Batman ordered the Titans to drop my Brentwood High School to pick up Tim Drake and Barbara Gordon. They pulled to a halt and saw the two crime fighters waiting for them. "We got your call, let's go," Babs said. They joined them in the T Car. Kory decided to stay with Dick in the Batmobile.
"How do we get down to the Narrows?" Cyborg asked.
It's on the lower side of town. Near Arkham Asylum." Tim looked at him. "Are you sure you want to go down there? It isn't exactly safe."
"Don't worry, We've gotten used to that," Cyborg laughed. "Can you guys give us directions?"
"There's no need for that," Dick's voice said over the communicator. "I've just pulled up beside you. Stay behind me and I'll show you how to get there."
They drove away from the school; Dick turned down a few streets and began taking the Expressway that led to the Interstate 17. He could easily take the back streets and alleyways into the Narrows from there.
"Well this isn't too bad, we just have to go find Bane and—"
Suddenly he heard a loud thump as something hit the side of the T Car. Cyborg looked over to his right and saw a car driving next to them. A man with a gun was driving the car and firing at them. "What—Someone's shooting at us!"
"We have to lose him!" Dick shouted.
"How do we do that?"
"Follow me!" Dick said, taking the lead in front. Cyborg watched in confusion as he headed up an exit ramp of Gotham's hospital.
"Dick what are you doing?" he asked.
"Just trust me on this," he assured his friend as they sped up the parking ramp. Their pursuer followed them. They arrived on the rooftop. He skidded across the asphalt, tires squealing. He pulled to a stop at a dead end.
"What now? He's behind us and we have nowhere to go!"
"Dick what are you doing?" she asked. "We are trapped here!"
"No, we aren't," he replied as he pushed a button on the control panel.
An automated voice said, "Weapon Systems activated." He grabbed a hold of the control and Kory saw him disappear into a cockpit. "Weapons Systems armed."
Kory felt the Batmobile rock from the impact as the missiles detonated. He retracted the controls so he was once again in the driver's seat. "Hold on!" he ordered. "Titans follow me, use your nitro thrusters on the T Car."
In the other car, Cyborg whistled. "I gotta get me one of those!" Babs and Tim snickered from their seats. "Come on y'all, let's go! We got a thug to ditch."
"Since when did Bane hire thugs to do his dirty work?" Babs asked.
"Who knows?" Tim shrugged. "Maybe he figured we were coming."
Kory felt her stomach leap into her throat as Dick blasted across the parking lot roof onto another rooftop. She wondered if he had, as Earth dwellers said, "lost his head". She thought he would have some sense and stay on the ground.
"Dude, do you know what you're doing?" Beast Boy shouted into the communicator.
"Shut up, Beast Boy. Of course he knows what he's doing," Raven retorted.
"Now if we could get this guy off our butt," Babs muttered.
"I'm coming up with some ideas," Cyborg retorted.
"I already have one," Batman said into the Communicator. "Pull in front of me, I'll get rid of our assassin/mercenary tailing us."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Yes, don't bore me with questions Cyborg, just obey me! When you get passed all these roofs take I-18 to the intersection and turn at the first block on the right. Stay there, wait for me. I'll be there as fast as I can."
"Hear you loud and clear Batman," Cyborg said. "We're moving out."
Kory watched as the T Car pulled out in front of them, speeding across the rooftops, she watched her friends disappear. "Dick, you have, as Earth people say, 'lost your head!' How do we outrun him now?"
"What makes you think I'm trying to outrun him?" Batman asked.
"What are you talking about?" Kory asked.
"Don't worry, I have everything under control." Dick pushed the nitro button as the tank shot across another rooftop, smashing through a wall, he landed on the interstate; "There he is!" Dick muttered as he saw their pursuer as he sped onto the highway.
"He's smart, he made it here before I did," he turned and gave Kory a slight grin. "You ready to ditch him?'
"Yes, this is all rather tedious," Kory replied. "And flying across the top of roofs has made me sick to my stomachs."
Dick reached up and pushed on of the buttons on the control panel. "Look behind you."
As she did, she saw three pairs of sharps mace-like spikes shoot out onto the road. She caught a glimpse of the man's startled face as his tires hit the barb-spikes head on. She watches as the van flipped over and spun upside-down in the middle of the road.
"He won't be bothering us anymore. Now we need to meet up with the others." Dick drove the Batmobile to where Cyborg and the others were waiting for them.
"Anything happen while I was away?" he asked.
"No," he replied. "All's quiet, except for the traffic."
"Babs, have you gotten word on Bane's whereabouts? Has he moved yet?"
"No, he's still in Crane's old hideout," Babs replied. "We can't go near the place in the cars, that'll draw too much attention. We'll have to go in on foot."
"I thought so," Batman looked thoughtful. "We should split up and surround the place." There are seven of us. Tim, you come with Kory and I. Babs, you go with Raven, Beast Boy, and Cyborg.
"Okay," Cyborg said. How do we know he's actually in there?"
"Here," Batman tossed him something. "This is my optic cable. It gives you the ability to peek behind doorways without being seen."
"Nifty," Cyborg said, taking it from him.
"Uh, guys, we have a slight problem," Babs said. "Bane's got hired help this time. They're patrolling the outside."
"I see, I'm not worried about them."
"Why? Dude, they can shoot us down the moment they see us!"
"Have you forgotten who I am?" Batman asked, irritated. "I've been known to get into places more heavily guarded than this."
"Okay, okay, do you want us to go kick some butt or are you gonna handle this yourself?" Beast Boy asked.
"Just leave this to me," Batman said as he vanished from sight. He used his grapple gun to make his way onto another rooftop. He stealthily snuck across to the other side. He grabbed a Bat-a-Rang and launched it at one of the lights. It shattered the glass and the shuriken landed on the concrete.
The guards looked around in surprise and loaded their guns. "What was that?" one asked.
"It's the Batman! He's here!" another shouted, picking up the shuriken. Batman crept further back onto the roof as one of them fired his gun up into the darkness. The bullets missed him by a mile. He was hiding where they couldn't see him.
"I don't see him," the man said. "Do you think he can really fly?"
"You believe that nonsense? It's just some urban legend mothers tell their children. That's all." They both turned around. One of the two guards walked away.
"He's right, he's just an urban legend that all, ah—!" Batman swooped down on him and took him to the roof, using his grapple gun to hoist him up. On the roof, Batman slammed an elbow into the back of the man's head, knocking him senseless.
The other man whirled around, looking for his companion. All he saw was the man's gun. His partner had vanished into thin air!
"He's good," Beast Boy muttered. "How come he doesn't do this stuff with us in Jump City?"
"Well Beast Boy, if you haven't observed, this costume stand out like a painted target," Robin retorted. "You expect Dick to go sneak up on people when he's dressed like this?'
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that," Beast Boy said as they continued to watch. They watched as ten guards came running up and took their posts. "Okay…we have a problem."
"How's he gonna take down ten guys by himself?" Cyborg asked. "Do you think we need to help?"
"Let's just watch and see," Batgirl said. They saw Batman on the roof. He once again removed the RF transponder from the bottom of his shoe and pushed the button.
"I love this trick," Robin chuckled.
"It's too bad Bruce concentrated on beating them to a pulp instead of scaring them so much. It's fun to see the bats swarm people," Batgirl quipped.
"I thought the Batman scared people as it is," Starfire whispered.
"Oh he scares people alright," Batgirl assured her. "Don't doubt that for a second. "But like I said he doesn't use the RF transponder often, he usually drops in on people and scares the heck out of 'em."
The guards began to look around as something caught their attention. "Hey do you hear that?" one asked.
Another looked up and stared in terror. "What the—" His words were cut off as an enormous swarm of bats descended on them. The ten men began screaming, they dropped their weapons and began swatting at the creatures.
The others watches as the Batman swooped down into their midst, cape billowing in the wind, he landed on his feet executing a spin kick, knocking one of the guards off his feet. He punched another man in the face and blocked a blow.
He moved so fast he was a dark blur to the rest of the Titans. His movements were quick and precise. He smashed his elbow into the back of a man's had a finished him off with a punch.
He stepped over the unconscious men and nodded at his friends. He gave them the signal to follow him inside. The others made their way towards the door. "Dude, that was awesome!"
"Thanks," Batman replied. "Let's go, we don't have much time." They headed inside and made their way down a long hallway. They stopped outside a large doorway and Batman used his optic cable to peek into the next room. "He's in there, alright. Now I just have to come up with a strategy to beat him."
"Can I see?" Beast Boy asked.
"Knock yourself out," Batman muttered and handed him the optic cable.
"Dude, that's Bane?" Beast Boy asked, staring. "He's huge!" He handed it to Cyborg, who peeked in as well.
"It looks like he's on overblown steroids," Cyborg whispered. "How did he get muscles that big?"
"He's muscles are fueled with Venom, see the pumps on the sides of his arm? That's what gives him his power."
"How do you manage to fight someone of that size?" Starfire asked.
"Usually we have the Batbot, but unfortunately, it's disassembled at the moment."
"So genius, do you have a plan?" Robin asked.
"You guys storm the room when I drop in from above." Robin nodded.
"Alright, we got your back," Cyborg said.
They watched and waited as Dick vanished from the room. Beast Boy morphed into a woolly mammoth and backed away from the door. Cyborg and Robin were ready to burst into the room. Bane was looking at something when he turned his head. He shrugged his shoulders and turned his attention back to what he was doing.
Suddenly, the glass above him shattered. Bane looked up in shock. He jumped back as Batman landed on the table. Crouching down, he looked at Bane, "It ends here, Bane!"
"I think not, Batman. I am the last villain you will ever face!" Bane powered up his Venom; Batman watched as he grew in size until he was a mass of muscles and strength. He winced; Bruce had to face this? He watched as the Titans burst into the room. Mouths all dropped open as they stared at the size of their opponent.
"Oh boy!" Beast Boy muttered. "Let's hope we all come out okay."
"Come on, he can't be harder than Cinderblock," Cyborg said.
"Who are these insignificant insects?" Bane asked.
"Titans, Go!" Robin ordered.
Batman leapt up and executed a spin kick. Bane dodged and smashed his fist onto Robin, who flew back across the room. He landed on his feet. Starfire flew up and unleashed a Starbolt aimed at Bane's head.
Batman threw himself at Bane, punching and kicking. Bane blocked them as he smashed his fist into his face. Batman struck him with an elbow as Bane staggered. Bane unexpectedly grabbed him and smashed Batman's body into the floor. He moved with incredible speed and charged into Robin who grabbed his Bo Staff and clobbered him with it like a baseball bat.
Bane grabbed Robin's staff and snapped it in half. Robin kicked him but it felt like he was hitting a brick wall. Bane grabbed his let and bent it at an angle. Robin let out a painful scream as he felt his leg break as Bane threw him into the wall.
Raven ran over to him. She had to get him back into the fight as soon as possible. She knelt down and began to chant, "Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos." She knew his leg wouldn't be completely healed, but she could reduce the injury to a mere fracture.
"Robin, are you alright?"
"My leg feels bad, but I think I'm okay."
Cyborg wrapped his arms around Bane's neck and tried to pull him back. Bane grabbed Cyborg's hands and slammed him into the floor. Cyborg activated his Sonic Cannon and fired it. The laser blast surprised Bane and he howled in pain.
Cyborg watched as Bane raised his fist and prepared to pound his face into the floor. Starfire flew up and grabbed his arm, and with superhuman strength, pulled it back. Bane screamed as Starfire unleashed her eye lasers. The beams shot into his back and he roared in agony.
Batman slammed his knee into Bane's chest and struck him across the face. His blows seemed useless. He felt the wind knocked out of him as Bane struck back. Raven used her powers to throw the mercenary across the room. He hit the wall and scrambled to his feet and charged into Batman.
Cyborg jumped in front of Bane and blocked his blow, grabbing his hands. The impact felt like a ton of bricks as Bane collided with him. He pushed back, trying to stop the hulking mass that was barreling towards his friend.
Batgirl hauled off a viscous punch at Bane, smashing her fist into him. Bane reached out and threw her across the room, hitting the wall hard, she was knocked unconscious.
Beast Boy transformed into a gorilla and grabbed Bane with both hands, swinging him around, he threw him into the wall. Starfire unleashed a flurry of Starbolts smashing into Bane. Roaring, he slammed his fist into Batman's shoulder, Dick felt a bone snap as he twisted away. He had a feeling he might be put out of commission if he didn't do something quickly.
Suddenly, an armored figure dropped down into the room. The Titans, along with Batman and Bane looked up. "Uh, dude who are you?" Beast Boy asked.
"Azrael," the voice said. Cyborg thought he knew the voice from somewhere but he couldn't place it. He leapt at Bane. He activated his flaming gauntlets and Dick saw the blades come out. He lashed out at Bane, caught off guard, the mercenary staggered back .
Filled with a sense of renewed hope, the Titans charged forward. Cyborg smashed his fist into Bane, startled, he flew back. Raven yanked him off his feet and threw him into charging green rhinoceros. Bane hit the floor, as Azrael sliced him with his gauntlets.
Azrael whipped out a flaming sword and stared at Bane. "You shall not escape me," he said in an emotionless voice. He raised it above his head, ready to bring it down. Bane ran to the gaping hole in the wall and brought his fist down on one of the supporting beams. They watched as a large crack weaved its way up the beam and into the ceiling. They quickly gathered next to Raven as she protected them with an energy shield. The roof collapsed and Bane made his escape.
Starfire walked over and helped a dazed Batgirl to her feet. She was rubbing her temples and looked dizzy.
As the debris cleared, Batman turned to their mysterious ally. "Who are you?" he demanded.
"People call me Azrael but since I know who you are Dick Grayson you can call me Jean Paul Valley."
"I saw you in the café!" Cyborg exclaimed.
"Indeed," he replied.
"How do you know my name?" Dick asked.
"From Bruce Wayne, he asked me to take your place as Batman after you left."
"Did he bother to tell you that he didn't consult me on finding a replacement?"
"No, why do you ask?"
"I should be the one asking you the questions," Dick glared at him. "Why did you come here in the first place? To gloat over the fact that you're replacing me and that Bruce is kicking me out of Wayne Manor again?"
"No, no, it's not like that at all! He didn't tell you about me?"
"No."
"I thought you two were close."
"That's none of your business!"
"I'm sorry, Dick. I know my arrival was…untimely, but I meant to talk to you about it very soon. I've been wanting to talk to you for weeks now."
"I know you're a good person, Jean Paul Valley, but that doesn't mean I trust you to replace me as Batman." Dick turned and began walking away. His friends stared at him. What was his problem?
"Fair enough," Jean replied and walked off without a word.
"Dude, what is your deal?" Beast Boy shouted. "That guy just saved our butts and you chewed him out for no reason!"
"I had every right to chew him out, Beast Boy! He's going to replace me!"
"Is that such a big deal?"
"Yes! Bruce asked me to be Batman. He never consulted me on finding a replacement. He just picked one. He didn't ask for my approval."
"Why would you need to approve?" Beast Boy asked. "Is it so bad that this guy wants to help?"
"You don't understand, you didn't have your replacement shoved in your face right after an argument with a stone cold, self righteous monster."
"Is that your view of your mentor, Dick?" Kory asked. "Is that what you really think of him as?"
"At the moment, yes!" Dick glared at her. "I don't want to discuss this now. We have to get back to the Batcave."
They headed back to the Batcave. Raven mended Dick's shoulder while Alfred set the bone on Tim's leg. Everyone else was busy reassembling the Batbot. Victor was putting it together. Dick thought he looked like a kid in a candy store. He seemed very happy working on the piece of machinery.
Alfred walked over to Dick. "I'm glad to see you're doing better, Sir," he said.
"My life would be a lot better if I didn't have to worry about him judging me all the time."
"If you're talking about Master Bruce, then I should say Master Dick that you shouldn't be too critical. Master Bruce is only finding you a replacement so you and your friends can go home soon."
"That's not why I'm mad, Alfred." Dick stared at the wall.
"Then why are you mad, Sir?"
"He didn't ask me."
"Didn't ask you. Didn't ask you what?"
"He didn't ask me about finding a replacement. I wanted to help him. I didn't want just anyone becoming Batman. I wanted it to be someone I knew I could trust to handle everything."
"I understand that, Sir, but you really must mend fences with Master Bruce before you leave. You have a little more than three weeks before Jean Paul dons the cape and cowl."
"I know, I know Alfred, but I don't know if I can."
"You will, Master Dick. You will. In the meantime, since nothing is really happening at the moment, might I suggest that you and your friends train a bit? Bane did a number on your friends."
"You're absolutely right, Alfred. You're absolutely right."
"Raven you're getting better,but you haven't got it just right. Begin again, please," Babs instructed. Raven assumed a fighting stance.
"Why do I have to learn martial arts again?" she asked.
"It's a lat resort, if your powers fail you for some reason."
"I see."
Babs swung at Raven. She ducked and grabbed a hold of her wrist and twisted it around her back. Babs suddenly flipped Raven over onto the training mat. "Always mind your surroundings."
"You're quite good at this."
"That's true," Babs chuckled. "Again. This time, make good use of your elbows."
Babs pulled Raven to her feet. She stood up, dusted herself off, and assumed her fighting stance.
Raven made the first move. She smashed her fist into Babs' face as she blocked the blow. Raven brought her elbow up and struck Babs hard as she turned with the blow and ducked down. Raven brought her knee up and smashed it into her stomach. Babs gasped and jumped back. Raven quickly spun around and kicked her. Babs flew back and hit the floor.
"You've improved. Very good," Babs congratulated.
"Thanks," Raven replied.
Suddenly the Batwave lit up and Captain Yin's face appeared on the screen. "Batman, Titans. We have a situation. It seems someone stole a pair of white albino tigers from the Gotham Zoo. They were special delivery from the orient."
"We'll be right down," Batman said.
"The culprit's gotta be Catwoman. Valuable Tigers stolen from the Gotham Zoo, definitely her M.O."
"Indeed, we have to go now," Batman jumped into the Batmobile. The Titans jumped into the T Car and Cyborg picked up the Communicator. "Dick, was it always like this when you were with Batman?"
"Basically. Come on, we got to go," Dick said.
The Titans headed down to the Gotham Zoo and quickly sprinted inside. They began looking around. "Where to?" Cyborg asked.
"The Tiger's cage. Let's look around. Maybe we can find something," Batgirl said.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Batman asked.
They headed deeper into the zoo, making their way towards the tiger cage. They arrived and began searching. Cyborg used his night vision to scan the area for intruders. He didn't find anything, he informed the others.
"Well, no sign of Catwoman. If she's been here before, she's long gone."
"And I know where to look," Batman said.
"You do?" Cyborg asked.
"I know who she is, Selina Kyle. She's an animal rights activist, and she's rather adamant about it too. She's also a jewel thief."
"How are we going to catch her without alerting her that we're coming?" Cyborg asked.
"We'll figure that out when we get there," Batman said.
They arrived at Selina Kyle's apartment, slipping in quietly. Beast Boy morphed into a bird and looked around. "Dude, she's not in there. I didn't see anyone."
"She's out, when she gets back we'll see what she did with those tigers," Batman said.
"So where do you think she is?" Beast Boy asked.
"I'm not sure, either she's out pilfering or soliciting money for animal rights causes."
"Oh, kinda hard to predict huh?"
"Basically, but I don't want to waste precious time running around Gotham. Unless, Captain Yin informs me of her whereabouts, we're staying put."
"I see," Raven frowned. "So you want to catch her when she comes home."
"How long are we going to be here?" Beast Boy asked.
"All night if necessary," Batman replied.
"I thought I heard something," Starfire whispered quietly. She pointed to a nearby rooftop and the others turned to look in that direction. They saw a figure move quickly through the shadows.
"It's her," Batman breathed.
Catwoman's whip snapped out and wrapped itself around the light post. As she swung herself across the roof Batman motioned for the others to find places to hide. The Titans scattered as Catwoman made her way onto the roof of her apartment. Walking towards a skylight, she removed a handful of shining jewels from her utility belt. "Not bad for a night's work," she commented.
"Indeed, Selina," Batman said, stepping from the shadows. "But I'm afraid you're going to the Gotham Penitentiary for awhile."
"Oh come on, Handsome, you can't be serious, after all the times I've helped you?" she looked at him, giving the adorable, innocent eyes of a kitten look. Batman tried not to roll his eyes at the sight of it. He knew how she played her games, her pretended innocence; all the ploys she used to weasel her way out of tight spots. .
He put his hand on his hips and frowned, "Sorry Selina, it's what I do."
"Always the sourpuss!" Catwoman growled and snapped her whip at him. He dodged back easily, avoiding the weapon. She charged forward and executed a quick kick.
He dodged the blow and struck her with lightening speed. She flipped back and brandished her whip. "Why must you spoil the fun?" she whined.
Batman watched as she attacked him relentlessly, trying to make an escape he knew would be impossible. He only had to look at his friends and give them a nod, and they would spring to his defense. He decided to wait however; he wanted information on the whereabouts of those two tigers she had apparently stolen from the Gotham Zoo.
"Where are you keeping the tigers?" he demanded.
"What makes you think I stole them?" Catwoman shot back.
"You're a thief, and an animal rights activists, particularly feline in nature."
"Like I said, always the sourpuss, you take all the fun out of everything!"
"This isn't a game, Selina. Where are they?"
"Nope, that would be telling," she said, before leaping off the roof, she looked at him, "And the last thing I'd want is to make this easy for you."
"Raven, now!" he ordered.
Raven used her powers to grab a hold of Catwoman. She struggled for a moment then flailed her whip in her direction. Losing her concentration, Raven released the thief from her dark aura and Catwoman made a run for the edge of the roof, preparing to leap off and disappear into the night.
Beast Boy leapt into her path, as a great green tiger. She halted and stared at him. "Easy big fellow, I like cats, so just move out of my way now, okay?" Beast Boy merely growled and stayed put where he was.
"You won't be going anywhere Selina, I've got you surrounded." Cyborg, Raven and Starfire stepped out from their hiding places, ready to attack. "Where are the tigers?"
"W—well, I can tell you one thing handsome, I don't have them."
"What do you mean you don't have them?" Batman demanded.
"Let me guess," Batgirl smirked. "Someone ripped them off you."
"Exactly kid, I always said you were smart," Catwoman nodded at Batgirl. "Honestly, I don't have then."
"If you don't, then who does?" Batman demanded.
"Two Face."
"Two Face? Why would Two Face want these tigers?" Batgirl asked before Batman could say anything.
"He stole them from me soon after I left the zoo."
"Have you forgotten about who obsession with the number two?" Batman asked.
"No, and I guess that's why he swiped them from me."
"Do you know where he is?" Batman asked.
"Maybe, but that doesn't mean I want to be help," Catwoman said. She turned away from him. "But doesn't mean I can't be helpful."
"Where is he then?"
"I'll tell you, on one condition," Selina began.
"What would that be?"
"Let me help you and maybe one day you'll help me."
"No promises."
"Fair enough. He's in the old Steam Tunnel on the east side of the city."
"You lead the way, but keep in mind, I'm watching you."
"You're worse than a nosy cat in a room full of catnip."
"Just lead the way Selina," Batman said as she took the lead. He was not looking forward to this confrontation with Two Face. In fact, the dread crept through his entire being, filling him with a deep sense of fear.
If there was one man whom Robin feared more than Slade, it was Two Face. He had never revealed his secret terror to his friends: Two Face had given him a severe beating in his early years as Robin; he would have killed him the Batman had not intervened and saved him. So he had many reasons to be afraid…