Chapter 2

Batman and Batgirl arrived on top of the police headquarters. Batman looked around for any sign of Commissioner Gordon, who then appeared out of the shadows.

"I've been waiting for 20 minutes, you usually don't take that long." said the Commissioner, his eyes looked very tired.

"You've been up day and night haven't you da… I mean Commissioner." said Batgirl, catching her mistake at the right moment.

"Yes, because we've been busy lately." said the commissioner. "All hell has broken loose in Gotham City. There's a sting going on down at the Harbor, I don't care how much Harvey complains, your presence will help us all."

"Don't worry, I can handle a sting." said Batman, turning his back preparing to leave.

"Wait, I thought you might want to know something Bane is there, that's why I called for your help. Only you can defeat him"

Batman gave a nod meaning he understood, Batgirl turned to follow him out.

Meanwhile at the Dock, Harvey Bullock was leading Montoya and another cop to the Harbor.

"Veronica Vreeland is in there somewhere and it's our job to get her out." said Bullock, cocking his gun.

"Bane just broke right into the Vreeland Mansion. It wasn't very hard to deduce who broke in." added Montoya.

"The ransom note: was a piece of cake too, all it says is 'Bring one million dollars to the harbor if you want to see her again." said Bullock, but then the car suddenly stopped when Bullock noticed a dead end.

"OK, wrong way." he said, backing up.

"Look out, Bullock. There's another dead end" said the other cop.

Bullock's eyes went wide. It was a trap and he knew it. They were completely barricaded. Then a voice boomed from the decks, Bane's.

"Well, more hostages. With the three of them we can raise the price to $1,000,000,000."

"Wait till I find you, I'll kick your ass Bane!" shouted Bullock. 

"As if you could, I'd rip you in two before you could even aim up your gun, well you three will just have to wait."

Bane smiled and turned around. He had three henchmen with him as well as Veronica Vreeland bound and gagged.

"The girl will be staying with us longer than she expected." he laughed as Veronica's eyes widen, she became struggling with her restraints.

"MMPH!" she let out.

"No use struggling." said Bane. "Kev, go and restrain the cops."

"I don't think you'll need to do that." said Batman, he and Batgirl gave their usual intimidating pose.

"At last, Batman, you and I can have a rematch." said Bane evilly.

"As long as you promise to leave the woman out of this." said Batman.

"Do not worry, I do not hide behind hostages when facing you." said Bane, as Batman and Batgirl walked towards them. "But first I must see if you are still worthy. Fire!"

His men fired their bullets. In no time one was on the floor in pain. Bane walked slowly over to where Batgirl had just punched out one of his men, and then he opened his palm and pressed it against her face, leaving only her eyes uncovered. He pressed her up against a barrel.

"Losing you will break the Batman's spirit."

He clenched his fist and drew it back; Batgirl had real fear on her face. But he didn't get time to throw it. In fact Batman had kicked Bane to the floor.

"You ok?" he asked Batgirl.

"Fine." she said, rubbing her face.

"Go and untie Veronica, I'll take care of Bane."

"Gotcha." she said.

Bane got up and faced Batman.

"Time for that rematch you wanted." Batman said, coldly.

Bane gritted his teeth and threw a punch, Batman dodged and uppercutted. Bane went sprawling back, but then got up and attempted another punch. Bane was again sent flying back.

"Not much of a fight is it?" said Batman.

Bane was now tempted. He activated his venom. His muscles pumped up; in fact he didn't stop until he was completely out of venom.

"Let's see who the weakling is now?"

But as soon as he took that first step he collapsed into the water.

"Venom increased his weight causing him to drop." said Batman. "The floor was too weak to hold him."

Batgirl who had just finished untying Veronica added "So, that's why you taunted him."

Bane was soon out of the water and into a police van with his men.

"It's back to Stonegate for you." said Gordon.

"Commish? You invited these two?" said Bullock. "We didn't need their help."

"You were doing a great job already." said Batman sarcastically.

"Bullock, shut your mouth for once." said Gordon "If it wasn't for Batman and Batgirl the hostage situation would be going on for days."

Bullock made out what sounded like a growl and walked away. Batman and Batgirl decided to pack it in for the night. Batgirl returned home, as Barbara she showered and got into bed. Suddenly she found herself in a desert; she was in her Batgirl costume. Then men who were dressed in black came out and attacked her, she fended them off, but then one man reached out to her and grabbed her with his hand. She woke with a start.

"Stop it!" Barbara screamed. "Oh, just a dream. Whew! That was just too weird."


But Bruce couldn't sleep. He awoke every hour having dreamt of his parent's murder. Alfred, his butler came into the room.

"Master Bruce, are you alright?"

"Alright Alfred, still up I see."

"I was just on my way to bed." said Alfred.

"Well go and get some sleep Alfred." said Bruce laying his head back down on the pillow. "Good night."

"Good night Master Bruce." Alfred said as he left the room.

Bruce went back to sleep, thankfully he didn't wake up again until morning.

Tim was getting ready for school.

"Ready to go Alfred?" asked Tim.

"Of course, Master Tim."

"Good luck on your History test." said Bruce.

"Thanks, I guess." said Tim.

"You did study didn't you?" asked Bruce, suspicious.

"Let's go Alfred." said Tim, running out the door.

"Good luck at Wayne Enterprises, Sir." said Alfred.

Soon after he had breakfast Bruce was off to Wayne Enterprises in his car.