fandomtownies | Atlas Gym, Sunday morning

Entry tags:

Atlas Gym, Sunday morning

After last night's fight with Catwoman (which she'd won on points, but the supervillain had still gotten away) Black Canary decided she needed to get in a workout while she was here. It wouldn't help her solve the problem of how to get back to the Watchtower, but she'd be more ready for trouble.

To that end, she checked into the Atlas Gym, and proceeded to kick, tumble, and punch the practice dummies into submission.

[ooc: open!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Arthur was still wary as to this place. He had yet to identify it, and yet to speak to any locals of sane mind. This building was as good a place to search for some answers as any, and he spoke a booming "Greetings," as he entered.

Canary stopped in her routine a moment to straighten, studying the newcomer. "Greetings," she offered in return, from her side of the practice room. She reached for a towel and hung it around her neck, dabbing at her hairline. "Do you need to use the mats?"

"Thank you for the offer, but no," he spoke firmly. She was dressed in odd ways, but Arthur had already grown accustomed to that, and it was hardly a matter of much importance. "My name is Artorius Castus, also known as Arthur. I was wondering if perhaps you could grant me some answers."

"As few as I have, you're welcome to," Black Canary said, surprised. So, this was Merlin's Arthur? "I believe we have an acquaintance in common. And older gentleman named Merlin?"

"There does appear to be an old madman about who claims he is Merlin," Arthur agreed, "But as he looks nothing like the Woad magician I know, I've simply offered the man my protection. He needs care. Now, would you be able to tell me the name of this settlement?"

"That's decent of you," Canary commented, then nodded. "It's called Fandom Island, in the state of Maryland. And in case that's unfamiliar to you, it's a country called the United States of America. Planet Earth." She sighed. "I'm not a resident here, I just arrived yesterday. I'm still trying to figure out how. And you can call me Black Canary."

"Black Canary," he repeated. The name tasted oddly, but that was none of his business. "I haven't heard of the United States of America. It must not lie within the bounds of the Empire," Arthur said, looking aside at all the odd machinery. "Would you know how I, and several like me, may have wound up on this isle?"

"Not precisely. Although apparently, it's a very common occurrence here. And I do have a theory. We've replaced residents who have something in common with us; a name most likely." Black Canary picked up a free weight and started to do a bicep curl, absently, while she talked. "The room I appeared in belongs to a young student with a ... very similar name. She has a friend named Merlin, and the Merlin you're acquainted with was there as well. It's the simplest explanation I can think of, that someone's magic or technology has malfunctioned, and exchanged us. A boy named Arthur is most likely wherever you were at this moment."

"Let us hope he isn't," Arthur said, for while he couldn't comprehend most of what she'd said, the central principles were... God worked in mysterious ways, he supposed. "Britain is no place for a boy in these times." He halted. "What purpose does our presence here serve, then? I've a war to return to."

"What Empire are you from?" Canary asked, frowning. "Britain is on the other side of the ocean. And I'm told it will correct itself, but I'm hopeful that I can find a way to accelerate the process. Somehow." She sighed. "As to purpose, it may be random chance. But I did encounter a criminal I know last night. Even if there's no one in control, plenty of those here would look to take advantage of the opportunities of an unprotected civilian population."

"It is the Roman Empire I served until recently," he replied, allowing his mind to stumble and make sense of unfamiliar words. "Now, I'm simply a Briton. You'll have to excuse me if I state that your answers are... somewhat lacking in cohesion to my ears."

Putting the weight down, Black Canary gave him a rueful smile. "Forgive me. So many people here seemed to either lack interest in the purpose behind this, or simply take it in stride. I'm glad to see someone else who's worried." She frowned, tapping her fingers on her towel. "I'm with a League which works to protect the population from criminals and natural disasters. I feel an obligation to investigate." She hesitated, then delicately said, "You're a very, very long way from home."

"It would appear that I am," Arthur said. Indeed, he was worried. Perhaps some part of him, frightened. But none of those mattered in the face of the higher purpose that awaited him back home. "It is of the utmost importance that I find my way home, my country is in need of me," he continued, "If this is some affliction for a short duration, as you seem to imply..."

"Less than a week, certainly. Maybe only a few days, given what those I spoke with said. Any longer, and hopefully we can enlist assistance from the local government; it's unfortunate this is happening on a weekend. But tomorrow they should be available." She cocked her head at him, intrigued. "May I ask... whom are you fighting, in your war? If you're no longer Roman?"

"The Romans have retreated from Britain," he said, "We face the Saxons now. They've invaded from the north." A few days. Would that be enough? Or too much?

This really was King Arthur. Or some version of him, possibly even the actual historical personage himself. "Tell me, do you know anyone named Morgana? Sometimes called le Fay? Or Mordred?"

The Justice League had fought both of them before she joined; but if he wasn't aware of them yet....

"I've not heard of either name," Arthur spoke, considering her with care. "But I believe that's hardly of the essence as it is. My people need me, and I assume that yours need you as well."

"Yes. If you do though... I'd avoid them." Black Canary shook her head. "In any event, as soon as I'm done with my practice, I intend to explore more of the Island. There may be something or someone concealed or unknown as yet who can assist us." She paused, then dryly said, "Merlin seems intent upon only helping you. So if you can gain his help, that would be useful."

"I was on my way to seek him out," he replied, "I've no mind to leave a man of his affliction wandering where he might get in harm's way, I gave him my word."

"Good luck, then, Artorius," Black Canary said, offering her hand. Because how could she not? He was the inspiration for organizations like the League. "I'll be back at the dormitories in the evening, if you find out anything. I'll look for you and Merlin there."

Arthur took her hand gladly, and shook it. "May God ride with you, Black Canary," he said, "We'll see to it that we get out of this unharmed, and to the proper place."

Black Canary nodded her thanks, and after Arthur left, went back to her workout.

With a small, delighted smile. The League would never believe this.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Atlas Gym, Sunday morning

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject