Disclaimer: The story is based on DC comics' characters and the mythology created in Smallville (i.e. property of the CW network), and originally created by Jerry Siegel and Joel Schuster.


Season 1

Chapter 9

Rally

A year later after the caves, Cor was back in Montreal. His life had resumed its usual dullness. Nothing much interesting had taken place other than the dissolution of Luthor's marriage. Lana Lang was free of Luthor though she was pronounced at one point dead and Lex Luthor accused of it.

Cor however was not interested in that. There were some interesting happenings in his town – rumours mostly of a vigilante cleaning up the streets. It was driving the local police nuts. They never really appreciated the help these heroes gave them.

The work was routine in the shelter. There were few interesting cases but they went to other employees. Cor had decided to stay on the sidelines. His life was now peaceful though he had not forgotten the message in the caves. But he really had no time to spend on that research. He had bills to pay.

Jordana popped up at some point offering to make his life better but he had refused. His pride had kicked in. He needed not charities. Jordana had left a bit disappointed.

Cor planned a trip to Gotham. This city intrigued him much. There was what to see there and of course the fable tale of the batman. Cor of course was not planning on looking for it. He found the idea of a man dressing as a bat as disturbing. Such a man clearly had issues.

He left for the airport where he boarded the plane for Gotham city. He arrived the next day as he had booked an evening flight. He took a cab for the Miriam Hostel where he was going to stay. It was on the outskirts of the downtown area.

He stayed in for the day and ventured into the city the next day. He went straight on to visit the Gotham Museum. The building was old and had a rich history. The exposition of the time was simply perfect for him. This day he expected to be perfectly normal but things never happen according to original desires.

Cor stayed almost until the gallery closed. There was so much to see and yet so little time. He left with the night guard. He sat in the park before the gallery with his nose into the contents of the brochure and before he knew two maybe three hours passed.

The night was dark and cloudy. The feeble light of the lampposts cast numerous deep shadows. Cor had to move closer to the light to continue reading. Just as he was getting back to that his eyes skimmed through the roof of the museum. There he noticed a dark shadow moving running atop. This caught his interest.

He moved back into the shadow so not be seen. The dark shadow reached an opening on the roof and ventured in. Cor was thinking of alerting the guard but it did not seem the right time yet. His adventurous spirit overrode his common sense.

He had been all day in there and despite the fact that he was there only to see the art work and all the other exciting stuff his eyes had not missed even one detail. He had noticed the gaps in the security. He slipped by the night guard and ventured in.

The place was deserted. Cor noticed the lights of the other two patrolling night guards and evaded them in time to see the dark shadow moving on the fourth floor. He reached up. This floor was with the valuable artefacts and paintings. Security as he had seen earlier this day was tight but something told him the assailant was not going to be deterred from that fact.

Cor fairly quickly found the dark shadow that now has taken form but it was odd. It looked like it was a person in a dress or costume of sorts. Cor moved to a place where the light fell on it and stopped staggered. It was a bat. Actually more of a bat costume as it could not be a real size bat. Ironically they don't grow to such sizes.

'Could this be the fabled batman?' Cor asked himself. The bat person was now exposed fully to the light. Cor noticed the round parts around the chest. 'A woman, ha, go figure,' It was an interesting revelation.

The batwoman however suddenly moved back into the shadows. Cor had to move closer so not to lose her out of sight. He could not find her where he thought she would be. Soon he understood why. He sensed movement behind him and turned around. She had sprang like from the ground and granted him a fist. Cor flew into the wall cursing under breath for his imprudence.

The batwoman satisfied then moved away but she underestimated Cor. He was back on his feet. He looked around and saw a round object. It was a stone or something but it did not matter. He took it swiftly in hand and threw it in her direction. The batwoman stumbled on it and fell.

"Now, we are square." – Cor said aloud.

The batwoman was quick back on her feet. She reached for her belt and pulled a gun. Cor ducked out of sight.

'Oh, well, this is certainly not fair. I hate guns.'

Cor heard a shot but not anywhere near him. He peeked and saw her fly up. He sighed. At that place, a painting was missing and the alarms suddenly went off. The night guards bonded on that place and caught Cor just as he was getting up. He looked up and the batwoman saluted.

'Oh, this is not over but then again it is my own fault.' Cor thoughts passed as a lightning in his mind. 'Nicely played Batwoman.'


Cor was taken to the police station. He sat for a very long time alone before anything happened. He was first processed then brought into a room before a detective or something.

"Name?" – The officer asked.

Cor sighed deeply. This was definitely trouble. All he had to is maintain low profile not jump into the lion's mouth head straight. Adventures could so dangerous when one is so imprudent and reckless. The officer repeated the question but Cor was still thinking. Getting out of this mess will not be easy. He could really use Loki's help but he had no way of making contact but then again every detainee has the right of a call.

"Name!"

Cor looked at the officer and decided to gamble.

"Don't you already know it?" – He asked.

"I am the one asking the questions here."

"Then I guess you will be waiting a long time." – Cor replied.

"Who was your accomplice?"

"Hum, sorry, what?"

"Your accomplice – name him."

"I'm not following you."

"A valuable painting is missing and you are caught at the crime scene. You don't have the painting so I gather your accomplice double-crossed you and left you behind. You are in a lot of trouble, mister. But if you cooperate with us the judge may be inclined to be more lenient."

"Oh, is that so?" – Cor said. "Well, for one, you can't touch me. I make one phone call and you let me go."

"Really? One phone call?"

"Yeah," – Cor smiled.

"I don't think so."

"Well, if memory serves every detainee is entitled to one. I believe this is your own law so if you were to deny me that right that would make you breaking the law in which case should we ever get to there I can basically to sue your ass to the end of time. I suppose you want me to. Ironically, officer, I do know my rights. I do not think your boss would be appreciative of you screwing a case over a detail."

"It is detective."

"Whatever."

The detective bit his lips for Cor was right. It was detail but then he was an important part of the investigation. He had to speak with the captain.

"Wait here."

He reached the captain's office and presented his case. The captain listened carefully.

"You have to charge with something concrete otherwise he will get his lawyer and wake away. Actually, he will wake away without charge after forty eight hours. Alright, this is how much you've got. But you have to give the call."

"Yes, sir."

The detective returned to Cor.

"You can have your call here."

Cor chuckled. "Oh, I don't think so. I'm sure you have a place for that."

"Follow me!" Procedure had to be followed as much as he wanted to get his hands on him.

"Do you mind?" – Cor said after they reached their destination.

"Sure," – The detective stepped back.

Cor dialed at once Loki.

'Pick up, pick up.' He prayed for she was his only way out.

"Hello?"

"Oh, thank Rao."

"Corin?"

"Yeah, I'm in a bit of shamble."

"A bit? Knowing you you're in the middle of it."

"Can we argue semantics later?"

"Where are you?"

"Ah, Gotham city's police station."

"Oh, that's a good one."

"You know I have a minute only?"

"Sorry, I'll be there as soon as possible. Oh, by the way which one?"

"The one closest to the Gotham gallery, museum, whatever."

"Alright, I'll be there tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"Well, I don't have wings you know."

"You're a witch for crying out loud."

"And we have our limits."

"Alright, tomorrow."

"Behave in the meantime."

"I will, try."


Cor hang up and waited patiently for the detective who apparently had no desire to give up either and took him back to the interrogation room.

"Name?"

"Oh, here we go again." – Cor sighed. "Santa Clause."

"Santa Clause?"

"Do you have hearing deficiencies?"

"Do you think this is a joke?"

Cor looked at him. "Alright, look, you seem like a nice cop. I mean you are doing your job and this is commendable but ironically you're not doing it properly."

"Really?" – The detective raised an eyebrow.

"Well, you are not detecting."

"I am not?"

"No, you are just sitting and asking."

"That's what we do."

"Aha, so your work doesn't involve investigating the crime scene at all?"

"The crime scene has been…"

"Oh, really?" – It was Cor's turn to mock.

"You have been caught there and…"

"And you considered all the options? Really? You did not think that there might be another explanation for my presence there?"

"Like what?"

"Did you bother to look at the security cameras? No, of course, I mean what kind cop would and why? You have the suspect – that's all you need. Really? Are you that thick or you're just pretending?"

"We looked and found you sneaking in." – The detective smug grew. "And…"

"And while you're doing it – I mean the investigating of the crime scene you did not notice a little stone object off its place. Didn't it bother you to ask yourself what the hell was it doing there? I mean it is kind of peculiar, isn't it? Ironically, detective, people that miss details often make the wrong conclusions. I guess I could tell you what you want to know but then for one you'll have trouble understanding me and second I'm not really in the mood to indulge your deficiencies."

"Look smartass you can either help me or rot for it."

"One, you have nothing on me which by the law means that in forty hours you will have no choice but to let me go, and second you don't have the slightest clue what has transpired. You even haven't been on the crime scene."

"Yes, I have."

"Really? Describe it."

"I'm the one…"

"Yes, yes," – Cor interrupted. "You're the one asking the questions. But this tells that you're afraid. I mean if you have been there you shouldn't be afraid to answer. Next time you want to interrogate someone, anyone, be a little more prepared. Your tactics do not work on me and your scare tactics even less."

The detective was indeed botched. The suspect was maneuvering perfectly and he had nothing to counter him with. Interestingly, he was asking the right questions, and he seemed more pissed than guilty.

"Officer," – The detective called. "Take him to his cell."

"Yes, sir."

"We'll see each other again." – He said to Cor.

"I'm sure we would." – Cor answered back.

Cor was taken to a small cell with a bunk and some form of a blanket. He sat on it in the meditative stance and soon in full meditation ignoring all around him.

The detective observed him before an officer came with the document he had requested. The suspect's name was Corin Deville. Deville – that name struck a string. Deville was the name of a very powerful and influential industrialist. Could this one be related to him? Maybe not. The file then stated that the suspect worked in a shelter for the poor in Montreal, Canada. He was Canadian but this was not a problem as he obviously did not work for the government. He checked the name of the shelter and it belonged to Luthor Corp. Now that was a problem, Lex Luthor owned the number one businesses in the world.

The detective shook head. Luthor will not bother himself with the problems of a single unimportant employee unless he has something to gain though that one had quite the mouth and yet he wanted to be certain. He made a call to Luthor Corp and just made an inquiry. The response satisfied him. The suspect was all his. He had less than a day to get something out of him.


The next morning, he came into the cell and noticed Cor had not moved from his meditative stance. He did not seem asleep though as his eyes were wide open.

"This way!"

Cor however did not hear him. He was still meditating but the detective shook him he came around.

"It could be considered assault, detective." – Cor remarked.

The detective cursed under breath and retreated.

"I'm just kidding. Shall we?"

Cor stood up and walked pass him then stopped at the cell gate. "Shall we go, detective Sharing?"

Sharing stood up and looked at him disbelieving. "How the hell…"

"Well, I do have eyes and ears and I do use them." – Cor smiled.

"Right,"

Cor followed him back to the room where they sat down.

"Name?"

"Oh, by Rau, you're not starting with that again, are you?" – Cor sighed deeply. "You already know it."

"Yes but you have to say it."

"I don't think so."

"Alright, Mr. Deville, I have no time for your games."

"See that was not so difficult," – Cor said and seeing Sharing's expression added. "Yes, I know you're asking the question. We're passed that."

"You work for the shelter for poor at Montreal, right?"

"Yes."

"And the purpose for your visit in Gotham city is?"

"I'm on vacation."

"Aha,"

"What? You've never been on vacation before?"

"And your vacation involved visiting a museum after hours?"

"No, actually, I was there during the right hours. I was then outside enjoying a lovely brochure."

"Then what – you suddenly had the urge of going in?"

"Something like that."

"Why?"

"I saw a bat."

"A bat?" – Sharing starred at him though he tensed up at the mention of the bat.

"Yes, a bat." – Cor replied visibly amused. "It flew over and straight through roof glass. Something glinted on it and it intrigued me so I ventured in."

"By bypassing security?"

"Well, if they had been doing their job that would have been impossible but where I passed there wasn't any. I saw the bat on the fourth floor and got there. It probably considered me food and attacked so I ducked and threw a stone at it thus spooking it and then before I knew what is going on I found myself with cuffs, and straight to you." – Cor explained.

Sharing looked at Cor carefully. This man has obviously seen the assailant but was making a joke out of it. But then the question remained has he seen Batman or someone else? This goddamn vigilante could finally be taken off the streets of Gotham if his suspect puts him on the crime scene. But would he help him? Sharing was uncertain how to proceed. He did not get the time to ponder though. There was a knock on the door.

"Come in," – Sharing said.

An officer entered alongside a figure dressed in the oddest way imaginable.

"Detective Sharing, this is Mr. Deville's lawyer, Ms. Loki."

Cor looked up too and almost fell of his chair in laughter but contained himself in the last moment. She not only had used her real name but her real clothing too which in the world of the humans was extremely odd and funny.

Sharing was having the same trouble as Cor though in a different way. This woman's clothing was peculiar at best but she did not look like a lawyer at all, actually, she looked like more out of place.

"Detective Sharing, leave me alone with my client." – Loki said in a sharp tone.

"Of course, but I do need to see your credentials." – Sharing said.

Loki smiled. "Of course," Cor hoped she was not going to do something rash and stupid but Loki apparently came prepared.

"I'll be outside."

Sharing left.

"What did you do this time?" – Loki asked.

"Can we talk safely?" – Cor looked at her. She nodded. And then he told her.

"Fascinating," – Loki exclaimed. "I have been hearing rumors about her but nothing concrete and you happen to run into her the very first time. Good job,"

"Thank you," – Cor said. "How do you plan to fix my mess?"

"I have to use a spell."

"You have to charm a lot of people."

"I know thank you very much."

"I was thinking something else."

"Like what?"

"SS."

"SS? Are you kidding?"

"It is the safest way."

"Yeah to get into more trouble. Don't get me wrong I can do it but if he inquires and this one seems would then what?"

"Well, make sure he doesn't."

"Does he know your name?"

"He has already made that inquiry."

"That's not good."

"I don't see why it is a problem."

"A cover story?"

"Yeah, deep SS."

"Hum, I guess it could work. The Federals are unlike to help him out."

"Still, subdue his initial curiosity and it will work like a charm."

"Very well, Seyt, but it is still cheating."

"Yeah, it is."

"You are the one always saying that is wrong."

"I know but else am there?"

"I have a different idea." – Loki said and left. She returned shortly after with detective Sharing.

"Mr. Deville," – He began. "You are free to go."

Cor frowned. "Just like that?"

"Yes, accept my apologies," – Sharing continued. "We've made further inquiry at the crime scene and your story pins out. You will have to pay a fine though and next time, please do alert the guards before taking the matters in your own hands, and leave this into the hands of the professionals. Ms. Loki, he is all yours."

Cor was now perplexed. 'What in the name of Rao did she tell him?' Cor paid the fine and then left.

"What did you tell him?"

"Well, I told him you are a bit gaga." – Loki replied.

"Oh, thanks, what else?"

"And that if the bat person chooses to get rid of you as a potential threat he will be there to catch it."

"In other words, he is going to follow me around."

"Yes,"

"Convenient."

"Yes, but it does take you off the hook without breaking the law."

"Thank you,"

"Now what?"

"Now, we find her."

"Her?"

"Yeah, Batwoman."

"You are kidding, right?"

"Oh, no!"

"Where to first?"

"The public archives and the library, we need more information."

"You think she left a trail?"

"There is always a trail or an absence of one."

Cor and Loki moved on by passing straight by their pray that had listened to their conversation with great interest. She had to make sure she was not made out. Her identity was safe but this man was not giving up. He was actually hoping to find her while subverting the police. This is what intrigued her and the company he was keeping. This Loki person sounded familiar to her.

Cor and Loki reached the public archives and started sifting through them. Loki was not certain what Cor was looking for though. Finding a random person was a task close to impossible but Cor thought otherwise. It was as he told detective Sharing – little details. They are the ones that make the case everything single time. They are the trail that cannot be forged. They stayed there for more than four days and Loki was getting tired.


"Go home, Loki," – Cor said on the fifth day. "If I need you I call you. This is a tedious work and I'm sure it is bloody boring for you."

"Alright, good luck then," – Loki said and stood up. "I hope you won't end up in jail again."

"We can only hope." – Cor replied cheerfully.

"I'm going, good luck Seyt."

"Thank you," – Cor said and she left. "Alright, now, it is time to find you. You can't hide from me."

Cor looked at every newspaper's story covering the Batman and the ones supposedly belonging to the Batwoman. The Batman stories were far more intriguing. The police had no clues that he was. But for Cor that wasn't so difficult.

Batman had made the news with a lot of fancy gadgets. They were probably impossible to trace but Cor inquired nonetheless. Every weapon and gadget is made of one or more components and these can be traced. He located all the companies that could produce anything like them. The list was indeed very long with many possibilities. Most of those companies however were controlled by conglomerations and powerful corporations.

Now he had the list of the companies whose components used in ones or many parts could build up the specific parts or the wholes of most of the fancy gadgets. Now, anyone smart enough would order in the thousands as that way tracing them would be impossible.

He picked up the phone and called Loki. He told her to call each of these companies and make an inquiry on deliveries for specific almost unimportant parts. He wanted to know who has been buying them. She was better in impersonating others and could easily achieve the task.

When Loki was done she sent him the list though it was not telling much but for Cor this information was invaluable. He had sifted through all the buyers eliminating them one by one. Now, the 'anyone' smart would not be buying directly but rather through shell and offshore companies or through agencies. This narrowed down the number of the potential targets.

Cor spent many nights in his hostel room going through the data and there was a lot of it. Cor then started comparing the saves to all involved checking and rechecking their alibis. Most alibis were perfect but there is always room for suspicion. Cor to be honest expected an attack soon that would confirm he was on the right track. But if Batwoman was around she would have to lay low otherwise she would give him everything he would ever need to find her.

In truth, she was following his moves with growing concern. This one was smart and pursuing with unstoppable and perfect logic the answers. Hopefully, the police have never gotten that smart otherwise her identity would have been discovered already. She knew unfortunately that she could not make a move against him other than killing him, which would also attract unnecessary attention; otherwise he would know he is on the right track. This one was smart and dangerous and knew exactly what to do and how to protect himself against any retaliation. And willy-nilly she admired him for that.


Ironically, Cor was circling very close to Batman's identity and not hers. He was certain he was missing something for her. He called Loki again and asked her for some CCTV tapes from seemingly useless places but Cor had his reasons. He wanted the blind spots even if they were far from the crime scenes.

Loki brought them to him though she did not understand the reasons for such useless intelligence and neither did Batwoman. But what neither of them knew was that Cor was quite crafty and tech friendly.

He went through the tapes and finally found what he needed. The picture was not perfect but he did not need perfect. He only needed to follow the footsteps and identify the target's tactics. 'Know your enemy' – it does sound like a cliché but it is also very useful. Learning your opponent's habits is the key. And Cor soon knew enough.

Using his already improving understanding of human computer works he hacked into the CCTV network and started following his targets moves. If anyone could possibly imagine how many times a day cameras record the movement of a single individual they would frightened by the answer.

The problem however was not only discovering the identity of his target but understanding why. This was the crucial point. The list was very short now.

The breakthrough came few days later when Batman made his usual consecutive stunt on the news. This time he had used a rather impressively looking vehicle. Cor frowned at its sight and an epiphany followed. The vehicle was bound to be a prototype vehicle. This kind of transport would be expensive and unless he stole it he must have taken it from somewhere and since Batman did not strike him as a thief another idea formed in Cor's mind.

He looked through the data he had on components and found the trail.

"Oh, I've got you now, Batman!" Cor exclaimed. There was no doubt now, who the masked vigilante known as Batman was. There was only one logical answer to that one. There were many that could qualify of course but only among them made sense.

By any means, Batwoman was Batman's opponent not his ally. She also had an arsenal of fancy gadgets though she was more difficult to track but Cor already had a plan in mind. The only way was to set a trap. Batwoman was certain to expect one and if Cor was right she had been following his moves since day one. A smile came to his face – knowing there is a trap is the first step of evading it. But what happens when the real goal is distorted by the illusion of a trap.

And the perfect opportunity presented itself. There was a hosted party for raising funds for the victims of Catherina in the Wayne Tower the next night. It was a perfect time for the illusion of a trap to be sprung on Gotham's best.

Cor made all the necessary preparations assuming the dark shadow of the Batwoman was on his heels on every step. This certainly was going to be much fun.


The night in question, Cor all dressed up arrived at the party. He had made his contribution too. He was only hoping he would not run into Mira or Jean Deville. This would not be the time for such an encounter and could create unforeseen complications but unfortunately the risk existed. Jean would not recognize him face to face but Mira will. Of course, Jean would know him by name. But the risk was worth taking nonetheless.

There were many guests. Cor recognized a few of them among which Lex Luthor, alone. The other one was Oliver Queen. He was undoubtedly Luthor's rival. His eyes were giving him away. Bruce Wayne, the host, was nowhere in sight for the moment but the time for speeches has not come yet.

Of the famous women present were Ophelia Jones – fashion magazines' expert, Jordana Brew – satellite and telecommunications, Bridget Noble – botanical research and development, and Jasmine Jaxx – humanitarian, representative of many organizations such as the Red Cross and the World Health Organization, she also owned the largest relief supply company in the Middle East. Jean and Mira Deville were nowhere in sight either but Cor was certain at least one of them was there, if not both of them.

Cor threaded carefully through the crowd speaking only occasionally with the guests. His focus was on Batwoman. He was looking for the giveaways she had. But if she was there she was keeping out of his sight. She was probably moving behind him or slightly out of his peripheral sight. The good thing was that there were a lot of mirrors. Soon, Cor noticed a woman in dark purple gown. She seemed uninterested of him but was always close behind and just out of sight. He did not give himself away though. It was important he plays the possum.

He maintained his observation until he reached the conclusion it was way too easy. Batwoman was smart too. Hiding in plain sight always makes you invisible, a lesson he remembered from his mother but Cor continued the charade and used his peripheral sight to observe anyone that would find his target of observation funny. And finally, his pray made a mistake and he spotted her.

He moved in closer to her but maintained his previous observation of the woman in the purple gown. Satisfied of his victory from phase one, Cor continued making toasts and diving into conversations with anyone including his pray.

The problem came when he spotted Jean and Mira Deville waltzing in. He had very little room to manoeuvre. The only good thing he could do under the circumstances was to put sunglasses on his face.

His pray noticed that strange move and looked in the given direction as it was highly intriguing. It seemed he did not want to be recognized but it was interesting to know why. She of course recognized Jean and Mira Deville at once. The problem was that she did not want to converse with them either so she followed Cor's move, which did not go unnoticed.

Cor was intrigued too but hopefully it was time now for speeches as Bruce Wayne came in and Cor could relax for a moment.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Wayne Tower," – Bruce greeted. "We are gathered here to help those who suffered at the terrible power of nature's fury – the Catherina. I hope..."

Cor did not pay much attention to the well rehearsed speech of Wayne. He was quite the actor and suited him well. A brink interfered with Cor's plan however when the lights when off as a green arrow flew into the lights' controls.

The emerald archer sprang from nowhere. He made his way quickly to the podium and took one of the displayed diamonds. Several things happened next.


First, Batwoman appeared and retook possession of the same collie of the diamonds right under the Archer's nose. She made a run for it with the emerald archer at her heels. Then the lights came on as Luthor had removed the arrow and chased after him. Wayne asked the guests to remain calm and vanished somewhere. But then a masked man appeared nearby, passed by Mira and took her necklace that fired up the flames in Cor's veins.

He lost the glasses and bonded at him. He quickly disposed of him then heard commotions upstairs and darted in that direction. Mira caught only a glimpse of her necklace's saviour and had to blink hard for what her eyes had seen could not be and yet the feeling of hope was strong in her that it could be no other than her lost nephew.

Cor arrived at the very odd scene upstairs. The emerald archer was wrestling with the Batwoman while Luthor was impeded by the Batman. Cor stopped for a moment for this scene was priceless.

He then decided it is time to make it even juicier. He took out a camera with a flash and made a picture, which attracted everyone's attention. Of course, the moment he did he made it for the floor above leaving no one the time to see his face.

The four combatants followed him but reaching the floor above they found no trace of him. It was as though he had vanished into thin air. He didn't have that much of an advance on them but it was more than enough. This moment of indecision on their part was a mistake. Cor took out his little fancy gadget and caught the collie.

"Damnation," – The Emerald Archer cursed as he lost possession of it.

Cor appeared on the other side and waved at them then proceeded to the roof. Batwoman followed him while Batman had to knock down Luthor as he was standing in his way. One was out of the game. The archer was faster than Batman's reactions and was already on his way up.

Reaching the roof, Batwoman saw Cor near the edge holding the collie and waiting.


"It took you some time, milady." – Cor observed.

"Who are you really?" – She asked in a low voice.

"Well, you should know you've been following me all day, actually all the time I've been here. Oh, thanks by the way for letting me stay with the cops that was so nice of you."

"You're welcome."

"Hand it over!" – The Emerald Archer said as he appeared through the roof stairs access.

"I don't think so, Green Arrow."

"He's right as it is mine." – Batwoman said.

"It is no one's." – Batman countered.

"Oh, hey, what a group we've got here!" – Cor remarked. "Everyone with their own plans for the diamonds. The Emerald Archer stole them to give them to charity. The Batwoman wants them for a..." Cor paused here. He did not want to divulge her identity yet he had his reasons besides it was unprofessional and unethical especially before her usual opponents. "They make nice collection. And the infamous Batman, self proclaimed protector of Gotham city, botched by an ordinary man that is about to deliver the final blow."

"What blow?" – Batman asked.

"It is a trap." – Batwoman replied. "He's delivering us to the cops. Maybe your presence Arrow was not part of the plan but it suits him anyway. Am I right?"

"Not even close." – Cor answered.

"What?"

"Where I am from we respect our opponents, even more our enemies, we do not attack from the shadows." – Cor replied. His voice was surprisingly adamant, his look different. "I gathered you here not to sell you out although I certainly could. I can tell the police who are hiding behind the Batman's mask, I already know. It was not so difficult to figure out. I can tell them who the Batwoman is. That wasn't hard either. And I can certainly tell who the Green Arrow is but that is neither fun nor honourable."

"Then what do you want?" – Green Arrow asked.

"You have such potential to be much more than what you are – thugs. This is how the world sees you now. But you are so much more. You could be Earth's greatest protectors. And seeing you fighting one another is a sad waste of your talents."

Green Arrow stepped backwards. There was another he has met that has told him the same and this one sounded exactly like him. He had made a promise to the friend that his previous life would not take hold of him before as he was pronounced hero and he has broken that promise.

"There is a code of honour for all species. Those who protect without reward will receive the greatest of all rewards. Giving hope, this is who you really are. The human race will look up to you with hope for a better tomorrow."

The Arrow remembered his friend and his words just as the ones of this one before him. The resemblance was striking. The power, the strength streaming from this one was the same and even a bit more pronounced.

Batwoman felt the same. She sensed strength and tenacity of will unlike any she's ever come across before.

"This is but a dream." – Batman said. "No one thinks that way."

"If it is a dream then why, dear Batman, do you do what you do? It can't be revenge – it isn't good enough as revenge leads only to one place and that place is very dark. Once you set on that path there is no turning back."

Batman had to admit the boy was making a good point and he was right it was not about revenge. It was about much more than that.

"You are the symbol of that hope but the only way you can show it to the world is to believe it yourselves." – Cor continued. "I've seen what you can do and I know you can do better."

"Who are you?" – Green Arrow asked and moved closer.

"I'm not someone special. I'm just but a part of the world around you."

"As am I." – Loki sprang out of the ground next to him.

"Good of you to join us." – Cor remarked.

"Anytime, Seyt."

"What took you so long?"

"I was busy."

"Sure."

"Can we go now?"

The others were startled at her sudden appearance not to mention her appearance as a whole.

"Be the best you can be and maybe one day we will meet again." – Cor said and tossed the collie at Batwoman. "It is yours by right. Farewell."

Loki embraced Cor and they vanished on the spot.


Batwoman put the collie in her pocket and jumped off the building. Batman got shoulder to shoulder with Green Arrow.

"Who was he?" – He asked.

"I wish I knew." – Green Arrow replied. "But he sounded like a friend of mine. Almost exactly like him, it is staggering."

"Yeah, he did make a point, a good one." – Batman sighed.

"Though I'd love to know who she was."

"Yeah, she's just as intriguing as the Batwoman."

"I gather you haven't figured her out either."

"No, not yet."

"Maybe some mysteries are better left unsolved." – Green Arrow suggested.

"Maybe you're right." – Batman said.

"Until next time, Batboy." – Green Arrow said, taking out his bow. He aimed for the building across and jumped too.

"Yeah, Green pants," – And he also disappeared into the night.


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Lordheaven