Chapter 23 is here folks and I hope everyone will like this. Last time we saw Ahsoka and Tatsu/Katana getting some help from Robin who made his debut into the story to help them. Who is Robin though? Is he someone from the SW universe or an OC?
Also, we saw what happened Batman arriving to fight Firefly and his men. Will he stop the bombs? Will we see him meeting up with Obi Wan? And how will that go?
Check out the chapter to find out and thanks everyone for the support for the last chapter. I appreciate it guys and hope you all like this chapter. I don't own anything from the DC or Star Wars universe just my OCs. 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 XXIII
Coruscant
Batman made his way to the next building, which is the business building where they help build new homes, other businesses, and funds the hospital for the lower class. It is also a partner of his family's company. He knew the place inside and out and had an idea where the hostages are kept. In the parking garage.
He figured if Firefly wanted to kill the hostages and also take out any Clones that try getting inside he would do it in the parking garage. Setting up explosives around the pillars in the garage and having them blow up. Once that happens the building will begin to collapse. It was a mistake the architect made during construction, but they left it like that due to the budget.
"Sir, I just heard that Master Kenobi and his men are trying to sneak in from the back. Where are you?" Alfred replied as he continued monitoring the situation.
"I'm sneaking in through the second level of the building," Batman replied as he cuts through the glass using his wrist blades and looks around using his cowl vision to make sure no bad guys are around. "I'll use the elevator shaft to sneak down to the parking garage to find the hostages."
"Sir, I suggest you be careful," said Alfred as he found the elevators have been cut down. "Most likely they'll have some traps set up in case anyone tries to enter in the parking garage."
"I know," Batman continues making his way to the elevator, until he sees through his cowl vision going up the stairs. He finds a hiding spot and sees it's some Clones.
"General Kenobi, this area looks clear," said one of the Clones as the Jedi Master came up behind them. "What do you want us to do sir?"
"Quietly go to each room and find the hostages. If you come across the criminals, use the stun-rays to knock them out," Master Kenobi replied not wanting to risk the criminals to know they are here.
"Yes sir," said the Clones in unison as they began going down the hallway.
Once they were gone Batman wanted to leave, but he noticed Obi Wan stayed behind. He was near the elevator and began contacting the Jedi. He knew he would have to find another way down and was prepare to prepare to leave, when he noticed something. One of Firefly's men appearing from a room, quietly.
He aimed his blaster at the Jedi and prepared to fire. Batman knew if he made a move the Jedi would see him. Still, he had to help him. So, he took out a Batarang and tossed it hitting the bad guy in the head.
Obi Wan heard this and sees the bad guy. Before he can open fire he uses the Force and knocks him into the room he came in from. He approaches the criminal and sees he is knocked down. He sensed something behind him and turns on his lightsaber as he sees who it is.
"The Batman," he said under his breath surprised that he is finally face-to-face with the Batman himself. "Don't move!" he ordered reminding himself that the Jedi are looking for him.
Batman knew he should have left the room, but figured he could have gone through the elevator before the Jedi noticed him. However, he turned to him and spoke calmly.
"How far have your men gotten into the building?"
Obi Wan seemed confused by his question, but did not give him what he asked. "Why do you want to know?"
"I need to know where they are at so Firefly doesn't know," said Batman hoping he will gain his trust a little so he has an idea where they are at.
Obi Wan could sense he seems to know something important. "Only a few have entered in the first floor. We are planning to take each floor till we find the hostages."
"Don't bother. They're in the parking garage," Batman replied figuring he can trust Obi Wan with this information. "But don't send your men down there. Firefly has that place rigged with explosives."
"How do you know?" Obi Wan asked wondering how Batman knows this.
"The first building, the market. I found the people had explosives on them. Chances are he also has the people strapped with bombs as well," Batman begins pressing some buttons on his wrist gauntlet and shows a holographic map of the building. "If he has them strapped to these parts in the parking garage, chances are he can take the whole building down. That means taking down your men as well."
Obi Wan had heard how Firefly enjoys blowing things up and is a pyro. So, if he is telling the truth then this is all a trap.
He suddenly begins receiving a message from one of his men. "What is it, Cut?"
"Sir, we're in position in one of the offices where we think we see some of the hostages. Awaiting your orders," the Clone, Cut replied through the com-link.
"No! Keep them back. It's a trap," said Batman knowing it's a trap.
Obi Wan could sense he is right and tries to stop his men, when he hears a loud explosion that shook the floor they are in. "Cut! Cut are you there?"
He hears a response, but is more of a laughter and it didn't sound like one of his men. "General Kenobi. I told you – the ONLY person I want setting foot in any of these buildings is the Batman. Test me again…and things will not go well for your Clones like…Cut was it?"
Obi Wan turns off his com-link and realized that Firefly somehow hacked into it. He turns to Batman and knew he might be able to help him. "He says he wants you, but I assume you are not going to fight him yet."
"No, not yet," Batman replied as he opens the elevator door. "I need to free the hostages and remove the bombs. You and your men try keeping his men busy. Once I get rid of the bombs, I'm going to bring in Firefly. Just don't send anyone else anywhere else until I tell you it's safe."
Obi Wan nods as he hears some footsteps coming down the hallway. "You better get going then," he replied as he activates his lightsaber. "Who are you by the way?"
Batman turns to him and didn't say anything as he jumps down. Obi Wan sighed as for some reason the Batman reminded him of his former student.
"I think Anakin and him would get along well."
Meanwhile, Batman glides down to the parking garage level where he finds the door is rigged to explode if anyone tries to open it. Luckily for him there is a vent nearby and goes inside. He makes his way towards where the hostages are at. He leaves the vent and hides behind a vehicle to assess the situation.
He sees there are ten men, all armed and one holding a radio. He looks over to find the hostages against the six columns, all chained, and all with explosives attached to the columns above the people. He knew if he wanted to get to them he needed to first jam the signal to keep the bombs from detonating from Firefly. Using his Cryptographic he manages to hack the signal and block it.
The problem though is he needs to take out the criminals now without them noticing. Looking up he sees the lights and gets an idea. "Alfred, see if you can hack into the building's power system and shut down the lights on my signal."
Alfred, using the security cameras inside the building sees the hostages in the parking garage and gets the idea of what Batman wants to do. "Understood sir," he replied as he begins working on shutting down the power.
Batman waits for the lights to go out as he begins takes out his Remote Electric Charge gun. He also took out a device to help shield and protect the hostages. He slides the devices near the hostages and prepares to activate them. A few minutes later the lights go out causing the men to panic.
He activates the shield and takes out his Electric Charge Gun and uses it. It hits five of the men causing them to open fire. They hit their partners, wounding them, but not fatally. Batman runs up at them, jumps over, and grabs two of the men by the head knocking them to the ground.
He turns to three other men and knocks them down. He grabs their weapons and tosses them away as he begins freeing the people from the chains. "Stay here until the Clones come find you. Also call for some medics for these men," he said to one of the hostages.
"W-who are you?" the female hostage asked.
No response came as the lights came back and they see no one is there. They see the wounded bad guys just as the Clones came into the room and they go to tell them what happened.
Senate Building
Master Windu had his men continue inspecting the building to make sure none of Bane's men are around and didn't leave anything behind. They also worked on keeping the senators safe. Some left to stay at their homes, while the rest stayed until they find out what is going on. They heard the Chancellor was killed by the Joker and were worried about what is going to happen now.
They knew they had to figure out what they had to do soon since they were still at war against the Separatist. The fighting is still going on, but without their leader, they had to figure out what they could do. Senator Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, Riyo Chuchi, and Lux Bonteri, are in an office to discuss about this issue. They waited for Padme Amidala and Lux Bonteri to show up for the meeting so they can discuss about what to do.
Master Windu decided to let them speak alone about this, but had some Clones stay nearby to be on guard. His focus was more on restoring security in the senate and making sure everyone stays safe.
He sees Master Shaak Ti arriving and approaches her. "Master Shaak Ti, when did you return?"
"A few minutes ago," she replied as she motions for her Clones to leave. "I brought some reinforcements to help secure the planet's defenses. I trust everything is well here?"
"So far," Master Windu replied as the two Jedi begin walking down the hallway. "However, the problem we are dealing with right now is about the loss in leadership for the Republic."
Master Shaak Ti understood the problem and looks around to see some of the senators talking about what is going on. She knew that they would need a new Chancellor to represent the Republic, but now talk about who it should be and should they be given the same amount of power as Palpatine began to spread.
This made the Council feel uneasy, especially after finding out the truth about the former Chancellor. They knew if anyone takes over there should be some limits in their power. They would also need to remove the chips from the brains of the Clones. To make sure the order that they have is not activated.
They are unsure if only Palpatine can give the order or if anyone who is in charge can activate them. "Does the Council plan to let the senators know the truth?"
Master Windu sighed as he shook his head in response. "The Council has decided not to, but will leave the decision up to the senators that we've told. They are currently speaking to the others about this and what they should do. Although, we did inform them of what might happen if the news is told. If word got out about this, there is a good chance the people will turn on us."
Master Shaak Ti feared the same result as well. "Much of the people have lost hope in the Jedi Order and have seen us as the enemy. I fear if they knew the truth then they will turn on us and we will lose their trust."
Master Windu knew she was right, especially after what happened with Krell and what happened with Barriss. So many people have demanded the Jedi to turn away from the war and stay out of it. He knew some of the Council felt they should stay out of the war, while the rest feel it is their duty to help restore balance in the Force. After what happened though, perhaps it is time to decide what to do.
Their attention turned to the arrival of Senator Amidala and her friends. One of them they recognized as Ahsoka, who is wearing a cloak and hood to cover her appearance. Though, the two Jedi Masters could see who she is. Despite her best attempt, but they focused on the senator and her friend, Abigail.
"Senator Amidala, welcome back. We were wondering when you would get here," Master Shaak Ti greeted the women.
"I know and I apologize for being a little late. But we ran into some trouble," said Padme who after arriving was told from a friend about the meeting her friends were having.
"What happened?" Master Windu asked.
"I'm afraid I have to get going, but Ms. Wayne will explain everything," said Padme as she needed to take off for the meeting. She gives a small bow to the two Jedi and left with Katana following her.
The two Jedi turn to Abigail, but focused their attention on Ahsoka. "It's been a while, Pada…Ahsoka," Master Shaak Ti quickly corrected herself remembering she is no longer a Padawan.
"It has, Master Shaak Ti and Master Windu," Ahsoka replied, but felt a little nervous speaking to the two Jedi Masters. "I um heard what happened at the temple. Is everyone all right? Is my mas…is Master Skywalker all right?"
Master Windu nods in response. "He is and everything is all right. We're surprise to see you here though, Ahsoka. What brings you back?"
"She's with me," Abigail replied wanting to help Ahsoka out. "She helped me against some criminals a few months ago and I offered her a job. She has been a great help and I'm glad she came with us to fight off against those criminals that attacked us."
"Is that right?" Master Shaak Ti asked surprised to hear Ahsoka working for the Wayne Family. "Well, I'm glad to hear she was able to help and that you are all right. What happened though? Were they working for the assassins?"
Ahsoka nods in response, while also mentally thanking Abigail for helping her out. "They were working for the one called, Bane. We believe they intended to kidnap the senator and Ms. Wayne for profit. However, Captain Rex arrived to help us, while I helped get the senator and Ms. Wayne out to bring them here. I was hoping if you would be able to let me know if Rex and his men are all right."
Master Windu motions for one of his Clones to come over, while Master Shaak Ti speaks to Ahsoka. "I am sure they are all right. We'll let you know anything when we find out and it is good to see you again, Ahsoka."
"Me too, Master Shaak Ti," said Ahsoka who was a little happy to see the older Togruta Jedi again.
"All right, well we need to go check on my friend and make sure she is all right. We'll see you both later," said Abigail as she grabs Ahsoka's hand and they leave the two Jedi.
Master Shaak Ti watches as Ahsoka leaves and couldn't help but feel a little sadden. When they were told Ahsoka became a criminal they all believed it and never gave it a second thought. It was something she regretted, especially from someone who deep down she knew was loyal to the Jedi and was good. After finding out the truth and learning she left it was a decision she regrets every day.
She was glad to see her again, but felt she should have said more. An apology so that she knows they do regret their actions.
Master Windu finished speaking to the Clone and relayed the message to Shaak Ti. "Captain Rex and his men were picked up after apprehending Bane's men. We also got word that the Batman was sighted at the downtown district. It appears Firefly has set up some explosives around the buildings there. We need to inspect the entire building and in the temple to make sure no bombs were placed in them."
Master Shaak Ti nods in response knowing this is a problem. "I'll have my men help inspect the area. Perhaps we can ask Ms. Wayne to see if she can lend us any tools to detect these bombs faster."
Master Windu agreed with the idea. "Go talk to her then, while I go look for the bombs."
"Very good, but what about the Batman?" Master Shaak Ti asked recalling overhearing how he has been sighted where Obi Wan is at.
Master Windu knew the Batman is who the assassins are after, but their focus should be on the city. "We'll worry about him later. Right now, we need to protect the people."
Downtown District
Batman left the roof of the building and heads to the roof of the hospital. He defused two of the bombs and now needs to focus on the last one. The Clones managed to push back the henchmen of Firefly and seem to be waiting to make their move to go inside. However, he needed to stop the last bomb before Firefly finds out.
However, as he glides up to the roof, he sees some turrets opening fire on him. He gets hit and begins falling to the ground. He uses his wrist blades as he jabs against the wall and it helps slow down his descent. He pushes off and crashes into a hood of the trunk, denting it.
Batman looks at where he got shot and sees that his armor saved his life. However, he still felt some pain from the shot and from crashing on the vehicle. He begins pushing himself out as much as he can as he sees the turrets opening fire again on some gunships that tried to go near the roof.
"Sir! Are you all right?" Alfred asked worried for Daniel.
Batman coughed loudly as he got back on his feet. "I'm fine, Alfred. I'm going to need to find a new way inside."
"I suggest you try going through the first level and use the elevator to make it to the top," Alfred suggested as he looks at the map and the security footage.
"Got it," said Batman as he breaks down the door that leads him to the loading docks. "No guards around. It looks like their focus on where the Clones are at."
"Indeed and it looks like they have more weapons set up there as well," Alfred then noticed something else that he didn't see before. "Sir, it looks like the elevator shafts have been destroyed. I supposed they wanted to make sure none of the Clones could use it or even you."
Batman knew this was a problem, but then notices an elevator door nearby. "Not all of them," he opens the door and sees the elevator is intact. "The employees use this to get the clothes down without going through the ones the people use. Firefly's men probably didn't notice this."
"But it won't go all the way to the roof. It will stop one floor before the top," Alfred replied as he looks at the security footage some more. "It also looks like Firefly set up the bombs on the ceilings above the hostages in each floor. That way when one blows up it will cause the people on that floor to fall to the next, then he can activate the next one, and those people will fall."
"And so on and so forth," Batman got the idea and knew he didn't have time to deactivate each one. "Alfred, send the information to Kenobi and the Clones. Maybe they can deactivate the bombs, while I get to Firefly."
He knew it wouldn't be long before Firefly would get impatient and might kill some of the hostages to get to him. At least this way, he has someone to help him out, and he can keep the maniac busy by using himself as bait.
"Understood and sir be careful," said Alfred.
Batman makes his up to the last floor. Opening the door he sees on turret that is facing the stairwell along with five guards. Taking out a small device he slides it to the men and closes the door. After a few seconds he hears some loud thuds and a loud explosion.
Opening the door again he finds the men are knocked out and the turret is destroyed. He carefully checks the rooms to find some of the sick, who are in a coma, or are sedated. Spotting the bombs he tries deactivating them to make sure they are not used while he fights Firefly. Once they are deactivated, he goes to the roof.
However, he goes through the vent so he doesn't go through the door. After he makes his way to the top he uses his Cryptographic to take them out. Breaking out of the vent he doesn't see anything or anyone around. Suddenly several rockets are shot towards the turrets destroying them.
Fire began surrounding the roof as he hears a loud laughter coming towards him. Looking up he sees Firefly hovering over the flames.
"How do you want to die? The quick…incinerating flash of EXPLOSION? Or…a nice SLOW BURN?"
He uses his flamethrower as it fires at him. Batman jumps out of the way as he sees Firefly holding the detonator.
"The Joker's behind bars. There's no more prize money. You can give up now or I can make you surrender. Your choice," said Batman as he wanted to get this over with before anyone gets hurt.
"Ha! Even if he's behind bars, I don't care. Just the thought of doing what none of those other losers could do will be enough for me," said Firefly as he continued to laugh.
Batman had to get rid of that detonator before he can fight him. So, using his Batclaw weapon he fires it and it wraps around Firefly's arm where he has the detonator. He tries to pull him down, but Firefly ends up flying them both off as Batman holds on. Firefly slams him into the side of the building a few times and goes to do it again.
However, Batman plants his feet against the wall preventing Firefly from flying them off. Firefly moves his hand up as he goes to use his flamethrower at him, but Batman throws his Batarang at his hand knocking off the detonator to the roof on the next building.
Batman glides down to the next building to find the detonator, but he sees Firefly gliding down near him and uses his flamethrower at him. He jumps out of the way and sees him blocking his way to get the detonator. He knew using his fists is not going to get him anywhere.
He remembered a new tool that Abigail made and took out his glue grenades. He dodges the flames and tosses one at Firefly. It hit him in the chest and trapped his arms. Using this chance he uses his Batclaw to grab him and pull him down on the ground.
He leaps over and punches him in the face. He drives his knees to the gut, but Firefly drives his elbow to the side of his head. Using his jetpack he backs away and drops some grenades. Batman jumps out of the way as they blow up.
Firefly sees the detonator and tries to grab it, but Batman throws his Batarang at it. But Firefly was too fast and grabbed it. The pyro assassins flies up and uses his flamethrower at him. Batman jumps out of the way and uses his glue grenade as it blocks the weapon.
Firefly tries using his flamethrower, but the blockage prevented the flame from getting out. He growls in anger and pulls out another detonator. "Well, at least I know you failed to save the people, Batman!"
"No!" Batman tries to stop him, but it was too late.
Firefly uses the detonator, but nothing happened. He presses it again and again, but still nothing. He tosses it away in anger and tries to escape, but Batman uses his Batclaw to grab hold of him. The two begin flying around as they head back to the hospital.
They fly through the windows as they pass down the hallway. Flying up to the roof, Batman uses his glue grenade and tosses it into the jetpack causing it to malfunction. The two begin to fall to the roof, as Batman uses Firefly to cushion the fall for him.
The two crash to the roof, damaging the jetpack. Batman removes it and punches Firefly in the face, cracking a part of his helmet where he can see his eyes.
"You need a new hobby," he replied as he knocks him out and turns around to see Obi Wan standing there. "You got my message."
"I did. Thank you for letting us know about the bombs," said Obi Wan replied as he motions for his men to cuff Firefly. "I have some questions to ask you and I hope you'll be able to answer them. If you don't then you have to understand I will try to bring you in since you are wanted."
Batman knew he didn't have time, but he also knew the Jedi wasn't kidding and decided to answer him. "You're wondering why these assassins are after me? Why the Joker is doing this? Who am I? And why am I taking the law into my own hand, those the questions you want to know, right?"
Obi Wan was surprised that he knew some of the stuff he wanted to ask him as he replied. "I have a feeling you are doing this, not for fame or money, but because it is right. So, I won't bother you asking that last question. However, yes. I am hoping you can answer those questions and another."
Batman turns to Obi Wan and decided to tell him. Without giving any detail of who he is.
"I don't know why the Joker is doing this since he made it clear to me when we first met I wasn't his main focus. He figured though that I would get in the way, so he sends these assassins to try killing me to collect the bounty. Why I do this though is because while you Jedi are off in the war, no one is here to protect the people. No one is here to keep them safe, to give them something to hope for, and to bring fear to criminals who try to harm them."
Obi Wan could sense he was speaking the truth about his reasons and why he does what he does. He also knows how ever since the Jedi entered the war the people have begun to lose trust and hope in them. They see them as agents of war, instead of peace keepers. That they lost their ways, just like what Barriss said.
"I do what I must to keep them safe and I know everyone else in the Republic believes I am a criminal. I don't care though, since my focus is keeping the people safe, and I will continue proving that just like I did tonight."
Obi Wan was glad to hear his thoughts about the Batman being on their side was right and he is not a threat to them. He looks down and sees the detonator as he picks it up.
"Still, you don't have to do all of this alone. We want to help keep the people safe too and I'm sure the Republic would be willing to help you in your fight against crime. After all, together we helped save the people. Between the two of us, we covered it pretty well."
He turns around and finds the Batman is gone. He wondered how he did that without him sensing it.
"Sir," Commander Cody approached the Jedi General with some news. "We just got word that Senator Amidala's home was attacked by Bane's men. The senator is fine, but the Council feels we should round up the senators and bring them to the senate."
Obi Wan snapped out of his thoughts when he heard what happened to Padme and what Cody just finished saying. "Yes, tell the men to do that. Get the senators and let's bring them back to the prison. Don't tell Anakin about this though. I'll go inform him myself."
He knew if Anakin found out the senator was in danger he would leave to go check on her. He would have to go see him himself and reassure him everything is fine. He could also use that time to tell him and the Council what happened. And to show the Batman isn't their enemy, but perhaps can be a friend.
Meanwhile
Batman got on his Batwing and begins heading back home as he waits for the teleporter to charge up. While he does this he tries contacting Alfred. To see if there are any updates about Bane and where he is at. However, for some reason he isn't responding.
"Alfred…Alfred?" no response as he tries again, but when someone responds it isn't who he was hoping it was.
"I am in your home, Daniel."
"Bane," said Batman as he sees the holographic image of the masked assassin.
"Come home. Say your goodbyes. Once you've had time to turn grief to anger, then you'll be ready to face me," Bane destroys the computer, which turns off the hologram, but his voice can still be heard. "I left enough life in him for some final words…if you hurry."
"Alfred!" Batman activated the teleporter and heads back home.
Well, that is it for now. I hope you all won't hate me for leaving it like that. Sorry for the cliffhanger, but I thought it would be good to leave it here and continue next time. Also, if you saw the game then you know how things turned out, but will they be the same?
Well, check out the next chapter to find out and if you all liked how this went then please leave some reviews. Just nothing negative please. If you didn't like this then don't leave a review. Thanks to everyone for the reviews and support of the story. I appreciate it guys and glad you all liked how the story is going.
Also thanks to my friends for their help on the story and I appreciate the assistance. Take care everyone, be safe, and see you all next time.