Dick woke up early barely getting any sleep the night before. His mind was still confused about how his girlfriend could cheat on him with his best friend and who was the mystery stranger that sent those messages. Most importantly though Dick wondered how he would confront Bruce and Barbara about this. He decided to head over to Barbara's house and talk to her, though he was very careful to avoid Bruce who was getting ready for the science fair that afternoon. Dick quickly arrived at Barbara's house and knocked on the door only for her father to answer.
"Hey Dick you're here kind of early. I wasn't aware that you and Barbara were going out again today. She's up in her room if you want me to call her." Gordon told Dick slightly confused as to why he was there.
"If you don't mind I just wanted to talk to Barbara. Can I go and see her?" Dick asked wanting to see Barbara as soon as possible.
"I guess it's fine she's still a little tired from your date last night so try not to be too long." Gordon told Dick. He then led him to Barbara's room and knocked on her door. When she opened it and saw Dick she quickly realized he wanted to talk about last night. Gordon then left the two alone to talk unaware of their problems.
"I'm guessing you're here to talk about last night Dick. In which case I'm sorry I missed our anniversary but I had a good reason." Barbara told Dick as calmly as she could.
"I don't care about last night anymore. I'm here because I know the truth and I wanted to know why you did this to me. How could you do this to me Babs?" Dick asked her trying to stay calm even though he felt heartbroken.
"What are you talking about Dick. I'll admit I've kept some secrets from you recently but it's only because it's not my place to tell you. Besides it's nothing that would hurt you so what are you talking about?" Barbara asked him genuinely confused as to what he was saying.
"Don't play dumb Babs I know. I'm not mad though, at least I'm not mad at you. It's Bruce I'm mad at." Dick told her with disgust on his face when he said Bruce's name.
"Just tell me what's going on Dick. I don't know what you're saying." Barbara said desperate to know what Dick was talking about.
"Damn it Barbara you can't hold up this charade forever. I know the truth so just drop it." Dick yelled at her tired of her playing dumb.
"Dick I'm very confused as to what you're talking about. I'm sorry I bailed on our anniversary but it was important. Speaking of which I should get going soon. Bruce needs me to meet him for some last minute science fair help." Barbara told Dick. She was about to leave when Dick blocked her path.
"You are never meeting with Bruce again. I can forgive you but if I see you so much as looking at him then he's going to pay." Dick yelled angrily.
"Let me out of my room Dick. I don't know what's gotten into you but you can't tell me what to do." Barbara said irritated with Dick's behavior. She then tried to leave but Dick kept blocking her exit.
"Why Barbara? Why did it have to be Bruce? More importantly why do you keep going back to him? Aren't you happy with me?" Dick asked hysterically.
"Dick when you calm down we can talk but right now just let me out of my room." Barbara pleaded to Dick.
"Why should I? So you can go back to him? Is he more important than me? Don't you love me anymore?" Dick yelled at Barbara. Barbara kept trying to leave but Dick wouldn't let her. In a fit of anger he shoved her harder then he should've and knocked Barbara to the floor. He immediately ran to help her up but Barbara backed away from him.
"You hurt me Dick. What did I do to deserve that?" Barbara asked shocked that her boyfriend would be so violent.
"No Babs it was an accident. You know I'd never hurt you. I just didn't want you to leave and I pushed a little to hard." Dick said with regret. Barbara's father came opened the door wondering what all the noise was.
"What's going on here. Barbara why are you on the floor?" Gordon asked hoping his little girl was alright.
"I'm fine dad. I fell down but Dick was just helping me up. Don't worry about a thing." Barbara told him. He decided against his better judgment to believe her especially since he'd know Dick for a long time and it was out of character for him to be the violent type. After he left there was what felt like an eternity of silence between the two of them.
"I'm heading back to Bruce's mansion. You want to come with me since you need to see him?" Dick asked trying to break the awkward silence.
"Since we're both headed that way sure we can go together but please give Bruce and me some privacy when we get there." Barbara told Dick. The two of them then headed to Bruce's mansion together both silently thinking about what just happened. When they arrived Dick went to his room and Barbara immediately told Bruce what had happened. Bruce was understandably shocked.
"I can't believe Dick shoved you. Are you sure you're fine?" Bruce asked her worried about her wellbeing.
"It's okay Bruce I think we worked things out otherwise I wouldn't be here. Now let's focus on Antonio and Edward. We've only got a few hours left.
"If your sure that your fine then I guess we can get back to work. Waylon said he was going to have a 'talk' with Nigma. I'm going to try and stop him. While I take care of that I want you to go and see Antonio. I got his address from Waylon and wrote it down here." Bruce told Barbara.
She took the paper where Bruce had written down Waylon's address and left. Not to long after she arrived at what looked like an old run down home. Carefully she went and knocked on the door. When nobody answered she tried to open the door herself. It was unlocked and she made her way inside.
"Antonio are you home? The door was unlocked so I let myself in. It's Barbara and I really wanna talk to you." Barbara exclaimed to the empty house.
She kept wandering around hoping to find some clue as to where Antonio was. She then decided to stop wandering and listened carefully for any small noise. She heard what sounded like footsteps and tried to follow them. Barbara slowly kept going until she found a door that with a sign that said Tony. She figured that it was Antonio's room and tried to open the door but it was locked. She knocked on the door hoping that Antonio was inside. She waited there for a little while. She was about to turn around and leave when she felt something strike her. She immediately fell unconscious from the hit. Back at the mansion Dick was getting ready to confront Bruce.
"This just doesn't make sense. There has to be a reason. I wish I could deny this but there is too much proof." Dick said to himself as he was pacing around his room thinking the details of the information he had. As he was lost in thought he didn't hear his door open until he saw Bruce was standing just outside his room.
"Dick we need to talk. Barbara told me what happened and I want to know why you shoved her. Make it fast because I have somewhere to be soon." Bruce told him sternly.
"I have nothing to say to you. I regret what I did to her but if you think that'll make me get over what happened you're mistaken." Dick responded.
"What are you talking about? If it's about her missing your anniversary I'm sorry but that wasn't my idea." Bruce told him confused.
"Will both of you drop the act. I know the truth. You can't hide it anymore. I don't know how you thought you could keep this from me anyways." Dick yelled. Bruce gasped at this believing that Dick was talking about their secret with Antonio's drug problems rather than Dick's actual accusation of Barbara cheating on him with Bruce.
"How'd you find out? There were only two people who knew other than Barbara and I. Who told you?" Bruce asked being both surprised and confused.
"I don't know who it was, but that doesn't even matter. Whoever they were I'm grateful." Dick said spitefully.
"I'm sorry that Barbara and I have been keeping this from you but I had no right to tell you. This wasn't any of your business." Bruce told him.
"None of my business? Bruce she's my girlfriend how is this not my business?" Dick asked Bruce enraged.
"What does it matter if she's your girlfriend. The world doesn't revolve around you Dick there are bigger problems going on. I needed Barbara's help and if you're too selfish to see that you don't deserve her." Bruce rebuttaled back to him. Dick angrily pushed Bruce against the wall in response.
"You're honestly going to stand here and tell me I'm the one whose being selfish Bruce." Dick said. "How hypocritical can you possibly be?" He asked with anger in every word.
"Look Dick I don't know what your problem is, but I don't have time to deal with you. I'm going to school to set up for the science fair with Edward I hope after the science fair you can see why Barbara and I had to keep this a secret from you." Bruce said before leaving the room. Dick of course was not satisfied with Bruce's response. He decided he'd have to go one step further. After transferring all the files he was anonymously sent to his computer then to a USB he headed over to Selina's house.
Barbara had been unconscious for a few hours after being hit. When she woke up she still felt pain in the back of her head. After taking a moment to reorient herself she noticed that she was tied up and restrained to a chair.
"Hello anyone here." She yelled out hoping that someone would arrive in order to help her out. What she didn't expect however was for coach Cyrus Gold to be the one to show up.
"So you're finally awake. Didn't mean for you to be out so long but you shouldn't have been snooping around somewhere you didn't belong." He said. He proceeded to inspect the knots around Barbara to make sure she would stay firmly put.
"Coach Gold what's going on. Why are you in Antonio's house and why am I tied up?" Barbara asked. Her head began to hurt again as she was overexerting herself.
"I could ask you what you're doing here, but then again I already know. I know all about how you and Wayne are trying to expose Antonio's drug use and get him off the team. Nigma told me everything I need to know." He said taking a seat on the bed by where she was.
"No we're trying to help him. Edward is the one who's trying to get Antonio in trouble." Barbara told him. Cyrus Gold simply lauhed at her response.
"Oh you poor girl. You must think I want him to stop. Our schools team has been full of losers for years until Antiono and Waylon showed up. Those two brought me win after win. I had a reputation for being the best and there's no way I'm letting you or Wayne take that away." He said.
"Antonio needs help. Don't you care about his health over your title. Besides you can keep me here but Edward is still going to tell everyone at the science fair about Antonio's drug use. Once he does he'll have to get help." Barbara said confident that no matter what Antonio would get the help he needed.
Cyrus Gold stood and and went over to Barbara and put his hand on her head. "You don't get it do you. Antonio got those performance enhancers from me. He was already tough but this stuff put him over the edge. I suspected someone might catch on and I've already prepared for that. Waylon will crush Nigma before gets a chance to say anything. You're stick here, and as for Wayne. I'll take care of him myself." He said maliciously.
"You can't keep me here forever. As soon as I'm let out everyone will know what you've been doing." Barbara threatened.
"Trust me once you see what happens to Wayne and Nigma you'll have lost any urge to go against me." He said before leaving for the next step of his plan. Barbara thought she would be alone however Antonio soon walked into the room. He had been told to keep an eye and Barbara and make sure that she not attempt anything that would interfere with them.
At school things were not going much better trying to set up for the science fair.
"Where are Bruce Wayne and Edward Nigma? They should have arrived to set up long ago and now they're throwing us off schedule. We only have a few hours left to get everything ready." Kirk Langston complained.
"Do not stress yourself Kirk this is simply Bruce Wayne making problems for everyone else. I'll send my daughter to find him." Ra's Al Ghul told him. Talia went to try and find Bruce. She took Thomas along with her just in case.
"Where could Bruce possibly be now?" Thomas asked as they were looking. "Leave it to Bruce to make a mess out of everything.
"You really don't know what's going on do you?" Talia asked surprised that Thomas was asking that question. Anyone who knew of recent events knew where Bruce would be.
"I don't. Care to enlighten me as to what everyone's least favorite billionaire has gotten himself into?" Thomas asked Talia.
"I'll give you the shortened version. Bruce and Edward Nigma found out Antonio Dorrance was apparently using performance enhancing drugs. Bruce obviously wanted to help him wheras Nigma wanted to hurt him as revenge for the bullying. Bruce got Barbara and Waylon Jones involved since he couldn't do this on his own. Now he's going to stop Waylon from hurting Nigma and stop Nigma from hurting Antonio. Barbara's most likely talking with Antonio right now." Talia said summarizing the recent series of events for Thomas.
"Just how exactly do you know all of this?" Thomas asked surprised the amount of detail Talia knew about Bruce.
"I keep tabs on everything that Bruce does, especially when I can use the information to push him away from Selina and toward me." She said.
"Talia I have to know why you care so much about Bruce. I was his childhood friend and I can say there's nothing special about him. Sure he's smart and admittedly charming not to mention wealthy but none of that should matter to you. You're clearly in a position of power much higher than one he will ever reach so why settle?" Thomas asked Talia. His friendship with Bruce had been estranged for a while now and he clearly didn't see what attracted Talia toward him.
Talia stopped walking and turned toward Thomas. There was so much that he didn't understand. While her and Ra's Al Ghul did tell him and Jason about the League the two of them were still in the dark about so much including the true purpose the league held. She figured she might as well let him in on a bit more of their secrets after all he was slowly proving to be an effective ally. Not to mention the League could terminate him if that was ultimately needed.
"You don't understand anything do you Thomas. I see potential in Bruce. Potential that only I can unlock. My father agrees with me, something rare. With my help I can make Bruce Wayne the man he is destined to become. He will become the next leader of the league and together we shall purify the world." Talia told him. Thomas was off put by that answer, however he didn't say anything to Talia knowing it would be best to keep his thoughts on the matter to himself.
The two continued walking until they heard Bruce's voice. It was coming from the gymnasium. As soon as they entered though they found the place to be vacant. The doors behind them then shut closed and it was apparent they were trapped inside.
"Nothing personal, but I can't have Bruce's obsessed fangirl or childhood friend get in the way." Coach Gold told them from outside. He then went on to make sure Waylon completed the task of making sure Nigma wouldn't get a chance to say anything about Antonio.
Dick was sitting in the living room of Selina's house. He hoped that she would belive what he had come to tell her. Of course it would be very difficult for her to belive him. He probably wouldn't have believed it himself were it not for the mysterious person sending him the photos and videos as proof.
"Okay Dick I need to finish getting ready for the science fair. Bruce and I are planning on going out to eat as a way of celebrating his win since it's obvious that Nigma and him are winning." Selina told Dick.
"You might want to cancel those dinner reservations before it gets too late because I'm not sure you'll still want to go after this talk." Dick told her doing a bad job of hiding his anger.
Selina was unsure what he was talking about, but his tone of voice seemed quite different from his usual happy attitude. She decided to take a seat next to him and hear out whatever he had to say.
"I'm listening to what you're saying." She told him.
"Listen Selina this is going to be difficult for me to say, but Bruce and Barbara have been cheating on us with each other." Dick told her trying to remain as calm as he could.
"What are you talking about. Bruce Wayne and Barbara Gordon are two of the best people in existence." Selina said not believing a word of what Dick had told her.
"I'm serious Selina. I would have never believed this either. Barbara has been my best friend forever. I loved her even before I knew I loved her. We've been through everything together and I thought we'd always have each other's backs. As for Bruce I've only known him a few years but he's done so much for me. Giving me a place to stay, helping me get through the death of my parents, not to mention all the great memories we formed. We were a trio who could get through anything but I guess not anymore. I wish this wasn't true but there's no denying it." Dick told her. He was on the verge of tears after reminiscing about all the good times that he had with Bruce and Barbara.
Selina was still unconvinced that this was actually something that was going on. "So how did you get to the conclusion that Bruce and Barbara have been seeing each other behind our backs?" She asked. If Dick was so convinced they were being cheated on there has to be a reason.
"We'll haven't you noticed how close the two of them have been recently?" Dick asked her. "Plus they've been keeping secrets from us and meeting in private. Barbara joined the cheerleading team as a favor for Bruce. Finally there's the fact that Barbara left our anniversary dinner last night early after she got a call from Bruce." He told her presenting most the evidence he had.
Selina thought for a moment on what he had said. "I'll admit things don't look great but that's all circumstantial evidence. There's a better explanation for everything you said." Selina argued.
"I thought there was a better explanation, but then I got a strange anonymous text message. With it was a download for all the evidence I need. Go get your laptop I've already transferred everything to a USB so it's easier for you to see." Dick said.
Selina got her laptop and Dick opened up the necessary files. From there Selina saw everything that Dick had previously seen. There was picture after picture of Bruce and Barbara holding hands or kissing. Of course pictures could be edited but what really cemented this as fact that there were were videos sent as well. Videos were harder to fake than pictures. This along with everything Dick had said earlier was enough to convince them that Bruce and Barbara were cheating on them with each other.
"I can't believe that rich jerk would do something like this. I bet he wouldn't treat Diana this way but I could never compare to that stupid foreign exchange student. He could never love me the way he did her so he cheated on me." Selina yelled frustrated with finding this out.
"I can sort of understand Bruce doing this but why Barbara? How was he able to drag her into this?" Dick asked unable to hide his sadness anymore.
"Dick you were right about canceling my dinner plans. While I do that grab the USB and get ready to head over to the school. I think there's a way we might be able to get back at the two of them and make sure Bruce loses the science fair." Selina told him. She had a great revenge plan towards Bruce and Barbara, one that she couldn't wait to go through with.
Only two hours remained until the science fair would begin. Bruce had to find Edward as soon as he could. He had spent most of the day trying to contact Waylon and talk him out of attacking Edward in the first place. Seeing as how that plan not only failed but waisted most of his time he settled on finding Edward. He went to where everything was being set up hoping that he would find Edward there. Unfortunately he did not what he did find was an angry Kirk Langstrom and Ra's Al Ghul.
"It is about time you arrived Mr. Wayne any later and your project would have needed to be canceled." Ra's Al Ghul informed Bruce.
"Wait you mean Edward never showed up?" Bruce asked him.
"That is exactly what I am saying. I don't know how it's possible that both of you are so irresponsible that you neglected to inform the other you wouldn't be showing up on time." Ra's Al Ghul said.
"Well I apologize for the inconvenience. I'll set everything up as soon as I get back from finding Edward." Bruce said trying to get out of there and find either Edward or Waylon as fast as you can.
"Absolutely not Mr. Wayne. If Mr. Nigma is not present then he shall have to deal with the consequences himself but I shall not allow you to disappear as well when your assignment has not even began set up." Ra's Al Ghul said firmly.
"Mr. Langstrom said both Edward and I had to present for the science fair in order for our experiment to qualify. If I don't bring him then what's the point of me being here." Bruce said hoping that would be a good enough excuse to get out of there.
Ra's Al Ghul was getting frustrated with Bruce. There was also the fact that Talia was not answering her phone. She knew better than to miss a call from him so he was wondering what was happening. He decided to leave dealing with Bruce up to Langstrom as he headed off to see where Talia and Thomas might have ended up. "Kirk you deal with Mr. Wayne. I must find my daughter." He said before leaving.
"I suppose you are right about Edward needing to be here but I can't let you leave until you set up." Langstrom said wanting Bruce's area set up more than anything.
"Mr. Langstrom please I have to go. Harvey seems to be finished setting up his experiment on finding statistical variance in coin flipping and Pamela is done setting up her ever lasting plant experiment. Can't you ask the two of them to set my area up while I find Edward?" Bruce asked him. This was Bruce's final plan to be able to get out of there. Mr. Langstrom hesitated for a while until he finally came to a decision.
"Very well I'll have them take care of it. Just know that if you and Edward don't win with this experiment then you're both failing my class." He threatened. Bruce headed out he didn't have many ideas as to where Edward would be but then he finally decided to head off to the library. Even if he didn't find Edward Nigma there he would find someone who would be able to help him out.
Time was running out for Barbara. She was stuck in Antonio's house tied up to a chair and being watched by Antonio she that even if she could get out of being tied up she wouldn't be able to go anywhere.
"Antonio please you have to let me out of here I'm trying to help you." Barbara pleaded with him. Wheras earlier whenever she tried talking to him she was met with silence this time Antonio finally answered her.
"Señorita Gordon when we spoke before during your cheerleading practice I told you that my biggest flaw was that no matter how strong I became I would always be weak. You don't understand. Coach Gold is helping me to become stronger. To become better." Antonio said believing that what was being done to him was for his own good.
"He isn't trying to make you better for your own benefit Antonio he's only doing it for himself. He cares about his reputation more than he cares about anything else. If you keep doing this you're only going to be hurting yourself." Barbara said trying to show him that he was wrong about this making him better.
Antonio was confused as to why Barbara was being so persistent. "Why do you care Señorita Gordon? We had never spoken until recently and we are not friends. Why have you taken up such an interest in this case?" He asked her.
"It's true we're not friends Antonio but that doesn't mean I shouldn't want to help you. Bruce came to me for help because he trusted me not to tell anyone and because he knew I'd want to help you out. Bruce and I just want to help you through this. I know you're a good person but Coach Gold is taking advantage of you." Barbara told him.
"If I am such a good person why do I spent the majority of my time tormenting others with Waylon? If I were a good person why would I have accepted Coach Gold's offer to take the drugs? If I were a good person why would I be sitting here watching you instead of letting you go? If I were a good person why would I not stand up for myself?" Antonio asked Barbara. In truth though he already knew the answer to his questions. The answer was that he was weak. He would always be too weak.
"It's never too late to start over. You can start now by letting me out of these ropes. We can go to the school together, tell everyone the truth about Coach Gold, and then you can get the help that you need." Barbara said hoping she was making progress with Antonio.
Antonio thought in silence for a moment. It was difficult for him to keep Barbara tied up as she was. She had been kind to him and showed him a level of empathy that he had not been shown in a long time. Still though he knew if she was let go everything would be ruin. He depended on Coach Gold to get stronger and if Barbara was let go then she would go straight to the school. It ultimately came down to a decision of what was more important for him. Should he help out someone in need or should be help himself out. Barbara was convinced he was a good person, so perhaps it was time he convinced himself.
"Señorita Gordon it won't be long until I require another dosage. Know that when I do I'll lose a lot of my senses and be sent into a blind rage. Hopefully you won't have to witness that. Hopefully you'll be at the school by the time that happens." Antonio told her. He untied her from the chair so that she would be free to leave. Before she left though she grabbed Antonio's arm.
"You're coming with me to the school. The fact that you let me go is proof you're stronger than you think. Together we can take care of this." She said. While he wasn't entirely convinced going to the school was the best idea he trusted her and they headed off hoping to make it in time for the science fair.
With the science fair less than an hour away Edward Nigma was putting the finishing touches on his master plan. His brief talk with Coach Gold earlier was more than enough for him to figure out that Gold was the one supplying Antonio. Soon he would have revenge not only on the bully who tormented him for years but also the only teacher who dared nearly fail him. He was working in a secret room nobody knew about. It was a hidden room inside the auditorium. Before it was used as a backstage dressing room but after the auditorium expanded it was forgotten. The perfect place for him to scheme as nobody would find him. At least that's what he thought.
"Your little game is over Edward." He heard a recognizable voice say. When he turned around he saw Bruce approaching.
"Well well Wayne I have to applaud you for finding this place. Didn't think you or anyone would be able to find it." Edward told him.
"I probably wouldn't have been able to but I went to the library where your friend Jonathan Crane usually is. When I asked where I could find you he told me about this secret room you found." Bruce told him.
"Jonathan must have told you what you wanted to hear just so you could go away. Not the most social person. Luckily he is smart. You know he's been working on an experimental hallucinogen that makes people see what they fear. He was going to submit it but Langstrom told him he needed a partner. Since I was taken by you he decided to wait until next year to submit his hallucinogen." Edward said. Bruce was unsure how this connected to their current situation.
"An interesting story but what does that have to do with us?" Bruce asked him.
Edward laughed as he took of his glasses to clean them. "You see Bruce even though he didn't sumbit the hallucinogen he did complete it and I have some. Get in my way and I'll make you experience your worst nightmare." He threatened. Bruce decided to see if he could fall his bluff.
"You wouldn't risk exposing yourself just to get to me. Besides if you have that with you then I guess it's part of your plan." Bruce said.
"Impressive deductive work there Bruce. Yes the hallucinogen is being saved for Coach Gold and Waylon." Edward told him. Bruce however was confused as he was still unaware of the role Coach Gold played in this.
"What does Coach Gold have to do with any of this. I get wanting to protect yourself from Waylon since he's best friends with Antonio but why Coach Gold?" Bruce asked him. Edward laughed being surprised that Bruce was so far behind in what he knew.
"I suppose I praised those deduction skills to soon. You aren't winning world's greatest detective awards anytime soon if you can't figure out what coach Gold is supplying Antonio with the drugs." Edward said berating his ability to piece together the full picture.
"But why would coach Gold do something like that? Why would he give drugs to one of his best students?" Bruce asked getting more and more confused.
"Oh I don't know why he did it and I don't care why he did it. All I know is that now all of my problems can be taken care of by the end of the hour." Edward said.
"So what even is your plan? You've been hiding here all day not to mention you've been scheming since we found out. What are you going to do?" Bruce asked him. Edward thought for a moment before answering.
"I suppose there's no harm in telling you. The wheels have already been set in motion. At first I was merely going to announce it to everyone at the science fair but that wasn't enough. All it took was a bit of basic research and observation to calculate how often Antonio receives dosages from Gold. I also ensured myself to be aware of any adverse effects he may have. Knowing that I was able to arrange it so that the science fair was at the same time he fueled up. Now Gold wouldn't give him anything in public he's not that much of an idiot so I also arranged a supply to be available for Antonio at the science fair. Of course none of this can be traced back to me I'm not an armature. As for Jonathan's work in this I'll use what he gave me so that Waylon and Gold are too busy cowering to stop me. Extra benefit when the police come to investigate they'll have trace amounts of the hallucinogen on them so they'll be taken away along with Antonio. In an instant all of my enemies will have been dealt with." Edward said laying out the most basic details of his plan for Bruce. Bruce had to admit he was impressed with all the work Edward had put into this plan. Of course just because he was impressed doesn't mean he was going to let it go through.
"Edward this is insane. I get that Antonio and Waylon made things hard on you but this isn't the way to take care of things. He needs help and if you do this he might not get it." Bruce said.
Edward was silent for a moment. He looked at his watch and saw that the science fair was moments away beginning. Though he did enjoy speaking with Bruce as an intellectual nothing Bruce said would change his mind. It was time to act. He started walking out of the room. Before he left Bruce grabbed his arm in a last attempt to stop him. Edward had had enough.
"Do you want to hear a riddle Bruce? I am something many people don't enjoy having as a friend, including you. But I am called upon anytime someone is injured. I have 5 letters and when my last letter is put before my first letter, I become a country. The answer to my riddle of course is pain. Pain is what those two have inflicted upon me, upon my friends, upon everyone for years. They're ruined my life time and time again. All I am doing is teaching them what pain feels like." He said managing to free himself from Bruce's grip.
"Edward I know they hurt you but they've been hurt too." Bruce said trying to reason with him. Edward however just laughed.
"I don't know what lies you've been fed Bruce but nobody has ever hurt Waylon or Antonio. I've had the displeasure of knowing them far too long and they've always been heathens that prey on the weak. Now let me go because my moment has arrived." Edward told Bruce.
"Hate to break it to you Nigma but your moment is going to end with you eating through a tube." Waylon said as he approached them.
"That's impossible how did you find this place?" Nigma asked shocked that Waylon could find him. The answer or course came from Cyrus Gold.
"Come on Nigma I work here. You really don't think the staff knows about these secret places students go to make out in. I knew you'd be in one of the secret rooms it was only a matter of time until we found you." Gold told him.
"So there are more secret rooms like this. Leftovers from when the school was much smaller." Nigma said interested in finding more of them.
"It don't matter Nigma you're dead." Waylon said heading toward him. Bruce ran in front hoping to stop him.
"Waylon wait I know Nigma is trying to hurt Antonio but there's more important things to worry about. Coach Gold is the one giving Antonio the drugs." Bruce said hoping that would stop him. Of course he was wrong.
"I know what Coach is doing he told me. I wasn't too happy about it at first, but he convinced me this would help him out in the long run. I trust Coach with my life so you and Nigma need to be silence Rich Boy." Waylon said.
Waylon knocked Bruce to the ground and charged over to where Edward was. Before Bruce could get up to do anything he was grabbed by Coach Gold. Gold started squeeze Bruce with the intention of breaking him. Edward grabbed the hallucinogen out of pocket and sprayed some directly at Waylon before Waylon could grab him. He then went over and sprayed Gold but made sure Bruce wouldn't inhale any. Once Gold collapsed and Bruce was free Edward grabbed him and ran out.
"That was most unpleasant. You're welcome Bruce. Now if you'll excuse me I must make my way to the science fair. It starts in a few minutes." Edward said. Bruce wanted to stop him but he was still in a lot of pain from Coach Gold. He headed after him as quickly as he could. While the two believed that Waylon and Gold were taken care of they just made the problem worse. Jonathan's formula was unfinished so it had adverse side effects. One of which made caused Waylon and Gold to enter a blind rage. A blind rage that would affect everyone at the science fair.
At the science fair the keynote speaker had just finished giving their speech and the judges were starting to go around. Barbara and Antonio had arrived during the speech and she was looking for Bruce. When she didn't find either him or Edward at their area she was getting worried. She saw Edward walk in and sit at their table so she went over to him.
"Edward where's Bruce?" She asked him.
"Oh I don't quite know. He'll be here but that might take a while seeing the state that he's in." Edward said.
Barbara was concerned so she went outside and in the distance she saw Bruce struggling to walk. She ran over to him and caught him before he fell. She put one of his arms around her shoulder and the other around her waist.
"Bruce what happened to you?" Barbara asked him concerned.
"Coach Gold is the one who's supplying Antonio. He tried to stop me from interfering." Bruce said as they walked together back to the science fair.
"I know Bruce, Coach Gold tried to stop me from helping out. He said after I saw what he did to you I'd lose the willingness to help." Barbara told him.
"I'm sure he planned on leaving me in a much worse state than this. If it wasn't for Edward interfering I doubt I'd even be able to hold onto you right now." Bruce said. He wanted to laugh to ease himself but the pain was too much.
"It's fine Antonio is waiting inside so we'll finally be able to put an end to all of this." Barbara said.
"Barbara no you have to get Antonio out of here. Edward's plan includes him being here. Leave me here I'll only slow you down but you can stop him." Bruce told Barbara. She however refused to abandon her friend.
"We're in this together Bruce. I'm not leaving you behind." Barbara said. She adjusted Bruce's arms around her so that she would be carrying most of his weight and they could go faster.
With Barbara's help they were able to get back to the science fair quickly. Unfortunately for them Antonio was nowhere to be found. What they did find was Dick and Selina. Though it was clear that Barbara was helping Bruce walk to the two of them it looked as though they had just caught Bruce and Barbara embracing in a tender moment.
"Looks like they've been caught in the act. If our anonymous friends evidence wasn't enough we see them with our own eyes." Dick told Selina.
"Dick I'm so glad to see you. Bruce needs to go to a hospital he's been injured." Barbara told him.
"He's definitely going to need a hospital when I'm done with him." Dick told her. Barbara was confused about his answer.
"Dick what's wrong with you. Our friend is hurt this is no time for joking around." She scolded him.
"You can't lecture me anymore Barbara. You want to know what's wrong with me? How about the fact that my girlfriend is cheating on me with my best friend. I know about you and Bruce now it's time for everyone to know." Dick said.
While Barbara was trying to process what was going on Dick pressed a button on a remote he had. It activated the projectors and screens inside the room. The left side of the room played a slideshow of all the photos he had received, the right side played a playlist of the videos, and the center had a collage of the pictures highlighting their worst aspect.
"Dick what is all of this?" Bruce struggled to ask him as Barbara stood there speechless and hurt.
"We're merely airing your dirty laundry for all to see. It's only fair after what you did to us. Nigma was more than willing to help us set this up. He said anything to make sure you and Barbara get what you deserve." Selina told him.
"Selina I never cheated on you. Not to mention Barbara cheating on Dick is an absurd thing to even think about." Bruce said defending himself.
"Then please Bruce explain these pictures, explain the videos, explain the secrets you've been keeping, explain why you're always with Barbara, explain why you stole her away on her anniversary, explain why you made her a cheerleader, explain everything if you have nothing to hide." Dick yelled at him.
Bruce was in a though spot. He could tell them the truth about Antonio and everything they've been doing, but what were the chances they'd belive that. He didn't want too many people knowing about what was going on especially here. He also had no explanation for the evidence they apparently had. That wouldn't help his case so all he could do was wait and see if anything happened at the science fair to prove his innocence.
"I don't have an explanation you'd belive." Bruce told him. The four of them were quiet for a moment.
"Don't you have anything to say for yourself?" Selina asked Barbara.
Barbara had plenty to say but the words didn't come out. She wanted to scream at Selina and defend herself but for some reason she was just unable to. She was unable to say a word. Whether from shock, heartbreak, fear, or something else entirely she was unsure. The situation was only made worse when an berserk Waylon Jones and Cyrus Gold break down the door charging in.
"Where's Nigma?" Waylon yelled.
"Mr. Jones I don't know what you think your doing but this is unacceptable behavior." Kirk Langstrom told him. Waylon simply pushed Langstrom away knowing him unconscious into one of the science experiments. That experiment including a dosage of bat DNA.
"Waylon calm down. Attacking Nigma won't help anything." Bruce told him as he struggled over.
Waylon was ready to attack Bruce when Antonio got in the way. One look at his veins showed he had just taken another dosage. Edward then grabbed Bruce and moved him to a safe location.
"Isn't it ironic Bruce the cretin I once perceived as the bane of my existence is now fighting to protect me. He becomes quite susceptible after a dosage that he's now under my command. Jonathan needs to develop that tool of his more they were supposed to be paralysed in fear not enraged." Edward said. Bruce looked up and saw that Antonio was fighting with both Waylon and Cyrus Gold.
"You're despicable Edward. I'm putting a stop to this." Bruce said. He didn't know how he'd stop this but he had to try. He went to Barbara hoping she'd have an idea.
"Bruce be careful you're still injured." Barbara told him as she saw him coming over.
"That doesn't matter we have to end this before everyone in here gets hurt." Bruce told her.
"You're right. I'll try talking to Antonio maybe I can calm him down a bit." Barbara told him.
Barbara ran over to where Antiono was fighting. She made sure to stay a safe distance away but still tried to call him down. Her plan wasn't working with Antonio too far gone. She was about to get caught in the crossfire of their fight when Bruce managed to push her out of the way. Unfortunately for him he got grabbed by Antonio. He was already in pain from earlier, but now it too much to bear. The last thing Bruce felt before losing consciousness was his back being broken and Antonio tossing him aside.
"Bruce please be fine. Bruce stay with me. Someone call an ambulance." Barbara pleaded hoping Bruce would be alright.
"Hey Barbara when your new boyfriend wakes up tell him I'm moving out." Dick told her before walking away. Barbara could not believe Dick was being this stubborn. She ran up to him and grabbed him before he left.
"Are you serious right now. Bruce and I were never together. He found out Antonio was using drugs and asked me to help him figure out what to do. We didn't want anyone to know to prevent something like what happened today from happening. We failed." Barbara told him. Dick pushed his way out of her grip.
"I've seen the way you've been around him recently. Even if it was for Antonio you've gotten closer to him than you ever were with me. Besides there's still the evidence of you two being together. You cheated on me. You can't deny that. Goodbye Barbara." Dick said before leaving to the mansion to move out.
Julia had been observing a lot of what was going on and ran after him hoping she could convince him to stay. Barbara was left speechless again and heartbroken. There wasn't time for her to be sad though she still had to do something about this mess. She owed that to Bruce. Unfortunately she had no idea what to do or how to handle this situation. Luckily for her the solution had arrived.
"Miss Gordon what is going on?" Ra's Al Ghul asked as he arrived. It had taken him all afternoon to find Talia and Thomas so he was unaware of the mess in the science fair.
"Mr. Ghul thank goodness you're here. Bruce needs to go to the hospital I think his back is broken and he's unconscious. Waylon, Coach Gold and Antonio are fighting and everyone here is in danger. Mr. Langstrom is unconscious so you're the only one who can help." Barbara told him desperately.
"This is quite the mess in deed. I doubt I'll be able to handle the situation alone. Miss Gordon contact your father, and the GCPD. Then have Mr. Wayne taken to his home. A hospital will take too long to treat him but his Butler is a former medic. He will be fine there." Ra's Al Ghul instructed her. She was worried about leaving but decided that would be best.
"So father how will you deal with this mess?" Talia asked Ra's Al Ghul.
"It was a smart move to have me sent away looking for you Talia. Were I here from the beginning this mess never would have occurred. Cur the lights Talia we have to make sure nobody witnesses this." Ra's Al Ghul said.
Talia cut all of the lights and the last thing seen was Ra's Al Ghul pulling out a sword and rushing towards the chaos. When the lights turned back on Waylon, Cyrus, and Antonio were all unconscious. The police arrived not too long after and they started interrogating everyone who was at the science fair to get a clear understanding of what was going on. Things were not looking good for the school. At Bruce's mansion things were also bad.
It was right after the science fair. Julia watched as Dick angrily started packing his luggage to move out of Bruce's mansion.
"You don't have to do this you know. Bruce will still be fine with you staying here." Julia said calmly trying to reason with Dick.
"How do you expect me to stay here after what's happened Julia? He might want me here but I can't stand being near him." Dick said angrily throwing more of his clothes.
"I still think he's innocent. I know the proof is there but Bruce couldn't have done it. That's not the Bruce Wayne I know." Julia said trying to defend Bruce.
"But you don't know him! The only thing you know is from your father's stories. I don't even really know him. He changed after his parents died. We never knew who he really was." Dick yelled back at her.
"Where are you going to stay now Dick?" Julia asked trying to change the topic.
"I'm gonna live with some relatives in Bludhaven over the summer. After that I'll try and see if I can stay in a foster home. I'm 16 so I can't stay on my own, but I really want to stay in Gotham. I'll just have to avoid them while I'm here. Dick said explaining to her what he'd do.
"You can't ignore them forever Dick. You know they're innocent." Julia told him not believing what he says.
"How can you expect me to stay friends. They ruined my life. They betrayed our friendship. Things were great. The old group was back together. He was finally dating Selina. My one year anniversary was coming up, then they ruined everything. At least Zatanna's attending Gotham High starting Junior year. I'll just hang out with her from now on. I can also eat with Tim and Stephanie. I don't need them." Dick said. He finished packing and headed out of the mansion not wanting to speak with Julia anymore. Alfred noticed Dick leave and headed to his old room where Julia was.
"You weren't able to convince him to stay?" Alfred asked seeing Julia looking distraught.
"I'm sorry dad but I wasn't able to help fix things." Julia said slowly. Alfred sat down next to her and gave her a hug.
"How did this mess happen?" Alfred asked Julia wondering how it occurred.
Julia looked at her dad and laughed a little. "You really don't know dad? I thought you knew everything that happens in Bruce's life." Julia told him surprised he was lost.
Alfred looked at her and smiled. "I only pretend like I know everything dear. Usually I'm the last person to know what has happened, so may you please enlighten me as to why this has happened." Alfred told her hoping to find out the story.
"Ok dad it all started a little under a week ago. Bruce and Edward were here at the mansion finishing their scanner for the science fair..." Julia said starting the story for her dad. While Julia told her dad everything she knew Barbara was sitting in Bruce's room. Ra's Al Ghul was right. Not only was Alfred able to treat him faster than a hospital could but he did a tremendous job. Barbara didn't want to visit but Alfred assured her it was fine.
"The police said they wanted to interrogate you after you finished recovering. What are you going to tell them?" Barbara asked Bruce.
"The truth. What else would I tell them?" Bruce asked her.
"I don't know. Part of me wanted to tell them Antonio was completely innocent but lying won't help anyone. I talked to my dad to see if he had any news. It's not good Bruce. Gotham High is being shut down while they investigate so we're all being given take home finals. Several students and staff are being transferred to Gotham Prep. Dad might lose his job for letting this happen, Coach Gold is being sent to prison while Antonio and Waylon are spending time in Arkham for rehabilitation." Barbara told Bruce.
"We did the best that we could Barbara. In the end Antiono is still getting help. Arkham will make sure of that. It's not the best place but my parents funded it for years because they believe in rehabilitation." Bruce said trying to cheer her up.
"Today's been a terrible day Bruce. We failed and Nigma won. He got the revenge he wanted. The schools a mess, my dad might have to go back to working in law enforcement if he does get fired, not to mention Dick and Selina think we cheated on them." Barbara said.
"We know we didn't cheat on them and that's what's really important." Bruce said trying to cheer her up.
"Bruce I don't care I lost my boyfriend. I care that I lost my best friend. Dick has been there for me since as long as I can remember. The way he looked at me with anger and hate was too much. I can't imagine things without him." Barbara said heartbroken. Bruce shouldn't be moving since he's recovering but regardless he forced himself through the pain to sit up enough to hug Barbara.
"Barbara I don't know where they got those pictures and videos. What I do know is that if they believe that over us then they're wrong. We would never do anything like that. You would never do anything like that. You're a great person. Just look at the way you commited to helping Antonio. You saw he had a problem and you did everything you could to help. You have a great and caring heart. You want do what's best and the best thing about you. You're not perfect Barbara but nobody is and you're the closet thing to perfect that I can think of." Bruce said trying to cheer her up. He was hurt from his breakup with Selina but they were only together for a short while. He could only imagine what Barbara was going through.
"You're an amazing person too Bruce. You opened your doors to Dick just so we could stay together. Sure you had some problems figuring out which girl you liked but after Diana taught you to love again you were able to pick Selina over Talia. Selina may have been my friend but she's an idiot to think you cheated on her." Barbara told Bruce.
The two of them both laughed even if laughing was painful for Bruce. They both felt that the other's significant other lost out on a great person just because of paranoia and loose evidence. Barbara noticed the pain Bruce was in and she grabbed him to help him lay back down. At first it was a bit awkward since Bruce was shirtless but she knew he needed the help to get though the pain. As she helped him down she felt something unique and different between them. In the spur of the moment she went in and kissed him. Bruce was surprised by the kiss but it didn't take long for him to reciprocate and kiss her back. When Barbara returned to her senses and realized what she was doing she cut off the kiss. She then ran out of the room embarrassed and confused without another word. Before leaving she made sure to tell Alfred that Bruce was feeling a bit of pain again. As she left though she thought and perhaps today was not the worst day of her life after all.
Back at the school Ra's Al Ghul had finished taking care of the media and police mess. He went into his classroom where Talia was waiting for him.
"Well that was a terrible turn of events don't you think?" Talia asked her father. He turned and angrily looked at her.
"I'm in no mood to put up with your humor child. I've checked in with our spies and apparently everything that happened today was orchestrated by the Court of Owls. They'll be sending their people in to clean up the aftermath. Aside from the court there's also other factions sending their people in. Gotham High is about to become a battleground and you are no closer to getting the boy to our side than when we first arrived." He said frustrated with everything.
"I don't get why you worry about the Court of Owls. The League is much more powerful than the Court can dream of being." Talia told him.
"Do not underestimate the enemy Talia. Besides any resource we dedicate to fighting them is a wasted resource. Since you have failed me I'm calling your siblings in to assist. They'll pose as students the same way you have." Ra's said preparing to contact his other children.
"Father please we don't need them. She's a traitor and he's a failure. I'm the only child you need." Talia said not wanting to deal with her siblings coming in.
"If that were true the boy would be on our side and the Court would be nowhere near infiltrating this institution. You have failed me too many times Talia. You may take your leave now." Ra's Al Ghul said dismissing his daughter. She left knowing better than to anger her father but knew she would have to plan for a way to get rid of her siblings and prove herself to her father.
Former Coach Cyrus Gold was sitting in the back of a police truck awaiting trial. There wasn't any evidence against him yet but Edward, Barbara, and Bruce's testimonies would be a start. A teacher providing venom to a student would not go without punishment. He wouldn't get that punishment though as the truck transporting him was attacked and he was freed.
"Don't know who you are but thanks for the help. Now get me out of these things will you man." He told the person that freed him.
"If you knew who I was you wouldn't be thanking me." The mysterious figure said.
He then pulled out a gun and shot Cyrus Gold dead. He picked up the bullet to make sure no evidence was left tracing back to him and took the body as well. He took the body back to his employer as instructed for payment.
"I knew I hired the right person for the job. This worked out perfectly. Give the coach some venom, have him give it to one of his students, have him get caught and arrested, then have him killed so it can't be traced back to me." His mysterious employer said.
"Why go through all the trouble. Why not just hire me to kill him in the first place?" He asked. Usually he doesn't ask questions of his employers but this plan seemed unnecessarily complex.
"If I did that the school's reputation wouldn't have been ruined. Gotham High is about to become a battleground of several different factions. I already have someone inside but I could always use another. You've fulfilled your contract but I want to hire you again. For any price you demand I want you to go in as the new Gym coach and spy for me." The employer offered him.
"Is there anything in it for me besides the payment. High schoolers aren't easy to deal with." He said demanding more.
"I heard you were looking for a new apprentice. There's an ample supply of people there. You can even send your daughter in to find which students would best match your needs." They said hoping he would take the offer.
"Very well I'm in." He said after having thought it over.
"I'm glad to hear that. I hope you enjoy your time at Gotham High. Actually no that's too simple. I'll have my team rename to school for its reopening next year. Enjoy your time at Gotham Academy Deathstroke." The employer said before taking Gold's body away. Little did they know Deathstroke had plans of his own beyond finding his apprentice. Gotham Academy would become a battleground indeed.
A/N: Well it's been 3 years since the last time I worked on this story. The reason for that was I realized my writing could use a lot of work. I started this story when I was still in high school. Now I'm weeks away from getting a degree in psychology and English. I've taken quite a few creative writing classes so hopefully my writing has gotten better. I never intended on abandoning this story I just wanted to take a break until I wrote something I was proud of. I decided to reread this and it was hard. The first 5 chapters specifically were near impossible for me to get through. I appreciate everyone who enjoyed this story even when the writing was not the best. I had a lot of good ideas, but not the best method of getting those ideas out. I can't count the number of times I had people cry as a reaction. Even then some of my ideas didn't work out. I don't know why I made Tim and Stephanie shy since that's not entirely consistent with their comic counterpart and I especially am confused about what I intended to do with Julia Pennyworth and Thomas Eilliot. Still I trust I had good ideas so I'm keeping them the way I initially wrote them. Hopefully now those ideas can be expressed in a better way. I won't rewrite any of the earlier chapters since I believe they should stay that way as a reminder of where I started I'll just add a disclaimer that the beginning of the story is rough to read through. I'm back to working on this story, not too sure which of my other stories I'll be working on as well, but for sure I'm finishing this. I've had the main details of this story written since the beginning with only a few minor changes happening. A lot of this story has been teenage melodrama, but starting with this chapter you see a change from that. There's still some teenage melodrama since it is a High School AU, but that won't be the focus anymore. As for Bruce and Barbara let me say that is one of my least favorite ships. I really dislike it, but for the purposes of this story I will be enduring through it as it plays an important part in character arcs. Next chapter Junior year starts but we ditch Gotham High for Gotham Academy. There will be brand new teachers with every one being replaced except for Ra's Al Ghul. The replacements are each a part of a different faction including The League, The Court, and others yet to be introduced. Gotham Academy will indeed become a battleground for all our favorite future heroes and future villains. I hope you look forward to what is coming up. There will be a lot of new characters introduced, but I have plans for all of them. I'm also bringing back old and underused characters such as Tim, Stephanie, Harvey Dent, and even Jason Todd is finally making his epic return. Hope you enjoy and after 3 years its time to continue.