I swore no more interludes, but this one seems necessary so you're getting two more, one more for Batman and one more for Terra. Maybe in the next phase, I might throw in two more, we'll see.


Interlude- Bruce Wayne

I was so scared to see Richard again. When I saw the bandage on his arm fear and fury flooded me. Who hurt my son? Would he be okay? And of course, I was still furious that he'd run away. As the story unfolded, my nerves calmed. I saw my son growing up into the man I wanted him to be. Of course, it hurt to see that my little boy was growing up, but I knew that things would be okay. Even if he was grounded forever after this, I was still proud of him.

I was also worried. For him, and for his friends, especially his friend from childhood, Gar. I didn't love the unsupervised heroism. Maybe if it was just Richard. Richard had been trained and knew how to fight. But if what I had uncovered about Gar's uncle was as true as it seemed to be, Gar only knew how to take a beating and keep his mouth shut. Superpowers were useful and incredible, and perhaps everyone in this collection of misfits could do spectacular superhero work. The only things necessary to be a vigilante are compassion and dedication, after all. However, none of them would do any good on their own without a lick of training. I've already started making plans with my associates, as I head towards the coordinates Rachel gave me. I could tell there was immense power coming from her. I hope above all else, that giving them an outlet is the right decision.

You don't infiltrate an evil lair full of middle schoolers when you're a full grown adult. So my plan was never to blend in, which I suspect was the main element of the plan my son chose to enact. But I don't need to infiltrate. I merely walk in, cape swishing behind me, and see the disaster unfolding in front of me. The boy on the ground has the appearance of Gar Logan. I remember the many sleepovers he and Richard would have. But that was before Gar was green. At first, I think his coloration is because of the beatings, because he's ragged now. Bruised and bleeding and still under attack. But no, he really is just green all over. I kick a few brutal preteens away and grab Gar before more damage can be done to him. But that seems to be the wrong thing to do, because now we're both under siege. Sirens begin wailing, and a shrill voice angrily shouts, "A superhero has made it past security!" I suppose their security had decided to take a lunch break to engage in beating Gar, because I had easily walked right in. And now, I run right out. I could, probably, thrash every single person in this room. Probably because none of them are older than 17, save for a few instructors. But this is a side project for another day. The poor boy's current condition demands help as immediately as possible. The Batjet should serve our purposes well. Gar seems unresponsive but definitely alive. I wouldn't want to wake up if the living daylights were being beat out of me either.

It takes a good bit to lose every tyrannical toddler in this hive. I'll have people on the job dismantling this evil elementary school as soon as everyone is safely on the Batjet. But until then, my primary focus is getting Gar safely home. When I found out about the horrible things Craig Logan did, I knew, deep down, that I would be getting a second son if both prodigals ever chose to come home. Gar and Richard had always been close, and, though frail and bloodied now, and unexplainably green, I saw a spark in Gar that could be nurtured. I saw another kid, orphaned and in time of need. I won't impose myself as a father figure if that isn't what Gar needs, but I certainly won't let him suffer like this again.

I find the hotel room in turmoil, black smoke rolling off of Rachel, and Richard blurry eyed.

"Where's Gar?"

"He's safe on the Batjet. Let's go. Everyone has their things?" They hold up a few loose bags, meager things. A couple of books, I note To Kill A Mockingbird among the titles.

"Great. Let's go." I square up the hotel bills before we leave and usher the children onto the plane. It's for the best, for now, that they don't see Gar. I don't want to worry them anymore. Richard presses the matter.

"Is he okay?"

"I've already called a private doctor to meet us as soon as we land at the manor. Someone who won't freak out about his green skin. I believe he'll be just fine once he's gotten the treatment he needs, although it may take a while for a full recovery. We'll just have to see. As for you, young man, you were shot. Are you okay?"

"Dad, I think I have a minimal amount of healing properties. From the explosion. We met this girl who wasn't even in the building during the explosion and she still got powers, so the chance that I got powers as well is better than it might seem to be. We have no idea what the repercussions of that explosion are." This is a lot to take in.

"The only way to find out is to go to the source and get answers," Rachel says, looking miserable. I know everyone is worried about Gar, but perhaps there's something more to it.

"Yes…" I agree hesitantly, still feeling out of the loop.

"But we'll talk about all of this sometime after we land. Richard, we have much to discuss." Richard nods, and I give him a long hug. I've missed this boy.

Now is a good time to take my leave and check on the autopilot. I sit in the cockpit and give the adolescents some space, still trying to figure out if I'm doing the right thing. But what other options did I have? Gar would be dead if he remained in that place, and Rachel, Victor, and Kori may not have managed on their own. I know, of course, that this was the only way. And yet, I'm a little scared to see what will happen. I always leap in and have fear as an afterthought. And now is the perfect time for afterthoughts.