Title: The More Things Change

Crossover: Batman

Batman pulled his cloak around him, looking in vain for a shadow. The brightly-lit room with windows facing a green lawn was like his own mansion except...cheerful.

"The last thing I remember is turning the Joker over to Commissioner Gordon," he said, facing the room's other occupant.

"You work with the police in your world?" Professor Xavier asked, rolling his wheelchair around the desk. "And they accept you?"

"Some do." Batman shrugged. "I will do my work regardless. There are always those that hate superheroes, whether we're metahuman or not."

Xavier sighed. "How sad to know some things are pan-universal."

* * * * *

Title: The More They Stay the Same

Crossover: Batman

Notes: Sequel to "The More Things Change."

"Why am I here?" Batman asked later.

"Why do you think I know?" Xavier didn't look offended, just curious.

"I think there is little that happens here that you don't know." Batman frowned at a telltale twinge. "Stay out of my mind."

"You're very good at that."

"J'onn would be pleased."

Xavier turned, looking out at the verdant lawn. "I didn't bring you here."

"But you would use me regardless," Batman said. "What *are* you willing to do to protect your students?"

"You understand?"

"More than you know. But there are lines that cannot be crossed."

"Perhaps in your world."

* * * * *

Title: Ends and Means

Crossover: Batman

Notes: Sequel to "The More They Stay the Same."

The Danger Room transformed into a dark city, filled with looming buildings and menacing figures. Atop one building, a costumed shape knelt, watching the students below, preparing to test them.

Scott watched from the control room, surprise mingling with excitement. "He's extraordinarily talented. No X-gene, you say?"

"No mutations," Professor Xavier said. "Just raw human talent."

"We need that," Scott said. "I'll feel much better about their safety when he's done training them."

"I agree. His grasp of tactics actually exceeds yours."

"But..." Scott paused. "I thought he was eager to return to his world immediately."

"He changed his mind."