The fight was over in five minutes flat.

Silence was the loudest sound in the room, besides Barbara's panting. She shook out her shoulders, and planted one boot on Powergirl's back. Her alien rival was unresponsive.

Batwoman could have incapacitated Karen in about thirty seconds, but she'd wanted to put on a show for the crowd. It had been almost fun, leaping and dodging and sliding out of Powergirl's way as Karen tried to pummel her into the ground. But Karen had clipped her with a glancing blow to the back of her head. After that, it was an easy decision to end the fight before the next hit resulted in broken bones or blood.

And, speaking of blood, she spit a gob of it onto the floor, and wiped at her lips with the back of her hand. "That the best you've got? I'm two for two, Roulette!"

Slight of hand had been the key, in the end. She'd swung herself onto Karen's back, and clapped her glove holding her smoke pellet over the woman's mouth. The pellet was a new design; filled to capacity with liquid anesthetic gas. The second the fluid inside touched oxygen, she'd held her breath as the colorless gas was sucked into Karen's lungs.

Kryptonians were near invincible on the outside. But even they had to breathe. And Bruce had been drilling their weaknesses into her head since the day they'd first seen Superman fly overhead on patrol. Anesthesia, in gaseous form, was more than enough to subdue the flying powerhouses if Kryptonite were unavailable.

The panel started to lower, and she stepped back again onto more stable ground, throwing out her hands. "Please tell me you've got something tougher than a Kryptonian! I'm starting to get bored, here!"

In the crowd, she could see Lex Luthor's jaw drop. She was willing to bet money that he was trying to decide how on earth she'd taken down a full-blooded Kryptonian so quickly. The other faces, Queen Bee, Doctor Strange…they all gaped.

But Roulette only smiled.

"I'm so glad you asked," she crooned, "Because, ladies and gentlemen, for one night only, we've got a treat for you! Have you ever wanted the chance to dismantle a bat with your bare hands? Well—"

Barbara raised an eyebrow. Was Roulette honestly considering letting her own spectators into the ring with her? She was pretty sure she could take most of the baddies in the room…pretty sure…

"Tonight's your chance! In corner one, we've got our new undefeated champ—Batwoman!"

Barbara wasn't certain that winning two fights made her an 'undefeated champ', but she didn't really care how Roulette wanted to sell it; she was just ready to knock a few heads, then get her little sister back.

"But she won't be fighting alone, folks! She'll be teaming up with last night's champion! He's big, he's bad, but is he a match for the likes of you? Give it up for the one…but apparently not the only…"

The panel on Barbara's right rose slowly, and her jaw almost hit the floor.

"Batman!"

Dick stood next to her, frowning. His wrists were cuffed just like hers had been, and he rolled his shoulders with a sigh. Then, he glanced over at her, and jumped.

"Bar—uh, Batwoman?"

"There you are." She let out a frustrated huff. "What was it this time, Wingnut? Did she pull up to the curb and offer you candy?"

"Hey. Not my fault everyone wants me." He waggled his eyebrows. It was difficult to tell underneath the cowl, but she could see it.

"You're a real damsel in distress, you know that? Is this like, the twelfth time you've gotten yourself bat-napped?"

"Oh, I'm pretty sure we're up in the twenty-somethings by now." He chuckled. "Hey, if they had a 'frequent-flier' thing for kidnapping, do you think—"

"I get it. You're a wimp." She grinned.

"Heh. Not exactly how I'd put it, but what can I say." He glowered at the crowd around them. Roulette had just announced an opening bid, so it seemed as though multiple baddies would have the chance to pay for the privilege of ripping them to pieces. "But if I'm here…and you're here…why haven't we blown this popsicle stand, yet?"

"They've got Steph," Barbara muttered. "Roulette promised to let us both go if I won three fights. You?"

"She told me she had you."

"Welp." Barbara threw out both hands. "Here I am. But first things first, do you have a chip?"

He shook his head, and reached up with his cuffed hands to tap the side of his head. "Couldn't drill their way through the ol' cowl. When they tried to get it off me, it electrocuted them and woke me up." He paused. "Hey, did you know they've got, like, the entire Team down there? Most of the League, too."

"Yep." She sighed and watched the numbers on the scoreboard climb, reaching the millions. "Right now, I think we've got bigger problems to worry about."

Winning bidders flashed across the screen:

BLOCKBUSTER

VICTOR ZSASZ

COPPERHEAD

Batwoman snorted. "Pfft. Really? These guys?How come none of the big-wigs or Rogues wanted a piece of us?"

Dick shot her a conspiratorial grin. "Because," he said, "The big-wigs know better."

Half of the dome lowered, leaving the ring exposed to open air. Both Bats surged forwards, but stopped as their boots stuck to the floor, like they'd stepped in fly paper. They were rendered immobile as the three baddies they'd be facing jumped down into the ring.

Blockbuster shook the entire ground when he landed, and growled low in his throat when he saw the two Bats. Copperhead was more wiry, and landed softly on his feet. He hissed and shot them a wink as he ran the tip of his tongue over his gleaming fangs. Zsasz, on the other hand, was definitely a Gothamite, through and through. Not as lean as the snake man, not as strong as the big blue monster, but he was wielding a shining set of knives, and covered with hundreds of tallying scars that each told a story about how he'd used them. One for each victim.

"Fine," Batwoman sighed. "How do you wanna play this?"

Batman shrugged. "I go low, you go high?"

"I'm down for that. But it's only gonna work on Blockbuster, I think. You want Zsasz or the snake?"

Batman cracked his neck. "Let's just see if I can't give Mr. Z a few more scars tonight."

"Hon, those scars mean—"

"Yeah. I know how that sounded, but you know what I meant."

"Fine."

The crowd pumped their fists, counting down. Dick's cuffs beeped and fell harmlessly to the floor. Then they both felt their boots come unstuck; Roulette wanted a show, and they wouldn't be as entertaining if they died standing still, would they? Barbara smirked up at their hostess, and shot her a little wave.

"You realize, Roulette," she called out, "that you picked the wrong capes to mess with tonight?"

Something seemed to dawn on the villainess, as her face went slack. "I—"

"One!" the crowd shouted. "Fight!"

The three villains lunged forwards, giving Dick just enough time to turn to her and smile, one eyebrow raised. "Milady?"

She jumped toward him and let his hands close around her wrists. He spun, swinging her around, around and around before letting go. Batwoman launched up, over even Blockbuster's spiny head, and let her cape snap out behind her.

Then, she dove down, and locked her arms around Blockbuster's neck. She had to concentrate harder than she should have, to swing her legs up and over the monster's shoulder, but she managed. At the same time, Batman rammed his whole body into Blockbuster's abdomen. Between the momentum from above, and the force from below, the monster didn't even stand a chance. He fell to the floor with an earth-shaking crash. Batwoman moved quickly to crush another anesthetic pellet into his mouth before ducking to the side. One of Zsasz's knives sliced through the air, narrowly missing her left ear.

The Gotham assassin grinned a shark-like grin, then reached for another knife. This time, to send through her chest plate. Before he got the chance, Batman's fist cracked across his cheek. That drew his attention away long enough for Batwoman to finish up Blockbuster.

The monster was fighting unconsciousness, groaning as she tried to pry open his mouth. But to no avail. Batwoman huffed, and raised her fist to crush the pellet into Blockbuster's nose, but two arms circled her neck from behind.

She choked as they yanked her back, lifting her feet off the ground. Instinctively, she twisted her foot behind Copperhead's right calf, and stiffened, effectively keeping the snake from moving back any further. Barbara moved to kick her other heel up into the villain's manhood, but his tail swirled around her legs, keeping her immobile.

She strained in the snake's grasp, and felt his hot breath against her cheek as he leaned in to whisper: "You're kinda cute when you squirm, Batgirl."

Barbara gagged, and not just from the headlock. "Bat. Woman. Why is…ck…that so hard?

A few feet away, Zsasz had Dick backed up against the edge of the dome. The assassin cackled and raised one of his knives. "This is going to be my favorite scar, little boy. I'll gut you right here, in front of your pretty little—"

He tapered off, as the Batman's smile widened.

Not a lot of villains, Barbara realized, were probably used to seeing such a wicked grin on a Batman's face.

Dick suddenly jumped up, and threw his arms out to either side. Thanks to his gauntlets, his fingers stuck easily to the glass, giving him all the leverage he needed to swing the rest of his body up. He kicked out, and planted both boots in Zsasz's face. The villain crumpled, and whimpered as he spat out a mouthful of blood and tooth fragments.

"I hate to disappoint, Zazzy," Batman said with a smirk, "But I'd be more worried about getting yourself to a good dentist, if I was you."

Zsasz let out a pitiful mewl.

Dick squared his shoulders, and turned to Batwoman, and the snake currently twined around her.

Copperhead tightened his grip, and Barbara let out an involuntary wheeze. She could feel her ribcage creaking. "N-not another step closer! Or she gets it!"

Batman stopped, and looked at her. "You sure you got this one?"

Batwoman managed a wry smile as she squeaked out, "Your lack of fuh…faith disturbs me."

Copperhead had left her hands free, even if she couldn't raise them above her head. Barbara rubbed her fingers together quickly, waiting for that little hum. The villain was shaking.

"What're you talking about?" he demanded. "Listen, Bats. Surrender right now or I'll bite her!"

Copperhead did have enough venom to lay her out flat, or worse. But she wasn't exactly about to let that happen. Barbara twisted slightly, fingers crackling with energy, and jammed her hand into the snake's side. He let out a scream, convulsing, and Batwoman gave silent thanks that her suit was insulated. But the charge in her gloves had to be all but used up by now.

The smell of cooked snake hung in the air as Copperhead peeled off of her, and fell limply to the floor. Thankfully not dead, but definitely out for the next day or so.

She rubbed her neck grimacing, and Dick was at her side in a second.

"See that?" he called out. "We win!"

"Hold up your end of the bargain, Roulette!" Barbara glowered.

Roulette's tinkling laughter floated out over the arena. The spectators were buzzing in their seats, most grinning wickedly. Both Bats planted their feet and exchanged a glance.

"Is that what you think? That you won?" She laughed again, and the crowd joined her.

Behind them, there was a sickening thud.

They turned, slowly.

Blockbuster had pulled himself to his feet. Now, he raised both fists in the air, and let out an earsplitting roar.

Barbara looked at Dick, and Dick looked at Barbara.

Then, they both smiled.

"Would you like to do the honors?" He twirled one hand in a permissive gesture.

Batwoman smiled and shook her head. "Let's show these baddies what the Bats can do. Together."

The monster roared again, and surged toward them. His fingers grasped at the air, ready to reach out and wring their necks. Both Bats hit the ground at the same time, letting Blockbuster rumble over them as they rolled out of the way of his stomping feet.

The monster turned from side to side, trying to figure out where his prey had gone. Dick stuck his finger and his thumb into his mouth and gave out a piercing whistle.

Blockbuster whirled on them again, and growled. He charged like a raging bull, fists out and at the ready.

The Bats raced forward to meet him head on. Barbara slid a little on her boots as she leaned down to scoop up the anesthetic pellet without stopping once. Once they were a mere five feet away, they jumped into the air.

The crowd let out a collective gasp as the Bats landed on each of Blockbuster's clenched fists.

Barbara and Dick were silent, but each knew what the other would do just as certainly as they knew their own names. They cartwheeled, planting their palms into the monster's forearms and twisting their bodies up and around. Both grabbed one of Blockbuster's shoulders and leapt up into the air. They tucked their heads down, and spun until their feet could kick out and land in the monster's shoulder blades.

The top-heavy monster stumbled, and landed on his knees. He moved to get up, then turned in shock as the two Bats descended out of the air. Mouths open in a battle cry, shoulders turning, arms moving as one, Batman and Batwoman both planted a fist into the monster's face.

The pellet between Barbara's knuckles cracked against one of his teeth, and exploded. The gas was sucked into Blockbuster's lungs almost as soon as it touched air, and the monster fell back. The thud shook the ground, and Blockbuster lay stretched out and unconscious.

The Bats panted, and exchanged a smile. Dick's fist extended, and Barbara knocked her knuckles with his.

"Now," Barbara called out. "We win."

Both sides of the dome split, and descended, like a blooming flower opening its petals. Roulette's wicked smile curled up her face as the hundreds and hundreds of villains in the stands got to their feet. The sound of thudding boots filled the scene as dozens of Roulette's employees circled the ring. They cocked their firearms, and pointed the weapons squarely at the Bats' chests.

"Please," Roulette replied. "Did you honestly think it would be that easy? You know too much, little bats. I couldn't possibly let you go, now."

Dick sighed. "Yep. Saw that one coming."

Barbara readied her fists. "Alrighty, then, Wingnut. What's the plan?"

"Obviously," he muttered, "We kick the trash out of every member of the League of Shadows, the Light, the Rogues, the—"

"I meant realistically."

"Ah. Well. In that case, we fight our way to the exits, and get the #$%% out of here."

She sighed, and shot him a smile. "I'm really going to miss that naïve optimism."

The Bats raised their fists.

But before they could leap into battle, a piercing whistle cut through the room.

Every eye in the room spun up to the exits. They were toward the top of the arena, opposite of Roulette's control hub. There, a crowd of women was standing with hands on hips and looks fit to kill.

The Birds of Prey had arrived.

Leading the way was a woman dressed all in black, with her signature fish-net tights and flowing platinum blonde hair. Dina gave the crowd a little wave, and opened her mouth to speak. Her voice carried all the way through the arena.

"Hey Roulette," she said, smiling, "Ready for round two?"

The villainess paled.

Black Canary spread her feet and opened her mouth. A piercing Canary Cry ripped through the air, and every villain and baddie covered their ears, shrieking. The glass panels protecting Roulette's hub shook, then shattered, raining glass down on the spectators below. Two women at Canary's side broke from the ranks and soared into the air. Barbara recognized them instantly as Fire and Vixen. Both crashed down into Roulette's hub, and started throwing fists and kicks as the evil hostess strained to put up a fight.

Villains surged out of their seats, and the Birds rushed to meet them.

The sounds of battle filled the room, and Batman and Batwoman threw themselves into the fray.

"Do you really think," someone, probably Lex Luthor, shouted over the cacophony, "That a few little girls can take on our might and power?"

Cheesy. Barbara almost rolled her eyes. Then, she planted a fist straight into Black Spider's face.

Huntress grinned, and launched herself over the railing. She rolled as she hit the floor near Barbara, making for a perfect landing. "Please," she replied. "You really think we wouldn't bring backup?"

The ring floor shook beneath their feet, and all the heroes leapt out of the way. Superboy and Powergirl surged up and out from underneath the arena. Chunks of concrete flew through the air as they launched themselves out and up to freedom. Behind them, the rest of the captive members of the League and Team burst out of the gaping hole. They let out a battle cry as they rushed to meet the villains.

"Hi!" A voice next to Barbara's ear made her jump. She whirled around, and almost knocked into Stephanie, who was grinning as she spun to kick out at Toy Man. "My name is backup, how may I assist you today?"

Barbara grinned, and waited until Batgirl laid Toy Man out on his back. Then, she grabbed her little sister and wrapped her in a bear hug. "There you are!"

"Wow," Jason shouted, as he fired off a few rubber rounds nearby. "Feelin' that love. Didn't I tell you she plays favorites, Red?"

Tim leapt over Ragdoll's shoulder, then planted his bo staff in the villain's back. "I think we all know who the favorite is, Red," he shot back. "M—"

"Correct." Damian slid underneath Fiddler's feet, and kicked up sharply. The baddie's face puckered as he doubled over. "Me. I am her favorite. Because I'm the best."

Jason and Tim let out protesting shouts, and punched out at their respective opponents.

Dick laughed, and pressed his back to Barbara's. They linked arms as they both jumped up, relying on the other to give them momentum as they kicked their feet out into a different villain's face. "Boys, boys," he said, "There's no need to fight. We all know that I'm BW's favorite."

Barbara shook her head, smiling. To Steph, she demanded, "How did you get them all out? All Roulette has to do is press one button, and they'll turn on us."

Batgirl smirked and waved her finger. Black Spider got back up, and lunged towards her, but Stephanie took him down quickly with two well placed hits with her staff. "We hacked those little chips in their heads," she said smugly. "Called your Birds to take topside, while I took the boys underground to do a little computer work. Easy-peasy lemon—" She threw out her fist and caught Captain Cold in the nose. He let out a sharp bark and fell backwards. "Seems like you've had an interesting day."

Batwoman smirked. "Oh, hon, you have no idea." There were almost no enemies to take out now. Barbara paused, and surveyed the room, where the last of the villains were putting up a pitiful fight. In a matter of minutes, though, it would all be over. "I do have to ask though. How did you get away?"

"Huh?"

"From Roulette? Who did she have you fighting?"

Stephanie shook her head, and collapsed her staff. It was designed to compress into a tube that was about the size of a ruler; small enough to easily fit in Batgirl's hip holster, and big enough to double as a club in a pinch. "Don't know what you're talking about, boss-lady. I've never been here before."

Barbara swore, and glared up at Roulette's shattered control center. Right now, Helena was busy tying the villainess's hands behind her back with a large, smug smirk.

"What?" Steph cocked her head.

"Doesn't matter." Dick and her brothers wandered over to join them, wiping away blood, and holstering their weapons of choice. Batman nodded, and clapped Jason on the shoulder.

"BW's right. What matters is that you guys actually managed to work together for a few minutes to make this all happen. Look around, guys." He nodded at the unconscious villains scattered throughout the room. More likely than not, most of them had escaped. Either way, though, the fight was over. "You did that."

Two figures floated down from the upper seats, coming to a rest on the ring floor a few feet away from the Bats. Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter both nodded, arms crossed tightly over their chests. A blur of red and yellow streaked past, and Wally West appeared at their side, grinning.

"Thank you," J'ohnn said, voice rumbling. "We could not have escaped without your help."

Hal nodded. "What he said. Batman and Batwoman especially." He paused. "Speaking of, have the two of you given any thought to our offer yet?"

Batman raised an eyebrow. "What offer?"

"Dude!" Wally rushed over, and looped an arm over Dick's shoulder. "You're in! Haven't they told you yet?"

Barbara reached into her suit, and pulled out the two black envelopes she'd gotten from Green Arrow. "I think they mean these, Batman."

Dick reached out and took one of the envelopes, then peeled it open. His eyes traced over the words, and Barbara saw his jaw slacken. "What?"

"That's right!" Wally smacked a hand against his friend's back. "You're both officially Leaguers, now, and—"

"Flash," J'ohnn said. "Nothing has been made official."

"And the invitation only extends to one of them," Hal continued.

The grin slipped off Wally's face. "What? But we voted—"

Martian Manhunter shook his head. "The entire League voted to forgive Batman and Batwoman for their…insubordination at their mentor's funeral last year. Membership was only discussed."

"And the senior members voted to only let one of them in." Green Lantern frowned.

Barbara threw up a hand, and all eyes turned to her. "Insubordination?"

She pronounced each syllable with biting malice. Already, she could feel her family members bristling behind her. Batwoman forced herself to calm down, knowing full well that an all-out fight would break out if she didn't. She took a deep breath through her nose, then exhaled.

"Thank you for your consideration," she said hollowly, "But Batman and I haven't yet had the chance to talk things over." She put a hand on Dick's shoulder, and they both turned to leave. Their siblings followed after them. "We'll notify you as soon as we reach a decision."

Wally's arms hung at his sides. "Hey," he called, "We'll figure this out."

"We know," Dick replied.

Dina rushed over, grinning, and threw her arms around Barbara's neck. "I think this is finally the end of Roulette's little operation," she said. "Lemme know if you ever need me to come save your sorry &$$ again, yeah?"

Barbara laughed. "Thanks, Di. Will do."

"No problem." She pulled away, and started back towards the other Birds. "But don't be a stranger, B! You're always welcome back in Cormorant!"

Batwoman waved, smiling, then turned back to her family.

The Bats marched out of the arena together. The doors slammed behind them, and they each took a deep breath of the fresh night air, smiling. This may have been Metropolis—definitely far from home—but no matter where they were, night time was the same.

Batman stretched his arms into the air and groaned. "Alright, here's the deal. Everyone sleeps in til at least ten tomorrow—and that's p.m., FYI—cause we're not doing anything but relaxing. We're all gonna be sore as f—"

"Bats," Barbara cut in, wincing. "I really hate to be the bearer of tragic news, but we can't take the day off tomorrow."

"What?" Dick whimpered, like she'd kicked him in the side. "Why not?"

"Oh, hon." She laid a hand on his shoulder. "Tomorrow night? It's the WE gala…"

"What?" he squeaked. "N-no…"

Tim and Damian groaned.

Steph sighed.

Jason shrugged. "Welp. You losers have fun with that."

Tim glowered, "What do you mean? You have to go with us, you know."

"Oh, no. I don't." Jason stalked off towards the waiting Batmobile, and waved a hand over his shoulder. "Despite what people tell you, being legally dead does have its perks."

The rest of her siblings turned to her, incredulous. Barbara could only shrug. "Sorry guys, but he's right. The press would have a field day if he walked in."

"Not. Freaking. Fair." Steph muttered, scowling.

The Batmobile hatch slid open, and they all climbed in. Dick groaned as he heaved himself over the side, and buckled himself into the seat. "Well," he said, "fair doesn't start 'til you're twenty-one. And even then…"

He shot Barbara a pitiful glance. "Even then."

She laughed. "We'll be okay. We just took down Blockbuster! I think we can handle a few socialites and reporters."

"Right." Dick revved the engine. "Reporters. Yay."