Uncovering The Secret of Batman's Cowl

by Windrises

A sequel to College At Arkham Asylum. Hugo Strange tries to set Catwoman on a date with Batman, in order for her to earn his trust and reveal his secret identity. Poison Ivy doesn't trust her, but Batman tries to have an open mind. Also, Batman gets an interest in a ninja-training place, which is taught by Ra's a Ghul.

Note: Batman is owned by DC Comics and was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane. Harley Quinn was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. This story was loosely inspired by Jeffrey Thomas and Celeste Green's unmade Batman show, Gotham High. This story is a sequel to the story, "College At Arkham Asylum."

Batman had been going to Arkham Asylum for a few weeks. During that time, he made an impression on several people. He had become friends with Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn and had attracted Talia al Ghul. However, he had also become enemies with the school's leader, Professor Hugo Strange. Strange was assisted by Professor Crane, also known as the Scarecrow, along with his pet, Man-Bat.

Batman was determined to stop Hugo Strange's schemes and to have him and Professor Crane fired. In order to get the evidence he needed, Batman started showing up to school early. He would often go around the hallways and search for mysterious items. However, Hugo Strange and Professor Crane were very sneaky scoundrels, who carefully hid secrets. Batman had his own secret. Under the mask, he was Bruce Wayne, Gotham's richest citizen. Batman kept that secret from the school's staff and students, but Hugo Strange was determined to find out who he really is.

One morning, Batman was searching the hallways, while hoping to find something suspicious. He looked around and saw a silvery coin. A young-man, who was wearing white tuxedo, picked up the coin. Batman had never seen him before, so he asked, "Are you one of the new students?"

The man smiled and said, "Indeed I am. I'm Harvey Dent. Are you the Batman?"

Batman replied, "Indeed I am." Batman examined Harvey's face and outfit and said, "Don't take this the wrong way, but you look a lot more normal than the other students."

Harvey had a flattered look on his face, while responding, "Being called normal hardly counts as an insult. I suppose you could say I don't fit in with the others, due to my regular appearance. However, I have a bit of a weird side."

Batman asked, "What could be weird about you?"

Harvey showed off the coin, while saying, "I'm obsessed with this little guy. In fact, he's been in charge of my life decisions."

Batman raised an eyebrow and asked, "Excuse me?"

Harvey explained, "I have a hard time making my own decisions. You see, there's always more than choice, in every situation. For example, I'm facing a guy dressed like a bat. Because of that, I can either mock you or compliment you." He flipped the coin. It landed on heads, so he said, "Sweet outfit, Batman. Very unique."

Batman replied, "Thanks, but listening to a coin is a dangerous mistake. Your mind should be in charge, not a nickel."

Harvey responded, "My mind's a jumble mess, so I need the coin. I'm hoping to become a lawyer."

Batman said, "If that happened, would you let the coin decide who you defend?"

Harvey looked amused, while saying, "Interesting idea." Batman rolled his eyes and walked away.

Meanwhile, Catwoman had been sent to Hugo Strange's office. Hugo Strange usually wasn't very fond of Catwoman, because he didn't think she had as much to analyze, as the other students. However, he came up with an idea that he wanted Catwoman to participate in.

Catwoman walked into Hugo Strange's office, while looking mopey. She had never bond of her principal and she was hoping the meeting would have a quick ending.

Hugo Strange offered her a cup of milk, while saying, "Greetings, Ms. Catwoman. Thank you for coming to this meeting."

Catwoman crossed her legs, grabbed the cup, and asked, "What do you want, Strange?"

Hugo Strange answered, "I wouldn't normally ask for your assistance, but my most intriguing student is also the hardest to unravel. I'm referring to the Batman, a very noble, but secretive species. There's a lot about Batman I must find out, including his secret identity."

Catwoman sighed and asked, "You just want me to be your henchman and find out who Batman really is?" She showed off her claws, while saying, "Meow, do you know how much damage I'm capable of? Your mundane plan could never catch my interest."

Hugo pretended to look offended, while asking, "Mundane? How dare you say such a thing. Ms. Catwoman, I'm suggesting far more than an unmasking. In fact, my goal is to help Batman and you." Hugo thought that pretending to be a caring and responsible principal, would trick Catwoman into going with his plan.

Catwoman had a doubtful look on her face, while asking, "You want to help me and Batman?" She folded her arms and said, "I'm not buying it."

Hugo tried to look and sound like a gentleman, while smiling, and said, "My obsessive desire, to hang around Gotham's most bizarre citizens, isn't just for my own self-interests. I also like to help eccentric people, such as yourself and Batman, find happiness."

Catwoman raised an eyebrow and asked, "What are you trying to say?"

Hugo answered, "I can set-up a date, between you and Batman."

Catwoman couldn't deny that she found Batman attractive and fascinating. She took a big sip of milk and said, "That does sound purrfect, but I know you want something in return."

Hugo replied, "Like I said before, I want you to find out Batman's secret identity."

Catwoman asked, "How am I supposed to do that?"

Hugo answered, "Earn his respect. If you work hard enough, you might earn his trust."

Catwoman replied, "Not a bad offer, but I want more."

Hugo sighed and asked, "What else do you want?"

Catwoman smirked and said, "For a long time, you've been trying to get me kicked out of the school. If you don't agree to cut that out, I won't help you."

Hugo replied, "Very well then, but if you fail to uncover Batman's secret identity, you can expect some suspensions."

Catwoman playfully scratched a hole on Hugo's desk and said, "If you try that, you'll get to see what my claws can really do."

Hugo calmly said, "Don't worry, Ms. Catwoman. Things are going to be okay. In fact, I'm going to uncover the greatest of secrets, which will lead to things ever be okay." Catwoman wasn't so sure about it. After all, she felt things never were okay, when Hugo was around.

Meanwhile, Talia al Ghul was getting a ride to the school from her father, Ra's al Ghul. Ra's al Ghul had Talia bring a flyer, that advertised his ninja-training classes. He said, "Make sure that Batman gets the flyer."

Talia had an uncaring look on her face, while saying, "Whatever."

Ra's al Ghul sternly replied, "Talia, listen to what I say. The Batman is a fascinating gentleman and I want to see his fighting moves. I think he has a big future."

Batman opened his locker, while getting ready for class. Hugo Strange walked by, with a friendly smile on his face. He said, "Hi Batman."

Batman angrily asked, "What can I help you with, Principal Strange?"

Hugo Strange put his arm around Batman and replied, "I like helping people. In fact, I want to help you. Do you have any after-school plans?"

Batman responded, "Not really, although I might do more detective work."

Hugo replied, "No, if you put all your energy and time into such things, you'll become tired and weak. If you are to become a successful detective, you must take breaks."

Batman thought about what Hugo Strange was saying. Although he usually didn't trust Hugo, it was hard to argue that he needed a break. He had been obsessing over his detective work, for several days. He asked, "What should I do?"

Hugo answered, "Go out and do something fun, after school. It'll be good for you."

Batman replied, "Okay then, but don't think I won't still be investigating you."

Hugo smiled and said, "My school wouldn't be the same, without your detective work, Batman." He had a suspicious look on his face, while walking away.

Catwoman purposely tripped over some books, to get Batman's attention. Batman caught her and held her in his arms. He looked concerned, while asking, "Are you okay?"

Catwoman had a sly smile on her face, while replying, "You could say that. After all, I did fall for you."

Batman smiled and responded, "I'm glad you're okay." He helped her stand-up.

Catwoman rested her head on Batman's shoulder and said, "I do have a problem."

Batman asked, "What is it?"

Catwoman walked around Batman, while saying, "I was planning on going on a fun adventure. I'd shop around, see a movie, and have a great time. I haven't had enough chances to hangout and have fun in recent weeks, thanks to my stressful and questionable school-life. You can relate to that, can't you." Batman nodded. Catwoman said, "I'd have a great night, of glamour and antics. However, I don't have anybody to accompany me."

Batman replied, "Speaking of that, I was planning on hanging out and having some fun, after-school. I haven't really made any plans, so can I join yours?"

Catwoman lifted up Batman's chin and said, "Sounds purrfect. Our date starts at four pm."

Batman had a surprised look on his face, while asking, "Date? When you say date, could you clarify the meaning of that?"

Catwoman kissed Batman's cheek and said, "I'll see you later." She winked at him and started walking away.

Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn walked up to Batman. Batman said, "Hi, it's nice to see you."

Poison Ivy looked flattered, while replying, "I'm used to hearing that. Anyways, were you just chatting with Batman?"

Batman responded, "Yeah, we're going to hangout after school."

Poison Ivy raised an eyebrow and asked, "What do you mean?"

Batman nervously scratched his neck, while saying, "I barely understood what happened, either. I suddenly got the desire to take a break and Catwoman suddenly wanted to hangout with me. She called it a date, which surprised me. To be honest, I don't know what this get-together is."

Harley Quinn looked amused, while saying, "The bat plus the cat equals love."

Batman stuck his hands in front of Harley and nervously replied, "Hold on there, Harley. That's not what's going. To be honest, I didn't even think Catwoman and I were friends, but I think this event will make our friendship grow."

Poison Ivy sternly said, "Be careful, when it comes to Catwoman. She likes to be playful, but she can also be dangerous. Professor Bubbles quit the school, because Catwoman scratched his classroom."

Harley smiled and said, "She also shredded Professor Bubbles' silly bubble collection."

Poison Ivy put her hand on Batman's shoulder and said, "I just want you to be careful."

Batman calmly replied, "I will be."

Batman was about to walk to class, but Talia came by and tapped his shoulder. Batman turned around and asked, "Can I help you?"

Talia sighed and put the flyer in Batman's hands. She said, "My dad wants you to try out his ninja classes. He keeps bugging me about. He's an obsessive, stubborn jerk."

Batman thought of Hugo Strange, while saying, "I've dealt with similar people."

Talia replied, "Anyways, my dad has a bunch of lessons and you're welcome to try them out."

Batman looked confused, while asking, "What are his lessons like?"

Talia answered, "A bunch of violence-loving jerks beating each other up and using ninja skills and weapons, to make their fights even more intense."

Batman replied, "Wowsers, that sure seems wild."

Talia responded, "Not the fun kind of wild." She frowned at Ivy and Harley and walked away.

Batman, Ivy, and Harley started walking to class. Poison Ivy looked at Batman and said, "You have no interest in Talia's dad's classes, right?"

Batman thought about it and replied, "Violence isn't usually my thing. However, if I'm going to become a detective, I should learn some fighting skills."

Poison Ivy responded, "I told you to be careful and you immediately start considering fighting classes?"

Batman nervously smiled and said, "Sorry about that." Batman and his friends continued walking to class, while Batman thought about Ra's al Ghul's classes. Batman had a lot of rumors about Ra's al Ghul, including good ones and bad ones. He put his hand on his chin, while wondering what Talia's dad was really like and if he'd be a good trainer.

Batman and his classmates were in Professor Crane's class. Professor Crane finished feeding Man-Bat. He walked over to his students and asked, "Would anybody like to explain, why bats are the most interesting type of animal?" Batman gave Crane a disapproving look. He knew that Crane had an interest in messing with and making him feel scared.

Harvey Dent said, "I wonder if I should answer that question." He grabbed his coin and flipped it. It landed on heads, so he said, "I don't feel like answering that question."

Catwoman raised her hand and replied, "I'd like to answer the question."

Professor Crane responded, "Go ahead."

Catwoman had a sly smile on her face, while saying, "Bats are the most interesting type of animal, because they are the most mysterious and alluring. They have a special type of charm." She winked at Batman, which made Batman feel a little uncomfortable.

Poison Ivy looked annoying, while looking at Catwoman, and asking, "If you think bats are the most interesting, why do you have a cat gimmick?"

Catwoman looked amused, while saying, "Meow, talk about someone who wants to start a fight."

Poison Ivy replied, "I don't want to start a fight. I'm just pointing out the holes in your logic and considering how irrational you act, that's easy to do."

Catwoman scratched one of Poison Ivy's plants and said, "Cats are superior to plants, don't you know?" Poison Ivy looked furious. Batman was nervous about Catwoman and Ivy's rising anger.

Professor Crane started walking closer to Batman, while saying, "Catwoman's answer wasn't bad, but it wasn't what I was looking for. Bats are the most interesting type of animal, because there's so many peculiar ones."

Professor Crane pointed to Man-Bat and said, "For example, there's my pet, who has the appearance of a bat, but has a loyalty stronger than any man." He pointed at Batman and said, "You're another example. You're a man, who's battier than any bat. You want to be a bat, a man, and a detective. Talk about a bad trilogy."

Harley Quinn raised her hand and said, "Scarecrow, I have an important question."

Professor Crane used to be annoyed by his nickname, but overtime, it grew on him. He said, "Go ahead and ask your question."

Harley asked, "Can you stop talking about bats and start talking about something interesting."

Professor Crane angrily replied, "I just explained why bats are the most interesting animal and you're getting bored?" He had a smug smile on his face, while saying, "I believe a detention will captivate your interest."

Harley replied, "Oh, come on. Detentions are like the most boring thing ever. Throw me a bone."

Professor Crane put a bone on Harley's desk and said, "I usually just give those to Man-Bat, but I'm willing to make exceptions. Feel free to chew on that bone, during today's detention." He laughed.

Harley was Poison Ivy's best friend, so Ivy was upset about Crane's lack of respect. She angrily folded her arms and asked, "Do you have any respect for your students?"

Professor Crane said, "Respect is nice and all, but it couldn't compare to the power of fear."

Poison Ivy replied, "Well, I don't have any respect for you, because you're a jerk."

Professor Crane had an offended look on his face, while saying, "How dare you insult a professor. You and Harley are immature and out of control. Like her, you're getting a detention."

Poison Ivy angrily said, "Come on, Scarecrow. You're being unfair."

Professor Crane had an evil grin on his face, while saying, "Why should I focus on being a fair professor, when I'm the master of fear?"

Batman whispered to Harvey, "Crane always acts like this. He's corrupt and scummy, but since Principal Strange acts in a similar way, he gets away with it."

Harvey whispered, "That sure sounds unfair. I wonder if should stand-up for Ivy and Harley? Thankfully, I always know how to make tough choices." He flipped his coin, which landed on tails. Harvey raised his hand.

Professor Crane asked, "What's on your mind, Mr. Dent?"

Harvey said, "Your behavior, towards Ms. Isley and Ms. Quinzel, is pretty bad. Have you considered getting some manners?"

Professor Crane angrily replied, "No I haven't."

Harvey said, "You should consider it. If I was hired to be your D.A., I'd just give up, because proving your innocence would be a hopeless case."

Professor Crane angrily replied, "You're getting a detention."

Harvey looked back at Batman and whispered, "I'm sure getting ripped off, as well. You know what? I'm thinking about skipping detention."

Batman replied, "Harvey, that's not a good idea. You can get into serious trouble, if you don't show up. You'll probably get more and more detentions."

Harvey responded, "That's probably the case, but I still need to let the coin decide." He flipped the coin. It landed on heads, so he sighed and said, "I'll do the right thing and go to detention."

Batman replied, "I'm glad to hear that."

A few hours later, it was lunchtime, so Batman and the others went into the cafeteria. The cook signaled for Batman to come to him. Batman asked, "Can I help you with something?"

The cook smiled, while saying, "I can help you with something." He showed off an egg, that was blue and gray. He said, "I like to make the most eggtastic eggs, so scrambled this up for you. I know you turned down my previous offer, but you couldn't eggstract a better offer than this."

Batman was weirded-out by the cook, but he replied, "Okay." He reluctantly grabbed the egg.

Harvey walked by the cook. The cook had a goofy look on his face, while asking, "Would you like an egg?"

Harvey replied, "I don't know." He flipped the coin. It landed on tails, so he said, "No thanks."

The cook accidentally dropped an egg on himself, so he said, "I'm such an egghead."

Batman sat next to Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn and started having lunch. Poison Ivy nudged Batman and said, "You're not going to hangout with Catwoman, are you?"

Batman replied, "Well, I've been needing a break and Catwoman's offer sounded fun. I know you and her don't get along, but I think she has some good in her. After all, she always works hard, to protect the stray cats. I don't think I've met anybody with such a dedication to cats. It's like you hobby of protecting plants."

Poison Ivy angrily asked, "Are you comparing me to Catwoman?"

Batman nervously smiled and said, "I'm sorry about it."

Poison Ivy replied, "Look Batman, I care about your safety. You have an innocent, heroic way of acting and I think Catwoman would be a bad influence. That's why I don't think you should hangout with her."

Harley Quinn had an amused look on her face, while saying, "That's not what Poison Ivy thinks. The real reason she -"

Before Harley could finish talking, Poison Ivy covered up her mouth. Ivy said, "Don't put too much stock in Harley's words. She often states absurd things."

Meanwhile, Harvey was sitting to another new student,t named Jervis Tech. However, Jervis was better known by his alternate-name, the Mad Hatter. The Mad Hatter sipped on a cup of tea, while Harvey flipped his coin. The Mad Hatter said, "You seem to constantly use that coin. Any reason for that?"

Harvey replied, "It's what I use, when I need to make decisions."

The Mad Hatter put his hand on his chin and responded, "What a curious problem-solving strategy. However, I shouldn't think too much about it. After all, curiosity killed the cat and I'm close friends with a cat from Cheshire."

After school, Batman and the others went into the hallway. Poison Ivy angrily sighed and said, "Harley and me better start heading to detention. I can't believe we have to hang around that creep."

Batman put his hand on her shoulder and replied, "Everything's going to be okay."

Poison Ivy lightly smiled and responded, "Thank you."

Batman said, "I'm going to meet up with Catwoman. I'll see you and Harley tomorrow."

Harley smirked and replied, "Have a good date, Batsy."

Batman responded, "It's not a date."

A few minutes later, Poison Ivy, Harley, and Harvey were in Professor Crane's classroom. Neither of them were excited about being in there. They noticed that Crane wasn't in the classroom. They figured he was talking to Hugo Strange and that he'd return soon. Poison Ivy watered the plants in the room, Harley listen to pop-songs, and Harvey researched coins on his cellphone.

While standing up and watering one of the plants, Poison Ivy said, "I don't like the thought of Batman and Catwoman going on a date."

Harvey replied, "I share that sentiment. At the risk of sounding immature, I think Catwoman's really pretty and I'd like to go out with her."

Poison Ivy responded, "Sheesh, what a poor way of wording yourself. Did you coin want you to say that?"

Harvey replied, "I was reluctant about saying that, but the coin supported it."

Harley nudged and asked, "What's with you? You act like your coin's a fortune-teller."

Harvey stared at the coin, in admiration, while saying, "It's not a traditional type of fortune-telling, but it does a similar job."

Harley looked at Ivy and said, "Your real reason, of hating Catwoman, is clear."

Harvey asked, "What is it?"

Harley said, "Like Batman, Ivy is a very secretive person. In fact, she has a -"

Before Harley could say anything else, Poison Ivy covered her mouth, while saying, "I often have to do this."

Meanwhile, Batman walked outside of the school and met up with Catwoman. Catwoman started rubbing Batman's shoulder, while asking, "Are you ready to forget about the stress of life and have fun?"

Batman answered, "Yep."

Catwoman replied, "Purrfect. There's a malt shop, that has the best milkshakes and milk is my favorite drink."

Batman responded, "Then we should go there. However, I don't know where the malt-shop is at."

Catwoman started holding hands with Batman, while saying, "I'll lead you there."

Batman replied, "Um, okay." He and Catwoman started heading to the malt-shop.

A few minutes later, Batman and Catwoman went inside of the malt-shop. Catwoman slithered to the front of the line. She grabbed Batman and brought him along. Batman looked a little nervous, while saying, "Catwoman, you're not supposed to cut in line."

Catwoman gently scratched Batman's shoulder, while saying, "It's going to be okay."

Batman looked around and saw a balloon, that distracted him. He tapped Catwoman's shoulder and asked, "Is it just me or does that balloon have a face?"

Catwoman answered, "I'm afraid it's just you. It's a normal-looking balloon."

Batman put his hand over his face and replied, "I'm losing it. I've been putting so much passion into my detective stuff, that I've been wearing myself down. If I don't learn how to take it easy, I'll drive myself crazy."

After ordering a giant milkshake, Catwoman put her arm around Batman and said, "Don't worry, Batman. I'm going to take away that stress and bring lighthearted, but sneaky, fun into your life."

Batman smiled and replied, "I appreciate that."

Back at Arkham Asylum, Professor Crane finally returned to his classroom, with an excited smile on his face. Poison Ivy folded her arms and asked, "What's going on?"

Professor Crane grinned and said, "Don't worry about it. In fact, you and Harley can get going. Your detention has been cancelled."

Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn both looked confused. Ivy asked, "Why?"

Professor Hugo Strange entered the room and said, "Although you were disrespectful to Professor Crane, your crimes can easily be forgiven. However, Harvey Dent is one of our new students, so he needs to learn about being punished. No professor enforces proper punishments better than Professor Crane, so I've put him in charge of grounding him." Ivy and Harley stepped out of the room.

Harvey casually asked, "What's going on?"

Professor Crane had an evil smile on his face, while saying, "Principal Strange approved of my latest fear-toxin. Since you were being a rotten kid, you're going to be tested on." He got the fear toxin ready and started spraying it, on Harvey's face. Hugo Strange watched, while having an invested look on his face.

After Catwoman slurped several milkshakes, she and Batman started walking out of the malt-shop. Batman looked at her and asked, "Where should we go next?"

Catwoman playfully used Batman's cape as a fan, while saying, "You should make that choice. After all, you don't want me to decide everything, do you?"

Batman nervously replied, "I'm not great at picking fun things."

Catwoman responded, "That's probably because you haven't tried hard enough. There's a movie I want to see, but we have an hour before the next showing. Can you think of anything, that'd waste time?"

Batman put his hand on his chin, while saying, "I think I've come-up with something."

Meanwhile, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn were walking out of the school. They were glad they got to leave their detention behind, but Ivy was concerned about Batman.

Harley nudged Ivy and said, "We got out of detention. You should be celebrating, not moping."

Poison Ivy replied, "I know and I am happy, but I think Batman's in trouble. He's very smart, but I don't know if he'll see past Catwoman's deception."

Harley looked amused, while asking, "Deception? Don't you realize you have a biased hatred, for Catwoman?"

Poison Ivy stubbornly replied, "I don't have a biased hatred. Catwoman's the worst and that all there is to it."

Harley had a doubtful look on her face, while responding, "Okay then."

Poison Ivy thought about Harvey Dent, who had been left in detention. She was unaware that he was suffering one of Professor Crane's experiments, but she was worried about him. She said, "I hope Scarecrow doesn't have anything bad planned for the new kid."

Harley replied, "I think he'll be okay. After all, he's the new kid."

Poison Ivy said, "Harley, you know that Scarecrow doesn't go easy on people. I hope he's alright."

Harley replied, "We'll see him tomorrow. If anything happened, I'm sure we can help him."

Poison Ivy asked, "And what about Batman?"

Harley calmly answered, "We'll also him tomorrow. If Catwoman did anything to him, we'll support him."

Poison Ivy replied, "I'm worried she'll do something bad to him, like steal his wallet or break his heart."

Harley responded, "You shouldn't put too much thought into it. When I'm worried, I think about goofy stuff. For example, I'm going to go to the store and buy clown-shoes. Even though I didn't get into Clown College, I still like to dress like they accepted me."

A few minutes later, Batman and Catwoman went to Ra's al Ghul's ninja-training place. They walked inside and looked around. It was decorated with various ninja weapons and merchandise. They were several people, dressed in black ninja-outfits, who were beating each other up.

Catwoman said, "So, I asked you to take me to fun a place and this is what you come up with?" She showed off her claws, while saying, "I couldn't think of a more purrfect place."

Batman replied, "Talia's dad runs this place. I've heard lots of good things."

Ra's al Ghul popped out of the shadows and asked, "Good things? You should be hearing the best things and I except nothing less, than the best, from you."

Batman felt suspicious of Ra's al Ghul, while replying, "I'm flattered you have such a high opinion of me, even though it's a weird feeling to have. After all, we've never met."

Ra's al Ghul looked excited, while responding, "That's true, but I've become fascinated with you, Batman. A detective, a bat, and a man. Those three things would seem rather mundane, but when you combine them together, it becomes something the world has never seen." He paced around Batman while saying, "Since you are wanting to become a detective, you'll have to work on your strength. Despite being a mostly mental process, detectives require physical attributes, not just good-thinking skills. I want to see your moves."

Batman replied, "I haven't done that much fighting, in the past. My moves might not be good."

Ra's al Ghul put his arm around Batman, while saying, "Don't be so hard on yourself, Batman. I see lots of potential in you. Since you are lacking in the confidence department, I'll have you fight some of my less-challenging ninjas."

Batman replied, "Sounds good."

Catwoman slyly smiled and said, "I also want to fight some ninjas."

Ra's al Ghul smiled back and replied, "Very well then." He walked over to his ninjas and sent them after Batman.

Batman looked at Catwoman and said, "It's time to find out our potential."

Catwoman replied, "We have more potential than you could ever imagine."

Batman said, "You have a lot of confidence, don't you?"

Catwoman asked, "Why wouldn't I? I'm the best."

The ninjas started running after Batman and Catwoman. One of the ninjas started punching Batman. Batman punched the ninja, but the ninja kicked him to the ground.

A ninja was about to use his sword, but he looked down and saw it was broken in half. Catwoman had a mischievous smile on her face, while saying, "When you mess with the cat, your weapons will become weaker than a litter-box." The ninja tried to punch her, but she threw him across the room. Ra's al Ghul raised an eyebrow, in surprise.

Batman got up and started punching a few ninjas. The ninjas started jumping on Batman. One of the ninjas punched Batman in the face. He fell to the ground.

Catwoman turned around and saw that the ninjas had beaten-up Batman. She faced the ninjas, while saying, "My claws are sharp, sharper than your brains could ever be." The ninjas started coming after her. She got out her whip and used it to fling ninjas across the room. She was an expert, at running quickly and sneaking around. There were several points, where the ninjas thought they were close to getting her. However, she managed to avoid their attacks and she defeated them.

There were a few ninjas left. They started heading towards Catwoman, who was feeling a little worn-out. Batman got up and saw what was happening. In order to protect Catwoman, he tried to stop the ninjas. He sternly said, "Bring it on, if you feel like you can handle. However, I think you should beware the Batman." Ra's al Ghul smirked, while Batman started punching and kicking the ninjas. Catwoman quickly got her energy back, so she helped Batman stop the remaining ninjas.

After all of the ninjas had been defeated, Ra's al Ghul clapped his hands. He walked up to Batman and Catwoman and said, "Excellent work, you two. You defeated an entire team of ninjas."

Batman replied, "Catwoman deserves most of the credit. Besides, those were the weaker ninjas."

Ra's al Ghul sneakily smiled and responded, "That's not the case. If you are wondering why the ninjas were able to temporarily defeat you, it's because I sent some of tougher ninjas.":

Batman said, "I asked for the less-advanced ninjas."

Ra's al Ghul replied, "That's correct, but I knew you had potential for better."

Catwoman playfully rubbed Batman's cowl, while saying, "He's quite the fighter."

Batman replied, "You're the one who knocked it out of the park. You impressive fight moves are what inspired me, to not give up. Those are some of the best moves I've ever seen." Catwoman meowed, which Batman assumed was her way of thanking him.

Ra's al Ghul responded, "You both impressed me and I'm expecting to see more of you. You have a lot to learn, despite already being so talented."

Batman was starting to reach for his utility-belt's wallet, while asking, "How much did this lesson cost?"

Ra's al Ghul shook his hand and replied, "It's on the house. Seeing the bat and the cat, in action, was something I should be paying for, not the other way around."

Batman asked, "Are you sure?"

Ra's al Ghul smiled and said, "Don't worry, Batman. I'm one of Gotham's richest citizens. In fact, Bruce Wayne is probably the only citizen in Gotham, who's wealthier than I am."

Batman felt nervous about Bruce Wayne's name being brought up, since he really was Bruce Wayne and he didn't want others to know that. He nervously gulped and he hoped Catwoman and Ra's al Ghul didn't hear that.

Catwoman said, "I've seen Bruce Wayne, on Vicky Vale's news reports. He doesn't seem that exciting, aside from his money and jewels."

Batman tried to cover up his secret-identity, by saying, "Bruce Wayne's probably spoiled, maybe immature."

Ra's al Ghul replied, "Ms. Vale often reports on how much Bruce Wayne wastes. He has so much potential and he constantly doesn't put it to use. I use my wealth, to improve and benefit Gotham. With my team of ninja, Gotham will become safer than ever." He tapped Batman's shoulder and said, "My goal is to make you heroic, intimidating, powerful, and talented. In other words, I want you to become the opposite of Bruce Wayne. Do you think that's possible?"

Batman felt amused, while answering, "Sure."