World's Finest in Ghost City
CHP53: Beginning of the Next Phase
The day had its ups and downs and Mengyao ran a hand over his face. Since the return to Gegato Tech it was business as usual. Everyone jumped back into the flow of things faster than each of them would have anticipated especially taking into consideration what happened weeks back. Mengyao was stiff and stood from his chair stretching. He paced back and forth with his hands positioned behind his head.
"Everything ok?" Someone called out to him.
He glimpsed over his shoulder and standing there was a man at 5'11, dark brown eyes and bald. He wore a business suit much like everyone throughout.
"I'm perfectly fine," Mengyao lowered his arms and grinned, "But thanks for asking Boqin, any news on the supposed updates to the current software?"
"Two to three days has been the word, but let's not hold our breath. Given the incident that put us out of commission, security and the safety of all employees is top priority to Shane." Boqin replied.
"And as should it," Mengyao looked throughout the room eying all the different persons working, "It's surprising yet great to see everyone at work again as if nothing ever happened. I expected a more intense environment, so this has certainly been a positive."
Boqin nodded with crossed arms.
"Perhaps, but do remember looks can be deceiving. The lives lost that day will never be forgotten, it was a traumatic event all around and no one involved has completely healed. That much I can guarantee."
"Yes, I suppose you're right."
Mengyao stepped off to the side and gazed out one of the larger windows and exhaled. His eyes wondered around before falling on a park bench across the street. Two people sat over the bench and judging by their expressions they were having a good time. He bit down at his tongue as he watched them carefully.
"Damn her!" He uttered under his breath.
The two in his sights were Senjih Gegato and Meila Layce. Since the day he met her Mengyao had a small crush on Meila, but that seemed to be the case with a majority of male workers in the building. It was true they'd grown closer the longer they worked together, but not in the way he had hoped. Mengyao accepted the fact she would never see him in the same light as he saw her. Not only that but he knew Guang Layce would never accept him as a potential mate for his daughter.
He ran a finger over the glass window before stepping away and looking throughout the office. His eyes fell on a particular computer screen and was interested so walked in that direction. Mengyao stopped short of the individual and peeked over his shoulder.
"Whatcha working on Kei?"
"Mapping out an upgrade to the WT Seven, it's a new engine that'll not only increase the speed of the jet, but will conserve energy. On top of that it'll be longer lasting than what is on the market now. Another positive is less exhaust spewing from the engine and the combustion chambers will be re worked to look something like this."
Bruce zoomed in on a small section before going through the rest of the 3D model and explaining in depth each piece and its function.
"But that isn't even the best part," Bruce lowered the window and maximized another window, "This is a separate job, or what I would like to call the main project. I've worked it from scratch using different blue prints and circling around different ideas."
By then a small portion of workers gathered around Bruce's computer.
"I see," Mengyao ran two fingers over his chin, "But what is it?"
"A vehicle that has the ability to reconstruct completely." Bruce said.
Mengyao scratched at the side of his head.
"How so, I don't get it?" He questioned.
Boqin noticed a small gathering around the area of Kei's workspace and decided to take a look for himself. Bruce navigated through and in one click two separate 3D models were put on display. The first was similar in design to a futuristic motorcycle and the other taking on the shape of what most would associate with a race car.
"These here are the two shapes, or more accurately two vehicles that can be altered between. The blue prints aren't finalized and won't be until testing stages. The morphing between both vehicles will only be possible thanks to this mechanism." Bruce highlighted both items so that they went transparent.
Mengyao leaned forward and took a look.
"This circular section is what I like to call the replier. In essence it's the singular item that makes the transformation between the vehicles possible. Think of the engine as the heart...well the replier is like a brain to the body and sends messages throughout."
Senjih and Meila stepped through the main entrance with laughter, and quickly picked up on the small grouping. They gazed at each other before walking over and taking a look for themselves.
"The replier will activate the transformation via voice command or those with cyber brains can link with the replier immediately and activate the transformation between the car and bike. This is merely the early stages. Small details and specs will certainly be chnaged along the way."
"Ok, hold on just a sec," Mengyao moved back biting at his tongue, "I've considered you one of the brighter minds the day you started, but not to this level! You're technically still a newbie...come to think of it you shouldn't be qualified for such a projects."
"But he is," Boqin stepped in as all eyes fell on him, "Shane himself approved this little project after a three hour one on one meeting between himself, Kei and Nuer Henson of Gec Corporation Center yesterday. I am however surprised how much progress you've made since diving into this Madoka."
Everyone looked back and forth between the two as Bruce repositioned in his chair and gave Boqin eye contact.
"All credit shouldn't go to me, Nuer's notes coupled with specs and Shane's explanation for what they had in mind was crystal clear. I used what they gave me and created the three dimensional models and I'm still in the process of perfecting the overall design so little to no setbacks occur during the production stages." Bruce implied.
"Always crediting those around and never taking the glory for yourself," Boqin patted him over the shoulder, "That's why I like you Madoka. But enough standing around people, if Mister Gegato were to walk in and see you all standing around like this he wouldn't be happy. Back to work people, back to work."
The groups of workers returned to their desks and work stations. Boqin was in charge of the section and had the responsibility of making certain everyone stayed on task. Senjih stepped off to the side and conversed with Boqin whilst Meila sat over the edge of Bruce's desk.
"You've captivated us once again Kei-san," Meila twirled a strand of hair with her finger, "When were you going to tell me?"
Bruce blinked before repositioning in his chair.
"About what?" He questioned.
"All this. I had no idea you were handed down such intricate projects, obviously Shane-sama thinks highly of you," Meila grinned as her hand moved across the table and touched down over his, "You've got plans later this evening?"
"Not particularly." Bruce replied.
"Good, then I'll give you a call later. Oh and sorry about yesterday, I came across a former colleague the night before and well...it went about as expected."
She grinned dropping off his desk and trailed a finger over his shoulders in route to her own work area. Bruce focused back in on his first assignment and went right back to work. He did so for several minutes before someone came at him from behind.
"So you're Madoka Kei." Senjih extended a hand.
Bruce stood from his chair and shook hands with Senjih. They conversed back and forth for various minutes.
XXX
A group of three stood beside the outer gates of the home belonging to millionaire Tysu Ruroerki. He was the CEO of Yeuru Sweds and was holding an open charity event to the public. One of the persons held a black briefcase which was handed to another of the individuals.
"This is off the books as you know, and the rest of the cash will be transferred to your account once the job is done. Boss man seems to believe the goods are inside the residence in a hidden safe somewhere. The radar within the suit will aid in your quest locating it more easily. Get it done fast as you can and good luck."
"And what about the suit?"
"It's around back, and instructions on how to operate it properly are inside the cockpit but I'm sure such details are unnecessary. I've heard you've worked closely with a similar model, but do be sure to look over the schematics, there are differences. The premises is sure to be stacked with security so keep that in mind."
"Yes of course," The individual bowed, "Consider the job done."
Nearly thirty minutes later the event was well underway. Together a family of four entered through the front gates and were family friends of Tysu. All around were various attendants mingling and food.
"Mommy daddy I want candy!" A young boy asserted jumping up and down pulling at his mother's arm.
"We'll see what we can do about that." She patted him over the head.
Most the space was lively out front with many talking and drinking. Not a moment later there was a thunderous sound from up high grabbing the attention of everyone. Security officials quickly got into position with their weapons aimed out in front of them. From above something touched down just past the gates.
"Whelp there's no turning back now."
Most everyone's attention fell on the strange individual speculating what it was and security held a firm stance with their weapons aimed. Tysu caught sight of the scene from inside the main building and dropped his glass of champagne over a tabletop. Others also peaked through the window and had a bad feeling. The robotic figure stood over twenty feet tall. The armor itself was a shiny gray and gold, glowing orange eyes and arms over ten feet long.
"Sorry to crash the party but I've got business with the main man" He said in a distorted/robotic tone.
Much the crowd didn't know what to make of it, some guessing it might even have been a setup by those running the charity. The left arm transformed into a canon firing off three small missiles. A couple vending machines were blown to bits along with four tables, sending numerous attendees soaring into the air. Others feared for their safety ducking for cover, and some running wherever they could!
Security officials quickly fired off at the massive juggernaut. With a stomp of his left foot the turf beneath them erupted taking down each officer. One shot several rounds, each bullet bouncing off the armor. Reaching down and lifting the particular officer off the ground he effortlessly snapped his neck.
"No challenge in playing around with insects, I need to get to that safe and get the hell out."
The terror was evident in their eyes. Throwing his arm forward he tossed the security official into the side of a trashcan.
"Now to get to th…" His speech was cut short as something exploded over his armor. The remaining officers pushed off the ground firing numerous rounds of bullets on the target. Two persons stepped through the front gates carrying missile launchers and firing at the armored individual. He believed them to be the persons responsible for the previous attack. One had long green hair, dark blue eyes and black body armor; the other silver hair, purple colored eyes, and white jacket with black armor beneath it.
He knew right away they were from a hidden unit based on their uniform, but he couldn't quite put a finger on from where exactly. That also put into question the timing and why they'd be stationed around a charity event. He looked the two off gazing at two security officials that fired at him and quickly blasted them down. He wasted little time clearing the path of what remained of the security people focusing all his attention on the two standing near the gate. Most guests had already ran inside and watched from there. He knew what his mission was but also knew it would be difficult to see it through with them present.
"Told yah we'd find him here," The woman stepped past her associate roughly banging one fist over the armor, "That you in there Kantu Law?"
"How does she know my name? Who the hell are these people?!" He thought to himself.
Her squad member tackled her to the ground just as the cannon aimed directly at her. The blast instead put a sizeable hole in the ground with debris rising.
"Are you trying to get yourself killed, pay attention?" He yelled.
Jumping and putting space between themselves and the enemy they felt more than confident the target would fall by their hands. Each had the feeling it wouldn't be a walk in the park especially given what they knew about the armor in particular.
"Mind if I ask your names? Not that it matters, but your gear does look dangerously familiar."
Without speaking they looked at one another seeing no harm in answering the question.
"Gina Haru and Cecil Kaz of Branch CW zero, yes we're trained spies just as you had been. If you haven't figured it our sole purpose is to catch you…call it luck but had a feeling you'd strike here. We managed to hack your computer system, which was no easy task. I must commend you for those powerful firewalls of yours. Your previous activities led me to believe you'd attack in a place like here, and we also read over your cyber messages which mentioned the Specters of shadows a handful of times. The commander pieced everything together and sent Gina and I to apprehend you." Cecil told.
"Commander Arata hahaha, I remember that son of a bitch! I shall keep that in mind, truth is I never expected someone was keeping tabs on me. I was a member of branch CW three once upon a time but that's in the past. Create enough chaos and your name surfaces everywhere, that's what the Specters of shadows are...the fall of this city and country. The rush I get from being a part of this revolution is greater than either of you could understand. Let's forget all this talk and get straight to business!"
The area around his chest brightened discharging a huge blast which Gina and Cecil eluded jumping in opposite directions to each other.
"Gina that armor in particular can be weakened by a drop in temperature. Set your weapon to ice mode. We'll first lower this things defenses before dealing the final blow." Cecil informed.
Cecil shot at the ground in front of him with spikes of ice rising and surrounding the armored body of the enemy. The spikes did little damage and didn't pierce through the armor. Cecil shot a couple rounds of ice bullets that quickly grew in size over the armor.
"You people may as well give up now if that's all you've got in your arsenal."
"Oh yeah, we'll see about that!" Cecil darted toward him.
Realizing he might not pull it off on his own Gina looked to the nearest table. She leaped over the table and kicked it in the direction of the enemy but he blasted it to pieces. The table however was just a distraction as she fired off a couple rounds of the ice bullets. The robotic body leaped forward and knocked the weapon out of her grasp and she was lifted off her feet by the throat and tossed several feet away. Cecil clutched his fists going after the enemy full on with only the thought of taking him down.
A stomp at the ground created shockwaves knocking Cecil off balance and losing hold of his weapon and fell helplessly to the ground.
"You're hardly worth of my time ant…now where'd the other one go…" He rotated his body locking in on Gina.
"Stay right where you are gorgeous, I used to be in a relationship with a woman stunning as you. The difference only being your cyberization." Kantu smirked behind the hunk of metal aiming his machine gun cannon at her.
She hurdled out of the way of the bullets. He then loaded the laser canon on his opposite arm and took aim again. Cecil jumped to his feet shooting at the enemy and off to his left two security officials stood that survived Kantu's first attack. Like the rest of their attempts it did nothing and by that point the cannon was already charged. Gina pushed off the ground and ran near top speed, but unfortunately the blast traveled much faster with its radius increasing quickly.
The blast exploded with a loud bang and blinding light. Debris filled the air and as things cleared a large crater was left in the ground, nothing remaining of Gina! All guests watched from inside the large residence with fear in their eyes. Cecil was equally as horrified and alongside the two others they fired off at Kantu. He refused to believe she was gone.
"Gotta say I'm a little disappointed," Kantu looked to Cecil, "I expected a whole lot more from people of your branch, what a disappointment."
Cecil tightened his fists as the reality of things set in. Mourning the loss would have to wait, the objection had not yet been fulfilled.
"Bastard! You will pay for what you've done!"
"Unless you've got something else up your arsenal I beg to differ." The armored being looked at him directly.
"That's enough."
Cecil was cut off by someone from above. Both he, the guards and Kantu looked upward, and Cecil bit at his tongue! Gina was alive and was held up in the arms of the city's most talked about specimen. Drifting downward Superman set Gina on her feet. He stood at 6'3, blue armor, red boots, red belt and cape, and large S symbol over the chest. He walked past Cecil, his cape blowing with the wind.
"I've seen enough," He looked over his shoulder glimpsing at both Cecil and Gina, "Stay out of this, I'll take care of things from here."
"You...you're him!" Cecil said.
"Superman, yes," He replied looking to the gigantic criminal, "Leave him to me. Things might get a bit shaky so you should back up some."
Tysu Ruroerki watched things from inside the mansion alongside others. Conversations ensued within small groups, dozens contemplating what might happen next.
"It was our assigned duty to bring this man in but,"Cecil's head lowered, "But I suppose an exception can be made."
Kantu halfway charged a laser beam and aimed at them. Superman took a couple steps and with a flick of his pointer finger sent the machine soaring forty yards the other way!
"Stay put." Superman only slightly looked back at them.
Flabbergasted to say the least, Gina and Cecil looked at each other.
"How in the world did he do that, what strength?!" Gina said.
Cecil had no answer and neither did the surrounding guards. The entire group left their fate in the kryptonian. The man of steel touched down beside the fallen enemy.
"Surrender and this won't escalate."
"As if I'd listen to some circus act government guinea pig," The robot stood tall aiming the cannon at Superman's head. In a quick blast of heat vision parts of the cannon were blown away and was no longer useable.
"I'm gonna ask one more time…"
"Go to hell!"
The section around the chest slid open revealing a missile. Superman quickly froze it solid using his ice breath and pulling it out of place. Next Superman followed with an uppercut that sent Kantu sixty feet into the air and in blinding speed awaited him up high. Superman planted Kantu into the ground producing a gigantic crater. Moments later he appeared over the top of the defeated foe, pulling apart the armor and reached in grabbing Kantu. He flew him over to Cecil and Gina as the crowds inside the main resident applauded.
XXX
Two persons walked through the front entrance and all eyes fell on them, particularly the woman. They ignored the stares and walked up the steps out in front of them holding hands and in front of the check in section.
"Hello we'd like..."
"You're Meila Layce," The female worker behind the counter shouted, "And my, my you've been quite the sight on tabloids and magazines but you're quite the spectacle in person!"
Meila blushed as a result.
"Why thank you." Meila smirked.
The worker pulled up the reservations and came across Meila's name halfway down the list. Both Meila and Bruce were granted access into the ballroom and entered side by side with locked arms. Loud music surrounded the entire space and a massive disco ball was positioned atop the ceiling. With his hand in her own, Meila led both she and Bruce onto the dance floor. They found an open space and moved to the pace of the music.
"I take it this is a first for you in Rollerhouse club?" Meila questioned.
"You could say that, but based on what I've heard about this place it's no easy task getting in." Bruce said.
"You're very right, having the connection to daddy has sure helped a lot. But it also has its downfalls...especially when seeking privacy." Meila replied.
"I'd imagine so." Bruce twirled her around twice before joining hands again.
Both continued at the pace for minutes and were completely absorbed in the moment. They eventually stepped off the dance floor when satisfied. With locked arms Bruce and Meila walked across the room and took a seat across from each other in a booth and lifted a menu. The atmosphere was perfect and in that moment troubles of the world were an afterthought. Meila caught herself staring at Bruce several seconds and even blushed before looking away. Bruce perceived this action from the corner of his eye and lowered his menu.
"Did you want to ask something?"
She simply shook her head taking a menu into her hands.
"Not at all." She replied.
It was difficult for her to pin point, but when around him felt at ease and knew she could be herself without pretending to be someone else. Even so she felt a certain mysteriousness about him, and in ways it was part of what attracted her to him. Bruce dropped his menu after deciding what he wanted and then it was him that stared. He had seen dozens of beautiful women in his time and she certainly ranked up there with the best of them. And to top it off she had such an innocent and caring personality.
"Kei-san," Meila lowered her menu, "Do you mind if I ask something?"
"Of course, go right ahead." Bruce grinned.
She sat forward and straightened her posture.
"Ok here goes," She took a deep breath looking him in the face, "What do you think of daddy? I know he can be quite the headache and there would likely be roadblocks along the way before he'd accept you. I guess what I'm asking is if you'd be willing to see it through and give this...us a serious chance?"
Meila situated her hands over the table and awaited his answer. A sigh escaped his lips and positioned his hands atop hers and smirked.
"I'm willing to if you are." Bruce said.
Her face instantly lit up and she couldn't hold back a wide smile. Off to their left a waitress stopped by their table and both ordered. For the next hour they conversed talking about everything that didn't have to do with the city's problems. When finished Bruce paid the bill and they stood.
"You up for another round?" Meila looked to the dance floor.
"Sure." Bruce smiled.
In route to the dance floor someone bumped into them and a glass of punch spilled all over Meila's dress.
"Oooppps, terribly sorry I didn't even see you there."
A woman stood opposite of them wearing a yellow skirt with white top, black boots and black neck choker. She stood at 5'9 having light aqua colored eyes and long brown hair.
"You did that on purpose?!" Meila snapped marching and stopping in front of the woman.
"You aren't gonna throw a temper tantrum are yah," The woman chuckled, "You've always made it easy Layce."
"Shut your mouth or I'll do it for you!" Meila clinched her fists.
Bruce remained silent but was stunned by the scene unfolding and wondered just who the unknown woman was. Her eyes wondered around before falling squarely on him and she displayed a suspicious grin.
"And who's the stud, your client? How much is he paying you?!"
Bruce couldn't believe his ears and without warning Meila lashed out at the woman and grabbed at her throat. The two tussled but were quickly pulled apart as Bruce came in between them.
"Enough!" He shouted.
Both backed away from one another and the woman opposite of Meila maintained a smug expression. It fueled Meila's blood but she was held back.
"Later loser, go home and cry to papa."
She shoulder bumped Meila as she took off and Bruce wrapped both his arms around Meila keeping her from taking off after the woman. He held her tightly for nearly a minute before slowly releasing her, and the intensity was clear on her face.
"Who was that woman?" Bruce asked.
Meila didn't answer immediately and even took a couple deep breaths.
"Her name is Serinda Mitsuko. I've known her since childhood and we were close than. It wasn't until our teenage years that the problems started, and then one day she crossed the line...when she slept with him."
Bruce raised an eyebrow becoming interested.
"Excuse me?"
"I'd rather not..."
Meila was cut off by a vibration inside her left pocket, and reached in uncovering her phone.
"its father," She looked to Bruce before stepping off to the side, "I need to take this."
"That's fine." Bruce replied.
"Hello daddy, is everything ok?"
"Where are you now Mei-chan?! There's been a break in and shooting at Turik Enterprises, four dead as of the moment. This might be another wide attack! Yeuru Sweds CEO was attacked earlier in the day as well!"
"I'm at the Rollerhouse club and I'm perfectly fine. Just spending time with a friend is all, but we'll be heading out soon."
"Good, then I'll send three of my guards your way this instant."
"That won't be necessary!" Meila replied.
"Of course it is, there's an active shooting at one of the larger corporations in town and who's to say it isn't like the last! I'm not willing to take any chances, hang tight and they will escort you home. This isn't up for debate, my decision is final!"
With that the phone conversation ended and Meila rolled her eyes facing Bruce.
"Well Kei-san it..."
"It's ok," Bruce threw his arms around her and embraced in a hug, "There's something I need to do. We'll talk later."
Meila gave him a kiss before watching him take off toward the exit.
XXX
Vehicle after vehicle pulled up in front of the building and it was crowded all around and throughout. A dark figure was positioned on a knee leaning forward on the ledge of a building. The building was massive across the way and a light rain fell from the sky with the wind blowing. It was just as he heard during Meila's call with her father. All around the Turik Enterprises Corporation was security officials in and out of the building. By way of sonar vision he saw through the walls getting an even better idea of what to expect when disembarking inside.
Figuring there were far too many to take a direct approach he carefully looked for the perfect entry point. Individuals walked up and down the stairs and from his position hadn't figured which section the goods were taken from. After another minute of observation that quickly changed and he keyed in on where he needed to go. Quietly jumping forward he shot wiring from the grapple gun pulling to the rooftop across from him.
"Motion sensors." Batman whispered.
The built in system detected six total within separate areas on the roof. Lucky for him the Quebz cube was in his possession and all security systems within a two mile radius were suspended for over fifteen minutes. That was the amount of time he had to accomplish what he needed to. Fortunately a door atop the roof led to inside. He entered and on his way down made certain to move with caution. The staircase guided him to the top floor and took off down the hall in search for the nearest stairwell. He followed one that led to the next level below.
There was a lone individual inside the main facility where the robbery occurred and two guards paced down the two halls surrounding the specific room. Most the security was on the lower floors and played greatly in his favor. He positioned against a wall paying close attention to both guards working the adjacent halls. He studied each for a little while getting a feel for their movements in accordance with one another. Crouching down Batman tip toed across the carpet going after the first of them. It was only at the last moment the guard became aware of him. The guard was choked out with the dark knight dragging and placing his body into a nearby closet. Batman immediately went after the other smashing his head into a wall, forcing him to the ground and KOing him with a single punch. He propped the individual against a wall down the hall and continued on.
Batman positioned just outside the room and peeked around the corner. The person held a cyber pad and appeared to be looking over critical information and walked back and forth visibly stressed. The cape crusader had little time to wait around so leaped from around the corner and threw a gadget which exploded at the feet of the target. The gas immediately knocked the individual out cold as Batman stepped through.
He took still shots and video of the messy space and had not yet figured what was taken. None of the major news stations had yet released much intel concerning the situation. As he took another step three persons shot at him from the entrance door.
"We've got an intruder on the ninth floor! I repeat we have an intruder on the ninth floor, and it looks like it might be the Batman!" One communicated with others via cyberlink.
Section Nine and others on the main floor quickly received word of the activity on the upper levels.
"Major did you hear," Batou ran up to Motoko, "They're saying th..."
"Yes I know," Motoko looked away from Batou and to commissioner Yototatski, "Security of the building is already in pursuit of him. Have your men create a perimeter out front. Batou, pair with Saito on the east side of the building. Togusa head for the west exit and stand guard there, I'll send Paz to acquaint you once he's done with the interview."
"And what about you?" Batou questioned.
"They might need help up there, and we can't say for sure the vigilante is alone if it is in fact him."
Motoko took off toward the stairs as everyone else did the same. Within the lab Batman ducked down and moved in toward the guards. Each was disarmed of their weapons and the first lifted up by his throat and slammed through a table. The second was elbowed in the stomach and then knocked unconscious with a fist to the back of his head. The third took a knife hand to the throat, whilst tripped up and then kicked into a wall across the room. Batman then took off toward the entryway and engaged guards that shot at him. A couple dozen bullets grazed his armor, but none of which a direct shot.
He twisted the arm of one and lifted him over his head and threw him into others standing around. Batman overwhelmed the group taking them down one after another and in a short minute not a single of them stood. His decision to investigate the scene so prematurely didn't work in his favor. Much as he hated to do so he had no choice but to retreat. He was more than certain back up was already in pursuit. On his way out Batman took another couple still shots. He was more than certain the photos would be put to good use later.
With his lenses set to detect mode he exited and was still uncertain what was stolen. Given the circumstance he didn't have time to investigate further and was hopeful the still shots and video footage captured through his lenses coupled with details broadcasted to the public might give a clearer picture of what went on. Outside of all that the function of the Quebz cube wouldn't last for very much longer. As he made his way down a hall and around a corner Batman slowed up at the sound of footsteps. He took a knee and leaned against the corner of a wall and just listened. With each second that passed the steps drew nearer. The built scanner within his lenses also determined the one approaching was over 90% cyborg.
In the next instant the sounds stopped and without warning someone appeared from around the corner but were airborne! She held two hand guns and fired off at the dark knight! He rolled off to the side dodging the bullets whilst uncovering two batarangs.
"Kusanagi!" Batman glared.
"So you remember my name," Motoko fired off another couple rounds, "And it would appear the reports of your presence are accurate."
Batman dodged and eluded closing the distance between them with only two bullets grazing his armor. He threw out his arms and tackled her to the ground and lost hold of her weapons as she tried wrestling him off.
"I'm not your enemy." Batman held her down by the wrists.
She immediately noticed his strength increase from their last encounter, but she still held the strength advantage. Motoko used the strength in her legs kicking the dark knight off her. He quickly jumped to his feet and she did the same charging forward. She threw out her left leg which he blocked but her strength forced him against a wall. A left punch followed which he moved his head to the side and her fist passed through the wall instead.
"I'm only going to say this once more," Batman jumped back pulling out a new item he had not yet got around to using. He slammed two grenade like items down at the feet of Motoko, "I'm not your enemy."
Motoko quickly realized something wasn't right as she attempted to make a move and fell flat. She attempted pushing off the ground but her joints and body parts did the opposite of what she wanted. The effects of the re directional grenades were immediate.
"Those weren't ordinary grenades," The cape crusader took a step forward, "The section of your brain that sends messages to your individual limbs has been disrupted. You left me no choice, this robbery or whatever happened here isn't my doing...I'm here investigating like the rest of you."
"You expect me to believe that?!" Motoko hissed but was unable to raise her head.
Batman opened his mouth to speak but was then interrupted as several armed security officials emerged from around the corner.
"She's down, Motoko Kusanagi of Section Nine is down and we've got the Batman in our si..."
The dark knight threw down two smoke which almost immediately filled the room, and by the time it cleared he was gone. One guard took a knee beside Motoko and another radioed for backup while the rest took off in search for the Batman.
To Be Continue
