5664/Black Sky: Last Will and Testament

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Black Sky: Last Will and Testament
Date of Scene: 28 October 2018
Location: New York City
Synopsis: Matt Murdock learns Elektra's last wishes.
Cast of Characters: She-Hulk, Daredevil




She-Hulk has posed:
It is afternoon in the city of New York. The offices of Goodman, Lieber, Kurtzburg & Holliway was one of the better known firms in the city. They had a multi-story building that was all glass and steel, quite impressive when someone entered the open lobby where they could see all the way to the upper levels as people went about their work day.

In this office was one Jennifer Walters. She had on her human face today. It wasn't what she considered her normal face since she preferred being green but the law firm hired her with the understanding that she would be Jennifer Walters, not She-Hulk.

Her office was on the eleventh floor, a nice corner with a view of the city outside. Her desk was a normal size but seemed rather large since she was so petite. There were bookshelves lined with law tomes and a pair of leather chairs in front of the desk.

She had the folder in front of her holding the paperwork she needed, laid out precisely in the center of the desk on her side. She was working on her computer while awaiting the arrival of her three o'clock.

Daredevil has posed:
Since Elektra's death everything took more effort. It was like he had ten pound weights on his arms and legs, even thinking seemed harder. However Matt Murdock wasn't one to shy away from difficulty, so, one step at a time, he'd rose from his bed at one in the afternoon and went about the getting cleaned up to go meet She-Hulk at her offices.

He took his time, getting a coffee on the way, then, at 2:59, exited the elevator looking very much his old self, mostly clean shaven, in a modest well-fititng suit, and of course his white cane and red sunglasses.

An assistant takes him the rest of the way, taking his arm and showing him the office door letting him know he can go right in.

He does, leading with his cane, wearing a smile he doesn't feel, "Ms. Walters, hope I didn't keep you waiting."

She-Hulk has posed:
As he enters, Jennifer rises to her feet and walks around her desk to meet him just inside the door. She reaches out her hand to take his, knowing holding it out there in the air wasn't going to work with his blindness. A quick firm shake but this is definitely not the oversized hand of She-Hulk which would dwarf his. Instead it was a small hand that didn't seem to have done a hard days work ever.

"You are right on time, Mr. Murdock. There are two comfortable chairs in front of you. You may choose either. Can I get you something to drink before we start?" She doesn't try to lead him to the chair, feeling like that would be somewhat condescending. Perhaps it would be more polite to do so but she errs on the side of caution.

Daredevil has posed:
Matt smiles with appreciation as she takes his arm and guides him into the office. "Thank you," he says his cane finding one of the chairs she mentioned and taking a seat. He sits, and as he does, says "A water would be great."

He settles then, folding up his cane and fitting it beside him.

"So, the voice mail your assistant left me said you had some business to discuss," he says. "If Ms. Vespucci has reached out to you about her issues, I am not sure I'm able to represent her going forward," he explains thinking this was case related rather than involving him personally.

She-Hulk has posed:
"Ms. Vespucci?" The way Jennifer says the name will tell him that she's never heard it. If he couldn't already tell thanks to his enhanced senses when nothing changes about her from her heartbeat to her breathing. "I can't say that I know who that is or why they might be seeking me out."

She moves to a small table set to the side with a coffee pot, cups and carafe of water. She takes out a glass and pours some of the pure, clear liquid into it. Spring water from somewhere, nothing at all from a tap. She brings it over and offers it to him, touching his hand as she does so to allow him to find it.

"This is in regards to Elektra Natchios," she says as she moves to go back to her side of the desk. She sits and opens the manilla folder in front of her.

Daredevil has posed:
When She-Hulk hasn't heard of Ekaterina, he nods, "Nevermind then," he says moving on, there was nothing he could discuss about his client anyhow.

He takes the water when offered, asking, "So what is this about-"

Then she answers.

"Elektra?" he asks, the name is laden with feeling. "What about her?"

She-Hulk has posed:
"Ms. Natchios had filed paperwork with us, including her will which outlines how she wished her assets distributed," Jennifer says as she looks at him across the way. She isn't going to rush him, since he just got sort of pole-axed there. "We are arranging meetings with each person separately, as per her instructions. I know you are a lawyer so if you wish, I'll read through the entire document. Or we can simply move to the portion for you."

Daredevil has posed:
Elektra left him something in her will?

The though left him stunned. He really didn't expect it. He knew her family was gone, but figured there'd be some cousin, or it'd all go to charity. Honestlly he hadn't cared.

Blinking he comes back to the moment, catching up with Jennifer's words. "Sure," he says sounding distracted still, "Um, yeah, read the whole thing if there's no stipulations against me knowing."

"Anyhow, sorry, this is a bit of a shock."

She-Hulk has posed:
"I understand. We can wait a few moments if you prefer?" Jennifer waits for him to give her permission to continue before she does so. When he does, she looks to the paper before her.

"I, Elektra Natchios, am creating this Will in preparation for my passing from this world. I wish for my worldly belongings to be distributed as follows..."

Jennifer pauses a moment as she skims before reading outloud. "The Hugo Foundation was a project that I cared deeply about. I have made arrangements through the Foundation for its continuation. The board has already received instructions and their internal lawyers will be completing my wishes there." She goes on to mention an amount that is being given to the Wayne Foundation before moving on to the next one.

"The Tanya Vililyevna Free Clinic will be receiving anonymous funding that should last for as long as they choose to be open. If the clinic closes their doors for any reason, the money in the fund will revert to the Hugo Foundation."

Daredevil has posed:
Matt does take a moment, losening his tie and then downing his water in a single, long gulp. It was more just something to do while he put his thoughts in order. "C'mon, it's just stuff," he murmurs to himself.

"Thank you, let's proceed," he says offering another pasted on smile to mask his turmoil.

The first bit, that doesn't shock him. "Glad the Foundation will carry," on he remarks. He meant it. He knew what all of that meant to her and why she'd put in the work she did. His smile shrinks but it's more genuine.

The second one, earns a snort of surprise and amusement. "Good thing that's anonymous," he says. "The Clinic's founder is not a fan."

There is a slight shake of his head at that, wondering how Claire was going to take it, or well, if she would take it, anonymous or not, the timing provided clues.

"Anyhow, sorry, please continue, I'm just babbling now."

She-Hulk has posed:
"It does specicify that Ms. Claire Temple not be made aware of this funding or its source. I know I can trust you to keep that information between us," Jennifer says with a tight smile. This isn't a light hearted moment and she is fully aware of that.

"For Nelson and Murdock, there has been a fund established through the Hugo Foundation that will be used to fund pro bono cases. These cases can be chosen by Franklin Nelson or Matthew Murdock, or they may be suggested through the foundation to the Law Practice. Franklin Nelson and Matthew Mordock will also be provided with a salary through the foundation for being representatives. Should the Practice of Nelson and Murdock be disolved, the foundation will choose a new law practice to receive the funding and continue the good works to those deserving."

She scans a moment. "Ms. Darcy Lewis will be provided with five million dollars." She glances up. "There is also a letter that will be given to Ms. Lewis." Then a glance back down to the paper.

"For Matthew Murdock, I leave this letter. He also receives all of my assets that remain. This will include my savings, my properties, and my businesses. He will receive my majority shares and the companies have been protected so there will be chance of acquisition from any outside sources. While Mr. Murdock will not need to be involved in the day-to-day workings of these businesses, as they are already provided for in that matter."

She pulls an envelope out of the folder and rises to her feet to walk around and slip it into his hand.

Daredevil has posed:
The smile isn't visible to Matt's senses but he can hear it in her words and returns a similar one. "Guess she saw that coming" he says lightly but with very little levity.

The fund business is taken with a small measure of surprise, in all of this he'd forgotten the fund, but it warmed him to know she'd left provisions for it. Though it did colour his plans for the future regarding the firm.

Darcy's part is a surprise, but taken in stride. "Huh. Honestly didn't expect that. Not sure how she'll take it, she didn't strike me as the money type."

Speaking of people who weren't the money type, few were less that sort of people than Matthew Murdock. The news shakes him to his core. "Excuse me, did you say she left me everything?"

Though that's what he'd heard. That was his reality now.

He supposed some part of him should be elated, rocketed suddenly into the one percent, and maybe that would come, but instead he just felt the vertigo of this sudden shift in the foundations of his world.

He felt like he was going to be sick.

The letter is taken into his hand, even as he asks. "Do you have a trash can or something," he asks at first before the cold chill of shock starts to fade and he waves the request away. "Sorry, just a sec."

He breathes, like Stick taught him clutching the letter close.

"Sorry about that," he says once he's calmed. The letter still held in his hand. "This has all been a bit of a shock. I knew she cared but leaving me everything. I almost expect her to show up out of a side-door and tell me it was all a joke, you know?"

She-Hulk has posed:
While Jennifer can't read people like he can, she does have an idea of what is going on with his expression. "I did say she left you everything," she replies to that question. She does pick up the trash can as soon as he asks and brings it over, setting it on the floor. "It's next to your right foot if you change your mind."

She leans in a half sitting position against the front edge of her desk. "I know it's a bit of a shock. She was very explicit. Everything is arranged so you won't have to do all the work. She knew you had enough with your practice. She trusted you would be the one to be sure that things continue as they have been for her companies, to be sure her people aren't displaced or the like." She pushes off to go get the carafe of water, bringing it back over. "Would you like me to top off your water? And you are welcome to remain here while you read the letter or take it with you. As for everything else, there will be documents to sign and such but I can bring those by your office at your convenience."

Daredevil has posed:
Matt looks up and smiles, it sincere and small. "Thanks," he says debating if he wants to pull the can into his lap or not. In the end he leaves it where it lays.

Jen's words reach him. "Heh," he says. "She's left me with a lot to deal with." Still, what Jen had said might as well been magic, this was less a gift more a responsibility and while he may not be quick to trust gifts, he never shied away from responsibility. Elektra's people needed stability, and it'd be his job to ensure they got it.

With relucance, he lifts that burden onto his shoulders along with the ones he already carried. For all it's crushing weight, it seemed to ease panic's grip on his lungs and stomach.

He breathes.

Coming back to the moment, his head still swimming. "Um, sure, more water, that'd be great," Matt says pushing a hand throuhg his hair, or trying to, that's when he remembers the letter.

He lowers his hand putting the letter in his lap.

"Uh, sure, if you can give me the room I'll read it and then we can set up the rest, when is all of this likely going to take effect?" That one sensible question does manage to rise to the top of his mind.

She-Hulk has posed:
Jennifer fills his water glass then walks over and replaces the carafe on the table. "Once you sign the paperwork, everything should be completed within four business days." In orther words, it's in his court.

"I'll step outside. If you need anything, just call for me." With that, she turns and heads for the door, her heels making a soft click with each step. Then he will hear her opening the door and stepping outside, closing the door behind her.

He has his privacy.

Daredevil has posed:
Matt nods, the choice was his. "On Monday?" he offers. "Might as well get it done."

Yep, those had been the magic words, a gift Matt would have avoided for weeks if he could, a responsibility, that was something you picked up as soon as it was presented. He didn't have a choice.

When the water is filled and Jen is ready to take her leave, he offers a genuinely grateful smile, "Thanks for everything," he says. "I'll just need a few minutes."

Then when the door closes behind her, he's alone with the letter. He fidgits with it, turning it over in his hands, wondering if this wasn't better done at home. There was scotch at home, and the suit...

"Fuck it," Matt says, he slips a thumb under a bit of the envelope until he's able to rip it along the top.

When it's open, he reaches inside. There's two sheets of paper, one the heavy sort used for brail and the other some fancy stationary brand, that felt almost like stiff cloth. She had thought everything, something easy to read, something he could read with a witness, and then something more personal.

He chooses the personal.

He pulls the hand written letter from the envelope then lays the envelope aside. Letting his sensitive fingers run along the indents made by the text he reads:

My dearest Matthew,

What is there left to be said?

You were always the best of me.

From the moment my father died when I was a child, my life ceased to be my own. I was forever at the mercy of those who took my anger and my pain and turned it inward until all that was left was a shell, devoid of feeling.

I killed the wayothers draw breath, with ease and unconscious grace.

Until you came along.

Stick was right to caution us. First you, before he ceased to be your teacher, and then me as he molded me into the weapon he wanted me to be. Only I think he always knew what the end would come to.

I asked him why he didn't kill me himself, while it still would have saved us all. Before I met you and did the one thing that was absolutely forbidden and fell in love.

He was right, it was a weakness. You became my weakness.

I think he knew even then we'd already lost, and still he stayed his hand.

I was his weakness.

So you see, fools come in all shapes and sizes. And Prophecies are not infallible.

Daredevil has posed:
Maybe he was right, and there was once a chance that I might have stood with the Chaste and stopped the inexorable crawl of the Hand towards this end I have chosen to prevent. I don't believe there is good within me. We were always too few for the coming war. Ruthless was the only chance we had.

Perhaps in some way he still succeeded. It was a ruthless choice I made. I still believe it was the right one. I do not diewith regret.

Nor were you ever a regret in my life. You were the one person who saw me for me. You believed I could be more than a blade in the hands of prophecy. You saw past the veneer and loved the flaws beneath.

Never doubt that you are the reason I had the strength to make this choice and try to do what was right . If my death will end this, then I die a thousand deaths willingly.

It may be a coward's answer but I was never so brave as you, and I could not let you compromise yourself. What is left, what I have set in motion, is a fight that does not ask you to be other than you have always been. I have left you a war without bloodshed. All you need do is gather the pieces I have left. I only hope that it is enough.

My only regret remains that I will not be there to see this end.But were I, you would be torn, and I would be lost. I have left you the easy choice now. One with no regrets. The only stain upon any souls will be upon my own, and I do not know that I believe in that. If there was a God, surely He would never have asked this of a child. His Son was to be the last. But your knees are bent enough for us both.

You were a freedom I did not look for, and a love I did not want. I hold no regrets, though. You were always the better part of me. I have cherished that.

If you have ever loved me, then don't let this be the end. Find someone who will make you happy again. Live for both of us now. Let my sacrifice have meaning and leave no regrets.

If there is a God, then perhaps we will meet again. If not, know that I have loved you, and loved you well. Past the point of reason. As you have deserved.

Forever would not have been enough.

Elektra



When he?s finished, he closes the letter, feeling hot tears on his cheeks. It?s some time before he exits the office to deal with the rest of the paperwork.