Moneytrees here, decided to put some more out to give you guys a little more to the story. Enjoy!
Chapter 2: Warning Sign
Batman exhaled deeply, another setup that led him into another trap. Though this time things were bleak, they were vastly outnumbered. Ra's had sent his best as well, elite assassins that were almost on par with him. Key word almost, they were in the Nubian desert close to Ra's hideout. A factory of some sort where he knew Donna was at. Though they didn't get there in time. The thing he hated the most was Jason was with him. Although he was nineteen now, Batman couldn't help the parent in him. He told Robin to escape and get the Batwing. But the young man refused knowing his Father would fall if he wasn't by his side. So there they stood back to back breathing heavily. Surrounded by ten assassins, who wasn't going to let them escape anytime soon.
"Check?" Batman asked as he held a defensive stance. Robin was in the same position holding his staff in behind him and an arm out in front of him.
"Two... minor cuts on my... chest and a... flesh wound on my... arm..." Robin said between breaths, he observed their situation. He now regretted not going to go get the Batwing like he was told. However it wasn't like he was going to get far since their enemies didn't seem like they wanted them to escape. "We're not going to... get out of here are we?...And we're going to be real hurt...when this is over..." Batman steeled his gaze on their adversaries, they weren't going to hurt his son. He took out a batarang then another, one in each hand. He would lay down his life before they took his son's.
"This is why I didn't want to drag you two into this mess, yet you two are as stubborn as they get." Batman stated, Robin smirked as he twisted his staff in a professional manner. Having caught his breath he was ready for round three.
"And let you have all the fun? Na I don't think so and stubborn? Well we learned from the best didn't we?" Robin asked in a light tone, Batman only shook his head as two assassins ran his way. He blocked the first one's blade before kicking the other in the gut. Robin then jumped over Batman and delivered a jaw crushing blow to one of the assassins face. The others then joined in on the action.
Batman leaned backward dodging a sword mere inches from his face. He then swept the assassin's legs from under him. Rising up quickly to redirect another sword from hitting him. He parried to the left as another sword clanged against the concrete. He punched an unsuspecting assassin in the face before blocking another hit with a katana. He ducked another blade before throwing one of his batarangs at another's hand knocking the sword out of their hand. He then twisted around placing an electrocute device on the back of another assassin. He reached for it but was too late as he was electrocuted. Batman with one batarang in his hand backed away slowly as the remaining four closed in on him.
Robin twisted his staff in front of himself as five assassins slowly approached him swords and katanas directed toward him. Once two feet away from him he smashed his staff against one the hilt of their swords. When it hit the ground he kicked the assassin away. He leaned backward dodging a jab with a blade. Then lifted the sword up with his staff, going under it he threw a roundhouse kick to another. But was blocked by a forearm, Robin then jumped onto the assassin and off toward the next one who was shocked. He then hit pressure points in his shoulder and neck knocking him out. The remainder closed in on him, he guided his staff around him as he jumped back.
Batman blocked another shot aimed for his head but was hit on his abdomen. He let out a pained groan as he threw another batarang making the assassin drop his weapon. He then pushed the other back before driving his knee into the next ones ribs but suffered another cut on his back. Letting out another shout of pain. He then steadied his self and placed his guard back up. The three then swiped at him all at once. Bruce redirected the first but got stabbed in the thigh by a katana. He then blocked the last, he stumbled back taking the katana out of his thigh with not so much as a sound. Giving the now four again a glare.
Robin swung with all his might to hit the assassin's leg. A loud sickening thud was heard as it connected. The assassin dropped to his knees as Robin was prepared to finish him but a sword blocked his hit. Taken by surprise he wasn't ready for the stab in his back. A sword about four inches deep in his back. He screamed out in pain as he ripped the sword from his back. He knew now it was only a matter of time before he bled out. He had to make quick work of them so Bruce could have a fighting chance. He turned around and saw the culprit and bashed his head with his staff knocking him out. Robin then blocked a sword behind his back with his own blade now. He turned and took out his legs with his staff before kicking him in the face.
Batman barrel rolled under a barrage of blades. He stood and disarmed one of them, he then hit him with a flurry of punches before delivering a bone chilling punch to his chin. Another assassin ran toward him and flipped over him. His attention on him Batman didn't see the other stab him in the shoulder. He shouted in pain before growling. He managed to get one punch off before getting drilled into the ground by the assassin behind him. Two of them stood over him as the other flipped a katana between his fingers. Batman didn't give him the chance pushing himself off the ground and kicking the enemy in his chest.
Robin blocked another sword as two were left. His body was screaming in pain, though he fought hard to ignore it. The only thing keeping him going was adrenaline now. He saw the other roll beside him and to cut his legs but blocked him as well. However he was caught off guard when the first delivered a head butt that knocked him off balance. Followed by hard kick to the chest Robin was sent flying back. He rose to his elbows taking note that he lost the sword. He saw the two approaching him, one of them picking up the sword. He brought them together to form an x and slashed them together making a metallic sound.
Batman grunted as he was caught in the calf by another sword. He then lifted up his other leg missing another swing before karate chopping his opponents neck making him drop to the ground. Batman leaned backward again dodging another strike. He took out a taser gun and pointed at one of the two that remained and shot him. The assassin shook with pain as the high velocity weapon took hold of him. The other cut the line but it was too late the other was already on the ground unconscious. He then ran toward Batman who grabbed his wrist and drove it up. He elbowed the assassin in the ribs before head butting him. He then pulled his wrist downward making his face meet his knee cap. The assassin dropping on his back unconscious as well. Batman breathes heavily as he looked to Robin.
Who threw his staff horizontally at the assassin with two swords. He then quickly followed behind it and punched him dead square in his neck. The assassin released the blades and held his neck. Robin then put him out of his misery by punching him in the gut and driving his foot into his chest and to the ground. He stepped on the end of his staff and grabbed it just in time to blocked the other. He spun around him and swung his staff into his abdomen then the back of his knees. The assassin dropped and Robin hit with knee to his skull which made him black out. Feeling victorious, Robin let out a small chuckle proud that he made it to the end and so was Bruce.
"Come on let's get out of here before we succumb to our injuries." Batman said as he pulled out his grappling hook. But before he could fire it an arrow pierced his gun and out of his hands. He growled as he searched for the archer. He found him on top of one of the crates standing Idly. Batman and Robin dropped to their stances one last time. But their spirit died when five more dropped from the second floor. They looked up to see the whole second floor filled with assassins. Doors from the bottom level busted open as assassin's poured in. At this point the Caped Crusader wondered what a relief death would feel like at this moment. The odds now one hundred to two, Robin backed up as he gripped his staff tightly. He couldn't help but chuckle even more at the current predicament they found themselves in.
"Well I didn't think this was the way we'd go out but I guess it's fitting." Robin said Batman took out another Batarang cursing under his breath.
"Don't talk like that we're going to live." Batman promised him, Robin shot a look his way with his signature smile.
"You sure? When was surrendering in our book?" Robin asked already knowing the answer, Batman gripped his batarang tightly as he felt the ache of pain all over his body.
"It never was" Batman asked as the first wave charged toward them. He would give it his all, he'd didn't think he'd die here but he knew that he would be in a full body cast.
Batman woke up with a massive headache, he struggled to open his eyes which felt like lead. Light made its presence known when he lifted them. He searched for Robin desperately, he was relieved to have found him beside him strapped to a chair as he was. He scanned the area and saw he was in a library. He struggled against his restraints but knew if was futile. In this weakened state he was good as dead weight. Though he had to get out of here and soon, the mission wasn't complete so he couldn't stick around for whatever the assassin's had planned.
"Planning your escape as soon as you wake Detective?" He heard the all too familiar voice of Ra's Al Ghul. Batman clenched his teeth as he saw the immortal man come into his sight.
"Ra's what do you want with Donna Troy!?" Batman asked, Ra's chuckled a bit before grinning. He stood in front of the Dark Hero and crossed his arms. A hand coming to rest on his chin.
"Always quick to get to the point Detective, I'm surprised you haven't figured it out." Ra's said amusement definite in his tone of voice. He held his hands up and looked around. "Tell me Detective who is missing from our ordeal currently." Batman raised an eyebrow when he thought back to past traps. Then it hit him out of nowhere, her face popping up in his mind.
"Talia..." He muttered with a growl, Ra's pointed at him with a smile.
"Precisely" Ra's replied he turned around and went to his window and opened the drapes. "You see Detective I've recently thought about my empire. I needed an heir that showed no weakness. No mercy in the face of the enemy." Ra's explained, Batman gripped the armrests on his chair tightly. He didn't want his mind to try and figure this one out. "Especially one that wasn't in love with the enemy..." Ra's said turning back and facing him. Batman's expression turned sour at his word knowing what he was talking about.
"You wanted her to fall for me Ra's!" Batman shouted at him, Ra's Al Ghul stared at the ground and put his hands in his pockets.
"Yes I did, but I hadn't anticipated you denying her and my throne..." He said, he turned back around and looked out to the desert. "And the thing about love is, once you're in, you're not coming out. So she will always have weakness. So I did what I do best..." Ra's said the corners of his mouth twisting into a wicked smile. "I dispose of the weak, and replace it with something strong..." Batman's mental had shook yet again for the second time. His gauntlets started to make cracks in the wooden armrests.
"You killed your own daughter?! You're a sick and twisted individual Ra's!" Batman sneered with anger laced in his tone, Ra's shrugged. He couldn't believe that he killed Talia. He couldn't lie to himself and say that it didn't hurt cause it did. Sure his feelings weren't as strong as her love for him. However he knew that there was something there and he cared for her deeply. Mentally he sighed, yet another person he couldn't save from the turmoil. This was why he couldn't let anyone in, this was he put distance between him and everyone. Because if they got close enough they would slaughtered just like all the rest.
He couldn't let that happen, he wouldn't let that happen. He wasn't a very religious man, but he sent a prayer up toward Talia wishing for her to rest well. He hated this feeling of lost and sorrow, he couldn't do anything but blame himself. He shouldn't have let her love him, shouldn't have developed for her as well. Maybe she'd still be alive if it wasn't for her deranged Father.
"I'll save a spot in hell for you Detective." He spoke with a crazy look in his eye. He then went to his desk and pressed a button that sounded an alarm. "Anyways I did a little research about another heir. That's when I came across the Amazonian culture. Strong women with the drive and motivation to destroy all that opposed them. At first I had my sights set on Wonder Woman. Ha but imagine my luck coming across her sister who shared her mental. She shouldn't have came to Africa of all places wearing that armor of their's." Ra's said as he packed up a suit case, he closed it and locked it.
"I would reveal my whole plan on how I will still obtain Wonder Woman but your friends has arrived to save you. So I must be on my way, please take care Detective." Ra's said as he exited the library. Batman sighed as his body relaxed against his seat. The alarm still sounding and his tracker on his belt beeping as well. He must've hit before he passed out to signal Nightwing. Though he knew it wasn't just him, it was the Justice League as well. He didn't know how he was going to keep them out of this now.
His thoughts then drifted back to Talia, she might've been his enemy but he knew she had some good at heart. She always tried her best to oblige what he wanted. And in the end she died because of loving him. He wouldn't let that happen to Wonder Woman. He refused, if that were to happen he'd be no more use to the world. He might as well have died to because the person behind all the masks would never let him live it down.
Just then glass hit the floor from the window on the ceiling. He was happy see that it was only Nightwing who dropped down. He did a barrel roll to break his fall and stopped in front of him.
"Bruce I'm not alone, I told them not to come but-" Nightwing cut himself off when he took in Bruce's shape. He turned to Robin and saw he was in similar shape as well still unconscious. He turned back to Bruce who he knew was being killed inside as they spoke. With a determined look he began undoing the straps on him. "Dad it's gonna be okay, we're gonna get you and Jason outta here. Jason's gonna be fine." He said assuringly when he was finished he lifted him up. 'Dad? He called me-' Batman couldn't finish his thoughts as the door slammed open. Him and Nightwing turned to see Wonder Woman fly toward them. "Shit" Nightwing breathed as they were caught.
She glared daggers at Nightwing before settling her gaze on Batman. Infuriated was an understatement when met her eyes. She touched the ground gently before walking up to him. She didn't care about his injuries at the moment grabbing him by his throat. He grunted his displeasure while Nightwing stepped back in shock, his mouth agape.
"You puny, insignificant man! How dare you!?" She said pulling him face to face with her, her grip tightened around his neck making him choke. "Do you have a death wish? Because I could grant that wish right now!" She said dangerously, Batman growled his disapproval when she dropped him. Batman hit the ground on one knee, trying to regain his breath. Her rage filled gaze then descended upon Nightwing. "You would risk you're father dying just because he told you not too?!" Wonder Woman seethed, Nightwing didn't flinch at her remark.
"My allegiance is to him first, you know that Wonder Woman." Richard explained, Wonder Woman's sights then went to Jason whose eyes started to flutter open. Her worry and heartache starting take over now.
"You all are foolish! Ignorant men, who think you have to do things yourselves when you have people that worry and care about you. Do you not take in consideration their feelings when you constantly throw yourselves in death alley!?" Diana asked her voice cracking, Batman rose to his feet. His face and whole body swollen. His face emotionless, Nightwing stood behind him looking at Wonder Woman before shaking his head and looking away.
Superman then punched an assassin through the library wall and flew inside. The Flash and Hawkgirl came in as well taking in the sight of Batman and Robin. Nightwing began to undo Robin's straps as they looked to Wonder Woman who was staring angrily at Batman. Who stood as emotionless as ever, they all joined the four. Superman eyed Batman while crossing his arms.
"So are you going to explain what's going on now? Or does Wonder Woman have to hit you a couple times before you'll come out with it?" Superman asked in all seriousness, it had been awhile since he saw Bruce in this condition. It was a wonder how he was still even standing.
"Don't forget about me, I want to give him a piece of my mind as well." Hawkgirl said catching her mace in her hand. Nightwing put Robin's arm over his shoulder to help carry him. The two sons looked on to their Father and his friends.
"This isn't of any of your concern, as I stated before what goes on in Gotham is my business. That still stands as of now, so stay out of it." Batman spoke before turning around, he paused because of Superman's laughter. He peered over his shoulder to see a determined look in his eyes.
"Oh you're coming with us Batman you're in no shape to get back. Plus the League has some questions for you..." Superman said with a smirk, Batman didn't like the sound of that and looked back to Nightwing who wore a steeled gaze and was ready for anything. Robin gave him a weak grin as he lifted his staff. Batman knew they weren't going to be able to escape not with his and Robin's injuries. He didn't want to go though, especially with the Princess of the Amazons looking like she could rip his head off at any moment.
"... Fine but as soon as I'm well I'm leaving."
Batman awoke again in the infirmary, he felt a little better but the mental pain was still very much there. Talia Al Ghul dead, might as well been by his hand. She didn't even get the satisfaction of knowing he loved her back or to say he was hers. Death for nothing, all he knew was loss and pain. He didn't want to continue down that road but he knew it would come to haunt him from here on out. He looked around him to see Wonder Woman staring at him. He sighed despite himself, he knew the argument that was about to happen. Whether he liked it or not, it was going to transpire. And you know what he'd give it to her, he'd let her have it.
"Go on Princess, you'll implode if you don't release what's on you're mind." He spoke while staring at the ceiling. Diana growled with the heat of anger radiating from her entire being.
"I'm surprised you're even letting me speak freely about how stupid and ridiculous you are." Diana started out, Bruce turned his head to face her.
"I've never 'let you' do anything, you you're own woman you do as you please." Bruce spoke before turning back to ceiling, he then snorted. "And it's never stopped you before." Wonder Woman then fully stood hovering over him in his bed. Her eyes showed a murderous intent, Batman eyes her but didn't falter. He gave her the Bat glare but both knew they were both impervious of their infamous stares.
"My thoughts of you have changed Batman, you are cowardly and shameful!" Diana insulted him, he knew she was reducing to name calling because of the steam she had to blow off. So he didn't pay it any attention but coming from the woman you care the most about it still hurt. "You go off and face the evils of the world true as it may be. But when it comes to the people in your life you're to fearful to let them in!"
"I do it for them Diana! Who wants to be engulfed in my darkness?! My insanity?!" Bruce exclaimed, Diana gripped the railing tightly feeling it weaken under grip.
"Oh don't make excuses little man! It's more to it than that and you know it!" Diana shouted back, Bruce was about to give her the answer but stopped himself settling for a glare instead. "See, you're afraid to speak how you truly feel!"
"It doesn't matter how I truly feel, what matters is that some things you can't have in life. It's simply how it is!" Bruce shot back, Diana flailed her hands in the air.
"And who wrote these rules that you just so have to abide by!?" Wonder Woman asked, Batman narrowed his eyes at her.
"No one it's what's practical and logical." Bruce said, which followed with Greek curse coming from the Amazon. Bruce began to tire with arguing about nonsense and pushed her in the direction she really wanted to go. "This is not what you want to talk about Princess. You and I both know that." Bruce said getting to the point, Diana crossed her arms. She hated how he knew her so well. He knew she wouldn't deny it either which really ate her up inside. However she figured go down another path.
"What's going on with Ra's why are you after him?" She asked, it took Bruce by surprised and he cursed himself when it showed on his face. Diana caught it and wasn't about to let that go. "Bruce what's going on? And you better not lie to me I have the lasso." Batman faltered at that notion, he couldn't let her find out about Donna at all costs. He tried to sit up but the pain prevented him. He pushed through it and sat up fully much to the disapproval of Diana. He grabbed her forearm pleadingly, he looked her dead in the eyes. He mustered all the seriousness he could to make her understand.
"Swear to me this instant that you won't use it on me." He said in the emotionless tone, Diana was taken back by his tone of voice and her anger seemed to evaporate.
"Bruce I was only-"
"Swear it!" He exclaimed, she then nodded her head. He let go of a breath he didn't know he was holding. Diana's anger then returned for a moment.
"So you're going to lie to me?" She asked, Batman shook his head looking into his lap before facing her. She couldn't help but be concerned for him when those eyes hit her. It was as if she was staring at the eight year old boy in the alley.
"No, I'm not going to tell you and please Diana don't go and start digging. Just leave it be for right now, I promise I'll tell you." Bruce pleaded with him reaching out for her but she smacked his hand away.
"And I'm supposed to be sit by and watch you crawl back holding onto nothing but a string of life?! I'll promise no such thing!" Diana swore, Batman shook his head as he tried again.
"Princess I'm begging you, just this once let me handle this." He tried once more, Diana now on the verge of tears shook her head.
"No I won't! You're not going to throw you're life away Bruce! I'm going to find out what's going on!" She yelled, Bruce snarled his dislike, she was so stubborn sometimes. She had just vowed to figure it out, and nothing was going to change her mind. That meant Bruce had to quicken the pace in finding Donna. He had to before Diana knew what was going on. This was his warning sign he had to save her.
