Well, Happy New Year guys !

Chapter 14: Disappearance

Clark had started walking through the streets of Metropolis, still angry about what he had just learned. He didn't know what hurt him more: that Bruce had kept a large amount of kryptonite, enough to kill him and Kara just by exposing them, or that he hadn't warned him that the enemy was probably in possession of that much ore.

Did Bruce really appreciate what this ore represented? That beyond killing him, the energy contained in the stone was powerful but also unstable, and that its properties could be different depending on its use. Their radiation was powerful and on top of that, the stone could easily feed the hearts of bombs. In the wrong hands, they were a real danger.

This information was too important for Clark to pass up. He knew that Luthor was building some kind of kryptonite weapon and that others wanted to use the stone as an energy source to launch attacks on the population. He was convinced that Bruce should never have kept this information to himself.

He finally stopped and leaned against the wall, nervously running a hand through his hair as he felt that pain in his chest that he knew was projected. It had hurt, terribly. Was it a lack of confidence or fear that Bruce had gathered so much kryptonite? Was it otherwise, to protect him? Clark found it hard to admit, but he doubted the latter possibility. He knew Bruce's suspicious and paranoid nature. At this point, it couldn't be called foresight anymore.

Clark knew that somewhere in the Batcave, or elsewhere, Bruce kept "boxes" with the name of every overly strong superhero and something to permanently neutralize them if they turned against Humans. When Clark and Diana found out about this, they didn't take it well, but they didn't react badly: it was something legitimate that they understood perfectly well.

One day Bruce had let him look at the contents of his box. Of course, Clark had found a lead box that probably contained kryptonite, but there were also personal things, like the address of Smallville and a picture of Martha. Bruce assured him that no one else knew the contents of the box. Clark didn't like the fact that his mother was involved, and this event put a temporary chill between the two men.

So why more kryptonite when the contents of his box were sufficient? Was Bruce afraid of something else ? The arrival of the Kandorians? Clark had assured him that there would be no risk of that.

Clark was interrupted in his thoughts when he heard two large black vans driving past him faster than normal. He looked up to follow them, heading down the avenue he had come from. A third vehicle of the same type passed by, and he sensed instinctively that this did not bode well. He turned into a small dark alley and changed his clothes, then stood up to watch for the vehicles, which stopped near the Metropolis Museum.

He saw groups of armed, hooded men get out of the vehicles and run towards the entrance. Superman went down to intervene, when he was violently intercepted by a black mass that sent him crashing into a car twenty meters away. Stunned and surprised, it took Superman several seconds to realize that Gorilla Grodd was coming for him.

He dodged a car and leapt into the air, taking distance from the gorilla with the powerful mental powers. Clark knew that this was his weakness, and that Grodd was a formidable foe for him: on several occasions he had almost lost his fight, and had even taken a beating.

But he had to think of the people of Metropolis first. He had to solve this problem quickly, to help those in the museum. Grodd saw him coming from afar. He launched a strong psychic attack, which destabilized him. He fell, disoriented, but Grodd didn't attack him physically, he just kept up the psychic pressure on him.

Clark could feel the intrusion in his head, and the strong pressure eventually held him down. He felt like his head was going to explode from the pressure, he could feel the blood rush to his temples. He forced himself to raise his head to use his laser on Grodd, who broke his mental pressure for a moment.

But he had succeeded in his plan: to keep Superman down long enough. Clark didn't understand what happened to him at the time. He just felt a violent pain in his chest, and instinctively screamed his rage at his new attacker. Deadshot took refuge behind the low wall of the roof from which he had fired, narrowly escaping Superman's heat vision. However, the explosion was violent, enough for him to stop shooting.

Superman stood, adrenaline still keeping him alert, as he stared at Grodd with an expression of rage on his face. The gorilla was going to attack him again and he was going to prepare to catch it. But his legs did not move. Neither did his arms. He was unable to protect himself from Gorilla Grodd's charge.

He hit a vehicle head-on and spat blood, feeling the effects of the kryptonite stuck in his chest. It was too late for him when he realized the situation he was in. He saw Grodd approaching him and Deadshot coming up behind him. He had been tricked. Unable to move, Superman was helpless as Grodd brought his fist down on him. The next moment, the Man of Steel was knocked out.

"He could have helped! What was wrong with him?! "

Ollie accompanied his words by striking his fist in his hand. He'd been angry for a good ten minutes. It was understandable.

"It's not like Clark to act this way," Dinah said thoughtfully.

Barry shrugged, pouting.

"Yeah, well, from what you said, it's not like Clark to act that way in public. Or to Bruce. " He paused. "What's wrong with you two anyway, Bruce? "

The Bat didn't answer. He remained totally impassive as Oliver replied:

"I already asked him, he just said it was personal. Well, Clark could have differentiated between personal and professional! We all almost blew our covers! "

Dinah put a hand on her husband's shoulder.

"Calm down, Ollie. That didn't happen. "

"And from what I saw when I got there, there was still a lot of battle damage outside. Their fight must have shifted, I didn't see anyone when I got there," said the Flash.

That seemed to calm Oliver down. Bruce had had the same observation, as they had all left the party after giving a quick statement to the , Ray and Dinah had been the first to take the teleporter. The two scientists were currently in the Watchtower's technology lab, while they were chatting in the common room.

"Well, I hope that's it. If it's not, I'm going to go blow his brains out! "

The conversation seemed to be over. Bruce figured he'd go back to the Manor and send a message to Clark, so they could talk. Dinah called out to him:

"Bruce! Is there something we don't know that we should learn? "

He didn't turn to answer her.

"No. "

And with that last word, he headed for the teleporter.

Batman had been sitting in his Batcave for more than two hours, tapping hesitantly on the keys of his phone, then deleting, then retyping. He was never usually this hesitant to send a message. It wasn't like him to do that. He wasn't like that. All because of Clark.

He grunted in annoyance, nervously rubbing the raspy skin of his jaw. No matter what he did, Clark would probably resent him. But he had to start the process on his own. For once, at least. He typed a new text, seemed satisfied, then deleted it again. Then he heard a sigh behind his back and turned around, hiding his surprise.

"You want me to help you type, maybe?" Nightwing said with the most petty smile he could muster.

Bruce put down his phone.

"I can take care of myself. What are you doing here? "

"Well, at first I came down to see how things were going, and then you were here. And since you seemed grumpier than usual... " His smile widens. "This is about Clark, isn't it? "

"It's about the two of us. How are things with Jason? "

Dick scratched the back of his neck, his cheekbones turning slightly red.

"Uh... normal. Jay is Jay. "

Bruce saw the first Robin blush more and more.

"And how was your evening?" Dick said, changing the subject.

The Bat displayed news channels on the television. There had been reporters on the scene very quickly and he had been quite proud of himself for avoiding them. His face did not appear once on the pictures and he had avoided the journalists' questions. Of course, they were all losing out on the information Lois Lane would get. Dick whistled in admiration as he watched the screens.

"Always lively with you! I guess it must be weird not being able to deal with the guys. "

"Yes. Barry stepped in. We guess Superman did it on the outside. "

Dick looked at the screens more seriously.

"Have we not heard from him since? "

"No, but I guess the story is settled. "

"Yes, it's Superman. "

Grayson looked at some other video files the computer had saved, and Bruce decided to give him the room. After all, maybe Clark had been doing one procedure after another and would check in with him later, if he didn't get in his face.

Bruce removed his costume and went back up to the Mansion. Maybe he just needed to send a brief message. It would be better if he explained the story to him face to face. He couldn't make up his mind until he was in his room, and chose simple words.

We need to talk. Meet me at the Manor when you can. BW.

He waited several minutes for a response before finally putting the phone down. Maybe Clark was too angry, or busy, to answer. Maybe when he was calm, he'd be better able to talk. That would be a better solution for them. He had only seen the tip of the iceberg as far as the Kryptonian's anger was concerned, he was sure. The wisest solution would be to wait for it to subside. Then he would wait for a sign from Clark.

Bruce ducked to dodge Jay's blow and stepped back to avoid Tim's attack. He caught Dick in midair in his spin and propelled him onto the second Robin. Tim, being more frail, would be much easier to control. However, he had trained the three boys well and the younger boy parried his blows before attacking the Batman's legs.

Stunned, Bruce was forced to back away. In a combined attack, he was cornered by the three Robins and backed up to the edge of the ring. But the youngsters hadn't won yet. Jay was the first to attack him and with a special hold, Bruce sent him to the ground, exposing himself to the other opponents, who were sure to take the opportunity to attack him. Taking the blows, he attacked Tim and Dick at the same time, looking for gaps in their movements.

What he found easily in the young man, less in Dick. More than normal, he had the experience. Lowering his guard himself, he received a violent kick from the latter in the face, while Jason was doing a pawing. He fell backwards, losing all defense against his apprentices for a few seconds. Then they pinned him down and Bruce had to admit defeat. Dick and Tim's victory cry assaulted his ears and echoed throughout the Cave.

"Oh yeah, 2 points all around! You're getting soft Bruce! "

Dick stepped away from his mentor, a big smile on his face.

"Shut up, Dicky. There are three of us and he's all alone. "

The man paid no attention to the other man's nickname and put his fists on his hips, puffing his chest out in pride.

"Yeah, but he's Batman! A break before the decisive round? "

"Definitely!" said Tim, who had already left the ring.

They all left the ring, each taking a break to wipe off the sweat and hydrate. Bruce then received an alert from his communication device and displayed it. A message from Barry, telling him he was coming. He sighed. This time, Barry was giving notice. One minute in advance.

He broke through the Cave's security just as a yellow lightning bolt entered and stopped right next to Bruce.

"Hey! Hi company! "

Barry went to greet the three boys using his superspeed before returning to Bruce.

"Hi Barry! What are you doing here?" Dick asked, pulling his hair back.

Bruce closed his eyes, waiting for Barry's long-winded, but quick story. Very fast.

"I was wondering if Clark wasn't here. Because I had a meeting with Hal, we were supposed to meet up to relieve Diana and Carter. And Hal told me that he had seen something with Clark, that he had to tell the League about it - Clark, not Hal - and so, since Hal wasn't there, I thought he should look for Clark. So I go around to find them in the meantime. So since Clark is here sometimes, I said to myself « Well, I'm going to go see Bruce, since Clark is coming to see him, and you know Barry, Batman knows everything, so go ahead, it'll take two seconds » and so here I am. There, you know everything!

The Flash crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for reactions. The three Robins were more than a little confused. Bruce was used to it, but he needed a little time to think.

"Clark isn't here. You haven't tried to reach Hal? "

"Hal doesn't answer, Diana doesn't answer, Carter doesn't know where they are - Diana wouldn't even have been on duty - and Clark doesn't answer either. In fact, not many people are answering, it's like everyone's gone on vacation... "

Bruce frowned. That was a big coincidence.

"When was the last time you talked to Hal? "

The blond thought, stumbling on the spot.

"Maybe two hours ago. "

The Bat had a bad feeling. But he didn't share it. Barry suspected something, but didn't say anything either.

"So if you hear anything, let me know. Hi guys! "

Barry left in another flash. Bruce didn't wait any longer. He grabbed his phone and called Clark's number, with no answer. He insisted, then contacted him on the League's network and sent him a message.

"You still haven't heard from Clark ?" Tim asked, concerned.

Bruce didn't answer. Dick approached:

"It's not like Clark to ignore calls. Especially for three days," Dick added.

"It's more complicated," Bruce replied without looking at him.

No one answered. They understood that something had happened between the two of them. Then Bruce contacted Diana on the League's network, and then on her home number. He got no answer either. Behind him, he saw Dick looking for his things and taking out his phone. Bruce waited. He knew he was calling Clark and that he would have a better chance of getting an answer. Because even though they were both on the outs, Clark never ignored the boys.

"Clark didn't answer. "

They all heard the concern in Dick's voice. Tim looked at Bruce, as if waiting to see what he could do. Jay stayed further back, but he had posted himself behind Dick.

"Bruce, something's going on. "

The Bat nodded. He was of the same opinion.

Bruce clenched his jaw. It was the only visible trait that could be seen that changed from his usual impassive self. Many of them had come directly to the Watchtower and were all waiting in the common room. The situation was more than critical. Bruce had raised the alarm with Barry, when he had asked the blonde to join him at the Watchtower. They had seen Carter talking to Mera there, one of the few people who could use the League's teleporter unaccompanied even though she was not a member.

Mera was devastated. Pregnant to the hilt, she was escorted by Garth, aka Aqualad, a former partner of Dick. He was in charge of Mera's protection. She explained to Carter that Arthur had been called in to deal with an attack on the edge of their city and had not returned. The team he left with had been massacred and Arthur had disappeared. The sea beings did not know where he was.

It had taken them about twenty minutes to reassure her, before she left on the teleporter with the assurance that they would look for Arthur on the surface. They were her only chance to help Arthur.

Barry, Carter and Bruce decided to contact all the League members in a hurry with instructions to come to headquarters. Many did not respond, but came. Others gave no sign of life.

Batman looked around at the gathering. Many people were there, but important League members were missing, including the creators. The Golden Trio were missing two of their members, and the call had been made several hours earlier.

"The deadline has passed, Batman. "

The Flash's voice betrayed his concern. Everyone was worried. Everyone was worried about those who didn't answer. In the corner of the room, he could see Dick stomping around, supported by Tim and Jason. Starfire wasn't there. And to Dick's face, she wasn't responding. Batman drew attention to himself as he began to speak.

"The reason this alert was issued is because we believe several of us were attacked and have since gone missing. We need to split up to get as much information as possible about what happened. That includes Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern Hal, Martian Manhunter, Aquaman and Starfire. For a reminder of past events...

Bruce didn't even hear himself say the rest. Some part of him didn't register what he was saying, and explained his plan in a clear voice, more out of habit than anything else. But it rang hollow in his ears.

Bruce didn't tell anyone about the connection he had made between these vigilantes, but he knew that others would soon do so. He couldn't help but think of all the consequences that would come out of it if they were held captive by scientists.

He had no clear leads. He had made the connection for Clark's disappearance, which was three days ago. Holding Superman captive for three days was no small thing. It had to be kryptonite, and Bruce didn't believe in coincidences. His own supply of kryptonite had been stolen shortly before.

He had been a part of it all. Bruce pounded his fist on the Batcave console. He still hadn't figured out how the thieves had determined that his container contained kryptonite. If he had thought it was pure chance at first, this time the thought seemed totally stupid.

He heard Alfred coming, but he was not in the mood. He was about to send him away when the butler spoke first:

"Master Bruce, Lois Lane is here. She refuses to leave until she speaks to you. "

Bruce removed his mask.

"Here? How long has she been here? "

"She's been waiting in the small guest room for about twenty minutes. You're officially in an important conference in your office. "

Alfred had many parries in this kind of situation. He couldn't say in this kind of case that Bruce was outside when he was coming in from inside the house. He sighed and put on the things Alfred handed him, which he had carefully prepared.

"The boys will be back soon. "

"I'll tell them. "

Bruce closed the buttons on his shirt and nodded.

"Thank you, Alfred. "

When he was ready, he went up to the Manor.

Lois Lane wore a gray suit with thin white stripes and crossed and uncrossed her legs impatiently on the couch, occasionally dipping her lips in her tea as she waited. Bruce noticed that she was angry the moment he laid eyes on her. He entered the room with the firm intention of throwing her out.

"Miss Lane. "

She stood up immediately upon his arrival, pointing an accusing finger in his direction.

"You! Where is Clark Kent? "

Bruce gave a falsely surprised look.

"You're driving all the way from Metropolis to ask me where your colleague is? I don't have a crystal ball, Miss Lane. "

The brunette did not let the sarcastic tone at the end of the sentence deter her.

"Don't play that game with me! Since that charity event, he hasn't been heard from again! Just after you had your fight !"

She walked towards him, her eyes dark. Bruce didn't move.

"I think you see evil everywhere. "

"He hasn't been seen, no one knows where he is, and he's not at home. And I strongly suspect that you have something to do with his disappearance, somehow! "

Bruce moved around the room.

"I think you've got a lot of nerve coming to my house and accusing me of such things, Miss Lane. You'd better watch out. "

He had recovered his usual cold voice.

"So what? Are you going to make me disappear? I've been investigating you. I figured out Clark's connection between that name and you. Jason Kane, right? "

This time she had Bruce's attention. He sat down in a chair, but the woman remained standing, turning to him only to look him straight in the eye.

"And what connection are you talking about? "

"It's very strange, isn't it? That your mother's maiden name is Kane, and your protégé's is Jason. I don't believe in such coincidences. "

"I recognize that's quite a coincidence. But how, assuming your theory is true, does that make me responsible for your colleague's disappearance? I don't even know what that name means to you. "

He resumed his acting. He wanted to probe Lois' thinking. Lois squinted and crossed her arms.

"You know very well. "

He shrugged his shoulders.

"Sorry, but I don't know. In any case, this investigation seems to be occupying both of your minds. I think you're getting too much on your mind. "

"Don't make fun of me! We both know that this container is yours! What was in it, to make you do business with Cadmus? "

Bruce's brain worked at full speed.

"I beg your pardon? "

Lois was flung forward, revolted as ever.

"You're into business with Cadmus. I don't know what exactly, but I'll find out and take you down for it! "

Bruce did not hide his surprise this time.

"You mean Cadmus Labs? "

His reaction surprised Lois, who took a few seconds to answer, unsettled.

"Yes. "

The Master of the house reflected. He had spotted Cadmus' strange business much earlier, when he was on a case with Oliver. So this would all be connected? The organized doings of their enemies too? But to what end? They all had to be in on it, because many of them didn't get along with each other. He looked up as Jay entered the room.

"Bruce, we need you. "

Jason stared at Lois with a certain animosity in his eyes. She squinted, but held her hand out in front of her.

"Lois Lane, Daily Planet. Nice to meet you. "

The young man ignored her completely. When he didn't like people, Jason knew how to make them feel. Besides, Jason didn't like many people. He didn't shake Lane's hand and turned his gaze to Bruce. Bruce stood up and nodded. He turned to the reporter.

"I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to leave you. Miss Lane, allow me to show you out. "

He invited her with a wave of his hand to leave the room. Jason let them pass, but he followed them with his eyes.

"We'll talk about this later, Mr. Wayne. "

"I'm sure we will. Good evening, Miss Lane. "

He closed the door behind her, figuring she'd have to walk up the driveway and out of the estate to get a cab. Then he turned to Jason, standing back in the hallway.

"Tim tracked Clark's phone earlier. He and Dick went to the scene, to Metropolis. They'll probably just find his stuff, but it's best to get it back. Do you have any ideas? "

Bruce closed his eyes for a moment. Yes, he did.

"Yes. But they don't indicate anything good. "

INDEX

Aqualad/Garth : He was Aquaman's apprentice, just as Robin was for Batman. Garth was also part of the Titans team with Nightwing. He's normally called Tempest, but I chose to keep Aqualad because that's how he's known.

Hawkman/Carter Hall : As a reminder, Carter Hall is a perpetual reincarnation of an Egyptian prince, Hawkman, like Hawkgirl, are originally two Egyptians from Ancient Egypt who were cursed by a priest (Vandal Savage, an immortal). They are condemned for eternity to live several lives, to find each other, to love each other again and then to witness the death of the other. It can happen that their reincarnations are shifted, without them being able to find each other again. In this version, Hawkman and Hawkgirl are currently together.

Mera : Mera is Aquaman's wife and has powerful hydrokinetic powers: she masters all forms of water. In this fiction, Arthur does not know his wife's past. He does not know where she comes from, what her origins are, or even if she has a family. Because the past of Mera is quite dark, but she really love Arthur.

Starfire/Koriand'r/Kori : She's an alien princess from the planet Tamaran. Her real appearance shows her with fiery red hair, orange skin and green eyes. In this fiction, she was a member of the Titans team, and had a romantic relationship with Nightwing that ended badly (which is also the case in the comics).