Disclaimer: The characters used in this story are owned by the people that truly made them, except for the OC's I put in.
Here is a new chapter for Dark Knight of Remnant with the combined ideas of myself and Crofty666. Thanks for your reviews, fav's and alerts, hope they keep coming to show support and enjoy this new chapter.
Dark Knight of Remnant
3: A Bat Against Brawn
Part 1
Arc Manor: Batcave
While the new students of Beacon sleep to be ready for tomorrow, Jaune sat at the Batcomputer so he can get into the Scroll taken before the warehouse explosion to see if it holds any useful information.
"Looks like a burner Scroll." He said, not disappointed considering it's not the first time a dead end came up. "No surprise."
"I'm sure you'll get lucky one day, sir. Everyone makes mistakes, Mr Torchwick is no different." Alfred said while approaching from the recently closed elevator. "At least it hasn't got a tracking device to lead him here."
It made Jaune sheepishly smile, chair spun to face the butler. "Thanks for looking into it while I was gone. My mind must've been on other things to think of that."
Alfred chuckled, a hand raised whilst said. "You have a company to run by day, a city to protect at night, and a girl that's of interest while on the hunt for dangerous criminals. It goes to show you're human, master Arc, and can't focus on everything." Another thing was worth to mention. "What I'm most pleased to hear is you made a friend during your trip to Beacon instead of an enemy."
Bringing that up, Jaune took out his Scroll to bring up a logbook, he had a couple of missed calls from Ruby and a text. He felt bad and wanted to phone back, but considering the time it has to be done tomorrow. Using his vigilante work as a distraction, he pockets the device and spun back to the Scroll on the keyboard. "Since this has no answers, maybe I should pay Junior a visit."
Alfred, knowledgeable on the man, raised a brow. "Given Mr Torchwick's reputation, would he risk giving information on his whereabouts?"
"There's one way to find out. If that doesn't work, we'll stick to what we have planned."
Hearing it made Alfred say. "Honestly, I almost forgot about that, sir."
Club Junior
A place like every other where you want to unwind, have a drink, dance, meet people that'll lead to who knows what. However tonight Club Junior is closed due to repairs being made after the establishment went through a lot thanks to Yang Xiao Long's brawl with Junior and his staff.
Tables and chairs covered in sheets, empty shelves, and whatever's been damaged was put to one side to get tossed. It's not far to being completed, but it didn't make the owner feel good because of how much it'll cost. Not only did his club need to be repaired, but he's low on staff.
"Damn bimbo!"
An enraged man yelled within his office, an empty glass held tightly, tempted to throw since its contents did not help calm his nerves. Hei Xiong, commonly known by his nickname Junior, sat at his desk with black gloves, vest and red tie off, a white shirt with a couple of buttons undone and had injuries healed thanks to aura. If he didn't have it, the one responsible would've killed him.
His office has for furniture a black leather sofa next to the door facing the desk, a glass coffee table in front and an expensive red rug underneath. On his left was a mini-bar with two filled shelves, face down glasses under them and a wooden counter. A window on the opposite side that has closed blinds so he can't look at the current condition of his club, and a laptop sits on his desk that has on-screen a financial report worth having a couple of drinks about.
Eyes closed, Junior had his elbows on the table to put his face in clasped hands, a headache coming at the reminder of what happened, the one responsible and how much it'll cost to fix everything as it was. 'How can things get worse?'
His answer came in the form of a clattered sound, having him stare at a damaged Scroll before moving to the one that put it there. "Why did I think that…?" He muttered so he couldn't be heard, voice being louder for what came next. "Do I look like a lost and found?"
Batman spoke one thing in a cold tone, arms covered by his cape. "Roman Torchwick."
Eyes connected and silence for a moment, Junior broke it with a sigh, a hand to his forehead due to that headache now in full affect. "I'm going to need a bottle." A glass was never enough whenever Batman drops by.
He got up towards the mini-bar, glass on the counter while making his choice. "I'm not in the best of moods, Batman. Would you believe a blonde brawler tore up my club, got some of my guys in hospital, bruised up the twins and gave me the mother of headaches?"
"Coming from you, condition of the place and state of your men, I do." He said without sympathy.
Glad he kept strong stuff on the shelf, Junior chose one then went back to his comfortable, rotatable chair. Cork removed enough to be done by hand, he said while doing so. "It wouldn't hurt to sound like you care… As for Torchwick, that guy didn't get far by being stupid. He became experienced to not leave tracks and kills anyone that rats him out. No offence, Bats, but I'd like my sources to breathe to get information."
"He had men last night dressed the same as yours." He said to see how Junior will answer.
After a swig from the bottle, the man shrugged. "There was a sale on suits somewhere that have those hats and shades going cheap."
"I also recognised some of them in your employment." the final piece of information that made the owner silent.
Junior gave in after a sigh. "Look, we've been over this. If word got out I've been helping a vigilante lower crime rate I'll have to watch my back every day and night. Imagine if it's someone like Roman Torchwick, with his connections I'd be lucky to last a week. Especially with that mix eyed girl at his side."
"Neopolitan." Batman thought out loud only one person that fits a single description in Roman's group.
As confirmation the bottle was raised, Junior continued. "Pretty face, mean personality and deadly skills. Not a good mix for a person, though perfect in that line of work."
Batman encountered the young woman, a mute that finds ways to toy with her opponent while in a fight.
"Sorry I can't help, Batman. Maybe you'll get lucky and one of Torchwick's pals will talk if you put them through a scare. Just don't go overboard where they summon Grimm." Junior said, pretending to examine the bottle's label.
Not much to get out of him, Batman was about to leave when the man at the desk thought to bring up. "If you want to do me a favour for once, perhaps you can deal with this."
Bringing something up on the laptop, Junior spun it for him to watch surveillance footage of a fight. Batman's brow rose due to who it involved, recognising her from Beacon and while doing a background check on Ruby. No mistaking the long blonde hair and attire, it was Yang Xiao Long.
He watched it till Junior paused during the Malachite twin's fight. "You should've seen her explode after I tore off some of her hair. I'm lucky to be alive."
"What was she doing here?" Batman asked out of curiosity, though his tone masked it.
The laptop spun back around, he replied. "Information on a woman I had nothing on. Showed me a picture on her Scroll of her with long black hair and a sword, that's all I got a look at since she had a… I'll leave it at that. Can you take care of her?"
"After she commits a crime, I will." Batman's response came with Junior's fist to the table.
"She tore up my club, scared away my customers, sent my guys to the hospital and bruised the twins! What in the name of hell do they count as?!" He yelled, not caring someone might hear.
The Dark Knight replied in a stoic tone. "A normal, crazy night at this place."
Tempted to throw the bottle, it would've been a waste of good alcohol, so he drank it with eyes closed. Having enough, he puts it down and found Batman gone, Scroll left behind. "How does he do that?"
Arc Industries
Arc Industries, a highly successful business that suffered after Thomas Arc's death, and doubts raised after Jaune took over due to age and inexperience to run a company. However he came out better than the corrupt board members, and it helped to have Lucius Fox by his side to handle things when the teen isn't around. A company that has human and Faunus employees working together, but because of what's occurring with the White Fang it's testing their trust.
An attractive 21-year-old black-haired woman walked by office cubicles, a delivery trolley pushed with letters and packages being handed to their recipients. She has green eyes, hair in a short tail, wearing a white buttoned shirt, red tie, black skirt, black heels and a work ID badge around her neck with 'Selina Kyle' next to her picture.
She was coming to a small kitchen area at the corner of the massive floor that held mostly cubicles, and a couple of meeting rooms on the opposite end, spotting two workers in conversation while having coffee.
"So he was that depressed?" A woman asked in her mid-thirties, shoulder-length black hair and blue eyes, wearing a white shirt, black tie, skirt and heels, a half-full cup in hand and ID around her neck.
A man she was talking to was at the sink cleaning his cup, a reply given. "Yeah, drank till he passed out. Good thing Toby was with us to help carry him home, guy would've been heavy on my own." He's 42, short chestnut brown hair with a bit of grey, black eyes, wearing a white shirt with sleeves rolled up, dark blue tie, grey trousers and black shoes. His ID badge clipped to his belt.
Selina stopped the trolley and left to go pour a cup, overhearing the two continue with it being the woman's turn. She smirked whilst said. "It's your fault for skipping the gym. Good morning, Selina."
Said young woman waved without a glance, reheating a full enough kettle before preparing a cup, putting plenty of sugar in.
"We were talking about the guy's night out to cheer up Jeff after his break up." She informed, unable to ignore the amount put in. "It didn't go well from the sounds of it."
"I wouldn't say it didn't go well." He said until his unconvinced co-worker raised a brow. "Okay, it didn't go well. That poor guy drank enough to wake up with a terrible hangover. Luckily it's his day off."
A new voice joined their conversation. "Sounds like a night to remember." A male zebra Faunus in his thirties, having slightly pale skin with stripes on both sides of his neck, wearing a blue shirt and darker shade tie, grey trousers and black shoes, an ID around his neck. A pair of zebra ears stuck out of his mess of black hair, and a pair of spectacles over his green eyes.
The sight of him made the other man frown and look away, not out of hostility, it's for a different reason. "Traitor."
He knew the reason, an attempt at forgiveness to be on his good side. "Come on, I told you my wife was having friends over for dinner. If I chose guy's night out and got home drunk she would've cut my ears off… although she wasn't specific on which ones."
Selina took a sip from her filled cup, leaning against the worktop while enjoying this as entertainment. The older woman looked from one speaker to the other, similar feelings as Selina by her smile.
"A friend needed support, instead of helping you decided to be with your wife. How do you live with yourself?" Going a bit dramatic made Selina's eyes roll and the other female's head shake.
Another new voice came into the conversation, this one made all but Selina jump. "I have a way to solve this."
It was like out of nowhere Jaune appeared at the side of the kitchen area in a black suit, tie and shoes, light blue shirt and held beneath his left arm a parcel with some envelopes. It got the human male to be a little nervous while he spoke. "M-Mr Arc, nice to see y-you this morning. W-Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?"
Said blonde chuckled, being felt like a young teacher that caught students doing wrong. He made them feel at ease with what was said, a hand in a calming gesture. "No thanks, I have to head out for a meeting. It's why I want to speak with our hard-working intern."
Curious about what he wants, Jaune approached to hand over his mail. "Because I have to dash, can you deliver these to my office, please? Lucius got called to R and D, and Samantha phoned in earlier about a family emergency and her temporary won't be in until the afternoon. Just leave them on my desk."
Accepting the task, Selina gave a smile and military salute with two fingers before taking the items, finishing her coffee first before going.
Jaune departed after taking out his Scroll to check the time, though did have one thing to say once stopped near his Faunus employee. "Oh, I almost forgot. How about Zeke here buys Charlie a few drinks to make up for that night?"
An idea neither male rejected since it came from their boss, who smiled at their acceptance before going. Zeke shortly looked at his left hand in confusion while his co-workers talked once Jaune was unable to hear.
"Are you going along with it?" She asked, eyes on their boss who gave a quick greet to a few employees.
Charlie shrugged, no reason thought up to deny it. "Say no to free drinks? I'd have to be stupid to do that."
What Zeke had to say got him to show what Jaune slipped into his hand. "Especially since the boss is paying." In hand was some Lien, enough to be surprised about because a person can buy more than a few drinks. "I think he may have paid for mine as well."
"I thought he said for you to buy them," Charlie said with a raised brow.
Zeke shrugged. "He didn't say with whose money."
About to involve Selina, they found her gone, cup empty and in the sink, trolley not present. A little surprised how quick she moved, Zeke commented. "Someone's eager to get back to work." the other two nod in agreement.
…
A smile on her face as she got in the empty elevator, Selina pressed to go all the way up, Scroll in hand to pass the short time. Elevator music played a classic, though she's more focused on her device, making sure the security camera in the corner did not see her screen.
When she got to the designated floor, a big waiting room was what she saw after the doors opened. An unoccupied desk positioned on the right of two wooden doors, a red carpet going from them to the elevator. As she pushed the trolley, her eyes went left at two leather sofa's facing each other with a glass coffee table in between and a big screen TV on the wall, a potted plant in the front corners, a three lighted ceiling fan overhead and a door on both sides after she exited the elevator.
Stopping at the doors, Selina moved to open them, a first time seeing the boss' office by how stunned she felt at its appearance. It was a bigger than the waiting room, a magnificently crafted wooden desk up ahead with its necessary stationery and state of the art computer, and behind it a leather chair. On the wall above is a large Arc family symbol in gold within a white shield design that's yellow lined.
Upon entering, Selina got lost in observing she forgot her trolley. On the left end is a stretch bar with an equal length counter and stools, three shelves stacked with various kinds of drinks, glasses probably under the counter. On the right are shelves of books, in the middle was a big space for a wall mounted flat-screen TV, next to it a bust stood of Arc Industries founder: Julius Arc. Finally, a door to a balcony can be seen on the side of the bar, almost wondering what the view was like.
Snapping out of it, Selina realised what was left behind and went to get it, managed to get a glance at a security camera in the left corner of the ceiling. Shortly to return with delivery in hand, she double-checked to make sure it's all there.
…
While that was going on, in a dimly lit room somewhere in the building, a man sat at a wide computer console with a massive screen. In his forties, dark skin, black eyes, short greyish hair and stubble, a pair of fox ears stuck out to indicate his Faunus heritage and his attire consist of grey trousers, a light blue buttoned shirt with sleeves rolled up, black shoes and a gold wristwatch.
A Scroll laid on the console, connected to make it easy to notice calls and messages in case his current task got him distracted. On-screen is a medium box that displayed surveillance of Jaune's office that has Selina, next to it had the same footage but nobody on it. Before the items were placed on the desk, an alert box emerged about an illegal hack in progress.
"Here we go."
Lucius Fox, the man that constructed the Batcave, computer, vehicles and most gadgets used for Batman's war against crime, typed away for a few boxes to be brought up with details. Storage facilities Arc Industries are involved with that hold large amounts of Dust the company requires for testing or experiments.
As Lucius was about done, a text came on screen from Jaune.
'Any fish biting?'
His choice of words made the Faunus chuckle, able to send the information before a response was typed.
'Just a certain one that's been evasive. It'll be your turn later.'
…
Having received Lucius' reply, Jaune smiled before putting the Scroll away. "Sorry about that." He kindly apologised to a middle-aged man in a business suit, seated opposite with a young woman next to him that's his assistant.
They were seated at an outdoor café not far from Jaune's building, a two-storey bricked structure with some tables and chairs out front and a sign above the door 'Chrono Café'.
The man waved it off. "It's okay. It got me to remember my first fishing experience with my son."
Jaune went through a similar time as a kid, although it wasn't easy for Thomas to get a day off. It was more of a challenge in times of training when Jaune hunted animals, foraging for fruits and berries while hiding from Grimm using whatever he could.
Going for his cup of half-drunk tea, Jaune said. "Now, shall we continue before I decided to interrupt?"
…
Elsewhere in Vale, at an old apartment complex that doesn't care about its customers as long as they pay, Roman Torchwick sat at a desk in his bedroom, leaned back while eyes are on a map stuck on the wall in front.
A lit cigar in his mouth, hat, gloves and coat discarded to show a white collared shirt with a couple of buttons undone. For being a wanted criminal, Roman did not bother decorating, a bed, wardrobe, desk, chair and coat stand was all he needed. It helps to have minimal stuff when someone like Batman is after him, meaning less evidence to find him.
"I should've rigged the whole place to explode at once." He said, bringing up the warehouse explosion, now eying his cane leaned on the desk's side. A sigh for his spoken reason. "But then a lot of fun would be lost if no Batman was around."
His Scroll beeped about a text, having it fished out of his trouser pocket without a care, though a smile at who sent it. "Ooh, I wonder what Neo sent me." An attachment was included, and he smirked after going through it.
Batman's interventions on past Dust heists had set him back, the train Adam Taurus attacked for example had a satisfactory amount until it got blown up and he found out the Dark Knight was there to interfere.
Storing the information away, Roman brought up contacts, a name in particular found and pressed. Their connection successful, Roman did not waste time. "Hey, it's me. Remember that job I told you to be ready for...? Good, because you better be worth the money."
Arc Industries: Jaune's Office
Later after his return, Jaune sat behind his desk and Lucius in front, in conversation about a matter planned without worries.
"It was a gamble she'd use it here, but it turned out well to layout three storage facilities as bait," Lucius explained.
Jaune nodded. "Have to hand it to her, she does try hard. Even while undercover at a workplace she does good work to throw people off."
A smirk adorned Lucius' face, chin rubbed while said. "It almost sounds like you admire her, Mr Arc, despite being a criminal in disguise."
"I'm just being observant in case she plans something." He spoke in defence, able to keep calm to an unconvinced Lucius.
"If you say so." He responded with a smug look, a little amused.
Going back on topic, Jaune said. "Those three storage facilities have tough security, but large quantities of Dust Torchwick won't resist since he's gone far as to send 'Selina' to steal information. He'll find a way through, and after he does I'll be ready."
Lucius nodded. "Don't want him to put pieces together that he was set up… Any idea what he wants all that Dust he's already stolen?"
Jaune leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "Ammunition for who knows what, a powerful bomb. There's also selling at a high price, but I doubt he'd go through all the trouble just for that."
"He may have wasted some of it on that bomb at the warehouse. Do you think word got out that Batman's still alive?" The Faunus wondered.
Still seated in the same position, Jaune replied. "He probably had someone stay to watch it happen, didn't have time to check."
"Well, dead or alive, he'll probably be expecting you. Don't disappoint, Jaune." Lucius said with a smirk that said blonde returned after eye contact was made.
…
At a hideout where crates and canisters of stolen Dust were stacked out of the way, Roman impatiently tapped his foot next to a delivery truck that had some armed White Fang members entering its short container.
"Where in hell is she?" He asked, Scroll in hand to check the time.
"We're ready to go whenever you are." The driver said, being human in light green overalls and a hat.
Roman ignored him, finished cigar spat near his feet to be stomped out by his cane. About to make his way in back, a tap on his shoulder got him to turn, a frown at who it was.
Selina stood with a smile, Arc Industry ID spun by its strap in one hand and parasol in the other. Although present, it didn't change the man's mood.
"Care to explain why you're late and didn't bother to send a message?"
In silence, Selina's form shattered after a short glow of pink to reveal Neopolitan, her smile turned into a smirk as she used her ID holding hand to dig out her Scroll. Due to being mute, it's one way to communicate. After being typed, she showed what is on-screen.
'Some girls wanted me to join them for a couple of drinks. How was I to say 'no'?'
"As you're talking to me now." He states the obvious that got Neo to raise a brow. Typing away, she showed a question
'If you were me, would you say 'no' to free drinks?'
Not knowing it was like that, Roman had a change of heart, eyes rolling whilst turning round. "Oh, they were free? I guess I'd go along as long as I didn't have other plans. Like what we're supposed to be doing right now."
As he walked off, a frowning Neo thought instead of text. 'It sounds like someone needs to get laid.' Pocketing the Scroll and tossing the ID away without a care, Neo followed.
Industrial District
An outdoor storage facility with a small two-storey building, a protective wall, an iron gate on the left side for vehicles that has a guard post. Because of its importance for company usage, it has trained guards, surveillance cameras at various spots, barb wire atop of the wall, vibration sensors, expensive weapons depending on threat level, and a high-grade locking system for each unit.
It was a silent ride, each person sat on the container's floor, Roman decided to take a short nap while a few White Fang members readied themselves. For now, Neo found something of interest while sat next to Roman, or rather someone.
They brought a few battery lanterns for those that can't see, so it helped Neo get a look at a man firmly stood at the end, leaned back with arms folded. His pale physique wasn't impressive, wearing a dark grey bodysuit without sleeves and a strip of exposed skin on the side of both thighs, black gloves and boots, same coloured armour panels in the appropriate places except the arms. A black mask-like helmet covered his head with white lenses, and a grey belt was worn with a handheld, metal box clipped on both sides.
Neo poked Roman in the arm a few times, a fourth being successful after a bit more strength was put in. The man jolted awake as a result, a glare to an innocently smiling Neo. "We better be there for you to wake me, Neo."
She points to the stranger for a raised brow Roman to follow. Preparing to dose off, he explained. "That's our secret weapon to go against a certain bat that'll surely turn up."
He receives a hard poke to have their eyes meet again, a pouting Neo pointing to herself. Seeing as it didn't seem he was going back to sleep, Roman said. "I know you want to fight him, but I'm going to need you in case things don't work out. We'll leave Batman to Bane while we take the Dust."
Neo's brow rose at the name, eyes going to who is now revealed as Bane, wondering how someone like him can be a secret weapon to go against Batman. Hopefully, things won't be too busy so she can find out.
…
In the reception of the building, one side has a desk closed off from the sitting area opposite, double doors in the middle are securely locked, leading to a corridor with offices, a staircase and an emergency exit at the end.
Only people on duty are guards, two in the security room watching surveillance footage, one assigned to each floor and three patrolling the storage units. Unbeknownst to them a truck not long parked at a corner out of camera range.
The White Fang readied their weapons while Roman gave instructions to Neo after handing over a gas canister okay for her to carry. "We don't want a big shootout to happen that might have our cargo get caught in the crossfire, so I want you to put the ones inside to sleep and disable security while we handle the ones outside. You okay to get it done in five minutes?"
An expression of boredom was made, eyes going from him to the canister then back as a sign Roman picked up on. His eyes rolled. "Don't give me that. Also, the information you got didn't include storage numbers, you'll need to find this one on their computer."
He held out a bag to be taken, knowing what's inside. Slung over her shoulder with her free hand, Neo departed with a kick to the door.
A small smile came onto Roman's face, not long kept as he turned to face his choice of assistance for tonight in seriousness. "Once five minutes are up, find whoever's on patrol outside and deal with them without much noise."
A White Fang male asks, rifle in both hands and a head gesture to Bane. "Is this guy supposed to be a statue? He hasn't moved or talked since we left the hideout."
Roman smirked. "Oh, he'll be moving after a certain someone turns up to stop us."
…
Guards inside the security room watched the screens, both with a cup of coffee and one with a half-eaten sandwich laid on the stretched console. A table behind them with four chairs, and against the right wall near a door are weapon lockers. Right now equipped with a flashlight, walkie-talkie, standard handgun and nightstick, the locker's contents only to be used when necessary.
They were in conversation to break the silence, but soon it was interrupted by gas that came through a vent on the wall. Confused and alarmed, they were about to sound an alert till everything became blurry, eventually passing out on their work station.
It wasn't long for the door to open to reveal Neo, closed umbrella over her shoulder and a gas mask worn. Satisfied, she walked towards the console, pushed one of the guards off to have room to work with a single hand.
Arc Manor: Batcave
Although he should be out on patrol, Batman needs to have tuned up vehicles ready. Right now Jaune's at a work station on the lower level, a laptop wirelessly hooked to his tank-like vehicles computer to give it a systems check.
While doing that, Alfred was on monitor duty at the Batcomputer. Each of the three storage facilities were placed on the left screens, and while doing some typing an alert popped up on the middle one.
Bringing it onto the main screen, he found what was wrong before a communication link was made to Jaune's laptop. Alfred spoke once said blonde's face appeared. "Master Arc, it seems one of the storage facilities security systems went offline."
Finishing up, Jaune asked. "Can you get anything from security footage?"
The butler went to work, bringing up six boxes with rewound, hacked surveillance footage, able to get images of guards asleep. One room has someone awake, at work and not in uniform. She turned to the camera to blow a kiss despite the gas mask before one last button push got all cameras to go dark.
Despite her face being covered, a serious Alfred knew who it was by appearance, umbrella and dual hair colour. "It looks to be Neopolitan. If she's there, Mr Torchwick could be also."
With Jaune, wearing grey jeans, a white t-shirt and blue trainers, he shuts down the laptop. "There or not, it's perfect timing." Now walking to the vault to prepare.
Bodysuit with fixed armour plates became first to put on, boots came next, followed by gloves with a slight rotation to reveal angular blades pop-up from both gauntlets, next was the utility belt being clipped on that's already loaded with Batarang's, bombs and capsules filled with sleep gas, smoke and ice. Taking the grapple gun, Jaune magnetised it behind the belt before taking the memory cloth material cape to clip on. Finally came the cowl, easy to put on and adjust, completing his suit-up to become Batman.
Industrial District
Unfortunately for the guards on patrol outside, their fate wasn't like those inside. After Neo sent a text about what was needed to be read, Roman's group force opened the gate and went on the hunt while their vehicle drove in, the result being three corpses.
"Let's see…" Roman said, Scroll in hand that has what unit they're going for thanks to Neo.
The facility was constructed to hold three rows, a fourth being against a wall. Equipment was stored away in the building, including a couple of small vehicles, having enough room to drive a truck depending on the length.
"Found it."
He and those behind stopped at a unit marked 'B-06', making Roman nod after a double-check. "Bring the truck here while I get this open."
One ran to do so, leaving the rest to stand watch. It made a female member ask, eyes going from one unit to another. "Why are we just going for Arc Industries when there are all these units packed with who knows what we could use?"
Being handed a backpack from another, the redhead extinguished his cigar that he had the whole time before taking out a small device, wishing it was a simple lock and key instead of linked to a system of its own. "The Arc's rival SDC when it comes to Dust. Plus, there's not enough time to go through an inventory list on what's where, and we wouldn't have enough room in the truck. Now shut up so I can do my thing."
As he planted the device, a third couldn't help but ask. "Do the Schnee's store their supply here, too?"
A little annoyed at the continuous talk, it did peak Roman's interest to know, though disregards it after little thought was put in. "I doubt it considering how easy it was to deal with security. Plus these locks aren't difficult with good tools at your disposal." saying that, he finished prepping and stood back.
All were silent as he used his Scroll as a detonator, one push of a button made an electrical current go through the control panel that didn't take long to smoke. At the same time, inner locks can be heard being undone, a total of three due to the size. It was perfect timing because their vehicle came into view, carefully making a turn.
Roman smiled at things going smoothly, but his mood changed once an explosion was heard at the facilities vacant wall. Whatever caused it seemed to have a roaring engine, its sound getting closer.
"What the hell is that?" One White Fang member asked, weapon ready like his comrades.
Roman stood serious in the direction it would come from, not a word spoken as a tank-like vehicle made a turn. Lights blaring, it got close enough as most of them shielded their eyes.
The redheaded male glared. Fortunately, the lights went off for their vision to clear, witnessing the vehicles hatch open for its driver to jump out on the side. Arms within his cape, Batman came forward while silent.
Weapons ready, Roman didn't raise his cane, instead he took out a cigar within his coat. "Batsy, it's good to see you're still among us living folk. I had high hopes the warehouse explosion ended you."
Watching him light it, Batman then eyed each White Fang member to analyse what he's up against. He noticed one person not present till a metal thud was heard from behind.
"Although Neo would've been upset. You've become her favourite plaything." Roman finished with a smirk, a clue to who's behind him.
The Dark Knight turns halfway to find Neopolitan atop of the now closed up Tumbler, Hush over her shoulder, a happy smile and affectionate wink made. Greeting over, she jumped him, a blade from the held item emerged as she swung it like a sword.
Batman parry's out of the way to have Neo land with a miss, dashing after him to get some fun out of it before Roman decided to have Bane take over.
He ducked a swing, performing a sweep kick that got avoided by a one-handed backflip. Neo smirked, twirling in his direction before letting loose a downward, diagonal swing that got blocked by a raised gauntlet.
Able to defend against an assault from Hush, Batman couldn't get a punch or kick in due to her fast reflexes to block each one using the closed umbrella. It was like a dance on Neo's part because of her manoeuvrability.
She bent forward to dodge a swung right leg, but her head shortly got grabbed then brought into a raised left knee. Instead of a painful connection, her body shattered like fragile glass.
It would bring a person to confusion on what happened, but for Batman he kept an eye out until an impact was made at the side of his head by a foot from behind, sending him into a container door. Although he glared, Neo wiggled her eyebrows before charging with a thrust from Hush's blade.
Batman quickly caught it by the shaft with his left hand, a spin made so they were back to back. Elbowing her side with his other arm, he hooked them together to toss her forward.
Watching Neo forced in a roll, Roman stared half-lidded while ordering to no one in particular. "Someone get Bane. It's time to earn his pay."
As soon as Neo got to her feet, Batman tossed a couple of capsules, having her to open Hush as a shield for whatever's to come. An explosion of ice enveloped the parasol and blade.
Quickly looking at the result, her eyes went forward in time to get hit by a spinning kick to her 'shield', sending her to the ground. The fight would've kept going had some gunshots not been sounded.
Roman borrowed a rifle to not waste his ammo, aimed upwards to gain attention instead of using it on Batman. Tossing it back to its owner, Bane stood next to him with arms folded, his employer speaking. "As much as I like to see you two go at it some more, I'd like to wrap this up soon. So, Batman, I'd like you to meet Bane. Bane, meet Batman."
Not happy her fun got stopped, Neo didn't have a choice, although now gets to witness how he'll handle the masked vigilante. Walking out of the way as Bane came forward.
Now that he's able to get a proper look at him, Bane's eyes went up and down, almost impressed. "From what I heard, I pictured you to be a bit taller." Taking both box-shaped devices, he pressed a flat button on top to allow a square panel to slide open underneath. "No matter, Torchwick paid a lot to have you killed, so you better make it worth it."
"Screw up and you'll be lucky to get half!" His employer yelled.
Bane did not bother to respond, instead he prepared for work by going on a knee to raise the bodysuits leggings enough to place the devices against his skin to allow a patch to be stuck on. He didn't stop, rising to place another on exposed skin where the strips are, working his way till his forearms, upper arms and part of the chest had one.
Everyone became shocked at what happened next. Bane's muscles bulged, parting the armour panels at the same time his height increased and masks mouth area revealed. Not long to follow, his skin turned red after his white lenses became yellow.
A whistle came from an amazed Roman while a shocked Neo stopped breaking the ice on Hush to witness Bane's change. Batman looked surprised, the first time going against someone like him.
Without words, the muscle enhanced man charged with both fists raised, the Dark Knight jumped out of the way to have the missed attack cause cracks on the ground. He hadn't gotten far, so Bane attempted a tackle that got Batman to put up a defensive stance, but it turned out to be a fake for an uppercut.
Both hands were used to stop it. He took a few steps back while avoiding jabs to the head, an opportunity arose when a haymaker came next for him to duck and deliver a couple punches to Bane's ribs, then a knee to the abdomen before his inward arm shot out and sent Batman into a container door.
Bane ran at him, right fist ready for a hit till his opponent moved to avoid and it left a deep dent. As he retracted his fist, Batman knew there was more to it than amplified muscle. "You can use aura."
The man chuckled. "You have to be very observant to notice a difference between chemical enhanced strength and aura. Mine is a combination of both. If I wanted, I could've put a hole in that." A thumb pointed at the damage made.
It didn't impress the Dark Knight one bit, eyes narrowed as he analyses a way to beat him. It didn't come in time when Bane charged, one punch after another that got evaded or blocked by an arm, next was a successful reverse kick.
As much entertaining the fight was getting, Roman wished he didn't have other matters to handle so he can watch it all. "While they have their fun, get moving to load that Dust into the truck."
Each White Fang member obeyed, going for the container that got fried earlier, being thankful Batman and Bane had their fight away from it. After it was opened, big drums of Dust were revealed on a wooden pallet with more on top.
One of them shook his head, turning to Roman. "This will take some time without a forklift. If Batman hadn't turned up it would've gone easy."
"Nothing's been easy since he's been around. Just get to work." Roman said, pointing his cane at the main task.
After Batman recovered from a stumble, he was in time to catch an incoming fist, spinning round to toss him over his shoulder with ease once both hands were used, making Bane surprised as he lands on his back.
Looking at him upside down, whatever question in mind got answered by a brief show of white aura from the vigilante. "So you can use aura too, huh? Torchwick neglected to tell me that."
Said man heard. Roman had a hunch Batman was able to use aura, but because of the material of his suit and armour he couldn't get a conclusion. Now knowledgeable of this, he muttered. "You learn something new every day."
For Neo, she liked what she heard, an urge for a second round. What ice remained on Hush was removed with a slam against a container without looking.
While they went through their thoughts on the new information, Batman responded. "It evens out the playing field." Then steps back as Bane's left arm went for a grab.
He chuckles while getting up, smirking as the Dark Knight got into a stance. "Does that mean your punches won't tickle like the last ones did?"
Another drum of Dust was put into the truck with many more to go, and Roman wasn't happy at the progress. "If I had known it would resort to this, I'd have picked some Faunus' with more upper body strength."
Nobody dared speak their mind in case pain or death was the result of their boldness, so each member kept silent. While they continued work, Neo came to Roman whose attention went from their main task to the fight, tapping his shoulder hard enough.
"Make it quick, Neo."
As a gesture, she gently swung Hush onto her open hand a few times like a bat, also a smirk helped Roman understand. "You want another go at Batsy. Sorry, but I told Bane to completely crush our annoying vigilante, so there shouldn't be anything left afterwards."
Neo frowned, thinking it would help, but it didn't because of what he said. "Don't give me that. Now we know for certain he can use aura, it's a matter of time till Bane breaks it before him."
Batman moved to avoid a strong punch that went through a container door, having manoeuvred into position as part of a plan. Removing his grapple gun, he fired it atop of another behind Bane to shoot off and get some distance.
Arm removed, he turned to see the Dark Knight throw a couple of bladed disks, arms held up defensively. Explosions were let off upon impact, no harm done, but Batman was gone after Bane lowered his guard.
He descended with a successful spin kick to Bane's head, able to get a little budge. Although short notice, Bane was prepared, left hand shot up to grab Batman's leg.
While surprised, the caped crusader was swung around, slammed to the ground hard a couple of times, got spun again before being tossed at a container, leaving a small imprint.
Though his aura flickered it remained active, rubbing his head whilst fighting off dizziness. Batman slowly got up as an impressed Bane charged for the kill, but once close with hands out, Batman went in for an uppercut. Quick to recover after stumbling back, a spinning double kick connected, followed by a couple of capsules thrown at his head that led it encased in ice.
While Bane attempted to break free, Batman took notice of Roman's group at work and ran towards them, their leader and Neo still being observers.
"It seems Batsy wants a break from that muscle head. Looks like you get your chance, Neo." The man said that was music to the young woman's ears.
She wasted no time going into a run, a grin as she readies Hush. Instead of the swing Batman was prepared for, Neo flipped the umbrella before dropping to slide passed, hooking his leg to have him fall face down.
A tactic not worth being confused about, he rolled away at the successful anticipation of a downward thrust from her blade. Going onto a knee, he glared.
Neo smirked, Hush being swung side to side before she shot off with a thrust he was able to catch with a perfectly timed clap. Right hand clenching around it, Batman brought her in to deliver an uppercut that sent her flying.
Instead of an impact, Neo shattered like glass, umbrella still in her opponent's hand. Suddenly it was brought behind after she caught hold of it along with his now twisted arm, her left arm moved to wrap around his neck.
All he had to do was release Hush, but Batman had a tactic in mind while aware of his surroundings. He reversed fast into a container, the impact sound used as a signal to let go, able for both hands to toss her over.
Back hitting the hard ground, Neo glared at the Dark Knight with a hold on her left arm using two hands instead of one to dislocate it after a boot stomped on her ribs. However before he went through with it, an angry yell was heard.
Attention went to a charging Bane, freed from the ice and hands out. There was time to avoid, but Batman noticed Neo and had to react. Yanking her to her feet, he pushed her out of Bane's path.
Once tackled Bane didn't stop until they met the escape vehicle. Neo sat up, stunned at what happened, being saved instead of left to get trampled on.
"Watch it, you idiot! Damage the engine and all this would've been a waste!" Roman yelled out in anger.
Bane grinned, "I wouldn't say that exactly." Gripping both arms before slamming his catch hard against the truck's front until his aura shattered.
Although an accomplishment, it didn't lighten Roman's mood. "You better hope that still works."
Words that went ignored as Bane released the left arm to grasp the shoulder so he'd have a hard fist to send into the masked teenagers gut a few times. The body armour and plate lessened the pain slightly, but not made to withstand such aura infused power.
Batman grunts, able to glare that Bane found a little amusing. Hoisting him to be eye to eye while bending the shoulder plate, he taunted. "Without aura you look like a simple man in a costume instead of a fighter."
Seeing a chance once pulled in, he allowed Bane to add. "Any last words?" A physical response happened instead of verbal via head-butt, angering the man that turned to toss Batman away.
Neo was on her feet by the time he landed near her, face down and cape concealing his left arm. Using Hush to lean on, eyes were on him while in thought.
Arc Manor: Batcave
Having watched the entire thing thanks to the Tumbler's outer camera, Alfred didn't like the situation while sat at the Batcomputer. "Master Arc!"
Typing in a short coding with a single hand, he called out. "Initiate Tumbler drive system."
Beneath the computer slid down to bring out a panel and foot pedals at the same time pushing the chair out a little. The panel stretched out on both sides, popping up a joystick on the left, handbrake lever on the right and steering wheel in the middle. Buttons, switches and gages emerged from small panels and lit up.
Taking the steering, Alfred commanded. "Bring up weapon systems."
The bottom screen on the right gained the Tumbler's weapon and gadget choices. Not needing to look it over to know what he wants. "Activate turret."
…
Bane advanced on the Dark Knight, who slowly got to his feet, showing a small trail of blood from his mouth. About to continue the fight till a sound came from his vehicle.
The double-barrel turret sprung up, turning side to side a little till it was on target.
"I recommend you drop, sir!" Alfred instructed through the cowls communicator.
About to do so, he noticed a confused Neo staring at it. Tackling the young woman, he covered her head, ignoring her surprised expression.
Bane stopped, a brow raised at the new development. The turret let off a single shot, Bane was successful to block with raised arms.
Arc Manor: Batcave
Seeing his first attack failed, there was one thing able to work. "Convert next rounds to Dust munition." Alfred ordered, still gripping the joystick to fire the second shot.
…
That did no damage also, making Bane laugh a little. "Ordinary firepower won't do a thing against me!"
Batman, still protecting Neo, heard Alfred speak. "Stay down, sir. This next one will pack more of a punch." Eyes widening at what he meant.
Arms lowered, there was no reason to defend if that's all the Tumbler is armed with. However, the next shot fired had a stronger explosive impact, sending him hurtling into the truck. The power from it added with Bane's mass knocked the vehicle back, making it unusable, knocking a couple of drums out and caused some White Fang members to move.
Roman was not happy, arms raised and looking up. "Are you kidding me!"
Arc Manor: Batcave
Due to how close the target is, another shot was not wise because of the Dust, therefore reached out to press a button for communication. "I suggest using this time to escape, master Arc."
…
Not liking to leave while there's criminals not captured, it wouldn't be a good decision to continue the fight. If he did manage to beat Bane there was still Torchwick and those with him while in a worse condition.
He got on a knee, making quick eye contact with Neo before his right hand shot out behind to toss a few smoke bombs to provide cover.
Cane pointed at the smokescreen, Roman ordered. "Get in there before he gets away!" not going to risk Neo getting caught in a crossfire despite her way of escape.
Weapons ready, all of them charged while Roman remained. It didn't take long for sounds of pain to be heard and a couple flying out. A comment came from the man. "I guess he still has fight left despite Bane's pummel."
After the smoke cleared, downed grunts were seen, but no sign of Batman or Neo. A brow raised at the latter's absence. The Tumbler was still present so he couldn't have gotten far.
A groan came from Bane, who got off what was left of the truck's front, rubbing his head. His employer didn't make eye contact or say a word, still mad even though it wasn't completely his fault.
…
His escape tactic was to use his grapple gun and catapult over a container, but an unexpected occurrence took over.
Left side leaned against a container door, arm still concealed, he said. "If Torchwick finds out you helped me, he won't be happy."
Facing him on the right stood himself, same condition, no pain, Hush over 'his' shoulder in one hand, the other busily typing on a Scroll. Once done, 'Batman's' form shattered to reveal Neo.
"Why did you help me?" He asked out of confusion more than curiosity.
She held out the device for what was written to be seen. 'You saved me, even though there wasn't any need to, I returned the favour.'
Although an explanation should be given on why he did it, instead Batman reminded her. "I saved you twice."
For that Neo gave a half-lidded expression while typing, holding it out after completion. 'Don't push your luck.'
Tumbler's engine can be heard for them to turn heads before it came into view, being Neo's signal to leave because Roman shouldn't be long behind. She blew a kiss with two fingers from her Scroll wielding hand, teleporting away by having her form shatter to pieces.
"Sir, did that happen a moment ago?" Alfred asked while bringing Tumbler in closer.
Ignoring the pain from Bane's earlier attack, he wondered if it caused damage since it was made by a chemically enhanced, aura infused punch. "Neo saving my life? Yes."
The hatch opened after it stopped, hopping in just as Roman and Bane made a running turn. The former stopped to aim with his cane, targeting scope emerged.
Seeing it happen in the rear-view camera, Batman activated the turret, rotating it in their direction. Not wanting a repeat, both villains took cover, only it wasn't intended to fire.
The Tumbler's tyres screeched then took off, turret moving back into place and lowered. The wall coming up was dealt with by a pair of fired missiles at front, not wide enough till the Tumbler drove through.
Neo watched from atop of a container, Hush still over her shoulder, a frown worn while inside she's pleased. Paying him back for saving her was an excuse, the real reason was so she can continue to have fun fighting him next time they meet. Although with Bane around it might be tricky.
Beacon Academy: Team RWBY's room
Initiation was tough, but Ruby and her new teammates were able to survive and become Team RWBY with Ruby as their leader. Weiss wasn't happy about the arrangement but will have to adapt, Yang was excited for her little sister and Blake didn't seem to mind.
After they were assigned their dorm room and made sure all their stuff was present, today's events caught up to them and they ended up going to bed early after food was in their stomach's. They were joined by Team JNPR, its four members they met during initiation, worked together in getting to their destination, made friends with and are living across the corridor.
While her teammates sleep, Ruby couldn't due to worry for Jaune, who wasn't seen among those that passed. Thanks to a talk with Goodwitch she found out there was a family emergency that couldn't be ignored, Jaune's time as a Huntsman in training ended before it began. Although relieved he's okay, Ruby couldn't stop thinking about what he might be going through, so she decided to send a text. Forgetting the fact he didn't respond to her last message or calls.
'Hey, it's me. Miss Goodwitch told me about your family emergency, wondered if you're okay and hope it's not too serious.' She thought, going over what was written. Not wanting to do more depending on the reply.
With a nod, send was pressed and the Scroll was put down, allowing Ruby to place both hands behind her head. Before she joined her team in dreamland, an idea made her think. 'I wonder if we can agree on bunk-beds in here.'
Arc Manor: Batcave
Although no arrests were made, Alfred was more relieved Jaune got away with his life still going. He waited for manual control to move back within the Batcomputer before he got out of the chair. About to move to the lift till auto-drive came up on the main screen, coordinates set for home.
"Is everything all right, master Arc? You've initiated auto-drive." He curiously asked with a finger on the same button earlier to communicate.
No response came and that worried him, though it's assumed the Dark Knight was in deep thought. However a reply normally came to acknowledge he was heard, Alfred decided to wait and see.
Later when the Tumbler drove onto its platform, the butler waited for rotation to be complete and Jaune to come out, but he didn't after the hatch opened.
"Sir?" He called out, approaching to see if there was a problem, and there was once looked inside.
Batman sat unconscious, fresh blood over what was wiped away, and clenched in his left hand was one of Bane's patch boxes. Alfred immediately got to work in getting him to the infirmary level, hopeful his aura will return fast enough to handle whatever injuries sustained to cause this.
End of Chapter 3!
While planning out Bane, we thought it would be interesting for him to use the venom patches to Batman Beyond instead of its liquid form, and his appearance was inspired by The Batman series version.