Time for chapter twelve and this is going very well. I'm glad for that and also saw "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice", which was a fun movie. Granted I know there have been negative reviews, but it was still good. We got Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman together, what's not to love about it?
Anyways, last time we saw Ahsoka meeting with Ventress to find out what she knows about the Joker. We also found out who Batgirl is, so there we go. As for Robin, don't worry there will be one. It just will take a while, so be patient.
Also got an announcement to make at the end of the story. So, any fans of my work please read it carefully and if you have any questions send them to me please on my PM here. If not then on Tumblr is fine either way. It involves my stories and I need some help with it.
I would appreciate it if you guys found the time to read it and all right, time for the disclaimer. I don't own anything from the DC or Star Wars universe just my OCs. Enjoy the third chapter everyone and I hope you like it. Also: Bold- means thoughts & Italic- will mean what an alien is saying in their native language. And now let's continue with the story.
Chapter XII
Coruscant
"I need information, about Black Mask and the Joker," said Ahsoka hoping Ventress has what she is looking for.
Some of the men near the two women overheard what Ahsoka said and begin taking off. Even the bartender heads to the back, not wanting to hear or be involved in whatever the two women are planning.
Ventress saw this and began to chuckle softly. "Careful, Tano. Those are two names you don't want to say around here, especially with what is going down."
"So you know about the assassins?" Ahsoka asked more curious on what is going on. "And what do you mean about what is going down? What do you know?"
Ventress finishes her drink and grabs a bottle from over the counter with the Force. "First of all, how do you know about the assassins? And secondly, why do you care?" she then began laughing a little. "What? You want in on the bounty?"
"Is that why you are here on Coruscant?" Ahsoka asked wondering if more assassins will be involved.
"As tempting as how much is on the line, I'm going to pass," Ventress replied as she pours some of the drink into her glass. "I don't want to do with anything those maniacs are up to, especially with this Joker guy involved."
"What do you know about him?" Ahsoka asked seeing this her chance to get some information about the Joker.
"First, answer my questions and then I'll answer yours," Ventress replied as she took a shot of her drink. "Well? I'm waiting."
Ahsoka sighed knowing she has to play along with this, but without revealing too much. "I heard one of the assassins went after my mas…Anakin and I want to know why. That answers your first two questions.
Ventress heard about the attack from the two nights ago and figured that's how the girl knew. "To answer your question, I have been hearing of some clown named the Joker has been appearing in the city causing trouble. Killing other criminals, mob bosses, and creating a reputation of being insane."
"I take it you've never met him?" Ahsoka asked.
Ventress nods in response. "I don't like hanging out with the crazy ones. I had enough of that for one life-time. So now, here is my question. How did you know about the Clown and Black Mask being involved?" she asked doubting the girl went back to her friends.
Ahsoka again lied without revealing too much. "I have some new friends of my own who found out about them. I just wanted to know what they are planning and if it involves Anakin."
Ventress could sense the girl was hiding something, but she figures the less she knows the better. "I don't know if it involves your friend, but I do know something big is going down soon. That's why there's less competition here. They all know whatever is going to happen is going to affect everyone. I only came by to see if I could get involved, but from what I have seen I decided I will be leaving a well."
"Wow, so whatever this Joker and Black Mask guys are up to must have you pretty scared," said Ahsoka sounding like she was mocking Ventress a little.
Ventress puts the bottle down and begins laughing. "I'm not scared, child. I just don't want to be around when all hell breaks loose. And besides from what I heard it's more of the clown we need to worry about. Black Mask, is old news."
"What do you mean?" Ahsoka asked when the doors opened and in came five men all wearing black masks.
"Listen up! We're here looking for any new recruits to join us for a little raid at the bank tonight," said the tallest of the masked men. "So you either join up or get the hell out of here."
One of the men noticed the two women and approaches them. "Hey ladies, you can join us too. Not to get involved in our bosses' plan, but to be waiting for us when we come back for a little fun time. What do you say?" he asked as he moves his hand up towards Ahsoka.
Before she could react, Ventress activates her lightsaber and cuts off the man' hand and then uses the Force to knock him away. The other men saw this and take out their weapons, but Ahsoka turns around and uses the Force to knock them all towards the wall. Ventress jumps at them and slices the weapons off before moving her lightsaber near the leader's face. She cuts through the mask and sees the look of fear in the man's face.
Ahsoka meanwhile sees the new lightsaber Ventress has and sees her deactivate her weapon. "Sorry, we're not interested," Ventress replied before she begins walking out the door.
Ahsoka begins following her, while making sure they aren't followed. "You spared them?"
"They aren't worth it and besides if I killed them then I will have to deal with their boss," Ventress replied as they walk towards her speeder. "Which reminds me. I think it's time for me to make my leave. Is there anything else?"
Ahsoka nods in response. "I need to know what is going down. If my friends are in danger I need to know."
Ventress sighed in annoyance. "Trust me, whatever is going down you don't want to know. In fact, why don't you join me? I could always use a sidekick to assist me with some job. After all it seems you and I work well together, despite how I feel about it."
Ahsoka gave a small smile towards her former rival. "I'm sorry, but I'm already working with someone, but thanks for the offer."
"Suit yourself," Ventress lets out another sigh and decided to give her some more information. "I do know Black Mask owns the factories outside the city. Maybe you'll find some clue there on what is going on before things go bad."
Ahsoka's smile grew a little more. "Thank you, Ventress and also I wanted to say…I'm sorry. I thought you were the one that framed me and that's why Anakin went after you. But thank you for helping prove I was innocent. I owe you."
Ventress lets out a small laugh. "Don't worry about it and next time you see your friend, tell him to control his temper."
Ahsoka knew that as true. "I will and if you ever need help you know where to find it."
Ventress lets out a small laugh. "Trust me, that won't happen…but thanks for the offer."
Ventress soon took off, while Ahsoka looked on, actually happy to see her again. It is true they don't like each other, but she has come to respect her. She helped her when she got framed and owes her for it. She just hopes whatever Abigail is working on will help make them even.
Senate
Meanwhile Master Kenobi, Master Windu, and Master Luminara are in the office of the Chancellor showing him the information they retrieved from Oswald Cobblepot's computer. They found more information from it than what they found in his hideout. It shows the names of all those he has made business deals with and numbers to accounts that hold millions of money in each one. They also found the locations of where he keeps the weapons he sells to the black market.
One of them it turns out were crates of Nano-Droids. The same ones they found in the warehouse, when they assumed Ahsoka Tano was guilty. They tried asking Barriss Offee about where she got the droids, but she never gave up a name. Now they know where she got it, since her name appears on the list.
"Hard to imagine someone who had such a bright future, end up becoming a criminal," said the Chancellor who sounds disappointed in Cobblepot.
"I take it you met him before?" Master Luminara asked.
The Chancellor nods in response. "I knew his parents and met him long ago before he disappeared. It is a shame the path he took and how much harm he has caused. Has he said anything?"
"Yes, get him a lawyer," Master Windu replied. "He is currently in lockup, but the evidence we have on him is strong. So strong he will likely make a deal with us."
"I doubt he can offer us anything since we have all we need," the Chancellor replied before looking back at the list of names. "At least we can mark off how Barriss Offee got her hands on those Nano-Droids. Another one who had such a bright future, only to throw it away. Oh, I apologize, Master Luminara."
Master Luminara shook her head in response. "No need to apologize, Chancellor. I know what she has done and how much harm she has done."
"Chancellor, perhaps we should attempt to make an offer to Cobblepot, especially if it's to find out what he knows about these assassins," said Obi Wan.
"What makes you think there will be more assassins?' the Chancellor asked.
"From the information we found, they are more and are hired to hunt down the Batman," Obi Wan explained showing the images of several of the assassins. "So far, we have in our custody, Killer Croc and now recently, Slade Wilson. However, from what we found there are still more out there and were all hired by Black Mask."
"They were hired to hunt down the Batman and try killing him," Master Windu continued explaining for Obi Wan. "If these other assassins make their move they might put innocent people in the way to lure the Batman out."
"And what would you suggest I do? Assist the Batman?" the Chancellor asked. "May I remind you these assassins wouldn't be here if the Batman didn't break the law? He is a criminal like them and like these criminals we will find them, and arrest them."
"These assassins aren't like any of the ones we've dealt with before," Master Luminara replied. "They are the elite and have even held their own against Jedi Masters. We are not suggesting we assist the Batman, but what we are saying is we may need to consider requiring some assistance."
"Our force have stretched thin across the galaxy and we do not have the manpower to look for these criminals on Coruscant," Master Windu then decided to give the Chancellor the Council's suggestion. "Gaining assistance from the Batman might help us find these criminals and bring them in before things go bad."
The Chancellor knew the Batman could hold his own, especially how he even defeated Slade Wilson. However, he had no interest in helping him, especially how he might get in his way.
"I will take it under consideration. For now though, if the Batman is found, he will be arrested."
Nighttime
Later that night, in the upper part of the city lies, the Coruscant bank. This is where many of the upper class keep their money. It is rumored that it also holds the money of many powerful criminal bosses. One of them, includes Black Mask, who owns the bank.
Batman is seen using his binoculars to see if there is any sign of any of Black Mask's men or the Joker. So far, nothing. Everything seems quiet and there doesn't appear to be any signs of trouble. However, he knew whoever kidnapped Black Mask will be making their move, soon.
He spots Batgirl gliding towards him and lands nearby. "I looked around, but it doesn't look like any of Black Mask's men are here."
"What about the security force the Republic assigned to keep an eye on the bank?" Batman asked.
"The gunships are here, but here's the strange thing. I had Abigail hack into their comlinks to listen in and there hasn't been any activity," she replied sensing something is up. "I sense a disturbance."
Batman knew something was up as well. "Anything on security footage from the bank?"
Batgirl shook her head in response. "They're offline, but still there's no way any of Black Mask's men or this Joker guy got into the bank without us noticing, right?"
Batman knew that was true. They have been around the bank since it closed and haven't seen any vehicles around, unless. "Unless there's another way into the bank," he begins contacting his sister. "Oracle, is there any other way into the bank? One that the Republic doesn't know?"
"Hold on, let me check," Oracle replied as she begins going over the schematics, even the old ones for the bank. "Crap, there is. How did I miss it? There's a hidden tunnel underground that leads up to the bank. Sionis must have found it to go into his bank and come out without being seen."
"Send me the map to it and I'll find it," Batman replied before turning towards Batgirl. "Try to find a way in from on top and be careful."
Batgirl nods as she takes out her grappling hook and takes off, while Batman heads to the location where to find the underground tunnel. He finds the secret entrance to it and uses his cowl vision to see in the dark. As he makes his way down the darkness, he could see some heat coming nearby. As he gets to the source of the heat he finds several vehicles, all parked and looks like they just got here.
He touches the hood of the vehicle feeling it to be warm. "It doesn't look like it has been here long," he looks over to find an elevator shaft. Taking it he makes his way up as a door opened to reveal to be an office room. "Looks like I'm in Sionis's office. I was right about him keeping this secret entrance close."
He walks over to the door and using his cowl vision he spots dead bodies around the bank. "Bodies everywhere. The Joker may still be here – in the vault. I should use caution."
As he exits the room he sees many of the bodies are wearing black masks on their faces indicating they are all working for Black Mask. Looking up he sees Batgirl has entered the room and he motions for her to join him.
She glides down and sees the dead bodies. "Oh my…what happened here? Did a fight break out?"
"Looks like it," Batman replied as he spots the bodies of the Clone soldiers. "It looks like they were here, but got ambushed."
Batgirl walks over to one clone and noticed something off. The helmet didn't go all the way down, meaning someone removed it and didn't put the helmet back on properly. So she carefully removes it and gasps when she sees the Clone's face. His eyes are opened wide, with a creepy smile that looks frozen, his face looking pale, and the lips are red.
Batman sees this and moves Batgirl away as he checks on the body. "What did this?" he asked himself as he contacts his sister. "Oracle, you seeing this?"
"I'm seeing it and I'm regretting seeing it," said Oracle who is shocked to see the Clone's face, while Alfred who is with her is shocked himself.
"What in the galaxy did this?"
"Not sure," Batman took out a syringe and injects it into the Clone to get a blood sample. "He might have been poisoned by something. Whatever it is, can you two analyze it?"
"We'll try and be careful you two," said Oracle who receives the sample.
"Master Wayne, I think you should contact the Jedi for some backup," Alfred insisted fearing for the safety of Daniel and Ahsoka. "Whatever is going on might be too dangerous for the two of you."
"We'll be fine," Batman replied as he turns towards the door and uses his thermal vision to see what is beyond it. "Several armed men and two hostages. The doors are locked and if we open it there is a chance they will kill the hostages."
"Any suggestions?" Batgirl asked.
Abigail begins showing a vent that is near the room. "If you go through this, then you'll be able get in without being seen."
Batman looks up to see the vent and uses his batclaw to get it open. "Batgirl, stay here and keep an eye out. I'm going in."
"Wait, I should go with you," Batgirl insisted.
"No, I need you here to get the door opened. I'll distract the armed men and you try getting the door opened without them noticing," Batman explained not also wanting to risk her getting hurt.
Batgirl knows he is trying to keep her safe and was going to protest. That was until she looked inside the vault room and realized they have to play it smart. If Black Mask or the Joker are in there they have to be careful. They can't risk anyone getting hurt.
"All right, but be careful," she replied as she goes to the door to get it open, while Batman sneaks into the vent.
He makes his way down into the vent and followed the path where it takes him into an empty room, which is over the vault. He uses the explosive gel to be placed on the ground, which is breakable. He uses it taking down two of the armed men, while the other four aim their weapons at him. Batman looks over and sees Black Mask standing across from him, with a hostage being held by one of his men.
"Think you can just waltz on into my bank, huh?" said Black Mask.
"Roman, I'm here for the Joker," Batman replied.
"The Joker? Never heard of him," Roman replied before going towards the woman and presses his gun to her face. How 'bout you, doll? Know the Joker?"
"The who?" the woman asked still laughing softly.
Two of Black Mask's henchmen bring over another hostage with a sack over his head as Black Mask approaches the hostage and removes the bag. "And you, sir? Name Joker ring a bell?" it is revealed the second hostage is Roman Sionis himself, with a duct tape over his mouth.
The fake Black Mask removes the tape allowing Roman to speak. "You son of a bitch! You think you can steal from me and get away with it? You're a dead man! Dead!"
The fake Black Mask looks up for a moment, before taking the gun and begins hitting Roman with it. "Can't…you just…play…along!?"
As the fake Black Mask attacks Roman, the woman begins laughing some more, while all Batman could do is watch. Once the attack was finished two of the thugs grab Roman and drag him into the back of the vehicle where the money is being placed. The fake Black Mask walks over and begins removing his mask. He turns around and reveals to be the Joker.
"It's been you this whole time – you hired the assassins. You've been running Sionis' operation," said Batman realizing the one behind everything has been the Joker.
"Well, technically, it's 'my' operation now. Isn't that right boys?" the Joker asked as his men remove the black masks and replace them with a clown mask.
"You've got me, now let her go," said Batman as the woman's face and lips begin changing like the Clone's face.
"Oh life would be so simple if you were all I wanted," said Joker as he grabs the woman. "No – you're just a teeny little distraction – compared to what I've got up my sleeve."
He begins opening fire hitting Batman in the shoulder and twice in the gut. Thanks to the armor he is wearing it didn't go through, but he could still feel it. Batgirl gets the door opened and uses her Batarangs to knock away the Joker and his men's weapons.
"Here! Have a laugh on me," said Joker as he tosses the woman to Batman and Batgirl, while he boards the vehicle. "You hear that? Sounds like eight tiny Tauntaun."
Batman grabs the woman and Batgirl, and jump out of the room before the Joker detonates the bomb he had placed in the vault. They managed to escape, but once Batman began regaining consciousness he sees that the woman has stopped breathing. He checks her pulse, but also noticed the horrible frozen smile on her face.
Batgirl begins to recover as well and sees the woman's smile. "I-is she?"
Batman nods in response. "She's dead.
There we go with the end of the chapter. Hope everyone liked the arrival of the Joker and yeah it is like from the game, only no reindeers. Also, hope everyone likes the bonding with Ventress and Ahsoka. They are good friends huh?
I also decided on something important. Due to the many stories I have going on I need to make a decision on trying to get them all out. I am going to open a poll and going to leave it open for two weeks. The poll will be to determine which stories you guys want me to focus on the most. That way I can focus on just those stories and then finish them up.
That way when I am done with them I can get to work on the other ones. I also might be doing my sequels on Tumblr, if I can get it right. Maybe, still planning that out. Anyways, the poll will be open before this month is over and then you will have two weeks to go vote. So when the polls are closed then the stories you all wanted me to work on I will focus on finishing them up.
My HISHE, no that won't count. It's just for fun and will be up from time to time so not all the time. Anyways, thanks guys so much for the support and to my friend for his help I appreciate it. I couldn't have gotten this far without you all. If you all like how this chapter went please leave some reviews, but remember if you didn't like this then don't leave a flame review. Take care everyone, be safe, and see you all next time.