at times even the smallest audio vibrations could bounce of the walls for several minutes, playing ping pong with their own echoes. Cave walls did that.
It was one of the reasons that Gar had always loved the cave, almost as much as he’d loved his first home, the sanctuary. The cave fit him perfectly really. It was like a metaphor for himself at times. Part natural wonder…. Part awesome superhero… If he had to say it himself at least… man… He’d missed this place…
The sounds continued to roll of the natural rock surface of the corridor, twisted slightly by mother nature’s own design. Yet it didn’t take long for him to realize, what, or where they come from. He broke into a grin, and dumped his bags onto the floor, just as the moderate silence was broken by a victorious … ”BOOM! HEADSHOT!”
“Oh Yeah!” He grinned again, now that was a voice he hadn’t heard in a while! He should have come back sooner, but the work and the studies at the sanctuary, had kept him busy for what felt like ages now, even if it hadn’t then. It was only when his sister had literally dropped out of the sky with her new ‘bestie’, that he’d realized he’d been gone for the better part of almost three months. He suddenly found himself wondering how much might have changed since he’d left… Perhaps he should have asked M’gann and Seven about that, before he’d let them drop him off at Mount Justice… yeah… that would have been wise … What had he missed out on?!
He took the last few steps down the corridor in a semi leap, semi sprint, and busted into the lounge with a bounce that had his simian tail bopping up and down behind him like crazy. He was met with the faint hum of angry voices complaining over the team speak, clearly displeased with Tim continuing to rack up an impressive score. Gar couldn’t help but wonder if they knew who they were playing against… they’d so call hax on that…
“… SWEEEET!” He came to a sliding stop behind the couch, almost bumping into it, his eyes already glued to the screen, as the online video game flashed into one of those last kill reviews, that were meant to glorify the last kill shot, or… further piss off people…. Gar personally always felt it had the latter effect. Either way… it was a damn nice shot…
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2015 13:15:21 GMT
Guns were not something that Tim was all too keen on himself. Use of them was strictly forbidden by Batman, and thus Tim had never once even had the opportunity to pull a trigger. But when it came to video games, well. Shooting games were among his favourite, and it was fine for him to play them, right? Tim had to be more careful at the manner, and stuck to shooting games that were not relatable all too well. Games that were set in space, or in an entirely new world, refraining from the typical standard that is the modern day military shooter.
That gameplay session drew to a close, and Tim was delighted to see how well he had done compared to everyone else in the lobby. It cut to intermission, a two minute or so break between games that was usually a rest break to allow for players to go for a bathroom break or whatever else. Tim set the controller down on his lap, and then leaned forward to grab his glass of soda off of the table. Tim would drink a small sip of his drink, sitting back in his seat as he looked at the screen, watching the timer as it counted down. In the distance he could hear movement, someone was around. Tim didn’t pay any attention to it, though he soon caught the sound of a familiar voice.
”What’s up, Gar’?”. It seemed like ages since he had heard the voice of the Beast Boy. Tim would tilt his head to one side to see that it was indeed Garfield who was stood there – though Tim didn’t rule out a shapeshifter playing a prank on him. Tim smiled, turning his head back towards the screen. He hit a button, selecting the map of which he voted for. ”You wanna play? See just how rusty you are”. Tim would enquire as he held the wireless controller up for Garfield to take hold of if he wished to play. Tim figured that Garfield was probably a little rusty, a bit out of practice. Well, there is only one way to fix that.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2015 13:29:29 GMT
“Noothin much! That was a pretty neat shot that one… “ Gar nodded at the screen before putting his hand against the back of the couch and swung himself over it, with an ease most normal people might envy him, but inside mount justice it was more the norm than anything else. There was no way his little neat tricks and displays of agility was gonna impress anyone in here.
”You wanna play? See just how rusty you are”. Tim interjected, holding up the controller towards him. Gar grabbed it, just as he slid down on the cushioned seats next to him.
“Hah" Sure! what game is it? Ohh… sweet! Look at that!” Gar clearly hadnt changed much, still his usual hyper and energetic self, and he'd barely claimed the controller, before he was already browsing through the different menus. He'd found the equipment section first, and was now trying to pick a weapon, something suitingly deadly looking. He wasn’t much of a weapon-know-it-all type of guy to be hounest. Its not like a rhino needed, Kevlar plating, specialized scopes, heat vision, plasma rounds… or anything else fancy sounding like that… what ever it all meat... They where already optimized by nature. Nature rocked! But… Gar still enjoyed the occasionally video game with fittingly graphic explosions and semi gory details… one was a teenager afterall.
“Sheesh… how long did it take you to rack that highscore up…” Gar was still browsing the menus quickly, trying to figure the game out by using the ancient and highly traditionalized method, invented and perfected by so many gamers before him… the method of .... clicking… lots… and lots... and lots... checking out some of the more advanced features. “… Yeah.. no way I’m beating that. How long -have- you been playing this game for?! You joining in too, kicking my 'rusty ass' huh?... talking about rusty... whats been going on here lately? Did I miss out on anything fun?! ohh... any new missions?!” Gar might not be the best when it came to online shooters, but when it came to cramming as much quesitons into one sentence, as possible... he was pretty much the master.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2015 15:25:11 GMT
Tim felt the controller be snatched away quickly as Garfield took control of it. Garfield seemed intent on learning the controls before jumping in, and wandered through every menu possible. Some menus, not even Tim had seen, and he perhaps could have helped shorten the search – by directing Garfield to the booklet in the game’s case. But that was not to be, as Garfield mentioned the highscore that Tim had clocked up. He was rather proud of it, something of a smug look about him at the mere mention of the achievement. ”I’ll pass for now, let you get your bearings”. Tim stated as Garfield asked him whether he would be joining in.
Then came a question that Tim didn’t really have much of an answer to, for Garfield asked what had been going on during his hiatus. His guess was as good as Tim’s. ”You’re asking the wrong dude, dude. Up until a couple weeks ago, I hadn’t been seen outside of Gotham”. Not entirely the case, but for the most part Tim had resided in Gotham for the past year as he looked to improve under the tutelage of Batman. He wasn’t so well caught up with the goings on of the team - that was a question that could be better answered by someone else.
”Nightwing is back, I think. He went M.I.A. for about a year, but he appeared in Gotham about… two weeks ago. Not sure what his standing with the Team is now; Aqualad and Batgirl have been dealing with anything that pops up”. Tim’s preference was for Aqualad and Batgirl to remain in charge of things. Only because they weren’t as reluctant as Dick was in allowing Tim to lead missions, or take on difficult tasks. Tim felt challenging himself was more beneficial than the babysitting approach that Dick had favoured. ”And then there was M’Gann’s new friend; Sebastian. He seemed a little… odd, to me. I suppose that means he’ll fit in just fine, right?”. Tim would say in somewhat of a jester like manner. The Team had assembled its fair share of oddballs, all the way from Garfield here, to Captain Marvel. It was more odd around here to actually be normal.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2015 8:01:10 GMT
Tim had barely had the chance to pass up the offer of joining, before Gar decided he was done browsing every possible menu he could find, and with his usual Garspeed, had signed up for his first round of the shooter game. He folded his legs under him, leaned forward, as if it would somehow get him a few extra crucial inches closer to the screen. Controller held ready, thumbs poised, and eyes glued to the flashing pixels. One might be fooled into thinking he was trying to imitate a curled up spring, ready to cause havoc.
”You’re asking the wrong dude, dude. Up until a couple weeks ago, I hadn’t been seen outside of Gotham”. Tim replied to one of his previous questions, just as the loading screen gave away to the actual map, and Gar sped out of the spawn area.
“I guess everyone has sort of taken some time of to train and do their things huh? It’s why I whent back to the sanctuary too… besides… someone’s gotta keep the place running!... hey.. what… OI! HAX!” The colours of the TV screen bled into an angry red as someone stopped Gars planned havoc only a few steps outside of the spawn zone, with another well placed headshot. One Gar would have appreciated a lot more… if it hadn’t been aimed at his pixilated brain. “Cheaters! All of you!” Gar waved the controller madly at the screen…. Yeah… he was rusty…
”Nightwing is back, I think. He went M.I.A. for about a year, but he appeared in Gotham about… two weeks ago. Not sure what his standing with the Team is now; Aqualad and Batgirl have been dealing with anything that pops up”.
“Nightwing huh? That’s good I guess… and Aqualad and Batgirl are alright too? I guess the Cave must have been pretty quiet…” He was still scowling at the screen, though he’d already taken up the preparations towards signing up for another round. Intent on doing better this time and ignoring the waves of 1337 speak that rolled over the screen in waves punctuated by a string of LOL’s at his untimely demise. ”And then there was M’Gann’s new friend; Sebastian. He seemed a little… odd, to me. I suppose that means he’ll fit in just fine, right?”.
Gar entered another spawn once more, his brow furrowed into a mask of green concentration, though he still seemed to pay at least a mediocre amount of attention to the things Tim was telling him.
“Oh yeah… that guy! I’ve met him. Seven right? He’s pre…. HAH! TAKE THAT NOOBFACE!” Gar had managed to sneak around one of the broken ruins on the space like, post apocalyptic map, they where currently gaming on, and he’d apparently managed to rack up his first kill. Something that caused him to explain loudly, cutting of his own sentence as he celebrated the temporary satisfaction and restoration of his ‘honor’. Though he seemed to realize he’d been mid conversation and cleared his voice before continuing. “ahem.. so… as I was saying. He’ll fit right in… he’s pretty fun at times you know…”
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2015 17:46:22 GMT
Tim would remain sat there as he looked on towards the television. As he had suspected, Garfield was rusty, real rusty. But in no time did the Beast Boy display his ability to adapt, progressively improving with each time he had spawned. It was to be expected, more so from someone who works alongside Heroes as they do. Learning from ones mistakes was important, that and Garfield was probably getting to know the map somewhat. Tim knew it, he knew them all, many hours had been wasted in this virtual space. Some may say that this was time wasted, time that could be better spent – Tim would have to disagree with those people.
Amidst the madness that was going on in the virtual space. Tim was still taking notice of what Garfield had to say; about the Team, Seven and the Sanctuary. ”So that’s where you were… nobody said a thing to me”. It hadn’t occurred to Tim that Beast Boy was there, and then people seemed fond of allowing the Boy Wonder to remain in the dark about… everything. Hmm. Tim would once more raise up his glass of soda as he drank some more of the tasty beverage, then setting the glass down on the table ahead of them.
”I guess”. Tim would say in response to Garfield’s evaluation of their newest teammate. ”I haven’t really spent all too much time around him. Met him at the mall, Halloween costume shopping with M’Gann and Cass”. He added. It was hard to gage someone properly when there were others around, and for Tim that was harder when Cass was about. ”Wonder if he’s any better than you at this”. Tim would say as he saw Garfield once again end up in the spawn zone.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2015 21:45:26 GMT
“No one told you? I guess I kinda forgot heh... figured you'd guess or something. Your the clever one afterall. I just whent there to help out the old Doc run the place and catching up on some animal st … oh come on! Bot much! …” Gar cut his own responds short, flailing with just enough anger, as such videogames required, not that he was quick to anger or anything, In truth, it usually took a lot to anger him. But when it came to video games it was kind of a part of the... experience... So he flailed with the controller a little and scowled suitingly at the screen as he was once more send down for the count by one of the many ‘cheaters’… clearly…
They had to be cheaters… because he couldn’t be –that- rusty… could he…? Damn next time he whent to the sanctuary he had to bring a game console of some sort. Tim was gonna kick his ass.
“M’gann and Seven came to see me there. I guess she thought it was about time I came home. Heh… It was fun though! He got to try Rhino wrestling…” Gar grinned wickedly at the memory, a grin that only widened as he send two players down into the space dust with well aimed headshots. Oh Yeah. He was starting to pick it up now!
“He’s pretty awesome at the adaption thing. And he can mimic all kinds of sounds. I bet he’d pick up this game in no time too… perhaps he could even match your score.” Gar flashed a grin at Tim. “I would like to watch that at least.” Watching the boy wonder getting his ass handed to him… now that would be something… Gar really liked Tim and all, but once in a while he was too good for his own good. That highscore needed bitchslapping.
“So Halloween shopping you say? With M’gann and… Cass?”
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2015 10:51:28 GMT
“It’s probably for the best – things were getting a little too quiet here”. Tim would add after Garfield had explained his absence. The Cave had gone quiet in recent months – at least it had been when Tim visited. With no Garfield, or Bart, it was a little too quiet for Tim’s liking. It was good to have Garfield back.
Tim raised an eyebrow at the mention of ‘Rhino Wrestling’. It only served to send Tim’s head swirling with thoughts about what Garfield meant. But, there really was only result. ”Rhino Wrestling…? That’s… exactly as it sounds, isn’t it?”. Tim would add, he would have really liked to have seen that. Perhaps he will, it’s bound to happen eventually. ”He could try, but… it’s a different ball game when you pick up the controller”. Tim would say as he looked towards the screen. Garfield’s aim was definitely improving. ”Can mimic all he wants, doesn’t mean he can measure up to the real deal, Gar’”. Of course Tim was infinitely confident in his own abilities - to the point where he showed somewhat of a bit of smugness about it. He was perhaps as good with a controller in his hands as he was with a Bo staff.
Garfield went on to quiz Tim about the time spent Halloween costume shopping. It was odd the delayed way that Garfield said ‘Cass’. If anyone was odd in that situation, it was Tim. He’s not exactly a typical Mall resident. ”Yeah… shame I missed the party though. Kind of made the shopping pointless, but it was fun, just hanging out”. Tim responded with to the question. It was a shame he got pulled away, but when duty calls a hero must answer – something they all had to deal with every now and then. ”Had a few monsters in Gotham to take care of”. The main monster attraction that night had been Zsasz. However, he was closely rivalled by Nightwing’s attitude in at a close second.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 28, 2015 18:46:59 GMT
“I wish I could have seen it myself! Like you know… from the side of!” He was keeping his eyes on the screen, continuing to wreak havoc on the ‘out of this world space map’, slowly racking up a score, that though did not even come close to Tim’s, still was impressive considering he’d only picked up the controller minutes before.
“I was like a cheetah right?! And I was running! And he tried to tackle me.. like boom! Grounded! But Hah! Try keeping a Rhino down right?” He sent another player down into the dust, with a grin that could just as well be spurred on by the memory of the Rhino wrestling as the actual kill shot. “He barely seemed surprised though… I was kinda hoping for eyes popping… or something like that… but I guess that’s more his thing. Like… adapting… than mimicking. You know the whole ‘think quick!” Gar shrugged a little, the motion running down his arms as he swung to the side a little, his gaming style, seemingly involving lots of moving around, as if he was physically ‘dodging bullets’ and diving down behind rocks too.
“He gave me a few suggestions too, on how I can like improve and stuff… that’s never bad… anyways! I’d have loved to be there for that party too… Heh… wonder what everyone dressed up as…. Though… monster fighting sounds even better! You need to take me along next time!” Gar turned to look at Tim with an eager, semi pleading look. Damn he wanted to be out there more too, training was all good and well… but it could only teach you so much… he wanted to get his hands… his claws… his paws! Dirty too.
The shift of his attention however, had the unfortunate result of ending his killing spree, and his in game avi was send splattering down into the space dust, the screen bleeding red once more.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 28, 2015 19:21:43 GMT
Tim couldn’t help but smile as he watched on at Garfield’s on screen antics tha were coupled with his commentary. Gar seemed to be quite the active player, not remaining in one position as he moved just as much while tapping the buttons as his character did on screen. It was a different case for Tim, whom often remained dormant like a sleeping beast. Making only precision movements, not expending any energy or focus on anything other than the game he was in. For a moment Tim appeared to be worried, as Gar was closing the gap between his current score and the one that Tim had set. Fortunately enough, Gar showed a slight lapse in concentration and with what followed did a feeling of relief befall the Boy Wonder.
“I’m sure a Rhino would have got into the GCPD building without any attention”. Tim joked. Though he would love to have seen the look on Commissioner Gordon’s face had Garfield tagged along – it would have been a night to remember, seeing a full sized Rhino strut into the GCPD building. ”It was a fairly routine affair really, Bat-Business”. Dealing with psychotic criminals was something that each of the Bat affiliated heroes were all too accustom to. ”You should probably give M’Gann a call, see if you can tag along with her for a while. Just… to get your feet wet with the whole crime-fighting business again”. Tim added. It was only a suggestion, as he figured that the elder members of the team would want Gar to gain a bit more experience in the field before taking him on for full scale team missions. Tim had Batman for that, to gain experience from. M’Gann seemed the best pick to help Garfield. "Iron out those rusty aiming skills you have there". Tim would add in a joking manner, reffering to the fact that Gar's avatar had perished.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2015 14:31:21 GMT
Gar turned his head just in time to see his game avi get send into the pixilated space dust with a splatter of equally pixilated blood. “…awww shucks…” He groaned and scowled at the screen.
“Hey I can be stealthy you know… I don’t –Have- to be a Rhino…” Not even the gory demise on the screen could lesson his mood, or that not so well hidden hint of pride, as he mentioned one of his most preferred shapes, the Rhino. Gar tended to have a preference for the non carnivorous animals, even if he had been known to take on the shape of a predator, he always found it kinda hard. The senses and instincts that came with it, bothered him a little. The idea of hunting an animal, or even eating it, when he'd litterally, walked, run, or bounced a mile in their shoes... It just wasnt as easy as it sounded. So the Rhino... was one of his favorites. They where surprisingly speedy, for their size, and well... large... sturdy... and scary as f... In other words they where a magnificient beast. The tank of nature, one that could put a fright into even the most hardcore villains, if you charged them right… if nothing else then, simple because they wouldn’t expect a Rhino charging them in down Gotham… or somewhere similar. Though… He might have to admit it wasn’t the most discrete animal in the world.
“Oh! II got it! I could shift into a bat! I'd litterally be one of the bat pack then. Get it?” He shifted his gaze towards Tim again, grinning with the same bright enthusiasm as always. Thinking it was a fairly brilliant idea! Yet... he was pretty sure Tim wasnt going to agree half as much. Those silly bats... “I mean what would be more Bat-business appropriate than an actual bat?!” He’d returned to the menu and was scrolling through his inventory and in game equipment list, trying to pick out a new setup of gear and weaponry, one that might suit his style a little better for now. “But yeah… I guess I’ll talk to M’gann and the others too… and hey… Im really not –that- rusty!”
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2015 15:35:22 GMT
”That would fit, but… lacks a bit of the punch a rhino would”. Unless Garfield was going to shift into a Rhino-sized Bat. Then, it would certainly have a bit much power. Especially in those wings, could probably knock a few people out with a giant wing swing. ”Care to try again?”. Tim said with a chuckle, hoping Garfield would offer up another idea. Tim had a good idea, a predator – much like the Bat Family behaved at times when striking from under the cover of darkness.
”I didn’t mean anything by it, Gar. It’s just… after a long layoff, it might be better for you to take down a couple mobsters before charging head first towards someone like, I don’t know… Bane?”. Tim didn’t mean to offend Garfield, if he did happen to do so. Tim was often infuriated by the elder members of the team who kept him wrapped in bubble wrap. It was usually Dick, but there were others who were just as guilty at times. It was one of the struggles that the younger member of the Teams had. Garfield had the added benefit of taking on a stronger form, whereas Tim would always be treated with reluctance until he gets more experience. It was extremely hard to do, when not everyone is willing to give you the chance. ”You’re ability to survive in the virtual space could use a little improvement, for sure”. Tim said with another chuckle, a comment on Garfield’s performance in the video game.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2015 19:33:52 GMT
Gar leaned back against the couch, shrugging of Tims voiced concern that he might have offended him. He didn’t take offence easily. Especially not from friends. He knew he meant well. That Gar was … green… in more than one way. It was annoying at times, sure… but… everyone had to learn… he got that… he did… mostly…
He chewing on his own cheek, with a thoughtful little sound. He was still flipping through the many equipment menus trying to get a much more POWER ON setup for the space avi. Something that wasn’t going to be send face down into the dirt with just one hit… Why wasn’t Rhino armor an option? His brain was working as fast as his fingers against the controller, even his tail was curling and uncurling behind him in an almost hypnotic mesmerizing way as he worked through his usual thought patterns, trying to come up with the perfect form for a possible Bat Raid.
“Oh! I know! I’ve been studying prehistoric animals lately! How about…” He dragged the sentence out to create an air of excitement before he revealed his grand new plan! “a… Pteradactyl!" He left it hanging once more, to create maximum effect of the statement. It was important to wrap these things up in a little pomp and flare when you delivered them. It could mean the difference between an idea being fantastic! or... fail... "They’re big! Fierce! Fast! And much sturdier! And even better! They have bat like wings!” He grinned victoriously at Tim. He surely couldn’t deny the absolutely awesomeness of a dinosaur bat bird! “what do you say?!”
He’d started up another round of the game, his avi now heavily packed and clonking along the map, ready to reeve some havoc and show the bat kid that Gars skills where not rusty at all!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2015 16:13:31 GMT
It was actually a pretty decent suggestion. A Pterodactyl didn’t have quite the outlandish size a Rhino has, and could probably stay somewhat quiet whilst flying. Plus, it looked awesome. It’s a freakin’ dinosaur! It’s better than a Rhino right there! But Tim couldn’t help but notice one thing that Garfield either hadn’t, or had simply passed by. It was a glaring one as well, something any shapeshifter needed to be aware of in Gotham.
”You do see the one problem with that though, don’t you?”. Tim would ask, an eyebrow raised. He didn’t wait for an answer however. ”In Gotham, we’re used to having psychotics roaming around, and the occasional hundred or so year old brute. But, we’re not used to seeing things from a prehistoric age – not unless it’s in Gotham’s museum”. Tim added. ”So, you would have to make one hundred percent sure you won’t get found out. Last thing we need is Vicki Vale reporting on a giant prehistoric dinosaur roaming Gotham’s skyline”. It would make good news though, and likely better than the majority of prime time television shows. ”…and you would want to give Bats a heads up.You know, so he doesn’t blow you out the sky… not that he would, but, you never know”. That was one thing Tim was yet to learn from Batman or his peers; what was the protocol for dealing with prehistoric terrors?
”You should totally use the Pterodactyl look on a mission sometime thought, that would be awesome”. Tim said, trying to settle Garfield a bit. He figured the talk about Batman blowing him out the sky didn’t go down well, perhaps freaked Garfield out a little, unsettle him. That was never the intention.
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