A/N: Here it is folks! Because you demanded it! Batman vs Wolverine mano a mutant! Of course with a few surprises though. Thanks to Calico for the beta work and now... Let's get ready to rummmbbbllleeee!

Chapter 25

Shadow Games

"Metron?" Xavier asked, looking the man up and down taking in his black, almost 'Havoc'- style, suit. "Source wall? How did I get here?"

"You are not truly here Xavier," Metron responded, leaning forward in his chair slightly. "Surely you recognize your astral self. I have called you from your torments because interested parties feel you should be warned."

"But who are you? How could you have the power to bring me here?"

Metron leaned back in his chair. "I am a New God. Though I am not the scion of either Apokolips or New Genesis. I have brought you here with my Mobius chair."

"Apocalypse? What do you mean you are not a scion of him? I was not aware that he had children."

"Hmmm," Metron responded. "It would appear further explanation is in order. I am not a relation to the homo-superior you call Apocalypse. Rather I am a New God. For millions of years there have been two warring planets. New Genesis and Apokolips; I am of neither planet. Thus I am free to represent both when a catastrophe strikes. This is why you are here before me now, Charles Xavier. I have made recent discoveries that will have bearing on life as we know it. You must be warned."

Xavier was still all questions. "Warned? What are you talking about? Where is this place?"

Metron smiled slightly. "An intelligent question indeed and more relevant than you might suspect or ever learn."

Xavier focused on the wall, with all of its lifelike sculptures of horrible looking creatures. Only after staring for a moment and opening up with his telepathy did he realize the truth about the wall. "It's a prison," he said. "I can feel the minds of those trapped in the wall. Interstellar tyrants and butchers."

"Yes," Metron replied with a nod. "The Source Wall. This is the edge of the Universe. Behind that wall is nothing. Creation before anything was created. But that was not always so. What is about take place on your Earth began here. Look closely at the wall."

Despite having just met this man, Xavier did as he was told. He first blocked out the minds from the wall then peered at it. The wall stretched out into the endless fathoms of space he could not see any difference. Yet he knew there must be something there for him to see. He tried to see if he recognized any of the tyrants imprisoned there but he saw nothing. He looked to Metron to see if he would give any clues but the man's face remained passive and neutral. Xavier turned his attention back to the wall and searched it up and down. Finally his eyes latched onto something.

A crack. It was small. Hardly noticeable. But it was there nonetheless. Xavier examined it closer. He could not see through to the other side of the wall, it was too narrow for that. Nor could he recognize any noticeable what it would have been made. Just as single crack in the middle of a gigantic wall. Xavier turned back to Metron.

"There is one that is sought after on Earth," he said. "She knows the secret behind what you have just discovered."

"Who?"

"She's in Gotham."

"Karina Bradshaw?" Xavier breathed. "The one that Luthor, Apocalypse, and Ra's Al Ghul are looking for. What do they want with her?"

Metron's eyes narrowed. "They are fools. They seek to use her gift for selfish, shortsighted goals. They do not realize her true potential. That is very fortunate; if they did the Universe would be in far greater peril."

"Then what do you want me to do?" Xavier asked.

"I've calculated various scenarios. It is likely that the Kryptonian, his allies, and possible future allies will attempt to stop what has been set into motion. I now give you a warning. While you mustn't allow those that plot against you to succeed, you must allow Karina's fate to fulfill itself. No matter what the cost. Only then will the Universe be set right."

"What do you mean? Why should I even believe that you would know better?"

"Because I have seen what was on the other side of the Wall," Metron declared. "And with that knowledge comes the wisdom to see how things are, how they should be, and how they are not!"

"Then what do Apocalypse, Luthor, and Ra's want with the girl?"

"Death. The death of--"

But Metron's words were fell silent as a piercing noise struck Xavier with hurricane force. The mutant clutched at his head trying desperately to get the noise to stop. Instead it only intensified. Xavier felt a tug. And Metron slipped out of view, space shrank and turned to cloud, then earth and metal. Finally Xavier snapped his eyes open. He was lying on the ground in his cell.

"My word," he heard Alfred call out. "Charles, are you alright?"

Xavier shook and looked around. "W…what happened?"

"They dragged you in here not two minutes ago. You were in some sort of coma. I thought they had worked you too hard. I say are you alright?"

The mutant pulled himself up, but every muscle felt like it had been running the marathon for ten days straight. Alfred helped him to a bed and Xavier let out a sigh. "I only hope that I was successful in reaching Jean."

There was another snikt sound and the claws retracted. Bruce Wayne fell forward clutching his bleeding shoulder. He pulled himself around to view his attacker. Though he knew exactly who he was he could scarcely believe the X-men were in the Cave. To his surprise however he didn't see an assembled team of mutants, but just Wolverine.

"Feel lucky, bub," the mutant growled. "I had to agree not to kill you in order to get into here. Can't guarantee that you won't lose a limb or two though."

Blood poured down his arm and Bruce gritted his teeth. "How did you get in here? Why didn't the security stop you?"

"My little secret, bub," Wolverine replied. "Tell ya what. I'll tell you if you can beat it out of me."

That said the mutant's claws snapped out and he placed himself in a ready fighting stance. Bruce leaned against his computer, pain seared through his entire arm and worked its way into his chest.

"Ya know," Wolverine grinned, "who would have ever figured a rich boy weakling would be the dark and terrible Batman?"

"No one." Bruce's voice suddenly acquired a tone similar to Wolverine's, he slid his cowl back on. Suddenly the pain in his arm seemed to lessen as he made his mental transformation. "Bruce Wayne is a mask.

Wolverine grinned, his sharpened canines glinting in the glow from the bat-computer. His extended claws glimmered dangerously. Batman assumed a fighting stance, wincing slightly as he raised his wounded shoulder. As if some unspoken signal had been given, Wolverine came in, claws bearing down. Batman seemingly stood his ground until the last second. The Dark Knight twisted his body out of the way and Wolverine's claws imbedded themselves into the computer.

Jolts of electricity shot out and Wolverine roared; his adamantium skeleton flickered into view with the surge of energy that was coursing through him. The mutant lurched his claws out of the machinery. No sooner had he done so than Batman delivered a boot to his face. Sending the mutant into the oversized monitor.

Batman regretted what was happing to his equipment but he knew he could afford a new one. He couldn't afford to let Wolverine get a clean shot. Several gas pellets came next. Three could knock out a small Gotham gang. Wolverine received seven.

With his cape draped over his face Batman watched Wolverine coughed, pulled himself up, then started slumping. Despite this the Dark Knight drew a batarang. The X-man shook his head and coughed again. He took a stumbling step forward and Batman lowered the batarang slightly.

"Strong stuff…bub." Wolverine coughed, then raised his eyes to meet the Dark Knight's. "But not strong enough!"

Claws came out and Wolverine launched himself at Batman, roaring as he came. The crime fighter threw his batarang and it struck home right in the neck. But it might as well have been a gnat. Wolverine kept coming. Batman did his best to avoid the claws, but the metal tore through the Kevlar on his chest like tin foil. The cut wasn't deep, and Batman retaliated quickly. Slamming fists onto soft pressure points where the shoulders met the throat. Wolverine shrugged off the damage and grappled his hands onto Batman's wrists. With a heave he tossed the Dark Knight across the cave and into the glass chamber that housed Jason Todd's Robin costume. Batman skidded through the glass amongst the many trophies he had collected over the years.

"Get up, bub!" Wolverine yelled. "I wanna see you get the same amount of suffren you put the Professor through!"

"I didn't kill Xavier!" Batman hissed as he pulled himself up. "We've all been played. Nothing that happened that night was what it seemed. There were three shape shifters. Three master schemers. All of this has been put into motion to kill Superman, myself, and destroy the X-men."

"All I know was what I seen." Wolverine crept closer. "I'll let the others decide if you're lying or not. My job is to just take you down."

"Then why are you wasting your time talking to me?" Batman replied, his hands slinking behind him.

"Been holed up in this cave for the last couple days," the mutant responded. "Got bored with the company."

Wolverine charged again roaring and crushing glass under his boots as he came. Batman raised his hand, clutching a gun. Wolverine was too fast however and he slammed his shoulder into Batman's already wounded chest knocking him down yet again. Claws jabbed downward and cut right into the very rock where Batman had rolled out of the way. Rather than counter attack Batman stumbled toward the discarded gun. Wolverine ripped his claws from the cave floor and Batman already had the weapon aimed at him. The mutant cocked his head to the side.

"You're joking right?" He grinned. "You think bullets are gonna stop me?"

"No."

Wolverine charged, his claws aiming at the very weapon that was pointed at him. He would slice it to bits then continue his momentum and cut the Dark Knight's hand in three. Then Batman pulled the trigger.

Cyan light burst from the nozzle, slamming squarely onto Wolverine's hands, claws and all. Ice crawled up to his elbows. Wolverine took a couple of step back, watching the frigid air rise from his arms and at the end of the gun barrel Batman held.

"What in the blazes!" He yelled. "Get this stuff offa me!"

"Not going to happen," the Dark Knight responded. "Now that you can't scratch me you're going to listen."

"Or maybe I'll beat you with these icicles until they crack open!" Wolverine roared and started at the Dark Knight again, this time with his ice encased arms raised high above his head. "Then youanme are back to Claw City!"

Batman did not flinch but fired the ray gun again, this time at the mutant's feet. He did not stop until Wolverine was encased up to his chest in ice. Even then the mutant rocked and growled, trying to escape.

Once that was finished Batman sighed, dropped Mr. Freeze's Ray gun, and clutched his shoulder. He was breathing heavily and his head was pounding. His entire right arm was soaked in his own crimson blood. He needed medical attention. The Dark Knight took another look at Wolverine; he wasn't going anywhere. Batman turned and headed toward the JLA teleporter. He needed to get his wound tended too as quickly as possible so he could properly deal with Wolverine and find out how he had gained entrance into the Cave.

His thoughts were a jumble of what he had just concluded about Karina, and forming hypothesis of why the Bat-Cave alarms had not gone off when Wolverine entered. Just as he reached the teleporter, however, he was brought out of these musings by what almost sounded like a gunshot. Something wrapped around his leg and pulled him down. Batman rolled and put himself on his feet. Whatever had attacked him was gone as all he could see was Wolverine still trying to free himself. The sound issued again and Batman caught a whiff of sulfur just before white glove smashed against his head.

"You did not think Wolverine came here alone did you?" a voice came from the dark, then something wrapped around his arm and flung him out into the light.

"Jean what's happening? Jean!" Cyclops pled with his wife, who was writhing and convulsing in his arms. His head turned to Beast, imploring, "What's wrong with her?"

"Apart from her being in some kind of shock I couldn't possibly postulate right now," the blue mutant responded.

"Then all of you are just as in the dark as I am?" Superman concluded, still hovering over them. "We should get her to a hospital."

Cyclops looked at him. "But…she's a mutant."

"So?" the Man of Steel responded. "I may not agree with you people. I might even count you as enemies. But someone's in trouble and I'm not going to stand by and let her die."

Superman hovered a bit closer and offered a hand for Cyclops to hand Jean over to him, to allow him to fly her away. It was Storm that interceded.

"While we do appreciate the gesture Superman, Cyclops is quite right. Jean is a mutant," she said, flying in between Superman and the ailing mutant woman. "She needs treatment that only our facilities can offer."

"You should be able to empathize with this," Beast added, glancing from the Kryptonian to Jean. "Your extraterrestrial physiology requires specialized treatment. The same is true for mutants."

"We can talk about this later!" Cyclops yelled. "Jean is getting all cold!"

"If you have medical facilities then tell me where to go!" Superman called, then he flashed before their eyes, faster than any of them could even see. When became visible again he held Jean and she was wrapped up in his cape. "I can hear her pulse. It's erratic. Where do you want me to take her?"

The three mutants exchanged looks. They couldn't let him take her to the mansion. They didn't dare let him see where they lived. Yet if that meant saving Jean's life did they truly have a choice. Superman was holding her gently and they knew he wasn't the type to lie. Not in a situation like this.

"Muir Island," Beast blurted out. "Do you know where it is?"

The Man of Steel thought for a moment. "Off the coast of Scotland right?"

"Ye—" Beast started but the Man of Steel was already a blur in the sky before he finished speaking. The three X-men were left staring at each other.

"What now?" Storm broke the silence between them.

"We are in a bit of a quandary. I, for one, did not anticipate this." Beast nodded. "We need to find out what happened to Jean."

Beast and Storm turned to Cyclops. It was his decision; furthermore they wanted his opinion on what to do about Superman. "I don't think any of us would have guessed Superman would be willing to even listen to us. I almost hope that Rogue and the others aren't successful. Either that or the plan has to go off without a hitch. Otherwise when Superman finds out what happened…"

"Is it too late to call her off?" Storm asked.

"It was she that insisted on radio silence," Beast replied. "We wouldn't be able to contact her now."

"Lets get to Muir Island and take it from there," Cyclops said. "On the way I think we had better call in a few favors just in case."

"Nightcrawler." Batman struggled to get up. "Listen to me. We've all been deceived."

"Then why do you run from us? Only guilty men run," the voice echoed in the dark.

Batman stared into the darkened corners of the cave where Nightcrawler blended in better than he could ever hope to. The Dark Knight pressed forward into the shadows. "I'm not running now," he announced.

"Then you will allow me to apprehend you?" Nightcrawler's voice came.

"No. But if you'll—"

The bamf sound shot out. Batman saw a flash of light and swung his fist at it. His punch met smoke. The faint sound of rushing air came and Batman pulled his forearm in the way just in time to block another blow to the head. Nightcrawler teleported again and the Dark Knight spun around. Even as he did he almost fell over, lightheaded as he was. One hand clasped his forehead, the other his utility belt.

Nightcrawler snapped directly behind him and Batman flung one of his hands downward. Where darkness had once covered the mutant's attack, blinding light banished it. Batman's fist smashed forward but he stumbled forward as Nightcrawler evaporated just before he made contact.

The light started fading and Batman was slammed in the back of the knee, forced off his feet. The Dark Knight whirled around, flinging batarangs in all directions. He heard them clatter against the cave walls. The air erupted with the sound of Nightcrawler teleporting all around the dark detective. Every time Batman would counter attack Nightcrawler would avoid it and then attack from a new angle.

"If you still maintain your innocence then why do you resist?" Nightcrawler breathed. "Why do you not let us see for ourselves whether your claims are true?"

Batman clenched his fists. His head was pounding and he could feel a spray of blood inside his mouth every time he exhaled. "It doesn't look like you've left me with much choice. How many times have you people attacked me now?"

"Then I repeat my offer. If you are innocent turn yourself in willingly."

"Even if I trusted you I wouldn't do that."

"Then I will have to finish this fight."

The Dark Knight assumed a fighting stance and closed his eyes. Sight was no good at this point. He had to rely completely on sound. The now too familiar bamf went off and Batman's body tensed up waiting for the second one. The sound went off directly above him. The crimefighter rolled to the side and his hand snapped out and clutched Nightcrawlers tail as the mutant descended. With a furious heave, Batman crashed his opponent to the ground and Nightcrawler's head thudded with the stone floor.

The blow left the mutant sprawled out on the ground and Batman nearly following in suit. The superhero found himself on his hands and knees staring at the fuzzy image of the teleporter he was trying to get to. Slowly he inched himself upward and forward with his goal in sight. He shook his head several times to clear it. Then the view changed. Green, yellow, and brown filled everything.

"Ah'm sorry about this," Rogue's voice sounded.

The mutant had placed an iron grip on his shoulder. Batman pulled his fist back and tried to drive it at her but weak as it was it didn't even make her flinch. Instead she just looked at him with sad and understanding eyes.

"I didn't…" Batman struggled. The last bit of his strength spent. "Kill…him."

"I know," Rogue responded as the Dark Knight passed out and she lifted him in her arms. The mutant gazed down at him and cursed herself. Cursed herself for having known the secret of who he was. Cursed herself for shutting down his security. Most of all cursed herself for allowing her teammates to do this to him.

Next Time: An escape...a betrayal...and trouble at home.

UnbelieverDrizzt: Well I'm glad you decided that you liked it! It took me a bit to get my flow in this story. And you're point is well taken about having so many characters. Luckily the end is in sight. Everything so far has been mounting up for the next few chapters. It might blow up in my face but here's hoping that it doesn't! Thanks for reading!

Dreambender: I'll give it to you. My handling of Shiva was kind of off. When I do the special edition I'll have to fix it. I really appreciate your comments though! Dark Knight Returns feel? Awesome! Edge of your seat? You sure know how to give compliments! Thanks for reading and reviewing!

S.T. Lawrence: Wow thanks for such high praise. You guys really do seem to do your best to give me a big head. Kinda scares me about letting you all down at the end when it's revealed that Bat-mite has been pulling all the strings j/k. Well you already know my thoughts on Superman Returns. I'll be writing up an little review of it actually for my myspace account here in about a day. Anyways thanks for reading and just keep looking for clues because they're scattered throughout the story. Thanks again man.

Doza: Hey no worries about ranting. You made some very good points! I think that's why I centered this story in more of the DCU than the MU. It's a mixture but I think I mix more DC themes and characters than I do Marvel. Reason being is that the more Marvel the Universe is the more the DC characters feel somewhat out of place. Anyways I love your analysis of the chapter. Thanks for reading!

Optimusblack: To take a page out of Deadpools book: Ooooh! Numbered questions! 1.) Well Rogue showed up in this chapter as you've seen. I'll reveal more in the next about what happened exactly with her and how she fit into everything that's just happened. Though I'm hardly through with her yet. 2.) Well as you stated they will show up when you least expect it and when it will be most dangerous. Suffice it to say they will show. Thanks for reading!

Travis Lock: Ah Darkclaw. That was one of the more unique ideas. I'll see about doing a reference like that in another chapter. This one had already been written. I'm glad you enjoyed the story thus far and I hope I didn't disappoint with this chapter! Thanks for reading!

Kitty Rasputin: X3. It was a good summer popcorn flick. I had mixed feelings on it though. I was royally pissed that they killed off Professor Xavier. Especially when the only purpose was to give Halle Berry (whom I despise) a more important role. I also wasn't a big fan of killing off Cyclops. But over all I liked the movie. And it was good to see Shadowcat get her due finally. Anyway I'm glad you finally got to catch up on this story. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Raptorchicky: Yeah I enjoyed writing those last couple of lines. Probably one of my favorite cliffhangers yet. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I'm glad there were parts that you really enjoyed!

Tomakeyoulaugh: Hey I'm just glad you were able to get through all of it. Thanks for reading!

Ladyofthebookworms: Glad you like it! I'll update quick as I can.

Nanlila: Fraid there's not too much of a connection this time around. Jubilee as you will see in the next chapter is far from captured. Robin on the other hand...Well you'll find out! Thanks for reviewing!

Carycomic: Never read wizards thing but yeah. Under normal circumstances I'd give Batman the fight. This time however he's been exahusted by all the other people he's had to fight and deal with. Plus Wolverine got in the cheap shot at the very first. So I think all things considered he did pretty well against them. Thanks for reading!

Blackheart Syaoran:Actually Deadpool was looking at us, the readers in the last chapter. He was having another 4th wall moment. Well I hope I satisfied on the Wolverine/Bats fight! Thanks for reading! I'll have to check out that article one day.

Utsuri: Well I try to keep some questions unanswered until the end. And you're right about Batman being such a great detective. Too bad he figured this one out a little late though! Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Trecebo: Ooooh! A Dr. Suess reference! Do you like Green K and ham? I do not like it Mxyzam Iam! Okay I'll stop. Hey I'm glad you enjoyed last chapter I really do appreciate your taking time to tell me exactly what you liked. It makes it all worth while. Thanks for reading!

EmeraldKnight: Psycho pirate was a fun character. Too bad about what Black Adam did to him. He'll be back. Hopefully. Thanks for taking the time to review and to read! I hope this chapter was as good for you as the last one. And thanks for you in depth analysis about my story. I always to appreciate it when I get compared to the comics in any way shape or form!

giveGodtheGlory: Deadpool is a funny guy. Thanks for reading and I hoped you enjoyed the fight!

Batfan7: Hey I'm glad you like how I'm portraying the World's Finest Friendship! I really think there are times when people go overboard on them being so different that they have a hard time relating. Great to see that I'm not alone in thinking that they're best friends despite everything! Thanks for reading and reviewing!

CyclopitcNightbat: Of course Wolvie gets along with people...just not a lot of them! Thanks for reading!

Louie Pastiche: Sneaky clever writer huh? I like the sound of that! Yeah Luthor's stake is pretty clear but rest assured that the other two have definite and diabolical plans for the young mutant! Thanks for reading!

Chuckjamm2001: You're right about the distraction. But wrong about Wolverine kidnapping Robin! Keep trying and thanks for reading!

Robster72: I'm glad you appreciated the detecting done in this chapter! And trust me everyone gets their dues in the end! Thanks for reading!

Forcerlo: Hey thanks for reading! Hope this chapter gave you your fix!