So, this is the revised version of chapter two and as always, thank you to Shamhlú for betaing this chapter and taking the time to help me out. This story is hard to fix but it is still salvageable enough to enjoy, at least in my eyes. You guys check out Shamhlú and his writings. They are awesome! Also, check out my other profile, Lila64 for my new story, giving my hand into the assassin world. Calling it Divine Wind and it mainly focuses on the Ezio trilogy. But I also promised to update and fix my other story, Gaara meets a little girl. Hopefully you guys will like it and want to keep reading it. Anyway, sorry for rambling (picked it up from someone 😉) On with this chapter.
Scarlet leaned against the Batmobile, letting her mind wander for a moment, thoughts of her biological father being involved in these crazy events made her uneasy. How the Arkham Knight could even know her biological father in the first place made her worry more. She had a feeling the Arkham Knight wasn't telling her everything. She tried so hard to keep him out of her life after turning her into a monster, taking her childhood away from her and starting the storm that was her life now. Though, she needed to thank him in a way. If he hadn't done what he did, she never would have met Batman or Jason or Barbara or Dick or Tim. She really owed her biological father a thank you, surely he would appreciate a broken jaw. But if he was involved in this…. She would need a pass from Batman when and if she saw him again. She would not hesitate when she would see him.
She will kill him.
Ripping herself from her thoughts, she looked over to see Batman watching the door closely, seeing the very impressive locks on the door or how stupid they were to hide in such a predictable place. Sam slowly made her way next to him, feeling that he was still somewhat upset about what she did at the Ace Chemical factory. She instead of asking him how he was feeling, she focused her energy through her body, allowing her to feel area she was in.
Most of the feelings were sense of success, sense of achievement that everything was going according to plan and that they were waiting for something. The feeling of irritation and frustration was apparent, but over what? She needed to figure it out.
"Alfred, we found the source of the signal. Scarlet and I are going into the tunnel." Batman said. Sam looked to him again, seeing look at his gauntlet, figuring that he was talking to Alfred through that instead of the comm.
She was sure that they were waiting for something. She still allowed her energy to search the tunnel further, feeling deeper frustration on something, but then nothing. She felt nothing again. No hint of feelings or emotions. She knew he was in there.
The Arkham Knight.
She needed to get to him. She needed answers without Batman around. It was clear that something about Batman or what he did, sets him off. He was tensed and angry when he first faced Batman, when she talked to him, he was relaxed almost, like he was talking to a friend. She was sure that he would open up more with her than with Batman. She needed to go in, instead of him.
"Very well, Master Bruce. I'll keep trying the records and if I find anything I will let you know." Alfred said. Sam could hear a small hint of concern on the line. Alfred was worried about Barbara or Batman? Didn't matter really.
"Thanks, Alfred." Batman said. When she noticed that Batman made for the Bat mobile, Sam released the energy around her and moved to the door, intentionally blocking the entrance.
"Let me head in first. They can't hurt me, remember?" Scarlet said. She watched him closely. She could feel confliction within him, but she could see that she was right about this.
Batman looked at her for a minute then back at the entrance to the tunnel. Handing her a scanner to get any info off their tech or tactical advantages they had planned.
"Fine. But, keep away from the Arkham Knight. If you see him, radio in and keep back." Batman said. Sam was relieved that he let her go in alone. She may disappoint him again tonight, but she needed to do this.
"Alright. Give me ten minutes." Scarlet said. She placed the scanner on her small belt and made her way towards the door, stopping only to look back at Batman to get his final approval.
Batman nodded. He did not like using Scarlet. But, if the Arkham Knight knew her and had a grudge against him, he needed this to end and soon. He knew Sam was going to defy him, search the tunnel like he asked, but he knew she would seek out the Arkham Knight. He just hoped she would get any answers she was looking for.
She gave him a small smile before lifting herself slowly into the air, high enough to enter through one of the vents that just so happened to be placed next to the door. She formed a small orb in her right hand, focusing its energy smaller and smaller, until it was nothing but a small speck. She flicked it to the grate, making it fall off the wall with ease, barely making a thud on the ground. In a snap, she was gone. Flying through the torn down tunnel that the rats had made a nice home for.
She paused quickly when she noticed that one of the old gates had been closed. Having the activation lock on the other side of the door. Sam sighed softly, focusing again on a small orb like the one she made before. Her concentration cut off by a certain dead clown, whispering in her minds ear.
"You know? If you cared about Batman what so ever, you would have been able to save Barabara and not have to worry about the little boy wonder back at the hideout, having to imagine him crying like a like poor little baby. Bet you wished Batman asked you about how to handle it, but of course, he takes control of the situation before anyone can say, 'Dibs!'" Joker said, scratching a bit at her irritation of how she felt about it all.
Last thing she needed was him pushing her nerves to the point of actually answering him. She regained focus, forming the small orb again, flicking it to the switch, satisfied when the door opened for her. She could move on.
As she lifted herself up into the air slightly, she noticed the area that was closed off to her was still falling apart and not wanting to alert any of the guards that may be below her, she landed softly on the dilapidated ground and evaluated her surroundings, noticing another covered air vent and smiled to herself.
She quickly made her way to the vent and pried it open with ease, being grateful that her strength was what it was. She didn't need to strain and didn't have to try and be silent with the vent cover.
She placed the covering next to the entrance, checking behind her before crouching down and starting to crawl through the vent. She was happy that perhaps Joker had stopped bothering her as she passed a small stone foundation part of the tunnel.
But, she was wrong.
"They're star-crossed, Sammy. Like you and Jason used to be! Shame that death is unkind in so many ways, but look on the bright side! Now, Jason isn't alone anymore! And it's all thanks to Batman's Crusade!" Joker said. Sam was starting to feel her control become thin with Joker making terrible jokes about her friends and Jason. She felt the beast snarl slightly and she agreed with it.
As she reached the end of the vent, seeing that this one was not covered for some reason, she noticed that she must have been in one of the ventilation shafts, by the old rotating fan and the old vents on either side of her on the walls. She looked over the other side and could see that one of the landings was stable, but just enough. She could see the many troops and tanks below and she felt a good amount of their energy, but two or three guards were not enough to replenish what she had used already. This wasn't the Ace Chemical Factory. She had sensed enough soldiers in the area to give her more than enough.
But, down here, she might as well be nothing. She needed to keep her energy in check until she got to more guards. She could tell she was getting closer and she was beginning to feel butterflies in her stomach. She was nervous and excited. She needed to approach this carefully.
Sam lifted herself into the sky once again and floated over to the other side, only to be faced with a closed door. She quickly looked around the room again and noticed another switch for the door, but the floor below it was just as unstable as the other one she encountered. She needed to conserve some of her energy before she could confront the Knight, or she would have to rely on the monster, and she didn't want that.
She reached the side of her hip, holstering a small bat a rang that Batman had given a long time ago and aimed for button on the other side, noticing that there was a small hole in the gate that was blocking the button. Taking a deep breath, she relaxed her muscles and gave the bat a rang a good throw.
She watched as the bat a rang flew through the air, she was once again annoyed by Joker, giving his two cents in to what he wanted to say.
"So, let's recap! Barbara is kidnapped, and lets face it, probably dead. Batman is lying to Lover Boy Wonder about it and you are trying to sneak off to see a dashing psychopath!" Joker paused for a moment, giving way to laughing at her loudly as the door behind her opened.
"Not your best day at the office, eh Sammy? Something on your mind?" Joker asked her. She would need to keep pressing forward, hearing the soft sound of machines rotating back and forth. She was beginning to feel she accomplished something.
She waited for a moment as she noticed the steps before her were rather wide and tall. It didn't matter to her, but she was confused as to who they were here for. She shrugged the thought and proceeded to climb up.
"Come on! Let the beast out of its cage! It felt pretty good, didn't it? And as an added bonus, you impressed your stalker! I mean, if you think about it, you could be a major power couple! Just imagine it! You are crazy strong- and he is…. Well, crazy! It's win win!" Joker said.
Sam tried her best to ignore him until a small pinch in her ear made her pause for a moment. He was leading up to something.
"Do you remember when we first met? You, covered in dirt, blood, and sweat, at least I assumed it was sweat. You were so powerful, taking out six of my men without even trying! It was like I won the insane lottery! Showing you how to be a good little girl?" Joker asked.
Sam clenched her fists, remembering how she felt back then, the terrified feeling of what would happen to her, the sick twisted good sensation of blood on her hands gave her killing each man before meeting the clown prince of darkness.
He was nice but cruel to her, showing her ways to torture and brutalize someone, how to tear out someone's soul and make them truly suffer.
"Oh-ho! I wished it never ended! And now look at you! An unstoppable killing machine! Hiding a monster deep inside along with a very dark secret hiding deep inside as well. Now! It's just war and revenge! War and revenge! With you! Standing right bang in the center thanks to dear old dad! I bet you are so proud!" Joker said. Her patience wearing thinner and thinner.
She quickly moved passed the stairs and noticed a small opening that was slightly bolted to the wall, noticing the state of her surroundings was not very stable, she need to be more cautious. As she crawled through the small opening, she was again in another open area ventilation. She noticed that the switch for the room this time was not locked away, but instead placed on the wall she crawled out of. She felt relieved a bit to see her task may have gotten easier, but Joker wouldn't stop talking.
"And like all wars, there are casualties. It's inevitable! You know it is! Like death! Well, maybe not death. I seem to have side step that one! Only some of us are so lucky. Like you my dear!" Joker said. Sam could feel her anger grow more, the monster inside ready to pounce, but a small tickle on her side made her become slightly guilty.
"You remember Talia, don't you, Sammy? I'm sure old Batsie remembers her! Oh you hated her after they spent a night Metropolis, though you couldn't bring yourself to tell him, seeing him be so happy, so you kept it to yourself. But, as it happen, how could he forget a girl like that? All it took was a bit of steel to put an end to their happy ever after, just like yours with Jason!" Joker said. Sam froze in her steps.
She wanted to forget that Talia had trick Batman into that night, but after what she did for him in Arkham City, her opinion of the daughter of the demon changed. But, her death was something she could not shake. She felt responsible for what happened to her and what Batman became after her passing. She would on occasion, spot Talia aimlessly wander the fields of Asphodel. Even in the end, no matter how grand the daughter of the Demon was in life, in death she was just another wondering soul. Many times, she wanted to confront her, yell at her, tell her that all she had done, her noble cause of fighting evil, making the world better was just for nothing.
She couldn't. She wasn't mad at Talia but more at herself. When she could've done something. She was so entrenched with finding Jason, she kept to herself and left everyone out her life.
"He blamed me, of course, but we both know the truth, don't we Sammy?" Joker said. Sam balled her hands in to tight fists, her knuckles turning white with anger.
"He put her in my crosshairs, Sammy. Sure, she didn't do herself any favors, but it was him. You see, people trust him, they believe in him, they follow him into his war, and he manages to get them all killed!" Joker said. Sam nearly punched him where he stood, which was apparently right behind her, but her fists went right through him, hitting the old stone part of the tunnel.
Knowing it would do no good though, she quickly turned away from him and found another vent system. She went down in and could hear the voices that were muffled through the concrete, come through clearer. As she began to descend through the metal traps, she could feel their energy once again. The feeling of pride and self-confidence was heavy on all of them. She stopped for a moment and allowed the energy to flow through her, rekindling her depleted energy. She felt her power and abilities return to her.
She smiled as she continued through the vent, quickly finding that the exit was up it and through another see through vent she had gone through before. She allowed her new-found energy pool at the bottom of her feet, jetting her up through the vent and out the exit. She balanced herself on one of the metal beams holding the tunnel open.
She noticed that there were two guards for every tank, a pair to each one and she noticed one had a battery stick while the other was armed with a rifle. The pattern seemed to repeat for each pair.
She noticed that six tanks were in the tunnel that were operational, a few were dismantled to be worked or have parts placed on them. She then allowed herself to feel for each solider, searching for the one she wanted, and she found him. He had not moved from where she had originally sensed him.
Good. It would make it easier for her to catch him. She decided to go ahead and radio Batman.
"Six tanks, several armed guards, and it looks like The Arkham Knight is in the main control station. I need to sure before you bring the Bat mobile in." Scarlet said in a low voice.
"If it gets too difficult, fall back and wait for my signal." Batman said over the ear piece. Sam could tell he was getting anxious, but she needed more time.
Scarlet rolled her eyes and focused her energy around her body, lighting it red but slowly turning her invisible, jumping down behind one of the tanks. She noticed a small switch that on one of the and pressed it, allowing it to turn on, but not move around. She took a deep breath and continued.
Scarlet emerged from behind her hiding spot and crept past a drone. She smiled to herself. She saw a small port hole that served as an exhaust hole to let some of the gathered heat out.
"I'm gonna disable one of the drones. See if we can disable it without that tank of yours." Scarlet whispered. She quickly scanned the port, waiting for the loading meter to turn green for complete before disabling the tank, quietly.
"Negative. Fall back, Scarlet." Batman ordered.
"Relax. I found a small port hole. Easily accessible with your explosives. I'm moving to the next one." Scarlet said. She felt rather amused with herself as she moved to the next drone, seeing it parked into a small wedge area of the tunnel. With her camouflage still on, she easily jumped on the drone and found the small radio and control hub on its front turret, silently disabling it.
She suddenly heard Scare Crows voice echo from the station. Her irritation returning quickly, she forgot the drone and headed straight for the back of the tunnel, sneaking easily passed the two guards that were posted at the entrance of the small control center. She quickly hid behind one of the processors, spotting the Knight talking to a screened Crane on one of the monitors. She allowed her camouflage down, saving on her energy, enough to make a small red orb in her hand. More than enough kick to knock him out and take the control center.
"Tell the men that we will be moving soon. And it seems that Batman is at your front door. You know what to do." Scare Crow said.
"We'll be clear out of here soon. Batman won't be an issue." The Knight said.
"Do not be late. Time is of the essence." Scare Crow said. Sam could hear Crane nervous tone slightly. It seemed that Crane was basing a lot on his plan working with perfect timing. If she could cause any kind of disruption to that plan, maybe Crane would get mad and slip up.
Scarlet watched as Scare Crow nodded and the connection to the screen was gone. She watched as The Knight grabbed some equipment and walked over to other side of the room. Sam watched how he moved. How he grabbed a few items off of a few counters, how he walked, with confidence and concentration. If he were on the side of good, she would have a huge crush on him. She shook her head and refocused herself. She kept quiet as he walked to the main overhead speaker near the window.
"Listen up! The second stage is about to commence. Start packing up and keep on guard. Batman will be here soon." The Knight said.
Scarlet breathed in slowly, she brought her orb up above her head, keeping the glow dim as she slowly sneaked behind him. As she got closer to him, she felt a sudden shock in familiar energy. The light warm feeling washed over her, she nearly lost focus in her orb. Before she could locate it again, it was gone.
Jason was in the tunnel. He was here. He must have been one of the soldiers in disguise.
She regained her confidence, she would knock out the Knight and rescue Jason from him. She allowed her energy to become stronger, making the orb burn brighter.
"If you are going to take me out, you might want to wait a minute." The Knight said. She halted in her steps. He knew! He knew she was behind him? How? How could he know? No one was able to sense her ever!
Scarlet was shocked, but only for a second. She kept her orb in hand, but she did not bother to hide it. She let it burn brighter, creating more light to shine through the glass.
"You're the first person to notice me like this." Scarlet said. She was both irritated and impressed by his ability.
"You have to know what you are looking for. Your energy may be hard to sense, but I've spent my life being able to sense your type of energy." The Knight said. She sneered at him. Knowing that he knew anything about her made her skin crawl.
"So, in theory, the only way you can even do that is somehow, you were around me when I dispersed my energy." Scarlet said. She was trying to figure out, without being disgusted by him, that maybe he was just near her certain times to sense her.
"In theory, yes. Now, you are coming with me." The Knight said. She felt the beast inside of her physically laugh. She, in turn, chuckled to herself.
"And why would I do that?" Scarlet asked. She dared him to threaten her.
"Right now, I'm holding a live grenade. So, unless you want to see my body blown all over the walls, I suggest you come with me." The Knight said. Sam looked over to his right hand, seeing proof that he was holding the grenade in question.
"You're trying to appeal to my humanity. You really think that'll work?" Scarlet asked. She needed him to release it. It had to be a fake. Otherwise, why use it?
"No. I knew it wouldn't work. But, this grenade will set off the explosives throughout the entire base, and blow a chunk out of Gotham. It will kill me, my men, Batman, and anyone else who wants to die. So, you may not care about my men and me, but I know you care about Batman." The Knight said. She paused in her thinking. He was going to take out them all if she didn't come with him? This guy really wants something from her. Either he is searching for information from her or he was wanting something else. She couldn't risk Batman's life and, even though they were thugs running on the street, she had no right to take their lives away. She had to do what he said.
Scarlet retracted her energy and showed herself to him. She had another thought, one that would prove useful to both her and Batman. She realized if she did go with him, she would inevitably run into Crane. Then, she could end this and get back to searching for Jason. She confirmed he was here. He is in the tunnel with the Arkham Knights troops. They must have made him suit up and look like the others so that they couldn't tell the difference. Well, the joke was on them. As soon as she is free, she would feel out for him, find him, and bring him home.
"Alright. I'll go with you." Scarlet said. She raised her hands over her head, showing the sign of surrender. She watched him look at her carefully, almost as if he was eyeing her up. Her gut twisted in knots, how disgusted she was with him.
Scarlet began to walk toward the door, until a hand grabbed her arm. She tried to pull back, but she couldn't, his hand must have been coated in the metal he had stolen from the Underworld.
"Not so fast. Your normal form. Now." The Knight demanded. She stared at him. He knew so much! She growled internally at him. The beast was begging to come out.
"And why would I do that?" Scarlet asked. She merely wished to know what he wanted from her and she was curious if he would answer her honestly.
"I don't want any surprises when we leave. Besides, I'm going to need you later on. Your normal form holds none of your special abilities." The Knight said. She was not shocked by his statement. He told the truth, the whole truth for once. She could not pick up anything else from him. He was still hiding his energy from her. She knew he was good, but to hide it from her at this angle? He was really good.
Scarlet sneered at the Knight, but she did what he wanted.
With a flash, her mask and gear were gone. Replaced with her scarlet red hair in a pony tail. Her red tank top tattered and covered in blood and her black pants torn. Her face was covered in dirt and blood stain smeared on her cheek and a simple cut displayed on her upper and lower lip. She felt her body ache slightly from the change, her arms giving way a bit to the pain it had endured for a long time.
She could see how he lowered the grenade in his hand slightly. She remained still for a moment, not having her abilities to help her out was a pain. She would find a chance to soon enough.
She faced the exit once again, but was once again grabbed by the Knight. Before she could even react, she felt a needle being shoved into her neck, the jolt of something sharp stabbing into her made her shriek but she halted just as fast. She felt something enter her body. Her eyes became heavy, her arms and legs became like jelly, falling to the ground. She couldn't see anything clearly anymore. She tried to push herself up, but found her body right back on the floor again.
"What….did….you…do?" Sam asked, finding it hard to even speak now.
She watched him hazily move to the exit, as if he was going to end her right here. Instead, she watched him toss the grenade out the door. Watching it bounce on the ground several times before finally resting next to one of the dismantled drones. Sam screamed internally, wishing she had tried harder to stop him. She waited for the explosion, to feel the fire and searing hot explosion that it would make, but it never came.
"I'm sorry, Sam. I needed you to be cooperative and I knew you would not come willing as I thought. I don't need you fighting me the whole way." Knight said. She could feel her mind begin to fade into darkness, her own body still trying to fight to stay awake. Before the darkness completely took her, she could hear him say something to her softly.
"I'll watch over you until you wake up. I won't let anyone hurt you." Knight said. She could not fight anymore. Her eyes finally closed, letting the drug take over.
Silence welcomed her into unconsciousness. No sound or movement came as her tired eyes opened to the blank world she knew. The dry brightness became familiar to her as she could hear the muffling of her own voice echoed in the distance.
Stay in control.
Keep it caged.
Don't get attached.
She remembered how she would repeat those words over and over when she first met Batman. How wild and out of control she was. She would desire blood of every man she came across. Batman showed her that she was not a monster. She was human and that she can be human.
Stay in control.
Keep it caged.
Don't get attached.
The many nights she spent away in her room, trying hard not to give into the craving of feeling someone else's life fade at her hands. She fought the need to take all that they had and bring that power and bring everyone to their knees.
She wanted to be normal. To be herself again and not become a monster her father wanted her to be.
No! Father! Let me out!
Be the monster this world deserves!
Her memories of that day, the burning fire running into her veins etched into her soul for all eternity. The sound of her father laughing madly as she could see the lab fill with smoke and fire. Feeling nothing but pain ebb away at her, feeling another now inhabiting her own space, demanding control over her form.
A voice she would soon come to know as the very beast she had known now. Being too weak to fight back, hearing the roar of that same monster when it broke the glass, the smell of smoke getting worse as it made the fire rage faster. The screams of the people inside stained permanently in her mind. The sense of air outside brought her to feel all who had crowded around the now burning building.
Her eyes spotting her best friend, Virgil, seeing his shocked face bore into her. She would never be able to face him ever again.
Her life was over.
Monster.
Demon.
Abomination.
The evil maniacal laugh of the Joker pierced her ears, his words filling world of destruction and agony. His evil actions being moulded into her own will of how to survive in this world.
Destruction.
Brutality.
Manslaughter.
Have a little fun!
Being in her room was the only place she found solace from all that she was shown. No one could make her into a monster in her room. Bruce was the only one to show her kindness when he rescued her. Showing her hope for the first time. Training her to control her power, her emotions, and the monster within.
Be in control.
You are not a monster.
Be human.
Her thoughts had become clear and her body was hers. She finally had control of the beast. She could have no fears. She could be herself.
Until, one day.
Hi! I'm Jason Todd. Nice to meet you.
Meeting him made everything she had worked for fall apart. His very energy mirrored hers and it confused and frightened her. Her mind would be consumed by his emotions. She could sense his pain, feeling of abandonment, but something else.
Happiness.
Sam remembered how he felt when he first saw her. Surprised but, warm inside. She felt her mind swim with confusion and for the first time, she was shy.
We're partners now. Let's get to know each other.
The memories of them spending time together, talking with each other about their lives, what they went through and what they wanted to do when they got older. Their hopes and dreams they wanted to achieve on their own. They trained together, harnessing their strength and skills to become better fighters.
Until one night, she remembered being so angry at him for being such a jerk. She wanted nothing more than to be back in her room. She could remember his fast-paced steps heading towards her. Her thoughts of wanting to be away from him. Her reaction as she was just about to close the door, when his hand stopped it.
Sam! Let me in!
She remembered not answering him, her desire to close the door became more relevant.
Sam! I didn't mean it!
She wouldn't listen. She would not become attached. She couldn't. With her own strength locked away, the door eventually gave way. She remembered it happening too fast for her to comprehend.
The thud of the door opening, the crack of the knob hit the wall, and the rush of air hitting her shocked her movements. There she was, standing in her room, frozen in place, in the arms of the very same man she was still angry at, not fighting back as he embraced her.
I'm so sorry.
Her thoughts were blank, and her body did not know what to do. She remembered feeling defeated. She didn't want to fight it anymore. She wanted that something to feel human.
All of her feelings spilled out, no longer in control of what she needed to do, she in turn, embraced him back, wrapping her arms around his fit figure. She remembered the feel of his suit and gear pressed against her. That moment was etched in her heart as the start as her relationship with Jason. They were the same in life and in themselves. She wanted someone who understood her in every way.
Jason did.
He knew how she felt and thought inside and out. She had fallen for his looks, charm, and his understanding heart. One night stood out to her most of all.
The night she gave herself to him.
That night was filled with such passion and desire, she could not contain herself. She knew he could feel everything she did. The sound of his moans and grunted when they moved together. Her heart melted to his and her soul latched to his unintentionally and she did not care.
He is mine.
I love him.
Forever
She would never forget that night. The way he held her, cradling her so closely as if he would lose her if he let go even an inch. She stared into those dark blue eyes and she saw safety and comfort. She was lost in them most of the night.
She remembered the feel of his strong arms around her, his hands grasping strongly onto her back. The feel of his strong shoulders, his frame wrapping around hers enchanted her. She could feel her mind spin from the magic she felt that night. The light brightening more and more.
The light…blinded her mind farther and farther as she could feel her unconscious mind. Her mind began to stir more as the light became nothing but that.
Her eyes fluttered open slowly, the feel of cold arms around her became evident. With those arms, she felt something so familiar, but her mind soon focused herself. Her eyes shot open to see the Arkham Knight 'staring' at her. Holding her in his arms, somewhat. Holding her upright as her lower half was lying on a cold floor.
Outside the tunnel
Batman cleared out the car, finding it wasn't the Arkham Knight. He knew That the real Arkham Knight was with Scarlet. But after he told her to go along with him, he couldn't hear her or track her anymore. He'll have to deal with the punk he caught.
"Where is the Arkham Knight?" Batman asked.
"Forget it I'm not sayin' a thing to you!" The soldier said.
Batman activated his remote control on the Bat mobile, directing it right over to the soldier's head.
"Wait! What are you doing? You can't!" The soldier screamed.
"Where's the Arkham Knight?" Batman asked.
"I don't know. He cleared out of the tunnel with some chick. He told us to leave and then he just disappears with her." The soldier cries.
"Where is he getting the supplies? Whose helping keeping his men armed?" Batman asked.
"I don't know. You figure it out." The soldier said.
Batman revved the Bat mobile more over the soldier's head.
"Ahh! Ok! I'll talk!" The soldier screamed.
"I'm listening." Batman said.
"He gets the guns and equipment from Penguin. He supplies them and the Knight pays him. As long as Penguin doesn't fall short, he keeps him safe. He smuggles them in from Blüdhaven." The soldier screamed.
"Thank you for your cooperation." Batman said.
Batman directed his Bat mobile off the soldiers head and quickly knocked him out before he could do anything else.
Batman pressed the key on his wrist communicator and pulled up Alfred.
"Alfred, I need any info on Penguins location. The Arkham Knight has been getting arms from Cobblepot. He smuggles them in from Blüdhaven." Batman said.
"I see. Well, perhaps Master Grayson can assist with any info on Mr. Penguin. Pardon me for asking, Master Bruce, but I don't see Miss McGomery with you." Alfred said.
"The Arkham Knight trapped her. Told to go with him or he would detonate a grenade. She's with him right now. I can't get a hold of her, so after I deal with Penguin, I'll look to see if she left any clues behind." Batman said.
"Of course, sir. I'll send word to Master Grayson. Please find Miss McGomery soon sir. Who knows what that man wants her to do." Alfred said.
"I'll get her and Oracle back." Batman said.
Alfred nodded and signed off on the screen.
Batman hopped into the Bat mobile, punching in a set of numbers and drove off to Wayne Tower.
Sam could feel the use of her arms and legs slowly return, sensing that the Knight was applying more and more pressure as she woke up more. She needed to get back to Batman. She should have thought more on her plan in how she would take down the Knight. She had not realized that relinquishing control to the Knight, she left Batman in the wind to deal with Joker on his own.
She could now feel a thin piece of fabric covering her face. She wondered why it was even there. He had the drop on her. He could expose her to Crane, use her as much as he wanted, but he didn't. He was choosing to keep her identity a secret. Why? He must of just slipped it on, before she sensed a bit of calming energy from him, but now it was gone.
Who was this guy? He has some sort of need to protect her, but at the same time, he drugged her. It made no sense.
She felt him slowly release her from his arms, sliding the rest of her body on to the cold metal floor.
"Don't say anything and don't move." The Knight said.
Sam said nothing in return. She couldn't. Her own mouth wouldn't respond to him.
Why are you doing this? Is what she wanted to say, but it wouldn't come out. She just kept looking up at him as he stood in front of her. She wanted to know what he was going to do to her. She tried to break free but then realized she was handcuffed.
When did he do that? She didn't even notice it! Or maybe she was still drugged up enough that she thought he was quick. She looked down at her hands and saw that they felt like the same he had use earlier on her, only she had no trouble with them before thanks to her other half. But her, just being herself, it was suppressing her powers. For once, she could not hear the beast, but she could Joker just fine.
"So, all locked up, eh? Maybe you convince ol' dark and brooding to let you out!" Joker said. She watched him lean against him, his arm on his shoulder, looking at her then looking at him.
"Really! Come on! Bat your eyes at him! Smosh up to him and give him your best pitiful face! I'm sure he'll let you out!" Joker said. Sam felt her tongue move again in her mouth. It was no longer numb! She rolled it twice and spat at his feet.
The Knight turned around and looked at her. She thought he would say something, but he didn't. He remained silent for some reason. She was about to ask him until she felt a frightening feeling. The very essence of fear drew closer to her. She noticed a figure moving slowly behind the Knight and knew right away who it was. She didn't need to see to know who it was.
Crane.
"So, you brought her here. Very good, Arkham Knight" Scare Crow said. He stepped closer to her, eyeing her closely.
Sam looked back up at the Knight, he was staring at her still. It made her feel scared for a moment, only a moment. Why was he acting like this?
"Are you sure this is the one? Why is her face covered?" Scare Crow asked. Sam wanted to know as well. She waited to hear him, thinking that maybe he wouldn't answer him. Instead, he stepped closer to Crane and placed his hand on his holstered gun.
"She is mine. If I want to show you her face, I will." The Arkham Knight said. She was surprised. She was his? What the hell was he talking about? She belonged to no one but Jason. She needed to leave here. She needed to find him. He was with the Arkham Knight! He was one of the troops she passed. She needed to find him.
"Be that as it may, I need her for the Cloud Burst. Stagg is still on this air ship and we need to find him. So, to keep her occupied, how about we give her a taste of her own fear?" Scare Crow asked. Sam froze. Cerberus couldn't protect her from Cranes fear toxin. She was barely holding on with Joker in her head.
She watched as Crane extend his needles and inched closer to her, only to be stopped by the Knight.
"We need her head clear. Pumping her full of fear toxin will not help us. If anything, her energy will be off and overload the machine." The Knight said. For once, she was grateful this deranged man was in his own way protecting her. But, the look on Scare Crows face told her something else.
"I have already calculated for her energy and made the necessary arrangements to make sure she will not overload the machine. And this way, when she is gone, she will have contributed to our plan completely before the fear drives her completely insane." Scare Crow said. Sam was petrified. She needed to get away from him. Both of them! She wanted to be gone from here! She needed her strength! She needed her powers! She needed the Beast!
The Arkham Knight released Cranes arm and allowed him to proceed. Sam couldn't yet. Her legs still felt like jelly and they wouldn't respond to what she wanted to do! She watched in horror as Crane came closer to her, the four needles drawing closer and closer until she felt them pierce her skin.
She screamed or rather whimpered out as her voice was numbed from the drug. She tried to pull away from him, but his other hand gripped her tightly.
She felt the toxin seep through the needles and into her veins. She didn't want to see it! She didn't want to live it again! Not again!
Darkness was her answer as she felt her body slump to the ground, her fingers and toes twitch around, her arms began to lock in place, wrapping around her side tightly, her legs were pulled into a foetal position, not wanting to touch anything with them. Her stomach twisted and turned before her eyes focused on a figure in front of her.
Jason.
Her body froze. It was Jason, standing in front of her. He was here! She smiled up at him. She felt her body again, free and moving about. She gathered herself up and ran to him, his arms opening up to her as she drew closer to him. She didn't care about her pain or fear.
She found him.
She was right. He was here and he found her. She knew he would find her, and she knew he was here.
She pulled from his embrace and smiled brightly up at him, his deep blue eyes she had missed so much full of love for her. She felt her soul become warm and full again.
Then she felt cold again. She felt a flash and the darkness twisted around her. She felt her mind turn in circles till she felt a strict halt stop her. She opened her eyes again to see she was in the Batcave. She was leaning against one of the monitors that were stationed near the Batmobile.
She looked down at herself, noticing she was dressed in her Scarlet suit Bruce had made for her. One that would not tear or be worn away with time. She always admired how crafty he could be in his expenses when it came to his night job and providing for his 'children' of sorts.
She looked over the Batcave, seeing the Robin suit was missing from its stand. She was sure that it was supposed to be in its place, but it wasn't.
"Okay. I'm all set. Ready?"
She turned towards the stairs, seeing Jason come down, dressed in his Robin suit and his mask being placed just right. She liked how he looked in his suit. She was sure he thought he looked goofy, but she liked the colors on him.
"Just about. Not sure if should change my shorts though. They seem a bit on the tight side." Sam said. She blushed slightly as she brushed the front of her shorts. She had suddenly realized that she had alluded her shorts problem to her boyfriend.
"What do you mean? I think they look fine." Jason said. He finally reached the bottom of the stairs, looking her over wondering what she found about her shorts were wrong, but he didn't think anything was wrong with them at all.
Sam, now feeling shy, tried to hide her blush by looking away from him, quickly walking away towards one of the bikes they had ready to go. She felt so stupid saying what she said out loud. Why did she say that? She fumbled with the helmet that was placed on the leather seat, adjusting them every which way so she didn't have to look at him.
She stiffened when she felt his arms around her. She felt warmth and love radiate from him. His feelings were so loud and strong towards her, she almost felt stupid hiding from him.
"You look perfect no matter what to me." Jason said. Sam turned around and hugged him in return. She could the comfort she needed every day from him. This was all she needed.
Suddenly, she could hear a low, maniacal, familiar laugh fill the Batcave. She ripped herself out of Jason's arms, searching for where the laughing was coming from. She didn't want him here.
"Come now, Sammy. Let's not lie to Wonder Boy, shall we?" Joker said. His voice was so loud, it was everywhere. She covered her ears to block him out. She turned back to Jason, hoping he would know what was going on, but instead he was covered head to toe in bruises, his face swollen and bloody, his suit torn and worn down, his body looked like it was going to pass out. He was tied down to an old wooden chair and his head was now hanging from the pain.
She could feel agony from him, pain of unimaginable degree wash over her. She needed to save him.
"Jason!" Sam screamed. She rushed over to him. She tried to focus her energy into a sharp object, anything strong enough to get him out.
Save him!
Get him out!
Get him away!
She was screaming at herself. She couldn't focus. Her energy wouldn't come. Nothing was working. The Cave was gone now, replaced by a dark closed area, run down into the dirt. She looked up at Jason. His eyes were closed shut, his beautiful blue eyes were shut away from her.
"Jason, please! Open your eyes! Please!" Sam begged him. Anything but this. She wanted anything but this.
"You couldn't save him, Sam. You weren't there for him when he needed you. Where were you?" Joker said. Sam felt her anger grow from his voice. He was egging her on and he knew it. She wanted tear him apart, watch him suffer as he made so many suffer. Watch him burn in his own design as she set fire to his flesh and bones.
She could hear a soft whisper near her ear. She noticed Jason was talking. He was trying to say something. She needed to hear him.
"Jason? What is it, Jason?" Sam asked. Whatever he needed to say, she would listen to him.
"Why didn't you save me?" Jason asked, his eyes opened slowly, blood pooling into his blue eyes. His face now began to overflow with blood, draining down from the top of his head, down to his neck, trickling onto his chest, covering the torn golden 'R' hat he proudly wore.
"Jason?" Sam asked. She was horrified at him. He was bleeding so much, she thought it would never end. She tore off the material on her shirt and tried to apply pressure on his head to stop the bleeding.
"It's okay, Jason. It's going to be okay." Sam said. The blood had soaked her through her make shift bandage. She tossed it over her shoulder, applying pressure now with just her hands, but they did nothing. She moved away from Jason, staring at her blood-stained hands.
Jason's blood.
His blood.
"Why didn't you save me that day?" Jason asked. He was out of the chair now, blood still pouring all over him. He started walking towards her, his now blood-filled eyes glaring at her.
"Jason, I tried. I tried to find you. I'm still trying." Sam said. Jason didn't stop. He kept getting closer and closer. With every step he took, a pool of blood seeped into his foot step. Sam kept backing away from him, she didn't know what to do.
"You weren't there. You didn't save me. Why? Why weren't you there?" Jason asked. She didn't know what else to say. She was too scared to answer. The Jason in front of her was not her Jason.
"You left me! You left with him! You left me to die!" Jason screamed at her. Her eyes filling with tears as she fell to her knees. She failed him. Her sobbing echoed in the darkness. She could feel her heart way more and more.
When she looked up to face him again, he was gone. She was alone with his blood still on her hands. She felt her guilt build more and more in herself. She was to blame for all of this. Now, she was alone.
"You deserve to be alone. You monster!"
Sam froze when she heard Jason say that. Monster? She was a monster? She had abandoned him, left him to suffer with a twisted clown, who tortured and twisted him all up inside. Making him hate her for what she really was.
A monster.
She let the blood on her hands drip on to her lap as she let her tears fall from her eyes. Jason was gone. He left her. She was all alone. She was going to be alone for the rest of her life.
She let her sorrow take over as her body fell to its side and curl into a ball. She was a monster. She would always be a monster.
"Oh! Poor Sammy! Never had a chance in this crazy thing called life. Old Jason has left you in the dust with his blood literally on your hands!" Joker said. Sam did not care anymore. She was no longer able to fight. She had lost the one thing she wanted more than life and it was gone.
"Oh, now, now! Dry those eyes, my dear! Papa J is here to make you feel all better. Let me take over! Give Papa J the wheel and I'll make sure you are never alone again." Joker said. She felt his hand rest gently on her shoulder. For a moment, she wanted to give him control. She wanted the pain to stop. Just end it once and for all.
Six eyes appeared behind them. Three heads rose from the darkness, scaring Joker away from her. Sam could feel vengeance and the need to control rush over her. Sharp white teeth chomped on Jokers head, decapitating him instantly. A low growl bellowed from this beast. It emerged slowly from the darkness, its teeth still crushing Jokers head in its mouth.
"Of course! The mutt comes at the perfect time!" Joker said. His voice being silenced when the sharp teeth tore his jaw off. Sam sat up straight as this beast then looked down at her, hiding its teeth from her. She suddenly realized that this beast knew her.
This three-headed-beast knew her. She didn't understand why, but she was calm now. She didn't feel as empty anymore. She stayed still as the lowered its heads down to her, giving a low grumble as it rested its head just a few inches from her lap, whining when she didn't instantly pet it. Her guilt and pain was gone. Her mind was clear once again.
She remembered what happened. She was taken by the Arkham Knight. He drugged her. Took her to an air ship. Scare Crow had injected her with fear toxin. She was living her worst fear.
She could see everything in front of her now. This beast had helped her out of her nightmare. She smiled, petting the beast gently on one of its noses and silently thanked it.
She was shocked when it slowly morphed into a low red glowing person in front of her. Its head was bowed, hands folded in its lap, mirroring her clothing and red wavy hair. The beast had become her. No
It was the beast that was inside of her. It helped her.
"Wake up, Sam."
It whispered gently, feeling a great sensation of relief come over her as she could feel the darkness release its hold over her. Its poison was no longer in her blood.
Her eyes shot open, feeling her arms and legs being restrained and suspended in the air. She could feel small tubes and needles that were stuck all over her. She could see that her energy was being siphoned off and circulated into some giant machine. Her sight become clearer, seeing that Crane was facing away from her, with the Knight standing next to him. She could see a few troops standing guard over at the door and a few standing near the Knight and Crane.
She figured they wouldn't notice her being awake. She was pretty sure they didn't expect her to be awake at all. She could use that to her advantage. She needed to figure out a way to stop them. That or, bide our time for Batman. She may not have her powers back just yet, but she knew that he would be here soon. She knew because her comm piece was still in her ear. He could track it. He would be here sooner or later. It was time she messed with them a bit.
"Hello, Crane." Scarlet said. She smiled as they turned around, pleased to see a shocked look on Cranes face. She could not see how the Knight reacted, but she felt for a moment, a feeling of relief before it was replaced with nothing.
She let it slide as Crane came closer to her. She noticed that the guards had moved from their posts and had grouped around the Knight and Crane.
"Impossible! You should have been screaming your damn mind to death! You can't be!" Crane exclaimed. Sam felt her smile grow more and more.
"Let's just say, I have someone on the inside who has no fear." Sam said. She needed to buy more time.
"I hope I didn't scream anything embarrassing while I was out. Did I say anything about the color of my underwear or that I still sleep with a teddy bear next to me?" Sam asked, looking to see how the guards reacted to her question. A few snickered and a few had just stared at her.
"It would seem that you were right, Knight. The toxin will have no effect on her at this rate." Crane said. Sam looked over at the Knight, confused. He knew she would wake up? He knew that the toxin wouldn't work long on her?
"I told you. She is not normal." The Arkham Knight said. Crane had turned away from her and resumed his work on his machine. The guards had lost interest and returned to their posts. All but the Knight left her. He would not stop looking up at her.
"Is there something I can help you with?" Sam asked. She noticed he cocked his head to the left, as if pondering what to say to her.
"Who's Jason?" The Arkham Knight asked. She was surprised that he even asked. Though she wasn't surprised that she may have said his name. Her nightmare was about him after all.
"He's someone I lost. And someone I'm going to find. He's still out there. When I'm done with you, I'm going after him." Sam said. She watched for his reaction, if any, and he only stared at her.
"What if he's dead?" The Arkham Knight asked. She could only make out so much through the sack on her head. She figured the Knight kept it on her for his own reasons. His question though made her curious.
"Why do you care if I find him? Do you know where he is?" Sam asked him. If he knew where he was, knew which solider he was in his army, then she could break free and find him faster. But, she needed him to willingly give her that information and she was sure he wouldn't, unless she gave him something in return. But, she couldn't. She had nothing to offer.
"I don't know him. He maybe dead if he is in this city." The Arkham Knight said. He was wanting something. The way he said it, made her think he wanted something. She just did not know what.
"If you know me, like you say you do, then you know how I can sense people. You know where I come from since you went to the trouble of making these handcuffs out of special material. So, you should know what I can do. He is not dead." Sam said. He is wanting to know what she can do. What her abilities are, what her value is to him.
"I do know you. But, your ability to sense can only go so far. Maybe you can't accept that he could be dead." The Arkham Knight said. Sam remained silent. She had an answer, but she felt what little strength she had left being sucked out of her. The machine was still taking a lot of her energy and she needed to do something fast before she was reduced to nothing again.
When she didn't respond to him, he merely scoffed at her and walked over towards Crane. She noticed that Crane was starting to get fidgety and she could his anxious fingers scatter across the monitors key board.
She was running out of time. She started looking around the room frantically, seeing if there was anything she could do to make her energy last a bit longer. She saw nothing but the brightness of the machine burn brighter.
She was needing something, anything to give her an edge. The old 'I got to go to the bathroom' trick wasn't going to cut it. Then, she heard one of the radios on one of the guard's armour scratched its way in to her ears.
"Units Three and Four haven't checked in." Sam heard a solider say. She knew it. Batman was coming.
Hey so that was this chapter. Hopefully you guys like it and I will have the next chapter up soon. Again, thank you Shamhlú for betaing the chapter! Like I said, I know it's difficult sometimes but, I hope it's worth it!
