Moonlit Downpour [Man-Bat, Scarecrow]

[Deleted]

Water, water, every where, And all the boards did shrink; Water, water, every where, Nor any drop to drink. Words which echoed through the halls of Ra's' mind as the droplets of rain from the dark clouds above fell at an increasing pace. When they had left their Gotham headquarters it was a slight drizzle, when they had arrived at the narrow and gloomy alleyway which extended below them it had turned into a gushing downpour. But no amount of water would wash the sin of this City away, not tonight or any other night. Though where water fails, perhaps fire will succeed in cauterizing the wound of infection. However now was not the time for such ponderous thoughts, there was work to be done before the morning's first light would break over the wearied eyed inhabitants who slept tightly in the building's below their feet, oblivious to the ambush being prepared above their heads.

A little hum from cars in the distance, a police siren blaring three blocks away, all sounds were numbed by the constant falling of rain which bounced and echoed through the side street which they had chosen for their spot of attack. And from above you could see why it was such the perfect spot for their attack. It was narrow, the average car would find it difficult to pass through without chipping it's sides and it was tall; on each side a building stood at least four stories high. If history has taught us anything about conflict, it is that a strong position can mean the difference between victory and defeat, that you should never allow your enemy to pick the battlefield. And all the better if your enemy does not expect to meet you on said battlefield. Having lived through numerous engagements, Ra's and his Assassins knew the art of war well and they would use this knowledge to capture their target tonight; the creature known and feared as Man Bat.

When news came to the League's ears that a fearsome Bat like creature was preying on the people of Gotham, a Bat other than the vigilante, Ra's saw the opportunity to seize this beast for his own desires. An unnatural monster with strength and speed beyond that of any man, the secret of which could hopefully be extracted and replicated by an experienced scientist in the fields of toxins. Luckily Ra's knew just the man. But first they would have to capture their prize, not an easy task for the average man but the Head of the Demon never claimed to be such a thing. A flash of lightning burst from above, crackling with a clap of thunder following suit, illuminating the roof top his Assassins were perched on ready to strike. In their hands were either modified grappling hooks or tranquilizer rifles. The first would be used to grab the Animal and the second to render it unconscious for transport. And this alley way would mean that it would either be forced to double back on it's self or go up as a dead end lay waiting at the far side.

But to lure such prey, a hunter must use a special type of bait, in this case an expensive device fashioned to create sound waves only audible to animals with an acute range of hearing, animals such as Bats. The hope is that Man Bat will be drawn to the device which had been placed at the rear of the alley, then before it can flee Ra's' men will have lunged for it, ensnaring it in their cables before moving it to Crane's lab. Crouched upon the edge of the roof, the clouds opening their flood gates down upon his brow, Ra's peered down into the concrete chasm below to the two men standing ready by the device and with a swift raise of his arm he gave the signal. In return they nodded their hooded heads and turned to the quite small emitter, flicking the main switch on to begin the process before leaving to get into one of the vans they had parked nearby to block the ground exit of the alley. Every dog with in a mile suddenly began to howl at the moon.

[Deleted]

Relentless, eerie obsidian shrouded the sky, sinister clouds looming over the city to cast the world under an ominous, seemingly everlasting shadow. The heavens rolled in a vicious battle, thunder exploding with enraged ferocity, streaks of jagged electricity carving across the night like white hot spears. From the chaos above rained crystalline droplets of cold, stinging liquid. The moon and the stars were nonexistent in that moment, captured by the storm and hidden away from the view of mortals. Attempting to fight the mighty gales was a ghastly creature, massive wings spread wide, beating forcefully in an exhausting display. The rain plastered matted, stained fur against skin, and the monstrous creature trembled with cold. A screech of distress shattered the customary clashing of the savage weather, as a set of twin glowing optics shone with crimson light, scanning the landscape below for some form of shelter.

The night before, he had been driven from his hideout, an ancient homestead on the outskirts of Gotham. It had been the second of his homes to have lost that week, the first being raided by the Gotham police. Needless to say, the Man-Bat was enraged, for his eyes had contracted a hateful glimmer, feral and devoid of understanding. Below, Gotham city felt the full force of mother nature, as many of its civilians that happened to work late were rushing to shelters. At least the Batman and his allies would have a particularly easy evening, there were few fools that would brave such a storm. The Man-Bat had certainly not been granted a choice, for he had no place to stay.

His gaze was swift to detect some form of protection, focus settling upon a construction zone not too far off. A few beams lay naked upon the structure, but the lower level held a partial floor of wooden planks and a few walls to offer some break from the wind and the rain. The beast banked toward the scene, angling himself for a rough landing. His thoughts were suddenly interrupted, however, large, tattered ears perking up like radars as a nail grating sound invaded his consciousness. The high pitched frequency was nearly unbearable, and no amount of irritated squeaking could drown it out. Having paused midair and still beating back the weather with his powerful wings, Man-Bat twisted around in an effort to detect the source of the noise.

His route interrupted, the nightmarish creature began to follow the frequency towards whatever was emitting it, the foul weather forcing him low to the ground, so that he was forced to weave between buildings, unable to afford rising above the rooftops for fear of the wind catching his wings and sending him crashing toward the concrete. Gliding over the streets, he took note that the sound had shifted towards his right, and with an angry shriek, the Man-Bat took a sharp turn into the alleyway, his gaze focused upon the object that awaited him at it's end. Diving for the emitter, his talons scrapped against pavement as he moved in at ground level to investigate.

[Jonathan Crane - Scarecrow]

Dr. Crane had done what he was told. On a night like tonight he would have rather been in his lab where he could work in peace but Ra’s had other plans for him. He was in no position to question with the current state he was in. The doctor still had yet to share that kind of information with him. He didn’t feel that it was the right time. If he were to just tell him now, after a very raw separation had just occurred it would only ensue more wrath. Then again if he were to find out on his own…

Those consequences might be more interesting.

These thoughts tossed back and forth in his mind as he walked through the rain to the position they were supposed to hold. He wore his normal long trench, not taking any precaution with his shoes or under shirt to protect him from the rain. He was used to this kind of weather and living in a sewer for a long time will get anyone used to the moisture. The rain was a welcome change above than below. He watched the men set up the ambush from above, standing near Ra’s. He watched the signal as it was given and the symphony of animal cries that followed. It wouldn’t be long if the beast was already out.

Why was he here? He glanced at Ra’s which was the obvious answer. He had little interest in this plan that Ra’s had in mind, aside from what he could benefit from it. What a waste of time, his fruitless endeavor to purge the world. It would have been an incredible waste of material to study on. If only there was a way that he could pry into Ra’s mind and find out what fear drove him, then he could answer all of those questions for him. If he would just abandon and succumb to what drove him then in the end he would abandon this and embrace the truth. But the man was blindly committed to his cause; he doubted he would ever see without complete interference.

A chill hit him and he turned to the direction in which the sudden change came. “It comes.” He announced softly to Ra’s and looked up into the sky as a creature swept down and stalked toward the device like his entire existence depended upon destroying it. The beast was afraid of the noise. The doctor moved toward the edge to see the ambush happen in front of his eyes. Just seeing the creature move was a wonder in itself. As he watched the creature from the ledge ideas were quickly turning in his mind. Most of which he would keep to himself and appear to simply be following orders. He would give Ra’s his army…and for himself, he would gain so much more.

[Deleted]

Though the rain continued to beat down upon them as if they were under the gaze of a billion volleyed arrows, Ra's managed to hear Dr. Jonathan Crane's call out to him, turning slightly to face him, only to look through him and out onto the distant building covered horizon. "Like a moth to flame..." He muttered under his breath, picking up a pair of binoculars that sat in his storm soaked leather long coat, using them to spy for the approaching winged beast. Sage eyes flecked with black peered through the optical lenses, which gave an enhanced view of the surrounding area as this pair had been upgraded with a thermal option, highlighting all of the objects which gave off heat, including the creature that bore down upon them with tremendous speed. To capture it they would need to show a superior display of agility, and with the element of suprise on their side Ra's had no doubt that they would be successful in their task.

While preparing for this mission Ra's made it a point to bring along Crane, even if his very presence created a disgusted sensation which reminded him that he was in the presence of a criminal not a friend, a tool which would ultimately one day loose its use, or at least Ra's hoped so. But for now the Doctor's expertise would once again be required for the League's own ends, as he would be the one to experiment upon the Bat once they had captured it. This would lessen the risk to Ra's' operatives in case the Beast broke free and Crane claimed to be no novice in the area of genetic manipulation. However their interests would likely cause friction but like any chained animal Crane would do as instructed if his leash was pulled hard enough. For the League the chance to replicate the serum was too good to ignore, the promise of an enhancement for Assassins which would give them the senses of a bat, with increased strength and ferocity.

The raw power that such a creature exhibited stirred carnal feelings deep within Ra's as he saw great potential in such an asset, it had to be his. And when it's clawed feet crashed down upon the tarmac street floor, it's wings blowing cluttered rubbish around the compact space, a shudder ran through his body. Crouching down, the bottom of the jacket falling into pools of water sat upon the roof, he peered down into the alley below as he reached for the tranquilizer rifle slung onto his back, cocking it steadily before lifting his hand for his signal. Around the crevice, all the other Assassins readied their weapons in a similar manner, waiting for the Monster to reach the end of the closed street before unleashing their shots. They would only get one chance to do this, failure was not an option, they could not allow it to reach the necessary momentum to fly up out of their grasp.

Heart beats matched the fall of the rain on the cold ground, though with clasped shut eyes Ra's prepared himself as he quickly mastered his racing heart, slowing it to a controlled pace as he waited for Man Bat to reach the pulsing machine propped up at the furthermost wall. When it had crawled to a sufficient depth, his eyes shot open and his hand cut down straight through the damp air, signaling his men to fire at will, which they immediately did, firing both nets and darts to ensnare andincapacitate their target.

[Deleted]

He probed at the object with the talons at the end of his wing, hissing with discomfort as the noise persisted. It didn't seem to register within his feral mind that he might have fallen into the workings of a trap, though he was confident in his ability to handle an ambush, the creature was still quite wary of them. He was often brazen, but some bit of caution was always persistent within his mind. The rain continued to slicken the world, chilling the creature through thick fur and beating the concrete with all the fury of mother nature. But while the discomfort from the weather was still strong, it seemed that the Man-Bat was enthralled by the painful frequency that had drawn him into the alley.

But there was a danger lurking nearby that he had been unaware of, and he took immediate note when the fierce gales that swept through the streets brought with it a strange scent. Lifting his head, the beast's ears shot upward, though nearly every sound was drowned out from the shrill noise that distracted nearly every sense. He hardly had a moment to react when a sharp pain struck his side. Whipping his head around, he caught sight of the dart that had burrowed into his flesh.

A moment later, and two more struck him. The creature raised his wings, parting his jaws to shriek with rage. But the chilling tone was cut short, as nets were cast upon his muscular frame. With his crimson eyes flashing upward, the beast caught sight of the life forms that had taken up position on the rooftops above him. His piercing glare glittered with hatred for them, as a darkness crept into his gaze. Still he struggled, ensnared in the nets. His razor sharp talons sliced through a few of the lines that held him against the concrete, but within minutes, as the Man-Bat grew weaker, he fell upon the earth with a hefty force, and he lost his consciousness.

[Jonathan Crane - Scarecrow]

Dr. Crane felt his arm tense as Ra’s came close but it dropped as quickly as it came. He wasn’t afraid of the man and he never would be, at least that’s what he told himself. He just didn’t want the man standing near him or touching him or doing anything around him. Ra’s had made a habit of grabbing him across the throat and jaw and making things very uncomfortable. The thought made him rub his fingers along it but his fingers dropped before Ra’s could look.

They were both fixated on the creature that flew straight into their trap. He didn’t have any interest in what Ra’s wanted for him but Dr. Crane had his own sense of use for this. A creature that was a man was something he could work with and had in the past. How his toxin would take effect had been tried before on other creatures. In the past he had administered a dose of toxin to the Killer Croc, to no avail as it didn’t work. The toxin seemed to respond to small mammals but anything that was mixed with human genes seemed to create a problem.

It didn’t take long for the beast to be contained with the trap. He stood beside Ra’s at the edge though Dr. Crane didn’t crouch down at his side. Instead he found a ladder nearby and began his decent below to get to the creature. Now that it wasn’t moving it was safe to approach and remove the beast. The doctor was simply doing his job. He was there to do whatever Ra’s wanted and since they wanted the creature alive he was going to go make sure that it was.

His grip loosened on the metal ladder and he slid all the way down until his feet splashed against the pavement. He walked up to the beast slowly and the crouched at his side. Carefully the doctor began to examine him by tilting his head back first and looking into his eyes. The doctor pulled out his stethoscope he kept in his right jacket pocket and put it in his ears. Carefully he placed the metal against his chest and listened. His heart beat didn’t sound anything normal to him, but it may be this specific creature’s version of normal. For an animal, particularly a bat it sounded a little off base.

The doctor stood and waited for others to gather around him to do whatever they were planning to do, possibly take the beast back to a lab where he could work. “The creature is unconscious, breathing seems to be stable with minimal stress. ” He stated almost robotically as he was supposed to. He wanted to get whatever Ra’s wanted done with him over with, so he could move on to what he really wanted to do with Man-Bat.

[Deleted]

Precision was everything in this situation, the marksman would only have a brief pause in which to strike, the benefit of an ambush. But strike too soon or too late and the prize will be lost. Piercing screeches of shock were muffled by the overbearing eruptions of thunder, the lightning like the crack of a whip across the night's sky. The streaks of electricity illuminated the battle on the street floor below as the monster struggled to free itself from the trap it had so complacently walked into. Wings of leathery skin slapped against the encroaching City canyon walls, too large to allow for the necessary room needed for a take off. In battle the key to victory is found in turning your opponent's strength to your advantage. It has the ability to fly, which means it requires a large wing span, there fore it requires wide open spaces to move. It's evolutionary achievement is now it's downfall, and that brought with it a slight feeling of satisfaction for Ra's. It's screams were of no concern to him, they were merely an indicator that he was winning.

After a few heated moments of struggle, once the Assassins perched in their vantage points had expelled their darts and binding cables, silence fell with only the patter of rain sounding on the roof top. Arching over the side, Ra's al Ghul glanced down to the beast below, it now slouched over on the wet tarmac path, ropes around it's limbs and a dozen tranquilizers in it's back. Turning back to the men in black around him, he gave a quick hand gesture to signal the next stage of the plan was a go, watching Dr. Crane fall down the ladder as he did so. With a sense of urgency they fled the scene, breaking off into smaller packs with their gear, removing any evidence of any firefight from occuring. A number remained in the alley below, removing the ties from the animal before calling in the getaway vehicle.

Ra's followed the Doctor, his long coat flapping in the wind as he too shot down the slippery ladders from the top of the apartments to the alleyway floor, his boots landing of the floor firmly with a splash of water. Running his fingers through his hair, slicking it back to give it some structure, he approached the head of the Bat, not bothering to inspect it any closer. In truth it did not interest him from a scientific viewpoint, his practical goals would surpass mere academic thought. "Good, we'll move it immediently to the laboratory." As he finished speaking, the black van that had been used to blockade the street began to reverse down towards them, opening up the rear for them to place the Asset in. From the back jumped an extra two men to help lift their large prize, which they managed with some effort. Once it was placed inside, chains were wrapped around its arms and legs, tying it to the floor of the vehicle while another was wrapped around it to fasten its wings to its body in case of it waking up during transit.

Within a few minutes the wetwork team had done it's job and away they shot, leaving the dead end street behind them as the vehicle quickly sped off into the night towards Doctor Crane's lab. His boots inches from the clawed feet of the Bat Creature, Ra's sat rubbing his eyes lids methodically, listening to the deep hum of the Animal as it breathed softly in its slumber. "For safety reasons I will leave some of my men with you for a time until your work is complete, in case it wakes up prematurely." That wasn't an offer of aid, it was an order.

[Jonathan Crane - Scarecrow]

The doctor stood as the van approached. He had already been informed of what was going to happen next, but not nearly to the extent that it was usually given to him. Of late, his “captor” had been keeping more from him and only giving him information that he needed at a moment’s notice. It was a difficult way to work but it was clear the distance that he had begun holding him. It felt like a collar was wrapped tightly around his neck with a chain leash attached to it. He would have only been given a few links at this point and he was probably lucky to have those. His body twitched in remembrance of what tortures he had to endure to get that much.

The men had begun pouring out of the van when it came to a halted and helped lift the beast into the back of it. Dr. Crane followed Ra’s into the back and was crouched at the other side of the beast, opposite from Ra’s. He was used to being in this position in the back of an emergency vehicle. There were several times in his career he had to be in the back with a patient. This time wasn’t as fulfilling however.

As Ra’s spoke the next part of his job had become clear. He knew the work that needed to be done and he would do it, but not alone. It had been some time now since Ra’s had let him work alone and he doubted he was ever going to be able to until he got himself out of this mess. He could find a way, he knew he could. If only he could find a way to reproduce the flower with the same effect he could free himself of Ra’s. With enough work he could protect himself from him as well. The day that he was captured flashed back into his mind. Ra’s threat was still ever present. He was fulfilling a contract and his life was always expendable. At the end of his usefulness to Ra’s he would be killed.

Fortunately for him, Ra’s didn’t know what he was talking about. There was so much more to the little flower that he possessed and he never knew it, but it went beyond that. Dr. Crane was more than just a scientist that he felt he could use for whatever meaningless cause he thought was right. He was the embodiment of fear itself and he could not destroy him.

Dr. Crane nodded regardless of the help he didn’t want and waited silently until they reached the facility. There was no point in talking to him further in the vehicle men who talked too much never had anything important to say. The doctor was never talkative in the car anyway. He focused on his patient and continued to check his vitals ever so often until they arrived at the facility.

When the van stopped the back doors came open a few moments later and the beast was pulled out. Dr. Crane exited with Ra’s and he finally spoke. “How long do I have?” He asked plainly. He couldn’t stall the project for very long, if any at all. He knew he was going to be surrounded so he might as well as how long he has until Ra’s come back for finished work on his own. He stood near the creature and waited to be shown inside to where he would be working and with what materials.

[Deleted]

With a slight jolt of the brakes the van suddenly came to a shuddering stop as the keys were removed from the ignition. For a few moments only the light hum from the ticking over of the cooling engine and the bouncing of the rain from the roof broke the silence. The rear doors were swung open by the awaiting operatives who canvased the abandoned warehouse exterior, perching themselves on the roof tops and the poorly lit courtyard alike, their eyes fixated on their Master, their God who was the first to climb out of the vehicle, placing his vice like grip onto his jacket lapels as he dropped down. His black boots splashed on the puddle waiting in large crack in the drenched tarmac. Before they unloaded the beast, Ra's gave a slow panning glance of the Guards who stood around them, the piercing vigils in the night air who resembled statues.

By the time that his attention turned back to the Beast, Crane had also climbed out and now stood by him. A handful of men ran forward, splashing up more rain water as they moved to help with the removal of the 'patient', who Ra's looked down on through unflinching damp eyes. With some effort they managed to pick him up, carrying the stretcher that he was placed on across the car park and towards the shutter door that slowly slid open on the side of the loading bay, allowing a solid of beam of light to suddenly rise up over the shadow entrenched floor that they stood on. In a few seconds they had ferried the sleeping creature in through the open door, leaving Ra's and Crane alone with one another. "You have one month." There was no point in informing the Scarecrow that he expected significant results by the time that he returned to him, as he knew that Crane had served at his pleasure for long enough now to understand that the only reason for his continued existence was down to ability in the sciences. It was why he found himself soaked to the bone on this particular night, waiting on the word of a killer.

Failure to comply would mean that Ra's would take the head that he seemed not to value with his insolence, but it would be far more beneficial for both parties if he death didn't come for at least a few more operations, other wise Ra's would feel that he'd gone through the trouble of sparing his life for nothing. Taking a pocket watch from his coat interior, Ra's held it in his palm to check the time before looking back to Crane, storing the clock as he did so. "Do not fail me, Slave. You are a husk, mine to command as I see fit. Remember that every breath you draw is a blessing." He was never short of a few motivational words for the team. "Do you have the sample of toxin which I requested?" Ra's didn't want much, just enough to drown the minds of a few key men in that which they fear. Pieces were moving into place and perhaps the good Doctor would finally have a use.

[Jonathan Crane - Scarecrow]

His eyes stared through him as he was given his time. A month….A month was hardly enough to run good statistical data let alone a research project of this size. He would have to work day and night. He wouldn’t be able to do anything else. Every waking moment of his consciousness would have to be dedicated to getting results. The thought was already exhausting but it wasn’t anything different than what he did on a normal basis. He didn’t sleep and all he did was work. But under the pressure to perform results…It wasn’t at his own pace. Not to mention the demand was nearly impossible.

His gaze fell to the watch as Ra’s idly looked at the time and then offered his threat….His promise to end what he previously granted him. It was nothing more of an extension to his life from the beginning. There were so many things he wanted to say to this man. How wrong he was, how little he could see. Even as long as he’s claimed to be alive, he understood so little about what he had. He used it and neglected its true meaning, it’s true power. It was more than just a flower.

Slave….the word made him tense for just a moment before he let it drop.

With his request he reluctantly pulled out a vile with a yellow serum that seemed to glow from within. It was more than just that….It was freeing. It was true freedom from the captivity of this world. Men like Ra’s could never understand, they would never be free. He extended his arm and handed him the small capped tube that held something so precious to him. It was the only thing in the world that held any meaning. He handed it to him and waited for him to take it before he brushed his hair back and took a deep breath. It was time to get to work.

“A month then.” He agreed and turned toward the place where he’d be spending most of his time. “I wont need any assistance.” He mentioned, regardless of the time that he had been given. He worked better when he was alone and others just because a liability to him. Miss Glass wouldn’t be here with him this time but she would be fine back at the hotel. He had informed her that it may be some time before he got back. The thought of leaving to bring her here crossed his mind but there wasn’t any time to think about that now.

Regardless of wanting to work alone he wasn’t sure if Ra’s would allow it. He had been breathing down his neck lately and had been watching his every move. This entire project looked heavily supervised. “You can go.” He nodded, the sooner he was alone the sooner he could get to work on the creature.

[Deleted]

Only the most eagle eyed observer would have noticed the slight twitch that ran through his angled brow as Crane seemingly gave him the order that he was dismissed. While the Id considered breaking his arm for such a slight offence in a way which would mean that he'd never be able to cup anything in that hand for at least seven months, the ego stepped in to broker the passion with logic, that the Doctor would ultimately require that arm and it would cause more trouble than pleasure. Still he could not deny the surge in his stomach that called for the passing of the punishment, the lust to deal out consequences in response other people's actions. Wanton violence was a baser drive which through meditation and deep thought Ra's had tempered some what with a wave of cold calmness, but with every use of Lazarus his will grew more susceptible to the promise of renewed health albeit if it would cost him his mental stability.

"They will stay, do not presume that you command them any more than you command me for it will be your downfall. Once you understand your lowly place in the natural hierarchy of affairs you might just curtail enough honour to be granted an honourable death. I doubt this hopeful prediction with all my heart." Turning from the Doctor no more was to be said as nothing else needed to be mulled over, the order had been tasked and a date for their next meeting had been logged. Ra's found that it was best to keep their meetings brief and too the point, there was no room for any pleasantries or even respect, as although Crane may have once held the prestigious title of Doctor the interregnum since then has only diminished his standing to his current pathetic form. Climbing up into the back of the van by way of the rear doors that they removed the beast from, the Head of the Demon tilted his head back towards the dishevelled figure that stood in the darkness of the howling rain, his features smudged by the black hair that fell down from his lengthy locks.

Through narrowed eyes now he looked towards the surrounding buildings shrouded in the nights embracing promise of dark but of course his gaze was bearing down on the statues that stood with swords by their sides and rifles placed over their shoulders. And he knew that through the black they were staring back at their God, their sole reason for even breathing, the Man who led their crusade of shadows and secrets. If he so desired it they would all throw themselves from the roof tops if provided with the promise that their actions would further the cause in some form. Any man will give his life for a cause but few will endure the pain of surviving at any cost, the sole fixation on continuing the fight to another day. With a sudden crack of lighting then thunder the courtyard was flooded with light, illuminating the Assassins who stood guard with their hooded grimaces still hidden from the World. It was their duty to keep Crane on task at any cost, Ra's did not fear that they would fail this mission. So he shut the doors and gave the order to evacuate before the vehicle pulled away down the street and out of sight. One month from now Ra's al Ghul expected a miracle to be presented to him, a product of the perfect warrior, man's training mixed with the heightened senses of natures greatest and most subtle predator.

Before the flash sank out again into darkness they were gone from their spots, every figure away into the shadows. They were gone as quickly as they appeared, with no sign of them ever having observed the meeting, like breath on a mirror.

[Jonathan Crane - Scarecrow]

The twitch didn’t go unnoticed by Dr. Crane, quite the opposite. He hadn’t had any intention of making him uncomfortable, as much as it pleased him to do so. The more uncomfortable Ra’s was the more uncomfortable he would be made. It was difficult to put Dr. Crane in a situation he couldn’t handle, but he didn’t want to make anything worse for himself with Ra’s. He’d spent a lot of time under his thumb and the more time passed the more pressure he felt.

Hearing his next statement caused him visible discomfort. The doctor preferred working alone but on top of everything Ra’s considered the workers over himself. He was nothing underneath him. If it was any other way he could have gotten out of the situation. If it was any other man he could have simply left. But Ra’s was different and he had something of his. Ra’s claimed that the flower was his own but the doctor never recognized that he owned it, only that he wouldn’t let him have it.

Normally, he would work just with himself. There was no need for extra hands that would just slow him down and get in the way. Now he was going to have to deal with an unwanted presence every time he turned around. Most of the people that Dr. Crane used around him were his experiments, or they were expendable. He never made an effort to kill someone, that would be a waste of a good experimental subject, but even so people were sometimes expendable.

Soaked to the bone, he was going to have to get to work right away. The storm was getting worse, but even as the lightning flashed and the sky cracked he didn’t move. Ra’s had made his point clear and that he was leaving with everyone except those that he had deemed to stay and assist him despite what he wanted. In a flash the demons head had left his sight and his team of assassins were gone. The doctor was left to work for their worthless agenda. The thought of using his work for their cause instead of his research was unpleasant he had no choice.

Anything at any price, He turned into the warehouse and got to work.