Chapter 6

Green interlude.

Batman sat above on a rooftop as the Gotham City PD take away Theo Adam from the spot that Batman had knocked him Unconscious. I called Clark He thought said he would get in touch with someone to take care of Adam, said he was "special" somehow. I hate when Clark speaks in riddles, very unbecoming of a straight up boy scout.

The question is now, why did Adam come after me. He continued Last I heard he was turning over a new leaf, trying to become a member of the JSA. Not that I bought it, a leopard can't change its spots. But it seems like a lot to go after a guy you have never met before. If he had some personal grudge with me then he wouldn't have gone through so much trouble to prove "good intentions." No, this is defiantly outside forces that convinced him to come in.

"Has anyone determined what happened." A voice came from behind Batman while a green glow emanated, silhouetting Batman.

"I have to give you credit." Batman replied, "Not many people can sneak up on me, especially when their primary weapon is one that glows bright as yours does, Green Lantern."

But it was not his JLA teammate Kyle Rayner whom he was speaking to, nor even the Renegade turned spirit of vengeance Hal Jordan, but Allan Scott, the original Green Lantern, and also the Original defender of Gotham city.

"Actually I used my ring to spot you, I figured you would be watching the mop up, and then descended keeping the sound dispersed with my ring as well."

"Still impressive, I am not sure Hal could have pulled that trick."

"So," Green Lantern continued, "Black Adam is back to his old ways again."

"So it would appear, but he is one of yours so I pass him to you."

"Any idea why he attacked you." Green Lantern inquired.

"No clue," Batman responded, "I believe it is connected to an unknown newcomer to the city, one who apparently wants to take me down."

"Any idea who it might be."

"At the moment I have no leads."

There was a pause, finally broken by Green Lantern "Still, I must say it is impressive you were able to take him down, the entire JSA would have had trouble doing that."

"No offence, but the JSA still sticks to old ideals and tactics," Batman grumbled, "I don't that is why I was able to take care of him."

"Very well," Green Lantern retorted, "defiantly a different city from when I was protector here, a lifetime ago."

"You trying to say something?" Batman said, almost sounding angered turning to look Alan Scott in the eye.

"Nothing beyond you live in a different age from my own." Scott pointed out, "I hope you didn't think I was trying to say the changes here were your fault, quite the opposite in my opinion."

Batman turned back to watching the Police clean up the scene below. "Whatever."

"You know, you were speaking of old ideals." Scott continued, "I don't think you are that vastly different from us back in the day."

"Why do you say that?"

"Well, lots of reasons. First, you don't use a gun, even though you would be quite lethal with one using your other skills."

"Don't need a gun, guns are for the weak and cowards."

"Which brings me to my next point, you are quite brave."

"Part of the job." Batman grunted.

"And as far as I am aware, you have never taken a life, even though you would be justified in some cases."

"What's your point."

"Those outdated ideals you speak of are the same ones you fight a strive for. That is exactly what the JSA tried to represent."

"If you say so."

"You think I am wrong?" Green Lantern asked, almost confused.

"You did see what I did to Clayface."

"Is he still alive?"

"After a fashion."

"Are there any long terms effects of your treatment of him?"

"None physical.: Batman said almost smiling.

"Then I don't see the problem."

The two stood, Batman barely acting like he noticed the presence of the legendary hero, and Alan Scott looking at Gotham's new protector.

"Either way" Scott spoke finally, "I am glad to see the city I once held dear in the hands of someone who is so capable of taking care of it."

With that Alan Scott took to the air "Goodbye, Batman, I have to deal with Adam right now."

After Batman believed Scott to be away from his sight, Batman couldn't help but smile a bit that a legendary hero had given him such a compliment.

I saw him as a kid, He thought, Me and Tommy both saw him.

With that thought, Batman's mind raced to Hush, the villain that had turned his life upside down less than a few months ago. A villain he was not convinced was out of the equation even though he feel off a bridge at the end of their confrontation. The Villain turned out to be that same childhood friend, Tomas Elliot, who orchestrated an elaborate plot to make Batman chase his own tail, so to speak. The reason, revenge for Bruce Wayne's father saving Tomas Elliot's mother, because Tommy wanted her dead.

Batman's mind jumped back into the world. His encounter with Black Adam had weakened him, but didn't dull his senses. Right now there was an opponent in the shadows, one of the toughest opponents he ever faced. He had been there watching the exchange with Alan Scott, waiting for the police to leave so that it was just the two of them. That opponent was about to make his move.

Batman shifted quickly as the sword came to strike him. The wind was sliced right by his head and shoulder. He turned and faced the man who had just tried to kill him.

"Why didn't you try that when Green Lantern was here?" Batman said calmly.

"Because I wasn't paid to deal with him." Deathstroke came back.

"So is this the point where I beg and say I will pay twice as much as your attacker?"

"We both know you would never do that."

"True, but worth a shot" Batman reached into his belt "Let's do this." and tossed out several smoke bombs, obscuring Deathstoke's sight.

When the smoke cleared, Batman was gone. Deathstoke searched around the other rooftops until he heard a voice on the wall behind him.

"Come on old man." Batman taunted, "Try to keep up."

Elsewhere

Evil arrived at his apartment that he had rented just for this job. He sat down in his seat to see if his surveillance had garnered any new information when a knock came at the door.

"Who is it" He said in a non descript voice.

"Someone who wants a shot at Batman." A gruff voice said on the other side of the door.

"I'm sorry, what are you talking about?"

"Joker contacted me, I followed you, open up or I will shove the door down your thought."

"I'm sorry I must ask you to-" but before he could finish the door was knocked into him and he was on the floor, Door atop him. A man in a trench coat and hat stood in the hallway, and walked forward with strong footsteps.

"I nearly had him once, but I never was able to finish him. You know who I am now?"

"OK yes I think I do." Evil responded.

"So do I get my shot, or do I do to you what I wanted to do to Batman."

"Only if you can play by my rules."

"And if I don't, what could you possibly do to-" the man said as he threw off his coat and hat behind him "-BANE!"

"Very well what do you wish." Evil said, almost smiling at this new prospect.

"Batman's head."

"Deathstroke has him now, Deadshot will probably get him."

"I doubt it, I am tired of being the one who beat him, and never was able to accomplish anything else, this time I want the chance to finish him."

"Then you have it my new friend." Evil couldn't contain his laughter, he now had everything he needed to bring down Batman.