Teloch: He DID get in trouble.

Anarken Mad Bancho King: This is mine and Ghost's interpretation of the Batman mythos. We would need to introduce Batgirl eventually

te . nellis: Actually, Bruce can't be everywhere. That is what this arc is preparing for the future.

Here are a few reviews answered by Ghost:

Teloch: Ha, ha, ha...Yeah, he got a stern talking to about being up late.

Shadow Joestar: Yeah, it's part of the experience.

To everyone who enjoyed this chapter: Glad you enjoyed this chapter.

Co-Writter: GhostKaiser23

Disclaimer: We do not own Batman


Author's Notes:

Time for another new chapter! I hope you all like it!


Batman: A Different Path

Chapter 9: Two Bat's Unite!


Bruce frowned as he read the different reports that where coming over the BatComputer. It was showing all the different arson sights, even alleged sightings of a reptilian near the harbour. "This is just great." he sighed "Not only this arsonist...but now rumours of a large reptile?" He pondered to himself "Seriously? Could this week get any more hectic?" And that was when a news file showed up revealing Batgirl coming back on the scene "... what?" He frowned "Batgirl returns to Gotham, reports say that she struck down three groups of thugs within the early hours of the morning?! That girl..." Bruce groaned

"Dad?" Dick asked, walking over

"Yes?" Bruce answered, keeping his annoyance down.

"What's going on?" Dick asked

"Nothing. Don't worry." he smiled

"Oh...Okay...Well, I'm here for more training. You said "Training every day"." Dick spoke

"Don't overdo yourself." He smiled

"I know." Dick nodded "I just want to be ready."

"TRUE, but we've also got to talk about your education." Bruce added

"School?!" Dick gasped/groaned

"Training is all well and good. But having an education will help in the long run." Bruce answered "I heard about your maths test from Pamela. I read your results, you did quite well."

"Really?" He blushed

"Of course. The pass grade on that paper was 70, you got an 89." Bruce answered "Gotham Academy are accepting you, term starts in two weeks."

"G-Gotham Academy? That's...that's that private school isn't it?" Dick went wide eyed in shock and awe.

"Of course." He nodded with a smile

"Y-You think I'm worthy going there?" Dick asked, not meaning to insinuate that he was a circus child but academic intelligent wise.

"You ARE worthy going there Dick. You have an amazing mind, you're a good person...And I know you'll fly there." Bruce smiled. Dick smiled a bit at that, feeling proud "Come on, we've got a training session to do." Bruce smiled

"Okay!" Dick nodded


*With Pamela, at Arkham*

Pamela was currently walking through the halls of Arkham and she was heading to Dr Quinzel's room. It was time for her weekly session "Ah Ms Isley, I'll just let Dr Quinzel know you're here." the secretary spoke

"Thank you." Pamela sat down in the provided seats.. She waited happily, smiling

"Thanks Doc...You're great." the currently patient spoke kindly

"By Simon." Harleen spoke, waving gently

"Harleen." Pamela smiled

"Hello Pamela. Please, come in." Harleen smiled "Water?"

"Please." Pamela nodded as Harleen poured two glasses

"How have you been?" Harleen asked

"I've been very well. Bruce and I have become parents." Pamela answered

"I know...The news. And how has that been?" Harleen answered

"Dick has been amazing." She nodded

"That's good to hear. And how is your relationship with Bruce?" Harleen asked professionally

"So... good." Pamela smiled, giggling a bit as she blushed

"Oh...Well. I won't inquire into the details. How are you with your colleagues?" Harleen smiled

"... so and so." She shrugged admittedly

"Any concerns you want to share?" Harleen asked

"I don't think so." She frowned

"Okay." Harleen nodded and handed over the glass of water.

"You okay?" Pamela frowned

"Just...I've been going through some changes myself. That's all." Harleen gave a small smile

"Okay." Pamela smiled


*With Bruce and Dick*

"That's enough." Bruce nodded, Dick falling over exhausted "How...How long...was that...?" Dick asked

"A little over an hour." Bruce answered "Need to work on your endurance."

"That...That'll come with practice...Right?" Dick asked

"Exactly. I'm proud of you." Bruce smiled. Dick nodded, pulling himself slowly

"Master Bruce, Master Richard. I've prepared you lunch." Alfred spoke

"Thank you Alfred." Bruce nodded

"Thanks Alf!" He smiled. Alfred handed off a plate of sandwiches with various additions to his adoptive son and his own adoptive son. They smiled, eating happily "Hmm...These are great sandwiches Alf. Thank you." Dick smiled

"Thank you Master Richard." He nodded with a smile

"Just asking...What time is it?" Dick asked

"It's twenty past twelve Master Richard. No wonder you two are hungry." Alfred chuckled and left to continue the housework

"Thanks Alfred." Bruce nodded


*With Barbara*

Barbra was currently back at school, true the long night had taken her toll on her but she had more than enough energy to get through her lessons. But right now, she was in the middle of lunch. She was at Gotham Academy, going over her homework "Hmm...247." Barbara wrote down her maths homework answer and corrected it. Knowing the teacher, she'd probably be reprimanded if she got ANY wrong. Luckily she was amazing at technology and computers

Barbara hummed as she read, thinking of other things she could make 'Possibly...the pouches. And maybe a thinker padded costume. Added protection, defenses.' She pondered in her mind, carefully trying not to make notes of it in her school books.

She would stop that fire guy tonight!


*Time Skip*

Both Batman and Batgirl where running around but they weren't together; Batman was following a lead on this arsonist, while Batgirl was following the Bat. Bruce didn't notice her as of right now but soon he had stopped right by where he thought the next target was: a large apartment complex. He frowned

Now to wait

This was the worst part...Waiting for the culprit to appear and prevent the event from happening but at the same time it was the most necessary

Batgirl kept to the shadows just behind him, so she was within range to get the arsonist. She was gonna help

That was when the sound of a rocket or what sounded like a rocket approached the apartments. It was a jetpack wearing black suited man with what appeared to be metal wings, holding a large pistol like device. "Burn...Gotham will BURN!" the man spoke through a mask, as he gave off a couple of spouts of flame to get himself excited. And finally he aimed at the apartment, to burn it to cinders.

"There he is." Batman growled

"Stop this: Batman. Watch Gotham BURN!" the arsonist cheered to the air, unaware that Batman was right behind him.

Batman threw Batarangs at the pipes that seem to connect to a tank and the gun like device "GAH!" He yelled, flames spurting from the pipe "Batman? Here already?!" The arsonist yelled. Batman didn't answer but he rappelled himself into the flying arsonist's stomach ploughing him to the next rooftop. Batgirl frowned and followed quickly yet silently "Argh! Burn Bat!" the arsonist shouted trying to get his flamethrower in Batman's range but the caped crusader had forced it out from the gas-mask wearing villain's hands. Batgirl yelled, kicking him in the face "ARGH!" the arsonist shouted as he fell backwards breaking the spout of the thrower

"What're you doing here? I told you this is dangerous!" Batman shouted gruffly

"But I wouldn't be able to live with myself with monsters like this out there." Barbara frowned

Batman glared at Barbara, but understood that this was just like with Dick...He couldn't change her mind even with his honest warnings about villains like this arsonist "Fine." He sighed

"Got a...bit of tail Batman...? Not surprising..." the arsonist coughed with a jeering voice Batman glared and just threw a Batarang "ARGH! My arm!" the arsonist shouted in pain. Barbara nodded and charged, getting ready "Little bitch!" the arsonist snapped trying to fight her, even with a handicap.

"The name is: Batgirl!" Barbara answered kicking and punching the fire wielding villain. She was dodging the attacks easily, as if dancing around his lazy attacks and with a final kick to his sides Barbara pinned the arsonist to the floor. "Now...What do we call you?" she panted

"Fire...Firefly..." the villain answered

"Good. We'll let the police know." She nodded, punching him in the face

"You did well." Batman spoke "Lucky...But you did well." He answered

"Thank you." She smiled

"But you need training." He spoke "And...I'll be the one to train you."

"Really?!" She asked excitedly, her eyes widening in joy

"Yes. But you do what I say, as I say it. I'll show you where we'll train and how long for." Batman answered

"Yes sir!" She nodded nervously

"Let's get him to the police." Batman finished


*At Wayne Manor*

Dick was waiting up late for either Pamela or Bruce to get home "Master Richard; you're still up?" Alfred asked

"Yes I am." he nodded, yawning

"If you keep waiting up for them, you won't grow or do well in your school work." Alfred spoke kindly

"... I want to make sure they're safe." Dick whispered in fear

"Oh my boy..." Alfred hugged him "I worry for them as well."

That was when the front door opened and closed. "Alfred, I'm sorry I was late. I lost track of time." Pamela's voice spoke. Alfred released Dick from the hug, the young boy now racing towards his adoptive mother, hugging her "Oh... hello Dick." She smiled, hugging him

"I was worried..." Dick sniffed

She smiled and hugged him happily "I'm sorry Dick...I'll call if I'm late from now on. Okay?" Pamela reassured her son.

"Okay." He nodded

"Now...Head on up to bed. I'm sure Alfred has already told you to do so." Pamela kissed Dick's forehead

"Okay." He nodded again with a nervous smile

"Come along Master Richard." Alfred spoke kindly

"Okay Alfred." he nodded, following

Pamela smiled, then gave a heavy sigh; true she had worked long today, but she wanted to come home at a reasonable time...And right now, she just wanted to go to sleep. She had spent the entire day studying herself and Victor's biology and it was EXTREMELY exhausting. Their biology had been altered down to such a degree, the technology to help recompense it might not be able to be made within the next 50 years or so but she was currently just trying to understand them 'Bruce...I promise...I'll work hard for us to have a normal life.' Pamela thought as she wiped her eyes and wanted to head for bed. She couldn't stay awake so she went upstairs

"Ms Pamela?" Alfred asked kindly

"I'm off to bed Alfred...When Bruce comes in...Tell him...*yawn*..." Pamela yawned

"I shall tell him you are asleep." Alfred nodded

"Good night Alfred." She hugged their butler and headed off to bed.

"Good night." He smiled, waving after her


*With Batman*

"Looks like I have to thank you Batman...AND Batgirl." Jim Gordon spoke as he stood by the Bat-Signal.

"I've taken bee on as an apprentice. She needs guidance or she could die." Batman explained with a frown

"Well...That's good you're taking care of this new blood. Just make sure she's in the right and safe." Jim asked

"I will." He nodded

"Until the next time Batman." Gordon answered

"Why'd you call us?" Batgirl asked, pointing to the lit BatSignal

"Two reasons...One: keep your ears out for this giant croc. It's been sighted around the harbour. And Two: thank you...for helping put this arsonist "Firefly" away." Jim answered

"Will do." Batgirl nodded

"Until later Commissioner." Batman spoke as he and Batgirl "flew" into the darkness.

Well the Commissioner was taking a drag of his cigarette, his back turned on the two and when he turned back around he saw they were gone "Every time... But now it's time for two." Jim commented


*with the Bat's*

"So... now what?" Barbara asked

"Now: we head home. In your case, before your father calls and realizes you aren't there." Batman answered

"How do I get in contact with you?" She asked

"This." Batman handed her a bat shaped communicator. It seemed to be the same shape as a walkie talkie but with a screen at the top and surrounded by a bat symbol.

"... really?" She asked, gesturing to the communicator being a bat shape "Did you REALLY need to do that?" But she was only talking to the air, he was gone. "...Now I know how dad feels." She deadpanned


*time skip- with Bruce*

Bruce was now back in the Batcave, removing his armour and returning into his civilian clothes...which he had to change again for bed. He smiled in tiredness, tonight was a good night "Pamela and Dick should be asleep...I better be quiet." He thought. Once he was in his sleep wear he walked through the Manor as silently as possible, checking in on Dick's room as he neared his and Pamela's. He saw his son sleeping happily under his quilt. He closed the door and headed over to Pamela. As he entered his bedroom he saw Pamela asleep happily, naked like always and hugging the pillow 'Guess today had a drain on her as well.' He thought with a drowsy sigh. He got in behind her, spooning her, and hugged her close

"Bruce..." Pamela mumbled happily feeling the warmth of her lover but thought it was just a vivid dream.

"I'm here." He smiled as he drifted to sleep "I'm here."