Silence ruled here as it had for thousands of years. The light and warmth of the world above lost with their kin long ago. What life existed was small, scuttling and possessed a carapace, and even that moved quietly as if scared to wake the spirits of this dead place.
The first sign of change was a grinding sound that came in spurts and starts as something heavy moved.
A shaft of light, weak and small spilled from one end of the wall. The weak light illuminating a treasure trove of knowledge, of art and writing that had been perfectly preserved via means unknown to the ancient world during which theyÆd been buried. The grinding noise grew louder the light slowly growing in power and size, moving from a weak shaft to a warm flood that revealed more and more wonders of seemingly Egyptian origin, as a portion of wall rolled away.
A crash signaled the door resting in its slot and for a moment silence and light ruled together, until someone sucked in a sharp breath and stepped into the vault.
ôAstonishing.ö Keitaro whispered as he held up a glowing orb, casting more light into the room. As he stood there, orb raised to the heavens, dressed in practical clothing, he almost seemed a modern Prometheus bringing light and warmth to a dark world. He tapped the glowing sphere and hurled it up. It stopped before striking the ceiling, a miniature sun bathing the room in its rays.
A white four legged beast bound into the room, giving a bark as it sat at KeitaroÆs feet. He reached a hand down, rubbing KryptoÆs head as his eyes scanned the room, finding the marks he was looking for, the tale tall indicators that suggested these ancient people had also run into Turtle civilization, whose influence seemed to stretch across the world, before vanishing.
ôThanagarian?ö a voice asked. Keitaro turned to see Shayera stepping in after him, followed by Seta and a small team of archeologist, with Kara bringing up the rear. The Super girl staying well clear of Krypto.
Keitaro pursed his lips as he moved towards the various items, scanning them with experienced eyes ôMost certainly.ö Gloved hands gently touched an ancient medical device of Thanagarian original. ôHopefully theyÆll have a mission recorder here so we canà.ah!ö a boyish grin lit his face as he picked his way to a dais with a clear crystal floating at its center ôFound it.ö Keitaro waved some of the techs over, as Seta and his team began the long process of cataloging the find.
ôI have to thank you all for coming along.ö He smiled at his companions ôAs well as thank the Wayne Foundation for funding this expedition.ö
ôHistory is highly important.ö A new voice said, a tall well-dressed man stepping into the vault ôIf one does not know the past, then they are doomed to repeat itÆs mistakes.ö Bruce Wayne concluded.
*****
Author Notes: After playing a hand in BruceÆs safe return I figured Mr. Wayne would take an interest in KeitaroÆs work. Especially if he himself noticed that the Turtle civilization was unusually pervasive.
The first sign of change was a grinding sound that came in spurts and starts as something heavy moved.
A shaft of light, weak and small spilled from one end of the wall. The weak light illuminating a treasure trove of knowledge, of art and writing that had been perfectly preserved via means unknown to the ancient world during which theyÆd been buried. The grinding noise grew louder the light slowly growing in power and size, moving from a weak shaft to a warm flood that revealed more and more wonders of seemingly Egyptian origin, as a portion of wall rolled away.
A crash signaled the door resting in its slot and for a moment silence and light ruled together, until someone sucked in a sharp breath and stepped into the vault.
ôAstonishing.ö Keitaro whispered as he held up a glowing orb, casting more light into the room. As he stood there, orb raised to the heavens, dressed in practical clothing, he almost seemed a modern Prometheus bringing light and warmth to a dark world. He tapped the glowing sphere and hurled it up. It stopped before striking the ceiling, a miniature sun bathing the room in its rays.
A white four legged beast bound into the room, giving a bark as it sat at KeitaroÆs feet. He reached a hand down, rubbing KryptoÆs head as his eyes scanned the room, finding the marks he was looking for, the tale tall indicators that suggested these ancient people had also run into Turtle civilization, whose influence seemed to stretch across the world, before vanishing.
ôThanagarian?ö a voice asked. Keitaro turned to see Shayera stepping in after him, followed by Seta and a small team of archeologist, with Kara bringing up the rear. The Super girl staying well clear of Krypto.
Keitaro pursed his lips as he moved towards the various items, scanning them with experienced eyes ôMost certainly.ö Gloved hands gently touched an ancient medical device of Thanagarian original. ôHopefully theyÆll have a mission recorder here so we canà.ah!ö a boyish grin lit his face as he picked his way to a dais with a clear crystal floating at its center ôFound it.ö Keitaro waved some of the techs over, as Seta and his team began the long process of cataloging the find.
ôI have to thank you all for coming along.ö He smiled at his companions ôAs well as thank the Wayne Foundation for funding this expedition.ö
ôHistory is highly important.ö A new voice said, a tall well-dressed man stepping into the vault ôIf one does not know the past, then they are doomed to repeat itÆs mistakes.ö Bruce Wayne concluded.
*****
Author Notes: After playing a hand in BruceÆs safe return I figured Mr. Wayne would take an interest in KeitaroÆs work. Especially if he himself noticed that the Turtle civilization was unusually pervasive.
