A/N: Please review, I would really enjoy feedback. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy this next chapter!
Chapter Four: Dinner Party
The morning after Identity's first broadcast, Christian sat at the bat computer trying to figure out a way to stop him.
"He left this chip at the crime scene," Christian told Eve, plugging the small data storage unit into the computer.
"Are you sure putting that thing in there is a good idea, what if it's a trap," Eve responded as she watched the screen over Christian's shoulders.
"I did a scan on it and it seems to be a normal SD card that you'd get out of a video camera. There's not tracking device or anything."
Eve bit her lip nervously as Christian loaded up the data on the card into the computer. Once it was finished loading, Christian took a deep breath and clicked on the video file.
A large cursive I appeared on the screen and then flickered off. Identity's masked face appeared on the screen holding a conductor's wand.
"Greetings Batman," he said in his strange robotic modified voice, "If you are watching this, it means that you've found the small chip in the back of my robot's head. This message can only be played once, so listen well."
"Eve, I need you to take some notes on this for later analysis," Eve nodded, grabbing her clipboard and a pen. Christian turned back to the screen and glared at the masked anarchist as he began his statement.
"First, I would like to make this clear. I have the upmost respect for you, a man willing to fight for his ideals is something to be applauded. So, you must understand when I say I cannot continue to allow your interference. Now the mob wants you dead, but I'd much rather end this without confrontation."
Christian glared at the screen; the man was just playing with him. If he really knew Batman, he should know that backing down was not an option.
"Now, I have two choices for you," Identity continued, "you may leave Gotham and allow the people's revolution or you may stay, but I must warn you. There will be death; the streets of Gotham will run red with the blood of the corrupt so called 'leaders' of society. A crescendo of destruction will end their generation." Identity waved his conductor's wand and the feed cut off.
Christian pulled the chip out of the computer and examined it. The card was fried; it had been set to destroy its circuits after being played.
Christian tried to think of who this man could be, but there were no clues at all. Each murder had been practically untraceable, and until the morgue's autopsy returned he would have no idea what the cause of death was.
"What do you think Eve," Christian asked, staring at the screen as if Identity was still watching him.
"I think that he is quickly gaining followers,"
Christian turned around in his chair, "What do you mean?"
Eve showed him her I phone, where she had googled the Identity. There were thousands of websites dedicated to him, made by his followers. Apparently Identity had been preaching anarchy online and had converted many. The fools, Christian thought, they blindly follow a demented ideal from a psychopath they do not even know.
Eve pulled up one of the sites and showed Christian videos made by Identity speaking to his followers. Each of his speeches was unnervingly charismatic, and frightening as well. In each one he denounced the fraud that was the American justice system, the government's blind disregard for they should be protecting, and his displeasure with anyone with a drop of power.
"How are they able to follow someone with such twisted morals?" Christian asked Eve, staring in disbelief at some of the responses praising their leader.
"The internet can be a twisted and distorted place. His followers probably have nothing, and revel in the idea of being part of a movement as large as this," Eve told him, taking her I phone back from Christian.
"I'm going to need to look over this case, will you stay here tonight and help me?"
Eve laughed and answered, "Of course I can't stay here tonight, and neither can you!"
"Why is that," Christian asked, walking over to his workbench, where he removed his utility belt and placed it on the table.
"Because, you have a fundraiser tonight to help out the Daily Planet's charity for leukemia."
Christian looked over to eve and raised his eyebrow in an annoyed fashion. "Seriously? Eve this is much more important!"
"Mr. Wayne if you haven't forgotten, you need a social life outside of this!" Eve scolded him, "I only promised to help you if you continued to fulfill you duties as the CEO of Wayne Enterprises."
Christian couldn't believe Eve was going to force him into this, but unfortunately he did need her help. If she was going to stay onboard he had to humor her this once.
"Fine, where is this fundraiser?"
Eve smiled and flipped to the schedule attached to her clipboard. "The fundraiser is at a penthouse suite in the Red Carpet Hotel. I will have your suit prepared for you and your car ready for when you leave."
Christian groaned, "Why should I go to this? Cant' you go instead?"
Eve shook her head and said, "I don't technically run this company, you need to make an appearance or it will make many people very upset. Plus, Ms. Kent will be there, so you shouldn't have to horrible of a time."
Christian rolled his eyes; Eve just loved to tease him about Kara, even though he had adamantly told her that he couldn't have a relationship with her.
Every time he would deny any feelings for her, Eve would just smile and joke, "Alright Mr. Wayne, whatever you say."
Christian moved behind the dressing screen and removed his suit and put on a button down shirt and some casual pants. He followed Eve upstairs; who had told him breakfast was ready, even though it was practically lunchtime.
"Hey Eve, did someone come to visit me last night?" he asked as he chewed on his food.
Eve nodded and answered, "Yes, Mr. Connor Kent wanted to make it absolutely clear you were under close surveillance."
"Oh?" Christian laughed, "and where is Connor now?"
"I believe he has returned to Metropolis, something about an escaped Gorilla with psychokinetic abilities."
Christian shook his head, "Everything seems much brighter over in Metropolis."
"Yes," Eve responded as she cut some bread for herself, "Gotham does seem to be under some kind of curse."
Christian swallowed his eggs, savoring Eve's excellent cooking. "I've noticed all the terrorists and psychopaths love to call this place home."
"And what does that make us?"
"The same as the rest."
0000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000
"Kara, have you seen my tie?"
Kara turned towards Jimmy as he frantically looked for his favorite tie. "I cant' seem to find it anywhere, and I can't be late to my own fundraiser!"
She used her x-ray vision to look through the room for the silk blue tie as Jimmy worried himself helplessly. Finally, she located the article of clothing right under a pile of laundry that Jimmy had meant to wash.
"Have you checked under the dirty laundry?" she suggested, putting on her earings.
Jimmy moved over towards the laundry pile and looked through it until he managed to grab his tie from the mess.
"Thanks honey, what would I do without you," he said, kissing her on the cheek. Kara smiled back and finished preparing herself for the party. As much as she hated them, she knew Jimmy had to rub elbows with the society hags to get his good cause up and running.
As she slipped on her heels, she heard Jimmy ask, "So do you think Wayne will be coming to this party?"
Kara thought for a bit. It was quite possible that Christian wouldn't show up. Even though he loved these social events, he had changed completely. She had no idea whether he still liked joking around with his wealthy friends, or if he would just brood in the corner like he tended to do lately. "I don't know, he's still having a hard time getting over the death of his family."
"Yeah, the poor guy."
Jimmy finished putting on his shoes and held his arm out, allowing Kara to hook hers around his.
"Shall we go?"
Kara giggled, "Yes, lets."
Jimmy led her over towards the elevator and called it. Once the elevator doors opened up, he and Kara stepped in and clicked the button to the top floor. The elevator rose slowly, playing that obnoxious music that Kara hated so much.
She had high hopes that Christian was there, last time they had talked was two weeks ago, and they hadn't ended on the best of terms.
The doors slid open, revealing the sight of the true spoils of wealth. The nicest penthouse in all of Gotham, decked out with gourmet entrées, the best music money could buy, and sophisticated drinks.
"I must say, you've outdone yourself sweetheart," Kara complimented, looking at the fat spread on the food table.
"Yes, well all the money is going to a good cause. I want to make a difference in this world and it's not gonna happen if I'm just sitting around doing nothing," Jimmy told her, grabbing two glasses of champagne. He handed one to Kara and the two clinked their glasses together in cheers.
"You've done a wonderful job with this party Mr. Olsen,"
The two turned around and saw Eve in a nightgown, a rare sight.
"Eve, how are you," Jimmy greeted, giving her a hug, "I hope you are enjoying the party."
"I couldn't have planned something better myself," she answered, taking a sip from her drink.
"Eve Wesson, enjoying herself at a party, I didn't think it was possible," he joked, putting his arm around Kara.
"Yeah," Kara laughed, "So I'm guessing if you're here you've dragged Christian along as well."
Eve nodded, "Mr. Wayne is somewhere, probably at the bar right now."
"Say Eve, are you and Christian an item? I know you work for him, but I always see you two together," Jimmy asked as he grabbed a small lamb kabob from one of the waiters.
Eve's face immediately turned bright red as she stammered, "No, no not at all Mr. Olsen! Mr. Wayne is my best friend and boss, but I'm with him all the time because his father asked me to."
"Really? You know I never heard the story of how you came under Christian's employment," Kara asked, now very curious.
"Well, you see Mr. Wayne had some trouble at first running Wayne Enterprises, so my father hired to help him out," Eve explained, "At first I wasn't too excited because of Mr. Wayne's, erm, reputation."
"Did he try to hit on you back then," Jimmy laughed, thinking of Christian putting the moves on his secretary.
Kara elbowed Jimmy in the arm and shot him a glare, then turned back to Eve. "Please, continue."
"As I was saying, I began to work with Mr. Wayne to help him organize his time. One day when I was filing some papers for him, one of board members started to harass me. Even though I told him to leave me alone, he kept persisting to the point where I was about to report him," Eve continued, "When I suggested that, he grew violent and agitated. He was obviously drunk, and I honestly thought he was going to take advantage of me."
"So what did you do?" Kara asked, wrapped up in the story.
"Well, as luck would have it, Mr. Wayne happened to turn the corner and spot what his co-worker was doing. I thought for sure that nothing would be done, since Mr. Wayne had always hit on me and since the man was a member of the Wayne Enterprises board. But instead of doing what I thought he would, he fired the man on the spot. As much as he tried to make excuses and soften Mr. Wayne up, he stood strong and told the board member to pack his bags and leave."
"Wow, so Christian saved you?"
Eve nodded, "believe it or not, under all people say he is, Mr. Wayne is a kind and generous person. He may not act like it, but I know him better then anyone, maybe just as much as his sister did."
"Wow, that's an incredible story," Kara told her.
"Yeah, it's what helps me remember not to give up on him," Eve laughed, "even if he is a bit thick skulled at times."
The three laughed heartily together and then toasted to the good Mr. Wayne. Kara looked around and saw Christian sitting at the bar, slouched over and brooding. She felt bad for him, and wanted him to at least enjoy himself with the rest of them while she was still in Gotham.
Kara decided to approach Christian, despite what may have happened before. It was worth it to get a genuine smile out of her old friend.
When she reached the bar, she tapped him on the shoulder and said lightly, "You know, drinking to much is bad for you right?"
Christian turned and looked at her, showing Kara the bags under his eyes and other results of the extra stress of Batman. Putting on his best smile, he answered, "Well I figured since three exes of mine have already dumped their drinks on me, why stop the booze from coming?"
"Oooh, edgy," she laughed, sitting down beside him. She could still see the mask, the fake smile he always put on. She could still see the seething anger in his eyes.
"It's getting a little stuffy in here," said Christian, standing up from his seat, "Would you like to step outside for a bit?"
Kara nodded and followed Christian onto the large balcony that overlooked the city. She stood next to him as the two watched the city lights, heard the sounds of the city, and felt the cold night breeze.
"It's beautiful isn't it," Kara mused, trying to break the ice, or at least the awkward silence.
After waiting a couple minutes with no response, Kara lightly gave him a friendly punch on the shoulder. "You could at least pretend like you're here."
Christian looked over at her, as if he had been snapped out of his own reality. "Oh yeah, sorry Kara. I was just thinking…"
"Please, enlighten me," she laughed, moving a little closer.
"You know, this suit was my father's first."
Kara arched her eyebrow curiously, "Really? It must have been really well kept."
"And I can see why, the suit is part of the costume," Christian told her, pouring his drink over the edge.
"How so?"
"The costume is this, what I am right now," Christian, explained, "the role I play here, it isn't me. Not anymore at least…"
Kara sighed, "A shame, your sister would have missed you."
Christian turned towards her and gave her a curious look. What did she mean by his sister would miss him; his sister hated the way he acted before!
"Your sister and I were good friends. She used to complain about the way you acted, but deep down we both knew that she loved you the way you were. Even if you could be annoying or sleazy, she still loved you for your happy and optimistic attitude."
Christian laughed, "You think I'm sleazy?"
"Christian, you swam in women like Scrooge Mc Duck swam in coins, of course you were sleazy."
Christian snorted, laughing even harder now. Kara smiled, she had gotten a genuine laugh from him. Even if it was just one, it was still a small victory. Maybe, eventually, the old Christian would return. The two turned back to the city, watching it's nocturnal life from above.
Suddenly, a loud crash interrupted their moment of peace. Christian and Kara both turned around and saw the Hart's Bank CEO fall onto the ground dead.
The two ran inside to see what had happened, when suddenly the doors to the inside of the room locked.
"Damnit!" growled Christian, "Someone must have hacked the electronic lock!"
Kara picked Christian up by the arm and flew off the balcony to the floor below quietly, as to avoid getting caught.
They watched almost helplessly as out of the crowd walked a masked man. Identity.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen," he greeted, giving the crowd a bow.
"Who are you?" yelled one of the young up and coming businessman.
"Who am I? I'm a man in a mask," Identity answered
The man looked around in disbelief, was this guy serious? "I can see that!"
"If I wanted you to know who I am, I wouldn't have worn the mask," Identity chuckled
"Well whoever you are, I'm taking you in!" yelled the brash young man, charging at the masked terrorist.
Identity merely pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the stomach before he could reach him.
"You cannot arrest that which is untouchable," Identity said, pulling the knife slowly from the man's stomach.
"There are fifty of us and only one of you," yelled another brave partygoer, "I'm pretty sure we'll manage!"
"There could be hundreds of you, but you still cannot touch me, for I am something beyond human. I am belief. I am a belief in a world where the more fortunate ones do not squash the men beneath them under their cold hard boot. While you all feast frivolously and in surplus, Gotham starves and cries for help. It dies because you crush the people under poverty while you live lucky lives in the lap of luxury."
Identity pulled out a tape, letting everyone know it was to commemorate the beginning of a new age.
"I am going to send this hotel up in a fiery call to arms. The people will know that the corrupt system of economics is no more, and they may rejoice," Identity announced loudly, pulling out a trigger. Just as he was about to press it, a batarang flew into his hand, impaling it and causing him to drop the detonator.
Identity grasped his hand in pain and turned towards the crowd to see Gotham's dark knight standing in front of him.
"Batman, I am disappointed you did not accept your one chance of escape, but never the less…" Identity waved to the crowd in a strange motion. Ten people pulled out masks from their coat and placed them on, then walked towards Batman, surrounding him.
"… The revolution must continue."
Identity pointed towards Batman, signaling all of his followers to charge. Batman readied himself as the first two men came within fighting range.
One pulled a knife and stabbed at him, but Batman sidestepped quickly and grabbed the man's arm, and then snapped it violently. Batman then ducked under a carpenter's hammer that had been swung at him and elbowed the man behind him. Grabbing him by the collar of the shirt, Batman pulled the man over him and kicked him into another one of identity's followers.
Another two followers ran at Batman at once, both wielding brass knuckles. Batman leaned out of the way as one threw a punch, and then punched him as hard as he could in the gut. He then turned to the other man and threw five batarangs at him, sending them all straight into his arm.
As Batman fought, he felt as if he was in a different mindset. The world slowed around him as he analyzed the muscle movements of his enemies, predicting their every move. Duck, punch, kick, black, left, right, grab, break, it all flowed through him naturally, his body becoming an unstoppable force. Hit pressure point in shoulder, disable arm. Slam head into forehead, instant knockout. Grab knife hand, break, and knock over. These combinations worked fluently, one after another.
One of the men had gotten up and picked up a gun, laughing maniacally. Just as he pulled the trigger, Superwoman crashed down through the ceiling and blocked the bullet. Glaring at the man, she grabbed the gun and broke it in two as if it were Styrofoam. Superwoman punched the masked follower into immediate unconsciousness and then turned towards Batman, who was taking out the last of the assailants.
The two turned to where Identity was, but soon found that he was gone.
"Superwoman, is there any sign of him?" Batman growled, searching the room.
"No, I can't track him down amongst regular people because he could've taken the mask off. He could be anyone and we wouldn't even know it."
Batman snarled in anger, two people had died and Identity had gotten away. This was not good. Batman started heading towards the window and pulled out his grapple gun. How could he have let Identity get away? How could he have been so distracted? He pointed it upward, shot it out, and then grappled off into the dark.
Superwoman flew after him, hoping that she could at least help assuage his frustration.
