Oh my what is this? Another chapter? Why yes, yes it is. Hope you guys are doing alright. I know it's been a couple of days. But I'm still here and still will continue to update! Hope you guys enjoy this chapter and be looking out for the next one real soon!
Chapter 9: Always Never
"Batman you have to leave before my Mother comes back." Wonder Woman said to him, he continued to stare off in the distance. After a few seconds he turned his head to her. He took her in for a moment letting his mind catch up to her being okay.
"I know... Though I'm not leaving you here by yourself not after that." Batman spoke leaving no room for argument. Wonder Woman's jaw dropped slightly at his order. He was about to walk off but stopped. "As a matter of fact I don't want you here at all. You and Donna are coming with us." Diana took a couple steps toward him with an argumentative look.
"I'm not leaving my home in the midst of all this chaos! It's a cowardly move and I'm more than capable of handling myself! I am not leaving!" Diana said defiantly, all the other Amazons were starting to pick up their injured and began repairing. Nightwing and Donna made their way toward the two. Batman saw them then went back to Wonder Woman who kept that look. He closed what little distance that was between them and whispered.
"Princess, you don't know who could turn on you. They could come in your sleep and assassinate you. I'm not saying turn your back on them but you have to be cautious. Your Mother even got one over on me and that's a feat very very few can say." Batman explained, Wonder Woman drowned at the end as Nightwing and Donna joined them. They both could tell that what had been said was serious between them. Donna even ignored the link that they had not wanting to intrude on their personal business.
"We need to go Bats before Queen Hippolyta puts us in shackles." Nightwing warned, Batman glances at him. Dick could see the tension on his face. He knew what he fighting about in his mind.
"It would be best Bruce, I will come see you tomorrow if you would let me..." Wonder Woman spoke, Robin and Artemis had just walked up. Hearing what Diana had said, Robin saw his Father's face and saw what was going on. He knew that Bruce would do exactly that, leave. Robin figured that after the events that just transpired, space was the least that the two needed right now.
"And leave you all here on a losing side? No I don't think so-" Robin voiced his opinion but was cut off by Artemis who shot him a heated gaze.
"We're not helpless little girls, we can handle ourselves! Showing your faces to all of our people only made things worse so it's probably for the best." Artemis stated, Robin brushed her off continuing on.
"No one's saying you are, and you're right we did make things kind of worse. Even if we were 'invited' that just proves as we're just as much in it now than before." Robin said looking at Artemis, the orange haired Amazon the turned her body toward him.
"It doesn't matter, you're further presence will only escalate things." Artemis said, Robin turned to her as well crossing his arms looking down on her only by a little. Nightwing and Donna shared a chuckle, while Batman and Wonder Woman stared at each other. Still listening to the conversation however.
"Well thanks to your Queen my family is now immortal. So I feel like we should stay to find a way to reverse it." Robin spoke raising an eyebrow behind his mask. Artemis hardened her features as she crossed her arms as well.
"You fool you consumed ambrosia, there is no cure for immortality. Unless you'd like to do us a favor and die!" Artemis said cocking her eyebrow up, Robin growled and clenched his fists.
"You know what? I don't think I like you're attitude!" Robin muttered, Artemis bumped their foreheads against each other and growled back.
"I'll do you that favor puny Man." Artemis shot back, Nightwing then got between the two and pushed them back.
"Okay you two, you can spar later." Dick said with a grin, Robin watched her for a few moments until she rolled her eyes and looked back to Wonder Woman. Robin scoffed before turning back as well.
"Anyways I think that at least one of us should be here like we did when we're trying to rescue Donna. The other two will go back to Gotham, it's getting kind of rampant out there. So we'll adjust to which place needs the most attention." Robin proposed, Batman liked the plan but knew that it wouldn't go well with the Women. Donna felt Wonder Woman's distaste for that plan. She knew that they were strong enough to take on any task. They were both sad that the three had become immortal, but they had more pressing matters to attend to which was saving their home.
"Don't make this any harder than what it has to. We'd have to worry about keeping you hidden and you know how you all get when a fight breaks out." Donna said, Robin and Nightwing were about to go on the defensive but Batman stopped them.
"Your right, this is their home, who are we to intrude..." Batman announced, everyone has their eyes on him as he continued. "This is what happens when you let what seems like 'the right thing' get the best of you..." Batman spoke, a hidden a message behind his words. He did a 180 and was on his way.
"Wait!" Robin, Wonder Woman and Nightwing all said in unison. They all exchanged glances before Nightwing and Robin decided to let Wonder Woman handle. She took off after the Caped Crusader as he went through the city.
"Bruce you're being a child!" Diana said after him making him stop. He turned around to face her before raising a brow from behind his mask.
"A child? Why I haven't been that since I was eight years old..." He spoke, he then locked eyes with her. "I understand where you're coming from and I apologize for what I said-"
"No don't do this, I'm not pushing you away Bruce. Please just, not this time I don't want to lose what we've gained from this." Diana pleaded, she knew what he was doing and refused to give it all up. Batman stepped back putting some space between them.
"I'm not doing anything, and it might seem that way but it's not. You now know the truth, so long as you know then you have nothing to worry about." Batman said, Wonder Woman wanted to believe him but couldn't ignore what her gut told her.
"I want you to stay Bruce I do." Diana swore, Batman the let loose with a small grin.
"If you wanted me here then I would be. You forget how I got here in the first place." Batman spoke before heading toward the beach. He put two fingers up and circled them around signaling Robin and Nightwing. They both jogged past Wonder Woman not before making eye contact with her and giving a sympathetic look. They both caught up to him and she saw as soon as they did they began talking to him. Diana sighed how she itched to snatch him up and go somewhere they couldn't be bothered by the outside complications. She knew it came with the job they loved, but she was on a losing playing field. Donna walked up to her and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry Di I didn't mean to-"
"No you did what I couldn't bring myself to do. So I thank you for that." Wonder Woman spoke quietly, Artemis joined them making the two cut their conversation short.
"You don't have to stop, I know how you feel about the him. It's thick in the atmosphere, the Queen suspected it when he supposedly died. It was the way you reacted, those weren't tears for a fallen comrade. But for a lover, he might not know it but the way he speaks when he talks about you. It's really hard to miss..." Artemis explained, Diana and Donna exchanged worried glances. "I don't care, this is what happens when the poisons of Man's World do to us. Just be careful Sister, don't let it cloud your judgement we have a war to fight..." Diana grimaced, she didn't need to be told what she knew needed to be done. She still didn't understand how everyone could tell that Her and Bruce had deep feelings for each other.
"I know the risks and this is why I insisted he leave. He knows just as well as I do, although..." Wonder Woman trailed off, Artemis might've known there was something there but not how deep.
"Come on you two we've got to repair and plan our own attack." Donna spoke saving Diana from more conversation concerning her love life. The three agreed and started for the Queen, Wonder Woman looked to the sky to see the Batwing fly off in the dark sky.
Superman stood in the Monitor Womb of the Watchtower along with Green Arrow and Green Lantern. They were watching over Earth, they were discussing Gotham. Green Arrow, Cyborg and Lantern we're now appointed to watch over the city because of Batman's supposed death. Part time of course since they had they're own priorities. Though something had peeked their curiosity and that was the Talisman of Ascension. It held powerful properties, it gave the holder power beyond comprehension. Also tainting the soul while in use. The person using it would eventually lay waste to the world. They found out that it was in the possession of Batman. Well the Wayne Manor, they knew he had it because of Zatanna informing Superman and Green Lantern of Vandal Savage searching for it. They all knew of the Talisman being that of fable, but once she confirmed it was real and they knew where it was. They knew it had to be destroyed, if it fell into Savage's or anyone else's hands it would be crucial.
They all agreed that this would be Batman's wishes anyway. Though even if he were here they still would have it destroyed. The fact that the Vigilante had such a weapon shook them. Already having made contingency plans for them in secret. They all wondered what other secrets he kept from them. Everyone had secrets, but when it came to the mysterious mind of the Bat. They wouldn't come close to knowing the depths in which it gone. Now however they just had to destroy the talisman it was what they'd worry about for now.
"What about Alfred and Robin, won't they be there?" Cyborg asked, Superman nodded as he turned to the three.
"Once you give them the situation I'm pretty sure they'd be more than happy to oblige." Superman explained the three all nodded in agreement.
"Alright then it's settled we'll go down right now." Green Lantern spoke as he went for the transporter, the others followed with Superman trailing behind. They all stepped on the pad as Superman went to the transmitter.
"And even if they don't you must take it at all costs. If what Zatanna says is true, or even if it holds the power that the myth proclaims then we must destroy it." Superman further stated, Green Arrow gave a two finger salute.
"We'll have it back here in no time Supes, just look for our call." Green Arrow assured him, Superman then typed in they coordinates and they vanished.
In Gotham, Batman, Nightwing and Robin we're getting settled in when they heard a knock at the door. Still in costume they hid away in the cave while Alfred answered the door. He opened it to find Green Lantern, Cyborg and Green Arrow. They had serious expressions on their faces. They knew that Alfred was probably still hurting so they decided to lessen it up a bit on urgency.
"Why hello there gentlemen, how can I be of service to you today?" Alfred asked politely, Green Lantern took a step forward and addressed the kind man.
"How are you Alfred, we were just stopping by to see if you had the Talisman of Ascension?" Green Lantern asked, Alfred's eyes widened at what he spoke of.
"I do not have it, but may I ask why you seek it?" Alfred asked, curiosity in his tone, Green Arrow joined Lantern.
"Vandal Savage is after it and we need to destroy it." Green Arrow said getting to the point. Alfred stepped back, his expression even.
"It has been in the Wayne family's care for generations and I shall keep it that way. Now if you would excuse me kind sirs." Alfred said closing the door but couldn't because of Cyborg's foot.
"Sorry sir but this is highly important and we can't take no for an answer." Cyborg spoke as the door reopened slightly. Alfred cut his eyes at the three, this was about to take a turn for worst.
"Master Wayne wouldn't like you intruding in his house and taking what he treasures very deeply." Alfred spoke, Jason then came to the door with a red shirt and khaki pants.
"What's going on Alfred- oh what's up guys haven't seen you in awhile." Jason greeted them with a small smile. They all shot the teen a grin, glad to see him doing alright.
"We were just stopping by to obtain the Talisman Jason." Green Arrow asked and noticed when Jason's smile faded.
"Oh sorry but that can't happen, that's one of Bruce's prized possessions. His Father gave it to him at a young age. He wouldn't want anybody to take it." Jason said, Green Arrow barged in making Alfred and Jason step back.
"It sounds like you're trying to cover for him, what was he hiding?!" Green Arrow accused, Jason brought his fist in front of him.
"Bruce isn't hiding anything! Why are you even looking for it?!" Jason asked as the three stepped in his home.
"Vandal Savage is coming for it, he knows Bruce Wayne has it!" The Green Archer replied, Jason crossed his arms.
"Well he'll have to get through us..." Jason said, that was when Nightwing made his appearance. He came through the doorway that led to the kitchen. He glared at them hearing everything that was said.
"The Talisman is here to stay, I don't know why you're even worried about it. You wouldn't have known of its existence if Savage wasn't coming after it now. Which doesn't matter, he'll be stopped before he even comes in this direction." Nightwing explained, Cyborg then turned to his old friend.
"It's still too dangerous to have laying around. Superman wants it destroyed and everyone agrees with him. Especially since it's here, Batm-" Cyborg spoke but was interrupted by a growl from Nightwing.
"Everyone? This is about the contingency plans being leaked isn't it?! That was some time ago, Batman would never have any intention to use its power. Whether it was for good or evil." Nightwing stated, Green Lantern raised a hand in defense.
"Nobody's accusing Batman of anything, we know you all are still hurting. We just want to destroy it is all, rather be safe than sorry." John coaxed, Green Arrow then gave a frown.
"Sorry kid but we're not asking, Superman also appointed us to watch over Gotham after the incident." Green Arrow revealed, Nightwing, Jason and Alfred's eyes widened in surprise. Nightwing gripped his fists as Jason walked away.
"That won't be necessary, Robin and I can watch over Bludhaven and Gotham. Your services aren't needed..." Nightwing said before taking out a battle club. "And if you're implying that your going to try and take it..." He then took out another and put his guard up. Green Arrow and Cyborg gritted their teeth while Lantern closed his eyes and shook his head. "Then try your luck."
"Come on Rob, we didn't come here to fight you..." Cyborg spoke, Lantern agreed with this and stepped forward.
"Yes, Nightwing we just want the Talisman, we'll even talk to Superman about Gotham." Green Lantern insisted, Nightwing continued to watch them not letting his guard fall.
"You're not getting it, sorry but you've trespassed in my city and my home... I'll have to ask you to leave..." Nightwing spoke, the group sighed seeing how difficult he was making it.
"I feel like you're hiding something, like Father like Son..." Green Arrow said, he tilted his head to the side dodging one of Robin's shurikens. The Boy Wonder was upstairs on top of the railing in his costume. He pulled out a new bo staff and twisted it in front of him.
"This is your last chance, leave now and we'll forget this ever happened." Robin said pulling his hood over his head. Green Lantern looked up to him.
"Kid we don't want to do this, just give us the damn Talisman!" He exclaimed, Robin shook his head to answer his question.
"Guess it's settled then... Alfred please." Robin said, Alfred nodded before sighing.
"Very well, please do not make too much of a mess." Alfred spoke before taking his leave. No one paid him any mind both sides watching each other intently. Robin then flipped off the railing while throwing four more R-shaped shurikens at them. Nightwing charged them, Green Lantern shielded himself from the projectiles. Cyborg's arm turned into a blaster cannon and he aimed it at Nightwing. Robin hit the arrows that were aimed for him rushing up to Green Arrow. He swung his staff at his head, Green Arrow dodged and blocked another strike with his bow. Nightwing slid under the blast Cyborg shot, he got up swiftly and was about to attack but stopped suddenly.
"Batman..." Green Lantern muttered quietly, the Caped Crusader made his presence known coming from the hallway. He eyed the hole now present in his wall then back to the commotion. Green Arrow, Lantern and Cyborg all stared in shock as he approached them.
"You'd had better start explaining yourselves... Now." Batman demanded, Lantern was the first to speak.
"Batman how are you alive? J'onn said he couldn't sense your being at all?" Lantern asked, Green Arrow having now ceased his fight with Robin pointed a finger at the Bat.
"Exactly, we all thought you were dead!" Green Arrow spoke, Batman hardened his gaze.
"We'll approach that topic later, now answer the question!" Batman exclaimed, Cyborg converted his cannon back to his arm.
"The Talisman of Ascension, we know it is in your possession. Vandal Savage is after it, Superman and the Founders want it to be destroyed. We've come to execute." Cyborg informed him, Nightwing kept his battle sticks in his hands before narrowing his eyes at the three.
"They don't trust you with it, they don't trust you because of the contingency plans." Nightwing added, John crossed his arms.
"It's nothing like that, if what the myth says is true about that artifact it needs to be destroyed." Lantern shot back, Batman gripped his fists when he heard what this was about.
"That Artifact has been passed down in my family for generations. It's been locked up for years ever since I found out that the myth was true. Though its not being destroyed I've effectively wiped it from exisitence as soon as I found out. How Vandal Savage found out it being here is something I will look into. But it being destroyed is out of the question." Batman explained, he gave a look that said that there was no other way around it. Green Arrow's expression grew soft with anticipation.
"Look Bats, we're not leaving until we have it. It's not about Savage it's about the power that it contains. Who knows what would happen if it ended up in the wrong hands." Green Arrow pointed out, Cyborg and Lantern agreeing with him.
"Everyone makes mistakes Batman..." Lantern spoke, Batman kept his posture rigid he wasn't about to give it up. Not to be destroyed or taken from him, his Father gave him this when he was seven. His Parents is what drove him to become what he is today. The only reason he picked up the mantle of Batman. Did they truly think that what little he had left of them he would just give away? What Lantern had said confirmed what Nightwing was getting at. They didn't trust him, it had to have been about the contingency plans he had created. After time had passed he had saw why they might feel that way. Really they had every reason too. Though he knew he was only looking for the world's best interest. He would never intentionally use it's power or trade it for his own personal gain. They had to have known this.
"I understand, but it's going nowhere, now I don't want to fight you. So tell Superman and the Founder's that we'll have a meeting over this... Right now actually." Batman announced, the three exchanged glances amongst themselves, they turned back to Batman and nodded.
"Okay let's go" Green Lantern said as he contacted the Watchtower. "I need six to the Watch Tower pronto." He spoke into the communicator, after a few moments Superman replied.
"Do you have the Talisman?" Superman asked a little skeptical on how fast they were to obtain it. Lantern and Batman then locked eyes as Lantern replied.
"No, but I have a feeling you'll like the sixth person that's tagging along with us." Green Lantern spoke, Superman paused for a brief moment before saying something back.
"Alright then prepare for transport" He replied all six of them then vanished and appeared in the Monitor Womb. Superman looked in shock as his eyes settled on Batman, who sighed mentally as the hero flew in lightning speeds toward him. He hugged his best friend tightly as Batman was getting ready to karate chopping his neck. Superman pulled back and looked through his mask to see if it was the real Bruce Wayne. He smiled when he saw him give the Bat glare. "Aww Bruce, I can't believe you're alive! It's good to have you back!" Clark exclaimed, Batman growled as Superman sat him back down.
"Don't ever do that again" He warned, Clark gave a sheepish smile. "and yes I'm alive, I file the report in later of the that mission's details and goal. Right now I would like to meet with the other Founder's and talk about the Talisman that everyone agreed on to be destroyed..." Batman said, Superman's expression switched back to business.
"Batman you need to realize the depths of it's-"
"Save it for the meeting, I want everyone there." Batman said as he brushed past him, Superman then turned around watching him.
"Well I hope Wonder Woman isn't too busy, I would like to get her input on it as well." Superman said, it was really just bait for Batman. He hadn't checked up on her in in two days and was wondering if Bruce had popped up on her. Said Hero stopped in his tracks and grunted.
"That won't be necessary she has enough going on right now." Batman spoke over his shoulder, Superman then smirked.
"I think it is, because she's part of the Founders and I want to hear her take on the situation." Superman spoke stifling a laugh, he knew that if anyone could change his mind it'd be her. Batman faced him as well, all the others waiting on what his rebuttal was.
"Clark if you even knew the half of what was going on down there-"
"And how is it, you know?" Superman countered with a raise of his brow. Batman wasn't about to be stumped by the boy scout.
"It'll be filed in the report, but as of right now-"
"Then I'm calling her" Superman cut him off again going over to the communicator, Bruce mentally snarled as he prevented himself from wiping that smirk off his face. Nightwing and Robin then joined their Father's side as he began walking toward the conference room.
"What do you want us to do?" Robin asked as they went down the hall, Nightwing was wondering the same thing.
"Nothing as of right now, just wait until I'm finished with the meeting. And try not to resort to violence every time your reach an altercation. You two have been doing that a lot lately." Batman pointed out, Nightwing and Robin exchanged looks.
"They always start it, we'll just be the ones to finish it..." Robin said casually, Nigthtwing nodded.
"They were trespassing in our house, friends or not that's just unacceptable." Nightwing said seriously, Robin rolled his eyes as he waved him off.
"You don't even stay there and if Donna were to pop up on you at night there wouldn't be any complaints on your end. And she's a 'friend' just like everybody else right?' Robin teased, Nightwing snarled under his breath as he pointed a finger at his younger adoptive brother.
"Nobody asked you!" Nightwing said back as Jason started chuckling, Batman shook his head. "Don't get me started on the red head that had you swooning earlier today!"
"She surely did not, Artemis gets on my nerves, she too cocky for my tastes." Robin said crossing his arms, Nightwing then smirked.
"Yeah right, I saw you two when you were alone fighting, a lot of smiles and laughing going on. Didn't seem like she didn't meet your tastes to me." Nightwing said continuing to go back and forth with him. Batman waved them off to go elsewhere.
"Alright go on, stay close by though." Batman spoke as they neared the conference room. Robin gave a two finger salute as him and Nightwing stopped.
"Roger that, you think Wondy's going to come?" Robin asked, Nightwing snorted at the question.
"If it's concerning Bruce then I'd put money on it."
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