.

The conclusion is finally here! I'll be posting a prologue (and possibly a set up for a sequel?) soon. Thanks to all my readers, especially those who've reviewed, much appreciated.
Now, the conclusion to Batman and Bond - The Golden Key.


31

Gotham

Battle raged across the city. The police were straining to deal with the onslaught, especially in the Narrows, where the fighting was particularly fierce. They erected a barricade against the squadrons of troopers, some wearing the insignia of Spectre, others bearing the mark of the League of Shadows. By the scores, the attackers poured from the alleys and dark buildings, engaging the police in gun battles, and in some cases, hand-to-hand fighting. The combat threatened to overrun the skirmish line and spill into the heart of downtown.

A police cruiser roared up the street, tires screeching as it skidded to a stop. Jim Gordon and Harvey Bullock jumped out and dashed across the street, with bullets filling the air around them. Gordon heard a cry of pain behind him and spun around. Bullock was slumped against the cruiser, clutching his shoulder.

"I'm hit," he shouted, returning fire with his service revolver. "Watch out, Jimmy—they've got shooters on those rooftops!"

Gordon looked up as a hail of gunfire rained down, bullets passing so close he could feel the wind of them. Several cops were shot before sharpshooters on the opposite building returned fire, pinning the assassins down. Gordon started back for Bullock, but was waved off as his second-in-command got to his feet and stumbled behind the cruiser, out of the line of fire. Leaving a fallen man behind was against every instinct Gordon had, but the critical thing now was to stop this madness. As a medic began treating Bullock, Gordon took cover behind an armored SUV, pressing himself flat as bullets riddled the asphalt around him. He turned to the SWAT team commander.

"Hogan, what's the situation?"

"Not good," the man replied, reloading his assault rifle. "There're hundreds of the bastards, maybe thousands, and they've got super freaks backing them. Clayface, and he's trouble. Where the hell's Batman hiding? We need the son of a bitch!"

Gordon's eyes flared angrily. "He's downtown, engaging hundreds of troopers—we'd be fighting on two-fronts if not for him. Batman doesn't hide from trouble, Hogan, he ends it."

"Alright, I know you like the spooky bastard," Hogan said. "We need backup, that's all I'm saying. Anyone call Metropolis? Maybe they could lend us Big Blue. A bulletproof, flying boy scout would be handy about now."

"Metropolis is under attack. They've been hit with some kind of Kryptonite bomb—Superman is out of action. Every costumed hero in the country is tied up defending their home turf. This fight is big, World War Three big."

Hogan's eyes went wide with shock. He was a good cop, dedicated…but his confidence was wavering, as was that of the other men. The GPD was as competent a police force there was—Gordon had built them that way. He had torn down the corruption that was once the hallmark of this city, pulled it out by the roots, bending every rule he could, breaking them when needed. Yesterday's dirty cops were gone, mostly. The ones here now were honest and tough…but they were on the verge of breaking. Gordon grabbed the bullhorn hanging off Hogan's belt, and put it to his mouth, flicking the amplifier on.

"Okay, listen up! Backup's coming as soon as possible, but right now, we're it!" Braving the gunfire, Gordon stood and jutted a finger at the enemy forces. "These bastards aren't taking another street—not one more goddamn inch! Show them who we are! We're Gotham City, and we don't run!"

With a roar, the cops surged forward, like a sea of blue: SWAT, beat cops, plainclothes police detectives, their guns blazing, sending volleys of lead and canisters of teargas into the lines before them. The enemy forces massed to rally, but a fleet of police and National Guard helicopters thundered over the rooftops, pouring fire down on them. Three attack choppers moved against them, but quickly retreated under the superior numbers of the police craft. One of the enemy choppers took heavy fire. It wavered, trailing smoke as it spiraled down, crashing in a fiery heap on the street. Gordon looked up as a huge chunk of flaming wreckage sailed towards him…

A cop hurled himself onto Gordon, rolling him away, as the wreckage smashed into the spot he just occupied, narrowly missing the SWAT commander. As Gordon got to his feet, he read the name badge of the cop who had just saved him.

"Jennings? I owe you one, son."

"Put it on my tab, sir," the young cop said, grinning.

Gordon looked to the battle, seeing the tide had turned. The Spectre and League of Shadows fighters, so fearsome just moments before, were in retreat, the cops pushing them back inch by inch. Gordon rushed to the front lines, with Jennings at his side. He directed his people, keeping pressure on the enemy. This was Gotham City, and not every hero wore a mask.

The Sanctum of Ra's al Ghul

Batman's team had turned the table on the League of Shadows, gaining the upper hand, while on the platform high above, the duel between Batman and Ra's al Ghul continued. The Dark Knight fended off a vicious assault, parrying several of Ra's's thrusts. He launched a counterattack, a riposte that drove the Demon's Head back. Ra's had the greater skill, but Batman's strength and speed kept the match in balance. The strain was beginning to show on both men. Ra's's skin was pale, and sweat poured down his face. His legs began to falter, losing some of their quickness. Batman's own stamina was fading, his blood loss beginning show, but battles are fought on more than just the physical plane; these were warriors of indomitable will. They locked eyes, searching for advantage. Ra's's eyes showed pride, and his one weakness: arrogance. Batman's eyes showed utter dedication, and his one weakness: concern for others. As the two men circled one another, a soft tone emanated from the overhead speakers, followed by a computerized voice.

"Missiles abortedmissiles aborted…"

Batman smiled, grimly. "It's over, Ra's. My team has your forces wrapped up. Your mad plan for nuclear annihilation is finished."

"Is it?" He pressed a button on his belt buckle, and a large door on the far shipping bay opened. Fifty assassins poured into the room, assault rifles raised, sending a spray of bullets in the air. Batman's team halted, and the room grew quiet. Directing his steely gaze at Batman, Ra's spoke.

"I've left nothing to chance. My technicians will launch another volley of missiles—the American's have so many. You cannot stop them all. Nothing is over, Batman! The old world will fall, and the new world will be mine to build! Drop your sword and cease your opposition, or my men will cut you down—you and this pitiful band you've brought."

"Is this what the word of the great Ra's al Ghul is worth?" Batman answered. "You said we would meet in mortal combat. I'm still standing, Ra's, while you hide behind hostages. Your men are watching…Damien is watching. Fight me, or prove yourself without honor."

A hush fell over the room. On the floor, James Bond stood, his gun held ready. He flicked a glance to Nightwing. The young costumed hero shook his head, almost imperceptibly, his eyes communicating a single message: wait. Bond breathed deep…and lowered his gun. It was beyond hard for him to accept, but they were outnumbered, and resistance would only mean their death. Catwoman stood beside him, slipping her hand into his.

"If I have to go," she whispered, "At least it'll be in good company."

Bond drew her close, speaking in a hushed voice. "Let's not rush it, we still have a holiday to take." He turned his attention to the darkly garbed man standing atop the platform. "It's all on Batman now."

On the platform, the standoff between the two warriors held. Despite his wounds, Batman stood tall, his eyes piercing, his face set and grim. He slowly ran his gloved hand down the blade of his sword.

"What's your answer, Ra's? Honor, or cowardice…you decide."

Deep emotion played across the canvas of Ra's's face, showing anger, perhaps even rage…but also shame. His eyes flicked to Damien, standing beside Talia. Ra's could feel them both watching. He turned to Batman.

"No man has ever dared to call me a coward. My word is my bond, Batman. We will finish, it." With his eyes still fixed on Batman, he spoke to his men on the floor below. "No interference! A debt of blood is paid this night..."

Ra's launched himself at Batman, rallying all his strength, speed, and skill. Batman met the attack stroke for stroke, retreating to buy a moment, but Ra's pressed on, his face set in a ferocious grimace. Batman circled, coming near to the throne. Ra's feinted, causing Batman to shift his guard—and Ra's moved into the opening. His blade slashed across Batman's chest, bare of armor, tearing through his gray tunic and opening a deep gash. Batman staggered back a step, and Ra's pressed forward. Batman parried his next two slashes, but Ra's whirled his blade in a flashing counter-parry that caught Batman's sword, ripping it from his hand. The sword clattered onto the throne, far from Batman's reach. Ra's let out a shout of triumph.

"And now…I step into victory!"

He lunged with a speed that bordered on superhuman. Batman leapt aside, making the death stroke meant to pierce the heart miss its target. Still, the blade sunk deep into his chest just below the collar bone, and pushed clear through his body, exiting out his back. Batman screamed in pain, dropping to one knee. Cheers erupted from the League of Shadows forces in the chamber, urging their leader on, but another voice, wracked with pain, shouted louder, silencing them.

"Beloved!"

Talia ran over and fell to her knees, staring up at Ra's with pleading eyes. "Father, do not kill him, I beg you!"

Ra's looked on his daughter with pity, and stern resolve. His face was pale, and etched with deep lines by the strain of the battle. His hand still gripped the haft of his sword, as Batman writhed in pain.

"This is a duel of honor, daughter. I must slay him, and lay claim to the future. You and Damien will take your place in my house, as I tear down the old world, and build the new."

With a guttural cry, Batman stood, blood pouring from his wounds. Gasps of awe issued from the League of Shadows. Ra's twisted the blade in Batman's flesh, expecting to elicit a cry of pain. Batman glared, unbowed, his face like a mask of carved granite.

"You won't take this world, Demon…you won't take Talia…and you won't take my son!"

Batman swung his arms in hammer strokes, his left and right arm crossing in front of him in an X, snapping the sword in two. Ra's stumbled back, dropping the haft of his ruined blade as Batman came on, the broken steel jutting from his chest. Ra's threw a punch, but Batman batted it aside, whipping a backhanded blow that spun Ra's's head, making his knees buckle. Calling on his last reserve of strength, Ra's hurled himself at Batman, clutching the blade embedded in his chest, twisting it with desperate strength. Silently, Batman grabbed Ra's's hand, and pulled, slowly overcoming Ra's's resistance, until the piece of broken steel wrenched free from his body. Ra's let go of the shard of steel, and it clattered to the floor. As he looked upon Batman, something happened that had not occurred in centuries…

Ra's al Ghul knew fear.

"What manner of man are you?"

With a voice as cold as midnight, and stronger than bedrock, the Dark Knight answered: "I'm the Batman."

Batman threw a punch as powerful as any he'd ever thrown, crashing into Ra's's jaw, sending him flying towards the throne he had placed on this platform in his arrogance, as a symbol of his divine right to rule. Batman's sword was wedged against the armrest, the blade pointing up like an accusing finger. Ra's fell on the blade. It pierced him, jutting out through his abdomen. Ra's screamed in mortal pain.

Chaos gripped the members of the League of Shadows, as cries of confusion and disbelief rippled across the room. Some of the fighters lifted their weapons to fire upon the Batman and his team, but Talia shouted out, stopping them.

"Stay your hand! You heard my father's command—this was a duel of honor."

"We must avenge him!" one of the men shouted, garnering shouts of approval from several others. Talia lifted her arms, shouting to get their attention.

"If my father dies, then I become head of this house, to which you've pledged your lives. I command you, lay down your arms!"

The men and women of the League of Shadows fell into heated debate. On the platform, unnoticed in the confusion, Ra's attempted to rise. Moaning in pain, he fell back in the chair, his eyes growing dim. He looked to the side, where Damien stood in silence, watching.

"D…Damien, quickly…help me to my feet. If…I can get to my Lazarus Pit…I can stave off defeat...and cheat death. Be…my heir. Rule with me."

Slowly, the boy shook his head. "For the son to become king, the father must die. I am sorry, grandfather. I stand with my father."

Ra's smiled, and patted Damien's hand. "You...are a good boy. As you...grow to manhood, remember...a piece of me lives within you."

Ra's fell back, his eyes fluttering closed. With a look of sadness, Damien turned and walked over to his mother and father. And lying upon a golden throne, the great Ra's al Ghul took a final breath, and his heart, which had beat countless millions of times in his long life, finally stopped.

Batman moved slowly, clutching his wounds as he walked to meet his son. Damien stopped, and looked up.

"You are victorious, father. You have slain your enemy, and won honor."

"Damien…there is no honor in killing. There is honor in saving lives, and seeing justice done. I can teach you…if you'll let me."

Damien walked up, taking his father's hand and putting it on his shoulder. "Lean on me, father. I am small, but strong. I will come to your house, and learn from you."

Batman put some of his weight on his son, and they walked forward. Damien looked up at him.

"You are very mighty, father, to survive such wounds. Have you also bathed in the Lazarus Pit?"

Batman smiled. "No, and I never will. The price is too high. I've treated myself with a serum that helps my blood…to clot. It's not…magic. I need to get aid soon."

Together, father and son walked over to Talia, who was struggling to maintain order. The shouting and arguing among the League of Shadows was nearly at the point of warfare, but all the commotion ceased as Damien stepped to the edge of the platform.

"My grandfather is dead. He was bested in combat by my father, who is now the champion of this house."

Stillness held the room. On the floor, Selena Kyle gripped Bond's hand. "This is it," she whispered, looking around nervously at the League of Shadows.

Bond nodded, gripping his Walther PPK. If it went against them, he would take as many of the bastards with him as possible. He made eye contact with Nightwing, who appeared to be thinking the same, judging by how tightly he gripped his battlestaves. Among the League of Shadows, some argued for resistance, while others shouted them down…but the arguments ended abruptly. The giant Ubu walked forward. He glared at Bond, and Wildcat, who was now standing, and then walked up the steps of the platform. He stopped in front of Batman, staring at him for a moment of silence. Ubu turned to the crowd and spoke.

"The great Ra's al Ghul, He Who Could Not Die, is no more. Here stands his daughter, and grandson…and the dread Batman, champion of the house I am pledged to serve." Ubu turned to face Batman, and slowly, knelt. "Command me, lord."

Batman stared at the giant, and then turned to the people gathered on the floor below him. Talia had torn strips of cloth from her jacket, making bandages which she used to bind Batman's wounds. Despite his injuries, he seemed to radiate strength. His icy gaze pierced those in the room as he spoke.

"My first, and only, command is this: Lay down your arms."

Stillness held for a moment, and then one man laid down his weapons. Another followed, and then all the others complied. Batman put his arm around Talia, and drew Damien to his side.

"My family will bury him, with honor. For those of you still enthralled to the cult of Ra's al Ghul, remember...the power of the Batman overcame the Demon's Head, and that same power will crush any who oppose me. I am only a man, I make no claims to godhood. But I am the child of this city, and her pain, and her thirst for justice runs through my veins. If you ever return to the path of evil or if you ever again seek to harm my family...then no place on earth will hide you from my wrath. You have escape plans. Use them—and never return to Gotham."

There was no further debate. Those who once served under the banner of Ra's al Ghul understood their new master had just spoken. As the men and women filed out of the room, Bond headed up the platform, with Selena following behind him. Nightwing was also coming up the steps. Bond listened as Ubu spoke to Talia al Ghul.

"Mistress, long have I served your house. What now shall I do?"

Talia smiled and reached up, putting her hand on his massive shoulder. "That is for you to decide, faithful Ubu. Find your own path…but remember my lord's command. Do no evil."

Nodding, Ubu turned to go. Selena smiled as he walked by.

"So long, Boo-Boo," she said. The giant halted a moment and scowled, and then continued on. Bond walked up to Batman, eyeing him wryly.

"If you'll pardon my French, Batman, you look like shit."

"I've felt better," Batman said. "You know, Bond, I didn't like you much when we first met."

"What are your feelings now?"

Batman smiled. "You're growing on me. But if you don't mind, I need to go get treatment before I bleed to death."

Bond chuckled, and stepped aside. Nightwing came over, holding a communicator.

"Seems your friend Q was up to the challenge. The nuclear arsenal is under government control again."

Bond nodded. "I knew he'd come through."

"What about the city?" Batman interjected. "We should be out on those streets," he said, rallying to leave. Nightwing put his hand on his shoulder, stopping him.

"Gotham is safe. Gordon's people are cleaning up the last of the fighters. It's good news all around. I just spoke with Lucius. Alfred is going to pull through, and Leslie is waiting in the cave to patch you up. We need to get you home."

"In a moment. First, there's someone I want you to meet."

Batman reached out to the boy at his side, ushering him forward, as stared solemnly into Nightwing's eyes. "Damien, this is your brother."

Damien looked up at Nightwing. "I did not know my father had another son." He extended his hand. A moment passed. Nightwing took the boy's hand, and shook. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse with emotion.

"It's good to meet you, Damien. My name is Richard. Come on, let's get…our father home."

With his family around him, Bruce Wayne descended the platform. The terrible toll of his injuries was apparent in his slow movements. Reaching the floor, he stopped, and turned to Bond.

"A last favor. Gather Ra's al Ghul's body, and bring it to the cave. Your communicator will guide you, and allow you access."

"You're letting me into the inner circle?"

"You've earned it." He turned his gaze to Catwoman. "I'm not quite ready to extend that invitation to you, Selena…but you've come a long way tonight. Keep it up, and maybe we can wipe the slate."

"Gee, that's generous," Selena snapped. Bond squeezed her hand, sharply.

"One last thing," Batman said, picking up his utility belt. He took out a small vial and tossed to Bond. "Inject this into the body before you leave. It's important. I'll explain later."

Bond looked at Batman, quizzically. "Is it the same potion you coated your sword with?"

Batman raised an eyebrow, sharply. "You don't miss much, do you?"

"Well, I'd make a rather poor spy if I did."

"I doubt there's anything you're poor at," Batman said. "In fact, I suspect you're the greatest spy who ever lived."

Batman turned to go. Nightwing gathered the armor Batman had removed from his costume earlier, and Talia picked up his cape and cowl, helping him slip it back on. The transformation was complete; he was fully the Batman again. His shadow was immense, hiding power and purpose in its folds, and a mystery no one would ever fully understand. As he left the room, Bond spoke to Selena.

"I've met some amazing people, but no one quite like him."

"He's pretty incredible. I kinda figured you two would end up killing each other. Glad I was wrong."

Bond laughed. "So am I."

Green Arrow and the others came over, and Bond handed the archer the vial.

"Strange request, injecting a dead man with some potion. I suppose he has his reasons."

Green Arrow smiled. "With Batman, there's always a reason. Every time I think I have him figured out, he's already ten steps ahead. We better get a move on, before the police get here and slow our roll."

"Go on ahead," Bond said, "I'll catch up."

As Green Arrow and the others headed off to tend to Ra's's body, Selena turned to Bond.

"Since I'm not invited to Batman's secret club, I suppose I should get moving."

Bond pulled her close and planted a slow, lingering kiss on her lips. "I meant it about that that holiday, you know."

"Mmm, the Riviera, sounds yummy. You have my address, just call me when you're ready to go."

As Selena tuned to leave, Bond called out.

"So, there's nothing left to do before you go? No loose ends, no misplaced items to account for?"

Selena sighed, and dropped her head. Reaching into her satchel, she took out several jewel-encrusted bracelets, and dropped them on the floor. "What can I say. It's not easy going straight."

"Try harder," Bond said. "I like you Selena. A lot. But if we're going to make a go of this, I have to know I can trust you."

"You can, James. Look, I…I've lived by my wits my entire life, It's second nature for me…but I will try. Be patient with me, until I work it out. Okay?"

"Of course, darling." He tossed her his room key. "I'll be along shortly. Why don't you order some champagne...and wear that black negligee, would you?"

Selena bit her bottom lip. "Don't be late, lover."

She hurried out of the basement complex, and Bond took pleasure in watching her. The woman gave sexy a whole new meaning. With a sigh, he turned and headed to assist Green Arrow and the others. Bond felt a strange melancholy descend over him. Once again, he'd successfully completed a mission, saving the world from disaster...but there were loose ends to tie up. He would check in later with Felix to confirm his suspicions, but he knew that Vesper had somehow managed to slip free. That would be a matter for later. Right now, he needed to get to Batman's sanctum. As he and the others carried Ra's al Ghul's body out to his car, Bond was unaware that all of them there that night, the good and the bad alike, had narrowly avoided death only five minutes ago.

. . .

At the moment Batman defeated Ra's, two figures stood watching from the doorway of the enormous basement complex, hidden in the shadows. Killer Croc turned to the Joker.

"What are we waiting for?" he whispered. "Set the fuse on this thing, and let's beat it. We can get them all."

"Hush," Joker said, holding the bomb tightly. "I want to hear this."

In silent, rapt attention, the Clown Prince of Crime listened as the drama played out. As the news became apparent, he turned to his partner.

"Well, I'll be damned. Batman is a papa...and he killed Ra's al Ghul. Didn't think he had it in him," he whispered. "Come on, Croc, let's go." Silently, Joker slipped out through the door.. Croc followed after him. When the door closed behind them, he grabbed Joker's shoulder.

"What are you doing? Set the timer on the damned bomb and let's book—we've got money riding on this job!"

Joker turned to him, a sad look on his face. "Is that why you're doing this, Croc? For the money?"

"Hell yes! Why else would I do it?"

Joker stared at him, truly mystified. "For the art. Comedy is the highest artform there is. I can't kill Batman tonight. It wouldn't be funny."

Croc looked at the man, incredulously. "It...wouldn't be funny?"

Joker stared into space, his expression disjointed, and dreamy. "When I kill Batman, it will be the greatest joke ever told. As an encore to my masterpiece, I'll put a gun to my head and blow my brains out. I'll murder an ocean of people to get to him, but I won't kill him until the moment is right. Comedy is all about the timing. You understand, don't you?"

Croc looked at him with slowly dawning horror; the man was serious. Rage flooded his senses, and his reptilian brain saw red. Growling, he raised his clawed hand.

"You crazy goddamn bastard…give me that bomb before I gut you!"

Joker's face transformed, the dreamy sadness replaced by utter insanity, his lips stretched into an impossibly wide grin, threatening to split the skin of his chalk-white face. He whipped a gun from his jacket.

"That's right, Croc...I am a bastard, I am damned...and I am absolutely, certifiably crazy. All the greatest artist are, you know."

Croc looked down as a bright arcing flame lanced from the tip of the strange gun. The heat was intense. Joker laughed.

"Underwater welding pistol, plasma igniter, the latest thing. It'll cut through you like a knife through butter. Crocodile fricassee!"

Trembling in fear, Croc slowly raised his hands. The Joker grinned.

"I really don't want to kill you, Croc. Tell you what, there's ten thousand dollars in my pocket. Take it, a little bonus to smooth things over."

"T...that's all right, Joker. I'm good."

Joker's eyes narrowed, and his smile became a scowl. His finger tightened on the trigger, making the flame jump a notch. "I said take it."

The flame scorched Croc's shirt and seared his belly. Swallowing a knot of fear, he slowly reached into Joker's pocket and took out the stack of bills. Joker's insanely happy grin returned. He shut the gun off, the flame disappearing with an audible pop.

"Croc m'boy, I like you. Let's work together again sometime."

With that, the Joker headed up the stairs, whistling a happy tune. Croc stood in the empty hallway for a minute, perspiration beading on his scaly face. When he felt sure Joker was gone, he ran up the stairs and dashed out into the night, determined to get as far away from Gotham as ten-thousand bucks would take him.


The danger threatening Gotham City, and indeed, the entire world, had ended. All that was left was picking up the pieces.