In some twisted reality the sky is purple and politicians are honest. Being left handed isnt weird but a privilege. You are judged for who you are not what you look like. PBS has enough money so they no longer have fundraisers. War is settled with the best 2 outta three in rock paper scissors. And we know the address of telemarketers so we can repay them for wasting our time on the phone while we could be doing something else. And I own Batman Beyond. But we live in this reality and I don't own Batman Beyond. Man this reality sux!
Light to the Shadows (Where do I come up with these?)
Shadow ran swiftly from one shadow into the next as she made her way across the dark floors of the small artifact exhibit. She moved carefully not to trip on of the many supposed invisible' triggers that she could easily see. One would have thought they had learned to upgrade their security with such a skilled thief slinking about town.
Shadow only saw this as an advantage; her body wasn't truly up for anything difficult tonight. Her side was paining her from when she suffered the punishment and warnings' from her master. Lately she had been displeasing for her master, if she were to fail him this time...only God could save her from his wrath. Get in, get the statuettes, and get out. Report to me when you're done. And remember Shadow I will be watching you.' Her master's words echoed in her head.
Shadow looked down at the almost invisible beams of light, if she were to break them police would be there within four to five minutes. Those useless snails were always too late to stop her.
Shadow reached her second target with very little trouble. She reached out for the figurine only to have her fingers slip through it. A hologram! She spun in time to get a face full of light.
She held back her scream and merely shielded herself from the light by drawing her hood down lower. Shadow smirked lightly at the idea that she had fallen for such a foolish trap. From behind her she could hear the sound of someone approaching, she turned in the direction of the newcomer.
Batman witnessed the sly smile playing over Shadows face as he slowly walked closer to her, there was no telling what she wasn't capable of. Just as he thought those words Shadow quickly snatched her chain from her waste and in one great swing took out the bright lights.
Shall we take this; Shadow rammed her shoulder into Batman's stomach forcing him towards the large open window she had came in through.
Batman quickly shifted his position putting Shadow before him. Ladies first.
Instead of stopping Shadow continued to run forward and took a great leap out of the window.
With her cape fanning out behind her Shadow fell in a downward arch towards the new apartment building adjacent to the exhibit building. Shadow smiled darkly from the darkness of her hood as she whipped her chain before her. The chain wrapped twice around the neck of a stone gargoyle, swinging Shadow feet first into the window of the apartment.
That had to hurt. Batman said flying out the open window to the now broken window below of the empty apartment. He looked on as Shadow carefully got onto her feet and shook the dizziness from her head. Batman had hoped crashing through the window would have put her out of it enough so that he didn't have to fight her too much but when he stepped down on the small shards of glass Shadow snapped back into alertness.
Shadow did not like the way things were going; her punishment from before had extracted a great deal of her strength and the fall had taken a great deal o her energy. If she were to fight now most likely she would lose or collapse before she could make it back to her master. Shadow drew her now limp snake sword and held out her finger motioning for Batman to come towards her. She would make this fight quick and clean.
Shadow sung out towards the right missing Batman fully but slicing a metal lamp in half. She swung again cutting a couch down the middle. She frowned at the sight of the broken lamp and couch; her sword was a bit dull.
Her mind was so entwined with thought of her sword that she did not see Batman come beside her and punch her in the jaw. Shadow stumbled back with her sword still embedded in the split couch. A scowl passed over her face as she delivered a mighty side kick that smashed into Batman's cheek. Shadow jumped into the air and swung out her left leg. Batman crossed his fist before his solar plexus and blocked.
Guess you aren't as advanced as I thought you were after all. He said. Shadow cocked her head to the side in question. A pro could have hit the head.
Shadow opened her mouth and gave a slow nod in a sign that she understood. She spun on her heel kicking out her leg in a complete 360 circle bringing the heel of her right foot to the side of Batman's head. Knocking him a little towards the side.
Then again I could be wrong. He said messaging his cheek and ear.
Shadow nodded her head moments before she jumped off the ground and slammed her foot into Batman's solar plexus.
Batman tumbled backwards in the empty living room coming to a stop at the wall.
Terry get closer, she's keeping you at a distance for a reason. Bruce said over the line.
What? No way if you haven't noticed she has a sword. Terry said as he ran his forearm over his forehead.
You're going to have to look beyond that. If you haven't noticed she harbors a lot of strength in her legs then the rest of her body. Close in the space between you and shell have to face you in hand to hand combat, which you will have the advantage since your arms are longer than hers are.
If you haven't noticed I'm the one getting hit and I think she's equally strong in all of her limbs.
It's your head then. Bruce said.
Batman looked up to see Shadow going for her sword. You've got a point. He commented as he jumped onto his feet. He quickly rushed over to Shadow's side knocking her hands away from her sword. You know you could someone's eye out with that. He said. (Sorry I couldn't resist! ~DSP)
Shadow growled in her throat as she brought her elbow into his gut. Batman ignored the pain and swung back catching Shadow in the chest knocking the wind out of her. Shadow, breathless yet still determined to fulfill her master's whims, swung only to have Batman catch her fist. Shadow brought up her knee weakly to Batman's side. Batman managed through with a small grunt and grabbed hold of her upraised knee. With a tug he spun her around by her knee and fist slamming her into the nearby wall.
Slowly Shadow stood shaking away the pain. You trial me Batman! Shadow hissed as she pushed herself away from the wall. She ran towards him with ready fist. Batman ducked her thoughtless swings and kicks catching her a few times with his own. Shadow swung again, Batman dodged linking his elbow with hers as the blow went by. He swung his arm strongly lifting Shadow off her feet then brought it down slamming her onto the carpeting.
Shadow quickly rolled kicking out her foot pitching Batman into the broken lamp and even farther back into the wall denting it and winding him completely. Shadow jumped onto her feet and retrieved her Shadow. It is time, Batman, that you meet the cold embrace of the darkness of death. She said as she gave her snake sword a hard jerk making it stiff.
Hey, back off bitch! Someone called.
Shadow quickly pressed her foot onto Batman's Adam's apple. I should have known you'd join in on this, even though this has nothing to do with you. She said maliciously stepping harder down on Batman.
Nightshade, with his green arms crossed before him, stepped into view. I told you before I need him alive. He said.
Shadow smirked as she kicked out her foot sharply hitting Batman in the chin. But my Master does not.
Nightshade put down his arms revealing his clutched fist. I'll fight you for him if necessary. He said. But be warned I'm a hazard to be around.
Shadow cackled in her throat. Did you so easily forget that I have kissed you? And here I stand alive and well.
Nightshade's eyes widened. So your suit and mask protects you, it just makes the punishment last longer. Shadow smiled. Do you think you can save him in time this time little boy? Shadow asked arising her sword above her head ready to slice down on Batman's exposed neck.
Nightshade quickly reached into his vest and removed a camera. Say cheese. He said pressing down on the button.
A great blinding flash lit the dark living room for a brief moment. But it had served its purpose. Shadow screamed as her sight was momentarily blinded from the flash. Nightshade kicked out his leg catching Shadow in the belly. Shadow, already tender from her earlier beating bent forwards in pain.
Nightshade reached into his vest and removed a small brown packet-like object; he tossed it onto Shadow. The packet exploded on contact releasing a large spider like vine that raveled around Shadow pinning her arms to her with her sword pointed downwards. She roared in frustration as the plant began to take root in the carpeting at her feet.
What took you so long? Batman asked Nightshade.
Nightshade shrugged. I thought you had it under control. Now hurry up and unmask this freak and put her in jail so you can help me out with Harl.
Batman reached out pushing back the hood then ran his fingers under the neckline of the dark gray mask. Four flat braids fell from the confines of the mask to the wear's neckline. Two pairs of entrancing brown eyes stared blankly at the two.
Nightshade stared at his girlfriend wrapped tightly in the thick spider vines. She looked daze and bruised with two small circled pasted to her temples.
Batman scolded himself for not noticing the fighting technique sooner. When did she learn how to handle a sword like that? He asked waving his hand before her unblinking eyes.
She knows the basics of how to handle most weapons. Harl's more talented than you can imagine.
Exactly how talented is she?
She learned how to drive a stick from watching TV.
A voice shouted from below them. They looked down at the mask to see the inside was lined with a circuit like design of clear wires much like the batsuit.
Someone's commanding her over a radio. Batman said his state of awe betraying his calm voice.
You mean she's a puppet now and some sick bastard is controlling her? I knew it. I knew this was all a big cruddy scam! Nightshade said.
It must be her master on the other end.
Nightshade turned to Harley and shook her strongly. Harl? Babe, snap out of it! Who's doing this to you? He asked.
Harley's eyes focused on Nightshade. She asked. Her brown eyes became teary then slowly turned back to blank. No. You've messed everything up.
From the mask the computerized voice continued to shout. Shadow, abort the mission! Come back to HQ!
Nightshade took the mask from Batman. I'm sorry but your party has been disconnected. He said. Batman stared at him with one brow cocked. Oh c'mon since Harley is...well in a non-Harley state right now someone had to say it. He said in his defense.
You haven't won Batman. She's mine body and soul! Shadow come to me! The Master commanded.
The two circles at Harley's temples began to glow. Harley's eyes shot open as she released an inhuman scream of pain. She quickly brought up her sword cutting away at the vine freeing herself. With an upward swing she knocked her mask out of Nightshade's hands into her own. The two men were too shocked to respond. Harley quickly replaced her mask on her face then tore off in a sprint towards the shattered window.
She wouldn't! Batman shouted running after her.
Harley soared into the sky as she jumped. She would. Nightshade said.
Harley now dressed again as Shadow fell in a downward slant towards the elevators of the building beside the first were she had first been to steal the statuettes of her masters choice. She took out her sword and buried the stiff blade into the side elevator rail sliding down until she came to a stop. With a jerk she removed the sword and fell the rest of the way down towards the hovercars below out of sight of the two men.
Why are the pretty ones always insane? Nightshade asked as they looked down at the place Harley had once been.
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End o' chapter 9 (I think)