Sorry gang, this is it until August. I apologize, but I am out of town for a long time, and I just wanted to wet your whistle for the next installment. Hope you enjoyed this fic. I enjoyed writing it. Take care and have a good summer. *********************************

The demons Mephisto and Neron sat in a room facing each other drinking a hellish brew looking at each other.

"Well dear brother," began Mephisto. "It seems that your little plan failed. Batman and his family failed to be converted or broken, but were instead made stronger."

"I would not say it was a failure brother," replied Neron, eyeing his brother warily. "Indeed it was a success. While it was regrettable not to corrupt or destroy Batman, I managed to bring the X-Men over, which further weakened the border between the brothers. Further, it is impossible to distinguish who co-authored the attack, as even Ra's Al Ghul doesn't know."

"Yes quite," conceded Mephisto. "However, I was wondering. How exactly did you achieve that? How did you bend Ra's to your will?"

"Quite simple dear brother," began Neron. "I function on the deal, and there is no such thing as a free lunch. I got to him through those Lazarus Pits. One of my first creations, it was ingenious if I say so myself. While I provide longer life, in exchange, Ra's is exposed to some of my suggestions to his subconscious. I was the one that provided the motivation to pursue the Batman as an heir, I was the one who provided the plan on how to capture the protocols, I was the one who developed this plan. However, since I sent it through his subconscious he 'knows' he is the one who did it. It was perfect."

"That is rather impressive," conceded Mephisto. "Where is your pawn now?"

"Safe," replied Neron. "But that is not what you want to talk about. What is it?"

"I have concerns," said Mephisto. "Our adversaries, those that matter, surely know that someone like us are making these moves. Our protection in preventing powerful mystical forces from tracking our pawn surely should have tipped them off."

Neron sighed. Mephisto may be a skilled demon, and powerful, but sometimes he could be such a coward. "We knew this was going to happen. We were counting on it. That, combined with the disappearance of Access, would force our Adversaries to breach the boundary to Her. Probably even bring back one of her Children. Its vital that they know what type of power is doing this, although not who specifically. It forces their hand. You know this."

"I suppose you are right," said Mephisto.

"Of course I am right," said Neron. "Unless you would like to discuss the matter further with our superior."

Mephisto slightly paled and shook his head. "No, I don't think that is necessary."

"I didn't think so," said an amused Neron.